MAC | Watch me simmer

Ever since the release of the MAC shop cook collection I've had my eye on this shade, and it's since been added to the core collection so it must be doing something right!

It's described as 'A Bright Pink Orange' though I find it does tend to differ slightly depending on the light. Swatched it looks very orange, in the bullet seems almost red, while on the lips it seems much pinker.

It's my first Amplified finish and I have to say I'm impressed. It's very pigmented, really creamy and I found the staying power to be pretty good too.

Though it might seem quite full on, I’ve found myself reaching for it a lot recently as it adds a pop of colour to a simple outfit and really brightens me up. It's the perfect summer shade and I'm sure it would look gorgeous with a tan.

What do you think lovelies? :)

Follow me on Twitter & Instagram @uglily

Spring Wishlist 004

Essie 'mint candy apple' nail polish, Topshop crop tee, New look strappy block heels, New look oatmeal voile maxi skirt, Topshop rose gold cross drops, Rare pleat maxi dress, Yves Saint Laurent rouge volupté lipstick 'rose paris'

Taking a quick break from revision so thought I'd give you a peek into what I've been lusting after lately. :)

Quick update | whasuuuup?

My goodness, over 4 weeks I've been away from blogging! 4 weeks! Though I could bore you all with excuses, the fact of the matter is that I've just been very very busy and when I've found a spare few moments I just haven't really felt inspired to post. I didn't want to churn out posts I wasn't happy with and though I've missed it, I did need a bit of a break from the procrastination platform that is my blog.
So, in the past 26 days I've finished/ handed in all coursework for my final year, finished my A level art exam and turned 18! I also have exams coming up in the next few weeks, as I'm sure many of you do too, so good luck!
As you can see, I'm blogging from my patio today as the weather is beautiful! I'm hoping to get a few posts out today as I'm feeling very motivated sat here in the sunshine! Hope you're all very well my lovely lovelies and hello to you new followers :)

Happy birthday little blog :)

Well well well, Uglily is one year old today! It's exactly a year since I published my first rambly post with low expectations. So what's changed? The overall appearence of Uglily is pretty much the same though I think hope the content has improved in quality. In the twelve short months I've been blogging I've put up a total 80 posts, gained nearly 400 of you lovelies and had over 9,000 page views, for some, it may seem insignificant but considering I never thought anyone would want to read what I have to say, I think thats pretty darn good going :)

So for each and everyone of you who has read, followed, or even just left a lovely comment I just want to say a big thank you, I really appreciate every kind word and click of a mouse.

& If you're feeling curious, have a read of my first post! x

Ooops! | Boots 3 for 2

A few repurchases as well as new products I've been meaning to pick up for a while, and with the 3 for 2 offer still on, I couldn't resist! Reviews comming soon! Hope you're all well :)

Old friend | Barry m mushroom

March Favourites

Possibly the latest favourites post ever?! Spent the past couple of days desperately trying to finish any work I was given to complete over the holidays (I'm not alone, right?) But I'm back, with a slightly boring selection of favourites and a pile of posts to publish! :)

I rediscovered my Revlon colorstay this month. Well, I say rediscovered, I was never really its biggest fan! I have the shade Ivory, which I was told was the lightest shade (still believe this to be true) I remember swatching in Boots before I bought and it seemed the perfect shade. On getting it home, I believed it was far too pink-toned for my skin and never seemed to look right and it has sat on my foundation shelf, unloved ever since. I have no idea what made me pick this up this month, but either my skin tone has changed, or the foundation has, because now it seems the perfect shade! On reflection, that was a year or so ago and I think my knowledge of foundation and how to apply has increased. Either way, I've been wearing this quite a lot recently, mainly for work as it does have great staying power.

Vie revitalising cleanser is an old favourite. It's a thick, pearlescent mousse texture, even the tiniest amount foams up hugely to a really rich lather. Even though it's gentle it still feels like its cleaning deep down. Leaves my skin soft, squeaky clean and glowy.

I've really got back into liquid liner this month, opting for a feline flick on the outer corners... I used to do this daily a few years back, don't really know why I stopped. Laziness I guess! Anyho I went to pick up an old favourite of mine, Collection 2000 fast stroke. Unfortunately it was sold out so I took a £2 gamble and picked up the 2True 'ultimate liner' and it payed off! It's got a shaped, spongy type of applicator which I find much easier to apply than the brush ones. It's also matte, which I love. I know many bloggers rave about the L'Oreal carbon gloss liner, but I really don't like the sheen it leaves once dry. Taking that, and the price difference into consideration, 2True all the way!

