Eyeko mad for Tea Rose polish

It's hard to find a soft pink polish thats not too can I say "nannary? well thats not even a word but thats the best description I can give.

Warm pinks can look dated but this is stunning. We've seen hot pinks and bubblegum pinks on hands and toes this summer but this is a deeper richer colour that's not overpowering.

What it looks like.

I have had this on for 4 days!

How much does it match my lipgloss!

Price:£3.50  8.5ml

I have been complimented and asked about this colour alot this weekend and not just on YouTube. Universally this is a great colour to suit most. Only downside is that if you have dark skin with alot of red undertones this won't be very flattering I.M.O.

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Kim's mermaid look

 

A while ago I placed a poll on my blog asking which celebrities make-up you favoured.

Whist Dita Von Teese's retro look took the lead early on Kim Kardashian's perfect smokey look won the overall vote.

As a result I asked my bloggers to pick a favourite Kim make-up look for me to re-create, there were a few but this was my favourite as it was a little different and I loved the blue/purple on the eyes.

I adore Mario, Kim's make-up artist as his work on other models is just as stunning and has masses of variety.

He was doing a shoot with the Kardashians and as the theme was mermaids he choose to break away from greens and use bright purples and smouldering blues. As soon as I saw it I knew I wanted to attempt it.

It looks quite different on me, although I followed the products he used it looks more purple on Kim like a more vibrant shade which I couldn't get from the items listed so he may have used another colour and forgot to mention it?

 

 

 

Products used-

Face

• M.A.C face and body in N3 and C6
• Coastal scents eyeshadows as shader from 78 palette
• Coastal scents purple/pink blush from 78 palette
• Barry M white dazzle dust as highlighter

Eyes

• M.A.C Stars n rockets
• M.A.C Deep truth
• M.A.C Contrast
• M.A.C Creme de violet
• Stila onyx eye pencil
• Barry M white dazzle dust
• Bliss lashes

Lips

• M.A.C myth
• M.A.C sugar trance lipgloss

Want to see the video?

I said this wasn't a wearable look but seeing the pictures it's definately not outrageous for evening glam. Just miss the purple on the cheeks and your good to go.

Do you wear purples?

Product review-Nars primer

Today's review is Nars SPF 20 primer.

I can give a good solid review as I have used this quite a bit and have had good and bad moments with it.

Rubbed into the skin

What is it?

A make-up primer, use it under foundation. It has a very light weight consistency and leaves skin feeling moisturised which is perfect for achieving a flawless base.

Pros

It is very light and contains SPF 20 to protect the skin against premature ageing.The soothing ingredients ease redness and reduces inflammation.

Cons

As this contains SPF it's not good for flash, the light reflecting particles leave your face looking paler than your body.Trust me I know!

I stopped wearing this for a while but recently have been wearing through the day for extra protection.

Overall thought

Ideal for holidays to wear alone on bare skin, it hydrates and leaves skin looking dewy. As it isn't suitable for flash I wouldn't recommend this for evenings for you facebook mad people.

I do like it but not sure I would pay £25 again for something I only use during the day.

What are your thoughts on this?

Online seller I like-TheBodyNeeds2

It is hard to find and trust good online make-up sellers, I should know as I have as I have suffered before.

I had forgot where I bought my M.A.C pigment sample but searching the net I have found the site.

The site sells sample jars of  M.A.C glitters, pigments and paint pots but also to my delight the Loew Cornell brushes that the fantastic Enkore from YouTube uses.

She also has samples of the new Feline collection by M.A.C so if you don't want the full jars try a 5g sized jar.

Check the website out HERE

Happy hair

Like many women I am super indecisive with my hair, one minute it's brown then highlighted then brown. Chopped short then want it long so adds clip in extesions i'm crazy.

Ladies lets give our barnet a break, I mean come on what chance does it have.

Everyone's hair is different, mine is polker straight and naturally a red/brown colour (I was born with red hair!). Luckily my hair is strong and hasn't been damaged too much by my lack of commitment to any particular style.

However it doesn't stop me from really looking after it and respecting the fact that too much styling will wreak havoc on my locks.

I try to dry my hair naturally as often as I can, I actually only wash my hair about 3-4 times a week and only use heat tools when I am going for dinner or to P.A.R.T.Y.

My routine for the past year or more has been Aussie moisture shampoo and conditioner, it really leaves my hair soft but I have broken the trend and bought new hair care...

