Brown Smoky Eyeshadow

I thought I would quickly share with you my 'Go to' Makeup look.  I tend to gravitate towards a brown smokey eye and dark plum lipstick and I would wear this during the day or in the evening (I like a bold daytime look).  I love to do my makeup, It's my favourite part of getting ready whether i'm just going to the shops or on a night out.

Eyes

MAC paint pot in 'Quite Natural'

I smudge this all over my lid using my fingers

Rimmel 'Master Smoky' eye crayon in brown

I use this to line the inside of my eyes along my water line and also apply it along the top of my lashline and under my lower lash line. I then smudge it out using my MAC 217 brush.

Smashbox 'Full Exposure' Eyeshadow Palette.

I use the lighter brown shade from this palette and sweep it all over my eye lid.

I then use the darker brown shade in the outer corner of my eye to create the smokey effect.

Lips

Tom Ford 'Bruised Plum' 
Or
MAC 'Rebel'

Alice xox

Prep your skin for Summer: Face and Body Scrubs

Scrub into Summer

How nice to have had a bit of sunshine in Scotland for a change, I always feel more motivated and happy, hopefully it will last a little longer for us all.  Carrying on the summer skin theme from my last post I think it is time to fully embrace summer (however long it may last).  Put the tights, leggings and baggy jumpers away and get out those legs, arms and anything else that is in need of a little sunshine.  

Here are some of my 'go to' face and body scrubs, designed to buff away dead skin cells and leave your skin silky smooth and all set for those summer nights where jackets and umbrellas stay in the closet (that might be a bit optimistic but hey one can only hope).

Face Scrubs

St Ives Apricot Scrub

When I use a scrub I like to feel it actually doing what it is supposed to and buffing away all those dead skin cells and impurities on my face.  This face scrub does just that, it contains lots of natural ingredients, is oil free, hypoallergenic and is made available for different skin types. It smells really nice too.



Boots Botanics Scrub
I would recommend this for sensitive skin

This scrub was a random find that I stumbled upon one day in Boots and It is a little gem.  It is gently exfoliates and brightens your skin leaving it feeling thoroughly cleansed.  It does the job perfectly and is probably one of my favourite budget face scrubs.

Body Scrubs

St Ives Apricot Body Scrub 
I would recommend this for sensitive skin

Again this is a fantastic body scrub and does exactly what it says on the tub.  It is invigorating and leaves your skin feeling smooth and velvety.  It is great for people that don't like to be left with an oily residue that most scrubs can have.

Soap and Glory Flake Away Scrub

As described by Soap and Glory themselves this 'Super Strength salt Scrub' polishes your skin within an inch of its life.  It contains Shea butter and almond oil so is also lovely and moisturizing. 



These Scrubs are great for people who like to feel like their skin has been properly exfoliated.

Available in Boots and Superdrug

Happy scrubbing

Alice xox

My go to Highlighter's

Summer Glow

The last few days have been a breath of fresh air, the sun has been shining high in the sky and I finally feel ready for summer.  I'ts amazing how many freckles a little bit of sunshine can bring out.  Summer is all about looking fresh, radiant and glowing and nothing achieves this more than a little highlighter to help you along the way. 

 Here are my currents favourites, enjoy!

Diorskin Nude Tan

I'd like to start by introducing a highlighter that I only discovered this week, Diorskin Nude Tan Transat Edition Highlighter (a mouthfull I know).  I discovered this while inquiring about Dior Amber diamonds which much to my dismay has been discontinued.  I was recommended this as an alternative and instantly fell in love.  Finely milled in a beautiful golden hue this powder allows for a soft natural glow or high shine, whichever you prefer.  It comes in a velvet pouch and gorgeous silver compact which includes a mirror and kabuki brush.  This highlighter is a staple product for summer, although get it quick as I believe it is limited edition and could sell out fairly quickly.

Topshop Glowstick- Play Up

I've recently become a fan of Topshop's makeup range, some of their products are really quite good and i love the packaging everything comes in.  Their glowstick highlighter is a great alternative to those high end luxury brands and is a fraction of the price.  This light reflecting highlighter is easy to blend and glides onto the skin effortlessly creating a subtle golden glow.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone

This is a fantastic multipurpose highlighter that can be used instead of a primer or mixed in with your moisturiser or foundation.  It can also be used on its own to highlight specific such as the cheek bone or brow bone.  Available in four shades this liquid formula creates a soft natural glow to the skin.  Perfect for taking on holiday and mixing in with a little tinted moisturiser to instantly enhance your skin and achieve a soft dewy complexion.

Where to apply highlighter

Cheek bone

Brow bone

Down the centre of the nose

Temples

Cupids bow
Corner of the eyes

Top Tip

Apply highlighter to your decolletage (accross the collarbone) just where the sun would naturally hit to create a beautiful radiant and healthy glow.

Alice xox

Brow Products I can't live without

All about the Brows

Filling in your brows, even just a little can make a world of a difference to your look.  They frame the face and highlight the eyes and are the first thing I notice.  Thick bold eyebrows are here to stay and there are many products on the market that will help you achieve this look.

Here are some of my favourites

Tom Ford Brow sculptor

This is hands down my all time favourite brow crayon. It is double sided with one end containing a brush that you use to groom your brows and a mini sharpener concealed inside. At the opposite end you have your angled crayon, used to fill in your brows.  It is so easy to use, lasts forever and comes in four colours.  For my brows I use 'Taupe'. 

