Hello Clarins Aquatic Treasures Collection! Summer Make Up Inspiration

Okay, I'm going to be perfectly honest. Once upon a time, I wasn't really a Clarins fan. 

How things have changed...

Clarins Aquatic Treasures Summer Bronzing Compact, £30

I'm not sure exactly when it happened, but Clarins got serious game. Their new Aquatic Treasures Summer Bronzing Compact is one of my favourite products of 2015 so far - and that is a big claim. It's summer gloriousness in one seriously beautiful package.

The bronzing disk is huge - the perfect circumference for a good bronzing brush, but still lightweight and compact enough to slip into your tote. And let's just take a moment to appreciate the gorgeous pattern.

It's like a work of sun-goddess art.

The palette is split into four shades of bronze so that you can actually create depth and shade within your areas of depth and shade (whoooooah - it's like Inception!) and the powder is perfectly milled to ensure a light, buildable application. It's worth noting that the shimmer is very subtle too, no overload of tacky glitter here.

Clarins Iridescent Shadow in 01 Aquatic Rose and 03 Aquatic Grey, £19 each

Alongside this bronzer of sun-drenched dreams, Clarins have released three new shades of iridescent shadow (01 Aquatic Rose and 03 Aquatic Grey pictured) These cream-to-powder shadows are really, really nice. They're lovely and smooth on the lid, don't do that pesky gather-up-in-the-crease thing, and are nice and easy to blend together with other shades. Aquatic Rose has become my go-to glow-enhancing everyday shadow, and I occasionally use it as a highlight on my cheeks.

Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base in 04 Apricot, £26.50

The Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base in 04 Apricot is a new, slightly darker shade of their existing Complexion Base collection, perfect after a few weeks of the summer season (or applications of fake tan) Again, this is not a super-shimmery product - it's a subtle glow enhancer that helps to create a perfect base. It contains Clarins' famous 'anti-pollution complex', which protects skin from the daily toxins that can cause damage and dehydration. 

I tend to use this product under foundation, but as I get a healthier glow I'll probably just use this on its own. So nice to have a light, moisturising, coverage for summer. Plus it smells so nice and clean - I actually feel like I'm putting on something with skin benefits.

Clarins Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster, available for face and body, £18+

Interestingly, Clarins have also released a fake tanning serum- the Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster. I'm no longer a fake-tan fanatic, but this is quite a clever little concept. This serum can be added to any moisturiser to add an extra summer glow, just pop in a few drops (depending on your desired intensity). The best thing about this is that you don't have to change your skin care routine, so it's a great idea for those with sensitive skin. I did find that it had a slight fake tan smell before washing off the initial application of moisturiser, but the colour is really nice and natural. 

So that's my summer make-up bag sorted... What's your beauty must-have product this season? xx

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.

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.

Eye of Horus Goddess Mascara

If you're on the lookout for a new everyday mascara, this hot new brand on the UK market could be the one for you. Eye of Horus Goddess Mascara creates super long, extra defined lashes - absolutely no clumps in sight. It's great for catching the tiny lashes on the inner corners of the eyes, and the wand only carries a small amount of mascara, so you can create high drama lashes without instantly drowning them in black gloup. 

Eye of Horus Goddess Mascara, £17

What's more, this mascara contains moringa oil, which strengthens lashes and assists in lash growth.  The formula is really kind to sensitive eyes, is paraben-free and has not been tested on animals. My new favourite daytime mascara!

Revlon Lash Potion Mascara Review

Revlon Lash Potion Mascara, £9.99

Revlon have just released a new mascara, and it is amazing for creating dramatic, full lashes. A great high-street steal too for under a tenner! I was impressed with how full and thick it made my lashes, and they were clump-free thanks to the triple-groove wand. 

Available in Black, Blackened Brown and Blackest Black. 

Hair Therapy: Ojon Damage Reverse Review

Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Shampoo £21, Conditioner £23, and Rare Blend Oil Total Hair Therapy, £30 

I've been using this shampoo and conditioner for just over two weeks, and I'm so impressed with the results. For those of you who don't know, my hair is in a state of permanent distress. Years of golden blonde highlights have left it lacklustre and damaged.

