Iconic London Cream Contour Palette Review

I'll start this post by confessing I'm a newbie in the cream contour world. I've always thought contouring looks a bit scary and I don't like the thought of looking like I'm wearing a mask so it never really appealed to me. However I have to say I think the Iconic London Cream Contour Palette has converted me.

What I love about the palette is its consistency, it glides on so easily and its super easy to blend in. This is great because you can build the product up and you can go as natural or as bold as you want with your contouring. I used the Real Techniques Pointed Foundation Brush to apply, with the Detailer Brush down the sides of my nose, and the Contour Brush to blend (I found this worked great!)

Excuse my messy palette, I have used it a couple of times and couldn't get it clean! Its great that it tells you how to use each shade, from left to right: 'smooth & brighten, correct & perfect, highlight & lift, tighten & tone, shape & shade and sculpt & define.' You could probably get away with using this product without even applying your foundation before, it's that easy to blend.

I tend to apply the product quite naturally: I use highlight & lift under my eyes, I then apply sculpt & define in a harsh line on my cheekbones and buff it out with the shape & shade lighter tone. I then use tighten & tone on my forehead and also down my nose to attempt to contour that! Smooth & brighten is great for applying down your t-zone and to blend in any parts that you may have overdone contouring on.

This isn't a product I reach for on a daily basis as it does add time onto my routine, however I use it when I'm going out somewhere a bit nicer than work! The only thing I dislike about the palette is it makes my skin very dewy, and as I already have oily skin, this is not a great combination! I definitely have to reach for my powder more often once I've applied this product. However if you have normal or dry skin I don't think you'd have an issue with this and it does give a lovely glow.

I think for £32.99 you get a good quality product for your money. There are a lot more expensive contour palettes on the market and this is a great one to start practicing your contour skills with. I'm definitely looking forward to using this product more and improving my contour game!

What contouring product do you use? I'd love to hear any recommendations!

How I Curl My Hair

Recently I have had trouble curling my hair. I used to swear by GHDs, but it got to a certain length and they just stopped holding the curl and they would drop out within minutes. But I recently discovered a new favourite, which gives a big, loose wave which I don't think looks too done, which is just the look I wanted!

 I was originally going to just write this post about the Nume curler, but I recently treated myself to some Bumble and Bumble products (I'd cast them as a luxury!) as I had a lot of points to spend on my Boots card (yay!) 

I thought I'd try the new Full Potential range, which claims to preserve and invigorate the hair to make it look fuller and stronger. This should also help reduce hair loss from breakage. The BB Styling Creme adds body, lifts the hair at the root and defines curl, which is what I bought it for. 

I'm not sure about the BB Full Potential range preserving my hair, but it definitely makes it look fuller and it makes it a lot more manageable and smoother. When used with the BB Styling Creme it seems to straighten or curl much better, when its straight it looks much smoother and has more body, and the Styling Creme helps hold the curls well too. I usually apply the Styling Creme when my hair is damp, although it can be used on wet or dry hair.

The Nume 32mm is the styling wand I went for, which is the largest barrel I believe, as they have a few variations. The Nume website is actually really helpful and has a Results page showing real life styles the wands create. The wand is so easy to use, some days I have been in a massive rush and had less than 5 minutes to curl it, but it still creates a nice, soft wave, even when rushed. After curling I brush them out slightly using my fingers and spray with hairspray. I haven't included a hairspray in my routine as I am yet to find a favourite. I'm currently using a Tony&Guy medium hold one, but I also like the V05 range and Elnett. 

I bought my Nume wand directly from the Nume website at a discounted price using Anna Saccone's 50% promotion code (not sure if this is still valid!). However I've seen that they often have discounts. Mine ended up costing me less than £40 I think with shipping and VAT which was an incredible deal! Plus they included a UK converter plug (I didn't think they would) and they work perfect. I recommend getting a discount code, don't pay full price if you can avoid it! 

What do you use to curl your hair?

Urban Decay Vice 3 Review

"Ahh isn't it beautiful?" My first thoughts! I actually got this palette back in December for Christmas, but I wanted to have a really good play around with it before I reviewed it. I feel like I really know this palette now, and as Urban Decay never disappoint in the eyeshadow department, I have a lot of good things to say about Vice 3.

