Brand Focus : Live Love London

Brand Focus : Live Love London

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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

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

Everyday Makeup Routine

Everyday Makeup Routine

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One of the most iconic beauty blogger/vlogger posts is the EVERYDAY MAKEUP ROUTINE. Although I've been blogging for almost 3 years now, I still haven't managed to upload my daily go-to makeup look. My makeup routine varies on a fairly regular basis - it changes from week to month. However, throughout March/April, this is the look I've been attached to and repetitively wearing whenever I'm leaving the house to do something. 

Generally, makeup makes me feel more comfortable and confident as a person so I completely acknowledge that this may be too much makeup for some to wear daily. In other cases, it may not be as much as others. If you wish to follow my makeup routine but change some products or tone things down depending on your personal preferences. 

Here it is...the long awaited everyday makeup routine..

EYES

On most occasions, I tend to begin my routine with my eye makeup; this is mainly because I cannot stand 'fallout' and I don't feel so much pressure with eyeliner application. Sometimes, I like to use tape when applying eyeshadow and liner to create a clean, sharp cut. 

Recently, I've been loving the Too faced Chocolate Bar palette - my look involves the shades 'Milk Chocolate' and 'Semi-Sweet'. I apply both brown shades into the crease and blend, blend, blend! This create a soft, contoured eye look, which helps bolden and intensify my small eyes. The eyeliner I'm currently using is the L'Oreal Superstar Super Liner - the strong nibbed applicator ensures precision is at its best whilst also holding an incredible black pigment. Also, I use a Model's Own black liner in my waterline for extra definition. Finally, the mascara I've been loving this month is Rimmel's Super Curler 24HR. I don't think I've ever found a drugstore mascara that doesn't smear under my eyes after several hours after application until I met this. So affordable too!

FACE

Following on my eye makeup comes my complexion. For my base, I've been reaching for L'Oreal's Infaillible 16HR wear foundation. This is super concealing, helps to hide and even out my blotchy red skin and lasts all day long without sticking to dry patches. Then is my tricky task of covering up my horrific under eye circles - L'Oreal's Lumi Magique works wonders for my under eye darkness. It manages to conceal, and primarily highlight, any dull areas on the face. 

Now my favourite part - contour, blush and highlight. To contour or bronze my face up, whichever I'm feeling, I always carry my trusty Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess which I've been raving about forever! The warm-toned powder and formula works well on my skin; complimenting my cool skin and making blending a dream. Blush can potentially bring out my natural red complexion so I sometimes avoid wearing it. However, I have found that MAC's Melba is a super natural, toned-down peach which works well for me. Finally, I've been using MAC Soft and Gentle MSF or The Balm's Mary Lou Manizer to add that beautiful glow to the cheekbones and eyebrow bone.

LIPS 

Keeping it natural for that everyday appropriate look, I have a collection of lipsticks I usually carry in my makeup bag. In the images above, I've used MAC Mehr on my lips - a soft, mauve pink. Also, I recommend Charlotte Tilbury Bond Girl or Chanel Satisfaction for those highend lovers. Alternatively, highstreet lovers can opt for Essence's Natural Beauty lipstick or Soap and Glory Glossy Crayon's in Nudist.

Do you use the same products on a daily basis? What is your go-to lipstick?

Lots of love

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This post is not in collaboration with any brands listed above. 

Top 5 Beauty Products ¦ March 2016

Top 5 Beauty Products ¦ March 2016

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Over the first three months of 2016, I would like to say I am proud to be following through with one of my New Year's resolution - frequently changing the cosmetics in my makeup bag so that I utilise all of my products. However, this month these five items became staples in my everyday morning routine. In fact, I've been loving them so much I just had to tell you about them!

Also, this post is in collaboration with @BeautyandBrushesX from Instagram; don't forget to check out her top 5 current beauty products on her blog!

BRONZING

~ Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess ~

Since Christmas 2015, I have worn this on my face every single time I've applied makeup - and there STILL isn't a significant dent in the product. Hallelujah! This bronzing powder helps me to achieve a natural, luminous glow whilst defining my non-existent cheek bones. The warmth of the brown is very flattering on my dull skin and boosts the life in my, usually very sleepy, face.  A product I will forever repurchase and rave about!

