Blush for Darker Skin

Blush for Darker Skin..♥



Hey beauts!

I wanted to do a post to help out my darker skin ladies out there who are unsure about blush. In this post, by darker skin, I'm referring to women who are about my shade or darker (for reference I use MAC NC50). 

Why are a lot of darker women so scared of colour? There's really nothing to be afraid of when it comes to wearing blush. Do not let people fool you into thinking you can only pull off plum or berry shades or that you cannot wear blush at all! There are so many other colours that you can wear but obviously there's no need to take it too far and opt for the lightest pink available. It's all to do with the intensity of the shade chosen and you just have to be wise with your selection so you don't make the mistake of looking ashy. 

It's almost as if we have been trained to gravitate towards berry shades. Unless that is your preference, you are not limited to it. My first ever blush from MAC was Loverush (pictured below) but sooner or later, I realised that I wanted to explore and that I too could wear beautiful coral shades and other shades too!

To me, applying blush is a vital step during your makeup routine. In my opinion, it brightens, creates a youthful glow and also adds warmth to the skin giving that "natural glow from within" look. I very rarely leave home without wearing it. It just adds radiance to my skin and makes me look full of life which is the purpose of blush anyway.  

I'm aware that we don't blush naturally, but being darker skin, it is important that we make the right choice of colour. Rich, deep and warm shades are more complementary to our skin tone. Colours such as orange, brick red and coral look beautiful against our skin for a "natural" warm glow. 

Below is a selection of blush shades that you may possibly consider. You are in no way limited to these shades but I just wanted to give an example of the different shades that can be worn. 

L-H: MAC Devil, MAC Sweet As Cocoa, MAC Loverush, NARS Gina, MAC Love Joy, MAC Ambering Rose, NARS Gilda, MAC Raizin, MAC Format, NARS Taj Mahal

If you prefer, rich plum, berry and deep pink shades can also be worn and for added intensity. These shades particularly look nice against very deep skin tones. 

I on't think these shades are available to buy anymore

The blush you wear is entirely up to you but I hope I've helped someone out there who may be scared to wear blush or helped push someone into trying new colours.

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Blush for Darker Skin

Blush for Darker Skin..♥



Hey beauts!

I wanted to do a post to help out my darker skin ladies out there who are unsure about blush. In this post, by darker skin, I'm referring to women who are about my shade or darker (for reference I use MAC NC50). 

Why are a lot of darker women so scared of colour? There's really nothing to be afraid of when it comes to wearing blush. Do not let people fool you into thinking you can only pull off plum or berry shades or that you cannot wear blush at all! There are so many other colours that you can wear but obviously there's no need to take it too far and opt for the lightest pink available. It's all to do with the intensity of the shade chosen and you just have to be wise with your selection so you don't make the mistake of looking ashy. 

It's almost as if we have been trained to gravitate towards berry shades. Unless that is your preference, you are not limited to it. My first ever blush from MAC was Loverush (pictured below) but sooner or later, I realised that I wanted to explore and that I too could wear beautiful coral shades and other shades too!

To me, applying blush is a vital step during your makeup routine. In my opinion, it brightens, creates a youthful glow and also adds warmth to the skin giving that "natural glow from within" look. I very rarely leave home without wearing it. It just adds radiance to my skin and makes me look full of life which is the purpose of blush anyway.  

I'm aware that we don't blush naturally, but being darker skin, it is important that we make the right choice of colour. Rich, deep and warm shades are more complementary to our skin tone. Colours such as orange, brick red and coral look beautiful against our skin for a "natural" warm glow. 

Below is a selection of blush shades that you may possibly consider. You are in no way limited to these shades but I just wanted to give an example of the different shades that can be worn. 

L-H: MAC Devil, MAC Sweet As Cocoa, MAC Loverush, NARS Gina, MAC Love Joy, MAC Ambering Rose, NARS Gilda, MAC Raizin, MAC Format, NARS Taj Mahal

If you prefer, rich plum, berry and deep pink shades can also be worn and for added intensity. These shades particularly look nice against very deep skin tones. 

