Nail Stamping Kit for Beginners….

Howdy chums…

Last Friday, when I uploaded my Easy Peasy Ombre Nail Art a few of you gals were keen to learn a little more about the stamping kit I used to create the look! Not being one to turn down a fun tutorial vid, I thought I’d go right ahead and get started on showing you guys just how simple & crafty this little kit is.

Of course like most things, stamping kits range from pocket friendly right up to the professional kits for nail technicians that are quite a bit more costly. I’m trying to avoid swooning over them online for too long as my hand may ‘accidentally on purpose’ slip a few into my shopping basket *sigh* But good news for those who want to try this little beauty out without spending a fortune as it’s currently available on Amazon for just under £5! Bargain right?

For those of you who really want to up the results when it comes to getting creative with your claws, you can also invest in formulated stamping polishes such as Konad or MoYou. These polishes are a little thicker in consistency than regular polish which will enable your results to stand out a whole lot more than with standard varnish. As I haven’t received my order of MoYou polishes yet I’ve run through this video using standard shades that pretty much everyone has to hand such as Barry M, Rimmel & Avon… and the results are still really pretty. Particularly the dark against light colours, which show up incredibly well.

All in all, it’s a great little kit to get you started! However for those of you who fancy taking your stamping skills even further, there’s a whole world of amazing designs and stampers out there to keep topping up your collection with. Don’t forget to show us your designs if you do decide to check it out!

Have you tried a nail stamping kit yet? What’s your favourite brand of stamping polish? Have you any great tips for nail stamping novices? Whatever your thoughts I’d love to read them in the comments below so do stop by and say a quick hello! Don’t forget, you can *Click Here* to subscribe to the Confetti & Curves YouTube channel so you never miss a future upload *Yippeeeeee* 😀

Cheerio chums…

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Easy Peasy Ombre Nail Art…

It’s not just my make-up that’s getting a bit of an overhaul in terms of breaking out the colourful shades – it’s my nails too! After months of hiding under dark polishes (which I admittedly adore) I seem to recently be magnetising towards bright cheery colours, combined with eccentric nail art – which is exactly what I aiming for with this fun nail design. So if you love sassy ombre tones and wild prints then check out this easy peasy tutorial!

1) Blank Canvas…

Starting off with the basics, it’s time to clean, prep and file the nails. Remember, when you’re filing the natural nail to sweep in one direction only to avoid any damage… my nails aren’t in tip-top condition at the moment so it really helps to deter any further nail catastrophes.

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2) Pick Your Polishes…

Time to raid your stash for a selection of sassy shades. I’ve opted for bright spring colours that will hopefully give a bit of a sunset look during the ombre fading. However you can stick with multiple shades of the one colour, darks, neons, brights, pastels… the only limitations is your own creativity 😉

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3) All About The Base…

In order to make the colours of your ombre effect stand out more vivid, it’s best to paint your nails in a white base coat. This doesn’t have to look finish perfect – it’s simply a base to brighten up the layers you’ll be adding on top!

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4) The Sponge…

Ideally the best sponge to use is a wedge shaped sponge, however as I didn’t have any in stock (hehe) I opted for a basic circular sponge which I cut into quarters so I could easily get a few uses out of one sponge.

Ps: This could be a great way to make use of old beauty blenders that you’re ready to bin – just make sure they’re cleaned out really well and completely dry before applying polishes.

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5) The Fun Bit...

The great thing I love about this look is that you really don’t need any expertise in nail art, it’s just a matter of layering the polishes onto your sponge and dabbing straight onto the nail. Easy peasy! If you’re unsure about how the colours will look try it sampling it on a false nail first… you can even buy little packs of falsies from a local discount store just to play around with some design ideas. In order to help your ombre fade out more, try dabbing your sponge lightly on the nail a few times to create a softer blend.

Ps: Just dab a cotton bud into some nail polish remover to wipe away the excess polish!

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6) The Finishing Touches…

Naturally gals, your ombre will look absolutely gawjush if you just simply settle for adding a clear top coat. However if you do fancy adding a little bit of extra detail then why not invest in a nail stamping kit! They’re incredibly easy to use & you can create some really fun designs. You can find them on Amazon, Ebay or pretty much any beauty/nail art store. Most kits come with a stamper and selection of plates with funky designs you can stamp straight over the top of your polish. I opted for a fun animal print… okay so I might have gone a little bit stamper crazy but it’s definitely added character to my nail art!

