Daily Protection with Eve Lom

I have been a skincare junkie for many years now but the one area I didn't consider was sun protection. I have always relied on my foundation to do the job of offering protection often SPF 15. But I recently learnt about the dangers of the sun including the increase in skin cancer and since then having been taking more care of how I protect myself against it. Even though we are distinctly lacking in sunshine at this time of year that does not mean that we should forget about the dangers of UVA/UVB rays. 

Eve Lom Daily Protect SPF 50 is a moisturiser for everyday wear with the benefit of a high SPF. It is oil free yet hydrating and radiant therefore perfect for all skin types. My skin is normal to combination but some SPF moisturisers can feel a little greasy on me but this glides onto the skin and feels incredibly lightweight. I also love the pump format as it means no wasting of product! 

It contains no titanium or zinc so is recommended for everyday use rather than the beach or holiday and because it lacks those ingredients that can often turn the skin chalky it is suitable for all skin tones too. It doesn't leave a more tanned or black skin ashy which is fantastic.

The product protects against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays which means you are protecting your skin from both instant and long term damage.

I love wearing this product under my makeup everyday now and thankfully it has become routine for me to wear SPF everyday without relying on my foundation. I spend so much time and money on high quality skincare so I should protect it from the biggest ageing factor there is, the sun!

Available at Space NK

Getting NUDE......

NUDE Skincare has always been on my wish list to try but until very recently I hadn't tried the products. But now that I have discovered the perfect cleansing oil I don't know how I lived without it!

I wear a fair amount of makeup for work (and a lot for going out) and I have always searched for the perfect way to remove makeup, quickly and efficiently. I have used micellar waters for years to remove the first layer or mascara and then a balm cleanser to follow for a deep clean. However despite loving the micellar waters I have still found them time consuming and often not as effective with heavier makeup such as smokey eyes or red lips. I also find that I still need to rub the area which is uncomfortable, particularly around the eyes.

The NUDE perfect cleansing oil is applied to dry skin and eyes, massaged in therefore breaking down the makeup and then rinsed off and it has been a revolution for me. I always used to be afraid of oil, associating it with greasy skin or breakouts but this oil is purifying and hydrating at the same time and left me with no breakouts at all. Also the product does not irritate the eyes at all so I smooth the product over my eyes and massage over the lashes to break down mascara and it is removed and comfortable!

 I love the fact that it comes in pump form so there is no wastage. I need one pump for every day makeup and two for heavier makeup and so this oil is not only fantastic at what it does but economical too. 

The brand describes its products as food for the skin, and my skin certainly feels nourished and satisfied after each use. Have you tried anything from this range?

x

Back to blogging

It has been a while since I blogged. To be honest I almost fell out of love with blogging for a couple of months and with starting a new job and having a new healthier lifestyle I have found myself unable to make the time to blog.

However today is the today I try to get myself back into it and so stay tuned for some product reviews coming very shortly!

Now that I am blogging again, is there anything you would like to see on my blog?

Hayley x

My holy grail mascara!

I have tried ALOT of different mascaras but have very rarely repurchased each one as I have been on a constant search for "the one". There are many that have nearly hit the mark including Hourglass Film Noir and Lancome Hypnose Drama but I have never described a mascara as perfect. That was until I tried this beauty and the condition, length, volume and curl of my lashes was improved after one use. 

Chantecaille Faux Cils is by far the most expensive mascara I have ever bought and so it would be my luck that it is in fact the most incredible product I have ever used! At £35 I struggled to realised how a mascara could be worth this amount of money as I tend to spend more on skincare/foundation than I do on other makeup items. However after one day of wearing this mascara I understood why people continued to buy this expensive mascara. 

I have been a false lashes addict for a few years now, with short stubby lashes that never curled or looked voluminous I always reached for the falsies even in the day time to give myself more confidence and make my eyes look more attractive. But after owning this mascara for a month or so I can honestly say that I have worn false lashes perhaps twice in that time, then only at night time because the condition and strength of my lashes has improved vastly. I have never had compliments on my natural lashes but in the last month I have had so many comments on how great my lashes look!

