Excited to try products from the UK Global Makeup Awards 2019

Hi Everyone, 

It's been a while since I've done a makeup post.  In fact the last one was on NARS cheek palette. There is absolutely nothing I love more than must-have makeup pieces.  In fact, the NARS cheek palette in my last post was from my sister on recommendation from a beauty specialist at SpaceNK and boy was she right with that palette.  It was just perfect.

It's hard to know what is great makeup to go for without spending an absolute arm and a leg - especially when you make mistakes.  I hate going for a foundation and then finding out I hate it.  Who wants a powder finish foundation?  Ummm... hello wrinkles!!?

So in the quest for finding out some cool must have beauty pieces I actually stumbled upon the UK Global Makeup Awards on twitter.  This is super exciting to me as it's nice to find out actually what is the best mascara compared to all of them and not having to try myself and get them wrong! 

I've been following the winners from the awards and the reason why I'm excited as I know about 25% off the brands and products and absolutely agree with them winning the awards.  That means the judges must know their salt... right? either that or we just have identical taste ha!  For example - one thing we have in common is a love for foreo.  I didn't realise other people had even heard of this brand - and here it is, my absolutely favourite Foreo UFO mini wining an award in the www.globalmakeupawards.com - so exciting!

Love FOREO! Anyone else tried out this gem - I thought I was the only one - but it turns out the Global Makeup Awards love it too :)

There are some brands which everyone has heard of in the awards like Shiseido and Dr Lipp.   Anyone else was addicted to Dr Lipp when they were 18?  I'm excited to see they're still out there and they're now brought out some funky natural toned shades to the range.  Very tempted to try them out!

Speaking of which -  I was really interested to see who the lip winners were.  I am always struggling to find a good lipstick or lipgloss brand.  Im really specific with colours - I only wear nude or fuschia.  Hilarious as they are very hard colours to pull off and I'm not even doing it to be showy - i just do not suit a red or a dark lip.  It makes my lips look small and my teeth not white. Ergh.  So I was really interested to see winners included (apart from Dr Lipp. ) brands such as Avon.  Very interesting - I thought you only got Avon from reps but I can see from the link you can buy online.  Their award winning lip tattoo looks awesome and its only cheap so I am thinking of buying it.  Have you guys tried it?  You line your lip and with the other end fill it in. It means you've got the perfect shade for both always.  How awesome!? and their fuschia (is that how you spell it, it looks wrong hmmmmm) looks awesome.  It's already in my basket so watch out for an upcoming review.

 Also some lesser well known brands but ones I love anyway like PHB which is a natural and vegan brand.  This is totally on trend at the moment so I predict PHB blowing up in the beauty sphere.  However, as I said- I only had heard of about 25% of the brands in the awards.  I think its amazing that it wasn't just high street names, but lesser known names.  It really has encouraged me to look more online for beauty. At the end of the day, I do it for cloths, so why not for my makeup? This made looking at who the winners were in this cosmetics more interesting to me for sure.  

Have you guys checked out the winners - maybe you know more than me?  Maybe my 25% is quite dire and everyone has heard of the brand names???? I am beyond curious.  Let me know in the comments what you think??

Lots of love and hugs

Fiocco xxx

Nars cheek palette (orgasm infatuation)

It is totally time for a makeup review, as this blog is first and foremost a beauty blogging site!  Also because this is a product I got for my birthday from my sister and absolutely has to be bragged about and shared with the world.  Incidentally, I didn't put this in my 'wish list', my sister just has a very very good idea of the sort of products I like!

I've always been a fan of Nars blushers, and have only ever had them before as a single colour from this company.  My first experience was I think 16 year old me feeling completely grown up and choosing from SpaceNK the famous Orgasm blush with my weekend earnings. I loved that blush, its matt packaging and the slight sparkle it had to the rose hue.

And somehow, along the away....it's been a very long time sine I've gone back to Nars blushes.  So to get a trio I was really very excited and my soul actually exploded when I opened the pack and saw it was the .....

