Illamasqua Lipsticks

So about a 2 months ago a entered a competition run by Jules over at lippylikes.com. I never thought I'd win, but what the heck? I entered anyway! So to my shock, I received an e-mail from Jules telling me I'd won! I couldn't believe it.

From Left to Right: ESP (vivid violet), Plunge (bright mauve pink), Fable (bright rose pink), Over (bright coral pink), Scandal (warm coral pink) & Isis (red pink)

These are some pretty insane colours! I absolutley love each and everyone of them. Some of them aren't colours I'd wear everyday, but I'd certainly wear some of them on a night out! Below are some pictures of me trying these babies out.

One thing I've found since using these lipsticks, is that the formulation takes a bit of getting used to. Also you've got to have really smooth moisturised lips for the best application.

So, which ones your favourite then? Let me know down in the comments as I'd be really interested in finding out what you all think.

Once again, thank you to Jules for the giveaway. I couldn't be happier!

As always, It's been a pleasure!

Char

xXx

Summer Nail Polish

So it's this time of year when I can go a little crazy with my nail varnishes. I love the summer and the bright colours that come with it. Particularly pinks and corals, they are my absolute favourite. Not only that but they look amazing on any skin tone. These are only but a few of my favourites for the summer.

From Left to Right: Barry M Berry Ice Cream , Barry M Matte Vanilla, OPI Nicki Minaj Pink Friday, OPI Aphroditite's Pink Nightie, Illamasqua Fire Rose, Ciate Hoopla , OPI My Address Is Hollywood , Barry M Shocking Pink, Rimmel Rose Libertine, Barry M Jelly Papaya.

 

If I had to narrow it down and pick a favourite I would have to say OPI My Address Is Hollywood and Rimmel's Rose Libertine. I first of all love OPI's names they give their polishes, and the colours I've chosen are quite similar. I love the rose/coral shades, they just seem to be so flattering on the nails. I also prefer OPI & Rimmels brushes compared to Barry M's. However that is just my own personal preference.

That's it for now guys! What is your favourite shade on this colour wheel? Bring on the sunshine.

As always, it's been a pleasure.

Char

xXx

Beauty Blogger Meet | Sheffield Adventures with Lauren (PorcelainQueen1) and Marissa (Mambomelonx)

From left: Lauren, Me, Marissa

A lot of you will completely understand when I say; since I've been blogging I have met some pretty amazing people. A lot of you will also have met some of these lovely people during your blogging life. So when I got the opportunity to meet some of my favourite girlies, I didn't turn the opportunity down!

Let's start off with the girl I've know the longest +Porcelain Queen (blog link here). This girl has been like my rock in blogging world. She's the devil on my shoulder; telling me to buy all sorts of products, and I'm sure it's the same when she talks about me. Her blog is pretty amazing. She has the ability to lure you in, and you end up buying everything. Not only is her blog flawless, so is her face! I'm not even joking - when I saw her I was like 'Oh my god, you're so pretty!' The first thing Lauren said to me was 'Oh my god! you're so tall!' Hahaha!

Next to turn up was the beautifully stylish Marissa +Marissa Hunt (blog link here), Well I thought Lauren was petite - JEEZ! Give a girl a break ladies! Marissa is all about style, this girl oozes it! I don't think there been a single day where I haven't 'liked' her outfits or posts on Instagram. She's all about colour and knows how to work them well together. Not only that she's got a pretty cute blog and I adore her photos! She's so good at adding props! Jealous... Basically this girl is amazing!

Needless to say, as soon as we all met, we hit it off straight away!

Working the Vegas Vault from MAC

So our first port of call was TGI Fridays where Lauren basically put a gun to our heads and told us we were going there no matter what! This girl means business when it comes to her burger...in particular The French Canadian Burger. Of which, when we sat down, we were told they no longer did it! Hahaha, gutted was an understatement. So after the burger issue we sat down and talked for ages; I learnt that Marissa hated cheese...I know! How can someone hate cheese?! I'm sure we could have sat and talked about our lives and make up for hours but we had shopping to do!

