The Smokey Eye

Who doesn't love a smokey eye? I felt like glamming it up a bit the other night and decided to do a graphite/charcoal themed smokey eye. I paired it with a nude gloss to keep the focus on the eyes and used a bronzing blush to sculpt my cheeks and not introduce too much colour. I love this look and will definitely be re-creating it at the weekend when I go out for a Christmas meal! 

I am so obsessed with eyeshadows and my collection is ever-growing. I wanted to delve into some more smokey/dark colours so I added the ones I used here to my collection recently. I usually wear browns, neutrals and bronzes but I am really getting into my red toned browns, greens and greys lately.

Here I used:

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in Cashew

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW25

Estee Lauder Automatic Brow Pencil in Soft Brown

Benefit Speed Brow

Lime Crime Eyeshadow Helper

Clinique All About Shadow Eye Shadow in Graphite

Estee Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow in Black Crystals

Estee Lauder Double Wear Eye Pencil in Graphite

Estee Lauder Lash Primer Plus

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Mascara in Black

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder

Benefit Dallas Box 'O Powder

Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss in Tempting Tearose

Are you a fan of the smokey eye look?

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Recovery Complex II Review

A little while ago I wrote a post which you can find here, all about the product that is Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Recovery Complex II, the worlds first ever repair serum. For the purpose of this review, I will refer to said brown bottle of goodness as simply ANR, as that lengthy title is a pain in the ass! I said in that blog post that I would report back after using the product thoroughly and testing it out. I'm halfway through my second bottle, so I thought now was the perfect time to give you a little run down of my thoughts! (I would go back to that blog post and read it if you haven't already, as I explain the science behind the product and tell you about what it claims to do for the skin.)

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II - £48 - 30ml, £65 - 50ml.

Advanced Night Repair has become a firm staple in my skincare routine and has been for quite a while now. While I loved the previous formula also, the new formula is nothing short of fantastic.

I love it for it's ability to hydrate the skin, and it reminds me a lot of one of my favourite products Hydraluron. It's great at binding moisture to the skin, and I still wake up every morning after using it with plump, soft skin that glows, and I never had that constantly before using this. I think this product is so popular because it's so easy to use and incorporate into anyones skincare routine, it also is very gentle and lightweight so it's great for sensitive skins and under make-up. The gentle qualities of it also mean that it's nice to use when my skin is breaking out or if I have a blemish or two as it doesn't irritate the skin. It helps to nourish the blemish and keep the skin calm and hydrated due to the Hyaluronic Acid, natures moisture magnet. This hydration creates the perfect environment for healthy skin that can successfully repair itself, and that's why I really enjoy using this product and believe in the benefits that it provides for my skin.

ANR is also for anti-ageing as we all know, but considering I don't have much 'anti-ageing' to do, I simply love it for the insurance factor. By insurance I mean, starting early and looking after my skin, infusing it with hydration and keeping it in good shape. ANR helps get the skins circadian rhythm in sync which helps my skin cells to repair. I find that my skin doesn't scar as badly and for as long since I started using this, for example with blemishes, the marks tend to fade a lot quicker and a lot better. It also purifies the skin which means that Catabolysis takes place and cellular debris that causes ageing in the skin is removed. These two technologies together have been branded ChronoluxCB™ and make for a very powerful duo. 

As for evening out the skin tone, I'd say my skin was fairly even before I started using this product, however I hope that by using it, it will keep my skin even in the future also. Advanced Night Repair has really made a difference to the texture and suppleness of my skin, it keeps my skin looking plump and healthy and I love that it's working in ways that I can't see with my eyes, but know that it's keeping my skin in the best shape possible for the future. 

If you want a product that keeps the skin hydrated and supple, helps to repair the skin and remove the gunk that causes skin to age while also keeping the skin protected from environmental damage, then this is a truly perfect product.

Have you tried the new formula of Advanced Night Repair?

Clinique Superbalm Moisturising Glosses - Rootbeer and Apricot

Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Rootbeer and Apricot - £16.00 each here.