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Taaa Daa….

And here it is, the finished look… a sassy sunset ombre nail with a fun animal stamp in black polish straight over the top. I’ve also added a few coats of clear polish to ensure durability & extra wear!

Are you a fan of ombre nails? What colours would you opt for? Have you tried a nail stamping kit? Whatever your thoughts I’d love to read them in the comments below so do stop by and say a quick howdy 🙂

Cheerio Chums…

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Spring Inspired Makeup Menu featuring MAX FACTOR…

Although I don’t really consider myself to be a ‘pink’ girl, I always love wearing soft pastel toned make-up. Maybe it’s because I’m easily intimidated by super-bright tones, particularly being so pale! Therefore, it’s no huge shock that a Spring Make-up Menu was on the cards, considering that this time of year never fails to inspire me more than any other when it comes to pairing oh-so-pretty colour combinations. However, what’s even more exciting is that I’m rediscovering my love for one of the best known brands available from drug store counters worldwide… Max Factor.

Throughout my early twenties Max Factor was a staple for me – particularly in the foundation stakes. Clearly over the last few years I’ve been on a whirlwind romance with many other brands; but as a recent ‘me spree’ seemed to result in me investing in some new Max Factor goodies, I couldn’t resist sharing them with y’all in this Spring inspired make-up menu…

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Olay 2 in 1 Primer: My go to primer that helps prep my skin prior to whatever foundation I opt for. Never lets me down and helps to keep my make-up from drying out prematurely.

Max Factor Lasting Performance in Pastelle 02:  Having used (and loved) this foundation a number of years ago I’ve no idea why I changed – I’m assuming my colour was out of stock & I moved onto another brand. However after wearing this for an entire day it completely reignited strong memories as to how much I loved this foundation in the past. It completely lives up to its name as it still looked fresh come bedtime… and for those with pinky pale skin this is the ideal tone that doesn’t result in nasty oxidised tones!

L’Oreal Touche Magique: The product itself is great, no complaints about the formula (however) after shelling out almost £10 I was pretty disappointed at how many applications I got from it. Not recommended for everyday use or you’ll soon be spending a small fortune, instead save your pennies and opt for the MUA dupe – it’s every bit as brilliant but at a fraction of the price!

I ❤ Makeup Blushing Hearts in Bursting With Love: Although I’m going through a bit of a phase for cream blush (I usually do at the turn of spring) this is one little box of magic powder that will forever get my vote. A soft pink blush with a soft hint of sheen that gives the impression of a slightly dewy cheek, even though it’s totally powder based.

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Rimmel Scandal Eyes Eye Liner in Nude: Having appeared in many of my previous Make-up Menu’s, this soft nude liner is a champion at brightening up tired eyes and making the eye colour appear much more vibrant!

Seventeen Eye Shadow Trio in Enchanted Smoke: I ADORE this little trio from another one of my favourite drug store brands, the deep damson shade was the perfect tone for adding a little bit of definition to the outer corner of my eyes without going over board & it really complimented the Excess Shimmer cream shadow!

Max Factor Excess Shimmer in Pink Opal: I was expecting a much denser consistency than the soft mousse formula, however don’t be led to thinking that this light weight creamy shadow won’t pack a mighty punch. It stayed in place all day without any creasing or wearing, really impressed & will definitely be investing in a few more shades before long!

Max Factor False Lash Effect in Black: Thanks to my blog buddy Anne over at Doves & Roses who highly recommended this mascara – she seems to know exactly what I love in a great lash formula. Not only does this mascara add length it separates your lashes leaving them looking fluttery, lengthened and separated without any huge clumps. Undoubtedly my go to mascara whatever the occasion!

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Max Factor Lipfinity in shade 60 Evermore Lush: This has been my first dip into Max Factors lippy line & I’m impressed. It’s comfortable to wear, long lasting & best of all the compact shape of the bullet is great for smaller lips!

Ps: Pop a little coating of Lip Cote over the top for an even longer lasting finish *Click Here* to check out my review on this nifty lip accessory!

