REVIEWS: Illamasqua Kontrol Lipstick

 

As we enter the final stretch of 2013 and life begins to gradually begin to slow down on the run-up to Christmas, I've found myself reminiscing over or 'reviewing' the year so far. I can say without a doubt that 2013 has been the year of experimentation for me.

Looking back through some of my older posts, I came across one from 2010 that really caught my eye. I'd purchased NYX's Round Lipstick in Snow White, which is a crimson red shade, and I was talking about how I wasn't brave enough to venture outside the house wearing it.

How times have changed! 

Almost four years on, and rarely do I venture outside the house without a bright lipstick on. But this year I went one further and began toying with alternative shades, and this post is dedicated to one that really stands out: Illamasqua's Kontrol.

  

  

 Swatch!

As you can see, Kontrol is a blue based violet with very subtle grey undertones. It's one of those shades that you just won't find in your local Boots or Superdrug, one of the reasons I love Illamasqua so freaking much. It goes completely against the grain.

And there's no half-measures here either, it's richly pigmented, full-on opaque with a smooth, creamy formula that applies effortlessly to the lips. Kontrol isn't quite like Illamasqua's matte lipsticks, where you need to exfoliate your lips and apply some decent lip balm. No, the creamy formula ensures this lipstick requires minimum effort. It's also incredibly forgiving on dry lips and doesn't accentuate any flakes. YES!

I'd say it's a slightly cool toned lipstick, something I tend to steer well clear of as they generally tend to clash with my skin tone. Illamasqua have surprised me with this one though, as I think it matches up pretty well with my NC37 - NC40 skin tone.

  

As for the finish, it isn't quite matte. If anything I'd say it's slap bang in the middle of matte and gloss, more like a velvety-smooth finish. Topshop's Velvet Lips - take note!

The lasting power is pretty good for a non-matte lipstick, by lunchtime I find that it's beginning to wear off a little though so I give it a wee touch up. By the end of the working day my lips are left with a purple-hued stain but with a touch up a few hours after lunch, it actually begins to look more matte than glossy.

  

  

  

Sigh 

So beautiful. 

Illamasqua's Kontrol is priced at £16.50, so I can understand why people may find this pretty steep for a lipstick. Personally I think it's worth it! If, however, you aren't so sure about it I've heard that Stargazer's 130 lipstick is a pretty good dupe, though it is a lot glossier. That'll set you back £2.99, so might be worth a whirl before you take on the real thing!

 Have you tried Illamasqua's Kontrol? What tones are you sporting this season?

 

 

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REVIEWS: Topshop Velvet Lips in Plush

 

 

I don't know about you, but when I first heard that Topshop were launching their own make up line, I was both a little sceptical and a little intrigued at the same time. Three years later and I have to say that I am constantly impressed by their range, everytime I drop by the make up section it feels fresh and updated, never stale or stagnant.

I'm a huge fan of liquid lipsticks, the intensity of the full-on colour, the matte finish and the longevity. Naturally then I was freaking excited to see that Topshop's Damned Collection had finally arrived at my local store. Why? It contained the highly anticipated 'Velvet Lips', of course!

The Damned Collection has seen Topshop go all gothic on us, something I thought I'd never say! As far as Velvet Lips is concerned, they've given us three choices: Plush, Velveten Ribbon (a luxurious deep red) and Raven (black!). Honestly, I'd have bought them all if I was able to find Raven, but alas I ended up with just the first two.

  

  

Plush is a purple shade with a blue base to it. When applied to the lips, you can detect a faint hint of blue, but the plum easily overwhelms it. The tube gives the impression that there's a metallic element running through it, but that impression fades when actually on the lips.

  

Velvet Lips is fairly similar to other liquid lipsticks I've used in the past. I applied with the doe footed applicator provided, it applies wet and is dry within seconds to a completely matte, velvety texture. It feels incredibly soft on the lips, and even to the touch. Sounds perfect right?

Wrong.

But you have to believe me when I say that I really wanted to like this. 

The colour itself isn't truly opaque and actually looks uneven on my lips. I applied another coating which only made matters worse, it began to crumble right off my lips. To prevent the patchiness and give that opaque effect, I found that I had to apply lip liner all over the lips. Disappointing to say the least.

