Get The Look: Perrie Edwards.

Let's be honest, since Zayn Malik became Public Enemy No.1 for ending their engagement via text message back in July Perrie Edwards appears to be on everybody's radar. Girls are rallying behind her after Zayn's dick-ish ways and boys are breathing a sigh of relief now the Black Magic beauty is back on the market - I, however, have been noticing just how much her hair, makeup and style have improved since winning The X Factor along with her Little Mix bandmates in 2011.

Gone are the days of her bleached white locks, over-the-top raccoon eyes and babydoll pink lips - now, it's all about subtle balayage, matte browns and that 90's nude lip. Safe to say, Perrie's makeup has been right up my street. 

I found this look on her instagram page - glowy skin, a copper eye and brown-pink lip. I decided to give it a go for this month's Get The Look.

I started off by prepping my skin with Soap & Glory's One Heck of a Blot Primer (£10.00) to reduce the size of pores and create a smooth canvas before topping it off with a little of H&M's Mattifying Face Primer (£7.99) just to mattify my complexion a little. Perrie's skin looks lovely and dewy in the picture so I mixed Sleek's Barekissed Illuminator in Monaco (£8.99) with Boots' No.7 Beautifully Matte Foundation (£13.50) to give my skin a glowy but not greasy appearance. I've been loving combining the Barekissed Illuminator with a mattifying foundation recently, it works great for both Summer and Winter. 

I also used Avon's Magix Multi-Benefit Illuminator (£8.50) to add a little extra highlight to my under eye area, down my nose, my chin and my forehead. 

Moving onto those bushy Perrie brows I, of course, used my trusty Makeup Revolution Ultra Brow Palette (£7.99) to create and hone some major brow-age. I freakin' love this palette, I use it every day to fill in my brows.

For the actual complexion, Perrie's not wearing much of anything on her cheeks. It's more like a hint of each rather than full-on colour. I used the Makeup Revolution Ultra Contour Palette (£8.00) to give slight definition to the face and using the bronze-toned highlight, added a little shimmer to the tops of my cheekbones and down my nose. For blush, I kept it subtle like Perrie with Revlon's Cream Blush in Charmed Enchantment (£7.99) to add just a delicate flush to my cheeks. This blush is my perfect Winter shade, I love cream blushes in the colder months. I set all of that in place with H&M's Perfectionist Finishing Powder in Olive (£7.99). 

 I'm really annoyed that no matter what light/angle I took the picture in, you can't really tell the colour of the eyeshadow like you can in Perrie's. I always seem to struggle with that bloody issue.

Anyway, for that copper toned eyeshadow I first primed my lips with Makeup Revolution's Focus & Fix Eye Primer in Brighten (£2.50) just to help intensify that shimmer abit. I then went in with Divine from the Makeup Revolution Naked Chocolate Palette (£7.99). This was the first product I ever bought from Makeup Rev and made me fall head over heels for the brand, there isn't one shade of this palette that I haven't managed to use and Divine worked so well for this look. 

I blended that colour all over the lid, outer V and underneath the lower lashline, also taking it slightly higher than my crease so you can see the shade when my eyes are open. I have hooded eyes so sometimes shadow can be lost in the crease. Just to deepen it a little I added a little bit of Mocha Lover into the crease and the outer half of my lower lashline. For my brow and inner corner highlight, I used Way from the same palette. 

Perrie has much better natural lashes than mine and I couldn't be bothered gluing on individuals at 9am on a Sunday morning so I just coated my own in layers upon layers of Maybelline's Lash Sensational Mascara (£7.99). I keep meaning to pick up the waterproof version of this. 

For lips I kept it nude and matte like Perrie. After using H&M's Lip Definer in Choc Therapy (£3.99) to lightly outline my pout, I went in with Essence's Longlasting Nude Lipstick in Cool Nude (£2.30) and patted that in before topping it all off with Collection's Cream Puff Lip Cream in Angel Delight (£2.99) to mattify and create that nude-pink finish.

I then donned a grey turtle-neck jumper, swept my hair back and attempted to pose like Miss Edwards - she's definitely better at it.

Lauren

xo

August Favourites.

Seriously?! Where has the last few months gone?!

I feel like I've missed at least two.

Anyway, today is a Monthly Favourites - a little later than usual I know but I'd just lost complete track of the time (I felt like we only came into August yesterday). 