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Considering the affordability of Max Factor it really does edge the boundaries of high end cosmetics, not only in longevity but in colour pay off too. After hours of wear (and I wasn’t going lightly on it either ladies) it really held up its end of the bargain as I found myself washing a completely dewy face of make-up come bedtime! Though I’m not at all surprised considering how much this range has impressed me in the past. More to the point, I was really impressed with the eye shadow as cream formulas quite often dry up and become flaky on my lids, this however stayed fresh the entire day. Worth the invest for sure gals, don’t forget to check out some of the other gorgeous colours in the range too!

Are you a fan of Max Factor? Have you tried any of their make-up range recently? What’s your favourite spring inspired choices for the new season? Whatever your thoughts I’d love to read them in the comments below so do pop by to say a quick hello!

Cheerio chums…

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Bring On Spring: The Nail Polish Edit…

With the sunnier skies virtually upon us what better way to celebrate the arrival of spring by switching up nail colours? After spending (what felt like) a lifetime in winter woollies and deep berry shades, I’m now ready to unleash a wardrobe of pastels to paint what’s left of my nails after the harsh winter months.

So if you’re looking for some nail inspiration, why not take a peek at some of my favourite colours of the season. Shopping list at the ready gals…

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Rimmel Salon Pro in Peppermint

Although I’m not normally spotted in green, this gorgeous minty polish from Rimmel London is a must. At only £4.49 it’s certainly an impressive dose of affordable coverage you can’t go wrong with.

Where to buy: http://www.boots.com/en/Rimmel-Salon-Pro-Nail-Polish_1314153/

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Rimmel London in Lovey Dovey

Who doesn’t fall head over heels for a splash of cheery lavender? It’s bright, breezy and great to pair with almost any spring outfit. I’m in love! At £2.99 it’s certainly worth the investment for a great pocket friendly polish.

Where to buy: http://www.superdrug.com/Make-Up/Nails/Nail-Polish/Rimmel-Nail-Polish-60-Second-Lovey-Dovey-8ml/p/410533

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Barry M Nail Paint in Blueberry

Okay, so blue nails never do seemto compliment my pink skin tone, however when the tan is on and the sun is out it really does look fabulous! Such a fun & lively colour that reminds me of the bluest skies – ideal for these lighter days don’t you think? Available from Superdrug at only £3.99.

Where to buy: http://www.superdrug.com/Barry-M/Barry-M-Gelly-Nail-Paint-Blueberry/p/553270

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Rimmel 60 Second Super Shine by Rita Ora in Rain Rain Go Away

Not quite sure I could aptly convey just how much I adore this polish in literally every sense. It’s chic, classy, yet sassy enough for spring & easily ‘dolled up’ with a gorgeous glittery top coat. At only £2.99 it’s worth the investment time & time again!

Where to buy: http://www.superdrug.com/Make-Up/Nails/Nail-Polish/Rimmel-60-Seconds-Super-Shine-By-Rita-Ora-Rain-Rain-Go-Away/p/411102

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Rimmel Glitter in Sparkle Everyday

As you can tell, there’s a bit of a Rimmel theme running in todays feature, but to be fair they’re such great polishes for such minimal spend. Okay, so this glitter (like pretty much every other) is a tad exhausting to remove but just look how pretty it is. Worth the effort? I think so! Pick yours up from Superdrug for £3.99.

Where to buy: http://www.superdrug.com/Make-Up/Nails/Nail-Polish/Rimmel-Glitter-Nail-Polish-Sparkle-Every-Day/p/516928

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The Natural Collection in Shimmer Pink 

What Spring nail polish catwalk collection would be complete without a baby pink to end the show? The staple of almost every Spring theme in one way or another. What I love about this polish is the micro glitter that runs through the entire formula, but doesn’t tend to effect removal too much at all. Such a beautiful soft shimmery pink – and for a mere £1.99 it’s the perfect pocket-money treat to brighten any tired looking post-winter nail 🙂

Where to buy: http://www.boots.com/en/Natural-Collection-Nail-Colour_24247/

What’s your favourite Spring shade? Have you been switching to pastel nail colours recently, and if so have you any recommendations to share with us?  Whatever your thoughts, I’d love to read them in the comments below so do stop by and say a quick hello 🙂

