Lust List: 3 Stunning Lip Colours From Avon

Following the Avon Beauty Bus I discovered these three amazing lip colour shades that I simply must share.

First up is this stunning shocking pink called Magenta Flash. I am seriously not one for bright pink lipstick usually as I don't think it suits me, however this shade is lovely.  Bright with rich undertones, it is the perfect way to add a pop of colour to a nude makeup look and love your lips with a bold shade. I think this tone would suit most skin types and is a great stocking filler idea for Christmas. You can buy online at www.AvonShop.co.uk

Next from the upcoming Matte collection  are two colours I can't choose between. Since I have had these colours I have literally been alternating them both every other day.

The matte one is called All Natural, and I love purely because I am shocked to have found a nude shade that actually easily suits my skin tone. As my lips are large but not defined, I line with my Mac Spice lipliner and the two work together so beautifully. This colour is perfect for if you do not have large lips but would like to get that Jenner pout. This matte colour will be available in early 2016.

Finally we have this gorgeous shade for colder months from the matte collection. Named superb wine, this rich colour compliments nude makeup beautifully. 

Avon offers a great range of colours which double up as the perfect stocking fillers for a beauty lover like myself (hint hint family). If you would like to shop their collection for Christmas see here   http://avonshop.co.uk/beauty/c/make-up/lips.html x 

#AvonBeautyBus

Tucked away behind the soho streets was a beauty emporium housing the most exciting products from Avon for SS16. As a company powered by women Avon benefits from first hand knowledge of what women want in beauty and has responded with an exciting array of products from skincare to makeup.

Avon Matte Lipstick

From Kylie Jenner to Rhianna the matte lip look is trending as a beauty look of choice. I find that with many matte lipsticks on the market are very drying so I was delighted to discover Avon's range of Matte lipsticks which are somehow matte yet hydrating! They come in an array of colours,  I was most impressed with the nude 'All Natural' shade which was so flattering for my skin tone, and it is very rare for me to find a nude lip colour that suits me. Lipsticks will retail for £8 and be available online from early 2016.

Anew Clinical Advanced Resurfacing Peel

One product that I just simply must share and CANNOT wait for is their "Anew Clinical Resurfacing Peel". This is an at home skin peel kit featuring 30 pads that are to be applied to the face every other day for two months

As a sufferer of hyper pigmentation, like many women of colour I experience scarring and dark marks from blemishes which are almost impossible to get rid of. Skin peels are a known way to remove dark marks over time, but clinical skin peels can be so expensive. I have literally been on the internet so many times to find at home skin peels that contain the active ingredients of acids that actually work. It is really difficult to find approved products readily available in the UK.

Finally Avon has created this amazing product which is certified, safe and can be done easily in the comfort of your home. Skin peels are not just great for dark marks, they also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and even skin tone. If you suffer from any of the above, I suggest keeping your eyes peeled on www.AvonShop.co.uk!

Make Up MVP's

While you not have the entourage of Rhianna (yet) you can definitely build an arsenal of products that work perfectly and tirelessly throughout the day to keep you looking Yonce flawless. Makeup is my guilty pleasure, and of all my collections, gets updated the most regularly. I am constantly on the hunt for the next best product that will just bring me to entirely new levels of fleek.

Within my over flowing makeup bag I have a few MVP's that deserve a shout out. Starting with the newest first:

1. Sleek cream to powder oil free foundation.

I love Sleek for their range of products specially tailored to women of colour. I have been looking for a contour powder for a while now, I had a mac concealer but felt that it wasn't quite right. The other day on a Superdrug binge I came across this. It is usually a cream foundation but when purchased in darker shades works perfectly for contour. It's light air whipped texture means it is so easy to expertly buffer and blend. Another thing I REALLY like about it is that because it is a cream, you can apply with lip gloss to your lips to give them a great nude tone for darker skin tones. Yaas honey. 2 in one thats my jam. You can get this at £7.99 Superdrug Buy 

2. Real Techniques foundation brush

These brushes are such a great price and really compare well in quality to the more expensive Mac brushes. This one is fluffy yet firm and it is the perfect weight to buffer in contour and foundation.

Just make sure you wash regularly to retail fluffiness. I use super drugs, B cosmetics brush cleaner spray.

Brush £8.99

3. Bare Minerals Liquid Foundation

Ok so what I wanted was a foundation which looked flawless, was undetectable and covered blemishes. I had heard of bare minerals products before , but stayed away because I thought they had very little coverage and were mainly for people with near perfect skin. How wrong I was...

My main reason for foundation is to cover my uneven skin tone (hyper pigmentation ) and dark marks, I just happened past the bare minerals counter and on a whim thought- let's see what you got.

The makeup artist suggested liquid for me, which is in line with the natural dewy finish I love. The foundation used is called, Bare Minerals Brightening Serum Foundation, and is applied with an unusual buffer brush- this brush is crucial for application, and although I was sceptical about paying out for new foundation plus brush, now I have applied it at home, I can guarantee this to be a needed component. The brush just makes it ridiculously flawless and easy to apply.

