Long Time No Post

Hi all!

It has been a really long time since I last posted on here. I had a crazy summer, jam packed with my freelance hair & makeup work along with many other things. As I have now gone into my final year at university, I have finally managed to sit down and organise everything in my life and one being this blog. So here I am writing this post... 

I am now online and have a Website and Facebook Page for my freelance work so you can keep up to date with what I am up to...

www.priyankahairandmakeup.com

www.facebook.com/priyankahairandmakeup

Please take a second to give my Facebook Page some love with a Like :)!

Also come and join me if you're on Instagram and Twitter! 

As I have not posted in a while I thought I would share with you my most recent work. Below is a behind the scenes photo of the hair & makeup I did on the gorgeous model Simi Kishan.

Behind the scenes photo taken from my instagram (@priyankahairandmakeup)

To create this look I used the following products:

Face: MAC Studio Fix Fluid, MAC MSF, Illamasqua Gleam in Aurora, MAC Blush in Desert Rose

Eyes: Estée Lauder Shadow Creme in Midnight Kohl, Estée Lauder Cyber Metallic Eyeshadow in 05, MAC Carbon Eyeshadow, Mac Goldmine, Wedge & Charcoal Brown Eyeshadows, Estée Lauder Intense Kajal Eyeliner in Blackened Black, MAC In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash Mascara, Eylure Intense Eyelashes in 140, Illamasqua Precision Gel Eyeliner Infinity

Eyebrows: MAC Espresso Eyeshadow

Lips: MAC Currant lip pencil, MAC Rebel lipstick 

Hair: Curls created using Enrapture Totem Styler

For more photos visit my website. 

Have you tried any of the products I used to create this look?

Would you like me to review any of these products?

Review: Enrapture Totem Encode Hair Styler

Hi everyone, today I thought I would share with you a review on one of my favourite hair stylers; the Enrapture Totem Encode Hair Styler.

(Price always varies, make sure to compare prices £39.98- £59.99: Argos, Boots, John Lewis, Tesco)

I have used this for over a month now and I am confident to say that they are the best curlers I have ever used! I first purchased a styler for myself to test out and after only just using them a few times I purchased another for my kit. I read many positive reviews on people’s blogs and YouTube channels prior to purchasing. Now here’s my review contributing to the rest :)!

I ordered online and when my hair styler arrived it came in a lovely metallic sturdy purple box. The hair styler also came with a heat proof mat and some instructions.

The meaning behind its name ‘Encode’ is that it has 3 different heat settings. You can choose 1-1-1 which would give you very loose wavy curls, 2-2-2 which gives a medium curl and 3-3-3 which gives a very tight curl. The selling point of this styler is that the settings are interchangeable. For instance, if you wanted tight curls flowing into loose curls you could choose settings 2-2-1.

The styler also heats up very quickly; it’s made from titanium which is a great bonus. The styler is a hybrid between a wand and an actual curling iron as it has a little ‘flipper’ which you can use to clip in hair to keep in place as you curl the rest of the hair. It also comes with an attached stand which you can push down when using curling your hair so it doesn’t get in the way.  You can choose to either use the styler with the clip or without which is a great benefit as it’s like a 2-in-1. The styler has a swivel cord which is very useful as you don’t feel restricted as you are styling your hair. The cable is 3 metres long which is really helpful as you don’t have to sit awkwardly near a plug socket. Also as it is part of my hairstylist kit, the length of the cable is helpful when doing hairstyles on clients.  

When using any type of heat on your hair it is really important to use a heat protectant whether it be a spray or serum. If your hair tends to be frizzy and a bit crazy like mine you can straighten it before you curl it. I usually spritz my hair all over with TRESemme’s Heat Defence Styling Spray and then give it a good brush through. I then straighten the top layer of my hair where it tends to frizz and then follow with curling my hair with the Enrapture Styler. To gain the best results I always curl in sections; I section above and below the crown of my head. The setting I usually use is 2-2-3, as I go along I hairspray the curls. After I’m done I brush out the curls with my fingers and sometimes run my fingers through my hair with some Moroccan oil to give it a shiny finish and smooth out any frizz.

