Spring Kisses

Lipstick and I have an odd relationship. I will try something daring and then - if I decide I like it - it will no longer be daring for me and I'll pretty much wear it every day. I go through intense lipstick trends where it will be all I wear for weeks and weeks, and then switch to something else. My last blog post was about mascara and brow pencils (please check it out), but lipstick is something I'm also always trying out. While the last post was about staples, lipstick is something I can sometimes be lazy with and get into routine/forget to apply. However, even if it's not an every day thing, a good lipstick can make me a very happy girl indeed!

This winter, my two lipstick obsessions were the Kate Moss 107, which is a lovely berry red, and the Revlon Black Cherry, which was a dark plum. Both were lipsticks that I bought, tried out in the privacy of my room late at night, looked in the mirror and freaked out before rubbing it off and claiming that red/plum just didn't suit me and I'd have to find something else. Then, I'll warm to it and instantly swear that I will never find something as perfect! 

http://sheimagazine.com/

That being said, spring is happily, happily upon us. With the weather starting to get warmer and the meadows outside my window blooming with flowers, I am excited to pull out the sundresses and struggle to walk in strappy wedge sandals. However, this also sadly means trading in my darker shades of lipstick. Because as much as I am loving the warmer weather and promises of sun, it doesn't look too good for my current lipstick faves. So, just like before, I braved the mirror and a few new shades, and I'm finding some new ones that will definitely make recurrent appearances thoughout the next few months.

I know summery lipsticks is far from ground-breaking, as peaches and oranges and pinks just about scream summer, so the lipstick I have been loving is a bit different, which is why I wanted to talk about it. Like others before, I was dubious both when I picked it up, and when I first tried it out. Firstly, because it's not actually a lipstick, and secondly, because it's purple.

Selfie bravery

I'm going to blame it on the fact that I was procrastinating during finals last semester and therefore read far too many fashion magazines and beauty blogs. However it happened, I saw Pantone's color of 2014, which is called Radiant Orchid. It is a gorgeous shade of purple, and I saw lots of pictures of it making its way not only onto the runway in the fabrics used, but also in the makeup trends. The purple looks lovely as eyeshadow, of course, but I was really drawn to the color on the lips. I think it looks like just the right amount of futuristic to be a bit daring, but not costume-y. I was scared that it would looks as though you were super cold and your lips were going purple (attractive, I know) but the color actually looks amazing as a lipstick shade. At the same time, Maybelline came out with their Color Elixirs, and I was immediately in love with the liquid lipstick idea, as well as the pretty packaging. So, I decided to go ahead with the purple, and picked up their shade 040, Vision in Violet. 

 

Oooh, artsy shot! Spring candle with
aforementioned spring lipstick!

Despite the fact that I've had it since about mid December, I didn't actually leave the house with it on until a few days ago. I was feeling a bit daring and the weather was particularly good, so I decided to break out some spring colors. So, I tried on the purple lipstick…and actually kept it on! And after several checks in the mirror to make sure that I didn't look like a Capitol extra from The Hunger Games, I decided I really liked it. It's a bit bolder than I'm used to, and the brightness of the purple scared me a bit (and it looks very bright in the photo) but on your lips it looks so pretty!

This lipstick, as well as other orchid lip colors I've seen, is such a lovely shade, and I think it could compliment so many different skin tones. I'm quite pale from the winter, so the purple was a bit bold, but I can imagine it looking equally as good against a tanner complexion. As I was going out, I paired the lipstick with a bit of a dramatic eye, but again there are so many different ways to wear the color. And I'm excited to try out other looks with the purple. All in all, I'm glad I took a risk in picking up purple lipstick, and I can see it becoming a spring/summer favorite.

What do you guys think? How would you wear the color?

Big Brows and Beautiful Lashes

So, I originally had this fantastic goal set for myself that I would post once a week since I really need to start posting more often. But in what seems to be the theme of the last few months - I had computer trouble! Charger totally snapped in half with wires and everything, and my computer stuck on nine percent battery! Anyway…moving on from that, I am back and my goal is still there, even if I don't quite meet it…

To quote the ever-so-amazing Jennifer Lawrence, "I'm a girl. I'm never going to look in the mirror and be like 'Yeah!'". However, there's maybe one or two things about my face that I think with some help, I can look in a mirror and feel a bit more okay with this girl. One of them being my eyebrows, and the other being my eyelashes. I'll start with the lashes. 

