Valentines Makeup Idea's.

I know not all of you 'celebrate' Valentines Day or even like it. But for some of us, it's just a lovely day to treat your partner a little, show them some tlc and generally have a nice time. I do have plans with my boyfriend to go out for a meal which is always nice as we don't get to do it too often!

I thought i'd create a Valentines Day makeup look that you could use for inspiration as it's always nice to jazz your makeup up a little bit especially if you're going out. I rarely wear eyeshadows so i thought this would be a perfect time to incorporate some colour.. 

Makeup used:  Foundation - Estee Lauder Double Wear set with Laura Mercier Mineral Foundation.  Concealer - Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection     Bronzer - Nars 'Casino'     Eyeshadow - Mac Cranberry (lid), Brown Down (crease), Black Tied (liner)     Eyebrows - MUA Brow Kit     Lipstick - YSL Rouge Volupte 'Forbidden Burgandy'. 

Or, if like me you feel like bright colour on the eyes and lips is a bit too much then you can always opt for a nude lip... 

Lipstick - Look Beauty 'Toffee Cup'.

Personally i prefer the nude lip especially if you're going out to eat as it's much easier to maintain. I'm definitely going to be sporting this makeup look this Valentines Day. 

Hope you like! And if you're not doing anything specifically for Valentines Day this might just be a little inspiration for you to be a little more daring with your makeup and get glammed up a little ;)

Soap and Glory Hand Food

What can i say about this little bottle of goodness?

I've had this is my stash for a few months now after hearing so many good things about it. But i've only just got round to whipping it out due to the horribly cold whether sucking all the moisture out of my hands. If there is anything i cannot stand it's dry hands (hate it). So i decided to give this a try and keep it in my handbag for any emergencies even though i've ended up slapping it on every two minutes.. oops.

This is the little mini version so perfect for travelling - definitely a handbag essential for me! It's so small and cute but a little goes a long way so i can see this lasting a pretty long time. All you need is a small pea sized amount for lovely, moisturised hands. The scent is to die for (the typical soap and glory smell) but isn't overpowering which is good!

In case you can't tell i have definitely fallen in love. It's creamy and re-hydrates the hands without making them feel slippery or greasy! Its a perfect handbag size and i don't think i could cope without it at the moment. I apply it whenever my hands generally need some moisture and after washing them because soap can be very drying then i'm good to go!

Got to love it! Available from Boots in store and online and it's a little bargain at just £2.50 for 50ml of product :)

Topshop 'Glow' Highlighter..

Highlighters are definitely my favourite thing about the moment. I can't get enough of having lovely, dewy skin that glows in the light. And this definitely does just that. 

I really only tend to use liquid highlighters because i love that i can also mix a little bit in with my foundation.  I've heard such amazing things about Topshops highlighters and trying to decide between this and Sunbeam (powder) was difficult but, i settled for this one and i don't regret it for a second. 

This little jar of loveliness contains a mousse highlighter, a little strange at first but apples so smooth, like a dream. I find if you use your finger it applies much more pigmented whereas using a stippling brush (i use Real Techniques) creates more a soft effect when it is buffed into the skin in little circular motions.

Although this appears quite golden in the pictures in reality it is a white mousse with golden and pink iridescent shimmer running through it. I think it personally gives a lovely glow that will suit any skin colour because its white - once blended the 'whitness' disappears and it just leaves a lovely glow (hence the name!) I like to apply this to area's like my cheekbones, bridge of nose, cupids bow and centre of forehead with my finger (a little goes a long way) then blend with my Real Techniques Stippling Brush and tah dah.

Perfect for brightening up the skin making yourself look naturally 'glowing' - get in! Considering i always look tired and dull this is a god send in my eyes. 

You can buy it online here and it's under a tenner.. bargain! 

Whats your favourite highlighter? Theres always room for a few more in my collection ;)

These are a few of my favourite things..

Hello all! Hope you're having a fab new year. Any New Years Resolutions? Mine, as usual, have gone to pot (don't know why i bother!). I'm just going to focus on being happy and passing these bloody exams.

I was so undecided on whether to do a 2012 Favourites, i love reading them myself but, i'm not one to constantly use something. I swap and change my products every two seconds so trying to find favourites for the majority of a year was too hard. So here a just a few things i have been loving (some for longer than others)..

Makeup

MAC Eyeshadow Palette - i first started this last christmas and continued building it up in 2012 until i finally finished it! I absolutely adore this little collection of eyeshadows, there is a wide range of colours (all of which i love). I love grabbing it and having lots of lovely, good quality eyeshadows all in one place. And despite there being 15 eyeshadows it isn't too bad for travelling.