Cheerio Chums…

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The Make Up Menu: Antique Rose…

My cosmetic drawers are literally bunged to the hilt with a multitude of gorgeous colours, yet for me there is nothing quite as feminine and beautiful as the delicate rose shades, particularly when they’re fused with warm antique golds. Ideal for most skin tones, ages & seasons – soft pinks and warm metals is often one of my go to looks for almost any occasion.  Sound like your kinda thing too? Then hopefully you’ll fall as head over heels as I am for today’s Make Up Menu…

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L’Oreal Infallible Matte 24 Hour – Shade 11 Vanilla: I’m almost ¾ of the way through the tube yet I’m still bouncing between whether I ‘just’ like it or love it. It would seem the verdict hinges on the hydration of my skin. When it’s dry it under performs yet when my face is fresh and fully hydrated it does a fantastic job at staying put for as long as I need it too. Damn those dry skin days, thankfully yesterday wasn’t too bad & it stayed vibrant for the duration. Result!

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Maybelline Super Stay 24 Hour Concealer – Shade 2 Light/Beige: My quest for a decent drug store concealer continues. Having only used this the once I’m nowhere near ready to give solid feedback however (as I’m sure you’re all yelling at your computer screens for some sort of feedback) what I will say is that you have to work super quick to get this blended as it literally sets before the wand’s out of the tube. I’ll be trying it with a variety of foundations so keep your eyes peeled for a thorough review coming soon!

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Sleek Face Form Contouring & Blush Palette – Shade 372 Fair: To be fair (excuse the pun) contouring really isn’t something I’m big into, simply because my skin is so fair. I always feel contouring could take my complexion to the edge of potentially resembling dirty unblended lines of foundation. However with this palette I actually have to make it work to contour; not entirely a bad thing in my opinion – a great palette for softly building and sculpting the cheek bones. Thumbs up!

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Soap & Glory Peach Party Blush Block – Shade Apricot Jam: One of my favourite blushes, this is super beautiful, One stroke of your blush brush and voila – peachy perfect cheeks with a hint of dewy highlighter. It is stunning! If you haven’t got it in your collection already ladies make sure it’s top of your shopping list, you won’t be disappointed.

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Make Up Academy (MUA) Pro Base Eye Primer: At a mere £2.50 this primer really does perform phenomenally well for the pocket friendly price tag. It most definitely keeps my shadow looking vibrant & crease free  – just as promised!

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MUA Eye Shadow – Shade 22 Pearl: A beautiful soft pink that I used as a soft transitional shade along the crease line. Super pigmented & true to its colour, I love it.

MUA Eye Shadow – Shade 24 Pearl: Outer crease… very difficult to describe, the words mocha/rose/mauve all spring to mind to try. Undoubtedly beautiful, it’s a gorgeous deep antique shade that would compliment a variety of colours including purple, lavender, brown, pink, gold, copper… I could continue. Main thing is, it works wonders!

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Maybelline Color Tattoo – Shade 05 Eternal Gold: All over the lid… not too brassy, I adore this warm gold colour that adds a subtle touch of glamour to the lids. I’m also super impressed at the longevity, without feeling heavy or overbearing.

Top Tip: blends so much easier when using your finger!

Rimmel Glam Eyes Professional Liquid Liner –Shade Black: My staple liquid liner, I’ve tried (almost) all of them and this gets the top spot every time. The super fine nib is incredibly precise and the black really is the darkest of blacks for a dramatic HD winged tip.

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Barry M Brow Kit: A brow staple of mine, this cute little kit never fails to shape my brows into order. Highly recommended!

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Barry M Lash Vegas Blackest Black Mascara with Fibres: Intrigued by this so called ‘fibre technology’ that has swept the mascara market, I had to give it a whirl. I have to admit it didn’t disappointment & certainly added length to my lashes however those looking for extra volume/thickness may be a little less impressed.

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Natural Collection Lip Liner – Shade Ruby Rose: I’m a huge fan of Boots Natural Collection range, not only are they incredibly affordable but the soft muted earthy shades are right up my street.

