My perfect base

I thought I'd show you the concoction of foundations I'm using at the moment to get my current perfect base. Mixing it up is working really well for me right now, even if it is a little bit of a palaver and a little painful for the purse!

I firstly apply MAC face and body really lightly all over my face. This is quite a sheer, low coverage foundation, almost like a tinted moisturiser (in fact, I've used some tinted moisturisers that have more coverage than this). I don't want to end up looking like I actually have face full of foundation  (even though I do), so this is a really good start just to even out my skin tone. 

Next I take the Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick and with my fingertips, dab a little over the centre of my face, and on any blemishes. Essentially I suppose I'm using this as a concealer, and for a little more coverage, in a discreet way! (I've reviewed the foundtion sticks here incase you're interested!)

Next I take the tiniest amount of Chanel Vitalumiere in a slightly darker shade than the others (like the shade I'd wear if I'd had a hot summery holiday), and apply this with a small foundation brush just around the edges of my face, my jaw-line and my forehead. This gives my foundation a little more depth to it. 

Finally, the famous YSL Touche Eclat. This I just pop underneath my eyes and across my cheekbones, for an illuminated  awake effect.I blogged about it in more depth over on a guest post on Kayleighs blog here, and also on my own blog  yesterday here just incase you missed it.

Have you ever used any of these foundations? 

Which foundations do you like to use to create your perfect base? 

I'm having a lazy blogging day today :) Some of you might be interested to know that my husband very kindly bought me a new camera (spoilt little lady, thank you!) So I'll be back on my Youtube channel very shortly, just have to get over my camera phobia all over again :s 

Little Black Bow

Little Black Bow (part of the Glamour Daze collection) is one of my favourite fluideline gel eyeliners from MAC.

It's a dark grey shade with tiny little iridescent glittery particles, sooo pretty.
Little Black Bow is such a nice change from the bold black eyeliner that I normally wear (Blacktrack by Mac is my current 'go to'), it's nice to mix things up every once in a while, don't you think?
Seeing as it's a glittery shade, I know I should have really blogged about this for the Christmas and party season, but I totally forgot I had it, woops!

Gel liner application can be a little tricky if you aren't used to using a brush for your eyeliner. I know I struggled at first, but the more you practice, the easier you'll find it. I find Gel eyeliner the best for getting that really clean cut, precise line, like a ribbon effect.

Now let's talk staying power. Mac Fluidline eyeliners have the best staying power I've ever found in an eyeliner, by far! They literally don't budge, you can apply in the morning, wear all day, and head for a night out and it literally doesn't move. It's also really easy to remove too, perfect.

I didn't swatch this for you, as it seems to be difficult to capture on camera, I promise you it's gorgeous in real life though!

Little Black Bow is £15.50 for a 3g pot, which seems to last forever and ever! So it's completely justifiable.

Have you tried Little Black Bow? What's your 'go to' eyeliner?

Pink Swoon

I'll admit I'm normally a cream blusher kind of lady. I've always preffered the finish of them and just found them a little more flattering on my skin and easy to blend.

Pink Swoon by Mac, was one of the powder blushers given to me on my make-up course, not a product I would normally pick up for myself.
So I was pleasantly surprised when I actually ended up really liking it. Since I've been using it every day for the last couple of weeks now, I thought it was time I stopped being so selfish and shared my new fav with you all :)

I know it looks bright and slightly terrifying in the pan, but don't be fooled, it's actually a really soft pale pink shade. It's so pretty and I find it really lifts my face.

I think the reason why I actually like this blush is because it's a 'sheertone' blush, so it's a lot lighter and doesn't seem to sit onto of my skin like I've found other powder brushes do. I think it still really suits the natural make-up look too.

As you can see from the swatch, Pink Swoon is very pigmented, so you only need to lightly dab your brush in to get a lot of colour pay off. I've just been applying it to the apples of my cheeks with an angled brush.

Have you got busy weekends planned?
Stef got his new Vespa last night so we're going for a little drive down to Old Street today.
Tonight I'm heading for dinner with my friends Laura and Richie in Muswell Hill, and a lovely early morning Yoga class on Sunday. Busy busy! Just the way I like it :)
Oh, and I know it's only day 4, but I'm doing really well with my resolutions so far, go me! (oh, except the sausage and mash and copious amounts of chocolate Covered Pretzels I seem to have devoured over the last couple of nights...oopsy). 

Youtube#11 Bronzing Tutorial

Hey there!

