Want to find out what's in my makeup bag? Then this post is for you! Here I have my everyday beauty essentials; products that I use every day to do my makeup and make myself look presentable. Watch my video to hear more about it or read on...
Products Mentioned:
Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation 103 True Ivory
Laura Mercier Bronzing Pressed Powder 'Golden Bronze'
What is your favourite foundation? I couldn't choose only one, so here I have my top 6 favourite foundations at the moment. I decided to include both drugstore and high end brands so read on to find out why I love them so much...
The Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation is my go-to everyday foundation of choice. I've just been wearing it non-stop because it makes my skin look amazing. It has that perfect medium coverage that hides all imperfections without looking cakey; plus it feels ultra comfortable and hydrating on the skin. I highly recommend this one if you're looking for a new foundation or even if you're just starting out with makeup and want a good affordable foundation. Check out my review!
L'Oreal True Match Foundation (watch my review) was actually recommended to me ages ago and I haven't stopped using it since. It's a great all rounder and another one of those 'easy' foundations that suits all skin types. I say if you're unsure about what foundation to buy, just go for L'Oreal True Match and you won't be disappointed! This has more of a matte finish, which makes it longer lasting and the perfect companion if you want your makeup to stay flawless all day.
My high end pick is the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation. How I adore this one! It's the best spring/summer foundation because it is water based and ultra lightweight. If you have good skin naturally then this could be your go-to foundation all year round; but for those of us with a few blemishes/marks here and there, it's best for the warmer months. I love to apply this foundation with my fingers as it melts into the skin and leaves a lovely radiant glow.
Guerlain Lingerie De Peau Foundation is another one of my absolute favourites. I see this as my 'special occasion' foundation because it has the power to make any skin look amazing. Your skin looks airbrushed yet still natural, plus you have this gorgeous dewy glow. I always use this on my clients when doing weddings, events or photo shoots. It's a little pricey but oh so worth it!
Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation (read my review) was my favourite last summer and I would wear it non stop. I actually forgot how much I love this foundation and I'm definitely wearing it tomorrow! This is almost like your drugstore version of the Guerlain Lingerie De Peau. Just like the name suggests, this foundation is an instant pick me up. If you have dull/dry/lacklustre skin then I highly recommend you try this one. It goes on smoothly, has great coverage and lasts all day!
Last but not least is the Revlon Colorstay Foundation. This was one of the first foundations I ever bought and I used to go through bottles of these when I had oily/acne prone skin as a teen. If you want to cover every little mark on your face then this is the foundation for you. It can look a little cakey, so the trick is to work with it quickly and blend blend blend! The formula for Normal/Dry skin is a little more fluid and easier to apply, so I would probably go with that if your skin is in good condition.
What are your favourite foundations? Do you use any of the ones I mentioned?
The Christmas holidays are almost here! How excited are you? Well despite all the festive spirit, some of us are anxious about putting on weight over the holidays. It isn't that difficult if you think about all the Christmas parties and New Year's Eve coming up. So what can you do? Well here are some tips & tricks on how to stay slim and not pile on the pounds. Of course any of these ideas can be incorporated into your life all year round, but they can be especially useful around birthdays, weddings and Christmas of course!
