Orange is the New Black

(L-R Sleek Papaya Punch, Rimmel In Love With Ginger & Revlon Tutti Frutti)

Now I know what you're thinking, 'Why have you picked three lipsticks which are exactly the same colour, lined them up in a slightly wonky manner and taken a photo of them?' WELL let me tell you. It's becoming pretty clear that one of the major beauty trends for spring/summer is an orange lip and lucky for me I have a good few to choose from. As far as the shades go, the subtle differences in colour aren't really done justice by a photograph unfortunately, but I promise they are there. And if the crooked nature of their arrangement is irritating you as much as it is me, just bear with me - lipsticks have a tendency to roll around, and when you don't have Blu-Tack to hand there's no stopping them. I tried to create a beautifully precise composition and it just didn't happen, so I'm sorry about that.

Onto the important stuff - I've picked out a few options if you're wanting to tap into the orange lip trend; a couple of bold choices and one slightly more understated option.

1. Sleek True Colour Lipstick in Papaya Punch - If you like matte lipsticks, this is an absolute must. The colour is beautiful orangey coral with a slight hint of pink and when I wear it, I feel as though I should be in some tropical place rocking a grass skirt and flower garland. If that's not a reason to buy a lipstick then what is? The formula is fantastic as well, it stays put like nobody's business and whilst matte lipsticks can be a bit drying, I find that if I wack on some lip balm beforehand then that's not a problem at all.

2. Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in In Love With Ginger - This is another great bold option, but feels more nourishing on the lips and has a sheen to it rather than being completely matte. I would say the shade is more of a true orange with red undertones and for such a hydrating lipstick, the pigmentation is insanely good. I don't find that it lasts quite as well as the Sleek option, but that's the price you pay for such a glossy finish. 

3. Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti - I absolutely love the Revlon lip butters; they're so hydrating with almost a balm-like texture and provide a far more sheer finish. Having said that, they do provide a nice dose of colour and can be patted on to achieve more of a stain or built up for a slightly brighter finish. This shade is a lovely orange coral and, most importantly, there's not a hint of shimmer in sight (why they insist on having some of the lip butters resemble a glitter glue stick is beyond me). If you're not quite ready to commit to a full on, in your face orange lip then this is a brilliant choice.

I think as far as the orange lip trend goes there's definitely an option for everyone; you can go matte or glossy, bold and bright or for something a little more daytime appropriate. And anyway, you know what they say: just because the weather's still stuck in mid December, it doesn't mean your face has to be... (nobody says that).

Blushing

(Shades L-R: Kitten, Peony, Gerbera, Rose, Petunia)

Stila is a brand that I've heard a lot about, but I've never actually had the chance to try any of their products before. It isn't stocked at my local Boots, however on a recent mooch around one of the Manchester stores, I noticed that they had a Stila stand and decided to have a little swatching sesh. 

Their Convertible Colours, which are a cream product to be used on your cheeks or lips as you please, are the thing that seem to stand out for a lot of people. I spotted them straight away and studied them carefully, had a little poke at the (slightly gross & sticky) testers and came to the conclusion that I couldn't actually come to a conclusion at all. I couldn't decide between three of the shades; Peony, Gerbera and Rose. They come in at £16.00 a pop which, for someone who a) can't commit to a decision and b) isn't all that versed in the ways of the cream blush, is pretty pricey. So, I stared at them a little longer until I finally did the sensible thing and walked away empty handed. On the same day, I also queued for twenty minutes in a swelteringly hot Zara to buy a top I didn't really need...but you win some and you lose some, don't you?

It wasn't until I got home that I remembered seeing talk of their Colour Me Pretty palette circulating around Christmas time. After a quick Google search, it turned out that this collection of five shades (including all of the three that I couldn't quite decide between) came in at a grand total of £19.50 - only £3.50 more than a single colour. They are obviously smaller than the full size, however as an introduction to the brand, this is a brilliant buy and pretty ideal for someone like me who has enough trouble deciding what to have for breakfast in the mornings, let alone choosing just one of these beautiful shades. I think they'll be perfect for spring and summer for adding a bit of colour to the cheeks whilst looking extremely natural and providing a pretty, dewy finish.