(from my instagram @priyankahairandmakeup)

The Enrapture Encode Totem Styler is a really innovative and creative hair styler. It is really easy to use and helps to create very versatile looks with a simple twist of the settings. However the only disadvantage I found was the heatproof mat that came with it as I did not find it heatproof at all! As an alternative I purchased a Visiq Heatproof Mat to use with the styler. The curler does not come with a heat protectant glove therefore I definitely recommend to buy one if you have not got one already; the styler gets extremely hot.

Price: 5/5

Packaging:  5/5

Colour:  4/5

Texture:  3/5

Review: Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in 07 Fever Pink

Hi everyone!

It’s been a while since I have posted as i've been a busy little bee :)! I am hoping to write some posts soon letting you know what exciting stuff I have been up to…

Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in 07 Fever Pink - £25

Moving on to the main reason for this post, Tom Ford! Tom Ford Beauty is one of my favourite cosmetic brands and mainly because the packaging; it’s simply gorgeous! The packaging is a beautiful duo chrome mahogany colour matched with gold which lures me in every time I walk past a Tom Ford counter. I just can’t help myself! As I have been reaching for bright pinks and corals recently, I re-discovered my Tom Ford nail lacquer in 07 Fever Pink.

This nail lacquer is super pigmented and I definitely feel it’s worth the high-end price tag! I only ever need to apply one coat and it will last me over 4 days until it starts to chip and for the colour, it is certainly far from sheer. If applied with more than one coat, the longevity of the nail varnish teamed with a top coat would most definitely increase.

(from my instagram @priyankahairandmakeup)

07 Fever pink is a gorgeous hot pink (with no shimmer) which applies so beautifully and dries really glossy and shiny. I am hopelessly in love with Tom Ford Beauty and if you want to read more reviews about this brand’s products, definitely stay tuned to my blog as there are tons more to come.  

Price: 4/5

Packaging:  5/5

Colour:  5/5

Texture:  5/5

Have you tried any of the Tom Ford Beauty products?

What do you think of this shade? 

If you haven't already, check out my Facebook Page & new Website :)! 

FOTD #2

Hi everyone!

This is my FOTD from yesterday and I have been loving corals recently so I thought why not do a coral and gold combo look :)!

(from my instagram// @priiyanka)

Products

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in 3 Medium

MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC41

Rimmel Stay Matte in 005 Silky Beige

Sleek Storm Palette (brown eyeshadow to fill in eyebrows)

Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in 01 Black

Maybelline The Falsies Mascara in Black Drama

Sleek Contour Kit in Medium

Sleek Blush in Rose Gold

MAC Lipsticks in Impassioned & So Chaud (mixed)

Top// Zara

Necklace// Miss Selfridge

What do you think of this look; would you wear it? 

Have you used any of these products before?

Also let me know if you would like a full review on any of these products :)!

Review: Rimmel Apocalips with Swatches

Bottom to top: 101 Celestial, 102 Nova, 501 Stella & 303 Apocaliptic

I’ve held back on doing a review on these lip lacquers until I finally made my decision on whether I like them. When I first used them I didn’t get along with them. The doe foot applicator has a well in the middle which holds the product. Before I apply onto my lips I have to take some product off as it gets too slippy and slidey and ends up everywhere apart from where you wanted it. Also the no fragrance smell is not great but the more times I used them I became use to it.

The lip lacquers have a lovely creamy texture and although when applied they have a satin finish they dry matte. Their lasting power is really good and I only find myself having to top up once in a day. The colours with a stronger pigment leave a stain on your lips and personally I like that. 

From L to R: 101 Celestial, 102 Nova, 501 Stellar & 303 Apocaliptic

From L to R: 102 Nova, 101 Celestial, 501 Stellar & 303 Apocaliptic

Celestial is a pretty natural pink which is very easy to wear. Nova is slightly brighter than Celestial. Stellar is a beautiful coral orange and Apocaliptic is a bright fuscia pink. 