I on't think these shades are available to buy anymore

The blush you wear is entirely up to you but I hope I've helped someone out there who may be scared to wear blush or helped push someone into trying new colours.

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What's New: Nars, Real Techniques, MAC, Organix, etc.

What's New: Nars, Real Techniques, MAC, Body Shop, Organix and L'Oreal Products..♥

I felt like I hadn't made any purchases in a while so last week I decided to go into town and I guess treat myself to a few things. Uni is very stressful at the moment and like most of us, shopping never fails to make me happy. As always, I thought I'd show you the beauty products that I came back with.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Range 

For some reason, my skin has been acting up a little recently and I had previously gone into The Body Shop with my friend the week before last as she had heard good things about their Tea Tree range; the 'Blemish Fade Night Lotion' in particular. Initially I was going to wait until she had tried it out for a while and then get her feedback on it but I was feeling impatient and decided to head back and purchase them for myself. At the time they were doing a deal along the lines of "Buy 3 skincare items and get £5 off". I can't remember the exact offer to be honest but I ended up going for 'Blackhead Exfoliating Wash', 'Skin Clearing Toner' and of course the 'Blemish Fade Night Lotion'.

Blackhead Exfoliating Wash - £5.50

Skin Clearing Toner - £7.00

Blemish Fade Night Lotion - £8.00 

Organix

At the moment, Herbal Essences Hello Hydration is just not doing it for me so I wanted to try out something else. I love argan oil so I picked up the Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner and also their Coconut Milk Conditioner as Boots were doing a 3 for 2 offer. After purchasing these, I came home to read a lot of negative reviews on these so I have been reluctant to try them out =/ . If you use these, please let me know what you think!

Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo - £1.99

Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner - £1.99

Coconut Milk Conditioner - £1.99

Nars Casino Bronzer

Okay so if you're like me and you were excited about the good weather we've been having recently, you would agree that it's time to get glowing! I actually ordered this from ASOS whilst they were doing their 25% off discount for students. I had never seen this bronzer in person so I bought this based on images floating on Google hoping that it would be dark enough to show up on my skin tone. Unfortunately not! It doesn't show up how I would like it to but you can see some of the subtle shimmer. I wouldn't advise anyone of my skin tone or darker to go for this shade (which I think is the darkest NARS goes).

Casino Bronzer - £24.00

MAC Sweet As Cocoa Blush

I've wanted this blush for a long time but avoided buying because I thought it was very similar to MAC Format Blush which I own. I still think it is actually but I would say 'Sweet as Cocoa' has more red tones. This blush really complements women of colour and is a great everyday blush or for those who are just starting to wear blush. 

Sweet as Cocoa Blush - £17.50

L'Oreal Super Liner - Black Lacquer

So I've used L'Oreal Super Liner Carbon Gloss, Super Liner Perfect Slim and now I have purchased the Super Liner Black Lacquer. Aimlessly walking around Superdrug as I usually do, I decided to buy the Super Liner in Black Lacquer. No reason in particular, just wanted to try something new! 

Super Liner Black Lacquer - £6.49

Real Techniques

Core Collection

Blush Brush

Stippling Brush

Last but not least, I wanted to show you the Real Techniques brushes that I purchased after so many weeks of deliberation. With them on a 3 for 2 offer, how could I resist?!

I've heard and read nothing but great reviews on these brushes by makeup artist Samantha Chapman from Pixiwoo on YouTube, so I just had to take advantage of the offer that Boots had on. I'm not sure if they've still got their 3 for 2 offer on but if they do, make sure you definitely think about getting these brushes. I paid 30-something pounds for 6 decent quality brushes! I chose to get the Core Collection, Blush Brush and Stippling Brush. They are all very soft, especially the blush brush! There are other brushes/sets to choose from though. If you haven't heard about the Real Techniques brushes make sure you Google or YouTube them!

Core Collection - £21.99

Blush Brush - £9.99

Stippling Brush - £11.99

Do you own any of these products? If so, let me know what you think of them

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What's New: Nars, Real Techniques, MAC, Organix, etc.