Look Lively

The beginning of January isn't the most fun time of year - dragging yourself out of bed and doing actual, everyday, functioning things after a week of lie ins and only removing the onesie in order to seek out alcohol is, in a word, hell. I'm tired and grumpy in the mornings and when I wake up it's written all over my face in the form of dark circles the size of Australia. I know I'm not the only one suffering, so here are the products I choose to slap on when I want to fake like I've had a glorious night's sleep...

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Faundation in no. 5 - This provides the best coverage whilst imparting a nice glow on my skin when the only vitamin it has been receiving recently is vitamin T(urkey). I choose this when I'm feeling extravagant, otherwise I got for a cheaper but still much-loved option in the Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation.

Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot Powder - I always top off my foundation with this powder and this really is my absolute favourite. There's something about the office environment which my skin doesn't like - I don't know if it's the air con itself or just the general lack of fresh air, but I usually need a bit of powder to keep the shine at bay. This is so finely milled you literally can't detect it on your skin, and being translucent, it doesn't mess with the colour of your face or give you an oompa loompa edge, which would not be ideal.

Rimmel Blusher in Santa Rose - This peachy pink blush is perfect for adding a nice flush to your cheeks and injecting a little of that colour you may have lost after too many After Eights and not enough veg. The slight shimmer is something which would usually put me off, however it's very subtle and just adds a little highlight and radiance without looking too obvious.  

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla - My eyes are the place you can instantly recognise that I've stayed up later than I should watching one too many episodes of Catfish: The TV Show. I've always struggled to find anything that I think covers my dark circles sufficiently but having heard about this Nars concealer numerous times, I finally invested in it and I'm so pleased that I did. It's incredibly hydrating so it doesn't feel heavy, but despite its formula, the coverage is still amazing - you literally need the tiniest amount. I occasionally pair this with the Seventeen Phoarr Paint in fair underneath, which is quite a thick consistency but makes an ideal base for when I'm really suffering from a lack of shuteye.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Khol Kajal in Nude - It's no secret that a nude or white eyeliner used in your waterline does wonders to brighten up tired eyes. I always reach for this nude offering from Rimmel when I'm looking to cancel out any redness and make me look all in all more awake. One swipe of this bad boy is equivalent to at least another five hours sleep!

Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara - This is my favourite mascara for creating a wide eyed look and its dense black colour is perfect for those of us with fairer lashes. I really do think it makes all the difference, especially when I'm feeling less than well rested (ie. every day).

Sometimes we all need a helping hand to make us feel prepared to face the world and for me, that involves at the very least a little bit of concealer and mascara to make me look slightly more alert and less like all that's going through my mind is what I'm having for my tea. Slap on these little wonders and no-one will be any the wiser!

Festive Fingertips

I'm a big fan of the whole 'accent nail' thing - not only does it look really effective but it also means that you can try something a bit different without having to do it on every single fingernail, which is good if it's slightly tricky or ends up looking a bit rubbish and requires a speedy removal. For this combination I used Essie's Wicked (which I actually picked up as a possible replacement for my favourite Accessorize polish mentioned in this post - I just can't find it in store anymore!) and then some sliver glitter which is part of this Andrea Fulerton set. I was given the set as a present by a friend who is well aware of my polish obsession and really enjoy using it - it's perfect for a bit of festive sparkle at this time of year. It's also very easy to use - just paint on the clear polish, hold the little tube of your desired colour above your nail and give it a little squeeze to release the glitter. I then like to press the glitter really gently to make sure it's sticking to the polish, leave it for a couple of seconds, tap off the excess and paint over it again with the clear polish to seal. A quick tip - I tend to just paint over the very end of the nail where the glitter is otherwise I find it can end up being smudged all over my nail so it looks more like a top coat - I'm yet to master the full on graduated effect thing!

I've had the glitter on for over a week now and it's yet to budge so I'm hoping it will stick around until Christmas day without me having to touch it up - pretty good going when the ends of my nails are usually starting to chip after about 3 days. If you fancy something a little bit special for the festive season but want to keep it low maintenance, this sort of thing is an ideal option.

