A Sun-Kissed Glow for Vampires

Tanned skin suggests health, wealth and relaxation, and we've been craving it since Coco Chanel popularised it in the 1920's. But how to achieve that when you're vampire-level pale without sacrificing skin health lying on a beach for two weeks or (god forbid) resorting to tanning beds?

(I'd planned to publish this months ago, which is why I'm wearing my winter coat - but considering the recent wet weather in London, it's even more relevant now!)

A pink and glowy Valentine's look

Before and after: my romantic pink Valentine's-inspired look

Despite being in a long-term relationship, Valentine's has never really been our thing. I look forward to the cut-price chocolates and champagne on the 15th much more. But I've seen a lot of really beautiful Valentine's-inspired looks recently and they inspired me to create this romantic pink look. I'll wear it while binge-watching Netflix in my pyjamas and sipping my cheap champagne.

Seaside makeup, 2015 edition

Another year, another trip to the charming town of Southwold. And another opportunity to test my makeup against blustery sea winds!

An Autumn Look

Happy September, everyone! It's my favourite month of the year. Here's a little makeup look I tried last week. It's soft and coppery and pinky and all round lovely and flattering and seasonal. 

My foundation is Nars Radiant Tinted Moisturiser in Finland. It's become my go-to summer base - it feels, smells and looks wonderful, it blends so easily, and as a bonus it contains SPF 30. I've used Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla under my eyes and a little on my nose and chin to minimise redness.

I've used Bourjois Colorband crayon in Brun Dadaiste with Rimmel Exaggerate Liner in Rich Brown for a soft smoky eye, topped off with Rimmel Wonder'full black waterproof mascara. I love the colour of the Bourjois crayon but I find it could benefit from a primer underneath. The eyeliner is excellent and performs well above its budget price - everyone should have one! I particularly like the Rich Brown because it's exactly what it says - rich, dense colour that doesn't fade. The mascara is simply my usual mascara at the moment and it's really good for those of us who have sensitive eyes but find non-waterproof mascara smudges too much.

Cheeks are Guipre from Sleek's excellent Blush By 3 palette in Lace. It's a fantastic palette for summer and, although this is a budget palette, the blushes blend beautifully and don't irritate my sensitive skin. Guipre is a warm pink with gold shimmer to rival the best Nars blushes. The shimmer gives a lovely warm glow to the skin. I've used l'Oreal Glam Bronze bronzer in Sun Bronze on the high points of the face and under my cheekbones for a little more warmth, although this step is optional because the highlight from the blush adds contour to the face. 

Lips are my favourite shade - Nars Sheer Lipstick in Mayflower. It's a gorgeous shimmery peachy pink that lives permanently in my bag because it's my 'my lips but better' shade. 

Brows are Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil in Black Brown. This is the only brow product I've used for a while because it's incredibly long lasting and it's a nice soft ashy dark brown.

Hmm what else? I topped everything off with a swoosh of Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Powder in Pale Yellow. This powder has lasted an incredibly long time and as you can see from it's been well loved!

Thanks for reading!

Going ultra-bright with Sleek's Ultra Mattes palette

If you're thinking of experimenting with bright colours (and I hope you do) get your hands on the Sleek Ultra Mattes V1 palette. 

Orange You Looking Good?

I thought I was living a fulfilling makeup life until I stepped into the warm, glowing light and saw the truth: orange is amazing. 

Hiding Tiredness

AKA 'the hangover face'. This is the failsafe makeup look I use when I look and feel awful, but can't lie around in bed binge-watching cartoons and drowning my sorrows in Ben and Jerry's.

Due to a combination of less sleep than usual and not enough water, I look and feel like a decrepit crone today. Happy Monday, everyone! 

Optional accompaniments to this post: a cooked breakfast, a coffee the size of your head, about five chocolate croissants. 

Soft smoky eyes and plummy lips

Who invented the rule that you need to choose between your eyes and your lips when doing your makeup? How boring is that? 

Friday Favourites

This week's Friday Favourites: nail polish, nail polish remover, and a bronzer for the palest of skins.