1. Have a small snack before the main event
If you're ravenous then you will eat everything in sight once you arrive at the Christmas party. Make sure to have a snack or small meal beforehand, that way you will be satisfied and your body won't go crazy at the sight of all that food. 2. Choose one favourite dessert
Make up your mind about your absolute favourite dessert and have just that at the end of the meal. Planning ahead is crucial, as you will be relaxed and ready; so no excuse for trying every sweet thing there is! 3. Buy a smaller dress/outfit
If you splash out on a gorgeous outfit that is a little too small for you, then you will have motivation to stay in shape and not gain weight leading up to the Christmas holidays. I think we all know just how effective this trick is! 4. Get enough sleep
Sleep is essential for repairing your body, so no wonder that sleep deprivation leading up to any major event can stress you out and make you pile on the pounds. Make time for YOU and get as much sleep as you possibly can. 5. Stay away from alcoholic cocktails
It's crazy how many empty calories are hidden in those delicious cocktails. You might as well have a proper meal instead; at least that will fill you up on nutritious food. 6. Use smaller plates
This might not be the easiest thing to do if you're dining out, but at home this really is a great tip. You just can't put as much food on a smaller plate despite it looking full. This is a great way to trick your mind into thinking that you're eating much more than you actually are. 7. Go for a walk
Exercise is important all year round, but especially so after large meals. Going for a walk aids digestion, which is crucial after eating sugary and fatty foods. Let's not forget about the added bonus of burning off extra calories! 8. Choose the foods you love
When you see all the food that is available, just choose the things that appeal to you the most and stick to those. If you try to nibble on every single thing, then the calories will quickly add up without you feeling properly satiated. 9. Drink plenty of water
We all know to drink enough water, but did you know that it's an amazing weight loss aid? Having it before meals will fill up your stomach and stop you overeating. Try it and you will notice yourself eating less! 10. Don't be harsh on yourself
One thing we're all guilty of, is criticising ourselves and being overly harsh when most of the time it really isn't that big of a deal. We should all learn to take it easy and not stress ourselves out, as that will not bring any benefits whatsoever. Take time to get to a point where you're happy with yourself and what you've achieved.
What are your thoughts? Do you have any tips on staying healthy & slim?
It's haul time my loves! This time it's all about makeup, makeup and more makeup! I bought these products over the last couple of weeks, so I promise I'm not crazy. Well maybe a little bit. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this little post and watch my video for all the info...
It's time to talk about crap products! If only I could rewind time and undo these beauty purchases. What a waste of money! But on a more positive note, hopefully this video will inform you guys about these products so you don't make the same mistakes I did. Obviously keep in mind that we are all different, and what might work for me may look awful on you. So please enjoy my latest video and use a bit of common sense...
Products Mentioned:
Nivea Refreshing Cleansing Mousse for Normal/Combination Skin
Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash
Nivea In-Shower Body Moisturiser Conditioner
REN Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash
L'Oreal Mega Volume Miss Manga Mascara
Eyeko Eye Do Mascara Lengthen & Strengthen
Witch Naturally Clear Blemish Stick
Charles Worthington Full Volume Shampoo
L'Oreal Triple Active Fresh Ultra-Hydrating Gel-Cream
This post is all about detoxing and cleansing your body. I've compiled some easy ways of detoxing as well as some tips and tricks on how to achieve a slim, healthy and happy you. This isn't going to be some crazy cleanse where you don't eat for a week, these are just some easy steps which anyone can take and which can easily be integrated into your daily routine. Watch my video or carry on reading for all the details...
The easiest thing anyone can do is follow a quick juice/smoothie cleanse. I absolutely love this method, as you're still eating yet flushing out all the toxins at the same time. You can start out by simply replacing one meal with a juice or smoothie; and this can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. See how you feel and continue if you feel great!
Of course I have to mention drinking water, as this is the best thing anyone can do for their body. Whether you are starting on a hard core cleanse or simply wish to incorporate more liquids into you daily routine, water is your best friend. It will help to detoxify your body and get rid of all the chemicals/toxins/pesticides that we encounter every day. Tea is also a great alternative, especially herbal varieties such as peppermint, chamomile, thistle and fennel.
Need I mention cutting out junk food, alcohol and smoking? We all know what's bad for our health yet we still continue to pollute our bodies with all this crap. Try to limit yourself and strive towards a more natural/organic/healthy lifestyle and diet.
There are also some things we can do from the outside to cleanse our body. I highly recommend dry body brushing before you take a shower or bath. This will open up your pores, get rid of any dead skin cells as well as increase circulation.
You can also include scrubs and fruits acid peels into your beauty regime. This is a great addition for all ages and skin types; exfoliating can help with breakouts, congested skin, blocked pores as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Try it out and you will definitely see an improvement in your skin.
Sweating is another great way to detox your body. Visiting a sauna/steam room and doing vigorous exercise can do wonders, and what's great is that you can notice a difference straight away. Your body will feel stronger, healthier and your mind will be crystal clear.
