A Rather Surprising Find...

I was raiding my mums makeup draw before and came across this little gem - a Barbra Daly eyeshadow in Twig. When I saw it, it instantly transported me back to my childhood, when roller ball eye shadows were all the rage. Because it piqued my interest so much I decided to give it a go, and was more than pleasantly surprised.

The colour is a warm pale taupe, flecked with gold sparkly bits. The longevity isn't great without a primer, but of course with a primer its wear time multiplies exponentially. It only takes about two seconds to apply - all you have to do is sweep it across you lids and then blend with a big fluffy brush a little and voila! A perfect daytime neutral eye.

I don't know how much my mum paid for this (I wouldn't have thought a lot), or even if it is still available, however if it is and you happen to come across it, I highly suggest you buy one. I would be sorry if it isn't available, because it is a really pretty shade, though maybe someone might know a dupe for this?

Revlon Lip Butters

As you probably know, there has been a lot of anticipation over the new Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters. I myself used to be rather a bit jealous of the lovely ladies in the US, who had access to these pretty balms. So of course, when they were released over here, I found myself drawn to them.

At first I couldn't decide which colour to choose, as I was originally only going to get one, however Boots put an end to that as makeup was on 3 for 2 and I had to buy my friend a birthday present anyway... The colours I eventually picked out are 025 Peach Parfait and 050 Berry Smoothie. How pretty are those names? (Yes I am a sucker for names of products and their packaging, and I have to say, Revlon did a good job ｡◕‿◕｡)

At £7.99, I was quite unhappy with the price at first, as I thought it was a lot of money for a product that didn't really seem to know what it was. Is it a lipstick? Is it a balm? Well, my conclusion is that it is definitely leaning towards the lipstick side of things. I do feel like it does give my lips some moisture, but it is not a product I would turn to if my lips felt dry. The colour of the lipstick is quite sheer and flattering, though in the tube the colours look really bright. This obviously means that the lasting power is lacking to say the least.

My favourite out of the two is definitely Peach Parfait, because it is laden with golden sparkles and gives a lovely subtle colour and gloss to the lips. Overall, I would recommend buying one of these, because I have gotten a lot of use out of them both already - they are really easy to wear and are brilliant for just popping in your bag.

Please Me

I've been really into nude-ish lipsticks recently. However, the few I have haven't been cutting it, so I decided to treat myself to a new MAC lipstick, and eventually chose Please Me. It is a lovely soft pink matte formula - the first matte lipstick I've bought from MAC. And I have to say, I am very impressed.

In terms of its longevity, it lasts a good 6 to 8 hours, which I was really quite impressed with considering the texture of the lipstick feels quite silky. I love that you can just whack it on in the morning, and not have to worry about it looking patchy later on. 

As someone cursed with perpetually dry skin, I've always gone for products that have moisturising properties. Not something you would attribute to a matte product. However, I have found that this lipstick does not make my lips feel dry, nor does it highlight those awful flaky patches I tend to get if I don't exfoliate often enough. It just gives a beautiful, highly pigmented rosy hue to my lips - perfect for everyday makeup.

Lancôme Roseraie des Délices

I was casually browsing the makeup aisles in Boots the other day when I came across this absolute beauty of a campaign. My heart rate sped, and as I gazed across the shop the stand called out to me. Delicate pinks, fresh tangerines and sweet pistachios were joined together in the new Lancôme collection created by Aaron De Mey. It practically screamed of soft summer days, innocence and natural feminine beauty. I instinctively thought of Aurora, one of the Disney Princesses, with her natural beauty and connection with roses. 


All of the products begged me to buy them, but the ones that stood out to me were the Effet Miracle Bare Skin Perfection Primer, which they say is 'inspired by Asian 'BB base' formulas', the La Roseraie Blush, said to 'reveal the secret of a rosy complexion', and the Le French Touch lipstick in Soft Marshmallow. Even the name is pretty.

Oohh I can't wait to get my hands on these little gems!

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Eye Shadows

Hello everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! I can't believe it's already come and gone; time is just flying by!

The Chanel Illusion D'Ombre eye shadows are absolutely beautiful. I got three; Fantasme (white), Mirifique (black) and Illusoire (a strange colour between purple and grey). They have a strange texture, a mixture between a mousse and a gel. The brush they come with is good, it is usable as an eyeshadow brush and is fantastic as an eyeliner brush, but when I put them on as an eyeshadow I used a round tipped flat brush to spread them more evenly. The pigmentation is perfect; there's enough so that you can do a dusting of colour but enough so that you can build it up into an intense pop without using shed loads of product.

