One Palette, Two Looks: Stacey Marie & BPerfect

The last thing I need is another eyeshadow palette (ask my mum), but when I saw the swatches of the new BPerfect Stacey Marie Carnival Palette, I knew I just had to have it. It's made up of the most amazing shades, some brights, a few neutrals, and a couple of intense shimmers.

Anyone who follows me on Instagram knows how much I love colour on my face. I love to sit and play around with the brightest shades I can find and try and make them wearable. So as soon as this palette arrived at my house I couldn't wait to see what the pigment was like, and even though I wasn't going anywhere that day, I still created some glamorous eyes.

Although the palette is packed with bright hues, there are also some shades suited more to everyday eyeshadow looks, so I feel like there's something for everyone. I was going out for dinner one evening and decided to go for an olive toned, brownish smokey eye. I liked how it turned out, however I will say that the matte brown colour in the palette takes some time to build up and I don't feel like it gives me the deep, dark, chocolatey shade that I love. Apart from this I had no other issues with any of the shades, and they all blend out really easily.

This would be a great palette to take on holiday as there's so much choice, and there are even two really gorgeous highlighters and a decent mirror. If you're someone who is into colourful make up looks or you're a makeup artist, this would be the perfect investment!

It retails for £39.99 and you can find it right here.

Beauty Lookbook

I like to call this look the unsupervised three year old who got into their mum's make up bag...
ColourPop recently launched a summer collection consisting of deep blues, bright teals, and firey reds, so I took some inspiration from that. I actually quite like how it turned out, and even though I don't normally wear such a bright colour on my lips, I enjoyed the change.

Primer: Nip & Fab Viper Venom Micro Blur Primer
Foundation: Maybelline SuperStay in Warm Sun
Concealer: ColourPop No Filter Concealer in Light 16 under eyes and Tarte Shape Tape in Light-Medium to conceal blemishes.
Powder: Kat Von D Lock-It Translucent Loose Powder
Bronzer: L'Oreal Glam Bronze & Sleek Powder Contour Kit in Light
Highlighter: OFRA Rodeo Drive & Becca Champagne Pop
Blusher: Inglot blush shade 30 (Obsessssssssssssed!)
Brows: Freedom Brow Pomade in Caramel Brown and NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Chocolate
Eyes: Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eyeshadow Primer, Make Up Geek Morocco eyeshadow as the transition shade, ColourPop Top Notch in the crease, ColourPop Feathered in the outer corners. I also used Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Light to carve out half of my eyelid, and packed Makeup Forever D236 on top so it really popped. It's an amazing shimmery blue! I used Inglot 77 gel liner on both top and bottom lash lines and smudged it out with a pencil brush to diffuse any harsh lines. Then I used my holy grail, ColourPop Flexitarian highlighter for my inner corners and Mac Nylon on my brow bone.
Lashes: No lashes this time!
Mascara: Maybelline Big Shot Mascara & Benefit Bad Gal Bang. I layer them to keep my lashes curled and full.
Lips:ColourPop Ultra Blotted Lip in Ocean Avenue

Skin SOS: Tackling Under Skin Spots

I usually have quite clear skin, however recently it decided to unexpectedly misbehave and I was pretty much at a loss as to why it was being so difficult.

I used to suffer from mild cystic acne, which basically means I would get a few under the skin spots, the hard, painful ones that never really come to a head and take ages to heal. Luckily, when I entered my twenties these subsided, however I do tend to still get the odd blemish but I can live with that.

However, over the last month my skin reverted back to its old ways and over the period of a week and a half, I woke up with a new spot every few days. Anyone who has suffered from acne or severe blemishes knows just how it can affect your confidence, and although mine were easy to cover with make up, I was still very much aware of their presence.

I thought I'd share some of the products I have been using over the last couple of weeks in the hope that it may help anyone suffering from such a skin disaster. I am by no means saying these will work for everyone, however they have helped me quite a bit and so they may be worth a try.

