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Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner – Black*

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When it comes to eyeliner, I’m not going to lie, I like it pretty basic. Even though I have a little play around on nights out, for day, I like it super subtle and super black. I also need to to stay put all day long. Since I have the world’s wateriest eyes and a habit of rubbing my eyes when I’m tired, this is harder than it sounds!

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I’ve had a pot or two of Bobbi Brown’s Long Wearing Gel Eyeliner in my collection for as long as I can remember, but it’s never something I’ve really gotten into before now. But, after experimenting with a couple of shades in the Summer collection, and then finding this, along with the Bobbi Brown liner brush in my goody bag from the Edinburgh store opening, pretty much sealed the deal.

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Rather than creating anything too graphic or noticeable, Bobbi Brown’s Long Wearing Gel Eyeliner is perfect when it’s smudged deep into the lash line. It creates a wonderfully naturally looking definition which feels super polished without feeling like it’s too much. Then in the evenings, it’s incredibly easy to ‘glam up’! The consistency of the gel liner is buttery soft, and the colour pay off is insane. I only need a single stroke to achieve a beautifully graphic line.

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner is priced at £19 and is available here (UK) and here (US)

Stila Perfect Me Perfect Hue Fair/Light*

perfect-me-perfect-hue-eye-cheek-palette-fairlight-palette-caseDo you know when you see something and just know it’s going to be great? It’s the best feeling, and one that doesn’t happen too regularly. So, when Stila’s Perfect Me Perfect Hue palette appeared a few weeks back, I got rather excited.

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I fell in love with the packaging first, and it would be hard not to! The compact is sizeable enough to hold five good sized shadows and two blushes comfortably, and it’s a stunning brushed gold. The lid is also covered in a self-coloured leopard print which is just adorable!

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The Perfect Me Perfect You palettes are available in three colour ways – Fair/Light, Medium/Tan and Tan/Deep. I was sent the lightest option, and for my colouring, it’s perfection.

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Fair/Light is the most perfect mix of cool, blue toned pink, and slightly warmer peaches. If you’re looking for a palette that’s going to leave you looking natural and groomed – this is the compact for you!

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The Perfect Me Perfect Hue palette is a real lifesaver in the mornings! It takes the guesswork out of makeup, and I love the fact that each product serves a purpose (which Stila have helpfully included on the base of the compact).

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Working from the top, I cover my entire lid, all the way to my brow bone in the base (top left) using a fluffy brush. Then, I buff the highlighting shade (top centre) into my brow bone and in the inner corner of my eyes. It’s seriously brightening, and it eradicated the damage done by late nights! I then buff in the taupe (top right) into my crease, making sure that there are no harsh lines. Then the fun begins! Using my ring finger, I then pat the centre glitter shade onto my lids. I’m obsessed with the texture of the shadows. They’re all buttery smooth, with wonderful colour payoff, and they are perfectly bendable. To finish my eyes, using an angled brush, I smudge the deep chocolate brown into my lash line, making sure it’s not too harsh a line.

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Then, once I’ve applied my bronzer, I swirl a little of the peachy blush from my cheek bones up to my temples, then add a little pop of the blue pink blush to the apples of my cheeks. The formulas of both are just dreamy and add a believable glow (which is very necessary on these dark mornings!) which lasts all day. I’m so glad that I’ve discovered this little gem – I’m currently contemplating which bits and bobs to take with me on a few trips I have lined up, and I know this one is coming with me!

Stila’s Perfect Me Perfect Hue Palette is priced at £28 and is available here (UK) and here (US)

Lancome Grandiose Extreme Mascara*

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When it comes to mascara, I want three different things. I want it to be super black, very lengthening and give a huge whack of volume. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but I’m pretty hard to please, and rotate between a trio of favourites in a daily basis, so, when the newest offering from Lancome popped through the letterbox, I was seriously excited – their Hypnose (this one) is one of my favourites, so I had high expectations!

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First off, I absolutely fell in love with the packaging. The Grandiose Extreme mascara is an updated formula of 2014’s Grandiose mascara, and the packaging is a take on the predecessor too. Matte black plastic looks absolutely beautiful – and I’m in love with the curvaceous shape – it just feels lovely to hold, and makes applying my mascara in the mornings an absolute joy!