What's New: Nars, Real Techniques, MAC, Body Shop, Organix and L'Oreal Products..♥

I felt like I hadn't made any purchases in a while so last week I decided to go into town and I guess treat myself to a few things. Uni is very stressful at the moment and like most of us, shopping never fails to make me happy. As always, I thought I'd show you the beauty products that I came back with.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Range 

For some reason, my skin has been acting up a little recently and I had previously gone into The Body Shop with my friend the week before last as she had heard good things about their Tea Tree range; the 'Blemish Fade Night Lotion' in particular. Initially I was going to wait until she had tried it out for a while and then get her feedback on it but I was feeling impatient and decided to head back and purchase them for myself. At the time they were doing a deal along the lines of "Buy 3 skincare items and get £5 off". I can't remember the exact offer to be honest but I ended up going for 'Blackhead Exfoliating Wash', 'Skin Clearing Toner' and of course the 'Blemish Fade Night Lotion'.

Blackhead Exfoliating Wash - £5.50

Skin Clearing Toner - £7.00

Blemish Fade Night Lotion - £8.00 

Organix

At the moment, Herbal Essences Hello Hydration is just not doing it for me so I wanted to try out something else. I love argan oil so I picked up the Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner and also their Coconut Milk Conditioner as Boots were doing a 3 for 2 offer. After purchasing these, I came home to read a lot of negative reviews on these so I have been reluctant to try them out =/ . If you use these, please let me know what you think!

Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo - £1.99

Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner - £1.99

Coconut Milk Conditioner - £1.99

Nars Casino Bronzer

Okay so if you're like me and you were excited about the good weather we've been having recently, you would agree that it's time to get glowing! I actually ordered this from ASOS whilst they were doing their 25% off discount for students. I had never seen this bronzer in person so I bought this based on images floating on Google hoping that it would be dark enough to show up on my skin tone. Unfortunately not! It doesn't show up how I would like it to but you can see some of the subtle shimmer. I wouldn't advise anyone of my skin tone or darker to go for this shade (which I think is the darkest NARS goes).

Casino Bronzer - £24.00

MAC Sweet As Cocoa Blush

I've wanted this blush for a long time but avoided buying because I thought it was very similar to MAC Format Blush which I own. I still think it is actually but I would say 'Sweet as Cocoa' has more red tones. This blush really complements women of colour and is a great everyday blush or for those who are just starting to wear blush. 

Sweet as Cocoa Blush - £17.50

L'Oreal Super Liner - Black Lacquer

So I've used L'Oreal Super Liner Carbon Gloss, Super Liner Perfect Slim and now I have purchased the Super Liner Black Lacquer. Aimlessly walking around Superdrug as I usually do, I decided to buy the Super Liner in Black Lacquer. No reason in particular, just wanted to try something new! 

Super Liner Black Lacquer - £6.49

Real Techniques

Core Collection

Blush Brush

Stippling Brush

Last but not least, I wanted to show you the Real Techniques brushes that I purchased after so many weeks of deliberation. With them on a 3 for 2 offer, how could I resist?!

I've heard and read nothing but great reviews on these brushes by makeup artist Samantha Chapman from Pixiwoo on YouTube, so I just had to take advantage of the offer that Boots had on. I'm not sure if they've still got their 3 for 2 offer on but if they do, make sure you definitely think about getting these brushes. I paid 30-something pounds for 6 decent quality brushes! I chose to get the Core Collection, Blush Brush and Stippling Brush. They are all very soft, especially the blush brush! There are other brushes/sets to choose from though. If you haven't heard about the Real Techniques brushes make sure you Google or YouTube them!

Core Collection - £21.99

Blush Brush - £9.99

Stippling Brush - £11.99

Do you own any of these products? If so, let me know what you think of them

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My Favourite Makeup Products Of 2011

Favourite Makeup Products Of 2011..♥











Happy New Year Beauts!