This treatment is brilliant. My hair is noticeably glossier and smoother, you can see the difference. It may be a pricey treatment, but if your hair is in a bad way it's you only need the teeniest amount of the Rare Blend Oil to transform unmanageable locks - it's a great one for taming medium/thick hair.

What are your hair care heroes? Let me know by tweeting @PoutOutProud or commenting below! xxx

Smashbox Hot Picks!

I'm a big fan of Smashbox products, they're cutting edge, stylish and look amazing. Here are some of my favourites...

Smashbox Brow Tech To Go in Taupe, £19

This clever retractable brow pen is really precise due to the angled tip. The formula lasts all day long and the colour can be intensified to your desired brow shade. It's great to pop in your handbag too.

Brow Tech To Go in Taupe swatch

Smashbox Photo Op Eye Brightening Mascara, £18

A great mascara for lush, full lashes. It really opens up smaller eyes (like mine!) I love it.

Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Oil-Free Primer, £28

A good, oil-free primer that provides the perfect base for foundation. Leaves skin feeling great!

Smashbox Halo Long Wear Blush in Bloom, £23  (swatch below)

This mineral blush is gorgeous. You only need the tiniest of dustings on the blush brush to add a beautiful, illuminating warmth. Sweep over the apples of the cheeks for a dewy, rosy glow. 

Smashbox Waterproof Shadow Liner, £17

This waterproof liner is amazing for creating beautiful smouldering eyes. One of my favourite liners EVER, as you can create dramatic eyes in an instant. Simply line the eyes and smudge outwards, using the opposite end of the pen to help you along your way. Seductive come-to-bed eyes in approx. two minutes!

What are your favourite Smashbox products? Let me know by tweeting @PoutOutProud xxx

Braun Silk-épil 7 7681 Wet and Dry Cordless Epilator Review

Braun Silk-épil 7 7681 Wet and Dry Cordless Epilator with 5 attachments, £129.99

I've never used an epilator before - yes, I'm a cowardy custard - but I've had more and more people singing their praises to me. And with a mounting monthly waxing bill, it's a bit of a no-brainer to give this plucking equivalent a whirl. 

I was SO impressed. This epilator is cordless, works in the shower, has a handy little light and is just about as easy as can be. Lots of tiny little tweezers whip round to remove all those pesky little hairs.

This exfoliator comes with five different attachments. I used the high frequency massage attachment (pictured above) on my legs, and the exfoliation results were fantastic. Seriously smooth, hair-free legs. 

I have sensitive underarms, so much so that if I shave before the hair has regrown enough I end up with sore red patches - ouch! But I swapped the head attachment for one of the narrower ones (less plucking in one go, phew) and braced myself for the underarm terror. Not bad at all. The close-grip technology worked on hairs just a few millimetres long, and the lower grade setting meant the plucking pain was very bearable. No red patches, quick and easy. 

The different heads are really easy to swap over

I haven't quite mustered up enough courage for the hair downstairs, but I was so impressed with the leg and underarm results. I've already saved a huge chunk in waxing costs, and it's a lot more convenient. Double win! xx

A Glossybox Delight!

Everyone loves a parcel at the door. I even love a letter, unless of course it contains the most hideous of parchment… the dreaded bill!

Glossybox have come up with a really cute little service, whereby a beautiful box filled with five beauty ‘taster’ delights arrives on your doorstep every month.

The boxes are a nice gift idea and a handy way of discovering new products. The boxes themselves are so pretty that I re-use them to package presents! They also do tailored boxes, such as ‘Glossybox woman’ aimed at beauty lovers aged 40+, which is £14 (plus £2.95 packaging) and is delivered every eight weeks.

Urban Decay Fall 2013 Launch Preview!

Hold the front page. Urban Decay have a brand new launch for Fall 2013, available in stores from August 5th 2013. 

Most excitingly (for me anyway, a true lippy fiend) they're releasing a whole new line of gorgeous, seriously sexy lipsticks. Say hello to the new Urban Decay Revolution Lipsticks... The colours are AMAZING, the packaging is deliciously Urban Decay, they're super moisturising and genuinely long-lasting. I'm SO impressed. Here are the 20 new shades due to hit stores soon:

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick Full Swatch (excluding online exclusives), £14 each

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Shame, Venom and F-Bomb

How sexy is Shame, pictured above on the left? This deep sexy berry shade is UD founder Wende Zomnir's fave! 