The Orgasm Infatuation Palette!!

Now THAT is a name for a blush palette haha!

I really can't praise this palette enough.  For me, it is also more of a contouring palette.  As the dark brown colour is perfect for defining the cheek bones.  I also use the colour under my jaw at the sides and also in the side corners of my forehead.  The colour is dark with a little bit of shimmer, and I adore how it isn't matt.  It gives a sunkissed glow, rather than that scary contour colour you can normally see.  With a big fluffy brush, this dark hue is also perfect for all over bronzing if you don't fancy or you are not a contour person.

This dark shade is called Laguna, and I also believe it is a best selling colour in the NARS bronzing range.  So you know you are off to a winner with this palette with it already having Orgasm and Laguna.

I already mentioned to you how much I have always like the shade Orgasm.  And as Nars has named the palette after this colour, you can see it is their trophy amongst their blusher shades.  It looks very dark for a blush, but actually gives the perfect tint pf pink without being too heavy.  I think this shade is actually a very good colour for most people of most skin types.  It is also important to put a little blush on if you use foundation as though foundation clears your blemishes, it also erases any natural rosy hue you might have.  Orgasm gives you that pinched cheek pink colour back.  I really hope this colour gets nominated in the Global Makeup Awards as it really deserves to be recognised as a great blusher.

The third colour is great and I'm relieved to say that.  Often, when makeup brands put the highlighter, it is a moonlit silver that doesn't look natural, or is white which is so hard to work with.  This third colour, is called Orgasm highlighting blush.  This highlighter has a lovely peach tone to it so stays away from that harsh, icy silver tone you see so often.

Price tag - I have good news for you ladies.  This product is typically £35.00 (still a great price for three full sized blush and bronzers.  BUT is currently reduced to £24.50 from SpaceNK.  Winning!

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New Nouveau lashes enhance mascara for eyelash extensions review

The New Nouveau Lashes mascara review

Hey!

As you know I've been using the brand nouveau lashes for a while and really enjoyed their lash growth serum for longer lashes.  But recently I decided to treat myself to their Enhance mascara.

Enhance Mascara by Nouveau Lashes

The reason I purchased this mascara was because I had false eyelash extensions and was warned that not all mascara was good for extensions or could make them fall out quicker. This mascara, however, was made precisely for those who want to enhance their eyelash extensions.

Maybe one of the reasons it works is that is just comes away easily with warm water in the shower.  So you don't have to rub your delicate eyelashes with cleanser.  It also is developed so it doesn't affect the adhesive bond.

I also used this mascara for a holiday in Puglia which involved a lot of swimming, and and general damage and yet the lashes stayed in place.  For £19.00 for this mascara I think it's a great price if you are someone who wears false lashes or extensions.  You can of course use it when you're not wearing false lashes as well as it works great as a gentle normal mascara. I would personally recommend it for your makeup bag.

As a mascara I thought it was good for lengthening.  It does also volumise but I didn't use that much as I already had false extensions in .  I more just wanted to enhance the extensions and this Enhance Mascara by Nouveau lashes does just the job.

There is also one more special thing to say about this mascara and it's the double edged wand.  I can't believe more mascaras don't do this.  I love a fluffier look so really adore the side with many bristles.  Such a great idea depending on what look you want, or maybe you might use one side for the bottom lashes.

5/5, a truly awesome mascara for lash extensions xxx

#LashGang

Beach Walk OOTD

Hello lovelies

On this mini vacation to Italy I've gone to the gorgeous riverside town of Cattolica near San Marino.

Yesterday I went for a gorgeous beach walk along the pier of Cattolica, and the sky was looking stunning at sunset. I'd spent a great day walking through the town enjoying lots of shopping.  They have fantastic makeup stores there and I purchased a few Chanel & YSL lipsticks in dark shades of brown which I'll be featuring on the blog soon.  I can't tell if I love or hate them on me - they are all the craze now since Kylie Jenner's new lip kip range so had wanted to try it out for a while!

