Beauty – Page 5 – Dreadfully Kelly

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE – PART ONE: BEAUTY BAY ‘THE SHOWTIME’ BEAUTY BOX (BLOGTOBER – DAY SEVENTEEN)

17th Oct 202122nd Oct 2021 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.

If you’re anything like me then you find the idea of Christmas shopping with the masses all kinds of anxiety inducing. I thought now would be a great time to put together some blog posts designed to showcase what I think would make really great presents that take the stress out of gift giving!

First up is the Beauty Bay ‘The Showtime’ Beauty Box…

An 11-piece beauty box.
Be the star of the show this party season with The Showtime Beauty Box. Packed full of all the makeup essentials you need to create show-stopping looks, this box is the gift that keeps on giving. With everything from eyeshadows, glitters, highlighters, and lipsticks, whether you’re heading to the Christmas party or adding some glam to NYE, you’ll have everything you need. The perfect gift for your BFF, significant other, or just for yourself, give the gift of iconic makeup looks this year.
beautybay.com

For just £40 you’ll receive a whopping £119 worth of products expertly collated by the Beauty Bay team.

Inside you’ll find…

Milani Baked Blush Sunset Passion, (Full size) – A warm pink shimmering blush.

Sample Beauty Lash Out Vegan Synthetic Silk False Lashes, (Full size) – A pair of high volume false lashes.

XX Revolution XXpress Shadow Palette XXposed, (Full size) – A four-colour, soft neutral eyeshadow palette.

Nabla Ruby Lights Glitter Palette, (Full size) – A four-colour glitter shadow palette.

Ofra Highlighter Mini Rodeo Drive, (Mini) – A universally flattering highlighter.

MUA Makeup Academy Intense Colour Lip Liner Diva, (Full size) – A deep burgundy lip liner.

Soda Beauty #wegotyoubabe Glitter Lip Gloss, (Full size) – A shimmering silver lip gloss.

BY BEAUTY BAY Matte Lipstick Juice, (Full size) – A bright orange-red lipstick.

wet n wild Lash Renegade Waterproof Mascara Brazen Black, (Full size) – A volumising, waterproof mascara.

By BEAUTY BAY 12 Piece Eye Brush Set, (Full-size) – A 12-piece eyeshadow brush set.

Brushworks Complexion Sponge Duo, (Full size) – A pair of complexion makeup sponges.

Each element works perfectly alongside each other to cream the perfect glam look thus festive season. However, I’m also looking forward to mix and matching things into with my usual routine to really take things to the next level.

I think this is honestly without doubt one of the best beauty boxes I have ever had the pleasure of trying. The mixture of brands and products is just stunning (there is also a less expensive skincare version I’m also coveting that you can check out HERE).

GIVE ME COSMETICS ‘THE HAIRCARE BUNDLE’ REVIEW (BLOGTOBER – DAY SIXTEEN)

16th Oct 20214th Mar 2022 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.

Please don’t tell me I own too many haircare products. I don’t need that kind of negativity in my life.

Have you tried ‘The Haircare Bundle’ by Give Me Cosmetics?

‘The Haircare Bundle’ includes…

An amazing Coconut & Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner duo (that come in their brand new easy squeeze bottles for maximum efficiency) to give you that extra oomph during these dastardly colder months.

Plus the most gorgeous Argan Oil & Coconut Oil Hair Mask which is the absolute pièce de résistance.

And if you aren’t already convinced then let me tell you a little bit about your new favourite shampoo and conditioner!

They are both paraben-free and contain a healthy dose of nutrients such as provitamins B5 which is used to increase elasticity in the hair strands and absorb water content for added moisture.

Enriched with a gentle infusion of Coconut & Argan oils, the pair work to together to moisturise, support & strengthen hair follicles for thoroughly cleansed soft & shiny hair, packed with volume & bounce.

Give Me’s Hair Mask blends natural Argan Oil and Coconut Oil which will help you achieve that smooth & silky look/feel as well as improving the condition and elasticity of your hair.