A month of rekindling forgotten products for me! What have been your recent favourites?

peace is for everyone

Revlon colorstay 'ivory', Collection 2000 lasting perfection concealer 'fair', 2True liquid eyeliner, Natural Collection lashbuild mascara, Natural Collection blush 'pink cloud', 17 mirror shine lipstick 'peace'

Hello lovelies! I hope you're all well and enjoying your holiday/ 4 day weekend. I feel like I haven't blogged properly in ages, I've just been so busy and this week has flown by! I've got a few posts lined up and thought I'd pop up a face of the day, today.

Didn't feel like showing off the freckles today to opted for colorstay, continuing the liquid liner routine and mirror shine lipstick in 'peace'. I picked a few up yesterday (thank you Boots 3 for 2) and I love them! Particularly this shade, it's brighter and more vivid in person and the formula is amazing (reviews/ swatches soon!)

I'm off shopping and out for lunch with my mum and sister (in the sunshine, perhaps? The snow has now gone!) Happy to be back to normal spring weather :)

But if you're too proud to follow rivers, how are you ever gonna find the sea?

Shirt: H&M  |  Jeggings: Dorothy Perkins  |  Stone ring: ASOS  |   Studded slippers: Topshop

What I bought | Basics

H&M drop arm vest, H&M pocket blouse, H&M low back pocket tee, New look seamless bandeau top

Spring Wishlist 003

Topshop SULTRY platform court shoes, Michael Kors MK5128 rose gold plated watch, Topshop strappy grunge midi dress, Topshop lattice back crop, Topshop cotton ankle grazer trousers, River Island fringe suade clutch bag, Topshop GAME pointed courts

 

A tad pastel/ topshop crazy... But why not? It is now offically spring after all! :)

Recent beauty pick ups

Olay beauty fluid, Avon solutions perfect tone night cream, No7 lift & curl eyelash curler, Stella McCartney L.I.L.Y eau de parfam, Estée Lauder double wear foundation (shell)

If I knew yesterday what I know today, where would I be tomorrow

Vest top: Dorothy Perkins |  Maxi skirt: Ebay  |  Denim jackets: Vintage |  Leather bag: Zara | Aviators:  RayBan

I'm back lovelies! Been absent for a week or so due to a crazy schedual of work, coursework and an english essay which took over my life! I managed to reach the summit of the work mountain around 10pm Friday night and so my blogging and social life can now be regained - horray!
This is what I wore yesterday for shopping, a catch up and a cheeky Guinness ;) Hope you're all well!

Mama's got a brand new bag

Zara Plaited Leather Shopper: £79.99

(Sorry about all the photos, I got a bit click-happy!)

Whilst shopping on Sunday I wandered into Zara for a browse and before I knew what was happening, I was paying at the till. I featured it in my latest wishlist and since then, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. It's quite a bit of money but lovely quality. The bag is leather with a removable shoulder strap and linen zippy pouch. It is quite sizable huge - making it perfect for school/ 6th form/ uni, train journeys or even throwing things in for an overnight stay. I personally just love a big bag as I tend to carry round everything bar the kitchen sink around with me! I tend look upon bags as an investment, something durable that will last me 'till I'm old and grey. I think it's quite timeless too, a real bag for life :)

So what do we reckon lovelies? When it comes bags, do you prefer quality or quantity?

Sunday morning rain is falling

Face: Estée Lauder Double Wear/ Bourjois Healthy Mix/ Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer | Eyes: 2True Waterproof eye liner/ Natural Collection Lashbuild mascara | Lips: Natural Collection moisture shine lipstick 'Crimson'

What horrid weather we're having today! I'm off shopping with a friend so thought I'd pop up a face of the day. I've recently found if I wear a bright lipstick on a rainy day it lifts my mood - I recommend giving it a go :)

