Thursday, 23 May 2013

MAC Giveaway on Beauty Book blog! :'D

Hey everyone!

Just a quick shoutout to the "BeautyBook" blog who is having a MAC giveaway in celebration of reaching 250 followers! YAY! 
If you win you will recieve a lipstick or eyeshadow from MAC of your choice ^^

What are you waiting for?

Click here to enter

Good luck ^^

Lots of love, Laura xx

Wednesday, 22 May 2013

Review:MUA Undress Your Skin Shimmer Highlighter

So, I'm a bit late to jump on this bandwagon but I've had this for a while and I just never got around to reviewing it xD

It is, of course, the new Make Up Academy Undress Your Skin Shimmer Highlighter.


The most intriguing thing about this product is the appearance, the swirled embossment is so pretty and this, with the sleek white packaging, makes the product look a lot more expensive that the £3 I paid for it. The look has been likened to the MAC Skinfinishes, products that I have been drolling over for ages...one day *sighs*


The colour of this highlighter is quite champagne toned in the pan but is more pinkier on the skin, but not too pink for my yellow toned skin ^^ It's really flattering.

Pwetty!!! :3

Swatches-


The actual product I find can be a bit chalky if too much is applied, but the consistency is almost creamy otherwise.


Blended

Ingredients

On my face-

Here I have put the powder on my cheekbone and browbone ^^


It isn't too sparkly, which usually puts me off using highlighters, it's perfectly shimmery ^^

Overall, I really do like this product, another winner MUA! 

Lots of love, Laura xx

Review: MUA Lipstick Shade 4

Hey everyone! 

I have a review for you all today ^^

This is the lipstick I used in my Hayley William's "Still into You" tutorial ^^ You can check that out here.
Swatch :3

 I've been wearing this lipstick a lot lately and it's gorgeous! So gorgeous that I just had to show it to you all ^^

Application-
This lipstick is so goddamn creamy, it glides on the lips and feels so moisturising. It's lovely to wear.

Appearance-
When I first opened it I was terrified by the colour, the brightest most garish lipstick I have ever seen, but it's actually really sheer and gives more of a glossy pink tint to the lips, which I really like.

Smell-
Like all Make Up Academy lipsticks this smells very vanillary but the scent really can't be smelt after application. I don't really mind it, but others may have an issue with it.

I adore this lipstick and it really can't be beaten for the price- a mere £1. But, honestly, who hasn't heard of these lippies by now?? They are amazing quality for the price, so, if you haven't tried them, go and get them!

On the lips 

In sunlight
Inside

Just thought this looked pretty with the glare from the sun. :3

MUA Lipstick in Shade 4 can be bought in Superdrug or here for £1.
Lots of love, Laura xx

Tuesday, 21 May 2013

The Flower Series #1- "Cherry Blossom"

Hey everyone!

Cherry Blossom has to be one of prettiest flowers there is and it's everywhere at the moment! Hence why I got inspired to do this "cherry blossom" style make-up look ^^ Enjoy!


The picture this look was based on

Products used (Face)
Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in Light Porcelian
Rimmel Stay Matte Powder
W7 Candy Floss Illuminating Powder


Eyes-
Barry M Green Eyeshadow Pencil
MUA Eyeliner in Shade Snow White- Inner corner smudged out & lining the bottom inner "tear duct" area

Lips-
Natural Collection Lipstick in Rose Petal mixed with Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Glamourous Pink


I didn't make this look too bright as I always associate blossom with being really soft and delicate. This is a really pink and white based look, however, I lined my lash line with green to mimick the flower leaves.



Lots of love, Laura xx

P.S. I know those pink flowers aren't blossom but they're the closest thing I could find (don't hate me ;_;)

That "no make-up" make-up look- My version

Hey everyone!

Today I am showing you my adaption of the famous make-up look which is natural and perfect for everyday, one which looks like you are wearing "no make-up" ^^ Enjoy!


