Daniel Wellington Classic Sheffield Watch

I have been looking for a watch I can wear daily for some time now, so when I set eyes on the Daniel Wellington Classic Sheffield Watch* I was instantly smitten and knew that I had to own it. Daniel Wellington is a brand best known for it's stylish and simplistic watches that allow you to buy interchangeable straps and faces for different occasions. 

This timeless, minimalistic design goes with a variety of outfits and has quickly become a staple in my wardrobe. The oversized watch face, rose gold detailing and black leather strap work perfectly together, making for an easy to wear watch both day and night. As someone who never used to wear a watch due to having incredibly small wrists, I found with this offering it is easy to make strap adjustments and the dial suits the size of my wrists perfectly. 

From the matte black strap to rose gold hardware, this watch is sophisticated and effortless. If you'd like to own one of your own, you can now use my discount code pintsizedbeauty and receive 15% off the watch of your choice. Valid until October 31st.

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Early Morning Makeup

When it comes to Monday mornings or those early 6am starts, it can be hard to roll yourself out of bed to put on your make up when you could have 10 minutes extra sleep instead. I have put together a few products that are foolproof and perfect for creating a make up look in a matter of minutes. 

For an effortless, glowing and quick base I always turn to my trusted BareMinerals Complexion Rescue. It carried me throughout the Summer for when I wanted a subtle, lightweight base, but it helps to hydrate and awaken my skin in those early mornings too. It covers redness and smoothes over imperfections perfectly, meaning it's a great base to quickly lather on and go. 

For days when I'm in a rush, I tend to skip powder and turn my hand to bronzing. The Clarins Aquatic Treasures Bronzing Compact* is the perfect bronzer for adding warmth and depth to the skin in one quick swipe. The four matte shades can be blended together to slightly emphasise and chisel the cheekbones. To add a fresh wash of colour to my cheeks I often reach for the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Luminous Flush. The lightweight powder delivers a soft focus hue and a radiant finish, which works as both a blusher and highlighter. 

When it comes to a fast, effortless eye look I have to turn to my one sweep wonders so I can have an extra few minutes in bed instead of worrying about blending and creating that perfect smoky eye. The Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerise - Bette cream eyeshadow is a rich, amber-gold shade that is easy to wear, fool-proof and can be built up to create a stronger colour. Bette looks perfect paired with lashings of Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara. The Soap and Glory Brow Archery has been a staple in my make up bag for some time too; with a spoolie on one end and a brow pencil on the other, this is the ideal product to create quick, defined brows in seconds. 

Although I would usually opt for a light, nourishing lip product for a quick fix in the morning, I can't get enough of the berry hues during the cold, Autumn months. The Maybelline Colour Drama Lipstick - Berry Much can be applied straight from the lip pencil to create a bold, defined look or you can lightly blend it into the lips for a subtle wash of colour that brightens the complexion bringing the whole look together. 

What are your early morning make up staples?

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Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede

Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede Cologne | Link |

Jo Malone; a brand that never fails to impress me. From their candles to colognes, their weird concoctions of scents are unmistakably distinctive, making them one of my favourite brands. After purchasing the Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede candle and letting it permeate from wall to wall in my house, I began longing for it in perfume form so I could linger in the scent all day long. 

This floral, luxe offering has a top note of crisp red apple, heart note of peony and a complimentary base note of suede, creating a perfect scent that had me at the first sniff. Although this a lightweight perfume that isn't too overpowering and settles into the skin naturally, I still find it has a long lasting power that lingers on the skin for many hours after application. This classic, sophisticated floral scent had me sold from the first spritz, because it isn't heavy it is suitable for both the day and night. I promise once you've tried one of the Jo Malone scents, you'll be planning your next purchase. 

Have you tried a Jo Malone Cologne? 

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Rescuing Dehydrated Skin

During the transitional months my skin suffers from dehydration and dullness, battling dry patches on a daily basis. Every Autumn and Winter I have to tailor my routine, choosing products that pack in as much as possible moisture as possible and tackle parched skin. Now I've started to reintroduce these products, I thought I would share with you my top products for rescuing dehydrated skin. 

