Katie Snooks

I am developing a massive obsession with the Too Faced makeup brand. I'm currently using 4 of their products in my daily makeup regime and have yet to find something I don't like about them!!
I've been absolutely lusting over the Melted Liquified Longwear Lipsticks and wanted to show off a few of them today!

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L-R: Melted Candy, Melted Berry & Melted Marshmallow.

I'm a big, big fan of liquid lipsticks and so I had high expectations for these tubes but they didn't disappoint. They are super pigmented and packed with colour which makes them a dream to apply. I love that they're buildable - I've been wearing Melted Marshmallow to work every day this week just dabbed lightly on the lips for a sweet pink flush of colour.

They smell delicious, last really well on the lips and I really like the formula. They're a lot creamier and more moisturising than the Illamasqua Liquid Lipsticks (which I also adore but they really cling on to dry patches) and they dry with a nice finish and sheen. I also really like the cotton applicator, it makes application smooth and easy to apply cleanly to the lips.

They retail for £15 each which I think is pretty good for a 12ml tube, being so pigmented I suspect these will last a really long time in my makeup bag. Next up I'm looking to add Melted Coral to my collection - a gorgeous orange shade!

Have you guys got any liquid lipsticks you recommend?

xxx

I am cursed with eczema which flares up quite badly at certain times of the year; like now, for instance! A mix of warmer weather plus stress really plays havoc with my legs and the tops of my arms/shoulders and I'm currently sporting some lovely patches of super itchy dry skin which does make me feel a little self conscious!

I've tried a plethora of lotions and potions for eczema in the past (you can see a big eczema blog post here) but I wanted to shout about my current favourites!

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I have really, really been loving Cetraben to soothe my flare up's recently. It's available in 2 formulas:

- A Lotion which is lightweight, dries quickly and is great for large areas of trouble.

- And the Cream (my personal favourite), which is thicker and tends to make my eczema feel more smoothed and moisturised.

I normally apply the cream after showering/bathing and also before bed (if I remember).

I find that when I don't apply it, my skin is much more irritated and I'm more prone to itching than if I did - which in itself is fantastic. The range is also fragrance and colour free which makes it ideal for sensitive skin. The range is available from Boots, Tesco and Superdrug for around £4-8 which may seem pricey but it's cheaper than a prescription which potentially thins the skin! It's also on offer from Superdrug here (link).

I really hope this helps at least one person out there! I know how agonising it can be - Andrew gets really frustrated when he see's me clawing away at my skin every evening but sometimes the itch is just unbearable, and to be left with red patchy skin isn't nice in the summer months!

Do you have any dry skin recommendations?

xxx

It's easy to get stuck in a daily routine of sleep, working and eating, day in day out, for months on end (especially at my age) so I wanted to write a little post about how to bring some buzz and freshness back into your life this spring!

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My tips:

1) Have something to look forward to - I always have at least 1 thing a week to look forward to, whether it be a date night out, tickets to the theatre, a shopping trip, massage etc! This keeps things exciting (and also makes the weeks go quicker).

2) Fresh flowers - talking of things to look forward to, every Sunday I walk to Columbia Road Flower Market to pick up some beautiful new flowers for my home. It's always one of the highlights of my week and I love spending time arranging them into my vases when I get back. On the last trip I picked up some beautiful peach peonies and a big bunch of luxury white roses (images above). Fresh flowers make my home feel so comforting and they make me smile whenever I see them!

3) Switch up your beauty stash. Paint your nails a bright colour, wear a bright lipstick you've never worn before! Make sure you feel beautiful from the inside out - from vitamins to mouthwash! Oral hygiene is an awkward subject but us girls are all the same and no one wants bad breath! I've been swearing by CB12 as part of my daily regime, which is basically a mouth wash designed to keep your breath fresh for 12 hours - as well as making me feel minty fresh it also makes me feel more confident!

4) Work out. The feeling you get after exercising is one of the best and is sure to brighten how you feel about life. Little note though, you don't have to pay lots to do this! I despise going to the gym - I refuse to pay money to slog away in a room when I could do it for free in my home or local park. I've recently invested in some new fitness gear (let me know if you'd like a haul post!) and have started the 30 Day Shred to improve my mood and fitness - I'll let you know how I get on!

