A Quiet Return to Blogging Obscurity

It has, regrettably, been a long time since I've blogged. Without being melodramatic and needlessy over the top (redundant statement), a lot has happened in the last month and a half; and without going into too much detail the phrase "it never rains but it pours" has been the prominent theme.

I guess it goes against the nature of a blog to be vague so I'm not going to sit here and write a weird passively nonsensical post that skirts around my personal issues then proclaim my "lesson learned" statement at the end. Because my personal situation doesn't matter nor has the past month been the catalyst for this way of thinking. It simply fits in thematically.

Instead, I'll write out my two pence worth manifesto style because no other mode of writing has the impact of a series of statements jaggedly changing in length and getting punchier each time. Amarite?

That and who doesn't love the romance of a revolutionary soul?

So here goes:

If you only do one thing in your life just make sure you retain your integrity. Don't let anyone, no matter how much you love or hate them, no matter how surprised at their actions you are, never let anyone try to manipulate you or try to make you doubt yourself.

If you are a good person then it will show.

Never be afraid to say you're unsatisfied or upset at how people have acted. Especially if they are being selfish.

Never be afraid to step up and let yourself be heard.

Never let yourself be intimidated by anyone.

Never be afraid.

Because you have integrity.

You have a right to be surrounded by people who will respect you.

You are worth that.

And anyone who tries to subvert that is not someone you want in your life.

You have integrity.

You are worthy.

And if anyone tells you otherwise, tell them to go take a good fuck tae themsels!

I know this is cheesy and a little bit clichéd but it's important. I've seen so many amazing people get trampled by arseholes. It's not right or fair but it's life.

And I'm not going down the route of "this is easy! Just think like this". I am far from being the paragon of self esteem and self assurance but that doesn't make anything I've said any less important or true. Plus,  that sort of preaching is incredibly insensitive. Even if you believe these things, we are human. We doubt. We blame. And when we can't find an explanation or reason for why things have happened we tend to blame ourselves. Even the best of us have moments of fear and uncertainty. Just know that that's normal but to always remember to stand up and stand proud.  You are worth the time. You are worth something. Your dreams, your feelings and your thoughts are not pointless, or meaningless.

Despite my previous statement, remember the world is not romantic. The world is harsh and cold. But it's nothing you can't overcome. Even if it takes a lot of self reflection, professional help or even simply taking a step back. You deserve to be okay.

Because we can't always feel great, or feel like we can take on the world.

Sometimes, okay is enough.

So, I give you my final words in the form of the cheese course.

To anyone who reads this; I believe that you can stand up and let yourself be heard.

If you're ever doubting yourself, take a moment to think.  L'Oréal said it best...

Because you're worth it.

What?

:) This is a beauty blog, I had to make it thematic.

Okay, I'll stop.

Stand up for what is right. Retain your integrity.

And don't let the bastards grind you down.

Xx

The Foundation Series: Foundation's Wedge (and Other Methods of Applying)

Now that we've had an overview of all the different kinds of foundations and had my picks for each of them, it's time to talk about how to apply them.

Each person and product is different and I would suggest trying out all the available possibilities before saying a foundation isn't for you. 

That being said, their are a dizzying amount of differing ways to get the foundation on your face. So I've listed the best ways to try what methods with which foundation types. 

Stiff, dense brushes. These can be used across the board amd are great for buffing out product and building fuller coverage. Brushes like the Sigma F80 or The Real Techniques Expert Face Brush are great choices.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

Sigma F80

Fluffier brushes. Again, can be used across the board but gives you a more medium coverage. Best used with liquids and powders. Brushes like ELF's Tapered Brush or the Studio Mineral Powder Brush.

ELF Studio Mineral Powder

ELF Tapered Brush

Stippling brush. For sheerer applications of everything. And you can easily build up in certain places without overloading the face. These brushes are made for creams and thicker foundations but worth equally as well with minerals and powders but don't give as much coverage. The Real Techniques Stippling Brush is a major recommendation followed by ELF's Small Stipple Brush.