First up for my favourites this month is the Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk (£11.99). Since we're coming into Autumn I don't like fake tanning as often, and this is great for just building a subtle colour rather than giving me that full-on instant bronze like the Foam does. It also moisturises really well so it's a winner both ways.

Secondly, a new find for me - Avon's Makeup Setting Spray (£6.00). Setting Spray is usually something I forget when putting on my makeup and I've never really liked any that weren't Urban Decay's De-slick. This one's been great for prolonging my makeup and adding a lovely sheen to my complexion - something that I tend to look for in Winter because my skin gets alot drier. It's also half price at the moment so get your hands on it. 

Maybelline's Master Sculpt (£6.99) is abit of a Marmite product from what I've read on other blogs - you really do either love it or hate it. 

I love it.

I have the shade Light/Medium and this works as a great contour shade and a lovely highlight on both my pale and tanned skin. It's non-muddy contour shade gives me great cheekbones and requires minimal blending - great for the lazy gal I am - and the highlight is subtle but gives a lit-from-within effect. I haven't used anything else since buying it.

Last up has been my favourite Blush shade to date and that's Makeup Revolution's The Matte Blush in Nude (£3.00). For the extremely low price tag you get a hella lot of product (8.9g in fact) and they're all insanely pigmented (I own three shades). The consistency is beautiful and the blushes themselves are surprisingly long lasting, even when they fade they still give a slight flush to the cheeks. If you're looking into buying one, Nude would be my ultimate recommendation - it goes with every skin colour.

My fingers are crossed that September doesn't fly by too quickly, I'll be shopping for Christmas presents before I know it.

Lauren

xo

What's in my August Makeup Bag?

Another month, another 'What's in my Makeup Bag?' here at The Beauty Ideal.

I'll start off by saying I don't really feel like I've changed up my makeup all that much this month, I've been in one of those 'this works for me, I'll keep at it' moods, resulting in not many makeup-related purchases either. 

Great for my pocket, not so great for the blog. 

To be fair though, it's about time I cooled it with the constant spending. I have more makeup than I need and I should probably start dwindling that before adding more to it from here-on-out.

Here's to trying eh...

First off I've been combining my trusty Benefit Porefessional (£24.50 for full size) and Maybelline's Babyskin Instant Fatigue Blur (£7.99) to diminish pores and perk up my complexion a little bit. I've been struggling to sleep recently and my skin's showing it. The blend of these two help me look semi-human again.

For foundation, I've been enjoying Maybelline's Fit Me (£7.99). I'm still waiting for the Matte + Poreless version to be released in the UK as I'm dying to try it out but for now, this one works well enough for coverage and longevity. SEVENTEEN's Phwoarr Paint (£5.49) has been my go-to under-eye concealer and I find that it also works well on blemishes because it doesn't cake on my skin. I love it. 

To set all that good stuff in place it's been an old favourite - Soap & Glory's One Heck of a Blot powder (£12.00). I actually forgot I owned this (it'd been left in an overnight bag) and I'm glad I now have it back in my life.

For contour & highlight, you know I've been obsessed with Maybelline's Master Sculpt (£6.99). It works for both my pale and tanned complexions and I love both of the shades. It's a great budget contour kit. To add a little rosiness to my cheeks it's been nothing but Makeup Revolution's Matte Blush in Nude (£3.00). A nude blush with a hint of pink to compliment any complexion.

Brows only consist of Makeup Revolution's Ultra Brow Kit (£7.99). I've used this pretty much every day since I bought it back in May. It's excellent at creating brows when you've not got much to begin with or just filling in sparse areas. I love the enhancing cream to give a really sharp look to my brows - it makes me feel all Daenerys Targaryen. 

For eye makeup, I've been trying to get back into using liquid eyeliner and my favourite for easing me back into the process is Rimmel's Scandaleyes Precision Micro Eyeliner (£5.49). Liquid eyeliner in pen form is always much easier to get the hang of so I'd recommend this one if you're still trying to perfect that cat flick. The nib on this one is small and thin so it's easy to build on if you need to.

Since buying them off Ebay, I've been obsessed with my Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers (£4.59). A complete bargain from the seller I bought them from and absolutely amazing when it comes to adding some oomph to your lashes. They're honestly the best curlers I've ever used. For mascara, I've been trying to like Benefit's They're Real Mascara (£19.50). I'm still on the fence about it, the formula's just so wet. I might like it a little better when it's dried out abit.

