Good morning

Can you believe it is already Wednesday??   Time is flying by so fast, I now only have about 40 days left before I jet off to Florida!

I'm definitely very excited for my upcoming holiday, and it is something that I've looked forward to for over a year!  We booked it such a long time ago. 

However, less about that and more about my post.

A while ago, my husband jetted off to Germany before he went to Italy.  And well, I begged him to buy me a MAC Lipstick.  I've got a confession to make....

I had up to that point never owned a single MAC product!  I kid you not!  I'm very new to the brand and find the price tags hard to swallow at times.  But I'll be working on my collection bit by bit. 

As soon as my hubby returned home, he surprised me with two lipsticks! 

Today, I'll just be telling you about one:  MAC's Ruby Woo.  In my opinion this is the most beautiful true blue Red Lipstick that you can own!

I'll let these pictures do the talking.

Gorgeous red lipsticks and kisses...

Make-up Trend: Brighten up!

Good morning ladies,

After a few minimalist seasons, the beauty world has again gone crazy for colour. And I say YAY to that. This summer is all about fun, experimental looks so go wild with colour and texture - anything goes. There is one rule though - keep it dramatic!

I've compiled some of my favourite celebrity looks to inspire you to get creative with your eye make-up this season.

Jessie J
A bold blue eyeliner adds drama and impact to brown eye shadow. Try lining your lower lash line with a dark shade.

Nicole Richie
Add a sweep of glittery baby-blue eye shadow to the upper lid to really make your eyes pop.











 

A*M*E
Bright pastel shades look amazing with a sweep of gold.

Kristen Stewart
Highlight green eyes with an aubergine metallic shade swept to the brow bone and on the lower lash line.

Ginnifer Goodwin
OOOh I love this look. Try a baked multi-shade eye shadow containing a mixture of bronze and blue or apply the bronze first and blend with a dab of blue on the centre of the upper lash line.

Taylor Swift
Max out a classic bronze shadow and black eyeliner combo with a dramatic sweep of turquoise liner on the bottom lash line. It makes for a beautiful contrast.

Emily Blunt
Chuck out the rule book and try a fluorescent pink sweep on the upper lid.

Hayley Williams
Bold orange shades look amazing at night time, try a bold line on the top lid.














And those are my picks so all that is left to say is:  EXPERIMENT! Enjoy the bright statement make-up that is out right now, because eventually we'll go back to neutrals.

Bright rainbow happiness,

 

Rouge Bunny Rouge Competition

Helloooo ladies!

I'm really sorry for a later post today then normal but my day never stopped!! Today I have a slightly different post but I really want to share this with you.

Rouge Bunny Rouge is a fabulous cosmetics and skincare range that has been around for quite a while.  They have some amazing products that are animal friendly and so nice!

I raved about a Rounge Bunny Rouge lipgloss that I got a while back and posted a full review here.  But they are now doing a giveaway to celebrate their Spring Makeup Range!

The prize consists of:
Win one of five 'Elegant Spring Make-up' Sets comprising our Dramatic Lash Mascara 'Oxblood Panache', Lacquer Eyeliner & Colour Burst Lipstick ‘Prey of Lust’.

Follow these three steps to enter:
1. Follow our 'Elegant Spring' Board on Pinterest
2. Pin your favourite lip colour for spring from our LIPS collection at www.rougebunnyrouge.com
3. Tag your Pin with all 3 hash tags: #RougeBunnyRouge, #ElegantSpring & #Cosmetics (ends on 26.05.2013 and the winners will be selected randomly on 27.05.2013)

I'd just like to be clear that I'm not being sponsored to promote this giveaway.   I really like this brand and would love for all you girls (and guys?) to have a chance to win this amazing prize.  I've already entered and pinned it on my Pinterest account.

You can follow Rouge Bunny Rouge on Facebook and let them know about your favourite products.


Get entering!

Simple Tricks to Look Prettier on Video

 Do you Viddy? Vine? Chat with friends in a Google Hangout? FaceTime with your sister (or your sister's Yorkie Terrier)?

From YouTube to Skype, video is taking over the universe, and unless you want to be caught on film with bedhead hair and dark circles, you have to be "camera ready" all the time.

