It's that time of year! With autumn comes the annual autumnal lipstick guide where I feature a selection of my favourite lipsticks for the season. This year (as most years, really) I fall deep into my love for dark, rich red lipsticks tones all of which do indeed vary slightly in tone, offering some variety while staying within the typical autumnal aesthetic. Here is a concise roundup of my current favourite lipsticks that I have been wearing in rotation.

      The Burnt Orange-Red. A slight deviation from the classic deep red or berry, the NYX Matte Lipstick in "Alabama" can be characterized as a rusty or burnt red with a subtle orange undertone. The colour suits the autumnal aesthetic perfectly as it compliments brown, orange, and red tones that frequent the typical autumnal wardrobe.  

The Blood Red. This is one of my all-time favourite lipsticks in general, but I especially love to wear it in the autumn. The Too Faced Melted Matte Liquid Lipstick in "Lady Balls" is a stunning classic, chic red that pairs with almost any makeup look. It's a staple in my collection for all seasons! 

The Deep Berry. I would think that this shade is the epitome of the autumn lipstick as it is a deep red with a very slight berry/deep purple undertone. I adore the Too Faced Peach Kiss Matte Lipstick in "Stop Traffic" which is easy to wear and universally flattering as it isn't particularly too warm or cool. 

shop this post.*

*Products on this post contain affiliate links.

For the past month, I didn't really switch up my makeup routine that much in terms of integrating brand new products into my routine. Rather, while I did begin trying new products, for the majority of the month I rekindled my love for some old makeup products that I have always enjoyed. So, I wanted to highlight three old favourites I've been enjoying before I switch up my routine yet again for the summer season.

     The epitome of a natural and neutral eyeshadow palette, the Too Faced Natural Eyes Eyeshadow Palette is so easy to use on a daily basis. I do have an in-depth review on this palette, but I will say that it is the perfect palette in terms of being simple, yet cohesive as you can easily create a wide range of looks from an everyday simple wash of colour or a more intense, smoky look. This is always my recommendation for an everyday palette for any occassion and even any level of makeup mastery you may have. 

I've professed my love for this product time and time again (review here). The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in "Luminous Light" is the perfect product for that sought after "lit from within" glow while still being comfortable to wear as it's a powder, therefore it won't leave a tacky or emoliant feel on the skin like how many cream or liquid illuminators often provide. As much I love this product however, I may have to take a break from it as I get enough "glow" from my skin in the humid months to come!

The Too Faced Peach Kiss Lipstick in "Stop Traffic" is one of my favourite lipsticks in terms of shade as well as formulation (I need to try more - "Chill Pill" is next on my wishlist!). While the deep merlot shade is quite remniscent of autumn, I have been using it the way I've been using most of my lipsticks lately: dabbing the colour over my lips with my finger or a lip brush for a more sheer and lighter blotted look. I find this technique actually gives your lipsticks more variation as you can manipulate the pigment to achieve a variety of colours and levels of intensity!

What products have you been reaching for lately? 

Follow

shop this post.*

Product links on this page are affiliate links.

I never thought I would come to this point, but I have indeed been inclining towards warm-toned eyeshadow recently. This is a big deal for me considering my proclaimed devotion to cool and neutral shades and while I still place those tones as my #1, my loyalty to them has seem to wane as of late.  I even displayed my rekindled love for the warm-tone-galore Modern Renaissance Palette in a recent post, so you can imagine how excited I got when I received this sunset-themed palette courtesy of Influenster!

        

Enter the new addition to my collection: e.l.f. Rose Gold Sunset Eyeshadow Palette. It's also a new addition to my everyday routine, that's how much I've been enjoying it. The palette houses 10 shades: 6 shimmers + 4 mattes, all complying to a sunset theme of golds, oranges, olive tones, and burnt reds. What I appreciate about the shade range is that while the tones are definitely warm, they still balance a neutral vibe in that you can easily wear them without looking like you've smeared a hot orange or red on your lids. In other words, you can definitely keep it simple or amp it up for a sunset explosion on the eyes. In terms of quality, the shadows are not the most pigmented I've used, although they are very good nonetheless. The deep shimmers are amazing in pigmentation and richness in colour and the mattes are easily buildable; the only shade I had trouble with were the first two shades in the palette as they were quite dry and chalky, although perhaps they would perform better wet.

