Beauty | Urban Decay Pressed Pigment Palette Review

Unless you have been living under a stone the last few weeks then you will know that the football world cup will be tarting in Brazil in a months time. There is no doubt that Brazil = Colour, and so this season will be inspired by all sorts of bright and colourful looks. Where to start with smack-in-the-face colours for your eyes? Look no further than the Urban Decay Pressed Pigment Palette.

The first thing to strike you is the fun packaging, giving a hint as to the palette that is inside. The container is solid and good quality with a funky colourful design on the lid.

Open the container up and you are struck with a dazzling array of colours, a large mirror and an eye shadow brush. The brush is of a good quality, which is starting to become the norm with these palettes whereas historically they would tend to be poor quality, and is double ended for different uses. I like the fact that each shadow is named clearly and there is a generous amount of each colour.

The powder itself is highly pigmented, giving good coverage with just a small amount of product. The colours can be easily built up or blended out depending on what you want and the powder has good staying power on your eyelids. You could use along with more neutral tones if you wanted something a little less out there for just a dash of colour, but where is the fun in that??

As you can see from the swatches below, there is a great choice and variety of colours but with many that can be blended together or used to as a bright contrast to each other. I have found that this palette is a lot more useable than I thought it would be when I first saw the colours and I think I will have a lot of fun trying out different colours!

I tried out a couple of looks, not the best eye shadow skills as I was in a rush, but it gives you an idea of different looks you could try...

What do you think? Will you be getting in to the Rio spirit and trying out some colour this Summer?

Luxe Beauty | Kevyn Aucoin Makeover

Last week I popped in to my local Space NK as they had a makeup artist in from Kevyn Aucoin giving free makeovers. I was interested in the Kevyn Aucoin makeover in particular as I only own one product from the Kevyn Aucoin range, The Expert Lip Colour in Bloodroses (I absolutely love it!!), and I wanted to learn more about the range. I have been looking at the different products within the range for a while now, and what I have found is that they are very classic tones, albeit with an on-trend feel, but they will last through the future trends also. For that reason, the products are a great investment, but it is also that reason as to why I don't own more as I do seem to go with what is hot at the time. When I went in I wanted to try some burnt red eyes so the makeup artist, Emilie, used the Eye Shadow Single Matte in  Burgundy (109) and Faded Heather (108) to blend out. I also spotted these lovely metallic loose powders as well so the Loose Shimmer Shadows in Rose Quartz was used as well to round off my eyes, but Emilie said that you can also mix some in with your foundation to give it a glow (I will be trying that in the summer!). The Precision Liquid Liner and Eye Pencil Primatif were used in Basic Black, which both gave a great result but unfortunately my eyes reacted to this product which is not unusual as my eyes are a little sensitive. The Essential Mascara added a subtle amount of volume and curl without looking too over the top. The end result was really lovely and I am hoping I can recreate it at home!

Other products used in the makeover; Liquid Airbrush Foundation, which gave a brilliant coverage with only a small amount of product. The blusher was the Pure Powder Glow in Shadore. The look was finished off with a light touch of Matte Lip Colour in Tenacious and a dash of The Lip Gloss in Vesuvian.

So this was my finished face...

There is only so much makeup can do but I think Emilie did a great job, what do you think?

Luxe Beauty | My Current Top 10 Beauty Products

I have tons of beauty products but there are ones that you always go back to or some that just stand out, here are my top 10 beauty products that I am loving at the moment...

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
These amazing ready to use pads exfoliate, tone and brighten all at the same time using a blend of ingredients that include glycolic acid, cucumber and lemon peel in the perfect amount to be just right for daily use!

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm

I sound like a broken record...but I really can't get enough of this cleansing balm! The refreshing scent, luxurious texture and gorgeous result. If you haven't tried this cleansing balm then you need to!

Ole Henriksen Truth To Go Wipes
I know using cleansing wipes is a little bit taboo but these are just too lovely. They smell like orange sherbet and they have a whole host of ingredients to keep your skin clean and glowing. I like to use them before the cleansing balm to get rid of the majority of my makeup. The resealable packet means they are great for chucking in your gym bag and travelling.

Benefit Gimme Brow
I have reviewed this fantastic product before (here), the easiest and fastest way to perfect brows...I am just a little bit addicted!