Last up is Rimmel's Lasting Finish Lipstick In Asia (£4.99). Still under that mauvey-pink nude umbrella, only on the darker side. I've been trying to get use out of the 25 other lipsticks I own that aren't Essence's Cool Nude.

I have to say I'm fully looking forward to the fast approaching Autumn/Winter. I can go back to donning my jumpers and coats and no one will bat an eyelid. 

Lauren

xo

My Drugstore Die-Hards...

I know it can't be just me who has absolute can't-be-without beauty products.

Most of the time I end up buying two of these in case of discontinuation or fear of not being able to find it when I eventually run out.

Whatever my reasons, these products are my complete favourites from the drugstore, ones that I use most if not every day and ones that I genuinely can't not have in my collection. 

First up is the Loreal Absolute Eye & Lip Makeup Remover (£5.49). I've recently just re-purchased this after about a month of not having one and each time I've come to take off my makeup, I've missed it. The two-part solution removes stubborn eye makeup without a hitch, and lipstick's gone in pretty much one swipe. I then follow it up with a full cleanse to remove the rest of my makeup. I absolutely love this stuff. 

Also from Loreal is the Infallible 24h-Matte Foundation (£7.99). My current favourite drugstore foundation - I have it in three shades. It lasts well and keeps my complexion matte for longer than any other base I've tried. I love that even though it's a mattifying formula it doesn't cling to any dry patches and doesn't feel heavy or look cakey on the skin. 

Bourjois' Healthy Balance Powder (£8.99) is my ultimate holy grail powder. I've been using this stuff for the best part of a year now and I've yet to find a better one that doesn't cost a bomb. It provides coverage, doesn't appear cakey no matter how much you put on and sets everything in place. 

I have to admit that since buying this I've not minded doing my brows nearly half as much as I usually do. Makeup Revolution's Ultra Brow Kit (£7.99) is my holy grail brow kit. I use it everyday and have been doing for the past 4/5 months and as you can tell from the above picture, I've still yet to hit pan on any of the product. I use the shade Fair to Medium and it's perfect for simply filling in sparse areas or giving yourself some serious brow game.

Last up is my wear-to-death lipstick - Essence's Longlasting Lipstick in Cool Nude (£2.30). The perfect Kylie Jenner mauvey-pink that literally goes with any complexion and any makeup look. I use this lipstick everyday to finish off my look, and it lasts well too.

I love finding drugstore favourites as I always prefer to save money where I can. Even though some people prefer an entire high end makeup collection, I'd much rather go in to Boots or Superdrug and come out with 6 things than head into Selfridges and only come out with 2 for the same amount.

Lauren

xo 

Finally! - A decent drugstore Contour Palette...

As soon as I heard that Makeup Revolution were releasing a Contour Palette, I headed straight to their website and popped it into my basket.

It arrived a couple of days ago and I've been giving it a whirl ever since.

Three words - I. Love. It.

The Ultra Contour Palette (£8.00) contains three contour powders and three highlight powders, and then two actual highlighters. 

The powders are great quality with good pigmentation and there's a shade for every skintone to get the perfect contour. 

I prefer to use concealer to highlight, but the powders are perfect for setting that highlight in place. The first shade is a matte salmon-pink, the second is a matte yellow and the third is a shimmery peach - a very subtle highlight shade if you will.

The contour shades are also great and easy to use. The first being a medium warm-toned brown, the second is a very cool-toned brown (great for pale skin) and the third is quite a dark warm-toned brown. 

The highlighters themselves are extremely pigmented and need the lightest of hands to apply them with. One's a very stark highlighter (almost white) and the other is browner, more complexion appropriate I'd say. I like to use the lighter one for a brow and inner corner highlight - it works beautifully for that. 

If you're into contour and highlight, I definitely recommend giving this a whirl. I can see it becoming a staple in my daily makeup routine.

Lauren

xo

The Powers Matte Be....

You know, there was a time when I used to hate blush. 

Like genuinely hate it.

In fact, I despised it so much that when I went to Newcastle for my 21st birthday night out I didn't even take any with me - something I actually regret in retrospect. 

For me personally, I'm difficult when it comes to blush. Too much and you could book yourself a gig at a children's birthday party handing out balloon animals (you know the ones, you've seen them in the club or on the high street - two big streaks of rosy pink across each cheek), and too little leads to barely-there colour and a 'what's the point' outlook on the whole process. 

Less is definitely more when it comes to blush - at least for me.

