The Product: Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder

So contouring is big right now. I'm sure we have Kim K to thank for this outbreak, but as a gal with a rather round head, its a very welcomed trend. Only issue is, is thats its a) incredibly time consuming and b) tricky to master. Whilst skimming the virtual aisles of Cult Beauty I happened across this beauty and remembered that it had been on my wish list for quite some time. Into the basket it popped and from the second it hit my doormat (thank you Mr Postman) there has been no looking back. And herein lies the end of all contouring mishaps. I think its the colour that really makes this - a cool toned brown which is ideal for recreating those coveted cheekbone shadows, something that I sincerely lack. 

I go in with my Real techniques Contour Brush and a very light hand. The fish face pout makes its appearance here along with plenty of natural lighting and a touch of highlighter (I'm really into the No7 Instant Radiance at the moment). It is such a natural finish, with not a hint of orange in sight and I think this tops my big list of game-changers.

Love

Meg xx

The Notes: Make Up Bag #2

An updated breakdown of my go-to products. Some oldies, some newbies, and even a splash of colour on the eyes! 

The current love of my life, the Chanel Perfection Lumiere foundation, has been a staple pretty much every single day of late. I did a full review and rave here  and the love is still strong. Likewise, another recent purchase, the Kevyn Aucoin Scultping Powder in Medium has been used on a daily basis to create the effect of cheekbones on my balloon face. Blush wise, I'm adding a much needed pop of colour to my cheeks with the Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in Soft Pink. It leaves that 'just in from a cold walk' pink on my cheeks and looks so natural on top of the Chanel foundation. 

Brows wise, I've been reaching for the Benefit Gimme Brow gel. An instant brow tint, this works better if you run it first against the hairs and then comb through the right way to give that natural but full brow effect. It is so quick, something which I love this time of year when getting up early in the morning is just too cold! I'm into the natural brow thing at the moment, as I'm spicing it up a bit on the eyes with MACs Cranberry eyeshadow, for an autumnal smokey eye that is a nice change from my usual champagne toned shimmer. Teamed with a nice cat-eye flick (courtesy of the Eyeko Skinny Liner) and lashings of the L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara this warm berry eye look is perfect for autumn! 

Keeping it simple on the lips, Ive been opting for MAC patisserie, my all time favourite nude shade - definitely a 'my-lips-but-better' colour that tones down the look to keep it everyday-safe. 

Anything new in your current make up bag?
Love
Meg xx

The Review: Origins GinZing Moisturizer

I've never been the kinda gal that goes all out for skincare. Shocker I know. Haircare obsession: check. Make-up obsession: one almighty check. But skincare and I have never really hit it off. That was, until Origins and I locked eyes. I first jumped in with the Super Spot Remover and have since added to my collection with many a face mask. But I had never fully committed to an everyday product from the brand. Here steps in the GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer. 

Its well known that for many of us combination skinned ladies, the winter sucks hydration from the skin, mine especially looks dry and dull, with that greyish thing going on (you know the one I mean). So after some review-searching, I decided to invest in a new moisturiser. A little goes a long way with this, just a small amount soaks into the skin beautifully, leaving it with a smooth and energised finish. Seriously, this stuff works like nothing else for picking up my skin and giving it that 'I got my full eight hours sleep' look. 

It smells great too, like fresh oranges - always nice first thing for that wake up feeling!
I can see the accompanying eye gel finding its way into my stash pretty soon...

Love
Meg xx

The Product: Everyday 'Champagne' Eyeshadows

I think it is safe to say that when it comes to the perfect everyday shadow, I am definitely stuck in the 'champagne-y neutrals' rut. Not that I'm complaining. Its my favourite base colour and is easily paired with a neutral brown through the crease or a deep plum if I'm feeling really brave. Its safe to say I have gathered quite the collection but I thought I would give you a break down of my two favourites. 

The top shade is MAC's All that Glitters - a shade that I wasn't really fussed about despite it being a long-term stand-out in the beauty community. But I eventually jumped on the bandwagon after a swatching sesh during a recent trip to my local counter when I saw how beautiful a shade it really is. It blends perfectly and I tend to wear this alone with lashings of mascara and a bold lip. 

Underneath is the Longwear Powder Eyeshadow in Nude Swings by Benefit. A slightly lighter shade, this one has more of a creamy texture, despite still being a powder. The longevity of this really is remarkable, it stays on all day without so much as a smudge, which for my oily eyelids is a winner. I also love the packaging that this comes in, as with most of Benefit's products!

At pretty much the same price its tricky to choose between the two, but if I had to pick I think it would come down to Benfefit's offering, just for the soft texture that really is a dream to blend...

Any more champagne shades that need adding to my collection?

Love
Meg xx

The Notes: The Perfect Base

Its not everyday I have a good rave about a foundation. I have a love-hate relationship with my skin so frequently find myself on the hunt for the base to beat all bases. But I think, after years of searching, I may just have found 'The One'. Its a combo of "Ones' actually, and a pretty good combo at that. Lets start with the primer. Laura Mercier have a shed load of primer offerings, and this autumn I opted for the 'radiance' option, to give my skin that perky touch of brightness as the months get more dreary and dull. A creamy formula with no hint of shimmer (always a winner) but just the right amount of illumination, its even great as a base in its own right on no make up days. 

But here steps in my new game changer. The Chanel Perfection Lumiere Foundation is everything it says on the ever-so-pretty packaging - long lasting, flawless and light enough to wear everyday. It has the perfect amount of coverage - not too heavy but enough to last the whole day. You don't need much, and blended in with the Real Techniques Buffing Brush on top of the LM primer, it really is perfection. Well played Chanel - proving you get what you pay for. 

Love Meg
xx