Benefit Brows Zings

This little compact contains a wax and a powder.  Really easy to use and perfect to carry around if you need to do a little touching up later on in the day.  I probably use the powder more than the wax but think this is all round a great product.

Laura Mercier Brow gel

This is a lightweight gel formula used to groom and finish your eye brows.  It allows for a great long lasting hold without the over dried or sticky feeling that other brows gels can leave you with.  It keeps my brows in place all day.  Love Love Love...

Tweezerman Tweezers

These are a staple in my makeup bag and are the best I've tried yet.  They are slightly angled which makes them really easy, especially since I don't have my brows professionally done and prefer to do them myself.

Real Techniques Brow brush

The angled brush end means this is excellent for using with powder to get that defined angular  brow.

Here is a little before and after of my brows :)

There are many amazing brow products out there, these are just a few that have worked well for me :)

Alice xox

How to achieve the Perfect Pout

When I go out I always wear a bright Lipstick, whether it's day or night I love to brighten my look up with a pop of colour, I'm all about the Lips.  However, as every girl that loves a bold lip knows, It's not always easy to ensure your lipstick not only looks good but lasts all day.  Here are a few tips that I use in my quest to achieve the Perfect Pout.

You will need

Lip scrub 

Lip balm

Lip Liner

Lip Stick

X2 Tissue to blot and set 

Translucent Powder to set

Preparation

Preparing your lips before applying your lipstick is key.  Nobody wants to apply their lipstick only for it to look dry and flaky.  First give your lips a quick polish with some lip scrub.  You can buy some excellent lip scrubs now, my favourite is the Bubblegum Lip Scrub by Lush. Once you have done this apply your Lip Balm all over the Lips.  I do this stage at the start of my makeup routine to allow my lips to absorb the Lip Balm and soften.

Application

Line your lips with your Lip Liner (this part is optional), then apply your Lipstick.  Fold your tissue in half, place between your lips and blot.  Apply another layer of Lipstick.

 How to Set

After you have applied your Lipstick hold a tissue over your lips and lightly dust Translucent Powder over the tissue, it will set the lip colour the same way it sets your makeup when your apply it on your face.

Recommended Lip Scrub's

Bubblegum Lip Scrub by Lush

Philosophy Kiss me Lip Scrub

DIY Lip Scrub

Making your own lip scrub is so easy.  All you need to do is mix a tablespoon of either coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil and a table spoon of honey with two teaspoons of brown sugar. Once you've done that you just need to transfer it into a jar and voila-job done!

Alice xox

Beauty Wedding Tips

Beauty Wedding Tips

For most brides to be, the run up to their wedding can be quite stressful with so much to prepare for and things to remember, everything has to be perfect! Here are some tips on how to ensure you are looking and feeling a million dollars on your big day.

6 months to go...

Drink Plenty Water

Drinking at least 6 or 7 glasses of water a day is guaranteed to help keep your skin looking healthy and glowing and is key to keeping it clear of breakouts. This may sound like a lot but once you start it will just become habit.

Start a skincare regime
If you don't already, find a beauty regime, with 6 months to go you have plenty time to find one that suits your skin type.  Do a bit of research and sample different brands before you decide on the right one.  Make sure you include a face scrub, cleanser and moisturiser.  Face wipes just wont cut it anymore and do nothing for your skin.

Start a skincare routine for your body

 Remember to look after the rest of your skin that will be on display.  Find a good body scrub and moisturiser. Use the body scrub twice a week and moisturise every morning or night, straight after your shower.  This will keep your skin silky smooth and also prepares your skin for fake tan. Dry skin and fake tan don't bode well together. 

Don't neglect your feet 
Even if you are wearing a long dress your feet will still be on show.  Use a pumice stone and foot cream to ensure your feet are in tip top condition.  You never know when those shoes might come off!

Test your tan

You definitely don't want to have a fake tan disaster on the day of your wedding.  Have a trial run to ensure you get the right colour and can guarantee it will be streak free.  Book your final appointment for at least 2 days in advance.

Book in advance

Book all your appointments in advance, from manicure, pedicure, hair, makeup and fake tan.  You can never be too prepared.

Find your perfect wedding scent

This is not essential but is always a lovely memento and something that will make your big day just that little bit more special.

Alice xox

Katie Mullally

This week I accompanied my mum down to the Country Living Fair in London where she was showcasing her lovely waistcoats.  I haven't been down in London since November and was starting to have withdrawal symptoms, so it was nice to be back for a week.  The Country Living Fair is quite a big event and there are lots and lots of stalls selling many different things.

This is where I discovered Katie Mullally, a British based jewellery designer.  To say my sister, mum and myself were obsessing over her designs is an understatement.  They are beautifully crafted and completely unique with a mix and match formula allowing you to layer with other pieces.  I love the idea of buying one of her longer chain necklaces and adding little charms to make it more special and individual to you.  We came away with three pieces and I absolutely love mine!  It's not very often you find something that's original and so different from everything else on the high street so I strongly recommend you take a look at Katie's website, you won't be disappointed.

All Katie's pieces are Hallmarked sterling silver which is an indication of the purity of the metal.  She also has a range of gold plated silver.

http://www.katiemullally.co.uk

 

                 

 

"Look after a piece of Katie Mullally jewellery and it will last forever"

- Katie Mullally

Alice xox