Let's Catch Right Up!

*inhales*

Well hello there!

It has been a WHILE! 

Just under a month since I last blogged but it feels like YEARS!

I decided to take some time out as I felt myself losing my 'blogging mojo', I find it's always better to give yourself time to get back to blogging naturally instead of forcing it.

So what have I been up to?

To be honest, not much. 

I find when Summer ends I go back into my shell to hibernate, stocking up on woolly clothing, coffee and most importantly food.

Talking about food I've meaning to shift these last few pounds, my weight loss over the past few years has been great but it's getting tiring, I've been dragging out the last stone and a bit which I want to be rid of before the end of this year, let's hope I make it! I'll let you guys know how I get on, I've been meaning to create a post on my weight loss journey which I'll be doing soonish.

In other news, my make up ban lasted all of a month...I don't even know what to say really!

A month is a long time for me, a reaaaaallly long time.

I've been trying to make more use of the products I currently own so I've been shopping my stash more often, discovering new products and testing out more advance (for myself anyway) looks, I've even been applying lashes which is something I have the most trouble with, yeah I'm still glueing my eyelids to my face, but hey, at least the lashes are on!

If you follow me on Instagram you would've seen me upload a few looks during my hiatus which include the following below:

Look 1. 

Iridescent eyeshadow look using Makeup Geek eyeshadows and a bold red lip using Limecrime's gorgeous Velvetine in Red Velvet.

Look 2. 

Same eyeshadow look as before. Lip colour is Coloured Raine's Dragenista lipstick.

Look 3. 

Nude and Neutral look with Barry M's Dazzle Dust in No.53 on the lid, Sleek Pout Paint in Mink on the lips with NYX's lipgloss in Miami Babe (my favvv lipgloss ever) over that.

Look 4. 

Wearing Ellis Faas Milky Lips in L202 (review coming soon) and an Inglot blush in No.41

Which one is your favourite?

If you would like to see a post/review or video on any of the products used or mentioned above feel free to let me know in the comments below. I'm working on getting more videos out on my YouTube channel which you can subscribe to for make up looks and hauls.

You guys have probably already noticed by now but I have also cut my hurrrr again. I didn't really think about it, I just went in and told the lovely Andree Marie to cut it all orfffff! 
It has taken me a LOOOONG while to get used to it but I think I'm finally almost there, definitely saves fixing a closure in the morning!

If you look to your right you'll also see that I recently hit 300 subscribers! AMAZING or what?!

Thank you to all of you who have subbed, who comment and interact with me, I know I say this ALLL the time but I really am grateful! 
Blogging has brought so many positives into my life I can't even begin to know where to start to let you guys know how much it has helped me... but anyway...let's save all that good stuff for another post.

New milestones mean new giveaways so I will be launching my 300 subscriber giveaway in the next few weeks including loadsa fab beauty goods so stay tuned, you may be winning some make up goodies for Christmas! ;)

*exhales*

Well, this was a long one but I've never been one to keep things short and sweet and to be honest I just felt like typing and catching up with you guys!

Hope your all well and stay tuned for more posts coming up in the next few weeks 
(for a sneak peek of what click HERE)

Hugs and Kisses! 

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Inexpensive Beauty Haul

   
Hi guys! 

I've uploaded another video onto my Youtube channel! Win!

Click on the video for more information on the products I talk about.
All of them a really inexpensive and great quality.

MUA Smokin Palette http://bit.ly/18EPxjZ

MUA L1 Lip Brush http://bit.ly/12h5t7c

Fashionista Maxi Moisture Lipstick in Style Transformationhttp://bit.ly/18GknD0

Sleek Matte Me in Rioja Red and Fandango Purplehttp://bit.ly/1gGjDCQ

Barry M Bold Waterproof Eyeliner in Bold Bluehttp://bit.ly/10PcvPq

Barry M Dazzle Dusts in 53, 66, 27, 98 http://bit.ly/SzKS9c

MAC Blot Powder in Dark http://bit.ly/RY5okm

MAC Smoked Purple Lipstick (Pro)

NYX HD Grinding Blush in Apricot http://bit.ly/1eXaied

Coloured Raine Lipsticks http://bit.ly/1d2sTn7

Victoria Secret Fragrance Mists http://ebay.eu/18GlqTo

I hope you enjoy!

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Summer Make Up Essentials

The UK is usually either hit or miss during the months of July, August and September. It's almost as though the weather never gets the memo regarding summer, however this year, jheeeeeez it's definitely caught up!

IT HAS BEEN HOT!!

Some days I have loved it, others, not so much (I work in an office without AC, sigh.)

The hot weather has also been a bother for us make up lovers, it has been near impossible for me to put on makeup and to be honest I was just too scared to risk it, but once the weather cooled down I indulged in my cosmetics.