Even when you've applied lip liner beneath, applied the lipstick just once and let it dry it does feel velvety soft, but it's not Topshop quality velvet, it's Primark quality velvet. It begins to powder up on the lips and fall off, I even noticed little flecks on my teeth! And if you want to eat or drink? Forget it. I'm thinking of a film here actually... Gone in 60 Seconds. Yep, that's about right.

Having read countless reviews fawning over how wonderful this stuff is, I thought: 'Surely it must be me? It must be that my lips are too dry?' So I even took the extra effort of applying lip balm to give them a bit of added moisture, but that had no effect, and besides I don't have this problem with any of my other liquid lipsticks.

  

  

The pictures above were taken about two minutes after applying a coat of lip liner prior to the lipstick. Within five minutes, it had started powdering...

Priced at £10, this is a rip off. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. Buying Topshop's Velvet lips is like buying an old banger for the price of a brand new Ferrari. It's not even anywhere near to being in the same league as Stila or Lime Crime. If anything I'd say it's a bit closer to NYX's Soft Matte Lip Cream. Though there are four differences: NYX doesn't flake off, the colour lasts longer, it applies much more evenly and it's a damn sight cheaper.

Would I repurchase? I think I'd need to be flashed with one of those memory-wiping devices they have in Men In Black to make me consider even looking at this product again.

 

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REVIEWS: Illamasqua Precision Gel Eyeliner in Infinity

This eyeliner addict is back, back with a vengeance and back with another new eyeliner almost 6 months since my last liner post. This is a big deal for me, I find eyeliner to be quite personal. Once I've found one that I like, I remain fiercely loyal. My eyes don't go wandering or flirt with other liners. Last time I wrote on this subject I was in love with Clinique's Brush on Cream Liner.

But I've been cheating on her, with a newer, younger model... Illamasqua. 

About two months ago, I really started taking my eyeliner skills to a whole new level. From the age of 14 all I've ever concentrated on has been top liner, but this year I asked myself: 'WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING?!'

After experimenting with the Retro 60s eye make up looks, it hit me that my beloved Clinique Gel Liner was no longer cutting it. Don't get me wrong, it works beautifully as a top liner, but if you want to venture anywhere else around the eye it suddenly appears less opaque and fades much quicker - even when I used Urban Decay's Primer Potion beneath it.

So with two new-found revelations playing on my mind I paid a visit to Paddy at the Illamasqua coutner in Manchester's Selfridges. He really is a very talented make up artist, his make up is always flawless like a mannequin. And the best thing? He's self-taught, which means there's hope for me yet!

  

So I told Paddy about my eyeliner woes, that I was bored of top liner only looks and that Clinique just wasn't satisfying me any longer, and he recommended Illamasqua's Precision Gel Eyeliner in Infinity. Looking at the tester in store it had been used to the max yet still managed to look super creamy, very similar to Clinique's but blacker. Black like the night!

  

Naturally I bought it straight away, raced home and applied.

It applied like a dream. Very smoothly without any tugging. It felt creamy, very creamy but not quite as creamy as my beloved Clinique. This wasn't an issue though, as it glided effortlessly on to the skin and allowed me to create beautifully crisp, solid lines around my lids, lash line and crease area.

What pleased me most about this, was the dark intensity. It is just ridiculously black. My first thought was: 'this is what Inglot's AMC Gel Liner should have been'. Inglot's Gel Liner is just about as black as Illamasqua's however the application and removal is a nightmare. There's less drag in a transvestite bar, and I actually needed to use soap to remove. Soap.

But with Illamasqua, this problem does not exist. It is the most perfect gel liner I have ever used. It's like Clinique and Inglot got together, had a wild night of loving and conceived an illicit love child that adopted the best qualities of both and dumped the worst.

The finish is matte, it doesn't budge, it doesn't flake off. And despite the ice-cold, tear-inducing, hurricane-like winds we've been experiencing lately in Manchester this beaut has managed to stay put. Illamasqua make the claim that it's water-resistant and nowhere will put that claim to the test more than Manchester, so far it's winning!

  

How intense is this, really? LOVE. 
 
  

  

  

So now you know how easy it is to apply and how great it looks on, how does it come off? Well, there's no let-up there either. It comes off easily with my Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Renew Cleansing Oil. No soap required!

I have to say that with Illamasqua's Gel Liner in my armoury, I feel much more confident in creating more adventurous looks. I have a liner that is sharp, precise, bold and black that applies like a dream and removes easily.

