Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Eye Shadow Pencil - Review

Its very obvious, I am becoming Charlotte Tilbury's addict - just  look back over my past blog posts - almost third of my makup kit contains her makeup. I love it so, so much.
If you don't know who Charlotte is - she is an international make-up artist, famous for her bespoke cat eye and launched her first cosmetic line in September 2013 in Selfridges in London.

YSL Le Teint Encru de Peau aka YSL Fusion Ink Foundation - Review

According to the magazine Baazar, there are 25 000 women on the list waiting for the new YSL foundation... you heard me right...25 000 on the waiting list!! Now, that's exciting news - surely this must be the best thing since sliced bread so. Or since YSL Touche Eclat.  Let's have a look first what Yves Saint Laurent has to say about the most anticipated wonder product in 2014. 

Benefit They’re Real Push-Up Liner - Review

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you will know that the sultry look is my signature look and hardly ever wear eyeliner. I just prefer the softer Smokey eye to a sophisticated winged liner, but I know that lot of you are a lover of a Cat Eye. In all fairness it is not an easy look to achieve, you need a steady hand to draw a straight line and also it proves quite a challenge to get the wings equally on both sides, Don’t you just hate it it when one flick is perfect and you just can’t get the other eye to match!  But when I heard that Benefit came up with a new product, the They’re Real Push-Up Liner, the first ever lash-hugging gel liner pen, I was excited.  And it is a really genius idea that they came up with, or you could say revolutionary, as there is nothing similar on the market. It’s basically a pen that you twist at the bottom to dispense product through a flat tip applicator. It also has included a makeup lesson how to apply the liner.

My favourite lip-glosses for the summer

In summer, I prefer to use a lip-gloss to a heavy lipstick. I suppose it’s like wearing lighter clothes.  These are the top three lip-glosses that never leave my makeup bag and they also would suit most skin tones:

Wearing Rimmel Vinyl Gloos in Be Famous 

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara - Review

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara promises to "Dress the eye with powerful, plush, voluminous lashes" and I think it really does what it says on the tin. I don't usually get too excited for mascara because I do not find there to be much difference from mascara to mascara but this one is definitely on its way to become my holy grail product, a product I can’t live without, a desert island must have! I would even go so far and say that this is best performing mascara I have purchased and trust me I have tried tons over the past fifteen years. Ok, enough raved, think you get the picture!

Kardashian Beauty Au Naturel Lip Kit - Review

I am not really mad about the Kardashian clan and I generally don’t buy celebrity endorsed products such as makeup or perfumes, because they usually disappoint. Nonetheless I have to admit that Kardashian sisters’ makeup is always flawless, so I gave this line a go. I picked up the Kardashian Beauty Au Natual Lip Kit ‘In the Flesh’, which is a pinkier flesh-tone as the other two colours in the line.   I tend to look bit washed out with completely nude pale lips, so adding bit of pink to the nude doesn’t make me look like one from the waking dead.

This set features a dual ended lip liner and lipstick and separate lip-gloss.

Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation - Review

Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation is a light-weight foundation created by Internatinonal Top Makeup Artist Charlotte Tilbury.

The Light Wonder Foundation provides light coverage, but can be build up to medium coverage, but never to full coverage.  This foundation will leave you with a dewy finish and will give you youthful glow. It’s packed with botanical anti-ageing ingredients that will boost collagen production and therefore delay the ageing process.  On top of that it contains SPF 15 to protect you from damaging sun rays.

The Foundation comes in plastic container with a narrow nozzle, so that way you can squeeze out as much product as you like and you never will be wasting too much of it. There are 10 different shades to choose from and I was matched to shade 4 which you can see in the photos.

Hot orange lips for Spring/Summer 2014

Orange lips are so on trend for Spring/Summer 2014. Orange is a hot and vibrant colour, it promotes energy and focus. For me its the colour of happiness, every time I wear something orange it makes me bit more enthusiastic about life.  So if you want to stand out this season you need this color on your lips and in your wardrobe.  May favorite orange lipstick of all times is MAC Morange followed by Makeup Forever Lipstick No. 40.

