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 | Tom Ford Lip Colour Sheer in Firecracker Review

Firstly, lets just address the packaging It may just be the most beautiful lip stick container ever. Super chic in cream and gold and the material feels premium and expensive...which might be because it is  little pricey. I took advantage of a discount code for department store and I knew that my purchase was going to be Tom Ford Lipstick in Firecracker. It is the first Tom Ford Lipstick I have bought and, unfortunately for my bank balance, it is unlikely to be the last!

I decided to go for Firecracker as I thought it would be perfect for the orange lip trend of Spring/Summer 2014. The colour is a deep orangey red which is very pigmented, and wears well. Don't be fooled by the name 'Lip Colour Sheer' as the product actually gives great coverage with quite a creamy texture and I wouldn't describe it as sheer as you can see from the swatch. I found glossiness of the product to wear off quite easily, but the colour stains and stays for a good length of time.

Hmmm, I wonder which colour from the Lip Colour Sheer collection I should try next?

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!

Beauty | Nude Lipstick Reviews

Nude lips is one of my favourite go to lip looks as it is so versatile. It is perfect for work, day time and even night time when you are working an eye popping look. I have four nude lipsticks that I use so I thought it'd be useful to compare...

L'Oréal - Collection Privée by Eva Review

So the thinking behind Collection Privée is that L'Oréal used 6 famous women, who work with the brand and all have different skin tones, to produce the perfect nude lipstick for each of them. This is the tricky thing about the colour nude, it's a different colour on different people. So I reckon L'Oréals plan was bordering on genius! I bought the nude developed for Eva Longoria as her skin tone was the best match to mine (simple way to pick the perfect colour, right?) and I have to say this lipstick is spot on. The lipstick is highly pigmented so it provides excellent coverage and it has a slight shine to it to make your lips look extra luscious. My only complaint with this lipstick is that I find it slightly drying but it is still my go-to for work lippy when I want to look professional and polished.

Revlon - Super Lustrous Lipstick in Mauve It Over Review

I bought this one a while ago and I still chuck it in my bag now and again as it is a little bit of an old faithful. What I love about this lipstick is the matte finish and although it is a little darker than the L'Oréal one, I like this one for adding subtle colour, particularly when I want my makeup focus on my eyes. I tend to wear this one one weekends and evenings rather than work as it creeps towards the trendy side of things. This lipstick doesn't feel heavy and sticky on your lips like some matte ones can, it gives good coverage and doesn't dry my lips out.

Maybelline - Colour Sensational in Velvet Beige

Velvet Beige is darker still with a little bit of shine, I would say for my skin tone it is on the very edge of nude. I find this lipstick very moisturising though and sometimes it just seems to suit my mood if I feel like going understated on all counts and with its pink undertones it put a little colour in my face.

Smashbox - Matte Latte Review
This is the most expensive lipstick of the four and so as you would expect the packaging is that little more luxurious so it is worth a mention, the casing it is a matte black in a very square shape with a dark silver metal effect on the inside. The lipstick itself is matte and provides a good covering, I would say this is the mos pigmented of all four and it is easy to apply evenly. It doesn't leave your lips sticky and feels very light when it is on. It can be a little drying though so I always apply lip balm first.

The swatches below are the following from left to right: L'Oréal, Revlon, Maybelline, Smashbox.

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?

Luxe Beauty Life | Wishlist March 2014

Well, it is that time of the month where pay day feels far away, I have no money, but I have a whole load of things that I am lusting after! Here are my top 5:

YSL Touche Eclat Wild Edition - Touche Eclat dressed up in leopard print, need I say more?

Ying Yu Rose Quartz Face Roller - I have been eyeing up a face roller for some time now as I suffer from the odd bit of puffiness every now and then, this one is just so beautiful.

Bobbi Brown Nectar and Nude Collection - I am trying not to look, or read, or try any of this collection, I already know I want it, and I already know I don't need it...maybe just one product won't harm.

Kissing Elixirs Vanilla Mint Lip Balm- You all know by now I love a good gimmick, this is probably one of them, doesn't make me want it less though. Vanilla and mint, yum!

Guerlain Meteorites Pearls Powder - Radiance in pretty packaging, who could want more??

What are you tempted by this month?

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?

Luxe Beauty Life | Sunny Days Sunday

Aaaah give me sunshine! The last couple of weekends have been a glimpse of, hopefully (touch wood, fingers crossed, don't-say-it-out-loud), warmer months to come. In prepation for this warmer weather that (please please please) will be on its way I had a little sundance and started preparing. First thing first, some spring colours on your nails is a great way to get you in the mood and perk you up, I went for Cheeky Chat Me Up Nail Paint in Tongue 'n' Cheek (Click here). Lovely! Then I started on my feet, sandals will be incoming and my feet are not ready to be shown!! So I slathered on some Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Cream (Click here), it smells delicious, it doesn't leave your feet feeling sticky and warms up nicely whilst you massage it in...walking on a cloud right now! I use an epilator on my legs as I think it gives great results that last longer than shaving, and easier than booking in for a wax, but epilating does come with the down side of ingrown hairs. To combat this I exfoliate regularly and also use SkinDoctors Ingrow Go (Click here) which really helps prevent hair growing underneath the skin by cleaning and purifying pores and exfoliating the skin. The orange lips trend is perfect for a sunny day so I popped on some Revlon Colorburst Laquer Balm in Tease Seductrice. Top it all off with a spritz of Jean Paul Gaultier Summer Edition and now I am ready for some rays! What do you do to get ready for the warmer days?