"A bad angle can make your jaw look wider, create a double chin, or give viewers an up-the-nose shot," says Samantha Chapman, YouTube makeup artist sensation and one half of the Pixiwoo sisters. (Their channel has more than 145 million views.) Not only is Chapman an expert on angles and lighting, obviously she knows a thing or two about makeup for video. She always looks amazing -- even before she does a how-to. The good news? She's spilling her secrets.

So, whether you need to look good for a Skype interview or you just don't want to scare your sister's Yorkie, try these seven tricks.

Set up Good Lighting

Ever wonder why romantic restaurants are candlelit? It's because everyone looks so much better in flattering light, and great dates are good for restaurants. (Hello, repeat customers!) Good lighting is just as important for Skype dates -- or any type of video, for that matter.

"Daylight works really well," says Chapman. "But make sure you are facing the light." So, set your computer up in front of a window -- you should be looking out. If you try to Skype with the window at your back, you'll look like a dark blob. Avoid overhead light because it creates dark shadows -- especially underneath your eyes -- and all the concealer in the world won't help fix that.

Find the Best Angle

Upward angles are not pretty. Period. End of story. Even a 6-foot, size zero model can look like she has a double chin from a bad angle. Chapman suggests positioning your computer or camera slightly above eye level and looking directly into it. Use a stack of books to prop it up, or place it on a higher table.

Wear Makeup -- But Not Too Much

The right makeup can look great on camera, but too much makeup -- even if it's good -- can look awful. "Avoid very dark or bright lipstick," warns Chapman. "Bold lips and overly smoky eyes will look heavily made-up and out of place." Stick with looks that are natural, yet defined. She also stresses the importance of blending; you don't want your blush to be streaky or your eyeliner to be too severe. She swears by the Real Techniques Travel Essentials Brushes, £20.99, to blend everything together.

Define Your Features

Unless you're doing hi-definition television, you don't need to go overboard on foundation and contouring. Instead, you want to define your brows, eyes, cheeks, and lips. "Your brows frame your eyes and face, so they're very important, but often overlooked," says Emmy Award-winning "Days of Our Lives" makeup artist Joleen Rizzo. She recommends brow powder for a look that's not too drawn-on.

Then, you'll want to apply a few coats of mascara. (Just make sure it isn't clumpy -- clumps can look heavy and be distracting on camera.) For my American Readers I recommend CoverGirl Lash Blast Clump Crusher Mascara, $6.99. For my UK readers I recommend Maybelline Rocket Volum' Express Mascara, £5.99.  On your cheeks, use a pop of color to "bring the skin to life," she says. Finally, don't forget your lips. "Stains are a great way to keep your look natural," she says.

Don't Forget to Blot

If your T-zone is shiny, it's going to be exaggerated on camera. "Being shiny or greasy is not a good look -- ever!" says Rizzo. Light reflects off the shiny spots and they look even more obvious. Rizzo suggests using MAC Blot Film, £10.50, before dusting on a sheer translucent powder. Or even create your own blotting sheets with tissue paper.

Style Your Hair

A great blowout will always look pretty on camera, but sometimes there just isn't time. If you're in a rush, Emmy Award-winning "Days of Our Lives" hairstylist Matthew Hollman suggests a messy bun or side braid with texture. "Volume is especially important on camera," he says. If you opt for the bun, Hollman suggests pulling the hair around your face to give it a little lift. If you go for the side braid, rub it between your hands to create frizz and texture. "It can elongate your profile and slim your neckline," he says.

Clean Up the Background

If your unmade bed is behind you, nobody's going to pay attention to how pretty you look. "Make sure your background area is tidy, uncluttered, and minimal," says Chapman. She shoots in front of a plain white backdrop, and it really lets the makeup be the star.















So hopefully the next time you appear on video, whether that means filming your next You Tube video or just appearing on camera to your mom, you'll look spectacular!

Stay sweet,

Beauty on a Budget

Hi everyone,

Sorry for not posting so frequently in the past few days - things have been turned upside down!

But I'm coming at you with a really interesting little post for beauty on a budget.  Here is my top picks for getting an entire look for much less than you think!

1. Collection 2000 Naturally Radiant Foundation

This beauty steal from Collection 2000 offers light-to-medium coverage with a lightweight feel. It contains SPF 15 and is transfer-proof for a flawless finish.

