ROCCABOX BEAUTY SUBSCRIPTION REVIEW – JUNE BOX (HOT GIRL SUMMER)

Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.

I actually can’t believe that I’m writing this but…up until now I had NEVER tried a beauty subscription box. That’s mad isn’t it? For someone who spends so much time, effort (and money!) on the beauty industry to have not invested in what is basically a box of presents to yourself every month.

Well I’ve seen the error of my ways and won’t be returned back to that dark, dark place.

Roccabox has truly opened my eyes to what an amazing thing subscription boxes (when done right!) can be.

For just £10.00 per Month (plus £3.95 P&P) you can have a Roccabox sent straight to your door full to bursting point with beauty treasures for you to try and hopefully fall in love with! The box sells itself when you consider those savings!) The mixture of brands and products massively appealed to me, it’s nice to give up control every once and a while.

Bella Pierre Brown Eyed Girl Eyeshadow Palette.

This months box includes 5 fantastic products from hair and skincare right down to your makeup essentials. Incredibly versatile and a great way to try some new brands!

What you’ll find…

Bella Pierre Cosmetics – Brow Eyed Girl Palette 

RRP: £28.99

Crabtree & Evelyn – Rose Shower Milk

RRP: £9.16

The Beauty Crop – Smoothie Stick Lip Crayon

RRP: £7.00

Anatomicals – Deep Conditioning Hair Pack

RRP: £5.00

Shea Bliss Skin – Strawberry Scrub

RRP: £3.99

I really don’t know how they manage to put together such an amazing collection so affordably but I’m not complaining. Honestly, throw ALL of the Roccaboxes at me!

The quality of the pieces included are fab and were a really welcome pick me up this month. Highly recommend investing in the subscription and seeing for yourself just what a treat it really is!

Also, if you’re as obsessed with the Always Tired Co Fenty Beauty print featured above as I am then you can use code ‘THEBEAUTYBOO20’ for a cheeky discount!

BY BEAUTY BAY BRIGHT MATTE 42 COLOUR EYESHADOW PALETTE REVIEW

Post contains a gifted product. All views are my own. 

‘A collection of forty-two matte, rainbow-hued eyeshadows. 

Combining pinks, blues, greens, yellows and purples for bold, bright results, By BEAUTY BAY Bright Matte 42 Colour Palette is the matte version of the ultimate colour spectrum collection. Each shade features intense pigment payoff and major staying power, enabling you to craft an infinite number of multidimensional looks.’

By Beauty Bay 42 Colour Bright Matte Eyeshadow Palette Swatches.

Have you ever seen such a stunning rainbow palette in all your life? Each perfectly selected shade is both vegan and cruelty free as well as buttery smooth and pigmented AF.

With such a incredibly range of shades it’s easy to see that it’s the perfect palette for creative artistry but what I’m most excited about (as someone who is very definitely NOT an MUA) is the freedom to explore more wearable monochromatic looks (greens aren’t usually my thing but I am soooo looking forward to diving in there head first and adding a bit of drama to the school run!).

Monochrome pink makeup look using the By Beauty Bay Bright Matte 42 Colour Palette.

If you’re looking at the Bright Matte and feeling ever so slightly intimidated (and who could blame you? She is a bad bitch!) then you’ll be pleased to know that it also contains a top line of (7 – including both a black and white) neutral shades to help ease you into the madness!

For £23 you can add this beauty to your arsenal and really amp up your makeup game!

You can pick yours up HERE.

By BEAUTY BAY is going to be one to watch guys!

HOW TO GET THAT PERFECT DEWY MAKE UP LOOK THAT LASTS EVEN WHEN YOU’RE OILY AF

Guys, my skin is OILY. I’m talking make up sliding off of my nose an hour after application kind of oily, and that’s fine. We can combat that with a good base and matte products which is great. However, if you’re like me then sometimes you just don’t want a full face of heavy slap. You covet the fresh faced dewy goodness you see on Instagram. 

Here I’m going to share with you some tips, tricks and products I’ve picked up in my search for a glowy complexion and hopefully they will work for you too!

Just a quick disclaimer, I’m not an MUA but these steps definitely work for me and I am an oily disaster.

