They are also known as lip stains as they usually provide pale or light coloration to the lips. They have become popular among women all across the globe due to their ability to create the perfect gradient lip. You will achieve an ideal gradient lip if the lip is brightly colored on the inside that fades away as you get close to the edge of the lips.

It is challenging to get the perfect gradient lips if you are not a professional or haven’t been used a tint before. There is a whole lot of factors that you need to consider when applying a tint on your lips.

We know that you don’t want to try until you know the dos and don’ts of applying a lip tint. With that in mind, we have created this post to help you understand the dos and don’ts when using tints on your lips.

Let’s jump right into it.

DOs:

Lets’ discuss the dos first –

#1 Always Prep Your Lips Before Applying

First and foremost, you need to exfoliate your lips before applying the tints. This is to avoid chipped lips. While many lip tints incorporate hydrating agents, you would want to be sure that your lips remain safe and beautiful after application. Moreover, you should know that applying stains to chapped lips will be even more visible. This is something you would want to avoid.

#2 Use A Gloss After Application

While the matte look is the preferred choice for many ladies, glossy lips are making a comeback. If you want a slight sheen on your lips, you can apply a clear gloss over the tint.

#3 Experiment With Fun Colors

One of the most interesting things about lip tints is that it is not just limited to a few colors. Most women find it scary to experiment with colors on their lips when using lipsticks and other lip colors. However, this is not the case with lip tints. Unlike lipsticks, tints provide a more neutral look. This means you can try out different colors if you want.

DON’Ts:

Here are some don’ts you need to consider.

#1 Apply With Your Fingertips

Most women apply tints using their fingertips. This is not a good idea as using fingers will not give you the coverage and finish you want. Use applicators.

#2 Apply Without A Mirror

Since tints don’t need the preciseness and perfection of applying lipsticks, most women don’t even bother looking at the mirror for application. But you need to understand that if not quickly processed, tints tend to dry quickly and may compromise with the look of your lips.

Final Words

These are some dos and don’ts you need to keep in mind when applying lip tints.

Cover Image Credits

I’m a sucker for facemasks. I don’t use them enough to be honest, about once every two weeks, I suppose. Yeah, not enough! 

I like to have a variety of facemasks that I can switch between depending on what my skin is behaving like that week. My favorite type of masks are ones I can pop on while I’m having a shower for 10-15 minutes. Although I love how a clay mask looks and feels like I have done one. Sometimes I feel as if they don’t do a lot for my skin, so I often opt for a brightening mask, something that I actually notice a difference afterward. I can’t wait to share my top 5 face masks that will totally transform your skin. I have tried to find 5 completely different textures and qualities for each mask, so at least one of them should suit you and your skin type.

Guerlain Repairing Honey Gel Mask 

This is a stunning honey mask, which we all know honey is fantastic for the skin. If you suffer from sun damage or dry skin and need a repairing face mask for a nourishing fix, this mask is beautiful. The texture is a light gel that you only need a small amount to pop over the skin. Personally, I’m not keen on having to put thick layers on as it can feel heavy and be a nightmare to remove. 

I usually remove it with water and a muslin cloth for some light exfoliation after around 10 minutes. It doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight or red, but it looks nourished and fresh, which is gorgeous for a boost of goodness. 

ARK Skincare Hydration Mask

I have shown this in several blog posts now because I am in love with it. The most significant selling point for me was that I can achieve instant hydration in 5 minutes. Sometimes I can tell as I am about to apply my makeup that my foundation is going to crumble and look dull because my skin looks dry and lifeless, so I pop on a layer on this. I usually get changed while I wait, but afterward, my foundation applies flawlessly as my skin has been fed with loads of multivitamins. It plumps the skin, and a lush pick me up for a midweek pamper. It brings out the glow from within by boosting your hydration levels. 