MAC Lipstick in Morange

Christmas Day Makeup Tutorial - Step-by-Step

Can't believe it's Christmas already. I have been really busy this year. Being a makeup artist, beauty blogger and also working full-time in the office it didn't leave me much spare time for my friends and family this year. This is all about to change next year. Hopefully.

Anyways, enough of sentimentality, if you are still looking for Christmas Day makeup ideas, here is one for you.

Lush Creme Eyeshadow in Sophisticated

Sophisticated is a shimmery metallic light taupe with pink undertones cream eyeshadow. It’s very pigmented, so you have the choice to apply the eyeshdow thicker for more dramatic evening look or you can sheer it out for a more subtle daytime look. I also found that it makes a perfect base for a metallic smokey eye look. You have to work fast with the products as it sets pretty quickly and there is not much time for blending.

Bridal Makeup: Best lipstick for the Bride

How to choose a lipstick for your wedding

As a general rule your lipstick should coordinate with your dress, wedding theme and of course with the rest of the make-up.

I always recommend soft pink-beiges, light or coral pinks, and also the classic red to the brides. I think these shades are timeless and also photograph best. The consistency of the lipstick should be creamy and smooth. Avoid matte lipstick as they can be bit drying.  If you want to your lipstick to last long, then you must use and lip pencil. Choose a lip pencil shade lighter or the same as the actual lipstick color.
I would not recommend using lip-gloss on your wedding day; firstly because it just doesn't look good in photographs and secondly it makes the lipstick less lasting.  And if you must apply lip-gloss then concentrate the lip-gloss on the center of your bottom lip for a plumping effect. 

Here are some of my favorite Wedding lipsticks that I recommend you try:

YSL Rouge Pur Couture in #5 Beige Etrusque

This is a muted nude pink with peachy undertones, very similar to MAC lipstick in Blankety, only less pink. Cost in Dublin, Ireland: € 31.00

Charlotte Tilbury's Filmstar Bronze & Glow - Review and Swatches

International make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury's launched her first cosmetic line in September 2013 at the counters at Selfridges London. I just couldn't wait to get my hands on the collection and since I had no plans jetting over to London any time soon, I ordered few items from Selfridge's online store, namely, Filmstar Bronze & Glow, Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder and the Retoucher.

First in line to be reviewed is the Charlotte Tilbury's Filmstar Bronze & Glow and its safe to say that this is a highlighter and bronzer I've been looking for all my life. I have never come across a sculpting face powder with such a natural and yet luminous effect. It is very flattering and not flat; it doesn't dry my skin or makes it look cakey. The powder is so finely milled, feels silky to touch and is easy to blend.
The packaging is sleek metallic design in rose gold and feels quite heavy in hand. It has a very glamour's and luxurious feel. The compact contains a mirror and two separate compartments for the highlight and the bronze. There is no brush included.

MAC Paint Pots - Review and Swatches

I love MAC paint pots; in my opinion they are still among the best crème to powder eye shadows on the market. I use them as eye shadow base and also alone, when I'm lazy or running late and depending on the shade, I also have used them as highlighters and check colors. As a base, they are just fabulous; they make the eyeshadow go on more smoothly and make it easier to blend. The consistency is very creamy and spreadable, and allows time for blending before it dries to a semi-sheer finish that lasts forever without creasing. I would describe them as a combination of MAC Paints and MAC Fluidlines. They can also be easily layered on for impact, but just be careful if you don't work quickly enough, the result can be bit chunky and patchy. The pain pots come in a sturdy, round glass pot with a screw top and contains gram of product. Little goes a long way, so it’s not too awfully expensive given the amount that you get.

