The Single Eye Shadow Edit

 

It feels so good to sit down and write this post; the last couple of weeks has definitely included neglect of my blog and social medias. Semester two of university has just come to an end for me, so things have been pretty crazy and its been difficult to find time to sit down and tweet/write.

 

When it comes to shadows, in the past year I've been completely converted to the world of single eye shadows, rather than relying on one palette. There are a few shades and brands that completely knock it out of the park when it comes to eye shadow (particularly building your own palette), so I thought I'd recommend my favourites. There's also a real variety of prices here; I don't think cost necessarily equates to quality in the world of single shadows.



 

My number one go-to brand for single shadows has to be Makeup Geek - as if you aren't tired of me harping on about this brand already. I think the formula of the shadows is faultless, if you want buttery eye shadow that blends easily and has high pigmentation, then you can't beat them. They also fit nicely into the z-palette, which is perfect. I get mine from Beauty Bay (£6 or £9.25 for foiled), and my top shades are Barcelona Beach, which is my holy grail shadow from any brand ever, Charmed, and Homecoming. 

 

Next, it will come as no surprise to most people that the Colourpop Super Shock shadows ($5) are up there on the single shadow A-list. These are so beautiful as they apply like a cream to powder formula, and the pigmentation is intense. The shade 'Kathleenlights' is quite possibly the most pigmented make up product I've ever come across. I also love the shade 'Catnap', which is a shimmery dusty rose - I think its incredibly commendable for a brand to acknowledge the need to raise money for animal charities, so when I saw the campaign I had to pick one up.

 

MAC shadows (£13.50), whilst not being up there with the best, have a few shades that just get it spot on when it comes to formula and colour choice. 'Mythology' and 'Woodwinked' are gorgeous shimmer shades that I reach for time and time again. Another shimmer favourite is the Stila Cream Shadow in the shade 'Kitten', the ideal champagne lid colour that you can pop on in a rush for a quick and easy make up look. I always get asked what this shadow is when I wear it!

 

Lastly, the NYX single shadows (£2.50) that fit into a z-palette are well worth looking at when you come to building your own palette. Some of the shades can be a bit hit or miss, but I know I can rely on the neutrals, particularly the shade 'True Taupe', a taupe that I use for my outer corners.

Top to Bottom: Kitten, Barcelona Beach, True Taupe, Homecoming, Woodwinked

Top to Bottom: Mythology, Catnap, Kathleenlights, Charmed

 



These Are a Few Of My Favourite Things

 

Isn't it about time I brought 'Favourites' back? I've missed this little collection of products. The past couple of months have been full of trying new make up bits; things I've picked up, products I've been gifted, you know the drill. There has been a couple that have stood out to me though, and I'm over the moon happy to chat to you guys about them (I'm pretty sure that any one of these four products has the power to change your life. Prepare yourself.)

 

I've been recommended the Kiko 'Extra Sculpt' mascara countless times in the past year, so when I was in the Leeds Kiko store repurchasing the Coconut Kiss Balm I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity. People aren't kidding when they say that this mascara is out of this world - I literally ran up the corridor of my flat showing my friends my lashes after just one coat. I will admit that if you aren't careful when applying this it can transfer to your lid, but that's only because the wand is gigantic. I'm talking huge levels of volume and length over here. I think I've fallen in love with a mascara.

 

 

The Instablur Primer from the Body Shop is another item I've had on my wishlist for months. I've clung to my NYX Angel Veil for way too long now; primers are definitely an item I have room to play around with. This primer is absolutely fabulous, my skin is instantly smoothed out and I can 100% tell a difference with the visibility of my pores. I was quite taken aback by the price (£15?!), but I'm completely converted after using it this month and I wouldn't hesitate to repurchase. The Body Shop beauty counter is a new concept to me, I think I might have to try some other bits and bobs.

 

If there's one beauty category that I will try countless new products from, its lip gloss. I'm constantly on the search for new formulas that I like, and as soon as I tried this Lip Lacquer from Smith & Cult in the shade 'Now Kith' I knew I was in love. I think I did a happy dance. I would describe the shade as a muted rosy mauve, and I cannot tell you how much I like how un-sticky this gloss is. When you combine that with the fact that the colour is very pigmented in comparison to other brands, I think I've found a winner (just trust me with this one.) Until now, all I'd tried from this brand was their nail polishes, so it was interesting to trial something more up my alley from them - fingers crossed that their other shades are just as good!

 

My final favourite for these past few months is the Stila Cream Eyeshadow in 'Kitten', which I know I've mentioned before! I feel like I've only just begun to appreciate this as an everyday shadow; it's the perfect swipe of shimmer for a 5 minute make up look, and the champagne colour is gorgeous. I can without a doubt say that this is the prettiest cream shadow that I own in my collection, and I know that 'Kitten' is one of their more famous shades. I would consider this a staple in any eye shadow collection - it works beautifully as a base or on its own.

 

Now Kith, Kitten.