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Max Factor Lipfinity – Shade Evermore Lush: Having been bowled over by the colour, I couldn’t resist testing out the Lipfinity range. From the first stroke it was beautiful creamy and could easily have been mistaken for a high end product. As for the staying power it really does last without feeling dry or uncomfortable. I’ll definitely be topping up my collection with a few more of these.

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Voila… my finished ‘Antique Rose‘ look. Are you a fellow fan of soft pinks and antique golds? Have you tried any of the above products or possibly tempted to add them to your wish list? Whatever your thoughts do let me know in the comments below 🙂 As always, thanks so much for stopping by!

Cheerio Chums…

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Organising My Nail Polish Collection…

I seem to be harbouring a slight obsession for new nail polish. Admittedly, for the past few years, nails haven’t really been ‘my thing’. Don’t get me wrong I’ve always *tried* to ensure my nails have been kept reasonably presentable… a few layers of whatever polish was close to hand (& if feeling really adventurous) a dab of rose oil on the cuticles to keep them from withering before my very eyes.

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Yet recently, my desire for an eye catching mani has somehow snowballed to the point where I can barely go a week without sneaking into Boots to gaze & decide upon which lucky colour will be joining my expanding collection next… which of course brings me rather neatly onto this week’s video: Organising My Nail Polish Collection.

So if you fancy taking a peek at a few of my favourite nail goodies then pop the kettle on, get comfy and we’ll take a quick run through my much loved stash!

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What’s your favourite polish at moment? Have you any ‘fabulous for fall’ recommendations?

Cheerio Chums….

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Create The Perfect Winged Eye Liner In 5 Simple Steps…

 

 Considering that I’m 33, it’s not like I haven’t had a good few years to get my liner spot on, yet it’s something I avoided & struggled with for such a long time simply because I couldn’t keep a steady hand or judge the similarity in sizes between flicks. Yes, you know how that one ends = eye catastrophe. Yet now that I’m somewhat wiser (thanks to plenty of practice) creating a flawless eye look is probably a favourite part of my make-up process… all thanks to simplifying it down to 3 bare necessities:
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I’ve lost count of the vast amount of liquid liners I’ve tried tested over the years. Even when others claim to create flawless looks with must have products I’ve been left in a state of confusion as to why I’m not getting the same results. So ladies… I’ve come to the conclusion that (like many a thing in life) you have to plod on through until you finally find ‘the one’. For me that will only ever be Rimmel Professional Glam Eyes Liquid Liner. The shape of the wand & super-fine nib seem to work perfectly for me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it’ll be the Holy grail of liquid liners for YOU but it’s the only one that I can use to really get my flick on fleek! If you haven’t found yours yet don’t give up hope, it’s out there, I promise – just keep going and you’ll most certainly find the perfect match!
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If you’re in a mad dash or watching the clock then forget about it as I pretty much guarantee you’ll end up with a mass of smudges or one eye perfect & the other rivalling a giant panda – as cute and cuddly as they may be it ain’t as sassy as a look on us humans. When you’re attempting to perfect your flick build your wing up gradually, if you’re a liquid-liner newbie then set aside 10 minutes to practice each evening until you finally become familiar with the shape you want to create – it’s useful to keep a stock pile of eye make-up remover wipes for quick & easy removal. Don’t forget, slow & steady wins the race so take your time!

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We might have our own individual little ways for getting the job done, but if you’re struggling with the theory of liquid liner here’s my easy step-by-step guide on how I personally achieve my perfect winged look:

1) Start by drawing a very simple line from the outer corner of your eye towards the end of your eyebrow. I usually stop about 1/2 way. As you’re coming to the end of your line very gently lift the nib of the liner wand to create a delicate tapered edge.

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2) Starting just below the tip of the line, draw a second line towards the bottom middle of your eye lid creating a (kind of) curved isosceles shaped triangle.

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3) Keeping your liner neat to your lash line, very gently draw a second line that follows the lash line & tapper it to just before the inner corner of your lid. Fill in the triangle and smooth off any bumpy lines by gently retracing over them. Try and build the liner to the natural curves of your eye.

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4) Using your go-to concealer & small eye brush, tidy up the edges of your lines to create a super sleek finish.

