The art of illumination – how to say no to an event titled like that?
For AW16 MUA, or Makeup Academy, has brought out, as part of their Luxe collection, a trio of highlighters that will really make you glow.
Before I tell you how lovely they are, let’s take a moment to check out the gilded Art Deco influenced packaging. Thank you.
Cushion makeup is all the rage at the moment and MUA has had its say on it, in the shape of gorgeous MUA LUXE Glow Beam Liquid Highlight Cushion.
This little pot of shine used alone delivers a soft, natural radiance from its lightly shimmery peachy gold liquid. A press of the cushion with the round sponge is enough to deliver for both cheeks, nose and Cupid bow. I actually go again for extra radiance.
I apply this after powdering my face, let it dry while I do my eye makeup and apply highlight powder on top for that extra pow!
Which takes me to the LUXE Glow Beam Highlighting Powder, a light gold dust that reflects the light beautifully.
The packaging actually mills the block of powder on demand and this is as good for the face as it is for the body. This product is highly recommended to turn the glam up!
Finally, the MUA LUXE Radiant Illumination kit, a more everyday product that doubles up quite nicely as eyeshadow.
Those with oilier skins that worry about adding more shine to the complexion, fear not. Without the shimmery elements of most highlighters, the six matte shades are perfect for a fresh, natural and non-shiny look.
Personally, I like to go all shimmer, but this palette is perfect for those who are a bit more discreet or those dabbing in/starting highlighting.
Now, we must talk about the price. Nice packaging? Check. Quality product? Check. Great finish? Check. Tiny price tag? Check. What? Yes, that’s right.
The MUA LUXE Glow Beam Highlighting Powder and the MUA LUXE Glow Beam Liquid Highlight Cushion cost only £5 each and the MUA LUXE Radiant Illumination kit only £6!
You can buy them at the MUA website and at Superdrug, currently as part of their 3 for 2 across all cosmetics and beauty accessories.
Another obsession: anything with my initials. Just throwing it out there.
And being the lucky thing I am, the lovely ones from Alexi London sent me a lovely “d” to hang from my neck.
The chain (16″, goes to 18″) is also very delicate, with flat rings. The clasp is great, super secure and modern, and the overall finish is of fantastic quality.
Pretty much everything Urban Decay does is quite amazing. Proof is that not a days goes by without at least one UD item on my everyday makeup.
And let’s talk about the packaging? I freaking love it. The steel-look cracked effect is NOT how your skin will look – or your mirror in terror of your reflection, for that matter.
What’s better than a fabulous little black number for a ball? Well, not much really.
And yes, I went to the fabulous China Ball at the stunning Natural History Museum. I was honoured to be dancing with Dippy, the Diplodocus, which will be retired from the grand hall at the end of this year.
This dress has very classic lines; a full A-line skirt with some modern twists, like the deep neckline and tied at the waist, for extra definition. The quality and finish are superb!
The satin fabric is heavy and thick, making it fall perfectly but also nipping in to the right places for a structured, clean silhouette.
Eucerin has an extensive range for all skin concerns, and you probably noticed that I do tend to love them.
This complete regime has all the basics – day and night creams, a moisturiser and eye cream, as well as targeted care, the Hyaluron-Filler Concentrate.
For me, although I can clearly see the correcting properties at work, the coverage is too sheer to use alone.
Having said that, I do have to mention the 
When I left my dark ages of makeup and stopped using my fingers to apply makeup and finally started using brushes, there weren’t many options in the market.
Fast forward a few years (ok, maybe more than a few) and there are so many fantastically affordable options that it’s really hard to pick.
The On a Powder Trip Brush (£11.99) has a good weight to it, bristles are soft to touch and on the skin and it has a good amount of bristles that are not too floppy. The soft rubber handle is non slip and it has a little reminder of what kind of brush it is. It picks up, applies and blends powder very well.
The L.A.B.2 Just Face It Kabuki Brush (£11.99) is also great; it is well packed with bristles in a firm-ish dome and has great weight.
The Beyond a Shadow of a Doubt Brush (£4.99) eye shadow applicator is one of this bigger ones, which is great. It covers the lid efficiently with one sweep. Soft bristles are packed tightly for some firmness and feels very comfortable on the sensitive lid skin.
The Just Blending In Brush (£4.99), an eye shadow blender, is probably my least favourite, but that doesn’t mean it does I do not like and it does not serve a purpose.
Seriously: the Patisserie de Bain products smell so delicious you feel like eating them!
Costing £10, it’s yours free when you buy any two skincare products at Superdrug (subject to availability).
If you don’t know 
Be honest: would you say, by looking at the gorgeous nspa skincare products, that they carry a tiny price tag? I don’t think so.
As I love a serum, I’m going to start with that. The 
It helps support the delicate round the eye skin, plumping and nourishing, working against crows feet and fine lines.
Tanning. I love looking bronzed; it makes me feel better. In fact, we all know that looking tanned masks the imperfections, so our bodies look better.
Bronzie Got Your Back is a 3 in 1 back and body mitt that not only solves the back tanning problem but also makes tan application much faster.
You can apply your favourite tanning product whenever is needed, anywhere on the mitt. The middle part is perfect for reaching across the whole back and back of the legs, like a huge tanned hug.
My first Chanel lipstick. Yes, you heard it right.
This is an orange red, which personally is the best red for me (although true and blue also suit my complexion) and it has a beautiful matte finish.
Also, I find this quite special as it was purchased at the brand new Fabled by Marie Claire shop in Tottenham Court Road, London, where you can find the best names in beauty – skincare, makeup, nails, fragrance, hair – it’s all there!
I have to say that Marie Claire nailed it with Fabled. Bringing all those brands together, making beauty shopping easy.
So Many Lovely Things 