A Little Surprise...

I came home the other day to see a parcel lying on the stairs.A pretty purple and white parcel, with a unicorn emblazened across the top.

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Quick haul from Boots.

Yesterday I went shopping in Manchester with the sole aim of blowing my hard earned cash. Let's just say that I was a little too successful in this endeavour, although I did also buy some Christmas presents! I ended up buying two nail varnishes from Accessorize - Pink Spice and Aztec, which are beautiful beautiful colours. Pink Spice is between red and pink with gold glitter flecks that change colour in the light. Aztec is the colour of oil when it is spilled on the ground and it turns all rainbow-y - just divine! I'm wearing Aztec at the moment, and it went on quite well, it was a bit watery so it did need at least two coats (I would have put on three but I was running a bit late), however I still think its a lovely varnish. I think Pink Spice was thicker than Aztec, because my mum only whacked on one coat and it looked amazing!

Pink Spice

Aztec looking rather similar to Pink Spice! :S

 Another nail product I got was the Sally Hansen Miracle Nail Thickener, because my nails are ridiculously weak and I want to strengthen them so I can get them to grow into long elegant nails. I've been trying to stop biting my nails, but as soon as they start gaining any length they either split or break! It makes me cry inside haha.

Now onto the makeup. I was amazed at how restrained I was in this department, probably because it was absolutely rammed in Boots, and it was so hot I felt faint. It didn't stop me completely however, I did manage to elbow my way to the Estee Lauder counter to pick up one of their Pure Colour Crystal lipsticks in Crystal Baby. Its a creme lipstick that is just too lovely. Its a glorious pinky nude that feels so good on the lips and is so flattering, plus has good longevity too. I really recommend you go check it out at your nearest counter.

Lastly I ended up repurchasing the Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment that I waxed lyrical about in a previous post. I cannot express how much I LOVE this product, and this time I will post before and after pictures of my hair's length when straightened. I also picked up a shampoo as recommended by Vivianna, the Boots expert build up removal one. Every product that I use that has been recommended by Vivianna has always proven itself, so I'm looking forward to using it. I have a review coming up of the Jemma Kid Light As Air Foundation, and I also have a few little Christmassy posts in the line up!

X

My birthday! (Lime Crime Haul)

On Monday it was my birthday - I am now officially 19 years old and into my last year of teenhood! Unfortunately I couldn't spend it with the family because I was at Uni so I got to open my presents a day earlier! Woohoo! I won't go through everything that I got, but I thought I'd speak to you about the bits of makeup I got! :)

First up I got two Lime Crime eye shadows in Diva and Troubadour. Diva is described as a 'warm metallic bronze' and is saturated in a beautiful golden shimmer. It is such a gorgeous colour, more orangey and sparkly than Baked by Urban Decay, which has more of a brown undertone. As one of Lime Crime's more wearable shades, it is the only one that has gained five stars in all its reviews, and for good reason. Troubadour on the other hand is a 'saturated shimmery turquoise'. It has silver and purple shimmer to it, and is again just lovely. One more thing I want to talk about before I move on is the new packaging! The other two Lime Crime eyeshadows that I own are in the old packaging, and I have to say I do prefer the new ones. They are prettier, sleeker and more expensive looking.

I also ended up getting the eye shadow primer, which is fab because I was running out of my Urban Decay one! And I have to say, this one is AMAZING. Seriously guys, you need to try this. I put my makeup on at 11am on my birthday, and by 12am that night it was still perfect, with no fading at all. The only thing I have to say about this is the fact that you have to use your fingers to apply it - I liked swiping it on with a brush and then blending it out with my fingers, but I guess if you have clean hands every time you use it it is more hygenic? Oh well, it is still the best primer I have ever used!

Lastly, I got a lipstick - one of their limited edition ones in Glamour 101 from their Lip Noir collection. It is a beautiful berry colour that will be great for winter and is what it says on the tin - glamorous.

One more thing I have to say is in regards to the packaging again. The older packaging was slightly fatter and taller, the new ones feel more slimmer and a LOT more sturdy. The old ones were very plasticy, in fact one of my lids has snapped from one of my older lipsticks. Again, I really like the new packaging! Now just to wait for my Carousel Gloss...... :)

X

Sexy and Smouldering Brown Smokey Eye

It's only recently that I've started to line my eyes as a whole, rather than just the outer 2/3. I used to think it closed them in, but actually now I think it gives them intensity. I also like how white it makes your eyes look.

