Her Beauty Days

I hope everyone had a great day yesterday, filled with the love from family and friends!
For Valentine's Day this year, I decided to create a makeup look that utilises a majority of drugstore products. Dissatisfied with the number of Valentine's Day makeup tutorials I've encountered that encompassed a pink theme, I had a play around with my makeup collection. I wanted a look that promotes healthy radiance, simplicity and wearable for younger beauty enthusiasts. Additionally, this combo is suitable for a natural and effortless everyday look.

I've recently discovered some new readers of my blog who aren't familiar with the basics of makeup, so this one's for you! Furthermore, I'd like to share with you how I put it all together, ready to face the day.

I applied the Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector (Combination to Oily Skin) in Light on random areas on my face with my fingers. I then used my Real Techniques Buffing Brush from the Core Collection to blend the BB cream into my skin. I found that the BB cream's finish was dewy so I omitted a highlighter in this look.
To conceal my dark circles, I used the Benefit fakeup concealer in Medium, patting the product in gently with my fingers.
I dusted the Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder in True Translucent all over my face with my Real Techniques Powder Brush, to mattify and set my base.
For a romantic flush of colour, I applied the Essence Silky Touch blush in 20 Babydoll with my Real Techniques Blush Brush.

Eyes
I like to start my eyebrows off first; I combed the Essence Lash & Brow Gel Mascara in, to make my eyebrows more defined and in place. This is a great staple, a transparent gel mascara that is very natural looking on the brows.
For my eyelid primer, I used the Makeup Academy (MUA) Pro-Base Eye Primer. I was actually surprised at how well this product worked considering it is very inexpensive. For my eyeshadow base, I used the EcoTools Large Eye Brush from the Essential Eye Set to apply the lighter, "3D" shade from the Essence 3D Eyeshadow in 09 Irresistible Chocolates. I then blended the Benefit Hoola bronzing powder  into my crease with the Emily 217 Blending Brush (purchased from eBay), for a nice transition colour and added definition. For a bit of a highlight under my brows and inner eye corners, I used the same light shade from the Essence 3D Eyeshadow in 09 Irresistible Chocolates in conjunction with the EcoTools Highlighting Brush from the Essential Eye Set.
For long luscious lashes, I curled mine with the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler and applied two coats of the Australis Lash Length Extensions Mascara, a smudge-free fibre mascara that promotes elongated lashes!

To finish off the look, I opted for soft red lips that aren't too dramatic using the Face of Australia Glossy Lip Crayon in Apple Crumble. These are the new limited edition lip crayons on the market; affordable (only $4.95) and reliable products, infused with a vanilla scent.

All of the Real Techniques and EcoTools brushes were purchased off iherb.com. You can use the code PCW095 to get $5 off your first order under $40 or $10 off your first order over $40.

I hope you enjoyed this post! If you would like future FOTD posts composed in a similar nature to this one, do let me know in the comments below!
So tell me, how do you do your "special occasion" makeup?

Whether it's the original Naked palette, Naked 2 palette or the most recent instalment, the Naked Basics palette, there's has been a bit of a commotion surrounding on the performance and usage frequency of these eyeshadows.

On having the luxury of sharing experiences with the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette, my admiration for these eyeshadows have grown and I endeavoured to expand my collection with the hopes of incorporating more products from the Naked range.

Not long after, I welcomed the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette into the family.

Prior to investing in these products, I have read countless blog posts on the aforementioned products. A popular contender in the rise of neutral eyeshadow palettes, or should I say, a much more affordable brand, MUA cosmetics (Make Up Academy) has made its name in various posts associated with Urban Decay's Naked eyeshadows.

MUA has released the Undressed and the Undressed Me Too palette, being dupes for the Naked and Naked 2 palette respectively. Unfortunately, the former palettes are sold out at the moment, but I pounced on the MUA Heaven and Earth eyeshadow palette on news of free shipping (with purchases over £20) I received from hearsay.

I couldn't resist not purchasing this for such an affordable price of £4 and after reading the reviews on makeupalley!





The Heaven and Earth eyeshadow palette features 12 warm neutral shimmer shades ranging from shade-worthy champagnes to brilliant browns. This palette has got you nearly covered for neutral shimmer eyeshadows! We're just lacking a bit of a brown-black shade here.

Prepared to be overwhelmed by the numerous shades you can utilise as highlighters, crease shades and base shades! Create multifarious eye looks, from subtle schoolgirl to promiscuous princess!



For only £4, I was very surprised by the quality. Expect decent pigmentation, easily- blendable shades that have a rich, velvety texture! You can dismiss the idea of chalkiness here!

As for the packaging, it's very sleek and compact. I wasn't at all disheartened by the flimsy plastic case. It's super light weight and if you take care of it, it will stay intact for quite a while.

A dual ended applicator brush is included in the palette. This is a great alternative to brushes, plus it minimises fall out (yes, there is just a bit) during the transfer process from the eyeshadow to your eyelids.

Overall this is a great product! Paired with my Urban Decay Naked Basics palette, I've got the best of both worlds - shimmer and matte eyeshadows!

I highly recommend this palette for those starting out with makeup and wouldn't mind a shimmer eyeshadow palette. This is also great for those who don't want to fork out for the high end brands and these make great gifts for your girlfriends!

You can pick up this palette here.