The Search For The Perfect Eyeliner : Benefit's They're Real

Please forgive the red eyes, it was 6am.

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas!

And so continues my quest for the perfect eyeliner. Now when it comes to makeup, we know I'm not a snob, expiration dates and importation and all that doesn't faze me at all. So I would have been massively intrigued by the They're Real eyeliner...had I not gotten the Maybelline version that had came out in Asia somewhere (judging by the packaging) months beforehand.

I kind of knew the script with this one, and to be honest, the application is okayyyyy. The Benefit one is definitely better applicator wise than the Maybelline one, and it lasts ALL day. It was only a sample size I got, and I would get the full size after trialling it. It was really easy to apply, if you're a beginner it might take some practice but easier than  a liquid and it's super black and not at all patchy. I don't know how it manipulates as so far, I've not had to, which probably speaks volumes about how easy the application is.

As far as gel eyeliners go, it's the best I've tried, but perfect eyeliner it is not. That is, my search for the perfect eyeliner involves being able to get it off without removing my eyelid at the end of the day.
 The picture on the right is my full look for that day, please forgive the Instagram filter, as I said, it was 6am and I was running out the door!

I also said I would give you an update on the Poundland makeup range at some point. I'm wearing both the lippy and the blusher I got in this photo, the lipstick application sucks, but I paired it with MAC Nightmoth and still managed to get the beautiful duochrome. The blush takes some building but is a lovely wearable daytime pink. Perfect if you like just a subtle flush.

My Poundland Makeup Post

The Search For The Perfect Eyeliner : B Dramatic

Makeup 101: The Glitter Cut Crease

Hi everyone!  Can I just point out...3 DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS!! I'M SO EXCITEEEED!

Okay, back. So hopefully everyone's having a wonderful festive season so far, and today I'm bringing you a look I wore to my college Christmas party, and I thought I would take photos along the way so that hopefully you can wear it too!


Before you begin, make sure you prep your eyes with your chosen primer. You can use concealer if you like, here I've used the Too Faced Shadow Insurance. I've also placed some Scotch tape along past my lower lashline to help create a super sharp wing.

Then, I've used a soft black eyeliner to draw in my guide for my cut crease. I have slightly hidden eyelids, so I've actually drawn my crease just above where my actual crease is, so that it still shows when my eyes are open. Also, if black is too harsh for you, you could use a dark brown.

Next, use a small soft brush to blend that eyeliner out. Use a small amount of black eyeshadow to help the blending. Blend blend blend. Blend more. And again. No harsh lines allowed. 

So I was using a silver/rainbow glitter, so I used a silver eyeshadow underneath. You don't have to use an eyeshadow at all, but I think it helps. I used a flat, dense brush to press this up to where I've laid down that black liner and shadow. Try not to go over the black, but if you do, don't worry, just use the smaller brush you used first to blend it out.

Now, take a glitter glue i.e. Too Faced Glitter Glue, or Urban Decay Bondage and use your finger to press that over the silver/colour of your choice shadow and then use your finger to densely pack that glitter on top of the glue, again, try not to go over the black. I've done my eyes before the rest of my face here so I don't have to worry about fallout, I'll just wipe it away before I do my foundation etc.

Now, use a liquid eyeliner to draw your wing. Liquid works best here, especially the non-pen type because it just glides over the glitter and doesn't drag it around. 

Take the tape off and use a cotton bud dipped in makeup remover to tidy up your wing if you need to, then I smudged a tiny amount of black eyeshadow into the bottom lashes to balance everything out. I then added some mascara and false lashes and woohoo! Party ready!

Please tag me @pintsizeheroine on Instagram if you try this or any of my other makeup tutorials, I'd love to see them!

N x

Makeup 101: Highlight and Contour!

Hello folks!

Sorry I've been MIA again. Who decided to be a jeweller at Christmas? Jeezo. I've been rushed off my feet trying to get everything sorted before I finish college for the Christmas holidays so I'm sorry I (once again) haven't been able to post!

I'm back with another makeup tutorial today, this time for a highlight and contour.

Behold! My starting face! Now, because I use powder products to highlight and contour I always apply my primer, foundation, and concealer first, this allows for easy blending. If you want to use cream products then I would definitely advise contouring before powder.

I start off by applying a concealer just a shade or 2 lighter than my skin to the high points of my face (forehead, nose, chin, sometimes cupid's bow) and under my eyes and buff this in using a flat top brush. This will create the illusion of light on your face once your contour has been applied.

