Thursday 27 February 2014

INVESTMENT BUYS: STARTING MY MAC EYESHADOW COLLECTION


It is very hard, as a lover of beauty blogs, not to be drawn into the MAC fan club. When browsing the makeup blogosphere, you can't get very far without encountering that little black and white logo. This summer, while proudly strolling out of my local shopping centre with that little paper bag, I felt a sense of beauty enlightenment. Truth be told, it had taken me many, many months to both decide on the eyeshadows I would purchase and justify spending such a lot of money on such a luxury item.

Having used (and fallen in love with) my MAC eyeshadows for the past 6 months now, I thought it was about time I discussed my impressions of the shades I have already purchased. Especially as I'll definitely be purchasing some more shadows soon; partly because I have hit pan on my two favourite shades, but also just because I really want to provide some more pretty colours with a nice new home in my MAC palette.

So, Why MAC?

In my opinion, MAC eyeshadows are seen as the staple beauty junkie product. They are the Porsche (that's a good car, right?) of the makeup world. If you watch a lot of makeup tutorials (and by a lot I mean that for the hours you've spent studying YouTube beauty videos, you should probably have some sort of qualification by now) you'll find that often shades are spoken about in relation to MAC ones. It is also very important that you know you are getting a good quality product for the (let's face it) rather large amount of money you are spending.



My Current MAC Eyeshadows

Omega- Absolute staple. Perfect for filling in blonde/light brown eyebrows (this is the only product I ever use on my eyebrows and will ever need). It is also a fantastic crease colour for a pale complexion.

Naked Lunch- Beautiful base colour. Contains shimmer but still looks natural on the eyes. Can be used for a day look or dressed up for the evening. Recently, I had one of my close friends ask what base shadow I used. You know you're on to a winner when your friends start asking you makeup advice.

Satin Taupe- One of those beauty blogger favourites. Looks pretty paired with Naked Lunch or wear it on its own, all over the lid. Honestly, I haven't used it half as much as Omega and Naked Lunch but it can create a simple, pretty, one-shadow eye look.

Star Violet- More of an indulgent purchase. Really brings out green eyes. I like to blend it under my eyes and in my crease for a dramatic and romantic look. However, I wouldn't wear this on a daily basis.



5 Pieces Of Advice From One Beginner To Another

1. Pick staple shades. Practical doesn't equal boring.

2. Choose shades that suit your colouring and eye colour. If you aren't an avid beauty blog reader then ask the experts at your local MAC counter or do some internet research.

3. Trust the majority but be sensible. If there is a particularly popular shade in the beauty community it is probably for a reason. However, if you don't think you'd ever use that colour eyeshadow then don't buy it!

4. Select a good mis of wearable and special shades. It's nice to own a few ultra-glamorous eyeshadows as well as the practical ones. 

5. Don't rush into anything. Take your time choosing. I still only have 4 shadows in my palette and I've had it for over 6 months. Maybe that's slightly over-cautious, but hey, I want my dream palette at the end of this!

Top Tip
Purchase the refill shadows, rather than the stand alone one. They are £2 cheaper and it is definitely more practical to keep them in a palette if you are planning on building up a collection. Plus, the palettes are actually pretty cheap in comparison to other MAC products. 

Thursday 20 February 2014

LIEBSTER AWARD #2


I was very excited to discover that I have been nominated for my second Liebster Award by Danielle, who writes the blog 'Smitten with Sunday'. Thanks so much Danielle! Although I have already completed the tag, I'm going to answer Danielle's questions as a thank you for the nomination.

What is your favourite thing to do on a rainy day?
I love being able to catch up with the latest YouTube videos and blog posts. Also, a film day is always nice when it's truly miserable outside.

Do you prefer coffee or tea?
When I was at uni, I practically lived on coffee but I have to say I am really starting to enjoy a good cup of tea. I got very excited the other day to try a new type which I had bought. I think you can probably judge somebody's age by how they react to the prospect of a cuppa.

Are you a dog person or a cat person?
Definitely a dog person. I have a labradoodle called Jesse James (my dad's choice of name, he did want to call my brother this; lucky escape, Ben, lucky escape). I've never been particularly comfortable around cats. I was scratched by one as a child. In my infantile mind, it was an outrageous, completely unjustified attack. More likely, my incessant stroking was far less affectionate than I thought.

