My All Time Favourite Lipgloss

I've always very much been a lipstick over lipgloss type of gal. I'm not one for constant reapplication, I don't enjoy the sticky feeling, and I certainly don't appreciate the inevitable hair stuck to lips situation, however the NARS lipgloss in Stolen Kisses* (£18.50) (one of their new ones!) has got me reaching for it ever so often.

So, what's so great about  this lipgloss? Well, it's just miles better in every possible way to anything I've tried…(I mean, it really should be considering the price).
The packaging is classic NARS, very simple yet it feels classy and expensive, and you do get a fair amount of product.
Now, the gloss itself is extremely pigmenting, and the colour payoff is stunning. Stolen Kisses is a very natural shade, almost 'my lips but better' but darker and much prettier with a slight hint of shimmer…that to be honest is barely noticeable, but I like that. The colour goes well with any makeup look, I've worn it with a smokey eye and with a 'no-makeup' look and both look pretty gorgeous. I do get complimented when I wear it as well…always a bonus.
The texture is spot on, it's not thick and gloopy nor is it running, and it ranks very low on the stickiness scale; meaning it's extremely comfortable to wear and it doesn't feel like my lips are being glued together.
When it comes down to how long the lipgloss actually stays on the lips I was highly impressed, without eating or drink the shade was still there a good 3 or 4 hours later, obviously it fades over time but nowhere near as much as I had expected from a gloss…I was really surprised!
So, NARS, I applaud you!

Good To Glow

Summer is all about glowy skin. Not all of us are blessed with having that delightful natural radiance, but here's some tips on how to be good to glow -

Drink plenty of water. Health inside the body reflects on how you look on the outside. If you don't drink enough water it will show on your skin, hair and nails. Try to drink 2 litres a day, it may sound like a lot but once you get into the habit it's so easy and you will notice a difference. Hydration is key!
Exfoliate 2-3 times a week. If you have blemish prone skin don't use those nasty exfoliators with large beads in as they'll spread infection and irritate the skin, acidic exfoliating toners, like this one from Clarins, are much better. They will remove dead skin cells and help your skin to look fresh and a lot less dull.
Make sure you moisturise too, using a serum before moisturising will help lock in the goodness and you'll have baby soft skin in no time. I love Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate.
Fake it with makeup! Stay away from the full coverage foundation, yes it may be good at hiding blemishes but you don't need it smothered all over your skin, especially in the warmer months. Let your skin breathe! Let your natural skin shine through and cover any imperfections you're more self conscious of with concealer, but try and embrace how you are naturally…honestly, no-one cares and if they do then they're not worth your time or energy.
Liquid highlighters or illuminators work the best for getting that summertime glow. NARS 413 BLKR is my current obsession. You can just dab a bit where you'd like to highlight (cheekbones, down the nose, on the brow bone), or mix a little in with your foundation for an all over dewy look. Another amazing tip is to mix a bit in with body moisturiser, or dab some down the centre of your leg to create the illusion of slimmer legs…thank me later, ladies!

What's your favourite product

to help you achieve

glowing skin?

x

NARS Lovin'

Makeup lovers everywhere love NARS, everyone loves NARS, right? Right. So, when NARS sent me a little message saying they'd like to send me some products for being a loyal 'NARSissit' I was over the moon!

Only 2 days later I received 3 full size products in the post, all wrapped up in gorgeous black tissue paper and a ribbon. I got a duo eyeshadow in Tropical Princess, one of their illuminators in 413 BLKR and a lipgloss in Stolen Kisses.

The Tropical Princess duo eyeshadow (limited edition) definitely isn't a product I would have personally picked out, I'm very much a neutrals girl, however after swatching them I think I can make them work! I can blend the purple shade into champagne eyeshadow which would look very pretty, and the green shadow will bring out my brown eyes. It's always good to try new things.
The 413 BLKR illuminator is actually a product I've wanted for a while. The only highlighters I own are powders, so I was excited to try one in a liquid form, especially as summer is coming up and it'll give that gorgeous dewy effect. I have tried this out and I totally adore it, I can tell I'm going to be using it a lot!
Last, but certainly not least is my favourite of the bunch - Stolen Kisses lipgloss (from their new collection). I'm not the biggest lipgloss wearer, as I find they don't last long on me and you have to keep reapplying which is a bit of a faff, but I have been converted by this! The colour is absolutely beautiful, a very natural 'my lips but better' shade with slight shimmer running through it, and oh how it really does make my lips look better. It's gorgeously glossy, well pigmented, non-sticky, and it actually lasts a very, very long time. I need more from this range!

