Summer shades

 Sleek Del i-Divine Del Mar Volume 1

My favorite product for summer:

the Sleek Del Mar palette!

During one of my casual 'not-buying-anything-just-looking' strolls through Superdrug on a sunny afternoon I spotted this palette on a limited edition display and was instantly drawn in by the burst of colour I was seeing. I'm a huge fan of pastels at the moment, and this palette presented a shimmering cocktail of summer pastels, including warm coral, lime green and an ocean-like jadey blue. Then there's 'lounge lovers' - a shimmery pale gold which I knew would add a little sparkle for those summer evenings when matte just isn't enough!

All colours are super pigmented and most are just perfect matte shades for summer. Using this palette you can create an array of different summertime looks - from cool and beachy to warm and tropical - however it is also possible to go for a more natural sandy effect using 'Talamanca' and 'Lounge Lovers'. You can also make your look stand out even more by providing contrast using the Sleek brow kit - read a review of this over on Millie's blog! There are so many fun, summery looks to try with the Del Mar palette - if you own this palette let me know your favorite shades! If not, which colours would you team together? :) Here are some of mine:

For a light everyday look:

1) Sweep 'Talamanca' along the crease and outer corner of eyelid.

2) Use 'Chilled Out' on inner corner of eye and across eyelid.

3) Take 'Feel Euphoric' and put onto outer half of eyelid, blending it in with 'Chilled Out' in the middle.

A hot tropical orange look:

1) Smudge 'Chilled Out' into inner corner of eyelid in order to create contrast and give the bright colours more of a pop.

2) Imagine your eyelid having three vertical sections. Sweep 'Sunset Strip' over first third of eyelid, closest to inner corner.

3) Take 'On the Rocks' and apply to middle third (don't worry if this goes further across the eyelid as it becomes the main colour of this look).

4) Apply 'Talamanca' to remaining third and into crease.

5) Blend!

A cool beachy look:

1) Repeat previous steps replacing 'Sunset Strip' with 'Poolside', 'On the Rocks' and 'Talamanca' with 'Blue Marlin'.

Hope you all have a great summer! 

Lil x

3 Lovely Pamper Treats!

After the stress of my final university assignments I decided it was time to treat myself to a bit of pampering and relaxation, so I went to the magical bathbomb emporium that is Lush and sought out these three lovely treatments.

-Cleanse-

BB Seaweed Fresh Face Mask

Having never tried a Lush face mask before, I asked one of the lovely shop assistants for some advice. I wanted a mask which would cleanse and moisturise without tightening my skin or leaving my face feeling dryer than it already was. She recommended me BB Seaweed and Oatifix. The former took my fancy - it smells of rosemary, essential oils and aloe vera, which makes for a very refreshing scent which is much lighter than most other Lush products (it's no wonder I can smell the shop before I see it!)

After applying this to my face my skin feels clean and soft and lovely! It doesn't do much in the way of moisturising - however my skin is incredibly dry 99% of the time so it takes a great deal to fully moisturise! This is definitely a mask to use if you want something soothing and kind to your skin, and aren't too keen on the fruity, strong scented products. Don't however, let this be one of the products you save because you love it so much - as these have a sell-by date and have to be kept in the fridge to keep them nice and fresh!

-Relax-

Twilight Bath Bomb

This gorgeous looking bath bomb is a relaxing, soothing, fizzing wonder that smells divine and makes your bath look all pretty and colourful. If you've tried one of these before you know how they work - run your bath, add bath bomb, and watch in delight as it swirls and fizzes away. 

-Moisturise-

Ro's Argan Body Conditioner

This is something I only heard about very recently, and was the main reason for my trip to Lush. It's basically a cream you apply in the shower, then wash off, however it leaves a smooth oil on your skin when you get out meaning you don't need to moisturise! 

I was hesitant to buy a full pot as it is pretty expensive and having never tried it before I wasn't sure it'd be worth it. After explaining this to a shop assistant who was helping me she offered to give me a sample to test and see how I liked it! I thought this was great and having tried it I now absolutely love Ro's Argan Body Conditioner - it works exactly as it says and better yet it smells amazing, like rose jam, as the shop assistant described it.

What are your favorite pamper treats? Let me know in the comments below!

The Perfect Nude

Introducing my current favorite lipstick - Bourjois Rouge Edition in 02 Beige Trench! 

After spending some time looking around for a simple nude lipstick which would suit my skin tone and give a hint of glam to an ordinary daytime look, I found this! 

Colour

Although I love my bright colours for summer I like to have an alternative for a casual daytime look. I have a rather pale skin-tone and fair hair so I don't tend to suit an orange toned lip and usually opt for more beigey colours. This lipstick really complements the natural colouration of my lips, giving them a glossy deep pink shine. I'd say it borders on purple tones, giving a slightly darker look than your normal pinky nudes. The pigmentation is good, however it fades quite quickly so you do have to re-apply this often (which I do not mind at all due to the lovely texture!)

Wearability

Compared to the others I own this is one very hydrating and smooth lipstick, which I love about it. I find myself wanting to re-apply this hourly because of the way it feels! I also find the colour to be pretty versatile; as it is a nude beige this is a great lipstick to wear for an every-day look, however I have taken this with me on nights out and it can be used for many different styles! The colour also makes it perfect to wear all year round.

To buy or not to buy?

If you are not a fan of a bright or bold lip and are looking for something that will just add a touch of glam without staining your lips or drying them out, this is absolutely perfect. It can be worn for a range of looks, whatever the season and does not cost much so I consider this a very worthwhile purchase! 

I'd love to know your favorite nude lipsticks, let me know in the comments!