My Everyday Makeup Routine

Considering I love these types of blogs/vlogs myself, I thought it was time I did my everyday makeup routine. I thought I would do this as both a blog and a vlog because I know some people prefer to watch videos, and some prefer to read and see some pics! So here it goes. Apologies for the terrible state of my eyebrows! I need to get them sorted!

If you would like to watch my YouTube tutorial video on this look, here's the link. Click me!

First, I start with cleaning my face. I use Clearasil Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub and then using Simple Oil-Free Moisturizer. 

After washing my face the first product I use my primer to set my face ready for foundation. The primer i'm using at the moment is the bareMinerals Prime Time Original. I really like this primer because it feels really light on the face and I feel like it really does help make my foundation last compared to some of the other primer's I have used in the past. I leave the primer to set on my skin for about a minute before I go to the next step which is to apply my foundation.

So now I have let my primer set, it is time to apply my foundation. The foundation i'm using at the moment is MAC Studio Fix Fluid. I like this product because it has SPF in it, which I think is very important in order to look after and protect the skin. The shade I use is NW10, because as you can see i'm very pale. My mum likes to say i'm an 'English Rose'.

The way I apply my foundation is that I use 1 pump on the back of my hand and then apply spots to different areas of my face. 1 spot on either cheek, 1 on my chin, 1 on my forehead and then a tiny bit on my nose. Once I have then applied the makeup on to the different areas of my face I use my makeup brush to spread the product over my face. The brush I use is a replica of the MAC 187. It's a fake, well so I think it is, I bought it on eBay about a year ago and it was approx £5-6. It's falling apart now though (it actually breaks as i'm using it in the YouTube video if you watch! Very embarrassing!)  Anyway, I don't do it any particular way other than in circular motions as I feel it gives a nice airbrushed effect and blends in nicely.

I leave my foundation to set for about a minute and a half before I use my setting powder. I use MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural in the shade Light. I apply this using my elf Complexion Brush. I've used this powder for just over a year now and really like the finish it gives. I prefer the matte effect and this really does achieve this, whereas some other powders I have used previously has given the matte effect but made me look kind of cakey, but this is really lightweight and almost transparent. 

Next thing I do in contour. Contouring is a brilliant way to use bronzer and makes your face look thinner. I use MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural in Medium Plus. I have a Primark Kabuki Brush that I use at the moment. It's not my favourite of brushes, but for now it does the job. (I'm asking for the Real Techniques brush set for Christmas so fingers crossed!) Most bronzers have some kind of shimmer, and I prefer not to use one without shimmer for day-to-day because of work. I apply by strokes along my cheek bone and under my chin.

I forgot my concealer! I only use concealer for under my eyes (and any major spots I may have at the time, currently i'm okay). I use YSL Touche Eclat in 001, again the lightest shade available. I like it because it really does brighter up my eyes and I love the packaging. The way it's designed leaves very little chance of wastage which is always good and means you're getting your money's worth!

I always make sure to apply lip balm everyday at least once. I do this during my makeup routine. I use Burts Bees lip balm stick, the original one. Slightly minty flavour and it works so well. My lips are always so soft. I use it so much the information on the packaging has rubbed off. 

This is my favourite eyeliner in the whole world. I've used it for about 4 years now. It's my holy grail. It's the Loreal Superliner Black Lacquer. I've repurchased this so many times. The applicator brush is so nice and really easy to work with, whether you want a thin line just above your lashes or a thick bold statement, you can do it with ease. I generally use a line that's thinner towards my water line and then gets thicker as you go out with a slight flick on the end. I do vary this sometimes depending on my mood, or my hand-eye co-ordination. Also, some days I use a little bit of eyeliner on my waterline. When I do, I don't use it across my whole water line. I use it on the outer corner and fading in. If you watch my YouTube video you'll see what I mean.

Next is mascara, at the moment i'm using Covergirl Clump Crusher by Lashblast. I really like the thickness it gives my lashes and the curls them at the ends. I apply a little bit to my bottom lashes as well. I think this is important to remember as sometimes if you just apply to your upper lashes, you can actually be making your eyes look smaller. So don't forget ladies! I wouldn't apply as much as you do to your upper lashes though, just enough to make the lashes visible.

I like to use Benefit's Eye Bright on the outside of my tear duct to brighten up my eyes a little bit. I put it on quite thick as after a while it fades, so this ensures I have the right amount on for the day.

