ZOEVA | NATURALLY YOURS PALETTE

I've always browsed through Zoeva's makeup brushes range and never took a chance to scour through their makeup line. I had recently won Angie from Chocolate and Lipstick's 1 year giveaway ( Thanks Angie) which contained a massive box of goodies. One, in particular, was this ZOEVA Naturally Yours Palette.

First impressions? Gorgeously light and elegant with a hint of chic. This neutral palette retails for EU 17.50. and consists of 10 amazingly pigmented shades that are all very earth-toned allowing this palette to work for all skintones!  The palette  is paraben-free and mineral oil-free. The package design is definitely an eye-catching array of light brown, flowing smoke effect. The palette comes in a sleeve which is handy for keeping palettes clean. I did find that since this palette was made out of a card-like material, the eyeshadow did stain the outside rim as shown in the image below. 

ZOEVA is known for their high-quality products so I was not surprised to have their eyeshadows living up to their reputation. One swatch was already highly pigmented. The consistency also feel luxuriously soft and buttery with color to perfection and bulletproof longevity. The palette also contains a selection of matte and shimmer shadows ranging from shimmery golds, matte browns and satin nudes which is ideal for a day to night look. And how about that black shade huh! Uh-mazing. The formula contains  micronized-pigments for extra dimension and bolder looks perfect for smoking out.

(left swatches) Bottom Row (right swatches) Top Row

I cannot stress enough how much I love these eyeshadows. I will definitely be purchasing a few more palettes from ZOEVA in the near future and posting a few tutorials on how to mix and match the eyeshadows for different occasions. The only significant downfall is that their palettes do not come with a mirror. It is such a shame since the palette would have been a lot better with a mirror on the opposite side of the eyeshadows. Nevertheless, an amazing product from an amazing brand. I highly recommend!

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LIPS. LUXE. LOVE.

Yes. Another lip lacquer on the blog today. There's something about a liquid lipstick that pulls me into purchasing them. maybe it's that fact that the pigmentation is amazing, or maybe the applicators just makes it that bit more precise to apply or maybe it's just a phase I'm going through. Whatever the reason is, I bring to you Makeup Academy Luxe London Velvet Lip Lacquers.

For £3.00 a pop, the extensive collection consists of 10 shades ranging from neutral nudes, baby pinks, vibrant reds and deep vampy purples. Unlike other lacquers, the consistency is much more creamier and dries twice as fast. The quick-drying formula glides on efortlessy leaving your lips smudge-proof, bullet-proof and kiss-proof. The matte formula is indeed transfer-free but I did notice a few gathering around certain areas so please exfoliate and moisturize your lips beforehand. Also, I did feel the lacquer to be very tacky when the product was setting therefore I advise you not to press your lips during the setting time.

The gorgeous packaging has a much more chic and luxe feel to it. The standard lip gloss tube has a frosted, matte, semi-transparent material which is definitely one thing that had lured me into purchasing these. The doffer aplicator allows easy utilization and a flawless, precise application. The only downfall (to some) is that the ingredients etc. is nowhere to be seen. Despite the missing bits 'n' bobs, it did give leeway for a larger label for the name of the shade at the bottom of the product.

TRANQUILITY | This shade was what got me into purchasing all three of these lacquers. As soon as I tried a swatch of this gorgeous nude shade, I instantly threw it into my basket and began swatching the other colors. unlike Tranquiity, this nude shade is completely neutral.

HALYCON | My favorite out of the three. This neutral shade with a slight brownish-peach undertone will definitely be my new go-to daily lip. Tranquility is very pigmented and will definitely suit all skin tones. for my deeper-skinned ladies, this will be an uh-mazing nude shade for you, on the other hand, for my paler-skin tone ladies, this will definitely be similar to the famous Kylie Jenner lip. 

AFLUSH | If you want a soft, Spring-pink lip, have a try of Aflush! The wearable pink lacquer has slight undertones of peach which makes the color much more warmer. Therefore, both deeper and paler skin tones can rock this look! It reminds me so much of a bouquet of peach roses. this color looks so soft and elegant with a touch of flirtatiousness.

For my deeper skin women, I do advise a natural lip pencil a shade or two deeper than your skin tone just to blend the color better with your complexion.

Apologies | Halycon and Tranquility are the wrong way round.

