Cult Beauty has quickly become one of my favourite places to shop for all things makeup and skincare. They have such an amazing selection of brands and they're constantly adding new ones to the mix. I'm always seeing people rave about products that I have to try and the majority of the time they're available on CB so naturally, it's where I shop most of the time I want to buy something. There are a handful of goodies in particular that I think are well worth ordering from them and here they are! 
five cult beauty buys that are totally worth it maiyabellexo
The Ordinary High Adherence Silicone Primer* | I rarely use mattifying primers as a lot of them can be quite drying but this one helps blur the skin whilst still giving a bit of slip. After moisturising, I apply a small amount to my nose, forehead and chin and everything looks so much smoother and refined. If you struggle with pores, excess oil and your foundation not lasting long enough then you need to give this a go! 

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter | I think everyone needs this gem in their collection. It's a primer/highlighter/perfector hybrid and is great for those who crave glowing skin! You can use it underneath your foundation to add an all-over radiance, mixed in with your base for a sheer, more dewy coverage or appled to the high points for a megawatt highlighter. I love using this on freshly cleansed skin when I'm lazing around the house for that extra boost!

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer | It took me quite a while to purchase this cult classic but once I did I quickly realised what people were raving about. It's such a great concealer for under the eyes and any areas of redness/blemishes and I love that you don't need to use a lot of product. The finish isn't as radiant as the name suggests but it isn't super matte either - it really is a lovely concealer! 

Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer | I honestly don't know what I did before I had this baby in my life. I've always struggled to find a decent bronzer as I'm fairly pale and you will instantly see any unnatural orange tones or muddiness. This is the lighter version of the original and it is perfect for those with fair-light skin both as a bronzer or as a contour powder. I love using this on my nose as it creates a gorgeous shadow that actually looks real. It also smells like actual chocolate - yum! 

Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes Volume 2 | I'm super fussy when it comes to mascaras especially because my lashes are quite straight and don't always hold a curl but Charlotte has reformulated her original Legendary Lashes mascara and it now increases volume by 500% without the constant smudging! I only need one coat of this but you can definitely build it up for some serious drama! 


What are your go-to Cult Beauty buys? 

Maiya
x

  • Saturday, December 29, 2018

Five Cult Beauty Buys That Are Totally Worth It

Cult Beauty has quickly become one of my favourite places to shop for all things makeup and skincare. They have such an amazing selection of brands and they're constantly adding new ones to the mix. I'm always seeing people rave about products that I have to try and the majority of the time they're available on CB so naturally, it's where I shop most of the time I want to buy something. There are a handful of goodies in particular that I think are well worth ordering from them and here they are! 
five cult beauty buys that are totally worth it maiyabellexo
The Ordinary High Adherence Silicone Primer* | I rarely use mattifying primers as a lot of them can be quite drying but this one helps blur the skin whilst still giving a bit of slip. After moisturising, I apply a small amount to my nose, forehead and chin and everything looks so much smoother and refined. If you struggle with pores, excess oil and your foundation not lasting long enough then you need to give this a go! 

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter | I think everyone needs this gem in their collection. It's a primer/highlighter/perfector hybrid and is great for those who crave glowing skin! You can use it underneath your foundation to add an all-over radiance, mixed in with your base for a sheer, more dewy coverage or appled to the high points for a megawatt highlighter. I love using this on freshly cleansed skin when I'm lazing around the house for that extra boost!

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer | It took me quite a while to purchase this cult classic but once I did I quickly realised what people were raving about. It's such a great concealer for under the eyes and any areas of redness/blemishes and I love that you don't need to use a lot of product. The finish isn't as radiant as the name suggests but it isn't super matte either - it really is a lovely concealer! 

Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer | I honestly don't know what I did before I had this baby in my life. I've always struggled to find a decent bronzer as I'm fairly pale and you will instantly see any unnatural orange tones or muddiness. This is the lighter version of the original and it is perfect for those with fair-light skin both as a bronzer or as a contour powder. I love using this on my nose as it creates a gorgeous shadow that actually looks real. It also smells like actual chocolate - yum! 

Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes Volume 2 | I'm super fussy when it comes to mascaras especially because my lashes are quite straight and don't always hold a curl but Charlotte has reformulated her original Legendary Lashes mascara and it now increases volume by 500% without the constant smudging! I only need one coat of this but you can definitely build it up for some serious drama! 


What are your go-to Cult Beauty buys? 

Maiya
x

Anyone who knows me knows I love watching TV. I spent most of my childhood addicted to the Disney channel and BBC Three (who remembers Coming Of Age?). Obviously, my taste has changed since then and like most of you, the majority of my evenings consist of a massive cuppa and a good old Netflix binge. I've recently discovered some new series and a couple of films that I really enjoyed so I thought I would share them with you! 
what i've been watching on netflix blog post
The Haunting Of Hill House | Now I haven't watched many Netflix series but when everyone started talking about this I knew I had to see what all the fuss was about. I'm constantly watching horror films but always left thinking well that was a bit shit but this show will have you sleeping with the lights on! It's about a family that moves into a new house and almost straight away supernatural incidents start occurring but they don't stop after they leave. If you've been looking for something that will have you on the edge of your seat (and peaking through your hands) you need to give this a go! 

The Vampire Diaries | Before you say anything I know I'm about ten years late to the party but I recently started watching this and as you can probably guess I am completely obsessed! It's such a great teenage drama and I think the cast, story and layout of the show are just fab! I finished Pretty Little Liars quite a while ago and this has followed it perfectly! I've only just started season 3 so I have a long way to go yet but at the moment I'm watching about five episodes at a time because it's so addictive! Also in case you're a VD fan and are wondering I'm team Damon all the way *starts fanning self*! 

Apostle | Hubby and I stumbled across this and thought it looked quite interesting and it actually turned out to be a really good horror. It starts off quite chilled but quickly turns into something really dark and gruesome but it's so well done! It's set on a Welsh island in 1905 which I love and there are definitely some weird twists and moments that'll leave you thinking WTF?! Also, one of the main characters is played by Michael Sheen (I totally fangirled!) so I highly recommend watching it! 

Gerald's Game | This is another Netflix Original and like THOHH it had some really good reviews when it first came out. It's based on the Stephen King novel and it turned out to be quite different from what I was expecting! It contains some mature themes (just a heads up) but the suspense will have you glued to the screen! It's one of those films that starts off quite happy and optimistic but by the end, you feel like you won't make it out alive! 


Have you watched any of these picks recently?

Maiya 
  • Thursday, December 27, 2018

What I've Recently Been Watching On Netflix

Anyone who knows me knows I love watching TV. I spent most of my childhood addicted to the Disney channel and BBC Three (who remembers Coming Of Age?). Obviously, my taste has changed since then and like most of you, the majority of my evenings consist of a massive cuppa and a good old Netflix binge. I've recently discovered some new series and a couple of films that I really enjoyed so I thought I would share them with you! 
what i've been watching on netflix blog post
The Haunting Of Hill House | Now I haven't watched many Netflix series but when everyone started talking about this I knew I had to see what all the fuss was about. I'm constantly watching horror films but always left thinking well that was a bit shit but this show will have you sleeping with the lights on! It's about a family that moves into a new house and almost straight away supernatural incidents start occurring but they don't stop after they leave. If you've been looking for something that will have you on the edge of your seat (and peaking through your hands) you need to give this a go! 

The Vampire Diaries | Before you say anything I know I'm about ten years late to the party but I recently started watching this and as you can probably guess I am completely obsessed! It's such a great teenage drama and I think the cast, story and layout of the show are just fab! I finished Pretty Little Liars quite a while ago and this has followed it perfectly! I've only just started season 3 so I have a long way to go yet but at the moment I'm watching about five episodes at a time because it's so addictive! Also in case you're a VD fan and are wondering I'm team Damon all the way *starts fanning self*! 