So there we have it, my top tips for rejuvenating your mood, confidence and life this spring.

What are your top tips for keeping things fresh?

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CB12 provides First Class Breath for added confidence, a superior clinically proven product for 12 hour protection against unpleasant breath. Works instantly and has been proven to be more effective at eliminating unpleasant breath than 18 other advertised leading mouthwash brands. Provides you with your daily shot of confidence.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by CB12 via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of CB12.

This is a post I have been so excited to write for so long, but now the time has finally come, I'm a bit at a loss of how to express what I want to say! I guess I'll start from the beginning...

I'm a super passionate person and I will do whatever I put my heart to. From selling body butters to 60 year old women, to managing social platforms for clients at work, I have given every job my all & my utmost best. But for some reason, for a long time I couldn't seem to, how do I say this... allow myself to become confident enough to really take a leap and fulfil my dreams.

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That was until last November. I had a bad time last year (It had got to a point where I was permanently down, crying daily and I think a part of that was because I felt like the online space around me was growing so vapidly and I was still sitting on the fence watching everything fly by, unable to move).

After months and months of being stuck in this negative cycle, I started seriously thinking about where my life was heading and what I wanted to be doing vs. what I was doing, and I decided to step out of my comfort zone and take matters into my hands. I handed my notice in at work - the job I LOVE and adore. This in itself was hard. I cried, my boss got a little teary (I'm the longest standing member of the company) and it was emotional. It was then agreed that I would be signed by the first and the best social talent management company in the world and my dreams really became a reality.

So... after 7 months of finding a replacement for me in my team, it's finally time to announce that from next week I will be a freelance, full time blogger and YouTuber, managed by Gleam Futures. I can not contain my excitement for this next chapter in my life.

I started this blog 5 years ago in my university bedroom, preferring to write about lipsticks rather than going out and partying and never once did I think I would be able to do this as my job. I know it'll be difficult, I know I may struggle to pay my billz & I'll feel bloody lonely some days couped up in my flat, but I can't express how happy I am to try!

I have so much content that I can't wait to create for you and I really hope you stick around. I wouldn't be able to do this without your support. I really can't put into words how happy you guys have made me.

Thank you all for supporting and reading my ramblings. I truly love you all!

TL;DR: I've quit my job to try my hand at blogging/youtubing full time. Really hope you all stick with me for this journey, you're support means the world!

xxxxx

I remember the first ever time I heard about Illamasqua - must have been about 10 years ago (blimey - makes me feel old) and a friend said that she'd found a brand that did neon pink lipstick - something I was obsessed with which at the time was really hard to find on the highstreet - that was my welcome into the world of Illamasqua!

There isn't a product of theres that I don't love and I could happily spend hours in their Beak Street London store. Here's a little haul of Illamasqua goodies!

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Lipstick in Obey - This lipstick shade is just perfection! It's a really matte creamy rose peach which has just the most intense pigment. As it is matte it's super drying and does cling to flaky lips so I always have to make sure my lips are in top condition when I wear this.

Powder Blusher in Katie - What a more apt blusher for myself? Katie is described as a soft candy pink with a matte finish and it looks sublime on pale skin-tones. It adds the most pretty flush of colour and the pigment is very build-able!

Precision Gel Liner in Black - My go-to gel liner. This lasts really well on my eye and creates the most beautiful cat eye look. This is my second pot of it - love!

Fine Eye Liner Brush with Lid - This works perfectly with the gel liner to create a really delicate liner look. I also love that it has a cover to protect the delicate bristles, they definitely last longer this way!

Nail Polish in Raindrops - This is a really unique nail polish and one which has quite a cult following (Temptalia has named it her favourite nail polish ever). It's a pale grey polish with an almost iridescent jelly finish which really flatters every skin tone. I also own Pink Raindrops which I actually prefer, it's identical but pink instead of grey and it's super pretty!

