Evening makeup.

It may be my inner-grandma talking but there's nothing better than a chill, easy Saturday night at home, possibly involving a nice dinner, pyjama bottoms and a cup of hot coco with mellows. Tonight it's not the night though, and with a fancy evening out waiting for me and hours to get ready - for once I'm not doing anyone else's makeup and I'll make sure to celebrate that with a glass of something colourful that comes with a mini umbrella - I decided to make an extra effort and pull out my million-dollar products.
In the end it's all about the classics, red lips and gold glitters.

For the base, Nars Sheer Glow (£31) is the most obvious choice for special events and any occasion that may involve pictures, because it looks absolutely flawless for hours and has zero spf in it. Its medium coverage formula is easy to build and it leaves the skin looking glowy and perfected, with little to no need for concealer. It has only one downside, which is its tendency to accentuate and cling to any dry patches, but a good moisturizer or a hydrating primer underneath should do the trick. For special occasions I like to pop out my Charlotte Tilbrury Magic Cream (£70), which is flipping expensive but it truly does miracles for dull and thirsty skin, making it look instantly fuller and more radiant.
Since I want the focus to be on eyes and lips, I keep the skin natural with subtle definition, opting for creams rather than powders. I'm far too pale to even consider skipping on blush and a tiny drop of Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush (£14.50) in Cherub is enough to add a hint of colour to the cheeks that instantly makes me look fresher, while Illamasqua Hollow Cream Pigment (£17.50) makes those cheekbones of mine stand out a little bit more without going too overboard. Normally I wouldn't neglect highlighter - seriously, not even during the apocalypse - but a light dusting of Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder (£38) in Diffused all over is all I need for an immaculate, gorgeous glow and to set my makeup as well.

For some reason I forgot to include an eyebrow product in the picture above but I would never forget to fill in my brows, especially if I have a bold lip going on, as well defined brows are essential to balance out and ground red and dark lipsticks. I've been raving about the Anastasia Brow Wiz (£15.50) for months, so I'll keep it short and sweet: precise and long-lasting, lots of great shades to choose from and absolutely stunning yet believable results. Can you tell I'm in love?
For the eyes, the Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette The Dolce Vita (£38) always does it for me. The combo of shimmery off-white, bronze and antique gold is kind of a comfort zone for me and something I wear all the time, but it's absolutely beautiful nonetheless. The quality of these eyeshadows is pretty amazing - they glide on the skin so easily and blend like a dream - and I love that little pop of pressed glitter that can easily elevate even the simplest look and turn it into something really special.
To finish off the look, enter a generous coat of mascara and a pair of gorgeous falsies to make up for the lack of naturally long, jet black, luscious lashes - thanks for nothing, Mother Nature! -. I'm currently completely obsessed with ESQIDO Mink Lashes and with their Oh So Sweet ($45.99)* offering in particular, as they look so full yet are so comfortable to wear. They give this my-lashes-but-ten-times-better look that makes people wonder if you got lash extensions overnight or if you've simply got your mitts on the ultimate mascara that does it all. They're soft and fluffy, and also incredibly durable - I think I've worn this pair over ten times already and they still look like they're brand new -.

For lips at last, I've finally got my fingers on the long coveted Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (£18) in Mysterious Red and I honestly can't put it down. It's the most perfect medium-dark blue red with such a great dimension to it despite the matte finish. It goes on smoothly, without tugging the skin and lasts pretty much forever. I love that comes in a pencil form because this kind of colour can be a little tricky and easy to mess up with, but the pencil allows to outline the lips with precision and then fill them in in a couple of strokes - that's how pigmented this stuff is -. I'm officially obsessed.

What is your night out line up?

*Press Sample 

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8 beauty staples + giveaway.

Next to the products that make me fall in love or fill me with excitement every month, there're those few trusty staples I never quite mention or I don't speak about as often as I should - because they're the ones I either use pretty much daily, most of the time without even thinking, or I've temporarily put on a side but never stopped loving -. Today I thought I would round them up for you to show some well deserved love.

I love MAC lipsticks like the next person and of course every time I visit the store I find new shades to lust over but there's only one colour I can't get enough of and I keep repurchasing over and over again. A semi-sheer watermelon pink with a glossy finish, MAC Lustering Lipstick (£15.50) is a great example of a muted bright that can potentially suit everyone and goes with any kind of look, because despite being definitely hot pink, it's not a complete scene stealer. It's pretty and brightening and so easy to wear I don't think I'll ever be without it. Another MAC love has to be the 217 Blending Brush (£19), which is one of my top five must have brushes and beyond any doubt one of the most versatile I own. I use it with creams and powders, to pack eyeshadows on to the lid or to diffuse the color in the crease, as well as to blend concealer under the eyes and over imperfections. I can't stress it enough, everyone should invest in this brush.