 It's still a bit chilly in the spring air, so had to wrap up warm for this beach front walk and so chose a  Zara leather coat,  Guess Jeans and H&M khaki shirt.  A really simple outfit which is perfect for casual and dining out.

There is nothing more relaxing than a riverfront walk to clear the mind and awaken the body.

Looking forward to being back in the UK tomorrow!

Fiocco xxx

Artdeco Arctic Beauty Blush

Hello!

I have a gorgeous wintery beauty find for you all - 

It's a snowflake packaged blush by Artdeco called Arctic Beauty Blush in the shade 'ice garden'.  I have been wearing it all this week and have really enjoyed its three different dusky pink hues.

In the below pictures I have a little on my cheeks but have also used it as an all over powder.  The shade as I mentioned, is a dusky pink and blends beautifully in to give a natural blush to the skin.  I love the roseyness of this shade as it looks like you have a glow to the cheeks like when it's called outside - making its name Arctic blush even more perfect! 

I have also used the lightest colour  also my nose as an illuminator - perfect for not having to carry around too many different makeup items at once.  I love how this blush is perfect for highlighting the cheeks with blush and also for an all over glow.  The shimmer is also very light so you don't have to worry about big glittery particles which is the case with some other blushes!

The packaging makes it absolutely ideal for winter and I love having it in my purse for this time of year.  That being said, it is probably only going to be appropriate during the winter season so you better snap this up quick - and even more so because it is limited edition!

The blush also contains vitimins C and E, making it good for your skin by nourishing it.  I love knowing that when I'm wearing good quality makeup that it's these little things that keep your skin healthy and smooth.  I have also been experimenting with some other goodies from Artdeco so make sure to stay tuned to see what they are :)

Artdeco Arctic Beauty Blush in Ice Garden has a RRP of £22.30 and is limited edition - available form selected beauty salons and spas nationwide from the end of October



Fiocco xxx

*product sent for consideration and review

Nouveau Lashes with Ultra Bond Strip

There's something about Summer and super long lashes.  I think it's because as we get a natural warmer tan, less face makeup is needed, but it's still great to glam up by focusing on the eyes.  I've been using Nouveau Lashes to feel great this summer.  

They have a beautiful natural look as you can see in the photo below, and are long enough to cover the entire lash line.  They also don't scratch at all like other brands, I think because it has such a light and flexible strip, unlike the more rigid ones out on the market.

To help it to stay in place, a god send is Ultra Bond Strip, this doesn't dry out after multiple uses and the best things is at a whopping 10g, it has enough for many (hundreds?!) of applications.  This means you can keep reapplying your lashes and you know you'll have enough, fresh bonding glue. The glue also keeps the lashes in place without them lifting up in the corners.

I also personally found that the Ultra Bond Strip  is very sensitive and doesn't cause irritation which is perhaps the number one thing I look for in a lash glue.

Why don't you have a try?

Ultra bond and nouveau available from: nouveaulashes.com

YSL Le Teint Encre De Peau Review

Heyyy pretty ladies!

Sorry it's been so long - I've been travelling around, moving house and been so incredibly busy this last month!

But I'm BACK!

This is a review I've been meaning to do for ages on YSL Le Teint Encre De Peau.  If you read my posts you'll know I'm a firm favourite of YSL's last 'model' of foundation - Le Teint Touche, and use it religiously.

So when they brought out this new foundation called  YSL Le Teint Encre De Peau on August 10th I was one of the first in line. As always, they have brought out a beautifully packaged product with their signature gold top and strong square glass bottle.

 YSL Le Teint Encre De Peau

Wearing  YSL Le Teint Encre De Peau

Shade - 

So there's a pic of me above with YSL Le Teint Encre De Peau in shade b40 on....in the picture you can see it comes out quite  a nice shade. HOWEVER, do remember that the YSL shades are not universally the same shades across the different YSL foundations which is quite frustrating - in Le Teint Touche I wear b50.  But, they do have a large selection of colours and I think do cater to a lot of skin tones.