Masquara in Raven - I really like this mascara and it's been in my makeup bag for months now. It's a no fuss product with a simple brush which really allows you to build and lengthen your lashes. It doesn't smudge and also removes easily with makeup remover (there's nothing worse in my opinion than mascara which you really have to tug at to remove).

I also love my Illamasqua Makeup Bag but it's since been discontinued - I really hope they bring it back soon as it's a great size for overnight. Can't wait for my next Illamasqua haul, I'm now eyeing up their Cream Blusher in Rude and their Pure Pigments in Ore and Beguile!

What would you pick up in an Illamasqua Haul?

xxx

Before Andrew, I had never lived with a partner before and couldn't even imagine what it would be like to share a home with a boy (other than my dad). We've now been living together for over a year and so I wanted to write a little about things I've learnt in this time! In the run up to moving in together I read SO many articles like this and truth be told, I was petrified!

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1) There's no shame!
Now, I know not every couple will be like this but in our case, it's certainly true. We have now reached the point where we pee in the same room, occasionally share toothbrushes (if we've misplaced one after a weekend away) and even talk about bowel movements. Is this odd? We're both humans after all and truth be told it feels fantastic not having to act and look perfect ALL the time. Andrew now knows that if we watch a rom-com I WILL end up crying hysterically until my face is red & puffy and he's taken on the job of calming me down afterwards perfectly - and I think seeing each other in a vulnerable state brings you even closer together.

2) It's okay to still want your own space.
I am one of those people who cherishes and needs time alone; it's a fact that my overall mood is happier when I've had time to myself, and I'm more aggy when I spend long periods around people with no break. I adore A with all my heart but I've recently realised that I occasionally even need some space from him. Luckily he completely understands me (more than I do myself sometimes) and gives me that time to regenerate myself. Don't be scared to talk to your partner about things like this - too much of one thing always turns out negatively and if they care for you they will understand!

3) It's important to still have date nights.
I always swore before moving in with Andrew that we would still make time for weekly date nights. I think this is where a lot of couples can get bogged down and stuck in a routine so it's really important to keep that romance alive. Whether it be a romantic meal out, to a theatre trip or a film & massage indoors, make sure you plan some 'couples time'.

4) You'll nag & hate yourself for it.
I'm not gonna lie - I often find myself on the brink of a housework nagging meltdown and it really does take a lot not to constantly pick at someone else's messiness. When this happens it really helps to take a step back, breath and then calmly discuss the fact that he hasn't done the washing up in a week (lol) rather than flip out about it. Still, there's only so many dirty boxers lying around that a girl can take... ;)

5) You'll find new things to love about them.
I knew Andrew was perfect way back when we first starting dating, but living together has really reinforced my love for him. Little things, from the fact he'll run out to the shops to hunt down mini-eggs when I'm having a bad day or he'll tidy the house when I'm out having fun with friends because he knows it'll make me happy. You'll find new little quirky things that makes your partner even more special and it also makes me happy that I'm one of the only people that see's these things!

There are 5 little thoughts and tips from me, for those who are in the same situation I was a year ago. I've really enjoyed writing this and will probably follow on with some more ponderings soon!

Have you learnt anything after living with a partner?

xxx

Urban Outfitter's is a store I could spend hours browsing! I've not purchased much of their clothing but their jewellery, trinkets and gadgets section always has me drooling! They've recently added some amazing brands to their beauty shelves and I wanted to run through some of their products today!

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Anatomicals Cherry Lip Balm SPF15:

http://fave.co/1FidGsq

I've become seriously obsessed with this lip balm since getting my hands on it - it smells incredible and leaves my lips feeling so soft! A bargain at £2.99

Skin & Tonic London Gentle Scrub:

http://fave.co/1AvCr80

This reminds me of one of my favourite Dermalogica scrubs (the daily microfoliant) - you need to mix the powder with water to create a paste, which you can then use to exfoliate or leave on as a face mask for a gentle dextofiying pamper! A quirky product which I haven't tried yet but will update as soon as I do!

Embroylisse Lait Creme Concentrate:

http://fave.co/1FifTnF

A must have cream in the beauty world - Embroylisse is loved by makeup artists everywhere for it's hydrating and priming properties!