As I had ran out of the shampoo I thought I would try another. I like TRESemme products so decided to try the colour protecting shampoo. FAIL.

I always read the bottle before buying as I won't purchase shampoo with panthenol as I have read that it strips colour from hair but also makes my hair feel very dry and tatty. As I was in a rush I dashed this into the trolley only to realise my mistake whilst washing my hair later. As soon as I lathered I knew it had that in as it's just awful.

 I made it my mission to buy another shampoo and after scouring the shelves for a while I purchased the new Herbal Essence shampoo and conditioner. What a buy that was!

It not only smells gorgeous with the red raspberry's and silk extracts, but feels a-mah-zing and doesn't have panthenol. BONUS

There's a crazy deal in boots at the moment. The big bottles are cheaper than the smaller ones, I paid like £1.70 per bottle for the 300g but the smaller bottles are 2 for £3.

Definitely worth a buy I definitely will be re-purchasing.

Chic and cheap - Love rings

I am sure some of you have seen Solange Azagury - Partridge jewellery but may not have known the designer behind it.

It has become a celeb favourite as her designs are quirky and definitely artistic. Self taught Solange has created some stunning pieces that have made appearances in the likes of Vogue.

I in particular am lusting over her ceramic lips ring, I adore vintage jewellery but also like playful iconic looking pieces that will last.

Today's look is at her Love ring which is part of the tough love collection, I believe it comes with and without the diamond set in Red-gold.

It is a stunning item but be prepared to splash the cash as the diamond version is £1,100. However...

If you like the style but want a budget friendly price then check this out.

No it isn't as pretty and nope it's not made of gold but hey it's £4 at Topshop. I also like the two and three fingered rings thats out at the moment so go looksie if you likey.

Internet is still being a git, I have to pop my laptop outside for a few seconds for things to load. Pain I know, so imagine me trying to upload videos!

Anyway got loads more posts to do so speak soon.

Storage-eye make-up

I don't own a huge amount of make-up as I find although I am attracted to the vibrant colours I don't use them too often. The most used colours seem to be in my M.A.C palettes. They're perfect for myself or others.

This isn't an informative post rather a few pics for the self proclaimed nosey people. After all we like to know how other people do things. Maybe it will give you some ideas...maybe not

I am a bit of an organisation freak so everythig needs a place, these storage trays from Ikea are perfect for storing round jars and tubes, keeping everything neat and visable. I stack brands on top of each other in a colour co-ordinationg manor to help my eye quickly scan the draw to pick what I need.

This section has my Barry M dazzle dusts

This holds my Jesse's Girl, Suds and Sass, Stargazer, O.C.C and Medusa make-up pigments.

 Here I keep my Coastal Scents gel liners, Stila smudge pots, M.A.C pigments, M.A.C fluidline and some primers

In a deeper tray I keep my M.A.C pigment samples, I prefer to get these than the jars. I forgot the website I got them from but I searched M.A.C samples.

As these compartments are narrow they make the perfect space for mascara and shadesticks, underneath them are a few quads of complimentary colours and loose eyeshadows I need to depot.

Here anything goes. Illamasqua loose pigments and liquid metal, Nars palettes, M.A.C, Sue Moxley, Grimas, O.C.C, Go cosmetics.

More randoms-Smashbox, Ruby&Millie eyeshadows, E.L.F,Benefit, GOSH, Illamasqua, Milani and at the bottom a Grimas quad.

In a seperate basket I keep some of my smaller palettes, there's quite a few to name but this was from Asda for a cheap £1.70 for 2!

I have more larger palettes by M.A.C and Coastal scents but they're in another area. 

That's all for the storage for now, I will move on to face and lips another time. I'm pooped from a day at Butterfly World with 3 very excited children so I am going to crawl upstairs to lay my head down.

Also my internet connection is horrible at the moment.

It takes me ages to do a post so attempting to reply to my comments is a joke. I am going to try and get back at you lovely ladies tomorrow.

Today's tip...white base

I

During a recent trip to M.A.C I purchased two eyeshadows, one being from the Dare to Wear collection the other is from the permanent line.

Having been asked quite a few times to do a look using blue I chose this dazzler, it's on the same scale as electric eel but a little more deeper.

The other was stars and rockets which I have been after for a while and is for a different requested look.

