Dreamy Valentine Makeup Picks

If there's one thing I love about Valentine's Day it's all the beautiful pink tones that come with it (if you've seen my Instagram you know that I live for pink tones). So whether you're going out for a saucy date night, or hanging out with the girls, who doesn't love to get a bit glammed up for the occasion? So without further delay, here are my favourite dreamy Valentine's makeup picks that I think are absolutely stunning.

The Base

My ultimate go-to base is obviously the Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation. This baby will stay on your face whilst giving a really good coverage of any blemishes etc. Mixed with a little bit of the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer to brighten up those under eye (designer) bags and you're onto a winner. To set the face I would highly recommend the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish face powder as it is perfect for setting your base makeup without looking cakey, hallelujah!

Lit From Within

So obviously you want to look lit, and by lit we mean all the highlighter. A new addition to my makeup stash that I'm loving right now is the dreamy Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Highlighting Wand. Honestly, it's the most beautiful liquid highlighter that makes your skin look dewy and blinding at the same time. It's just such a beautiful product. It has a sponge applicator so you can just dab it onto the high points of your face and blend with your fingers, beauty blender or brush. The other thing I adore is that you can leave it as is, or add a powder highlighter over the top to really blind and add confidence for whatever the occasion.

Bronzed Goddess 

You know what, I love being bronzed. I think it really just ties everything together and makes me look less tired than I actually am. My favourite for doing that at the moment is the Benefit Hoola Lite bronzer. I know this is targeted for lighter pale skin tones, but I really think this is a lovely shade to add colour without being too orange. It's like a pale biscuity shade and it's so gorgeous for giving your face some warmth without those harsh orange tones other bronzers can sometimes make you (it also makes for a great transitional shade for the eyes).

Lashes

For those of us who struggle in the lash department, a.k.a. me (thanks mum and dad), I love adding lashes to add volume. My favs at the moment at the KoKo Lashes in Amore* and Queen B*, which is exactly what we all are, queens. They're both so beautiful and a little bit spidery but they just that extra volume that my own lashes lack (and how cute is the packaging omg). You can pick them up from FalseEyelashes.co.uk, and they also stock loads of other lashes if you don't fancy these. 

The Pink Tones

A new addition to my makeup collection is the NARS Wanted Palette which completely encompasses what I think about when someone says pink tones. Like hellO. It has such a gorgeous selection of warm pink and red toned eyeshadows which are perfect for creating any look. My favs are the neutral champagne pinks which look gorgeous for that simple effortless glam eye, which you can also enhance with a darker matte brown or red. Perf. It's so versatile so if these softer pink shades aren't for you, you can go in for those beautiful darker reds and browns to really add the glam. 

Keeping in line with those gorgeous pink tones, a nice warm flush of pink on the cheeks can never go amiss. I'm loving the NARS Blush in Super Orgasm at the moment. It's got a little bit of shimmer and it just collectively ties in your bronzer and highlight for a healthy blush flush.

Of course, would it be valentines day if you weren't wearing 'Valentine' by Charlotte Tilbury? (Well yes it would be, lols). But this shade is so so perfect and ties in really nicely with the champagne pink tones from the Wanted Palette. I like to wear this with the Pillow Talk lip cheat, honestly it's such a vibe. (Real talk here though, how beautiful is the new Tilbs shade 'The Duchess'? I need it asap). One of my favourite drugstore finds is the NYX Butter Gloss in Fortune Cookie. It's a beautiful light peachy pink which just adds the perfect wash of colour over the top of Valentine. 

So that's it for my dreamy Valentine makeup picks. I hope you all have a lovely day regardless of what you're doing (I have an essay due in this evening so woo yay.. Date night with my essay), but Happy Valentine's Day angels! 

Til next time xxx  

*PR Sample, all views are 100% my own

Summer Essentials

I'm so excited to finally share this post which comes in collaboration with Fragrance Direct, the queen's of providing discount on all your favourite fragrances, skincare and makeup. Literally, this website was my go-to in Sixth Form, so I actually couldn't believe it when they emailed me asking if I wanted to do a collaboration - obviously the answer was YES. It's amazing to see all the high-end brands they stock now (and they also do student discount yassss) so I know where I'll be headed to cross items off my never ending lust list. 