I hope you've all had a great weekend? 
I've just filmed this quick little bronzing tutorial for you, I hope it helps you out, I know I certainly didn't do my bronzer this way before I became a make-up artist! Shameful. 
Anyway it's one of my favourite, quick tricks (and one of the easiest) to achieve a nice natural sun-kissed look. 
Let me know if you like it :) 

MAC Trend Book Autumn/Winter 2012

Hey beautifuls, how are your weeks going so far?

I'm a tad hungover today (yes, I went out on a 'school night' again, when will I learn?!). I'm not gonna lie, I kind of wanted to wear my duvet into the office today!

Last night we went to the launch party for the new Halo 4 Xbox game, I know it sounds super geeky, but any event with a free bar you can't go wrong! I saw the Made in Chelsea chaps again, and a few of the TOWIE cast too, I didn't take any photos for you guys though 'cos I didn't wanna be all fan-girl when nobody else was really taking any photos...

Today I thought I'd show you something I am a very lucky little sausage to have. The Mac Trend book of Autumn/Winter 2012. I know this is super hard to get hold of and they only really send it to the bigger make-up artists, but my boyfriend is a jammy thing and managed to get me a copy of my own.

I absolutely love it. It basically tells you what the MAC predictions of the make-up styles that are going to be trending in all the fashion capitals like London, Paris, New York, Milan etc this season. In each shot they've done, they list the products used for each part of the face, and then describe how it was applied, so you can go off and achieve it yourself.

I've been loving all the London and New York trends, I've definitely noticed a 'no make up' make up look. I'm definitely keen to embrace that! Some of the models look like they're wearing nothing at all, but they're actually wearing rather a lot, it's so clever.

I think I'm going to try a few looks from this book and blog them for you. How do you feel about the 'no make-up' make up trend this season?

Youtube#8 What's in my make-up artist kit so far?

Hey guys, 
after a few of you have asked if I'd film a video showing you what's in my make-up artist kit so far. So here we are! I hope you enjoy it :) I'm off to a cartoon museum now, what are you all up to today? 

Espresso eyebrows

(sorry for the awful shot, it's sooo hard to take a photo of your eyebrows. How do other bloggers do this?! Oh, and sorry for the badly groomed brows, I'm working on these!)

The name of this eyeshadow seems to be completely fitting, seeing as I am a total coffee addict.

Last week I decided that I have an intense hatred for my eyebrows. I hate the shape of them, and I just thought the pencil I was using was far too harsh and they look way too drawn on. So I decided to switch over to powder. Cue MAC Espresso eyeshadow and the MAC 263 small angle brush.

You'll have to excuse the shape of my brow still, but I wanted you to see the colour. I think it's a great match for my hair. Espresso has brilliant pigmentation, you literally need the tiniest bit on the end of your brush, and it's so easy to build up the colour if you do want a more dramatic brow. I've just been filling in the sparse areas, I'm no expert yet, but it seems pretty easy to do and I'll keep practising. I think I'll probably watch a couple of youtube tutorials on this too. Maybe I'll even do my own when I've perfected it. I'm really enjoying the brush so far too, and the great thing is you can also use it for eyeliner and eye make-up. Total investment in my eyes. Have you used Espresso before? How do you groom your eyebrows?

Hope you're all having a great Tuesday? As soon as a parked my bottom down at my desk today, I had a nail painting sesh. Yup, I'm such a good employee. Currently munching on Oreos, drinking tea and reading some lovely blogs.

By the way, if you follow me, don't forget to enter my Topshop giveaway!!

Youtube#3 How I do My Daily Make-up

Hello darlings. So far my day in the office has consisted of nail painting, sweet chilli sauce (I'm obsessed with it, I even had it with my egg sandwich) and reading a new book called The White Tiger. I have major, major pmt today. Don't you just hate being a girl sometimes? I literally feel so down that I could cry for no reason, which is absolute madness because logically, I know that I'm so happy with my life at the moment. Happier than I've been in a really, really long time. Eugh, I can't wait for the hormonal mood to sod off!

Anyway enough of me blabbing on, today I thought I'd share with you my latest youtube video. It's pretty long 'cos I'm showing you how I do my daily make-up routine every morning, but I hope you'll stick around and watch it anyway :)

We are all just matter, that will one day scatter...

Firstly, I'll apologize for not using a photo of me actually wearing this (I know it’s frustrating when you can’t see what it looks like on), but my skin decided to be naughty and breakout today, and I didn’t think any of you would need to see that!

Before I fist used Mac Mineralize Skin Finish, I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about it. I don't normally use face powder (I’m obsessed with face mists to set make-up). I don't really like the look of a matt finish on my skin either, so I didn't really see how this product could benefit me in anyway. Oh, how very wrong I was.

