{sponsored video} favourite five :: eye makeup items

This has been an idea playing on my mind for a while now, so I'm excited to launch a new series on WTW, titled "Favourite Five..." which is pretty self-explanatory. I'll be listing five of my favourite things from a random category every so often, just to share some of the things I love and recommend. They will cover all kinds of topics, from podcasts (coming up next!), beauty products, TV series, books, websites, instagrammers... the list goes on. 

Today, inspired by the new campaign by YSL for their new YSL Luxurious Mascara with the ever gorgeous Cara Delevigne,  I'll be chatting to you about five of my favourite eye makeup picks. An appropriate starting point for a beauty product junkie like myself.

It's actually been a long time since I've tried any high end mascaras, just because there are a few good ones in drugstores that do the job for me. However, I have picked up and played around with YSL mascaras multiple times in the past (namely in duty free...) and I've heard great things about their beautiful golden offerings. One of my friends has told me that their waterproof mascara literally does not budge, which I'm curious to try - she has her wedding coming up in the summer, so I'm putting my money on that one being her mascara of choice! 

Aside from a variety of eyeshadows (another FF post that will be featured soon), I tend to use these on a regular basis if I'm doing up my face:

1 :: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Demolition

I don't use eyeliner everyday, but this is my pencil eyeliner of choice. I struggled for years to find an eyeliner pencil that didn't give me the dreaded panda smudges one hour into the day, and thanks to a recommendation from my sister, I've been converted to this for a good while now. It's smudge-able without smudging, if that makes sense. The word smudge is starting to look strange now.

2 :: Maybelline The Rocket Waterproof Mascara in black

I'm not all that picky with mascaras, as long as they are waterproof (and actually are waterproof). I think that this one has been repurchased the most number of times in recent years, which means it must be doing its job. I also do like l'Oreal & Max Factor mascaras in general.

3 :: Max Factor Colour Expert Liner in black

This is such an underrated liquid liner, in my opinion! I used to religiously use liquid liner everyday, but it's definitely more of a once-a-week occurrence now. I still love it though, and swear by this one that I've bought over and over. It's as black as black can get, and does not budge all day. The applicator tip is possibly not the easiest for beginners as it's a little softer, but I think it works really well.

4 :: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers
I never thought that high end eyelash curlers would be worth investing in, and didn't give in to the hype of these for so long. But I caved last year, and am so glad that I did! These will honestly convince you that curling your lashes does actually make a difference. (p.s. I just checked in the mirror to see how curled they were after doing my makeup at 6:30am this morning - it's 10:45pm now - and they are still very much upright.)

5 :: Anastasia Beverly Hill Dipbrow Pomade in Dark Brown
It's a bit of a weird concept, a kind of gel/cream thing for your brows, but I love this stuff. Again, I don't use this every single day (for my slap-on face I use an old Shu Uemura brow pencil, a hand-me-down from my mum), but if I want to go for a fairly polished look I go for this. You need to use it with a thin, angled brush, and you can fill your brows in quite naturally or go for a more bold look. I find it also helps to set the hair in place (kind of essential for rogue brows like mine).

And there we have it. I hope you enjoyed the first of this series, and let me know if there are any specific "Favourite Five" lists that you might be interested in!


disclaimer: this post is sponsored by YSL. all opinions are my own.

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berry lips for autumn

I have a problem with a capital P when it comes to lip products. Remember when I talked about my favourite reds at the end of last year, and tried to justify my ever-growing collection? Things haven't changed much.

Although I love to sport a true red lip - not too orange, not too pink - I personally think that berry shades probably suit my complexion better. And even if it doesn't, berry lips are absolutely perfect for autumn in my opinion.

I have 6 products to share with you that are my favourites for this particular colour family, and have included mattes, lacquers and sheerer glosses for those that might just want a hint of colour.

Top to bottom:

1 :: Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Sultry. It's more pink than purple, matte but not cakey or too drying, and very easy to apply.

2 :: MAC lipstick in Rebel. Looks scarily dark and vampy in the bullet, but you can apply it in layers to get your desired colour - heavier on the purple.

3 :: KIKO Ace of Diamond lipstick in 27 Refined Burgundy (limited edition). This is my current favourite - it's a gorgeous colour but can be patted on for a sheerer look, demi matte finish. I also have the matching lip pencil which is handy.

4 :: Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in Eclipse. This is one for those who prefer glossier lips, although this can dry down to a more satin finish. Extremely pigmented and a lovely colour, you just have to be careful not to put on too much product.

5 :: Revlon Just Bitten Balm Stain in Crush. The lid of this is completely cracked and all the writing has come off of the tube - that's how loved this one is! It leaves a slightly glossy finish but not shiny or sticky, and it seems to suit every skin tone. I remember using this when getting ready to go out with 5 other girlfriends, and nearly all of us ended up using it and it looked lovely on everyone!

6 :: Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick in Plum Jam. I know, cringey name. I got a set of 3 shades of these gloss sticks on sale last Christmas and I use and love them all. This one is for those that are afraid of a bold lip, but want that just-had-a-few-fresh-berries stained look. They are moisturising, smell great and are so useful on the go.

