The body shop brushes review

For months I've always walked past the make-up brushes in The body shop - well the make-up in there in general. I knew that The body shop was good for skincare products and etc but for some reason I have never shown the make-up range any interest. Until of course one of their sales popped up - it was some kind of ridiculous offer where if you spend £50 or more, you can get £25 off. Now that's a bloody bargain. 

I thought I'd finally show some of their brushes some lovin' and got hold of the 'face & body' brush and the 'powder foundation' brush. 

Now here's the verdict:

The Face & Body:
I fell in love with the feel of this. It is super soft and flexible and not too dense. A tad bit pricey for £16! I wanted something of this size for blusher since I have relatively large cheeks, and boy is this is perfect for that job. There's a slightly smaller believable too for those with normal-sized cheeks. 

The powder foundation:
The lady at the make-up section of the store told me I can use this brush for setting my foundation as well as for powder foundation. Now I am not a powder foundation wearer, but recently I have enjoyed using my Ben nye Banana powder to set my face, in particular my under-eyes. Well let me just say that the lady lied. I can't tell you how it performs as a powder foundation brush, but I can say that as a setting brush it pretty much sucks. It is way too dense and not as soft as the face and body. I am probably being a little biased - however I can imagine it to perform good with a powder foundation. It can probably buff the powder into the skin nicely, unfortunately I wouldn't know. I blame the employee!

On an honest note, I wouldn't go back and purchase any more of these brushes again as they are simply too expensive. The quality is amazing and it is said to be cruelty-free which may explain why. However I am still yet to try more brushes such as the real techniques - I see that they are an amazing value for money!


:)

Kylie Jenner-ish makeup look 

Lets face it - Kylie has definitely taken Kim's spotlight recently, with her flawless complexion, defined features, and most importantly her killer lips. Unfortunately some people (like me), don't have amazing cheekbones and defined jawlines, however that is what makeup is there for (Hallelujah!).

         (take no notice of the horrible hair, and yes I was in PJ's so I thought a shawl might help cover it up)

And here are the products used:

I know what you're thinking.. That is a hell of a lot of makeup. No lie, I agree, but to be honest unless you have killer cheekbones, you'll need it for this look. 

For the face i started off with the illamasqua satin primer - this is great if you have dry skin and makes the makeup last for longer. I then buffed in the YSL le teint touche eclat foundation. OMG I am in love with this foundation. It has medium coverage with such a dewy finish! Although to me Kylie's skin looks pretty matte, I personally prefer dewy skin especially for summer and my dry skin. I haven't bought the foundation as my perfect match is between two colours (I am gutted), so for now I mix two samples together (shades BD60 and BD50). I then used the illamasqua concealers to further perfect my skin as I have loads of acne scarring and hideous under eye bags. To get that signature Kardashian glow I of course had to highlight. My current fave combo is the Mac prep and prime highlighter pen in light boost with the YSL touche eclat pen in the shade 3. I draw an upside down triangle under my eyes, a strip along the centre of my nose and also some at the centre of my forehead. The key is to blend all of these products to make it look seamless. I recommend using a beauty blender sponge for this as the dampness of the sponge almost dissolves everything into the skin. But if you are on a budget like I am, invest in the real techniques miracle complexion sponge. I don't usually feel the need to powder, but for this look I would suggest using something like ben nye banana powder to set the under eyes. (mine should be arriving soon hurray!)

For the cheeks I softly contoured using the sleek contour kit in the shade medium. I noticed how Kylie doesn't have any harsh contouring unlike Kim, so I aimed to keep it natural. I blended the heck out of the contour lines with a very old but trusty elizabeth arden bronzer (you probably can't get it anymore but there are many similar in the market).  I also added a touch of blusher to the cheeks using Elizabeth arden berry blush. 

