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Monday 28 February 2011

Model Monday: Anja Rubik Spanish Vogue Makeup Look


Above's the inspiration picture I used for this week's Model Monday. I love everything about this picture! The makeup, the dress (oh my gosh, the dress is actually to die for!) the jewellery, and of course the extremely beautiful Anja Rubik!

As it were, I came across this on a trawl across the internet for some inspiration and immediately knew this was this weeks look. I love the contrast between the purple and gold on the eye and then the nude rest of the face. Simply stunning.

About the tutorial itself, I feel I should warn you that I find bright colours notoriously difficult to blend. It's not the formula's fault at all, simply that I lack the necessary patience to blend out properly. In saying that, I think we ended up okay, although perhaps her makeup was a little more rounded then mine was. 


Products Used:

Mac Paint Pot - Vintage Selection
Sleek Original Palette - Purple
MAC E/S - Dalliance (Peacocky collection), Vanilla, Mystery
NYX Lipstick - Sash
Yaby E/S - Eggplant
MAC Eye Kohl - Feline
Avon Super Shock Mascara
Avon Calming Effects Illuminating Foundation
Lacura Concealer
Lacura Transparent Powder - 10 Translucent
MAC Blush - Harmony, Gana (Mickey Contractor)
Boujouir blush - 35 Lune d'or

Hope you guys like it! Let me know what you all think!

<3


Saturday 26 February 2011

Regina Spektor 'Us' Inspired Makeup Tutorial

I've been on a roll recently! The great thing about half term is that I have no excuse for not making videos, so I've gone to town (not literally, of course) and made as many as I wanted. Bit naughty as I still haven't done my coursework but oh well. It'll be worth it in the end!

This look was inspired by the gorgeous Regina Spektor who is one of my favourite artists! Not only is she multi-talented but I love the way her songs tell a narrative and, to sound silly, really make me think. 'Us' is definitely one of my favourites!


Not much else to say other than here's a product list:

Loreal Super Liner - Black Crystals
Loreal True Match Foundation - Ivory Rose
Avon Super Magnify Mascara 
MAC E/S - Vanilla, Charcoal Brown, Mystery
Clinique Lipstick - After Party
Body Shop Gloss
Elf Mineral Blush -



Friday 25 February 2011

Keira Knightley Elle Cover Inspired Tutorial


I love the smokey, smudgedness of this makeup inspired by Keira Knightley's spread in the March issue of UK Elle! I don't normally buy Elle, but it was the desire to recreate her makeup that made me splash out and I'm glad I did, if only because it helped me pass the time whilst on the train to London. 

This was the inspiration image (all credit to Elle magazine UK of course, and to the gorgeous Keira Knightley):



It was super easy to do and for me plays up the eyes perfectly.

Products Used:

Urban Decay Shadow Primer Potion
Urban Decay Naked Palette - Virgin, Dark Horse
Avon Magnify Mascara
Avon Moisture Seduction Lipstick - Nude Perfection
MAC E/S - Brun
Loreal True Match Foundation - Rose Ivory
Avon Mineral Blush - Radiance
MAC Blush - Harmony
MAC Creme Colour Base - Pearl
Lacura Pressed Powder - Transparent

Hope you like the look! 

x


Nicki Minaj Moment 4 Life Inspired Tutorial



Please ignore the horrific picture!

I know I look nothing like Nikki Minaj but this was me attempting to replicate one of the looks she wore in the Moment 4 Life video.

I did it using all high street/drug store products so it's as affordable as possible. 

Hope you all like it!

Products Used:
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil - Yoghurt
Avon Big Colour Eye Pencil - Blue Azure
Fraulein 38 120 Eye Palette
Avon Onyx Lustre Tri Eyeshadow - Midnight lustre
Elf Cream Eyeliner
Lacura Volume Mascara
False Eyelashes (can't remember which ones they are atm)
Duo Eyelash Adhesive
Max Factor Eyeliner
Loreal True Match Foundation - Rose Ivory
Lacura Compact Powder - Transparent
2 True All Over Bronzer
Avon Satin Deluxe Blush - Neutral Duo
NYX Lipstick - Paris
2 True Crystal Lipgloss - 2




Monday 21 February 2011

Avon Moisture Seduction Lipstick - Nude Perfection

Nude Perfection is an apt name for this lipstick. Often, Avon products for me can be hit and miss, and though their lipsticks are normally pretty good, I have come across a few clangers in my time. Not in the case of Nude Perfection though. This lipstick is one of Avon's best and takes the title of the best Avon product of the year (so far)! Well, for me anyway.



