How to: Deal with those dark circles

We've all been there; after hitting on "snooze" three times, it's time to rip yourself out of bed to rise and shine...ha, ain't easy is it? Early mornings are bad enough without having to helplessly stare at those nasty multicolored dark circles and deep bags under your eyes in the mirror. It is safe to assume  that most of us will need some serious help in the dark circles department daily, whether you had a late night, you're stressed out or aren't eating/drinking what you should - truth is, it's hard for everyone to get 8 hours of sleep every night anyway.  Some are lucky enough to have very few dark circles or bags - I myself do not to have to deal with bags as you can see on the above picture. May I also add that this same picture was taken this morning, as I am still on spring break, and after no less than 9 hours of sleep. I know. Trust me, you don't want to see what my dark circles look like on a regular morning, with or without bags. I'm so acquainted with the zombie eye-look that I have now developed and learned about a few techniques that I use on a daily basis - little tricks that help me look somewhat human again. Nothing ground breaking, but I thought I could share anyway.

PRIME

The priming step is crucial to me, whether it is for you face before foundation, eyelids before applying eyeshadows, or your under-eye area. You may not need any foundation primer or eyeshadow extender, but you should take the time to care for your eyes. The skin around your eye is much thinner that the rest of your face, which is primarily why you should use a separate moisturiser and invest in an eye cream (although that is controversial; I personally believe that eye cream do make a difference, but as long as you use some kind of moisturiser, I'm okay with whatever you believe to be right). It is also one of those places where the first signs of aging will be visible; you can't help growing older, but you can help to make the transition slightly easier. You don't have to invest in the most expensive anti-aging eye cream and serum out there if you don't want to or don't have the budget - but a good, basic eye cream will undoubtedly make a huge difference in the way you will look like in ten to twenty years. 

What's awesome with our generation is that more and more products are hybrids; take tinted mosturisers for example; they moisturise (obvious) while giving you a hint of coverage and, if you're lucky, even provide you with an spf. Some eye-creams can kill two birds in one stone (how horrific is that expression though?)  too: last year I was introduced to the Dermalogica Total eye Care and it has become a part of my daytime skin care routine ever since. Incredibly lightweight and easily absorbed, it has a slight peachy tint to it with some (almost) undetectable light reflecting particles - which makes it an incredible base under make-up while caring for and protecting your eye area.

If you struggle with bags or puffy eyes, an easy trick is to apply your eye cream with the back of a spoon, which you can put in the fridge overnight for optimal effects. It's easier than to grab an ice bag every morning isn't it ? Alternatively, I've seen people store their eye cream into the fridge - feel free to do whatever you feel to most comfortable with.

CORRECT

After eye bags, the trickiest part to deal with when concealing is to hide those green and purple shades. The only way to conceal them - if they're at their strongest - is to use a peachy corrector. It is well-known that pinky-peach shades are the best at concealing green and purple shades whereas yellow handles redness. What is good with correctors is that they act as an extra layer, minimising the darkest shades underneath the concealer, to let the latter do its job properly. It is an extra step, but it only takes seconds and make the world of a difference for those who really do suffer with strong dark circles - like I myself often do (heads up to extra fair people out there and those suffering with severe allergies - you know what I'm talking about). Bobbi Brown has your back in term of correctors; their range literally offers a shade to suit every skin tone and come in both a pot and a liquid form, to satisfy your preferences.

I find it best to apply corrector (especially those in a pot-creamy form) with fingers (always use your ring finger though, please! ) so the product melts into your skin with the warmth of your finger - also you really need the tiniest amount. Apply it wherever you find those green and/or purple shades, usually around your inner corner, but sometimes you can spot some tiny green veins towards your outer corner too.

CONCEAL

When you finally have those veins (*gross*) under cover, it's time to move to my personal favorite part of my entire make-up routine: concealer! On top of corrector, it truly banishes dark circles and if applied right, will keep you covered throughout the entire day. To extend the wear of your concealer, make sure not to apply too much (so it doesn't cake up, wouldn't be a good look would it?) and to set it (so it doesn't crease). For an extra glow and to look that little bit more awake, use a powder at least one shade lighter than your skin tone or even one that has light reflecting particles in it, like my well-loved Hourglass Ambient lighting Powder in Dim Light. 