One swatch of this left me less than impressed but I seen the potential vibrancy layered over a base. If I wanted to use this in a smokey look I would just use it as it is as it is soft but buildable. To get the vibrancy of the colour in the pan I applied over a white eyeliner pencil.

Bases are fantastic for holding pigment/glitter, making eyeshadow last long and appear more pigmented.

Base doesn't necessarily have to be labeled "eyeshadow base" as you can use cream eyeshadows, Kohl pencils, gels etc. For this demonstration I used a white eyeliner pencil by Barry M and look how different the finish is!

 

For a modern way of wearing blue I'm not going to blend several colours but rather leave it as a block colour.

Try this with different bases to see how intense the colour becomes. Blue makes brown eyes pop so go get your favourite shade of blue and give it a go. This tip is great for those with dark skin who may find colour looks a little insipid against their tone.

Let me know if it works for you.

Rocking red lips

Red lips will never go out of fashion however we see different shades and finishes from season to season.

I prefer matte red lipsticks to anything else as I feel it's more wearable, sometimes the vinyl look can appear a little cheap if applied wrongly. Age also plays a part in the perfect red lip as lines appear and fullness fades achieving the best look becomes harder.

The high shine patent lip is creeping back in but whats the best way to wear it?...

In my own opinion I think if you are wearing this look in the day then go minimal with the rest of the make-up, if you are choosing this for evening define the eyes a little. Don't go crazy with the black smokey eye or you may look over done or dare I say it "cheap".

I have seen a heavy eye and glossy red lip in print but it works in magazines as the setting and clothes play a different story. Wearing a mini dress and stumbling round town in this style make-up may get you the wrong interest.

To wear the high shine red lips precision is vital, so much attention is drawn to the area so make sure the line is perfect. Any bleeding and you will look like you've been smooching.

Use a lip primer to fill any lines and prevent the feathered look, next conceal around the lips to even any skin tone and hide blemishes.Using a red lip liner create a sharp cupids bow and fill the lips. This will act as a base so either apply your favourite lipstick then clear gloss or choose the easy option and just pop on some red lipgloss.

I purchased this product by Barry M because of the fine glitter and also because the consistency was silky rather than sticky. It smells gorgeous just like cherry's so you may be tempted to give your lips a lick!

I was a little disappointed though as it is quite sheer unless you add a fair amount.

All in all it's a nice product for those wanting a cute fun look.

Choosing the perfect red for you-

• Teens to Twenties-You guys can pretty much get away with anything. Go for bright reds and high gloss finishes. 
• Thirty's-The gimmicky days have gone and a more demure look seems advisable. You still have the fullness and good skin to carry off creamy or matte reds. If you have good texture you may get away with a little gloss. Gwen Stefani is a good example.
• Fourty's-Lines may be appearing around the lips and skin might have become a little drier so use a primer to fill any lines and choose a hydrating lipstick. Clinique and Chanel some nice ones.
• Fifty's plus-The fullness may have decreased and lines may be deeper but that doesn't mean you can't wear colours. Go for soft shades of red that are more on the sheer side, a tinted lip balm or hydrating sheer lipstick will do the trick. Glosses and bright lipstick will draw attention to the lines and even settle in them. Think Pat Butcher and that fluro pink lipstick!

Either way go red!

One coat

Two coats

Is red for you?

When Fake M.A.C strikes

People have been selling fake M.A.C cosmetics on auction sites for a long time, to some of us it's blatantly obvious to spot the fake from the real deal.

Unfortunately for people like my mam and brother it's not obvious at all. Last Christmas my brother bought me a big pile of make-up that I found out actually cost a fair bit of money but sadly was ALL fake.

I didn't have the heart to tell him so just smiled and said thank you, I was gutted thinking he had spent that money on something he thought I would love.

It included three M.A.C palettes, two mascara, one lipgloss and  lipstick oh and a ridiculous Bobbi Brown pressed powder in the style of the shimmer brick.

The only items I kept were the insulting palettes, reason being I actually really like the lipglosses and the lipstick. Wait until I show you the pictures you may pee a little with laughter or be horrified that you have one?

I also bought a pigment which looks so authentic but sadly I didn't inspect it closely enough to realise it was counterfeit.

A little test for you guys/ Spot the Difference.

Which is the fake from each three?