ELF Small Stipple Brush

Real Techniques Stippling Brush

Sponges. Sponges are great to use on wet things like liquids and creams. Using the sponge damp means you can get a flawless, high coverage look but still look as skin like as possible. You can also use a flocked sponge for high coverage mineral foundation. Beauty Blenders are great but The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge is a must have!

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

Beauty Blender

Fingers. My preferred method for liquids and creams because the heat of your hands meld the product intltheakin making it look more natural. Downsides of this method is makeup hands so keep wet wipes or a sock nearby. 

 

Those are the most common way of applying foundation and like I said, you'll find certain ways work for you better with different products so it's a process of trial and error but worth it. 

The last post on my Foundation Series will be next week with a wee list of tips and tricks!

xx

No Poo Progress Update

As promised, here's a wee quick blog letting you know how I've been getting on with my CO Cleansing Round 2.

If you haven't checked out my original post on Conditioner Only Cleansing for the hair click here!

These first pictures are of 2 day hair before I started back up. You can see it's super greasy and not very nice!

BUT...

These pictures are of 2 day hair a month later. I've noticed improvement and while it's not much I know that my hair is taking to process again. So I'm really pleased.

 

 I've been washing every 2 days so far to get my hair used to just using conditioner but the past week I've been stretching it to every 3 days. It will take a few months for my hair to normalise and to really see any major differences but I'm happy with how things are going. 

xx

NYX HD Eye Base Review

My eyelids are like an oil spill - minus the dead birds and national scandal. Okay, so that was a tad hyperbolic but I think we all understand where I'm coming from especially if you have oily eyelids too. 

It can be a totall pain in the arse to find something that works and you can afford.  I'm not going to lie, Urban Decay have perfected eye priming to the nth degree but that little tube is expensive and I cannae afford it all the time. 

So I set out on a journey (if you haven't guessed, it's overraught cliché day) to find a cheaper alternative...

And I did. I found something so close to UDPP that I was amazed.

 

My auld pal, NYX had the answer in the form of their HD Eye Base. This stuff is amazing.  No, it's not an exact dupe but it's the closest I've ever gotten. Thin texture, it makes my eyeshadow stay for practically the the whole day and it's cheap. I adore it. 

Its got it's wee doe foot applicator that gives you more than enough for two eyes, so you don't really need to touch the product in the bottle if you're concerned about hygiene and it's easily rubbed in. It does even out my dark eyelids a wee bit, and shadows glide across like Swan Lake.

Lovely Creamy colour

 We also have a fair bit of product in here. 8ml is nothing to sniff at and I've had no problems with drying out or gunking up, like I do with UDPP.

All in all, I love this. And it's my drug of choice. I still love UDPP and I do reserve it for my kit so clients get the best of the best but I'm smitten with my cheaper option and if I'm honest, I'd grab this if my kit was lacking and I didn't have the money. 

xx

The Foundation Series: Foundation and Earth (Mineral and Powder)

Mineral and powder foundations are great for those of us with normal to oily skin. Of course our drier skinned friends can use them but run the risk of a drier textured product extenuating dry patches and making the skin look crepey or older.

Like last week, I'm avoiding sectioning them into different categories seeing as I would be hesitant to recommend a powder to a dry skin. 

Laura Geller Balance and Brighten

 First up is a favourite brand of mine the Laura Geller Balance and Brighten foundation. As a side note, this product is currently the Beauty Pick of the month on QVC. I really like this foundation, it's baked so it started out as a cream and the texture on the skin shows it. If I was to recommend to a drier skin this would be the product to go for. This foundation is the most buildable because you can throw it on in heaps and it takes a lot to make this look cakey. It's a massive compact and because of that you can get any desired coverage guilt free.

Lily Lolo Mineral Foundation

 Next up is my mineral foundation pick, Lily Lolo is a great wee brand of mineral products that offers a massive range of colours and more handy, sample sizes so you can find your perfect match. This entire brand has omitted bismuth oxychloride so if you want to try minerals but bareMinerals broke you out or made you itch, try Lily for half the price. 