It will set you back £18 for a little 5 gram pot, but whilst the pot may be little it lasts a freaking long time. I've had mine for two months now, I'm nowhere near halfway through and it's still as creamy as ever. Would I repurchase? YES!!

 

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FOTD: MAC Indulge Collection Make Up Look

I know that a new MAC release is supposed to be a big deal, people who aren't even in to make up get all giddy and excited over it. I don't. The promotional photos rarely ever appeal to me, they're totally unrelateable. So it came as a great surprise to me when I saw the promo snaps for the new Indulge Fall Collection.

The shot that really struck a chord with me had an amazingly pretty lady with a wash of yellow-gold eyeshadow and lashings of thick black eyeliner. It actually looks remarkably similar to what I've been sporting recently, very retro glam, think 60s! 

Obviously I couldn't just wait until MAC release the collection over here in the UK, I had to re-create the look. Like, now! I had a good old rummage through piles and piles of make-up and came up with this:

 

  

  

  

  

PRODUCTS USED:

*FACE*

YSL Touche Éclat Foundation in BD50 (MAC equivelant NC37-NC40)
MAC Prep+Prime LoosePowder

*CHEEKS*

Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Crush

*EYES*

Yellow Shade from the Sleek Ultra Matte Palette Bright V1 e/s

Urban Decay Half Baked e/s ( over Sleek's yellow shade )

Bourjois Little Round Pot in Beige Rose e/s ( Inner Corner Highlight )

Illamasqua Precision Gel Liner in Infinity
Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Kohl Liner in Nude ( Waterline )
Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Mascara

*LIPS*

MAC Lipstick in Diva


Can you believe that I didn't use MAC on the eyes? It just goes to show how dupe-able products really are. Despite that, I still cannot wait to get my hands on Gilt Gourmet Fluidline and Just a Bite lipstick. I don't have anything like the Gilt Gourmet in my own personal collection, so I'm devastated that it's already sold out online! As soon as it hits the stores, I'm there. Buying ten.

In the promo photo the woman was wearing a nude lipstick - think 'concealer lips'. I'm sure she's wearing Smash Hit lipstick and I can imagine this looking quite flattering on paler skin tones, but I haven't even looked at a nude lipstick in years. I feel I've moved past that stage now, so I painted on my beloved MAC Diva. I just cannot stop wearing this shade lately - the sumptuous, warming dark burgundy feels strangely comforting as the cold, harsh winter approaches.

In other news, I must apologise for my lack of online activity recently. I've been working on a couple of projects and have been struggling to find a balance although I did manage to find my way to Paperchase to purchase a diary that will keep me organised. 

Me? Organised? Well... There's a first for everything ;)

I have lots and lots to post about, so stay tuned!

 

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FOTD: Edie Sedgwick Inspired 60s Retro Make Up Look

 

Looking back at the year so far, I've really been starting to experiment more with my make up. I've grown a bit tired of the typical top liner and mascara combination and the smokey eyes I roll out for those special occasions. I wanted to try something a bit different, something I'd never really done before.

So I looked back in time to see what people a little further back were doing with make up, and found that the women of the 60s had some interesting techniques going on. I came to the realisation that 60s eye make up will be my signature look for 2013, and that I must have been born in the wrong era!

I'd say that the main inspiration behind my experimentation is Edie Sedgwick, who was brought to my attention by Laa Laa (big thank you!). Just a quick Google Image search shows that this lady oozed class, her make up always looked incredible, yet so so simple! 

Over the years I've kinda got into this routine with my everyday eye make up, which consists of a wash of white or cream eyeshadow on the lids. It's not too dissimilar to the kind of shadow used back then, so perhaps that plays a part as to why it has appealed so much to me.

But I think that the biggest draw for me is the sheer amount of eyeliner involved. I've been using it since I was 15 and it'd just be criminal for me not to use any. 

Eyeliner is my crack.

 If there were an 'Eyeliners Anonymous' I'd probably go, but when they say they're trying to help wean me off it, I'd scream and crash through the window, running home quickly so I can roll around on the bed with my Clinique Brush on Cream Liner.

Anyways... My 60s Style Make Up is ever evolving, no two looks are the same as I continue to play around and experiment. It's quite a bold look and some may say that it's too bold to rock out every day, but you know what? F**k the rules. If I've got the time, why not? ;)

Now onto the evidence:

 

Exhibit A: Thick Eyebrows, Rose Red Lips and Wavy Eye Shadow

  

Exhibit B: From the side...

