WINTER BEAUTY PICKS

The combination of bitterly cold days and drying central heating this winter has left my skin looking a little lacklustre and in serious need of a hydration boost. The Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel has continued to help to restore my complexion, the cleansing and softening vitamins and pumpkin enzymes of this dreamy pink gel cleanser work well to leave me with radiant, soft skin

I've also pulled out the Sanctuary Spa Therapists Secret Facial Oil for winter, this heavenly oil glides effortlessly over the skin and works wonders as you sleep. Rich in hydrating vitamin e, soothing frankincense and strengthening rosehip oil you only need a few drops to leave you with soft, nourished skin that glows.

Lastly for skin Lush's The Sacred Truth Face Mask has been my favourite skincare treat this month. The papaya enzymes work to exfoliate whilst moisturising honey nourishes the skin, the fresh ingredients combine to leave my skin looking younger, radiant and smooth.

For body care I've been using a dreamy duo to keep my skin silky soft. Packed with exfoliating sugar, vanilla and moisturising murumuru butter, Lush The Rough with the Smooth is the perfect fix for parched winter skin. Paired with a rich moisturiser like Soap and Glory Smoothie Star Body Buttercream they make the perfect match leaving my skin feeling pampered and polished.

On my nails, I've been keeping it simple this month, after December's glittery mani's a swipe of Essie's Apricot Cuticle Oil is all I've been wearing most days. If I do reach for a shade, It's been a pretty nude like Essie's Sugar Daddy, a gorgeous sheer pink polish which gives a delicate no fuss mani.

I've also been keeping my make up quite simple this month, opting for dewy, natural shades. A shimmery champagne pink like MAC's Naked Lunch is perfect to brighten up the eyes, concealing tired peepers effortlessly with just one swipe over the lids.

For blusher, MAC Well Dressed is my top pick for winter, the cool powdery pale pink tones are ideal for the icy cold days. Paired with a shimmery iridescent highlighter like one from the divine Sleek Solstice Palette they work together to give a healthy luminous glow to the skin.

For lips, I can't be without Nuxe Reve De Miel in winter. With honey, sweet almond oil and shea butter it's my lip saviour for the colder months. I've also been reaching for MAC Mehr daily, the latest addition to my lipstick collection this dreamy mauve pink shade is so flattering and a new firm favourite.

What are your beauty picks for Winter?

Shop the Post

!function(doc,s,id){ var e, p; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js'; var cb = new Date().getTime(); p += '?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script');

Read more

VALENTINES PINK & RED LIP PICKS

With Valentines day right around the corner, I've been reaching for my favourite pink and red lipsticks. I'll probably just be spending Valentines day at home, in my favourite Asos pyjamas with Netflix and popcorn (I'm addicted to Reign!), maybe in the evening we'll rustle up a candlelit homemade meal to mark the occasion. Although we don't ever really do too much on Valentines, I love to wear a red or pink lip on the day!

The Pinks

I've given up hope for snowy winter days and so I've decided to embrace pink lips again and let a few spring picks creep their way back into my make up bag for the lead up to Valentines day. A current favourite and the one I'll probably end up wearing on the day is Revlon Sultry Samba. This pigmented creamy fuchsia packs a punch, it's a bold shade that pairs well with lots of mascara, a champagne highlighter and a nude pencil in the waterline.

Another favourite and strong contender for the day is Nars Yu, a shocking pink with an impressive formula. This budge-proof lip pencil feels soft and creamy on application and is a universally flattering shade, worn with dewy make up it's ideal for a fresh, healthy look.

My last pink pick Revlon Showy is a dupe for Chanel La Diva, this cool toned pink is remarkably similar to its high end dupe, albeit a little less long lasting. Luckily, the crayon style applicator means that it's easy to pop in your bag for application on the go and the pigmented formula means that you just need one swipe for lasting colour.

The Reds

Moving onto the reds, Nars Velvet Lip Pencil in Cruella is another top pick for Valentines day. I have only the highest praise for Nars lip pencil formula's, they're something else! Creamy, long lasting and pigmented this deep scarlet red is so comfortable on the lips and it's such a gorgeous shade!

L'Oreal Exclusives Lipstick in Blake is the one for dry, parched lips as the addition of Jojoba oil in this classic red lipstick helps to keep lips soft and hydrated. Great for date nights and paired with a shimmery highlighter dusted on the cupids bow this sophisticated red gives an effortless, polished pout.

Lastly, Clinique Cherry Pop is the latest red to my collection, a bright blue toned red with an inbuilt primer this perky bold red lasts well on the lips. It's the perfect shade for winter and Valentines day, how dreamy is the packaging!

