A VALENTINES / ANTI-VALENTINES DAY MAKE UP LOOK

Valentine's Day is one of those unavoidable events that happen every year - it's less fun and usually more expensive than Easter, if you're single you get love hearts and awful mushy cards all over the high street reminding you that you're single, and if you're in a relationship there's the moderate pressure of comparing yourselves to others and wondering if you've been romantic enough/spent enough blah blah blah.  

However, whatever your situation on February 14th or in fact any day of the year, there's no reason why you shouldn't feel good for you!  I have come up with this look and named it a Valentine's Day one, but to be honest I do my make up like this whenever I feel like it!  There doesn't need to be an occasion to get the pink lipstick out, and as bloggers/make up lovers we should already know this - but I'll shut up now and just go through what's on my face, soz.  

Got a bit carried away with preaching  there, but anyway, I used the above products to create this look.  I used all my usual base products to start with, (which I haven't included in the photo because I feature them all the time) like the Laura Mercier Silk Creme foundation, and then did some contouring using my Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow palette.  I used the contour shade down my cheekbones and down the sides on my nose, and a little of the highlighter on places like my cheeks, chin, centre of my nose etc.  I went over the tops of my cheeks with a small amount of the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter in Champagne Pop, to add some extra glow.  I chose the Bobbi Brown Greystone palette to create a soft smokey eye, with the Maybelline Master Precise eyeliner over the top to create a good old cat flick.  

My pink lipstick of choice was MAC Full Fuchsia, which is possibly my favourite ever shade.  I love how vibrant and bold it is, and there's just something about this colour that seems to make it so flattering to wear.  

Let me know what your plans are for Valentine's Day! xx 

CURRENT DAILY MAKE UP

'Scuse that mug shot of me there, but my face hasn't put in any kind of appearance on this blog for a long time and I thought I better show it for once with some actual make up on that I talk about all the time.  This was the best of a bad bunch I'm afraid, and believe me I tried.  It took approximately 538242 attempts and I've settled on this one because to be honest I was just getting impatient and angry at my unphotogenic face!  This was also the happiest looking photo I had (#restingbitchfaceproblems) so there we go. 

Anyone who has read any of my previous Face of the Day kind of posts will see that I really don't switch my day to day make up very often - the Estee Lauder concealer has appeared SO many times on here now, but I love it so there's really no need for me to try anything else at the moment!  

My current base of choice is the Laura Mercier Silk Creme Photo Edition, which I prefer to the original formula because it suits my skin better and blends like an absolute dream.  It works really well with the concealer too, and I've managed to find the perfect shade for my skin.  

I don't think I will ever stray from Anastasia DipBrow Pomade for my eyebrows, I absolutely adore it and it's so easy to apply:  I use an angled Zoeva gel liner brush for precision and to get a neat shape.  

Mascara wise, I'm back to my trusty Maxfactor False Lash Effect which never fails to make my lashes longer as well as thicker.  The overly bright light in the photo doesn't show this well, but it does actually make my bottom lashes look much fuller too.  

On my eyelids, I use Maybelline Master Precise felt tip liner, which has a really thin brush that makes it easy to create the good old flick.  

On my bottom lash line, my liner of choice is the Lancome soft kohl, which was actually part of a gift with purchase a couple of months ago.  It lasts for most of the day without smudging, which is good enough for me!

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat pencil in Pillow Talk is my current lip colour of choice; I love using it to add a bit more shape to my lips and the colour is a lovely natural shade which really does give the my-lips-but-better look.  

Finally, another Charlotte Tilbury favourite that I use daily is the Filmstar Bronze and Glow palette, which I talk about all the damn time on here!  I use it to contour and highlight my face, and it really has become a holy grail product for me.  

Do you love any of these products?  What have you been wearing lately? xx

CHRISTMAS PARTY LOOK 2 | BOLD RED LIPS

Today I'm showing you the second of my Christmas party looks, the first is here and was a smokey nude kinda thang and this one is a bolder take on it.  

