The Perfect Red Lip featuring CHANEL…

There’s no look quite as iconic as the classic red lip, wouldn’t you agree ladies? It oozes so much sophistication, style & sass. It’s actually quite amazing how a petite ruby tube of goodness hails as every girls staple in their cosmetic collection, even if it is something that can be incredibly intimidating to indulge in regularly.

Although it’s not a colour I wear every day (or every week come to think of it) it still remains a shade I tend to break out come the colder months of the year. One of my favourite red shades is the beautiful 444 Gabrielle by Chanel, it’s definitely my most treasured red and the one I always reach for when my lips are craving a touch of delicious suave. However to ensure my daring red pout looks as impeccable as it can be, I always invest a little extra effort into the ‘prep & paint’ to create the perfect red lip…

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1) Scrub

   

Using a little of the Lush Bubblegum lip scrub I gently rub my  lips to remove any dead skin that could make my red lips look uneven. Not only does this leave my lips feeling super fresh it tastes amazing too!

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2) Balm

   

To ensure my lips stay hydrated I add just a little balm – not too much, just enough to stop them from feeling dry after the scrub!

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3) Base

Using my blending sponge I dab a little foundation onto my lips to create a very light base. I find this helps prime my lips, keeps the colour lasting longer and really brings out the shade so much more vividly.

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1) Lip Line

   

I start off by lining my lips & today I’ve opted for MUA liner in Red Drama which is a deep sultry red that’s incredibly close to the Chanel Gabriella. This helps define the lip line and keep the lipstick from potentially bleeding onto the surrounding skin.

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2) Infill

   

Using smooth defined strokes, I fill the remainder of my lips in using this handy little retractable lip brush. The key to creating lasting colour is to build the layers slowly. Also, don’t forget to blot between layers. I added two to create a really intense, creamy lip.

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3) Conceal

To sharpen up the edges and stop any colour from bleeding I smooth off the edges with a little concealer. This really helps to create a smooth, sharp lip line that looks ultra neat.

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4) Lip Lock

   

Lastly, to keep my lip colour from transferring or fading prematurely I add a light layer of lip cote. This dries within seconds but keeps the colour locked in for hours; an essential if you’re wining or dining… we all know how messy a statement red lip can be, am I right gals? 😉

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Voila, my classic red lip is complete. What do you think? I personally adore this colour and usually wear it with a simple eye look to keep it as chic as possible.

What’s your favourite Red lippy? Or, is red something you tend to shy away from? Whatever your thoughts do let me know in the comments below! As always, thanks for stopping by ❤

Cheerio Chums…

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The Makeup Menu…

Having promised a number of blog buddies that I would partake in a review or FOTD post featuring ‘thee’ Chanel lippy… yes, the one I won a few weeks back through Anne’s exciting give-away! I thought it would be a bit more aptly suited to just go the whole hog and do a full on a-la-carte Makeup Menu. Are you sitting comfy ladies? Then let’s started…

FACE:

 

Before I jump right in… as most of you know, I’m a huge fan of Olay products so my face was sparkly clean thanks to Olay Facial Scrub, Olay refreshing toner and a little swipe of Dove Pro-Age moisturising cream. I’ve tried various primers and nothing seems to work as well on my face as the Dove prior to foundation application – so throwing all caution to the wind (and defying the laws of the Beauty Kingdom) I’m rebelling and sticking to a lotion that’s not even designed to serve the purpose I’m using it for *tut tut*

*L’Oreal Infallible Foundation in 125 Natural Rose *

This is a VERY recent purchase but OH MY GEE WHIZZ it’s bloomin’ marvellous. This is a gorgeous everyday foundation that works perfectly for me. If you like a flawless full coverage that doesn’t feel too heavy on the skin then look no further chums, and it smells absolutely diiiiiiivine. Think a floral tutti fruity if you will *Ahhhh*

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*Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Translucent*

I’ll admit I’ve never been a fan of pressed powders or even an overall matte look when it comes to makeup, I much more prefer that natural sheen rather than wanting to dull it down. However on days that I’m either filming a video or going out and want my makeup to last the duration this powder gives a lovely soft finish without tampering with the tone or completely omitting the dewy glow if applied lightly enough.

 Special thanks to the lovely Katie over at Plus Beauty for recommending it!

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*Rimmel Sun kissed Bronzer*

After receiving this from the fab folks at Direct Cosmetics to try, I have to say I’ve found a makeup staple that I couldn’t be without. It gives a beautiful warm glow that is completely buildable without any signs of streakiness or patchiness that can sometimes be problematic as the day wears on. Considering my skin is super pale it never looks over done, too harsh or un-natural.

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EYE’S

 

*Urban Decay Primer Potion*

 I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: without a doubt the best eyeshadow primer available. It does the job perfectly and never fails to keep the shadow firmly in place without any sign of creasing or fading. Love it!

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*Urban Decay Naked Palette*

I wanted to keep this eye look a little more subtle than usual as the lips would undoubtedly be the focal point. I used Sin all over the eye lid, Sidecar in the outer crease and finally a tiny flick of Toasted to accentuate the outer crease. Voila, job done.

