Get the Summer Glow: Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder

It's a bold statement, but I'm going to put it out there. This silky-smooth bronzing powder by Bobbi Brown is my absolute favourite. It blends easier than any other I've ever used before, it's buildable so you can create striking contouring, and it adds a natural warmth to the whole face with a few sweeps of a soft bronzing brush.

Swatch: Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Golden Light (1)

The powder is seriously finely milled, which is why this powder is so effective. It softens the face with almost an airbrush effect, no tell-tale dark smudge marks in sight. 

Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Golden Light (1)

In classic Bobbi Brown style, the product is stylishly minimal and polished. And more importantly, the casing is sturdy enough not to be susceptible to the dreaded handbag-crumble.

Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder is £27 / $38 and available in seven different shades.

New: Be Legendary Lip Gloss by Smashbox Cosmetics

Following on from their line of lipsticks, Smashbox Cosmetics have now launched their brand new range of 'Be Legendary' lip glosses - and I am already a complete smitten kitten. 

I have never used a Smashbox product that I haven't been impressed with, but I really love their lip wear. The colour choices are fashionable yet wearable, the texture is hydrating but not greasy, and the pigment lasts but doesn't dry out the lip. 

The new Be Legendary Lip Gloss is available in 16 hot shades, each priced at £15/$20. I'm a huge fan of the colour Mandarin, it gives a sheer, fruity warmth that looks gorgeous with a light tan, and I find that it really enhances the green in my eyes. 

Swatch - Smashbox Be Legendary Lip Gloss in Mandarin

My second favourite from the range is this cotton-candy pink shade, Pout. It's so cute and girly - and looks amazing with a LBD.

Swatch - Smashbox Be Legendary Lip Gloss in Pout

Which are your favourite shades from the range? Let me know by commenting below xx

New Clarins AW13 Collection Review

Clarins AW13 collection

Whether it's the regal red velvet-smooth gold packaging, or the slightly higher price bracket, I just didn't think Clarins was a brand for a metropolitan girl in her early twenties. 

But after trialling out a hefty cross-section of the AW13 collection, I have been swayed. The products are classy, soft, pigment-rich and beautiful... and I definitely didn't look like my powdery-at-the-edges Aunt Maude. So it's a side order of humble pie for me, please. 

NEW: Clarins Instant Concealer, £20

This new concealer is REALLY good. It has a creamy, rich texture that gives long-lasting coverage of those pesky dark circles, and has caffeine extract to reduce puffiness. The packaging is lightweight and handbag handy, perfect if you're a busy bee. One of my top concealers of the year. 

Extra Comfort Foundation SPF15, £35 (107 Beige)

I'm quite fussy when it comes to foundations, but this one feels really lovely on the skin. It's like a hybrid of a moisturiser and a foundation - really thick and creamy - and smells like fresh cucumber wipes! 

It did sit a little bit awkwardly on dry skin patches, but this was easily fixed with a spot of moisturiser.  The science part is quite impressive, with anti-aging plant extracts, omega 9 and 6, and organic argan oil to preserve suppleness and protect from dehydration. It also claims to plump skin, and contains 'soft focus pigments' to reflect light in the most flattering of fashions. Ohhh la la!  

I gave it a good trial and was impressed with the smell, feel, finish and lastability. The only thing that didn't hit the mark was the packaging, which is not travel friendly and is nigh on impossible to use without getting foundation EVERYWHERE. But maybe I'm just a mucky pup! 

Clarins Extra-Comfort SPF15 foundation swatch

Clarins Crayon Khôl in Platinum, Intense Blue, Taupe, £17 each

I haven't stopped wearing these pigment-rich Crayon Khôl pencils since I added them to my make-up bag. So soft and flattering due to the shimmering, beautiful colours. They are double ended with a natural hair brush applicator on the other side, really handy for creating subtle smouldering finish.

Clarins Crayon Khôl in Platinum swatch

Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick in 736 Pink Camellia, 737 Royal Plum, 738 Spicy Cinnamon, £18 each

736 Pink Camellia, 738 Spicy Cinnamon and 737 Royal Plum

My favourite launch from the AW13 are the three beautiful colours added to the Joli Rouge Lipstick range - 736 Pink Camellia, 737 Royal Plum and 738 Spicy Cinnamon. They are SO hydrating and glossy, simply lovely on the lip. Unlike other lipsticks, I didn't get any of the dreaded dry-out, and the colour stayed put for hours. The Royal Plum shade is a bold deep aubergine that was really popular in early 2013, and I expect it will come back strong as we head into the winter months. Pink Camellia is my personal favourite, it looks fantastic with green eyes. 

Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick in 736 Pink Camellia, 737 Royal Plum, 738 Spicy Cinnamon swatch 

Clarins Be Long Mascara, £21

This clever little mascara is packed with genius ingredients, like a peptide to promote lash growth and panthenol to strengthen. I was surprised by the tiny brush, but it was great at catching all the little lashes in the corners of the eye. Great precision for super-defined, clump-free lashes. 

Clarins Be Long Mascara swatch

Clarins Eye Quartet Mineral Palette in Forest, £31

I am in love with this magical-forest inspired Eye Quartet Mineral Palette. It may be on the pricey side, but it is so beautiful. The packaging is classy through and through, and the shadows are shimmering delights. With khaki green, satin taupe, intense bronze and pale gold shadows, this palette is fantastic for complimenting green and brown eyes. I wear with the Crayon Khôl in Taupe to complete the look.

What do you think of the new AW13 collection? Let me know by leaving a comment below or by commenting on the Pout Out Proud Facebook page, or tweeting @PoutOutProud xx

*NEW* Benefit Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer

Benefit Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer, £24.50

Benefit's latest release claims to act like a magnet, keeping your foundation locked in place all day long... and it does not disappoint. It's nice and creamy in consistency, and glides across the skin to provide a perfectly prepped base. My foundation didn't shift one bit until I hit the make-up remover in the early hours, it's a party girl must-have. 

Glam Glow Super Mud Clearing Treatment: Review

The ultimate swoony-crooner, Mr Bublé, shared his metrosexual side with the world earlier this month (via twitter, naturally) as he donned a face full of mud. Show me a guy who doesn't love a face mask, and I'll show you a fibber.

The legendary Bublé was in fact lathered in GlamGlow Super Mud Clearing Treatment, £44.99 for 30ml, which claims to detoxify, de-clog, smooth, plump and fight breakouts, discolouration, black and white heads, razor bumps and in-grown hairs... A miracle worker, no less? So I ordered a few samples - try before you buy is quite handy when you're shelling out to the tune of 45 pounds - to see if the product matched the hype. 

The mask is really runny in consistency, more of a watery than a traditional clay mask. and contains the odd little bit of sediment. It dries really fast on the skin, approx 5 mins, and as it dries it pulls out 'congestion' (read: hideous blackheads) from pores. As you can see in the below image, the dark little circles which are populated across the bridge of my nose are where the mask worked its magic on my problem zone. 

After removing the mask, my skin did feel amazing and the dreaded blackheads looked less noticeable than before. Overall my skin felt nourished and soft, with a glowing finish as claimed. I've only used two samples, so I can't say how this product works over long term, but the instant results were really good. A hefty price tag, but a great treatment for troubled skin. 

What's your favourite skin care treatment? Let me know by commenting below, tweeting @PoutOutProud or commenting on the Pout Out Proud Facebook page. xx

Like this? Read this:

• Clarins Complete Age Control Double Serum: Review
• Skin Saviours: Australian Bodycare Face Cream and Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips

My Carex 'Live Life Hands On Awards' Entry!

Carex has launched a cute little competition to celebrate its 20th birthday, calling for people to send in pics of a day in the life of their hands. It's all part of The Carex Live Life Hands On Awards.

Here's my entry, which I'm calling: A day in the life of the hands of a make-up addict...

Carex will pick 20 of the most compelling entries to each win £500 worth of Red Letter Day vouchers, plus a year’s supply of Carex hand wash.

To enter the Carex 'Live Life Hands On Awards' click here.

NB. This blog post was sponsored by Carex

Laura Mercier Luxurious Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Fresh Raspberry: Juicy NEW shade for Spring 2013

Laura Mercier Luxurious Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Fresh Raspberry, £20.50, new for Spring 2013

As you may or may not know, I'm a big fan of Laura Mercier products. I love the understated yet undoubtedly quality packaging, and the products themselves never fail to deliver. The brand new Fresh Raspberry shade of their Crème Smooth Lip Colour range is simply divine, it's fruity and fresh without being crass.

