Summer Makeup Bag Essentials

Since it's now May and Summer's (hopefully) on it's way, I wanted to do a post on some of my Summer makeup bag essentials. I like to switch up my normal routine quite a bit when the Summer comes and go for a more natural, dewy look. I don't like my makeup to be as heavy and tend to go for brighter colours on my cheeks and lips. Here are some of the products I'll be using this year...

So when the warmer weather comes around I'll be swapping my full coverage foundation for a lighter CC cream. I usually swap between Laura Mercier Silk Creme and Armani Luminous Silk on a daily basis but I think I'll be keeping these for night time during the Summer. This month I've been loving L'Oreal Nude Magique Anti-Redness CC Cream which neutralises the redness I get on my cheeks and nose. I started off using it as a base but now I use it on it's own because I find it makes my skin look even and natural. I did a full post on this here if you'd like to see it in action. When this runs out I'll definitely be repurchasing it because for under a tenner it's a bargain compared to other CC creams on the market.

I've always been a powder blush kinda girl and avoided cream blushers because I wasn't sure about them. However, recently I've purchased my first couple and have been converted! I'm in love with my Kevyn Aucoin Creamy Glow Blush (and can't wait to buy more) and have also been using the Revlon Photo Ready Blush in the shade Pinched. This gives my cheeks a really dewy, natural look as it's quite subtle and perfect for every day wear. I find it harder to work with than my Kevyn Aucoin one but that's to be expected.

Two products I can't live without are bronzer and highlighter to achieve that Summer glow. I switch between my NARS Laguna and my Chanel Tan De Soleil but I think I'll be using my Chanel one more this year as it'll go well with the cream blushers. Still straying from the powders, I love Benefit Sun Beam to give me a gorgeous golden glow. I either mix a little bit of this into my foundation for a luminous base or use it as a highlight on my cheek bones, the bridge of my nose and my brow bone. I prefer gold toned highlighter's in summer because they look amazing with a tan.

I'll also be ditching the lipstick (sometimes) during the day and switching back to my lip butters for a more subtle, natural look. One of my favourite Lip Butters at the minute is Revlon's Juicy Papaya. There are so many shades in this range that I want to get my hands on!

So that's some of the products I like to switch to during the Summer months and I'm praying we get a hot one this year (not holding my breath, I live in Scotland). What products do you switch to in the Summer?

Benefit Fake Up

On Monday night I was invited to attend the launch of Benefit's brand new (which you bbloggers have probably already heard about) product, Fake Up in House of Fraser Glasgow. Fake Up is Benefit's new and innovative moisturising concealer that promises not to crease under the eyes (yay!). I don't know about you, but no matter how much I work my concealer in, by the time I've moved onto my mascara I already have some creasing underneath my eyes even if I've powdered. So I was so excited when I heard about Fake Up and as I'm already a big fan of Benefit Makeup (especially They're Real! and Brow Zings) I was expecting great things from this product.

First of all, lets talk about the packaging. Benefit always go all out with the design of their packaging, it's always brightly coloured, patterned and most of all, fun. I love the lipstick style silver and pink casing and the fact the colour of the box corresponds to the colour of the concealer. Overall, the packaging gets a big thumbs up from me.

Now onto the product...Fake Up comes in three different shades; light, medium and deep. So what's the secret behind it? It has two layers to it, the hydrating ring on the outside and the concealing core. The hydrating ring contains Vitamin E and apple seed extract to ensure that it moisturises the skin immediately and keeps it hydrated for up to 6 hours. The concealing core hides dark circles, smoothes skin and diffuses light to make those early mornings a little bit easier.

What does Benefit have to say about Fake Up? - "Our new hydrating crease-control concealer instantly hides dark circles & minimises fine lines for silky smooth coverage!"

I definitely agree with what Benefit say. I tried this product on at the start of the event and by the time I got home it was still perfect and not a crease in sight (with NO powder just to let you know). As soon as you apply it you can feel how moisturising it is and you can even see it in the photos above.

