June Favourites







Well guys'n'gals, we are now officially halfway through 2014, how terrifying is that?! I don't know when time started going so fast but it's a little scary.





I'm keeping the favourites short and sweet this month, there has been no shopping, so nothing new to fall in love with, and to be honest, I've mostly just been loving the products from last months favourites! There were a few things that deserved a mention though, so without further ado, my favourites from June 2014. 





The star of the show for me this month was the Bourjois 1 Seconde Volume Waterproof Mascara, the first waterproof mascara I've ever fallen for. It's got the most bizarre wand I've ever seen, a combination of little balls and spikes, but it just works, and really gets every lash from every angle, coating them in product. The formula itself is infallible, it's jet black, doesn't feel heavy on the lashes, but it lasts all day without smudging or flaking. It does take a decent balm cleanser to remove, but it's totally worth it. 





Another product that has really impressed me is the Max Factor Face Finity Primer, one of the most heavy duty, longwearing primers I've tried. Smooths the skin, makes makeup last impossibly long, and feels really lightweight on the skin.

I won the amazing Alexandra's giveaway this month, and amongst the prizes was the Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Captivating. A gorgeous matte peach, this adds colour and dimension to my cheeks, sculpting them to just look so much better. This blush lasts so long on the cheeks, and has definitely made me want more Tarte blushes! 





Over the last couple of months I've fallen back in love with the YSL Touche Eclat. I've owned one of these for years now, and it really is an awesome product. I've been applying it on top of my under eye concealer to counteract the dark circles, and it really brightens my whole complexion.





I finally picked up the Soap and Glory One Heck of a Blot setting powder last month, and I've used it pretty much every day since. It's a gorgeous translucent, lightweight setting powder that takes away the shine from your skin, without taking away the glow. It really helps makeup last, and doesn't look cakey at all.





And lastly, a little retraction. I previously included the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge in a disappointing products post. If I'm honest, I stand by what I said in that review, because I still don't know who has the time to use this to apply foundation. However, I've been using this to press my concealer in under my eyes, and blend out cream blush, and I really like it. It definitely gives a more natural look to the skin than you would get with a brush.





What have you been loving this month?

What's in my Carry On Bag?!







Today is my first day in LA! I'm so excited to be back in my favourite city, so have a rifle through my carry on bag with me! 





Also, I'm a notorious overpacker, no normal person would take this much stuff I'm sure!





I hope you've enjoyed travel week! Let me know what you would like to see next month on the blog!




Packing for a Beach Holiday










For all you lucky ducks heading out on a hot Summer holiday this year, this one is for you. I will try to control my jealousy long enough to write a few tips on packing for pool lounging and beach bathing. Not. Jealous. At. All. 





I don't know about you guys but when I'm on a beach holiday, makeup is not my concern throughout the day. If I'm by the pool then I'm going bare faced, if I'm going out exploring a little concealer and mascara will do me, but I like to have a few options for the evenings! 





The theme here is lightweight, minimal makeup, and a lot of cream products! 





For base, I like to go with a lightweight BB Creme, my favourite is the Diorskin Nude BB Creme. I then pack a high coverage concealer too, in case of breakouts, the MAC Studio Finish Concealer is my go to. I'll also chuck in a good under eye illuminating concealer. 





Cheek wise, cream blushes were basically made for beach holidays. They also double as lip colour, so that makes the packing a little easier. I also like to pack a good bronzer, that can add a little glow to the skin and help bronze up my skin! My pick is NARS Laguna Bronzer. A good golden highlighter is a must too, I love the Benefit Sunbeam Highlighter, which gives a beautiful golden glow to the skin. 





For eyes, keeping it simple with the MAC Rubenesque Paint Pot for all over the lid, and a pretty bronze liner (the Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Liner is awesome). Waterproof mascara is a must, I'm obsessed with the Bourjois One Seconde Volume Mascara. No panda eyes by the pool.





Other necessities, a sun protection spray for the hair, the sun can really dry it out, SPF, for face and body, a clarifying shampoo, to get sea salt, sand and SPF out of your hair, and a good salt spray, or styling spray, because who has time to style their hair when there's tanning to be done?





What do you pack for a beach holiday?

Packing for Carry On Only







Whatever kind of trip your going on, packing carry ons only is definitely the hardest of the lot. When I know I have to do it, I really dread it, and generally end up leaving it til the last minute. However, last September I traveled to Italy for a week and managed to pack only hand luggage, and get it just right, so here's the low-down on how to do that...





First off, this really comes down to battle of the smallest product. Depending on the number of days I'm headed away for, I'll usually pack a couple of foundation samples, much easier than lugging around a 30ml bottle of foundation. I always try to pack a primer too, because your makeup's no good if it's not staying on your face. A good concealer that does under eyes and blemishes, and doesn't cake is a must, I'd recommend the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer. A setting powder to help keep things matte and in place, and to double as a compact mirror is a good idea too, I like the Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder, because it gives a little coverage, and it's a super slimline compact. 





A small palette for eyes is a good idea, you'll want a good highlight colour for browbone, inner corner, and even cheekbones, an all over lid colour, and then a good crease colour to smoke things out that can double as a liner. The Wet and Wild Colour Icon Palettes are great for that, or a customisable MAC Quad would work. Mascara samples are given out by the bucket load at high end counters, so now is the time to whack one of those out!





I have quite a few mini sample sizes blushes and bronzers, so I tend to reach for those, a nice every day blush with a hint of shimmer to perk up the complexion, and a matte bronzer to use as a contour or to warm up the face. If you don't, a blush/bronzer duo is a good idea, NARS do great ones, or Elf if you're after something more bank balance friendly. 





Lip wise I usually just pack a tinted lip balm, kill two birds with one stone, I love the Maybelline Baby Lips and the Kiko Kiss Balms.





Other beauty bits, you're obviously gonna want to pack deodorant (duh), I try not to pack shampoo and conditioner if I can help it, if it's only a few days I'll use what's in the hotel, and if I'm staying longer, I 'll just buy some cheap stuff out there and leave it behind. Skincare can basically be whittled down to two products, an oil that can be used to cleanse, hydrate, on your hair or on your skin, and some kind of spot treatment, since flying sends skin haywire. I usually just decant some coconut oil and take a small tee tree oil. Job done.





How do you pack for carry on only flights?

Packing Beauty for a City Break







I am something of an expert when it comes to packing for city breaks. Besides being a massive fan of them myself, I live in London, the epitome of crowded, humid and antisocial. I've got all your city break beauty packing picks covered.