We all know my love for Makeup Rev and their ridiculous talent for new releases and these are one of their more recents - The Matte Blush (£3.00).

I'd heard many a good review about these already and to be honest, there's nothing from Makeup Revolution that's ever let me down. Their products are creamy, highly pigmented and more than well worth their cheap price tags.

I much prefer matte blushes to shimmery ones, mostly because I like the only shimmer on my face to be highlighter, and I feel you can have more fun with it if you keep everything else matte. No one wants to look like a disco ball.

Naturally, I had to have some of these. 

I picked up the shades Nude (far left), Beloved (top) and Fusion (bottom). 

Nude is a lovely light brown with the slightest hint of pink - I can see this being my favourite of the three, a blush that can literally go with any makeup look. Beloved is alot brighter than I thought it would be but with a light hand I could make it work. Fusion is going to be great going into Autumn/Winter - an enchanting combination of pink and red to make a great transitional blush shade.

All shades are creamy, pigmented and blend beautifully. I'm really excited to have a good play around with these - Makeup Revolution, you've done it again.

Lauren

xo

June Favourites.

It's favourites time again!

I can't believe June's nearly over already. I feel like every time I blink another month goes by.

Unfortunately, the end of June has been pretty sad for me since I had to say goodbye to a dear old friend. My beloved kitty passed away this past Saturday so an honorary mention goes out to her - but she doesn't need it, she'll forever be my favourite.

First up is Makeup Revolution's Ultra Cover & Conceal Palette (£6.00). I'm still in awe at the price of this. I've been using it daily to gain that Kim K highlighted look (though not that dramatic) and it's great because even when I'm self tanning it goes dark enough for me to still be able to get use out of it. I recommend wholeheartedly.

Secondly is another Makeup Revolution fave (I know, I know) and that's their Single Powder Blush in Sugar (£1.00). £1.00 though?! Makeup Rev, you kill it!

This shade is the perfect colour for any skintone and adds just the right amount of rosiness without looking clown-like.

My scent of the month has been Marc Jacobs' Dot (£67.50 for 100ml). My Mum picked this up for my birthday back in April and I've only really just got into using it. It's a glorious mix of jasmine, vanilla and musk and it's one of my favourites from the Marc Jacobs range. I also love all of his bottle designs - though they are a nightmare to travel with.

Lastly has been a film fave and that's Divergent. I loved the book series and I was holding out hope for the films, and I'm pleased that I enjoyed Divergent. I've yet to watch Insurgent but I'm holding it in good stead also. Not to mention Theo James is beautiful and I ship Four and Tris so much, so much. 

Lauren

xo

What's in my June Makeup Bag?

I actually forgot that I do these monthly makeup bag posts this month otherwise I would've posted it sooner. 

I'll start off with my primer of choice this month and that's been Revlon's PhotoReady Perfecting Primer (£11.99) - this makes my skin feel soft and prepped for foundation and it helps prolong my makeup. It's one of my favourites from the drugstore.

Following on with a new foundation love of mine and that's Makeup Revolution's The One Foundation (£4.00). It's a tad pale for me at the moment because I've been self-tanning but it's so cheap it's just a matter of remembering to pick one up. It blends beautifully and dries to a matte finish - perfect for oily skin in warmer weather. 

Makeup Revolution's Ultra Cover and Conceal Palette (£6.00) has also been living in my makeup bag this month. This palette is amazing for highlighting and because I don't self-tan too dark I can even get mileage out of it when I'm not my usual transparent self. I've been loving it for covering dark circles and general highlighting.

For powder, it's been my go-to holy grail - Bourjois' Healthy Balance Powder (£8.99). I own this in several shades for my different stages of self-tan and I just love it. It doesn't cake no matter how much you apply and I'll never get used to the delicious smell of it.

For brows, I've gone back to an old favourite in the form of Sleek's Eyebrow Stylist (£5.99). I was obsessed with this last year because it made doing my brows so quick, but then I started preferring the powder look. I've gone back to this recently and I'd forgotten how much I loved it - I also love that it has a spoolie on the other end. 

For contour and highlight, I've been obsessed with Makeup Revolution's Ultra Sculpt & Contour Kit (£3.50). It includes a contour shade, a highlight shade and a shimmery bronzer and I love all of them. All the shades can work for any skintone and can be built up and blended out. A must for any makeup collection.

For blush, Makeup Revolution's Single Blush in Sugar (£1.00)has been my all time fave. I rarely use anything else nowadays. A highly pigmented rosy shade that brings a lovely flush to any face. 

