If you read my post on 6 ways to up your makeup game you would know that I'm trying to implement more colour into my beauty routine other than the usual orangy browns and purples I alwayssssss do. When I opened my mail last week to the new limited edition FULL SPECTRUM EYESHADOW PALETTE* by Urban decay I was overwhelmed with excitement.
This palette features every colour of the rainbow with 21 shades of iconic eyeshadows. From super bold and bright colours to matte whites and darker shades to create the perfect ombre smoked out effect. The palette is arranged in trios of colours that work well together e.g. transition, lid and outer v shades. But you could always mix it up and create endless choice of options. 3 of the shades (Alchemy, Hatter and Metamorphosis) are from previous palettes while all the rest are bran new to UD.
Here I am another year writing this same post again - Black Friday is hereee! It's becoming bigger and better in the uk each year....which is fabbbb. As its nearly christmas...it's the perfect time to stock up on those presents while they're bargain - or treat yo'self because there is nothing wrong with doing that every other day? I've rounded up deals from some of my favourite fashion and beauty websites.
WOMF is backkkk! Last Friday I decided to go for a purple glitter cut crease using my trusty Morphe 35P! Matched with a super matte bronzy face (keep a eye out for my highlighter/bronzing holy grails next week) I have also been switching up my base routine by using new products and observing what works best for my skin & this combination is definitely one of my favessss.
PREP & PRIME
Nivea Soft Moisture Cream
Nivea For Men Sensitive Post-Shave Balm
If you've read my previous Skincare Wish list you would know i'm trying to make small changes to organise a skincare routine to suit me. I tend to be quiet lazy when taking care of my skin because I simply cbaaaa but at the same time I want my skin to have that glowy dewy finish on no makeup days too so... some effort has too be put in right?
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Scrolling through insta (as I always do) I found a few people raving about the NEW L'Oreal Paris Pure Clay Mask Range which was good timing because I was on the lookout for a good face mask to try out. They are all available at boots for £5 - I researched before deciding which mask of the 3 would be best for my skin & here is a lowdown on what I found:
Purity Mask: Is for oily complexions, it purifies deep into the pores and leaves the skin matte. This is the one I bought because oily skin is one of my main concerns when dealing with my skin.
Detox Mask: Contains charcoal which acts like a magnet to clean out impurities on normal skin complexions. Although I really liked the concept of this mask I didn't see the need in trying it out because...my skin is nowhere near normal!
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So here are a few tips that I feel have helped transform my make-up game!
Prime Prime PrimeI used to always skip this step as I didn't deemed it necessary or important but I was so wrong! Having a fresh primed face beforehand will make your make up stay intact throughout the day. I use the Nivea For Men Post-Shave Balm which is my Holy Grail product (you can read my full review here). It fills in fine lines and makes a my face super smooth (which makes applying foundation a lot easier). If you feel extra fancy, mix it with a little bit of liquid highlighter for all year round glowy skin ;)
Using a BeautyBlender
Purchasing this all mighty beauty sponge last November was probably one of the best things I've done. It took me forever to FINALLY jump on the bandwagon, because I certainly could't justify spending £16 for 'just' a sponge. But let me tell, this sponge is the dream. It blends out my foundation, concealer and contour seamlessly, without leaving any harsh lines or patchy sections. Just an airbrushed glowy base. Plus it's a multi-purpose tool as it can also be used with powders, blushers and highlighters.
The Sticky Tape Trick
Wing liner is something I cannot do, like seriously! I have watched tons and tons of tutorials and I just can't seem to master it . However this trick works wonders, use sticky tape on the outer corners, to carve out a symmetrical line. It also works great for getting a super crispy eyeshadow edge too; which makes a dramatic difference to your overall look. I use tape all the time as is quick and easy but makes your wing liner slay life.
