Shaking Up My Make Up Routine

I recently changed up my everyday make up routine, it is good to try out different products and formulas once in a while, the purchase that convinced me to change my base was the L'Oreal Infallible 24 hour foundation, when it comes to make up for the day I like my foundation to be long lasting so seeing 24 hour in the product description got me hooked, I chose the shade 'Golden Sand' which suits me really well, It is a full coverage foundation that gives the skin a radiant look without being too dewy, it isn't too matte either so it sits right in the middle with a satin like finish. True to its name this foundation is long lasting, I can't say if it would last the whole 24 hours, who wears make up for that long? I have stuck with my trusty Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium Cool, this helps to conceal dark circles and blemishes.

For a natural eye look I have been using the MUA pallet in Undressed, this pallet is packed with pretty shimmering neutral shades for a subtle look. Benefit's Coralista has wiggled its way back into my make up bag, this is just about the prettiest blush I own and it has the right amount of shimmer for a daytime look. For the lips I have been reaching for Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick in the shade 'Lovers Coral' this is super sheer and leaves my lips looking naturally tinted with a little shine, the formula is really nourishing too, the only downside is that it doesn't stick around for long but It is a delight to apply so I am not too bothered.

How often do you change your routine? Or are you stuck in a bit of a beauty rut?

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?