My New Go-To - NYX Round Lip Gloss Natural

 

I own a few lipgloss is a little of an understatement, I like the laziness of just swiping one on and off you go. Recently I have felt I've needed a little more than normal: a little more colour and creamy texture. This is of course where this comes in, this is from NYX (pronounced Niks).

 

NYX (Niks) is named after the mythical Greek Goddess for the night. The company makes cosmetics that satisfied the needs of the professional as well as the beauty junkie. They are more known for their palettes, which are not only good value but are also have good pigmentation.

 

I got this when I was at Olympia Beauty in the press bag, and grabbed one day running out the door to work. I instantly loved the creamy texture which is unusual for a gloss, because of that there is also very little shimmer content. I do feel it is more a of 'grown up' gloss becaue of this, and would suit people who like a hybred of both gloss finish but lipstick colour.

 

 

They are 36 different colours in the collection and RRP for £3 each. I already have my eye on Mauve, Frosted Plum and Wild Orchid. You can purchase the through the NYX Online Shop

Versatile Blogger Award

From the lovely Pixie Dust And Fairytales

The Rules:
· Each blogger tagged must post 11 random facts about themselves · They must answer the 11 questions posted by the previous blogger · They must create 11 new questions to ask their tagged bloggers · They must then tag 11 blogs with less than 200 followers apiece · The bloggers must be told · No tag backs!

Random facts

1. My bridesmaid first child is due to be born next year on 11th April, my 31st birthday (and I've overjoyed for her!)
2. I have 3 months left to finish my BTEC and am starting to panic!
3. Dita Von Teese, Jessie J and Katy Perry are my girl crushes.
4. I have just over 30 books on a to be read pile.
5. I own one of the original Furby's, it's cream and white.
6. I've been following F1 since late 1995
7. I've attended for F1 races: Britian 1997,1998, and 1999, and Belguim 1999.
8. I play Gems (also known as Bejeweled) on my phone when I'm bored (or not tweeting!)
9. I can't think of anything else!

How long have you been blogging? And what made you start?

It will be 1 year on 25th January, after injuring my knee and spending the time reading other blogs. I thought there was space here for an ex-counter girl to throw her two cents in.

What is the main focus of your blog? (e.g. nails, make up, reviews?)

I would say more nails and reviews, but make up is creeping in as I gain more confidence.

How often, on average, do you think "Hmmm...I could blog that!"?

Everyday, at least twice, I get in front of a keyboard and it's gone. That's why my phone note app is full of ideas.

Have you mentioned your blogging to friends and family or do you prefer to keep it private?

My blog auto loads on my facebook so my friends do read it because they ask about it! My family are supportive and want to know how its doing.

What do you look for when reading a new blog? Numbers of followers? Quality of photos?

A mixutre of things, just more the personality of the person coming through, If I keep tripping over the blog a few times while searching for something else then I normanally follow them through that as well.

How do you take the best photos for your blog?

I have a list of what I want to write about and I try to get as many done during the day as much as possible. Can't wait for summer again! Sometimes I just snap them on the fly.

What's your best beauty bargain?

A tube of baby bum cream that I use for my dry chapped lips, it's about £2.79 and you need the smallest amount.

What are some of your holy grail products?

Face masks instantly can change skin and a great treat, I do have a soft spot for Montagne Jeunesse. Make up I really like the MUA palettes because they are very good selections, strong pigments and are aroun £4-6.
How long does it take you to get ready for an average day?

From bed to out the door about 30 minutes (with the lightest make up), but if I'm going out I do prefer to take my time.

Do you tone down your make-up look for work?

I do, I don't want to scare people away!

If you could only wear one nail varnish for the rest of your life, what would it be?

It'll be a red, but I'm not sure which one - I own quite a few :D

Questions

How long have you been blogging? And what made you start?

What is the main focus of your blog? (e.g. nails, make up, reviews?)

How often, on average, do you think "Hmmm...I could blog that!"?

How have you developed since you started?

If you did it all again, what would you change?

What's best bit of advice you've ever been given?

What's your dream?

What are the products you would buy again?

How long does it take you to get ready for an average day?

Girl crush?

