Brown Smoky Eyeshadow

I thought I would quickly share with you my 'Go to' Makeup look.  I tend to gravitate towards a brown smokey eye and dark plum lipstick and I would wear this during the day or in the evening (I like a bold daytime look).  I love to do my makeup, It's my favourite part of getting ready whether i'm just going to the shops or on a night out.

Eyes

MAC paint pot in 'Quite Natural'

I smudge this all over my lid using my fingers

Rimmel 'Master Smoky' eye crayon in brown

I use this to line the inside of my eyes along my water line and also apply it along the top of my lashline and under my lower lash line. I then smudge it out using my MAC 217 brush.

Smashbox 'Full Exposure' Eyeshadow Palette.

I use the lighter brown shade from this palette and sweep it all over my eye lid.

I then use the darker brown shade in the outer corner of my eye to create the smokey effect.

Lips

Tom Ford 'Bruised Plum' 
Or
MAC 'Rebel'

Alice xox

Prep your skin for Summer: Face and Body Scrubs

Scrub into Summer

How nice to have had a bit of sunshine in Scotland for a change, I always feel more motivated and happy, hopefully it will last a little longer for us all.  Carrying on the summer skin theme from my last post I think it is time to fully embrace summer (however long it may last).  Put the tights, leggings and baggy jumpers away and get out those legs, arms and anything else that is in need of a little sunshine.  

Here are some of my 'go to' face and body scrubs, designed to buff away dead skin cells and leave your skin silky smooth and all set for those summer nights where jackets and umbrellas stay in the closet (that might be a bit optimistic but hey one can only hope).

Face Scrubs

St Ives Apricot Scrub

When I use a scrub I like to feel it actually doing what it is supposed to and buffing away all those dead skin cells and impurities on my face.  This face scrub does just that, it contains lots of natural ingredients, is oil free, hypoallergenic and is made available for different skin types. It smells really nice too.



Boots Botanics Scrub
I would recommend this for sensitive skin

This scrub was a random find that I stumbled upon one day in Boots and It is a little gem.  It is gently exfoliates and brightens your skin leaving it feeling thoroughly cleansed.  It does the job perfectly and is probably one of my favourite budget face scrubs.

Body Scrubs

St Ives Apricot Body Scrub 
I would recommend this for sensitive skin

Again this is a fantastic body scrub and does exactly what it says on the tub.  It is invigorating and leaves your skin feeling smooth and velvety.  It is great for people that don't like to be left with an oily residue that most scrubs can have.

Soap and Glory Flake Away Scrub

As described by Soap and Glory themselves this 'Super Strength salt Scrub' polishes your skin within an inch of its life.  It contains Shea butter and almond oil so is also lovely and moisturizing. 



These Scrubs are great for people who like to feel like their skin has been properly exfoliated.

Available in Boots and Superdrug

Happy scrubbing

Alice xox

My go to Highlighter's

Summer Glow

The last few days have been a breath of fresh air, the sun has been shining high in the sky and I finally feel ready for summer.  I'ts amazing how many freckles a little bit of sunshine can bring out.  Summer is all about looking fresh, radiant and glowing and nothing achieves this more than a little highlighter to help you along the way. 

 Here are my currents favourites, enjoy!

Diorskin Nude Tan

I'd like to start by introducing a highlighter that I only discovered this week, Diorskin Nude Tan Transat Edition Highlighter (a mouthfull I know).  I discovered this while inquiring about Dior Amber diamonds which much to my dismay has been discontinued.  I was recommended this as an alternative and instantly fell in love.  Finely milled in a beautiful golden hue this powder allows for a soft natural glow or high shine, whichever you prefer.  It comes in a velvet pouch and gorgeous silver compact which includes a mirror and kabuki brush.  This highlighter is a staple product for summer, although get it quick as I believe it is limited edition and could sell out fairly quickly.

Topshop Glowstick- Play Up

I've recently become a fan of Topshop's makeup range, some of their products are really quite good and i love the packaging everything comes in.  Their glowstick highlighter is a great alternative to those high end luxury brands and is a fraction of the price.  This light reflecting highlighter is easy to blend and glides onto the skin effortlessly creating a subtle golden glow.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone

This is a fantastic multipurpose highlighter that can be used instead of a primer or mixed in with your moisturiser or foundation.  It can also be used on its own to highlight specific such as the cheek bone or brow bone.  Available in four shades this liquid formula creates a soft natural glow to the skin.  Perfect for taking on holiday and mixing in with a little tinted moisturiser to instantly enhance your skin and achieve a soft dewy complexion.

Where to apply highlighter

Cheek bone

Brow bone

Down the centre of the nose

Temples

Cupids bow
Corner of the eyes

Top Tip

Apply highlighter to your decolletage (accross the collarbone) just where the sun would naturally hit to create a beautiful radiant and healthy glow.

Alice xox

Brow Products I can't live without

All about the Brows

Filling in your brows, even just a little can make a world of a difference to your look.  They frame the face and highlight the eyes and are the first thing I notice.  Thick bold eyebrows are here to stay and there are many products on the market that will help you achieve this look.

Here are some of my favourites

Tom Ford Brow sculptor

This is hands down my all time favourite brow crayon. It is double sided with one end containing a brush that you use to groom your brows and a mini sharpener concealed inside. At the opposite end you have your angled crayon, used to fill in your brows.  It is so easy to use, lasts forever and comes in four colours.  For my brows I use 'Taupe'. 

Benefit Brows Zings

This little compact contains a wax and a powder.  Really easy to use and perfect to carry around if you need to do a little touching up later on in the day.  I probably use the powder more than the wax but think this is all round a great product.

Laura Mercier Brow gel

This is a lightweight gel formula used to groom and finish your eye brows.  It allows for a great long lasting hold without the over dried or sticky feeling that other brows gels can leave you with.  It keeps my brows in place all day.  Love Love Love...

Tweezerman Tweezers

These are a staple in my makeup bag and are the best I've tried yet.  They are slightly angled which makes them really easy, especially since I don't have my brows professionally done and prefer to do them myself.

Real Techniques Brow brush

The angled brush end means this is excellent for using with powder to get that defined angular  brow.

Here is a little before and after of my brows :)

There are many amazing brow products out there, these are just a few that have worked well for me :)

Alice xox