What's your favourite pink/red lipstick?

Read more

MUJI DRAWER TOUR

Investing in a set of acrylic Muji drawers has completely transformed my make up storage and dressing table area, plus it's made reaching for my make up a dream! I've recently added two more drawers to my collection, stacked on top of my previous drawers they hold my current favourite picks. Having everything out on display looks so inviting and pretty, it's also made switching up my make up so effortless, letting me chop and change my products around to suit my mood or the season with ease.

Currently, the top drawer is housing a few of my current favourites, the Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise in Jean is the latest addition to my stash, a dreamy shimmery champagne shade, this vitamin e enriched cream eyeshadow is a must-have for neutral eyeshadow lovers like myself. 

Another eyeshadow pick is the creamy, pigmented By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Misty Rock, this shimmery lavender/taupe shade blends like a dream and once set is completely budge proof. 

Nars Alhambra is another great every day pick, a gorgeous eyeshadow duo consisting of two wearable, brightening shades. The formula is heavenly, buttery soft and super pigmented.

The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure is a staple for me, this finely milled, silky soft blusher sculpts the cheeks effortlessly and the swirls of ambient lighting powder enhance the complexion, leaving it radiant and bright. I really must pick up another of these - they're divine!

For something a little brighter, I've been reaching for my H&M blushers, the Pure Velvet Cream Blusher in Hot Pink is a fresh berry shade that perks up the skin and the Pure Radiance Powdered Blusher in Golden Peach is perfect for radiant, flushed cheeks!

For lips, I've been switching between Mac Mehr, a flattering mauve pink and the Charlotte Tilbury Kissing Lipstick in Coachella Coral, a pretty coral pink which is ideal for the lead up to spring.

Lastly, the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Opal is my current top choice for a dewy glow, it's a gorgeous, shimmery golden peach hue that brings radiance and light to the complexion.

The second drawer holds the majority of my high end lipsticks, Mac, Clinique and Chanel to name a few! The Nars lip pencils are my favourite picks, with a creamy, pigmented and budge-proof formula, they're a real treat to own.

What are your current make up picks?

Read more

NEW IN: A SPRING HAUL

Despite the occasional frosty morning, there's been a definite hint of spring in the air. I've been doing my fair share of spring shopping, picking up accessories, make up and home decor ready for the warmer months!

After hearing the exciting news about ASOS's new reward system last week, I placed an order straight away. After resolving to find the perfect pair of sunglasses this year (they just don't seem to suit me!) I picked up a variety of pairs to try out. In the end, I fell in love with this pair, they're comfortable, flattering and the gold detailing is beautiful!

For the home, I finally took the plunge and ordered this dreamy brass West Elm Love Sign. Placed among prints, alongside books on a shelf or on a dressing table, it looks so pretty and homely.

I also invested in a couple of Charlotte Tilbury beauty picks. The Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise in Jean is an everyday staple, this shimmery champagne, vitamin e enriched cream eyeshadow brightens the whole eye area with it's light reflecting pigments, I also opted for the Charlotte Tilbury Kissing Lipstick in Coachella Coral, a perky coral pink, this looks like the ideal shade for spring.

Another beauty pick I snapped up is the Barry M Mani Mask as my nails have been feeling quite dry. This works well as a base coat or as a wash of colour worn on it's own, hopefully it will help to inject a little moisture back into my nails!

Lastly, Topshop currently have an array of dreamy lingerie and I just couldn't resist this delicate mint Lace Triangle Bra with rose gold detailing. Ideal for lazy days at home, this bralette is so comfy, it's elasticated band means that it's easy to size up or down depending on your cup size too! I've already got my eye on the pink and burgundy shade to get next!

Shop The Post

!function(doc,s,id){ var e, p; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js'; var cb = new Date().getTime(); p += '?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script');

Read more

HOURGLASS AMBIENT LIGHTING BLUSHERS

It took me a while to pick up an Hourglass Ambient lighting blusher, with so many rave reviews I'm really not sure why I waited so long! I purchased Mood Exposure on a whim last autumn and was instantly hooked. Everything from the luxe packaging to the swirls of complexion enhancing ambient lighting powder make these dreamy blushes some of my top picks.

The finely milled texture of these ambient lighting blushers glide effortlessly over the cheeks for a flawless finish, you only need the smallest amount for flushed cheeks. Although I like to build up my blush, there's no powdery residue, instead it leaves a smooth, soft focus effect to the skin. These blushers really are heavenly.