The Body Shop Spa Of The World Dead Sea Salt Scrub* | If you're on the look out for a body scrub that gently exfoliates and doesn't irritate sensitive skin then you've come to the right place, because although this body scrub is a new addition to my routine, it is a step that I cannot miss. With a high mineral content and coarse crystals, this scrub stimulates circulation, promoting fresher, radiant skin. What I enjoy most about this is its invigorating scent and the fact that it doubles up as an body oil and moisturiser. Perfect for those on the go and in a rush in the morning.

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask | This deeply nourishing, intense moisture replacement mask deeply quenches the skin overnight, leaving it feeling hydrated and nourished pretty much instantly. It contains plant gylcerin, hyaluronic acid and apricot oil to repairs the skin's barrier, preventing future moisture loss and dehydration. This mask prevents dry patches and helps to reduce spot healing time. I use this mask whenever my skin is lacklustre and in need of some extra TLC. 

Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip Balm | This cult favourite delivers hydration for the lips in an instant, protecting and soothing the lips with a rich textured balm. I slather this on every night before I sleep and without fail I wake up with nourished, de-chapped lips. Enriched with natural plant oils, shea butter and grapefruit essence, this lip balm is a staple in my routine and one that continues to rescue my dry, chapped lips. 

St Ives Skin Renewing Collagen Elastin Body Lotion | Although I usually opt for a rich body butter whenever my skin is suffering from dehydration, I do find that they can often cause breakouts and take a little longer to sink in. This body lotion is perfect for packing in moisture quickly, whilst making my skin feel supple and revived. 

Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream* | This hydrating hand cream will keep your hands feeling soft and supple due to the added macadamia oil and grapeseed extract that gives smoother cuticles and nourished hands. Although I've never been a massive fan of hand cream due to the typical greasy, slow absorbing formulas, the Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream has converted me and it saves me on cold mornings. 

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments | This refreshing tinted lip balm enriched with sugar, meadowfoam and black currant seed oils, hydrates whilst adding a sheer wash of colour to the lips. I find that tinted lip balms usually lack in pigmenation as they focus more on the hydration properties, but with these lip treatments they come in a variation of hues and contain SPF to protect the lips. Once you pick up one shade, I promise you'll want them all. 

What products help to rescue your dehydrated skin?

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Autumn Transitional Make Up.

Now that it's September and the start of Autumn is almost officially upon us, I have started to switch up my make up and skin routine. Although I find it hard to part with my coral lips and dewy skin, I have started to incorporate berry and plum hues into my blushers, nail vanishes and lipsticks. 

The hues I can't get enough of in the Autumnal months are berry tones as they're the perfect transitional shades for your cheeks, nails and lips. The Maybelline Colour Drama Lipstick in Berry Much is one of, if not my favourite, lipstick for the Autumn. With a creamy formula that lines and fills in the lips, it's no wonder that this is my go-to lipstick for a quick fix as it can be easily applied from the pencil on the go. 

Next up is a nail offering and Essie is a brand that does nail vanish just right. From subtle nudes to bright reds, Essie has it covered. But one shade I can't get enough of in the transitional months is Bahama Mama, a deep plum hue that has quickly become a staple in my collection. 

For a natural flush of colour on the cheeks, Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in True Love does the job nicely. This matte deep pink blush works perfectly at brightening and warming up the complexion without being too overpowering. It can be lightly applied for a subtle wash of colour or can be used to compliment a strong contour. 

MAC Diva has been a long term favourite of mine, making it's way back into my make up bag year after year and although I find that it's been spoken about a lot recently, I do think it's the perfect Autumnal hue. You can apply it directly from the bullet or you can dab it into lips for a subtle stain. 

Although Autumn is all about berry and plum shades, reds often make an appearance and the newest to my collection is the Clinique Pop Lip Colour in Passion Pop. This staple red lip is comfortable to wear, has exceptional colour pay off and leaves a sheen to the lips. If you're looking for a lipstick that will hydrate as well as stain, then I would thoroughly recommend this Clinique offering. 

