PILLOW TALK MÉNAGE À TROIS

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lips

Is there anything hotter than Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lip threesome? Marketed for all complexions, but is it really that great? This blogger investigates...

ON MY FACE LATELY

New makeup on my face

It’s been notoriously quiet here on Beauty Drama Queen but life’s been busy. And the last week has been particularly sh*tty. A headache returned with vengeance and scared me shitless. It's been a while since I had to take time off and almost a week at that because of pain. Usually I just push through it but I think my body has finally given in and forced me to rest. I'm still operating at 40% so I'm glad to have some content pre-written. Other than last week, as always, I’ve been not so quietly testing a lot of new makeup and falling back in love with some older bits. Here’s the brand new ‘On my face lately’ and it’s a good one if I say so myself. Off we go then. 

OILGASM IN A BOTTLE?

Rå Oils Eternal Radiance

There are some skincare products that make you rethink your whole life after a single application. Ones that make you purr and achieve the best oilgasm of your life (you had to read that twice didn’t you, you dirty lot!). When I was first contacted about RÅ Oils Eternal Radiance*, it made me oilgasm just a little too - just look at that minimalistic packaging! Having a quick look at the website confirmed, that it’s one brand I need to get behind now because it’s going to get huge, trust me. And if you’re into great quality ingredients that speak for themselves, well then - you've come to the right place! 

BY INVITATION PEONY NOIR - A NEW FRAGRANCE BY MICHAEL BUBLÉ

Michael Bublé By Invitation Peony Noir review

Michael Bublé's new scent attracts a confident woman who knows what she wants and when she wants it. By Invitation Peony Noir* is simple, classy yet sensual and makes for an enticing addition to the existing range. Mr Bublé is here to cement his position in the fragrance world with a brand new perfume. Is it a winner though?

MARKS & SPENCER BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR 2018

Marks and Spencer Advent Beauty Calendar 2018

Happy November my dear readers. While the month itself usually greets us with terrible cold, rain and whatnots, Marks & Spencer decided to sweeten the deal and drop their incredible Beauty Advent Calendar 2018 today. 

And if you’re in Birmingham, there are few more treats awaiting you this lunchtime! Yes that’s right, not only is it Friday eve but this lunchtime from 1pm you can treat yourself to some bubbly, listen to various brands representatives and even shop a little while you at it in their Birmingham High Street branch. There will be peeps from Alpha H, Filorga UK and many more if you have any makeup or skincare related questions. Tickets are only £5 and redeemable against purchase! The deal stayed the same - spend £35 in store across beauty, clothing and home and you can grab this beauty up for £35 too. That’s over £250 worth of makeup and skincare!!! Fancy knowing what awaits inside? 

THE GUIDE TO MULTI TONING WITH PIXI + GIVEAWAY

Multi-toning with Pixi Beauty

The brand who revolutionised the industry with their affordable Glow Tonic many moons ago has been busy recently! First, they introduced us to Rose Tonic and then Retinol Tonic shortly after. I’m a huge fan of the original formula but have the rest also caught my attention? Let’s find out. Oh, and there's a little giveaway announcement at the bottom of this post, if you'd like a chance to win all 3 Pixi toners to try for yourself now!

MATTE AND LUMINOUS - IS GLOW DEAD?

Return of powder

Truly a welcome news for those with oily skin, Funmi Fetto - a contributing beauty editor to British Vogues announced that the glow is dead in her recent editorial (November 2018 issue). So what does that mean and is the glow truly dead or have we re-used the term in such way, it’s no longer sustainable? This beauty blogger investigates.

3 UNDER THE RADAR FACIAL OILS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

I’m a freak that uses facial oils all year long but I appreciate that most of you probably switch to oils around this time of year. Skin becomes drier and dehydrated thanks to the cold weather, AC at work and heating at home. So drink up ladies. And once you’ve knocked down your 3 litres of water a day, slather your face with a yummy facial oil. It’ll work wonders, trust me. 

AUTUMN SKINCARE SWITCH UP

What's new in my skincare routine for autumn?

