Imagine That *FOTD*

Hi Lovelies!!

I'm here today with a simple make up look! I had found myself stuck in a rut with make up, with very limited time to have fun with it (which is the whole point, right?!) However, I had a day off work and neglected all other responsibilities to have a bit of a play around.
(Please do excuse the photos, I have a new camera that I'm trying to get the hang of!) 

Products Used:

Collection Concealer (1-Fair)

MAC Studio Fix Fluid (NW10)

Collection Shimmer Shades (Way to Glow)

Dainty Doll Cream Blusher (001)

Too Faced Candlelight Glow

L'Oreal Bare Naturale Mineral Powder (Light Ivory)

Benefit High beam

Urban Decay Brow Box (Sugar)

Urban Decay Ammo Palette

Illamasqua Pure Pigment (Alluvium)

MAC Pencil Eyeliner (Black)

Benefit They're Real Mascara

Lush Bubblegum Lipscrub
Illamasqua Lipstick (Corrupt)
MAC Lipstick (Sounds like Noise)

Face

I started off by covering blemishes and red patches with the Collection concealer, blending out with a small brush. I then used a larger brush to apply my foundation and then used my fingers to make sure it was all blended evenly. 

For contouring, I used the Collection Shimmer Shades palette and simply grazed my brush over all of the shades and then blended upwards towards my cheek bones, then lightly dusted powder along my temples and jaw line. (This is supposed to make your cheek bones look more defined...whether this works or not on me, I'm not convinced!) 

To add some colour to the apples of my cheeks, I applied the Dainty Doll cream blusher with my finger tips. To lift my complexion, I used the Too Faced Candle light glow and applied this over my cheeks and slightly down my nose with a brush. 

To seal this all in, I used my trusty L'Oreal Bare Naturale face powder. 

Eyes

I always start off with my eyebrows, by the time my is covered in make up they seem to disappear and I look like a bit of an alien. At the moment, I'm using the shade 'Sugar' from the Urban Decay Brow Box. I simply use an angled brush and powder over my natural eyebrows. 

For the main look, I used 'Polyester Bridge' from the Urban Decay Ammo Palette and used this to cover my eyelids and slightly under my brow bone. I then used 'Alluvium' by Illamasqua and applied a thin line along my eyelid crease and eyelash line (about half way along) then used a blending brush to blend it outwards. To add a bit more definition, I used the MAC black eyeliner along my lash line and slightly under my water line, again blending it out to keep the look subtle. 

To finish it off, I applied a thin layer of Benefit They're Real Mascard. 

Lips

I opted for a slightly more daring look. 

I posted a tutorial on how to do gradient lips, take a look! 

And there we have it! I'm left feeling like I've made a valiant effort with my make up whilst not going too wild with it, giving myself a new everyday look!

What do we think? :)

-K
x

I knew I'd be swimming home. *Gradient Lips*

Hi Lovelies!!

Earlier on today I was doing my make up, and I got to the lipstick and I was so unsure as to what colour to wear. I remembered I was wearing a tie dye top and the idea of gradient lips suddenly became very appealing. I've seen bits and pieces about gradient lips dotted around the internet, but I wasn't sure as to how wearable it would actually be.
I have to say, I love it. So much so, I thought I should share it with you!

    

The inspiration (in my trusty harem pants as well!)

To achieve the look, I started off by getting rid of any dry skin on my lips by using the Bubblegum Lip Scrub from Lush (tastes super nice too!) 

For this particular look, I used the following shades: 

Outer shade- Corrupt by Illamasqua

Inner shade- Sounds like Noise by MAC

This was really so simple to achieve. With a small brush I lined my lips with Corrupt and used the same brush to blend it into the middle of my lips. I then used Sounds like Noise on the centre of my lips. Just like that, it blended together nicely. Just to perfect it a little bit I used the same brush to blend the two colours together. By doing so, the statement orange has become more of a coral colour making this look even more subtle and wearable. 