Et voilà! No dark circles in the world will ever ruin your morning again (not that it should, we aren't that shallow are we eh? *guilty*)  if you follow those three easy steps carefully, I promise! 

xxx

M'

FOTD: Always Vampy

Today was one of those days I felt like having fun with my make-up. The thing with being on holiday is that you don't have to wake up early and do your make up with your eyes half closed every-damn-day (well, you don't have to do it at all really, but I know I usually do, even if I'm just going to uni). When on a break, I rarely ever wear make-up - so much that when I finally get an occasion to put some on, I get excited about the whole process again and take my time to play around with my ridiculously large collection of products. Don't judge me, it's the little things that are supposed to make us happy right? You can also notice that I took big step and cut my hair; all I'll say about it is why on earth didn't I do it sooner? 

This look's main focus is definitely the lips - oh, are we even surprised? I used one of my all-time favorite dark red, Lime crime's Velvetine in Wicked. Not only is the colour absolutely gorgeous, but the formula of those Velvetines is to die for. Due to their extra-matte finish, you do need to exfoliate your lips prior to using any of the Velvetines, as they tend to stick to dry patches - like any matte product does anyway - but they most probably have one of the most impressive staying power. You can talk, drink and eat without worrying about it getting on your teeth or rubbing off. Another major bonus point for me is that if you really need to apply another coat, say at the end of the night or if you're building up the colour, the product always applies beautifully, without getting patchy or cakey (if you've tried the Hourglass Opaque Rouge liquid lipsticks, you'll know what I mean). I've been on the hunt for this baby for quite some time, as it is hugely popular - but if you manage to get your hands on it (check out Urban Outfitters and Cocktail Cosmetics, you might be in luck) I'd highly recommend to grab it and cherish it.

I kept the eyes pretty simple, using my beloved Maybelline Color-Tattoo in On-and-On Bronze  all over the lid together with  M.A.C Brown script and Swiss Chocolate in the crease. I also pop a tiny bit of my well-used Stila Kitten eyeshadow on my inner tear duct, as always.  The base is Jouer Matte Moisture tint, M.A.C pro longwear concealer, Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting powder and Hourglass Ambient lighting powder in Diffused light. 

Happy Friday everyone, enjoy the week-end !

xxx

M'

Are limited editions worth the splurge ?

We all have something we like to collect, whether it is stamps, mugs or makeup. I obviously very much like to collect makeup in general, but I have a particular soft spot for limited editions. Now, not all limited editions are worth it, especially if you take into consideration that "limited edition" also generally means "extra pricey". M.A.C went absolutely crazy over the last couple of years, coming out with a limited edition line almost every month - you can't put up with that, plus to me it takes away the charm of the whole concept of rarity of a limited edition. My favourite limited edition lines to splurge on always have been Chanel's. Every Christmas they come out with a gorgeous line, which usually contains an eye palette and sometime a highlighter. We all know how much I like my highlighters, so of course I always have to have them, no matter their ridiculous price. Last Christmas they came out with "Camélia de Plume" which is to me the best they've ever made; I don't own or have come across anything like it before; it's a light, cool-toned champagne with both gold and silver particles in it.

Not only does the product apply like a charm and would suit pretty much any skin tone, but ohhh that design...Almost too pretty to be used really. It's seriously gorgeous, and I'll forever blame myself for not picking up a back up - I love it that much. I know some places still have a last few in stock, so if you come across a Chanel counter, I'd highly suggest you go and ask. And if you can't get your hands on it fear not, Christmas will be back again and I'm sure they'll come up with yet another beauty. Oh, and if you really feel like splurging...have a look at their spring collection - it's coming out this week and their "Jardin de Chanel" blush is to.die.for. 

                                                               This highlighter looks dashing on the top of the cheekbones

Limited editions are most definitely a splurge, but then we all need to indulge from time to time and if you take good care of your products they'll remain in your collection forever. What were your favorite limited editions? 

xxx

M'

My 2014 favourites

Hello again! How are you doing? I’m not even going to try to justify my absence again, let’s just say 2014 is behind and the 2015 adventure has begun! New year, new you they say ha? My number one resolution is to seriously get back to blogging and hopefully I’ll succeed better than I did last year. To do so, I’ll start by doing what I should have done when I first started this blog; plan a blogging schedule. I’m one of those people who sometimes need a stress kick (or a kick-in-the-a*s really, but let’s remain polite) so scheduling one post a month (joke) or a week will undoubtedly bore me too soon. Instead, I’d rather go bigger and plan to post twice weekly – you know, following the whole “go big or go home” mantra. Now I know you’re probably used to read daily posts from your favourite bloggers, but for now I’m still a full time student at Uni and it ain’t that easy. Thus for the time being I’ll try to get those two posts up every week and we’ll see where it takes me.