Falsies
The power of false lashes! I don't know what it is but your make-up game can go from a 4 to a 10.5 with just applying simple fluttery lashes. You could have bare eyelids and a pair of Demi wispies and boom! It completes the look and adds that hint of sexiness and glamour? You can never go wrong with them - even though they are a pain to put on! They are worth it.
Baking and Cooking
If you watch makeup tutorials on YouTube or follow Kim K on instagram, then you probably know what this term means by now. I use my beautyblender to pack on a generous amount of translucent powder to the areas I highlighted, letting it set for 5 to 15 minutes before dusting away all the excess. I always go for the Ben Nye Banana/Topaz Powder or MAC Mineralize Loose Powder which gives me a flawless finish with absolutely no under eye creasing. I also use it under my cheekbones for a killer contour.
Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone
Going all out with make up can sometimes be scary or sort of intimidating but this is the 'real' game changer. A year and a half a go - I would have never dared a dark lipstick or even eyeshadow (never mind glitter lol). It is a great way to practice and play around with colours you could predominately like. Because you won't know what that black lippie or that vibrant green eyeshadow will look like on you unless you try it out - & might surprise yourself! And I mean, at the end of the day you can always clean it all off, if it didn't turn out as you expected!
Lashes are probably one of my favourite things about make up but I must say they are an absolute pain in the backside to put on - specially if you are part of the watery eyes gang. The struggle is real! But they can honestly up your make up game from a 4 to a strong 10.5! So for me they aren't an option.
I was recently sent a sparkly glittery package from _Ilashes_ filled with eyelash goodness *inserts love heart emoji* I was sooooo exited to try them! _Ilashes_ are a very popular lash brand on Instagram who was founded by a professional makeup artists who was frustrated due to the lack of variety of lashes accessible in the UK as well as price wise.
When it comes to lashes I tend to be quite picky - I like to keep it simple when it comes to length, weight and how fluttery they are. I had to step out my comfort zone with some of the lashes they sent me but I found that they looked great on, added extra glamour to the look without making my eye lids feel super heavy. Jasmine Lashes are my absolutely favourite pair by far - I wore them on my 18th and they stayed on all day comfortably with no problems (Since then I have wore them up 4 times and they are still intact). Eva lashes are also one of my favourites - they are like 'my lashes but better' simple and great for everyday wear. Another highlight of these lashes is that they can be used multiple times if you take good care of them.
There are 11 different styles on offer and it has just been announced that _ILashes_ will be releasing 2 new styles at the end of this month. The best part is all their lashes are super affordable at just £2 each!!! Which is very favourable for those who are obsessed with lashes (like me lol) but also make-up artists who want to keep their prices low but still use good quality products.
What are your favourite lashes?
Hope xo
PREP & PRIME
Nivea Soft Moisture Cream
Nivea For Men Sensitive Post-Shave Balm
BROWS
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Ebony
Freedom Pro Brow Pomade in Dark Brown
Collection Eyebrow Kit Brunette
LA Girl PRO Conceal in Fawn - to tidy the brows
EYES
LA Girl PRO Conceal in Fawn to conceal eye lids
Morphe 35o Palette
- 1 - Brown bone
- 2 - To set concealer all over the lid
- 3 - Transition Colours
- 4 - Crease
- 5 - Outer V / Smoked out on the lower lash line
- 6 - Lid Colour
- 7 - Inner Corner
Black Kohl on the water line
FACE
Make Up Forever Ultra HD #178 Chestnut
LA Girl PRO Conceal in Fawn
Black Opal Creme Stick Foundation in Black Walnut to contour
MAC Mineralizing Loose Foundation in Medium to bake-ish
Balck Opal Deluxe Finishing Powder in Dark to set contour
Mac Mineralize Skin Finish in Give Me Sun to set/blend the whole face
LIPS
Carmex to moisturise lips
Lime Crime in Peacock
FINISHING TOUCHES
Make UP Revolution VIVID Baked Bronzer in Ready To Go to highlight - cheekbones, cupids bow and brow bone! Everywhere lol!