I really like the packaging with the black crystal edge and it is also really compact and sleek for travelling. I also really like that you can see the shade on the outside which comes in handy when trying to find the shade you want. It also doesn’t leak and get sticky which is a bonus.

I have not purchased Luna and Nude Eclipse as they are too pale for my NC41 skin colour.   

However I think I might go and purchase Big Bang which is a bright red :)!

Price: 5/5

Packaging:  4/5

Colour:  5/5

Texture:  4/5

Have you tried the Rimmel Apocolips lip lacquers?

What’s your favourite shade?

Review: Illamasqua Lipstick in Corrupt

Debenhams had their ‘Easter Extravaganza’ sales during the seasonal period and they had 10% off most of their beauty and fragrance products. The lipstick usually retails for £16, so I picked it up for £14.40.

I love pink lipsticks and I have a lot but the reason that Corrupt stood out to me was that it was a Matte lipstick. Now for me compared to other matte lipsticks by other brands, this lipstick was extremely matte… matte of all the mattes!

Illamasqua Lipstick £16 for 4g

I like the packaging of the Illamasqua products but I wouldn’t say I love it because even with the driest of hands your fingers will still leave visible smudges all over it.  However the product feels quite light which could be a bonus for some people.

The colour described by Illamasqua is a ‘Warm bright pink matte finish’. I would say the colour is a little bit of a blue toned pink and yes, very matte! It’s almost a bit too matte for my liking but it’ saveable. This is one of those lipsticks where you need to exfoliate your lips before applying! Before I apply it I exfoliate with my lush lip scrub and then dab a bit of Blistex moisturiser (mentioned in my March Faves), to give my lips a bit of moisture. I would advise to apply Corrupt with a lip brush to line, fill and blend. From the swatches you can tell that when applying you need to build the colour up; from the left is one swatch and then two swatches. 

The lasting power on this lipstick for me is about 4 hours which is quite long compared to MAC lipsticks. It is on the pricey side but the pigmentation, lasting power and not forgetting the gorgeous colour justifies the price for me.

I feel that this colour will suit all skin tones, so if you haven’t checked it out make sure you pop over to your nearest Illamasqua counter :)!

Price: 4/5

Packaging:  4/5

Colour:  5/5

Texture:  3/5

Have you tried this lipstick?

What’s your favourite pink lipstick at the moment?

March Favourites 2013

It’s that time of month again when everyone says ‘omg where has the month gone?!’

Well no seriously, where has the month gone? I guess I just don’t like this time of year because it means it’s the end of my university semester and means only one thing, coursework and exams :(! This also explains my lack of posts recently as I have just been buried in all my work, so apologies!

But.. I have managed to peel myself away and have a little breather and here are the products I have been enjoying this month :)!

Urban Decay Naked Palette 

I have mentioned this palette before in my ‘How To: Gold Smokey Eyes and Plum Lips’ post. This is my go to palette at the moment as it has all the colours I want to use which is convenient. The colours are super pigmented and are also really easy to blend which is a must! Love love love this palette as you can create a lot of different looks with the colours.   

MAC Rebel Lipstick

If you have me on Instagram you will know that I am loving this lipstick! Ever since I bought it last summer I have been wearing it at least once a week. I feel that it compliments my skin tone well and the shade of the colour is versatile depending on how many layers you apply and how heavy. The finish is Satin which is nice to apply to the lips as it is neither drying nor too creamy. 

Effaclar Duo & AI

These two products were mentioned in my ‘February Favourites’ which means they must be doing something good. I have really felt a difference since using these two La Roche-Posay products; I am not breaking out as much as I use to and for me the Effaclar A.I is really good for treating spots. Escentual are still selling La Roche-Posay products at a discounted price so make sure you check them out before the offer ends. 