Luxury treat:CHANEL Pro Lumiére Professional Finish Make Up

2. Natural Collection Lash Length Mascara

For a lavish lash look, try this mascara that defines and lengthens even the stubbiest of lashes without clumping.

Luxury treat:
Dior Diorshow Mascara 

3. Maybelline Watershine Lip Gloss

You don't need to spend a lot to get a fabulously glossed pout. This one has a gel base and is formulated to give spectacular sparkle and shine without stickiness.

Luxury treat:
Yves Saint Laurent Gloss Pur Lip Gloss

4. Barry M Blusher

A light dusting of this blusher will go a long way for your complexion. Use it to warm up the apple of your cheeks and apply a dab to the bridge of your nose to create a flattering, warming effect.

Luxury treat:
Benefit Coralista Blusher

5. Miss Sporty Cover Stick

Target your skin bugbears with this concealer that will hide dark circles and blemishes. Use it alone or on top of foundation for that bit of extra coverage.

Luxury treat:
Clinique All About Eyes Airbrush Concealer 

6. Rimmel Soft Kohl Eye Pencil

There's nothing like a swipe or smudge of kohl to define eyes. Leave your line sharp and precise or soften it out with a cotton bud. This soft pencil doesn't disappoint with its long-lasting, jet black pigment-packed colour.

Luxury treat:
Estée Lauder Double Wear Eye Pencil

7. NIVEA Visage Daily Essentials Moisturising Day Cream

This moisturiser ticks all the boxes: it contains an SPF, it's easily absorbed and oil-free, so it won't clog your pores. Mix it with foundation to create a light, dewy finish with plenty of moisture, or wear it alone for a fresh look.

Luxury treat:
Clarins HydraQuench Day Cream 

8. 17 Lasting Fix Lipstick

For satin-like lip colour that will go the distance without drying out, take your pick from 17's impressive range of lipsticks. Choose a statement red shade to get more impact for your money.

Luxury treat:
Lancôme Le Rouge Absolue

Hope you have a fantastic weekend!

xoxo,

Angelique

Autumn make up trend: Jewel tones

Yes, diamonds are still a girl's best friend (take note, gentlemen) but we're getting better acquainted with the deep, jewel tones that are so hot this season. Rich, luxurious make up shades such as amethyst, emerald and ruby are seriously catching my eye in my local Boots Store and are perfect for creating stunning smoky eyes and statement lips, this autumn and winter. I've selected a few of my favourites to share with you...



Eyes:
Use deep purple shades for a modern twist on the classic smoky eye - Bourjois Smoky Eyes Eye Shadow (£7.99) in Violet Romantic is perfect. Start by applying the medium shade across your whole eyelid before dabbing the lightest shade into the corners. Finish off the look by sweeping the darkest shade outwards, towards the temples and into crease of your eyelid.


Lips:
A strong red lip never goes out of style and I just can't get enough of the gorgeous claret shades that are currently sweeping the fashion nation. This season brings a vampish edge to the look, reminiscent of rubies and garnets - think vintage Hollywood meets gothic glam! Lancome Rouge Absolue 154 (£19.50) is bang on trend as well as being super-moisturising and long-lasting, for a decadent finish.


Nails:
I'm still loving magnetic nail polishes - a sleek, sophisticated nail art look that's easy to achieve? Yes please! Barry M have just added a new emerald shade to their magnetic polish range, it's flecked with sparkles for nails that are just like precious gems - perfect! (Available in store at £4.99).


So with all that said, maybe it is time to get gemmed up?

xoxo,
Angelique ;-)

Halloween looks made easy

Listen up, lazy girls: Halloween doesn't mean you have to settle for spandex Katniss Everdeen garbs (obvious, much?) or worse, some type of animal ears (boring!).

True, planning a unique last-minute Halloween costume can be exhausting -- especially for those of us who like to leave things to the eleventh hour. After all, how original can any costume be when it comes in a plastic bag? The only real way to ensure you'll be one-of-kind is to do it yourself.

Therein lies the problem though, right? DIY usually means days of sewing and gluing. The exact opposite of a last-minute solution.

