Everyday Lip Combo with Mac Cosmetics

AD - please note the products mentioned were gifted to me for a review by notino.co.uk

I must admit—MAC Cosmetics has never been high on my list. Back when I was a teenager, it was the aspirational brand. I still remember getting my first paycheck after moving to Scotland and heading straight to the MAC store to treat myself to a foundation and powder.

Unfortunately, it was a letdown.

Looking back now, I realize the foundation just didn’t suit my skin type, and the powder wasn’t right for me either. But that disappointing first experience left me with a weird aversion to the brand for years. Still, I gave it another shot—picked up a couple of their cult-favorite lipsticks—and yet again, I was disappointed. But here's the thing: the problem wasn’t MAC. It was me.

Take Ruby Woo, for example. It's iconic, but I never feel comfortable in red lipstick. Then there was the nearly-black lipstick from Ariana Grande's collab—shockingly, it made my pale complexion look straight-up vampiric. Not in a cool way.

But things started to shift when I tried a few other MAC products: their lip liners, liquid lipsticks, and setting spray. Suddenly, I could see why the brand had so much hype. Maybe teenage me just didn’t know what worked for her. Maybe the issue wasn’t MAC—it was my own product choices.

This Year Changed Everything

This year marked a real turning point. I finally began to appreciate MAC for what it is: a brand with a huge range of shades, tones, and finishes. Once you know your undertones and what flatters you, MAC becomes a playground.

After carrying the lip liner Whirl with me everywhere, I decided to explore more shades. That led me to one of the best lip combos I’ve tried in ages: the lip liner Soar paired with the MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick in the shade Mehr.

Both are cool-toned—perfect for my complexion. Soar feels even creamier and more pigmented than Whirl, and I suspect it suits me better colour-wise. I tend to overline my upper lip just a little for that plumper look, and Soar delivers beautifully. It glides on easily, creates a defined shape, and—bonus—it lasts really well. Even more so than Whirl, surprisingly.

Mehr: A Lipstick Worth the Hype

Now, let’s talk about Mehr, the star of the show.

First off, can we discuss the packaging? I don’t know if MAC changed their materials recently, but this lipstick feels so much more expensive than the ones I’ve tried before. Maybe it’s because the others were from limited edition collections—but this one, in the classic black bullet, has a satisfying weight to it. The rim even seems to be metal, which adds to the high-end feel.

Does packaging matter in the grand scheme of things? Not really. But does it make a difference when you're holding it in your hand, applying it in the mirror? Absolutely.

As for the shade—it’s everything I hoped for and more. I did my research, scrolled through tons of swatches and reviews, but I was still nervous it might lean too warm. Luckily, it didn’t. It’s the perfect pink-nude, leaning more pink, but still cool-toned. The finish is matte, but the formula isn’t drying at all.

Personally, I love a glossy lip, but let’s be honest—matte lasts better. So I sometimes top it off with a clear gloss, and I’m good to go.

The Perfect Everyday Combo

Together, Soar and Mehr make the ultimate everyday lip combo. It’s wearable year-round and works for pretty much any occasion.

I’m not someone who rigidly swaps out shades based on the season (except for Christmas, of course), and this is one of those combos that just works, no matter what time of year it is. You’ll never feel out of place wearing it.

Brows: Quick and easy

* AD - Please note the product mentioned were gifted to me for a review by notino.co.uk

I’m the furthest thing from a brow expert. In fact, brows are my least favourite part of my makeup routine — they just feel daunting. That said, I actually enjoy testing brow products because there’s so much variety out there. And since I want the best results with minimal effort, I’m definitely picky.

Lately, drugstore brands have been quietly dropping a wave of new brow makeup launches, so I picked a couple that looked like they might make my life easier. Here’s what I found:

Maybelline Brow Mousse

Tinted gels have always been my go-to — just brush them on and done. At least, that’s the theory. In reality, most still need constant touch-ups or an extra pencil to fill in gaps.

