Make-up Gallery Pro Liquid Eyeliner Review

When it comes to different types of liners, the industry is no stranger. Having given us gel, liquid and pencil of all variations- the choices are never ending. A product that undoubtedly, (whether you use it or not) is in every girls makeup bag; and for good reason. Liner of any kind can make your eyes appear larger, darken and draw attention to your peepers. Above all, adds great definition for any desired look. The question is, are we spending too much on liners that crack and fade?

 Undeniably, some of the greatest eyeliners out there are pricey, but who are we kidding trying to resist a £1 eyeliner? The Poundland Make-up Gallery Pro Liquid Eyeliner is petite, minimal in design and a great staple for the everyday fierce winged girl-or boy. The packaging itself is standard. Nothing snazzy, just a simple black plastic very much like the Collection liquid liners. With a lightweight feel, the brush is unusual; in a sense that it imitates a soft thin lip brush, and isn't your typical felt tip or dingy thin brush. Application is almost unthinkable- it's that easy, and the product glides on steadily even with the shakiest of hands. Despite the only downfall being the size, and amount of product you get. It's surprisingly very pigmented and works fabulously for both a thin or thick desired line. Coming from someone with reasonably oily lids- this absolute steal put up a good fight. With pigmentation, durability, design and the price point all in mind- you really can't go wrong!

Makeup Essentials for Starting Uni/ Freshers

Starting University will be both the greatest and most difficult change, in your life yet as a young-adult. Whilst many of you will be worrying about what washing detergent to buy, or trying to find the cheapest non-stick pan, for now you should be looking forward to Freshers. If you're looking for the perfect reason to top-up your makeup bag, starting uni is a great excuse. Here are some makeup essentials that will help you slay university- beauty wise of course. 

FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION & CONCEALER

If you're anyone from a typical selfie queen, to a self confessed Facebook document-er then a full coverage foundation is going to be essential, for your nights out. Think about it? All that sweat and flash photography in the clubs will not do anyone justice. Something with a durable or long-lasting selling point, will work fabulously to tame an oily appearance, and keep you looking flawless. Concealer if already isn't an essential for you, will become one. A holy grail product that will not only contribute to flawless makeup, but will help hide a multitude of sins the morning after. Those late nights and early morning seminars will catch up with you, but you'll definitely have your lecturers fooled, with a light-weight brightening concealer in your makeup bag. 

DRY SHAMPOO & MAKEUP WIPES

Say goodbye to the likelihood of waking up early, having a nice hot shower and plenty of time to get ready. If you're anything like how I was, everything will be a rush- especially in the mornings. After a night out and an early seminar start, dry shampoo will become very important to you, as will makeup wipes. It's like a cheat hair wash and facial cleanse, nothing wrong with that right?

BRIGHT LIPSTICK

This will be the perfect chance to venture out, and experiment with your makeup. You know that orange lipstick you've always thought was too daring? Go for it. A bright lippy can perk up your overall look, and add a little something extra to any outfit. The MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquers come in an array of colours, particularly those that are bright. The formula is a matte finish, and might even have the durability to last on your walk of shame home. This is the perfect opportunity to come out of your shell, and be whoever you want. Why not start with your lipstick?

POWDER & LASHES

There's no denying that you'll want to look good for freshers, but taking only one pair of your favourite £7 lashes won't get you very far. If you're a constant lash user, then bulk sets of lashes will become life-savers after messy nights that involve your face on the floor- or near a toilet. Powder is of course a no-brainer and a clutch staple. It will help to set your foundation, and then touch-ups will provide coverage all night long. The MAC Studio Fix Powder is pigmented and is great for blotting.

STAY HYDRATED 

Whether this means drinking water to save your skin, or moisturising when you get the chance. All the alcohol, late nights and risque clothing in cold weather, can start to effect your complexion. Nobody likes dry patches/ cracks in their skin when putting foundation on for a night out (it's happened to the best of us). 

Current Favourites | July 2015

From the dry shampoo that delivers oomph, to the perfect brown lip duo. These favourites have very quickly worked their way into my everyday routine, and will happily remain there. July along with its' temperamental weather has overall been a delightful month. Working IMATS left me fragile on my feet, and just that bit poorer than usual. On an even higher note, the Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser (what a mouthful aye?) has been working wonders for my combination/ dry skin. The formula itself is creamy, nourishing and soothing, but then when used with the hot cloth, slightly exfoliates and removes all nasties from the skin's surface. Who would have thought it, cloth and cleanser- the dynamic duo of the skincare world. Superdrug's Naturally Radiant line is almost always on offer, but even at its' standard price it's still only £5.99 and claims to 'Awaken skins natural glow'- who wouldn't want that? Another product that has been fabulously contributing to my complexion, is the brand spanking new Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation. With supposed 'Invisible Cover', this foundation is as light as a feather on the skin and blends beautifully. A battle commenced when trying to get this product at IMATS, but after a lot of dedication and shuffling, I got my hands on it. The packaging is sleek, and classic of course, and the 'ultra' formulation has a medium to build-able coverage. When applied to the skin it 100% has a more natural, sheer finish in comparison to the HD Original. Great product for those of us who don't like a lot of foundation on the skin.