I know January’s almost coming to an end, but I could not let go on the 2014 favourites post; it’s one of my favourite to read from others and to watch on Youtube. This year’s post will be different from the previous one, as I’ll only mention makeup products - the ones that I have enjoyed using all-year-round, the best of the best. I won’t go into too much details for some of the products as I have written about about them before, so if you’re after an in-depth review, I’ll link the corresponding posts. Happy reading!

Chanel Perfectionlumière velvet

I do love my foundations, they’re my favourite to purchase together with lipsticks. I know I haven’t mentioned this Chanel one before, but I won’t write about it too much for now as a post all about my favourites bases is coming up your way very soon. So long story short, it’s the Vitalumière Aqua’s  little sister, but designed for oilier complexions. Amazing buildable coverage, amazing finish, amazing lasting powder. It is the one I’ve reached for many, many times last year for all sorts of occasions - as it does it all really. That’s everything I’m going to say about it for now, but fear not, you’ll read about it again very soon.

Bourgeois CC cream 

I’ve raved about this little number in my previous post, which says it all (right here). It was my 2014 go-to everyday base, whenever I wasn’t feeling like splurging by using my Chanel. It’s a quick and easy base to apply that gives you a remarquably great coverage for a CC cream but that is totally suitable for the natural and effortless day-time look we’re all aiming for. PLUS it’s drugstore, best 10£ I’ve ever spent. Do yourself a favour and go pick it up. You’ll thank me later.

M.A.C Prolongwear concealer 

As reluctant as I am to try any of M.A.C’s foundation again - by fear they’ll break me out - I must admit their pro longwear concealer is unbeatable. I have tried a lot of concealers, yet I never came across anything as good as this one, not even close. I have other favourites for specific task like blemish-concealing, but this one is the best all-rounder out there, and here’s why; 1) it’s M.A.C, so there’s a shade for everyone 2) it delivers a medium coverage easily buildable to a full coverage, meaning that if it doesn’t offers a full coverage in one swipe, it has a lighter consistency and never ever gets caky 3) as “pro longwear” would suggest, it DOES NOT BUDGE. That means a lot, coming from an oily ‘gal. Say goodbye to those dark circles, nasty acne-scars and that stubborn hyper-pigmentation!

Hourglass Ambientlighting powder in Diffused light 

Alright, if I had to chose one product and one only out of all of these, it would be this one. It is hands down my best discovery of 2014. I’ve talked about the ambient lighting powder before, but Diffused light literally changed my life. Now, I’m a M.A.C NC15 (aka I’m super fair) so this may not do the same miracles on your skin if you’re a bit darker than I am (which, I know, is very likely). When I first go it I used it to set my under-eye area – brilliant. The light reflecting particles in it paired with its yellow-toned base makes it the PERFECT under-eye highlight ands setting powder. Then one day I decided to set my entire face with it; I’ve never used anything else since, and don’t intend to, not in a million years (says-the-girls-with-like-50-powders-on-her-wishlist). Still, I’m super fair, so it works; but if you’re a bit darker, it would still work well under your eyes or/and as a highlight. ‘Just sayin’. It’s like no other powder I’ve ever used, you can’t over do it, never look powdery and almost manage to keep me matte throughout the day. Oh and that glow it gives you…Like I said, it’s the one. It is expensive, but worth every penny in my opinion.

Soap and Glory One heck of a blot 

The perfect addition to my on-the-go make up bag, we all need a good touch-up powder don’t we? That one is fantastic, I don’t even need to blot before its application (brilliant, brilliant name), it does it all for me without looking caky or powdery. Oh, and I love the packaging and it’s very convenient mirror too!

Nars bronzer in Laguna 

That one was very unexpected. I actually never thought I’d ever pick it up. I’ve always been aware of the hype surrounding this Nars bronzer but have seen so many people wearing it and looking too orang-y for my liking that I despised it for quite some time. Well, until I popped up one day at a Nars counter and asked the lovely lady “Is there any chance this product might actually work on fair skins like mine?” and it did. I think the key with this one is to know your undertone; if you’re on the pink side, I’d stay away from it. I however, you’re more on the neutral, yellow or olive side, then go for it and apply it more or less lightly depending on your skin tone. Lastly, it is not a matte bronzer – it has a bit of gold shimmer in it, nothing that will make you look like a disco ball or anything, but be aware of it if you’re used to contour with your bronzer. It does, however, warms up the complexion very nicely, so much that I hit pan on it a couple of months ago and already have a back-up in my stash. Now, that says something.

The Body Shop radiant highlighter 

If you read my previous post, you may remember of the Laura Mercier brightening primer that I raved about, the one you can apply before your foundation, after, or mix it with it. Well, here’s a dupe! The only difference I can see is that the consistency of this one is slightly thicker, but it doesn’t change a thing about its application really. I love both products, but if you were interested by the Laura Mercier but can’t justify the 30£ price tag yet, give this one a go and see how you get along with it.