Overall, I did find these products on the dry-side. However, the shades are gorgeous and well-pigmented. For £3.00, this collection is definitely worth looking in to if you love a matte, lip lacquer.

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SALVATION IN LIQUID FORM*

Makeup Revolution is a brand that had always tickled my fancy. I have seen and read so many amazing product reviews and launches by this particular brand in the past few months than ever before, I felt so behind for not jumping on the band wagon sooner! I was surprised when Makeup Revolution contacted me to review a few of their products - I couldn't resist! After trying these beauties out, I instantly added more of their highly pigmented and affordable products to my never never-ending wish list.

The Salvation Velvet Lacquer collection consists of gorgeous colours, ranging from dark vampy purples, milky lilacs, scarlet-to-raspberry reds and bombshell-to-baby doll pinks. There is definitely a shade for anyone with any skin tone. A whopping £3.00 a pop! How amazing is that?!

The packaging is thoseof a standard transparent lipgloss tube. I prefer clear packaging when it comes to liquid consistencies as you can see how much of your product is left - don't you just hate it when your having to scrape the edges of your lip gloss when you find out you ran out of product?! The doffer applicator makes application so much easier as it disperses the lacquer smoothly and evenly (like butter). The longevity is amazing for the selling price. I was surprised to still have my hand-swatches locked on after washing the dishes, cleaning the house, and well, a day of mummy duties. They apply like a liquid lipstick but dries fully matte - completely smudge proof! Makeup Revolutions also added a quirkiness to their product by adding some comical names to each shade:

I FALL IN LOVE | A gorgeous baby doll pink with a cool-blue undertone.This particular lacquer has a drier formula compared to the others. I find that this shade does not suit my skin tone as it is too much on the cool-side and can wash me out. This, however, would look stunning on lighter to paler skin tones.

KEEP TRYING FOR YOU | Look no further, Makeup Revolution has you covered. This kissable shade is a true-red that should be in every red-lip-loving gal's makeup bag! A red lip product is a staple in anyone and everyone's makeup collection. The neutral tones in this shade will suit any skin tone and provides highly-pigmented, long-lasting perfection.

VELVET REBEL | This vampy shade resembles another lip product that also goes by the name Rebel. This shade has a slight berry undertone that is definitely in this season. This shade, as well as all the others, are bold and vibrant. This is my favorite out of the four as I feel it compliments my tan skin tone effortlessly in these winter months.

YOU TOOK MY LOVE | If you're looking for a flirtatious bubblegum pink for this year,  this is the one for you.  This vibrant eye-catching hot pink will definitely be one of my on-the-go pink lipsticks this summer as it applies easily and dries to a matte finish - no constant top-ups/bathroom breaks. Unlike the baby pink, this hue compliments my skin tone better, for reference, I am an NC 42 in MAC foundations.

After trying all four colors. They all lasted about 4-5 hours without cracking or fading before re-applying another coat for touch ups - Results may differ. Overall, I am very happy to have been sent these products. The variety of stunning shades in the collection is one to check out! I cannot stress enough how affordably high-quality these velvet lacquers are.

*PR SAMPLE*

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GUESTPOST @LaaLaaMonroe | ValentinesDay ♥ Dramatic Cut-Crease Tutorial

Hey loves, I just want to Shanna for letting me come through and do this guest post on her blog *adore you mama* I'm LaaLaa you may or may not already know me. Been loitering in the community for nearly 7 years over at DolceVanity.com. My blog has more of a variety than just beauty, it's all about my life-style.

Valentine's is approaching and if you'd like to try something a little bit more dramatic and have a play on the eyes. I've got a quick tutorial for you. In under 10 steps you can create this look and you know what even if you're single and just doing something with friends or want to use this for a night out, go'on. Appreciate yourself and feel good!

All these eyeshadows are from the Urban Decay Vice 3 Palette but...for the crease use any dark colour and then use a similar but lighter, transitioning colour to blend out.

 1. With an angled brush Map out your shape using "Bondage" (follow your own natural shape).

2. With a fluffy brush begin to defuse the sharp line we created with "Vanity" shadow.

3. Pat "Last Sin" blush onto the lid, staying underneath the crease.

4. Line the waterline using Sothys "Graphic" khol liner and smudge out using "Bondage".

5. Add your wing using Illamasqua "Precision Gel Liner" gel liner.

6. Coat lashes using Kevyn Aucoin "Volume Mascara" & add Esqido Lashes "Lashlorette".

7. Line lips using L'Oreal Contour Parfait Lip pencil "Honey", fill them in with L'Oreal Collection Privee The Perfect Nudes "JLO", added gloss using Makeup Revolution Salvation Velvet Lip Lacquer "What I Believe".