Avon describes their new lipsticks as a 'rich lipstick intertwined with ribbons of hydrating moisture'. Basically, this is fancy talk for a lipstick that moisturises as well as adds colour.


Here you can see fairly easily the so-called moisture ribbons. Looks pretty cool, right? :)

I was pretty intrigued by the idea as I seem to suffer constantly at the minute with the dreaded dry lips, plus the promo shots looked pretty appealing in the colour pay off stakes. 

As my mum's an Avon rep, we also got sent a sample lipstick which is now lurking around my lipstick container - remind me to review that one (Red Kiss) at a later date. I loved the colour payoff but decided to go for a colour that would be practical for daily wear, aka not too bright that I feel self-conscious wearing it.

Here's a (admittedly dark) picture of my lips without the lipstick:



And here's a lovely shot of me wearing it:



As you can see, it really is a lovely nude! I think the picture is a little deceptive, not really showing how pigmented the lipstick is. Nude Perfection is a great, suit all colour.

The formula itself glides on smoothly, doesn't settle into lip lines and doesn't seem to bleed (yes, at eighteen, I sometimes suffer from the dreaded bleeding). It's also quite moisturising which is great for winter and summer! Another plus side is the SPF 15 if like me you tend to suffer from burnt lips (I swear every part of me burns. Come summer, I will be the walking lobster). 

The only downside to this lipstick is that the staying time isn't as long as I'd like, but then I think that's eclipsed by the great formula and colour range. Whilst not as many as some brands, the ten colours cater to everyone's needs - there are neutrals, pinks, reds, browns and berry colours.

To conclude, I think this lipstick is going to become one of my makeup staples as it's a great little product at an affordable price. What more can you ask for? 

Avon Ultra Colour Moisture Seduction Lipstick is available online and through an Avon rep for £8.50. However, Avon are pretty good at deals and currently, the brochure price is £6.00 


Monday 14 February 2011

Lily Cole Makeup Tutorial

Rather surprisingly (I say so because at twelve pm last night, I would have said there was no way in hell that I was getting it up today), I uploaded the second in the Model Monday series. 

The inspiration for the look was Lily Cole, the flame-haired (well, formerly - she appears to have gone to the dark side in the last few months. Can't say I'm particularly keen, but then I wasn't when Emma Watson had her hair cut. Now, I love it!) who's both a model and an actress.

This was the inspiration picture I based the look off (all credit goes to Harper's Bazaar of course!):


I'm a bit annoyed though actually, because I found a picture of her with killer makeup just now that would have been amazing! Maybe soon, eh? 

But anyway, I loved the smudged, sultriness of this look! Obviously, it's not an exact replica of the makeup - more heavily inspired by - but I really like the end result!

Products Used:

Urban Decay Shadow Primer Potion
MAC E/S - Vanilla, Corduroy, Twinks, Brule
MAC Chromographic pencil - NC15/NW20
Clinique High Impact Mascara
Loreal True Match Foundation - Rose Ivory
Garnier Roll On - Very Light
Natural Collection Loose Powder
MAC Blush - Harmony
Bourjois Blush 
MAC Lipstick - Cockney
NYX Lipstick - Femme
Avon Lip Juice - Glossy Delight

Tutorial here, or click this link to go direct to youtube: 







Tuesday 8 February 2011

Lily Donaldson Makeup Tutorial


This was my inspiration picture for the tutorial on Lily Donaldson's makeup. I just love every thing about this look from the gold/bronzey eyes to the gorgeous glow of her skin and the lovely nude lip. 