YSL Touche Eclat Wild Edition
I simply do not believe there is anyone who hasn't heard all about the Touche Eclat amazingness. Well, it just got a whole lot more amazing with the addition of leopard print (swoon), not only does it look even more gorgeous, it is also much easier to get enough grip to take the lid off (especially when you have makeup and moisturising cream all over your hands!).

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner
Another product I have already reviewed quickly (here), this makes winged eye liner looks so easy it could be an every day look!

Colour Club Gala's Gems Nail Polish in Heirloom Pearls
I got this nail polish in this months BirchBox and it is perfect for Spring 2014! It hits the white nails trend with a hint of cream to make them look very classy indeed.

Real Techniques Buffing Brush
This brush was part of the Real Techniques core collection, it is to be used with powder but I also use it to buff out liquid foundation after using the foundation brush too to get a real natural finish.

Dior Addict Lip Glow Colour Awakening Lipbalm
This is such a gloriously luscious luxurious lip balm that I just can't get enough of! It looks so very pretty in my bag and it leaves my lips looking at their very best.

Payot Pate Grise
This is my miracle product for beating those below-the-surface blemishes from rearing their ugly head. Just a dab of this over night when you feel a red sore bump and you will see nothing more of it by the morning. It only works when the spot is below the surface though so stay vigilant!

Luxe Beauty | Smashbox - Always Sharp 3D Liner in Gemstone Review

I have quite a few products from the smashbox range and when I get to using them I am never disappointed in their quality or uniqueness. This product is no different. Thanks to the clever packaging (and you may have guessed it from the name...), this liner is never blunt, which is useful for always getting a precise line. I chose Gemstone so that I could wear it during the day as a more subtle eye look and it really is perfect for that. It adds a bit of colour without being the focus of your face.There is a slight bit of shimmer in there that you can just about see in the swatch, this gives it a bit of a sparkle and your eyes a little bit of a pop. I have found that it stays put all day and doesn't smudge or mysteriously disappear into the corners of your eye (always a nice trait in an eye liner!). I really love the fact that all the smashbox products I have had each have a little quirk or wow factor, whether it is the quality of the packaging or that the lid keeps the liner sharp, I am always pleasantly surprised.

I have also reviewed some eye liners from the limitless range too (read here).

Luxe Beauty Life | Makeup for Work Routine

Well, I don't know about you but in the morning before work I just want to get ready and out of the door as quick as possible... this means I get more beauty sleep (trust me I need it!). So the makeup I wear for work is about speed and ease of application. Top tip: Keep it all together in a separate makeup bag so there is no wasting time rummaging around trying to find what you're looking for. Before applying though I prep my skin...

Firstly I like to give my skin a bit of a boost so I use an oil cleanser in the morning, I find it gives a great base for makeup and the little bit of luxury perks me up. At the moment I am using the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil sample I got in a beauty box a few weeks ago, a little is going a long way! Then I spritz my skin with a brightening mist, it feels refreshing and acts as a toner - L'Occitane Immortelle Essential Water. I am currently using some No.7 serum and moisturising cream that I received in a gift set at Christmas, I really like the day cream in particular as it is fresh and light for the morning - No 7 Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum & No 7 Protect & Perfect Intense Day Cream. 