As seasons change so does my skincare. I find my skin to be drier in colder months, especially with heating at home and air conditioning at work doing their bit to drain all the hydration from it. I’ve introduced a few bits to my routine recently to help the transition and take care of skin’s many needs. If you’re on a lookout to change up your routine, I hope you too can find new favourites to appease your skin.

NO MAKEUP MAKEUP + SKINCARE (CLINIQUE’S GIFT WITH PURCHASE)

No makeup makeup day - skincare + makeup picks

I admit I rarely talk about 'no-makeup makeup' as I don’t tend to go for those quick 5-minute looks. Earlier this year I kind of perfected the ‘I woke up like this’ messy & cheeky look. And whilst I appreciate the powers of full coverage foundations, sometimes even I’d like to stay in bed those few minutes longer. Enter glowing skin, invisible makeup for those days when you care, just not too much! 

LATEST IN BEAUTY 'BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR 2018' IS HERE!

Latest in Beauty 'Beauty Advent Calendar 2018'

Christmas is a magical time. And yes, I’m acutely aware I type this in October. What a girl to do if such beauty like Latest in Beauty 'Beauty Advent Calendar 2018' arrives still in time to put this on your beauty wishlist. And you’ve got to have it this year. Here’s why.

OCCASION (BRIDAL) MAKEUP WITH CHARLOTTE TILBURY

Cult Brand of the Month - Charlotte Tilbury

Life is fabulous. Charlotte Tilbury says so and why wouldn't you believe the Queen of makeup and social media? And if you watch the brand’s Instagram Stories (to which she often contributes!) you may just fall in love with her way of living! She is truly a force of nature and many makeup artists agree that you simply cannot do an occasion or wedding makeup without a little help from CT collection! Today we’re talking my all-time and brand new favourites to help you achieve the perfected, yet naturally gorgeous look for your big day! 

HELLO AUTUMN

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Happy first day of fall my dear readers. Autumn is truly here! Finally, it’s acceptable to wear cute jumpers, layer up and even spend a day wearing nothing but warm PJ’s (and a pashmina because I'm THAT extra). I don’t know about you, but I love this time of year, especially when it comes to makeup. Catwalks did not disappoint and brands are all about AW18/19 trends: jewel tones, purples, magentas and glitters. I asked my favourite beauty bloggers about their makeup picks and boy, did they deliver. If you fancy knowing how beauty bloggers dress up their vanities and makeup bags for fall, let’s dig in shall we? 

FLAWLESS SKIN LUXURY EDIT

My name is Dorota and I’m a glow addict. Combine that with a huge love for high coverage, Insta filter-like finish and we’ve got ourselves a little conundrum. So what does one do if full coverage is a must but one hates the mask-like finish?  Well, a good skincare prep, a glowing primer and a little oil always does a trick. Here’s my go-to flawless skin routine for days when one needs a bit of coverage to look human yet don’t want no flat matte. It’s the glow life people! 

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve done New & Noteworthy but I’m so excited to bring it back as it’s a good one! I’ve been busy bee testing lots of products but some deserve a special shout out because they’re bloody amazing. Without further ado, make yourself some tea or a coconut latte (could I be any more cliché???) and let’s start today right and talk beauty!

3 NEW CLEANSERS YOU OUGHT TO KNOW

3 one-step cleansers you ought to know

With all the hype on double cleansing, we often forget to talk about one-step cleansers! Mornings are made for single cleansers and I'm coming to you with 3 new cleansers which you ought to get to know. Creamy milk through melting gel to clay - I've got a formula to match every skin type. If you fancy knowing a little bit more, grab a cuppa & let me tell you all about it.

WAKE UP TO GLOW

Overnight facial oils for dewy skin

Skincare can be simple, right? Says the girl using 100s of products, ironic much? But I truly believe in that statement so let me tell you how quickly transform your skin overnight, whatever your type. I’m not talking dark magic or selling your soul to the devil but simply facial oils with powers beyond anything you've experienced if you haven't discovered them yet. A good combination of skin-loving oils will take you from night to day. In just a few tiny drops gently patted on to your skin, you too can wake up to the healthy, clear & dewy skin. Magic? 