But Maybelline’s brow mousse? Different story. The formula somehow makes my brows look fluffy and fills in sparse spots, no extra steps required. Plus, it holds them in place all day. I got the lightest shade — it’s cool-toned, perfect for blondes, and honestly exceeded my expectations. Right now, it might just be my favourite brow product: zero effort, great payoff. Perfect if you’re not into the whole “brow sculpting” thing.

L’Oréal Faux Brow Dual Pen

I’ve had my eye on this pen since it launched and finally caved. Both ends are super fine, so you can draw individual hairs that look surprisingly natural. And once it’s on, it’s on all day.

That said, it’s probably not for me. I don’t need that much filling in (the Maybelline mousse already covers me), so this pen feels a little redundant. But if your brows are on the thinner side, or you love that fuller, bushier look, this is a fantastic option. It comes in six shades — warmer than Maybelline’s, but that warmth makes sense for mimicking real hair.

IT Cosmetics CC+ Creams Reviewed: OG, Nude Glow & Matte Compared

* Please note these products were gifted to me for a review

When You Think of IT Cosmetics, You Think of This

When someone mentions IT Cosmetics, my mind instantly jumps to their iconic CC+ Cream — and I’m sure I’m not alone. It’s the product that catapulted the brand into cult-favorite status. Since then, the CC+ Cream family has grown to include two newer additions: Nude Glow and Natural Matte.

As a beauty blogger, I’ve had the chance to test all three, and here’s how they stack up.

Let’s start with my least favorite: Natural Matte

Let’s just get this one out of the way. The CC+ Cream Natural Matte was a total miss for me. I have dry skin and prefer a dewy finish — matte products tend to sit awkwardly on my skin and this was no exception. On top of that, the shade I picked was way too dark (my fault, but I also suspect the matte shades run deeper compared to the OG and Nude Glow formulas).

The result? A combination that didn’t work on any level. If you have oily skin, it might be worth a try — but for me, it’s a firm pass.

Now onto the Nude Glow

At first, I was really into this one — and to be fair, I still like it! But it hasn’t become a staple in my routine. The coverage is lighter than the OG and Matte versions, which actually complements the glowy finish nicely. It leaves my skin looking fresh and luminous, and I love that I can wear it on its own without piling on extra products.

That said, because my skin is quite dry, I still have to prep it well before applying — otherwise that fresh glow fades faster than I’d like.

And finally, the classic: Original CC+ Cream

This was the last one I tried — and honestly, I didn’t expect to like it more than Nude Glow. But I get it now. I finallyunderstand the hype.

The coverage is medium to full (definitely more than Nude Glow), and the formula just melts into my skin, making it look fresh, flawless, and healthy all day long. What’s even better is that it’s pretty forgiving — even on days when I slack on skin prep, it still holds up beautifully. That’s not something I can say about the other two.

If I had to pick just one, the Original CC+ Cream would be my go-to. While I appreciate the concept behind Nude Glow, I’m not sure it delivers enough to justify the price — at least not for me.

A Traveler’s Guide to Japanese Skincare: What’s Worth Trying?

Despite being pregnant, I managed to visit two continents outside of Europe, and one of the countries I traveled to was Japan. We’re all familiar with the trend of Korean skincare, but did you know that Japanese skincare is just as highly regarded as its South Korean counterpart? Before my trip, I conducted extensive research and returned with a suitcase full of more and less well-known skincare products from the Land of the Rising Sun. Japanese skincare is surprisingly affordable, especially when purchased locally.

I’m slowly testing everything I brought back, and as the year comes to an end, I’ve put together a short review of the first batch of tested products. All of these are also available in our region through online stores. I’ve included a link for each product where you can purchase it. On those pages, you can use my discount code VERULAV5, which earns me a small commission – but feel free to shop wherever it’s cheapest for you! 😊

Kosé Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil

Let’s start with one of the most iconic products in Japanese skincare. This cleansing oil is mentioned in nearly every video offering advice on what to buy when visiting Japan. I gave in and followed those recommendations – and I’m glad I did.