When spending the day pounding the pavement in a new city, you're gonna want a base that's long lasting, got a little SPF protection, and not gonna feel heavy or cakey on the skin. I'd recommend packing your favourite long lasting primer (I love the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer), and a matte base with buildable coverage, like the Jouer Matte Moisture Tint. Concealer wise, you want something long lasting and multipurpose, with good coverage, like the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. You're definitely going to want a setting powder, and I'd even recommend decanting a little makeup setting spray into a smaller spray bottle, to help keep things fixed down (I've decanted some of my Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray into a Muji bottle and it's super handy)





Since heavy makeup isn't the aim of the game here, skip packing bronzer and highlighter, and go for either a good illuminating blush (NARS Daydream or Orgasm are both great) or a long lasting cream blush, like the No7 Pop and Glow Blush





For eyes you're gonna want a small, slimline palette with a few options, something like the Bare Minerals Power Neutrals Palette, and your favourite mascara. Just keep it all simple. An easy brow product is your friend here too. 





For lips, pack a long lasting everyday shade, I love the Lipstick Queen Pink Sinner lip colour, and a bold lip pick with a sheer formula, so you can wear it sheer or build it up for something bolder. The MAC Lustre finish lipsticks are good for this. 





Skincare wise, you'll want a good cleanser to shift the city grime from your skin, The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter is a good one, and a spray toner that can double as a skin refresher throughout the day. Moisturiser with SPF is a good idea too. Hairwise, resign yourself to hairbands and dry shampoo, and rock a messy bun for the week. It's worth packing a heavy duty deodorant, and some blotting sheets too.





What are your city break essentials?

Packing Beauty for a Long Trip







Today on Travel Week we are talking about packing for a long trip. Let's not beat around the bush, packing for a longer vacation is no mean feat, you don't want to pack too much but packing too little is probably worse. When I say a 'long' trip by the way, I basically mean anything over a week, anything where you're going to want more than one option for stuff! I'm going to run through how I go about packing for a longer trip, and hopefully that will help you guys! 





Starting with base, primer of choice normally goes to something with small, practical packaging, I'm pretty fickle with primers. Some good'uns are the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer (tall and slim with plastic packaging) and the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer (small and plastic). Base wise, if I'm away longer than a week, I generally take something light and glowy for the day (Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua) and something matter, that can be built up for more coverage (Jouer Matte Moisture Tint). This is something that really comes down to what the nature of your trip is, but for a beach holiday or a city break, that's generally what I go for. Also, as I mentioned in Monday's Post, go for foundations in plastic packaging! When it comes to longer trips, it's generally worth packing two concealers, one for undereyes and one for blemishes or redness, something like the L'Oreal Lumi Maqique Concealer and MAC Studio Sculpt is a good duo. Chuck in a setting powder with a good mirror for on the go, and your base is done.





For cheeks, I like to have a few options. I'd recommend packing some kind of blush palette if you have one, the Illamasqua Blush Duo in Lover and Hussy is a good one, and I love the NARS One Night Stand Palette, it covers all bases with a bronzer, highlight and four blushes. If you don't then pick out longwearing products that preferably have smaller packaging. I usually like to have one pink blush and one peachy blush on hand, as well as a bronzer and highlighter. 





For eyes you want a palette with a lot of options, the longer you stay, the more likely you are to want to mix it up. The Urban Decay Naked Palettes are great for this, as is the NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette. Chuck in an easy to use brow product, like the Soap and Glory Archery Brow Tint and Pencil, a mini brow gel (the one above came with the Collection Brow Palette), a black liner and your favourite mascara, and you are good to go for eyes.





As far as lips go I try to stick to the rule of three, an everyday nude, a bold evening lip pick and your favourite lipstick of the moment. This generally has you covered for all bases! (FYI, my current picks would be MAC Peach Blossom, NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella and the Dior Lip Glow.)





Once I've assembled all these beauty bits, if I still feel like I need more, this is where I go hell for leather on samples. Sample sized blushes, bronzers, lip colours, eye primers, I like to chuck a few extra bits in to give me options. 





As far as skincare goes, you'll want to pack a good makeup remover (I love the mini Bioderma bottles), and decant your regular cleanser, toner & moisturiser into smaller bottles, Muji is the best place to stock up. Chuck in your favourite eye cream, a Travalo with your favourite perfume, and buy shampoo and conditioner there, or use grab minis of one you like. I'd also recommend chucking in a multipurpose oil for dry skin, taming hair, treating hair, and even using on your face before bed.

Packing Beauty for a Short Trip







I've gotten packing my makeup for a short trip down to a tee. I don't want to brag but I'm pretty damn awesome at it. I spend so much time going back and forth between my flat in London and my parents' house down south that I'm basically living out of a tiny little makeup makeup and beauty bag.





When I say a short trip, I'm talking no more than four days. I can't cope with this little makeup for any longer!





The way I pack makeup for short trips is by sitting and getting ready in the morning and packing products as I go along, that way I won't miss anything important. I adopted this approach after I arrived on holiday realising I forgot to pack mascara and blush. Nice one.





I basically just take one of every product, with an extra lip option. I usually go for the smallest packaged items I have so that they take up less room!





So for starters, primer. I always pack a primer, who wants to waste holiday time reapplying makeup! My favourite for travelling is the miniature size of the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer, which is so tiny you barely notice it in your makeup bag. Foundation-wise, I like to take something with buildable coverage, that I can sheer out and wear as a light base in the day, or build up for more coverage in the evening. I love the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum, especially for summer, it's got amazing lasting power and it covers a lot. For concealer, to save space I'll take a good multipurpose one that works for under eyes and blemishes. I love the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, but the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer works just as well and is a more budget friendly option. Add in a good setting powder, that can double as a compact mirror, like the Soap and Glory One Heck of a Blot Powder.





For cheeks, I keep things simple and just take a blush with shimmer, so I can skip out on the highlight, something like the NARS Blush in Daydream, or the Sleek Blush in Rose Gold. If your short break is somewhere hot and sunny, I'd switch it for a cream blush, one that can double up as an extra lip colour! I particularly like the Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge, and the Jouer Lip and Cheek Tint in Peony.