 Having not really been a fan of cat-eye glasses, these Topshop Sadie Cateye Sunglasses have not left my side. They're my personal Summer essential, and really frame my face well. Despite being a controversial pair for some, there's no denying that they instantly add class to any outfit. Speaking of Summer... oily hair is always a no, but with all this heat and sweat sometimes it's inevitable. The Batiste Dry Shampoo has been in every magazine, blog and favourites- and for good reason. It's not only a quick solution for those of us on a busy schedule, but is also great for adding instant volume to flat and dull hair. For hair that gets really oily really quickly, this is a can sent from heaven. For those who don't know, I am the real brown lips queen- not Kylie. A fellow friend and MUA recently recommended 'Cappucino' Lip Pencil by Rimmel, and in her words..."It's like Wonderbra for lips". The colour is brown with an ever so slight warm tone to it, making it fab for plumping your lips without all that shot glass business. It works well when used to define the natural lip line, and is perfect when married with MAC 'Taupe' Lipstick- yes, another brown. This typically creamy and pigmented lipstick by MAC, has just the right amount of warm undertone to make your lips look and feel fuller. 

Clown Contouring, Worth the Hype?

There's no doubt that both Instagram, and YouTube are home to a number of controversial trends. Clown Contouring being no exception. This extreme correcting, highlighting and contouring method is all the rage thanks to Beauty Guru's BellaDeLune and MakeupBy_Alo. Having made its way around the world, supposedly the trend stemmed from hurtful comments received via Instagram. Minimal, subtle and natural are words you won't find associated with this craze, and if you're used to your practical and sufficient coat of mascara in the mornings- this may come as a shock. 

Trend Tested 

So, by using darker shades of either cream/ liquid foundation you are able to follow the traditional technique of contouring. Doing this will create shadow on areas like the temples, cheekbone and jawline- therefore creating the illusion of a more sculpted and defined face. To then add contrast and brighten the higher points of the face apply lighter concealer/ foundation. Something with a little peachy/ pink tone to it, will help to correct dark circles and brighten your under-eyes. Green concealer can be added to the clown mask to reduce redness, and purple for brightening a dull complexion. Apart from being very time consuming, this trend requires a hefty amount of product, leaving skin heavy and very unrealistic for a normal day. Despite being impractical, it is a lot of fun to experiment with, perfect for drag, but definitely not worth the hype. I also found that with the application and idea of actually recreating a clown, you end up getting very carried away- with dry skin as an added feature. Blending every bit of product to a T, is a working girls worst nightmare, and very time consuming. Make sure to have a beauty blender at hand or you'll never make it out the door. 

Though it's important for people to understand that this is a lot of makeup to wear on a day-to-day basis, and is completely impractical. What better way to fuel your haters? 

Boots Botanics Organic Facial Oil Review

Although facial oil might be the last thing you want to apply in the Summer, it can often be just what your skin needs. Used to restore moisture and suppleness to the face, oil contains such a high amount of concentrated vitamins and anti-oxidants, you can finally say bye to flakes and dehydration.

I came across this organic bottle of goodness whilst having a browse in Boots. The natural and minimal packaging was enough to intrigue me, as was the italic 'nourishing rose hip'. With 25ml of product, it claims to 'lock in moisture for 8 hours' which I've found it definitely does when used in replacement of night cream. The organic essential oils all work together to not only replenish your face, but also restore your skin's 'natural glow'. Ingredients include rose hip which works beautifully to calm irritated skin, and naturally condition red areas. Bergamot then acts as a natural antiseptic, with cicatrisant properties (meaning it is very effective for scarred or marked skin). In spite of all these fabulous organic ingredients, no one really wants oil sitting on their face all night, and that's what makes this product a gooden. It is very emollient, absorbing into the skin almost instantly when massaged into the face. If you're on the hunt for something extra to add into your skincare routine, this £6.66 gem is definitely one to consider for any budget.  

Top 5 | Lush Face Masks

Buying a new face mask is like trying on new lingerie, essential and it makes you feel fab. Though when it comes to what face mask is right for you, the struggle is very real. Am I right? LUSH Face Masks are not only preservative free, but contain fresh ingredients that will have you well on your way to healthy looking skin. Take a look at these top five picks, to find the perfect mask for you!

Catastrophe Cosmetic  

Where blueberries and essential oils meets to replenish your skin. This mask has a lot of moisturizing but yet cleansing properties, that make it a gooden for all skin types- but particularly combination. There's chamomile and rose to soothe and calm the skin, accompanied with fresh blueberries, that act as an anti-oxidant. If you're on the hunt for an all-rounder, this is the pot for you. 

Love Lettuce

This tub of goodness caters to a more oilier skin type and reeks of freshness. Packed with essential oils and honey, it doesn't stop there folks. This mask not only has an outstanding five star rating, but contains bits of almond shell that work to gently exfoliate the skin, whilst still cleansing. No it doesn't have lettuce in it, no you cannot eat it. 

Cosmetic Warrior 

Vampires beware, this stuff is heavy on the garlic which helps to medicate and cleanse the skin thoroughly. Although the ingredients may seem bizarre, they work effectively to treat problematic skin. If you have sensitive, pubescent or hormonal prone break outs, this bad boy is definitely for you. Treat yourself to this antibacterial dream or tea tree, honey and even fresh egg to tighten the skin. 

