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 ☯

Soft & Shimmery Make-Up

Aloha!

Matte or shimmer? A question I'm faced with every time each time I need to apply make-up. Matte shades will never fail you but now summer is looming a fresh shimmery eye, paired with a subtle lip is the way forward for me. This look is soft enough for every day but you could always turn this into a night time look by adding a pair of falsies and a bold lip.

FACE

After my usual skin care routine, I always apply Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser on my Tzone, to fill in my pores and provide a smooth base to work with (click here for full review) Since the weather is becoming warmer, I've been opting for more light weight foundations or tinted moisturisers and lately I've been loving the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Tinted Moisturiser. This is the best tinted moisturiser I've ever used, you can apply it with your fingers and is so light weight you can barley feel it. Not only that, it gives you an all day luminous glow whilst providing SPF 20. It is light coverage which is why I also applied Max-Factor Mastertouch Concealer, with a small stippling brush, to conceal my blemishes and under eye circles. To set the base I lightly dusted Bourjois Java Rice Powder, with a large fluffly brush, onto my T-Zone, cheeks and chin. This is a powder you need to use sparingly because it's really shimmery (you don't want to end up looking like a disco ball!)To add to the summery vibe of course I applied my trusty Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer in 'the magic three' (under cheek bones, jaw line and temples). Using the bronzer in this way will make your face look slimmer and accentuate your cheek bones, as well as giving you a healthy glow. To finish off, I dusted Bourjois Little Round Pot Blusher (15 Rose Eclat) onto the apples of my cheeks and dabbed Benefit Watts Up Soft Focus Highlighter onto my cheek bones. Remember, when you're applying quite a few make-up products onto your face it's best apply it lightly, it will all balance out once you've finished and it's much easier to build on make-up, rather than trying to fix it, when you've applied too much!

EYES/ BROWS

I always start by shading in my brows with Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil (Hazel). Now I naturally have blonde eye brows that are almost invisible so it's hard to find the perfect match. I've been using the brow pencil since day dot and thoroughly recommend to all my fellow red heads out there! I then used L'Oreal Brow Plumper (Blonde) to add definition and give my brows that oomph. The reason I shade in my eye brows first is because it gives you a frame to work with when applying eye shadow.

Next, I primed my eyes with my holy grail, the Urban Decay Original Primer Potion. Then I used a flat brush to pat Sin from the Urban Decay Naked Palette onto my eye lids. As you can see, this is my favorite shade out of this palette because it's nearly run out! Sin is a velvety soft champagne shade that blends with almost everything and delivers the perfect amount of shimmer. From the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette,  I used a fluffy brush to blend YDK, into my eye crease. Next, I used a small contouring brush to apply Snakebite into my outer corners and Booty Call  under my brows. Following on I a lined my upper lashes with the Bourjois Liner Feutre, starting at the inner corner and ending with a subtle flick. This eye liner deigned like a felt tip but it is angled like a brush which makes it easier to apply thin lines. When it comes to eye liner, sometimes a thinner line, can have the biggest impact. To finish off, I applied my beloved Max-Factor False Lash Effect 24 Hour Mascara. I found this eye make-up gave the appearance of larger brighter eyes with a warm summery shimmer. It was also easy to apply, as the colours blend effortlessly, and only took about ten minutes.  

LIPS

I don't know about you but I always apply my lipstick last, It's kinda like putting on perfume once you've got dressed. Plus I always feel really good when I'm wearing it and recently, I've been loving a subtle pinkish nude, the MAC Matte Lipstick- Please Me. This was a birthday present from my sister that has been a regular choice from my collection. I'm a huge fan of matte lipsticks but I find a lot of them can dry my lips out however, the MAC lipsticks are still moisturising, whilst giving you full pigmented colour, and last for most of the day. 

Neeks ☯

My Current Go-To Work Make-Up

Aloha!

Kylie Jenner inspired me, and a lot of other women, to bring back the 90's brown lip. Being so pale it's hard to find the right shade of brown but on a 3 for 2 offer, I found a brilliant Max Factor lip liner, that has now become a trusty fav (good MAC dupe!). I through this simple make-up look together on a whim because I wanted to try the brown lip and it's now become my go-to for work. It only took me 15 minutes, so perfect for rushed mornings, and you can't really go wrong with the matte nude shades.

