My Highlighter Collection!

After asking on social media whether anyone would actually be interested, I found myself a mere twelve hours later filming my whole highlighter collection for all my fellow glow-getters out there. It was touch and go at some points and if you make it past even just the highlighter palette section of this video, I have a huge amount of respect and gratitude for you. This video allowed me to finally fulfil my dream of bathing in a pool of highlight as after swatching a countless amount of powders, creams and liquids, I was glowing from top to bottom. Do not fear though, I have got your back, so if check out the description box of the video you will see I have given the minutes for when each section starts and ends so if you are all about the cream formula and powders don't interest you, just skip to your preferred time.

So if you want to see what highlighters I have purchased over the past few years and which are my go-to one's for a blinding glow, then check the video out! I would love it if you could like, sub and leave a comment with your channels in the comment section below.

What highlighter's would you recommend?

The Good, The Better and The Not So Pretty of High End Makeup

The Good

This video featured the Anastasia Beverly Hills Palette which was a new addition to my collection and I am SO happy I finally managed to get my mits onto it. Much like a magpie to shiny things, I am instantly attracted to warm tone palettes and if you are too then this palette is definitely one for you. I love the array of shades this palette offers, especially the matte raspberry pink (Love Letter), the deep orange (Realgar) and of course the beautiful brown-toned red (Red Ochre) which is a staple in any palette that takes inspiration from red hues. I feel the colour selection is spot on and offers a variety of looks for any warm-toned lover. However, it was the formula of these shadows that really blew me away as I have not delved into Anastasia shadows much other than the odd single pan which admittedly has spent the majority of its time in a Z Palette in my makeup drawers. The tiniest touch of the brush in the powder and the pigmentation instantly packs a punch and subsequently blends beautifully onto the lid. The shades build wonderfully (as you can see in the video) and the fall out is minimal although still slightly there yet that is expected in any palette that has a really high pigmentation. The only downside is the packaging which I will not go into now as I mentioned it in a mini rant within the video but nevertheless I cannot wait to try more palettes from Anastasia after using this one!

The Better

Next up is probably my most favourite product that I featured in the tutorial and that is The Jeffree Star Skin Frost in the shade Peach Goddess and I later mentioned this in my January Favourites. First of all, I was seriously impressed with the size of this product as I feel like you really do get a good amount of powder due to how much you spend - a rarity in terms of makeup on the higher end of the scale. Secondly, the glow this gives is seriously insane and mimics the look of glass on the skin. I would say if you are fair skinned like myself, do not be put off by the 'peach' in the shade name as the peachy undertones barely translates onto the skin meaning it pretty much only adds serious glow as opposed to colour. I just love how pigmented this powder is and how you can instantly watch the highlighter pop on the skin as soon as it is applied. If you are after a new highlighter I urge you to check this out. I most definitely want to purchase some additional shades after next pay day! 

The Not So Pretty

Before I explain why the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder was the product that didn't impress in this tutorial, I feel like I need to mention that I have combination skin and on my more oiler days this powder is a dream to work with. It was just unfortunate that my skin on the day of filming probably was not at its best texture and that really translated onto the camera as it appeared patchy and left my skin looking flakey, which is why I deemed it 'the not so pretty' part of this makeup purely because it was the one product that impressed me the least. However, I will still continue to use this product but I will just have to make a conscious effort to wear it on days that I know it won't clash with my skin tone. Nevertheless, if you are on the hunt for a powder to try your hand at 'baking' with, then I would recommend this as I feel it has been the best loose powder I have tried so far and works a treat when my skin is behaving!

I hope you enjoyed this kind of post as it is something I have never done before. 

If you liked it then do please let me know!

What do you deem to be the Good, the Better and the Not So Pretty in High End Makeup?