How I used it

To prep -

Moisturiser : Mac Strobe Cream

Primer : Mac Natural Radiance (yellow tone)

Application

Foundation : Shake the bare minerals foundation well, as it does not contain mixants, drop 2 -3 drops in the centre of the brush, and then buffer on in circular motion. Add more drops and buffer as needed.I was so impressed with the level of coverage this foundation gives , all the while looking and feeling lightweight- like I had nothing on!

Bare Minerals Liquid Foundation £20.80 Feel Unique Buy

4. Mac Pro Long Wear Concealer.

When this product says pro long wear it does not lie. I love the long lasting nature of this because I really hate when my scars start to show through.This product is perfect for layering over foundation to cover scars or hyper pigmentation. Although it is a small bottle it really does last long. One small pump can cover all my scars, use with a fluffy concealer brush and lightly buffer in to cover blemishes. 

£17.50 House of Fraser Buy

5. Mac Prep & Prime Finishing Powder.

I have recently started to use this for my highlight, similar to the way that people use Ben Nye Banana powder (which I also have). This is great for lighter skin tones and those who perhaps want a more dramatic night time look. To apply, lighty tap out powder, and use a sponge to apply generously on your highlight concealer. Let sit whilst you move on to your contour, once you are done brush off the excess powder with a fluffy brush.

£20.50 House of Fraser Buy

6. Avon Luxe Collection Eyeshadow

Subtle golds, pinks and corals, this is a great go to day time palette. 6 shades of eyeshadow compacts available with complimenting rose gold edition mascara, for a subtle yet dramatic look.

Rose Gold Edition Mascara £9.00

Lux Eyeshadow Compact £10

Gorgeous wallet by Ted Baker. This came with my pink Shopper Bag. Trimmed in rose gold, this handy clutch is included with bag purchases. I often bring it with me on nights out and get complimented on it so much. It is very strong and versatile as far as blending into outfits. Ted Baker They are now doing a glittery version of this clutch. Shop the collection of bags here

Tips for Looking Great For Less.

I love when fashion that is affordable and this look comes under £30, shoes included. The trick saving money?

1) Save your money to the end of 1 season and the beginning of another and buy cute cross over peices that work well in either. This crop sweater is perfect for the chillier side of a British weather which we are all experiencing now. Top: H&M £5 Sale.

2) Pay attention to charity shop windows. I spotted this tartan kilt for £10

3) Look out for closing down / moving location sales. There are loads in London, so be sure to keep an eye out. I got these in a shop closing on Oxford St, for £15


Save money on the outfit so you can spend on beauty. It is all about the staples: hair face & shoes.

The hair was by yours truly @lawandmiw to buy visit www.lawandmiaw.com, or for more inspiration like us on FB: Hair By Law And Miaw, or instagram and Youtube, @Lawandmiaw

Bally Garry Hotel Review Part Two

So it has been a while since my part one review. Perhaps it's because my body was so relaxed that it has taken me a while to get back into work mode.

Anyway- part two has us at dinner and the actual spa experience. After a very relaxing day of using the spa facilities I was so chilled out I could not really be bothered to dress in my full 'dinner' attire (think Downton Abbey) so I made my way to the restaurant casual.

We had booked our dinner slot upon arrival, when we got to the restaurant we were warmly greeted and shown to our table. Our waiter was SO lovely and friendly. She was a young Irish girl with a lovely smile and funny conversation. She was very helpful advising on the courses and even brought out a complimentary starter for us to try which was absolutely delicious.

I ordered a fish dish for the main course and Kieran ordered lamb with seasonal veg. The portions were very large and filling- definitely great value for money- especially as this was all included in the original price.

The following morning, after what may have been the most relaxing sleep of my life- I made my way to the spa treatment area for my hot stone massage. The treatment area is designed beautifully. A waterfall water feature gives the soft sound of water whist the dim light and welcoming aroma just put you in a good place. My therapist was again a lovely lady, she asked me about my preferred pressure. OH MY GOD this massage was everything! I am not usually one for massages as I am an active person and get kind of bored. I also enjoy good pressure and find that people usually are not as firm as I would like. The lady who did my massage spotted my problem area, and got to work with just the right amount of pressure. I quickly fell asleep. I did not want it to end. It was hands down the best massage I have had- and I have had a few.

After the massage was over I really didn't want to get up- and this is why the relaxation room was so appreciated. It was so nice to be able to take a short walk to a cocoon in a beautiful room and just lay down and sleep it off. There was a fruit smoothie, fresh fruit and water to greet me. The nap I had after this massage was the best sleep I have had in ages. I'm not going to lie, I slept for over 2 hours! And it was so nice of no one to bother me!

Once I got myself up, I was able to get ready in the spa changing rooms, which had everything from a shower, to large mirrors, high quality blowdryers and quality straighteners- all this is to say that I came out the spa looking like Kim Kardashian...and really, what more can a girl want ;)