Category: Beauty

A Beginner’s Guide to Vegan Beauty – What’s the difference between cruelty free and vegan beauty?

If you’re new to the world of cruelty free beauty and are trying to get a better understanding of what it means, you may have already found it a bit confusing when coming across some products that are labelled ‘cruelty free’ and others that are labelled ‘vegan’, but maybe not both. It’s pretty normal when starting out your journey into the world of cruelty free beauty to have lots questions like ‘What does cruelty free beauty actually mean?’, ‘What does vegan friendly mean?’, And ‘does cruelty free mean both cruelty free and vegan?’

In this blog post I’m going to dissect some of this terminology a bit, and hopefully help you to better understand and navigate the world of cruelty free and vegan beauty…

What does ‘Cruelty-Free’ Beauty mean?

When referring to beauty products, ‘cruelty-free’ means that the products haven’t been tested on animals, nor do they contain ingredients which have been tested on animals. In order for a brand to be classed as cruelty free, all of their products must be cruelty free.

What does ‘Vegan’ Beauty mean?

The term Vegan when labelling beauty products refers to products that don’t contain any animal derived ingredients, for example things like honey, which comes from bees, or even some dyes which can come from bugs, or different skincare ingredients which can have animal derivatives too. An individual product from a brand can be classed a vegan without the entire brand being classed as vegan.

So what’s the difference between Cruelty Free and Vegan Beauty?

When looking at the general definitions for cruelty free and vegan beauty it sounds pretty straight forward, however this can be trickier to navigate than you’d think, as actually there are some brands which will claim to be vegan or sell a selection of vegan products, whilst not actually being cruelty free as a company. And if you are someone who is looking to buy only vegan products, not all cruelty free brands are fully vegan either.

But it is illegal to test beauty products on animals in the UK isn’t it?

Thankfully the testing of cosmetic products and their ingredients on animals was banned in 1998 in the UK and subsequently it was also banned across the EU in 2013…however, things get slightly tricky again when you take into account brands which are also sold within the Chinese market.

Unfortunately, up until recently, cosmetics sold within China were required to be tested on animals by law. This meant that even products produced and sold within the UK and EU, if then also sold in China, would also have to go through mandatory testing in order to be sold to the Chinese market, therefore not technically making these particular brand cruelty free.

As of 2021 however new changes have come into place which have lifted the legal requirement of animal testing on some cosmetic products imported and sold in China, but not all. And so this still means that many cosmetics sold in China are still not classed as cruelty free.

So how do I work out which products to buy, where do I start?

At first it can all seems a bit confusing, but don’t let this put you off altogether though, as I’m sure if you’ve made it this far into exploring more about the world of cruelty free and vegan beauty, you already have an interest to learn and understand it more, and I promise you that once you understand the basics it’s much easier to navigate, and actually shopping cruelty free and vegan is easier than you think.

You can start by looking out for brands which have been leaping bunny certified. This means that they have gone through a specific checklist to prove that they are cruelty free. This doesn’t mean that leaping bunny certified brands are also vegan however, so it is important to double check when looking for products that are both, but I’d say it’s best to find out if a brand is cruelty free first, and then if you are looking for vegan specific products, then find out which cosmetics from that cruelty free brand are also vegan.

Most cruelty free brands have a wide variety of vegan products (with some brands being both completely vegan and cruelty free), so you’ll soon find that there are so many amazing cruelty free and vegan beauty options to choose from to suit your budget. There are lots of products
available that are both cruelty free and vegan if you’re looking to tick both of those boxes, and Boots have a wide range of both makeup and skincare to choose from.

So in this post I’ve teamed up with Boots to compile a selection of vegan beauty recommendations; from vegan skincare to vegan makeup, making up a full daytime routine as some suggestions to get you started.

Cruelty Free & Vegan Everyday Beauty Routine

Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner

I love starting off my skincare routine with a mist toner and Sukin’s alcohol-free Hydrating Mist Toner has been one I’ve loved for a while. It combines Rosewater and Chamomile to help soothe, purify and cool tired skin.

