Showing posts with label Shiseido. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shiseido. Show all posts

Sunday, 29 June 2014

My Current Everyday Makeup Look


Normally I change my makeup look pretty regularly but for the past couple of weeks this is the makeup I have worn religiously. It involves some new products, which have quickly become staples in my makeup bag and some old rediscovered favourites. 

Base

Primer
MAC Prep & Prime Skin
I only have a tiny sample of this but it has done an amazing job of keeping my makeup on all day. It does have a slight silicone feel to it but nothing like the dreaded Maybelline Baby Skin. I would recommend if you are looking for a good primer. 

Foundation
Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation in Shade SP50 mixed with NARS Copacabana Illuminator
This has been my foundation combination for a while now and it has served me well. I have almost finished this bottle of Shiseido foundation so it will be all change soon. 

Concealer
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla
Slowly but surely this concealer is growing on me. Its smooth, has good coverage and doesn't cake at all, however I still think there are better alternatives.

Bronzer
Soleil Tan de Chanel
I recently dug this out of my makeup stash in a bid to get some use out of it again. I used to use this cream bronzer all the time and somehow managed to get through a whole pot of it! It does take a bit of getting used to and you definitely need to blend well with a brush to stop any orange tide marks. If you don't like to spend a lot of time on your makeup then you wont get along with this.

Contour
MAC Sculpting Powder in Sculpt
You will be seeing this in my June favourites as I have become a bit obsessed with this and desperately trying to contour some bone structure on my face ;) Don't worry if you missed out on this in the Maleficent collection though as its part of MAC's permanent range.

Powder 
Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot
I have almost come to the end of this powder and actually have a couple of new setting powders to try, expect a review soon!

Blush
MAC Cheeky Bugger
This month the only blushers I have worn are my NARS Matte Multiple in Anguilla and this. I love both as they give a pretty pink, foolproof flush. 

Eyes

Eyebrows
Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Soft Brunette with Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel
Standard.

Eyeshadow Primer
NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Great for people with oily eyelids as its nice and light but keeps your eyeshadow on all day.

Eyeshadow
MAC Sculpting Powder in Sculpt
I have been skipping eyeshadow in favour of using this through my crease for a bit of natural shadow.

Eyeliner
MAC Teddy Eye Kohl
This is the key to this makeup look because without it, its pretty boring. I tight line my upper water line, then line the outer corner of my eye and blend out with my finger. The finished effect doesn't even look like you are wearing liner but it just adds some fullness to your lash line. Teddy works particularly well for this look as its brown rather than black, which can look too harsh.

Mascara
Benefit They're Real
I have come back round to loving this mascara, I swear this gets better after you have used it for a few weeks. I love how this extends the lashes in my outer corners for a flirty effect!

Lips

Lipstick
NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Montego Bay
Considering I change my lipstick on a daily basis, its something of a miracle that I have worn nothing but this lipstick for two weeks straight! I call this my Angelina Jolie lipstick because it doesn't really look like you are wearing lipstick but makes your lips look instantly fuller.


Sunday, 15 June 2014

Face of the Day with L'oreal Colour Riche L'Ombre Pure Eyeshadow in Golden Nude

I just want to take a moment to applaud L'oreal for some really good releases this year. From mascara, to nail polish, to lip products, I feel they have really expanded their range with amazing formula's that I wouldn't expect from the high street. Maybelline take note, you are letting me down so far in 2014!

L'oreal's latest release are these L'Ombre Pure Eyeshadow's which are amazingly soft, creamy and metallic. They are so smooth that they almost feel like a cream eyeshadow and pack some serious punch when it comes to colour pay off.

I picked up two shades, Golden Nude (204) which is a metallic gold and Cafe Saint Germain (201) which is a metallic taupey/purple colour. 

For £5.49 these are amazing value, definitely worth checking out next time you are in Boots

Now on with the rest of the face!