My eyes have been a simple affair of late - I've just been blending Naked 2 from my Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette (£23.00) into the crease and under the lower lashline before adding a fair few coats of Maybelline's Classic Volume Express Waterproof Mascara (£4.99). I've been leaving out the faff alot recently because as much as I love full eyeshadow looks, I've been finishing work pretty late recently and I'm too tired to be scrubbing it all off for ages. 

To finish, I've been literally obsessed with Collection's Cream Puff Lip Cream in Angel Delight (£2.99). A moisturising lip cream that dries matte, lasts for ages and smells like marshmallows. Angel Delight is a dark nude shade which would suit any skintone and any makeup look. I think I need to pick up a new one I've been using it that excessively.

I've been wearing much simpler makeup through the course of June, I've been so busy with work and stuff that I've not had much time to do full on shadow looks or perfect my winged eyeliner. Hopefully, I feel a little calmer through July and I can get into it again.

Lauren

xo

The Prettiest Blush Palette I've ever seen...

So I received this in the post today - look at it. Just, look at it.

I've never seen a prettier collection of blushes in a palette before - truly.

I was browsing the Makeup Revolution site not long ago (I know, I know, story of my life) and I'd heard so many great reviews about their blush palettes, especially one called Golden Sugar. But as beautiful as it is, Golden Sugar just wasn't a good fit for me - it contains too many highlight-y blushes and I love a good matte colour.

But the Blush Palette in Hot Spice (£6.00) seemed a little more up my street.

From what I can make out, It contains two shimmers, four mattes, a highlighter and a blush/highlighter hybrid.

I'm in love with it.

The shades swatch beautifully - highly pigmented and creamy. The only one I can't really see myself using often is the orange one in the bottom left corner. 

I still can't believe it only costs £6.00. 

Once again, Makeup Rev have brought it, and they've brought it good. 

Lauren

xo

The Makeup Revolution Run-Down.

I've stated many a time that Makeup Revolution are the ultimate drugstore brand for me.

You just can't argue with their great products at even greater prices. 

I'm still in awe every time I shop on their website - £12.00 for 5 things?! What?! I can usually spend that on one foundation in Boots or a lipliner at MAC. Everything of theirs is an absolute steal.

I thought I'd share a few of my favourites today along with some recommendations for next time you happen to find yourself on their website or shopping their collection in stores.

First up is the Naked Chocolate Palette (£7.99) - the essential palette for any neutral shadow lover. All shadows are creamy, highly pigmented and blend like a dream. Some of Makeup Rev's finest work.

Another favourite has to be their blushes. I freakin love their blushes. I've never come across any that are as long-lasting as these ones, no matter which form you buy them in. I have a few of each of their formulas and I can't fault a single one. My favourites include their Vivid Blush Lacquer in Rush (£1.00) and their Single Powder Blush in Sugar (£1.00). Moving onto a palette formation again, their Iconic Blush, Bronze & Brighten Palettes (£4.00) are a must for anyone who travels alot or likes to re-touch their makeup frequently. For £4.00 you get a beautiful blush shade, a matte bronzer than can also be used for contour and a lovely sheeny highlighter. 

For brows, I've been obsessed with their Ultra Brow Kit in Fair to Medium (£7.99). The kit contains 4 brow powders, 2 tinted waxes, an arch enhancing cream, a highlighter, a brow pencil and mini applicators/tweezers - not bad for £7.99. I've done a full review of mine here. The kit itself comes in 3 different shade ranges so there's one to suit everyone. 

For contour I love their The One Blush Stick in Matte Malibu (£5.00). The smallest amount is needed to create defined cheekbones and the creamy formula blends out so well it's hard to tell you've even got any product there. You get a whopping amount of product for the cheap price tag - mine's lasting me ages. 

To go along with my contour, there's nothing I love more than their Radiant Light in Exhale (£5.00). I remember opening this and gasping because it's so bloody beautiful! these are a must for any highlighter junkie out there. They give the most gorgeous lit-from-within sheen to the cheekbones, bridge of your nose and anywhere else you wish to put it. And it's so pigmented you only need the tiniest amount to take you from dull to dewy.

I've also stated in this post here how much I love their The Viper Mascara (£3.00) and my love for it is still going strong. The blackest of black formula coats your lashes with the perfect amount of product, separating and volumising as it goes. I've also noticed this holds a curl well despite not being a waterproof formula. For £3.00, there is literally nothing to complain about.