Today's post is all about my current favourites. I haven't done one in absolutely ages, so here are some bits and bobs that I've been enjoying lately...
This post is all about the NEW Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush. This is a super exciting launch for Clinique and I can't wait to tell you guys all about it! Watch my video for a quick 1 minute review or read on for all the details...
The Clinique Cleansing Brush was designed with a slim and compact handle, making it agile and comfortable to use. This ultra lightweight device has an easy on/off switch with an automatic 30 second turn off. The brush is made of 2 types of fibre: the white bristles are soft and perfect for the cheeks, whereas the green angled tip is more rough and ideal for the T-zone.
The NEW Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush is suitable for all skin types and ages. It is completely waterproof so can be used in the shower, which is perfect for my daily routine. The Anti-microbial technology helps to keep the bristles clean and fresh; plus it keeps a full charge for 180 minutes making it ideal for travelling.
It is recommended to start using this brush 30 seconds a day and then build it up to 1 minute. You could even cleanse your skin both morning and night if you feel like your skin craves it. I find that once a day is plenty for my skin and it's enough to see all the benefits. You can use any water based cleanser with this brush, so any gel/foam texture would be great.
Speaking of benefits, this Clinique Cleansing Brush will purify your pores, smooth out and refine your skin tone, exfoliate those dead skin skin cells and therefore help any serum/moisturizer penetrate deeper. This is also a great device for those of you with problematic acne prone skin. Just like the famous Clarisonic, it will most definitely help to clear up your skin, and with regular use keep those spots at bay.
As you can tell already, I am very happy with the NEW Clinique Purifying Cleansing Brush. I have already seen a difference in my skin and I haven't even been using it that long! It's a beauty must have and I would highly recommend it to anyone. Give it a try and let me know how you get on!
Here's my little review on the NEW L'Oreal Infallible Foundation. I'm in love with this product at the moment so I wanted to share with you my thoughts on it. L'Oreal never disappoints and this new foundation is no exception! Check out my video for more details...
Packaging: Sturdy glass bottle with a plastic cap; comes with a pump so very practical & easy to control how much product you get out.
Colour: I have 220 'Sable Sand', which is a perfect match for me. It has a neutral/yellow undertone and compares to W3 in other ranges of L'Oreal foundations.
Texture: Light/Creamy; not too thick and easy to blend on the skin.
Application: You have to be quick when applying this foundation as it sets rapidly and you might find it goes a little patchy because of that. It's best to use a brush to apply this foundation, as using your fingers can give you an uneven finish. Any brush will do; I've been using a classic foundation brush as well as a flat top kabuki.
Coverage: Medium and buildable to full. Finish: Natural/Matte, doesn't look too obvious or have a mask effect.
Longevity: This foundation lasts all day on me especially if I set it with some powder. But even without, it really is a 24h foundation.
Skin Type: Any skin type can use this foundation even those of you with dry skin. However, I would say it's best for people with oily/combination to normal skins due to the matte finish. If you're super oily and you struggle to find a long lasting foundation, then give this one a go!
Scent: Light inoffensive smell; evaporates quickly after application.
Price: £9.99 at Boots.
Have you tried the New L'Oreal Infallible Foundation yet? What did you think?
Today I have a massive empties post for you guys. I can't believe I used up so many beauty products! I hope you all enjoy and you can watch my video for more info on each of the items...
Summer's almost here, which calls for a change in routine. I always use different makeup products during spring and summer as you want something lightweight/longlasting/colourful and non-sticky. So here I have a selection of beauty products that are perfect for the warmer months...
Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer
L'Oreal Nude Magique BB Cream
Sigma Bare Eyeshadow Palette
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Moisture Mist
Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm
Rimmel Salon Pro Nail Polish '317 Hip Hop'
Ciate Nail Polish 'Raspberry Collins'
MeMeMe Beat the Blues Illuminator 'Pearl Pink'
MeMeMe Cherub's Blush Cheek & Lip Tint
Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm '105 Demure'
What are your must have beauty products for spring/summer?
What's the perfect way to start the month of May? With a huge makeup haul of course!! Here I have a nice mix of drugstore and some high end goodies, so I hope you guys enjoy! Watch my video for more details and my first impressions of these products...
Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer 'Glow'
Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss 'Love'
Revlon Colorstay Concealer '03 light medium'
L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Excess Mascara 'Black'
L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara 'Black'
Laura Mercier Face Illuminator 'Spellbound'
Rimmel Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder '004 Sandstorm'
Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter '025 Peach Parfait'
Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm '105 Demure'
What do you guys think? Have you tried any of these makeup products?
Today I'm showing you guys my full coverage foundation routine. This is the perfect face makeup for the evening time, going out or just when you want that flawless finish. With this foundation routine, you're sure to cover any blemishes/scars or uneven skin tone and achieve a perfectly even complexion.
I hope you enjoy and here are all the products I used...
Guerlain Lingerie De Peau Foundation '03'
Revlon Colorstay Concealer '03 Light Medium'
Rimmel Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder '001 Transparent'
Too Faced Sun Bunny Bronzing Powder
MAC Sheertone Shimmer Blush 'Peachykeen'
MeMeMe Beat the Blues Illuminator 'Pearl Pink'
Sigma F88 Flat Angled Kabuki Brush
Real Techniques Stippling Brush
Ecotools Powder Brush
MAC 109 & 138
What is your favourite full coverage foundation? Would you like to see more makeup tutorials?
I'm back with my March Favourites! I went on holiday to Dubai last month, so my favourites reflect that sort of climate and atmosphere. It was sooo relaxing and warm! But I'm also glad to be back so here are my favourites...
I decided to take my new Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette with me (check out my review) and I'm so glad that I did! It's such a great collection of neutrals with light and dark colours to create daytime and evening looks. I didn't wear much makeup because it was so hot and humid; I focused more on the eyes and this palette was perfect for that.
I also took my current favourite mascara which is the L'Oreal Mega Volume Miss Manga mascara. I'm really loving it at the moment! It helps to achieve those big bold lashes with tonnes of length and volume. It's a nice all round mascara and I would definitely recommend it to you guys! (watch my review + demo)
For skincare, I've been a little obsessed with my Chantecaille Eau de Rose de Mai. It's a pure rosewater spray so it's a little on the pricey side but oh so worth it! I just kept spritzing myself with this on my flight there and back, so as you can see the bottle is almost empty. This makes a great hydrating mist/toner/cleanser and you can even use it to set your makeup. I also took a mini Vaseline Essential Moisture Clean Feeling Lotion with Oat Kernel Extract. It makes a great hand lotion for travelling and the light texture if perfect for when on the go. The scent is also light and inoffensive so I will definitely be buying a full size version of this lotion!
I recently discovered the Phil Smith Life's A Beach Sea Salt Spray and it's seriously great stuff. It's my favourite texturizing hair product at the moment. I love how it doesn't leave my hair feeling crunchy, whilst still adding volume and bounce. My hair also feels soft and hydrated after using this Salt Spray which is a bonus!
This new nail polish from Ciate 'Raspberry Collins' looks absolutely stunning on the nails. It's such a vibrant pink shade which I think is perfect for spring and summer. I always rave about Ciate as a brand just because their nail polishes last for ages and the colour remains just as bright. Another pink product that made it's way into my March Favourites is the Maybelline Baby Lips in 'Pink Punch'. It's a super hydrating lip balm with a lovely pink tint; this is another product I've been using non-stop on my holiday!
I've been wearing the Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Girl Eau de Cologne and I can't tell you how many compliments I received. There just seems to be something about this scent that grabs everyone's attention! This perfume is one of my all time favourites and an absolute classic. You have to try this if you haven't done so already; it's a subtle fresh/fruity/clean/girly type of scent.
My random favourite for March is randomly called Rowntree's Randoms! I've been snacking on these way too much recently but they are just so delicious! Have you tried them? What are your favourite sweets that you can't get enough of?
Here is the long-awaited review on the new Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette. I'm personally really impressed with it so I thought I would share with you guys my experience with this palette, as well as a comparison to the previous two Urban Decay palettes.
Packaging: Sturdy metal case; keeps the eyeshadows nice & secure, which makes it perfect for travelling. Although they could have been a little more creative with the packaging, as it is too similar to the Naked 2.
