I am one very happy girl. Finally, I have my hands on a brand that I've been wanting to try so much in the past few months, let alone work with! All of my blogger friends have been showing off their beautiful new Glo & Ray products, making me incredibly envious so I was super excited to get my hands on these lip and eyes beauties. Glo & Ray are a British born company that explore the concept of light and how it can enhance a woman's individual beauty. As the name suggests, Glo & Ray strive to accentuate radiance and illuminate your features, allowing women to become more confident in themselves. With products set for face, eyes and lips, not forgetting their cleansing gel and makeup removers, I was nothing but excited to test out the beautiful products they had sent me.

'We look to harness each woman's natural radiance to deliver a stunning collection designed to illuminate individual beauty.'

With regards to delivery, my package arrived in a short space of time in a neatly wrapped parcel. The products were individually wrapped in black tissue paper, giving the brand a classy and feminine look. From arrival, I had high expectations for the product as the packaging was luxurious, sturdy and had the heir of a high end makeup brand. Here's what I thought...

Creamy Shimmer Lip Colour ~ Seduce 643

Are you looking for that perfect Summer lipstick to make your outfit pop? Well, you've come to the right place! I've fallen head over heels for this bright orange-red from Glo & Ray. The shade 'Seduce' is perfectly entitled - this warm-toned red/orange adds a seductive vibe to summer evening attire. It would look incredible alongside a monochrome outfit and a sleek hair up-do. How I wish I could get away with having my hair up and it looking flawless...Anyway, the formula of these lipsticks are said to be 'creamy shimmer', which to me sounds like a product with a sheer outcome. However, I was pleasantly surprised to experience an incredible moisturizing formula with high pigmentation. I've included swatches of all the products I'll be mentioning at the end of the post so go check out how amaaaaazing it is before you leave. The finishing effect is a glossy sheen over the lips but pigmentation of the colour is definitely not lost at all. Also, I did a test run to see how long the lippie lasted throughout the day - I'd say it lasted 3-4 hours which is relatively long considering the smooth and creamy formula. This is one of those lipsticks I know I will be reaching for all Summer long - wearing a bright lipstick always brightens up my mood! Anyone else agree?! 

Longwear Mousse Eye shadow ~ Tawny Dust 451

If you've been around here long enough, you will know how cream eyeshadows are my thaang. I love how versatile and practical they are, so handy when you're in a rush or don't have enough room in your travel bag to carry 3 shadow palettes. Not only was I thrilled to receive a cream eyeshadow, I was literally screaming when I saw the colour. This is literally my go-to Summer shade - a true glittered copper with underlying orange undertones. I am obsessed!!! I can imagine wearing a copper eye with the lipstick above on holiday, soaking up the sun. One of my favourite aspects regarding this shadow is the flecks of golden glitter - they add such a pretty little sparkle to your makeup look and honestly draws a crazy amount of positive attention towards your eyes. My warm, hazel/brown eyes work really well with golden shadows so this will go to great use throughout the next few months. It's a shame I'm staying in wet England this Summer but I'm sure it will still be a staple in my makeup bag. This is also a time where I wish I had MAC'S Tan Pigment as it would intensify the colour over the top of this base. Finally, after application, 'Tawny Dust' remained on my lid, completely un-creased, which left me a very happy bunny!

I'm one of those girls who find essentials, like an eyeliner, very boring to purchase. I would much rather spend an hour browsing all the beautiful shades of lipstick and how the packaging would look fab on my desk. Although they are a pain to buy, you just need them - they are an essential part of my look. One great thing about 'Redtsingy' is that it is not your average black kohl liner, it's brown! A lot of people would be disappointed to receive this, as the majority of bloggers I've seen are in love with intense blacks. However, I was literally the exact opposite. I looooove brown eyeliners as they are great for everyday wear on my waterline. Sometimes I think black liner looks too harsh and intensifies a minimal everyday look, spoiling it, so having a warmer shade that is more toned down and softer is a must in my makeup bag. The waxy formula and think nib allows precise and efficient application; some would potentially be able to use this on the brows if you are one to work well with wax formulations. I would say you need 2/3 swipes of the product on your water line to achieve full pigmentation.

SWATCHES (from left to right)

'Redtsingy' - 'Tawny Dust' - 'Seduce'

What is your go-to product in your makeup bag? Which colour lipstick do you always reach for in Summer?

Lots of love

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This post is in collaboration with Glo & Ray; however all opinions are honest and my own.