Throughout the colder months the Hourglass Ambient lighting Blush in Mood Exposure became a daily staple for me. The dusky mauve/pink hue sculpts the cheeks and compliments a bold berry or red lip perfectly! The ambient lighting powder running through the blush keeps the complexion radiant too, which is ideal for lacklustre winter skin.

https://www.instagram.com

The latest edition to my stash is the Hourglass Blush in Diffused Heat. This perky coral pink blush gives a dewy glow to the skin which is ideal for spring! Just one swipe of this silky blush leaves you with fresh cheeks that look radiant and bright.

Aside from the dreamy shade selection, winning formula and luxe packaging, these blushers are also paraben, talc and cruelty free. I'm already deciding which shade to add to my collection next!

Have you tried these gorgeous blushers?

Read more

HOURGLASS AMBIENT LIGHTING BLUSHERS

It took me a while to pick up an Hourglass Ambient lighting blusher, with so many rave reviews I'm really not sure why I waited so long! I purchased Mood Exposure on a whim last autumn and was instantly hooked. Everything from the luxe packaging to the swirls of complexion enhancing ambient lighting powder make these dreamy blushes some of my top picks.

The finely milled texture of these ambient lighting blushers glide effortlessly over the cheeks for a flawless finish, you only need the smallest amount for flushed cheeks. Although I like to build up my blush, there's no powdery residue, instead it leaves a smooth, soft focus effect to the skin. These blushers really are heavenly.

Throughout the colder months the Hourglass Ambient lighting Blush in Mood Exposure became a daily staple for me. The dusky mauve/pink hue sculpts the cheeks and compliments a bold berry or red lip perfectly! The ambient lighting powder running through the blush keeps the complexion radiant too, which is ideal for lacklustre winter skin.

The latest edition to my stash is the Hourglass Blush in Diffused Heat. This perky coral pink blush gives a dewy glow to the skin which is ideal for spring! Just one swipe of this silky blush leaves you with fresh cheeks that look radiant and bright.

Aside from the dreamy shade selection, winning formula and luxe packaging, these blushers are also paraben, talc and cruelty free. I'm already deciding which shade to add to my collection next!

Have you tried these gorgeous blushers?

Read more

WINTER BLUSHERS

As we move further into winter and with slivered frosts, biting gales and colder days right around the corner I've pulled out a few frosty pastels, rich wines and shimmery red blushers to pair with the wintry days ahead.

MAC's Gleeful was a welcome addition to my make up bag throughout December, so much so that I've carried it through with me to the new year. This mineralised, soft wine blusher blends seamlessly over the skin, the luminous pigments enhance the cheekbones whilst it gives a rosy flush to the cheeks. Paired with pink glossy lips and tons of mascara it gives a fresh wintry look.

A matte, dusty red rose blush like Nars Dolce Vita is perfect for the transition into winter, best applied with a light hand, this pigmented, blendable blusher packs a punch. It's universally flattering  tones and matte formula sculpts the cheeks and looks divine paired with a shimmery champagne highlighter. 

I picked up this dreamy H&M Pure Radiance Powdered Blusher in Golden Peach last weekend as a wintry alternative to my all time favourite blusher Sleek Rose Gold. They both have the same infused shimmery, complexion enhancing effect which instantly perks up the skin with radiance and light, ideal for the gloomy wintry days. It's also slightly scented with a subtle, divine vanilla fragrance, similar to MAC lipsticks which is a huge plus!

Lastly, MAC Well Dressed has been my daily to go blusher, combined with MAC Soft & Gentle it creates a dreamy cheek combination that I'm currently obsessed with. This powdery pale pink blush works so well with a frosty pink eyeshadow like MAC's Naked Lunch, the icy cool tones match the colder days perfectly!

What are your favourite blush picks for winter?

Read more

FIVE FESTIVE RED LIPSTICKS

It's the time of year that leaves me reaching for a red lipstick on a daily basis. Paired with winged liner and highlighted skin a red lip gives a classic look that's also oh so festive. I've pulled together a little list of my favourite picks below for winter and the festive season.

The newest addition to my lipstick stash is Clinique Cherry Pop, a bright flattering blue toned red. Inbuilt with a primer, this long-lasting lipstick packs a punch with it's fresh, bold pigments. This lipstick is so perky and festive - one to pair with a LBD and bouncy curls for Christmas parties.

It's no surprise that a Nars lip pencil is among my top picks, everything from the creamy formula to the incredible pigmentation make these lip products divine. Nars Velvet Matte lipstick in Cruella is a deep scarlet red that's creamy on application, super long lasting and gives a gorgeous velvet matte finish on the lips.