I want to say a huge thankyou to NARS for being so kind and generous. They didn't ask me to write this post, sponsor me or anything like that. I think it's so lovely to see such a huge brand valuing their costumers. I now adore NARS even more!

Do you own any NARS products?

x

Getting The Most Out Of Online Beauty Shopping

When it comes to online shopping I get really drawn in…I always manage to find so many things I want, and the mass of online deals or discounts makes it even harder to resist the urge to splurge.
If you're good at sticking to just the things you originally intended to buy then firstly well done, but also online shopping can actually really save you some money.


FeelUnique is a beauty bloggers favourite, with free worldwide delivery over £10, discounted prices, often the promise of free samples, and a 10% extra off on your first it's a definite winner. The site stocks a lot of brilliant brands too, ranging from high street brands like Rimmel and L'Oreal to high end beauty from Dior, YSL and more. What I particularly love is that if you're signed up with them you'll receive email updates with their offers, and trust me there are a lot of them! I constantly receive emails with a 10% off code, or 3 for 2 offer, it's brilliant.

CultBeauty is another site I love to browse. As the name suggests they stock all the 'cult' beauty favourites, so you know everything on there is of a high quality. Brands include Elizabeth Arden, Jouer, Alpha H and Kevin Aucoin. There are products on there that are difficult or impossible to purchase in the UK as well, so that's handy! However, you do have to pay for postage if your order is under £50 which is a bummer (however, if you sign up to their newsletter you get free shipping on your first order)!

LookFantastic is a more recent discovery of mine, but oh it is certainly fantastic. First things first, free delivery - winner! The site is full of offers, different ones every day…yesterday there was 'Beat The Clock', the idea is you can save up to 20% on your beauty buys, but the discount will reduce by 1% on the hour every hour. Today's is save 12% on your order when you spend £50. Other offers currently include - 25% OFF bareMinerals, FREE Benefit Lollitint Deluxe Mini when you buy 2 or more Benefit products and 3 for 2 on tanning products.

HQHair is another recent discovery, and it's a site I don't hear many people talking about…I don't know why! Firstly, ignore the name, this site isn't just a haircare site - they stock makeup and skincare too. Again, there's free worldwide delivery which scores it massive bonus points with me.
They stock some amazing brands, including NARS, Fudge, REN, TIGI and Urban Decay. They also constantly have a lot of offers going on, currently there's 20% Real Techniques, 3 for 2 on L'Oreal and 3 for 2 on nails.

There are a lot of online beauty shops out there, but those are my personal favourites and the ones I always check to see what current deals they've got going on.
If you're new to online beauty shopping I suggest signing up the sites newsletters, as this often gives you a discount on your first order - yippee!

Do you online beauty shop?

If so, where?

x

What's In My Work Bag?

I've just started doing some work at Kiss FM radio station in London, which is really exciting! I have to travel up from where I live near Brighton to Oxford Street in London. The things I carry in my bag are a bit different to what I carry day to day, so I thought I'd share the contents of my work bag with you.

My work bag itself is a cheapy, from Primark! I can't remember the exact price but it was no more than £12. It's a fantastic size and style for work, and has handy compartments inside.
Let's get the more boring things out the way first. An umbrella, I live in the UK so rain is to be expected and I don't want to be caught in a downpour. I always have paracetamol, Strepsils and plasters on me, because you never know when you might need them. When you're in London hand sanitizer is a must, especially as I have to get the tube, the one I have is just a simple Detol one, but it does the job.
I have a nail strengthening nail varnish, as I have unbelievably weak nails and I like to always make sure I have this varnish on as it helps a lot.
Chewing gum! Another must. I hate not having fresh breath, or having a funny taste in my mouth, so minty Extra gum is great for sorting that out. I always have a piece after my lunch.
Then we have my keys, my freelance pass so I can get into the building, and a very handy device - a portable iPhone charger. Any iPhone owner will know that these phones are great, but the battery life isn't very impressive. The Anker pink portable charger is a complete lifesaver. And of course, I always have my iPhone with me, as well as my iPod for music on the train.
A notebook and pen, part of my job is doing research for the radio shows so it's great to keep things jotted down.
My purse, which I've had for quite a while but I really like it. It's from Topshop, it's very simple but I like that's soft, not bulky and heavy but has enough compartments in it for all my cards (I have quite a few loyalty cards…they're the best).
My new sunglasses! It's May, so the sun is making an appearance more and more, and I have very sensitive eyes, these sunglasses from Warehouse are really gorgeous.