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5) Finally, re-smooth the edges of your liner & add lashings of your favourite mascara. Voila = the perfect winged eye liner!

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Are you a fan of liquid liner, if so what’s your favourite brand to line your lids with? Do you have any tips for creating the perfect winged look or are you still trying to master the method? Whatever your thoughts do let me know in the comments below… we always enjoy a good cosmetic chatter here on Confetti & Curves 😉

Cheerio Chums…

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Keeping Up With Karen…

Goooooood morning chummy’s

And yet another Sunday is upon us *sigh* If only the weekend would last just a teeny bit longer, I’m just about recharging the batteries when it’s coming to a end! However, I can’t grumble too much as I’ve had such a super few days…

Friday night was indeed my pamper night – candles, lotions & potions, fabulous smelly things & some much need manicuring. You know, the usual essentials ladies 😉 Saturday was spent being uber organised and wrapping Christmas pressies… I know, I know, mega early but I’ve such a busy few months ahead I need to get it sorted now or I’ll be a last minute walking stress ball… and considering Em’s was out birthday partying with her chums & Steve was working I took full avail of a quiet house to complete my mission!

As for today, well that’ll be spent tweaking a few things with Confetti & Curves that have been long overdue an update! I’ll also pop out for a refreshing walk along the beach, clear out my craft drawers for a few projects lined up & prepare a yummy family dinner followed by a few family board games. Sounds like fun but it can actually get quite heated with us being such a competitive bunch… Scrabble & Monopoly are the foundation of most tears and tantrums in this house! Wish me luck gals 😀 x

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The Make Up Menu featuring Clinique

This gorgeous palette is seriously placing Clinique as one of my new favourite high-end brands – which (not surprisingly) also featured in this weeks Monthly Favourite videos! It’s the perfect little travel companion with an assortment of neutral and earthy tones, perfect for almost any complexion (particularly us paler skinned girls) Check out the fabulous autumnal look I created, I love it!

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Behind The Blog featuring Sophie from Weird & Wonderful

The first blogger of October graced our screens on Tuesday morning *woo hoo* as the super-sassy Sophie from Weird & Wonderful stopped by to chat about blogging, beauty, bucket lists & a whole lot more. Don’t forget to stop by her fab corner of the inter-web, it’s every bit as awesome as she is!

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Monthly Favourites

I gathered together a few of last month’s most treasured and used items to bring you guys my round up of handy little beauty & lifestyle goodies that have been making me a very happy chappy over the last few weeks. What’s been your favourite items of the month? Let me know in the comments below, or if you have a link to your favourites do share, I’d love to take a peek!

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Behind The Blog featuring Lyndz from Susheii

Learn more about behind the scenes of Lyndsey’s much loved blog Susheii. This cosmetic craving mama has a whole host of fun filled features, guaranteed to keep your eyes entertained for quite some time. Don’t forget to pay a little visit and say a huge hello, yet another great blogger worth checking out!

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Glamming up with Glitzy Greys

After discovering my ever growing nail polish collection was missing a staple grey it was time I hit the shops in search for the perfect shade. Check out my mini review of the Rimmel Salon Pro in ‘Moon’ & how I love to glam it up using one of my favourite glitter top coats.

As always, thank y’all so very much for the abundance of support, comments, re-tweets, shares, likes & just darn right loveliness. You lot really are an awesome bunch. Do feel free to pop a favourite link from your blog in the comments below for the rest of us to check out otherwise don’t forget to say a quick hello!

Cheerio Chums…

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The Make-Up Menu: Perfectly Plum

Hey Beauty Buddies…

I seem to be lusting after plum colours right now, which is no shock whatsoever considering that autumn is my favourite time of the year. After almost an hour perusing the shelves of my local Superdrug store I invested my hard earned pennies in a few new delicious little items that would suit my pale skin & fall wardrobe perfectly; and there’s nothing quite like a splash of sumptuous plums and playful purples this time of the year! Let’s check out the menu…

1) Nivea Rich Moisturisning Day Cream: I always apply a small amount of this cream before adding my foundation. I find it helps keep my skin feeling hydrated & my make-up last longer. The perfect primer in my opinion!

