Budget or Splurge? MAC vs NYX

Today when I was rooting through my makeup I found some products that appear identical in colour if not very close matches to others that I've spent a little more on. This inspired me to do a post on Budget or Splurge - reviewing whether price necessarily means better quality. 

The contenders today include:
MAC Blushcreme - Ladyblush
NYX Rouge Cream Blush - CB02 Natural

As you can see from the picture the colour of both products are practically identical but who will be the overall winner?

I bought Ladyblush a few months ago and have been using it on and off. I think its a great daytime colour but I'm not convinced that its worth £17.00. 

Pros:  
Pretty colour
Has a sheen off it when applied to the cheek
Applies easily with a stippling brush

Cons: 
Expensive
Feels slightly sticky when applied
Poor lasting power 
Smells like chalk

I bought NYX last year in a outlet makeup shop for £6.99. I've checked online and the NYX website sells it for £9.95. 


Pros:  
Inexpensive
Feel smoother to touch than Ladyblush
Excellent colour pay of
Doesn't smell like chalk =)

Cons:
Harder to blend in
Lasting power is better than Ladyblush

Overall I personally prefer NYX Cream Blush - a saving of £7.05 is always helpful when your practically jobless and have a makeup obsession like me!


xo

Fearne Cotton Makeup line

Some people I've spoken to like Fearne and others can't stand her. I personally love her! Her radio show entertains me, she has a unique style that makes her stand out from the crowd and she's not a typical celebrity. She then released a makeup line for Boots at Christmas? <3

I was lucky enough to pick up an eyeshadow and lipgloss set in the sale. 

 

The chic packaging is both pretty and sophisticated with floral prints, gold detailing and a pretty skull design which put Fearnes mark on the collection.

 

The selection of colours are fantastic - great for smokey eyes and colours I would wear. 

Lipgloss set - £6 WAS £12

Eyeshadow - £5 WAS £10

xo

OOTN

 

Cream shirt - New Look

Bodycon skirt - Primark 

Owl necklace -  New Look

Pumps - Dorothy Perkins

xo

Passion for purple

Anyone who knows me will know that purple is my favourite colour. I have purple bed clothes, walls, shoes, scarves, coat, hats, lampshade, candles...the list goes on...I went into Boots to get the nail varnish + mascara and then I noticed that there was a 3 for 2 offer on so I went for the Dazzle Dust.

Barry M Nail Paint 312 Indigo

Rimmel Sexy Curves mascara 003 Intense Black

Barry M Dazzle Dust 102 Burgundy Noir (technically not purple but I think it has purple tones)  

I think Barry M Dazzle Dust 99 Bright Indigo will be next on my list...I dont know if I would be brave enough to wear it! 

xo

In's and Out's

IN

Christmas market - I get very excited about the Christmas festivities and nothing feels more Christmasy than going to the Continental Market in Belfast. It has stalls from all over the World serving food, drinks, sweets, jewellery and general products that people can relate to that country. 

Taking pictures - I love having pictures to remember those special moments =)

Ladyblush - I love this blusher! It gives a nice pinky colour on my cheeks as well as a glow. Review to follow. 

Moisturiser - My skin gets very dry in the winter and to help it I've been using Jergens Naturals. I find it really moisturising and it smells amazing! My favourite moisturiser of all time is Soap and Glory in peach but unfortunately Boots has been sold out every time I've been in.

OUT

Snow - When the snow first arrived I really liked it because it looked pretty and made it feel like Christmas. Now I've had enough of it! Getting stuck twice, clearing my car windscreen, spraying de-icer, adding extra time onto every journey and having cold wet feet. It's ok if you dont drive and dont need to get anywhere...

Early starts - Very hard in the cold snowy mornings! I find it very hard to tear myself away from my comfy bed and my electric blanket.

Job hunting - I wish it was easy to get the job you want but unfortunately in this day and age its impossible! Having a degree doesn't seem to matter its all about experience which is difficult to get. Constant circle...

xo

Product I'm currently using

 Hair

 

Shampoo:

Aussie - Take the Heat

Conditioner:

Aussie - Take the Heat

Styling products:

Catwalk TIGI - Fashionista Big and Bigger

GHD thermal protector

Bed Head TIGI - After Party

Hair mask:

None at the moment, when I do it is the 3 minute miracle by Aussie

 Body

Shower gel:

 Sainsburys Coconut milk

Body moisturiser:

Jergens Naturals - Skin Firming

Deodarant:

 Dove - Go fresh

Fake tan:

 None at the moment but when I do it's either Hei Shi or Xen Tan.

Face

Cleanser:

 Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish

Eye makeup remover:

 Baby wipes

Exfoliator:

Simple face scrub

  Makeup 

Primer: 

Smashbox Photofinish

Foundation:

 MUFE HD foundation in 120

Foundation brush:

Louise Young LY34 Super Foundation brush

Concealer:

Benefit - Erase Paste

Powder:

 MUFE HD powder

Blusher:

MAC - Ladyblush cream blusher

Bronzer:

NARS - Laguna

Highlighter:

 Havent been using a highlighter recently but when I do it's MAC Vanilla pigment

Eyeshadow base:

 MAC Shimmersand shadestick

Eyeshadows:

I've been using my Urban  Decay Naked pallette <3

Eyeliner:

Urban Decay - Zero or Coffee

Eyelash curler:

 Haven't used any in ages

 

Mascara:

 Rimmel - Sexy Curves in Intense black

Lipstick:

MAC Cremecup

Lipgloss:

 Lancome Juicy Tube - Marshmellow Electro

Nail colour:

None 

xo

Christmas wishlist

I've put together a few things I'd like to get this Christmas =)

 xo