M.A.C Viva Glam Nicki.

M.A.C 'Viva Glam Nicki' lipstick, £13.50 for 3.5g.

This colour is enough to make some run a million miles, but for me it seemed like the perfect flamingo statement pink for this summer. 

When first applied I do love this colour, it brightens up any makeup look and is really fun to wear. Because this lipstick is yellow rather than blue toned (like so many pink M.A.C. lipsticks are) it is more flattering to the skin and is more wearable. However one unslightly element makes it so very UNwearable....

WARNING: This lipstick will make your teeth appear yellow.

This will never be a good look, no girl wants to be seen to have yellow teeth. Now, mine aren't perfect but I know for a fact they ain't yellow honeys, and this lipstick will bring out all those imperfections your poor gnashers may hold. A lipstick where you don't feel confident enough to smile in it? Such a shame. 

Top tip; on the inner parts of your lips (the part your teeth will be next to when you crack a smile) pop a cool toned pink there instead and blend (take note from my Ombre Lips post here) or apply a blue lipgloss (such as Benefit's 'California Kissin') all over to help eliminate this problem.

It applies almost neon, but after a couple of hours wear this does deepen on my lips and stain them. 

If I'm honest, I'll only wear this colour when I can really be bothered to keep up with the reapplication and when not much smiling will be involved.

I've got no buyers guilt for this. 100% of the proceeds from the Viva Glam range are donated to the MAC Aids fund.

My latest L'Oreal purchases

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer £9.99 for 20ml.

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Concealer £8.49.

L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic mascara £10.99.

I've always been a fan of L'Oreal, I've used their Infallible foundation in the past which is ok for the cheaper price and their Telescopic mascara has been repurchased countless times since I first began using it about 5-6 years ago.

I've recently accumulated a few new products and have done a mini review on what I think for each, having been using them for a couple of weeks now!

False Lash Telescopic Mascara;

 

The plastic, molded wand is always the type that I reach for. I don't think you can beat them for combed, defined lashes with added length. Sure, you won't get much volume from them but a good amount is easily achieved through applying a few layers. 

The wand for this mascara reminds me of somewhere between L'Oreal's (original) Telescopic (a very fine, thin plastic comb) and Benefit's 'They're Real' (a medium sized comb wand). I'm quite happy with the results this gives, I don't find the results to be too disimilar to either of the mascrara's mentioned above except application is easier than using 'They're Real' because the wand isn't as bulky. In terms of formula, I didn't find it to smudge throughout the day, just some flakiness on the bottom lashes after a days (8hrs+) wear- which I can't complain about at all! It removes fairly well though can be stubborn at first. In terms of it's false lash claims, well personally it didn't have this effect with me as it didn't add the volume to my lashes that falsies would. However all in all, a good mascara and I would recommend this.

Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer;

Although I find that this doesn't prolong the wear of my foundation like a primer should, mixed into a heavier/thicker foundation (for instance with Illamasqua's Skin Base foundation) is makes the formula and application more malleable and blendable while adding a very subtle dewy finish that develops and looks even better and flawless after a few hours wear. This said, I find after about 6 hours that this concoction does cause a bit of slip and makeup can begin to look patchy and worn. It is also nice patted on the cheekbones and on the nose for an added dewy shine, but don't expect it to be obvious as a highlighter in this case. 

With my skin in a worse-for-wear state at the moment (it looks dull and a bit irritated), using this in conjunction with generous spritzes of M.A.C Fix+ (which will also not prolong the wear of your makeup, just refreshes the look of an over powdered base) I've found that I've been able to have a couple of 'good skin days' (- which are my favourite kind of days!!)
Perhaps this could be deemed as a cheap version of M.A.C 'Strobe Cream' or Estee Lauder's 'Spotlight', minus the skincare benefits. If you're interested in trying either of those products then try this first, as you only get 20ml of product in comparision to the others 30ml.
I also really like the white and gold packaging, with the pump dispenser!

Yayyy, good skin day!

Lumi Magique Concealer;

I've been using this as my under eye concealer and believe it is easily comparible to YSL Touche E'clat or Estee Lauder's Ideal Light concealers. Similarly to those products this concealer is packaged in a thin tube and dispersed using a twist mechanism one end of the concealer which pushes product out into the application brush at the other end. Although this helps prevent product from drying out it can also make it hard to control how much you deposit.

Available in three shades, I found the light shade is a fairly good match for me as long as it is used before foundation as it is more likely to blend in seamlessly with my fair skintone. I've found it works best if a few thin stripes are applied under the eyes and left for half a minute before softly blending it into the skin using fingers. We all know that using liquid or cream base products work better when they've been warmed up on the skin first, and the same goes for this concealer! It's important not to apply too much of this, or it will settle in any fine lines under the eyes.

I hope these reviews have helped, have any of you been using any of these products? What do you think of them?

Midweek post: My first video!

I've been wanting to try doing a YT video for a while now, but never thought I had the right 'equipment'! I then realised that I could probably use my iPhone..so I did!