WORTH THE HYPE? HUDA BEAUTY ROSE GOLD REMASTERED REVIEWED

Huda Beauty Rose Gold Remastered

Ah, Huda Kattan, the queen of makeup and internet drama made another dramatic entry to her collection by re-releasing her cult first palette. Huda Beauty Rose Gold Remastered* is a thing of beauty, with stunning shades, updated formula and new packaging. But is it worth spending your hard earned money on? This blogger investigates.

13 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BUY LATEST IN BEAUTY ICONS VOL. 2 BOX

Latest in Beauty Icons Vol. 2 

My favourite beauty boxes always come from Latest in Beauty, from their awesome subscription service where you choose your own beauty treats to incredible collaborations, they've done it all. And now Latest in Beauty celebrates turning 10 years old with the launch of the Icons Vol. 2 box. I've been lusting after this limited edition box for what seems like forever, so imagine my delight when it turned on my doorstep a few days ago. Here are 13 reasons why you should grab it before it sells out!

EASY PM SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR MAXIMUM GLOW

Glowing skin routine

Maintaining an effective skincare routine is a must. We lead such a busy life that often leaves us breathless at the end of the day. Finding products that work and won’t take away from your time at home, with family or maintaining an illusion of social life is super important. Lately, life’s been a little too busy and with anxiety hitting hard, I found myself simplifying my routine to ensure I still care for my skin even when I feel like everything slipping away. Welcome to busy girl/mom/workaholic/human evening routine that will leave your skin glowing the next day. 

REPLACE YOUR LUXURY EYE CREAM WITH THIS £10 MOISTURISER!

Waleda Skin Food the answer to dry under eyes?

Our under eye area deserves all the love we can give it. The skin there is usually a lot thinner which can lead to premature ageing. Tons of concealer + a bit of baking doesn’t help but who hasn’t got the need for full coverage, am I right? Thankfully Waleda Skin Food won’t break the bank and the buttery rich formula will get them lines plumped in no time. Fancy knowing more? 

ALL THE EYESHADOW YOU NEED RIGHT NOW!

New in eyeshadows

Eyeshadow is life. 

No I don’t need another palette.

I live for glitter.

Ok so introduction’s done, let’s talk all eyeshadow one may need from cheap & cheerful to high end, there’s something here for everyone. If you fancy knowing what I’m digging these days, you know what to do 👇🏻

BIRMINGHAM 101: BENITO BROW BAR @ TOPSHOP, BULLRING

I love wearing false eyelashes! The reason I don't is simple, it's a battlefield when I attempt to apply them. I thought of extensions for a while now but was swayed not to because I love my skincare so damn much and big part of it are oils in many forms. When I was asked to come round for the launch of Benito Brow Bar at Topshop store in Bullring, Birmingham I simply couldn't resist! It was about time! As I sit to write this post, I'm on day 10 from the initial application and the set is still going strong. Today, I'd like to share with you my experience, the lash extension process, prices and the different types of extensions you can have done. Let's do this, shall we?

M&S BEST IN BEAUTY - SHOP TILL YOU DROP

Marks & Spencer Best in Beauty

If you told me 2 years ago I’ll be spending all my money at Marks & Spencer, I’d laugh you under the table. Little did I know how bloody amazing M&S Beauty Hall is, or that it even had one! Well ladies and gents, if you’re after all sought out skincare brands, you want to try all the hyped up products and have the ability to shop both in-store and online then track down your closest M&S and your head, unlike your faves on this year’s Love Island won’t be turned. Ever. Emma Hardie, Glamglow, This Works, Pixi, Origins, REN and so many more have found their home tucked away on beautiful displays with CLEAN TESTERS always available. Why search further? 

THE SCENT AS UNIQUE AS YOU

Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 review

Rarely you see me discussing scents here on the blog, even less you see a fully dedicated review to one. I haven’t experienced a scent yet that I found weird at first yet had the most incredible journey with. I took my time with it, I learnt it and after months of using it almost exclusively, I come to you with a special review of Escentric Molecules Molecule One. A new way to perfume, one that’s almost impossible to get right, yet so unique, it’s hard to put away.

WHAT’S IN MY BAG: SUMMER EDITION

What's in my summer makeup bag

The makeup bag we carry to work/school/travel with is sacred. It’s the place where only true favourites land. It should be packed so it doesn’t take too much space in our bags yet carry everything we need to survive a day. If you fancy knowing how I justify what’s in my bag lately, please read on.