Sah pretty.

Buffin' Buffin' Buffin'

I then apply a dark brown to the hollows of my face which are under my cheekbones, under my jaw and the temples of my forehead. Now, I don't usually contour my temples as I have a really small forehead, I don't need to, but I've done it in this photo so you can see where this would be applied. Also, if you struggle to find your cheekbones, suck your cheeks in through your teeth to make a fishy face and draw a line towards the corners of your mouth and stop at least three fingers' width away. When you're satisfied with your placement, blend upwards. Think you've blended enough? You haven't. Keep going.

I use a nude coloured blush to contour as I'm so pale, but a good idea is to get a powder foundation a few shades darker than your skintone. I hate using bronzer to contour as it can look so orange but if that's what you like then you can use that too. I'd say bronzer works better if you have a darker skintone. Ghosts like me need not apply,

Then, if you like, take a shimmery highlighter and apply this to the very tops of your cheekbones just under your eyes to catch the light when you move your head.

To complete the look, apply your blush of choice just in between your highlight and contour and blend together. 

MINION!

Please let me know if you try this for yourself! 

N x

First Impressions : Poundland Makeup Range!

Okay, so I was really skeptical about trying this, but then my mum pointed out that I had been waxing lyrical about a Makeup Revolution lipstick that only cost £1 so I figured I might as well give it a go!

The range is called Makeup Gallery and it has everything from foundations to nail polishes. The items I selected to try were : a nail polish in Silver Treasure, a Colour Moisture lipstick in Plum Pout, a blusher in Candyfloss, an eyeshadow in Galaxy Grey and an Intense Colour and Shine Gloss in Pixie Pink.

First impressions are...mixed. 

The nail polish has a great brush, flat and thick with tiny particles of rainbow glitter and larger silver glitter pieces, but as with most glitter polishes you don't get much of them. 

The lipgloss is a beautiful neon pink colour that goes opaque with one swipe but the consistency is kind of sticky. I don't mind that so much but I know some people don't like that.

The blush is really pretty neutral pink, the swatch doesn't show up much so I think I'll need to try this one out on my face to see what happens. 

What made me want to try all of this in the first place was the lipstick in Plum Pout, look at that duochrome! I don't have anything like it in my (rather excessive) collection. It is very moisturising but quite sheer, so again a face trial is probably needed!

Lastly I decided to try one of the eyeshadows and my first impressions aren't massively positive. It seems quite chalky and crumbly but hopefully I can work with it over a primer. 

These are obviously just first impressions so I'll be trialling these over the next few weeks and I'll be back to let you know what I think!

Will you be trying anything from this range?

N x

Makeup 101: Ombre Lip

Hi guys,

I'm back with another makeup tutorial, and today's look is a super wearable take on the ombre lip. I use this to mix shades of lipstick that I don't always necessarily think I suit or to add a little something extra to my daytime lip looks.

Step 1:

Apologies for the ridiculous picture, it was the only way I could show what I meant! Start by outlining your lips in a pinky nude colour (either with a lipliner, or a lipstick on a brush) and fill in the corners.

Next, fill in the centre of your lips with a peachy nude tone and blend into the lipliner, finish with a gloss if you like and you're done!

Let me know if you try this look!

N x

Makeup 101 : Smokey Eye

Hi folks! 

Extreme apologies for not posting the last week or so, I had a competition to prepare for with only 5 days notice so I have been the busiest guy ever! So, I thought I'd make it up to you guys with my first ever makeup tutorial!

One of the things I get asked about most is a smokey eye, so I thought I would show you how to do a really wearable, not too dark or complicated eye with a pop of shimmer.

One of my first tips when choosing what colours to wear is to go for a palette or a quad if you're not sure, this means you'll have colours that will definitely match and most quads now have little instructions on the back to help!

The quad I've chosen is the Maleficent palette from MAC but this contains all permanent shades if you like the look of them! 

Step 1 :

Apply your chosen primer (I use TooFaced Shadow Insurance) and buff a medium matte brown shade over your crease, using a fluffy brush here I've used Brown Down from the Maleficent palette with a MAC 217 brush. 

Step 2: 

Next, take a slightly different matte brown, I've used Concrete here as it's a little darker and more grey toned than Brown Down, and using the same brush, lightly blend that into the outer corner of your eye and crease, covering approx 1/3rd of your outer eyelid.