Have any of you tried the gradient lip look? I'm officially a fan of it!

-K
x

dreamers banished to obscurity. *Illamasqua review*

Hi Lovelies!!

Hoozaahhh I have a beauty post for you today. As most of you probably know, Illamasqua held a 50% off event on their website; I leaped at the chance to take advantage of this. I had only tried one Illamasqua product before and I wasn't that impressed, but I was determined to give them another chance and with 50% off each product, it was the perfect opportunity! After filling my basket up with many products (that I loved the look of but would probably never use) I settled on two products.

Lipstick in 'Corrupt' 

Pure Pigment in 'Alluvium' 

Originally, each item is £16.50 each, thanks to the 50% off I got both items for £16.50!

The lipstick in 'Corrupt' is described on the website as a "warm bright pink, matte finish." This is definitely an accurate description, and the lipstick is very matte. It has that 'pull' effect that good matte lipsticks are known for, I would recommend perhaps using a lip liner to begin with or a small brush to apply the lipstick as it can be quite tricky to stick to the natural shape of your lips with this (and it's something I'm still trying to get the hang of/develop enough patience to take my own advice!) 

The pigmentation of this lipstick is incredible, and I really do love the colour!

Despite the matte formula, I haven't had any trouble with it highlighting dry lips which can be a bit of an issue for a lot of matte lipsticks. I have, however, experienced flaking of this product. I've found that unlike a lot of lipsticks that just fade after a couple of hours of use, this starts to flake off and that doesn't make for an attractive look. 

As I only paid half price for this item, I can deal with that- however if I had paid the full £16.50 I wouldn't be too happy about it. 

Would I buy an Illamasqua lipstick again? Probably, when they go into sale. I certainly wouldn't pay the full price for one unless I hear of one where flaking isn't an issue. I love how bold the colours are and the variety of colours that are available, I think this is the main appeal with Illamasqua as a brand!

On to pure pigment in 'Alluvium,' (which is now on sale for £7.50, if you were interested!) This is described as something that can be used to highlight cheeks and brow bone, if you're feeling adventurous, or as an eye shadow which is the option I've opted to. I've only used this properly once, so I need to experiment a bit more with using it wet- but that seems like something that requires more time than I have available to me in the mornings when I'm undoubtedly already late for work. 

I fell in love with the colour of this when I saw the swatches on the Illamasqua website, however I seem to not be getting the same results whenever I use it. 

Isn't it beautiful!! 

Unfortunately, when it comes to applying it or swatching it, it looks a little more like this; 

As I said, I need to experiment it with it a bit more because I'm determined to fall in love with it, but at the moment- pure pigment it is not. The swatch has been done with a brush, and I've just tested it with my finger and the pigmentation is better, however it's still not quite what I expected. I imagine with the use of water and finger application it would be quite impressive; meaning it's something I could only really appreciate if I'm getting ready for a special occasion and actually have the time to go through the process.
If you're someone who is willing to invest time and effort into getting great results (and dealing with the mess that a loose powder is bound sure to make) then perhaps you would love this.
Again, I love the colour variety that Illamasqua offers but I certainly wouldn't have been impressed if I had paid £16.50 for this! I'll carry on persevering with this and hopefully I'll find a method that works for me. (I'll try and update you on this!) 

After I was left feeling a little down by the liquid metal (review here) I'm still torn as to how I actually feel about Illamasqua products. You know when there are brand that you instantly fall in love with and remain faithful to, this isn't one for me...but I still can't help but feel that I want to try more. It's going to be a rocky relationship, but it's something I'm willing to make work! 

Have any of you tried Illamasqua products before, how did you feel about them? I feel like I'm alone in a sea of people who adore their products and I'm left feeling a little deflated by them. 

I should highlight, if you make an account with the website, from your 3rd purchase onwards you are entitled to 10% off each order- very tempting and a nice bonus for loyal customers!

