False Lash Effect - Max Factor


I have been wanting a new mascara for a while now and after reading countless reviews I decided to go with the Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara after reading Anna's Mascara post on Vivianna Does Makeup 

Anna recommended this as a replacement for the well loved L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Mascara, at first I was slightly put off by the brush. The difference in size between these two waterproof mascara brushes is enormous, the L'Oreal brush in tiny in comparison.  Having said that however I have been a lot less clumsy with this brush than I thought I would be. This mascara gives a natural look to my lashes, with none of that clumpy nonsense. It also holds a curl really well if I use my Shu Uemura curlers.

All in all I think I have managed to find a good replacement mascara that still gives me a natural and full look.

Have you tried this mascara yet?


Sleek Original Palette



I wear eyeshadow on a daily basis and although I like splurging on items like foundation and skincare I just feel there is no need to when it comes to eyeshadow, there are such good quality products within high street brands like Sleek ...  The Sleek Original Palette is definitely a bargain purchase, twelve gorgeous colours for £7.99. These colours are beautifully pigmented, they are all shimmery apart from the matte black, and they are all such wearable colours.

If you are just getting into your eyeshadows, this would be the perfect palette for you, it contains all the right shades whatever your eye color. You can create a natural look or go more dramatic with a smokey eye. Don't forget you can also use a damp eyeliner brush and apply one of the brighter colours just under the eye for a look that will really make your eyes pop. I love the green and blue tones in this palette as it really brings out the brown in my eyes.

I would love to see some of the looks that you love creating with your favourite eyeshadows, pop your links below.





Notting Hill Carnival



This year was my first year at Notting Hill Carnival, I can't believe I have never been before, it is amazing. The sights, the smells, the entertainment ...  all creates the most incredible atmosphere and not to mention all the gorgeous costumes! People are literally dancing in the streets of Notting Hill dressed in feathers, flowers and headdresses to all sorts of music. The food is delicious, real authentic Jamaican Jerk chicken sold on stalls and out of peoples windows. The weather this year was lovely as well and the sunshine really added to the vibe.

If you are thinking of going next year I would really recommend it, we decided to stay in London but you could just as easily come home again after the carnival is finished. It doesn't have to be an expensive trip either, just bring a few beers and you'll be set for the day.


















Bourjois Bronzing Primer



It's no secret that I like the sun-kissed just stepped off a plane look, so any product with bronze in the title has me from the start. When I first read about the Bourjois Paris Bronzing Primer I was a tad excited to say the least and as soon as it was released I bought it. I'm a little lazy when it comes to primer but I have found myself reaching for this product a lot. It has all the qualities of other primers I have tried; it smooths out skins texture with a velvet finish, it mattifies and helps your make up stick around all day. But whereas most primers are colourless, this one gives a lovely bronzed glow to the skin. The pot it comes in makes it easy to get just the right amount of product, you really only need a little, I smooth it on with my fingers and then make sure it is all blended with my Real Techniques Expert face brush. You can wear this alone, or under foundation.

I like pairing this with the Revlon Photo Ready Foundation, I love this foundation for nights out but I find it doesn't stay around for long, but when I use it in conjunction with my primer it lasts a lot longer. The two together give a really flawless, matte finish with a lovely sun kissed glow.

Have you tried the Bronzing Primer yet?

Bourjois Paris Bronzing Primer 18grams for £9.99 available here.
Revlon Photo Ready Foundation 30ml for £12.99 available here.



Glossy Box High Flyers Edition - August


For the first time ever I actually love all the products in my recent GlossyBox. The High Flyers box is for the girl on the go filled with products from around the world from America to Sweden. Up first is the Urban Veda Purifying Day Cream, Urban Veda is a brand new skincare range based on the idea of using nature to live a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. This day cream has been formulated to naturally combat pollution, great if you live in the city. I apply this to my skin before foundation and it leaves my skin feeling fresh and moisturised.

I also really like the Emite Make Up Eyelash Curlers, these babies promise not to touch your make up base and they still allow you to get really close to the lash line. Glossy Box CEO Rachel Kavanagh says to gently heat your eyelash curler with your hairdryer for a long lasting curl.

The U.K's offering to the box is the Jelly Pong Pong 2-in-1 eye crayon which can be used as eyeliner or as a shadow, I received it in the colour black and I can really see myself getting a lot of use out of this one! The TRESemme 60 seconds treatment is definitely something I will be purchasing, I used this and focused it on the ends of my hair to banish dryness, and it really works, for £1.49 per treatment there is no excuse not to treat your hair once in a while. Last up is the Oceane Make up remover pen, now sometimes my make up application skills can be a little sloppy so this really comes in handy, especially when applying liquid eyeliner.