Last up is their lipsticks and I've got to say how much I adore their formulations. Their Lip Lava's (£2.99) are one of the most comfortable ones I've ever worn and I've been loving their #LIPHUG in Not Giving Up (£2.50) - a lovely pinky-nude that'd suit any complexion.

Even though there are still many products I've yet to try from Makeup Revolution and all the products I do own from them aren't featured in this post - it'd take me all day to write if I did. I continue to be thoroughly impressed by all of their offerings.

Good Job Makeup Rev!

Lauren 

xo 

May Favourites.

I'll start off by apologising for not posting in a fair few days, I just feel like I'm having such a bad time with content and photography at the moment - it never seems to go right!

Anyway, I'm coming at you today with my May Favourites. It's scary to think we're nearly into the half way mark of 2015, where has the time gone?! I'll be starting uni and moving into my own place before I know it.

My first favourite of this month has been my Makeup Revolution Naked Chocolate Palette (£7.99). I've been getting some serious mileage out of this palette in recent weeks and I just love all the shades. A definite must for the neutral shadow lover. 

Secondly has been the MUA Pro-base Prime & Conceal Quad (£4.00) - I can't believe how well this works for such a cheap price tag. A dream to use if you suffer from any sort of discolouration in your complexion - I've been loving it for concealing redness and my bruise-like dark circles. 

My contour fave in May has been Illamasqua's Sculpting Powder Duo in Illuminate & Nefertiti (£26.00). The contour shade works so well on pale or tanned skin and the highlight gives a lovely sheen to anywhere you wish to put it on the face. A steep price tag but completely worth it - I'm so happy I received this as a birthday gift. 

Lastly is Maybelline's Color Drama Lip Pencil in Light It Up (£4.99), a beautiful red that'd suit any skintone. I have so many of these lip pencils I've nearly got the whole set! They have amazing pigmentation and are a joy to wear - not uncomfortable or drying in the slightest. I've recently picked up the shade Keep It Classy and I can't wait to wear it. 

I've not bought many new products in May as I'm trying my best to save for when I move out, but I'm enjoying shopping my stash and getting some proper use out of all the stuff I currently own.

Lauren

xo

Get The Look: Gigi Hadid.

As stated in my 'Favourite Met Gala 2015 looks' - see here - I love Gigi Hadid. Her beauty is on a totally different level and she just looks stunning in every makeup look and outfit she dons (have you seen her in Tay-Tay's Bad Blood music video?! *inserts a gazillion heart eyes emoji's here*).

She was one of my fave looks at the Met Gala this year and I loved the simplicity of her makeup. It suited her so well and didn't distract from her gorgeous Diane von Furstenberg gown. 

I started off by applying a thin layer of Bourjois' Happy Light Luminous Serum Primer (£10.99). Gigi's skin is always amazingly glowy so I wanted to emulate that. For foundation, I chose Bourjois' Healthy Mix (£9.99). A truly delightful foundation to use as it blends so well and doesn't stick to dry patches - plus it adds to complexion glowiness. 

I used two different concealers to create flawless skin like Gigi's - the Rimmel Match Perfection Illuminating Concealer (£5.99) went under my eyes, down my nose, on my chin and on my forehead for a subtle highlight and the Maybelline Fit Me (£5.99) when on any redness and blemishes I had. 

Moving onto those brows, I noticed Gigi and I had a pretty similar shape so I sketched them in a little more with Sleek's Eyebrow Stylist (£5.99) and then set them in place with Essence's Make Me Brow (£2.50) - I literally can't do my brows without this stuff now.

For contour, I used my new Makeup Revolution Ultra Sculpt and Contour Kit (£3.50) - I love this palette as the contour shade is great and completely non-muddy/orange. I carved out my cheekbones a little and applied it to the tops of my forehead to create a little definition. I also used the golden-y colour highlight in this palette to get a similar sheen to Gigi's. 

For blush, it was another new purchase from Makeup Revolution - their The One Fluid Blusher in Pink Dew (£1.50). Gigi didn't look like she was wearing much cheek colour so I wanted to use a barely-there blush colour too. 

I set all of my base makeup in place with my tried and trusted Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder (£8.99) - my favourite powder of all time. 