Brazened Honey 

If you want amazingly clean, and glowing skin this mask is definitely one to consider. What makes this product great, is that whilst removing and applying the product, it also gently exfoliates the skin. With stimulants, anti-oxidants and fresh galore, this mask is fab for just about everyone. Moisturizing and cleansing are only a few benefits of this mask, but if you fancy getting rid of some dead skin- why not?

Oatifix

It smells like pudding and works like a treat. This exfoliating mask contains oats and banana, making it great for replenishing and hydrating dry/ sensitive skin types. The texture is a little sucky and vomit-like, but has been said to help care for Rosacea amongst other sensitive skin problems. Treat yourself, and don't let the texture be a cause of concern. It works wonders!

Ellen Tracy Thick Stick Lip Color Review

Ellen Tracy, more prominently known as a designer label that decided to dabble in cosmetics- and this is why she shouldn't have. The Emma Tracy Thick Stick lip color pencils looked beautiful at first. From the small and travel friendly packaging, the colours stood out and are actually very reminiscent of a cross between the Revlon Balm Stain, and Nars Velvet Lip Pencil. When swatched they were balm-like, glossy with slight shimmer, and the pigmentation was subtle but still visible (for some). At this point I appreciated that they were not a lipstick, but more of a tinted lip balm. When applied to the lips they were undeniably soft, with very minimal amount of colour pay-off. Upon application they were soft at first, but after a few seconds of being on the lips, the product had seeped into dryer parts of the mouth, and clung to them like icing to a doughnut. The lighter shades in this set were very similar in not only shade, but pigmentation- they were basically the same colour three times over, and did not compliment darker skin. The two red shades were slightly more manageable and pleasant, as they provided more pigmentation and definition to the lips. Overall these name-less bad boys are relatively moisturizing on the lips, but have a very unflattering formula with poor colour pay-off and shade range. They are pretty to swatch, but have no stain power or benefit- harsh but true.

Purchase the pricey, and disappointing set here..

Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser Review

It's no secret that under-eye circles are the bain of every woman's life- along with large pores and grey hair. It's so important to not pack on, and over-apply product under the eyes, as the skin is very thin and sensitive in that area. If there's too much going on, the skin will generally crease, cake and look like crap. If you are tired of those stubborn dark circles, and need a little pick me up- look no further.

Despite this product having different names, it is in fact an all-time favourite as far as drugstore concealers go. It works perfectly for tired, dry and dark under-eye imperfections, AND retails for a cheap and cheerful £7.99. The formulation of this little gem is light but in no way sheer. The coverage is build-able making it brill for all your skin's desires and most importantly, blends like a dream. This is in no shape or form, a correcting concealer, if you are looking to correct dark tones under the eyes, this isn't what you're looking for. It does however, work well to brighten under the eyes and helps with uneven tones and shades around the eye area. Not only is it creamy, but also is long-lasting and gentle for your delicate little peepers. Maybelline claim that this "next generation of concealer" is formulated to reduce fine lines in appearance, and cover your dark circles flawlessly. The recipe to this product calls for Goji Berries, which apparently enrich the formula and hydrate your eyes- who knew? I can't disagree with any of this, it keeps my under-eyes hydrated and bright for hours, and also is great for popping into your purse. My product has seen better days and isn't exactly brand new, but over the last couple of months, this 6.8ml baby bottle has lasted me months with so much product left in it! 

Lets talk about the applicator...The only two faults I have on this bad boy is 1) the lack in shade range, and 2) the bloody applicator. Now in Maybelline's defense the sponge/ foam applicator is so soft upon the skin, and comes with a trusty plastic lid, BUT it's just so unhygienic. When I think about all the germs that this innocent sponge picks up, I cringe but it does in fact distribute the product evenly and well. Although this concealer is not freelance friendly, (unless you use a brush) it is outstanding for the price, available in your local drugstore and highly recommended by bloggers and product experts. If you're yet to find an affordable concealer that you adore, definitely try this!

Pros 

-  Brightens your under-eyes & perks up your whole face.

-  Blends flawlessly, helping to reduce fine lines.

-  Long-wearing and light.

-  Build-able coverage, ranging from light to medium.

-  Perfect for on the go makeup application (tote touch-ups).

Cons

-  Lack of shades, doesn't cater to darker skin tones.

-  Unhygienic applicator, collects germs and product build-up.

Lee Stafford Chopstick Styler Review + Demo

Lee Stafford CHoPstick STYLER 

Price: £19.99

Stockist: Argos 

Whilst Kim K goes from long and luscious to short and defined, I've been experimenting between straight and mega curly styled hair. For thin spiral, Afro-tastic curls I have found the most perfect styling tool that creates Foxy Cleopatra hair. Firstly, no matter how resistant your hair is to heated curling tools, this bad boy will guarantee you the big hair you've always wanted. There are no heat settings on this tool, just your bog standard on/off switch, however the temperature of this baby is quite high, so make sure to prep your hair with a decent heat protectant. The chopstick styler provides instant volume with it's stick thin, slightly squared wand- it really is a chopstick I guess? Depending on how small the sections you take are, the tighter the curl. By taking larger and thicker sections of hair you can create looser type curls. The only niggle with this wonder wand is that sometimes the wand itself, can almost stick to the hair making it quite difficult to unravel the curls.

