Left to right: smarty pants, rebel, fire cracker, funny girl

I recently picked up a few bits from Tom Ford, a brand I had never tried before but have always wanted to because not only are the products - apparently fantastic - that packaging is enough to make any beauty lover swoon. To start out with I grabbed an eyeshadow quad because I’ve heard a lot about the quality of the shadows, a cream colour for eyes as I’m a total sucker for cream eyeshadows and a lipstick which I don’t think I need to justify.

Tom Ford Lip colour ~ Sable Smoke | Tom Ford lipsticks are creamy, opaque and non-drying. Everything you expect from a luxury beauty brand. The shade sable smoke is beautiful warm nude shade which compliments my warm complexion and is perfect for a bronzed, summer look.

Tom Ford Cream Colour for Eyes ~ Opale | I’m a sucker for a good cream eyeshadow. The Cream Colour for Eyes is more of a mouse and a little bit goes a long way. The shade Opale gives an almost wet look to the eye, like the kind of thing you see in editorials, but because the product sets it doesn’t crease or fade but still retains that eye-catching iridescence. This is great on its own for a quick look or makes a great base for other shadows too.

Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad ~ Golden Mink | As you would expect, the shadows in this palette are like butter. They’re the softest, and most pigmented, shadows I’ve ever come across. They blend with only the lightest touch and wear all day without fading or creasing. The two pressed glitters in this palette are great for adding something extra and don’t drop down. The only thing I’m not so keen onion this palette is that the warm brown shade shows up quite cool-toned on my eye even though it swatches like a beautiful chocolate colour. It’s probably just my colouring which makes it look not 100% true but something to bare in mind if you have an olive skin tone like me.

All in all I was very impressed with my first bout of Tom Ford beauty and its a line I’ll definitely be looking to branch more into in the future.

Have you tried any Tom Ford products?

~ Jade xx

Having oily skin, making sure my makeup stays in place all day long is a challenge, especially as I don’t like wearing matte foundations. Recently I’ve been using a combination of the Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Primer under my foundation and the L’Oreal Fixing Mist on top of my makeup. 

The Laura Mercier primer is weightless and creates a smooth canvas for my foundation to be applied on top of and keeps my foundation in place through the slight oiliness which still comes through from wearing more dewy foundations. I love that it isn’t silicone based, as I find silicone primers leave a strange finish on the skin to work on top of.

The L’Oreal Fixing Mist was released in the States last year and I’ve been - not so - patiently waiting for it to be released in the UK as fixing mists hadn’t been seen in the highstreet before. This great for setting your makeup but also if you get a bit heavy handed  with your face products as it de-cakes any heavy concealer situations and stops powders looking overly matte.

How you do you make your foundation last?

~ Jade xx

Recently, I’ve been on a bit of a foundation binge. Normally foundation isn’t something I like to change up a lot, instead sticking to the same thing until I’ve been through four or five bottles - *cough* L’Oreal Infallible *cough*. As mentioned in my recent Beauty Haul post I picked up the Nars Sheer Glow foundation which probably makes me the last person in the world to try it. I also recently picked up the Estée Lauder Double Wear foundation, again another cult product in which I’m the last to the party. As they are such hyped and cult loved products I thought I’d review them at the same time for anyone else who hasn’t tried them and wants to know what the deal is.

“A glowing, natural radiant finish foundation with sheer and buildable coverage that immaculately evens skin tone.”

Sheer Glow is my current everyday, go-to foundation. Although I have oily skin I like to my skin to still look radiant and slightly dewy rather than matte and this does the job perfectly. I like to apply this foundation with my Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, dampened, as I find its the easiest way to blend it into my skin. Two pumps achieves a medium coverage but is easily buildable. I find by the end of the day I’m looking a bit oily but it’s nothing a quick powder doesn’t fix, earning it a spot in my most-loved foundations list.

“15-hour staying power. Flawless all day. This worry-free, long-wearing makeup stays fresh and 
looks natural through heat, humidity, nonstop activity. Won't change colour, smudge or come off on clothes. Feels lightweight and comfortable.”

Double Wear is my ‘long-day’ or evening foundation. It has a tacky consistency so is best applied with a brush - I like the Zoeva Silk Finish - and lasts all day without needing a powder top up. The finish is more matte than the Nars but doesn’t look flat or dry. I have the shade 1N2 Ecru which matches me but is slightly too neutral in tone for me so I’ll be picking up 1W2 soon. I wouldn’t recommend this foundation for everyday wear however because it’s so full coverage and long lasting it could easily block pores if worn regularly. However, despite the longevity and full coverage it doesn’t feel heavy or uncomfortable on the skin, giving it an A* in my book.