Fig & Yarrow Complexion Water:

http://fave.co/1AvB74O

I'm really into mist toners at the moment and this has been a staple in my handbag - it contains a blend on Rose, Sandalwood and Neroli which are great for the skin, but can also be spritzed on hair and body! I have a 30ml bottle but it's available in 120ml bottles from Urban Outfitters.

Merci Handy Hand Sanitizers:

http://fave.co/1Fifm54

These are currently out of stock on the UO website and I'm not surprised - they're amazing! I have the Lollipop scent which reminds me of one of my favourite teen fragrances (Miss Dior Cherie). I actually want the whole collection of these anti-bacterial sanitizers because they are super cute and the perfect size for my handbag.

Balmi Coconut Balm:

http://fave.co/1FielKm

There's not much I need to say about Balmi as they already have a cult following but they're now also available in UO stores. It smells deliciously of coconut and contains a blend of shea oils to keep your lips smooth!

LipCote

http://fave.co/1FifMbH

I've reviewed Lipcote many times on my blog before (here) - it's a wonder product that every girl needs in her collection.

Eva-Nyc Dry Shampoo

http://fave.co/1Fif5z5

It takes a lot for a dry shampoo to replace my beloved Colab & Batiste but this has joined my favs! The smell is delicious (Andrew loves it too) and it leaves my hair looking refreshed without being overly powdery and chalky! It's pricey though so I'd only re-purchase for special occasions.

Grow Gorgeous Hair Growth Serum:

http://fave.co/1FidPvW

Perfect for those who have fine hair and want some more volume, this serum is designed to be massaged into your scalp (don't worry - it doesn't leave your hair greasy) and it's complex blend of 7 technologies work to leave your hair thicker, longer and fuller!

Calm Down Ginger & Lavender Body Wash:

http://fave.co/1AvBnAS

I can't use shower gels without my body hating me (long story) so I've given this to my mother-in-law who LOVES ginger. After I smelt it however, I was hesitant to give it away because it smells so damn good - I could sniff it all day. Normally with ginger and lavender one usually overpowers the other but this has captured the most perfect mix of both scents. Delicious - I love the bottle too!

Daily Concepts Your Body Scrubber:

http://fave.co/1FicnJL

I'm not the best at remembering to exfoliate my body but this really well thought out scrubber has made it really easy to incorporate into my weekly pamper regime. It has a suction pad on the packet which you can stick on your shower tiles (a constant reminder to scrub in the shower) and it's label even fades after it's had enough use letting you know when you need to replace it!

Bubble T bar:

http://fave.co/1AvDiFL

The Bubble T cosmetics range has also been added to UO's growing beauty shelves and I suspect their bathbombs will be super popular and they also make a really cute gift!

I really love how they've carefully selected beauty brands that are unique and hard to find otherwise, bringing a whole new world of beauty to the highstreet rather than your typical drugstore beauty brands. I've discovered a whole lot of new favourites!

Will you be popping into an Urban Outfitter's store to try out any of these?

The weather in London is warming up (finally) and I couldn't resist taking along my camera to my Dad's birthday meal last week to show you what I wore!

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I've had this dress for a couple of months now but this was the first time I've worn it out and I'm kicking myself for not wearing it sooner! It's from New Look (now on sale - hate it when that happens) and is super easy to wear with boots and a denim jacket. It's a little see through so I teamed it with nude coloured knickers to save some dignity.

I'm really loving New Look at the moment, I want everything from their website but I'm really trying to minimalise my wardrobe and clothing selection to some classic pieces that work really well together. Once I master it I'll share any tips I have!

Also - these pictures were taken outside of the Moroccan restaurant Bogayo in Shoreditch - the food is delicious and I did really well not to get houmous and lamb tagine all down the white dress!

What's your favourite highstreet store at the moment?

Xxx

I know Origins are a massive blogger favourite but it's only been recently that I've really tried their products and incorporated them into my daily regime! Here's a quick low-down on my thoughts of a few products I've had the pleasure of testing!