What is your favourite kind of cookie?
I love chocolate cookies, as much chocolate as possible.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
There are many, many places I'd like to visit in the world. If I really HAD to pick just the one, it would have to be Australia. Actually, maybe Rome, I've always been interested in Rome's history *Classics geek alert*. Yes, I guess I've wanted to go to Rome for the longest. Let's say Australia for the lifestyle, Rome for the culture.

What was the last book you read?
The last book I read was 'The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest' by Stieg Larsson. I absolutely love the trilogy but I have to admit they did get a bit tense for me in parts. You know you're a wimp when you manage to scare yourself reading a book.

Where is your favourite place to shop?
In terms of makeup, I usually buy a lot of my products in Boots or Superdrug. My favourite clothes store at the moment is H&M. It's just such good value for money! I'm pretty sure half my wardrobe is made up of H&M jumpers. They're all so comfortable and warm!

Are you a morning person or a night owl?
I'm definitely more a night owl. When I was a student, I pretty much became nocturnal. I'm the sort of person who needs to set two alarms in the morning to make sure I'm up with plenty of time. I've not got as far as having to hide my phone on the other side of the room yet. That will be a sad, sad day.

Who is your favourite music artist?
However cliche this may sound, I find it really hard to pick just one artist. My favourite album is probably 'Fractured Life' by Air Traffic. Oh, and I do love a bit of Paolo Nutini. I tend to go through phases where I will listen to a handful of songs until I am so sick of them that I physically cannot listen to them anymore. At the moment, it seems to be 90s music (think Alanis Morisette, Semisonic). I did recently have a bit of a Ratpack phase as well.

Do you have a favourite celebrity?
Not really, no. I think if a celebrity walked in the room, I'd pretend (really awkwardly) I hadn't noticed them/didn't know who they were. Wow, I'm so British. I think Emma Stone seems pretty cool, though.

What is your favourite television show?
When I was younger, I was slightly obsessed with 'Charmed' (American show about three sisters who are witches). I think I've probably seen every episode at least twice. Two more current favourites of mine would have to be 'The Inbetweeners' and 'Sherlock'.

Wednesday 19 February 2014

A GIRL AND HER MAKEUP BAG #3


Today, I delve into the makeup bag of Chloe, a 22 year old medical student from London.


Do you wear makeup on a day-to-day basis?
Yes but not very much.

At what age did you start wearing makeup properly?
I think I was around 17/18 when I started wearing makeup.

How long does it take you to apply your makeup?
My everyday makeup takes me about 5-10mins to complete. If I'm going out, I'd say it takes me no more than 20.

Where is your makeup bag from?
I have more than one makeup bag! They're from Paperchase, Clinique and Clarins.

What product could you not live without?
I couldn't live without my eyebrow pencil. I think that eyebrows are the most important part of a look because they frame your whole face. Mine are very sparse so I'll fill them in to give them more shape and structure.

What is your go-to makeup look?
To be honest, I just try and look presentable! I'm usually pretty conservative with my makeup application. The less I can get away with, the better.

What products did you use to create the makeup look you are wearing now?
Rimmel eyebrows, Clinique primer, Naked Palette, black eyeliner, Estee Lauder liquid eyeliner, Benefit Sugarbomb blusher, MAC Creme Sheen Fanfare lipstick, Clinique mascara and Lancome powder.

Are there any products in your makeup bag you are disappointed with?
Not really but I did have to repurchase the Rimmel eyebrow pencil because the first one I tried wasn't a great match.

Do you prefer your makeup bag to be full of new products or tried and tested ones?
My makeup bag is usually full of new makeup products because I tend to get a lot of it from my sister. I've only really repurchased the Lancome powder.

Which celebrity has your favourite makeup style?
(After much deliberation and Pinterest stalking) Natalie Portman (in the Dior adverts).

1. Lancome blush, 2. Benefit 'Sugarbomb' blush, 3. Stila blush, 4. Vaseline 'Rosy Lips', 5. Clinique mascara, 6. Shu Uemura false lashes, 7. MAC lipsticks in 'Fanfare' and 'Plumful', 8. Lancome powder, 9. nail buffer, 10. Clinique eye primer, 11. Rimmel eyebrow pencil in 'black brown', 12. eyeliner pencil, 13. Estee Lauder liquid eyeliner, 14. Ecotools angled brush, 15. Vaseline lip balm.

Tuesday 11 February 2014

INVESTMENT BUYS: THE SKIN SAVIOUR

I was recently perusing the latest blog posts, as you do, and I came across a very interesting review about a fairly inconspicuous skincare product. Now, as many of you fellow bloggers out there will know, there were probably (well, definitely) a lot more pressing matters to be dealing with than scrolling merrily through my Bloglovin' feed. However, when an amazing product is brought to your attention, you kind of feel your time has been used a lot more proactively than it actually has been.