2) Boots No 7 Beautifully Matte Foundation in Warm Ivory: Words cannot describe just how much I’m currently loving this foundation. Although it’s a full coverage matte formula it glides on with such ease, looks flawless, matches my skin perfectly and stay fresh looking throughout the entire day & night!

3) Collection Gorgeous Glow Blush Block: This is such a creamy blush that just seems to contain the perfect amount of glow and dewy looking shimmer to brighten up the apples of my cheeks. Hands down my favourite budget buy of the year… yes it’s THAT good.

4) L’Oreal Lumi Magique in Shade no. 2 Medium: I’m still currently in the testing stages of the Lumi Magique, but so far it hasn’t blown my socks off with the results… however it is a nice creamy formula & I am a fan of the brush applicator as opposed to the usual doe-foot. It does brighten up under my eyes, however for a fraction of the price the MUA dupe done a virtually identical job for a fraction of the price.

5) Sleek Face Form Contour Palette in Fair: Yet another new addition to my collection! When I initially tried this out I wasn’t entirely sure about the colour pay-off… it almost seemed to immediately evaporate into my skin without a hint of colour. Now that I’ve used it a few times I’m building up a much better relationship with it… shall keep you update on my final thoughts soon!

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1) Soap & Glory Archery Pencil: The well established dupe for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz. This pencil is a super quick way of taming the brows; it gives a softly groomed finish that’s incredibly natural looking.

2) Seventeen Eye Eye in Funfair: This looks suspiciously like a mini blush pot in the picture rather than an eye-shadow. Unfortunately the camera isn’t picking up the gorgeous rose gold multi-tonal sheen, but I find it the perfect transition shade for blending softly into the crease.

3) Seventeen Eyes Trio in Enchanted Smoke: A trio of autumnal shades for the perfect blend of plum, soft goldy pink and shimmering olive green. Gorgeous.

4) Maxfactor Wild Shadow Pots in Vicious Purple: I adore this little single pot of purple goodness, it really lifts the lid by adding a layer of shimmering deep lilac… perfectly compliments rich plum tones.

5) MaxFactor False Lash Effect in Black: What a find… all thanks to the lovely Anne over at Doves & Roses for her recommendation – this gal really knows a thing or two about quality alternatives to high-end spending! I have literally fallen head over heels for this powerful lash lengthener. The rich black formula adds lashings of volume from root to tip and really does leave your lashes looking every bit as dramatic as falsies. Well worth the investment!

6) Soap & Glory Kick Ass Concealer in Light: I know, I know… it’s not exactly an eye product but I find this concealer exceptionally superb for tidying round my freshly sculpted brows for a clean shapely finish. Best applied with a small concealer brush & steady hand 😉

7) Rimmel Glam Eyes Professional Liquid Liner: With its ultra fine brush this jet black liner requires super precise application so shaky hands beware! My absolute staple liner – nothing has came close to rivalling it’s staying power and sleek finish. A make-up must have for any winged liner lover.

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1) Collection Work The Colour Lip Butter in Perfectly Plum: Just as the name suggests, this really is the perfect shade of plum for a pop of autumnal colour. Even the palest of skin can rock this sassy shade as it’s not too dark to drain the complexion. It’s super moisturising and makes the ideal balmy top coat to keep your lips feeling totally hydrated.

2) MUA Power Pout Acrylic in Potency: For those of you who love a deep damson coloured lip the ultra rich colour of this liquid style lippy is fierce. Incredible staying power I put a very light layer and blotted it heavily with a tissue before apply my balmy top coat of Collection lip butter (see above details) Beware ladies, this colour applied straight from the tube isn’t for the faint hearted!

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So there you have it ladies… my soft plum look to kick start the autumn. What’s your favourite make-up shade of the season?

Don’t forget to stop by and say a quick hello 🙂

Cheerio chums…

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The Make-Up Menu: Peach Sherbet

After last Fridays post, The Must-Have Eye-Shadow Trio, quite a few of you lovely ladies were rather intrigued about the pigmentation & quality of these affordable mini compacts. Not being one to turn down an opportunity to get dolled up (and as I’m rocking the warm peach sherbet tones right now) what better excuse to create a quick look for this weeks Make-Up Menu? Heck, you might even take some inspiration by re-creating this warm summery look over the weekend too. Why not!

