A Christmas Day or New Years Makeup Look♥*

Christmas and New Year only happens once a year. We have to wait a whole year for them to happen and they're gone in a flash. Since they're such special occasions, I like to take the time to do my makeup nicely and enjoy doing it without the necessary rush. I like to trial makeup looks before the day because that way then, I have a half idea of what I'm aiming for. I've been playing around with my makeup and came up with a look which is ideal for the occasions.

 The key to flawless looking makeup is by having good skincare. Using the Nu Skin Moisture Restore Day* is a great way to start. It leaves your skin feeling hydrated and smooth. One pump is all that necessary. By using this, the rest of my face makeup applies like a dream.

Primer, good old primer. What did I ever do before I found primer, especially this one! Soap and Glory are famous for their makeup range and have hit it out with their One Heck Of A Blot Primer*. It claims to keep your skin matte, banish out any oil and make your pores appear smaller. Your pores don't look as noticeable with foundation on; your skin does look matte when this is first applied and it does banish oil for a couple of hours - it would last longer but I have severely oily skin so my makeup starts to slip and slide but this does help keep your makeup last longer.

 Moving onto eyes (we shall return to face makeup later - it's to prevent fallout on your beautifully perfected makeup!) Starting off with the Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Creamy Beige as a base. It works as a primer but also the shadows will show up better as they have something to stick to. For eyeshadow, the Seventeen Easy on the Eye Palette in The Big Smoke* is perfect. It has 8 eyeshadows, 3 cream shadows and an eye primer, as well as a double ended brush (yes, brush, not an applicator or sponge!)

Top row left to right- Twilight Blue, Cocoa Brown, Smoky Marble, Wild Khaki, Cool Aluminium and Illuminated Bronze.
Bottom row left to right - Onyx Black, Slate Grey, Cloudy Lilac, Warm Ivory, Pink Flush and Eye Primer. 

Starting with Cloudy Lilac, I take it all over my lid for a wash of colour. Blended on top of that, I take Slate Grey. For my crease, I like to blend a little Onyx Black, followed by Twilight Blue then also Cocoa Brown and that's the eye look complete. It's basically a quick, simple smokey eye.

For a more dramatic finish to the eye look, I love to have winged liner! My go-to is Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner Pen. It's easy to use, quick and is proper black - so no watery or weak liner! The tip of it is very thin making it easy to control and use.  The W7 Absolute Lashes Mascara* has been ideal for this look. It adds volume to the lashes but gives a lot of length taking your lashes to a whole new level. The wand is long, thin and straight so catches every lash in sight.

An optional step if you feel your lashes aren't bold enough could be by using the Threads Charleston Lashes*. These are natural looking but not too over the top and would suit the eye look well.

 For an all over even finish, the Cover FX Natural Finish Oil Free Foundation* has to be the one. It has super high coverage yet isn't cakey AT all; it's a hero in disguise! It leaves my skin looking like my own yet evens out all the redness. For extra coverage, I've been loving the Soap and Glory Kick Ass Concealer*. If the name isn't convincing enough, what will be? There's two shades to choose from, depending what you're trying to counteract. To ensure all your face makeup stays in place, the good old Rimmel Stay Matte is a favourite. As you can see, I've hit major pan - I shall need to repurchase another one (again) soon.

Brows brows brows, and what you gonna do about them? You're going to use the Seventeen Brows That! Brow Kit* because it's simply magnificent. There's a brow wax, brow powder, highlighter powder, mini brush and mini pencil - it's compacted with everything you could possibly ever need for your brows. My brows are forever on fleek with this super kit.

 A popular, raved and famous product, is the Seventeen Define and Conquer Contour Kit*. I'm perhaps one of the most unskilled amateurs regarding contouring, however, this kit has changed that. The contour shade is just right shade to contour for us pale girls - it's not too orange nor muddy. I used to use the Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette in Native non-stop. For months, it was in the backseat but I've recently rediscovered my love for it. I'm obviously using my trusty theBalm Mary Lou Manizer Luminizer. I'm not going to babble on too long about it because I wrote a post on it here. It's gorgeous and perfect for highlighting my pale little face.

My first lipstick choice is Seventeen Stay Pout Lipstick in Saintly*. When this first came to me, worried thoughts came to mind about whether or not I'd suit it, but course I gave it a bash. Turns out it's a beautiful, effortless, pearly-pink nude lipstick. It looks elegant and classy. It goes hand in hand with this makeup look since the eye look is quite intense.

Since we are in Winter, I clearly chose my staple Seventeen Stay Pout Lipstick in Rule Breaker*. It's a stunning berry colour which is seriously opaque - talk about pigmentation! It's long lasting and has quite a matte finish to it but isn't drying.

