Luxury Products You NEED In Your Makeup Bag

Luxury Products You NEED In Your Makeup Bag

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Over my years of makeup hoarding and testing loads of different products, I have come to terms with what works for me and what looks like a complete disaster. Recently, I've been trying to narrow down my makeup into a very small 'ten products you can't live without'. However, I found this too challenging, as I'm a huge lover of both the expensive and affordable makeup. Therefore, I would like to bring to you part 1 of my favourite makeup products of all time. 

Also, I've been thinking about uploading my top 10 drugstore products of all time over on my Youtube Channel to coincide with this blog post. I'm starting a Youtube Channel in the next few months as I am so close to saving up for a new, good quality camera. I cannot wait to start making videos and hopefully receive a positive response, as I've been sooooo scared to do this. If you are interested in watching my future youtube videos, don't hesistate to click on the link above or type 'CharlotteEmilyXXXX' to find my channel and subscribe. Leave a comment below if you do!

On with the fun stuff...

FACE

Without a doubt, I always prioritise my highend base goodies over my (also-very-loved) drugstore ones. Personally, I feel that they provide such a luxurious feel on the skin, alongside creating an effect that lives up to their high prices. I'm 100% a full coverage girl and my NARS Sheer Glow fulfills my every need; with a smooth, silky finish, even complexion and long-lasting power, this foundation is one to settle anyone's 'flawless finish' needs. Accompanying Sheer Glow comes my trusty NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. Nars base products really work on my skin, building a firm base with a glowing radiance that counteracts my dryness. This concealer does my under eye circles wonders - illuminating my dull areas (under eyes, around my nose) and my T zone to highlight the centre of my face. 

Powder products are definitely my safety net when it comes to adding extra definition to my face. Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess, which you are probably sick-to-death hearing about from me, is a dream to blend when contouring, accentuating the hollows of my cheeks and structuring my face. The tiny golden flecks running through the product makes it perfect for the summer months when you want your face to glow under the sunlight. Blush is something I have love-hate relationship with; I am horrendously bad at applying the correct amount to my cheeks so I tend to avoid wearing it. However, after picking up MAC's Melba at the beginning of 2016, creating a soft, flushed effect has never been so easy. The warm, peach undertones form a natural look on my cheeks, something I've been wanting to achieve for months years! Saving the best till last - highlight!!! MAC'S infamous Soft and Gentle and The Balm's Mary Lou Manizer are the highlights you will always find lurking in my makeup bag; I alter between the two depending on my makeup look. If I've chosen cooler tones on my eyes/lips, I will opt for Mary Lou. Alternatively, Soft and Gentle compliments warmer tones so I pop some of that on my cheeks when I'm wearing a copper shadow and I'm good to go :)

EYES

Finding a single eyeshadow palette that I adore with all my heart was a challenge - I own many a shadow palette so it was very difficult to decide which met all my criteria. The Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette won! This was simply because it met everything I could ever want in a shadow palette - a mixture of matter and shimmers, intense pigmentation, all wearable/versatile shades, a variety of colours, a handy mirror and sleek packaging to fit in your makeup bag. I will honestly never stop raving about this palette because I love it soooo freaking much! My most used shadow is definitely Creme Brulee - it creates a gorgeous golden lid colour for those days where you just cant be bothered to spend 113432 hours perfecting your eye makeup.

LIPS

Another very difficult product to condense into my top favourites were my lipsticks. Fortunately, I've managed to narrow my choices to my top 3 lippies - a deep pink, a nude and a dark shade. Starting from the left, Charlotte Tilbury's stunning rose-gold packaging holds my all-time favourite 'your-lips-but-better- shade - BOND GIRL. This cool-toned, mauve pink is perfect for everyday wear but can also look glamorous in the evening too. The versatility of this lipstick is endless and it will never leave my purse/handbag/pocket no matter where I am. Nudes are my fall back if I'm wearing little makeup or don't want to draw any attention to myself - Chanel's Satisfaction is always something I go back to when I acquire a nude lip. The creamy formula feels incredibly luxurious on your lips and lasts for several hours, not something many lip products can do. Lastly, MAC's Dark Side is a more recent discovery; the dark, red/purple undertones really complement my ivory complexion and leave a thin, yet intense, satin finish.

What are you favourite high end makeup products? Do you have any dupes for the products I mentioned above?!

Lots of love

What I Got For Christmas 2015 (Beauty, Fashion + More!)

