Work Xmas party make a statement make up

Work Christmas party, one hour to get ready, make up required that will make an impression but not frighten... Cue big false lashes and neon pink lipstick!

These lashes are Katy perry eylure oh honey lashes and this was the first time I used them. They were easy to apply and stayed put all night. I had to trim these down as they are very long and I have long eyes so you might feel like your chopping away a few dirhams!

I was generally impressed with these lashes but I was v disappointed with the white lash line - why? I had to cover with a lot if black liquid liner. And also the fact that these were destroyed when I took them off and no chance of reuse. 

The lippie was one of my faves: Barry m number 62. 

Festive looks

So it's nearly Christmas woop! So I thought I'd pull together my favourite festive faces to inspire you over the next few days...

Gold glitter eyelashes - wow! 

Silver eyeliner and pink stained lips.

Festive berry red eyeshadow.

Glitter ball eyes.... Merry Christmas! 

Product review: Smashbox fuchsia flash matte lipstick

Well, let me start by saying this is the most epic lipstick I have ever had. Seriously. I'm an addict.

I have been lamenting the loss of my Sleek Amped lippie since leaving it behind at Sandance earlier in the year (Florence if you found it pls can I have it back!) and I picked up the Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in fuchsia flash matte from Sephora as it looked like a similar colour and -yey!- was also matte. 

Well. This is my first Smashbox product and if the other stuff is as amazing as this lippie then I'm a convert! I applied this first thing in the morning for work and it lastest all day. Each time I went to top it up after drinking, eating, talking, it was stil near perfect. For a matte lipstick it was very moisturising, not drying, not prone to settling in the creases or looking bitty. The colour stayed bright and strong and didn't run into fine lines. And the matte is perfect! 

The real test came when I came home from work, had a super quick shower, topped up my eye make up, got changed, brushed my teeth and then went straight out. The lipstick stayed on *near perfect*. Seriously, there's no stopping this stuff! I topped it up but it stayed put throughout a hot shower (obvs didn't wash my face) and a vigorous tooth brushing! Amazing.

I went to an award ceremony and was talking, eating and drinking aaaallll night. And my legendary lipstick didn't budge. I had so many comments on the fab colour and I told everyone it was Smashbox!

Super dooper impressed. Top lipstick in my collection currently- and that's saying something! Will be off to check out the other lipstick colours and the rest of the collection. Nice one Smashbox :-) 

Below are daytime, before going out and at the event pics...

Latest skincare brand crush: Shiseido

I have been using Shiseido's The Skincare instant eye and lip make up remover for a couple of years now ever since I was given a free sample and I was blown away by how it gently, effectively and almost with zero effort removes eye make up and heavy lipstick. 

I've never really thought to try any of the brand's other products until I moved to Dubai and a few of my skincare staples weren't so easily available here. 

So recently I stocked up on the skincare moisture relaxing face mask, the skincare extra gentle cleansing foam, the benefiance wrinkle resist 24 day cream SPF 15 and benefiance wrinkle resist 24 night cream. I like to use skincare products quite a few times before writing a review to see how my skin reacts, so I've been using these for a while now and am suitably impressed (btw I have sensitive to dry skin that is also prone to breakouts, I know confusing right!)...

Moisture relaxing face mask: this is like silk for your face, the texture is divine and it smells delicious. I smother it on and really massage it into my face once a week and then leave for a good 15mins. It sinks in beautifully but doesn't get tight or dry completely like some masks which I love because I'm not a massive fan of 'can't move my face' masks. Avoid the eye area as this did sting slightly when I got close with my over eager application. I then wash off with warm water, although it's still wet enough that you could use a cotton pad / tissue if you wanted. And then TA DAAA! My face immediately feels soft, silky, hydrated and happy. Winner. I just wish it came in a bigger pot.

Benefiance day cream: this is quite a thick, heavy and almost waxy cream but it surprisingly sinks in quickly, with no oily residue or feel. It immediately makes my face feel lovingly moisturised- exactly what you need first thing in the morning! It's a great base for make up and keeps my skin moisturised all day. I like the fact it has an SPF in it and is not chalky in the slightest. Has it reduced my wrinkles? Who knows! But it feels nice :-) Have bought again. 

Benefiance night cream: this is a totally different consistency to the day cream and is more like the silky texture of the mask. I love it, it feels like it's doing good things for my skin overnight and it also smells lovely and quite light- perfect for bedtime (I can't sleep if I can smell anything heavy, which is why me and the body shop's mango body butter didn't quite get in...) Again, is it preventing wrinkles? I couldn't say but it does feel lovely on my skin every night, is a joy to apply and sinks in immediately leaving no residue or sticky after feel. Am now on my third tub. 

Last and, well, maybe least: extra gentle cleansing foam. I'm a devoted dermalogica ultracalming cleanser user and this is the first new cleanser I've tried for a while. I'm undecided. On the one hand I like how it lathers up with a small bit of water and it gives a great consistency to massage the skin. It removes almost all traces of mu and makes my face feel clean but a little tight and I haven't had any breakout just yet... On the other hand, it smells heavy like soap (urgh) and it takes a good amount of water and rubbing to wash off which makes my sensitive skin groan ever so slightly. Will def keep using until the end but not sure I'll purchase again. 

Has anyone tried any other Shiseido products? Noticed sunscreens and make up? Love to hear what you think x