Before & After using ‘The Haircare Bundle’ by Give Me Cosmetics

They smell divine and have left my hair looking and feeling pretty damn good even if I do say so myself.

You can pick up yours for £27.

THE 5 EYESHADOW PALETTE’S I’LL BE REACHING FOR THIS AUTUMN/WINTER (BLOGTOBER – DAY FIFTEEN)

15th Oct 202115th Oct 2021 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

If you follow me over on Instagram (HERE) then you’ll know I’m a bit of a palette hoarder…

I’ve rounded up my fav autumn/winter feels palette so if you’re struggling to narrow down your shopping basket this might give you a nudge in the right direction!

Celebrating spooky season all year round with this beaut! The grungy colour story of the Unicorn Cosmetics Wicked Palette still has me hooked all these months later.

Full of vampy glam goodness that’ll see you through a multitude of situations. I really can’t see it getting old. It’s also currently on sale for £24.99!

You can use code ‘THEBEAUTYBOO’ at checkout to save some £££.

Somehow the Nabla Dreamy 2 Palette manages to be both delicate AND bold, something I’m sure we could all do with more of in our lives!

The luxury finish of these rich shadows 100% justifies the £32.50 price tag, plus the packaging is lush and I’m not sure what else you can ask for really?

The warm tones of the Pantherine Palette give off utter autumnal dream vibes but also beautiful sunset feels so you’re pretty much covered all year round for £30!

Spectrum Collections Pantherine Palette Swatches

The Spectrum Collections Pantherine Palette is a warm toned delight with (in my opinion) the perfect mix of matte and metallic shades. It’s also super pigmented and blends like a dream.

The dreamy colour story of the Rose Metal Palette will have you wishing every night was date night. Whilst definitely neutral for the most part it’s rosey tones really add that something special into the mix. Absolutely packed with pigment and the quality is second to none.

Lois Cosmetics Rose Metal Palette Swatches

Rose Metal is there to soothe the most romantic of souls and for £19.99 will leave you feeling like ever day is Valentine’s Day.

A colour story of two halves if ever there was one. Each element of the palette works so beautifully together for a truly unique experience but you really do feel like you’re getting an extra bang for your buck with so much choice and versatility.

By Beauty Bay Wilderness Palette Swatches

This vegan & cruelty free beauty is just so magical with its pigmented mattes and stunning shimmers (or a cheeky duochrome with shade ‘Ray’ which really lifts the whole palette to another level).

The By Beauty Bay Wilderness Palette is an all year round £15 bargain triumph.

REVOLUTION HAIRCARE BOND PLEX RANGE REVIEW (BLOGTOBER – DAY THIRTEEN)

13th Oct 202113th Oct 2021 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

Have you tried the Revolution Haircare Bond Plex range?

Formulated to target different layers of the hair fibre which will help restore and strengthen damage from the inside out.

The range includes…

Plex 3 Bond Restore Treatment £10

Plex 4 Bond Plex Shampoo £10

Plex 5 Bond Plex Conditioner £10

Plex 6 Bond Restore Styling Cream £10

Plex 7 Bond Restore Styling Spray £8

I usually struggle with leave in or styling products due to how oily my hair and scalp are. They weigh down my hair making it appear lank and flat but I’m so pleased to say I haven’t experienced any of that with the Bond Plex Range.

I like to use everything together maybe once a week and it really feels like a treat!

My hair is now bouncy, shiny and healthy. I’m so happy with the results and can’t recommend everything enough!

All the products are vegan & cruelty free.

And now I’ve got that straight from the salon feeling all the time.

WHAT’S THIS? THE MAKEUP REVOLUTION X DISNEY NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION REVIEW (BLOGTOBER – DAY TWELVE)

12th Oct 202112th Oct 2021 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

What’s this? What’s this?
Jack Skellington

If you’re a fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas (and of course you are, who isn’t?) then you’ll know the time old debate surrounding the seasonal target of the film. Was it made for Halloween or Christmas?