For the eyes I simply used the colour naked from the urban decay naked basics palette in my crease for a tiny bit of definition. I then took some mascara on an angled brush to draw a very thin line on my eyes with a teeny tiny sharp wing. I knew using my gel liner will make my eyeliner too thick like it always does, so I used this trick and it worked. I used the maybelline rocket volume mascara along with Red cherry lashes in #43. 

For the lips It was a kiko smart lipliner in 710 with Mac's mehr mixed with rimmel's nude delight. 

To finish the whole look I used my favorite urban decay all nighter spray and voila!

I chose to throw in a scent just because this particular one is so perfect for summer, and lingers for hours! its Chance by Chanel.

Hope ya'll found this useful! Do comment and let me know if you would like to see more celeb inspired looks :)

Purple smokey eyes

My Eid face - purple smoke

A very late Eid mubarak everyone! Hope you've all had a productive Ramadan and an amazing Eid! I thought I'd start doing some posts showing the makeup I wore and products used, and what better way to start ey? My Eid look wasn't inspired by anything - to be honest it was quite random for me to do a purple/silver smokey eye rather than my go-to browns and neutrals. I wanted to step a little out of my comfort zone this time and experiment a little bit seeing as I wore black (which I believe will look great with any look!). 

I used various products which are mostly available easily, however some eyeshadows used were limited edition (so sorry!) - BUT will include some alternatives (aka dupes) below :). None of the pictures were edited, and was shot using daylight for the best representation of the products used.

Products:

Face:

• Illamasqua satin primer  
• Illamasqua Rich liquid foundation in shade '233'
• Illamasqua Under eye concealer in shade '233'
• Mac prep and prime highlighting pen in 'light boost'
• Sleek face contour kit in medium
• Illamasqua blusher in 'lover'
• Urban decay all nighter setting spray
• front cover rainbow eyes palette - 'biscuit' (mac dupe - 'whisper of guilt' extra dimension highlighter is GORGEOUS but unfortunately is also limited edition. However I did find another dupe - kiko water eyeshadow in 208 which is exactly the same!)

Eyes: 

• Dainty doll concealer as a base 
• Urban decay basics palette - 'naked 2, foxy, crave'
• No. 7 limited edition gift box set - deep plum eyeshadow (mac dupe - 'fig 1')
• illamasqua blush in 'lover'
• front cover rainbow eyes palette - 'biscuit' 
• MUA undress me too palette 'reveal' (dupe for urban decay 'verve' from naked 2 palette)
• Maybelline black gel eyeliner
• elizabeth arden double density mascara
• red cherry lashes #43
• brows: MUA matte brown eyeshadow #19
• kiko skinny fit kajal in #01

lips:

• Mac lip pencil in 'soar'
• Mac lipstick in 'Mehr'
• Rimmel lipstick in 'nude delight'

As always I start with my eye makeup to avoid fall out onto my foundation especially when dealing with dark shadows. I primed my eyes with the dainty doll concealer - any eye primer can be used as long as it provides a semi-sticky base and covers any veins or darkness on the eyes. I went straight in with 'naked 2' as a transition shade from the UD basics palette using a fluffy blending brush. Blending is the key to this look - ensure there are NO harsh lines! next i applied foxy to the brow bone to make the blending process a little easier - so they blended in together. I applied a light peach blusher - illamasqua's lover into the crease to warm up the eye in a very subtle way. Next I added the deep purple/plum shade into the crease gradually and blended away. I added very lightly some of the black shade - crave into the outer crease and blended in with the purple. 'Reveal' from the MUA palette was added onto the eyelid carefully, without the shimmer going all over into the crease. I also added the golden 'biscuit shade' onto the brow bone and on top of my cheek bones as a highlight, as well as in the inner eye corners to bring some light.  I then created a line and wing with the gel liner, added the mascara on top and bottom lashes along with the falsies. To make the eyes pop i added the purple shade with some black on the lower lashline, also with a nude pencil in the water line. 

