30 Days of Beauty – Part 2

Here we have Part 2 of my 30 day challenge – I hope you like what I came up with…

~ DAY 11 ~

…Holy Grail Makeup Products…

Here are my top can’t live without, never fail me, multi-purpose makeup products. Would any of these on your list? What are yours?

• Shadow Insurance by Too Faced – this is hands down the best eye primer I’ve ever used – ever! I originally bought this to help with wearing cream shadows – and OH M GEEE! When I use this my shadows never move or crease no matter how long it’s been on for. The actual product itself will last you ages as you only need the tiniest amount and it’s not overly expensive.
• Mary-Lou Manizer by The Balm – THIS is amazing. I love it. I love how when applied it adds instant glow to the face but doesn’t leave you looking like a disco ball. I’ve used this on so many clients and they all love it. This is very pigmented so a little goes a long way with this one.
• Egg Pore Silky Smooth Balm by Tony Moly (i actually buy mine from ebay) – this is THE most amazing primer… EVER! Again – you don’t need much to make a big impact. I use it on all my clients and they cannot believe the end result after using it. It really helps keep your makeup in place all day and night and blurs out all pores and imperfections. I’ve also found it can even counteract red pigmentation to a degree.
• Fix + by MAC Cosmetics – THIS I can’t and will not live without. Personally and for my clients or myself I like to use it as a spray moisturiser pre makeup application. It’s super hydrating and it absorbs into your skin and doesn’t affect the oiliness of your skin. I also like to apply this post makeup application as it helps take away the powdery look you sometimes get as well as cementing your makeup for all day and night (plus it smells so sexual!)
• Luxury Face Kit from Hair and Makeup Addiction – I love these brushes – not only are they are incredibly soft and easy to use, they BLEND LIKE A MO FO! My makeup has never looked better and they clean so easy. My favourite part – they are VEGAN FRIENDLY!!

~ DAY 12 ~

…Everyday look…

This is my go to look, when Im rushed for time or just want to keep it simple. Details are as follows:

Started off with my trusty Shadow Insurance by Too Faced. In the crease I have Texture by MAC Cosmetics with Embark by MAC Cosmetics to darken it up andthen darkening my outer V. On the lid is a combination of Jest and Mythology again, both by MAC Cosmetics. I line my lids in a cat eye flick using Schwing Liquid Liner by The Balm. Using Goddess Mascara by Eye of Horus Mascara on my lashes. Foundation is NARS Sheer Glow, contoured my cheeks using Contour Kit by Sleek Makeup in Light. On my cheeks I have a combination of Warm Soul by MAC Cosmetics and Hot Mama Blush by The Balm – highlighted my face with Mary-Lou Manizer both by The Balm. On my lips is my fave combo of Rouge Allure in no. 88 by Chanel with Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Buff 4. Spritzing my face with a few sprays of Fix +by MAC Cosmetics.

~ DAY 13 ~

 …Favourite Mascara…

To me your eyes arent completed until you apply your mascara – I have a few favourites ranging from drugstore to high end. Today I am talking about Le Volume De Chanel by Chanel. Yes, this is an expensive mascara but the return on investment is high and well worth it. It gives me incredible volume and thickness – and removes the need for me to wear falsies. I love wearing false lashes but I dont want to wear them all the time. I will say that this is a very wet formula and can clump a little, but thats what helps give the whole illusion and makes it look so voluminous. It stay ALL day, and does not smudge! You will not regret trying this!

~ DAY 14 ~

…Bronze…

This look is all about the bronze – bronzed skin, bronzed eyes and a natural lip. My gorgeous cousin Georgia let me put this together on her… What do you think? Products are listed below:

Eyes: Mulch, Sable, All That Glitters – Lined the eyes with Dipdown gel liner all by MAC Cosmetics – lashes are coated in Shocking mascara by YSL

Face: Egg Pore Silky Smooth Balm by Tony Moly, Face and Body Foundation by MAC Cosmetics, Corrector by Bobbi Brown, Radiant Creamy Concealer by NARS, contoured with my Sleek Contour Kit in Light and Hot Mama Blush by The Balm.

Lips: On her lips is my favourite natural lip combo of Chanel Rouge Allure in no. 88 with Lip Gloss in Buff 4 by Bobbi Brown – setting it all with my trusty Fix + spray by MAC Cosmetics – all brushes used for her face were by Hair and Makeup Addiction for eyes Sigma.