NYX Setting Spray - Matte Finish
Hope xox
I have a serious problem! I can't seem to go a month without buying make up - it's almost painful thinking of doing a spending ban, cause let's be honest? It ain't gonna happen lol. There is a few products that have been popping up on youtube videos and blog posts recently, that I definitely need want. So today I though I would share with you some of the items I am lusting after.
Ever since the 1.NYX Lip Lingerie Lipsticks launched last month in boots, the 'Kylie Lip Kit' dupes have been raved about everywhere, all over my twitter/insta feed. And like always, I'm the last one to jump onto the hype.I have heard mixed reviews about the formulas of these so I concluded in getting just one (Truffle Butter) before making my mind up and buying a few more.
Another product that makeup gurus have been raving about lately is the new 2. Milani 2 In 1 Foundation. Apparently the coverage is amazing as it's a 2 in 1 acting as a concealer as well. Sadly, my shade is out of stock but once it's back, I won't hesitate to purchase it and share my verdict.
3. Morphe 35o Palette - This is the most sought after palette ever, I never seem to get to the website on time whenever it's back in stock! Or I get so excitedly nervous that I type my card details wrong lol. I NEED this palette in my life. It has a beautiful combination of brown, orangy - red, nude, shimmery and matte shades, which is perfect for a simple or absolutely dramatic eye looks.
Instagram Brows, Contouring, Baking, Highlighting now is all about Correcting! This makeup trend seems to be really in at the moment with different brands bringing out their own correcting products. The 4.BECCA Backlight Targeted Colour Corrector is definitely winning for me, as the shade 'Papaya' will work perfectly on darker skin tones.
5. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Caramel - This concealer always seems to be going back and forth with the Urban Decay Naked. I recently got the UD one, so I might as well get the NARS and see for myself. After all, you can never have too much makeup!
6. Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit - Forget about the all mighty So Hollywood and hello Glow! I don't think I need to explain why I want this, like??? Why wouldn't you want to glow to the gods??
I have been really frustrated with my brows lately, they just seem to never want to co-operate and look decent (specially the left one). After doing my research and asking some perfect brow godesses, the 7. ABH Large Synthetic Duo Brow Brush (#12) seems to be the one that works for everyone. So maybe I can finally justify spending £15 on a brow brush.
I am rubbish at skincare! I just find it so difficult to stick to a routine and perform it religiously. But I think once I own these products it will help me lay a foundation to hopefully be more motivated to make my skin look radiant and luscious.
Muddy masks are in! & the 8. GLAMGLOW Thirstymud Hydrating Mask has caught my eye. My skin has been playing me really badly and some hydration would really be nice. Even though this product is on the pricier side - I'm sure it will be worth the splurge.
Now, you can't tell me you haven't heard of this wonderful affordable skincare brand! It seems to have come out from nowhere but I ain't complaining. The Mario Badescu 9.Drying Lotion is something I definitely need to try to see if it lives up to the name. It dries your spots and makes them disappear! I mean what more could you ask for? Plus I might as well get their 10. Rosewater Facial Spray as rose water as been said to have amazing benefits on the skin!
I hate not taking my make up off before bed, but sometimes you are soooo tired that completing that simple task can seem like a huge chore, ygm? The 11. MakeUp Eraser would leave me no excuse to do so plus you can use it over and over and over again! And for the nights I feel extra fancy and I want to give my skin a bit of a deep cleanse the 12.Spin for Perfect Skin from Vanity Planet would be splendid for that extra pamper!
What products have you been lusting recently?
Hope xox
Priming was something I never used to take seriously. The concept of making a smooth and clear base before applying your make up was just non-existent in my makeup routines. Until NikkieTutorials (aka the makeup god) first introduced the Nivea Men's Post-Shave Balm - which is crazy I know, a men's shave balm as a primer? But let me tell you, this is probably the best thing you could rub on your face before 'beat' time. Seeing as I have purchased it 3 times, you get the hint that I love this stuff!
