April (and the past couple of months) Favourites! || Beauty La Linda ~ MUA

Hey Hey, 

Its monthly favourites time again!! So this one although it is a monthly favourites Im including things that are not just specific to April. As you may have noticed if you have been following me for a while that is been a minute since I have posted one of these types of blog posts. That means there has been quite a few things that I have been loving that I have not been telling you guys about. This means it may be a little longer then my usual favourites but not that much longer *promise* So if you would like to find out what I have been loving this month than just keep reading.

So as I have explained in a post on my lifestyle blog I have been super busy this which means I havent been testing many out new products but I have been revisiting old favourites and here are my picks for April and the past couple of months in 2015. (If you have not read that post and would like to check it out then just click here - Where have I been?? )

Naked 3 Palate

This month I have found myself reaching for my Urban Decay Naked 3 Palate almost on a daily basis! I think it must be spring in the air!  I been loving using my powder bronzer to contour and then using trick in the center of the eyelid, Strange to highlight and Darkside to smoke out both upper and lower lash line ( I have been giving my cat flick a rest this month but no doubt it will be back in action very soon) For those of you have not yet read my post on the naked 3 dupe and are interested then then you can just take a look by clicking here Getting Duped! Naked 2 & 3

  

Catrice Primer

As you all may know by now my favourite primer is The Maybelline Baby Skin Primer and honestly it still is. If you would like to read my review on that product then just click here Review but I thought this deserved a mention as have been using this any day that I decided to wear make up this month. It is light green in colour which I have found fantastic in counteracting any redness that I have and it also provides a good base for any other products that are being layered on top. It has good staying power and definatley increases the longevity of your make up. The only thing I didnt really like about it is that the consistancy of it is like a cream and personally I prefer that silicone texture but other than that. Its a winner in my book!      

Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

Lately I have been trying out these new Lash Princess Mascaras from Essence and I really like them. First I tried the Lash Princess Volume Mascara and I liked it but I much prefer The False Lash Effect one from the range. The mascara sports a tapering wand that has fibre bristles and I find that it makes my lashes look fuller and longer. Once again Essence has done it and made it into yet another monthly Favourites! (I apologise for the appearance the writing seems to have dissappeared already... #makeup problems)       

Seventeen Glow All Day Cream Bronzer

This product was more of a rediscovery. I bought it a few months back and has since been featured in a few post on my blog .... maybe even a previous favourites but I started using it again this month and wondered why I ever stoppped. I use it to cream contour before I use powder and then it aint going anywhere. Alternatively on days when I want to look more natural but have bit more something something then I just use it on its own. If you would like to read a full review just click here Review

Non - Beauty Favourites 

Modern Family & Cougar Town

This month I have been loving all things comedy and somewhat ashamed and proud at the same time to admit that I have powered through all the seasons of both of these shows in the past 5 weeks.... (ok mostly ashamed) I have to say I absoutely loved these shows. Anyone who hasnt seen modern family... where have you been?? and anyone who hasnt seen cougar town you really need to check it out. I think I may actually prefer Courtney Cox as Jules Cobb than Monica Geller (Shocking I know,

Thats a very bold statement to make and Friends will always be one of my favourites shows of all time but thats how much I loved her in cougar town, especially in later seasons of it)

New Look Watch

I picked up this watch around the end of february and I have been wearing it almost everyday since. I have a total watch fetish anyway but Im really loving this! Go New Look!

#GirlBoss - by Sophia Amoruso

I picked up this book when I spent the weekend in Galway and I have been hooked ever since. Review coming up soon!!

And that concludes favourites for another month! Ah the year is flying by already!

Leave me a comment and Let me know what you have been loving in march!

Add me on twitter or instagram and we can chat!

Thank You For Reading

xox    

      

Beginners Guide to Make-Up || Start up Kit (Products)

Hey Girlies,

Hope everyone is having a fantastic day! Today I thought I would do a post on what I believe are essentials when starting a make-up kit. This need not be expensive. As long as the products do the job that they are supposed to do and do them well then I don't see any reason why you should be forking over all your hard earned cash on a few beauty items.

