EmiliaStyle: March 2016

In the past, I've always avoided nude lipsticks. Even a few years back, when the trend was to have skin coloured lips, I just couldn't join in. I always felt that I looked dead, and therefore decided that nude shades just couldn't and wouldn't suit me. I carried on loving my pinks and berries until a few months ago, I decided I wanted to be "brave" at the MAC counter and pick up a new shade. So, I opted for "Retro"- a dark berry, brown lipstick. It was something completely different to what I normally wear, but I was very much drawn to it. The colour is perfect for casual wear, but it still, in its own way, makes a statement.

From then on, I've been a little more brave in testing out lighter toned nudes. While they still very much lean on a pink side, I'm impressed with my willingness to try some new shades. So, here are my four top nude lipsticks for newbies! :)

This is one of the newest to my collection and also the first Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick I've tried. There's a reason why I wear this in almost every Instagram post, I love this shade. It's quite dark but still brown that it gives a really nice edge to your outfit, especially when you aren't wearing heavy eye makeup. The only downside to this product is that it is very drying, therefore, it isn't one I would recommend wearing every day of the week.

Next up, I've got NYX Stockholm and it's another favourite of mine. Unlike Lolita, this shade is much lighter and more on the pink side- it reminds me of a mocha shade. I really like that, even though it's matte, the pigment isn't extreme and therefore I don't find the formula as drying as the previous liquid lipstick. I really like pairing this one with a brown smokey eye because I think it complements my skintone quite nicely.

As I mentioned earlier, this was the first "nude" lipstick I've ever tried. When comparing it to another shades in this post, it's quite clear that I don't think you can fully categorize it as a nude shade but it was what got me the confidence to venture into the trend. It has quite a bit of berry, red tones in the formula, so if those are the shades you usually go for then it can be a nice transition colour before diving into the lighter browns.

Lastly, I have this gorgeous Rimmel shade in "08". This is quite similar to NYX shade but it sheen to it unlike the matte shade. I highly recommend this lipstick for any beginners. Firstly, the cost is fantastic, especially considering how good all Rimmel lipsticks are. As well, I think it is great for everyday. Because of the pink tones in it, the shade isn't too harsh for school and it holds really well, you don't need to constantly worry about re-applying.

Well there you have it! The beginnings of my nudes lipstick collection. While I know it is very on trend right now, I think they will shades I keep in my makeup bag for a long time. What are some shades you'd recommend I try out next?

Have a gorgeous week!<3

Emilia

13:57
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Natural Makeup Look (Drugstore)| Beauty

Affordable Makeup

I've never been very good with selecting standout drugstore makeup brands. While I, and my wallet, would rather spend less on the products, I tend to get sucked in to the whole "to get good quality, you need to spend more" ideology.

However, in the last few months, I've realized that it only takes a little research online to figure out which drugstore brands are worth it and which ones aren't.

This is why I'm very proud to show you a complete drugstore makeup look. It's quite "natural", but still full coverage, hence being perfect for my day-to-day.

The even better part of creating this post is coming to the realization that these are actually products I do use on a regular basis and some have even substitutes for more expensive counter parts.

Now, I'm not too sure if The Body Shop counts are drugstore, but because it is on the more affordable side (roughly the same prices as L'Oreal), I've included them here.

I've gone for my Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum for foundation and have been sticking to the L'Oreal Colour Match Concealer. A new discovery of mine has been this NYX HD Concealer that I've gotten in a lighter shade to serve as my under eye concealer. And of course I couldn't finish off my base without the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder, which has been a favourite for a long time.

For the eyes, I went for neutral, brown tones that would give some definition but wouldn't be to harsh.

For my brows, I opted for my new but loved NYX Micro-Brow Pencil, which works just as well as any other high end fine nib pen out there.

I used NYX "Sin" all over my eyelid and then used this Rimmel ScandalEyes Eyeshadow Stick in my crease. I was able to blend this really nicely with simple a large and dense eye brush. I then went it with a brown liner to define my top lash line.

Finally, I finished off the look with Maybelline The Falsies Mascara, which has been a favourite of mine for a few years now.

To complete the entire look I went it with a duo highlight and blush shade from Revlon (in the colour 02- Rose Glow) and on my lips, opted for NYX Soft Matte Cream in a gorgeous mocha colour.

Overall, I very much enjoyed experimenting with my drugstore products and it has made me realize how I don't always need to save up and splurge on the more expensive pieces. While Sephora will always be one of my favourite shops, I think I'll discovery some fun and new pieces at any drugstore.

Emilia

13:46
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Beauty Haul| Beauty

Beauty

I've added to my makeup collection these last few weeks, so I thought I would share with you what I've bought<3

Sometimes, you just have those days when you're feeling inspired to pick up a few new pieces and in the past few weeks, I've really been gravitating towards somber colours and as you'll probably notice, the darker nudes.

NYX Eyeshadow in "Sin": My eye immediately went to this shadow when I was at the NYX stand. I though it was such a pretty colour but still so wearable. I've used it a few times since buying it and honestly, the colour looks gorgeous on its own. I do, however, recommend a primer underneath because it won't last on your eyelid without it.

L'Oreal Nail Polish in "Pass the Vino": I've recently gotten back into painting my nails. For a few months, I just really couldn't be bothered with doing anything with them. But I really love this colour, I think it's great as a transitional shade between darker winter colours and spring pastels.

NYX HD Concealer: I've wanted to try a new under eye concealer for a while now, and since I've been really impressed with NYX products lately, I didn't hesitate. It's creamy and applies well under my eye (although you do need to set it with a powder). I did unfortunately get it one shade too light but it still works fine for me (I'd recommend going 1-2 shades lighter then your actual skin tone).

Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick in "Lolita": I. Love. This. Shade. I really wanted to finally try one of these because they are raved about everywhere. So, when I went into Sephora, I wanted to choose a colour I could wear everyday. This was the first shade I saw and it does not disappoint. Yes it's a little bit drying (it is matte after all) but the colour stays on forever and it's a perfect shade of nude without being too light and making me look dead.

NYX Micro Brow Pencil in "Taupe": I needed a new eyebrow pencil but didn't want to splurge on my Anastasia one so I thought I'd give this a try. I've used it a few times and to be honest, I like it just as much. Honestly, if you have access to NYX then I'd recommend trying it out if you don't want to dish out the $30 for another pencil.

The Body Shop "Insta Blur" Eye Primer: I decided to pick this up at the same time as the primer and I'm really happy I did. This works very nicely and it doesn't have a greasy effect on my eyelid like some other primers do. And of course, it keeps my eye makeup on my eyelids, which to be honest is the most important thing ;)

The Body Shop "Insta Blur" Primer: I'd always heard good things about this one but had never really tried it. While its been working for me, I'm not 100% sure it holds up to my all-time favourite. I think I still need to use it a few times to really figure it out.

Yves Rocher Hydra Vegetal Moisture Serum: I haven't been using a serum these past few months and I think that has really affected my skin, especially with this dry weather. While I don't have any negative thoughts about this right now, I've only been using it for a week. I'll give it a few more weeks before I really comment on it.

Well I hope you enjoyed reading! I don't always accumulate this many new products in the same time frame, so I thought I'd take advantage and write up a little post about them.

Have a lovely day!

Emilia