Tuesday 2 June 2015

Hello Clarins Aquatic Treasures Collection! Summer Make Up Inspiration

Okay, I'm going to be perfectly honest. Once upon a time, I wasn't really a Clarins fan. 

How things have changed...

Clarins Aquatic Treasures Summer Bronzing Compact
Clarins Aquatic Treasures Summer Bronzing Compact, £30

I'm not sure exactly when it happened, but Clarins got serious game. Their new Aquatic Treasures Summer Bronzing Compact is one of my favourite products of 2015 so far - and that is a big claim. It's summer gloriousness in one seriously beautiful package.

The bronzing disk is huge - the perfect circumference for a good bronzing brush, but still lightweight and compact enough to slip into your tote. And let's just take a moment to appreciate the gorgeous pattern.

It's like a work of sun-goddess art.

The palette is split into four shades of bronze so that you can actually create depth and shade within your areas of depth and shade (whoooooah - it's like Inception!) and the powder is perfectly milled to ensure a light, buildable application. It's worth noting that the shimmer is very subtle too, no overload of tacky glitter here.

Clarins Iridescent Shadow in 01 Aquatic Rose and 03 Aquatic Grey
Clarins Iridescent Shadow in 01 Aquatic Rose and 03 Aquatic Grey, £19 each

Alongside this bronzer of sun-drenched dreams, Clarins have released three new shades of iridescent shadow (01 Aquatic Rose and 03 Aquatic Grey pictured) These cream-to-powder shadows are really, really nice. They're lovely and smooth on the lid, don't do that pesky gather-up-in-the-crease thing, and are nice and easy to blend together with other shades. Aquatic Rose has become my go-to glow-enhancing everyday shadow, and I occasionally use it as a highlight on my cheeks.

Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base, 04 Apricot, Clarins,
Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base in 04 Apricot, £26.50
The Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base in 04 Apricot is a new, slightly darker shade of their existing Complexion Base collection, perfect after a few weeks of the summer season (or applications of fake tan) Again, this is not a super-shimmery product - it's a subtle glow enhancer that helps to create a perfect base. It contains Clarins' famous 'anti-pollution complex', which protects skin from the daily toxins that can cause damage and dehydration. 

I tend to use this product under foundation, but as I get a healthier glow I'll probably just use this on its own. So nice to have a light, moisturising, coverage for summer. Plus it smells so nice and clean - I actually feel like I'm putting on something with skin benefits.

Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster, Clarins, face, body
Clarins Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster, available for face and body, £18+

Interestingly, Clarins have also released a fake tanning serum- the Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster. I'm no longer a fake-tan fanatic, but this is quite a clever little concept. This serum can be added to any moisturiser to add an extra summer glow, just pop in a few drops (depending on your desired intensity). The best thing about this is that you don't have to change your skin care routine, so it's a great idea for those with sensitive skin. I did find that it had a slight fake tan smell before washing off the initial application of moisturiser, but the colour is really nice and natural. 

So that's my summer make-up bag sorted... What's your beauty must-have product this season? xx

Monday 1 June 2015

Smashbox Be Legendary Matte Lipstick in Mauve and Fireball

Big news guys, BIG, glorious, news. Smashbox have launched several new products - and I am especially loving their brand new matte Be Legendary lipsticks. 

Smashbox Be Legendary Matte Lipstick, Mauve, Fireball, Donald Robertson,

Smashbox have done a trendy little collab with Donald Robertson to design the limited edition packaging for the new release. Robertson is a big name in the beauty biz, he was the original creative director of MAC Cosmetics.

Smashbox Be Legendary Matte Lipstick, Mauve, Fireball, Donald Robertson,
Smashbox x Donald Robertson

Smashbox have launched six new matte shades: Paris Pink, Mauve, Magenta, Fireball, Femme Fatale, and Mulberry. 

I love the dusky cool pink of Mauve (pictured below) as it really suits my current ash blonde hair shade. It's just so stylish. 

Smashbox Be Legendary Matte Lipstick, Mauve, Donald Robertson,
Smashbox Be Legendary Matte Lipstick, Mauve, Donald Robertson,

The great thing about these lipsticks is that although they're super matte, they're still nice and soft on the lip. No curse of dry lip!

Fireball matte is a fierce and fun orange-red, and I absolutely love it for this summer. It reminds me a little of the shade Lady Danger by MAC Cosmetics, but I prefer the slightly more orange tint of this new Smashbox shade.

Smashbox Be Legendary Matte Lipstick, Fireball, Donald Robertson,

It's SO vibrant. Hello statement lip.

Smashbox Be Legendary Matte Lipstick, Mauve, Fireball, Donald Robertson,

The Mauve is so sophisticated, and the Fireball is so fierce... which is your favourite shade?



Tuesday 19 May 2015

Tres Emme Perfectly Undone - Full Range Giveaway

To celebrate Pout Out Proud's launch on Instagram I'm holding a giveaway of the entire Perfectly Undone range by Tres Emmé!

TO ENTER:

1. Follow @poutoutproud on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter (or all three to boost your chances!)
2. Share/Repost/ReTweet the giveaway image with ‪#‎poutoutproudgiveaway‬



That's it!

