My Holiday Beauty, Hair, Nails & Makeup Musts; Post 2

This is the second of my two posts showing you some of the beauty, hair, nails and makeup products I will be packing in my suitcase.

This second post will cover makeup, nails and perfume.

Fraulein, Concealer Palette

This is a little gem of a product, especially if your skin is prone to vast colour changes like mine. During the winter I'm quite a light olive and even with sun screen, I can change about 5 shades during the course of the summer, especially when I go on holiday. So this palette is perfect, as it covers a variety of skin shades, plus the must have pink, white, purple and yellow correction concealers. I wouldn't go away without it.

Maybelline, Dream Fresh BB Foundation, Medium

This is a relatively new product for me but I'm finding it gloriously light and definitely makes my skin feel radiant. I'm taking this away with me for those nights on the town, when I'll want to wear more than just a powder foundation but don't want anything too heavy. This also has an SPF of 30, which is great for helping protect your skin on holiday too.

Maybelline, Fit Me Pressed Powder, 220 Natural Beige

I wear two shades of pressed powder, one around the eyes and under the eyes and the second over the face. To minimise the size of my makeup bag however, on holiday I will probably just take this one, which is the darker of the two shades. This powder has a super light feel to it. It doesn't block my pores and it looks really natural.

Benefit, Bronzer, Hooola

I'm taking this sample size Hoola bronzer with me. I don't want to take the full size version, for risk of it getting knocked and breaking. This sample size will be perfect. I love Hoola as it's the only bronzer I know of that doesn't have orange tones in it, so it looks really natural.

Bourjois, Cream Blush, Rose Tender

I'm taking this blush, as it's really compact and unable to get damaged in transit. I also really love this colour, especially for holidays. It's really beautifully pink and girlie. I just love the packaging too. Super cute!

MUA, Undress Your Skin Shimmer Highlighter

This highlighter is perfect across the top of my cheekbones, contouring the shape of my face and gives it that extra shimmer. I'm looking forward to seeing what it looks like when my face has seen a little sun!

Barbara Daly, Eyeshadow, Tuffle

Although this is an eyeshadow, I actually use it for my eyebrows, so this is a must have wherever I go! I find the shade is almost perfect (I'm not sure there is a perfect shade) for my eyebrows. It's been kicking about in my makeup bag for a couple of years, so it's an old favourite.

H&M, Glitter Eyeshadow Palette

This is a really great palette to take on holiday and possibly just what it was created for! The pretty blues, pinks, golds and purple shadows are really beautiful on sun kissed skin and I can't wait to give it a try this year and try out some different looks!

Maybelline, Diamond Glow Eyeshadow Palette, Coral Drama

This is another favourite of mine at the moment. Again with the shimmery golds and bronzes, it looks great on sun kissed skin and is super sexy for sizzling summer nights! I can't wait to try this out this year. I really like the way it has a little tutorial on the back of the palette, on the best way to use all four shades too. Cute!

MUA, Undress Me Too Eyeshadow Palette

This is a lovely natural shade eye shadow palette and since buying it just a couple of months ago, I am starting to wear out a couple of the light shades. It's really natural and 'Naked' provides a lovely base to most other shades. I also love using 'Shy' in the corners of my eyes, to make them pop!

Ardell, Fashion Lashes, Demi Wispies

I always like to take a pair of false lashes on holiday, but more often than not, I come home without having used them. But, as always, I will be taking my favourite style with me; Demi Wispies. These are lovely and natural, just adding extra volume, without looking really obvious that you're wearing any!

Revlon, Precision Dark Lash Adhesive

Over the years I have tried various lash adhesives but this one is currently my favourite. With the white ones that dry to clear, you always seem to get the bit of glue that doesn't dry clear and you end up blobbing some eyeliner over the top to colour it in, which can end up looking clumpy. This adhesive in precision dark is black on application, so although it's a little harder to see where you've added it and where you haven't, you do end up with a much more professional finish.

MUA, Pro-Base Eye Primer

This eye primer is going to be a must on holiday, as it will help my eyeshadow to stay put! I haven't tried it in hot weather yet, so I will let you know how I get on!