To complete my makeup, I used my usual brushes - the Real Techniques Core Collection and Real Techniques Eye Starter Kit. Alongside, I use the Real Techniques Retractable Kabuki Brush and the W7 Power Puff Face Blender.

And behold, the finished look; one with the berry lip and one with the nude lip! I never managed to get too many snaps due to lack of lighting, thanks Winter.

Have you got your Christmas or New Years makeup look sorted?

*PR Samples

Top Picks For Winter Lip Colours || Collab♥

Lip products are one of my favourite products. It fascinates me how one lipstick can change up an entire look. Winter is my favourite season for lip colours - give me a berry, red, plum or purple and I'm happy. Bold makeup is more "acceptable" in this season and I love nothing more than being adventurous when it comes to my makeup.

Back in June, Kirsty and I decided to collab on our Summer Lip Colours and it was only right to do a Winter Lip Colours post too. I've managed to narrow it down to 5 lip products, all available from the drugstore.

Starting with the most natural, nude colour in my picks is the Seventeen Lip Crayon. Usually, I wouldn't pick a lip crayon but I have been loving this lately. It's oh-so smoothing and creamy on the lips so as you could imagine, it glides on your lips no bother. It's the perfect product to quickly finish off any makeup look - dramatic or natural. I cannot even tell you how many times I reach for this product! It leaves a nice and natural finish to the lips. It gives a glossy look with a little bit of colour. This product could be used any time of year but would be great during Winter when you're focusing on your eye makeup.

I love red lipsticks, they just scream Christmas time at me. The Revlon Colourstay Ultimate Suede Lipstick in Trendsetter is most definitely one of the best I've found. In the tube, it looks deep red however, once applied, it does have a hint of a berry undertone in it. The staying power of this is immense - I went to Costa once (I'm a Costa gal!) and it was still on! It's really creamy so beware, it may melt a little if in heat. I would class this as more of a lipstain than a lipstick due to it's staying power. To sum it up in four words would be: festive, classy yet gorgeous.

Bargain lipsticks seem to make their way into my stash. The MUA Lipstick in Shade 2 is one of them. In the tube, it looks an intimidating purple. When applied to the lips, it's nowhere near as dark nor scary. It's a bit more sheer which makes it wearable for daytime, but it's not transparent - it does give off colour. It's an easy colour to apply as it's not high demanding as it isn't as bold as some other colours, meaning, it's easy to apply when on the go. Since it isn't as bold, it goes well with multiple different looks.

Yet another purple, but this time it's Makeup Revolution #LipHug in I Wasn't Mixed Up. This is a brighter, bolder purple than the previous. These are incredibly creamy and glide on. Since they're more noticeable than the previous, these do require a little bit more precision and assistance when applying. When on the lips, they give off a glossy finish which looks fantastic. When I first got this, I was unsure to how this would work and whether I'd like it. Turns out it's one of my top picks for this season. Paired with a simple eye look, this lip colour looks ace.

Finally, keeping my favourite until last, is the Seventeen Stay Pout Lipstick in Rule Breaker. If you follow me on Twitter, you'll have seen me raving about this lippy! The formula, the packaging, the colour, everything. Need a berry coloured lipstick? Get this. It's the one! I find this looks better on top of a lipliner as it's bold, it needs to be perfect - no dodgy application is wanted! It's perhaps the most pigmented of the bunch and the most "out there". The staying power is impressive - it lasts for hours before needing topped back up. To me, it's basically Winter in a tube - it's this season summed up into one lipstick. I can assure you that I received lots of complements on this when I wore it one day - it was loved by others and not just me! The formula of these lipsticks are one of my favourites - I own more than this one now!

As I mentioned above, this is a collab with Kirsty as we have collaborated before, both share a love for makeup plus, we literally talk all the time, so what better than collaborating with one of my favourites?!

Have you tried any of these lipsticks? What are your top picks?

A Pamper Routine With Nu Skin♥*

Everyone enjoys a pamper evening here or there. They're relaxing and you always feel extremely pampered as well as feeling great. Whenever I have a pamper evening, I go all out and use as many of my products as possible to feel pampered. When I received some Nu Skin products, of course I just had to give them a trial during my pamper evening.

I would normally have a Lush bath but if I don't, I'll wash my hair and continue with the ReNu Hair Mask*. This smells gorgeous! It smells like a really rich, expensive shampoo. It leaves my hair in tip-top condition; shiny and smooth. It's highly hydrating and your hair will thank you for using it.

I lather myself in the Epoch Baobab Body Butter* afterward. It's absolutely amazing - my skin absorbs it very quickly and it smells divine. It reminds me of fudge doughnuts, delicious! My skin always feels incredible after using it. Thankfully, it's non-greasy so that's always an added extra.