My All Time Favourite High Street Highlighter Kit

Sleek Makeup have definitely made a name for themselves in the last few years in regards to having good quality products for an even better price. If they weren't making beautiful palettes with punchy pigments and an array of colours, they were killing it with their blushes that appear to take inspiration from NARS Cosmetics and not only because of their matte, black packaging. Recently, I stumbled across the Sleek Highlighting Palette in Diamond in the Rough on a stand in my local boots and after a single swatch I was sold. For starters, I couldn't believe how affordable the palette was as I only paid £7.99 for six shades that are seriously better than a lot of my higher end glow givers. The palette offers a variety of different shades ranging from icy whites, champagne golds and deep rose hues as well as two consistencies, cream and powder. The cream shades did not take my initial fancy as I often find cream highlighters can sometimes apply unevenly on top of powders yet as you can see by the swatch, the glow from this highlight takes on the appearance of glass and can transform you from a 'tired and dull mortal' to an 'ice queen who has their life together' in a matter of seconds, or maybe that is just my experience. However, it is the champagne gold shade (second from the left) that gave this palette cult status for me. The glow this gives is extreme as it takes on a 'wet' like appearance on the skin which is something I definitely look for in my highlights. You can see this in action in my Natural Makeup Look and you will understand what I mean as after just the tap of a brush on my cheeks my complexion quite literally changes in front of my eyes from dull and dreary to radiant and healthy. I used this throughout the majority of December and honestly would happily throw away the majority of my high end highlighters in favour for this one. I urge you to check this out if you see it in your local Boots or Superdrug!

What are your favourite drugstore highlighters? 

A Natural Quick & Easy MOTD and Tutorial

A quick and simple makeup tutorial that is perfect for those who are looking for something pretty but easy to wear to work or school. Hope you enjoy!

Products used:

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in Porcelain
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Powder
MAC Pro Longwear Blush in Baby Don't Go
Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Dark Brown
Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel in Brunette
Makeup Forever Aqua Cream Eyeshadow in 13
The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter
Makeup Geek Eyeshadow in Purely Naked
MAC Eyeshadow in Nylon
Kiko Khol Liner in Nude
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
Too Faced Sweethearts Blush in Candy Glow
Sleek Highlighting Palette in Diamond in the Rough
Dior Lipgloss in Venus

Hope you like it and let me know what you think!

High-End Makeup Tutorial

Product List:
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Aquacealer Concealer
MAC Prep + Prime in Light Boost
MAC Pro Longwear Blush in Baby Don’t Go
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Dark Brown
Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel in Brunette
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder
Hourglass Cosmetic Ambient Lighting Palette
MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Camel Coat
Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette
MAC Eyeshadow in Nylon
Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper
Estée Lauder Sumptous Extreme Mascara
Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic in First Love
Jeffree Star Cosmetics Skin Frost in Peach Goddess
EOS Lip Balm
Lime Crime Velvetines in Cashmere

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? 

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?

MAC Cinderella Collection with Swatches

So as you can probably tell judging by the overload of photos, I am seriously in love with this collection. After staying up all night waiting for the online launch last Friday, (Damn you MAC for not telling us the release times), you can only imagine how frantic I was when it finally hit the site just before 10am. I was kinda expecting a Midnight release time as that would have only be fitting with the theme but oh well! I am pretty sure I managed to get everything into my basket, check out and pay, in under a minute. It's very serious business this MAC malarky. I already knew exactly what I want and surprisingly I was more drawn to the pigments and powders rather than the lipsticks and glosses. That isn't to say that I didn't pick up both lipsticks because of course I did. I seriously cannot resist those bullets especially in limited edition pearlescent blue packaging. So here is a quick rundown and first impressions of the products I picked up.