Before starting out and experimenting with make-up there is a couple of things you need to find out or be aware of in advance.

Skin type, Skin tone, Face Shape & Eye Shape

Knowing your skin type can be half the battle when it comes to picking out foundations / other base products and skincare

If you would like to read my post on Whats your skin type?? || Beginners guide to knowing your skin type -  Just click here - Link

Skin tone can also help with colour matching foundations, picking the right concealer and colours of blush and eyeshadow to complement you.

Face shape helps when it comes to contouring and eye shape helps for eyeshadow placement

*Disclaimer - my recommendations for foundations, powders, primers and setting sprays are what work best for MY skin which is Normal to Dry and may not work as good on you if you are a different skin type.   

Here is a list of what I believe are essential Items to any make-up bag -

Primer

Some people can get away without one but I believe if you prep right then all the rest of your make-up application will apply better and look more flawless. These dont have to cost an arm or a leg either! My tried & tested drugstore favourite is Maybelline Baby Skin, Pore Eraser. To read a full review just click here - Link

A Good Base

This doesnt necessarily have to be foundation there are all sorts of tinted moisturisers, BB and CC creams on the market these days. However if you are going down the route of foundation there are so many different types, textures and finishes to choose from! From light coverage to full coverage - From Dewy finish to Matt! This can be a little daunting if you are new and if your interested I will be posting a beginners guide to foundations very soon so stay tuned for that. My advice would be to do a little research before you buy. decide what suits you, your skin and your lifestyle also ask the person behind the counter for a colour match. Although one of the great things about drugstore foundations is that they have testers so you can check the colour for yourself! Just try to check the result in natural light because those warm lighting bulbs can be very deceiving. 

If you would like to see my video on my top 5 drugstore foundation picks you can watch my video by just clicking on the link here - Youtube Video

My top picks for BB creams are Loreal Nude Magique BB cream & 17 BB Blemish Balm - If you would like to read my review of the 17 BB Blemish Balm then just click here - Link

Conceal, Conceal, Conceal

Im a huge fan of concealer! Its a miracle in a pot. dark under eyes, redness, blemishes, uneven pigmentation?? gone! never exsisted! I recommend two different types of concealers.

1. Blemish concealing concealer - This is one that either matches to your skin colour/foundation or is tinted green, yellow, purple or salmon in order to conceal anything your are trying to hide. My favourite ones for this are Seventeen Phwoar Paint pot and Fuschia Cosmetics Concealer Palatte  - Which pretty much has every colour concealer you could possibly ever want! To be honest though these days colour correcting concealers are all over the highstreet so you shouldnt have much trouble in picking out the best one for you!     

2. Highlighting Concealer - I believe this trick was made popular by Kim Kardashians Make-up artist Mario Dedivanovic as it is an excellent contouring tool. I love this. There is bearly a day that goes by that when I do my make-up that I dont use highlighting concealer. In fact concealer is probably the product that I go through the quickest!! My recommendations are the Collection Lasting Perfection 16 hr Concealer and Loreal Lumi Magique Highligher Pen.

Setting Powder/Spray

Again this is a product some people can get away without wearing but I think for 99% of people it is good to set your make up. It gives it more staying power. Besides after all that work you put into in why would you want it all to melt or fade after a few hours. 

The ones I use are Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder & Essence All About Matt!! Fixing Loose Powder And for Spray I use Urban Decay All Nighter Make-up Setting Spray & The Body Shop Vitimin E Face Mist.