Highlighter: MAC Color Cream Base in Shell. Cheeks: Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge, Lips: Tom Ford Lipstick in Indian Rose

MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study
is a very neutral, light gold-champagne color with some light pink shimmery pigments mixed in and adds a pearly sheen to whatever eye shadow you're putting over it. It looks great as highlither on the brow bones and the cupids bow. I would say this is a creamy version of MAC Vanilla pigment.

Cheeks: MAC blush in Pink Swoon, Lips: Clarins Lipstick in Clarins Red

MAC Paint Pot in Rubenesque
is a pink peach shade with golden shimmer. It looks beautiful paired with dark brown or dark green shadows or just alone with an black eyeliner flick. I've also used it for photo shoots as a lip colour and cheek highlight. It’s very similar to MAC eye shadow Gleam and MAC Pigment Melon in colour.

Cheeks: Bobbi Brown Shimmery Blush in Pink Coral. Lips: MAC Lipglass in Tour de Faboulous

MAC Paint Pot in Indianwood is a shimmery gold bronze color with orange undertones. This is great base for metallic smokey eyes. It’s very similar in color to the MAC eyeshadow in Woodwinked.
Cheeks: Chanel Tan de Solai, Lips: Benefit red lipstick

Cheeks: Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar bronze and Glow. Lips: Tom Ford Lipstick Spanish pink

MAC Paint Pot in Ground work

Ground work is a neutral light brown-taupe color with a slight pearl, almost matte. This is a perfect base color for darker complexions and also it also makes a great base for brown, bronze or taupe eye shadows.
this is also a great all-over color wash when you don't want to wear a lot of makeup, or if you are going for a more natural look.

Cheeks: Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar bronze and Glow. Lips: YSL Rouge in Beige Entrusque

MAC Paint Pot in Constructivist

Constructivist is a light chocolate brown with subtle rusty red and bronze shimmer. This makes a perfect base for brown or copper smokey eye, paired with a black smudgy kohl eyeliner. I wear it occasionally during the daytime, but since the color is bit on darker side, I reserve it more for the nights out.

Cheeks: Bobbi Brown Bronzer in Golden brown and MAC Blush in Pinch O’Peach. Eye shadows: Bobbi Brown Toast, Taupe and Mahogany

MAC Paint Pot in Painterly

Cheeks: Bobbi Brown Bronzer in Golden brown and MAC Blush in Pinch O’Peach. Eye shadows: Bobbi Brown Toast, Taupe and Mahogany.
Painterly is a matte natural skin-toned beige color with cool grey undertones. I love this as an everyday all-over shadow for a natural makeup look, it really gives a natural brightening effect to the eyes. Painterly is a perfect eye shadow base and should be staples in everyone's makeup case. 

MAC Paint Pot in Vintage Selection

Vintage Selection is pinky bronze with gold and silver shimmer and glitter. Glitter particles are quute bit on a chunky side and quite noticeable. This is great to use as an eyeshadow base and brow highlight for glamorous makeup or evening makeup. 

Hope you liked my reviews! Any other favourite MAC Paint pots that I should try?

xxx Marina

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder - Review

Laura Mercier’s Secret Brightening Powder has been around more than 10 years, but I only discovered it few months ago. Since then I fell in love with it and it has also become one of the must have items in my makeup bag.

I have the shade Number 1, but I am also planning to get the Number 2, which is very pale, warm yellow/gold also with the micro shimmer, and its more suitable darker skin with warmer undertones.

Laura Mercier’s Secret Brightening Powder in Number 1 is a very fine loose white highlighting powder with silver micro shimmer, but it does not appear white on the skin. The powder is finely milled and feels like silk to touch and reflects the light, and it magically makes the dark circles disappear when applied properly. The fine micro shimmer doesn't appear to be shimmery on the face at all, and I only can see it if I look very, very close.  I often found that regular face powders are too pigmented and too thick, and look cakey when applied over concealer, but this one just disappears into my skin.