Before anything else, I like to wash my face, I particularly like to use a facial scrub. The Nu Skin Exfoliant Scrub* is fantastic! When you squeeze some out, looking at it, you wouldn't expect it to be a scrub. Once you apply it to your face and blend out, you feel the tiny little scrubs. They're not harsh at all and the scrub smells quite minty so you could imagine it being fresh. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and looking great.

The highlight of my pamper evening is using a face mask. I've been loving the Nu Skin Epoch Glacial Marine Mud Mask*. This has been a star product lately which I have seriously enjoyed using! I was expecting it to come out the tube thickly. Oh, how wrong I was! It's quite watery, as once applied to the face, it dries. You can feel it tightening on your skin, it feels amazing! My face feels super clean after using it. It meant to draw out any dirt from your skin, and I'm almost positive it does as my skin doesn't feel dirty - in fact, it feels the complete opposite.

Once my mask has dried and I've washed it off with warm water, I like to thoroughly cleanse my skin to make sure it's removed properly. Firstly, I use the Nu Skin Creamy Cleansing Lotion* as it's gentle on the skin. It's gentle, yet, effective! It smells phenomenal - it smells almost fruity but also quite sweet. I apply a small amount of product onto my face, massage in then wipe off with a clean, dry cotton pad. I then like to use the Nu Skin pH Balance Toner* on a cotton pad around my face to remove any hidden dirt and close off the pores. This toner doesn't have much of a scent, but it leaves my skin feeling a million dollars.

The Nu Skin Moisture Restore* moisturiser has been a stand out product to me lately. Although I like to use this on a pamper evening as it's light on the skin, I do prefer to use it in the morning. My skin feels as smooth as silk and isn't greasy at all. When I use it in the mornings, my makeup applies evenly. It's nice to use in the evening too, because, it isn't too heavy nor greasy for your skin. Due to it not being heavy, it won't block your pores. One pump is all that's required for me per use, so a little goes a small way.

A slightly random product, but I just had to include it! The Nu Skin* Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste* has been a godsend to me lately. I like to keep good care of my teeth and I'm always on the hunt for products to keep them in tip-top condition. Lately, I've been using this and I can honestly say, I have noticed a difference in my teeth! I think they look whiter, woo! It tastes like mint but isn't overpowering. Not often would I be obsessive over toothpaste but honestly, I have been loving this! I use it in the morning and the evening when I brush my teeth. And who doesn't want to end their pamper evening with a lovely, fresh breath?

Nu Skin has been a new brand to me and their products have impressed me! I have been using them in conjunction lately and have really liked the result. I'm all about anything that'll give me clear skin and all!

Have you tried Nu Skin?

*PR Samples

The Highlighter Queen♥

By now, I think that it's no secret that I absolutely love highlighting. If it's pretty and is guaranteed to highlight to a high standard, the chances are, I will get it. One product which is blog famous is theBalm Mary Lou Manizer. I will admit; I did admire this highlighter for the longest time ever before deciding to purchase it. Many people had raved about it to me and told me to get it, so I eventually jumped on the bandwagon.

The packaging is different to anything else I own. theBalm's packaging overall is quirky and fun. I find the packaging is unique and I do really like it. It's meant to look like a criminal headshot, which is exceptionally unique. The writing is in English, as well as French. The box itself is cardboard but not flimsy. 

The compact is also the same as the box. It is beyond me why they put a circular compact inside a square box but oh well. The finish to the compact is sleek and feels shiny. The product is 8.5g so isn't heavy. When you close the compact, it seals shut with a satisfying click. The catch is very secure so if you carry it in a bag without the box, it shouldn't open.

Can we please applaud me for the fact my nails were nice whilst taking these photos and you can see them in the mirror reflection? The product itself is beautiful. Utter perfection. It can be used for eyeshadow and/or highlighter but I use it for highlighter because I own about 10 eyeshadow palettes. The compact comes in handy because it comes with a mirror, a full one (thankfully) so will be useful if you're on the go. The highlighter itself? My favourite. I am not one for a subtle highlight; I believe go all out or don't bother. Once on the cheekbones, it catches the light in any direction, which looks gorgeous! It's a golden toned highlight, and it looks great on pale complexions (aka me), so I am glad of that because it complements my makeup. As well as my cheekbones, I use it to highlight the inner corner of my eyes and my brow bone.

This is the highlighter queen of all highlighters. I reach for this basically everyday I wear makeup because I love staring at it (I do love using it too). This has quickly became a staple makeup item in my routine! I wish I got it sooner and listened to everyone as not once have I regretted it. What now? I rave about it to everyone and of course I'm not trying to persuade others to get it..

Do you own this highlighter? What's your thoughts on it?