One person will be chosen at random on Friday 22 May - good luck!

Tuesday 23 December 2014

Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour Quad in St Tropez


The Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour Quad in St Tropez may be my new favourite shadow palette.

Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour Quad in St Tropez, review, swatch

I tend to stay away from blue hues around my eyes, but this palette is the exception to the rule. These shades are so pretty and pearlescent, they remind me of an enchanting lagoon. I especially like the deepest midnight blue shade, so sultry.  

This palette can be used either wet or dry, depending on the desired intensity. Simply dampen a shadow brush with a touch of water for a deeper colour build upon application. 

It's a great versatile palette. For a high-impact look, apply the deep blue and bronze at the outer edges of the eye, gradually blending into the teal shade, and then into the lightest pearly-blue shade as you near the inner corner. Use a fluffy shadow brush to blend the edges, creating a soft and smokey effect. 

Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour Quad in St Tropez (applied dry)
Be sure to take some of the dark blue underneath the lower lash line, this gives balance to the eye. 

For a less dramatic look; try applying the bronze shade just above the upper lash line, all the way across and then underneth the lower lash line. Use a light amount of the pearlescent blue just above (on the upper lid) to blend outwards. This creates a really pretty and unique look.

Monday 22 December 2014

Christmas 2014: Gift Ideas for Girls

If you're struggling for some gift inspiration, here are some great beauty and fashion ideas (from cute stocking fillers to seasonal splurges) for Christmas 2014.

gift ideas for women, christmas, 2014, present, idea, what to buy, girlfriend,
Did I ever mention that I love Christmas?
Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick (in Infrared)
A red lip is an absolute Christmas must-have, and this is one of my all-time favourites. It has a gorgeous matte finish, stays put all night long, and doesn't dry out the lip.

The Girl: Confident (sexy, sassy, glam, retro... it's a versatile red)

Thierry Mulger Angel Diva Gift Set (Limited Edition)
Perfume is a fail-safe option when it comes to Christmas gifting. Thierry Mulger's Angel is a seasonal favourite, as the scent is both sweet and musky. A festive winner. The perfume bottle is super cute too.

The Girl: Stands out from the crowd

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour (in 18 Vamp)
It wouldn't be Christmas without the timeless elegance of Chanel. This shade is a seasonal dream, a real luxury stocking filler surprise.

The Girl: Likes a touch of luxury

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector (in Nude)
This little number is the perfect accessory for everyday wear. Clarins really know how to make a good nude gloss.With just the right amount of pigment and a really nice scent, I can't recommend this handbag-ready gloss enough,

The Girl: Cosmopolitan and chic

Brooklyn Charm X Urban Renewal High/Low Triangle Necklace
SO cool. Especially paired with a chunky-knit sweater.

The Girl: Hipster-esq. Knows her own style, doesn't follow the hype

Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour Quad (in Summer in St Tropez)
This shadow palette makes it into the hot gift picks because it's both pretty and original. The shade combinations work together beautifully, and are versatile enough to create a subtle smolder or a real statement look. The shadows are smooth and pigment-rich, and the packaging is simple but classic. So Laura Mercier.  

The Girl: Creative

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream (Craig & Karl for Kiehl's edition photographed)
Forget diamonds... Face cream is a beauty-savvy girl's best friend. And when it comes to lotions and potions of the face variety, you cannot go wrong with Kiehl's. It absorbs fast and leaves skin soothed and soft. The limited edition packaging by artists Craig & Karl is a extra nice touch for a Christmas gift too.

The Girl: Beauty conscious, cares about her skin. Regularly pops a face mask on

Aldo Faux Fur Headband
...Because no Christmas day stroll is complete without a touch of faux-fur. Fabulous, darlings.

The Girl: Glamorous, already owns a wide-brimmed floppy hat

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick (in Nectar)
Come December, all girls are wistfully reminiscing about their long-gone summer glow. This palette by Bobbi Brown is holiday in a palette, a subtle touch of warmth and radiance. It can also double up as a highlighter - so that's two gifts in one, right?

The Girl: All girls. Works as a subtle all-over glow those who like the natural look, or as an eye-catching highlighter for make-up fiends

Kate Spade Wallet/Purse (style pick: Cedar Street Nisha)
If there is one thing I have learn about girls, it's that no purse can ever have enough compartments to accommodate credit cards, gift cards, business cards, hair appointment cards, the receipt for a sweater purchased in 1998.... This stylish purse by Kate Spade is a timeless classic, with enough compartments to keep three dozen cards in check.

The Girl: Classy and efficient. Her wardrobe is made up of timeless neutral pieces, not jazzy patterns

Looking for a gift splurge? AllSaints Cargo Leather Biker Jacket
Yes, it's a pricey gift. But I've heard girls claim they'd consider selling a kidney for an AllSaints leather. Not even kidding. They're a wardrobe staple that will never date. High quality, always on-trend, unmistakably AllSaints.

The Girl: Fashion orientated, trendy, cool, urban

What would be your perfect Christmas gift? Leave a comment below.

Happy Holidays! xxxx