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Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation

Am I right in saying the Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation has had a bit of a moment since it’s release? Some may say blogging is dead, but I 100% wanted to try this foundation because of all the hype online.

Now I will say I have seen some not so great things said about it. But sure balance is key in this industry and not everything can work for everyone (generally). We’re all different, looking for different things and different results. It’s one thing I love about this beauty world.

I picked up the Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation when ASOS were having a 20% off everything sale. I had gone in to buy it a couple of times in Brown Thomas, but they never have my shade. It’s also important to note too, Nars counters never give out samples, which I think is a load of baloney! But sure didn’t I buy it anyways 🙂

So what do Nars say about this foundation? They say it has:

‘Liquid texture.
Luminous finish.
Fade resistant for up to 16 hours.
Available in 33 shades’.

I colour matched myself to the shade ‘Mont Blanc’. And it’s a pretty perfect match.

My thoughts on the Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation are kind of contradictory if I’m being completely honest. I love the packaging, it’s very sleek. I love the formula. In my humble opinion it’s has really good coverage, but not oh shit, I’ve just put plaster all over my face, good coverage. Although you can definitely build it up.

I wouldn’t call it ‘luminous’, although it’s not flat on the skin. There’s definitely a bit of a satin sheen to it. It blends like an absolute dream. And when I first apply it, I could probably say it’s one of my favourite foundations ever. The term ‘weightless’, I can 100% get on board with though! However, there is a ginormous but! Saying it’s a fade resistant for 16 hours foundation in my very humble opinion is just plain madness. I did google other opinions on it because obviously I would have more oilier skin, and people with combination and even drier skin types were of the same opinion. It just doesn’t last. On me, it starts to break down after probably the second hour. Considering I use two primers, powder and setting spray, its just not cool! Where I’m more combo, it lasts a little better. But still, at the end of a day wearing the Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, I look super greasy.

Here it is in action in video form:

I want to love this foundation with all of my heart. Dramatic much Gemma? I love the finish, the application and the coverage. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t last the test of time for me, even with all the makeup accoutrements 🙁 In all honesty I probably went for the wrong Nars Foundation. I should have went for the All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation. Lesson learned!

Have you tried it yet? I would love to know your thoughts on it.

xxx

September 14, 2018/by Gem

Makeup, Makeup Tutorial, Youtube Video

Daytime Glam Makeup GRWM

It’s been a minute since I did a get ready with me style video. I love watching these types of videos. I feel like you can just zone out and get lost in the makeup application 🙂 We were going out for the day this past Sunday so I turned the camera on. I’m calling this my daytime glam makeup look.

As you probably know I have oilier skin, so I do probably put in a few more extra steps when it comes to base and the likes. Especially if I know I am going to be out for the entire day. And in this instance I was going to be outside, so I took extra care.

I started out with prepped moisturised skin. Here is a list of what I used in case you’re interested.

As always I’ll try to list all of the products that physically go on my face for this daytime glam makeup affair. Apologies if I miss one out. There’s a fair few 🙂

Primer:

Essence Mattifying + Pore Minimizing Primer, with the Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer in my t-zone.

Base:

Esteé Lauder Double Wear Nude mixed with the Kat Von D Lock it Foundation for extra coverage. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer.

Brows: theBalm Furrowcious Brow Pencil in dark brown. I prefer the light brown, but I ran out. Kiss Beautiful Brow Kit with Benefit’s 3D Brow Tones over top.

Eyes:

Zoeva Matte Eyeshadow Fix. I used a matte bone single from Penneys to set my lids, then went in with the BPerfect LMD Master Palette. I point out the shades in the video.

Mac Teddy Eye Kohl. With the Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Torch in my waterline.

Mascara is L’Oréal Lash Paradise Waterproof with Mac Extended Play on the bottom.

I used the Isa Dora Blotting Powder to set my face and the Kat Von D Lock It Powder in Petal under my eyes.

Bronzer is the Clarins Summer one for 2018. Blush, my fave Mac Springsheen.

Highlight is my current obsession, the Pixi Glow-y Gossamar Duo in Subtle Sunrise.

To finish things off I used Urban Decay All Nighter Spray and then the new theBalm Balm Jour Creamy Lip Stain in Hola. I love these!

And I think that’s it!

Let me know what you think of my daytime glam makeup look. You can check out the full video above or click here.

Thanks, as always.

Gemma

xxx

PR SAMPLES USED*

August 22, 2018/by Gem

Makeup Tutorial, Youtube Video

Day Time Makeup To Night Time Makeup

This was very much an off the cuff makeup video. I had just come back from a PR event with Primark/Penneys which was soooooo nice but ended up being way longer than I thought. I had decided before I went I was going to go to Alltech with John that evening too, which is a food and drink fair. It’s on every year here in Dublin in the Convention Centre. And if you know John you know how obsessed he is with craft beer. It was literally like Christmas Day for him, so no way was he letting me make him late 🙂

I had to high tail it home. Luckily Penneys very kindly fed me, so I just had to ‘zhush’ myself up. I say that a lot in this video ha!