Beauty | Kiko Cosmetics - Unlimited Stylo Lipstick in Burgundy Review

Part of my Kiko Cosmetics haul from Italy was this long wearing lipstick, it is packaged well, the container doesn't feel cheap (even though the price is) and from first glance it looks like a lovely deep colour, which is No.12 Burgundy. First thing I notice when applying is that the shape of the product doesn't allow for following your lip shape easily. As you can see from my pic of of own application, the product is too chunky and not precise enough, so I would recommend using a lip brush. The lipstick is very pigmented and results in a beautiful colour on your lips which truly is long lasting. Once dry the lipstick doesn't budge and it takes a couple of hours before it needs a touch up. The lipstick doesn't dry out your lips either despite its matte finish, and when first applying it feels quite hydrating. In summary, there are plenty of positives about this lipstick, including the price, with the only negative being the limitations of not being able to top up on the go without a lip brush for a good lip shape. I'll be keeping an eye out for other colours with this one!

Luxe Beauty | By Terry - Baume De Rose 10 Year Anniversary Coffret Review

I have been lusting after this one for a while and when the 10th anniversary edition came out all lovely and decorated, it made me want it more. Lucky me received the gift set with the pot and tube version as a very generous birthday gift and I am delighted! It is a beautiful gift to receive, partly due to it not being something I would not tend to buy myself with such a high price tag. The balm itself has a gel like texture which is light on your lips but lasts for hours (right now it is lunch time, I applied at around 7am and I can still feel it there keeping my lips hydrated), it has a gorgeous rose scent which, personally, I love but I know it isn't for everyone. The tube that is included in the set is so luxurious with all the niceness of the balm in the pot but with added gloss and subtle sparkle. Also for the germ concious of you it gives the added practicality for being on the go and not worrying about poking dirty fingers in to the pot. In summary, I would say it is a hefty price tag but to receive as a gift or a one off present to oneself i would say it is a lovely balm to own and it looks soooo pretty on the dressing table!! 

Luxe Beauty | Smashbox - Be Legendary Lipstick in Infrared Matte Review

I am slightly crazy about red lipsticks, I would say I have a lot of red lipsticks to choose from, but it doesn't stop me from buying more! I have been really excited about this lipstick and the only thing I love as much as red is matte, and this is the beautiful combination of both. Again, as with the Be Legendary lipstick I reviewed in Matte Latte, this comes in cool packaging of a super square container and dark silver inside. The colour itself had a little more pink than I was expecting but it is still a gorgeous shade of red and if you want something darker you could try layering with another lipstick in a darker shade. It applies really well and is well pigmented so gives a real thick layering of colour without being too heavy on your lips. I know you should apply balm before all lipsticks, but it would emphasise that point with this one as the matte texture does not look as good on lips that are a little dry. I can't wait for the weekend to give this lipstick a night out.

Beauty | Useful Tip: Lip Scrub

I frequently get quite dry lips and am left with rough skin on them, which when applying lipstick can be a real nuisance! I heard about lip scrubs a few months ago but I only found expensive ones online and I didn't want to invest until I knew it was worth it. I found this lip scrub from Lush called Mint Julips and essentially it is sugar that you scrub into your lips to get rid of the dry skin, either lick or clean off and then apply your lipstick. I have found this really useful in the cold weather when I am prone to dry lips and the Lush lip scrubs are relatively inexpensive and come in three flabours; mint, bubblegum and popcorn.

Luxe Beauty | Valentines Day Makeup - Givenchy Le Rouge Review

So we are in the run up to Valentines Day, and although every year I tell my husband it is commercialised and a money pit but...I fall in to the trap of wanting to dress up and do something every year!

I love any chance to raid the makeup kit and go to town with the face paint so I always think Valentines is the perfect excuse. I strictly abide by the eyes or mouth rule which makes V day difficult - surely this day (if not most days) is the time to rock some seriously sexy red lips. I have far too many red lipsticks due to forever being on the hunt for that perfect red but my absolute fave that I always go running back to is Givenchy Le Rouge lipstick in Grenat Initié. It is gorgeously dark without being burgundy, I love the matte finish and to top it off the packaging is to die for - black leather and metal - wow!

For eyes I use Bobby Brown Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Goldstone as it has a very subtle shimmer and you can build it up to whatever look you are going for, with a creamy brown eyeliner and some mascara it is a great eye look that it subtle enough with bold lips.

Topped off with some luminiser and subtle cream blush...that will be my Valentines look.