What I Got For Christmas 2015 (Beauty, Fashion + More!)

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For Christmas this year, I was very lucky to receive some beautiful gifts from my friends, family and boyfriend; I'm always grateful for everything I am gifted and would like to let you all know that this post is in no way bragging. Annually, I've come to notice that my Birthday and Christmas present posts are ones that many enjoy and like to read so based on those statistics, I'm hoping you would like to see some of the presents I got for Xmas 2015.

NARS One Shocking Moment Palette 

OMG IT HAS LAGUNA IN IT!!!

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville

Such a luxurious feel on the face providing an even, full coverage without giving the 'cakey' feel.

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel

A huge rave in the beauty world - excited to be finally trying it out in 2016.

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eyeshadow Palette

I've already become a huge lover of shades Salted Caramel, Creme Brulee and Candied Violet.

(From left to right)

Mac Lipstick in Russian Red

Mac Lipstick in Dark Side

Some gorgeous, rich new dark shades to add to my Mac lippie collection!!

Too Faced Melted Lipstick in Velvet

The finish of this lipstick is insane and the pigmentation is craaaazy.

Nike Air Max Thea Pure Platinum Trainers

So lucky to own a gorgeous, new pair of Nike trainers; I've been waiting to get my hands on these for a while...

MissGuided Laser Cut Ankle Cuff Heeled Shoes in White

Happy to finally own a pair of white heels - with beautiful golden detailing, I hasten to add :D

Primark Snake-Skin Purse

My face lit up when I opened this pretty little purse because I'm sad and got overly excited that it matched my go-to handbag.

Pandora Sterling Silver and 14Ct Gold 'Castle & Crown' Charm

Feeling completely and utterly spoilt, my boyfriend's mum gifted me this cute, luxury charm because I'm obsessed with Disney and it looked like Cinderella's castle :)

Vintage Pink Decorative Glass Pot

My grandparents know me too well - I love qwerky/vintage bits&bobs for my room, especially cases to store makeup/beauty items in :-) Comment below what you think I should use this to hold?!

Paperchase Owl and Floral Notebooks

This year I found out that I'm obsessed with list writing and being organised so what else would be the perfect present for me than these notebooks from my favourite stationery shop - PAPERCHASE!

After opening all my goodies on Christmas Day, I was overwhelmed to have received so many gorgeous, luxurious and well-thought-out gifts. I'm so lucky to have friends and family who think to buy me such amazing things and it was so fun purchasing my gifts for them back as a huge thank you for being there for me throughout 2015 (CRINGE)! 

Oh...I almost forgot! I purposely avoided uploading any images of new clothing because I'd like to feature them in some upcoming posts as we go into the new year :-) Also, I have the infamous Ikea Malm Dressing table to store my makeup in/on now - wooo organisation at last!! 

Thank you all for making 2015 a special blogging year for me.

Lots of love

Drugstore Dupes for those Highend Holy Grails

Drugstore Dupes for those Highend Holy Grails

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What could a beauty blog viewer love more than being introduced to a bargainous version of their fave product(s)/one they've been longing for for about 13 and a half years?! Take a wild guess at what I've got in store for you all today? I'm thrilled to announce that I'm back to beauty (finally!!!) - I've missed this too much. So...what other way can I make up my insane lack of makeup based content than a cheeky deal for you all to get your hands on - it's a good 'un! It get's better...I thought I really owed it to you so I've made sure to find a few dupes for some all time favourite highend beauty products.

Mac Studio Fix NC15 VS Bourjois 123 Perfect 51

In terms of colour, both in the bottle and on the face, these foundations are identical. They are both cool-toned, which is fabulous to counteract my blotchy red areas and are the closest matches to my skin colour I've ever found. When it comes to coverage, these are the ones I go to for that medium-full, flawless finish. Each dry to give a satin/matte finish, which you may think is strange considering I have dry skin. However, neither cling to dry matches or focus on any rough areas I may so have. The only problem is, the MAC one can become very cakey looking on the face so to avoid that, apply thin even coats on top of each other making sure to buff lightly into the skin. Onto lasting power now, I must say that if you like your makeup to last all night, I advise to pay that little bit extra and purchase the MAC option. This is because it last roughly 4 hours more than the drugstore one.