~ DAY 15 ~

…Favourite Makeup YouTube Guru…

To be honest I couldnt just pick one… So here they are:

Nikkie Tutorials and Susie Morales

I always look forward to seeing what they post – if you’re not following them on Instagram or YouTube then you are LOCO! Do it now! You wont regret it – they are crazy talented, beautiful and hilarious.

~ DAY 16 ~

…Dark Lip Look…

I know this look isn’t for everyone but I actually quite liked it. Please excuse the horrid photo… I had to take it on my iPhone at work… Details are below:

Started off by priming my lips with my delicious lip scrub by Lush I then lined and filled in my lips using Currant Lip Pencil by MAC Cosmetics. I then take my new Cremesheen Lipstick in Hang-Up again by MAC Cosmetics

~ DAY 17 ~

…Glitter…

Today’s look is all about the sparkle – this is something you could wear out at night for a special occasion or if you just want to do something different… Details are as follows:

In the crease I used Haux by MAC Cosmetics, on the lid I packed on Shimma Shimma by Makeup Geek. Now for for the key to this look I take my Secret Weapon Adhesive by Shop Violet Voss I place it over the top of my lid then taking Wendy Glitter by Shop Violet Voss I place that on top. Going back into my crease with Haux again I re-define the crease. Finishing off the look using my Glam Eyes Liquid Liner by Rimmel I line my lash line extending it out into a slight cat eye flick. Applying a set of No. 1 lashes by Lashes in a Box – all brushes I used for this look came from the Luxury Eyes Kit from Hair and Makeup Addiction.

~ DAY 18 ~

…Music Video Inspired…

Today’s look was inspired by the video from Beyonce’s song Mine feat. Drake. I adore the way her eyes look in this and did my best to recreate it – details are as follows:

Primed my eyes with Shadow Insurance by Too Faced, then taking my Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk by NYX Cosmetics I place it in the centre of my lid and blending out the edges. Then from the Vice 2 Pallete by Urban Decay I take the colour Prank and pack that onto the inner and outer corners – beldning out edges. On the centure of the lid I put Mermaid by Makeup Geek – ensuring you blend out the edges into the darker colour. Taking Smokeout from the same Vice 2 Pallete adding it over the top of Prank and blending out. Taking Cupcake by Makeup Geek I place that in my crease – to darken the crease further I use no. 136 eyeshadow by Kiko Cosmetics. I then line my lash line using Lovesick again, from the Vice 2 Pallete and on my lower lash line I use Damaged by from the same palette. Finish off the look using a few coats of Le Volume De Chanel Mascara.

~ DAY 19 ~

…Favourite Hairstyle…

I’m not very good with hair so this is my go to style when I’m going out and want to do something other than straight or in a bun. To get these loose curls I used my holy grail 6 in 1 Complete Curler Set by BellaMi Hair. This curling iron is the ONLY one that has ever actually been able to get my hair to curl and hold he curl. It is so easy to use and doesn’t damage my hair at all! I am completely in love with it. For this style here I used the  32mm – 32mm (1 ½ inch) barrel.

~ DAY 20 ~

…Concealer…

I don’t know about you but I have dark purple under eye circles my – which when I’m over tired or sick only darken more. For years I struggled with them and it wasn’t till I was introduced to Bobbi Brown’s Corrector. This is amazing, because it is pink- or peach-based it neutralises under-eye darkness so when I apply my concealer it will actually conceal the darkness and brighten up my under eye. The concealer I’ve used here is Radiant Creamy Concealer by NARS – now you can either leave it here or you can add an illuminator like I do. the one I use it Prep + Prime Highlighter in Bright Forecast by MAC Cosmetics – I then set with Le Blanc Fresh Glow Brightening Powder by Chanel as you can see I’ve canceled out my dark under eye circles, concealed them whilst brightening the area as well. 

