40's Makeup look

Natural beauties were the ideal of the forties with makeup being minimal, classic and elegant.  Eyes were kept simple using taupe and muted browns through the socket, finished with black liner.  Lips were to look full and soft with red lip liner and lipstick making sure they were fuller at the bow.  Brows were well defined, arched and accented by use of a dark brown pencil.

Here is my version of a 40's look and what I used.

Eyes

Step 1. Prime the eyes using Rimmel 'exaggerate' eye primer.

Step 2. Apply mac's cream eye shadow base in 'bare canvas' all over the eyelid using your fingers.

Step 3. From the Smashbox palette apply the 4th colour from the left over the eyelid, blending towards the brow bone.

Step 4. From the smash box palette, apply the 2nd colour from the left through the eye socket, blending from the outer to inner corner of the eye.  This will create depth and definition.

Step 5. Finish with mascara, making sure you apply plenty of coats and don't forget the bottom lashes.

Step 5. Apply your lashes, I used Eyelure's 'volume' lashes in No. 083.

Step 6. Apply your liquid liner creating a feline flick, I used Tom Ford's eye defining pen.

Lips

Step 1. Fill in the full lip using a red lip liner, I used mac's liner in 'redd'.

Step 2. Apply your lipstick, I used Tom Ford's lipstick in 'True Coral'.

Tip

Apply a little bit of highlighter to your cupids bow.  This gives the illusion of fuller lips

 I really like this look, it is easy, simple and great for a night out.  I definitely need to practice more on the hair however, barrel rolls aren't quite as easy as I thought.  If anyone has any tips on how to create this hair style please let me know.

Alice xox

Liz Earl Skincare

Skincare is something that more and more people are taking an interest in and for anyone new to it, it can be hard to know what to buy.  There are so many different brands offering different results and all at varying prices.  I have tried numerous brands over the years and am always on the look out for something new.  Like many, I take an interest in looking after my skin but don't want to spend a fortune doing so.  

I discovered Liz Earl about a year ago and have recently re purchased a few of their products.  Using all natural ingredients, Liz Earl is affordable, simple and more importantly actually works.  My skin type is oily, so upon recommendation by an extremely helpful and knowledgeable rep in John Lewis I was able to tailor the products to my skin type.  

Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser £14.50 100ml

If you are trying Liz Earl for the first time, this is a must have.  Suitable for all skin types, this award winning cleanser is a  rich creamy formula that you massage into the face.  This is then removed with a muslin cloth (your receive two with your purchase) that has been soaked in hot water.  I absolutely love this cleanser, it leaves my skin feeling soft and thoroughly cleansed. 

Skin Repair Light Moisturiser £19.25 50ml

This moisturiser is suitable for combination, oily or problem skin.  It is light and gentle and doesn't leave an oily residue on the skin.  I never skip moisturising my skin, even if you have oily skin I would recommend always doing this step.

Gentle Face Exfoliator £14 70ml

I use a face scrub at least twice a week however in the past I've found that most scrubs are either too harsh or too gentle.  This scrub is the perfect balance.  The exfoliator contains fine jojoba beads that gently buff away dead skin cells.  It also contains eucalyptus oil, almond oil and cocoa butter to keep skin moisturised at the same time.

Deep Cleansing Mask £14.50 75ml

This clay mask contains naturally ingredients that help to draw out impurities.  I use this at least twice a week after my face scrub.  It contains green clay, manuka honey and rose scented geranium and comes with two sponges.

http://uk.lizearle.com/about-us

If you try any of these products go for the Hot Cloth Cleanser.

Head to the Liz Earl website to find out what products will work for you.

Alice xox

Tom Ford eyeshadow pallet Cognac Sable

Cognac Sable Tom Ford

My product of the month has to be the Tom Ford eyeshadow pallet in 'Cognac Sable'.  This product is one of Tom Ford's best selling eyeshadow pallets and I can see why.  To start with, it comes in the most beautiful, luxurious packaging that includes a mirror, mini brushes and suede pouch.  The actual product itself consists or 4 eye shadows, two of which have a lovely satin finish, one a shimmer and the final being a gorgeous celestial glitter. 

This product is definitely versatile and can easily achieve that day to nighttime look that many love. 

Being a luxury brand Tom Ford is more expensive than most however is you feel like treating yourself I promise you won't be disappointed.

I think these colours will look great for Autumn/ Winter paired with a burgundy or dark plum lip.  For summer I would wear this with a coral or peachy nude lip.

Alice xox

Cheryl Cole inspired Makeup from 'Crazy Stupid Love'

I recently watched Cheryl Cole's new music video for 'Crazy Stupid Love' and really liked her makeup.  Today I decided to play about with my own makeup and this is what I came up with.  

Hope you like it, feel free to leave comments.

Sorry the pictures aren't the best quality, once I invest in a good camera they will improve hopefully.

Products

Eyes

Rimmell 'Exaggerate' eye primer-all over lid

Mac Paint Pot 'Groundwork'-all over lid-smudge with fingers

MAC eyeshadow 'Expensive Pink'- sweep over lid

MAC eyeshadow 'Cranberry'-through socket line and outer corner

Tom Ford eyeshadow from pallett 'Cognac Sable', top left hand colour-dot on inner corner of eye

Estee Lauder 'Double Wear' eyeliner in black-smudge along lash line and also top and bottom water line

Eyeko mascara to finish

Lips

MAC lipliner in 'Burgundy'- line full lip then fill in rest of lip

MAC lipstick in 'Dark Side'

Alice xox

Eyeko mascara and brow gel review

I am always looking to try new beauty products, a habit I secretly love to indulge in. 