Shades: Nice range of cool pink neutrals with 2 matte colours, 3 shimmers and the rest have a satin finish. There is a great selection of light and dark shades, so it's great for creating natural day looks as well as smokey evening makeup. My favourite colours would have to be 'Buzz', 'Trick' and 'Blackheart'.
Quality: Same great quality as the previous palettes. All eyeshadows are soft, creamy and very easy to blend. 'Dust' is the only disappointing shade as there's just not enough pigment.
Texture: Smooth, blendable and easy to work with. I don't get that much fallout even using the darker colours.
Longevity: Urban Decay eyeshadows and makeup in general is famous for it's lasting power, and this palette is no exception. My makeup lasts all day, and I'm sure it would last for 2 or even 3 days if I didn't remove it.
Value: This palette is £37 at Beauty Bay; contains 12 colours and a two-sided brush. I think it's great value for money considering how long these palettes last.
Suitable for: This is one of those palettes that wouldn't be for everyone unfortunately. The colours are too pink based to be suitable for all skin colours and undertones. If you are unsure, then I would highly suggest trying out some pink eye makeup beforehand and only then deciding on whether to invest in this palette. As a general suggestion I would say if you have pale skin with natural cool undertones, then these sort of colours can wash you out and make you look unwell. So definitely try out some pink makeup first to see if it suits you or not!
The main difference between the three Naked palettes is in the colours and their tones. The first Naked palette is full of warm golds and bronze shades; the second palette is much more cool with silvers and mauve colours; and the latest palette mainly contains pink/blush undertones. Check out my full review + comparison on both the original Naked palette and the Naked 2!
Have you tried the latest Urban Decay Naked palette? What did you think?
I haven't done a post like this in ages, so here are my high-end products that are absolutely worth the hype! These are just some bits I've been using recently and I think everyone should give them a go.
I'm going to start with the New Urban Decay Naked Palette (check it out at Beauty Bay) which I'm in love with at the moment. At first I wasn't sure whether to buy it or not, but now I'm so glad that I did. It's a great palette for a makeup beginner or for a pro who wishes to update their collection. I already have the first 2 palettes but this one is a nice addition. Would you guys like to see a review on this palette??
Another palette which is one of my all time favourites, and which I think isn't mentioned enough, is the Sigma Bare Eyeshadow Palette. It's significantly cheaper the the Naked Palette but the eyeshadows are highly pigmented and very long lasting. This palette contains all the neutral essential colours that any girl needs. It's perfect for travelling! (Get 10% off plus a free gift with code MAR2014 )
Speaking of Sigma, I must mention the Sigma Mr Bunny Essential Brush Kit. If you're on the lookout for a brush kit that has all the essentials as well as 2 brush holders, then this is the one for you. There are only positive reviews on this Sigma Brush Set and that's because it's totally worth the hype!
Recently, I've been enjoying using Kevyn Aucoin products as they seem to really work with my skin. It's an American brand and I'm sure it's more popular in the States, but here in the UK it's still pretty easy to get your hands on these goodies. (it's available in Space NK) His Liquid Airbrush Foundation is very popular amongst makeup artists and it's widely used on models for fashion shoots, London Fashion Week, etc. That's because it gives such a radiant complexion and just enough coverage without looking too obvious. You're seriously missing out if you haven't tried this foundation yet. Kevyn Aucoin is also famous for his Celestial Bronzing Veil; here I have 'Tropical Days', which is one of my all time favourite bronzers.
I also want to briefly mention Ciate nail polishes. The colour that I have here is 'Bon Bon', which I absolutely love but the whole brand is just amazing. These are probably the longest lasting nail polishes I've even found; they easily stay on my nails for over a week without chipping. That's pretty amazing right? Of course it's a high end brand but oh so worth it!
Moving on to skincare, I have some Laura Mercier products that I've been loving recently. Here I have the Almond Coconut Milk Souffle Body Creme and the Hand Lotion. These are very indulgent luxurious products that would make a great gift or even a nice treat for yourself. They smell divine and leave your skin feeling pampered.