We headed off to Illamasqua as I wanted to show the girls Hydra Veil and potentially purchase it too. However when we got there, we were told that they were out of stock. Needless to say we hadn't gotten off to a good start at all! We roamed around the counter taking photos of their stunningly opaque lip glosses, nail polishes and new Glamor line. We got talking to a lovely lady who worked there, who asked us if we wanted to go to an Illasmaqua Blogger Event in May! Hello?! Stupid question!

Next door was Urban Decay. I'd heard a lot about the All Nighter Long Setting Spray and thought I'd give it a try...at the same time I think I persuaded Lauren to invest in the same thing. Terrible, I know! We looked around and swatched eye shadows, eye pencils and the new eye shadows sticks that match the naked pallets. I wasn't too impressed with these but each to their own. Also the woman on the counter looked pretty scary! She had half finished eyebrows...

YSL no.19 - Obviously when I got home and pulled my hair back!

We moved swiftly on to YSL, one of our favourite brands! I had mentioned in previous posts that purple lipsticks do not suit me, so when we got to the counter Lauren and Marissa pointed out this pinky/purple shade and told me to try it. At first I wasn't diggin' it as I'd had such a bad time in pulling purple off before. However after walking around with it on and basically getting bullied into it, I caved and purchased it. I absolutely love it! Thanks ladies :)

So where do I begin in MAC? We were all like kids in a candy store! We must have swatched pretty much every eye shadow in there between the 3 of us. It got to the point of craziness where Lauren was having to check back on previous blog posts to find out what she'd bought before! We also went a bit spoolie mad, and everywhere we went, we took a spoolie! Marissa and I couldn't get over how wet the wet wipes were..I know..call the people in white coats! We ended up purchasing some eye shadows and god knows what else.

From MAC we ventured over to Laura Mercier where I believe I got suckered into buying this kit! The guy on the counter was a true sales man and wowed me with words such as 'limited edition' , 'reduced' and 'you must get it'. So I did. At the same time I did take a sneaky photo of the new range LM have just brought out. It's so pretty!

Benefit was our next stop and to be honest, since my last review of their products I've lost faith and I'm not willing to try anything new until I've seen some amazing reviews. Their stuff does look pretty though.

The new Velvet Lip Laquers from Bourjois

Lauren in action!

You can't go make up shopping without stepping foot into Boots! They had their 3 for 2 offer on again,
however I was strong and refrained from buying any drug store products as I've still got loads to review from my previous haul. Marissa went a little bit mental though! I was umming and arghing over the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturiser, of which is a firm favourite of mine. However I'm currently trying to use up the massive amount of moisturisers I have at home. Therefore my only purchase at Boots was my YSL Lipstick which I decided to get from here, because I wanted the points. We did get an inside look into the brand Bare Minerals, however it just doesn't give me enough coverage as a foundation would. Shame really, as their pigments are pretty good!

Our final stop was at Victoria Secrets, where we became teenagers again! It was also where we realised Lauren has no sense of smell at all. I'm not even joking. There was an amazing offer on the Body Sprays where you could buy 3 for £24. They are normally £16 pounds each, so go figure! We decided to get 1 each and treat ourselves!

At the end of the day, I was really sad to say goodbye to these beautiful ladies! I'd gotten to love them as much in person as I did through their blogs. I strongly recommend having a look at their posts and trust me; you'll love them as much as I do! Bring on the 10th May ladies, when they come to Nottingham for some serious shopping madness!

I hope you've enjoyed this installment and if you're keen to read the next one, keep up to date with me on twitter, bloglovin and instagram so not to miss out!

As always guys, It's been a pleasure!

Char

xXx 

What Have I Been Reaching For In March | March Favourites

So I've been a bit M.I.A throughout March, that's due to being manic at work and generally having a rough time with it. One little tip I would say to you all, is that life is too short to put up with crap. Whether it be from a colleague, a so called friend or your boss. Stay true to yourself and you'll end up in the right place - eventually! 

So - rant over, brush it off and start afresh! Let's end the month on a high and show you all what I've been swooning over in March.

My Fav's Of March

Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy Iris £15.00 - I've been raving about this on twitter recently and on a soon to be blog post about my collection of C & E hand-creams. Crabtree's Hand Care Collection is seriously extensive. If you've never experienced their products I strongly suggest you take a visit to one of their many stores next time you in a shopping center! Everything from the packaging to the product is finished with such a high standard - I'm never disappointed. Which (as you guys may know) takes a lot as I'm seriously fussy, as I loathe having greasy/ oily hands after I use a hand cream. They use Shea Butter, Macadamia Nut Oil and Myrrh in their hand creams to soothe and moisturise your hands. The Myrrh is used to condition your cuticles and nails.

