Giant Goody Bag from John Lewis and Grazia

I didn’t take any photos of the event simply because I felt a bit awkward to do so.  Also it might have been a bit weird acting like a fan girl. The talk was really lovely Grazia ladies and Lily Pebbles, who came across really well, down to earth, and simply eager to help out with any queries we had. The ladies went through their summer favourites and after the talk there was a table with all the things that recommended.  Was very hard not to pick something up.

The goody bag was HUGE.  I am totally stoked with all the freebies I have scored, all the items are pretty decent as well.  I will do a review shortly on these when I get a moment.

On a separate note on the way home I thought I had lost my bracelet.  My Dad gave this to me on my 15^th birthday, so I was nearly in tears when I got home, as well has being gorgeous it has huge sentimental value.  I was convinced that I had dropped on the tube, road somewhere.  So when I emptied my goody bag, guess what I found in there.  When I was on the tube on the way home in my greedy eagerness to know what I got it must have slipped off.  So happy it was safe and sound!

Thanks for reading

Carrie x

 

Beauty event John Lewis with Grazia on Oxford Street 25.07.13 6pm -8pm

I happened to be perusing my blog-loving account this morning and stopped on the lovely Lily's blog what I heart today. 
http://www.whatihearttoday.com/2013/07/join-me-at-john-lewis.html

There is a beauty event going on in partnership with Grazia magazine.  I am a bit puzzled because bar Lily's post yesterday I can't find alot of buzz on it so I thought I would do a shout out for anyone London based who fancies a beauty night out.  I am dragging Lou along so it should be a giggle.
Lily will be doing a talk on her summer beauty choices and there will be a Q and A session after.  Various beauty treatments will be avaliable during and after.

Tickets are a tenner fully redeemable against a purchase if you fancy buying something after.  There is also a goodie bag on offer with each ticket.  Judging from the last event in March the goodie bag is fairly sizeable.  I will doing picture of goodie bag and some pictures of the event it I don't look too much of an idiot while I am there.  Hee hee.
Call 02030730592 for tickets.  The event will be taking place in the beauty hall of John Lewis on Oxford Street 6pm -8pm .  Nearest tube is Oxford Circus. Address is 300 Oxford St, London W1A 1EX

Sorry I nicked this picture from Lily's blog (I hate doing that!) as I simply could not find any other website promoting this.  I did check honest!!

Thanks for reading, and hopefully you can make it too!

Carrie x

MAC MSFs Galore I can't help but buy some more!

MSF (Mineralise Skin Finish) obsession collection

This isn’t really a review its just an ode to my MSF collection.  I realise I have a lot but I can’t seem to stop buying them I am rapidly running out of space in my blush/highlighter drawer.

I got on the MSF bandwagon late in the game and now I am trying to hop off but I am finding it hard. (sorryIamnotsorry)  Since 2011 I have obsessively bought a Limited edition MSF out of most collections.  It all started with lightscapade.  Which is a beautiful subtle silver highlighter.  Then I moved onto the MSF blusher ‘star wonder’ and ‘stereo rose’.   I loved these in my pre-cream blusher days as they created that dewy highlight cheek look in its powder form. 

The next MSF I got was soft and gentle.  This part of their permanent collection. This a lovely champagne peachy highlight. 

The next couple of MSFs were from the heavenly creatures collection last year.  Star wonder was my first MSF that I used as a blush.  It's a really cool deep pink with a bronze thread.

I also purchased light year and centre of the universe.  Which if I am being honest have been a little unloved of late.  Note to self must use more often! 

I bought the very popular and re-released stereo rose last January.  It is a favourite of mine and I use it at least once a week.  It's a beautiful coral with rose gold thread running through it. 

The newest offerings from tropical taboo collection are rio and adored.  I'm loving both at the moment. 

Rio isn't really a blush MSF, but it comes off as a pinky bronze.  On days where I just wear Bronzer I have been using adored to a little peach to my cheeks.

What MSFs do you have?  What do you reckon, can I squeeze a couple more in my collection? 

Thanks for reading

Beauty Mart

Beauty Mart

When I got this email in my inbox a couple weeks back I literally squealed with excitement at work.