My final 2 products are my holy grail skincare items at the moment. I don't know what I would do without them! Of course it's the one and only Eve Lom Balm Cleanser. If you're a beauty/skincare junkie then you need to get your hands on this cleanser ASAP. And then I also have the Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate, which has been a life saver for my skin. It's never felt so smooth, even, glowy, clear, hydrated... I can go on for ever because it really is that good! Read my full review here.
What do you guys think? What are your favourite High End Products that you think are worth the hype?
I recently picked up the new L'Oreal Mega Volume Miss Manga mascara so I thought I would do a quick review for you guys. I bought it last week and I've been using it non-stop ever since. It is quickly becoming one of my all time favourite mascaras and I honestly can't rave about it enough! It's gorgeous! So here's my review...
Colour: This mascara comes in 3 shades: black, violet and turquoise. I bought the black one and it's a very intense jet black.
Effect: It's marketed as a volumising mascara but I find it adds length and thickness as well. I get a gorgeous 'false lash' effect with this mascara without the hassle of fake lashes.
Brush: I would describe it as a carrot shape. The thick end is great for adding loads of volume, and the thinner end is perfect for the inner corners and bottom lashes.
Formula: Surprisingly thick for a L'Oreal mascara but perfect for me. I prefer mascaras with a thick and creamy formula and this doesn't disappoint. Don't worry it won't make your eyelashes clump together!
Recommend: Anyone who loves a big bold eyelash look. If you're after a subtle/natural looking mascara then this won't be for you.
Best for: Anyone with naturally big eyes and long eyelashes. This mascara will help enhance that even more and make your eyes look stunning!
Longevity: It's by no means waterproof but it lasts all day on me; plus it's easy to remove at the end of the day with any regular cleanser.
Price: £8.99 in Boots; they have a '3 for 2' offer at the moment!!
So as you can already tell I'm absolutely in love with this new L'Oreal mascara. I highly recommend you guys try it out! It would make the perfect 'going out' mascara, or if you like your lashes big and bold every day, then wear it to work like me!
Have you tried the new L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascara? What did you think?
I have another beauty haul for you my lovelies! (Have you seen my previous one?) These are just some things I've picked up over the past week, so I thought I would share them with you guys. Most of them are from Space NK but there are also some random bits and bobs. Here it goes...
I finally got the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette! I'm so excited to try it and see what all the hype is about! I have the Original and the Naked 2, which I love so I'm sure this one will be just as good. Have you tried it yet? (Check it out at Beauty Bay)
I went a little nuts on Rococo nail polishes so I ended up buying 3! Space NK has a great discount if you buy three products so it wasn't too bad. There's 'Sunseeker Creme' which is a hot orange/red and it's absolutely stunning! I'm going on holiday soon and I thought this would be the perfect summery shade. I also went for 'Lab Nude 3.0 Sheer Gloss' which is a sheer nude colour, and 'Social Butterfly Creme' which is a lovely muted pink.
I also picked up the Caudalie Nourishing Body Lotion. I've heard so much about it, I just had to try it myself and see what all the fuss was about. Its very lightweight yet hydrating, plus it smells divine. I think it would make a great body lotion for the warmer months.
I adore Chantecaille makeup even though it's crazy expensive. I decided to treat myself and buy their Luminous Gloss in Guava, which is a nude/pink shade perfect for everyday. This range is especially hydrating and non-sticky, so I love how it feels on my lips. Give it a go if you're after a luxurious lipgloss that also has some added benefits for your skin.
I ran out of my Nivea Creme so I bought another one. It's one of my all time favourites! I'm sure it's a staple products for many girls and I personally would be lost without it. It's a rich soothing moisturizer that can be used anywhere on the body that feels dry or irritated. And then I also got the Nivea Pure & Natural Milk & Honey Lip Balm.
There are some great sales in Sainsbury's at the moment so I decided to stock up on some of my favourite Garnier products. I bought the Fresh Cleansing Lotion; I think it's the equivalent of the Fresh Essentials Refreshing Cleansing Lotion, which I can't seem to find anywhere and it's my absolute favourite. I can't believe it's been discontinued! I also picked up the Intensive 7 Days Ultra Replenishing Lotion with Shea Butter; if I could only use one body lotion for the rest of my life, this would probably be my choice. It has such a lovely texture to it and my skin always feels soft and hydrated. I would highly recommend it if you've never tried it before!