Eye wise I don't take a primer, I just go for eyeshadows that I know are super long lasting. When it's only a couple of days I just take an eyeshadow duo, one with a pretty all over lid shade, and a darker shade that can go in the crease, or be used to really smoke up the look. I usually pack either the NARS Isolde Duo, or more recently the Bare Minerals Ready Eyeshadow Duo in The Epiphany. I usually always pack a black liner to smoke it up in the evening if I need to, and the Max Factor Kohl Liner is my favourite. I have a million mascara samples from hours scouring the beauty counters in Selfridges, so I'll usually just reach for one of those. Brows are handled by my favourite, slimline eyebrow pencil, the Soap and Glory Archery.





For lips I usually just take one super hydrating lip balm, and a sheer lipstick with buildable pigmentation. This time I picked out the Estee Lauder Pure Shine Lipstick in Plexi Pink, but also great are the Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Colours and the MAC Lustre Finish Lipsticks. If you went with a cream blush, that will work perfectly on the lips and save you taking an extra product!





Brush wise I just chuck in my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, a good multitasker which can handle foundation, concealer and cream blush, and then a fluffy eye brush. Job done.





As far as skincare goes, I tend to pack a travel size face wash and a moisturiser that can be used evening and morning. For only a few days you can get away with something to cleanse and something to hydrate.





For haircare I tend to just use the shampoo and conditioner supplied by a hotel if that's where I'm staying, or if it's only one night I'll take a mini dry shampoo!






Do you have any packing tips for a short trip?

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week



I've been neglecting this corner of the internet recently. The reason I started this blog was to make sure I was really seeing the little things, you know? And I think I've forgotten about that recently, going through the motions of life rather than making the most of every moment. Well, new week, new start, I'm gonna give it another go.

Let's start with an easy one, 10 things that have made me happy! 

  1. Getting my first faint hint of a tan line, this weather is beautiful.
  2. Starburst 'The Reds'. Everyone knows red sweets are the best.
  3. The Zara sale. Have you guys checked it out yet? It's freaking awesome.
  4. Spending a little more time with the boy. I've been trying to work my schedule so that I'm working while he is and we have more time together. 
  5. A sneaky Sunday trip to Wagamama. Nothing says comfort food like a bowl of Chicken Ramen.
  6. I had a big sort out of my bedroom at my parents house. It feels like such a calming space now.
  7. Packing for my upcoming trip. I'm so so so excited.
  8. My internet friend Tami is soon to be a real life friend. She's the most awesome person. Go send her some love. 
  9. Suits. Have you watched it? Go watch it. Also, new season of Pretty Little Liars. There's a rollercoaster of emotion. 
  10. The pretty flowers in my garden. It's really gorgeous out there. Makes me feel so summery.

Packing Tips







Welcome to Travel Week on Bed in the Kitchen! I'm super excited to be bringing you seven days of travel themed posts ready for the beginning of what I will call 'proper' Summer! I really hope you enjoy these posts, whether you're planning a holiday in the near future or not!





We are kicking off the week with a general chat about my top travelling tips. Travelling when you have some hoarding tendencies (raise your hand if you keep your out of date lipsticks because you just can't bring yourself to throw them out...) can be really bloody hard. I still sometimes struggle to streamline the stash and just take the 'necessities', but I'm a damn sight better than I used to be, so maybe I can help some of you out! I'm mostly going to be talking about beauty because, let's face it, it's what I do best, but today I'm gonna chuck some general packing tips in too, just to mix it up a little.





  • Pack liquids in a ziplock bag, inside your wash bag. Starting with a fairly obvious one here. I cannot tell you how many a wash bag I've cleaned out in a hotel bathroom sink, but it's probably in the hundreds by now. Nothing causes products to spontaneously combust like a plane ride, train journey or car trip. I like to group my liquids (skincare, bodycare, showercare, etc.), and put them in little ziplock bags inside the washbag. It makes them easier to find when you unpack, and stops any random eruptions from coating everything you own. Nobody wants to start their holiday by cleaning fake tan off their toothbrush.

  • Pack a hairband. You know you'll need it. 

  • Be careful of packaging. Again, another fairly standard one. I tend to shy away from packing anything in glass bottles, or flimsy plastic. I take a foundation in a plastic container (Benefit Hello Flawless, Jouer Matte Moisture Tint and Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua are all good'uns) and sturdy packaged items are your friends. I rarely travel with any of my MAC blushes or powders, because that cute clear plastic window always breaks. The same thing goes for any powders that are super finely milled or in packaging that's less than protective. You don't want to arrive at your destination to broken blushers. 

  • Make a list and take it with you. Making a list should (theoretically) stop you overpacking, and taking it with you means you are less likely to leave anything behind. I like to make four lists, one for clothing, one for makeup, one for beauty bits and one for 'hand luggage' (i.e. everything else) and when it comes to packing my hotel room back up, I'll check everything off as it goes back in the bag. This has saved many a potentially-lost toothbrush, lipstick, teddy bear and phone charger. It also greatly satisfies the list-keeping librarian inside me.

  • Roll your clothes, don't fold. Not only will they take up less room in your suitcase, but they won't be totally creased when you arrive. Also, I hate folding. Now's the time to be creative too, shove knickers inside your shoes, bras can cup your socks, and wrap your straighteners in your beach towel for added protection!

  • Palettes are your best friend. Packing light means packing palettes. Options and less packaging, it's sort of a no-brainer.

  • Go heavy on multipurpose products. An oil for your face and hair? Check. A moisturiser for your cuticles and body? Check. A cream blush you can use on your lips? Check.

  • Take a bag for everything. I like to put everything inside bags in my suitcase, so I can find everything easier (I rarely properly unpack in hotels, I'm a live outta the suitcase kinda gal. Why waste prime holiday time putting things away?). I put my shoes inside a tote bag so they aren't getting my clothes dirty, I have a couple of packing cubes that are great for t-shirts, jeans and dresses are rolled and put in totes, cables & chargers go in a mini makeup bag, & bikinis go in a beach bag. Convenient, and you'll have a wealth of bag options when you get there.

  • Take snacks in your carry on. They never serve enough food on planes.

  • Pack what you think you need, + 1. The danger in trying to pack light, is you end up with too little. I have the worst luck with clothing on holidays, my shoes break, I lose bags, and more often than not I'll end up in the sea in my clothes. Always take a spare. I like to put my spares in my hand luggage if I'm flying, just in case the unthinkable happens and my checked luggage boards a one way train to Timbucktoo. 



I hope that helps! If you guys have any awesome packing tips, please share them down below!

Taking A Breather







Every day so far during 2014 this blog has seen a new beauty-related post go live. That's nearly six whole months of daily content. That's a lot of lipsticks. Today's post was supposed to be a This Week's Most Loved post, but as I write this at ten to twelve on Saturday night, I don't have the words for you. This week, I'm all out of beauty musings.





