Quick Smokey Eye Look

Last weekend I had an absolute ball at my cousins Hen Party in Killarney! We left at 12:30 and I had makeup and a few bits to do that morning so of course I left myself with very little time to get ready! Therefore I knew I had no time to be messing around trying different things! I went for what I knew was quick but also effective! 

I chose a brown smokey eye rather than black as it's not as harsh for daytime with my favorite soft pink lip! I do the black Smokey eye a little different so I will do a separate post for this! 

Eyes-

Catrice Prime and Fine smoothing refiner on lids as Eye Primer. Only a tiny amount is needed or it will cause the shadow to go oily, crease and spread! 

All eyeshadow are from my Urban Decay Vice 2 Palette and used the double ended brush with the set! 

Lids- Radar all over the lid. 

Crease and outer corners- Smokeout blended with the radar. 

Under brows - Dope 

Corner of eyes- Strike 

Maybelline Gel liner in intense black to line the top lid and create a small flick. There's a really nice little brush with this! Not bad for twelve euro! ;) 

Rimmel Soft Kohl in Black on water line and under. I then go over this with my gel liner to make it that but more striking. 

I then put on my Catrice False lashes mascara which I love and is less than 5euro! 

I've been using the 2euro double trouble lashes from Penneys lately and love them on! If you find it difficult to put on lashes then these aren't the lashes for you unfortunately as they are quite rubbery try the kiss ones instead they are still quite cheap at 3.50 and are so nice! 

When I finish my face I normally go back in and go over anything on my eyes that needs fixing and go over my liner and mascara! 

Eyebrows- Catrice Eyebrow Pencil. 

Face- 

Primer- Inglot Pre-Makeup Base. 

Foundation- Inglot YSM 52+49 mixed. 

Concealer- Catrice Camoflague Cream on blemishes and under eyes. 

Powder- Mac Studio Fix all over the face to set foundation and concealer. 

Cream highlighter- Rimmel Perfection Concealer. 

I put some on in a triangle under my eyes from inside corner down to the bottom of my nose and back across to the outer corner of my eye. When blotting this I drag past my eye to my hairline to highlight the top of my cheekbone! I like to use my fingers for this rather than a brush but a beauty blender is really good too!  

I then put a small bit on my Cupid's bow (above top lip), Chin, under contour line, on centre of my nose up the bridge and onto my forehead into a fan and blot it in. I then use the highlighter from my Urban Decay Flushed Palette to further highlight the top of my cheekbones. I don't like to out shimmer anywhere else on my face as I have an oily t-zone and have shine naturally. 

I then dab my Mac Studio Fix lightly over the cream concealer to set it. 

Coutour- 

Kardashian Beauty Bronzer in Cabana. I use the darkest shade of the three to coutour under my cheekbone from the opening of my ear to the corner of my mouth. On my temples and sides of my nose.

Blush- 

No7 Candy Pink from the outer apples of my cheeks to my hairline. This brings the highlighting and contouring together and gives the cheeks that full look. 

Lips- 

Catrice Precision Lip liner in Nude. 

Kardashian Beauty Summer Honey Lipgloss. 

And we're done!! I know it looks like a lot but this took 15mins tops. I love a brown smokey eye! :) 

Hope you enjoyed beauties! 

Talk soon! 

Leonie Xx 

Elizabeth Arden The Original 8 Hour Cream

I've seen the Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream mentioned in many magazines over the years so when I saw it at the Irish Beauty Fair for 15euro, half its usual price, I decided I had to try it!

When I opened it I have to say I was a bit put off with the consistency and smell even though I got the fragrance free version! This is much more of a wax than a cream so it has that waxy smell! Once I got over that I started to realise just how many uses this product has! I'll go through them below!

Uses:

 Hold your eyebrows in place and gives them a nice sleek look. Only use a tiny tiny amount!

A moisturising Lip balm. I use this when I'm moisturising etc before I put on my makeup so by the time I get to doing my lips they are nice and soft! I also use it at night before I go to bed.

Relief for dry skin. This can be used anywhere! I use it on my hands,elbows and on my legs after shaving. It can also be used as a treatment on your face for dry skin I personally haven't done it myself as it would make my skin too oily but if you have dry skin try it as an overnight treatment you'll love it. 

It can also be used as a highlighter on the top of the cheekbones or on the eyelids to give your shadow a shine! 

People even use this as relief for sunburn or irritated skin it's such an all rounder! 