  

Exhibit C: Thick Black Lines hug the Eye-line, before breaking away

  

Exhibit D: Close up on the Contacts, my actual pupil is still visible!

*FACE*

YSL Touche Éclat Foundation in BD50 (MAC equivelant NC37-NC40)
MAC Prep+Prime LoosePowder

*CHEEKS*

Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Crush
Fake Bake Bronzey Babe Bronzer Compact

*EYES*

MAC E/S in Orb (wash over eyelids)
Clinique Brush On Cream Liner in True Black (top liner and flicks)
Benefit Badgal Smouldering Black Eye Pencil (lower lashline)
Pixi Glow Tinker Bell Fairy Dust (inner corner highlight)
Benefit Eye Bright Pencil (waterline and brow bone) 
Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Mascara

*LIPS*

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso

So that was my 60s Style Make Up look! As I'm experimenting so much, with no two looks being the same and a few variations here or there, I feel I need to start investing more into my eyeliners. For the flick on the upper and lower lash lines, I've been using the Clinique Gel Liner which lacks the kind of precision and colour intensity that I want. I'll be looking into purchasing a felt-tipped liner to give me that, which should elevate this look to new heights!

I've been spending a lot more time recently on my make up, and as a result my skills are improving and my confidence is growing. The old saying really is true:

"Practice Makes Perfect..."

I'd encourage everyone reading to mix things up a bit with their look and try something new, what's the worst that could happen? I will definitely be experimenting more and more, and will be posting new looks in the not-too-distant future! 

It's been a little while since my last post, so apologies for that but life has been very, very busy recently and I've just been so tired! But, I had some exciting news on Friday so the blogging bug has bitten me again! :) 

Tell me about what, or who, inspires your make up looks? How often do you try something fresh?

 

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REVIEWS: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in St Moriz

 

Tinted Moisturisers...

I remember using tinted moisturiser quite often during my teens, it might take some effort but try to think back to the days when Nivea had just two shades. Two shades! Oh how the industry was lacking back then.

I was never really that keen on Nivea's version either to be honest, the lack of coverage for an adolescent teen with raging cystic acne was almost as appalling as the lack of shade range. It completely turned me off the idea of tinted moisturisers, and I hadn't bothered trying any since. Until last year that is.

That was when NARS launched their very own range of tinted moisturisers. As we all know NARS have a brilliant range of foundations with shades to suit pretty much any skin tone, so upon hearing of the launch I knew I had to at least try it. After all, I have complete faith in their brand.

The reason for that faith is because Sheer Glow in Barcelona is to this day my 'Holy Grail' foundation. The coverage is perfect and the shade range was spot on. It has peachy undertones which neutralised the hyperpigmentation I had, thus giving me mannequin-smooth perfect looking skin.

Anyway, I digress! Back to NARS Tinted Moisturiser in St Moriz. Would it follow in the footsteps of its big sister, Sheer Glow? 

 

I was a bit stuck for which shade to actually choose, both Annapurna and St. Moriz both looked quite close to my skin tone. I eventually plumped for St. Moriz, even though Annapurna reminded me of Nepal, as Annapurna was just a little too dark for my liking even if it did have those lush peachy undertones.

Last winter I was colour matched at the NARS counter in Selfridges to St. Moriz, and for once I actually came away feeling that it actually was the right colour. I've had a few bad experiences at these counters in the past, walking away looking either like a ghost (too light) or an Oompa Loompa (too orange!). The Sales assistance totally understood why I had my reservations at being matched in store and was actually pretty good.

Looking at the website I presumed St Moriz would have been more suited to those who use the Stromboli shade of foundation. With that in mind the SA assured me, as the colour is quite sheer, it would be forgiving in the Summer when my skin darkens quite a bit. Just for reference I'm usually anywhere between MAC's NC37 and NC40, but in the summer I can go up to NC42.

I wore the St. Moriz a couple of times in the winter, when I was a true NC37 however I just wasn't feeling it. In winter I crave full coverage foundation with tons of highligher on to get into the festive spirit. So I put it back in the drawer of unwanted, unused products to gather dust and be forgotton about. And then summer hit... 

When the sun is shining I like my skin to look natural and glowy, so I'm nowhere near as concerned about full coverage as I am in the gloom of winter. With this summer being particularly sunny and warm, this product seemed like a completely different proposition. It seemed to give me everything I need.