Since we've now ended 2011 and welcomed 2012, I thought I'd show you some of last years makeup favourites. They are makeup products which I've reached for the most. A lot of them I often repurchased and some were new additions to my collection last year which I may have previously blogged about. There are more products which I reached for often as well but these are the products which stuck in my mind so obviously made a good impression.



In no particular order, here are my 2011 makeup faves!

Sigma Small Contour Brush F05

I haven't owned this brush for a long time but it quickly became one of my top brushes that I use for contouring and applying blush.



Sigma Buffer Brush F45

I also own the MAC Buffer Brush 182 but I kind of ruined it so I looked for a cheap alternative and came across this one. It is exactly the same as the MAC 182 and works just as well!

I use it to apply my MAC Mineralize Skin Finish powder.



Sigma Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush F80

This is by far my most favourite brush. It blends in my foundation effortlessly and seamlessly. It gives me that flawless look that I love. I would recommend it to anyone!

MAC Fix+

I use this daily before my foundation application and I really do believe it helps make my makeup last longer. I also use it if I feel I've applied too much powder so it helps make my makeup look more natural. I've just recently run out but I'm going to pick up a new bottle very soon!

MAC Prep + Prime Skin Base Visage

I love this primer! I got it as a Christmas present from my sister in 2010 and since then I cannot go without using it. It makes my skin very smooth and prepares it for my foundation application. There are small light-reflecting particles in it which create a glowing effect. 

Click here for my review on this product.

Face Atelier Ultra and Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Estee Lauder Double Wear is by far my most favourite foundation. It does everything I need it to apart from provide a good colour match for me so I mix it with Face Atelier Ultra to create a better match and perfect finish. 

Click here for my review on Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation and here for a FOTD of me wearing the mix. 

YSL Rouge Volupte #3 Ultimate Beige and NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss Miami Babe

I believe this is my most worn lip combo of the year. They are like a mauve shade and complement my skin tone very well. Great for everyday wear!

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish

I've lost count of how many times I've repurchased this product. It is my favourite powder from MAC. I use it 90% of the time that I wear makeup and I can't see myself putting it away anytime soon!

L'Oreal Super Liner Carbon Gloss

I really can't remember the last time I've used an eyeliner besides this one. It is quite black in my opinion with a slight gloss finish and lasts all day!



L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara/Original

I love this mascara! I usually either buy it in 'Carbon Black' or 'Original' depending on what superdrug has in stock. It lengthens and thickens my lashes like no other mascara has.



MAC Eye Brows

I cannot go without these! I usually use it in the shade 'Stud' but recently I've been purchasing 'Spiked' ever since they ran out of 'Stud'. They are great because it gives a natural look to your filled in brows and don't make your eyebrows look too drawn on.

Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder

Words cannot describe how good this product is. It sets my makeup and makes it last the whole day with no touch ups.

Click here for a review.

ChapStick Moisturiser and MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner - Soothing Beige

These are both very good moisturisers to apply to your lips during the day and even at night before bed. They heal and prevent dry/cracked lips!

MAC Prolongwear Concealer

This is my favourite concealer to use for my under eye area. It doesn't cake or crease under the eye. You have to work very quickly with it though as it is fast-drying!

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer

I really like using this concealer to perfect my brows as it is very easy to blend unlike other concealers that I've tried.

NARS Gilda Blush

I AM SORRY, I ACCIDENTALLY TOOK A PICTURE OF NARS GINA!

I have quite a few blushes but last year, I found myself reaching for this one so many times. NARS blushes are very pigmented and last a long time. It is a very nice coral colour that also complements dark skin tones!



Sleek Contour Kit - Medium

Those who follow my blog will know that I haven't owned this contour kit for a long time but for the little time that I have had it, I've used the contour powder everyday. It is a great product for its price as it also comes with a highlighter (which I hardly ever use).

MAC Iridescent Loose Powder Golden Bronze

I believe this is a multi-purpose product but I specifically use it as a highlighter which I believe it's great for. I used it so much during summer 2011 because it gives me that nice glow which is not overpowering. It has fine particles so you won't look like a glittery hot mess!

Click here for a review.



Were any of these your favourites for 2011?

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