Born Pretty*

Happy New Year! What a way to start the year with a review.
I recently received a package from the Born Pretty Store and I put the following products to the test for a review post. Born Pretty is an online store that sells cutely-designed beauty products.
They offer world-wide free shipping! Not every online store does offer this which can rise your payment higher than you hoped for.

 First, we have the  4Pcs/set Portable Makeup Brush Kit Soft Hair Long Pole Cosmetic Brush Set !
I think the pink handles are really cute and dainty looking but are very firm when using. The quality of the bristles are of high standard I believe and are really gentle & soft on the eyes, which is always important. I particulary like the blending brush, second from the left, because it really softens out any harsh lines and blends everything out beautifully.

 Next we have the Shining Shimmer Eyeshadow Powder Pretty Highlight Nail Art Paillette For Beauty Makeup  in #11.It's a really pigmented copper loose eyeshadow and I'm in love with it. If you know me you should know that I love copper/rose gold eyeshadows.. I think they make the eyes pop and can be worn just by itself. Warning: A little bit goes a long way,trust me.

Lastly, it's the  1Pc Lovely Egg Hand Cream Moisturizing Hand Care Cream (Random Color) and I received the blue one. I am a sucker for cute cartoonish products so when I seen this I thought "GIVE ME IT NOW"! 
It smells like any Garnier moisturiser which is a plus for me because I love anything Garnier. The only downside of this product is that my hands feel as if they're a teeny bit oily after awhile. 

Lucky for you guys, I have a 10% coupon code for you guys! Just add the code 'SMTH10' at the checkout! If at least ten people purchase something with that code, it may be possible to hold a giveaway for you guys!

Disclaimer: These products were sent to me to be reviewed but as always, all opinions are MINE.

Last Minute Halloween Makeup & Costume Ideas!

 

Hello my beauties! How are you today?
Halloween I slowly 'creeping' in and some of us may still no know what we're dressing up as or what makeup look will go with our costume (me,me,me)
I was scavenging through Pinterest to see could I come across any interesting  Halloween posts I could find. These are my top picks for this year!!

Make-up

 

 

(Billy The Puppet)

 

 

(Half Alive, Half Dead)

 

 

(Bambi)

 

 

 

 

Costumes

 

(Wednesday Adams)

 

 

 

(Miranda Sings)

 

 

(Emperor Kuzco)

Autumn/Fall Makeup 2015

The leaves changing colour and falling all over the ground, the evenings come earlier and most importantly the makeup gets fancier. When I say fancy I mean more is applied and the tones are quite dark. Boy if I could wear this makeup all year round I would, the only thing I like about autumn/winter!!

I love seeing others' Fall makeup routines because I might see a good product that will wind up in my shopping list sooner or later. 

Products Mentioned:

-Naked 2 Palette. I like it more for autumn/ winter because of the cool tones and I think the Naked 3 palette has more warmer tones which is perfect for  spring/summer.

-Rimmel London Kate Moss Lipstick 02. I love this lipstick! It's difficult for me to find a dark plum/red lipstick that suits my skin tone but this just fits the puzzle. 

-L'Oreal Infallible 24h Foundation 'Golden Sand'. Golden Sand is more my summer tan shade and now is starting to look a bit dark for me so I will be changing that shade, but the coverage it gives when applied with a beauty blender *content sigh* 

                                        What's in your Fall/Autumn makeup? 

                  

Back To School || Makeup

                   

    

School is just around the corner! We all need a quick makeup routine for school because we're up early and only have so much time to get ready. Makeup for school should be light but also show that we made an effort haha.

Foundation isn't necessary unless you want it but if you do decide to wear foundation, try a light coverage. It doesn't look as cakey and heavy, and plus you won't get in trouble for "wearing too much makeup". I use the Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation!

To hide those bags under our eyes, use an under eye concealer! Heck even go a shade lighter than your skin-tone so it makes you look more awake. Bourjois CC eye cream.

For mascara, you want one that will last all day and not melt down your face from the slightest tear from yawning. Mascara opens up the eye, making it look bigger than it is. Perfect. Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara.

Filling in your brows and putting on lipgloss is optional, it's up to you. Tidy eyebrows frame a face, remember. To show that you spent time on how you look, add some gloss to that pout. Rimmel London eyebrow pencil & Essence lipgloss.

Kiko Cosmetics Haul!

A few weeks ago, my classmates and I took a trip to Italy for three days. Let me tell you, it was one of the best experiences of my life! (If you want to see some pictures of it, check out my Instagram)

On the second day of the adventure we travelled to Venice, which is where I spotted Kiko.

