THE TWO BENEFIT PRODUCTS WHICH CAN BE A HIT OR A MISS

I have always been a big fan of the Benefit Porefessional, so when I found out that the product range was expanding I knew I had to try something out. I chose the Licence to Blot (discontinued) as I've not heard much about it and it sounds like a dream, right? Also, it was rather affordable for £14 (at the time) unlike the other products from that range.

Of course, Benefit's packaging is always 10/10 so I won't say much about it other than I love it. The product on the other hand, not so much...
It says to use under or over makeup, but from the reviews on their website I saw people complain about it moving their makeup around too much when used over foundation, so I knew I had to try it under my foundation but over the primer to see best results.

It says that it's an 'oil-blotting stick' but I don't think it is haha 😂😂 It actually makes my face more oily if that's even possible?? I was so disappointed with this product that I know for a fact I won't re-purchase it again and sort of don't want to use it now either... HUGE disappointment, as I really do love the original Porefessional!

On the other hand, the Dandelion Shy Beam (discontinued) has been a huge hit for me. I've heard a lot of people moan about this product saying it doesn't do anything for them because they like a blinding highlight, but why complain when it clearly says subtle MATTE highlighter? I think this is perfect for those with acne-prone skin, as it doesn't bring too much attention to pimples or imperfections on the skin which is a win-win for me.
I also think it's great for pale skin as it is a lighter shade with a pink undertone, which looks great on in Winter. I would also suggest wearing it to school if you're not allowed to wear a lot of makeup as it gives a lovely and natural glow without looking too extreme.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Have you ever been disappointed with a Benefit product? If so, which one did not work for you, and which one do you swear by?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

REVIEW || COLOURPOP ULTRA MATTE & ULTRA SATIN LIP

I feel like this whole Colourpop review thing is becoming a trend over on Vogue By Maya haha. I have already written full reviews of the Colour Shock Shadows and Lippie Stix, but now it's time to talk about the famous Ultra Matte and Satin lipsticks.

I'm a massive Colourpop fan in general. I love their prices and their products - especially the packaging! I recently placed 2 orders (naughty, I know) and will soon share with you my whole Colourpop makeup collection, so stay tuned for more!

First up, I bought this trio as a set for $15 on offer. I really like the shades as they're all pink toned natural(ish) shades which I love for an every-day look. I have the shades: Baracuda, Viper, and Times Square with Baracuda being a satin finish liquid lipstick.

The packaging is very pretty, it reminds me very much of the Anastasia Beverly Hills liquid lipsticks but with slightly different lids. To say these are only $6 each they look great, and I bet they would look even better stacked up in an acrylic stand! (I keep mine in their original boxes because I love the packaging so much, haha).

The formula is very thick, almost like the NYX Lip Lingerie lipsticks. I love that these lipsticks do not bleed. I find that many liquid lipsticks, including Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipsticks, bleed a lot into fine lines in the skin around the mouth area.

The applicator is very simple, but effective. It does the job well however, I do feel like I need to line my lips before using these lipsticks as it's hard to stay in line without doing so!
The longevity is quite high as I usually wear these to work or uni and they stay on all day long, but I do feel the need to touch up a little bit after eating which isn't unusual.

Overall, I really love the formula of these. They don't feel sticky and glide on nicely, but if I had to choose I would probably pick the Lippie Stix over the liquid lipsticks as the formula of them is very unique which draws me to them.

Have you tried any of the Colourpop liquid lipsticks? If so, which ones?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

REVIEW || 30 DAYS EXTENSION - DAILY TREATMENT MASCARA

I'm going to be honest with you and admit that I did NOT need a new mascara, but what can you do when Kiko has a sale on all their mascaras for only £3.90?! Well, this is what happened... I wanted to get the night treatment mascara but it had sold out so I thought 'might as well try this one' - honestly, I'm so bad! I always use my blog as an excuse to buy more makeup I swear!

My lashes are naturally quite thick and long, but they are very light so I do like to layer up mascara to make them more visible haha - trust me, I've tried many mascaras and they never do exactly what I want them to :(

I really love the idea of this mascara being a black colour as well as with treatment and growth properties (yes!). It can be worn daily as an everyday mascara as it looks very natural, so it's great for school/work etc. as well as for those who don't wear a lot of makeup on a daily basis.