ALL ABOUT ROSE

Rose infused skincare - is it just the hype?

Last year I was all about green tea and 2018 has been a year of rose so far. This is not the rose you’re thinking off. Gone are the days when rose scent reminded us all of grandma’s perfume. The modern rose scent is lighter, little fresher and very feminine. But we are not here to talk scent per se, as the rose is an incredible ingredient commonly used in skincare. Be that extracts, purified water or oil, a bit of rose in your cream or serum should be on your wish-list. Why? Let’s chat! 

THE STORY OF RED

Red lipstick: my story

Do you remember your first time? The moment you picked up that forbidden baddass of shades? One thing’s for sure, your first red lipstick isn’t one that's easily forgotten. Over the years, I developed such affection for red, nothing quite compares. Red is bold, demanding and shields me from prying eyes. Yes, they see me, they see the confidence in rocking the most statement of shades. What they don’t see is the shyness, my lipstick tells the stories I can’t put into words. There’s been a time when I only wore red. Meetings all day? Red. Sunday in PJs? Red. Red is for life, red is me. 

HOW TO: GLOSSY METALLIC EYES THAT LAST

Glossy metallic lids with Phase Zero Metal Foils

The dream to achieve an almost glossy eye look that lasts has been almost impossible without looking like a hot rock chick mess within an hour or so. Let's face it, wearing gloss whatever its price won't make a difference. An eye gloss will crease and smudge. There are ways to cheat the system and easiest and most convenient options are foiled eyeshadows. The formula of a foil when applied correctly allows you to achieve the almost wet metallic look that will last the day or night. Today, I'd like to share with you the new affordable beauty launch from Phase Zero Makeup that will allow you to experiment with the biggest trend this summer at a fraction of the price and without the need of professional level makeup skills. Welcome to the world of Phase Zero Metal Foils*...

PORELESS, FULL COVERAGE DEWY BASE FOR LESS

Revolution Pro: achieving poreless, full coverage dewy base for less

You know my love for Makeup Revolution, so when Revolution Pro launched, I was the first to drop some ££ on all the newness! I found many new faves including a brand new primer and a foundation! This might be the first time in forever I’ve not used fancy high-end foundation/primer duo and not noticed a difference. If you’re into medium-full coverage, glowing finish that doesn’t set in pores and rather not spend hundreds on your base, please read on. 

GLOW-Y SKIN & GLITTER EYES WITH PIXI BY PETRA

Glowing skin & glitter eyes with Pixi by Petra 

You know my love for glow. Be that glassy skin or glossy lids, You know I'm in for it. Pixi by Petra decided to shake things up a little this summer. The new formula of Glow-y Gossamer Duo transforms your skin in seconds, if you’re after the true dew! And of course the prettiest glitters in town, Pixi Fairy Lights are here to deliver! With five stunning shades ranging from holographic white to deep bronze with silver glitter mixed in, there’s a shade for every day! I’m wearing Rose Gold on a Monday, what will you be wearing today? 

CAN FACE MIST REPLACE MOISTURISER?

Can face mist replace moisturiser?

Can facial mist replace moisturiser? I'm on the fence but recently these 3 formulas felt different from any other I’ve tried. My dehydrated skin needs all the hydration it needs even when the sun’s out and I tend to go little more oily. Let's find out which totally stole my skincare obsessed heart!

SUMMERTIME ESSENTIALS WITH LATEST IN BEAUTY

Latest in Beauty Summertime Essentials

It’s always a lovely day when an unexpected package arrives and when it’s from my faves at Latest in Beauty, you know I’ll be rushing home from work to unpack all the treats. I love discovering new products but sometimes all you need are essentials and this is what the brand new limited edition box Summertime Essentials* offers. I’ll be packing most of them in my travel beauty bag when I go away in July, as the box boasts all sort of practical beauty essentials we all don’t think we need until we run out! 