Vamped-up Lips & Fingertips

Accessorize is not necessarily a brand that automatically springs to mind when I'm having one of my five daily daydreams about beauty items. Bags and jewellery, yes, and fair isle knit gloves, definitely, but make up not so much. I imagine this is the case for a lot of people, but having said that, I do consider them a bit of an unsung hero of the nail colour world. The quality is excellent and at four quid a pop, they're very reasonably priced. This nail polish in Blackberry is my absolute favourite to wear in autumn and winter, and when you consider it in the of context my disgustingly extensive collection, that fact speaks for itself. It's the most flawless deep, rich burgundy shade which teeters on the edge of black in some lights and leaves a glossy, sleek finish - my go-to option when I'm donning dark tips and the only polish I've ever set my sights on repurchasing.

A dark lip is also a favourite at this time of year and Revlon's Black Cherry is nothing short of perfection! One swipe of this lipstick instantly adds a moody, gothic twist to your makeup and it's a really simple way to take you from day to night for those post-office Christmas events. The only thing with these sorts of darker lip colours is that I do find myself a bit wary of smudging them around my mouth and looking like I've face-planted a black forrest gateau, but luckily that's never been a problem so far. This lipstick is easy to wear blotted on as a more sheer stain or built up to create a full on vintage vixen effect.

This pairing goes together like mulled wine and mince pies AND their names rhyme too (kinda)....coincidence? I think not. This is a duo made to complement one another and achieves the ultimate vamped-up combo.

Festive Dupes

Nail sets are a gift much appreciated by any digit decorator when it comes to Christmas time and this Mariah Carey for O.P.I 'The Look' trio is no exception. With a deep, blackberry shade, shimmery gold and full on, sparkling all over the shop, holographic glitter, it covers all the bases for the festive season. Now we all know that December is Mariah's month and once you hear the opening bars of All I Want For Christmas, it's impossible not to become a wailing banshee, suddenly possessed by the woman herself. Normally, I would be a bit disturbed by old Mazza smiling back at me from a box of nail varnish, but not at Christmas.

It retails at £23 full price, but currently has 13% off at ASOS...winner. However, if you're wanting to give (or receive!) something similar for fewer pennies, I've scoped out some alternatives which are readily available on the high street and could be packaged together to create a unique, hand-picked present - Revlon Top Speed Nail Polish in Forbidden, Revlon Nail Enamel in Rich and Barry M Hologram Hexograms. Not exact copies, but they're pretty close and coming in at a grand total just short of £16, it saves a few quid to spend on other gifts (or in January when they're selling off the selection boxes...)

Winter Warmers

(L-R: Revlon CustomEyes in Naturally Glamorous, Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Eyeshadow in Metallic Pomegranate & On and On Bronze, MAC All That Glitters & Soba)

I'm all for a bold lip colour but when it comes to eyes, I don't tend to stray far from the neutral spectrum.  Most of the shades pictured above are well-loved all year round, however I do think that they're especially apt at the moment.  As the weather gets colder and the nights close in, I find myself going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark - suffice to say my vitamin D intake is not currently at its best!  So, I use any opportunity to add a bit of colour to my paler than pale complexion.  I find that a tinge of warmth on the eye can really help and these are my top tones for doing just that. 

1. Revlon CustomEyes in Naturally Glamorous - This little palette is really affordable and brilliant for travelling as it holds everything a neutral eye lover needs - a few different brown options, a black and a champagne colour.  The only thing it's lacking is a matte shade, but then again who's going to say no to a bit of shimmer as the countdown to Christmas approaches?  My most-used shades are the pearlescent highlight and the deep reddish-brown.  I find that the latter is ideal when paired with...

2. Maybelline Color Tattoo in Metallic Pomegranate - You might remember a few posts ago I mentioned how I was having a bit of a love-from-afar thing going on with MAC Cranberry eyeshadow. The problem was, I just couldn't justify the price tag as a) I would only use it in the colder months and b) I was concerned that, due to my cack-handed application, I might end up looking like I was harbouring some sort of unfortunate eye infection.  Instead, I decided to save my pennies and plumped for this little beauty at a fraction of the price - the perfect wine-coloured cream shadow to create a dark, more dramatic autumnal eye.  I knew I was a fan of the formula already as I previously purchased...   