Brows On Point?♥

Not long ago did I still just consider my eyebrows as just eyebrows. Now everyone's buying the latest brow products to get their desired brows. I've recently tried three brow products out which have all gave me excellent results and left me as happy as Larry with my brows (when they like to co-operate and sit in place that is..)

A huge percentages of bloggers own or use Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade. Sadly, I'm still quite a newbie brow amateur and haven't caught on yet (I'll get there). I like quickness with my brows because I haven't got the act yet so the products I use don't take much time.

The Maybelline Brow Drama Sculpting Mascara was the first product I bought for my brows back in August time. I had heard so much about this product, heard it was a dupe for Benefit's Gimme Brow and thought it'd be ideal for someone unskilled with brows like me. Turns out it's actually alright. Better than alright. I got mine in Dark Brown because my hair is dark and wanted it to match. This is fantastic for adding colour into your brows, keeping them in place and filling in any sparce areas of my brows (of course not fully because it's only a mascara). It's handy to use on "lazy makeup days" or for a quick makeup look!

Soap and Glory Archery Brow Pencil & Brush* has been a brow product I've wanted to try out for ages. When I received this in the post the other week, I was delighted and over the moon! The excitement was real. I have mine in Hot Chocolate which is a perfect brown for us brunettes, plus, the name is cute. I find this product easy to work with, plus, it fills in my brows easily. I can notice a difference straight away and my brows look naturally fuller and more defined. With this product, you can go dramatic or natural, whatever your preference is! I like defined and almost bolder brows so enjoy using this.

My last product which is also another pencil is Threads Illuminata Brow Pencil*. This was the first brow pencil I ever owned, and it's fair to say, I wasn't 100% certainly sure what I was doing. Thankfully, it isn't too hard to get to terms with and isn't too dark either so isn't intimidating to use. It's creamy so when you brush through your brows with the spoolie, it will blend out so you're not left with any harsh lines. I reach for this quite often as I feel it leaves me with natural eyebrows which aren't very noticeable.

Personally, I think my favourite brow products are the pencils. I find them easy to use and look quite natural too. At first they look scary, but they honestly aren't. I have actually enjoyed using them as I'm becoming quite happy with how my brows look!

What's your brow secrets? How do you get them "on point"?

*PR Samples

Blogger Induced Buys♥

Reading lots of blogs can only result in one thing - buying lots of new things. If there's a new beauty product out in the market and is raved about lots, chances are I'll find a way to eventually get my hands on it. Over the period of time I've been blogging, it's fair to say there's been a few items I've bought from reading blogs. I own three of the most popular items about and have put them to the test so decided to inform you whether or not they're worth it.

First up and a blogger classic, Lush Snow Fairy. This is one that not only is loved and raved about within the blogging community, but also people in general. From people I've spoken to, even to the people who work in Lush, this is loved! Majority of people like this product, with about 1% of people disliking it (why guys?!) This bottle is from Christmas 2014, and they've now changed the label (which truly upsets me!) but I'm sure I'll be getting it again. Usually I'm not the biggest lover of overly sweet products, but this is an exception. Just think childhood strawberry medicine you got with the doctors mixed with loads of sugar and strawberry laces, as well as candyfloss, and you've almost got Snow Fairy. To sum it up, it's basically very pink, sweet and gorgeous! A lush Christmas classic which almost everyone recognises.

Worth the investment? 

Certainly!

One that exploded on the beauty scene, the Maybelline Baby Lips. These were released in America first, and when the news hit us here in the UK, people were ecstatic to buy them. I ordered them because everyone hyped about them in America, and I picked up Pink Punch (obviously not because it's pink). One thing straight - why did I pick a light pink when I don't even wear them due to not suiting them?! That aside, let's talk about the actual product. Packaging is colourful, eye-catching and fun. Anyone who sees them knows what they are. You get a decent amount of product too for the low cost of £2.99. Although they apply smoothly, they don't feel like a lip balm. I'm normally a huge fan of Maybelline, but sorry, not this time!

Worth the investment?

Sadly, no. I didn't like or get on with this product unfortunately!

A product created by fellow bloggers are the Real Technique Brushes by Pixiwoo. These brushes are still popular and raved about in the beauty community to date and probably will be for years. With the range constantly growing and expanding left, right and everywhere, it's quite right to say they are brilliant. I own two sets: Real Techniques Eye Makeup Brush Starter Set (review here) and Real Techniques Core Collection (review here). Even though I only own two sets, I must admit, I wish I owned more (the whole collection would be perfect, thanks) because the quality of these brushes are insane! They look professional, are beautiful and leave your makeup looking flawless. Now, I'm away to collect all their limited edition sets and other sets..

Worth the investment?

Certainly, 100%!

Of course I have numerous more products that I have bought because of other bloggers, but these are perhaps the three most spoken about products out there!

What have been your blogger induced buys?