Dramatic Make-up Tutorial using Urban Decay Naked Palette

Hi guys :)

I thought I'd do a more dramatic look with the original Naked palette seeing as though my other one was quite wearable. This look is really quick and easy.. It only took me about fifteen minutes to do my whole face :) I hope you enjoy! 

Step one : 

I first filled in my eyebrows. I then applied a primer to help the eyeshadows last all day.. For this look I used Urban Decay's Primer Potion in Eden. Using a fluffy brush, I applied "Buck" slightly above my crease to help everything blend together at the end! 

Step two : 

I applied "Smog" all over the lid using a flat shader brush (I used the MAC 239). I was trying to create quite a dark smoky look so I brought the colour all the way into the inner corner. 

Step three : 

Using a MAC 217, I applied "Darkhorse" to the outer third of the eye. I also blended this colour slightly into the crease. 

Step four : 

With the same fluffy brush that I used before, I applied "Creep" into and above the crease. I also brought this colour right into the inner corner for a more dramatic effect. 

Step five : 

With an angled brush, I applied "Darkhorse" to the lower lashline. Again, I took the colour right into the inner corner. I used the angle of the brush to join the bottom lashline to the eyeshadow at the corner of my eye. 

Step six : 

For this step I used a random black pencil eyeliner (possibly Catrice). I applied this to the tightline and the waterline of the eye. 

Step seven : 

Using the same eyeliner, I drew a rough line across the upper lashline.. Making sure to take the eyeliner into the inner corner. 

Step eight : 

I blended out the line using a pencil brush and the eyeshadow in "Creep". This gives the look a very smoky and smouldering look. It also gives the look more dimension without having the look of a harsh liquid liner. 

Step nine : 

I applied two or three coats of mascara and I was done! You could definitely add false lashes to this look if you wish.. I was wearing it during the day so I thought this was dramatic enough :) 

Thank you so much for reading guys :) If you have any questions or suggestion don't hesitate to comment or email me! 

Love Shannon x

November Favourites including Mini Reviews + GIVEAWAY :)

Hi guys :)


I just wanted to share with you some products that I was loving during the month of November! I tried to only include new favourites rather than products that I use all the time just because it would take me days to write a post that long! I will be doing a post all about what face products I've been using all the time plus another one on eye products so they should be up in the next week :) I hope you're all well and enjoy!


Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation (Soft Ivory) :

I have become obsessed with this foundation ever since I bought it! I've only had it about three weeks but it's quickly replaced my MAC Studio Fix Fluid. It has a VERY thick consistency.. Almost like a body butter. The coverage is amazing.. I would say that it's a very high coverage foundation but that's what I like so that's a plus! It is so easy to blend and it leaves the skin flawless. This foundation has quite a satin finish which I find very unique.. Almost all of my other foundations are either dewy or matte but this one is the perfect balance between the two. My only issue with this product is the price. I feel like the amount of product that you get for your money is quite mean! I would definitely repurchase this product again.. However, I will be sure to squeeze every last drop out of that tube before I part with my money :)


Catrice Ultimate Colour Lipstick (240 Hey Nude) :

I've had a few of these lipsticks over the past year or so and I love them! The formula is comparable to the MAC Cremesheen formula.. Very creamy and moisturising yet very true to colour and pigmented. This is by far my favourite colour of the range. It is a gorgeous everyday pinky nude.. It goes with everything and it's like my perfect lip colour! I'm giving away this lipstick plus a few other little things on my Instagram so you can check that out if you want a chance to win! (@shannonbowes)


NYX Wonder Pencil (Light) :

I hadn't heard much about this product but I saw it on the 'NEW' section on the website and for just €5 I couldn't resist! I fell in love with this product right away.. I first used it on the waterline and then as I started playing around with it more I find that it works well for so many other things. I use it mostly for correcting any mistakes around the eyebrows, for lining the lips to give lipstick more vibrancy and help it last and you can even use it for concealer! I would highly recommend this product to anyone as it comes in three different shades.. 11 out of 10 :)


Sleek Blush By 3 Palette (Sugar) :

I'm so sorry about the shadow :O

I bought this palette off Cloud10 Beauty around September time and I've been using it so much ever since! I was looking for some blushers that were more red and plum colours for Autumn and Winter and this caught my eye.. I think this is another great value product (it works out as only €4 per blusher) and I have definitely gotten my moneys worth! I love all the colours in this palette but my favourites are the two on the outside because I prefer matte shades! I love all Sleek blushers. They are so pigmented and easy to work with and they also have a great range of shades so there's at least one to suit every skintone!