I have had a pretty manic week, back and forth between Bournemouth and London, packing for my trip next week and trying to make sure that this little corner of the internet will tick over with fresh, daily content during my absence. In truth I've payed little attention to the makeup I've worn this week, so little that I completely forgot about this post. I just have nothing to share today, so I hope you don't mind me skipping it.






So instead, my question for you, what do you think of Bed In The Kitchen? What do you enjoy about my little corner of the web, what is it that keeps you coming back? What do you enjoy reading, and what do you scroll past in your Bloglovin' feed. Be honest with me, I want you to love reading my content as much as I love creating it.





In the last hour this blog hit 1500 followers. I wish I could put into words how much this means to me, but I honestly don't know how to do the feelings justice. What I can say is that every view, every comment, every like on Bloglovin' and every tweet you guys send me makes me so so happy, and I honestly have a special place in my heart for each and every one of you. You guys are my best friends, hell, I talk to you more than anyone else.





Normal beauty related ramblings will resume tomorrow. I love you all, enjoy your Sunday.

The Video: The Lip Product Addict Tag


[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzxO1FThhyc]



After a short study break I'm back with another video, this time the Lip Product Addict Tag because who doesn't love a good chat about lipstick? I was tagged by the amazing Katy who you should go follow!

I've tagged a few people in the downbar, but if you fancy giving this a go please do, and send me the link!

Hope you enjoy!

Getting Summer Ready







We're approaching the end of June, and the weather has been pretty damn fine this month in England, and I'm starting to think about getting my pasty pins out for the warmer months. Wearing skirts is no mean feat, it's something I need to be thinking about days before it actually happens.





My skin currently represents something between polar ice cap and Edward Cullen, and really, who keeps up with shaving their legs when you're wearing jeans? Operation de-fuzz and faux glow is a go.





I've really struggled with shaving my legs for a long time now, no matter what razors or shaving creams I use, whether I exfoliate and moisturise, I always end up with an awful rash all over my legs after shaving. I'd basically resigned myself to a day of rashy red legs when I tried out the Wilkinson Sword Intuition Naturals Sensitive Care Razor. I actually picked this up by accident, I thought it was a standard razor, but I'm so glad I stumbled across this. It's got a normal razor head, and then what is basically a creamy bar of soap built around it, so you just get the razor wet, and shave, no gels or creams needed. This is the first product that hasn't caused me to come out in a rash, and it actually gives an incredibly close shave, and leaves my skin feeling really soft. I'd definitely recommend giving this a go! 





I'm trying to get into the habit of moisturising on a daily basis, to make my skin look and feel softer and smoother, and I've found a good smelling moisturiser is the key to this. I'm totally hooked on the Soap and Glory Sugar Crush Body Buttercream, a thick, creamy body butter that smells deliciously of sweet limes and vanilla sugar. This stuff is incredibly hydrating, and it sinks in quick so I don't have to wait around feeling sticky and hot! 





I'm not normally one for fake tan, it generally goes wrong so I try to avoid it, however the No7 Perfectly Bronzed Tinted Lotion is pretty idiot proof. I have medium/dark because the lighter shade does very little. I take a few pumps of this on a tanning mitt and massage it into the skin in circular motions after moisturising. It takes very little product to do my whole body, which is impressive since I'm 5"10 and not a size 0. One application will give you a little colour but two is my jam, gently bronzed without being anywhere near Oompa Loompa. Just gives a little colour to stop my skin looking snowman-esque. 





My feet are a giant problem for me. Years of cramming them into pointe shoes has left them looking a little worse for wear. When sandal season approaches I like to attack my feet with The Body Shop Foot File to get rid of any unsightly scaly bits, and then go in with a nice bright red polish.



And when all else fails, I douse myself in the Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche, and then at least I smell summery.





How do you get ready for summer?

Luxury Beauty Edit #2







I've been really big on drugstore products the last couple of months, but that doesn't mean that there aren't a lot of high-end bits making there way into my daily routine, if anything, I'd say about 80% of the products I use day to day are high end, and the majority of my holy grail, go-to products are high end. 





Today I wanted to chat to you about five products that work exceptionally hard in my makeup collection. The go-to products that get used on a near daily basis, but don't get anywhere near enough recognition on this little corner of the internet.





First up, the Smashbox Photo Op Eyeshadow Trio in Proof Sheet. This little eyeshadow trio is my go to when I don't know what to use, or when I don't have time to think about it. It's what goes into my makeup bag for weekend trips and time back home, and it's just an all round goodun. The pink champagne shade looks great all over the lid, with the brown taupe shade in the crease, or even along the lash line as liner. The champagne shade is great for highlighting the brow bone and inner corner, but it also doubles as a great cheek highlight if you're travelling light. The shadows are incredibly soft and pigmented, and they stay put on the lids well all day, so you can apply it in the morning and not worry about it all day. 





My current handbag lipstick of choice is MAC Coral Bliss, a beautiful nudey peachy coral lip colour, very appropriate for the beautiful weather we've been having here. Despite definitely being a peach, it seems to go with everythin, and it's a cremesheen formula, so it's super moisturising on the lips.





 Not a day goes by where I don't use the Space NK Cheek Contour Brush, for something. Without a doubt my favourite brush for blush and bronzer, if I lost this I'd buy another one before a single blush application went by. It's that good. It comes in at around £25 so certainly not cheap, but not overly expensive either. It's got fairly coarse natural bristles which are tapered to perfectly fit in the hollows of your cheeks. Because the bristles are thick and coarse, it picks up product really well and disperses it really evenly, but the brush itself is still soft on the skin. It washes really well, and I haven't had any shedding issues at all. Everyone needs one of these. 





I've talked about my favourite setting powder before, but incase you missed it, I'll mention it again. There is nothing more finely milled, more pore blurring, & glow giving than the Chanel Les Beiges Powder. Sets makeup without making your skin look overly matte, and somehow gives you a healthy glow. Plus look how swish the packaging is. Big thumbs up from me. 





And lastly a product I've been using for years now, the YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch 01, a beautiful peachy pink highlighting pen that really corrects my under eye circles, and adds a little glow to the area. It's amazing the difference this makes! I apply this pretty much every day on top of my under eye concealer and it just gets the job done.





What high end products get a lot of love from you?

The Review: Nanshy Eye Brush Set









A few months back I was lucky enough to win the Nanshy Eye Brush Set in a giveaway run by the amazing Danniella, an awesome bloggy friend of mine (go follow her). I'd been looking for some new eye brushes for a while, relying on a MAC 217 and a couple of fluffy & Other Stories Brushes, so it couldn't have come at a better time!





