Brand Focus : Live Love London

Brand Focus : Live Love London

Comment   

Over the past few days, I have been thinking about a bringing a series to my blog - one that I know I will be able to manage and keep going every month. Being a huge beauty lover, I thought that I could potentially focus on a brand(s), at least one post a month, and give my honest opinions on all the products I own from them. I'm planning to showcase brands both highly recognised and upcoming, whether it be telling to guys about my favourite highend brand or expressing my love for an afforable brand that not many know about. Who knows, I might incorporate some fashion brands in the future if this goes down well?

The first brand we are going to zoom into is Live Love London - a company that have recently released a new beauty range exclusive to BHS. From haircare to makeup, Live Love London offer it all beauty-wise with affordable prices attached! However, the products that particularly intrigued me were their face palettes and lipsticks. Here is how I got on...

Bronze & Light Palette £6.75

What we have here is one of the most aesthetically pleasing bronze,blush and highlight palettes I've seen on the high street side of the spectrum. Encased in a sleek, black compact, 6 beautiful shimmer shades are arranged. Each shade is extremely diverse - something hard to find in any palette. I find that a lot of companies produce cosmetics that are TOO similar in the same palette, making me question whether it is worth the buy. Also, most shades are EXTREMELY pigmented (the bottom row and the white highlight), although I wouldn't count this as a negative point simply because I prefer blush shades to be sheer. This helps me to apply the shade subtly and not end up turning into a toy doll. 

Top Row (left to right)

~ A peach/coral toned pink with tiny golden glitter particles ~

~ A muted, mauve pink with a metallic sheen ~

~ A pure champagne white enriched with thousands of silver glitter ~

Bottom Row (left to right)

~ A salmon pink layered with a metallic, iridescent glow ~ 

~ A muted, mustard brown with flecks of golden glitter ~ 

~ An intense orange-copper with high metallic overtones ~ 

My personal favourites are two highlighting shades - the white and salmon pink will both look incredible on the cheeks for summer because of their glitter intensity. I just LOVE glitter!!! 

HD Contour Expert Palette £10

Contouring is a huuuuge thing in the beauty world. Therefore, I like to 'jump on the bandwagon' and try things out too. I already own a lot of high end contour products but nothing from the drugstore. I'm only used to working with powder contour, so was thrilled to find out that Live Love London contained 6 powder contour shades for me to work with. The palette is accompanied with a practical mirror and a small guide as to where the shades work best on the face. I am yet to venture into this crazy, intense contour look but I will let you know when I finally pluck up the courage to do so. 

Each of the powders are finely milled, feel silky on the skin and are highly pigmented. There are two highlight shades and four contour shades; the contour colours cater for all skin types which makes the palette versatile and universal. Despite being suitable for all skin types, I would like to say that I feel 5 shades would still be able to work on my skin - if not, I will be able to fit it into an eyeshadow look somehow.

Lipsticks £2 each

Lip products are one of my favourite things about makeup. I cannot begin to describe my excitement whenever I go lipstick shopping; trying different branded lipsticks is something that I enjoy and I would love to share with you my experiences.

First of all, the price is INSANE! I love affordable lipsticks, especially when they leave an impressive result. These are relatively long-lasting, considering their pleasing value - I wore them for roughly 3 hours before reapplying and this time scale is no different from the majority of my drugstore lippies. 

Secondly, Live Love London offer a wide range of lipstick shades. For me, these will be worn and cherished; pinks and reds are my thaaang. Both are wearable and are not too striking, making them perfect for everyday use. I also love the pigmentation and hydration these lipsticks offer - my lips are super sore after the winter months have passed and need a lot of TLC. These leave a moisturising coat on the top of my lips, which makes my lips feel soft and hydrated. Oh, and let's not forget...they smell like sherbet!!!

Have you tried anything from the Live Love London beauty range yet? What is your favourite drugstore brand?

Lots of love

----------------------------------------------------------------

The products mentioned were gifted from Live Love London, however all opinions are honest and my own.

Crazy Feather Lashes with FeverCollection

Crazy Feather Lashes with FeverCollection

Comment   

Recently, I've been thinking about how unadventurous I am with my makeup - even when I'm just messing around in my room in the evenings creating various looks on myself. To get one of the classic New Years resolutions into action ("try new things"), I decided to venture out on the lashes front and teamed up with Fever Collection to show off their stunning array of whacky eyelashes. 