Illamasqua gleam highlighter in Aurora 

Can you tell I like my highlighters? This Illamasqua gleam was my go-to product for my every day fuss-free make-up look. You know I love a dramatic glow, but there are occasions (like work or uni) where it just doesn’t feel right to have a red-carpet-worthy highlight, don’t you think? I found this one satisfied my highlights cravings but remained natural enough to be worn every day. As it is a cream, I’d recommend applying it before setting your foundation so it doesn’t get patchy. It truly is one of my favourite, goes with everything, looks incredible even on fair skin, and get you that glow-from-within look in seconds. Well done, Illamasqua.

Benefit Gimmebrow in light/medium 

I’m addicted to this one as you may already know - you can read all about it here

Lorac behind the scenes eye primer 

Out of all of my eye primers, this must be my favourite; not too thick yet thick enough to mattify and prep the eyelid, make the shadows pop and last forever.

M.A.C Painterlypaint pot 

Another great product, which I know many like as a primer, however I personally usually have to apply a primer underneath it for it not to crease. However, if you have dry to normal skin, you should be good to go and skip the primer. Why do I love it then? It’s my ideal base colour; its pink tone conceals all of those little annoying veins, making a smooth, immaculate base for eye shadows. It is also my go-to product when I don’t want to put anything else on my eyes, looks very natural while making you look more awake on those early mornings.

Stila Kitten eyeshadow 

The world’s messiest eye shadow without a doubt, but also my all time favourite inner corner highlight. It brightens up any eye look and makes you look super fresh and awake, also making your eyes appear bigger than they really are. So I don’t care if the packaging is shattered and there’s glitter all over my draw, carpet and outfit every morning (I’m exaggerating here, obviously), it is SO worth it. Promise.

Charlotte TilburyFull Fat Lashes in glossy black 

As predicted here, the love affair is still going strong; I cannot get enough of it, and will pick up at least three backups while in London next week – you should, too.

NYX Matte blackliner 

I’m not one for eyeliner as my eye shape doesn’t really allow it, but we can all benefit from a good liner to tight line every now and then, ain’t that right? Now, as I can’t stand black eyeliner on my bottom water line (it hardens the look and makes the eye appear smaller) I need something that won’t transfer when applied to my tight line. This is a good one; doesn’t budge, very black, super easy to apply – proof that sometimes you don’t have to go high end to find some good ‘old basics.

Chanel Rouge cocoshine in 72 Effrontée

If there’s anything you should know about me (beauty-wise at least), anything at all, it’s that I’m completely and utterly addicted to lipsticks. They’re just so fun and precious to buy, collect and play with that I never get bored of buying some more. The one beauty product that can radically change a face in one swipe. God knows I love my bolds but this post addresses not only products that have blown my mind away, but also and mostly the ones that were the most regularly used - the most faithful companions. In regards to that matter, as much as I’d love to give you a never-ending list of the new lipsticks that have made their way into my collection and my heart (well, isn’t that dramatic?) in 2014, I chose to talk about my most-used, go-to lipstick; the Chanel Rouge coco shine in Effrontée. I believe this particular shade has been discontinued, to my greatest regret, but the whole range is my favourite and worth mentioning. Those lipsticks are brilliant; sheer yet reasonably pigmented, glossy with a certain lasting power, and oh-so-flattering on the lips. The kind of product you can reapply throughout the day like you would a lip balm; mirror free, fuss free, success guaranteed. It is Chanel, ain’t cheap, but if you were to ask me to recommend one lipstick that does it all, it would be this one, no matter the shade.  

Eucerin Aquaphor 

A life saviour – can’t really describe this product in other words. I’ve tried many, many lip balms, which either didn’t work, broke me out, or cost a ridiculous fortune (By Terry Baume de Rose and Dior Crème de Rose  I’m looking at you). This one is cheap, doesn’t smell of anything and heals your lips like nothing else. It also works beautifully under make-up, as it is rather thin and isn’t sticky at all, so it makes it the perfect every day everyday, pre and post make-up application balm. 

Congrats’ to those of you who read it all! I’m aware it was a long one and am sorry, but it had to be done; you can’t ask me to wrap up my 2014 favourites in 200 words I’m afraid. Hopefully I didn’t bored you to death and perhaps I introduced you to a future favourite of yours, who knows ? Also, please let me know what were your favourites, what gems kept you going through the year? I’d love to know!

Until next time, stay safe, and may 2015 be a good one!

xxx

M'