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11.26.2015

CROCHET PROJECT / WEEK ONE


Most posts you'll see on Olivia Rose's are all beauty based but this is about to change. More lifestyle posts will come along with my crochet project! I learnt how to crochet last year and I really want to get back into it now that winter is round the corner. This is just an introductory post to my project but there are many more posts to come regarding my crochet journey, including patterns, creations, inspirations and much more! Seeing as I do only post twice a week at the moment, these sorts of posts may be popping up on your feed around every fortnight or so.
 
I know crochet isn't for everyone but I really hope you enjoy these posts!
Thanks for reading,
Olivia



11.23.2015

MAC CENTRIC BASE


Sorting through my make up collection on the weekend got me thinking about not only the products I use most regularly but also the brands. I've found that I have a lot of MAC stuff - particularly base products - I think it's because its not too expensive. Don't get me wrong I always have to justify splurging £20 on a foundation from MAC but it's nowhere near spending £30+ on one from brands such as Nars or Illamasqua. I thought I would just put together a little post to show you some of my fave face products from MAC.

As far as primers go it has to be Strobe Cream (£24.50), it packs a punch and will leave your face hydrated and glowy. I particularly like this in the winter months as I feel my skin gets a little drier so this nifty little product helps to instantly perk it up, no matter what foundation I put over the top. You can also mix this in with your foundation or use it post- foundation by dabbing it on the high points of your face. Another quite glowy product is the famous Face and Body Foundation (£22). This particular one took me a while to get used to as it has such an odd consistency! I've resorted to putting it on with a damp beauty sponge as I feel on my skin I get the best finish, but please do let me know how you guys apply it! I tend to use this foundation for events when I know there will be flash photography as it has no SPF so you won't get the dreaded flash back! A thing to watch out for with this foundation is that it is very dark - I have the lightests one yet I can only really pull it off after bathing in self tan. Pro Longwear Concealer (£17.50) is very much a cult product in the beauty world. It gives a great coverage and it is amazing for highlighting under the eyes if you get a few shades lighter. You also get tons of product with this one - always a bonus! Talking about highlighting under the eyes, I recently purchased the Shaping Powder in Emphasise (£16) which I use very sparingly under my eyes to brighten them. It's got a tiny bit of shimmer so you do sometimes have to use a light hand. It's also great for highlighting other areas of the face and as an eyeshadow. The Studio Fix Powder(£22) is hands down the best setting powder for your foundation!! I use it every day (I've even hit pan..) and can't imagine using anything else. I personally don't think it adds that much coverage but rather just helps to smooth everything over. Last but not least, Lightscapade Mineralise Skin Finish (£24) is one of the first high end products I ever bought! About 2 years on and I'm still loving it. I like to use it with Mary Loumanizer from The Balm to get my highlight poppin. However, it can be used on its own for a slight glow from within.

What are your favourite products from MAC?
 
Olivia
11.16.2015

SKIN PREP: NIGHT OUT/EVENT/PARTY


It's that time of year again!
 
As we are moving into the Christmas season (I've already got my advent calendar..) I've got a few events lined up for this month and the next so I thought I would show you how I prep my skin before getting my cake on.
 
First up is my moisturiser which is the Garnier Essentials Hydrating Day Care (£4.39). I use this everyday and find it sinks into my skin really nicely whilst still hydrating my skin. If my skin is feeling a little dry I may use the Origins Drink Up Overnight Mask(£23) (not pictured) the night before. I then go in with the Nivea For Men After Shave Balm (£5.35) as a primer. NikkieTutorials raves about this all the time as it has glycerine as the main ingredient which makes make up stick to it. Around my eyes I go in with a mini sample of the Origins GinZing Eye Cream (£20) which is really hydrating and refreshing. I find this helps under eyes from looking dry when I apply my concealer. To give my skin a dewy look I put MAC Strobe Cream (£24.50) on the highest points of my face including my cheekbones, centre of the forehead and the bridge of my nose. This just helps to give that glow from within look and prevents my skin from looking too matte/flat. The Benefit Porefessional (£24.50) is great for applying to the t-zone and under the eyes as it helps to smooth out by problem areas whilst preventing my concealer from creasing. I'm not sure if it aids the longevity of my make up as I'm still trialling it!
 