Honestly, the list is endless just use your imagination! 

This cream/wax is renowned worldwide and I now understand why! It is so versatile! It spreads really well so it will last you a long time! If you have dry skin on your face, lips or body then this is your saviour!

 It's available in Boots, Shaws, Debenhams and Brown Thomas and is 33euro!

Let me know what you think of it!

Leonie Xx

Decadence Tan Review

Sorry I've been so quiet this week guys, had a mental week! :)

Anyone that's knows me will tell you that I LOVE to have a tan! Now when you live in Ireland a natural tan is rarely going to happen and sunbeds year round isn't an option for me so fake fan it is!

I have tried so many brands from Penneys St. Moriz to St. Tropez, from low to high price ranges, and I can most definitely say price does not always determine the quality of a product. I've found most tans have some sort of flaw, I think they are all so simular! 

I've been using Decadence Tan now for about a year and have to say its my favourite so far! It's colour is a nice golden brown and doesn't have that orange tinge to it that so many others have! Its an Irish Brand so maybe its the fact its made for Irish skin that makes the colour's so nice on!

The colour is buildable so you can make it as deep as you want depending on how much product you use, its instant but I feel it develops a small amount over a few hours. It lasts me about 3 days and fades off so nice- one of my favourite things about this tan! I hate looking all patchy and dirty when tan is coming off. Its also pretty water resistant after a half an hour or so! You won't get water marks from rain etc which is always a plus!

Decadence smells gorgeous and is made with natural products which for me makes it that more attractive! Its aloe vera based so it does not dry out your skin like most tan I actually thinks it does the opposite! Its costs 15euro and is worth every penny in my opinion. It lasts me so long and I always apply a full body.

My good friend Evan and I at his 21st! I actually have no pics on my own lol

Decadence is available on their website and selected salons. I get mine in AJ's Salon Supplies in Carlow but if you check their website you can check for your area.

Give it a go I love it! :)

Lee Xx

St. Patricks Day Makeup Inspiration!

With Paddy's Day just here I decided I'd do a quick and easy Makeup look to inspire you guys. 

Eyes-

As a base I applied a very thin layer of Catrice Camouflage Cream (4 approx).

 (All Shadows are from Urban Decay Vice 2 48euro.)
I applied Damaged to the whole lid and packed on the colour. 
I then used radar (Shimmery Brown) and smokeout (Black) in the crease and corner to add defintion.
Strike (Gold) went into the corners and in a bit to brighten it and then dope (light Shimmer) on the very corner over the strike and under the brows to highlight. 

I then lined the top and bottom of my lash line with Maybelline Gel Liner (12euro), I used Rimmel Soft kohl (6euro) in black on my waterline and went over it with the gel liner to intensify it and allow it to last. 

Mascara is next I used Bourjois Clubbing Volume (12 Approx) which I love for night time!

I used Penney's Double Trouble lashes (2euro) and stuck them on with Duo Glue(6euro). I went over them with mascara and then my eyes were done!


Eyebrows-

Catrice Eyebrow Pencil (3.49). 

Face-

Catrice Prime and Fine Illuminating Base (3.49).

Foundation-  Inglot YSM 52 +49 (18euro)

Concealer- Catrice All Round Concealer (5.49euro), Catrice Illuminating Concealer (5.49) for highlighting and Crown Concealer Palette (22euro) for contouring.

 Powder-Mac Studio Fix (34approx)

  Contour Powder-Kardashian Beauty Cabana Darkest Shade (17euro)
 Highlighter Powder- Urban Decay Naked Flushed. (29euro)

 Blush- Light Pink from No.7( Not sure how much got it as a gift)

Please refer to my Night time Makeup Routine blog post on the right for how I apply each product.
 


Lips-

Catrice Lip liner in 090 Reach the Peach all over the lip with Catrice Infinite Shine Lip Gloss in 110 Tangerine Tango.

 And we're done! Hope you enjoyed! :)

Leonie xx

Pixy Strawberry Kiss Face Scrub

I've read many good things about this face scrub so when I saw it at the Irish Beauty Show I had to get it! 

I had an allergic reaction to face wipes two weeks ago and my skin was really dry so it was the perfect time to invest in this!

When your opening the tub of this be very careful as the scub is very liquidy and can spill out so easily! Trust me I lost half of mine :( 

You simply wet your face, then apply the scrub in circular down ward motions, making sure to give special attention to drier, flakier areas of the skin. Once your happy you've got your whole face, wash it off with warm water, dry your face and your done! 