 MAC Mineralise Skin Finish Natural

 

 This last one might seem like a bit of a random one seeing as this product is most often used as a setting powder but MAC Mineralise Skin Finish Natural is a gorgeous product. I'm adding in here because this is the tinted moisturiser of the powder world.  Most often, powders are medium to full coverage and mibbe, if you're oily but want a lighter, natural and more even look then MAC has you covered. These are gorgeous on their own and like the Laura Geller take a lot to make look cakey. You're not going to get anywhere near full coverage but if you want a natural glow to the skin, oil control without having to put liquids on that might separate then check out MAC MSFN.

xx

Monthly Favourites: April

I've not really had too many favourites this month. April kind of ran past me and made a small gesture I think might have been a wave as it sped past. But nonetheless I do have some wee odds and ends that I've been enjoying this month over others.

Sexy Scottish Spring Backdrop

My first and surprising favourite of April is the MUA Powder in Shade 3. This was a pound and I bought it on a whim after slightly falling out of love with my MAC MSFN. So I purchased this wee guy guilt free and I love it! It's not the greatest of greats but considering it was so cheap, I'm a hella impressed. The power is really finely milled so you can put a lot of it on your face without getting cakey which is a major bonus. It does have the tiniest bit of coverage and I have used it alone to even on my skin a bit. Don't expect anything to be covered but it gives a lovely glow. I use this underneath my MAC Face and Body (thanks, Mr. Goss) and then on my T-zone to set and I've not had any oxidation on my oilier bits. It's not the best powder but it's a damn good one for £1. So, all round a good wee bargain from MUA!

Next up is Body Brushing! I decided a few weeks ago I was going to start body brushing just to get the glow back into my skin after the winter and I'm enjoying it. Basically, you use a brush like the Body Shop on above and brush in upwards motions over your body. I haven't been doing it everyday like I should and while I've noticed a difference in my skins appearance the best part about it is the feel. It's good if you have an itch!

This might be too early to call a real favourite because I've only been using it for a week but the Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Daily Calming Facial Lotion for sensitive skin Moisturiser is doing wonders for my skin. I wanted a new moisteriser because somethings oils make your hair all oily and that's gross so off to Superdrug I went and seen that the Palmer's stuff was half price! This smells lovely, as you would expect and it's been really nice at giving my skin the extra moisture it needs without overloading it.

Lastly, my non beauty favourite of the month is Dragon Age: Origins. A favourite game of mine that has been replayed this month. I'll not blab on because I doubt too many of you give a shit but as far as Fantasy RPGs go; I like this one. The only thing about my game was that it decided to bug out in a game breaking way and I refused to finish it because Anora was to be Queen, GODDAMNIT!

xx

The Foundation Series: Second (Cream) Foundation

I admit that cream foundations aren't my favourite and thus, haven't actually tried that many. Cream foundations are better suited to those of you with normal to drier skins because creams tend to be more emoilient than liquids.

I'm setting this one out a wee bit differently to my liquid one simply because while these are beautiful foundations there aren't any I'd outright say were amazing for oily skins etc.

So let's stop blethering on and get right into my 3 picks for cream foundation. All of these are medium to full coverage but can be sheered down if you so desire.

Graftobian HD Glamour Creme Foundation

This is probably the one I'd recommend across the board. Not perfect for oilier skins but this foundation has the most gorgeous, creamy texture and makes the skin look flawless. It glides on the skin and comes in loads of different colours so if you're willing to do the research for shades online then you will be pleased. Because Graftobian is a theatrical/TV makeup brand this foundation looks perfect on camera and in photographs so if you're wanting something for TV or photography then graftobian has you covered. You can order samples of this foundation online which is a huge bonus!

Mally Ultimate Performance Professional Foundation

I really liked this foundation, I really had to set it with a powder but I really loved the look on the skin. Great for anyone with normal skin/not too out of control combo skin. Like the Graftobian option this just looks like butter on the skin, however, the shades do run a tad orangey the darker you go and there isn't a great selection of shades. But if you can find a shade match this is beautiful. Mally Roncal's line is fantastic as a whole so you should check them out at QVC!