Apostle | Hubby and I stumbled across this and thought it looked quite interesting and it actually turned out to be a really good horror. It starts off quite chilled but quickly turns into something really dark and gruesome but it's so well done! It's set on a Welsh island in 1905 which I love and there are definitely some weird twists and moments that'll leave you thinking WTF?! Also, one of the main characters is played by Michael Sheen (I totally fangirled!) so I highly recommend watching it! 

Gerald's Game | This is another Netflix Original and like THOHH it had some really good reviews when it first came out. It's based on the Stephen King novel and it turned out to be quite different from what I was expecting! It contains some mature themes (just a heads up) but the suspense will have you glued to the screen! It's one of those films that starts off quite happy and optimistic but by the end, you feel like you won't make it out alive! 


Have you watched any of these picks recently?

Maiya 
Can you believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve? I honestly have no idea where the year has gone but I couldn't be more excited for a fresh start and to see what 2019 has in store for me! I love trying to find the perfect present but like most of you a lot of my shopping is left right until the end (I know, I'm so organised) so I thought I would put together a little roundup of goodies to help give you some cute and thoughtful last minute gift ideas! Let the panic begin! 
A Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide
Pixi X Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse | I think Pixi is a great brand to check out if you're thinking about gifting skincare. It can be tricky to know what to go for so if you're in doubt I highly recommend this duo which comes with both a cleansing balm and cream. It's fragrance-free and is a great pick no matter what your age or skin type! 

Rituals The Ritual Of Yalda Foaming Shower Gel* | I love receiving body products for Crimbo, especially bath and shower goodies. This is probably the best smelling shower gel I've ever used! The scent is Pomegranate and Watermelon but to me, this smells like a Tango Ice Blast - yes really! The foam action is super luxurious and leaves the skin feeling super smooth and soft! 

Jo Malone | Who doesn't love a bit of Jo Malone at Christmas? I think her fragrances are great when you want to treat someone special but you don't know where to look. The staff are always really friendly and so helpful at figuring out which scent would be good for the person you're buying for. They also have candles, body lotions and lots of other gorgeous bits!

Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Palette | I'm including this palette but to be honest any of Charlotte's palettes would make a makeup lover's day! It comes with three eyeshadows and a pressed glitter which looks absolutely stunning on the lids! The perfect option for a festive smokey eye! 

Missguided Boss Babe Gift Set* | Missguided also have some gorgeous fragrances and this one is my favourite for a night out or special occasion. It's quite a dark, sexy scent and it now comes in a mini roller ball or this gift set with a black pom pom. How cute?! 

Real Techniques 2 Miracle Mini Eraser Sponges | I love using sponges to do my makeup, they just make everything look so seamless and polished. The RT ones are definitely my favourite and I think they would be amazing for a secret Santa present or as a side gift! 


Merry Christmas everyone - I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Maiya
x

  • Sunday, December 23, 2018

A Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide

Can you believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve? I honestly have no idea where the year has gone but I couldn't be more excited for a fresh start and to see what 2019 has in store for me! I love trying to find the perfect present but like most of you a lot of my shopping is left right until the end (I know, I'm so organised) so I thought I would put together a little roundup of goodies to help give you some cute and thoughtful last minute gift ideas! Let the panic begin! 
A Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide
Pixi X Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse | I think Pixi is a great brand to check out if you're thinking about gifting skincare. It can be tricky to know what to go for so if you're in doubt I highly recommend this duo which comes with both a cleansing balm and cream. It's fragrance-free and is a great pick no matter what your age or skin type! 

Rituals The Ritual Of Yalda Foaming Shower Gel* | I love receiving body products for Crimbo, especially bath and shower goodies. This is probably the best smelling shower gel I've ever used! The scent is Pomegranate and Watermelon but to me, this smells like a Tango Ice Blast - yes really! The foam action is super luxurious and leaves the skin feeling super smooth and soft! 