This set retails for £29.95 and contains seven brushes, that basically get every eye related job done. They're all brilliant quality, I haven't had any shedding issues with them, and they wash really well. They're all synthetic fibre brushes, and they're vegan, & cruelty free. (P.S. Sorry that they're dirty, I kept forgetting to photograph them after I'd cleaned them!)





First up we've got the Large Shader brush, a big flat brush with a slight dome, perfect for really packing colour onto the lid. The Blending Eyeshadow brush which, you guessed it, is great for blending shadows in. It's got really soft, long bristles, and it's domed, so it fits perfectly in the crease and gently blends out the shadows. The Tapered Crease brush is a double purpose one. It's great for it's intended purpose, pushing shadow right into the crease, but it's also great for blending shadow around the lashline. The Flat Definer is great for using eyeshadow as liner, since it's easy to sit it flush to the lashes. The Eye Crease brush is my favourite for building shadow into the crease, and at a push it can blend too, a good one to chuck in for travel. The Angled Detailer has become my go to for brows, especially with the Anastasia DipBrow Pomade, and the Precise Bent Eyeliner Brush is the perfect brush for gel liner, the fact that it's bent means it's so easy to get it flat against the lash line. 






Overall? There's not one single brush in this set I haven't or wouldn't use. They're all fantastic quality and great shapes and sizes. I'm so impressed, and it works out at under £4.30 per brush, bargain!





Have you tried any Nanshy brushes?

The Best Of Cream Shadows









Heading into the warmer weather, I'm all about cream shadows. One colour smudged across the lid that sets down and stays put all day. It's easy and you don't have to think twice about it. 





First up, the easiest of the bunch, the Kiko Shadow Sticks (swatched in shades 06 and 25). Gorgeous cream shadows in stick form, super easy to apply, just swipe along the lid and blend out at the edges. Done. Super long lasting and the colours are gorgeous. 





One with a bit of a strange texture is the Topshop Eye Gleam in Bronzed, which is more like a mousse. This is really soft on the eyes and looks smokey with very minimal effort. Not the most long lasting of the bunch, but it looks great and effortless on the eye.





A newbie to the collection is the Barbara Daly Longwear Eyeshadow In Shimmer Sand. I picked this up having heard a few good things about the product recently, and whilst I sort of thought this would be a light base colour (it's actually got more of a bronzey tint), I really like it. The formula is impeccable, easy to blend and ridiculously long lasting (of all of the swatches this one was the hardest to remove), and a good one colour does all shade. Not too pricey either.





I've spoken about the MAC Paint Pots a lot here, so I'll keep this short and sweet. Awesome colour range, long lasting, and easy to work with. You need Painterly, Constructivist, and Rubenesque





And lastly, the Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Paints are seriously heavy duty. They're liquid so it's quite easy to apply to the lid, but then they dry down and just will not budge at all. I have the shades Golden Bronze and Rich Russet.





What are your favourite cream shadows?

An Introduction To A Derma







My skin has been nothing short of nuts the last few months, inexplicable breakouts, oily one day and dry the next. I guess I had it coming, my skin has been so good for so long!





I was offered the chance to try out a selection of skincare from French pharmaceutical brand A-Derma. I hadn't previously heard of the brand, but it comes from the makers of Klorane and Eau Thermale Avène both of which I love. A-Derma products all contain a Rhealba Oat, which is known for its anti-irritation, repairing, soothing and hydrating products, which was exactly what my skin needed! 





The product I was most excited to try out was the A-Derma Sensifluid Cleansing Micellar Water* (£13 for 250ml). Until I tried this I thought all cleansing waters were much of the same, but this is quite different to the likes of Bioderma, L'Oreal, B and La Roche Posay. It contains Witch Hazel, which decongests the skiing and softens alongside the soothing properties of the Rhealba Oat. This leaves my skin feeling much softer and much more hydrated than any other Micellar Water I've tried. The one red flag I have is that it does contain fragrance, which I find a little strange. I usually steer clear from fragranced skincare but this has massively helped my skin. Also, I've been using it every day for six weeks and I'm not even halfway through! 





I'm constantly looking for the perfect eye cream, I don't sleep well so I constantly have dark circles and I live in constant fear of wrinkles, so I was excited to try the A-Derma Rheacalm Soothing Eye Contour Cream* (£12.50 for 15ml). It comes in a small squeeze tube which I much prefer to pots, and is a great size for travel. It's a super light eye cream so it works well for day and night, and you don't have to wait ages for it to absorb before applying makeup. Alongside the Rhealba Oat, it also contains Dextran Sulphate, both of which work at soothing puffiness and reducing the appearance of those pesky eye bags. It also contains Vitamin E, making it super hydrating! I've seen a massive improvement in my under eyes since using this, not only do they look less dark and puffy, but makeup applies so much nicer in that area now! 





In the mornings I've been using the A-Derma Rich Hydrating Cream* (£13.50 for 40ml). Despite this being the Rich version, it's not heavy or sticky on the skin, and it absorbs really fast. It feels refreshing on the skin, it gives my skin the boost of hydration that it needs without feeling greasy or oily. My skin has been really dehydrated and when I apply this it's like instant relief. Also, you could use this day and night if you needed to, it's a great one to travel with!





For evenings I've been using something a little heavier to really get my skin rehydrated, the A-Derma Nutrialba Nourishing Rich Cream*. This is incredibly thick and creamy on the skin, it feels instantly soothing and almost velvety on the skin. It contains shea butter and safflower oil that really nourish the skin and make a massive difference. I'd skip this one if your skin is oily, but if it's dry, you'll love it.





And lastly, I got to try out the A-Derma Intense Repair Hand Cream* (£7 for 50ml). You know I love a good hand cream, I've been keeping this one on my desk throughout the day. It definitely packs a little more punch than your average hand cream, it's really rich and hydrating. It's got a pretty non-offensive smell and it sinks in super fast which I like!





A-Derma products are now available exclusively from Boots and leading pharmacies, if you have dry or sensitive skin, it's definitely a range I'd recommend trying out!





What skincare do you love? 





 *All products mentioned were gifted to me for review purposes. This does not however affect the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post. To read my full disclaimer, click here.

This Week's Most Loved #19







Happy Sunday lovely readers, and happy Father's Day to all the wonderful Dads out there. I shall be spending the morning down the beach with my family, cooking breakfast and enjoying the sunshine, I hope you all have an equally lovely day! 





