A Makeup Revolution

Hi Girls, 

Apologies for the gap in my posts its been one crazy wedding season, but now I will get down to business! 

How many of you spend countless amounts of money on products, which you may or may not end up using much? 

(slowly raises own hand) 

I am a massive make up hoarder, but one brand in particular has blown me away for both its quality and price. The brand I have recently become obsessed with is Revolution. I have seen a few reviews about the brand and the products were so cheap I thought, what's the harm in trying?  I have done the same thing for countless other brands, and usually the novelty wears off but this drugstore brand is here to stay in my favourites collection, it really is the queen of dupes for some amazing products.

Revolution is available both online and in Superdrug stores, I was first tempted by it in a Superdrug store, but the online store us just as efficient and easy to buy from (plus my Superdrug is always low on stock which shows how popular it is). I will run down some of my favourite products and when you see the prices you will all be as amazed as I am! 

Revolution Flawless Matte Palette

This was my first, and still my favourite Revolution purchase. The palette has 32 matte shades in earthy-neautral tones and is a must have addition to any girls make up essentials. The pigmentation and blending of these is as good as, if not better than, most luxury brands. The colours are ones you will use on a day to day basis for a basic look or a smokey eye. I have used this palette as much as my Naked 2, so it really is up there as one of my favourite purchases. £8 for 32 shadows… what's not to like?

Revolution Highlighter Palette

I purchased this as an addition for my own kit during my highlighter phase, but I loved it so much it's now a part of my professional kit. Countless times clients have commented on how amazing the highlighter is, and asked me where they can purchase it. Considering I have in the past spent so much money on expensive highlighters these remain my favourite and only costs £6 for all three. 

The palette has three shades; lilac peach and pearl all with a shimmer tone so there is a shade to compliment all skin tones. These are available as individual highlighters too, but as I use them for my pro kit the convenience of having 3 in 1 case was perfect for me.

Revolution Oil Control Make Up Fixing Spray

I live by Urban Decays all nighter fixing spray, but I have to say this is a close second and a much cheaper alternative at just £5. The spray can be applied after applying make up for a long lasting hold, perfect for long days, summer and holidays! This spray doesn't run, fixes make up well and gives a great long lasting finish. I bought it in "matte" but I think there is also one for a dewy finish. 

Revolution Blush Cleanser and Shampoo

These two have been a GOD SEND for me. I wash my brushes after every use ready for my next client so brush cleanser can be an expensive essential. I have used Mac's and although I love it, I get through it so quick I needed to find a cheaper alternative. 

I then came across both of these; the cleanser is great in between a deep clean and the shampoo really does clean my brushed thorougly for an amazingly almost new feel. You can really see the results right away with these, and the next day my brushes feel soft and back to their original tamed condition. 

The cleanser and shampoo are £5 each, and a great investment. If you are unsure which to get I would choose the brush shampoo as it is great for a one off clean. 

So those are my favourites but I can't fault the range as I have also used 'the one' concealer, the blush palette and also the lipsticks… the range keeps getting bigger and bigger and I am sure in future I will post about more of Revolution's products which I love. All products in this post are avilable on the Makeup Revolution website: http://www.makeuprevolutionstore.com

Do you have any Revolution, or other branded dupe favourites? 

Beauty on a Budget

One common perception many of us make is the idea that make up has to be expensive to be worth buying. Wrong. For the past few weeks I have been exploring beauty kit items which have cost me less than £10 each. I have chosen my top 5; including products which already exist in my daily routine, and a few newbies which I have added to my collection.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

This is one of the products I came across from my hand swatch tests I tend to do in Boots. I tried this on my hand at lunch time and throughout the whole day (including a gross sweaty workout) the colour was still on my hand. It tingles slightly on your lips, but the colour is rich and the softening balm keeps lips nice and soft. I would state this is as good, if not better than some lip tints I have tried of luxury brands as it doesn't dry out the lips and the colour comes out just as vibrant as it seems in the packaging. I chose the colour "Lovesick" after searching high and low for a deep fuscia pink which I felt suited me. 

 Price: £7.99 from Boots or Superdrug

L'Oreal Super Liner Gel Intenza

My favourite basic, everyday product by far. I purchased my first pot of gel eyeliner about 6 months ago, and it is STILL going strong. I wear eyeliner on a daily basis, and to know how long this has lasted me makes me realise it was worth every penny. I have tried other gel eye liners, such as Rimmel, Barry M and Maybelline, but this was my ultimate favourite. It does not smudge even after a long day at work, and the brush it comes with is perfect for both thin and bold application. This is definitely an essential buy.  

Price: £9.99 from Boots, Superdrug or online

NYX HD Eyeshadow Base Primer

I bought this shadow primer from the Professional Beauty Exhibition last week, and I have to say I was skeptical but for £5 I thought why not? I am so glad I got this. I am constantly frustrated by the eyeshadow crease problem. There is nothing worse than spending a lot of time creating and blending the perfect eye make-up look, only for it to be ruined an hour later. This will definitely be incorporated into my eyeshadow routine more often. The formula is lightweight, and effortless. A great base for any eyeshadow. 

Price: £6.50 from the nyx website , although I paid slightly less at the beauty expo, it's still worth the full amount. 

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Shadow Stick

This is another product which survived my hand swatch test and stayed on my skin with vibrant colour after a whole day. I decided to go for a purple tone, as I think it works well with everyday and creative looks. I have used the eye shadow stick both by itself on the crease of the eye, and as an eyeliner at the bottom of lids to make an everyday eye make up look pop with colour. The shadow is easy to blend with the use of a good brush, I was pleased with the result and largely impressed with the staying power. 

Price: £4.99 at Boots or Superdrug

E45 Moisturising Lotion

I am aware its not make up, or in fact a real face moisturiser, yet it is somehow one of my favourite products that I cant live without. As mentioned in previous blogs I find it hard to be happy with a moisturiser, especially after spending much money hunting for one that suits my skin. I have decided until I ever come across the “perfect” moisturiser this will remain my go-to cream. Its cheap and cheerful and never lets me down, the perfect base for all my make up. E45 keeps my skin hydrated and feeling smooth whatever the condition it is in. 

Price: £5.50 for 500ml at Boots







As mentioned above most of these products are easy to buy on the high street or online, looking out for the Boots 3 for 2 can also be very useful at times. Although I still love my MAC, Bobbi Brown and Dior these products can be expensive to maintain and at times a cheaper alternative works to an advantage. 

Do make up products have to be expensive to be effective? 

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others.