Bite Beauty Multistick Review

Bite Beauty say 

A FORMULA FOR INNOVATION

18 universal colours that are blendable, breathable and buildable. Apply with a finger, a brush or a blender on eyes, lips and cheeks.

My thoughts 

Versatile, a wonderful range of colours to pick and choose from and true to form these are actually perfect to use on eyes, lips and cheeks. I am usually not keen on multi products as if they are good on the cheeks they are too dry for the lips or if they are good for the lips they are too hard to blend on the cheeks! They apply matte but not flat. Creamy they set to a powder finish and are long lasting.

I was sent size shades from the collection and I do have my favourites - I love wearing Gelato a cool toned purple nude. For a pop of Autumn pink warmth I learn towards Macaroon which I pop on my eyes lips and cheeks, love, love love this shade. Cashew is a nice warm brown led shade which is easy to wear and is a throwback to the 90's early 2000....

Here are the swatches in order that they appear above

Blondie, Cashew, Cerise, Cocoa, Gelato & Macaroon 

Finally, here I am wearing Gelato 

Which are your faves?

Bite Beauty MultiSticks are available from Sephora.com at $24 each AND they now ship to the UK.

*PR Samples

Kiko Modern Tribes Collection - Review

Yet another gorgeous range from Kiko Cosmetics to show you today, in my eyes they can do no wrong - Kiko Modern Tribes Collection - This collection is sun kissed, glowy with a pretty pop of colour...

What I adore about the bits that I was sent was just how wearable and Summer lovely they are. Wooden cases with gold decoration reaffirming its tribal foundations. This is Urban Modern Tribal at its finest.

I was sent -

Tri-Bal Baked Blush in Mysterious Earth £14.90

A perfect all-in-one product to bronze, blush and highlight with, this is definitely one of my top picks from the collection.

Graphic Ritual Kajal Eyeliner £5.90

These eyeliners are soft and creamy to apply and are suitable for the inner and outer eye, making them perfect for tightlining if that is your thing. 

I was sent two shades - Talisman Gold which a stunning gold and a deep and rich earthy dark blue in the shade of Masai Blue. 

Once applied these do not budge. 

Finally another multi use product - Free Spirit Lips & Cheeks £8.90 

As the name suggests these creamy chunky pencils are suitable for use on your lips and cheeks. They are described as giving a radiant matte finish. I was sent Hearty Peach which I love, love, love! and a pretty in pink Unique Camellia. Both items are fully pigmented so you only need to apply once to get the full punch of colour. Personally I prefer the pink just on my lips as it is a bit too deeply pink as a blush on my skin. Hearty Peach gives a subtle peachy glow to the cheeks which I like but personally I think I would keep both matte shades for my lips only...

The price also includes a sharpener for your chunky pencil.

Swatches of the Kiko Modern Tribes Collection 

*PR Samples

The Body Shop Smoky Poppy Body Range & Lip and Cheek Velvet Stick Reviews

The latest limited collection from The Body Shop is really quite special. I love the bathroom shelf appeal of the dark but bold packaging which instantly appeals. Even better however are the products.

I was sent a few items from the Smoky Poppy range which is infused with poppy extract from Turkey. The collection features no less than seven skincare and fragrance products, everything from body scrubs, oils and lotions to a shower gel and fragrance.

First up is the Smoky Poppy Body Lotion 250ml £8

The Body Shop say 

The lightweight lusciousness of our Smoky Poppy Body Lotion leaves skin moisturised, feeling desirably soft and sensuously smooth.

• Euphoric scent
• Lightweight moisture
• Leaves skin touchably soft

My thoughts 

I love the scent of this light body lotion, it has a gentle warmth but retains a certain freshness to it. The lotion is light and easy to apply, absorbing almost immediately and leaving skin feeling super soft and hydrated.

Smoky Poppy Eau De Toilette 30ml £8.50

The Body Shop Say 

This fragrance contains a captivating blend of sultry spices, elegant florals and earthy woody notes. You’re only a spritz away from seduction.

