Jeffree Star Skin Frost's Review and Swatches

So if you have read my blog for a while or watched any of my YouTube videos, you will know that I am highlighter OBSESSED. When I say that I sometimes purely get out of bed in the morning because I am excited about the prospect of highlighting, you may think I am being dramatic which to be fair I am but I am also being honest. I find highlight is the miracle product that steps your makeup look to the next level hence why it is typically my second to last product used (I apply it just before my blush) as I love watching my makeup transform from boring to bomb. I also find highlight is the perfect way to fake a healthy glow which is always greatly appreciated when you are not feeling your best. I am always on the hunt for a highlight that blows me away and I will continue on my expedition to the find the perfect glow that can be seen from space and only then will I be fully satisfied. On purchasing these two Jeffree Star Skin Frost's I had not heard much about them at this point and hadn't tried anything from Jeffree's brand. However, the bright, if slightly garish, pink packaging caught my eye on the pages of Beauty Bay and I decided to pick up the two shades Peach Goddess and Lavander Snow to see how they compared to some of my other powder highlights. 

I feel the most important thing that needs to be mentioned is the actual size of this product as in terms of beauty products I find size, in fact, does usually matter. You can gain an accurate representation of the size in my January Favourites but I honestly was blown away by the almost generosity as although the product is not exactly cheap, usually, most high-end brands do not give you much for your money. Secondly, the pigment of these powders is insane which of course is a must in terms of a good highlighter. I felt the way the pan looked was deceptive of this as at a glance the powder looks more grainy than finely milled and definitely a far cry away from the smooth, creamy appearance of Becca's Shimmering Skin Perfectors. However, once applied onto the skin, the powder offers a blinding glow that does not emphasise any pesky pores and left me speechless. The downside is that the powders do sometimes tend to create a bit of fall-out which is probably due to the fact that the formula is initially fairly chunky but once this has been blended out, it does look seamless on the skin with no glitter or powder particles in sight. My favourite shade out of the two is by far Peach Goddess as I feel this is perfect for my pale skin and appears more of a golden-peach rather than pink once applied meaning no awkward streaks in sight. However, I feel in the pan, Lavander Snow wins in beauty as the colour is so unique and beautiful and adds a bit of oomph to a simple makeup look on a day when you may not have much time. I cannot wait to try more of the shades from the Skin Frost range and I will be sure to keep you posted on my findings. 

These highlights retail for £25.50 which may at first seem pricey but for a 15g product that boasts an incredible glow, I feel that this is pretty reasonable. 

I would love to hear your thoughts!

Have you tried any products from Jeffree Star?

Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops

Celestial and Sunlight

I cannot be only speaking on behalf of myself when I say that highlighter is my current favourite cosmetic item and the one I receive the most enjoyment buying as I truly believe each brand has a different product to offer. Whether you are on the hunt for shimmer, shine, subtly or standout glow, there will be a highlighter for you both on the high-end and high street. I usually tend to go for powders and I find these offer a more dramatic shine (my usual preference) and blend it better with my makeup and most importantly, not emphasise any pesky pores. This was until I saw the startling glow giving by the Cover FX Customer Enhancer Drops. Cover FX is definitely not a new brand in the blogging sphere as they have already made a name for themselves due to the success of their Custom Cover Drops that allowed its users to determine the coverage of their foundation depending on how many drops they choose to use which produced a revolutionary idea that many brands have begun to adopt. It is fair to say that the brand has not strayed far from this concept for their highlighters either as the strength of the glow depends entirely on how many drops used during application and a bit of advice - I would not use much! As you can see from the swatches above, I used a mere drop from the pipette which supplies enough product to highlight extensively, my cheek bones, nose and cupids bow and even then I still have a bit to spare. I have never used a highlighter that supplies so much pigment for so little product which I personally feel does justify the £34 price tag as you will not be using up this little bottle anytime soon. If you are a highlighter lover like myself then you really need this and you can thank me later. However, if a glaring glow is not your thing and you tend to steer clear from the 'strobing' effect, you can also mix this in with your foundation to produce a subtle all over glow to create the appearance of healthy skin on a duller day!

However, if you are looking for a budget highlighter, check out my review of the Sleek Highlighting Palette here or a post all about My Top Favourite Highlighters here. 

Thanks for reading!

What highlighter has impressed you recently? 

Makeup Tutorial On My Mum!

