April Favourites | 2014

I was going to boycott my Favs post this month as I am a bit late but I suppose its better late than never, eh? I have recently returned to Scotland after travelling Australia for the past 7 months. Therefore, I have been recovering from the jet lag and catching up with all my loved ones. I miss it already but I'm positive that it won't be the last adventure that I go on...

First we have my MAC eye liner pencil in the shade 'Coffee'. I purchased this a long time ago but have been reaching for it when I want a softer look. Plus, nobody got time for liquid liner errryday! It's not as harsh as a black liner and I really like the subtle touch it gives my lash line.

My Urban Decay Naked 2 was abandoned and left at home when I went off on my travels. Having it back in my possession was a god send as I was getting a little fed up of my Naked 3. The bronzey, coppery tones suit my eyes much better.

I was gifted this Vera Wang Princess perfume from my mum as I had been after it for a few reasons - The cute bottle, amazing name and of course the gorgeous scent. I am terrible at describing perfumes but Selfridges describe it as "an exotic fruity, floral bouquet teased with vanilla and an unexpected twist of pink guava."  I am obsessed with floral fragrances and warm scents like vanilla and coconut so if your taste is similar to mine - pick it up!

Then we have this stunning golden based shimmer highlight in 'Sun Beam' from Topshops makeup line. Again, I have owned this for a while but love to wear it in the warmer weather. It doesn't look too exciting in the pan but when swatched it is the most glittery, pigmented and creamy formula.

MAC's Creme De Nude lipstick. Need I say more? It's a very popular shade from MAC and compliments many skin tones. It's a neural beige shade and as it's a cremesheen it's it's pigmented enough but nice and moisturising.

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Concealer in 'Light'. The consistency of this concealer isn't too thick so doesn't completely cover up dark circles. But I love to use it as a brightener and highlighter under my eyes, fan it out on my forehead and chin area. It reminds me of MACs Prep and Prime highlighting pens but at half the price.

I've included these cute little clips that I got from Primark. They have a few different styles and come in a pack of 2 for only £1.50.

I always mention my favourite song of the month and for April it had to be Mr Probz 'Waves'.

Let me know if you had any favourites similar to these in April. It won't be long til my May Favourites are posted - CRAZY.

ttyl,

BLOGLOVIN | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

FOTD | Featuring The Naked 3

I wanted to share a Face Of The Day that I wore a couple of Saturdays ago for a night at the lovely Darling Harbour and dinner at the Hardrock Cafe. I haven't been all dolled up in a while and the heat here in Australia makes any effort with hair and make up a complete waste of time. Picture a melting face and frizzy hair - not attractive! But against all odds I decided to try and make it work for a night out in the City. 

The Naked 3 palette - Shades used are marked with a heart.

The infamous Candy Yum-Yum by MAC

As it was still technically Summer, I felt like I would create a favourite combo of mine - Rose gold eyes and Hot pink lips. I prefer to be bold and bright with my lips whilst keeping my eyes simple or neutral. I think this look complimented my dress of choice: a white dress with floral print. I was literally squeezing every last drop of summer that I could as you can see.

Product Details:

Base

Benefit Porefessional

L'Oreal True Match Foundation in Rose Beige

Benefit Hoola

Milani  05 Luminoso Blush

Benefit High Beam

Eyes

MUA eyeshadow in shade 19 for brows

Urban Decay Primer Potion

Shade 'Nooner' from the Naked 3 - Crease & Inner corner

Shade 'Trick' from the Naked 3 - Centre (using MAC Fix+ on brush to intensify shimmer)

Shade 'Darkside' from the Naked 3 - Outter Corner

Shade 'Strange' from the Naked 3 - Brow bone.

Lips

MAC's Candy Yum Yum.

I hope you all have a lovely day, TTYL!

Tag | The Beauty Tag.

I am one of those people who loves to stumble across tags. Whether it be on Youtube or Blogs. I think it's the most informative and straight to the point way of gaining a perspective on a persons style and what interests them. I read this tag on Sailboat's page. You can go have a nosey at her take on The Beauty Tag here. I'm unsure if it has been around for a while, but it seems like a fun one to do and you may get to know my beauty style. Lets do this!

Q1) Do you remember your first make up item?