Lastly, the thing I think you'll be interested in the most, my makeup bag. I don't take many things with
me for work, but just a few in case I need to top up during the day. I know the day I don't take it will be the day I need something in it! Garnier hand cream - I hate having dry hands, and this one is non-sticky and quick drying - winner. Nars Luguna Bronzer, I actually carry this more for the mirror instead as it's a great size. Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - my favourite! Real Techniques Blush Brush, it's a great multi-tasker. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, just for some touch ups. Rimmel Eyebrow pencil. Burt's Bees Mango Lip Balm, because who likes chapped lips?! And, of course, I have a couple of lip product choices, always. These ones are Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick in 19, and Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie.

What's the number one thing you have to carry in your

handbag?

x

P.S The Cosmopolitan Blog Awards are coming up! I'd be so happy if you could nominate me for 'Best New Beauty Blog' http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/campus/cash-and-careers/student-careers/enter  :)

Bronzer & Highlighter As Eyeshadow

One of the big makeup trends for Spring is shimmery, golden, warm eyes, one of my favourite eye makeup looks! There are loads of shadows out there that will do an amazing job creating this look, but the easier option is to use your bronzer and highlighter.

I love a multi purpose product, it makes doing your makeup that much quicker, easier and if you're carrying your makeup around with you it means there's less to carry.
To create gorgeous golden eyes first apply your bronzer all over your eyelid, making sure to layer it up so there's less chance of creasing. I'm using the Nars Laguna Bronzer, which is lovely because it's so warm and matte. Bring it down along your lower lash line as well.
After you've applied the bronzer then go in with your powder highlighter over the top, this will create that gorgeous shimmer and sparkle to your eyes. I'm using the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle, this is perfect as it's got a beautiful metallic finish.
There you have it, golden shimmery eyes - right on trend for Spring 2014!

Will you be giving this a go?

x

MY MAKEUP GIVEAWAY

Beauty Bloggers Tag!

I've seen a few bloggers doing this 'Beauty Bloggers Tag' and always find reading them very interesting, so I thought I'd do it myself! I hope you enjoy this sort of post.

Why did you start blogging and how long have you been blogger for?

I started blogging about a year ago, but started putting posts up regularly about 5 months ago. I started blogging for a few reasons - I had been reading beauty blogs for a while and was inspired by other bloggers to start, I was really starting to get into makeup, skincare, etc and wanted a way of sharing my experiences with everyone and getting to know other bloggers who had the same interests as me!

Who's blog did you fall in love with first?

Honestly? I can't remember. I'd say Zoella's was probably the first I found and read every single post, but Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup and Hannah from A Little Beauty Spot (who's new blog is here) were two of the others I remember reading at the beginning of discovering the beauty blogging world!

What was the first blogosphere hyped about product that you bought?

Was it worth the hype?

That would be Nars Luguna bronzer! Every blogger these is seems to adore this product, and I was so intrigued so I bought it and yes, it's definitely worth the hype. I love it and use it all the time! 

What are you five favourite things about blogging and being a beauty blogger?

1. Having my own little space on the internet to share my thoughts and views on different products.

2. Other bloggers! I love discovering new blogs, reading reviews, favourites, wish lists, etc (I could spend hours going through Bloglovin' looking at the new posts from that day), and getting to know people. I've actually made a good few friends from doing this!

3. Discovering products. I find that unless you read beauty blogs really amazing products can pass you by! I'm also someone who does research before I buy anything, so finding out how people got on with things is great before I go out and buy it myself.

