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

Makeup Haul (MAC, Smashbox & Estee Lauder)

Hi guys :)

I've been in Manchester for a few days so I did a bit of shopping.. Yey :) I bought some of these things from Selfridges and some from The Cosmetics Company Outlet. I will give a short description on each product but I won't go into too much detail as I haven't had a chance to try any of these products out yet. Enjoy!


MAC Lipstick (Strong Woman) :

"Strong Woman" lipstick

This is part of the 'Strength' collection that was released last December. I don't know where this lipstick is available now but I got mine in The Cosmetics Company Outlet in York, England.
This is a matte lipstick and I really like this shade. I'm excited to try it cause I don't have any matte purples!


MAC Lipstick (Royal Azalea) :

"Royal Azalea" lipstick

This is a sheen supreme lipstick. I'm not sure if it's from a collection or if it's part of the permanent collection. This colour is so beautiful and opaque! It looks as if it's going to be super moisturising. I think this will soon become a favourite!


Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation :

Foundation in Ivory Nude 72

I recently noticed that my MAC Studio Fix Fluid isn't giving me as full a coverage as I would like. This foundation had 25% off so I decided to give it a try as I've heard really good things about it! I might do a review on this in the future if anyone would like one :)


MAC Lipstick (Supremely Confident) :

"Supremely Confident" lipstick

This is a another sheen supreme lipstick. It is a very pale nude colour with slight shimmer. It also seems very moisturising. This is a really pigmented lipstick and I don't have any other lipstick in this colour.


MAC Pigment (Bright Fuchsia) :

"Bright Fuchsia" pigment

I've wanted to get some bright coloured pigments for ages. This was my favourite pink colour so I decided to go with it. It has a slight metallic finish but I think it makes it pop!


MAC Pressed Pigment (Blonde Streak) :

"Blonde Streak" pigment

I love this product so much! I've been wanting to buy it for ages and when I saw it for 30% off I couldn't resist. It is like a gold glitter but more opaque because it has a light gold base. I'm so happy to finally have this in my collection!

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer :

Concealer in shade NC15

I have read really great reviews on this concealer so I wanted to see what the hype was! I don't actually use concealer everyday so I thought that I might use this to mix in with my foundation for a more full coverage. I'm looking forward to seeing how this works out :)

MAC Extra Dimension Eyeshadow (Opalesse) :

Opalesse eyeshadow

Like the pressed pigment, I eyed this product for ages when it was in stores. It is a white based eyeshadow with blue and purple reflect glitter and it's so gorgeous! I'm really excited to do a purple eye look with this eyeshadow.

MAC Pigment (Full Force Violet) :

"Full Force Violet" Pigment

I got this the same time as the other pigment while I was looking for brighter colours. One of the girls that was working at MAC was wearing this on her eyes and it looked gorgeous! It is quite matte I think and it doesn't seem as easy to work with as the other pigment but we'll see what happens :)

Smashbox Lipgloss (Pout) :

"Pout" lipgloss

When I saw this lipgloss it reminded be of NARS 'Turkish Delight'. It is the same milky light pink colour but with a slight pink shimmer. I think this would look gorgeous over a nude lipstick to brighten it up a bit!

MAC Extra Dimension Eyeshadow (Blue Orbit) :

"Blue Orbit" eyeshadow

Despite the name, this eyeshadow it more of a purple than a blue. It reminds me of a more creamy version of MAC 'Stars n Rockets'. These eyeshadows seem like they will blend really easily and I will use this alongside the 'Opalesse' eyeshadow for an extra "pop"!

MAC Blusher (Immortal Flower) :

"Immortal Flower" Blusher

This blusher is from the recent "All About Orange" collection. I didn't buy it when the collection came out because it was sold out in every store I visited. It's like a cream soda kind of colour or a very light peach. It is quite powdery but I really light it for pale skin!



Thank you so much for reading :) If you have any questions leave a comment! 


Love Shannon x


Instagram : @shannonbowes

My top 10 MAC eyeshadows

Hi guys :)

This post is on my top 10 MAC eyeshadows. The eyeshadows featured are a mixture of colours but ones that I use very often on myself and other people. Some of the eyeshadows are staples and some are a bit more adventurous :) I think all of the eyeshadows are quite neutral though. Enjoy!


#1 Vanilla :

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The picture does not do this eyeshadow justice. Vanilla has a 'velvet' finish and I think it's quite pigmented. I use this eyeshadow on the brow bone to highlight. I feel like it's perfect because there's not too much shimmer but it still catches the light. It is more of a pink tone than a yellow tone with a slight silver shimmer. I love this colour!


#2 Nylon :

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Nylon is such a pretty colour. It is my favourite inner corner highlight colour! This eyeshaow is a frost finish. It is quite frosty but instead of looking harsh, it's actually quite warm. It is definitely more of a yellow based highlighter. I highly recommend this.. So go and buy it now :)


#3 Retrospeck :

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I love this eyeshadow so much, it is definitely one of my firm favourites. It is beautiful when applied wet (I use fix+) and has a lovely metallic sheen. It is a lustre finish eyeshadow but I don't find that it has any fallout. I use this eyeshadow most days, sometimes with some gold glitter on top. 


#4 Honey Lust :

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This eyeshadow is a beautiful warm neutral colour. As the name would suggest, it's a lustre finish eyeshadow. It comes off quite glittery but with a metallic sheen. This colour looks sooo good with blue eyes because of it's coppery colour. I feel like this would be gorgeous on a bride for a pop of colour that flatters almost everyone.