I'm gonna come right out and say it, I'm Chloe and I'm a lipgloss junkie. Just send me straight to Lipgloss-aholics Anonymous as I have a serious issue! My newest gloss obsession are these Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing lip glosses, tinted versions of their original Superbalm lip balm/treatment.

I was intrigued by these as they are meant to be a treatment as well as make-up, they keep the lips hydrated as well as giving a hint of colour and incredible shine, perfect for the winter months. I am loving both of these shades, Apricot being a natural peachy nude and quite clear on the lips, whilst Rootbeer is a bit of a deeper shade, but on me it is still very nude which I love. The reason I love these is because they just give fantastic gloss, super high gloss. They make the lips look full and juicy (the point of why I wear gloss, as I wish I had bigger lips!) and they are so easy to throw on out and about every day for a polished, glossy look. 

Swatches with flash (top to bottom) - Rootbeer, Apricot

These little tubes have been in my handbag ever since I got them and they are the perfect, hydrating, non-sticky glosses. I've not tried much Clinique make-up, but what I have tried has been very impressive. I just got a bunch of their new All About Shadow eyeshadow singles as well and have a post coming up soon!

Do you wear lipgloss? What's your favourite?

Estee Lauder Zodiac Powder Compact - Pisces

Estee Lauder Zodiac Powder Compact - Pisces - £65 here.

As we enter the month of Christmas, I thought I'd share an early Christmas present that I received from Estee Lauder, the brand that I work for. All Beauty Advisors were gifted a Zodiac Powder Compact in their star sign and a gorgeous Aspinal of London bracelet. I probably prefer the compact out of the two but that is just typical me!

The compact is quite small and thin, it features two fish and my birthstone which is Aquamarine. It comes in a velvet pouch, which I like because it protects the outside from scratching and gives it a really luxury feel. The powder inside is Lucidity, a gorgeous finely milled pressed powder in 06 Translucent. The compact being small makes it handy for touch-ups during the day as it fits snugly in my make-up bag, the texture of the powder is perfect for multiple touch-ups as it is so light that it will never get cakey.

The compact is beautifully made and I was so chuffed to receive such a personal gift as an employee.

This powder comes everywhere with me and I have really been enjoying using it!

Probably the best thing about the compact is that it is refillable so I can keep using the gorgeous casing forever!

What do you think of the Estee Lauder Zodiac Compacts?

My new best friend! Clarins Instant Eye Make-Up Remover

Clarins Instant Eye Make-Up Remover - £17 here.

 I posted this pic on Instagram (username: cocomykel - follow me!) the other day of my new favourite thing - the Clarins Instant Eye Make-Up Remover for waterproof and heavy make-up. I nabbed this the other day as I was getting a bit fed up of melting my eye make-up off with my cleansing balm at night (I use the Clinique Take The Day Off one to take my make-up off). The balm is effective in taking it off, but it always takes a little extra rubbing of my eyes than I'd prefer, and as the eye area is quite sensitive and I'm conscious of losing lashes, I thought I'd give the Clarins a go!

It's one of those dual-phase make-up removers which requires you to shake it (which is secretly quite fun!), the girl on Clarins told me when I bought it that you have to "shake it to wake it!" and she seemed rather amused!

After shaking well so both blue and clear liquids are mixed, I pop some on a cotton pad and hold over my eye before carefully wiping it around my eye area and removing all eyeshadow and mascara, before I go into my proper cleanse at the sink. This stuff feels great on the eyes and is not irritating to me whatsoever. It feels a tad oily compared to say Bioderma, but I think that's why it's so effective. It leaves my eye area feeling smooth and I cleanse afterwards anyway so the remainder of it is always being removed.

I haven't tried this bad boy with waterproof mascara as I don't tend to wear it, but it's designed to do so and I'm sure it works a treat. I highly recommend this eye make-up remover if you wear a lot of eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara like I tend to and want something that whips it off easily and effectively.