Box Park is the new-ish pop up mall based in Shoreditch.  I work very nearby so I have seen the coming and goings during the week and on the weekend.   When I first heard of it was ‘the’ place to be seen eating your lunch and having an alcoholic slushie after work.   It was where and still is where most of the Shoreditch bats hang out if the sun is out.  (Fabulous sun trap during the summer FYI)

Frankly it hasn’t been as successful as it should be retail wise.  This is not due to the concept or the stores, but the shape of the units are quite disabling.  The stores are made of crates which aren’t very large, but are long and thin, so when you enter the store you literally feel a bit cramped and squished.   Bless the staff, they do try to be nonchalant but they really can’t help but be on top of you the whole time you are at the store.  Stores of note are WAH nails (sadly returning back to its dalston store) one piece, and north face.

Beauty Mart is the brain child of Make Up PR royalty Millie Kendal and Anna-Marie Solowij  .  What started out as a blog has turned into a shopping experience bonanza where all the items in that are expertly chosen by, the well the experts in the industry.    So everything that you have ever read about in a blog, review site or magazine all under one roof.  They house the best of big beauty name like Bourjois, Barry M, Revlon as well as Jurlique, Trilogy and some other brands that I have yet to discover.   As well as having all these gems under one roof their staff can advise you specifically on your make up likes, skin types, etc. 

I visited on the second day of opening and there was one of my beauty heroes Millie Kendal, of ' Ruby and Millie’ fame.   Quite frankly I was a bit awe struck, but she was so lovely, so involved with all the customers on the day.   I loved it that she was just up for a good old chat on the day, what a legend, what a lady.  

Millie Kendal was one half of Ruby and Millie cosmetics.  It was a brand that launched in 1998 and then after 11 years sadly stopped being produced.  When I was 16-17 Ruby and Millie was make up du jour at school and Uni.  It was so more accessible by being in most major Boots in the country, not like MAC which if memory serves was based in Harvey Nicks, one snotty store on the Kings Road, and the duty free Airport.   As well as setting up her own brand she has worked with most of the big names in the beauty industry.  There is a more in depth review of her work history in link below.

http://www.kaymontano.com/2012/05/07/millie-kendall-shu-uemura-ruby-millie-beautymart-me/

Items that I picked up were:

EOS lipbalm Honey suckle

Steam Cream

Rosehip oil by trilogy


I am espcially loving the rosehip oil at night. I think in total it cost me £35 for everything which in comparison to my Space NK sprees is quite restrained.   I will do a proper review which prices of my other bits when I get a chance.  I have been off the radar for a while due to work and wedding planning.  I do recommend checking out beautymart store and picking up some treats.
Thank you for reading

Carrie x

Prepping ‘em Pins

I don’t have great legs, but they get me from A to B. Though they aren't my best feature I do try to keep the short short short skirt worthy during the summer. 

So it is a very rare occasion that I will get my legs out.  They are usually hidden under tights, jeans or long skirts. However due to the sudden heat wave, I have been pretty much walking around bar- legged and be-sandaled like the rest of the UK.  Here are some of the heroes I have been busting out to get me through.

Michael Kors leg shine original  (?) bought this in the mini Sephora.

US ladies the larger version cost $32 and I think you pretty much can get this anywhere over there.  I have been using this product for many years now.  It came out about 9-10 years ago along with the first original Michael Kors perfume (which is still a fav of mine) and I snapped this up along with the perfume.   This adds a lovely bronzed glowy sheen to your legs.  It’s not going to make your legs brown but it will certainly make your legs better if they are dry.   I like to use this when I wear a skirt because the scent drifts upwards.  I generally will use this all over my body like a glitterly perfumed stick. Good for when you are in a stich without a rollerball perfume.   The mini version from Sephora is handy to fling in your handbag and go.  It’s perfect if you are rushing to a summer event with bare legs and have forgotten to moisturise.   British ladies if you are interested if you are going to the States it well worth having a look in Sephora for a mini version.  The first time I purchased this it was a large stick version and it went manky before I time to finish it. 

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse® Or Dry Oil Golden Shimmer 50ml £21 Space NK, M&S online and in store.

