Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour Quad in St Tropez

The Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour Quad in St Tropez may be my new favourite shadow palette.

I tend to stay away from blue hues around my eyes, but this palette is the exception to the rule. These shades are so pretty and pearlescent, they remind me of an enchanting lagoon. I especially like the deepest midnight blue shade, so sultry.  

This palette can be used either wet or dry, depending on the desired intensity. Simply dampen a shadow brush with a touch of water for a deeper colour build upon application. 

It's a great versatile palette. For a high-impact look, apply the deep blue and bronze at the outer edges of the eye, gradually blending into the teal shade, and then into the lightest pearly-blue shade as you near the inner corner. Use a fluffy shadow brush to blend the edges, creating a soft and smokey effect. 

Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour Quad in St Tropez (applied dry)

Be sure to take some of the dark blue underneath the lower lash line, this gives balance to the eye. 

For a less dramatic look; try applying the bronze shade just above the upper lash line, all the way across and then underneth the lower lash line. Use a light amount of the pearlescent blue just above (on the upper lid) to blend outwards. This creates a really pretty and unique look.

Christmas 2014: Gift Ideas for Girls

If you're struggling for some gift inspiration, here are some great beauty and fashion ideas (from cute stocking fillers to seasonal splurges) for Christmas 2014.

Did I ever mention that I love Christmas?

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick (in Infrared)
A red lip is an absolute Christmas must-have, and this is one of my all-time favourites. It has a gorgeous matte finish, stays put all night long, and doesn't dry out the lip.

The Girl: Confident (sexy, sassy, glam, retro... it's a versatile red)

Thierry Mulger Angel Diva Gift Set (Limited Edition)
Perfume is a fail-safe option when it comes to Christmas gifting. Thierry Mulger's Angel is a seasonal favourite, as the scent is both sweet and musky. A festive winner. The perfume bottle is super cute too.

The Girl: Stands out from the crowd

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour (in 18 Vamp)
It wouldn't be Christmas without the timeless elegance of Chanel. This shade is a seasonal dream, a real luxury stocking filler surprise.

The Girl: Likes a touch of luxury

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector (in Nude)
This little number is the perfect accessory for everyday wear. Clarins really know how to make a good nude gloss.With just the right amount of pigment and a really nice scent, I can't recommend this handbag-ready gloss enough,

The Girl: Cosmopolitan and chic

Brooklyn Charm X Urban Renewal High/Low Triangle Necklace
SO cool. Especially paired with a chunky-knit sweater.

The Girl: Hipster-esq. Knows her own style, doesn't follow the hype

Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour Quad (in Summer in St Tropez)
This shadow palette makes it into the hot gift picks because it's both pretty and original. The shade combinations work together beautifully, and are versatile enough to create a subtle smolder or a real statement look. The shadows are smooth and pigment-rich, and the packaging is simple but classic. So Laura Mercier.  

The Girl: Creative

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream (Craig & Karl for Kiehl's edition photographed)
Forget diamonds... Face cream is a beauty-savvy girl's best friend. And when it comes to lotions and potions of the face variety, you cannot go wrong with Kiehl's. It absorbs fast and leaves skin soothed and soft. The limited edition packaging by artists Craig & Karl is a extra nice touch for a Christmas gift too.

The Girl: Beauty conscious, cares about her skin. Regularly pops a face mask on

Aldo Faux Fur Headband
...Because no Christmas day stroll is complete without a touch of faux-fur. Fabulous, darlings.

The Girl: Glamorous, already owns a wide-brimmed floppy hat

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick (in Nectar)
Come December, all girls are wistfully reminiscing about their long-gone summer glow. This palette by Bobbi Brown is holiday in a palette, a subtle touch of warmth and radiance. It can also double up as a highlighter - so that's two gifts in one, right?

The Girl: All girls. Works as a subtle all-over glow those who like the natural look, or as an eye-catching highlighter for make-up fiends

Kate Spade Wallet/Purse (style pick: Cedar Street Nisha)
If there is one thing I have learn about girls, it's that no purse can ever have enough compartments to accommodate credit cards, gift cards, business cards, hair appointment cards, the receipt for a sweater purchased in 1998.... This stylish purse by Kate Spade is a timeless classic, with enough compartments to keep three dozen cards in check.

The Girl: Classy and efficient. Her wardrobe is made up of timeless neutral pieces, not jazzy patterns

Looking for a gift splurge? AllSaints Cargo Leather Biker Jacket
Yes, it's a pricey gift. But I've heard girls claim they'd consider selling a kidney for an AllSaints leather. Not even kidding. They're a wardrobe staple that will never date. High quality, always on-trend, unmistakably AllSaints.

The Girl: Fashion orientated, trendy, cool, urban

What would be your perfect Christmas gift? Leave a comment below.

Happy Holidays! xxxx