Beauty On Location: Formal Lunch

Formal lunches can be a two to three hour affair, iPhones are left unattended, emails get disguarded and running to the bathroom for a touch up isn't an option. In terms of makeup, of course lunch means little lip action going on, there's nothing worse than a ring of pink lipstick on your glass. I kept my makeup pretty simple, my routine when-in-doubt face with nothing too fancy going on. Same goes for my hair, no poofy volume or ringlet curls, just good old simple blow-dry.

Skin

- I wanted my skin to look as natural as possible so started of with Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer as a base to ensure shine stayed at bay. I then followed with Dior DiorSkin Airflash Foundation for a luminous finish that provides coverage.
- Under my eyes I used a combination of L'Oreal Lumi Magique with Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer
- To define my cheeks I used the Une Healthy Glow Mineral Powder and a touch of Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Lush Nectarine

Eyes

- The shade Pale Barley by Burberry is the perfect all over the lid shade that doesn't crease, is really pigmented and lasts throughout the day. I added a little colour to my socket with Mac Cork and smudged some of the darker shade Mac Carbon along my lash line.

- Pixi Lash Line Ink added some extra definition as I lined my eyes and finished off with Origins Ginesing Brightening Mascara

Lips

- I left my lips pretty nude throughout the lunch but before I arrived swept a coat of Benefit Ultra Plush Gloss in Dandelion as it doesnt last long on the lips and isn't sticky at all

What's your routine face?

Beauty On Location: Backstage At LFW

After being invited to come along backstage at LFW with L'Oreal (post here), the thought of numerous professional makeup artists seeing my mishap smokey eye, when I'm no professional myself, is a little intimidating to say the least. In the interest of team spirit I used mostly L'Oreal here, lucky the infallible eyeshadows are ones I can't get enough of and their Super Liner is another firm favourite!

As I was going to be around all day, I had to find a balance between comfortable and presentable. Heels were ditched after around five minutes of standing on my feet, luckily a pair of backup pumps were squeezed in the corner of my handbag.  I don't consider myself a fashion forward person so black and plain it was, blending into the background bag that didn't have to hold, but big enough to fit my notepad and a couple of snacks in it, pass around my neck, and off I trotted!

Skin

- Of course being a 12 hour day a primer was a necessity, Estee Lauder Matt Perfecting Primer covered my face, followed by YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation. To conceal and highlight under eye bags By Terry Touche Veloutee was blended under my eyes. 

- As I had quite a bit of eye makeup I opted out of blush but used Une Healthy Glow Mineral Powder instead as a bronzer

Eyes

- Using the Infallible Eyeshadows the shade Sahara Treasure all over the lid, followed by a mix of Endless Chocolate and Burning Black in the crease and lined my eyes with L'Oreal Super Liner. A coating of L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara to finish off.  

Lips

- L'Oreal Rouge Caresse in Nude Ingenue and L'Oreal Glam Shine Fresh in Aqua Grapefruit

Did you get up to anything in Fashion Week?

My Makeup: Party Face

Just the word party ensures some sort of smokey eye is involved, which no doubt it was, and little more intense than I usually go. I opted for black as opposed to brown, to add some drama to my eyes. Using L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows, which are truly incredible. Unbeliveably pigmented, so rich, creamy and blendable - I just wish they were available in a wider range of shades. Back in May at the Cannes Film Festival Cheryl Cole wore a beautiful nude lip that complimented her smokey eye perfectly - L'Oreal Rouge Caresse in Nude Ingenue and  L'Oreal Glam Shine Fresh in Aqua Grapefruit was the combination she used so I jumped on that bandwagon too, joining in on the amazing nude lip pair!

