Shoes That Make My Knees Weak!

Hi Beauties!

Today's post has nothing to do with makeup. It's all about shoes I adore (but can't afford) and some wallet friendly similar alternatives. I have to admit that shoes have a very special place in my heart, right next to the makeup of course! I drool over shoes from premium designers and while my wallet is not very heavy, I still daydream. Here, I selected some of my current favorite 'obsessions' and some wallet-friendly alternatives.

Splurge: Christian Louboutin Pigalle 120

Steve Madden Nicolett Black Patent


Splurge: YSL Easy Open Pumps

Steven by Steve Madden Smittin





Splurge: YSL Triptoo Pumps

Steve Madden Symbill Pump (eventhough it's not patent leather, the style is similar)


Splurge: Christian Louboutin Paris 100

Steven by Steve Madden Blazzer

Splurge: Brian Atwood Hidden Platform Pumps


Steve Madden Slique Taupe Snake Pumps

Splurge: Christian Louboutin Nitoinimoi Bandage Ankle Boots

Steve Madden Towwer

Splurge: Christian Louboutin Very Prive Peep-Toe Pumps

Steve Madden Brriggt Black Multi


I hope you girls enjoyed looking at the shoes as much I do. I have a serious thing for Lubus. So much, that when I become rich one day (lol), I would love to have a closet full of them. In the meantime, I will settle for my 1 and only pair.


XOXO,
Awilda

More Mac!

No, your eyes aren't deceiving you...it's more Mac!

I said I wouldn't get any more for a while and I gave in. But I can explain! I needed (ok, wanted) a nice matte beige eyeshadow base and I know that Mac Paint Pot in Painterly (above right) is probably one of the best ones. Then I saw Mac Paint Pot in Bare Study (above left) which is a champagne shimmer and I wanted that for a more glowy eye.

I also picked up a Mac classic that I didn't have...Creme De Nude. As I suspected, it's a perfect shade for me...it's probably the perfect shade for everyone. I thought I would love it and I was right. It will now sit proudly with the other 50 nude lipsticks I have but they're all slightly different...honest.ha ha.

Then...I remembered that another beauty blogger, Shangri-La, had commented on one of my posts a while back that the Mac Liquilast in Aqualine looked amazing...and boy was she right! It's the most gorgeous bright turquoise and I plan to use it as a nice slim line of colour on a neutral eye (possibly using Painterly or Bare Study...see!I told you I would use them!). I have been inspired by Kelly a.k.a. Kelanjo19 and her bright eyeliner looks using the GOSH liquid liners (which I am also coveting!). I want to find a deep metallic navy liquid liner so if anyone knows of one, gimme a shout! I wasn't sure about bright liner until I saw some of her posts and that proved how great it can look when you keep the rest of the face glowy and neutral. Check out the colour below! Beautiful!

Lipstick Rules, Rules!

I came home today to another package from the lovely Michelle a.k.a. Lipstick Rules. We did a swap and as she forgot to send a couple of things, she posted them afterwards. I was so touched that she included a card for me congratulating me on my engagement to Chris...that was such a sweet touch and I really appreciate it. It made me smile after a long day at work so thank you Michelle!

I never cease to be surprised at how friendly and helpful all the girls are on these beauty blogs. It's so nice that all these peole that have never met can come online and share a common interest and also make friends at the same time (sounds corny but it's true and you know it!).




As for the beauty booty from Michelle...she has sent me:

1) Quo Shimmer Block in Sunset Boulevard, which is an allover illuminating powder.

2) A little dinky Nars lipgloss in Turkish Delight (loooove that colour and it's so me!)

3) Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Sin, a gorgeous pinky brown (very like Urban Decay Midnight Cowboy but without the glittery bits).

4) Balmshell Sleep-In Beauty Lipgloss which doubles up as a keyring!

I can't wait to try it all out! It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know Michelle and I highly recommend everyone checks out her blog coz I'm sure you'll love it as much as I do!

To Prime or Not to Prime?...that is the question!

Hey girlies!

The question of the day is about makeup primers...do you use them religiously or think they are a waste of time/money? I have been using primers for a couple of years now and I have found that they give me a smoother, more even base to apply makeup onto. I also find they make my makeup last alot longer and reduce shine on my T-Zone. The best choice of primer for reducing shine are the colourless, oil-free formulas. I find they also make it easier for me to blend my foundation into my skin.

I've heard alot of bloggers on here don't use primers as they don't like the 'oily' feeling it gives their skin, a sensation which could be caused be the silicon in them. I personally haven't experienced any kind of oily feeling from the primers that I use but I have dry skin so that's possibly why they work for me. You also have to remember not to use too much of the product (one pump or half a pea sized amount is more than enough for the whole face). I always apply mine after moisturiser.

I would be interested to know if anyone with oily skin uses them and how they make it work for them?

There are alot of options now when it comes to primers. For example, MAC do a spray version that 'sets' your makeup once applied which I am yet to try (Pixiewoo use this in some of their vids on YouTube). I have tried the Smashbox and Laura Mercier primers and I wasn't that fond of them but as with everything you apply on your face, it depends on your skin type. I also like to use illuminating products as a primer when I want a really dewy look or to add a bit of colour. My favourite primers are:

1) YSL Matte Touch - for a shine free, smooth and even complexion

2) Lancome La Base pro - for lasting power and easy blending

3) Mac Strobe Liquid - for a gorgeous dewy that enhances your complexion

4) Virgin Vie Skin Dew Primer - for an ethereal, soft pink glow

5) The Body Shop Tinted Glow Enhancer in no.2 - for an overall golden glow to the face

In my opinion, I like the extra bit of insurance a primer gives you to ensure that your makeup stays in place, especially when the weather starts to heat up (which ain't that often in Scotland but it does SOMETIMES happen, once in a blue moon). I have a huge collection of primers and illuminators and I wouldn't be without them. They make my skin look flawless and for that, I salute them!

What are your opinions on primers and which ones are your favourites?