The Beauty Powder in Mystery Princess (£23) is a really gorgeous milky-champagne, highlighting shade that reminds me a lot of The Balm Mary Lou-Manizer with less shimmer. This is such a lovely shade that catches the light beautifully and really adds a flawless filter-like finish to the skin. Then comes the sister product, the Beauty Powder in Coupe D'Chic (£23) which, although I wasn't too fussed about before, has quickly become one of my favourite products from the collection. This is an ultra-shimmer, subtle-pink powder that although hasn't necessarily been advertised as a blush, is honestly quickly become one of my favourites that I know I'll be reaching for a lot in S/S. I was apprehensive about the glitter in the product as although I'm all for looking like a Disney princess, I'm not into looking like a Barbie princess but the shimmer instead added an absolutely amazing highlight that looks incredible when photographed and has already bagged a load of compliments. 

Next up is the Stroke of Midnight Palette (£38.50) which I think is my up-most favourite product from the collection. Every single shade in this palette is wearable and I strongly urge anyone with green or blue eyes to check the shades out as they will really accentuate the eye colour. Luckily, for anyone that couldn't get their hands on this palette, 5/6 of the shades contained are actually available in the permanent collection (Vapour, Phloof, Omega, Quarry, Satin Taupe) and it is just the iridescent, deep purple shade (Stroke of Midnight), that is limited edition. I have used this palette every single day since I got it and although there is only 6 shades, the possibilities of looks is really endless. I am so happy that Omega is in this palette as I didn't own this previously and find it a great multi-purpose product that I am especially loving as a contour shade for my pale skin. 

I also picked up the Pigment in Pretty It Up (£18.50) which as you can see by the swatch above, is a really beautiful olive-gold loose pigment that I seriously cannot wait to use. I am fairly new to Pigments but the ones I do own, I love and find them perfect to add impact to any look. I also picked up the Glitter in Reflects Pearl (£18.50) which I have already used a few times to add a little bit of something to the inner-third of my lid, on top of the more neutral shades from the palette and already I am in love! As well as this, I also bit the bullet and bought the Fluidline in Macroviolet (£17). This is also available in the permanent collection but I couldn't resist the Limited Edition packaging - it is a curse! I am still yet to try this but I have found myself really leaning to purple hued products due to having green eyes. 

Finally here comes probably the most popular products from the whole collection which are the lipsticks. I picked up both shades - Royal Ball and Free as a Butterfly (£17). Each of these shades have a Lustre finish which although isn't usually my favourite, still looks beautiful all the same. Free as a Butterfly is a serious nude that really only caters for people with really pale skin as it will wash out any skin tones that are darker. Royal Ball is also a neutral but with a more pinky-twist that is a really great lipsticks for easy, on-the-go application. I also bought the Lipglass in Happily Ever After (£16), which I purchased partly because of the name and partly because I was intrigued about the blue glitter laced throughout the pink. This is really beautiful and still fairly subtle despite the bluey-tones and looks great when applied on top of Royal Ball.

If you would like to see some of these products in action, check out my MOTD post here. I apologise for the volume of text, I am still seriously excited about this collection and honestly love each and every product, even more than I thought I would initially. If you can get hold of anything from this collection, I strongly urge you to!

Let me know what you think.

What's your favourite thing from this collection?

MOTD ft. MAC Cinderella

Face
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Mont Blanc
NARS Creamy Concealer in Vanilla
(For a full post on all my base products, click here)
No7 Translucent Perfect Light Loose Powder
MAC Omega for my contour shade
MAC Coupe d'Chic Beauty Powder for blush
MAC Mystery Princess Beauty Powder down the bridge of my nose

Eyes
Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Dark Brown (review here)
MAC Paintpot in Bare Study
MAC Cinderella Stroke of Midnight Palette:
Phloof all over the lid and on the brow bone
Quarry through the crease
Satin Taupe on the outer third
MAC Cinderella Reflects Pearl on the inner third
The Balm Comsetics Schwing Liquid Liner (review here)
Stila Smudge Stick Liner in Damsel 
Tarte Amazonian Clay Gifted Mascara

Lips
MAC Angel

A full rundown of all the products I purchased from the MAC Cinderella Collection will be on the blog Sunday! I know this isn't my best look but I was in a massive rush to take these photos whilst the lighting was good and so didn't have much time to play around or tweak!