Skin

- For party ready skin I always opt for a primer, ensuring that my makeup lasts all evening. Here I reached for Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer (post here) which was followed by my foundation of choice, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk as it's perfect for photos and lasts amazingly throughout an evening

- Sleek Contour Kit was brushes through my cheekbones for added definition while a touch of Mac Blush in Well Dressed was added for some colour

Eyes

- I primed my eyelids with Mac Painterly Paint Pot to help eyeshadows adhere to my skin and help their pigments appear more vibrant

- I used L'Oreal Colour Infallible Eyeshadow (post here) in 12 Endless Chocolate all over the lid and intensified the look with the shade 14 Eternal Black, followed by lashings of Max Factor False Lash Effect. 

Lips

- The Cheryl Cannes nude lip combination of L'Oreal Rouge Caresse in Nude Ingenue and  L'Oreal Glam Shine Fresh in Aqua Grapefruit 

Are you a smokey eye girl or do you prefer keeping it simple?

My Makeup: Waterproof Face

Makeup in the heat is not something that goes down well with me, it almost always ends up slipping and sliding around which as you can imagine, is not the look I'm going for. This summer I've really been on the hunt for sweat and waterproof products that I don't need to constantly be checking up if they are still on my face or not! My Top 10 products that survive the heat are all here, some of which feature on my face above. Of course during my holiday I'm much too relaxed to apply this all everyday, but should I need to I know these products don't fail me!

Skin

- Just a bit of skin tone evening with a mixture of Estee Lauder Long Wear Concealer under my eyes and Make Up For Ever Waterproof Concealer on any blemishes

- Hourglass Waterproof Bronzer to bronze up my face a little and along my cheeks

Eyes

- Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Eyeshadow in 4 Sandy Gold all over my lid with Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow in 2L patted into my crease with MaxFactor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara

Do you still apply some makeup on holiday or are you brave enough to go bare faced?

Top 10: Products That Survive The Heat

I'm definitely not alone when it comes to the quest for makeup that survives the heat, it's something I always struggle with and only really learn from trial and error. This summer I've managed to find some excellent products I'll be using throughout that actually don't slip and slide in the heat, last with some sweat (loverly!), and some of them are even waterproof!

1) Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Eyeshadow (post here)

Not the most pigmented of formulas but lovely none the less. Very creamy but dry as a powder and last all day without creasing or sliding! My favourite shade is 4 Sandy Gold

2) Perricone MD No Concealer Concealer (post here)

As far as I'm aware this isn't waterproof but it actually could be! I've already raved about how much I liked it here, but it wasn't until I went for a walk along the coast at about midday (when the sun was at its strongest) and the concealer under my eyes didn't budge. No creasing, no smudging! Needless to say I was very impressed - it also contains SPF 35, perfect for sunny days!

3) Maxfactor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara

My favourite low end Mascaras have got to be Maxfactor (post here) every single one I've tried is amazing, lengthening, thickening and volumizing. The waterproof version is no exception as well as being very black!

4. Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner

To add some definition to my eyes I've been reaching for this waterproof eyeliner pencil by Make Up For Ever. It's easily blendable, doesn't smudge and has a gorgeous creamy texture that doesn't tug against my eyes

5. Make Up For Ever Cream Blush

For adding some colour to my cheeks, I've been opting for a cream formula as it looks more natural in daylight as opposed to powder. 7 from Make Up For Ever is a lovely shade that looks like the colour is coming from within. Being a cream formula a little goes a long way and I don't find it going patchy throughout the day

6. Hourglass Superficial Waterproof Bronzer

This has been a summer saviour for me! Feels weightless on the skin, doesn't go blotchy or clump in the heat, and gives the skin a lovely glow.

7. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Concealer

HOW have I only discovered this recently?! Very high coverage, doesn't even alter the slightest in the heat and isn't cakey! Massive thumbs up from me!

8. Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow (post here)

A more pigmented alternative to Bobbi Brown Cream Eyeshadow, which are waterproof too! My favourite shade is 2L, a warm brown with a touch of shimmer

9. Make Up For Ever Waterproof Concealer

If I have a blemish I've been dabbing a bit of Make Up For Ever Waterproof Concealer over the top with a fluffy brush to hide the redness and ensure the concealer lasts all day without needing to powder over the top. In terms of actually swimming with it I wouldn't advise it as it did separate on me but never the less - a saviour in the sun! 

10. Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer (post here)

If I do opt for foundation I'll be sure to pair it with a mattifying primer to ensure increased longevity and making sure I stay shine-free. Matte Perfecting Primer acts as a great base for makeup ensuring everything blends easily over the top!

What are your summer staples?

My Makeup: The Summertime Face

I've been reaching for different products in this heat over the past week, my beloved tinted moisturiser, some long lasting concealer that's slightly more coverage and a beautiful eyeshadow palette I've raved about a hundred and one times. Something really strange happened this week - I didn't reach for blush. I think that's partly because I've been slapping on more highlighter than usual and trying to embrace some summer glow. Don't worry I haven't totally ditched powder, that still goes down the centre of my face where I get a little shinier. I've also rediscovered one of my all time favourite lip glosses, as there's no way I can carry around a lipstick in this heat, it would just melt away!

Skin

- To avoid having a makeup meltdown I've been applying some primer, my sister has ran away with my beloved Estee Lauder Matt Perfecting Primer so I've been using another favourite, Insitut Estederm Pure System Shine Control Fluid (post here)

- I've then reached for my favourite tinted moisturiser with slightly more coverage, Chantecaille Just Skin in the shade glow with some Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer around my nose, under my eyes and on any redness with a quick dusting of Bare Minerals Matte Powder down the centre of my face 

- For cheeks I've been applying some Une Healthy Glow Mineral Powder in H07 with some Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in a new shade, Moonstone, but more on this at a later date!

Eyes

- I've been applying some gold shimmer shades from the Estee Lauder Bronze Sands Palette followed by some L'Oreal and lashings of Lancome Hypnose Star (post here)

Lips

- Fallen back in love with Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Lucky (post here) It's the perfect summer shade!

What have you been loving this week?

Most Used Makeup: Ibiza Edition

As my holiday in Ibiza is coming to a close I've been eyeing up my most used items, that I would definitely bring on holiday again and reassessing untouched items I should've left behind. As always being my hoarding self I brought far too much makeup for a week but heres what I reached for the most...

Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50 PA+++  

I won't go into too much detail as it's all here but this product is definitely worth the splurge, non oily, a little goes a long way and blends like a dream into the skin. It's really important for me to achieve a great base for applying makeup which can be quite hard with an SPF but this does it brilliantly!

Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette

Something I'm so happy I brought with me! Lots of lovely shades to glam up an evening look to a smokey eye. All the eyeshadows are extremely well pigmented, very creamy and easily blendable! Perfect packaging too      

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Concealer

For some reason I didn't get on with this last summer at all, it clumped separated and in general looked pretty cakey. I'm not sure what's changed but it's really saved me this year! I apply the teeniest amount with a 217 Mac blending brush and buff it into the skin. It will last in the pool just so long as it's not rubbed so I make sure to keep hands away from eyes!

Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara

I've raved about my love for Max Factor mascaras here, they are all absolutely incredible and this waterproof version was no exception. Really black, lengthening, thickening and volumizing - perfect!

Japonesque Brush Set Touch Up Tube - link

Even though I had this I didn't open it for a while as I just assumed the brushed would be those tacky flimsy things I had as a teenager. As all my makeup brushes were packed the morning of my flight I reached for these to slap some eyeshadow on and was blown away with the quality! Serves me right for assuming as they are beautifully soft and distribute eyeshadow perfectly. Such a handy little set too!

Hourglass Superficial Waterproof Bronzer

So I didn't actually swim with bronzer on but for days and evenings in the sweltering heat this would not budge or go blotchy - perfect! I have a feeling this will be a summer staple...