Have you tried any of these products? What is your #1 product for prepping the skin?
 
Thanks for reading,
Liv
11.12.2015

ORIGINS MASK MARVELS GIFT SET




The Origins Mask Marvels Set (£30) is a great Christmas present for anyone and everyone (including yourself). The gift set contains Clear Improvement Active charcoal mask, Out of Trouble 10 minute mask, Ginzing  Refreshing face mask, Drink Up Intensive Overnight mask.

There is a great range of products in the set so it really caters for everyone, from those with dull and dry skin to those that lie on the oiler side of the spectrum. I personally have been enjoying using all of the masks despite my very dry skin! A gift set containing mini products also gives a great opportunity to try out a bunch of new products without burning a hole in your pocket. With all of the masks, a little goes a very long way so you really are getting your money's worth with these bad boys! My personal favourites so far include the Clear Improvements Active Charcoal mask and the Drink Up Intensive Overnight mask.

The set costs £30 which works out at £7.50 per mini mask (which contains 50ml) saving you £16 if you were to buy the mini masks separately. I'd pick one up quickly though as I can imagine they will be very popular!

Thanks for reading,
Liv
11.09.2015

SLEEK BIRTHDAY SUIT MATTE ME LIP CREAM


 
 
After browsing (more like stalking - I was about 9 weeks deep) Kylie Jenner's instagram I knew I needed some sort of matte, nude liquid lipstick. I didn't want to get Soar or Whirl from MAC as I wasn't sure how they would look on my awfully pale skin (I currently resemble the ghost emoji) so whilst I was in Boots one day I stumbled across this beauty. The Sleek Matte Me Lip Cream in Birthday Suit is a beautiful nudey pink shade that comes in under a fiver - bargain!! The texture of this lip cream is great and it doesn't go patchy when layering it up. It is a little drying on the lips but that's easily solved with a bit o' balm underneath. I particularly like wearing this on a night out as it doesn't require any top ups and it holds up even after a few drinks (even if you don't... ;)). Sleek have 5 other shades of this formula which I shall definitely be having a look at next time I'm in Boots. I have spied a beautiful a beautiful purple which would be great for this time of year!
 
Thanks for reading,
Liv
 
11.05.2015

BIRTHDAY BITS

 
Hello again,
 
I turned 18 in September and my lovely friends (and boyfriend!) got me a few make up bits as a prezzie! I am in love with all of the items I received so I thought I would share them with you all. I've also had a good month to trial most of these products so I'm pretty certain on my opinion on them.
 
First up is Mary Loumanizer from TheBalm and oh my gosh NikkieTutorials was so right about this highlighter being all kinds of beautiful. I was a tiny bit sceptical about the warm undertone it has due to the golden shimmer running through it but it actually really compliments my skin tone and looks great over bronzer too! It also works great as an eye shadow - for a really quick and simple eye look I have been blending this on my lid and the inner corner to really brighten up my eyes and make me look more awake. My friends also got me the Bobbi Brown Bronzer which is equally as beautiful as Mary Lou. Its just the right shade - not too orange but not too muddy! Its also very pigmented meaning you only need a light hand to become a bronzed goddess. A new concealer has been on my wishlist for a long time and the Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer really is amazing. The shade, coverage and finish are all perfect. Its a pretty full coverage concealer and it doesn't seem to crease too much on me either! I especially love the applicator on this concealer as its a really interesting take on the doe foot applicator on most other concealers. I have also been using the Benefit Porefessional Primer under my foundation to even out the texture of my skin. It certainly makes my pores look smaller but I'm not convinced it makes my make up last longer. Last but not least is one of the most IG famous brow products, Dip Brow Pomade from Anastasia Beverly Hills. This is a lovely product as its pigmented but not too dark as although I love my Illamasqua Thunder Brow Cake its just a little too dark for everyday. The Dip Brow is quite easy to use once you get the hang of it but my main tip would be to take off the excess on the back of your hand!
 
