Put the Base On

When I first started getting into makeup I didn't even know what an eyeshadow base was, and now I can't live without it. The NYX ones are the first ones I ever got, I think it was Lauren Curtis from lurenbeautyy who was using it all the time that kinda convinced me I needed it. It was quite a while ago though and since then I managed to collect a few good eyeshadow bases, but I decided to post about NYX today as they are my firsts. One of the bases is in the colour White and the other in Skin Tone, you can choose which one you prefer depending on the look you're going for. Skin Tone is much easier to work with as it's pretty invisible once applied but White is better if you're going for a 'brighten up my face/eyes' kinda look. Both bases have great staying power, they keep my shadows in place for ages and ages (10h wear I would say). Thanks to them the shadow doesn't crease or fade throughout the day/night, it also looks more pigmented than on its own. I normally use my fingers to apply it, however that can be tricky when my nails are long but then again, that's not such a big issue is it. NYX Eye Shadow Bases are also one of those products where a little goes a long way, I've had mine for way over a year now (fair enough I don't use them every day) and there is still loads of product left in both. I would recommend them especially if you're looking for good quality at the drugstore.

What's your go to eyeshadow base? Have you tried the NYX ones?

xoxo

Natalia

Hi, Hoola

Well, this one has been talked about for years and years now but I just have to mention it and join the hype, it's one of my favourite makeup products, ever. I was thinking whether to get it or not for the longest time before taking my wallet out, the price tag is quite scary to be honest (£23.50). However, the product lasts forever, I must've had mine for about half a year now and it still looks as if I've barely used anything. Benefit Hoola is one of the brand's boxed powder products, which means it comes in a cool cardboard box with a mirror and a brush. I don't really like the brush though, I think it's useless, I much prefer to use my Real Techniques brushes. Then again, they need to fill the box with something, don't they. Anyway, Hoola is a matte kind of bronzer, which is quite hard to find, most of them are shimmery. It doesn't come out orangey or too dark once applied like loads of other bronzers do and it suits my pale skin so well. I think it would suit all skintones though as its buildable so it's up to you how strong you want the contour to be (yeah, as it's matte it's perfect for contouring too). It's really easy to apply and fells nice and smooth on, it can't be overdone either. There's only good things I have to say about the Hoola bronzer, well maybe except for that pointless brush that comes with it. It's definitely worth checking out, this product is just one of a kind. Nice one, Benefit.

As always I would love some recommendations, especially if you know a good, matte bronzer.

Have you had a chance to try Hoola? Do you prefer shimmery or matte bronzers?

xoxo

Natalia

Drugstore Must-Haves #ColorTattoos

I was never quite sure about cream eyeshadows (just like right now I'm not convinced about the cream blushes), but then I came across these beauties from Maybelline. I'm pretty sure everyone knows about them by now, and it's no surprise - they are so worth the hype they are getting. There's a nice selection of colours available, everyone can find something for themselves - my favourites are definitely Pink Gold and On And On Bronze. Color Tattoos are known for being extremely long-lasting, which they are - I can have them on for 16 hours and they would still be in place, with no creases or fading. The texture of the shadows is soft and smooth, which makes them really easy to apply. They have a nice shimmer to them too, but it's not overpowering, it's just the right amount . You don't need to use too much of the product, you get an opaque look straight away, so the whole pot lasts for quite long too. I've had mine for way over a year and there's still loads of product left. Another good thing about Color Tattoos is that they can be used as a base for powder eyeshadows as well as worn on its own. They are only £4.99/each, I would say it's a bargain for the quality you get. I do want to experiment a little and try out cream shadows from other brands, I was thinking of Bourjois and Nars ones maybe. If you have any good recommendations please let me know, I'd love to know what's worth checking out and what's not.

What do you think about the Color Tattoos? Which one is your favourite?

xoxo

Natalia

Pretty Little Liners

We all know how hard it is to find a good eyeliner, especially a pencil one. I finally did though, and I so wish I went to MAC for it earlier. I got Feline (literally the blackest black I've seen yet) and Fascinating (white). I was looking to use pencil eyeliners mostly for my inner waterline - both top and bottom, I much prefer liquid ones for my eyelids to be honest. And these work so well, Fascinating makes my eyes look bigger and opens them up and Feline emphasizes them nicely (I heard it emphasizes every eye colour actually so, it's a winner). I was using Scandal Eyes from Rimmel before I got these but I don't think I will go back to them any time soon, I'll give it to MAC, they do eyeliners much better. They have a slightly creamy consistency and go on effortlessly and smoothly, they do need touching up every three hours or so though (but three hours is pretty good if you ask me, I tried liners that would disappear after 15 minutes before). And remember to apply setting powder over it, it helps a lot. Fascinating and Feline are also extremely pigmented, have a matte finish and no undertones to them. These are definitely my HG eyeliners and I will re-purchase them over and over again. If you thought about trying them out, don't hesitate, just do it.

What's your go-to eyeliner? Have you tried any MAC ones?

xoxo

Natalia

In Love With Lip Pencils #SoapAndGlory

This is where my lip pencil obsession started, Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Sticks. I got them about a year or so ago and since then I managed to accumulate quite a few lip crayons (especially the Revlon ones). But anyway, not only were these two the first lip pencil products that I got but also my first Soap & Glory makeup. The Gloss Sticks that I got are Nudist (which is a nice beige-y pink with bits of subtle, gold shimmer) and Plum Jam (kind of a cherry pink / plumy pink colour, not really sure how to describe it). Both are sheer and glossy but not sticky. Plum Jam is much more visible on the lips than Nudist and that requires a bit of attention when applying, it's quite easy to draw out of your lip lines. The colour is buildable and it goes on quite smoothly but it needs reapplying every hour or so. They don't dry out my lips, however they are not as highly moisturising as a lot of people say (at least for me they're not). I like that they've got a twist-up mechanism, and the packaging looks really cool. Oh, and they've got a nice vanilla smell to them. They are only £8/each and with constant Boots offers you can get it cheaper in a deal or something. I'm not gonna lie, they are not my favourites but they are my 'firsts' so I still like them a lot.

What's your favourite lip pencil? Could you recommend any? 

xoxo
Natalia