Products That Got Me Through February

I had to double check the spelling of February a few times before writing this post - just in case! Phew, what another crazy month, things don't seem to be slowing down personally at the moment but its all good, I'm taking each day as it comes...These are the products and other things that have got me through the busiest month...

The Makeup Bag For All Your Needs

I don't know about you, but I can't pack light for my life. I try my best to cut things out, write lists and keep it to a minimum even try small little bags to inside one big bag. Let's be honest, nothing works - its hard!! Clothes are hard work but beauty (including makeup and skincare) is even harder. I struggle to find a makeup bag that can fit everything in, but doesn't feel heavy or bulky. Until, I found the makeup bag of dreams from Ellis James Designs*. 

Trying Soap and Glory Makeup

I have the biggest crush on Soap and Glory. Ever since I started blogging, they are a brand that have featured on here numerous times. The body washes, hand food, sugar crush scrubs and so many more are my ride of dies. There makeup is something that I equally love and have loved in the past. A few weeks back when an email popped through from their PR team, asking if I'd like to try a few bits - I SCREAMED. No, like I actually did and my parents got so excited too, as they know its a brand that I adore. 

2019 Standouts

Happy New Year! I can't believe we're in 2020 - it just sounds odd. Last year was a tough one, it had its highs and lows, and I am quite happy to see the back of it if I'm honest. The start of last year, around this time was very tough in my work life. 

Everything seemed to be getting too much to handle, but I made it through. Then in the middle of the year, my lovely grandma passed away so suddenly - and a few days before my birthday too, which was tough. Everything seemed to be going wrong, and life has just been all over the place. I feel like my space on the internet has suffered because of it too, but my NY resolution is to come back with A BANG. 

I'm having a fresh start, keeping positive and ready to take the year ahead on with every inch of my body. I'm so excited to share with you today, some products that I have loved over the last year. Products that I can see myself loving for a very long time...

Head to Toe Party

'Tis the season to be jolly

Fa la la la la, la la la la

Its that time of year, when the sequins come out, the red lip makes an appearance and the Xmas music is heard all over the world. Its PARTY SEASON! I for one could not be happier, this is the perfect time of year to wear whatever you want and feel fabulous. I went to one christmas do at the weekend with work and a few more planned with friends - who even am I? This is a quick run through of my easy, yet pretty party look that requires very little effort, but will leave you looking and feeling wonderful. 

Winter Skincare Routine

Happy December! I can't believe the most exciting (and busy) month of the year is upon us already. I for one, am very much looking forward to the all the festivities. As a primary school teacher, everything is more exciting at this time of year. Even though everything is fun and cosy, there are things that make it unbearable, one thing being - the weather. It has been so cold recently and my body has really taken the brunt of it. I've been poorly all weekend and my skin has been dry AF. I was in desperate need of a new skincare routine a couple of weeks ago and switching things up has been the greatest idea of mine. 

Pixi Pretties Collection Review & Swatches

Pixi have my heart. I am yet to find one product from them that I hate/dislike, and now their latest makeup collection has got me loving them even more. The Pixi Pretties collection* is a range of makeup that they have released with different influencers. For once, a brand has done a collaboration with people who I actually know! All 5 women are people who I regularly watch on YouTube and adore, their makeup, style and whole personality is just amazing! Let's see how they work..

Currently Loving #9

I love it when I come across products that are amazing, what a way to share the love then in a good old favourite posts. I'm a creature of bad habit when it comes to these posts as I tend to use the same things everyday rather than trying new things out, however I am doing my best to mix things up as often as possible. Hopefully, that means more of these! 

Preparing the Skin for Makeup

Makeup is wonderful, the different type of products, packaging, tools - all of it.The whole process from start to end really relaxes me and puts me in a calming mood, even when I'm in a rush. The part that is really important before any of the applying or blending is the preparation. Products/steps that you should take to get the skin ready for the makeup. For some people its a whole routine, for me, its a quick few things and I know that it will leave me with plump and ready to go skin...

Revolution Conceal and Hydrate Range on Oily Skin

You might be reading the title and thinking - what on earth is Parie on about?! Well its true, I am test out a hydrating range from Revolution on my very oily skin. It sounds like a skincare nightmare but as my skin starts to turn more dry in the winter, I thought it was time to put something to the test. The Revolution Conceal and Define range is a firm favourite of many. The concealer from the matte range, is a great dupe for the Tarte concealer, which I blogged about early last year. This 50 shade range however is infused with hyaluronic acid to hydrate, provide a plumping effect and create a gorgeous smooth, satin glow finish to the skin.Let's go on shall we...

End of Summer Favourites

My summer officially ended on Monday when I went back to work :( Six glorious weeks off and now back to the grind. Even though I do love the lazy days, hot weather and doing nothing at all - being back at work feels good. I'm slowly getting back into a routine and actually have things to do, which is nice! Over the summer, I have discovered so many new products. From haircare to lip care, there has been lots. So, I thought it would be nice to whittle them down and select a few standouts to share with you today...