Step 3:

This is the part most people are scared of : black. Take a matte black shadow, and with a super light hand, blend that into the very outer corner of your eye. Keep blending until you have a nice gradient of colour but make sure you keep to the outer corner as this will create the most dimension. 

Step 4:

Now take a flat, dense eyeshadow brush, I used the double-ended eyeshadow brush from Urban Decay and press a shimmery gold shadow on the eyelid up to the crease. I've used Goldmine from MAC here, but Half Baked from Urban Decay is also a nice one. If you're not into shimmer then a pale matte shade would also work for this step. 

Step 5:

This step is entirely optional, but I like it for adding a little bit of grunginess. Take the same matte black eyeshadow on an angled liner brush and run this along your bottom lashline, then smudge with your blending brush. 

Add some mascara and you're done!

I hope you liked this tutorial and if there's any you'd like me to do then please let me know and I'll give it a shot! 

N x

The Search For The Perfect Eyeliner : B. Dramatic

In the makeup and beauty world, everyone is looking for that Holy Grail product, that product that you put on your face (or hair, or body!) and just think..."This is it." For me, as I feel a bit naked without it, it's eyeliner. Gel, pencil, liquid, whatevs. So here lies the beginning of a new quest for Nikki Rocks, the search for the perfect eyeliner.

Spoiler. This isn't it...otherwise this would be a really short quest. Like Lord of The Rings condensed into 2 minutes. (Actually, if someone had condensed LOTR into 2 minutes for me I could have 327 hours made to watch it of my life back. Anyway, I digress.)

This claims to be a "long wearing felt pen eyeliner which provides bold precise strokes in a single sweep."

No.

Just...no.

I have so many issues with this eyeliner it's not even real, mostly because when I swatched it in my local Superdrug it appeared to be the blackest black eyeliner of all black eyeliners. Then I actually put it on my eyelids. (Not the tester, cause that would be gross, I obviously bought it to try!)

Please excuse the fact I look about 80.

First of all, it is so so so patchy and you CANNOT fill in the gaps. It's not even the way of a cheap eyeliner that it flakes off if you try and go over it, it just doesn't fill in! So that rubbishes the claim of a "single sweep" and it isn't precise in the slightest due to the fact that nothing comes out of the tip, you have to try and hold the tip parallel with your eye but it means that if you're trying to get a really precise cat-eye flick, it's just not going to work.

To give Superdrug's advertising some semblance of credit, it is long wearing. I have oily eyelids and this doesn't transfer at all which is great as I find this really hard to combat, so this might be suitable if you just like a little definition along the lashline, but if you're like me, and bolder is better - this ain't the one for you.

Recommendations of what to try next would be much appreciated!

1 Month Today!

It's the 15th today which means my little blog is officially 1 month old! Yay!

My first Topshop makeup purchase!

Okay, so I know Topshop makeup has been around pretty much longer than I have, but as it's not somewhere I go in very often, the makeup's just kind of passed me by. Until today. I say that with a sigh as now, now I'm an addict.

How Armour appears on the lips

I was in with my friend, and as the clothes don't really interest me (no size 18's. Really?) I wandered over to the makeup to check it out and stumbled upon this little beauty. This is one of their regular lipsticks in the shade Armour, priced at a reasonable £8. It's described on the website as being rose gold in colour and I'd agree. I usually avoid frost/metallic finish lipsticks like the plague but something about this one just sang to me when I swatched it on the back of my hand so I bought it.

I usually associate frost finish lipsticks with the 80's and that horrible gritty feeling on your lips but this glides on so smoothly. It's so soft and creamy, so on the other hand, you'd think it would wear off quickly? Nope. Had it on for 3 hours and it's not moved. I've not eaten mind you, and I think after that, reapplication would be required but I wouldn't mind that.

More Topshop lippies required? Hell yeah. ANOTHER makeup brand addiction? Need it like a hole in the head, but I'm doing it for you guys! Or that's what I keep telling myself!

What's your favourite Topshop lipstick shade? Any recommendations?

N x

You can purchase Armour on the Topshop website

Essence XXXL Longlasting Lipgloss Review

So recently I went to a shopping centre I don't normally go to and discovered it had a Wilkos, which I don't have anywhere near me , so decided to go on a little Essence haul! (£45 on makeup of which pretty much nothing costs over £2...oops.) 