Benefit, Eye Bright

This is great all year round for helping your eyes to pop, when a little inside the eye. With sun kissed skin, it's especially beautiful and I can't wait to use it.

Maybelline, The Falsies Volume Express Waterproof Mascara

This is a staple on holiday, as I'm one of those people who still likes to wear a little mascara around the pool, sorry! So a good waterproof one is essential and for me, this one is great. I also love the shape of the curved brush, as it helps to coat all the lashes.

Maybelline, Gentle Precision Eyeliner

This again is a staple, as you never know when you might need a touch of eyeliner, whether it's above the eye or inside the eye. This is my favourite eye liner at the moment. It's really soft and glides onto the skin, without dragging.

Benefit, They're Real Mascara

This was a little freebie I received with June's issue of Elle magazine and I'm in love! At the moment, I think as mascaras go, this is my favourite  I especially lover the bristled brush end, as this helps work the product onto even the tiniest of hairs. This is definitely going with me and probably in my hand luggage too, just in case!

MUA, Lipstick, Shade 3

This is a gorgeously pretty shade of pink and I love it. I'm especially looking forward to taking this with me for evening wear. It's so bright and colourful that it will liven up any outfit and what perfect place to wear something bright and cheerful, than on a sunny holiday!

Loreal, Rough Caresse Lipstick, Nude Ingenue 501

This Loreal lipstick is a really nice nudey/brown shade and lovely for everyday wear, so something I'll definitely be packing.

Stila, Lip Glaze, Kaleidoscope & Grapefruit

I'm going to take just two of my Stila lip glazes; Kaleidoscope is perfect for a holiday, with it's shimmery/peach tones and Grapefruit is a really flirty and girlie pink. These make my lips feel really nourished, so I expect I'll be wearing these a lot; even around the pool for that extra little bit of glam! Well, why not!

Quickies, Nail Varnish Removed Pads

Nail varnish remover pads are a must in any suitcase. I can't think of anything worse than a liquid acetone spilling over your maxi dresses and sandals. What a horrible way to start off your holiday! So these pads are super useful. There's 20 in this pack, and they're quite large, so it'll be more than enough.

I'm taking four nail polish colours with me:

Barry M, Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint, Greenberry 332

Loreal, Color Riche, Acid Watermelon 827

Maybelline, Color Show, Coral Craze 342

Barry M, Nail Paint, Shocking Pink 272

Barry M, Nail Art Pen, White

I'm also taking this really cute nail art pen, so that I can add the odd little design to my nails if I wish! Again, this might be a bit frivolous item to take, like the false lashes, but I'm taking it anyway!

Ralph Lauren, Romance

This is my favourite perfume of all time. I bought it for my wedding day and will always remind me of it! So, when I go on holiday or go out for special occasions, this is what I take/wear. So this is definitely coming with me, in my hand luggage!

Perfume Sample Wipes

Recently I have gained a load of lovely perfume wipes, which I'm going to take away with me this year. These two pictured are Givenchy, Very Irresistible and Givenchy, For Her. These are perfect for when you're out and about as they slip in your handbag and you actually get quite a lot of perfume from the one wipe. Sometimes I've slipped the wipe back into the packet after use, so I can use it again later in the day. I'm loving these, so will be sad when they run out!

So, that's about it! Obviously I haven't included shampoo etc, but these are a bit boring!!

Do you use any of these products? Are you going on holiday soon and thinking of trying any of these?

Step by Step Aqua Under Eye Makeup

When I opened my makeup box this morning, I had the urge to wear something other than my usual neutrals and wanted to share the look I came up with.

I've always been someone who predominantly uses eyeshadow on the eye lids as well under the eye but I've not tried it purely under the eye before. 

I created this really simple look, with just a couple of products, in just a few easy steps and I think this look would be perfect if you're new to under eye colour!

This look was created with four brushes, left to right below; 

1) GOSH Kabuki Brush
2) GOSH Foundation Brush
3) M&S Eyelid Crease Brush (part of a set)
4) GOSH Slanted Eye-liner Brush

Step 1: Applying the base

I first used Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid in Cameo over my whole face, using my GOSH Foundation Brush, making sure to only use a tiny amount on my eyelids. 

