Foundation: My Thoughts :)

A suitable foundation routine is something that can take years to perfect. I, myself have not yet perfected it but I think I'm getting there. Also, I was discussing foundation and concealer with a friend and so I decided to make a blog post concerning my experience and knowledge of foundation (also with a cheeky bit of help from the MAC interactive foundation finder). I really enjoy foundation but struggle to find foundation that doesn't make me oily or overly dewy so this  may help those of you with the same problems or for people just unsure of what to be looking for.

Foundation

Rimmel Wake Me Up SPF 15 Foundation in "Classic Beige" - MAC Pro Longwear SPF 10 Foundation in "NC20"

1. Coverage.

You need to decide whether you want sheer, medium or full coverage. However a coverage that is light at first could build up to a medium so try layer to see if the foundation is buildable.

Sheer

Sheer coverage evens out your skin tone however still allows natural features like freckles to still show through and allow you to flaunt your natural beauty while still making you feel a little more comfortable with your skin. So this is perfect if you have good skin or just don't like a lot of make up.

Medium

Medium coverage, often the type of coverage I go for, is still very natural however you can have more control over what is covered for example any blemishes or redness can be covered a lot better with this.

Full

Full coverage will completely cover anything you want to cover and conceal any blemishes, redness and spots you may have. You usually won't need a concealer.

2. Finish

Then you must decide whether you want a satin, natural or matte finish.

Satin

A satin finish has a lot of brightness and has a very dewy finish which I'd say is probably my least preferred out of the three and I definitely wouldn't recommend this if you have oily skin as it does make you look very sweaty and shiny which is not a good look. I also tend to find that this finish can feel very cake-y.

Natural

A natural finish is a good balance between shine and matte. So if you'd still like a bit of a glow but would like to skip the whole dewy part of the look then this is for you. It is also good for everyday wear such as going to work or school. Natural is the finish I usually go for since it pretty much looks like you don't have anything on.

Matte

A matte finish is good if you want something oil controlled or if you are very active or busy. There isn't really much more I can say about a matte finish. I imagine it would probably be a very good night-out foundation since it is oil controlled and it will look a bit more dramatic along with a nice smokey eye. 

3. Shade & Undertone

Shade is about how light or dark your skin is and undertone is about whether you have a more golden or olive tone to your skin rather than a pink or rosy tone.

So if you tan then you'll more likely be golden/olive but if you burn easily then you're more likely pink/rosy. Makeup counters will do a foundation match so there is much less error is shade however with drugstore you really just need to test it on your neck and if it disappears then voila that is your shade.

Primer & Concealer

Rimmel Fix & Perfect Pro Primer in "002" - Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in "Soft Beige" 

I always use a primer because it really does help keep my foundation on and, I suppose, act as a layer of protectant for your skin. Primers do make a difference, especially if you have oily skin because you can get mattifying primers. I would recommend the Rimmel Fix & Perfect Pro. I have repurchased it about 6 times, that's how much I love it and it's very affordable so good to buy for your first try. I recently bought the Benefit Porefessional Primer and unfortunately, as much as it is a great product and does what it says, it doesn't agree with my foundation. I find it makes my foundation separate around my nose. Maybe if I used a different foundation it would be better but I have yet to try that so, I guess I'll make it work in the meantime.

Concealers are a god send for your under eyes and any blemishes.  I suppose I don't need to go into too much detail about concealers since they're pretty simple. Basically, for under eye concealing you want one that is one shade lighter than your foundation to brighten and for spot treatment you want it to be the same shade so that it doesn't highlight your blemishes. If you want tips on different ways to use concealer I would suggest watching GlamLifeGuru's Five Different Ways To Use Concealer video on youtube. It is excellent. 
I would definitely recommend the Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer (pictured) as it is great for under eye concealing, as the name would suggest, and doesn't go cakey whatsoever.

I thought about talking about blush and bronzer but I feel this post would be far too long if I did so maybe that will be in another post someday. 

Au revoir friends :)

My Summer Must Haves and Favourites

As I am writing this I am aware that I am talking to no one however you've got to start somewhere, right?

This very hot day of 22 degrees (which in Scotland is almost unbearable) and the anticipation of going on holiday has given me inspiration to write about and share my summer must haves and favourites.  Most of these products are pretty darn cheap and others are a bit expensive for what they are but hey ho let's get cracking.