For the price and quality of the products, I would shop there everyday. 

I originally bought four items but I lost my eyeliner before I could even try it out... devastated.

First product is this Tri-Bal Soul Baked Blush in the shade '03 Wild Mauve'! It is super pigmented and lasts for ages. The price was €14.90.. I was pleased because it wasn't too expensive and the packaging is just gorgeous. 

Next is the 'Eyes 204 brush'. I like to use it for my brows because I feel it gives a tidy & defined finish.

It could be used for eyeliner too but I couldn't work with it for that use. (comment if you would like an updated brow routine!) The price was €9.90.

Finally is this Eyebrow set. It comes with two shades of powder and a wax which I think is quite useful, and the utensils for the eyebrows. This has made its way into my everyday routine and I haven't looked back! It's easy to apply and lasts all day... Bonus.

It is retailed at €13.90. 

I feel like I should explain my absence from blogging (once again).For a while I just had no inspiration to blog and I felt like I needed some time where I just focused on me and didn't have to worry about being late posting or not keeping up with the lasted trends & gossip. But now I'm refreshed and I know what way I want to continue, I hope all my readers will join me on this ride.

                                               Until next time babes, 

                                                          Stephanie x

Review || Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation!

First off I'd like to comment on the scent of this foundation! It's so fruity and just smells so good.

As I said before in my makeup haul, I bought this purely out of curiosity because of all the reviews I've read(I'm a beauty blogger I do have to keep up with things duh). 

The packaging is decent enough, I'm glad it has a pump because some foundations don't and that is just a nightmare. I'm forever dropping stuff so I'm hoping it'll be like my other foundations and doesn't smash! I'm not fond of the red colour on the bottle but I can get over that.

Onto the formula! It's not thick but it's not runny if you get me. It's easy to blend with and I used a stippling brush because I didn't think a buffing brush would do the job for this product.

This only came in two shades in Boots and I chose the lighter shade because my neck and face are pale, even this is too dark! I'm quite disappointed in that because I like everything else about this. 

I suppose I could use this for night rather than day because I'd be bronzing up for night events!

To sum it up in three words I'd use; inexpensive, fruity, blendable.

Soft Spring Makeup Look!

Today's post is all about how to achieve this look, to be honest it's a very simple easy look!

I was lounging around and decided "why not post about my makeup?"

I'd say this is suitable for everyday, not too much but not too little either.

I'll list the steps of how I applied my makeup and what makeup I used.

Makeup used:

-Benefit Cosmetics the POREfessional

- Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation 

-Collection Long Lasting Concealer

-Rimmel London Stay Matte Powder 

- Seventeen Define & Conquer contour kit

-Rimmel blush in the shade 

-Soap & Glory Arch brow tint & pencil

-Essence lash & brow gel

-Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette, 'Strange' and 'Dust'

-Benefit Cosmetics, 'Dandy Brandy'

- Benefit Cosmetics They're Real Mascara

-Benefit Cosmetics Boiing

Steps:

1- Apply primer to where it's needed, I applied it close to my nose because that's where I find my make up moves from.

2- Blend foundation into your skin, for this I used a Real Techniques buffing brush!

3- Apply concealer to cover spots, redness, dark circles etc...

4-To set our base, use a translucent powder!

5- next I contoured my face lightly so that it's suitable for day time and not too dramatic.

6- On top of the contour, I applied blush to my cheekbones and blended the contour and blush so there wasn't any harsh lines.

7- For the eyes I patted 'Dust' all over the lid, blended 'Dandy Brandy' into the crease and put a little bit of 'Strange' in the corner of my eyes to look more awake.

8- Then I curled my lashes and used a coat of mascara on them!

9- I filled in my brows and tidied up the ends with concealer to make them look sharp.

10- To finish off this look I applied some soft pinky lipstick!

Review || Define & Conquer Contour Kit by Seventeen!

How pretty is this contour kit? Very I'd say. I picked up this beauty from Boots!

I've tested this out a couple times and thought I'd give my opinion on it now rather than later.

I much prefer the contour side more the highlight simply because the highlight just doesn't show on the 

skin when applied with a brush, maybe with my fingers it will but we'll see.

I find that the contour powder stays put for hours and doesn't stray off my face like the Benefit Hoola Bronzer. Trust me when I say a little goes a long way with this product because it is very pigmented.