3. Maybelline Color Tattoo and On Bronze - A beautiful, burnished bronze shade which is as wearable in the day as it is at night - use it as a light wash across the lid or build it up into a strong smoky eye for an evening look.  These Color Tattoos stay put for ages, especially if you're using them as a base for powder.  Their buttery texture means that they're extremely blendable and simple to pop on with your finger if you feel like giving the brushes a rest.  I really don't see myself buying other cream shadows any time soon, which says something because I like shopping.  A lot.

4. MAC All That Glitters - A great every day option, this lies somewhere between a beige, a pink and a gold.  It does wonders to wake up tired eyes and creates a natural, pretty look without any effort whatsoever.  My kinda (lazy) make up.

5. MAC Soba - On Anna's recommendation, I picked this up due to its wonderful quality of adding definition where you need it and somehow giving the illusion that you've spent ages perfectly blending different shades to create a subtle, smoldering eye when in fact, you've slapped it on in about 5 seconds with one peeper still clinging on to the land of nod.   

You may have noticed a running theme here in that when I'm up early and contemplating the day ahead, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in front of the mirror looking at my fatigued face and piling it on with a trowel to try and convince the world that I didn't spend hours watching Breaking Bad when I should have been catching up on sleep.  I find that all of these shadows are a great option for a fool-proof eye look if you want to feel a bit more Kardashian than Worzel Gummidge, but stick to a 5 minute application window and also add a bit of warmth for winter.

Rose Tinted

Rosy-toned pinks are lovely to wear all year round, but I find myself reaching for them even more once Spring is over.  I usually tend to reserve orange peaches and coral hues for the warmer months as I find them more flattering when the sunshine has given me a (very limited!) bit of colour, but a good blushed rose shade works wonders to brighten up even the palest complexion.

I wear a couple of these products most days - the MAC blusher in Mocha is described as a 'plum-pink' but on my fair skin tone it transfers an incredibly natural rosy glow which is a perfect everyday colour. The Seventeen Mirror Shine Lipstick in Belle (which I must have repurchased at least 3 times) is also my go-to when I'm looking to add a subtle hint of colour to the lips.  The formula of the lipstick is very sheer and glossy meaning that it feels extremely light and moisturising - perfect when the change in temperature can cause mine to resemble a shrivelled prune if I don't look after them.  It's very close to my own lip colour so it's ideal to just throw on without having to worry about being neat or patchiness as it wears off - a foolproof option on days when you just can't be bothered.

The other blush pictured above is one that I've spoken about before, the Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in Soft Pink.  It's perfect for adding a natural flush to your cheeks and giving you the whole 'I've been on a brisk country walk' look minus the sweat and without having to move off the sofa.  Nice.

The top shade of the eyeshadow trio is another long time favourite of mine - a pinky tone with a hint of gold shimmer.  It's part of a palette called Pretty Posey which I think must be one of the old versions of the No7 Stay Perfect eyeshadow trios - I've had it for ages and it doesn't look to be in production anymore, which is a shame because it's really lovely!  It reminds me of MAC All that Glitters, but with a bit more colour to it -  a really easy shade to wear in the daytime when you just want a wash of something simple to brighten up your eyes. 

Finally, in keeping with the whole floral theme, I wanted to mention the Bourjois Java Rice Loose Powder which has that old-fashioned, slightly Grandma-ish rose scent to it.  Don't get me wrong, it's not like you'll smell as though you've been doused in Eau de Ethel or anything, it just has a really comforting fragrance.  The product is a revival of the historical best seller and the packaging has heaps of vintage charm.  The powder itself is a delicate, illuminating highlight which I've really been enjoying to add a bit of radiance to the skin in just a few sweeps of the brush.

Now, the 'super rouged-up lady of the night, throw everything pink you've ever owned all over your face at once' look is never attractive, but it's pretty impossible to go overboard with any of these products.  A natural rose pink is as classic as it gets and never fails to provide a fresh-faced finish.