Instantly your skin feels refreshed and glowing! I've been raving to anyone who'll listen to me about this product! I exfoliate my face twice a week so I counted down the days this week until Wednesday came and I could use it again! My makeup goes on like a dream after use, so smooth and fresh looking! Not to mention how gorgeous it smells!

It contains exfoliating strawberry seeds, cocoa butter, macadamia nut oil and evening primrose oil. 

Ladies I cannot recommend this to you enough, it only costs 9.95 and will last ages! Its my favorite skincare product at the moment!  

Pixy has many more skincare products to offer including Lip balm, Hand cream, Body butter, the list goes on! I can't wait to try them all and I will of course let you know what they're like but judging on this scrub a new obsession is growing! :)

Check out their website! They're products are available on line and also in selected pharmacies around the country. Check their website for information on your county. I know in Athy Doyles Pharmacy stock it! http://www.pixy.ie/

Until next time,

Ciao for now! xx

My Night Time Makeup Routine!

Following My Daytime Routine is my Night Time one! 

This isn't massively different just a few bits here and there and the order.

With daytime makeup I do my skin first but with night time I always start with my eyes first to avoid any risk of fall down. 

Eyes

  As always put a coat of concealer on my eye lid first as my base!

For a night time look I generally tend to go stronger on the eyes with smokey looks using black, dark browns and strong golds, sometimes even brighter colours such as purples and pinks again from my Urban decay Vice 2 Palette which is 48euro. I also like to add pigments on top of shadows to further intensify the colours! I have pigments/Glitter Pots from Inglot (15euro) and Gosh (7.99euro) and absolutely love both but I would have to say I prefer the Inglot ones! Many brands offer these so don't feel you have to stick to these alone! 

If I decide I'm going for a strong lip I'll keep my eye shadow very neutral with colours such as golds, creams on the lid and light browns on the crease/socket as the vampy look really does not suit me!

I highlight under the brow and the corner of my eyes with a white matt or shimmer shadow. You could also use your highlighting powder if you didn't have a suitable shadow!

I then line the upper lash line with my Maybelline Gel Liner (12euro). I wait until after I do my foundation to do the flick as I find I always mess it up with my foundation brush otherwise! I do this by starting at the bottom lash line going up towards the outer edge of my brow as far as I want the flick to be, then turn the brush and bring the line back into the top outer edge and fill in the flick. This is dramatic and long lasting. I use and angled eye liner brush to apply this or the L29 Blank Canvas Cosmetics Brush 7.99qpprox. ( Got it at the Irish Beauty Fair and Love it!)


I always line my waterline with Rimmel Black Kohl and smoke out the bottom by smudging the liner. I also go over all this with my gel liner to make it more dramatic and ensure I stays put! If black is too harsh for you they have many other colours available such as White. I can't remember exactly how much the Rimmel Pencil costs but they are definitely under 6euro.

  Next I curl my lashes with my No.7 eyelash curler as eyelashes go on so much better after.

I then put on my Bourjois Clubbing Volume Mascara in Ultra black (12 Euro Approx).

 My eyelashes are the next step! I always use strip, I personally find them much more effective! My favorites would be Kiss and Eylure. The glue with these brands are pretty good but I use Duo Glue (6euro). I just love it. It sticks so quickly, isn't messy and literally lasts until you take them off! There's no lifting in the corners thankfully as that is one thing I cant stand! 

I then wipe under my eyes to clean off any fall down that may have occured! 

Face 

  As always I apply primer first! I like to apply it with my hands but If you rather a brush work away! I can't live without Primer! I wrote a blog post on this a few weeks ago, link should be on the right hand side! 

Next step is my foundation which is Inglot YSM in 52 and Inglot Face and Body Bronzer in 95 mixed.  There's a nice Shimmer to the Face and Body Bronzer when it's mixed so it gives that dewy look .I use an F20 HD Brush from Blank canvas Cosmetics (Review on this also to the right) I apply the foundation in a downward circular motion until it is all blended into the skin.



I'll then look and see what  I need to conceal further. As I've mentioned before black circles under my eyes are the first thing I go to. I always go around my nose as I tend to have a bit of redness and if I have any blemishes or anything I'll of course cover them! When covering spots the best way to do it is dab the top of it with your brush and go around.