ON MY FACE LATELY

On my face lately

So it took me an hour to come up with another sh**ty title - yay me! But, I’m here & I’m ready to talk about the beauty bits I’ve been super into lately. Be that skincare, makeup or an accessory ‘On my face lately’ will replace my monthly edits because I can talk about my faves whenever and not be restricted to any timeline. Welcome to the first episode to what I hope to be a relaxed way to approach blogging as makeup gods my witness, I don’t need no more anxiety triggers in my life.

SUPERCHARGE YOUR SKINCARE WITH HARD AT WORK SERUMS

Top five anti-ageing serums for dry to combination skin

I usually have quite a few serums in a rotation to allow to treat the skin when and where it needs quickly and effectively. Be that dehydration, lacklustre complexion, enlarged pores, fight against air-pollution and more, there’s a serum that will allow your skin to be the best it can be. Here are the five hard at work formulas my skin have been indulging in lately.

LAST MINUTE FATHER'S DAY SHOPPING WITH MICHAEL BUBLÉ POUR HOMME

Michael Bublé Pour Homme

Any day celebrating our love for one another is a special day. It’s especially important to show the love to those who raised us. Father’s Day is upon us and what better way than to celebrate it by giving a gift of a beautifully designed new cologne? Michael Bublé Pour Homme* new aftershave has launched in time for Father’s Day and it’s timeless yet fitting for those warmer months with fresh and classic tones that last all day. If you're still stuck for gift ideas, please check out my thoughts on this luxury scent.

SPLURGE OR SAVE: THE £6 COVER FX HIGHLIGHTING DROPS DUPE

The £6 Cover FX highlighting drops dupe you've been looking for

Welcome to another instalment of fan favourite 'Splurge or save'. It’s been a while, I know but in my defence finding a perfect dupe is rare. So with great pleasure, I’m here to announce I might have found the perfect dupe which not only imitates the packaging but more importantly matches the quality of formula and shade. So if you’re into liquid highlighters and in the mood to save some £££, please read on! 

ONE SWIPE EYESHADOWS FROM PHASE ZERO + DISCOUNT CODE

Phase Zero Coconut Water Liquid Eyeshadows

Say what you want about the new launch from the creators of Love Me Beauty but Phase Zero Makeup is back to shake things up again. I’ve been testing their new liquid eyeshadow formula for a while & I’m here to have my say. Was it love from the first swipe then? 

KARL LAGERFELD + MODELCO: BRINGING DESIGNER CHIC TO CULT BEAUTY + GIFT WITH PURCHASE

Karl Lagerfeld + ModelCo makeup collection review

Cult Beauty’s known to be the house for many high-end brands so I could see no better place to launch ModelCo’s new luxury collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld. The novelty chic packaging features self-brand obsessed designer and can be found on Karl’s other collabs and self-launched designs. The collection features stunning brushes, beautifully crafted packaging and surprisingly good formulas. I usually stay away from designer/celebrity collaborations as I never find them to be more than novelty/ collectables so how does Karl Lagerfeld + ModelCo collection fares? Grab a cuppa and let's get real.

BED TO DOOR IN 20 MINUTES: MY HEAD TO TOE MORNING ROUTINE

We all get days like this. You’ve overslept and got few minutes to catch a bus/train/get in your car. Your beauty routine doesn’t have to be compromised. Inspired by recent events 20 minutes head to toe routine includes a shower, taking care of my pearly whites (and that morning breath!), little hair, little makeup and even a body moisturiser. Magic? Definitely with these few tips & incredible cult beauty finds! 

3 PALETTES TO GRAB IN CULT BEAUTY -20% PROMO

What to get in the -20% on palettes Cult Beauty promo

I opened my email to the most exciting news this morning. Cult Beauty dropped a bomb that is -20% on palettes and the world’s gone crazy. Before it all sells out, these are my faves I'd buy over and over again! Be fast, as I have a feeling these will sell out soon too! 

BDQ TURNS 3 YRS OLD: WIN A DRAWER FULL OF MAKEUP WORTH OVER £150

Beauty Drama Queen turns 3 years old giveaway

A few days ago Beauty Drama Queen turned 3 years old and it made me a bit tearful. I started as a socially awkward makeup nerd and I don’t feel that changed one bit. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, meeting incredible women along the way helped me grow as a person, as a friend and as a blogger. 3 years is a long time yet it feels as if it was yesterday. I’ve met so many inspiring people, built relationships with many incredible brands and grew to be the person I am now. I was almost 30 when I started this journey, way too old to be dabbling in makeup, yet you all welcomed me to your world, to your hearts and I couldn’t be more proud that something I only dreamed of became a reality. 