All in all, this palette is a great drugstore option to try out if you enjoy this shade range. Have you tried this palette or any other by e.l.f.? 

Follow

shop this post.*

*Product links on this page are affiliated links.

I've seen these "shop my stash" posts circulating around the blogging and Youtube world and I'll admit, I was initally confused as to the meaning of the phrase. If you are too, it's essentially about rummaging through your makeup collection and giving products you haven't tried in a while another go and seeing if you've been missing out on them all this time - discovering a "hidden gem", if you will. So, I did just that: I picked out some products I've been neglecting on for a while and testing them again. Here are my thoughts:

I've featured the Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palettes several times on the blog, but there was a time where they gradually found themselves at the back of the drawer as I used my other eyeshadows more often. My current thoughts aren't much different than before though: I adore these palettes, although they are particular in the sense that they suffice for that subtle wash of shadow on the lids, but not for a maximum impact look. For day-to-day, the former look is exactly what I prefer, so the Dior shadows are definitely making their way back to my everyday routine. 

Now that it's getting warmer, I've been more inclined towards highligher. This Sleek Solstice Highlighting Palette has always been and still is my go-to for that strobe/highlighter look. I love how I can simultaneously achieve an ultra-glowy look while it not looking too arificial or fake. I'll definitely be getting more use out of this palette in the upcoming months!

       While I do prefer the highlighted look in the warmer seasons, it also means that I need to control any unwanted shine that relentlessly shines through as my skin gets oilier as the weather gets warmer. The reason why I love the Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder is that it is very, very fine, so it doesn't break up as my face gets oilier throughout the day.

     I've pulled out a couple of lipsticks that I hadn't been using much, the first being the NYX Matte Lipstick in "Alabama" which is a deep brick, rusty red. While it was cooler the past few weeks, I was indeed enjoying it. I especially love the formula which imparts a matte, yet comfortable and smooth finish. While the shade is a bit deep now for the spring/summer look, I do want to explore more shades from the line. However, the Too Faced Melted Matte Liquid Lipstick in "Sell Out" is one I have been using a lot and see myself using even more. The shade is a perfect peachy nude ("nude" for my skintone) that I can build up for a darker terracotta shade or diffuse out a small amount for a natural lighter nude.

It seems that this "shop my stash" was quite successful in that I've re-discovered my love for all these products I've been missing out on for a while! Have you rekindled your love for any forgotten products lately? 

Follow

shop this post.*

*Product links on this page are affiliated links.

Call it what you will: ethereal, fairy-like, whimsicle... regardless, pink glowy makeup simply imparts a pretty feminine look that can make one seem almost dreamy and unworldy. Personally, I feel that the epitome of this look is along the lines of Elle and Dakota Fanning, Kate Bosworth, Lucy Boynton, etc. Look up their red carpet looks and you'll see what I mean: simple, girly, glowy... So, given my love for that look, I thought it would be useful to share a curated edit of products that I like to use to emulate that pretty pink, glowy makeup look. 

Glowy skin is a must-have, so atop a dewy base or some real glowy skincare, amping up the look with highlighter and blush furthers that look even more. For highlighter, a cream product is best to maintain that natural, ethereal glow, particularly the Glossier Haloscope Highlighter in "Quartz". Top it off with a glowy blush or blush topper that has a cool pink undertone (see below for similar). The effect is a naturally flushed glow that fairies would probably have if they existed. For eyes, simplicity is key, yet simultaneously inserting some subtle shine and colour. For a soft pink shimmer, the Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow in "Kitten" is a staple. You can easily sheer out the product by diffusing a small swipe of product on your lids with your fingers, or you can maximize shine by applying more and patting it with a brush. No matter the amount, the overall effect is a super pretty, glowy pink-champagne eye look that never looks too much. For lips, it's best not to compete with the rest of the face, so keeping in line with the soft and glowy look, a simple clear or pink-toned lipgloss would be perfect!

