The Sunday Snippet #3

This week I was lucky enough to have a week off work and spent the majority of my time with my loved ones; enjoying the sun. So far this year we haven't had a 'real' summer here in the UK, it's been mainly humid grey skies and ALOT of downpours but this week our prayers were heard and we were blessed with golden sunshine and scorching heat. So, we went to the beach for a few hours and absorbed feel-good atmosphere... Whilst watching the fellow beach goers I couldn't help but notice the vast range of female body types and it was a true reality to check. In my head, everyone is walking around with big boobs, a tiny waist, curvy hips and flawless skin but that really isn't the case at all (who knew?!). This probably sounds ridiculous that I'd have this perception of the world but when picture perfect models are are inescapably flooding the media in shopping malls, the TV and social media it's no wonder why so many women feel the pressure of the seemingly 'perfect' body type. It reminded me to feel blessed in the body I was given and not compare myself to Instagram models or put myself down. This is something we should all be doing and also, regularly remind ourselves (and others) that we are are beautiful and sexy, no matter what shape or size we are, or what the media has to say about their unrealistic version of 'perfect'

On another note, I'm loving dungarees at the moment! Dresses, shorts and the traditional dungaree all seem to be taking pride of place in my wardrobe and you may have seen, in The Sunday Snippet #2, I featured a 90's denim dress from TOPSHOP. I just love how easy they are to wear, an edgy spin on the classic jeans and T-shirt. I actually got these black dungarees from Newlook and as they're fitted, they're particularly flattering. I've worn these with anything from a crop top and sandals, for summery feel, to a baggy white T for a casual look. A lot of people have said they like dungarees but are unsure what to where them with. My advise? Pinterest. Pinterest has endless outfit ideas, for your chosen item, so it's easy to find inspiration and create an outfit that works for you.

As I had a moment spare today, I decided it was time to stop procrastinating and give my make-up drawers a good ol' spring clean; it's one of those jobs I always put off but once I get going it's actually quite enjoyable. When you're only using a handful of products regularly, it's easy to forget what you actually have... Re-organising is the perfect opportunity to route through all your products and remind yourself of everything you own. You'd be surprised how often you fall in love again with a forgotten lipstick or blusher. Anyhow, I got these drawers from Muji, Oxford Street. The 5 Drawer is perfect for starting out, the drawers slide smoothly and one drawer can comfortably hold 22 lipsticks, so you won't be short on space. Beneath the 5 drawer I have two 2 Drawers which have a larger depth so perfect for storing large or bulky items. What I love most about the Muji acrylic storage is they have a wide variety of stack-able styles to accommodate all your storing needs. I think they're fairly priced, easy to clean and your products are always easily found. 

Neeks ☯

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 ☯

Underrated Make-up Brand- H&M

When we're shopping for make-up and new products to try, it's easy to gravitate towards the glitzy make-up counters in department stores. The perfectly pristine counter girls, with their on point make-up, photo ready lighting and not a hair out of place are calling your name and before you know it you've spent £40 on one lipstick and an eye liner. Although it's a nice feeling to walk away with posh make-up, in a little shiny bag, with CHANEL plastered across it, the feeling is only temporary and believe it or not you don't have to break the bank to have high quality products. 

Although, I love my Benefit Highbrow, MAC lipsticks or Dior mascara and desperately long to get my hands on some Charlotte Tilbury... on the whole I genuinely prefer the high street brands and most of them are associated (and develop) with the high-end brands anyway so it's basically all the same shit. Now, admittedly, it's rare I find a clothing store brand that I love. I'll find the odd gem in the Topshop range but on the whole, it's a no go. That being said, one brand that I absolutely love is H&M. I remember when I was about thirteen and was given an H&M eye shadow palette for my birthday. I think back then it was aimed more at the younger generation... you know, the days when we used to experiment with pastel blue eye shadow? However, today it is a completely different ball game and most certainly not child's play.

