While I Love My Make Up...

I love my dogs more...

Like the saddo I am, last night I ended up watching Legally Blonde 2 (absolute disaster of a film) on the television. This morning while doing my college essay I began thinking about today's post. Animal Testing. Anyone will tell you that I'm against wearing fur, but strangely animal testing in regards to cosmetic companies was never something I paid attention to. I would never buy a make up product knowing it was tested on animals - BUT - being the slight makeup snob that I am, I was under the insane and inaccurate belief that because the products I buy are more high end, no animal testing would be carried out to produce them.

Fail, Julie.

After doing a small amount of research on the subject (my poor college essay!), and watching some really disturbing videos about the treatment of animals being tested on, I thought I'd share with you some of the information I found out. There's little point in debating the pros and cons of it, as in my eyes its just wrong. Pixiwoo have a list of companies that don't test on animals in full here, and those that are safe include MAC, Nars, MUFE, Eyeko, Beauté, Laura Mercier, Urban Decay, Sleek, Estee Lauder and Illamasqua. Phew! Thank God, if they tested on animals most of my make up would be in the bin.

Those that are ambiguous in their animal cruelty policy include L'Oreal, D&G, Max Factor, Rimmel and Benefit. As much as I loved my Benefit foundation and was ready to repurchase, I definitely won't be doing so now. As for the others they've been removed from my make up drawer. For a list of all the companies that DO NOT test on animals click here. While I love make up and the little collection I have going on, not at the cost of an animals life. This time the price of beauty is too high.

Image courtesy of weheartit



What do you think about animal testing? Do you knowingly use products tested on animals?

Shine On

I was going to film this as a tutorial, but its so minimal that it wasn't really worth it. I really like this "polished" look though, what with its glowing skin and defined but basic eyes. Being one of those people who wouldn't leave the house without makeup, I've finally realised what my favourite makeup item is: eyeshadow. As much as I depend on foundation, I could skip a day of wearing it. But eyeshadow is a must. And Patina is the favourite of the week.

Whats your favourite make up look?

Face:

Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Foundation

MAC Harmony blush (as contour)

Sleek Rose Gold

Josie Maran Lovely Palette (as highlight)

Eyes:

MAC Painterly Paintpot

MAC Patina eyeshadow

MAC Coffee Eyeliner

Blinc Tube Mascara

Lips:

Josie Maran Lovely Palette (pink shade)

Passport Pouts

Holding to my word, I ventured out of my house last night. Bad idea, soon after I got up this morning I was back in my bed. The whole "sick skin sheen" destroyed my new passport photos on top of my disastrously red cheeks. Ah well, no one see's it much eh?

My friends and I have decided to go to the university ball on in two weeks. The prospect of hair, make up and pretty dress is more than I can bear, and I'm looking forward more to that than the night itself. Watch this space as I'll probably do a few looks so you can help me choose what to wear etc. Excited!


Today brings a FOTD, as my face hasn't featured in this blog for a while (lucky you)..This was before my body realised it still wasn't better. In bed with dark chocolate (with raspberry bits none the less), hot water bottle and a wad of tissues.

Happy Monday!

Face:

Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Foundation

Laura Mercier Secret Concealer

MAC Harmony (as contour) and Melba blush

Eyes:

MAC Constructivist Paintpot

MAC Patina (all over) and Satin Taupe (outer corner and crease) e/s

MUFE Star Powder in Copper 922 (centre of lid)

MUFE liner in Pearly Brown 2L

NYX Black Mascara

Lips:

Nada. Nothing. Zilch.

New Year, New Me?

I'll be the first to admit that I hate New Years celebrations with a passion. I hate the awkward ten second countdown to midnight, I hate the over the top hugging and kissing that ensues, I hate that people feel the need to get drunk in order to ring in the new year and I hate the fact that people feel they must go out to celebrate it.

Having said that, I did go out this year. My friend is moving away so had a joint going away/New Years party and I felt obliged to attend. While most of my friends drank themselves into oblivion, I just sat there feeling out of place and scratching the nail polish of my nails. There were good bits to the night, but I dislike the holiday so much I felt I couldn't enjoy it.

I'm not one for resolutions. I usually punch way above my weight and end up failing miserably in the first few days. However this year is one that I want to be better than last; to be happy, for my family to be healthy, forget some people existed and meet new ones I'm glad do.

I've put in a few photos of what I wore last night, sadly had to change the dress because I thought it was too fancy. I got a new video camera thingy yesterday that takes photos too. It's HD so every blemish is highlighted, I apologise in advance!