After that routine my skin is in a good place for makeup application. I use a primer to ensure my makeup stays in place, again I am using a sample from a beauty box at the moment as I like to save my Laura Mercia for weekends and going out. The one I am using works great and gives a radiance boost (which I definitely need on a weekday morning!) - Monu Illuminating Primer. In work I like my makeup to be as natural and barely there as possible, I find CC cream to be the best base for this and applying is a lot faster than foundation, I love the Olay CC cream and it isn't hugely expensive. Dark circles are always needing tending to, in the morning especially and this one is my every day, night, weekend, holiday favourite - YSL Touche Eclat. I like powder finishes so I use MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural which is such a great product, it perfects your makeup finish without leaving your skin overly made up and gives you a little bit of colour. I have used these blushers for years - Bourjois Blush in Rose de Jaspe, I have tons of other blush powders, tints and creams that I use at other times, but this is my go to in the mornings and the little brush that comes with it makes application so quick and easy. I use brown and black eyeliner all of the time but in work I like to play it down a bit so I use a dark plum colour, I find this works really well at keeping my eye makeup subtle. Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer in Perfect Plum is excellent for staying where it should do. When it comes to eye makeup I love nothing more than adding a bit of colour and blending till my hearts content, but there's no time for that in the morning so I grab one of the Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr colours, my favourites are Metallic Pomegranate, On and Bronze and Pink Gold. They work really well for staying in place, I find eye creams really easy to apply and keep the eyes subtle but interesting. I really like using stick highlighters when I am in a rush so the Kiko Cosmetics Creamy Stick Highlighter does just the job and saves time compared to liquid highlighters. Finally I finish off with some GOSH Growth Mascara, it provides great volume and it has the added bonus of having lash lengthening formula in it so that it is encouraging your lashes to grow while you wear it. If I am having a lipstick day then I usually opt for a nude (reviews here) or just keep my lip moisturised with whatever lip balm I have to hand.

What is your make up for work routine?

Beauty | Kiko Cosmetics Boulevard Rock Limited Edition Collection

While I was is Italy recently I bought some makeup from the Boulevard Rock Limited Edition Collection by Kiko Cosmetics. The range has tons to choose from and it is all in funky and fun packaging which made it super hard to choose what to buy, but this is what I went for...

Kiko Cosmetics - Rock Attraction Bronzer in Steady Honey Review

I admit, I didn't need a bronzer, but I couldn't resist how the product was pressed into a zip shape! The container is really cool too with a colourful matte finish. The product itself is well pigmented and gives the skin a warm glow. It is very light and almost sheer so it provides a natural flush of colour, I think this will be great in the summer to give a radiance boost.

Kiko Cosmetics - Street Fashion Eyeshadow Palette in Grounge Couture Review

Again, very cool packaging which I completely fell for. The colours are vibrant and can be applied to a subtle or loud look as you want. The powder lasts well, but it does have a bit of fall out but applies to the eye lids easily and blends well. I would say this is another fun summer product.

Kiko Cosmetics - Glow Touch Lip & Cheeks in Magnetic Mauve Review

I love this balm, it smells and tastes like vanilla (which happens to be one of my favourite scents) and is light on both lips and cheeks. It isn't greasy, it has a velvety texture and it hydrates the lips well and gives a subtle glow on cheeks.

Kiko Cosmetics - Rock Idol Lipstick in 03 Rebel Coral Review

This lipstick has a satin finish but goes on to the lips easily like a glossy lip balm, it can feel slightly grainy on the lips though. I love this colour (dare I say summer again??) but it does slightly dry your lips so I would suggest applying lip balm first.

Kiko Cosmetics - Denim Nail Laquer in Tribal Purple Review

I can't resist buying nail polish, there are just too many colours to try out. The Denim Nail Laquer finish is matte which I love amd it applies easily and gives great coverage with two coats. The colour is dark pink/purple which works well for work and is still colourful enough to give you a lift.

In summary, I am really enjoying discovering the brand as it is quite new to me and this limited edition collection really showcases what the brand is all about...fun and colour with quality products, and the huge bonus of it being reasonably priced! Have you tried any Kiko Cosmetics products yet?

Beauty | Rimmel - ScandalEyes Eye Shadow Stick Review + Discount

I love anything that makes makeup application easy and fast, and this eye shadow stick is right up there! Application and blending is very easy due to the creamy texture, and the high pigmentation means just a small amount adds a lot of colour. The colour is long wearing too, so you can rest easy it will be as you applied it at the end of the day.

I got to try out the ScandalEyes Eye Shadow Stick in Blamed Blue, and as you can see from the pictures it gives a bright sparkly finish. On my eyes (sorry about the blurred pic!) I blended with a dark silver cream shadow to show how versatile this can be as you can have a bright pop of colour or something more subtle. Until the 18th March 2014 my readers can get 20% off at thehut.com when buying two Rimmel products here just enter code RIMMEL20. These  eye shadow sticks are great value so I will be stocking up on different colours and trying out some mixes. 

