The Back Ups

There are a few products that I adore so much I wouldn't even have to think about if I would repurchase them. In fact I love them that much I end up hoarding doubles, just incase that lipgloss or concealer comes to an end and I'm left running to find a replacement. 

Currently only two haircare products are worthy of the back up plan, Oribe Dry Texturising Spray, of which I have a large bottle for my dressing table and a smaller handbag sized. Whenever I opt out of using this in my hair the difference in volume is phenomenal. It provides lift in my hair like no other as well as adding texture. Not only is Ojon Rare Blend Oil the most beautiful hair oil around it's also nourishing, tames frizz and leaves hair smelling amazing. 

Three mascaras I couldn't see myself living without...

1. Dior DiorShow Lash Serum & Primer - I apply before mascara to lengthen, thicken and give the appearance of longer lashes

2. MaxFactor False Lash Effect Mascara - is an absolute drugstore gem, that manages to take my lashes from short stumpy lashes to long and fluttery. 

3. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black - I normally add as a boost after any mascara as it adds the most incredible volume and seems to work well with any formula

For my chapped lips Dr Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips does the trick for bringing cracked lips back to plumpy, it's a bit of a sticky ointment so reserves a place on the bedside table for overnight use. Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Lucky is one I had to search Space NK stores desperate to get my hands on some back ups. It's the most beautiful peachy pink with a golden shimmer running through it that illuminates the lips making them appear fuller. 

Avon SuperShock Gel Liner is the most incredible gel eyeliner around, it lasts the better part of 8 hours on my waterline and has an unbelievably creamy formula that's easy to blend out but once set it won't budge. 

For concealer my two couldn't-live-without favourites are, By Terry Touche Veloutee and Collection Lasting Perfection, nothing beats these. Touche Veloutee gets swept under my eyes for concealing bags as it has the most lightweight formula and invisible texture. Lasting Perfection anywhere else like covering redness as it's pretty full coverage and blendable. 

So there you have it, my backups. Favourite products, these truly ones I could not even dream of being without. 

Do you own any backups? What would yours be?

Beauty On Location: Work & Post Work

One of those busy bee days, up really early, home really late. Clothing needs to be comfortable yet presentable and makeup needs to last - all day. Which I'm sure you know isn't the easiest task without any touch ups throughout the day. I've been keeping work makeup simple this week, some liner, sweeping of eyeshadow, base products and mascara. Nothing too interesting or experimental goes on at 7am!

The trousers from Topshop (here) are perfect for daily duties, comfortable enough for work, roomy enough to eat and formal enough for events, especially when paired with a blazer. Post work activities are all about having a change of clothes, a higher pair of heels and some extra makeup but here I decided to combine the two, work & post work!

Skin

- Started off with a primer as I wanted to ensure the longest lasting base possible. Currently using Gosh Foundation Primer, which I haven't quite reached a verdict on yet so I'll keep you updated

- For foundation I've been using YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat (post here) followed by Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer (post here) both of which are really long lasting 

- I'll slap some blush on my cheeks, here it was Mac Style which was paired with Une Mineral Powder

Eyes

- Burberry Pale Barley eyeshadow (post here) swept all over my lid with L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in 41 Taupe Royal in the crease to add some definition. 

- I lined my eyes with Pixi Lash Line Ink and applied Avon SuperShock Max mascara

Lips

- Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in 015 Cherish Devotion (post here)

Here I was running around to work, Vogue Fashion Night Out and an extremely exciting launch...stay tuned!

The 411: My Eyebrows

Even though I knew that eyebrows are something that shape your face they were never something I ever really considered 'doing' as mine are naturally quite thick. It was only recently getting ready with some friends when I didn't have my makeup to hand I decided to fill in my brows. After looking through pictures the next morning that I realised how different, in a good way, my face looked. Much more put together and my eyes looked much more defined!

Since then I've really gotten into my brows! I've experimented with liquid pens, powders and pencils, the latter being my favourite purely thanks to this Anastasia Brow Wiz in the shade Brunette (post here) which has such a fine nib it's easy to create fake little hairs. Here's how I go about doing my brows...

Nyx Eyebrow Shaper, Anastasia Brow Duality in Lace, HD Brow Beater, Anastasia Brow Gel in Clear, Anastasia Brow Wiz in Brunette, Suquu Liquid Pen in 01 Green, Spoolie Eyebrow Brush

The main saviour is something that's so cheap and simple, a plain good old spoolie brush, which I use before and after doing my brows. Before to comb everything through as they have the tendency to be quite unruly and following applying the colour to even the it out and blend any harsh lines.