I have combination skin (mostly oily t-zone) so I need to be careful in hot weather, however, I've found a few products that have been working amazingly for me in this summer!

Hard Candy Sheer Envy Primer - This is a great lightweight primer that I use solely on my T-zone to stop that midday shine. I love the consistency of this as it isn't too heavy and it's a fab pocket size as well!

MUFE Face & Body - For a base I've been loving everything lighter, BB creams are great to wear in this weather especially for those of you with dry skin. I've been reaching for either my Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation, Sleek BB Cream or my MUFE Face & Body. This foundation is very sheer but fantastic for summer, for extra coverage go in with a corrector before you apply and top up with concealer afterwards.

MAC Studio Fix Powder - I just picked this up recently so I'm cheating a little bit by putting this up as a fav. This is too light for me to use solely as a foundation (even though it's in my shade...thanks MAC, not!) however a light dusting of it over my base really helps to set it.

Covergirl Queen Bronzer in Ebony Bronze - Thank GOD for this product! A beautiful and super affordable bronzer for us ladies of colour! I love the healthy sun kissed glow it gives me when I've applied this after my foundation, this is definitely one of my favourite beauty products of all time, a real winner!

Graftobian Setting Spray - Hairspray but for the face! (Kevin Hart voice) This stuff is REAL! It took me a while to learn how to use this but I've now got the hang of it, I spray it on my brush and then stipple it on my face. This sets my makeup fabulously and makes sure it lasts all day! 

MAC Pressed Blot Powder in Dark - Those of you will an oily disposition lisssen up! This stuff is a GOD SEND! I suffer from a really oily t-zone which is super annoying for a person who likes the matte look. I find only an hour has to pass before my face becomes reflective but once I apply this, it is all resolved. This is one of those products you need to have in your handbag! Two thumbs up from me!

Daniel Sandler's Watercolour  Fluid Blush in Dare - Possibly one of the smartest cosmetic products around. Heat is no match for this fiesty lil bottle of blush.
This blush is waterproof and blends into the skin effortlessly leaving you with the most natural flush of colour that lasts all day! Don't believe me? Try it out for yourself! Daniel offers samples in his range of watercolour blushes, you can order them from HERE

Maybelline Color Tattoos - I am aware of the various fads that pass through the blogosphere, I usually tend to ignore them because I feel that most times the product is overhyped, however, when I decided that I wanted to play around with more colours, eyeshadow wise ,I went to Boots to take advantage of their Maybelline offer and I picked myself up some colour tattoos and you know what? This is a hype I can understand! Not only are the colours absolutely STUNNING, they are long lasting, creaseproof (for those of us with oily lids) and inexpensive for the amount of product needed. This is a fab product to ensure you eyeshadow lasts all day and retains pigmentation! Will definitely pick up more of these!

Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes Waterproof Mascara - My first 'pricey' mascara but definitely worth it. This mascara really separates the lashes and opens up the eyes, the wand is fantastic as it is slightly tapered so it can really be used for the upper lashes as well as the lower. This stuff stays all day! Definitely one of my favourite mascara's, the only down side? It dries up quite quickly :(

Sleek Blush in Rose Gold -   This blush is a relatively new buy that I discovered by accident in Superdrug. A tester of this was open and had been used quite hevaily, I had seen the gold sheen that it gave off from this tester and fell in love with it immediately! For a blush its a little bit underwhelming but for a highlighter this is PERFECT especially for us women of colour. The gold flecks are so finely milled it just glides on, you can also add this to your favourite matte blush to jazz it up!

Mary Kay Makeup Finishing Spray - A good finishing spray is the foundation to flawless looking make up. It is also a must for hot weather. We tend to put on more make up sometimes in the hot weather so to avoid the cakey look a setting spray is a must! The Mary Kay Finishing Spray is too fold, not only does it take away the cakey-ness for a more natural look it is also amazing as a face mist. This finishing spray was created by Skindinavia for Mary Kay so you know you're not going to be disappointed  This feels so cooling on my face and the mist sprays evenly and lightly. This is another one for the handbag and great to use on stuffy public transport too.

All the above are fantastic products that keep my make up look 100 in the summer.
If you want to see how I use these products click HERE to view my Natural Bronze tutorial.

What products do you swear by in this heat?
Let me know in the comments below!

4

Mettallips

I love experimenting with make up, it's one of my favourite things to do!

A few nights ago I decided to put my skills to the test and try out something more daring, so I rummaged through my collection and applied what I could find and this is what I got!

 I love the result!

 I used my beauty blender to apply the base, normally I'm not a fan of beauty blenders but for cream foundations I can understand why people love them, it gives such a flawless finish. I think I'll be using it more often with my Graftobian foundation.