• Light and wearable
• Euphoric scent
• Community Fair Trade alcohol

My thoughts 

This tiny bottle spray is perfect for travel. The scent is deep and sultry with spices, woody notes and intense florals. However although the scent is seductive and smoky...as it is an EDT it still manages to be light after the initial first spray in which its heaviness doesn't last.

I would say though that personally for me this isn't really a Summer scent but more of an Autumn/Winter scent so it is curious that it has been launched now as we are going into Spring. I like its warmth for the colder days.

Lip & Cheek Velvet Stick in shade Poppy Bronze 30 £12

I love the idea of specific 2in1 products for the lip and cheek but have found that I tend to prefer the product for one or the other .. however in the case of the Lip & Cheek Velvet Stick I am pleased to say it works equally well as both. I have been wearing shade Poppy Bronze which is a gorgeous pink/peach shade.

The Body Shop say 

Give your lips and cheeks a naturally flushed glow with our first chubby sticks. Enjoy a colour sensation with an exquisite velvet matte finish.

• Matte finish
• Decadent velvet texture
• With Community Fair Trade marula oil

My thoughts 

This chubby stick style product is really easy to use and a simple application on the cheeks and a bit of blending and the result is a beautiful natural and healthy, radiant looking flush. I loved the glow it gave to my cheeks and it lasts. Despite stating that this gives a matte finish I find that the finish is slightly frosty when worn on the lips, personally this isn't a problem for me as it all added to the overall 'glow'.It isn't drying on the lips either but you do need to ensure your lips are in good condition as it did highlight any dryness. I found the colour more like a tint at first, but it is buildable so you can get a stronger, deeper colour if you prefer it.

Here I am wearing the Lip & Cheek Velvet Stick on my lips and cheeks in shade Poppy Bronze

A perfect Spring product.

British Beauty Blogger Eye & Blush Palette & Eye Pencil Kit

British Beauty Blogger AKA Jane Cunningham was one of the very first bloggers that I followed and I still read her site today and so I was delighted to find out that she had created a small range of makeup products with high street giant Marks and Spencer. In their own right they have really upped the ante with their beauty department - bringing in quality niche brands and revamping their own ranges.. I guess it was only natural for them to look at what was going to be the next big thing. In my mind it is bloggers collaborating with brands and they couldn't have had a better fit with Jane and her delightful little collection. Featuring eyeshadows, eye liners, nail polish, bronzer and lip products.

The packaging for the limited edition capsule collection features illustrated designs from fashion and beauty illustrator Nuno Da Costa. Clean white packaging with striking black and white drawings that have a flash of colour, this is so Jane and the price point incredibly affordable.

I was sent the eye products to review and I just couldn't wait to have a little play!

Eye & Blush Palette £14

There is a lovely mix of shades in this palette, all you need from neutrals for day and smokey shades for night, the pigment is excellent, the quality brilliant and the shadow has good staying power. The inclusion of the blush is a fab idea as then you can leave out taking a separate blusher if you are away for the weekend/holidays.

Eye Pencil Kit £15

Jane has chosen the pencil shades well, I would wear and use every single one of these colours. There is a brown, grey, black and glittery black (ideal for party season), navy and wonderful pops of colour in the green, turquoise and purple. Whilst I wouldn't wear the lighter colours as I would the darks I would (and already have) used them to line and brighten the eye area. Texture wise they are soft to apply with no drag but hard enough for precision...

With eight pencils in this kit makes it outstanding value.

With this little collection.. the eyes have it!

British Beauty Blogger MakeUp Collection is available from Marks & Spencer now

*PR Samples

Contour - How To Create Killer Cheekbones

I don't have stand out cheekbones but with a bit of makeup magic and clever contouring I can create and fake those to die for cheekbones that I so desire.

How to create and cheat your way to Killer Cheekbones in 3 easy steps - 

Contour
Blush
Highlight

Step 1 - Use a matte contour blush in a shade one or two darker than your natural colour - Suck in your cheeks and follow the hollow under the bone to apply the blush - I love Smashbox Blush Silhouette in Rush.

