My Summer Make-Up Essentials

So seen as it is summer I thought I would create a post on all my summer beauty must haves, especially products that are bullet proof/heatproof as there is absolutely nothing worse than heavy make-up slipping and sliding all over your face in the heat. I personally love wearing less make-up in summer as I prefer the more natural look and usually with a tan, I don't feel the need to wear nothing more than the basics. But at the same time, a lot of people still like to wear their usual make-up but just change to products which are much more long lasting and will keep your make-up looking fresh all day long. 

Base:

In the summertime I usually still like to wear a foundation, purely because I have a bit of hyper-pigmentation from acne scarring which I prefer to cover up, but if your have near enough perfect skin I would totally skip wearing foundation; a bit of concealer will have you set perfectly. I like to switch to something that is quite light in texture so it doesn't feel like I have make-up on, but at the same time, something that gives me decent coverage and generally makes my skin look better. I love wearing my good old trusty Rimmel Match Perfection foundation; this is my go-to foundation and I wear this on a daily basis purely because I trust that it will look good without being heavy. This is perfect for the summer too because it is light and can be applied sparingly using a buffing brush for an almost sheer, tinted moisturiser finish, but is also very build-able and provides a good amount of coverage. What makes it ideal for summer is that is has SPF in it of 18 which is perfect; it means you can skip the sunscreen step on your face which is a lot more convenient. 

An alternative to wearing foundation is a BB cream; I have recently started testing this one from Rimmel which is better if you have near-perfect skin as it doesn't provide a great amount of coverage, which is why I prefer the foundation. This is perfect for holidays though when I don't like to wear a lot of make-up; it has SPF 30 which is fantastic, and is super lightweight so it doesn't feel like you have anything on your skin other than moisturiser. This product claims that it has 9 steps in one, including primer, concealer etc, which makes it the perfect one step product for holidays to stop you carrying around heaps of make-up. 

On top of this I've also been testing the Wake Me Up concealer, also from Rimmel, which I have seriously been loving. I think this is the best concealer for summer because it is super light yet still covers dark circles and blemishes, without creasing which makes this an essential in my summer make-up bag.

Also, If you are going on holiday and you know that your skin will most definitely change colour, I would advise getting hold of your foundation/BB cream one/two shades darker depending on how much you tan, that you can mix into your regular shade in order to adjust to your new skin tone. 

Bronzer:

In the summer I would absolutely not be without bronzer. It accentuates your already fabulous tan and if you haven't got a tan, it is all the more believable that your bronzed glow is real purely because it is summertime! My favourite one at the moment is the one from Bourjois; I have used this for a few months now and I think it is the most natural looking one I have used. Dust the bronzer on anywhere on your face that you would usually tan the most; the bridge of the nose, the temples, and highest points of your cheeks. Then blend down into the jawline and neck in order to match and create a flawless finish. Not only does this bronzer smell unbelievable, but it is perfect for me because it is matte, with a very slight soft shimmer which makes it more natural looking. When I am tanned on holiday, one of my favourite looks is to just wear bronzer all over for a tanned glow, with a bright coral lip to bring some fun and colour to the face.

As well as bronzer, powder and highlighter are also essential for summer. For me, there is only one powder I turn to all year round, but for summer especially I use none other than Rimmel Stay Matte powder. There is a reason that this powder is a firm favourite in so many beauty guru's kits; it is fantastic. For somebody who has oily skin, I can vouch that this powder will keep your make-up in place and keep you looking matte and shine free all day! 

For highlighter I have been drifting between my all time favourite Benefit High Beam which is amazing as it provides such a pigmented glow to the cheeks, perfect for summer as it makes you look radiant and luminous. I have also been trying out MUA's Undress Your Skin shimmer highlighter, which is great for the price and I absolutely love the marble effect finish of the packaging. It is not as long lasting as Benefit's High Beam, and at times it can be somewhat chalky, but it does have strong pigmentation and if you apply just a little bit, it gives a lovely shimmery finish which is perfect for summer.