4. The creative side. I feel like since I left school I don't do anything creative, but having this blog enables me to take photographs, decide how to lay things out and also experiment with different products, which I find a great way be creative. 

5. Comments! I love getting comments on my blog posts from all of you, it really makes my day.

What have you learnt from being a beauty blogger?

When I first started blogging I didn't realise that writing blog posts can be quite hard work, a lot of thought goes into every part of a post and also design and layout of the website itself. I learnt never to compare yourself to other bloggers…if I did that I'd feel like a failure, because I don't have the largest amount of followers, but that doesn't matter! It's all about enjoying what you do.

What have you changed since becoming a beauty blogger?

Makeup storage…I've got a lot more makeup now, so I had to invest in some proper storage. I've also changed the way I do my makeup - I've picked up a lot of tips and tricks along the way.

What advice would you give to a beauty blogger starting out?

Don't do this just to get free products! That won't happen straight away, if ever, and you need to put a lot of work in before so. Also, if you don't have a passion for what you're doing it will come across in the posts. Don't write unless you really want to - again, it comes across in the posts, I've read a lot of blogposts that lack so much because the blogger obviously 'couldn't be bothered' on that day. Make good use of social media - twitter, Facebook, instagram, etc - it will really help your blog to grow.

What are your top 5 makeup brands?

This is no particular order!  MAC - I think I had to say that, it's surely in every beauty bloggers top 5, I just wish they were a tad cheaper. Rimmel - I think they're the best high street makeup brand, they do great and affordable foundations, lipsticks (especially the Kate Moss range), blushes, eyeshadows, eyeliners (the best), concealer, etc. Revlon - mainly for their lip products. Nars - ohhh their packaging and pigmentation makes me adore them. Soap & Glory - I haven't tried many things from their makeup range yet, but what I have tried, swatched and looked at has been amazing quality.

Recommend your top 5 beauty products

(reviews linked)

Kate Moss for Rimmel Lipsticks - I think these are the best highstreet/drugstore lipsticks out there, the price is so affordable, the colour range is fantastic, the lasting power is long, the packaging is great and the feel and finish is up there with the high end brands.

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate - A night time oil that you apply post toner and pre moisturiser, it adds moisture to the skin, doesn't break me out, and helps fight against imperfections.

Collection's Lasting Perfection concealer - beauty blogger favourite and lives up to the hype - high coverage, non-drying, cheap and lasts all day.

MAC Mineralize Skinfish in Soft & Gentle - the most beautiful highlighter there is. 

Sleek Contour/Face Form Palette -  the contour palette consists of bronzer and highlighter, and the face form has a blush included as well. All highly pigmented, well packaged, and very affordable. A really great product if you're just getting into makeup. 

Dear Santa……..

It's almost December, which means it's almost Christmas…my favourite time of year! Yipee!
As it's almost that time again I thought I'd do a post on my Christmas whishlist, but before I start I just want to share a few DISCLAIMERS - 1. I know there's quite a few expensive things on this list, and by no means do I expect even one of the things mentioned, it's just a kind of dream wish list. 2. Christmas isn't about presents, I know, but it's nice to give and receive in a non greedy way. And this is just a fun post to do!

• Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette - this is something I've wanted for SO long now, it's beautiful.
• One Direction This Is Us DVD - yes, I'm a 1D fan and proud of it.
• Alpha H Liquid Gold - I'm a bit obsessed with skincare and I've heard amazing things about this.
• Slipper boots - the ones in the photo are from Next.
• Christmas pyjama bottoms - those fleece ones from Primark look amazing!
• Urban Outfitters watch
• Mac painpot in Painterly - I need a good eyeshadow base and this is meant to be brilliant.
• Origins Mask Marvels - I've wanted to try all these mask for a while, they're in a bargain set for Christmas! Selling out fast though!
• Coffee syrups - yummy.
• New perfume? I've just ran out of my favourite which is Tommy Hilfiger Loud.
• Yankee Candle - I desperately want a Winter candle and the Christmas Eve one sounds incredible - there's 25% OFF with the link I included!The other one that sounds amazing is Christmas Cookie, but that one may be too sweet, also 25% off on the website linked!
• Moroccan oil - I just want nice soft hair please.
• Ring Set from NewLook or any ring set with more thing and plain rings.
• Necklace from Topshop

Other things I'd love are a Mac lipstick, new clothes because I'm in desperate need of winter jumpers and things, and a Nars blush. But I'll stop there because I could go on forever, I'm constantly seeing new things I wish I could purchase!