Have you ever trying a lip plump or lash extending product? How did you get on with it? Did it work for you?

Lots of love

Being introduced to new brands is one of my favourite things about blogging; every single day of my life I look at my social media and discover a new company, either via fellow bloggers, trending posts or brands following me. The attention brands get by social influencers will always amaze me - it is so crazy how much bloggers, for example, can unconsciously cause their viewers to lust after a new product or brand they've reviewed. Despite talking about social influence, I am not here today to talk about a brand I've collaborated with. I'm here to let you know of an incredible brand I was introduced to by my cousin, one of which you may or may not have, heard before.

“To me success is pure transformation. When we help someone transform their life, and they in turn transform others, well, that's a goal worth living.”

Arbonne is a Swiss-born skincare and cosmetic company that have developed in quality, and awareness, over a huge 36 years. The brand was introduced to me by my cousin, Vicky, which I will link later on in the post so you can talk to her, get her expert advice and have a chat about the company itself. Vicky invited me along to her launch party, as a newly-employed Independent Consultant for Arbonne - I was super excited because I'd never attended a launch party and was couldn't wait for a new experience. On arrival, my mum, best friend and I were graciously greeted with a welcome drink and sat down to listen Vicky, and her mentor, tell us all about Arbonne, the products and what their jobs entail. It was so interesting seeing people so passionate and genuinely love what they do - who wouldn't want to recommend their favourite products to their loved ones whilst getting rewarded?! Fortunately, the party attendees were allowed to trial and test the skincare and cosmetic products present at the launch. This was definitely my favourite part because I just love trying new items to see if they can sneak my way into my all time favourites. Read on to see how I got on...

MAKEUP

Exploring and rummaging through all the beautiful makeup pieces was lots of fun. I was even able to create a makeup look that incorporated a range of products from the whole range (seen and linked below). As I used and tested a LOT of the cosmetics, I will only talk about a few that really stood out to me - if I told you about every single one I could be here for hours!! My favourite base products were the loose powder and the bronzer. The loose powder applied smoothly to my face, via my favourite brush - the Mineral Powder Brush - the SPF in the product also allows you to remain confident in your skin whilst enjoying the Summer sun. Also, the bronzing powder was warm-toned with tiny flecks of golden glitter running throughout - the glimmering effect adds warmth to your makeup look and helps to define your facial features in a natural way. I applied powder underneath the cheekbone, on my temples, down the sides of my nose and a little along my jawline. A beautiful Summer glow in a matter of seconds! When it came to eye products, I was very impressed with the quality. The eyeshadow duo consisted of two natural shades - a highlight and matte crease colour. These are the two essentials you need in your everyday makeup bag - they are very compact so will not occupy a large amount of space in your bag. The mascara cooperated with my lashes providing a lengthened and voluminous finish. Oh, the liquid eyeliner was super pigmented - always a bonus - however, I am not the best at applying so excuse the awful application below. I will just have to get used to it, haha! Finally, the finishing touch included a swipe of this beautiful tea rose nude lipstick over my chapped lips. My lips have been very sore recently so lipsticks with added moisture and avoid sticking to dry patches are my go-tos. Luckily, this did just the job and is the perfect colour for an everyday natural lip.

How could I forget?! One huge, beneficial factor of Arbonne is that they only sell pure, safe and healthy products that bring out the better in your skin. Not only does the skincare, which I will get onto later, contain these products but the makeup itself does not clog your pores. The usual harmful ingredients of makeup products, like mineral oil, phthalates, paraben and bulk fillers are NOT present in the formula, making longwear of the products on your face not so much of a sin or worry. All ingredients used are botanical, never tested on animals, or contain animal by-products and even the nutrition range are vegan certified! My favourite part is that the cosmetics contain optilight - a technology that reflects light off your face in all the right places!  

Mineral Powder Foundation 

Perfecting Liquid Foundation (BUFF)

CREAM CONCEALER (LIGHT)

Bronzing Powder

Blush (DUSTY ROSE)

Eyeshadow Duo (SIENNA/FOG)

Brow Pencil Medium

It's A Long Story Mascara

Liquid Eye Liner (BLACK)

Lipstick (WILLOW)

Arbonne's Ultra Premium Skincare range is the most popular and enticing part of the brand. All ingredients again, are botanical, and sink into the skin to remove bacteria and all other nasties smothering your pores. Two products that stood out to me was the facial oil, which I have used tried, and the deep poor cleanser, which I am yet to indulge in. Originally, I was very tentative to apply oil to my face because I have combination skin - my T-zone is super oily and applying oil would only seem to make it worse?! Oh how I was very wrong...I applied the facial oil in gentle massaging motions to my skin. The formulation was strange as it seemed to dry and not leave a greasy, uncomfortable feel to my face, which I expected. This almost instantaneously formed a luminous layer on the surface of my skin, attracting light to all the right places. My skin felt so much healthier after using products I knew were going to be beneficial, leaving an inner, as well as outer, radiance. You can see below how glowing and clear my skin looks after cleansing my face with the Clear Future products photographed above. 

