Sure Maximum Protection Anti-Persperant Deodorant Review

Cor Blimey it's hot. We aren't use to this kinda heat in the UK. I've been rocking a SULA (sweaty upper lip alert) for the past week but thanks to the Sure Maximum Protection Anti-perspirant my armpits have been as dry as my mum's roast potatoes.

I picked this up from Boots because my usual go to (Mitchum) just wasn't cutting it anymore. I needed something to battle the British Summer so I could leave the comforts of my cool bedroom before 7pm. I was intrigued by it's unusual design and 48 hour claims.

The antiperspirant has a creamy consistency and twists up through holes at the top of the product. I found you really only need to use a little bit because it goes a long way. It dries within 60 seconds so you can get on with more interesting stuff. Sure recommend you apply this at night-time before going to bed but sometimes I forget and just apply it in the morning.

I found the Sure Maximum Protection Deodorant really does stop sweat. If I've used it the night before I wake up with completely dry underarms and no sweat odor. This really does last 48 hours but in really intense heat or after a workout I'd apply this once a day.

I would definitely recommend this deodorant if you're wanting to keep the sweat away and your normal deodorant isn't doing the job. I would repurchase this when it runs out.

Sure Maximum Protection Deodorant  �5.20 available at Boots.

ps some other summer-related posts to help you through this mini heat wave:
How To Adjust Your Skincare Rountine for Summer
The Do's and Don'ts of Festival Makeup
Nail Varnish Shades that Will Make You Look Tanned
Cooling Products To Get You Through The Summer

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Is This a Drugstore Dupe For Clarins Exfoliating Toner?

I've wanted to try liquid exfoliators for a while now. I spotted the Time Delay Daily Brightening Toning Water the other day and had to pick it up.  It claims to help exfoliate and gently tone skin which is what made me think this could be a dupe for the Clarins Exfoliating Toner. Time Delay isn't a brand I've tried before as it's mainly targeted towards older women and ageing skin.

The main difference between the two is that the Clarins Exfoliating Toner contains Tamarind fruit acids and the Time Delay Toner has Citrus acid in the ingredients. As I'm no skincare expert i'm not sure what the difference is but I believe this makes the Time Delay Toner more gentle than the Clarins one. It's recommended that you use the Clarins toner once or twice a week but you can use the Time Delay one daily. Both toners contain alcohol and Glycerin but I didn't experience any dryness from using the TD Toning Water.

I've been using the TD toner two times a day for the past two weeks and have noticed my skin is brighter and it's helped to even my skin tone out. I think this would be a great toner for those with dry or sensitive skin and it also helps to hydrate and refresh without leaving skin feeling tight.

This isn't as strong as something like P50 or Pixi Glow Tonic and doesn't pack as much oompf. However, this is a lovely, gentle exfoliating toner which helps to even out skin tone and brighten your complexion.

If you're worried about how your skin might react to the Clarins Exfoliating Toner gives this gentle one a go. Also, if you want to see what all the fuss is about chemical exfoliators try this budget version. 

The Time Delay Brightening Toning Water rrp �4.49 and currently on offer at �2.24 from Boots.

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COLLECTION x Little Mix Lip Balms

Following the success of the last Little Mix and Collection makeup range they are launching some exciting new products this summer. 

Each band member has created her own lip balm scented with their favourite smells and shades. Leigh-Anne's is Mint, Jade's is Raspberry, Jesy's is Vanilla and Perrie's is unscented as she has no sense of smell! I haven't swatched the balms as they don't have any colour pay-off. However, Perrie's white lip balm does offer some subtle shimmer which is nice for layering over lipstick. I'm such a lip balm hoarder, I have at least 3 swimming about in the depths of my handbag. My favourite out of the four has to be Jade's simply because I love the raspberry scent! They all provide optimum hydration to dry lips and the lipstick style packaging makes these effortless to apply. Plus, I love seeing the horror in peoples faces when they think I'm about to apply bright green lipstick then watching their eyebrows screw up in confusion when no colour transfers(easily pleased). I'm really impressed with these, especially as they're so affordable. 

Little Mix are also launching a neutral eyeshadow palette which I've reviewed and swatched here. 