Follow

shop this post.*

*Product links on this page are affiliate links.

As I write this blog post, I am sat in front of my window looking over the snowbanks that have quite literally formed over night. So, you could say it's quite ironic as I am writing a spring edit blog post. Although, if the weather app is reliable, spring is indeed coming, so I can at least hope this post will soon be more relevant. Despite it all, it's almost April, so I'm now in that spring mood where I'm starting to edit my makeup routine to accomodate those fresh light tones of spring makeup. Read below for my favourite makeup products to wear during the spring season:

     Eyes. Ever since I purchased the Too Faced White Peach Palette last spring, it's become my go-to spring and summer palette. The shades practically scream spring owing to the light pastel tones of pinks, yellows, purples, and peaches. Pairing those mattes with the glitter shades lends an even more pretty, ethereal look that amps up the spring-themed eye look even more. 

Cheeks. A glowy complexion often accomapanies the spring makeup look, so utilizing the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in "Luminous Light" as an all-over subtle face glow along with the Glossier Haloscope Highlighter in "Quartz" offers the prettiest natural, fresh, and healthy-looking effect to the skin. As to blush, I like to extend the pastel theme from the eyes to the cheeks as well, thereby using something like the Clinique Cheek Pop in "Pansy Pop" - a cool-toned pink that borders on lavender, imparting a fresh, youthful flush to the cheeks!

Lips. Finally, to continue the fresh and bright look to the face, bright lips are perfect as a finishing touch. Whether it be a bright-ish lip tint like the Glossier Generation G Lipsticks or a bright, bold hot pink, orange, red, etc., I find that wearing such a statement colour tends to compliment the lighter pastel shades elsewhere on the face and make the face look more alive and cheery. 

What makeup products comprise your spring makeup routine?

Follow

shop this post.*

*Product links on this page are affiliate links.

I find that the transition period between seasons often accompanies a brief makeup routine change as my style and preferences tend to change as the seasons do. Currently, my preferences in eye makeup and lips have changed in accordance to the whole beige trend going on in fashion which I am incorproating into my wardrobe. In particular, I've pulled out the modern classic Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette which I have actually lately more become appreciative of - more than I have ever been. I'm particularly adoring the mustard shades as well as some of "Red Ochre" as a diffused, soft lid shade. Overall, in terms of eyeshadow I'm enjoying the more rustic tones that are still in line with the classic, nude-toned eyeshadow family, yet with a twist. 

I've always had a love/hate relationship with eyeliner, most because I could never get the shape of the liner right; my eyes are quite large and round, so I have always found that a cat-eye flick looked awkward for my eye shape. However, extracting inspiration from Instagram, Pinterest, and from my love of 60s makeup, I finally found a shape that works, i.e. drawing a flick straight from the eye (instead of upwards) and then connecting the tip to the lash line in a downwards slope. The result is a line that actually extends the upper lash line downwards rather than extending the lower lash line upwards. Ever since this discovery, I have been wearing liquid eyeliner, specifically my favourite Sephora Wink-It Felt Liner, every single day I wear makeup. 

     

For lips, I have been almost abandoning bright lipstick (major shock for me!), and replacing it with the nude tones. I just find that coupling a wing liner look with a nude lip looks very classic and elegant. Specifically, I have been enjoying the Tarte Matte Lip Paint in "Birthday Suit" and the Too Faced Melted Matte Liquid Lipstick in "Sell Out". The former is more of a cool-toned lip that you can blot and sheer out for a classic light nude or build up for a dark nude; the latter is more of a dark peach nude that adds a bit more of colour for a nude lipstick. 

What changes have you made to your makeup routine?

Follow

shop this post.*

*Product links on this page are affiliate links.

I've gone through quite a change with my base makeup routine. For the longest time, I was all about the full-coverage, matte look, however, quite recently I've been enjoying the more natural and even borderline dewy look. Of course, I still do like switching it up from time to time, depending on my mood or the occasion. In fact, more often than not, I just apply concealer all over my face with some powder and that's it. However, I also do opt for a more complete routine for whenever I'm need my makeup to last throughout a long day and be more presentable. So, read below for my current makeup routine catered for those who enjoy a natural, yet good coverage makeup base. 

