Throwback Thursday: MAC's A Perfect Cheek Blush

Even when I was in my 'must own every make-up item on the planet' stage of buying make-up, I never really got the whole MAC collections thing. Then I found the Marilyn Monroe collection and something took a hold of me. All I knew was that I wanted this blush, and I wanted it then.

What I really like about the blush is that it really is A Perfect Cheek for my complexion. It's not too pink, too red, or too orange. It just blends onto the skin for a nice natural bit of definition. It's the kind of blush you'd use if you want to sculpt but not contour, if you get what I mean.

Do you have this? What do you think?

Laura

Throwback Thursday:My first ever YouTube video

Oh cringe!

For today's blast from the past I thought I'd travel back to March 201 when I uploaded my first ever YouTube video. I'd love to think my videos have improved since then, but I'm not too sure to be honest.

Anyway, laugh away!

Laura

Throwback Thursday: Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Blogging

I've been blogging for just over two years now and upon reflection there are some things I'd have loved to have known when I first started that I know now. I also thought, maybe it would help somebody who is considering to start a blog?!? Who knows! So, as a kind of different Throwback Thursday post here are some tips I'd give the old me!

1) You can write your own rules - There is no set schedule or rules to being a blogger. One of the great things about having your own little space on the ol' Internet is the fact you can do whatever the hell you want with it! Want to take your pictures with flash on? Do it! Want to make an absolute fool of yourself in a video and then upload it to YouTube? Why not? Just do it. The more you stick to blogger conforms and follow others, the more you just look like all the other sheep in an overpopulated field. Be a bull, or  heck, even a unicorn!

2) You're not going to be a massive blogger overnight (or at all) - I full heartedly, hands in the air admit, one of the reasons I started blogging was the allure of free make-up and the chance to attend posh events. I've never attended an event and I can list on one hand the amount of free stuff I've been given to blog about. Whilst that may be one of the many reasons I began Call of Beauty, it's definitely not the reason I've kept at it. I'm quite happy knowing I'm never going to get to the level of blogging that sees free stuff everyday and parties every night. I'm content in the fact that I've unleashed a hobby that lets me try new skills (photography, writing, social media, html....) and I enjoy it.

3) Don't buy the whole of Boots in one fail swoop - I began beauty blogging at a point where my makeup collection was a normal size and could fit in a small box. I then decided I needed every product ever mentioned in any video or post online. Stupid mistake. You need to learn what sort of products work with your skin type and tone, and work out if a product is right for you, not just purchase it 'cause another blogger said it was good.

4) Don't be shy about it - When I first started my blog was my own little secret. My brother found out a couple of months in and said I was like Hannah Montana leading a double life. Slowly as my confidence in my blog and myself has grown more people know, and in turn my confidence in my blog has continue to grow and I feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. So what if my friends see and laugh at me, they're obviously not that good a friend in the first place. Shout your blog from the rooftops.

5) You don't have to post everyday - When I first began blogging I thought I had to post everday in order to get readers, and after finding The Sunday Girls blog I thought I had to blog multiple times a day. I soon learned that there is only one Sunday Girl, and stuck to my one post a day; but at times my posts were forced and I wasn't happy about them. Now I only post things I'm really happy with, and definitely aim for (hopefully)quality over quantity. At the moment I've had a rush of ideas for blog posts so am almost posting daily as I'm too excited to share them, but if I run out of ideas, I'll reduce them again and be ok about it.

What would you tell yourself if you were to start blogging again?

Laura 

Throwback Thursday: Estee Lauder Illuminating Gelee Powder in Heat Wave

Ah, just look at that beauty that is the Estee Lauder Illuminating Gelee Powder in Heat Wave. Isn't it just a beauty. I picked this up last year using my Boots points and used it constantly for about 6 months, then remembering it's limited addition I put it away for a bit, wanting to save it.

Then a couple of weeks ago I got it back out, and I'm glad I did. I love this highlighter, it goes on so smoothly and really makes you look glowy and healthy. At the moment I'm loving applying it with one of the brushes I got with a Benefit blusher and I think it lets you put it on just the right way.

Do you have this product? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: Back to MAC

I'll always remember when I first stumbled across Tanya Burr's YouTube channel way back in November 2011 and spent many evenings watching every video trying to soak up as much knowledge as possible. Something that cropped up in a lot of those videos was a MAC palette, and it wasn't all that long till I decided I wanted to make my own (5 months, to be exact.)

Last year I actually finished my palette (you can see a full video here) however with not wearing much make-up in the week, I don't find myself using this palette as much as I used to, or should be doing.