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder Number 1. Lips: Sisley Hydrating Long Lasting Lipstick in L11 Cheeks: Benefit Blush in Coralista

I usually use YSL Touche Eclat illuminating pen first to brighten the areas such as undereyes, cheekbone, forehead and then use the Laura Mercier’ s Secret Brightening Powder to set the illuminating pen. I've been using the Realy Techniques Setting brush to apply this and it's the perfect size and deposits just enough.

The powder comes in small plastic container and you'll have to be careful when you open the lid, as the powder can fly all over the place. Other than that the container should last quite awhile, even with daily use.

 Price in Ireland € 22 for 4 g of product.

If you are looking for a good setting powder, then you really must give this one a go, and you won't be disappointed. Huh, I just can't rave enough!

xxx Marina

Crownbrush Smoke It Out Palette - Review

Smoke It Out Palette contains 36 cool and warm shades with a good selection of matte and shimmery colors. The palette allows you to create many different makeup looks with all the colors, be it bright and bold  or subtle and smoky , the possibilities really are endless.

The eyeshadows are quite pigmented, don’t crease and last all day on my eyes. The powder is finely milled and goes on very smoothly and blends easily with my brushes.

Lighter shades in the palette can be used for highlighting on the lids, inner corner of the eye and just above the brow, whereas darker shades can be used for emphasizing in the outer V of the eye, crease and lower lids. If you go for a graduate smoky eye, then of course the darkest color should be on the lids fading towards the brow bone.

Here are some looks that I have created with this palette:

Natural Smoky Eye

Cheeks: Benefit Coralista, Lips: Dior Lipstick in  Pink Songe

Grey Smoky Eye

Cheeks and  Lips: Inglot Freedom Lipstick in 38, Highlighter: MAC Vanilla

Purple Smoky Eye

Cheeks and  Lips: Lush Lipstick in Perspective

Green Smoky Eye

Cheeks: MAC Cremeblush in Something Special,  Lips: MAC Lipglass in  Pink Lemonade

Graduate Dark Purple Smoky Eye ( only one eyeshadow used) 

Cheeks: ID Minerals in Warmth Lips: Tom Ford Lipstick in 01 Spanish Pink

All in all, this palette really is an excellent option for anyone starting out in makeup artistry, as you won’t get a better value for your money. The only down side is that the eyeshadows are not named, so it can be tricky when people want to know what color you used on your eyes. I have to say I’m very happy to have this palette in my kit among my other more expensive eyeshadows since it contains so many bold colors, which are not usually easy to get and it would be quite expensive if you would buy them all individually.

Price in Ireland € 26.

Have you tried Crownbrushs Smoke It Out Palette yet. What do you think? Please let me know in the comments.

xxx Marina

OPI Nail Lacquer - Nudes and Pastels

OPI Dulche di Leche

OPI Tickle My France-y

OPI Rosy Future

OPI Passion

OPI Sweetheart

OPI Hawaiian Orchid

Have you tried  OPI Nail Lacquer? What is your favorite shade? Please let me know in the comments! 

                                          Check out my video how to paint nails like a pro!

xxx Marina

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Tom For Shade and Illuminate compact - Review

Tom For Shade and Illuminate compact has the signature Tom Ford sleek packaging with a glossy surface and the gold-toned trim that comes in a brown suede pocket.  The compact is oblong, has a mirror inside and two compartments, one for the illuminator and the contour shade.

 This compact is available in two shades namely Intensity 1 and Intensity 2. The highlighter is the same, only the contouring shades are different. Intensity 1 is yellow based shade and is meant to be for lighter complexions whereas Intensity 2 is a deeper red brown shade with grey undertones for darker complexions.

I bought the Intensity 1 and what I most love about it, is that it has no orange cast to it at all, therefore its perfect for contouring but not so ideal to be used a bronzer.  Keep in mind that countering will sculpt the shape of your face through shadow effects while bronzers achieve an artificial tan and give your skin more color. So basically you should apply the bronzer on your cheekbones and working upwards our temple , whereas you should apply a contour under your cheekbones or in the hollow part of your cheek and under your jaw bone etc.

