Get Ready With Me Using Drugstore Makeup

My makeup look changes from day to day, depending on where I'm going, what I'm doing and how long I have to get ready before rushing out of the door! 

A typical get ready routine would take me approximately 30 minutes for hair and makeup. I think that's about the average length of time for most girls, so I'm quite happy with that. I don't feel that it's particularly high maintenance. 

My first step is always primer. The drugstore primer I favour is Nuance by Salma Hayek. A small amount worked into the skin with the hands really perfects your base. 

Next up is concealer, my favourite drugstore one is Rimmel Match Perfection in ivory. I use this under the eyes to cover any darkness and also on any imperfections or blemishes. 

I then apply my foundation. I have many favourites when it comes to drugstore foundations, but given that I was going to work and we are mid heatwave I opted for Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 hour. I apply this with a real techniques foundation brush then blend with a damp real techniques sponge. 

Next up i apply some Max Factor Creme puff powder with a real techniques buffing brush to my T'Zone to help prevent shine and set my foundation. 

Following that I applied ELF contouring blush blush in Antigua (cool toned pink) in circular motions to the apples of the cheeks and blended back towards the hairline using a real techniques large blush brush. 

To set my face makeup I used the NYX Matte setting spray and spritzed it evenly all over my face, allowing it to dry before continuing with my makeup. 

I filled in my eyebrows using a Jordana Fabuliner in Taupe. 

For eyeshadow I opted for the MUA Undressed Palette. I applied the lightest pearlescent pink shade to the eyelid then a taupe to blend out in the crease and a smoky brown to the outer corner. 

I lined the upper lash line with Soap and Glory Supercat liquid liner, and the lower lash line with Soap and Glory Smoulder pencil. Then smudged it out. 

For mascara I opted for CoverGirl Clump Crusher in Black. 

My lips were treated to a coat of CoverGirl LipPerfection jumbo Gloss Balm in Watermelon. A bright pink colour with a lovely glossy sheen. 

That completes my makeup look for today! Thanks so much for reading and I'll see you soon! 

Why not check out my youtube channel where you can view my video tutorials? 

Www.youtube.com/beautyandhelen and subscribe to be told when I make a new video xx

Top 5 Red Lipsticks for Christmas Time

Hey ladies,

At this time of year its all parties and festivities and we are all on the lookout for the perfect products to give us a party ready pout. Here are my top 5 Christmas lipsticks.



Rimmel Kate Lipstick in Shade 1

This is a gorgeous matte deep red that is perfect for parties. This is a very deep shade which might be a little intimidating if you haven't worn red shades before but trust me, you will look fabulous in this.






ELF Lipstick in Fearless

This was the first red lipstick I ever bought, its a medium red satin shine finish and it is ideal if you are looking to try out a red lipstick for the first time as for £1.50 you don't loose much if you decide it isn't the right shade. Start with this then think about if you would like it to be lighter / darker / more matte and work from there to find the perfect red for you.



Sally Hansen Colorfast Reddy for Anything

This is probably my most worn red lipstick, because it is just SO easy to wear. The pigmentation level is good enough to give a true colour, but not too bold for a daytime trip to the supermarket. It is across between a balm and a lipstick and I love it, super hydrating, glides on and looks glossy!







Essence Lipstick in Rockin' Red

This is a deep blue toned red but with gold flecks of glitter! It is THE perfect lipstick for Christmas parties, its like a festive explosion on your lips! Every time I wear this lipstick I get compliments on it, because it is very unusual to find such a lovely glittery shade of red. This has a smooth formula and the tiny glitter flecks do not scratch or irritate. Lovely hydrating formula doesn't dry or stain the lips.





Sleek Makeup lipstick in Stiletto

I don't own this lipstick but it is next on my wish list because I have swatched it, and it is STUNNING! So I thought I would include it :)

Eyeshadow bases - Tried & tested

I have been obsessed with eyeshadow bases recently so here are review of the ones I have tried with swatches of them alone and with an eyeshadow on top.

I tried 

Max factor masterpiece in icicle blue and icicle rose £6.99 each at boots

Wet n wild usa cream eyeshadow in pink 99p ebay.com

Dainty doll by Nicola Roberts eyeshadow base in shade 001 £1 poundland

MAC pro longwear paint pot in shade vintage selection £14.50 mac.com 

From wrist: max factor, wet n wild, mac, max factor, dainty doll

 Verdict

The max factor and wet n wild and elf have a similar formula and are very moist, the mac is very creamy and the dainty doll is only very slightly moist, it has an almost clay like texture that dries instantly.

The mac can be applied with fingers or a brush but I prefer fingers as you loose product by using a brush, and its expensive. 

The max factor and elf have inbuilt applicators which are similar to a concealer wand. 

My least favourite is the dainty doll. I find it dry and difficult to blend. The colour payoff is good but that's really the only positive I can find. 

The wet n wild is highly pigmented, cheap and a nice shade, on the downside the formula is a little bit too runny and takes a while to dry. It hasn't got the best staying power but its decent for a cheap option and gives the eyeshadow you choose to apply over it good colour payoff.

The elf is completely sheer so it was pointless swatching it but I've used it a lot and it does help eyeshadows to stay on longer, and the formula is nice. It helps with eyeshadow colour payoff. Cheap and cheerful and does a decent job.

The MAC paintpot offers multi dimensional colour and can be worn alone not just as a base, it goes on as a cream and gives you time to apply eyeshadows on top but once it dries it does not budge. At all. It's so longlasting that I fell asleep in my makeup after a party and when I got up the next morning it was still perfect! The only downside to this product is price because it costs a lot of money but in this case I do think its worth it and I will be buying it in more shades.

The max factor masterpiece really shocked me, it's level pegging with the mac in terms of it could be worn alone the pigmentation is so strong. It has lovely shimmery undertones. It's reasonably priced, very hard wearing and  makes your eyeshadows look 100% brighter. 

Based on this the max factor masterpiece is the eyeshadow base I would recommend. They are available in a range of shades in boots for £6.99 so snap some up! 

Here are the bases with similar coloured eyeshadows layered on top 

How beautiful is the blue? 

The eyeshadow palette I used was the MUA Dusk til Dawn and I used shade 6 for icicle rose max factor, wet n wild and mac, shade 10 for icicle blue max factor and shade 4 for dainty doll.

I hope you found my review helpful 

Take care, love Helen

Www.youtube.com/beautyandhelen 

Pretty in Pink Makeup. High-Street Edition

Pretty in Pink

The summer is finally here!! Ditch the dull nudes and browns and lighten up your makeup look. Go on....

I adore pinks, especially with having green eyes because pink really makes my eyes pop, but pink can work for any eye or hair colour, you just have to chose the right shade of pink for you!

I opt for soft subtle cool toned pinks because I have green eyes and red hair (not naturally red, but still red nonetheless)

Brunettes with brown eyes look stunning with a warm toned 'barbie' pink. 

Blondes with blue eyes suit candy pinks. 

Here's the most recent pink makeup  products I've bought for summer 2013.

• MUA blush in Bubblegum
• Wet n wild 'megaglo' illuminator in Catwalk Pink
• Sleek 'lashout' mascara in Black
• NYC lipstick in 'Modern Love'
• ELF cream eyeliner in Black
• MUA 'Undressed' eye shadow palette 

And here's how I wear this look....

I hope this inspires you to ditch the dull browns and nudes and try something summery whilst you have the chance, afterall - pink really does make the boys wink ;)

Take care and see you in my next blog, love & hugsHelen xx