Elf blending brush

The Elf professional blending eye brush is a small, synthetic, domed fluffy brush with a completely round ferrule meaning the hair of the brush is movable, flexible and perfect for its main purpose - a whole lotta blending.
I use it primarily for crease/ contouring and general blending out as it's the perfect size and density for it. However I've also used it for blending concealer both under the eye and on the odd blemish.
I haven't noticed any shedding but I am yet to wash it. So far the shape has stayed beautifully even after some heavy duty smokey eyes.
I've been clicking round the blogosphere and I’d say it's somewhere in between the MAC 217 and 226. I am by no way suggesting this is anywhere near the same quality/ league of brush as those of MAC but I am very pleasantly surprised with the quality of such a cheap brush and would definitely recommend this brush if you're on a budget. (Or like me, you just don’t feel the need to splash out on a brush of that price)
I've heard a few criticisms of elf's lack of consistency with their products; such as them varying in quality, shape, size, etc... I have yet to experience this, or any problems with elf's products but I would keep it in mind when purchasing. There does seem to be a slight variant between the size/ length of the bristles but it is so slight I doubt you would find it that noticeable or a major difference in how the brush works.
I’ve found this a really great multifunctional brush, I currently have two, but I can see me picking up many more in the future (and at £1.50, why the hell not?) There is also a blending brush in the elf mineral range which I'd love to try out as I’m sure it’ll come in just as useful.
This was purchased along with a few others, as my first brushes from elf and as far as I’m concerned, I think the pros outweigh the cons and if in doubt - consult the price tag!

Hope this has been helpful/ interesting for you chicks :)

21

I've been meaning to pop this up all week, just been busy busy busy! Last Sunday was my big sister's 21st birthday so I thought I'd show you a few snaps a took. You might not be interested but I thought they were quite pretty :)

Spring Wishlist 002

New look crochet top, River Island retro shades, New look chain moccasin, New look indigo superskinny jeans, River Island straw trilby (mens), Zara plaited leather shopper, Topshop peace studs

It's feeling very much like spring today so thought I'd pop up a wishlist :) Bit boring really, just a few things I want to pick up.
I’ve been so very busy the last week or so and have missed my bloggery! I've got a review, some photos and my February favourites to post when I get a chance! Hope you're all well and enjoying the sunshine beauts! x

Pink Cloud

Natural Collection Blush: £1.99

I would say Pink Cloud is a matte true pink, perfect for everyday as it barely requires any blending - perfect for applying in a rush or on the go. It's a really soft, silky texture but it could come across chalky if too much product is picked up or applied. It's not hugely pigmented but a surprising amount is picked up on brushes, just enough to give a lovely fresh flush to the cheeks. I found it lasts a reasonable amount of time (good few hours), but I have normal/ combination skin so don't usually find that blushes slide anyway. The packaging for me is decent for the price. It doesn't feel too flimsy and is just the right size for popping in your makeup bag.
As someone who most days, skips the blush, I personally just don't feel the need to splash out on high end blushes. However, I definitely plan to pick up more shades as they are so affordable and do have some really lovely shades.

Happy Valentine’s Day my lovelies! :) x

Elf brush haul

Long time no blog, beauts! So a week or so ago, elf had a free shipping code, I jumped on the opportunity as I've been meaning to order a few brushes from them for agesss. Along with the free shipping, you received a 'free goodie bag' if you spent over a tenner (not a problem elf, not at all). Anyho, I thought I'd show you what I picked up and my first impressions. I intend to review brushes individually once I've had a chance to use them and develop a bit more of an opinion, so look out for that!

First off, the infamous Studio Powder Brush! I've been meaning to pick it up for ages because of the raving reviews all over the place. I'm surprised at how well made it is. It's quite heavy duty and feels pretty good quality. Super soft, super dense, super nice :)

The Blending Eye Brush is perhaps my favourite from the haul. I picked up two as I'm always in need of a blending brush and can never find a clean one. Also thought it would be good for concealer. They're really soft and fluffy, perfect for the job in hand.

I don't really know what made me pick the Defining Eye Brush... I just thought it looked quite useful, I'll probably use it for blending out eyeliner on the upper lash line, contouring or for taking eye shadow under the eye.

The Eye Shadow Brush is pretty self explanatory, but I was a little disappointed when it came out of the packaging in two pieces... I guess I could contact elf, but for the sake of £1.50, I think I’ll just crack out the superglue.

I picked up the Concealer Brush to use as a lip brush and it's perfect. A little smaller than I was expecting but will be great for creating the perfect red lips.

Then for the freebies...

The Travel Mirror... I'm not going to lie, I think this is horrendously tacky, never would of picked it and it will most likely end up in the bin. But it was technically free, you can't have everything can you?

Shimmer Pencil 7607 Twinkle Teal. Again, I wouldn't have picked it but it might come in handy one day.

I was über surprised by the polishes I was sent. I'll admit, I was expecting the reject polishes no one buys and elf want to get rid of, but I actually love these shades and would have picked them out myself. (1573 Twinkle, 1570 Metal Madness)

The delivery time was pretty good to say I didn't pay anything for it. (I think it was about 4 working days.) And the best thing about elf? I got all this for £11.