Rimmel was one of the first makeup brands I ever used and one that I have remained faithful to over the years- I can’t get enough of their products, especially the foundation and mascaras so when a rather snazzy envelope full of lipsticks from them landed at my door I couldn’t contain my excitement!

Inside the package was all nine shades of their brand new “The Only 1 Matte” lipstick*

These are a new generation of matte lipsticks- a bold matte colour that slides on like a dream (it really does!) and has a non-drying formula (also a true claim). The colours are super high coverage with full on colour even in the nude shades, it lasts for hours and hours too which is perfect for someone like me who forgets to take her lipstick out with her on a regular basis.

In the name of blogging I decided to test out each lipstick and post a selfie on social media, partly to show just how awesome these are and partly to help myself decide on a favourite. I’ll say now that I really didn’t expect to love every single one of the shades, there are usually one or two in any given collection that just don’t work for me but as I worked my way through the nine shades here I realised that actually I was rather taken with them all! Hover over each image to find out the shade number and product name…and prepare for an overload of my face!

Honestly, I think it’s impossible to pick a favourite out of the nine but the one that really stands out to me has to be shade 800- run the show. I had no idea I could be brave enough, let alone suit a purple lip before but this has persuaded me it’s not a bad look at all!

Which shade is your favourite? You can pick up the lipsticks from Boots (£4.99) and Superdrug (£6.99). Let me know if you grab any and what you think.

After (rather excitingly) being awarded “blogger of the month” from my favourite affordable beauty brand Essence I was also lucky enough to receive a parcel with some of their new makeup lines to try out. In the spirit of living up to my new title I thought I’d do a quick review of my three favourite products which have very rapidly become staples in my Autumn/Winter makeup.

The first product is the “light up your face” luminizer palette which retails for a very purse friendly £3. I am absolutely loving this little selection of highlighter powders; used either alone or together these give the most amazing glow to my skin in a way far more expensive products have failed to do.

Secondly was my current go-to lip colour. This is the “matt, matt, matt” lipgloss in the shade ‘girl of today’. I often steer clear of matte lip products as they are notoriously drying. This product isn’t in the slightest bit drying and the colour is the perfect berry toned deep pink. The formula is a new one on me- almost mousse like and so light. The colour lasts a good half a day without need for a touch up which I think is pretty damn impressive from something that only costs £2.30

Finally on to the mascara. This is “the false lashes mascara” which promises dramatic volume unlimited. I’ve said before about how much Essence have impressed me with their budget mascaras. At £2.80 this is one of the cheapest I’ve ever owned and yet still manages to pack a powerful punch in terms of dramatic, voluminous lashes. There’s no flaking or clumping either which is a problem I’ve often had with cheaper mascaras.

There seems to be quite a few new essence products on the block which I hope to try out sooner rather than later. Let me know if anything in particular has impressed you lately, or if there’s anything you’d like to see reviewed in future posts.

I’m one of those people who likes to change their makeup along with the season. During the warmer months I keep things simple- a nude eye, a pinky lipstick…perhaps a bit of bronzer if I’m feeling daring. As soon as the nights begin to close in though I change. Out comes the eyeliner, the smokier shadows and darker lips. It can be expensive keeping up with it all, especially when you’re a sucker for anything labelled “new” but thankfully there are brands out there like Essence who make keeping on trend whilst on a budget a breeze. The brand recently sent me over a few of their new Autumn collection to try out so read on if you want to know about some serious bargain buys!

As you can see the eyeliner is quite different to those we’re used to and at first I wasn’t too sure what to make of the ball ended tip. It’s designed so it can be used for either dots or lines and after a few stop-start attempts I soon learnt to love this long lasting liner (which costs a mere £2.50). I’ve been a big fan of Essence’s eyeshadows since I first discovered the brand and instantly loved the metallic nude shade I was sent. I’ve been using this as a highlight shade, paired with berry tones and smokey browns and it applies like a dream and lasts all day long (a bargain at £2.50).

The lipstick (only £2.30!) is darker than I’d usually wear but actually I really love it. I’ve had to reserve it for brave days as I’m still a bit shy about wearing a statement lip colour but I love the berry shade and it will be perfect with the Autumnal colour palette I’m hoping to channel in my wardrobe.

Last but not least comes the nail polish. This is such a lovely shade of grey and makes a great neutral alternative to nudes. As with all Essence polishes it goes the distance with longevity (well, it makes it to three days on me which is a miracle) and costs a teeny tiny £1.60. The nail polishes from Essence are probably my all round favourite product and at that price there’s no reason not to own a whole rainbow of shades!

Does your makeup change with the seasons?