What's your favourite way to remove your eye make-up?

No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in Glace

No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in Glace - £9.50 here.

I present to you, the coolest lipstick I have possibly ever come across. Number one, it's purple - I have a big thing for purple, it's been my favourite colour for as long as I can remember. Number two, it has a gold metallic sheen running through it - say what!? It is so unsual, and I was surprised that such a funky and unique shade would be from none other than No7, who I (until now) thought of as quite a safe brand with run-of-the-mill lipstick shades. Glace is a real gem, as are many of the No7 shades that I swatched when choosing this one. In particular I loved a shade called Gay Geranium, which is a gorgeous bright coral that seems to be sold out in every Boots I have tried - grr!

This lipstick shade really makes me think 90's and I have been really enjoying wearing it as it's so quirky. The formula of the No7 Stay Perfect lipsticks are particularly to die for. They have a lovely semi-matte finish and can be blotted down to completely matte, however they are not drying whatsoever and are quite long-wearing too. I have another shade in this range called Classic Rose which is again, stunning and so comfortable to wear. I will definitely be investing in more of the shades in the Stay Perfect range as I am so impressed.

I was so confused when I swatched it in store, I thought it was just a matte vibrant purple (similar to MAC's Up The Amp) and was excited to swatch it on my hand. When I did so, gold glittery flecks appeared. I literally thought that someone had used it from the tube *yuck* and tried putting it on over the top of a metallic lipstick, leaving all their lipstick gunk behind on this one. But nope, I was pleasantly surprised and so amazed that I grabbed one and made bee-line for the till straight away.

Swatches of Glace with flash.

 

 I am quite literally besotted with this lipstick, it's just the most unusual and gorgeous shade.

Have you ever tried the No7 Stay Perfect lipsticks?

Fushi Virgin Organic Coconut Oil - The Ultimate Multi-Tasker

Fushi Virgin Organic Coconut Oil 250g - £8.05 here.

I had to pen a post about my new little friend and something that I know will be present in my skincare routine forever more as it is absolutely fantastic, 100% organic and so simple.

Enter Fushi Virgin Organic Coconut Oil, a fabulous multi-tasking jar of gorgeous smelling coconut goodness that I have been using pretty much every day since I got it.

The consistency of this is similar to a cleansing balm if you've ever used one, and transforms into a liquid with the heat of your hands and when transferred onto the skin.

It smells incredible, but if you don't like the smell of coconut then you may not be keen. I've been using this for all sorts of things but mainly as a cleansing balm which it is fantastic for - it melts onto skin for a luxurious facial massage and tackles make-up really well. I use a flannel to make sure it is thoroughly removed, but the residue left on the skin by just splashing it off would be fine as it is more than suitable as a moisturiser too! I have also been using it as a hair mask and face mask, leaving it on my skin/in my hair for as long as required and it leaves my skin baby soft, and my hair smooth and shiny.

I can't recommend this enough, as it is so great at so many different things, contains lots of nutrients and fatty acids so it does the skin/hair heaps of good. It is literally just one ingredient, 'Cocos nucifera' and is cold pressed, virgin and organic. It hasn't been tampered with whatsoever which is very important and means that you are getting raw, natural coconut oil that doesn't include other chemicals or ingredients and it hasn't been changed or altered.

As for the price, it's a no brainer. A massive 250g jar retails for £8.05 on feelunique.com with free delivery. 

Fushi's Virgin Organic Coconut Oil is a great product that is perfect and essential in every skincare wardrobe, bathroom and even kitchen (you can ingest 2-3 spoonfuls of this per day for the internal benefits too!) 

Have you ever tried coconut oil as a beauty product?

Benefit Box O' Powder in Dallas

Benefit Box O' Powder in Dallas - £23.50 here.

 Ah Dallas, a true old favourite of mine that is sadly rumoured to be discontinued shortly. As soon as I heard, I knew I had to get my mitts on one just one more time.