However, when getting ready the other night I decided to open the palette and thanked myself for building it, as it really does contain some of the nicest colours I own. Yes it does have a few 'Oh god why did I choose this' colours, but it also has some that I just love to use. Here are my top five, that I wish to share with you.

For a paler, yet still quite shimmery shade I have two recommendations. First up Patina. Now the first ever video I watched was a Bella Thorne wedding make-up tutorial and one of the eyeshadows used was Patina and from that moment one I was sure I'd own it one day. It's a gorgeous dark golden, almost burnt bronze with a subtle shimmer running through it. If you don't wish to go quite so dark, then I think you're next stop should be Era. Slightly lighter, yet still with the same finish, Era really is such an amazing colour for all over the lids. If you want a bit of definition in the crease with these shadows, may I recommend Wedge. A matte brown shade that I love either all across the lid on it's own, or the perfect contour shade. Whether you need to make a smokey eye less harsh, or you're just looking for tiny bit of definition, these are your guys.

Now for the two that are great if you want to get a little smokey. For a summer time bronzed smokey eye, Mulch is your guy. For me, this is the definition of burnt out bronze, it has the perfect array of bronze, gold and shimmer. The final shade I want to talk about goes with pretty much anything, really. Satin Taupe again is a TB enabled purchase, but is one of the most versatile shades in my palette. It's the perfect mix of brown, purple and shimmer that works with every eye shade. Whenever I'm in doubt, this always comes out (hey, I'm a poet!)

So those are my top MAC shades, what are yours?


Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: Stila In the Light Palette

The other night I was going out for dinner and actually had some time to get read and thought I'd bring out my old Stila In the Light palette. As much as I love this palette for some reason I never really find myself reaching for it. I think it's 'cause of the shimmery shades rather than more mattes which I find myself gravitating more toward due to my oily lids. 

Here I've decided to go all over my lids with the shade Bare, then add Bliss to the crease with some Golden across the center with some Luster in the outer corners.

I think this blackened gold is really nice and would make a great smokey all over the lid. It isn't too overpowering but is also really sultry too.

What do you think of this palette?

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: One Tree Hill

Ah, One Tree Hill! I loved this show so much, and was kind of gutted when it ended. I think it's just such a good show, and one of the only ones that actually succeeded once the characters left high school (*cough Gossip Girl cough*).

When my manager at work mentioned she was re-watching them it made me want to re-watch them too, and she kindly lent them to me. I've just finished the second series and I'm now beginning the third. Boy a lot has happened, and I think 3 has some of my favourite episodes.

I forgot just how good this show was, and love that there are bits I've forgotten so it's a bit like watching a new show, but I also have things I'm excited to happen.

There is something theruptic about re-watching shows for me and I think there's nothing better after a long day than coming home and watching some good TV that you know you're going to love.

What shows you do want to re-watch?

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation

Whenever I need to wear a foundation, I always gravitate toward either this one, or for more special occasions Laura Mercier Silk Creme. The reason for this is 'casue it's bloomin' well amazing.

Coverage wise I'd say it's a good medium with the room to build upon. It doesn't feel heavy on the face and can definitely cover up any minor scarring you may have. I prefer applying it with either my fingers or a damp sponge for a lighter and more natural finish.

In terms of finish if you prefer a more matte look than I would maybe steer clear. This definitely does have the radiant glow it advertisers, however no need to worry, no Edward Cullen lookalikes happen after. 

If you're looking for a purse friendly, radiant inducing foundation, I reckon this should be your next purchase.

Have you tried this? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: Ren Clear Calm Three Clay Cleanser

This isn't so much a forgotten item; however it's a repurchase so thought it warranted another rave on here.

This is my third tube of the stuff and I really like it. It's great at clearing up blemishes whilst also keeping them at bay.

It's also great at keeping oil at bay throughout the day.

Do you use this?

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: Rimmel Scandaleyes in Rich Russet

This paint has definitely been making the rounds on blogs, even I have posted about it before.

I've recently re-discovered it due to its awesome quick and easy application. 

The colour is a really nice taupe-y shade and depending on how much you apply can be intensified and blended out depending on how you want it.

I personally like to apply a thick layer then blend out the edges with a brush.

Have you tried this?

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation

This is my 'special occasion' foundation. Due to its price and the fact a Laura Mercier counter is quite far from me (thankfully for my bank balance!) 

It's good coverage, has no spf (perfect for cameras) and with the right primer/powder lasts a long time too.

Whilst it is expensive, a little goes a long way and I find applying it with a damp sponge is the best!