Beauty

Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm - MAC "Woodwinked" Eye Shadow - Mac "Embrace Me" Lip Liner - Bourjois "Lilas D'Or" Blush

Now this is my favourite part, I could talk about beauty products all day, especially make up so this part may be a little rambly.

I have started going for the more natural look because in the warm weather I don't want my face feeling clogged with make up so I've started using the Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer and no foundation. The products above are the products that I have been using almost everyday. 

After going to Alton Towers two weeks ago and sun burning my lips I thought "I need a good lip balm." and the Burt's Bees lip balm came to mind so I went to boots and found it. As marvelous as it is, I feel that £3.69 is slightly overpriced for the size of it but whatever it is smashing and more than likely I'll buy it again. There is a range of flavours but I chose the pomegranate flavour. I would say that any lip balm is a good choice in summer.

I bought the MAC eyeshadow empty paletter and Woodwinked eye shadow on more of a want than a need. The eye shadow pan was £10 and the duo palette was £6.5o. Woodwinked is a beautiful colour and if you have blue eyes like myself then it is sure to make your eyes pop. I bought the Lip Liner along with a matte lipstick of the same name and colour. I would have to say this is my favourite lipstick but I have been using the lip liner with the Burt's Bees lip most days or just on it's own. 

Lastly, the Bourjois blush is such a lovely colour when applied to the cheeks and great dupe for Nars "Orgasm" Blush. I bought this a while ago when my MUA blush cracked and feel to pieces and it was a good choice so I would definitely recommend this. I believe it was just over £7 in Superdrug.

Hair

Batiste "Tropical" Dry Shampoo - L'Oreal Matt & Messy  Salt Spray

I don't usually bother doing a lot with my hair and more often than not I will let it dry naturally how every the two products (minus the hair washing necessities) I use the reguarly are the Batiste Dry Shampoo and the L'Oreal Matt & Messy Salt Spray. 

Dry shampoo is a god send all year round but I especially love it in the summer. The tropical version smells like Cocoa Butter so that is a nice bonus. The larger cans are £4.99 from Boots.

I like my hair to have a bit of movement and texture so when I heard about salt spray I had to buy one right away. This was the first one I found and it does a pretty good job. I would probably buy a different one next time but just to mix it up a little. This was £3.69 at Boots.

Other beauty bits and bobs

Simple Kind to Eyes Soothing Eye Balm - Soap and Glory Hand Food -  Moschino "I Love Love" Perfume - Beauty Formulas Cooling Mist - Tangle Teezer  

If, like myself you're a bit of a night owl then the Simple Kind to Eyes is great for those tired eyes. I bought it with a deal they had in Boots, something like 3 for 2 I think, and it was a smashing decision. It costs £3.99 from Boots.

Soap and Glory is definitely one of my favourite brands, everything they make smells amazing and leaves my skin feeling so nice. Hand cream is a must have for me in the summer because the heat seems to dry my hands up so I have to carry this everywhere I go and it really does it's job. I paid £5 in Boots.

I recieved the Moschino perfume as a Christmas present and it was bought in Tenerife so I don't know how much this would be in pounds but I think it was in the bracket of 30 to 40 euros. It is very fruity and citrusy which I think is perfect for the summer. I am almost finished the bottle which makes me very sad however I'm sure I'll get another bottle eventually.

The cooling mist is just a small thing to get you through those roasting hot days and nights. I don't remember how much it was since I have only just found it again from last Summer but it's a pretty good buy.

If you suffer from tuggy hair then the tangle teezer is perfect.  It combs through your hair totally painlessly and leaves it feeling silky smooth. These a priced at £10.99 which I think it a little too expensive but they are good so it's worth the price.

Non Beauty

I am all about gold jewellery right now and seeing a set of 3 pairs of earring for £3.90 was a bargain and an amazing find. Then whilst waiting on my mum in BHS I found the necklace above in the sale for £8. 

My sunglasses that I got from urban outfitters broke during my last holiday so I was in need of new ones and when I was in Forever 21 and found these for £4.90 I had to buy them. Especially when my last ones were £14. 

I watched Pineapple Express for the first time last night and I thought it was just hilarious. Plus James Franco's face was a pretty nice bonus to it. 
I was given Will Grayson, Will Grayson as a birthday gift but started reading it in the last few weeks, I'm not very far along but so far it's pretty damn good. 

Oh heck was that a long post. I don't get much chance to ramble about my favourite things without feeling like an annoyance so I think this blog will be a nice new addition to my life.

Cheerio :) x