On my wishlist :: NARS Audacious Lipstick in Charlotte, NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Damned, Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Love Liberty. 

See why I have a problem?

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the red lip

As much as I have been enjoying reading the end-of-year reflective posts on other blogs, I thought I would keep it light around here and go to the other (read: superficial) end of the spectrum for my last post this year.

Slightly ironic too, since this is somewhat aimed for those who might be getting glam-ed up for a NYE party, which is not quite how I will be spending my evening... but nevertheless, I will most likely dab on one of the below for my celebratory night in with my husband and friends.

So, I have a borderline unhealthy relationship with lip products, in that I own far too many and am always lusting after more. Although I probably own a bit too much make up in general (I am a self-confessed beauty junkie), I am actually not very adventurous with how I do my face.

The only way I go bold is with the lips. Am I successfully justifying my overflowing collection of lipsticks yet?

My favourite, especially during the holiday season, is the classic red lip. To me it's a foolproof, timeless look that can jazz up even the most simple of outfits, and as long as you don't do too much with the red of your face, you can get away with it day or night.

Please don't be horrified to know that these five are not the only reds I own (!!), but they are my current top picks.

On the very left is Topshop's Velvet Lip in Velveteen Ribbon. This stuff will glue itself on your lips, ideal for a night filled with food and drink. It can be a little drying, giving that truly velvety effect, but you can always pop on a little lip balm (my favourite is Nuxe Rêve de Miel, it has a matte finish) if it bothers you.

The Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella is my newest addition (shopping with an enabling friend has its consequences!), a beautiful burgundy colour that has pretty good staying power and is incredibly easy to apply.

Possibly the longest lasting of the lot is the Stay Pout lipstick by Seventeen in Rule Breaker, a more berry shade that is also matte and absolutely will not budge from your lips. Considering this is only £4.49, the quality is impressive.

The truest reds that I own are probably these following two.

The Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipsticks by Rimmel are understandably very popular, and the one above is in the shade 01. It's a brighter red than the other cult favourite which I also wear and love (107), and it probably suits every single complexion. The last one is the much loved Russian Red from MAC, you really can't go wrong with this one.

Whatever you're doing to celebrate the beginning of 2014, I hope you enjoy every minute of it - and maybe you can sport a bold lip and leave a big kiss mark on someone at midnight.

Wedding Makeup

Although I have a lot of interest in skincare, make up and general beauty chatter, I am not one to wear particularly dramatic or adventurous looks on my face. I have a basic routine I stick to, and while I like to switch up the products I use, the look I achieve is fairly... average.

Which is one of the reasons why I have opted to do my own make up for the wedding day. Not that I want to look "average", per se, and I have no doubt that a professional would do a great job for me. But as much as I would like to look my best on the day, I am so looking forward to the time I will have with my bridesmaids while we all make up our faces and help each other with our hair (yes, I am also doing that myself). I think that so many things will feel foreign and exciting and scary on the day, I will appreciate taking time over my usual routine of doing up my face and getting ready.

Having said that, over the past few months I have been on the lookout for and experimenting with some popular products. The following are ones that I plan to include on the day:

Clockwise:

Stila "In the Light" Palette

I love this palette. I don't own the Naked palette so I can't compare, but the quality, pigmentation and colour of these eye shadows are perfect for someone who sticks to neutrals. Especially worn over...

Maybelline EyeStudio Colour Tattoo (in Permanent Taupe)

This is a steal for the price. For me, it acts as an eyeshadow primer as well as a wash of base colour. It lasts forever and is a great colour for asian eyes.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation 

I was recommended this by the lady at the counter, as it gives nearly just as much coverage as the Double Wear, but it is much less heavy and suitable for a summertime wedding. I have fairly decent skin, but it gives me a much more even complexion and lasts all day.

RMK Control Color (in Silver)

This is gorgeous used as a highlighter. It is probably a less intense version of something like High Beam from Benefit, it gives a lovely shine to the cheek bones without being too sparkly or heavy. The "Silver" colour is more of a very pale pink.

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder

Do I even need to say anything about this product? It does what it says on the tin.

Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer

This is a cult product, and it's easy to see why. I splurged on the mini bottle, which costs a whopping 20 pounds, but as I don't intend to use this every day, it will last me a while. It makes the make up on your skin look fresh in the heat, and creates a great canvas for your foundation. I'm a fan.

MAC Powder Blush (in Harmony)

This is the best contour shade that I have found (the colour is a bit off in that picture!). I used Benefit Hoola for a while, but it was too orange for my liking, and this reddish-brown shade suits my skin colour much more. It may be an unlikely candidate for a contouring product, but give it a shot.

I am still undecided about the eyeliner and mascara...I am tempted to try the Smashbox Waterproof Liquid Liner Pen, and the overwhelmingly popular They're Real (although it worries me that it's not waterproof.) 

Any suggestions?