The lovely Claire colour matched me to the shade 02 Medium, but we were lucky enough to leave with all 3 shades. Now I bet you're wondering, what would I possibly do with all 3 shades? Well, Benefits Head Makeup & Trend Artist, Lisa (oh and Brow Expert, did I get it all right Lisa?) told us that not only can it be used as a concealer but also a highlighter and contour. I'll definitely be trying the Light out as a highligher and the Deep underneath by cheek bones as a gorgeous contour. Lisa also used Fake Up at the Matthew Williamson show at London Fashion Week.

Overall, I'm completely sold on this product so far and have never used anything like it, Benefit just keeps getting better and better! Fake Up retails at £18.50* and will be available to buy from the 30th of March. What do you think, will you be buying it?

Most Worn Makeup: February

Last month I did a January Favourites post but this month I decided to do a post on what makeup I've been wearing the most in February. I might do a February favourites post as well because there is a lot of non makeup items that I've been loving this month too.

First of all, the foundation I've been wearing the most this month is Laura Mercier Silk Creme. I absolutely love this foundation, it was in my January favourites and it's still at the top of my list. This month I've been switching between this and my Armani Lumious Silk but I just keep going back to Silk Creme as it gives the most gorgeous finish. I did a full review on this here if you haven't already seen it. I then love to finish off my base with a sweep of NARS Laguna bronzer under my jaw line, on my temples and under my cheek bones for a bit of contouring. I've been using this bronzer every day since I got it in September and I have a back up that I got for Christmas because it's almost finished, definitely couldn't live without it.

Next up is the cheeks, I've been loving Benefit Fine One One and Dior Amber Diamond. Fine One One is just so convenient for those early morning starts, just sweep it onto the cheeks and blend with your fingertips and viola! a gorgeous coral blush with a highlight on the cheekbones. I've had Amber Diamond since November and I still love it as much as I did the first time I used it. If I want more of a noticeable highlight I'll use this on my cheekbones and on my brow bones for a lovely glow. I've done full reviews on both of these products here and here.

I've been using my two new eye shadows, MAC Woodwinked and Naked Lunch almost every day since I got them earlier this month, they're such great colours for every day wear. If you want to see them on, you can check out this post. I can't wait to build up my MAC shadow collection. Benefit They're Real! is one of my all time favourite Mascaras along with Dior Show. I ran out of my full size one but have been using this handbag sized one I got at an event recently until I can afford to buy a new one. I love the way this makes my lashes look, long and full at the same time and it doesn't budge all day.

Along with Creme D'Nude, MAC Angel is one of my all time favourite nude lipsticks (also a firm favourite of Kim K). It's a gorgeous pink toned nude and the only lipstick I've ever used up (three times). It's great for everyday at work and even for nights out paired with a dark, smoky eye. I definitely have a bit of an obsession with MAC lipsticks.

Do you love any of these as much as I do? What products have you been wearing this month?

Benefit Glamouriety Roadshow

First of all sorry I haven't been blogging this week, I really haven't felt up to it and have had a lot on my mind...but I'm back! Also my sister, Rebekah is getting all the credit for these photos as I was too busy holding (downing) free champagne to take any photographs.

On Tuesday, the lovely Scottish Beauty Bloggers Lori, Ruth and Rebekah along with myself attend the Benefit Glamouritey Roadshow. The event was exclusively for Benefit staff but we were very lucky to be invited to join them. Glamouriety is a film that tells the story of Jean and Jane ford, the co-founders of Benefit cosmetics and we were invited along for drinks, nibbles and to watch the movie.

The event was held in the the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow's Merchant City, Benefit made the venue look absolutely stunning with fairy lights and gorgeous center pieces. The first thing I thought when I walked in was wow, I'm so under dressed! Everyone was dressed so glamorous in amazing cocktail dresses and I was in quite a casual red dress (I immediately ran to the toilets to apply more makeup and backcomb my hair). We were greeted with pink champagne that was flowing all night long (free champagne and a 7am start in work do not mix well) as well as wine and some Marc Jacobs Diet Coke (obviously put a can in my bag). 