Face 

Foundation
Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation in shade SP50 mixed with NARS Copacabana Illuminator
This has been my foundation combination for the past month or so. In the Summer I like to wear foundations with a higher SPF so this Shiseido one is perfect.

Concealer
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla
I finished my Hourglass concealer and have now reverted back to this NARS one. I still don't quite get what all the fuss is about with this concealer. It does a pretty decent job but I'm not blown away by it....maybe time will tell.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC3
I tend to use two concealers, one for under eyes and always my trusty Laura Mercier for spots and redness, you cant beat it.

Bronzer
MAC Extra Dimension Bronzer in Aphrodite's Shell
I really hope MAC re-release these bronzers at some point, as they give your skin a really beautiful glow. 

Blush
MAC Cheeky Bugger Blush
Full review here, even though this is sold out online check your local MAC counter!

Highlighter
Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder in Candlelight
Because I can't do my makeup without applying this!

Powder 
Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot
A pretty decent setting powder, does the job.

Eyes

Eyebrows
Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Soft Brunette and Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel
My favourite brow duo, it never fails me.

Eyeshadow Primer
NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
One of the best eyeshadow primers I have tried, makes my eyeshadow last all day and doesn't feel heavy or cakey once applied.

Eyeshadow
L'oreal Colour Riche L'Ombre Pure in 204 Golden Nude

Mascara
L'oreal Miss Manga Waterproof Mascara
Full review here and the waterproof formula lasts all day with zero smudging.

Lips

Lipstick
NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Montego Bay
There are two things I am always looking for in a lipstick:
1) A matte finish
2) A shade that is similar to the lipstick Rachel McAdams wears in the Notebook
I don't ask for much do I ;) 

This ticks both boxes, so naturally its my current favourite!


Tuesday, 10 June 2014

Face of the Day with L'oreal L'Extraordinaire Colour Riche Liquid Lipstick in Nude Ballet

I am a self confessed makeup addict, my mind is switched to makeup mode most of the time! If I am watching a film or TV programme and I like the look of a particular characters makeup, I start trying to guess what product was used. Before I know it, I'm googling away, trying to find the makeup artist and what products they used.

I definitely have a lot of useless makeup information stored up there but in case anyone else is like me, I thought I would share my two most recent finds.

I am a massive Mad Men fan, cannot tell you how much I wish I lived back in the late 60's early 70's.
 I love the makeup in the show, especially Christina Hendricks' character Joan. I did a little research into her makeup and found that its not always a red lip she's wearing. Due to the colours in the show, when she is wearing a pink lip it appears red and one of the colours used is Baby Lips by 
Laura Mercier, so of course I had to try it. 
On a slightly more embarrassing note, when Kim Kardashian recently got married I was waiting with baited breath for that makeup breakdown. When her makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic spilled that he used an £8.99 lipstick by L'oreal, I was in Boots, quicker than you can say Kardashian!

Face

Foundation
Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation in Shade SP50
I like this foundation because its light and doesn't feel heavy on your skin but still gives a good medium coverage. Plus the high SPF is perfect for these sunny days.

Concealer/Highlighter
Max Factor Under Eye CC Stick
I recently did a review of these Max Factor CC Sticks and the yellow toned, under eye one is definitely the best of the bunch. 

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC3
The day I finally finish this will be a momentous day and I don't quite know what I will do without it after all these years.

Contour
MAC Sculpting Powder in 'Sculpt'
Don't worry if you missed out on this in the Maleficent collection, Sculpt is one of MAC's Pro contour powders, which you can buy online here. This has definitely made me fall back in love with contouring.

Blusher
Milani Illuminating Face Powder in Amber Nectar
These powders by Milani have to be one of the best beauty buys in any American drugstore. I love that they give a sheer amount of colour with a heck of a lot of glow.

Powder
Ben Nye Banana Luxury Powder
I do like this yellow toned powder for brightening my face, I just wish the packaging was a bit more practical. 

Eyes

Eyebrows
Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Soft Brunette and Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel
 My eyebrow weapons of choice, always.