Eyeshadow 

I think when you are starting out a good "do it all palate" is probably be your best bet. There are so many to choose from and I think it will all depend on how much money you are willing to pay will determine which one you should choose. My go to palate is still the Naked (Original) but depending on your skin tone and perferance the Naked 2 might be right up your street. My sister swears by this palate! Everyone and there mother has them and or raves about them and for good reason but at around 50 euro a pop they dont come cheap but If you do want a cheaper option a good dupe is the W7 Lightly Toasted - Naked Original or W7 In the Buff - Naked 2. To see my comparison Blog of the W7 Lightly Toasted and the Naked Original just click Here - & to read my comparison on the In the Buff palate & Naked 2 and In the Nude & Naked 3 palate just click here - Link. Sleek Cosmetics also do really good paletes. To read more about the two that I own Storm and Eu Natural just click here - Link

Another route to go down is Making you own paletes. You can choose individual eyeshadows and create your own personal everyday palate. The most popular brands for doing that is MAC, Make-up Geek & Fuschia. 

And finally every drugstore brand will also sell individual eyeshadows or even cute quads , so you can just pick and choose the colours that appeal to you most!! Remember though again you can choose from a wide array for textures and finishes. So have fun with it!!

Bronzer

A good bronzer (and if used properly can be a god send) It can warm up the face giving you life and can be used to contour. I love Catrice Sun Glow Matt Bronzing Powder. It was mention In my Best of Beauty Posts as one of my finds for 2014! To read this post just click here - Link

Eyebrows

A girls best friend! I am of the same belief as many that you are never truely dressed until you have eyebrows! My favourite Eyebrow kit is The Catrice Eyebrow Set. I have been using it for over a year now and I love it. It also comes with a handy little mirror in the packaging. I would definitely be interested into discovering some new brow heros though. 

Mascara

Mascara is an essential item in a make-up kit! even if its just a clear one but it makes your eyes look brighter and you look like you are more awake! win win! I also believe that mascara is something that the drugstore do well so theres no need to pay out huge money for a good one! The ones Im currently using are The Catrice Lashes to kill, Fibre Lash Mascara, Essence Princess Lash Fibre Lash Effect Mascara and W7 Lashtastic. There are so many to choose from! They generally come in black or brown but you could get artsy and creative and use a coloured one like blue or purple or even glitter effect ones!  

Blush

Blush is another one product that instantly makes you look more awake! and again you can get a lot of very good ones on the highstreet/Drugstore. The ones I use the most would be Sleek Cosmetics blushes - Swede & Rose Gold. However I would like to try the Wet & Wild ones as I have heard so many great reviews about them!

Lip Balm / Lipstick

Now to finish off the look , something to put on the lips. Again like foundations there is so much choice here. You can literally have any type, colour, texture, staying power, finish that your heart desires. I use so many different brands all the time but if you are on a budget I would recommend checking out Essence Long lasting lipsticks or Wet & Wild.

Now that you have the basics anything you add will be decorative and personal taste e.g Lip Liner, Eye Liner, Highlighter, Glitter Pigments..... Its all about experimentation and having fun with it... after all Its only make-up.

Have fun! I hope this was helpful!!

Are there any products in particular that you would see as an essential to a beginner / starter make-up kit??

Thank You For Reading

xox

    

Product of the week!! Essence Eye Shadow Blender Brush || Beauty La Linda - MUA

Hey hey, 

So I've managed to find another product of the week. This week I have choosen the new essence eye blender brush! (Seriously how many times has Essence featured in a post like this!) 

Anyhoo I pick this little tool on one of my many (too many) trips to pennys when I spotted it on the Essence stand. There are 2 reasons for this decision.... #1 it reminded me slightly of the MAC 217 blending brush.... and .... #2 it was €1.89.. yes I repeat €1.89!!! So I thought what the f***. If it doesn't work out then I haven't lost much (although side note... A wise if crazy girl did say to me during the week save your change because one day you might be stuck in pennys in dire need of socks and you will be glad haha)  

Anyway... yes got off track again... In one of those moods today haha. I brought it home and the next morning I gave it a try with when applying my eye makeup and I was really impressed.

It blends eyeshadow beautifully and the duo fibre means it picks up the product and it blends the edges with the shorter thicker bristles. It's perfect as a crease brush too.

Other people must have figured this out by now too as I went back and it's has been sold out every time and I have 2 pennys near me! I also checked one in Galway when I was there the weekend before last and it is sold out there too!! 