After we all had a bit too much bubbly, we were seated to watch the movie. All I have to say is it's one of the craziest films I've ever seen and I actually really enjoyed it. There was also a performance from a comedian who was hilarious and then the british founders Ian and Gail made a speech. We were also lucky enough to be introduced to and have a chat with Ian and Gail (pretty sure I just slurred something about how much I love Brow Zings and They're Real!) who were lovely and really interested in what we had to say.

Finally, it was time for some food (I hadn't eaten since 11.30am, it was now 8pm) which was delicious! Mini bowls of fish and chips and Thai green curry to start and some chocolate torte and meringues for dessert. The rest of the night was spent chatting to everyone and drinking some more, it's safe to say we were all feeling a bit fragile in the morning. I always have such a great time at Benefit and the girls (and guys) that work for them are just the nicest people ever. There's one of my fave Benebabes Claire in the bottom picture with the lovely Andrew - who recognizes that Mulberry?!

Overall, it was a really good night and I'm looking forward to the other amazing events I know Benefit will hold.

Benefit: Fine-One-One Event

Last night I had the amazing opportunity to attend the Benefit Fine-one-one event (their new exciting lip and cheek product) at the Hard Rock Cafe in Edinburgh. When we arrived at the event we were greeted with yummy French Martinis before we took our seats and met the lovely Benebabes Nina, Claire and Jo. Firstly, we got a demonstration on how to get that Benefit signature brow by one of their brown experts. We were shown how they map out your brows to find the perfect shape, tint them and then wax them before finishing off with one of my holy grail brow products - Brow Zings. I'll definitely be popping in to one of their brow bars ASAP!

After that we were introduced to the product of the night, Fine-one-one! The lovely Claire explained the product to us and gave us a demonstration on how to apply it. Benefit describe the product as a 'sheer brightening cheek and lip product that gives your look instant lift, shape and pop.' Fine-one-one has three gorgeous shades; pink champagne, sheer watermelon and soft coral. It's so easy to apply, for a natural look just simply smile and glide from the apple of your cheek to the temple with the pink champagne highlighting shade at the top, then blend with your fingertips. For more of a dramatic look, apply in a circular motion to build up the colour. You can also use the highlighting shade on its own for your brow bones, down the center of your nose or for a more noticable highlight on your cheekbones. Want a quick pop of colour on your lips? You can use it for that too, such a handy product! 

I used Fine-one-one* today and though it was gorgeous, subtle but gorgeous. It's a great product for a girl on the go and if you don't have much time to get ready. Sometimes when I'm working the morning shift, I do my makeup on the train and this would be perfect for that! I especially think it will look gorgeous in the summer time. Claire also mentioned that she sometimes wears a blush over hers, I think it would look gorgeous with Coralista over the top so I'm eager to try it out.

I also have to mention the amazing food we had after the Fine-one-one demonstration thanks to the Hard Rock Cafe. They served us mini burgers, chocolate brownies and key lime pie, not to forget the endless supply of french martinis and wine. When we left the event we each got a swag bag containing some Hard Rock Cafe goodies, a mini They're Real! mascara and our very own Fine-one-one! Oh, and some of my fellow Scottish bloggers won Porefessionals and They're Real! mascaras in a little Benefit quiz (including my sister), as if they weren't already generous enough! A big thank you to Benefit, the Benebabes and the Hard Rock Cafe, it was such a great night!

Fine-one-one launches on the 26th of January and retails at £23.50. Will you be picking up this product?

