Winter Makeup Bag

If ever there's a time to go a bit crazy with your makeup, the lead up to Christmas and New Years Eve is definitely it, it's definitely not the time for minimalism! I definitely like to take a more is more approach, especially when it comes to sparkle! Here's what I'll be stashing in my makeup bag!

I'll be using my Clinique Even Better Concealer in Honeycomb and Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl Kajal in Nude to brighten up the eye area as well as disguise any seasonally induced under eye circles. 

I find a good contour is essential with heavy eye makeup or a bold lip and Nars Bronzer Multiple in Malaysia is super easy to use, just swipe on and blend in. For highlighter I'll be upping the ante with my Sephora Illuminating Highlighting Powder in Golden, which is definitely one for the evenings.

For eyes I've dug out my Sephora Moonshadow Baked Palette in In the Dark which I picked up in America over the summer. It's full of shimmer packed shades that build up really well, the mix of darks, lights and brights means all outfits will be covered. I also couldn't resist the temptation to throw in L'Oreal Colour Infaillible Eyeshadow in Goldmine, purely for being the most shimmery gold shadow ever to have been created.

Everyone needs a red lipstick over christmas and mine is an ever so slightly darker than pillarbox red. It's Avon Colour Lipstick in Chilli which I'll be sporting with a slick of black gel eyeliner. 

What makeup will you be wearing this winter?

What's in my Makeup Bag?

I've recently changed up what's in my everyday makeup bag so I thought I'd share what I've been using. Base starts with L'Oreal Studio Secrets Smoothing Resurfacing Primer and MAC Pro Longwear Foundation in NC45, both of which I mentioned in my Project Use Up post. The foundation is a bit on the matte and heavy side for my liking at the moment so I've been mixing it with a bit of my daily moisturiser. 

To bring a bit of warmth to the skin I dust on Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder, and pat in a bit of Revlon Photoready Cream Blush in Flushed. I've also been reaching for Benefit Sun Beam, my favourite highlighter at the moment which gives skin a soft glow. 

For eyes I've mostly been keeping things pretty simple, a swipe of Avon SuperShock Eyeliner in Black, which is completely foolproof, and a quick curl and swipe of mascara on the lashes. For days when I want to put in a bit more effort, I've been using my Avon 8 in 1 eye palette in In The Nudes, which has some lovely neutral shades that I've been experimenting with. 

For lips I've been using Clinique Almost Lipstick in Luscious Honey, which is a tinted balm that leaves lips with a subtle stain or Avon Ultra Colour Rich Mega Impact Lipstick in Divine Wine (see it in action here) for when I want full on colour!

Also in my makeup bag I have Avon Glimmersticks Brow Definer in Soft Black, Sephora Eyelash Curlers and Avon SuperExtend Extreme Mascara. 

What's in your Makeup Bag?

Review - Simple Moisture Boost Hydro Mist

When it comes to facial spritzes, nothing comes even remotely close to my beloved Caudalie Beauty Elixir, but I thought I'd try and branch out in an attempt to find a cheaper alternative. I came across this one back before I went off on holiday when I wanted a small facial spray that wasn't in an aerosol and therefore aeroplane friendly. It's the Simple Kind To Skin Moisture Boost Hydro Mist. 

So how is it? Pretty good actually, especially considering the price. It feels nice and refreshing on the skin, perks it up, adds a bit of radiance and dewiness and stops makeup from looking too cakey. Another thing I like about it is that it doesn't have too strong a scent, so it's great for anytime of day. I usually carry it around in my handbag for when I need a quick spritz. 

Will I buy it again? Possibly, it's certainly no Caudalie Beauty Elixir though! That one wins hands down every time!

Have you tried any facial mists?

Autumn Makeup Bag

When the seasons change I like to switch it up a little, it's so easy to get stuck in a makeup rut and doing this makes me remember forgotten products that I love! Throughout most of the summer I've been going for pinks and peaches on the lips and cheeks, a swipe of mascara and dewy skin, so for autumn I thought I'd step it up a notch! Eyeshadows in warm neutrals and golds for day and deep chocolate browns for the evenings.  

First up is MUA Undressed Eyeshadow Palette, this is my favourite budget buy, 12 amazing colours in fantastically pigmented soft formulas for just 4.00! I love all the colours from this palette so this will be my autumn go to.

When I want something super shimmery and luxurious  I'll be reaching for my Yves Saint Laurent Ombres 5 Lumieres (5 Colour Harmony For Eyes) in Shade 3 Tawny. I've had this palette for a really long time and I love it, but because it lives at the back of my makeup stash it often gets forgotten, well not any more! The rusty-gold colour (bottom left) is great for the day time, very autumnal indeed, and the deep brown (top right) creates a perfect smoky eye on its own.