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GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream: This is my new favourite eye cream - it's AMAZING. It really brightens my whole eye area and concealer sits really well on top of it. The cream itself has a peachy, almost iridescent shimmer to it which really helps to make my eyes look more awake and bright. I'm not sure how well this would sit on those with fine lines but I've found it to be a really nice addition to my 26-year old skincare regime.

Make A Difference Night Cream:
This is one of Origins newest products from the Make A Difference Range, targeted at those who suffer from dry skin. This is a lovely thick cream which when applied before bedtime, leaves your skin hydrated. My skin isn't particularly dry so I've been rubbing this into my neck and décolletage in the evening to keep my skin soft and youthful.

Mega Mushroom Skin Relief Serum: This product is great for those who suffer with sensitive skin and it claims to soothe and reduce redness. It's a milky cream which sinks into the skin really quickly and I've also found it makes a great base for foundation. Some people have complained of it smelling like mushrooms (haha!) but I haven't found this at all, my nose just picks out hints of essential oils. This does contain a lot of essential oils and fragrances that could potentially irritate acne prone skin but I haven't been affected thus far!

Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask:
Andrew suffers from dry, flakey skin on his cheeks and so I couldn't wait to try this on him! It's now become a mid-week pamper for him - I simply massage this onto his face before bed, tissue off any excess and it really does help to put the moisture back into his skin. You'd think that an overnight mask would be thick but this is really non-greasy and sinks in nicely. I also love the smell of this cream.

I have a couple more Origins products that I want to feature so I'll follow up with those in a separate post aimed more at those who suffer with acne prone/problem skin like I do!

What's your favourite Origin product?

xx

If you haven't visited a Muji store yet, you're really missing out!! Muji is a Japanese brand known for it's simple designs and great makeup storage options! I recently over-indulged a little and decided to film a haul of what I picked up!

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You can watch the video above to hear more about what I picked up but I'm really happy with all of my purchases - especially the 4 drawer acrylic holder which stores sunglasses perfectly. I always, always loose/misplace them so having one place to store them makes things a lot easier! I've already finished both of the candles - Berry Tart and Rose which I'll definitely be repurchasing soon and the clear storage boxes make reaching for my daily makeup a pleasure!

I'm also a very big fan of their stationary - pens/notepads and even post it notes, I could literally spend hours in their stores. If you'd like another Muji haul let me know (aka, please give me another excuse to spend lots of dosh in there)!

What are your favourite Muji purchases?

xx

I've had my dip-dye locks for over 3 months now but not yet discussed what I use to create the look! I've really loved experimenting with coloured dyes and I've tested out a lot now (full review/round up soon) but today I wanted to talk about the most recent discovery I've made!

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Maria Nila is a Swedish range that has just launched in the UK and their philosophy is about producing the best possible products without compromising the hair's health or the environment.

As well as their 5 main hair care ranges, from Pure Volume to Structure Repair, they also have a range of 'Colour Refresh' hair masques which include colour pigments that tint the hair whilst conditions.

There are SO many things I love about this product; the fact it's a hair masque which nourishes instead of strips your hair, the pump style bottle which makes application less messy, the shade range is fantastic - as well as bright tones they also have silver, cocoa, sand and blonde shades so there is something for everyone.

Another thing - it takes 3 minutes to work (that's if you want a light pastel shade). To get the intense colour above I left it on for 20 minutes (way more than the recommended time) but because I like to start with a vibrant colour & let it fade down to a pastel. It's been 3 weeks since I used this and it's actually faded right down to a mint blue shade which I really love (you can kinda see in this Instagram pic).

I really recommend these dyes and can't wait to try out the blue one. I'm also eyeing up the Pink Pop shade and the White Mix to experiment with more pastel-toned mermaid hair! The range is currently only available in Sallys stores in the UK for £16.99 (link here) but I'm hoping they'll pop onto the highstreet soon!

Would you ever dip-dye your hair?

xx

I did something really silly… a couple of months ago I ‘accidentally’ signed up to compete in a 5k run with my workmates. This was on a wet, soggy January day at the beginning of the year and for some reason I thought it’d be a brilliant idea and that I’d be magically fit and active by the time it came round in June.