Kiehl’s Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Masque 

I must admit that I am gutted that I have a sample sized pot of this mask because it’s incredible. If you are after a brightening and rejuvenating mask that instantly makes your skin look alive, this mask is for you. It energizes the skin in 10 minutes. My skin is glowing after using this mask. I love it because wearing makeup everyday mixed with the lack of sleep makes my skin look so dull and tired. This is a product I often grab for my self-care session on a Sunday evening. It’s Instagram worthy too with its light yellow shade and black cranberry seeds that you can massage into the skin to gently exfoliate, so it’s a two one product. 

Sephora Pearl Sheet Mask 

Sephora makes incredible sheet masks. I have gone through around 8 of these now, and I have loved them all. My skin goals involve brightening and increasing the glow within the skin. The perle sheet mask is mainly concentrating on perfecting and brightening the skin, and when I took this off, I couldn’t believe how bright my skin looked. I massaged the rest of the product. I actually didn’t feel like I needed to apply any moisturizer or anything as I was so hydrated and glowy. I know it can be hard to get hold of in the UK, but if you can get your hands on them, then stock up as you will not want to run out of them! 

Origins Original Skin Clay Mask

I suffer from a lot of texture on my forehead that I cannot get rid of! I went on a mission and bought loads of minis that I could try and see if they reduced it. I must admit that this is the only product so far that I notice a considerable difference on my forehead. As it dries, you will see how much texture you have on your skin as you will notice the raised areas, which is quite interesting to see. It hasn’t completely removed all the texture, but it definitely keeps it at bay and avoids it getting worse. 

Hopefully, you’ll be able to find a facemask that will help your skin and improve your pamper routines to achieve that perfect skin that you are looking for. Let me know if you have a facemask that you are in love with, as I would love to give them a try! 

This is a collaboration with Jupiter from Life With Jupiter and Dann, where you will be able to see her recommendations on 5 face masks that transform her skin.

It is time for a new blog post here on my little corner of the internet. Today’s beauty review is going to be all about the Chanel Universal Crème Bronzer. For as long as I can remember, this Chanel Universal Crème Bronzer has been on the market. When I first started my blog back in 2014, this was one of the first ever items that I reviewed. Hell of a lot has changed over the past 8 years, so I thought that it was about time I revisited this item. Before picking up this item purely for this post, I have not used this item for almost 5 years. I was super excited to get my hands on this again to see if I still love it as much as I used to. Let me jump into the post and review.

Why I wanted to try this Chanel Universal Crème Bronzer?

As I mentioned above, I first tried this Chanel Universal Crème Bronzer many years ago. Back when I first started blogging, I loved makeup and I wanted as much of it on my face as possible. Things have changed for me hell of a lot over the years. I am now so much more selective about the makeup that I wear. Because I do opt for minimal products, I like to make sure that the products that I opt for are great quality, do what I need and feel great on the skin. I wanted to see if this Chanel Bronzer has a home in my new makeup collection.

The shades.

The first time around when I tried this Chanel Crème Bronzer, there was only one shade of this. Many years later, they brought out a second shade. All of the world was screaming in rejoicing glory because people had been screaming for this forever and a day. However, it was not all it cracked up to be. The shade was not really any deeper than the first shade, it was just a different undertone. The original is much cooler, the latest release is much warmer. The shade range really is all that lets this product down.

How it applies?

One thing that you really need to know about this Chanel Universal Crème Bronzer is that it is super creamy. The amount of slip that this product has is just staggering. I tend to apply this with my damp Beauty Blender and it goes on the skin so smooth and easily. When I think about this in comparison to my Fenty Cream Bronzer, the Chanel is so much smoother and silkier. That makes it a pleasure to apply on the skin because there is no tugging or pulling when blending. A great item that I think has one of the greatest textures from my whole makeup collection.

How it lasts?

I have said this before and I will say it again, when I apply makeup, I need it to last. I tend to get ready for work at around 6am in the morning and I don’t tend to take my makeup off for a good 14 hours. Some days, even longer. So, I need to ensure that the makeup I am applying is going to look good and stay in place. I was pretty nervous about this Chanel Crème Bronzer because of how creamy it was, I thought it may have too much slip on the skin. However, for me this bronzer applies absolutely beautifully and lasts great. I have never had a makeup meltdown where this is applied.