I think if there was one product that I could not live without, it would have to be mascara. I know it's an odd one, and probably not everyone's go-to, but it has always been a staple of mine. Besides horrid black eyeliner rimmed everywhere a la panda, mascara was the first makeup item I was allowed to own. And since then, I pretty much have not gone a day without putting it on.

Luckily, I was given a pretty good set of eyelashes. They're pretty long and dark, so it's not like I have nothing to work with. But even with the natural starting point, I like going BIG. I don't care if spider lashes are in or not, I need my mascara…top and bottom lashes! Ever since it came out, I think, I've been a worshipper of the very popular Maybelline Flasies. It's an amazing mascara and it makes your lashes soo long. However, in the last few weeks, I've gotten a bit bored of having the same mascara and eyeliner duo. Plus, I felt that sometimes the Falsies pulled on my lashes, and I have a weird fear of pulling eyelashes out. So I decided to try out something else. 

Boots was having an amazing three for two deal on all of their makeup products, and I ended up with a small, travel-size of the Benefit They're Real! I blame it on the fact I needed a third item, and I was in the queue, and I just sort of grabbed it. I was a bit hesitant to try it, since I have trust issues with mascara, and pretty much nothing can match up with the Flasies. But the Benefit mascara is amazing, and I actually prefer it to the Falsies, which is a first. This may be my opinion, and I know people are a huge fan of the Maybelline mascara. But the Benefit one is amazing: it makes my lashes look even longer, as well as thicker. The wand is wonderful, it has a dome-tip brush with little bristles on the end which are really good for getting the lashes in the corner of my eye, and making each lash stand out.

The only two problems I have with it is that: a) it's quite pricy. But I am going to ignore that for right now, and pretend that the conversion from pounds to dollars doesn't exist, and b) it's really hard to get off! I have to do a few rounds of makeup remover, and I still wake up with it under my eyes a bit. Anyone have any suggestions about this? I'd love to hear them!

Second up is my eyebrows. Unfortunately, they were ignored by the beauty-fairy who gave me good eyelashes. I got my dad's generous eyebrows, and waxed the heck out of them in high school. The result is an okay-set of brows, only if they are given a ton of love and attention. I spent several years trying to thin them out, and then the last few years deciding that I actually liked my thicker eyebrows - courtesy of my girl-crush on Cara Delavigne - and wanted them bold again. After watching Factory Girl and feeling a deep connection with Edie Sedgewick, I went through a phase last year where I darkened my eyebrows. With black eyeliner pencil. The result was jut as horrific and Groucho Marx-esque as you would imagine. 

This is a snapchat picture...
hence the weird/serious face! Sorry!

Since then, I've wisened up and ditched the scary drawn-on look in favor of adding a bit of brown eyeshadow in the areas where they're a bit sparse, and adding a bit to my arch (courtesy of the girl-crush on Karlie Kloss). When looking in a mirror, long lashes will always make me feel a bit better, but a good brow can make me feel great. I don't know what it is, but something about the combination just makes me feel more confident. 

In the same Boots trip, I picked up the Soap & Glory Archery, which is a double-ended product with a brow tint and a pencil. I've been wanting to try it forever: not only am I always looking for something good for my brows, but I'm also a massive Soap & Glory lover. Their skin products are amazing, so I decided to try their beauty products (side note: their Thick & Fast mascara was a huge disappointment, but I won't dwell on the bad…) Since buying it, I've been using the brow tint every day. I've stayed away from the pencil. since the above story has made me a bit scared to put another pencil to my brows. It's a light stain that's really good for filling gaps and adding a bit of an arch. It's very subtle and natural-looking, and the tiny marker-like tint is really good for precision. Also, it's easy to apply, and very easy to get off!

Those two new products are things I have been loving, and both have been making my makeup process much more exciting. They're things that I will definitely be re-purchasing when they sadly run out, so I thought I'd just share! What products make you feel best about yourself? What new things have you picked up? 