Hydration

Hydration is KEY! I know that sounds bizarre because when you have oily skin it feels like the last thing you might need but trust me.

Drink plenty of water. 6-8 glasses a day is the current recommendation and it is so vital so your overall health and well being. I like to add a couple of slices of lemon to mine to give it a little extra something.

Hyaluronic Acid is also something you might want to think about. I know that sounds scary but I explain exactly what it is and the benefits of adding it to your skincare routine HERE.

It doesn’t have to be expensive, there are plenty of brands on the HA bandwagon now so you can purchase anything from a toner to serums and even a refreshing facial mist. The choice is yours. A good skincare routine is so important but does take a while to get to grips with as everyone has different concerns.

Base

A good base and knowing what products to use is going to be your best friend. It’s taken me ages to work out what does and doesn’t work for me but I think I’m finally there and my advice is don’t be afraid to mix products.

Most of us aren’t oily everywhere. If you really think about it you’ll realise the problem lies within certain areas. Mine is my t-zone. 

Basically I use various products in different areas of my face. I know that my nose is my biggest issue so I use a touch of the PLouise Base (£10) to really prime that area before applying my foundation and honestly I haven’t found anything else that does the trick as well as that little gem! 

My favourite dewy foundation at the moment is the Revolution Conceal and Hydrate. It has such a beautiful finish and is a bargain at just £9. I apply this with blending sponge carefully to avoid anywhere I have just laid down my PLouise Base. I then go back in once I have blending all of the product elsewhere and apply the tiniest bit of matte foundation (the best I have found is the Revolution Matte Base) to my problem area to add a touch more coverage and cover the base. The trick with oily skin is less is more and to really take your time with blending and pushing the base and foundation into the skin. It really does make all of the difference.

You’ll then need to set it all. I’m still on the hunt for my ideal powder but at the moment I’m quite liking the Collection Primed & Ready HD Blur Setting Powder (£3.99). A little goes an extremely long way so please be careful! It’s slightly pearlescent so really helps to give your skin some life and stop it from looking flat.

Finishing Touches

These are the things that are going to make the most difference overall in my opinion. You’re going to need a bronzer, blush and highlighter. Any brand will do! I then highly recommend you check out this video by Jamie Genevieve for some application tips when it comes to these specific products because she has changed the game for me!

Finish off with a dewy setting spray and whilst your face is still damp I want you to apply a little bit more of your highlighter in the usually places but also to the top of the apples of your cheeks. This step is going to make all the bloody difference when it comes to getting that glow especially now you have your base down!

I hope you have found this post helpful! Fingers crossed you can take something away from it and be able to live your best life with the dewy skin of your dreams!

HOW TO ROCK THAT PERFECT BOLD RED LIP

Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick.

Gwyneth Paltrow

What does a bold red lip mean to you?

To me it can not only pull a whole outfit together but also completely change my state of mine. I go from feeling like an anxious wreck to all of a sudden having my shit together, ready to face anyone and anything. That’s the real power of make up.

Here are some tips and tricks on how to rock that red pout. Let’s face it, we could all do with a pick me up every now and then.

Hydration is key. Smooth, soft lips will make all the difference to the application and longevity of your new confidence maker. Incorporate a lip balm into your skincare routine if you don’t already use one. I also recommend using a scrub followed by a lip mask (the Bubu #youpucker Lip Pumping Mask is my fav!) once a week. The difference in your pout will speak for itself.

I have honestly lost count of the articles and posts I have read, all dedicated to the art of finding your perfect shade of lipstick. I know that there is a skill to picking the shade best suited to the under tones of your skin, I’m not disputing that and I could follow suit but I do try to be different! 

My biggest piece of advice? Ignore them all! You find the shade that makes you feel like a bad bitch and wear it with pride. That confidence is what makes the shade perfect for you.

In regards to the rest of my make up I like to keep things fairly simple and neutral. A red lip is a statement, let it speak for itself. Having said that, you can never go wrong with a bit of eyeliner. A flick sharp as your wit is the perfect accompaniment to a bold lip.

When it comes to lip liner I like to break the mould slightly (a lot…). I apply my lipstick first and liner second. I find it much easier to work with and is the perfect way to clean up and define the shape of your lips.  That’s just my experience though, you do you!

