Hottest Lipsticks For Autumn 2014

So this Autumn there are 3 hot lipstick trends sporting the A/W 14 catwalk and this blog post will basically tell you all you need to know about these super cute trends.

Neutral Nudes, Rich Reds, and Feminine berries.

I know, I was so excited when I saw these 3 gorgeous colours. So fashionable and showstopping on the catwalk but yet so wearable and pretty off the stage!
I don't know about you but personally I am a nude and peach girl ALL DAY LONG! My personal preference when It comes to a lipstick is a matte finish but also a moisturising/creamy texture to prevent my lips from drying up.

Nudes

Nude lipstick is huge with 'Versace' and 'Givenchy'on the catwalk this Fall 2014.
When it comes to nude lipsticks, alot of women tend to shy away from the colour as sometimes it can make a complexion look washed out or simply look 'dead'. Truth is if this happens, the shade is not the correct shade for your skin tone. Stick to a colour close to your natural lip colour, pink, browns or peachy under tones are always a safe option. Avoid any nude lipsticks that are too white, you want something that is natural looking but glam at the same time. I personally love 'Myth' and 'Creme Cup' by MAC. I also love Clinique's long lasting lipstick in 'Matte Suede'.

Reds

'Ana Sui' will be sporting alot of red lips on the catwalk this Fall 2014.
Some red lipsticks are hit and miss but I think once you find the right red for you, you never look back! Some of my faves include the infamous 'Russian Red' and 'Ruby Woo' by MAC. These red's are absolute classics that suit almost every skin type, sallow or fair. Bobbi Brown and YSL are also faves of mine although quite pricey, when I'm feeling like I want to spoil myself these are the two lipstick brands I'd go for, the quality is second to none.

Berries

I truly believe this lip colour will never go out of fashion. This colour makes me excited, It adds so much characteristic to a face. I absolutely adore this trend. Highly popular on the runway this Autumn, but also a pretty addition to an outfit on a night out on the town. As all my readers know, I am a self confessed MAC addict, so my MAC faves would have to be; 'Diva' and 'Yield To Love'. Life is too short, go get yaaaself a berrie coloured lipstick! Its something you won't regret. There are many things in life I regret, but buying a berrie/burgundy lipstick was never one of them!

Have a fab weekend guys :)
Until next time..
Vanity Vixen x

Super Food=Super Skin

Super Food=Super Skin

The following foods are proven to improve overall health but more importantly have an amazing effect on our skin. Below I will list out my top 5 super foods that keep my skin glowing and help to fight acne and have an anti-ageing effect on our skin.


1. Blueberries

 Blueberries contains tones of antioxidants which fight toxins in the body. There are so many vitamins and nutrients in blueberries that are fantastic for your skin. Whether you suffer from acne, broken capillaries or splotchy skin, the nutrients in blueberries will help.
Many of the vitamins in blueberries may neutralise or normalise oil levels in your skin, making it healthier and less likely to produce more sebum. Vitamin A is a major vitamin that is found in the blueberry, this vitamin is used in a variety of acne-related skin treatments.


2. Kale

Often described as the healthiest vegetable's in the world, and a nutritional powerhouse Kale has an amazing effect on skin. Kale boosts the health of our skin as it contains Vitamin C and LOTS of it!
Vitamin C helps you make the collagen needed for skin strength. Vitamin C's antioxidant function also means it might provide natural protection from the sun, preventing skin damage caused by exposure to the sun's rays. I always make sure I pop some into a morning smoothie if I have one, keeps me going for the morning.




3. Walnuts

These babies contains loads of fatty acids which is good news for people who suffer from eczema. They also contain Vitamin B which is an excellent stress and mood manager. Less stress means better skin. Increased stress levels can lead to unexpected breakouts but worse can lead to earlier onset of wrinkles which increases the ageing process! Those with dry skin should try applying warm walnut oil regularly enhancing growth of healthier and radiant cells while keeping your skin moisturised.


4. Oily Fish

Oily fish, like salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, herring, trout all contain unreal levels of omega 3 fatty acids.People who suffer with dry skin conditions such as eczema have a deficiency in omega 3 levels. Eating up to 3 portions of fish a week can have a significant effect on dry skin conditions. As well as containing fatty acids they also are packed full of other important nutrients such as selenium, magnesium, vitamins B12, B6 and B3. Eat up!



5. Watermelon  

Water melons contain 92% water so are  fantastic for preventing dehydration during the summer.
Not only does it hydrate you-resulting in radiant skin but it also prevent fine lines, wrinkles and age spot. The watermelon fruit is also used in shower gels, lipsticks, lip gloss and shampoos because of its gorgeous smelling refreshing scent.
The juice of a watermelon is also one of the best ways you can cure acne. Massage the juice into skin everyday to improve appearance of skin.