Primer Spray. I've only recently jumped on the Mac Fix+ Prep + Prime bandwagon, but I am glad I finally did. I've recently being spritzing this on my face after my moisturizer, yet before my foundation so that it provides a perfectly moist and smooth canvas to blend the foundation on. The difference is very apparant and even makes my matte foundation less cakey and more skin-like. If you struggle with product clinging to dry patches (like me!), I find that this trick really makes a difference. 

Foundation & Concealer. I've raved about the Maybelline Fit Me Matte+Poreless Foundation multiple times on the blog because it really is my favourite foundation. I love how easily you can manipulate it: using a little gives off a natural, satin finish, while building it up imparts a more full-coverage, matte look. I especially like to apply this with a flat-top dense brush as it packs product right into the skin without any streak marks or leaving any empty patches. Putting this foundation atop the spray and then applying the corresponding Maybelline Fit Me Concealer makes for the ultimate skin combination that isn't too much, but still gives good coverage that lasts throughout the day, especially for my normal skin type. Another tip I always use is applying concealer with a small, yet dense angled brush (left brush in photo) for around my nose to cover redness - the denseness allows the concealer to really buff into the crevices, thereby vanishing the redness completely!

Powder. I've ditched my matte powder long ago (unless I'm particulary oily) and replaced it with the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in "Luminous Light". It's a powder, so it can set the underlying products in place, however it also contains microscopic shimmer particles that give the skin a glorious subtle glow. It's a beautiful finishing touch that plays up the glowy and natural look perfectly. 

What are your makeup must-haves in your base routine?

Follow

shop this post.*

*Product links on this page are affiliate links.

It's Valentine's Day in just a couple of days, so of course a Valentine's Day makeup edit was due. When it comes to makeup ideas for this time of year, the protocol usually calls for pink-infused and shimmery makeup looks. Of course, you could also opt for an entirely different colour scheme or simply incorporate a slight nod to the pink makeup look such as a maroon liner or pink lower lash line. Whatever the style you prefer, here are some of my favourite Valentine's Day-themed makeup!

Eyeshadow. Of course, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette is the epitome of those pinky and berry tones often associate with the holiday. When the shade range works plus the quality being incredibly pigmented and easy to blend, then why look further? Although, if you're like me and you tend to shy away from those intense warm red tones, you can always lean towards the lighter end of the spectrum, i.e. "Buon Fresco" and "Vermeer" - a dusky lavender and a pinky champagne, respectively. That way you get a subtle hint of that berry goodness. 

For an extra oomph to the eyeshadow look or for using it instead of eyeshadow for something simple, the Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow in "Kitten" is an excellent option. The shade is a pink-toned champagne that is shimmery and glossy on the lids (but stay put like cement!). So, you conform to the pink theme, but ever so slightly.

Blush. I wear pink blush almost always, but of course Valentine's Day calls especially for pink blush. Cool-toned pinks in particular can be extra pretty given the "I've just been out on a cold February winter day" kind of look. The Too Faced "Justify My Love" Love Flush Blush is my favourite (see similar - and another favourite of mine - below). 

Lipstick. Finally, the lips. There is a plethora of options: deep and vampy; nudes; pale pinks; or purple. I especially love magenta shades as they are sophisticated since they can be quite deep in tone, but still youthful due to the playful purple hue.

What's your favourite makeup look for Valentine's Day?

Follow

shop this post.*

*Product links on this page are affiliated links.

So, it's finally February! Is it just me or does January always feel like the longest month of the year? Anyway, as we are finally into the second month of the year, that means Valentine's Day is around the corner. Now, personally I'm not an avid celebrator of this holiday, however, I always embrace a nice festive day especially when it involves chocolate. Plus, gift giving is never a bad thing, right? So, I've compiled a gift list* of girly items that you can gift anyone in your life, because love isn't only confined to romantic love! Plus, a "treat yourself" gift is probably due as a reward for getting through the first month of the new year, right? Of course. 

What's your favourite gift idea for Valentine's Day?

Follow

*Product links on this page are affiliated links.