Last but not least is lipstick, I do mix up what shade I use of lipstick day-to-day. Today, I use MAC's Creme Cup. It's a nice light pink and as it's a cremesheen gives a nice glossy finish. This is a nice everyday lipstick which I think suits my skin tone well. So if you're pale like me, grab one of these!

And here we have it. The end result! Hope you enjoyed reading and picked up some tips of some ideas of what products to use or buy. Please make sure to follow and comment.

If you would like to watch my YouTube tutorial video on this look, here's the link. Click me!

What's in my Handbag (Purse)

Hey guys, I've just started vlogging as well now so here's the link to my what's in my handbag/purse video. Hope you enjoy!

What's in my handbag/purse

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn0L4iHeBPo

New Purchase - Michael Kors Handbag

You may have read some of my previous posts, and if you have, you'll know I recently visited the United States of America. I had a great time by the way! I went and I had the intent of buying something I had my eye on for a very long time because, due to currency conversion, would be a lot cheaper and withing budget for me. Well...enough of an excuse for my to justify it anyway. By the title, you can guess it was a Michael Kors Handbag. As the time was running closer and closer to my holiday, I kept looking more and more at the dream bag. The bag I wanted was the infamous Hamilton tote, in black with gold detail. It's beautiful.

Here it is.

RRP £285 in the UK ($456)

RRP $358 in the US (£234)

As you can see from the RRP in the two countries, buying it in the US would save me approx £50. That's a good saving. When I got to Macy's however, I was still hesitant to buy it, because to me it is a big purchase still. The bag I was using was from Accesorize and was £30 so it's a big jump in price! I had two weeks out there so I thought I would linger on it a little bit as there was no rush. As I was out there we went to the premium outlet malls in Orlando and I saw they had Michael Kors store there so I went to have a look. The bags were even cheaper, meaning an even better saving for me! However being the creature of habit that I am, and because I had my eye on the original Hamilton tote for so long I was torn. Do I go for the bag I've had set in my mind I was going to have or venture off the beaten path? There were only 2 days left of the holiday and I had to make a decision. Being the savvy saver I am, I went for the outlets. I love Michael Kors as a brand, and the options were plentiful and all beautiful. Finally I decided, and this is the bag I went for;

Unfortunately, I couldn't see a name written anywhere for the bag so I couldn't tell you what it's called and it wasn't written on the receipt either but I love it. It's similar to the Hamilton as it has the two shorted handles and the long over shoulder with the gold chain. Although I had decided on this style, I was stuck between this design or plain black leather. I was thinking the plain black leather because it was going to be the most similar and I also wear quite a lot of dark colours. I decided not to because almost all the bags I've had in the past have been black leather and I thought I'd go for a change. Also, I really like the 'MK' logo and the two shades contrasting each other. As it's brown, it's still really easy for me to match with my outfits and I think the design really makes it stand out and it's more recognizable as a brand in this pattern. Now I know what you're thinking, what was the damage? $299. That's approximately £186. Aces! By buying a bag in the United States and going for a different style, I've saved just short of £100! Amazing. £186 on a bag though is still a LOT of money. Well it is to me anyway. So I better be in my grave clutching onto this bad boy.

Overall I'm very happy with my purchase and just have to wait til Christmas and try and convince the other half to get me a matching purse. Wish me luck ;)

You can see the shape slightly better in this photo and also shows off the gold chain on the strap.

I really like the fact that this bag has a lot of different compartments so I can easily organize myself rather than when trying to find something, shoving my hand around frustratingly to find my lip balm in a black obis.

I like the pattern on the interior of the bag, it has that slightly metallic sheen to it and also where it's a lighter colour it helps me to find things really easy.

Another photo to show the compartments available and the metallic clasp that closes the bag.

USA Haul - continued...

Okay, so yesterday's blog didn't go as I thought. Turns out I can ramble on quite a bit about nothing really. I buy things simply cause I like them, and felt like I had to somewhat justify my decision making to which there is no justification. I'm a girl - it's pretty - I want it. Simple.

So here I go again, to ramble on about a few more products I bought whilst exploring the United States. 