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer VS NYX HD Photogenic Concealer

For those looking to eliminate dark circles, imperfections and redness, don't hesistate to carry on reading! Not only do these both give an insane full coverage (a fundamental feature in my case - when choosing a concealer to hide those dark, zombie undereyes) but they both glide effortlessly onto the skin without dragging or irritating my skin. I've found in the past that some concealer wants can be quite rough and make my eyes red/sore. The only difference I can state about these two is that the NARS one feels much more luxurious and fulfilling on the skin, the formula is heavenly and sinks perfectly in places you wish to be rid of and correct. Finally, both concealers have a great tendency to last the entire day without creasing - HUGE BONUS! Grab your hands on either of these if anything above ticked your concealer hunting list.

Benefit Rockateur VS Bourjois Jasper Rose

In the photos, we can see that there colours look slightly 'off' - Rockateur has minor peachy tones whereas Jasper Rose is just plain pink. Despite this colour mishap at first glance, when applied to the cheeks, I kid you not, they give off the same healthy, rosy glow. A little goes a long way; each product being so high on the pigmentation scale means only a sweep on the brush can give you your desired look. Anyone who is still unsure of splashing out £24 on a single blush, I suggest you go down to boots and get your hands on this before purchasing. 

Benefit They're Real VS Collection Lenthening Mascara

The couple claiming to both lengthen and define are neck and neck. Using Collection's mascara sincerely surprised me - I was not expecting it to match that of Benefit's infamous They're Real. With alike wands, the formula is applied in the exact same way. Bottom lash application is also simple as the wand ends are very slim so are able to get in there without being too messy. Honestly, I cannot fault the Collection mascara in any way; the final look on the eyes are very very V E R Y similar so similar I may do an in depth review on these two just to prove how much. The only things I could mention, if I was to be really picky, is that the Benefit one is easier to remove and overall slightly lengthens the lashes by 1mm more. THE BEST DUPE OF THE POST!

Urban Decay Naked Lipgloss Liar VS Barry M Toffee Ligloss

Urban Decay's Naked collection is an evergrowing love of every beauty fanatic nowadays. More recently, I have seen people purchasing the beautiful rose gold lipgloss tubes, which I have to say I'm in love with deeply. In my collection, I realised I have a lipgloss that can be compared quite closely. Regardless of the differentation in colours (seen in swatches above) the Barry M lipglosses have a dupe-like formula to that of the Urban Decay lip products. Both with a smooth glossy finish, you would not be able to tell the difference on the lips aesthetically and personally - a great bargain if I do say so myself. The only downfall is that the UD ones have better pigmentation and the Barry M ones can become rather sticky after several layers of applicance. 

Chanel Coco Rouge Lipshine Satisfaction VS L'Oreal Collection Privee Cheryl's Nude 

My all time favourite nude is Chanel's Satisfaction - not too pale, not too dark. Personally, I believe this to be a very sophisticated and flattering colour regardless of skin tone/preference. L'Oreal's nude collection could mirror that of this gorgeous Chanel shade; with 6 colours in the range, you can find your perfect nude for a cheaper price. In my opinion, Cheryl's Nude strikes drugstore Satisfaction to a T - I'm really into a nude lip this Summer. If you want that more luxurious feel and richness on the lips, you can go all the way and pay £25 for Satisfaction! Equally, each have a very subtle finish and pigmentation on the lips which makes it evermore the classier - I'm just in love with this lippie!

Mac Lady Danger VS E.L.F Velvet Rope

Hot, orange goodness to brighten up your Summer, Mac's Lady Danger and E.L.F's Velvet Rope can help you make a statement this season. Despite the different finishes, you can save £12 to get an exact colour match. As Lady Danger is has a matte finish, it is therefore longer lasting and can honestly stay on your lips for an entire day/night. On the other hand, E.L.F's moisturizing formula has a slightly glossier finish so can end up rubbing off in a couple of hours. It's down to you to decide - moisturzing, cheap but not long-lasting or matte, long-lasting but expensive?

Nars Audacious Charlotte VS Rimmel Kate Moss 107

Colour - With Rimmel's Kate Moss 107 shade being the Autumn craze over the last few years, I would like to inform all you owners of this berry beast that it mimicks that of the Nars Audacious Lipstick collection. Deep berries are my go-to every Autumn/Winter, like most beauty bloggers, so I thought I'd share this good lil dupe. The shades are very alike in the swatches above, as well as looking identical on the lip. Lasting power is 10/10 for both but the formula can become very drying and flake with the Rimmel option. To avoid this from happening, all you need is a little bit of lip balm to apply beforehand and your flaking nightmare will be over. 

