Tuesday 30 December 2014

Minimal Makeup







Don't get me wrong, there are times where I won't hesitate to slather on loads of makeup and invest a lot of time into looking in control of my life, but there are certainly days when putting on a full face of makeup is just not in the cards.
On these days, this tends to be the look I go for. It's very minimal: in winter I love the look of flushed cheeks and more natural skin, so what I've used are what I consider to be the bare necessities of looking presentable or fireside-ready.

On lighter makeup days, I tend to skip on the foundation and instead opt only for a concealer and a powder. My skin isn't particularly spot ridden, and I find that leaving it foundation free makes taking off my makeup in the evening a lot quicker (got to get the laziness factor in there).
I use the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 2- Cool Medium. It's quite a creamy, heavy concealer and is ideal for under the eyes. I blended this  in with the Real Techniques Buffing Brush to soften the coverage.
I then used Chanel's Natural Finish Pressed powder in Clair just dusted on the T-zone with Sephora's mineral powder brush (#45). This just counteracts any shine that I tend to be prone to during the day and helps keep an even skin tone.
Soap and Glory's Archery Eyebrow Pencil has a small pencil and a mighty spoolie and is perfect for quickly and naturally filling in the brows.
As far as eyes went, I couldn't really be bothered with the whole eyeliner, eyeshadow shebang, so just opted for one layer of Benefit's They're Real! Mascara. The formula of this admittedly isn't ideal as it comes out quite liquid and takes an age to dry, but it is thickening and gives a lot of volume quickly in just one coat.
My favourite part of this look is definitely the lips. I used a Ceramide Ultra Lipstick in the shade Rose Aurora from Elizabeth Arden. It comes out as quite a sheeny dusty pink, but can easily be built up to a darker, fuller rosy colour- a 'your lips but better' kind of shade. I finished off with a bit of Sweet Gloss Intense Color Gloss from Victoria's secret that is a rose shade with brown undertones.

I am a big fan of this makeup look as it can all be done in about 5 minutes and involves minimal stress, needs little touching up during the day and just looks quite naturally lovely during the winter.

xo, Anna

Sunday 28 December 2014

2014's Most Loved


As Christmas is over and 2014 draws to a close, I thought it might be time to do a 'wrap up' of sorts.

I toyed with the idea of a Yearly Favourites post, but seeing as I haven't really been keeping track of what I've been using the most throughout the whole year, I thought a Most Loved might be more fitting. These products are the ones I've used most often throughout the year- be they new discoveries or old favourites- and have all been very well loved.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Kate Moss Lipstick in 60
Though this is something I've only purchased recently, the number of times I've caught myself reaching for it in the past few months give it due reason to be included here. The colour is very similar to the cult Matte Kate Moss lipstick in 107; a deep berry slash pink that looks lovely either worn as a statement lip or patted in to give a more natural, stain like effect.

OPI Nail Lacquer in "OPI Scores a Goal"
I don't think I've ever seen a nail polish this colour before. A mix of burgundy, purple and brown shades, it comes off as a rusty maroon colour and is very eye-catching. The formula lasts a good few days before it starts chipping, and the shade is very versatile and easy to wear all year round.

L'OREAL True Match Foundation in Golden Beige
The 'your skin but better' foundation. Coming out as quite a light, liquid formula, it blends perfectly into the skin to give a natural and flattering finish, covering up the bits you don't want to be seen and showing off the bits that you do. It has excellent staying power too, lasting from when I put it on in the morning to when I remove it before bed. Also, the packaging is quality and makes it feel a lot more expensive than it actually is- always a bonus!

Chloé Eau de Parfum
Admittedly, though I've had this perfume for over a year, I've only really started wearing it in the past few months- but it has fast become one of my favourite scents. Nothing like the heavier, sweeter fragrances I'd usually go for, Chlo é is light and fresh and unusual and can be worn day and night, summer and winter. The number of compliments or questions I've received when wearing this perfume have amazed me! I do think that it is a very particular smell, so if you happen to be near a perfumery (is that where you buy perfumes? Who knows) any time soon, don't give this one a miss.

Chanel Natural Finish Pressed Powder in Clair
I think that this powder must be the epitome of 'well loved'. I've had it since the beginning of the year when I treated myself to something a little more luxury than my go-to Stay Matte powder from Rimmel, and I can safely say that it is well worth the extra money. It has a lovely, natural finish to the skin, giving a subtle glow whilst slightly mattifying any oily areas. After using this almost daily all year round, mine is nearly empty and will probably be repurchased in the new year.

Natural Collection Lip Liner in Mulberry
Who knew that such good things could come in such cheap packages? At costing less than £2, you get a lot for your money. It is a lovely deep mauve colour that is reminiscent of a darker rose shade, and when worn all over the lips gives a matte, long lasting finish.

Burt's Bees Honey Lip Balm
As soon as there is the slightest change in weather, my lips are the first to know- becoming dry and chapped instantly. In these situations, this lip balm has acted like a knight in shining armour and come to my rescue. It softens and moisturises like nothing else, and smells delicious too. It's quite a waxy formula, meaning that once it's on it lasts for ages- so for lazy people like me, you don't have to be constantly faffing about topping it up every five minutes.

YSL Touche Eclat in Shade 1.5
I'm going to be honest here and say that what initially attracted me to this product was the packaging; I mean, look at it. It makes me feel very Egyptian goddess-esque and professional when really I'm neither of those things. The brush is ideal for highlighting and giving a bit of a glow to the areas of your face. Considering that my face is quite round, I've loved it especially when dabbed onto the cheek bones and down the bridge of the nose to make me seem slightly more like a human and less like a tomato. It has a very natural, glow-y finish, which is also lovely all year round.

xo, Anna