Dallas from Benefit is a lovely 'dusty sunset plum powder' that is perfect for the colder months, it's a suits-all shade that looks particularly good on darker skin tones. Think of it as a cross between bronzer and blusher, I apply it just a bit lower than where I would apply a normal blusher, in the hollows of the cheekbones and a bit above. It contours and brightens up the face and makes you look like you've just come back from a brisk walk through the fallen autumn leaves (If you actually have then even better!)

For lips I'll be going for warm reds and berry hues. Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butter in Candy Apple is a favourite that works well all year round but especially well in between seasons.

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey is one I discovered by accident, this is a smaller sized version which came in a gift set of 4 last christmas. I much prefer the packaging on these compared to the regular full sized ones which are just plain silver rather than the colour of the product. It's a balm stain type product, it leaves the lips feeling moisturised and comfortable with just a subtle hint of colour. I promise you it's not as scary as it looks in the bullet!

Benefit Ultra Plush Gloss in Bella Bamba is super glossy with the tiniest touch of colour. If you're looking for full on colour then this isn't for you but I find it works really well with a smoky eye. It's super sheer and a nice alternative to the nude/peachy lip I'd usually pair it with. 

I tend to forgo eyeliner in the summer so this is a nice one to ease me back in gently! It's Avon Glimmerstick Diamonds Eyeliner in Brown Glow, a soft, warm brown with coppery undertones that lasts really well and doesn't smudge. 

Swatches: From left, Avon Glimmerstick Diamonds Eyeliner in Brown Glow, Benefit Ultra Plush Gloss in Bella Bamba, Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey and Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butter in Candy Apple.

What are your favourite products for autumn?

Review - Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara

I've been wearing mascara everyday since I was about 12, so I think it's safe to say I've tried a fair few! My favourite was always Dior Diorshow Blackout, nothing could ever touch it, nothing ever came close. Until now, and by a highstreet (drugstore) brand no less! Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara came out not too long ago (sometime last year I think) and I had been meaning to try it out for a while as I liked the look of the brush. 

It has a really wide bristle brush that really grips the lashes and coats them evenly, the bristles are quite close together so your lashes don't clump. The best thing though? It gives you pretty, full, dramatic eyelashes in a quick single sweep. None of my usual layering on of 3 coats and faffing about needed!

And the price? Well, let's just say you can get nearly 4 of them for the price of my former Dior favourite! Bargain.  

August Favourites

Caudalie Divine Oil

This multipurpose oil really is amazing, I bought the mini size while I was in Las Vegas and used it every evening while I was there, it makes your arms and legs feel amazingly soft! I might just have to get in the full size.

Reimann P20 Once A Day Sun Protection SPF 50

I did a full review of this amazing stuff here, it came with me on holiday and was well loved by the whole group! It's a clear yellow formula with an oil like texture that sinks straight into the skin and protects all day, no need for any reapplication. Sun protection really doesn't get any easier. 

Soap & Glory Butter Yourself

Another amazing product from Soap & Glory! This body butter smells amazing, really fresh and fruity. It contains exfoliating fruit acids which keep your skin feeling super smooth without leaving an oily residue. 

Scwartzkopf Oil-licious Tame and Shine Serum

An argan oil serum that I bought because it was cheap and came in a small bottle that has completely surpassed my expectations! A serious rival to more expensive alternatives, it has been keeping my hair smooth and frizz free. Full review here.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Minimiser

Used as a primer or dabbed on mid-day this stuff eliminates shine, perfect for hot weather. You wont be needing your powder when you have this!Full review here.

Sephora Colour Hit Nail Polish in Shark Attack

A brilliantly bright turquoise blue nail varnish that has been gracing my toes all month. 

OPI Nail Varnish in Strawberry Margarita

I featured this on a NOTD post not long ago and I've been addicted ever since! It's not often I reapply the same colour straight after I've taken it off, but this has converted me!

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in 005 Nude

Going to Vegas on holiday meant a lot of late nights as well as maybe a cocktail or two! A swipe of this in the waterline (inner rims of the eye) hid all redness and made me look a bit fresher!

Sephora Peony Eau de Toilette

I got this on A Little Trip to French Sephora, it's my favourite perfume by a long way and I've yet to find anything available over here, or in a full sized bottle that comes close. I took it away with me and wore it everyday. 

Sleek Contour Palette in Light

Another item I took away with me and wore everyday. This extremely versatile palette houses a bronzer, blusher and highlighter, all in a non bulky case that's perfect for travelling. I've been particularly loving the blusher this month! Full review here.