Because I'm a bit thick, I forgot to take a picture to post here but I'll place the link to the tutorial below!


Products Used:

UD Shadow Primer Potion - Sin
MAC E/S - Nylon, Vanilla, Mulch, Brun (eyebrows)
MAC Kohl Liner - Feline
No7 Exquisite Curl Mascara
Clinique Supermoisture Makeup
Lacura Concealer
Nars Orgasm Cream Blush
Benefit High Beam Highlighter
Benefit Blush - Georgia
MAC Lipstick - Creme d'Nude
Mac Plush Glass - Wildly Lush




Sunday 6 February 2011

Liz Earle Skin Care

Recently, I've been on an epic journey trying to discover a new skin care regime that would banish the dry skin forever and ever. Several trials later and I finally think I'm onto a winner! Liz Earle, I salute you. 

I purchased three things as part of a winter offer - Instant Boost Tonic, Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser and the rather lovely Superskin Moisturiser - and got a full size Eye Bright Soothing Eye Lotion free! A bargain in my books - I always feel like I've done exceedingly well if something free comes into the mix. Plus, as a first time customer, I got a free 30ml Hot Cloth Cleanser thrown in too! :) 



Quite a result, if I do say so myself. 

Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

I love this little baby! The recipient of numerous awards, I was a bit dubious as to how great this would be. Quite often, I've tried award winning products only to find myself disappointed - not the case with Hot Cloth Cleanser.

Liz Earle claims the cleanser works on all ages and all skin types. Obviously I can't vouch for that but I can say it works wonders for my dry skin, leaving it feeling soft and clean as opposed to tight. The natural ingredients mean that it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin at all and I can say 100% that it removes all makeup - even stubborn waterproof mascara! :D 


I left the full size cleanser in it's packaging for the purpose of the photo! Packaging was gorgeous, very professional and expensive looking! It was luxury just looking at it! :)

The cleanser is available to buy in numerous sizes. The size in the deal was the 100ml pump, but they do 30ml, 50ml, 100ml and even 200ml sizes so it's perfect for whatever your needs. I've decided to keep the free 30ml one they sent me for when I go away. 

It comes with two muslin cloths which are the 'polish' part of the cleansing. You gently buff off the cleanser with a cloth rinsed in warm water and voila, the makeup and daily grime is gone! 

£13.25 for a 100ml starter kit - 2 muslin cloths and a 100ml hot cloth cleanser. 

Instant Boost Tonic


This toner claims to be non-drying and moisturising. Whilst I can't say I find it particularly moisturising, it is definitely non-drying and very soothing! I love the way it makes my skin feel refreshed, and it also works great as a cleanser in the morning if like me, you're sometimes running late and have no time for a full cleanse!

If you dislike floral scents, this might not be the product for you. However, I quite like the scent. It's soothing and leaves your face smelling fresh like a daisy (forgive the pun)! 

Again, like the cleanser, you can purchase this in several sizes and even as a spritzer for a refreshing bit of moisture during the day! I got to say, I think that'll be my next Liz Earle buy! :)

£11.72 for a 200ml bottle! 

Superskin Moisturiser



This gorgeous, scent-free cream is my holy grail! It's formulated for ageing (not-so-much me) and very dry (now we're in business) skin, perfect for little old me. 

The formula itself is beautifully rich but not greasy. 


However, the one draw back with this face cream is the price -  a whopping £33.20 for 50ml! :o I got it as part of the deal which made it cheaper. However, it really is a massive amount for a face cream that I've been using up rather quickly (more to do with the fact that every other hour or so, I find myself putting some on out of habit - must stop).

Price aside though, it really is a beautiful face cream that I will probably be repurchasing when it runs out.

Eyebright


If, like me, you suffer from various allergies (pet hair, horses, grass seeds etc) and/or hayfever (guilty), or even just have had something in your eye, then you'll understand how horrific itchy eyes can be. In the summer, I am driven insane by hayfever (which always seems to strike around exam time - lucky me) and have spent the last ten years of my life looking for something - anything - to help soothe my eyes.

I think I have found it.

