Mascaras - Friday Favourites

 I've been on the quest for the perfect mascara since I was about 13 and it's such personal thing that I don't claim to have found it though I have found some that I genuinely love. So here they are

• Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara - black and smokey and giving great volume. Not cruelty-free
• LimeLife Perfect Mascara - I'm not usually a fan of fibre mascaras but this one lengthens and volumises and doesn't make your lashes feel crispy. It's the one I rebuy over and over again 
• Maybelline Great Lash Big - I loathe the original of this but this version with a fatter brush is my go-to high street mascara. Not cruelty-free 
•  LimeLife Making Waves - I hate waterproof mascaras and i've tried lots. They are a must for any makeup artist and usually they are horrible. This one is fantastic. 

Top 5 Mascaras

Mascara's. It's an ongoing thing, the quest for the perfect mascara isn't it? And I sort of think that maybe that's the point of it. The journey rather than the discovery itself. I mean. I'm not going to stop trying new mascara's am I? It's all gone a bit existential.

I asked Instagram what they wanted and current mascara favourites was the answer. So here they are. All price ranges are covered and all of these I would buy again. Sadly none of these products are cruelty free. 4 out of the 5 are sold in China which means, there at least, by law their products will be tested on animals. Younique is cruelty free sort of, but they currently can't trace all their products back to definitely not being tested on animals though I think they are in the process of changing this.

20 Under £20 - My Best Cheap Beauty Buys

I started this off to test myself. It started off easily and then got harder. I've kept it in the order in which these came to me. Which means sometimes you'll be able to see my train of thought. I tried to keep it varied. I could probably name twenty great black liners for under £20 but I've limited myself - you all know I love MAC Smoulder so I've tried where necessary to go for something less obvious. For certain others, like the product that is first on the list, there is no question that it deserves it's place here. It's unrivalled. I've been recommending it for a decade or so.

What are your favourites? Have I missed anything you think deserves a place? Let me know down in the comments.

School Run Make-up Essentials

One thing I always want to be on all my platforms (YouTube, Instagram, Twitter - come say Hi) is real. Yes I could do Instamakeup and pout and paint my entire house in Farrow & Ball Drainpipe, there's nothing wrong with that and I'd probably have a hell of a lot more followers. But that's just not me. My house is not Instagramable, it has old features, vom-proof carpet and half-painted rooms (til we fix the plumbing) and though I do sometimes like to trowel it on, my make-up is mostly quick, easy and as flattering as possible with a minimum amount of products.

Since Ned started school my complete inability to remove myself from my bed before 8am (I will grab whichever kid is screaming and retreat back under the duvet) has made me really focus in on what's important to get done in the 50 minutes I have to get everyone up and dressed and out the door*. Do I feel comfortable facing the school mums with no make-up on? No, I'd rather go in my pyjama's and, although I don't go in my pyjama's I do just shove on what I feel like wearing, what's close to hand, and what will fair well lying on the floor desperately re-building the bloody Lego Scooby Doo Mystery Machine while Jim shouts 'build it BUILD IT' or taking Jack to Monkey Music. Mostly this involves Hush joggers and a band t-shirt and I'm ok with that. If you are prone to The Misery you have to know when to give yourself a break and I'm ok with being the least fashionable person at drop-off - as long as I have some make-up on.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara BIG - Quick Review

I never got on with Maybelline Great Lash mascara despite it being the most popular mascara among my friends. I'd say it appears in 7 out of 10 make-up bags I go through* but for me it was just totally meh. However, for some reason I can't explain I was compelled to buy the BIG (i.e volumising) version when I saw it in Superdrug. You can see what I think here.

Maybelline Great Lash BIG Mascara is available here

*I go through a lot it's like a strange compulsion

Some links are affiliate links which means I will get a small commission if you click through and buy from them. There is no extra cost to you and if you are not comfortable with that then do feel free to open a separate window and google the product for yourself

September 2017 Favourites

As the name suggests this is a September favourites video. All products are linked below and the reviews are below that!

Products:
Superdrug Naturally Radiant Pads
Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel
NYX Intese Butter Gloss in Tres Leches
Maybelline Great Lash Big 
Origins GinZing Energy Boosting Tinted Moisturiser
Sunday Riley CEO Cleansing Oil

Reviews:
Origins GinZing Tinted Moisturiser

More Like This:
September 2015 Favourites
February 2016 favourites
October 2016 favourites

Holiday Makeup

This is a bit of a long one but having done a blog post on how to pack your wash bag (link below) I thought it might be useful to see what I took on holiday with me make-up wise. I know this is a lot more than some of you but for me this is travelling light!

