Birthstone Seriees: April Diamond

image: My Jewelry Center  

For those who were born in the month of April the Diamond is the traditional birthstone. The April birthstone poem reflects some of the properties with which the Diamond is associated - enhancing relationships and increasing inner strength. The Traditional Metaphysical Properties for the April Birthstone Diamond are  balance, clarity and abundance. The healing properties of the April birthstone are reputed to be effective for health problems relating to brain diseases, pituitary glands. The Diamond is also used to draw out toxins and therefore was used as a remedy for poison. Birthday Gems

Used: Geek Chic My Mind Palace on the inner corner and above the crease, Geek Chic Morningstar on the lid, Shiro Finklestein on the center of the lid, Shiro Megaflare on the outer corner. Brows and crease are Geek Chic Don't Blink, liner is Collection Glam Crystals Hustle and I used a touch of Geek Chic Rock Salt for glitter.

Not a look I would ever wear out of the house, too pale especially given how pale and pink I am, but I quite like what I came up with. I hope you guys do to.

25 Before 25

So Saturday 7th was my 24th Birthday. It was a quiet day, though I did get a treat lunch of baked cod which was awesome, and spent the evening with my family. It was nice. I've seen a lot of "x before y" posts since I've been blogging and thought it would be an awesome idea to try and get some of my goals completed for the year ahead. Or at least give me something to do before I hit 25 (scary! I barely feel like I got out of college a couple of years ago, not nearly 6!). Time flies. Anyway, here are my goals for my 24th year of life. Some are much easier than others, and some I'm carrying on from the start of the year (no-buy, films, Hellblazer and books). Hey, ticking off a few will give me motivation if nothing else!

25 before 25

1. Visit one completely new place overseas
2. See the British Museum
3. Complete a Photo a Day Challenge
4. Reach 100 followers on Bloglovin
5. Learn one new skill
6. Write 100 words a day for a month
7. Finish Hellblazer readthrough
8. Get a second nose piercing
9. Go to a Warrington Wolves Match
10. Donate Blood
11. Read 20 Books
12. Visit Ireland
13. Visit Wales
14. Visit Scotland
15. Get a professional massage
16. Watch 50 films
17. Make my own blog layout with CSS
18. Go on a date
19. Pass my practical driving exam
20. Raise money for Dementia
21. Complete a no buy
22. Cosplay
23. Have one of my papers published
24. Raise money for b-Eat
25. Run in a 5K

and as a bonus, here's the makeup I wore on the day.

didn't really work out quite as I had planned. Ah well., I used My Pretty Zombie Anthrax (I'll put the swatches up soon™), with Innocent + Twisted Alchemy Sweet Pandemonium in the center. I can't quite remember the black on the outer corner, but the glitters are Choppa Gunner by Victorian Disco and Starburst from Darling Girl. Liner is Collection Glam Crystals in Rock Chick over a plain black liner. Brows are Shiro They're After Me Lucky Charms.

Darth Vader Inspired

Second week of the Dark Side of Beauty March Series challenge brings us your father the infamous Darth Vader, a voice recognised by fans and non-fans alike.

Once a Jedi Knight, Anakin Skywalker swore loyalty to Sith Lord Darth Sidious in order to gain the power of the dark side of the Force. Vader betrayed the Jedi Order and his Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi. With the rise of the Galactic Empire, Darth Vader became the Emperor's dark enforcer. He carried out the Emperor's will, and commanded legions of Imperial troops. Vader was tasked with discovering the secret headquarters of the Rebel Alliance, as well as chasing down the Rebels who destroyed the Empire's massive Death Star battle station.

Used: Femme Fatale Unholy on inner corner and lower lashline, Geek Chic Baby over lid, Victorian Disco Kidnap Sandy Claws on outer corner, crease and in brow, Shiro Zero above the crease, Fyrinnae Scarlet Macaw on outer brow, Geek Chic Golden Trio as outer flick liner. Main liner was Collection Glam Crystals in Rock Chick.

Lots of blacks from the infamous costume and a flash of red for the lightsaber. I actually really like this look, bit much for everyday wear though (not that that would have stopped me!).

St Patrick's Day Eyes and Nails

A little late I know, for some reason I thought St Patrick's Day was Friday... don't ask!  Anyway, here is a fun eye and nail look for the day, maybe worth saving for next year?

Used: Shiro Rupee and Innocent + Twisted No Fairytale over the lid. Shiro Hero of Ages on the outer corner and Victorian Disco Wazoo as glitter. The clovers were drawn using Geek Chic Eldritch mixed with ELF Lock and Seal, the gold is Victorian Disco Helga and I used Victorian Disco Sandy Claws as liner. My eyebrows were filled with Shiro Last Homely House (current fun go-to).

Used: Barry M Spring Green and Emerald Green on thumb, index and pinkie, Barry M Greenberry on middle, Rimmel Gold Save The Queen on index. Glitter gradient is Collection Hot Looks gold, clover was drawn with Barry M Watermelon and the rainbow was eBay nail art pens

GOT Polish: Skittles

and my truly hopeless first attempt at stamping. I think I need a bigger stamper and to try smaller designs rather than whole nail ones. My nails seem to be longer than the images, well the ones on this plate from Born Pretty Store.