So, what is this magical product, heralded as "The Skin Saviour"(well, by me, anyway)? Insert the drum rolls and chorus of singers here; my beauty must-have of the moment is the Body Shop's 'Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask'. Here's a photo of the product in question. Try not to be blinded by its heavenly goodness. 



I'm getting ahead of myself, though.  It is imperative that I tell you about this original recommendation post because it makes some pretty earth-shattering claims about the mask. The post was written by a blogger called Maddie, who writes a witty and very informative blog called 'Qworter Life Crisis'. Here's a link to Maddie's post. She writes that her mother was personally recommended the product by the creative director of L'Oreal UK. Let's be honest, that's a pretty good stamp of approval, right there. 

I found myself, then, about a week ago, searching the Body Shop shelves for this little beauty with, what I considered, the worst cold anyone has ever had. Ever. I don't know if this is just me, but when I get a cold my whole face seems to become more dry and devoid of moisture than the Sahara itself (sorry for this rather hyperbolic comparison, the lack of sleep from coughing has made me much more dramatic than usual). No moisturiser, no matter how rich, manages to repair my skin when it's in this condition, so, I thought I might as well test out these claims for myself. 

Having used this product for about a week now, I can highly recommend it. Not only has it kept my skin feeling soft and nourished through the 'cold ordeal' (as I'll refer to it from now on), but it has also cleared up several blemishes. Although it does give quite an intense amount of hydration to the skin, I have found that it is gentle enough to use every night and I really think it would be suitable for practically any skin-type. At £12, it is a bit on the pricey side for me, but you do only need the smallest amount per application so I can imagine it will last me a while yet. 

Yesterday, in a small Body Shop in London, I spoke so enthusiastically about the mask to a friend that I think she was slightly taken aback. All this after just a week of use? That's why I thought I better write this post now. Who knows what level of obsession I will have reached in a month or two.

Just a quick note to finish, there's a 40% off deal running for Valentines Day, information on The Body Shop website. So, go forth and spend, my friends. 

Friday 7 February 2014

JANUARY FAVOURITES


January really was a month of reinvention for me in more than the generic gym membership and wine-down-the-sink sort of way. Though, if you did complete dry January or have honed your body to goddess perfection, I hold my hands up to you in awe. But, no, really, without all the dramatic statements and sentimentality, I hope this could be the start of a productive year. Having rebranded my blog into this masterpiece that you are currently reading, giving my occupational life a well-needed overhaul, and just choosing to utilise my time a lot better, it should be a delightfully busy few months. For once, it appears I've taken those twelve chimes and champagne toasts seriously. Wow, it's right about now that I wish I had made resolutions. It seems always the case that the one time you don't try with all your might to make something happen, the proactive monster inside you is unleashed with such force that it kind of takes you by surprise. Time to stop rambling off into this abyss of a tangent and get on with those products that have made my January just that little bit prettier.

The Beauty Favourites

1. Rimmel's 'Match Perfection' Foundation
This actually is a new purchase for the new year. I'll link a full review of this product, here. However, let me just reiterate that I'm a bit of a foundation snob. There are only a handful that I will use because I hate cakey makeup with a passion and any orangey oxidisation really shows up on my pale skin. I can safely reassure you, having used this for the whole of January, that this foundation is neither cakey or orange.

Side note: those of you who like to use a colour too dark for your skin, please blend it down your neck and onto our ears if they're visible. Maybe you think nobody is going to notice. We do. Everytime. 

2. Sleek's 'Vintage Romance' Palette
I've spent a lot of time with this baby over the past month because it was my spotlight product of January. The fact that I have not got bored/sick of it definitely says a lot about the quality and variety of this palette. Here's a full review of it. 

3. Topshop's 'Glow' Highlighter
Winter is far from my favourite season. No matter how many layers I laboriously pack on, I will always be cold, and everything seems tinged with a dull greyness. The cold air and increased use of central heating plays havoc with my skin and tends to make it look really lifeless. This highlight is lovely and warm; a little glass pot of vitamin D. I especially like to use it as an inner corner highlight, but, honestly, I would smother it all over my face if it was socially acceptable. 