Finally the 33 Lashes (£10.50) are my go-to falsies for any occasion. Those little clusters of brown and black hair look natural but also a bit flirty and complement any kind of look, from the most romantic doe-eyed ones to the sultriest smokey eyes. Sometimes I even cut them in half and wear them as accents on the outer corners to subtly elongate the eyes. They're so dreamy, I really recommend giving them a go.

When it comes to blushes NARS are my favourite brand and even if I get often distracted by new launches and formulas I seem to always go back to their amazing shades at some point. My most recent addiction, the Nars 413 BLKR Blush (£22.50) - a dark rosebud with a soft satin finish - is absolutely perfect for fall and winter as it gives to the cheeks that healthy 'Snow white flush' we all love during the colder months. Just like the rest of the shades in the range, this blush really packs a punch. Such an intense pigmentation calls for a light hand and an extra fluffy brush and one of my top picks for the job is the Sigma F15 Blush Brush (£16.50). It's soft and precise, and delivers a wonderful HD finish with both powders and liquids, and it's also brilliant to apply foundation. An all-around winner in my books.

Illamasqua Raindrops (£14.50) - a sheer light grey with just a hint of light blue and tiny opalescent specks that look like raindrops, hence the spot-on name - is probably my favourite ever nail polish. It's so effortlessly chic, it goes on smoothly and it has one of the longest lasting formulas out there. I really can't fault it. Since we're speaking of great formulas, I have to mention the Rouge Bunny Rouge Long Lasting Eyeshadows (£19). The texture of these shadows is excellent, soft but not crumbly and with a great colour payoff; each shade is easy to blend and so multidimensional it can be used alone as a wash of colour all over the lid or easily mixed with other eyeshadows. My favourite out of the lot has to be Delicate Hummingbird, a gorgeous frosty plum with a soft pink shimmer that I think would look good on anyone.

Lastly, if I had to include one fragrance I'd say Diptyque Philosykos. Our love story goes back to last year and is still going strong. With delicious notes of fig leaves, it's sweet but not sickening and ultimately fresh, like an early summer day - although it's not just a summer scent but I wear it all year around, sometimes even mixed with other fragrances -.

What about you? What are your all time favourites?

Now, without any further ado, on to the giveaway. To celebrate Strawberry Makeup bag's third birthday, I want to share some love with you as well and thank you for all the support by giving away all the beauty products pictured above to one lucky subscriber.

To enter read the Terms & Conditions and then use the Rafflecopter form below.

October Favourites.

Less than two months till Christmas, everyone! Aren't you beyond excited? I surely am but I'm trying to stay focused and instead of thinking about decorations and gifts, I thought about the great products I purchased or rediscovered in my stash in October and, trust me on this one, I've got some seriously good stuff here for you.

I've had two foundations on rotation lately and they're both filed under 'glowy and moisturizing', which is my favourite combination when it comes to foundations in general but also almost a necessity when the weather gets colder and my skin starts to suffer from it. Probably my favourite drugstore base of all time is the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation (£10.99) that combines decent coverage and lasting power to a great radiant boosting treatment that keeps my skin feeling nicely hydrated all day long. I can't get over how beautiful this foundation looks and how much more expensive it feels on the skin. It goes on beautifully, is slightly yellow toned so it counteracts redness really well and overall feels light and looks very natural.
My second love is the Chanel Les Beiges All in One Healthy Glow Fluid (£34) that I purchased only a couple of weeks ago but I've worn everyday without fault ever since. This falls more into the tinted moisturizer category, but instead of being rather pointless like some sheer bases can be, it evens out my skin so nicely and gives me enough coverage that I only need to add concealer under the eyes and over particularly angry-looking spots. The finish is absolutely gorgeous and out of this world - glowy and uber radiant but not dewy -, and it works really well underneath other foundations to prime the skin and add some extra luminosity as well.

Can't forget the awesome brush I've been using in combination with both of these bases and basically the only one I've used for my whole face lately. The Rae Morris Liquid Foundation (£47.50) is super soft and simply fantastic to stipple and blend in foundation. It doesn't soak up product or leave streaks, and works wonderfully with loose powders and mineral foundations as well as with liquid ones.
Speaking of makeup brushes, I've also been loving the Clean Lavender Goats Milk Brush Shampoo (£11.95) to deep clean them. The goat milk in this soap bar removes all the stains from the bristles and then softens and nourishes the hair without leaving a film on them, like some oils and conditioning products can do. It's a very nice alternative to liquid shampoo, especially for natural brushes with white bristles, and I adore the faint lavender scent it leaves behind.

 

Last on my list for makeup is my current lipstick obsession, the Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey (£17.50). A beautiful deep fig shade that's oh-so-chic, this looks awesome as a semi-sheer tinted balm that can be built up for a slightly more intense payoff, or layered on top of a dark lip pencil for a deeper and sultrier result. It's the kind of shade that draws a heap of compliments in every situation and it's quite moisturizing, which is a great extra.

