I had pretty high hopes for this night, Barry M is one of my all time favourite brands, namely because of their range of colours within each product, but also for their nail paints. Such great quality, at such a low price!

Me and a friend made our way into Leeds on the afternoon of the 11th, to squeeze in some shopping before the event kicked off. We got given a flyer while moseying past the store, covered with everything they had to offer.
At 5pm prompt we made our way up to Superdrug, not really sure what to expect, i have to say, i was a little underwhelmed. My store didn’t seem to have much going on in the way of an ‘event’, offering only a couple of the thing advertised, we tentatively made our way around the store, hoping for something to appear around each corner.

For the event, they had staff by the Barry M section ready and waiting to do makeovers, while already made up, i did take the oppertunity of getting my eye make up topped up. She created a look with 3 of the dazzle dusts, one i was considering buying. While it may have been a little much to be walking around the centre of Leeds in, I asked her to tone it down slightly, and ended up with a gorgeous shimmery blue eye, which gave me inspiration on how to work with the colour when i got it home.
Also on offer, was the opportunity to get rhinestones fixed to your face – in collaboration with the new Impulse ‘Into Glamour’ scent – which, i did skip on, but one of the staff members seemed to enjoy it!

There weren’t too many people there, and those that did attend were left looking a little lost as there wasn’t an official welcome to come into. Unfortunately, mine was one of the stores that didn’t get a shipment of the goody bags (for reasons unknown) which they apologised profusely for, admitting they would have wanted one themselves!

I tried my best to think of things i could get with the 10% discount throughout the store, but only managed to pick up a few things… All of which weren’t actually needed. But who actually needs things?!
I got a couple of things to add to my ever expanding make up collection, and a couple of things for my impending trip to Australia! I couldn’t get over the cuteness of all the mini products, i restrained myself there though.

I got an SPF Vaseline, a baby Batiste, a beautiful petrol blue dazzle dust and a -new to me – Sleek eyeliner.
I wish i could have thought of something more worthwhile…

In addition to this i received a goody bag from Superdrug, pre event, but i didn’t manage to get my hands on it until after the event, so the £20 gift card was left unused, leaving me to ponder over something worthwhile to spend it on… I also got my hands on some Barry M make up, bonus there – I’d seen the goody bag advertised in the ‘Fabulous’ supplement, but as i don’t get the magazine, didn’t manage to get the goody bag.

All essentials i’m sure you’ll agree, although i’m still only dipping my toe in the water when it comes to red nails, i don’t know why. I’m working on creating a great smoky eye with what i got, but can never get it looking perfect which always manages to annoy me!

While it might not have been as i expected, thanks must still be given to Superdrug for the event and the things i received of course!
Now onto thinking what to spend the gift card on… Should it really be this hard?

On Thursday night, I brought along my best friend to the Barry M Beauty Evening in the Golden Square mall in Warrington. We were really looking forward to it, especially the promise of free makeovers, goodie bags and maincures. I brought along my camera to capture the events of the evening.

When we arrived I honestly thought the evening had been cancelled! No posters were guiding us into the store, I was a little worried to say the least! But we eventually found it, at the back of the store on a little makeover stall. There was only one goodie bag left, the assistant said it wasn’t a very good one as they had been taken already. But nevermind! Superdrug kindly sent me a £20 giftcard to spend for reviews, and a lovely Barry M cosmetic bag filled with make up arrived in the post, which was just splendid!  Definitely made up for the lack of goodies on the night! Alas, here are the first set of photos!

amazing make up from no other than Barry M…which the artists were using

make up artist in action!

a lady having a free makeover done

Unfortunately no makeovers were offered to me, I didn’t particularly mind though as I was already “made up” so to speak. As we’d arrived at 6pm and the event had already been on for an hour, I think the influx of people had stopped, as there was no one really shopping by this hour. I think the first hour really must have been busy, which is a shame as we had missed all the fun! But nevertheless, I went to all the make up counters to choose which items to buy.

I ended up choosing Sleek’s gold liquid eyeliner, which is just a dream to use. Definitely my new favourite brand. Their whole packaging look is really eyecatching, and their make up is just really good….more about them later! I needed some new concealer, so 2true’s 3 in one concealer did the trick! I also picked up a blue eyeliner and pink lipstick from Barry M. Really lovely stuff!

from my free goodie bag – I ended up sharing some with Emily as she couldn’t get one. Love that shampoo!