I hope you're all having a lovely day.. and if you're not remember its Friday tomorrow!
 
Liv
11.02.2015

HALLOWEEN

 
Hey guys!
I know Halloween is over now but I just thought I would share with you my last minute Halloween costume that I wore to a house party on Saturday night. If you couldn't tell already, I went as a clown! I got the inspiration from one of Chrisspy's latest videos and I was very pleased with how it turned out.
 
I hope you all had a safe and fun Halloween... we can now start looking forward to Christmas!! (too soon?)
 
Liv
8.13.2015

STILETTO NAILS


Yes, those nails. You either love or hate this cutting edge trend and regardless of which team you're batting for I, personally, love them. I'm not here to persuade you to suddenly adorn your extremities with spear like nails but to simply share some tips on false nails and where I get mine from.  I got these particular ones from eBay (after my local Boots were out of stock of the Elegant Touch ones) and I'm not disappointed. They are extremely affordable and even come with free glue! I painted mine with Models Own Utopia nail polish as I wanted something quick drying. I would recommend to paint before you stick - sort out which size nail you need and then using blue tack stick them down to a piece of paper and paint them, this way they are more likely to be smudge free. For removal, I would recommend the Elegant Touch Get 'Em Off as this is just very strong nail polish remover so it does the job much quicker.

Thank you for reading,
 
Liv
 
 
8.11.2015

EVERYDAY MAKE UP


Two months later and I'm back. Sorry for being absent on the blog recently (probably one of my most frequent phrases among "it blends out really nicely" of course), I really have no excuse other than I feel as though I had almost lost interest in blogging however the desire to share my thoughts on all things beauty is once again burning within me and today I thought I'd ramble on about my everyday (NB: everyday = a few days during the week when I want to look mildly presentable) make up.

For my base I used the L'Oreal Infallible Matte Foundation (which is the most long wearing foundation I have ever tried) and the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer on my dark circles and any blemishes which I then set into place using the MAC Studio Fix Powder. In order to bronze up my skin and make it seem as though I have actually seen the sun in the past month (it's currently overcast in Manchester, as per usually..) I used the Max Factor Bronzer in Bronze 02 and the Collection Gorgeous Glow Bronzing Block to get dat glow. For brows, Illamasqua Brow Cake in Thunder has been my BFF lately - I just love it. I sometimes dampen my angled brush if I want to go extra defined on the brows. For eyes, it's the same old - Too Face Chocolate Bar Palette and topped off with lashings of the Rimmel Wonderfull Mascara. For lips, I used Sleek's Lipstick in the shade Barely There.

Thank you for reading!
 
Liv
 
 
6.04.2015

SUMMER WISHLIST


It's June and I'm completely and utterly unprepared for summer: my summer body is still not ready and my legs are as hairy as the woolly jumpers in my wardrobe! I thought I would put together a little post of some of the things I have on my summer wish list to get me in the mood for summer despite the not so summery gales we are having at the moment.

Cat Eye Sunglasses - Newlook
I love the idea of cat eye sunglasses but I've never found a pair that has suited me as they always seem so big and bulky, but these ones from New Look seem a little bit more subtle and also very affordable at only £4.99- say WHAT!

Leather Loafers - Newlook
Possibly not the style of shoe that screams summer but I really loafers to wear with jeans or leggings and I think these would be perfect for that! They are also not black so I suppose I would be adding a little bit of colour into my wardrobe.. although let's be real, I'd prefer the black ones if they sold them.

Layered Ring Necklace - Newlook
I never ever wear jewellery normally but recently I've been on the hunt for a nice necklace that will go with almost everything I wear, I like this one because its very simple but there is something quite unique about it, I lavs it.