Which is why I've rounded up some amazing Halloween makeup ideas that don't require anything except some lipstick, eyeliner, and face paint. Don't worry, these aren’t your typical green-face witch or oh-so-tired cat whiskers. Nope, I gathered some of my favorite, fresh Halloween makeup tips from Pinterest. Keep reading to see how you can stop stressing and find this year's Halloween costume.

Batman makeup

This hand-drawn mask is infinitely more comfortable than its heavy, plastic counterpart. Not only does the iconic symbol obviously ID that you are indeed Batman -- even if you're not wearing the long cap or rubber onesie -- but you only need one item to create it: black face paint.

Pop art makeup

Here's the perfect last-minute solution for all you artsy types: create a unique Litchenstein masterpiece on your face. To keep the look really authentic, add large blue tears under your eyes and act really lovelorn -- lots of sighs and eyelash batting -- to complete the emo effect.

Dia de los Muertos makeup

If you're a makeup pro, I've got the ultimate challenge for you. How about trying your hand at creating a Day of the Dead skull? The best part is there are no rules to this look and you can add as many colors, stitches, and flowers as you want. Although this effect will probably take some time, the pay-off is that everyone will be in such awe of your makeup skills, no one will notice the lack of costume from the neck down.

Doll & puppet makeup

Here's a look that takes less than 30 minutes. The real trick is exaggerating a rosy flush by piling on cheek tint into two neat circles and drawing two lines on your chin to represent the drop-jaw. Dolls can also add patches of defined freckles and doe-like eyes (waterline with lots of white liner!). Pinocchio impersonators should go for exaggerated facial hair -- in this case a cute mustache worked just fine.

Zombie makeup

There is a delicate balance to pulling off a zombie look that is scary without being too grotesque. Try updating the traditional white face paint with a creepy Frankenstein green or a corpse-like gray color. Then, add a few veins, over-the-top raccoon eyes, a splash of fake blood here and there, and boom -- you're the walking dead. Although a dark statement lip works, you can also try a chalky gray hue on your lips, too.

This is great and will really make the difference in a great costume vs a regular store-bought one.  I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

xoxo,

Angelique

17 Eyeliner Studio: Tattoo Me

Tattoo Me is the fabulous semi-permanent eyeliner from 17's new Eyeliner Studio range. As one of the only products of its kind available on the high street, I just couldn't wait to test it out!

This is a great buy if you want an edgy, dramatic party look - check out Boot's how to video below for tips on creating a statement, winged-effect line. Lasting up to 48-hours, you can be sure your liner will last through to the after party but this staying power means it also takes a bit of effort to remove it - your pillow's definitely not going to do the job for you! But fear not beauty lovers; they've included a little section at the end to show you the best technique to avoid sore, puffy eyes - the secret's in an oil-based eye make up remover, I love No7's Beautiful Skin Eye Make Up Remover.

So, take a look and get experimenting for yourself!

xoxo,
Angelique

Things To Love In October

October has arrived ... along with a bunch of great new beauty products. From nail polish kits to entire cosmetic collections, the beauty world has a lot of great offerings this month, and they're all about making a statement. This month, you can turn your nails into a disco ball with a fun sequin manicure, paint your lips Marilyn Monroe red with one brand's newest venture, and perfect the cat eye without dealing with eyeliner. To see just what I'm talking about take a look inside.

Along with the regular batch of new products, October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every year beauty brands create limited edition products, and donate money to breast cancer research in exchange for your purchase. But with so many out there, how do you know which products to buy? You just check out my top two picks inside.

And who can forget Halloween! To get in the spooky spirit, I've gathered a few products that you'll need to have this holiday, like spider nail stencils and "Monster Mash" nail polishes. It might be only one day out of the month, but something tells me you'll love these products year round.

Ciate's Sequin Manicure

Ciate takes the cake when it comes to inventive manicures. After all, they did create the caviar and the velvet mani. This month, Ciate is back with a brand new nail kit. It's the sequin manicure, £15, and I am in love. Available in three different versions -- Harlequin (multi-colored), Tutu (pink, red, and champagne) and Super Duper (black, silver, and gold) -- these sequins have just the right amount of sparkle, making them perfect for the upcoming holiday season. The only problem will be deciding which version to choose.

