Product Favourites: Maybelline's Colour Tattoos

Hey everyone! Apologies for the lack of post over these past few months - I got very lazy in blogging terms, I know. Now that I have my laptop fixed, I will be posting regularly and (hopefully) get this blog running!

I want to do a regular segment on my favourite products - from all areas of beauty - that I would recommend. First up; Maybelline's Colour Tattoos!

These little pots are my best friends. Hence, why I have six of them! They are so quick and easy to apply. I use my finger to apply directly onto my lid, and blend with a fluffy brush - it only takes seconds to apply! For a daytime look, only a light layer is needed. However, if I want to intensify my look for night time, I apply heavier layers and deepen my crease. They have a great ability to build colour and create an intense look.

I always go to my Colour Tattoos when I'm in rush and need a quick and simple flash of colour on my eyes. They also act very well for as primers for a heavier makeup look. They're inexpensive also - €7.49 in Boots (Boots regularly have 3 for 2 on Maybelline products.)

I have the following colours so far, I've listed them in order of my preference:

1.On and On Bronze
2.Metallic Pomegranate
3.Vintage Plum
4.Permanent Taupe (very similar to vintage plum)
5.Eternal Gold
6.Pink Gold

Next on my list is Timeless Black and Everlasting Navy!

Let me know what your favourite Colour Tattoo is in the comments.

Emma x

Cara Delevingne - Topshop AW14

Best-Buy VS. Buh-Bye: LIQUID EYELINER

Liquid liners are the easiest way to create a quick and easy cat eye flick, or just to create some definition. My two main issues with eyeliner is that it's difficult to find one that's both easy to apply and black enough with a good formula! Here are my best and worst picks for liquid liners..

BEST BUYS: 

the best...

1. Wet n' Wild H2O proof liner

This is by far the best eyeliner I have ever tried. And for €4.50 it's pretty cheap too! I got mine in 'ultra black' - which is exactly what it is. It was definitely  the blackest out of any of the eyeliners. I like the formula and sponge applicator as it's really easy to use! Not to mention that it lasted so much better than the others.. Even after having a bath it's still on my skin! 

After the bath..

2. BENEFIT MAGIC INK

While I may not have this in my curren collection, I have tried this before and it is a great liner! Can't really work the applicator as it is a brush and not stiff enough but the formula is great

3. CATRICE EYELINERS - ALL OF THEM! 

There hasn't been one Catrice eyeliner that I haven't liked! They all have great formulas and applicators, as well as being so cheap! Their pen is even better than the Eyeko one :) Again, I have none in my collection right now cause I've been trying to try out different brands - but from now I'm going to stick to Wet n' Wild or Catrice 

BUH-BYE

And the worst! 

1. MAYBELLINE MASTER DUO

By far the worst eyeliner I have ever tried. It seemed really unique - having an applicator that could be used to apply both thin and thick liner. However, the applicator was plain weird and difficult to use ( a flat circle) so I decided to cut it off, but it still didn't look good. It doesn't apply well at all, it's streaky and has such a thin consisitancy. Didn't like this one bit! 

2. EYEKO PEN LINER 

For an eyeliner represented by cat-eye flick Queen Alexa Chung, you would think that this €16 liner would be a God send... But no, it really isn't worth the hype. I found it drying, and really difficult to line near my lashes. So many cheaper, better alternatives! 

3. ESSENCE

While the pigmentation is good, and it is quite easy to apply - the colour just isn't right! I want a jet black liner - this looks more navy (especially compared to the others.) Also, hairs on the brush started to stick out - I cut them off, but still made application harder. Not bad for it's price point - but again, go for Catrice or Wet n' Wild instead! 

Here are a few swatches I took to prove that Wet n' Wild's liner is the best of the bunch - and most definitely 'H2O proof' 

1. Essence, 2. Eyeko, 3. Maybeline, 4. Wet n wild 

And here's how they held up after washing my hands! 

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. 

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!

THE PERFECT BROW: My Go To Products

Being naturally blonde; I have been filling in my eyebrows for years because if I don't you can't see them! Also, I think eyebrows are so important - I'm sure many of you can agree. I have finally found all the best products for the perfect eyebrows! I will also be reviewing the Anastasia Beverly Hills brow product as well as my daily eyebrow routine! 

STEP 1: I brush my brows using the Anastasia 'Brow Wiz' in ash blonde. This is a wax pencil  one end - which is exactly like the mac wax pencils!- and a spool the other end for brushing your brows. I'm glad I bought this pencil purely for the brow! Since the actual wax is just like the Mac one I'll probably just stick to buying that one as they are the same price but you would have to pay more for the Anastasia one to ship from the UK! 

STEP 2: Using a thin, angled brush I use the Anastasia 'Dipbrow pomade' in blonde to draw my eyebrow shape. Can I just say how much I'm in love with this pomade!? I don't know what my life was before it - definitely worth the hype! Not only is it perfect for creating a great shape for under and over the brow - but it lasts so well! I put this on in the morning and could be at work all day (under spotlights) and it's still in perfect condition. It was £15, so around €18, and I have to say it is worth every penny. There is a lot of product so I have feeling it will last me a long time!