Not only does eyebright soothe my eyes (When I have time, I like to place a couple of cotton pads soaked in eyebright over my eyes and let it do its magic. More likely is I sweep some eyebright over my eyes in the morning to wake them up), it also is effective at removing pesky eye makeup - liquid liner, I'm talking to you! 

It also helps wake tired eyes up in the morning and decrease the puffiness of too many late nights and early rises. 

At £9.70 for 150mls, it's also not the worst price. Admittedly though, it's not the best.

Final Thoughts


I am in love with these products. Whilst they're not the cheapest of skin products, I do find them fully effective and kind to my skin. Since using them, my skin has transformed. It's now easier to apply my foundation as my skin has a normal texture as opposed to being scaly, and as a definite bonus, my skin has been given a radiance boost! 

All in all, I'd definitely recommend these products! 

J'Adore <3

Saturday 5 February 2011

Clinique Supermoisture Makeup

As someone with extremely dry, sensitive skin, I'm often on a hunt for a perfect foundation that's not going to go cakey or flaky. Add in to the equation the fact my skin is a shade of 'ghost' and you'll see how difficult it is for me to find a perfect foundation.

I stumbled across rather than discovered Clinique supermoisture makeup (let's call it SMM as it's easier to type :p) during a traipse around Boots. I'd been absent-mindedly admiring several clinique lipsticks when the words 'hydratation maximum' caught my eye. I guessed that meant maximum moisture or something like that in French, which of course captured my interest! 


Anyway, to cut a long story short, I found myself a few minutes later clutching a box of SMM in 61 ultra light, which is, funnily enough, the lightest colour in the range. SMM claims to be suitable for very dry to dry combination, and gives a gorgeous dewy finish I'm 100% in love with! 


Ignore the awful pose I have going on here! As you can hopefully see, my skin has a lovely dewy sheen! 

Pros: 

* Gives the most amazing dewy finish! Makes my skin (which is often quite naughty and looks dull) seem like the best skin in the world!
* Not the most expensive high end foundation at £21 for 30mls! However, I do understand that it's still a lot of money for a foundation! 
* Fragrance free.
* Sheer to moderate coverage which is perfect for me! I like sheer to medium foundations. 
* The formula itself is lightweight, soft and doesn't cake! Plus, it evens out my redness!
* Doesn't irritate my super sensitive skin.

Cons:

* Although this could also be seen as a pro by some people, £21 might be a bit steep for a foundation! 
* The foundation has little shimmery particles in it that are especially noticeable when in direct sunlight. I love it but I can see others might not.
* Not suitable for oily skin unless you want to be one massive ball of shine. 
* Shade range is fairly average. They could do with some more shades, especially at both ends of the spectrum (ultra light is in fact still a little bit too dark for me). 
* Coverage might be too sheer for some people. In that case, I'd say this isn't the foundation for you as it doesn't cover blemishes, just helps even out skin tone.


Another awful picture, I'm afraid! It was looking rather bare :p 


Having only used my video camera to take the above picture, I'm not sure how the foundation would react with flash. It doesn't appear to contain spf but the super dewy finish might equate to shine, shine and more shine in front of a lense. 

In conclusion (this is a mighty long post - sorry about that), I love this foundation! It glides on beautifully, gives a gorgeous dewy glow and has just the right amount of coverage for the day. If you suffer from dry, sensitive skin like me, I could not recommend it more! 

Sorry about the lack of pictures btw! There will be more next post, promise! :) 




Friday 4 February 2011

A Lovely Little Introduction :)

Hello! :)

Welcome to my blog, shortly to become an up-and-running beauty blog (hopefully)!

Without waffling (which I am awfully good at), I hope you'll enjoy this blog! It'll hopefully be a mixture of reviews, hauls, information and tutorials of the beauty and fashion kind, featuring both higher end and drugstore products.

I'll also feature some things from my youtube channel occasionally, ie new looks and things I think are of particular interest. Well, to me anyway :p!

Thanks for taking the time to check my blog out and happy reading! :) New posts will be up asap! :)

Laura x