What’re your favourite foundations?

~ Jade xx

Back row: Charlotte Tilbury ~ Penelope Pink, Charlotte Tilbury ~ Stoned Rose, Rimmel Moisture Renew ~ 700, Nude Delight

Front row: Kate Moss Nudes x Rimmel ~ 43, Kate Moss x Rimmel ~ 08, MAC Matte ~ Velvet Teddy

Of late I’ve been all about nude lipstick. A few years ago nude lipstick meant brushing your foundation or concealer over your lips to make your lips blend into the rest of your face, not a good look. Now though, the nude lip has had a revamp with shades of brown or pink to compliment your skin tone and create the perfect pout. Today I’ve gathered a few of my favourites both high end and from the highstreet.

Charlotte Tilbury ~ Penelope Pink | Penelope Pink is the perfect everyday nude for any skin tone. The K.I.S.S.I.N.G lipstick’s from Charlotte Tilbury are incredible comfortable to wear with a slight sheen but still last all day, they smell great too.

Charlotte Tilbury ~ Stoned Rose | Darker and more brown in tone than Penelope Pink Stoned Rose is my more ‘evening’ nude. You can definitely wear it during the day but for when I want something a bit different for evening without wearing a red Stoned Rose is my go-to.

Rimmel Moisture Renew ~ 700, Nude Delight | My ‘summer nude’. Much warmer than any other nude in my arsenal. Without a lipliner this can look slightly concealer-lips-esque unless you have a bit of a tan to counterbalance it. Full review of the Moisture Renew lipsticks here.

Kate Moss x Rimmel Nude Collection ~ 43 | Similar to the last nude but slightly darker making it easier to wear during the colder months as a tan isn’t needed. Full review of the Kate Moss x Rimmel lipsticks here.

Kate Moss x Rimmel ~ 08 | A more pink version of Stoned Rose, another great one for when you want something different from the traditional nude but not an outlandish colour.

MAC Matte ~ Velvet Teddy | The newest addition to my collection and my only matte nude. Long lasting but not overly drying, a brown-nude which perfectly suits warmer skin tones. 

What’re your favourite nude shades?

~ Jade xx

Jo Malone Body Crème ~ Nectarine Blossom & Honey | In the winter my skin becomes very dry, especially my legs and arms. To combat this I’ve been using this product from Jo Malone. Made with almond oil, jojoba oil and cocoa butter it moisturises my skin but doesn’t leave a sticky feeling afterwards where you can’t get dressed for half an hour or everything will cling to you like most body moisturisers, especially those with a thick consistency.

Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator | Of late this has been my favourite skincare product to use. It’s gentle enough that it doesn’t irritate my skin but still sloughs off dead skin cells and cleanses the skin. Full review here.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter ~ Champagne Pop | Highlighting was never something I was that into before I picked up this product. If you have a warm skin tone, this shade will be perfect for you as It’s a beautiful golden shade with iridescent particles which perfectly reflect light without things looking oily or greasy.

Neom Intensive Deep Sleep Treatment* | As someone who struggles with sleep ~ full post here ~ I love any kind of sleep oil. Currently this one from Neom is my favourite as its slightly stronger than anything else I’ve tried so the scent lasts much longer. It’s also really great if you’re stressed and need to unwind and relax.

MAC Matte Lipstick ~ Velvet Teddy* | I’m currently going through a nude lipstick phase, mainly brought on by not being able to wear bright or dark shades at work. Velvet Teddy is a shade I’ve wanted to try for a while but with a lack of MAC stores around me, I haven’t had chance to pick up. It’s a beautiful brown-y nude which really compliments my skin tone. Despite being matte, it doesn’t look flat on the lips and also doesn’t dry them out too much either.

What are your current favourites?

~ Jade xx

The L’Oreal True Match Foundation recently had a face lift with a reformulation and new packaging. I’ve been on a bit of a foundation binge recently and this is my current favourite  offering from the high-street. Years ago I tried the original formulation of this foundation but it didn’t agree with my oily skin however the reformulation is another story. 

The colour match for this foundation is one of the best I’ve ever had for any foundation - I wear shade 1W - and the formula is ultra blend-able with a gel-like texture. Coverage is medium, but it can be sheered out with a makeup sponge or built up with two layers without looking cake-y. My favourite thing about this foundation is the finish. It’s luminous without being overly dewy, so it still lasts all day but doesn’t attract to my already oily skin. I do still have to power once or twice throughout the day but that isn't unusual for me and if you have normal/dry skin you wouldn't need to touch up at all. My only problem with the reformulation is that it oxidises slightly however if you got a shade lighter than you would need it wouldn’t be a problem. 