  

Here's what NARS have to say about it:

"Your skin – almost bare, but better. This advanced, oil-free formula provides a translucent veil of color and sun protection while helping to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots in just four weeks. Infused with lush, naturally derived botanicals and ingredients to immediately helps thirsty skin feel hydrated. Kopara from French Polynesia and mineral rich seawater revive and re-mineralize skin for a softer, smoother, and brighter natural glow. Skin is transported."

  

TONE, CONSISTENCY & APPLICATION

Looking at the photo above, St Moriz looks slightly cooler than Barcelona which would be a bit problematic if it was a foundation and would leave me looking ghost-like. But because this is a tinted moisturiser it's much more sheer and is actually quite forgiving. Once I've blended it on to my skin using the ELF Studio Powder Brush, you can see just how sheer it really is and didn't leave me looking ashy at all. Also the consistency isn't quite as thick as a standard foundation, so it feels incredibly lightweight. 

NARS suggest applying this over a moisturiser and as my skin is oily/combination but is also dehydrated, applying a moisturiser is a must for me anyway. When I followed their guidance though I found it to be a bit too dewy, so I tried it without the moisturiser and my skin appeared so luminous!

The tinted moisturiser contains SPF30 in it which is a real plus point. For me though I feel this probably won't be sufficient enough to protect my skin from UV rays as I've noticed the tinted mousturiser starts to fade away during the day. A little powder does help a bit, but to stop my skin looking like a slick of sweat I now use Murad's Oil Free Sunblock with SPF30 from Lookfantastic:LINK

With this sunscreen, my skin has the right amount of dewy-ness for my taste and the product blends seamlessly into my skin. At random points during the day I'll then apply NARS Powder Foundation in Barcelona to blot out any excess oil

FORMULATION, FINISH AND LONGEVITY

As my skin is relatively clear at the moment, I find I that don't need to use too much of this just now. I dot it over the skin then blend it in like a mofo. Saying that, you have to be a little careful as this not buildable at all. As it contains moisturiser within it, it can make your skin appear a bit too shiny. I'd suggest applying concealer to any areas that need covering.

Having said that, it's definitely enough to blur out any imperfections on your skin, but it won't completely mask them like a foundation or concealer would. That's ok though because this isn't really the point of a tinted moisturiser anyway. I think that this product is perfect for me, given that my skin is pretty clear at the moment. 

As mentioned earlier I do have hyperpigmentation in certain areas, so if on occasion these areas require special attention I apply a tiny amount of L'Oreal's Nude Magique CC Cream in Anti Fatigue. On normal days though I don't bother, as my skin looks pretty good with just the tinted moisturiser. The end result is that when I'm wearing St. Moriz, my skin looks and feels as smooth as a baby's bottom!

As for longevity though, the product seems to start wearing off throughout the day to the point that by around 6pm it looks like it's completely gone. What's worse is that with my oily/combination skin it just looks like I've covered my face in oil - not a great look in a restaurant! My tip here is to touch it up with a little powder throughout the day.

CAM WHORING:

  

During the day with NARS Powder Foundation on top to set it into place...

  

And by night, the skin looks quite dewy. It almost looks like I have highlighter on! It's a beauty, isn't it? 

Now, observing the picture above, I have a serious case of Flash Back Photo Face. I'm putting it down to the SPF30 within the Tinted Moisturiser which is one of the downsides to this. If you are going out expecting to be photographed, I'd avoid this and opt for a foundation such as NARS Sheer Glow or Bobbi Brown's Natural Finish Foundation, any foundation with little or no SPF will do you nicely. 

Now to sum up:

  PROS

• Lightweight coverage, perfect for Summer where you don't require heavy foundation on the skin
• The shade is quite sheer so it's not a problem if you're in between shades
• Blurs out imperfections, skin looks fresh and appears soft
• Skin appears quite natural looking and gives you that artificial glow as if your skin is happy :) 
• Can be applied and blended with fingers or a brush
• Skin glows, you could even skip highlighter
• By the end of the day, skin appears dewy (with the help of powdering during the day for those oily/combination types)
• If you're looking for an every day foundation but want something lighter, this was made for you!
• Contains SPF30 (If like me, you're into that!)

