February Makeup Favourites

Anastasia Beverly Hills Cream Contour Palette (Medium) - Is it all it's cracked up to be? YES! I love this palette and it is so easy to work with. The coverage is amazing,  I use the 'cream' shade in this palette as an under eye concealer and 'banana' as a highlighter, these shades brighten up my skin and help to conceal my dark circles better than any other product I have used. I love to use the darker shades to bronze my skin and to create some definition by contouring. I would recommend this product to anyone!

MAC Strobe Cream - I bought this product just after Christmas and ever since I have been using it daily on my self and my clients. I love to apply this before foundation for a healthy and illuminating glow. I apply it to the high points of my face, particularly on my cheek bones where I like to highlight the most. I use this along side MAC skin base visage primer and studio fix fluid foundation, I love the combination of the three for a dewy and long lasting finish. 

Urban Decay De-Slick Oil Control Setting Spray - This is another cult product that everybody raves about and I've got to say I've been pretty impressed with it, my makeup does seem to stay in place and is longer lasting with a few sprits' of the spray when my makeup is complete and it also gives the skin an extra little glow after powdering. This product is now a must have for me and I will definitely be repurchasing!

NARS Illuminator 'Super Orgasm' - I never use to be crazy about a highlighter, but now I am and I had to get my hands on this pretty product. I apply this to my cheekbones after foundation, however I don't wear this daily, it is a product I opt for with evening makeup. This pearly peach illuminator gives off hints of gold which looks stunning when hit by the light.  

Thank you for reading!

Recent Makeup Look: Simple Smokey Eye

Firstly I apologise for my lack of posts in the last couple of weeks, I have been busy with work and prepping for my upcoming holiday to Ibiza in 3 weeks. I'm really pleased as I have had so many makeup appointments lately and lots more coming up in the prom season, unfortunately I have once again forgot to take pictures of the looks I have created, I must start remembering to do this. To compensate for that, I recently created an easy to achieve, neutral smokey eye on myself which I have since been wearing frequently. 

eyes.

• As always I started by priming my eyes with MAC 'Painterly' Paint Pot, this gives eyeshadow stay power and prevents creasing.
• For my transition colour, I created a shadow in my crease using MAC 'Wedge' eyeshadow, the shadow technique creates definition. I applied this lightly with a fluffy brush, recently I have been applying my transition colour first, to ensure this area stays matte if I am using a shimmery base colour. 
• As my base colour I used the very popular MAC 'All That Glitters'. This is a product I had to repurchase because I used it frequently, its very versatile and I use it often on my clients, especially for bridal makeup. 
• To create the 'smoke' I darkened up the outer corners using the 'Warm Brown' powder from my 'HD Brows Pro Eye and Brow Palette' with a pencil brush I then blended this out for smooth finish using a fluffy brush. I also applied this to my lower lash line for a smouldering effect. 
• I used MAC 'Shroom' eyeshadow to lift and highlight my brow bone and in my inner corner to make my eyes appear brighter.
• For my statement feline flick I of course used my holy grail eye liner, MAC 'Liquidlast' Eyeliner. 
• In my waterline I used Urban Decay '24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil' in the colour 'Pervision' which is black. 
• To finish I applied Barry M 'Lash Vegas' Waterproof Mascara. If I was to wear this makeup out I would complete this look with some wispy Kylie Jenner style false lashes.

lips. 

• To line my lips I used MAC 'In Anticipation' Pro Longwear Lip Pencil, because I have ran out of my favourite lip liner (Mac 'Pink Treat' Creamstick Pencil) I always over draw my lips slightly to create a fuller look. 
• The lipstick I used was MAC 'Merh', no surprise there, this is my absolute favourite lipstick.

you can read my most updated complexion routine here. 

Thank you for reading. 

March Makeup Wish List & Product Update

After splashing out on lots of new makeup last month I've been trying my hardest to be sensible and stay away from makeup counters and internet shopping but of course that doesn't mean I haven't been thinking about new makeup every day and night. So below I have put together a list of all the beauty products I've been lusting over and will hopefully be getting my hands on soon! 

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray - This is a product I have wanted for such a long time but I have always forgot to purchase because its not a necessity. This 'best seller' product by Urban Decay is designed to set your makeup after application. You simply spritz on the light weight formula and it claims to set your makeup and keep it looking 'just-applied' with out melting, fading or settling into fine lines. As far as I know this product works and has great reviews but I need to find out for myself, this could be a life saver! 