Lush - Grease Lightning £5.95 - This is a superhero in a bottle. I swear by this stuff and I have used it several times a week when I feel a blemish is on it's way OR when a blemish arrives. I cleanse my face and moisturize, then pop this on the areas concerned and the next day it's pretty much gone. My brother had a huge spot at the top of his nose, between his eyes. He was due to go out for a dinner dance thing at his school 2 days later so naturally he started freaking out about it (typical pretty boy!) I told him to use a bit of this straight away and use again before he went to sleep. And hey presto! The next day you could hardly see it, however it was noticeable if you looked closely, so he stuck to the routine and the next day (day of the dance) it was gone! He was seriously impressed. Not often an adolescent boy raves about lush to his friends :) #winning

Tangle Teaser £10.99 - I love this hair brush so much, my life as a blonde has seriously improved since getting this at Christmas. Not much more to say on this than I don't go anywhere without it! One thing that I would like though is for there to be a handle, as my Mum suffers with arthritis and can't keep hold of it easily.

Frozen Soundtrack - I have been playing this everywhere this month. On my phone whilst I'm getting ready, in my car, I've even got my brother to play the songs on the piano! He's super talented!

Illamasqua Skin Base £32.00 - My new Foundation. I've fallen more in love with Illamasqua as of late and for good reasons. I know they are a bit pricey however if a product is good I don't mind splashing out. This gives me full coverage but it does not feel caked on like other foundations ( like my Laura Mercier Silk Creme ) You can also build this up and blend into your skin to give a completely flawless look. I think I'm going to be purchasing the Illamasqua Hydra Veil as I was wowed by it when I saw it in store.

Illamasqua Skin Base Lift £17.50 - This is the concealer to match the above. It's very creamy and a thick formulation which is exactly what I need for the horrendous bags underneath my eyes. In fact I bought this when I went to a Blogger Meet Up in Birmingham recently and the girls I was there with said how good it hid my dark circles and gave the same under eye coverage as some of the vloggers out there! Definite thumbs up moment!

Diptyque Rosamundi Candle £42.00 - Again this has been raved about far too much on my part but on Saturday I got to the end of this beautiful candle. It was a very sad day.However I hunted it down and Space NK sell it, so they have one on hold for me until Friday :D

MAC Vegas Volt £15.00 - An old Lipstick that I've fallen in love with. Not only me I might add. My mother has taken it upon herself to take complete control of this and has stuffed it in her make up bag...she thinks I don't know. Pssh PLEASE.

Tresseme Hair Mask £5.50 - I bought this in a recent Boots haul...which I went a little cray cray on. What's a girl to do when Boots has it's 3 for 2 offer on?! I have read a lot of good reviews about this, so as I'm a real Tresseme girl I thought why not? I am very impressed, it really is a nice treat for my hair. It feels very nourished and soft after I use it. The only downfall I have with this is the lid. I dislike products that I have to use in the shower that don't have a flip top or in a tube. When I apply this, I have to open the tub, scoop some out with on hand, then try and screw the lid back on with one hand. However don't let that put you off, it's excellent.

Clinique Moisturising Gel £29.50 - I am at the end of this product, it's currently sitting up-side-down on my dresser to ensure I get every last bit of moisturiser out before I throw it away and buy a new one. I always seem to come back to this as I feel it really does hydrate my face. I think my skin naturally prefers gel based moisturisers as they just sink straight into the skin, and not much rubbing is involved.

Muji Makeup Storage - I think this has to be my overall monthly favourite! I purposely marched myself into Muji in Birmingham when I was on my blogger meet as I knew I needed some storage, and had seen loads of bloggers & vloggers rave about this. As soon as I set foot in the store, it was a slice of heaven. If you're one of those people like me who has to have things in a certain order, or angle (yes you read that right!) Then this is the place to go. They have storage & organisers for absolutely everything! I had to control myself and buy only what I thought was required. I ended up buying the Acrylic 5 drawer box £24.95 and the Acrylic Compartment Storage Box 6 Partitions £5.95. When I got home, you can pretty much guess what I did first. So when it was coming to the end I realised I could of done with buying another drawer set. Oh well! That's for next time :D Muahaha - sorry bank balance. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

Bit of a rubbish pic, but wanted to show you the Muji Storage! 

