Fresh Faced Summer Make-Up

Whilst we've all been loving the summer weather, there are days when it is SO hot that many of us feel it's completely pointless putting any make-up on, in fear the scorching sunshine will melt it all away and make you look like wax work from Madame Tussauds. I too, used to have the same fear until I realised it's all about what products you use and how you apply them. Of course, it's nice to wear minimal make-up in the hot summer months but there are occasions when you do want to make an effort and for me, today was one of them. I love this look because it's well balanced, fresh faced and it doesn't appear cakey or too much. The soft pink lip adds a summery touch whilst the eye make-up compliments the rest of the look. So, here's how I did it...

FACE

After completing my usual skin care routine and priming my skin, I began by applying a light layer of Estee Lauder Double Wear. I won't go into too much detail about this foundation as we all know how fabulous it is... The coverage, the feel, the dreamy texture but most importantly, even in the hot humid weather we've been having recently, it's not going to budge! I then concealed any imperfections and highlighted under my eyes with Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer (full review click here). Next, I used Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer (ok, so I know that's not it's official name but it looks and smells like a chocolate bar so hey ho). I contoured under my cheek bones, jaw line, forehead/ temples and dusted the apples of my cheeks with H&M Powder Blush in 'Pink Coral' (full review click here). Lastly, I set my base with Maybelline Super Stay 24Hour Powder, this is a great powder to use if you're prone to oily skin or are wishing to extend the longevity of your base... I always apply my powder last as it blends all the components together nicely and ensures everything stays in place. Finally, I highlighted my cheek bones with BarryM Illuminating Strobe Cream in 'Frosty Pink' for a fresh glow (full review click here)

EYES

Before anything else, I always apply my brow products first as once complete, it gives you a frame to work with, when applying your eye make-up. Today I used L'Oreal Paris Brow Artist Genius (full review click here) and Benefit High Brow to highlight my brow bones. I then primed my eye lids with Urban Decay Primer Potion to ensure my eye shadow doesn't fade or crease. From the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette I began by patting 'Suspect' onto my eye lids, with flat brush. I then used a large fluffy brush to blend 'Snakebite' into my crease and lastly, finished by adding a small amount of Pistol to the outer corner. To complete, I used Bourjois Liner Feutre to naturally line my upper lash line and Benefit They're Real Mascara to add length and definition. 

LIPS
To finish my look I used MAC 'Please Me', a matte, long lasting lipstick that doesn't dry out my lips or melt under the sun. This is one of my favorite lipsticks as it's so versatile and although it's quite girly it isn't toooo pink.

Neeks ☯

The Sunday Snippet #2

Well what do ya know, it's Sunday again. Feels like only yesterday I was writing my first 'Sunday Snippet'- it's like I blinked and suddenly a whole week flew by! Other than work, I've had quite a relaxed week and put a lot of time into planning new and exciting posts. My blog has never been fashion focused, it's certainly beauty based, with the odd lifestyle post here and there but I'm not one to write about my OOTD or current wishlists. However, as my blog is beginning to evolve, I thought why the hell not? I've always loved 90's fashion and what was the main fashion point of the 90's? DENIM, lot's and lot's of cringe worthy denim (I think we've all seen the infamous Britney & JT pic) So, I saw this cute dress in TOPSHOP but they never seemed to have my size in stock. Then, out of the blue, I saw a girl trying my size on in the fitting room... I overheard her saying she wan't gonna buy it and thus it landed in my thankful hands. I love the way TOPSHOP have kept the 90's style, whilst making it current by simplifying the design and keeping it short. Pair up it with your snazziest trainers and baggy T or dress it up with a a heeled sandal and Summer 16, we're ready for you.

I've also been loving the Barry M 'Coconut Infusion' range recently. It's blended with coconut water/ oil to hydrate and care for your nails whilst delivering a gel-like finish. I've found, once applied, they're super shiny, long lasting and with nine tempting colours to choose from you're sure to find your perfect summer shade. What's more? They will all compliment your tan beautifully! My personal favorites are Flamingo, Sunkissed, Aloha and Starfish. I personally find the two nude shades perfect as they're not too pink, not too brown and not too pale. Flamingo is a fun peachy orange, foolproof for the beach! However, my number one has to be Aloha, a bright raspberry pink.

Today was spent how Sundays should be. I headed off to the beach with my loved ones and with the sun beaming down on us, we collected interesting shells and had a good old natter. There's something pretty amazing about the sea. Although it's a force to be reckoned with, I've always found it calming and feel kinda free just watching it. As we sat by the shore, with the wind in my hair, my mum offered a wondrous piece of advice. 'Feel the wind and imagine it's blowing through you. Through your hair and your face and your brain. Imagine it's blowing all your worries, problems and negative energy behind you'... Lovely.  

Neeks ☯

BarryM Illuminating Strobe Cream

If there's one thing that took the beauty industry by storm, in the last year, it's STROBING. As we waved ta-ra to our matte finish products and stocked up on any highlighter we could get our hands on, it's clear to see this is very much still trending. From cream, powder and liquid highlighters, the list goes on and it can seem pretty overwhelming... which one should I use? Which brand is the best? What do I do with it?! Thankfully our beauty gurus are here to save the day with endless tutorials and social media posts. 

As the high end brands launched such items they've now trickled down into our more affordable high-street brands and I'm in love with BarryM Illuminating Strobe Cream! It's most comparable to my usual go-to Benefit Watts Up Highlighter however,surprisingly, I find it has a softer application and is more easily blend-able. It's light, velvety texture glides with ease and it's almost impossible to apply too much. Where as, I find, the Benefit Watts Up is too thick to apply directly from the stick; I always have to apply it with my fingers or a sponge. What I love most about this product is it's light enough to wear on a daily yet it's easily build-able, so you can achieve those Angelina cheek bones when hitting the town. 

The strobing cream comes in two shades, 'Frosty Pink, which is a cool toned pearly pink, perfect for my fellow pale faces and 'Iced Bronze' which is a champagne shade, for a golden glow and tan enhancer. If you're new to the strobing scene and looking to venture in, I'd definitely recommend this and did i mention? It's under a fiver!

Neeks ☯