What products do you think you'll be loving this Autumn? 

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Beauty Tools 101

When I think of my essential beauty tools, my mind always casts to my excessive collection of make up brushes and although they have continued to change the way I apply my make up, it's the beauty tools I don't think about that makes the biggest different on a regular basis. From cotton buds to epilators, I have it all covered. 

Tweezers | The Tweezerman Slant Tweezers have been an essential in my make up bag for many years now due to their exceptional ability to pluck and tame unruly hair. The perfectly angled, easy to grip tweezers grab every hair, every time. Eyebrow plucking aside, tweezers can be used a variety of different ways including applying false eyelashes. If you don't own a good pair of tweezers and you don't want to fork out £20 for a pair, then I would recommend Boots or Superdrug's own. 

Cotton Buds | Although cotton buds will never be the most glamorous, exciting beauty tool, they are a bathroom cabinet essential. After the obvious ear cleaning, cotton buds can used for cleaning up a manicure, applying spot treatments and my favourite; smudging out eyeliner. They're cheap as chips, easily disposable and can make for a effective way of cleaning up any make up mishaps. Any 100% cotton bud will do, but I always stock up on the Johnson's Baby Cotton Buds as they're soft and gentle on the skin. 

Epilator | Hair removal in general has always been something that I dread. Waxing, threading, hair removal creams, I've tried them all, but one method that is here to stay is epilating. Although this method hurts and makes me wince even just thinking about it, it works so well at removing hairs and reducing regrowth. If you're a looking into epilating, then I would recommend the Braun Silk- épil 9 Wet & Dry Epilator*. Being able to use it in water makes it less painful, it can be used all over the body and it efficiently removes hair fast. 

Hair Bands | Up until recently, I had never been hair concious; dying, blow drying and straightening my hair to within an inch of it's life was something that took it's toll on my hair, so I knew that something had to change. Invisibobbles, described as a traceless hair ring help to relieve headaches, tie the hair securely without damage and reduce the risk of breakage. 

Nail Scissors | Nail scissors are something I receive every year at Christmas either in a cracker or part of a stocking filler manicure set, and although I don't use them to cut my nails, I have found they're probably the most underrated tool that I use. I mostly use them to trim false eyelashes and to cut open any product packaging, boring I know, but very useful. 

Razor | Although epilating is one of my favourite forms of hair removal, I still can't put away the razor as it's cheap, painless and easy to do on a regular basis.  The Gilette Venus Snap Razor* is perfect for prepping your legs quickly and getting into all nooks and crannies of your body. If you're looking for a razor that close shaves, doesn't nip and is easy to control, then the Venus Snap Razor is your best option as the short handle allows for a controlled shave and precision. 

What are your essential beauty tools? 

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Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette

Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette* | £38 | Link  

If you haven't heard of or lusted after any of the Urban Naked Palettes, then I'm not sure where you've been. With a range of rich, neutral shades that are easy to use, blend and wear, it's no wonder that they are are some of the best selling palettes. Since it's anticipated release in July this year, I have wanted to get my hands on the Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette and when I finally did, it definitely didn't disappoint. 

With an array of 12 shades ranging from rich browns to metallic greys, all the shades are easy to wear, highly versatile and can be worn day or night. The palette itself has a unique design, unlike any of it's sister palettes. With a soft smoke effect and gun metal details, this slightly transparent case with a large mirror has a magnetic clasp that means that the shades are kept clean and safe. Surprisingly, the double ended brush that accompanies this palette is brilliant. With a soft tapered crease brush one end and smudge brush the other, both of these brushes are great at blending eyeshadow in the crease and along the lower lash line. 

Although all the shades in this palette are gorgeous, there are some I'm more drawn to than others. Dirtysweet, a golden bronze, and Whiskey, a matte chocolate brown are two of my favourite shades to wear along with High, a champagne shimmer on the brow bone. All of the shades can be blended together to create a subtle smokey eye that looks perfect with a tan. With a range of shimmer, satin and matte shades, you really have all bases covered. If you're looking for a more intense grey eye look that is easy to wear, but is suitable for going out, then Amour, Smolder and Black Market are the perfect combination. Although Whiskey is my favourite matte shade out of the palette, Password, a cool toned taupe is close in second as it can be worn with pretty much any eye look you want to create. 