This mascara is packed full of goodness. Rich in mineral salts with red seaweed extract to strengthen lashes and add elasticity this mascara never feels cakey or crispy but adds incredible length and volume. I have had zero fall down or smudging under my eyes either which is a huge factor for me as a working makeup artist. It is water resistant but not waterproof so you don't have to worry about smudging or flaking but it is removed easily with makeup remover. The brush is a classic shape which picks up the perfect amount of product. Chantecaille also do a longest lash version of this mascara which retails for £60 (ouch) but I have seen such fantastic results with this one that I will be sticking with it. The packaging is luxurious to say the least as with all Chantecaille products and it feels like a real treat purchasing this product.

I will continue to repurchase this mascara because it does everything I want in a product and so much more. My lashes have fallen in love with it and so have I.

Available from Space NK

x

Hourglass Riviera Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick

I finally caved and bought this beautiful orange red liquid lipstick. I had seen other beauty bloggers and makeup artists rave about the pigment and colour but tried to convince myself that I didn't need another orange red. MAC Lady Danger is one of my all time favourite orangey reds but it is very bright and I often find myself saving it for just nights out. Hourglass Riviera has very similar tones but there is something a little less neon and bright about this colour making it much more wearable for day time. I have become a little obsessed with this colour and love to wear a simple coat of mascara, contoured cheeks and a swipe of this on the lips for a statement daytime look.

The texture is liquid like a creamy gloss but pigmented to the extreme. Very little product is needed to coat the lips in opaque colour. The product then dries to an almost matte finish and has fantastic staying power. As with all long lasting products it can become a little too dry and I will suggest use lip balm prior to use just to condition the lips and avoid any cracking however it really does last.

Riviera selfie!

I will definitely be trying more colours from the range as I have been so impressed with the formula and it is so different to anything else I own! Have you tried them and if so what colour shall I get next?

Available from Space NK

x

March Empties

I seem to have run out of everything at the same time this month so I thought I would share my empties with you and let you know if I will be repurchasing or not and why! 

Laura Mercier Radiance primer - £29 Space NK

Luckily I currently have two of these so this isn't too painful of a loss however my second tube is dangerously close to finishing too! The fact that I have two anyway tells you just how much I love this product and I will be buying another to replace this empty. I have tried ALOT of primers from budget to high end, dewy to matte, in search of the perfect base for my makeup and have pretty much come to the conclusion that nothing beats this primer in terms of texture, longevity and finish. I have pretty normal skin with some combination aspects and I adore dewy/satin finish skin for myself. I love this primer because it contains just the right amount of pearly glow to brighten dull skin but without any glitter or shimmer particles. It is a warm beige colour with a true luminous finish and looks beautiful worn alone or underneath foundation. Once the foundation is applied you still get the look of being lit from within and the foundation stays perfect all day. I will be trying the radiance bronze version too this summer which has recently launched! 

Anastasia Brow Wiz in Ash Blonde - £15.50 Cult Beauty

It might seem a little dramatic but I was actually devastated when I finished this pencil the other morning. I let out a shriek as I realised it was empty which made me realise just how essential it is in my every day routine. This brow pencil is by far the best brow pencil I have ever used. It is the perfect size for filling in each and every hair, looks completely natural but can be built up for a stronger evening look. The texture is creamy but firm so application is quick and easy and the product lasts all day without touch ups. The fact the pencil has a brush on the other end to comb through the hairs makes it even more handy for on the go and the colour Ash Blonde is the perfect balance between warm and cool to suit blondes! I have tried many brow pencils including MAC and Tom Ford and this is the only one I have continued to repurchase time and time again. I will be re ordering immediately!

Algenist complete eye renewal balm - £48 Space NK

The first of two eye creams that I have finished this month, this luxury balm has been a joy to use. I bought it last year after talking to an Algenist rep in Space Nk and loved the idea of using a balm texture rather than a cream as I often find eye creams too heavy especially if using before makeup. This balm is rich but lightweight and targets fine lines and dark circles. Dark circles are one of my biggest concerns when it comes to my skin and this did go some way to helping with them however the change wasn't big enough to convince me that I NEED to repurchase so I will be trying other eye creams this year. I have my eye on the Colbert MD and Zelens eye cream which are much more pricey but I feel that because my dark circles bother me, eye cream is one of the things I want to invest in so I don't mind spending to find the perfect product for me. However I would highly recommend this eye cream as it has been a pleasure to use every day and the pot has lasted ages! 

