Christmas Reds

Christmas is the season of the red lip. Of course, by all means, you can wear a red lip any time of the year, but for me, red is definitely my Christmas lip colour of choice. Finding the right red lipstick can end up being quite the chore. There are so many undertones to consider... so I thought I'd share with you my favourite red lipsticks that I will without a doubt, be wearing the hell out of up until Christmas.

Younique Splash Liquid Lipstick in Sizzling

Last Christmas, this was all I wore on my lips. Red lips make me feel super festive, and I couldn't put this one down. The formula of this lipstick is somewhat like a mousse, and this makes application easy. It lasts on the lips - even after eating Christmas dinner, so that must be saying something haha!

NYX Perfect Red Matte Lipstick

Every time I have worn this red, I am always asked what I have on my lips. Even though it is matte, this lipstick doesn't dry out the lips and is comfortable to wear for a long period of time. It definitely is a perfect red shade that looks amazing with winged liner and lots of lashes. I'd definitely like to try more colours of this range from NYX, especially as it's the most affordable of my favourite red lipsticks.

Kylie Cosmetics Matte Liquid Lipstick in Merry 

Merry is a much deeper red in comparison to the other two I have mentioned so far and it dries down completely matte. I love the berry/pink tones in this liquid lipstick, but I am not massively keen on the formula. The smell is a bit too overpowering, and I found it made my lips feel very dry. That being said, Merry looks gorgeous with a red gloss over the top, which also helps with the drying formula. 

MAC Diva

Diva was one of the first MAC lipsticks I ever got, and I used to wear it non-stop. I find that applying this lipstick in different ways gives you a different shade of red, which I am not mad about. Dabbing this lipstick onto the lips creates a slightly lighter, but still deep toned burgundy red, whilst applying like a normal lipstick gives an intense burgundy finish. I cannot wait to whip this one out again!

Charlotte Tilbury in So Marilyn

So Marilyn gives the lips a beautiful red sheen. It's not a matte lipstick, it's definitely more on the satin side. It's not hard to wear, doesn't dry out the lips and is the perfect size to throw into your handbag. I love the fact that these lipsticks are mini... You can essentially give the shade a proper try before you commit to a full size lipstick! Who can resist a mini lipstick though?!

What's your favourite red lipstick?

Amber X

Maybelline Lash Sensational

Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara is all I have seen on social media lately - loads of people have been sharing how great it is. I've been meaning to pick up a new mascara for a while so I took it upon myself to see what the fuss it about. When it comes to mascara, I love a big wand, that way I know that each and every lash, big and small, will be covered in product. I thought to share my thoughts with you...

Packaging

The pink and black packaging is simple and classic looking. The effect that the mascara will give your lashes is clearly written on the tube itself - very handy when picking from the vast number of mascara's available to choose from.

Wand

The Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara has a curved brush wand. Personally, this type of wand wouldn't be my first choice - I like a classic wand with thick bristles that really gives volume to the lashes. However, the wand does comb through all of my lashes, even the small ones! I do find it tricky to get to the little lashes right in the corner of my eye with a big mascara wand, but the Lash Sensational coats them pretty easily. The curve of  the wand helps get right into the root of the lash, achieving a curled and thicker lash effect. I don't know if it's just me (it probably is), but sometimes I end up poking myself in the eye with the mascara wand... For some strange reason, I'm thinking it's because the wand is curved. I find myself doing it more often than usual with this mascara :-( 

Overall Effect

 I do like the mascara, but I don't think it's going to become my favourite mascara. The wand definitely separates my lashes and adds length, but personally, I'd like a bit more volume. 

Update
Since writing this post, I have been using this mascara every day and have grown to love it. I think it just took some time for me to get used to the curved wand. Typically, I do apply more than one coat of it, but I'd do the same with any other mascaras. As gross as it sounds, I think I prefer the mascara more, now that it is not brand new. Dryer, clumpier mascaras tend to give me the volume I want in my natural lashes. If you haven't tried this mascara, I would recommend you try it for yourself!

Have you tried the Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara? What were your thoughts?

Amber X

Bonfire Inspired

Bonfire night is tomorrow (!!!) and it's one of the things I look forward too each and every year. Something about standing around, out in the cold, wearing every jumper, scarf and pair of socks that you own that brings me such joy. I took inspiration from all of the warm and smouldering colours that I associate with bonfire night. 

Starting off, I used the Morphe 305M (no surprise) palette and blended a bright orange colour into the crease and up towards my eyebrow. Next I took a deeper orange shade and blended this shade directly into the crease. To add further depth, I took a red eyeshadow and blended this shade into the middle of the crease only using a windscreen wiper motion. Secondly, I took the shade 'Hot Chocolate', a true dark brown shade, from the Anastasia Self Made Palette. Using a 231/luxe petit crease brush from Zoeva, I blended this colour into the outer third of my eye, and my inner corner up into the crease of my eye. I then took 'Spirit Rock', a black from the same palette and placed it over 'Hot Chocolate'. 