Covergirl Clump Crusher by Lashblast - $6.99 approx £4.70

Mascara...every girls best friend. I think mascara is probably the one necessity item every girl must have. You could live without rose tinted lips or cheeks, or an uneven skin tone, but tiny little lashes that are bare naked is a no-no. I've always wanted to try a Covergirl mascara as you hear so much about them. From my experience so far, I would say Covergirl is very similar to Max factor. This particular mascara is a new edition to the range they have to stop clumping. Figured, why not. So far I like it, 7/10. Not my favourite, does the job though. My favourite mascara is Benefit - They're real. Found no serious competition to this one, perhaps that's my fault as to why I wasn't 100% impressed, set the bar pretty high. Saying that, I do really like Max Factor Falsr Lash effect mascara. Really close second to the benefit!!

bareMinerals Prime Time Foundation Primer Original - $23 approx £15.50

RRP in UK £21 (approx saving £5.50)

I used to have bareMinerals foundation, and I loved it, but I've run out. I wanted to buy some more when I was on holiday but thought considering I had spent quite a lot in MAC already, I could wait a little bit. This primer is amazing! Not oily, really nice and easy to use and I love the little pump bottle. Makes it really easy to use with little waste. Another primer I would like to try is Porefessional by Benefit but the Macy's I went to didn't have any. :(

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil (Shade 611 Yogurt and 605 Strawberry Milk) - $4.50 approx £3 RRP in UK £5 (approx saving £2)

I already own a few NYX Jumbo Eye pencils, I think they're fab. If youre going out but can't be bothered to spend ages to use eyeshadow, wipe one of these over your lid and you're good to go! Got a couple metallic colours in lighter shades, as I have green eyes, pinks look really nice too thus the Strawberry Milk. Looking forward to trying these two lovely shades out. I think they may make an interesting combo together as well!

Swatches from the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils (Left Strawberry Milk, Right Yogurt)

EOS Lip Balm (Strawberry Sorbet, Honeydew Melon and Sweet Mint) - $2.99 approx £2

RRP in UK £3 (approx £1 saving)

Last but not least, some lip balm. Now, if you've never seen these iconic egg shaped lip balms before then I ask you to please get one. I love them! Firstly, they just look adorable. They all smell and taste amazing and the shape of them makes them so easy to apply to both your upper and lower lip at the same time. I obviously had to buy 3, because 1 wasn't enough. I want them all! I am an avid lip balm user, before getting these I used Burt Bees lip balm sticks, the original. I use it every day, so now I have a variety of flavors I can mix it up!

EOS Lip Balm in Strawberry Sorbet (So you can see the shape of the actual product inside)

Overall, I'm very happy with all the purchases I made in the states however am now bummed out that I have to wait til payday for another treat again. I did spoil myself however so I can't complain!

USA Haul - Mac, Covergirl, etc.

I recently went on holiday to the US of A, Orlando FL to be precise. It was amazing, had an amazing time. Of course, I undertook in the usual tourist activities, Seaworld, Universal Studios, etc. More importantly though, shopping.

Shopping in the United States is amazing. Most of the shops in the UK haven't appealed to me recently, I know it's fashion and I should change with it but call me a creature of habit. I like what I like. I very much like the classic 'chilled out' style in the US, Hollister (I know we have that here, but its costly!), American Eagle, Tillys, etc. Needless to say, my suitcase was full to the brim and I did go over my allowance, I was very lucky at the airport though as the attendant just said to me 'A girls got to shop!' and did not charge me for my bag being overweight which was nice!

My main focus however was makeup. Some of the brands out there are so much cheaper than here in the UK, Mac of course being the center of attention. So a little haul was needed. Little being.....well a lie.

All the mac products I bought on my trip. 

I'll first start with the MAC. I adore mac. I love their products, they're of really good quality and I think they are appropriately priced on most products. However, with them costing about 1/3 less in the states, who can turn down that bargain? My favourite product that they so are their lipsticks. They have such a huge range in a variety of colours and finishes. If I could, I'd have them all, just in case. That is not possible, so I have to choose. I stand there looking at all the possibilities and am baffled. I did eventually make my mind up and grabbed these bad boys.

MAC Lipsticks - $15 approx £10 RRP in UK £15 (approx £5 saving)

Now I know what you're thinking, a bit of a mix. That's what I wanted though! I already have a few neutral/pink lipsticks from Mac which I wear everyday and I wanted to go for some more bolder colours!