Step 2 - Apply your blusher as normal, I take mine up to the hairline - One of my all time faves is NewCID Cosmetics i-glow in Coral Crush.

Step 3 - Apply a highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones for added definition and contrast - I absolutely love the Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc that comes with 4 highlighting shades.

The picture above is quite dramatic but you can still recreate killer cheekbones in a more subtle way - as seen in this picture where I am wearing a red lipstick

The blusher I used for this look was a matte neutral which is the the perfect shade for wearing with red lipstick but also works equally with a barely there nude/warm beauty look.

Cargo Blusher in shade Tonga

#MyNo7Feeling Look 5 - Seven Days of Makeup

Day 5 of the Boots #MyNo7Feeling challenge and today it is full on glamour with a red lipstick. I call this Siren Saturday...

Now I already have the red lipstick that was included in this trio of items so I was quite comfortable wearing it, however I wore it all day and normally I would just wear a red lipstick for an evening out.

Makeup for Look 5

Boots No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in Love Red £9.75
Boots No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour in Devils Delight £6
Boots No7 Natural Blush Tint Powder in Cool Pink £8

Look 5

I kept the look very simple as the red packs a powerful punch and is a real statement shade. I just applied foundation, a touch of the cool pink blush, mascara and a creamy liner on my waterline to widen my eyes.

I loved this look. Love Red is such a beautiful red shade that really does brighten and open up my face and surprisingly once I hit the shops I felt confident and I found people really responded to it. Will I wear it during the day again? Definitely!

So there it is Look 5, a classic red lip, I didn't apply the nail polish as I ran out of time before I went out but I will be posting it as a nails of the day very soon.

*PR Samples

#MyNo7Feeling Look 4 - Seven Days Of Makeup

Day 4 of the Boots No7 #MyNo7Feeling challenge and today we move into the Berry shades which I am right at home with, they really bring out my green eyes.

I already have the lip crayon from this trio and needless to say I adore it. If you haven't tried the lip crayons from No7, I strongly recommend them.

Look 4

This look consists of the following items

No7 High Shine Lip Crayon in Berry £9
No7  Natural Blush Tint Powder in Spice £8
No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour in Temptress £6

The blusher is really fine and soft and a really gorgeous warm yet natural shade. I found it really light but buildable and I may have been tempted to apply a bit stronger but that is just because I like really defined cheeks :)

The disappointment for me was the nail polish, I found it watery, streaky and uneven which made it hard to apply. I had to apply 3 coats to get that rich colour that the bottle promises. It is a shame as the pink I tried earlier in the week from the same range was fantastic.

Anyway here is the finished Look 4

*PR Samples

#MyNo7Feeling Look 2 - Seven Days Of Makeup

On Wednesdays, we wear pink..so say The Mean Girls. Naturally I opted for the pink grouping for today's look. I don't tend to gravitate to pinks, I tend to prefer corals or raspberries for more of a colour punch but when I do wear pink I don't mind it at all. On the other hand, pink on my nails especially in the Summer is glorious.

Look 2 

Today's look comprised of

No7 Pop & Glow Cream Blush Stick in Rose Blossom £9.95 

No7 Sheer Temptation Lipstick in Pretty Please £9.75

No7 Gel-Look Shine Nail Colour in Holiday £7

I already have the Pop & Glow Cream Blush, it is great for Summer as you don't get a powdery finish and it blendable and buildable. The lipstick is pink and glossy, a little sheer. The whole look was very natural, very sheer so I wore nothing on my eye apart from mascara. 

The nail polish is a lovely formula with a great wide brush for easy application. I needed two coats to achieve opacity and the colour comes out brighter than it looks in the bottle. 

Here is the finished look

What do you think?

No7 Pop & Glow Cheek Blushes in Mango Sorbet & Rose Blossom

No7 Pop & Glow Cream Blush

Spring is great for new makeup launches and these No7 Pop & Glow Cream Blushes are one of my faves..