When my lips are feeling a little dry I reach for L'Oreal Exclusive Reds in Blake. Despite being a matte formula it keeps lips soft and hydrated thanks to the addition of jojoba oil. The most sophisticated red I own, this cool toned red gives an effortless polished look that's perfect for winter.

Similar to Ruby Woo, MAC RiRi Woo is a gorgeous deep matte red with cool undertones. The pigmented formula means that you just need one swipe for lasting colour. This is the shade I'm wearing in the photo above, it's such a christmassy shade!

Lastly, Sleek Matte me in Rioja Red is normally my Christmas day lipstick. It has the most incredible staying power, lasting for hours before fading to a stain. As it's a liquid lipstick it can be quite tricky to apply, but once set in place it's completely budge-proof meaning that I can eat and drink as much as I like without having to worry about touching up my lipstick!

What's your favourite red lipstick?

Read more

FESTIVE BEAUTY

With Christmas parties and festive gatherings on the horizon, I've pulled out the most sparkly & glittery, Christmas appropriate make up that I own. I've lined up my favourite festive red lipsticks, pulled out all of my glittery nail polishes and decorated my dressing table ready for the occasion.

To keep my skin in top condition I've been reaching for nourishing serums, rich moisturisers and enriching oils. The Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel is a staple for me this month to combat dull, uneven skin. The pink, turkish delight scented gel transforms into an oil as you massage it onto your skin whilst the pumpkin enzymes and vitamins work to cleanse, soften and restore leaving you with a radiant and smooth complexion. 

I've also been using my Estee lauder Advanced Night Repair II again, pairing it with the Origins Make a Difference Overnight Hydrating Repair Cream, together they make a dreamy combination and leave me with plump, glowing, hydrated skin.

On my nails, I'm planning on wearing as much glitter as possible throughout December. Whether it's gilded tips courtesy of Essie Rock At The Top or full on Christmas Nails thanks to Essie Leading Lady, a sparkly festive, deep red I'm planning on keep my fingers and toes pretty festive all month!

I've noted a run down of my favourite festive eyeshadow shades here and whilst most of these shimmery shades are well suited for the party season, Topshop Shuffle the cards, a sparkly iridescent rose gold and L'oreal Sable Lame, a gel infused, buttery soft shimmery gold are my top picks this month for every day wear. 

It's not really Christmas for me without rocking a bright red lip at least once during December. L'Oreal Color Riche Lipstick in Blake is a flattering, cool toned red that when applied gives a polished, classic look. My second pick, Nars Cruella is a gorgeous Christmassy red lip it's creamy on application, dries to a matte finish and lasts for hours on the lips.

Lastly, on my cheeks, I've pulled out my favourite festive rosy wine blusher MAC Mineralised Blush in Gleeful for shimmery, flushed cheeks. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure is perfect to pair with a red lip as it sculpts the cheeks effortlessly whilst leaving a subtle pink radiant sheen. For highlighter, Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal, an iridescent, shimmering golden peach highlighter is my top choice to give me that candlelit, luminous glow. 

What are your festive beauty picks this month?

Read more

FESTIVE EYESHADOWS

It's around that time of the year when I start to pull out all of my glittery, shimmery shades ready for the upcoming festive season and Christmas parties ahead. I've been wearing these gorgeous, iridescent shades either swept across the lids or patted on lightly for a hint of sparkle to enhance and brighten the eyes.

The Nars Outer Limits eyeshadow and it's more affordable dupe Topshop Shuffle The Cards are dreamy, iridescent rose gold shades that consist of flecks of pink and gold glitter. The peach base means that you can simply wash these over your lids to give you an effortless shimmery eye with a gorgeous rose gold sheen. For a more wearable and little less glittery option, I like to pat a small amount on with my ring finger over MAC All That Glitters.

L'Oreal Color Riche L'Ombre Pure eyeshadow in Sable Lamé is an incredible, gilded eyeshadow that gives a touch of festiveness to any make up look. The formula of these gel infused shadows is unreal, they're soft, buttery, pigmented and last for ages on the eyes. Sable Lame is a soft, light gold with flecks of glitter running through it. It blends like a dream and when washed over the lids and paired with a classic red lipstick gives the ultimate festive look, perfect for parties.

I'm pretty smitten with Illamasqua's Pure Pigments, these mesmerising pots of pigmented hues give an intense colour payoff. Over the festive period I like to opt for Static, an ethereal, opalescent pearl with violet and pink micro glitter and Furore, a metallic peach champagne. 

After finally taking the plunge and investing in By Terry Misty Rock, I saw why this creamy eyeshadow stick has it's cult status. It glides over the eyes with ease, blends like a dream, the colour payoff is incredible and once set, is completely budge proof. The shade is divine, a taupe with lavender tones and fine silver glitter running through it, perfect for a sophisticated take on festive eyes.