Sleek Creme to Powder Foundation

While you would think this would be great for oily skins because it sets, you'd not be that correct. Yes, it sets to a satiny, powdered down finish but it didn't last all day on my skin. That's not to say the product isn't lovely though. In line with the whole skin like thing creams have going on Sleek does a brilliant job. I do like this foundation but I'd recommend you work in smaller sections of the face when applying it and warm it up in your fingers first to get the best application. It sets so you really don't have a lot of playtime with it. But get it right and you're skin looks so lovely. This is a great foundation if you want a matter look to your face. Also, this foundation is available in testers on Sleeks website, but go a shade range darker than you think you are. Sleek runs dark because it is a brand that caters for women of colour.

And there we go! Next week (on time!) we will look at powder and mineral foundations!

xx

The Foundation Series: (Liquid) Foundation

It's feels like I haven't blogged in a million years but it's only been a week. I took the week out from blogging to try and focus on my business plan and it hasn't really went as planned but no worries! I'm just glad to be bad in the swing of things and get back to writing my foundation series.

This Monday is all about liquid foundations for different skin types. Liquid is one of the most versatile because it can be mixed in with moisturisers and other foundations to create different effects. To top it off, it's the most widely available type of medium. 

 

Oily

First up is oily skin, which I think can be the trickiest to cater for. My number one pick for really oily skin is Revlon's Colourstay Foundation in the oily/combo range. This is a full coverage foundation (that can be sheered down) that sets on the skin. However, because it sets you do have to work quickly to make sure you don't get streaks. This is a favourite for a lot of people with oily skin. The only issue is finding a colour match.

Combo

This is where most liquids reside and will suit most people. But my two favourites lay in this section and depending on how dry/oily you are you can definitely use these. We'll get the higher end product out the way: MAC Face and Body. If you're even remotely familiar with the beauty/makeup artistry community then you'll know about this product. It has a really watery consistency but it sets on the skin to a dewy finish. This can be easily powdered down though. Face and Body is a sheer to medium foundation. It's better to work in small layers rather than plaster loads on at once (a general tip with makeup). It's best applied with hands, rubbed between them until it thickens up and gently rubbed amd patted on the skin. It looks incredibly skin like and if you don't want or need too much coverage then try it out.

Numba 2 is L'Oreal's True Match Foundation. Again, a popular one but it's a really beautiful foundation. It has a thin texture and leaves the skin with a gorgeous satin finish so it's suitable for a lot of skins. True Match can be built all the way up to full coverage and comes in 22 shades. And is under a tenner! Bargain! If you do have drier, flakey skin and you like this foundation, make sure you moisturise well. If not, Face and Body is great and doesn't cling. 

Dry

Dry skin's biggest problem is making sure nothing clings to dry patches. The Healthy Mix foundations from Bourjois are fantastic for drier skin. The Serum Foundation in particular is lightweight and moisturising enough to keep dry skins happy and looking healthy because of their dewy finishes. The standard Healthy Mix has better coverage but extremely dry skins will appreciate the Serum version a lot better because of the fact it is gel based and more hydrating (this is also great for dehydrated skins regardless of skin type)

Another good tip for dry skin is, if you don't mind Sheering the foundation out, mix it with some moisturiser. Then once you have a nice base you can build up coverage in the places you need it.

But I want to know what you're skin type is and what foundations you love :)

Next week, we'll talk about creams and mousses and which ones are worth looking at as a starting point.

xx

The Foundation Series: Forward to Foundation and How To Choose

Last week, we introduced the idea that picking a foundation that is going to suit your skin isn't really the easiest quest (although, anyone who has ever worn a foundation will tell you that) and the different types of foundation that exist.

Today, I want to talk about how to narrow all those different kinds of foundation down to things that are more likely to suit you. Now, this is going to be a rough guide - of course you don't have to strictly follow it. Rules are made to be broken and you could just be a wee anomaly that defies all conventions but it is useful to have the knowledge to help deduce which kinds of foundations to go for. All mediums of foundation can suit all skin types, there's no rules, just guides.

Let's Sherlock this shit!