Anastasia Brow Wiz (left) Suquu Liquid Pen (right)

My brows filled in with Anastasia Brow Wiz (left) Suquu Liquid Pen (right)

My two favourite brow items are Anastasia Brow Wiz and Suquu Liquid Pen. Brow Wiz is what I use on a daily basis as the nib is really fine and it's a perfect shade for my brows. Suquu Liquid Pen gets picked up if I'm looking for a slightly more natural effect. I have the shade 01 Green but when applied blends beautifully with my brows and doesn't make them appear filled in at all.

Above - Anastasia Brow Gel
Below - Anastasia Brow Duality

I'll then apply some Brow Gel to keep all the hairs in place. If my eyebrows are growing out a little and need to be threaded then I'll use Anastasia Brow Gel (post here) as it's a little thicker or if I need a lighter layer of gel I'll use the HD Brow Beater. There's always that one pesky hair that won't stay in place and for that I'll reach for NYX Eyebrow Shaper which is what I like to name a Brow Fix - a wax pencil that helps the most unruly hairs behave! 

I love a good eyebrow arch, for some highlighting I'll use Anastasia Brow Duality in Lace which is a double ended pencil - golden shimmer on one side and matt on the other. It looks beautiful when used as a natural highlighter - very similar to Benefit High Brow Glow (post here) 

It's very clear I'm a massive Anastasia convert which is why I let off a little childish squeal when Cult Beauty started stocking them as they were previously unavailable in the UK.

What do you do with your brows? Anything you recommend to a newbie?

Loves Of The Month: June

This Works Clean Skin 5 in 1 Water - link

I've really fallen in love with This Works products this month, trying to stick to natural products as much as possible. I claimed my love for This Works 5 in 1 water here, for its ability to easily remove eye makeup as well as foundation is a couple of swipes. I just wish it didn't sting my eyes so much!

This Works Perfect Legs Skin Miracle - link

Whenever I'm in too much of a rush to fake tan I just slap some of this on as it takes my skin a shade darker without any fuss, as well as adding a lovely glow. It does take a bit of time to dry though! Read more & see some before and after shots here

L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in 012 Endless Chocolate - link

These eyeshadows are AMAZING. I'm totally obsessed! (that much so that I prefer them to their higher end version by Armani) Currently own 3 gorgeous shades and this one is definitely my favourite, 012 Endless Chocolate. A lovely deep brown that looks amazing on by itself or as part of a smokey eye.

Anastasia Brow Wiz - link

I rarely fill in my brows, mainly out of laziness but recently I've been reaching for Brow Wiz which is my first brow product I actually like! The pencil is really fine, so creates miniature hair-like lines as well as being really blendable and creamy. 

Neom Candle in Blush Rose - link

My first Neom purchase (post here) and I'm so happy with it! Smells absolutely incredible, even when not lit, and doesn't produce any toxins when burnt!

Perricone MD No Concealer Concealer - link

I've been wearing this on a daily basis as it lasts so well throughout the day, doesn't crease, as well as having an SPF 25! Full review here

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel in 917 Sable Rose - link

If you buy one bronzer this summer let it be this one! I don't think I've worn another bronzer since I bought it - doesn't take any effort just one big fluffy brush plonked on the cheeks and gives such an amazing awakening colour. Having different shades included means it acts as a highlighter, bronzer and blusher all in 1! Full review and rest of Chanel Summertime De Chanel collection here

Tiger Balm

Whenever I'm studying, or currently working, I crack out the Tiger Balm to release neck pains that come with sitting at a desk. It doesn't smell particularly pleasant but it does the trick. I usually apply it at night before bed and wash it off the next morning for some muscle releasing.

Hope you've all had a lovely June! SO excited to go on holiday in two weeks time - What have you been loving this month?

Liana Beauty Award: Anastasia Brow Wiz

Brows are something that I have not yet addressed here so it's about time! I'm not really someone that sees brows as a big deal, mainly because mine are pretty full naturally (sometimes I even forget about filling them in!) even though I do notice the difference. There's definitely a brow trend going on at the moment and I do find myself crushing on celebrities brows like Camilla Belle and Lily Collins for their perfect full brows. 

There are 3 different ways I've tried to fill in my brows, with powder and an angled brush, with a felt tip brow pen and with an old school pencil. The latter being my preferred method. Especially since I discovered these Anastasia Brow Wiz!

You've probably heard me rave about Anastasia products before, them being the queen of brow products and all. Their Brow Gel is amazing for those with thick unruly brows (link to post here) as well as Lash Genius which is an amazing product for those unable to find a waterproof mascara they like (link to post here). Onto the Brow Wiz - a really soft creamy pencil that has the finest nib so it really helps create little fake hairs. As well as having a spoolie on the other end to blend the lines.

I use the shade Medium Ash which is great for lightly filling in gaps or totally building up the colour for a major scouse brow! It's not waterproof but does last a whole day in the heat despite it being more on the creamy side of the formulations as opposed to waxy. Being a wind up pencil, the only problem is there isn't actually that much product compared to a typical pencil and there aren't refills so once finished you have to buy the entire pencil again as opposed to another nib. 