FACE  

After completing my morning skin routine, I began by dabbing Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser onto my T-zone (click here for review). It's velvety consistancy melts across the skin and fills in all those large pores and fine lines; leaving a smooth base for your foundation.  I then stippled Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum-Gel Foundation from the middle of my nose, outwards. This is a really nice lightweight foundation that still provides full coverage whilst letting your skin breathe. I love to wear it to work because it injects a splash of radiance when you're skin is looking a little tired. Next I used Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer, one shade lighter than my foundation, for some light highlighting and to conceal under my eyes, and my blemishes. Since the eye make-up and lips were to be matte I thought I might as well keep with the theme and use  Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder to set. This is a great powder for those of you on a budget, under a fiver, and does what it says on the tin! 

For a warm bronzed feel, of course I used my ultimate fav, Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer! (Okay I know it's not actually called that but let's be honest it's a fitting name and you all know what I mean) I applied this beauty in 'the magic 3' (under cheek bones, temples and jawline). Applying your bronzer in this way will slim your face and accentuate your cheek bones. Finally I finished the base by dusting Bourjois Little Round Pot of Blusher (15 Rose Eclat) on the apples of my cheeks. You can't really go wrong with these little pots and this shade in particular gives you a gorgeous natural warm glow. You could continue by applying a highlighter on your cheek bones but it's not necessary as the blusher has little light reflecting pigments. 

EYES/ BROWS

I always start by shading in my brows with Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil (Hazel). Now I naturally have blonde eye brows that are almost invisible so it's hard to find the perfect match. I've been using the brow pencil since day dot and thoroughly recommend to all my fellow red heads out there! I then used L'Oreal Brow Plumper (Blonde) to add definition and give my brows that oomph. The reason I shade in my eye brows first is because it gives you a frame to work with when applying eye shadow.

 Moving on, It comes as no suprise when I say that I primed my eye lids with the legendary UD Primer Potion (Original). I don't really need to go into too much detail with this as I'm pretty sure a lot of you will be getting a bit bored of the constant praise I give it (hehe). All the eye shadows I used were from the Original UD Naked Palette, which you can see is looking pretty tired, as I've had it for so many years! This is a realllyyy easy eye make-up to apply and only take a few minutes. First I used a flat brush to pat Naked onto my lids. Then I took my trusty MAC 224 blending brush (click here for review) to contour my eye socket with Buck, a really warm brown, that compliments the lip liner perfectly. Lastly, I took my flat brush again to highlight under my brow bones, the middle of my lid and the inner corners with Virgin. Highlighting and shading your eyes in this way will make them appear bigger, brighter and more awake. 

To finish of the eyes I lined my top lash line with Rimmel Scandaleyes Liquid Liner. This is a great eye liner for creating super thin or thick bold lines. It is supposed to be water proof although I don't class it as waterproof (tried and tested!). I then applied Max Factor False Lash Effect 24 Hour Mascara Now I've been using the original version for 6 years but this one has great staying power! The only down side is it's ridiculously difficult to get off! (I mean not being funny but I didn't take the whole 24 hour thing literally) Saying that, it defines each lash and adds length and volume for that 'fluttery' look. 

LIPS

Starting from the cupids bow and working my way in I applied Max Factor Color Elixir Lip Liner (Brown & Nude). When I got this I was quite skeptical and didn't have high hopes but after testing the water I was pleasantly surprised. It's very creamy and keeps lips hydrated which is a must for me as I do get dry lips easily. It's very soft to apply, light weight and non transferable. I probably had to top it up once throughout the day but if I'd applied a lipstick over the top I think this could have been avoided. Alternative you could always go for a jaw dropping red.

So that's my current go-to work make-up, I hope you guys like it and hopefully give it a go. What make-up do you wear to work? (If any?) Let us all know!

Neeks ☯

Current Brush Favs

Aloha!

So there are three things I am a proper sucker for when it comes to the world of beauty. The first one is nail polish, I mean it's like I literally can't help myself, especially when it's 3 for 2 at Boots! Honestly, there's nothing that can come between me and new little shiny bottle of colour, no matter how many times I tell myself ''Daneca, you do not need six shades of orange.. You don't even wear orange!''. And the same scenario is replayed when my eyes draw towards the lipsticks.. but the third thing I'm a sucker for is make-up brushes however, I feel that splashing out on decent make-up brushes is justifiable and they'll last a lot longer than any lipstick, foundation or nail polish. 