My skin has been acting up lately, so I decided to go back to basics and use something simple that I know works for my skin. I got the Garnier Moisture Match Light Softening Cream for Normal/Dry Skin, which is a great quality moisturizer for the price that you pay. It's ultra gentle, very calming and provides enough hydration for the whole day. I bought it for half price so that was a bargain! Have you tried this range of moisturizers?
What do you think? Have you tried any of these products?
Here's my first ever foundation routine video! I always get requests from you guys so I finally decided to film it. This is my natural everyday foundation routine, which I wear pretty much every day for work/running errands, etc. Want to see how I do the rest of makeup? Check it out here
Products Used:
L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau De Teint Foundation 110 Warm Ivory
It's time for January favourites! Where did this month go? It feels like we just finished celebrating Christmas! I didn't actually do a favourites post last month, so these are my favourites for both months. Watch my video to see all my favourites including fashion and random bits, but here are my beauty picks...
This month I've rediscovered Lee Stafford hair products. I forgot just how great they are and they always make my hair feel gorgeous. Here I have the Sea Salt Spray, which gives me loads of texture but also conditions my hair at the same time. And then the Argan Oil is a great leave-in treatment; I use 1 pump on dry hair which tames frizz and makes my hair silky soft. I would highly recommend Lee Stafford hair products if you're looking to change up your current haircare routine!
My favourite foundation has definitely been the L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau De Teint. This is a lovely lightweight foundation which gives enough coverage for everyday without feeling heavy or cakey. It has a lovely velvety texture as well so it's a pleasure to apply and it lasts all day on me! Check out my full review here
There's 2 lip products that I've been using non stop. The Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss 002 Crystal Lilac hasn't left my handbag since December. It's the perfect everyday lipgloss; the colour is a natural nude pink plus I love Revlon formulas because they never feel sticky. My go-to lipstick has been the Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick 180 Vintage Pink. It's a deep pink colour with blue undertones, which makes it the perfect winter shade. This particular lipstick also lasts forever despite its hydrating formula.
You know how much I love my Sigma brushes especially the Sigma F80, but this month I've been mixing it up and using the F88 Flat Angled Kabuki. It's a great multipurpose brush because you can use it for foundation, bronzer, powder and it's great for contouring as well due to it's angled shape. Need I mention how soft Sigma brushes are? If you've never tried Sigma brushes before then you're missing out big time!
I've been lazy with my makeup these past few months, so my go-to eye look was just one colour blended out. I love MAC eyeshadows and 'Woodwinked' is a great shade to use on its own. It's a golden bronze colour with hints of pink and maroon, so it looks lovely on grey/blue eyes. It's definitely on of my all time favourites! What are your favourite MAC eyeshadows?
These exfoliating gloves from The Body Shop work wonders on my skin. They give a much deeper exfoliation than any scrub out there so any moisturizer you use afterwards goes deeper into the skin. My skin has never felt so smooth so I can't recommend them enough! My final favourite is the Rituals Magic Touch Whipped Body Cream with Cherry Blossom & Rice Milk. This has the most heavenly scent in the word! I would buy it just for the smell and I think I might order some more now!
What are your favourites for January or for 2013 in general?
I always get questions about my favourite products for makeup beginners, so here is a little post all about that. I wanted to do a drugstore version so all these products are affordable yet still great quality staple items. I hope you all enjoy and keep on reading for more info!
So starting with the face, foundation is a tricky one so here I have the Revlon Nearly Naked foundation. This would suit all skin types and it's super buildable, so you can easily go from natural light coverage to a full face of makeup. It's also easy to apply and blend which makes it perfect for anyone just starting out with makeup. Watch my full review here
One of my all time favourites is the Rimmel Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder in 001 Transparent. I would easily choose this over any other high end powder. It's an amazing product especially for the price you pay, it's only £3.99! It's great for setting your foundation/concealer as well as for keeping you shine-free all day. I can't recommend it enough!