I had my work Christmas party last weekend and this is the make up I wore for that (I doubt this is how I looked by the end of the night - luckily there are no photos); I love the eyeshadow and lipstick especially.  

The lipstick is Walk of Shame by Charlotte Tilbury, which is a gorgeous matte red that is flattering and works really well with a flawless base.  The YSL Sheer Candy lipstick is up there because it's a good alternative colour if you decide you'd rather not have both bold lips and eyes - it is very balmy    and has only a soft tint of colour.  The eyeshadow I used is a plummy purple shade from the Laura Gellar duo called Fine Wines.  This is deeply pigmented and also matte; I used it underneath my eyes too and finished it with eyeliner over the top.  

For my base, I prepped it by exfoliating and mixing a couple of drops of the Clarins Golden Glow Booster in with my moisturiser to add a bit of natural looking colour.  Foundation wise, I once again used Estee Lauder Double Wear as it gives excellent coverage and doesn't budge for hours - perfect for partying in basically.  

So there is my bold Christmas party look - which do you prefer, this one or the nude and smokey one? xx 

CHRISTMAS PARTY LOOK 1 | SMOKEY NUDE

earrings: Topshop, Necklace: Happiness Boutique*

Once again it has been a little while since I last posted, the last time I sat down to blog it was November and then apparently I blinked and suddenly it's very much December!  Things have been super busy lately, work gets hectic at this time of year and I'm still working (badly) on being organised and scheduling blog posts.  

Anyway, since we are firmly heading towards Christmas now I thought I'd better get going with the festive themed posts I have planned.  This week I have two different Christmas party looks to share with you, and the first is the smokey nude look - basically dark eyes and neutral lips.  

To be honest, this look is something that I wouldn't rule out for any day - I love a nude lip and smokey eye so this is pretty much ideal for any occasion, not just the Christmas parties!  

Being the ditz that I am (to put it really politely), I forgot to include Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow in the photo - so just know that it is there, providing some much needed contour and highlighting.  

For the eyes I used my trusty Maybelline The Nudes palette, which has 12 bronze and brown shades perfect for experimenting with different smokey looks.  I used a couple of these shades on my eyelids and also underneath my bottom lashes too.  Bourjois Twist Up the Volume mascara is good for giving your lashes a good coat of black colour, and it leaves them looking both longer and thicker.  I also love using it on my bottom lashes, I sometimes have to use a different one on them depending on the wand but this one is great for both.  

My nude lipstick of choice for this look is Charlotte Tilbury in Nude Kate, which is a super flattering shade that I find works best when applied with a little brush or even your fingers.  

Also, nothing sets off a a simple party look like the right accessories - I got to pick this beautiful necklace from Happiness Boutique*, and love how it just sets the whole look perfectly. 

My next post will be a more dramatic and colourful party look so look out for that!

What look do you go for at Christmas? xx

MY AUTUMN FACE.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation, Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow, Maxfactor Smokey Eyes palette, Too Faced Natural Eyes palette, Maybelline Master Precise eyeliner, Soap & Glory Smoulder Kohl eyeliner, Maxfactor False Lash Effect mascara, MAC Velvet Teddy. 

I LOVE Autumn.  I think everyone does, don't they?!  It's cold enough to start wearing a few layers and enjoy scarves, dresses with tights etc without it being freezing cold; it's great for getting beautiful photos outside amongst the falling leaves and it's my favourite time to play around with make up.  

Whatever the trends, smokey, golden colours are always huge for autumn and I love nothing more than experimenting with all my favourite coppery shades.  I've been going for this look day to day for the last few weeks now, it's a mix of all my current favourite products.  I love using Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow for contouring as it is the perfect shade combination for my complexion, and it goes really well on top of Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation which gives me some much needed extra coverage.  

Too Face Natural Eyes palette is a beautiful combination of nude and brown eyeshadows that I use over and over again.  The quality is amazing and they are the most flattering selection of shades - all perfect for day to night bronze eyes.  MAC Velvet Teddy is my current go-to lipstick, a dark nude that can be dressed up or down depending on the rest of your look in my opinion.  