Well I hope you enjoy this belated second post…

Till next time xoxo

30 Days of Beauty – Part 1

Hey my lovelies,

As most of you may or may not know I completed a self-imposed 30 Day Makeup Challenge last year so I decided it was high time I did another one. After much thought I decided to make one not based solely on makeup looks but about beauty in general as well. I dont know if any of you have partaken in a 30 day beauty/makeup challenge but I actually find them to be tricky… especially seeing as I work in an office for the majorty of my day I have to somehow make it “work appropriate”. Anyway without any further delay please find the whole 30 Days of Beauty Challenge by yours truely…

~ THE CHALLENGE ~ 

~ DAY 1 ~

…No makeup, makeup…

This is would have to be my go to makeup look. This is the look I usually wear on weekends if I have nothing really that special on but I might be out to lunch with a friend or just running errands 🙂 Its super easy, fresh and light on the skin. Products used are as follows:

• Embryolisse Lait Creme
• Tony Moly Egg Pore Silky Smooth Balm
• Garnier BB Cream Oil Free
• Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light to Medium Peach
• Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
• Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder
• The Balm Hot Mama Blush
• MAC’s MSF in Soft and Gentle
• Eye of Horus Goddess Mascara

~ DAY 2 ~

…Lip Cocktail…

If you’re coming into winter, or maybe you’re like me & are just prone to dry lips you find yourself always reaching for your pawpaw or chapstick… well here is my cocktail for, dare I say it – more kissable lips?
1. Firstly you will need to start with a lip scrub (anyone will do) – the one I am using here is my Santas Lip Scrub by Lush (limited edition for Xmas but they have other delicious flavours such as bubblegum). Take a tiny bit & place on your lips & scrub scrub scub. The best part about this scrub is it’s made up of all natural ingredients & you can just lick it off when you’re done – yup thats right ladies/gents it’s edible :O – and delicious 🙂
2. Once you’ve scrubbed your top & bottom lip apply some moisturizing lip balm (again any one will do) – I like to use Lucas Papaw Ointment (it’s da bom). Apply a generous layer & let it sink in so your lips are fully moisturized
3. After the balm has sunk in, apply your chosen lipstick – here I am using Rouge Allure in number 88 by Chanel.      4.  To finish it off I’ve applied a nude lip gloss by Bobbi Brown in the colour Buff 4 over the top.

So there you have it, fresh and ready to do some kissin’ haha!

~ DAY 3 ~

… Victoria’s Secret Bombshell…

By no means do I even compare to the Victoria’s Secret beauties – but I thought I would attempt to give their stunning effortless makeup look a go. They are always so glowy and fresh – with an oh so subtle slight smoked out eye… Products are below:

• Shadow Insurance by Too Faced Cosmetics
• NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Pots and Pans
• Soft Brown, Espresso, Grain & Nylon eyeshadow by MAC Cosmetics
• Derailed from the Vice 2 Pallete from Urban Decay
• Hush Cream Colour Base by MAC Cosmetics
• Chromagraphic Pencil in Black Black by MAC Cosmetics
• Le Volume De Chanel Mascara by Chanel
• No. 2 lashes by Lashes in a Box

~ DAY 4 ~

…Evening Look…

This is just a fun look that I actually normally would wear out at night – or even for something bold during the day. It features one of my most FAVOURITE brands – Makeup Geek and their pigment Utopia. I actually posted a little video on my instagram of how I did this look if you want to go check it out 🙂 A List of products used is below:

• Shadow Insurance by Too Faced Cosmetics
• Preppy, Creme Brulee, Cocoa Bear & Corrupt all by Makeup Geek
• Utopia Pigment by Makeup Geek
• Schwing Liquid Liner by The Balm
• Le Volume De Chanel Mascara by Chanel

~ DAY 5 ~

…Lashes…

I firmly believe that, like a great pair of shoes complete an outfit – lashes do the same for your makeup. I love them all – from the subtle to the not so subtle… They can really help open up the eye and add a dramatic flair. The pair I am wearing in the picture below are one of my favourite dramatic lashes by Velour Lashes in the style “Doll Me Up”

~ DAY 6 ~

… Favourite Body Products (top 5)…

Here are my top 5, can’t live without, body products… Clockwise from L-R:

• Kerastase Réflection Masque Chroma Captive – this conditioner is AMAAAAAZING. I use this on mainly the ends of my hair as they’re dyed so need a little extra love – I leave it in for approx. 5mins & wash it out – result: super soft hair!!
• Clarisonic Mia 2 – this is my true skin savior… I’ll admit I bought this on a bit of a whim – but I have not looked back. It helps ensure my face is 100% clean, improved the overall elasticity of my skin & the way it absorbes moisturiser
• Clinique Skin Sparkle Exfoliant – this is the best I’ve ever used. It does an amazing job of helping leave my skin smooth like a babies bottom but it also contains salicylic acid & menthol which help leave the skin feeling smooth & refreshed not tight & dry like a lot of exfoliants do
• Michael Todd True Organics – Tropical Fruit exfoliant – I use this is on my face & I love that it’s made out of all natural ingredients is perfect for my sensitive skin 
• Kerastase Bain Elixir Ultime shampoo – I love how this leaves my hair soft but not flat plus it smells divine!