STEP 3: I then fill in my brows using a powder from the HD eyebrow palette in Vamp.  Even though Vamp is the darkest of the palettes, it has the perfect ashy dark blonde for my eyebrows! Unfortunately shortly after I bought the product (like 20 minutes!!) it smashed in my handbag and this is actually the only colour I have left! It is the bottom left hand shade. To be honest: I wouldn't advise buying the palette because it broke so easily for me - and the company refused to replace it for me! For the price that is was (€30) that was not okay... so I would say find a cheaper alternative like the essence or wet n' wild sets - they're very cheap - around €3 each - and does just fine!

Sometimes I use my wax pencil instead of powder - it depends on the day!

STEP 4: Finally, I set my brows with the Maybelline 'Brow Drama' mascara in medium brown. Alone, this mascara is brilliant for filling in your brows - but I always use it to set mine because my eyebrow hairs like to fall down! This mascara is great - one coat and your eyebrows won't move! It's matte also so won't give any sheen to your brows. It's a great dupe for the Benefit's 'Gimme Brow'.

So that's how I get my eyebrows looking their best. My must have eyebrow products have to be the Anastasia Pomade and the Maybelline brow mascara, so if you need new eyebrow products you need to get those because I swear by them! My new make-up staples.

Emma x

SAMPLES: How to avoid 'disappointing products'

It has happened so many times to all of us, we buy a new product and then when we get home to use it we figure out that it doesn't work for us and we hate it! The only option is give it to a friend or let it rest in your make-up collection, gathering dust. Buying cosmetics is tricky because you can't return the products once you use it! - which is why you have to be 100% confident when buying. The best way to avoid wasting money on products is to get samples! It may sound so simple but a lot of people never think to ask for one. There are two types of samples: Mini versions of the real deal, and the not-so-attractive samples that are just in any old container. Either way, they're a great way to try out a new product without investing just yet! I've collected a good few samples so I'd thought I'd give some reviews and tell you what I will and won't be purchasing.


Benefit goodies 

Benefit are great for giving samples of their products. They always come in miniature versions and are commonly given with purchases and with magazines! Unfortunately, none of these worked out for me, and I won't be purchasing any of them.

1.'Cha-Cha' lip tint

While I love the choral shade, this just did not work for me as it sticks to every piece of dry skin on your lips! Just awful.


2. 'Triple Performing' moisturiser

I don't have anything particularly negative to say about this product - it was okay, but there are so many moisturisers for the same price or less that work better! Not worth the price tag.


3. 'Fake-Up Concealer

Again, nothing particularly bad but nothing wow. Plenty of drug store products give the same results!


4. 'HELLO FLAWLESS Oxygen wow' foundation 

This foundation was awful on me - it is far too greasy for my combination skin - but it would be lovely on dry skin, so if you have that skin type give it a go!  Also, the sample was way too dark for me. However, I've started using it for contouring so it is being put to use.



All About the Face 

3 face products - all in lovely packaging may I add! This is the best way to get a sample (for free!!) Simply bring a few plastic containers with you a put a bit of product into them so you can try them at home properly!


1. Seventeen 'WOW tan liquid glow'

I was a bit apprehensive to buy this product because I was afraid it would be orange and sparkly on so I decided to take a sample home - and now I cannot wait to buy it! This stuff is amazing. It's a lovely highlighter for when you have tan on and it gives a lovely glow to the face. And its only €7.59 at Boots! Seventeen also have a non-tan highlighter which I'm going to try out next. Boots also have 3 for 2 on Seventeen cosmetics at the moment.

2. La Roche Posay 'Rosiliac CC cream' 

Before, I never bothered with CC creams until I came across this one from La Roche Posay. What really interested me was that it is primarily to counter-act redness (my biggest skin problem)  as well as having an SPF of 30! Alone, its perfect for light coverage on those 'no make-up' kinda days. If I'm wearing a full face of make-up, I've started to use it on my cheeks where I tend to go very red. Avoid any greasy areas as it will cause any foundation to slide off and can look very oily. I'm definitely going to be buying this! You can buy it Boots for €22.99 but you can get cheaper ones in selected pharmacies!

3. MAKE UP FOREVER 'HD foundation'

This product had been hyped up so much, I needed to try it. The make-up artist in store gave me a sample of the foundation in shade '2'. When I tried it on it seemed okay - no better than any other foundation, but after a few hours it was so greasy! And this was the more matte foundation! It was horrible how oily my skin looked. I really just did not see what the hype was about - especially seeing as it has a hefty price tag!


4. Bare Minerals Ready SPF 20 Foundation 

I actually got this sample over a year ago, and I still have some left! It even came with a miniature Kabuki brush which is perfect for small areas like around the nose. I fell in love with it from the first use. It was perfect for covering up any shine and gave a lovely finish. The minerals didn't work well when I applied it directly onto my skin as it tended to clump, so I was using it as a powder! I am definitely going to be going back to Bare Minerals to buy myself one! They're usually around the €20 mark so not too pricey - but definitely worth it.

Moral of the story: if you're uncertain - get a sample! :)


Emma x