For the face I contoured with the sleek palette with the dark shade to carve out my non-existent cheekbones, define my jaw, chin and forehead. I highlighted with mac's prep and prime pen in a upside-down triangle shape and blended with a standard kabuki brush I used for my foundation. I added some of the illamasqua blush and highlighted with the gold eyeshadow. Since I have drier skin, I don't use powder - instead I use the urban decay all nighter setting spray to banish any cakeyness. 

I outlined my lips with the pencil and applied the lipstick all over. The 'nude delight' was put in the centre just for a lighter color and a more 'poutier pout!' 

And heres the finished look! 

I have loads of weddings and events coming up soon so stay tuned for more makeup looks. Please bear in mind that I am new to this and I am still trying to figure out how to use this blogging site, so please be patient and show your support :)

necklace: primark 

Much love, Miss anonymous 

xxx

Red Lipsticks! (part 2 of lipstick collection)

Red lips will ALWAYS be in. Its just so classic and there is a shade of red for absolutely everyone. I have a habit of gravitating towards one type of red, which will be shown in this blog post; that is blue-toned reds. For ages I've wanted the famous ruby woo, but I somehow managed to convince myself that I don't need it, and I can find cheaper dupes! whilst I thought I was wrong, I eventually gave in to indulging in the Mac lipstick and found that I indeed managed to find SEVERAL dupes which are much cheaper! Initially I thought SHIT.. But at least if I ever happen to run out of ruby woo, I won't have a sudden urge to repurchase it again.  Nevertheless, I don't regret my purchase at Mac at all.. I think there is something deeply satisfying about going into mac, choosing a lipstick and coming home with it all excited! 

Here are my red lipsticks anyway.. I've also thrown in some red lip liners too which also serve as ruby woo dupes Hurray!

(from left to right: CK sinful, MUA shade 13, manhattan soft mat lipcream in 45h, mac ruby woo, barry m lip liner in 3, jackelin lip liner in l28, MUA lip liner in brooding plum)

Calvin klein delicious luxury creme lipstick (£3)

First of the bunch is this CK lipstick in the color sinful. Its a very slightly darker red, leaning towards a maroon, but its still a red to me. It glides on amazingly, so creamy and smooth, and has a sheen that gradually fades, but still leaves behind moisture. I think the quality of the lipstick is really nice (well it is CK). I believe that these have been discontinued, or repackaged/re-released, as I can't seem to find it online. I bought it from ebay some time ago, and I'm afraid the seller no longer has this to sell. This is darker than ruby woo, and more creamy, definitely not matte as shown by the swatch. I tend to pair this with the mua lip liner in brooding plum, as the swatches show similarities. 

MUA shade 13 (£1)

This is a very bright red, definitely the brightest one of the bunch. It has a glossy sheen to it which I am not too keen of, but it can be blotted down to a matte finish. Application is brilliant, however it doesn't wear well without blotting. I can pair this with either the barry m or the jackelin lip liner. 

Manhattan lip cream in 45h (around £2)

Now this was the first dupe I found to ruby woo. It is a cream that dries down matte, and doesn't feel completely drying on the lips. I came across this on ebay along with various other shades in the range, and it was so cheap that I couldn't not buy it. I would 100% recommend this product as it is great quality and for the price you cannot get a better dupe! This doesn't even need a lip liner in my opinion, as the applicator makes it so easy to apply, but of course you can use the barry m liner which is the exact same color and texture as ruby woo and this lip cream. 

MAC - Ruby woo (£15.50)

This is my all time favorite red. Regardless of it feeling like the sahara desert, My love affair with this bad boy continues and I will always stay committed. I think ruby woo really does deserve the hype. If you are looking to buy a red lipstick I would recommend this one. It suits EVERY skin tone and look flattering with simple eyes or smokey eyes. Honestly, its the matte-est lip product around (which I love). Obviously moisturize before application really well - and I mean it! Exfoliate, moisturize and condition very well before applying this, and you will thank me. The exact dupe I found in a lip liner form will have to be the barry m lip pencil shown in the swatches above. 

