Current Make Up Picks

Disclaimer: Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion. 

The products that have made the cut into my everyday routine, The brief? - fresh faced long lasting foundation, a golden glow and a touch of shimmer, the products used? read on...

As the weather has taken an autumnal turn the need for a super lightweight base is no more, and when it comes to foundations offering that little bit of extra coverage no one does it quite like Vichy, their Dermablend foundation is medium to full coverage and gives a slightly velvety finish without being too matte, a little also goes an incredibly long way so less is definitely more when applying.

For contouring I have been using a combination of my two favourite bronzers, the first is one of my most loved make up products - Nars Laguna, this just gives a very natural looking contour without looking muddy or too warm, I like to use my Real Techniques Contour Brush to apply this into the hollows of my cheeks and my temples etc, after I like to use a Kabuki brush to apply another matte bronzer - The Body Shop's Honey Bronzer in 03, the combination of the two create a subtle warmth to the skin and give that much needed definition of the cheekbone area.

The shimmer mentioned in the brief? Well look no further than The Body Shop's Shimmer Cubes, incredibly pigmented and bursting with shimmer these little squares of pure beauty goodness are perfect for creating all number of eye looks whether you want a light natural wash of colour on the lids or you want to go for a full on dramatic smoky eye. I have the Spring Bronze quad, this is packed with warm earthy tones that are very flattering.

To keep things in place and lasting all day I like to use a setting spray, The Body Shop's Vitamin E Face Mist is perfect for adding a little moisture as well as holding your make up in place - perfect if you have gone a tad overboard on the powder front and need to get things looking a little less cakey. This lightweight spray contains rosewater and is very refreshing, it is great for carry round in your handbag for on the go touch ups.

Let me know if you have tried any of these in the comments below:)

Summertime Glow

When you think of summer make up - looks that spring to mind are glowy, radiant fresh dewy skin with a minimal eye and lip combo, here are my favourite products for creating that summertime glow...

Benefits Hello Flawless foundation is perfect for daytime, it contains SPF 25 which is great for protecting the skin and it is also oil free, so you don't have to worry so much about keeping oil at bay. It really brightens up the skins complexion for a fresh look, I find this to be medium coverage but when applied with fingers you can achieve a more sheer finish.

Two products I love for creating a radiant look are The Body Shop Brush on Radiance powder pearls, and the No.7 Instant Radiance Bronzing Highlighter. Both formulas are very different, the powder pearls create a long lasting shimmer to the cheekbone area, the colours are a mix of warm pinks and cool champagnes, which give an incredibly pretty multi tonal look. The Bronzing Highlighter is perfect for a light contouring, this cream stick glides over the skin and is super easy to blend. The colour is very warm and looks very natural, it is very shimmery so maybe not for you if you like more of a matte finish to your contour.

If you find your make up looking a little lack luster during the day then I cannot recommend The Body Shop's Vitamin C Energizing Facial Spritz enough! It really refreshes the skin making your make up look freshly applied. This product is great used with the Beauty Blender, just spray the product over the skin and lightly dab, this will instantly give a stunning dewy look - perfect if you have accidentally over powdered!

 What are some of your summer must have make up items?

Creating a Flawless Base

A step by step guide on creating that flawless base...

It's a common problem when it comes to perfecting a flawless make up look, you find the perfect shade foundation, the right coverage etc but it just doesn't last ... fast forward a few hours and your on a night out starring at a pasty, flaky, patchy complexion and yes that is your reflection in the mirror of the ladies loos. How do we get our make up to last a little longer? I have a few essential products that are just the trick.

Step one: Prime! If you want your foundation to last then it is really important to prime! This key layer gives your foundation something to cling to, red skin? oily? dry? No worries, primers come in all sorts of types, so you can correct any flaws before you even start on foundation, you may even find you wear less, hello natural! My favourite primer is Revlon Skin Lights in Bare Light, this is tinted and gives the skin a radiant feel without making me super shiny.

Step two: Foundation, choose a foundation that works for your skin type, I prefer to go a little more full coverage when it comes to an evening on the town, my current go to is the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk in shade 6, this baby doesn't budge, is sweat proof (we have all had a crazy moment on the dance floor) and doesn't contain SPF making it great for flash photos.

Step three: Highlight and contour! Bronzer is the secret weapon of woman without cheekbones, if like me your not blessed with amazing bone structure - fake it! A matte bronzer or one with minimal shimmer like Nars Laguna can create cheekbones to die for all with the help of an angled brush. Not a bronzer fan? Try applying your blush on top of your cheekbones instead of the apples of the cheeks, it is way more flattering, I have been loving Daniel Sandler Watercolour Fluid Blush in So Pretty, it is a gorgeous natural flushed shade, truly living up to its name!