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Like the original, it also has the rose-encased lid. It’s just so pretty, and looks like it should be in the new Beauty and the Beast film!

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The Grandiose Extreme has the same swan-neck brush as the original, and a plastic bristled brush head. Honestly, I was a little concerned about the brush, as typically I prefer big bush ones which sweep through lashes. But honestly, I shouldn’t have worried!

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The brush slips through my lashes like a dream, and I can’t tell you how dark the formula it is! Lancome claim that the Grandiose Extreme has ultra black pigments, and I have to agree! This isn’t a formula for days when you want to look fresh-faced and natural. This one, in a single coat, makes lashes super-black, and makes them look miles long – it’s dramatic; it also adds a wonderful amount of volume! I just adore how the effects last all day too – there isn’t a hint of smudging or flaking, just perfect lashes, all day long!

Lancome Grandiose Extreme Mascara is priced at £25.00 and is available here (UK) and $32 here (US)

Urban Decay XX Vice Reloaded*

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Whenever Urban Decay release a new palette, it’s almost as if you can hear the world’s intake of breath. There have been a couple lately, and I got my hands on the brand new XX Vice Reloaded Palette, and spoiler alert – it’s a good one!

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Packaged in a slick black compact, complete with jewelled logo, XX Vice Reloaded is something special to behold. It’s big, weighty thing, with a push button which releases the spring-loaded lid. I just love it, and it looks incredible. There’s no doubt about it, this palette is all about celebrating the best of Urban Decay!

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Inside there are 20 shades (to celebrate 20 years of the brand), some new, some classic, and some re-releases, as well as a double ended brush, and a huge mirror. At first I was a little daunted by the shades selection – there are some true jewel colours in there – particularly ones like Acid Rain and Asphyxia which are just breathtaking. But there is also a great selection of neutrals in there too! Perfect for using on a more regular basis.

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The beauty of XX Vice Reloaded is in it’s adaptability. Day looks revolve around the colours Suspend, Shallow and Midnight Cowboy. They’re a mix of matte and satin finish shades, which provide a subtle wash of definition without looking too dramatic.

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In the evenings, I’ve been smoking everything out with shades like Oil Slick, Smog, and Twice Baked. As we’ve come to expect from the brand, Urban Decay’s XX Vice Reloaded’s shadows are buttery smooth and apply like a dream. I’ve noticed that the matte shades do seem to have the very best colour payoff, whilst the shimmers and glitters are a touch sheerer, so when I want a really vivid look, I apply using a dampened brush.

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Like most of the brand’s palette, this one comes with a double-ended brush which is surprisingly useful. I just love that Urban Decay include real tools in their kits, rather than the usual sponge applicators which I throw out immediately!

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Since both ends have quite long and fluffy bristles, it’s a good tool for creating subtle blended looks – and what more can I ask for in the mornings?!

Urban Decay XX Vice Reloaded is priced at £43 and is available here (UK) and here (US)

Lancome Grandiose Liner*

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If there is one makeup trend which I would kill to master, it’s the cat eye. No matter how big or subtle it is, a quick flick of black immediately makes you look seriously pulled together, as well as giving you some of that French je ne sais pas which I’m sure we’re all after!

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So when I caught sight of Lancome’s brand new Grandiose Liner, I knew I had to get my hands on it, to finally perfect my feline flick. Thankfully, Lancome have made it so easy with their brand new Grandiose Eye Liner. Available in a range of three colours (there is also a navy and a brown) the cap of the liner bends and twists to allow you to feel as comfortable as possible using it.

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I like to crick the cap a little to the right so that it nestle snugly into my hands, and then I get to work. Although I love a dramatic eye look, I have quite mastered mine yet. Instead, I focus the super thin brush along the lash line, finishing in a tiny little flick upwards – a kitten, if you will!

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The formula itself is silky smooth and incredibly black. It just glides onto lids, meaning your lines can stay beautifully sharp. It also dries incredibly fast, meaning I don’t need to worry about smearing or smudging before applying a flick of mascara. It dries down to a perfectly matte finish, and it stays in place for hours!

Lancome Grandiose Eye Liner is priced at £23 and is available here

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