If you cannot get your hands on Michael Kors leg shine fret not.   This is the liquid version but without the perfume scent.  This does have its own scent which is kind for musky, earthy, grassy ( legal green stuff that grows in your garden) smell.  It’s not overpowering and over time I quite enjoy the smell of this now.  This is another golden oldie (oh cheese sorry couldn’t stop myself) from my early twenties.  I first bought this about 10 years ago, during my clubbing days where basically I wanted to cover myself in shimmer.   I am a bit more conservative now and will only use this during the summer months.   It is a bit of weird texture, as a dry oil it does absorb into the skin straight away, so you aren’t left feeling sticky afterwards.  It is like 10x more sparkly than the leg shine so beware of putting too much on.  

Garnier body Repair restoring Moisturiser £6.15 boots and super drug 

This is the cheaper version of crème de corps by Kiehls.  Okay it doesn’t come in the same fancy kiehls packaging (more on that later) but it does exactly the same job.  The formula is heavy but absorbs quickly, the smell is not offensive, and the bottle shape is a lot more user friendly than the pump version from Kiehls.  (when you get to the end of a kiehls large bottle you have to store it upside down to get the last dredges. PAIN!). I have been using this for the past 2 months and compared it to kiehls and it really is the best budget moisturiser that I have come across.  In comparison to its expensive counterpart this is can be yours for a modest £6.12. 

 

Nivea Body in Shower lotion Rich £3.55 (£1 off in Boots in Store) Boots and Superdrug.

 

This is the alternative if you are feeling super lazy and or are pressed for time in the morning.   This is a in shower treatment that you apply in the shower, wash off and you are moisturised.  I have used a couple of times and I am impressed by its moisturising properties.  This smells like the old fashion tin of Nivea that my mum used to have, or used to buy me when I got into my early teens.  So I have a massive nostalgic love of this for the smell alone.   They only gripe I have is that I find that it really does not wash that well.  The occasions where I have used it after a 1. Really grimy day at the office 2. Used it after a hard run in the park.  It doesn’t really clean all that well, I was still sniffing myself afterwards and feeling a bit manky.   Perhaps I am proper manky, I do sweat a lot.   Let me know what you think if you have tried it?

 

Hope that was helpful to you. What are your primping your pins with this summer?

Any recommendations?

 

Thanks for reading

Carrie x

MAC bits and bobs

 

My relationship with MAC.

I think most of us who are beauty-centric have a real affinity with Mac.  The colours in their eye shadows and lipsticks are unrivalled by few.  To describe it in terms of a make up relationship MAC was my first real long term boyfriend.  I was loyal, I invested a lot of time and money, I was crazy obsessed in love, and committed for a very very long time.  But alas, I grew bored of MAC and its offerings and searched for new relationships in pastures new.  

This is until I saw the new MSFs on offer this year.  I know, I know it is a massive cliché but I just love them even if they are all basically merge into the same colour. ( they are different all of them and yes I do have room for 10+ highlight/blushers in my life, hmmmm ) It all started with Lightscapade it is my favourite highlight of all time and I wear it most days if I haven’t reached for Stereo Rose or Star Wonder.   No I am not obsessed, really I’m not. *sigh*

From Mac Tropical Taboo face selection £21.50 Rio and Adored online and in store.  However get them quick at limited edition MSFs tend to sell out pretty quickly.

There are 5 MSF on offer, however two of them are part of the permanent collection range so I think that is a bit of a cop out!  The 3 that are limited edition are Rio, Lust and Adored.  I picked up Rio and Adored as they appealed the most to me.

Rio is described as a bronze with a bright pink pearl.  This makes a lovely subtle blush highlighter.  I wore this yesterday teamed with another bronzer and wore a bright cherry lip.   On the skin it is very rose gold bronzer.   For a lighter skin tone I think the blush would show up a lot more, on a dark tone this would just work as a highlight.  I really love this MSF I think it is really beautiful in the pan and on the cheeks. 