These small tubes of cream blush are super easy to use and can be used on the go for non messy application, however you won't need to reapply as they last all day.

How to use - Sweep gently onto cheek bones and blend with fingertips. To create a more intense look, build another layer of colour and blend.

I have been trying out two of the shades Mango Sorbet and Rose Blossom.

My thoughts 

Mango Sorbet is a gorgeous peachy shade that brightens cheeks and as the name of the product suggests the creamy formula leaves a nice glow on the cheeks without a powdery residue. I find it best to not apply powders such as bronzers or finishing powders as the cream blushes don't work as well (they can remove the powder you have already applied).

Cream blushes are fab for a really natural look as they seem to emphasize a natural glow and texture wise they leave no trace on the skin. I apply two stripes from the stick and blend quickly.

Rose Blossom is a pretty pink shade that is delicate but can be layered for more definition. Personally I like to use these cream blushes on the school run as I can get ready in just a few minutes and I don't look too made up!

Swatches of Mango Sorbet & Rose Blossom No7 Pop & Glow Cheek Blush

Here I am wearing Mango Sorbet, I love it!

Boots No7 Pop & Glow Cheek Blush is available in 3 shades and costs £9.95

*PR Samples

No7 Peony Petals Blush Palette - Spring/Summer Blusher

No7 Peony Petals Blush Palette

I am loving this pretty blush palette from No7 - Peony Petals Blush Palette. It has 3 shades, 2 pinks and cute gold highlighting petals. It is rather subtle as you will see from the swatches but can be built up for a stronger colour. I like to blend all three for a shimmery, radiant look or swish my brush in the two pinks and add the gold highlight shade on the tops of my cheeks.

No7 Peony Petals Blush Palette Swatch

Wearing it below with a strong lip, I think it is really flattering. I think it is a really versatile blush, apply the purple/pink for a cooler tone, warm it up with the softer pink or swirl in all three.

No7 Peony Petals Blush Palette is available from Boots and costs £12

*PR Sample

Beauty Look - How to do Sultry

I love playing with and trying out make up and of course creating different beauty looks. I love seeing just how different my face can look with the help of a few colours and tricks!

The look above is one that I particularly adore - A bit sultry, a bit sex kitten. This is a look where the focus is predominantly on the Kohl eyes but the rest of the makeup has to be soft but sculpted for real impact. I think this is great date night make up.

The products I used 

Foundation - Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation in Champagne 
Bronzer - Little Mix by Collection Bronze It Jesy Bronzer
Contour Blush - Smashbox Blush Silhouette in Rush - Create fabulous cheek bones
Blusher - Cargo Cosmetics Blush in Tonga - A neutral blush
Highlighter - Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc Pink Tourmaline - I love this shimmer bloc as a radiance enhancer.
Lip Gloss - Beautiful Movements Cosmetics Nude Lip Gloss - The perfect peachy pink nude gloss allowing the eyes to shine.
Mascara - Benefit They're Real Mascara
Eyeliner - Maybelline New York Master Kajal Kohl Liner in Pitch Black - For added interest I have drawn two flicks coming out at the corner of my eyes.

Clinique Cheek Pop - Beautiful Spring Blushers

If you only buy one beauty item this week make it one of the delightful Spring Blushers from Clinique - The new Cheek Pop comes in a clear compact so you can see that super cute Gerber daisy design.

I was sent Berry Pop to try out

Clinique Cheek Pop in Berry Pop 

The design is so pretty it (almost!) seems a shame to use it but use it I have and I absolutely love it. I must confess I am not a huge pink blush fan but judging by the results perhaps I should be...

The blusher is slightly domed in shape and of course features the Gerber daisy design that I mentioned above. The blusher is a dream to work with with its silky smooth texture that leaves no powdery residue. It is virtually undetectable on the skin yet imparts a beautiful natural blush glow. Of course if you prefer a stronger look then it is perfectly buildable with a few more strokes of your brush.