Ripped Denim Shorts - Kendall + Kylie for Topshop
Of course there had be something from the new Kendall + Kyle for Topshop range, these shorts were the only thing that really took my fancy and in all honesty I feel a little disappointed by the 'collection' (if you can call 10 items a collection!) and you can literally get shorts like this from anywhere! But I do still really like them and I would like to get them, but they aren't on the top of my list.

Kimono - Newlook
I know everyone and their mum's were sporting the kimono trend last year but I never got round to purchasing one so I have a feeling I will this year! I love this white one as I can imagine it goes with everything, although it doesn't look too warm which could be a problem here in rainy Manchester.

Lipstick in Ohh La La - Topshop
I've stuck this lipstick in the wishlist not only because I adore the rose gold packaging but I feel like I need to branch out with my lip colours this summer. I always stick to the same nudes but I'm desperate to switch it up a little and I think the Ohh La La peachy pink lipstick will be the perfect introductory shade to the world of coral.

Palm Print Crop Top - Newlook
I need this top in my life - it is so cute and I think would go well with some white shorts/skirt!

Pink Bralet - Newlook
This pink bralet + Ohh La La Lipstick = HEAVEN!!
I think the two complement each other perfectly and I think the bralet could be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Thank you for reading, I hope you have a lovely day

Liv

 

5.11.2015

NIGHT OUT BASE MAKE UP

 
Warning: this post contains a lotta base make up, not for the faint hearted.

We all want our skin to look flawless on nights out whether we be hittin the clubs, attending a house party or going on a fancy date. Of course, not all these products are necessary but for some people (*cough* me) it takes a hella amount of product to make their base look flawless, so I thought id share a few of my favourites.

First off, primers: I have three of my favourites here which I, shamelessly, use in conjunction with each other when I'm going out at night and really want my make up to last. The MAC Strobe Cream is more of a moisturiser than a primer and gives you a very glowy and dewy look. I then like to layer a bit of the Gosh Velvet Touch Primer to give my skin a silky feel and a poreless appearance. Then lastly I use the Bare Minerals Prime Time Neutralising Primer counteract any redness I have on my skin and to give it a slight tint, meaning I use less foundation. The foundation I have been reaching for on nights out is the L'Oreal Infallible Matte Foundation as I find it lasts forever on my skin and doesn't separate out or fade. However, I'm not too keen on wearing it during the day as there is just something about it I don't like - I really cannot put my finger on it, but I'll keep you updated about how I get on with it. Next up is concealer, I use the MAC Prolongwear concealer under my eyes mixed in with a little bit of this lighter concealer from a random concealer palette from eBay. Then to set that I use the Laval Setting Powder which is super pale, giving me that Kim K contour. To set the rest of my face, I use the MAC Studio Fix Powder which adds a hint of extra coverage.

I know this is a lot of make up and im sorry if ive made any BB/CC Cream gals cringe at the thought of 3 primers, 2 concealers, 2 powders and 1 foundation.

Liv

 


5.07.2015

MASCARA TRICK



The trick that will have your lashes going from 1 to 100 real quick.

We all want our lashes as black as our souls and as long as the list of people we hate, but some mascaras just do not deliver, instead giving us spidery, clumpy lashes - or worse, the dreaded one lash syndrome, ie mascara sticks all lashes together, cannot separate lashes, attempts to separate with mascara wand, more clumping.. You can see where this is going. This trick helps to avoid ALL of that - giving you perfect lashes all day, erryday.

You will need: tissue paper, mascara

All you have to do is use the tissue to wipe off any excess product in the mascara wand. Often how much you take off depends on the formula of the mascara: a more watery formula will need more product taken off the wand than a dry one. I prefer to sort of wiggle the brush inbetween the pieces of tissue to get almost all of the product off as then I can really build up my mascara to the fullest, but clump-free look! 

The mascara I have used is the Rimmel Wonderful Mascara as I hated it when I first got it as the wet formula led to my lashes looking awful but now I love it!

