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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!
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This post contains gifted items and affiliate links. This does not affect my thoughts and opinions in any way. This does not affect the way you browse or shop this website.
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!
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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.
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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.
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Every month the beauty industry releases a whole new set of products but today I’m focused on the best new makeup in October. As you know, I’m constantly on the hunt for the products to toss and the best beauty products to add to cult classic product status. I know it can be hard to sift through these constant new releases but for your autumn beauty routine I’ve narrowed it down to three must-have beauty products to add to your shelfie as soon as possible. From Chanel beauty’s latest release to a primer that combats pesky spots, you’re going to be falling hard for one of these three!
Chanel beauty products, especially their makeup range is one of those things every chic woman needs in her routine. Their lipsticks have always been a favourite of mine but this season they have released a brand new lip stain with a powder matte consistency. Yes, you read that right, powder. It feels silky smooth on the skin and makes your skin velvety. The matte finish is so on trend for autumn beauty in 2018 and it comes in a fabulous range of colours. My favourite, that I’m wearing here, is ?
When a beauty product is multi-purpose, I’m always more intrigued. The L’oreal x Isabel Marant Wanted Clear Brow and Eyelash gel is one of those products that I have been loving. You can use it to keep your brows in place or you can use it on your eyelashes every day instead of your mascara for a more natural looking lift. Of course, a dramatic mascara like the Hourglass one creates a fabulous effect (my current go-to mascara) but this is more fabulous for every day since it’s natural yet still does what it’s meant to. Instead of looking too made-up you look effortless. Isn’t that what we are all trying to achieve?
We know that I struggle with acne, and recently with a very strong course of retinol my skin has been ‘purging’. I needed something to help me balance the oils on my skin as well as fight those pesky spots. Enter: Cover FX Mattifying primer. The primer is infused with a bit of salicylic acid which is known to fight any pimples, whiteheads and unwanted bumps on your flawless face! It’s also a matte finish which helps to make your skin appear even. You can wear it on its own or you can use it as a base for your make up. A must have for those with acne prone skin like mine since it works on your skin while you wear it.
When packing for a summer holiday, it’s important to switch up your makeup and beauty routine and make sure that you’re packing the best products for your getaway. Some of us prefer to head to the beach completely make-up free, but others are looking to get that perfect natural make up look at the beach. To do that you need the best sweat resistant and waterproof makeup products, which is why I’ve rounded up my current favourites! Here are my five best beach makeup products that you need this summer and why!
If you’re wondering what else is on my holiday packing list, click here!
If you’re looking for a lightweight, sweat resistant foundation that has SPF in it as well, look no further than Perricone MD’s No Foundation Foundation. I’ve spoken about this product multiple times before and I swear by it for a day to day foundation that is light enough to not look cakey. I love that it has SPF 30 in it as well. It’s a great item to put on your face to protect from the sun without clogging up your pores.
Throughout my trip, my girlfriends were asking me what the secret to my shimmery legs was. The answer is the Nuxe Body Shimmer! Every night I would apply this to my legs and my collarbones for a very subtle shimmer to my skin. I love this product because unlike other tinted body shimmers, this one does not leave any stains or marks. This is also a great product to keep your tan looking great once you’re back from your holiday. You can also apply this product to your face and your hair.
When you’re on the beach, the last thing you want is powdery products. That’s why I always opt for liquid-based blush. You also want to keep things as minimal as possible, which is why a multipurpose makeup product is also a great option. This YSL Kiss & Blush is perfect for that flush of colour on your cheeks and a dash of colour on your pout!
I think that if you were to walk out on to the beach with only one item of make up, a statement lipstick is what you need. It’s the perfect way to look put together and summery on the beach without trying too hard. My current obsession (and my go-to for my entire trip) was a mix of two Tom Ford shades. The first is this coral orange shade called Contempt I then tone down this shade with the second nude shade, Public Display.
I hate chipped nails, especially on a beach holiday. Sometimes I dont like to apply shellac to my nails because it can make them weak but luckily Essie Polish is a great alternative. With their amazing top coats, the polish doesn’t chip as easy and lasts much longer! This shade is called At The Helm and is my current summer obsession.
Is it just me or was this week super long? Who’s ready for the weekend, raise your hands! I’m just imaging everyone staring at their screen right now mentally putting their hands up like the emoji! Hah! Enough of my weirdness, this week I’m sharing with you my favourite nail polish (which you all helped me pick out on Instagram!) the prettiest heels, a book that’s been saving me with beauty tips and the prettiest primer for that spring glow!
Scroll down to find out more!
I recently bought this Charlotte Tilbury primer for my mom and her face has been glowing so beautifully with it!
On some days you don’t even need to wear makeup over it! It’s got a gorgeous shine!
I’ve had this book for a little while and I have to say it’s full of super cute tips! Lots of fun to read and also it’ looks so beautiful on your book shelf or on your coffee table!