 Whatever you are doing for this occasion, have a good weekend and y'all beautiful even if a man doesn't tell you - I am!

@LaaLaaMonroe | DolceVanity Blog

GUESTPOST @ChocandLipstick | Valentines Day ♥ Pinks, Reds and Shimmers Makeup Tutorial

Even though Valentines is supposed to be a time for lovers; this woman and her husband have no time together due to our two young kids. This year we were lucky enough to have Valentines day fall on a Saturday, and we actually have something planned. Though my husband does work on a Saturday, it means when I get ready, the kids are around andI have to do my makeup with young ones pulling me in all directions. Therefore my makeup has to be quick, easy and yet lovely. This Valentines tutorial is all of that. Simple, quick, and definitely effective.

1: First you will need to prep and prime your eyes. I used MAC prolongwear concealer as it neutralizes my eye colour and has a built in eye primer, a great multitasker. Then I set my concealar with GOSH Velvet Touch Prime 'n Set powder using my Real Techinques Setting Powder Brush. Not only does this set the concealer but it also aids in blending my darker shades.

2: Using my Zoeva 231 Luxe Petit Crease brush with Makeup Geek's Bitten, I traced my crease with the eyeshadow and the lightly blended with my Zoeva 227 Luxe Soft Definer.

3: Using my Zoeva 230 Luxe Pencil with Makeup Geek's Corrupt and lined my crease once more, blending with the same Zoeva 227 Luxe Soft Definer brush.

4: Using Bdellium Tools 755 with Makeup Revolution's Awesome Eyeshadow and Eyebrow Palette in Make Believe, I used the shimmery wine shade on the right, four down, and shaded in the outer half of the eye, blending with Bdellium 785 Tapered Blending brush.

5: Using Teez Natural Shader with Makeup Revolution's Awesome Eyeshadow and Eyebrow Palette in Make Believe, I used the frosted pink on the left, first shade, and filled in the remainder of my lid (inner corner), blending with the Bdellium 785 Tapered Blending Brush, blending up, and gently with the wine shade.

6: Using my Zoeva 231 Luxe Petit Crease, the without adding additional product (Bitten) to the brush, I swept the brush underneath the bottom of my lashes, moving the brush back and forth to appear slightly smoky.

7: Using Bareminerals Waterproof Eyeliner in Black, I lined my waterline and tightline.

8: Next I applied a black mascara to both the top and bottom lashes. As we are applying false lashes, any basic mascara will do, but do not over apply.

9: Using my Zoeva 317 Wing Liner brush, and L'Oreal Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Liner in Black, I created a wing spanning the entire length of the eyeshadow.

10: Finally, I used my Revlon Eyelash Adhesive with my Red Cherry Lashes in 218 and applied the false lashes close to my lash line. The particular lashes were used to accentuate the winged liner, and create a natural flirty lash look.

And that's it!

This Valentines look has bold and dramatic colour, but the great thing about it is that you can either wear a natural shade, clear glossy lips (like I did), or you could go with a bold shade of lipstick to match Bitten. Any of these choices will look amazing; just go with whatever you are comfortable with.

I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's day!

Angie x | @ChocandLipstick | ChocolateandLipstick Blog

TUTORIAL | Valntines Day ♥ SIMPLE ROSE GOLD EYES

A light Valentines Day look for a laid back chillaxing day with your loved one. Maybe a lunch date? A little trip to the cinema? Or maybe just watching a good ol' tear-jerker on Netflix. Whatever you'll be doing for Valentines Day, here's a natural, day-time look with colors that consists of warm browns, rose golds and a dewy, light-weight skin finish.