Collection by Little Mix Lip Balm* �.199 each

Collection by Little Mix All About The Eyes palette* �3.19 available in Superdrug from 30th July

So now I look like the 5th member of Little Mix all I need now is a boyfriend from 1D, hhhmm which one to go for...

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How Not To Buy Makeup You Don't Need

We all like to buy stuff, especially stuff we don't really need. My weakness is beauty products. I'd much rather spend my wages in Boots than Topshop. All these special offers, new trends and new products are all too tempting and I get forced into buying more makeup. I've come up with some tips on how not to buy makeup you don't need, because you really don't need another pink lipstick.

1. Do you not usually wear this item? If you're buying eyeshadow which you never wear, why?
2. If it's a highend purchase have you read some reviews on it first? I normally do this before purchasing any beauty product.
3. Would you still want the product if it came in clear, plain packaging?
4. Are you going to get a lot of use out of it?
5. Do you already own a similar item? I own around 453 mascaras, someone stop me from buying more.
6. Are you really buying that new lipstick 'for the blog' or are you simply feeling spendy?
7. Would you have bought it full price if they weren't having a 15% off sale?
8. Next time you're popping to Boots write down a shopping list and try stick to it.
9. Write down everything you've bought so you can keep tally of your spending.

I'll be keeping these in mind next time i'm out shopping. What are your tips?

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Which Post Are You Proudest of?

I searched through 390 posts to see which one I was proudest of. It was really difficult to choose which one I was most proud of. I'm really happy with my content from the past two months because I've had more time to blog and really create content I'd want to read. However, for this post I had to take a little trip down memory lane.

I was tempted to go for my first ever post which I wrote on January 28th 2011. It was all about what eyeshadow suits different eye colours. This post really sets the foundation for my blog and the reason why I do it everyday. It's nice to see how far I've come in 3 years and what my blog is today. I simply want Make Me Up to be a place where you can come for a bit of beauty-related escapism. I also contemplated this post in which I wrote about my interview with Shout magazine as a proudest post. I'm still really grateful Shout wanted to interview me about my blog, I was 17 at the time and it was the coolest thing ever. Still have my copy somewhere safe. If you've been reading my blog for a while you'll remember when I launched 'Moonie' in 2012- a handmade, un-bleached muslin cloth. I decided to set up my own business and started to sell them via my blog. It started off really well but I struggled with how to take the products further than an online shop. I couldn't keep up with the work that came with running a business and life simply got in the way. I decided to gradually stop making Moonies but that's not to say they are gone forever..

Each one of these posts have helped shaped myself and my blog into what you're reading today. I'm proud of how far I've come in 3 years and I now look at those first ever posts I wrote with fondness, even if I'am covering my face with embarrassment.

My top 3 favourite posts to write this year include;
Ways To Re-Use Sh*t Beauty Products 
What's in My Dad's Wash Bag
How To Try Out New Beauty Trends On A Budget

Which post are you proudest of? Leave a link in the comments below! 

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A Rimmel Mini Haul

You know when you go into Boots for blister plasters and come out with everything but blister plasters? Yeah, that happened.#noregrets

Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Liner in Emerald
I've never tried a gel liner before so I thought why not jump in at the deep end and go for a green one. This one claims to be Smudge proof and have up to 24 hours wear. This also is available in black & brown. Let me know if you'd like to see a review on this.

Scandaleyes Shadow Stick in Dark Chocolate Matte
A chunky chocolate brown eye liner. I swatched this instore and was impressed with it's ultra-soft formula, and great colour pay off. However, apparently these are hard to sharpen? We will see!

Scandaleyes Shadow Paint in Golden Bronze
This gorgeous, shimmery gold shade is beautiful, I can't stop staring at it! At first this is very wet when applied but dries quickly. The lipgloss style brush makes this easy to use, just one swipe creates an intense colour.  I blend in with an eyeshadow brush and it doesn't budge or crease all day. This also makes a great base for eyeshadow.

Finish Touch Super Wear Top Coat
Not a very exciting purchase but my top coat always seems to go discoloured quickly. I've not tried this one before but it claims to have UV protector which locks in colour to prolong intensity and shine.

What beauty bits have you picked up lately? Not that I need any encouragement...
Let me know if you'd like to see a review of any of the products mentioned above. 

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Double Face Mask-ing

So you've probably heard about double cleansing but have you ever tried double face mask-ing? I briefly spoke about this in my 'How to adjust your skincare for summer' post but wanted to give it it's own feature.

