2014 Beauty Favourites - alittlebeautyblog

                               

2014 has been a year of great new releases and also some older rediscoveries. I've bundled together eight of my favourite beauty products from the past twelve months into one post, so put the kettle on and let me give you a run through.

Clinique Even Better Foundation: This has been my everyday foundation throughout most of this year. It's a very lightweight foundation, that leaves you almost forgetting your wearing anything on your skin. It gives you a "my skin but better" kind of look instead of leaving you looking like your wearing a mask. This foundation will definitely be one that I just purchase again and again and again. 

MAC Fun Ending Blush: I've raved about this blush in a previous post and I guess I'll do it again. It truly is  one of my favourite blushers because it's just so versatile. It looks great with every make-up look whether it's a dark smokey eye or something quite light and natural, it really is just great.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer: I use this concealer mostly in the colder months because it's  quite high coverage which isn't what I tend to gravitate towards in the summer but in the winter it's my go-to. I never fail to come back to this concealer because it has good coverage and great lasting power, its also a bargain at only £4.19.  

Soap & Glory 2 in 1 Brow Filling Pencil & Brush: My eyebrows have never looked so good since I  started to use this product. The little pencil nib is great at making precise lines whilst still looking natural and the spoolie is great for grooming those pesky sticky up hairs into place. This product is great because it does everything all in one, the only down side though is the lack of shades to choose

 from.

Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics palette: This palette comes with 5 matte shades and 1 demi-matte shade that's perfect for highlighting. This taupe-hued palette is cooler toned than the original Naked Basics which is great for me because these shades are much more up my street that the original. The packaging of this product is so compact making it great for travelling and let's not forget about the massive mirror inside. All in all a great everyday product.

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner: I'm a big fan of a cat eye and this is the product that I find is perfect to do it with. The ultra-fine tip really helps to gain control and create a precise wing. The formula is very long lasting making it stay in place all day because there's nothing worse than itching your eye only to find you've smudged your eyeliner half way across your face.

MAC Plumful Lipstick: This lipstick is all kinds of gorgeous. Its a lovely transition colour from day to night as it can be patted into the lips for a softer stained looked or it can be applied quite heavily straight from the bullet to give you a bold lip. It makes you feel very sophisticated when you wear it and it gives any plain outfit a little bit of something something.

Essie Sparkle on Top Nail Polish: This holographic top coat looks amazing over almost every nail polish. I often wear this polish paired with a dark blue colour underneath and it just looks amazing. It's perfect to wear to a special event or party to make you feel all fancy and with NYE right around the corner you have the perfect opportunity to run out to Boots to pick this up for yourself.

Well I think I've done enough rambling about my favourite beauty products of 2014 so i'm going to let you go as if I keep going you might start to grow a long grey beard.

See you next year,

alittlebeautyblog.

The 5 Steps to a Perfect a Pamper Evening - alittlebeautyblog

                                  

We all know that a long day of Christmas shopping can be quite stressful so when you get home there's nothing better than soaking in a hot bath whilst watching christmas films.

This Pamper kit will have you feeling calm, relaxed and back to your normal self in no time.

Step 1: Candles

Everybody loves candles! Pick your favourite Christmas scent. We have chosen Fireside Treats by Yankee Candle, as it is a very sweet and very nostalgic. 

Step 2: The hot bath

There is nothing like a hot bath after a long day, to sooth and relax your body. Pour a hot bath and add in your favourite bath product. We have chosen the Dove Fine Silk Beauty Bath as it has a built in moisturiser and leaves you skin feeling silky smooth. Sit your candle by the side of your bath (making sure not to burn anything) and enjoy the festive scent.

Step 3: Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is the perfect warm drink for a cold day. We chose the Cadbury Instant Hot Chocolate, as it is quick and easy to make. Pour your hot milk or water into a mug and put in the chocolate powder. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows and a candy cane for that Christmassy taste.

Step 4: After Bath Regime

When you are out of the bath, slather your self in your favourite moisturiser or body lotion. We chose the Vanilla Bliss Body Butter from the Body Shop as it is very moisturising and keeps your skin hydrated in the colder months. Next apply your favourite lip product, we love the Body Shop Born Lippy's as they come in a variety of different scents and flavours.

Step 5: Me time

After completing your Beauty Routine, stick on your pajamas, choose a festive film and sit down and enjoy your candle and hot chocolate. It's always good to paint your nails on a pamper evening as you have plenty of time and aren't in a rush for them to dry. We chose Sally Hansen 'Cafe Au Lait' as it goes with every outfit and is very natural.

And that is the Completed Pamper Routine!

Be sure to come back next week for our 2014 favourites!

Thanks,

alittlebeautyblog.

La Roche Possay Effaclar Duo Plus Review - alittlebeautyblog

As there are so very few of us on this earth who have been blessed with naturally clear  skin that never brakes out, many of you will be familiar with La Roche-Posay's anti-blemish treatment Effaclar Duo +.