Products Used:
Liz Earle Superskin Moisturiser
Clarins HydraQuench Intensive Serum
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in 5.5
Urban Decay Naked Skin Colour Correction Fluid in Peach
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 1 and 2
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder in 1 Fair
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
Rimmel Brow This Way in Blonde
By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Blonde Opal
Makeup Geek Eyeshadow in Grandstand
Lancôme Artliner in Brown
Stila Liner in Nude
Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara
Giorgio Armani Cheek Fabric in Dolci
Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in Rose Shimmer

'In The Nude' Makeup Tutorial

If you like the look of my 'makeup of the day' that I based on the Balm Nude-Tude Palette and paired with a Kylie Jenner lip kit, please head on all over to my YouTube Channel to check out how I achieved it.

Products used:
YSL Le Teint Touche Élclat Foundation in B30
Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade
MAC Pro Longwear blush in Baby Don't Go
Rimmel Brow This Way Gel
Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Concealer in Fair
MAC Prep and Prime in Light Boost
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish in 1 Fair
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light/ Incandescent Light/ Radiant Light
theBalm Batter Up Eyeshadow Primer in Moonshot
theBalm 'Nude-Tude' Palette
Kiko Colour Definition Eyeliner in 01
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper
FairyDrops Scandal Queen Mascara
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle
Kylie Jenner Lip Kit in Koko K

Let me know what you think!

What are some of your favourite 'nude' pieces in your collection? 

The Perfect Contour Shade for Pale Skin

When it comes to contouring, the ideal contour shade really matters. There is no point trying to chisel out perfect cheek bones with a terracotta-orange powder that adds colour as opposed to shadows. I have scoured the likes of the internet and what feels like every beauty counter with the intention of finding the perfect contour shade for pale skin. Finally, I found one that works perfectly for my fair skin and has little attention in the blogging world. The MAC Baby Don't Go Pro Longwear Blush (£20.50) is a cool toned brown that is subtle on the skin but applies seamlessly, ensuring perfect and easy application. This cool beige shade can be applied to the hollows of the cheeks and subtly under the jawline to emphasise the contours of ones face adding depth, definition and desirable cheekbones. The formula of this powder blush is very sheer so will only create an effect on paler skin tones as I feel it will be appear much more ashy and grey on anyone deeper. The sheerness of the powder also prevents the likelihood of going overboard as the powder can be gradually built up to the desired colour, adding to the simplistic application of the product. If you would like to see photos of this blush in action, check out a recent MOTD of mine here.

Let me know what you think in the comments.

What is your favourite product for contouring? 

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Perfect Topping

As promised in my Current Beauty Favourites post, I am writing a review on the MAC Mineralise Skinfinish in Perfect Topping (£24). MAC has an amazing collection of Mineralize Skinifinish's which  actually contains one of my all time favourite highlighters, Soft & Gentle. Perfect Topping is a shade that I have virtually heard nothing about, I found it online from the MAC Cosmetics shop and was mainly drawn to it because of the woven pattern embossed into the powder. Shallow, I know but I am glad it caught my eye. I am always on the look out for a highlighter that emphasises the high points of my face but also adds a soft focused finish to my make-up look but of course it also has to be suitable for my fair skin. Perfect Topping is a gorgeous neural pinky-gold that adds warmth to my complexion without making me look over-the-top. In the pan it looks slightly unnerving considering the peach, pink and purple tones merged together in a baked formula but as you can see by the swatch above, it transfers onto the skin in a far more subtle way. I am not sure if this is still available online but if you can hunt one down I seriously suggest snatching it up while you have the chance. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

What highlighter are you loving at the moment?

Current Favourite Beauty Products

The month of May was a one of discovery, where I picked up a number of products which are already becoming staples in my June make-up routine. As much as I love the A/W make up trends, such as a berry lip, nothing quite beats going to town with a golden bronzer and enough highlighter that would only be acceptable in the warmer months. Which leads me in naturally to my first current favourite, the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Perfect Topping. This is definitely not one of their most talked about products which is seriously surprising considering how beautiful this product is both aesthetically in the pan and applied to the high points of the face. Don't let the colour of the merged, baked powder scare you, the deep purple-hues do not transfer onto the skin but instead just a subtle pinky-gold glow that adds a little life to a dull complexion. I will be uploading a full review on this highlighter within the next week so watch this space! 

Next up is a skincare saviour that I never now want to be without. I have struggled a lot with my skincare so far this year as I have had to deal with a gradual change in skin type. Although I am happy that I am no longer prone to breakouts with my old oily skin, I am not loving the annoyance of very dry skin either! The thing that has been the most irritating is having to completely change my whole skincare routine as each product I had currently been using only catered really for oily skin. Thankfully, the Clarins HydraQuench Intensive Serum Bi Phase has been absolute god send. Not only does this feel amazing when applied to the skin as it's ultra-liquid consistency replicates the feeling of splashing cold water onto your face, it has also minimised the majority of my dry patches AND disguised the appearance of pesky dehydration lines on my forehead - amazing! If you suffer with dry skin, you need this in your life!