There are a whole heap of face masks on the market; from brightening to tightening, hydrating to clearing - there's one for every skincare concern. Combining two or three face masks offer an extra boost to your skincare routine and can make them perform better. The combination I'm currently loving are clay masks + hydration masks.  I like to firstly apply a clay mask which helps to clear pores, leaving it on for ten minutes. Once that is rinsed off I'll finish with a deep hydrating mask leaving it on for 5-10 minutes. My skin is left clearer, brighter and hydrated. I'll do this once a week or more frequently if I've been wearing heavy makeup or SPF all week.

It's up to you what mask combination you go for. Let me know how you get on!

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SeaScape Soothe Sleep Oil Review

Sometimes dream catchers and a cup of tea before bed isn't enough to ensure a good nights sleep. I love my sleep but lately I've been waking up in the night. I find it hard to switch my brain off and this hot, sweaty weather doesn't help. I've been using this little roller ball to help me drift off to dreamland with ease.

Seascape is a British beauty brand based on the Isle of Jersey. All their products are created with ingredients sourced from local producers. Each range features infusions of unique, hand-blended, essential oil for the ultimate luxurious experience. I love that all products are paraben free and not tested on animals.

The Soothe Sleep Oil comes in a little bottle with a handy roller on the end making application quick and easy. I really like the white packaging this comes in, beautiful yet very simple. As well as containing calming  lavender the oil has a blend of Grape Seed, Sweet Almond, Bitter Orange Flower and Mandarin Orange Peel to aid relaxation. This concoction of natural ingredients creates a delicate scent which isn't too overpowering. Just before I jump into bed I roll the Soothe Sleep Oil onto my temples and under my nose. The soft lavender scent instantly relaxes all my senses and prepares me for a peaceful nights sleep.

I've been using this on nights when I'm finding it difficult to switch off or if I'm feeling particularly anxious. It's hard to comment on whether this makes me sleep better but I do feel calmer and more relaxed after using this. I would even use this in the day before doing something that I'm worried about. 

SeaScape Sooth Sleep Oil* �10.00 available online here 

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Lovebox Festival

At the weekend I attended my first ever city festival. I went up to London with my friend Megan to experience Lovebox. It wasn't a festival I was very familiar with before but I was given VIP tickets c/o Hawaiian Tropic and had a great day! 

It was so hot we spent most of the day searching for shade. In the afternoon my makeup had started to melt off so I headed to the Rimmel/ ELLE Fashion cupboard for a mini makeover and manicure. Naturally, I loved this section of the festival and got snapping! I wish every festival had this, would be perfect on day 3 after a couple of rough nights camping. On my nails I opted for 'PillowTalk' which a lovely pale, powdery blue shade. I also received a little sample of a new Rimmel Lasting Finish Nude foundation - review to follow!

I'd never been VIP to anything before but it was really cool to experience it. I had my crazy eyes on looking out for celebrities all day. The backstage area had a bohemian theme to it with colourful cushions and vintage-looking metal beds scattered around. There were a few cocktail bars and eating areas but nothing special I thought. I would go VIP again but not to a city festival, I don't think it would be worth the extra money.

For the festival I wore a 60's inspired white crochet dress from WalG* and layered on a cropped check shirt. I wore my new jelly shoes from Tk Maxx as they're super comfy but after all that dancing and walking about my feet were covered in blisters! Nothing a cup of tea and 14 hours sleep can't sort out. Also, can you tell this is my first OOTD by my awkward posing.

My highlights from the weekend had to be seeing Crystal Fighters and M.I.A who gave the crowd hundreds of glow sticks. Nothing like a little rave to end the festival. I did a mini vlog of Lovebox on Instagram here and here if you wanted to take a look!

Are you off to any festivals this year? Do you enjoy reading lifestyle posts?

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Witch Blackhead Clearing Gel Review

Forget about blackhead strips because there's a shiny new product in town. The Witch Blackhead Clearing Gel is a gentle exfoliating gel that removes dead skin cells and rubs away blackheads easily while contracting the pores making your skin look fresher and more radiant.

