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

MAC Lightful Collection finally reaches UK Shores!!!

Today is a glorious day, Previously only available in the US and Canada, Mac Lightfu; FINALLY comes to the UK. I have been campaigning for this for years, seriously see my video I made last year, joking I was " saving the last drop for my wedding day"... I have been trying to smuggle this in ever since I discovered it in Canada, only to find it not stocked in the UK.

This Miracle line will make your makeup look flawless, and your skin radiant. These asia inspired potions are infused with ' Marine Bright Formula'. What ever that means, the result however is a one stop lie in a bottle. Go GET IT. It will change your life.

MAC Says : "This unprecedented skin-brightening complex, made possible through our exclusive technology, improves clarity, evens pigmentation and creates perfectly luminous skin instantly and over time." - Girl, they aint Lyin...

The collection ranges from £20- £29 depending on what you go for. I suggest the Lightening Softening lotion and the Lightful Essence.
Yay So excited!
 See the hilarious makeup haul video of me testifying Lightful at 3 mins: Make Up Haul Lois & Magda

I'ts the weekend fool! Indulge

 

Ok before I get started, lets have a moment for all the under appreciated warriors who work in Retail on the weekend. For them this 'back off' aaah moment to exhale does not apply :( But If you are lucky enough to own your weekends, this message is for you.

Hello you 9-5 superwoman storm trooper. You have braved it through the London traffic, the delays, annoying co workers and work initiatives that have no relation to your actual life, but have taken up more time than you have dedicated to yourself all year. Now is the time to breathe- claim some you time & indulge. Its tempting to go all YOLO all weekend, but the good Lord knew what he was talking about when he said take one day to rest. So, here it is, your must have , back off ME day.

Begin with easing your pretty self out of bed, except you don't feel so pretty? Late nights and stress have you looking like the troll under the bridge and the goats in '3 billy goats gruff'? No matter, take some time to pamper yourself.

So here is the plan

Bath's are the most accessible luxury that we all fail to take advantage of. Question- Why do we all fuss so much about a hot tub with strange old men at our gym and fail to take advantage of ours at home. Ok, I can hear you, " It's not a hot tub its a bath... no bubbles". Well I say its a fair trade, trade soaking in the juices of creepy old men for the privacy of your own home, and trade bubbles for essential oils, bubble bath and candles. 

#1

Set The Scene

Get your self some scented candles

Lights:

Its amazing the difference lighting can make, I don't like sitting in a dark tub, or a bright interrogation light, so a happy medium is an array of candles scented to relax. Parisian brand Diptyque are famed for their quality scents. Check out their Anniversary collection 34....if your'e fancy. If not, head down to your local pound store and get yourself some French Vanilla ones....and you can bring more Paris luxury into your bath on the next point.

Music:

Get some Jazz, I am specifically feeling French Jazz right now,  but if you prefer bopping your head to English, Lana de Havas &Laura Mvula are great newcomers, whilst Floetry , Zero 7 & and Lemon Jelly, Jill Scott and even the odd Q- Tip song can make amazing rewind remedies. Beyond that go old school with Nina Simone, Aretha, Frank Sinatra & my favourite, Nat King Cole.

Before you get in the bath grab some essentials. Grab a mud mask.
Now, Grab some magazines, some fresh juice coffee or tea and just soak.

Take this time, to do your face regimen or condition your hair (with all that lovely steam). Aaah.

When you are done , moisturize with some body butter and finish off around your neck with some perfumed creme. My favourite? Jean Paul Gaultier for that classic , oh so feminine magic..

Feel refreshed? 

Now try this beauty secret to seal the deal.  To get rid of dark circles, grab half a lemon and squeeze onto it 3/4 honey. Massage onto face, leave for a few - and then wash off with cold water.

Now you are ready to start your day... Take it easy awesome, and I suggest treating yourself to a cupcake. Well you have to have some You Only Live Once spirit in your weekend.

L A W of Life : Enjoy every moment.


Love Lois

xxx