I spend most of a pool holiday with no make-up on but when we go out I put a little on. I take a few things that I am trying out and the everything else either has to be running out, easy to replace or a mult-tasker.

As always if you haven't already then please subscribe to my channel.

All products are listed below - I've put an * next to ones mentioned or shown that aren't actually used in this video. If you see a product that you like you can always check out the directory on the blog (link below) to see a full review. If there isn't one and you'd like to see it then send me a message!

Blog product directory
How to Pack your Wash Bag

Em-J Brush roll (personal which I don't think she makes anymore)
The Makeup Armoury Canvas Pouch
Rosie for Autograph Cream Eye Shadow Stick (Sparkle & Magic shown)
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil (in Iced Mocha and Yoghurt)*
NYX HD Eye Shadow Base*
Accessorize Palette from years ago
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit
L'Oreal Superliner Perfect Slim
MAC Smoulder Eye Kohl*
Lancome Artliner*
Urban Decay Perversion mascara
Dr Jart Premium BB Cream*
Clarins Wrinkle Control SPF50*
Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation
Bobbi Brown Corrector in light bisque
Laura Mercier Caviar Eyeliner in Midnight*
Maybelline Better Skin Concealer
Kiko Velvet Touch Creamy Stick Blush in 02 Golden Peach
Daniel Sandler Waterbrush
NYX Wonder stick
Louise Young Blusher (in Mae and Dolly)
Cover FX Illuminating Setting Powder
Dior Rouge Baume in Lili
Louise Young Lip trio in Enigma*
MUD Lipstick in Lucky*
MAC lip pencil in Whirl
Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Lip Pencil in 714
Ilia Tinted Lip Balm in Nobody's Baby

Brushes:
Real Techniques Blush Brush
Daniel Sandler Waterbrush
Eco Tools Define*
Real Techniques Contour Brush
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
Louise Young LY16
Crown Brush BK38 Round Crease
Eco Microblending
Louise Young LY19
Laura Mercier Smokey Liner *
Eco Tools Angled Crease
Real Techniques Brow
Real Techniques Base shadow
Real Techniques shading brush
Eco Tools Spoolie
Louise Young LY16*
Bobbi Brown Lip Brush
Real Techniques Buffing Brush

Face of the Day 27th April 2017

The light's a bit off in this video - sorry about that it's the crazy English spring weather and the fact that I have to set up and film in the brief moments when I am child-free and the builders are not drilling right, next, to, my, head.

I've been loving eye shadow sticks at the moment (more on that to follow) but one that I get almost scared of using is the Colour Chameleon from Charlotte Tilbury because in my head, Bronze Garnet is incredibly orange. It's not. Every time I use it I'm reminded of what a great product this is and how annoying Tilbury is with her cleverness.

All products and reviews are linked below. If you haven't already then do go and subscribe to my channel and now you can sign-up to get a monthly email from me with everything that has been on the blog for that month.

Reviews:
Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon
Lancome Hypnose Drama
Pixi Correction concentrate 

Products:
Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon (bronzed garnet)
L'Oreal Perfect Slim Liner
Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Liner
Laura Mercier Smokey Liner Brush
Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara
MAC Smoulder eye liner
Origins Make a Difference plus +
Joan Collins Ten Effects Skin Treats Spray
Daniel Sandler Invisible Radiance Foundation
Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer
Pixi Correction Concentrate
Cover FX Translucent Powder
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara
Ilia Multistick in Tenderly
Louise Young Blusher in Coop
Daniel Sandler Radiant Glow Illuminating Powder
MAC Lip Pencil in Soar
Dior Baume Rouge in Lili
Maybelline Brow Drama
Hourglass Diffused Light Powder

Concealers

When I first started wearing make-up concealers came in a lipstick-style bullet. Chalky in texture and very limited in colour they were ok for covering a spot if you had a whopper. They were pretty pigmented and unblendable.

Now a lot of clients I work with, especially those over 35, have not kept up to date with how concealers have evolved. Often using a heavier coverage foundation and skipping the concealer altogether which makes it hard to get a natural finish. I often get asked how to get dewy skin without losing coverage and I always recommend a lighter, dewier foundation and a good concealer. They've come on a long way since the 80s/90s bullet. Now you can get the coverage you need, where you need it whilst still keeping a light coverage everywhere else.