The weather has literally been so beautiful at the moment and I feel like I'm on holiday already plus,  we all know that everyone will be jetting off on those beautiful exotic destinations around this time, so in preparation here are my must have essentials to pop in your makeup bag.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

The original and the best. My mum would always apply this on our holidays and during summer months. It's just the most amazing multipurpose cream. I literally take this with me on any holiday as it's actually great in winter too. Any mosquito bites, you can use this to soothe them. Chapped lips? No problem. Honestly this cream is just the bomb and the smell always makes me think of summer and holidays - it's an essential. 

Elemis S.O.S. Tea Tree Spray 

I'm a lover of Elemis skincare, it works so well with my skin, and this product is no exception. This product is also multipurpose. As my skin is so blemish prone, it's perfect for spritzing on your face and ahem, for those 'under the bra' spots. You can also use it on your feet, when they're all clammy and stuffy you can use this to freshen them up and purify. This spray also works as a natural disinfectant so any little scrapes from casually falling into the pool or collapsing a deck chair then this has got you covered.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau De Toilette Spray 

Oh there's nothing better than a summer fragrance is there. What I love the most is you use them on holiday, but when you get back and smell them again it brings back the memories. This fragrance is so beautiful; it's fresh, floral and perfect for summer. It also contains fruity notes which makes me feel like I'm sipping an exotic cocktail on the beach without a care in the world. On another note, can we talk about the packaging too?! Marc Jacobs kill it with their bottles and lids. The beautiful lids though, I can't get over them. Too beautiful.

Bobbi Brown finishing powder in Bronze Glow 

How blimmin' beautiful is this powder. Are you actually seeing how majestic this is though from the picture? I'm obsessed. You know it's extra fancy when it comes with it's own little pouch - I love how it's so extra. I'm literally in love with it. It contains a selection of shimmery and matte shades which gives you a beautiful radiant bronzed finish. You can also use these shades with your eyeshadow brushes and use it as an eyeshadow palette which is perfect for travelling and multipurpose products make life so much easier!

NARS Multiple Stick in Copacabana 

I love this little stick so much. It's so nice for a natural glowy dewy look in the summer months. I just love how this looks on the skin. Instead of that thicker glittery highlight you can sometimes get from powders, this gives a beautiful sheen which looks very dewy and natural (almost as if you've just emerged from a giant shell in the ocean like Aphrodite). If you do want that kind of 'glowing to the gods' kind of highlight, this is perfect for giving a power based highlight that extra staying power and makes it POP.

NARS blush in Super Orgasm 

I am obsessed with this blush! Obviously because I am a bit extra I had to get Super Orgasm which has more shimmery majesticness than the original Orgasm blush. I feel like this blush completes any look as it's perfect for achieving that healthy flush of colour. The consistency is just beautiful and blends like a dream, definitely need more of these beautiful blushers! 

NARS Audacious Lipstick in Raquel 

We all need a summer lipstick and something that I find is even on holiday I tend to stick to pinky nudes and go for 'summer goddess' vibes. I don't even know what happened to me, I used to wear bright lipsticks all the time but I'm now a nude convert and a firm believer that these shades are perfect for any look. I already own a couple of the Audacious lipsticks and the formula is creamy so it won't be drying your lips out in that warmer weather.

I hope you've enjoyed reading about my picks for summer and that you're all enjoying the beautiful warmer weather on this glorious bank holiday weekend!

Til next time xx 

Taking the edge off exam stress

My life lately has been a massive bundle of stress as I'm right in the middle of my University exams where they have placed my 6 exams over a period of 2 weeks i.e. they're so close together so as you can imagine that i'm in stress city for me right now - le cry. On a positive note I feel like they've gone quite well so far but I've come to the conclusion that I'm definitely a coursework gal. So anyway, here are my current fav products for relaxing/trying to destress within your exam period. 