Bobbi Brown hydrating eye cream - £31 Bobbi Brown

The second of my eye creams I have finished, this was actually a sample size given to me to try but the size was so good that it has taken me a long time to finish it! This is much more of a cream texture, aimed at hydrating the area so especially good for people with drier skins. I personally enjoyed using this cream as it feels instantly hydrating and despite the thicker texture it does sink pretty quickly into the skin. However it just didn't do much for my dark circles and felt a little too heavy under makeup so I will not be purchasing the full size. I usually find the makeup companies don't do skincare quite as well as skin care companies so whilst this is cosmetically pleasing to the eye because it reduces dryness I couldn't see many long term benefits. However if you do suffer with dryness around the eye area you may well enjoy this product. 

Kerastase Mousse Bouffante - £16.60 Feel Unique 

My hair is naturally straight and fine so despite having a lot of hair I struggle to get any volume into it. I bought this mousse as I have always enjoyed using Kerastase products and was keen to try their styling range. I like this mousse because it is not sticky or uncomfortable and smells fantastic however I didn't get the results I was hoping for. It built a little volume however I was hoping for more from this high end brand. I have recently purchased the Oribe grande plumping mousse to try out and after only one use I had fuller hair and the texture and smell are divine. It is much more pricey but the results were instant compared to the Kerastase so I will be sticking to the Oribe from now on!

Soap and Glory mini Scrub em and leave em body buff - £2.50 Boots

Theres no denying that Soap and Glory products are an absolute bargain and smell fantastic so when I saw this mini scrub in Boots I thought I would give it a go. I tend to exfoliate mainly pre tanning or to remove self tan and like my scrubs to really get rid of all dead skin cells but not leave my skin feeling tight or too dry. I really enjoyed using this product and despite being a miniature it did last me a little while and did a good job of removing old self tan from my body. I wasn't as keen on the scent as their Flake Away scrub but it was still fresh and yummy! I am always trying new body scrubs to find the perfect one so will not be purchasing the full size but will definitely grab a couple of the minis for when I go away on short trips or holiday! 

Bobbi Brown extreme party mascara - £19 Bobbi Brown

I was inspired by Jesse Walker, friend and fellow makeup artist/shopaholic to give this mascara a go. I had never tried Bobbi Brown mascaras and she told me that for the volume and length I wanted the extreme party one was the way to go. The first thing I loved about this mascara was the size. It is a fairly small tube and therefore perfect for travel or carrying in my make up bag. I also loved the sleek dark silver packaging. The brush itself is pretty chunky and I would say a classic brush style. I was super impressed with the black pigment in this and the way the volume could be built up with several coats without looking clumpy or feeling crispy. I am always trying new mascaras with Chantecaille Faux Cils being my latest purchase since this mascara finished last week however I would highly recommend the extreme party mascara for guaranteed volume and length in the perfect handy size!

Elemental Herbology Purify and Soothe cleansing balm - £30 Space NK

I enjoy using balm cleansers at night because I feel that they truly break down any grime or makeup to reveal clean yet hydrated skin. I love massaging a balm cleanser onto my skin after using an oil to break down the makeup first and then wiping off the balm using a muslin cloth. I have tried lots of cleansing balms so when I saw the Elemental Herbology balm I knew I had to give it a go. Up until using this the Emma Hardie balm had been my favourite however over Winter this purify and soothe balm became an absolute must have. It is targeted at more dry skins so whilst I am normal to combination most of the year I wanted to try something a little more hydrating for the winter months and this didn't disappoint. I would highly recommend this balm because the smell is wonderful, the texture is balmy yet silky and it leaves no nasty residue behind after removing with a cloth. I will probably try a different cleanser now that Spring/Summer is here however I may well go back to this balm when Winter approaches again!

Please leave any of your suggestions for products I should try next below as I love to try new brands! 

x

My favourite MAC blushers

There is no denying it, MAC have some incredible blushers and I'm willing to admit that I own far too many of them! Yes they may look similar but with different tones, textures and finishes there is a valid reason for each of these purchases (or at least thats what I tell myself). I have 6 stand out favourite MAC blushers that I tend to reach for the most in my personal collection. I have an entirely different collection in my working makeup kit which I have in palette form for easy storage.