What's on your Christmas wish list?

x

November Wishlist!

Something I'm dying to get this month is Hydraluron, it's a serum that you apply before your moisturiser and it basically helps the moisturiser to sink in a lot more than it normally would. It's supposed to be a miracle worker, and as I suffer from dehydrated skin in the winter this would be amazing.
I really want a tartan scarf! I've been after one for a while, I've tried everywhere to get one - Topshop, New Look, Primark, H&M, River Island, Zara, etc. I might have to resort to eBay!
Origins Drink Up Overnight Intensive Mask is something that's raved about in the blogging world, I'm yet to try it, purely because of the hefty price tag, but I'm hoping this winter I can.
It might be hard to believe because everyone has one but I don't own a Onesie! This year I'll change that. The one pictured above is from ASOS.
Autumn lip colours are my favourite, when I saw the Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Grandest Grape I fell in love, it's the most gorgeous plum colour.
I love wearing dresses in the Autumn and Winter, I hate wearing them at any other time of year but especially in December I love them - they make me feel Christmassy for some reason. I like them quite basic so I can layer them up with chunky cardigans, scarves and jackets. The one above is from ASOS.
I'm seriously lacking in Autumn blushes, Nars Blush in Douceur looks so nice, it's a soft pink-brown and I want it!
Lastly is slipper boots! Last year I had some really comfy ones but they're falling apart now, so a pair of new ones is a must. They're so warm and snuggly for winter time. The ones above are from Next.

What's on your November wish list?

What's In My Handbag Makeup Bag?

Yesterday I had a little trip up to London for a meeting, and in my handbag was my little makeup bag that I carry products in that I might need to use for a touch up during the day, I thought I'd share it with you!

My makeup is new, my gran gave it to me so I have no idea where you can get it but it's by Hardwells.
It's so nice, the fabric feels really durable and it's such a cute design.

You may think I carry too many products around, but actually I only normally touch up with powder, sometimes concealer, and of course lipstick throughout the average day…but I always carry around things just in case! The day I don't will probably be the day I need the products!

My Rimmel Stay Matte powder is always with me, it's the best powder I've used - not heavy but doesn't let shine through and lasts well. I have a NYX blush in peach which is actually pink, and also my Nars luguna bronzer which I adore. I carried my Real Techniques blush brush to apply those 3 products.
The fashionista eyebrow kit is something I can't live without, so that was with me! As was the concealer I'm loving at the moment - Rimmel Wake Me Up in Ivory, perfect for covering up those under eye circles which were in full force on the day - getting up at 5:30am on a Saturday wasn't ideal…damn early trains! I had Maybelline's rocket mascara which I love, and I think I now prefer it to the falsies.
Lastly the two lip products, Carmex to keep my lips soft, and my new lipstick which I might do a review on - Kate Moss for Rimmel in 03, it's beautiful nude that doesn't completely blank the lips out.

What makeup products do you carry around in your

handbag?

x

My Beauty Wishlist #1

I always have an endless wish list of beauty items that I'd like, today I thought I'd share some of those things with you (I had to miss out about 73974 things because it was so long).

1. Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick from Soap & Glory in Nudist (swatch in picture too). I have heard Fleur rave about this so much and it's made me want to try it. I love lip products that are in that sort of packaging (like the Revlon lip stains), but these gloss sticks are supposed to look more shiny and are a lot more moisturising.

2. Bourjois Healthy Mix serum foundation. So many people seem to love this, and people with all skin types too. It's supposed to be a very light foundation, something which I really need to invest in as my lightest coverage foundation is Wake Me Up by Rimmel and that's still medium coverage.

3. Mac 217 blending brush.  Every brush I own is by Real Techniques, I love them a lot, but I feel I should venture into Mac makeup brushes as everyone seems to love them, despite the hefty price tag. The 217 is perfect for blending eyeshadow out, something which I feel I need.