JLaw quote: http://uk.eonline.com/news/300617/jennifer-lawrence-talks-hunger-games-premiere-jitters-i-feel-like-a-shaking-chihuahua

Top Products in Scotland

Oh my, it has been a shockingly long time since I have posted anything! I was trying to think last night of the best way to sum up the months (yes, months, I'm terrible!) I've been absent. and it seems as though one long and ramble-y blog post would be a nightmare to read and write, so I fell back into my default: lists! I love my lists, and I'm a big believer in the to-do list when I need to be productive. So, I thought I'd make a list of my top products/favorite things in Scotland. I guess this is like a monthly favorite post, but its been a few months, so the task is a bit daunting! Anyway, here is my list of top Scotland products, things I've been loving overseas! 

1. Toni & Guy Dry Shampoo: I actually had this before I came to Edinburgh, but I use it so often that my massive can is nearly out, and I'm going to need to purchase a new one soon! This is probably the best dry shampoo I've ever used, and I use it lots! When I was traveling a few weeks ago, I bought the tiny Batiste one to stick in my purse, and I was excited because everyone seems to use it! However, I was slightly disappointed. It turned my hair white, which the Toni & Guy one actually doesn't, and the smell just wasn't the same. I absolutely love this produced because a quick spray at the temples will make your hair look so fresh, and it smells as though you've just walked out of a salon!

2. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer (in Light 1): This was a beauty blogger favorite that I couldn't wait to use when I got to the UK, having heard so much about it. And all of the reviews were right; this is probably the best concealer ever! Again, it's something I use every day, and on lazy days where I'm doing a quick makeup look, I will just apply this and not bother with foundation. The product has such good coverage that you don't need anything else! Not only is the coverage amazing, but the way it blends into yours skin makes your skin look perfect! I've been using the one tube and constantly switching it from my makeup table to my book bag to my purse, because it's something I literally can't go without having on hand! I need to stock-pile a dozen and just have them everywhere!

3. Primark Super Cosy tights: These have been an actual godsend in the chilly Edinburgh mornings and late-nights, especially for a girl whose wardrobe consists of mainly skirts and dresses! These tights have been keeping my legs nice and warm, and even for all of the wear I get out of them, they are still in really good condition! I am used to buying a pair of tights, wearing them once or twice and then crossing my legs under a rough table or catching them with a nail: I cannot keep tights for more than  a week! But these (and all of the Primark tights, I've noticed) last so long, considering I got them back in January! And the best part is the fleecy lining! They help keep your legs warm without being bulky or uncomfortable to wear under little dresses. I wish they had something like these in the states, because I can't picture a winter without them!

4. Kate Moss for Rimmel in 107: Again, this is a well-known and loved product by many, and it is also something that I came her with, and then repurchased because of my love for it. The lipstick color is such a beautiful dark red, and it has the best staying power. The only problem I have is that it leaves my lips a little dry, so I have to make sure to apply lots of chapstick before. But the color is so wonderful and rich, and I will unfailingly get compliments on it whenever I wear it, so I had to put it down as my top products! Although I am so, so excited for spring, I am slightly sad that all of the beautiful dark lipsticks will have to go. Even though I've been adding beautiful corals and pinks to my collection in anticipation for the warmer months…I am sad to see the dark colors go! Can you wear dark red lipstick in July…please?!

5. Soap and Glory Mist You Madly: Call it a weird habit of mine, but I love spraying scents in my room. It's like the quick version of a candle but without the ambiance! I usually buy some of the Bath and Body Works mists, but I forgot to bring anything over, so it was a perfect excuse to once again look at Soap & Glory. I love their scents (and there are more of their products further down this list) because they're fresh and feminine without being overpowering. And it helps that they have about the cutest packages and product names ever! So when I was looking for a spray, I immediately turned to Soap & Glory's "Mist You Madly", which I've been using like air! It is "a flirty floral body spray" and I guess that's as good as any description of it! It has the slightly powered smell that I feel all of their products have, which is nice and reminds me of old-fashioned makeup, as well as a but of a sweet and fruity smell. It's nice and fresh and I can't leave my room without spraying it…is that weird?! 

