bloomzy /

The Buxom Custom Eyeshadow Palette | Review

buxomThe Buxom Custom Eyeshadow Palette*

I don’t wear much eyeshadow lately. That’s a very strange way to start a review on an eyeshadow palette, isn’t it? But stay with me, because I do have a point. Over the years I’ve gone from wearing rainbow looks, to smokey concoctions, and finally to a nude eye. You see I may not wear much eyeshadow now, but I do know what I’m talking about. And it also means I’m quite particular about the shadows I do wear.

Fast forward to present day, and little ol’ me searching for some new eyeshadow. My search ended up leading me to Debenhams, and the new Buxom cosmetics counter – a brand I’ve been wanting to check out for a while. Low and behold, what do I spot? A custom eyeshadow palette. And when I’m presented with the option of customising my own eyeshadow palette, you sure as hell know I’m going to take them up on their offer.

Big, Bold & Buxom

The Buxom custom eyeshadow palette comes with space for 6 shadows, and over 40 matte and glitter shades to choose from. Whether you love bright, bold shadows, or nearly there nudes, there is a colour for everyone. Each shade is infused with primer technology, which means they’re long-wear, highly pigmented, and there’s no need for a primer.

Final Thoughts?

  • Pigmented
  • Primer-infused
  • Applies, blends, and sets well
  • Lasts throughout the day
  • Shadows easily pop into the push-out tray
  • Simple packaging that secures the shadows in place
  • Swatches (no primer)

First things first, the palette is only £36, for six pigmented, primer-infused shades. Considering that individual shadows are priced at £8 each, you’re getting a pretty good deal. Then there’s being able to customise my own palette, which is a dream come true for this picky eyeshadow wearer. I love palettes, but I often find that I only end up using half of the shadows in them. I was able to choose six perfect colours, and when they’re done I can either buy them again individually, or just choose some more. Which may be the best thing for me, what with the way my tastes change.

You can purchase in-store and online (add the palette & 6 shadows to your basket individually).
Check out more of my beauty must-haves now!

buxombuxombuxom

bloomzy /

What’s in My Make-up Bag | 2017 Beauty Favourites

My Make-up Bag

What’s in A Make-up Bag | 2017 Beauty Favourites

I really do love giving a shout-out to my favourite brands. However I’ve fallen behind a little bit from doing it on my blog (I mainly save that for my Instagram & Twitter), especially with beauty products. Now I don’t wear make-up most days, mainly because I don’t feel the need to. But if I’m heading out for an occasion, I do enjoy playing around with it. For me make-up is very much an art, albeit one I’m constantly trying to perfect.

My 2017 Beauty Favourites

I love messing around with new products, and trying out different techniques. So when a product worms its way into my permanent collection, you know it’s a good ‘un. The brands and items I’m featuring in this post have been tried and tested by yours truly for at least several months. In fact I have bought duplicates (hence the pristine packaging) for most of these. Purely because I love them so much.

Without further ado, here are my 2017 Beauty Favourites!

Did you spot any of your favourite products in my 2017 Beauty Favourites list?
Let me know which products you couldn’t live without, and whether you agree with my choices!

Don’t forget to check out more of my beauty posts.

My Make-up Bag My Make-up Bag My Make-up Bag My Make-up Bag

bloomzy /

Blogger Secret Santa with Debenhams

debenhams-christmas-gift-guide-blogger-secret-santa-4Blogger Secret Santa with Debenhams*

Whether we like it or not, Christmas is fast approaching. Usually I start to get excited about a week or two before the big day. However this year something has changed. That oh-so familiar anticipation has begun to manifest itself. I imagine helping to plan the office Christmas party is the culprit…that and my craving for mulled wine! One of my favourite parts of Christmas is Secret Santa. It’s so much fun working with a budget and a theme. The surprise (and hopefully joy) on the face of your giftee is priceless. Enter Debenhams. Recently the department store contacted me about being a part of their blogger secret santa campaign. With an aim to bring together bloggers, and inspire people’s gift choices, I could hardly say no.

Each blogger was given a theme, a modest budget and a link to their secret santa’s blog. From there we were left to our own devices. I was given a home theme, and Emily of Stylelobster, which was easy as I know her blog well (find out what I gifted her here). As for me, I chose beauty. I sat back and waited (and hopped over to Italy), and soon enough my gifts arrived. All wrapped up in a bow. I’ve had some odd secret santa gifts in the past, which is probably what lead to me holding my breath as I unwrapped these ones. But my nerves were unfounded, as I soon discovered.

What did I receive?
+ Urban Decay Ink for Eyes Waterproof Precision Eye Pen
+ Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in F-Bomb
+ Illamasqua Nail Polish in Charisma
+ Miss Selfridge Oversized Check Scarf
+ Victoria Green Daisy Russet Wash Bag

Perfect gift after perfect gift materialsed in front of me. The note said “I’ve gone for a red theme” and boy was I pleased. I loved everything about my secret santa experience with Debenhams. From the personalised note, right down to the cruelty-free make-up products.  Thank you so much to Aimee of Wallflowergirl for my incredibly thoughtful gifts. You made my day! Now I really can’t wait for Christmas.