My top 6:

Rosy Outlook - a pro longwear blusher with great staying power and a rosy pink natural tone

Warm Soul - a mineralise blush with a peachy brown nude tone and specks of shimmer

Poised - a limited edition sadly but a true neutral nude that works perfectly with a red lip!

Supercontinental - another limited edition but a great shimmer peach for summer

Royal Sunset - a limited edition bright yellow toned pink great with a pink lip

Margin - my oldest and most used, a frosted pinky gold perfect for nights out.

(Pictured left to right top to bottom)

Rosy Outlook, Supercontinental, Royal Sunset

Warm Soul, Margin, Poised 

Rosy Outlook is an absolute must have! This true powder pink tone suits light to medium skin tones and lasts all day on the skin. It is a matte finish and therefore contains no shimmer or frost making it flattering for mature skins too.

Warm Soul is my other must have. Because it is a mineral blusher, the shimmer is subtle and sits well on the skin. It blends beautifully and contains a soft peach brown tone which suits most skin tones. This is a favourite with many brides too.

What are your favourite MAC blushers and why?

x

Beauty Rediscovered - Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream

Whilst trying to stick to a spending ban I have been clearing out my beauty drawers and finding long lost products that I seem to have neglected. One of these is my Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream. Yes it smells a little odd and the texture is a bit bizarre but I forgot just how good this multi use product is. 

First and foremost this product does come in an unfragranced version so if the smell does put you off, don't give up on it yet! The packaging isn't particularly exciting but it is a cult classic in the beauty world and when a product does what it says it will I can forget about the aesthetic aspect. The texture is like a gel balm, not sticky but feels rich in texture. I love the handy and hygienic tube packaging, especially for use in my kit on make up jobs. 

I use this balm for lips, it is a great remedy for dry chapped lips without leaving too much of a high shine finish. It is fantastic for creating a sheen on cheekbones on photoshoots and for any very dry skin on hands or face it is an essential at this time of year!

I can't believe I ever tossed this to the back of my drawer as it has truly become a must have for me in the last few weeks! 

x

The amazing Beauty Blender

I love brushes. I have a makeup brush addiction and am constantly buying new ones for myself and my kit. So when I first heard about Beauty Blenders, a sponge to apply foundation and concealer I was sceptical to say the least. I could not understand why anyone would choose to apply foundation with a sponge especially top make up artists. However I was randomly shopping in Guru Make up Emporium and spotted a duo pack of Beauty Blenders and thought why not give them a go. I left them in my drawer for ages, desperate to stick to my stippling brush ways, but a couple of months ago I decided to break open the packaging and apply my foundation with one. 

The sponge on the left has been used. On the right is brand new.

The sponge almost doubles in size when immersed into water and used. The new blender on the right looks much more appealing!

I had heard that it was best to dampen the sponge first with water squeezing out any excess water and then apply liquid foundation. It was as I first began to apply my liquid that I suddenly realised what all the fuss was about. My foundation literally disappeared onto my skin, blending in perfectly. I stippled the sponge onto the skin, pressing product onto the areas I wanted and could not believe how perfectly natural my skin looked. It was perfected but still looked like skin. I used the pointy tip to apply concealer and once again was astounded by the ease of application and flawless finish. 

I am by no means giving up on my foundation brushes however this has really opened my eyes to how many ways there are to use tools and makeup to provide results and I can honestly say that I will be repurchasing these blenders when mine have come to the end of their life. I will buy the duo pack again as it is much more cost effective at around £20 for the two. There are dupes out there for a cheaper price so may try them out but usually the original is best with these products so I am happy to pay for a good quality product that works!

A truly remarkable product!

x

Anastasia Brow Dipbrow Pomade

Anastasia Beverly Hills makes some of the most amazing brow products I have ever tried. The brow wiz is an exception pencil, the brow powder is beautiful so when I saw that they had released a brow gel I knew I had to try it. This brand is huge in America but still creeping into the UK it has only one UK stockist that I have found, Cult Beauty.