Texture

 The texture of the foundation itself is something I'm finding hard to get used to.  It's a liquid, but when you apply it it has an almost matte finish and feels like powder. I like how it's not 'tacky' or 'sticky' and you can almost get away with not applying powder after.  This is a far cry from the 'gel' style foundations I'm used to setting with heaps of powder.  Because of the texture, it means the finish won't ever be light or super natural, but I do think it is great for a night out and full makeup look like in my picture above.

Coverage

 YSL Le Teint Encre De Peau also has very heavy coverage, so don't buy a shade too dark otherwise blending into your neck / jaw will be near impossible combined with the fact it has a powder finish.  This is one of the biggest drawbacks for the YSL Le Teint Encre De Peau.  However, if you take your time and choose the right shade it may end up being one of your favourite foundations.

Ok, so I feel like I've been hard on this foundation.  It's because it's forerunner, YSL le teint touche is still my absolute favorite so I think it was always going to be impossible to match up to it.  All that being said, I would still probably buy this foundation  again as it has a really good coverage and is great when you're getting ready quickly as you don't need powder which is a great time saver. 

 YSL Le Teint Encre De Peau retails for £30.50 and is available from all the usual - big Boots, Debenhams, John Lewis and House of Fraser.

Eye of Horus Liquid Define review

Hey Ladies, 

For the last two weeks I've been using a felt-tip eyeliner by Eye of Horus called Liquid Define.  There has been a reason why I've been trying it so long, and that is because in the past I have always been let down by felt-tip eye liners t which give up the ghost after a couple of uses.

I LOVE the packaging on all Eye of Horus products!

It all started when I was about 17 years old and I bought my first 'high end' one for an arm and a leg.  It was brilliant on its first use, but for some reason (I think because I used it on my foundation primed eyelids) it never worked again.  This has happened again since with another brand.

So when I was invited to try the Eye of Horus liquid define I really was curious to see if it would make the cut and continue to work after multiple applications, even on top of other makeup.  The below swatches are from a liquid eyeliner which has been used continuously after 2 weeks. 

As you can see from the swatch the Eye of Horus Liquid Define liner still draws a heavy pigmented black line, both finely and thickly.  I GENUINELY am impressed as I haven't found another felt-tip eyeliner which still works after so long.  They tend to dry out and draw gray / transparent lines which make the Cleopatra look impossible.  This Eye of Horus eyeliner, however, is working just as well as its first use.

Secondly, I'd like to say in general, how much more easy it is to apply eyeliner when using a felt tip eyeliner compared to one with a brush.  The hardened nib doesn't fan out and by slanting it on it's angle makes it easy to draw a thin, then gradually thicker line which can't be achieved with liquid eyeliners. 

An important point for women with sensitive eyes

One more pro is that this felt-tip eyeliner does not run or get in the eyes - a godsend for people like me!  Have you ever used a 'liquid' eyeliner where you dip the nib in the pot like a nail varnish.  These types of eyeliners have a tendency to flood into your eyes....it it stings like mad and makes the white of your eyes swim in black - (Don't use Collection 2000 Fast stroke!!).   I swear this puts a lot of women off eyeliners.  Whereas, using a felt-tip liner like the Eye of Horus Liquid Define absolutely eradicates the possibility of that happening. So, if you have sensitive eyes or just hate eyeliner running in your eyes then you should probably check this out!

Below are some unflatteringly close pictures of the Eye of Horus Liquid Define in action.  As you can see the black line gets gradually thicker towards the outer edges and only takes 2-3 seconds to achieve.  It really is a great way to glam up with very little effort! 

Well that's it for now, I hope you enjoyed my review of the Eye of Horus Eye Define - I was definitely impressed by it and I would definitely recommend it.

 It has an RRP of £17.00 which I believe is great value for money as it works brilliantly and doesn't dry up.  It is also a fab alternative to liquid liners.  You can see it on the Eye of Horus website 'here'.