Accompanied with a handy adhesive, my pair of Black Feathers With Plume Lashes popped through my letterbox on Tuesday morning. I was so excited to receive something so unique to my lash collection and know I will be in for so much fun when wearing them. The soft, black feathers ascend in size from the inner to outer corner, framing the eye in a sultry, and pleasing, way. I hope that some day I will be confident enough to purchase a couple vibrant-coloured ones incorporate in a crazy makeup look. 

During this year, I just hope someone I know throws a 1920's themed party so I can dress up in Charleston attire and apply these beautiful lashes - I feel they would bring so much to the outfit and totally fit the era. Also, they would be perfect for any Halloween related makeup looks - especially for bird characters, like the Black Swan. I will definitely be featuring these lashes in a tutorial this Halloween, so if you're still around then don't forget to stop by! 

Finally, don't forget to check out the amazing costume range available at Fever Collection - they have extremely inexpensive outfits for dress-up occasions.

Lots of love

The Best Drugstore Full Coverage Foundation

The Best Drugstore Full Coverage Foundation

Comment   

If you know me, you'll know my undeniable love for a full coverage face - especially in the Winter! I just love having a 'perfect' complexion; although my skin rarely has spots, it is very discoloured and my overly red cheeks aren't at all appealing if I do say so myself. To solve this issue, I am constantly purchasing foundations that I hear are great to form an airbrushed, smooth base and this time I found one from the drugstore - a definite rarity!!!

In my time of trying out drugstore bases, I have never turned to Revlon. I have absolutely no idea why I didn't, as I luuurve Revlon eye and lip products! Anyway, I've seen numerous people rave about this foundation over the past few months so I thought I'd give it a go...

The Revlon Colorstay foundations are available in an array of colours and formulations, suitable for every skin type. I opted for combination/dry because I mainly suffer with dry patches in the Winter, however my T-zone remains oily all year round...great! This formulation works effectively on my skin, giving my complexion a warm, winter glow. When it comes to application, I either use a damp beauty blender or the dense-bristled base brush to blend into the skin. Due to the formulation being extremely smooth, it makes blending a dream.

A full coverage is achieved with two thin, even layers - this hides any blemishes and corrects any discoloration. On an average day, this base lasts for 10 hours before slipping off the face (without powder) and roughly 12-14 with powder keeping it in place; therefore does not match the claim, for me, on lasting 24 hours. But who even wears foundation for 24 hours, eh?! The only other flaw I've faced with the Revlon Colorstay is that there isn't a pump so you have to pour the product out. This can be very impractical and get quite messy in my makeup bag.

Overall, I totally recommend this foundation to anyone who is lover, like me, of full coverage bases or those who like skin-specific foundations. Revlon are the one to visit!

What foundation are you wearing this Winter?

Lots of love

Charlotte x

My Jim Kersie Experience | Purple & Gold

My Jim Kersie Experience | Purple & Gold

Comment   

Deep purple, plum and auburn are colours I opt for when putting together autumnal outfits - don't we all?! Something that has made a statement this year, for me personally, is the use of jewellery equipped with my chosen outfit. Having an evergrowing colletion of beautiful jewellery pieces, both subtle and bold, I have never seen, through my many years of hoarding, a bracelet quite like this one.

Jim Kersie is a Melbourne-originated brand that specialises in phenomenally hand crafted bracelets - each having an element of individuality. Currently, Jim Kersie have 6 unique collections in which you can chose your desired colour/one that is suited to you. With the wide range of products and colours, I'm sure everyone can find something perfect for them..

...and for me...that was this autumnal-screaming piece -

Purple Jasper and 22kt Gold - Phoenix Collection!

I am a enormous purple lover, hence the multiple purple items surrounding my new, beloved trinket. On receiving my product, it was luxuriously encased in a sleek, black gift box and mini leather drawstring bag with the 'JK' intials imprinted in wealthy gold. The packaging extremely impressed me - I feel like packaging can 'make or break' a company's professionalism and respectibility and JIM KERSIE definitely lived up to my standards!