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil 'Yeyo' - I'm in need of a white eyeliner to use in my waterline, I recently purchased MAC Technakohl Liner in the colour 'Snowed In' for this but unfortunately it doesn't work; its not pigmented enough to use in my waterline and I wouldn't recommend it for anything else. On the other hand I have been very impressed with my Urban Decay 24/7 pencil in 'Perversion' this is the black eye liner I use in my waterline, its super pigmented, long lasting and easy to use. 'Yeyo' is the same product but in white, I would like to try this and hopefully find that its just as impressive as 'Perversion'.  

Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder - I have owned Bobbi Brown makeup in the past but I have never really looked in to the brand and their products, however I have heard lots of great reviews especially about their bronzers. When I have bought bronzer in the past I have always gone for MAC but I have never been really happy with the colour match and the overall finished looked of the product. I plan to purchase a Bobbi Brown bronzing powder and then hopefully try some more products from the collection, their 'Shimmer Bricks' also look gorgeous. 

MAC Lip Pencil 'Whirl' - If you love makeup as much as me I'm sure you will have heard of this product! 'Whirl' is apparantley the lip pencil used by Kylie Jenner - or at least the lip pencil most people are using to recreate those famous Kylie lips. If you read my blog you will know I love 'Pink Treat' Cremestick Liner by MAC (which I've ran out of again) but lip liner is a makeup must-have for me now and I want to start collecting them beginning with the very popular 'Whirl' then 'Spice' then 'Brick'... The list goes on!

Tom Ford Eye Color Quad 'Cognac Sable' - Tom Ford makeup is so beautiful and luxurious, I want it all - but it comes with a price, a very expensive one! Since buying my Tom Ford lipstick and loving it, Im dying to buy more and the eye shadow quads look to die for. I especially like the look of the palette named 'Cognac Sable' which consists of gold, bronze and deep brown shades which are my favourite colours to use on my eyes. 

Zoeva Makeup Brushes - Since last year I have been seeing Zoeva makeup brushes being used by some of my favourite youtubers in their makeup tutorials. There are lots of different and unique brushes in the collection and there is also a selection of brush sets to choose from. I think I am in need of some new eye brushes so I may purchase a few of their single brushes to try out before I purchase one of their sets which is what I really want. 

Product Update 

As I mentioned in my previous post 'Recent Beauty & Makeup Haul' I recently purchased MAC In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash Mascara. I got talked in to buying this because at the time it sounded impressive and for me the most important thing in mascara is that it doesn't smudge under my eyes through out the day so when I got told that it was 'smudge proof' I had to try it. Since then I have found that it is not smudge proof and also it doesn't really benefit my lashes in anyway at all, I'm not impressed in the slightest. I got told that if I'm not happy with the product I can take it back for a refund and I will be doing just that because for me it was a complete waste of money and I would not recommend it to anyone. 

Recent Beauty & Makeup Haul

Recently I have bought some makeup and beauty products which are all very new and exciting to me. I have been trying most of these products out over the past few weeks but some I have just bought today that I want to include in this post whilst they are new and fresh on my mind!  

MAC Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Illuminating Base (Radiant Yellow) 

This purchase was actually a mistake on my behalf, I pointed this moisturiser out to the MAC makeup artist thinking it was the 'Skin Base Visage' primer; both these products are in very similar packaging which I wasn't aware of. However I've been wanting to try some new face products and luckily I'm pleased with how this product works so it wasn't a complete a waste of money as it is getting used daily, I will just have to make sure to pick up a primer on my next visit. I use this as my moisturiser and apply it immediately before foundation, it brightens my skin and gives me a healthy glow. Although I see this product as more of a moisturiser it claims to 'hydrate and prime skin to improve foundation and powder  application' I must say I agree and I have noticed a difference in the outcome of my foundation, it blends easier, doesn't look cakey and is longer lasting. I have only used this with Kevyn Aucoin SSE but I am loving the combination on the two and is certainly competition for my beloved Charlotte Tilbury 'Light Wonder' Foundation. 

Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer 'SX08' 

This is a multi-purpose product which can be used as a full coverage foundation, concealer highlighter or mixed with a moisturiser or facial oil for a tinted moisturiser effect. Buying this online was a risk but I heard so many great reviews I had try it for myself. I had no tester so I had to guess my shade with other bloggers comparisons to MAC foundation shades. It is pricey at £34.00 for only 18 grams and although I knew the product was going to be small I couldn't believe quite how small it was when it arrived. Luckily I am happy with the shade I chose, this shade was compared to a MAC NC 30 which is what I used to wear. 
When I first tested the product I wasn't immediately impressed, the consistency is a lot different to the foundations I usually use as it is a thick gel-like texture and very pigmented. However after playing with the product and trying different techniques of application I have learned to love this as a foundation and I am using it daily. 
Only a small amount of product is needed with each use as a little goes a long way and thats why it comes in a such a small package. As a foundation this works best applied to skin which is freshly moisturised so that the foundation can slip and blend easily.
 To apply I pick up a small amount of product and evenly distribute it on all areas of my face before blending it out either with a Real Techniques Stippling Brush or a damp beauty blender I bought off Ebay (I'm not paying £15.00 for the original beauty blender any time soon, a sponge is a sponge).
I love this foundation because it is so versatile, I can have a full coverage foundation for a night out or I can create a tinted moisturiser for a day time and either way I wear it, it is long lasting and stays in place. As a foundation it doesn't look cakey or feel heavy, my skin looks and feels flawless, fresh and luminous. 

YSL Palette Ombres De Jour (5 Color Ready-To-Wear)

When I clocked this limited edition palette I had to have it before it flew off the shelfs. The sleek and sparkly pink, gold and black packaging is to die for and so me! This is not a product hidden in my makeup storage, instead it is displayed on my dressing table alongside my other favourite luxury products. Inside holds 5 eyeshadows; 3 neutral shades, a shimmering black, a pop of pink and 2 small brushes. I love the ready-to-wear colour combination making this a great palette for on-the-go. This is my first time using YSL eyeshadows and I would say the formula is quite similar to Urban Decay eyeshadows but with less fall out. Personally I don't think MAC can be beaten for eyeshadows as they are so densely pigmented but I am happy with this purchase, I'm sure it will get lots of use and its always exciting to try new products, especially when they're this pretty.  

YSL Rouge Volupte 29 'Rose Opera' (Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick) 

I included this in my 'Luxury Makeup Wish List' post which you can find here. I have been admiring this beautiful lipstick collection for a long time but its took me all this time to buy because I always find myself getting carried away at the MAC counter buying MAC lipsticks and MAC everything! 
YSL have done it again with this stunning packaging and obviously I can't hide this one away either, its stood right next to my YSL palette on my dressing table. I opted for a pink lipstick for a change because I've been wearing a lot of nude and neutral shades lately. This is the perfect pink lipstick for me; its a medium pink with neutral undertones which I prefer against my skin tone rather than a pink with blue undertones. The formula of this lipstick is very creamy and moisturising so the lipstick just glides right on. It's very pigmented so only a little product needs to be applied for a full coverage glossy finish. 

Tom Ford Lip Color 04 'Indian Rose'

For a long time I have been dying to get my hands on some Tom Ford products but it is some of the most expensive makeup I have came across and I couldn't quite fathom spending £37 on a lipstick alone, but as usual I caved and bought the makeup... The only problem is now I want to buy more and I've got a holiday to pay for! But for now I will settle with this gorgeous lipstick in the shade 'Indian Rose' which is absolutely perfect everyday use. It has been compared to a popular lipstick by MAC 'Pink Treat'. It is a very neutral shade; a rosey-pink, almost like an amplified version of my natural lip colour. The formula feels light on my lips and is creamy and moisturising and the finish is opaque with a sheen. 

Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner 'Junkshow'

Lately I've been loving glitter eye makeup so this eyeliner was a must have. There are 7 colours in this collection and of course I went for the pink with iridescent glitter. These eyeliners are a great and easy way to spice up a smokey eye, and take a look from day to night. The glitter glides on and applies smoothly and stays put for sparkling eyes that last all night. 

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil 'Perversion'

This eyeliner is blacker than black and stays put all day/night. The pencil glides on so smoothly making it perfect for use on my waterline which is what I specifically bought this liner for. 

MAC Technakohl Eyeliner 'Snowed In'

 I wanted a white/cream eyeliner to use in my waterline to give the illusion or brighter and more awake eyes. Unfortunately I haven't been impressed with this liner, its not very pigmented at all and doesn't show up on my waterline. This is definitely something I regret buying, next time I would like to try an Urban Decay white/cream eyeliner and hopefully it will be as impressive as their black eyeliner. 

In Extreme Dimension 3d Black Lash 

I have finally invested in a new mascara because I am so bored of my Barry M mascara - its only benefit is that it is 100% waterproof and smudge proof. On my last 2 visits to the MAC counter the makeup artists have asked me what mascara I am using, the first time I resisted buying but the second time the girl really sold this product to me. She said that it is completely smudge proof and it will separates all my lashes giving them length, volume and curl. She also said that if this product doesn't work for me I should bring it back for a refund which I think is brilliant but hopefully I won't have to do that.

