Nails!

I've never been crazy about nails - nail polish has never excited me like it does some people, and I don't have the compulsion to collect tons of different shades like I do for, say, lipgloss...

That said, my friend brought her entire (extensive) nail polish collection round the other day, and I took advantage of the opportunity to try out something pretty and exciting.

This is the result:

It's hard to capture, but hopefully you get the idea.

I layered a sheer blue polish with big glitter circles over a sparkly green/blue nail polish. It's hard to see in the photo, but the shimmer and light reflecting off the glitter is really pretty!

Review: Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Foundation and Tinted Moisturiser

Here's the review in a nutshell - these products are amazing.

Basically, the Extra Repair range is geared specifically towards those with dry to very dry skin - so if you don't have dry skin, then these products aren't for you. And if you have only slightly dry skin, you might find these products too creamy and thick, and might result in an overly dewy or even oily finish - you might be better off trying something like the Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturising Foundation/Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturiser.

FOUNDATION

Let's start with the foundation: as with all Bobbi Brown foundations, it's yellow based. This means it will definitely work well with warm complexions, and there's an impressive shade range so you'll likely find your match. For neutral tones it will lend a natural healthy glow, but cooler tones may find it difficult to get a true match. I'm very warm toned and the shade Honey is perfect for me - literally melts into my skin imperceptibly.

The foundation has medium/buildable coverage, although you will never achieve completely full coverage. I have minor blemishes and redness - and this covers them up perfectly. However, I also have a dark scar area on my chin which it doesn't cover completely. I don't mind - I think this level of coverage gives a lovely natural, your-skin-but-better look. It also fits in with Bobbi Brown's ethos - she's always been a big champion of conceal what you need to, then use the minimum amount of foundation you need to smooth skin and even out skin tone. It also gives a dewy, natural finish.

It comes in a pot, and is super thick and creamy. The consistency is so much thicker than any other foundation I've tried - like a really luxurious night cream.The packaging is great, because I just use what I need (I find with my Mac Studio Sculpt foundation, I always accidentally squeeze out more). I dip my stippling brush into it, then apply over my face (stippling on and then buffing it in). I clean my brush in between uses and don't double dip, so it's pretty hygienic.

My skin is incredibly dry and with my Mac foundation (which is pretty moisturising) I find it need to top it up during the day - basically take it off, moisturise my skin and reapply. However, I can go all day with this Bobbi Brown one and feel no need to reapply. My skin feels perfectly hydrated for about 4/5 hours, after that it feels a little dry but not bad at all, and not uncomfortable. I'm sure most people have less dry skin than me, and this will work perfectly for them.

I've found it be incredibly longwearing on me - but then, dry skin always clings on to foundation more so other people may have a different experience. I can wear it for 12 hours with no fading at all, and only some minor creasing in the under eye area after 10 hours.

My bare skin - as you can see, dryness and redness and some hyperpigmentation:

A light layer of Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Foundation - some redness and hyperpigmentation still visible:

A second layer - flawless, natural skin:

It's £36 for 30ml, which may seem very steep, but it will last for ages. I use a teeny tiny amount (probably the size of 2 peas) for my face, neck and decolletage, so this will last for a long time! In comparison, my Mac foundation was £24 for 40ml, but I kept squeezing out too much and I needed more anyway, and it's almost finished after 2 months of wearing it almost everyday. I reckon the Bobbi Brown one will last a lot longer than that.

Also, it has SPF25 if you need that kind of thing.

TINTED MOISTURISER

Tinted Moisturisers are very lightweight foundations, that are also hydrating - and as you can probably guess, this is super hydrating. I still need to moisturise beforehand, but I imagine the vast majority of you won't.

As you can see, I've been showing mine a lot of love!

This is the perfect lightweight option for summer. The coverage is very sheer with a dewy finish, as it is designed to be, and this would be perfect for someone with minor skin problems, looking to even out their skin tone. The shade range is not as impressive as the foundation, but the coverage is so sheer that it doesn't matter. I have the Light tint, but I think I should be Light to Medium Tint.