This gel comes in a variety of colours but I opted for the lightest, Blonde, as I have recently had more light pieces put through my hair again in the wishful hope that it will bring Spring/Summer sooner!

You can see from the pictures that the colour is ideal for blondes as its not too warm but not too ash grey and therefore matches fair hair perfectly. It is also a build able colour so for nights out you can go a little deeper in tone by adding a bit more product. I use an angled brow brush to apply it in light feathery strokes almost mimicking each hair on the brow and added a bit more depth at the bottom of the brow to create an almost ombre effect.

This product is incredible. It looks natural but polished, subtle but defined and stays put all day! I have used it alone as well as in conjunction with the powder and pencil and it works great all three ways. I will definitely be buying more colours for my kit as I cannot bear to part with this. It has become an every day must have for me! 

If you are looking to invest in new brow products and are not sure whether to go for pencil or powder this is the perfect combination of the two with the added benefit of holding the hairs in place.

Perfection in a pot

x

Another day, Another Space NK Haul

Breaking News! I stepped into Space NK with no intention of buying and left with new makeup goodies! Well it was bound to happen when I met up with fellow MUA and makeup addict Nikki for a catch up last week. The service in our nearest store in Kingston is always fantastic and we spent a good 2 hours in the store browsing and playing with products before deciding to purchase a few products. 

Worth it for the bag alone ;)

4 new goodies! Chantecaille The Pebble refillable compact, Chantecaille Smitten blusher, Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer and Hourglass Femme nude stylo No.3

The only Chantecaille product I have previously owned is their Just Skin tinted moisturiser which is incredible. The prices are high but so is the quality so when I saw this Pebble compact I fell in love. A refillable compact that fits any of the blushers or eyeshadows in the shape of a pebble with little slopes it actually feels like a smooth beach pebble (except Silver and luxurious and beautiful). I chose to fill it with Smitten powder blush, a stunning true peach tone with a satin finish. The blush colour is like nothing I already own and is perfect for Spring. It also compliments the new Hourglass lip colour I bought perfectly.

I have had my eye on the Hourglass femme nude stylos for a while so when I swatched shade number 3 on my hand I knew it had to be mine. The shades go from 1 to 6, all different tones and shades of nude to suit any skin tone. As a regular fake tanner I found that 3 was the perfect amount of warmth for me but 2 would also be a great option for the winter months. 

Last but by no means least I had completely forgotten about the fact I wanted to try this product until Nikki asked the assistant if she could try it out. I remember lots of makeup artists raving about it because despite its tiny pot and its high price (£38) it is so pigmented that the smallest amount can cover the entire face seamlessly. We both tried number 8 and the results were breathtaking. Firstly the yellow tone of number 8 is ideal for us fake tanners, secondly I was stunned at the beautiful full coverage it gave. I put it onto my chin, nose and forehead and the result was flawless. I will be trying this out for a bit longer before I buy more shades for my kit but after one use I think its going to be a life long friendship.

I used my Space NK indulge card, a points system card, and got £10 off the total because of my previous spending spree so that made me somehow feel less guilty ;) 

x

My foundation collection!

This post was inspired by one of my favourite bloggers Laura from http://www.buynowbloglater.com who wrote a post on her foundation collection and a run through of how she felt about each one. I am going to be doing something similar today with my collection, running through every foundation I personally own (not included my professional kit) I will be telling you what I love about each one and why! I will also be revealing which one is my all time favourite Holy Grail foundation out of this line up at the end of the post!

My skin type is pretty normal, occasionally combination, so what might work amazingly on my skin, might look terrible on a dry skin so please bear in mind that these foundations work great for me but might not for you so always worth picking up a sample of a foundation before buying! I have put my line up in left to right from generally most coverage to least.