What are your go-to products this Autumn?  xx 

FOTD | FT. CHARLOTTE TILBURY MATTE REVOLUTION LIPSTICK

Today I thought that I would dedicate a post to the beaut that is the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipstick in the shade Sexy Sienna, which I was lucky enough to win in an Instagram competition.  I felt extra lucky because I was sent Sexy Sienna, a warm peachy orange shade which would have been the next lipstick I purchased from the Matte Revolution collection as I find oranges suit my skin tone best.  

The lipstick applies really well, which is helped by the angled shape of the product as it traces perfectly round the shape of your lips..if that makes sense!  The formula is quite creamy yet the finish is matte (clue in the name!) and the colour payoff is fantastic.  As you can see it is really pigmented and the colour is an orange/peach shade that is perfect for summer.  Obviously the packaging cannot be ignored, and if the product itself isn't enough to sell it, then the beautiful rose gold design is!  I love rose gold, and these lipsticks just look so beautiful on my dressing table that's it's almost worth getting them for that alone (almost!).

This range is branded as being able to create the look of fuller lips, which is a bold claim but somehow it works, and I think that my lips definitely look more shapely - especially my top lip - but I can't really explain how!  These lipsticks are definitely a treat at £24 each, but in my opinion they are totally worth it and earn their value.  

Have you tried any of the Matte Revolution lipsticks?  What do you think of them? xx

NOT ANOTHER VALENTINE'S DAY LOOK | FT. CHARLOTTE TILBURY

I know there are already 358342 different Valentine's day themed posts out there already, but any excuse to get some nice make up on is fine by me!  My boyfriend and I don't make a big deal out of Valentine's day, we'll go for a meal but that's as far as it goes!  Whether you're single or not though, it's still a good time to get dressed up or play about with a different make up look.

The look I've gone for is a vampy red lip paired with bronzed eyes.  I used the beautiful Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipstick in the shade Walk of Shame, which is a deep berry red that for once seems to compliment my extra fair complexion. 

On my eyes I used the shade Push Up on my lids from the Too Faced Natural Eyes palette, and the darker shade Chocolate Martini in the creases and underneath my lash line.  This creates a smokey kind of look but with bronze tones rather than blacks.  I added some black liquid liner along the top of my lash line to make them stand out and bit, and dabbed some of the shade Silk Teddy, from the same palette, just below my brow bone.  Lashings of mascara come next, and I use my favourite L'Oreal Miss Manga which I stupidly forgot to include in the photo!  

I also used my GHDs to create some loose waves in my hair, set it with Fudge Urban hairspray and violaaaa. 

Whatever you're up to tomorrow, enjoy!  

Do you like this look?  How will you be spending tomorrow? xx

FOTD | THE CLASSIC RED LIP

Time for the first Face of the Day post of the year I think, and I'm starting with my current favourite look - the matte red lip.  There is something about red lipstick that just makes you feel instantly better when you put it on, and the vast choice of shades and tones means that there is one for all of us.  

My favourite red at the moment is the Maybelline Color Drama lip pencil in Light It Up, which has a velvet matte finish and the pigmentation of a much more expensive product.  I also love the fact that it is a pencil, as it makes its so easy to apply and create a good strong shape.  Bold red lips like this work well with a simple eye look, so I just have a coat of mascara on my lashes and some felt tip liner on my lids.  

What is your go-to lip colour lately? xx

FOTD FRIDAY

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, Clinique Even Better Foundation, Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Bronzing Veil, Anastasia DipBrow Pomade, Charlotte Tilbury The Dolce Vita palette, Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner, Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde mascara, Maybelline Color Drama lipstick in 'keep it classy'

I thought that I would post my current autumnal make up look today, as I've been switching up products lately and trying new things - yay!  I have been loving the Celestial Bronzing Veil lately, which gives a nice subtle bit of colour to my cheeks and is good for contouring.  I have also been wearing the Mayelline Colour Drama lip pencil in Keep It Classy a lot, I love the berry shade and it just oozes autumn!  The quality of it is amazing too, it has the feel of a much more expensive lip pencil to it and the finish is a classic velvet matte which is always a good look.  And as for the Charlotte Tilbury palette, well I don't see myself getting fed up with it any time soon - I'm still so in love with it! 