~ DAY 7 ~

…Eyebrows…

I have pretty full brows as it is – but in my opinion that’s even more of a reason to maintain them. In order to get the shape I want I get them threaded at the brow spa in David Jones (Elizabeth Street Store) then taking my Brow Powder Duo in Medium by Sigma and my no.12 large synthetic duo brush Anastasia Beverly Hills I concentrate on filling in the beginning and the end of my brow  then taking my Clear Brow Gel by Anastasia Beverly Hills I set it all in place. I usually only do this if I’m going out at night and want a more dramatic look.

~ DAY8 ~

…Drugstore Makeup Look…

This look is for those of you who are might just be beginning with makeup, or are on a budget or just don’t want to spend a lot on cosmetics… all products purchased from Priceline:

• Base Magique & Lumi Magique Pure Light both by Loreal 
• Match Perfection Foundation, Transparent Loose Powder & Natural Bronzer in Sun Bronze all by Rimmel
• Fit Me Concealer by Maybelline
• Blush in Pom Pom Rose & Rose Frisson both by Bourjois
• Mega Plush Mascara & Colossal Volum’ Mascara both by Maybelline

~ DAY 9 ~

 …Fave Makeup Products…

These are a few of my all time favourite products that I find myself reaching for time and time again – and each time I use them I remember why I fell I love with them…

1. Strobe Cream by MAC Cosmetics- this is hands down the best illuminating cream I’ve used so far. It smells great and really helps my skin glow 

2. Radiance Gel Bronzer by Chantecaille – as I’ve got dry skin I prefer this to using powders as it blends super easy & helps give my skin a more natural sun kissed glow. 

3.  Glam Eyes Liquid Liner by Rimmel – this in my opinion the easiest liquid liner to use, super pigmented and it’s affordable!

4. Sheer Glow Foundation by NARS – this is a gorgeous full coverage foundation but still helps give a natural finish. A little goes a long way.

5. My own personalised neutrals palette of Makeup Geek eyeshadows. These shadows are seriously amazing – high quality, super pigmented and completely affordable!

6. Melon Pigment by MAC Cosmetics – this is my go to colour for summer – it’s stunning and pairs beautifully with reddish brown shadows – really makes green eyes pop!

7. Naked Pigment by MAC Cometics – this is beautiful natural pigment that you could even use as a highlight on your cheekbones

~ DAY 10 ~

…Bridal…

Here is a shot of my gorgeous friend Alex, I did the makeup for her wedding – she wanted very sheer, minimal makeup. I was lucky in that she had taken my advice from the trial we did & really worked on rehydrating her skin & looking after it. As you can see the end result was flawless. Products are as follows:

• Lait-Crème Concentrè by Embryolisse
• Face and Body Foundation by MAC Cosmetics
• On the lids is All That Glitters & Haux in the crease both by MAC Cosmetics
• On the cheeks I mixed two shades from my 10 colour Professional Blush Palette from BH Cosmetics
• Highlighted the cheekbones and centre if the face using Mary-Lou Manizer by The Balm
• On the lips a simple colour using Butter Gloss in colour Crème Brûlée by NYX Cosmetcs 
• I didn’t apply lashes or mascara to Alex as she’d had lash extensions so they were gorgeous thick and didn’t need anything 🙂 all brushes used were by Sigma 

Alex’s Photographs were taken by Lovelight Photography

Stay tuned for Part 2 later in the week…

Till next time xoxo

Valentines Day Look – No. 2

Hey Loves,

As I mentioned in my previous post – I would be doing 4 looks, so here is my second look. It’s a bit different and possibly not for everyone, but I find this really makes my eyes pop. So if you’re interested to see how I create this look, read on 🙂

~STEP 1~

So as always I start off my priming my eye with my trusty Shadow Insurance by Too Faced Cosmetics. Then taking the colour Red Brick by MAC Cosmetics on my Sigma E25 Blending brush, I blend this into and well above my crease. I keep blending until the colour becomes a softer shade.

~STEP 2~

To deepen my crease – I take Handwritten by MAC Cosmetics on my Sigma E36 Blending brush and blend that directly into my crease.