Tutorial-

1. First I used Benefit Porefessional to create a smooth skin base.
2. I used my fingers to apply a bit of Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in Light Porcelian, focusing on my t-zone and forehead, blending it out with a fluffy foundation brush.
3. I dusted a bit of Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Transculent over these areas.
4. I concealed my under-eye area with Collection Lasting Perfection in Fair.
5. I lined my upper lash line with Avon Smokey Diamonds eyeliner and smudged it out slightly.
6. I applied my NYC Showtime Mascara to curled lashes.
7. Used MUA Powder Blush in Shade 4 on my cheeks and highlighted my cheeks and browbone with the MUA Shimmer Highlighter.
8. I finished the look with a slick of 17 Mirror Shine Lipstick in Beehive. 
Done! Nice and simple :3


That's it!
Lots of love, Laura xx

Sunday, 19 May 2013

Skincare Sundays #1- Oily/Combination Skin


Hey everyone! 
So, I've decided to do a new segment on my blog which is "skincare sundays" where I focus on a specific skincare issue every week and offer my advice/recommendations etc.

Today, we're looking at battling oily/combination skin.
I'm kind of an expert (not really) when it comes to dealing with oily skin as I've had it for as long as I can remember.


Oily skin is a difficult thing to deal with as it can really knock your confidence when you look at your make-up at 4 o'clock in the afternoon and see it's slipped off your face, it can also feel really uncomfortable.

My advice
1. People say it all the time but it really does make a difference if you don't touch your face. Yes, I know it's tempting, but it really does help, it also prevents breakouts!

2. Do not think that using moisturiser will make it worse. Your skin is producing oil due to the lack of it on your face so, if anything, you should try and moisturise more. Make sure you use a light, oil-free, cream in the morning and before bed.

The night treatment gel
3. When it comes to skincare, I find that any cleansing/toning products that contain tea tree and/or witch hazel are really good for calming and mattifying your face. If your face is really oily then foam cleansers are the way to go, I was recommend this one from the Boots Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Collection, as well as the night treament gel which prevents your skin feeling really oily and horrible when you wake up, as well combatting breakouts really well :D I also love their face wipes for travelling ^^



4. When it comes to make-up, primers and powder are your best friend. People often say that cream foundations are better for oily skin, but I never see a difference in using cream or liquid (I prefer liquid as it not as heavy). It's a good idea to carry powder with you during the day for touch-ups.





My recommmendations

1. Rimmel Stay Matte Face Powder in Translucent-  
This powder is amazing for keeping my face matte. It doesn't last amazingly long but a lot longer than anything else I've tried. Seriously, this is a cult favourite for oily lasses in the blogosphere.


2. Nivea Expression Hydration Primer for Combination/Oily skin- 
This primer is brilliant at creating a smooth base for a flawless foundation application. It's moisturising as well which is always an added bonus. Nivea also do a version for dry/normal skin. I love this primer so much, I really think this helps to make my foundation last longer and it really helps to control my oily complexion.


3. Lush Tea Tree Toner Water
This is another brilliant product, like the powder, which gives my skin a quick mattifying fix. This is lovely in the summer as well as it is so refreshing!



My Oily Skin Saviour

Every since I've used this Boots Skin Clear Oil Free Mattifying Lotion my complexion has been so much more managable, and noticably less oily. 

This is literally the liquid gold of oil control. If you have really oily skin like I did, you must buy this!! Within a week of using it before applying my makeup, I didn't need to use it anymore. What are you waiting for?? It's so cheap and so amazing! Buy it!


I hope you liked this post and that you found it useful. Be sure to come back next time ^^

Lots of love, Laura xx

FOTD #3

I love Sundays...so relaxing....anyway, want to see what my make-up looks like today?



What I'm wearing-
Mua Undressed Palette (the black to create a cat-eye look)
Avon Glimmerstick Diamonds eye liner in Smokey Diamond
Benefit They're Real! Mascara
Maybelline 24hr Colour Tattoo in Immortal Charcoal
Blush- Rimmel Moisture Renew in Vintage Pink mixed with a bit of foundation
Rimmel Moisture Renew in Vintage Pink
MUA Undress Your Skin Shimmer Highlighter


Ta dah!! 

Lots of love, Laura xx