Tutorial : Smokey Blue Cat Eye

Today I have another video to share with you all, it’s a full length tutorial for the Smokey Cat Eye that featured in my 3 Ways To: Liquid Liner #3 post. This look is perfect for anyone with small or hooded eyes like myself, as it will help to elongate and widen them. 

I loved putting this look together and I hope that you also enjoy watching this little tutorial. Hopefully it will provide you with inspiration as to how to play around with your LORAC Pro Palettes at home. I really wanted to create a dramatic eye that was still wearable. I loved playing around with the navy shade to create a subtle blue undertone and think that this will especially look gorgeous on any blue eyes to make the colour pop!

I would love to hear what you all think, either in the comments down below, on the video or you can message me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. What looks would like to see me create next?

Devon

xoxo

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Makeup Hack #3 : £5 Beauty Blender Alternative

This Makeup Hack instalment is perfect for any makeup lovers Ballin’ On’A Budget. I am a huge advocate that anyone can achieve a flawless complexion, regardless of your spending limits. It is simply the case of knowing how to use your products to get the most out of them. I know I'm not alone in my obsession with the Beauty Blender; a fuchsia pink sponge that creates an immaculate, seamless coverage. However at £16 a pop, for many it will seem an expensive investment of better spent money. Well, I have a £4.95 alternative for you as well as a little trick that I have relied on for years to seamlessly apply my makeup.

No7 Flawless Finish Sponges

I invested in this little duo on a whim in Boots one day, needing to spend a couple more pounds to earn the free gift that No7 was offering. I quickly spied the cheapest item on the shelves, grabbed it and ran to the checkout thinking nothing of it. Little did I know that this pair of sponges I had mindlessly picked up would become my favourite foundation applicator.

(This sponges are clean! Just stained, but I hope this is a sign of how much I have loved and used them!)

These sponges are amazingly soft, smooth and apply your foundation seamlessly to give the appearance of a second skin. Even better, with my little trick for less than a fiver you will end up with four makeup applicators and the versatility of three different types of application.

The way I use them is to tear (not cut) each sponge in half so that you are left with 4 sponges each with three different sides for applying your foundation. The pointed end of the sponge is perfect for precisely blending in concealer around your nose, blemishes and under your eyes. The smooth side is ideal for pushing the foundation into your skin. Finally, the rough end that has resulted from tearing the sponge creates the effect of a stippling brush and it is my favourite way to apply product for a seamless finish.

To use these sponges, I first ensure that they are entirely soaked in warm water. I run them under a tap, squeeze out the excess water and repeat this three times before patting it dry with a towel. It is then ready to use and the warm, slightly damp sponge will help your makeup to blend flawlessly.

I would recommend these sponges to anyone; whether you are looking for an affordable way to improve the appearance of your foundation or want to experience using a sponge applicator before investing in your own Beauty Blender. I hope this helps anyone loving makeup on a budget and I would love to hear what you think.

Devon

xoxo

Previous Makeup Hack Posts:

#1 : Long Wearing Lips

#2 : The Perfect Brows

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Skincare : The Lip Balms I Swear By

I have always found lip balms to be a confusing little product. The idea of a layer of moisture to hydrate cracked lips is a winning feat, although this is rarely the case. Many balms I have tried create a smooth sheen that quickly wears away and my lips are left feeling drier than ever. This is why I have found them to be a slight gimmick; purchased for their attractive, berry themed packaging rather than their ability to improve the condition of your lips. I have built a collection of countless half-used tubes and a reluctance to ever invest again. I have only ever found two balms that, for a purse-friendly fiver, actually improve the texture of my lips and I am excited to share with you both an old favourite and a recent discovery.

1. The Body Shop Aloe Lip Treatment

This has been a long-standing member of my skincare and a product that I continuously repurchase. Rather than a gimmicky tube of strawberry flavoured balm; this is a clear gel that cushions your lips and leaves a layer of moisture that lasts throughout the day. The thing I love the most about this balm is that, even after the initial swipe of moisture has faded, my lips are left feeling soft and nourished. 

This balm is priced at a mere £5 and is specifically made to provide a gentle hydration for very dry, sensitive lips. It is non-greasy and simply creates a smooth barrier to hydrate and protect. I would recommend this to anyone who struggles with chapped, sore skin as after only a couple days of using this I noticed a dramatic difference. My lips were plump, velvety soft and this is now a permeant addition to my skincare routine.

