Prime & Set Favourites

Good Morning Blogettes!

There are so many products hitting the shelves to help us achieve a longer lasting face of make-up but are we ever able to narrow down the best performing?

But what really is a primer? Primers are a product that are well used across the beauty industry and beauty gurus have also found home alternatives that have sent make-up lovers crazy. For example, 'NikkieTutorials' discovered that the men's 'Nivea Post Shave Balm' makes an incredible primer that is now being used by many globally...in case you're wondering, the Nivea balm features in today's post!

Whether you are wanting a dewy, glowy or matte finish, there is a primer for almost all desires but it's all about finding the best product for your skin type and what you love on your skin. I am still yet to purchase some well known, amazing quality prepping moisturisers and primers but that's for another future post...let's get back to the present; I have picked out some of my current priming and setting favourites that I like to use that keep my make-up set and fresh for the days events.

Lets talk Primers

Stila One Step Correct

Stila One Step Correct is a correcting and brightening serum that can also be used to prep the face for make-up or can be worn alone for a fresh, natural look. I discovered this product from the YouTuber Shaaanxo and after all her good first impression, I had to of course buy it. I didn't have any correcting products at the time so I thought as it was my first encounter with correcting products, that it would be an easy way to learn about using correcting serums. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!

The product is so perfectly creamy and weightless on the skin, it feels like nothing but looks so incredibly fresh and glowy. On days when you're really not feeling a full face, this is the perfect product to achieve a luminous, pure look. I adore what the product actually looks like in the packaging and the combination of elements your skin needs. The green tone neutralises redness including concealing blemishes, the lavender colour balances out yellow undertones for a more energised appearance and the peach tone is the luminising and brightening tone that everyone loves. I also think this product is perfect for any skin type but especially for oily skin because it controls and moisturises the skins natural texture. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

Nivea Post Shave Balm

If you are unaware of this trend then you may think this is completely bonkers but believe me, the hype over this is unreal. The reason Primers work and how they help make-up stay on the skin so effectively is because of the Glycerin inside the product. The balm contains a lot of this Glycerin which is why it tops most primers and why people are featuring this on social media. Even though I knew about this, it took me a while to actually try it for myself but after discovering it in my dads toiletry bag (sorry dad, it's mine now) I can rely on this to create a flawless base for my make-up which lasts all day long, even in the warmest of temperatures.

L'oreal Mattifying Primer

Although I am not the biggest fan of a matte finish anymore, when my skin is feeling particularly oily, I like to use this Primer to counterbalance the oils. With the Infallible foundation, the combination of the two create such a flawless matte finish and is so full coverage, sometimes it's nice to have the option when it comes to the type of finish depending on your skin. This is another perfect product for oily skin types and due to it's silicone like formula, it feels so weightless and light on the skin which I love.

Let's talk Setting Sprays 

Setting Sprays are a god send when it comes to long lasting make-up and locking in the products. As with Primers, there are many on the market for several different finishes and several different prices. You don't necessarily have to use the same primer and setting spray together because it's all about finding your favourite products that work on your skin, on your make-up.

Urban Decay All Nighter

It was only recently that I tried this very well known setting spray because I wasn't sure whether I wanted to commit to buying the full sized bottle. I was given this as a complimentary gift when I purchased the 'Alice Through The Looking Glass' palette, it is the travel sized version so I knew if I didn't like it then it wouldn't be so much of a waste or I could give it to someone else to try.

I know for sure that I will be getting my hands on the full sized product because I absolutley love the way it sets and finishes my make-up. It definitley does exactly what it says and leaves a beautiful, dewy finish to your skin; It also feels amazignly refreshing after you've just applied an hours work to your face (or more in my case but lets just not talk about that).


 L'oreal Infallible Fixing Mist

This is the partner in crime to the L'oreal Infallible Mattifying Primer so yes, it's a matte finish. Again, if you are wanting a matte finish then this is perfect for achieving that; the infallible range is incredible for those with oily skin because the matte products help to minimize the oils. This setting spray is well within most peoples budget so it's perfect for a beginners make-up kit. (FYI please let me know if you want me to do a beginners guide to make-up series because I literally just had a huge brain wave).

So there you go! Doesn't it just make you wonder how make-up has evolved and how different products enhance different features...cray right?!

