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!

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?

Lust List Beauty Edition

Lust List Beauty Edition by daniellekimsullivan 

This weeks Lust List has a Beauty theme, these are a few products that I feel I need at the moment. 

1. Up first is a product I actually already have, it is the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. I have this in shade 4 which is a little too pale for me at the moment as it is Summer so I am hoping to get a more suitable shade. This foundation is perfect for a night out on the town as it doesn't contain any SPF which causes that flashback white face. The creates such a flawless finish on the skin that isn't too matte and looks very natural. It's quite pricey at £34 but I would say the price is really reflected in the quality of the product.

2. Next is this perfect pink number from Nars. It is a Matte lip pencil in the colour Roman Holiday. I have been looking for a nice wearable pink shade that isn't too sheer, and according to Nars these lip crayons are very creamy, long lasting and are very vivid in colour. £17.50.

3. Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray has forever been on my wish list I should just buy it already!! Messy, lived in, undone, beach waves is the easiest look to wear, so salt spray is a constant in my hair routine. I have heard so many amazing reviews about this one! £21.50.

4. Essie's Mint Candy Apple is a firm favourite of many bloggers but I just haven't got round to purchasing it. However now I have used up all my other minty hues I've come to the decision I too must have this. £7.99.

5. I'm not very experimental when it comes to concealer, Collection 2000 and I have been going steady for quite some time now but I can't help wanting to cheat with this creamy concealer offering from Bobbi Brown. £18.50. 

Danielle