What make up have you been wearing this autumn? xx

REVIEW | JOUER MATTE MOISTURE TINT

It's about time I got round to reviewing the much talked about Jouer Matte Moisture Tint, I've been using it for a good few weeks now and thought I'd throw my thoughts on it into the vast blogging mix.

I bought it because I was on the lookout for a lighter base to use during the warmer weather, but I still wanted some coverage.  I have tried a fair few tinted moisturisers before, but I always used a whole lot of concealer with it to compensate for the lack of coverage which seems to defeat the purpose.  At £29, Jouer Matte Moisture Tint is not a product I bought on a whim: I read countless reviews of it and after having it on my radar for over a year, I bought it a few weeks ago in the hope that it would work as well for me as it seems to for so many other people.

I'm glad to say that I'm not at all disappointed!  I feel a bit cautious saying it, but I think this is possibly the closest I've come to finding the Holy Grail base.  That's right I said it.  The formula is almost mousse-like and it applies easily.  I have found it best applies when I use my fingers to blend it in, and a little goes a very long way.  It doesn't cling to any dry patches and it doesn't oxidise or slide off my t zone either - in fact it is only of the only bases I've used that lasts for around 5/6 hours without ending up as a shiny splodge around my nose.  

The finish is matte but in a sheer, healthy glow way rather that dry and flat looking.  I cannot recommend it enough and I think for once it will be a base that I repurchase as soon as I run low on it!

Have you tried Jouer Matte Moisture Tint?  What do you think of it? xx

MY STEP BY STEP DAILY MAKE UP ROUTINE

Hey!  So this is a slightly different post, in that I will be going through step by step my summer go-to make up look.  I love reading these kind of posts and also watching them on YouTube, but since I'm too scared to start making videos I thought that I would take some photos during each stage instead.  The following photo may be disturbing to some viewers, it involves me not wearing any make up - how I've managed to go this far and upload it on to my blog when I can barely walk the dog without any on is beyond me!  

My skin was fairly clear of spots here so it's not as bad as it could have been I suppose, but anyway here it is - the blank canvas.  My biggest problem has always been the dark circles under my eyes, so lately I have been switching to a lighter base but with a full coverage concealer to even them out.  

So, to start with I put on my moisturiser, primer and foundation of choice, which at the moment is Jouer Matte Moisture Tint and is so special that it will be getting it's own review very soon.  

Next comes the critical eyebrow stage, where I give my sparse brow hairs some help and colour them in with Anastasia DipBrow Pomade in Dark Brown.  This is by far the best brow product I've ever used, and I've tried a lot!  I love my brows to be bold and this product is perfect for creating that look.  Using it with an angled brush gives a good shape that stays put all day.  

I then whack some eyeshadow on, the Too Faced Natural Eyes palette has been my product of choice lately, the colours are perfect for creating a daytime smokey/contoured look.

Usually I would then put some liquid eyeliner on, but lately I've been preferring to go without *gasp*.  So it's instead straight on with mascara, which currently is the much hyped Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde and I can confirm that it is definitely all it is cracked up to be!  My lashes are longer and thicker when I use this, and I would say that it comes second only to my beloved MaxFactor False Lash Effect.  

The next stage is an absolute must for me - bronzer!  I use my Benefit Hoola to contour as much as to add some colour, I have chubby cheeks and therefore no cheekbones so I carve some out using this and it works pretty well!  I apply it using the Real Techniques Blusher Brush, as seen in the photo, and then swipe some blusher - Benefit Sugarbomb - on after.  

Last but certainly not least is lipstick!  Today I chose Topshop lipstick in Saint which I love, but I usually switch up shades every day!  