Do you like this?

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: MAC All That Glitters

Ah this little golden sparkly eyeshadow was my go to shade around this time last year. It kind of reminds me of Christmas now. Whilst I am wearing eyeshadow a bit less at the moment (sleep always wins out) I pulled this out when filming a few videos a couple of weeks ago and fell back in love.

All that Glitters definitely has a lot of shimmer to it, as you would expect from its name and is very much of the gold variety.

What do you think of this eyeshadow?

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: MAC Brick-o-la

Brick-o-la is a gorgeous lipstick that I often fail to reach for, why? I don't know.

A lighter version of my autumn fave Doubennet. It's a nice dark, almost red pink colour.

What do you think of this lipstick?

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: Rimmel Lipstick in Rose Sorbet

I love the Rimmel Moisture Renew range, I really think they are some of the best lipsticks, and are a great price too. It was because of this I found myself picking up this shade in Rose Sorbet. 

In the bullet it doesn't really look like a 'me' colour,  it looks really pinky and bright, but when swatched it isn't that bright.

On the lips it looks like a nice your lips but pinker colour and adds a nice pop of colour to the lips without being too OTT. For this reason I've found myself reaching for it, alot!

What do you think?

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: Cat Shoes

A bit of a random Throwback Thursday, but last year I saw these shoes on a blog, fell in love and the next day they were mine.

I'm not the biggest 'shoe' person, I'm more of a boots and sandals kind of girls, but I love these shoes so much.

What do you think?

Laura xoxo

P.S They're from Missguided but I don't know if they still do them.

Throwback Thursday: Powersurge Eyeliner

This is defintiely my 'summer' eyeline as it is the perfect bronze shade. After a serious hunt to get it, I finally got my hands on it last year, however I don't find myself reaching for it as much, mainly as I prefer a more natural 'bright' eye. Plus I rarely go on nights out anymore, which is where I used to wear it due to it adding something extra to a smokey eye without closing my eyes too much.

I do love whacking it all the lids a nice colour to the lids as it's so simple but adds something special to a look.

What do you think of this product?

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: Bare Minerals Original Foundation

Over the last few months I've completely forgone foundation in favour of BB creams, however before I made the switch, this was definitely one of my faves. When someone asked me my opinion on it, I grabbed it out and reacquainted myself with it.

It's definitely a light coverage, but I'm perfectly happy with that. Even though it's a powder foundation it blends in really well, doesn't look cakey, and to be honest, could do with some powder half way through the day.

Whilst I'm still on my BB craze, (it's so much quicker to apply) I still have a place in my heart for this foundation.

What do you think?

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: High Shine Lip Crayon

Ah, another Lip Crayon that I added to my collection a while ago, and what a surprise, I forgot about it! 

This colour is called Statement, which looks like it will be a deep red colour in the bullet, but really comes off more pinkish and isn't all that statementy.

Whilst I do actually like that it isn't that 'red' I do find that it bleeds slightly, which is it's only downside for me!

Do you like this? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: Garnier Ultimate Beauty Oil Skin Perfector

Whilst my face is quite oily, the rest of my body is actually quite dry. I try to moisutrise as much as possible, but to be honest find the task to be quite a chore. However on one of my many browses of Boots I spotted this guy and thought I'd give it a go.

Basically, it's a spray oil that you spray over your body and pat in. I used this loads when I first got it, but after a while I just stopped. Not because it's a bad product per se, I just got bored. I recently got it back out to test it out against the Vaseline spray moisturisers, and have to say that I prefer the Vaseline version. They are more refreshing to use.

If you do use this product, or any spray moisturiser, make sure you put a towel down first, or else things may get slippy. (You may end up falling down the stairs...)

Whilst I do like this product, I won't be repurchasing and can see why I stopped using it.

Have you got this? What do you think?

Laura xoxo

Throwback Thursday: Rimmel Appocalips

You've got to love a good blogger hype right? These Appocalips took the beauty world by storm when they were released and I definitely got swept up in the excitement of them all.

A liquid lipstick that you have to be careful not to get on your teeth, but that leave a lasting colour and glossy shine on your lips, are something that astounded many, and I for one wore them quite a lot. Especially Celestial.

Luna is a colour I had such high hopes for, but I find it leans a bit too orange to be completely flattering on me.

For a long time Celestial was my go to everyday colour. A gorgeous pink that is the most natural out of the shades available.

For a bright lip I got Stellar. I love this colour for a nice bright coral lip. I tend to wear this a lot in my videos, in case you were wondering!

What do you think of the Appocalips?

Laura xoxo