Do you want to go that little bit further and really amp things up? Pop a little bit of highlighter right onto your cupids bow before applying your chosen lipstick. It’ll make your lips appear bigger.

Last but not least a few of tips to finish off the look. Lipstick on your teeth is not a good look for anyone. Put a finger in between your lips (basically inside your mouth) and pull slowly. This will remove any lipstick on the inside of your lips. Also, don’t forget to blot. Just grab a piece of tissue, place it between your lips and bounce them up and down a couple of times. This will stop the product ‘bleeding’ and keep the lines clean. A matte finish is my absolute favourite but nothing says luscious like a gloss! A quick slick over the top of your favourite lipstick really is a game changer.

I mentioned earlier that the perfect shade for you is the one that makes you feel the bravest. I stand by that 100% but just incase you’d like some guidance here are some of my favs!

Beauty BLVD Mattitude Lip Liquid Shade – ‘Vicious’

This baby is sooooo long lasting (I’ve been caught in the rain and it still didn’t budge).

Carter Beauty Word of Mouth Lipstick – Shade ‘Bey’

Probably my most worn and if I’m being biased my favourite! It’s just really classic, feels comfortable to wear and never bleeds.

Urban Decay Comfort Matte Vice Lipstick Shade – ‘Bad Blood’

My forever faithful old friend and probably the red that truly started my obsession. A matte finish that is comfortable to wear and makes me feel fierce AF.

Huda Beauty Liquid Matte – Shade ‘Heartbreaker’

A statement red if ever there was one. It does dry down to a matte finish super quickly but doesn’t feel tight or dehydrating.

I hope you have enjoyed this post and now have the confidence to wear your dream shade with pride.

WHY THE CAMEL COAT HAS MADE ME RETHINK MY FAST-FASHION WAYS

I will admit that I am absolutely awful when it comes to investing in fast fashion.

I feel like my style is still changing and evolving (although I’m much more sure of myself now than I was a couple of years ago) so I often find myself buying things I might like at the time but probably wouldn’t wear six months later.

I know this is a problem and have been trying really hard to change my ways. My turning point?

The camel coat.

I received a revere collar camel coat for my 30th birthday and it’s honestly changed the game for me. At first I felt like a five year old dressing up in her mums clothes (because it’s a proper grown up coat guys!) before very quickly realising it goes with absolutely everything!

I’ve put together some of favourite ways to style the camel coat (all from Pinterest under the search ‘Camel Coat Outfit’, I’m not capable of any more than your bog standard selfie).

Keeping it casual with trainers…

Sleek AF when worn over dresses or skirts.

Cosy and cool with a monochrome hooded tracksuit?

Feeling like a style icon every day with black skinny jeans and your favourite pair of boots!

I also like to throw on a pair of knee highs boots during the colder weather. I feel comfortable yet dressy enough to go and grab some dinner with a friend if the mood takes me (pre covid obviously!).

You also can’t go wrong with leather look leggings or paper bag trousers. Easy to dress up with pumps or down with your favourite trainers and are both comfy yet functional and stylish.

The camel coat is just one example of ways I’m trying to reduce the size of my wardrobe. It’s all about finding ways to style the things your already own by adding staple pieces to your wardrobe and I am so here for it!

Feature photo credit – Shannen Lythgoe

BY BEAUTY BAY ‘NEW ROMANTIC’ EYESHADOW PALETTE REVIEW

With Valentines Day long gone you might think it strange of me to want to discuss a release that was had just that in mind…BUT, restrictions are fast easing and now a date night really might be in sight so it’s the perfect time to get into the mood to glam up, right?

…and guys, I have the answer!

The By Beauty Bay ‘New Romantic’ Eyeshadow Palette!

It has everything you need to really spark a fire in that creative belly of yours. Absolutely jam packed with a mix of 20 pigmented mattes and stunning shimmers. 

Stunning shimmers for days!

Beauty Bay really knows how to balance outstanding quality with a bargain price tag (the palette costs just £15!) so we were always onto a winner with this warm toned dreamboat.

By Beauty Bay New Romantic Palette Swatches

Whilst certainly a Valentine’s Day inspired colour story the palette actually features a really lovely assortment of neutrals throughout too. Perfect to take you from day to night when some sort of normality resumes.