My most favored products from the range are definitely blushers and eye shadows; each are about £5. Their packaging is very clean and chic which I love as, it's not only pretty to look at but also easy to store and find. Their wide range of eye shadows range from light mattes to striking metallics, each high pigmented and long lasting. The shades you see here (Chin Chin & A Pretty Penny) have seen me through everyday wear to nights out on the town and are versatile enough to mix with other palettes. The best thing about them is they're build-able so you can choose between a subtle dust of sparkle or high impact colour. Another desirable product of theirs is their matte range of blushers. I find matte products, from other brands, don't blend so easily or can look 'too much' so I'm pleased to have found a product that's easy to use. My favorite is 'Pink Coral', absolutely perfect for summer, as it's not too bright yet injects a splash of colour and makes your lippy pop! I wouldn't recommend this particular shade if you're going for the natural look but it's suitable for all skin tones and particularly compliments a tan. 

Neeks ☯

10 Beauty Tips

1. The Perfect Smokey Eye

It seems we're all taught to apply our eye liner after our eye shadow. In some cases, this is correct but if your goal is to create a smokey eye then it's a whole different ball game. Begin by applying your base shadows. Next, apply your eye liner and then apply your crease and outer corner shades. This will create a perfectly blended smokey eye with no harsh lines.

2. Exfoliate Your Lips

Okay so this isn't news but it's no good splashing out on a pricey lipstick if you're not going to get the most out of it. Always exfoliate your lips regularly to soften them and remove dead skins cells. I use coconut oil and a baby's tooth brush or flannel; you don't want to use anything too harsh (or rub too hard) and using something hydrating like coconut oil will nourish your lips whilst exfoliating. Having soft hydrated lips will ensure a smoother lipstick application and make it last longer.

3. Always Apply Your Concealer After Your Foundation

Seriously. Although you can buy high coverage foundation that doesn't mean you should apply a thick layer. Foundation isn't supposed to cover everything hence the name 'foundation'; it's simply a base to work with. Once you've applied your foundation you will clearly be able to see where concealer is needed.

4. Save Your Shattered Palette

We've all had to go through the devastating loss of broken blusher or eye shadow but there is a way you can salvage your product. Put some rubbing alcohol in a small spray bottle (you can buy both at drugstores/ chemists) and spray generously on your broken product. Then, take a coin wrapped in a tissue and use it to press the powder back together. Leave to dry over night et voila! Good as new.

5. Apply Your Powder After Your Bronzer/ Blush

After you've finished applying your base it's common to reach for the powder next. Don't. Apply your bronzer and blusher as normal and then, using a big fluffy brush, lightly dust your setting powder over the top. This will blend everything together harmoniously and ensure your make-up stays in place. 

6. Find Out Your Face Shape

We're now living in an age where highlighting and contouring, as part of your daily routine, has become the norm (even if it's only slight) We're lucky to have access to the hottest tutorials and techniques with just a click of a button but it's important to remember that the person doing the tutorial knows their face shape and what they are showing you works for that face shape. So, finding out yours will enable you to seek the best advice and techniques and the likes of Pinterest make it easy to establish your face shape and where to apply your make-up.

7. Don't Always Reach For Black Eye Liner

Like most women, I love black eye liner. In fact, I mostly wear black eye liner. However, even if you're heading to the club, you don't need to apply black eye liner to your upper and lower lash line. If you're wearing heavy eye liner on your upper lash line and also apply it to your water/ lower lash line, this can actually make your eyes appear smaller than they actually are. Instead, opt for a dark eye shadow, it makes a huge difference.

8. Cover a Blemish Correctly

As a teenager, I made the mistake of thinking light reflecting concealers would some how distract attention from my blemish. I then began to realise it most certainly has the opposite effect and if ever a flash photo was taken it stood out like a sore thumb! Instead, use a matte colour-correcting concealer (green based to counteract redness) and using a cotton bud, gently pat the product directly onto the blemish. Using a cotton bud will also assist with the healing process as it will prevent any bacteria spreading.

