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

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

Why I'm Obsessed Makeup Palettes...

Why I'm Obsessed Makeup Palettes...

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When admiring my new dressing table and makeup collection the other day, I suddenly acknowledged the ridiculous amount of palettes I've gathered throughout my years of makeup hoarding. Thus, I've brought a post to you today dedicated to my beloved compacts and why they are such an important part of my makeup-revolved world...

Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette

Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Palette

High end up eyeshadow palettes have invaded my entire makeup collection over the past two year, and has been ever-growing since. Through experience, I have personally found Urban Decay to hold the best high end shadows - great pigmentation, incredible colour range, multiple palettes, fab lasting power and overall look. I cannot get enough of UD's shadows and will continue to repurchase. 

Nars Steven Klein One Shocking Moment Cheek Studio Palette, Makeup Revolution Blushes & Urban Decay Naked Flushed (STREAK)

Post-eyeshadow-palette-craziness, I became introduced to the wondrous face/blush palettes in both the drugstore and highend brands. I'm in love with my Nars Steven Klein palette - the contour shade is an absolute DREAAAAAM to blend and the multiple blush shades are perfect for travelling. I also love the affordable palettes - e.g. Makeup Revolution have some fab palettes you should try if you haven't already. Their blushes are super pretty but insanely pigmented - so watch out when applying!!

Dior Sundeck , Bobbi Brown Pink Opal and L'Oreal Marron Glace

The smaller compact must no go a-miss. I love the little eyeshadow palettes you can get, both luxury and affordable. These three lil palettes completely summarise my eyeshadow go-to's; I'm a sucker for bronze/browns all year round, pinks in the spring/summer and orange tones in the winter. 

Why do I love all these palettes so much, do you ask? Well, they are simply four main reasons. 1 - I adore how versatile they are, they can hold an endless array of colours perfect for any occasion. 2 - If you are indecisive, like myself, you can just take 12423423 blushes with you in case you can't decide spontaneously. 3 - Cosmetic palettes inspire me to change my daily makeup routine - the variety of shades you can get in one palette allows me to alternate my looks on a regular basis so I'm getting full use of my makeup collection. 4 - Like the majority of beauty lovers, compacts are travel friendly so you can't have enough. They can really save so much space in your bag, a definite beauty need.

What's your favourite beauty palette? 

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

The A/W15 Coat Edit

The A/W15 Coat Edit

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Coat by Missoni from Luisa World

Coat season has returned and I'm absolutely loving it! There is nothing I love more than picking out my A/W wardrobe each year, foraging for a new definitive coat that I will wear to DEATH over the entire season. What has made it extra special this year is that I've discovered FarFetch, an online site that holds beautiful designer clothing, which has inspired me to dedicate a post lusting over 3 of their 6 DEFINITIVE COATS OF A/W15. Oh, how I wish I could afford them...

1. The English Lady ~ Brush up on your manners this season, as AW15 heralds the return of the frightfully proper English heritage coat. Savile Row mainstays such as Prince of Wales check, nubby tweed and houndstooth look modern again, especially when worn with off-kilter accessories and your favourite granny handbag.

I am in awe at this sophisticated wardrobe piece; it gives off a truly vintage vibe which everyone is loving this year! The intricately designed patterns would incorporate a dramatic statement to a monochromal dress/outfit, knee-length heeled boots and vibrant handbag to add some extra fun to the look. 

Coat by Balmain from Splash by the Beach

2. The Great White ~ Nothing makes you look expensive like winter whites - and not just because of the dry-cleaning bills. Shades like oyster, cream and purest snow white lift winter complexions and add freshness to your look. The hot AW15 update? Block it with separates in luxurious tones of oxblood and cyclamen pink.

Another trend I want to be involved with this year is the alluring white wraps everyone is wearing out and about. White is the colour to be worn in these winter months, helping to enhance those rosy cheeks and pale complexions. My personal favourite factor of white coats are that they contrast my dark locks, making my natural features one of my statements during Winter.

Coat by Derek Lam from Derek Lam

3. The Leather Trench ~ The Seventies favourite is back for 2015, fortified with a sex bomb colour palette – opt for Derek Lam’s cherry red for maximum hot-blooded appeal, and wear skin-on-skin style until winter’s bite brings out the goosebumps.

Finally, we have one of the most definitive coats I'd ever wear - I certainly wouldn't be able to pull this leather trench off but I know a lot of people who could. The vibrancy of the red is bold and striking; something you want to be wearing in the unevitable aridity of November/December. Outwear like this should totally be paired with a hot red-orange lipstick - I vote NARS Mysterious Red Velvet Matte Lip Pencil will do just the trick! 

Don't forget to check out the other three coats you could be rocking this season by clicking HERE.

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