4. Revlon's 'Lash Potion' Mascara by 'Grow Luscious'
I was hesitant to try this particular mascara. The original 'Grow Luscious' did condition my lashes but left them clumpy and unappealing. On the other hand, the 'Lash Potion' contains all the great conditioning qualities of the original, but with a much better application. It gives my eyelashes volume but still separates them efficiently. A quick tip for you, though: ensure you leave the store with the right colour; I didn't check and picked up brown instead of black, oops. 

5. Simple's 'Illuminating Radiance Cream'
It sounds pretty specialist but this is really just a light moisturiser with a tonne of very fine glitter chucked in. I think there might be a pattern forming here. Obviously, healthy and glowing skin is very important to me at this time of year. I usually still apply a rich moisturiser underneath because it doesn't quite give my skin as much nourishment as I'd like it to. 

The Non-Beauty Favourites

6. Starbucks' New Mocha Lattes
So many calories, but just so yummy. One of the varieties doesn't even have a Venti option, seemingly because it exceeds Starbucks' maximum calorie allowance. If that doesn't make you want to try it, I don't know what will.

7. Pinterest
Swallows your time up, like Sims did to your childhood, but its great for beauty inspiration, funny little pictures and beautifully-presented motivational quotes. If you haven't already tried it, where have you been?! But, seriously, my Pinterest is linked here, if you're nosy, like me, and want to have a look at some of my favourites. 

8. It'sGrace
New and improved channel from YouTube legend Grace Helbig. Some comic relief from the horrendous weather we have in Britain at the moment. The only person I've seen who can make awkwardness and baseball tops look quite so humorous and adorable. Although, be warned, that swallowing up your time thing I was talking about? Yep, that applies to this as well.

Tuesday 4 February 2014

SPOTLIGHT PRODUCT: MUA 'UNDRESSED' PALETTE


Price: £4.00

The first Monday in February seems the perfect time for me to announce my spotlight product of this month. I felt that, since the last spotlight was fairly bold in its use of colour and finish, it seemed only right to change it up with a neutral eyeshadow palette. So, this month, my beauty focus will be the MUA 'Undressed' palette. 

Let's face it, as far as eyeshadow collections go, the demand for neutral shades is unquestionable. Sure, us beauty junkies like to be a bit experimental at times, but there's nothing better than a good, natural look to make you look a million bucks. Certainly, the beauty retail industry has begun to realise how lucrative this area is and many are reaping the benefits of a carefully crafted neutral palette. Possibly the best example of this is the Urban Decay 'Naked' collection, which has been raved about by practically every beauty guru I can think of. 

Here's some great news for you: the MUA 'Undressed' palette is an outstanding value dupe for the first  eyeshadow collection in Urban Decay's 'Naked' range. Yes, the branding is anything but original (why think of a unique name when you can just pick up a thesaurus). However, we'll forgive them for their audacious and oh-so unsubtle replication since the product is just so darn outstanding for the price you pay. Consequently, those 'Naked' palette admirers, who are too intimidated by the icy glare of its £37 price tag, can pick up pretty much the same shades for a fraction of the price.


There are, of course, some downsides that come with the enormous cut in cost. As with many cheaper products I've tried, the packaging is fairly low quality and doesn't, in my opinion, look particularly expensive. It gets dirty and scratched very easily, though I am particularly terrible at keeping my makeup in pristine condition (well, at looking after my stuff in general) so perhaps you'll have more luck than me here. Additionally, there is no mirror included, which can be a pain if you're hoping to travel anywhere with this as your staple palette. Nevertheless, I believe much of the cheapness in price might be down to the newness of the brand; the mark-up is likely to be a lot lower than other, more established highstreet makeup companies. 

When I first tested out this product, it was a pleasant surprise to discover that, despite the minimal cost, the shadows themselves are a very nice texture, extremely pigmented, and have scarcely any fallout. They also wear very well, though I would apply a base underneath to prevent creasing. Anyway, let me show you how they appear on the skin in a swatch photo.


I was impressed that even the lightest colours are clearly visible and do not appear chalky in the slightest. Actually, all the shades are creamy and have a lovely depth of colour. It is also a plus that you get a mixture of finishes in the collection. Sometimes value makeup brands tend to forget the importance of a few matte shades in a practical day-to-day palette, yet, here, you have matte, frosted, and glitter finishes. Although I do keep talking about the quotidian aspect of this collection, it is more than suited to all sorts of occasions. The variety of shades will certainly allow you to create just as many party looks as natural ones. 