It works great as a toner before applying skincare but also it works as great skin refresher throughout the day which can be sprayed on over makeup to help revive tired skin.

Suitable for: all skin types.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

This vegan hyaluronic acid is great for locking in hydration. I use this almost everyday, especially during winter, and it really helps to ensure my skin stays hydrated.

It’s important to make sure your skin is damp when applying any form of hyaluronic acid to the skin, as this helps to lock in the moisture, rather than drawing it away from the skin.

So I always like to spritz my face first (this is where the Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner comes in handy), then I’ll apply a few drops of this before applying my face cream straight after, and this really helps to maintain that moisture retention on the skin, for a plump and smooth complexion with a fresh, dewy feel.

Botanics Pure Botanicals 3% Caffeine Concentrated Eye Serum

I only recently first tried this eye cream and I instantly took a liking to it. It’s a natural caffeine-powered serum which helps to nourish and wake up the eye area, great for those groggy mornings when your eyes need a pick me up.

Suitable for: all skin types

Botanics Hydration Burst Day Lotion SPF15

I always like to opt for a face cream with at least some SPF, even in the winter months, and this one with is great for sensitive skin which is in need of some added hydration. It contains Clary Sage extract to keep keeping your skin nourished and hydrated.

The Ordinary Serum Foundation

I first used this foundation a couple of years ago and I was instantly impressed by how good it was for the price. It has a light to
medium coverage, and a lightweight serum feel.

I have found that this foundation is easy to build up for a fuller coverage, and with
21 shades to choose from you can easily blend shades too, in order to create the perfect shade for you (something which I’ve also done in the
past). This serum foundation also contains SPF 15, which is another added bonus too. I’m using shade 2.1Y, for medium yellow undertones.

KVD Beauty Lock-It Concealer Crème

This is actually my first time trying out any products from KVD, but I have to say on first impressions I was immediately impressed wit this concealer.

It’s a creamy and blendable, full-coverage concealer with all-day long wear. It also feels really nourishing and works well at keeping the under-eyes hydrating.

You can use it to conceal over spots and blemishes, or to brighten under-eyes. You can even use this to contour by going for a shade deeper than your skin tone to create shadows and definition.

e.l.f. Matte Finishing Powder

I always like to set my concealer and any unwanted shiny areas, such as above my brows, with a setting power. This ultra-fine setting powder gives a soft blur, matte finish and helps your concealer and foundation stay put for longer.

e.l.f. Ultra Precise Brow

This is great brow pencil for an everyday natural finish. I like to fill in any gaps using the precise pencil tip and the spooly end is great for fluffing up and combing the brows into place afterwards.

e.l.f. Wow Brow Gel

After filling in my brows with a pencil, I always like to go over the top of my brows with a brow gel. This really helps to give your brows a full, voluminous look. This product helps to brush brow hairs into place while depositing hair-like fibres for fuller-looking brows. It can be used over the top of a brow pencil, as I like to do, or it even looks good worn alone.

Barry M Feature Length Mascara

I really like the wand on this mascara as it’s great for combing through lashes to help separate and define them. It leave my lashes looking naturally defined.

e.l.f. Putty Bronzer

This bronzer has a unique putty-to-powder formula qnd great pigment, so a small bit goes a long way. It’s really buildable and is great for contouring or adding a natural sun-kissed glow.

It’s easy to blend and it’s lightweight and non-greasy, meaning it stays put and looks natural too. It’s also infused with Argan Oil and Vitamin
E to help moisturise and nourishing the skin.

I also love the size of this put as it’s a great one for on the go, which easily fits into your handbag or travel makeup bag.

I’m using shade Tan Line.

e.l.f. Metallic Flare Highlighter

For me, highlighter is a must, what can I say, I love to glow.

This one leaves a gorgeous yet natural looking sheen on the skin.

I like to apply this to the tops of my cheek bones, below the brow and along the nose for a healthy looking glow.

I’m using shade Rose Gold

Lime Crime Plushies

My all-time favourite long lasting lip product is Lime Crime Plushies. I most often wear the shade Milk Tea, although I do have these in a verity of shades, and I love them all! This time I’ve opted for shade butterscotch and I think I may have found a new favourite.

