NARS Velvet Shadow Stick in Hollywoodland

I am always on the look out for beauty shortcuts.  Anything that can shorten my morning routine and give me an extra few minutes in bed is a winner in my books.  I was on the look out for a shimmery champagne/gold pencil to use as an eye shadow and to highlight my inner corner, brow bone and cupid's bow.  Rob kindly bought me the NARS Velvet Shadow Stick in Hollywoodland for Valentines day, which was exactly what I was looking for.

Shopping my Stash for Autumn

I've put off admitting it for as long as I can, but summer is finally here and it's time to embrace autumn.  As much as I love cosy blankets, cute shoe boots and warm scarves, I am a summer girl through and through so I can't help dragging out the peachy pinks and shimmery bronzers as long as possible.  I'm just about ready so switch up my makeup bag to reflect the season, so I've dug through my stash to find my autumn favourites.

Adding Dimension

Thanks to acne-prone/acne scarred skin, I like quite a bit of coverage in my foundation to cover my imperfections.  I feel so much more confident when my blemishes and scars are covered, but it often makes my skin look flat and mask-like, which means there's even less dimension to my face than my natural football head look.  These are the products I use to add a bit of warmth, dimension and shape back into my complexion.

Everyday Base

Lately everyday I'm finding myself reaching for the same base regardless of what I'm doing or where I'm going.  I love both of these foundations on their own, but together they're a bit of a dream team.

The Perfect Lipstick

Surely I'm not the only one who's spent hours looking for the perfect red, or the perfect nude, or the perfect shade of lipstick.  After years of searching, I think I have quite a few perfects in my collection.

Holiday Makeup

While I'm on holiday, I like to change up my makeup a bit.  I look for multi-purpose products to save on weight and I go for a generally lighter look.  These are the makeup products I couldn't get enough of during my week in Marbella.

Glow Getters

For years I completely avoided all hint of highlight because I was petrified that it would just emphasise my oily skin, but this year everyone seems to be having a bit of a highlighter moment so I gave it a go and I love it! I do need to apply it sparingly but it adds a healthy glow to my complexion which I adore.  These are the products I've been reaching for to add a bit of a glow to my face.

All About That Base

Over the last year or so I have fallen for base make up.  For years I stuck to the same foundation, concealer and powder regardless of what I was doing, where I was going or how I was feeling, but lately that's all changed.

NARS Red Square

All you have to do is scroll down this page to realise that the NARS velvet matte lip pencil in Red Square is an absolute beauty.  After reading endless amazing reviews of these pencils, specifically this shade, I couldn't resist adding this to my basket while making a Debenhams order.

Brand Focus: NARS

Like I assume most people reading this do, I adore NARS.  Their products are high quality, beautiful and talked about non-stop.  I've got a few (grubby) bits and pieces, but I'm always looking to add more to my little collection!

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

I am still hunting for the perfect foundation.  I want coverage not cakeyness, luminous not greasy and long lasting not eaten up my my face.  Just the name of the newest foundation Release from NARS sounded pretty impressive, so I gave it a shot.

NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette

NARSissist palette - £45

It's official - I'm the luckiest girl ever.  My lovely boyfriend kindly gifted me the NARSissist eye shadow palette for Valentines day back in February!  It's absolutely beautiful and I've loved trying it out and using a load of different colour combinations.

NARS One Night Stand Cheek Palette

Nars One Night Stand Palette

After dreaming about this beautiful limited edition palette for weeks, how could I resit treating myself when its release date came three days after pay day?  Released as part of the Holiday 2013 collection, this collaboration with Guy Bourdin  is the perfect companion for travelling.  Recently I'm forever on a train visiting friends, family and my boyfriend at various universities across the country, so I'm a sucker for anything travel-friendly.  Although the palette is compact, the pans are big enough to fit a blusher or bronzer brush in.

NARS Desire Powder Blush

NARS Desire - £21.50

While there was 25% student discount on ASOS I just couldn't resist making a cheeky purchase.  I've never had a NARS blusher before, but they've always been something I've lusted after.  I chose Desire, a vivid matte pink which admittedly is a little daunting in the pan.  It's a gorgeous formula which is really easy to blend and amazingly pigmented, so you need to make sure you apply with a very light hand, but it is gorgeous once on the skin.  It lasts all day long easily, and doesn't tend to fade at all on my oily skin.  I absolutely adore this, and have worn it so often since getting it, but now I want another one! Gina looks absolutely gorgeous, and I've been fancying Laguna for ages... my bank account wont be impressed!