Yesterday however I got lucky and there was four left so I picked up 3 of them!! (The other one was out of the packaging ... eww)

So my advice is to give these a try! If you are jn need of a good blending brush but it's not in you budget for a MAC 217 (fav highend blender) or if your just looking for a bargin then I recommend these!!!

Have you tried these?? What did u think??

Would you recommend them?

Do you know of any other barging brushes that are worth a try?? 

Chat soon guys x

Thank You For Reading
xox

My 1st NYX Haul! || Beauty La Linda - MUA

Hey There Friends,

Some of you will already know this if you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, that I went to Galway for my birthday last weekend (Yes it finally happened... I am now 25.... #nolongerearlytwenties #sadface) While I was there I managed to pick up some NYX products which havent been in Ireland long and are currently not sold anywhere close to me.

If you are not currently following me on Twitter (Just Click Here) or Instagram (Just Click Here) or you can click on the Icons on the side bar & we can be friends and chat about life!! 

Anyway I was so delighted when I managed to get my hands on these babies as have been hearing about NYX Cosmetics for years but never got the pleasure of trying them out for myself! 

So here are the products I picked up!!

NYX Pore Filler 

I was in dire need of a primer and I was planning on repurchasing my tried and true Maybelline Baby Skin Primer (Review Here) but I came across the NYX stand first so I decided to try out this baby. I have been using it for a couple of days now and I like it but there will be a more indepth review coming soon... *pinky promise* 

     

NYX Round Lipstick - Summer Love

Girl you know I cant resist a Nude haha. If you have been following my blog for a while or follow me on any of my social media again you will already know that these are the colours that I gravitate towards so I was simply powerless and had to pick up a nude. I fell in love with this shade - Summer Love. again Ive only used it once so I cant give a full review but these are so super creamy! I couldnt believe it!!    

NYX Round Lipstick - Power

This is another I had to give a home. I just couldnt bare to leave it sitting on the shelf! Its like a lilac-y , nude-y , Pastel-y, colour and I think it will be perfect for the spring / summer season!!  *I think Its actually coming off a lot darker in the photo than in person. If you have a NYX counter near you check it out*

NYX Butter Gloss - Creme Brulee

It was not possible to leave the stand with out trying one the most hyped up products from NYX , the Butter Glosses! I decided to pick up a nudy one of course the beauty blogger famous Creme Brulee. I havent tried this one out yet for myself but Im looking forward to it and I will be letting you guys know if I think thats its worth the hype.  

That is everything! Like I said it wasnt a lot but I was so excited to finally try them out!! also as I have already I will be keeping you guys updated on my thoughts and feelings about them!!

Have you tried any of these products?? What did you think??

Do you have any recommendations on any NYX products that I should try and get my hands on next??

chat to you all soon

If you want more then you might want to check out my lifestyle blog? Beauty La Linda Lifestyle

Thank You For Reading

xox

Getting Duped! Naked Palate Original!

Hey hey,

W7 have done it again. In the past I have posted about the W7 Palate dupes for Naked 2 & 3 (If you would like to read them then just click HERE) And now I have managed to pick up another 2 palates from them! The dupe for the Naked Original Palate is called W7 Lightly Toasted (cute name!)

I know I am not the first person or indeed blogger to discover these and many of you may have read these kinds of post already but If you have yet to read one and are looking for a good Naked Palate dupe then this is the perfect post for you!!

Again like the In The Buff palate (Naked 2 dupe) & the In The Nude palate (Naked 3 dupe) the packaging is the same colour as their more expensive Urban Decay counterpart. The Lightly Toasted palate comes in a brown tin container with gold writing. The packing is obviously not as swanky or expensive looking as the Naked palate but considering the palate is less than 10 euro I would expect that to be the case. It comes with a small double ended brush which I probably wont get much use out of but I might use the duo fibre side to smoke out under nearth the lash line as its the perfect size for it.

Swatches

   

The pigment on these are outstanding as usual but they do tend to have a bit of fallout, especially with the darker shades. The only shade I wasnt that happy with was Di Di (smog dupe) as smog is probably my favourite shade and it just didnt compare, however I truly believe you can create almost any look with this palate that you could create with the Naked Original palate.