What I love most about these lip products is that they provide the long lasting wear of a liquid lipstick, whilst having the more subtle
appearance of a light lipstick.

The Long-wearing formula dries down completely for a smudge-proof finish. Apply your plushies and once dry,
pat down with a finger for a natural looking pouty lip look, or you can go more bold by applying a lip liner for a more defined and bold lip.

I’m using shade Butterscotch

Barry M Flawless Mist & Fix Makeup Setting Spray Matte

I always like to finish my makeup look with a setting spray.

This one has a matte finish and it helps to gently fixing your makeup whilst
adding a polished look to the skin.

So that’s a round-up of my vegan beauty picks from Boots. I hope you found this blog post useful and maybe even found some products to add into your routine in the process. I’ve done a full video of this look over on my Instagram, so you can head there to check out this full look and how I applied the products in action.

Samio x

*Please be aware that Ingredients in beauty products can change, so whilst at the time of writing this all the items listed above are cruelty free and vegan, it’s important to do check the ingredient lists before purchasing incase of any future changes.

This blog is sponsered by Boots however all words and opinions are my own.

October 25, 2021
How to: Simple Graphic Eyeliner & Re-sparking a Love for Makeup

Back at the start of the year I got a skin infection that pretty much took over my life for the first few months of 2020 (little did I know a global pandemic was also just around the corner)…

I look at my skin now and see a faded spattering of dark splodges across my body, and it’s crazy to think that just some months ago this was where my skin was red raw, itchy and sore to the touch.

After trips back and forth to the doctor’s, a mix of diagnoses and nothing really working to full affect, I decided to take matters into my own hands and went on a mission to cure my skin.

And it worked.

Several months later and I’m sat here relieved to say that the red raw skin healed, it no longer itches, and whilst sensitive in parts after my skin going through such a trauma, it’s no longer sore to the extent it was previously. It feels amazing to feel and see it come such a long way…and even the post infection hyperpigmentation has slowly started to fade too.

I’m so grateful for my skin’s recovery, and whilst it felt like forever whilst going through it, I do realise it’s only a fraction of what some people with skin issues have to deal with on an ongoing basis.

It was eye opening to say the least, and it’s something that whilst going through the worst of it, knocked my confidence like nothing had before.

I stopped going out and pretty much went inward as I went through the process of trying to heal my skin.

Then the pandemic hit, and the UK went into lockdown.

I was rather accustomed to staying home at this point. But like most people, I still found the pandemic a lot to deal with mentally.

I’m someone who can overthink at the best of times but this new world adjustment had my brain doing overtime (and it still has its moments I should add).

I was in need for a routine, a distraction and a pick me up.

And so one day whilst being stuck at home, I pulled out my makeup, and began to ‘get ready’.

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The start of lockdown was my full phase of ‘all dressed up and nowhere to go’ because I found that getting ready, getting dressed and doing my makeup was my one grasp at holding onto some form of normality.

At this point I actually hadn’t done my makeup in such a long time due to my skin. But it felt good to see myself looking ‘revived’ so to speak.

Whilst most people were enjoying the luxury of not feeling the need of having to apply makeup, or get ready properly whilst now working from home, I was just getting back into a routine of doing my makeup, putting on something nice and enjoying seeing myself looking better.

Makeup was becoming fun again and I wanted to play around and experiment.

Playing around with colourful pops of makeup had been something I’d done a lot a long time ago, but not in recent years. But right now I wasn’t going anywhere, so why not have a bit more fun with it.

A winged liner was nice, but how about in green?

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Soon playing with graphic eyeliner looks and subtle pops of colour became a bit of a thing. I would often think, ‘what wearable, yet fun makeup look can I try and create today’.

Whilst doing my makeup I was able to focus on something that wasn’t the pandemic and it was a much welcomed distraction that actually really helped to calm my anxiety.

I’d get ready, and experiment with something subtle but fun when it came to my makeup, and it became my new form of artistic expression.

Getting ready felt good. Even if I wasn’t going anywhere.