I also think I'm getting there with the winged eyeliner.#Winning!

All details to what I have used can be found below.

Face

Tony Moly Egg Pore Silky Smooth Balm

Make Up For Ever Camouflage Palette in No.4  - No.21 to correct, No. 20 & No.16 to highlight my brows

Graftobian Hi-Def Colour Palette in Warm #3 - Ginger for base, Winter Wheat for under eye highlight

Ben Nye Translucent Powder in Topaz

Sleek Contour Kit in Dark

Cover Girl Queen Bronzer in Ebony Bronze Q120

Milani Baked Powder Blush in 04 Terra Sole

Mary Kay Make Up Finishing Spray

Eyes

Wet N Wild's Vanity Palette - Dark Brown E/S to fill in brows

Generic Matte Brown E/S for base

Makeup Geek Eyeliner in Immortal

Maybelline The Falsies Black Drama Mascara

AVON Supershock Liner in Black

Lips

Lime Crime CandyFuture Lipstick in Styletto

Bellapierre Shimmer Powder in Celebration

Styletto is a really gorgeous colour! I matted it out by blotting to give the desired look above.

I am also really loving using make up products for other uses then intended.

The Shimmer powder is fab and can be used as eye shadow, highlight and bronzer too!

I'll be creating a post soon with products that can be used several ways so stay tuned for that!

What do you think of the look?

Anything you would change?

8

Base Face

If you have watched my Great Expectations video you'll see that one of my main goals was to create the perfect 'base face.'

I've been on this mission since seeing how incredible Destiny Godley's foundation routine left her looking! Absolutely flawless but natural looking.

I think this is a very hard thing to accomplish nowadays, especially if you want to cover up blemishes however I set myself the challenge and I think I have finally found a routine that works for me.

I use this look whenever I am going out to a bar, club etc and I find it works great for me!

Obviously this wont work for everyone but I hope you can take bits from it that may help you achieve your perfect 'base face' too.

Firstly I moisturise.

After moisturising I apply a primer. The quality of primer really makes a difference and helps your make up to stay flawless all night. I use Tony Moly's Egg Pore Silky Smooth Balm and I apply this all over my face.

I then move onto my brows, I fill them in with my ELF Studio Eyebrow Kit in Dark and then clean around them using my Coastal Scents Eclipse Palette. For a natural looking highlight, I use a lighter concealer on the bottom outer half of my brow and blend out, I then clean up the rest with a shade that matches my skin tone. 

Now I move onto my favourite part, the foundation. 

I have recently starting using MAC's Studio Fix Fluid in NC50 for my full coverage foundation (no need for me to use concealer to hide blemishes when using this) and I LOVE IT! It's a perfect colour match and very long lasting.

I apply this by tapping out a bit on my hand, (I am sans pump) around a 10p size.

I then apply using my Real Technique's Stippling Brush. I buff the foundation into my skin using circular motions, insuring all product is blended in evenly.

Next step, the one made famous by Kim K. 

Highlighting!

I always opt for subtle highlighting due to flash from cameras.

I find the LA Girl Pro Conceal in Fawn is PERFECT for my skin tone. 

It blends in amazingly, allowing for the most natural highlight. 

I apply the concealer underneath my eyes in a triangular shape, down my nose, cupids bow as well as chin. I then blend it all in with a damp beauty blender until I am happy with the result.

I set with Ben Nye's Banana powder. 

I make sure I blend this in too. 

If I find I still have harsh lines with the concealer I go over lightly with my MSF face powder to blend the concealer even more.

Once this is done, I move onto bronzer.

I use Covergirl Queen Bronzer in Ebony Bronze Q120 in places that I would normally contour.

I would normally then go back in with my Sleek Contour Kit in Dark and apply the matte brown powder to the hollows of my cheeks making sure to blend out all the harsh lines.

Next onto blush!

I use two just because I love the look.

I first start off with NARS Blush in Taj Mahal (LURVVE) which I apply to the apples of my cheeks and with the remainder I apply this to the tops of my temples. I do the same with MAC's Blush in Format for a bit more warmth.

For a bit more glam, I apply a shimmer highlighter to the tops of my cheek bones, underneath my brow, down my nose and cupids bow.

Lately I have been reaching for ELF's Blush in Gotta Glow but from time to time I also use MAC's Cream Colour Base in Improper Copper or Accessorize Baked Bronzer in Bermuda Shade 4.

I skip powdering my entire face as I feel my face is quite matte after all of the above so I set with 

ELF's Makeup Mist & Set

(AMAZING PRODUCT, I love this much more than MAC's Fix +) to get rid of the powdery look and then...viola!

 I'm done!!! 

(wipes brow)

The rest (eyes and lips) are down to how I'm feeling at the time!