WHAT’S IN MY BAG: SPRING BEAUTY UPDATE

Spring makeup bag

Spring has seen me not only shed clothes (not like that you dirty mins you.... ok maybe a little like that lol) but also replacing my massive winter bag with a cross body. Smaller bag means my makeup bag needed some serious update, but I’m super happy with the end result as it covers all the bases. Fancy knowing what beauty items I don’t leave the house without? Then please read on.

NEW AT HARVEY NICHOLS: INTRO TO PESTLE & MORTAR LUXURY SKINCARE

New at Harvey Nichols: Introduction to Pestle & Mortar luxury skincare. 

If you’re a fan of splurging at Birmingham’s own Harvey Nichols in Mailbox luxury shopping centre, then this new launch will get your heart racing. High end skincare from Pestle & Mortar has taken over the luxury beauty world by storm with superb formulas and minimalistic packaging. I was gifted few bits over a month ago and I’m finally ready to share my thoughts. Am I a fan yet? Let’s find out! 

SELF-CARE EDIT: THE ART OF SWITCHING OFF

How to self-care

I’ve often spoken about what beauty means to me. From the beginning it’s been that one thing that kept me alive & happy. Recently I’ve been so on and off, I thought I owe you a bit of explanation & at the same time talk to you about the importance of self-care and what it means to me. 

I TRIED THESE 3 NEW MASCARAS SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO

Smudge-proof mascaras for every budget

I rarely talk about mascaras because I rarely find anything that works on my silly eyes. I don’t know what it is, but everything smudges on me. Finding one that doesn’t is practically a miracle so when I found three that leave me almost smudge-free after 8+ hours, I want to shout about them from the rooftops. Oh and there’s one to fit every budget. Are you ready? 

WOKE UP LIKE THIS: NO MAKEUP MAKEUP WITH L'ORÉAL

L'Oréal Woke Up Like This

L’Oreal never fails to impress and their new collection celebrates the natural beauty & a little cheeky ‘I wake up like this’ motto. The formulas are light, yet perfectly fitting for spring/summer with peachy tones, on point highlighters & even a little bb cream to give your skin the tiniest bit of coverage. I’ve been opting for easy morning routine lately, so this collection ticks all the boxes!

SPRING AWOKEN SKINCARE

Spring awoken skincare

I’ve been blessed with good skin lately. That can only mean the new skincare’s not playing games! I’ve been living for the glow & finally managed to get rid of that hardened finish, super dry skin that I’ve been ‘blessed’ with thanks to an influenza outbreak earlier this year. So what’s on my face before bedtime? Let’s find out! 

CHARLOTTE TILBURY HOLLYWOOD FLAWLESS FILTER REVIEW + GIVEAWAY *now closed*

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

When it comes to luxury beauty one can list few brands which make such hyped up releases like Charlotte Tilbury. The MUA to the stars believes in creating unique beauty multi-taskers aiming to make you look and feel like a superstar. From ridiculously beautiful packaging through formulas that somehow work so well on most skin types and tones, she has built a company that continues to amaze in its luxurious simplicity. Today, I’d like to talk you through my most recent discovery, already infamous Hollywood Flawless Filter. There’s even a little giveaway at the end of this post that I think you’re going to LOVE! 

BAD SKIN DAY EDIT

Bad skin day edit

So happy belated Easter... It came, it made us eat copious amounts of chocolate and right about now, we are all sporting these amazing 'one cheat day too many' spots, am I right? I’ve been quite lucky & chocolate was more of a treat than the usual stuffing my face with it situation, but even the luckiest of us will surely end up with one or two. Mine surprised me claiming residence above the upper lip, almost under the nose. Thankfully my stash is now rich in various skincare magic, so I treated it quickly. This gave me an idea to post about my favourite deep cleansing and spot ridding masks and treatments. Fancy a quick read?