It was giving me a confidence boost and in those thirty minutes or so of makeup play where I’d focus of perfecting a colourful wing or artistic line, it was like a meditation in which I was able to relax and get lost in the joy of makeup play.

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You may notice a lot of this is written in the past tense, as I must admit I haven’t been playing around with makeup quite as much more recently, but my rekindled love for it is still definitely there.

I’m pleased to say that my skin has come along even further since April (when the UK lockdown first began) and I finally feel confident and happy with my natural skin. So right now I’m embracing it, and I’ve been enjoying makeup free days as of late.

That doesn’t mean that I’m done playing with makeup though.

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This period made me appreciate the art of makeup even more than I had done before. What it can do as a boost of confidence, but also how it can be used as an artistic expression is wonderful, however bold or minimal you wish to go.

It’s the form of playing dress up that I love; ‘Who do I wish to be today?’, ‘which version of me do I wish to portray?’, ‘what artistic expression do I wish to show to the world?’ (or even just myself at home).

It’s fun, and it’s definitely been a great distraction at times. And for those moments of makeup play I am definitely grateful.

Samio x

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October 13, 2020
My New Makeup Obsession – Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk Bronzer

This content has been produced for advertising purposes in collaboration with Harvey Nichols and ShopStyle

Fenty Beauty has done it again; a new line of products have launched which are already making waves in the beauty world once again. I love how Rihanna has become a pioneer of inclusivity in the beauty world with her Fenty Beauty brand and is ticking a lot of boxes when it comes to catering for all skin types, being cruelty free and creating products that are actually really good in the process.

I was super excited to get my hands on this latest collection of bronzers and highlighters from Fenty Beauty via Harvey Nichols, so here I’m sharing my thoughts on the new range…

I first have to mention that I love how Fenty Beauty are leading the way when it comes to shade ranges. When first launching they knocked the ball out of the park with their wide range of foundation shades and now they’ve done it again with the new bronzer collection. There are 8 shades providing something for every complexion (can I get a hallelujah).

Not only is the shade range vast but I’m happy to report that the product is actually amazing too! When I say it glides on, I am not even over exaggerating. It’s a powder but with a creamy formula which makes it easily blend-able and buildable and it just easily adds a gorgeous warmth to the skin.

I’m super impressed with these bronzing brushes! I’m quite fussy when it comes to my makeup brushes in general and whilst I have a vast collection, I tend to find myself only ever reaching for a select few trusty favourites. I have to say that trying the Fenty Bronzer brushes for the first time is like discovering tools you never knew you needed. On first inspection I wasn’t too sure about the shape of the cheek hugging brush but after using it for the first time to apply the Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter, I was instantly sold. It basically does what it says on the tin, so to speak, and hugs the side of the face, helping the product to glide on like a dream. I think I may have found some new go to makeup brushes to add to my selection of favourites!

Oh how I love to glow! So luckily, Fenty Beauty has me covered, quite literally. Not only are the Killawatt highlighters the bomb at giving that sunkissed glow, but they’ve now also re-launched their all over Body Luminizer and I, AM, OBSESSED! I’m suddenly very excited to get my legs out and go full bronzed goddess with this stuff. Roll on Summer!

Body Lava Body Luminizer – Who Needs Clothes?

Body Lava Body Luminizer – Trophy Wife

Exact Products I’m Wearing

Sun Stalk’r Instant Warmth Bronzer – Bajan Gyal | Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter – PENNY4UTHOTS | Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter Duo – Afternoon Snack & Mo’ Hunny | Body Lava Body Luminizer – Trophy Wife

April 7, 2019
My Look Fantastic Black Friday Must Haves & Gift Guide

You’re probably sick of hearing about Black Friday already and if I’m honest, I couldn’t think of anything worse than heading to the high street and getting caught up in the manic bustle that is Black Friday…However I have come to realise that this can actually be the perfect time to pick up a few of those Christmas gifts that you may be after and on the beauty side of things, there are lots of great offers to be had. That being said, regardless of the occasion, you know I like any shopping I do to be well thought out and so I have put together a little bit of Christmas gift guide, featuring a round up of 5 Lookfantastic Black Friday offers, that could make great gifts for some of the special ladies in your life this Christmas…