Next, is a holy grail product that definitely has its fair share of coverage in the blogging world. The MAC Paint Pot in Painterly has held holy-grail status in many peoples collections and it is understandable as to why. Although it does not look much in the pot, the pinky-nude matte cream is a perfect base for virtually any eye make up look and even looks pretty worn alone for just a simple day-to-day, natural eye. I honestly have no idea why it has taken me this long to purchase as now I find myself using it on a regular basis and surprisingly have nothing else similar in my forever expanding collection.

Another product that I have currently been loving is the Anastasia Cream Contour Kit in the lightest option. This has recently been made available on Cult Beauty and I was incredibly eager to get my hands on it as it has many controversial reviews and I wanted to make up my own mind. As you can see by the picture above, despite this being the lightest variation of shades, the hues are still somewhat dark and each have a warm undertone yet surprisingly this was not necessarily a bad thing. I have ended up loving this palette despite my doubts and honestly do not know how I have ever lived without it. My favourite shades are easily Banana and Cool Pink as both of these add a beautiful highlight to my face and also blur out any pores, creating a flawless complexion that lasts all day. 

Finally, the last product I wanted to publicise, is easily the prettiest out of the lot. This is the Stila Eyes Are The Window - Soul palette. A neutral palette that has a combination of matte and iridescent finishes that caters for multiple eye looks. This has quickly become one my all time favourites due to its flexibility and amazing quality of each eyeshadow. The pigmentation of each colour and finish is great and all of which blend like a dream due to their buttery formulas.  All of the 12 shadows are encased in a beautiful rose-gold packaging that isn't excessively bulky so will work well for travelling. If you are looking for a new neutrals palette, I seriously suggest checking this one out! It has only very recently been made available in the UK but random places like Look Fantastic actually stock them online.

I hope you enjoyed a run down of my favourite products!

Let me now what yours are in the comments below.

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bettina

Never before has the declarative 'my lips but better' been more fitting than it is now. I picked up another of the Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencils on a whim when roaming the counters in Space.Nk. I have owned a couple of these in the past but considering they've either been completely bright or totally bold, they tend to take a backseat during S/S. This nude completely caught my eye which is strange considering I usually like my nudes to be glossy or have a slight sheen instead of matte. As you can see by the photo above, the colour is almost identical to my natural lip colour and since purchasing it, I haven't really worn anything else. I do find the formula of the Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencils to be fairly drying so I strongly suggest using a balm prior to application but the wear time is incredible and the colour lasted a good six hours without reapplication. The pencil feels buttery during application and practically glides on the lips, a good attribution for a matte product. If you're after a new everyday lip colour, I strongly suggest checking this one out!

Let me know what you think!

What's your favourite matte lip product? 

March Beauty Favourites 2015

                          

Swatches L-R: (Top photo) S&G Solar Powder, NARS Matte Multiple, Chanel Illusion D'Ombre.

(Bottom photo) Vapour, Phloof, Omega, Quarry, Satin Taupe, Stroke of Midnight.

Back again with another monthly favourites. I am excited to share these with you all as pretty much every single item listed are a new addition to my collection. So lets get straight into it.

First up, the Soap and Glory Solar Powder (£11). Who hasn't heard of this by now? It's seriously raved about all over the blogging/beauty world and it's understandable as to why. I've had this in my collection for a few months now and although I try and circulate my products (the curse of having too many!) I also find myself resorting back to this one as it is actually better than a lot of my pricier alternatives (ahem - NARS Laguna). It's split into two shades where the right, for me, makes a perfect bronzer shade and the left is light enough to work as a great natural contour that is brilliant for my pale skin. It's fairly cheap and cheerful so do check it out. 

Next, the MAC Cinderella Eyeshadow Palette in Stroke of Midnight (£38.50). Of course the month of March bought the hyped up release of the MAC Cinderella collection and I can easily say it is by far my favourite collection from MAC. I wore this palette so much throughout March as the six shades offered endless options of looks and each eyeshadow lived up to the amazing quality of MAC. I am ridiculously happy that I managed to get my hands on this. 

Next up, the Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Emerveille (£25). I do have a full review coming soon about this little pot of glory that I have been wearing on my lids either alone or in-cooperated into a much more intricate eye look and I seriously cannot get enough. If you're after a long-wearing cream eyeshadow then check out your local Chanel counter - you won't be disappointed. 