Real Techniques Brushes - I have only pictured the Stippling Brush here but i also have the Core Collection which i absolutely adore. I rarely use any other brushes since i got these. Affordable, amazing quality, easy to wash, easy to use, the list goes on..

Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil - this has been the only thing i have used on my brows throughout 2012, i think i have found a new favourite now but nevertheless this is the perfect colour, easy to carry around and easy to apply. I simply use it in little stoke motions to fill in my brows and they instantly look miles better. It lasts all day too.

Nars 'Casino' Bronzer - This must be the darkest bronzer i've ever used, which personally is great for my tanned skin as it makes the most perfect contour. I regularly reach for this despite having other bronzers i cant help myself. It just does everything it's supposed to do.

MAC Mineralise Skinfinish Powder - A favourite for years. I did neglect this for quite a while but i can't help but love the way it sets my makeup without adding lots of coverage or looking cakey. It simply mattes the skin whilst still looking very natural. You could apply lots of this without it going cakey so i usually always have this in my handbag for touch ups.

Avon SuperShock Eyeliner - i love the SuperShock mascara for Avon so i obviously had to try this, it has the most amazing pigmentation (i have never used an eyeliner so black!) This is perfect for a night out and smokey eyes. Its so soft and creamy its perfect for smudging.

Beauty

Tresemme Hairspray - This is literally all i have used for years. Definitely a firm favourite for me. It sets the hair without leaving my hair feeling rock hard - love it.

The Body Shop Body Butter - i've pictured the Almond one here (probably my absolute favourite ever) but i also adore the Coconut and Mango ones. They're so luxurious and creamy, such a delight to put on. I find them amazing for dry skin without being too sticky and the scent is so strong to leave me feeling fab. I apply these every single day.

Juicy Couture Perfume - The scent of 2012 for me and i've had it once before. I find it's such a lovely, strong but not overpowering scent. It's not very floral or fruity like the ones i usually go for it's a bit more mature and i love giving myself a good few spritz of this before i go anywhere.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel - If i had to recommend any moisturiser for combination/oily skin, this would be it. Its so light and cooling yet gives enough moisture without being too much. Perfect, enough said.

Natural Collection Body Spray - Definitely a little bargain at £2 and definitely something i have been reaching for a lot last year. They're perfect on a day-to-day basis for making you smell gorgeous in a subtle way.

MAC Fix+ - Not something i use everyday but definitely comes in very handy for nights out or more dramatic makeup looks. I use this on my eyeshadow brush to make my eyeshadows appear more pigmented and bright, it also makes the shimmer/glitter stand out more. I also spray it onto my face when i've done all my makeup to help it look less full/cakey and more natural.



Well, that was a pretty long post. Just a few of the things i grab for the most and definitely all things that i have been reaching for regularly for quite a long time.

What are you're favourite items that you reach for often?

Christmas Faces.

Tis the season to be jolly!

Hello all, Happy New Years Eve (January is now looming upon us!) and christmas is withering away (although i keep lighting lots Yankee Christmas candles in a bid to keep me feeling festive!). 

I've enjoyed looking at other bloggers 'christmas faces', basically what has been there go to makeup throughout the festive season. I have a pre-christmas face and a post christmas face using some new products. Who doesn't love getting new makeup? 

Pre-christmas day..

MAC Matchmaster Foundation mixed with Garnier BB Cream set with MAC Studio Fix Powder.    Nars 'Casino bronzer' to contour.     Revlon Colourstay Gel Eyeliner, MAC Zoom Fast Black Lash. Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil.    MAC 'Deeply Adore' Lipstick from Marilyn Monroe collection.

Post Christmas Day

MAC Matchmaster Foundation mixed with Garnier BB Cream set with MAC Studio Fix Powder.    Nars 'Casino bronzer', Topshop 'Neon Rose' Cream Blusher and Topshop 'Glow' Highlighter.    MAC Zoom Fast Black Lash.    MUA Brow Kit.    YSL Rouge Volupte 12 'Forbidden Burgandy' Lipstick.


As you can see i pretty much use the same base, mascara, bronzer etc. everyday single day. The only big difference is the use of my beloved YSL lipstick which i have wore everyday since the 25th courtesy of my wonderful boyfriend. It's such a fab colour that can be worn packed on or sheer (review on the way!).          I also adore the MUA Brow Kit which was a lovely little stocking filler - the dark brown colour is perfect and the wax sets them in place.          I also picked up Topshop's 'Glow' highlighter with some christmas money as i'd heard lots of good things about it and it doesn't disappoint either, love the iridescent glow it gives!


Whats been your go-to makeup look this christmas? Vamp lips like me or something more natural?