UD Stay Naked Foundation Oily Skin Review

There are a lot of foundation launches at the moment, its kind of hard to keep up! Majority of them seem to be hydrating/glowy ones which I would love to try out but I just know that my oily skin will not like them at all. I've been on the hunt for a new foundation for a while now as I seem to using the L'Oreal 24 Hr Fresh Wear far too much! Urban Decay are a brand that I love, their eye products and setting sprays are some of my favourites, but face products are something that I've never quite dabbled in. That was until they released their newest Stay Naked foundation...                 

All About Urban Decay’s Stay Naked Foundation

Urban Decay have brought out a foundation that claims to exactly match any skin tone, but its a little bit harder than usual. There are three steps to finding the perfect shade and trying to navigate this on my own was a challenge and I didn't want to risk choosing the wrong shade. Instead I headed to a UD counter and picked up a sample in 50NN which is my perfect shade for now. 

This foundation is: 

* Vegan, build able medium coverage liquid foundation

* Real-skin matte finish that lasts up to 24 hours

* 50 shades with 9 shade intensities, 3 master tones, and 7 undertones to a precise colour match

* Waterproof, long wear

* Breathable, flexible formula

* Stay-true colour, which minimises the appearance of pores

* 100% cruelty free

* 1 oz/ 30mL £29

Packaging

The foundation comes in a elegant bottle, which is actually plastic! I love this as it is so much easier to travel with than a glass bottle. It also comes with a pump, which I think every foundation needs. I find that this one sometimes spits out the product, so you have to be careful. The gold embossing and sleek bottle is matching to the concealer that they have brought out with this foundation too. 

The Verdict

Now, I picked up a small sample from Debenhams before purchasing the full size because I wanted to make sure the shade was right and this formula was worth the money. The shade is a perfect match for me which I couldn't be happier about and I used the sample one day and then ordered the full size bottle the next. It is just incredible. 

It isn't runny or thick, just in the middle. It is a medium build able coverage foundation that can be catered for whatever your need. I need to use a total of two pumps to get the coverage and finish that I like, to cover all scars and uneven skin tone. I require the tiniest bit of concealer around my chin area and then a bit of powder in the tzone area just to set everything in place. It looks amazing on my skin and lasts just as well. I've worn this at several family get together, long days out shopping and in the heat and it does not budge. It stays put, doesn't get oily or shiny, feels lightweight on the skin and wears better as the day goes on. My biggest critic is my mum, and she loves when I wear this foundation. In fact when I switch to something else - she can tell straight away! I don't have a negative word to say about this beauty! Its fabulous and if you have oily or even combination skin then this is ideal. If you are more on the dry side, I don't think this would work for you as it sets matte even with a hydrating primer underneath. 

Comparisons

I've seen a lot of people on line comparing this to some of my other favourite oily skin foundations but I don't really agree...

Estee Lauder Double Wear is more of a full, heavy coverage compared to this. I wouldn't say they are the same at all. 

The L'Oreal Fresh wear might have the same ingredients but is completely different. You can feel it on the skin, whereas this is undetectable. 

                                          

The above pictures are of my skin just after applying the foundation and the rest of my makeup. Then after 11 hours wear, during which I moved a whole classroom round and went IKEA shopping. It held up well, in fact I think it looks better around my chin and pores after then it did before! 

Thank you for stopping by, let me know what you think or if you have your eye on any of the other foundation launches! 

                                                                                             

How to look your best for your senior portraits

September is the time for photos for many people in the world. If you are in school then its school photo season, university is ID card season and for some jobs too. Here are some tips and tricks all about getting the perfect portrait/...

             

2 Must Have Eyeshadow Palettes under £10

I'm addicted to ''drugstore'' makeup. There are so many things that attract me to it; the quality, price, accessibility and the wider range of brands that are available. Years ago, there was only a few brands stocked in both Boots and Superdrug but now there is so much choice and variety! I love L'Oreal, Maybelline and for the past couple of years Revolution. They've killed the makeup game and are constantly bringing out products that are incredible. I was very touched when they got in touch to send me a couple of bits and lets just say - they did not disappoint.

Pre-Holiday Pamper

We booked a last minute family holiday and I am so excited! I need some sun, sea and sand in my life - and a much needed break. Before jetting off in a couple of weeks, there are a few things I need to do to prepare myself. It amazes me that women have so much to do/prepare before going away, but men - hardly anything! These are just a few things that I do to make myself look and feel good before Even stepping on the plane.                                            

Glossy but not Sticky

I am 100% a lip product addict. I have too many, some would say far too many, but your girl needs options. One option that seems to be growing is the gloss. I love a liquid lipstick, adore a matte lip but there is something about a glossy lip that just looks beautiful. I've tried and tested some in the past few months and these 4 just top the charts by a mile. They are pink/nude as this is my go to for everyday. These are 4 glosses that are glossy but not sticky, so no worrying about it getting all tangled in your hair. 