All in all, I would recommend this product to anyone, from a beauty beginner to a full-on veteran of makeup application. Quite frankly, you can never go wrong with a neutral eyeshadow palette. Especially one that produces such long-lasting looks for mere pennies. Still not sold? Over the next few weeks, I will be showing you exactly what you can create with this palette, and, believe me, I will be spoilt for choice. X

Monday 3 February 2014

SPOTLIGHT PRODUCT: SLEEK i-DIVINE PALETTE IN 'VINTAGE ROMANCE'

Price: £7.99

It's the same every single year. The festive spirit brings out my love for all things sparkly. So, I found myself in the middle of Superdrug, in the middle of the chaos of mid-December with this product in my shopping bag-laden hand. It seems that shop promotion stands are my kryptonite.


Despite the spontaneity of my purchase, however, I have to say that this palette is absolutely beautiful. I've always been a fan of Sleek eyeshadow palettes. I think that they are great value for money: always extremely good pay off and not much fall out. I do feel, though, that the collection of colours for this particular product are stand-out. The palette includes twelve shades: a variety of eleven glitter/shimmer/metallic shades and one matte terracotta colour. Although they are all rather soft and romantic, the versatility of the collection is remarkable.With just those twelve shades you can create a whole range of party favourites. And with a huge mirror included, you can create them any place, any time. Meet in Madrid, Court in Cannes and Lust in LA can be used to make the most beautiful bronze eye. Smudge Forever in Florence all  over the lid for a smokey eye with a colourful twist. I was particularly drawn to A Vow in Venice, Marry in Monte Carlo and Honeymoon in Hollywood because the red-base of these shadows really help to bring out green eyes.


And this brings me to yet another point to add to the ever-expanding list of pros: I absolutely love the naming concept. Sleek have really rolled with this romance theme. Using eyeshadows with names like Court in Cannes and Honeymoon in Hollywood makes me feel like some sort of 1950s film star. I do put a rather exaggerated emphasis on the names of products. Anyone else actually bought a nail varnish purely because they loved the name? Nope? Just me then.

Shades: (upper row from left) Pretty in Paris, Meet in Madrid, Court in Cannes, Lust in LA, Romance in Rome, Propose in Prague, (lower row from left) A Vow in Venice, Marry in Monte Carlo, Honeymoon in Hollywood, Bliss in Barcelona, Forever in Florence, Love in London

Now I'm afraid that, though this product is near perfection, there are a few cons I must mention. Firstly, the shades, despite being absolutely beautiful, are not very useful for a natural look. Thus, the palette is far from an everyday staple. I'd say it was something to be saved for special occassions. It would be great for a date or party look, for example. The other problem which I always seem to have with Sleek palettes is that the packaging is extremely frustrating because it is near impossible to open. I couldn't tell you the number of nail varnish casualties I've endured trying to prise open the iron-like catch of this item.

That being said, this purchase is great value for money with a beautiful collection of shades if you can actually open the product in the first place. In my view, this is a small price to pay for such a good quality highstreet product and I am more than happy to chip a few nails in the process.

So, for the next month or so, every Monday, I will be uploading makeup tutorials using this palette so that you can all truly see the versatility of the shades it offers.

X

HOW TO: LOOK FRESH AND FABULOUS IN FIVE MINUTES

(A guide to waking up/dragging out your inner morning person)



Seeing as we are already at the end of the holiday period and (unfortunately) many of us have returned to the monotonous early mornings of work/school life, I thought this would be the perfect time to offer out a few time-saving makeup tips I have learnt over the years. Truth be told, I often have that feeling of sheer panic in the morning when I realise I have hit the snooze button one too many times (why even offer us that option?!) So, I can confidently assure you that these techniques have been tried and tested for speed and effectiveness more times than I'd care to admit. 

1. A cold face wash works every time
Nothing can force away the sleep from your eyes quite as forcefully as a splash of ice cold water over you face. Additionally, it gets your skin clean and smooth, ready for any rushed makeup application that may follow. At the moment I am using Garnier PureActive Anti-Imperfection Gel, mostly because it is currently on offer in Superdrug. However, I have to say I am,so far, impressed with the results. It leaves my skin feeling fresh and squeaky clean. I also like that it has a pump applicator. Perfect for people, like me, who are far too lazy for a screw cap in the mornings. 

2. A good concealer is your best friend 
I am a firm believer that it is possible to skip the foundation step as long as you know how to work a bit of magic with your concealer. Apply to the centre of your face (especially under your eyes, around your nose, your chin and on the centre of your forehead) and blend out. I like to use a shade which is slightly too light for my skin tone to give more dimension to my face. Also apply to any blemishes or areas of redness. My all-time favourite concealer is Collection Lasting Perfection. It is great coverage and very good value for money (stay tuned for a full review on Friday!) I use the lightest of the shades. 