CLEAR FUTURE RANGE 

You can buy the Clear Future range as a set or individually.

If you would love to know more about Arbonne, whether it be to know the ins and outs of the company, whether you want to be an independent consultant or simply want to know an in depth response on a product, then get in touch with my cousin below. She will be more than happy to help you and give her expert advice. You, as my wonderful followers and avid viewers, are welcome to try these amazing products for FREE - yes Vicky will do that. Simply contact her below, organise a free consultation and you are able to take away the products you want to try for free, allowing you to trial them before you purchase!! 

Vicky's Arbonne Page 

Vicky's Instagram - @vicky.longland

Vicky's Facebook

Have you heard of Arbonne before? Which is your favourite product mentioned?!

Lots of love

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This post is not sponsored by the brand mentioned. 

If you read yesterday's post, you will know that I love to alter my eyeshadow routine regards to the four seasons. This Summer I'm going to try and step out of my comfort zone to explore palettes with brighter colours; however, nothing makes me more sane than reaching for a good ol' trusty neutrals palette. Nude eyeshadows are an essential part of my makeup routine, regardless to how intense my look will be. They make the perfect transition colours, help to carve and contour the lid, and are essential for 'no-makeup' makeup days. Eyeshadow palettes that enable me to create a number of subtle looks are my safety blanket in the wondrous makeup up world - I always seem to snuggle back under this blanket when beauty disasters strike. They seem to makeup everything better. Hands up girls if your neutrals palette is your go-to?! These are also great for students, like myself, who don't tend to go crazy on the eye makeup for school; my eyes look really small without makeup on so I always contour my eye lids with a muted matte shade to help them stand out.

Anyway, this month I've been introduced to 'In The Buff' - a fine makeup brand who specialise in mineral products that help people to achieve light makeup looks that do not clog your pores. In the Buff are 100% against Animal Cruelty and Testing and are certified by PETA, professionalising their company. The company abide by formulating products that cause no harm to the skin - they state 'Beauty shouldn't have to come at a cost to your health, that's why 'In The Buff Makeup' is exactly as nature intended to be - kind to you skin'. With this in mind, I almost immediately trusted the company and wanted to test out their products. First stop...eyeshadow palettes!

From communicating with the PR team to excitedly running to my front door, the delivery service was as swift as can be. The package arrived within 2 days, causing my first impression of the company to be high. The packaging was sleek; the 28 shadows contained in a sleek black case. Each of the shadows arrived in perfect condition - I have had numerous disasters with shadows crumbling from factory to my home so was very pleased on behalf of In The Buff. With my expectations raised from my happy delivery, I was glad to not be disappointed with the outcome of the palette...let's take a sneak peak inside...

NUDES EYESHADOW COLLECTION 

28 beautiful matte shadows - this palette contains all the neutrals you need on a daily basis. Whether you are sporting an evening, date night or everyday makeup look, this palette seems to have everything for you. There are an even mix of cool and warm tones, allowing suitablility for everyone's skin tone. The pigmentation of shadows vary - the lighter ones tending to be slightly less. This is definitely an advantage for me as I like to utilise light warm shades as transition colours and the medium pigmentation enables me to build the formula slowly onto my lid. Also, the mineral-based products feel extremely light on the lid, avoiding a cakey feel, which is inevitably not good for your skin's health. I have no doubt that I will be using this palette throughout the summer, not only for comfort, but to sport simple, yet glamorous, eyeshadow looks to help me transform from day to night makeup.