My Illamasqua Lipstick Collection

It is so strange making a video! Let me know what you think and if you think I should carry on doing these/ give me some ideas for some more...Basically I'd really appreciate feedback. This is my first one and I think I come across a bit grumpy?! Ha! I think I enjoy making them but I'm not sure...

Colours listed in order; Corrupt, Brink, Wanton, Plunge, Drench and Scandal. All available from Illamasqua counters or their website for £15.50 each.

Two TopShop Makeup Brushes; Review

TopShop Blush Brush £8

TopShop Concealer Brush £5

I am a bit of a brush snob, always choosing expensive brands over ones you can buy in Boots or Superdrug because of previous bad experiences with molting Max Factor brushes (the Real Techniques brushes aren't included in this sweeping generalisation).

I thought I'd try these TopShop brushes purely because they were cheap and in the packaging looked like they'd be 'alright' quality. I've been using them for a couple of months now so thought it was about time I shared my thoughts with you.

Blush Brush;

This is a medium sized powder brush that isn't very well rounded in my opinion, it's fairly full in terms of it's head of fibres, but is a peculiar shape and dependant on which way or angle you use it, it can be quite flat.

It picks up little but even product which is an advantage if you wish to build colour, or if you only wear a small, natural amount of blush.

The fibres themselves are quite rough and scratchy to the face, application isn't always a smooth process.

This brush does the job and is good for it's price if you like a full cheek of colour rather than precision application, and if you like a subtle wash of colour as the brush doesn't pick up too much product because the fibres themselves aren't densely packed. I've been using it here and there but if I'm honest I've been really enjoying using the Real Techniques Buffing brush to apply my blusher recently, I love the soft focus finish it gives.

Concealer Brush;

For me, this is a regretful purchase. I often hold an on/off relationship with concealer brushes, sometimes I think they are useful but sometimes I believe you can't beat a bit of finger action to blend that baby in!
This brush picks up product well but doesn't disperse it evenly and offers nothing in terms of blending it in at all. It makes any area concealed fairly obvious which destroys the point of using concealer! The synthetic fibres are too stiff, basically...I couldn't find a way to make this brush work for me!

I like the packaging of these in the plastic slip that they come in, I also like the way the brushes are presented with their black handles. However, my original opinion still remains that forking out money for decent makeup brushes is definitely worthwhile. Some things you just can't do on the cheap!

Ombre Lips....A new trend??

I've been seeing this new 'trend' around here and there for a while and after seeing the facecharts posted by Smashbox on their facebook & twitter page yesterday I had to give the look a go myself! (any excuse to play around with lipsticks and I'm there!)

The idea is to create a fade from a strong colour to a lighter one, you're most likely to have seen this as a hairstyle and as a nail look, and I suppose a typical smokey eye could also be deemed 'ombred' aswell. Though I have to admit, I really dislike that word! 

The look can be really dramatic and creative with use of different colours, or can be created for a more wearable look by using two different shades from the same colour group.

Prepare the lips with a pale base so that colour on the lips is pure and not affected by your natural lip pigmentation. This also allows you to be creative if you wanted and re-determine your lip shape (you could enhance your cupids bow, or make your upper or lower lip slightly larger than normal.)

Using a thin brush (I used a clean MAC 210) select your deepest colour and define your lips. Build colour on these lines on the edge to emphasise them and use the excess colour on the brush to fade it inwards towards your mouth.

Then apply your lighter shades on the centre of the lips and blend outwards using a lip brush.

And you're done! 

I think this is a way to wear a purple lip without it being too harsh. I used Rimmel lipstick from the Kate Moss collection in shade 04 and Illamasqua lipstick in 'Wanton' for the centre, accent colour.

Another great way to wear this ombre technique is if you're trying to create a vintage/pin up look as it adds depth and glamour to an otherwise very simple & straightforward makeup look. It creates a strong focus on the lip which is key for a retro feel, plump kissable lips are very important!

For this look I used MAC 'Russian Red' for the outline (deep) colour and blended it with Myface Cosmetics lipstick in '155 Strawberry Fields' . The natural sheen from the Myface lipstick is a nice contrast to the matte finish of 'Russian Red'.

MAC 'Russian Red', Myface Cosmetics '155 Strawberry Fields', Rimmel Kate lipstick in '004' and Illamasqua's 'Wanton'

What do you think of this? Will you be trying this out? Let me know if there are any other colour combinations or looks you'd like to see from me!

Thanks :-)

GOSH Bronzing Shimmer Powder!

GOSH Bronzing Shimmer Powder in '002 Pink', £8.19  for 9g.

Realising I hadn't bought anything from GOSH (aside from their glitter pots for nails) in a couple of years I thought it time I re-acquaintenced myself with the range exclusive to Superdrug in the UK. I used to be a big fan of their pressed powders back in the day, great for pale skin!