Fast forward 6 months, the date is fast approaching and I have not worked out ONCE. Actually, that's a lie, in fact I did go for a jog a couple of weekends ago and made it 3 minutes down the road before giving in completely.

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On the day (morning of 28^th July if any one wants to come and cheer me on in … Park) I know that I’ll be stressed enough about the act taking part and one thing I do not need is more stress about the fact it’ll be hot and working up a sweat. Thankfully though, I have that part sorted thanks to my all time fav deodorant – Sure Maximum Protection.

Luckily for me they’ve just launched their new ‘Stress Control’ anti-perspirant that helps to provide their most advanced, long lasting protection with stress activated ingredients for that extra piece of mind! It also doesn’t help that all of my workmates are really fit and active – most of them take weekly dance/gym classes, a couple of them have competed in the London marathon and here I am, Katie Snooks, who’d rather be sitting in bed playing with makeup rather than out jogging! But at least I have the secret to no sweat patches and won’t be held back by the extra worry of stress on top ;)

I know 5k isn’t the longest race, but for me it’s a really big deal. I’m determined to finish it with a smile, no matter how rough I feel inside (luckily I won’t look it on the outside).

Sure Maximum Protection is 2 times stronger than the leading antiperspirant and it’s two new variants are Stress Control and Sport Strength so it has you covered for any big occasion whether it be a wedding, race, exam, workouts etc! Be sure to have it on hand to help you prepare for the moments that matter.
I'll be wearing the Sport Strength anti-perspirant on the day of my run - it has a lovely citrusy fragrance and really helps to not only help stop me sweating but also helps protect against odour during exercise - perfect!

Have you ever tried this deodorant? Any tips on finishing the race?

Please note this is a sponsored post but all thoughts are my own!

Really wanted to show off my new t-shirt from New Look's 'petite' range so I dragged Andrew outside to snap some pics!

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T-Shirt: New Look http://fave.co/1GwAVEM
Shoes: Next http://fave.co/1GwB8YQ
Shorts: Primark

I've never been into t-shirts or clothing with text or graphics/prints but recently I've been purchasing a few and I fell in love with this one - a dictionary definition of the word 'Bijou' which means 'small but attractive and elegant'... I'll take that!

I teamed it with some Primark shorts and my white trainers from Next which I customised with some studs and spikes. I like these shorts a lot but I can't help but feel they were made for 15 year olds with the whole 'denim knickers/flash your bum cheeks' trend, as they tend to rise really high whilst I walk (there are some super unflattering outtakes from this shoot proving it)!

Anyway, this is a really easy outfit to wear so I'll be packing it on my hols this year!

Do you own some graphic t-shirts? What's your fav?

xx

It's been a long time since I've fallen this in love with an eyeshadow palette. I'd even go so far to say that it was love at first sight! I've used this every single day since purchasing and so thought it was finally time to share it with you guys!

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You know sometimes with palettes you find you really, really love a couple of the shades, but there are also shades that you just would never wear? I normally find that quite a lot, but it's a totally different story here as I love and wear all of these shades, even the ones I thought I wouldn't!

The Too Faced Natural Eyes palette contains 9 absolutely stunning chocolate-y shades suitable for every occasion. There's a mix of matte and shimmer for day and evening and they all compliment each other beautifully. My favourites have to be 'Silk Teddy' - the perfect brow-bone highlight and 'Sexspresso' which looks flawless in the crease of my eye.

It's not the most affordable product at £32, but the quality of the shadows, the gorgeous packaging which fits perfectly into my handbag and the fantastic colour selection makes it a must have in my opinion!

Available online and in Debenhams stores - http://fave.co/1GwEkni

What's your favourite daily eyeshadow palette?

xxx

Contour & blush sticks are all the rage at the moment (thanks Kimmy K for making us all want perfect cheekbones & jawlines). When Illamasqua recently launched their new Gel Sculpt sticks I was invited to their Beak Street Store to have a chat about how best to use them with their creative director Alex Box - makeup genius!

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There are 3 shades available in the new Gel Sculpt range - Silhouette which looks really dark in the tube but is a really great sheer subtle brown on the skin, Charm, a bright apricot orange and Fluster, a rosy pink.