This lippy feels lovely and soft on the lips, and doesn't end up travelling across your face after a few glasses of bubbly. It ticks all my boxes: gorgeous eye-catching colour, moisturising, with stay-put-ability. Well worthy of the most fabulous of clutches. 

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Millie Mackintosh Lashes... Fabulous, darling.

Millie Mackintosh Lashes in Soho, £8.99

Made in Chelsea is back in our lives, and yes, I'm rather happy about it. Thanks to the MIC brigade, I do not think twice about popping on a faux fur head piece to nip to the corner shop and pick up a two-pinter of red-top milk. Thank you, Chelsea, thank you. 

I digress. This week, I invested in a pair of Millie Mackintosh lashes. Millie: Star of Made in Chelsea, fiancée to Professor Green (what a strange world we live in), and creator of fabulous lashes. I'd heard good things about the range, and I'm very pleased to say that the results exceeded my expectations. In a market of celebrity endorsements which can be, quite frankly, totally naff, these lashes are total pearlers.

The base of the lashes is really fine, so there's no annoying lifting-at-the-edges. They look gorgeously natural, and the glue is very worthy. I've used this range a number of times, and never had the 'why won't they stick?!' experience. Full marks Miss Mack.

Here's my finished eye make-up look, with the false lashes to finish:

Brows: HD Brows palette in Bombshell, Eyeliner: ArtDeco High Precision Liquid Liner, Eyeshadow: Revlon New ColorStay 16 Hour Eye Shadow Palette in Brazen

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Dermalogica AgeSmart Skinperfect Primer SPF30

Dermalogica AgeSmart Skinperfect Primer SPF30, £33.50

A friend of mine recommended this little tube of primer, and despite being a bit shocked at the hefty price tag, it is undoubtedly the best primer I have ever used.

It leaves skin really well prepped and smooth, and my make-up stays put all day long. I love the trademark Dermalogica fragrance, I actually feel like I'm putting a treatment on, and whoever decided to make the primer skin toned is nothing short of a genius! A little goes a long way, and it's doing approximately a million things at once... I'd say that's a justified splurge, right?


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Dita Von Teese Golden Vintage Eyelights for ArtDeco

New Dita Von Teese Golden Vintage Eyelight in Menage à Trois, £25, pictured with Diya Von Teese Golden Vintage Blusher in Enravish, £25, by ArtDeco

This ornate palette by Dita Von Teese for ArtDeco is a touch of vintage glamour for any make up collection. The packaging is cute and retro, not quite as expensive looking as other shadow palettes of this price range due to the fact it's made from plastic, but it's nice and light if you're often on the go.

The shadow itself is a really fabulous trio of dusky pinks with a deep mocha, a glamorous and softer alternative to charcoal. The shadow is fine and smooth, with a heavy shimmer. Definitely one for super glam evenings. I love how the tones compliment blue eyes, so I tried it out on my dear friend Anna...

Get the look:

1. Apply a base primer to the eyelids to minimise shadow stray. I used ArtDeco eyeshadow base, £8, which is creamy and neutral. 

2. Using a narrow eyeshadow brush, apply the darkest tone to the outer edge of the eyelid, sweeping lightly inwards across the crease

3. Apply the deeper pink shade onto the mid section of the eyelid, blending into the mocha shadow

4. Use the lightest shadow to the blend everything together seamlessly with a soft shadow blending brush

5. Use the lightest shadow to highlight the brow bone beneath the brows

6. Apply a thin line of liquid liner to the lash line, dragging out the edges slightly. Apply underneath the water line, dragging inwards under the last 1/3 section of the eye. I used ArtDeco High Precision Liquid Liner, £21. It's scarily precise!

7. Open up the eye with a touch of creamy concealer in the inner corners. I used New CID Cosmetics i-open double ended eye line and concealer, £16.50 

Here's a rough guide for enhancing beautiful eyes: 

Brown line = Dark tones

Pink line = Mid tones

White line = Highlights

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Revlon Nearly Naked: Foundation Review

Revlon have brought out a brand new foundation range, 'Nearly Naked', £8.99 for the liquid foundation with SPF20, and despite its absolutely hideous (okay, slightly clunky, pardon my incessant need to exaggerate) packaging, the beautiful finish of this High Street foundation is actually very impressive. 