In the summertime, although I still wear powder blush most of the time, there is something about cream blush which makes them perfect and much more suitable for summer. Lately I got hold of Revlon's Photoready cream blush in the shade Pinched, which is a beautiful peach, natural toned blush. It has a lovely texture and finish on the skin, and if you set this with powder it will stay put for ages! A much more natural, 'barely there' make-up look for summer.

Eyes:
Like with the cream blush, cream shadow is so much better for summertime because it has stronger staying power; powder has a greater tendency to melt off the skin, especially if you have oily eyelids like me! I have therefore been gravitating towards my favourite shades of Maybelline Color 24HR Tattoo cream shadows, in 'On and on Bronze' and 'Pink Gold'. The pigmentation in these is unbelievable and they look amazing on the eyes alone, or you can use these underneath eye shadow which will really help keep it in place all day long. Another I have been loving is the Rimmel Scandaleyes eye shadow stick in 'Bulletproof Beige'. This colour is so gorgeous because it is a super subtle beige, gold colour with soft shimmer, which makes this perfect for a natural look and also as a base for shadow. These are really easy to blend out with your fingers, and once in place they set and stay place for absolutely ages.
Another essential for summer in my opinion is waterproof mascara. This will ensure if you are swimming or just in the heat and you find that your eye make-up smudges, that this will stay put.  Although I absolutely adore Maybelline's The Falsies, I couldn't find a waterproof formula, but I have been loving Max Factor's Clump Defy waterproof version. This is super bulletproof, but it also gives a natural looking effect and is true to its name as being non clumpy which I think is perfect for summer because it doesn't actually look like you have loads of mascara on; just that you have lovely long lashes. 

Lips:

Bold lips is probably my favourite  trend for summer because I think it can transform a look and make it fun and edgy which is perfect for the laid-back style summer look which I love. I don't like super matte lips in the summer because it can be quite drying; I much prefer lips that are soft and moisturized with colour, hence Revlon's Lip Butters are perfect. They are super moisturising so you don't need balm, but I would advise wearing a lip balm with SPF because burning your lips is horrible. My favourite shades of the lip butters are 'Wild Watermelon' which is a beautiful red, coral tone with bright pink undertones, and 'Raspberry Pie' which is a pink fuchsia with a hint of purple if you build it up. What I love about these is that you can apply only a  bit and blend it out with your fingers to create a soft stain and hint of colour, or you can build them up to create the same effect as a bold lipstick, but with these you have the benefit of having soft, hydrated lips too. 

Summer is probably the only time of year when I wear lip gloss  I'm much more of a lipstick girl, but in summer I think gloss is beautiful. I have been using this gorgeous pink gloss with hints of gold shimmer from Model co, courtesy of Glamour magazine this month, so get your hands on it because it is such a steal! It is not too sticky; one of the reasons I dislike gloss most of the time is because of the glossy texture that always sticks to my hair!

What have your been loving for summer?

xox

March Beauty Favourites

1. Nivea Daily Essentials Express Hydration Primer: 

I'd never bought into the idea of using a primer as I just always presumed it was unnecessary and that a good moisturiser does the job fine, however when I tried a sample of this one from Nivea courtesy of Glamour magazine, I had to buy it. What I really love about it is its ultra-lightweight feel; it isn't heavy like a moisturiser and its almost transparent which makes it absorb onto the skin instantly, so you don't have to wait to apply your make-up. It acts as both a moisturiser and a primer so it nourishes your skin and also makes your make-up stay in place longer. For me personally I've noticed a huge difference in my make-up application since using this as my foundation stays in place all day, and it also manages to control the oil on my skin so I don't have a shine problem. It also smells lovely, and it's really inexpensive too; I got mine when there was an offer on but the normal retail price in Superdrug is £4.99. 

2. Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream:

Also from Nivea is their lip butters which I've only just discovered. This one in caramel cream smells unbelievable, it is literally good enough to eat (it reminds me of cake mix!) which is ideal if your like me and go mad for anything that smells delicious. Besides the smell it is really great for moisturising your lips, I find it a lot better than Vaseline as due to its thick buttery texture, it nourishes your lips for a lot longer. It certainly rivals my much loved Korres lip butter, and is ridiculously inexpensive at just £1.50. They also have a raspberry flavor that I'm yet to try, and a  macadamia one that we don't get in the UK, sob. 

