The contour "blush" product you should know about

I have found a drug store contouring product that you may just be missing out on.

I love the concept of contouring ; if done well and subtly.  It can add dimension and shape by enhancing the natural bone structure of the face. The art of contouring is to use a deeper colour than your skin tone to replicate shadows on the face or body. With the 2015 contouring frenzy , beauty companies released contour palettes galore and they hit the shelves fast and hard. Though I find some contour palettes amazing , my concern was that I was coming across a lot of warm, orange toned contour products that were perfect for bronzing and not so much suitable for contouring. When I want to bronze my face I want a warm toned brown colour ( with an undertone of orange/red),  and when I want to contour my face I prefer a cool toned brown (undertones of grey/ beige).

Fortunately ,I have been able to find a hidden gem amongst the drug store contouring products that I wish to share with you. funnily enough, it's actually a blush ! 'NYX' cosmetics have a high definition blush powder range , and within it's range is the hidden gem that is shade "Taupe". It's a cool toned neutral brown that has perfect blend of brown and grey tones that mimic a shadow , making it a perfect contour colour. What's also great is that it is completely matte powder though very well finely milled, and silky to the touch. The pigment is great and it blends effortlessly!

I apply this product to my cheekbones, jawline, and ever so slightly the sides of my nose and hairline.

The packaging is a small , sleek black glossy compact with bow detailed clasp. It's simple and efficient plastic packaging is very light though doesn't feel too cheap . There is also a perspex window on the top of the packaging so you can see the shade of the product without having to open the compact. For the price you receive 4.5 grams of product.

I was able to purchase this product from boots stores in the UK and retails for around £6.  five out of five from me!

Sincerely, Harry

Lip balm of 2014

The lip balm winners of 2014!

lip balms are my kryptonite , ( among many other things). I can even think as to why I'm such a lip balm obsessive though this may be my excuse to the situation. I recall being young and having the most battered and beaten trout pout. I would ask to have lip balms but being young I would always lose them and so the final result was using some cold cream that lurked under the kitchen sink that did nothing more than have me looking like I was coco the clown. *shudders* Then one day   stumbled upon my sisters lip smacker  and it was game on ; I've been hooked on finding the perfect lip balm ever since.

I always carry a lip balm on me all times to ensure I avoid any withdrawals. Through my years of dedication to purchasing lip balms, only few have conquered but many have fallen. very dramatic, right ? Throughout 2014 there have been just two clear stand out winners . These are two lip balms that I've enjoyed using ,  repurchased and plan to repurchase again. So , drum roll please....

Nuxe - Reve de miel

A well hyped lip balm in the beauty blogger and youtube community and now I know why. Reaching towards the more pricey end of lip balms , though I can't deny how intensely moisturising it is. Ingredients include honey , shea butter and grapefruit essence that give it a sweet scent. Despite being marketed as a lip balm I find it to be more of  a putty , due to it's thick texture that melts away on contact. I use this before i go to bed and I wake up with supple lips. sometimes I question that they look fuller! Great to use early on the day as it will last for hours , it's not greasy and comes in a sturdy glass jar. I will most certainly be repurchasing !

Reve de miel can be purchased from space.nk or feelunique.com here.

Burt's Bees lip balm

A staple product of mine for years and continues to prove it's still got the edge over the other lip balms i've tried and tested. A lip balm made mostly of bees wax that comes in an iconic yellow tube, perfect to throw in your pocket for on the go. whenever I try a new lip balm that falls flat, I return straight to my trusted Burt's bees. Burt's bees  lip balms come in a variety of flavours and colours from mango to coconut & pear, though the original lip balm with peppermint oil is my favourite. It makes the lips soft, without creating a greasy shine or causing a build up that leaves a gunky film on the lips. ( you lip balm obsessives will know what I mean). long lasting and great for guys too. I certainly won't be going short of this lip balm wonder!

Burts bees can be purchased from Boots stores or online here .

Sincerely, Harry