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Photos by Alise Jane
I always find that smokey eye tutorials can be so overly complicated. They call for so many different products and so many different techniques but let’s be real for a second. When you’re getting ready for your next holiday party, you might not have all the time in the world to experiment and potentially land up with a black eye look right? That’s why I like to keep my party makeup looks easy but still beautiful and my smokey eye step by step tutorial is no different, in fact, this is my easy smokey eye tutorial. It only requires you to have two products, and you can do it in two steps.
Step One:
Grab your favourite eye pencil and make a super thick line. You want a pencil that is creamy and blendable. I use the Armani eye pencilin either black or brown.
Step Two:
Grab theArmani Sheer Fluidin Shade 10 and pump it out onto your hand. With you fingertips, blend into the eyeliner and spread this around your eyelid. Ta-da, you’ve got a smokey eye! What I love about the sheer fluid is that you can use this in other areas of your face to achieve a natural glow and highlight as well.
Top this look up with mascara for a dramatic look or an extra eyeliner touch up! Would you try this? Comment below with your smokey eye tips!
I have always struggled with very sensitive skin, which means that face masks are not always my best friend. That also means that when I do find a face mask that ACTUALLY works, and I mean really truly does a good job, I stick with it and add it to my beauty shelf. Over the years I’ve been able to create an edit of the best face masks for dry and dull skin, as well as sensitive skin. I have masks that combat acne, masks that exfoliate and masks that are bound to leave you glowing. Here is my ultimate list:
*This post contains affiliate links. This does not affect you in any way. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
I have always struggled with hydrating masks because I find they make my skin way too oily. Too much oil leads to a break out and so on and so forth. That was until I experienced the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask. It’s the perfect level of hydration and gives your skin that instant boost it needs. I especially love using this when I am getting on a flight. Helps combat those post travel break outs.
If you have acne prone skin like mine, a clay mask is a great way to bring everything up to the surface and cleanse your skin. The Boscia mask is great because it’s made of all natural ingredients that are kind to the skin and you can see the results when you peel it off. Super healing and brightening. Also there is nothing more satisfying than being able to see all the black and white heads come out on this mask. Yes, gross I know.
Another fabulous clay mask that I have been using recently. This one tingles a bit when you put it on the skin but it works on two things. It works on the exiting acne and what lies underneath the skin, but also works on brightening the skins complexion.
Like I said, Summer Fridays has really changed my skin game! The R+R mask is another great option from their collection if you are looking to brighten the skin. It is an exfoliant so it takes away any dry and dead skin. Once you wash it off, the oil remains on the skin and moisturises and brightens your skin for the rest of the day. Perfect before big events.
I have always had mixed reviews with sheet masks. Dr. Jaart never worked as well for me as it seems to work for everyone else on the internet! The sheet mask that has genuinely made a difference to my skin is the Estee Lauder repair sheet mask. It repairs the skin while hydrating it and makes a notable difference to your complexion and marks when used over a period of time.
Summer is here people! I repeat, summer is here! Grab your beautiful summer dresses, your favourite hats and let’s get to it! (Don’t forget the rosé) June is an exciting month because I’ll be attending my first ever international press trip with an amazing haircare brand. I cannot wait to learn more about their products and also see the amazing things they do to give back to the environment.
I also will be attending a wedding of two dear friends and I cannot wait to celebrate their love! It also happens to be taking place in a city I’ve never been too so I’m excited to also create some travel related content for you guys and share more on that front.
On a more personal note, I feel like May was a month of emotional growth. I was nominated for the Blogosphere awards under Blogger of The Year. I didn’t win the prize this year but I did feel that the blogger who won truly deserved it. I also felt so honoured to even be nominated so early on in my career alongside people who are so established in the industry. There was so much to take away, and to further inspire me. I can’t wait to keep going and doing more for myself and for you guys.
Another thing that happened this month is that I had a lot of realisations in relation to a topic that I feel really strongly about; diversity. I am not using that word in a buzz word sort of sense and there is so much I have to say about the way it’s being tossed around right now but you’ll have to stay tuned for that as well.
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Whenever someone asks me how to cover up dark circles (which people ask me a lot by the way!) my answer is always the same; you need a really good concealer. I’m not one to wear foundation every day. I usually rely on concealer and a great lipstick which is why having a good one is so important to me especially when I have a day full of meetings, events and shoots. With so many different options on the market, it can be hard to sort through the noise. Luckily for you, as someone who has suffered from acne scarring, spots and dark circles, uneven skin is no surprise to me. I’ve shortlisted some of my favourite concealers of all time that will actually do what any good concealer should do; cover up imperfections! From Charlotte Tilbury to NARS, you’re going to find one you love.
I never thought I could love a concealer as much as I love my NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. It has quickly become a hero product for me, and one that I use almost every day. So much so, that I’ve already bought my second one since first trying it out in March. The consistency is light and easy to apply but the coverage is next level! It doesn’t feel like you are wearing concealer. I can rely on this concealer to instantly brighten my face without it looking cakey or made up. My favourite part about this concealer is how natural it looks and how well it blends with my skin, evening out my skin tone and covering up any imperfections. I literally look flawless!