Embryolisse

I have read about this cream on a few blogs and thought I would give it a go. My father went on a business trip to France so I asked him to pick up some Bioderma H20 cleanser and also the Embryolisse 24 Hour MiracleCream as they are cheaper in French Pharmacys compared to the UK. I have been using this as my morning moisturiser and only using the La Roche-Posay Effaclar duo at night. This cream is seriously amazing! It’s like a 2-in-1, it’s a primer as well as a moisturiser. My skin feels amazing after I apply it and also makes my foundation look flawless over it. I have had a lot of people tell me my skin has been looking good and for once I can actually say it’s my moisturiser! I am able to wear less foundation now as it makes my skin look and feel good! Also I don’t know if it just me but the cream always stays quite chilled which may be due to the packaging, so when I apply it to my face in the morning it feels really refreshing! 

Blistex Intensive Moisturiser Hydrating Lip Cream

I have started to reuse this product as it was neglected and lost for a while due to its size. I really enjoy using this as the product once squeezed out is more like a cream rather than a gel formulation. It glides on really smoothly and makes your lips tingle, a little bit like Carmex does. A word of advice, when applying you need to remember that it comes out white until rubbed in well. I found out the hard way, walking around for 5 minutes with white lips until I looked in a mirror *doh*! However I do assure you it does become clear after blending in. The product has a minty fragrance which I was a bit put off by at first but it does not bother me anymore. This moisturiser does what it says on the tin (tube) and leaves my lips flake free, smooth and definitely moisturised. Also a bonus is that it has SPF 10!

The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector

When I first purchased this cream I hated it with a passion as I couldn’t stand the smell! My hands get ridiculously dry in the cold and trust me it has been outrageously cold recently so I thought I would have a crack at it! It comes out as a green thick cream which blends into the hands very easily and moisturises really well. As I can’t stand the smell but love the product I lather my hands with it at night, so that I can wake up to lovely soft moisturised hands. I have seen the rose hand cream online but I just don’t feel it will live up to the quality of the hemp hand protector. 

Sugar Crush Bath and Body Shower Foam & Body Scrub

Sugar Crush Bath and Body Shower Foam & Body Scrub

They smell B E A U T  I F U L! They remind me of the green lime Starburst *mouth waters*. The body wash is just so yummy that I want to eat it all up! It leaves my skin feeling really soft and the smell also lingers. The body scrub is just as gorgeous as the body wash and it exfoliates my skin very well and also leaves my skin feeling even softer. I think my next soap and glory purchase will need to be the sugar crush body butter cream as I just want to smell like a lime Starburst all the time :p. 

Have you tried any of these products? 

What were your March favourites?

FOTD #1

Hi everyone!

Although it is still fairly chilly and miserable outside, I thought I would do a bright fresh makeup look today :) 

Products

Smashbox HD Concealer in Medium

MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC41

MAC Studio Fix Powder NC41

Sleek Contour Kit in Medium

Sleek Storm Palette (brown eyeshadow to fill in eyebrows)

MAC Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Breezy
MAC Lipstick in Chatterbox

Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in 01 Black

Rimmel Volume Flash Scandaleyes Mascara in 001 Black

Have you tried any of these products? 

What products have you been using recently?

How To: Gold Smokey Eyes and Plum lips

Hi everyone hope you are doing well :)!

So on Sunday I went to a family friend’s wedding and I thought I would share how I created my look.

A lot of people like to keep their makeup simple for weddings however for Indian weddings it is completely the opposite; the more the better! Frankly I’m not complaining I love a full face :)!

I wore a gold and cream Indian outfit to which I did a classic gold smokey eye but instead of matching it with a nude lip, I decided to make it different!

 I achieved this look by using these products…

Products

GOSH foundation primer in classic

NARS Sheer Glow foundation in Stromboli

Smashbox HD Concealer

Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original

Sleek Storm Palette

NAKED Urban Decay palette

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

Rimmel Volume Flash Scandaleyes Mascara

Eylure Naturalites Double Lashes in 202

Sleek Twist Up Eye Pencil in 133 Midnight

e.l.f Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara.

