A look back at 2013

Hi Beauts.

2012 was a pretty bad year for me, so when 2013 rolled around I knew I had to make it great.And pretty great it was.
I've had so much fun this past year, I don't think I've laughed so much. So today, I wanted to share some of the fun times with you all. Enjoy:

The BEST holiday ever!!!

Such an amazing show to see live

After the first time, we said never again....and ended up going back the following week!!

Summer = Ice cream, chips and trips to the beach

More chips, visits to the beach....and a tattoo!

My first time carving a pumpkin!!!!!

This year has been amazing. I can't wait to see what 2014 has to bring!

Have a fab New Years Eve Beauts!!

Don't forget to follow on Tumblr too ;)

Stacey x 

Urban Decay: Black Market 24/7 liner set

Hi Beauts.

I'm a big fan of Urban Decay after trying their De slick setting spray, and my love for their products has grown from that. I already own 2 of their 24/7 liners in 'Perversion' and 'Whiskey' which I adore, and have already reviewed, so I thought this set would be great for trying out more shades.

The set comes with 6 travel size liners, in shades that are exclusive to the Black Market kit.

These shades are ideal for any girl who likes to sport a smokey eye, or who is just a fan of pencil liners in general. As with all Urban Decay 24/7 liners, these are extremely pigmented and creamy to apply, not to mention super long lasting.

West is a browny bronze shade, with tiny bits of shimmer

Desperation is a matte mid toned grey (great if you don’t want to use black)

Black Market is a black

Riot is a gorgeous purple shade with a slight shimmer

Apathy is a metallic olive shade

Ink is a blackened blue

Each of the liners contains 0.8g of product.

What is your favourite shade of the Urban Decay 24/7 liners?

For some reason, no matter what camera I use or whether I resize my pictures, the quality is always rubbish compared to the pictures I have on my laptop/ipad. For better quality, please check out my Tumblr page too :)

Stacey x

Lush wishlist

Hi Beauts.

I'm still on my mission to find all beauty and skincare products that aren't tested on animals. One company that I've tried a few things from, and loved, is Lush. Lush is cruelty free, and stocks skin care, hair care, bath and shower products, and more recently make up.

So, today I thought I'd share with you all my wish list......with is growing my the day!

Soap:

Miranda 

Honey I washed the kids

The Godmother

Rock star 

Shower/bath

Happy Hippy shower gel

Soft coeur massage bar

Creamy candy bubble bar

The comforter bubble bar 

You've been mangoed bath melt

Mmmelting marshmallow moment bath melt

Think pink bath bomb

Butterball bath bomb

Face, hands and body:

Popcorn lip scrub

Enzymion moisturiser

Lemony flutter cuticle butter

Have you tried anything from Lush? What are your favourite products?

Stacey x

Christmas Eve make up

Hi Beauts.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE!!

I have to, unfortunately, brave the mad shoppers today (I shall be home in time to watch The Grinch though!) to stock up on stuff for the little fluff balls. So I thought I'd do a quick post of my eye make up because it's a little bit Christmassy :) Enjoy

Here's what I used:

From the Naked Basics palette, I used Naked 2 and faint. From the Naked 2 I used Foxy and Half Baked

What I did:

* I took Naked 2 onto a blending brush and applied this through my crease as a transition shade

* Next up on a flat shader brush, I packed on Half Baked all over the lower part of my lid

* To deepen the look, I applied Faint into my outer V with a pencil brush, then blended out with a fluffy brush

* Last but not least, I used Foxy as a brow bone highlight

Hope you're all having a fab Christmas Eve so far!!

Stacey x

Superdrug, Barry M and The Body shop haul

Hi Beauts.

Today I wanted to share a few things that I bought whilst in town, mainly from Superdrug, but first I wanted to share my thoughts on something that has hit me pretty hard - Animal testing. 

Now, if you follow me on twitter then you'll already know this but I've decided to stop buying any and all products that use animal testing in any way. I won't go on too much about it as I'm drafting up a post solely on the subject, but I saw a picture on a website that literally broke my heart. I've always known that animal testing happened, but I didn't realise the extent of it or how many brands and companies use/allow it.