Thank you so much for reading! Don't forget to check out my Instagram giveaway. Have a great day :)


Love Shannon x

Dramatic Eye Make-up Tutorial featuring Urban Decay 'Naked 2' Palette

Hi guys :)

This post is the follow up tutorial to my Naked 2 palette review. I decided to go for a more dramatic look seeing as I did an everyday look with the original Naked palette (see it here). If you would like to see a more natural look with this palette let me know and I will be happy to do a tutorial! I would pair this eye look with a light pink or nude lip.. This make up looks amazing on hazel and brown eyes! I hope you enjoy and have a great day :)

Step One :

I first filled in my eyebrows (tutorial here) and primed my eyelids using MAC Soft Ochre paint pot. Then, using a fluffy brush, I blended "Tease" above my crease. I do this to create a soft transition for the darker colours that I'm going to use in the crease later.


Step Two :

Using a flat shader brush, I applied "Verve" to the inner corner of my eye to highlight. I also applied "Bootycall" underneath the arch of my brows.


Step Three :

For this step I applied "Pistol" all over the lid, taking it right into the crease. I used a MAC 239 brush to do this. I then used my fluffy brush and a tiny bit more "Tease" to blend out any harsh lines.


Step Four :

I then started to work on the lower lashline.. Using an angled brush I applied "YDK" along the lashline, leaving a slight gap at the front where I had already applied "Verve". I blended this out using a Sigma E36 (this works great for precise blending).


Step Five :

Using a MAC 217 I applied "Busted" to the crease, blending upwards and slightly outwards at the corner of my eye. As this colour is quite dark I like to take a clean 217 around the edge of the eyeshadow to blend it thoroughly for a diffused look.


Step Six :

I then used a Sigma E45 and "Blackout" to add some definition to the 'outer v'. I dipped the very tip of the brush in the eyeshadow and applied it in a "V" shape on the outer corner. I also took whatever product was left on the brush and ran it through the crease.


Step Seven :

I took the same angled brush that I used before and the colour "Blackout" and I applied this to the outer third of the lower lashline. This adds definition and ties the look together.


Step Eight :

I applied a black pencil liner to the waterline and tightline. I also applied a black liquid liner to the lashline, winging it out slightly at the corner of my eye (sorry it's so messy!). I used Benefit They're Real mascara on my top and bottom eyelashes. You could finish the look here or you can continue to step nine :)


Step Nine :

Because I wanted a dramatic look I decided to apply some false lashes. I used Ardell Demi Wispies and I applied them with DUO Eyelash Adhesive. 



I hope you like the finish look! Let me know if you recreate it :) If you have any questions or suggestions leave a comment below. Thank you so much for reading :)

Love Shannon x

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette Review

Hi guys :)


So this is the next post in my series on the Naked palettes from Urban Decay (To see my review on the original click here). This post is on the Naked 2 palette by Urban Decay. I have had this palette for about a year now and I use it maybe 1-2 times a week! I will also be doing a tutorial using this palette in my next post :) If you want to see one using the original Naked palette click here! I hope you enjoy and if you have any questions feel free to contact me :)

This palette is the most cool toned of all the Naked Palettes. I think it would suit people with hazel, green and brown eyes. However, there are three of four warm colours in the palette for people with blue eyes so it's definitely an all rounder! This palette is so versatile.. It has so many essential colours and you can really create any look that you want. I LOVE that this palette has three staple matte colours! I would probably give this palette 8/10. The only reason that it lost points it because it doesn't have a matte warm brown. Although, if you have this and the original you have every neutral shade you could ever want!

Foxy : This is a gorgeous matte highlight colour. I think this colour is my favourite highlight shade of all time! It is very yellow toned and perfect for highlighting the brow bone. The eyeshadow is quite pigmented and I just love it :)

Half Baked : This is the only colour that is repeated from the first Naked palette. Like I said in my previous post, it is my favourite gold eyeshadow and it's amazing for blue eyes!

Bootycall : This is an amazing champagne colour eyeshadow. It is the perfect mixture between a pink and gold. Bootycall looks really nice on the inner corner of the eye. This is a shimmer finish eyeshadow that would suit any skin tone and eye colour :)

Chopper : This is a very true copper colour. It has flecks of silver glitter throughout but the texture is still buttery and blendable. Chopper makes blue eyes pop beautifully.

Tease : This is the perfect taupe transition colour for any look. It has a matte finish and it is so creamy and blendable. All of the colours in this palette are extremely pigmented and do easy to work with.

Snakebite : This is a light golden bronze colour. It has a slight metallic finish and really fine gold glitter running through it. I love using this on it's own all over the lid with some brown pencil eyeliner for a really quick and easy smoky eye.