Sleek Contour Kit in Medium

Tom Ford Cheek Colour in 04 Savage

Rimmel Lasting Finish 1000 kisses Stay on Lip Contouring Pencil in 061 Wine

MAC Lipstick in Rebel

How to create this look...

*Face*

I primed my t-zone with the GOSH foundation primer in classic. I then used my NARS Sheer Glow foundation in Stromboli to create a dewy finish. I have also been loving the Smashbox HD Concealer which I wore under my eyes and on any blemishes.

*Eyes*

I then primed my eyelids and just under my eye with the Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original to help my eyeshadow last longer and prevent creasing. Then using Sidecar from the NAKED Urban Decay palette I applied it onto my eyelid followed by a mix of Half Baked and Smog on the outer corner of my eyes. Following on I used Buck in my crease to subtly define and then followed with the matte brown in the Sleek Storm Palette and then blended. I then used the matte black from the Sleek palette in a ‘V’ in the outer corner of the eyes and blended further. I also applied the matte brown on my lower lash line. To create a cat eye I popped a bit of Clinique Clarifying Lotion onto a makeup pad and created a line from the corner of my eye to the end of my eyebrow. To define my lashline I used the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner on my upper waterline and also on my lid and created a flick. Taking the Rimmel Volume Flash Scandaleyes Mascara I applied a layer to both eyes. After applying the eyeliner I applied my Eylure Naturalites Double Lashes in 202 with tweezers and finished with running the Sleek Twist Up Eye Pencil in 133 Midnight on my bottom waterline.

To fill in my eyebrows I prefer to use powder to give more of a natural finish. So going back to the Sleek Storm Palette I used the same matte brown that I used on my eye lids on my eyebrows using small strokes; light at the start and darker towards the arch *Remember to run through with a spoolie before and after* To set my eyebrows I used my e.l.f Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara.

*Cheeks*

I swear by contouring and highlighting and I can’t be without my Sleek Contour Kit in Medium. I applied the brown powder in the hollows of my cheeks and then lightly highlighted on my cheek bones, down my nose, on my cupids bow, chin and middle of my forehead *I absolutely love love loveee the highlight in this kit and always hit pan so quickly! I wish Sleek brought out the highlight on its own* I then blended it out and applied Tom Ford Cheek Colour in 04 Savage in between my contour and highlight and blended out.

*Lips*

To add colour to the look I used my Rimmel Lasting Finish 1000 kisses Stay on Lip Contouring Pencil in 061 Wine to line and also colour in the lips (makes the lipstick last longer). Then taking my MAC lipstick in Rebel I applied onto my lips with a brush for more precision.

To finish off I lightly powdered my T-Zone with MAC Studio Fix Powder in NC41.

You can wear this look on a night out or to give it an Indian feel you can add a Bindi like I did.

Hope you like the look I created :)

Have you used any of these products before? How do you like your makeup for a wedding? 

Glossybox March 2013

Hi everyone!

This month’s box was all about getting ‘City Chic’ and with the box also came a little travelling book, cute little luggage stickers and popular hot spots in various countries across the world.

This is what I received in my box this month…

Juicy Couture, Couture La La

I have never really smelt any of the Juicy Couture perfumes therefore it was nice to be able to try it. However after the first spray I knew straight away it was not my cup of tea. The scent is described as “Bright Sparkling mandarin with bold white florals ”.

Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics, Lip Blush

I love multitasking products as you feel you have bought 2 products for the price of one. However I am not fond of the colour as it has a frost finish and I am more of a matte or creamy finish girl. Also when I took the lid off the colour fell out which made me feel a bit mugged off thinking it was a faulty product but guess it just got rattled around a bit during delivery.  It is similar texture to the Clinique Chubby Stick and the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain although I felt it was a bit sticky. I doubt I will use this product and if it does miraculously get used up I will not be repurchasing. It retails for £12 but I feel for that price the Revlon Balm Stain would be a better purchase.