-K

x 

Make up Wish List

Hi lovelies, 

I'm back, finally, with a beauty related post! I feel like all I ever do is apologise for my sporadic posting, I have a lot going on at the moment so my attention is being sucked up by other matters; that sounds slightly ominous and I'll share a bit more about this in the near future. For now, I just wanted to share the beauty items I've been lusting over. 

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation-

Usually I prefer foundations with a high coverage, but I want to get into the habit of wearing a lighter foundation and using concealer to cover blemishes. I just feel that this might help improve my skin, and to be honest, I'm not a really a fan of the heavy foundation look anyway. 

Revlon Colorburst lip butter in 'Tutti Frutti'

The world outside of my bedroom may be covered in snow right now, but my head has thrown itself into spring/summer and I'm all for trying out the coral look. This lip butter seems to be quite sheer, so for someone who is usually a red, purple or pink lipstick fan, going for coral in this form doesn't feel quite so intimidating.  

Sleek MakeUp Ultra Mattes Palettes Bright-

I'm not sure what's happening to me, but I'm seriously drawn to these vibrant colours and if my 'au naturel' palette is anything to go by, Sleek eyeshadows are so good! I really want to experiment with these eyeshadows, and I think my attraction to these colours is a sign that my body is so ready for summer. 

Magnifibres Brush-on False Lashes-

I've heard such great things about this, and I seem to have become a little bit obsessed with eyelashes. I just think that nice eyelashes can add that nice polished finish to a look- so if this helps me achieve that, then I'm a fan. 

Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser 

This combines two products that I really want to try, just because the brand is talked about a lot, as is the idea of using a muslin cloth for skin care. I'm yet to try any Liz Earle products, but it's definitely on the to-do list. (And if it helps my skin-hoozarr!) 

Cream Pigment in Hollow 

I've only tried one Illamasqua product before, and I wasn't that impressed. However, i'm willing to let that slide for this product! I believe it's meant to be used as an eye shadow, but I think it would be a nice to use for some subtle contouring! 

Too Faced Brow Envy-

I recently purchased the Urban Decay Brow Palette, and I really do like it, but there's something about this that makes me want it. It's on my to buy list...when I need it, and when I can bare to part with the money. 

Clarins Satin Finish Lipstick in Rouge Eclat-

I know, I know- do I really need anymore red lipsticks? When it comes to this, yes, yes I do. I say no more. 

Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream-

I first bought this in Macy's (New York) back in June 2011, and I felt a little bit sick after parting with so much money (as I also bought a Bobbi Brown foundation and concealer at the same time) but after discovering how long this lasted for, and how much I loved it and now miss it, I really don't feel guilty. It was a good life choice. Or so I keep telling myself. (I wouldn't say no to the foundation and concealer again either!) 

Are there are any beauty products that have really caught your eye recently? I thought my compulsion to buy beauty products was finally slowing down, but I think this list sort of proves other wise!

-K 

x

You can also follow me on twitter @AGP_x

From the perfect start, to the finish line. *FOTD*

Today's post is a bit of an experimental one! I thought it might be quite nice (possibly more so for me) to start a 'Face of the day' (FOTD) post. Now I can't say I'll be doing this every day once I'm back at Uni, but sometimes I find it's nice to document what make up looks I've been particularly happy with so I can go back to them if needs be! Hopefully, some of you might find this helpful too.

Today's look was based around a suggestion by Hannah (who blogs over at Daisies and DMs) so thank you for that!

You might have seen yesterday's review post on Illamasqua's Liquid Metal, and I wasn't completely sold on it! Ditto for the Too Faced Candlelight Glow. Hannah suggested (/requested haha) I try the Liquid Metal over the top of black eyeliner. So...hopefully I've done it correctly and this will give a good idea of what the outcome is like with the combination of the two. 

(Excuse the light glare!) 

As you can see this is a fairly simple look, nothing too fancy but I think quite nice for a night out or something! I'll include a list of products at the bottom of this post, but for the overall look I'm simply wearing foundation, highlighter, blush, red lipstick, and black eyeliner underneath Liquid Metal. 