Benefit Brow Zings

After about a year of stealing my sisters Benefit Brow Zings, I decided it was time to buy one for myself. You'll see in previous posts I've mentioned that I've used this but only because I always sneak into my sisters room and use hers oops, she also uses it on me every time she does my makeup. Until now I was using either a Bobbi Brown or an MUA brown eye shadow to fill in my brows as I love having a dark, defined look. I only started filling in my brows when I was about 17 which was with a Rimmel Brown eyebrow pencil and before that I just used to leave them. Looking back now on pictures it looks so strange not having my eyebrows filled in as now I can't imagine leaving the house without them done. Eyebrows frame your face to I think it's important for them to look good. Sometimes I wish I had thicker brows, as you can see above without them filled in they're really sparse with no shape to them. Although I am quite lucky as I don't have to pluck them much, I just usually have a few strays underneath.

Brow Zings is a complete eyebrow kit and includes:

• Pigmented wax for shaping
• Natural shaded powder for setting
• Tweezers
• Hard angle brush
• Blending brush
• Mirror

Brow Zings comes in three shades; light, medium and dark. I went with the dark as my eyebrows are naturally dark brown. When I'm doing my eyebrows, I start off by tweezing any stray hairs. In the instructions you are given with the kit it says to use the shaping wax first, however I like to use the powder to give my eyebrows the shape I want and then use the wax on top to set it (In the picture above the wax is on the left and the powder is on the right). I use my New CID Cosmetics angled brow brush (which I got in my brush kit when I worked for them) instead of the brushes that come with it and sometimes if I'm in a hurry I skip the wax step and it still lasts all day. 

Overall, I love this product and I've been using this every single day since I bought it, it's so much better than the eyebrow pencil or shadow that I used to use. It is a bit pricey at £22.50 but for a product that will last you ages and one you use everyday I definitely think it's worth the money. What do you use to fill in your eyebrows? Have you tried Benefit Brow Zings? I definitely recommend it!

Big Beauty Haul

I thought I'd do a post on all the beauty products I've picked up over the last few weeks. I'm not going to go into much detail on some of the products though as I'll be doing full reviews on them soon. As you can see I think I've got a slight shopping problem...

• Real Techniques Core Collection: I've already got a few of the Real Techniques brushes and absolutely love them but the Core Collection has been on my wishlist from the start, mainly because of the Buffing Brush! The set comes with four face brushes; Detailer Brush, Pointed Foundation Brush, Buffing Brush and Contour Brush. I'll be using the Detailer brush for my concealer and the Countour Brush for powder highlighter. I'm not too sure whether or not I'll use the Foundation Brush as I've already got the Stippling Brush and Expert Face Brush for my foundation, however I can't wait to use the Buffing Brush to apply my foundation as I've heard its a favourite and gives you the most flawless finish. Any tips on what to use the Pointed Foundation brush for? This set costs £21.99.

• Armani Luminous Silk Foundation 6,5: When a couple of my friends from my old work tried this foundation and gave it such an amazing review, I decided I needed it. I also heard Kim Kardashian uses it and her skin always looks amazing. When I went to my local Armani counter and asked for it the girl looked at me for about 5 seconds before suggesting I go for the shade 6,5. She tried a bit on my jaw line and it blended in perfectly. This really is the perfect colour for my skin so I was really impressed with how good the girl on the counter was as I don't usually trust them and like to pick my own shade. I've only used this a couple of times and love it so far, I'll be doing a full review on it soon. It is a bit pricey at £34 but I got my friends House of Fraser discount on it.

• Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer Medium 3: I buy a lot of products because my sister has them and has either used them on me or raved about how good they are and this is one of them. I find it hard to find a good concealer and don't usually go for a liquid but I love this. It brightens up my dark circles and hides any blemishes I have. It also lasts all day which is perfect for when I'm at work. It's also a bargain at £4.19.

• Rimmel Stay Matte Powder 001 Transparent: This is another product my sister uses on me and I've also seen Tanya Burr use it a lot in her video tutorials. I always powder my foundation once I've applied it (one thing that's stuck with me from my Makeup Artist training) as it helps it last longer and I tend to get shiny during the day. I was running out of my Chanel Universal translucent powder but couldn't afford to spend £30 on a powder right now so I decided to pick this up. I usually use a loose powder but surprisingly I'm really liking this pressed powder and it doesn't go cakey when I touch it up during the day. Also a bargain at £3.99

• Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara Blackest Black: Another product I'm not going to go into much detail with as I'll do a full review on it. My sister uses this mascara and I also seen a review of it on Kayleigh's blog. I always use up my mascaras so quickly and wanted to try something different as I usually always go for Dior Show or Benefit They're Real. I've not used it much yet but I'll let you know what I think when I do my review. It only cost £9.99 as well which is a bonus.