In the mornings I was using this Youth Lab cleanser specifically for oily/combination skin. Yes, I do realise I am 26 and technically no longer in my youth, however this is great for freshening your skin after a good night's sleep. It claims to thoroughly cleanse the skin without disrupting the natural hydro-lipid film, therefore not overdrying. I also used this in the evenings after removing my make up with micellar water.

Hairdos and Don'ts: How I Style My Hair

Recently, I've had quite a number of messages on Instagram asking about my hair and what I do to style it. I actually find it quite funny because I'm not really a hair kinda gal, and spend a lot longer painting my face than taming my mane.

Anyway, because I've been asked a lot lately I thought I had better put together a short post on exactly what I do to get the 'slept in, dragged through a hedge backwards, slightly 70s chic' look. First of all, I used to have naturally curly hair until I was about 20 and then for some reason the texture and thickness changed. My hair became softer, thinner and the curl disappeared. Eventually it thickened up again, but the actual strands are quite fine and according to my hairdresser, I just have lots of it.

I try to get my hair cut every six weeks and just have my layers added in again, and a small amount off the ends as it can become quite dry with heat styling and general wear and tear. Whenever I wash it I try and use a quick hair mask or intense conditioner to smooth and hydrate the lengths after I've burnt it to a crisp with my curling wand. I really love Pantene Keratin Repair Mask, as you only have to leave it on for two minutes and your hair feels a lot healthier afterwards. When I don't want to use a mask, I use the Pantene Pro-V Advanced Keratin Repair Conditioner from the same range. I also try and wash my hair every other day as the build up of hairspray and heat protection spray can make it look dull and feel heavy. I own a Dyson hairdryer which dries it pretty quickly and is supposedly better than the average dryer at minimising damage. You can read all about it here in a more detailed post.

So onto the styling part... I use a Remington curling wand that I have had for about four years, and it's still going strong!  It is conical, so one end is slimmer than the other, and honestly it was only about £20 at the time and I have not found any that measure up since. What I like about it is you can adjust the temperature which is a big must for me, as I worry about the damage I am doing to my hair with those that only have one heat setting.

Considering I curl my hair nearly every day, it is in quite good condition. It also only takes me around 10 minutes per day to curl my whole head, as I've been doing it that long and I could probably do it with my eyes closed. Apart from that one time I cooked my wrist, but that's not to be talked about. On my days off I sometimes wash it, dry it upside down and leave it to do its thing, so it looks a bit straighter but still has some movement and body.

When I curl it I look like I'm wearing an Irish dancing wig for about half an hour afterwards, but the curl soon drops and it looks a bit more acceptable after a while. I sometimes run my fingers through it too just to break up any spirals, and give it a good dose of Elnett hairspray. I always curl small strands at a time, and curl them away from my face. You can alternate one away from your face and the next strand towards your face to make sure the hair doesn't clump together too.

I also sometimes only curl from the mid length down, as it gives a more relaxed looking finish. I really don't have any secret method or know what I'm doing most of the time. I just go for it, drown my head in hairspray and hope for a gust of wind going out the door to mess it up a bit. I do however think the key is to get a shampoo that isn't too hydrating as sometimes they can weigh the hair down. Also, keep your conditioner and masks away from your scalp; it's all in the swish! I really like the Coconut Weightless Hydration Shampoo from OGX, it gives hydration but doesn't leave your hair feeling greasy or over conditioned.

I own a really thin curling wand too and I've used it a couple of times when I really want to channel my inner 70s disco diva. It does require a bit more time and effort, but the end result looks amazing.

So there we have it! All the details on how I style my hair. I feel like many of you may be disappointed to learn that I really don't do much and it may not be of any help to some, but really that's it. I think the key is how it's cut, as the layers and length play a big part in how it holds the curl. Some of you might also be lucky and be able to achieve this look with some damp hair and salt spray, but for those hoping to create a bit of a messy do, I hope this post was of some help!

Click here for the exact wand I use every day, or here for the chopstick wand.