6. The Daily Smooth: Body lotion is something that I very often neglect; it's annoying to get all slippery, and I hate the feeling that you can't touch anything or put on clothes because of the feeling of lotion! However, I know I need to take better care of my skin, especially in the winter months. So, I told myself that if I got a nice lotion that I would be excited to use, then I would be more likely to use it. Soap & Glory is one of the brands that I automatically look for whenever I'm in a shop: even if I don't know what I'm looking for, something in their product descriptions will jump out at me. Everything there sounds and smells so appealing! So, I decided on the Soap & Glory The Daily Sooth body lotion. I know its one that isn't talked about very often (I've heard loads about the body butter, which I very nearly bought) but this one just smelled so amazing, I couldn't leave it! I don't know how well smells well come across on the page, but I will try: it smells kind of sweet and citrus-y. The bottle says that it contains "mango peel extract, rose hop seed oil and shea butter with fragrant notes of bergamot, blackcurrent, magnolia, freesia, vanilla, and musk." It smells amazing, and even though I am still not great at always using lotion, I will definitely use it more often now!

7. Sleek Contour Kit (in Light): To be very honest, I am not the best at contouring. I usually go for a color that is too dark for my skin and end up with a streak of brown down my face which is unattractive and not the look i am going for! But the Sleek Contour kit has been amazing! Sleek is another company I was dying to try in the UK, and along with Soap & Glory, I am always looking at their products when I don't have something in particular in mind. The contour kit has been wonderful because the brown is light and blends easily, which gives an amazing effect on your cheekbones. The highlight that comes with it is a nice shimmer (not sparkle!) and it definitely helps the effect of more-defined cheekbones! I use this practically every day, and it will hopefully last forever, especially since the pigmentation is so good, you literally only need to touch your brush to the product to get the amount you need! I usually pair this with the Sleek blush in rose gold, and it looks (I think) amazing!

8. Charles Worthington Dry Texturising Spray: I heard about this when I watched Fleur's top high street products, and when Boots does a 3 for 2 promotion on pretty much anything in the store I would buy, I couldn't not pick it up! I was so interested because I've wanted to try Oribe, but the price is a bit much for a student, and this one was about six pounds. I'm usually dependent on my Toni & Guy sea salt spray, but as it's a small bottle I keep in my purse, I was looking for another product, I picked this up a week ago, so it's a product that I don't have quite as much experience with as I do with some of the others on this list, but by my first use I knew it was something I would love. it instantly gives texture to your hair, which is so important as the ends of my hair are bleached, and can sometimes look like they need a bit of life put in them! A few sprays at the end through your roots gives the look of beach-y tousled hair, which is basically the daily look I go for!

9. Sleek Palette (Original): Sleek already appeared on this list, and it's a company I know I will be missing when I get back home, because the products are so wonderful. This was one of the first makeup items I bought here, and I use it all the time. I want to build up my collection of their palettes, because they have such pretty colors, but for now my original one has been doing me good! The colors I am usually drawn to are the pink and rose gold, mainly because I'm not so adventurous with my eyeshadows so blues and greens scare me! But the pinks look so good for a daily look, either on their own or with a bit of a darker color in the crease. The other day I started with the Maybelline color tattoo in the color Metallic Pomegranate over the lid and crease, then lightened it with the Sleek pink and it was so pretty. The Palette makes my list because i will usually  use at least one of the colors in some way in a daily makeup look. The quality and pigmentation is amazing, and they stay all day. 

10. Sainsbury's shortbread: I thought the last thing I mentioned should be a deviation from the norm of all the beauty products, and this is definitely different! I hope it's okay to throw in something so random, but it's another Scotland favorite. I love Sainsbury's: it's where I do all of my food shopping, and whenever I go, I usually pick up shortbread. It's less than a pound and it's so yummy! I had never had shortbread before coming here but it tastes so nice! It's good with coffee or tea, and I just have to be careful I don't go through a package while sipping tea!

Well, that was a monster of a post, and I hope that this has been nice to read without being too long! I could talk forever about the products I love! What have you been loving this winter? Is there something I should try, or is there something I mentioned that you love/hate? 

Also, please find me on twitter (@uv-rae), instagram (uv_rae), or tumblr (uv-rae.tumblr.com) and say hi!