Face of the Day - 11th March 2017

This is a really simple face of the day. I've tried to use affordable products and where I haven't I hopefully explain why not and offer a High St alternative. As always I've listed everything below and if I've mentioned other products I've listed them too.

I'm not entirely happy with lip here - it is very pale but the other Burt's Bees balm I had to hand (Hibiscus) was too dark - the one I was after has disappeared!

I should mention that when I say High St quite often I mean affordable. So for me the Lola eye base is an ok price considering how long it lasts but I'm not sure you'd necessarily call M&S High St.

Let me know you affordable/High St foundation favourites and if you haven't already then subscribe to my channel and come and say hi on social media where I'm @corinnaharrod.

Lola Eye Base
Bourjois Smokey Stories in Over Rose
Louise Young LY19 Brush
Real Techniques Brushes
MAC Smoulder Eye Pencil
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light
Chantecaille Faux Cils Mascara
Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara
Chanel Vitalumier Aqua
Pixi Correction Concentrate in Brightening Peach
Maybelline Better Skin Concealer
Collection Lasting Perfection concealer
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
Ilia Multistick in Tenderly
Louise Young Blusher in Maudie
Sleek Make-up Luminous Powder
Burts Bees Tinted Lip Balm
L'Oreal Infallible Lip liner in 701

Face of the Day - 9th March 2017

I love wearing a bright lip in the spring and recently found one of my all time favourites, Dangerous Retro Matte from MAC. This will be too dry for some but I love the fact that this is a very wearable colour that lasts all day - I only reapplied it once and that was with eating a millionaire's shortbread, having a coffee and eating lunch!

If you haven't already then please subscribe to my channel and check out the blog www.londonmakeupblog.com.

I've linked to all the products used below (some are affiliate links so if you don't feel comfortable using them then do google the products yourself). Below that are links to any full reviews, from me, of products featured.

Products Shown:
This Works In Transit Camera Close-up
Lola Eye Base
Louise Young Essential Eye Palette
Louise Young LY19 Brush
Soap & Glory Supercat Fat Eyeliner 
Lancome Artliner
Benefit Rollerlash mascara
Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation
Clinique Bottom Lash mascara
Clarins Instant Concealer
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush (Rose Glow)
Daniel Sandler Waterbrush
Maybelline Brow Drama (in Dark Blonde)
Rimmel Exaggerate lip liner (in discontinued Passionate)
MAC Retro Matte lipstick in Dangerous
Real Techniques Brushes
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit (which was a limited edition - you can buy the powders separately. I used Dim Light and Diffused Light Ambient Lighting Powders and Iridescent light highlighter).

Product Reviews:
My current morning skincare routine
Soap & Glory Supercat Fat Eyeliner
Lancome Artliner
MAC Retro Matte Lipsticks 
Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation 

Subtle Blue Liner Video

At the end of 2015 Urban Decay released the Gwen Stefani palette which I loved from the get go but has been one of the most requested how-to videos I've had. A lot of you have bought this but find you are using the same colours over and over so I've come up with a few looks using some of the more unusual colours in the palette.

If you don't have this palette but have a tricky blue that you want to use then go for it! All products used are listed below

If you haven't already then please subscribe to my channel!




Make A Difference +
By Terry Touche Veloutee concealer
Gwen Stefani Urban Decay Palette
Louise Young LY19 brush
Real Techniques Starter Set
MAC Eye Kohl Smoulder
Urban Decay Peversion Mascara
Dr Hauschka Tinted Day Cream
Estee Lauder EE Cream
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
Cover FX Loose Powder
Laura Mercier Camouflage Powder Brush
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush in Rose Glow
Daniel Sandler Waterbrush
Maybelline Brow Drama in Medium Brown
Hourglass Ambient Light Powder in Diffused Light
Eyeko Fat Brush Mascara

Face of the Day - 20th October 2016

This is not only a look I've been wearing a lot recently but I've adapted it so it uses a lot of high street products and those more expensive ones that I know some people struggle to get the most out of. Hope it's useful.
Products Used:
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Yoghurt
NYX Prismatic Eyeshadow in Girl Talk
Rimmel Millionaire Eyeshadow
Houglass Ambient Lighting Edit
L'Oreal Superliner Perfect Slim
Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara
Maybelline Better Skin Concealer
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
Eyeko Fat Brush Mascara
NYX Wonderstick 
Blistex Lip Brilliance

Product Reviews:
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils

Some links are affiliate links which means I will get a small commission if you click through and buy from them. There is no extra cost to you and if you are not comfortable with that then do feel free to open a separate window and google the product for yourself

Face of the day - 2nd July 2016 - Friday Video

So this face of the day features something I do a variation of most days... then I beef it up for the evening and slap on loads of extra products that you don't need to do. If you want to know some less expensive alternatives to a product then leave me a comment and I'll let you know.