This is GOSH's version of the shimmer brick (similar products available from Bobbi Brown and 17 to name two), technically classed as a bronzing powder I wouldn't personally use it in this way as the colour strips are much more suitable to be used as a blusher on my complexion. The sparkle shimmer would not be appropriate if you're looking for a contour or all-over bronzing shade.

Initially there are some chunky glitter particles on the top surface of the product. These do translate onto the skin and aren't very flattering as they are green/irredescent and very obvious, however after the top surface has been used these chunky particles are no longer visible in the product. Instead, a more natural (yet still shimmery) sheen can be seen and the finish is much more satisfactory and wearable!

With primer and foundation I find this product wears well for about 6 hours. After this it does become a bit patchy and worn looking on my skin.

The colour you achieve when the product is swirled together is a dusty, dirty pink colour. It's nice for everyday, and is mostly flattering if you work indoors, as the sparkle on the cheeks isn't very flattering in summer weather. Instead, this could also be used in the evening to add a highlight to the cheekbones, or to add a little shimmer on top of a matte cheek colour.

The packaging is really impressive, I love how flat the product is, considering there's 9g of powder the case isn't bulky, instead it is sleek and protective. I like that you can see through the plastic to see the product inside, and my favourite is the click shut/push button mechanism. It keeps it secure and it so easy to use (so much better than Illamasqua packaging, does anyone else get really annoyed/break nails opening that stuff?!)

Overall I do like this product, and don't think it is too bad for the price. However I wouldn't recommend it as a bronzing powder, more a shimmer blush if you're after one that is a good everyday pink colour. It's nothing overwhelming or must have, but not a bad product from GOSH!! I also bought a lipstick and a nail varnish, so expect reviews to come on those :-)

Thanks for reading, have yourself a lovely Saturday! I'm back to cleaning and sorting stuff out now, we have Dan Smith (from LA Ink) staying with us next week and I want our place to be a bit more organised (I've been on a selling rampage on eBay!)

Midweek post; Burning the Jo Malone

I'm afraid to admit that I did squeal with delight when this arrived a couple of weeks ago. Having never been a 'candle person' until recently, I was quite surprised at my reaction!

Jo Malone are a luxurious brand that sell bath-stuff and candles amongst other things. Gorgeous scents and stylishly packaged, this would be perfect as a gift (to yourself or somebody else!)

I love the cream box the candle was packaged in, fastened with a black bow. Padded with black tissue paper another black bow decorates the lid of the candle, too.

I chose English Pear and Freesia because I thought it would be all fresh and spring-y. And it is, it's nice. The scent subtley fills the room when it's being burned, it's warm and floral but not overpowering.

Instagram: emilylaurenbethxo

Do you love Jo Malone too? Any other products to recommend to me?

Continuing quest for 'Nude' ft. Creme D'Nude.

I've posted here about how I was inspired by National No Makeup Day to create and wear a more toned down, everyday look. Each day I can't help but switch nude colours for brights, being a pale girl I feel that I look more alive when I brighten my face up a bit  ...but due to the encouragement and compliments on my last nude look I thought I'd do another one and let you know how I'm getting on with a new nude lipstick....M.A.C's 'Creme D'Nude'. (Cremesheen, £13.50 for 3g.)

FOTD;

Base;

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

Estee Lauder DoubleWear Foundation in 1C1 Shell (click)

M.A.C Cream Colour Base in 'Pearl' as highlight

Chanel Poudre Universelle in '20 Clair' (click)

Estee Lauder Signature Blusher in 'Peach Nuance'

Eyes;

Benefit Stay Don't Stray eyelid primer

Neutral cream shade from TopShop Smoke and Mirroes eyeshadow palette

M.A.C 'Coppering' eyeshadow in crease

Maybelline gel eyeliner

YSL 'Shocking' mascara

Benefit High Brow

M.A.C. eyeshadow in 'Showstopper' on brows.

Lips;

Rimmel Lasting Finish lipliner in '050 Tiramisu'

M.A.C. 'Creme D'Nude' Cremesheen lipstick

Collection 2000 Lock n' Hold Lipgloss in 'Body Pop'. (click)

Creme D'Nude;

I'm a little 50/50 on this one. It is very unforgiving, particulaly if your lips are even a hint of dry. Lips must be exfoliated, prepped and primed before it, it's not a 'swipe and go' lipstick if you're in a rush to leave, on reflection I'm beginning to think M.A.C 'Hue' would have been a better option.

I have been using it a lot, but on it's own it can look a bit 'foundation on lips' at times which obviously gets a big sarcastic thumbs up from me. However, with a wash of gloss over the top (my favourite combination so far is with Collection 2000 Lock N' Load Lipgloss in Body Pop) it warms it up a bit and adds that shiny gloss finish that I crave on every lip-look at the moment. The colour of Creme D'Nude does hold a teeny hint of peach which does warm the complexion slightly, I don't look completely dead when I'm wearing it! It's perfect if worn with a heavier eye look as it balances out all that makeup. Still miss my brights though......

Do you wear any of these products? Do you think I suit the nude look or shall I stick to my bright lips (AKA comfort blanket!)?