So there we go, a step by step (kind of) post on my daily make up routine.  I condensed it down a lot because I think the photos do most of the talking!  

What do you think of these kind of posts?  What's your current make up routine? xx

FOTD | COVERING UP A BREAK OUT

Simple Kind To Skin Protecting Moisturiser spf30, Rimmel Fix & Protect Primer, Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder, Benefit Hoola, Benefit Sugarbomb blusher, Topshop Glowstick in 'play up', Soap & Glory Archery Brow Pencil, Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette, Benefit They're Real mascara, Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm Stain in 'elusive'

It's Friiiday, time for the weekend- .....oh wait no I work weekends :(!  Today happens to be my day off which is a small consolation I guess for having to work from a stupidly early hour on Saturday, every cloud and all that..!  

I have had fairly bad skin recently which you can see a bit of in the photo, so I have gone back to using my favourite Laura Mercier Silk Creme foundation to give me some much needed coverage.  I tend to strip back my skin care products to the bare minimum when I have spots as I find layering different products on my face just aggravates them, no matter what kind of wonder product they claim to be.  So I have switched to a gentle Simple moisturiser with spf 30, it's ideal for sensitive skin and until my skin is behaving itself again I am going to leave off putting anything else on with it.  At night I am just using my favourite Balance Me Facial Oil (it sounds like oily skin's worst nightmare but it really isn't - it's good oil!), and some good old Sudocream on my spots!  I always use a cleanser to remove my make up, but during a break out I always make sure I use a toner afterwards; it is great for getting rid of any last traces of make up or cleanser and leaves skin feeling squeaky clean and soft.  

 Apart from that, my make up of choice today is very Benefit heavy.  I have been using Hoola non stop since I bought it a few months ago, it really is the best natural looking bronzer I have ever used and the fact that there is no shimmer at all is great.  I add a little glow by always using highlighter on the top of my cheeks and swept lightly down my nose and chin, I recently bought Topshop Glowstick in the shade play up and I will review it in full soon, but it is so far so good.  I am wearing my new Too Faced palette on my eyes, I used it to create a smokey daytime look and I love it - I can't stop raving about it!  On my lips I have gone for my Revlon Matte Balm Stain in elusive, which is great for daytime and stays put for hours.  

What make up have you been wearing lately?  If you have any tips to sort out a break up then please let me know!xx

FOTD FRIDAY #11

Hey!  I cannot believe that it is friday again already, where has this month gone?!  I'm off on a 5 day break to Edinburgh in three weeks for my boyfriend's birthday, this will sound really lame but I've never flown anywhere before and I'm starting to get very nervous - even though the flight is under an hour long!  I have so far in my life got away with travelling to various places in Europe by pretty much every other means than flying, but now I'm finally having to face my fear, eeeeek!  I can't really explain why I'm so scared, but I hate heights and the thought of not being on the ground terrifies me.  I'm going to have to grin and bear it I think.....maybe with the help of a quick drink at the airport!

The top I'm wearing today is from Dorothy Perkins and I'm loving it right now.  It is a quilted style that's been really popular lately, and it has a cute floral print on it which is just perfect for spring/summer.  Up until very recently I would never have gone for something this girly, I usually go for prints that pack more of a punch like leopard print, but I must be getting old because this kind of pattern is really appealing to me at the moment.  

My lipstick is Topshop Macaroon, think candy floss pink!  My hair is still annoying me, I've given up using heat on it completely for now and I'm hoping to get it cut as soon as possible.  

What are you up to this weekend?  If you have any tips for a nervous flyer like moi, please let me know them! :) xx

FOTD FRIDAY #10

Hey!  Once again it's been a little while since I last posted, but to be honest I was feeling a bit uninspired and didn't see the point in writing out a random post just for the hell of it!  I also have been fairly good and not bought too much in the way of clothes/make up lately either - what's wrong with me?!  I have been trying to use what I already have, which is fine and easier on the purse but it's just not as fun as trying out something new.  I'm off shopping tomorrow so I think I will put an end to this unintentional spending ban and treat myself!  I need a few more clothes for the summer, and I also really need a new moisturiser with SPF in it - if you have any recommendations then please let me know!