It's small and compact which is great for travelling anywhere, fits right in my makeup bag.

Overall I'd say it is a great product for both the quality and for the price of it.If you're looking for a reasonably priced contour kit, this is for you... Just €7.59! Wow! 

Beauty Products I Regret Buying!

Okay so we've all got products that we regretted purchasing and that has been happening lately to me so why not write a post on it!

First is the L'Oreal Skin Perfection Velvety Soft-Toner! This was not good on my skin at all because my face felt dry but yet oily, if you understand me, and left me with red sunburn like patches around my cheeks! If this product is suitable for sensitive skin, then why not work on my sensitive skin? 

Next is the L'Oreal True Match Perfection foundation (seems like I'm picking on L'Oreal today haha) and let me give advice to anyone with dry skin... Don't buy it! It clings to the dry areas like a moth to light. It just looks ridiculous on my dry skin with patches of foundation stuck to my forehead. If you have oily skin on the other hand, go for it!

Lastly is the Pheonix Beauty Glamorous Lashes! I disliked these the moment I tried to apply them, I know I'm not the best at lash applying but these were just too difficult and when they were on, they didn't blend in with my lashes like any lashes are supposed to do with a coat of mascara!

Hopefully I wasn't too harsh on the companies but this is my opinion on the products and I hope those who are looking for advice on the matter!

Top 5 beauty products of 2014!

How quick has 2014 past? Too quick if you ask me! 

Seeing as it's so close to the new year I decided I would write about my top five beauty products of this year.Let me tell you, this wasn't as easy as it seems.

Okay starting off this round-up is..... Mac mineralize skin finish in the shade 'Adored', now I got this in the airport at duty free and I haven't stopped using it since I got it! It gives the illusion that you have prominent cheek bones(along with the contour of course) and a nice pink highlight. Even if I don't feel like wearing blush or bronzer, I just sweep this on top of my cheek bones and it makes it look like I've put some effort into how I look.

Next up is Hoola bronzer by Benefit Cosmetics! I'm surprised I haven't hit the pan yet.It's really a matte bronzer that goes with warm undertones.I love this product because I can apply as much as I like or as little as I like. 

My top under-eye concealer of the year goes to Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer. I get this a few shades lighter than my skin tone to brighten up my under-eye and cancel out the darkness.
I really like this because it makes me look awake even when I'm not(which is every Monday morning when I get up for school).

Number 4 on my list is Benefits 'The POREfessional'. This is the only primer I use at this stage and I haven't been tempted to change
products yet. I apply this to my T-zone because this is the only area that I find my foundation moves from.Love love love.

Finally, my last beauty fave of 2014 is Soap & Glory Archery brow pen. Now if you know me, you will know that I'm all about my brows.. Seeing as I have naturally dark brows I like to keep them neat and full. I really like this product because it does what I want and holds them in place.

What's your top 5 beauty products of 2014? Comment down below! I would love to read about yours 

                                                                      Stephanie x

Christmas Wishlist!

Hello all my fabulous and gorgeous readers, first of all I would like to say.. Merry Christmas! Exactly six sleeps left.
This is just to give some people an idea of what to either look for or give people as presents this year.All items are what I would personally want to receive because just look at them! So pretty.

Egyptian Inspired Makeup Look.

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So today I decided I would practice my MUA skills and went all out with this Egyptian/bronzed look.
Slowly but surely with the help of all those other beauty genius', I am getting better and better.
The next goal I want to achieve is those brows of mine to be perfect, but we must remember brows are sisters .. not twins!

Products used:
~ Benefit Cosmetics "The porefessional"
~Rimmel match perfection foundation
~Collection lasting perfection concealer
~Stay matte pressed powder
~Essence brow kit
~L.A colours star gaze "makeout"
~Maybelline New York eye studio lasting drama gel eyeliner
~Rimmel scandal eyes mascara
~Essence lipstick "nude love" with Urban Decays Naked 2 half baked on top
~ Benefit Cosmetics "Hoola Bronzer"

The Daily Face

I thought since I like makeup, you like makeup ..why not show what I wear on a day-to-day basis!
Even though for the amount of products used, I think it still gives a natural look that is totally suitable for school,work,lazy days etc..

Base-
Okay so first after I moisturize, I use Benefit's the POREfessional as a primer.I personally love this because it's one primer that does what it's supposed to do... Keep the makeup on your face!!
Next I use LOreal Infallible 24H Foundation, I mean this is okay but doesn't give major cover up.
I then move in with Collection's Lasting Perfection Concealer, I only purchased this recently but so far it is doing a great job at hiding blemishes and dark circles.
Lastly I set my base makeup with Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder.