2. Tropic Lip Love Balm

This is a more recent discovery of mine that I was tempted to test out after falling in love with the Tropic Skincare line, which you can read an entire review on here. This is again priced at £5 and is enriched with 100% natural ingredients. Among the stars are Shea and Cocoa Butters, Carrot Oil and Vitamin E; all of which promote softer, smoother skin by aiding to repair and protect.

As this product does create a slight orange tint to your lips, I prefer to wear this overnight. A little goes a long way and I like to apply a generous layer before I go to bed. I wake up in the morning and this miracle formula has entirely absorbed into my lips and they feel amazingly soft.

A bonus of this product is that it is a multi-purpose nourishing balm. Not only can it be applied to your lips, but also to your nail, cuticles, elbows and heels to provide deep hydration for all and any rough patches of skin.

I hope this little suggestion of two amazing and affordable lip balms helps you to find a product that actually works. I use to struggle a lot with dry, cracked lips and now they are soft, plump and pain free. I would love to hear what you think. Let me know the lip balms that you have discovered that improve the condition of your pout!

Devon

xoxo

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3 Ways To: Liquid Liner #3

This is the third, final and slightly late instalment of my 3 Ways To: Liquid Liner series. Due to a few technical difficulties as well as problematic skin that is rejecting all makeup, this third look is up a tad late. Although it is worth the wait as I am here to share how I wear liquid liner for an intense Smokey Cat Eye. If subtle and sophisticated is more your style then read my previous posts #1 The Hepburn Way and #2 Bold Lips and Bold Liner; two wearable looks with a feline flick at centre stage.

3. Smokey Cat Eye

I have always been a lover of a smokey eye as it can be tailored to suit all and any. They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul and so I like to make mine the centre of attention by adorning them in smoked out shadows. As a girl with small eyes, I always gravitate towards a cat eye as it is the perfect trick for elongating and creating the appearance of wider eyes. I achieve this with my shadows but I also like to throw in a bold, black liner for a dramatic finish.

After priming my lids, I start this look by taking the shade ‘Nectar’ from my LORAC Pro 2 Palette on a MAC 217 brush and swiping this through my crease. This is a peachy, matte nude and creates the perfect transition shade. I then take ‘Slate’, a cool grey shimmer with a slight blue undertone from my LORAC Pro Palette and pat this onto the centre and outer corner of my lid. I apply ‘Navy’ from my Pro 2 Palette to the outer half of my lid; through my crease so that it is sitting just above where ‘Slate’ ends. I then use my MAC 217 brush to blend these colours seamlessly into one another. 

The Navy shade instantly captured my attention when I first bought this palette and I couldn't wait to create a look with it. I love the subtle blue tone of this smokey eye and think that it is a little different, yet still entirely wearable, to your standard bronze or grey shades.

To add more definition to my outer corner, I take the matte ‘Black’ shade on a smudge brush and apply this along my upper outer lash line and draw a triangle. I drag it up to create a wing that ends just before the bottom of my brow and then back down to the mid point of my lash line. I fill this in with the black eyeshadow and then use my MAC 217 to blend this into the other shades.  

I add the ‘Silver’ shade from the Pro 2 to highlight my inner corner, I also apply this to the inner third of my lid and run it along the inner half of my lower lash line. I finish of the shadows by running both the shades ‘Navy’ and ‘Black’ along the outer corner of my lower lash line and blending this out and up with my MAC 217. 

I create my feline flick using my Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner. I start out by drawing a thin line along my lashes and then up along the edge of the shadows where I want my wing to lie. I gradually build this up to create a bold, heavy liner that perfectly elongates my eye and draws attention to my outer corner. For a step by step guide on how I apply my liner then see my previous post here.

I finish off by applying three of my Ardell Individual Lashes to the outer corner of eyes and then plenty of my favourite drugstore mascara; the Revlon Lash Potion. These dramatic lashes are the perfect addition to a smokey cat eye and I love the flared out effect from having the individuals on the outer corners. If you struggle with lashes then read by Beginners Guide for my top tips. I opt for a nude lip to keep the focus of this look on the eyes and swipe on my favourite Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate in the shade 03; the perfect balance between a pink and brown toned nude. 