The oil cleanses very effectively. It’s very runny for an oil, so one pump is enough to remove even waterproof makeup in just a few moments. Thanks to its lightweight texture, it rinses off easily and, unlike many other cleansing oils, doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy after cleansing. I truly can’t fault it and will definitely add it to my list of products I’d happily repurchase.

Shop here.

Bioré Marshmallow Whip Foaming Cleanser

When it comes to this foaming cleanser, I missed the mark and regret not listening to videos recommending other facial cleansers. I was drawn to the idea of a thick foam resembling marshmallows (and I’ll admit I was tempted by Japanese teleshopping, which didn’t feature this specific cleanser but showed something with a similar effect).

The foam itself isn’t bad, but it’s nothing extraordinary either. It doesn’t wow me, but it doesn’t disappoint. It’s lightly scented, cleanses the skin, but leaves it feeling a bit tight and dry. While it’s not bad enough to stop me from using it up, I wouldn’t buy it again. Additionally, I feel like it runs out too quickly.

Shop here.

Rohto Mentholatum Vitamin C Cream

Originally, I wanted to buy the brightening essence from this collection, but since both boxes looked identical and had no English labels, I ended up with the cream instead. I didn’t mind, though – you can never have too many face creams! Unfortunately, this one didn’t work well for me.

The cream is quite rich and nourishing. If I had used it for a longer time, I think I would have noticed a more even skin tone because even after two weeks, my skin looked slightly brighter. However, I started breaking out shortly after using it, which can happen sometimes, but the problem didn’t go away even after another two weeks. Ultimately, I had to stop using it, so I definitely won’t be repurchasing it.

Shop here.

Bioré UV Aqua Rich Water Essence SPF 50+

My happiest pick so far was definitely this SPF. Like with most of the products mentioned, I took inspiration from social media – and this time, it paid off. After years of blogging, I’ve tried countless SPFs, so take the following statement seriously: This is the best SPF I’ve ever used. I think it’ll be hard to find something that suits my skin better.

As the name suggests, the cream has a gel-like, watery texture. It’s lightweight and absorbs into the skin almost immediately without leaving any sticky or greasy residue. It hydrates the skin and leaves it soft to the touch. Any additional benefits beyond sun protection are a bonus for me, and the fact that this sunscreen works better than a regular hydrating cream and serum combined makes it the holy grail of my current routine. The only downside is a faint alcohol scent. It doesn’t bother me, but it could be a warning sign for those with very sensitive skin.

Even though I won’t be able to get it as cheaply in Europe as I did in Japan, it’s still relatively affordable (around £10 per tube). If you’re planning a trip to Japan, make sure to add this SPF to your shopping list!

Shop here.

Gift guide: Gifts for your wife

AD - Please note some products mentioned in this post were gifted to me for a review by notino.co.uk

If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re on a mission to find the perfect gift for your significant other - girlfriend, wife, partner in crime, whatever you want to call them. I get it – gift shopping can be tricky! I always say women are easy to shop for, but maybe that’s just me talking from a life surrounded by beauty and makeup. For many men, the options might not be so obvious. That’s why I’m here: to guide you through the jungle of deals, brands, and shiny advertisements. I’ve handpicked some products and brands that I personally love and know my female friends would adore too.

Perfume

A classic and somewhat obvious choice is perfume. It’s timeless, elegant, and usually comes in beautiful gift sets that are a breeze to wrap. Plus, it hits the sweet spot price-wise – thoughtful without being over-the-top (well.. there are some bank account breaking exceptions to the rule of course). Here’s a pro tip: sneak a peek at your wife’s perfume collection and see which bottle is running low. Restocking her favorite scent is always a win.