- Makeup -

You're probably thinking, makeup? Why does makeup make you feel relaxed? Well let me tell you, when I go into my exams feeling like a goddess it just helps okay. If I feel more confident in myself then my writing will be better, so you see, perfect logic. In particular I've been loving this Nars blush in Super Orgasm, the Multiple Stick in Copacabana for a beautiful dewy glow and the Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid lipstick in Pure Hollywood - obviously have to wear this cause it'll stay on for the whole exam duh. The other thing is nail varnish. I was recently gifted these beautiful nail polishes by Sally Hansen* and they're so so beautiful. They sent me a gel topcoat which honestly it's been such a life saver. I always find that I chip my nails so easily and with this I haven't like I'm so happy to find something that combats this. Again it's a confidence thing because in the exam you can see yourself writing but it makes me feel better that my nails look pretty? Is that weird? (Don't answer that).

- Skincare -

Skincare comes in the one form that I love and I'm forever repurchasing. Frank Body do some of the most amazing products which suit my skin type perfectly. They've recently come out with this beautiful scrub (I love the original one but as I keep it in the shower the packaging doesn't look so picture worthy so please take my word for it) but this one has all the unicorn vibes. It's a sugar shimmer scrub which I am obsessed with. It leaves your skin with a beautiful shimmer and I feel like a beautiful mermaid/unicorn. 

I also swear by their everyday face moisturiser and it sits under my makeup perfectly - I apply this every morning and evening. But you know when you're stressed and you want to scrub away your stress. Literally these products are just so refreshing and I always feel so much better afterwards and better yet they always help any breakouts which I'm particularly prone to when under pressure.

- Haircare - 

Another thing that goes in line with skincare is haircare. I'm currently in love with this hair mask from Hairmüd*. You apply it all over your hair - from root to tip - and leave it for 10 mins to sink in. It makes my hair feel so soft afterwards and it smells so good - you can smell the shea in it. It's one of those conditioners where you can physically feel the softness of your hair while it's still wet after you've washed it out in the shower.  I always feel better when my hair has had some TLC because when I'm revising I put it up in a bun and tend to be a bit lazy and not brush it (I know I know, I am a bad person - #HagridVibes). 

- Stationary - 

I am literally obsessed with the marble/rose gold stationary range from Sainsbury's at the moment. I picked up this cute little marble weekly planner which has been so helpful and some little notebooks to jot stuff down. I've always found that if you plan out what you're doing each day it's so helpful and takes the stress off when you can see it written down. 

So if you're in the same position as me right now and you're feeling the stress, just remember to take some time to yourself. Now i'm not saying spend 2 hours pampering yourself and to run a bath and go for a massage because let's be honest you'll probably be more stressed from not using that time to revise. But also for the love of all things good, take regular breaks so you don't go insane, make sure you eat and drink before your exams, and get some z's in.

Til next time x 

*contains gifted products but all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. 

Are they worth the hype?

One of negative sides of being completely obsessed with makeup is that some products are completely over hyped up. Sometimes it's just worth knowing if they're actually good or if you'll just go and buy it and it turns out that it's most definitely not worth the hype. So I've gathered some products that have been hyped all over the internet with my honest opinions.

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner - Trooper | £16

Is this the most hyped eyeliner ever? Yes probably. But it is actually amazing. Because of the applicator you can achieve that sharp wing with less effort and you can also get that precision for a super thin line over the top of your eye. The formula wears well and stays black (I've noticed that it does come off when you cry from laughing so just bare that in mind guys). I wear winged liner everyday and I haven't found anything as good as this. 

Worth the hype? Yes 

Anastasia Beverly Hills - Modern Renaissance Palette | £41

I've already reviewed this product so it shouldn't come as a shock that I'm completely obsessed with this still. The colours, pigmentation and formulas are amazing. Obviously it's completely worth the hype. 

Worth the hype? Yes

Nars Creamy Concealer | £23

This is probably the most hyped up concealer e v e r. Literally everyone on youtube raves about this so obviously I had to go and spend £23 on it - duh. Honestly though, it's a nice concealer but I question if it's worth such an expensive price tag. Don't get me wrong, it's a lovely concealer, it has a creamy (self explanatory there) consistency so it's really good for covering any spots or dark circles. I just feel like £23 is a lot for a concealer when I personally go through them so quickly. 