I couldn't wait to give this a go to see if it really did work! The gel has a thick, gooey texture and a matt finish. You apply this onto dry skin with dry fingers. I squeeze a pea-sized amount onto my nose and forehead and massage for 1-2 minutes. After a while the consistency goes funny and starts to separate, you then rinse of with water.

After the first use I noticed the pores around my nose were a lot clearer and not as noticeable as before. Not all my blackheads were completely gone but I'll continue using this to see if it get's rid of them altogether.

My blackheads were visibly reduced after just one use but not all completely gone. If you suffer from very noticeable blackheads use this in conjunction with a blackhead scrub and pore mask to get rid of those pesky blackheads.

Witch Blackhead Clearing Gel* �4.99 available from July 20 exclusively at Superdrug.

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The Do's + Dont's of Festival Makeup

Festival beauty, for me, is all about ease. When my tent is my dressing table and my phone is my mirror I need products that are quick, easy and effortless to apply. I'm off to a couple of festivals this year and I'm aimming for that fresh faced, girlfriend-with-an-all-access-vip-wristband-look rather than an over-tired, hungover camper.

DO
Longevity 
You're going to be too busy having fun to re-touch your make up. Opt for long lasting products so you can stop worrying about whether your makeup is still in place and start worrying about the queue for the toilets. A primer can prevent your skin from shine and help keep your base in place. Double up with a primer that contains SPF like the KiKo City Filter Sunscreen Primer*. If you're a liner kinda girl I highly recommend the Seventeen Semi-permanent Tattoo Me Liquid Liner.
Multi-purpose must-haves
Beauty products with more than one use are perfect for festivals as it means you'll have less stuff to carry around. A Lip & Cheek Tint is your best friend, dab it on your lips, cheeks and anywhere else you desire a subtle flush of colour. The MeMeMe Lip & Cheek Tint in Coral Blossom* is the newest addition to their best selling tints.
Hydrate Those lips 
There is nothing worse than being stuck in a field for 3 days without lip balm. Whether it's sunny or raining don't forget to pack your favourite balm to avoid licking your lips all weekend. Hell pack two, things easily get lost in a two man tent.

DON'T
Highend
Don't pack your favourite Mac lipstick. I know it's going to get Alex Turner to notice you but when you lose it that's �15.50 gone forever. Pick up some lipsticks from MUA at Superdrug, that way if they go missing - YOLO.
Gloss
Ever worn lip gloss whilst dancing to your favourite band? The hair in face & mouth combo isn't a good look, leave the gloss at home.
SPF
Don't forget the SPF. Heaven forbid you forget to pack sun cream, we all know how that one ends. Go for a primer/tinted moisteriser/bb cream which already contains SPF so you don't have to worry about protecting your skin.

So now you're looking fresh faced in an instant you can happily venture out into the floral-headdressed and cider-drinking masses. What are you beauty tips for festivals? 

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Blogging Tips For New Bloggers

I started writing this blog in 2011 and haven't looked back since. It has become part of my everyday life and it's rare I switch off from it all. I love what I do. This is my little corner of the internet where I get to talk to like-minded beauty-obsessed people and offer some helpful (I hope!) advice. Now I'm coming into my fourth year of writing Make Me Up I wanted to share with you some blogging tips I've learnt over the years. This doesn't just apply to new bloggers but I've noticed a influx of new blogs lately so I wanted to offer some advice.

- Firstly, write about things you enjoy. Sounds pretty standard but if you're not excited about the posts you're writing, don't publish them. I see a lot of monthly favourite posts which just aren't for me, I don't enjoy writing them but that's just me!
- Don't obsess over stats; It can get you down and make you feel like not blogging. Everyone goes through quiet stages where not much traffic comes in. If you're checking your stats 3-4 times a day I encourage you not to look at them for a week. As long as you're happy with the content you're creating, your views are sure to perk up soon. Also, don't worry about followers - we all started with zero.
- You have the freedom to write about whatever you want, it's your blog. You gave your cat a bath at the weekend and what to share some funny photos? Do it.
- This year is the year I got organised and I wish I'd done it sooner. Get a notebook and plan posts, join Hootsuite and schedule your tweets. This will make blogging a lot easier, especially if you're juggling your blog with work/school/college.
- If you're ever unsure what to write about have a couple of backup posts you can publish on those uninspired days. I recently wrote 22 blog ideas if you are looking for some inspiration!
- Get involved in the community, we're quite nice people. Talking to others is my favourite part of blogging. Take part in twitter chats such as #BBloggers, #FBLchat and #BloggersDoItBetter. Comment on posts you love, share things you've enjoyed or email bloggers and tell them why you like reading their blog!
- There really are no rules when it comes to blogging just do more of what makes you happy.
- Be proud of your blog and the content you're creating.