Thank me later gals,
5.04.2015

THE GLOSSIEST LIP GLOSS EVER

 
Recently, I have veered off the nude matte lips path and jumped on the timeless glossy lips band wagon. With the Kylie Jenner lip colour craze, glosses had taken a backseat in my daily make up yet in the past few weeks I have rediscovered some of my favourites.

One of my favourites includes this lipgloss from Model Co in the shade Strip Tease, a pinky peachy nude with a trace of shimmer running through it and a seriously high gloss finish. The shimmer is barely noticeable on the lips but adds to making your lips look extra plump and juicy. This gloss does have a little tackiness to it, but it isn't unbearably sticky. It wears well too; no odd patches and it doesn't make your lipstick underneath look weird too. I usually pair this gloss wih L'Oreal's Lip Liner in Beige À Nu - the perfect combo for a glam glossy nude lip.

 
Liv

 
4.02.2015

MARCH FAVOURITES



 Please can somebody tell me how it is April already?!
 
I know I have been a bit absence for the whole blogging ting (yes, ting - not a typo), and the worst part of it all is that I have absolutely no excuse. I have finally began to organise myself (she says listening to the Artic Monkeys and getting nauseous at the thought of even making a revision time table) and that means I have a bit of free time to get my blog back into motion, and what better type of post than a monthly faves?
 
To kick start my March Favourites, the Nivea Express Hydration Primer which I have been using everyday for the past few weeks now and I'm loving it! It makes my make up last that little bit longer, so by the end of the day it's not sliding off my face. In my opinion, it's not actually that hydrating as it has a strange gel like texture which does sink into the skin quickly, but for me there is just nothing hydrating about it. That being said, it doesn't dry my skin out either which is a good thing. Next up is something that was sent to me, not for my blog but just because I signed up to get a free sample, the L'Oreal Glam Bronze Eau de Soleil*. It is a liquid bronzer with the lightest texture ever, it is as though you're buffing nothing into your skin when using this. It blends beautifully and the consistency is so dreamy that I'm looking into purchasing the foundation that is from the same range. The Rimmel Wonderfull Mascara has been another favourite of mine for absolutely months now, not just March. This is hands down one of the best mascaras I have ever used, especially for the price tag! I do have a little trick with this mascara though, I like to wipe a lot of the product off the brush onto a tissue and then really wiggle the brush from root to tip. I feel like this helps to prevent clumping but really allows you to build up the product to get the flirtiest, flutteriest lashes! If you watch Ru Paul's Drag Race, you will know that white eyeliner is a firm favourite of last year's (season 6) winner, Bianca Del Rio which has just made me fall back in love with my Rimmel Kohl Pencil in White. Popping a bit in the waterline makes your eyes look so much brighter, bigger and more awake - which is definitely needed around exam season. Last but not least, my favourite of the whole bunch, the Jill Stuart Blush in Pop Sorbet. My sister was given this by her friend but unfortunately my sister isn't much of a blush type of gal, so she kindly donated it to me. It is the perfect shade for Spring and it just really perks up your cheeks. It also has a little bit of shimmer running through it so helps to add a nice glow to the face.
 
 
Liv

 
2.05.2015

NEW BOOTS


I've been in need of a good pair of boots for what seems like an eternity so I made the most of the 20% off student discount at ASOS. These Roxy Chelsea Boots were just what I was looking for as they have a chunky heel that add a little bit of height and have got me up to 5'5" (not quite VS model worthy but I'll take it). Despite the mini heel, they are still very comfy and I would happily wear them everyday if I wanted to.They have sort of a rubbery material to them which does mean that any marks/scuffs can show up on them quite easily. They're black so they go with basically everything in my wardrobe! I think these will be perfect for smart-casual house parties sort of thang, but also for when I'm just running errands or shopping. They are only £35 (£27 with discount) which I think is an absolute bargain, I would definitely snap them up quickly if you want them!

I've seen a few people with these boots in sixth form but I'm not too bothered as I'm only planning on wearing them out on the weekends.