I start off cross with the post office and end up sleepy with prosecco but... you get the idea.


Delph Factor 50
Lola Eye Primer
Louise Young Essential Eye Palette
Urban Decay Naked Palette
Make Up For Ever Ink Liner
NARS Audacious Mascara 
Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation
Dior Lip Maximiser
Maybelline Better Skin Concealer
Recover Correct & Conceal Red
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
Daniel Sandler Water Colour Blush (Rose Glow)
Daniel Sandler Radiant Glow
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder (Diffused Light)
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat (Pillow Talk)
Charlotte Tilbury Lip stick (Bitch Perfect)
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow

5 Minute Make-up - Friday Video

Technically 4 minutes when I'm on form... though you'd never know it through all this yakking

Face of the Day 4th August 2015 - Friday Video

There's quite a lot of baby and drilling in this video but it'll show you a quick look I've been doing for the past couple of weeks when I have had meetings but haven't had that much time to do my face...



Nudestix Magnetic Eye Colour in Angel
Liz Earle Signature Eye Colour in Bronze
NYX The Curve Eyeliner
Benefit Roller Lash
Eyeko Fat Brush Mascara
Dr Hauschka Tinted Day Cream 
Chantecaille Just Skin
Maybelline Better Skin Concealer
NYX Wonder Stick
NYX Sunkissed Radiant Finish Powder
Sleek Makeup Luminous Pressed Powder

What's in my hospital make-up and washbag - Friday Video

Here's a little peak inside my make-up and washbag that I've packed to go to the hospital to have the baby. I'm really sorry if I seem a little lack luster - I was feeling exhausted and not very well when I filmed this but bare with me - it may be useful! I've listed below all the products I mention that I have used and would recommend. There are some here that I wouldn't necessarily buy again or that I haven't tried so I'm not linking to them...

• Balmi 
• Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray 
• This Works In Transit Camera Close Up 
• Blistex Lip Brilliance
• Avon Quad in Mocha Latte
• Maybelline Better Skin concealer
• MAC Eye Kohl in Smoulder
• Benefit Sugarbomb
• Real Techniques Shading Brush
• Daniel Sandler Smudger Brush
• MAC Blot powder
• Paperchase Watermelon Washbag
• Halo Antibacterial Wipes
• Soap and Glory Clean on Me 
• Soap and Glory Righteous Butter 

Maybelline Brow Drama Quick Review - Friday Video

I don't use a lot of brow products on myself but this is a goodie...

Maybelline Browdrama

I have a bit of a love hate relationship with brow products. I need them for my professional work and then I'm quite picky about what I use, but I don't really need them myself and therefore don't spend a lot of time trying and testing them. I also really don't like the latest trend that seems to be overtaking Instagram for very strong, very obviously drawn on brows that are all you can look at and this makes me a little adverse to looking at any brow products on the high st.

I do however like to have a bit of good brow gel in my personal make-up collection to really make my make-up look polished if I'm going out and to set any brow pencil I've used to fill in the gaps. I've been happily using Benefit's Speed Brow but just because that's what I had and it used to be available near my house. Not any more so I thought I would try Maybelline's Browdrama as I've heard some really mixed reviews and that always makes me want to check something out for myself.

Maybelline Colourdrama

I picked this up on a whim, Boots is pretty lethal like that. They've put all the baby stuff at the back of the shop and then the make-up in a long corridor by the tills so you have to look at all the lovely things. Yes I know it's deliberate and I should have more will power. But I don't and this is a prime example of my weakness.

I love the trend at the moment for pencils, spurred on I suppose by the Clinique Chubby Sticks, you can now literally draw all over your face and I'm always on the look out for something new to scribble with, they make your daily routine so incredibly quick. When I'm into something I will very quickly check out every available one in whichever shop I happen to be in, it doesn't mean I'll buy anything but when I pulled the Maybelline Colourdrama lip pencil in 140 Minimalist out I didn't even think twice about getting it - for me it is the perfect colour. It was £4.99 so I was willing to risk it not being very good.