Swatch of Berry Pop and blended fairly heavily 

Clinique Cheek Pop Berry Pop Swatch

Wearing Clinique Cheek Pop in Berry Pop

Clinique Cheek Pop Blusher costs £16.50 and is available in 4 shades and includes these shades

Plum Pop 
Peach Pop 
Ginger Pop 

If you don't buy one for yourself why not treat your mum for Mother's Day.

*PR Sample

The Best Blusher To Wear With Red Lipstick

For years I shied away from wearing red lipstick, I think it was a combination of lacking in confidence to carry it off,  feeling it was just too bright and 'out there' for me and not really knowing how best to wear it. Remember, when I was younger we just didn't have the wealth of information, blogs and vlogs that exist now!

However, if you read my blog you will have noticed that recently I have been far more adventurous. Actually, in my 30's I am really enjoying wearing more reds and in experimenting I am learning which reds suit me and even daring to wear a cheeky red during the day...

One of my main issues was working out what blush to best team with a red lip. A lot of people say that you don't need to wear a blusher when wearing a red lipstick. I wasn't blessed with nice, defined cheekbones so I have to cheat, so for me, going without blusher is just not an option.

Happily I have found the perfect blusher to go with a red lipstick and it is Cargo Cosmetics Blush in Tonga

I apply this blusher every time I wear a red lipstick but it is also ideal for wearing with a nude/natural look and understated look too.

Tonga is a beautiful neutral matte shade that has a silky smooth texture, almost cream-like, which when applied provides a barely there, sheer appearance on the skin. Blendable and buildable, I like that you can define the cheeks as much or as little as necessary.

Swatches of Tonga Blush from Cargo Cosmetics 

Cargo Cosmetics Blush in Tonga costs £19 and is available from Debenhams.

Shu Uemura Holiday Collection 2013 Collaboration With Takashi Murakami

I think my favourite beauty Christmas collection is the enchanting Shu Uemura Holiday Collection for 2013. Shu Uemura have collaborated with artist Takashi Murakami to feature artwork based on on the upcoming animation series 6HP (Six Hearts Princess).  The holiday collection focuses on the pink and black princess characters as feminine icons. The art work on the packaging is really quite stunning and whether you choose to buy something for yourself or as a gift, it will be guaranteed to be appreciated.

My top picks 

I fell in love with the eye and cheek parallel palettes £60 each

On the left is the Heart-full Pink Parallel Palette which is a collection of of iridescent white, yellow, pink, orange and brown, perfect for creating a feminine and romantic look.

My favourite however is the Enchanted Black Parallel Palette which in my opinion is the only palette you will need for Christmas party season. I absolutely love all the shades and the silky smooth texture of the shadows that make them so incredibly easy to blend and shade. Glamourous, darker and more provocative.. the colours complement a red lip or a nude lip if you fancy going for a dark smokey eye. Silver, gold, white/pink highlight shade, light purple, purple, black with silver particles and emerald green and a perfect pink blush.

The palette and swatches 

Swatches of the Enchanted Black Parallel Palette

Wearing the gold and black shades from the Enchanted Black Parallel Palette

The Lip & Cheek Fun-tasy £20 lip and cheek tints are in cute gold tubes and would make great gifts. There are five shades available - dream pink, fuchsia fun-tasy, heroine rose, princess coral and magical red.

A few (heavy) swatches 

Also seen in the picture are the Soft Gel Pencils £20 in a green grey and a gorgeous purple.

The Shu Uemura collection would not be complete without some fabulous and fantastical lashes.. I don't wear false lashes but these are too pretty not to mention.

Premium Edition - Black Jewel On Wing £50 

Decorated with super long feather-like lashes, gold sequins and purple rings - I saw these applied and they were an absolute show piece.

Natural false Eyelashes - Princess Love in Wink £25

Sweet in pink and brown with a heart shaped stone in the corner these are so sugary sweet.

So the only question is .. which princess are you, The Pink Princess or the Dark Princess?

The Shu Uemura Holiday Collection 2013 is out now, available from Selfridges and from Shu Uemura online 

*PR sample