DARK SIDE. Dark lipsticks at the moment are in, so thought I'd give it a go myself! Like I said earlier, I'm a creature of habit so this is a little out of my comfort zone but I'll try anything once! I really liked the amplified finish on the colour dark side which is why I went for this one and I liked the purple undertones to it. Some of the other shades would not have suited my skin tone because, as you can probably tell from the foundation, I am very pale! My foundation colour in Max Factor is called Ivory. That pale. So I found that some of the darker reds made me look somewhat ill. This one seemed to work. 

BRAVE RED. A classic look. When I was little and would think of lipstick, instant thought is a red one. Every girl needs to own at least one bright red lipstick for those nights out where you just want to look fantastic and from my experience, guys love the look of a bright red lippy. With my pale skin tone, this really compliments me (if I do say so myself!) I chose this one as I love the cremesheen formula of mac lipsticks, I think it's probably my favourite, as it gives that slightly glossy look and a slightly sheer too. Bright red lipsticks as beautiful as they are, if they're too thick and you have a mishap (I.e the classic tooth stain, or a smudge) can look horrendous! The cremesheen formula tends to avoid all those horror stories and I am sometimes clumsy! So win win!

CHATTERBOX. To be honest with you, this one just called to me. It's pink and I'm a girl, what can I say really? It's beautiful!

Swatches. Left to right. Chatterbox (Cremesheen), Brave red (Amplified) and Dark side (Amplified).

MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NW10 - $27 approx £17 RRP in UK £21.50 (approx £4.50 saving)

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural (Shades Light and Medium Plus) - $30 approx £19 RRP in UK £22 (approx £3 saving)

Now onto the other products from mac. I've always wanted a mac foundation, but where I live there is no mac store. However since my return, John Lewis have now opened a mac section, yay! I wanted to get matches up to the right shade because, I don't know if you've ever had a look on their website or even in a store. There is a huge range! So I took the opportunity to go in and have a consultation with one of the artists in their.

FOUNDATION. NW10 is my shade. Told you I was whiter than white! I like the studio fix fluid because it's a medium-full coverage and is more matte compared to some of the others. I wanted to stick to a liquid foundation for now as it's what I'm used to working with. I will later venture into the world of powders and cremes but I'm not quite there yet!

POWDER. I always have and always will use a setting powder. I prefer the matte look personally, so a powder is the perfect way to finish this off and get my desired finish as well as keeping my foundation on my face for the majority of the day. I've used this powder before, so this was just a top up really, but this is by far my favourite powder I've used so far. Another one I want to try is by Dior, that one will be going on the Christmas list!

BRONZER. Now the bronzer she picked out for me isn't technically a bronzer. It's a setting powder, the problem I have is because of my skin tone a lot of the actual bronzers are either too dark for me, or I look like I've just come out of a fight with a pixie because I'm just covered in glitter. So the best route for me was to get a darker skin toned finishing powder which is fine with me. A matte finish which is what I like as well.

Now for all my new beautiful products, I needed some new beautiful brushes. I wanted to get the 187 stipple brush as I've had my eye on it for a long time! Instead though, mac have just released a range called Stroke of Midnight which had these sets so I decided to purchase one of these instead and the 187 is another item on the Christmas list this year now.

MAC Stroke of Midnight Brush Kit (Essentials) - $49.50 approx £31 RRP in UK £42 (approx saving £11)

Now you'll need to excuse me, because I've only used two of brushes so far, so cannot pass judgement on the others at this moment. I'll be sure to post another time once I have.

168 ANGLED POWDER BRUSH. I really like the angle on this as for contouring it makes it really easy with my bronzer and as for my setting powder makes it a lot easier to get those awkward areas like the sides of my nose and helps distribute the product evenly.

193 ANGLED FOUNDATION BRUSH. Similar to the powder brush, the slight angle helps you to get to those awkward areas and distributes fairly. I'm still getting used to this one though as I'm used to using a stipple brush. I think however, I am most likely to be using the 187 instead once I get it instead of this one if I'm honest but it is a good brush none the less, just I personally prefer the more airbrushed look you get from the likes of the 187. 

You also get this cute little bag to put the brushes in. I like it, however it's too small for me to use as my everyday makeup bag, so I imagine in a couple weeks once the novelty has worn off it will end up in the drawer.

As this post is quite long, I'll do a separate post for the products I bought from other brands as not to bore you too much in one go. All in all, I'm very happy with all the purchases I made with mac. Just wish I had a bit more cash to grab some more bits like the 187 and a couple more lipsticks. 

Au revoir for now!