What foundations are you currently loving?

~ Jade xx

Unfortunately for my bank account Space NK, Boots and a Department Store Beauty Hall are all just a few steps from where I work, meaning that sometimes its hard to resist a trip in, ’just to look’. Somehow though I didn’t ‘just look’ and ended up acquiring a few new beauty purchases which I thought I’d share with you all with a mini review of each, though some of these products will have a more in-depth post coming soon. 

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation ~ Deauville | I’m very late to the party with this one, I think everyone and their mum loves this foundation so I decided to pick it up - with the pump, which is a must - to try it out for myself. Despite it having a dewy finish it lasts on my oily skin all day and makes my skin look healthy which earns the approval from me.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer ~ Oil Free | I’ve been on the hunt for a good primer for a while and after hearing lots of good things I decided to pick up this one from Laura Mercier. Whilst my skin still becomes slightly oily throughout the day, my makeup doesn’t slip around like it normally would and a quick blot and powder has my face looking fresh again.

By Terry Ombre Blackstar ~ Bronze Moon* | Having previously picked up Blond Opal and Misty Rock, Bronze Moon is another shade to add to the collection. Washed all over the lid and blended out with lashings of mascara and a red lip, is the perfect effortless glam look for any evening out.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour ~ Rose Gold | I love eyeshadow sticks, they’re so easy and convenient to use and on a recent visit to Space NK I discovered the Laura Mercier version, having not heard much previously. The colour range is extensive but for my first dip I decided on this subtle rose gold shade. Perfect for a bit of something on the lid, or as a base for more intense shimmer, this shade is the perfect rose gold as it isn’t overly pink but is pink enough that it isn’t just gold.

Bobbi Brown Rich Caramel Eye Palette* | Every year around the festive season I pick up a new neutral eyeshadow palette - not that I actually need another. Last year my choice was the Stila In The Light Palette - full post here. This Bobbi Brown palette is great for evening makeup with the shimmer shadow adding the perfect amount of sparkle but can also be used for an everyday wash of light shadow with a warm brown in the crease for a little something extra. Bobbi Brown shadows are beautifully pigmented and bendable too.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser | I most likely need not mention this but recently I’ve wanted to step up my skincare game as having good skin means any makeup you wear will last longer and sit nicer on the skin. Having oily, congested skin I wanted to start of my skincare venture with something simple and something that works. As everyone swears by the Cleanse and Polish, I  thought that would be a good starting point. So far I’m really enjoying this cleanser. My skin is very dull and lacklustre despite being oily and this product is beginning to inject some life back into my skin.

What have you picked up recently?

~ Jade xx

Jo Malone Cologne Intense ~ Dark Amber & Ginger Lily* | It’s no secret that I’m a big Jo Malone fan - who isn’t, right? - and recently Dark Amber & Ginger Lily has recently been my favourite fragrance to wear. With a top note of black cardamon, heart note of black orchid and a base of incense this fragrance is all kinds of sexy, dark and mysterious without being overly masculine. To me it paints the fantasy of sitting in a cocktail bar, in a swanky dress waiting for a handsome man to whisk me away into the sunset, a girl can dream. The cologne intense’ are slightly more expensive than the regular 100ml colognes at £105 and don’t come in a handbag size but they do last on the skin longer and use rarer ingredients so are worth the investment if you like deeper, sexy scents. Velvet Rose & Oud is another favourite from the collection as well.

Seventeen Mono Eyeshadow ~ Funfair* | This shadow is all kinds of beautiful. It’s a pink duo-chrome which in some lights will look either pink or iridescent however on the eye it doesn’t look overly pink or unwearable. This is also one of the softest shadows I’ve used from the highstreet and is incredibly budget friendly.

L’Oreal True Match Foundation | The L’Oreal True Match recently went through an update in both formula and packaging. I remember picking this up a couple of years ago and not liking it but I’m enjoying the new formula - full review here.

Fleur de Force x Eylure ~ Fleur Loves | I’m a big eyelash girl however I don’t like any which are hard to put on or incredibly noticeable when wearing them, I just want to look like I’ve naturally got perfect lashes. These lashes from Fleur de Forces range are not only incredibly easy to apply thanks to the clear lash band and the fact that they’re only 3/4 lashes but they’re incurably natural but still give umph. They have a new technology which tapers the tips so they easily blend in with your natural lashes and if you’re a winged liner girl, like me, the shape of these lashes will emphasise that slinky eye look.

Large Hair Grips | I recently picked these up from Boots instead of the normal sized ones and I’m wondering why I never got them before. If you have long or thick hair which doesn’t stay gripped very securely or you have to use about twenty pins at a time then you need these in your life. Pronto.

