What on Earth is BLOGMAS? Well, it basically means that you will be able to read a blog post everyday from me, from now until December 24th. Each blog post with have a different theme with lots of gift guides, diaries as to what I am up to and lots of competitions (these will be on Instagram btw).
I tried to do VLOGMAS last year which is posting a You Tube video everyday but I found it so time consuming and, honestly, very competitive as so many other bloggers do their Christmas content this way. I don’t have a big You Tube audience (I wish I had) but it’s hard to do when it’s one of the most popular platforms to use. I don’t think I will be building up millions of followers on it. So, I am using this – my favourite creative space, my blog. Styleisle is ten years old in January and I plan on doing something very special to celebrate that. It was my first foray into this industry and it has been my constant companion these last few years. I want to use this month to be thankful; I have such a loyal following and I appreciate every like, comment and question you send my way. Hence, why I want to celebrate this lovely time of year with lots of giveaways. I’ve already posted two and I had so many entries. The next one will come next week so make sure you follow me on Instagram.
Right, back to business. My first BLOGMAS post will start with getting party ready. Sometimes I love the process of getting ready rather than the bit where I have to go out. If I have time, I find it so therapeutic doing my makeup. I also use going out as a way to try out some new products or application methods (I usually have You Tube or Pinterest open). I’ve broken down the “getting ready process” into sections of make up below with some new product suggestions for you which I have been trying out these past few months.
FOUNDATIONS
I am completely obsessed with three at the moment. NARS All Day Luminous Liquid is by far one of the best I have ever tried, and I use Real Techniques Point L brush to apply this for a dewy look. Rimmel’s Perfect Match is a great make up and under €20 too. If you want to splurge then the La Mer Soft Liquid Fluid Foundation is delightful to wear. La Mer also make their own make up brush to apply this that you can add to your wish list.
PRIME
I have two that I can recommend for party season. Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter is revolutionary in the highlight it provides. You can also use this over foundation to freshen it up. Smashbox Primer Water is brilliant for my sensitive skin as it’s pretty much weightless.
FINISH
Back to Tilbury for a second. Charlotte’s Loose Powder (Genius Magic Powder) is great for combination skin i.e. mine. It doesn’t clog pores and makes make up last all day. I also really love MAC’s Mineralise Powder for a fuller finish.
EYES
Gosh where to begin with eyes. This time of year sees a whole range of new palettes/mascaras etc arrive so below are the ones I have tried and tested. Also will be great on your Christmas wish list:
Giorgio Armani Eye Quattro – Eye Excess (lovely shades that build up for a smokey look)
Urban Decay Naked Cherry – pink tones that work for day and night
Esteé Lauder Violette – I got to meet Violette in October and heard all about her inspiration for this collection. The pigments are amazing
Huda Beauty Rose Gold Palette – a really great palette with lots of combinations for colours too.
PS Beauty Liquid Glitter Eye Shadow – little pots of fun for €1.50
Clarins Gold Top Coat Mascara – Add this on top of your regular colour or just on the tips
Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara – I have this in purple and I have to say it’s a great product that gives great volume.
IT Cosmetics Brow Power – This is just excellent and has the best spooly I have ever used.
Benefit Brow Contour Pro – Has a light, dark and highligher shade in one pencil. Genius.
Clinque Pretty Easy Liquid Eyeliner pen – No make up bag should be without
HIGHLIGHT AND CONTOUR
I’m not big on contouring as I am so pale, but there are some lovely kits out there that can create a natural look. Bobbi Brown Highlight and Glow Highlighting Powder Duo has a soft texture that blends well for a nice illumination of the skin. This is limited edition for Christmas. Clarins Illuminating Sculpting Powder has lovely packaging for Christmas and is a great party product. I also tried most of the palettes from Urban Decay this month and each one is great – the Cherry collection is probably my favourite for my own skin type.
LIPS
Well now, have your fun with lipstick this season. Festive red is a must and my picks are:
Georgio Armani esctacy Shine (404 is my fave shade and available exclusively at Brown Thomas)
Shiseido Visionary Gel (206)
Smashbox Legendary Lipstick (9 to 5)
Happy make-upping! More tomorrow!