Oily Skin

Oily skin can be a pain in the arse when trying to find a product that will actually last more than 5 minutes on the skin. While you can go for liquids and creams you might have a lot of luck with minerals and powders as the natural excess of oil turns minerals, in particular, into a beautiful creamy finish on the skin. If you're going for a liquid or cream, something with a matte or satin finish is best as it'll look dewy as the day goes on rather than oily. Matte finishes make it easier to control the oil and you'll not have as much of a bother of caking up as a normal or dry skin would. You can use a dewy foundation but you run the risk of looking like a disco ball and caking the skin with too much powder. 

Normal

Normal skin is the easiest to buy for. All you have to do is pick a finish and a medium to work with and batter on in!

Dry

Dry skin can be just as hard as oily skin to figure out. In general, water based foundations and emollient creams are best for drier skin because if you haven't got on top of your skincare then powders and minerals can look a bit dry and ageing. Of course you can go for a powder but I really wouldn't suggest it unless you are mixing it with water but in that case, it's easier to buy a liquid or cream. So in general, it's better to go for wet things, not dry.

Combination

Now, combination skin can mean anything. It can be a oily/normal, oily/dry, dry/normal etc. and this probably fits the majority of people out there. The best way to do this is decide on what is the most problematic area of the face, in my case (oily/normal) it's my T-zone that's super oily so I use a foundation that sets so that I'm not having to powder too much to retain a dewy finish that complements my more normal skin. 

The trick is to pick the area that hardest to control. If you have super dry cheeks but an oilier T-zone then pick a foundation that doesn't make the dry patches look awful and powder the T-zone down with a good mattifying powder. If you have the money and the time then it is entirely possible to buy two different foundations in order to get the look you want but, if I'm honest, that's expensive and a little unneeded. Ain't no one got time for that shit.

Unless you do then go ahead!

You might be wondering why I haven't included things like sensitive skin or mature skin. There's a simple reason: they are not skin types in the same way the list above is. You don't have either oily, normal, dry, sensitive or mature skin. Sensitive and mature are states and conditions of the skin. I have ridiculously sensitive skin but that doesn't negate the fact my T-zone looks like the BP oil spill at the end of the day. Those are things that make the search harder but only you (should) know what makes you break out or dries out your skin more. Makeup is a temporary fix, not a long term solution. You should be tackling your skin issues with skincare and covering over with makeup.

And that concludes this guide to how to start picking a foundation that is good for you. Next week, I'm going in depth on different Liquids and how there are thousands of foundations in this category that can suit any skin type.

xx

How To Make Your Lipstick Last Longer

Time for a wee makeup tip that everyone really should know and apply on those times you want to enjoy your day/night and not have to worry about having to constantly pull out your compact and lipstick and reapply. Because no one has time for that shit.

This one is simple and while it does take some extra effort on the application part but it really does make your lips last a lot longer than just putting on one layer.

1. Grab your lipstick and apply a layer of lipstick

 2. Moosh your lips thegither for a good 30 seconds/minute or so. This lets the colour really get into the lips and helps create a stain on them.

3. Blot with a clean tissue

4. Apply another layer of lipstick/Moosh/Blot.

5. Apply/Moosh.

6. Then grab a fluffy brush, translucent powder and a split in half tissue. Place the tissue and place it over your lips. Take some powder and gently pat it over your lips.

Voila! Your lips are now ready to go.

I know that seems a bit overkill but I think the combination of thin layers and setting with a powder lets you build up the colour without having loads of extra moisture on the lips.

If you try this out then let me know!

xx

Orange Lips: Get the look

Fashion trends are weird things. Sometimes we get a variations of a last years trend, sometimes we get what was fashionable a few years ago and sometimes we get the same thing that everyone makes out is the newest thing that as ever hit the Earth's surface. The orange lip trend is the latter.

But I'm not complaining. I love orange lips. If I'm honest, I just love any bold lip colour because it;s an easy way to spice up an old look and the easy woman's way of making look polished.

So, in the spirit of spring and summer I'll share with you some of my favourite ways to wear an orange lip.