4. Alpha H Liquid Gold. This stuff is supposed to be a miracle worker, you put it on at night and in the morning your skin apparently looks SO much healthier, brighter, clearer and just nicer. It contains high levels of acid so it helps cellar renewable and it diminishes the appearance of pores. The only thing that puts me off is it's £31 for 100ml…not cheap.

5. MAC powder blush in Melba. This blush is described as a 'soft coral peach' BAM, I instantly want it. Coral and peach are my favourite blush colours. This is supposed to suit paler skin as well. WIN.

6. Nars Duo Eyeshadow in Kalahari.  Neutral eyeshadows are my favourite, so this duo of 'gold confection and sugared cocoa', which are a light brown and a darker more earthy and slightly purple brown, are right up my street.

7. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette. I don't own either of the Naked palettes, I know I know, I am deprived. I prefer the look of the Naked 2 as the colours aren't so dark or out there, a lot more my type of thing…I want.

8.Michael Todd Honey and Oat Deep Pore Cleanser. I have just run out of my second bottle of Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, which I do love but I really want to give something new a try. I ADORE the Michael Todd Blue Green Algae Toner (review here), so it only seems logical that I would try their cleansers next. It says this cleanser is very moisturising, removes makeup, and cleans deep into the pores. Only thing is this says it's 'lightly foaming', as we all know (I hope) foaming cleansers or face washes are bad…so hmm.

9. MAC lipstick in Crosswires. As I am a major lipstick lover it seems mad to me that I am yet to try a MAC lipstick. Crosswires is first on my list! It is a cremesheen so will be nice and creamy and moisturising and the colour is beautiful, a gorgeous pinky orange.

That's it for my beauty wishlist.

What's top of your wishlist?

x

On My Face Today

Today I went for Clinique Even Better Foundation, I really love this foundation - it gives such good coverage and it's so gentle on my skin, and as my skin is feeling a bit sensitive at the moment I couldn't not wear it today. I applied it with the Real Techniques buffing brush from the core collection, I normally use my expert face brush but I find the buffing brush better with the even better foundation.
I then used the Collection Lasting Perfection concealer, oops forgot to photograph it.
I filled in my brows with the Fashionista brow kit, which is currently half price in superdrug! Go get it, it's great.
I put a bit of Kitten eyeshadow from the Stila In The Light Palette and then used Maybelline Gel Eyeliner and drew a slight flick. I then used my favourite mascara which is Maybelline The Falsies.

On to my cheeks, I contoured with Nars Luguna Bronzer, put some Rose Gold blush on from Sleek (I have this in the Face Form palette but you can get it individually here) - it's by far my favourite blush at the moment - such a gorgeous peachy shade with shimmer - it's a dupe for the famous Nars Orgasm blush. Then highlighted from the same palette.
Lastly, and the best part in my opinion, is lips - Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Kiss Me Coral.

What's on your face today?

x

My Summer Beauty Essentials

As it was the first official day of summer yesterday, I thought I would share you with some products I think are essential for summer!

1. A light coverage foundation with an SPF, if it has no SPF then make sure you get a moisturiser with an SPF in it, BUT don't wear both an SPF foundation and an SPF moisturiser, as layering them cancels them out. My foundation of choice is Rimmel Wake Me Up (surprise surprise). I love this foundation a lot, when applied with fingers you can create such a lovely light coverage but it still makes your skin look really great, and as it creates radiance it is perfect for summer. You can buy it here for £8.99.

2. A cream blush. Cream blushes make the skin look a lot more radiant and glowy than powder blushes do, and I've found they feel lighter as well. My favourite is NYX cream blush in Natural. I did a more in depth review of this blush here in my May Favourites, and you can buy it cheapest from Amazon here for £4.99.

3. A bronzer, I think in the summer if you look pale it is more noticeable, so a bronzer to create a 'bronzed' look is essential for me. The bronzer I love most is Nars Luguna, it's amazing. I love it both for conturing, as it's only got a very very slight shimmer that doesn't really show on the face, and also just to bring a bit of colour to my complexion as the colour isn't orange at all and it lasts a long time. This is quite pricey at £26 but if you want to treat yourself then you can buy it here!