Lastly I always pull out my Naked 3 palette around this time of the year and with the Urban Decay x  Gwen Stefani high on my Christmas wishlist this year I've rekindled my love with Urban Decay shadows, in particular this dreamy rose gold palette. With matte shades, shimmery rose golds and coppery bronzes, this is the perfect palette for the party season.

What's your favourite festive eyeshadow?

Shop The Post

!function(doc,s,id){ var e, p; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js'; var cb = new Date().getTime(); p += '?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script');

Read more

AUTUMN LIPSTICKS

With autumn now in full swing and winter well on it's way, it's the time of year that leaves me reaching for rich berry tones to pair with cosy grey knits, mauve shades for an everyday autumnal lip and festive reds for the lead up to Christmas!

The latest shade that I've added to my stash is MAC Plumful which has fast become one of my all time favourite lipsticks and my most worn shade this autumn. The classy, mauve pink/MLBB colour looks so effortless and feels light and silky on the lips thanks to it's lustre finish.

As the temperature slowly drops, I like to opt for something nourishing and hydrating for everyday wear. Korres Lip Butter in Quince is a daily staple for me, it's buttery texture melts onto the lips giving a pretty sheen of colour and it's packed full of nourishing shea butter and anti inflammatory and healing Quince extract to keep lips soft and supple.

If I want something a little festive then I reach for L'Oreal Color Riche Exclusives Lipstick in Blake. This pure red lipstick screams sophistication and paired with champagne eyeshadow and winged liner gives a beautiful classic, polished look. The formula of this is great, matte, long lasting and contains jojoba oil to keep lips soft.

For a bold, berry lip, MAC Rebel is the one. It's rich berry tones make this the perfect autumn lipstick shade. As with all MAC shades, the scent is heavenly and the lasting power of Rebel is pretty impressive, only fading to a stain after around 3-4 hours wear time. 

Lastly, for a vampy, glossy option, Sleek Gloss Me in Forbidden City is a gorgeous, pigmented berry gloss with hints of copper iridescent shimmer. It's affordable, fairly long lasting for a gloss and not at all sticky on the lips.

What's your favourite autumn lipstick shade?

Read more

THE LEAD UP TO HALLOWEEN

Each year, on the week of Halloween, I pull out all of my vampy make up, decorate my home with pumpkins and spooky things and indulge in as many Fiendish Witches Hat Fancies as I can manage. 

I've added halloween touches to my make up, opting for purple eyeshadows, berry lips and dark nails and have even decorated my dressing table for the occasion. Dark, vampy hues like MAC Rebel and Nars Cruella have had a permanent place in my make up bag and I've pulled out my favourite Zara flats (similar here) for the occasion!

In my home, my pumpkin garland is still hanging proudly above my bookcase with my Roberts Radio, Copper lamp, Harry Potter Funko and pumpkin and bat decor atop to give it a festive feel. 

Most likely, I'll be spending Halloween inside, with sweets at the ready for the trick or treaters whilst carving pumpkins before settling down for the night with a Lush bath using the Sparkly Pumpkin bubble bar. Then I'm planning on watching Harry Potter films on repeat whilst feasting on leftover sweets and chocolate.

What are your plans for Halloween?

Shop The Post

Read more

SWITCHING UP MY MAKE UP FOR HALLOWEEN

With Halloween right around the corner I've been pulling out some of my favourite vampy shades to wear for the lead up to Halloween. Although it's not always the most wearable type of make up, I love adding hints to my make up routine for a festive touch throughout October.

On my eyes, I've been smudging purple eyeshadow under my lower lashes for a soft, smoky effect. Mac Quarry is a beautiful muted plum brown which is perfect for every day wear and for something a little more bold I reach for MAC Nocturnelle, a deep aubergine frosted purple. It works well paired with berry lips and spidery lashes.

Each Halloween, Illamasqua Pure Pigment Powder in Static, a mesmerising pigment with violet and pink micro glitter, makes it into my make up bag. It's ethereal, iridescent pigments are perfect for Halloween, it looks great brushed lightly onto the tops of cheekbones, dotted onto the inner corner of the eyes or onto the centre of the lids.

On my nails, I'm still flitting between the idea of creating a halloween nail art design or sticking to a dark nail polish like Essie Midnight Cami, a dreamy dark sapphire blue or Essie Sole Mate, a glossy, vampy berry.