#5 Woodwinked :

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This is probably my favourite MAC eyeshadow! I love the texture of it, it's so smooth and blendable due to it being a veluxe pearl finish. This is another colour that looks amazing with blue eyes but I actually feel like it compliments every eye colour in a different way. It looks different on every person but it always looks nice. If you don't have this already, you NEED it!


#6 Concrete :

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I don't actually use this eyeshadow for eye makeup looks. Instead, I use it to fill in my eyebrows. I love that it's matte but I love even more that it is completely cool-toned. Click this link to see my eyebrow tutorial on Instagram : http://instagram.com/p/dP0Ia4PAfE/ I LOVE this eyeshadow!


#7 Espresso :

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This is my favourite MAC crease colour. It is a matte finish eyeshadow with a lovely warm undertone. It is very pigmented and really easy to blend. I use it almost everyday as a transition colour. I think it would work well with most skin tones and it is definitely a staple colour.


#8 Rule :

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Okay so I know this is orange but I absolutely love it! It looks gorgeous with Woodwinked and a deep dark crease. I love using it to blend out the crease colour and it looks lovely as an everyday look with a gold eyeshadow. Although this is quite scary, I definitely recommend trying some kind of orange eyeshadow. It worked for me :)


#9 Antiqued :

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This eyeshadow has a similar feel to Woodwinked as it's very soft and blendable. It is a beautiful coppery red colour with a lovely metallic finish. It is extremely opaque and you could almost create an eye makeup look using just this eyeshadow. I love it!


#10 Black Tied :

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This is almost a 3D coloured eyeshadow. It isn't the most blendable but I would use it over a matte black or to deepen the crease so that doesn't bother me. It has a matte black base colour with different coloured glitters running through it. This is such a unique eyeshadow, I have never come across anything like it and I think it's definitely worth having in your collection!

Thank you so much for reading :)

Love Shannon x

Instagram: @shannonbowes <3

My Favourite Make-up Brushes

Hi guys :)

This post is on my favourite brushes for applying all different types of makeup. I use these brushes every single day and I'd be lost without them. Hope you enjoy!


Real Techniques Buffing Brush : 

Foundation Brush

This is my favourite brush in the world for applying foundation! I'm 90% sure that the hairs are synthetic, which means that it works extra-well with liquid foundation. This brush makes it so easy to really buff the foundation into the skin (hence the name) for a seamless and flawless finish. This brush comes as part of the "Core Collection" set from Real Techniques. It is without doubt my favourite brush from the set but I also love the contour brush and detail brush. Go and buy this nowwwww!!


ELF Powder Brush :

Powder/ Foundation Brush

I love this brush so much! It is part of the "Studio" line from eyeslipsface and such good value for money. I usually use this to apply my powder. It's very dense so it packs on the product without looking too cakey. I sometimes use this to apply my foundation if I want an extra flawless finish that looks good in photographs. This is an amazing brush for the price.. I have three :)


MAC 138 : 

Blusher Brush

This is a great multitask brush because it's tapered. I use it for powder, blusher and bronzer. I have recently been using it more for blusher than anything else. I dip the very tip of the brush into the product so that when I apply it to my face, the other hairs blend it in. I definitely recommend this brush!


MAC 208 :

Eyebrow Brush

Oh my goodness.. This is definitely one of my top 3 makeup brushes! I use it on my eyebrows with MAC concrete eyeshadow. It has the definition of a pencil because the angle is so sharp. I could not live without this brush in my makeup collection!


MAC 109 : 

Contour Brush

This is my favourite brush for contouring my cheeks. It blends the product while applying it in a precise line.. It's amazing! It's also really good for applying blush to the apples of the cheeks because of it's shape. I love this brush :)


MAC 217 : 

Eyeshadow Brush

I'm sure you all know about this brush, it's probably one of the most famous MAC brushes there is. I love to use it for applying eyeshadow and blending. It's an amazing blending brush! The hairs are super soft and the colours transfer really well. This is definitely a must have in any make up collection!


Real Techniques Blush Brush : 

Bronzer Brush

This is another great quality brush for the price. I use this to warm up the face with bronzer after I contour. This also has synthetic hairs and it's tapered for seamless application. The hairs are really soft on this brush so it doesn't scratch the skin at all. I use it in circular motions for an even application. I highly recommend this brush!

MAC 239 :

Eyeshadow Brush

This is my favourite brush for applying eyeshadow directly to the lids. It packs on the colour without having a lot of fallout and it keeps the eyeshadow looking vibrant. It's quite dense and it's the perfect size to cover the whole eyelid in one sweep. It is super easy to clean considering the white hairs and I think it's just fab :)

ELF Small Stipple Brush :

Highlighting Brush

This is the perfect size for highlighting the cheekbones. I stipple on my cream highlighter with this brush and it gives a lovely diffused look. This is another brush from the eyeslipsface "Studio" line and really good value. I will definitely be buying more of these in the future :)

MAC 224 :

Eyeshadow Brush

This brush is probably my all time favourite eyeshadow brush. I only use it for blending but it is honestly the best blending brush I have ever used. It gives a flawless diffused look to the eye without compromising on the colour. It fits perfectly into the crease and the hairs don't cling on to the colour so it doesn't need to be cleaned as often as some others. I would definitely recommend this as a staple in any make up kit/collection. I love it :)

I hope this is helpful to somebody! Thank you so much for reading :) Don't forget to follow me on Instagram!

Love from Shannon x