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? 

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?

Real Techniques Nic's Picks

When it comes to brushes, Real Techniques have been getting it right since their first release in 2011. The notably affordable and chic looking make-up accessories have intrigued almost every girl around the world and have somehow overtaken MAC and Sigma Brushes in the space of nearly three years. The brushes do not shed after washes, they are unimaginably soft to touch and blend any product to a T. This set comes with a generous (for the price) but yet standard five brushes. The packaging is beyond professional; perfect for anyone with a kit and look pretty fabulous on my make-up table. The contrast of metallic silver with a matte black grip area work brilliantly- let's break it down shall we.

Cheek Brush (Set Exclusive):

My new holy grail foundation and powder brush, although it would work just as fab for contouring and applying cream products. It has not only become a staple in my personal make-up bag, but also in my kit- this brush is the reason I bought two of these sets; don't judge me. The synthetic hairs are incredibly soft but firm, allowing fluid and cream products to blend deliciously. I don't even know the whereabouts of my beloved Beauty Blender anymore- that's how in love I am with this tool! It's a fluffy dream that puts any other foundation brush to shame. 

Duo-Fiber Face Brush:

This baby fits perfectly in the make-up category of anything cheeks. Contouring, blush and even highlighting are made more natural when using this brush; it distributes product evenly and again- blends like nobodies business. This whole duo-fiber bollocks doesn't usually tickle my fancy but when using this brush for powder based products, it genuinely does affect the blending and application. An effortless face is easily accomplished with this tool- bravo!

Base Shadow Brush & Angled Shadow Brush (Set Exclusive):

So, when it comes to the best blending brushes, these are pretty much on par with our all time fave MAC 2'17. The quality is splendid and this shows when working with both eyeshadow and concealer. The Base Shadow Brush in this kit is your standard dome shaped blending brush, it is somewhere between the MAC 2'17 and 2'24. It gives an airbrush finish when used in conjunction with concealer, and blends eyeshadow beautifully in the crease. The Angled Shadow Brush in this set was simply made for applying and blending colour into the outer-v. It is again, soft and can be used for anything; concealer under the eyes, brow bone highlighting, crease blending and as I said, outer-v application. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to the infamous MAC 2'17 then look no further. 

Eyeliner Brush (Set Exclusive):

One thing that almost always seems to disappear is my eyebrow brush, so before I found this amazing set I was on the hunt for an affordable one. The hairs are short and firm which results in precise distribution of colour, and really helps to feather out and blend those areas of the brow that you don't want to be as harsh. I am yet to try this brush with eyeliner but I have applied eyeshadow to the lower lash line with and it works fabulously! 

Did anyone else get this December bargain? Does anyone not like it? Overall I am so beyond pleased with these brushes that I as I said before, I actually bought two! One for myself, and one for my kit. Real Techniques are actually just coming out with their 'Bold Metals' Brush Collection as I write this- if anyone has them yet, what are they like? I love the shape of them!

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Poundland Make-up Gallery Review

So, if you're not Tyra Banks or the best paid Youtuber then cheap make-up is always a must. After a week of being unimpressively poor; Poundland became my second home and whilst roaming the hair and beauty/ tacky jewellery aisle, I found their brand spanking new cosmetic range. They have everything- lipsticks, nail varnishes, foundations and powders, blushes, bronzers etc. I selected a few bits and gave them a two week trial before reviewing them for you now. I chose products that I could sporadically incorporate into my everyday make-up routine and shucks, did they fit in.

(left to right) 'Sand' & 'Natural Beige'.

Hide & Chic Concealer, £1
Let's start with the concealers. They read "Hide and Chic" which is just fabulous in itself. It replicates those Miss Sporty type concealers that you used to buy as a teen and if we were to really dig into this product, you would understand that concealers like this are fairly unhygienic on reapplication but this product does have very nice coverage, blend-able consistency considering it's a cream product and if you are looking for the perfect shade for under the eyes. 'Natural Beige' is your bae. Talking of shades, there are very few complexion shades in this range- four to be exact, and they are all for light skin tones. I found that the Make-up Gallery range not only lacks in variation of shades but the longevity of this product isn't the best and although the coverage is fab, I do find myself needing to re-apply the concealer. My overall verdict which will pretty much be the same for every product in this range is... It's a £1 so you honestly cannot complain.

(left to right) 'Honey Beige' & 'Natural Beige'.

Smoothly Does It Pressed Powder, £1

With both Youtubers, Vogue and Cosmo raving about this product I needed to try out more than one shade. I've found that when you use a brush with this light to medium coverage powder, there is a lot of brush fall out and powdery smoke BUT if you use a powder puff, this product is a dream to work with. It mattifies the skin with a little coverage and isn't cakey or heavy on the skin. Again, the shade thing is an issue, there are again only four for this product- and they are all light. It doesn't quite compare to my holy grail MAC Studio Fix Plus Powder Foundation, but it does have potential to be a purse staple for blotting throughout the day. £1? You can't beat it guys. 

(left to right) 'Coral Rose', 'Candyfloss' & 'Spice'.

Feeling Blush Blusher, £1

Okay I'm gonna try and not get too emotional about these because I have actually fallen in love. They have the perfect amount of pigmentation that gives you such a natural glow and they come in four very complimentary shades. They all have a matte finish apart from 'Coral Rose', which has a very subtle frost one when swatched. Guys, these blushes aren't quite as pigmented as your standard MAC blush but are actually a very similar finish to the Benefit Box Blushes- possibly a dupe? They are only 1 squid, you have nothing to loose in the hope of rosey cheeks and a natural glow. If you are going to try at least one of the products then I would say it has to be these!

Never-Ending Story Lengthening Mascara, £1
I read online that at the Poundland Make-up Gallery Launch, they claimed to have designed this cosmetic range in order for it to exceed and compete with other affordable drugstore brands such as Maybelline and Rimmel, however this mascara has left them completely defeated. Okay, so yes it's a £1 and you can actually tell this from using the product. With a standard fibre mascara wand, this product exceeds it potential in packaging but it's downfall is the formula. When first opening this product it was about as dry as a nun's vagina. I dipped and shaked in the hope of finding more product- nothing. Upon application my lashes were left limp and lifeless- yes lifeless. Such a shame because the packaging is fab but definitely a miss on this product!

These are only a few of many products in this range and with the exception of one mishap, overall I'm sending you all some positive feedback. I'm actually quite late on the band wagon for this, but as always, I wanted to give you guys my true opinions after actually using the products for a while. I just think that these are definitely worth a try and for only a £1, come on guys?

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