How is this compared to others?

Over the past couple of years, so many different cream bronzers have been released. Such as, some of my recent favourites are by the likes of Anastasia and Nars. When I think about all of the cream bronzers that I have been trying recently, I do regard this as one of the best. All of them have things that set them apart from the rest. However, this Chanel Universal Crème Bronzer ticks so many of my boxes. Such as, the blendability, the tone, the consistency and how it works paired with other items. If I had to pick one, I would go for the Chanel.

I hope that you guys liked reading this blog post. As you can see from my review, this item really did not disappoint me. I still certainly think that there is room for improvement with this Chanel Universal Crème Bronzer, just as I did all of them years back. The shade range really lets it down and that is such a shame because Chanel are isolating such a vast beauty demographic. Not to mention that in this day and age it is just pretty narrowminded to not cater for all skin tones. That being said, if you guys are of a light or medium skintone, this is a lovely crème bronzer. As always, I will pop a link to this item down below in case you would like to try it out for yourself. Make sure to leave me a comment below. Let me know if you have tried this!

Having spent so much time at home recently, I’m sure that like me, a lot of people are wanting to revamp their spaces. It can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re renting and don’t want to make any lasting damage. So, here are five great ways to spice up your walls, that are easy, affordable and bound to elevate your space!

Macrame baskets

Not only do these gorgeous baskets add dimension to a room, but you can fill them with big, leafy plants that will really liven up your space. They also fit nearly every aesthetic; they can complete your bo-ho themed home, or add a pop of colour to a minimalist space! If you’re interested in macrame hanging baskets, check out Etsy as they have loads of options.

Framed artwork

While artwork can look beautiful just by itself, placing it in a wooden frame is a great way to spice up your walls, and ensure that your art lasts longer! Framing art pieces gives your room a sense of elegance and also elevates the artwork. There are lots of made to measure frames on Etsy which are perfect for every room.

Jewellery and accessory stands

Using your already gorgeous handbags and earrings to decorate your walls is a great, affordable way to spice up your space. Not only will they prevent your jewellery getting tangled and keep your handbags clean, but they’ll give your space a fashionable chic style, and you’ll be able to show off all your fabulous accessories!

Vintage posters

Whether it’s movies, old street signs, or images of classic Hollywood, vintage posters will never go out of fashion. They’re also readily available at a number of vintage and second hand shops making them a super affordable way to spice up your space. Combine them with the frames from earlier and you’ll feel like you’re in a brand new room! 

Floating shelves

While this one is a little less renter friendly, it is a great way to add some dimension to your space without having a clunky bookshelf taking up floor space. You can choose ones that match with your own style, but I personally love these recycled wooden ones. There’s not many spaces that these won’t uplift! Have a look at these ones from Etsy.

It is time for a new beauty review here on my blog. Today it is going to be all about the Tan Luxe Facial Oil. Before getting my hands on this, I saw it literally everywhere. As I am sure I have shared before, I am a massive fan of false tan. I am super careful with my skin and I avoid going into the sun, which is why I need to tan my skin with sunless tanners. So, when I saw this explode all over YouTube and the blogging world, I knew it was an item that I had to try out. Everybody seemed to look amazing when they were using it, which is why I needed to add this to my ever growing collection. So, here is my review on the Tan Luxe Facial Oil.

The packaging.

As I am sure you guys can see from the image above, this item comes in a bottle with a pipette. To begin with, I thought that this would make it easy to work with, but generally speaking I am not a fan. It either picks up too much product, not enough or just leaks everywhere. To be honest, I would much rather have just got this item in a traditional style pump bottle so that it was easier to work with. It is not a deal breaker, just personal preference.

The texture.

As I am sure you guys can gather form the name of this Tan Luxe Facial Oil, it is a pure oil in texture. When it comes to sunless tanners, this is the first item of its kind that I have used. Because my skin is naturally quite oily, I tend to stay away from any item with oil already in the name. I will say, that straight after application, this can make my skin look quite slick and oily. However, I do find that by the time this has developed on my skin, the top layer of oil is no longer there and I am all here for that.