Okay, so here’s the menu gals…

Nivea Intense Moisturising Day Cream – I use a small amount of this intense moisturising cream before applying any cosmetics to my skin as it helps keeps my face hydrated and make-up lasting longer. Don’t forget to leave it absorb into the skin before layering on Foundation etc!

Boots No 7 Beautifully Matte – My current go-to foundation. This literally knocks the spots clean off all others I’ve tried over this last few months… yep, I’ve finally found ‘The One’ gals! *wipes away tears of joy* Affordable, flawless & long lasting. Perfection in a pump.

Soap & Glory Kickass Concealer – Not by any means a full coverage concealer, however what it does do is very lightly cover blemishes and adds a little dewiness to the complexion. Initially I wasn’t entirely sure if I’d repurchase it again but now I’m really beginning to like it a lot!

Rimmel Sun Shimmer Bronzer – My ultimate bronzer. Wanna find out more about it? Then *click here* to feast your eyes upon my recent review.

Soap & Glory Peach Party – There’s always that one item in your make-up collection that you use sparingly because it’s just so darn beautiful & you don’t want it to end… and that’s exactly how I feel about this blush. If you’re on the lookout for something to add a soft peachy glow to your cheeks then look no further, it’s beautiful.

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MUA Eye-shadow primer – Keeping it in the MUA family today ladies. I’ll admit I’ve read mixed reviews about this eye-shadow primer but I have to say it’s doing an outstanding job for me; great for an everyday pocket-savvy primer.

MUA Under-eye Concealer – A new addition to my collection (after hunting high & low for the L’Oreal Lumi wand without success) Once again MUA have *really* impressed me… this noticeably brightens up my under eye area & helps luminate my cheek bones for a bright & dewy look.

MUA Chocolate Box – What a gorgeous trio of warm Indian Summer type colours. Peaches, earth tones, golds, red, brows & purples all seem to emulate seamlessly from these three stunning shades once blended.

Max Factor Mascara – So far it’s impressive, I’m keeping my lashes firmly crossed that the formula doesn’t clump too early. The result to date has been long luscious lashes, the brush seems a little clumsier yet it really gets into those lash roots.

Soap & Glory Archery Pencil – Known as the dupe for Anastasia Beverley Hills Brow Wiz. I am SO impressed with this handy little roll up pencil. No sharpening required, just quick & easy brows ‘on fleek’ ladies 😉

Rimmel Glam Eyes Professional Liquid Liner –  My go to liquid liner for those hard to master cat flicks. The brush is incredibly precise & the formula is the perfect creamy consistency for jet black coverage.

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Rimmel London 077 Asia – I’ve literally been in love with this shade from the first time it glided over my lips at the tender age of 13! Almost 20 years later & it’s still one of my all time favourite Rimmel lippies. Rich, creamy & long lasting – what’s not to love?

Tanya Burr, Picnic In The Park – Such a pretty pink that adds the perfect layer of blush-tinted gloss to any pout. Long lasting & not overly sticky, I’ll definitely be checking out some more of her range gloss range! Have you got a favourite?

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Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge – A complete game changer when it comes to applying makeup. If you’re craving an airbrushed finish then look no further, this little egg shaped sponge is photoshop for your foundation. Yes, it really is!

Real Techiques Cheek Brush – One of my favourite blushes, especially for contouring the hollow of my cheek bones with a skimming of bronzer or adding a pop of blush to the apples. So versatile!

Barry M Shadow Brush – Such a handy little shadow companion for adding the darker shades on the outer crease to give some depth and definition.

Lamora Blender Brush – Blends everything together seamlessly. Check out my post on this set of bargain beauty brushes, such a great affordable find!

Superdrug Retractable Lip Brush –  Essential for smoothing out your lippy and creating a sharp lined effect edge.

Eyelash Curlers – Nothing fancy about this little pair… does a great job at curling the lashes prior to mascara application. Simples.

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There you have it ladies, this week’s Make-Up Menu based around Peach Sherbet tones. I’m such a huge fan of these warm peachy-pink & earthy colours, they never fail to brighten up my pale complexion. Have you tried any of the products above? What’s your favourite make-up look at the moment?

Cheerio Chums…

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