The Nivea Balm is of a really thin watery consistency and feels really cooling, lightweight and hydrating against my skin, it doesn't breakout my sensitive skin either( I mean? bonus or what). It fills in fine lines and and creates a velvety smooth base ready for foundation application. My foundation glides on perfectly and lasts all day without a doubt - no patches here and there at all! I have combination skin, which means my t-zone gets super oily while my cheeks are dry as anything. But this primer helps keep those areas moisturised and my oily sections intact and not as if they are melting/dissolving away - which is not a good look lol!
The magic behind this primer is the fact that the second main ingredient is glycerine (your makeup saviour) It acts as a 'magnet' and helps keep your make up intact all day! Certainly, as it's a product aimed for men (hence the name) it does have a very strong masculine smell to it, which doesn't really bother me and either way it fades once it settles onto your skin.
It comes in a glass bottle which to be honest isn't really practical, as I am extremely clumsy and I drop everything! But as a payback you get 100ml that lasts foreverrrr. I have so far used up a bottle and a half since last summer and I recently purchased another one, just cause the though of running out is nerve wrecking! It is available everywhere & I get mine from Bodycare for £2.49!!!
This primer is definitely one of my holy grail products and frankly I cannot apply foundation without using this first.
What are your thoughts on this primer & does it work for you too?
Hope xo
American drugstore products couldn't get any better could they? Today I am doing a review on the La Girl Pro HD concealers, which are one of the products I reach for the most in my makeup stash. And obvs? I wanted everyone to know about it!
I always purchase mine from Beuatyjoint.com which is an american website that sells them for £2 - which is super affordable and neither will it brake your bank account. The La Pro Girl Concealers shade selection is incredible with 21 concealers to match different skin tones and undertones, which means you will surely find a shade to suit you. They also offer 3 different correctors to help hide blemishes, dark circles etc. The thing I love the most about these is the fact that they are opaque and hide dark circles effectively without having to pile it on. They last all day and don't budge or crease at all, giving you a really natural semi-matte finish. However, they are on the dryer side which means you have to act fast when your are working with them or use a beauty sponge to avoid any harsh lines/make sure is blended in properly!
I use Beautiful bronze for that everyday look, it's pretty much 'my skin but better' and I use it for a more subtle/natural look while still looking presentable and alive!
Mahogany is a really cool-toned dark brown which I only use to contour my nose as I feel like is far too cool-toned for my cheeks; & nobody wants a muddy contour!
And my latest addition to the stash is the Orange Corrector, which works great for hiding dark circles/spots. Areas like my under eyes, around my mouth and nose to balance my uneven skin tone before applying my foundation.
You really can't go wrong with these concealers as they do everything I want them to do - plus the price and the variety of shades that there is available is a bonus.
What is your favourite drugstore concealer?
Hope xo
This month is practically over, like 2016? Can you please slow down? Today's post is a bit of a last minute thing I wrote last Friday on the bus journey to college - this seems to be my new inspo location where all post ideas come at me and I have to quickly write them down on the 'notes' section of my iPhone. How fab <3
Anyways, I will try and incorporate favorites at least every other month on things I have been loving lately or overall total faves!
If I'm honest I have never been a fragrance girl mainly cause my nose doesn't find it pleasing and I go on sneezing tantrums lol. But nevertheless this fragrance bottle is too 'luxy' to not own. It's has a dark emerald metal and glass feature with croc details, and shaped in a handbag completed with a gold chain strap (Marc, it's a yes from me). Like I have never seen anything so 'sassy' and 'classy' with a touch of sexiness. Yes I'm describing a perfume bottle!
2. ASOS A-LIST
I have been waiting for ASOS to introduce something like this since like forever. It is their new loyalty programme whereby you earn 5 points for every £1 you spend. The more points you earn the more levels you can unlock which will allow you to receive vouchers to spend on ASOS, free next day deliveries, early access to sales and other goodies. Could shopping at ASOS get any better though? I put an order last night after I declared I was on spending ban at the beginning of this week - my bank account is not happy!