My just below, should length hair curls in around 30 minutes; simply because I like to take smaller pieces. As you can see from the photographs below, I love creating a tighter curled look that contrasts with my waved everyday hair- it's fun and different! The different ways I like to wear this style is firstly, in a middle parting. It adds so much volume and makes my noticeably oblong shaped head, well less oblongy? For a quick but subtle change, I will often swoop my whole mop over to one side, with a side parting; this emphasises the curls, making them super wild. Finally, a style I like to wear that is slightly childish and reminiscent of Saved By The Bell days but nevertheless, still cute- the half up, half down look. This style is perfect for when your locks start to get a little greasier and is quick, cute and big! When curling my hair with this tool (which I've done a lot recently) it genuinely stays put for 2-3 days, and that's without hairspray!

What's your favourite styling tool at the moment?

Current Favourites | Jan 2015

Despite the freezing cold and bitchy antics of this year so far, I have come across some fabulous new-to-me products to share. If you are a permanent passenger on the beauty band wagon, then some of these may not come as a surprise- especially Benefit's Roller Lash, which has already surfaced the beauty blogging world like a tornado. But, if you're looking for some hot new products to either add to your kit, or to your personal makeup bag, this post is for you- or you might just be a makeup addict, like myself. My first favourite of the month not only screams for a premature Spring/ Summer, but contains fresh, floral notes that match it's super cute packaging. Marc Jacobs Daisy was very recently gifted to me and so far, so good. It has a very clean, floral scent that fills my surrounding air with some fresh scents and girly vibes. I'm usually more of Guerlain Insolence kind of gal, but something new and different seems to be satisfying my perfume palette- can't argue with that can I? The next product has quickly become my favourite drugstore concealer. It brightens my atrocious dark circles and ties together my whole look. The Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser concealer undeniably has a very unhygienic applicator, but has trended the drugstore beauty department for a few years. I finally gave in to the hype and tried this little gem- now i'm hooked. It wears very lightly on the skin creating brightened, flawless under-eyes as well as a great base for any makeup look. The product itself is perfect for tote touch-ups and for a drugstore concealer, is actually very long-lasting with the help of a little setting powder. Another favourite, the MUA Eyeshadow in 'Fudge' is also a product I have been loving because 1) it's matte and 2) it's so versatile. I use this cheapo beauty buy under my eyes for a more dramatic under-eye highlight, as a bog standard highlight and as an eyeshadow. This shadow doesn't have outstanding pigmentation, but applies evenly and gives a really nice sheer, matte finish upon application plus it's £1- how can you beat that?

Now for an oldie, but a goodie. MAC Lip Conditioner in 'Pink Fish' is a limited edition product that released in 2008- a time that humoured my overpriced beauty addiction. I often forget I even own this product and in all honesty- it's one of the most moisturising lip products I have ever owned. It adds instant moisture to your smackers but also with a cheeky pink tint. A couple of other lip products I have really been enjoying is a combination of both KIKO Smart Lip Liner in '712' and YSL's Rouge Volupte Lipstick in 'Peach Passion'. This lip combo is a great alternative to the dark mauve/ brownish tones that have been popular throughout Winter, and really compliments clean, natural makeup. The consistency of the rouge volupte lipstick from YSL can only be described as heaven; the formula is beyond moisturising, pigmented and works well when applied with both fingers and brushes. To see what I think about the Kiko Lip Liners, click 'here'. Now for the grand finale, the piece de resistance- Benefit's Roller Lash Mascara. Unless you've been living under a rock, you'll know that ELLE magazine distributed samples of the exclusive mascara in this months issue. I luckily managed to get my hands on the £4 publication to only be amazed by the little sample that came with it. The wand of this product, grips to the eyelashes like a shark to bait; it perfectly curls them from the very root and lengthens so much, that my eyelashes actually tickle my brows. The formula isn't great in the volumising department but really does help to separate and extend each eyelash, making the eyes pop. As far as durability, this bad boy leaves you with fluttery and fabulous eyelashes all day.

What products have you been loving lately?

2015 Makeup Trends

Eau Natural/ Dewy Skin 

With runways giving us less on the face and more on the eyes, it's easy to notice that natural looking skin will definitely be on the cards for 2015. Marc by Marc Jacobs has leaked the word "sweaty" to describe the complexion of upcoming seasons, and this most certainly will involve some high shine. So, out with your old powder compacts and in with the finest dewy setting spray! Although perspiration seems to be the theme, cream highlighters will be a perfect way to re-create this trend from the comfort of your own make-up bag. For a more glamorous and refreshing vibe, the MAC Fix+ not only retails for a reasonable £15.50, but can be sprayed before and after makeup application to create a dewy and healthy finish to the skin. If you're on the hunt for something with more of a sheen and glow- The Body Shop Radiant Highlighter & MAC Strobe Cream will give you a run for your money. Both can be mixed in with your foundation, applied before or after or just simply applied to the places where light will naturally hit your face; cheekbones, cupid's bow, centre of nose and forehead. If you're not quite ready to depart from your powder-based products, then by all means create this glow using your favourite powder highlighter. One of my personal favourites is NARS Highlighting Blush in 'Albatross'- a product that adds a golden sheen to the higher points of the face, helping to add that 2015 glow and enhance healthy looking skin. 