Tutti Fruiti 

 

For fear of repeating myself I'm going to quickly mention Revlon's Lip Butter in Tutti Fruiti. I did mention this last week in my favourite spring lipsticks but it is the perfect way to wear orange lips if you are nervous about going full on. If you want a more detailed paragraph on Tutti Fruiti then click here.

NYX Lip Pencil Orange  

If you want a great, bold, deeper orange colour without having to touch up a lot throughout the day then it's best to use a lip liner all over the lips and the my lip liner of choice is NYX's offering of their slim pencil in Orange (no beating around the bush here with NYX). You'll like this if you Lady Danger by MAC.

I do love this product, the colours can be hit or miss but Orange is definitely a hit. It's dry enough to last and not travel but moist enough to not feel disgustingly stiff and waxy on the lips. I would moisturise the lips and let it sink in before applying the pencil to ensure maximum comfort. But this is a tip I would advocate doing regardless of what lip product you are wearing. If the lips are properly moisturised then they are less likely to absorb what goes on top if them, letting the product fade evenly throughout the day.

Revlon Balm Stain Matte Audicious

This is a stunning colour, however, it is a bit dry so be careful when applying it. I'm including it in this list because it really the orange colour of this year. It's in your face almost neon and it would look great with a tan or on darker skin tones because it would look even more neony.

This is also a great colour to layer. If you put a bright pink lipgloss over this it turns into the most beautiful pinky/orange sunset colour. It retains its boldness but changes to something more "pretty" rather than high fashion.

Sleek Eau La La Liner in Pumpkin

This pencil is a great colour if you want something not as bright as Revlon but still definitely orange. It goes on the lips as a gorgeous true orange. Like a Pumpkin, as the name suggests. Another great perk of these pencils is that they can be used all over the face. Orange liner is incredibly cool in the summer!

Let me know what your favourite orange colours are for this spring/summer! I'd love you know!

xx

The Foundation Series: Prelude To Foundation

 
Finding the right foundation is like finding your soulmate. You feel whole, healthy and like you can take on the world.

Or at least I do. Stupid green undertones...

In all seriousness, it is hard to find a foundation that you want to repurchase over and over. And more importantly, in the vast sea of skin perfectors it can be a daunting task to pick on if you don't know where to start. 

This is where Moondrop Title comes to the rescue. Like my Primer Saga, I will take you through an in depth explanation of all the different kinds of foundations and which skin types they suit and how to choose the right foundation. This little series will run every Monday for the next 5 weeks because there is a lot to cover.

Our "Prelude to Foundation" will be covering all the types of foundations there are. There are 3 main "genres" of foundation: Liquid, Cream and Powder. Of course, that's an overgeneralisation because their are also "subgenres" that fit under these main headings. But we'll start like Liquid because most of us will be familiar with it because it is the most widely available.

What is a Liquid?

This might seem like an obvious questions and it kind of is but liquid covers a variety of textures. Some are more watery, some are thicker and just like our primers can be either water or silicone based. Liquids are easier available and great to work with because they can be worked into the skin for a really natural coverage and they are the most versatile type of foundation because there is one to suit all skin types. They also come in a multitude of coverage types.

What is a Cream?

Cream foundations are just like a solid liquid foundation and they tend to offer a heavier coverage, but they can be sheered down. These include Mousse and Stick foundations so the delivery systems can vary a lot more than a liquid does. Cream foundations can be just as versatile as liquid and in certain cases look more skin like.

What is a Powder?

Mineral foundations fit under this category. Powders usually tend to be better for drier skins and tend not to look amazing on drier skins. Minerals and Powders work very similiarly with the main difference that Mineral foundations tend to meld better into the skin and look more dewy after time. Powders tend to stay relatively matte.

And that concludes our first and brief introduction to Foundation. Next week I'll talk about how to begin picking a foundation and the things you should be considering when looking for the HG product.

xx

Perfumes: Eau de What?

There are a million and one different names and types of perfumes out there and it can be a bit confusing if you're not familiar with the names of them. Do I want a Perfume? Eau de Parfum? What's the difference?

Generic Stock Photo!