I hope you have a shamazing Friday fellow blogettes and I'll be back soon.

Things You'll understand When Dating A Beauty Junkie

Afternoon beautiful humans and Happy Fridayyy!

So for today's post, I have come up with something to, I wanna say 'educate' but I am not entirely sure, that boys mind of his (if you have one in your life that is) on understanding what it's like to date a beauty junkie and let me tell you now, things are about to get serious.

1. She'll appreciate a MAC lipstick or Anastasia Beverly Hills liquid lipstick any day.

2. No highlight is ever "too much" If she wants that Mary Lou glow or that Champagne Pop then you gotta accept that, ok?

3. You gotta accept the attitude and the emotion that comes with a failed winged liner, sympathise dude, this is code red.

4. The real commitment test is sitting in a make-up store while your girl swatches every MAC lipstick until she finally buys exactly ONE or just none at all.

5. You compliment your girls make-up any time, any where. This is art and the cost of her lipstick alone could fill your car for a road trip.

6. Finding out her shade, favourite brands etc will be the best decision you'll ever make; never will you struggle again when gift shopping.

7. When she is watching those make-up tutorials, you watch them too; you've gotta know the difference between her contour brush and her bronzer brush in case of an emergency.

8. Number 1 priority is appreciating both her make-up face and her natural beauty at the end of the day.

9. When all else fails; you know what makes her happy...not you, no, the products on her MAC wish list.

10. If you ask her how much longer she is gonna be then boy, you've started world war 3 and that's your cue to grab that ladder and get yourself out of that hole you just dug for yourself. Amen.

11. If your new white tee is still white then you don't hug your girl enough.

12. The launch of a Limited Edition range or product is a big deal; she gotta have it even if she hate it.

13. We refer to our 'Make-Up Idols' by their first names, get to know Jaclyn, Nikkie and Shani on a personal level.

14. If we move in together, respect that all the make-up and storage comes too.

15. When you ask for nudes the only thing she sends will be Velvet Teddy and Brave by MAC.

16. Naked means something completely different.

17. You make her cry with those Huda lashes and that clean cut liner then just accept the fact that you'll be sleeping on the floor; preferably on another planet.

18. You know the difference between Ruby Woo and Russian Red.

19. Definitely do not, I repeat, DO NOT tell us we own too many products.

20. But most importantly, you love her no matter what.

I hope you liked toady's post, I loved writing it and I hope you enjoyed reading it!

Urban Decay 'Alice Through The Looking Glass' Palette

I cannot tell you how excited I am to be writing this post and seeing as it's Friday, I thought it would be the perfect time to do it.

I'd be very surprised if you didn't know but just in case you don't, Urban Decay have released their Limited Edition 'Alice Through The Looking Glass' range in collaboration with Disney. The range consists of an eyeshadow palette and 5 lipsticks. Yesterday I purchased the eyeshadow palette so I thought I would share with you my first impressions and some cute lil swatches seeing as I have so much to say about it.

Before I say anything, look at that beautiful packaging. I have to say that Urban Decay have pulled it right out of the bag with this one and the packaging they have designed for this special Disney edition. In comparison to the 'Naked: On the Run' palette it is a very decent size; slightly less practical for the professional side of things but I am certain that I am not the only one who has completely fallen in love with it never the less.

As we open this bundle of beauty, we are greeted with this adorable quote, related to the film 'I'm not strange, weird, off, nor crazy, my reality is just different from yours'. There is also a mirror saying 'We're all mad here' which I believe is fricken cute to say the least. Although I don't see myself using this mirror often, it is a beautiful touch to the Alice theme.

'I knew who I was when I got up this morning, but I must have changed several times since then.'

Ok...let's just take a minute for my favourite part (except the actual shadows of course) How beautiful is this feature!? Instead of just a regular palette they have paid attention to detail and gone all out with Disney in mind, I absolutely adore this delicate butterfly and the stunning colour choices.

As we explore further into the palette, the excitement continues. I AM OBSESSED!

Seeing as the packaging was a huge hit, standards were high for the shadows themselves. At first glance the shadow holders almost look holographic and 3D but it is all totally flat; clearly this really doesn't make a difference because I am head over hills for this palette...it's just too pretty.

