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

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

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

MAC haul :)

Hi guys :)

I'm sure nearly all of you will have heard something about the RiRi Hearts MAC Fall Collection by now! Oh my days I was so excited :) I kind of went in just wanting anything because of the packaging but I had a good look at the products and I'm actually really excited about what I purchased! I also got one lipstick from the Retro Matte collection, the original Viva Glam lipstick and a lipstick from their permanent line. Have fun reading and I hope you enjoy :) 

                                  

#1 MAC Lipstick (Flat Out Fabulous) : 

                                    

This is the only lipstick I picked up from the Retro Matte collection. The colour really stood out for me because I love purples but I don't have any really matte purple shades. The other colours in the collection were nice but I have too many similar colours already so I didn't think it was worth buying them just for the finish! 

Left with flash....Right without flash

The texture of these lipsticks is really nice on the lips. It's has quite a velvet feel and they are not drying at all. This lipstick has quite a blue undertone and it swatches on the hand as more of a fuschia colour but on the lips it's a really nice bright purple/ raspberry colour.. I love it :)

#2 MAC Lipstick (Viva Glam 1) :

                                     

I saw this lipstick swatched in loads of pictures on Instagram and I thought it looked beautiful. It's quite unlike any red that I already own.. I mostly have brights like Rubywoo and Russian Red! I just bought it on impulse because it was at the register but I did want to try it and the proceeds go to a good cause so I thought why not? :) 

Left with flash....Right without flash

The finish of this lipstick looks quite glossy even though it is a matte finish. This doesn't bother me though because it means that the lipstick isn't drying on the lips! It comes off as a beautiful deep rich red and it will be a beautiful colour for the autumn/ winter months :) 

#3 MAC Lipstick (Diva) : 

                                      

In the bullet this looks very similar in colour to the Viva Glam colour, however, when it's swatches it is a lot more of a plummy brown colour. It is once again a matte finish without being drying but it does come off quite matte on the lips compared with the Viva Glam. 

Left with flash....Right without flash

I really like this colour as a really dark vampy lipstick for autumn! I had All Fired Up from the Retro Matte collection on my list but it was so similar to Diva and the finish of this lipstick was so much nicer I ended up not getting All Fired Up. I'm planning on wearing this with Nightmoth lipliner and I can't wait to see what it looks like :) 

#4 RiRi Hearts MAC Cream Colour Base (Diamonds) : 

Left with flash....Right without flash

This was the first thing that I decided to buy from the collection.. I was so surprised by how nice it was! It looks almost wet on the skin because it's so glossy. I love the gold shimmer rather than a pink shimmer because I really don't like pink highlighters on my face! I'm surprisingly very impressed with this product and I'm so happy that I got my hands on it :) Also can we please take a moment to appreciate this AMAZING packaging?! I'm in love :)

#5 RiRi Hearts MAC Blusher (Bad Girl Gone Good) : 

Left with flash....Right without flash

I loved this colour as soon as I saw it! I've been wanting a dark tan coloured blusher for absolutely ages but I couldn't find one that I really liked without buying an actual bronzer. This is really pigmented and would look great on all skin tones! I thought that a lot of the collection was more tailored towards darker skin tones but I'm very pale and this looks really nice and glory on my skin without looking orange. I'm really excited to have this in my collection and I'm sure I'll get great use out of it :) 

#6 RiRi Hearts MAC Lipstick (Talk That Talk) : 

Left with flash....Right without flash

This was the only thing that I really wanted from the collection before I got to the store! It is such a gorgeous dark plum colour and it's really moisturising on the lips. It is a Retro Matte finish and it lasts really well in the lips. It looks scarily dark in the bullet but it comes off a lot more sheer in comparison with most other MAC lipsticks. I'm so happy with this product :) 

Thank you so much for reading guys! Like always comment any questions below :) 

Love Shannon x

Makeup Brush Haul :)

Hi guys :)

I recently discovered the website cloud10beauty.com and after eyeing up way too many things I decided to place an order! I have been lusting after some Sigma brushes for about two years now but it's just too expensive for the postage from the US.. So when I saw that cloud10 sold Sigma I was very excited! 

The items are very reasonably priced and the range of products is excellent! The main brands that I was excited to see were Kardashian Beauty, Sigma and Sleek Makeup. They have a points system which gives you money off future purchases and you get 200 points for just signing up.. With free delivery over €50 I just couldn't resist! I was almost shocked when my packaged arrived on Friday morning (I placed my order on Wednesday night!) and I was so impressed with the postage service. I thought I would get some brushes to begin with and then maybe order some more products in the future! Enjoy :) 

#1 Sigma Round Top Kabuki F82 :

I have seen so many Youtubers and Bloggers give this brush a great review so this was number one on my Wishlist! I have used it twice already and I love it so far. It is so dense and it blends makeup very nicely without absorbing all of the product. I might do an in depth review on this in the future but for now I'm very pleased :) 

#2 Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge :

I was so excited when I saw this product on the website.. I've wanted a Beauty Blender for so long so I thought I would give this a try and see if the sponge application lives up to the hype! I liked the look of the interesting shape and is think this was the item I was most excited to try. I have tried this once so far and I wasn't crazy about the application it gave. I wet the sponge before I used it but it gave quite a sheer application and I felt like it absorbed almost all of my foundation! I did like the shape for getting into corners and I loved the way it blended in my concealer. So for now I have mixed views but hopefully I'll find a way to work with this sponge :)

#3 Sigma Small Tapered Blending E45 : 

Oh my goodness.. I have used this brush twice and I already know that it's going to be one of my favourites! I will definitely be ordering more of these next time I make a purchase from the website. It is amazing for getting right into the crease and giving a precise blend. I am so impressed with this brush! 