3. Twitter
If I had to choose one app, Twitter would be the one for as long as I can remember. Last year I sort of drifted away from it but since the new year I have not been able to go a day without scrolling my twitter feed (no joke). Perhaps it's the new people I follow that have a lot of diverse unpopular opinions that I quite frankly enjoy reading, or all the #bodyposi and fierce cut-creases I come across on a daily basis. Plus I have started taking part in blogger chats and I regret not ever doing so before.
4. Rihanna - Work ft. Drake
You do don't even understand, all I can think of is WURK WURK WURK WURK WURK WURK. This banger reminds me of the warmer partying months and festivals coming ahead - which I am really exited for. Did you see her live performance at the BRITS??? My twitter feed went crazyyyyyyyy! She literally slayed my whole life right then and there & when Drake came out? I genuinely stopped breathing!
5. Healthy Lifestyle
I spend a ridiculous amount of money on kebabs and chippy after college which is frankly not doing anything good for me! After seeing this meme on Twitter early this month I though it was about time to leave that lifestyle behind + with the benefit of being able to buy more makeup (isn't that such a great idea). Green smoothies and infused water really do make you feel better, not only physically but also mentally. I feel less tired than usual and my concentration levels have risen - which is about time cause exam season is near!!!
6. No Makeup
Can we classify this a non beauty favourite? I have really been loving a fresh moisturized face almost every day this month, not only for days in but for days out running errands or going to college. Like don't get me wrong...I love an absolutely beat face with highlighter bright enough to blind ya! But at the same time I like the feeling of the wind against my bare face and not being worried of getting makeup on my white turtle necks or all over my college work!
What are your favourites things this month?
Hope xox
I got two Super Shock Matte Eyeshadows in the shades Central Perk & Cop A Feel mainly because I though they would make the perfect cut crease and they certainly do! I am a big fan of grungy berry transition colours and Central Perk does the perfect job. While Cop A Feel works wonders as a base for another eyeshadow, over the lid on it's own or to brighten the inner corner; as white sometimes can look a bit harsh on my skin tone.
The shadows are of a creamy powdery texture and feel a bit 'wet' when you first touch them, meaning you get absolutely no fall out - which is great for those lazy days you want a fast and quick eyeshadow look but don't want to ruin your base. As for application, they work best when using patting motions with your finger tips or a dense eye brush, then thoroughly blended with a fluffy blending brush. The best thing is that they are super long-lasting and once dry they do not move or fade away at all.
The highlighter I got was Stole The Show, the shade is almost a silvery-champagne like colour with gold and silver flashes. I absolutely love this highlighter and the multiple finishes it can give. If you love a 'good savage glow' and want to ultimately glow to the gods its best to use your finger, as the texture is the same with the shadows. For a more subtle and natural glow, it works best with a duo-fibre brush using sweeping motions.
'LAX' is a vampy red that dries really dark. I always get a lot of compliments whenever I wear this shade as it goes really well with my dark reddish hair lol.
Lastly 'Guess' is a super dark, almost black purple shade. This shade literally screams 'YASSS' to me, I find it looks great with dramatic eyelashes and a heavily highlighted face.
The formula of these lipsticks are splendid! The applicator makes application super easy, sliding on smoothly and drying completely matte, the colour last for agessss and it doesn't transfer to anything it comes in contact with. However, it is important to exfoliate your lips beforehand to get the best results, and the darker the shade the more you've to layer it on to avoid patchiness.
The shadows are of a creamy powdery texture and feel a bit 'wet' when you first touch them, meaning you get absolutely no fall out - which is great for those lazy days you want a fast and quick eyeshadow look but don't want to ruin your base. As for application, they work best when using patting motions with your finger tips or a dense eye brush, then thoroughly blended with a fluffy blending brush. The best thing is that they are super long-lasting and once dry they do not move or fade away at all.