My stand out shades from the range are: 

Bang - A fiery orange like no other, this is perfect if you like a knock-out pout. It's eye-catching and feisty. I love this for sun-drenched afternoons with extravagant cocktails. 

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Bang

69 - This red is perfect for those who usually fear the boldness of rouge. It has a slightly pink undertone which makes teeth look super white and warms the complexion. 

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in 69

Anarchy and Obsessed (used together) - These two shades blend together beautifully to create a super sweet petal pout. Anarchy is a really powerful, vibrant pink, while Obsessed is candy cute. Love!

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Anarchy and Obsessed

Urban Decay have also cleverly released a range of corresponding lip liners '24/7 Glide on Lip Pencil', so you achieve the perfect finish. 

Top tip: For the intense colours (reds, darks) line the lip and shade in with the pencil before applying the lipstick, for lip colour that lasts all night long.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Lip Pencil, £12 each

Urban have also brought out a totally transparent lip liner, Ozone, which can be used as a clever way to stop bleeding on any shade of lippy. Simply apply to the very edge of the lip to act as a sealant. 

Following on from the success of their Eyeshadow Primer Potion (their 3rd highest seller in the US) UD have revamped the existing formula, making it smoother and introducing anti-ageing ingredients. Guaranteed stay-put-ability with added extras. What more could you wish for? 

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, £17

To create a really flawless finish, UD have also brought out a finishing powder, available in light, medium light, medium, medium dark and dark. This super finely milled powder is pigment rich, so a little goes a long way. It has a slight shimmer as opposed to being totally matte, so it adds a slight luminosity without looking like an accident in Claire's Accessories has occurred. A handy product to reduce shine and minimise the appearance of those pesky pores. 

The best thing though is the light weight packaging. UD really understand the importance of having products which are handbag ready. 

Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Pressed Finishing Powder, £21

Hooray! Urban Decay is bringing edgy Nail glamour back. Having discontinued their nail colour ranges a few years ago, Vice and Addiction will be the first colours available again. Hyper glossy, long wearing and undoubtedly Urban Decay, I love these sexy shades. 

Urban Decay Nail Colour in Vice and Addiction, £10 each

Urban Decay have been getting all glam scientist it would seem, as they are the first cosmetic brand to engineer a spray which contains the vitamin B6. They claim that it reduces pores, minimises redness and absorbs oil - simply spritz the face before applying make-up for a boost of antioxidants. I haven't had the chance to give this product a trial yet, but I'm rather intrigued!

Urban Decay B6 Spray, £21

And last but not least, Urban Decay have redesigned their brow package. It handily contains everything you need to create brilliant brows, yet is lightweight and compact, perfect for popping into the handbag. With a magnified mirror as well as a standard one, two angled brushes, a duo palette to create the perfect shade and a setting wax (infused aloe, beeswax and coconut) this little box has it all.

Urban Decay Brow Box, available in Brown Sugar or Honey Pot, £19

So what are you most excited about from the new Urban Decay Badass Luxury Fall 2013 launch? What will you be racing to try? Let me know by commenting below, tweeting @poutoutproud or writing on the Pout Out Proud Facebook page 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. 

Weekly Product Pick: Lancôme launch NEW Hypnôse Star Eyes Palettes (as featured in Grazia)

Each week for Grazia Daily I choose a product which I'm absolutely loving...

Lancôme Hypnôse Star Eyes Palette in Gris Fumé, £37

Lancôme have released a brand new range of Hypnôse eye palettes, and I really love this one in Gris Fumé. The compact is classic Lancôme, so stylish. The smouldering pinks and greys are gorgeous, they really compliment blue eyes. So beautiful! 

Related Posts

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Weekly Product Pick: Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Two Cents and Bronze Have More Fun (As featured in Grazia Daily)

Each week for Grazia Daily I choose a product which I'm absolutely loving...

Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Bronze Have More Fun and Two Cents, £15.50 each

As the whole nation awaits the release of The Great Gatsby (Which I cannot wait to go and see!) Benefit have launched a brand new Art Deco inspired collection: Color...By Benefit. The Creaseless Cream Eyeshadows look absolutely gorgeous and wear beautifully. A cream-based shadow is amazing for a long-lasting look, as well as being soft and blendable on the lid. Perfection! I love to create a rich, smouldering eye with the deep bronze and rich copper shades pictured.