So there we go guys, I promise April will be a better month, I have loads of things planned that I know you'll be excited about, just as much as I am!

Have any of you tried any of my favourites? What's your favourite item here?

If you're slightly mad and enjoy what I babble on about, follow me on twitter, instagram and bloglovin. 

Anyhoo, I've rattled on enough! 

As always guys, It's been a pleasure.

Char 

xXx

| A Few Liebster Awards |

Helloooo Lovelies!!!

So the title of this post might come across a bit show offish - but this is not my intention. I had an influx of these nominations in the space of about 2 weeks and couldn't keep up! So I thought I'd kill several birds with one stone.

Disclaimer : No birds were harmed in the making of this post.

So basically the rules are; Link back to the person who nominated you. State 11 random facts about yourself . Answer their questions. Then come up with 11 random questions to ask and nominate 11 people to answer them. For more info and my 11 random facts about myself click here!

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So my 2nd nomination was from the rule breaker Lauren +Porcelain Queen She defied my rules and decided to nominate me back (which is SO not allowed!) However I'll let her off as she's so damn cool and writes awesome posts! Seriously go and check her out below, you won't be disappointed!

So - on with the questions!

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www.porcelainqueen1.blogspot.co.uk

Number One - What is your one holy grail product that you would recommend to every one?

Humm, this is a new one for me and I absolutely love it. It's the Sleek Face Contour Kit. You can choose between light, medium & dark. It's such a good price and really does work. I don't leave the house now without using this. The little diagram that comes with it is very useful too.

Number Two - Which part of your makeup do you enjoying doing the most?

Easy - foundation. I love the fact I can create a flawless blank canvass to work on :)

Number Three - Which one brand in your opinion makes the best eye shadows?

I have loads of MAC eye shadows, Urban Decay Pallets and Laura Mecier shadows. It's a close one between the 3 but I would have to say Urban Decay as the pigments are amazing.

Number Four - What are you beauty 'hang-ups'? For example, mine is my ridiculously untameable hair and my combination skin.

My skin. I have combination skin and it drives in insane! I'm like make up your mind already!

Number Five - What's the worst beauty blunder that you used to do?

Never used to do my eyebrows. I know. Shocking!

Number Six - At what age did you first ever start wearing makeup on a regular basis?

I was a late starter haha I didn't wear makeup properly until I was about 15/16.

Number Seven - What is you all time favourite high end brand?

YSL and Illamasqua

Number Eight - What is your all time favourite high street brand?

Rimmel and Maybelline

Number Nine - Name your top three brushes, for example, MAC 239, Real Techniques Buffing brush...

Real Techniques Stippling Brush, Real Techniques Contour Brush &  Real Techniques Detailer Brush.

Number Ten - What celebrity are you regularly compared to?

Ha I actually have 2... Holly Willoughby and Sophie Dahl. I think it's the eyes!

Number Eleven - Name one thing about yourself that you love.

My eyes :)

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www.beautybooandteatoo.blogspot.co.uk

1. what's your favourite beauty product?

I'm going to go with my Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation on this one.

2. what does your blog mean to you?

The world. I can't believe it's taken me this long to pluck up the courage to write one.

3. what's your favourite song at the moment?

Erm - Let It Go...Frozen! Hell yes I'm a Disney fan and proud!

4. when you were little what did you want to be when you 'grew up'?

A princess. Still aim to be. Prince Harry hasn't met me yet.

5. Did you make any new years resolutions, have you stuck to them?

Yes! My blog was a New Years Resolution (check out my first post here!)

6. If you were a Disney character, which Disney character would you be?

Ahh LOVE THIS!!! I would be Elsa from Frozen as she's a Princess who doesn't need a man - GIRL POWER! Also add in a bit of Dory from Finding Nemo and Timone & Pumba from Lion King haha

7. If you had to describe yourself in three words what would they be?

Fun, Confident & Captivating

8. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Marrying Price Harry and becoming a Princess. What? haha

9. What is your most prized possession?

My sunglasses collection....bit of a sucker for designers and my car!