Adored is a coral with a light beige.  I probably could have given this a miss, but then I thought it would go as a nice highlight with a lot of my coral blushes.  The effect is a highlighter with a coral tinge nice on the top of cheek bones.   A few other people have said this is nice lightly dusted all over the face.  I haven’t tried this yet but I reckon you could use this to brighten your whole face with.  This is nice a MSFs but not a legend maker like ‘stereo rose’.  I think if the people at MAC put slightly more pigment in these then we would have the whole beauty clamouring for more.  However if you are proper collector you probably will have bought these.  If you are more of an eclectic collector then you could probably give these a miss, or just buy Rio. 

Paint Pot in Groundwork £15 online and in store.

This is part of the permanent collection.  I have never used a paint pot before.  Back in 1999 I used of have a couple of tubes paint from MAC, can’t remember what they are called as they only do neutral ones now, but I had black/grey one that I used to death, and throughout my late teens and early twenties I was into a grunge black eye goth look.   Most of this used to end up over my face after a night out, good times.

Groundwork looks like a mid tone neutral brown.  On the Mac website this is described as a mid-tone neutral Taupe.  It looks boring as in the pan, but when swatched has a lovely sparkle to it.

Eye Kohl in Teddy £14 online and in store.

I bought this on the recommendation of Lily Pebbles.  She had this amazing eye make up when she went to the Baftas and I have lusted after this for a while now.  Mac describes this a an intense bronze.  This goes on the eye easily and smudges out like a dream.  It is such a beautiful brown/bronze pencil.  Any of you like a brown bronzy eye look then I recommend this as a must.

I was bored on Sunday so I had a play around with the eye products.  In no way am I a make up artist, I simply do what I can, and what I have learnt off you tube.

What items have you bought from MAC recently?  Any recommendations?  I know due to Mac enormous range there are a couple of things I know I have missed.

Thanks for reading

Carrie x

Space NK Haulage July :)

Top to bottom Nars ‘Dragon Girl’ Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Nars ‘Luxembourg’ Satin Lip Pencil,  Lipstick Queen Lipstick ‘Perfect Wave’

Bumble and Bumble Surf Shampoo and Conditioner online Space NK major department stores and some hairdressers.  Shampoo £18.50 and Conditioner £20

The newest offering from Bumble and Bumble that supersedes the use of the surf spray.   Surf Spray is a great product but it took me a while to figure out how it works.  See previous post.

http://www.makedoandmakeup.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/bumble-and-bumble-surf-spray-i-finally.html

This is obviously a bit easier for the simple minded folk like me, you wash and go.   I have only used this a couple of times but it does what it says on the tin.  Texturized, volumised, beach tousled locks without thinking about it. The smell is also really nice, like freshly laundered linen, watermelony I can’t really describe it.  It’s not a strong scent but it is lovely.   The prices from Space NK are a bit rich for my liking so I am on the hunt for places that sell this for cheaper.

Lipstick Queen Endless Summer Perfect Wave £18 Space NK online and in store.

Another pink neon lipstick that I couldn’t resist.  This is one of Lipstick Queen’s limited edition offerings.  This is a moisturising sheer blue based neon pink.  Looks very scary in the Tube, but due to its sheerness texture is nice on.  Did I need this?  No.  Did I want it?  Hell yes!  

 Dior skin Nude BB Creme - Nude Glow Skin-Perfecting Beauty Balm £30 in most major department stores and online.

I totally caved and bought this after loads of BBloggers have been raving about this.  This is really pricey for what is essentially a tinted moisturiser.   However there is more to this than just a basic sheer base.  The coverage is as you expect sheer, however there is a lovely illuminating quality that brightens your face and diminishes large pores and sallow skin.   I got this in my local House of Fraser and the SA put this on me with a hefty dosage of bronzer.  (This was after quite busy day at work and it was muggy that day.  So by that point my make up on my face was on its last legs. )  The impact this stuff made to my face was brilliant, I looked like I had just finished putting on my make-up.  If you curious, or you need a new sheer base I advise you to give this a go.  Not the cheapest out there admittedly but it is a wonderful product.

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl £17.50 Space NK in store, out of stock online at mo.

Carrying on the flame for bright matte lips I picked this up out of curiosity.  I had originally had my eyes set on ‘Red Square’ which is a beautiful bright red orange.  A SA applied this on me.  That colour definitely did not suit me.  I mean it was okay, but it made my teeth yellower than they are, my skin became dirty dim looking.   All the assistants around me were saying,

“Oh you are so lucky you have dark hair and dark skin you can totally pull this off!”

 but I had alarm bells ring in my head. 