I often get asked how I apply my make-up, do I have any special secret? If I'm honest investing in a couple of decent brushes will result in them doing all the work for you! So here is four of my favorite make-up brushes, that have never let met down, and deliver a perfect application every time.

MAC 224 Tapered Blending Brush

This brush is perfect for soft shading and blending. The long, smooth fibers naturally create a large 'dome' shape. I would definitely say this is the best brush to use if you want a natural look, it easily blends shimmers and mattes to create an effortless chic look. Although it's fairly pricey, it's definitely worth it for the quality. It's painless to clean (so no excuses!) and if you look after it, it will last you for years.

Urban Decay Naked Brush No. 3

Okay so usually I'm not a fan of brushes that come with eye shadow palettes. Most of the time I feel like they kinda just 'through them in' and they just get used for messy special effects or when I need to use glue. However, I eat my words when it comes to this one, it's a double ended, versatile brush that gives you a precise application. On one end it has a medium flat brush with a soft edge. It's the ideal tool for 'patting' colour onto my lids; this technique is good for when you want to create intense pigment. On the other end there is a smaller version which makes lining the outer corners and lower lashes a breeze. 

Real Techniques Stippling Brush
You know that moment where you find an amazing product that you simply cannot live without now? I mean I really have no idea how I was getting by without this. I use this brush every single day without fail. It's ultra fine, dense bristles ensure an even flawless base every time. I simply buff the foundation in circular motions and the bristles get into all the nooks and cranny's for me. It is slightly smaller than other stippling brushes I own but the upside on that is I can use it to apply concealer. 

Charles Fox Eye Contouring Brush
I actually got this brush in the Fox Pink Brush Set but I know you can buy them individually at Charles Fox in Covent Garden. I got mine when I did work experience there and it's been my true love ever since. It's basically a small blending brush but more dense. I like it because it makes a really defined line when applying eye shadow in the crease of my eye (think 1960's!) It works a treat when smudging eye liner so it's definitely my go to brush when doing a smokey eye. Okay so I absolutely love the handle! It's short and fat which personally makes applying my make-up easier for me (and let's not forget the fact it's florescent pink!) 

Okay so those are my top for brushes and quite frankly have been for over a year... I'm actually off to London today (post coming!) but I'd love to know if any of you guys own these brushes and what you think of them... Or if there are any other amazing brushes you've found please share!

  

Neeks x

A/W 2014 Evening Make-Up

Aloha!

It's been a while since I've blogged about a make-up look but lately I've opted for an extra half an hour sleep in the morning! Plus the shorter days don't help as unfortunately it's usually too dark photograph. However, all is not lost! Because I've had a nice quiet Saturday so far and took the time to apply one of my favorite evening looks for A/W this year. I've also committed to ditching the fake tan and embracing my pale complexion along with enhancing the red tones in my hair to give me a bit of warmth for the cold seasons. I particularly like this look as it's easy to wear, warm and a recurring trend but conclusively the eye make-up makes it more than easy to switch up the lip stick (or gloss). 

Now I'm not diving in with too much detail about my base as that's enough info to have it's own post! So instead I'll do an updated foundation routine separately. First off I always, and I mean ALWAYS, fill in my brows first. I know a lot of people like to do this after they apply their eye shadow etc, still it really is down to personal preference. I truly feel it's easier to fill in my brows first, partly because without make-up my eye brows are virtually invisible but from an application perspective it gives me a nice frame to work with. Lately I've opted to shade my brows in with Buck from the original Urban Decay Naked palette, as my hair is slightly darker now, plus I haven't got round to buying a new pencil yet; the only downfall with using powder and an angled brush is that it does take twice as long as the pencil method! (For me anyway) Once I've shaded my brows I then brush them with L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper in light/ medium. This just gives a more defined and fuller appearance; and I must say, after using this, I will never go back to using Maybelline Browdrama ever again! And if you read my review you'd know that I wasn't too impressed to begin with.   