Jo Malone | Who doesn't love a bit of Jo Malone at Christmas? I think her fragrances are great when you want to treat someone special but you don't know where to look. The staff are always really friendly and so helpful at figuring out which scent would be good for the person you're buying for. They also have candles, body lotions and lots of other gorgeous bits!

Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Palette | I'm including this palette but to be honest any of Charlotte's palettes would make a makeup lover's day! It comes with three eyeshadows and a pressed glitter which looks absolutely stunning on the lids! The perfect option for a festive smokey eye! 

Missguided Boss Babe Gift Set* | Missguided also have some gorgeous fragrances and this one is my favourite for a night out or special occasion. It's quite a dark, sexy scent and it now comes in a mini roller ball or this gift set with a black pom pom. How cute?! 

Real Techniques 2 Miracle Mini Eraser Sponges | I love using sponges to do my makeup, they just make everything look so seamless and polished. The RT ones are definitely my favourite and I think they would be amazing for a secret Santa present or as a side gift! 


Merry Christmas everyone - I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Maiya
x

Who doesn't love a good budget beauty buy? I personally find it much more exciting finding new products on the high-street as opposed to a luxury counter. I've recently discovered some amazing gems but I thought I would show you some of my old favourites too. Get ready to make a trip to Boots! 
budget beauty picks blog post
Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Repair & Protect Conditioner | This is actually the product that inspired this blog post. I picked it up on a whim as I needed a new conditioner but it turned out to be a real winner. It feels like an expensive treatment but you use it everytime you wash your hair and it leaves it feeling beautifully soft and smooth. It's super rich but doesn't feel greasy or weight the hair down and it smells absolutely amazing! And it's only £3 - say what?! 

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution | Obviously I couldn't talk about my favourite budget picks and not mention this guy. I've found it really hard to find something similar to this at the drugstore and I probably won't any time soon. It's loaded with acids and works as a mask to gently exfoliate and leave my skin radiant and glowing. You only need to use it two-three times a week as it's quite a concentrated product but it's such a great little gem to have in your stash! 

Barry M Satin Superslick Lip Paint | Truffle Shuffle | I used to love this lipstick but sadly it melted and wasn't useable anymore so I finally repurchased it and I honestly don't know what I did without it! It's the ultimate pink-brown nude and the formula is so creamy and pigmented. This formula is quite glossy but it can be blotted for a beautiful matte finish. 

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo + SPF30 | I always struggle to find a good moisturiser with sun protection but LRP has nailed this one! It's part of their Effaclar range so it still helps with imperfections and marks but now has UV protection - woo! The formula is super light and it absorbs in minutes making it a great base for makeup! I can't recommend it enough! 

Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Concealer | C1 | You guys are probably sick of hearing me talk about this but it's become such a firm favourite! I use it under my eyes and on any imperfections and redness and it gives a beautiful smooth finish. They've recently bought out a supersize which I need to pick up asap! 

Eylure X Fleur De Force Brow Define | Medium | I'm super fussy when it comes to my brows and what I use to fill them in. So many products are either too dark, too warm or the completely wrong consistency but this is the best pencil I've found - especially for the price point! It comes with two shades which makes it really easy to get a defined brow that doesn't look one-dimensional. I've also found that the nib doesn't break off like a lot of the more expensive versions do! Win! 

Lush Lip Scrub | Honey | I don't like to spend a lot of money on lip products and when it comes to scrubs I don't think you can beat the Lush ones! The particles are just the right size to gently buff away any dry skin without being harsh or abrasive. I have the Honey scent which almost smells like vanilla candy canes - it's so good! I definitely need to get the Chocolate one next! 

The Ordinary High Adherence Silicone Primer* | The majority of my primers focus on adding glow and radiance but this is the one I opt for if my skin is looking a bit shiny or I want to blur my pores. Unlike some other silicone products, it feels silky rather than powdery and my foundation applies really smooth over top. If you want a long-wearing base you have to try this! 


What are some of your favourite budget picks?