The Body Shop Radiant Highlighter £12.00

Bright Liner for SS15 

With this year being all about enhancing your natural beauty, it's nice to see a bit of colour here and there. Bright liner has been an on-off trend for years now, and with the help of Pat McGrath- it's made it's way back. I find that a natural, barely-there face looks outstanding with just a subtle pop of colour- like bright liquid liner. Something that Lime Crime mastered months ago, but is definitely a product and trend that will make any eye colour pop. It's the perfect way to interpret this Spring/ Summer without wearing all the colours of the rainbow- minimalism is key to keeping it classy ladies. This being said, Saint Laurent showcased another trend for this year- graphic liner, why not incorporate the two? A natural face, glowing cheeks and a bright liquid liner?

Louise Gray for Topshop Long-Lasting Eye Liner 'INTENSIFY' £7.00

Soft Brown Smokiness 

The smoky eye, something that can go from 'oh so glamorous' to "who just punched you in the face girl?". With brown it's easy to get right, and this shade will compliment you light eyed ladies without a shadow of doubt. A wash of colour on the lid will leave you feeling on trend and will add a subtle, naturally sultry shadow to the eyes. Using a smaller shadow/ pencil brush will enable you to smudge your choice of brown eyeshadow onto the lid, and underneath the eye- making them stand out more. Blending will be key to making this work, if you're not feeling that confident start off with a lighter brown shade and then get darker, and smoky as you get more confident. 

MAC E/S - Soft Brown, Woodwinked & Expresso, £13.00

Pop of Purple & Berry 

Whether it be a layer of lavender on the lids to a smudge of berry stain on the lips, this year is calling all purples and reds out to play. A look that can easily be adapted because let's face it, not everyone can pull off lilac purple on the lids without looking washed out- or ill. For the lips, aim for a natural impact that isn't anything too precise, but still effective. Apply in smudge-like manner to create an effortless stain, much like what we saw backstage from Topshop Unique SS15. 

MAC E/S - Beautiful Irish, Parfait Amour & Sketch, £13.00

So, by touching down on just a few of this year's upcoming trends, you can gain some insight on what is going on backstage in the fashion world, and recreate trends yourself. A natural face is easily achievable- it's all about bringing out your inner beauty with some sort of ease- plus a pop of colour here and there. If Rocker-Chic is more your thing, then check out SS15 fashion images for some metallic vibes by Anna Sui and statement liner by Givenchy.

What are some of your favourite SS15 makeup and hair trends?

What's in my Make-up Bag?

The contents of a girl's make-up bag is not only sacred, but always fascinating. I love to see what other products people are using; whether it be a cheap foundation to Chanel Rouge lipstick- it intrigues me! So, in order to join the trend of beauty tags and tantalize my makeup loving readers, I give you 'What's in my Make-up Bag'. A simple but informative post on what makeup products are holy-grails in my large collection, and the reason they're permanently staples in my makeup bag.

Real Techniques Brushes - 'Nic's Picks' 

In all seriousness, I cannot live without these brushes. No shedding, no bullshit, just genuinely fantastic brushes that help to create flawless makeup. They not only give the Beauty Blender a run for it's money, but are the perfect size for your purse or makeup bag. The three pictured, are my favourites by far- they influence the result of perfectly airbrushed foundation, glowy cheeks and on- point brows. Funnily enough, the silver hardware of these brushes do not mark easily- even with the dirtiest of foundation fingers they are easily cleaned and scratch-free. Simply put, they are what every make-up bag is calling out for and cannot be beat with such a reasonable price tag. If you would like to see an in-depth review of these bad boys, then just click 'here'.

Makeup Gallery 'Feeling Blush' Blusher

Not only are these blushes dead cheap (£1 to be exact), but they are also beautifully pigmented, sturdy and a convenient size for any makeup bag. They apply sheer with just enough colour to result in pinched rosey cheeks and have very quickly become my favourite affordable blushes. The shades 'Candyfloss' and 'Spice' have a very natural effect on the cheeks and the colours slowly become more vivid with buildable application. To read a review of the Poundland Makeup Gallery Collection and see some products swatched, click 'here'.

Rimmel Apocolips Matte Lip Velvets

Some have raved about them, others have said they're utter bollocks. I personally love everything from the texture, finish to even the applicator! The colours are both suitable for everyday wear to night time glam and keep the lips moisturised throughout wear. The packaging gives off a very modern chic vibe that looks fabulous when being pulled out of a purse. These aren't the only colours in this range, but if you would like to see swatches and a review of this product then click 'here'.

NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Powder 'Sunny'

My go-to bronzer of 2014 that has saved my pale winter skin from looking dull. The shade 'Sunny' suits my yellow-toned skin perfectly and creates a beautiful glowy effect in conjunction with a good highlighter. I also have been religiously using this product as an easy transition colour for the crease. It automatically adds a certain warmth to the face but maybe isn't ideal for contouring, due to it's slightly orange tone. Overall for such an affordable price, NYC's 'Sunny' beats MAC's 'Refined Golden' by a landslide. 