Focusing now on the jewellery piece itself, I was in awe at the array of purples chosen to craft this gorgeous bracelet. It is subtle in size, which is fabulous for everyday wear because it doesn't get in the way or get caught on clothing. I also thought the 'JK' embossed 22kt Golden beads were a lovely touch as well - gold and purple compliment each other wonderfully and add a bold statement to an evening outfit.

10/10 recommend this brand from everything of the warm customer service to the neatly packaged product. This would make a wonderful Christmas gift for your mother, auntie, cousin or friend - especially with the free giftbox included! (There are also some lovely male structured pieces too, so don't forget to check them out!)

Do you change your jewellery during A/W? What colours do you usually steer toward wearing?

Lots of love

My Current Nars Favourites

My Current Nars Favourites

Comment   

Good evening! 

Today, I'd like to give a brief overview of all my current favourites; let us delve into my small collection shall we?

~ Nars 'Orgasm' Blusher ~

A beauty cult favourite, loved by all. This peachy-pink gold toned blush looks stunning in sunlight, the glitters bounce of the face enhancing natural beauty to the cheeks. One of those beauty faves you can't live without, especially in the Winter months when you need that extra flush of colour.

~ Nars 'Callisto' Dual Intensity Eyeshadow ~

A recent addition to my Nars favourites is this glittery, lilac-reflecting champagne mono eyeshadow. After falling in love with the high shine factor, intense pigmentation, frosty finish and lack of fallout, I just HAD to mention it in this post. I'm on the hunt for Dione and Himalia now, they are stunning shades too!

~ Nars 'Charlotte' Audacious Lipstick ~ 

All of you A/W makeup fanantics,like myself, will love this dark red lippie. A sophisticated option for a meal out or just to simply match an outfit, this one does the job! The smooth application is heavenly and leaves your lips feeling big and full; you don't even need lip liner girls!!!

~ Nars 'Mysterious Red' Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ~

This one is gorgeous and a classic; a very warm opaque brick red that is an honest showstopper for me. Despite it being striking and bold, this is a colour you and many have probably seen before. The thing that makes these lip pencils so special is the flat matte finish whilst among feeling surprisingly smooth upon the lips. Oh, and who doesn't love a crayon styled lip product?! Just line and fill in your lips...SIMPLE!

I hope you liked reading about my current obsessions on the Nars front (I'd also like to add I'm a huge fan of their radiant creamy concealer but completely forgot about it - OOPS!). 

Do you own a NARS product? If so, what is your favourite beauty item from this brand?

Lots of love

Naked Smoky Palette | Review

Naked Smoky Palette | Review

Comment   

Urban Decay, I must say, have the most stunning eye shadow palettes and shades - more than any other brand I know of. One of their new releases is the new Smoky palette from the infamously -loved Naked range. I've tried the second and third Naked palettes as well as the Basics 2; Urban Decay never failing to impress me. 

It came as much a surprise to me when my best friend Megan invested in this beauty for my birthday; I couldn't thank her enough! Getting my hands on some more of their highly pigmented, cool-toned and fun named shadows made my birthday extra special.

 Let's take a look at the product in closer detail - shall we?

Encased in a golden, gunmetal embossed palette with a marble and brown smoke effect on top, there are 12 sultry, cool-toned shades (9 of which are new and exclusive to this palette!) to create the perfect smoky eye, as well as the cooler undertones being ideal for the Winter months. Throughout my makeup hoarding time, I've never really had the right colours to even attempt an in-depth smoky eye so now I have this, I can't wait to get stuck in and spend my days working on new looks that I could potentially upload as tutorials later on.

With a mix of both glittery and matte, light and dark, options, I believe this palette to be one of the most versatile, universal products I've owned in a while. The contrast in finishes and tone envelope a uniqueness too - further making it a NEED for every single beauty blogger in the planet! Also, another difference spotted from the other NAKED palettes, is the new brush style. The two-sided eye crease brush is darker in colour with fluffier bristles; one end a blending brush and the other a more pointed for precision. In my opinion, I prefer this than the ones in the previous NAKED palettes.

HIGH -  A champagne, pink-toned highlight shades with a slightly pearlescent coating. One of the few warm tones in the palette; holds a frosted, metallic sheen on the eye.

DIRTYSWEET - Yellow under-toned metallic gold shade; one perfect for all-over-the-lid.