Maiya
x

  • Monday, December 17, 2018

Budget Beauty Picks

Who doesn't love a good budget beauty buy? I personally find it much more exciting finding new products on the high-street as opposed to a luxury counter. I've recently discovered some amazing gems but I thought I would show you some of my old favourites too. Get ready to make a trip to Boots! 
budget beauty picks blog post
Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Repair & Protect Conditioner | This is actually the product that inspired this blog post. I picked it up on a whim as I needed a new conditioner but it turned out to be a real winner. It feels like an expensive treatment but you use it everytime you wash your hair and it leaves it feeling beautifully soft and smooth. It's super rich but doesn't feel greasy or weight the hair down and it smells absolutely amazing! And it's only £3 - say what?! 

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution | Obviously I couldn't talk about my favourite budget picks and not mention this guy. I've found it really hard to find something similar to this at the drugstore and I probably won't any time soon. It's loaded with acids and works as a mask to gently exfoliate and leave my skin radiant and glowing. You only need to use it two-three times a week as it's quite a concentrated product but it's such a great little gem to have in your stash! 

Barry M Satin Superslick Lip Paint | Truffle Shuffle | I used to love this lipstick but sadly it melted and wasn't useable anymore so I finally repurchased it and I honestly don't know what I did without it! It's the ultimate pink-brown nude and the formula is so creamy and pigmented. This formula is quite glossy but it can be blotted for a beautiful matte finish. 

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo + SPF30 | I always struggle to find a good moisturiser with sun protection but LRP has nailed this one! It's part of their Effaclar range so it still helps with imperfections and marks but now has UV protection - woo! The formula is super light and it absorbs in minutes making it a great base for makeup! I can't recommend it enough! 

Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Concealer | C1 | You guys are probably sick of hearing me talk about this but it's become such a firm favourite! I use it under my eyes and on any imperfections and redness and it gives a beautiful smooth finish. They've recently bought out a supersize which I need to pick up asap! 

Eylure X Fleur De Force Brow Define | Medium | I'm super fussy when it comes to my brows and what I use to fill them in. So many products are either too dark, too warm or the completely wrong consistency but this is the best pencil I've found - especially for the price point! It comes with two shades which makes it really easy to get a defined brow that doesn't look one-dimensional. I've also found that the nib doesn't break off like a lot of the more expensive versions do! Win! 

Lush Lip Scrub | Honey | I don't like to spend a lot of money on lip products and when it comes to scrubs I don't think you can beat the Lush ones! The particles are just the right size to gently buff away any dry skin without being harsh or abrasive. I have the Honey scent which almost smells like vanilla candy canes - it's so good! I definitely need to get the Chocolate one next! 

The Ordinary High Adherence Silicone Primer* | The majority of my primers focus on adding glow and radiance but this is the one I opt for if my skin is looking a bit shiny or I want to blur my pores. Unlike some other silicone products, it feels silky rather than powdery and my foundation applies really smooth over top. If you want a long-wearing base you have to try this! 


What are some of your favourite budget picks?

Maiya
x

There are so many of us out there who struggle to find the perfect shade of foundation. Whether you're an English rose or a dark-skinned beauty, the struggle is real. Considering my background my skin tone is surprisingly fair and I often find it difficult to find a base that matches both my face and neck and doesn't oxidize halfway through the day. Over the years I've tested a lot of foundations and I finally have a solid collection all with different finishes but most importantly that suit my ghostly skin!
The Best Foundations For Pale Skin
The Ordinary Serum Foundation | 1.0N | I thought I'd start with the most affordable option as it's extremely hard to find a pale foundation for less than £10. This has been out for a while now but it's still one of my favourites. It has a medium-buildable coverage and a lovely satin finish that looks like skin. I tend to reach for this when I have a lot of redness as it's really concentrated and is great for evening out my skin tone. It comes in 21 shades so there should be a shade for everyone! 