I had a brief love of making solid perfumes a few months ago until I realised it was too expensive and I don't have an infinite supply of money to spend on smelly stuff (if only!). I'm super picky about perfumes and smells because I have a stupidly strong sense of smell so most things smell like a super intense offactory assault. That and nearly all perfumes smell like shite on my skin after they settle down. I like simple, single or two note smells. Like a wee bit of vanilla. It smells nice on me so that's what I like.

Now, I know that it's easy to google but I think it's nice to be helpful and I have made a nice wee list of the different strengths of common types of perfume. I mean, I know there's a Eau Fraiche but I've never seen one in my life. Well, that I'm aware. And it's super weak and seems like a waste of time and money to me.

Perfumes, more often than not, are a mixture of essentials oils and essenses (Perfume oil) diluted in alcohol. So the more oil in the ratio, the more intense and long lasting the smell.

Perfum/Perfum Oil

Note, the lack of "e" on the end. This means that it's the strongest concentrate of Perfume Oil and is more expensive than others. 'I've included perfum oils in this as well because oil based perfumes tend to be really strong and fall into this top tier smellathon category.

Concentration of about 20-30%

Eau de Parfum

The one we are probably most familiar with and is the most commonly bought. It is a step down in strength from Perfum but still long lasting.

Concentration of about 15-20%

Eau de Toilette

Again, another common incarnation of smelly bottle sprays. This, we all know is a watered down version of the Eau de Parfum. The upside to an Eau de Toilette is you get the same smell but cheaper - as long as you don't mind the lost of wear time.

 Concentration of about 10-15%

Eau de Cologne

I don't see this kicking about a lot but I'm not a master Perfumererererer or anything so mibbe I'm wrong. But I'm including it because I've seen them in the real world. Not like Eau Fraiche. What is that?

Also, mind to not spell it Colon... I've seen that happen a lot and it leads to some hilarious results.

Mhhmmmm, I love the smell of his colon.

Furthermore (like my essay terminology there?), while Manfume can be called Cologne as a generic term, it tends to be a Eau de Perfum/Toilette rather than an Eau de Colon Cologne.

Concentration of about 2-5%

And there we have it! I don't know if this post was wanted or even needed but it was information I found interesting while in a brief Perfumery stage. These concentrations are just what I've gathered from various websites on making perfumes and certain people say slightly different things but the figures I've listed are general consensus.

I hope you enjoyed this wee post and I'll see you all next Monday :)

xx

Spring Trends: White Eyeliner and Orchid Lips

These wee look is a combo of my two favourite spring look this year! I'm really loving the white liner trend and I'm loving the orchid lip even more (who the fuck doesn't love purple?!). I love the boldness of the two paired thegither and to make it look more grounded I kept my brows messy by just putting of brow mousse threw it. I loved it!

Creepy Half Smile

Stoner face with messy hair. My shitey attempt at a selfie #lulz

Face

 

 

 

Illamasqua Cream Pigment in an unknown colour. I'm sure it's discontinued though. I use this to counteract my grey/black undereyes.

MAC Face and Body C3

MAC Prolongwear Concealer NC30

MUA Powder Shade 3

Eyes

 

 

NYX HD Eye Primer

myface Cosmetics Palette in A Whole Latte Love (I don't this brand even exists anymore but any warm brown to go in the crease will do).

 Sleek Eau La La in Whitenoise

blinc Eyebrow Mousse in Dark Brown

bareMinerals Lash Domination

Lips/Highlight

Laura Geller Vanilla Highlighter (This is available as a single)

Revlon Matte Balm Stain in Shameless

Revlon Balm Stain in Darling

I hope you liked the look as much as I did!

What do you think of the current spring/summer trends?

xx

My favourite Spring Lipsticks

While I'm a big advocater of wearing whatever the hell you want, sometimes you try to summon the sun by wearing some lovely spring/summer colours. I love lipsticks and I find that lip colours can change a look totally depending on what you pick. So they are easy way to shake up an old routine without having to learn a million new techniques. That, and a lipstick can easily be used as a cream blusher - 2 in 1, marvellous! 