The colour really didn’t do anything for me so I asked to try ‘Dragon Girl’ which is a blue based cherry red.   I put that colour on the transformation was immediate.  My skin was brighter because of the colour and my teeth whiter than they actually are.  The SA immediately retracted her statement by saying this was a better colour for me.  (Thank you for confirming what I already know.)

Simple lesson – Go with what you skin colour is not with what colour trends are out there.  Red/Orange is big on trend right now in the make up world.  Unfortunately if you have a warm skin tone like I do (Yellow mostly due to my Chinese heritage) a warm colour is going to do nothing for your complexion and teeth.  Generally speaking warm skin tones need cool tones, cool skin tones need warm tones.  It’s not always the case but it’s what I stick to.  Go with your gut, not the trends, settle for what makes you look great not what is okay. 

Any-hoo the product is another lovely introduction to matte lipsticks.  See post promoting hourglass lip products

http://makedoandmakeup.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/late-to-bold-matte-lip-party-hourglass.html

I fared better with this than some other matte lipsticks out there which turned my lips into the Sahara Desert.   Out of the day that I wore it I had to apply once, and put on a slick of lip balm as I cannot go a day without a wee bit of moisture.  The pencil makes it easy to apply so no lipliner needed.  The product does not move around too much once applied and does not bleed.  

Nars Satin Lip Pencil Luxembourg £17.50 Spacek NK in store and online.

I also pick up a satin pencil in ‘Luxembourg’ a day after buying Dragon Girl.  Yes I know they are pretty similar in colour.  ‘Luxembourg’ is slightly bluer therefore more pink than red.  This has a glossy effect on the lips and is moisturising.   The staying power is not great, but then most glossy lipsticks don’t have good staying power.  The colour is another bright cherry red, that mellows to more of a fuchsia as you were it.  It is a lovely colour, and if you are scared of matte lipsticks like I am this is the one for you.

Kevyn Aucoin the Precision Brow Pencil in Brunette Space NK £19 in store and online.

Okay so I am massive fan of ‘browzings’ by Benefit.  I love the wax and powder and it is a fantastic brow product. However on the move this is a total pain, with the wax, and the powder, and wee brushes, and tiny tweezers, oh the drama!   Which is why I bought above.  I have never really been into eyebrow pencils.  I think I damaged my reputation one time at uni by drawing my eyebrows in with a very black eyeliner as an experiment.  Admittedly it was on a very big night out in a very big sweaty club.  I made the accident of rubbing my face mid night and ended up with a big greasy black mark over my forehead.  Much to the delight of my friends. 

Brunette is a lovely gray black brown which will suit most people.  My eyebrows are black black, however that does really mean that I should draw them in black.  The pencil is really small so you can draw in little individual hairs if you wish.   There is also a very handy brow brush the other end for combing out your brows.   The product lasts most of the day with only one application needed.

What will you be buying beauty wise this month?  Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks for reading

Carrie  x

PS:  Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base £19

I have missed out writing about this as I am not sure I am too impressed with it.  I will let you know anon how I get on.  I want to give it a couple of more chances before I give my opinion.

 

Hello!? What do we have here then?

Browsing my email and see below.....

I am going to visit after work.  I will let you know how I get on

Carrie x

6 product face, AKA: Paring it down with a pair of specs

I have been wearing my specs for the past couple of weeks.  Simply because my eyes need a break, and because of the supersonic hay fever we have had in the UK due to the late summer.  I am totally blind so I have quite strong contacts, so once every 3 months I will wear my specs permanently for about a month.  This improves the health of my eyes and gives them a break from contacts.  Which let’s face it aren’t very natural or healthy for your eyes.   Also its so unattractive constantly going around with bloodshot eyes. 

I know of lot of ladies out there insist on dressing up your eyes when you have glasses on.  Personally I don’t see the point, as firstly I am so blind I can’t manage anything more difficult than mascara and perhaps a slick of eye shadow, and secondly through my milk bottle bottom glasses you don’t really see anything.  I am more about keeping things simple make up wise when I wear my glasses, as most of it will transfer on my glasses lenses or on the actual glasses themselves.  Generally my focus will go on my hair, which I like wear down with my specs, and my skin/cheeks. 

