Live Laugh Love Always Lydia: December 2015

Monday 28 December 2015

Hunter Green Fashion

Hunter green is one of my favourite colour crushes in fashion. It isn't seen much on the high street but when I find a gem piece, I always snap it up. It makes such a statement and is perfect for the winter season. I shot this last week in a beautiful part of Essex called High Beech. En route for pre Xmas family dinner, I couldn't help posing outside a castle like stone wall guarding a stunning mansion. Ps. I hope everyone had a very Merry Xmas.

Leggings

Coat (similar option)

Roll Neck

Heels

Hat

BEAUTY : MY ULTIMATE SMOKEY EYE ESSENTIALS

I love an earthy smokey eye, it adds glamor and sexiness. I always opt for brown and cream shades as although the look is still dramatic, it isn't as over powering as a black or colour. Earthy tones are also great at enhancing blue eyes. Here are my everyday must have products to achieve this look.

Step 1: Shading brows using Fleur De Force eyeshadow platte £7.99

Brows are so important as these frame our face. Never over powder and aways choose a powder the same shade as your natural brow hair. To much product can make them appear stuck on, which isn't a good look. I use the Fleur De Force eyeshadow palette. Eyeshadows can double up as powder for brows and this chestnut brown is a great shade and colour match. The rest of the palette has great colours also so this is a great bargain buy.

Step 2: Brushing Brows using Eyeko Brow Gel £18

I love the brushed up brow, Rosie Huntington trend. This is a great gel for achieving this look and setting all the hairs in place.

Step 3: Eyelash curling with Shu Uemura Curlers £20

Curling your lashes is imperative. If your not a fan of falsies, a curler will help create the illusion of longer lashes. If you do wear falsies, curlers are great at pushing the hair up to avoid separation. These are the best on the market and have won many awards.

Step 4: Shadowing the eye using the Mac Warm Eyeshadow Palette £65

Creating a warm smokey eye you will need a mixture of nudes, browns and golds. This palette has the perfect mix of colours. Always remember to apply a darker colour on the corners of the eyes, a light nude on the brow bone and ensure you blend all the colours, to avoid harsh lines.

Step 5: Gel Eyeliner using Anastasia Beverly Hills Creme Colour £12.06

Lining your eye before placing your falsies helps achieve a finished, feline look. Always ensure to use a thin angled brush. This for me is the hardest step, so take time. This gel is great because its very moist so easy to glide.

Step 6: Falsies using GWA Swept Away £4.99 and DUO Eyelash Adhesive £10.14

I love false lashes, they are so glamorous and the one item I couldn't live without. I love these lashes because they fan out at the edges to give a feline look. The hairs also cross to give a more natural effect. Never use the free eyelash glue that comes in the packs. Its often white which means you have to paint over it with eyeliner or gel, and it never holds longer than three hours. The duo glue in black is the strongest possible lash glue, apply using blunt tweezers.

Step 6: Mascara using Collection Lengthening Mascara £3.99

Complete the look by painting your bottom lashes, this formula is great value for money. I also love the comb brush, it allows you to get to all the hairs and doesn't give that clogged up look.

Beauty: My ultimate Countouring/Highlighting products

When I first started applying and using makeup nearly ten years ago, I don't ever remember contouring and highlighting being a thing. Or maybe I was too young and inexperienced to know. But I kinda feel when the Kardashians blew up so did this! For me it is the best makeup skill to have. You can slim down your face, reduce your nose size and create definition. Over the years I have tried many different products and I am sure I will carry on testing and trailing. But at this present time these are my favourite products and skills to achieve this makeup trend.

Step 1: Mac Prep and Prime Highlighter £19

After applying your favourite foundation, a good highlighter to mask bags and brighten eyes is essential. My favourite is the Mac Prep and Prime Highlighter. Apply a generous amount and brush using a soft small blending brush. I use the colour 'light boost,' this is the fairest colour to suit my pale skin tone. However choose your colour accordingly, remembering to always opt for two shades lighter than your natural skin colour.

Step 2: Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit £39
This kit is a little steep in price initially, but you do get six colours and it lasts forever. Firstly I start by using banana, the yellow tone powder. I apply this using a tiny powder brush to my T zone, under the eyes and on the chin. This brightens, highlights and mattes.

Secondly I mix Fawn and Havanna, the darkest and lightest brown shade, using the real techniques contour brush. This is a great brush to invest in for this skill. Shade just under the cheekbone,this sculpts the face and defines cheek bones.

Step 3: Benefit Dallas Blusher £23.86

I use this powder and its handy brush to contour and slim the nose. Brush down either side and gently rub the tip. Ensure you don't apply to much product, if it looks to obvious blend with a clean brush.

Step 4: MUA LUXE palette £8

Applying a shimmer to the cheek bone helps blend the contour and again draws more attention to the cheek. This is actually an eyeshadow palette however I find it is an amazing blend of colours that creates a great shimmer. Simply brush along all colours and gently blend into cheeks.

Step 5: KIKO Invisible Powder £11.90

Set and matt the whole look by applying a blotting powder. This is a great option at soaking up any added moisture. Apply lightly to the whole face.

LOOK COMPLETE!

Burberry inspired palettes.

This colour palette was inspired by the Burberry, initial cape. I love the mix of cream, burgundy, black and navy. When I saw the likes of Olivia Palermo and SJP (my ultimate style icons) rocking this cape, I wanted it bad. But it costs £895, which a gal like me really can't afford. So I managed to pull together an equally chic look available on the high street.