Hi guys :)
I'm heading out tomorrow night and I thought it would be interesting if I shared my holy grail items and must-haves with you! I use all of these products almost every time I'm going on a night out so they're definitely tried & tested :) So let's get started..
I always try to start the night before I go out. This is when I wash my hair and exfoliate and moisturise my skin. This is also the time to (ahem) de-fuzz your legs, if you're planning on getting them out.. Otherwise we all know there's no point! I dry my hair thoroughly but I don't bother with styling it and then I usually go to bed :)
Now on to my essential products..
#1 Cocoa Brown 1 hour tan mousse in Dark - My number one favourite tan for a night out! It goes on evenly, leaves a gorgeous colour and of course develops in only one hour. I like to apply one layer of this to my legs, arms, chest and back during the day. I then like to go in with another layer about 2 hours before I head out!
#2 MAC Prep & Prime Skin - I always always always use primer when I'm going out. I feel like it's an extra step that I like to take just to ensure that my make up lasts!
#3 MAC Studio Fix Powder - Again this is just an extra step to help my make up last all night.
#4 BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector - I love to have a glow at any time of the day but I always whip this out for the night time! It is so pigmented and gorgeous and glowy :) Any highlighter will just really glam up your look!
#5 Hard Candy Poppin Pigments - I love to focus on my eyes when I go out and glitter is always a winner for me!
#6 MAC Vegas Volt Lipstick - If I don't feel like going glittery with my eyes, I'll definitely go with bold lips! Seeing as it's summer.. I've been loving coral and orange colours like Vegas Volt :)
#7 Ardell Glamour Wispies - My favourite false eyelashes ever! I apply these with my DUO eyelash adhesive using a tweezers. False lashes instantly transform any make up look from day time to night time and they're definitely a must-have for me!
#8 Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray - Using a setting spray locks in your make up and gets rid of any excess powder that might not show up in real life but you with definitely see in photos. I also carry this in my bag just to refresh throughout the night!
#9 Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo - I curl or straighten my hair and then add this too my roots. I use it as a texturizing spray and the XXL version gives a loverly bit of oomph ;)
#10 L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray - This provides a strong hold with no crispiness and best of all, it brushes out! I use this after I've fully styled my hair and I do bring a little travel size out with me for touch ups!
#11 Soap & Glory Glow Lotion - Just before I get dressed, I like to add a bit of sparkle and sheen to my legs and décolletage. This lotion doesn't make you look like a disco ball but it makes your pins look extra special!
I hope you guys enjoyed this and I will speak to you again soon :)
Love Shannon x
Hi guys :)
So to follow up from my skincare routine, I thought I'd share with you my secrets to achieving a flawless face! I'm just going to go through a few simple steps and share some tips and tricks that I use when I'm going for a full coverage, airbrushed finish. I hope you learn something new and also, feel free to switch around the products and use whatever you already own!
Step One : Moisturise
I like to apply a really thin layer of moisturiser to my clean skin before I start to apply any make up. This Cetaphil one is really gentle and doesn't leave a greasy residue after it's absorbed. This just helps to wake up the skin and makes the foundation go on more smoothly.
Step Two : Prime
I always use a primer whether I'm going on a night out or just having a no-makeup make up day! I like to use a pore minimising one around my nose.. I've been loving the L'Oreal YouthCode Pore Vanisher recently. I then use a regular primer over the rest of my face. I'm obsessed with the Hourglass Mineral Veil but the MAC Prep + Prime one is a lovely alternative. A primer just fills in any fine lines and creates an even, smooth base.
Step Three : Foundation
More often than not, I like to go for a medium coverage foundation. I don't have any acne but I do have some redness on my jaw line and above my eyebrows, funnily enough! I always choose a foundation that matches my neck and one with a yellow undertone. The most important thing when choosing a foundation is to make sure it has the right undertone for your skin.. I can't stress that enough!! The easiest way to find out is to go to your nearest make up counter and get a professionals advice :)
I hope you've enjoyed this and look out for my concealer and powder post in the next few days!
Thanks so much for reading :)
Love Shannon x
Hi guys :)
I can't actually believe it's been four months since I posted! I've wanted to get back to it for ages so to get back into the swing of things I thought I'd start with my current skincare routine.
For all the years that I've been obsessed with make up, I've never had any interest in skincare. I literally used a wipe to remove my make up and that was as far as it went! (I know, I should be shot!) But over the past few months I've started to really enjoy taking care of my skin. My make up goes on nicer, my skin is less combination and more on the normal side and people have actually complimented me on my new "glow".. And no, I'm not pregnant!!
I just wanted to show you a few things that I have been loving recently! Unfortunately, I did actually buy most of these products in Sephora whilst I was in California.. Butttt now the lovely people of Sephora have started to ship to the UK! Great news for the people of Britain but also good news for the Irish as you can use Parcel Motel to get it to you in just 10-14 days :) So let's just start before I go on a rant of how much I love Sephora...
I like to TRY and wash my face every morning and every night but like for us normal people that's basically impossible! I do get it done some days but the mornings tend to be every other day. I'm just going to go through the products individually and tell you what I use them for and how often :)
Clarisonic Mia (Lavender) :
Price - $99(+tax)/ Converts to about €75 or £60
What it does - It's supposed to clean your face 30 times better than when you use your hands. It pulls the dirt and nasty stuff from deep under the surface of your skin and gives a good thorough clean!
Usage - I use this with my cleanser every time I wash my face.
Philosophy 'Purity' Cleanser :
Price - $23(+tax) for 236.6ml or 8 fl. oz/ Converts to about €18 or £14
What it does - It is a one-step facial cleanser that deep cleans pores and eliminates make up build-up. It hydrates and conditions as it melts away make up and it is fragrance free!
Usage - I use this every time I wash my face in the mornings and every other night.
Vichy NORMADERM Deep Cleansing Purifying Gel :
Price - €13.50 in Irish pharmacies (for 200ml).
What it does - It cleanses sebum and impurities without drying.
Usage - I use this every other night.
MAC Mineralize Volcanic Ash Exfoliator :
Price - £22 or €28 on the MAC website
What it does - Refines and unclogs the skin, adds instant moisture and leaves the skin feeling soft and comfortably clean.
Usage - I use this about three times a week in conjunction with the Purity cleanser.
First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Mask :
Price - $30(+tax)/ Converts to about €24 or £19
What it does - Minimises pores, controls oil and mattifys the skin.
Usage - I use this twice a week, in the night time.
P.S It peels off!!!
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream :
Price - $12(+tax) for 2 oz/ Converts to about €9.50 or £7.50
What it does - Hydrates dry, parched skin.
Usage - I use this every morning I wash my face.
Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil :
Price - $16(+tax) for 15ml/ Converts to about €12 or £9.50
What it does - Use it as a moisturiser, a night time treatment and to heal and condition skin.
Usage - I use this oil every night.
So that's my full routine for you guys! If you would like a separate review on any of these products then let me know in a comment here or on my Instagram.
Thank you so much for reading :)
Love Shannon x