In the photo I am wearing my Barry M Gelly Lips and my standard cat flick eyeliner, done with Maybelline Lasting Drama gel eyeliner.  My hair is in dire need of a change, next week I plan to go to a new salon and have a consultation as I'm at a bit of a loss to know what to do with it any more!  

What have you been buying lately?  Are there any new must haves I need to know about?! xx

FOTD FRIDAY #7

Argh, the quality of this photo is really annoying me!  I was literally just about to walk the dog and I wanted to catch the last of the natural light so this is the best of a hurried situation; which also brings me onto my small confession which is that this photo was taken on Thursday, not Friday! 

Friday is payday and also the start of Sports Relief weekend, which my work is a big sponsor of (can you guess where I work yet..) and across the stores there are a few surprises planned which may end up on YouTube or something, who knows.  But anyway, I won’t be around or looking in any way presentable for blog photos so I have taken this photo in advance!  My parka is my pride and joy, I bought it from Topshop a month or two ago and it is the warmest coat ever!  It is completely lined with the fleecy sheepskin which is also removable, which will be handy for the slightly warmer weather as I can just take the lining out and be left with a light jacket.  The hood is the most snug one I have ever had the pleasure of covering my head with, and the fur trim adds a nice luxe touch.  My make up is pretty basic, with the exception of my MAC lipstick in Creme Cup, which livens up the look a bit when my eye make up etc is pretty basic.  I should really have included an after-photo in this post of when I got back from walking the dog: gusty winds + hair worn down = lol. 

I have a whole week off to look forward to after this weekend, my boyfriend and I have a few things planned, some of which will involve spending some of the money from said payday! 

What have you got planned this weekend? xx

FOTD FRIDAY # 6 | ft. REVLON MATTE BALM STAIN

Hey!  Today’s Face of the Day isn’t majorly different to my other recent ones because in general I am really loving the make up I currently use. 

I am wearing one of my new Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm stains today, in the shade Elusive.  It really love the finish of it and the colour is a slightly muted pink that works well with a natural make up look.  Apologies for my fringe, apparently today it decided it wanted to be all nineties and arranged itself into curtains.  I could almost pass for a boy band member, or Leo’s stunt double in Titanic!  The rest of my hair has salt spray in it,  and it definitely does  not look like some of my favourite bloggers’ when they’re using it!  So if you can tell me me where I’m going wrong with it or have any tips for getting textured hair not caught-in-a-gust-of-wind hair then I’d be very grateful! 

What make up have you been loving this week? xx

FOTD Friday #5

Hello!  Happy Valentine’s Day!  I thought I would stay clear of a slushy/gift idea themed post as there are quite a few of those floating about already, so I’m ploughing on with a standard FOTD like any other friday.  My boyfriend and I had planned to go to the zoo today, to be a little different and all that, but if you live in the UK then you only need to look out of your window to see why we never went!  When is this awful weather going to end?!  I feel lucky because I know that a lot of places around the country are suffering far more than where I live, it really needs to stop now and be sunny etc. again.  I usually would cringe at myself for discussing the weather but it’s not like I'm making awkward small talk or anything, it really is a big deal right now!

Anyway, on today’s face is nothing spectacularly different to last week in terms of make up, apart from my lipstick.  I was having a sort out of my make up this week in the midst of redecorating, and came across a MAC lipstick that I hadn’t even used before!  It is from the Marilyn Monroe collection that came out last year and it’s the shade ‘Angel’, I really love it and cannot believe that I haven’t tried it until now.  It’s a bright, vibrant pink with blue undertones and satin finish which is lovely and moisturising.  I usually stay clear of shades of red and pink with blue undertones, but for this I clearly made an exception and I am mighty glad that I did! 