I really like the creamy consistency of the contour shade and it feels like silk on my skin and it blends very well with my foundation. I use a contour brush to apply it , and it goes on at first quite light and sheer, but can be built up and any patchiness can be smoothed  and blended out without any problems.

The illuminator is very sheer with a dewy wet look finish that is often seen on the backstage models. I would describe it as healthy glow and looks like very well moisturized skin rather than a shimmer disco ball, so if you are after glitz and shimmer, you won’t be happy with this product.  I apply the highlighter with my fingers and then just tap it in with a light touch of my fingertips.

Like with all Tom Ford cosmetics the price can be bit of a turnoff, but you do get two high quality products in one palette and they would last you both very long time even if you would apply it every day.

Price in Ireland €65 for g of product.

I really like the  Tom For Shade and Illuminate compact and would definitely recommend to everyone who is looking for a good countering kit.

Have you tried the Tom For Shade and Illuminate compact yet? What do you think?

xxx Marina

Bobbi Brown Shimmery Eyeshadows - Review

What I love about Bobbi Brown Shimmer Eye shadows is that the colors are skin tone flattering, highly pigmented, and finely milled. The color is pearlized so it has a beautiful sheen and glow. This is the perfect amount of shimmer definitely not too much for daytime, simply a subtle illumination.  The texture is buttery and creamy, and the shadow applies with ease. I don't experience major fallout, so no powdery mess with Bobbi's shadows! I recommend applying them with fingers, then blending with a brush for a more subtle effect. You can also use the Shimmer Eyeshadows over matte eyeshadows to give them some shimmer and a bit more pop.

The lighter shades can be used as natural base for the lids to open up eyes and they also double up as highlighter over your blush, cheekbones, forehead, bridge of the nose, cupids bow, the  inner corner of the eye and on the eyebrow bone. Just a tip when using these eyeshadows to highlight your browbone, use an eye definer brush to make a small line just under your eyebrow and blend out lightly, that way it looks more natural and doesn’t give you a puffy eye or the dated “Dancing on Ice” - Look.  

 They are sold as single pans, but you could also pop them into your own custom palette. Although they are expensive, they will last you a long, long time. So defiantly worth the investment.

Price in Ireland € 24.00 for 6g.

Check also my latest YouTube video featuring my favorite Bobbi Brown Eyeshadows. 

Eyeshadow: Bobbi Brown Shimmer Eyeshadow in Heathery Meave, Cheeks: MAC Blush in Harmony and MAC blush in Pink Swoon, Lips: Laura Mercier Lipglass in Bonbon

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Eye shadow in Heather Mauve

Heather Mauve is a shimmery silver-taupe-brown. It can be used as a sheer wash over the lid for the day make up , or for a more dramatic look it can be also used to highlight the brow bone when sporting the smoky eye.  I would say this as a neutral color suitable for many different complexions.

Eyeshadow: Bobbi Brown Shimmer Eyeshadow in Champagne, Cheeks: Catrice Defining Blush in (010) Toffee Fairy , Lips: MAC Ruby Woo

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Eye shadow in Champagne

Champagne is a shimmery cream shade with a hint of soft peach,  that is neither too yellow nor too beige. It is similar to MAC’s Eyeshadow in Naked Lunch only less peachy and shimmery. This is a good nude base color for daytime paired with  just a brown liner and mascara; it just makes me look so fresh and more awake.

Eyeshadow: Bobbi Brown Shimmer Eyeshadow in Bone,also used it as a highlighter in this photo Crease: MAC Eyeshadow in Cork, , Cheeks: MAC Blush in Dollymix, Lips: Lancome Le Contour Pro Precision Long Lasting Lip Contour in (315) The Rose

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Eye shadow in Bone

Bone is a shimmery ivory/off-white with golden undertones,that isn't too warm or too cool. This is another great base and highlight eyeshadow. It goes great with all colors and I recommend this shade if you are looking for a highlighter or base color and don’t want a matte white.