I hope you enjoyed this final instalment and that this mini 3 Ways To: Liquid Liner series has inspired you. I would love to know what you all think as well as whether you would like 3 Ways To: to become a permanent feature on my blog. 

I really enjoyed putting this mini collection of looks together and would love to hear all about your favourite ways to rock a feline flick. 

Entire step by step tutorial for this look

Devon

xoxo

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The Products I've Used Up #1

Does anyone else ever find themselves questioning whether all their beauty products conspire to conveniently run out at the same time? I found myself wondering this as within a week my beloved haircare, skincare and makeup products reached the end of their life. With payday not yet here, rather than mourn the loss of my beauty items I decided to take the opportunity to write my first empty products post. As someone who loves putting new products to the test and so often ends up with drawers filled with half used items; I am excited to share those that I loved enough to reach the bottom. 

1. Haircare

As someone that prioritises looking after their locks, I have managed to work my way through two leave-in treatments, two hair oils and my favourite shampoo and conditioner. I am sad to see both my Lee Stafford Hair Growth Leave-In Treatment and Label M Protein Spray reach the end of their life. I have frizzy, weak hair that is constantly tangled up in knots and so a leave-in spray is an essential part of my routine. I will feel at a lost without either of these when I am battling a brush through my freshly washed locks. 

I am a huge advocate that a hair oil is essential for keeping your hair in the best condition. I always run an oil through the mid-length and ends of my hair after I have washed it and before any styling takes place. This protects against heat, prevents split ends and leaves your hair feeling soft, thick and looking healthy. A good hair oil doesn’t have to break the bank and two favourites of mine are the Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil and dr. organic Hair Treatment Serum. Both of these are purse friendly and last forever as only a sparing amount is needed to restore shine and achieve silky soft ends. 

A more recent yet permanent addition to my haircare routine are the L’Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Shampoo and Conditioner. I simply cannot rave about this duo enough and I have already repurchased the pair. They smell amazing and leave my hair noticeably soft and incredibly nourished. Unlike most products aimed at conditioning dry hair, my hair is not left feeling weighed down and limp but is volumised with a lustrous shine. For anyone else struggling with lifeless hair then read my 5 Steps to Luscious Locks.

2. Skincare

Anyone that has been reading my blog will know by now that I recently discovered and fell in love with Tropic Skincare; a 100% natural, vegan and cruelty free line of products that you can read a full review on here. Sadly my Tropic Vitamin Toner has been the first of my collection to reach the end of its life, perhaps because I have been seriously over spritizing. I use it not only after I moisturise but whenever my skin needs a refreshing pick me up throughout the day.

I am also on the final dregs of My Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water and will without a doubt be repurchasing this. The massive 400ml bottle lasts forever and a few drops on a cotton wool pad will instantly dissolve all traces of eye makeup without irritating my sensitive skin. This is a great more affordable and accessible alternative to the coveted Bioderma. 

3. Makeup

I am sad to see my Max Factor Clump Defy Mascara completely finished off and my collection feels incomplete without it. This is the perfect daytime mascara as it creates amazing length and volume without clumping and looking unnatural. This is one of my favourite drugstore brands and one that I will be running out very soon to replace.

My final empty product is the L’Oreal Paris Nude Magique Blur Cream and sadly this is one that I don’t think I will be repurchasing. I was hoping that this would be a great dupe for the Benefit Porefessional however, whilst the appearance is the same, performance wise it failed to meet my expectations. The consistency is not as smooth as the Porefessional and I am suspicious that this pretty lilac tube is only half filled. I was disappointed with the speed at which it ran out especially considering that I only use a pea-sized amount at a time. I would rather pay more for the Benefit primer that performs better, applies seamlessly and lasts five-times longer.

That’s it for my first ever and rather lengthy empty products post. I would love to hear what you all think in the comments below as well as the products that you have recently used up. You can also message me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. In the mean time I will be planning a rather needed and expensive trip to my nearest Boots!

Devon

xoxo

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3 Ways To : Liquid Liner #2

This is part two of my 3 Ways To: Liquid Liner series; a round up of my favourite ways to wear a feline flick. Yesterday was dedicated to the hollywood icon that is Audrey Hepburn and her infamous cat eye. If a backdrop of pink and mauve eyeshadows, a nude lip and flushed, pale skin is more to your taste then read post #1 The Hepburn Way. Todays instalment however is all about paring bold liner with an equally bold pout.