10. What's your guilty pleasure?

Ice Cream

11. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Humm good question! I would have the power to click my fingers and be ready. I take hours getting ready for a night out!

- 

www.beaut-iful-you.blogspot.co.uk

1. What inspired you to start blogging in the beginning?

I wanted a change, something different. I wanted to make new friends and change my life.

2. How long have you been blogging for?

Nearly 2 months - eek!

3. What's the best thing that has happened to you since starting blogging?

Met so many amazing people, and the fact people like what I write is just mental!

4. Would you encourage other people to start blogging? If so, why?

Definitely - You'll meet like minded people and it'll really open your eyes that there are so many people out there who appreciate you and what you write.

5. What are your top 5 makeup brands

Laura Mercier, Illamasqua, MAC, Urban Decay, Rimmel

6. What would you rather give up, make up or skin care?

Oh god! Tough Question. I'd probably say skin care as make up can cover blemishes up.

7. Favourite nail varnish brand

Humm Illamasqua and Rimmel

8. If you could have £200 to spend on makeup, what would you buy?

Some things from Charlotte Tilbury

9. What's your favourite colour?

Lime Green and Pink

10. Favourite all time shop

Libertys or Harrods - I seriously get goosebumps every time I enter these stores.

11. Do you like my blog? If yes, thank you! But if not what can I do to improve?

Of course! I love the header picture its great and I love how clean cut your posts are.

1. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

Canada. I loved it there but only in the summer when there's no snow. So perhaps I should choose America!! haha

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www.hollieclairexo.blogspot.co.uk

2. What are your top 5 makeup products you can't live without?

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation, Sleek Contour Kit, Illamasqua Skin Base Lift, Rimmel compact face Powder & YSL Mascara.

3. If you could spend one day in the life of someone else who would it be?

Nice question - It would have to be Oprah!

4. What type of blogs do you find most interesting to read?

Blogs with a personal touch. I'm not too keen on posts that just show a picture of a product and talk about it like a robot. I really like to get to know the author :)

5. Your favourite item of clothing that you own?

Scarves! I have a serious collection of Scarves!

6. Lipstick or lipgloss?

Lipstick.

7. Whats a weird fact about yourself that not everyone might know?

I'm related to Judi Dench & Beatrix Potter (random I know!) :)

8. Your favourite shop to shop in?

As above Liberty's & Harrods!

9. What is your favourite makeup brand?

Illamasqua and MAC

10. Your best and favourite makeup tip?

Always prep, prime and hydrate your skin before applying makeup!

11. Your favourite song?

Ever?! Humm At the moment it's Let It Go - Frozen however all time fav I would have to say - GOD THIS IS TOO HARD! I like classics so it would have to be - no I can't do it. Sorry!

- 

  

www.justmsmaxwell.com

1. your worst habit?

Cutting my cuticles..

2. your dream job?

Creating a fashion line for women who are blessed with curves of all different shapes and sizes, whether your petite or on the larger side! Nothing out there no matter what anyone says.

3. bar or pub?

Bar. Pass me a cocktail!

4. high street or high end?

Humm, high street.

5. where you see yourself in 5 years time?

Probably writing my 10000000000 Leibster Award post!

6. favourite childhood show?

Sabrina the teenage Witch! Or Buffy!

7. favourite quote and why?

Winners never quit, Quitters never win.

8. the person you are most inspired by?

I'm inspired by everyone around me. They keep me motivated and ambitious!

9.  feelings about the ugly shoe trend?

Hate it.

10. favourite youtube vlogger?

I love Fleur De Force, she's different to the rest of the big youtube vloggers.

11. greatest achievement to date?

Not going to University and working bloody hard to get a good job! Which I love.

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So there we have it, a load of questions and answers! So now for my nominations....this is tough as so many people have done this now, so instead I nominate you! Whoever is reading this to answer just 5 questions! I'm changing the rules a bit as like Lauren said - Rules are meant to be broken!

1. Whats the best post you've written on your blog (in your opinion)? Link it below :)
2. What is your greatest achievement to date?
3. Who was the first beauty guru or blogger that you watched on Youtube or read on blogger?
4. What is your holy grail Skin Care product?
5. Which part of your make up do you enjoy doing the most? 