Nails Inc, St. James

I love this colour as it is a really rich red and I know I will make use of it. However the size of the sample is tiny and knowing me it will be empty very soon! This is the second Nails Inc nail polish I have received from a Glossybox and I’m pleased I am able to add them to my collection as they are beaut :)!

Elizabeth Arden, Eight Hour Cream

Although in the beauty world this product is a staple; for me it is just a no no. I am not really a great fan of the Eight Hour Cream as the smell really puts me off. However as it is still cold in London I can use this sample size product as a lip moisturiser but even then I will be using it sparingly due to the smell.

TRESemme, Salon Finish Extra Hold Hairspray

Although this is not a luxury product I am happy with it as it is a good size to pop in my handbag therefore I know I will make good use of it :)!

Overall I am happy with this Glossybox, I just wish the samples were a tad bigger! I’m excited to see what the next Glossybox entails!

Glossybox is £10 per month plus p&p.

Are you subscribed to Glossybox? 

What did you think of this month’s box?

February Favourites 2013

Hi everyone :)!

February came and went so fast... but here are the products I enjoyed!

Tom Ford Cheek Colour 04 Savage 

Although this Tom Ford Cheek Colour is a powder blush, it glides onto the skin like a cream blush which makes it feel really velvety and luxurious. I love the colour as it really compliments my skin tone; the colour is a dark red-brown with a bit of subtle gold shimmer. The pictures online do not do this blush any justice therefore if you are near a Tom Ford counter make sure to check this beauty out! I have to also admit I am in utter love with the Tom Ford packaging it is just absolutely gorgeous! I love the plum-brown two toned colour with the gold detail and then the TF embedded into the product! I have been using this almost every day and I am addicted! This blush reminds me of the Nars G-Spot although the finish is completely different but the colours are similar.

Estée Lauder Double Wear Lipstick- Stay Honey

  

I love the Estee Lauder double wear range as the products last on your skin for ages without having to reapply and this product definitley stays true to that. I can apply this lipstick in the morning and not have to reapply it until after lunch whereas with other lippies I am constantly reapplying! I also adore this colour, for me I would say it’s my lips but better. The colour is a matte pinky brown which goes on like a dream and also smells sooo good! When I want a nude/neutral lip this is my go to which I've been wearing quite a lot in February. 

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2

 

I have read many mixed reviews about this clarifying lotion and after some thinking I purchased it. I think it has worked a treat on my skin, although it smells quite strong and tingles on my face it has actually made a difference. I have been using it for about three weeks now and I feel that this is the first clarifying lotion (toner) that actually removes any remaining dirt and oil from my face after cleansing! I use no. 2 as I have dry cheeks and an oily t-zone. Once my bottle runs out I will definitely be repurchasing :)!

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo & Effaclar A.I.

 

Most of you have probably read about this product range already and if you have and you haven’t purchased yet.. PURCHASE NOW! I did not know about this product until I came across Ruth’s, A Model Recommends’ review on it. I purchased the Effaclar Duo and Effaclar A.I.

Effaclar Duo helps to correct and unclog the skin. I use this morning and night after the Clinique clarifying lotion and have felt that my skin is much softer! Also I am having less breakouts than I was having before!

On top of the Effaclar Duo I use the Effaclar A.I and I apply onto specific problem areas. I substituted my Freederm gel for this and feel that it works much better!

You can purchase La Roche-Posay products here at a 1/3 off until the end of March! Bargain!

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment

My hair has been feeling really dry and I felt that it needed some TLC! So I purchased this product and thought I would give it go. Inside it has a brown waxy textured product which you then rub in your hands and once it has melted and turned into oil you then rub it into your hair. I have used it a couple of times now and I feel that it has made an improvement on my hair as it’s not so much frizzy now but I’m not sure if I can get past the smell of it I guess it’s a love or hate thing.

Have you tried any of these products? 

What were your February 2013 favourites?