If you could only wear one nail varnish for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Nominations

Glamourologist (About the History of Beauty)
Pink & Polished (Nail Art)
Kel Loves (Mixture of reviews and views)
Make Up Guinea Pig (Overseas Animal and Nail Lover)

Masterclass - The History of Mascara

 

 

Other than foundation the holy grail is mascara, one that makes lashes look darker, thicker, longer and defined. The early mascaras date back the Egyptian times where eye areas were darker to ward off dark spirits. It didn't back into fashion in Europe until the Victorian era. Victorian ladies of leisure would make their own mixture; would heat a mixture of ash or lampblack and elderberry juice on a plate and apply the heated mixture to their eyelashes.



The first commerical mascara was developed by Eugene Rimmel using a new product called Petroleum jelly, his name is still linked with mascara as in Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Greek, Turkish, Romanian, and Persian it is translated as mascara. Mr Rimmel is also the founder of Rimmel London (then Known as the House of Rimmel) and was owned by the family until 1949.

Over the water a little later in 1913, another mascara empire was starting. T. L. Williams was creating something similar for his sister Maybel, which planted the seeds for the company Maybelline. Both formulations were messy and not easy to use.

It wasn't until Helena Rubinstein, a shrewd business woman, saw the popularity that this product was getting and started to develop (alongside her rival Elizabeth Arden). After the First World War, consumers were eager to try new products and this is where Rubinstein launched her range including mascara cake that is applied by wetting the material and applying with a brush.

Years later in 1957, Rubinstein created a formula that evolved mascara from a hard cake into a lotion-based cream. The packaging of the new mascara was in a tube sold with a brush. For use, the cream was squeezed onto the brush and applied to lashes.

The modern mascara we see today was soon evolved, the device picked up the same amount of mascara for each use. Then the grooved rod was altered to the brush similar to the ones used today. The change in applicator led mascara to be even easier to use, and so starts the hunt for the perfect mascara.

Next week - Using mascara

Don't know what to buy her? Askherfriends.com

 

 

Christmas - The word is enough to strike fear into any ones heart. I still get asked to write a list for my mum every year, and then would be asked about items on it. My husband is still one of the people who would go out Christmas Eve and panic buy (however he's said he's booked a day off this year to get it right).



On the other side I have been one those retail assistant who has ended up Christmas shopping for entire families. I won't even start on the stories on bad presents (My 18th my ex brought me an empty hip flask, ). When the details of Askherfriend.com came through my mail,  I'd must admit it did get my interest.

The idea was created by Ben Blomerley, who after buying his girlfriend a worm farm for a present, thought there was a better and easier way of finding out what she really wanted.

It's starts with a simple questionnaire about your relationship and a series of preferences. They are then presented with a list of suggestions which can be tuned into an advice list of ten items. This can be then be tweeted, facebooked or linked to her friends for feedback (a due date can also be added). The final choice can be purchased and praise can be received!

There is a really good choice of shops - Not only your high street names like Debenhams, luxury stores like Selfridges, but some great little indie stores like Two Red Trees (ethnically jewellery and soft home furnishings store), and Flights of Nancy (family run leather handbag store).

OK sounds good in theory, but does it actually work? One night I set husband the task of finding me a present using this system. The highlights from his list include Scent Library By Penhaligon's (a brand I've always wanted something from), Burlesque Dinner Plate 'Ophelia' by Pickled Ruby (I love Burlesque and the uniqueness of the design), and Nails Inc 10 piece set from Debenhams (If you read this blog you know that is perfect for me).

I did have a lot of fun making lists up for myself and increasing my already long Christmas list. Askhisfriends.com is already in development (but I do think whathehasntalreadybroughthimself.com is more appropriate).

Retro Love - Rimmel's Heather & Coffee Shimmer Lipsticks

The first ever lipstick I ever wore was by Rimmel and it was  influenced by a girl called Jenny. It was the end of the day at school when I was around 14/15, it was end of our PE lesson and she insisted that I try some lipstick as I was too much of a tomboy and needed to girl up. I wore it home to be promptly told by my mum to take it straight off because I looked to silly and I was too young to be wearing lipstick.

The lipstick in question - Heather Shimmer, this purple/brown hybrid was the THE lipstick of the 90's. The 90's trend could be summed in one world, Brown and it was all over the eyes, lips and even blusher. You were in two camps - either Coffee or Heather shimmer. All of my friends wore Heather (including my friend, Heather. I still have the evidence!).