Eyeshadow
MAC Sculpting Powder in 'Sculpt'
I wasn't feeling eyeshadow, so I just used a bit of contour powder though my socket to create a natural shadow.

Mascara
Benefit They're Real
Its taken a while but Ive fallen back in love with this mascara. The torture ball tip is just perfect for really winging out your outer lashes, giving a pretty cat eyed effect.


Lips

Lipstick
Laura Mercier Sheer Lip Colour in Baby Lips
Baby Lips is a pretty safe, everyday wearable pink colour. There's nothing not to like about it and if you like your nudes more on the natural side like me, then its definitely one to add to your list.

L'oreal L'Extraordinaire Colour Riche Liquid Lipstick in Nude Ballet
Being a Kim K colour, I was worried this was going to be concealer lip nude but its actually pretty wearable. For me it is a little bit pale on its own but I really like it layered over another lipstick. These are seriously glossy and pretty long lasting, I am impressed.


Monday, 2 June 2014

Face of the Day with Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso


I go through stages with blusher, sometimes I love it, sometimes I hate it and just want to wear bronzer. At the moment I am back to loving it because of Milani's Baked Blush in Luminoso. This is the prettiest coral blush I own and it gives your cheeks some serious glow factor. I need to get back to America ASAP and stock up on some more colours!

Face

Foundation
Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation in Shade SP50 mixed with NARS Copacabana Illuminator
In the warmer months I cant bear to wear heavy foundations, this Shiseido one is nice and light but gives a good medium coverage. Adding the NARS illuminator gives my skin that extra healthy glow.

Concealer
Hourglass Hidden Concealer in Fair and Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC3
I use the Hourglass concealer under my eyes as it does some serious Kim K highlighting. I don't think its great for blemishes though, so I use my trusty Secret Camouflage for those.

Powder
Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot
I am getting a bit bored of this powder now, it does a decent job of controlling shine but I don't think its the best powder I have tried. I've got my eyes on Too Faced's Primed and Poreless to try next.

Bronzer 
MAC Extra Dimension Bronzer in Aphrodite's Shell
I have been loving this bronzer lately and included it in my May favourites. As I'm still pretty pale this is just the right colour for me. 

Blusher
Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso
The star of the show, this blush is beautiful and its far better quality then any Chanel baked blushers Ive tried in the past. All of the Milani products I have tried really impressed me but their blushers are definitely a stand out. Although Milani is an American brand, all is not lost if you live in the UK. I actually bought mine from Amazon and for £5.99 its an absolute bargain.

Highlighter
Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder in Candlelight
To be fair I didn't really need a highlighter with this blush but I just couldn't resist!

Eyes

Eyebrows
Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Soft Brunette with Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel
The usual.

Eyeshadow Primer
NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
I am so happy that I finally finished that Benefit Stay Don't Stray primer and can go back to my favourite NARS Pro Prime. I like this because its really light but still keeps your eyeshadow on all day.

Eyeshadow 
Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in Pale Barley
Burberry make some of my favourite eyeshadows and Pale Barley is a colour that I had completely forgotten about. When it comes to eyeshadow I really only like to wear one colour all over my lid and Pale Barley is the perfect cool toned gold.

Mascara
Benefit They're Real
I got a bit obsessed with this mascara last year but I always find it takes a couple of weeks to get used to it again. I love how this wings out my outer lashes but I do have to spend a bit of time getting my lashes how I like them. If you don't like to spend time applying your mascara I would skip this.

Lips

Lipstick
Clarins Rouge Eclat in Nude Rose
I have never really paid too much attention to Clarins makeup before but these lipsticks are really lovely. The formulation is really creamy and moisturising and all the colours are my kind of natural nudes.


Sunday, 1 June 2014

May Favourites

Where did May go?! I'm just not mentally prepared for Summer!

I feel like my May favourites are a bit boring this month, but I just haven't been feeling particularly experimental with my makeup and have just been reaching for the same things. Having said that, I have got some new exciting products to share and use, so hopefully that will get my creativity kick started!

