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.

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

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!

The Best of the Berry Bunch

 Mulled wine, sweet cinnamon, spiced plum...Oh yes, 'tis the season of the gorgeous berry lip. From popping purples to fruity fuchsia, there's a berry shade for everyone.  

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Vivid Violet, £15.50

A glossy, bright purple shade with a gorgeous amount of shimmer, this lippy is really flattering to dark and fair skin tones. If you're looking for a statement berry lip, this is the one for you.

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Broadest Berry, £17  

The Clinique Chubby Sticks are so amazingly moisturising that they are like lip-balm hybrids, perfect for the frosty winter months. The reddy-brown berry shade is warm and flattering, it reminds me of a tasty cinnamon jam. I'd recommend this shade for olive skin tones. 

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Berry Couture, £7.94

The girliest shade of my picks, this light berry has flashes of fuchsia that will work beautifully with green and blue eyes. If you're a fair skinned babe, this is a softer take on the trend that will complement rather than dominate.

Stila Acai Crush Cheek and Lip Stain, £16

If stains are your game, this ribena-red berry lip stain is beautifully strong on the lip. Proceed with caution though, as it really doesn't budge! You can layer this stain up to your desired intensity, so it is a good one for all skin tones.

Clarins Rouge Eclat Lipstick in True Aubergine, £18.50

Perhaps the sultriest of my berry lippies, this deep glossy wine shade is full of reflective particles. I think it looks gorgeous on brunettes, and picks up green eyes really well. It suits fair and dark skin tones equally, as it is just sheer enough to adapt perfectly. See the step-by-step tutorial of how to get this look here.

What is your favourite berry lip shade? Let me know by commenting below xx

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

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

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