Matte lipsticks are quite controversial now in the beauty community. With the onset of liquid lipsticks, matte lips soon have become synonymous with dryness and discomfort which is why I think that's why glossy lips have now become the popular lipstick choice. However, I've always been an avid wearer of matte lips and I still am because there really does exist matte products that are actually comforable on the lips, whether they are liquid lipsticks or the standard bullet form. So, here's a brief rundown on 4 lisptick ranges that have given me hope that matte and comfort can co-exist. 

         

I'm glad to say that three of my favourites are actually from the drugstore. Firstly, the NYX Matte Lipstick is a great contender as it's richly pigmented and, considering how I have a dark shade ("Alabama"), it isn't even patchy! That's an extra point atop the comforable feel this lipstick has on the lips. I'd love to try more from this range as well!

The Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipsticks by Kate Moss are probably my favourite lipsticks of all time. I own multiple shades from the range ("107" is my all-time favourite lisptick), the one shown is "105". Again, the pigmentaton is amazing across the board: from pinks to nudes to reds and berries. The texture is so comfortable that it's almost undetectable on the lips. Plus, they are super long-lasting that they hardly fade throughout the day. Another similar range from Rimmel is their The Only One Matte Lipsticks which I've heard are also comfortable, yet pigmented matte lipsticks!

The Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balms are terrific in their own unique way as they're a "matte balm" in that they're super smoothing and moisturinzing on the lips that also give off a cooling peppermint sensation, but they also manage to offer maximum impact in colour payoff in a matte finish! The shade swatched is in "Sultry" (and I can attest that their other shades are also equally amazing!)

Finally, the Too Faced Melted Matte Liquid Lipsticks is another gem especially as it's one of those rare liquid lipsticks that are not drying, tightening, nor flaking on the lips. Unfortunately that means that they're not really transfer-proof, but sometimes that's the price you got to pay!

What are some of your favourite comfortable matte lipsticks?

Follow

shop this post.*

*Product links on this page are affiliated links.

I think most of us with brown eyes have had a moment in our life where we desired to have blue, green, or any other coloured eyes. However, to be honest, lately I've really begun to appreciate and embrace brown eyes. There's just something so alluring and mysterious about them - plus, in terms of makeup, you're pretty much safe to wear any colour shadow without worries of any colours clashing with your eyes. Having said all this, there are specific eyeshadow shades that especially ehance brown eyes: basically colours that contrast, yet compliment brown by framing the eyes and making the warmth of them even more viid. Here's a run-down of some of the best complimenting shades for brown eyes: 

         

First off, in terms of colour: blues, greens, and purples. Because they are so different from brown eyes in comparison to reds and oranges, the brown eye colour contrasts against the eyeshadow, making brown eyes pop. Plus, cooler tones would be even more complimentary as, again, it's all about the juxtaposition of tones: cool tones frame the warmth of brown eyes, making the eye colour stand out and become more apparant. Whether you use actual eyeshadows are just a colourful eyeliner for the lash line, using browns, purples, and greens can really enhance your brown eyes. 

In terms of neutral eye makeup, it's important that the eyeshadow doesn't match too closely to the same tone of the brown in your eyes in order for them to stand out. That's why using a light bronze or honey coloured golds can really work as they're lighter than a deep brown and frame the depth of your eye colour. 

Finally, using white eyeliner can make brown eyes pop even more due to the apparant contrast between a deep brown and a stark white which even adds the illusion of larger eyes. Topping it all off with a thick coat of mascara further compliments the look as it plays up the more seductive and mysterious vibe that brown eyes can give.

What ways do you like to use to enhance your brown eyes?

Follow

shop this post.*

*Product links on this page are affiliated links. 

I often find my makeup inspirations in fictional characters, whether they are movie actresses or even characters in a book where I rely on my imagination to conjur up their appearance. I find that portraying a makeup look within a context or story such as in a movie, it elevates the makeup look into more than just makeup and extends it into an entire aesthetic and world that revolves around the makeup. So, I thought it would be nice to showcase one of my favourite looks in cinema history, i.e. French actress and beauty icon Anna Karina. So, as I've been thinking of creating a "beauty icon inspiration" series on the blog, we might as well start off with one of my favourite muses.

