Rediscovering Blush

Recently my make up routine has been lacking in the blush department, I have been trying to make pink tones work for me but since having my hair re-ombred pinky hues just aren't as flattering as they once were. So in a bid to find something more suited to my do' I dug out a few old favourites. I picked up the 'Sleek Blush Trio in Lace' when it was first released as I thought all three shades looked very wearable, 'Crochet' is a matte peach that is so spring/summer, really pretty when applied to the apples of the cheeks. 'Guipure' is a gorgeous rose coral with gold shimmer running through it, I like using this instead of a highlighter as it is so shimmery, of all three this is my favourite, it is just so beautiful once applied. 'Chantilly' is the boldest of the bunch, it's a real red/coral tone in a matte finish, this is the perfect shade for giving the cheeks a flush of colour. All three blushes are super pigmented and finely milled, I like to apply these Sleek beauties with my 'Real Techniques Expert Face Brush' making sure I don't go in to heavy handed. Another favourite I rediscovered recently is a cult favourite 'Benefit's Coralista' this has to be one of the prettiest shades out there, it is just so flattering on the skin, it is a coral peachy shade with just the right amount of shimmer so it is great for an everyday look. I love the packaging of the Benefit blushes, it is such a fun design, with make up brands all going for the minimal chic look at the moment it's nice to see Benefit sticking to their creative designs.

So I am now officially back on the blush bandwagon, what are you favourites?

The October Favourites

I have not really done a monthly favourites post before, probably because I find it hard to condense things down to a blog post size amount, this month however there are a few products that have really stood out for me mostly because they are products that I have rediscovered in my stash. First up lets start with Beauty:

Mac Face and Body foundation, this lightweight base had fallen to the back of my draw so to speak but with the weather change and it's effect on my skin I have dug this back out and I am in love! The finish of this foundation is so perfect, it isn't too heavy and I find it to be really radiant and glowy. Next is the Sleek Blush Trio palette in Lace, it contains three gorgeous shades, two matte and one shimmery, these are really well pigmented and give a long lasting finish. Rimmels Scandaleyes Kohl Liner in black has been reintroduced into my make-up bag for taking my make-up from day to night, it lasts really well and unlike other pencil liners I have used it doesn't run.

Haircare wise I have been loving these three miniatures, from a recent Glossy Box it is the Toni and Guy Shine Gloss Serum, if I want a sleeker do it apply this to the lengths of my hair pre-blow dry for a chic finish. For a messier look I have been using Bumble and Bumbles Thickening Hairspray and their Bb Texture hair un-dressing creme to give my hair some oomph and a little texture.

What products stood out for you in October? 

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.

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

 

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?