This week has been blooming boiling on the south coast, with temperatures around the 26 degree mark, practically unheard of for this place, so I've been feeling particularly summery, and my makeup picks this week have definitely reflected that!





I've fallen back in love with the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation, a gel foundation that manages to look light, dewy and summery, whilst having buildable coverage and good lasting power. It smells really good too. I always tend to reach for this at this time of year, it really does a good job at giving a summery look without having to compromise on finish or formula. A makeup bag staple that one. 





When the sun comes out it only makes sense that a little bronzing action takes place, anything to make my ghostly complexion look a little more respectable. I tend to prefer cream products when it's warm too, so it made sense to be reaching for the Bourjois Bronzing Primer this week. This is such a lovely product, it blends out seamlessly on the cheeks, just adding definition where it's needed. 





I've previously included the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge in a Disappointing Products post, because I never really understood the hype around it. For me it's far too much of a faff and takes far too long to be used for foundation, but this week I've been using it to press in the concealer under my eyes, and I really like the effect. I've also been using it to blend out cream cheek products, and it definitely helps achieve a natural look. 





And on my nails, I've whipped out last Summer's flame, the Rimmel Kate Moss Salon Pro Polish in Hip Hop, a gorgeous orangey red that just screams Summer.





What have you been loving this week?

Budget Beauty #2







Once again, I'm back with a handful of drugstore products that are really floating my boat right now. The drugstore is doing a lot of things right at the moment, and despite being a high end girl at heart, I'm increasingly starting to feel like I can rely on the drugstore a little more.






I've used pore strips before but never been that impressed (read: they've never done anything). A couple of weeks ago Boots had the Biore Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips on offer for half price, and since I've heard a lot of people talk about them, they ended up in my basket. I'm so impressed with them, I actually went back and got an extra pack while they were on offer. I've been popping these on once a week in the mornings post shower, leave it on while I dry my hair, and rip it off (yes, it hurts), and bobs your uncle. I kinda enjoy seeing everything that comes out on these, is that gross? Probably, sorry. 





I promised a more detailed account of my thoughts on the Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Waterproof Mascara so here goes nothing! I really don't like waterproof mascaras, I've tried a lot but I have never found one that doesn't make me want to rip my eyelashes out. I don't really know why I picked this up since I had kinda given up on finding a good waterproof mascara, but I'm totally obsessed with this! It's got a seriously bizarre plastic wand, it's thick and chunky and it's got a mix of little spikey bristles and little balls. I'm not sure why it works but it just does. It really gets all up in and around your lashes, grabbing every single one and coating them individually, so you're left with long fluttery volumised lashes. As far as formula goes, it's intensely black and totally waterproof (I've worn this in the shower with my head under the water and it's not even flaked a smidgen), but it doesn't feel thick or heavy. It still looks perfect at the end of the day, and it comes off pretty easy with a good balm cleanser. I'm hooked. 





I'm not normally much of a lip liner gal, but I'm currently hooked on the Max Factor Colour Elixir Lip Liner in Pink Princess. It's a really creamy formula but it sets on your lips and won't budge (even after six cups of coffee and a burger). I've been using it all over my lips on it's own for a pretty matte pink look, or layering the Maybelline Colour Sensational High Shine Gloss in Fuchsia Flash over the top for the perfect glossy pink pout. Very Summer appropriate.





Have you tried any of these products? What are you loving from the drugstore right now?

The Review: Max Factor Face Finity Primer







As you guys know, the Max Factor Face Finity Foundation is one of my absolute favourites, so when they released a primer under the same name I couldn't wait to get my makeup maven mitts on it. 





I've been using this primer for around six weeks now, so it's fair to say I've given it a bit of a run for it's money. Also I should point out, I've barely made a dent in it. Impressive.





This primer is housed in the same packaging as the foundation of the same name, which, if I'm being honest, I don't like. It's big and clunky and kinda old lady looking. The glass is unnecessarily thick and the lid is huge, it's definitely not travel appropriate, which is a shame. It does however hold a whopping 30ml of product, which is more than any other primer currently in my stash. I generally find that one pump will do my whole face too, so no wastage issues, even though I generally prefer my primers to be in some kinda squeezy tube. 





The primer itself is white, although it is completely clear on the skin. It blends in well and a little goes a long way. I love that with this you can apply your foundation immediately after, I don't have time to wait around for primers to set. It leaves your skin feeling smooth but almost slightly tacky, so when you apply your foundation it pretty much adheres directly to the primer. This is what makes it such a fantastic primer, it just really holds onto your foundation throughout the day so it doesn't budge at all. I don't find that it effects the look of your foundation either, unlike some others I've tried, you wouldn't know you applied it. 





For me, this primer is up there with the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer, which I have waxed lyrical on previously, in terms of staying power this is by far the best drugstore option I have tried (and I've tried a lot).





Definitely worth picking this one up! 





What is your favourite budget primer?

Lip and Cheek Pairings










A few weeks back I wrote a post on Lip and Nail Combinations, and a lot of you requested a post all about the blushes I wear with lipsticks. Well, your wish is my command, today I've picked out some of my favourite combinations for you. Now, these aren't necessarily colours that match, but they just go together really well. 





One of my favourite blushes is the Creme Blush de Chanel in Revelation, which is a gorgeous dusky pink with an almost mousse like texture. This is a really neutral blush, it's very natural looking on the skin, making it great to pair with a smokey eye. When I wear this I tend to go for a neutral lip to go with it, and right now I've been loving pairing it with the L'Oreal L'Extraordinaire in Rose Melody, a really pretty nude pink gloss. In a similar nude theme, the Benefit Rockateur Blush is kinda halfway between a blush and a bronzer, with a hint of natural shimmer. Whilst this is the perfect blush to pair with a red lip (since it defines without being too much), I also love pairing this with the Urban Decay Lipstick in Fiend, I don't know why this pairing works, but it just does.





I've been getting a lot of wear out of the Bobbi Brown Apricot Blush recently, it's a gorgeous bright pink, that looks scary in the pan but lovely on the cheeks. My favourite lip pick to pair with it is the Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Colour in Rosy, which is a beautiful bright pink with a hint of coral. It's slightly sheer so it's not too scary, but it's pretty and summery. 





The NARS Blush in Gilda, is slightly out of my comfort zone, I don't usually go for matte peach blushes, but this is ever so pretty. I love the look of this blush with the NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dolce Vita, a gorgeous matte dark peach shade, that goes perfectly. 