What I used:-

• Mac eyeshadow in Twinks
• Urban Decay eyeshadow in Smog
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Side Car
• Urban Decay eyeshadow in Midnight Cowboy
• Rimmel eyebrow pencil in 004 Black/Brown
• Avon Supershock gel eyeliner pencil in Black
• Max Factor False Lash Effect Fusion in Black
• Mac Mineral Skin Finish in Medium Plus
• Avon True Colour blush in Earthen Rose
• Max Factor Vibrant Curve Effect lipgloss in Bubbly
• 17 Sheer Moisture lipstick in Antique Lace

EYES:- Prime lids then cover them in Smog. Next, take Twinks and add to the outer corner and crease to add depth. Also, take it underneath the lower lash line, to about three quaters of the way along. Blend everything together. Add Side Car lightly on your brow bone to highlight, and Midnight Cowboy in the inner corner of your eye to add light. Then line your eyes with your eyeliner - upper lash line, then water line. When you line your upper lash line, leave it to set a while, then soften the line by smudging it slightly with a cotton bud. Then add a bit of eyeliner under the lower lash line, and blend it into the eyeshadow with a cotton bud as soon as you've applied it. Apply lashing of mascara to both upper lashes and lower lashes, then fill in your brows.

FACE:- Apply concealer or foundation if neccessary. I just used Mac MSF because I felt a bit lazy lol. Make sure your foundation isn't too matte, as it can make this look too 'done'. Add a warm blush on top of your cheekbones to make them stand out.

LIPS:- Apply a nice neutral lipstick, and cover with gloss. Think Kardashian! :)

Hope you liked it!

X

Carousel Gloss Update!

Guys, I forgot to mention this before, but the Carousel glosses come out in 1 WEEK (28/11)! And guess what? That's on my birthday!!! Perfect no?!

Here are the swatches!

Candy Apple - Deep ruby-red with crimson glitter (My favourite!)
 

Golden Ticket - Metallic gold with gold sparkle

Loop-de-Loop - Midnight blue with iridescent sparkle

 Kaleidoscope - Plum-purple with turquoise sparkle

Cherry on Top - Pink-red with rainbow sparkle

I think that I'm going to definitely get Candy Apple and Cherry on Top - I'm not sure whether I'd have the guts to wear the other colours, although they do look lovely!   

Which ones have you got your eye on?

Get yours here!

Or go through my affiliate link in the side bar! ;)

GLEE! New Lime Crime Product Sneak Peak!

Oh my gosh, trying to contain my absolute excitement at seeing this picture is IMPOSSIBLE!

Lime Crime is officially bringing out a lipgloss, just in time for Christmas! Ahh, I cannot wait! They come in a range of colours, all with a beautiful touch of my favourite thing in the world - glitter! Don't you think that the red one looks like Christmas in a lipgloss?

Dubbed Carousel Gloss, these just look delightful. I think Doe has outdone herself in terms of the packaging, I just adore it. It will be safe to say, when these come out I will be first in line.

Mac at LFW

Oh my gosh, I saw this and died. This is the makeup used at Vivienne Westwood's fashion show during London Fashion Week. I think it is just beautiful, so pretty and ethereal. It is decribed as

"Neo Neon Nymphs: a natural brow, opulent eyes, fiercely flushed cheeks & a pale pout, a luscious look to complement the Grande Dame of English fashion’s show."

Ahhh, l'amour! <3

X

MAKEUP TUTORIAL - Belle

I've been really inspired lately, and have decided to do a makeup tutorial on theDisney Princess Belle

I drew inspiration from not only her famous yellow ball gown, but from her everyday blue dress as well. This is the reason I decided to colour the eyelid blue, rather than the standard yellow, adding the flash of gold on the waterline. I always see Belle as very elegant (probably because it is also set in France?) so I tried to put that across through the groomed brows and understated glossy lip.

What I used:-

• UD Primer Potion
• UD Shattered eyeshadow
• UD Goddess eyeshadow
• Avon Mousse eyeshadow in Pacific Pearl
• UD 24/7 eyeliner in El Dorado
• Max Factor False Lash Effect Fusion mascara
• Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in 004 Black Brown
• Benefit Thrrrob Blush
• Eyeko lipgloss in Primrose Hill

EYES:- Prime lids, then using a light iridescent blue, cover your lid. Add a dark shimmery blue to the outer edges and blend. Highlight your browbone with a pale, pearlescent eyeshadow. Line your waterline with a gold eyeliner, but make sure it really pops. Coat your upper lashes with mascara and fill in your brows subtly.