Well director Henry Selick confirmed back in 2017 that it was intended to be a Halloween movie whilst Danny Elfman who beautifully set the tone of the film with his music said that whilst it’s clearly about Christmas he always considered it to be a Halloween film.

I’ll just carry on watching it from October until December every year just to be sure. That seems like the sensible thing to do, right?

That’s right. I am the Pumpkin King!
Jack Skellington

Anyway, last year Makeup Revolution absolutely smashed it out of the park when they realised a whole collection celebrating the cult classic and and so pleased to be able to say it’s still just as popular a year later!

The whole aesthetic is classic nightmare and I’m living for it. Striking the balance between childhood nostalgia and adult functionality perfectly.

My only regret is picking up only half of the collection but you know, adult stuff comes first apparently 🙄

Just because I cannot see it, doesn’t mean I can’t believe it!
Jack Skellington

I picked up…

Makeup Revolution Disney Nightmare Before Christmas Eyeshadow Palette Jack – £15

Makeup Revolution Disney Nightmare Before Christmas Highlighter Moonlight, Mischief & Madness – £8

Makeup Revolution Disney Nightmare Before Christmas Lip Gloss Jack £5

Makeup Revolution Disney Nightmare Before Christmas Lip Gloss Zero – £5

The highlighter is beyond stunning and such a wearable shade whilst the palette truly is a Jack of all trades with a nice mixture of neutrals and brights in various finishes.

I’m not much of a gloss fan if I’m honest but the packaging swung me if nothing else and they’re always handy to have.

I excel without ever even trying.
Jack Skellington

The rest of the collection consists of…

Makeup Revolution Disney Nightmare Before Christmas Brush Set – £20

Makeup Revolution Disney Nightmare Before Christmas Eyeshadow Palette Sally – £15

Makeup Revolution Disney Nightmare Before Christmas Makeup Bag Clear – £8

Makeup Revolution Disney Nightmare Before Christmas Makeup Bag Black – £8

Makeup Revolution Disney Nightmare Before Christmas Highlighter Misfit Love – £8

Makeup Revolution Disney Nightmare Before Christmas Lip Gloss Sally – £5

Makeup Revolution Disney Nightmare Before Christmas Lip Gloss Oogie Boogie – £5

My dearest friend, if you don’t mind, I’d like to join you by your side, where we can gaze into the stars.
Jack Skellington

Have you invested in the collection? Should I take the plunge and pick up the rest?

WHY I STARTED SWAPPING OUT MY POWDER BLUSH (BLOGTOBER – DAY ELEVEN)

11th Oct 2021 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

As a self confessed oily gal I’ve always made it my life’s mission to collect as many matte products as possible. Gimme all of the powders I say.

The problem with that was it became increasingly difficult to move with the times and when dewy bases and ‘no makeup’ makeup because the next big thing I couldn’t keep up.

Life isn’t all about chasing trends but as a blogger it’s essential that I at least try them. Some I grow to love and others, well let’s just leave those to one side shall we?

I’ve always been a fan of blush, even when it wasn’t ‘cool’ and everyone else was lashing on the bronzer. I’m pale and without it I feel naked, it’s an essential part of my routine

A good dewy or barely their base needs a cream, balm or liquid blush to really set it off and that was always my downfall. Swapping out my faithful favourites for something new was a little bit terrifying to be honest but so worth it!

Makeup Revolution Superdewy Liquid Blush £5

My biggest worry was longevity. Would it really last all day or just slip right off and leave me looking a hot mess?

Also the blending. How would it work with the rest of my routine and products I already own? What tools would I use? It’s all a bit of a minefield when you throw yourself into something new but with YouTube, Instagram and TikTok at hand there are a multitude of tutorials to get you through the tough times.

I’m very much an MUE (Makeup Enthusiast) rather than an MUA (Makeup Artists) so clearly not an expert but I’ve picked up some tips along the way of my journey and thought sharing them with you might help you also take the plunge!