I absolutely love the finish this powder gives me, it wasn’t too matt, it just helped me control excess shine. You’re supposed to use it to set or fix your foundation, but depending on what shade you get, you can also use them as highlighters or eye shadows. I got it in the shade Medium Deep, which I don't think I would use as an eye shadow, but it's great for all over my face and neck. I’ve been applying it with a standard powder brush when I wear it all over my face and neck, and with a MAC 109 small contour brush (my ‘go to’ brush) when I’m wearing it as a bronzer.
It has quite a low coverage, but just enough to give you a lovely noticeable glow, and feels really lightweight on your skin.
It's really highly pigmented, you'll only need one soft sweep with your brush, so you'll only ever need to use very little of the product. I can't comment on how long it will last as this is my first one, but I'm guessing as I'm only using a teeny bit, it'll be quite a long time.
As with all Mac products, it has a pretty hefty price-tag of £21, but with this product, I think you really get what you pay for. I've had so many compliments about my complexion since I've started wearing this, surely that’s worth the price?!
       
One of my favourite blogging ladies, Kayleigh from Couture Girl reviewed the shade ‘Gold Deposit’, which looks totally stunning. It’s a little more sheer and shimmery, great for a highlighter and eye shadow if you’re looking for a combination product.

Have you ever tried MAC Mineralize Skin Finish? What did you think?

My first You Tube video - A little beauty vlog

Hey everyone, so I filmed my first ever beauty vlog on Sunday, here it is!

I was super super nervous, which I know is ridiculous because there was no one even in the room with me, just me and the camera.

I find it so cringey to watch myself back too, do any of you vloggers ever feel that way?

Anyway, I would love to know what you think (please be nice!). If you have any tips for overcoming camera shy-ness, preferably not involving alcohol, please do let me know!

No longer, no longer, what you ask...

Hello lovelies, it’s nearly the weekend, yeaaah!!
Have you got anything fun planned?
I’ve got a bit of a jam-packed one… I’m heading to Soho tomorrow night for my sisters’ birthday drinks. On Saturday the mister and I are going to Kensington Roof Gardens for a bit of a party day, there’s a DJ and drinks, so I'm really looking forward to that.  Sunday it’s my sisters’ actual birthday so I expect the plan will be to head to Hampstead Heath, and then we are going to see The Dark Knight. Pheeewf, it’s going to be manic!

Anyway, down to lipstick. I've always been drawn to nude and pink lipsticks, I tend to pick nude early in the morning when I don't know what I'm doing with my hair/make-up/outfit. Nude goes with everything, right?

‘Hue’ from MAC is a gorgeous pinky-nude shade, one of those I’d describe as ‘my lips but better’. It’s such a lovely day-to-day lipstick that would suit most skin tones.  It has a creamy texture and is very pigmented. The only problem for me is that I find it far too drying. After wearing it for a couple of hours my lips look cracked and dry, even if I moisturize beforehand. So, in all honesty, despite the lovely colour, I don’t think I’ll be repurchasing this, at £13.50 a pop.
Have you tried Mac ‘Hue’? What did you think?

MAC FIX+

MAC Fix + is a mix of vitamins and minerals spritzer infused with green tea, chamomile and cucumber.

It's lovely for correcting caked on or dry make-up. A couple of sprays and your makeup is taken from matte to a soft natural dewy finish. I particularly like to use this if I am wearing mineral foundation, as it softens it up quite a bit, and adds radiance.

It says it finishes your make-up, but I wouldn't say it makes make-up last longer, it's not actually a makeup setting spray it's a refresher spray.
I found that I had to hold it quite far away from my face because the spray is quite concentrated and strong.

Fix+ has a very light, subtle scent, which I really like. Really nice for just refreshing yourself, especially on a hot sunny day, it would be lovely to have in your handbag on holiday.  

I do like this, but for £7 I wouldn't say it's a must have, it's pretty much glorified water. I don’t think I will purchase it again in the future, I prefer to use an actual make-up setter.
Have you used MAC Fix+ before? What did You think?

What's in my make-up bag?

Good afternoon poppets,
how are you all dealing with this monsoon June?!
I donned the hunter wellies on my way to the office this morning, and snuggled up at my desk with a hot water bottle and a cup of tea. Wouldn't it be dreadful to live in a country where they didn't drink tea??

I know I said I would be a little more diverse on my blog (I promise I will), but I'm really enjoying make-up again at the moment.
I'm thinking of doing a make-up artist course, even though they are ridiculously expensive. If anyone could recommend any around central London, that would be great!