MAC Eyeshadow 'Tempting'

I haven't bought eyeshadow in a while after spending most of last year buying eyeshadows to fill my MAC palette but after seeing a makeup tutorial with this eyeshadow I had to have it, after all my 'Mythology' eyeshadow is almost empty and I need to replace it with something. This colour is described by MAC as 'sinfully rich coco' - I'm not sure what that means but I would say its a bronzey brown with gold shimmer, a really gorgeous colour which I know I will be using a lot! 

Thank you for reading!

Recent Makeup Look: Pink Glitter & Black Smoke

As I mentioned in my previous post I have been trying out some new eye makeup looks which you may have seen on my Instagram. This one is my favourite, I've had this MAC pink glitter for a while now and had never put it to use but after trying it out for the first time I loved the outcome and its definitely a look I will be recreating for a night out.

*As you can see I'm not wearing false lashes as this was a practise run, if I was to wear this out I would add false lashes for a more dramatic finish.

This glitzy eye makeup is rather extravagant making it perfect for a night out or party. To create this look I started with an eye primer, as usual I used MAC 'Painterly' Paintpot. I then applied a small amount of fixing gel on my eyelids for the glitter to adhere, I used a small flat concealer brush to pick up the glitter and tapped off any excess product before applying to my lids, I repeated this process till my lids were completely and evenly covered with glitter. To warm up and define my eyes I applied MAC 'Soft Brown' eyeshadow in my eye sockets, this is also used as a transition colour to fade out dark colours so that they blend seamlessly. I then applied my favourite black eyeshadow, Urban Decay 'Blackout' in the outer corner of my eyes to create a winged out effect, I used this colour heavily in the outer V and then used a fluffy brush to lightly blend the colour out and fade towards the socket. I also took this black eyeshadow along my lower lash line to make my eyes look extra smokey. For my waterline I took a fine liner brush and spritzed it with MAC Fix + Spray then picked up some of the black eyeshadow, this is a great alternative for an eye pencil. To finish I used MAC Liquid Eyeliner to define my upper lash line and as always I highlighted my brow bone and inner corners with MAC 'Vanilla' pigment. 

product list. 

eyes

MAC 'Painterly' Paintpot 

Fixing Gel (unbranded)

MAC Pink Glitter 

MAC eyeshadow 'Soft Brown' 

Urban Decay eyeshadow 'Blackout'

MAC Liquid Eyeliner

MAC Pigment 'Vanilla' 

HD Brows Pro Eye & Brow Palette 'Dark Brown'  (Brows)

Barry M Lash Vegas Waterproof Mascara

face 

BH Cosmetics 10 Colour Camouflage and Concealer Palette

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Powder in Medium Plus 

Charlotte Tilbury 'Filmstar Bronze & Sculpt' Face Sculpt and Highlight

Charlotte Tilbury Cheek & Chic 'Swish & Pop' Blusher in 'Ecstasy'

lips

MAC 'In Anticipation' Pro Longwear Lip Pencil

MAC 'Chatterbox' Lipstick

Eye Makeup: Arabic Eyes

I am continuously creating new makeup looks however I don't always take pictures of my work and the reasons being are I have either spent to long doing my own makeup and have no time to do so because I have left myself rushing to go out or I have forgotten to ask my clients for pictures but from now on I am going to make sure I get as many pictures as possible so that I post them on here because I love nothing more than talking about makeup and sharing my ideas! 

I created this look in my spare time with the intentions of writing this post. Initially I wasn't sure what look I was going for but the outcome was like an arabic eye makeup look which I haven't tried on my self before, to achieve this look I simply extended the eyeliner on the inner corners of my eyes and I also applied MAC 'Cranberry' eyeshadow on my lower lash line which meets with the flick on the outer corners of my eyes. The base colours I used are warm tones such as red and pink, these are some of my favourite colours in my palette because they contrast with my green eyes and make them pop. To give the eyeshadow more definition I added a deep purple (MAC 'Sketch' eyeshadow) in the outer 'V' of my eyes and as usual I used MAC 'Shroom' and 'Gleam' eyeshadows for an inner corner and brow bone highlight. For my lips I used my favourite combination of MACs 'Pink Treat' Cremestick Liner and 'Merh' lipstick.

Eye products used: 

MAC 'Painterly' Paint Pot 

MAC eyeshadows: Gleam, Shoom, Expensive Pink, Sushi Flower, Cranberry, Sketch

Urban Decay 'Blackout' eyeshadow

MAC Liquid Eyeliner 

HD Pro Eye and Brow Palette