Overall, this palette has quickly become a staple in my collection and I have been using it every day. With an endless amount of combinations and looks to try, I doubt that I will be putting this palette down any time soon. If you haven't bought this palette already, then I would recommend getting down to your local stockist to have a swatch as I guarantee you'll fall head over heels. 

What are your thoughts on the Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette? 

*PR SAMPLE/GIFTED

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The Setting Powders

I have used various powders for many years. I have collected my fair share of loose and pressed powders and despite regularly raiding the isles of Boots, I have only a handful of powders that I would recommend. Powders help to set my make up, combating shine and helping to keep it from melting away during the day. From illuminating loose powders to mattifying must haves, I have put together three of my favourite finishing powders to share with you today. 

The Loose Powder | Nars Soft Velvet Loose Powder | Although loose powders give off the impression that they're hard to work with, I find that they are a great way to set your make up, blur imperfections and mattify your complexion. With a quick sweep of the Nars Soft Velvet Loose Powder across the face, your make up looks flawless and won't budge for a good few hours. It's finely milled, so it remains undetectable on the skin, leaving no white cast either. 

The Quick Fix | MAC Mineralise Skinfinish Natural - Light Plus | This MAC offering has seen me through my early to late teens, becoming a staple in my collection for many years. I've seen the change of packaging, I've tried to put it away, but somehow this MSF keeps making it's way onto my face. Although it offers the most coverage out of all three powder mentioned, I still find that it looks and feels natural on the skin. No matter how much you apply this will never look overdone, but instead it allows just the right amount of glow through, making sure that your skin never looks flat, dull or lacklustre. MAC Mineralise Skinfinish Natural is perfect for first timers or those with a heavy hand. 

The Brightening One | Soap and Glory Kick Ass Instant Retouch Pressed Powder* | When it comes to setting powders, I tend to sway towards the traditional translucent shade on the skin, but then I tried the Soap and Glory Kiss Ass Powder and my under eye circles thanked me later. With SUPERBLUR™ technology and CAMOUFLAWGE 3DTM, this powder allows your skin to breathe, whilst perfecting and blurring your complexion. Although the yellow hue of the powder can be off putting at first, I find that it colour corrects the skin, whilst brightening the under eye area. 

What powders do you swear by?

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Autumn Eyeshadows.

Now that we're in September and the official end of Summer is soon approaching, I have slowly started to incorporate transitional, darker shades into my make up routine. Warm, purple eyeshadows and subtle berry hues dominate my make up bag throughout the Autumn months, so today I am going to give you the run down of my favourite eyeshadow palettes and single shades. 

Urban Decay Naked 2  Palette | If you're looking for a wide selection of neutral shades that are all very Autumn appropriate, then look no further than the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette. With a range of soft browns, subtle shimmers and golden shades, this palette is suitable for both day and night time wear. Half Baked, YDK and Busted are my favourite day time trio for when I want to create a soft, warm smokey eye. 

Zoeva Naturally Yours Palette* | The Zoeva Naturally Yours has the perfect array of matte to satin finish earthy shades that add definition to the eyes whilst blending seamlessly into the lids. All 10 staple shades are easy to wear, highly pigmented and can be used to create an array of looks. If you love a neutral palette and you're after some more matte brown shades then Naturally Yours has you covered. You can read my full review on the Zoeva Naturally Yours palette here.

MAC Sable + Fig 1 | When it came to picking out the shades for my MAC Quad, I wanted to pick four shades that differed from my usual neutral hues. Fig 1, a dark matte purple is perfect for adding a pop of colour to the crease, whilst Sable, a multi tonal golden brown with purple undertones can be worn all over the lids. Both shades compliment each other perfectly and create an effortless eye look that can be easily worn on a cold, frosty day. 