I liked coffee shimmer more, it wasn't until the beginning of the year that I brought both of them. It was being a teen all over again, and they are still perfect for this years brown lipstick revival.

Being a hoodie in Coffee Shimmer

You can buy them in your chemist's of choice, They are part of the Lasting Finish collection - Heather Shimmer is No. 66 and Coffee Shimmer is No. 264: RRP £4.99

Razorpit Teneo Razor Sharpener Review and Giveaway

Shaving - not the most glamorous things to talk about. I have talked lyrical about this before in a previous Masterclass on Hair Removal. I still consider myself lucky that companies want to try products out for them, not only did I get to be asked to try this out but I also have one for you guys to try yourself.

The Razorpit Teneo works on the same technology that barbers use strops for - it removes organic matter from the razors blades that can make it dull. By clearing this debris away it means that the blade lasts longer and not need to replaced that often. It can be used on all razors, by applying foam or soap to the strop area and moving the head up and down.

I had this for a few months now and haven't had to replace a shaver head yet. My husband, who normal has no interest in anything I get, was noisy around this and it soon disappeared near his Mac Infusion razor. He as well is also happy with it, and now I have lost it forever to him. He then mentioned it to my dad who then borrowed it, and I had to beg it back so I can then redo my razor.

Thankfully I've managed to hide this new one from them so I can give you guys a chance of grabbing one yourself. You better enter before they find it.....


a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is UK only

Razorpit can be found on Amazon for RRP £19.95.

Masterclass - Eyeliner

Eyeliner comes in 4 different forms - Pencil, liquid, pens or cake liners. Pencil is the most common and versatile of the 4, as not only gives you more control but can change the finish to sharp or blended depending on what you need. Liquid is more defined and sharper, I also find a majority of pens come in liquid form (Liquids have a pot to dip into, while pens have a nib attached that you use to apply). With cake you use a brush, wet the bristles and paint the liner on, this can also give a stronger finish.

With any liner, I find applying it at first really fiddly, and can recommend to practise! I find it easier to lift the eyebrow up with one hand and using the other hand to put dashes along the lash line, and then join these up. If I'm using a pencil I would use a bit on the hand first to warm the tip as I find this goes on smoother. If you can sit down at a desk to start with this will you steady yours arms when applying until you feel more confident.

Always start inwards going outwards as not to drag the skin, and check your work regularly as not to get uneven eyes. If you want to apply any liner to the inside of the eye (also known as the waterline), pencils is best as this will be softer on the delicate area.

Examples of different looks
 

Breaking My Essie Virginity

Not only did I break my virginity, but I did it with a threesome! I was lucky to the winner of Nikki Etc (nikkiloub.blogspot.com)Giveaway, first prize was this threesome as well as a Bourjois Nail Varnish Remover (but I'm saving that for another time). The three I got was:

Mint Candy Apple

A creme peppermint that is a breath of fresh air, everything about it just screams springtime.

Tart Deco

Another creme this time a orange/peach tone, very summery lovely and bright.

Merino Cool

A deep muddy purple/brown/grey, I wasn't keen of this in the bottle, put it on and it felt chic. A great AW colour.

However, after these three I already am eyeing up my next Essie additions from their Holiday collection in Leading Lady (A cherry berry glitter hit red) and Beyond Cozy (A gold/silver infused glitter). I also now have their colour chart that I'm ringing colours in. Have I given up my OPI love affair? No, but once you go Essie you never go back!

Masterclass - Eye Make Up for Glass and Contact Lense wearers

Bet you didn't know I wore glasses? I should wear them for when I'm working on the computer (like now but I can't find them), and then I have another pair for when I'm reading print. These above are my computer ones and then I have a slightly thicker framed for reading - A little bit of geek chic.

The effects of glasses on the appearance of the face depends on the design of the frames and the colour/type of lenses.

Frames

Heavy frames can take bolder eye make-up and a strong lipstick to provide balance, while steel frames can look lost in heavy dark make-up. By keeping the eyes softer above it blends in without over powering, using a eye liner, eye brow pencil and mascara gives a more defined look without clashing. When designing this look I also took in consideration the colour of the frame (a deep bronze) and used the same tones.