Glasses and hair up make me look like a librarian which isn’t good look for me.

A big thing in the BBlogger World is paring your make up down to 5 items.  I haven’t managed this, the nearest I got was 6.  I could have probably done without my mascara but then I would have looked like an proper mole mole with no eye lashes.

Firstly I have been trying to step away from the Kevyn Aucoin Sensual skin perfector and start re-acquainting myself with some of my other old favourites that are simple to use.  One of which is….

Bobbi Brow Foundation Stick £28 in most major department stores.

I really like the formula of this, it really does behave itself and stays put with a bit of powder.  This is quite a pigmented formula, however it can be moved around with your fingers or a brush.  I have been using this since I was in my teens, as it’s easy to apply and can be used for on the spot concealer, or used more liberally for a fuller coverage.  Packaging is great as you can take with you everywhere, after the gym, for another application at work, it’s great.   A lot of people complain the Bobbi Brown foundations and products are too yellow. However for me that is perfect as I have a lot of yellow in my skin tone so a lot of their products are good matches for me.  I usually have the problem that foundations and concealers are too pink for me, this why I can never find a drug store foundation that matches me.  Which is a blooming shame as there are so many good ones out there.  I like this product, however I kinda of glad this is not the only one I use.  It’s is really expensive for what it is and I feel like

You do pay for the convenience of the packaging more than anything else.

Kevyn Aucoin Creamy Glow blusher £19 Space NK in store and online

I love this stuff. I have raved about it a couple of times, but there is something about this bright blusher that makes me so happy.   On the face it’s a natural glowing flush, that does not budge much due to the formula.  Takes a second to apply with a stippling brush.  If you are looking for pop of colour in your life let me recommend this.  I occasionally pop it on my lips and put a slick of lip balm on top.

By Terry touch Expert Advanced concealer. £29

This is a wonderful under eye concealer.  It doesn’t gathering your wrinkles, it doesn’t make you have totally white eye bags, it lasts for a reasonable time.   You can layer it on for more pigmentation, although in my opinion it is fairly pigmented already.   This is good as a normal concealer to even up the skin tone.  Anyone who has a lot of green/yellow undertones knows what I am talking about when you get a green ‘tasche by mid-morning.   It will cover a couple of smaller spots but isn’t the best one for doing this.  At £29 it is really pricey, however I have had mine for a couple of months and it still going strong.

Bobbi Brown sheer finish pressed powder £24

I have used this for years and years and nothing holds your foundation/concealer on your face better than this.   It’s not an exciting product, which is probably why I am unfaithful, but every time I repurchase I remember how good it is.  Powder pouf it comes with is great for doing little touch up, which will hold for 6-7 hours.  I like to dust it on with a powder brush as well for a less matte look.   You can layer this stuff on and still not look that powdery.   On a hot and sweaty day this is a must.

L’oreal telescopic waterproof mascara £10.99 (normally on offer for £7.99) in Superdrug, boots online and in store.

This is an old formula of this mascara.  This is a cult favourite and deservedly so.  It has a tinnie tiny brush and the formula lengthens and curls your lashes.   I have been trying to hunt this down but I have heard rumours that they are discounting this stuff.  This stuff is also awesome as it will not budge come rain, tears nor sweat.  Due to that it’s a complete pain to get off.  If you can get your mitts on these I recommend you get yourself a tube and prepare to be amazed.

Fresh sugar lip treatment £16 from Fresh London store on Marylebone High Street.  Contact store for online buying london@fresh.com

The best of the best lip balm treatment.  I had recently strayed to another luxury lip balm oil which actually DRIED my lips out which is staggering considering the price.  Feel totally conned, so I quickly ran back to this product to sort my lips out.  It smells of lemon, absorbs quickly in skin, and most importantly moisturises your lips so you don’t have to apply every 5secs.  It is pricey for what it is, so any friend in the states, or if you are going beg borrow and steal to get your hands on one of these. 

Hope that was useful insight to paring your make up down.