I love the packaging, it reminds me of Sleek's gold packaging of their highlighter palettes. It's great for those who like to collect 'pretty' makeup. The wand, on the other hand, surprised me due to its size. I expected it to be slightly bigger, but then again I guess it's small for more precise application to spread the product out evenly.

The product applies very well, I do find it quite hard to spread it evenly on my lashes because of the wand, but once it's on it looks lovely. It gives a very natural finish and would work great paired up with false lashes as it doesn't leave clumps!

Overall, I do like this mascara to wear to work or when I only have minimal makeup on as it doesn't give me a 'wow' effect but is still nice and natural looking. I probably wouldn't buy it again as I usually like my lashes to look really big, but I will continue enjoying it until it runs out :)

Have you tried any Kiko mascaras before? Would you recommend any?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

OOTD & FOTD || BELL SLEEVES AND RED HALO EYES

Ever since I laid my eyes on this Primark Bell Sleeved Top, I knew it was love at first sight - I just HAD to buy it. This top was only £10... Erm, excuse me but can we just appreciate that it so affordable and looks like it could be from River Island or Topshop??

Is it weird that I dressed up just to go shopping on my own? Sorry, but if I'm going to spend money on clothes I have to wear them out even if I look extra :') I own a few bell-sleeved tops now which I started collecting last year as I think they're so flattering and make every outfit look extra special. I mean, I matched this shirt with a pair of white ripped Jamie jeans, a big buckle belt and heeled mules, and this is something you can wear to an event, shopping, drinks etc. - ANYWHERE.

I also live in my Black Mules from Primark, which only cost me £10! I'm sorry, but Primark is killing it this year with their amazing fashion steals!🔥🔥🔥
I've been lusting over big Western-style buckle belts but couldn't find one within my budget so I settled for this gorgeous but simple buckle belt for £2, also from Primark (of course). I bought this belt in this dusky pink shade, as well as a deep mahogany brown which looks beautiful with my Mom Jeans.

On the other hand, my halo eye makeup was created using the Jeffree Star Beauty Killer Palette. I absolutely love this eyeshadow palette as the number of different looks you can create is infinite! I used the shade 'Courtney' as a base shadow and added some more in my crease for extra definition. I then went ahead and blended out the shade 'Confession' in my crease and inner corner, followed by 'Violence' for extra depth. Then, finally, I used my favourite shade from the palette called 'Princess' and put it in the centre of my lid for the halo effect. - If you're wondering what brushes I used to create this eye look then click here.
And that's it! The whole eye look is complete and it only took about 8 minutes to create! I've been loving dark pink and purple shades recently so that's practically all I've been wearing the past few weeks!

Have you got a favourite outfit that you can't get enough of? What about an eyeshadow look if you were makeup?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

REVIEW || NYX SOFT MATTE LIP CREAMS

Ever since I've heard about the brand NYX I have been wanting to get my hands on some of their products to try out. Finally, after a long time, I bought a few Soft Matte Lip Creams after hearing so many people rave about them.

I think the size is very handy as you can just shove it in your bag, and the little bottle looks a lot like the MAC Lipglasses. They're not heavy, and I believe that they are all made out of plastic. As always, all NYX products are vegan which means that the products are NOT tested on animals - just another reason to buy their makeup products!

The consistency of the product, for me, was very odd. It felt like mousse instead of liquid lipstick which I found fascinating as I can't feel it on my lips at all. It's very smooth and velvet like - yes! That's exactly what it feels like. Now I know why the lipsticks are called 'soft cream' haha.

Now, these are quite long lasting but I feel that I need to re-apply after eating or drinking which is annoying, but like I said before - they're easy to carry around anyway. On a good day it will last around 6 hours without touching up and I think that's pretty good bearing in mind a normal bullet lipstick would not last anywhere near as much as six hours.

The shades I currently own are London, Rome and Copenhagen. I thought they're the best of nudes, pinks and darks haha! The next shade that's on my wishlist is definitely Toulouse but I'm not sure if you can buy it individually or only in a set.

Have you tried any of the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams? Do you have a favourite shade?

Lots of love,

Maya xo