Lenses

Short-sighted people are ones who can focus on close up items but not far distance, while long-sighted can focus on long distance but struggle with things that are close up (aka me). The lenses are designed to compensate for this however can also effect the look of eyes behind them. Short-sighted people have the appearance of eyes that look smaller, while its the opposite for long-distance. This is where last weeks Masterclass on How to wear eye shadow can help correct this.

Contact Lenses

I must admit the idea of lenses isn't really my thing, would you believe I really don't like things on my eyes. With contact lenses there are some considerations to have because it is a thin membrane that sits on the eye. Cream eye shadow are better to use but powders can be used with a damp brush to reduce any loose pigment getting into the eye. Avoiding heavy creams around the area as if these get onto the lenses it can smear or even melt it. For mascara use a block or low alcohol which also contains little filaments so these do not get into the eye.

Next week -

The Beauty Bloggers Tag

This is stolen from the talented Sophia from Tattooed Tealady, not only a great blogger but also a supporter of other beauty bloggers out there.

Why did you start blogging and how long have you been blogging for?

My first entry was 25th January 2012, and was started after I was reading a few and wanted to throw in my own thoughts with my experience in beauty retail. I was also at a cross roads in my career, I was working in retail management but constantly hovering over to the beauty stands next to me as I missed working in them. I was also still recovering from a knee injury and wanted to give myself something to do while I was recovering.

Whose blog did you fall in love with first?

 

British Beauty Blog was the first one I tripped over as well as read every single day, not only is she one of the first ones to start but as person I found her wonderful. When I tweeted her one day to say she was my inspiration to start, she was shocked but really supportive and humbled. Jayne from Jayne's Kitcshen and Zoe from The London Lipgloss are two of my faves, I feel I could happily have a night out with either.

 

As I read more and more I need to nod to my fellow #bbloggers including Sophia, Rachael from Live, Food, Love, Beauty Bird, All That Slap and Beauty Balm (I'm sorry if I've missed anyone out!). All have not only been welcoming been have been happy to help when I tweet in distress!

 

 

 

What was the first blogosphere hyped about product you bought and was it worth the hype?

 

I'd seen other Glossyboxes online and brought the Harrods one, which I really liked, however at the time I couldn't afford to carry on. To this day I'm very glad I did, since then I haven't been over stuck by them. I just found them over hyped and for the amount of money they were asking for them not worth it. They still send me mails for money off, but I'd rather stick with Latest In Beauty (subscription free and very well done boxes).

 

What are your favourite five things about blogging and being a beauty blogger?

 

It's made me realise this is what I want to do for a career, it inspired me to start my BTEC in Make Up Artistry and use the knowledge (and kit I've collected over the years!) to good use. I will spot something in a mag and rather than buying it I'd search/tweet reviews on it before buying it, I respect my bloggers opinions more. I really love the #bbloggers community, as they are probably the only set of people who can put up with my constant make up talk. Remember the lines from Spice Girls movie that Sporty said to Posh ("It must be so hard for you, Victoria. I mean, having to decide whether to wear the little Gucci dress, the little Gucci dress, or... the little Gucci dress!")? I swear I'm like that with nail varnish.

 

What have you learnt from being a beauty blogger?

 

Past all the stats, followers, PR blah blah, and everything as long as still have a passion for what you do everything else will fall into place. Not all products work for everyone as well as you cannot be everyone's cup of tea.

 

"Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly" (Baz Lurman song - Everyone's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)

 

Have you changed anything since being a beauty blogger?

 

I would say developed more, I get more confident as the entries go on, It driving me more than this time last year, where I was not in the best place and I owe it to this to refocusing me. I still however appreciate peoples feedback more than anything and getting them means a lot. Thank you to everyone who has so far, it still leaves me warm and fuzzy.

 

What advice would you give to a beauty blogger just starting out?

 

Don't think you need to copy anyone, if they rave about it and you hate it: Say it loud! Do everything at your own pace, sometimes you'll have lots of talk about some weeks nothing - everyone has the same problem. Comment, tweet, talk to other bloggers and enjoy the community.

 

 

 

Name your top five brands! (can only think of four)

 

Estee Lauder - Love their Limited edition make up range and skincare serums. Also gave me my first make up job.

Lush - Since there was only one store in Covent Garden, a great payday treat brand. Staff are amazing, still my dream to work there one day.

MUA Cosmetics - Great value and great products considering it start from £1.