Beauty Lookbook

It has been a while since I've got to sit and play around with some bright colours on my eyes. I love not having any idea what I'm doing, and just going with the eyeshadow flow. You can find a full list of products for this look below, along with some extra details about which shade I put on each section of the eye.

Primer: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Stick & NYX Shine Killer Primer
Foundation: Maybelline SuperStay in Warm Sun
Concealer: ColourPop No Filter Concealer in Light 16 under eyes and Tarte Shape Tape in Light-Medium to conceal blemishes.
Powder: Kat Von D Lock-It Translucent Loose Powder
Bronzer: L'Oreal Glam Bronze & Sleek Powder Contour Kit in Light (The usual!)
Highlighter: OFRA Rodeo Drive
Blusher: Sigma Heavenly Powder Blush
Brows: Benefit KaBrow Shade 3 and NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Chocolate
Eyes: Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eyeshadow Primer, Juvias Place The Zulu Palette, ColourPop Backstage and Formation. KIKO Jelly Jungle eye pencil in 02, NYX Vivid Brights in Sapphire, and Maybelline HyperPrecise All Day Eyeliner.
Lashes: Ardell Wispies
Mascara: Maybelline Big Shot Mascara
Lips: ColourPop Ultra Satin in Jacquard

1. I started by blending the orange shade in the top right of the Zulu palette into my crease and slightly above.
2. Then I added a small amount of the brown shade from the bottom right into the crease.
3. I used the deep navy shade from the ColourPop palette into the outer corner.
4. I then created a half cut crease effect with my Tarte Shape Tape concealer, and stopped halfway along my lid. I applied some of the brighter blue from the ColourPop palette into the centre of the lid to blend the edge of the concealer into the deep blue.
5. Without setting the concealer, I applied the shimmery turquoise shade from the middle row of the Zule palette on top. I then added more of the lighter blue ColourPop shadow to blend the edge of this so there were no harsh lines between each colour.
6. I added a line of the KIKO Jelly Jungle 02 liner along the lower lashline and buffed it out with both of the ColourPop blue shades. The NYX sapphire liner was used along the upper lashline, however I then added some of the Maybelline liner to create more depth and to ensure the false lashes looked seamless.
7. Finally, I used the shimmery green colour from the Zulu palette to highlight the inner corner of my eyes.

The Vintage Cosmetic Company: Retro Beauty

You have probably come across The Vintage Cosmetic Company before. They create gorgeously girly beauty tools such as brushes, tweezers and even lashes, all packaged in their signature floral print.

To celebrate their launch into Dunnes Stores, I was sent some of their fabulous products to try out. I received a pack of their Make Up Melts, a Make Up Headband, an Exfoliating Body Sponge, and a Floral Shower Cap.

The standout product for me has to be the Make Up Melts. They are much like a posh face cloth, however they are a lot softer, gentle on the skin, and can remove all traces of make up with water alone. These are also double sided, with shorter fibres on one side that can be used for a gentle exfoliation, and a fluffier side to cleanse.

The silicone exfoliating body sponge creates a lather when you use your favourite body wash. It is designed to gently buff off dead skin and leave you smooth and ready for applying moisturiser. I love this sponge as it's well designed and easy to hold, plus it leaves the skin on my legs shiny and smooth ready for my 32 layers of fake tan.

Now, onto the most glamourous product from the package I was sent; a floral shower cap. I haven't really worn a shower cap since I was about eight and stayed at my grandparents' house for the summer. However, the 1950's vibe I get from this one makes it far too cool not to use. It has a satiny finish and is lined with a waterproof polka dot print material. The elasticated trim ensures your hair stays dry as a bone therefore avoiding any danger of frizz.

Lastly, something which is sure to be a saviour for me, (the girl who ends up with foundation in her hair) is the make up headband. It keeps all those annoying strands of loose hair from getting in the way, and it could also come in handy when applying face masks or cleansing my face, especially if I don't want to ruin my hair by tying it up.