The Glowy Makeup Edit for Oily Skin

When the summer months come around, I give my makeup a switch around to give me more of a glow. However, I am an oily skinned girl - achieving that glow is hard when your body just wants to produce oil and make you look like a greasy mess. I've compiled together some products that give me a lovely summer, bronzed, glowy look and it doesn't take much either. I did a similar post last year, the year before and the year before that too!  Apologies now for the over use of the words glow, glowy, dew, dewy, shiny, oily ect...       

Evening Summer Makeup

The weather over the past week has been glorious. As a family, we have been going out a lot more in the evenings after work, as its cool but still a little hot. This makeup look has been my go to, as it is lightweight. Still having golden eyes and skin with a bit of a nude lip. I think its important to seem it simple when the sun is out because you don't want to be clogging up pores and looking extra oily. I've also been loving some new makeup brushes and just had to share them with you before they get really dirty and I forget to clean them....

Must Have Festival Makeup

When June arrives, so does Festival season. In the UK there are a wide range of festivals happening all over the country, some experience bad weather and others get glorious sunshine. Whatever the weather, your makeup of course needs to be prepared and ready for everything! I’ve selected a few favourites that are available to buy through Cosmetify, a website that makes buying beauty products quick and easy. You can browse over 1000 brands and find the best places to buy the products you are wanting/love.

#1 Long lasting Base



It is very important to make sure that your base is long lasting, not too heavy and will last through rain or shine. A primer is always a must for my oily skin, I love anything that is gripping and pore filling. The Milk Hydro Grip is fabulous and helps any foundation applied on top stay like a dream. Then for foundation, I adore the L’Oreal Infallible 24-Hour Fresh Wear. Its so light on the skin and no matter how many layers you apply, it still feels like skin. The coverage is medium – but enough for everyday and special occasion wear. A little bit of powder and you’re face is good to go.

#2 Golden Shimmer

The best thing about summertime is the glow and golden look you can give to the skin, even if you haven’t seen the sun. Bronzer is a must for this exact reason. Applying a little bit near the hairline, cheeks and jawline will not only sculpt the face but give it some colour. I must apply bronzer because foundation makes me so washed out. Then its time for highlighter – the best part of any makeup look. TheBalm Mary Lou Manizer* is perfect for every skin tone and I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to try it out. It’s a shimmer that diffuses the skin and makes it look softer whilst adding a subtle glow.

#3 Pop of Colour

If a festival isn’t the best time to bring out the colours and glitter. If I’m going very heavy on the eye make-up, then I make sure the face is done quite simple and subtle. If you haven’t got a palette for the summer yet, then you need this Technic Summer Glow Palette*. JUST LOOK AT HOW BEAUTIFUL. This pressed pigment palette, features a range of browns, pinks and shimmers to help create a wide range of looks. Each shadow is named after a place in the world. I love the bright colours and for less than £10 it’s a steal. The shadows are pigmented, very easy to blend and look beautiful. For this festival look, I took a mixture of Mauritius and Bora Bora in the crease. Then packed on Antigua and Bahamas all over the lid, to give a sunset type look. I decided it then needed some glitter, so I mixed all 3 from the palette and applied just to the middle of the lid. I am in love with the overall look – it’s so pretttyyyyy!

#4 Glossy Lips and Coral Tips

The lip gloss trend has got me going crazy. Never thought that I would be someone who loves a gloss over a traditional matte lipstick but I’m loving it so much more. I recently discovered the Bobbi Brown Crushed Liquid Lip in Juicy Date* and it’s a hybrid product. The look of a liquid lipstick but feels like a balm that leaves a glossy look. It smells like berries and just glides on to the lips. It is also a great shade and product to keep in your bag when at the festival top up without worrying about not being able to see what you’re doing/when in a hurry. Your fingers and toes are going to be out for a festival so make sure there is some colour on them. Essie’s Resort Romanza* is a stunning summer shade suitable for all skin tones. It’s a coral with more of a red undertone and looks amazing with sandals and lots of jewellery.

#5 As You Go

I think its important to take a bag with only the essentials. Don’t be carrying around things ‘just in case you need them’. Be strict. The essentials are of course; phone, charger, money ect. One essential I can’t anywhere without is Blotting Paper*. It not only helps keep your makeup in check, but it also controls oil, shine but also helps with sweat control.


Festivals are so much fun, as are outdoor concerts which are common now too. If you are going to anything this year or in the future, then I do hope this helps in some way.                                                                                             
*post in collaboration with Cosmetify

Summer Staples: Beauty

Today I am bringing you my second instalment of this mini summer series..and its all about beauty. These are some of the products that I have fallen in love with recently and that are ideal for the summer time. Some are items that I need to keep me looking alive and others are items that compliment the summer. Its a mix of makeup and skincare, with everything in between!