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

Festival Vibes

Festival Vibes

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The weather is slowly, but surely, becoming warmer and the night's are becoming lighter. We all know what this means right? Festival season has begun and I couldn't be more excited to see my favourite celebrities in their designer wear rocking their classic festival style looks. Whilst I'm dreaming that I'm at Coachella having the time of my life, I'm really standing in my garden, under the sun's mere glow and dressed in a more affordable outfit.

Festivals are all about the denim shorts and pretty, colourful crop tops. As I'm not very 'body-confident', I like to wear something that either covers my stomach or my legs to make me feel a little more relaxed and at ease. The worst feeling is being uncomfortable, especially when you're supposed to be having a good time. Thus, I've opted for this super comfy, loose playsuit with a deep cut V.

The patterns are something that instantly intrigued me; I'm a huge pan of intricately patterend clothing and was so happy to get my hands on it. Also, the rustic orange colour complimented my dark hair and wouldn't draw too much attention to myself as it isn't too vibrant. Finally, I'm loving the gathered feature located at the stomach - the accumulation of material gives the illusion that you have a slimmer waist. Something I definitely want to achieve, haha!

My favourite part - the sunglasses. As you all will know by now, if you've been following my blog for some time, I am sunglasses-obsessed! Seriously, I have an evergrowing collection at the bottom of my wardrobe which is almost toppling out... Anyway, these sunglasses reflect gorgeous shades of pink, orange and yellow - colours that mind me of a sunset (another thing I love). Oversized glasses are my thaaang and to top it off, they match my oversized playsuit :)

Playsuit : Forever 21 (similar style) (similar pattern)

Sunglasses : Yes Style

Lipstick : MAC ~ Velvet Teddy

What do you like to wear in Summer? Are you going to a festival this year?

Oh, before you go, I would just like to let you all know that I'm starting a Youtube channel in the next couple of months. Be sure to subscribe to my channel so that you are ready to see my first video - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHTIkfYn4sQtvqk4WgoJF5A 

Any camera recommendations?

Lots of love

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This post is not sponsered by any of the brands mentioned. All opinions are 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. 

London Bound ¦ April 16

London Bound ¦ April 16

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London is one of my happy places. It honestly excites me so much when I have day trips there, whether is be sightseeing, visiting one of their attractions or my favourite - shopping. This time, my family were travelling to Angle Islington to watch my friends in 'In - Nocentes' by the National Youth Dance Company. Going to watch my friend perform was very important for me as I'm auditioning for a place in the company this year...super exciting! 

However, before stopping at Angel, we had a couple hours to spare. This is where I struggled to restrain myself from the beautiful shops on Oxford Circus and Regent Street; my bank account is honestly crying at the minute so I wasn't able to go crazy. I did buy a couple makeup items in Boots, with the help of a good ol' voucher and my mum kindly treated me to a gorgeous playsuit from Forever 21. 

Selfridges is always my favourite place to shop/look in London. I literally want to buy all the designer bags and shoes; there were so many Kurt Geiger clutches I was lusting over it was ridiculous! The beauty floor is obviously my primary place to go - the Charlotte Tilbury stand always looks incredible with their spotlight display. 

My rust-orange, patterned playsuit was from Forever 21. The material is super lightweight so will be perfect in the summer (maybe not in England but..) and the style is super flattering because of the ruched-detailing at the stomach. Additionally, the deep V neck allows you to glam-up the outfit with a statement necklace if you were to wear it out in the evening. 

In Boots, I had two gift cards to utilise; I decided to go to the drugstore side of Boots as I hadn't purchased anything from there in a while. L'Oreal have always been one of my favourite drugstore brands so I decided to purchase some needed products from the stand - the Lumi Magique highlighting concealer and the Superstar Super Liner. Fortunately, there was a '3 for 2' offer on the counter so I managed to pick up one of their new matte lip products in 'Oops I Pink It Again'. After swatching it on my lips last night I am already impressed - the sponge end allows precise and smooth application to the lips. 

For my evening makeup, I ventured for a purple/grey smoky eye look with a nude lip.

Products used : 

~ Nars Sheer Glow ~ Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer ~ Rimmel Stay Matte Powder ~ Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess ~ Benefit Rockateur ~ The Balm Mary Lou Manizer ~ Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate ~ Urban Decay Smoky Palette & Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette ~ Maybelline Gel Liner ~ Revlon Lash Potion ~ Model's Own Liner (waterline) ~ Charlotte Tilbury Bond Girl ~

The performance was honestly breath-taking - I love contemporary dance and it has been my passion for the last couple of years. I cannot wait to audition for the company in the Summer! My evening was successfully completed with a Mango & Passionfruit cooler from Costa alongside a triple chocolate muffin. Mmmmmm.....

Where is your favourite place to travel to?

Lots of love

Winter to Spring Makeup Transition

Winter to Spring Makeup Transition

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When a new season comes around, it is absolutely vital that I alter my makeup bag to fit the appropriate weather/theme. In Spring, I can't help reaching for all my favourite pastels, pinks and shimmers. Here is what you are most likely to find in my makeup as we change from Winter to Spring...