Anyway, let's get down to it.
I love peeking into other peoples' make-up bags, who can resist a good nosey, eh?! So...this is the contents of my every-day make-up bag... 

I'll walk you through it...

Face

Clinique Dramatically different moisturizing lotion

No.7 Concealer- shade 03 fair (I always like to have my concealer in a lighter shade than my foundations)

Chanel Foundations-

My crazy love obsession with Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation is still going strong. We are coming up to our 3 year anniversary... or so.

Chanel Vitalumiere (shade 20 Beige), which I Mix with Vitalumiere Lumiere (shade 30 Cendre Shell) £35 for 30mls, depending on how tanned I am.

 Mac Finishing Mist

Topshop Foundation Brush

Cheeks

Mac Sheer tone Shimmer Blush- Trace Gold

Illamsqua Cream Blush- Sob (I've hit the pan on this one, it's lasted over a year and I still absolutely love it)

MAC 109 Contor Brush

Eyes

Mac Mascara- Studio Fix Boldblack Lash

Mac eyeliner- Smoulder

 Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil- Shade 001 dark brown.

Lips

Carmex Classic Lipbalm (I use this as as a base for lipsticks)

MAC Satin Lipstick- Myth

YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick

Randoms
Make up bag- Muji

Boots Eyelash curlers

Tweezer- Octopus

Bobby pins

 Cath Kidston mirror

Phew! It does seem like a heck of a lot when I list it.
This is my every-day natural make up look (excuse the hair, rain = bad hair day)...

What do you carry around in your make-up bag? is it as much as me?!

Mac Face and Body Foundation

Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m a bit of a make-up nerd.

I don’t believe in products that just talk the talk. No matter what the brand, I'm not easily sold, unless it works.
I've  strayed from my comfort zone and give Mac Face and Body foundation a whirl.

I honestly think I'm the only lady in blog-land who isn’t crazy about this?

The first thing is that I noticed is that that it smelt like sweeties, fruit salad to be exact…yum.
The consistency is VERY watery (well, duh, it's a water based foundation).
On application it felt strangely quite sticky on my skin, and I found it hard to blend. Maybe I should have used a brush. I had to apply two layers to get any kind of coverage.
I was a little happier with it once it had settled, and it left a kind of nice dewy luminous finish.
As the day went on I found it settled in my dry patches, and just didn't look great at all, sob. It doesn’t offer any sun protection either, which most foundations tend to do. 


I would say this is low to medium coverage, but buildable.
Personally I like quite a lot of coverage, so this was a little too natural looking for me.
It would be great if you have minimal skin issues and no blemishes, and I certainly felt like my skin could breathe whilst wearing this.  

The packaging is rather big and bluky, which is fine if you're going to leave it at home, but I like to carry my foundation around with me in my handbag, so this isn't the best for me.
I do like the nozzle on the bottle, nice and sanitary so it can't slip back in once you've touched it. The twist on cap is always a trustworthy bet too, no spillages.

Although I would still class MAC as being high-end make up, the price tag of this particular foundation are a little friendlier, £25.50 for 120mls... this helps justify the price.

Overall I would recommend this foundation for those of you who have mostly blemish free skin, are looking for a nice light summer foundation, or if you like tinted moisturizers.

Mac Studio Fix Boldblack Lash Mascara

Hello chummys, should I tell you more about my nail polish obsession?!
 Mmm... I should probably go easy on that. Okay, let's talk mascara.

I stand before you with a giant smile on my face.

This little gem now has a permanent place in my make-up bag. And in my heart.

I seriously love the effect this mascara has on my eye lashes.

I'm a girl who is all about the lash lengthening; I prefer a more subtle look. If you’re looking for thickness and volume, look elsewhere.

As you can see Mac Studio Fix Boldblack Lash mascara has a plastic wand. Personally I am a huge fan of plastic wands, I just don't get on with the bristle ones. But hey, that's just me.
This wand is particularly fabulous because it is so thin, meaning you can easily get to the outer and inner corners of your eye, those pesky little lashes that get missed if you have a big wand. I also found it really great for separating the lashes without clumping. No clumping at all in fact, praise the Lord!

Studio fix is a great subtle yet noticeable daytime mascara. It's easy to build up, if you do want a more dramatic look, 2 or 3 coats will work. It has quite a wet formula, doesn't smudge throughout the day and is easy to remove. You can't ask for any more than that, can you?

Top marks from me, I can't recommend this mascara enough!