My Foundation Routine

I'm often asked about my foundation routine, and what products I use. Because i'm so pale, it can be quite hard to come by good products that suit my skin tone. I haven't done an updated foundation routine video since the video I made last year, and seeing as i'm using lots of different products, as well as different brushes, I thought it was definitely time for a new one!

I'll write down, step by step, exactly what I put on my face every day [well, whenever i'm wearing makeup that is!], and i'll include pictures. I've popped the link to the video at the end of this post.

#1 - Primer

MeMeMe Cosmetics Seventh Heaven Moisturising Facebase

The primer that I use is the MeMeMe Cosmetics "Seventh Heaven" Face Base. For a start, it's really moisturising without being too thick. It sinks into the skin quickly, and doesn't leave an oily residue [which is a definite plus!]. It also smells like tangerines/clementines/the Body Shop's Satsuma Body Butter, so that's pretty brilliant. It's a really good base for foundation, and helps mine last all day.

#2 - Foundation

Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet Foundation in Shade 15

The foundation that i'm using at the moment is the Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet in shade 15. It's really pale, which is perfect for me, and is designed with oily skin types in mind. It lasts for around 6 hours without letting any oil through to the upper surface of the skin. You do have to apply this very quickly, because it sets so fast!

The brushes that I use to apply it are by adesign - I use the foundation brush and the flat top foundation brush.

 adesign foundation brush

adesign flat top foundation brush

I start with the regular foundation brush to spread the mat velvet foundation all over my skin, and then buff it in using the flat top foundation brush. The first brush is brilliant at moving the product across large areas of skin, and the second brush really does push the foundation into your pores, leaving you with a flawless looking surface.

#3 - Concealer

Make-Up Atelier Concealer in Clair Rose

I start with this pink-toned concealer by Makeup Atelier on my under eyes - this cancels out the violet/blue tones in my dark circles [which look really dark on me, because my skin is naturally very pale.]. I use the Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush to apply all concealer - it's an amazing brush, and it pushes the concealer into all the little creases around the eye area. Then I apply a skin-toned concealer over the top, for extra coverage and to match my foundation. I use the BECCA Cosmetics Concealer Duo in Praline. As you can see, I favour the left side - the formula is slightly lighter, and easier to blend.  I pop a bit of this on my eyelids, and on any blemishes.

BECCA Cosmetics Concealer Duo in Praline

Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush

#4 - Highlighting and Contouring

I like to use a highlighting fluid instead of a powder - I feel that it gives a more natural finish, and when the light hits it, makes you look more dewy/glowy. I use the MeMeMe Cosmetics Beat the Blues Highlighter in Sunbeam, and I put this along my cheekbones, on my brow bones and on the bridge of my nose.

Sleek Makeup Luminous Pressed Powder in Shade LPP04

Then I go in with Sleek's Luminous Pressed Powder as my contour. I start by contouring my nose, and I use the Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush again to apply this.

Afterwards, I use the adesign flat top foundation brush to push the contour powder into the hollows of my cheeks.

#5 - Blush

I use a warm, peach-toned blush to add warmth and colour to my skin - MAC's Peaches is my favourite. It gives my skin a bit of a glow, and makes me feel a little more alive! To apply it, I use my favourite bdellium brush - the 959 Powder Brush. The domed top is perfect for pushing product onto the apples of your cheeks!

MAC Blush in Peaches

bdellium tools 959 brush

#6 - Brows

Sleek Makeup Brow Kit in Light

I use the left hand side of this at the moment, but I do switch it up and use the waxier side on the right sometimes. I like to push the shadow through my brows using the bdellium 760 small angle brush - its tiny size is so perfect for creating even the smallest lines!

bdellium tools 760 brush

#7 - Powder

I set my entire face with a finishing powder from BECCA. The particles are so fine, and set my makeup perfectly. I use the bdellium tools 959 brush to apply this powder, as it picks up product so well, and distributes it so evenly across my face.

After that, I go about applying my eye makeup and my lipstick.

BECCA Cosmetics Finishing Powder in Bisque

bdellium tools 959 brush

The Finished Look

I hope you all enjoyed this post! Check out my foundation routine video below. Oh, and let me know what your foundation routine is; leave me a comment!

Livie xoxo

Bright Lipsticks of the Moment

I wanted to do a post on my favourite bright lipsticks; i'm a lipstick fanatic, particularly when it comes to bright pinks, corals, reds and other colours from the same family. 