Bobbi Brown Cream Eyeshadows

I've already talked in more detail about these here but as a repeat - great wash of colour, waterproof and blend like a dream. Just what I look for in holiday products!

Do you think I chose well? What are your most used items on holiday?

Beauty On Location: Seeing Swedish House Mafia in Ibiza

Last night we all ventured out of our villa to see Swedish House Mafia at an open air party in Ushuaia, Ibiza and I am feeling slightly delicate this morning but it was well worth it & was absolutely incredible!

Like I mentioned it was an open air party that we attended after lunch at around 8 and went on till the early hours of the morning. Luckily we were on a secluded table so avoided the sweaty mosh pits but nevertheless my makeup ended being sweated off anyway -lurverly! I did have my trusty fan which I purchased two hours previously to save me from the heat which came in very handy.

Having all these late nights means there are no heels involved (yes!) and as the clubs are very hot so clothing is as minimal as is acceptable      
Here I chose to wear my one piece swimming costume with some plain black shorts and keep my makeup pretty simple as being in a house with 15 people means minimal time to get ready!

This was the only shot I was able to get so apologies for that but here's what I slapped on in tiny mirror previous to last nights shenanigans... 

Skin

- As my body tends to tan a lot faster than my face I firstly slapped on my bronzing makeup base by Chantecaille. The Radiance Gel Bronzer to make sure my skin tone on my face and body matched

- I then slapped on some Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser with some Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Concealer which never moves!

- For blush and bronzer I grabbed Burberry Sheer Summer Glow as a natural yet effective highlighter - link to post here with a little of Hourglass Waterproof Bronzer that doesn't come off in the heat...or sweat. 

Eyes

- With minimal time to get read it's goodbye brushes and hello fingers so I've been reaching for some cream eyeshadows. Firstly I applied Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow in 4 Sandy Gold all over my lid with Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in 2L in my crease
- To line my top and bottom lash lines I grabbed my Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil in Pointe-Noir and blended it with my fingers
- As I expected it to be pretty hot I slapped on some waterproof mascara by MaxFactor

Lips

- Just a quick layer of Topshop Lipstick in Pillow Talk as I was leaving!

What do you use when you have to get ready in a rush? Do you like Swedish House Mafia?

Beauty On Location: Dinner With Friends

Making the week go by a little quicker is easier when there are evening plans involved no?! Here was just a casual dinner with friends at La Bodega Negra in London, which I really recommend if you're into Mexican!

I went for jeans, some boots and a new Peplum top of mine from Topshop - link! Even though when I first started seeing them around I thought they were very "un-me" I've now done a complete 180 and become a convert - so much so that I ordered two other colours! I absolutely love the silhouette they create, adding some curves yet being tight in other places. My favourite part about them is pairing with some statement jewellery - like this necklace! It's also great if you're going for a big meal.      

For my makeup I went for something new - no smokey eye! Shock horror, just a little definition on my lower lash line with some brown eyeshadow. I kept my skin pretty glowy by skipping the powder and opted for something I dusted out of my stash, Dior Amber Diamond Highlighter, which is one of the most beautiful pieces in my collection. I stuck on some of my favourite false lashes too - Katy Perry Eylure in Oh Honey, they add a lot of length and some extra volume yet aren't too in your face. 

Skin

- My newest favourite combination of Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer (link to post here)  followed by YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation. I then used the darker shade of my Sleek Contour Kit through my cheekbones with a little bit of Mac Peaches blush 

- The star of the glow show is Dior Amber Diamond which I've gotten back into after a good 6 months of it sitting collecting dust, isn't it lovely!

Eyes

- Sweeping a light shimmer shade all over my lid, Mac Ploof with Naked and Buck from the Urban Decay Naked Palette in the crease, for some added definition. 

- On my lower lash line I swept some of Darkhorse shade followed by Dior DiorShow New Look Mascara on my lower lashes

- After curling my lashes with my Shu Uemura eyelash curlers I applied some Eylure Katy Perry False Lashes in Oh Honey which you can see closer pictures of here

What do you think? Yes or no to peplum tops?