I wear shade Biscuit
[This concealer was initially gifted to me by NARS for a paid promotion however all thoughts and opinions remain my own]
Not long ago I did a Youtube videoabout this concealer with my true initial reaction. (Should I start my YT up again?) This concealer is exactly what it promises to be, MAGIC. I was shocked at how well it covered up not only my spots but my dark circles. It immediately brightened my entire complexion and it lasts really well through the day. Thanks to its sponge applicator, it doesn’t crease under the eyes when applying, letting you really blend it in.
[This concealer was gifted to me by Charlotte Tilbury however all thoughts and opinions remain my own]
Okay, now this is not strictly the best concealer out there but it is one of the best spot treatments that is tinted. Available in three shades, this new formula from skincare powerhouse, Dr. Barbara Sturm, is all about combatting acne and fighting off redness and spots while covering them up. Although the coverage is not the best and you will need to apply another concealer on top, I still wanted to include this in the list because of how well it fights and heals acne.
Bare Minerals was one of the first makeup brands I ever started using and the fact that I still use them today is a testament to their amazing product. Their concealeris one of my longtime favourites because finding a perfect match for your skin is so easy. A seamless blend into your skin and the coverage is high! I also love that it’s not as expensive as some of the other brands but still does what it promises.
The Chanel concealer is one of the newest additions to my concealer collection but it wasn’t long before it made this shortlist. Just like all the ones I listed above, it’s perfect for covering up imperfections quickly. My favourite thing about this concealer is how lightweight the formula is. It feels like there is nothing on your skin! I love when something is light but still does its job!
Guys – It’s May! Do you know what that means? It means that summer is one day closer and it’s not long before all we are wearing are cute summer outfits, strappy sandals and chic straw bags. Who’s ready? I know I am! Other than spring, summer is my favourite season. What can I say, I’m all about the sunshine! I must admit that I did feel like I was in a funky headspace after my birthday. I felt exhausted and I know that reflected in my content!
This month, I’m back and feeling better and more focused. One of the reasons is because I am beyond touched to have been nominated for Blogger of the Year by Blogosphere! It is the first nomination of my career and I have been nominated alongside some really amazing candidates! You can vote here (and check out their super cool blogs as well!) The ceremony is at the end of this month so fingers crossed!
On a more personal update, it was really amazing to be spend time with my family this past month. I feel like time with family can be so refreshing and can really help me feel a bit more energised and get my head back in the game. With constant changes in algorithms and platforms, it’s easy to start to feel overwhelmed and loose sight of why you started in the first place. This past month I reminded myself that I was here to INSPIRE you with my style and beauty advice; all about that laidback luxe! Which by the way is a term I have seen pop up in a lot of places now! You saw it here first tho!
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This post contains affiliate links but this does not affect you in any way. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
I recently attended a friends destination Indian wedding in the beautiful city of Udaipur. Known as the Venice of the east, Udaipur really is a place that everyone should visit at some point and it’s a place I know I want to visit again. I have been able to attend a lot of Indian weddings and over time I’ve picked up some great tips and tricks for the perfect makeup products when you are the guest at a wedding. What’s important when you’re packing your makeup bag, is using products that are multi-purpose, flattering, and that will photograph well. Sometimes our favourite lipsticks or primers just don’t work for such special occasions, but my checklist is tried and tested and will not fail you no matter what you have planned:
To see how I used all these products to create a glamorous look, check out my IGTV.
Primer: Hourglass
This primer is amazing because it truly helps to keep your make up on your face through all the parties. Indian weddings have many functions and often there is more than one in a day, that starts in the evening and see you partying all the way to the next morning. You need a primer that is going to keep your make up on your face and that is also sweat and waterproof.
Concealer: NARS Radiant Concealer
This is my everyday concealer and it never fails me. I am obsessed with how this concealer has a radiant glowy finish but it also blends with my skin perfectly. The formula is light but still provides the coverage I need, especially under my eyes.
Foundation: Dior Backstage Foundation
I’ve tried and tested so many foundations but at the end of the day, I always fall back on my trusty Dior for a special occasion. It has a more dewy finish and lasts for ages.
Highlighter: Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops: Sunlight
On a daily basis I don’t usually use this highlighter because it’s so pigmented but for special occasions, and especially for photographs, it works wonders. A little will take you very far and you only need to apply on your cheek bones, bridge of your nose and above your lips.
Blush & Lipstick: Code8 Miss Saigon
Multipurpose is key! This pencil is a blush and lipstick in a lovely dusty rose. For some occasions, I even used it as an eyeshadow that I enhanced with my palette. Perfect for on the go touch ups.
Bronzer: Guerlain Terracotta Shade 2
I have spoken about this bronzer so much. I actually use it as a blush to enhance the colour on my cheeks and then on the bridge of my nose for more definition. It’s subtle and natural!
Eyeliner: Chanel Stylo
I love the long lasting formula of this eyeliner and I also like the design of the pen, it makes it easy to hold and easy to draw onto your eyelids. The perfect tip for a cat eye as well! Pro Tip: Place a small mirror on the table and look down into it to be able to see your eyelids properly.