How gorgeous is the packaging to start with? It's typical Urban Decay, bright and beautiful! I love how it comes with the zip-up case too, too protect all those beautiful shadows. The only thing I dislike about the packaging is that the shiny case gets my fingerprints all over it whenever I touch it!

Here are all the shades, I'm not going to list them all because you can clearly see the names. Vice 3 features a mixture of mattes and shimmers. The first vertical row are very similar to the shades you'll find in the Naked Basics palettes, and they are great for either blending the other colours in the palette or wearing alone for a natural look. I think what's great about the palette is that each vertical or horizontal row can be worn together really. It's a good challenge to wear all of the shades in a row and see what look you can make! I think a lot of these shades can be worn together, the only ones you wouldn't be able to wear as easy are Dragon and Freeze. But I have worn Freeze a few times now. 

I think my favourite shades are Truth, Heroine, Sonic and Last Sin (which I hope isn't the last Sin!) Sonic might seem like a difficult colour to wear, but it looks great blended into the crease on a brown smoky eye. I will have to do a tutorial for it :).

Vice 3 also features a large mirror which is very helpful. I haven't actually used the brush much and don't like it as much as the Naked palette brushes, but Urban Decay's brushes are always good quality and I appreciate that they don't include those useless foam ones that I always throw away!

In terms of how the colours go on, they are very pigmented and if worn over a primer go on even better. They last all day and blend so easily. I swear by Urban Decay eyeshadows though and have all three Nakeds so I wouldn't have expected any less. Although this palette is quite big, it is a lot less bulky than my Book of Shadows Volume II which I got years ago, so Urban decay have improved their designs through the years. It's definitely worth buying if you want some new colours to play with, with which you can create a range of diverse looks, from natural to very colourful. I honestly think I will use all of these shades at one time or another, I can't get enough of it! I usually tend to have my favourites for a while and then swap to new favourites as I continue to experiment.

Here are a couple of my favourite looks that I have created using Urban Decay's Vice 3. The top one is a simple brown smokey eye using Last Sin, Angel, Defy and Bobby Dazzle. The second look (my current favourite!) was created using Last Sin, Heroine, Revolver, and a light touch of Lucky on the middle of my eyelid. 

Urban Decay Vice 3 is available at Debenhams for £42.

Just incase you wondered:

Revlon Colorstay Foundation

Mac Pro Longwear Concealer

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

MAC Powder Blush in Springsheen

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Centre of Attention

Max Factor Powder (review here)

Barry M Bold Waterproof Eyeliner (first photo)

L'Oreal Superliner Black (second photo)

Benefit Browzings

MAC Creme Cup Lipstick

Packaging: 4

Product: 5

Value for Money: 4

Overall: 4.5

Have you tried Urban Decay Vice 3? If so what did you think?!

New Years Eve: 1980s Party Look

First up I apologise for my poor quality outfit photos, I didn't have time to set up my tripod so you'll have to make do with my instagram photo! 

This year for New Years Eve (also my 22nd birthday, I'm feeling twenty twoooo!) my best friend decided to host an 80's themed party. So we all went for the stereotypical 80's workout class look! I'm pretty impressed with my outfit if I don't say so myself. The lime green cycle shorts (never thought I'd be writing that I own a pair of these..) were from Ebay. They're actually an age 13-14, but they fit like a size 10/12. The tutu is also off Ebay, it came in a set with gloves and other things for a really cheap price (I think they're made for charity races etc.) but I forgot to wear the long, pink gloves for these photos! The leotard I just got from New Look a couple of years ago as I like to wear it with high waisted skirt. My scrunchy is also from New Look!

For my makeup I had a lot of fun with my new Urban Decay Vice palette! These photos really don't do it justice.. Poor lighting at nighttime! I used a pink colour (Alien) all over my lids, then a purple colour (Alchemy) which I blended into a blue colour (Freeze) which I put on the outer half of my eyes. I then put a dark purple (Bondage) in the crease to smoke it up. I just put a white shimmery colour (Bobby Dazzle) on the inner corners to make my eyes pop. I smudged these colours in the same order just under my waterline. I then applied my Loreal liquid liner in a cat eye flick and applied my Eyelure eyelashes. For my eyebrows I used Benefit Browzings (review here). I'm also wearing my new Benefit Brows! Anyone want a review of their brow arch wax and tint? 