9. Highlight The Center Of Your Eyelids

No matter what kind of eye make up I'm planning to do I always complete the look by highlighting. I think we're all familiar with highlighting the inner corner and brow bone but using a highlighting powder, gently apply in the center of each eye lid. This will not only make your eyes appear more awake but also instantly bigger and brighter.

10. Wash Your Brushes With Baby Shampoo

I think we're all guilty of putting off washing our make-up brushes but it's vital to prevent bacteria building up and invading all your cosmetics. Make-Up brush cleanser can be pricey and some can be too harsh for certain bristles, causing them to lose softness, fray and even start falling out. I'll use a proper brush cleaner ever now and again but the majority of the time I use Johnsons Baby Shampoo, it's super gentle and mild so won't cause your brushes any harm. What's more, as it contains oil, it easily lifts away any product build up.

Neeks ☯

L'Oreal Infallible Collection

I seem to be slightly obsessed with L'Oreal recently... Maybe it's because overall the brand displays a high-end vibe but for high street prices? Or maybe it's just because it's always on 3 for 2 at Boots. Either way, I've noticed I've some how managed to accumulate enough L'Oreal products to fill a whole shelf and among these treats I hold three popular products from the almighty Infallible range.

Annoyingly, Mother Nature blessed (or cursed) me with oily skin which left to it's own devises, can get a little crazy... So a foundation with strong staying power is essential. I mean there's nothing worse than catching your reflection half way through the day and practically blinding yourself as the light reflects off your shiny face (this seems to happen to me quite often). I'll always be a die hard fan of my beloved Estee Lauder Double Wear but at £30 a bottle it's not always affordable to splash out. Thankfully though, we can rely on our high-street brands to save the day with affordable prices and L'Oreal is renowned for delivering high quality cosmetics that won't break the bank! 

The Infallible 24H Foundation was top on my list to try. A high-coverage foundation that disguises the appearance of fatigue and blemishes as well as staying fresh for 24 hours? Yes please! I must admit, it was difficult to find the perfect shade and it's not the easiest of foundations to blend so would recommend applying this with a beauty blender (sponge) but once applied it does deliver high-coverage with a lovely glow. Disappointingly, it only stays put up until about lunch time and is in no way 'touch proof' as they claim. I have to wear glasses at work and found the foundation transfers onto them, leaving foundation-less patches on the bridge of my nose (even though I primed my skin before hand and set the foundation with powder) Okay so inevitably, when wearing glasses all day there's bound to be slight marks but out of all the foundations I've used this foundation has been the least resilient; it's safe to say I wouldn't even consider wearing this on a night out.

I decided I needed to go down the Infallible 24H Matte Foundation route and applied it in hope of a better result. Positively, it does deliver a long lasting matte finish and is somewhat water/ steam resistant but it didn't give me a natural appearance and it was so very obvious I was wearing a thick foundation. I persevered with it for about a week, experimenting with different application techniques and sandwiching it between a range of primers and powders but broke up with it after reading the ingredients. It contains so many parabens and chemicals that I simply couldn't bring myself to use it anymore.

On a positive note, I do love the Infallible Powder Compact and have re-purchased it twice already. Although it's a pressed powder, it's quite loose so one swish of a brush is plenty. It evenly sets my foundation and delivers a flawless finish without drying or caking which is perfect. I love that it comes with a handy mirror and sponge for on the go touch ups, definitely in my top three for high-street powders! Honestly, I'm disappointed that I didn't fall madly in love with this range, I really wanted to! And although these foundations weren't my cuppa tea, I have read other reviews which have sung their praises so it just goes to show that it completely depends on your personal preference and skin type. 

Neeks ☯

L'Oreal Paris Brow Artist Genius Kit

Aloha! 