Worth the hype? Yes

Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kits | $29

A lot of people will have their opinions out on these already so you might have your mind made up. Although the colours are beautiful, I just find that the consistency is fine at first but when you go to reapply through out the day it crumbles on your lips (which is not attractive) and it's a shame because they look . I like applying a little bit of the product and then tapping it into the lips with my finger then applying lipsticks over the top so they have a bit more staying power. Sadly although the matte lipsticks are lovely the lip liners are so crumbly. I've found they have no staying power and don't sharpen well at all. 

Worth the hype?
Matte Liquid Lipstick - Yes
Lip liner - No

Kylie Metal Matte Lipstick - Heir | $18

This has literally been a game changer for me. I have been wearing it nearly every day since I got it. Unlike the lip kits it's just a nice formula which isn't drying or crumbly. It does come off throughout the day but because of the colour (which is a beautiful peachy/gold majesticness) it fades on your lips and doesn't look too obvious if that makes sense. So basically I'd say these ones are completely worth the hype! (But plz can there be a warehouse in the UK cause custom charges are just outrageous). 

Worth the hype? Yes

Charlotte Tilbury -  Filmstar Bronze & Glow | £49

If you use Instagram you'll have surely seen this product.  I mean it's £49 for a highlighter and bronzer. The bronzer is more of a contour but it's a nice formula and doesn't give you that muddy look. The highlight is lovely and again subtle, I've found it works best over the top of a cream highlighter though. This is worth the hype but maybe not worth the expensive price tag.

Worth the hype? No (just because of the eyewateringly expensive price)

Thank you for reading chickas! x

Recent Beauty Buys | November 2016

I seem to be an avid believer that treating yourself to makeup goodies is the way forward. As always, I'm sharing my latest spending habits which have made my card cry so maybe someone else will be inspired to make their card cry too!

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
If you're an eyeliner addict like myself then it's more than likely that you've probably heard of this liner. It has such a fine tip that looks like a felt tip pen. I tried a sample of this before buying the full size and honestly it's so good. As the tip is so fine, it allows you to get that sharp wing with minimum effort.

Kat Von D Thunderstuck Eyeshadow
In winter I'm all about minimal bright eyes and bright red lips. Guilty as charged, I bought this because I've heard it makes an awesome highlighter as well as eyeshadow. So far it has swatched really and it's a beautiful champagne cream shade with a sheen.

Hourglass Bronzer in Luminous Bronze 

Probably the most expensive of the bunch, this bronzer really pacts a price punch but when Space Nk do a money off deal you can't really complain. How majestic is this though, such a beautiful shimmery bronzer which is perfect for all year really cause I am an avid fan of glitteryness.

Zoeva Luxe Soft Crease Brush
Zoeva sell my favourite brushes ever. I'm always in need of eyeshadow brushes as I can get quite lazy and not wash my brushes. I already have this one but I bought another to make my eyeshadow blending life easier. These brushes are super soft, have amazing longevity and are so good for the price.

Makeup Geek Cocoa Bear

So this one isn't pictured as I've already made such a dent used it every day since buying. It's the most beautiful medium warm brown shade which is perfect for this season (and any other season to be honest) and I would literally recommend it to anyone!

Nars Creamy Concealer in Custard
It would seem that I am forever looking for a concealer that doesn't crease and has some fantastic staying power on those pesky marks and stress breakouts. Here's praying that this will work miracles as I have 4 assignments due soon. The consistency seems to be quite thick with this one so I'm hoping that that coverage will be good too.

Kylie Cosmetics Metal Matte Lipstick in Heir
This lipstick, has changed my life. It is such gorgeous shade, a metallic peachy pink which is also matte but I would recommend using it as a lip topper rather than on it's own as it comes off throughout the day. I've been pairing it with Koko K underneath to give it some staying power but it's such a beautiful shade and it's not so metallic that you'd be too conscious wearing it.

Thank you for reading chickas! Hope you've enjoyed my cheeky haul x