From left to right: L'Oreal Colour Riche "370 Pink Passion", Maybelline Colour Sensational "Coral Tonic", MeMeMe Cosmetics "Tuscan Red", MAC "Costa Chic", MAC "Going Dutch", MAC "Vegas Volt", MAC "Lovelorn", Maybelline Colour Sensational "Coral Pop", L'Oreal Colour Riche "371 Crazy Fuchsia", At the Front: Topshop "Brighton Rock", MAC "Lickable"

Pictures are below of the lipsticks "in the flesh".

MAC "Lovelorn" - This isn't exactly a crazy bright lipstick, but it still stands out. It's a great pastel pink, that looks great on those of us with [freakishly] pale skin!

MAC "Going Dutch" - This is a darker pink, with a slight sheen over the top. It's definitely a medium pink, but again, looks much stronger & more pigmented against my skin.

MAC "Lickable"- This is one of my favourite MAC lipsticks of all time - it's this vibrant magenta that is so pigmented! It looks so good on, and makes your teeth look very white [which is a rare quality in a pink lipstick!]

MeMeMe Cosmetics "Tuscan Red" - this lipstick is divine. It has a touch of gold in it, and is such a creamy consistency. It's insanely moisturising, and has great staying power. Definitely one of my all time favourite red lipsticks, and the only true red I chose for this post!

Maybelline Colour Sensational "Coral Pop" - this is a great drugstore peachy/orange coral lipstick. The colour sensational range is quite moisturising too. Good lasting power too.

Maybelline Colour Sensational "Coral Tonic" - this is my all time favourite coral lipstick. It's a red based coral, but is so vibrant, so bright - it's my favourite party lipstick of choice!

MAC "Costa Chic" - this is a gorgeous peachy coral. It definitely sways more towards the peachy/pink based coral than a red based one. It's one of my favourite summer lipsticks, and lasts for hours.

L'Oreal Colour Riche "370 Pink Passion" - this is another favourite party lipstick. The Colour Riche range smells like Parma Violets [can't go wrong there], and they stay on your lips for hours. 

L'Oreal Colour Riche "371 Crazy Fuchsia" - this is a fiercely bright pink, and again, it's got great staying power. The Colour Riche lipsticks have a lovely shine over them too.

Topshop "Brighton Rock" - this is my other favourite Summer lipstick - it lasts for hours, the colour is seriously vibrant, and the formulation is pretty moisturising. I love Topshop lipsticks - well priced too!

Let me know what you guys think :)

Love Livie xoxo

Pretty Preppy at boohoo.com

Hello everyone!

The lovely marketing team at boohoo.com were kind enough to send me over some pieces from their "Pretty Preppy" collection for a styling video. As promised, I've included pictures and pricing in this post!

Perry Taupe Suedette Lace Up Shoe Boots: £35

These Lita-style boots are so gorgeous, and give both outfits an edge. Taupe is a very easy colour to work with, and isn't as harsh as black or brighter colours. Very comfortable, and seriously gorgeous!

Natalia Mocha Cropped Skinny Trousers: £15

These trousers are very soft; they're 95% cotton, and the 5% elastane gives them a bit of stretch, so they fit to your body. They're high waisted as well, so very flattering on those who don't have a washboard stomach [myself included!]. They're cropped at the ankles, but not too high - just enough to leave a small gap between the Perry boots and the hems. The colour has a military feel to it; they would look great with a black leather jacket.

Sian Coral Chiffon Blouse: £18

Paired with the mocha trousers, this blouse is just the right cut. It isn't too short, nor too tight. It's floaty, and has these beautiful billowing sleeves that taper in at the wrists. The coral adds a fresh pop of colour to the outfit, and keeps it from looking too bland. Did I forget to mention how flattering the trousers are on the derriére?!

Tracy Sequin Detail Chain Trim Knitted Jacket: £25

This Jacket has that classic "Chanel" feel to it. It's so chic, and would look fantastic with an LBD, or if you want to incorporate it into a modern outfit, worn with black city shorts and a peter pan collared white shirt. The chain trim is a lovely touch, and is an accessory unto itself. It doesn't come up too short on the hem or the sleeves, which is a definite plus!

Tilly Contrast Short Sleeve Polka Dot Playsuit: £25

This playsuit is seriously flattering on those of us with curves. It nips in at just the right places. I love the oversized collar, and the shorts don't come up too high - my legs are much longer than my torso, so shorts and skirts tend to look much shorter on me than on others with shorter legs. The sleeves finish just above the elbow, so if you're self-conscious about your upper arms, this is a great piece to add to your wardrobe!

All in all, I absolutely adore each piece - they're really good quality, and the prices are really reasonable. Let me know what you guys think! Huge thanks to boohoo.com for everything, i'm over the moon :)

Also, you can see each piece "in action" in my video below! Enjoy!

♥ Livie xoxo