Cosmetic case and make up courtesy of Bronwyn @ Superdrug!

All in all, it wasn’t a bad night. I think the make up reconciled for the lack of interesting happenings at the event. There wasn’t really much to photograph in the end, as a photographer I love to capture the atmosphere but with not many attendee’s there wasn’t a lot to take snaps of. Although we didn’t take advantage of the makeovers on offer, I think it was a successful event nationwide for Superdrug. The staff seemed really into it, photographing the makeover constantly for the superdrug site I’m guessing!

The next night, I decided to try out some of my purchases…

I used my free Fabulous for Barry M black eyeliner, gold eyeliner underneath and Urban Decay purple eyeshadow underneath this. Topped off with Gosh mascara. I wanted to create a striking layered effect with the colour.

Barry M pink lipstick in 100 for my lips – love this colour! Its not for everyone, its very very light pink, but is definitely a contrast to all the red lipstick I wear!

Overall I think I the make up used really complimented each other. It felt very fresh and very me. Something I’d wear time and time again and feel confident wearing. Kudos for Superdrug for allowing me to buy such wonderful make up, they’ve really broadened my make up palette, and got me to try things I wouldn’t have worn before. I’m super happy!

Infact, I think I’m a little obsessed with buying cosmetics now. I popped in to the ‘drug today and bought more!! Had a hectic Valentines day, I’ll get them photographed later (including another Sleek buy – I’m in love!) and show you the gifts I received from my boyfriend.

Hope you’re all having a loved up February 14th! x

I can’t say my make up drawers are currently lacking in content – not that i’m complaining. This past week i received even more to top them up!

N.Y.C is a brand i’ve never really used before. But receiving these products means i might have to look further into the brand, as there are two items i can see becoming permanent additions to my collection.

After some quick research, they are cheaper than i thought, which is brilliatnt considering the quality of the products.

Allow me to run through what i received…

Liquid Eyeliner; Jet Black:
I used to be useless with liquid liner, and avoided it at all costs. Over the years I’ve progressed, but i still need the right sort of brush to make it that little bit easier for me.
This is the type of brush i like, it’s long and thin, and I’ve yet to go wrong when using it. It gives a great sleek line, i like to use this when i want a subtle black line, instead of using it to build up a thick, winged line.
It wears really well, lasting throughout the day without smudging or flaking.

Metro Quartet; South Street Seaport:
Similar to the Maybelline quads, this has instructions on how and where to apply each colour on the back, which is a great help to those that are just starting out. I also love the applicator that is supplied. On one end comes a regular sponge tip, but the other is a fine, precision brush, the same that is supplied with the Benefit palettes. I love to use these brushes, they’re great for lining the eyes with the shadows.
In terms of pigmentation, it’s pretty hit and miss. The pink champagne colour is my favourite, and I’ve used this alone as a base shadow for different eyes. Then, while the darker brown is an intense pay off, the others fall short, leaving me with a very sheer eye.

Here is what i created with these colours;

Like i said, not very intense, but i like it for a sheer wash of colour.
I also used the N.Y.C eyeliner here finished with Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara.

Color Wheel; Pink Cheek Glow:
I love the look of this blush, maybe it would be better as a display product?! It’s a really girly pink colour when applied, it gives a very summer like glow to your cheeks which i really like. It goes on quite sheer, but once the colour is built up it’s a gorgeous colour.
This is one of my favourite of what i was sent, as it brightens up the face, with a very natural like blush.

Lip Sliders Tinted Lip Balm; Sugar Fairy:
As suggested by the ‘tinted’ you’re not going for the colour pay off here, which is a shame because it looks so good in the tin!
This is my favourite thing! It gives a really sheer gloss to the lips, with just a hint of pink. It lasts for a substantial amount of time – which i have to admit, did shock me a little – and doesn’t have much of a taste to it, which i like.
I like to wear this when I’ve made a big deal of the eye make up, it adds a little extra, but isn’t going to clash.

Sparkle Eye Dust; Champagne:
I love the colour of this, a bronzed champagne. It’s great for an all over eye colour, but i’ve been using it in the inner corners and along the lower lash line for a bit of sparkle!
It has great pay off too, and applys really smoothly.

I would definitely recommend the blusher & lip balm, and of course, to look into the rest!
Thanks for keeping my make – up up to date!