Suspect : This is a soft champagne-bronze with a frosted, metallic sheen. It has a silver shimmer but when you blend it out it appears very gold. This looks gorgeous all over the lid for a natural, everyday look.

Pistol : This is a dirty grey-brown with a frosted finish. I find this shade is almost duo chrome.. It looks silver in some lights and light gold in other. It is a very versatile colour that can be worn with warm or cool tone shades.

Verve : This is a pale beige-grey at first glance but in some lights it shows almost a pale pink sheen. It is the most unique colour from the palette and I don't have anything like it in my collection. This looks AMAZING in the inner corner of the eye! I would almost buy the palette just for this colour :)

YDK : This is a warm, coppery red-toned medium brown with a frosted finish. The color payoff is good with a smooth texture. It is very similar to Sidecar and just a little less warm compared to Toasted from the original Naked palette. It is very metallic and gorgeous :)

Busted : This is a dark grey, plum colour with warm undertones. It has a soft, frosted finish. The color payoff was good and the texture smooth, though a little less dense than other shades. It is almost the same as Hustle from the original palette.

Blackout : This is a really intense, dark black with a matte finish. It has really great payoff and goes on very black. It is my favourite black in my whole collection. It is ten times more pigmented than the others that I own like MAC Carbon. LOVE :)


All in all, I think this is a great palette for the money. You get a good amount of product and a great range of shades. I would recommend this to anyone.. It's great for beginners, people trying to build their collection or just make up lovers in general :)

Thank you so much for reading.. Have a great day :)

Love Shannon x

Everyday Eye Make-up Tutorial featuring Urban Decay "Naked" Palette

Hi guys :) 

So I promised a tutorial with the Naked Palette in my last post and here it is :) I went for more of a wearable look.. Some people might think this is too much for the day time but I would wear it both day and night! This eye makeup looks great with a bold lip or a more natural lip and it's great for all eye colours! I did take these pictures in a darker light so that the colours were really visible for you so that's why they look slightly edited! Anyway I hope you enjoy :)

Step One :

I first filled in my eyebrows (tutorial here) and primed my eyelids with any eye primer. For this particular look I decided to keep with the Urban Decay theme and use their Primer Potion in Eden. This is a yellow tone cream primer with a satin finish! 

Step Two :

For the next step I applied the colour 'Naked' slightly above the crease using a fluffy brush (I used a MAC 224). This step is not always necessary but I do it because my eyelids are quite hooded so it makes it easier to blend the eyeshadow s quite high above the crease. I find that when I don't do this step I may have a very harsh line just under the brow and that's not what we want! 

Step Three :

I then applied 'Half Baked' all over the eyelid.. Leaving just a tiny gap towards the tear duct because this is where my highlight is going to go. 

Step Four :

I applied the colour 'Toasted' under the lash line using a pencil brush. I used the MAC 209 brush to do this but any small detail brush will do! 

Step Five :

For this step I applied 'Smog' to the outer third of my eyelid. I used an ELF Eyeshadow C Brush to do this! I took the colour slightly into the crease and blended it with 'Half Baked' which was already on my lid (using an ELF Flawless Concealer Brush). This helps to give the look a softer and more professional appearance :) 

Step Six :

I blended the colour 'Buck' into and above the crease to create a diffused look. I then highlighted the inner corner of my eye using 'Virgin' and a flat shader brush. 

Step Seven :

Using another flat shader brush, I applied 'Darkhorse' to the "outer v" of the eye. This helps to deepen up the look and make it more dramatic. 

Step Eight :

For this step I just added 'Hustle' to the outer third under they eye :) I find that this step helps to give the look a bit more dimension. I then blended all the colours underneath the eye using a clean MAC 217 brush. 

Step Nine :

This step is completely optional.. I used 'Creep' on the very outer quarter of the eye and through the crease. You could stop at step eight and just add mascara for a more natural everyday look but I just like to add a bit more definition :) 

Step Ten :

For the final step I added a liquid liner along the top lash line. I winged it out slightly because I think that style suits my eyeshape the best :) I also added a flesh coloured pencil liner to the waterline (I used NYX Wonder Pencil). Lastly, I added a few coats of Maybelline the Falsies mascara! 