What do you use to do your brows?

Anastasia Brow Wiz £15.50 is available from Cult Beauty here

Beauty On Location: Frolicking In The Sun

I'm know I'm not the only one who's been hanging around in the sun the past week, going from barbecue to barbecue! It has been a lot of fun enjoying the sunshine, but this year I have proclaimed I won't be baking myself and have cranked up the SPF from factor 6 (tut tut I know) to Factor 30 for my body and 50 for my face. A very big improvement wouldn't you say? Apart from upping the SPF number there have been a few changes to my makeup routine in this sweltering heat. I've made the move to tinted moisturiser as I've been trying out a few, even though I'm not sure which one is my favourite yet. I'll keep you posted...apart from that heres what I've been wearing for the many bbqs in the sun! Clothes wise in this heat I've been wearing as little clothes as is socially acceptable! Most likely something loose, light and baggy with a pair of shorts and sandals      

Skin

- As I said I've brought out the SPF and my one of choice recently is this Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50, which is the highest sun protection! I'm still making up my mind about this one, its a little greasy but at least it doesn't give that white film over my face like some sun protectants do

- For tinted moisturiser I've been using the new one from NARS. Its very light and weightless on the skin which I like but I do need to top up with some concealer, By Terry Touchee Veloutee, in places like around my nose where I need some extra coverage

- To add some 'summer glow' Ive been applying Chanel's latest release to the high points of my face, forehead, down my nose, and on my cheeks. It's called Soleil Tan De Chanel in 917 Sable Rose. 

Eyes

- For days where it isn't a 'makeup slipping off face day' I've been using my Laura Mercier Creme Eye Colour in Platinum all over the lid followed by Maybelline Colour Tatoo for lining the eyes and adding some definition

- I then go onto apply mascara, my latest find - Anastasia Lash Genius lets me choose whatever non waterproof mascara I desire and helps me make it waterproof so won't slide down my face in the sun! (post & proof here) I'm trying to use up my Collection Multiplier Mascara so thats what I used here

Lips

- Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in 437 Emprente another piece from Chanels latest collection! I'm loving the Chanel Rouge Coco shines as a moisturising lipstick especially for the sun as they are so weightless!

Have you been applying the SPF if you've been in the sun? Which one do you use? 

Liana Beauty Award: Anastasia Lash Genius

Anastasia Lash Genius

As much as I love my Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara, which I sung praises about here, the waterproof version isn't the same. It makes my lashes clumpy, feel heavier and the overall effect isn't the as great as my beloved Eyes To Kill original. For the past four or five summers I have searched (and never found) a  waterproof mascara that I adore. Anastasia Lash Genius is a transparent top coat that 'waterproofs any mascara' essentially solving the waterproof mascara search! 

So here's the test...

1. Applied a non waterproof mascara to my lashes (Collection Multiplier Mascara)

2. Applied Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Genius over the mascara to only one of my eyes

Sprayed both my eyes with water

3. My finger pressed down on my lid without Anastasia Lash Genius

4. My finger pressed down on my lid with Anastasia Lash Genius

Lash genius did alter my lashes slightly, if you can notice the slight difference between the clumsiness of my lashes in pictures 1 and 2 but in terms of making the Mascara waterproof i'll let the pictures speak for themselves! Overall I think its a great option if you don't want to run round searching for what waterproof mascara works for you lashes, just apply Anastasia Lash Genius on top of the one you use already and all good       

Thankfully one of my favourite beauty websites Cult Beauty are the first ones to stock Anastasia Beverly Hills in the UK! You can purchase Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Genius for £14 here or shop the whole range here

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel

Something that I once heard that has stuck in my head forever is, 'the first thing you notice about someones face is their eyebrows and their eyelashes.' I'm sure everyone is different in terms of what their eyes first go towards but for me ungroomed eyebrows are something that always stands out. Keeping & grooming eyebrows is one factor that can really changes ones whole look. 

As I have quite thick unruly eyebrows that don't like to stay put I am constantly looking for long lasting products that help me keep them in place. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel is a product I used a couple of years ago but seeing as it is only available to purchase in the US, once finished it was very hard to get hold of a new one! Recently Cult Beauty have added the holy grail of brow products, Anastasia Beverly Hills to their fantastic site! 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel is perfect for keeping my thick brows looking neat all day! Just brush though your brows to set them in place & voila! It does tend to have a bit of a wet look if too much is applied but just dab with your finger to tone it down. As the wand brush is so large I wouldn't recommend this to people with really thin brows as I can image the gel would attach itself to each hair making them look a bit stiff.

Available from Cult Beauty here. (also available in tinted!)