La Roche-Posay often work with dermatologists to find skincare solutions for people who suffer with blemishes. Together they have managed to create an amazing product that targets blemishes and eliminates acne scaring.  

As someone who has suffered with troubled skin for almost a year I cannot stress enough how much this product has helped me get my skin back to its former state. Usually products for blemish or acne prone skin can  be really harsh and stripping, this product is soft and gentle and it doesnt leave your skin feeling sore or aggravated.

This product not only works like a dream for clearing up blemishes but it also works a an amazing base for your foundation as it gives a matte finish, counteracts shine on oily skin but yet also manages to moisturise too. Seriously - a miracle product. 

This product retails at £15.50 for 40ml and can be found in places like Boots.

Thanks,
alittlebeautyblog.

Everyday Winter Makeup : Drugstore Edition - alittlebeautyblog

                               

When I think Winter makeup I think 'natural eyes and a bold lip'. So today I decided to show you my favourite Winter makeup products that are all purchased from the drugstore for under £10! All of these items can be purchased from Boots and/or Superdrug.

Boots : http://www.boots.com/?cm_mmc=bmm-_-google-_-Boots+Main+Account-_-Boots+-+Brand+Keywords

Superdrug : http://www.superdrug.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQiAkJyjBRClorTki_7Zx8QBEiQAcqwGMbDYR0PpPEXF0b4gQxmswBr-lKghHj1I9thIVIbKUroaAkDe8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

I'm first going to start with a BB cream as I prefer a light base in the colder months. So I am using the Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream. I will either apply this with a buffing brush from Real Techniques  or my fingers as I feel these give the best results.

As you all know summer is gone and tans are fading, so I like to bronze up my face with a natural bronzer. I like to use the Maybelline Dream Sun Triple Bronzing Powder. I tend to apply this with a big fluffy brush such as the Real Techniques Powder brush as I this gives the most natural finish.

After completing my base I will move onto the eyes.

I like to stick with a simple and quick eye look in the Winter, so a cream eyeshadow is the way to go! My favourite cream eye shadows from the drugstore are the Maybelline Colour Tattoos. My most used shade is 'On and On Bronze' or 'Bad to the Bronze (as known in the US)'. I love his colour as it is a very pretty bronzey/gold. I sweep this across my lid using my finger and blend it into the crease using the Deluxe Crease Brush from Real Techniques.

I love the look of bronze eyes with winged eyeliner. So I am going to take the Soap and Glory Super Cat Liner and draw a thin line across my upper lash line and wing it out a bit.

Finally for eyes, I am going to apply a lot of mascara. My favourite is the Maybelline The Rocket. I apply this only to the top lashes as I feel when I put it on the lower lashes it will smudge underneath.

For the lips I decided to use a bold plum lip as the eyes are so  natural. I am going to use the Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 107. 

And that is my completed everyday makeup routine for Winter. Sorry for the amount of Maybelline products, but they are my favourite products from the drugstore.

Afflicted Blog Posts

- Real Techniques Eye Starter Kit : http://alittlebeautyyblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/real-techniques-starter-kit.html

- Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick "107" Review : http://alittlebeautyyblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/rimmel-kate-moss-lipstick.html

Thanks,

alittlebeautyblog.

Rimmel Kate Moss "107" Lipstick - alittlebeautyblog

                                      
                                       

The Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick in "107"  has always been a favourite between beauty bloggers but its just something that I've never really been to fussed about, until now. I didn't think this lipstick was going to look that great on me because of my pale skin and red cheeks but I actually really like it. 

It's the perfect Autumn/Winter shade that compliments a wide variety of skin tones. Considering most high street matte lipsticks that I've tried have left my lips feeling dry, flaky and just rather unhappy. This one glides on comfortably and feels really moisturising. These lipsticks also smell lovely too, a soft vanilla scent that disappears once you have applied.

This is the only shade I have from the collection at the moment but I'm definitely going to go back to Boots and buy some more because I can already tell I'm going to be wearing this lipstick lot's throughout the Christmas period. 

Overall I am really impressed and would recommend these lipsticks to anybody who is in doubt about wearing such a daring colour. It's also very bank account friendly at only £5.49 which is an absolute bargain  considering what you would pay for a lipstick of the same quality from MAC.

Thanks,

alittlebeautyblog.

Real Techniques "Eye Starter Kit" - alittlebeautyblog

                                                

This brush set contains all you would need to create any eye look, from a natural day look to a smokey night look. The set includes five different brushes from crease to brow. Overall the whole set costs around £20 but is available on Amazon for around £13. 

♡Base shadow brush:

This brush is a flat fluffy brush which is good for packing eyeshadow onto the lid and the outer-v. It picks up a lot of product and makes it easy to sweep shadow across the lid.

♡Deluxe crease brush:

This brush is great for blending shadows into the crease. It is very densely packed so picks up shadow very easily. This brush is also very good to use as a concealer brush as it fits perfectly under the eye.