After hours (yup hours) of looking into which brands do and don't test on animals, I found out that one of my favourite shops doesn't test it's products. Which shop is that? Superdrug. Superdrug's OWN BRAND is NOT tested on animals. After binning my current hair care, skin care etc i headed out to Superdrug (and a few other places) to stock up on their own branded products (Which I've actually heard great things about anyway) and thought I'd share what I got. 

Superdrug 

* 48 hour protection Anti perspirant deodrant in Cotton - 89p

* Pro Vitamin full volume shampoo and conditioner - £1.12 each

* Cucumber facial cleansing wipes - 99p

The Body Shop

* Seaweed deep cleansing facial wash - £8.00

* Seaweed mattifying moisture lotion - £11.00

I had a 40% off code, so instead of my total being £19.00 it was £11.40

Boots

* Burt's Bees lip balm in grapefruit - £3.69

* Rimmel stay matte pressed powder in translucent - £3.99

Tesco

* Barry M Gelly-Hi shine nail polish in Lychee - £3.99

* Barry M flawless matte foundation in Ivory - £5.99

* Barry M matte nail paint in Crush - £3.99

Tesco currently have Barry M products on a 3 for 2 offer

I'm so pleased that I've found a few more of my favourite brands don't test on animals!

Hope you've all had a fab Sunday Beauts! 

Stacey x

Christmas Day look using e.l.f

Hi Beauts.

Time once again for another Christmas Day look. A wee while ago I bought the e.l.f eyeshadow eye brightening quad in Day to Night, and thought that the plum shade would be perfect for the Christmas period. This is such a quick and simple look, so is perfect for those days you're in a hurry:

What I used:

* e.l.f  Brightening eye color quad in Day to Night (I used the cream and plum)

* e.l.f waterproof eyeliner pen in Black

* First I applied the cream shade all over my lid, up to my brow as well as my tear duct area

* The second and last shade I used was the plum. On a fluffy blending brush I applied this in circular motions in the outer half of my eye and into the crease

* Finishing up with winged liner, using the e.l.f waterproof eyeliner pen in Black

See, simple. You could also apply the gold along your lower lash line, to add a little extra sparkle.

These eyeshadow quads are great! I'll definitely be picking up more

Stacey x

Review - Milani eye primer

Hi Beauts.

I'm slowly but surely making my way through my goodies I bought whilst I was in NYC back in August/September. I have to say, I love US drugstore make up! 

Anywhoo, today I wanted to do a review on the Milani eye primer I bought. I know it's not available in the UK, but I figured it may be helpful for you Beauts over the pond and any UK chickys that are planning a holiday and want to check it out.

The first thing that makes me like this product is the packaging. Boring thing to like I know, but because it's in a squeezy tube this allows me to control how much product I use and once I'm all done, I can snip the end off and get every last drop out. It's also a lot more hygienic than those primers with a wand applicator, great for any Make Up Artists out there.

I'd compare the actual product to that of the Urban Decay primer potion in original. It has pretty much the same consistency and is the same colour - a neutral skintone shade. I do, however, find this Milani primer to have a little more coverage. This one allows me to hide any discolouration on my lids where as the Urban Decay doesn't in my opinion.

And finally, the big question: Does it stop eyeshadow from creasing? It does indeed. I always apply my make up (through the week) at 6:30 am and remove it around 6pm (depending if I have plans etc) and this hasn't once let me down. My eyeshadow is still in place without any creasing, and is just as vibrant as it was that morning. 

All in all, I'd say this is pretty great eye primer. And f you haven't tried the Urban Decay primer potion and are looking to, give this a whirl first. I'd definitely say they are a very similar product

I'm pretty sure the price of this differs depending on where you buy it. I think I got mine in Duane Reid for around the $8.00 mark, but that only works out at £4.00 - £5.00. Pretty good going of you ask me.

What's your favourite eye primer?

I left my heart in NYC

Stacey x

Review and swatches - NYX jumbo eye pencils

Hi Beauts.

