Monday 30 June 2014

June Favourites <3

 




I never got around to doing a May Favourites last month, so I have a good few things to talk about this month! Here's a list of what I've been loving for the month of June.



1. URBAN DECAY ELECTRIC PALETTE





I used to be a huge fan of colour when it came to eyeshadows. My everyday eye look in school was a purple or blue smokey eye, but I became very boring when it came to eye makeup and was wary of wearing bright colours. However, when UD released their electric palette, I NEEDED to get my hands on it, and I'm glad I did! The pigmentation is incredible, and the colours are so much more vibrant in real life. My favourites have been 'slowburn', 'thrash' and 'gonzo'. They can be used for a hint of colour on your crease or the inside of your eyes. Once blended with a neutral shade, they are completely wearable! I heard complaints that the shadows stain your eyelids, but I always use a primer base and haven't experienced any form of staining! 


2. MAC MINERALIZE SKINFINISH IN 'SOFT AND GENTLE'




So. Frickin'. Pretty. I heard so much about this product but was a bit turned off as it's quite glittery - but it looks incredible on the skin!! It's the only powder highlighter I own, and I have been using it every day since I got it! It's perfect for creating that summer glow. 


3. BOURJOIS BRONZING PRIMER



I am in love with this primer. Worn alone, it is lovely and creates a smooth, even base for a natural tan complexion. Under foundation - it's perfect for adding a healthy glow and also great if your foundation is a little paler than your current one and you don't want to buy another! And the smell... Wow. It smells like chocolate!! So good. It's a mousse consistency which is easy to apply and smooth on the skin. I dot a small amount into my face and spread it using a duo-fibre foundation brush before applying foundation. It can also be used for contouring as it acts as a bronzer! 

4. CLINIQUE ANTI-REDNESS CLEANSER

This cleanser literally melts away all your make-up, and leaves your skin feeling soft as it is a cleanser and not only a makeup remover. Also, it helps big time with any redness in your skin! 


5. CLARINS RADIANCE-PLUS GOLDEN GLOW BOOSTER

As I am beyond pale, I like to use the garnier summer body gradual tan moisturiser. However, as I am so into my skincare, I refuse to apply that or any tan on my face as I don't want to clog pores. Which is why this has been my new best friend! All you have to do is add 2-3 drops into your normal moisturiser and voila - a lovey tan on your face. No more tan body, white face for me! 


6. L'OREAL SKIN PERFECTION SERUM

I hate having such an even skin-tone, so I wanted to get a serum that would help the tomorrow but that was also purse friendly. I've been using this serum twice a day, before my moisturiser, and I have seen a big difference in my skin's tone and texture. 


7. RIMMEL PRODUCTS
 
SCANDELEYES EYELINER

These eyeliners are amazing. A complete dupe for the UD 24/7 glide on, works so well on the waterline. I've been loving the colour 'bronze' this month in particular. 

APOCOLIPS LIP LAQUER 

The pigmentation of a lipstick, but a glossy finish - I am in love with these lip laquers. My favourite is the colour 'big bang' which is the perfect red colour. Even though I despise the packaging, the product is pretty amazing! Here's a photo of how it looks on. 


Sunday 22 June 2014

Heat proof make-up that lasts!



Now that it is officially Summer, it is getting harder to keep your make-up looking fresh, as well as lasting. With the right products, your make-up can last all day! I have just got home from holidays, and was wearing my make-up not only in the heat, but also from the evening to all hours of the morning in the clubs, so I can guarantee you that these products will keep your make-up in place. These are the steps I take to ensure my make-up stays!



STEP 1: PRIMERS

Both face and eye primers are essential for both creating a base, as well as giving your make-up something to adhere to. Personally, I think primers are essential regardless of weather, but it is even more important in the Summer. My two favourite primers are the Nars oil free pore refining face primer, and the Urban Decay eye primer potion. Both are pricey, but last well and make a huge difference to your make-up routine. I recently bought the Mac prep and prime lip primer and also notice a huge difference when using lipstick!



STEP 2: LOOSE POWDER BEFORE FOUNDATION

Using a loose powder before your foundation not only fills your pores, but also decreases oiliness. It is also a great way of creating a full coverage face without heavy foundation! I use the Catrice loose powder and it works perfectly for me.



STEP 3: APPLY FOUNDATION WITH A SPONGE

The Real Techniques sponge has been my new best friend. I can't go back to using a brush! It creates the most natural look, without looking caked - which is essential in the heat because you can't have heavy make-up or it will just look greasy.



STEP 4: BLOT!

Use either blotting paper or even a ply of tissue paper to remove all the excess oil from your foundation by simply patting it all over the face. This trick works wonders and you will notice a decrease in oiliness throughout the day!



STEP 5: GEL EYELINER

Gel eyeliner will last for hours on end and will not budge! I use the Maybelline lasting drama gel pen. I wore it the day of my flight (which was late that night) and after 21 hours it was still perfect - no touch ups needed!



STEP 6: BROW MASCARA

No matter what you use on your brows, you need to set it with a brow gel or mascara to keep those hairs in place. Benefit's 'gimme brow' is amazing, but so is the Maybelline version! - a brow essential.



STEP 7: SETTING SPRAY

A few sprits of a setting spray will ensure that your finished make-up look will last. I use the Urban Decay All Nighter spray for days when I'm working or when I'm going out. It is  product must for me!