Eyes/brows 
I first go ahead and prime my lids with Benefits Stay Don't Stray, I FREAKING LOVE THIS.. Not meaning to be over-dramatic but I feel like it lasts for hours on end and doesn't let my eyeshadow move. I then move on to using Bootycall from the Naked 2 Pallette, (not in the picture) it helps me look awake when I'm really half-dead looking at 8:30 a.m heading to school.
The mascara I use is Rimmel London VolumeFlash Scandal Eyes!
And finally my last step in beautifying myself is filling in my brows withEssence eyebrow stylist set 01 natural brunette style, I feel and really know that I should buy new brow powder because this is nearly finished and I will cry if I can't fill in my brows.


So that's it very simple and basic but it makes me presentable! What does your 'everyday makeup' consist of?

What's In My Bag?

The day has come where I finally posted a 'What's In My Bag' post. I honestly thought I would never post one of these because 1- What I find in my purse surprises me most of the time 2- I rarely even carry a bag.
So without further or do lets get started (does these weird hand gestures in the air)

-My handbag is from Primark if anyone is wondering by the way-

WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG STEPHANIE?

• My purse which I bought from Primark, I personally love it because it was inexpensive and the colour screams 'SUMMERTIME'.
• My little notebook for blogpost ideas, don't worry my friends I have loads of ideas, wink wink. Just picked this up in Tesco.
• A pen because hey what am I going to write with? Got to have four colours though.
• Perfume to keep that sweet smell I have going on - by DKNY 
• I bring also a bottle of water, keep hydrated you guys!(I know its not in the picture) 
• My glasses because I can not see past a certain distance, blind as a bat I am.
• Lastly I have some lip butter by Nivea- oh my goodness this smells AMAZING.No exaggeration honestly.

Nothing too crazy I know but it's what I always bring with me. 

Ciao Bella.

    Stephanie x

An Apology To The Readers.

Good afternoon all my little munchkins, long time no chat!
I know there is absolutely no excuse for me not posting BUT I have been a bit busy with school and now I am in the middle of my Junior Cert (Like the GCSEs for us Irish people).
Between studying and trying to be sociable, I have not found any time to post any blogposts but I promise I will commence the blogging madness once again around the 18th of this month, the last day of my exams wooooo!
If there is any particular topic you want me to discuss then just leave a comment or get in contact with me.
All needed contact details are in the 'Contact Page'.
I hope all you people who are on your Summer holidays are enjoying yourselves and to my fellow Irish people who are enduring the pain of exams and suspense for summer .. Hang on in there guys you can do it!
Talk to you guys/girlies soon,
                                                        Stephanie x

Makeup Look Of The Week.

Alright so as everyone knows from my instagram( instagram.com/meelsieee ) that I tend to wear too much makeup but I LOVE it.
On Saturday I wore a dark pink lipstick and and a pop of pink on the eyes.
As I was wearing a mint green button up collar blouse, I thought "hey why not add some pink?"
The lipstick was not everyone's cup of tea, as my sister had told me she hated it.
I would like to hear from you guys what's YOUR favourite makeup look!

                                                                         

Kate Moss for Topshop

Hello Lovies!!
Kate Moss recently,yesterday in fact, just released her new clothing lines for TopShop and I am loving it!!!(no dramatic typing involved there at all).
Just to warn you all if you haven't seen it yet.. It's very flashy flashy y'know what I'm sayin?
But it wouldn't be Kate Moss if it wasn't fabulous like her.
If you love glitz and glam then I REALLY suggest you buy something but be careful because it could burn a whole in your purse,it is very expensive!(need them dolla dollas)
Anywhooooo, as my exams are reeling in closer and closer I can not decide when I'm available to post so just hang on in there for me:)
                                                            Stephanie xo

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Review!

Several months ago I went on a little makeup haul(okay I may have bought at least a bag full of makeup but that's not the point) and managed to come across the Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow foundation, and  I have been using this ever since! It is a perfect day-to-day foundation as it is light and gives you a natural look. Now if you're looking for a foundation that gives you full coverage I suggest you look elsewhere because this is not the foundation for you, it helps cover blemishes but not hide them if you understand what I'm saying(or should I say typing) . It is quite on the pricier side at €35 but it is worth the buy I must add.Tell me what you think of this fab foundation  in the comments.
                                                                      Stephanie xo