• Benefit Brow Zings Dark: I've used my sisters one of this for months now and always love my eyebrows when she's used this on me. My eyebrows are so sparse with no shape if I don't fill them in and I'm such a fan of bold, statement brows so I thought it was about time to buy one of these for myself. Brow Zings costs £22.50 and I'll also be doing a full review on it soon.

• Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl Eye Pencil 005 Nude:  I've seen this liner on a few beauty blogs recently and decided to pick one up when Boots 3 for 2 was on.  I use this on my waterline and it really brightens up my eyes, especially when I haven't had much sleep. 

• MAC Kohl Eye Pencil Feline: I've always got a black kohl liner in my makeup bag and usually reach for Rimmel Jet Black, but yet again my sister used this product on me and it lasted all night! I love finishing off a smokey eye with a kohl liner and this one's perfect, I can't wait to use it tonight. It's a bit pricey for an eyeliner, it costs around £15 but it's totally worth it. 

• MAC Lipstick Pink Nouveau and Creme D'Nude: I've now purchased my 11th and 12th MAC lipsticks and was thinking about what colours are missing from my collection. I didn't have a light pink or a true nude so decided to go with both of these. These are great everyday colours that can be worn all year round and Creme D'Nude will look great with a dark smokey eye on a night out, I love dark eyes and nude lips! These cost £14 each.

As you can see I've spent far too much money on beauty products lately but I just can't help myself. I think I need to go on a beauty spending ban!

OOTN 3

Top: H&M

Skirt: Therapy at House of Fraser

Shoes: New Look

Belt: New Look

Necklace: Primark

Hand Armour: Topshop

 MAC Studio Fix Fluid - NC30

UNE B.B Cream Concealer

Chanel Universal Bronzer

Chanel Universal Loose Powder

MAC Blush - Dolly Mix

Benefit High Beam

MAC Eye Shadow - Carbon

Barry M Dazzle Dust - Gold

Maybelline Gel Liner

Rimmel Kohl Liner - Jet Black

Dior Show New Look Mascara 

Primark Eyelashes

Barry M Lip Paint - 54

My friend Hazel did my hair and I loved it - she better do it every night in Ibiza!

On Saturday night I went out for my friends big sisters birthday and this is what I wore.
Hope you had a good weekend!
Melissa
xxxx

Benefit: Sun Beam

For years I have used Benefit High Beam, but I'm always looking for a highlighter which was bronze/gold based as I've constantly got my fake tan and bronzer on! I'd seen recently that Benefit had launched a new liquid highlighter called Sun Beam and as soon as I saw it, I was dying to try it. I eventually got round to buying it and have had it for a couple of weeks now.

"Liquid sunshine in a bottle"

Sun beam is a gorgeous gold/bronze colour which looks amazing with a tan, but it also suits any skin tone so don't worry. It gives you a lovely warm glow, a lot different from the usual pink/silver based highlighters.

I use sun beam once I've put my new Chanel Tan De Soleil on (review coming soon) and my MAC Skin Finish to complete the look. I dot it on my cheek bones and on my eye brow bones and gently blend it in for a sunkissed look.

"gives you natural, sunkissed radiance" 

This is definitely the perfect product for summer, although we've not been having much sun! Another product I'll be taking to Ibiza with me (6 weeks to go)! I've been using it for about two weeks now and definitely recommend it. I'm loving this more than any other highlighters I've used before.

Sun beam costs £18.50 and can be bought at the Benefit counters or online here.

 Have you tried sun beam? What's your favourite highlighter?

Melissa
xxx