Do you like these boots?
Olivia

 
1.26.2015

WINTERY OUTFIT

Winter



Just a quick fashion post via Polyvore

I thought it was about time I ought to do a fashion post as I rarely do them on my blog nowadays. This is just an outfit incorporating various items that I have been loving and that are appropriate for the dreary weather we're having at the mo! I have also included some beauty bits - how gorge is that Nars lipgloss?! Also, some music I've been loving, I feel as though I've rediscovered and refallen (?) in love with The Weeknd since hearing his contribution to the 50 Shades soundtrack, Earned It - go give it a listen!

Olivia

 
1.22.2015

LANA DEL REY GOLDEN GLOBES 2015 INSPIRED MAKE UP




So if you've followed my blog, instagram and twitter for a while you will know that I am completely in love with Lana Del Rey. I went to see her in concert back in 2013 and I'm desperate to see her live again when she next tours Europe. She looked absolutely stunning at the Golden Globes 2015 last week, I loved the dress, hair and make up. She definitely looked like a more traditional Lana: big hair and big liner, as opposed to what she has been wearing to promote UV: lots of eye shadow and liner smoked out on the lower lash line. I feel like she could be returning to the Born To Die era, especially with the rumours surrounding her new album, Honey Moon.

Lana looked as though she was glowing from within so I started off with MAC's Strobe Cream to hydrate my skin and stop it from looking so lack-lustre. I then stippled some of the Revlon Photo Ready Foundation all over my skin using a damp beauty blender. Following that, I covered my under eye circles and any pesky blemishes with the MAC Prolong wear concealer. This concealer does crease on me so I then set it with some of my Maybelline Matte Me Powder to avoid it settling into those fine lines, 'cos that just ain't how Lana rolls. Moving onto brows, I used my MAC Omega eye shadow, but I've heard that an Anastasia Beverley Hills product was used on her brows for this look. For the classic LDR flick I used my Soap & Glory Super Cat Liner and then coated my lashes with the Rimmel Wonderfull Mascara. Lana looks as though she is wearing lashes in the picture, but I skipped this step. Now onto lips, I used my Me Now Liner to line my lips and then colour them in. And ta-da Lana make up look complete!

Do you like Lana's make up?

Olivia
 
 

1.19.2015

NUDE NAILS WITH GLITTER TIPS

 

You will need:
Nude Polish
Glitter Polish
A lot of patience
 
 So first of all you just want to paint your nail with a nude polish, I chose the Bourjois So Laque Glossy in Indispen-sable which was opaque in around 2 to 3 coats. Then, grab your glitter nail polish, I've used the Maybelline Colour Show in Knitted Gold, using the tip of the brush paint on the tips. I decided to go for a few thin coats instead of one big thick one as it dried much quicker and the glitter was a lot more opaque. Of course, you could use tape to ensure a straighter, cleaner line but when I take off the tape it always takes off all my nail polish, so I just did the tips free hand. Wait for the first coat to dry and then add a few more until it's as opaque as you'd like it to be. Then top it off with a top coat and you're ready to  go!

Do you like nude nails?
 
Olivia 
 
 

1.15.2015

DAY TO NIGHT MAKE UP PRODUCTS


 
Five fail safe products to take you from work to play..
 
 
My first product that will certainly perk up your complexion after a hard day at work, school or simply running errands comes in the form of a bronzer, namely the Seventeen Instant Glow Cream Bronzer. It just makes you look alive again, even if you feel like you're about to fall asleep. It's matte so can be used for contouring or just bronzing, which makes it the perfect 2 in 1 product. Sticking with the base, next up is highlighter - I have the MAC Mineralise Skin Finish in Lightscapade which is very versatile in the sense that it can be swept over the cheek bones for a subtle look or if you want you can build it up a little to create a real glow from within sort of look. This makes it suitable for almost any occasion. Moving swiftly onto eyes, I have chosen the Soap and Glory Super Cat Liner as a slick flick of eyeliner can make you look instantly more glam, as does a pair of lashes, I have chosen the Eyelure 70s as they add a nice amount of volume but don't look too in your face. Of course, you could  just go very heavy on the mascara and essentially get the same effect. Finally the lips, this is the real stand out product for me, which takes the form of The Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Hot Pepper. It is a beautiful red lip stain that won't budge all night! It's also relatively easy and mess free to apply so you could pop it on in a flash to take you from office ready to evening appropriate.
 