Moving on to the main focus of this look - Gigi's eyes looked beautiful with a feline flick and some fluttery lashes. I used Collection's Fast Stroke Eye Liner (£2.99) to create a winged line similar to Gigi's - I love this one because it dries completely matte and doesn't budge until you say so. Unfortunately, I didn't have any false lashes to hand so I heaped on tons and tons of Clinique's High Impact Mascara (£17.50). This one's great for separation and volume.  

For Gigi's glossy pout I used the Maybelline Colorsensational Elixir in Caramel Infused (£6.99) - a lipstick/lipgloss hybrid that has amazing lasting power. I do think the shade I used was a tad dark so maybe Petal Plush or Nude Illusion would work better for this look.

Now if only I could get my face to transform into Gigi's I'd be extremely happy...

Lauren 

xo

Brows that Wow for £7.99.

Makeup Revolution have done it again!

I recently picked up their UItra Brow Kit in Fair to Medium and it's the BOMB.COM!

I can't believe the amazing quality of the entire palette for the absolute steal of £7.99 - I don't think I've ever been so impressed with a drugstore product before.

It contains 4 brow powders, two tinted waxes, an arch enhancing cream, a browbone highlight, a brow pencil and mini tweezers/applicators - it's the perfect travel palette. 

The powders are super blendable, and each colour is a great match for my brows. The tinted waxes are great at keeping hairs in place so there's no crazy flyaways throughout the day and I love the arch enhancing cream - this stuff is great for getting a really crisp, clean shape to your brows. Same goes for the highlighter. 

I've not used the brow pencil as of yet because I've been completely obsessed with the powders, but it looks like a great colour match also.

The powders can even be used as eyeshadows! I freakin love this palette. 

If you're into having serious brow game, you need this in your collection. 

Lauren

xo 

Goodies from Makeup Revolution.

I love Makeup Revolution - it's one of my favourite drugstore brands. 

It always astounds me how they can get products so right (with great pigmentation, texture and overall quality) for such fantastically cheap prices. 

I was perusing the website recently and ended up popping three things into my basket - the first being their new Ultra Brow Kit (£7.99). I got mine in the shade Fair to Medium and it contains 4 highly pigmented powders, two tinted waxes, a brow enhancing cream, a highlight shade and a brow pencil - along with two mini brushes and a mini pair of tweezers. Outstanding for the measly price of £7.99. I'll no doubt do a full review on this when I've gotten some proper use out of it so watch this space. 

I also picked up their Ultra Sculpt & Contour Kit (£3.50). Again, I picked up the lightest shade - Ultra Light to Medium. I do love the contour shade in this, and the highlighter's lovely too, but I'm yet to use the bronzer. They're all highly pigmented and have some great colour pay-off. I'm, again, impressed considering the price. 

Lastly, I decided to add to my blush collection with The One Fluid Blusher in Pink Dew (£1.50). I actually love this! It's such a beautiful colour and blends so easily - it's also budge-proof, like this stuff doesn't move from my face throughout the day. Makeup Rev's blushes are always super long-lasting.

I'm so impressed with everything I've purchased - which can be said for everything I've ever bought from Makeup Revolution. They're just the brand that know how to bring it.

Lauren

xo 

What's in my May Makeup Bag?

May has been a month of completely re-vamping my makeup bag. I've been saying I've been switching up my products - which I have - but I've come to realise that I've really just been switching it up between the same 3/4 products. Not good. 

So this month I've decided to get some proper use out of the Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Fatigue Blur (£7.99). I've only used this a handful of times since purchasing and I'm still on the fence about it. It does give tired skin a pick-me-up (which I've definitely been needing recently) but it's not all that great at controlling oils. MUA's Pro-Base Prime & Conceal Palette (£4.00) has been a staple in my everyday makeup routine since I bought it. This is great for counter-acting discolouration in your complexion. I've been getting serious use out of the green and yellow shades for redness and bruise-like under eye circles. I 100% recommend this. 

Base-wise, I've been obsessed with No.7's Beautifully Matte Foundation (£13.50). I love this for it's blendability and it's ability to keep me from looking overly shiny throughout the day - a must for oily skin sufferers. 

To add some extra radiance to my under-eye area I've been loving the Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer (£5.49). It just brings enough brightness to that area to make me look like I've had a good eight hours sleep - brilliant. To set all that in place I've gone back to an old favourite - Rimmel's Stay Matte Powder (£3.99). A firm favourite amongst bloggers/youtubers alike and for good reason, it's cheap and works well.