It glides onto the skin so perfectly, I find the best application method is a finger. The consistency is a little less thick and creamy than the foundation. It is not as longwearing as the foundation on me, probably because of it's moisturising properties and slick consistency. It still lasts a good 6 hours though. And, this also has SPF 25.

It's £34 for 30ml, and I feel this is not as good value as the foundation, as I tend to use more of this each time. However, if you have very dry skin, this is probably the only product on the market (that I've seen anyway) that will cater to your needs.

THE VERDICT

If you have very dry skin, these products will be lifesavers to you. There is nothing else this creamy and hydrating anywhere - plus they are longwearing, with a natural finish and easy application. If your skin is only a bit dry, or moderately dry but you feel other products offer enough hydration, then you might want to look for something at a lower price point, as it would be untrue to say they are excellent value.

I have really dry skin and I absolutely love them, and I'm already coveting other products in the range!

Face of the Day - Green!

This is a very green look - my eyes, hair and cardigan all matched!

For this look I used a bright Barry M glitter on the lid and green eyeliner under the lashline (quite a dramatic step that I don't usually take). I kept everything else toned down and neutral - shimmer rose gold blush and a pinky-nude lipgloss.

Products Used:

Face:

Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Foundation in Honey

Eyes/Brows:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer in Candlelight

Rimmel Soft Kohl Eyeliner in Jet Black
Collection 2000 Fast Stroke Eyeliner in Black 

Coastal Scents 88 Original Palette

Kohl Pencil by Barry M, shade 20

Dazzle Dust by Barry M, shade 95

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes in Extra Black

Benefit High Brow Glow

Elf Cream Eyeliner in Coffee

Lips:

American Apparel Lipgloss in Intimate

Face of the Day

Today I tried out a warm summery sunset type look.

I used a combination of shimmery orange and red eyeshadow, with a sweep of bronzer over my cheeks and a pop of orange on the lips. It was put together quickly, but still (I think) looked pretty and polished.

Corals and oranges are so lovely to use in the summer!

Products Used:

Face:

Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Foundation in Honey

Famous by Sue Moxley Baked Bronzer in Hawaii

Eyes/Brows:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer in Candlelight

Rimmel Soft Kohl Eyeliner in Jet Black
Collection 2000 Fast Stroke Eyeliner in Black 

Coastal Scents 88 Original Palette

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes in Extra Black

Benefit High Brow Glow

Elf Cream Eyeliner in Coffee

Lips:

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

Review: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Rendez-vous

I've heard a lot of hype about this product so I thought I'd try it out.
I've recently had a bad experience with a similar-sounding Revlon product (the Just Bitten lipstain + balm) - it's really streaky and dries out really quickly (even for a lip marker) - so I was a bit reluctant to buy this one, but thankfully it's a completely different product.

It supposedly combines the natural flush and long wear time of a lip stain with a moisturising balm, in one crayon-style product.

Here's a picture of mine:

I chose this bright orange colour, as the one shade range I'm lacking in at the moment is the whole orange/coral/peach family.

Here's a swatch:

And now here's what I think of it:

I love it! It's very moisturising and applies pretty smoothly (there's a little bit of drag across the lips but it's not too bad). The colour is semi-opaque, leaning more sheer. It's not really buildable, a second layer might improve the pigmentation a bit but it will never look opaque. I don't see this as a downside though, as lip stains are meant to look like a natural wash of colour.

It's quite longwearing - on me it lasted about 4 hours, then began to fade, but was still noticeable and looked nice for another 2/3 hours. 

It's got quite a strong minty scent which I like, but I can see other people being put off - it doesn't really smell once you put it on your lips though, and it doesn't taste of anything.

It's also retractable, which is good as sharpening lip products is always a pain - you end up losing so much product because its so soft and breaks off.