For Mum

Eve Lom has got to be one of my top luxury skincare brands. I’ve already gushed over their cleanser here on my blog in the past and now I’m excited to introduce these new masks into my routine. I say ‘into my routine’, more like ‘into my special occasion skincare routine’, because I must admit these are on the higher end of the price spectrum. However, if you’re someone/or know someone who loves to indulge in luxury skincare, then this could be just the perfect time to nab the Eve Lom White Brightening Mask on a Black Friday offer. I used my first one in preparation for a shoot the night before, and aide from finding the look of the sheet mask hilarious on first application (just google it if you don’t know what I mean), I actually loved how soft, supple and fresh it left my skin. I see this one being a great gift for the Mother or any special lady in your life who deserves an extra special pamper.

For Sis

You should already know/have guessed by now that I love skincare products and anything that can aid with helping/maintaining good skin, I’m all for. So it’s no surprise that I’m super excited about this little gadget, the Foreo Luna Mini. It works as a great bacteria free way to cleanse the skin, whilst the tiny pulsating rubber touch points help to remove dirt and oil and keep pores clean. There are no batteries required as it comes with a wire to charge it up and it has a long life span due to the fact that it’s all rubber and it requires no replacements bristles or anything like that. If you have a sister who is into her skincare, or maybe just needs a convenient way to simplify her routine, then this could be a great one for her!

For the Bestie

Two brands that I love for makeup brushes and tools are Real Techniques and Look Good Feel Better. I think two of my most used makeup tools are probably a beauty sponge and a contour brush. I’ve used a LGFB Sculpting Sponge for quite some time and it’s so convenient because not only does the sponge itself help effortlessly blend foundation onto the skin, leaving it looking even and natural, but the shape is also great for using on different parts of the face. And this sponge isn’t a one trick pony because once my foundation is applied, I like to use the curved tip for applying concealer under my eyes and then the pointed end for applying liquid highlighter. It’s also super easy to clean and once it’s dry it simply bounces back to it’s usual shape…And then there’s the contour brush and this isn’t just any contour brush, because just look how beautiful it is! Not only the perfect gift because Real Techniques are actually renowned for their great quality brushes (I’ve owned several) but also because this may be the prettiest brush I’ve seen…and who doesn’t like practical and pretty!

For You

Let’s face it, after shopping for all the main ladies in your life, it would be rude to not treat yourself to a little something too!…Illamasqua has long been one of my favourite makeup brands. There’s not a single night out when at least one Illamasqua product doesn’t make it onto my face. They know how to do strong pigments and fierce colours…speaking of fierce colours, can we please take a moment of appreciation for the gorgeous red shade in this eyeshadow palette! I’ve actually been on the look out for a shade like this for some time and I should have known that Illamasqua would be the brand to do it. These eyeshadows are perfect for creating smokey eye looks and whether it’s for a friend, or just for yourself, it’s certainly a perfect party palette.

So there you have it, a round up of some of my favourite Black Friday Lookfantastic Christmas Gift ideas! And one last thing, you can get a huge 20% off some of the Black Friday promotions over on Lookfantastic, using the code: LFBLACK.

Samio x

Some of the items may have been sent to me for review purposes, however this does not affect my opinions – check out my disclaimer for further information.

November 25, 2016
Makeup Declutter & Organisation

In my previous post I talked about decluttering my wardrobe, but that’s not the only aspect of my life that I’ve been reorganising, as next on my list was my makeup collection.

Although not so long winded as downsizing my once expansive clothing collection, my makeup still required a fair amount of sorting through (hello self-confessed makeup lover over here) – But I’m pretty impressed with the fact that I got it all sorted in just over an hour.

I found plenty of forgotten and unused products that were longing for new homes, or just longing for the bin and now that I’ve sorted through it all my makeup collection is feeling refreshed and certainly looking a lot more compact and tidier…The goal now is to keep it this organised.