Ideal for Autumn

If it isn't obvious enough from the products pictured above, I'll confess I'm addicted to beauty blogs. It's difficult not to get caught up in the hype surrounding those products everyone seems to talk about, especially when they're opinions I trust - people like Anna, Lily, Estée and Kate. If something really takes my eye, I jot it down in my phone - a never-ending list of things I could never justify buying, let alone afford, but like to keep there just in case, y'know, I win the lottery or something.

In an ideal world where I do my weekly shop at Selfridges beauty hall and Space NK, here's what I'd pick for Autumn:

1. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation - Starting off with a foot slightly in reality, this is one thing I do actually own.  After researching, sampling and trial testing this foundation over the space of 6 or more months, I bit the bullet and bought it.  I'd ummed and arred about parting with my cash as I wouldn't usually spend that much on a foundation, but it was by no means an impulse purchase and I'm so glad I did buy it.  It sounds stupid, but it's an investment! I tend to reserve it for evenings out and special occasions, favouring a cheaper alternative for my everyday foundation, but if I could justify slathering it all over my face 7 days a week, I would.  Number 5 is my perfect colour match, it's great coverage without being cakey and, as the name suggests, luminous but without being too shiny.  Light enough for Summer and hydrating enough to carry you into the colder months, this foundation will continue to be a firm favourite.

2. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light - Now this is where my user knowledge ends!  All I can say is that the reviews of this powder are amazing, the idea being that the different shades have different effects.  I'd go for Diffused Light as it supposedly blurs pores, imperfections and all the other nasties you want to hide whilst reducing redness and imparting a natural glow.  Don't mind if I do.

3. Kevin Aucoin Sculpting Powder - because in my head, if I used this, I'd give myself cheekbones to rival Keira Knightley.  Not physically possible, but maybe the best chance I'd have would be to team it with...

4. Charlotte Tilbury Powder & Sculpt Brush - Charlotte launched her own make up range a few months ago and since then, the praise has been unanimous - unsurprising considering she is one of the world's most sought-after make up artists.  Here's hoping this brush could impart some serious Tilbury skill upon its user.

5. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer - Dark circles are notoriously troublesome and I'm always on the lookout for a product which does the job of covering them up without breaking the bank.  At the moment, I'm using the L'Oréal Paris True Match Touche Magique, but were money no object, I'd be snapping up that Nars Concealer everyone seems to love in a flash.  My expectations are almost certainly unrealistic but, with its hydrating and brightening properties, I'm imagining one sweep of this would leave me looking like I'd slept for a week.

6. Bobbi Brown Blush in Berry - For the last base product, I've been seriously drawn to this deep berry-pink blush.  In the same way that the Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush gives you a lovely, healthy flush, this tone would be a beautiful matte choice for the colder seasons.

7. MAC Cranberry & 8. By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Velvet Orchid - Normally, I'm all about neutrals on the eyes.  I usually go for something with minimal effort, a cream or powder which can be swept all across the lid or built up to create a smokey effect.  For Autumn though, I'd love to be a bit more adventurous and try one of these red or purple-toned shades for a smudgy, effortless eye look...but chances are I'd actually end up looking like I'd faced 3 rounds with Mike Tyson.

9. Chanel Le Vernis in Rouge Noir & 10. Sleek True Colour Lipstick in Dare - A dark burgundy nail or lip colour is perfect for this time of year.  I don't think you need to be extravagant when buying nail varnishes as brands like Rimmel and Revlon really bring it on the high street, but I couldn't talk nails without mentioning the cult Chanel Rouge Noir - it really is the perfect Autumn shade!  Finally, I wanted to end on something which is budget-friendly but still great quality - this vampy lip colour by Sleek screams sophistication and I can definitely vouch for the formula.  Sleek lipsticks are incredibly long lasting and pigmented and, at the fraction of the price of all the other products mentioned, what's not to love?  This, I may just have to purchase!

So, that's it, my unbridled spree into Autumn beauty.  Looks like I'm gonna have to get picking those lottery numbers...