Face:

Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Foundation

Laura Mercier Secret Concealer

Mac Harmony and Melba Blush

Sleek Rose Gold Blush

Eyes:

Mac Painterly Paintpot

Urban Decay Sin e/s (all over)

Mac Amber Lights and Antiqued (middle) and Twinks e/s (outer corner)

Urban Decay Aqua Liner in Black

Eyeko Big Eyes Mascara

Lips:

Nivea Lip Balm/Condtioner

Happy New Year!

Neutrals Be Gone

I could never wear coloured eyeshadow. It just simply doesn't suit me. Bright lips are something I can deal with. MAC's Impassioned is one of my favourite lipsticks but I definitely can't wear it during the day, so my mission was to get a wearable pink/red colour. Mission accomplished!

Face:
Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Foundation
Laura Mercier Secret Concealer
MAC Harmony Blush (contour)
Sleek Rose Gold Blush

Eyes:
Sleek Storm Palette Matte Brown e/s (eyebrows)
MAC Painterly Paintpot
Bobbi Brown Gel liner in Black
Eyeko Big Eyes Mascara

Lips:
NYX Natural lipliner
Laura Mercier Rose lipstick
Laura Mercier Pink Diamond lipgloss







Happy Monday! x

I Hauled..Again

I have a problem, and I'll readily admit it. I have set myself a challenge, no shopping unless for Christmas presents, until after the party season. Wish me luck because I will need it.

Make Up Forever Rock For Ever Liners

If you follow me on twitter (joolie18) you will already know about my lust for these. Initially on my Christmas list I couldn't help buying them on my recent shopping splurge. I've always wanted one as their waterproof, and now I have five. Delirah!

Left: No Flash. Right: With flash

Laura Mercier Rose l/s and Pink Diamond l/g



The Laura Mercier obsession has intensified, told you I'd go back. I managed to be good and only buy two products. Hell, they are expensive though. The lipstick and lipgloss were each 27euro/£22. So worth it though, their stunning colours. The camera doesn't do them justice, they are much brighter and the quality is amazing!

Elf Cool Coral and Seduction l/s



I talked about these in my latest YT video, check it out HERE!

Review: Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Foundation

It can withstand rain, wind and I would even bet gail forces..This is not a car or plane I speak of but Laura Mercier's new Créme Smooth Foundation. This is a brand I tend to overlook, love their products but never seem to buy them. Not anymore!

I have always had a flighty relationship with foundations, proclaiming one to be the perfect concoction and then realising its flaws soon afterwards. However, after almost two weeks of this foundation, I'm in love with it and I don't think I want to change it.

I went to my local Laura Mericer counter with the idea of buying the mineral powder foundation, but as I have dry skin was forced to consider this new formula. Thank God, I did.

What they say:

Laura created this modern, lightweight foundation that floats over skin without visibly settling into fine lines. The hydrating formula includes a multipeptide complex infused with Dermaxyl and advanced optical diffusers that help to visibly smooth out lines and wrinkles.

What I say:

Don't let the formula in the gar fool you, when I first saw it I thought I would end up looking like a cakey mess. However it really is lightweight, but provides the perfect amount of coverage; enough to cover imperfections but not make you look like Jordan on a bad day. You need only a pea-sized amount of product all over the face as it blends so well and you use your fingers to lightly apply it to the face. Not only does it leave the skin with a truly flawless coverage, but it definitely keeps it hydrated throughout the day.

I have had this problem with other foundations, where my skin feels tight and I feel the need to moisturise and reapply the foundation. With this Laura Mercier one, it feels as if nothing is being worn and the skin is moisturised all day. And it lasts, all day long.

I would not recommend this product for oily skin, as it's main aim is to hydrate; but any other skin type would benefit from its usage. Now, it is expensive; 60euro/£50 but the amount used each day is so minuscule that it will literally last ages.

I use it together with the Laura Mercier Secret Concealer, which I apply with a small concealer brush to the under eye area. Like the Créme Smooth Foundation it is so soft and lasts the whole day on my face.


Step 1: Apply concealer to inner eye are with concealer brush
Step 2: Blend with ring finger
Step 3: Bright eyes

Have you tried this foundation/concealer?

My Youtube

Fairly Natural

Today, I decided to do yet another face of the day..I love neutrals and wear them everyday, this is what I chose to wear today..I'll be doing reviews on the new things I bought, I promise!

Face:

Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Foundation (review to come!)
MAC Harmony Contour Powder
Sleek Rose Gold Blush

Eyes:
Sleek Bohemian Palette (matte nude e/s)
Inglot 402 e/s
MAC Satin Taupe e/s
MAC Coffee Pencil
Eyeko Big Eyes Mascara
Lips:
MAC Creme D'Nude Lipstick
MAC Florabundance Lipgloss