Step 2: Setting the base

I then dusted Maybelline FIT me! Pressed Powder in 125 Nude Beige, on top of the foundation, to set it in place, using my GOSH Kabuki Brush. I made sure to pay special attention to my T-Zone as this can tend to look a little shinier.

Step 3: Adding the eye base colour

Because the focus of this look is under the eye, I used Naked (top line, 1st on left) from my MUA Undress Me Too Palette and with my Eyelid Crease Brush coated the whole of my top lid and up to my eyebrow. This creates a lovely neutral, matt finish to the eye.

Step 4: Adding inner corner colour

I then added a little of Shy (top line, 3rd from the left), to the inner corners of my eyes, to help open them and create a brighter eyed look. This particular colour in this palette is really well pigmented and a little goes a long, long way!

Step 5: Adding under eye backdrop colour

I then took my trusty (as you can see!) Barbara Daly, Tesco eyeshadow in Truffle to draw a smudged line again with my Eyelid Crease Brush, under my bottom lashes. This was just a faint smudge of colour, as a backdrop to the aqua.

Step 6: Lining & brightening the eye

Using my GOSH Liquid Eye Liner Pen, I drew a thin line across the lid of each eye. I didn't take this out into a cat eye flick on this occasion, but it would look gorgeous that way too.

I also added Rimmel Soft Kohl Eye Liner Pencil in White inside of the eye. This really helps your eyes to 'pop' when adding bright colour shadows.

Step 7: Adding the aqua colour

The fun stuff! I then took my H&M Glitter Eyeshadow Palette and used the top row, 1st left aqua shade, with my GOSH Slanted Eye Liner Brush, to draw a line under my bottom lashes, on top of the already applied Truffle eyeshadow. I then used my Crease Brush to smudge the Truffle & aqua together a little, to create a merged line free colour.

Step 8: Mascara

To finish, I added my new favourite mascara, They're Real, from Benefit, to top and bottom lashes, ensuring good coverage and the look was complete!

This is a very simple way of wearing colour if you're not used to it and can be done in almost any colour shadow or liner. 

What do you think? Is it something you'll try?

Pink & blue eyes

I've seen a lot of pink and blue eye-shadow looks recently, on various blogs and websites. I guess they're two colours that you might not instantly think could possibly go together, but they really can! Some looks are far more dramatic than others, but they're stunning all the same.

I tried to create a pink and blue eye-shadow look, that is stunning and wearable and I think I managed to do just that.

www.elizabethdonovanphotography.co.uk

This look was created using the Fräulein 88 Shimmer Eye Shadow Palette. Fräulein palettes are amazing for producing really creative looks and trying colours that you mightn't if you had to buy each colour individually. I've got five Fräulein palettes now, including bases, blushers, lipsticks and concealers, together with this beautiful rainbow palette, which comes with a large mirror and two double ended applicator brushes.

The colours are highly pigmented, so you don't need a huge amount on your brush. Plus, the colours really stay put, which is fantastic! I've had endless fun trying different combinations from this palette. Some have worked and some haven't! For the purpose of trying to show which colours I used for this look, I will name the colours alphabetically across and numerically down, i.e. C4 etc. I hope this helps!

Base - cream

I first brushed a layer of cream A2 across the eyelids and up towards the eyebrows. This helps the other colours I want to layer onto the lid, to stick, it opens the eye and also creates a fresh shimmery base to peep out from under the other colours.

Blue

I then applied blue F6 (as you can see, this is one of my favourite blues) across the whole lid and out into a cat eye flick at the outer corner. I find it easiest to 'flick' eye shadow by using an eye liner brush. This helps me get the cat eye flick definition I want.

Pink

I then used pink H1 under the lower lashes and up under the blue cat eye flick just created. Again, I used the eye liner brush to trace the line. I then took a tiny amount of the pink shadow into the inner corner of the eye, together with a tiny amount of white A1.

Liner

I then used a black Kohl eye-liner to draw across the top eyelid, under the lower lashes, inside the eye and upper eyelid. This helps the eye to really 'pop'. Although if you wanted to go for an even more dramatic look, you could use a black liquid liner across the lid and take the cat eye flick out between the blue and pink flicks. Visit my previous post to find out how to create the perfect cat eye flick every time.