Brows have been a mixture of H&M's Eyebrow Shaping Kit (£2.99) and Essence's Make Me Brow (£2.50). I love both for adding shape, colour and texture to my eyebrows. Not to mention you can't complain at the prices. 

Contour and Highlight has come in the shape of Illamasqua's Sculpting Powder Duo in Illuminate & Nefertiti (£26.00) - a beautiful twosome of a non-muddy, non-orange contour shade and a lovely champagne highlight. My blush of choice has been Makeup Revolution's Vivid Blush Lacquer in Rush (£1.00). This stuff is ridiculously long-lasting and is the perfect flush of pink for Spring/Summer. 

Also from Makeup Revolution, their Naked Chocolate Palette (£7.99) hasn't left my everyday makeup routine in recent weeks. There's just so many beautiful shade options to choose from you just can't go wrong no matter what shades you decide to pair together. For the cheap as chips price, it's a must-have. After a quick curl of my lashes, heaps and heaps of Max Factor's False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara (£10.99) is added. A nightmare to remove but wonderfully long-lasting throughout the day.

For lips, it's been nothing but Essence's Long Lasting Nude Lipstick in 05 Cool Nude (£2.30). A Kylie Jenner mauvey-pink that compliments any skintone and makeup look. I love it. 

Lauren 

xo

My Birthday Night Out Face.

So originally this post was going to be a 'What's in my Travel Makeup Bag?' but since my birthday trip to Leeds this weekend has now been called off (I don't recommend the Britannia Hotel in Leeds - they double-book rooms and then don't think to let you know until 2 days before you're meant to check in - despite booking over 3 weeks ago) a night out in Manchester will take place instead. 

Putting my anger aside about the hotel situation I thought I'd do a post about what I plan to wear on my birthday night out instead.

Starting off with primer (obvsy's) I've found a new favourite in the Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer (£11.99). It makes my skin feel so smooth and flawless and foundation blends faultlessly on top of it. Speaking of which, I plan to use Loreal's Infallible 24hr-Matte Foundation (£6.99) as my base of choice - a foundation I love so much I now own it in 3 shades. It keeps my face matte and has a lovely finish. However, I've recently purchased the No.7 Beautifully Matte foundation so it's possible I may switch it up for that.

For concealer, Maybelline's Fit Me Concealer (£5.99) will be perf. It covers under-eye circles well, doesn't cake and works well enough for small blemishes and imperfections. 

For contour and highlight, a birthday gift from Kate (THANK YOU!) shall be having an outing. The Illamasqua Sculpting Powder Duo in Illuminate & Nefertiti (£26.00) is stunning - like stunning in a way that I can't stop staring at it when it's open. The contour shade works wonderfully on pale and tanned skintones and the highlighter is just...beautiful. Keep your eyes peeled for a review coming soon. 

Blush has to be Makeup Revolution's Vivid Blush Lacquer in Rush (£1.99)- I'm still yet to find a blush that lasts longer, and nothing works better on a night out. I love the bright pink colour, it adds a healthy glow to my complexion without being too in-your-face.

I've been loving the look of a bolder brow recently, so I've been making them a tad bigger than what they are naturally. Maybelline's Colour Tattoo in Permanent Taupe (£4.99) will be handy in defining their shape and filling them in.

To set all of my base makeup in place and mattify my face further, Bourjois' Silk Edition Powder (£9.99) is my go-to. A silky powder that doesn't appear cakey on the skin and prevents me from looking overly shiny. 

Because I'll be going for a bold lip, I want to keep the eyes classic and simple - with a feline flick. Collection's Fast Stroke Eyeliner (£2.99) is the best at the drugstore. It lasts for ages, doesn't flake off and makes getting that cat eye a complete doddle.

To finish off the eyes I'll be lining my waterline with Rimmel's Scandaleyes Kohl Kajal Pencil in Taupe (£3.99) and adding lashings and lashings of Makeup Revolution's Viper Mascara (£3.00) to my top and bottom lashes after a quick curl.

To finish off my birthday face, I'll be using Rimmel's 1000 Kisses Lipliner (£2.99) to slightly outline my lips to stop my lipstick from bleeding and looking messy, and for that lipstick I'll be using Sleek's True Colour Lipstick in Dare (£4.99) - a shade that I have quite literally fallen in love with recently. It's still a red, but it's a sort of browny-red and just looks gorgeous on all skintones. Everyone must have this in their collections. 

Hopefully my anger will have subsided a little for me to be able to fully enjoy my birthday night out... 

Lauren

xo