The colour it gives me.

When it comes to the colour that this gives me, it really does depend on how it applies. As you may have seen online, some people apply this directly to the face. Others mix it with moisturiser and then apply it to the skin by really buffing it in. I find that when it comes to this item, to get the colour that I need, I have to use it without moisturiser. Then, it does get quite deep on my skin, but albeit a little orange in tone. However, once I wipe off that top layer that is just sat on my skin, it is a very nice and natural sun kissed look.

How long it lasts.

If I apply this and allow it to develop overnight, as I mentioned I do get a nice colour. However, it doesn’t seem to have great staying power. I will wipe off the residual oil from my skin, then I will apply my makeup. By the end of the evening when I remove my makeup, I feel like most of the developed colour has come off too. If I wanted to keep the colour up with this item, I would probably have to wear it every single day. That would probably be a little too much oil for my skin to handle on a daily basis.

Would I repurchase?

As you may be able to tell from this blog post, I am in two halves about this item. On the one hand, I think that it gives a really nice colour. However, I feel like it makes me a little too oily and it doesn’t seem to last long on the skin. I think that there is a time and place for this, like when my skin needs some more moisture, but generally speaking, I would use other things. However, with how long this has lasted in my bathroom cabinet, I don’t think that it hurts just to keep one there for if I ever need it.

I hope that you guys liked this blog post, As you can see, I really do like this Tan Luxe Facial Oil, but I don’t think that I will repurchase. Even though my skin really loved this item and the shade looked lovely, I can get the same look with my normal mouse tanner. Not to mention that whenever I tried to mix this with my moisturiser I just ended up with funny coloured hands. I think that it really depends on the individual whether you will like this product and want to ride with it. My friend for example that goes for a very natural skin, loves this stuff and cannot get enough of it. As always, I will pop a link to this item below for you to check it out for yourself. Have you tried this Tan Luxe Facial Oil out?

You know those skincare products you use and they have a special place in your mind that you constantly think about when you aren’t using them, this is what I want to share. For instance, if I am trying out a new eye cream which is good but my mind still flicks back to that dreamy eye cream I fell in love with last year then I will pop it on my skincare picks list. I will always go back to these few products that agree with my skin as well as changing my skin for the better.

Khiels Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Mask

This really shows that trying samples of products really work from a business side because I had a sample of this facemask about 3 years ago. I haven’t got round to buying one yet it still remains in my mind as the best facemask I have ever used. It’s a gorgeous brightening mask that doesn’t dry out your skin. This is one of the only facemasks that I actually see the difference with after washing it off. Talking about washing it off, it doesn’t set too hard that you are scraping away at it but you can gently massage your skin as it has cranberry seeds that exfoliate your skin to reveal a brighter and fresher looking finish. 

Decleor Hydra Cream Gel

I bought two pots of the Hydra cream gel around five years ago yet it always remains in the forefront of my mind when I shop for a new moisturiser. The cream gel is the best formula of the range because it’s lightweight yet hydrates the skin instantly. I think they have reformulated it now so I’m excited to try it. It’s just funny how a product can make such a big difference to your life thats why It stays on my skincare picks list!

Guerlain Aberl Royal Serum

Guerlain’s skin care is something else; it just stands out from everyone else due to their thought process that goes into making every product. Their serum was something that stood out to me because it is made with honey and is more of an oil. Mix a couple drops of the serum with your foundation and it will transform your skin into a glowing goddess! It’s a serum that is higher in price but if you are going to invest in any part of your skincare then invest it in your serum as it works to the deeper layers of the skin so it will impact your skin more. 

Clinique Take The Day Off Balm

If you have used this product before then you will know that it’s a great cleanser that isn’t anything fancy. It’s a basic cleanser by looks but melts away your makeup in seconds, including waterproof products. It has no scent and is a plain colour but this is what I love about it as it does the job I want it to do so well without anything crazy and exotic. Another key factor that stands out for me is that it doesn’t leave that balmy texture afterwards that other cleansing balms do.