Dallas is a blush that I used faithfully everyday for a good few years until it finally was all used up. I will give it to Benefit, their boxed blushes are really fantastic quality and they last forever! When I finished my little box I didn't bother to replace it and went on to try something new, but it has always had a special little place in my heart.

Dallas is a gorgeous, neutral blush shade with plum undertones and shimmer that looks almost like a bronzer on the skin. I love it because it really sculpts my face and gives a natural sunkissed sheen. The shimmer isn't over-kill or really glittery, it's very sheer and gives the cheeks a real glow which I love.

I'm off on holiday soon and this is definitely going to be my 'go-to' holiday glow blush shade, I absolutely love it. I really recommend getting your hands on one before it's gone forever, and I just can't believe Benefit would discontinue such a fantastic blush powder - I am gutted.

Swatches of Dallas with flash.

Have you tried Dallas or any of Benefit's Box O' Powders?

My Skincare Steps for Clean, Clear and Healthy Skin

I thought I would pen a post dedicated to the steps I take to keep my skin in a condition that I'm really happy with, and that I have lived by for quite some time now. I tend to switch up the products that I use quite a lot, but the general routine stays the same.

I'd just like to say before I get into it, that these steps work really well for me. They might not work as well for anyone else as everyone has different skin, different concerns and different skin behaviour. Keeping this in mind, I would recommend these steps as they have worked wonders for my skin, just remember that every one is different and personal preference/skin type plays a huge role in any skincare routine!

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1.  Double Cleanse:

Every morning and every night, I always, always double cleanse. Now this might seem unnecessary to some, but after much observation over the sink with a white flannel, it has become apparent to me that my skin can't get completely clean with one wash. I always, always have more make-up and more dirt and residue on my flannel after a second cleanse and especially if you are a make-up wearer, I feel this step is essential.  At night, I normally use a cream cleanser to get of the majority of make-up and grime from the day, and the same goes for in the morning when removing all the dirt and sweat that happens at night when you sleep. I then use a cleansing balm as a second cleanse to make sure all dirt and make-up is gone and my skin is completely clean and fresh. (I always use my cleansers dry for massaging in the product and dissolving the make-up and grime, and add a wet flannel to 'rinse'). 

This step has really, really shown a difference in my skin as I used to have quite congested skin, especially in my t-zone area. Lots of blackheads and build up in the nose and micro-bumps on my forehead. Also if I just so happen to fall asleep without removing my make-up (which is very, very rare) I always wake up in the morning with a spot - I kid you not. Which signals to me just how important it is to make sure that the skin is clean at all times, and by clean I don't mean stripped and squeaky clean by using foaming cleansers or acne face washes, no no no, I stay away from those. By using a creamy cleanser and a balm, it makes sure than my make-up has been dissolved thoroughly and broken down, while providing comfort and moisture for my skin with hydrating and nourishing ingredients that these types of cleansers have. 

My favourite cleansers that I tend to rotate and re-purchase are:

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm (review),

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleasner (review),

Una Brennan Rose Hydrate Creamy Cleanser,
Fushi Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil,
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm,

and Balance ME Pure Skin Face Wash.

2. Double Toner: 

Yep that's right, another double! I like to use two different types of toner - one that is exfolating and resurfacing called a 'chemical exfoliant', followed by a softening toner that is hydrating and plumping. I am currently using Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 as my chemical exfoliant and it is fantastic. For my softening toner I am currently using an all time favourite of mine which is the Lancome Tonique Douceur which I will again be repurchasing soon as it is nearing the end. I use the exfoliating one first to resurface my skin and help to break down any dead skin cells and create environment where spots and blemishes can't occur, the P50 in particular feels quite tingly when applied and is very concentrated, over time it has left my skin feeling smooth, supple and refined. The softening toner comes after as this helps to soften and smooth the skin ready for make-up by hydrating and calming the skin after the chemical exfoliant. This softening step is important for me as it creates a great base for moisturiser to go on top and ensures that my skin is soothed and soft ready for my make-up. I usually use both in the morning and at night, but since the weather has gotten a bit warmer in the UK, I have only been using the Lotion P50 at night as the chemical exfoliants can sensitise the skin to sun damage. I always make sure I use an SPF daily anyway, but by taking this extra precaution in the summer I am being sure that I am protecting my skin from harm. 

