The 'Super Orgasm' Every Girl Needs

On a recent trip to America (I don't know if I've mentioned it yet?!) I made a significant discovery that was going to effect my day-to-day make up routine forever. This was the sibling to the critically acclaimed 'Orgasm' blush by Nars Cosmestics, the 'Super Orgasm'. While I'm definitely a massive fan of the original 'Orgasm' (which seems near impossible to get your hands on at times - it's that popular) the 'Super Orgasm' suits the paler skin tone perfectly.

The slight sparkle to the blush isn't my usual choice but for some reason I've fallen in love with this product. I'm officially a bronzer to blush convert. Coming in at a sweet £22.50 I've got to say I think it's worth the splurge. Don't be fooled by it's small size, it goes a long way especially considering I've been using it every day (some times twice) since mid June and it hasn't even made an indent yet. This is the kind of product I like, value for money. My only advice would to reserve one brush for your blush to avoid cross contamination with any other products - there's nothing worse than sparkles all over your face (one 90s trend that most definitely hasn't made a comeback). 

Has anyone else tried the blush range by Nars? We'd love to hear your tips!

Alice & Grace xo

December Beauty Essentials

With the party season in full swing I've invested in a few key pieces to keep myself look flawless (or as flawless as possible after a few glasses of fizz). Having tried and tested these products over the past few weeks it's safe to say I've found a few new beauty bag staples. 

1. Nip + Fab 'Sheer Make-up Fix', £15.99 ~ link

I usually use the beauty bloggers favourite Benefit Porefection but fancied a change (and to save some cash). To my pleasant surprise I actually prefer this primer to the slightly more expensive Benefit one; it comes out in a clear type cream, smells fresh and sinks into my skin quickly. I've also noticed it keeps my make up in place for much longer than the Benefit primer and I never get that awkward foundation shine - perfect for all those Christmas parties.

2. Topshop 'Glow' Highlighter in Polish, £9 ~ link

I love a good shimmer on a night out - it's uber flattering on pictures when you're slightly worse for wear. I've actually started using this highlighter during the day as well which I never used to. A light sweeping across the cheek bones and just under your eyebrows is all you need though; less is definitely more with this product. If you're into contouring this product will be perfect for you.

3. Kiko Cosmetics Foundation Brush, £14.90 ~ link

We've raved about Kiko Cosmetics on here before and when I saw this foundation brush for a purse pleasing £14.90 I couldn't resist. I've wanted to try this type of round brush for ages after they'd used it on me in MAC but couldn't bring myself to spend too much on one single brush. This brush has completely changed the look of my make up, I now need less foundation (saving me a bit of money in the long run) and have a much more even, flawless and long lasting base. If you don't have one of these already I seriously recommend you go invest…now!

Alice & Grace xo

Sun-kissed Skin

Glowing, golden, sun kissed skin will never go out of style; whether it's summer or winter this look is timeless.

1.  I Applied Ambre Solaire 'No streaks mousse' to the face & body; It only takes 2 hours to dry & the finished result is a natural golden colour, perfect if you're fair skinned like us (bloody celtic heritage)!
2. I mixed my everyday moisturiser with a pea sized amount of Benefits 'High Beam'  & applied it as a primer to give my skin a natural looking glow (You could wear this alone if you have a natural holiday tan this summer).
3. To conceal any bags or blemishes I used Bourjois' 'healthy mix' concelear, it's light and doesn't tend to crease or clog skin. Usually a fan of Estee Lauder's 'Double Wear' I instead opted for Revlon's 'colorstay', it provides the same coverage as double wear without the matte finish.
4. Using a bronzer brush I applied Bourjois' 'delice de poudre' bronzer to my temples, cheek bones, nose and chin as this is wear the sun would naturally hit your face (and it smells like chocolate!) I used Bourjois blusher in 'brun cuivre' on the apples of my cheeks, I love the peachy glow of this colour-perfect for summer skin. 
5. The key to this look is keeping everything au natural so for my eyes I used a Bourjois eye palette in 'nude ingenu'; the brown and bronze colours are perfect for the look I'm trying to achieve. I simply dusted the lightest colour all over the lid blending the bronze colour toward the outside of my eye and used used the dark brown as eye-liner instead of black/kohl. Using the same dark brown I dusted the colour lightly through my eye-brows. A few coats of mascara & you're done.
6. I left my lips completely natural using vaseline to keep them plump and glossy.
7. To finish this look instead of dusting my face with powder I used Estee Lauder's shimmer powder in 'rose pearl' for a flawless finish.

Glossy Box

This morning I woke up a Glossy Box virgin, this evening I will go to sleep a fully fledged convert to the beauty box. For £10 (plus P&P) a month you get sent 5 mini luxury beauty products tailored to you and for once I feel like I've spent my money wisely...

And how can you resist something when it comes this pretty? (I'm a sucker for nice packaging).

1. So Elixir Purple Perfume by Yves Rocher France - This was a bit too strong for my liking. I prefer lighter, floral scents such as Daisy by Marc Jacobs in comparison to heavier fragrances such as Chanel No. 5. Perfume is such a personal thing though that everyone's review would be different.

2. Lipcote Lipstick Sealer - As a lipstick lover I quite frankly don't know how I've lasted so long without it. It works so well on top of MAC lipstick (my personal preference). Although make sure you don't get it in your mouth - it doesn't taste great.

3. Etre Bell Collagen & Aloe Vera Hydro Mask - I'm a face mask fanatic so I was looking forward to trying this one. It was one of the weirdest experiences putting this mask on (it's like a really wet face wipe with holes for your eyes, nose and mouth). Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, rub in the remaining liquid and enjoy it's refreshing  feel. I'll be sure to use this again.

4. Nip + Fab Mango Smoothie Body Butter - A-mazing smell. Although a little thicker than the creams I usually use, it sank into my skin quickly and left me smelling incredible. For the best results use just after a shower.

5. Illamasqua Medium Pencil in 'Torment' - Top marks for it's multi-purpose qualities (You can use it on both lips and eyes). This lovely dark pinky/red is very complementary on the lips. Long lasting & durable. Probably not something I would usually pick for myself but that's the fantastic thing about Glossy Box, you get to try stuff you wouldn't usually.

If I've managed to convince you that you can't live without a monthly beauty fix you can order your own Glossy Box, tailored to you, here.

Kathy x