EX1 Invisiwear Liquid Foundation | 1.0 | This has a slightly thicker formula but when blended out it looks like silk. The shade I have is fair with a yellow undertone which is great for counteracting redness and pigmentation. A little goes a long way and it has become my favourite foundation for when I want minimal effort but a flawless, polished finish. 

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream SPF50 | Fair | Obviously it wouldn't be right if I didn't include this gem. This was probably the first foundation I bought that actually matched my skin. It also has my favourite finish in the world and is the base I opt for 90% of the time. It helps even out my skin whilst still being really fresh and glowy and I love that it blurs my pores and imperfections without looking cakey. You need to try this if you haven't already! 

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick | Alabaster | I'm not a massive fan of stick foundations but I love the formula and finish of this, plus it's great if you have very fair skin. Bobbi Brown is one of the best brands for catering to a wide range of skin tones! I love how easy it is to build up the coverage or sheer it down depending on the finish you want. It's also perfect for travelling! 

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation | 110 | Everyone and their dad went on about this brand when it launched but I held back as I wanted to see what the majority of people thought before I purchased anything. The foundation has so many raved reviews but the main thing people were praising was the vast shade range. I have the second lightest shade and it's actually the only base that's ever been a tad too light for me! Once everything is blended in and set with powder it looks fine but if you are extremely fair (like paper white) then Fenty is the only way to go! Their Killawatt Highlighters are also stunning! 


Do you struggle to find the perfect foundation shade? 

Maiya
x

  • Wednesday, December 12, 2018

The Best Foundations For Pale Skin

There are so many of us out there who struggle to find the perfect shade of foundation. Whether you're an English rose or a dark-skinned beauty, the struggle is real. Considering my background my skin tone is surprisingly fair and I often find it difficult to find a base that matches both my face and neck and doesn't oxidize halfway through the day. Over the years I've tested a lot of foundations and I finally have a solid collection all with different finishes but most importantly that suit my ghostly skin!
The Best Foundations For Pale Skin
The Ordinary Serum Foundation | 1.0N | I thought I'd start with the most affordable option as it's extremely hard to find a pale foundation for less than £10. This has been out for a while now but it's still one of my favourites. It has a medium-buildable coverage and a lovely satin finish that looks like skin. I tend to reach for this when I have a lot of redness as it's really concentrated and is great for evening out my skin tone. It comes in 21 shades so there should be a shade for everyone! 

EX1 Invisiwear Liquid Foundation | 1.0 | This has a slightly thicker formula but when blended out it looks like silk. The shade I have is fair with a yellow undertone which is great for counteracting redness and pigmentation. A little goes a long way and it has become my favourite foundation for when I want minimal effort but a flawless, polished finish. 

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream SPF50 | Fair | Obviously it wouldn't be right if I didn't include this gem. This was probably the first foundation I bought that actually matched my skin. It also has my favourite finish in the world and is the base I opt for 90% of the time. It helps even out my skin whilst still being really fresh and glowy and I love that it blurs my pores and imperfections without looking cakey. You need to try this if you haven't already! 

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick | Alabaster | I'm not a massive fan of stick foundations but I love the formula and finish of this, plus it's great if you have very fair skin. Bobbi Brown is one of the best brands for catering to a wide range of skin tones! I love how easy it is to build up the coverage or sheer it down depending on the finish you want. It's also perfect for travelling! 

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation | 110 | Everyone and their dad went on about this brand when it launched but I held back as I wanted to see what the majority of people thought before I purchased anything. The foundation has so many raved reviews but the main thing people were praising was the vast shade range. I have the second lightest shade and it's actually the only base that's ever been a tad too light for me! Once everything is blended in and set with powder it looks fine but if you are extremely fair (like paper white) then Fenty is the only way to go! Their Killawatt Highlighters are also stunning! 


Do you struggle to find the perfect foundation shade? 