Round of applause to whoever created these names, let's just take a look (from left to right):

- Looking Glass

- Hatter

- Lily

- Heads Will Roll

- Time

- Reflection

- Gone Mad

- Duchess

- Bandersnatch

- Dream On

- Dormouse

-Paradox

- Kingdom

- Salazen Grum

- Chronosphere

- Metamorphosis 

- Cake

- Chessboard

- Royal Flush

- Mad

Like almost every Urban Decay palette there is a brush; one side for blending and the other for the lid most often then not. Ready for swatches?

Look Glass, Hatter, Lily, Heads Will Roll & Time

Reflection, Gone Mad, Duchess, Bandersnatch & Dream On

Dormouse, Paradox, Kingdom, Salazen Grum & Chronosphere

Metamorphosis, Cake, Chessboard, Royal Flush & Mad

All the swatches I did of the palette were first touch only, so there was no layering or pressure involved. As you can more or less tell there are a mixture of matte, satin and shimmery shades which is perfect for creating an eye look with the handiness of just one palette. The pigmentation is amazing as expected from Urban Decay and I can definitely say that this is well worth the money (£43).

So there you have it, the 'Alice Through The Looking Glass' palette everyone has been ranting and raving about. Word of advice, get hold of this ASAP because stockers are selling out fast and being a limited edition palette, you really don't want to miss your chance.

What do you think of Urban Decays new range?

Applying Make-Up During Labour?

Good Afternoon fellow blogettes...

Over the past couple of days I have been reading more magazines both online and offline, feeling really inspired by the beauty articles...of course. I feel like one of the best places to find and gather inspiration for anything is by reading a bunch of magazines and bookmarking things that you instantly think 'yes, this has inspired me to...'

So, for todays post I decided that I wanted to talk about something that had the internet talking for a while because of how extrodianary it may have come across to a large majority of people!

"Beauty Blogger Applies A Full Face Of Make-Up In The Middle Of Giving Birth"

 
Although I discovered this a good couple of months ago, I came across it again feeling so inspired by it. Ok, the reaction from most people was negative but I couldn't understand why some readers would feel so negativley about someone using their hobby/profession as a distraction? Is it just me? For those of you who haven't heard anything about this and therefore sat wondering what the hell I am rambling on about then lets take it back to basics.

Once Upon A Time...just kidding! A 27 year old professional make-up artist shared on social media, images of her applying a full face of make-up during labour, from lashes to contour. Pictures were captured of her laying in a hospital bed with brushes, products and palettes arranged in front of her. She explained on instagram how she had taken some of her favourite products with her in her hospital bag to then look absolutley fabulous when welcoming her 'princess' into the world.

It has caused so much uproar over social media purely because it's not something people often choose to do, I mean there are always other ways of taking your mind off the pain such as reading, listening to music etc. But isn't it just totally your choice?

Of course there are always going to be people who see this in a negative way but that's maybe because they wouldn't do that themselves and think of it as an odd thing to do. As a make-up lover myself, I honestly think it's a genius idea...gold star to you girl for being original and doing what you love in time of pain. She said "I was pausing during contractions and picking up where I left off once the contractions paused." Make-up is a big part of her everyday life so who are we to judge what she chooses to do?

I felt like this was something I have been wanting to talk about on my blog for a while because I wanted to know what you guys think about it, even if it's something you wouldn't do, would you still express your negative opinion about it towards her?

I hope you have an amazing long weekend and as always, leave your comments and thoughts below.
Until next time...

Highend & Drugstore Kylie Jenner Lip Kit Dupes

I absolutely love today's post and I have loved creating it, what is it about you may ask?

I am guessing you know of the one and only Kylie Jenner? Well, after the launch of 'Kylie Cosmetics' people have being going crazy over her lip combinations so it has come to no surprise that most, if not all, have sold out! I have seen a lot of Dupe posts floating about the blogging world as to which products live up to her sold out lip kits. I thought I would throw together a mixture of highend and drugstore dupes you could get your hands on whilst Kylie Cosmetics restock.

Candy K 

Candy K is a soft warm nude/dusky rose pink. This is one of the most popular of the range seeing as it is very wearable and beyond beautiful.