Step four: Powder! A step I used to skip, but after discovering Soap and Glory's One Heck of a Blot, a super translucent setting powder, it is now the most important step in my routine. Use this one the T-zone to keep shine at bay and keep foundation in place.

What are your essentials for a night out? Any tips on how to make your make up last? Comment below!

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?

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipsticks

As far as lipsticks go I think once you find a formula that you get on with you should invest in all the shades you like, that is what I am trying to do with the Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipsticks, for me these sum up everything I want in a lipstick, they are super pigmented, non-drying, long lasting, and moisturising all in one little product, these are so reasonably priced too and are often on three for two in Boots and Superdrug.

Currently I have the shades Coral Britannia, a gorgeous pale coral shade that is slightly metallic, Mayfair Red Lady, classic pillar box red with a hint of raspberry. Oxford Street Fuchsia, an incredibly girly cool pink shade that looks amazing with a neutral eye and bronzer and lastly Let's Get Naked, the perfect nude lipstick, it is my go to for work days, and paired with winged liner looks oh so 60's inspired. 

I can't wait to add more to my collection, I feel like I am missing a deep purple shade, any recommendations ladies?

The Weekend Post: Night Out Essentials

When you are getting ready for a night out you always have those few essentials that go un-changed when it comes to your routine, and rightly so, you need products that you can rely on, enter my trio of night out essentials, first up is the prep, John Frieda Luxurious Volume hair mouse, I like my hair to have a little oomph especially on nights out, I apply this to the roots mainly and then blow dry my hair upside down for mega volume. If you've not got time for the full blow dry works then I would recommend Batiste XXL Volume dry shampoo, I love this product, it has saved me from many a hair disaster, it really freshens up your locks and gives your hair the much needed volume and texture.  

My last essential I would recommend is the Nivea Double Effect Eye Make Up Remover, lets face it we all have that moment of weakness at the end of the night when all you want to do is crawl into bed and although I know it is a little much to expect us girls to carry out the full facial cleanser/toner/moisturiser routine we should at least be removing our make up so our skin can breathe, for something quick and tough enough to remove even the most intense smokey eye I turn to Nivea's eye make up remover, this applied to a cotton pad makes for really easy removal of even waterproof mascara. Pop it on the bedside table pre night out for minimal effort.

What are you essentials for a night out?

Bourjois Java Rice Powder

We have been getting all nostalgic using the Bourjois Java Rice Loose Powder, a cult classic from 1879 it has been re-formulated and released back onto the beauty market, So.. thoughts? This delicately scented, easy to use loose powder is perfect for setting make up, it smooths my complexion and the touch of shimmer gives a really illuminating and radiant finish, and if that is not enough to convince you.. well this cult beauty product retails at only £9.99, the Java Rice is marketed as a transparent powder so one shade really does suit all.

I have been reaching for this powder for nights out just to give my skin that extra glow, have you tried this powder yet?

The Cult Product - Ben Nye Powder

The Ben Nye Luxury Banana Powder is a real cult product in the beauty industry, I first heard about this in a tutorial and was amazed by the illuminating results it gave to the skin. I managed to pick one up on eBay for under £10 so price wise it is very reasonable for a powder. As the name suggests the powder has a yellow pigment to it which helps to counteract dullness and darkness, the powder is very fine and you really only need a little of this to brighten up your skin, I like to use this under my eyes after concealing. The finish is a lovely soft focus illuminated look that photographs beautifully. This product has fast become my go to make up setter as it gets rid of any shine I get during the day, I really like to use this with the Revlon photo ready foundation and the Collection 2000 concealer.

My only gripe with this is the application, I find I make such a mess when applying this as it isn't in a neat little pot like most other loose powders, but the results are well worth the mess.

Have you tried the Ben Nye Luxury Banana Powder yet?

M.A.C Morange Lipstick

M.A.C Lipsticks are renowned for being amazing and Morange is no exception. The colour first of all is the most gorgeous bright bold orange, it is a real red orange as opposed to a pinky/coral tone, this colour is so flattering against my skin tone. The formula is one of the Amplified Creme lipsticks, it applies really creamy and dries to a semi-matte finish, this lasts ages on the lips. 

I like to keep the rest of my make up simple when using this as I only like to play up one feature at a time. Bold lips are so on trend at the moment, and I think this is the perfect bold colour to take you from summer to autumn.