ARK Skincare Hand and Body Cream

I have to put these two products together on my skincare picks as they are both amazing. I have only been using this since the beginning of this year yet it already stands out from the others I have previously tried. The hand cream is a luxurious texture that isn’t sticky (which is a big thing for me!) but can be used to create a massage for your hands when they are tired and have more time. It’s really helped with my incredibly dry hands since washing them so often recently. The body cream is very similar and it not just hydrates the skin but helps with any texture by smoothing any rough areas such as on the backs of my arms and legs.

Decleor 1000 Grain Body Scrub

Often a body scrub is just something we use and not think about. I thought the same until I tried the Decleor one as the grains are really scrubby that I can feel my dead skin coming off. It has loads of hydrating oils in that hydrate and look after the new skin that is released. I now take time over my scrubbing which is quite a nice part of my day as I can feel all the old coming off and the new coming through. 

I think it was late last year, I wrote a post all about my at home gel manicure. The comments that I received on that post were amazing. People were saying that I was the queen of the at home manicure. To say that I was incredibly proud would be a rather big understatement. However, after doing my own gel manicure at home for almost a decade, things quickly changed. Almost overnight, I developed an allergic reaction to my gel nail products. For a long time, I didn’t know what was causing the reaction, but after much trial and error, it was the nail products. Since then, I have tried so many different brands and caused much pain, but I now once again have a good routine and products that work for me. Because of this, I am going to share my updated and simple at home manicure.

Step 1 – Prep

As always, the first step has to be the prep. I am pretty sure that I have mentioned before that this used to be the step that I neglected. Then, I found that as soon as I began to actually prep my nails properly, my nails would last so much longer. I begin by pushing back my cuticles and trimming if required. I then gently buff the top of the nail to create a surface which has some grit. Then, I go in with a dehydrator and a nail primer. This combination is a winner for me and makes my nails last so much longer. It is usually during this step that I will decide if I am going for short or nail extensions and apply tips if required.

Step 2 – Build

The next step in my simple at home manicure is the building of the nail. Whether I am doing this on top of my natural nail or adding extensions, the build is so important. No matter what I do, my nails are very thin and fragile. They split very easily, so having a good builder on them is so important to me. I usually add two good layers and try to build an apex on my nail to give them a more natural look. I am not going to lie; this took some practice. Back in the day, I would have thick and clumpy nails. I did get there in the end, but it took patience!

Step 3 – Paint

Once my base has been built to give me the strength that I need, I move onto polish. I would say that 99% of the time, I go for classic French. To be honest, my hands are probably my biggest insecurity. I feel like they are rather large for my size, so having a simple French doesn’t draw attention and it lengthens my hands rather than cuts them off with a full nail polish. I go for a semi-sheer pink base coat and then I take white on a detail brush to make sure that I get a tight line to the tip of my finger. If I ever feel daring, I might try to add a little nail art, but that is rather rare for me!

Step 4 – Topcoat

I feel like it really goes without saying that as part of my simple at home manicure there is a topcoat involved. Once my polish is cured, I take my Nails by Annabel Non-Wipe Topcoat and add a generous amount. The first time I used this, I was sceptical. After using the Gel Bottle Inc one, I felt like this didn’t have the same amount of shine and it felt tacky. However, I have since learnt that I just need to cure it for almost twice as long as the Gel Bottle version. It isn’t the end of the world; it is just worth noting. Now, they look super shiny and luxe now that they are 100% set in place.

Step 5 – Finishing

Once the topcoat is set, I like to take some time to really clean and rehydrate my hands. This step for me really started when my allergy had peaked. Some people put online that it can be dust and residue left on the skin. Now, when I have finished with my nails, I take myself into my bathroom and clean my hands. Because I don’t want to expose my gels to water straight away, I lightly wet a nail brush and just go around each of the fingers. I then take my Clarins Restorative Hand Cream and lather my hands up to add in the hydration lost from the lamp.