Today I wanted to share a mini review of a product that I love, and that is the NYX jumbo eye pencils. 

The first pencil I ever bought was in the shade Milk, because I'd watched so many YouTubers rave about how great it was. Slowly but surely I've managed to add more shades to my collection, and I still have my eye on many more shades.

If you're not familiar with the jumbo eye pencils, they are just that - a jumbo eye pencil. They can be used for many things: an eyeshadow base, an eyeshadow, an eyeliner and Milk in particular is great as an eyeliner to brighten up your eyes.

I like to use the ones I have as eyeshadow bases to help bring out the true colours of the eyeshadows I'm using. Using them as bases not only allows to the eyeshadow to pop, but stops any creasing and helps your eyeshadow last a lot longer. If you're going to use these as a base, I would suggest using a small amount and blending into the lid. 

The shades I have in my collection are: 

* Milk - A basic white shade 

* Cottage Cheese - A pearl off white

* Lavender - A pearl light lilac

* Horse Raddish - A pearl mid tone green

* Iced Mocha - A pearl bronzed brown

* Pots & Pans - A pearl mid toned grey

* Purple - A blue toned deep purple 

These are definitely a great product to have in your collection, me can't wait to get more.

Quick rundown:

These pencils are great as a base and just as great worn alone. They last all day, don't crease and add intensity to any eyeshadow.

* Price - £5.00

* Product - 5g

* Shades -  32

* Where to buy - NYX online and some Next stores

Have you tried these yet? What shades would you recommend?

Stacey x

Review - Le Volume De Chanel mascara

Hi Beauts.

A wee while ago I sent off for a sample of Chanel's mascara  'Le volume De Chanel' and months later, have only just gotten around to trying it out.

If I'm honest, I put off using it for so long because I knew that if I loved it I'd want the full size and there's just no way I could justify spending £24.00 on a mascara. Anyway onto the review: I love this mascara and I want the full size.......Damn you Chanel and your amazing products!!!

I kid you not, this is without question THE best mascara I think I've ever tried. I always apply two coats of mascara no matter which brand I'm using because, well that's just how I roll. Well not with this bad boy! Every time I used it I only needed one coat and my lashes would have been visible in Australia.
The first time I applied this I literally sat catching flies (Not literally, that's just dirty.....and I'm not a frog) I couldn't believe the difference in my lashes. I'm not sure if it was the formula or the wand or maybe both, but whatever it was my lashes had doubled in length, had so much volume and were so separated.

Another thing I always do when I use a new mascara, is open it and don't use it for a week so that the product dries out a little. More often than not when using a new mascara, I find it to be too wet. Again, this little tube of amazingness proved me wrong for the second time. This was the perfect consistency, not too wet or dry, and was really lightweight. I couldn't feel it on my lashes, but I sure could see it. I honestly thought that if I blinked too much I'd take off.

If you're looking for a mascara that promises length, volume and separation, and don't mind splurging a little (a lot) then I can't recommend this enough. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Let's round this up shall we. I love this mascara and if any friends or family are reading this (I know that you are mwahaahahaha)..... HINT HINT ;)

Have you tried this? Come on, how much did you love it too?

* Price - £24.00
* Product - 6g
* Shades - 3 according to the Chanel website, and 4 according to Boots

Stacey x

Neutral Christmas look

Hi Beauts.

Another make up look for you all today, but this time I thought I'd keep it more neutral so it could be worn through the day. This is pretty much my day to day (ohhhh yes I wear glitter through the day) look throughout December.

Again with the other looks I posted, the shadows and glitter can be switched for something else if you prefer:

What I used:

* Soap and Glory 'What's nude' quad: Vanilla, Pink T and Mudhoney

* Collection Glam crystals glitter liner in Funk

* I started off by applying Vanilla all over my lid as a base shade, on my brow bone for a highlight and in the inner tear duct area

* Next up, on a fluffy blending blush I used Pink T in my crease as a transition shade - this makes blending easier

* The last shadow I used was Mudhoney in the outer V and blended into the crease, and outer half making sure to keep the inner half light and bright

* Finally I applied a splash of glitter along my lower lashline using Collection glam crystals glitter liner in Funk

Simple but glam, perfect for Christmas Day

Stacey x

Simple oil balancing moisturiser

Hi Beauts.