As I have said in the past nothing would ever persuade me to give up my Naked palates! I love them and all the hype is justified but in saying that W7 have created an excellent dupe for a fraction of the cost. The packaging my not be as fancy or the staying power as long (just use a primer) but they are excellent shades with buttery texture for under 10 euro.

I highly recommend these if you are starting out with makeup and want a Naked look but dont want or are unable to pay out up to 50 euro on a palate. Also I found these are good to take on trips or holidays if you dont want to bring your expensive palates away with you incase they get lost or damaged. My sister is going inter-railing in the summer and swears by the Naked 2 palate! but is afraid of losing it so instead she is taking W7 In The Buff instead as it is so similar but is a fraction of the cost and easier to replace!!

Have you tried any of these palates yet??

Which one is you favourite??

Thank You for Reading

xox         

Pamper Month || Whats your skin type? || Beginners Guide to knowing your skin type!!

Hello ladies, 

This post is going to focus on skin type. Many people are unaware as to how knowing your skin type can be beneficial when choosing cosmetic and skincare products. When purchasing a new product no matter how much research you do you are still taking a gamble. Will this work for me?? Will I see any results?? Will it break me out?? Will it make me look flawless?? These are all questions that run through our minds when pick up a new foundation or moisturiser so it still baffles me as to why anyone would want to make that process any harder by not knowing their skin type.

No matter how good the product worked on your friend who is a combo / oily girl, It is never going to work on you if you are a normal / dry or sensitive skin kinda girl (unless specified for all skin types) and this is something I think that needs to be recognised. I really hate to think that people waste their money on expensive products that never had a shot of working for them in the first place. 

I am here to help! Here is my guide to knowing your skin type!

Normal Skin

The best way of describing this skin type is the skin a child has. Not oily or acne prone, or dry and flaky and usually not sensitive. Soft, Even pigmentation and healthy looking. This is this is the most desirable skin type to have but it is rare. The only thing about having this skin type is the people that have generally do not take care of it because there is skin is a non-issue, meaning later in life their skin will suffer. 

• Benefits - Easiest of all skin types to have
• Draw backs - More likely to suffer later in life

Dry Skin

This is where the skin does not produce enough sebum. The skin will look dry and flaky and will feel tight (this is not a good thing) This skin type if not taken care of can age the quickest as it does not have enough oil/moisture underneath the skin the aid the movement of it. It is also the quickest skin type to get broken capilaries which cause redness or rosacea of the skin.

• Benefits - Skin will be clear and acne free
• Draw backs - Skin will age quicker

Oily Skin

This is where the skin produces too much sebum and there is an oily residue on the skin. Skin can look oily / sweaty. Tends to be acne prone. This skin type ages the slowest as it has all that oil to keep it subtle. #Tip - If you have oily skin do not make it your mission to strip it of all its natural oils. This will make your skin think it is not producing enough as your skin is getting drier and encourage it to produce more!! Instead use a night oil serum as part of your nightly routine and this will trick your skin into thinking it has already produced enough and slow down on the oil production!!

•  Benefits - Takes the longest to age
• Draw backs - Can be the most problematic of skin 

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is usual dry and tight to touch. It is not usually Over oily or Over dry but it can become irritated easily and is very reactive to products that go near it. Also tends to have redness. People with sensitive skin need to be careful and understand what ingredients / makeup lines work for them and more importantly what ones dont!

• Benefits - skin will is not acne prone or generally have too much dryness
• Draw backs - Person will need to be very careful when choosing products  

Combination skin

Most people will have combination skin this is where they will experience oiliness in their T-zone (which consists of across the forehead and down the nose) and dryness on their cheeks and chin. This means that different products need to be used in different areas in order to treat and aid the different skin types. It is also possible to have any combination of skin. 