Clarins Ombre Matte Eyeshadow - Heather* | Heather, a light grey taupe shade, has a formula like no other. It's applies like cream but has a powder finish, making for an effortless application but comfortable, pigmented look. Soft focus pigments and bamboo powder gives the shadow a matte, even finish that lasts on the lids. Perfect for a strong, evening wash of colour on the lids or to add definition to the crease, this shade will have you pining for more. 

What eyeshadow shades do you wear in the Autumn? 

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Coral Lips.

Although the Summer is now over and I'm looking forward to warm, cozy nights in, one thing I am not ready to let go of is my coral hues. For years I was convinced that coral shades didn't flatter my complexion, but over the past couple of months I haven't put them down. Today, I have put together a few of my favourite coral lip shades that go with everything and compliment my skin tone perfectly. 

Nars Satin Lip Pencil - Lodhi | As the name would suggest, this bright, bold coral shade has a satin finish that sits comfortably and glides smoothly onto the lips. Although Lodhi is bordering on being an orange hue, I still find that it's an easy stain to wear during the day and it is flattering to wear with a minimalistic make up look. With a strong colour pay off, this shade wears well on the lips despite being a more hydrating formula than other lip pencils on the market. If you're looking for a staple shade that will add some va va voom to your collection, then Lodhi is your guy. 

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment - Coral | The Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments have quickly become a staple in my make up at the moment and Coral- an everyday, subtle tone- is the shade that I seem to be wearing a lot recently. With a super hydrating formula that gives off a light wash of colour, this hue is perfect for those that are just getting into wearing coral shades. Enriched with brown sugar and essential oils that reduce moisture loss and nourish the lips, the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments are a perfect combination of a lip stain and a balm. With added SPF and a hydrating formula, it's no wonder my collection has continued to grow. 

Laura Mercier Rouge Nouveau Lip Colour - Play | Play is a lightweight, shimmery peach shade that is the lightest of hues in this post. With a semi-matte finish that promotes fuller looking lips and a hydrating formula that makes it comfortable to wear, this shade is every bit as moisturising as it is pigmented. It leaves a subtle sheen and coral tint to the lips which can be worn on its own or sheered out further to resembled a tinted lip balm. 

Clinique Pop Lip Colour - Melon Pop | If you're an avid reader of my blog, then it'll come as no surprise that the Clinique Pop Lip Colours are a favourite of mine and Melon Pop is no exception. With a hydrating formula and wearable finish, this is a great product to throw on whenever you're in limbo over what shade to wear. I apply this shade straight from the bullet and with a buildable texture, I can go from a sheer finish to a bold lip in seconds. This lipstick is a must have and perfect for those who are looking for a transitional Summer to Autumn coral shade. 

What coral lip products do you recommend?

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Brand Focus | Lush

If you can go into Lush and leave with only one thing, you have more will power than I do because if you're a regular reader you'll know that I have a problem when it comes to Lush products. From their bath bombs to face masks, I have tried a fair amount of their range, so today I thought I would give you the run down of the products I would recommend to those of you looking to add to your collection or for those that don't know where to start. 

Lush Big Shampoo | As a hoarder of shampoo, it should come as no surprise that Lush would make an appearance in my collection too. I've gone through tubs of Big shampoo and although it can be slightly drying on hair if you don't use a nourishing conditioner or oil afterwards, the effect it has on my hair is worth it. The large chunks of coarse sea salt add volume and bounce whilst making the hair feel lightweight and thoroughly cleansed. If you've got fine hair like myself or you're after a shampoo that'll add texture and give a loose, tousled finish, then I would recommend giving Big a try. 

Lush The Comforter Shower Cream | When I first heard that they were releasing The Comforter in shower cream form, I may have let out a little squeal or two. This product was thoroughly anticipated in my household and when I finally got my hands on a bottle, it didn't disappoint. Unlike many other shower gels, this shower cream scent lasts on the skin and lathers up wonderfully, nourishing the skin as it cleanses. Whether you go for a little or a large bottle, you'll be sure to fall head over heels for this berry scented shower cream.