Check out my makeup declutter and organisation video here:

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Samio x

October 12, 2016
The Pixi Beauty Makeup Selection

I’ve been using Pixi Beauty skincare for several months now and have fast become a fan of some of their awesome products. Now more recently I’ve been putting their makeup to the test and I’m happy to say that I’m equally as impressed and I’ve been wearing this particular selection to create gorgeous glowing summertime makeup looks…

Glowtion Day Dew

I’m not new to this product and it’s definitely become a firm favourite in my beauty collection. It’s one of my favourite moisturisers for the fact that it not only makes my skin feel great but also instantly look great too. It has a subtle shimmer that adds an instant glow to skin and it works perfectly alone or as a base under foundation.

Mesmerizing Mineral Palette in Copper Peach

When it comes to eyeshadows and palettes in particular, I’m always drawn to browns, so I couldn’t be more in love with this Copper Peach Mesmerizing Mineral Palette. Not only are the shades gorgeous but I love how pigmented the eyeshadows are too! The palette itself is also a handy size for taking about whilst travelling, which is an added bonus.

Lengthy Fiber Mascara & Endless Silky Eye Pen

This mascara is fast becoming my new favourite. I’m all about going for the super elongated lash look at the moment and this mascara helps me achieve just that. I always pre curl my lashes and this one helps to set them in place and make my lashes look super long, so I think I’m onto a winner…

Something a little different is this cobalt blue Endless Silky Eye Pen. It really does glide on effortlessly and as for the colour, if you’re looking for a high pigmented bold blue, then look no further.

Quick Fix Bronzer in Velvet Bronze

I’m loving this bronzer for it’s convenient super cute casing. It’s ideal for when you’re on the go as it’s all in one with the bronzer and application, plus mirror in the lid! At first I wasn’t sure how much I’d like this product but it actually works really well and it is just the perfect little size to pop in your hand bag and take with you on the go.

Mattelustre Lipstick in Peach Blossom

This is a perfect shade for spring summer. Wear it bold if you like, because the colour is gorgeous but I personally like to lightly dab it on to add a subtle peach tint to the lips.

As you can probably already tell, I’m very much loving these products and I think a couple are definitely becoming favourites already!

Have you tried any of the products from Pixi Beauty’s make range?

Sign up to Wearisma here and you can get 15% Pixy Beauty using the code: pixiwearisma.

Samio x

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Pixi Beauty and Wearisma. This does not affect my opinions – check out my disclaimer for further information

May 7, 2016
Beautiful Movements – Natural Summer Makeup

I’ve always been curious about mineral makeup, especially foundation. Each time it has come to me buying a new foundation however, I’ve always chickened out of trying something new and repurchased my usual favourites.

Recently I was invited to a Holland & Barrett event where I had the chance to try out the new makeup range, Beautiful Movements. I had makeup artist Chelsea Graziano (who I’ve worked with before and is awesome) try out the new makeup range on me. I was so surprised by how much I loved the mineral foundation, as it gave my skin a good coverage whilst feeling lightweight and still looking natural.

Since then I was lucky to receive the items that I got to try out at the event and I am now definitely a fan.

Beautiful Movements Prime and Create Mixing Medium

The primer works like a dream to create a soft and smooth base for the mineral foundation to glide on. It helps the foundation to sit well on the skin and makes sure it stays in place.

Beautiful Movements Mineral Foundation Dusk

I hadn’t been sure on the shade of foundation to go for, as I was a mix of two if I remember correctly. However in the end I decided to opt for the shade dusk. At first I thought that this shade was a little too dark for my skin tone, however after buffing it into my skin, it actually blended really well and gave my skin a healthy sun-kissed look (without any embarrassing foundation lines).

Beautiful Movements Mineral Eyeshadows Adobe Brick

I’m super impressed with the strong pigment of this mineral eyeshadow. The shade Adobe Brick is the most gorgeous shimmering bronze colour, which would look gorgeous on sun-kissed skin.

Beautiful Movements Mascara Lash Curling

At first I wasn’t one hundred percent sure on this mascara as I hadn’t previously tried this product at the event and on first application I noticed it had quite a runny consistency. After one coat it creates a super natural look for the lashes but I quickly found that it’s very easy to build up and doesn’t seem to create lumps, which is great.