Thanks for reading,
 
Olivia 
 
 

1.12.2015

HIGHSTREET BRONZERS



High street, or drugstore products, are some of my favourite beauty bits to buy as there are so many little gems hidden within the aisles of boots which can sometimes be better than, or on par with, high end beauty products. Also, I don't feel half as guilty buying a bronzer for under £10 than I do after buying one that's two or three times the price. So, I've gathered all the affordable bronzers I own in order to give you the lowdown of my fave (and not so favourite) ones.

Soap & Glory Solar Powder Bronzer
This is probably my personal favourite out of the six, and definitely my most well loved as it is looking a little worse for wear after I hit pan AND dropped it so the lid fell off. This bronzer has two sides - a lighter one and a darker one - but I just swirl it all together and pop it on my cheek bones to add a bit of warmth to my face. Not too orange nor too muddy so perfect for the natural look, although the shades are quite light so I don't know how this would fare on those with darker skin tones. At £11 it is certainly at the top end of the high street price range, but it is worth it if you have a few extra pennies to spare.

Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder
Or more well known as simply the Chocolate Bronzer. I love the smell of the bronzer and I love how it looks on other people when I see it featured in YouTube videos, but I just can't get mine to show up at all! Even in swatches, there is no colour at all. It's not even sheer - it's invisible. I think I've probably got a duff one as so many people rave about this bronzer. I'm tempted to give the highlight and bronzer duo that Bourjois have just released but I don't want to be left disappointed again. For £7.99 you can't really go wrong, but for me it isn't my favourite.

Max Factor Bronzing Powder in Bronze
I never see many posts featuring this bronzer on the blogosphere which is surprising as it's a really beautiful bronzer. It is slightly shimmery, so not for everyone but I just use it to warm up my complexion and it gives such an amazing glow to the skin, so you don't even have to use highlighter (although I still do most days..;)). The pigmentation is so good with this bronzer so it's important to use a light hand. I love a multifunctional product so this is a real winner for me and it looks beautiful as eye shadow too. This is only £6.99 and is available from both Boots and Superdrug.

Bourjois Bronzing Primer
I suppose this is cheating a little as this is a primer rather than a bronzer but personally I prefer to use this on top of my foundation to warm up my face. It has a moussey texture and a chocolately sweet scent. It is a little difficult to use as it isn't the both blendable product and the texture can make it quite drying. Despite this, once on the skin it gives a lovely and rather natural glow - perfect for winter when we all need perking up a little. This comes in at £9.99 which, in my opinion, is a little steep for the tiny pot.

ELF Blush & Bronzer Duo in St Lucia
This is supposed to be a dupe for the Nars Orgasm & Laguna Duo which I don't own so I can't really compare the two but I do really like the shades of the blush and bronzer in this duo. They are both riddled with shimmer and the bronzer isn't as finely milled which makes me not reach for the duo as often. I do love how they look together though and the blush is particularly stunning really perks up my skin when it's looking dull. I may have to invest in Nars Orgasm & Laguna duo some time soon to compare them, for blogging purposes only of course ;) This duo is only £3.95 so definitely won't break the bank if you're interested in trying it.

Seventeen Cream Bronzer
This is up there with one of my favourite bronzers as it looks very natural, dewy and fresh on the skin. It is very pigmented but also blendable and long lasting. I wouldn't say it's quite as long lasting as a powder and I don't really blend it down my neck, due to fearing the dreaded transfer onto my collar. Nevertheless, the bronzer is very pretty and also matte so perfect for doing a little bit of Kim K contouring (Kontouring?). For only £5.99 in Boots you can't go wrong!

What's your favourite bronzer?
 
Olivia