Nivea In-Shower Body Moisturiser Skin Conditioner for Dry Skin

My lazy body moisturising routine continues with this ingenious in-shower moisturiser by Nivea. You cleanse your skin with your usual shower gel, then apply this and rinse off. This isn't the most hydrating of moisturisers and if you suffer from particularly dry skin you might not be able to use this alone. For me at the moment its enough and I love that I can skip the whole sticky moisturising situation altogether. Winner.

Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation SPF30 in Shade SP50

Each year when summer rolls round I always reach for this foundation, not only because of the high SPF but also because its waterproof. A sweaty summer saviour!

MAC Tan Pigment

Now I'm not normally a fan of loose pigments. They are just a bit too much of a faff to be messing around with, but Tan is such a pretty colour that I'm prepared to put up with a bit of faffing. This is a light pinky bronze colour, which I just wash all over my lid with lashings of mascara. This is pretty much the only eyeshadow I have worn this month.

MAC Extra Dimension Bronzer in Aphrodite's Shell

MAC's Alluring Aquatic collection was their best collection in a while and I really hope they re-release these bronzers at some point because the formula is lovely. These have got no shimmer in them but they aren't entirely matte either, they just have this beautiful sheen to them which gives you a lovely healthy glow.

Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer in Fair

This is all I've got left of this concealer and I will definitely miss it when its gone. This is an ultra creamy concealer which really brightens and highlights your under eye area. Because it is so creamy I don't use it on any blemishes, as I find it gets too shiny throughout the day but as an under eye concealer I love it.  I will definitely purchase this again at some point.

Burberry Lip Cover in English Rose

My favourite lipstick of all time and this is all I have left :'( Why is it that all of your favourite products seem to finish at once! This is my perfect everyday lipstick, I have featured it in on my blog countless times and while I would love to use up some of my other lipsticks first before repurchasing this, I just don't think I will be able to be without it! (Bit dramatic)

Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Powder in Candlelight

Alongside English Rose, this is one of my all time, could not live without, favourite makeup products. I could put this in every single monthly favourites post because I use it and love it every single day. Its now my favourite part of my makeup and I always put it on my bag on night outs. Believe the hype!

Sons of Anarchy

I like including one non beauty favourite each month and this month without a doubt its Sons of Anarchy. I am obsessed with this programme and more than a little bit obsessed with Jax and Opie! To give you a brief summary, its about a motorcycle club in California. Granted its no Sopranos and the Irish accents are pretty shocking but I really like the characters and it keeps you gripped. 

Monday, 19 May 2014

New In

I have been a bad beauty blogger recently and tried lots of new, pretty things, but not shared any of them on here! I thought the easiest way to rectify this, would be to smush all these products into one massive post and as I am very much a visual person, I have included a bonus Face of the Day wearing these beauties!

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

I just ran out of my last bottle of Bioderma and my lovely friend Chloe recommended this as an alternative. I do love the L'oreal Micellar Water but the Garnier one is double the size and about half the price (as Kevin Bacon would say, no brainer). I do have a theory that all Micella Waters are essentially the same and the Garnier version works a treat. The only thing I have noticed is, that it doesn't remove mascara as quickly but I really cant complain.

If you have never tried using Micellar Water to remove your makeup before, I highly recommend giving it a go. I really struggle to use face wipes, as they make my face and eyes sting and leave my face looking red and blotchy. Micellar Water's are so gentle and remove all my makeup with no stinging at all!

Models Own Polish for Tans in Beach Bag

Models Own released a line of neon nail polishes which are designed to "instantly highlight golden skin". FYI, there is no crazy new formula here, they are just neon nail polishes. 
Beach Bag is a pale neon coral colour. I do love the colour and have no doubt it would really emphasise a tan, but I was not impressed with the formula of this polish. It was very thick and gloopy, like all neons it drys matte so you need a top coat, but I noticed after a few days my nails were looking matte again and my top coat had almost disappeared. 
In summary lovely colour, crappy formula.