♡Accent Brush:

I love this brush for running a dark shadow along my upper and lower lash line when I'm not wearing eyeliner. It is great if you are doing a very precise detailed eye look. I also love using this for drawing the outline of my winged eyeliner with a black eye shadow, as it makes it easy to fill in the flick.

♡Fine Liner Brush:

I love to use this brush to draw a thin line of gel liner along my upper lash line. My Favourite to use is the Collection Lasting Colour Gel Eyeliner. This brush makes applying gel liner a lot easier and more precise. I have never been very good at liner but I feel this brush has helped me perfect the look.

♡Brow Brush:

This brush is a simple angled brow brush. The bristles are densely packed making filling in your eyebrows a whole lot quicker and easier! I use this brush on an almost everyday basis, with a brow powder. I have never tried this with a brow wax or gel, but I assume it will work pretty well!

"Eye Starter Kit"

♡Amazon : http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B004TSFE28/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1415380044&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40

♡Superdrug :

http://m.feelunique.com/p/Real-Techniques-Starter-Kit

-sorry for no post last sunday♡

Thanks,

alittlebeautyblog.

Everyday make-up : Autumn - alittlebeautyblog

                                   

Today's post is all about my everyday make-up for autumn. A soft  smokey eye 
paired with a berry lip. One of my favourite looks to wear day or night.


1.I used my trusty Pore Fessional primer by Benefit to prime my skin for foundation. It's one of my favourites because it really keeps my make-up on all day despite my oily skin.

2.In the colder months I like to move away from the more glowy foundations and opt for one with a more satin finish. Lately I have gone back to using my trusty old MAC Studio Fix in "NC15" which suits my skin perfectly when it starts to get a bit paler. 

3.After perfecting my base make-up I move onto the eye make-up. Recently i have fallen back in love with my L'oreal Paris Holographic eye shadow in "taupe astral". I sweep this all over the lid then blend it into my crease using a small fluffy brush. After applying the eye shadow I use a LOT of mascara. My favourite is Maybelline The Falsies.

4.After the eyes I used a little bit of MACs blush in the shade "Fun Ending". This blush blush looks great on people like me who suffer from redness on their cheeks.

5. Last but not least Lipstick! This one from MAC in the colour "Plumful" is gorgeous. It's the perfect berry colour for autumn.

Hope you liked this post!

Thanks,
alittlebeautyblog.

Spooky Spider Cupcakes - alittlebeautyblog

So this is only our second post, and as you can probably tell by the title it isn't a beauty blog post. We just thought we should get into the Halloween spirit by baking some festive cupcakes! These are great to make with family and friends and take less the an hour to make and decorate! Enjoy!:)

For the cupcake mixture you will need :
150g butter, softened
150g sugar
3 eggs, beaten
150g self-raising flour, sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp milk

For the butter cream icing you will need :
75 g butter, at room temperature
150 g icing sugar
1 tbsp milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

For decoration you will need:
Chocolate
Giant chocolate buttons
Red icing pen
Tooth picks/ cocktail sticks

Cake Method:

1. Wash hands and tie back long hair, because we don't want any germs going into the cakes!


2. Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius.


3. Cream together the sugar and butter until it creates a pale, fluffy mixture. We decided to use an electric whisk for quickness but a wooden spoon or hand held whisk will work just the same!

4. Add 3 eggs to the cake mix and whisk until smooth.

5. Next add the milk and vanilla extract. Our vanilla extract had seeds in it but it doesn't have too. Mix until combined.

6. Pour the flour on top of the mixture. We recommend stirring before whisking as the flour can go everywhere!

7. Evenly spread out cake cases on baking tray.

8. Half fill the cupcake cases and place in the oven for 15-25 minutes.

Check the cakes every 10 minutes.

9. When the cakes are finished int he oven, place on cooling rack.

Icing Method:

1. Add the butter and icing sugar into a large bowl and mix until turns into a crumbly mixture. Whisk the crumbs until it creates a smooth mixture.

2. Add the milk and vanilla and stir until combined.

3. Give the icing a good whisk until it is thick and creamy.

4. Ice the cakes!

Decoration:

1. Break up chocolate into a heat proof bowl or mug.

2. Put the chocolate in the microwave in 50 second bursts. But be careful not to burn it!

3. Get a giant chocolate button and place it in the middle of the iced cake.

4. Dip a tooth pick/cocktail stick into the melted chocolate and draw 8 legs coming out of the button.

5. Get a red icing pen and draw two dots for eyes and two lines for fangs.

And that is your Halloween cupcakes finished!

We know these aren't the best cupcakes for Halloween but we wanted to make them simple yet fun to make!

Thanks,

alittlebeautyblog.

Introduction - alittlebeautyblog

This is our first post on our new blog, 'alittlebeautyblog'.

We will be discussing all things makeup, hair and fashion.

We will try to upload once a week but it will take us a while to get used to the upload schedule.

We also have an Instagram that we recently created. We will be uploading a new picture every time we have posted a new blog post. We would also very much appreciate if you could comment product requests for us to review.

- http://instagram.com/alittlebeautyyblog -

Thanks,

alittlebeautyblog.