Tools, tools, tools…

The first thing I agonised over when I first decided to trial a liquid blush was what to use when applying. Initially I went with a blender and wasn’t best pleased with the results to be honest (which was surprising to me as I’m a die hard foundation by sponge kinda girl).

This led to me writing off the experience all together and it was a while before I even thought about trying again…

…and then I tried this brush!

Whilst the Spectrum Collections BO1 – Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush £9.99 might have technically been designed for perfectly buffing and blending your foundation I’ve come to realise that Spectrum Collections are the queens of creating affordable yet multipurpose products (great for saving those pennies as well as space!).

This brush just makes the job so much easier and I’ve tried it with lots of different brands now. Nothing else comes close!

What’s your formula?

Sounds stupid but there can be a world of difference between a cream, liquid or balm. The general finish is slightly different as well as the way they apply.

Personally I’d say a balm is the safest choice to start off with (something similar to the Pixi Beauty On-the-Glow Blush £18) as they’re simple to apply, blend beautifully and are easily buildable for a more intense colour. Where as a liquid blush can sometimes take more work but the pigment payoff is stunning. A cream for me lies somewhere in between but they all have their place in my routine!

Placement!

The where and how you apply your blush can completely change the shape of your face, you’d honestly be surprised at how much such a simple step can make a difference.

For instance if you want to look more youthful then stick to the apples of your cheeks. This will make them appear more plump!

Placing your blush a little higher up on the cheese bones will lift everything (great if you’re permanently tired like me!).

There are lots of ways you can go with this and the results can be startling!

Have fun!

Most importantly there are no rules in makeup (only guidelines, do what you want with those!). Have fun and experiment!

Do you love blush as much as I do? If so, what are your favourites?

UNICORN COSMETICS BEAR BROWS REVIEW (BLOGTOBER – DAY TEN)

10th Oct 2021 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

I really am still stunned by just how incredible this product is. For someone with brows that continue to piss me right off on a daily basis please take it from me when I say you need this!

The Unicorn Cosmetics Bear Brows Extreme Lifting Balm…

Leaves no white cast.
Is 100% sweat proof.
Is not water activate.
Holds all day.
Is inclusive of all skins tones and hair colours.
Only costs £7.99!

Can be used to replicate the results of brow lamination, or as a natural brow hold that will keep those brows in place all day long. Our brow balm is so versatile and will allow you to style your brows to any style that is best suited for you.
unicorncosmetics.com

Not only is the packaging cute as hell (another triumph by UC, as if we expected any less) it actually bloody works and I can’t stress that enough.

Guys, it’s probably one of the only products I have ever tried that surpassed my expectations more than I can even explain. It’s like magic in an adorable little box.

Easy to use (which is right up my street, I don’t have the time or inclination for messing about) and lasts all day/night, I’d also like to add that as secure as my brows felt they didn’t leave my face feeling tight or uncomfortable.

You can see it in action HERE.

You can use code ‘THEBEAUTYBOO’ to save 15% across the Unicorn Cosmetics website.

Soap brows who? It’s all about the Bear Brows!

I HEART REVOLUTION X DISNEY PRINCESS SNOW WHITE COLLECTION REVIEW (BLOGTOBER – DAY NINE)

10th Oct 20212nd Mar 2022 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

Lips red as the rose, hair black as ebony, skin white as snow.
Magic Mirror, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Once upon a time there was a little girl with hair black as ebony, skin white as snow and a serious aversion to most fake tans.

She was also incapable of ever growing up and cherished the memories of the many Disney VHS tapes her mother bought her at car boot sales.

Among her favourites was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Snow White was kind and beautiful. She allowed the girl to feel comfortable in her own skin by showing her that not all princesses looked the same and even she could be considered beautiful.

…and so, decades later a collection was released and the girl rejoiced.