Moving on to skincare, I'm well and truly addicted to LUSH Full of Grace Serum Bar (£8.95) and LUSH Yog Nog Soap (£3.40). The first one is a wonderful solid serum that sinks in pretty much instantly and leaves my skin soft and bouncy. It's not the most hydrating serum out there, but it's calming and soothing, and I can see it work for all skin types all year around. Yog Nog on the other hand may look like a regular soap bar but it has the most delicious of scents - spicy egg nog and cocoa powder - and, thanks to the soya yogurt in it, it's extra creamy and really moisturizing. It's a limited edition for Christmas and I suggest you scoop it up before it's gone, but be aware you may find yourself washing your hands about fifty times a day just to keep the lovely scent around.

My final pick is The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil (£10), which is my current cleanser of choice to remove the bulk of my makeup in the evening. I spend a couple of minutes massaging it into the skin to melt all of my makeup off and break down spfs and any waterproof formula, boosting my circulation at the same time as well. It's quick and efficient and doesn't leave my skin feeling stripped or irritated, but it's actually quite nourishing.

What have you been loving in October?

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September Favourites.

NARS Cruella Velvet Matte Lip Pencil // Clinique Voluptuous Violet Chubby Stick // Essie Parka Perfect Nail Polish // Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki Brush // Oskia Bedtime Beauty Boost // Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne // Charlotte Tilbury Cheek To Chic Love Is The Drug Blush // Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Primer. //

Can we please take a moment to appreciate that summer is finally and fully behind us and now that October is here I can start obsessing over autumn trends, Halloween, scarves, scarves, scarves! and all that jazz? Fall, how do I love thee!

Anyways, as usual as the previous month wraps up and a new one begins, I look back and find my most loved products of the month: here's what I either used everyday, came across or rediscovered throughout September.

My first favourite is a dreamy new entry in my skincare lineup. The Oskia Bedtime Beauty Boost (£45) is a thick night cream with a balmy texture that does miracles for my skin whilst I snore peacefully. Despite its thickness it does sink in surprisingly quickly and provides deep hydration while promoting skin renewal, so that when I wake up my skin looks more supple and radiant. It's quite the luxury treatment but it makes a big difference, especially when my skin is a bit stressed out, and it has quickly become a staple in my special occasion/post-breakout pampering routine.

As for makeup, I have two lipsticks on rotation at the minute. The Clinique Chubby Stick Lip Balm (£17) in Voluptuous Violet is creamy and moisturizing, with just a hint of colour and a lovely non-sticky glossy finish, while the NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (£18) in Cruella is to die for in terms of pigmentation and longevity. The Clinique offering is definitely a safe choice for the day but also a discreet way to say goodbye to summery textures and approach more Fall appropriate berry shades; on the other hand Cruella is one of those crowd-pleasing reds that go with everything and make you feel extra special on an average day.

I've also been reaching for the Charlotte Tilbury Cheek To Chic Swish & Pop Blusher (£30) in Love Is The Drug - that's a name and a half - over any other powder blush. Both the texture and the packaging look and feel really expensive and, you know me, I can't resist a brightening pink blush. There's a soft shimmer running through it that instantly lifts and wakes up the skin and a pop of the bright candy pink in the center, applied right on the apple of the cheeks, it's all you need to fake the perfect chilly out-gone flush. Too pretty to ignore!

I've own the Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki (£16.50) for almost 4 years now; I used to be madly in love with it and then for some reason - maybe the other ten million brushes in my collection had something to do with it, ehr - I put it on a side, till last month when my crush for this brilliant brush came back full force. It makes quick work of any liquid base and delivers beautiful results in just a few swipes. The bristles are so soft and so tightly packed, you can either build or sheer out the coverage really easily and achieve the most flawless finish in any occasion.
My last makeup favourite is the Essie Nail Colour (£9.95) in Parka Perfect, a beautiful dusty light blue shot through with a subtle shimmer, which is simply perfect to embrace a bit of colour as the weather gets cooler. The formula goes on a little blotchy at first but it's so pretty is definitely worth the extra effort.

 

On to hair, I fell head over heels for the Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Primer (£19). I'm a big fan of double duty and multipurpose products, especially when it comes to haircare, as I don't want to weight down my fine hair too much and therefore the fewer products I use on them the better. This lovely oil mix acts as a leave in-conditioner, detangler, fly-aways tamer, primer to make styling the hair much easier and make any hairdo last much longer, and finally protects the hair from UV and heat-styling damage. On top of everything, it leaves my hair super soft and makes them smell absolutely delicious.
Speaking of gorgeous scents, the Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne (£40) is my fragrance obsession of the moment. Although I only purchased it a couple of weeks ago, I'm already addicted to this gorgeous scent. I love how Jo Malone's fragrances can evocate places and images so well and this one in particular reminds me of a wintery trip to the seaside, with the waves hitting the cliffs and the driftwood resting on the sand. With notes of wood, musk and sea salt, it's sophisticated yet crisp and clean, perfect on its own or for layering with other scents for fall.

What have you been loving last month?

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