3. Nude eyeliner: the secret superhero
I sometimes find that my eyes can look a bit red and puffy in the mornings. To brighten them up I use a nude eyeliner on my lower waterline which helps to create a bright, wide-eyed effect. This step only takes a few seconds and will make such a difference to the appearance of your eyes. It is more natural than using a white liner which I think can look a bit harsh. I use Rimmel's Scandaleyes Waterproof liner in 'nude' which lasts very well on the waterline and is inexpensive. 

4. Give your lashes a lift
A quick squeeze of some eyelash curlers and a few coats of mascara before you leave the house will just add to that wide-eyed effect we have already begun to create. The brand of the eyelash curlers really isn't of particular importance. Just ensure you hold them for at least 10 seconds on each eye so that the curl holds. If it's of any interest, I am currently using a Revlon eyelash curler which I purchased at Superdrug. Then, wiggle your favourite mascara as close to the roots as possible to help to thicken up the lashline. A tip I find very useful when I am applying mascara is to have a mirror directly under my face, angled up to the ceiling. It may not be a very flattering position but it helps to stop mascara getting on your eyelids, especially handy when you're in a bit of a rush. 

5. The cherry on top: a flush of colour
You may wish to apply a little colour to the apples of your cheeks in order to give your face a bit off depth and also the illusion of a youthful and healthy appearance. A cream blush will always give a more natural look. Topshop have some nice cream blushes and, for a cheaper option, Collection do a beautiful blush and highlight duo. Or, opt for a stain which can be used on both the cheeks and lips. I always like to finish my morning look with a slick of tinted lipbalm which I can then throw into my bag to top up during the day. My favourite of the moment is Maybelline's Baby Lips in 'Cherry Me'. It is buildable so you can either wear it sheer or apply a few layers for a more intense look.

I hope these tips have been useful to those of you who have as many problems with time management as I do. On the plus side, since the fresh face, natural makeup look is going to be a big trend for Sprimg/Summer '14, you'll be fashionable as well as on time! 

X

Sunday 2 February 2014

HOW TO: ROCK HIGH FASHION BEAUTY ON THE HIGHSTREET- EYELINER

In all honesty, I never feel that beauty is something with which you have to be massively "on-trend". That's actually one of the reasons why I like it so much. People tend to develop they're favourite look and stick to similar versions of it. There's a lot you can tell about a person from their beauty regime. Not that you should judge a book by it's cover, kids. There are, perhaps, certain seasonal trends and definitely generational ones (I'm thinking cat flicks and clumpy mascara in the 60s, some rather questionable 90s/early 00s staple looks that I'm ashamed to say I might have sported at a school disco or two). However, I do always find it interesting to investigate what the beauty and fashion industry deem acceptable to wear at a certain time, and I do definitely appreciate that, as an art form, it is great to be able to observe the creative expression of professional makeup artists. Let's face it though, recreating one of these editorial looks brush stroke for brush stroke probably won't get you quite the reaction you hoped for when you're walking down the street.

So, just for fun, I thought I would talk about some of the S/S14 beauty trends and give you a more wearable alternative for each one. Today I will be talking about the first trend that caught my eye (get it?!). Below are a few examples of the recurrent use of statement eyeliner on the catwalks this season.


For the most part, these looks are actually fairly wearable. There seems to have been an emphasis on unrefined, almost raw, application. Say goodbye to your neat retro liner, this is all about looking like you haven't tried too hard. As a supporter of any shortcut, especially when it comes to liner (it just takes SO LONG to get perfect!), this is absolutely fine by me. So, next time your eyeliner isn't quite symmetrical or you accidentally jog yourself and can't be bothered to start again, just assure everyone that you are bang on trend.

What would I suggest as a highstreet-friendly alternative? Well, for a real carefree and slightly softer look, swap your gel liner for a kohl pencil and smudge it slightly with a black eyeshadow to create that truly rebellious look. For a night-out, try a chunky cat flick and line your lower lashline with a glitter gel (à la Chanel). Cara's rainbow eyes (top left photo) might be overkill for us mere mortals but a coloured kohl pencil or gel to line your eyes would add a lovely pop of colour without blinding passersby. Teal is particularly hot this season and I always think that a deep plum or aubergine looks very pretty. X