I hope you found this post helpful. Why not spread the love and share it with others if you did!
what are your tips for new bloggers?
Twitter | Google+ | Instagram | Pinterest

Other blogging tips you might find useful:
22 Blog Post Ideas
15 Tips For Blogging Everyday

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Best Beauty Advice You've Ever Heard

What is the best beauty advice you've ever heard? Was it some words of wisdom from your Mum? Did you learn from your big sisters mistakes? Maybe it was something you saw on Pinterest? Whatever it is, I want to know.

The best beauty advice I can give you is to do more of what makes you happy. Whether that be wearing bright lipstick, an indulgent pamper evening or being bare-faced do it now, like right now. Anything that perks you up and gives you an inner boost of confidence instantly makes you feel and look beautiful.

My mum's beauty tip would be to moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. My nan would say don't over pluck your brows. My Dad would say to get more fresh air. And my Granddad would say get that rouge off your face, Kia.

So, leave your beauty advice in the comments below so we can all share our tips and tricks!

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Eucerin 3 in 1 Micellar Cleansing Fluid | Review

I've tried several micellar waters including the cult-buy Bioderma and I have to say I'm a cleansing water convert. I love the ease of a cleansing water, I normally use them pre-cleanse just to get take of the bulk of my make up.

The newest one I'm testing out is from Eucerin. I've tried a few products from the brand before and have always been left impressed. The Eucerin Dermatoclean 3in1 Cleansing Fluid claims to cleanse, remove make up and tone all in one effortless swipe. I've been using this morning and evening as it's very gentle on the skin and suitable for those prone to sensitivity. One cotton pad in the AM is enough to leave my skin feeling clean, refreshed and prepared for moisturiser. In the evening I'll soak two pads to remove my makeup followed by using a creamy cleanser. I'll sometimes finish off with one final swipe of this across my face, neck and d�colletage to balance my skin.

This multi-tasking must-have will be the perfect festival/holiday companion. The Eucerin 3 in 1 Micellar Cleansing Fluid* is �9.00 for 200ml and available from Escentual.com 

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July Magazine Freebies | August 2014 Issues

If you ever need an excuse to buy a magazine, this is the month. There so so many great July magazine freebies I just had to share them with you. Does anyone else find all the good freebies come out in the summer?

Instyle (�3.90) Free Neal's Yard Geranium & Orange Hand Cream 50ml, worth �10

Marie Claire (�2.50) Free Balance Me Cleanse & Smooth Cleansing Balm 40ml, worth �10 or Balance Me Moisture Rich Face Cream 15ml, worth �15

Elle (�4.00) Free Malin + Goetz Beauty Kit - including Grapefruit Cleanser 10ml, Lip Moisturiser 5ml, Vitamin E Face Moisturiser 10ml, worth �9

There are also some other great freebies I'm yet to get my hands on including - Glamour magazine - Clinique Chubby stick, Red - Rodial Glam Balm mini, Cosmopolitan - CID Lip and cheek Tint or Mascara.

Will you be taking advantage of this months magazine freebies?

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Is This A Dupe For Bumble & bumble Surf Spray?

I love beachy waves but sometimes a dip in the sea just isn't convenient so any products designed to help create that hairstyle, I need in my life. No doubt you are familiar with the Bumble & bumble Surf Spray. As my bottle is coming to an end I'm on the hunt for a cheaper alternative, especially as it's �21.50 a go for holiday hair.

The Schwarzkopf Got2b Beach Matt Mermaid Look Texturizing Salt Spray (love products with ridiculously long names) promises to create that windblown, tousled beach look without the crunch. I like to use salt sprays on dry hair. After spraying evenly all over I scrunch my hair with my hands until it's wavy enough. The Got2b spray offers a matt texture and more volume than the Bumble and bumble Surf Spray. I found you have to go lightly with the Got2b version as it can make your hair feel dry if too much is sprayed. The Bumble spray creates softer looking waves whereas the cheaper Schwarzkopf dupe gives more defined, messy waves. If you want to see the difference between them both I posted this photo on instagram.