#4 Sigma Performance Blending E36 : 

This brush is a lot smaller in real life than I expected it to be! It is not very dense and it has hardly any bristles. However, it is excellent for precise blending like under the eyes! I don't know if I would buy another one of these brushes but I'm pleased to have this one in my collection :) 

#5 Sigma Duo Fibre Powder/ Blush F15 : 

I was attracted to this brush because of it's shape. I love applying blusher with a duo fibre brush and I was really interested by this rounded tip one! I used this today and it it was so perfect for blusher.. It is the perfect size to apply to the whole apple of the cheek while giving a diffused, blended look! I don't think I would use this for powder because it wouldn't give enough coverage for me but I would definitely recommend it for blusher :) 

Thank you so much for reading :) 

Love Shannon x

Makeup Wishlist/ To buy list :)

Hi guys :) 

I've recently been making a list of products that I really want for myself and my make up kit. I thought I'd share them with you all and see if you had any thoughts :) Hopefully I'll be able to get my hands on these soon.. I've wanted some of them for years! Enjoy :) 

#1 MAC Blusher (Frankly Scarlett) :

I heard Tanya Burr or "pixi2woo" talk about this in a few of her videos and I thought it looked so amazing on the skin! I have read some reviews and they're all positive so I'm looking forward to having this in my collection! 

#2 Sigma Synthetic Kabuki Kit : 

Once again, I have heard and read so many reviews on these brushes and it's clear that people love them! These look like a more dense version of the Real Techniques 'Buffing Brush' (which I LOVE!) so I'm really excited to try them out. I want to get the full set of the larger brushes so I can try out the different shapes because I don't own anything like them already! 

#3 The Original Beauty Blender : 

I follow them on Instagram, I look up reviews almost everyday, I NEED one of these! I'm so interested in trying a sponge to apply make up instead of a trusty old brush. Nobody has a bad thing to say about this product! I've wanted a Beauty Blender for about six months now but it's just so hard to get my hands on one in Ireland :(

#4 Make Up Forever Flash Palette :

I have wanted this for absolutely ages.. Almost two years I think! It just seems to be so versatile and I've heard that the staying power is excellent. The reason I have put off buying this is because of the price. It's just a lot of money to pay for one product but one day I will give in!

#5 Lime Crime Babette Lipstick :

I don't own any Lime Crime lipsticks but this will definitely be my first purchase! This seems to be one of the most popular colours and it looks quite unique. Looking at swatches of these lipsticks, they look very opaque. Hopefully I'll be able to do a review soon :)

Thank you so much for reading! If you have any recommendations of some drugstore products please leave them below :) 

Love Shannon x

[instagram : @shannonbowes]

Review : Beauty Uk High Brow

Hi guys :)

I decided to do a review on this brow definition kit after using it for about two weeks. I bought it in Superdrug for £3.99 (I think!). I'm not sure if it's available worldwide though.. I'm sorry!

I really like this product.  I've been lusting after the HD brows kit for about three years now but I just can't seem to get my hands on it :( So when I heard about this I had to give it a try! 

I was watching a video thepersianbabe had on YouTube and when she compared it to the HD brows I couldn't get to the drugstore quick enough! The kit comes with three brow powders, a wax, a tweezers and a double ended brush (one side is angled and the other is squared). 

Light brown powder : 

Left with flash....Right without flash

I love the brow powders. The formula is quite creamy and not powdery at all. The lightest colour is the least pigmented of all three colours. I love using this to fill in the front of my brows because it makes it so easy to create an ombré effect. 

Medium brown powder : 

I'm most impressed with this colour! I usually find that all drugstore matte brown colours are very warm and they tend to make the eyebrows look quite red but this one is definitely more cool toned. I use this powder to fill in the rest of my eyebrow. It's very easy to work with and it has great pigmentation. 

Dark brown powder : 

This is the most pigmented powder in the whole kit. It's very dark brown - almost black in colour. I sometimes use this to outline the arch of the brow but only when I wear a full face of makeup as it makes the eyebrows look too harsh. 

I love the range of shades that come with this kit and I think it's amazing value for money. I don't have any other kits like this so I can't compare but I definitely recommend giving it a try! I think this will be a firm favourite for a long time :) Thank you so much for reading! 

Love Shannon x

[Instagram : @shannonbowes]