Tag: Makeup

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
Shooting In An Ugly Space & The Golden Hour

Making The Most Out Of A Space

I remember before Damien and I moved into our house, I used to get frustrated with the space I had to work in. When it came to shooting content for my blog, I would often have ideas in mind of the images I wanted to create and that didn’t quite seem to fit with my surroundings. Obviously doing street style shots has always been an option and something that I still love to do today, but when the weather doesn’t permit (which can be more often than not here in England), shooting indoors becomes the only option.

In my last blog post I talked about how I’ve been getting back into shooting self portraits, in order to improve my photography and editing skills and it’s something that I have been well and truly getting stuck into. I’ve been shooting almost daily in fact, when I can fit in the time and it’s true what they say, that practice makes perfect. I’m seeing my skills improving with each shoot and edit.

The problem with constantly using my space to shoot in however, is the fact that I’m running out of it. The idea of this ‘accidental project’, let’s call it, is that I want to push myself creatively and improve my skills when it comes to shooting and editing images for my blog and so I don’t want to repeat the same type of image over and over.

Whilst our living room and kitchen space have been come together quite nicely, as we near the end of our house renovation, the rest of our house is still somewhat more of a work in progress. That being said, it actually occurred to me that it’s still possible to make the most out of any space. With this also being about me getting creating, working with the unfinished, or ‘ugly spaces’, pushes me to do just that.

I guess it’s easy to capture pretty or aesthetically pleasing shots, when the location does most of the hard work for you but when working in a space that is a down right shambles (like my current hallway situation for example), it forces you to get a bit more creative.

I really managed to utilise the golden hour for these shots and as the sun shone through into my hallway, the lighting was just beautiful. As I’m someone who is still very much practicing here, I’m not a pro when it comes to lighting and how best to capture it, but I know that as a simple rule, natural lighting is great and during the golden hour (just before the sun sets). It’s a prime time for that gorgeous golden lighting.

Tripod to the ready and I quickly set myself up ready to capture my shots in the brief window I had before the perfect sunlight finally set. Whilst capturing my outfit and working with the stairs, I also had to capture a few close up beauty shots because the lighting was just too juicy not to take advantage of. The way the lighting and shadows fell, it really framed the shots nicely and considering this is an ugly space, I’m really happy with how these shots turned out.

As for my outfit, because it would be rude not to talk a bit about it whilst I’m here (this is primarily a style blog after all), I’ve pretty much been living in the same old favourites recently. I guess that’s why they call them staple pieces, because they are the items in your wardrobe that bring all the pieces together and that you wear the most. Well this is an entire outfit of staple pieces right here. The roll neck I purchased last winter from Tesco. I was doing a food shop when I spotted it and it’s been a go to item in my winter wardrobe ever since. The jeans need no introduction because they are a pair of my most loved and most worn (frequently featured here on the blog), from & Other Stories…and Converse, well they need no explanation really do they.

Oh and if you’re interested, this is a hair and makeup look I’ve been wearing a lot recently (mainly to protect my hair during the Winter months) and I’ve just done a get ready with me video on it, which you can watch here. Anyway, that’s all for today. Ciao for now!

Samio x

Shop The Look

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Check out the hashtag #SamiosSelfPortraits on Instagram to see more of my recent self portraits. 🙂

December 13, 2017
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
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
The Lip Colour & Liner That Will Stay All Day

I can’t say that I own much MAC makeup (in fact I can probably count the amount on one hand), however the MAC products that I do own are steady favourites in my collection that I use/wear on a regular basis.

My friend was ever so kind to surprise me with these two products and as a lover of red lips and black liner I was excited to try them out.

Rebeleyes Gel Liner

I had already been given the heads up on this eyeliner and was told that it might be easiest to apply with a brush rather than directly using the tip of the pen. I decided to follow the advice I was given and brushed the liner onto my hand before using a thin angled liner brush to apply it.

I’m going to be completely honest and say that this gel liner is not for beginners. However if you feel confident when it comes to steadily applying liner and you’re looking for one that’s super long wearing, then you could be onto a winner with this one!