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Thank you for taking the time to read this, let me know what your thoughts are on my answers! 

Even if you don't fancy writing up a post on this, let me know down in the comments what your answers would be to my questions :)

Also please follow me on twitter, instagram & bloglovin. It would mean the world to me!

So, as always guys, It's been a pleasure!

Char

xXx

Mwah xx

Spring | Summer Lips

So I've been looking though loads of posts this week and I've fallen in love with all of the Spring Summer 2014 lip colours you've all been cooing over. 
If you've been following me on twitter you will also know that I went a little crazy on the 3 for 2 offer in Boots at the moment. 

Oh Dear. 

I apologise for  the quality of this, I was fighting with lighting and a cat.  

So I'll go through the swatches on my hand, then you lucky people can see the colours on my lips. 

I like to give both views, as lipsticks & glosses look so different compared to swatches. Everyones lips have different tones to them, therefore sometime I have to blot out my natural colour to let the true pigmentation come through. 

My natural lip colour is quite a deep pink. 

Rimmel Lip Butters Left to Right: Pink Lemonade, Macaroon, Juicy Papaya

                                      
   

Pink Lemonade

Don't you just love the name?! Everyones been on about these Lip Butters and I'm SO pleased I managed to get my hands on them. I ordered these online so I just chose colours which I thought would suit my skin tone and sounded nice...ha! 

One side note I'd like to add is that I find the tops quite hard to get off?! Any of you find that?

I do like this, however I had to apply several layers just so the pink could show through. having said that, I can see this being a firm favourite in the summer months!

Macaroon

Out of the 3, this one is certainly the most pigmented out of the lip butters. This, I can use throughout the year as it would even look nice in the colder months! 

Juicy Papaya

This is my favourite out of the 3 I purchased. It really flatters my skin tone and just looks so natural.

My mum who always gives her honest opinion (even when not required!) absolutely loves it and was off browsing the shelves of Boots today to get one. 

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From left to right: Calvin Klein Creme Lipstick in Ethereal, Maxfactor Pink Brandy

Pink Brandy

This is a recent purchase and my first Maxfactor Lipstick. Certainly won't be my last. 

I love the colour as it has orange tones to it, which incase you hadn't realised - Orange is the new black. Fabulous. 

Ethereal

Okay, so I won't go on about this too much, as I have been swooning over it on twitter quite  a bit. 

LOVE this. 

It's so creamy and the colour is really flattering. Perfect for Spring / Summer. I didn't even realise CK had a make up line but I shall be looking out for more colours in the future as this is just beautiful. 

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From Left to Right: L'Oreal L'Extrodinaire Fuchsia Drama, Lush Liquid Lipstick in Perspective

Perspective

Okay, so I'm not a big fan of this colour. It has purple/ brown tone to it, which really doesn't flatter my skintone, as mentioned in my previous Leibster Award post (link here). 

One other thing I'm not too keen on is the smell and taste (which is unusual with a Lush product - it's quite bitter)

However I do like the consistency and pigmentation. 

Fuchsia Drama

This is amazing. It smells so sweet and delicious! The consistency is creamy and full of pigmentation. The applicator is great too, it's angled so it covers all corners - literally. 

I will be purchasing more shades in this without a doubt.

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From Left to Right: MAC Lip Pencil in Beet, Illamasqua Glamore in Luster

I wanted to show how you can build this wonderful Lipstick up from Illamasqua. I know a lot of people get scared of using such bold colours on their lips. 

From my previous posts you will know I am not one of them now - but I used to be. 

Make up is my mask. Own it. Please don't be afraid to try new and exciting colours as they really are a tool to show of your personality! 

Below is me with just one layer of this fab lipstick and the other is built up using a lip pencil and a couple more layers of Luster. 

One layer - nothing to be afraid of!

BOOM! Pure sex. 

Anyway I hope you've enjoyed this Spring Summer Lip Instalment. If you liked it make sure to leave a comment! Also stay up to date with me on Twitter and Instagram (links in sides bar) 

One HUGE favour I would like to ask of you lovely people, is to follow me on Bloglovin. It would make my day. 

Love to you all! And, as always. It's been a pleasure. 

Char (and Missy below!)

xXx