One of the first things I went for was the lip products as I am a lip product junkie obviously! I really enjoy the different types of lip creams that are popular at the moment so I though I would give these a try in the shades Velvet Rose and Silky Red.

These feel lovely on the lips, really soft and creamy and so moisturising, unlike other matte lip creams. The red is slightly more opaque than the pink and that's probably the only issue I have with them is the opacity. As you can see, I've applied them here without lipliner and they're quite sheer, so I would suggest a lipliner underneath. I pair the red with the Illamasqua lip pencil in Fiesty and the pink with the Rimmel Exaggerate lipliner in Eastend Snob and I find they go well together but obviously you can try anything you like.

The one thing I love about these lip creams (they're called a lip gloss...but they're not glossy...) and it makes them an absolute dream to apply, is first of all the applicator. When you take it out of the tube it looks like a normal doe-foot applicator but it has a little lip on it so it hugs your lips perfectly. Secondly, the taste and smell is the best of any lip product EVER. I know that's a bold statement, but all I need to convince you is three words. Costco. Birthday. Cake.

There's not a wide shade range of these, only 5 shades but there's definitely something in there for everyone.

Have you tried these? Do you have any other Essence recommendations?
N x 

MAC "Cyber" lipstick

So after saying "I'm not much of a MAC girl", my second ever make-up review here is a MAC one. Go figure. 

As soon as the weather drops below 10 degrees here in Glasgow I'm all about the dark lippy. This means I wear coral for a week in June, but we'll talk about that in June. After a quick review of my makeup stash I decided I wanted some new shades, more specifically something from MAC. I initally was going to go for "Rebel" but on seeing "Cyber" I totally fell in love. 

This is a really deep purple and I'd say it has no berry tones in it at all. It's described by MAC as "an intense blackish-purple" and straight after first application it definitely is, but as it wears through the day it shows more purple in tone. I think perhaps this may be down to the finish, which is Satin.

I love the formula of this lipstick but it definitely does not last well, even with a lipliner so reapplication is needed. I don't mind this but I know for some this is a downfall. Overall, it's a lovely colour and finish so I'm a happy camper. 

If MAC is out of your price range then there's a few alternatives I've found :

Collection Gothic Glam in Scorned

Revlon Super Lustrous in Va-Va Violet

Sleek True Colour in Mulberry

Are dark lipsticks your thing? What's your favourite colour for this winter?

N x

MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder

What's this? A makeup review?

When it comes to makeup, I'm actually not much of a MAC girl, but recently I was in Selfridges with some friends and I was looking a little shiny, so I decided to pick this up for a touch-up before going out for dinner. 

This powder comes in the classic black MAC compact with a handy little powder puff and mirror. The packaging also clicks closed, which is great for keeping it secure if you want to just throw it in your bag to touch-up during the day.

This powder is described on the MAC website as "micro-fine, sheer and silky" and comes in 13 shades. I selected shade NC15 as a total guess and it's a good match and not too yellow. I tend to go the whole hog when it comes to face makeup and this powder works really well for setting everything down and locking in my foundation. I have quite oily skin but this wears well throughout the day (usually about 4 hours which is about the most I get from any powder really!) and doesn't separate or look cakey after reapplication. Coverage is very light, so if you're looking for something just to control shine and even out skintone, then this is one for you. I suggest starting with a concealer for blemish-covering because this unfortunately ain't going to get it done. It blends beautifully when applied with a brush and I'd say that for me, the shade is spot on. 

For my first MAC face product I'm pretty pleased! I wouldn't exactly rush out and repurchase if I ran out but I would definitely advise everyone to try it out for themselves!

Have you tried this powder? Let me know what you think?

MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder available here for £20.50

Yankee Candle Chocolate Layer Cake Review

Another day, another candle review! I told you, I really do have a problem.

This candle was one I ummed and ahhed about buying because it's only available in the large jar size which is £19.99. I normally only buy the little wax tarts, or, if I'm feelin' fancy, one of the small jars but in my local Yankee store I was informed that it's limited edition and I knew I'd regret not picking it up!

This is described on the Yankee Candle website as "The scrumptious layering of cocoa and chocolate mousse" and I couldn't agree more. I was worried that when burning this would be seriously sickening but it's actually so subtle and lovely. It makes my whole living room smell like dessert! I have nothing more to add on the actual scent as it does smell exactly like chocolate cake. The thing I love most about this candle is that it lingers, all throughout the day it's been sitting on my coffee table unlit and I still get a little whiff of chocolate every now and again which is so pleasant when I'm sat working on my laptop.