If you're not familiar with Anna Karina, she's basically the epitome of '60s French "new wave" cinema and has starred in those cliché French romances. To describe her makeup looks, they're pretty much consistence across her films: large doe eyes with winged liner (more kitten than cat-eye), peachy cheeks,  and subtle peachy or pinky lips. It's basically a balance between looking seductive and innocent which she so masterfully exudes. So, as I will be doing in this series, I will be suggesting modern products that I have in my collection that can be used to recreate her look!
     
First off: the eyes. Anna Karina's signature is definitely that '60s style eye look, particularly her eyeliner that seems to consist off both kohl liner and liquid liner. For the wing, something like the Sephora Colorful Wink-It Felt Liner is perfect as it really ticks off all the boxes: pigmented, smudge- and water-proof, and long-lasting. For the pencil liner that she seems to smudge on her lower lash line, the Essence Long-Lasting Eye Pencil is super rich in pigment and easy to smudge with a pencil brush. Pair this with a white liner in the lower lash line such as the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in "Milk" for the special ingredient to the doe-eyed recipe. You can then apply your mascara of choice or subtle falsies. 

Finally, to emulate her look from "Une femme est une femme", I like to use just a hint of mint eyeshadow on the lids such as the Dior 5 Colour Eyeshadow Palette or NYX Ultimate Brights Eyeshadow Palette.

Anna Karina often pairs the eyes with a peachy blush which is great as it is flattering on all skin tones, plus compliments the pastel blue shadow perfectly. I like to use the peach shade in the e.l.f. Blush Palette as it's not too orange, but balances peach and nude perfectly.

Finally, for the lips, Karina often seems to sport a natural, subtle peach or at other times, a soft bubblegum pink. For the former, Glossier Generation G Lipstick in "Cake" is perfect; for the latter, the Rimmel Lasting Finish Kate Moss in "102" or the Maybelline Color Sensational Powder Matte Lisptick in "Nocturnal Rose" are excellent contenders.

There you have it - a modern recreation of the classic Anna Karina makeup look. Stay tuned for many more of these beauty icon inspirations that I plan on doing in this series! Who's your favourite classic beauty icon?

Follow

shop this post.*

*Product links on this page are affiliated links.

As much as I tend to go for a more complete makeup routine that constitues a variety of products, I do occasionally embrace and enjoy a more easy and natural makeup look especially at times where it's superflous to go for a full face (although I have been one to wear a full face at the grocery store!). For whatever reason, a natural makeup routine is one I like to have in my arsenal which I do think I've finally established what works for me. Here are the products I use to achieve that soft and natural look that still looks like effort. 

       The Skin. For this minimal makeup look, I skip foundation altogether and rely soley on concealer. The Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in particular is perfect for this since the consistency is just right to use all over the face. The payoff is light, yet buildable coverage plus imparts a satin, skin-like feel.

The Cheeks. Just because the look is natural doesn't mean you need to sacrifice some colour and life into your face. A cream or liquid blush and highlighter combination perfectly compliments the natural skin look as it blends and meshes seamlessly in the most natural and believable way. My favourites: Glossier Cloud Paint and Glossier Haloscope Highlighter.

The Eyes. Again, a natural look doesn't necessarily mean you need to skip out on some colour. For eyeshadow, the perfect fuss-free and brush-free shadow is the Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow, particularly in the shade "Kitten" as it's a soft pinky champagne shade that adds some glossy goodness to your lids in the most natural and subtle way. As for mascara, instead of the harshness of a thickening black mascara, the Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara could be a better option as it adds a minimal boost to open up the eyes without being too harsh or detectable.

The Lips. For natural looking lips, settling on lip balm can be a practical option or, if you prefer some colour, something like the Glossier Generation G Lipsticks that give the lips a wash or stain of colour is another option. For the latter, the colour isn't opaque or bold, but gives just a hint of pigment, concluding the natural makeup look perfectly.

What are your staple products in your natural, minimal makeup routine?

Follow

shop this post.*

*Product links on this page are affiliate links.