Although I'm a sucker for full coverage foundation, I can't help opting for this incredible BB cream from Garnier. This leaves my face feeling light, even and fresh - the smell is an added bonus, it reminds me of being on holiday!! The lightest shade matches my skin colour perfectly too; I always seem to be paler than pale after undergoing the cold Winter. 

When it comes to complexion, I'm not one to go for intense contour and excessive highlight in the Spring, unless I'm going out in the evening of course. To create a more subtle bronze/contour, I use L'Oreal's Glam Bronze Eau De Soleil for slightly definition. The formulation is very liquid-y and can be messy, so be careful otherwise it will go everywhere - TRUST ME!!!

Jasper Rose by Bourjois is the one to go for if you like pink, rosy cheeks like myself. The powder formula is highly pigmented so you don't need to apply more than two strokes onto your cheek to create the desired effect.

Finally, face-wise, I'm into dewy highlight; Rimmel Wake Me Up Shimmer Touch in Flush of Pearl is supposedly a great dupe for Benefit's well-loved High Beam. The liquid formula forms a dewy, iridescent glow on the cheek bones which instantly draws sunlight. 

During this time of year, all of my pink-based eye shadow palettes come out the drawer and become much more utilised. Recently, I've been loving my Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette as it contains both winter/spring appropriate shades to take me from one season into the next. My fave shades definitely have to be Salted Caramel, Creme Brulee and Haute Chocolate.

 Also, I love to use my Bobbi Brown Pink Opal palette for a quick shimmer on the lid - this can add a glitz to your makeup if you don't have time to go create a whole eye look. This would also work as a beautiful, pink-toned highlight!

Finally, my Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in RSVP gives the perfect base for a Spring eye shadow look. I cannot stop using it throughout the season, whether I'm wearing eye products over the top or not!

Leaving the best till last...LIPS! Pink seems to be a running theme in my posts whenever Spring hits us... Anyway, Mac's lustre finish lipstick in Lovelorn is essential in my makeup bag throughout this time of year. Pink lips are so feminine and really lighten my complexion; this blue-toned pink also makes your teeth look insanely white.

In the warmer months, I like to delve into my lipgloss collection - I have such lovely shades but am always hesitant to use them in the Winter, as the wind just blows my hair onto my lips and it is a NIGHTMARE. Urban Decay's beautifully encased LIAR lipgloss is part of the infamous NAKED collection - the colour is less dramatic than the lipstick so would work for those who are tentative at wearing vibrant colours.

Don't forget to check out my Winter to Spring Fashion outfits post! 

What products do you always reach for at this time of year? What is your go-to Spring lipstick?!

Lots of love

Westfield Shopping Haul

Westfield Shopping Haul

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Over the weekend, my boyfriend and his family took a trip to London for a shopping day at Westfield Stratford. I hadn't been shopping in while so ended up splashing my money on a few things, alongside raking in some of the best January sales.

MAC Blush - Melba

A soft peach blush which I was in great need of. I really wanted a natural blush shade for everyday use and the subtle coral tones make this perfect for the upcoming spring season.

Forever 21 - Striped Top

A basic, but staple, wardrobe piece which I was unfortunately at loss of; thus, I picked one up on my shopping journey as I thought it would be a perfect addition to my sixth form wardrobe.

American Eagle Outfitters - Red Suede Boots

Just by looking into the shop windows, I knew the items were right up my street. After taking a quick stroll around the gorgeous clothing pieces, I caught my eye on these set of Heeled Suede Red boots. There was a huge sale on this pair - I got them for £12 from £30!!! Just my luck, they were also in my size, with only two pairs left on the shelf.

Parmar ShoeCare - Black Knee High Boots

An absolute fashion craze at the minute is shirt dresses with a pair of beautiful knee high boots. I am in love with this current trend and decided to pick myself a cheap pair (£20) up just incase they didn't quite suit me.

VS underwear, CK underwear, Topshop Underwear

As I hadn't been shopping in a while, I decided to treat myself to some pretty new underwear. Some may think I went a bit too overboard considering I bought some from three different places but a girl has gotta treat herself every once in a while, right?!

Swarovski Vittore White Ring

My boyfriend's mum was so so lovely and bought me this stunning white, Vittore ring from Swarovski; I cannot stop staring at the embellished sparkling chatons circling the entire ring. I was so grateful and extremely lucky to be surrounded by such loving, generous people.

Tiger (Random Purchases)

I came across this shop called Tiger, of which I had never seen/heard of before in my life. Being drawn to the pretty pastel colours in the window, I had to enter and pick up the most random bunch of items ever. I bought a 2kg weight to help with my fitness (one of my new years resolutions), a notepad because you cant have enough, a little silver bucket to put cute little things in and some cotton buds. Such a weird combination - I know...

Thanks for reading!!


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