For the cut crease look in the middle of my eye, I used the Bourjous Radiance Reveal concealer with a detailer brush from Real Techniques. I always set my concealer with powder or a light eyeshadow to allow the eyeshadow placed on top to not stick or 'cling' to the concealer. The copper shade, 'LA' on the lid is from the Kylie Jenner Burgundy Palette. My lashes are in the style #213 from Red Cherry, and I always get my lashes from here. Red Cherry lashes are so affordable and can be used multiple times before having to get rid of them. Highlight of choice was the Becca Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop to tie in with the warm orange shades used in the eyeshadow look. 

What's your favourite part on Bonfire Night?

Amber X

(Disclaimer: I am definitely no makeup artist, I just enjoy putting makeup on my face!)

My Autumn Essentials

If you're like me, there are always a handful of items that I love to have and wear when the Autumn time rolls round. Getting Autumn ready is always something I look forward too every year. Here is a small list of the things that I know I'll love throughout Autumn...

Scarves

Having a pretty scarf to pair with an oversized jumper or coat is the ultimate combination. Not only does it look good and somewhat put together, it's super comfy. It definitely makes stepping out the house into the cold, that little bit more bearable! There are always so many different patterns, colours, and styles to choose from... I just don't think you can go wrong with a cosy scarf.

Dark Nail Varnishes 

I have always been a fan of dark coloured nails and what better time to wear them. One of my favourites for this time of the year is 'Raspberry' and 'Blackcurrant' by Barry M. 

A Hydrating Moisturiser

Typically, during the colder months of the year, I tend to notice my skin feeling drier than usual. It only takes a cold breeze and a frosty morning and the moisture in my skin just disappears. Don't get me wrong, I love these things about the colder months, but I feel better in myself when my skin isn't dry. There are so many moisturizers out there to choose from, and personally, I think Autumn is a great time to switch them up. 

Lip Liner and Lipstick 

Using a lip liner makes wearing and applying a bold lip colour SO much better (well for me anyways). Lip liners stop lipstick bleeding, and makes application of lipstick much neater. If you don't have a liner that matches your favourite dark, berry tone lipstick, I'd advise you get one!

Winter Boots

 Boot shopping seems 100x better at this time of the year. Shops no longer stock as many sandals and pumps, leaving more room for all the winter boots you've been waiting for! Boots are great for colder weather, and I love chunky shoes. 

What could you not be without in Autumn?

Amber X

Sharp Liner Every Time

Eyeliner is something I must have started getting into wearing in Year 11. We weren't really meant to wear makeup to school, in fact, I'm sure many of us were told to remove it at some point... But even to this day I find eyeliner difficult to apply (my eyes have an annoying tendency to water at the smallest of things). Winged liner is definitely something I have gotten to grips with as time has gone on. Practise and patience is definitely needed!

I thought to share my own thoughts and tips I find useful when applying winged liner, in the hope that it may help one of you!

Find the product/s that work best for you

 I know this may seem obvious, but eyeliner application can vary depending on the products you're using. Gels, pencil, or liquids that come in a pot or a felt tip pen - find the product that you feel the most comfortable applying. When looking for an eyeliner, I always look at the tip/applicator - I like my wing to taper out, which is easier to achieve with a thin applicator. It's all about personal preference. 

Cleaning up

Personally, if I want to do a winged liner I will start with my eye makeup first. This way if I draw the wing too thick, or I want to clean it up a little, I can use a makeup wipe to sort it out without ruining my foundation, concealer etc. Using concealer on a small brush can also be a massive help when trying to neaten eyeliner! Cleaning up the wing gives you more control over how the liner ends up looking.

Symmetry trick

My liner is rarely the same on both eyes... I can find it tricky to align them at the same angle or direction. I use an eyeshadow brush (bare with me) to try and make them look as similar as possible. I place the handle of an eyeshadow brush on the outer corner of my eye, in the direction of my brow, until the other end touches my nose. Not only does this trick give an indication of where to draw the liner, but makes sure that the angle of each wing should be similar. 

Take your time

Now I know you must be thinking 'surely this goes without saying', but eyeliner in a rush is never going to end well. Take your time and just play around with it. You never know what you might create!

My eyeliners of choice are the Maybelline Master Ink, Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner and the Master Precise Liner. 

What eyeliner tips would you give?

Amber X

Repurchases

When it comes to repurchasing beauty bits, I am quite picky. If I don't have a melt down when that product is nearly empty or all used up, then I know it's a product I can live without... I thought to share which products I have repurchased recently and definitely, cannot be without!

Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder - £29

SO many youtuber's have raved about this powder that I caved in and bought my first pot last summer. It's become something I use everyday to set concealer under my eyes and other areas of my face, and also to clean up my contour/bronzer. Only now am I buying my second pot - that's crazy! Being pricey for a powder (in my eyes) it's definitely something I can justify buying as it has, seriously, lasted that long. It's super light feeling on the skin, doesn't feel drying, and prevents creasing. 10000% worth trying if you haven't already. 

MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Shade 'Spiked' - £14.50

I have been using this eyebrow pencil for aaaages now and have never managed to find anything that even comes close. I am definitely not the best person at shaping my brows with any kind of product, but this pencil helps 100%! This colour is perfect for me (it's a rich brunette tone), it's self-sharpening which makes life so much easier, and fills in sparse areas whilst still looking natural. However I will say, the only downfall it has, is the pencil sometimes 'crumbles' and ends up snapping, wasting product :-( 

What products can't you live without?

Amber X