All in all, I think it's a really good product, especially for the price point.

x x x

Quick Vampy Galaxy Look

Here's a look I tried out quickly:

The eyes are a smudgey, blended out galaxy look - a mix of navy blue, gold and red (these are the colours I think of when I think of space). The pop of red contrasts nicely with the blue and gold. If I was to improve it a bit, I'd probably add some blue/gold eyeliner under the lashline, and the hints of stars around the edges.

I paired this with a dark vampy lip for dramatic effect.

Makeup is fun! :) x x x

My 5 Favourite Non-Makeup Beauty-Related Things

The title's a bit of a mouthful, but you know what I mean!

1) Bio-Oil

I love this product! It makes my skin feel so soft and supple, and I've found it does help blemishes heal. I also use it as a facial cleansing oil - dip a bit on a piece of cotton wool, and use it on my face before I go to bed. It actually works quite well as a make-up remover too, in a pinch!

2) Mac Brush Cleanser

I don't know how I survived without this! It makes it so easy to clean brushes - especially if you don't have many and need to constantly re-use them. I give my brushes a quick clean with this every time I use them, and I can then use a different colour or whatever. Then, every 2 weeks or so I give them a proper clean with baby shampoo. A little goes a long way, and my last bottle lasted me a good few months. £9.50 might seem a lot to pay for brush cleaner, but I say it's definitely worth it. And if I forget to shampoo them for a little while, the bristles still stay soft and retain their shape, and they seem pretty clean (they don't affect my sensitive skin or anything).

Also, it's surprising how few brands carry a product like this - so far the only ones I've heard of are Mac and Elf. I know it's easy to make it yourself (although I've never tried), but you'd think a few more brands would try and push their own on consumers...

3) Taaj Ayurvedic Eau Micellaire - Eye Make-up Remover

Seriously amazing stuff! It smells absolutely gorgeous - my boyfriend always says I smell nice when I've used this to take my make-up off. Also, my skin seems to react to every other make-up remover I've tried, even ones that claim to be gentle and for sensitive skin (they tend to sting or irritate my skin a bit) - except for this one! So I'd definitely recommend trying it out if you have very sensitive skin.

I got mine in a beauty box, and it's running out sadly so I need to find a stockist - as far as I know it's only available on the internet. Here's a place I know that sells it, but you have to pay international shipping: http://www.cocooncenter.co.uk/taaj=brand.html

The same brand also does face creams etc, which I'm contemplating trying out as I've had such a positive experience with this product.

4) Layla D Natural Beauty Honey Moisturiser

Speaking of face creams and products that smell nice...

I got a sample of this in my latest SheSaidBeauty beauty box, and I love it! I'll get the full size one as soon as I run out of this one. It smells wonderful - a rich honey scent. It's very hydrating too. 

I have really really dry skin, so this couldn't ever be my only moisturiser. However, it's really good for topping up my skin moisture levels throughout the day - after my shower (when my skin's really dehydrated), I still use my trusty Diprobase, then if I need to reapply I use this.

I would imagine most people don't have as dry skin as me though, so for the vast majority of people this will be hydrating enough. It's really rich and creamy, I definitely recommend it!

Here's where to buy: http://www.layladnaturalbeauty.co.uk/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=138&category_id=21&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=29

5) Real Techniques Stippling Brush

Real Techniques is a brush range developed by Samantha Chapman (no introduction needed). This stippling brush is probably my favourite brush that I own. It makes applying foundation so easy - it looks so natural and airbrushed. I haven't tried other stippling brushes so I don't know how it compares, but it doesn't shed at all, it's got a lovely sturdy handle, and the bristles are not too flexible (which is very important for a stippling brush).

Hope that's helpful for someone :) x x x 

How I Do my Brows

I never used to do anything with my eyebrows at all, but a few months ago I realised what a big difference brows make to a face. Well groomed eyebrows contribute a lot to overall facial beauty.