~STEP 3~

For my lid I wanted a nice bronze colour so I chose my favourite shade – Woodwinked (again) by MAC Cosmetics. Taking my Sigma E35 Blending brush I blend that into and all over my lid. I then take the E36 brush I used earlier and go back over my crease to make sure the colour stays strong.

~STEP 4~

To smoke this look out a bit more I chose to darken my outer V with the shade Espresso by MAC Cosmetics and the same E36 brush used earlier, and concentrate this colour directly into my outer V and taking it a little of the way into my crease but not too far as I want to keep Handwritten the prominent crease colour.

~STEP 5~

So now that I have the colours all on and blended nicely to how I want them – I then line my upper lash line with Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in black by Eyeko. This time I didn’t take this out for a winged cat eye effect as there is already a lot going on with the colours. Together with a few coats of mascara, lining my upper lashline will give the illusion of much thicker lashes. So from here I just apply my foundation like normal…

~STEP 6 – optional~

This step is optional. After I applied the my favourite Goddess Mascara by Eye of Horus (which you could do to and then add some to your  bottom lashes and be on your way) – I wanted to make it a bit more intense. So I took my new favourite brush for under eye detailing – aptly named The Detailer by Hair and Makeup Addiction and use Red Brick again – placing it all along my lower lash line ensuring its well blended. Using my Accent Brush from Real Techniques I apply a small amount of Espresso blending it into my lower lashline where I placed Red Brick.

~Finish~

To finish off the look I add a few coats of Goddess Mascara by Eye of Horus to my lower lashes and a nude lipstick (the names worn off it :() there you have it… I hope you like it I know it’s a bit different but if I always did the same look you and I would both be bored 🙂

 

Till next time xoxo

Valentines Day Look – No. 1

Hello my loves,

It’s hard to miss Valentine’s Day coming up, and whether you’re looking forward to being romantically spoilt by your man or are dreading the date with the strength of a thousand suns, you should look fabulous. Stock up on wine, get the boy or your single girlfriends around and recreate one of these looks so you look hot for the occasion. This is the first of the four Valentine’s styles I’ll be showing to you this week.

~STEP 1~

I primed my eye with my trusty Shadow Insurance by Too Faced. Then taking Blanc Type by MAC Cosmetics, I blended that all over my lid and up to my brown bone with my E35 Tapered Blending brush by Sigma.

~STEP 2~

Taking Malt by MAC Cosmetics I use my E45 Small Tapered Blending brush by Sigma and place that in and just above my crease. Make sure this is blended out completely and there are no harsh lines. The idea is to create a soft shadow effect.

~STEP 3~

As I want a little bit of shine to the lid I use a mixture of Shimma Shimma and Vanilla Bean by Makeup Geek and blend that all over the lid with the same E35 brush I used earlier. Then I take the E45 brush I used for my crease and go back over my crease to strengthen the colour.

~STEP 4~

As I want to sharpen up my crease a little more, I take my E36 Blending brush (perfect for precise application to the crease)by Sigma and the shade Moondust by Makeup Geek and apply it using windscreen wiper motions, blending it directly into the crease.

~STEP 5~

Then taking a baby wipe I quickly clean up under my eyes and then create a sharp line on the side of my eye (this is how I mark out where my liner will go).

~STEP 6~

Now if you want you could leave the look as it is and just apply mascara and it would still look lovely. I however chose to add a cat eye flick. Now I understand that this isnt easy but the only way you can improve is to practice practice and then practice some more. I personally find it easiest to start by drawing a line across my upper lash line. So for todays look I wanted a more matt finish for my eyeliner so I went with my trusty fave – Schwing Liner by The Balm.

~STEP 7~

Then I draw a line out to however far I want it and then take it back down and fill it in to my desired thickness. Excuse the poor quality of this liner today as my hands were a little shakey (I may or may not have had a few drinks the night before… dont judge me). Again this is personal preference but I like to take the same shadow I used in my crease and line the lower lash lne with it. So I took the colour Moondust again and lined my lower lashline and then finished off the look with a few coats of Goddess Mascara by Eye of Horus on top and bottom lashes… TA DAAAA!

~STEP 8 – optional~

So from here you could just put on some clear lip gloss, a nude or a coloured lipstick. I’ve shown the look below with a coloured lip. Here I am wearing Sheen Supreme lipstick in the shade Candy Apple:

Well I hope you liked this look, its a pretty simple look but I like it because it allows you to go from day to night and you can apply any lip colour you want. Depends on how daring you want to be 😉

Till next time xoxo