Eyeshadow: Bobbi Brown Shimmer Eyeshadow in Petal, also used as highlighter, Cheeks: MAC Blush in Pinch O'Peach, Lips: Bobbi Brown Lipgloss in (16) Pink Gold

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Eye shadow in Petal

Petal is a soft light rose pink shade with cool blue undertones  Quite similar to NARS blush in Orgasm maybe only a tad cooler. No need to mention that this makes another great highlighter. This shade is particularly great on blue, grey and hazel eyes, but if you also have pale compexion, you'll need a darker crease shade or a dark liner to offset the paleness.

Eyeshadow: Bobbi Brown Shimmer Eyeshadow in Gold Rose, also used as highlighter on the apple of the cheeks,  Cheeks: Bronze Universel de Chanel, Lips: MAC Cremesheen lipstick in Peach Blossom

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Eye shadow in Rose Gold

Rose gold is a salmony-pinky gold with a bronzey brown undertone that's neither too dark, nor too light, very unique shade in my opinion. This shade would work well on all skin tone, but I think it will look particularly great on darker complexions as a base or highlighter. I also use this eyeshadow sometimes as a blush and the result is a very natural rosy glow on my cheeks. If you like shades like Stila Jezebel and MAC Mythology and Expensive Pink, then you would love this shade.

Have you tried Bobbi Brown Shimmer Eye shadows? Did you like them? What is your favorite shade? Please let me know in the comments!

xxx Marina

Tom Ford Illuminating Highlight Pen - Review

Tom Ford in his own words:

The Illuminating Highlight Pen allows you to enhance, contour or diminish your features to create the appearance of symmetry. The range includes eight highly micronized shades: four tones that catch the light and bring focus to the cheekbones and eyes to create balance and symmetry and four tones that act as skin-priming concealers to diminish flaws and shadows. All eight tones work to soften and diffuse light for a smooth and undetectable finish.

Cost in Ireland Euro 55 for 3.2ml.  Available at Brown Thomas in Dublin

Tom Ford’s Illuminating Pen in the shade 05 Naked Bisque

I bought the Tom Ford’s Illuminating Pen in the shade 05 Naked Bisque, which I would describe as a matte ivory/nude beige shade with pink undertones, and this shade would suit most lighter to medium skin tones.  Generally speaking I don’t find the whole color selection to be great or extensive, so there are eight shades available in total, which four of them are shimmery and can be mixed with the other four matte shades for an illuminating effect.  05 Naked Bisque is one of the lightest matte shades. I find the other shades to be too dark to give any illuminating effect, and this was the reason why I bought the pen in a first place, but they would be great for color correcting, especially if you have dark under eye circles.

The texture is quite thick and pigmented but yet smooth, and it goes on very evenly, almost invisible. As mentioned before, it is quite matte, with a slight sheen, and it does slightly brighten the skin, but if you're looking for lots of shimmer or need loads of coverage and concealing, this products won’t do it.

 One thing I like about this pen is that is does photograph beautifully, and I have used it few times in my recent photo shoots, the only problem is that the price is unfortunately not makeup kit friendly.

It comes in a thicker than the usual pen form with the typical brush & twist up applicator to release the product.

To be perfectly honest I prefer YSL Touche éclat over this pen, because it’s more illuminating and brightening. For more coverage with illuminating effect I like and can highly recommend Mister Light by Givenchy or if you are on a tight budget try the Catrice Re-Touch Light-Reflecting Concealer.

Overall, for 55 Euro I really expected this to be amazing product, I wanted it to be all singing and dancing Illuminating Pen, but it just didn’t cut it for me and I am afraid I won’t be repurchasing. I am not saying that this is the worst product I have ever tried, as it might be perfect for someone else, but given the price, I just expected it to be better.

Have you tried Tom Fords Illuminating pen? What do you think? Please let me know in the comments!

xxx Marina

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