Lush Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub | Although Rub Rub Rub can be used in a similar way to Big, my favourite way to use this product is by slathering it on my body and giving it a good scrub. Enriched with fine sea salt, lemon juice and Mimosa absolute, this scrub exfoliates, cleanses and refreshes the skin leaving it feeling nourished and soft. When I first started using this scrub I thought it would be too abrasive for my sensitive skin, but after a few uses I noticed massive improvements to my blemishes and impurities on my body. Several pots later and I can say that this is one of my favourite scrubs; perfect for cleansing and making my skin glow.

Lush Don't Look At Me Mask | During the changing seasons my skin never seems to know what it's doing and it ends up being dry, sensitive and oily all at the same time. Although I have quite an extensive collection of face masks, it's the Lush Fresh Face Masks I reach for whenever my skin is in a crisis. Don't Look At Me is enriched with Murumuru Butter and Lemon Juice, perfect for moisturising and refreshing the complexion. This face mask gently exfoliates; promoting soft, radiant skin that is the perfect base for make up. What I love and notice most about this face mask is how nourished my skin feels and how glowy it looks after one use. 

Lush Brightside Bubble Bar | If someone only had £5 and asked me what Lush product they should buy, I would 100% recommend their Brightside or The Comforter bubble bars. With a rich, tangerine scent and uplifting, essential oils, this bubble bar produces masses of bright coloured bubbles that refresh the skin. This bar can be split into multiple pieces  making for several weeks worth of a big bath of orange bubbles that leaves a lingering orange scent on the skin. Now who wouldn't want that? 

Lush Damaged Hot Oil Treatment | If there's one of the Oxford Street exclusive products you need to try, it's the Damaged Hot Oil Treatment. Despite not being a fan of standard hair masks, I have found that my hair has reaped the benefits of this hot oil treatment that not only helps my dry, damaged hair, but it also promotes hair growth, making my hair look and feel thicker. Packed full of almond, avocado and extra virgin oils which deeply replenish and rehydrate, my hair has never smelt or felt better. Once I apply the thick, rich cream all over my hair, my locks seem to drink up the product and it dries pretty quickly. After a quick shampoo and blow dry, my hair feels smooth, manageable and full of life. As I use an endless amount of heat on my hair and I dye it regularly, these hot oil treatments have become life savers and true bathroom cabinet must haves. 

What are your favourite Lush products?

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Post Bank Holiday Pick Me Ups.

Although I love Autumn, the gloomy days and rainy weather can often get me down, so there's a handful of products I can rely on to lift my mood and pick me up. From skincare to hair care, I have picked out a few feel good products that I use whenever I am in need of some extra TLC.

La Roche Posay Serozinc | This multitasking facial spray can be used too soothe irritation, refresh your make-up and as a toner during your skincare routine. This solution is enriched with zinc sulphate that calms spots and eliminates oiliness, so if you're having a skincare crisis, Serozinc is a perfect addition to banish those blemishes and refresh your complexion.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Nourishing Oil Elixir* | Whenever my hair is feeling limp, lifeless and frizzy, I always reach for a hair oil to replenish the ends and add shine. With a fast absorbing, lightweight formula, this nourishes your hair and is great whenever my hair is in need of some extra TLC throughout the day.  

Nuxe Reve Del Miel Lip Balm | During transitional months, my lips are usually the area that needs extra hydration the most and therefore thick, nourishing lip balms are a staple in my routine. I reach for the Nuxe Reve Del Miel whenever I am in need of something that tackles my dry, chapped lips quickly and efficiently. With a formula comprising of grapefruit essence, shea butter and honey, this is a perfect pick me up throughout the day due to it's invigorating and uplifting scent. 

The Balm Mary Lou Manizer Highligher | With a quick sweep over your cheeks and brow bone, this honey hued highlighter adds a subtle sheen and luminous glow to your skin. This finely milled powder is great at reflecting light and minimising imperfections, whilst stopping your make up from looking flat. 

MAC All That Glitters Eyeshadow | This golden champagne shade paired with several lashings of mascara is perfect for making the eyes look more open and bright. This universal shade works as an all over the lid shade to compliment your eye colour subtly and illuminate your eyes. 


What are your favourite pick me up products?

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