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus 'NC30'

Items in my makeup bag always come and go, but one product that has, and will remain in my makeup bag and purse is this powder. It is a holy-grail for me and has fantastic coverage as well as a remarkable range of shades to suit every skin tone. If you're not used to a fuller coverage powder then this may not be for you, however it is perfect if you have problematic skin. When applied to the face, this product is light in weight and isn't too heavy on the skin. If you have an oilier t-zone or overall complexion, this powder is a great purse staple to have. 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation 'Light Beige'

Perfection in a bottle- something I have been using for a good couple of months, and is now one of my all-time favourite drugstore/ affordable foundations. The formulation is light on the skin with a sheer to medium coverage; fantastic for a dewy finish. Over the months it has helped to correct my uneven skin tone, and I've actually noticed that my complexion looks a lot better since using this foundation. It helps with redness on the cheeks and chin but concealer is needed for extra coverage on any blatant blemishes or imperfections. I am yet to do a review of this product, comment below if you would like to see one.

The Body Shop Radiant Highlighter 

This creamy, pink toned highlighter not only catches the light perfectly on the face, but is so versatile. It can be used before your foundation, mixed in with your foundation, or just as your bog standard cheekbone highlighter. It blends brilliantly and adds a sheer iridescent shimmer to the face. I was actually surprised at how much I love this product, it's also now a staple in my kit because it works so well with so many different skin tones. 

Wet 'n' Wild Twist-Up Blush Stick '724'

I am always on the hunt for a beautiful highlight product, so when I came across this little gem in a Kempton Market makeup stall, I couldn't resist. Wet 'n' Wild isn't typically a brand you come across very often in the UK; so I was pretty excited for this, and I had every right to be. Although it's on the heavier side, it blends like a dream and will leave your cheek bones glowing- if you can get hold of it. The colour is very much on the golden spectrum of highlighters, and unlike the Body Shop highlighter, adds a champagne touch to the skin. 

Makeup Gallery Hide & Chic Concealer 'Natural Beige'

Like the blushes mentioned previously, this concealer hasn't been in my makeup bag for very long, but is spot on for blemish application and re-applying throughout the day. The formula is creamy and not too heavy for under the eyes. It blends nicely but isn't all that in the long lasting department. It's perfect to have for re-applying and is an easy purse staple for those angered red blemishes. 

MAC Zoom Lash 

A mascara that has always been a personal fave, although it has only recently made it's way back into my makeup bag. It separates my naturally long lashes, creating length but not a lot of volume. The formula isn't too heavy or too watery, but it does need a few minutes to dry without catching onto the lid space. The packaging is matte and chic- perfect for your purse. The brush itself isn't ridiculously large but actually quite small, it fits onto the eye nicely which results in fluttery, long separated lashes. 

Miss Sporty Dr. Balm 'Honey Moon Kiss'

I'm usually a Carmex girl, but these cheap, tacky and fun lip balms have a lovely tint of colour to match even your most drying lipsticks. They are petroleum jelly based which doesn't leave much room for moisture but this dark pink/plum shade adds the perfect amount of colour to the lips for a more natural everyday-wear look. 

Collection Fast Stroke Eyeliner 'Black'

In my opinion, one of the all-time best drugstore liquid eyeliners. The formula is both shiny and long lasting on the eyes- especially the waterproof version. When it comes to packaging, Collection (previously Collection 2000) have hit it right on the nail with their cute and simple design. The felt applicator is short and firm- perfect for those who struggle with applying eyeliner. This product has never dried out on me, and lasts a good amount of time for someone who wears eyeliner everyday.

I hope you guys enjoyed this and are having a fabulous week!

What's in your Makeup Bag?

Beauty Blogger Tag

I was recently tagged by the beautiful Hayley from The Beauty Flash Blog to do the oh so famous Beauty Blogger Tag. These are a little cheesy and naff so bare with me and I'll try my best to make you laugh.

What is your natural hair colour?

So, my hair is naturally dark brown and like most hair, looks lighter in the Summer and darker when it needs a good wash. If you tell me I have black hair, I will probably give you the stink eye.

Do you dye it yourself OR go to a Salon?

I have actually done both in the past- both resulting in either ginger/blonde highlights or patchy red hair. If I am playing it safe with my colour (like a lighter or darker brown) than an easy and quick packet dye always wins.

How often do you wash your hair?

My hair is literally the bain of my life. It gets so oily, so quickly which results in very often washes and lot of dry shampoo. Due to my hair being coloured, me and my Mum absolutely swear by the Aussie Colour Mate line- it's fab for coloured hair and leaves your locks smelling fruity and delicious! Do you guys have any advice or products you would recommend for greasy hair?

Do you wear the same hairstyle everyday OR try and change it up?

As you can probably tell, I am pretty pants when it comes to hair and because of this, majority of the time my hair is either down with a little LUSH Sea Salt Spray OR up in a messy bun. When I am styling it for a night out, I like to use a smaller curling barrel to create tight curls and then brush them out in result of glamorous and shiny locks.

Do you do your own Mani/Pedi OR go to a salon?

This just keeps getting better doesn't it? Well, I am in fact a nervous nail bitter, so my natural nails have never experienced any attention; apart from what they get from my nashers. When I do have a bit of cash to flash, or there's a particular event coming up then of course, like any other girl- I get my nails did.

