Winter Make-Up Trends

So, I’ve spent most of this week debating with several groups of friends what I should, or definitely shouldn’t, wear to Christmas parties this December (yes, my life is that interesting!)

However, the only thing I can decide on is the make-up and nails – something dark. I know most people dye their hair darker when the weather gets colder, but for once I’ve stayed blonde and feel I need to go dark elsewhere this Winter. So, I’m thinking Wine coloured nails (more Pinot Noir than Grigio), classic smokey eyes and lashings of mascara. All I need now is a dress…

Nails. Dark reds always tend to shine more in the winter. Try a delicious dark red, and either a top-coat of Barry M shine, or Essie’s matte to add something extra. An accent nail in a similar shaded glitter, or nail caviar, could add a little extra if you’re looking for some sparkle too.

Blushed cheeks A great tip I heard recently is to apply blusher under a light later of foundation for a rosy cheek effect, rather than after foundation. It looks more subtle too, especially if you’re worried about your blush overpowering your look.

Smokey eyes. Certain to add a little extra to daytime make-up, smokey eyes done well can transform your outfit, with rock chick effortlessness. Want a break from the staple grey/black smokey eyes? Try gold, or even rose gold, this winter.There are no rules! Having statement eye makeup doesn’t mean you need to tone down the rest of your look, just wear what you feel comfortable in.

Sultry lips. Dark red lips are fast becoming a winter night favourite. Paired with a LBD and heels, you’ll pretty much nail any dress code this Christmas. A brighter shade might work fabulously with smudged eyes, but pale pink lips might look stunning with natural eye makeup. It’s all down to personal preferences, and you’re willingness to experiment.

What make up looks are you looking forward to this winter? Please post links to your blogs below if have any tips you want to share.

Find me on Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Bloglovin’.

Happy blogmas!

Alice x

ps I don’t own the images above, but I have linked to the pinterest accounts they are taken from. Just click the images and pin away!

Purple hair and diagonal nail art

Hi!

I recently changed my hair colour…again!! Going from blonde to dark purple was definitely a shock, but I’m loving it now. The bottom right picture isn’t my hair, but it’s a look I’m aiming for – through extensions and highlight.

What do you think?

I tried some nail art recently, with some on trend colours – oxblood/raspberry and black. I’ve wanted to try the diagonal manicure in a while, but hasn’t found the right colours to experiment with.

What colours would you use? I’m thinking gold and black next 🙂

Let me know what you’ve been up to, and what colours you’ve been experimenting with.

A x

Follow me on Twitter @alicebrazier
Add me on Pinterest – aliloubee

White Glitter

Hi!

As you know I love experimenting with nail colours, and I recently bought a gold glitter by Barry M.

However, when I used the glitter on a pale nail – the glitter wasn’t a solid look, and it looked almost patchy.

So, I looked around (mostly at Pinterest) and saw some great pastel shades teamed with a glitter top coat.

So, here is my take on this trend. Simple white varnish with a thin layer of gold glitter – I think it really makes the gold stand out!

What do you think? Have you been wearing glitter recently?

Let me know,
A x

Follow me on Twitter, Pinterest and add me on Instagram – AliceBrazier

Nail Colour Trends

Hi!

I have A LOT of nail varnish. I seriously love the stuff. It makes it so easy to change an outfit – It’s like a quick accessory that you can use to match pretty much any style. 

The only problem is…when you have sooo many colours (I have over 10 different shades of pink!) it makes it that much harder to choose!

I recently asked my Facebook friends and Twitter followers what their favourite Nail Varnish brand is. The posts had barely been there 30 seconds before I was inundated with a majority response of…Barry M! 

Now, I did get some other responses, too, such as Nails Inc (fab) and Kiko – special mention to Bourjous for their 10 day lasting varnish – but most of my friends all agreed that Barry M was the best!

Barry M do have an amazing range of colours, from pastels, neons, darker shades to nail art designs. It could also be because they are quite cheap too. What ever the reason is, it’s obv that I love them…and that I’m not alone!

So, I’ve just wiped off the last specs of the black glitter from this week (without fail, I change my nail varnish AT LEAST once a week – I get bored easily…) and I’m now about to undertake the challenge of deciding which colour to choose.

After just watching Zoella’s latest Monthly favourites vlog, It’s persuaded me to try a new colour I recently purchased – Shade 136 Tangerine by Barry M (Shock! Haha). Its a shimmery neon orange, almost close to being a coral. 

Prior to applying the base coat (Barry M Clear), I used a fantastic product called Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. I rubbed a small amount into my cuticles, and left for 30-60 seconds before applying a single base coat.

It. Smells. AMAZING. Seriously, lush. Like…really fresh, with a hint of lemon? Not too overbearing.

Now…the only problem with applying nail varnish is I am notoriously rubbish at painting my nails with my left hand – they smudge and I get the varnish all over my fingers. When I lived in Halls at Uni, my flatmate used to rinse me alllll the time about how hideous my nails looked after I changed the colour! 

Below is a pic of the finished product…let me know what you think. Also, comment on this post any nail colours or brands that you are loving at the minute, and any nail art trends you are working.

For example…are you loving pastels right now? Do you think that come A/W2012 with the fab goth/biker and dark florals trends, that pastels will change to dark, romantic nail shades…or would a pastel colour pop work great with a darker colour pallette?? Please, let me know how you plan to rock nail art this A/W.

Thanks for reading!

A x

Follow me on Twitter and Pinterest for more updates, or to send me pic of your nail colours…

 

Ps. Just logged on to YouTube and saw that ViviannaDoesMakeup had just posted about Essie nail varnish – another fab brand def worth checking out. Check out her video here.