I'm pretty positive that my first purchase and make up items were two of the Barry M dazzle dusts. When I was younger I would compete at freestyle dancing competitions, so these were bought for that. 

Photo courtesy of: BarryM.com

Q2) What kind of coverage do you prefer for your foundation?

Medium coverage. I don't like anything too heavy, I like to let my skin breathe. I also wear my Maybelline BB cream for a light coverage on a day to day basis.

Q3) Favourite High End brand?

Most people wouldn't categorise MAC as high end. But in terms of price and quality, I would say MAC is my favourite.

Q4) Favourite drug store/high street brand?

L'oreal, no hesitation! I have rarely been disappointed with L'oreal products. True Match foundation and Telescopic mascara in Carbon Black are two staples in my make up bag.

Q5) What cosmetic brand have you always wanted to try but still haven't?

Illamasqua. I know, I've been living under a rock. I am yet to get my hands on the latest craze. In the beginning, there were no stores close for me to test their products. I'm not one to buy before I try by shopping online either. Now they have a store in Glasgow, its a MUST that I check it out when I return home from my travels. 

Q6) Do you wear fake lashes?

I do wear falsies only if I'm going on a night out or if its a special occasion. I always opt for the natural ones though. I feel like they complete an eyelook.

Q7) Is there any kind of make up you can't leave the house without? 

On a day to day basis- lipbalm (chapped lips problems). If I have to look more presentable, I'll grab some mascara and concealer. 

Q8) What is your most cherished beauty product? 

Its a make up tool for me. My Sigma E75 Angled Brow brush. This thing makes my brow routine quicker and has them looking so slick when using powder.

Q9) How often do you shop for make up? Do you pick out a lot of products at a time? 

I only shop for make up when I need to repurchase or when I tell myself that I need something. I try to limit my make up buys to two or three items at a time.

Q10) Do you have a 'beauty budget'?

I don't set myself a budget, I aim to only purchase things I know I'll get the use out of so that keeps spending at a minimum. Although, I am guilty of going all-out on the beauty front when its time to spend birthday or christmas pennies.

Q11) What type of product do you buy the most?

Lippies. I convince myself that I need them all, even when I have something of a similar shade. Ooops, straight into the basket it goes.

Q12) Do you have a favourite place to shop for make up? 

I prefer Boots and Superdrug to Debenhams and House of Fraser, its a little less overwhelming. Shopping on online websites that sell American brands is also a favourite of mine.

Q13) If you could only choose one brand, which brand would you choose?

Would I sound generic by saying MAC Cosmetics? They cover pretty much everything you would need: skin care, base, eyeshadow, lipsticks and my weakness- brushes. 

Q14) Which brand has the best packaging?

In my opinion, YSL steals the show. Instead of going down the classic black packaging route, the gold is a winner. It looks very glamourous and luxe. 

Photo courtesy of: yslbeauty.co.uk

Q15) Which celebrity always has great make up?

I love the look of Michelle Keegans make up. It's always simple yet classic. Very timeless. She's a natural beauty who needs very little.

Photo courtesy of: Heatworld.com

Q16) Which do you apply first, concealer or foundation?

I love to highlight with my concealer too. To do that I apply foundation first, then use a concealer that is about 3 shades lighter to achieve that effect.

Q17) Do you like multifunctional products? Like lip and cheek stains?

I am partial to a lip stain but wouldn't use it on my cheeks. In terms of highlighting, if an eyeshadow is a pearlescent champagne of gold shimmer shade that would go well, I may use it to highlight and vise versa. 

Q18) Do you apply your foundation with a brush, sponge or fingers?

I apply my foundation with my Real Techniques Buffer brush or Sigma F88 Angled Kabuki brush. Those brushes make it a breeze. 

Q19) Which foundation do you use the most?

It would have to be L'oreal True Match in the shade R3.C3 Rose Beige. It's a little too dark for me at the moment as I'm on the pale side. The foundation blends well and lasts for approx 6 hours before it needs touched up.

Q20) Do you use a make up base or primer for the eyes?

I use MAC paintpot in Soft Ochre or the original primer potion from Urban Decay. Especially if I'm using cream shadows as my eyes are prone to creasing.

And thats a wrap :)