How long does it take you to do your make-up?

It almost always varies! I can go from being able to do my everyday makeup in 10 minutes, to something for a night out that can take 30 mins. Surprisingly it's never more. One thing I do love to take my time on, is letting my foundation, contour and highlight cook. (If you watch RuPaul you'll understand) If you don't, I'm judging you. 

Do you collect make-up OR buy what you need?

Like most probably answered- both. Guilty I know, but we all at some point have bought make-up for the sake of just having it. A prime example of this is when I go into PRIMARK and convince myself that I need a £1 Kohl Eyeliner; you know, just incase. Then never even use it twice before it disappears. What can I say, make-up is honestly an addiction- like couponing for American mums. 

How often do you wear false eyelashes?

So, as it goes I'm not actually a massive false eyelash kind of gal. I was kindly blessed with Persian genes = naturally long eyelashes, so a couple of coats of mascara usually does the trick- even on a night out. Every now and then when I do get bored of mascara I love to use super long to medium individual lashes; much more natural and effective than false eyelashes with a strip or black band. 

Will you leave the house without make-up?

Yes, the whole shabang- the bun, the sweats and probably even without a bra. I am an absolute scruff when I want to be, and that is very often. I've found that as I've got older, I've started to become more comfortable with my bare face and even prefer it some days. It's important to let your skin breathe!

Do you wear make-up when you're alone/ with your family?

It honestly depends on what I will be doing, or where I will be going. If it's just a standard day in the house where I'm just chilling then I tend to wear no make-up and often don't even get dressed out of my pajamas. As I said, I can be such a lazy scruff sometimes... Okay, all the time.

Do you plan your outfit the night before?

I am literally one of those psycho people that will keep themselves up at night, anxious thinking about silly things- outfits being one of those. I think because I'm not 100% happy with my body image and weight, dressing for my size is essential and therefore in my mind it's impossible to simply just 'chuck anything on'. If I know what I am wearing and I am prepared, then it won't upset me or get me frustrated! Control-freak much?

How often  do you change your handbag?

A lot! My typical go-to accessory is my Vintage Bally Shoulder Bag- the only designer bag I own. It's perfect for day to day stuff like shopping, running errands and socialising but isn't big enough for uni. So, for uni or going to the library I carry my really big shopper style bag from H&M. I am definitely a small bag/ clutch person and even then, I loose my things in small bags.

Do you speak a foreign language?

Unfortunately not, which is definitely a disadvantage in today's world; but I can understand bits of Creole, French and Spanish. When I say bits, I mean small bits.

Do you keep a list of products you want to try from other blogs?

I keep lists for everything honey. My whole notebook is full of them- products I want to try, clothes I want to buy, What I'm going to eat; it;s never-ending. Better yet, nowadays I will screenshot products on my phone and they just accumulate in my photo album.

How did you come up with your blog name?

I'm not really sure how! I guess I'm just really witty and smart- yeah, let's roll with that idea. Only kidding, but I remember throughout Sixth Form I wore 'Morange' by MAC religiously and people started to catch on to it, like people would always say "you always wear that orange lipstick" and it just stuck. So when it was time to transform my blog I figured what better name than the one of my favourite lipstick. It also was fitting because it's not only make-up related, but I was aware that many other beauty blogger, make-up readers and youtubers were familiar with the infamous MAC colour. 

What's your favourite colour?

mm interesting question, so unique. My favourite colour is Green and I don't know why it just is. I don't even own anything green, I just like it and always have from a young age.

So, as tedious as that was to do, it is in fact a great way for you guys to get to know me a little bit- even if it is just what colour my natural hair is. I would like to tag anyone who wants to do this, comment below and I'll go and have a look at your response! Hope you're all having a fab week! 

x

Japanese & Korean Skincare Haul

It's no secret that nobody does beauty and skincare like the Japanese, so for a while now I have been trying to get my hands on a few products. If you are a lover of all things cute and are looking to venture out in the world of skincare, then join me on this haul of all Asian goodness.

 Biore Men's Pore Pack (Black) (Limited Edition) £4.90

When Japanese beauty brand Kao collaborate with Biore- this is what you get. Pore Strips are often always expensive in the UK and aren't as effective. I purchased these Men's Pore Strips in the hope of trying something different, and also wanted a pore strip with a bit more behind it. This product claims to remove blackheads from both the nose and chin AND also contains a "pore tightening formulation". I'm not really sure why the sheets are black- supposedly it's easier to see the effects.

 Shiseido Senka Perfect Oil, £8.46

Shideido is the fourth largest cosmetic company in the world today, and £8.46 for 150ml of 'Perfect' oil- how could not? I read online that the Shiseido Senka Perfect range in Japan, is one of the best-selling skincare lines and takes the fancy of many of the younger generation. The packaging is adorable and durable. This product comes with a working pump and surprisingly has a thin consistency, it can be used dry to remove product from the eyes and face- including anything waterproof! So excited to try this out!

 DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, £16.05

This product is definitely one of the more 'available' and well-known Japanese products. It's a little bit more pricey than the other drugstore oils but apparently is well worth it? Like the Senka Perfect Oil, it's a oil based cleanser that is to be used dry and with such a small and natural ingredients list; I think this has potential. It again, is very thin in consistency and the packaging is very simple- almost looks like something you would get from the chemist. 