New In: Estee Lauder Matt Perfecting Primer

I'm definitely a primer girl, having combination skin the benefits of using a primer are phenomenal. It's one step I rarely forget mainly because using a primer makes my skin feel so smooth and flawless, as well as making foundation and concealer blend beautifully over the top. The biggest factor for me is the increasing the longevity of my makeup which usually goes up by around a good couple of hours.

As opposed to powdering over the top of glowy foundations to control shine I opt for a primer and of course being really into mattifying primers I had to give Estee Lauder's new release a whirl. Estee Lauder recently released 2 new primers, one for illuminating and one for mattifying. Matte skin being my finish of choice I've been giving that one a little test drive. You've probably seen Givenchy Mister Matt Primer pop up here quite a bit purely because it works at keeping my skin shine free and provides a really smooth finish for makeup but how did Estee Lauder compare?

First up are the facts... 1 bottle of Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer will set you back £21.50 for 30ml, which is a decent price for a primer, especially compared to it's more expensive competitors. Benefit Porefessional at £23.50 for 22ml and Givenchy Mister Matt for £25 and 25ml.

Overall it prolonged my makeup staying power by around three hours. Compared to Givenchy Mister Matt wasn't too much of a difference in lasting power apart from my skin looking more decent when using the EL. As well as pores looking a lot less visible after a long day. When comparing both textures Estee Lauder would be my one of choice, the texture described as a 'gel-cream' is much more nourishing and feels less siliconey than Givenchy. It's similar to a moisturiser that drys matt whereas Givenchy is much thicker, velvety and harder to blend into the skin.

So in summary Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer is really giving my old favourite Givenchy Mister Matt a run for its money! There's just one more mattifying base I've been trying so stay tuned for that      

Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer is £21.50 and available at John Lewis here and at Estee Lauder counters (it's already sold out online!)

My Makeup: Purple Smokey Eye

When it comes it eyes a smokey look is one that I favour. I've never been one for dramatic cat liner and red lips, and recently I've been re embracing my Urban Decay Naked Palettes. Here I used the Naked Palette 2, which is their most recent release. In terms of preference I will admit that the Naked is my one of choice, purely for the range of matt and frosty eyeshadows whereas the Naked 2 contains more frosty shades. There were three shades I wanted to make use of, all of which were in the purpley plum tones, the colours weren't a million miles away from the shades I usually go for but out came the blending brushes to create a smokey eye!

I always start my smokey eyes with applying a primer, Mac Painterly Paint Pot being the usual one of choice for its colour correcting abilities as well as helping eyeshadow colours become more vibrant.

1. Packing on the shade YDK all over my lid staying below the crease

2. Taking a fluffy blending brush, Mac 217, with the shade Tease and applying that through my crease for some definition

3 & 4. With a clean blending brush I make sure there were no harsh lines by blending where the eyeshadow met my skin, using winds wiper motions

5. Using a Maxfactor brush dipped in Busted eyeshadow I applied that along the outer half of my eye, again making sure to stay below my crease

6. Followed by blending with a Mac 217 to make all the colours fade into each other

7. With the shade Bootycall on the Urban Decay brush that came with the palette I applied the colour along my brow bone to act as a highlighter

8. Then continued to do the same in my tear duct and inner corner

9. Using a pointed brush dipped in the shade Busted I ran the brush along my lower lash line for some definition

10. Using Avon SuperShock Gel Eyeliner in Blackberry I messily lined my eyes making sure to stay close to the lash line

11. Followed by blending the line with the same pointed brush and the shade Busted

Other products used:

Skin

- Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer which has been my primer of choice recently, more to come soon!
- For foundation I've been reaching for YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation for it's illuminating properties and gel like texture
- I didn't want to add any blush, just a light sweep of Bare Minerals Bronzer in The Deep End


Which Naked palette do you prefer?