~ Real Techniques Bold Metals Contour Brush ~

When it comes to makeup application, I always acquire the best brush for the job - I have made many a cosmetic fault by using my fingers or wrong brushes to blend in my early teens. Therefore, I find it vital that I find the best brush possible to apply product. For contouring, I finally got my hands on one of Real Techniques Bold Metals brushes - The Flat Contour. Contouring has been made simple with a brush that can evenly, and precisely, apply product in the hollows of your cheeks, along the jawline, nose and elsewhere. Oh, and it's rose gold - BONUS!

BROW DUO 

~ Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate & Angled 12 Brush ~

HOLY GRAIL BROW PRODUCT. My brows are a nightmare to work with - they are such a weird colour, my inner brows lack any hair at all and there are both completely different in shape. I know the old saying 'eyebrows are sisters, not twins' but mine are honestly not related. However, I have found something to cure my non-fleeky brow days - the Anastasia Dipbrow and brush. If you want to read more about my love for this product and how it has helped me, click HERE to find out more.

LIPS

~ Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in Bond Girl ~

On Valentine's Day, I was very lucky to spend the day in London and have a mooch around all of the makeup shops - something my boyfriend didn't like doing as much. In Selfridges, I managed to pick up my very first, and well-loved, Charlotte Tilbury lipstick in the shade BOND GIRL. This for me has been my go-to nude of the month. I don't usually wear pale, orange toned nudes as they completely wash me out, so this mauve/pink toned nude has been my March saviour. 

FRAGRANCE

~ Valentino Valentina Perfume ~

Finally, I have been reaching for my old fragrances - like Valentino Valentina - this month as they somehow bring back memories for me. I always relate smells to events/days in my past and I think it is such a memorable way to reminisce. This classy, feminine bottle holds deep white floral notes with inital sweet citrus bursts of berries. Perfect for the upcoming Summer months. 

What beauty products have you been loving this month? Have you tried any of the items I spoke about?

Lots of love

Pastel Lips! | FlashMob Cosmetics

Pastel Lips! | FlashMob Cosmetics

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January always seems to come and go sooooo quickly every year. Thus, Spring is swiftly approaching, meaning  a complete change in your makeup bag is due - swapping out all of berry lips for something to match the brighter, warmer atmosphere. 

FlashMob Cosmetics have kindly collaborated with me to share with you their vibrant lip-smacking products to get you all in the Spring spirit! Like most girly-girls, I'm a huge fan of the pastels during Springtime and Flashmob have created the perfect lipsticks to make your lips fit right into the season. These are such an awesome Easter gift for those who ask for gifts rather than chocolate or a birthday gift for younger girls.

Colours in the Electric Kisses Set:

Orange - A vibrant peach/coral 

Dark Pink - An intense barbie pink with heavy blue undertones

Lilac - A pretty, light purple shade with a frosty sheen

Light Pink - A subtle pink lip with slight pigmentation

The thin, slick and 'flashy' packaging makes these lippies appeal to the younger generations; their comic-styled font and images evoke instant attention. Also, the brightly colour-coordinated tubes match their complementary lip colour - for extra satisfication (this is something I am definitely drawn to). The infamous # has also been used to create a modern essense and appeal further to younger audiences.

Finally, here are some swatches of the colours mentioned above! The pigmentation of the orange and dark pink were much more intense than the other two but still fabulous, nonetheless. One factor that made me particularly impressed was the light, weightless feel on the lips after application - sometimes the feeling of lipstick is very heavy and irritating so this was refreshing and different for me. A slight flaw I found after applying the orange colour, was that the colour sank into all of the creases in my lips. However, it might just be my chapped, gross lips - who knows?!

FlashMob Cosmetics are affordable gifts that can be found at stores like Markwins Beauty and Argos.

Lots of love

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This post was in collaboration with FlashMob Cosmetics, however all opinions are honest and my own.

Giveaway #1 // CLOSED!!!

Giveaway #1 // CLOSED!!!

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Giveaway Items :

Cargo Cosmetics 'Essentials' Eyeshadow Palette

Decleor Aroma Cleanse Eye Makeup Remover

Makeup Revolution 'She's Up All Night' Lipstick

Playboy 'Sleek Lashes' Mascara

Hello everyone! Today I've teamed up with Ms Charee, a wonderful online magazine in which I've recently become a member, to deliver a giveaway for you all. I'm absolutely thrilled to be giving away this beautiful party-perfect package to one of my dedicated viewers. 

To enter, there is a rafflecopter below with several options allowing you to get more chances of winning - most of them are social media related. 

DON'T FORGET TO FILL OUT YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS OTHERWISE I, OR MS CHAREE, CANNOT CONTACT YOU!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lots of love

My Current Nars Favourites

My Current Nars Favourites

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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