Etude House Wonder Pore Brush, £5.61

 Etude House is actually a Korean brand, more commonly known for their cute cosmetic range, so when I saw they had a skincare line called 'Wonder Pore'- I couldn't resist! This was sort of a random purchase to fill my basket but I was also on the hunt for a good facial brush. Some might say the packaging is childish but I think it's just beyond cute- only Japanese and Korean beauty brands can get away with shit like this. The facial brush itself is nothing like the abrasive Body Shop brush; it's soft on the skin and has it's own little box to prevent bacteria- thoughtful!

Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner (10 in 1), £16.05

So again with the packaging, it's just too cute right? I was very intrigued by this slightly pricey fancy toner because of the 10 in 1 factor, lets go through them shall we? 

• Balance skin's ideal pH level
• Refine skin tones
• Keep the elasticity of pores
• Remove skin surface's dead skin cells
• Cleanse pore insides with cooling effect
• Deep cleanse pores (^^ aren't these the same thing? hmmm)
• Minimize appearance of pores
• Control a large amount of sebum
• Moisturize inside and outside of skin
• Complete smooth glass-like texture (what does that even mean?)

Despite not wanting my skin to look like glass this product has had some really good to average reviews online, so I thought why not? From looking at the ingredients list it's definitely not comparable to my natural LUSH Cosmetics toner and has a very considerable amount of alcohol in it (wouldn't recommend for sensitive skin types). Mixed opinions on this product, but can't wait to try it!

Hope you all enjoy this post from me; keeping it short and sweet! Anyone that knows me, knows how obsessed I am with Japanese culture and products so I am extremely excited to be sharing this with you guys! If you have tried any of these products let me know what you think of them, or if you have any other Asian skincare/ make-up product faves comment down below!

x

Kiko Smart Lip Pencil Review + Swatches

It's safe to say that 2014 was the year of the lips. Everything from lipstick colours and plumpers to more controversial trends, such as Kylie Jenner's pout. I'm always on the hunt for reasonably priced, good quality lip liners- but aren't we all? Kiko to me, is almost like a slightly better European version of ELF Cosmetics and has unbeatable prices for the quality provided. I roamed the Kiko Store in Guildford like a sex addict in Ann Summers, where I found beautifully pigmented shadows, vibrant lipsticks and most importantly, cheap lip liners. The colour range is very broad from dark plum purples to bright cherry reds, and amongst all the choices I might have even found a dupe for my holy grail MAC 'Soar' lip liner. I spent a total of £10 for four lip liners- bargain or what? Lets see what I think of them...

First off, I have to mention that these bargain liners are 1) ridiculously pigmented and 2) glide on the lips like cocoa butter to the skin. They don't quite have the stain power of MAC lip liners which I often like to wear alone, but are fantastic for applying underneath lipsticks. The formula is almost too smooth to believe and one that thing that makes these liners stand out, is that they are £2.50 each- yea you read right. You can't really go wrong with a price tag like that and considering the variation of shades in this range; well, why not?

My Chosen Four

Smart Lip Pencil '710 Rouge Noir', £2.50

A deliciously rich plum/ purple shade; something we could definitely see Rihanna sporting all year round. I chose this dark vampy shade because it swatches beautifully against the skin and seems to be a tone that will suit every skin colour. It's creamy and highly pigmented BUT be sure to moisturize your smackers before hand, because I did find that this colour in particular clings to the dryer parts of your lips- creating an uneven application.

Smart Lip Pencil '706 Classic Red', £2.50

So, I'm usually more of a deep red kind of gal, but with it basically being a New Year and my skin starting to appear even paler- I opted for a bright red colour that would be a match made in heaven for MAC's infamous 'Ruby Woo' lipstick. It has a very bright blueish tone that will make your pearly whites sparkle and your skin glow. This would look divine on a paler skin, but who's to say it won't look fab on a deeper complexion?

Smart Lip Pencil, '712 Rose Mauve', £2.50

Whilst in the Kiko store I came across two potential Kylie Jenner lip products, this being the lighter one. It has a more pinky tone to in comparison to the other one and again, glides on perfectly giving that 'your lips but better' vibe. This cheap and cheerful liner has the potiential to be my new favourite and it could possibly be a dupe for MAC 'Soar' lip liner. Scroll down to see them up both swatched!

Smart Lip Pencil '704 Brick Red', £2.50

Now we're still on that Kylie Jenner lip hunt, and that's when I found another shde a bit darker than the '712'. When swatched on camera this colour has a very orangey tone to it, that I hoped would in fact be more neutral and brows. It is still gorgeous on, but gives your 'my lips but better' look a more peachy tone- a bit like a darker, matte version of 'Peachstock' by MAC. This is actually going to be a gorgeous everyday colour for the summer and will look very complimentary with a peachy or nude on top. What do you guys think?

(left to right) 710, 706, 712, 704.

(left to right) 710, 706, 712, 704.

(left to right) MAC 'Soar' Lip Liner, Kiko '712' Lip Liner.

Overall I am very pleased with these bargain lip liners. They have great pay off and will without a doubt, become staples in my make-up bag! Have you guys tried anything from Kiko? If so what do you think? 

x