What are you current favourites?

~ Jade xx

Makeup brushes are the tools of the face and you’re makeup is only as good as your brushes. That doesn’t mean you have to use the most expensive brushes in the world however some are definitely better than others. Personally, I like to use synthetic brushes. Not only because they’re cruelty free but they soak up less product, stay in shape better and decent ones are just as soft as natural hair brushes. Great brushes at an affordable price can be found from brands such as Sigma, Zoeva, Real Techniques and Crown. More expensive great brushes can be found from nearly every brand on the market but some notable ones being MAC, Charlotte Tilbury and Bobbi Brown. The most important thing though is to keep your brushes clean. Not only does this prevent bacteria building up but also the less product is on the brush already the more seamless your makeup application will be. Below is a few of my most used brushes.

Real Techniques Blush | My favourite brush for powder. Perfectly sized to get underneath the eyes but not so small it takes ages to powder the rest of your face.

Zoeva Luxe Sheer Cheek | The best face brush I’ve found for applying blusher or diffused contour and bronzer. For this reason, I have two of them.

Real Techniques Contour | To add some concentrated contour, particularly under the jawline or on the nose, this brush is the perfect size. It’s also great for blending under-eye concealer. This brush can only be found in the Core Collection however the other brushes in the Core Collection are also really great and make the purchase worth it.

Zoeva Luxe Soft Definer | I love this brush so much I have two. Perfect for blending but also adding diffused colour into the crease for subtle, everyday definition.

Zoeva Luxe Petite Crease | My favourite brush for adding that inner corner highlight that I can't go without. It’s  also the perfect size for adding controlled colour into the crease.

Zoeva Wing Liner | Perfect for emphasising a 60s cut crease, adding shadow onto the lower lash line or creating winged liner with gel or eyeshadow, see the full post here.

What’re your favourite brushes?

~ Jade xx

Contouring is a big step in my daily makeup routine. Although it definitely isn’t a necessary step, it’s my favourite part of doing my makeup as it transforms my face from a blob to chiseled within seconds. The trick is to use the right products. A powder or cream that isn’t too warm as you just end up with a muddy line on your cheek - been there, done that - but also not too ashy or you end up looking gaunt and slightly… dead, which is great for halloween but not generally for everyday. 

Recently, NYX landed in Boots and although NYX has been available in the UK for a while it hasn’t been that easy to get hold of so predictably I made a reasonable order online and have been testing out a few products. The products I’m enjoying the most at the moment are the Wonder Stick in the shade light and also the Matte Bronzer in the shade deep.

The Wonder Stick is beautifully creamy so is easy to blend but is also richly pigmented. Applied on it’s own it creates a soft and natural contour but it can be layered for more intensity.  It comes in four shades but from what I’ve seen the shade light is the only one that has a more taupe contour colour, the other look quite warm so would be good for bronzing but not so much contour. The highlight is also really great as it’s the same creamy texture. It doesn’t have any shimmer to it but perfectly attacks light to wherever you apply it.

The Matte Bronzer in the shade deep is the most richly pigmented bronzer I have ever used so when applying it less is definitely more. Although it’s a bronzer, the shade isn’t overly warm so it can be doubled as a contour shade. Personally, I don’t contour right in the hollow of my cheeks but rather just above so using the NYX bronzer is more of a contour/bronzer hybrid. 

What are your favourite contour products of the moment?

~ Jade xx

“Instantly diminish the appearance of pores and all-day-shine control, 

helps hide imperfections, even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of redness. It also helps makes your make

 up last longer and, with vitamin E, leaves you good to glow.”

On a recent peruse in Boot I came across the Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot Instant Perfecting Power Primer. I’m always looking for new primers as having oily skin I need all the help I can get to keep my makeup on my face. 

When I first tried this I expected it to be a silicone-like primer - which I’m not the greatest fan of, see Maybelline Baby Skin Review - but it isn’t. It’s light pink in colour and is a beautiful texture - not quite gel-like nor cream, something in-between. I like to pat it into my skin and it leaves the skin slightly tacky. 

Personally I don’t suffer with redness, however I have noticed that the pores around my nose appear smaller under my foundation with this primer, I am less oily and my makeup lasts longer. I haven’t noticed it helping to hide any imperfections but I’m not too sure how an almost clear primer can hide imperfections? 

My favourite thing about this primer though is that it doesn’t make my skin super matte. It still lets your skin have a natural, semi-matte look rather than making everything look flat and dry but still stems any further oil. Usually in a day I’d need to top up my powder two or three times but when using this primer once is enough in a eight to ten hour day.

Do you have any primer recommendations?

~ Jade x