I have oily skin, which I’m sure you know if you’ve been around these parts before. So my skin looked a bit like this when I sat down to sort my face out.

I had this makeup on for about five hours, it had definitely started to deteriorate. I didn’t have time to re-do my makeup completely, so this was the easiest option. Just go over what I already had on. I do this quite a lot and it seems to work quite well for me. I thought I would turn the camera on last minute and show you how I do it.

The products I used aren’t really the main focus in this video, although I do talk you through some of them. The Pixi Cosmetics Mixed Metals Palette is a real winner for me at the moment. As is the I Heart Makeup Blush in Peachy Pink Kiss.

I did edit out my ’ems and cut down some of the processes, but for the most part the video is pretty accurate time wise. All in all, it took me about 20 minutes, hair zhushing and top changing included 🙂

Let me know what you think and if you like these types of more real life scenario videos. Thank you as always for clicking.

Gemma

xxx

March 9, 2018/by Gem

Bargain Buying, Makeup

All Day Glow For Under A Tenner!

Surely you know Gemma that good glow can come for way less than a tenner? Yes, yes I do, but I want to talk about all day glow. Highlight that sticks around blinding everyone all damn day long 🙂

I know for me, all day glow means layering product. I won’t get it by just applying liquid or cream highlighter. And I won’t get it from just powder. Applying them together though, gives me a way better chance of keeping hold of it from day to night.

This is the time of year where we all tend to have a lot more on. It’s also the time of year where your hard earned money is going on lovely things for the good people in your life. So I’m here to show you that you don’t have to sacrifice your party shine as a result. I have two products here that you can layer up, or just wear on their own to jazz up a makeup look.

First up we have the PS Custom Glow Liquid Highlighter.

This is in the shade Pearl Blossom. On it’s own it gives a pretty muted pink shine to the skin. I will say the packaging isn’t the best. The pipette doesn’t tend to work, so I just take the product from the build up on the applicator.

These come in three colours I believe and set you back €5 for 9mls of product.

To allow us to ‘glow all day’, I would tend to add a powder highlighter over the drops. To lock the shine in place and even make it more glowy. You can always top up powder too if you need to retouch your makeup. Liquid isn’t so easy. If you want a similar shade for a similar price point, this is the Mink Pink Highlighter again from Penneys.

This is actually a really pretty powder highlighter in it’s own right. Again, I believe these come in three colour ways too. You get 7.7 grams of product for €3.50. So together, for both products, you are paying €8.50.

Sandwiched together products tend to have a better chance of standing the test of time in my humble oily skinned opinion 🙂

I know I’ve been bigging up Penneys/Primark beauty of late. That’s simply because they’re upping their game and I’ve been enjoying alot of it. My last couple of posts on their makeup brushes and single eyeshadow pans are here and here too.

Have you tried either of my glow all day suggestions?

Let me know 🙂

xxx

November 15, 2017/by Gem

Makeup

Handbag Makeup Essentials

Ok, handbag makeup essentials is a bit of a broad statement. And very much up to the individual who owns said bag and makeup 🙂

These are my interpretation of handbag makeup essentials. For your everyday ‘throw everything into’ bag. I know the evening out bag generally consists of just powder and lippie. These are the products that you carry around, just in case. In case you get stuck at work late and have to go out after. Or you’re just out, and then decide you want to go out out. Or, you just want to refresh your makeup and maybe add some more definition.

I have oily skin, so for me blotting sheets are a must. Although I’m constantly running out. I generally pick up the Catrice or Essence ones. Super affordable and do the job perfectly. Even if you’re not super oily, these are just great to have. I have been known to use tissue too though. If you split 2 ply tissues apart, the one layer does a darn good job at blotting! I have another alternative here too if you want to check it out.

Once your base is ready to receive another layer of makeup, don’t go too crazy. Less is more. If you pile it on, it’ll probably just move around. A light concealer will work if you have blemishes or under eyes that really need more covering, or your foundation has rubbed off anywhere. I generally like having a more liquid formula of concealer on hand, it’s easier to blend over anything that’s already there.

Depending on your preference, a powder is nice to have around, whether it be a translucent or something with a little more coverage. It’s good to powder your nose, but it’s also nice to have if you need to set your lids to jazz them up a little. I prefer to use a brush to set with, just because it adds less product to the skin. Just preference though and another thing to carry 🙂

This brings me on to another handbag makeup essential, an eyeliner! Whether it’s just a flesh coloured one for a more natural look or a black or brown for more intensity. A slick of liner across the lash line, or blended out all over the lid, can really help define a simple makeup look. Kohl is great if you want to create a really quick smoky eye, as it works on the lid and in the water line too.

By no means is bronzer a handbag makeup essential, but it is great for adding more colour to the skin and adding some definition to the eyes too. I carry one because I have a mini. Mini products are a handbag’s best friend 🙂

If I’m being completely honest I have all of these plus mascara, eyebrow powder, highlighter… I could go on, don’t judge me, I like to be prepared. I was a scout growing up.