I'm just gonna cut to the chase on this one because I'm too excited about this product to begin with an elaborate introduction. So, meet my new brow BFF! L'Oreal Paris Brow Artist Genius Kit This isn't a newly released product in fact, it's been around for a while now but I tend to steer clear of experimenting with my eye brows. I think we've all experienced a brow dilemma, when trying something new, so once we find a product that works for us we naturally stick with it but this has certainly encouraged me to branch out a bit more! As a fair red head, I have naturally blonde eye brows so I get them tinted to a medium brown but finding the perfect shade, in a product, has proven difficult. They're either too dark or too cool and sometimes appear grey (?!) but whilst browsing for new beauty buys, I casually picked up the light-medium shade, and to my surprise it was perfect so this is a definite recommendation for my fair haired beauties!

I love the compact packaging, I mean it's basically a tardis! It's so sleek and dainty yet it includes a good sized, high quality mirror, brow wax, powder, a double ended brush and the cutest pair of tweezers! The quality of this product is what impressed me the most and I honestly believe it's worth every penny. Normally, with an item like this I find when the actual product is good, the brush it comes with is completely useless and so it gets tossed aside along with the many other free brushes; only to be used for face paint or nail art. However, this super soft high-density angled brush works wonders to create defined lines and structured angles. The only fault I have is the handle is too short to use on a daily basis so I have being using my regular angled brush more often than not. Saying that, it won't go to waste as I'll certainly be using it for on the go touch ups and whilst travelling.

When I first used the wax I felt skeptical as it seemed barley noticeable, although it has a very smooth consistency, which made it easy to shape and define my brows in the way I wanted to. However, when I applied the easy-blend powder it was like BAM- instant transformation! I wouldn't say it was essential to brush my brows afterwards (as it is with other brow products) but doing so did add a certain sleek-ness.  Admittedly, it does take longer to apply than a pencil or brow mascara but for the finish I think it's worth it. What's more, it stays in place for 12+ hours and is somewhat smudge proof so you can rely on this to cater for all your brow care needs. I personally wouldn't recommend this to someone who's a beginner in brow defining or looking for a quick fix but for those of you who's brows are precious I'd highly recommend.

Neeks ☯ 

Valentines Day Inspired Make-Up #2 RED LIPS

Aloha! 

So I know this is a bit last minute but a lot of people seemed to like my valentines day inspired make-up with nude lips post and I had a few requests to do one with red lips, so even if it's too late to try this for V.Day this is a pretty classic red lip look that you can wear whenever you want so all is not lost! My idea behind it was for it to be 40's/ 50's themed with high arched brows, deep set eyes, flicked eye liner and red lips because I think it has a fun and exciting vibe to it. Anyone at all can wear this make-up and it's very achievable even if you don't have the same products I am using. Also I'm not really sure what's going on with my parting today (Center? Off- center? Cow's lick?) who knows aha, anyways enough of that let's begin! 

Face: So today I actually did something slightly different to usual, which makes a change, I started off with my Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser (very similar to the POREfessional for those who want to read my comparison click here) I then mixed my Bourjois Radiance Reveal Foundation (for my review click here) with my Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation partly because it's that time of the month wear my skin breaks out and the Double Wear foundation has higher coverage. I mixed it with my Bourjois foundation to darken it a bit as it's slightly to light for me. I then used my all time favorite stippling brush to buff the foundation in for a more even application. Usually I would apply my Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer under my eyes but the Double Wear foundation has a high enough coverage that I don't need to, instead I just applied it to any obvious blemishes. I then added my bronzer and blusher, I always do this before I set my make-up with powder as it seems to blend everything more evenly and also seems to stay in place for longer. The bronzer I used is the Superdrug Solait Maxi Bronzer (light) because it doesn't make me look orange and is good value for money! The blush I use is (of course) Top Shop Afternoon Tea Cream Blush. This is my favorite blush at the moment and seems to go with every make-up look I do so deffo a must for those looking for a versatile blush. Lastly, I set everything with Kryolan Translucent Powder and dab some Benefit High Beam on the cheek bones, this paired with the blusher gives off a very glowey/ flirty vibe when you smile. 