Now for the lipliners:

Barry M in shade 3:

You don't have to buy ruby woo, instead get this lip pencil and fill in the entire lips and wa la! This is the SAME color, no more words needed. 

jackelin lip liner

I'm so sorry guys, but I couldn't find this anywhere online. I bought it from abroad and have loved it since. Its very similar to the barry M liner, but is so much more creamy and applies easier. If you can get your hands on this I would defo recommend. The color is a tad bit brighter, but only makeup freaks like me would be able to tell. 


MUA liner in brooding plum

Guys just go and get this now. Its £1 and is such a stunning color. Its a more pinky darker red, and will suit anyone. You can wear it alone all over the lips or combine with a pink, red or if your feeling an ombre a nude lip (just remember to blend with a lip brush). I love this shade, its probably my 2nd fave (after ruby woo of course).

Now its your turn.. Whats your favorite red shades? any recommendations? comment down below, I would love to hear :)

MISS ANONYMOUS 

xxx

Mini Kiko haul!

Theres a first time for everything right? well this was my first time buying a few kiko cosmetics. As many of you might know, kiko is an Italian makeup brand with a few stores around London. The branches I know of are Stratford westfield and London regent street. I happened to be shopping at oxford street a few days ago, and I somehow managed to control myself by purchasing just 3 items! now that is a serious achievement for me. In my opinion kiko products are very reasonably priced, although it seems of high quality - I would describe the prices as drugstore. The only complaint I would have however is about the stores itself. Firstly the lighting is CRAP. I don't know how it makes sense to have dim lighting in any shop to be honest, because I like to see what I'm buying. Other thing is the music - I mean WTF? how am I supposed to hear the cashier at the till speak? The employees are overly polite - but I felt like I was being followed around even though I clearly told them I don't need any help!.. Anyway Enough of me blabbering, here are the things I bought:

from left to right; kiko smart lip pencil 710, 711 and skinny fit kajal in 01

Smart lip pencil in 710 rouge noir - I absolutely love this color! its like a deep darkened plum shade, perfect for the autumn months. It can be worn all over the lips for a super matte lip or can be worn with numerous lipsticks for that ombre effect. I tend to buy a lot of lip liners simply because it can be worn as lipsticks and I prefer matte finishes at most times. 

The second lip pencil I got is in 711 light plum. It comes off as more of a pink to me, with a hint of a plum/purple undertone. I swatched this liner on the back of my hand at the poor lighted kiko store, and it came across something I had been looking for. I wanted this for that signature Kylie jenner lip, but that turned out a complete FAIL. I realised when i got home that this wasn't a good match, but regardless it is a pretty shade to add to my collection. 

The best bit about these lip liners is of course the price! At just £2.50 these are a steal. I think for the price your getting a very nicely pigmented lip liner with intense color that lasts for a decent amount of time. I tend to look for lip liners that are below £5 generally, as to me they pretty much perform the same. However I may be wrong as I am yet to try more higher end liners like mac, bobbi brown etc. 

The third Item I bought was a nude kajal pencil. I got this for purely using inside the waterline to give that wide awake appearance. I currently own a stark white NYC liner which I've been using for a few years, however I've only just realised that it is too intense and can look a tad bit harsh. So instead I picked up this liner, which shows up as white in photos but I promise its not! It was on sale for £4 which is not extremely cheap but I thought I'd give it a try anyway. It comes in a pretty box and is surprisingly very long. It would last me ages! I guess the size of the pencil justifies the price :). I haven't tried this in my water line yet, but it seems good from the reviews I have read. 

I would love to hear from you guys what are your favorite kiko products? Please feel free to comment down below with your recommendations :)

MISS ANONYMOUS 

xxx

Lipstick collection (part one - Nudes & Browns)

What other great way to start than to share with you my collection of lipsticks? Let me confess - I have an obsession with lip products, and always will. I don't know what it is but they just look SO pretty even to look at, and your lips can either make or break your entire look. 