Maiya
x

I love wearing eyeshadow in the winter time, it just pulls everything together and gives such a polished finish. I prefer a more subtle look but every now and then I'll add a bit of liner and lashes to glam it up. There are so many palettes and shades on the market but for me, you just can't beat a classic warm smokey eye - especially when paired with flushed cheeks and a nude lip. Bellissima! Today I thought I would share my current top three picks perfect for day or night.   
Three Winter Eyeshadow Picks
MAC Cosmetics Eyeshadows | Soba & Saddle | If you've been following my blog/Instagram for a while you'll know how much I love this duo. If you're ever wondering what's on my eyes nine times out of then it's this. Soba is a gorgeous mid-toned gold/brown with some gold shimmer and is perfect for that 'one-wash' eyeshadow look. I like to use this as a base all over my lid up to the crease and then I take Saddle which is a beautiful warm golden-brown and apply that over top. I could happily live the rest of my life with just these two eyeshadows! 

Charlotte Tilbury Exaggereyes Palette | This is slightly more neutral compared to the other two palettes but is equally as stunning. It has three eyeshadows and one pressed glitter and I love using this on a night out as the lights catch the sparkle so beautifully. I apply the rosy browns on the lid and outer corner (pretty standard) and then press the glitter down with my finger and it looks so pretty and angelic. If you don't already own a CT palette you need to get on it! 

Urban Decay Naked Petite Heat Palette | I'm absolutely obsessed with this beaut and I haven't even had it for that long. I wasn't very keen on the original Heat palette as it contained a lot of shimmers but this smaller version has five mattes and one satin. They're super pigmented and they blend like a dream. I also love that it's super compact and travel-friendly and I think the shade selection is spot on. I can't wait to start using this more! 


What's your current favourite eyeshadow palette? 

Maiya
x

  • Saturday, December 08, 2018

Three Winter Eyeshadow Picks

I love wearing eyeshadow in the winter time, it just pulls everything together and gives such a polished finish. I prefer a more subtle look but every now and then I'll add a bit of liner and lashes to glam it up. There are so many palettes and shades on the market but for me, you just can't beat a classic warm smokey eye - especially when paired with flushed cheeks and a nude lip. Bellissima! Today I thought I would share my current top three picks perfect for day or night.   
Three Winter Eyeshadow Picks
MAC Cosmetics Eyeshadows | Soba & Saddle | If you've been following my blog/Instagram for a while you'll know how much I love this duo. If you're ever wondering what's on my eyes nine times out of then it's this. Soba is a gorgeous mid-toned gold/brown with some gold shimmer and is perfect for that 'one-wash' eyeshadow look. I like to use this as a base all over my lid up to the crease and then I take Saddle which is a beautiful warm golden-brown and apply that over top. I could happily live the rest of my life with just these two eyeshadows! 

Charlotte Tilbury Exaggereyes Palette | This is slightly more neutral compared to the other two palettes but is equally as stunning. It has three eyeshadows and one pressed glitter and I love using this on a night out as the lights catch the sparkle so beautifully. I apply the rosy browns on the lid and outer corner (pretty standard) and then press the glitter down with my finger and it looks so pretty and angelic. If you don't already own a CT palette you need to get on it! 

Urban Decay Naked Petite Heat Palette | I'm absolutely obsessed with this beaut and I haven't even had it for that long. I wasn't very keen on the original Heat palette as it contained a lot of shimmers but this smaller version has five mattes and one satin. They're super pigmented and they blend like a dream. I also love that it's super compact and travel-friendly and I think the shade selection is spot on. I can't wait to start using this more! 


What's your current favourite eyeshadow palette? 

Maiya
x

I'm partial to a good primer, especially in the winter months when my skin is dry and lack-lustre. Whenever I see something aimed at glow or radiance I immediately add it to my basket so naturally, I've accumulated quite a few over the years. I know a lot of people try to achieve a beautiful dewy finish to combat the dehydration at this time of year so today I'm sharing my favourite picks for achieving luminous, glowing skin. 
five primers for achieving a winter glow
L'Oreal Infallible Luminizing Primer | I discovered this earlier this year and it was the only primer I used for two months straight! Not only is it super affordable but it's also amazing at giving a glowing finish without being too glittery. It has a beautiful pearlescent sheen and paired with a dewy foundation it creates the perfect glowing base! 