FACE:- Add a flush of pink to the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards, towards your temple and hairline.

LIPS:- Slick a pink shimmery gloss over your lips.

Its quite a quick and simple look, but I think it does look striking, especiallly due to the flash of gold. Hope you like it!

X

MAKEUP TUTORIAL - Day to Night Makeup

So, in this tutorial I'm going to show you how to transform your simple, pretty day time makeup to an elegant, sophisticated night time look using just two products.

Day

Night

Products I used for this look:-

• Max Factor Smoky Eye Effect Eyeshadow in Bronze Haze
• Avon Perfect Wear Liquid Eyeliner in Evening Black
• Max Factor False Lash Effect Fusion mascara in Black
• Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in 004 Black Brown
• Avon Plump Pout lipgloss in Lucious Mauve

 The two products you need to take with you to update your look:-

• Eyeliner
• Brow Pencil

Day
EYES:- Sweep the lighter champagne shade all over your lids, then softly define the eyes using the darker brown. Add a thin line of eyeliner on your upper lash line, but don't take it all the way down to the inner corner of the eye. Add mascara to your top lashes.

LIPS:- Add a slick of pretty pink lipgloss.

Night
EYES:- Use your eyeliner to thicken the line and add an elegant flick to wing it out. Then fill in your brows to create a nice arch.

LIPS:- If you need to, reapply your lipgloss.

It's as simple as that! Hope it helped!

xx

Strawberry Fluff

~picture taken from nicolette mason~

Love, love, love the hair and makeup at the Chris Benz SS12 show at NYFW. So elegant and etheral.

Kim Kardashian

Just came across this picture of Kim Kardashian....

How insanely beautiful does she look?! Like a goddess! Her makeup is flawless. Might try and re-create it at a later date, if you like?

When I saw her wedding pictures in OK magazine, I thought her wedding makeup was just so beautiful - exactly what you'd want on your wedding day; flattering, understated and elegant.

*Pictures from People magazine, taken from Awilda Hearts Makeup*

I wasn't the biggest fan of her ceremony wedding dress, but I loved her bridesmaids dresses, and the ruffle fishtail she wore to her reception. She has the perfect figure for that dress.

MAKEUP TUTORIAL - Adele/ 60's esque

 I love Adele, for her music, her hair, and of course her makeup. It's really elegant and pretty. I also think its very good as a modern 60's look, which is great as one of my friends is hosting a farewell party that is 60's themed!

What I used:-

• Urban Decay Primer Potion
• Maybelline eyeshadow quad in Designer Chocolates (I used the pale nude colour)
• Avon glimmerstick eyeliner in Cosmic Brown
• Mac eyeshadow in Twinks
• Maybelline gel eyeliner in black
• Max Factor Masterpiece Max mascara in Black
• Vital Radiance Brow Defining Pencil in 06 Brunette
• Estee Lauder Double Wear concealer in 01
• Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation in 1C1 Shell
• Benefit Georgia blush
• Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder
• Benefit Get Even powder in 01
• Hanorah Satin Eyeshadow mono in 3 Opalescent (used as highlighter)
• Avon Colourtrend Lip Stix in Romantic Rose
• Estee Lauder High Gloss in 03 Honey

EYES:- As always, prime your lids first. Then sweep your pale nude eyeshadow all over your eyelid. Next take your brown eyeliner and draw a line on your lid that is visible when your eyes are open. You want it to follow the curve of your eye, then flick out at the end. Go over it with Twinks to soften the line, blending it out. Then line your upper lid with an eyeliner of your choice, I used gel because I find it easier to work with. Make sure the line is crisp and sharp, winging it out at the edges. Take your brown eyeliner then and line your lower lash line with it, smudging it slightly to make it look worn in. Add lashings of mascara and define your brows.

FACE:- Apply concealer to blemishes/undereye circles. Then take your foundation and apply it, making sure your thoroughly blend at the hair and jaw line. Dust your face with a powder to set the foundation. Add a peachy blush to the tops of your cheek bones, and add a bit of bronzer under them to contour. Blend them together seamlessly. Blend a highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones.

LIPS:- Smudge a soft pink lipstick onto your lips using your finger, and add a nude gloss on top to create a glossy, understated lip.