The Vintage Cosmetic Company has so many gorgeous products, and now they've launched into Dunnes they are going to be even easier to get hold of! You can check out all their other products on their site right here too.

Summer Favourites

It has been a while since I've posted about my current favourite products, and what better time than now! With the recent heatwave, I've been adding some extra colour to my face and nails, so I thought I ought to share a few of the products that I've been totally loving in recent weeks.

Cirque Colors Neon Nail Polish
I searched high and low for extra bright nail polish to make my (fake) tan pop, and finally I found my dream shades. There are so many different colours in this collection, but my two favourites are 'Retail Therapy' and 'Extra'. The latter being the most outrageously bright orange that basically still glows in dim light. I love them on my fingers, but they also look so gorgeous on your toes. I am in love.

Avene Eau Thermale Spring Water
This is basically glorified water in a can. But with the recent hot spell it has been an absolute lifesaver! You know that horrible, stuffy, sweaty feeling when you're stuck in a car in 26 degree heat? This sorts that right out with a quick spritz on your face and neck. It is ultra cooling and this small 50ml can is the perfect size for carrying around in your handbag. I have now invested in the 150ml because it is amazing at cooling and refreshing your skin. You can even use it during the rest of the year to refresh your make up or just as an extra hydrating mist before bedtime. Try it once and you'll be hooked.

Kiehl's Avocado Eye Cream
I was on the hunt for a new eye cream for a long time, and then a friend recommended this. It's quite thick in consistency, but it melts into an oily texture and moisturises the eye area without feeling greasy or heavy. It has really softened the skin around my eye area, and the best thing is a little goes a long way.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2%
My skin has been really playing up recently especially around my chin, so I whipped out this strong, spot zapping potion. You have to be so careful with this and only apply it directly to the affected areas, as it can burn your skin (I learnt the very hard and sore way), but it works a treat. As soon as you feel the bump or ache of a spot trying to rear it's head, dab a small amount of this on it and most of the time it kills it before it even has a chance to fully develop. It has been a lifesaver for me over the past few weeks.

Iconic Bronze Dark Mousse
I am a fake tan fanatic and this is amazing. It smells delicious, applies like an absolute dream and the colour is gorgeous. There's no orangey tinge, and it dries within a reasonable amount of time without leaving you feeling sticky. I even applied an extra layer to my legs one morning and hoped that the intense heat wouldn't cause it to run if I happened to end up with sweaty legs (cute!), and it didn't! The wear off is actually quite good too, and it's so easy to remove especially when you use the Iconic Bronze Tan Eraser (which actually beats the Bondi Sands version in my opinion).

OFRA Rodeo Drive Highlighter
I think I may have mentioned this highlighter before, but it's well worth mentioning again. I have a mini version as I thought the large one was just a bit too expensive, but it really packs a huge highlighting punch. It is a champagne toned highlighter that gleams like nothing else I own. This paired with a swish of Becca Champagne Pop and you'll be glowing to high Heaven. Gorgeous!

KIKO Colour Kajal in 07
This is a very new favourite of mine, but I wore this turquoise shade in my waterline yesterday and received so many compliments. I have been searching for a liner that was soft enough to apply to the waterline but stayed put without fading or irritating my eyes, and I think I've found it. It's really easy to apply and the colour made my brown eyes pop. I think it's lovely to brighten up your make up for summer, and if colour is something that scares you, this liner is such an easy way to be adventurous without looking like a clown.

Maybelline Color Drama In With Coral
This is the brightest coral shade I own, and it's fabulous. I wear this when I've not much on my eyes, and even wore it yesterday with my blue waterline. It screams summer and because it's a crayon, it's so easy to draw along your lip line and then fill in. It also doesn't dry out my lips and the staying power is fantastic. They also do a beautiful nude shade in this which is definitely worth a try if you prefer more subdued lip colours.

So those are all of my current summery favourites. If you have any suggestions for products you think I'd love, please feel free to share as I always need an excuse to try new things!