The foundation line up! L-R

MAC Studio Fix Fluid, Estee Lauder Double Wear Light, NARS Sheer glow, Make up For Ever HD, Shiseido Perfect Refining foundation, Burberry sheer foundation, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, NARS pure radiant tinted moisturiser, Chantecaille Just Skin, Laura Mercier illuminating tinted moisturiser

So lets start with the thickest foundation of the lot, MAC Studio Fix Fluid. Many love this, many hate it, but theres no denying that if you want full coverage it does what it says it will. Yes it smells a bit weird and is pretty thick when applied but if applied in the right way it can create a flawless smooth base ideal for people who love to hide all sins. It is oil free and therefore great for combination to oily skins. Some people do experience flash back on camera but personally I haven't had any issues with it. I haven't worn this in a long time as I now much prefer foundations with a glow and this is definitely more matte but when applied with a large stippling brush or a damp sponge it can give a lighter, more natural finish and is definitely a good product to have in case of a bad skin day!

Moving ever so slightly down the coverage scale we come to Estee Lauder Double Wear Light. The original Double Wear formula is incredibly thick and I didn't enjoy wearing it at all so when I first saw this I assumed that the formula would be very similar. However it really is much lighter still giving a medium coverage I would say but feels more comfortable and looks more like skin. This is a great product for when your skin is a little red or a few blemishes have appeared because it gives a smooth flawless look without looking heavy. I would call the finish matte/satin.

NARS Sheer Glow, now this is in my top 3 for sure. Not sheer or particularly glowy its not actually what I expected but I still fell head over heels in love on first application. It gives at least a medium coverage I would say and the finish is more satin than glowing but it leaves the skin looking radiant and flawless. This is my go to foundation for nights out because it photographs beautifully and stays on all night too. It is very build able too so for nights out where I'm wearing a strong smokey eye or dark lip I tend to apply two layers for ultimate flawless finish!

Make Up For Ever HD is a bit of a cult classic in the makeup world. Harder to get hold of in the UK I bought this little beauty at IMATS purely because of the rave reviews I had heard from fellow make up artists. I wanted to try it on myself before putting it into my kit and I have to say it is a fantastic foundation. As the name would suggest it photographs beautifully and on the right skin type it is perfection. On dry skins I find this can drag a little so I would use it on combination onwards however I love it on myself and if I'm looking for a medium coverage with a velvety finish this is ideal.

My next foundation was sent to me by Shiseido after I enquired about their make up collection. A less mainstream brand, this is available in larger department stores and online. I didn't know what to expect but with the name Perfect Refining foundation my expectations were suddenly raised! I was not left disappointed! This gorgeous velvety foundation is light to medium coverage and very buildable with a gorgeously smooth application and comfortable feeling. I would definitely consider adding this to my professional kit because it is that perfect medium between light and full coverage, matt and dewy finish.  A lovely product.

Next up is a pricey addition in the form of Burberry sheer foundation. I bought this in the Summer hence the dark colour so I tend to only use it in the Summer months but thats when I believe it looks best. With a dewy sheer to light finish it looks radiant like just landed from my holiday radiant and evens out skin whilst retaining a natural glow. It's everything I thought it would be. Burberry makeup is natural with subtle definition and a strong focus on skin and this foundation encourages the natural skin to show through. This is best for when your skin is looking in great condition or else you will find yourself using a lot of concealer to cover redness or spots.

Chanel vitalumiere aqua is perfect. Yep I said it its PERFECT. I cannot find a fault with this foundation! It smells nice, it looks classy but feels light in a plastic container. It is water based so needs to be shaken before applied so the texture is kind of runny and sheer but when applied to the face a miracle occurs and the skin looks instantly better! I love the sheer to light coverage for day time however it is still build able so I have often worn this on nights out too. This foundation has got me more skin compliments than any other and I feel like my skin looks natural yet flawless when I'm wearing it with a satin finish. This is what true love feels like ;)

Its hard to find something that even compares to the Chanel, however recently I have found a beautiful tinted moisturiser by NARS which is almost as impressive! This radiant tint gives a pretty impressive coverage for a tinted moisturiser and looks very natural whilst hiding imperfections. It smells gorgeous and applies so smoothly. I love wearing this on jobs because it lasts all day and I feel like my skin looks evened out but not too heavy for early morning shoots! A gorgeous product.

Oh Chantecaille why are you so darn expensive?! £57 for a tinted moisturiser is a little bit mad however I cannot deny that for me it has been worth every penny! Yes I wish it was £30 cheaper but it does everything it promises to so I can't fault it. It gives a decent amount of coverage for a tinted moisturiser and this is a real summer holiday essential for me. I bought this for Summer when I was tanned so the colour is too dark for me unless I've fake tanned but when I do wear it I remember why I love it. Satin finish, smooth texture, luxurious packaging it really is a joy to use.