If you have fine hair I'd stick to the Bumble and bumble Surf spray but If you have thicker hair like me try out the Got2b Texturizing Salt Spray. 

The Schwarzkopf Got2b Beach Matt Mermaid Look Texturizing Salt Spray* �3.00 200ml

Bumble and bumble Surf Spray �21.50 125ml Both available at Boots. 

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Free Beauty Product Samples #4

Some free beauty product samples I wanted to share with you this month. Not many but some good'ns I just had to share with you! Let me know in the comments if you get your hands on these free samples! 

Nivea In Shower Body Moisturiser

Burt's Bees Lip Balm in Acai Berry

Benefit b.right Facial Serum

Justin Bieber Collectors Edition Fragrance 

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What's In My Dad's Wash Bag

A few months ago you might remember a post called 'What's In My Mums MakeUp Bag'. That went down really well with you guys so I decided to continue the theme.

My Dad travels a lot for work so he isn't home often but I managed to catch him quickly before he headed off again to discuss his beauty, sorry grooming routine.

Growing up Dad gave me some useful beauty advice such as - "Don't brush your teeth in the kitchen", "Your face is orange today" and "You've got a little moustache growing there, Kia". All tips taken on board, thanks Dad. Saying that, my Dad has always supported my keen interest in beauty. I remember him bringing home a beauty tip book for me when I was about 11. It came with hair mascara and lip gloss and I would follow the tips religiously.

From driving me to my first job to teaching me how to drive to introducing me to great music, my Dad has always been there for me. When it comes to grooming he is very, very minimal. I've tried to change him, forcing new creams and lotions into his routine. I mean, what good is it having a beauty blogger daughter if she can't pass on some product recommendations? He's not really the kind of guy to treat himself to beauty products. He will occasionally pick up a new cologne from Duty Free but most days he'll make do with hotel freebies and his everyday essentials.

There is no faffing about when it comes to my Dad's grooming routine. He'll shower everyday using the Nivea Creme Coconut body wash. Shower gel-wise he doesn't have any preference simply "whatever is on offer". My Dad spent 25 years in the Army where his life was very regimented and was ordered to shower in under 3 minutes. This means no messing about, he'll use soap to wash his face and to wash his hair too - the BlueBeard Revenge Soap For Blokes is a firm favourite. This beefy bar of soap creates a thick lather and leaves a fresh, manly scent on the skin for hours. He swears by his Mach 3 razor because "It lasts forever, doesn't cut my skin and has really sharp blades". Post-shower moisturiser is usually a forgotten step; when he remembers he'll rub on some Nivea Creme which is probably about 2-3 times a month. Alternatively, he uses Vaseline everyday to stop his lips from drying out. Dad's go-to scent is Old Spice, he told me not to say that but doesn't everyone's Dad use it? I asked him why he liked it and he said because "It's nice", I tried to prompt a more detailed response and got "It's spicey". 

My Dad is all about products that smell nice, work and are affordable - it's as simple as that. What beauty advice have you learnt from your Dad? 

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22 Blog Post Ideas

We all have those moments when we loose our blogging mojo and have no idea what to write about. I get it a lot and now I've set myself the challenge to blog everyday in July I definitely need some inspiration. Here are 22 blog post ideas if you need a helping hand!

1. 3 bloggers I read daily

2. Why I became a blogger

3. Products not worth the hype

4. Products I'm to scared to use

5. 6 products I couldn't live without

6. Things I've learnt since starting a blog ( SEO/beauty tips/about yourself)

7. A fragrance inspired makeup tutorial

8. Currently listening to

9. Who to follow on Twitter

10. Most re-purchased products

11. Beauty wishlist

12. Beginners guide to natural beauty products

13. Best highstreet nail polish brands

14. How to find your personal, everyday makeup look

15. How I clean my makeup brushes

16. Everyday beauty essentials

17. Best beauty advice I've ever heard

18. How I'm going to make the most of Summer

19. 20 different uses for Vaseline (go on I challenge you!)

20. My most used makeup brushes

21. How to adjust your skincare for Summer 

22. Leave your blog post idea in the comments below!

I hope you liked at least one of the ideas above and it's inspired you to get writing. A few of the posts are linked to ones I've written so have a nosey at those. How do you find inspiration for what to talk about?