 Simple is a brand that I've always used since I started using skin care products, and it's a brand that one my aunties always used when I was growing up. I've tried a variety of products from their range from moisturiser to face wash to eye cream, but there's a certain moisturiser that always ends up back on my shelf. Their oil balancing moisturiser.

 My skin drives me crazy on many occasions, especially my chin as that seems to be the oiliest part of my face. I've tried some great products and some not so great from other brands, but this one from simple has to be my favourite.

 It's such a lightweight formula which means it can be used under foundation. I've actually found I don't need a primer when using this before my foundation. It mattifies the skin but not to the point of it feeling dry or stiff, it just takes away any excess oil and helps it look shine free. 

Another great thing is that it soaks into the skin pretty quickly so there's no need to wait 15 minutes before applying any foundation. I've used this before near the beginning of the year, and now I'm currently using it alongside the oil balancing face wash, and have to say they make a great duo to battle oil. 

My skin doesn't look so shiny first thing in the morning as it did before using this, so once again it gets a huge thumbs up from me. As with all simple products this is fragrance free, is great for sensitive skin and is dermatologically tested.
 Most certainly a brand to check out if you haven't already.

What's your favourite product to battle excess oil?

Stacey x

Party look 2: Cut crease with a pop of purple

Hi Beauts.

I thought I'd do another litte make up look that would be perfect for the party season. The colours in the crease and along the lower lashline can be changed up to which ever colours you'd prefer to use:

Here's what I used:

FashioistA bronzer in LA

No7 eyeshadow in Electric purple

Urban Decay eyeshadows in Verve, Pistol and Blackout

* First I applied a make up base, then ran FashionistA bronzer through the crease to warm up the look, and to help blend the following shadows

* I then used Verve, from the Urban Decay naked 2 palette, all over the lid and stopped before I got to the crease 

* Next up I took Pistol on a MAC 219 and created a subtle cut crease, then applied Blackout lightly over Pistol to deepen the look

* To add a little colour, I used No7's eyeshadow in Electric Purple along the lower lashline

* To finish off I applied a slight wing with liquid liner and 2 coats of mascara

Happy Thursday Beauts! 12 days to go ;)

Previous part look here

Stacey x

Maybelline color tattoo in Metallic Pomegranate

Hi Beauts. 

A couple of months back I did a review of the maybelline color tattoo in Barely There that I picked up whilst in NYC. Before I bought that one I already owned On and on Bronze, and I have to say it fast became one of my favourite eye products. The color tattoo's are a great product, they can be used as an eyeshadow or as an eyeshadow base. I've used them as both and find them to work amazing as both. They don't crease, they blend great, they're highly pigmented and they last all day. 

Today I wanted to share with you the latest shade added to my collection, Metallic Pomegranate. 

This was released quite a while ago but I didn't pick it up straight away, even though I'm a huge fan of plums and burgundy shades I find they can make my pale cool toned complexion look pretty dead. However a few lovely ladies on twitter assured me that this wasn't super warm toned so I picked one up. And in love I fell. 

I found this to be pretty neutral toned, so if you're a cool toned chica like me you can absolutely pull this off. 

When packed onto the lid it's a gorgeous metallic plum shade, and when blended into the crease (which is how I wear it) it's a very pretty subtle plum. I like to wear a shimmery champagne shade such as MUA shade 1 or MAC Phloof all over the lid, then I take this on a fluffy brush and blend it into my crease. I mostly wear it without a shadow ontop for more an everyday look, but I have popped plum and burgundy shades ontop and it looks stunning.

If you don't already have this in your make up bag, I'd highly recommed you rush out and buy it. It's the perfect shade for the Christmas season, all of those parties to get glam for.

What's your favourite shade? 

Stacey x