So yes you probably guessed from my rave review that Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua is my holy grail foundation! Its perfection! 

I have lots more foundations on my makeup wish list including Givenchy and Dior so hopefully will get to try those this year! 

What is your favourite foundation?

x

2013 Favourites!

2013 has been a great year. Not only have I taken the leap and become a freelance makeup artist full time but I have fallen in love with so many beauty products! It has been a great year for product launches and I have a few firm favourites that I will be taking into 2014 with me. Here are my must have products of 2013 and I would love you to share yours with me too!

My favourites selection!

Makeup 

Laura mercier radiance primer - This has been a firm favourite of mine for years and I have two on the go at the moment just in case I lose one! I have been using this a lot this year as I am loving the dewy glowing skin look and this creates the perfect base under foundation to keep it on all day and give the skin a bronzed glow. 

NARS radiant creamy concealer - This concealer was a new purchase this year. After hearing rave reviews I decided to give it a go and have been so impressed with the formula. It is creamy yet light, buildable and long wearing. I use this on all areas of the face including under eyes and it does a fantastic job of concealing whilst retaining a natural skin finish. I will be buying more colours this year for highlighting and contouring.

Illamasqua gel liner - This liner has been a pleasure to use this year. I have always been a MAC backtrack fan but found that the formula tended to dry out quite quickly. This Illamasqua gel liner has a slightly more creamy consistency and therefore glides onto the skin more easily and stays put. The colour is a true black too.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation - Still my all time favourite foundation because of its light but buildable texture and beautiful finish on the skin. Worth every penny of its £32 in my opinion and I have had so many compliments on my skin this year whilst wearing it so I will definitely be wearing this in 2014 too.

Urban Decay Naked 3 palette - A new favourite as I only received this for Christmas however it has already become a must have in my makeup collection. Neutral tones, shimmer and matte finishes, light to dark, this palette really does contain everything I would need. I adore warm plum tones and with rose gold and plum undertones this is my ideal eyeshadow palette and I can't wait to use it more this year. The colours, pigment and finish on the skin are fantastic.

Hair

Unite 7 second conditioner - Unite hair care is a brand I had been keen to try for a while after hearing that Kim K is a fan. I delved into the collection with the volumizing shampoo and conditioner which I  have really enjoyed using but the stand out product for me has been the 7 second conditioner. As my hair is long, I struggle with knots and this detangled has almost completely eliminated that problem. Simply spray into the hair when damp, leave 7 seconds then brush through with ease. Smells fab too!

Tangle Teezer - Another must have in my routine especially for detangling is the cult favourite Tangle Teezer brush. It makes combing through my long hair after showering so much easier and the handy size and shape make it a handbag essential. I recently got this gorgeous purple sparkly version for Christmas to replace my old pink one so I can't wait to use this more!

Skin

Algenist Multi Perfecting Pore Corrector Gel Moisturiser - I bought this moisturiser in Space NK after the sales assistant raved about it. I told her I had tried many brands within the store but wanted something that gave results I could see and something I might not have seen before. I walked away with about 4 items from the Algenist range and have loved using this moisturiser in particular. Beautiful silky gel texture glides onto the skin and really does improve the look of the skin instantly! My pores definitely look reduced and I love the feel of this product.

Sarah Chapman Skin Tone Perfecting Booster - This product was actually a sample in my Space NK goodie bag but I have fallen in love with it! The booster is aimed at skins with discolouration or pigmentation issues and although my skin is fairly clear it definitely improves the look of my face after use. It feels luxurious and has inspired me to try more from the Sarah Chapman Skinesis range this year with the Overnight facial being top of my wish list.

Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip cleanser - I bought this cleanser after skincare guru Caroline Hirons raved about the range and wanted to see if this cleanser delivered in results. The scent was a little odd and first but I quite like the clay scent as it makes me feel incredibly fresh and clean and every time I use this cleanser my skin feels amazing. I use it in the shower in the morning and its a real joy to use.

What are your 2013 favourites?

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