  CONS

• Priced at £28, some could argue that it's pricy for a tinted moisturiser when you could get a similar effect by mixing a blob of foundation with moisturiser
• It's a tinted moisturiser so it won't completely cover up imperfections
• Without powdering (for oily/combination skin types), this will completely disappear off your face
• Again for those of you with oily/combination skin, skin can look too dewy without a matte moisturiser/sunscreen on underneath 
• The SPF 30 will give you that dreaded white cast look with flash photography

WOULD I REPURCHASE?

I think I would, but only to use in the summer and for that reason I'd probably go for the slightly darker Annapurna shade. I definitely won't be using this in Winter as I like my face to appear supremely flawless.

 And there you have it! Well done to yous that made it to the end, quite a mammoth post this time but I hope you enjoyed it!

Have you tried the NARS Tinted Moisturiser?

 

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Fake Bake Bronzer Compact + Kabuki Brush = FACE CONTOURING!

 

Hello hello! 

I've been such a slacker lately! I've been neglecting the blog a little as Ramadhan has really taken its toll this month, but believe me I have so much to talk about! The problem is, after a hard days work in this unusually sizzling hot Summer, I've been getting home around 5ish and heading straight for bed! In fact, I've been struggling to keep my eyes open on the way in to work too!

Anyways, over the past couple of months I've had a fair few peeps ask me about how I contour and what products I use? Up until recently I was using Sleek's Contour Kit, however Fake Bake sent me their Bronzy Babe Bronzer Compact and Bronzing Powder Brush and they've really impressed me.

  

 

The Bronzing Powder Brush is essentially a Kabuki brush. Now I love my Body Shop Kabuki which is just ridiculously soft! However, the big issue for me is that it isn't really convenient or hygenic to carry around with me in my bag. Fake Bake provide a cap with theirs, so once you're done with it, you can cover up the brush and pop it in your handbag!

If like me, you constantly find your Kabuki liberating itself from your make up bag and having little adventures all over your handbag, you need to get yourself one of these! And yes, the zipper on my make up bag is bust. It's one of those things that I always say: 'Yeah, I'll buy a new one tomorrow' but then never do. I think it's been broken for a couple of years now...

 

So, after that little confession, on to the bronzer! The casing is leopard print on top and contains a mirror inside. I've never liked leopard-print, there's something very Kat Slater and tacky about it so that immediately put me on the back foot with it.

But, as the old saying goes, you should never judge a book by its cover - no matter how garish that cover may be. I don't know about you, but I find it so disheartening to hear folk we come across in our daily lives judging others based on appearance. There's so much more to people than the way they look! Well anyway, I wasn't about to judge this poor little thing on it's cover, I wouldn't want to hurt its feelings!

  

Upon opening the compact I was quite surprised by the shade of it, it's pretty dark! Also there's a subtle gold shimmer running through it, but upon swatching it was barely noticeable. Using the Kabuki, I buffed this under my cheekbones - the colour is intense! It's extremely pigmented and actually looked like I'd gone overboard! Looking at the description:

"Bronzy Babe bronzing powder has triple pigmentation which means that, you need use less, it looks fresh and stays put for longer and in a generous sized compact with mirror, it will last for ages"

Figures!

I now use this with a light hand and buff it in to the MAX and get something that looks a little something like this:

  

 As you can see, after all the buffing, it still looks pretty apparent I've applied a bit too much. With that being said, using this with Illamasqua's Blush Up Brush, it's perfect! With the Illamasqua brush, I find I have more control over the pick up of the product and the shape of the brush fits perfectly under my cheekbones.

I'm no expert in contouring, but I'm sure I'll get there eventually. I don't get all that much practice as I find that under my cheekbones it's quite hollow anyway, but a light dusting with the right brush really defines them- we're onto a winner! What with all the heat just now, I'm using the Kabuki for some desperately needed daytime powdering!

I couldn't find the Bronzer on the Fake Bake website, but I have managed to find it on the Hair Trade website for £15.99 LINK. The Kabuki can be found on the Fake Bake website and will set you back £9.99 LINK. 

Would I purchase the bronzer when it runs out? I think I'm on the fence about that, it's really long lasting which is a huge plus, but it is £15.99 and the Sleek Face Contour Kit costs just £6.49. I guess it comes down to whether you want longevity, and how much you're prepared to pay for it. If £15.99 is no big deal for you, bag it!

Have you used Fake Bake? What did you think? Any tips for a budding contourer like myself?

 

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