Now for a close up!

I much prefer the look of the Liquid Metal over the top of black eyeliner (I simply used a kohl liner to cover my lids and used a brush to blend it outwards, and then a different brush to blend on the Liquid Metal.) However, my previous problem with the Liquid Metal of creasing is still there which is a shame! More experimenting to be done. 

And talking of experimenting, I think I'm getting to grips with my Too Faced Highlighter. I started off with my Tarte Amazonian blusher and brushed very softly up on to my cheekbones- paying particular attention to the very top. I used the highlighter above the blusher and again down the side of my nose. I think I quite like the way this looks. Unfortunately it doesn't show up quite so well on camera. 

Make Up Used: 

L'Oreal Studio Secrets Primer

L'Oreal True Match Foundation (Rose Ivory)

Maybelline 'Fit Me' Liquid Concealer (Fair)

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blusher (Dollface) 

Too Faced Candlelight Glow Highlighting Powder

HD Brows Eyebrow Palette (Bombshell) 

Bourjois Contour Eyeliner Pencil (01 Noir Expert)

Illamasqua Liquid Metal (Surge) 

Bourjois Volume Glamour Ultra Curl Mascara (Black) 

Tarte Glamazon Lipstick (Wild) 

-K

x

Illamasqua Liquid Metal *Review*

Today has been a day of firsts for me, as I was surprised by a late delivery of a second parcel containing the Illamasqua Liquid Metal eyeshadow. I bought this after a friend informed me that Illamasqua had a sale on their website and I'd been desperate to give this brand a try! After loading my basket with 10 different items, I reigned myself in and settled on this one product.

At only £5 (down from £17.50,) I figured I had nothing to lose even if I didn't like this product!

I opted for the colour 'surge' as the current snowy weather brings out my love of all things shiny and silver!

Unfortunately this colour is now out of stock on the Illamasqua website, but it's always worth having a look around the internet to see if it's available elsewhere! 

Just a quick swatch of the colour here. As you can here, it's a slight off-silver colour, not quite pure silver so it's an interesting colour to own! 

Now the application of it, it's incredibly easy to use and build up. When I first touched it I thought it felt incredibly similar to the 'Maybelline 24hr Colour Tattoo' eyeshadow, and whilst I do love the colour tattoo products, this is one is much nicer to apply and to get a completely smooth finish across the lid of your eye. 

That's the product on it's own, as you can see it's very subtle but still adds that extra dimension to an otherwise simple make up look. 

Now, this is me so I can't go without my winged eyeliner, but instead of thick black I opted for the slightly more subtle 'L'Oreal Super Liner in Golden Black.'

 

 This is where I become slightly disappointed. Really, I should have known to put primer on before applying the 'Liquid Metal,' but as I'd already applied it to my eyelids before applying my foundation it just completely split my mind! 

The colour wears off more or less straight away. I've had it on for about an hour so far, and it's not so much the fact that it's started to smudge (I actually quite like the look of it,) it's more that it's pretty much worn off on my eyelids and has transferred itself to the crease above my eyelid. 

In all honesty, I'm completely torn over this product. I love the colour, I love the shimmer, I love the idea of what I could use it for. I just don't love that it doesn't last longer than a few minutes. 

Would I pay £17.50 for it...no. 

Will I try and buy a couple more colours on pay day? Yes, probably! 

I'm determined to find a way to make this work for me because I so badly want to fall in love with this product. 

Have any of you ever had any experience with Illamasqua products, and have you been pleasantly surprised or been left a bit disappointed?

If you want me to write a review of any of the products I've mentioned, just let me know!

-K

x

Shop @ Illamasqua

As a side note, let me know if you'd be interested in seeing posts of 'Make up of the day' or something along those lines. Every so often I end up particularly pleased with my make up, so it'd be useful for me to remember what works and what doesn't, but what's more important is if it's beneficial to you guys!