Next will be my cream/liquid contour. You can use a concealer palette or just a cream/liquid concealer/foundation two shades darker than your normal foundation. I use my Crownbrush Concealer Palette a lot but also use foundation sometimes and feel its nearly more effective! I apply this under my cheekbones from the opening of my ear to the bottom of the apple of my cheeks in a diagional line across, on my temples and along my hair line on my forehead, down the sides of my nose, down along my jaw line and on the bottom of my chin. 

I then apply my liquid/cream concealer to illuminate areas I would to draw attention to. I'll apply some under my eyes down the side of my nose, along the contour you've just applied, to the bottom of the nose, go back up diagonally until you reach the corner of your eyes and fill in that area. They should look like a triangle! I'll put some over my eyebrows, down from the bottom of my nose, up past the bridge and up onto my forehead into a fan, on my cupids bow (just over my lip), under my lip and between the two contours on your cheek and jaw bone. I use the Catrice Illuminating Concealer and love it! This costs under 5euro.

( I'll get a picture up this weekend of my contouring and highlighting before blending so you can see if your still unsure! )

I then get my F26 Blank Canvas Brush which is the smaller version of the F20 and blend it all in.

I'll then powder my whole face to set everything I've just applied. I use Inglot 22euro setting powder or Mac Studio Fix 34euro.


Next will be my powder contour! I'll simply go over everything I cream contoured with my Kardashian Beauty Cabana Bronzer 17.00e approx. using the F28 from Blank Canvas and I LOVE it!

Powder Highlighting is next once again go over everything you did before except for under the eyes. Instead get your setting powder and just press powder over it this will have a really nice brightening effect but isn't too much! Urban Decay Flushed Palette, 29euro. Some people find this too shimmery but I love it! A nice alernative is the Catrice illuminating powder- cheap and cheerful costing no more than 5euro.


I then put my blush on the apples of my cheeks and outwards. I use the blush out of the Flush palette mentioned above a lot. I also love a coral colour for my cheeks these days! I've been using NYX Cinnamon and I love it! I mix both of these a lot and love the colour it gives!

          I then go back over my face lightly with my F20 brush to blend in any harsh lines!

Eyebrows

I always use the Catrice Eyebrow pencil to fill in my eyebrows and I love it! This costs 3.49euro the last time I bought this! It lasts so long such a bargain! I also use Essence Eye Brow Gel to set my brows this is no more than 4 euro!
 

Lips

 I like to go over my lips with my F20 foundation brush to block out the colour and then line my lips in whatever colour I might be wearing. Some people just line the outside of their lips but I like to fill the whole lip in as it gives the lips a sharper look, it also makes the colour last longer and look more vibrant. I use the Rimmel (under 6 euro)and Catrice Lip liner pencils (under 3 Euro).

My decision on whether to wear lipstick or lipgloss normally depends on what colour I'm wearing. If it's a strong lip I'll use a lipstick but if its neutral I'll use gloss. 

I absolutely love Kate Moss Lippies by Rimmel (under 6 euro) their pigmentation and lasting ability is brilliant! When it comes to Lippies I use Kardashian Beauty all the time! Their Week of Kisses set which includes 7 different Shades is so nice! Its 15.49 and is available at www.feelunique.com!

As I was saying at the start of this post, I wouldn't pair a smokey eye with a strong lip it would always be a light pink/nude gloss. 

Well that's it guys hope I made it easy enough to understand! Let me know if you have any questions or have any blog requests! :)

Leonie xx

My Daytime Makeup Routine!

Recently I've received a few emails regarding my makeup routine as in What products do I put on in what order etc so I thought I should explain this for future reference! :)

Where possible I'll always try to Cleanse and moisturise about 10-15 minutes before I do my makeup. Personally I feel my makeup last longer when I give my moisturiser time to properly soak into the skin. Now I know this isn't always realistic so if its the case you have to run out the door just try to use just enough product ensuring you don't over do it.

My Makeup routine tends to be different for a My Night Time/ Special Occasion makeup so I've decided to spilt in into two posts! 

Face 

I always start with my skin during the day as I don't tend to use anything too heavy on my eyes so I don't have to worry about eyeshadow fall down.

I always apply primer first! I like to apply primer with my hands but If you rather a brush that's fine! For me this is a must have, I can't live without it! I wrote a blog post on this a few weeks ago, link should be on the right hand side!  I've also started to use Catrice Prime and fine the last two weeks for daytime wear and I really like it! It really softens the skin and creates a nice base for your makeup.