Products Used

Makeup Geek Eyeshadows
Frappe
Cosmopolitan
Cococa Bear
Mango Tango
MAC Angel (Frost)
YSL Touche Eclat Foundation 
SLEEK Contour Kit in Medium
Rimmel Brow Pencil in Darkest Brown
MAC Studio Sculpt concealer in NC 42
LA Girl Pro Concealer in Cool Tan
EBAY Lashes
LA COLORS Lip Liner in Cappuccino 


Start off with a transition shade that will allow your eye shadow to blend out seamlessly with MUG Eyeshaodw in Frappe

Pack on MUG Eyeshadow in Cosmopolitan on your lid with a patting motion for a bold color rather than swept

Deepen your crease with MUG Eyeshadow in Cocoa Bear

Blend the crease even more and blow it out with MUG Eyeshadow in Mango Tango and utilize the shade on your outer lower lash line.

Add a highlight onto your brow bone, inner-lower lash line and inner-eye corner for an extra pop of glam, this will allow your eyes to appear brighter. I used the highlight shade in the SLEEK Contour Kit.

Add your favourite mascara onto your top and bottom lashes (falsies optional)

GUESTPOST @ColourUBold | Valentines Day ♥ Barbies Eyes and Kissable Lips

I love Valentines not because I always have a valentine but because I can experiement with my makeup! Purples and Pinks are always fun to experiment with so with this look thats what I did! Yes we could go with a cat eye and red lips but this look right here will get you a valentines before the end of the night! Please check my blog out at ColourUBold if you enjoyed my tutorial.

Step by Step: Starting at the top left!

Step 1: Prime those Lids

I used a purple cream base to really give my pinks and purple and added pop! You can also use a pink or even white cream base!

Step 2: Darken that outer V

Use a deep purple and deep fushia color to add diminsion to the eye on the outer part of your eye and pull it up into the crease. Use those colors and place it on the lower lash bringing it inward half way.

Step 3: Highlight Galore

With the same light pink shade used on the lid put it on the browbone and inner corners of the eye and also down to the lower lashes half way until you reach the dark purple colors.

Step 4:  Blend like a boss

Blend all colors together so that they all transition well together making it look like a gradient effect.

Step 5: Wing it out! 

Create a big or little wing liner look!

Step 6: Darken the Water line

With a dark purple eyeliner line the water line from the outer corner of the lower lash line inward. You can also smudge it out on the outer corners to create a little bit of a smokey effect.

Step 7: Lash it out!

I used some false lashes to create a more volumized look but you really can just coat on a ton of mascara to get the same effect! Also don't forget that lower lash to really create the perfect look!

Step 8: Blushing Beauty

Using a light pink for lighter skins or a deep pink for dark skin to create a nice flush of color without going overboard!

Step 9:  Kissable Lips

I neve wear pink on my lips but this valentines I'm taking my makeup game up a notch! Use a pink lip liner darker than the lipstick that you will be putting on. This will add diminish  then use a frosty bright pink to cover the inside of the liner. Press lips together for a gradient effect and top it off with your fave pink lipgloss.!

@ColorUBold | ColorUBold Blog 

REVIEW | YSL ROUGE VOLUPTE LIPSTICK 01 NUDE BEIGE

I've got a sudden splurge for you today. I recently purchased my first high-end lipstick. This chic, gold-cased-bit-of-heaven is none other than the YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick in 01 Nude Beige. I'm not really one for a nude-pink lip since I have a warmer skin tone. MAC NC 42 for reference. However, when I came across this gorgeous piece, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to have this in my collection

The packaging is to die for. There's a certain je ne sais quois about gold packaging that scream luxury. Then again, it may just be my love addiction for lipsticks. The lipstick itself is quite weighty which makes it feel amazingly opulent. I adore the design as it has the YSL logo wrapped around the bullet. The colored background behind the logo corresponds with the shade of the lipstick - very helpful when picking a lipstick from a large collection.

There's a sweet-kinda scent (like watermelon) which, thankfully cannot be tasted when applied. The consistency is creamy and very nourishing. The application is smooth and buttery, yet the lipstick keeps it's highly pigmented color. I did feel at times it was too buttery. The lasting-power, sadly, isn't as strong as I would love it to be since the lipstick was on the-pricey-side. The product lasted about 3-4 hours till another application was needed. However, my lips did feel moisturized even after the lipstick faded.

This shades is such an ecclectic colour that can be worn a variety of different ways. This gorgeous nude pink shade can suit all skin tones, especially for paler women. However, for deeper skin tones, I suggest a brown or natural (one shade darker) lip liner as this shade is pale pink with undertones of blue.