Related Posts

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Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks in Mint Snow and Seashell for Pretty Peepers

Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks in Mint Snow and Seashell, £20.50 each

I love the Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks. I seem to live my life dashing here, there and everywhere, and I know I can pop these compact little sticks in my bag without even the slightest fear of shadow crumble. Mint Snow and Seashell are new editions for Spring/Summer 2013 collection, and they are just SO pretty. 

The subtle, glistening blue hue of Mint Snow blends gorgeously with the pearly white Seashell. I focused Seashell in the tear duct area and the mid-section of the lid, gradually blending into The Mint Snow - with maximum intensity at the outer edge of the eyelid. 

Using an angled brush, take the Mint Snow round the outer edge of the eye and half way underneath the waterline.

Add a touch of highlighter to the tear duct area to really open up the eye. I used MAC Cosmetics Shadow in Nylon. 

Complete the look with a fine line of turquoise liquid liner on the lashline and waterline (I used Eye Perfect semi-permanent eyeliner), with a few coats of thick black mascara (They're Real by Benefit). To compliment the shimmering pearly-blue look, I used soft pink and coral tones on the cheeks (Dandelion and Sugarbomb by Benefit) and wore a dewy light pink on the lips (112 Fantasque by Chanel)  

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NARS Cosmetics Summer Color Collection 2013

NARS Cosmetics Summer 2013 Collection (a few key pieces from the range)

NARS cosmetics have launched their eye-popping new range for summer 2013, and I'm totally bowled over. It's bright, it's bold, I love it. They've stayed true to their core brand values, no frills necessary, just punchy, daring, high quality products.  

Fashion Rebel, Duo Eyeshadow £25

Who said colour blocking was just for a killer outfit? NARS have released this 'fashion forward' palette with canary yellow (Dandelion) and chalky purple (African Violet) shades. I dampen my shadow brush before application to maximise the intensity of these shades. Wear it fierce, or don't wear it at all. 

Madness, Opaque Nail Polish, £14.50

This amazing shade is summer 2013 in a few strokes. NARS have managed to strike trend-gold with this hyper-bright orange tang of varnish, as orange is going to be HUGE as the weather warms. I 100% love it... a gorgeous statement for the talons.

Puerto Vallerto, Multi-Use Stick for Eyes, Cheeks, Lips and Body, £30

Of the three pieces I have chosen to review, my shock winner is the NARS Multi-Use Stick in Puerto Vallerto. I really did underestimate how much I would like this stick. The sweet tangerine shade looks as though it will be too dark to suit fairer skin tones, but it blends in perfectly due to the light, creamy consistency. I had to swatch on my dear friend Anna's cheeks to show just how much of a beautiful warmth it adds. A sun-kissed, sheer and sexy look. 

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DIY Gel Nails with SensatioNail

DIY Gel Nails with SensatioNail, £60 for the starter kit with LED nail lamp, £10 for each colour

I've always loved a bit of 'salon at home', so the opportunity to do my own gels was way too much of a temptation to pass. If you've got a steady hand and a bit of patience, then you'll be able to create beautiful gel nails whilst watching New Girl on the sofa/in your PJs/tending to a butternut squash risotto.
I'm no nail expert, but thankfully this kit is as easy as they come. The instructions are really straightforward, it's pretty much: Step 1. Apply base coat and cure for 30 seconds. Step 2. Apply colour coat and cure for 60 seconds. Step 3. Repeat step 2. Step 4. Repeat step 1. Rocket scientists, don't sweat it.

You're not tied to a salon appointment and it works out much cheaper in the long run. The DIY option isn't for everyone (I often relish those hours in the salon - and no doubt the finished effect is more professional) but if you're fed up of chipping and want to step up the hardiness of your varnish, then this is a quick and fuss-free fix. It's rather fun too.
I was also really impressed by the huge range of colours available. I love a dark, glossy gel nail so I opted for SensatioNail's 'Dusk til Dawn' shade for my fingers, and the more summery red 'Spoiled Diva' for my toes. Both looked beautifully bold, gorgeous colours for statement nails.

To remove I used Magis Foil Nail Wraps, £9.95 for 50. Never scrape off the gel - no matter how tempted - as this is bad for the nail bed.

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