Hello peeps:)) In todays post and my new video on You Tube I will be showing you how to achieve this gold and turquoise eye makeup look. I was inspired by Dior resort 2014 make up, and even though their look was much more daring I just loved the combination of colours!
Even though my look is not as ''gold'' and crazy I still really enjoyed wearing it and got lots of complements about it!
Here is the list of products I used to achieve this look:
- NYX HD eyeshadow primer
- Makeup Geek eyeshadow in Bling as a slight highlight on the brownbown
- KIKO eyeshadow in 237 to soften the crease
- Makeup Revolution Awesome Metals Eye Foils in Rose gold all over the lid
- Barry M Duzzle Dust in 19 in the outer v and middle of the lid
- Inglot turquoise eyeshadow mixed with Inglot Duraline to create an eyeliner
- Maybelline Colossal Volume mascara in black
I hope you like the look I have created:))
Also don't forget to check out my You Tube tutorial:)
I was super excited by the prospect of my husband having to go to Hong Kong for a business trip. We both missed him terribly, but I knew he would be able to pick up a few beauty bargains for me while away:)) I mainly wanted to focus on skincare as I know Asian brands are famous for it, plus not being there myself I just didn't know what other brands and colours are available.
So here is what my hubby got for me :)!
I was very excited to receive three boxes of My Beauty Diary face masks! They are sheet masks, 10 in each pack and I have them in aloe, black pearl and strawberry yoghurt. These were 58 HK$ in Sasa which is a real bargain!
Then I got Etude House wonder pore white clay clear mask as I heard so many good reviews about it, but haven't had a chance to try it out properly yet. I am not sure about the price of this one as some things didn't have price labels on them.
My heart was definitely stolen by the next mask my husband got for me. It's the Borghese Fango Active Mud Mask for face and body. It is available in the UK on Cult Beauty website but from what I've seen it's much cheaper over there as it cost 390 HK$ which is just above £30. I have used it a few times already and I can't get enough of it! Not only my skin feels hydrated and supple, but it looks clear and bright and feels deeply cleansed! I also love the smell which is slightly herby.
Then I caved in and asked my husband to pick up Shu Uemura eyelash curler, as it was much cheaper over there as well! He paid 98 HK$ which is just over £10 comparing to £20 in the UK. I have used it and I have to admit so far so good. It is much better than the previous eyelash curlers I had from my Glossybox.
Last but not least was a product by Etude House Lovely Cookie blusher in Peach Parfait.
I have to say when I was looking for things online it was mainly the packaging that has tempted me to put this one on my wanted list. I've noticed EH has one of the most beautiful and cute packaging! I already own a couple of their lipsticks and another blusher and I am in love!
The colour is gorgeous, perfect for those spring/ summer months. The colour payoff is not as intense as Sleek by any means but it's enough to give you a healthy peachy cheek:)
Then of course I couldn't say no to a quick trip to my local Boots and Superdrug to get my ''beauty fix'' and here is what I got!
They had an offer on all Revlon cosmetics, bogof so I decided to treat myself to another foundation in colour Shell as I haven't tried so many of them from this brand and two new nail polishes that are scented one in Ginger Melon and African Tea Rose. Of course the colours are very predictable and very me. And don't get me wrong, I've got plenty of nail polishes in these colours, but it's a weakness of mine, I am just a nail polish hoarder!
I also got a new mascara (again I don't need one!!) but it was brand new and had argan oil in it and this just sucked me in to buying it!
I needed a new powder brush as I really didn't have a proper big one like this and decided to go for Real Techniques one! I absolutely love it.
Of course a drugstore trip wouldn't be complete without popping in to Superdrug where I picked up a few interesting bits:))
First of all are Barry M nail polishes that have been recently released. I absolutely fell in love with the pastely springy colours! They also ventured into Gelly lip products which I just had to pick up and try out! I will keep you posted on these.
Then lucky enough Look Beauty was marked half price as I think they are no longer going to stock this brand. So I picked up some double hit lip products in Red Alert, Pink Punch and Berry Blast (from left to right). These are very interesting, not at all bulky but you get a lipstick and a corresponding lip gloss which I think is a nice idea. I also picked up a single lipstick in Petal Nude. It is very moisturising and soft on the lips, doesn't stay on awfully long but it doesn't claim to anyways. I really like the colour of it as well, the sticker at the bottom does definitely not give you the proper indication of colour. I think the packaging is a little bit too bulky and the magnetic closing is a little bit flimsy, so watch out for an open lipstick if you just throw it into your bag!