For lips, I've pulled out Nars Cruella, a rich deep scarlet red. It's creamy, matte formula delivers impressive staying power without drying out your lips too much and looks divine paired with champagne eyeshadow and winged liner.
Another staple for me in October and for Halloween is MAC Rebel, a gorgeous berry that lasts for hours on the lips.
Lastly, Sleek Mulberry* is the perfect shade for Halloween, it's the ultimate vampy shade and an intensely deep burgundy that feels light and moisturising on the lips. I love wearing this applied to the centre of the lips and paired with a fuchsia for an ombre effect. 

Do you like to add halloween touches to your make up?

Read more

AUTUMN BLUSHERS

With a biting chill in the air, darker mornings and fallen leaves whipping through the breeze, Autumn is definitely here. I've slowly moved away from the pink and coral hues of Summer and have been gravitating towards rusty oranges, dusky pinks, plums and berry tones for Autumn.

The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blusher in Mood Exposure has been my daily staple throughout the early autumn months. The dusky mauve/pink shade sculpts the cheeks and compliments a deep berry lip perfectly whilst the swirls of mood exposure lighting powder running through keeps the complexion radiant and bright. This silky soft blusher blends seamlessly onto the skin leaving a beautiful, flawless finish.

Warm pinks like Nars Orgasm are perfect for the transition into the colder months. This pigmented, buttery blusher gives a warm, golden pink flush of colour to your cheeks to perk up dull skin on gloomy autumn days. See me wearing it here.

The dreamy hexagon packaging of the H&M Pure Velvet Cream Blush in Hot Pink completely drew me in to this creamy high street blusher. The formula of this is similar to the Topshop Cream blushers, it blends as a cream before setting in place as a powder making the formula great for all seasons. On the skin, the shade translates as a pretty berry pink, giving you glowy, flushed cheeks.

Finally, Sleek Blush By 3 in Sugar is the perfect cheek palette for autumn. It contains three pigmented, autumnal shades - a berry red similar to Nars Dolce Vita, a deep wine with copper shimmer running through it and a matte rusty orange that has beautiful peach undertones. Best applied with a light hand, these blushers pack a punch and offer an incredible colour pay-off. Each shade is flattering on the skin, the quality as always with Sleek blushers is pretty exceptional and the palette is so handy to take with you when travelling!

What are your favourite blushers for autumn?

Read more

12 BEAUTY TIPS TO TRY

I love reading beauty tips and tricks, ways to speed up my make up routine and ways to improve my technique. I've picked up a few invaluable tips over the years from beauty blogging, working in make up and from award winning make up artists that I was lucky enough to chat with when working at IMATS.

I thought I would list a few of my favourites that I've learnt and that I often use, I'd love to hear yours too!

1. Brush hair from the ends up to reduce breakage and split ends.

2. After applying lipstick, take a tissue and separate into 1ply, place over your lips and sweep a fluffy brush loaded with translucent power over the tissue to seal in the lipstick - MAC Prep and Prime Transparent Finishing Powder is great. Dab on another layer of lipstick and then tissue, powder and seal in once more for long lasting lipstick.

3. Wrap false lashes around a pencil or make up brush to make them more flexible and easier to work with.

4. Use hairspray on a brow brush like Daniel Sandler's Brow Groomer brush as an alternative to brow gel, spray the spoolie and then comb through to tame unruly brows and hold them in place all day!

5. A good skincare routine helps to create the perfect base for make up. Oskia Renaissance Cleanser, La Roche Posay Serozinc & Origins GinZing Moisturiser are a few of my current favourites.

6. Mix foundation with a little moisturiser to give you lighter coverage for Summer.

7. Watch make up tutorials on youtube for incredible looks, tips and techniques.

8. Invest in a concealer palette like Collection Conceal and Light Like A Pro Palette. Green cancels out redness, yellow is great to diminish dark circles and purple brightens dull skin.

9. With eyeshadows, uneven numbers tend to look better. I like to stick to either just 1, 3 or 5 shades.

10. It's only make up, it's easily washed off - experiment, test out looks and start again!

11. There's no real right or wrong way to apply make up, use brushes, sponges or clean fingers to apply products. Use eyeshadows as highlighters, cream blushers as lipsticks and bronzers as eyeshadows - whatever works best for you!

12. Hygiene is important. Check use by dates (Meg's guide is great), deep clean brushes often (Dr Bronners Liquid Soap is amazing) and keep note of any ingredients that you are allergic or have reactions to.