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base | This is my favourite pick for when my skin is looking a bit dry and dull and I don't want anything with a shimmer. It has a rich buttery texture that creates a gorgeous layer on the skin that helps your foundation look much more radiant and skin-like. A little goes a really long way and it makes a great moisturiser for those with a more oily skin!

MAC Strobe Cream | This probably isn't for someone with a lot of blemishes or texture but if you want a serious in your face glow, this is the one for you. It's very similar to the L'Oreal one but it's slightly more silver based and has a slightly thinner formula. I love using this all over my face for a real boost under my foundation but it also looks beautiful dabbed on the high points of the face for a 'dewy but not sweaty' glow.

Becca Backlight Priming Filter | I can't believe how long it took me to try this primer. It's one of those products you see in everyone's collection but never buy and then when you finally do you wonder how you ever lived without it! This is the more champagne/golden pick out of the bunch and it leaves the skin looking so fresh and radiant. I tend to mix this in with my light coverage bases as it gives that super healthy, polished skin without the need for highlighter! 

Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter | The final pick is this beauty which is the newest to my stash but is probably the one that I use the most. It's a 3 in 1 product which can be used in many different ways but my personal favourite is applied to the cheekbones, nose and cupids bow after using my IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream for that plump, almost wet look. I have the shade 1 which is a gorgeous vanilla-champagne colour - I'm obsessed! 


What's your favourite primer for glowing skin?

Maiya 
x

  • Saturday, December 01, 2018

Five Primers For Achieving A Winter Glow

I'm partial to a good primer, especially in the winter months when my skin is dry and lack-lustre. Whenever I see something aimed at glow or radiance I immediately add it to my basket so naturally, I've accumulated quite a few over the years. I know a lot of people try to achieve a beautiful dewy finish to combat the dehydration at this time of year so today I'm sharing my favourite picks for achieving luminous, glowing skin. 
five primers for achieving a winter glow
L'Oreal Infallible Luminizing Primer | I discovered this earlier this year and it was the only primer I used for two months straight! Not only is it super affordable but it's also amazing at giving a glowing finish without being too glittery. It has a beautiful pearlescent sheen and paired with a dewy foundation it creates the perfect glowing base! 

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base | This is my favourite pick for when my skin is looking a bit dry and dull and I don't want anything with a shimmer. It has a rich buttery texture that creates a gorgeous layer on the skin that helps your foundation look much more radiant and skin-like. A little goes a really long way and it makes a great moisturiser for those with a more oily skin!

MAC Strobe Cream | This probably isn't for someone with a lot of blemishes or texture but if you want a serious in your face glow, this is the one for you. It's very similar to the L'Oreal one but it's slightly more silver based and has a slightly thinner formula. I love using this all over my face for a real boost under my foundation but it also looks beautiful dabbed on the high points of the face for a 'dewy but not sweaty' glow.

Becca Backlight Priming Filter | I can't believe how long it took me to try this primer. It's one of those products you see in everyone's collection but never buy and then when you finally do you wonder how you ever lived without it! This is the more champagne/golden pick out of the bunch and it leaves the skin looking so fresh and radiant. I tend to mix this in with my light coverage bases as it gives that super healthy, polished skin without the need for highlighter! 

Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter | The final pick is this beauty which is the newest to my stash but is probably the one that I use the most. It's a 3 in 1 product which can be used in many different ways but my personal favourite is applied to the cheekbones, nose and cupids bow after using my IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream for that plump, almost wet look. I have the shade 1 which is a gorgeous vanilla-champagne colour - I'm obsessed! 


What's your favourite primer for glowing skin?

Maiya 
x


A twenty-something beauty & lifestyle blogger with an addiction to iced coffee, chunky trainers and Italian food.

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