makeup

I don’t ordinarily begin my articles by quoting Joni Mitchell song lyrics (or any song lyrics for that matter—I’m acutely aware this isn’t MySpace), but nothing can summarise the story I’m about to tell quite like this: “You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone.” Ain’t that the truth. During lockdown I’ve let my beauty routine slide somewhat. I slowly began forgoing my signature smokey eyeshadow, then my penchant for bronzer-mapping got the boot. Ultimately, there was only one product left standing—my It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+. Yes, it might be a bit of a mouthful to say but the lengthy title belies the simplicity of this fuss-free base product. As the name suggests, the aim of this foundation alternative is to make it look like you’re not we...

At some point though, I forgot about Black Honey, likely moving on to the matte formulations that began to dominate the lipstick market. I think I wore MAC’s Ruby Woo for four years straight. Fast-forward to May of this year, however, when, in an attempt to keep myself busy while being housebound, I took to cleaning out my beauty archives—products I’d packaged up during my 2019 move from London to Edinburgh that hadn’t seen the light of day since. After sorting through two plastic boxes, I finally reached the base of the third where nestled in the lip edge surrounding the base, was a long, silver wand; a forgotten tube of Black Honey. Instantly overcome with overwhelming nostalgia, I immediately slicked it across my lips. Of course, this wasn’t the exact B...

Rating: 3.5/5 stars Review: “I’d argue that mascara is one of the most finicky types of beauty products to review. Not only does everyone have different lashes (from length to density to curl), but also everyone has different lash goals. My ultimate mascara, for instance, gives me lots of volume, lots of curl, lots of length, and lots of definition. Basically, I want practically cartoonish, borderline Disney Princess–level lashes that completely pop out from my face. My lashes are naturally super long, and honestly, I don’t mind a little clumping. In fact, it’s kind of my signature look. However, I know that kind of drama is some people’s worst mascara nightmare. To each their own! “My long lashes and my eyes are probably my favorite feature, a...

Let me preface this by saying that I have a very turbulent relationship with foundation. Any product that works to cover up all of the things that make skin look like yours is a big no-no if you ask me. And all too often, I find that so many foundations do just that. They leave skin looking flat, dull and void of life. Given the fact that every single aspect of my beauty routine is dedicated to brining out my inner glow, trying to find the perfect, natural-looking base that works to smooth and blur without totally repainting my complexion has proven tricky over the years. In fact, I’ve tried just about every foundation that’s ever come my way in a bid to find the most glowing, second-skin formula.  It’s safe to say that it’s been a rough ride. Naturally, I have come across a bunc...

I have an extensive lipstick collection, and until my recent exploration into nude lipstick, it consisted largely of reds and berry tones. I decided to try all the red lipsticks on the market because this shade can be a bit intimidating to wear. There’s nothing to hide behind with a red lip. It’s bold, in your face and there’s no room for application mistakes. That’s why great shades and formulas are a must as all reds are not made equal, my friends. There’s also more flattering shades of red for each skin tone, so I wanted to share my favourites for dark skin too. Keep scrolling for my findings. You Deserve to Make Money Even When you are looking for Dates Online. So we reimagined what a dating should be. It begins with giving you back power. Get to meet Beau...

Let me preface this by saying that I have a very turbulent relationship with foundation. Any product that works to cover up all of the things that make skin look like yours is a big no-no if you ask me. And all too often, I find that so many foundations do just that. They leave skin looking flat, dull and void of life. Given the fact that every single aspect of my beauty routine is dedicated to brining out my inner glow, trying to find the perfect, natural-looking base that works to smooth and blur without totally repainting my complexion has proven tricky over the years. In fact, I’ve tried just about every foundation that’s ever come my way in a bid to find the most glowing, second-skin formula.  It’s safe to say that it’s been a rough ride. Naturally, I have come across a bunc...

How long have you been a makeup artist? And what do you love about makeup? I’ve been a makeup artist for over eight years. What I love about my career is being able to create, transform, play with colour, textures, shapes, styles, get out the rules or norms, and also innovate sometimes by creating trends. Being able to travel and work alongside other artists has also been amazing. I’ve done so many things that only reaffirm my love for makeup.  What’s the number one tip you’d give to a novice when it comes to makeup?  My number one advice I always give is don’t be afraid of experimenting. Makeup is a lot of trial and error. Whether you’re a professional or just a makeup enthusiast, I always say that you have to go through everything. After you have tried it all, then i...

I came, I saw and I conquered the eyeliner battlefield. I even left with some new ones to add to my product rotation. Now, that’s a big feat. I’m a Sagittarius—we like what we like, and when we find something we like, we keep it around. That said, I was pretty sure that I wouldn’t be able to find anything to compete with my beloved Kat Von D. It’s still in my top picks, but it’s now joined by It Cosmetics and Fenty Beauty. A special mention also goes to Surratt, which has become my go-to for when I need to look and feel like an absolute goddess. I tried the rollerball/mini pizza cutter–style eyeliners too, and trust me—they’re more style over substance. They’re a nightmare to fill in, even if they do give you a good flick. So if you’re really...

And truthfully, I felt a bit annoyed at the price tag too. There’s absolutely no doubt about it: £60 for a makeup product is obscene money. And sure, if you have the money to spend, I think a lot of the pricier products are worth it, but shouldn’t great makeup be accessible to everyone? The truth is there are so many amazing makeup products out there that have high-end results without a high-end price tag.  So in a bid to give fabulous affordable makeup the shout-out that it deserves, I reached out to some of the best makeup artists in the business to get their opinion on the best affordable products out there. Keep scrolling to discover the affordable makeup products they swear by. You Deserve to Make Money Even When you are looking for Dates Online. So we reimagined what a dating sh...

As many of us had plans to be jet-setting this summer but were met with indoor destinations instead, I’ve sought the bronzing miracles to give the appearance that we’ve spent time in warmer climes, even when it’s just the local park. The best bronzers give you a healthy and radiant glow, even when you’ve not had the chance to get more Vitamin D. A few swipes with a brush there or a couple of dabs of gel there, and you’ll look like you’ve been on the Costa del Sol, even if it’s more like Costa del London Fields.  To master a luminescent complexion, it’s worth noting what to look for in a bronzer and the tools you’ll want to be equipped with to successfully craft your summer skin. A general recommendation is to avoid bronzers th...

The number one beauty lesson that almost everyone is guaranteed to have learned the hard way? Never attempt to reshape your own brows. If you want to cut the risk of getting pluck-happy, it’s imperative that you resist the urge to reach for the tweezers and instead simply call the salon and book in for a shape-and-tidy. But things have changed. Something as simple as booking in for a brow appointment is now no longer an option. And as our brows start sprouting new stragglers left, right and centre after four weeks without even a hint of grooming, we’re calling time on this laissez-faire approach to brow maintenance. So while we are by no means encouraging anyone to start ordering hot wax and set up a DIY brow bar, we think we could all benefit from some pointers on how to avoid d...

You’ve probably got most of your skincare and bath products sitting pretty in the bathroom cabinet now. The next step is to organise your makeup, haircare and any extras.  A simple caddy or shower shelf is a great option for the products you’ll be using in the shower or bath, so you don’t have to remember to take them in with you. If you’re a product hoarder, operate a one-in, one-out system here. Only the products that you’re currently using should be in the caddy.  The backups can go in a box or container that can live under your bed or wherever you have some space. Likewise, you can add in any skincare or makeup you’re not currently using in this “extras” box. Think seasonal perfumes, beauty gifts and the really nice “for g...