Sometimes I don't want to put on foundation after my primer so I just apply concealer under my eyes and over any blemishes instead but generally my Next step is my foundation which can be Inglot YSM or Rimmel Wake Me Up. I use an F20 HD Brush from Blank canvas Cosmetics (Review on this also to the right :)) I apply the foundation in a downward circular motion until it is all blended into the skin.



I'll then look and see what my I need to conceal further. With me I always need to cover my dark circles! Its genetic there's absolutely nothing I can do about it so concealer is my bestie :) I always go around my nose as I tend to have a bit of redness and if I have any blemishes or anything I'll of course cover them! When covering spots the best way to do it is dab the top of it with your brush.

I'll then powder my whole face to set everything I've just applied.




Next will be my powder contour! Some people like to contour with cream concealer during the day but it's too heavy for me I just like to use a little bronzer(I use Kardashian Beauty Cabana 17.00e approx.) under my cheek bones and on my temple to add definition I used to use a small blush brush from No7 which does the job nicely but I now have the F28 from Blank Canvas and I LOVE it!



I highlight above my cheekbones, down the centre of my nose and my cupids bow with the highlighter out of the Urban Decay Flushed Palette. This cost 29euro from Debanhams. Some people find this too shimmery but I love it! A nice alernative is the Catrice illuminating powder- cheap and cheerful costing no more than 5euro.




I then put on my blush on the apples on my cheeks and outwards. I use the blush out of the Flush palette mentioned above alot. I also love a coral colour for my cheeks these days! I've been using NYX Cinnamon and I love it! I mix both of these alot and love the colour it gives!

I then go back over my face lightly with my F20 brush to blend in any harsh lines!
 

 Eyes

I always put a coat of concealer on my eye lid first. This acts as a base for my shadow.

During the week the colours I use are normally creams, golds, light pinks on the lid and taupe/light browns in the crease/socket and outer corner to define the eye, nothing to strong. Blending is always key, don't leave any harsh lines! 

I highlight under the brow and the corner of my eyes with a white matt or shimmer shadow. You could also use your highlighting powder if you didn't have a suitable shadow!

I then line the upper lash line with my Eyeko London Skinny Liquid Eyeliner Pen. I love this pen its precise and long lasting! These are available at Harvey Nicholls in Dundrum or on their online site and is 12euro. 
http://www.eyeko.com/
There are many alternatives to this pen from most brands but I always use Eyeko.


I always line my waterline with Rimmel Black Kohl and smoke out the bottom by smudging the liner. This is not necessary some people may even find it too strong so don't feel you have to its just what I like. You could use a white liner on the waterline and some brown shadow underneath applied with a pencil brush for a softer but still defined look. I can't remember exactly how much these pencils costs but they are definitely under 6euro.


I then put on lashings of Catrice all Round Mascara in Ultra Black to finish my eyes off.  Post on this mascara to the right for more information. :)



Eyebrows

I always use the Catrice Eyebrow pencil to fill in my eyebrows and I love it! This costs 3.49 the last time I bought this! It lasts so long such a bargain! I also use Essence Eye Brow Gel to set my brows this is no more than 4 euro!

Lips 

I like to go over my lips with my F20 foundation brush to block out the colour and then put gloss on. For a daytime look I always use a very neutral colour so I don't use lip liner. My favourite gloss at the moment and has been for a while now is the Kardashian Beauty Summer honey, its such a gorgeous shade of light pink I love it! This is 13.95 but totally worth it.

Thats it for my day routine guys I will get my Night time one up to you in the next few days!

If you have any questions leave a comment below or drop me a mail. :)

Product List below!

Thanks for reading!

Leonie xx









 
Face


Catrice Prime and Fine Under 6euro.
Inglot YSM 49 + 52 Mixed (In pic above) 18 Euro or Rimmel Wake Me Up 400 Beige, under 10euro.
Catrice All round Concealer- 5.49.
Inglot Translucent Powder 22euro.
Kardashian Beauty Cabana Bronzer- 17euro approx.
Urban Decay Flushed Palette for Highlight and Blush 29euro.
NYX Cinnamon Blush- 4euro.







Eyes


Urban Decay Vice 2- My go to Palette! I got this as gift but Its 47euro.
Eyeko eyeliner 13euro.
Rimmel soft Kohl liner under 6 euro.
Catrice All Round Mascara 3.49. 

Eyebrows

Catrice Eyebrow Pencil- 3.49

Lips

Kardashian Beauty Summer Honey Gloss 13.95.