Are you a Glossy Box subscriber? What was your favourite product?



Vichy Dermablend Foundation

I love trying new foundations, so I have sampled a fair few in my time. The Vichy skincare range is so lovely and when I found out they also did foundations I was really excited to try it. I picked up the Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation in the shade Nude (25). You really do only need a little bit of this as a little goes along way, for me I find it to be quite full coverage, it conceals any redness and sorts out uneven skin texture leaving a satin finish to my skin. I apply this using my Real Techniques buffing brush, and really work it into my skin.

This foundation is my go to for a night out as it isn't too dewy as long as I use a little finishing powder and it gives a really flawless finish. The foundation itself claims to last 16 hours but after wearing it to work a few times I'm not so sure I can say it lives up to those claims, it tends to get a little oily around my T-zone, nothing that a little powder can't sort out though. It also contains SFP 20, so that's great if your planning to wear this in the day time.

For such a good quality foundation I find the price to be really cheap, at £15.50 for 30ml at boots it really is a bargain.

You can also purchase it online here.

Seaside Splash July Glossy Box




I know... I'm a little behind with the Glossy Box post, since cancelling my subscription at the beginning of the year I have really been missing my monthly beauty box, so I decided to re-subscribe and with a two for one box offer how could I not? 

A few days ago I received the July box and the August box and now I have had a day or two to really use my new products I thought I would show you what I got. The seaside splash box just screams summertime, full with goodies to 'help transform you into the ultimate beach babe.'

My favourite of the bunch is definitely the Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled texture Mist, as I may have mentioned before messy holiday hair is by far my favorite look so I was really excited to add a new product to my stash. This gives my hair volume, texture and gives it a healthy shine. Another product great for the warmer months is the Anatomicals Spray Misty for Me Facial Spritz, suitable for all skin types, this helps to refresh and re-hydrate my skin, it smells lovely too! I can't wait to try the Essie Sleek Sticks, I love the design on these and they sound simple enough to apply. 

What was your favourite product in July's Glossy Box?
www.glossybox.co.uk

 

The Sunday Post: A Romantic Stroll




Last Sunday Luca and I had planned a romantic picnic at the very spot where he proposed almost a whole year ago, however after making the trip to Tescos and preparing all our lovely food .... it rained. Forced to eat indoors while it poured down outside, it was not quite the picnic we had hoped for. 

Typically an hour later the sun decided to show it's face, so as not to waste our day together we still went to Highdown and with our tummys full we went for a lovely walk in the gardens. It was very romantic, all the flowers looked so pretty, the gentle breeze making all the trees sway as we walked through the beautiful gardens, you get the oh so cheesy picture.

A date doesn't have to break the bank, you just have to be creative and pray for good weather!












Beauty Icons: Marilyn Monroe



When it comes to beauty inspiration, Marilyn Monroe is up there with the greats. As well as being in probably my most favourite movie ever 'Some Like It Hot' she is also a huge inspiration for me when it comes to putting make up on. No one can pull a red lip off quite like Marilyn did, with her feline like eyeliner and perfectly groomed eyebrows she always managed to look flawless. In an ode to Marilyn I thought I would show you the products I use to re-create this classic sexy look:

Base - To start with I prep my skin with M.A.C's Fortified Skin Enhancer, this illuminator makes a perfect layer for my foundation to go onto, for foundation I am really loving the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk in the shade 4, this gives perfect coverage that lasts all night and as it contains no SPF it doesn't give the ghost face if flash photography is used making it perfect for nights out. For concealing I love the Collection 2000 lasting perfection concealer, this is great for blemishes and the under eye area. Powder wise I have recently been using the Sleek Luminous pressed powder compact. This helps to keep the shine at bay and set my make up in place.

Eyes - For the perfect cat eye I love the L'Oreal Super Liner in black, the felt tip like pen makes the cat eye easy. After curling my my lashes with the Shu Uemura curlers I apply the Collection 2000 Dolled Up Mascara, this gives a lovely curl and volume to my lashes.

Contour - I really only use one bronzing powder and that is the Nars Laguna powder, this gives my face some definition and enhances those not existent cheekbones.For a bit of highlight I like M.A.C's Mineralized Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle, a cult product that just gives the most gorgeous glow to the skin.

Lips - The lips are definitely the most important part of this classic look, I can't get enough of the Kate Moss Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick in 107, this deep red really suits my skin tone and as the product title suggests it really does stay put.

I really think this look suits everyone, whether your fair or dark.



Who is your beauty inspiration?




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