Before applying my eye shadow, we all know of that one crucial step that must be taken first, and of course that's to pat my eye lids with the religiously worn Urban Decay Primer Potion. I mean all I can really say is I've yet to find a primer that can beat this one, I'll apply my eye make-up at 6am and it will still be there, crease free, at 10pm without fail. I then used a flat brush to pat Nooner from Urban Decay Naked 3 palette onto the inner 2/3 of my lids. Subsequently using a fluffy brush to blend Hustle (Original naked palette) into the crease. I find these two shades compliment each other really well as they both have mauve undertones. Before highlighting, I applied Blackheart  (Naked 3) into the outter corner of my eyes and blended it downward, towards the lower lash line for a slight smokey effect. This subtle step is essential when wearing dark eye shadow for balance. Lastly, I used Strange (Naked 3) to highlight the inner corners and underneath my brow bone. To finalise my eye make-up I thinly lined my upper lash line with Bourjois Intuitive Liner and to be frank I can't actually praise this eye liner enough, all I can say is it's very unique and I will be writing a full review very shortly! Lastly, for impact, I laced my lashes with InStyle's Best Beauty Buy 2014 Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara, a mascara, in which you all know, I've been using since it was first launched 5 years ago and never looked back!

To assemble the final look a little colour is needed to warm up my complexion (otherwise I run the risk of looking ill) and what better way to warm up than by contouring with Bourjois Delice de Poudre, or as most people call it 'Borjois chocolate bronzer', simply because it smells and looks like a bar of chocolate. This combined with a light dust of Bourjois Little Round Pot in 48- Ashes of Roses give a sweet warm glow, without being too OTT. This combo has been my go-to for a couple of months now so will indefinitely be included in my 'Updated Foundation Routine' 

Lastly, to finish off, I applied one of my all time favorite party lipsticks L'Oreal Color Riche Lipstick in 290 Plum Passion. Sadly, it seems to have been discontinued but if you'd like to read my review click here. And of course, as I previously mentioned, this make-up look is very versatile so any nude, raspberry or plum lipstick will do the job! 

What's your A/W look?

Neeks x

Urban Decay Primer Potion's Comparison

Each 11ml bottle is £15 (anti-aging version £17)

Aloha!

So if you read my Urban Decay Naked Palette 3 Swatches post then you'd know that inside the box U/D kindly give you a one week sample of 4 different primer potion's. I was really excited by this, probably more than I should be but c'mon guys a 1 month free supply of primer? Yes please! Anyways I thought it would be the perfect time to try them all out without actually having to buy them (ooh sneeky) and then post my verdict for all you lovely people that take the time to read my blog everyday (thanks guys xxx) 

I took 2 photo's so you can see what they look like normally and what they look like with a flash on (bottom photo is with flash on). And from left to right (drum roll please) we have....

Original 

The best part about the original is that it dries clear which means you can put any eye shadow over the top.  It's very similar to the Too Faced Shadow Insurance and of course promises to make your eye shadow more vibrant and last all day long (which it does). Definitely a must have for those just getting into wearing eye shadow or those who already wear it but are looking for their first primer, this has never let me down. 

Sin

Based on the eye shadow sin from the Naked 1 palette and slightly thicker than the original. It's very metallic, with a pinky/ silvery tinge and quite high in pigment so I found that natural and matte colours seemed to go a bit 'funny' when used together. However, on a night out it enhanced all my shimmery, satin and metallic eye shadows and I was even able to use it by it's self with a dash of hustle (Naked 1) in the outer corners. 

Eden 

Eden is really nice, and again slightly thicker than the original. It's a yellow based matte primer, perfect when wearing natural eye make-up with matte nudes, browns and particularly compliments the matte shades from the Naked 3 Palette. It's quite versatile because you can use it underneath shimmery eye shadows as well and it won't take away the sparkly-ness. It's like an enhanced version of the original and would be great for those of you with an oily eye area. 

Anti-Aging  

I'm probably not the best person to be testing this out but what I can tell you is that it's much much thinner than all the other primers and almost like a serum. I would imagine the serum helps fill in fine lines (a bit like how Benefit's Pore-fessional) fills in pores. This would also prevent the eye shadow from sinking into the wrinkles and of course it contains anti-ageing properties so all you OAP's can get your glam on! 