This post is very Revlon heavy. Like, totally Revlon but I really didn't mean it to be. I just really love them and they are my go to brand for most lip products. My goal for this post was to put up high street products because we can't always afford to splash out and the cheaper the makeup, the more you can buy ;)

None of these lipsticks are new at all but they are firm favourites of mine and I have them in my makeup bag all year round. 

Tutti Fruiti, Tutti Fruiti! Tutti Fruiti

 First up is Revlon's lip butter in Tutti Fruiti. This is a great lipstick to try if you want do the orange lip trend but don't want to  go with a super opaque orange. Like all the lip butters, it has a glossy finish as they are something that's in between a lipstick and gloss. They are super comfy to wear but this makes them not the longest lasting lipstick.

Perfect Peach

The next lip butter is Juicy Papaya. God, I cannae put into words how perfect this colour is. It's a soft, light peachy colour without entering into the nude arena. It screams spring and like Tutti Fruitti is easy and comfortable to wear. This one lasts a wee bit longer on my lips than auld Tutti but not by much. I recommend this lipstick to everyone. It's just so goddamn, fucking beautiful! 

Orchid, Darling!

Last, but certainly not least is an old Revlon lip balm stain in Darling. Darling is a sort of lavender/orchidy colour and like Tutti Fruiti, is a great way of trying the orchid lip without going bold. I know these disappointed a lot of people but I really liked the original line of these and Darling is one of my most used lipsticks. What can I say, anything remotely purple and I'm all over it!

(Saying that, mixing this and Shameless for the matte line makes the most perfect orchid lip. Been loving that)

That's my favourite Spring lip colours,  what are yours? I'd love to know, so feel free to share in the comments or on twitter @moondroptitle!

Xx

Monthly Favourites: March

I've decided I'm going to start doing a monthly favourites post on the last Friday of every month (this was meant to go up yesterday but didn't schedule it to go up. Opps!). I really like posts like these because it gives you an oppurtunity to really showcase products you genuinely love. And everyone likes to see if they can find new products to try.

So this is my first one! I'm not going to focus solely on beauty products because I feel sometimes you don't really change favourites or mibbe didn't like anything you tried that month and it would get really boring. And I'll just be putting them in no real order. Categorised, of course, but in no order of preference.

Beauty

NYX HD Eye Base. I love this stuff. I've had it in my kit for the while and started using it on myself once I got some UD Primer Potions and can I say, it is very comparable. I wouldn't say it is a complete dupe but it's fucking close to one. It doesn't make eyeshadow last just as long as the UDPP and I do see a wee but of oil break through during the day. Despite this, it's cheap and out performs every other primer I've used on my lids.

Argan Oil. Recently, I order some of this for my sister to use on her hair and casually pinched some to use as a moisturiser. I love it, it doesn't smell and it absorbs into the skin really quickly leaving my skin feeling supple. I've also noticed my skin looking more even and a lot brighter since using Argan oil so that's massive thumbs up from me!

Soap & Glory Cheekmate. I've been using this nearly everyday on my lips and cheeks for an effortlessly fresh look. I've done a review on this that can be found here.

Revlon Lip Lacquer in Ingenue. Again, another easy shade to wear. I love slightly browny nudes so this was right up my street. So comfortable and easy to apply due to the crayon style delivery system. Review here.

Misc 

Game of Thrones. This month I finally picked up my first book in 9 months. After I finished University, I was a bit read out. I did reread The Great Gatsby (for the millionth time) and read Herman Hesse's Siddhartha but even though I enjoyed them, I found myself stuggling to read anything longer than 200 pages. So I gave reading a bit of a break.

Until Fronez came along. Loving it so far, it's easy to follow and the simple metephors are nice because I don't need to think too hard on analysing it (yet!). I really love how character driven it is and it's nice to see some Low Fantasy getting love! I do plan on watching the programme but once I've caught up to it bookwise.

Cafe Andaluz. One of my favourite places to eat in the world. If you're ever in Glasgow/Edinburgh and like tapas, go here! The food is amazing, they have a huge selection of different foods and the bitter chocolate mousse is to die for! 

And I think that's it for my March favourites! If you're a fan of any of these products or love Game of Thones... or tapas, let me know!

Happy End of March! Bring on April!

xx