Other softening toners I enjoy using are:

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic (DI-VINE!!),

and Clarins Toning Lotion with Iris.

3. Treatment/Serum: 

After I have cleansed and toned, I make sure I follow with a treatment/serum to inject a little extra repair into my skin. Serums work from the bottom of the skin up, while moisturisers work from the top of the skin down. By using both I am making sure that my skin is getting maximum replenishment and repair. In the daytime, I use a pore minimising serum which is the Estee Lauder Idealist Pore Minimising Skin Refinisher serum and it is seriously, seriously good. This makes my skin feel silky smooth and has lots of retexturizing and hydrating benefits which help to keep my make-up looking fresh all day and my skin looking smooth in texture. I sometimes use my Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Recovery Complex II  (post) in the morning also, but I have mostly been using it as my night time treatment. These treatments work to target concerns that I may have with my skin, which mainly include texture, even tone and hydration. Serums and treatments should be chosen suited on your particular skincare concerns so that you get the results that you want. Of course, I always follow these with a moisturiser. Other serums I really love are:

Hydraluron Serum by Indeed Labs (review here),

and Lancome Genefique Serum.

  4. Eye Cream:

I always use an eye cream, every day, every morning and night. As the eye area is 40% thinner than the rest of the face, it is important to use eye creams as they are specifically designed for that delicate area. I find this step essential for helping me look awake and hydrated under my eyes and help to diminish fine lines and darkness. I especially make sure I have eye cream on if I am wearing make-up, particularly concealer as it tends to look dry and scaly under the eye if the area isn't properly moisturised and hydrated.

My favourites include:

Emu Oil Well Moisturising Eye Cream,
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye,
Estee Lauder Advanced Time Zone Eye Cream,

and Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Infusion.

5. Lip Balm:

I always apply lip balm in the morning when I am doing my morning routine, during the day liberally and at night time too. Hydrated lips are really important, and I make sure that if I'm out in the sun, I'm using one that has an SPF in as lips can burn too and are prone to sun damage like the rest of the skin. It's important not to neglect the lips and regular application of a hydrating lip product can keep them from looking chapped and feeling dry resulting in lovely soft and smooth lips... mmmm :-)

Lip balms that I use are:

Blistex MedPlus Balm,

Blistex Intensive Moisturiser,
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream,

and Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Lip Protectant Stick SPF 15.

6. SPF:

On the daily, I tended to use my foundation as an SPF and my Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation has an SPF of 10. I am also a fan of Clinique City Block Sheer SPF 25 as it goes on really nice under make-up and doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy. However recently, I picked up No7 Anti-Dark Spot Sun Protection in SPF50 (for face), predominantly for my holiday at the end of this month, but I have been using it daily under make-up and I must say I am very impressed. I always have some kind of SPF on my face, every day. (I shall review the No7 soon).

7. Face Masks:

I always like to have a couple of face masks on the go to use once or twice a week to give my skin a little treat or a boost. My favourite face masks to use are by Lush and are always a pleasure to use. They give great results and contain natural ingredients which help the skin in different ways depending on which one you go for. I tend to always go for Brazened Honey which I have reviewed here, although I had been enjoying Ayesha a month or so ago.. Another face mask I really enjoy using is the Alba Botanica Papaya Enzyme Facial Mask which contains Papaya to eat away at dead skin and leave a smooth surface without impurities.

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So those are the steps that I take to keep my skin looking clear and healthy, and I hope/think that in the long run it will keep my skin looking tip top even when I'm 90 *fingers crossed*.

There is a quote by the famous and beautiful Coco Chanel that has always stayed with me, and that is:

"Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have to fifty"

Did you find this post helpful? 

What do you do to look after your skin?