I’ll add two more things into my essentials kit though. A brighter (or darker) lip shade. A slick of fresh statement lippie and a bit of powder and you can be good to go for the night.

Lastly, I’ll add in a setting spray or even just a facial mist. Again, I have a mini one that I just refill. Something that you can refresh with. But also set with and to take away the powdered look which really helps when touching up. Urban Decay do travel versions of their setting sprays here.

And there you have my handbag makeup essentials. Too much? Probably 🙂 What’s the one makeup product you always bring with you? (Handbag featured was part of recent haul video here, if you’re curious).

xxx

October 18, 2017/by Gem

Makeup

Blue Eyeliner – Beautynook Obsession

I’ve always had a bit of an obsession with blue eyeliner, but as of late, it has gotten a bit out of control 🙂 I am perfectly OK with my obsession. It is a bit of fun, and adds a bit of interest to a simple makeup look.

The 80’s called and said, ‘Well done you’re doing a better job with it than we did!’ 🙂

Aqua or turquoise tend to be my blue eyeliner shades of choice, but I do dabble in other hues.

My most recent favourite and probably the one that gets the most questions, is the Inglot AMC Gel Liner in 70.

This is more of a matte sky blue.

Inglot gel liners are some of the best I’ve ever used. They last so well and come in a plethora of colours. I use this mostly in my waterline for a fun pop of colour. But a slick of it on the top lash line and lashings of mascara, looks awesome too!

TOP TIP: If your gel liner is starting to dry out, use something like Inglot Duraline. (Review here). Or Paese Drop & Fix to bring it back to life.

The shade that sparked my turquoise obsession was the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil in ‘Electric’. This is just the perfect vivid turquoise shade with a bit of sparkle I have ‘Gonzo’ too which is similar, but matte.

The Urban Decay Pencils are super creamy and last really well. A lot of more affordable brands do their own awesome version of this shade.

I have two here from Essence and Note Cosmetics that I love aswell.

I use this shade the same as I would the sky blue. On the top lash line and in the waterline. I love to smudge it out on the lower lash line too, even with some matching shadow on top to intensify it.

Now I can’t talk about blue eyeliner and not throw navy into the mix. It’s such a great alternative to black or brown.

I did have a liquid one, but I seem to have misplaced it (duh). I love a navy winged line, I think it looks great on all eye colours. It adds a hint of something different without being over the top dramatic. It works beautifully in the water line, and on the lower lash line too though. These ones are from Barry M and another one of the Essence Longlasting Eye Pencils.

I would like to thank my lovely blogging pal Sinéad from The Beautiful Truth for inspiring this post. She has been killing the blue liner at the mo. And the lovely Yav aka Makeup Monster. I had put a pic of all of the blue in my collection up on my Instagram a little while ago. It was her that told me I need to write a post. Thanks gals 🙂

The only question left to ask is….would you rock blue eyeliner?

xxx

July 26, 2017/by Gem

Posts

So what do Nars say about this foundation? They say it has:

‘Liquid texture. Luminous finish. Fade resistant for up to 16 hours. Available in 33 shades’.

Have you tried it yet? I would love to know your thoughts on it.

xxx

As always I’ll try to list all of the products that physically go on my face for this daytime glam makeup affair. Apologies if I miss one out. There’s a fair few 🙂

Let me know what you think of my daytime glam makeup look. You can check out the full video above or click here.

Thanks, as always.

Gemma

xxx

********PR SAMPLES USED*********

Let me know what you think and if you like these types of more real life scenario videos. Thank you as always for clicking.

Gemma

xxx

Surely you know Gemma that good glow can come for way less than a tenner? Yes, yes I do, but I want to talk about all day glow. Highlight that sticks around blinding everyone all damn day long 🙂

I know I’ve been bigging up Penneys/Primark beauty of late. That’s simply because they’re upping their game and I’ve been enjoying alot of it. My last couple of posts on their makeup brushes and single eyeshadow pans are here and here too.

Have you tried either of my glow all day suggestions?

Let me know 🙂

xxx

Ok, handbag makeup essentials is a bit of a broad statement. And very much up to the individual who owns said bag and makeup 🙂

If I’m being completely honest I have all of these plus mascara, eyebrow powder, highlighter… I could go on, don’t judge me, I like to be prepared. I was a scout growing up.

And there you have my handbag makeup essentials. Too much? Probably 🙂 What’s the one makeup product you always bring with you? (Handbag featured was part of recent haul video here, if you’re curious).

xxx

I’ve always had a bit of an obsession with blue eyeliner, but as of late, it has gotten a bit out of control 🙂 I am perfectly OK with my obsession. It is a bit of fun, and adds a bit of interest to a simple makeup look.

TOP TIP: If your gel liner is starting to dry out, use something like Inglot Duraline. (Review here). Or Paese Drop & Fix to bring it back to life.

‘Liquid texture.
Luminous finish.
Fade resistant for up to 16 hours.
Available in 33 shades’.

PR SAMPLES USED*