OPI - My first nail varnish love, I own a few and dribble over their colour charts a lot.

 

Recommend your top five favourite beauty products!

 

MUA Palettes - Really good pigments, Dupes of the high end brands and around £4. Been using these in my BTEC work and still photo well.

Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair - I miss my staff discount! gel like serum that sinks in, always make my skin look fresh and helped with my spot scars that I had for years. I miss this, fingers crossed it'll be back in my life soon.

Lush Cupcake facemask - Chocolate face mask basically! Removes dirt, oil and smooths. Keep repurchasing.

Etat Pur Miceller water - Just about run out of my first bottle, water based cleanser great to use after lotion if I have make up on or wipe over the skin for days I'm not. About £7 for 200ml great value. I'm planning a review soon.

Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment - Best lipbalm ever, little goes a long way and is great for my chapped dry lips - found through another blogger.

 

I'm not tagging anyone however if you give it a go I wouldn't mind being linked up so I can be noisy :)

 

 

The Only MAC Lipstick I Own - Milan Mode

As part of my BTEC I have to do design briefs - this is one of them. The brief was to have pale skin, using tones of brown for the eyes, slight pink blush and  pink lipstick. I had to put photos together showing each stage of the look altogether, as well as creating a treatment plan, design, and final evaluation.

I love this look, it's the first time in along time that I've looked at photos of myself and just thought wow. I'm not normally a person who feels comfortable within my skin, but as this course has gone on I feel I've gained confidence to show off my work better.

Anyway onto the lipstick, as this says in the title this is the only MAC lipstick I own. Amongst beauty bloggers its almost unheard of, especially as it is an not very well known colour. This is part of the Luste range, a bright blue toned pink with lots of shimmer. I got this when I was working for Estee Lauder (as MAC is owned by them) from the staff shop and have worn this in Ibiza dressed as a school girl (twice!).

Still available at MAC Cosmetics for £14.00

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A little side note, Collections Halloween Competition finished today and I wasn't the winner (The winner got 200 + against my 25). Thank you to everyone who 'liked' me and voted. You can check out the winners blog here 

Masterclass - How and Where to Wear Eye Shadow

What we're going to be touching on more this week is where to put eye shadow to give you the best of what you got. I did used to be one of those people who just put it on without too much thought, but as I make my way through the my course and experience it can also be used to balance out upper and lower portions of eyes.

For application purposes I prefer brushes, you can get of a blended look, and especially with powder I have more control. When I started I had a big fluffy brush to apply base shade with then a slightly smaller stiffer one to apply any contour with. I then just built from there, I do detest the applicators that come with them, I feel they are too small to do anything with really. That is just me personally.

Click to enlarge

'Average' eyes

With this eye shape you are just enhancing the natural shape. Apply a base colour all over, and contour the darker shade into the crease of the eye and blend outwards.

Wide Set eyes

Avoid using strong and pearlised colours on the inner eyelid, use paler matte products from the centre to outer eyelid. Put a thin eye line beyond the inner corner of the eye and keep the line to the outer end of the lashes. If suitable eyeliner and shadow can be applied to the lower lid to the outer edges.

Close Set eyes

Brighten the inner corners by applying matte light colours, avoiding strong or pearlised that draw attention. Focus attention from the centre of the eyelid towards and beyond the outer corner of the eye by using darker eye cosmetics. 'Lift' the eyebrow by putting highlighter here.

Deep Set eyes

The shading of the eye socket needs to be created above the natural socket line to give the appearance of more depth, this will then be enhanced the new lash line below the eyes. Highlight beneath the eyebrow arch, then using a pearly shadow apply all over. From the lashline work a darker shadow and work upwards, and add a thin line along the outer half of the outer half of the eyelid.

Prominent eyes

By reducing the depth of the eyelid and creating extra width, use a darker shadow on the centre of the eyelid with a thicker liner flicking upwards and outwards . If using a lower line, keep a gap between both lines and blended eyeshadow underneath.

Hooded eyes

To create the illusion of fullness of the skin that creates the over hang, apply a small bit of highlighter in the eyebrow arch. Then add a pale pearlised shadow all over the eyelid. Use a dark neutral coloured shadow to the fullest area of skin hanging over the eyelid. Blend this upwards into the highlighted area using a slightly lighter shade.

Next Week - Adapting techniques for glass wearers