Rimmel Lasting Finish with Orly Glosser top coat

Morning you beauties!! 

Today I decided to give myself a quick manicure before work as the sun was shining and I wanted to go in wearing a fun, summery shade.  I chose a coral colour by Rimmel from their 'Lasting Finish' range in No Tan Lines.  This is a bargain at just £2.99 and is a great shade for these summer months.  I then decided to go over the top with Orly's Glosser Top Coat (£10.99) in order to give it a bit more shine and for it to last longer.

Supper glossy finish from the Orly Glosser

I'm not the best at putting on nail varnish so you'll have to excuse the poor handywork.  But I hope you can see what a great colour it is and how glossy it came out after the Orly Glosser.  I was most impressed with how quickly the Rimmel polish dried as in a couple of minutes it was rock solid with no 'gooeyness' that you can get with some other polishes.

As for the Orly Glosser, this was a really fine top coat that also dried in a flash and gave considerable gloss considering how thin the actual polish was.  All in all, my how manicure was probably done in about 7 minutes which is great when your in a rush.

Orly Glosser and Rimmel Lasting Finish

These are a great duo to have this summer and despite the difference in price, they really did a good job.  My only negative with the Rimmel, is that it was a little streaky on the first layer, but by the second layer this all evened out.  As for the glosser, it was just perfect.  It does what it says on the tin, giving the nails a great 'gloss' as well as drying quickly and of course extending the life of the manicure.

Rimmel's Lasting finish is available from HQ Hair (here)
Orly's Glosser is available from HQ Hair (here) 

*products given for consideration and review

Muji Acrylic makeup storage for small spaces

All through my life, I've been driving people insane with my makeup and hair products sprawling every where.  I just have too much of it, and it is all indispensable.  It is absolutely out of the question of me chucking anything out if it is still in date.  You just never know!!

Much recently, I've just moved house and I no longer have shelves in my bathroom which I would use to load to the brim.  In fact, there's barely any storage at all for anything.  This is why I was forced to contain all my beauty objects to my tiny bedside table!

The solution: Muji Acrylic Makeup boxes:

I have: two x 2 muji acrylic drawers with flip top lid (rrp £11.50 each)

two x acrylic single CD box (rrp £6.95 each)

I stack my muji acrylic boxes to make the most of limited space

I love how simple they are, and I know they are a little prices for storage boxes, but compared to how much I spend on the makeup in then  then maybe I can excuse it haha!

I love that you can see exactly what you have inside and organize the drawers to suit your needs.  It also made the most of the very teeny tiny space that I have available for such products!

Do you guys have any MUJI storage? Let me know what your favorite piece is!

Available from Muji stores throughout the UK or http://www.muji.eu/

Love Fiocco Bianco

Low-key Benefit Cosmetics Evening Makeup

Hey my dears, 

  I've had a week of gorging out at restaurants so I'm feeling pretty guilty about all the delicious food I've been having!!  Twice at one week I've ended up at a Thai restaurant called "Monkey and Me" in Marylebone, London.  It's got such a calm atmosphere and such yummy food that I had to go back there after just a few days!

Monkey and Me is cooly lit and you can watch the world go by, so it's the sort of occasion where you want to dress up and down at the same time as it is so high quality yet so relaxed!  So I went for a LBD and low key makeup for the evening all Benefits Cosmetics.

Evening makeup with Benefit Cosmetics

Outfit

• I wore a black lace bat wing jersey dress by Biba (AW13) with some opaque tights and heels.

Makeup

• Benefit Cosmetics Porefessional primer
• Benefit Cosmetics playstick in tea party
• Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer
• Benefit Cosmetics They're Real Mascara
• Benefit COsmetics Badgal eyeliner

And as you guys can see the starters were absolutely scrummy!  Unfortunately no pictures of the main as we dived in to polish it off! But all in all a beautiful evening with some low key evening makeup to top it off!

Have you guys tried Monkey and Me?? Hope you like the evening makeup look too!