It’s no secret that I have very acne prone skin, which means I’ve struggled with breakouts and sensitive skin my whole life. For a long time I thought it was just the makeup I was using, and to some extent it was. Certain makeup just works better for sensitive skin than others (I did a whole post about the best foundations for acne prone skin here), but there are a few more things you can do to get rid of acne. Today I’m sharing three beauty and makeup tips to help remedy your breakouts! Once I started to implement these three changes in my beauty routine, I started to see a change! Of course, this came with also making sure I was intaking the right amount of water every day, having my vitamins and eating well. Even so, what you’re putting on the outside of your face is as important as what you’re ingesting! So, here are three things to start doing now to start getting rid of your pimples!
This post contains affiliate links. That just means I make a small commission of any sale made through my website. It does not affect you or the price of any item, in any way!
Check The Expiry Date
It wasn’t until quite recently that I learnt that makeup has an expiry date. If you’re wondering when makeup expires, there’s actually a super easy way to figure out. Just like food products, your makeup will have an expiry date on the packaging. What you’re looking for is the symbol I’ve shown in the photograph here, which will have a number followed by “M”. This means that your makeup will last you for that many months! For example, this lipstick of mine will expire in 18 months. Be sure you aren’t using expired makeup on your face because it can cause some bad reactions if you have sensitive skin like me! Make sure you’re keeping track of this and replacing your favourites as and when you need to!
Clean Your Face Before Bed
I know this seems like an obvious one but I know so many girls who skip over this step! Regardless of whether you’ve put on makeup that day or not you need to cleanse and wash your face before you go to bed! This is to remove any dirt, grime, sweat or anything else that may be on your skin after your day! This is so essential to making sure that your skin stays moisturised and clean without blocking pores and causing breakouts! If you’re looking for a good cleanser, I have a few recommendations below!
Clean Your Brushes!
This is another one that we underestimate! Our makeup brushes are much dirtier than we think. Not only are they lying open catching dust, but they have old makeup on them as well. If you blow your makeup off your brush before applying or dust it off, there’s even a higher chance that your makeup brush needs to be cleaned! Now think about how much dirt you’re putting on your face every time you use that brush! I would try cleaning my brush once a week! This goes for your beauty blender too, which of course comes with its own cleanser! If you’re wondering how to clean your makeup brush, I would soak and wash them in baby shampoo and then leave them out to dry. Make sure that you reshape them while they are damp so they dry in shape! I also have a fabulous brush cleanser that is a foam. You use this on your brushes and it dries almost immediately! I’ve featured anything you might need for a clean brush below!
So, three simple makeup tips to make sure that your makeup stops giving you acne! Will you be trying any of them?
One of the things I love about makeup is how versatile and multipurpose it is. Just because something is made for a specific part of your face, doesn’t mean you can’t use it in a hundred other ways. Take your favourite lipstick for example. Did you know that there are tons of other ways to get the most out of your all-time favourite shade? Today I’m here to brighten up your winter makeup routine and show you how to inject a little bit more colour and fun into your everyday beauty routine. These are my three favourite ways to use lipstick and three ways that you haven’t thought of yet! Trust me, you’ll be walking into spring looking brighter and feeling better once you have these hacks under your beauty belt!
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As A Colour Corrector
Dark circles are something that every girl has and struggles with. You can cover them up with your concealer but most of the time it’s not a clean slate that you end up with, but layers and layers of concealer. What you need is your favourite red/orange lipstick. Our dark circles have a blue undertone. To combat this, you need to correct the colour on your skin by using an opposite colour; red/orange. If you have a fair complexion, I would suggest red. If you are closer to my complexion, go for more of an orange. I use the Chanel Rouge Allure in shade 96. Apply the lipstick on your dark circles using a lip brush. Then dap your concealer on top and blend. You’ll end up with an orange colour correction. You can then apply more concealer on top to blend or foundation! The finished product? Perfectly bright eyes and skin!
A beauty trend for 2018 is matching your eyes and your lips. The runway has been full of pink eyelids to match glossy pink lips. An easy way to get that look is with the Dior Lip Glow. Just apply directly on your eyelids and then on your lips. If you’re looking for something a bit smokier and bolder though, try this. Apply your lipstick of choice on your eyelids and dab so that it starts to blend in. Then, with your fingers or your flat eyeshadow brush, apply your eyeshadow of choice on top and start to blend! What you get is a very smokey and gorgeous colour that has the same tint to your lips! Perfect for girls night out!
A lot of the times I use my lipstick as a blush because the pigment is much stronger and there are so many more fun shades to choose from! Something I love to do in winter and spring is to mix my lipstick with a few drops of my favourite liquid highlighter. The result is a blush with some shimmer! This also lightens the lipstick colour making it more wearable for your cheeks! The perfect way to add some shine and colour to your face! Plus, it stays on much longer than any powder blush!