Hope this inspired you all to up your dosage of super foods guys. 
Until next time..:)
Vanity Vixen x
                                   

A happy mind, is a healthy mind

This blog post is something I wouldn't usually do as its not beauty or makeup related but its a subject I am very passionate about...so here it goes. Hope you all enjoy.


They say ''A happy mind, is a healthy mind'' 
It wasn't only until recently I truly understood the meaning of this. Before I would have associated the word happiness with having lots of money, designer clothes, luxurious cosmetics, a 'Channing Tatum' look alike boyfriend , oh and a cute car. But I couldn't have been more wrong, happiness is not something you can buy, it's something that comes from within. I believe only you are responsible for your own happiness in life, my mom has been drilling this into my head since I was a child and only now has it sunk in.

So far in my 22 years I have been so lucky to be surrounded by good, positive people who only want the best for me & are constantly looking out for me. But like the majority of humanity I have come across negative people and places that have had a negative impact on my life. Once I realised this I took a 'spring clean' approach to life back then. Started fresh. Eliminating something or someone from your life that doesn't make you happy, be it a person or a job, is probably one of the best things you can do for yourself, your mind, your soul and your happiness. 

This is possibly one of my all time favourite quotes EVER!

''Free yourself from negative people, spend time with nice people who are smart, driven and like minded.
Relationships should help you, not hurt you. Surround yourself with people who reflect the person you want to be. Chose friends who you are proud to know, people you admire, who love and respect you -
people who make your day a little brighter by being in it. Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you. When you free yourself from negative places, people and thoughts, you free yourself to be you and being you is the only way to truly live''

 

I'm not trying to preach to the choir or go all Buddha on yo asses but all I am trying to get across is be happy, be healthy, don't worry about the material things in life or that super model boyfriend we all want. Focus on having a happy mind & soul and the rest in life will look after itself.


Vanity Vixen x

Steal RiRi's Style

Steal Her Style

Recently Rihanna was seen out and about sporting a dark retro purple lip. After seeing the star rocking this gorgeous shade of purple I am slightly obsessed! Her lipstick seems to look very similar to MAC's popular lipstick Heroine. I cant help but love everything this woman wears, makeup wise aswell as fashion, she could wear a bin bag and make it look good!

The best thing about this lipstick is that it literally suits both fair and dark skin. It looks fantastic against a pale complexion yet adds a beautiful pop of bright colour to a dark skin tone.
The dark purple lip is here to stay and is being being seen more and more especially on the runway for autumn/winter '14.

As this lipstick is very much a bold, statement colour I would team this up with a neutral eye, mascara, strong brows, very little blush, and a generous amount of matte bronzer to prevent the colour from making me look drained.

This MAC lipstick 'Heroine' is definitely a must for any woman who loves to keep up with makeup trends and is not afraid to experiment with bold, cheeky colours.

Vanity Vixen x

Surviving a break up

I'm not an expert on break ups but I know from experience It can be very hard to get over that horrible hurdle. I know most of you all enjoy my blog posts on makeup and skin care but I said tonight I would write about something different but something all of you can relate to.

First things first. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Sounds ridiculous now but seriously things can only get better, but you have got to help yourself & be your own hero.
Take it one day at a time, because it will take alot of time, but each day it gets better.
I am living proof you can get through a break up, proof that you are going to be OK and proof that in time you be happy again.

My breakup tips

-Download a playlist of depressing songs-gets out all your cry's and emotions (sounds silly but helps)
-Download a playlist of empowering songs- My faves are Beyonce Run The World and  (typical LOL!)
-Write a list reminding you of reasons why it would never work out
-Write a list of things you like about yourself
-Dedicate atleast one day a week to spending time with your bestie's (helped me loads!)
-Don't be afraid to cry...its not a sign of weakness, its a sign of letting it all out & eventually letting go
-Exercise more, I increased my gym and walking & I felt fantastic. It made me focus on something else and is a proven fact that exercising increases levels of dopamine (happy hormone) in the brain.
-Buy yourself an new outfit or get your nails done, treat yourself!
-Most importantly talk to someone you trust about the way your feeling, do not bottle stuff up!

Slowly I have learned to enjoy my own company instead of relying on somebody to fill that gap, but most importantly depend on yourself and nobody else. My mom always says it and she is bang on as usual ''You are the only one responsible for your own happiness, nobody else''

Happiness comes from within girls, never allow anybody that much power over your life.
Don't worry, be happy, it will all work out. Give it time.

Vanity Vixen x

My top 3 Foundations

These 3 foundations are based on my personal opinion so I cant guarantee that they will suit your skin.
I am a 22 year woman that has combination skin; oily t-zone and dry cheek area. Suffer from the odd breakout but skin is mostly clear and I LOVE LOVE LOVE full coverage! Always have & always will.