On the rest of my face I'm wearing my usual Revlon Colorstay Foundation, MAC pro longwear concealer, Benefit bronzer in Hoola, MAC blusher in Springsheen, and I never thought I'd use this but on my lips I'm wearing Playboy lipstick in Bubblegum Pink. I received that in my Blogger Programme goody bag which you can read about here. I was actually quite impressed with how it went on and looked! I'm not much of a pink lipstick girl usually.

For my hair I plaited it a few hours before the do in lots of small braids, I then had the fun of taking them all out! I got the desired effect though, after some back-combing it was satisfactorily hugeeee and 80s worthy! I then put half of it up (messily) in a scrunchy! Done!

I really enjoyed creating this look! And I had a great night too! I hope you guys all enjoyed your New Years Eves', what did you do?

Easy Christmas Nails

I won't lie, I'm pretty average when it comes to nails! But that's why I wanted to come up with something simple and easy for you guys to recreated, if you're like me and not that steady handed or simply don't have the patience! The colours I used were all by Barry M and I got them all last year, but I'm sure they will have something similar this year!

The effect I wanted to create was an ombre one, and I purposefully put the white shimmery colour at the bottom so when they chipped they wouldn't be as noticeable!

Step 1: Apply a base coat so the varnish won't stain your nails.

Step 2: Apply the pink glittery nail colour to the top half of your nails. Don't do it in a perfect half, leave it a little rough so it blends into the other colour better.

Step 3: When the first colour is dry, apply the white shimmery colour to the bottom half of your nails and blend it up slightly into the pink.

Step 4: Layer over any more colour as necessary.

Step 5: One dry, go over all of your nails with the silver glitter varnish. This step isn't necessary but it helps blend the colours together better and adds a bit more sparkle!

Step 6: Finish it all off with a good top coat! I quite like the Barry M one. 

If you're feeling creative you could draw on some snowflakes too!

You can view the full Barry M glitter range at here at Boots!

How will you be painting your nails this Christmas?

Halloween Looks: Hungry Vampire

Hello Lovelies! The other day I posted a "Glamorous Vampire" makeup look, and this look I created straight after that one, so to get the details of what I used for the base, read the first post! This is a hungry vampire look, and is roughly based on Elena from the Vampire Diaries (my favourite TV programme!). Read on to see how I achieved the look!

Step 1: To get to this stage I removed most of my eye makeup and just left my lashes on. I also partially removed my lipstick, leaving this cracked lip effect behind!

Sorry I didn't realise the camera was out of focus!! 

Step 2: I then went in all over my lid with Blackout from Naked 2 using a flat shader brush. I built this up very intense and blended it well using a dome brush. I also applied some Blackout under my lash line.

Step 3: I then applied Mac's coppering to the inner corners of my eyes, blending it up through Blackout. I also applied it under my eyes to create a tired and sickly look. 

Step 4: I then drew veins under my eyes using Bodyshop black eyeliner. Make sure your eyeliner isn't blunt! Or use a liquid for a more intense effect.

Next I back combed my hair and applied copious amounts of Talcum Powder to it! You want to look dead and hungry!

Dress: Cameo Rose at New Look (last year's)

Belt: Primark

I really like this look, and I think it went okay for saying I made it up on the spot! I definitely recommend the fangs by Love Bites, they fit really well and look realistic!

What's your favourite thing about Halloween? :)

Halloween Looks: Glamorous Vampire

Since Halloween is fast approaching, and my favourite thing about Halloween is being able to transform yourself into something else, I thought I'd post a couple of looks I was experimenting with! I'm not sure how many of these I'll post, as many as I have time for I guess! This look I tried was a vampire, however it wasn't really a scary vampire, hence the term "glamorous vampire"! Enjoy!

Step 1: Dare to bare! So I started by using Bodyshop's Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream as this stops my face from going oily. I then used Revlon PhotoReady Perfecting Primer as a base to keep the makeup in  place.