2.  Bold Lips and Bold Liner

As someone that use to steer clear of any dark lipstick out of fear of looking tacky rather than classy; I learnt the right way to wear a bold lip and now my collection is rammed with bright shades. One of my favourite looks is to pair a red pout with a feline flick. I love the simplicity of each and think that, when paired together, it creates a classic look that would look gorgeous on anyone.

I again use by Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner for this look. I love the felt tip style as I find it makes drawing a precise line so much easier. I would recommend anyone who struggles with perfecting that dreaded flick to invest in this pen. 

Once my liner is in place, I apply generous amounts of my favourite Benefit They’re Real! mascara to help create full, long and volumised lashes. I then fill in my brows with my Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in the shade ‘Brunette’. This has become an essential part of my routine as it creates the perfect natural, yet full brows. 

For the bold lips, I chose to wear a true red with a slight orange undertone in a matte finish. You can opt for any shade that suits your own skin tone, although I love the retro look wearing a matte red creates. I am wearing the Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in the shade ‘Standout’, which creates the perfect velvety finish without drying out your lips. For my tips on how to create the ultimate long-wearing bold pout read my Makeup Hack #2 post. 

I hope you all liked this mini tutorial and are enjoying my 3 Ways To: Liquid Liner series. I love this look and it is one that I wear constantly. It is the perfect way to look as though you have made an effort and spent more time on your makeup than you really have. To learn exactly how I apply my liner for a flawless flick then read here or you can read my Top Drugstore Red Lipsticks to help you find the perfect bold lip on a budget.

I would love to know how you like to wear your liquid liner in the comments below or you can message me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Thanks for reading!

Devon

xoxo

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3 Ways To : Liquid Liner #1

I am a girl that loves her liquid liner; a simple yet classic look that will look stunning on any eye shape. I often adorn a feline flick and think that (although a rare achievement) no feeling beats the satisfaction of seeing two crisp, evenly drawn cat eyes. I love the versatility of liquid liner and I am here to share my three favourite ways to wear a bold flick. 

1. The Hepburn Way

A series of the best liner looks would be incomplete without mention to the iconic Audrey Hepburn, a woman known for her wide doe eyes often adorned by the perfect feline flick. This has always been a favourite look of mine and one that I frequently recreate although, no matter how hard I try, I am definitely no Holly Golightly. 

Soft, pale pink shadows with a slight shimmer and a defined crease play the backdrop to this flick. I found the perfect shades tucked away inside my LORAC Pro Palette. I started by dusting 'LT. Pink' over my entire lid and then applied the shade 'Mauve' through my crease. Both of these are matte and create the perfect, subtle base for your liner. I finish by adding a slight shimmer to the centre of my lid by patting on the shade 'Champagne'. This helps to brighten up your eyes whenever the light catches your lid.

I then draw on my liner with my faithful Stila Stay All Day and apply my favourite Revlon Lash Potion Mascara, which adds amazing volume and length without clumping. 

In true Hepburn style, this look would not be complete without a pair of bold brows. I use both my Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in 'Brunette' and DipBrow in 'Dark Brown' to build up a full, yet natural looking finish. I also keep this eye look top heavy with only a small amount of mascara and no shadow or liner on my lower lash line.

I finish by adding a soft, creamy lipstick and found Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Satin Lipstick in the shade ‘The Missing Pink’ to be the perfect fit for this look. Audrey Hepburn was known for her pale skin and slightly flushed cheeks, so I skip the bronzer and simply stipple on my Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blusher. 

I hope you enjoyed this first instalment of my 3 Ways To : Liquid Liner series and you find inspiration for the next time you attempt to perfect a feline flick. Be sure to follow my blog so that you don’t miss out on the next two liner looks that I love. 

For all my tips, tricks and method for applying liquid liner see my previous tutorial here or read here for my favourite high-end and high-street liners. I would love to know what you think in the comments below.

Devon

xoxo

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Tutorial : My Spring Face

As Winter finally draws to a close, I can feel Spring edging its way a little more into each day. The days are getting longer, the evenings lighter and I can see the first signs of daffodils underneath a bright, blue sky. I love this time of year; one for celebrating new beginnings. As I start to switch up my jacket choices, my makeup routine also undergoes a spring clean to create a fresh face for this new season. For Spring I like to opt for a light, dewy complexion and for brighter pink or coral lipstick shades over deep berry tones. I am excited to hopefully inspire you with my makeup routine for the perfect Spring Face.