Top Beauty Picks From Summer 2012 Collections!

I have a teeny problem when it comes to limited edition makeup, I want it all. I guess it's kind of like having, what my friends call - FOMO (abbreviation for - fear of missing out) but with cosmetics. I know limited edition items sell out pretty quickly and
1. Don't want to be frantically searching round ebay and amazon for sold out limited edition products
2. I'm too scared of missing out on what could be a fantastic item!  
I do end up hoarding a few pieces but after testing the summer collection releases for a while, I've decided on what can be given away to friends and what is staying in my cabinet. Here are my top pics from the summer collections...

 

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel in 917 Sable Rose - link to post

This is VERY much loved. Such a great one of taking a big brush and dabbing it on my cheeks as it's a highlighter, blush and bronzer in one! The shades are all really warm and when used together have the ability to brighten up my face in one sweep.

Lily Cole For The Body Shop Puff On Radiance - link to post

With such cute packaging how could I not pick this?! Apart from that it's a fantastic body highlighter - looks lovely down the centre of legs and on collar bones for some elegant shine and shimmer.

Guerlain Pucci Meteorites Perles D'Azur - link to post

Similar to the Body Shop Puffy On Radiance but much less shimmery and adds more of a glow. I've been using this as a face powder for days where my skin is looking a bit bla, it provides instant radiance and makes me appear to have a really bright complexion - love!

Estee Lauder Bronze Sands Eyeshadow Palette - link to post

I absolutely LOVE this palette! Being a different formula to the usual powder, they are described as Gelée Powders and are so pigmented and blend like a dream. Haven't found a use for the blue shade yet but the rest are lovely. Will definitely be looking out for Estee Lauder's other palettes!

Burberry Sheer Summer Glow Palette - link to post

I love the Burberry collections, they are a brand I've really gotten into recently for their love of neutral, very wearable shades, and this Sheer Summer Glow Palette is right up my street! It's the perfect highlighter for adding some life to my face as well as being really understated and subtle - perfect for daytime! 

No7 Nourishing Lip Shine - link to post

I wrote about these here and mentioned them being a great dupe for the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors, as they are both a really lovely texture, not sticky yet glossy.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in 617 Holiday (left)

The perfect summer red!

You can see the rest of the summer collections here. There are my top picks from the summer collections! What are yours?

New In: Estee Lauder Bronze Sands Eyeshadow Palette

Part of the Estée Lauder Summer Bronze Goddess 2012 Capri Limited Edition Collection is this beautiful Pure Colour Five Colour  Gelée Powder in Bronze Sands palette and since I've got my hands on it we've had a serious love affair! Apart from being really beautiful, and having gorgeous sunset colours the texture of them are unlike anything I've ever tried. They are Gelée Powders which makes then extremely pigmented, very blendable and very long lasting! Similar shades to the Dior Eyeshadow Palette in Aurora which I reviewed here but If I had to choose between the two I think I would lean towards the Estée Lauder as the texture is so unique. 

Having said that though I did feel as though applying them with a fluffy blending brush such as a Mac 217 decreased the intensity of the colours and made them a bit wishy-washy. Surprisingly I actually loved using my fingers to apply these (I never apply eyeshadow with my fingers!) as I found it was the easiest way to apply and blend them. If I had to choose a brush to apply them I would use the Real Techniques brushes as I felt synthetic hairs worked best with this Gelée Powder formula. 

Estée Lauder Bronze Godess Capri Pure Colour Five Colour Gelee Powder Bronze Sands Eyeshadow Palette Swatch

Above is a picture using the Bronze Sands Palette on my eyes, I used the golden colour all over the lid, followed by the bronze colour in the crease with a bit of the brown shade over the top. I then used the blue shade under the eyes.

Estée Lauder Bronze Sands Palette is £35 and available here or at Estee Lauder counters.