Now for the verdict. They all seem to have the same staying power but personally my favorites are Sin for night time and Eden for day time. If I had to choose one then it would have to be Eden because it's so versatile and I feel that Sin would be a bit much for during the day plus I wouldn't be able to wear natural eye make-up. I find Eden is simply a better version of the original due to the thicker consistency, the shadow enhancing properties and it's versatility. 

What's your favorite Primer Potion? 

Neeks x

2013 Beauty Favs

Aloha!

Well 2013 is coming to an end so I thought I'd reflect on all of my beauty life savers! There have been many ups and downs, highs and lows, bad times and good times (you get the idea) but these top beauty pics have never failed to support me so I thought I would give them the recognition they deserve and share them with all you beauty fanatics out there!

1) Nivea Daily Essentials Double Effect Eye Make-Up Remover- £2.99 Boots

I must confess I am a bit of an eye make-up junkie and this is the only product that will gently remove my primed eye shadow/ 24 hour gel liner and 3 coats of mascara mix. It gets absolutely everything off in seconds without having to rub my eyes and doesn't leave them red and puffy. 

2) Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor- £4.99 Boots

My hair is very long and fine so prone to combing damage and dry ends. Even after neglecting it with crimping, backcoming, curling, straightening (and the rest) this magic Australian potion brings my long locks back to life, leaving it soft, moisturised and doesn't weigh it down. Seriously I really don't know what I would do without this. 

3) Rimmel London Professional Eyebrow Pencil (Hazel)- £2.99 Boots

Naturally I have practically invisible blonde eyebrows that do no favours in shaping my face. I have had them tinted but it's hard to keep up regular salon trips so I usually only do that in the summer time. However, this eyebrow pencil has been my absolute brow savior and being a light redhead it's hard to find a shade that matches but this brow pencil in 'hazel' is a perfect match and cheap as chips. 

4) Nivea Daily Essentials Express Hydration Primer- £2.99 Savers

I did a review on this primer not long ago click here to have a peak. Thanks to this little pot of wonders my make-up stays put all day long and my skin stays heavenly hydrated . 

5) Salonservices Stippling Brush (403)- £8 ish Sally's Beauty Supplies

This was supposed to be for my uni make-up kit but after trying it out it made it's way into my personal brush wallet. Forget foundation brushes, sponges and fingers THIS is the brush to use to apply your foundation. It buffs the foundation right into the skin and gets in all the nooks and cranny's that an ordinary brush wouldn't reach, leaving you with a light and even complexion.  

6) L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Diamond Hold Hairspray- £6.60 (400ml) Boots

You know how it is, you spend hours in hot rollers and styling your hair for a big night out with the girls. You spray your hair with a generous amount of so called 'strong hold' hair spray and BOOM after an hour in the club the humidity and dancing makes it look like you've just rolled out of bed and pulled on a party dress. Well not with this, this hairspray has got me through hours (and I mean hours) of dancing and getting merry on the dance floor with my friends. Now you can use this and go out knowing that even if you have one too many (we've all been there ladies!) at least your hair will still look fab! 

7) MaxFactor False Lash Effect Mascara- £10.99 Boots

This mascara and I are in a committed 5 year relationship. In those 5 years I have tried to find other mascaras that could be (dare I say it) better but I always come crawling back to my trusty False Lash Effect Mascara. I wouldn't say it actually makes your eyelashes look fake but it naturally lengthens, volumises, curls and fans out all the corners. Plus it has a big fat brush (which I love) and gets right to the roots. 

8) Urban Decay Naked Palette Original- £37 Debenhams  

I'm sure this is on a lot of people's top favs, this palette has got me through every occasion that could have possibly popped up (I'm sure you guys can relate) including a wideee range of.. 

work looks

everyday looks

dinner party looks

hot dates

birthdays

big nights out

trying not to look hungover

trying not to look ill

trying not to look tired

'i'm not wearing any eye make-up' 

day trips

photo shoots

fancy dress

it's raining outside..

breakup make-up

i'm a new woman make-up! 

work do's

gatherings

cinema looks

summertime looks

baby showers

holidays 

christmas

And probably new years eve aswell! Although I am debating on whether or not to use the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette click here for swatches, but I'll save that for another post! 