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*MUA Eye Liner*

 I’ve tried and tested quite a few of the drug store offerings but can honestly say this is one of my favourites, not just due to the formula but because of the shape of the handle and stiffness of the applicator point. It makes a really fiddly job so much easier!

*Seventeen HD Falsifeye Mascara*

Being a bit of a mascara tart *oooh err missus* I seem to breeze from wand to wand quite aimlessly these days however I do believe I’ve found my all time drug store fav with this one. It adds length, defines and leaves them looking a little more fluttery than overly false. Exactly the look I love.

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LIPS

Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour in 444 Gabrielle – Words cannot describe how excited I’ve been to try this, even if it does pain me to have to dishevel the pristine new-ness by using it *sob* Never before have my lips felt such luxury. It’s beautifully creamy, glides on effortlessly and lasts for hours on end. It may be a high-end lippy with a price tag to match but it’s worth EVERY penny… then again it’s Chanel, of course it’s worth it!

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The Tools

Of Course what Makeup Menu would be complete without a shout-out to the gadgets and gizmo’s that make the magic happen right?

*From left to right*

Real Techniques Stippling Brush / RT’s Blush Brush / Superdrug Loose Powder Brush / RT’s Base Shadow Brush / RT’s Angled Shadow Brush / Naked Basics Double Ended Brush / RT’s Eyeliner Brush / Basic Eye Curlers / Superdrug Retractable Lip Brush

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Overall Result,

First thing I notice is how airbrushed the L’Oreal Infallible foundation looks, I’m personally putting this down to the combination of a foundation that really does work in balance with my skin’s natural tone and the Real Techniques Stippling Brush which does such a professional job of blending so beautifully.

As for the lips, the Chanel Coco Rouge (444 Gabrielle) is one of the first red tones I’ve actually felt 100% confident about wearing. The richness of the lipstick delivers a luxurious feel and indulgent look that is identifiably more high-end. There’s no distinct taste, it’s lightweight to wear, sleek on the lips, moisturising, yet stays completely put without any messiness or movement. Okay, at £26 from Boots it does require a little more investment but it really is worth every single penny. I’m now a Channel convert when it comes to finding the perfect pout!

Cheerio chums…

A Box Full Of Beauty Goodies…

Hey Beauty Buddies…

It’s Frrrriiiiiiday *dramatic air punch* Yes, the weekend is upon us & the sun is shining – what more could we ask for?! Okay maybe a glass or two of something strong and fizzy but that’ll come later in the evening 😉  I’m in such a cheery mood as not only is it two whole glorious days of no alarm clock bleating in my ear at an ungodly hour of the morning, but I can finally muster up a bit of free time to sample some gorgeous goodies that arrived on my doorstep a few days ago. My poor neighbours must be well accustomed to my regular screeches of excitement as I recently won an amazing giveaway from the lovely Anne over at Doves & Roses, however on Wednesday afternoon yet another burst of squeals ricocheted off the walls as my giveaway package arrived a little earlier than anticipated.

So wanna know what the postman brought? Here goes…

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Chanel lipstick

 

After excitedly tearing through the neatly wrapped individual little parcels, the first thing I clasped my mitts on was a delectable Chanel Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour in shade 444 Gabrielle. This rich ruby red is going to be the perfect companion for nights out or by simply just livening up a muted makeup menu by adding a touch of royal red. Isn’t it beeeeeeautiful?

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Mini Chanel Makeup Purse

This darling little mesh bag is perfect for discretely carrying my essential makeup must-haves on a daily basis. It’s the ideal size to pop into any purse.

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Bourjois Cream Blush

Cream blushes are something I consistently adore wearing. For my pale and (almost) translucent skin tone they work a treat by adding a dewy healthy glow without looking harsh or unnatural. Considering I’m a huge fan of Bourjois I was literally hugging this teeny little compact that comes with its very own miniature mirror.

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Catrice Eyeshadow Palette

Possibly one of the nicest range of blush toned shadows I’ve seen. This Absolute Rose Eyeshadow palette by Catrice Cosmetics in ‘010 Frankie Rose To Hollywood’ is the perfect bend of soft shimmering pink tones. Considering these are the colours I regularly magnetise too (hence my undying love for the Naked 3 palette) I cannot WAIT to treat my eyes to a skimming of these sweet shades.

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The Body Shop Lipgloss

If you haven’t tasted this flavour already then by George you’re missing out. This has got to be one of the most taste bud tingling, sassily scented glosses I’ve ever tried. Considering I’ve always been a HUGE fan of the body shop I’m surprised I haven’t indulged in this flavour sooner, but wow oh wow am I glad I’m the proud owner…  it. is. aaaahmazing.

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So there we have it guys, my fun box of giveaway goodies. A huge thank you to the lovely Anne for hosting such a super-duper giveaway, I really am chuffed to bits… not to mention a little woozy at the excitement of taking ownership of such a gorgeous array of products.

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If you haven’t already checked out Doves & Roses yet then I suggest you take a virtual hike over asap. Anne’s blog is crammed full of product reviews and goodies to make even the most sophisticated of cosmetic consumer swoon!

Wishing y’all a fun filled weekend chums…