Step 2: I then applied MAC's Pro Longwear Concealer (which is very pale on me at the moment) to cover up any blemishes. I then mixed Revlon Colorstay Foundation in my regular shade with a cheap White Cream Makeup that I picked up from Asda. I didn't expect much, hence why I mixed it with my foundation to stop it going streaky! The cream was quite cakey and hard to blend, but I think it worked okay. 

Step 3: I then filled in my eyebrows with Benefit's Browzings. 

Step 4: For my eye makeup I wanted a dramatic burgundy colour. So I used a flat shader brush to apply Coppering by MAC, I applied this all over the lid and blended it really far up using a dome brush. I also applied some underneath my lash line. I then patted Urban Decay's Last call all over the lid, which intensified the colour and gave it a shimmery finish. I then went in with Urban Decay's Blackout from Naked 2 and blended this into my crease and in  the outer half of my lower lash line. I also applied Urban Decay's Sellout into the corner of my eyes and along my brow bone. 

Step 5: I then went in with Maybelline's Gel Liner in Black, and drew an exaggerated flick. If you struggle to draw a straight line, I'd recommend leaning your elbow on a surface to keep your hand steady. I also drew a flick angling down too, just for something different! I also used a gold liquid eyeliner that I got from Avon years ago to draw a couple more flicks with, but you could use any glitter eyeliner you had lying around! I also lined my lash line with a Bodyshop black eyeliner. 

Step 6: I went over my lashes quickly with Maybelline's The Falsies and then applied Eylure eyelashes in No.140 and stuck them on using DUO glue (which I reviewed here).

Step 7: I used Avon Bronzer mixed in with a touch of Blackout on the hollows of my cheeks and a very small amount on my forehead and down the sides of my nose.

Step 8: I then used MAC's Dark Side on my lips and used Miss Sporty Extreme Black in the centre of my lips to create an ombre effect.

Step 9: I then messed up my hair and popped in some Love Bites fangs (they're a bit tricky so please read the instructions in order to get the perfect fit!)

Dress: Cameo Rose and New Look (last year's)

Belt: Primark

Hope you enjoyed the tutorial! I really liked this look, especially if you don't want to be too scary. Although I must say it's very difficult to smile in fangs!! I've linked most of the products too if you want any.

What are you dressing up as this halloween?

Autumn Inspired Makeup Look

Hello Lovelies! Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year, purely because of the clothes and makeup you can wear! I love cat eye flicks, bold lips and knitwear, and that's what this season is all about! If you want to find out how I got this look, scroll down :).

The outfit:  

Hat: New Look

Jacket: New Look

Dress: New Look

Necklace: Tiffany

As you can see this is mainly a "New Look" look! I used to work there and with the discount most of my clothes are from there! Unfortunately these are all from last year as I'm currently on a spending ban after America so I'm being good and recycling! However if you want any of these items they usually have similar things each year. 

Makeup:

Face:

Clinique Even Better Makeup Foundation

Revlon Colourstay Concealer

Maybelline New York Dream Powder

Revlon Blusher in Marvellous

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

Eyes:

Benefit Browzings

Urban Decay Naked Palettes 2&3

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Sellout

Maybelline Gel Eyeliner in Black

Maybelline The Falsies Mascara

Lips:

MAC Dark Side

I started by applying Clinique's foundation with my fingers (I can't get on with brushes!) I then applied Revlon's Concealer just under my eyes and around my nose. I set the base with the Maybelline powder. I then contoured using Hoola and applied Marvellous to my cheeks. I then filled out my eyebrows using Browzings (be careful with this one!) To do my eyes I patted Strange from Naked 3 all over my lids and blended Nooner onto my outer half. I then blended Blackout into the crease to make the look more intense. I also used Sellout on the inner corner of my eyes and on the top of my cheekbones to make them pop. I then lined the top of my lash line with Maybelline's Gel Liner and created a flick. I used The Falsies on my lashes but if you wanted to make the look more dramatic you could use fake eyelashes. I used MAC's Dark Side on my lips which I absolutely love! It took me so long to find a dark red that actually suits my skin tone! 

I tried to keep this tutorial short hope you enjoyed!

What's your favourite autumn look?