First in this series are my humble collection of the nudes/browns. In other words the more neutral of the bunch. I don't have many, but I hope to grow my collection until I am satisfied (i.e. until I have every color under the rainbow perhaps!). For reference I have a warm tanned medium skin tone (NC35-NC40 in mac).

So in total I have 4 Neutrally shades in my collection:

   (from left to right: rimmel london moisture renew in nude delight, MUA shade 11, Revlon matte lipstick in mauve it over, and Mac taupe).

   (Left to right: nude attitude, mauve it over, MUA shade 11, MAC taupe)

    (excuse the hairy arms :/)

Rimmel London moisture renew in nude delight (£6.49)

This was my first ever nude lipstick! I would describe nude delight as a very pale nude (well for me anyway). Against my NC35-40 skin tone it is not very flattering! It has a very warm orange-y undertone (blends in with my skin) and i am afraid it washes me out when worn on its own. I usually pair it with a brown or pink lip liner, or I apply this on top of another brighter lippy to tone it down just a tad. As for the quality of the lipstick, it is pretty standard really. The longevity is decent, although not brilliant. It applies a little patchy, and as shown by the photo above, it settles into lines! But all in all, its not bad at all considering I bought it for only about £5. Putting aside the ghostly look it can give me, I would rate this a 3/5.

MUA Lipstick shade 11 (£1)

I still remember when I stumbled across the MUA stand in superdrugs, and I was astonished at their amazing prices! At just £1 you really cannot go wrong, and I must say I was pretty impressed - The pigmentation is quite decent; its well pigmented and the color is absolutely perfect for my skin tone. It is a pinky-brown nude, and has a slight sheen which I don't mind (I almost ALWAYS buy mattes). For me this is the perfect everyday color as I would describe it as a 'my lip but better' shade. However it doesn't last exceptionally long, and starts to wear off within an hour, but really I can't complain. I tend to carry around my lipstick anyway, so I can always reapply. For me this is perfect with any look whether it be a dark smokey eye or even just a simple winged liner, this lipstick is a winner!

Revlon matte lipstick in Mauve it over (£7.49)

This is one of my go to shades for everyday (as well as the MUA lipstick). Firstly I love it because it is matte, yet not drying. The color is perfect, slightly more nude that the MUA, but it still doesn't make me look corpsy. I thought it was a little overpriced for a drugstore brand, but its totally worth it, as I have made good use out of it. It also wears quite well, although I may need to reapply few times during the day. 

Mac - taupe - matte (£15)

I ordered this online based on swatches on the internet and was a little nervous about how it would look on me when it arrived. But luckily I fell in love with this! I think its one of those under rated mac lipsticks, but I shall introduce the hype. First of all the color - it is PERFECT - it is a more browny-nude with an very very slight orange undertone. I wanted a darker nude, that wasn't my lip color, or wasn't just a standard nude. This is something that shows up more in photos, whereas the other nudes come out well, nude. The texture isn't too drying, but I would still suggest moisturising beforehand as with any lipstick. It lasts pretty much all day and I probably would have to reapply only once or twice throughout a long day. It looks great with a brown smokey eye or even neutrals, either way, if you are or my skin tone, darker or lighter, anyone can rock this lippy. Now the price; I don't know why, but Mac lipsticks are just forever increasing in price.. however it is definitely worth it as the quality it great, from the longevity, to the sweet scent and the sleek packaging. 

Well there you are guys, let me know in the comments below what are your favorite nudes/browns, I would love to know.. I would also like to hear any feedback of my first blog post and any suggestions of the posts you would like to see? Stay tuned for the rest of the lipstick color series, and thanks for your support! 

M I S S  A N O N Y M O U S

Hi :)

Hi there guys.. welcome to my blog! This is my first ever blog post so please show some support and I hope to share with you all my beauty tips and ideas. Do feel free to leave any comments with questions and I will be sure to answer. Stay tuned for tutorials, product reviews and tips and tricks that every girl must know!

Miss Anonymous 

xxx