Read more

THE BEST OF HIGH STREET MAKE UP

High street make up brands have seriously upped their game recently, the packaging, formulas and prices are competitive and the ranges are pretty impressive. Here are a few of my favourite picks from the following brands:

Topshop Beauty

Supposedly made by the same company as MAC, Topshop's Make up range is beautiful and has been a favourite of mine for a long time. The lipsticks are creamy and long lasting, the blushers are pigmented and the packaging is gorgeous and feels well made and sturdy.
My favourite products of the range are the highlighters, especially Topshop's Glow Highlighters as they are beautifully iridescent and give an almost ethereal glow to the skin. I also love Topshop's Chameleon Glow eyeshadow in Shuffle the Cards, it's a buttery smooth shimmery rose gold and a great dupe for Nars Outer Limits. The blushers, lipsticks and nail polish shade range and formula are also divine.

H&M Beauty

I spent a long time in H&M last weekend swatching and testing out their new make up line. The collection looks impressive, it's affordable and the shade range is incredible. The packaging completely drew me in with it's dreamy hexagon shapes, monochromes and golds. However, although alluring, some of the packaging feels quite fragile and a little plastic.
The pencil eyeliners, cream eyeshadows and blushers are my favourites of the range, they're pigmented, long lasting and blend seamlessly onto the skin. The eyeshadows ranged vastly depending on the shade, 'Chin Chin' was beautifully pigmented and buttery smooth but most of the glittery shades felt quite chalky and had a lot of glitter fallout.
I picked up the eyeliner in Grand Cru, a light golden champagne which is unbelievably soft, creamy and long lasting and a Pure Velvet Cream Blush in Hot Pink, a blendable, pigmented deep berry pink.

Accessorize Beauty

The make up selection in my local store was quite small but I managed to swatch a few eyeshadows and lip products from the line. The eyeshadow formula was impressive, buttery, shimmery and pigmented and the lip products were pigmented and creamy.
Out of everything I was most drawn to the new nail polish design, it has to be the prettiest nail polish bottle that I've ever seen! The rose gold and geometric glass dome makes a such dreamy combination, it looks beautiful sitting on my dressing table. I bought the shade Petrol, a matte blue grey, the formula is quite thick but this may be due to it being a matte shade (which I didn't realise until application!) It took two coats for an opaque finish and lasted well on the nails. I'm really not a fan of matte shades and so unfortunately I'm not sure I'll get a lot of use from it, I love the look of the nude and light shimmery shades, I'll have to test those out next!

Which is your favourite high street make up range?

Read more

AUTUMN BEAUTY

With my bright and coral hues tucked safely away for another year, I've pulled out some of my favourite autumn shades to wear for the upcoming months. My dressing table is looking a little more autumnal and I'm excited to embrace burgundy, plum and berry shades.

With darker nights and mornings slowly creeping in I've been left feeling quite tired and my skin has been looking a little lacklustre. Origins High Potency Night a Mins is great for autumn as it's a thick, creamy moisturiser that helps to combat dull, tired skin. It contains vitamins E, C and H, helps to fade acne scarring and gives a boost of radiance to your skin.
Nuxe Reve De Miel is my lip saviour for the colder months, it contains honey, sweet almond oil, shea butter and calendula to keep lips soft and supple.

For blusher, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure is so perfect for autumn. It's a beautiful rose/plum shade with swirls of ambient lighting powder running through that leaves you with a flawless, radiant finish. Nars Orgasm (worn here) gives a warm, golden pink flush of colour to your cheeks that helps to keep your make up looking fresh and glowing on gloomy days.

On my eyes, I've been gravitating towards MAC Quarry, a muted plum and MAC Sable, a bronze with plum pearl. Both look great smudged under the lower lash line for a hint of colour or blended through the crease for definition.

I'm a huge fan of autumn nail polish shades and so it makes me so happy to be wearing berry shades again. Essie Bahama Mama is a divine rich plum and one of my favourite nail polishes, it works so well paired with Essie Summit of Style, a bronze chunky glitter to give you gilded tips.

Autumnal lipstick shades are some of my favourites to wear, Topshop Beguiled (worn here) is a beautiful berry/red with slightly shimmery undertones, it's velvety formula glides easily onto the lips and is such a flattering shade to wear. MAC Rebel is a gorgeous autumn berry lipstick that's perfect for blustery autumn days as it stays put for hours. I opt for MAC Plumful (swatched here) if I want something a little more subtle on the lips, it's a pretty mauve berry that's buildable and feels soft on the lips.

Lastly, I've been running a little Beauty Protector Protect & Oil through the ends of my hair for silky soft tresses. This smells incredible - like candyfloss, doesn't weigh down my hair at all and a little goes a long way, I only need to use a couple of drops for glossy, bouncy hair.

What are your beauty picks for autumn?