And lastly, a duo practically made for each other, the Estée Lauder Pure Colour Cheek Rush in Pink Patent, a gorgeous cream blush in a blue toned pink shade, and Estee Lauder Pure Shine Lipstick in Plexi Pink, a sheer blue pink that screams Summer. It's worth noting that these are both incredibly long lasting.





What are your favourite pairings?

Easy Peasy Nail Routine






I don't discuss nails much here, because I'm something of a nail-art-noob. However, in the last few months I've been trying to perfect my basic manicure routine and if I do say so myself, it's pretty good these days.

I take all my nail polish off with whatever remover I have to hand. I then shape my nails (by shape, I mean smooth out) with the Stylefile, which is my favourite nail file, the curved shape makes it so easy to make all your nails look the same.

I then coat my cuticles in the Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover, which is like a cuticle removing gift from God. I give it a few seconds and then use the red end on the weird stick to basically take off my cuticles which pretty much dissolve. I use a cotton pad to remove any residue, and wash my hands before moving on!

The base coat I'm in love with right now is the Essie Grow Stronger Base Coat, which has made a massive difference to the strength and overall quality of my nails. They're smoother and they snap less! It also makes a great base for colour, really bonds all the layers together and helps chipping. I then go in with two coats of whatever colour I'm using (pictured is Essie Tart Deco). I like to keep a tiny gap between the polish and cuticle, it just looks neater that way, and once that is mostly dry, it's topcoat time. I've tried a lot of topcoats including the wildly hyped Seche Vite, but by far my favourite is Sally Hansen Mega Shine Topcoat. The glossiest topcoat I've ever used and it dries just as fast, if not faster than Seche Vite.

How do you do your nails?

The Makeup Bag







Once again, I'm living out of a suitcase, and the biggest makeup bag I could find to hand. I hate it, because I love having choice, I'm almost tempted to lug back my Muji stash when I pop back to London for supplies this week. But for now, it's a great opportunity to share some of the items that made it into my bag, that are worth a mention.





I am totally obsessed with the Anastasia DipBrow Pomade, it's so easy to apply and it really makes my brows look strong and defined, but still natural looking. I don't know how it works, but it's freaking brilliant and I don't want to be without it! Also in the eye department, I'm so impressed with the Wet and Wild Colour Icon Silent Treatment Palette, it's such an easy, workable trio of colours, you can create a pretty day look or a darker smokey eye. 





I've fallen back in love with my MAC Concealers recently, and I've been using the MAC Mineralize Concealer under my eyes and down my nose, it works well to really lighten the skin. I've been setting my T-Zone with the Chanel Les Beiges Powder in B10, which really diffuses the look of my giant nose pores, and makes my skin look so much nicer. 





I've had this mini Benefit Hoola Bronzer for a long time now and never really used it, so I decided to chuck it in the bag, especially since it was starting to look a little full in there and this is tiny. It's completely matte so it makes a nice contour, but it also works well to just warm up the face. It's a little on the dark side, but a light hand and extreme blending works wonders. I mentioned the Bobbi Brown Apricot Blush, in Sundays post, but I had to mention it again, it's a gorgeous bold pink, and it wears so amazingly well throughout the day.





My favourite lip duo the last week or so has been the MAC Creme Cup Lipstick, which I also mentioned on Sunday, with the Buxom Lip Creme in Mudslide over the top. It just leaves the lips looking pretty and full, and together creates a gorgeous nude shade with just a hint of pink.





What products are you guys loving right now?

Pretty Packaging







It shouldn't, but packaging definitely has a big impact on my spending habits. I'm not saying I won't buy something if I don't like the packaging, but if I'm on the fence about something and it's got good packaging, that'll probably push me in the direction of the checkout.





One of my recent discoveries with gorgeous packaging is the Marc Jacobs Lolita Palette, have you ever seen anything so sleek and beautiful? I love the gorgeous black packaging, it's super slimline and sleek, it's super handy for travel! Also for eyes, the Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara isn't my favourite mascara, but I love the packaging, anything that's black AND sparkly is good in my books.





Not necessarily packaging, but I do love the look of the Shu Umera Lash Curlers, I just feel so sophisticated using these.





Not the most exciting or revolutionary packaging, but I love the rose gold colour of the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Concealer, there's something about rose gold that gets me every time. Also, the packaging of the Chanel Les Beiges Powder is not exactly game changing, but it just looks so beautiful, and it makes me feel like a real sophisticated lady person.





I'm a sucker for a well packaged lipstick. I've mentioned my love for the twisted gunmetal packaging of the Urban Decay Revolution Lipsticks before, they remind me of bullets and they're just seriously luxurious feeling, and heavy. Anyone else a fan of a heavy lipsticks? Just me?  On the opposite end of the spectrum, I love the packaging of the Dior Addict Lip Glow, which to me feels like the perfect lipstick for a ballerina? Definite dressing table lipstick that one. I also have to mention the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipsticks, which are just simple and sleek.





What are your favourite packaged products?

This Week's Most Loved #18







It feels like ages since I did one of these posts! I've been living out of a makeup bag again this week, back at my parents house, after fleeing London and the One Direction fans that have descended on it. I tried to be restrained and only pack one of everything, which I'm starting to regret since I've ended up staying much longer than I originally anticipated.





First up, I wasn't going to mention the Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara Waterproof, since it's getting a pretty detailed dedication in one of next week's posts, but I just couldn't not mention it. I'm going to keep it quiet but just tell you, it's good





I packed my Bobbi Brown Apricot Blush, because I haven't used it in a while, and I've fallen in love with it all over again. You've gotta go light with this one, because it's pretty pigmented, but it's so so pretty on the cheeks. It's quite a versatile blush too, you can wear it pretty lightly, or build it up for a bold look. 





My lips were pretty dry at the beginning of the week, so I've been slathering on the Nuxe Reve De Miel like there's no tomorrow. There really isn't a lip balm in the world better than this one, it's so incredibly hydrating and smoothing. If you don't have this, you need it. 





Colour-wise, I've been sporting the MAC Lipstick in Creme Cup, a pretty pale neutral pink shade. I still haven't quite worked out how to wear it best, but I love the shade, it's gorgeous. It's a cremesheen formula so it's super hydrating and creamy. 





Lastly, I wanted to have a special mention for a hair product I've been loving recently. I've been wearing my hair curled a lot the last few months and the Percy & Reed Finishing Polish is amazing stuff, it's like a styling cream that gets rid of flyaways but also adds a little hold to the hair too. I'm so obsessed with this right now, it's amazing stuff.