The highlighter I got was Stole The Show, the shade is almost a silvery-champagne like colour with gold and silver flashes. I absolutely love this highlighter and the multiple finishes it can give. If you love a 'good savage glow' and want to ultimately glow to the gods its best to use your finger, as the texture is the same with the shadows. For a more subtle and natural glow, it works best with a duo-fibre brush using sweeping motions.
My absolutely favourite products from Colourpop are the Ultra Matte Liquid Lipsticks, they have an extensive spectrum of shades to choose from and I mean they are only $6 which works at about £4.20? Absolute bargain!!!
Starting with 'Bepper', it is describe as a mid-tone shade but I would say it looks slightly warmer against my skin tone. It requires me to use it with a dark brown lip liner such has 'chestnut' by Mac but oh my, this lip combo looks absolutely amazing. I wear this almost everyday. 'LAX' is a vampy red that dries really dark. I always get a lot of compliments whenever I wear this shade as it goes really well with my dark reddish hair lol.
Lastly 'Guess' is a super dark, almost black purple shade. This shade literally screams 'YASSS' to me, I find it looks great with dramatic eyelashes and a heavily highlighted face.
The formula of these lipsticks are splendid! The applicator makes application super easy, sliding on smoothly and drying completely matte, the colour last for agessss and it doesn't transfer to anything it comes in contact with. However, it is important to exfoliate your lips beforehand to get the best results, and the darker the shade the more you've to layer it on to avoid patchiness.
Overall, Colourpop is definitely a brand I will re-purchase again any time soon. They have recently released a dark green & blue liquid lippie; that is literally BAE! I will also give their shimmery shadows and blushes a go. So keep an eye out for the next haul.
As I stated before Colourpop does not ship to the UK but it can be purchased from LustreCosmetics or using a third party forwarding services such has Myus.com or Shipito.
What are your favourite liquid lipsticks?
Hope xo
(No affiliate links were used in this post)
Hope xo
(No affiliate links were used in this post)
Hi, you might have noticed that my blog name has changed (formerly Styled On Mondays) and so has the layout. I though that with the new year it would be the perfect time to start afresh, as I didn't like the direction my previous posts were going down on, and it was bugging me lol. I want to mainly do beauty posts but I will also incorporate lifestyle, self love, fashion and food every now and then.
I posted this picture on instagram and all my other social media yesterday, and I got a few questions on what products I used, so all the details will be listed down below.
PREP & PRIME
Nivea Soft Moisture Cream
Nivea For Men Sensitive Post-Shave Balm
Seventeen WOW! Tan Liquid Glow
BROWS
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Ebony
LA Girl PRO Conceal in Fawn - to tidy the brows
EYES
Tarte Light Of The Party* - gifted to me by SophieBBeauty (check out her channel she's amazinggg)
- 'peach on earth', 'mulled wine' and 'haute chocolate' on the lid.
- 'black velvet' on the outer v/lower lash line
- 'baby it's gold outside' on the inner conner
- Tarte Lights Camera Lashes 4 Mascara
WET n WILD Mega Liquid Liner
Eyelashes from Ebay
Ordinary Black Kohl on the water line
FACE
Black Opal True Colour Liquid Foundation in Hazelnut
Black Opal Creme Stick Foundation in Black Walnut to contour & Truly Topaz to Highlight
Ben Nye Banana Powder to bake/set highlight
Balck Opal Deluxe Finishing Powder in Dark to set contour
Mac Mineralize Skin Finish in Give Me Sun to set/blend the whole face
LIPS
Colourpop in shade Beeper
Wine red lip liner (unbranded)
FINISHING TOUCHES
Make UP Revolution VIVID Baked Bronzer to highlight - cheekbones, cupids bow and brow bone
NYX Setting Spray - Matte Finish
Would you like to see more posts like this??
Hope XO
Hope XO