Mac Rebel Lipstick VS Maybelline Colour Drama Berry Much

Colour - I won't declare this as the classic 'save the best till last' but this dupe comes close to one of my faves. Being a huge fan of the Maybelline Colour Drama pencils has become no surprise to me, the easy application, the rich colour, the variety in colour range and longevity of the product has been a massive YES from me! I would totally compare the darkest shade, Berry Much, to one of my Mac holy grails - REBEL! Similar in both satin finish, formula and intense berry colour you cannot go wrong with this dupe. For a third of the price, I would totally recommend all of my viewers to get your hands on this, especially before Autumn approaches.

What are your favourite dupes? 

Lots of love

Top Ten High End Beauty Picks | Collab w/ WILDFLOWERMAKEUP

Top Ten High End Beauty Picks | Collab w/ WILDFLOWERMAKEUP

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Today I've paired up with a new fellow blogger friend - Daisy Watkins - to give you all a taste of my top ten high end makeup products and Daisy's top ten drugstore makeup products. Her links will be at the bottom of the post so do NOT forget to check her blog out. Let's take it away..just incase this post becomes too long!

Estee Laude Bronze Goddess ~ A wonderful warm-toned bronzer, perfect for all skin types, with a powder formula that is just as pigmented as any cream based one. It can be very easy to go overboard with bronzing/contouring so the easy-to-build pigmentation of the product fits the job! Not only is this featured in my top ten, it is my number one bronzer, a staple in my collection and I'm sure it will be for a long time! A swipe of this and you're a glowing 'goddess' - the tiny golden glitters running throughout make this great for the coming Summer months!

Mac Studio Fix Fluid (NC15) ~ For those who love a good ol' full coverage foundation, then this one is for you also. Mac's Studio Fix Fluid will leave your skin looking completely flawless with no redness or blemishes in sight. However, I would be careful not to over apply the product as it can become cakey looking on the face. Overall, this product leaves you with a sleek satin finish base.

Mac Woodwinked ~ Hands down the best eyeshadow that has worked for me in my life. Woodwinked would look great on anyone as the gold glitter and olive undertones can ultimately accentuate any eye colour. Due to the varying colours within the shadow, the final effect on the lid looks incredible - a definite must-have in my opinion.

Urban Decay Naked Flushed ~ This is a fabulous Summer-compact holding a coral blush, warm bronzer and a peachy champagne highlight. An amazing palette that has 3 products in 1 for a price of just £22.50 - insane if you ask me, considering just a single highend face product costs the same amount as this. Urban Decay is a brand to look out for - especially the entire NAKED collection.

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer ~ This has been a new addition to my collection in the last week and I have fallen head over heels for it. It is the best concealer I've ever used - the soft, creamy formula makes the product blendable as well as feeling expensive on the face. Personally, I've loved using this concealer under my eyes to cover my horrific under eye circles or 'bags', brightening the centre of my face and highlighting specific areas that I wish to define.

Benefit Porefessional ~ Lightweight, silkiness and lasting power of products on top are things that I look for in my idyllic primer. Benefit's Porefessional covers my three main criteria as well as extending its fabulousness to minimize the appearance of pores. I don't have a huge issues with my pores but this just helps to even out my skin before applying a base; not forgeting the silky finish it leaves on your face.

Mac Fleur Power ~ For a pop of pink for Summer 2015, you have nothing better to rely on than Mac's gorgeous Fleur Power. This powder blush leaves the apples of your cheeks rosy and pink. Also, the colour is great for all year round - I would layer it up in Winter to give that realistic cold feeling but more subtely in summer, giving a sweet, girly sense. 

Bobbi Brown Mascara ~ I've owned this sample size for a couple of months and have utterly fallen in love with it - so much as I'm 100% purchasing the full size. I've only ever tried out samples of highend mascaras as I'm a bit tentative to spend a lot on something that expires quickly/runs out fast. However, I have found to be exceedingly suprised with this one due to its ability to separate, lengthen and thicken my lashes - not forgetting how long wearing it is.

Chanel Coco Rouge Shine Satisfaction ~ I've talked about this bad boy enough so go and check it out in another post if you want to see it up close and personal. Satisfaction has to be the world's perfect nude lipstick, a great lasting power and a silky, luxurious feel to the lips. With a visually crazy price of £25 for a lipstick, you are not wasting your money! 