Moving on to another gem that has pretty much reached a holy grail level in my books. The NARS Matte Multiple in Altai (£29). I was hesitant to purchase this as I was cautions that the shade would be too dark for my very pale skin but luckily it didn't disappoint. The foolproof application allows for a sharp, concise contour and I am now reluctant to try anything else. This paired with the S&G Solar Powder creates a bronzed/contour daydream that everyone needs to try. 

Finally, the MAC Turquatic (£38.50) fragrance has quickly become one of my all time favourite scents for S/S. I don't know why I waited so long to try this as after one spritz I was sold. If you're looking for something thats fresh and uplifting but still lasts on the skin, please do try and give this a go!

I hope you enjoyed my round up of the products I have been loving throughout the month of March.

Let me know what you think in the comments.

What are your favourite products from the past month?

Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Colour in Plum Rose

Bobbi Brown is a brand I have never ventured much into and have really only delved into the likes of their eyeshadows and blushers although I have been tempted by their forever talked about Shimmer Bricks. My favourite aspect of this said brand is their generosity when it comes to their online offers. I can't help but get excited when I spot a Bobbi Brown email in my inbox as I can be almost certain I'll be snatching up a good deal for great quality products in return. Recently, they were giving a way a free eyeshadow and 2 Pan Palette when you spent over (I believe) £40 and entering a discount code at the checkout. I, of course, couldn't resist and ended up purchasing a couple of lipsticks and an extra eyeshadow to keep my freebie company. One of the products I picked up, as you can probably guess by now, was the Rich Lip Colour in the shade 10 Plum Rose (£19.50). A lovely, bravely bold pink with subtle plum undertones that gives the perfect English Rose look when on the lips. I picked up this colour as I didn't own anything similar at the time and was drawn to the full coverage effect made possible by the immense pigmentation. I have already received so many compliments on this lipstick and find it to be a perfect everyday shade that makes a great alternative to a nude. When paired with a poppy, pink blush the overall effect shouts classic beauty but slightly more bolder. If you're after something  that's simple but still makes a statement, definitely check this out when your near a Bobbi Brown counter. 

Let me know what you think in the comments.

Have you tried many products from Bobbi Brown? 

My Beauty Empties Menu

Urban Decay Naked Skin, NARS Sheer Glow, Estée Lauder Double Wear, MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle, MAC Mineralice Skinfinish Natural in Light. 

Diesel Fuel For Life, Estée Lauder Modern Muse, Anna Sui Flight of Fancy, Lancôme Tresor Midnight Rose, Jean Paul Gaultier Classique. 

Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Créme, Origins GinZing Moisturizer, Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch, Benefit Porefessional. 

NARS Creamy Concealer in Vanilla, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealler in 1 Fair. 

Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara, YSL Shocking Mascara, Benefit They're Real Push-Up Liner.

I am fully aware that this is a lot of Empties for one post but I have been accumulating these products for a long period of time and have finally found the motivation to sit down and write this menu. I'm not going to mention every single product featured in the photos as otherwise we will be here all day. Instead I will pick out a few of my up-most favourites which will most likely be the products I will be repurchasing. So to get straight into it, I made my way through a number of base products, all of which I have been incredibly impressed with and would honestly purchase every single on of them again in the future.  I have a more in-depth post about my current base products here. I will also be holding on to the empty MAC products so I can qualify for the Back To MAC scheme. I have gone to town with fragrance usage in the past few months. Two of which are the Estée Lauder Modern Muse which is one of my personal favourites and I pretty much found myself wearing it everyday during A/W. I will be sure to purchase another again within the next few months as the smell is honestly to die for. If you would like to see a full (really old) review on this fragrance - check it out here. I also tried and tested a number of moisturisers and primers. I found the Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Créme a little too overpriced for the quality of the product as it was far from outstanding. With the primers, I would definitely purchase the Benefit Porefessional again but as for the Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch, I found the packaging size fairly impractical and the product performance slowly deteriorated with use. Concealer wise, there isn't a lot to say other than I love both these products and have already repurchased all of them multiple times. Finally, to add a few eye products in the mix, I love the Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara and would definitely recommend it to anyone whose after a great amount of volume for their lashes. As for the YSL Shocking Mascara, I found this to be pretty average and the product dried up in a matter of weeks which was slightly disappointing due to the price I paid to have this product. As for the eyeliners, I am a big fan of the Benefit They're Real Push-Up Liner and have already written a raving review here.

Hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know what you think in the comments!

What products have you used up recently?