But first, let me get this moanathon out of the way. Mr Revlon big boss man, why would you put such a great foundation in such a un-user friendly bottle? I do not want to have to pour my foundation onto my palm. No, I do not. Undoubtedly my pristine black blouse will look mauled by the sand monster in approximately five seconds. Nor do I want to cart around a heavy glass bottle with a cheap-looking white lid. Phew.

But me and this foundation have found a way to work through our early relationship troubles (I've armed my dresser with a pack of baby wipes) and as you can see in the picture above, the result is light, even and flawless. You really have to buff the foundation into the skin (circular motions with a foundation brush, as if working in a moisturiser) and my skin was fresh and soft after application, with a slightly dewy finish. It softens uneven skin tones, minimising ruddy cheeks or shadows, but does not look too opaque or plastic. A great foundation for the daytime, definitely one of the best I've tried out this year. Now if only I could have a word with the packaging designers...

Top Tip: For an extra flawless finish, sweep a layer of mineral powder foundation over the liquid foundation once it has settled on the face. It makes all the difference! I used Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder, £7.99 (also a fantastic product but with slightly ghastly packaging...not taking any prisoners on the aesthetics here am I?!)

You might also like:

• My foundation favourites: from Day to Night
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• Spring 2013 Beauty Must Haves

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Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Sugar Frost

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Sugar Frost, new for Spring 2013, £18.50, available fro House of Fraser 

Laura Mercier's range of Caviar Sticks has got even better this spring, as they have released eight more gorgeous shades for seriously glam eyelids. I tried out the Sugar Frost, a subtle shimmering beige.  So pretty!

I love the classic LM packaging, simple and sophisticated as ever. The stick is great if you're on the go, you can pop it in your handbag without worrying about a shadow brush rolling around. The creamy shadow sits really nicely on the eyelids, and I found it really easy to blend. Gorgeous for a daytime glow, and buildable for those wilder evenings.

Model wears: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Sugar Frost, Barry M Lash Modelling Extra Black Mascara, Laura Mercier Creme Eyeliner in Cobalt

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Clarins New! Rouge Eclat in True Aubergine: Get the Look!

Clarins have released a brand new lipstick range for Spring 2013! The rather glamourous-looking Rouge Eclat is an 'age-defying' lipstick, which claims to protect lips against dehydration with intense, long-lasting colour...

Clarins Rouge Eclat, £18.50, in 06 True Aubergine, available from Clarins.co.uk

Firstly, this lipstick has gorgeous packaging. A pure handbag delight. It also glided on lovely, and although I usually stay away from the deeper shades - I LOVED the colour of True Aubergine. Slightly sheer with a hint of shimmer, this tone added a subtle fullness to my lips (which, quite frankly, are a bit measly. Thanks for that mother nature.) The bold sexiness of this shade is simply a must-have.

I applied an initial coat of the Rouge Eclat, blotted, then reapplied. Here's a close up of the final effect:

This shade is brilliant if you've got green eyes like me, I found it really made them pop. My lips definitely felt nicely hydrated and soft after application, and the colour lasted well without bleeding. 

Rock the Look

This gorgeous aubergine shade is great for a vampy, stand-out look. I used a warming blush (not too heavy on the pink) to compliment the purple base of the lip wear, and added a subtle smoke to my eyelids for balance. No one likes to be bottom heavy, do they now? I grunged up the look by adding a few spritzes of TIGI Salt Spray to my locks, wearing a loose vest-tee to complete the look.

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Fine One One! Sheer Brightening Colour for Cheeks and Lips by Benefit

I decided to mix things up a bit today and do a video review for Benefit's latest product launch: Fine One One, £23.50, available from www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk

Have a watch and please leave a comment to let me know what you think, I'm quite new to video blogging so I'd love your feedback!

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Cute like Candy! Ciate Nail Caviar

So much LOVE this super cute manicure! How gorgeous?! 

Ciate Caviar Pearls in Rainbow, £18, available from Selfridges is my favourite nail accessory of the moment, the tiny little pearls of cuteness are so fun and playful!

