Kryolan Illusion Highlighter

Once again professional brand Kryolan has created a make up kit essential. Illusion Highlighter has launched in the mist of my contouring obession, and is just in time to join my ever expanding contouring kit bag before the zip gives way for good!

llusion is a cream product with a glossy finish, which can be buffed into skin for a delicate glow or precisely applied for a brighter finish. The warm golden tone of shade Velvet,  reminds me of cult favourite MAC Vanilla, which I've even applied over Illuison for a stronger 'catwalk' (or in my case, Night out in Liverpool) look.

The soft pearlescent finish is subtle enough to be worn day-to-day aswell as special occasions without the dreaded OTT frosted shimmer, which we see far too much of! It's perfect for bridal clients, offering beautifully glowing skin, which will last all day long, without looking heavy or oily.

I've personally been buffing Illusion onto the tops of my cheekbones and along my collarbones using my favourite Crown Dual Fibre brushes. For a stronger application. I then use a small synthetic concealer brush to apply to the inner corners of my eye, under the arch of my brow, down the centre of my nose and just above the Cupid's bow. 

Voila! Instantly brighter looking skin and sculpted cheek and collar bones! Illusion is available now, from  Charles Fox. 

MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer

I've always been a fan of a matte lip, especially a bold red one during the crisp winter months! Like most make-up artists, I've been desperate to get my hands on the famed Lime Crime Velevetines,but unfortunately  due to their massive success and demand I'm still waiting my velvet lip fix.

So during a pre-holiday browse in my local Superdrug, just imagine how excited I was to discover budget brand MUA have launched their take on the trend. 

At only £3.00 , MUALuxe Velvet Lip Lacquers provide a 'long - lasting and kiss proof finish' so MUA say. Available in five rich shades, from a vampy plum to a bold orange and fuchsia pink. I decided to stick to what I know and love. Red. One bold pillar box, named Reckless, and the other a rich pink tone, called Funk.

The wand, lipgloss style, applicator holds A LOT of product, and I spend the first few seconds removing excess product. This may not be necessary to every user, but as I found myself lip liner-less and at the airport, I needed a small amount of product on a dry applicator to line my lips first. 

Next, I soaked the applicator in the excess product I scraped off only moment before, and applied as usual to my lips. The product immediately feels quite tacky, but as it begins to dry to a matte finish it becomes much more comfortable. Within 5 minutes you wouldn't know you had it on- ideal for me.

However, velvet finish? I'm not so sure. It's definitely not in the league of Lime Crimes Velvetines, from the reviews and images I have read. But then, for £3.00 what can we expect?  

Three weeks on and Reckless practically lives in my handbag, and on my lips, on a daily basis. Alongside a low shine lip balm such as Carmex, just to prevent any of the dreaded winter chapped lips. 

Matte? Yes. Long lasting? Most definitely- even after lunch, dinner and drinks. Kiss proof? Can't answer that one I'm afraid....but then it is the season of mistletoe, so maybe I can let you know about this bit soon! 

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder

The final glimmers of sunshine have well and truly left us, and now it seems dark again only moments after I get to work. Winter and I are defintiely not getting along right now.

From stress distrubed sleep, and lets be honest a little too much weekend partying, by Monday morning my under eye circles are almost matching my cloche hat- which is a deep aubergine in case your wondering. So, out comes the industrial strength DermaColour corrector and concealer to help me look less zombie like.

But being a beauty spend-a-holic, I decided to treat myself to a little winter extra- in the shape of Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder. This little pot of loveliness is adored by make-up artists, models and celebrities, so if it's good enough for them, I'm definitely giving it a go!

This finely milled powder, contains a white pigment to lighten and brighten, whilst not appearing overly shimmery or glittery. I'm also a huge fan of contouring, and this mutli use powder can even be used down the centre of the nose and tops of cheekbones to add natural highlights. Just be careful not too apply all over- not a good look when a flash camera is about!!