All was well again and she lived happily ever after…

Have you ever seen a more incredible interpretation of a classic before? I’ve been a fan of the I Heart Revolution Disney collections since release but this one holds a special place in my heart.

Magic Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?
Evil Queen, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

The concept is simple yet striking and keeps things traditional with magical fairytale themes.

When hearts are high the time will fly, so whistle while you work.
Snow White, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

She’s beautiful, just like an angel.
Bashful, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

The collection consists of…

I Heart Revolution Disney Fairytale Books Palette Snow White – £15

I Heart Revolution Disney Fairytale Books Mini Palette Seven Dwarfs – £8

I Heart Revolution Disney Fairytale Books Apple Highlighter Snow White – £8

I Heart Revolution Disney Fairytale Books Lip Topper Snow White – £5

I feel like some subtle fluttery lashes would have really helped to finish capture that Snow White essence beautifully but other than that I have no complaints. Each product is so pretty.

I Heart Revolution thoroughly understood the assignment with this one!

… and then he will carry me away to his castle, where we will live happily ever after.
Snow White, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

REVOLUTION HAIRCARE SALICYLIC ACID CLARIFYING RANGE REVIEW (BLOGTOBER – DAY EIGHT)

8th Oct 202110th Oct 2021 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.

Did you know I’m actually a hair stylist by trade? I haven’t worked in the industry for a very long time but a piece heart will always belong to it.

I’ve spoken before about the power of the right cut and finding the correct person to help you achieve it (shout out to my stylist Sian at Sian Hair & Beauty because she is the best in the biz!).

Part of my journey has always been finding products that work for me (and that changes depending on the season just like your skincare!).

I’ve been trialling the Salicylic Acid Clarifying Range by Revolution Haircare and it seems to be working wonders on my super oily hair and scalp! It genuinely feels like a treat to use and so much more luxurious than it’s price tag would lead you to believe.

Revolution Haircare Salicylic Acid Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair
£9

Revolution Haircare Salicylic Acid Clarifying Conditioner for Oily Hair
£9

Revolution Haircare Salicylic Acid Clarifying Scalp Serum for Oily Scalp
£8

If you really want to elevate your routine from basic to something truly epic then you could also pick up a couple of treats that work beautifully alongside the range.

Revolution Haircare Stimulating Scalp Massager
£5

Revolution Haircare Microfibre Hair Wrap (2 Pack)
£8

I’m slowly training my hair and scalp to go longer in between washes without feeling lank/greasy and whilst it’s a process I can see the difference already. I’m now getting a whole extra day of fresh, luscious hair and I am so living for it.

What are your hair heroes and do you have any tips for someone who may be struggling with achieving their dream style?

#PIXIPRETTIES COLLECTION REVIEW (BLOGTOBER – DAY SIX)

6th Oct 2021 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.

The Pixi Pretties are back again and absolutely stealing the show with a quad of palettes to cover all bases.

Cream Rouge Palette Cream Colour Palette
x Louise Roe £18

Four stunning palettes curated by a team of world renowned beauty content creators (our resident #pixipretties) to sate the appetite of even the fussiest of customers.

The collection carefully walks the line between a natural radiance or achieving full blown glamour and I am so here for it.

Mind Your Own Glow Radiance Palette
x Denise Sanchez £16.00

Arguably the most versatile part of the collection for me is the Cream Rouge Palette Cream Colour Palette by Louise Roe. With such a fantastic shade selection you’ve got your lips, cheeks and eyes covered (if cream products are your bad obviously). I feel like it’s going to be the perfect transitional tool to take you from season to season and day to night.

Shapeshifter Palette Contour Palette
x Promise Tamang £12

If you’re looking for versatile products that don’t discriminate (each palette is designed to work beautifully with a variety of skin tones) then these beauties really are worth the investment.

Tones & Textures Eyeshadow Palette
x Tina Yong £22

I’m so excited to mix and match these stunning palettes (which will work beautifully across the year through all seasons).

You can always count on Pixi Beauty to deliver!