• Benefits - as there are a combo all drawbacks of others (apart from sensitive) are decreased
• Drawbacks - Can be tougher to treat as there are different areas/issues to focus on

Unfortunately one final bit of bad news - Skin type can change depending on the season. In generall skin tends to get oilier in summer (heat) and dryer in winter (cold) but again it depends on the individual. 

I personally am Normal/Dry. This just means that my skin is mostly Normal but tends to get dry every now and then and that has be addressed. If left untreated I have experienced very bad dryness!

I hope this helped you!!

My previous post! - Youtubers/Bloggers made me do it 2014! - Link

My Lifestyle Blog - Beauty La Linda Lifestyle

My Previous Lifestyle post! - The Universe has a plan right?? - Link

Thank You For Reading

xox 

YouTubers / Bloggers made me do it! 2014

Hey Everyone!

So one of the wonderful things about being apart of this great community is that I get hear about and see so many different beauty products that ordinarily I may have never stumbled upon or took much interest in. This however makes it inevitable that I will end up purchasing these products! This post is dedicated to the products that I picked up last year or even late 2013 due to the testimonies of other Bloggers / Youtubers. Unfortunately I didnt have some of the products to hand so I had to improvise with pics from the internet.

Nicole Guerriero

Nicole Guerriero is the first Beauty Guru I ever watched on YouTube and honestly the first person who opened up my eyes to this whole world. I remember I was looking for a smokey eye and thought maybe YouTube might have the answer and I stumbled upon her video Dewy Skin & Bronzey Eyes - Link. I then went on to watch her other videos and I was hooked started looking for other YouTubers and never looked back. 

Two Products I ended up picking up solely on Ms Guerrieros recommendations were

• Loreal True Match Foundation
• Urban Decay Setting Spray

I have loved both of these products and the Loreal True Match is probably my favourite drugstore foundation of all time! The only downside to the Urban Decay Setting Spray is that the packaging seems to get so dirty and cant be cleaned!!

Tanya Burr

Tanya Burr is just the sweetest person I think! I think If I knew here in real life we would def be besties haha. She is the second YouTuber I ever watched! I found her so easy to watch and so likeable. It is because of her that I picked up 

• Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation
• Rimmel Stay Matt Powder

I think both of these items have featured in favourites and they were all because of this lady!

Zoella

Honestly when I first started watching her on YouTube I didnt know what to make of her. I wasnt sure what she was beauty? lifestyle? I was so new to this whole vlogging culture and I didnt understand it.... Ah seems so long ago now ..... Now however I have so much respect for this girl. She really is an inspiration to all us normal girls. She just seems like someone you would want to hang out with and chat about life. I am currently reading here book Girl Online and loving it! From watching Zoes beauty videos I was inspired to pick up 

• Sleek Cosmetics blushes and eyeshadow palattes

I now own 2 blushes in swede and roses n gold and 2 eyeshadow palattes in Storm and Eu Natural

If you would like to read more on the sleek cosmetics I own just click here - Link 

Pixiwoo

These two are constant inspiration for make up ideas! They are so talented!! Honestly I dont know what YouTube ever did without them! So it may come as now surprise when I tell you what I picked up from watching them .... any guesses??

• Real Techinques Brushes

I love them so much! good job you guys!!

Tati

Last but certainly not least Tati! I love watching her! Shes so quirky but in a good way haha. and always has helpful tips and hints! From watching here videos I went out and bought 

• Collection lasting Perfection Concealer
• Maybelline Colour Tatoos

I love both these products. She was right on point with her reviews as always.

There are so many others that I didnt include or else I would be here all night but I thought I would just pick 5 of my favourite YouTubers / Bloggers and tell you a couple of things I felt inspired to purchase. I you havent checked out any of their channels then here are the links

• Nicole Guerriero
• Tanya Burr
• Zoella
• Pixiwoo
• Tati

What Bloggers / YouTubers have inspired you to pick up products??

Have seen my previous post?? Best of Beauty 2014 - Link

If you would like check out my Lifestyle Blog  - Beauty La Linda Lifestyle

My previous Lifestyle post The Universe has a plan right??

Thank You For Reading

xox