What have you been loving this week?

5 Product Face









Sometimes, not often in my case, but sometimes spending ages doing my makeup just isn't an option. For the most part, I wear a full face of makeup everyday, because I enjoy it and I work from home a lot, putting makeup on is almost like my morning commute. But it does occasionally happen that I'll be in a rush, or just can't be bothered, and that's when I deploy the five product face.





I keep these five products in a mini Muji drawer, so they're always on hand if I need them, and I don't want to think about products. I try to shake up this drawer every couple of months or so, and I pick out products that are hard working, that get the job done.





For base right now, I'm using the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Foundation, a long wearing foundation that gives a healthy, glowy, radiant look. This is a good medium coverage foundation that is super easy to apply, and is buildable too. This covers all the redness in my skin easily, and makes my skin looks healthy. I then reach for the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, which covers dark circles and blemishes easily, and lasts throughout the day really well. 





I've been loving the Kiko Long Lasting Shadow Stick in 06, a beautiful shimmering bronze crayon shadow.  I just take this all across the eyelid and blend it out with my ring finger. This is a gorgeous shade, and once this is on you don't have to worry about it for the rest of the day. I then apply a couple of coats of the L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Excess Mascara, the wand of this has densely packed bristles and a slight curve, so it really grips every individual lash and adds lift, volume and length.





The last product in rotation is the Jouer Cheek and Lip Tint in Peony, this is a pretty scary bright pink shade, but patted into the cheeks with fingers and blended out, it just gives a gorgeous pretty pink glow to the cheeks. I pat a little of the same colour onto my lips too.





What products do you rely on for an easy makeup look?

The Rosy Glow







*insert heart eyed emoji here*





Have you ever seen anything so beautiful? I could just stare at these all day. I really could. 





I actually own very little from Dior, I'm not really sure why, it's just not a brand I've ever really gravitate towards. However, these two items are exceptions. When I want a blush and lip colour that look natural and glowy, this is what I go for. 





The Dior Rosy Glow Blush reacts to the moisture in your skin to give a super pretty glow. It starts off pretty light but it gets darker, so a light handed application is definitely necessary. This on me just gives a gorgeous subtle glow to the cheeks, I've never worn a blush that looks so natural before. I love the packaging of this, the gorgeous mirrored lid and the embossing in the powder, it all looks and feels really luxurious.





The blush goes hand in hand with the Dior Addict Lip Glow Balm, a super moisturising lip balm which reacts with the chemistry of your lips to change colour and add a glossy effect. On me this is just ever so slightly darker than my natural lip colour, it just adds a bit of colour and shine. This is infused with mango which makes it really moisturising too. 





I feel like these two products just gently enhance the look of my skin, and make me look naturally glowy! I absolutely love them and they have definitely become makeup bag staples!





What are your favourite products from Dior?

Smashed Strawberry Lemonade


We are starting to get hints of Summer sunshine here in England, and it's making me feel quite happy. I don't drink much but a week or so ago I was craving a sweet summery cocktail, so I worked with what we had in the flat, and we sipped these on the balcony in the sunshine. And if I do say so myself, they were delicious.

I started off by rimming the glasses with sugar, purely for decorative purposes. I then put a handful of chopped strawberries in the bottom of each glass, along with a sprinkle of sugar, and smashed them up with a spoon. I squeezed a quarter of a lemon between the two glasses and added a lemon slice to each and a couple of whole strawberries too.

Then I added a single measure of Limoncello, and a splash of Vodka, the great thing about this drink is that you can add as little or as much alcohol as you like, and it doesn't massively affect the taste of the drink! Then I simply topped it up with lemonade! You'll want to give it all a good stir, so that the smushed strawberries are all mixed up! Alcoholic Strawberry Lemonade, Delicious!

The Best of Brow Products










My eyebrows are the bane of my makeup-loving existence. Maybe that’s a slight exaggeration. But they definitely fall into the category of ‘hardest to achieve makeup perfection’. I know they say ‘eyebrows should be sisters, and not twins’, but my eyebrows don’t even look like they come from the same planet, never mind family. 





The main way I’ve solved this problem is the side fringe. I’m a big advocate of the side fringe. Side fringes are bloody brilliant. My fringe is heavy, and it swoops to what I refer to as the ‘problem corner’ of my face. The side with the eyebrow who has grown an extra appendage, and the site of most of my hormonal/pizza induced breakouts. A side fringe is the ultimate weapon when it comes to disguising a multitude of sins. Unless the sins are on your chin. A side fringe can’t help you there. 





But sometimes, you want to wear your hair up, or your fringe doesn’t quite behave itself, and your eyebrows are out there, exposed for every human you encounter to see. In that case, there’s a small army of products I’ve collected up to battle the brow issues, and at least make my brows look like they could be distant cousins, four or five times removed. 





The easiest option here is the Along Came Betty Br-wow Kit, a product I’ve raved about quite a bit here. This little compact contains a wax, two brow powders, and a highlight shade, and is pretty straightforward, although I do find that powders are probably the least natural way to fill in these bad boys. I take a little of the powder on an angled brush and brush it through my brows, concentrating on any sparse areas, and then use the wax on what I will call the ‘brow tails’ (i.e. the outer ends of the brows), to hold them in place since they tend to be a little disobedient. Highlight underneath if I need it and done. Simples. 





Something that took a little more practice, but is definitely worth the patience is the Soap and Glory Archery. It’s got a taupe toned (I have the shade Brownie Points) pencil on one end, which is slightly waxy so it holds all in place, and a felt tip end, with a sheer ink that is perfect for drawing in hairs where you don’t have any. I use the pen end to fill in sparse areas, and then the pencil to add definition, and it works a dream. 





My current go to and probably my favourite of the lot is the Anastasia DipBrow Pomade, also probably the weirdest of the bunch. This is essentially a gel liner for your eyebrows. I take a little of this (and I mean a tiny bit) on a small angled brush and fill in my brows. Do it right and it looks like you’ve got naturally defined brows, and they will stay in place all day with ease. 





 As far as setting gels go, I love the Maybelline Brow Drama, which weirdly, I use in the shade dark blonde. This just holds your brow hairs in place all day without looking crunchy or white. 





 Other essentials include the Nanshy Angled Detailer Brush, my favourite for any kind of brow maintenance, and a good spoolie. I like the ones from & Other Stories, because they have a super long handle, and they’re only £2. And of course a good pair of tweezers (I use the Tweezerman ones)! 





How do you look after your brows?

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