If you’re flying blind, you can’t go wrong with Yves Saint Laurent or Armani. Both brands are hugely popular, and their perfumes are wearable and universally appealing. Black Opium by YSL, for instance, might feel a tad overdone, but there’s a reason so many of us have cherished it over the years. It’s a modern classic.

Body Care

Another foolproof option is body care. Think luxurious body creams, shower gels, or bath oils. Just one caveat: skip the bargain-bin gift sets. As tempting as that corner-store deal may be, women value quality when it comes to body care. A 5-in-1 shower gel might cut it for you, but for us, it’s about indulgence and self-care. We love products that make us feel pampered, smell divine, and leave our skin silky smooth.

If you’re unsure where to start, I highly recommend Nuxe and L’Occitane. Both brands deliver exceptional quality and often have beautifully curated Christmas sets that feel special but are still practical.

Candles

When in doubt, buy a candle. Seriously, you cannot go wrong with this one. But here’s the deal: splurge a little. There’s a world of difference between a £1 candle and a £25 one. A high-quality candle not only smells better but also burns longer and elevates the ambiance of any room.

I’m a die-hard fan of Bath & Body Works candles. Their scents are unique yet not overpowering, their burn time is fantastic, and their designs seamlessly blend with most home decors. Whether it’s a cozy winter scent or something fresh and floral, it’s a gift that’s sure to delight.

Makeup

Lastly, we have makeup – arguably the trickiest category. While it’s a popular choice, there’s a lot that can go wrong if you’re not careful. Avoid products like foundations or concealers unless you know her exact shade. Trust me, the odds of you nailing it are slim.

Stocking up on makeup isn’t always the best idea either, except for universally loved staples like mascaras or lipsticks. Makeup has a long shelf life, and we don’t necessarily need duplicates of the same product. I remember my brother once gifted me the exact eyeshadow palette I already owned because he wanted to stock up on a palette he saw.I was enjoying a lot. While it was a thoughtful gesture, eyeshadows take ages to use up, and we ended up exchanging it for something else.

Your safest bet is to stick to wearable, everyday shades. Subtle, neutral colors are a hit, and you can’t go wrong with an amazing value gift sets from brands like NARS or Anastasia Beverly Hills. ABH, in particular, offers amazing value in their gift sets, and their products are both high-quality and versatile. If your wife loves makeup, chances are she’ll be thrilled with either of these brands.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide has sparked some ideas for your gift-giving adventure. Whether it’s for Christmas, a birthday, or just because, these picks are sure to make her feel loved and appreciated. Let me know what you ended up choosing and whether she loved it – I’d love to hear your success stories!

Stocking fillers for less than £10

It’s That Time of Year…

Yes, Christmas is just around the corner as December approaches quickly! I thought I wouldn’t be as excited this year since it’s the first time I won’t be visiting my parents (being heavily pregnant and all). But to my surprise, I’m enjoying the festive atmosphere more than ever. Maybe it’s because the past couple of years were overshadowed by COVID and burnout, leaving me unable to fully embrace the joy of the season.

With just a few days left in November, it’s hard to avoid the buzz around Black Friday. As you probably know by now, I’m not one to splurge wildly on ever-so-tempting Black Friday deals—unless it’s something I’ve been eyeing for a while. This year is no different, although I must admit I have a rather long Christmas to-buy list. So, I suspect I’ll indulge more than usual!

Today, I’d love to share a few small beauty gift ideas that make perfect stocking stuffers. Each set is around £10 or less, and they’re fantastic options—either because I’ve personally used the products or I trust the brand. Let’s dive in!

Juicy Bomb Lip Gloss Set from Essence

The Juicy Bomb lip glosses went viral a year or two ago, and they remain a favorite among beauty lovers. Despite their low price, the quality is truly impressive. I’ve personally used up a few shades, and even though I usually lean toward high-end brands, I’ll never stop raving about this one-pound-ish gem.