Recently I was in London, and although on arrival I promised myself that I would avoid shopping at all costs this was short lived and after much persuasion to ones self I indulged in two new makeup goodies. 

Both products are from a brand called Eyeko, a brand that I have been wanting to try for quite some time. To give you a little bit of background Eyeko is a bespoke cosmetics label that focuses on creating luxury products for your eyes only, quite literally.  Founded by Nina Leykind and her husband, Eyeko has now partnered with Alexa Chung and has become a prominent brand used by top makeup artists and celebrities.

Eyeko 'Black Magic Mascara' Drama and Curl £18

If there is one thing about the Eyeko products that I love, it is the packaging.  This is definitely reflected in the price but it demonstrates how the aesthetics of a product

can influence your decision in buying it.

This particular mascara is the first I have bought that has a curved wand and I must say I really like it.  It is great for reaching those all important corner lashes that at times are neglected.  This mascara promises to give you 'Drama and Curl' and if I am honest, in comparison to other mascaras it doesn't give you the the greatest volume however is definitely gives your lashes a lovely curl and doesn't clump.  All in all I am really pleased with this product and would re purchase.

Eyeko Brow Gel 'Shape and Define' £18

I am a huge fan of brow gels, particularly as at times my brows seem to have a life of their own.  This brow gel is a winner of the Cosmopolitan Beauty Awards in 2013 and absolutely lives up to it's reputation. The wand is very small which makes application really easy.  I like my brows to stay in place all day and this product definitely does this.  My only criticism being that there can sometimes be a bit of excess product so I would bear this in mind when using it.   

I think I am officially hooked on Eyeko.

Available in

ASOS

SEPHORA

SPACE.NK

SELFRIDGES&CO

NET-A-PORTER.COM

http://www.eyeko.com/index.php?route=common/home

Alice xox

     

Five Healthy Breakfast Smoothies

Here are 5 healthy breakfast smoothies, one for each working day.  Replacing your regular breakfast of sugary cereals and toast loaded with full fat butter and jam these alternatives will supply you with all the goodness you need to kick start your day.  Not only that but they are are incredibly quick and easy to make.

Enjoy :)

Blueberry Smoothie

Ingredients

1 cup of blueberries

almond milk

1 banana

1 teaspoon of honey

Put everything in a blender and whizz until smooth.

Goodness

Calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, zinc

Benefits

Blueberries slow down the signs of ageing and destroy free radicals.  Bananas are a slow release energy source, are great for the immune system and help lower cholesterol.

Strawberry Smoothie

Ingredients

1 cup of strawberries

2 tablespoons of peanut butter

handful of oats

almond milk (or whaterver milk you drink)

Put everything in a blender and whizz until smooth.

Goodness

Strawberries contain calcium,potassium,iron,magnesium and zinc while oats and peanut butter also contain fiber and protein.

Benefits

Strawberries help boost the immune system and slow down the signs of ageing while oats help lower cholesterol.  In moderation peanut butter is rich in protein and will help keep you fuller for longer.

Mango Smoothie

Ingredients

half Mango

3 tablespoons Greek Yogurt

half Banana

pineapple juice (preferably freshly extracted)

Juice the pineapple (if you don't have a juicer shop bought juice will do)

Put your pineapple juice along with the rest of the ingredients in a blender and whizz until smooth.

Goodness

Mango contains calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorous and iron. Pineapple also contains potassium, vitamins B C E and folic acid.

Benefits

Mango is great for the immune system and helps cleanse the body.  Pineapple aids digestion and is useful for hay fever and asthma.

Green Smoothie

Ingredients

2 Apples

1 handful of spinach

1/4 medium cucumber

1 stick celery

1/2 a lime

1/2 avocado

Juice the apples, cucumber, spinach and celery and lime.  Pack the spinach between the apples.  Add this to your blender along with the avocado and whizz until smooth.

Goodness

Apples contain Vitamins A, B1, B6 and C.  Spinach contains iron and calcium while cucumber and celery are rich in magnesium and sulphur to name a few.

Benefits

Packed full of goodness, this smoothie is rich in essential natural fats and loaded with zinc, one of the best minerals for maintaining clear skin.

Chocolate and orange Smoothie

Ingredients

1 cup kale

almond milk (or whatever milk you use)

1 orange peeled

1 tablespoon of cocoa powder

some dark chocolate (grated)

1 teaspoon honey

Goodness

Oranges contain vitamins A, B and C while kale is rich in protein and fibre.

Benefits

Oranges destroy free radicals that cause the signs of ageing while kale being both anti inflammatory and antioxidant helps to detoxify the body.  Dark chocolate with high cocoa content is a powerful source of antioxidants and if consumed in moderation can help lower the risk of heart disease.

Alice xox

Bodyshop Coconut body spray and body milk

I recently re discovered the Bodyshop when I went in to buy their Coconut Eau De Toilette body spray and body milk after they were recommended by a friend.  

My perfume of choice is normally Laura Mercier 'Almond Coconut' which I absolutely adore however they are expensive so I don't like to wear them everyday.  The Bodyshop Coconut spray is a great alternative.  

Being 30ml in size and costing only £8.50 it is perfect for throwing in your handbag.  The scent reminds me of summer and lying on a beach somewhere far out and exotic.  To top it up I have been applying the coconut body milk.  It comes with a spray applicator which makes it quick and easy to apply. 

Coconut Eau De Toilette £8.50

Coconut body milk £8.00

Alice xox