Step Eleven :

If you're going for a night out look you can add false eyelashes if you wish. My favourites are Ardell Demi Wispies :) 

Thank you so much for reading :) if you have any requests leave me a comment or email me! Also, it's December now.. So Happy Christmas :D 

Love Shannon x

Urban Decay Naked Palette Review

Hi guys :) 

I've been getting a lot of questions recently about the Naked Palettes so I have decided to do a review series on the original, Naked 2 and Naked Basics! I will also be doing a tutorial using each palette :) Hopefully I will be able to include the Naked 3 palette very soon.. I can't wait! I hope you enjoy :) 

I think the first Naked palette is definitely more suited to blue and brown eyes. Everything is very warm with lots of gold undertones.. Which is like heaven for me because of my blue eyes and love for gold eyeshadows! This is definitely my favourite of the series so far. If I was to choose one make up product that I had to use for the rest of my life it would definitely be this palette. 

In my opinion this palette provides a great range of colours for any kind of eye look.. From very minimal to full on smoky eyes. The only thing that I would change is that I'd like another matte colour (possibly a very dark brown). I think this palette is really fairly priced. I mean, you get twelve decent sized eyeshadows for the price of two individual ones! The quality of the eyeshadows is excellent.. They're very buttery and blend so beautifully. They are really opaque and pigmented! I would recommend this palette to anyone from beginners to experts.. Although I'm sure so many of you already own it :) 

Virgin : This is the main highlight colour in the palette. It is the perfect champagne colour (definitely more of a pink undertone) and it would work for all skintones. It has quite a satin finish so it's more reflective than shimmery. 

Sin : This is a gorgeous metallic light pink colour. It looks really nice all over the lid for a romantic look. Ladies with darker skin could also use this as an inner corner highlight! It has a shimmery finish. 

Naked : This is the perfect transition colour to use as a base for any look. I apply it above my crease every time I use this palette and it makes blending so much easier. It is a matte shade and definitely an essential to any eyeshadow palette. 

Sidecar : This colour is really unique. It's one of the more cool toned shades from the palette.. It comes off as a light brown shimmery colour with specks of silver glitter. Sidecar and Sin look amazing together! 

Buck : Ahh how I love this colour! Again, just another boring matte brown shade but it's just such an essential. This is a great colour for blending out any of the darker shades. [ Quick tip - This is a great eyebrow colour for people with blonde or light brown hair! ] 

Half Baked : This is my most favourite gold eyeshadow in the world! It is quite a deep gold colour and it makes blue eyes look absolutely amazing. I sometimes just use this by itself with mascara and it looks great. Even if you don't want to buy the whole palette you NEED to have this eyeshadow in your life! 

Smog : This is a beautiful light bronze colour. It looks really nice as the base of a smoky eye or used on the outer half of the eye to deepen a more natural look. It has small flecks of gold and is a shimmery eyeshadow. 

Darkhorse : This eyeshadow has almost grey undertone while still being quite warm. I love using this eyeshadow to darken the "outer v" of the eye.. It's really dark without being black! This is another shimmer finish eyeshadow. 

Toasted : This is an unusual colour and not something that I would ever gravitate towards but I use it all the time! It would be a great crease colour for bridal make up.. Like with Sin, it has that warm pink undertone which gives a timeless romantic look. I would use this on all skin tones. 

Hustle : This is like a very dark taupe shade. I'm not usually a fan of cool tones on my eyes so I don't use this very often on myself! However, it does look really good in the crease with a purple eye look. 

Creep : This is a shimmery black colour. The pigmentation is probably the poorest out of the whole palette but the formula of the eyeshadows is so buttery so they're quite buildable. Creep is a great eyeshadow for doing a smoky eye! 

Gunmetal : This is a gorgeous metallic grey with a very slight purple undertone. Once again, it's quite unique and not really like anything I already have! This would suit all skintones.. Especially tanned skin with a pink lip :) 

I really do love this palette.. It has become an essential for me! It lasts for years but I will definitely be repurchasing another one soon. Look out for a tutorial with this palette in my next post plus a chance at winning one of these palettes and more on my Instagram :) Thank you so much for reading! 

Love Shannon x

October Favourites

Hi guys :)

Sorry I've been gone for ages but I'm back with my October Favourites! I'm so excited that it's finally November.. Almost Christmas (YEY!) I've loved some of these products for ages but I thought I'd include them anyway. I hope you enjoy and leave any comments down below :) 

MAC Vanilla Pigment : 

I love this product so much! It can be used wet or dry and you can put it anywhere you like. I love using it on the inner corner of my eyes and on the tops of my cheekbones. I sometimes dab a little on my cupids bow to highlight! Be careful though.. It's really shimmery so don't go too crazy :) A little goes a long way.. You don't want to end up looking like someone from Twilight ;) 

Benefit They're Real Mascara :

I love this! I think it has the perfect applicator and the perfect formula.. I don't like very wet mascaras! This is dry enough to prevent transfer but it still allows you to build layers without going flakey. This product is definitely on the more pricey side but I think it's worth the money! I've been using this mascara for six months and I don't plan on changing it for the foreseeable future :) 

MAC Viva Glam V Lipstick : 

I purchased this around the beginning of October and I've been wearing it loads! It almost reminds me of MAC "Syrup" but it's even more wearable. It goes with almost every colour eyeshadow and blusher! I love it as a warm neutral for Autumn/ Winter with dramatic, dark eyes. It is a very shimmery lipstick but the glitter is so finely milled that it gives a smooth application every time. I haven't heard a lot about this lipstick but I would definitely give it a try if you're look for a more wintery nude! 

