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 | 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!

Luxe Beauty | Discover Beauty Now!

Recently I took a wander in to an M&S store which was not my local store...Wow! I have been missing out big time, I was so surprised to see the range of beauty products on offer there. Even better, Marks & Spencer are running a Beauty Discovery Event until 16th April which includes FREE GIFT with purchase promotions on a whole load of brands. Some brands that will be tempting me include: Leighton Denny, REN, Jurlique, Bliss, Philip Kingsley and Murad, just to name a few!

You can shop the Marks and Spencer Beauty Discovery Event here

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 | Benefit - Gimme Brow Review

So, big brows are big at the moment. Which is great news for me, as I have quite sizeable ones! Unfortunately they are a little sparse at the inner end, and a little unruly, so to perfect my brows I always need some Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream, an eyebrow pencil and a tidy up with a Tweezerman eyebrow brush. Well, life just got a little bit easier...drum roll please for Benefit's Gimme Brow. As soon as this product launched I knew I was going to have to give it a go. Gone are the painstaking mini strokes with a pencil to emulate hairs, and getting frustrated when your eyebrows still appear drawn on. Gimme Brow does the tidy and colour all at once whilst giving a super natural look. It works by the gel volumising the eyebrows that are already there, this includes the really fines hairs that you can't see. The product is water resistant too (Phew...I still have flashbacks from an unfortunate rainy day when my eyebrows began to drip down my face. Yes, it was as unpleasant as it sounds!) and long lasting so it provides a fuller brow all day. I tried to take a picture (sorry about the scary eyes!) of one brow au naturel and  one brow Gimme Brow'ed...can you figure out which is which? 

(hint: the one on the left has had a little boost)

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).

Beauty | Kiko Cosmetics - Velvet Touch Creamy Stick Blush Review

Another product from my Kiko Cosmetics haul recently, I have far too many blushers, but I couldn't resist this one. In the same range and packaging as the Radiant Touch Creamy Stick Highlighter (read here for a review), this cream blush is easy to use with the perfect amount of colour pigmentation. As the name hints, it has a velvety soft texture which doesn't leave the skin sticky and it blends easily. I like this being in a stick form as it is easier to measure how much product you put on each cheek, whereas I find it hard to judge when scooping out of a pot. I often use a combination of cream blush and powder blush, and this is great accompaniment to a lighter more shimmery powder. The benefit of layering powder blush on top of cream blush is it stays in place and you can blend to get the perfect blush colour for your tone. As anyone that reads my blog regularly knows, I can't rave about this brand enough as I love their products, prices and packaging, anyone else tried out any Kiko Cosmetics products?

Beauty | Kiko Cosmetics - Radiant Touch Creamy Stick Highlighter Review

As part of my Kiko Cometics haul when I was in Florence, I picked up this highlighter stick. I liked the idea of a highlighter stick as other highlighters I own are in liquid form. The packaging is sturdy and feels good quality. As you can see from the swatch pic, the effect (I put a little more on than you would on your face so the camera could pick it up) is very sheer with a gorgeous golden shimmer. The application is very easy, so easy that I added it to my everyday makeup routine (read here) and it is hard to overdo it with this stick unlike liquid highlighters which can go wrong quite easily if you put too much on! The product doesn't leave your skin sticky either, it sits on the skin lightly. I have said it in many of my posts but I will say it again, the value for money in the products from Kiko Cosmetics is unbelievable! Great beauty products at good prices, that is always going to put a smile on my face!

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 - Mat Mousse Oil Free Foundation Review

This was a product I picked up recently when I went a little crazy in a Kiko Cosmetics store (luckily their prices are good otherwise I'd be on bread and water!). I have to admit, and being a makeup addict, I am not sure I am allowed to, I am not a huge foundation fan. Shock horror. I much prefer tinted moisturisers or a BB/CC cream as it is hard to go wrong with them, whereas foundations get tricky in application and making sure you apply evenly. However, that being said, every now and then I wonder how lovely my face could look and I buy the odd foundation. Seeing the words mat (matte) and oil free, my foundation curiosity was peaked yet again and I though 'ah go on then'. So, is it any good? Well, as I am not an avid foundation fan, I would say yes. One of my faves is the Nars Sheer Glow Foundation, but at a third of the price I would say the Kiko Cosmetics product is pretty darn good. It gives great coverage, matte finish, feels very light and natural and it smoothes skin tone really quite effectively. The products lasts really well too, I first used it without a primer and I have to say I didn't notice much difference after a few hours and the forehead shine I am a little prone to was kept at bay. I do love that is has SPF15 in there too to protect your skin. This product might well just creep it's way in to my weekend makeup! What is your favourite foundation?

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!

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. 

Beauty | Kiko Cosmetics - Florence

Whilst wandering the streets of Florence I came across a Kiko Cosmetics Store which i was very excited about with all the recent buzz about this brand in the UK.

The store wasn't huge, but the vast choice in colours and various products really was. I went a little mad and bought plenty!

I will be writing separate reviews for each of these products as soon as I can get round it but for now here is a sneak peek at the little (read massive) haul I splurged on....

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 Life | Travelling Light

So, lucky old me is off to Florence tomorrow! I absolutely can't wait, but despite all this excitement, I have the feeling of dread when I hear those painful words 'luggage allowance'. I am only off for 4 days, but what always gets me in a spin is trying to skinny down the cosmetics, so I thought it would be useful to let you know how I attempt to be a bit frugal on how much I bring with me - means I can buy more at duty free then, right?

I took a deep breath and decided to bring together the majority of the products I would usually use over a 4 day period, there were a couple of bits that I missed, but I would say I got all the big hitters in there. This massive haul of products looked like this....

"This does not look shared-small-suitcase-for-a-long-weekend compatible" was the polite response from my husband when he walked in the room...and promptly walked back out! So I have managed to get my weekend cosmetics to a slightly more manageable amount which now looks like this...

I managed this miracle using the following tricks:

1) Samples. This is when sample size products come in to their own, if you happen to get a sample of a product that you quite like, but not enough to veer away from your usual favourite, save it. When you are going away, using sample sizes is so much easier, and you don't mind that it isn't your favourite product...your on holiday, who cares?

2) Containers. For the when your favourite products are essential, (mine is flash beauty balm) then buy some empty containers from a supermarket or pharmacy and squeeze a bit from the full size product to save on room/weight.

3) Multi tasking products. Products that can do more than one thing are your friend when it comes to travelling light, so get packing those lip and cheek tints, multi use oils and anything else that can work its magic more than once.

4) Eye shadow palettes. In my first pic I only showed a tiny proportion of the various eye shadows and creams that I own, and I never know what look or eye colour I will want to try from one day to the next. So I find eye shadow palettes are a good use of space as packing all the different eye shadow pots is a little infeasible, but with a palettes you still get plenty of choice and it slips right in between your knock out dress and skinny jeans without barely making a difference space wise. The one I have shown is a palette I picked up from Sephora last year, and I have heard on the blogvine that they are now shipping to the UK! Woohoo!

Now I am all packed, and ready to go without sacrificing my beauty regime. It is worth noting that the second pic doesn't show a bottle of perfume because obviously I will be making use of duty free ;-) 

Have a great Sunday and I will be blogging all about Florence, home of the oldest beauty shop I. The world, when I get back!