Clinique Chubby Stick in Whooping Watermelon

I am very late to the Chubby Stick bandwagon, but my friend Nat had the most amazing lipstick on and when I asked her what it was, she told me it was one of these. That particular shade was Heftiest Hibiscus, which I feel needs its own dedicated post and since then I have added Whooping Watermelon to the collection (even the lady on the Clinique counter chuckled at the name). This is a very sheer pink,  which just adds a little something, something to your everyday makeup.

L'oreal Miss Manga Mascara in Waterproof

I really loved L'oreal's Miss Manga mascara so when I heard they were releasing it in a waterproof formula, I practically ran to Boots. I have done a full review of this mascara here and the waterproof formula is just as good.

Anastasia DipBrow Pomade in Chocolate

When it comes to brows I stick to what I like (yes I am talking about my beloved Hourglass pencil) however these new DipBrow's by Anastasia intrigued me and I wanted to give them a try. 
These are little pots of tinted brow mousse, which claim to be waterproof and smudge proof. You need to apply this with a brush to your brows, a brush isn't included but any angled brush will do (I have been using the MAC 263). 
If you are someone that likes a really defined brow, you will love this stuff as you can really sculpt some serious brows with it. For me this is a bit of a faff to do on a daily basis but I have enjoyed using it for nights out, to give my brows a bit more drama. The only thing that is a bit rubbish is the shade range. There are 5 shades available, ranging from blonde to ebony, but there isn't a light brown. I opted for Chocolate but ideally would have preferred a slightly lighter colour. 
These are available exclusively in the UK from Cult Beauty.

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream

I have my Mum to thank for getting this baby back in my life. Sadly you can only get this in the US but if you are heading that way, or are lucky enough to live there, then you need to try this moisturiser. Its hydrating, light and helps keep my skin clear from blemishes. Love it!

Dior Diorskin Nude Shimmer Instant Illuminating Powder in Rose 001

This was what I would consider a "naughty purchase". I really didn't need it, but it was just too pretty to leave! This is like a more pigmented version of my beloved Milani powder and gives a pretty pink, highlighted glow to your cheeks. I can already tell this is going to me my go to blusher for the next few months.

Guerlain Terracotta 4 Seasons Tailor Made Bronzing Powder in Naturel Brunettes 03

Another guilty purchase but one I have been resisting for a long time! Guerlain Bronzers are the ultimate luxury but they are also some of the most natural looking bronzers available. I love how this has 4 different colours which you can either pick and choose from, or blend together. There are 6 different shades available and Guerlain have made it easy for you to find your perfect shade by naming them by different hair colours. 
I regret nothing!

Bobbi Brown Tinted Lip Balm in Pink Raspberry

I have a lip balm addiction and these limited edition balms were calling me. I love how they are in the traditional lip balm tube but just slightly sleeker and sturdier. These are surprisingly pigmented and give you the same colour as a sheer lipstick would. Pink Raspberry is a very me colour, a natural pink toned nude. These feel really lovely and moisturising on the lips, my only complaint would be that the colour doesn't last long enough. Overall though, I would really recommend these and it looks like they are already selling out fast!

Don't say I don't deliver on my promises ;) because here I am, wearing it all. There are definitely some products in here which I know will become my new staples, particularly the Dior blush, Guerlain bronzer and Bobbi Brown lip balm!


Foundation: Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation mixed with Nars Illuminator in Copacabana
Concealer: Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer and Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage
Bronzer: Guerlain Terracotta 4 Seasons Tailor Made Bronzer in Naturel Brunettes
Blusher: Dior Nude Shimmer Instant Illuminating Powder in Rose
Powder: Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot
Eyebrows: Anastasia DipBrow Pomade in Chocolate
Eyes: MAC Tan Pigment and L'oreal Miss Manga Waterproof Mascara
Lips: Bobbi Brown Tinted Lip Balm in Pink Raspberry

Monday, 12 August 2013

Face of the Day with Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow Stick in Golden Pink

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm - I got a free sample of this and have been trying it out recently. Use it as you would a primer, before your foundation but the trick it not to rub it in. You have to try and smoothe it on your skin, with as few strokes as possible. I'm not sure what I think of this yet, can't say I have noticed a real difference but I still need some time to experiment with it!

Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation - You can read my full review on this here but its a foundation I always go back to, especially in Summer due to the high SPF.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - Ah the cult status concealer in the beauty blogging and YouTube world. Its a good concealer, covers really well and blends in nicely. Not bad for £4.19

Jouer Mattifying Powder Bronzer in Sunswept - Again I have done a full review of this bronzer here but I have quickly fallen in love with this little guy and am now eager to try more Jouer products in order to build my very own lego makeup tower!

Rimmel Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder in Transparent - This is a good powder for controlling shine but be careful as it can look cakey if you use too much. I use the duo fibre powder brush from Real Techniques with this.

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base - By far my favourite eyeshadow base, blends into nothing and keeps my eyeshadow on all day.

Hourglass Brow Sculpting Pencil in Soft Brunette - I think I can officially say this has overtaken my love for MAC's Lingering. This pencil is so easy to use and gives a really soft natural finish to your brows. No felt tipped brows here people.

Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel - The BEST eyebrow gel, clear mascara just doesn't compare. I use this to brush my brows up, it keeps them in place and makes them look a little groomed. If Julia Roberts is your brow hero too then try this!

Revlon Lash Potion - Full review here but in summary, don't be fooled by the pretty packaging!

Smashbox Bronze Lights in Suntan Matte - When I discovered that my local Boots now stocks Smashbox I knew it was going to be a problem! I have wanted to try this bronzer for a long time, its been on my radar for years as I remember Kim Kardashian's makeup artist listing it as the perfect matte bronzer. He was right, there is no shimmer in it at all. It blends seamlessly as the texture is so soft, like butter! I still cant stop wearing bronzer as an eyeshadow and I like using this on my eyes instead of the Jouer as its more red toned, so looks a little more natural.

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow in Golden Pink - A couple of years ago I was definitely a MAC girl, you know the false lashes, the winged liner, changing your hair colour every other week. Well maybe its because I'm going to be 27 this year (gulp) or the fact that I haven't dyed my hair in over a year but I think I'm a Bobbi Brown girl now. I just love the woman, I love what her brand stands for, I love what she promotes. Natural beauty, makeup that emphasises the features you already have, doesn't alter them. 
My Mum is a big Bobbi Brown fan and always has been, but now we enable each other! My mum had  heard about the new Bobbi Brown cream shadow sticks and wanted to try them. I tagged along and it was love at first swatch. 

I wasted no time and grabbed the nearest Assistant "Can we have two of the Golden Pink". If you like MAC's All That Glitters eyeshadow you will love this. As this is a cream shadow in a stick format its so easy to use, you don't need a brush and can just blend out with your fingers. Its also perfect for an inner corner highlight, I love that it looks pretty and natural.  I was seriously impressed at how long lasting this was. That swatch on my wrist, would not come off without some serious rubbing from a baby wipe and it stays on my eyes all day without a primer and doesn't crease at all. I really can't recommend these enough, infact my Mum called me from her holiday, to tell me she bought another shade at the airport! (So proud!)

Smashbox Halo Long Wear Blush in Bloom - Again with the Smashbox and the Boots (argh) I love the colour of this blush, its a bright coral red colour (my two favourite colours combined how wonderful!) It gives a really natural flush to the cheeks and again I was impressed by how long it lasted on my skin. My only gripe is the packaging, you have to twist the lid and it kind of grates off the blush. Its just fiddly and I never grate off the right amount, plus it always leaks in my makeup bag. The only thing I like grating is parmesan!

Dior Addict Lipstick in 864 - My kind of lipstick, bright but sheer. Makes me look alive and looks good with the Halo blush!