I know, I know. You don't even want to think about Christmas until October. But this is the (un)official half-way point to Jesus' birthday so why not mark the occasion with some green glitter on the eyes and ruby red lipstick. Put on your favourite festive jumper, watch Bad Santa and decorate your face appropriately. That's what I'm doing for the occasion.
Half-Christmas Make-Up
This is a recreation of the make-up I wore for Christmas Day last year. Every year I find a way to incorporate Ruby Red pigment into my make-up routine. MAC's Ruby Red pigment is a mandatory part of my make-up routine for every Christmas and the days leading up to it since 2008.
Half-Christmas Make-Up
I love Ruby Red because MAC's Ruby Red pigment is a mandatory part of my make-up routine for every Christmas and the days leading up to it since 2008. My parents went all the way to Orlando just to buy it for me. It means so much to me for that reason.
Half-Christmas Make-Up
Previously a pro product, Ruby Red pigment was later discontinued but it is now available to buy through the MAC website. Without Ruby Red, my Christmas would not feel the same.
That's what my mum always says to me and is relevant for my beauty blog neglect. Last time I posted it was November and now Christmas is almost here I feel like I am running out of time to show you some festive products - it may be closer to Christmas Day 2044 before I can share reviews on things I had planned on sharing with you at the beginning of the month but university deadlines are looming so I have put together a quick guide for some recent make-up looks I have posted on to my YouTube channel and Instagram account.
1. Gold Eyes & Red Lips
Products used:
No7 instant radiance foundation - Cool Ivory
Illamasqua sealing gel
Nyx eyebrow cake - Taupe/Ash
Maybelline leather effect color tattoo - Creamy Beige
W7 Lightly Toasted palette - Cracker, Twister, Di Di
I thought I would include looks I have worn in previous years at Christmas time. MAC's Ruby Red pigment is definitely the star of the show (thanks mum and dad). Unfortunately it has no been discontinued but if Plum Dressing and Cranberry had an eyeshadow baby, Ruby Red pigment would be it. Another firm favorite and a prominent feature is an Pizazz - an emerald green glitter liner from the Collection glam crystals line. It was love at first sight when I first saw Lauren Luke create this combo. I was so obsessed with Sharkskin shadestick from MAC after watching this. Mum had also just bought me a MAC holiday gift set which had Mint & Olive soft sparkle eye pencil - still another favorite of mine to this day. All of these combined makes me feel so festive and 22 again. Note - I take ALOT of selfies and I am not ashamed.
2008
A few days leading up to Christmas I wore Pizazz and some greens and golds - probably from a Beauties factory 188 palette.
Boxing day selfie with my mummy. The combo of Ruby Red, Pizazz and Mint & Olive begin.
Boxing night with my friend Jade. Lipstick had worn off since mummy & daughter selfie time.
2009
Christmas Day - a less creative version of the previous year.
All the grandchildren.
2010
Sawdoctors gig - Pizazz and Mint & Olive.
2011
MAC 3D silver on top of Sharkskin. My technique really started to improve.
2012
A selfie before heading out to our local Christmas market. Wearing Cranberry and Club eyeshadows from MAC. Think I wore Liqueur lipstick from Sleek. Really love this look.
Christmas Day and the return of Ruby Red and Pizazz, this time on a deeper, darker note.
Boxing Day - Pizazz as an eyeliner and I think I wore Vintage Gold pigment from MAC as a lid color.
New Year's Eve - my first attempt at halo/spotlight eyes. MAC's Kitschmas pigment is in the centre and Sugrapill's Dollipop and Poison Plum on inner and outer edges. Also used Sugarpill's Buttercupcake on the very inner corners.
2013
Weeks leading up to Christmas and now my go to Autumnal make-up. Used MAC Coppering eyeshadow and a mixture of MAC Reflects Bronze and Pink Bronze pigment.
Kissing selfie before The Darkness gig. Sugarpill's Goldilux with black liner teamed with Sleek's OMG lipstick.
Christmas party. A darker version of my favorite red, green and gold combo. A black base with MAC's Reflect Blackened Red, Goldilux on inner corners and Sumptuous Olive on lower lash line.