YSL Contouring

Hey there, 

For special occasions I go that extra mile and go for a bit of contouring!! It does add another couple of steps to your makeup routine, so its not for every day.....unless your Kim Kardashian and contouring comes as naturally as eating breakfast.

I use YSL products when achieving contouring as I believe they have the best quality products for blending and setting on the skin as well as an amazing range of colours.

See my tutorial below for contouring:  

Contouring with YSL

1.) Prime your face with a mattifying primer
2.)  Apply YSL touche eclat (link) in a shade two shades lighter to your upper cheek bone and a shade 2 shades darker than your natural skin tone just below.  It will look a bit like war paint.  (if you have any spots or uneven skin tone, apply a touche eclat in the same shade as your skin.)
3.) Gently blend them in a little, not completely.
4.) Smooth over your foundation.  This will cover the stripes but it will still shine though giving the impression of razor sharp cheek bones.  I use YSL Le Teint Touche Eclait in B50 (link).
5) I then soften and set the look with some YSL Powder compact radiance (link)

That's how I achieve the look!!

Hope you like my contouring tips with YSL!

Lots of love,

Fiocco Bianco xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Nude Chanel Lipstick - Rouge Allure Insouciante (81)

Nude lipsticks - you either love them or you hate them.  I am a sucker for them as I think they're really low maintenance and go with most outfits.  With red you really have to watch what you eat, pink is fun but doesn't go with all looks, whereas a good nude just compliments so much.

I've found the perfect muted nude tone in the Chanel Rouge Allure range which adds the perfect tone to your lips without that 'dead lips' look which some bad nude lipsticks create.  So let me present my favourite of nude lipsticks, Chanel's Rouge Allure Insouciante 81:

.

Golden / Brown / Pink hues in this Chanel Rouge Allure (link)

I'm really struggling on how to describe the actual colour of Chanel's Rouge Allure Insouciante (81) as it is made of a mixture of tones.  The last picture does it the most justice, however, it's what's I'd call a browny / bronze with gold and pink undertones.  It's glossy and really creates a beautiful nude lip look that will make the most of dark eye makeup as it won't draw attention away

I love the glossiness of Chanel's Insouciante 81

Chanel Rouge Allure Insouciante 81

It has a beautiful glossy texture and I'm gutted that this lipstick has been discontinued.  I found it in a little makeup shop in Italy and now wish I'd bought the whole stock of them!  I would say that the closest available shade right now to it though would be Rouge Allure Captivante 119 (link) which has a little more pink tone to it.

Have you guys got a favourite nude lipstick that you want to share your love for!? Let us know in the comments below!  Or if you've tried this rouge allure then let us know!!

Lots of love

Fiocco Bianco xxx

Best Benefit - Christmas Present

Hello Chicas!!!

I hope you all had a splendid Chirstmas!  I had a lovely time back in my home time with my family - and even though it was me who ended up cooking lots of the Christmas dinner, everybody seemed to enjoy it!

Below is what my darling sister got me - the best of benefit as she knows I'm a sucker for all things Bene!

It's pint sized versions of their number one products and though I've tried them all before I'm super excited to have this as their small enough to go in my handbag to carry everywhere with me!

It features:

1) Benefit POREfessional - I love this mattifying primer
2) They're real Mascara - fantastic separating mascara that comes out in the blackest of blacks
3) Hoola Bronzer - SO happy to have this as it's my number one personally as it has zero shimmer and comes out beautifully natural but gives a real sun kissed glow
3) Cheek stain - honestly - I hate this...nothing personal but I really hate all cheek stains as their come out unevenly and un naturally
4) Bo-ing concealer - perfect for under eyes and contouring, I didn't have this so mega pleased to see this one!
5)High Beam highlighter - LOVE this gives such a beautiful glow on the cheeks

On the whole , i love 5 of the 6 which isn't bad at all! So thankful to have received it as it is just full of goodies!

Did you ugys get anything nice this Christmas?? Let me know!!
xxxFiocco Bianco xxx