Thanks for reading.

Carrie x

What I cannot live without- make up wise

Items that I cannot live without –Make up wise.

I am very fickle when it comes to my make up choices.  Thinking back I think I have tried most brands at some point or another.   I have got to a point where I have a handle of my skin and make up and I have settled upon several items that I literally have used for the past 1-2 years nonstop.  These are my favourites that I will chuck on my face if I am in a rush/can’t decide what I want to put on/want something easy to wear.   With the exception of the Kevyn Aucoin foundation I have a some point used all of these on the train when I have been running late.

Urban Decay Potion eyeshadow lotion £15 from website and Debenhams in larger stores and online.

This stuff is the brilliant, I know there are brilliant alternatives out there but I haven’t tried them because I haven’t left this one.  Not only does it keep your eye shadow on your eyes but it will keep your eye concealer on as well.  Due to that face I reach for this every single morning to help me cover my under eye baguettes, and keep them covered for the whole day. 

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Perfector £36 Space NK in store and online.

This stuff revolutionised my face, I have only had this about 8 months but it’s definitely something I will purchase again.  It allowed me to wear cream blush for the first time in my life.  It’s a concealer, it’s a foundation, it’s not for under eye concealer as it’s a bit too thick and slides into your wrinkles immediately.   This can be put as a full coverage, it can be mixed with a tinted moisturiser to sheer it out.  I normally apply above a tinted moisturiser and sheer it out, and give the most natural dewy flawless face.   It’s not as dewy if you use on its own, so can be made to look quite matte.   A lot of people I have read have problems with this.  The solution is just get a real techniques buffing brush and buff away (I have included this in the pic above).  This is the best way to apply to face, if you use your fingers it’s a nightmare.  The texture is stiff when you apply it with your fingers, but it’s that quality which makes it last ages on the skin.   A little of this goes a long way, the packaging is small but is perfect for travel.   If you are looking for something to up you’re a game definitely give this a try.  Even Kevyn Aucoin as a brand there are loads of little gems that are worth trying out notable mentions are their creamy glow blusher and their eyebrow pencils.

Lipstick Queen Saint Pink £18 Space NK in store and online.

This was the first lipstick that I bought from Lipstick Queen and it is the easiest pink to wear.  It’s subtle but gives a lovely finished look to your make up.  Nice to wear with a dramatic eye, as it doesn’t fight for attention.  I always have this lipstick rolling around in my handbag, along with two or three others which I can’t seem to leave at home.  The formula is moisturising and sheer, 10% pigment.  The brand also does a sinners version of this which is the opposite 90% pigment.  I recommend that you check the brand out, if this pink is not for you there will be a colour that is.

Bobbi Brown Under eye corrector £18 online and major department stores.

This is a lovely peachy colour, that makes your eye bags and green ‘taches’ disappear.  This is my first foray in colour corrector, which you apply underneath your concealer.  I have a bunch of different concealers that I use on a daily basis, but I have started using a little bit of this to brighten my bags rather than just slicking on the concealer.  I really like the effect.

I will usually carry this around with me along with my concealer to reapply once a day if its sweaty (like it is at the mo) or leave it at home during winter.

Nars Laguna Bronzer £26 Space NK online and in store.

Sorry I know I have raved about this several times but I am totally transfixed by it at the moment.  This goes beautifully with a coral blush, a pink blush.  It adds depth to a blush, give you a nice glow.  I have been neglecting the blusher and just using this for a bit of bronzy goodness just to shake up my look at bit.  Please see my other post but if you a looking for a lovely gorgeous bronzer this is worth a look. 

Stila Convertible colour Peony £16 Space NK online, Boots online and in larger stores.

Peony is a convertible colour of choice at the moment, it’s a lovely subtle natural pink.  I have been favouring the pinks at the moment.  I think the coral is having a break as I ‘coralled’ myself to death during spring.   This doesn’t look great on my lips but on the cheeks it’s a nice look, which I pair with my saint pink lipstick.  If you deciding to get one of these babies I would recommend that you get this one as it’s a colour that can be paired with most things, and can be worn during winter.

What things can you not live without in your make up stash?

Thanks for reading

Carrie x