Concealer is also a tricky one and it can be a nightmare to find the right one. Here I have the L'Oreal True Match Skin Tone Matching Correcting Concealer. From my years of experience working as a makeup artist, this is the one concealer that works on all skin types/colours/textures. It's a great investment and it will last you for a long time.
Next up I have the Bourjois Chocolate Bronzing Powder. Let me start by saying it smells absolutely divine! I chose this bronzer because it's unique, both in packaging and practicality. You can use this as a contour for your face as well as a bronzer; it's also a nice natural tan colour so you don't need to worry about looking orange.
There are so many great drugstore blushes out there that it would be quite difficult to go wrong. Just choose a colour you prefer and make sure to test it out in store. I decided to go for something a little different and that is the Rimmel Stay Blushed Liquid Cheek Tint. I received this in my Glossybox and I was very impressed with the results. Liquid blushes tend to look patchy and uneven on the skin, but this one is totally different; it's ultra lightweight plus it lasts all day, which is an added bonus.
Moving on to eye makeup, liquid liners can be a hassle so I would recommend the Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner. It's definitely one of the easiest liners to use because of its tough sponge applicator. It's incredibly easy to achieve that perfect line when using this, so give it a go if you struggle with eyeliners.
I know mascara is a very personal thing, so whichever one you choose will depend on your eye shape, eyelash length and the effect you wish to achieve. I think Rimmel is a great affordable brand and they do mascaras well. They have a great selection but the one I chose is the Max Bold Curves Mascara just because it would make a great beginners purchase. The brush is easy to use and you will add both volume and length to your eyelashes.
For lip products there are 2 brands that stand out for me and that is L'Oreal and Revlon. If you want a great everyday lipstick, something natural yet long lasting then Revlon is the brand to go for. The Colorburst Lipstick range has some great pigments without looking too matte. And then L'Oreal is my favourite drugstore brand for bright lipsticks. They have such a vast selection of colours that anyone can find a shade that works for them. The Color Riche 297 Red Passion is a true red; it has a lovely sheen yet stays put without bleeding everywhere.
What do you guys think? What products would you recommend for makeup beginners?
Here are some of my favourite beauty things I received for Christmas or bought myself over the holiday season. I can't wait to try all of them out and tell you guys what I think. Would you like to see a review on any of these products? Let me know!!
I received a few Laura Mercier Body products which smell absolutely divine. If you've tried any of her ranges before then you will know exactly what I'm talking about! Here I have the Ambre Vanille Scrub and the Almond Coconut Milk Souffle Body Creme. I also got the Almond Coconut Milk Hand Creme, which is a small handy size for my handbag.
Of course I bought some more of my favourite Whitening Lightning Pens. I feel like I'm always talking about them, but that's because they are truly amazing and I see great results straight away. I ordered the Super Booster Pen and the Zero White Whitening Pen which is great for sensitive teeth. They also do the Brow Bar To Go; it has 2 natural shades plus a gel to set your eyebrows. I can't wait to try this out! (Get 70% Off your order with code ANNA6BELLE70 or buy and 2 pens for just $29 with code Cheer)
I was happy to get my favourite cleanser of all time as I'm currently running out; I'm talking about the Eve Lom Balm Cleanser of course! It's my holy grail product and I can't praise it enough! Would you guys like to see a review?
I've been waiting for ages to try the REN Moroccan Rose Otto Ultra-Moisture Body Oil. I finally have it and I can't get enough! It hydrates my skin without leaving any residue, plus it has a gentle rose fragrance which I love.
The Caudalie Hand And Nail Cream was also a lovely present. It's super nourishing as well as full of anti-oxidants; its cute size makes it perfect for travelling. Then I also have a few candles; the Diptyque Gardenia and Shimmering Spice from Space NK. Both of them have great strong smells that fill the whole room when burning.
What did you get for Christmas? Have you tried any of the above mentioned products?
Here's another Get Ready With Me video for you!! Today I thought I would show you my New Years Eve Party makeup look. It's a fun and flirty tutorial, with bold eyes and nude lips. I hope you enjoy and let me know if you want to see more GRWM videos!!