Mac Rebel ~ Another of my favourite lipsticks that I've mentioned 100s of times. This lipstick is my go-to dark lip; an intense dark purple - another product that suits absolutely anyone. The only thing to look out for is the insane staying power - so much as it leaves your lips stained for a while...

If all of my options are a bit too pricey for your eye or are looking for a dupe that doesn't cost quite as much, definitely check out Daisy's post by clicking HERE! Don't forget to check out her instagram account too - @wildflowermakeup. I've loved working with her and she is a fab girl <3

Love

Royal Fashion Awards: Royal Ascot 2015, Days 2 & 3

Royal Fashion Awards: Royal Ascot 2015, Days 2 & 3

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We took a day off from our Ascot coverage, so let's play catch up with a big roundup of royal racegoers:

Best in Gents

The Duke of Edinburgh (Days 2 and 3)

View image | gettyimages.com

View image | gettyimages.com

Ascot is my annual time to give the dapper Duke his due. His top hats are "antique", as the Royal Hats Blog explains, which in this case means they're his from fifty years ago. (Princess Anne: "SEE?") For her part, the Queen delighted me with another amazing brooch from Queen Victoria, Prince Albert's Sapphire, and then did an abrupt 180 the next day in a probably modern and hardly as lavish piece, the Shamrock Brooch. I like to think she just wanted us to save up our jumpy claps, knowing that the Duchess of Cornwall was about to pile on pounds of diamonds that evening. Her Maj is gracious like that. (Oh yes, Camilla had a BIG tiara appearance and it is covered at the Vault!)

Best in Comebacks

Princess Beatrice (Day 3) and the Princess Royal (Day 2)

View image | gettyimages.com

View image | gettyimages.com

We might as well call this the Triumph of the White Dresses category, because both of these ladies used that simplicity for accessory success after accessory semi-disasters on Day 1. Beatrice continued to play with color - and with handbags - and I adore it. I also adore Anne with a scarf draped gracefully over her shoulders.

Beatrice's dress from Beulah London, hat from Laura Apsit Livens

Biggest Statements in Patterns

Princess Alexandra (Day 2) and The Princess Royal (Day 3)

View image | gettyimages.com

View image | gettyimages.com

Alexandra will win you over to her festival of paisley with her cheery smile and her festive hat trim; Anne will simply dare you compare her to a luxury carpet with her steely gaze. But they both come out pretty well in the end.

Biggest Statement in Feathers

Princess Michael (Day 2) and The Countess of Wessex (Day 3)

View image | gettyimages.com

View image | gettyimages.com

Positively swashbuckling, these two - in other words, perfect for Ascot. Well done. (The Countess of Wessex Blog explains that Sophie's Jane Taylor hat looks like a slight remix from a previous Ascot appearance, with some extra stuff added. Can't ever get enough extra stuff to stick on your Ascot hat.)

Best in Couture

Princess Haya (Day 2) and Princess Marie-Chantal (Day 3)

View image | gettyimages.com

Princess Haya continued her couture Ascot run in Chanel Couture with a Philip Treacy hat, and on Ladies' Day, Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece joined in the fun also in Chanel Couture and Philip Treacy. I have to say, it's a good combo.

Haya's suit modified from Spring 2015; Marie-Chantal's jacket from Spring 2011

Best in Forehead-Bolters

The Countess of Wessex (Day 2), Autumn Phillips (Day 2), and Princess Eugenie (Day 3)

View image | gettyimages.com

View image | gettyimages.com

I was expecting to like this latest batch of Ascot fashions so much. (It is Friday, perhaps I'm feeling generous.) I don't even mind a round of my least favorite sort of hat, the one that doesn't cover much of your head except for maybe parts of your vision because hey who needs that. I like all these three! Sophie's all stripey, Autumn's all springy, and Eugenie's all swingy.

Emilia Wickstead for Sophie; Hobbs for Autumn (h/t Countess of Wessex Blog); Peter Pilotto dress and Helmut Lang blazer for Eugenie

Bonus points to Eugenie for picking just the right shape of blazer to add to that dress. I think this is my favorite Eugenie outfit in a long time, which makes the York sisters my day 2 and 3 faves, which is also something that hasn't happened in a long time. Stranger things have happened at sea...

Who's your Ascot Best Dressed for Days 2 & 3?

Photos: via Getty Images as indicated / Beulah London / Laura Apsit Livens / Style.com / Instagram / ModaOperandi / Hobbs / Saks