Let me know what you think.

What's your favourite everyday product?

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

With Hourglass bringing out their new Ambient Blush Palette, hoping to the hit UK stores in November, I thought it would be fitting to give you a quick rundown on their previous beauty, the Ambient Lighting Palette. This showcases a trio of their beautiful powders: Dim Light, Radiant Light and Incandescent Light, with the latter being a limited edition shade only. I think we all need to take a moment to fully appreciate how truly beautiful this palette really is. Not only does the palette alone look amazing, the effect it has on one's complexion is stunning. The powders are designed to not only conceal imperfections but to also soften the way light hits the skin to create a brighter appearance as well as subtly highlighting the high points and altogether giving a flawless finish.  It can't really get much better than that. I personally love the middle shade for an all over lit-from-within finish and then applying Dim Light (left) on my cheek bones, brow bones and down the bridge of my nose to lift these areas. The final shade, Radiant Light, is a little harder to use if you're pale skinned like me but the golden-beige colour adds a sun-kissed glow to any tan, real or fake, making it my go-to bronzed highlight when I've commenced my self-tan routine.

All in all, a beautiful palette that is almost just as pretty in the pan as it is on. Priced at £56, I really did not except anything less from Hourglass but considering you're getting three of their powders for this price when just a single on costs £38 alone, makes the cost seem slightly more justified.

Let me know what you think in the comments.

Are you excited for the Ambient Blush Palette? 

Beauty| Born Pretty Store Product Review

Born Pretty Store, an American based online cosmetics website, was not a company I was familiar with until I was contacted by a lovely lady, Alicia, asking if I would be willing to review a couple of products from their store. Of course, I accepted and was delighted to pick from a massive selection of products on their website, ranging from eyeliners, make up brushes and eyeshadow palettes to name a few. I decided to try two products that I found to be unique to the Born Pretty company as both of these items I have not found anything similar elsewhere.

XXL Waterproof Gel Eyeliner in Blue 

The first product I had chosen was the Waterproof Gel Eyeliner in the shade blue. The thing that drew me the most towards this product was the unique packaging and the beautiful, bold colour, a shade that would be perfect for these brighter months. I would say that the formula of the liner was more waxy then gel but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. The product didn't create too much of a colour payoff in my waterline due to the waxy texture but worked nicely once applied to my bottom lash line and blended across my top lashes for a colourful, smokey eye effect. If you're someone who loves a pop of colour in the Summer season definitely give this a go and for only £2.72 it's hard to find a reason not to. 

3 Colour Eyebrow Powder Compact with Applicator  

This has come to be my favourite product from the package. A trio of powders that make up the perfect team for big, beautiful, bold brows. I was a bit hesitant at first when I saw the black powder in the palette as even though I do have very dark brown brows, I was worried that the use of this could end up with me sporting the dreaded 'scouse' brow, a look I most definitely could not pull off. Yet, to my relief and surprise I found that when using the brown shade with a hint of the black, the colour matched my brows perfectly and has quickly become one of my 'go-to' brow products. I think the specific element that I love about this product the most is the white powder that acts as the perfect matte brow bone highlight and really is a pleasure to use, I've even opted to use this over some of my other more high end products. The long wear of these powders is what really impressed me as even after a full day at work, the products didn't budge and my brows still looked groomed and filled, exactly how I like them.  There's no reason for why you shouldn't give this a go, especially for all you brow beginners as for only £2.58 a palette, which come in a variety of shades, there really is little to be argued with. 

If you have enjoyed reading this post and would like to try out some products from the Born Pretty Store, head on over to their website and make sure to enter the discount code below to get 10% off your shop. 

What product do you like best from their website?

(This post was created in cooperation with Born Pretty Store but all views and opinions are my own)