1. MAC Cosmetics Lipstick 'Velvet Teddy'

2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick 'Ashton'

3. Jeffree Star Liquid Lipstick 'Celebrity Skin'

4. Gerard Cosmetics Hydra-Matte Lipstick 'Serenity'

5. ColourPop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick 'Clueless'

6. Milani Matte Lip Creme 'Adorable'

7. Dose of Colours 'Truffle'

8. Nyx Lip Pencil 'Nude Pink'

Dolce K

Dolce K is a Medium Beige Nude with a slightly warm undertone. Again another popular choice among the bunch as it suits almost every skin tone.

1. Nyx Lip Pencil 'Mauve'

2. ColourPop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick 'Teeny Tiny'

3. Jeffree Star Liquid Lipstick 'Posh Spice'

4. Tarte Tartiest Lip Paint 'TBT'

5. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick 'Bow N' Arrow'

6. Nyx Liquid Suede 'Sandstorm'

Posie K

Posie K is dusty mauve pink with obvious purple undertones. Slightly more vampy and bold compared to Candy and Dolce.

1. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick 'Mother'

2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick 'Party Pink'

3. Jeffree Star Liquid Lipstick 'Doll Parts'

4. Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream 'Prague'

Koko K

Koko K has to be one of my favourites. This is a girly pale pinky nude with a cool undertone; Named after Kylie's big sister Khloe.

1. ColourPop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick 'Midi'

2. Tarte Tartiest Lip Paint 'Namaste'

3. Nyx Lip Lingerie 'Emebellishment'

4. Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick 'Milk Shake'

Kourt K

Like the name, Kourt K is a very sophisticated shade. Being a deep purple with cool undertones, Kourt K brings maturity to the collection.

1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick 'Sad Girl'

2. Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream 'Transylvania'

3. Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick 'Possessed Plums'

4. Dose of Colours Liquid Lipstick 'Berry Me'

Mary Jo K

Mary Jo K is a true blue red with cool undertones. There are two reds in the collection, this one is definitely most vibrant and true to it's colour.

1. Jeffree Star Liquid Lipstick 'RedRum'

2. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick 'Outlaw'

3. Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream 'Monte Carlo'

4. MAC Cosmetics Lipstick 'Ruby Woo'

True Brown K

Taking it back to the 90's, Kylie has included this deep chocolate brown following the nude and brown trends.

1. Jeffree Star Liquid Lipstick 'Dominatrix'

2. MAC Cosmetics Lipstick 'Antique Velvet'

3. Ofra Liquid Lipstick 'Mocha'

4. Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick 'Vamp'

5. ColourPop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick 'Limbo'

6. MAC Lip Pencil 'Chestnut'

22

22 is the alternative vibrant burnt orange in comparison to Mary Jo K.

1. ColourPop Ultra Matte 'Succulent'

2. Jeffree Star Liquid Lipstick 'Anna Nicole'

3. Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream 'Morrocco'

4. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick 'Santa Sangra'

So there you have it, my dupes for the sold out Kylie Jenner Lip Kits.

Which is your favourite?

Hiya...

Hiya...Again!

It's been just over a month since I last blogged never the less I have never forgotten about it. As you may or may not have noticed, I have shaken up my blog a bit; tweaked it a little!

My blog is mine therefore I purely just post when and how I feel like it. I love how much freedom it allows me to have and talking about the things I love is made easy when I have my own little personal space to ramble on about the latest lipstick in my collection or the newest brush in my belt.

I am just writing this post to welcome back the old and new readers of my blog and to welcome myself back to the blogging community. I have a huge passion for make-up and all things girly to say the least so expect some glitter and lashes thrown into the mix of posts you may see but I am taking this opportunity to say, I am going to write about what I love and share my ideas, looks, discoveries, opinions (the list is endless) on my very own page!

Turning the tables a bit, lest we forget that this is me and my blog is essentially me so there will be times where I will have rants, talks or just express how I feel about a certain topic; it could be completely random ya know! So...Hiya and Happy Friday once again!

Naked palettes worth the price tag?

Before a new week begins, I thought I would throw another post out there whilst I had it in mind.

When it comes to buying high end make-up that comes with quite the hefty price tag, I like to read up on a handful of reviews to make sure I wouldn't be throwing money down the drain when pressing 'checkout'. It is so tempting to fall for beautiful packaging and popularity, but until you have the product on your face, you'll never actually know if it's your trusty best friend or your new worst enemy that you regret picking up.

