END OF SUMMER EDIT: BACK TO THE BASICS, FLAWLESS SKIN & HAIR OOMPH

Summer beauty edit

Welcome back Drama. Welcome back, readers. I haven't been around much, have I? It was a crazy summer & I came out of it with new experiences, friendships and even more. The blog took a step back whilst I sat & evaluated what direction I want it to go. Being a perfectionist doesn't help, believe me. I wrote countless posts and binned them. Life got busier & happier. While I spend the same amount of time on my phone, it's not social media I concentrate on. I went and gotten myself a life, can you believe it? Without a further a'do let's see what I've been obsessed with over summer, shall we?

Back to the basics

Ok so my basic may be a little more than a mascara and lip gloss but I haven't been buying much recently and enjoyed shopping my stash more. My whole summer look included a smokey eye, red lippy and fluttery lashes to compliment the look. I concentrated less on socials and the shopping apathy followed. I walked into the Boots recently and walked out shop-less... Yep. It happened. 

Warm tones are still my favourite eye look and this summer, with many palettes left with my gorgeous new bride best friend I dug deep into my stash and came out with Violet Voss Holy Grail. The palette hosts 20 shades in various finishes, from matte through satin to shimmer, any warm tone lover will find themselves mesmerised. And to think I originally dismissed it as just meh? If you're looking for a fantastic quality eyeshadow palette that hosts a collection of warm tones, look no further. And no, you really don't need any other, unless you're a hopeless makeup junkie like yours truly. Available from Beauty Bay. 

Buy me (£40.00 each): Beauty Bay | Cult Beauty | Violet Voss

A great mascara is a must and I believe I have finally found The One and no it doesn't cost an arm and the leg! I have a huge love for designer mascara and Too Faced Better Than Sex has been at the top spot in what feels like forever. L'Oreal Paradise Mascara has been branded a perfect dupe and I'm inclined to agree to a certain extent. I actually prefer the drugstore version for once! What TF BTS lacks is a staying power as it smudges badly and that's what L'Oreal fixes with their Paradise Mascara. The formula, black intensity and a brush are identical giving me fluttery lashes in just one coat without a single clump. Not even when new, this mascara delivers top quality and longevity. It's just brilliant. Buy it now. You NEED IT! 

Buy me (£11.99 each): Boots | Superdrug | Amazon (offer)

Red lips, don't care is my everyday policy. This summer, I practically lived in Lancome Matte Shakers in Red'y in 5 and Magic Orange. The combination of two gives the most stunning, yet not too in your face orange red. It's not too neon, but also holds its own in statement lip competition. What's best though, it's the formula. The most natural looking and comfortable to wear liquid lippy out there. It's not overly matte, it makes lips look good and kissable and will survive light lunch. I currently own three shades but I'm truly tempted by the whole line. We need more shades Lancome! I need a good lasting dupe for my MAC Rebel - the autumn is coming, so praying for darker shades release!  

Buy me (£19.50 for 6.5ml): Feel Unique | Boots | Selfridges | Lancome UK | John Lewis 

Flawless skin

It's all about great skin care if you're looking for that flawless looking base. I finally dug up the blog famous Kiehl's Midnight Recovery and I'm hooked. Few drops are all you need and I tend to apply it either on its own after cleansing, toning and a bit of essence. Or use under my recent fave overnight mask. Both ways work for me and I really love how my skin looks when I wake up. It plumps, brightens and brings out that natural radiance I'm forever after. I love the packaging, the bottle looks stunning on my skincare shelf. The pipette is precise and I haven't wasted a single drop. Whilst it's recommended as an overnight treatment, I used a couple of drops under makeup for my gorgeous bride best friend to add a little extra glow to her complexion. Combination of Lavender Essential Oil, Squalane and Evening Primrose Oil not only adds radiance but also firms the skin. Definite fave. 

Buy me (£38 for 30ml): Kiehl's UK | Feel Unique | Space NK | Debenhams 

It took me years to understand my skin, even longer to find foundations that truly work for me. Whilst I adore Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear it tends to oxidise ever so slightly. On the hunt for coverage and longevity, I stumbled upon Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation. Hallelujah! It's water based so it doesn't oxidise. It looks smashing on my skin giving me the perfect amount of matte. It doesn't set in fine lines or accentuate dry patches and lasts all day long. I set it with RCMA No-Colour Powder in T-Zone and enjoy shine free complexion with just a little healthy glow for good measure. It's perfect. I've been using it alongside their new primer, which I've gotten a deluxe sample off whilst shopping in Smashbox at Bullring, Birmingham. It's a definite full size buy as soon as it finishes. 

Buy me (£29.50 for 30ml): Smashbox UK | Look Incredible

Sing me glitter

I could not mention Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Kitten Karma. It's what dreams are made off and the shade is simply stunning! Rose gold liquid eyeshadow mixed with soft yet quite dominant glitter silver flakes give any make up the made up look. You don't need to be a makeup pro to introduce glitter to your style anymore. It's easy to apply and there's virtually no fallout. The longevity is also a plus, as the eyeshadow stays put for 12+ hours with a base on. I'm in love with the effect it gives. I may treat myself to couple more shades in a due time but for now, I'm happy to have Kitten Karma in my life. 

Buy me (£23 for 10ml): Beauty Bay | Feel Unique | Asos | Cult Beauty | Stila UK

Hair Oomph 

I've never used to pay attention to hair care and hairstyling products. I woke up, braided my super long hair and was done. With the new short do, I can't do that anymore *sigh*. Thankfully Ouai Texturizing Spray* is here to rescue me. I wash my hair in the evening and spritz it with Ouai Wave Spray to wake up to messy waves and spray my locks with Dry Texturising Spray to give it some volume and texture. It's the easiest hair style I could come up with that guarantees that extra 5 minutes in bed. I have been testing a lot of Ouai recently and finally, I understand what the hype was all about. Simple yet gorgeous packaging hosts miracle product. It's virtually Oribe Dry Texturising Spray with a difference. I find Ouai to last longer in my hair and it's half price from Oribe, which is always a plus. If you haven't tried it yet, give it a go next time you're on a shopping spree. You won't regret it, I promise!

Buy me (£22 for 130g): Look Fantastic | Feel Unique | Space NK | The Ouai | Cult Beauty

Summer playlist

I decided to include some songs this month, as I rarely tell you what's on my current playlist. This summer there were few songs, I have had playing on repeat. On holiday, I danced to Enrique Iglesias Subéme La Radio, Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee feat. JB Despacito, Dj Khaled feat. Rihanna Wild Thoughts and CNCO & Little Mix Reggaetón. If I was in a little chilling mood, I'd put Calvin Harris Funk Wav Vounces Vol 1 and Harry Styles new album, which I'm little embarrassed to say, it's so so good! 

Line of Duty

Ok, so my work bestie put me up to this and I loved every moment of it. I watched all 4 seasons in the last few weeks, simply because it's a brilliant show. It has everything going for it: drama, suspense and constant OMFG moments. 2nd BBC series to date I'm enjoying so much after Night Manager (when's season 2 coming out btw?). Anti-corruption unit AC-12 struggles with realities of corruption within police departments. Six episodes to a season, all one hour long with one story told throughout a season. Every season seems to be connected somehow and the more I watched, the more I loved it. I can't wait for season 5 now, as it doesn't look like the Line of Duty has any intention to ever slow down. 

How was your summer my lovelies? Have you discovered or re-discovered any beauty lately? 

*pr sample, all opinions are as always my own
** some links may be affiliate

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Thank You For Reading,

Love