1. Vichy 'Dermablend' As you all know I adore this foundation. Its a corrective product so covers scars, strecth marks and even tattoos. I dont need this coverage to be honest however I always want a full coverage foundation. I feel naked without it. In terms of price and quality 10/10. I would buy 3 tubes of this in 3 diff colours #opal, #bronze and #tan. Costing €21.00 per tube these would last me 3 months. Could not praise Vichy's products enough, especially their skin care range that tackles acne prone skin.

 2. Clinique 'Repair wear' I wore this back when I was 16 I'd say, a very similar texture to the dermablend. Love creamy consistancy's when it comes to foundation and 'repair wear' ticks all the boxes for me, although a bit more expensive than Vichy retailing @ around the 30ish mark. However well worth it, suits mostly mature skin type but as I said I love a full coverage foundation! :)

3. Bare Minerals  I never thought I would be a fan but I have got to admit I am. Bare minerals is a powder. The coverage can go from light to heavy, what ever you want it is so buildable, perfect for lazy days where I am not feeling like full coverage and just want a healthy glow. You can almost sleep in this foundation and I found it almost improved my skin. The ingredients include natural minerals from the skin that are fantastic for your skin. I bought the spray with the powder, liquidized the powder and built it up until it was full coverage. An ideal option for a person with oily skin.

The 'Do's and Dont's' on how to achieve a flawless face

DO's

1. Prime your skin. It is so important you create a smooth, moisturised base for your makeup to sit on.
Priming your skin also creates a barrier between the foundation and your pores, preventing your pores from getting clogged with makeup which triggers breakouts.A primer also helps keep on your makeup for a longer period throughout the day or night. In the Summer weather I would recommend a silicone based primer, the silicone prevents the humidity in the air effecting your makeup.

2. Highlight. I constantly get asked what products I use to highlight. I love using liquid highlighters as they leave a gorgeous natural dewy glow on the skin. My fave liquid highlighter would be without a doubt, Benefit's 'Highbeam'. Powder highlighters are also great too if you like a more intense glow. I love MAC's 'Soft and Gentle' and Sleek's 'Face Form' palette.

3. Contour. Contouring can change our whole face if applied correctly. I usually use a cream contouring palette by 'Coastal Scents' although I am hoping to purchase the 'Anastasia Beverley Hill's' palette very soon. I apply to the temples, cheekbones, jawline and sides of nose and blend with a fluffy blending brush. I then set it all with a matte bronzer by Sleek called the 'Face Form' palette. I LOVE THIS! Pick it up at your local Boots store, so inexpensive!

4. Conceal. So many women make the mistake in just applying foundation all over and never concealing blemishes, redness or dark circles. This is a huge NO NO. Concealing in so important in achieving a flawless face. I love a green concealer to even out redness around my nose,chin and cheek area. Also applying concealer in a 'V' shape under the eye and up to side of temple area creates a mini eye lift and can instantly brighten up your whole face.

5. Translucent powder. I never leave the house without my powder, as I have combination skin I find my t-zone gets oily quite quick. For any skin type I would recommend a good compact translucent powder that you can carry in your hand bag to top up and control that shininess when ever, where ever you are.


DONT'S

1.  Overdo mascara. I'm all about my dramatic eyes but there is a time and a place. Lashing on 10 coats of mascara for work is going to look a tad bit OTT, plus save it for a special night out and you'll feel amazing as you wont be use to seeing your lashes as big.

2. Cake on blush. First of all pick a soft subtle colour that suits your skin and hair colour. I am very pale naturally so I would use a soft peachy/rose colour. Secondly use a good quality blush brush. Your products will only be as good as the tools you use to apply them with.

3. Over pluck brows. Leave your eyebrows alone! Apart from the odd stray hair do not pluck your brows inbetween your brow appointments. I am a qualified beauty therapist so I would have a good idea on how to shape brows but if your not certain, leave them be and go make an appointment! My fave place in Cork City is 'iBrow', they do fantastic brow treatments.

4. Get carried away with glitters/shines and shimmers. A little extra shine or glitter can spice up an evening look, but during the day it's just distracting, and not very flattering in the daylight. I love to stick to mainly matte lipsticks, bronzers and eyeshadows. I am matte obsessed!

5. Skip lipstick. Adding a little pop of colour to the lips in the morning can do wonders for a tired, washed out complexion. I love my pastel pink matte lipstick by MAC called Snob. I carry it with me everywhere, I wear that during daytime, at work etc but at night I love my nudes 'myth' or 'creme cup' both by MAC are two favourites of mine and of course if I'm opting for the 'vampy' look I love 'Diva' or 'Rebel'


Remember the key to a flawless face is to have good skin underneath. Drinking lots of water, taking vitamins and fish oils can help with your skin alot. Wearing an SPF on skin and lips is also a must, avoiding the sun when you can but also getting enough so you are not lacking in vitamin D. I also love weekly face masks and scrubs to keep my skin looking fresh and healthy which benefits my skin and my makeup in the long run.

Hope this helped girls :-) Have a fab weekend.
Vanity Vixen x