3. Barry M Nail Paint in Blue Moon:

Since spring is upon us, I have been wearing Blue Moon from Barry M pretty much throughout this month. I think It's the most perfect shade for spring as it is a pale pastel blue colour with a very slight metallic shimmer which is so subtle it is barely noticeable. I adore pastel nails this time of year, and this one is really fresh and cute. As always Barry M is amazing for the quality of nail paint, I find it lasts for ages without having to reapply and I love how cheap they are at just £2.99. 

4. Jimmy Choo Perfume:

I got this fragrance at Christmas but pretty much neglected it until now. It is such a pretty, feminine scent that is not heavy or overpowering at all. I started using it a lot this month because I think it really is great for this time of year as it is so subtle and fresh for spring. It's also something really different to anything else I have; usually I quite like scents that are quite heavy and bold but this makes a lovely change, I'd definitely go try it if you haven't yet. 

5. Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation:

I had heard so many good things about this foundation from Boujois that when there was a 3-for-2 in Boots I just had to grab it. First of all, this is the foundation and not the serum, they have slightly different packaging which got me real confused but this one is brand new so I thought I would give it a try. I had heard that this is similar to Chanel Vitalumiere foundation which had me sold, and also I loved the sound of opting for a slightly lighter, glowy foundation which is so much nicer for this time of year. I was a bit skeptical about the promise of a healthy glow; seen as I have oily skin I didn't want to be too glowy, however this foundation is really lovely. It does give me a slight radiant, dewy glow, but it is by no means shiny or oily looking. Another problem I thought I would have with this is the coverage, as as it promises a healthy glow I thought this would mean a compromise on coverage which isn't great news for me because I have a bit of hyper-pigmentation which always needs covering. This however still manages to provide full coverage which is great, but at the same time lets your natural skin shine through which I love. I'm not sure what the big difference is between this and the serum, but I think this might be heavier coverage which works better for me anyway. I really would recommend this foundation as it uniquely offers a flawless complexion which stays in place throughout the day, whilst still providing you with a healthy looking glow. You can pick this up at Boots for £10.99. 

6. Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer:

This is another product that I had heard so much about that I just had to give in and get it. Before this I had only ever used stick concealers so I didn't really know what to expect with this, however it did not disappoint. I got the lightest shade as it is really important that you go one or two shades lighter than your foundation as, especially under the eyes, it is good to highlight this area which is only possible if it is a bit lighter. I really love using this under my eyes, I just use the applicator to run right underneath the eye, and I also take it downwards slightly to create a V shape, which is a great technique if you want to brighten this area. This is such an amazing drugstore concealer as is ridiculously inexpensive at around £4 I think. It really makes you look more awake and is great for dark circles and also covers up scarring and blemishes which is great. The only negative thing about this is that the writing on the tube pretty much wiped off as soon as I put it in my make-up bag which was kind of annoying and a common issue, but obviously not a major issue as whats inside the tube is brilliant. I know a lot of people already use it and I can see why, so if you never have and your looking for a great drugstore concealer then this is your answer!

7. Bourjois Bronzing Powder: 

This is yet another product that I brought because of all the recommendations I heard about it on YouTube and on here (one of the reasons I love blogging so much!). I was in need of a bronzing powder as we are getting into spring now finally and especially for the summer, I like to look more tanned but in a natural looking way. First things first, it has to be said that this bronzer smells amazing! It is like chocolate but also like cocoa butter which is so delicious, I have to smell it every time I open it. The packaging is also really cut and reminds me of something Benefit would produce so I think it is really great for a drugstore product. I use this for contouring my cheekbones by just taking it from the top of my ear to the middle of the cheek. I also use this around my temples, hairline and around the jaw to give me that sun-kissed, bronzed glow look which I love because it makes me look so much healthier and radiant. It is also the most natural looking bronzer I have ever used; it is not orange toned at all, and it has a very slight amount of shimmer but it is still mainly matte which I prefer. You can pick this up for £6.99, or get down to Boots like I did whilst the 3-for-2 offer is on.

