As the weather seems to have taken a very cold turn for the worse this week, I thought that I would try and hold on to the last scraps of Summer goodness, with a bright, orange-toned red nail colour. Leighton Denny's Viva La Diva is a fiery, vibrant red, rather than a deep and seductive one. I believe that this shade was available as a freebie with Harper's Bazaar magazine during the Summer, but I didn't pick it up then and paid full price. Annoying, but fortunately I love it, so I'm not too bothered.
As the seasons change, so too do our chosen beauty products. As Autumn creeps up, those coral hues are shunned and the rich, warmer shades reappear. Over the past couple of weeks, I've definitely noticed a change, both in my skincare and body products, but also in the makeup that I'm reaching for. So, I thought I'd give you a brief, beauty breakdown of what I've been using.
Every so often, I like to have a minor overhaul of my makeup, throwing out bits that aren't up to scratch in the makeup stakes, have gone a little past it or those that I'm neglecting a little too much. Doing this also allows me to fall in love all over again, with products that have taken a backseat when a more recent purchase has come into the spotlight. This time round, I rediscovered the Clarins' Colour Definition 3D Radiance Face Powder and thought I'd do a quick review, as even though it came out over a year ago, Clarins are always bringing out new powders that have a similar idea behind them.
Most days, I am quite partial to a little bit of a highlight along the top of the cheek, cupid's bow and brow bone. I love anything that helps my skin to look bright and radiant, especially when I'm feeling tired and my complexion is looking dull. But, when worn during the day, I tend to reach for cream formulas, as powder highlighters can end up looking too chalky and intense for the daytime. I decided to try out some of the cream highlighters hidden in my stash and let you guys know what I think.
Tom Ford cosmetics are the epitome of luxury in the beauty world; everything from the formulas, packaging and price-tag is premium. Thanks to being so raved about (I don't think I've seen one, negative review yet), chances are you've been tempted to pick up absolutely everything on display at the stunning beauty counters. For the majority, though, making a Tom Ford purchase isn't something you do on a whim, as spontaneously splurging so much is a risk when one lipstick costs close to £40. After a lots of careful consideration, swatching up a storm and showing bucket loads of self-control, I recently came home with two treats - the Love Lust Cheek Colour and the Indian Rose Lip Colour.
So, today, I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite drugstore makeup items. These cheap and cheerful products have replaced some of the high-end products that I've been loyal to for years, proving that more expensive items aren't necessarily better. Although, saying that, it seems that the drugstore brands are upping their prices and some products, especially foundation and mascara, aren't too much cheaper than some premium versions.
MAC - A vast array of makeup must-haves, the most extensive shade ranges, a constant stream of limited-edition collections and those futuristic, sleek stores full to the brim with hypnotising hues. It's enough to send any makeup lover into a frenzy. That was me at one point, constantly googling swatches and compiling most-wanted lists. Lusting after anything and everything MAC, basically. Like a moth to a flame, I was unable to innocently walk past a store or counter, without popping in like a guilt-ridden addict. Now my whirlwind love affair with MAC has calmed down, I'm left with a MAC collection that I half adore and half regret, especially when it comes to my MAC Lipsticks. Not necessarily because the lipstick quality sucks, but because I struggle to wear them often enough to really get my moneys worth. Don't get me wrong, I still pick up a new purchase every once in a while, but now I'm much more clued up on what suits me and which lipsticks I know won't be abandoned, untouched, at the back of my drawers.