This set is absolutely adorable, featuring five glosses in different shades. Three of them are familiar from Essence’s regular lineup, while the other two are Christmas specials. The golden glitter shade is perfect for festive parties, and the candy cane-inspired one is pure holiday magic. Plus, the set includes a tiny accessory: a Santa hat attached to one of the glosses. It’s delightfully festive—perhaps a little tacky, but I can’t help loving it.

Healthy Bathing Set from Kneipp

This might be the most affordable set on the list, but it’s worth so much more than its price. The set includes three different bath oils—Back Comfort, Arnica, and Active Muscle—offering up to six relaxing baths, each targeting a specific need.

Although I don’t take baths (low blood pressure + warm baths = not a great combo for me), I had to include this set because I genuinely adore Kneipp. It’s an affordable yet high-quality body care brand, and their gift sets are always impressive. If your loved one isn’t a bath person, Kneipp also offers fantastic alternatives like shower gel sets, massage oil sets, and body creams.

Nourishing Hand Cream Trio from Caudalie

Out of all the sets on this list, I think this one offers the best value. It includes three 30ml tubes of Caudalie’s luxurious hand cream. Considering this isn’t a drugstore brand, the price per tube is fantastic.

Each cream is rich, velvety, and lightly fragranced. The scents are absolutely lovely—I can’t decide whether I prefer the citrusy freshness of Thé des Vignes or the subtle floral notes of Vinotherapist. Even Rose de Vigne, which has a rose fragrance (not usually my favorite), is surprisingly pleasant. This set is a true winner!

Essential Almond Trio from L’Occitane

What better way to wrap up this stocking stuffer guide than with a set from L’Occitane? They’ve been nailing the art of stocking fillers long before other brands caught on.

This trio features mini versions of their iconic almond collection: a hand cream, a shower oil, and the Milk Concentrate. The Milk Concentrate is incredible—it’s as rich as a thick cream but absorbs into the skin like a lightweight lotion, leaving it hydrated and silky smooth.

With this set, you can gift a touch of luxury without breaking the bank—a win-win in my book.

ABH's Brow Studio Kit: The Low-Key Hero My Brows Needed

* Please note these products were gifted to me for a review by notino.co.uk

Anastasia Beverly Hills (ABH) might not be as center-stage as it was in its golden era circa 2017, but this brand still holds a special place in my heart. Sure, it's not all over social media like it used to be, but ABH products have been tried-and-true staples for me. I’m still using remnants of their iconic eyeshadow palettes! And let's not forget: if anyone knows brows, it’s ABH.

Speaking of brows, even though I lean toward a more natural, less-sculpted brow look these days, ABH hasn’t let me down. Enter the Brow Studio Kit: my go-to for polished, effortless brows. Available in three shades, I went with Taupe—a perfect cool-toned match for my fair skin. The kit includes three products, two travel-sized and one full size: Mini Dipbrow Gel, a Brow Definer triangular brow pencil, and Mini Clear Brow Gel. For someone who loves a bit of structure without going overboard, this kit is a dream.

Let's talk about the Mini Dipbrow Gel—my absolute favorite. Tinted gels are the way to go for me because they're just so easy to use. Right now, my brows might be a bit... casual (pregnancy has me opting for low-maintenance routines), but thanks to Dipbrow, they still look put together with minimal effort. The gel has a perfect formula—not too dry or too wet—and it gives a subtle boost of color while keeping things neat. Plus, for a bit more hold, I layer on the clear brow gel, which has serious staying power.

Now, on to the Brow Definer Pencil. This one's a full-size, hard triangular pencil. Usually, a harder pencil might not be ideal, but for brows, I actually prefer it. A softer pencil would deposit too much pigment, but this one keeps it forgiving and natural—perfect for someone like me who’s not exactly a brow pro. And since it’s thicker, it’s great for filling in gaps instead of drawing individual hairs (no micro-pencil obsession here).

 

The set is a really good value. You can get it for less than a cost of the Brow pencil alone so whether you are looking to treat yourself or find the perfect gift for a makeup lover, this kit won't disappoint.