Mac Virgin Isle Dupe

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Hi Girlies,

So I was going through my makeup stash the other day and realised I have a really similar product to Mac's Virgin Isle cream colour base. I love Virgin Isle so have to share this discovery! It's Max Factor's Miracle Touch cream blush in Soft Candy (07) and although it's not a perfect dupe it's definitely in the running. 

Here's the comparison...

and swatched...

L-R: Max Factor's Soft Candy applied heavily and blended and Mac's Virgin Isle applied heavily and blended 

Soft Candy does look darker in the pan but once applied they are alike. Soft Candy has more of a red tone whilst Virgin Isle is a bit more coral toned.  Virgin Isle is more pigmented which isn't necessarily a bad thing as you do have to be careful not to use too much product or hello clown cheeks! One of the differences between these two is the finishes. Soft Candy has a glossier, dewier finish when applied to the skin, both products provide that great glowy look to the skin. Although their finishes are different the colours are really similar especially once they are blended into the skin. I would give Soft Candy a B in duping, what do you think?

So if you can't get your hands on Virgin Isle or want a cheap alternative I would recommend Soft Candy for that great corally pop of colour!

Much love, 

Imogen 

Switching to the Dark Side

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Happy Tuesday!

After coming very close to purchasing Mac Media lipstick a while ago common sense kicked in at the last minute and I realised that in reality it's not a colour I would wear often and I really should go with a cheaper version instead. This led me to pick up Maxfactor's So Berry. It was pretty much the first dark colour I came across that I liked and happened to be on sale (I took that as a sign!).

Anyway the weather is lousy today (winter is most definitely on its way boo hoo) so I decided to ditch the brights and play around with a dark lip.

So Berry is a really pretty deep berry colour but I am really not used to seeing myself wear such a dark lip, it's such a dramatic change! I actually don't mind it but can't imagine myself wearing it out anytime soon. One reason being that my friend told me I looked scary haha. Maybe in the middle of winter I might pull it out again and have a play.

As I only have dodgey webcam pics of me wearing it here is a swatch. The colour and intensity of this lipstick can definitely be built up which is great. As you can see the swatch is a bit lighter and you can add more of a berry tint to the lips unlike in the pics of me wearing it piled on. If I am ever brave enough to wear it I think I will start out sheer and work my way up!

Plus because I can here is a pic of the rings I am currenlty sporting. The one on the left is from Diva & the right I think I picked up from some market stall.

 

Be honest, does it scare you or you a fan or the dark side?

xx

Current LOVES

This could almost be a February favourites but I'm too impatient so here are my current favs :)

Laura Mercier Mineral Powder; 

I purchased this stuff before I went to Thailand as I knew I wouldn't want to be packing on the liquid foundation but would want some coverage at times. I also bought it because it has SPF15+ and I ADORE it! It has pretty much become my staple foundation since I got back and I don't know how I lived without it. As it's been summer I haven't really been bothered with putting on much makeup so this stuff is brilliant to quickly apply for a bit of coverage. It applies easily, is not cakey and provides a nice natural finish. Will definitely repurchase this when mine runs out!

Batiste dry shampoo in Blush; 

Total life-saver. I have been so lazy with washing my hair lately so this stuff has been majorly helpful in streeeeeching my washes out. I recently lightened my hair and I feel I can get away with using it a bit more now as it doesn't make my hair look to dull like it can with darker hair colours.

Revlon Photoready Foundation;

I finally jumped in the photoready bandwagon and I'm liking it. I like that it's not to dewy but it's not too matte. Full review to come..

Maxfactor false lash effect mascara;

Bought this stuff a while ago after seeing Pixi2woo talk about. Great mascara! It doesn't clump and gives great volume, nice curl and a bit of length, not sure about the false lase effect though :) I thought i lost it and was so disappointed but found it and have been using it everyday since. I did find when I first used the mascara it was quite wet so i would have to wait ages for it to dry so it didn't smudge but now i've had it a little while I find it's a much better consistency.

Benefit Speed brow;
My eyebrows are pretty bad at the moment and I haven't got around to getting them done again so this stuff is great at keeping them tame until I make it back to the Benefit brow bar for them to work their magic. It doesn't add much colour at all but as I dyed my hair blonde recently it works really well for me at the moment.

Becca Beach tint in Peach;
This is my new best friend. I absolutely love Becca products and finally got around to buying this.  You only need a pinsized amount and it provides a gorgeous healthy glow. I'm a sucker for anything peachy or corally so this is totally up my alley. The finish is great too; not too dewy and seems to stay put most of the day. It is ridiculously overpriced for a teeny tube but i do like it and it's especially perfect for this time of year.

What have you been loving lately?