MAC Prolongwear Concealer (NC15) : 

I've never been a massive concealer fan.. I own a few but it was never an essential for me. Then I found this :) I use it under my eyes and on my face. It lasts all day with no creasing and it's a great colour! I have been thinking about depotting it just because there's a lot of waste when too much comes out of the pump. I still love it though.. It has amazing coverage and I couldn't live without it now :) 

EOS Lipbalm (Strawberry Sorbet) : 

I have wanted to try one of these lip balms for like two years! I was so happy when I saw them on cloud10beauty. I've heard mixed reviews about this product.. Mostly good but some people say that after long term use their lips have dried out. I find them great! I don't have particularly dry lips but I apply this at the start of my makeup and my lipstick goes on really smooth and I actually think it lasts longer! I'll definitely be buying the full set :)

ELF Cream Contouring & Blusher : 

Oh my goodness this is definitely my number one favourite if the month! I was so impressed with this product.. It lasts on the skin all day, it blends really easily, it's not orange at all and it was only £3.50! I have been looking for a cream bronzer for ages and I'm glad now that I didn't splurge on a high end one :) This is the only cream bronzer that I know of from the drugstore and I love it so much I've already bought two backups! 10 out of 10 :)

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette : 

I've had this palette for a few months but I only started putting it to use recently. I love every shade in the palette.. They're so versatile! You can create a full-on smokey eye or a natural and neutral look. I love both of the highlight shades in this palette! The matte highlight is my favourite highlight EVER and the shimmery highlight is a really gorgeous reflective colour :) I think the palette is a good price.. It will last for years and you get six great quality eyeshadows! I would really recommend this for beginners or anyon who is looking to build up their collection! 

I hope you found something useful from this post :) I'll hopefully be posting more regularly now so if you have any requests feel free to email me or comment below! 

Thank you so much for reading :) 

Love Shannon x

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Haul & Review

Hi guys :)

L-R : Monte Carlo, Sydney & Buenos Aires

I have read so many great reviews about the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams so I had to try them out and see if they lived up to the hype! I made an order on their UK website and I received my items last week. I bought other items as well but I wanted to do a review specifically on these lip creams instead of doing a haul on everything! I have been using these everyday for about five days so that I could give an accurate review.. I hope you enjoy and leave any questions you have below :)


#1 Monte Carlo :

Left with flash....Right without flash

This one is the most opaque and creamiest of all the colours I purchased. When I first swatched it on my hand it was instantly vibrant and really pigmented. I apply these one layer at a time, letting each layer dry before applying the next one. I only needed to apply two coats of this for full opacity and I was really impressed! It gives a really nice, even application and there is no need for a liner as you get quite a precise line with the applicator included. This is a gorgeous colour for autumn and it's very long lasting. I reapplied this three times throughout the day and it stayed put with no smudges, even after eating and drinking! I would give this 9/10 just because it did dry out a tiny bit towards the end of the day but I can't complain when it's such a good price!


#2 Sydney :

Left with flash....Right without flash

I was most excited for this colour because it reminded of a more wearable version of MAC's Saint Germain lipstick! In reality it reminds me more of Snob by MAC but I still love it :) It is a muted purple-toned pink colour and it is the most moisturising colour of the three that I got. These smell absolutely amazing.. Like really sweet vanilla! I'm so impressed with the colour range of this product that NYX offer. There is a colour to suit every skin tone and every preference! I'm really excited to try all the other colours in this range on different people to see if they love them as much as me :)


#3 Buenos Aires :

Left with flash....Right without flash

This colour is my favourite colour of the ones I purchased! It is the less pigmented of the three but it is such a unique colour and it is very buildable so that doesn't bother me. I usually have to apply three coats of this but it lasts well throughout the day with the help of a few more applications! Overall, I'm very much impressed by this product. It is long lasting without being drying and the colour selection is great. I will definitely be purchasing more of these in the future and I'm really excited to try out the Butter Gloss too! If anyone has any recommendations on other colours to try please let me know :)


Thank you so much for reading :)

Love Shannon x