There is also a gorgeous rose goldy pink glitter nail polish hiding in the back, which looks absolutely stunning on the nail and stays put for a really decent amount of time so will be going back for some more of these to try out:)
The bottom swatch is of an exciting new product by 2true and it's their 8hr Power Lip lipglossy lipsticky thing in colour Natalie. They have about 5 or 6 shades and they are all super pigmented, in a form of a lipgloss but reminding me a lot of liquid lipsticks that are so popular with other brands now! I've got some of the new Milani lip intense lipglosses and they remind me of these as well, but haven't had a chance to compare.
Haven't tested it out yet but will be keeping you posted!
Next was a cheeky order from Topshop. A cream blush (not very typical for me) but I was tempted with the gorgeous colour and the fact it's cream so definitely looks more natural in the spring / summer. The blush is in colour Afternoon Tea. I also picked up two lip paints in reminisce and hibiscus. Just can't get enough of my lip products at the moment! I was tempted by Topshop nail varnishes as they look so juicy and beautiful + the packaging is cute, but just got the one in green to try the formula out. I've never had any of these in my collection!
Last but not least was a trip to a Mac counter and I just got two things. Single eyeshadow in expensive pink and a lipstick retro matte finish in flat out. I am in love with these two colours! And the lipstick stays on for EVER!!
You probably wonder now... what the hell is this?! But I have placed a cheeky order online from the US! I love Wet n Wild products as they are super affordable but of really good quality! I am also a huge Milani fan (such a shame this brand is not available in the UK:( ) So I just couldn't resist buying two limited edition palettes by WnW in colours Walking the red carpet and Flirting at the after party. The names are AMAZING, shame I can't say the same about the pigmentation of the shadows, especially the top two. They are so light they are barely visible and comparing these palettes to the other ones I have from this brand the formula of the shadows is definitely not the same!
And lastly the most gorgeous blusher I've seen in a while Milani powder rose blush in Coral Cove. I love the embossing on it, it's a shame to touch it but I will definitely be dipping my brushes into it as I hate not using make up. Even the prettiest things have been made to be used and to be enjoyed. I read so many people buy makeup and collect it for its embossing, limited edition products etc and each to their own but my heart bleeds ( I know! How dramatic:)) when things just don't get used:/
Anyways the swatch of the blushed is above the WnW palettes!
Hope you enjoyed seeing my collective haul! Don't forget to check out my YT video as well and follow me through bloglovin:))
Today I'm going to show you swatches and review a new eyeshadow palette that I recently purchased, and even be as brave and call it a dupe for Urban Decay Naked 3 palette!
Makeup Revolution London was brought to my attention by Jane on BBB, when she reviewed some of their make up. Instantly I went onto their website and checked out the range they carry.
Prices are certainly enticing as they start at £1! The palette Iconic 3 was £4. And dare I say what a bargain!!
Here is what the palette looks like from the back and in the pans. It is slightly larger than MUA and Sleek palettes, but not by much. The shadow pans are not too narrow so you can still access them easily, even using your fingers. It comes with a sponge applicator, but I don't tend to use these.
Here are the swatches of both palettes. Top row is by Revolution Makeup Iconic 3 and bottom is Urban Decay Naked 3 palette. As you can see the colours are extremely similar if not identical on most of the swatches! This picture has been taken using flash.
This is the natural light picture. As you can see the first eyeshadow Strange is slightly more pigmented than the Revolution one, but the colour is buildable and once on the lid you really can't tell the difference. The other major difference I spotted within the eyeshadows is colour Dust and it's equivalent. In the UD palette the shadow is more glittery and definitely more chalky, the RM one is more shimmery. I certainly prefer the finish of the Iconic 3 shadow!
Last most visible difference is in the shadow Blackheart. In Revolution palette the shade comes off as it has more red sparkle than the Urban Decay one. I suppose what everyone was expecting with the Naked 3 palette is to have more of that red shimmer coming through, and this is what Iconic 3 delivers.
Overall I love the Iconic 3 palette. Most of the shadows are not chalky at all (unlike some UD ones!), they blend well, having worn them for a couple of days (always with my NYX HD primer) I can safely say they don't crease and don't budge. It is certainly a worthy dupe for Naked 3 palette and a bargain as these shadows should be much more expensive for the quality you're getting there. The packaging doesn't look expensive and you can see that, but essentially it's the product that matters here.
I am going to leave you with this last picture. The eye on the left is done using Revolution Makeup Iconic 3 palette and the eye on the right is done using Urban Decay Naked 3 palette. I personally prefer the finish on the left, it opens my eye a little bit more and looks more vibrant. I used Dust on the eyelid, Nooner to blend the crease out, Blackheart in the outer v and Strange under my brow bone to tidy up the crease and the equivalent from the RM palette.
