Thursday, 23 August 2012

New 'Undressed' palette by MUA (naked dupe?!)

MUA have done it again... they've created another gorgeous palette containing several shadows that are complete dupes for some in the Naked Palettes by Urban Decay.
NOTE - these pictures do not do the colours justice at all. Next time you're in a big superdrug, take 30 seconds to stop and look, I promise you will love this gem!


This gorgeous palette contains mainly shimmery shadows, with two matte browns thrown in. The two matte's are brilliant dupes for the two that appear in the Naked 1. Similarly the dark navy shadows are also practically identical to those that feature in the expensive Urban Decay palette.

'Undressed' features a mix of pinks, browns and golds, all of which can be used to create simple day time looks as well as heavier night time looks.

Like all other MUA palettes, these shadows are extremely pigmented, easy to apply and long lasting. I know of no other high street brand to offer such quality shadows, that can easily be compared to higher brands such as MAC and Urban Decay.


If you don't have either of the naked palettes (or if like me you're an eye shadow junkie), I would highly recommend this MUA one, as well as their "heaven and earth" palette.
In conjunction they are pretty much dupes for the best urban decay shadows.
The best thing? They're £3-4 each!!


x x x

Tuesday, 14 August 2012

July / August - A few of my favorite things...


No7 Brow Pencil in Blonde -
I've never paid much attention to my brows, but I recently took an interest in filling them in slightly. I tried so many cheap pencils, all of which have been way too dark. I really didn't want to end up with a scouse brow! This is a lovely, light and creamy pencil, that looks completely natural. I love that it has a spoolie too, as it helps blend the colour through.

Nivea Invisible Protection Spray -
I know this is a random one, but I love this sun spray! It's so handy, especially on the beach, as there's no rubbing in involved and is completely non-greasy. Simply spray all over and enjoy lying in the sun without sizzling!


MUA Mosaic Bronzer -
Not sure why I picked this up, but I'm glad I did. It's a gorgeous, light bronzer that adds a gorgeous glow to the cheeks without looking too much. I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for a deeply bronzed look, but if you're pale like me, it's a lovely alternative to bright blushes.

ELF Mineral Lipstick in Party Pink -
I've had this for a long time and for some reason it's been neglected. Unlike the name suggests, I wouldn't describe the colour as pink, but a light coral. I don't usually suit orange toned lipsticks but this is incredibly soft, but still adds a pop of colour. The formula is very creamy yet really long lasting once applied. It costs £3.75, which is a complete bargain.

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Translucent -
My new fave powder. I've been using the Mac mineralise skin finish for a few months and it's on it's last legs, so i'm desperately trying to preserve it... which is why i picked this up a few months ago. I love it. It's soft, glides on to the skin and lasts all day. It works really well with my new foundation (rimmel wake me up foundation - review below) and is a complete bargain. Cannot recommend this enough!

John Frieda Daily Miracle Treatment - 
This is a leave in spray aimed to revitalize hair and add shine. I use it after I have washed my hair, spritzing it all over my hair and focusing it on the end. It makes a huge difference if i leave my hair to dry naturally. It leaves my hair shiny and really reduces the appearance of my split ends - win win.

Soap & Gloary 'Calm One' bubble bath -
I received this for my birthday and keep repurchasing it. It's gorgeously creamy and leaves my skin feeling soft and smelling gorgeous. What else can I say? Give it a try!

Monday, 13 August 2012

Week in Photos #7...

lovelovelove // FOTN for my leavers dinner // Spending days @ the races
Reese's P'butter cups = <3 // Toby Carvery // Face
My favourite // New fave, Revlon 'pink about it' // Magaluf with the girls <3
Healthy lunch, compensated by a fatty desert // Photo shoot with the best friend

<3


Ok, so maybe this is a little longer than a week in photo's, but things have been a little crazy recently! Since I last blogged I've - finished my a-levels, been on holiday, worked my arse off for pennies, quit one job, attempted and failed several diets and started to pack things up for the move from Essex to Liverpool. So sorry for my lack of updates! 

I've also hit a bit of a wall on the blog front - what do you want to see on London Gems?
Do you like the reviews best? or the hauls? Or would you like to see something different?
Please take a couple of seconds to let me know your thoughts, would be much appreciated!

Hope you're all well & enjoying the "summer"..

x x x