8. MUA Undress Your Skin Shimmer Highlighter: 

I picked this up from Superdrug on a whim because it was only £2! At that price I would have been stupid not too, and I absolutely adore highlighter, particularly at this time of year as I love that radiant skin appearance. I have been using a little of this just above the apple of my cheeks over my blusher and bronzer, and this highlighter seems to blend all three together into a gorgeous combination. It is surprisingly subtle therefore you don't need much of this at all and it creates such a beautiful radiant glow on the cheeks when it catches the light. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the smell; It smells of some sort of chemicals which isn't very nice, but it's not a major issue when you consider the ridiculously cheap price. 

9. Maybelline The Falsies Mascara:

This purchase was long overdue as I had heard so much about it, but I'd been waiting for my MAC one to run out before I could purchase it. This mascara is really unbelievable. It is by far the best mascara for volume I have ever tried. It really lives up to its name and is so volumising that I have been ditching my false lashes lately because I find that this is enough. I got the ultra-black drama one because I love really black lashes. What I love so much about this mascara is the curved brush which really helps to coat every lash, even the ones in the inner corners which is really quite difficult with a straight wand. It lengthens  thickens and holds a curl well, without looking too clumpy. You also don't need to build it up loads which can turn clumpy; it is enough with two coats max. Buy into the hype because this is really worth it! £7.99.

10. Revlon Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie:

I have had this lip butter from Revlon in my make-up bag for ages, but I have been using it all the time this month because it is such a beautiful colour for spring/summer. First of all, I'm pretty sure everyone is aware of how great Revlon lip butters are because they really are such a beautiful formulation. I wish all lipsticks were like this because they are so moisturising and creamy, but they still have amazing pigmentation. I know that some of the lighter shades just provide a sheer coverage, but this shade Raspberry Pie provides the same coverage as a lipstick. It is a gorgeous dark pink colour that almost verges on purple; it is actually quite similar to MAC's rebel, but more on the pink side. I think the formulation of these is also ideal for spring as I tend to prefer not so matte textures during warm weather. I really want to try more of these lip butters so If anyone recommends any shades, let me know in the comments below! 

11. Rimmel Kate Mosse Lasting Finish Lipstick in 107 Wine:

This is yet another product that I brought this month because I felt like I had heard so much about this particular shade that I had to own it myself. 107 is a gorgeous, rich dark red tone with slight purple undertones. It is probably not the most suitable spring shade, I think its actually quite perfect for autumn/winter, but I love this shade nonetheless and have actually worn it quite a few times this month already. The quality of these lipsticks are fantastic, the pigmentation is excellent and actually remind me of MAC lipsticks. The stain does last a long time, but the matte formulation can be a bit drying so its necessary to moisturize your lips beforehand. 

xxx

Brown Smokey Eye Look

Hey guys!

So last night I went to a friend's 18th party, and I thought it was a great opportunity to wear my favorite evening make up look ever- a classic brown smokey eye. I think this look is a brilliant take on the smokey eye because it is a lot less intense than the conventional black, a lot more subtle and glamorous, very much in the style of Kim Kardashian I think!

This look is all centered around the eye, complemented with flawless skin, bronzed sculpted cheeks and a paired nude lip.

To get this look I used the following products (In order of applying):

• No7 mousse foundation (discontinued- sorry!)
• Lacura concealer pen and Rimmel hide the blemish concealer 
• No7 translucent powder and Rimmel stay matte powder 
• MUA brown shadow in shade 19 for brows
• Frontcover eye primer
• MUA palette in 'Heaven and Earth'- (third shade bottom row), (first shade top row)
• No7 palette brown metallic shade
• Maybelline gel liner
• Max Factor liquid effect eye pencil in 'Brown Blaze'
• MAC Opulash mascara
• No7 mini mascara for bottom lashes
• Sleek blusher in 'Sahara'
• Sleek blusher in 'Pixie Pink'
• Benefit High Beam
• Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in shade 'Sky Line Pink'
• Soap and Glory 'Sexy Mother Pucker' clear lipgloss