Let me know what you think about the palette and if you had a chance to try it out already!
My head is pounding, I just watched the last episode of the 2nd series of Mr Selfridge, poured my eyes out... Don't want to spoil the end for some who haven't seen it yet! And then to add to my emotional roller coaster The Hoarder Next Door accidentally reminded me how important the role of a MOTHER is! So lets get to the point!
I come from a ''normal'' loving family, my mum has sacrificed A LOT for me and my brother! She is one of the most selfless and most amazing mothers I know! A few years ago she was diagnosed with cancer... Thank goodness her surgery has been successful and she is cancer FREE now. I remember holding her hand, while she was wheeled through the corridors of the hospital to the operating theatre... I never felt so alone and helpless. All I could think of is myself! What is going to happen to me if she doesn't wake up??! I do feel ashamed about it now. Anyway that was a very sad and unsettling time in our lives and I am thanking God she has made a full recovery and everything is settled again.
I only really fully started appreciating everything she has ever done for us and still is doing for us after I myself became a MOTHER. It was the most overwhelming and amazing feeling in the world. Feeling those tiny movements in my belly...right under my heart. This little person has stolen my life forever, even before she was born! The immense rush of love as soon as she was born, I knew my life belonged to her now! And then I also realised how important my mum is in my life, and how much appreciation I have for everything she has done for me.
Being a stay at home mum and being able to spend all my time with my daughter has been amazing but tough as well. I think most mothers would agree that as lovely it is to see your children grow up, it is also daunting. I wouldn't have changed it for the world as it seems to me like the time is passing so quickly at the moment, I want to grab every moment and drink it to the fullest. I do have days where Annabell will be in a funny mood and we will have a tough day, but then I take a breath and look at her and the love I have for her just spreads through my body and completely takes all the problems away!
She is growing up so quickly, I also need to learn how to let go. She goes to pre-school now. It feels very strange leaving her there, where she is a completely separate entity from me, no longer needing me. My perfect little human! But when she is hurt or in danger, or someone tries to mess with her (as it has happened at one of our local play centres) a wild lioness wakes up in me. The strangest feeling...like I've never experienced before. It feels like something wakes up in me, and I will protect her no matter what. I am not scared of anyone, of what they think of me. It is my child I am protecting and I will until I die.
When she gets sick, I often sit there with her, hold my hand on her head and wish all of it could be sucked out of her and passed onto me. I never want to see her suffer, or be ill, or cry not from laughter.
Poor quality picture taken on my phone, but I think it captures what I am trying to say in this post. Unconditional and selfless happiness and love.
When you become a MOTHER you become completely selfless, your priorities are no longer. It is THEM and their needs that take precedence!
Being pregnant again, this time fills me with happiness again but also a worry. I enjoy every single movement from my unborn baby, especially that I know it is the last time I will be experiencing this feeling... But also I worry about...myself!!!! I don't want anything to go wrong, so my daughter is not missing her mum and she can rely on me throughout her life. I want to be her best friend, who always is there to pick her up when she needs help.
I suppose what I am trying to say as well is that it doesn't matter if you loose your patience and shout at them occasionally, or are there to discipline and teach right from wrong. Nothing can ever substitute a mother, and I realise that NOW.
Recently I have been an emotional wreck, and I don't know why...I put it down to my pregnancy hormones:) But I just needed to write this post to offload all the emotions and thoughts of my chest and my mind.
I guess this is it from me now. Don't forget to tell your mum how much you love her and thank her for everything... not just on Mother's day!
Goodness knows why I purchased more things again??!! I think it's just too tempting not to when you have 3 for 2 offers everywhere you go and beauty goodies packed so nicely in the juicy colours of spring! I was a naughty girl but as I don't treat myself to any new clothes I thought I am allowed to spend more money on make up;)
So here are my little finds!
So firstly on my list was Superdrug and some budget lipstick buys. Beauty UK and Collection has some gorgeous shades out which I simply had to buy! Especially that there was an offer buy one get one half price! From the top left Beauty UK: 03 Snob (dusty pink nude in matte), 07 In The Buff, 10 Passion & 17 Plumalicious. Bottom row is by Collection Deluxe: 02 Tallulah, 04 Speakeasy, 01 Prohibition. All of the colours are gorgeous and very creamy except Snob that is a matte finish.
Then browsing for some new spring clothes for Annabell I stumbled across a make up display in H&M! I picked up 3 Lip Tints and one gold liquid eyeliner. From the top Hot Pink, Raspberry Red & Deep Red. They do remind me of Lip Tars by OCC and Sleek Pout Paints , but I haven't had a chance to test them yet so not sure about the staying power!