Are you brave when it comes to a bold lip? or are you more of a neutral lip gal?

  

 

 

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.

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.

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?

The Face Duo

After getting into the lighter coverage swing of things with the 'You Rebel Tinted Moisturiser' (Review Here)   I decided to try a BB cream, I haven't really read much hype about the Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector but it claims to even skin tone, blur lines and imperfections, give a healthy glow, improve hydration, and provide some sun protection with SPF 15 .. that's a lot for one product!

So here is what I thought about the BB cream, it comes out of the tube very thick, almost foundation consistency, however once you start blending this in with your fingers it does feel a lot lighter. I picked up the shade Medium after swatching it in Boots. The colour is perfect for me when I am slightly more tanned. As I said I use my fingers for application as I think a brush isn't really necessary ..... can you tell I am keeping it minimal here?

I find the coverage to be light, it still allows my freckles to show through but it does cover up any redness which is great. I skip my usual moisturiser when I use this as I find it to be very moisturising. Overall I love this new purchase and after wearing it a few times now i can safely say it lasts a full day at work before any touch ups are needed and it really does give that healthy glow to my skin.

Next up is something I didn't think would be appropriate for me as it involves the words Anti Age ... I know what you are thinking, I am only 21 but the Maybelline Instant Anti Age The Eraser Eye perfect and cover is the perfect concealer. It contains Goji berry which cares for the eye area, it covers dark circles and brightens the under eye for a "I definitely got my eight hours sleep last night" look and best of all it doesn't sit in those pesky fine lines like heavier concealers do, I am in love!

A perfect duo made in make up heaven I would say! Have you tried these yet?

Thought I would include a picture of these in action too:)

Brigitte Bardot: Inspiration

I am sure most of us are inspired by someone or something when it comes to Beauty and I can't help but feel inspired by a young Brigitte Bardot, the French born actress, singer and model has such a distinct look that is truly striking and beautiful. In Jean-Luc Godard's 'Le Mepris' she has the classic winged liner of the 50's and 60's, a look that is synonymous with the actress, along with her beehive hairstyle that looks incredibly sexy. As well as being absolutely gorgeous she was born and still lives in Paris so I basically want her life!

Who is your Beauty inspiration?

  None of the above images are mine.

On The Go Make Up Essentials

You know the feeling.. You have gone to work in a hurry, overslept, or just completely forgotten to do your make up, which may be ok with you but then you realize you have a lunch date and are looking a bit worse for wear? No fear.. the back up supplies are here!

Now we don't need to go overboard here, we want something that says natural and fresh so I am starting by a good brow tidy up, for this I use the Barry M Clear Mascara and Eyebrow Definer, this is great for neatening up those face framers. Looking tired? Try the Maybelline Instant Anti Age The Eraser Eye concealer, this brightens the eye area and covers any dark circles, it also doesn't sit in any of those little fine lines. This can also be used to conceal any redness or blemishes.

The next step is a little bronzing powder and my weapon of choice is of course the Nars Laguna powder, which gives a nice natural contour and warms up the skin tone. Need a little powder to banish un-wanted shine? I turn to the Ben Nye Luxury Powder in Banana, I find this is very light and not at all cakey if I apply it with the Real Techniques powder brush. Finally I apply the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Rendezvous for a 'my lips but better' shade.

Now you can fully enjoy that lunch date knowing you look great!

What are your touch up make up staples?

'He's a Rebel and he'll never ever be any good'

 

This tinted moisturiser 'You Rebel' by Benefit Cosmetics has been in my make up stash for ages! It's a product that I have used a lot but for some reason has fallen out of my daily make up routine. I think I had replaced this for something with fuller coverage, however now the weather is lovely I don't want my face to have much product on it so I've dug this back out. 

Obviously being a tinted moisturiser this does have little coverage, it is enough to even out my skin tone and adds a little sun protection with SPF 15. This product comes in only two colours, and 'You Rebel' is the darkest of the two so I'm not sure the shade range is going to suit everybody. 

This, along with a little concealer is the perfect 'no make up' make up, it does give my skin a nice glow so if you have slightly oily skin you may need a little powder. It also has great staying power so keeps you looking great all day. Compared to some other tinted moisturiser products this one is a tad more expensive at £24.50 in boots, I do think it is worth the extra pennies for the quality of the product, and as I said I have had this a while now and think I still have a third of the tube left (with a few squeezes!!!) 

Are you a fan of 'You Rebel' and Benefit?