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). 

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? 

How To Get Perfectly Glowing Skin

Glowing, dewy and radiant looking makeup has been an on-going trend for what seems like forever. This sort of finish, when done correctly can add a natural glow to the skin, making it celeb worthy and summer ready. Hydration, amongst a solid skincare routine will contribute more to this look, than that shimmery highlighter you bought, and hoped would give you a fresh, radiant appearance. The concerns of, is there a fine line between dewy and oily, are always lurking near, but whether you have oily, combination or dry skin. Here's how to achieve radiant, J-LO skin with simple products, and time on your side.

Start by brightening the darker points of your face. Use concealer a few shades lighter than your actual skin tone, and apply to the center of the forehead, bridge of your nose, the cupid's bow and finally, under those little bags of doom. Pinky/ peach under-toned concealers work fabulously to achieve a brighter face, and can be found in the form of both drugstore, and high-end products. The Maybelline Instant Anti-age Concealer is light, blend-able and perfect for creating a radiant base. If you would prefer to correct then conceal, that is completely up to you, but the idea and focus of this whole makeup look is minimalism. We don't want layers of concealer bunching between every wrinkle, or patches of cakey and dry product. With this in mind, it's time to get that glow. Choose a foundation that again, is light and promotes a dewy finish. Apply sparingly and only in the places that you really need it. Aim to blend everything together- as apposed to creating too much coverage. The Bourjois Healthy Mix range, is outstanding for radiant skin at an affordable price. MAC Face & Body, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk and Rimmel Wake Me Up, are all foundations that also help to achieve a dewy, flawless and radiant skin finish at varied prices.

Now, on to highlighting. An essential ingredient that can either make or break your final look. Some say cream, others say powder- I say both! Liquid/ cream highlighters are great combined with other liquids, so to really get that radiant outer-glow mix in with your moisturizer or foundation. The Body Shop Radiant Highlighter (shade unknown), is a handy tube of goodness that proves very versatile when it comes to makeup application. Mix in with your favorite liquid foundation, or even dab it on the higher points of your face, and you will achieve a fabulously fresh face. Oilier skin types should then use a translucent powder to set only the t-zone, Illamasqua Loose Powder in '010' smells lovely and tames oil perfectly. If you feel like you need some extra oomph, go over the places where you applied the cream highlighter very lightly, with a large fluffy, and your chosen powder highlighter. Set it and protect- my favourite step (especially with the 35°C  weather). Setting Sprays are sometimes cliche and there's always this question of 'do they actually work', but products like the Avene Eau Thermale Spring Water and MAC Fix+, are all the rage and help to finish off your look. The Avene product is like a light mist of heaven that helps to add radiance to your skin, it moisturizes and sets the work you have just created.

My advice from this point is to steer clear of glittery products that will result in you looking like a Las Vegas Showgirl. Use a light hand, and of course- less is more. 

Top 3 | Remedies for Under-eye Circles

So, whether you've been on the pull all night, to even the kids just keeping you busy. It's no secret that under eye bags and dark circles are like the scouse brow of our generation- unwanted. Lack of sleep, dehydration and stress are only a few contributors to those shadows of doom, and if you're after some at home remedies for treating them, look no further. These quick, simple and all natural ingredients will not only work wonders, but will only require a quick trip to either your kitchen, or local supermarket!

H2O

Such a cliche I know, but hydration is key when it comes to skin care. By drinking your daily dose of water, you're not only fueling your body and detoxing it, but hydrating your skin at the same time. In some cases, under eye circles occur through dehydration and toxins from using cosmetics and products everyday. This remedy is definitely a no-brainer that won't completely banish your dark circles, but will help to prevent dehydration and gradually reduce the appearance of them. 

CLEAN & GREEN

The old tales of a cucumber. Something you see in movies accompanied by a mud mask and white robe, but never actually tried yourself. Cucumber rounds can be used as natural eye pads, that work to hydrate the sensitive skin under your eyes, reduce puffiness and replenish those dull bags. Light some candles, run a bath, get your cucumber on and have a snack at the same time!

GO NUTS

Almond oil is said to be one of the best ways to reduce and treat dark circles, but why? This fabulous source of vitamin E, is best served organic and absorbs into dehydrated under eyes like a dream. The nutrients in this carrier oil work best, when massaged into the skin to help improve circulation. Using essential oils are an all over plus when it comes to beauty, but if you do in fact have allergies, then why not try extra virgin olive oil? 

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.