As they are gel based they are really easy to apply and work with - allowing you to really blend into the skin leaving you with a really pretty natural look. Alex Box has quite a unique way of applying them as well as you may spot in the images above - she applies the product onto the fatty bit of skin under your thumb (no idea what this is called!) and coincidentally this part of your body fits perfectly into the contours of your cheekbones, so all you have to do is gently press & pat the lower thumb into the cheeks and it will leave a lovely natural flush of colour or contour. You can then press around your temples & forehead for some more contouring!

I've been using Silhouette as a contour for a few months now and I really love it - it suits my pale skin and is very buildable for a more intense look. I also love Charm and wear it often on my lips too!

The new Gel Sculpt's are available from Illamasqua counters, stores or online for £22!

Would you consider swapping your powder contour for a gel formula?

xxx

Introducing the new Operation Pore-Proof from Benefit! I swear they make the cutest little kits and gift boxes and this is no exception!

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This is perfect for those who suffer from oily skin and want a little bit of added protection throughout the day to help their skin stay matte and their makeup on for longer.
It includes miniatures of 5 of their products, the perfect handbag and travelling sizes.

Pore-Fessional Primer: This primer needs no introduction as it already has a cult following in the blogging world so I'm happy I now have a mini size for my makeup bag!

Pore-Fessional License To Blot: I love this new product - it's almost like a little prit-stick (without the glue!) which you can wipe over your T-Zone to instantly blot. Full review coming soon.

PoreFessional Agent Zero Shine: Simply tap this powder into the lid, swirl with your brush and buff into the skin for an instantly matte complexion.

Dr Feelgood: I think this must have been the first Benefit product I EVER tried when I was around 17! I haven't used it since but remember loving it - it's a velvety balm that removes shine and leaves you with super soft skin. You can wear it under or over makeup which makes it the perfect handbag accessory!

Shy Beam: This is possibly my favourite out of the bunch and it's only currently available IN this kit! Shy Beam is a matte version of High Beam which looks so pretty on the skin, leaving you with a natural looking glow. I hope they realise a full size version of this soon!

This kit retails at £28.50 and is available online and in Benefit stores/counters! If you haven't tried any of these products before it might be a good idea to invest in this and try them out to see what works best for your skin, and this also makes a lovely gift for Benefit fans!

What's your favourite mattifying beauty product?

xxx

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Just a simple outfit post today - monochrome (surprise, surprise), white shirt with black denim jeans! This was photographed before the heat-wave we've recently had (as you can probably tell by the tights!). Andrew and I met up with my parents in a cute pub called the Winchester in Angel for a glass of rose before a theatre performance.
I love these Boots too - I bought them in Primark a year or so ago but have only just started wearing them out. They're really comfy and I love the cut out details!

I've also been daily vlogging recently to publish in a 'Weekly Vlog' format in the next week or so, so you can see what I've been up to over the past week! I hope you're all well?

xxx

After being told by skincare goddess Caroline Hirons that I need to incorporate exfoliating toners into my skincare regime I did some researching and added a few new additions to my skincare kit. I wanted to share with you my current favourite toners and give a mini review of each!

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Alpha H Liquid Gold -
I've been using Alpha H's holy grail Liquid Gold for a few years or so now and I adore it. I can really tell the difference in the look and feel of my skin after using it and I really look forward to using it. I use this once a week (if that), particularly before a big/important day or if my skin looks a little more dull than it should. It works to keep my skin plump, soft and I feel like my skin is less blemished and more glowing the day after use. Saying that, it really does dry my skin out if used too much which is why I use it sparingly.

Ren Clarifying Toner -
Caroline recommended this toner to me as it's gentle enough for every day use whilst still containing great ingredients to remove excess makeup, close pores and gently exfoliate. I sweep this on face with a cotton pad after removing my makeup every evening (unless I'm using Liquid Gold) and then apply acne treatments, oils and a night moisturiser (more details on these to follow)!