RADAR - A chestnut, warm brown with small glitters running throughout; idyllic transition shade.

ARMOR - A cool, taupe/grey glitter shade that would add sparkle to your smoky eye.

SLANTED - A pale blue,grey shimmer with a muted metallic essence.

DAGGER - Very dark grey with intense blue tones; a deep matte that would work great creating a dramatic eye.

BLACK MARKET - A navy, jet blue satin shade with a thin, easy-to-blend formula.

SMOLDER - A mix between a plum purple and taupe with an iridescent shine.

PASSWORD - A light matte grey.

WHISKEY - A rich matte brown (I cannot wait to use this in my crease; fab eye contour shade)

COMBUST - A soft, blush pink that will look gorgeous on the inner lid.

THIRTEEN - A pure, beige satin shade; matte but good for brightening, nonetheless!

Overall, I'm phenomenally impressed with each and every aspect of this palette. I couldn't fault any of the colour choices; each shade is wearable and 100% will use! Everything from the gorgeous packaging to the densely bristled brush is an absolute bonus. I just can't wait to try out some new looks!

IMPORTANT MESSAGE : I'm about 40 followers away from 1000 on Bloglovin!!! When I reach 1000, I hope to hold a giveaway and would love to know what you would like to see in it?! Make sure to comment below what you would like to win!

Lots of love

Charlotte Xx

Pretty in Pink | Get The Label

Pretty in Pink | Get The Label

Comment   

Want to know where you can get designer clothing for up to 75% off?! You should probably head over to Get The Label. Get The Label have an expectional range of famous branded products (eg. Adidas, Converse, Nike, Timberland, Lipsy, Pineapple & more!); clothing, shoes and accessories for both women and men. 

Being contacted by such a trusted company was thrilling. then to be told I could collaborate with them and receive this gorgeous Vera Moda dress was unreal. With a swift delivery and my adrenalin rushing, I opened my package to find this...

THE LITTLE PINK DRESS. I'm in awe at how flattering this cute, dusty pink looks against my skin tone. This is honestly the most prettiest and girliest dress I now own and I'm not ashamed of that at all! The material is floaty, falls in little crease-patterns and would be absolutely ideal for formal occasion wear. Honestly, I can just imagine wearing this classy number to a family wedding or out to dinner with my boyfriend.

One of the main reasons I opted for this dress was because of the front detailing; I luuuurve the diagonal cross-over style on the chest; none of my evening attire look anything like this which is why it stands out immensely. Lastly, the laced back of the dress and shoulders add an additional touch of femininity and elegance to the outfit. It looks super pretty paired with a floral headcrown and a deep mauve lipstick. Skater dresses are definitely my go-to when it comes to picking an evening based outfit; they always appear to work best with my figure.

Here's the best bit - these have been reduced on the site to just £9.99! Don't miss out on this wonderful offer; take advantage and click on the link here to look at the product from a different angle. Get The Label have an easily accessible site so you will be able to find whatever you need in seconds! 

Thank you so much to Etail PR for giving me this oppurtunity; if you're a smaller blogger who wants to get noticed and take part in collaboratiosn, sign up for ETAIL PR ASAP!!!

Lots of love

Dinner View, Orange Lips and Night Time Antics |Turkey Day 10

Dinner View, Orange Lips and Night Time Antics |Turkey Day 10

Comment   

Ever since I've arrived at the Green Forest Hotel, I have not once been disappointed with the food. There is variation at dinner daily and foods from all different cultures so there is something for everyone which is lovely. I was a huge fan of their chicken kebab sticks, their beef and also their grilled chicken (not photographed). How could you not enjoy dinner anyway when you're admiring this beautiful view out of the window?!

Tonight, I decided to whip out my black skort and pair it with a hot red crop top; to further add to the outfit I borrowed Jess' qwerky kimono, which I must say I'm very jealous of! Oh, and what other lipstick could compliment an outfit better than good ol' Mac's Lady Danger! 

After a wonderful night of playing pool, listening to the music and watching the entertainment it was time for bed. All these days of relaxing and doing nothing exhaust me...don't ask me how. Craving oreos has become my thing out here in Turkey so I ended the evening with a nice cuppa and some oreos.

Until tomorrow...