I’d highly suggest visiting the Debenhams Gifts page for those of you who are stuck on what to get your secret santa. In fact I’d just recommend visiting in general. I know I’ll be browsing the site for my family and friends gifts. Happy shopping!

debenhams-christmas-gift-guide-blogger-secret-santa-2debenhams-christmas-gift-guide-blogger-secret-santadebenhams-christmas-gift-guide-blogger-secret-santa-1

bloomzy /

OOTD: It’s Beginning To Look Alot Like…

Cardigan *- Mantaray at Debenhams | T-shirt* – Missguided | Trousers – Topshop
 
To say I’m beginning to get excited for Christmas would be an understatement. I love this time of year. Not because of the gift giving – although I do love to give gifts – but because of the feeling that comes with the season. December is probably the best month of the year. It’s difficult to explain, but things feel different. People are generally happier and act kinder, which is always noticeable when you’re living in London. Even the weather doesn’t seem so bad. I love to layer up, and my new cardigan from Debenhams offers a Nordic-inspired take on the usual Christmas sweater. Sure, it may be bitterly cold outside, but it’s ok because I can snuggle up in my blanket scarf with a big mug of tea and binge on chocolate and Netflix. It’s a special time of year, and I love it.
bloomzy /

Review: Viktor & Rolf Bonbon Perfume

Viktor & Rolf Bonbon Perfume*

This is a different kind of review for me. I’ve not reviewed a perfume before, purely for how difficult it is. All perfumes smell different to each individual, but I thought I’d do my best. I really love this perfume so I wanted to share it with you all too. So here’s a short and sweet review of the fragrance. Viktor & Rolf are back again with another effortlessly enchanting fragrance.  At first glance the playfully pink box looks like it’s hiding something sweet, however what it actually hides is an elegantly gorgeous bottle. Bonbon is a subtly sweet scent with hints of caramel, mandarin and peach. For me it is reminiscent of sunny Spring afternoons spent cavorting around London cafes, browsing the endless selection of delicious cakes on offer. This is perfectly suited to those who enjoy a young, fun perfume. I also had a little fun and made a video about what the perfume feels like to me. It features me messing around in the park, with lots of blossoms and baby ducks. Yep, it is as random as it sounds. You can check it out on my Youtube channel.

Viktor & Rolf’s Bonbon retails at around £50-£94, depending on size.
You can purchase it at Debenhams and The Perfume Shop.

bloomzy /

Video: A Date with Viktor & Rolf Bonbon

I was sent the new Viktor & Rolf Bonbon perfume, and I fell in love with it! So I decided to make a little video about our first date together. I will also be posting a review on the blog soon!
You can purchase Viktor & Rolf Bonbon at Debenhams.
Check out more of my videos and subscribe to my Youtube channel – if you like.
bloomzy /

Dupe: MUA Undressed vs. UD Naked Palette

MUA Undressed Palette & Urban Decay Naked Palette
I love seeing dupe posts on beauty blogs, and I recently acquired MUA’s Undressed palette, 
which is supposedly a dupe of Urban Decay’s Naked palette, so I thought I would do my own. 
From the start it’s easy to see where MUA got their inspiration from.
With Urban Decay’s palette at almost 10x the price (£36) of MUA’s (£4), I was certainly curious. 
After putting the two palettes side-by-side I was shocked and also a little amused at how similar the shades are.
True, MUA’s palette does not look as ‘high end’ as Urban Decay’s but it’s simple and clean – it also comes with a double ended applicator, but no primer unlike UD – although MUA’s primer is only £1.50.
Also, the UD palette is heavier, and not as easy to transport as MUA’s.
Anyway, onto the reason why you’re all here…
The following swatches come courtesy of my fiancé who allowed me to use his forearm as a model.
MUA’s £1.50 eyeshadow primer was used as a base before applying these.
Top row: MUA Undressed Palette
Bottom row: Urban Decay Naked Palette
The proof is in the picture.
Honestly, apart from a couple of the matte browns, the MUA shadows are pretty much identical.
A primer is needed with the MUA shades, but I don’t think anyone would expect anything else from a £4 palette.
I am incredibly impressed with how similar these are, and with previous experience with MUA palettes they are definitely worth the money. When used with a primer, they are long lasting and the colour stays as clear and fresh as when you first applied it. Both palettes have some amazing colours, perfect for this seasons nude make-up trends.

Final decision: This is an amazing dupe, and I would definitely use the MUA palette as a replacement for my UD one.
MUA Undressed Palette is available in Superdrug stores, and online here (worldwide shipping available).
Urban Decay’s Naked Palette is available in Debenhams & House of Fraser (UK) stores, and online here.