In this look I found on Pinterest, the perfect eyebrows are the important finishing touch on a dramatic smokey eye look:

Compare this to a certain "celebrity", whose horrible method of filling in her eyebrows ruins a potentially beautiful face:

There are thousands of articles on the internet detailing how you should do your brows to suit your face shape, the perfect angle to do them at etc etc, so I won't go through any of that here. 

Personally, I like brows that have a definite angle and that aren't too rounded. The Bobbi Brown makeup lady at the counter in Wimbledon basically had semicircles for eyebrows, which I thought looked ridiculous.

My eyebrows are rather sparse, so I don't thread/wax them, but occasionally pluck a few stray hairs. Here are my natural eyebrows:

When I first started filling them in I used a No 7 eyebrow pencil in black, which I was contented with for a while, but I realised that A) it was difficult to get a precise defined brow shape and B) black was too harsh and dark (especially for my dyed hair).

I then received Benefit's Smokin' Eyes kit, which included brown brow wax. However, it gives a very subtle colour and isn't really suitable for filling in brows. Instead, it tames the hairs and gives them a slight sheen, for a very natural no-makeup look.

On the left is the No 7 eyebrow pencil, and on the right is the Benefit brow wax.

Now, I use a slightly unusual method - I use a dark brown cream eyeliner and an angled brush to create a defined brow that isn't too harsh.

I just dip the angled brush into the cream eyeliner, then draw it straight across, then use the edge to create the tapered end.

I use an Elf one - it lasts all day and doesn't smudge or budge.

:) x  x

Face of the Day

Today I went shopping in Westfield with a friend, so I opted for a nude everyday look - with a slight twist.

I combined a warm bronzey-gold on my lid with a dark matte brown in the corners and crease (for a slightly unique take on my usual warm brown smokey eye), and of course a liquid eyeliner cat eye to define my eyes.

I then used contouring - something I don't do that often. I used the lightest colour in my Bobbi Brown shimmer brick, combined with a shimmery bronzer to define my cheeks. I only did my cheeks, not my nose or t-zone, but it was as dramatic as I'd want to go for daytime!

I combined it with a pinky-nude semi-opaque lipgloss, to keep it natural and understated on the lips.

Products Used:

Face:

Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Foundation in Honey

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Bronze

Famous by Sue Moxley Baked Bronze in Hawaii

Eyes/Brows:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer in Candlelight

Smashbox Eyeshadow in Ambient

Mac Eyeshadow in Espresso

Rimmel Soft Kohl Eyeliner in Jet Black
Collection 2000 Fast Stroke Eyeliner in Black 
L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes in Extra Black 

Elf Cream Eyeliner in Coffee

Lips:

American Apparel Lipgloss in Intimate

Ombre Lips Look

I was trying out ombre lips the other day, but just took off what I already had on and tried it out, so the rest of my face wasn't calculated to match!

I used an orange Pout Paint in the centre, and dark burgundy lip crayon for the outer. They were fairly easy to blend together (perhaps blended too well), and I ended up with a sticky, glossy finish.

Products Used:

Sleek Pout Paint in Lava

Nyx Jumbo Lip Pencil in Narcisse

Haul! Benefit, L'Oreal, Stila

I recently splurged on a bit of make-up, so I thought I'd talk through the products and sort of mini-review them.

1) BENEFIT HIGH BROW GLOW

High Brow Glow is described by Benefit as a "luminous brow-lifting pencil". It's a shimmery and more warm-toned version of their matte High Brow pencil, which already has many fans. You draw a line under your eyebrow, and then smudge it down, to create a brow highlight which lifts and defines the brow.

I usually use a shimmery pale eyeshadow to create a similar effect, but this pencil is so much easier (and doesn't require a brush). It's a really flattering colour, with subtle shimmer rather than all out glitter, that will bring a gentle glow to your face.

Here's a photo with one eye without and one eye with the product:

As you can see (hopefully - apologies for the poor quality!), there really is a big difference. This is definitely going to become a staple in my make-up box.

2) L'OREAL STUDIO SECRETS GLASS SHINE LIP LACQUER IN 831 DARK SKIN TONES

This is a peachy bronze lipgloss packed with gold shimmer. It's slightly sticky (but still slides comfortably around the lips), and is really long-wearing. I wore it out the other day for drinks, and it was still mostly there after 2 hours and 3 drinks!

I would really recommend this lip gloss for anyone with warm-toned skin. The shade is for "dark skin tones" but I think it would look good on anyone with medium/tan skin tones and darker.

I haven't included a picture but I'm wearing in my Arabic-inspired make-up look, so check it out there!

3) STILA LIP AND CHEEK STAIN IN CHERRY CRUSH

I've been coveting this for ages, and I finally went out and bought it. I love the idea of lip stains, but I hate lip markers as they usually dry out really quickly and apply streakily. I was therefore excited to try these Stila Lip and Cheek stains, which have a brush applicator, where you twist up the bottom to get more product into the brush.

Cherry Crush is an orange-toned red which leans warm, but could be made to work on cooler skins. It's got subtle shimmer when swatched, but once on the lips it doesn't really show.

Here is what it looks like with one layer:

It gives a light wash of colour that looks very natural.

It takes about 30 seconds to sink into the skin, then another layer can be applied over it (or lip balm, or whatever). It can be built up quite a bit.

Here's what it looks like with 2 layers:

It's possible to get an even stronger look with a 3rd and even 4th layer, but I would say it's not really designed to be a strong opaque product. However, it does look like a very natural flush, which is what lip stains general try to mimic.

It's a thumbs up from me, and I'm looking forward to getting other shades!

Arabic Inspired Face of the Day

I went for shisha yesterday, so I thought I'd try out an arabic-inspired look (that's still very wearable).

I used jewel tones for the eyes - a rich shimmery purple and blue, with a strong defined cat eye. I paired this with soft bronzed cheeks and a bronzey shimmery lipgloss.

One tip for making shimmery eyeshadows pop is using a shimmery primer - Too Faced's Candlelight primer is packed with shimmer and helps shimmery eyeshadows stick like glue without creasing all day.

Products Used:

Face:
Mac Studio Sculpt Foundation in NC42
Famous by Sue Moxley Baked Bronze in Hawaii


Eyes:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer in Candlelight
Famous by Sue Moxley Eye Collection in No Dull Moment
Rimmel Soft Kohl Eyeliner in Jet Black
Collection 2000 Fast Stroke Eyeliner in Black
L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes in Extra Black


Lips:
L'Oreal Studio Secrets Glass Shine Lip Lacquer in 831 Dark Skin Tones

Nicki Minaj "Beez in the Trap" Inspired Look!

Sorry for the blurry photo!

I went to a Nicki Minaj concert last week so I thought I'd do a look inspired by one of her latest singles, Beez in the Trap.

Here's a still from the video:

As you can see, Nicki's wearing a matte pastel blue eyeshadow and cool pink pastel lipstick. It also looks like she's wearing illuminator and a rosy pink blush.

I didn't copy her look exactly, but tweaked it to suit my skin tone etc. I used a similar shade of eyeshadow, and pulled it out in a wing shape past my eye, like hers, and paired it with cat eye liquid liner like she has.

For my lips I used a bright pop of hot pink, rather than the very cool-toned lipstick she uses, which I reckon would have washed me out.

I skipped blush as I felt there was already a lot going on, but I added a shimmery mineral illuminator to the tops of my cheekbones for definition and sparkle.

Unfortunately I was pressed for time, so didn't have time to apply false eyelashes (or mascara, even!), but they would have completed the look!

Products Used:

Face:

Mac Studio Sculpt Foundation in NC42

Bellapierre Shimmer Powder in Champagne

Eyes:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer
Rimmel Soft Kohl Eyeliner in Jet Black
Collection 2000 Fast Stroke Eyeliner in Black

Coastal Scents 88 Original Palette, 6th Column 2nd Row

Lips:

Sleek Pout Paints in Port and Milkshake