Other blogging tip posts you might find helpful:
15 Tips For Blogging Everyday
Blogging Tips For New Bloggers

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My Bad Beauty Habits

Considering I'm a beauty blogger I'm pretty lazy at most beauty stuff. I thought it would be fun to share with you some of my bad beauty habits so you can have a chuckle at my beauty sins. It's about to get real nasty.

Not Washing My Brushes
They saw you should wash your make up brushes every week - ain't nobody got time for that. I'm guilty of not washing mine often enough. Honestly, it's more like once a month but nothing beats using a freshly washed brush.
Picking/Squeezing Spots
I'am one of those people who can't just leave a spot alone. If there is a spot the size of a small child on my chin I'm going to have to do something about that. I squeeze white heads (sorry) and I pick them when they're healing (double sorry). Any tips for leaving spots alone?
Messing with Split Ends
I wish I didn't get spilt ends but sadly I do. My hair is naturally dry and is also bleached so it's prone to breakage. If I'm bored I'll just sit there looking for split ends, picking, snipping, pulling at them - someone stop me!
Hairy Legs
When it's comes to shaving my legs I'm ashamed to admit I won't do it if I don't need to. This results in yeti-esque, fluffy pins hidden behind jeans most of the time. I just find shaving so boring and time consuming. Although I'am trying laser hair removal at the minute so that will hopefully solve the problem!
Skipping Moisturiser 
I'll always moisturise my face twice a day but my body? It's such a faff and I can't usually be bothered so it normally get's done once a week. I keep body lotion in my bathroom so I can do it post shower but I just want to get straight into my pj's. There are some get ways to moisture if you're a bit CBA like me which I wrote about here.

I hope this makes you feel better about your beauty bad habits, leave yours in the comments below! I also use old make up, curl my lashes after applying mascara and leave nail varnish on my toes until it wears away - don't think i'll be a brand ambassador any time soon. 

p.s Want to try out the New Dove Purely Pampering Body Oil before it launches nationwide? I'm giving away 5 sets here!

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Weird Mascara Wands

(Bourjois One Seconde Volume,Alexa Chung for Eyeko, MUA Lash Boom, Eyeko Curvy Brush)

What ever happened to a good old mascara brush? I feel like mascara wands are getting odder and odder. Who comes up with these crazy designs? Remember that Bourjois mascara which rotated or the Givenchy wand with a massive ball on the end. And have you seen the Upside Down Mascara from Sephora - now that's crazy. However, all these are still not as weird as the first ever mascara which resembles a mini toothbrush.

You see all these beauty brands launching new wand design every month which claim to be the next best thing but I always wander, does it even matter what the brush looks like? Isn't it more to do with the formula than the wand? 

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Makeup Tips for Red, Irritated Eyes

Hayfever, tiredness, allergies or maybe you just watched The Fault In Our Stars - whatever the reason for your red eyes here are some helpful makeup tips to camouflage that redness.

- Firstly, irritated skin can often get dry so it's important to use an eye cream. This will also help concealer go on better and avoid it looking cakey. Look for one suitable for sensitive skin so it won't irritate eyes further.

- Don't go heavy with concealer. Gently pat on a yellow toned concealer like the Bourjois Healthy Mix Corrector which will help counteract redness. Don't forget to apply it all over the eyelid too.

- Apply a light coloured eyeshadow across the whole eyelid, this will conceal out the redness.

- Line the waterline with a nude coloured eyeliner, this looks more natural than white and helps brighten the eyes. I love the Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl Liner in Nude.

- Similarly use a shimmery, cream eyeliner on the inner corners of the eyes. This instantly makes your eyes look more awake. I'm using the Glo & Ray Sky Breaker Lasting Silky Liner* in Champagne Pink.

- Wearing blue/green eyeshadow can help to brighten the whiteness of your eyes. These colours also cancel out redness, just go lightly!

- If you also suffer with watery eyes you'll want a mascara that won't end up on your chin. The No7 Stay Perfect Mascara is smudge proof, sweat proof and tear proof- it really does not budge! I'd really recommend this if you suffer from watery eyes.

I hope these red eye makeup tips help, what are your must-have products for concealing redness?

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