Read more

AUTUMN DRESSING TABLE DETAILS

With autumn fast approaching I've taken a little time to reorganise my dressing table ready for the colder months. I've removed the summery decor (shown here) and pulled out my favourite berry lipsticks, glittery nail polishes and autumn blushers to give it more of an autumnal feel.

My muji drawers are the latest addition to my dressing table and are currently housing a few of my favourite blushers and lipsticks. I'm hoping to get another acrylic drawer to place on top for my everyday items as I love the way they look and it makes reaching for and switching up my make up a dream.

Candles are a must for autumn and although Baies is typically a summer scent, the warmth and depth of blackcurrant and rose is also great for the transition into autumn. I've got my eye on this Sweet Vanilla Cinnamon Candle to place on my dressing table next!

I've also been trying to incorporate copper and rose gold touches, copper feels quite autumnal to me and so the hair pins, Zoeva brushes and the mirror all help to hint towards autumn.

My dressing table drawer currently holds some of my most used eyeshadows, mascaras and nail polishes. As you can see, I have a bit of an obsession with L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascara and always have a back up or two on hand!
The Essie polishes that i've pulled out are all autumnal shades, my favourites for autumn are Essie Bahama Mama, Essie Sole Mate and Essie Bordeaux.

I really love adding autumn hints to my home and I'm sure as the months go on i'll be adding more autumnal things and maybe a few festive pieces too!

Read more

TRANSITIONAL LIPSTICKS #2

Now that it's September, I've put my brighter lipsticks to one side in favour of hints of berry, fuchsia and subtle plum shades. I'm so excited for autumn and love wearing these hues, they all look so pretty on the lips and are great for the transition into the colder months.

(swatched in order mentioned below)

Fuchsia is the perfect transitional shade, it lets you hold onto bright pinks whilst the purple tones hint at autumn. Revlon Wild Orchid is a creamy fuchsia with pink and blue micro shimmer running through it that gives it a lustre sheen, it's a great dupe for MAC Show Orchid and really helps to brighten up gloomy autumnal days.

I've been reaching for Maybelline Color Drama Lipstick in Keep It Classy almost daily, it's long lasting, pigmented and creamy on the lips. It's a beautiful red toned plum that when applied straight from the pencil gives you a bold, berry lip. My favourite way to apply this is to dab a little of the colour onto moisturised lips and then blend with your finger to leave a pretty tinted satin stain.

Berry shades have been slowly creeping their way back into my make up bag, for a subtle sheen Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie gives a hint of berry whilst keeping your lips soft and lightly moisturised. Revlon Lip Balm Stain in Crush dabbed on and then rubbed in with your finger leaves a berry stain that's not too bold and autumnal, making a great transitional shade.

Lastly, the latest lipstick to my collection MAC Plumful, gives a beautiful mauve berry pink sheen to the lips. It's the perfect sheer berry lip that lasts for a few hours on me before fading, also as a lustre finish it's silky and feels light and soft on the lips which I love. This looks so great paired with champagne eyeshadow and plenty of mascara, it's a beautiful lipstick and I know it will be my go-to shade in autumn!

Read more

EVERYDAY EYESHADOWS

Out of the many eyeshadows that I own, there are only a select few that I reach for on an everyday basis. Whilst I dabble with a few glittery/darker shades every now and then, I mainly stick to these shades:

Nars Alhambra: This dreamy, buttery textured duo contains two perfect shades for everyday wear, it blends seamlessly onto the lids and brings so much light to the eyes. The metallic rose looks great blended all over and under the eyes and the golden champagne highlights the inner corner and under the brow bone beautifully. 

MAC Naked Lunch: If I had to choose one favourite eyeshadow, then this would be it. It's the perfect champagne pink that really brightens and opens up the eyes thanks to the peach toned shimmer running through it. I always get so many compliments when wearing this and I couldn't be without it. See me wearing it here and here.

MAC All that Glitters: Another beautiful shade from MAC, All That Glitters is a pigmented golden beige with slightly rose undertones. This is my favourite shade for autumn as it can look slightly coppery on the eyes which works so well paired with berry lips and long lashes. See me wearing it here.

Bobbi Brown Metallic Eyeshadow Champagne Quartz: A wash of this silky peach champagne shade all over the lids gives the most beautiful, shimmery effect to the eyes. It's pigmented, long lasting and although quite pricey, you get a lot of product for your money.

L'Oreal Color Riche Eyeshadow in Cafe Saint Germain: This shimmery purple taupe shade is slightly reminiscent of By Terry Misty Rock. It's a buttery, pigmented and long lasting formula that blends seamlessly onto the eyes and is easily applied with your finger or a flat shader brush. See it swatched here.

What are your favourite everyday shades?

Read more