Elly's Samba Hen

My friend Elly had an amazing Samba hen party - there was dancing, dinner and drinks!

L-R Me, Jenn, Elly, Rosie and Laura


This is the Samba-inspired make-up I did for the do. I used a mixture of MUA (eyes), Mac (base), Illamasqua (lips). The lashes are by www.lalalashes.co.uk

Bit squinty here, sorry!

Close-up

My leopard nails (using Barry M and Essie)

Beauty Inspiration

I am obsessed with Illamasqua’s Alter Ego Gallery, it’s like beauty porn for the eyes!

http://www.illamasqua.com/alter-ego-gallery/photos/behind-scenes-at-art-of-darkness/

Beauty Inspiration

I am obsessed with Illamasqua’s Alter Ego Gallery, it’s like beauty porn for the eyes!

http://www.illamasqua.com/alter-ego-gallery/photos/behind-scenes-at-art-of-darkness/

All I Want for Christmas Part 1: Beauty Picks from ASOS.com

Listen up Mr. Claus: I have been a very good girl this year and am therefore expecting a stocking fit to bursting and a truck-load of pressies under my evergreen. Don't fob me off with any of this 'Credit Crunch Christmas' nonsense alright?

We'll work through my gifting demands in groups, let's start with beauty bits. ASOS.com have some amazing buys that won't mean breaking the bank (or in your case, having to make any elves redundant), here are my favourites from their Winter collection:

Asos Nail Paints by Ciaté. Any and all of the amazing colours - from apple green 'Pixie' to deep red 'Gwen,' they are all stocking-worthy.

Forget Frosty the Snowman - it's all about Benefit's Frosty the white shimmering eye pencil. Line your eyes with it and highlight your brow and cupid's bow to look wide-eyed and bushy tailed post party!

Bourjois' limited edition eyeshadows are available exclusively at ASOS.com. Pretty packaging, gorgeous shimmering colours. This rich aubergine shade is a great alternative to the usual black smoky eye.

Okay, perhaps this is more of an 'under the tree' pressie but GHDs are every girl's essential. Some of the proceeds of these pink ones go to Breast Cancer UK and can therefore be bought entirely guilt-free.

Ooh I love Illamasqua! Previously only avaliable at Selfridges, this professional-style make-up can now be purchased online at ASOS too - this rich red shade looks amazing with black liner and tons of glossy lashes (they so some great false lashes for when mascara isn't enough).

Pretty, pretty packaging from a new perfume brand, Crazylibellule. I want it!!

Paul & Jo's foundation is dreamily light and the bottle is heavenly on any dressing table.

Pop's new palette is a must for slipping inside any clutch. Change you eyeshadow colour every hour (why not, it's Christmas!)

With Pure's lip gloss set you can wear a different shade for 6/7 days a week (who wears make-up on Sundays anyway)

We'll work through my gifting demands in groups, let's start with beauty bits. ASOS.com have some amazing buys that won't break the bank, here are my favourites from their Winter collection: