Face of the Day with Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow in Sun Tan and Sun Light

This is a Face of the Day from last week when I went to BeautyCon London for work (I didn't stay long). I wanted to try some new products, as I have been getting a bit bored of using the same things all the time.

There are some new discoveries which I love, a few I don't love so much and some old favourites.

Face

Primer

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water and Cover FX Illuminating Primer

I have only just started using the primer water so can't report back yet, except to say I love the idea of a primer spray and it smells nice. I will let you know my findings once I've used it a bit more. 

As far as the Cover FX primer goes, I like it but I don't love it. I wish it was a bit more illuminating because its quite subtle and once I've applied foundation and concealer, you can't really see much in the way of a glow. I do really like the texture, as its light and doesn't have that awful silicone feel, but I can't really say I have noticed a difference in the wear time of my makeup. 

Foundation

Dior Nude Air Serum

I hadn't tried any Dior foundations until this year but since trying Dior Star and now this, I can say I'm fully converted. This makes my skin look really smooth, almost airbrushed, without being heavy and still letting your skin show through. I like to apply this with my fingers working in sections over the face. My only complaint is that it doesn't have the best wear time and I find it starts to fade on oilier areas like my chin and nose towards the end of the day.

Corrector and Concealer

Giorgio Armani Master Corrector and MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

I've only got a tiny bit of the MAC concealer left, I had to break open the tube with some pliers to get the very last of it out. I love that this concealer works well under the eyes and on blemishes and redness. It's high coverage and long lasting, I can see why this is so popular amongst MAC fans. 

Bronzer and Highlight

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow in Sun Tan and Sun Light

My latest obsession, I just love this. It makes me look like I've just come back from a two week holiday, bronzed and glowy my friends. 

Powder

Too Faced Primed and Poreless Pressed Powder

Still not loving this powder, but I'm almost at the end of it now. I definitely wouldn't buy this again or recommend it, it's just too ashy on the skin.

Eyes

Eyebrows

Illamasqua Precision Brow Gel in Strike and Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel

Its not often I change my eyebrow combination, but I was clearly feeling experimental. The Brow and Lash Gel is not a new product, in fact it was my favourite until the L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper came along but the Precision Brow Gel is a new product for me. 

Compared to the Anastasia DipBrow, this is less harsh and more natural looking, but I just find these brow pomades a bit fiddly to use in general. I think I'll be sticking to my usual Hourglass pencil.

Eyeshadow

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

I dug this out because I wanted a matte eyeshadow and I knew this had everything I needed. 

I used W.O.S all over the lid with a mixture of Naked 2 and Faint in the crease.

Eye Liner

Delilah Slim Line Liquid Liner

I wanted a subtle flick, so used this on the outer third of my eye. I love the slim nib, it really lets you get a precise line but this smudged on me. Admittedly most mascaras and eyeliners smudge on me, but I would stick with my Stila Stay All Day over this.

Mascara

Benefit Roller Lash and Clinique Bottom Lash

When it comes to Roller Lash you either love it, or hate it and personally I love it. It takes a few coats to build it up but it really lengthens and curls my lashes, plus it doesn't smudge on me. Clinique Bottom Lash is a staple for me now because its pretty much the only mascara that doesn't smudge on my bottom lashes. I told you everything smudges on me!

Lips

Lip Liner

Jordana Easyliner for Lips in Tawny

If I had to pick between this and my MAC lip liners, this $1.99 bad boy would win every time. This is creamy, not drying and I really, really love the colour.

NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Bangkok

These NARS Pure Matte Lipsticks don't get spoken about much, but if you love a matte lip and you haven't tried these, you are missing out. My favourite colour in the line is Montego Bay and I have completely used that lipstick up. Bangkok is lighter in colour and pretty similar to my natural lip colour. It reminds me of that kind of Angelina Jolie, barely there shade.

Face of the Day with NARS Outer Limits Eyeshadow

At the beginning of the month I mentioned that I was having a slight love affair with peachy toned makeup, so I thought I would slap it all on and do a Face of the Day!

Face

Illuminator

Dior Nude Glow Natural Glow Complexion Enhancer

I like to use this underneath my foundation to give my skin a radiance boost. I'm pretty sure this has  been discontinued by Dior, but either way there are a lot of similar glow boosting primers out there. 

Foundation

Dior Diorskin Nude BB Creme

This and the Smashbox BB Cream are the only BB creams I can say I really like. The Dior one is a winner for me because it has an almost powdery finish. I find other BB creams are just too wet or greasy, but this actually dries down on the skin and has a satin finish. I would highly recommend trying this if you like your base on the lighter side.

Corrector

Giorgio Armani Skin Master Corrector (Shade 1)

Don't buy this, buy the Bobbi Brown corrector instead, so much better.

Concealer

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

A good, heavy duty concealer, works well when teamed with a lighter coverage base.

Bronzer

Chanel Soleil tan de Chanel

A rediscovery that I have really been enjoying. This cream bronzer does require a good bit of blending to avoid orange stripes, but if you have the patience it really is worth it. You can really fake a natural, tanned glow with this. 

Blusher

MAC Mineralize Blush in New Romance

This is a blusher and a highlight in one, yaaaas! I am having a bit of a love affair with MAC Mineralize blushers at the moment, although I really hate the new packaging (wah)

Powder

Too Faced Primed and Poreless Pressed Powder

I moan about this powder every time but I'm just not a fan. Its kinda ashy and can completely take the glow out of your makeup, even when applied sparingly.

Eyes

Eyebrows

Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Long-Wear Brow Pencil in Grey and L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper in Dark Brunette

The L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper is a staple for me but I can't say the same for the Bobbi Brown brow pencil. I mentioned before that I like it, but it only lasted me a month. You just can't part me from my Hourglass Brow Sculpting Pencil.

Eyeshadow 

Bourjois Colorband 2-in-1 Eyeshadow and Liner in Rose Fauviste and NARS Outer Limits Shimmer Eyeshadow

Now you know how much I love a good cream eyeshadow stick but sadly I don't think these Bourjois ones are anything to write home about. The colours don't wow me, the texture is OK but they are a bit sheer, in general I'm pretty 'meh' when it comes to these, but they do work as a base underneath a powder eyeshadow. 

This new NARS shadow from the Christopher Kane collection remains the most beautiful eyeshadow I have ever laid my eyes on. Its a glittery, peachy/rose gold colour and it gives serious sparkle.

Mascara

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara and Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

This week I came this close to just throwing this Too Faced mascara in the bin, I just can't deal with the flaking. Honestly by mid afternoon I start to get little black specks of mascara underneath my eyes and by the end of the day its full on Uncle Fester mode. Now its dried out a bit I can say that I really like the volume and length it gives my lashes, but if it won't stay on my eyes, its useless! 

Its now been relegated to the Sunday mascara, because I hate Sundays.

Lips

Lip Liner

Jordana Easyliner for Lips in Tawny

I bought this lip liner in a Walgreens in Chicago for $1.99 (actually I bought two) and it is by far my favourite out of all the ones I own. Its really creamy, doesn't dry your lips out and the colour is the perfect nude. I'm going to Seattle in October and will be bulk buying more! 

Lipstick

MAC Kinda Sexy Lipstick

I had this lipstick many moons ago but somehow managed to lose it. I was in MAC recently and on a whim decided to buy it again. I'm so glad I did because I just love this matte peach shade. Its quite a muted shade but gives just the right amount of colour.

New Years Eve Makeup Inspiration: The Lashes

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas, although its not over yet! I am very strict when it comes to enforcing the 12 days of Christmas!

 New Year is now looming and with that comes the disappointment which is New Years Eve. I am really not a fan of New Years Eve, so much pressure and you have to pay for a ticket to get in anywhere! I also always find it a bit depressing, accepting that Christmas is almost over and reminiscing on your life, thinking next year will be better and before you know it, its New Years Eve again!

On that cheery note, I thought I would give you some makeup inspiration, whatever your New Year plans are. 

This look is centred around the new Cheryl Eylure lashes, which I am currently having a bit of a love affair with. 

Face

Primer

MAC Prep & Prime Skin Base

If you are planning on staying up until the wee hours, I would definitely recommend wearing a primer so your makeup lasts. MAC's Skin Base is one of my faves as it makes your makeup stick like glue.

Foundation

Dior Star Foundation

As its New Years Eve, there's a high chance of someone whipping out their camera for a picture, so to prevent flashback face, pick a foundation with zero SPF. At the moment I am really liking Dior's Star foundation, as it provides a good level of coverage whilst still looking natural, it also photographs beautifully.

Corrector/Concealer

Bobbi Brown Corrector and L'oreal Lumi Magique Concealer

If you suffer from dark under eye circles then applying a corrector before your concealer will counteract the darkness and really brighten the under eye area. I then like to use a brightening concealer under my eyes and to highlight the centre of my face (centre of the forehead, bridge of the nose, middle of the chin).

Powder

 MAC Prep & Prime CC Compact

Make sure you powder your t zone and keep a pressed powder in your bag. You will be thankful for it later when you are squashed in a pub full of drunken rowdy men! 

Contour

Anastasia Contour Kit

I definitely would not contour on a daily basis but as its a special occasion needs must. I tend to just contour in some cheek bones and leave it at that but whatever you do make sure you blend, blend, blend, unless you want to look like Boy George.

Blush

MAC Pro Longwear Blush in Rosy Outlook

As this look is all about the eyes and the lashes, I wanted a pretty but non offensive blush. Rosy Outlook gives a very subtle pink flush.

Highlight

Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Powder in Candlelight

Probably my favourite step of all, if my cheeks aren't shimmering then I ain't going nowhere! This is my all time favourite highlighter because its subtle. When it comes to highlighter you want shimmer, not glitter!

Eyes

Eyebrows

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in 'Soft Brunette' and L'oreal Brow Artist Plumper in 'Dark Brunette'

Use your eyebrow pencil/powder of choice, just don't get carried away!

Eyeshadow Primer

NARS Pro Prime Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base

If you have oily lids and like me, go to the toilet to find your eye makeup halfway down your face, then an eyeshadow primer is a must. It helps your eyeshadow stay on all night and if you are wearing glittery shadows it also helps give the glitter something to stick to.

Eyeshadow

Charlotte Tilbury Fallen Angel Eyeshadow Palette

This is possibly the most beautiful piece of makeup I own, it is a thing of wonder! I am not precious when it comes to makeup and I always commit the cardinal sin of using my makeup before I photograph it, but even I don't want to ruin that beautiful star embossing. 

As I was using a lot of products, I wanted to keep my eyeshadow simple so I just used one colour, which was the bronze colour all over the lid and lightly underneath my lower lash line.

Eyeliner

MAC 'Teddy' Eye Kohl

In keeping with the bronzy/brown tones, I used this metallic brown liner from MAC and smudged a very rough line along the outer corner of my eye, to give a bit of extra definition.

Mascara

Clinique High Impact and Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

As we are using lashes, any mascara will do.

Lashes

Cheryl Lashes by Eylure in Sexy Senorita

Its been a while since I have worn a full on strip lash but I am obsessed with these new Cheryl Lashes. I didn't have to trim them at all and I love that they don't really look like false lashes. They are very subtle but just give a little something, something ;)

 I tried to get another pair of these on Christmas Eve but Boots were sold out *sob*

Eyelash Glue

Duo Dark Tone Eyelash Adhesive

I never use the lash glue that comes with fake eyelashes because its usually crap and Duo glue is the bomb, plus you can now get it in Boots! I love this one because instead of drying clear, it dries dark.

Lips

Lipliner

Jordana Easyliner for Lips in 'Tawny'

The best $1.99 I ever spent. You can't get Jordana in the UK but if you are in the USA then you need to try these lipliners, the quality is amazing and they are so cheap!

Lipstick

MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick in 'Bare Again'

Again, because this look is all about the eyes I wanted to keep the lips neutral. This lipstick is a new discovery for me and I love the formula. It looks glossy on the lips and feels really moisturising, but still lasts a good few hours and doesn't feel sticky. 

Face of the Day with Milani Illuminating Face Powder in Amber Nectar

Ahh Saturdays, sweet relief from the mundane 9-5! I'm sitting here in my PJ's, listening to Pearl Jam Unplugged on YouTube and hoping that Monday never comes!

I have a new Face of the Day post for y'all today, nothing groundbreaking here just a neutral everyday look. 

Face

Foundation

NARS Sheer Glow in Fiji

I thought I would switch things up and use Sheer Glow, instead of MAC's Face & Body, which I have been loving lately. Sheer Glow is a medium coverage foundation with a satin finish. This really does leave your skin looking flawless.

Concealer

MAC Prep & Prime Highlighter in Light Boost

One of my favourite under eye concealers. This is yellow toned so helps counteract any redness and also brightens the face.

Laura Mercer Secret Camouflage in SC3

There is a reason this concealer is a makeup artists favourite. Covers anything and lasts for ages.

Bronzer 

Guerlain Terracotta Moisturising Bronzing Powder in 00 Makeup Artist

I use bronzer all year round just to add some warmth to my skin. This one by Guerlain is great because its completely matte so looks much more natural and this is a very light shade, so perfect for the Winter months when your skin is paler.

Powder 

Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot

As Sheer Glow doesn't have an overly dewy finish I sometimes won't even bother with powder but today I just used a little bit on my t-zone and chin.

Blush

Milani Illuminating Face Powder in Amber Nectar

I definitely have an obsession with these Milani Illuminating Face Powders. I used this as a blusher but you can use the shade Amber Nectar as a bronzer as well. I love the sheer colour and glow you get with these, amazing.

Eyes

Eyeshadow Primer

Benefit Stay Don't Stray

Although this is a good eyeshadow primer, its ridiculously overpriced and the packaging is completely nonfunctional. 

Eyeshadow

MAC x 15 Warm Neutral Palette

For this look I used Creative Copper all over the lid, which is a beautiful gold colour. I then used Saddle which is a rich, warm, tan colour, in my crease and underneath my lower lash line. I have done a full review on this palette here but in summary its a beauty!

Eyeliner

MAC Fluidline in Dipdown

Look at me cracking out the eyeliner ;) When it comes to liquid liner, less is definitely more. I also love using a brown colour as opposed to a black because it keeps things looking softer and more natural.

Mascara

Maybelline Big Eyes Mascara

Like the L'oreal Miss Manga mascara, this has really grown on me the more I've used it. This is a fiber based mascara so really adds length to your lashes. The only thing with these fiber based mascaras is that they tend to flake by the end of the day and getting one of those fibers in your eye is a mother fucking pain!

Eyebrows

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Soft Brunette

The best, mine is running dangerously low!

Maybelline Brow Drama in Medium Brown

You know what, this is actually a pretty good brow gel. It's tinted so also adds a little bit of colour.

Lips

Lipliner

Jordana Easyliner for Lips in Tawny

Lipliner is one of those beauty products that gets a bad rep and I think Kim Mathers can single-handedly take the blame for that! I like to use a lip liner to make my lips appear a little more fuller and I also use them to fill in my whole lip. This means that when your lipstick wears off, your lips will still have some colour to them. 

Lipstick

MAC Pure Zen

This is a very pretty light peach colour but I cannot use this on its own without Tawny, as otherwise its just too pale for me. Concealer lips are a crime my friends.

I suppose I should get dressed now!

Face of the Day with Marc Jacobs Lolita Palette

After my Sephora splurge I have finally got round to trying out some of my new goodies. I was most excited about the Marc Jacobs Lolita Eyeshadow palette so thought I would do a Face of the Day post featuring it.

Face

Foundation

MAC Face & Body Foundation in N3 mixed with NARS Copacabana Illuminator

I don't think I am going to get bored of this combination anytime soon! I have to say the 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo + has worked wonders for me so far and my skin is looking pretty good at the moment. Its only been a few weeks though so wont speak too soon but I'm taking full advantage of it with a lighter coverage foundation.

Concealer

Josie Maran Argan Creamy Concealer in Fair 1

This is my first time using this concealer and I was impressed at just how creamy it was. I thought being in a crayon form it would be a lot drier but its very creamy and really easy to blend. Note of warning you don't need much of this, I applied too much at first!

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC3

Although my skin is pretty clear at the moment I still have markings and redness which the Face & Body won't cover, this is where this little gem comes in!

Powder

Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot

I actually just hit pan on this powder, you know you have problems when that excites you!

Bronzer 

Guerlain Terracotta Moisturising Bronzing Powder in 00 Makeup Artist

My current go to bronzer. If you are looking for a good matte bronzer, I highly recommend.

Blusher

Milani Illuminating Face Powder in Amber Nectar

I love, love, love this powder in Beauty's Touch, so when I saw the bronzy/peachy option on Amazon I had to get it. With delivery it worked out about £11 which I thought was pretty good value. If you are going to America put these on your wish list. They give you the most beautiful glow, perfect for Summer. I could honestly get rid of all my other blushers and just keep these and the Physicians Formula Happy Boosters!

Eyes

Eyeshadow

Marc Jacobs Lolita Eyeshadow Palette

Lets get the obvious out of the way, the packaging for this palette is beautiful!

I read some reviews saying these were the most amazing quality eyeshadows they had ever used. I disagree with that, not to say these are bad quality, they are good, they are quite loose so they do fly everywhere in the pan but they are highly pigmented and creamy. Having said that I have tried better quality eyeshadows and I would say these match up to Urban Decay/MAC when it comes to quality. This is a very pretty palette, very wearable and there's not a lot not to like (apart from the price). If you are a makeup lover like me you will want to try it regardless but don't feel like you are missing out. 

For this look I used the last two shadows in the palette, the lighter colour all over my lid and the slightly darker one in my crease and underneath my lower lash line.

Mascara

Maybelline Big Eyes Mascara

The more I use this mascara, the more I love it. I actually think it gives a much better effect now its dried out a bit. Kind of loving this right now.

Eyebrows

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Soft Brunette

Standard.

Maybelline Brow Drama in Medium Brown

Like the Maybelline mascara, this is also growing on me but I will soon go back to my beloved Illamasqua don't you worry.

Lips

Lipliner

Jordana Lipliner in Tawny

The best $1.99 I ever spent, unless you count America Twix's (they taste so much better than English ones!)

Lipstick

Mac Pure Zen

If like me, you look like a corpse with a nude lip, don't be put off by Pure Zen. On its own it probably is a little too pale for me, as I'm so pale myself right now but over the top of the lipliner it gives a really beautiful natural colour. I think I will be getting a lot of use out of this over the Summer.

Inside My Makeup Bag

For Christmas I got the most adorable makeup bag from my Mum and Dad. Its extra special to me as its New York themed, with little taxis, pretzels and 'hot doigs' all over it. I adore New York, I have visited 5 times and would love to live there.

As I have been showing you inside everyone else's makeup bag, I thought I would give you a peek into mine. The only makeup I really reapply during the day is lipstick/lip balm, so this is pretty much a bag of different lip products which grows throughout the week!

Oh and if you are interested the makeup bag is from Kate Spade, I'm not sure if you can get it online but I know my Mum bought it from the Kate Spade outlet at Bicester Village in Oxford. 

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder (Shade 20) - Not going to lie, I pretty much bought this for the packaging alone. I like to have a nice compact in my bag and you can't get much more beautiful than this.

Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Colour in True Pink - I do love a matte lip and this is a pretty matte pink colour.

NARS Sheer Lipstick in Dolce Vita - This is the lipstick Liv Tyler wore in the film Jersey Girl. The film is shockingly bad (JLo and Ben Affleck ahem) but this lipstick is a really pretty, very sheer red. Perfect for me.

EOS Organic Lip Balm in Summer Fruit - Because I am obsessed with EOS.

DIOR Creme De Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm - Don't waste your money on this lip balm, its nothing special.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla - I'm still forming my opinion on this concealer. Its nice under the eyes and has a good brightening effect but I'm still not sure if I like it as a concealer for redness/blemishes. I will report back....

DIOR Lip Glow Colour Reviver Balm in Original and Coral (limited edition) - Skip DIOR's Creme De Rose and get one of these instead. One of my absolute favourite lip balms, I got through a tube in less than 2 months I was that obsessed. I love these because they adapt with the temperature of your lips and  give you the perfect colour.

MAC Lipstick in RiRi Woo - I learnt the hard way to keep a red lipstick in my bag in case of emergencies. I was interning at a magazine and got invited, very last minute to a Pixi Lott Lipsy launch party. I had no makeup on me (FML) and there is a very terrible picture of me with Pixi Lott to prove that (again FML)

Hair Apparatus - When you've got to bun, you've got to bun! I love these Sephora hair ties, they leave no kinks in your hair at all.

Manuka Doctor ApiRefine Lip Enhancer - My friend bought me this for Christmas. It has purified bee venom in it and trust me it really makes your lips tingle. I didn't know if I was allergic to bee stings until I tried this....luckily I'm not!

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium - Now, this is one of my favourite concealers for blemishes. Covers anything but feels very light and its so cheap, I love it!

Burberry Lip Cover in English Rose - I know I always bang on about this lipstick but it truly is my favourite 'nude' colour.

Sephora Cinderella Collection Rollerball Perfume - I wish dreams really did come true! One day.....

Kate Walsh Boyfriend Rollerball Perfume - I love this slightly masculine scent, especially in the Winter time.

Jordana Lipliner in Tawny - One of my best American drugstore discoveries and it only cost $1.99

I always have such a heavy bag and now I realise that's because its full of lip balm!

Face of the Day with Urban Decay's Naked 3 Palette

My love affair with the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette continues but as I keep using the same shades, I challenged myself to try something different.

Face

Foundation

For my foundation I made a little cocktail which consisted of 2 pumps of the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation and 1 squirt (technical term) of MAC's Strobe Cream. This is a winning combination, gives my skin a medium amount of coverage and the Strobe Cream is an excellent way of faking a radiant glow! I am loving this Bourjois foundation at the moment.

Concealer

The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla is a cheeky new purchase. I have read a lot of good things about this concealer and I'm pleased to say it lives up to the hype. It definitely lives up to its radiant claims and there is a noticeable brightness in my skin once I have applied this. I did also use this on my blemishes but I think its far better suited to under eye concealing. 

Bronzer and Powder

My pasty face is in desperate need of some added warmth so I used my current favourite bronzer the Guerlain Terracotta Moisturising Bronzing Powder in Makeup Artist all over my face. To control the shine I applied some of the Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder, I'm starting to think this is the never ending powder!

Eyes

Eyebrows

For my brows no surprise here, I used my favourite combination of the Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil by Hourglass in Soft Brunette and my Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel, to brush them through and keep everything looking natural.

Eyeshadow

You know I have been really loving my Naked 3 palette but as I keep using the same 2 shades, Dust and Liar, I told myself I had to try something new. I opted for Burnout all over my lid and Nooner in my crease. Of course I also did my favourite trick and blended Nooner underneath my lower lash line. 

I love how this combination turned out and can tell its going to be a new favourite. I haven't been disappointed by any of the shades in this palette yet, so lets hope that continues!

Mascara

For mascara I used my newest addition, the L'oreal Miss Manga mascara. I was initially a bit sceptical about this mascara but I actually really liked the effect it gave. I found it gave me a nice amount of volume and definition and is an all round good mascara. I wasn't blown away by it, but there is nothing I can say I disliked about it either.

Lips

Lastly for lips I used my current favourite combination of Burberry's English Rose and Jordana's Tawny lip liner. Another winning combination in my humble opinion!