NYC Waterproof Mascara.

So today i thought it was about time to let you know my thoughts on this little gem. You can probably tell aready it's going to be a pretty positive review. NYC Waterproof Mascara is simple a black mascara that claims to be waterproof and costs just £1 from pound shops in the UK or £1.50 off Fragrance Direct - so a mighty bargain in my eyes.

Now i don't normally go for waterproof mascaras to be honest, i don't see the need for them in day to day life, my trusty mascaras featured here do me well enough! But i got this for my birthday off my mum and decided to put it to good use on my hols (perfect timing!). Although it was a bit risky as it's the only mascara i took :O

Overall i really liked this mascara. I didn't expect it to add volume and length to my lashes but it did (albeit not as long as other mascara's but enough). It made my lashes really black and bold adding lots of volume - no spider leg lashes for me. The mascara is quite wet, so it does catch the top of your eyelid and leave a mark really easily but, it can be easily wiped away. The brush has soft, fibre bristles (different to my usual rubber brushes) but works in to the lashes really well and coats them all. 

But, most importantly, is it waterproof? Yes, it does not budge. In fact, it's such a pain to get off even with eye makeup remover (let's just say it's not very delicate eye friendly). It's definitely one for those sweaty nights out or days by the pool on holiday. I highly recommend it for that, but day-to-day use it's a bit too hard to remove. 

Definitely taking this on my next holiday. Have you tried this? Do you think you will now?

What's in my: Holiday Makeup Bag!

Hello! The time has come and i'm finally jetting off on holiday tomorrow! I'm not flying until 11.30pm at night and i know the whole day will absolutely drag. But, i can't wait to just get away from everything for one week and relax in the sun (and do lots of shopping of course).

Makeup wise, i don't really wear it that much on my holiday! Only at nights and i end up giving up by the end of the week hahaa. It probably looks like i'm taking quite a lot of stuff but, my skin colour changes so much - i tan so easily. So at the start of the holiday i'll be pretty pale (on my face) and by the end it'll be like 5 shades darker. So a variety of shades is needed because a ghost face just isn't attractive!

All my makeup is stored in this cute little MAC makeup case from the Hello Kitty collection.

I'm trying to keep brushes to a minimal. My Real Techniques Buffing Brush is perfect for everything base wise - foundation, powder, concealer. And the Contour Brush works for bronzer and blusher and even highlighter. For eyeshadow i just have the basics an eyeshadow brush and pencil brush both from MAC, a Muji Angled Brush and a Sigma Tapered Blending brush.

For foundation i am taking three in sample size containers as i won't need a full bottle of foundation and this way i can take a few different ones. I have my Stila Tinted Moisturiser in Medium 03 which is my 'now colour', MAC MatchMaster foundation in Shade 6.0 as it's slightly to dark for my 'in-between colour' and Revlon Colorstay foundation in 330 Natural Tan as my darkest colour. I'm taking two shades of concealer - my Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer in Medium for my paler nights and MAC's Pro Longwear Concealer in NW35 which is was too dark and only looks right when i'm tanned. Benefit's Hello Flawess powder in Hazelnut which is also slightly too dark. And two MUA bronzers, the new Bronzed Perfection and the original bronzer in Shade 2.

Just in case i'm in the mood for eyeshadow i'm taking my MAC 15 Palette and my MAC 'Groundwork' Paint Pot as a base! Being multi functional i'm taking my Avon Black & Brown Kajal Stick so i can choose whichever eyeliner colour i like and the brown side is perfect for my brows. The Une Skin-glow Pencil in 2.0 really brightens up the eyes and can be used as highlighter. And last but not least, a must for me, mascara. I'm taking my N.Y.C Waterproof Mascara so i can wear it in the daytime if i want but at least at night the staying power will be even better.

I've tried to keep lipsticks to a minimum (which was very, very hard!) but, i can't be bothered with topping up on holiday! So i chose my two favourite lip colours NYX 'Tea Rose' and MAC's 'Twig'. Then two colourful lipsticks which are nice, hydrating and easy to wear - Revlon Lip Butter in 'Tutti Frutti' and a MAC Lip balm in 'Popster' Hello Kitty collection 

So, this is all i'm taking, i don't think i need anymore to be honest. I think i've done pretty well with my multi-tasking, versatile products. But who knows, i might chuck some more in my hand luggage or treat myself out there ;)

Do you guys think i've done a good job at keeping things to a minimum? What are your holiday makeup essentials?!