OR///

• Rimmel lipstick in 'Diva Red'

For the eyes, the first step for any eye make up look using a lot of shadow, is to prime. This is a really important step to stop your eye shadow from slipping and creasing, especially if you have oily eyelids. I would like to point out that my eye make up stayed on all night right up until I took it off, still looking perfect thanks to the primer. I also think the MUA shadows are really good for staying put, and the price is insane at £4 for a palette of 12 shadows! After you've done this with your favorite primer (mine is from Frontcover cosmetics), layer the lightest colour of shadow all across the lid, taking it onto the tear duct, into the crease, and faintly up to the brow bone. Next, taking your dark brown shade, take this through the crease and out slightly. Then take a clean brush to blend so there is no harsh lines. Then apply a light shimmery colour on the brow bone, and blend again into the dark shadow to create a seamless effect. Taking this highlighter onto the tear duct will really bring out your eyes too. 

For bronzer, (I used a Sleek blusher), find the hollow of your cheeks- just below your cheekbone- and using light, circular motions blend onto the skin, taking care to not extend this line too much. Then pop a pretty light pink blusher (Pixie Pink is perfect for this) and put this on the apple of your cheeks, (the easiest way to find this is to smile, and its the most raised part) so you get a more natural combination of bronzer and colour.

I used a light lipstick for this look as I wanted the eyes to be the main focus, however it also suits a really chic bold red lip if you dare to do so, just make sure you wear it with confidence!

What's on my nails?

I applied this black nail varnish with this 'Yellow Topaz Glitter' as a top coat from Barry M, on New Years Eve. And it is still on! I think that's pretty impressive, it hasn't even chipped! This just goes to show that if you apply a top coat it really helps keep your polish intact for much longer. A pretty sparkly one like this also adds a new dimension to the nails, much more exciting than a clear one whilst still bringing the same glossy finish. 

 What is your favorite glamorous evening make up look?

xxx

Santa Baby

So Santa was super generous to me this year so I decided to do a Christmas Haul! Bit hard to see everything on this image so i'll just list the main things :)

• Yankee Candle in the scent cinnamon stick
• Christmas stocking Pandora charm
• Jimmy Choo fragrance 
• Next fragrance in scent 'London'
• MUA make-up palette in 'Heaven and Earth'
• Maybelline gel eyeliner 
• Next cashmere body butter
• Little Miss Sunshine mug from Utility
• Life of Pi novel by Yann Martel  
• Eye shadow set and Nail set by Lumiere cosmetics
• No7 illuminating make up mirror
• New look black  jeweled dress
• New look bright pink onesie
• Topshop black and gold sparkly dress
• H&M Lana del Rey jumper and skirt

I would seriously recommend this Yankee Candle as it is the most perfect scent for the festive period. All the candles are seriously strong even without burning, so it leaves such a lovely aroma in the room. This one is super large so it lasts for ages too. The traditional design of Yankee's signature classic jar candle reflects a warm, relaxed sense of style that's always at home. Convenient and easy to use, these large candles provide 110 to 150 hours of true fragrance enjoyment. Note- it is cheaper to buy from Amazon and there many other fragrances by Yankee are also available. Buy Here

The MUA palette is also fantastic as it is a natural palette with all those basic every day shades that are an absolute must all year round. I think these palettes are around £4 too which is such an unbelievable bargain! They are great quality shadows too with excellent staying power.

Finally, in terms of beauty, the Maybelline gel eyeliner is something which I have only just discovered and I would now not be without it. I have used liquid eyeliner for years and love that too, but this gel formula has the appearance of a liquid liner but is so much easier to apply if you find it difficult. It is reasonably priced and includes a brush too, although I use a much thinner one to get a super precise finish. It is practically the same as the famous Bobbi Brown liner too, for about half the price so it is an absolute bargain! 

*Happy Holidays!*