Luxe Beauty | Eyeko - Liquid Metal Eyeliner Rose Gold Review

Eyeko seems to be everywhere at the moment and since Alexa Chung put her face to the brand it has really gained some momentum. I received the Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in my February Birchbox and I absolutely loved it, applying along the top lash line has never been so easy! I am also having a bit of a rose gold phase at the moment, so when I came across the Eyeko Liquid Metal Eyeliner in Rose Gold whilst browsing online I just had to have it. What a purchase this has been. Metallics are super sexy right now and this eyeliner is right on the money. It is waterproof so it doesn't budge all day, in fact, it is so waterproof it doesn't budge when you are trying o clean it off at night without a good eye makeup remover. It is very easy to apply and, once you have turned the bottom to release the liquid, a little goes a long way as it has great colour density. Unfortunately the pictures I took don't do it justice but if you spy this I would say grab one as this is going to be beautiful for summer nights.

I have been pairing it up with Bobbi Brown Cream Eye Shadow in Copper to really go to town on the metallic trend. How would you wear it?

Luxe Beauty | Smashbox - Full Exposure Palette Review

Eeeeeek! It arrived...and it is beautiful! I think I may have wowed out loud when I opened this little treasure chest up. Of course, I am talking about the new Smashbox Full Exposure Palette.

So first things first, the box itself, it is compact enough to squeeze it into your makeup bag to take away with you but it has a decent amount of product in there (14 good sized portions of colour to be exact) and you have a great size mirror AND a darn good eye shadow brush. At £36 this will not break the bank and you also get a free mascara with the palette along with a guide for perfecting 3 different looks for each eye shape (super useful!).

The colours are absolutely perfect for my colouring (brown hair, brown eyes, medium skin tone) but I imagine they would look good on anyone. There is a row of matte powders and a row of shimmer powders, they give great coverage and easy to apply without ending up with powder all down your face. I always use a primer underneath my makeup anyway but these powders seem to wear quite well after a few hours. The middle colour in the bottom row (see picture below) is very, very sheer and on a skin tone such as mine I can't think how you would use it, but potentially on a different tone it may be effective. This palette will do the full spectrum of eye looks, if you are looking for a dressed down nude to a full on sexy, smokey look you can nail them with the choice of colours. The powders blends really easily too so you can really have fun trying out different mixes. Personally I tend to put a light matte powder all over the eye lid, a darker matte in the crease and outer corner and then if I am fancying some glitter then a nice blend at the outer corner.

The brush that you get with this is great too, I usually find brushes you get with palettes a little naff, but this brush is so useful! It is double ended with different densities of brush, really great for creating different looks, the only thing you need to add to this is a brush for more detail if you were going to really go to town on your eyes.

If you are looking for a great selection of neutral, shimmer, matte and brown powders then I really don't think you need to look further than this palette, I can't wait to take this on holiday with me at the weekend!

Luxe Beauty | Smashbox - Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow Review

Smashbox Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow in Icon was another product I bought from the smashbox range. I am a huge fan of cream eye shadow as it is so easy and fast to apply and the good ones stay in place for hours. This is definitely a good one, the colour is very rich in pigment and the cream gives great coverage, and I love the fact that this shadow doesn't crease and lasts perfectly. I think this is a great evening out eye shadow and I will be stocking up on some other colours.

Luxe Beauty | Smashbox - Limitless Eye Liner Review

Smashbox has been gaining in popularity in the UK over the past year and so I made a few purchases to see what it was all about. I bought the smashbox Limitless Eye Liner in Smoke and Indigo Ink, they came in matte finish boxes and each, very usefully, have a sharpener built in to the lid. They have a very creamy texture which is easy to work with to create the look you want but I wouldn't say they would be a subtle choice if you were paring down your eyes, to emphasise your lips say. The staying power of this eye liner isn't the best I have come across but by no means terrible, I would recommend checking the mirror after a few hours wear as it does smudge easily. All in all I am quite a fan of the eye liner mainly due to the versatility if you were wanting to create a show stopping eye look. Smoke is a great colour to compliment a smokey eye look, it isn't has bold as black but still dark, I would say similar to a charcoal black and it has a slight shimmer to it. Indigo Ink was a lot bluer than I thought it was but if you are looking for a blue eye liner without it being too out there as it verges on a midnight type blue.