The look is really easy to achieve too, simply paint on a healthy layer of varnish then tip over the teensy beads. Press the beads down gently and allow to set for fifteen minutes. Voila, cute like candy nails. Do not apply any top coat though, as the colour from all the little beady treats will run into a murky blue (not desirable!)

It may not be the most long-lasting nail effect, but I totally love it. A really unique and girly finish, that's easy to do. Perfect! 

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Woo all the Boys... with MAC 'Ruby Woo' Lippy

MAC lipstick in Ruby Woo, £14.00, available from MACcosmetics.co.uk and MAC lip pencil in Cherry,  £11.50, available from MACcosmetics.co.uk

I have a hot new love in my life (and it isn't a man. Who needs 'em?) Nope, it's MAC lipstick in 'Ruby Woo'. I absolutely love it. Such a glorious deep red, it adds instant glamour to any outfit. It doesn't dry out the lip, and feels nice and velvety on application. Here's my New Year's Eve make-up choice, featuring the treasured lip wear:

Top Tips for Red Lip Perfection

1. Invest in a matching lip pencil. MAC's lip pencil in 'Cherry' matches 'Ruby Woo' perfectly, and will add clarity and perfection to the lips. 

2. Optimise your pout. Use the matching lip pencil to create a cupid's bow, and add fullness by going slightly over the edge of your bottom lip. Apply the lip pencil to the entirety of the lip if you want your red to stay put all night long.

3. Think about colour clashes. Avoid blushes which are pink or red based, and opt instead for a blush which looks closer to a bronzer. I wore Benefit Sugarbomb Face Powder (and focused on the bronze/golden shades of the palette) The same applies for a highlighter - I used Barry M's Dazzle Dust in Gold Iridescent. 

Get all the hottest beauty tips: subscribe to Pout Out Proud. Love this look? Please leave me a comment below...

Planet NARS: Blush in Orgasm

For a gorgeous golden-pink shimmer, I love NARS blush in Orgasm, £21.00, available from NARScosmetics.co.uk. Thanks to the super strong pigment, you only need the tiniest of sweeps for a gorgeous, healthy glow...which means that it lasts for AGES, wahoo!

I'm a big fan of the teensy light-reflecting gold particles in this blush, so eye-catching and beautiful!

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Benefit Hervana Good Karma Face Powder

Benefit Hervana Good Karma Face Powder, £23.50, available from FeelUnique.com (free delivery!)

This multi-tonal blush has just the right balance between soft pinks and warm, shimmering coral. The Lucky Shell shade adds a pearly glow, while the Divine Peach has a great golden shimmer which adds a healthy warmth to your skin. The pinker shades, Heavenly Rose and Berry Delight, are feminine and flattering on the apples of your cheeks.

I like to use the palette combination together on initial application (with a good blush brush) and then use the Lucky Shell as a highlight. 

The great thing about Benefit's Face Powders is how long they last. They're really compact, so although you don't get tons for your money they do go the distance. I had my last box for about 12 months! Well worth spending those extra pennies in my opinion. 

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Get Flawless: MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation SPF15

I've made that ever-so dangerous move. I visited the MAC counter in Selfridges and asked for their recommendations. And now I want EVERYTHING. I'm not entirely sure just how this happens, but when you sit in that mildly uncomfortable chair, close your eyes and allow the MAC make-up artist work their wonderful magic, you may as well give them all of your savings, right there and then. 

'But it really is worth it', you will utter as you hand over your weekly food allowance in lieu of some Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (which is, coincidentally, one of the best products for enhancing facial contours whilst still looking natural)

So yes, I made the leap. And yes, I am now a MAC foundation convert. I purchased the Studio Sculpt SPF 15, £24, available from MAC cosmetics, as I wanted a medium coverage which still has a luminous, glowy appearance as opposed to matte.

Studio Sculpt has a really thick liquid consistency, it's a gel based foundation which is fantastic for dry skin, which is best applied with a foundation brush. It's also buildable, so you can layer the application to create a high coverage. Here's a before and after picture, featuring my dear friend Anna...

I would recommend leaving the foundation for a couple of minutes before applying any powder to the skin surface, as it does set after you apply it. I'd recommend buying the complimenting Mineralise Skinfinish Natural powder, £21, to apply over the Studio Sculpt for an utterly flawless finish.

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