4. A brown eyeliner. I think in the summer a black eyeliner can look way too harsh, dark and wintery, so I like to use a brown, I used to hate brown eyeliner but now I think it looks so pretty - especially darker browns - it just gives a much more subtle look. The one I am currently using is Stila Smudge Stick in Damsel, which you can buy here.

5. A lighter, glossier lip colour. I don't know about you, but sometimes I find a proper lipstick too much in summer as they can often look matte or feel heavy, so I opt for either the Revlon lip butters (the one in the photo is strawberry shortcake, but I adore them all) or a lipgloss, this one is Revlon colour burst in Pink Ice which is a lovely light pink with shimmer. You can buy these both from here.

6. A summer colour nail varnish, summer is not the time for dark colours on the nails like black, dark blue or purple, etc. Although I HATE Barry M nail varnish this colour has to be one of my favourite summer shades, it's a lovely light, kind of duck egg, blue called Blue Moon, which you can buy here for £2.99.

7. My last summer beauty essential is a summery scented body moisturiser. I love this spray on one from Soap & Glory, it is called Girligo Body Moisturising Mist, it smells so lovely, of peach, strawberry, jasmine, mandarin and musk. It is such a summery, light scent and it works so well at making the skin softer, it also feels really refreshing when you spray it on and sinks in so fast. You can buy that here for £6.50.

That's it for my summer essentials!

What are your summer beauty must haves?

x

Sleek Face Form in Fair Review

I have wanted the sleek face contour kit for quite a while now, and I have also wanted to try their blushes, so when I was in Superdrug the other day and came across the bronzer and highligher from the face contour kit AND a blusher all in 1 palette for £10 I had to get it, and I have to say Sleek really are brilliant!

 It comes in the above card packaging/box, which I personally think isn't necessary and a bit of a waste of paper, but hay ho. You open it and inside is the lovely sleek (yes, sleek) rectangular packaging which I LOVE, it reminds me slightly of the Nars packaging, however this one doesn't get anywhere near as messy as the Nars ones do. The box itself is smaller than you'd probably expect but I think a lovely size, especially for travelling or popping in your handbag. It isn't flimsy, and the box doesn't open really easily so it wont get your bag all messy! (MASSIVE BONUS)

You open it up and inside is a beautiful bronzer, highlighter and lovely blush (looks a bit scary in the pan but it's amazing on).

I love the bronzer because it's not at all orangy and it's practically matte, it has the tiniest amount of shimmer in but so do practically all bronzers, if you want to contour with bronzer then the less shimmer the better. It goes so nicely onto the skin, it's easy to blend and because I got the colour 'fair' in this palette it's not too dark for my white as white skin tone, which I find sometimes my Nars Laguna is (but I do adore that bronzer).
The highlighter is a really lovely light pink shade with shimmer running through it, when applied it comes out very light, which is obviously what you want with a highlighter and it's not gold or metallically like my favourite highlighter (Mac MSF, review here) but sometime's it's nice to have a change, and it's not so full on so if you've gone bold with other areas of your make up you don't want an overly shimmer gold toned highlighter.
The blusher is gorgeous, it's a bright corally, goldy peach colour with gold shimmers, like I said before it does look slightly scary and bright in the pan but once applied (gently with a soft hand) it looks gorgeous, it gives such a nice glow to the face and compliments the bronzer and highlighter well. I believe you can get this blush individually as well, it's called Rose Gold and it's a well known dupe for the high end blusher Orgasm by Nars. Rose Gold is less pink than orgasm and less shimmery but apart from that they are extremely similar, especially when applied.

Left to right - Bronzer, highlighter, blusher.

All 3 of these powders are extremely highly pigmented, a little will go a long way and they will last ages. They are so easy to blend, very flattering to my skin tone, I got the fair palette but they also do the colours light, medium and dark to choose from, so there's one to suit everyone!
They last for hours and hours and they're just beautiful. For £10 I think this palette is an absolute bargain, the quality of the packaging and the powders is up there with the high-end brands! I would definitely recommend this Face Form palette from Sleek.

Available from selected Superdrug stores and on the SLEEK WEBSITE.

Do you own this palette or would you like to?

Do you own any other Sleek products?

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