I also curled my hair for a change, maybe it was all the romance of today and the cherub iconography that’s everywhere – who knows.  I used my Babyliss curling tong and created some soft curls, then put my fingers through them to get this finish.  I like the look for a change but I wouldn’t go for it every day! 

How are you spending your Valentine’s Day?  Do you have this shade by MAC? xx

FOTD FRIDAY #4

Origins Ginzing Moisturiser, Laura Mercier Radiance Primer, Clinique Even Better Foundation, Illamasqua Cream Pigment, Benefit Hoola, Benefit Sugarbomb, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, HD Brows, Bourjois Mega Liner, Urban Decay Naked 3, L’Oreal Miss Manga mascara, Revlon Just Bitten Kissable in ‘rendezvous’.

Wow, writing out what’s on my face like that really makes it look like I wear a lot…which I guess I do!  This is the happiest I’ve been with my make up in a long time, I feel like I have been using a good bunch of products that suit my face and skin type.  I rediscovered Clinique Even Better foundation a couple of days ago, and it was pretty strange because a couple of people complimented me on how good my skin looked.  I didn’t really notice much difference myself but it was nice to hear all the same!  I am hoping that actually the compliments were down to the fact that I have just learned how to forge cheekbones for myself using Illamasqua Cream Pigment and Benefit Hoola…you have no idea how long I have wanted to be able to do that for!  I was always a bit lazy to go through the whole contouring process before, but now I’ve seen what a difference it makes there is no way I will be skipping it again.  I also went back to an old favourite lip stain, the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable in ‘Rendezvous’; a lot of blogger buzz has been surrounding the new range of matte and lacquer stains, but I’ve yet to invest in any of those yet so I have been using this and I really do love it.  It leaves my lips nicely moisturised and the lasting power is pretty impressive too.

What make up have you been using this week?  Are you loving any of these products as much as I have? xx

FOTD Friday #3

Hey!  This is a bit of a crappy FOTD, since it was taken on my phone and clearly the quality isn’t great!  But I didn’t have time to get any proper photos done so I took a phone selfie quickly against my bedroom wall.  Incidently, my wall looks that bad for a reason, which is that I’m in the middle of redecorating it and it’s currently in the awful in between stage where I have stripped all the old wallpaper off but haven’t got round to painting it yet.  I almost fainted when I was looking around at paint, the cost of a small tin is something like £20 and I want two different colours so I’m pretty outraged at the DIY industry right now!  I want the main colour of the walls to be a cream colour, with a feature wall (lol at me being all ‘Changing Rooms’…remember that?!) in a gorgeous plum/red colour that I’ve seen.  I also have a new dressing table arriving on Monday, although I work all day so knowing my luck I will miss the delivery and have an arsey little note stuck through my letterbox! 

So anyway, apologies for the appalling photo but it was an honest one!  I am hoping that it will stop raining down here next week long enough to get some decent photos in natural light, I’ve been wanting to get some decent photos of my Naked 3 palette in action for days!

Also, I have a giveaway here at the moment, make sure you take a look!  xx

FOTD Friday #2

Hey!  So this is me in the grip of my first cold of 2014.  I’ve put some make up on, mainly just because I’m a bit sad and actually really enjoy the process but I feel awful and my expression is my get-me-back-to-bed face.  I also wanted to show what MAC ‘Creme Cup’ looks like on, I should really start doing swatches etc. on the actual reviews of products but I feel so vain when ever I start taking photos of myself!  I have also used my now sacred HD Brows palette, but I’m not entirely happy with my brow shape right now so a little more tweaking is need there I think.  I have also started using Laura Mercier Radiance Primer recently, and I have to say that I noticed a difference straight away in how my foundation went on and looked.  I will do a full review of it soon when I have used it a few more times. 

The fluffy red jumper I am wearing is from Primark, and I love it because it is so so so snug and warm, but the downside is it is a bit of an odd length, it sits just above my hips which makes my top half look square and boxy!  The necklace was picked up in the Topshop sale, their jewellery is pretty over priced sometimes so it is often well worth waiting for them to go discount! 

Sarah x