Upside-down Egyptian

Okay, it didn’t work out quite as well as I’d hoped, but it was kind of fun creating, and I really like Illamasqua’s Apocalips as a colour – it’s not as garish as I thought it might be, so it’s probably going to make it into my “Nights Out” make up kit.

The red eyeshadow, again is something I wouldn’t generally have tried (yes, yes, I own it, so I bought it at some point with trying in it mind, and I *have* used it for accenting) but it looks really nice just as a base colour! Definitely would use again.

Not too sure about Precision Ink in Scribe on its own – it tends to grab hold of the eyeshadow quite easily, so a coat of white shadow just to set it and give the line some guts might be in order. And I definitely need steadier hands. My one gripe is that I have no white mascara, so I couldn’t really complete the look.

I might give it another go at some point, but for now, curiosity satisfied, I don’t have the tools to take it further. Or the stick-on shinies that would hide a multitude of “Oops!” moments!

My day out with Selfridges Oxford Street Illamasqua counter

In case you’re curious, this is me. The fabulous 1960’s-esque look was created for me by a lovely chap called Adam Sidwell of Illamasqua’s creative team using matt primer, Skinbase foundation in 3.5, loose powder in 010, translucent, powder blusher duo in Katie and Ambition, Precision Ink in Abyss and Scribe, mascara in Raven, matt lipstick in Liv (a white based pink) and gloss in Electrify. I love the Illamasqua range – great packaging, huge amounts of pigment (depending on the shade, the lipstick can last all night with one careful application) and it all smells great!

Adam is excellent at what he does, and I feel confident for the first time in using blusher as he gave me some precise directions in how to apply it rather than just “like this” as I’ve been told in the past. He’s also inspired me to give Scribe a go for an Egyptian look in white and red with green lips (Apocalips). I know, I know, this is the internet, pics or it didn’t happen. And so there shall be when I’ve had time to give it a try!

Thanks again to Adam and Illamasqua for a great time playing with my favourite makeup!

Bourjois Fuchsia bucolique

Bourjois is not a brand I’d thought about buying nail varnish from before, but this little gem may well have changed my mind. It’s one of the 1 second line, with the super wide brush, and while initially sceptical, it really does take just about a second to do each nail. Unless, like I did, you get a little overexcited about it and forget to reload the brush. Perhaps not quite as opaque as I’d like, but a nice, intense colour that is more than good enough if you’re in a rush.

Also, I’ve spent an hour and a half pruning a buddleia and it’s still in place despite my not wearing gloves.