Eyes: I always start by filling in my brows with the Rimmel Eye Brow Pencil (Hazel) first as it gives me a frame to work with. I then prime my eye lids with the Original Urban Decay Primer Potion and begin to apply my eye make-up  (All the shades I used are from Urban Decay Naked 1 Palette). I began by using a big fluffy brush to apply Naked all over my eye lids. I then worked Buck into my crease, to give the appearance of a deeper socket, and Darkhorse in the outer corner for a more intense smoked effect. The next motion I'm about to do is something that I do with pretty much every eye make-up as it really does lift your eyes and make them appear bigger. I do this by taking my chosen highlight (in this case it's Virgin) and I highlight under the brows, in the inner corner of my eyes and a dab in the very center (trust me it works!). I think that flicked eyeliner really compliments red lips (very 1940's/50's) so personally I find the easiest way to do it is by taking my Rimmel London Glam Eyes Liquid Liner and drawing a line from my outer corner outwards. That way you have a point to work towards and it makes for a nice transition between the lash line and the flick. To keep in with the V.Day theme long sultry lashes are key so you can either use mascara; my all time fav is the Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara as it lengthens, separates and volumises my lashes or of course you could actually apply false lashes. 

Lips: So my tip with wearing red lipstick is to firstly find the right shade. If you're fair skinned it's safer to buy a blue-toned lipstick and if you have dark skin then an orange-based lipstick will really make your lips pop! Secondly, alwaysssss use a lip liner! Red lipstick is notorious for bleeding and the fairer you are the more noticeable it will be to your Valentine. I used the Rimmel Exaggerate Lip-Liner (Red Diva) it's great in that it's creamy and dries matte so you could wear it on it's own and it will stay put for hours without drying your lips out. I found that together the Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick (01) and Exaggerate Lip Liner were an almost perfect match. 

How are you spending your Valentines Day? Red or nude lips? 

 Neeks x

Redheads & Royalty

Aloha!

It's that time of the year again where I'm impatiently waiting for the arrival of Christmas festivities but I've promised myself I won't talk or blog about it until December! However, I have been throwing myself into my uni project 'Redheads & Royalty'.

Without beating around the bush we had to create 2 contemporary Elizabethan images. The first image needed to be a design that I created for myself and another student applied it on me. The second design will be designed by someone else for me to create on them. So this is my design, enjoy! 

The Elizabethan elements are my red hair and fair skin, with pink blush Sleek 3 Blush Palette- Pumpkin (squash). I also embraced my fair brows and put a contemporary spin on Elizabethan red lipstick by adding plum shades from Kate Moss Lasting Finish(004) and L-Oreal Color Riche (240). The large hair rolls were inspired by the shapes of Elizabethan wigs and the crimped bottom layers were my interpretation of an old technique known as 'frizzing'. The modernised eye make-up was applied with 'sidecar' and 'toasted' from the Urban Decay Naked Palette 1 Other key products include Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation (shell) Benefit Highbeam Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Liner (black) and MaxFactor False Lash Effect Mascara (black).

 So there you have it! My contemporary version of Queen Elizabeth 1st. I really hope you like this post and find it useful, I will be uploading my next image next week when I've completed it.

What are your favorite elements of Elizabethan hair & make-up? Let me know!  

Neeks x

My Blue Ballerina

Aloha! 

So as you guys now know I am at uni, and have been working on a photo shoot for some time now. I won't bore you with all the details but I was quite pleased with the way it turned out so wanted to share it with you (nawhaa) All styling, make-up and photography was done by me and my life long friend, Sarah modeled for me.  

Mid Shot

Head Shot

So just briefly, I chose blue as my monochromatic palette as it isn't a colour I would usually go for and I wanted to challenge myself. I think it goes really well with my character concept(especially the head shot). 

She is a ballerina, works herself into the ground day in- day out yet never feels like her efforts are good enough to get her to the top! As a child, she enjoyed ballet and found it a fun way to express herself. Before long she had put ballet before everything and anyone, 'it's a sacrifice you have to make to be brilliant' she was told. Always wearing her lucky jumper between sets, just in case; getting that West End show is a must! Otherwise, she will have nothing, just years and years of sacrifices, dedication, discipline and hard work that never paid off.  

Neeks x