I hope that you enjoyed seeing my simple at home manicure. None of the steps in this routine are ground-breaking, but it does work well. When I take these steps, my nails stay on for a minimum of a fortnight. D epending on how much I do during that time. Over the years, I have wondered if I should treat myself to the salon experience for my nails, but the truth is that I am far too anti-social. I can’t bring myself to go and make small talk to somebody for a couple of hours once I am done with work. My simple at home manicure works well for me and I am not planning on changing anything soon. If like me, you cannot have standard gel polishes due to allergy, I have been loving the Nails by Annabel and CJP Nail Systems.

Please tell me that I wasn’t the only person to freak out when they saw the news about dry shampoo. I have been using dry shampoo for probably around a decade now. My hair is unnaturally thick and because of that it is an effort to wash it and dry it. Which is why dry shampoo stole my heart completely because it eliminated the need for a mid-week wash. So, when I saw the news that dry shampoo can cause cancer, I almost fell through the floor. I didn’t want to think about how many cans of that stuff I have gone through over the years. Which begs the question, what dry shampoos should we stay away. And more importantly, what dry shampoos are safe to use?

What was the news?

It was discovered a few months ago that there was a number of dry shampoos on the market that included ‘benzene’.

According to Ron McLaughlin, senior vice president of product development for Living Proof, via NewBeauty website, “Benzene is a volatile chemical used in the production of a wide range of industrial products, including chemicals, dyes, detergents and some plastics”. Ron continues to explain, ““Benzene is formed from both natural processes, such as volcanoes, and from human activities, such as tobacco smoke, emissions from automobiles, and burning coal and oil. Unintentionally, benzene can also show up as a byproduct, or impurity in what is known as ‘trace amounts in certain raw materials. The majority of aerosol dry shampoos on the market utilize hydrocarbon propellent (gas) and ethanol in their products at various levels to deliver the product onto hair. Most hydrocarbon aerosol propellant blends are made up of propane, n-butane and iso-butane, and have the potential of having benzene as an impurity due to their source materials.”

Why should we be cautious?

The issue is that as there are no strict quality control measures in place, low levels of benzene make it into the final dry shampoo products, which can be potentially dangerous. With aerosol products such as dry shampoo, even if we spray them at our roots, the product goes into the air, and we end up breathing in the product. Benzene is a byproduct that you do not want to be breathing in. Which is why when the news came out I didn’t think twice about cutting the questionable products from my routine.

Why is benezene in dry shampoo?

The worrying thing is that benzene isn’t even supposed to be in dry shampoo. It isn’t an ingredient that is meant to be within the formula to make it perform well. The reason why it is often found in dry shampoos is because it is a chemical used as a common propellant used in aerosols. It is simply an unwanted component that should not be inside dry shampoo.

What are the products which are deemed unsafe?

Be sure that if you are a user of dry shampoo that you do your research. However, after a quick scout online it is clear that some of the culprits are… Batiste, IGK, Amika, Bumble and Bumble, plus many more. Most of these I have used. Batiste is the product that I have relied upon over the past few years. As more news comes out about this, it does seem like some of the brands are releasing statements.

What dry shampoos can we use?

Some of the dry shampoos that I am going to be looking to in place of my batiste is the Living Proof, Orbie and DryBar. There does seem to be quite a few others on the market that are benzene free. However these are the brands that I have heard of before and that seem to have good reviews. I am actually excited to see what difference some of these products might make to my hair. Plus, it will just be a bonus that I wont be breathing in a dangerous chemical!

When I first saw the news about dry shampoo, it did scare me. Like I mentioned, I have used one of the unsafe dry shampoos for many years and gone through countless cans. The current can of Batiste that I had open, I did finish using despite the news. At the end of the day, after using it for a decade, another half a can isn’t going to make that much difference. But from now on, I am going to switch to a new dry shampoo which is deemed safe. You never know, I might kick dry shampoo to the curb completely. I could just wash my hair a little more… who am I kidding? That isn’t going to happen.

As always, I will pop some links below to the items which are deemed safe. If you do have any of the other questionable brands in your collection, kick them to the curb and use something that isn’t questionable!