Christmas Day and back to my usual Ruby Red. No Pizazz this time, instead I have on Goldilux and Sumptuous Olive.
Christmas day 2013 eye close-up.
Boxing Day and breaking out of my comfort zone - a gold lid and red glitter winged liner.
Close up of Boxing Day eye. Can see green waterline detail. I think this is #85 matte gel liner from Inglot.
New Year's Eve - MAC's Club, Inlgot #85 loose eyeshadow and Lit cosmetics Soul Sister glitter. Vanilla pigment from MAC on inner corners. Teamed with a peach lip.
Close up of NYE 2013 eye.
What are your favorite Christmas make-up looks? Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Known for their big campaigns which promotes beauty through confidence, diversity and female empowerment, it comes as no surprise that L'Oréal is one of my favorite make-up brands, especially for eyeshadows and lipsticks. Recently, I was lucky enough to win a competition held by L'Oréal. Among my prizes was the entire collection of Pure Reds lipsticks.
L'Oréal Color Riche Collection Exclusive Pure Reds Lipsticks.
From left to right: Eva's Pure Red, Blake's Pure Red, Liya's Pure Red, Julianne's Pure Red
L'Oréal says: Our limited edition Pure Reds collection consists of four custom-made red shades that are tailored to four of our spokes models. Our exquisite shades have a matte finish with an enriching, hydrating texture. Just for you - and your smile.
L'Oréal Color Riche Collection Exclusive Pure Reds Lipsticks. From left to right: Eva's Pure Red, Blake's Pure Red, Liya's Pure Red, Julianne's Pure Red
I say:
If only I lived in the US to have the entire lot of ten! (only four are available in the UK and Ireland). This collection is the red follow up to L'Oréal's Collection Privee - a selection of six unique nude lipsticks where you could choose your own shade customized to suit your hair color and skin-tone. I already owned some nudes and reds so I was delighted to receive the entire set, meaning that mum was able to have some extra lipsticks too. These reds, like their nude counterparts are named after celebrities and L'Oréal brand ambassadors which distinctly suggest to the consumer what they should choose at the beauty counter for themselves. They each feel like more of satin texture than a matte.
L'Oréal Color Riche Collection Exclusive Pure Reds Lipsticks. From left to right: Eva's Pure Red, Blake's Pure Red, Liya's Pure Red, Julianne's Pure Red
For example, Julianne's Red is named after Julianne Moore, am auburn redhead with a fair complexion. This suggests to ladies of similar colouring that this may be the red lipstick best suited to them. These are, Eva's Pure Red, Blake's Pure Red, Liya's Pure Red and Julianne's Pure Red.
L'Oréal Color Riche Collection Exclusive Pure Reds Lipsticks.
From left to right: Eva's Pure Red, Blake's Pure Red, Liya's Pure Red, Julianne's Pure Red
Eva's Pure Red, named after Eva Longoria is best suited to women of similar coloring - brown eyes and a medium olive skin tone. This red is the deepest and warmest of the collection. Blake's Pure Red, named after Blake Lively, was created with light skinned blondes in mind. This red has a cool pink undertone. Liya's Pure Red, named after Liya Kebede was designed for ladies with deep skin tones and dark hair. This red is a true cherry shade and will suit almost anyone. Lastly, I have Julianne's Red, named after Julianne Moore. This red is the most neutral of the bunch. Julianne's red is perhaps my personal favorite as it suits me the most.
L'Oréal Color Riche Collection Exclusive Pure Reds Lipsticks.
From top to bottom: Eva's Pure Red, Blake's Pure Red, Liya's Pure Red, Julianne's Pure Red
Nails are L'Oréal infallible nail color in Double-Entendre
These lipsticks rival any luxury brand as they glide on the mouth. They last for around 6 hours without the need to touch up so they are ideal for an evening out. The printed, slighlty embossed black packaging is compact and attractive with its gold accents and ambassador's signature. Overall, these lipsticks allow you to choose the perfect red to complement your undertones. If you have ever felt apprehensive to wear red lipstick, L'Oréal make it easier for you to wear that statement lip you have always desired.
RRP £6.99/$8.99 - a bargain for these drugstore lipsticks. Available in Boots and Superdrug.
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