Mascara

Next I used a black mascara to gently coat the top and lower lashes, just to create definition and to help the lashes blend into the false lashes.

Lashes

I then applied false lashes as close to the lash line as possible, to complete the look. I used Ardell Demi Wispies lashes; my favourites. I use Revlon Precision Dark Lash Adhesive, instead of the supplied glue. Being black, I find this dark adhesive easier to blend into the lashes and lash line. With white glue, I always seem to find that there's a little patch of glue that doesn't turn clear and then I have to try and cover it with black liner! Lumpy liner alert!

www.elizabethdonovanphotography.co.uk

The end result I think you'll agree, is really lovely. I hope you enjoyed this look and would love to hear if you've tried something similar.

Burgundy hair, green eyes, beaded collar & bowler

Burgundy hair & fringe
I love this first image as it combines two of my obsessions at the moment. Firstly, whether I should colour my hair in this gorgeous burgundy/plum shade and secondly, whether I should have my fringe cut back in. Both dilemmas for me, as I change my mind about my hair every five minutes; like most of us!

Firstly, this shade of hair colour is simply gorgeous and I'm just a trip to the hairdressers away from doing it! It's so rich and eye-catching, without being too bright. I've mentioned it to various friends before and they've all said I should just go for it. If I were to go for it, I'd be likely to head to a salon, however if I were to colour it at home, this shade looks a little like Loreal Casting Creme, Plum 316 or Garnier Nutrisse, Burgundy 4.26, or maybe a combination of the two! If anyone has any other suggestions, I'd love to hear.

Secondly, lets talk fringes! I love fringes. They give a hair cut certain style, when cut well. When I had a fringe cut in previously and loved it for a couple of years. I wore the rest of my hair long to start and then had a layered bob afterwards. I really fancy having it cut again, but will I regret it.

This image makes me want to do both!

Green eye make-up
Playing with make-up looks that are a little braver than the brown or grey smokies, is something I would really love to do on a more regular basis. I love playing with colours but am often not brave enough to wear them as much as I should. This image is really beautiful. The use of green eye shadow and cream in the inner corners, really opens the eye. 

Collection Cosmetics Work the Colour Solo Eye Shadow in Peacock Tail, would be really great for this look. Slightly on the blue end of the green scale, this would look stunning. Alternatively, MAC's high pigmented eye shadow, in Swimming, which is more green than Peacock Tail, would be a show stopper too. I'd even maybe fancy getting both shades and mixing my own. Sometimes the best colours are custom.

Beaded collars
My love for Collars has been a long standing one. I've got various tops and dresses with peter pan or beaded collars. I've also got a few necklace collars, but nothing quite like this one. I've just bought this from New Look, the Gold Woven Pastel Bead Collar Necklace. 

At just £5.99 it's a snip and if you shop at New Look at the moment, a lot of their jewellery is buy one get one free, so even better!

As you can see, the collar looks really cute on. It's got three shades of gorgeous multi sided beads on a gold chain, with a really good length extender chain, so you can adjust your look. I love it already and have so many outfits I want to try it on with. With the offer on at New Look, I might even get a couple more designs, as they have quite a few.

Bowler hats

Hats, hats, hats. And bowler type hats to be precise. I used to have a hat just like in this image when I was about 14. I thought I was the 'bees knees' and wore it with little dresses and black knee high socks! I'll have to see if I can find some photos! I loved it so much and it's great that this style of hat have come back into fashion. I really want to get one (if I can't find my old one) and have found a couple really nice and affordable ones on the high street.

This wool Rolled Bowler Hat, £24 from Urban Outfitters, has ribbon detail on the rolled brim and would be sure to add style to an outfit.

And finally, this Roll Brim Felt Boater Hat is really cute. It's from ASOS. This one is just £18 and appears to actually have a slightly smaller rim. Crafted in pure wool, this one features a domed crown  and turn up brim, in a smooth, felt finish.

I hope you enjoyed my Looks 2 B Loved this week. If you've tried out any of these looks, I'd love to know! Especially if you know what hair colour this is! :)

Check out my previous Looks 2 B Loved post for more inspiration. 