Polishes used: Barry M Mushroom and Nails Inc Basil Street for the base, Rimmel Your Majesty, Barry M Magnetic Blue and Collection 2000 Hot Looks All That Jazz for the stamping. 

Kind of mangled them sleeping but I've been so behind on time lately that I'm afraid I haven't been able to redo them into something better. I really need to improve my planning! And really figure out how to use Windows 8.1, opening things in GIMP seems much harder.

GOT Polish: Green

This didn't work out how I wanted, but I didn't want to miss another week.

Polishes used: Barry M Mint Ice Cream [pinky & thumb and for the jellyfish], Barry M Emerald Green [ring and second], Collection 2000 Hot Looks Shameless [middle]. And some old temporary tattoos in the place of water decals.

Nail Art: Leopard Print, Stripes and Geometric

Just a couple of nail looks I remembered to photograph this week. Must remember to take more photos of nails [and do more pretty nail art!]

Geometric patterns with a stud and leopard accent nail. Used Barry M Copper, Collection Gothic Glam polish in Dramatic and Collection Hot Looks polish in All That Jazz with a cheap black Nail Art pen. The leopard print base colour was Rimmel Space Dust Aurora with Collection Dramatic for the spots and again the black nail art pen.

This look was inspired by a combination of The Nailsaurus' Center Stripe manicure and Brit Nails' Leopard Underneath manicure. Base colour was Barry M Blueberry, with Models Own Aqua Violet and Barry M Silver Multi Glitter gradient over it. Leopard print was done with George Pirate and nail art pen. The black around the stripes is Barry M Matte in Espresso [swatches coming soon!].

So what do you think? Would you guys like more nail posts when I get time? I know I'm not much of an artist but I do enjoy nail time.

January Theme Challenge: Slytherin

For this months theme challenge at Dark Side of Beauty we're doing Harry Potter. Which is awesome, because I love Harry Potter and the Houses were a makeup idea I wanted to have a crack at. First week is Slytherin and this is my attempt at the theme.

Used: Victorian Disco Salazar over lid, Victorian Disco Thranduil above the crease, Victorian Disco Kidnap Sandy Claws in the crease, Black Rose Minerals Spike on eyebrows. Silver liner is from George, glitter is a combination of Collection 2000 Glam Crystals and Victorian Disco Wazooo!. Rhinestones are from eBay.

New Years Eve Party Look

New Years Eve is all about the sparkle right? This is a silver, smoky look which should go with anything. Not sure if this is exactly what I'll be wearing tonight, but it's pretty and easy to put together. Though sadly my camera wasn't picking up the sparkle as well as it should have done.

Used: MUA Starry Night palette [BR2, BR3 and TR4 across lid and crease. TR6 in outer corner and crease as shown in swatches here], Victorian Disco Steady Aim patted over the lid. Collection Extreme felt tip liner in black with Collection Glam Crystals Hustle. Lashes are Revlon Thickening Chic. Brows were filled with MUA Starry Night TR4.

Favourite Products & Brands of 2013

First in my line up of 2013 favourites round ups, my favourite products and brands of the last year. I've provided links to reviews and swatches where I can.

1. Collection 2000 Extreme Liner & Glam Crystals liner. The Extreme 24hr liner in black is my everyday go to liner, it's easy to use and highly pigmented giving a near-perfect black line every time. Great when I'm in a rush, since I think my liquid liner skills need help. Granted it isn't waterproof, but it also doesn't stain like some of its coloured counterparts. The Glam Crystals are my favourite way to add a little, or a lot, of sparkle to a look.  Glam Crystals swatches
   
2. Barry M nail polishes are always a winner for me and this year they've released some utter stunners, especially the Gellys and amazing Crystal Glaze. While I'm not a fan of textured polishes, the swatches I've seen of some of the latest releases, especially Countess, have been slowly luring me in. swatches here
   
3. Indie eyeshadows! I discovered indies this year and since then I've been hooked, well over 100 samples have found their way into my collection. I don't have a problem, honest... Top brands for me this year have been Shiro here, Victorian Disco here & Darling Girl here
   
4. Primers! Favourites for me have been the cult favourite Urban Decay Primer [I have Eden] and from the Indies Kiss My Sass's primer [though I haven't restocked since after the reformulation so this is subject to change]. And not a primer, but a sticky base that I just can't be without the Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy. It really makes colours look amazing, and glitter sticks!
   
5. Layla Holographic polishes. Linear holographic polishes with a really strong holo bend at a reasonable price. Enough said. swatches here
   
6. ELF lock and seal. I owe you all a post singing the praises of this. I was trying to make my own mixing medium so I could use my pigments as liners, but always managed to end up with a lovely transfer line on my eyelid. But with this? None of that mess happens. It sets solid for the whole day, so now I can have hundreds of eyeliner shades! It also sets glitter into place if I'm applying it second whereas my pixie epoxy can lift my eyeshadow colour if I apply a second layer.
   