And then for my US crazy lipstick haul! Most of the things you see below have been ordered from drugstore.com and delivered to my friend's address who lives in America, as they don't ship internationally!
But up first is the package from nyx.com! Just savour those beautiful colours of the packaging!!
I got some new lip butter lipsticks and lip glosses and to accompany those 3 lip liners!
So from the top left to right are Butter Lipsticks: Pop, Sweet Tarte, Razzle & Hunk.
In the middle are Butter Glosses: Strawberry Parfait, Sugar Cookie & Raspberry Tarte.
And bottom row are 3 lip liners in Soft Pink, Hot Pink & Plum.
I love the colours and formulas, pigmentation is great as well and packaging deserves A+!
Next up are goodies from L'oreal and Maybelline. On top are L'oreal L'Extraordinaire Liquid Lipstics in colours 104 Dancing Rose, 201 Rose Symphony, 106 Fuchsia Orchestra & 403 Purple Prelude. I ordered them as in the US they have much bigger colour selection! I love the formula and pigmentation, they don't stay on your lips for ever but I still love them!
Bottom row is a little but sad a there are only two Maybelline Color Sensational Elixir lipglosses, but after hearing lots of positive feedback about them I was just curious to try them out! So from left to right we've got 010 Celestial Coral & 030 Raspberry Rhapsody. I fell in love with the packaging as it's shaped like a lipstick in a clear rectangular clear case!
And last but certainly not least are goodies by Milani. Oh my gosh do I love Milani or what?! I really do wish they carried this brand in the UK as well! So I got two lip products that have recently came out and on top you've got Milani Lip Intense liquid lip sticks kind of things. From th left: Fiery Coral, Pink Rave & Violet Addict. These are gorgeous, not only stay on the lips for a long time, they we so vibrant and easy to apply! Certainly my favs!!
And then the bottom row are Milani Power Lip stains, from the left: Creamy Cafe, Macaroon, Mango Tango, Pink Lemonade, Raspberry Tarte & Cabaret Blend.
I love the colours and the fact that the product in itself is quite small and not too bulky ideal for a small make up bag on the go! The staying power is fantastic as well and colour selection. Unfortunately the reason why I wouldn't repurchase this product is because of its packaging. It's a twist tube with a brush at the end. You never know how much product to squeeze out and it's more difficult in my opinion to distribute it around the lips.
I also have got some other bits and bobs which you can check out in my video on you tube!
After those horrible months of winter in the UK we are finally exposing our pale bodies to some sunshine;)) This weekend is supposed to be very warm as well, so inspired by (hopefully) quickly approaching spring, here is my spring inspired make up tutorial!
I know to some it may seem excessive and no, I don't wear bright make up like this every day. I do prefer bold lips to bold eyes, but I just couldn't resist the colours in this palette! They are super juicy, I really love all the colours from the palette, it is a plus they are absolutely humongous in size and for the price you can't really go wrong! They are also vegan and paraben free which is always a plus and extremely pigmented. I got it from cutECOsmetics website and the palette there retails at £21.95. I suppose all I wanted to say is that I couldn't be happier!
I know Urban Decay has released their new Electric palette (does it mean I am bang on the colourful eyeshadow trend? haha) and I was tempted with the vibrant colours they offer, but after seeing some reviews online and full spectrum of colours I will definitely give it a miss but I am happy I purchased Neve one instead!
Please check out my video on how to create this prism look:))
So I think every beauty obsessed person in the UK was happy to learn that Sephora started shipping internationally including the green gables of England!
I know I certainly was excited as this means I don't have to bother my friend in America any more to buy some things on my behalf!
But before we count our chickens here is a few things to consider and take into account, the stuff that isn't clearly stated on the website!
So not only there is a restriction on items considered ''hazardous'', which I kind of understand for obvious reasons (there have been restrictions applied by Royal Mail as well not too long ago!), but what really shocked me is that not all the brands are available to purchase...
It is a slight disappointment as for example I wanted to try some products from Josie Maran or Tarte and at the end of the checkout it told me that those were not available for me to purchase:/
After just about getting over this little disappointment, I then discovered that the ''flat'' shipping charge was excluding tax charges!
So I think it is slightly deceiving to say the least. I also wonder if you need to pay any custom charges as recently after receiving a package from the US I was asked to pay almost £20 for custom charges and admin fees!!!! I am most certain that the person from FedEx told me that if the package exceeds certain value amount the fees do indeed apply.
I'm not sure if all that hassle and extra hidden charges are worth the effort and all that money. I am having second thoughts about it. I might as well save my cash and spend it on luxurious items that are available here.
Let's not forget that even though stock might be very limited some of those products are available online in the UK.