The consistency of the liner is quite thick, so I would suggest using a super thin brush for the application. Once on however, this stuff really does stay and I wish I’d realised this before brushing a load of it onto the top of my hand. It certainly wasn’t easy to wash off, that’s for sure but then it definitely gave me the confidence that my liner would not be budging off my eye lids for the duration of the evening. After applying the gel liner mid afternoon, it stayed on all night and stayed looking great.

Retro Matte Liquid Lip Colour

I put this one straight to the test by going out for a meal the first time I wore it. The consistency of the Matte Liquid Lip Colour, is liquid on application but then dries on the lips and once it has dried, it really does stay put. As always when applying these types of wet to dry lip products, I prepped the lips with a small amount of lip balm prior to application, to prevent my lips completely drying out.

I have to say I’m pleased with the results of this one. Not only is the shade Feels So Grand a gorgeous vibrant red, which I love but it also survived two courses of an Italian meal. Just so you know what the Matte Liquid Lip Colour held up against, my first course was soup and after a mirror check it was still going strong. It only started to fade ever so slightly in the centre of my lips after my second course, which was a linguine dish and even then it was barely noticeable and only enough that a lipstick perfectionist would spot it.

I’m happy to say that I have found another two MAC makeup products that I’m sure will become firm favourites in my makeup collections and certainly ones that I’ll be relying on when I want my makeup to stay all day, or night!

Have you tried out either of these products?

Samio x

My Three Favourite Foundations

February 15, 2016
LookFantastic #LFLOVES Edition Beauty Box

Hello February and hello February Lookfantastic box! This month love is (supposedly) in the air with Valentine’s Day just around the corner and so this month’s Beauty Box has been appropriately themed with the box itself coming in a fabulous hot pink – I love it! This month’s box included an added surprise for me, as when I opened the box I found my face staring back at me on a money off voucher for Cloud Nine. This campaign has been out for several months now but I still keep finding advertisements from it popping up in the most random places. Anyway, on with the contents of this month’s box…

Monuspa Relaxing Bali Massage & Body Oil

I really like body oils and massage oils and this Monuspa one is great. It smells really good and has that relaxing aromatherapy oil scent that instantly makes you want a good massage just from one whiff. It’s a great product if you want to treat your other half to a massage or even be treated yourself for that matter, or you can even had a few drops of it to your bath and enjoy a nice relaxing soak.

Bliss Pink Grapefruit And Aloe Body Butter

This body butter smells so delicious and it contains Vitamin E, so it’s super nourishing for your skin. I like how this body butter doesn’t feel too heavy yet it leaves my skin feeling smooth and soft, not forgetting smelling great!

KMS California Color Vitality Conditioner
and Denman Mini Keyring Brush

Although these are two completely separate products, I decided to group them together just for the fact of them both being hair products and two things that I won’t use. For obvious reasons the KMS Color Vitality isn’t appropriate for me because I don’t have colour treated hair and the mini keyring brush (although super cute), is more likely to get lost in my afro than do any sort of job of detangling it. However I’m sure I’ll find a friend to give these to, who will love them both.

Hi Impact Brows Eyes And Brow Perfector Palette (coming soon)

It’s funny because there have been plenty of times in the past when I’ve used eyeshadows for my eyebrows and eyebrow products as eyeshadows, so it’s finally great to own a product that is actually intended for both. I’m certainly loving this palette. The constancy of the powders is great and they really stay on well.

I used the last three shades in the pallet for my eye makeup below; Shade 2 for my eyelids which I quickly blended with my finger, shade 3 for my brows and shade 4 to do my liner. The brush that comes in the palette is really good too and perfect for shading in the brows, or doing eye liner with. This one will definitely come in handy when taking trips away.

Lord And Berry Matte Lipstick in Intimacy

Before I even tried out this lip colour, I knew I was going to love it. Subtle dusky pinks are some of my favourite lip shades to wear and I can already tell that this one is probably going to become a new favourite. It glides on like a dream and stays on well yet feels comfortable on the lips. I just love, love, love this lipstick pencil! What do you think?

That’s the full round up of the #LFLOVES Beauty Box. Although there are two products in here that I won’t get use out of, that hasn’t put any damper on February’s Beauty Box for me because I actually love two of the products (the brow/eyeshadow palette & lip pencil) and have discovered two others that I really like as well. So I’m very happy with this month’s Beaut Box indeed!

Have you tried any of these products?

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 1, 2016