7. Maybelline Colour Tattoo are a quick fix lifesaver. They really do last for ages, can be used as a base if I haven't got primer to hand [though I am a little bitter the matte beige shade from Autumn in the US never made it over here, perfect base right there!] as well as coming in a range of gorgeous shades for quick lasting eyeshadow if I don't want to mess about with pigments and brushes and such. Seriously a winner for me this year. swatches

A Couple Looks I Forgot To Post

Purple and Teal using Shiro Derp as liner and Victorian Disco Room of Requirement and Fyrinnae Mystical Hedgehog over the lid

Sparkly Neutrals!
Inner corner is Victorian Disco Lorien, with Innocent and Twisted Alchemy Warm & Fuzzy over the main lid and Geek Chic Antedelluvian on the outer corner. Liner is Collection 2000 extreme in black and glam crystals in Hustle.

Can't remember if I posted this before. Not 100% on what I used. I think Victorian Disco Fallen Survivor is there somewhere.

And finally a totally random test-look, christmas elf inspired

 Used Black Rose Minerals Spike over the lid with a mix of Geek Chic Inevitable Betrayal and Black Rose Ein in the center to highlight, which didn't work so well. Red liner is Victorian Disco For The Horde

Blue and Silver

Blue and silver are very much winter colours, and good for parties!

Used: a combination of silver shades over the lid from the MUA Starry Night palette, and the black on the outer corner was also from Starry Night [I believer BR2 nd TR4, I have swatches here], the blue above the crease was Victorian Disco Clones. Liner is Black Rose Minerals Annabelle Lee on the lower lid and Collection Glam crystals in Night Fever on the upper lid.

Ice Blues

Another wintery look with a new favourite blue, usually blues make me look very 80's reject but I don't know, I kinda like this one.

Used: Victorian Disco Jack & Sally over lid with Shiro Finkelstein on the inner corner. Outer corner using Outer Rim/Clones from Victorian Disco. Silver glitter is VDC Steady Aim, silver liner is from george and the black is my collection extreme liner.

Collection Glam Crystals Eyeliner Swatches

I love these eyeliners, they have stuck around a while and for good reason. They arere densely packed with glitter and last ages! I fell asleep with the swatches on my arm and there was still some glitter lines left in the morning, which is pretty impressive in my opinion. And with Christmas and the party season upon us, a bit of glitter is just the ticket.

These swatch photos were taken at night, but using a daylight bulb. You can see how dense the glitter is though.

Collection Glam Crystals liners retail for £2.99 and are available in Boots, Superdrug and many large supermarkets. There are more shades than shown here in the collection, one day I'll own them all!

Catching Fire

I've been meaning to post this for ages, I saw Catching Fire on the 23rd and never got around to actually getting the photos edited and uploaded. My apologies.

The movie itself was amazing, I cried an awful lot and was in total awe at the makeup, effects and clothes [and yes, the story, I loved the books and the film. I'm glad they're not pushing the love story angle as hard as they've done in the trailers].

Products used: Black Rose Minerals Jet and Darling Girl The Seam on lid, Shiro Cosmetics Zero and Cheifest of Calamities in the crease and inner corner. Shiro Cornucopia as upper liner with Collection Extreme Liner as the black liner near lashline. Liner on lower lashline was Darling Girl Survival Instinct and I used Rimmel white eyeliner pencil on the waterline. The glitter on the outer eye is Freaky Friday from Darling Girl. For my lips I used Fyrinnae Conjuror with Shio Zero in the center of the lip.


And as a bonus, here's a practice run look I did:

 Used: Black Rose Minerals Jet on lid, Shiro Ragdoll in crease, and Victorian Disco Helga and Sailor Galaxia as liners.

Patchwork Nails

Simple patchwork nails for me this week. I really like this design of nail art, it's easy to do and looks nice [in my opinion].

I used Barry M Gelly paints in Watermelon and Plum as base coats, then added squares/lines of Barry M Silvery Lilac and Collection 2000 Hot Looks Shimmy Shake. The black lines were done with a cheap eBay nail art pen. Simple and quick.

Various Nails

Just a quick post of some various nail art I've done and never got around to posting!

 

Red is Collection 2000 Dramatic, siver is Barry M silver multi glitter, I also used a generic black nail art pen and Rimmel's black crackle coat.

Tentacles! Used Barry M Navy as the base coat, Barry M Crystal glaze over that, Tentacles were done using a nail art brush and Layla Emerald Divine with dots of Barry M Gelly Watermelon for suckers. Silver dots [bubbles] are 17 Silver holo.

Halloween nails! Sally Hansen Purple Potion as base, with Collection 2000 hot looks grey [cannot remember the name at all] and generic nail art pens for the black and white.

And a bonus picture of the 17 UV top coat in action! It's awesome :D