My Base Routine - Including Contouring & Highlighting

Hello everyone :)

Seeing as though I still can't edit any videos for YouTube I thought I'd do a step by step pictorial with some of my new products! This is definitely not an everyday routine for me.. I would do this for a day or night out. It's definitely catered more for real life and not photography so more people will get use out of it :) You can buy all of the products I've used here in Ireland which is always good.. I hope you enjoy!

I started off by applying my foundation and filling in my eyebrows. I used NYX eyebrow gel for my brows and let me tell you this does not budge!

I used this foundation which is my new fave!

Next I applied my concealer as shown in the picture and I blended it in using my Beauty Blender. Make sure your sponge is damp for a flawless look!

To start the contouring I used the Smashbox contour stick trio. For this look I only used the contour stick because the highlighter is too dark for my skin tone right now! I used the Sephora #56 brush to blend it in :)

For my next step I added the MAC Prep+Prime highlighter pen in Lightboost to the same places I applied my concealer and blended it out once again with my Beauty Blender. I also applied some more concealer right under my contour to sharpen it up!

I applied a generous amount of Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder under my eyes. Using a translucent loose powder I traced along the line under my contour. I also applied a generous amount of powder for this step.This just helps to set the highlight and brighten it up! I then dusted off the access with a brush.

For my last few steps I applied the 'contour' shade from my Smashbox contour kit over where I applied the stick. This sets the contour and deepens it slightly. I used my NYC bronzer to bronze my face and MAC blush in Melba on my cheeks. My highlight is Becca Opal and Moonstone mixed (which I applied to the tops of my cheeks, the top of my nose and above my lip).

Mascara is Maybelline Lash Sensational (AMAZING!!) and lips are Maybelline lipliner in 'Sweet Pink' and NYX High Voltage lipstick in 'Stone'.

I hope some of you found this helpful and interesting! It's quite hard to explain through a blogpost but I thought I'd give it a go anyway. What are your favourite contouring products?

Thanks so much for reading,

Love Shannon x

My Secrets To A Flawless Face - Foundation

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