Cat eye tutorial tried and tested

Following my post this morning with the perfect cat eye tutorial, I thought it might be useful to demonstrate how easily this look can be achieved and show you the products that I use. This took me just a couple of minutes and could easily be added in to your daily make-up regime; for that extra 'va va voom'!

I went for a relatively small flick for this demo, which is probably the best place to start if you are new to it. You can always increase the size of your flick once you are confident in the process, you've established the flicks shape and checked that both eyes are symmetrical.

I used Fast Stroke Eye-liner from Collection 2000, which has quite a stiff, felt tip style brush, which helps to draw a more accurate line. I always find it easiest to start the flick line from the corner of the eye and draw upwards towards the end of the eyebrow. If you don't get it quite right the first time, a handy cotton bud can wipe away any mistakes. Once the flick is in place and symmetrical, you can fill in the flick and join to your usual eye-liner, making the flick and liner as fine or chunky as you like.

I used Maybelline's Falsies Volume Express waterproof mascara, in black, to help define my lashes. I have quite watery eyes, especially in the sun, so I wear waterproof mascara pretty much all the time and this one is a goody!

A little tip that I like to use, which really helps your eyes to 'pop', is to use a kohl eye-liner pencil, like Maybelline's Master Drama kohl liner, inside the top eyelid. Some people find the concept of putting liner inside the eye a little squeamish but I think it helps create that extra drama that a cat eye deserves.

I'd love to hear from anyone who's tried the 'Cat-eye' for the first time. Let me know it goes!

Draw a perfect cat eye... every time

Found this fantastic, simple to follow tutorial this morning about drawing the perfect cat eye. It's great! It's from The Beauty Department. 

Check out the link to see the full tutorial and never have a wonky cat eye again! 

Four Looks 2 B Loved

Whilst looking through various fashion and beauty blogs this morning, there were four particular looks that really jumped out at me. I'm always looking for inspiration for nail art and make up and these looks struck me as beautiful examples of things I love and want to share on my blog.

Black matte nails with gloss polka dots would be the ultimate glam for a night out, especially if you're wearing a little black dress and want a statement without being too obvious with red or blue. I think the best way to create a matte finish on any nail polish, would be by using the Westminster Bridge Matte Top Coat, £12 from nails inc. By just applying one coat over your usual varnish, your nails will be transformed! You could then easily add polka dots using any clear top coat, preferably a quickly drying one, as you've already spent valuable 'getting ready' time with your black and matte coats! Alternatively, you could ask if a nail technician could create a similar look for you.

Being a lover of large, oversized jewellery, I really love this image. If you're not able to fork out on a collection of bracelets from Tiffany's (lets face it, who has), there are so many on the high street that could replicate this image perfectly.  For just £40, the Premium Thread Wrapped Bracelet from Topshop would look gorgeous on its own, with the white and sparkling stones setting off any spring/summer ensemble. Or the Mega Sparkle Lattice Bracelet from Accessorize is equally as gorgeous, truly a statement piece and at £15 is a wardrobe must have. 

Glittery lipstick or lipgloss is not something I've ever tried before. The concept of too much glitter has always filled me with dread and brings flash backs of wearing pink and blue glitter eye-shadows in the 80's! However, this image might just change my mind and make me look at glitter in a new light. The soft rose gloss with its gentle sparkle, for the right occasion (possibly not work), could actually look really lovely. The NARS Greek Holiday Lip Gloss at £17.50, is something I would definitely try. The glitter is subtle and not too over powering. I've read on various sites about how you can make your own glitter lipgloss, using petroleum jelly, sweetened drink mix glitter, beeswax, Shea butter etc, but I'm not sure I like the idea of chunks of glitter stuck to my lips all evening. So a subtle shimmer gloss like NARS seems a more realistic, everyday option.

Amber and purple haze blended shadow, like this photo, would look absolutely gorgeous for a special occasion or night out. I love blending 3/4 colours together to create a beautiful layered look and this one is something I will certainly be trying. I should imagine it would be tricky to find a shadow/cream collection that includes both amber/gold shades with purples, so together with a good black liner and black lash enhancing mascara or falsies, I would try the Colour Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Shadow collection in Eternal Gold and Endless Purple, together with some darker bronzes to blend into the eye crease and corners. With a little practice, I think this combination would look truly beautiful.