Chocolate Layer Cake is available here for £19.99

Will you be indulging in this scent? Let me know what you think if you do!

N x

Black Milk "Pulp Horror" Collection

L-R What a Mess, Free Spirit and Wicked Web

I'm usually quite reasonable when it comes to new launches, I usually only buy one to try and then see if I want to spend more later, by which point something else has come along and has caught my attention.

However, there is nothing that can make me say "Shut up and take my money!" faster than a new Black Milk launch and their new Halloween "Pulp Horror" collection was no exception.

I normally only buy one piece from Black Milk at a time but as I found myself with a little extra cash I decided to indulge and I chose three, including two limited pieces.

The first piece I chose was the "What A Mess" reversible skater dress, which is a permanent part of the collection with a blood-splattered bathroom tile print. This dress can either be worn with a high neck and a low back, or vice versa. Personally I prefer to have my back covered but I like that I have the choice.

A close up of the Free Spirit print. How cute?!

The second item I chose was the "Free Spirit" reversible skater dress which was only on sale for 48hrs after the collection launched so I'm really pleased I managed to grab one! (Not like I sat waiting for the website to re-open on launch day or anything...) I absolutely love the cute ghost print on this and I definitely wouldn't save this as a "just for Halloween" dress. You can bet I'll definitely be pairing this up with a Christmas jumper come December! Well, Scrooge was visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past after all!

The last thing I got was the "Wicked Web Silver Cheerleader Skirt" which was a limited edition item. This has a matching crop top but as you could not get me in a crop top if you paid me, I opted for the skirt on it's own. I was really pleasantly surprised with just how much material is in this skirt, it's so heavy! I wore it yesterday with just a plain t-shirt and some ankle boots and it was so comfortable and stretchy, a good going-out for dinner outfit!

The Wicked Web print up close. It's so intricate!

I was a little apprehensive at first about ordering from Australia but at the time, the exchange rate was excellent so everything was really reasonable and their clothing is such fab quality, I can't fault the price I paid. Secondly, I used the free shipping option and didn't even have to pay customs (I actually wouldn't have minded because of the free shipping!) The sizing is pretty spot on, I order a size XL as I'm a UK 18-20 and that's fine for me (the leggings tend to roll a little but that's just my figure) so i would say if you're a fan then definitely try some of their stuff out!

Do you have a Black Milk collection? What have you got in the past?

Yankee Candle Ghostly Treats Review

I thought I'd kick off my little blog with my complete obsession over all that is Yankee Candle. Seriously, it's becoming a real problem. Combine that with my love of Halloween and I felt like I was on to a winner.

This year's Halloween offerings involve three scents : Candy Corn, Witches Brew and Ghostly Treats. I completely fell for the packaging of Ghostly Treats, and as I had a voucher, decided to go for the largest size this scent offers, which is the medium jar. Upon lighting this little beauty I realised it smelled awfully familiar, and it turns out the "new" scent is just a repackaged favourite of mine which is Fireside Treats. As there's no price difference and the ghosts are cute I don't mind.

This glorious toasted marshmallow scent is definitely for those of you who like a sweeter fragrance but it's not overpowering and is mixed with a lovely smokey undertone which makes it feel very cosy on a rainy October evening. Firm favourite and a definite repurchase of the original!

Ghostly Treats Medium Jar available now for £16.99

N x

"You" by Caroline Kepnes

I thought I might try my hand at a book review today!

Last night I finished what I think, is the first full length novel by Caroline Kepnes. This is described as a "romantic thriller" but I don't think it is romantic in the slightest! The novel is written in second person, which in itself is strange, and is from the perspective of bookstore manager Joe. When Guinevere Beck makes her way into his store he is smitten and he makes it his mission to be with her. Unfortunately, his mission involves stalking her, with sinister consequences. 

I absolutely loved this book. It's dark, gripping and sometimes actually pretty funny. I have a weird interest in the mindsets of people like Joe and it was so interesting to see how his mind worked. What I also loved, was his sense of normalcy at times. In the midst of an act that one may find completely twisted, it appears completely normal and rational from his point of view. I found myself unintentionally skipping whole paragraphs because I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen.

I really would recommend this if you love a good thriller, let me know what you think if you read it too!

You by Caroline Kepnes available in physical and Kindle

N x

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