Youtube Video - Tutorial 

This time of year I love to wear a lighter foundation for a youthful finish. My perfect choice for this is the L’Oreal Lumi Magique, which contains light infusing particles and creates the perfect ‘lit from within’ glow. Next I use my favourite under-eye concealer, the Rimmel Wake Me Up; a creamy, light formula that perfectly brightens up your eye area. Lastly I add any extra coverage to blemishes with my Collection Lasting Perfection and dust a light translucent powder down the centre of my face. Both of these add coverage without caking and looking unnatural. 

Moving on to eyes, I start by swiping the Estee Lauder Shadow Paint in the shade 'Halo' over my lid to create the perfect base and I then use shades from my Stila 'In The Light' Palette. This palette has the perfect rose gold shades for Spring; I use 'Bliss' over my entire lid, 'Sunset' on my outer corner and 'Kitten' on the centre of my lid. I also use the chocolate brown eyeliner that accompanies this palette to tightline my eyes and along my lower lash line.

I finish off my eyes by adding plenty of my Revlon Lash Potion mascara to my lashes and I fill in my brows with my Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in the shade 'Brunette'. 

I add slight contour to my face with my Tropic Sculpting Palette in 'Blush' and add a natural, rosy flush to my cheeks using my Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blusher in the shade 'Soft Pink'. I finish by adding the rosy-pink highlighter from the same Tropic palette to the tops of my cheekbones. 

Only a bright lipstick would be fitting to complete a Spring inspired look and so I chose to use my Revlon Moisture Lip Stain in the shade 'Rio Rush'. 

I hope you enjoyed this Spring tutorial and my first ever video! I think I shall make seasonal looks a permanent feature on my blog as I really enjoyed putting this together. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Devon

xoxo

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Haircare : 5 Steps to Luscious Locks

As a girl that has always dreamed of a ponytail worthy of Disney Princess status, I am constantly trying to keep my locks in the best condition possible. I struggle with fragile hair that seems to be constantly shedding; however I have a few tricks that I use to keep my hair nourished, thick and looking healthy.

1. Clean and Condition

Good hair all starts with a good shampoo and conditioner. I am currently obsessed with the L’Oreal Paris Elvive Triple Resist; specifically made to strengthen weak hair from root to tip. This is an amazing duo, not only is my hair left smelling amazing but it is soft and thoroughly nourished without feeling weighed down. I would recommend these to anyone with limp hair looking to add thickness and strength as this is the perfect starting point for improving the condition. 

2. Detangle and Protect

I leave my hair up in towel after I’ve washed it and instead of rubbing, I gently squeeze sections at a time. I then always use a conditioning and protecting spray. A long-time favourite of mine is the Lee Stafford Hair Growth Leave In Treatment; a leave-in conditioner to strengthen and encourage growth by feeding your hair a powerhouse of follicle-fuelling proteins. It is a lightweight spray and leaves my hair feeling incredibly soft and thick.

3. Tangle Teaser

I never brush my hair when in the shower as this is when it is is at its weakest and most prone to falling out. I simply smooth the conditioner through with my hands. I then use my Tangle Teaser Aqua Splash to brush my towel dried hair after I have sprayed it with a leave-in treatment. This brush helps to gently detangle without ripping my hair out; like I often find when battling with a normal brush through my unruly mane. 

4. Nourish with Oil

I have always been an advocate that the secret to good hair is a good oil. This doesn't have to break the bank, the Organix Extra Strength Moroccan Argan Oil has been a constant favourite of mine and is entirely affordable at just £6.99. I love adding this through the mid length and ends of my hair after I have brushed it. This leaves them feeling soft, protects against damage and I now have thick rather than split ends. 

5. No Heat

The final step I take in protecting my hair, is using as little heat on it as possible. I allow the majority of my hair to air dry and then use a hairdryer on the lowest setting to style around my face. I rarely use my straighteners these days and if I do it is only on small sections where my hair has dried in its signature awkward wave. I do not need to worry too much whenever I do use heat as the conditioning spray and oil work wonders as a protectant. 

I hope this handful of hair care tips help anyone else struggling with unruly locks. I would love to hear how you care for your hair in the comments below. You can also get in touch over Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Thanks for reading!

Devon

xoxo


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