In the picture above I kept the eyes simple, just a coat of good ol' Maybelline's Great Lash mascara in Blackest Black.

My lips are lined with a generic brown lip liner, coupled with NYX's Round Lipstick in Minimalism and NYX's Mega Shine Lipgloss in Miami Babe over the top.

This all seems like a lot but it really becomes simple (and fast) after you get it down and the results are pretty thumbs up (if I do say so myself!)

I think it's just a case of working with products that you like and you are familiar with!

Do you have any tips to share that you use for creating a flawless base?

15

Day Swatch: Exxxagerate and Loved Up

L-R: Exxxagerate and Loved Up

Hi all!
I hope these pictures give you a much clearer idea of the two lipsticks from Sleek's newest True Colour lipsticks collection.
You can see the true colour of Exxxagerate, it's a nice colour, suitable for everyday wear I believe but I still wanted more 'pep' from it I guess.
Loved Up is gorgeous and very creamy on the lips, you'd need to blot to get suitable wear as it can become quite greasy!

Are you convinced?
Let me know!

12

Night Swatch: Loved Up and Exxxagerate

L-R: Loved Up/ Exxxagerate/
With Flash/Without Flash

Ohh have I perhaps broken rule number one (or maybe two) of blogging?
Only take pictures in natural light...never artificial, warm lights...at night.

However, after several requests I decided to post this as early as possible!

This wont be a full review as I have not yet had the opportunity to rock these out for a while, this will simply be a quick 'show and tell!'

I am rocking two of Sleek's newest True Colour Lipsticks.
Above you can see Loved Up and Exxxagerate which both retail for £4.99 each.

Loved Up is a cool hot pink which comes in a creamy sheen texture, whilst Exxxagerate is a creamy blueish purple which comes in a matte texture with slight gold reflects.

Although I like Exxxagerate it is a bit disappointing colour wise. It looks a bit washed out above but this could be due to the warm lights but the picture is not far off from it's true colour
I expected a deeper richer purple.
 If this is what you are looking for I recommend Wet N Wild's Ravin Raisin'.
I am loving Loved Up (no pun intended...was that even a pun, who knows?) another great dupe for Candy Yum Yum!

Both lipstick require several coats to get a decent colour pay off but once they are on they look great!

I know a lot of readers wanted to see swatches so I uploaded them as fast as I could unfortunately I could only take them at night.

If you wish to see these lippies in natural daylight just let me know with a comment below and I will get to it for this weekend!

16

February Goodies

Tony Moly Egg Pore Silky Smooth Balm

Studio Fix Fluid in NC50

Fix +

L'Oreal True Match Foundation in N8 Cappuccino

Sleek True Colour Lipstick in Exxxagerate and Loved Up

Sleek Blush in Sahara

So, I'm about to impose a Spending Ban on myself so naturally I am going crazy buying all I need before the 13th.

Here are some beauty goodies that I have picked up lately.

All of these products are new products that I have never tried before (besides the blush which is my go to blush, LAV IT!) so I'm looking forward to seeing how they go!

I will do an in dept review of most of the products here so stay tuned.

15

Lip Service

Nooo! Get your filthy mind out of the gutter!

I'm talking LIPSTICKS people!!!

I recently put in a ridiculous order to Beauty Joint, the reason why it was ridiculous..? 

The sheer amount of lipsticks I ordered, however I tried to rationalise my decision by reminding myself that if I were to shop at MAC I would be spending a hell of a lot more. 

That keep my conscious clear....for about an hour until I realised I still wanted several lippies from MAC...anyway I digress.

I decided to purchase several Wet N Wild Mega Last Matte Lip Cover lipsticks as I had heard nothing but good things about them. 

When I tried them on I was pleasantly surprised (baring in mind I scored these for £1.74 each) at their quality. 

The lipsticks are described as the following...ahem:

"This 4-hour, longwearing lip color leaves a semi-matte, crème finish in one stroke. Glides on easily with rich, velvety color that doesn't cake, feather, or bleed"

The description does say it all, the lipsticks are not matte, (farrr from MAC matte) in fact they are very nourishing and pigmented but not sheer. 

 Despite this they are long lasting, I had a hard time getting the swatches off my hand and the pigmentation off my lips.

I brought the following:

I love all of these lipsticks!

They all work so well with my skin tone, even Vamp.

Can't wait to rock them all!
(BTW I'm wearing Sleek BB cream in Medium for these pics, LURVVE it)

Out of my haul my favourite product was an Xtreme Lip Cream by NYX! 
Crazily pigmented but moisturising and not sticky at all!

Which one do you like? 
And can you recommend more colours?
I will definitely be purchasing more!

The rest of my haul will be up in my next post!

Mwah! ;)

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