I have a habit of curling my lashes before applying mascara anyway but I found that this one works well to keep those curled eyelashes in place.

Beautiful Movements Finishing Powder Dewy Perfection

I am surprised at how much I love this finishing powder. It gives my skin a gorgeous glow and I can see myself getting a lot of use out of this product.

Beautiful Movements Lip Gloss Nude

It’s been a while since I went for a lip gloss and this one is just perfect for giving the lips a subtle yet healthy shine and I like how it doesn’t feel too sticky either.

Overall I’m super pleased with the Beautiful Movements makeup range. I love how natural looking the products look on and they are perfect for during the summer when you just want makeup that is lightweight and easy to apply.

Have you tried any of the Beautiful Movements makeup?

You can shop the full Beautiful Movements range here.

Samio x

May 1, 2016
My Go To, Everyday Makeup Routine

I feel like it’s been ages since I last shared my current ‘everyday’ makeup routine and so for my latest video I decided to film a get ready with me video, using some of my current makeup favourites, that I like to use for my simple day to day makeup.

Samio x

March 13, 2016
Skin Refreshments

Two of my newest skincare additions are the Turbliss Bioactive Firming and Toning Face Mask and Bioactive Peat Toner. I’ve been using these two products for nearly two months now and I’m really pleased with them both.

I was a little wary of the face mask at first. I’d been warned that it could cause redding to the skin and as someone who does not tend to suffer from sensitive skin, I was surprised to find that it left my skin a little tingly and red after my first time using it. This did quickly subside however and it wasn’t until my second time using it that I discovered my first time discomfort was due to the fact that I’d left the mask on too long and let it start to dry on my skin – Which I’d been warned, not to do! So, silly me learnt the hard way, but since then when using the mask, I’ve applied it to damp skin and kept it moist by spiritzing it with a little bit of the Peat Toner.

This mask really does leave my skin feeling firmer and looking refreshed. It still tingles a little but in a good way, almost like the blood is circulating through my face (if that makes any sense). Afterwards I’m left with a more radiant complextion and plumper looking skin.

Aside from being a great counterpart to when I’m using the face mask, the Peat Toner is also great at refreshing my skin and helps to close up pores after washing and cleansing the face. I also like spraying this on my skin just before applying makeup to add moisture and help my foundation glide on.

I love that this toner comes in a spray bottle because it makes it super quick and easy to use, without having to worry about using cotton pads.

I’m currently loving how both of these products are helping to refresh my skin. Have you tried anything from the Turbliss range?

Samio x

Some of the items may have been sent to me for review purposes, however this does not affect my opinions – check out my disclaimer for further information.

March 11, 2016
Gosh Lumi Drops

Highlighters are probably one of my favourite kinds of makeup, as I love creating that fresh glowing look on the skin. The latest highlighters for me to try out are these Gosh Lumi Drops and I put the shades Peach and Bronze to the test.

Gosh Lumi Drops in Peach

This highlighter is actually a lot more subtle than I had imagined but I like the fact that you can build it up to create a much bolder highlight. The liquid formula means that it spreads on easily and has an added sheen which really does catch the light. The shimmer of this peach shade creates the most gorgeous highlight and I like to apply this one to the tops of my cheek bones and just underneath my eyebrows.

Gosh Lumi Drops in Bronze

The bronze shade is a lot more pigmented than the peach and this one would look gorgeous on dark skin tones. You can also blend the peach and the bronze together to make an in-between shade. What I love about both of these highlighters, is that they sit nicely under foundation, which is great for when you want to give your skin an all over glow.

Here are swatches of both the peach and the bronze Lumi Drops on my hand. I’ve applied both highlighters quite heavily, so that you can see their full colours and shine, but these can both easily be applied a lot lighter for a more natural look.

You can check out me using the Gosh Lumi Drops in this makeup video:

Have you tried Gosh Lumi Drops?

Samio x

Some of the items may have been sent to me for review purposes, however this does not affect my opinions – check out my disclaimer for further information.

February 17, 2016