The Colossal Cat Eye

Creating an amazing cat eye isn't the easiest skill to master. Besides a great eyeliner, you need a steady hand (and lots of patience) to get that iconic look. Luckily, it just got easier with The Colossal Cat Eyes Volum' Express Mascara, £7.99, from Maybelline New York. With a claw brush and a collagen-infused formula, it coats and separates your lashes while extending them outward. This means that next time you can skip the eyeliner and apply a few coats of this new mascara to recreate that feline vibe.

Sultra's Temptress Power Dryer

When it comes to great hair tools, Sultra knows a thing or two. I'm already a huge fan of their curved flat irons and rod curling irons, especially the Bombshell Cone, £100. This month signals Sultra's latest release, the Temptress Power Dryer, £150.

Just what makes this hair dryer so special? It uses an advanced drying system that produces tons of infrared rays and negative ions -- great for drying your hair in lightning speed while defending it against heat damage at the same time. Sounds like a win-win to me.

Revlon Sweetly Sinister Nail Art Stencils

Nail art is about to get a lot easier. Revlon has just released a line of Nail Art Stencils, £4.50 each, with designs perfect for Halloween. This Sweetly Sinister collection features spiders, skulls, stars, and even funny little moustaches. All you have to do is stick one of the stencils onto your nail (bare or with dry enamel), then paint over it with polish. Once dry, simply peel off the stencil, leaving behind your own tiny masterpiece. Now you have to decide: Sinister or sweet?

Nars Andy Warhol Collection

We're used to seeing Nars Cosmetics in its signature matte black packaging, but that's all about to change. This month marks the release of the Pop Art line from the Nars Andy Warhol Collection, and the makeup (along with the packaging) is as vibrant as the pop artist himself.

The Pop Art line includes eyeshadows, lip glosses, and nail polishes in fun, playful colors. (I'm in love with the purple "New York Dolls" nail polish shade!) Plus, the makeup comes in Warhol-inspired packaging, like a soup can container covered in the famous "Interview" lips. In November Nars will release the second half of the collection, called The Factory, which features a more subdued palette than the Pop Art line -- even more to look forward to.

Stila Courage and Beauty Travel Palette

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Stila Cosmetics are showing their support with a new beauty palette. The Stila Courage and Beauty Travel Palette, £12, may look tiny, but it comes with a wide variety of products, including five matching eyeshadows, a lip and cheek tint, and a small mirror. And if you're unsure about how to use them, the product comes with a face chart to help you out. But the best part is that for each palette purchased, £1 of the proceeds will go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Shopping never felt so good.

MAC Marilyn Monroe Collection

Andy Warhol isn't the only pop culture icon to get a makeup collection. This month, MAC is releasing its limited edition Marilyn Monroe Collection. The collection contains 30 pieces and features eyeshadows, nail polishes, lipsticks, eyeliners and much more, each packaged in famous Marilyn imagery. (Products range from £10 to £30.) With these products, you can get Marilyn's famous red pout or recall her Hollywood glam vibe with shimmery pale eyeshadows. And with names like "Preferred Blonde," "Deeply Adored," and "Charmed I'm Sure," you'll have just as much fun memorizing all the shades.

Youngblood Crushed Mineral Blush in Sherbet

Missing summer's warm rays? This fall, reclaim your sun-kissed cheeks with Youngblood Crushed Mineral Blush in Sherbet, £18.12. This peachy-hued powder will add a nice shimmery glow to your cheeks, and can double as an eyeshadow if needed. And this is another purchase you can feel good about: For each blush sold, £2.20 will go to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Orly Spellbound Collection

Spider nail art isn't the only way to show your Halloween spirit. Orly has created the Spellbound Collection, £8.50 per polish, just in time for the holiday. The four polishes include "Liquid Vinyl" (a rich black), "Monster Mash" (glittery green), "Right Amount of Evil" (glittery orange), and "R.I.P" (a glittery red and black mix). You can wear the glitter polish alone for a sheer effect, or layer over the black polish for a darker vibe. I don't know about you, but these hues have me extra excited for Halloween.











These are nine reasons to absolutely love October and embrace the colder weather.  Sure, it gets darker sooner at night, and sure we're having to start switching on the heating...but what a fabulous collection of new beauty products to tittelate our tastebuds!

Have an absolutely stunning day.

xoxo,
Angelique