Faking Fabulous Lashes

Not all of us are blessed with naturally thick, dark long lashes, but that doesn't mean we can't all have them...

I have unusual eyelashes, you know the type that are super long but ridiculously straight? Yeah those. No matter what mascara/eyelash curler combo I go for it never quite looks perfect. So recently I have been using individual eyelashes. Unlike strip lashes that have to be removed each night individual lashes can last for up to 7 days depending on how gentle you are with them, they can even have mascara coated on top and removed and they stay put. My all time favourites are the Eylure individual lashes in black, you receive three rows of lashes, short, medium and long. Using a combination of the three really helps to create an elongated natural effect. I like using the Eylure Superfix glue in black as I think it blends in nicely and makes the lash line look more full.

Not got time for individuals? Try the Eylure strip lashes in 154 'Texture' these are full and natural in length and the strip is clear meaning they are more undetectable. If you have sparse lashes then these will be great for you as the lashes are super dense. Unlike the individual lashes these can be reused, I like to give them a quick wipe post night out with some make up remover and then they are as good as new.

If falsies are just not for you then you can still create bold lashes with the Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara, this gives a natural yet defined look to the eyes, remember if your eyelashes don't hold a curl too well try switching to a waterproof mascara, the formulas are a little different and are a lot better at keeping that curl in tact. Finally to give my lashes that extra full look I use the Bourjois Intuitive Liner, the nib - made up of three dots this can be doted along the lash line to give the appearance of denser lashes.

What are your favourite products for cheating fabulous lashes?

The Everyday Face

Once in a while I get stuck in a make up rut where I only wear the same few products, this is either due to sheer laziness or it means I have found some amazing products that I simply cannot live without, and with this weeks everyday face it is the latter. For a normal working day I like to keep things to a minimum, meaning a light base, a hint of natural colour on cheeks and lips and a little eye definition with mascara.

I have been using the Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream in medium, this gives a lovely light coverage and evens out any bits of uneven skin tone, alongside the BB cream I have been loving Rimmel's Wake Me Up concealer, this is perfect for covering up dark circles under the eyes. For a hint of colour on my cheeks I have been reaching for Bourjois Cream Blush in Healthy Glow, really lovely subtle and wearable everyday colour. For lips I have been using my YSL lipstick in the shade Golden Melon, a gorgeous shimmery coral colour that has a satin finish. Finally to add some eye definition I have been using Max Factor's False Lash Effect Mascara which gives a really natural fluttery look to my lashes. I am really liking this product combination at the moment. Most of the products mentioned have full reviews already on my blog which I will link below -

Max Factor Mascara
Garnier BB Cream
YSL Golden Melon Lipstick 
Bourjois Cream Blush

What are your current everyday face must haves?

 

The Skincare Post: A Hydrating Duo

Today's skincare post is all about hydration, any product that claims to leave a glow and moisturise my skin is worth trying in my opinion. The following two products are ones I have had for a while so they have been fairly tried and tested. 

Apivita Express Beauty Mask with Orange - This face mask is really refreshing, and for such a quality mask it only retails at £1.50 per go which makes it a bargain too. This mask contains orange essential oil which moisturises and tones the skin, it is also rich in vitamin C and E. You apply this like any other face mask, and wash off after ten minutes to find your skin rejuvenated. 

The Body Shop Vitamin C Energising Face Spritz - Like the mask this product leaves your skin feeling refreshed and also provides a lovely healthy glow. This spray makes my skin feel really hydrated without being a heavy moisturiser. I use this a a re-fresher and as a make-up setting spray to give my skin a more radiant look. This retails at £9, which I think for a multi purpose product is really reasonable.

Have you tried these yet?

YSL Golden Melon Lipstick

No beauty product gets me more excited than a YSL lipstick, I love the high end packaging, it just screams luxury and sophistication. After having lusted after one for ages I finally succumbed to temptation and picked one up. Once I decided I wanted one, then I had to choose a shade, as you can imagine this took me a while. Any one who has a YSL lipstick will know they are all pretty irresistible so whittling it down to a single lipstick is hard! 

However I did finally choose Golden Melon from the Rouge Pur Couture Vintage collection, these lipsticks are really creamy in texture and give a long lasting full coverage satin finish. It also contains SPF 15, I never really think about protection for my lips - slaps wrists - so it is nice that YSL have thought about it. The colour itself it a pale coral colour with flecks of golden shimmer running through it, it is such a pretty summertime shade. The quality of this lipstick is wonderful, I really can't recommend it enough. 

£23.50 

Currently Adoring: Cream Blush

I have been lusting after these little cream blush pots from Bourjois for what seems like ages so I finally picked one up the other day, I wanted all four colours, but being sensible I chose the most wearable shade 'Healthy Glow' 02. If I were to sum up what I wanted from a blush product I would probably say a healthy glow so I knew I was onto a winner already. This is a cream to powder formula, I love cream blushes, they are so lovely to apply and Bourjois' offering is no expection.

I apply this with my finger and then blend using the Real Techniques stippling brush or the expert face brush, both work really well with this product, the blush melts into the skin giving a flawless finish. 'Healthy Glow' is a really natural shade, it is a subtle coral that isn't too red or too orange. I also like the look of 'Rose Tender' which is a soft natural pink.

Have you picked up one of these little cream blushes?

 

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:)