The above swatches include my 3 favourite shades from the palette. After hours of experimenting and having to narrow the shadows down to my top 3, I decided these were the ones. From left to right, the first shadow is a muted brown - this has become my go-to transition shade when creating eyeshadow looks. This shade eases the harsh contrast between my lid and crease shade, creating a beautiful gradient effect. The middle shade is a subtle rosy pink - fabulous for a summer's day. This is definitely a lid colour and would look incredible with glitter over the top to jazz the shade up for evening appropriate eyes. Lastly, the third shade is a deep, mauve brown with purple undertones. I 100% will be wearing this in my crease to create a contoured eye look, helping my small eyes pop. In the summer, I tend to go for warmer toned shadows so this brown will complement the golds and coppers applied to my lid.

HURRY! This palette is discounted for a limited time only - you can get this 28 shadow palette for an incredible £15. That's just £1.86 for each shadow! Also, In The Buff have other makeup products you may be interested in - face or lips wise too. I am going to try and get hold of some to do another in-depth review. All of their makeup products are affordable, which helps students like me. The low prices are also fabby for skin and vegan friendly products, as you know they are doing your skin wonders.

Do you love neutral shadows? What shade is your favourite?

Lots of love

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This post is in collaboration with In The Buff; however all opinions are honest and my own.

Changing my makeup routine is something that occurs seasonally, especially the transition from the cool winter tones to vibrant summer shades. Summer is all about colour for me - I love to spice up my eyeshadow routine by adding a splash of colour to my crease or applying a dramatic orange lip. Either way, I am always excited to increase my Summer appropriate makeup collection. As you will see throughout the next few months, many of my upcoming posts will show you how I like to style my clothes, what I get up to and of course, my go-to makeup of the ever-loved season of Summer.

Today's post includes a beautiful little palette chaperoned by a very practical blending brush...more onto that later. First, I'm here to talk about Cloud 10 Beauty - an incredible online online retailer, similar to Feel Unique, that sells some of the nation's most popular brands including : Sleek, Bioderma, Bourjois, theBalm, EOS, Eylure, Sigma and many other worldwide favourites. Want to know the products I received in my first ever parcel from Cloud 10 Beauty? Then carry on reading, I'm sure you will love the palette as much as I do... 

Sleek Eyeshadow Palette - Storm

Storm - one of the most raved about palettes since I bought my first product Sleek product. I was ecstatic when I received this; an array of deep colours that push me out of my comfort zone. I'm not one to wear lots of bright, 'out-there' shades, as I don't think they suit me but I do love to add a pop of colour to an Summer outfit. This palette will do just the job because the blue and green shadows are toned down, allowing those who aren't as comfortable at pulling off crazy colour, like myself, the chance to branch out a bit more. Prior to this package, I own and have tried Sleek shadows before so I was expecting great things from this palette. The creamy and highly pigmented formula enabled the product to be applied onto both the lid and the crease with ease. Pigmentation is something I love about eyeshadow; the product can last for ages as you only need the tiniest amount on your brush. Also, the chalky texture allows efficient blending - when I first swatched the Sleek shadows in store, I was scared about the chalky feel. However, the product is easily blendable and simply to work with. I would also recommend applying this before face makeup as you can get a lot of fall out on your cheeks. Finally, the palette is filled with matte and shimmer shades - the shimmer are so pretty for evening wear and the matte shades are insane as transition colours. My favourite shades are Sand Storm (a golden glitter), Perfect Storm (a rose gold) and Storm Cloud (a cool-toned green, not my usual type but I think it will look pretty against dark eyes). 

Blank Canvas Cosmetics - Eye Brush E10

Cloud 10 Beauty clearly thought about practicality when they generously sent a blending brush alongside the palette. This was exciting as I had never used, or heard of, Blank Canvas Cosmetics before; an Irish Cosmetics brand that sell brushes, applicators and makeup products. The brush sent was perfect to fit comfortably in my crease, not too big and not too small. The thin, fluffy bristles allow product to be swept over the lid, creating a soft finish as well as being flexible to fit into the crease. E10 was utilised to my advantage; this is simply because I do not get on with the doe-foot applicators present in drugstore, and even highend, shadow palettes. They always apply products too cakey onto my lid and feel rough against my skin. Fortunately, Blank Canvas Cosmetics had soft-haired brushes that left my lids in good, healthy condition, as they should be! Haha! If you want to pick up a bargain, definitely head over to Cloud 10 Beauty through the link above as all eye brushes are below £10 which is insane for the quality you are given.

Let me know if you wish to see an in-depth eye look revolving around these two products, either on my blog or my upcoming Youtube channel.

Do you own anything from Sleek or Blank Canvas? What is your go-to eye look for the Summer?

Lots of love

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This post is in collaboration with Cloud 10 Beauty; however all opinions are honest and my own.