La Roche Posay Serozinc -
I want to do a full review on this soon as I am head over heels in love with it! It used to be notoriously hard to get hold of but it's now stocked on Escentual (currently discounted - link here). I spray this over my face every evening after cleansing, before moisturising and my skin has really cleared up. Love!

Pixi Glow Tonic -
This is my newest and so I'm still in the midst of testing it for review but so far, so good. This has such a cult following so I'm expecting great results! It's gentle enough for daily use and all skin types so I think I'm going to get on well with it.

These are my favourite acid exfoliators at the moment - I think they're all great products in their own way and I love how I can switch between them depending on intensity of product or time of day.

What are your favourite exfoliating toners? Have you tried these ones?

xx

One of my most popular blog posts was one I did a very long time ago; a round up of foundation reviews (pale ones, in particular). I have acquired a lot of brilliant foundations since then and so I've decided to start doing full, in depth foundation reviews again!

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Before I get into them, I want to ask you if there are in particular base reviews you want! I'm happy to go out and purchase for review with my usual 'before and after' style photographs. I have so many that I can't wait to show you so I hope you're ready!

Do let me know if there are any foundations you want reviewed in particular!

xxx

Ladies, you might have noticed that Blush Domes are IN at the moment. I'm going to confess, when I first started seeing them I wasn't interested at all, they look a little tacky and I thought it was just a fad that would quickly pass... that was until more and more brands started launching them.

I finally gave in and decided to actually give them a go and I'll admit, was pleasantly surprised! I've chosen out some of my favs to show you today!

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L-R Bagsy, Ciate, TBS, Topshop.

Bagsy Pretty Cheeks Velvet Blush in 01 Velvet Rose - How gorgeous is this shade? I was really surprised by the pigment of this dome, the newest in my collection from brand new makeup line Bagsy. The colour is stunning and it has a gorgeous velvety cream touch which makes it really easy to blend into the apples of the cheeks.

Ciate Blush Pop in Darling - This might just be my favourite and has become a makeup bag staple of mine because the colour is just so stunning! It is just the perfect peachy summer shade and it's creamy consistency is gorgeous too.

Body Shop Honey Bronze Highlighting Dome in #02 & #01 - These are technically Highlighters but they're so stunning. It took me a long time to try these but I'm so glad I did - #01 is just the most beautiful gold toned shimmer and the dome shape makes it glad for sweeping along the cheek bones and on the cupids bow for a quick application. #01 is a rosey pink shade with specks of gold, it reminds me of Nars Orgasm blusher!

Topshop Glow Dome in Galatic - I haven't worn this out as I'm not entirely brave enough but had to include it as the colour is just stunning. It's a two-tone purple/gold shade which I have never seen before in a cream makeup product - it's almost iridescent and so unique. This is a multiuse product so you can apply to the eyes, lips, cheek or collarbones for a hint of purple shimmer in the light!

I've had a lot of fun playing with these. I find the best way to apply them (personally) is to sweep a duo-fibre brush over the dome and sweep on cheeks to build up colour. The thought of just drawing the colours straight onto the face from the dome makes me a little anxious (what if I don't blend it in time!) so I prefer to build up a natural flush another way!

Have you tried a Blush/Highlighter Dome? What are your thoughts?

xx

REVIEW: Too Faced Liquid Lipsticks

REVIEW: Cetraben for Ezcema Sufferers!

LIFESTYLE: Getting Fresh This Spring

Life Update: BIG NEWS!

ILLAMASQUA HAUL!

Thing's I've Learnt: Living with a Boyfriend!

REVIEW: Urban Outfitters Beauty Launches!

OUTFIT: Moroccan Summer!

REVIEW: Origins Skincare

MUJI Haul!

REVIEW: Maria Nila Violet & Azure Hair Dyes!

LIFESTYLE: Preparing for Stressful Moments!

OUTFIT: Bijou!

REVIEW: Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette!

REVIEW: ILLAMASQUA GEL SCUPLT

REVIEW: Benefit Operation Pore-Proof Kit

OUTFIT: The Winchester

REVIEW: My Favourite Acid Toners/Exfoliators

Pale Foundation Reviews - Your Requests!

REVIEW: Top 5 Blush Domes