I will tell you the answer further down

It just goes to show how good the copies are at the moment, if you do buy one unaware make sure you really inspect it once you receive it. Lipsticks shouldn't have that cheap play dough smell. M.A.C lipsticks smell a little like vanilla. Proportions are another factor, if you have items you know are real i.e you bought them from a M.A.C store then size it up against the auction bought one to compare the thickness and diameter of the containers and lids.

Another way to spot a fake is the label. M.A.C do not put bar codes on the items just the boxes. Most of the fakes will be numbered A73. This is a batch code so some originals may have this same number but if you notice all the sellers goods have this number beware it could be counterfeit.

Looking through ebay just now I have instantly noticed a few fakes, ladies please don't be fooled by a seller who is selling a full brush set for £23.

1. Each brush is damn near £23 if you want a face brush your talking over £30 each!
2. M.A.C do not sell these sets with brush rolls. This complete set would be hundreds.

The item is listed MAC 24 piece brush set.

Another ridiculous item is the supposed M.A.C 120 palette, I would laugh but he has actually sold 37 AT £40 EACH!!!

Search MAC 120 palette on ebay.

Legally they cannot state genuine in the title if it is not so bear this in mind. If I was to sell my M.A.C I would firstly spell it properly MACs is a giveaway to spot a fake. It's their way of getting around the fact they didn't put MAC. Also I would write 100% genuine M.A.C eyeshadow. That way Ebay can see that you have listed it as authentic and remove the item or return your money.

Sadly some creeps will write the authenticity in the description knowing fine well it is horribly fake. Always ask for added pictures if your unsure and make sure you copy any messages sent and received from sellers as proof of communication.

Did you spot the fakes?

The second pigment is fake-This was hard to tell but the lid is shinier. Also the sticker on the bottom was stamped A73. I didn't want to show you that as I wanted you to try and see from the prosthetics of the jar.

In the lipstick row the first lipstick is fake see how thick the writing is. This was a looky like from the heatherette collection. It's quite good but the plastic is quite thick and the lipstick smells cheap.

Onto these amusing palettes...

To someone who has never seen M.A.C this may look normal but to you make-up lover prepare for a fright.

Quintessentially crap right!

When has M.A.C ever produced anything so hideous?

The fact the eyeshadows are so cheaply made and squashed together like caged hens makes me laugh. Don't get me started on the mascara included oh and the brushes that you get in the lipgloss drawer.

 I would never use this on anyone as I am unaware of the ingredients however the lip colours look nice on so I might depot them and put them into another case so that I can use them personally. I would be a little embarrassed to crack this Quasimodo in public!

Be careful when buying cosmetics on the web, unless they can guarantee authenticity with a receipt or otherwise save for the real deal. Here's some tips.

• FACT- M.A.C WOULD NEVER INCLUDE CHEAP BRUSHES OR PRODUCE A CRAPTASTIC CASING SUCH AS THIS.
• FACT-M.A.C HAS PRODUCED EYESHADOW OR LIP PALETTES BUT THEY'RE SOLD IN PALETTES OF 6 COLOURS OR IN SOME COLLECTIONS QUADS.
• PLEASE DO NOT BUY JOB LOTS OR PALETTES WITH A LARGE AMOUNT OF SHADOWS. A QUALITY BUYER WILL ALWAYS LIST THE EYESHADOW NAMES.
• ALWAYS CROSS REFERENCE WITH PRODUCTS ON THE M.A.C WEBSITE.
• IF YOU THINK IT IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE IT PROBABLY IS. 

If you are unsure of a website that sells M.A.C check cosmetic forums to see if it has been recognised as selling counterfeit itmes. 

Try looking on Makeupalley to see reviews and swatches of products before you buy.

Hope this helps you not to be fooled by these make-up sharks.

Vampy nails

 Neat nails can make your look more polished, black nail varnish is one of those colours wearable all year round and looks smart.

The best way to wear black is on shorter nails, long nails and black varnish can look a little witchy so beware.

I had never tried a black with a two tone effect until now.

I used to feel it was a little garish but Eyeko has created this beautiful shade called Vampira.

It is black with tiny red glitter particles that are only noticeable in certain light so you don't look tacky .

What I did find is that it dried a little matte so apply a high shine top coat to make them look like glass.

A fabulous buy at £3.50, the only issue being the consistency. It's a little runny so apply sparingly towards the cuticle as it runs like mad.

If you can try out the eyeko polishes give them a go.