By Beauty Bay New Romantic Palette Swatches

…and if you feel like going all out then you could always chuck the ‘New Romantic’ Liquid Crystal Eyeshadowsin your basket too. At £6 each or all £3 for £15 they are the perfect way to add some extra oomph into your finished look. 

Massively regretting the fact I haven’t picked them up myself now but such is life.

MAKEUP REVOLUTION REHAB COLLECTION REVIEW

Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.

“It’s time for some serious TLC with the Revolution Rehab collection. This collection is designed to nourish & recover your brows, lips & lashes.”

Let’s face it, we could all do with a little bit of extra goodness in our lives right now couldn’t we? 

With ingredients such as shea, cocoa and mango butter, hyaluronic, castor oil and jojoba you’ll be feeling like a brand new you in no time!

Makeup Revolution Rehab Collection.

The collection includes everything you could possibly need to get your brows, lashes and lips in tip top order ready for those long awaited nights out (and with summer approaching fingers crossed some scorching hot days dressed up to the nines with a cocktail in hand!).

Makeup Revolution Rehab Collection.

With prices starting at just £6 you can’t go wrong with these bargain beauties!

Makeup Revolution Rehab Brow Care Mask

£6.00

Makeup Revolution Rehab Soap & Care Styler 

£6.00

Makeup Revolution Rehab Overnight Lip Serum

£6.00

Makeup Revolution Rehab Brow Care Serum

£9.99

Makeup Revolution Rehab Lash Care Serum

£9.99

THE MAKEUP REVOLUTION: REVOLUTION PRO ‘ROCKSTAR COLLECTION’ REVIEW

After a pretty rubbish week where I once again wallowed in self doubt and debated whether I should actually be doing this at all I was givena kick up the arse when this little bundle of goodness arrived at my door!

The Makeup Revolution Revolution Pro Rockstar Collection launches on 27th January and guys…you need it!

The collection consists of two gorgeous eyeshadow palettes, a matte black liquid eyeliner and a selection of eight gel eyeliners in assorted (stunning!) shades.

I’ll start with the palettes shall I?

Rockstar Eyeshadow Palettes…

‘Noir’ is arguable my favourite (because I’m a sucker for those burgundy and rose tones!) but ‘Nude’ really is your perfect all rounder (also perfect for bridal makeup).

I love the mix of formulas within both palettes, quite a nice balance of shimmers and mattes with a handful of pressed glitters and something else entirely. I’m not quite sure what to call it. For all intents and purposes it’s a shimmer but almost feels wet to touch? Whatever it is, I’m a fan because it’s lush.

For the varied yet versatile colour stories and the quality of the shadows I would say the price point is bang on. I’ll certainly get a lot of wear out of both palettes.

Visionary Gel Eyeliners…

Arguable my favourite part of the collection. 

I love the shade range (again, that burgundy guys!) and they are just sooooo creamy. 

Each liner comes equipped with its own little smudging tool so you can achieve that sexy, smoked out, I may or may not have slept in this makeup sort of thing that takes far more effort than it looks. 

I’m so excited to really give these a proper test drive because I really feel like they’re going to elevate an everyday eye look into something incredibly special! 

Rockstar Matte Edition Liquid Eyeliner…

Last but by no means least is the snazzy new ultra black matte liquid liner. I’ve been in a Ross and Rachel style on-again/off-again relationship with liquid liner for about ten years now. I shouldn’t really wear it because I just don’t have the skills to combat my I’m very hooded eyes BUT I want to.

Despite my personal battles this liner is fab! Really long lasting, smudge proof and like I said, ultra black. What more could you realistically want?

I’ve included prices for the entire collection below. The whole thing is very reasonable for the quality and will be the perfect way to accessorise your loungewear for those quiz night zoom calls!

Rockstar Shadow Palette Noir Edition 

£14.99/$20.00/€15.99

Rockstar Shadow Palette Nude Edition

£14.99/$20.00/€15.99

Visionary Gel Eyeliner

£5.00/$8.00/€5.99

Rockstar Matte Edition Liquid Eyeliner

£6.00/$8.00/€6.99