Urban Decay is a well known brand with one of it's most popular range being the 'Naked' line. The Naked palettes are probably owned by 98% of beauty bloggers (not actual statistics) and are talked about everywhere, from YouTube to TV.

In today's post, I am going to be letting you guys know my opinion on the Naked palettes I currently own and if they are worth the price tag that comes with them.

I own the first edition Naked palette, Naked 2 and Naked 'smoky'.

I brought the Naked smoky palette first, round Christmas time (I said the 'C' word) because I thought it was the perfect time to get my hands on some sparkle and shimmer. The price of each Naked palette is £38.50 yet I paid £34.00 thanks to the Debenhams sale.

I then went ahead and brought the Naked 2 palette a couple of weeks later because I am always wearing natural and warm colours to compliment my blue eyes. I got this one for £34.00 from FeelUnique when they had a beauty sale. (I'm all about these bargains if you couldn't already tell)

Surprisingly I brought the first Naked palette last because I was just so in love from then onwards. I got this from FeelUnique for £34 or just under...either way, I have never paid the full price for a Naked palette thanks to the amazing sales.

Let's get onto some swatches!

Naked 1 has a range of tones and shades. Shimmer, Matte, Satin you name it, you really do get variety. This palette is perfect for a beginners kit because I feel like these are every ones 'go to' shades or most used to say the least. I absolutely adore glitter and sparkle so the shimmery shadows are always going to win me over. With a range of colours, from cream to black and everything in between, this is perfect for every ones starter kit.

Moving onto Naked 2. We have some very similar colours but don't be fooled, we have some lighter tones here people. This palette definitely will be used more in the summer because it has some amazing shades that make incredible highlighters and the gold shimmery tones are perfect. I am really not surprised that this one from the whole collection is the most popular because it is absolutely incredible. Again, this could be the perfect shadow starter palette but because of the more shimmery shades, maybe keep this one aside for summer.

Finally, the Naked smoky palette. Again, embrace your inner glitter ball fan girl because this definitely is perfect for those evenings out. Although we still have the golds, we have some shimmery slivers and greys which are perfect for a typical smoky eye...hence the name of the palette of course. I used this a lot round Christmas time but as we start to see the sun appear a lot more, I haven't been reaching for it as often as the others.

As you can see from all the swatches, the pigmentation of the Naked palettes are incredible and that's to be expected when you know the price tag. I loved swatching these palettes because I knew I would see the exact product on my arm, as I did in the palette itself.

So, Are Naked palettes worth the price tag?

YES! YES! YES! They most definitely are and I do not regret purchasing these at all because they have perfect pigmentation and I use at least one of them every time I do my make-up.

What do you think about the Naked palettes?

P.S Wondering why I don't have Naked 3? The Naked 3 palette consists of a lot of pink and rose gold shades which I don't see myself using regularly enough to splash out on the palette.

What I Ate Wednesday

Seeing as it's Wednesday, I thought I would throw in a 'What I ate Wednesday' post. Even though I haven't featured one of these posts before, I thought I would write about what I ate today.

 Breakfast

I love a good cuppa in the morning and it's kinda become a routine of mine so I brewed some fresh tea around an hour before I ate breakfast. I have been experimenting with different fruits so today I went for something very refreshing, fat free coconut yogurt, passion fruit & blueberries.

  

Lunch

After hydrating myself with a bottle of water, I prepared some lunch. I wanted something with carbs so I would feel fuller for longer. I made gluten free pasta with a tomato and mushroom sauce on top of a fair amount of spinach. I love in-coperating spinach into my meals because it's an amazing super food that makes you feel full right through till dinner.

Dinner

For dinner I peeled and chopped a sweet potato to make some sweet potato fries (which are my absolute favourite) along side with chopped tuna and spinach. Shortly after dinner I had a pint of water and an oat bar to wave goodbye to those sweet cravings.

On a daily basis, I ensure I hydrate regularly with plenty of water to stop nasty headaches and to keep me satisfied between each meal.

I hope you enjoyed something a little different tonight so let me know if you want to see more posts like this because I will be more than happy to share it with you.

HAPPY HUMP DAY!