Eyeshadow: Charlotte Tilbury La Dolce Vita
I have a lot of favourite eyeshadow palettes but when I am travelling I always travel with the same Charlotte Tilbury Palette. It has every colour you need to create either a natural look or a smokey eye.
Finishing Spray: Clarins Fix Make-up Spray
I have spoken about this so many times and it is my favourite setting spray ever. It’s good for your skin and makes you seriously glow in a really beautiful fresh-faced sort of way. A must have in my opinion.
A very happy March, and almost spring to you all! Although we all got a taste of spring here in London last month, I’m waiting for the peonies to bloom and the sun to be shining well into the late evenings. I wanted to bring back these monthly updates for you guys as there are so many new readers on the blog, and it’s such a good chance for you to get to know me better.
Last month was fashion week and I got to attend some really special shows at London Fashion Week. I always have a bitter sweet feeling about fashion week here in London. On one hand, there can be a lot of cliques and cattiness between people and what shocks me most is when you see that person who you interact with on Instagram all the time and they blatantly ignore you because you just aren’t “cool enough” in that moment. On the other hand though, I also get to meet a lot of amazing people who inspire me, connect with fellow bloggers who are so sweet and kind and I get to watch the work of designers I’ve admired for years. I have never felt as exhilarated at a fashion week as when I sat down to watch Peter Pilotto this season. I hope that there are going to be only more amazing moments to come that I can share with you guys.
I also managed to meet so many people I admire including Eva Chen and Leonnie. Leonnie is so SWEET! I was blown away by her kindness and how down to earth she is. Another fabulous blogger I got to finally meet and connect with was Bianca. She reminded me that there are still so many amazing ladies out there doing what I do.
In other news, I got ill at the end of the month which was really annoying but it forced me to take a step back and rest. After all we all need to be kind and good to our bodies right? I have a really exciting month coming up and I hope to see you guys here for that!
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I have a gifting relationship with Charlotte Tilbury however I bought the product mentioned below myself. I also have a gifting relationship with Chanel Beauty. I was gifted the Rouge Allure Lip Powder however bought the ? myself. I was also gifted the product from Chantecaille. All thoughts and opinions however remain my own.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I know that in India skin tone is a big deal and there is a lot of emphasis on being “fair”. I know that this is an issue in other countries as well. I just wanted to take a moment to point out that colour does not define beauty. You could be any shade on the spectrum and still be beautiful. I don’t believe that being fairer or darker makes you more beautiful and I don’t think there is anything wrong with the colour that you are now. Embrace it and don’t ever forget you are gorgeous, no matter what colour you are!
As a brown girl, finding the perfect shade of any makeup is no easy feat. One of the things we all want to wear is a beautiful red lip, but when you have a skin tone closer to mine, the line between beautiful and overkill is fine. Brown girls, you know you’ve thought about how to wear red lipstick without it looking too crazy, right? After years of trial and error (including wearing some not so flattering shades…) I’ve found the best red lipsticks for brown girls like me. So, whether you’re looking for the perfect lipstick for Indian skin or the best red for a darker skin tone, you’ve come to the right place.
My list has been narrowed down to the five best. I chose these while keeping a few criteria in mind. Firstly, how well does it really suit my skin tone and girls similar to me? Secondly, have I bought the colour again? Lastly, have I ever received any compliments on it? With that in mind, I was able to pick these five red lipsticks that are perfect for darker skin tones.
I discovered this colour a few years ago when I saw Negin wearing it on an Instagram post. I hopped down to the NARS counter at Selfridges to give it a try and have never looked back. I’ve bought this colour multiple times over the past few years and have recommended it to so many friends. What I love about this one is that it suits a range of skin tones and still maintains that red colour we are all after.
If you’re an OG reader of TSS you’ll remember one of my original brown girl tips; going for a red that is closer to brown is more flattering and achieves the same effect. A colour I always have is Charlotte Tilbury’s, Birkin Brown. I love this shade, it makes a fabulous statement. It’s also a great colour to mix with others to achieve the perfect custom red lipstick. I have previously had a gifting relationship with Charlotte Tilbury but I discovered this shade myself and have always bought it myself.
Some of you may remember my surprise when I tried on this Chanel colour on my Youtube video. I was shocked that such a bright shade of red could actually look this good on a skin tone like mine. Since then I’ve been bold enough to wear it out and have actually received a lot of questions and comments about it. This is great for when you want a really bright and beautiful red.
This product was gifted to me by Chanel however all thoughts and opinions on it remain my own.
If you’re looking for something that is a bit more sheer, good for every day and just adds that touch of colour to your lips, then this Tat Harper lip balm is your new best friend. This particular colour was gifted to me by the brand and It’s quickly become my go to for when I’m rushing out the door but still want a burst of colour on my lips. It’s also super moisturising which makes it perfect for winter.
This product was gifted to me by Tata Harper but all thoughts and opinions remain my own.
This is a new discovery that I made recently at the NARS counter. I’m obsessed with the deeper red tones, which can be built up for a more intense look as well. You’ve seen me mention it a few times on my Instagram stories as well and I’ve been wearing it on repeat! A new must have colour I think.