These are my 2013 beauty favs, what's yours?

Neeks x

URBAN DECAY NAKED PALETTE 3 SWATCHES

Aloha!

Yep, you heard right- Urban Decay's Naked Palette 3 is now out! I've always said if I could only ever own 1 eye shadow palette it would be Urban Decay Naked 1 but when I heard they were releasing Naked 3 I was ecstatic. I read on a fellow beauty bloggers post that it was to be released on the 16th of December (UK) so when I came into work to see it proudly displayed on the Urban Decay counter last weekend I nearly had a heart attack... and of course purchased it! 

£37.00 Debenhams

It comes in a gold/rose tin case to compliment it's rosey eye shadow shades. I was hoping it would have different packaging because Naked 2 is also in a tin case, whereas Naked 1 has a velvet one, but never the less a tin case does work and is easy to keep clean.

It comes with 12 gorgeous shades ranging between matte, satin and metallic. It also comes with a mirror and dual end eye shadow brush, one side for packing on colour and the other side for blending and contouring.

Now for the exciting part- swatches! From left to right we have...

Strange- 'pale neautral matte-satin' 

This shade is really pretty, almost a warmer peachy-er version of 'virgin' will definitely come in handy when my usual highlighters gone for a walk. 

Dust- 'pale metallic pink shimmer with iridescent micro glitter'

Someone say iridescent?! I love this because it's only shimmery in certain angles which means you could still where it during the day without it being 'too much'. 

Burnout- 'light pinky-peach satin'

The texture of this is really smooth and it almost has a pearly finish to it, pair it up with 'liar' and I think we have ourselves a winner! 

Lumit- 'light dusty rose matte'

Not sure how I feel about this one, but will give it a chance. I think this one will be a good base for a simple everyday/ work look.

Buzz- 'metallic rose shimmer with silver micro glitter'

This is probably in my top 5 from Naked Palette 3. It's warm yet somewhat frosty at the same time; due to the metallic. Will definitely get a lot of use out of it. 

Trick- 'light metallic pinky-copper shimmer with tonal micro sparkle'

D'you know what? I think this has actually beaten my love for 'half baked'. It's a lot smoother than half baked and is a richer gold, no hints of bronze. 

Nooner- 'medium pinky-brown matte'

I think I'll pair this up with 'lumit' for a first try. It kinda has a 'naked' and 'buck' combo feel too it, just pinky-er. 

Liar- 'medium metallic mauve shimmer'

Abit confused about this one, Urban Decay also have a lipstick called 'liar' but the shades are completely different. This eye shadow along with 'factory' and 'mugshot' make a very similar trio.

Factory- 'pinky-brown satin'

Really nice brown with a hint of a pink and a light dose of shimmer, definitely one for brown/ hazel and green eyed galz.

Mugshot- 'metallic taupe shimmer with slight pink shift'

I can see this becoming my go-to night out shadow. Really reminds me of 'sidecar' without the glitter overload.

Darkside- 'deep taupe-mauve satin'

Not black, yet not grey, this is a funny one. Will need to experiment more with it before I make my verdict but ya never know, it may surprise me. After a light wash and concentrating it in the outter corners, smudge a little gel liner, and we may have ourselves a glam grunge look. 

Blackheart- 'smoky black matte satin with rosy red micro sparkle'

Da da da daaaaa! Probably the main feature that draws us in as make-up fanatics 'blackheart' puts a spin on the traditional matte black eye shadow by adding subtle red glitter, ooh very festive!

Urban Decay also kindly inserted 4 samples of thir primer potions ('original' 'sin' 'edan' and 'anti-aging') for us to try! Each pod contains 1 weeks worth of primer and I'm sure if you use it sparingly it will last a lot longer. 

So there we have it, Urban Decay's Naked Palette 3. I definitely think it's worth buying even if you already have Naked 1 & 2, there aren't any dupes in this palette and you have a wide range of warm shades to compliment your skin tone all year round, for any occasion. Personally, I think I'm torn between Naked 1 & 3 although Naked 2 has a beautiful matte black shade. I think I need to play around with it a bit more before writing Naked Palette 3 review. 

What's your favorite Naked Palette? 

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