Dainty Doll by Nicola Roberts

'Dainty Doll' is a line of cosmetics by Nicola Roberts (from Girls Aloud) designed specifically to cater for pale complexions. As I have very fair skin, when I saw the stand in Boots I decided to give it a try.
I purchased a blush in the shade 03 'Money Talks', a beautiful dusty mauve colour with shimmer, comparable to 'Sin' by Nars in my opinion (although 'Sin' is more red-toned). The slimline compact comes with a mirror for on-the-go application, and has a funny retro picture of Nicola on the front. I think the packaging of the whole line is very nice and sleek, quite simplistic but tasteful.
'Money Talks' suits my complexion well and I would imagine it suits other girls with pale skin too, there are only three blushes in the line but this was definitely my favourite judging by the testers I swatched in the store.
If you're a Snow White like me, I'd definitely recommend you check out the Dainty Doll line available in Boots!

Get Glowing for Spring!

Benefit 'High Beam'

 These past few days I've just been feeling a bit 'bleurgh'... I'm sure you're all familiar with that feeling. Sadly, my face is also looking a bit 'bleurgh'. I'm usually alright in terms of blemishes, I only get a few spots every now and again (touch wood) but my skin has generally been looking a bit paler, with some discolouration around my eyes and nose.

Left: MAC Cream Colour Base in 'Pearl' Right: Benefit 'High Beam'

Normally, my NARS Sheer Glow keeps me looking a bit more healthy, but yesterday; when applying my base makeup, I still looked a bit dreary. I decided to use a highlighter that I've been neglecting for a while: I applied Benefit 'High Beam' to my cheekbones, and voila - I looked instantly more awake!
I can't believe I've neglected my highlighters for so long. They're perfect for brightening the skin and giving a generally more luminous complexion. MAC Cream Colour Base in 'Pearl' is another one of my favourites.

Top Neutral Lipstick Picks!

Left to right: GOSH 'Darling', 17 'Beehive', Natural Collection 'Rose Petal', MAC 'Creme D'Nude', MAC 'Hue'

I've never been one for dramatic makeup looks, I prefer to stick to more natural colours on my lips. My perfect colour would be somewhere between a nude and a pale peachy-pink.
Here are a few of my personal favourite lipsticks to wear during the day. There are a couple of MAC ones but they are mainly cheaper 'drugstore' brands. I apologise - they are very similar, I tend to go for the same shades!

1. MAC lipstick in 'Hue' (glaze) - the perfect daytime peachy shade
2. MAC lipstick in Creme d'Nude (cremesheen) - a creamy nude
3. 17 Mirror Shine lipstick in 'Beehive' - most glossy lipstick ever! Peachy-pink colour, similar to 'Hue'
4. Natural Collection Moisture Shine lipstick in 'Rose Petal' - a more matte pink with coral undertones
5. GOSH lipstick in 'Darling' - a matte nude-beige

How to: Make your own Paint Pot

Left: MAC Paint Pot in 'Bare Study' Right: Homemade Paint Pot

MAC Paint Pot in 'Bare Study'

I use my MAC Paint Pot in 'Bare Study' almost everyday, either as a base for my eyeshadow or simply to create a natural look for my eyes. They are a very popular product on the blogosphere, and I have been looking to invest in a few more. However, as they are expensive, I realise that it may be wise to find a cheaper alternative!

You will need:

• 1 x depotted eyeshadow (in any colour)
• Vaseline
• A plate or any other wipeable surface
• A small plastic container
• Spoon

Step 1:  Put a dollop of Vaseline onto the surface.
Step 2: Spoon the contents of the eyeshadow onto the surface and mix into the Vaseline.
Step 3: Continue to mix the two together until you get to the thickness you desire.
Step 4: Place your homemade product into the container and you're good to go!

After applying my homemade Paint Pot

NARS Laguna Bronzer vs Soleil Tan de Chanel

Left: NARS Right: Chanel

I happen to be extremely fair-skinned, so the invention of bronzer is a gift from the gods! I apply it using an angled blush brush across my cheekbones, and dust it lightly across my forehead and down my nose.
NARS bronzer in 'Laguna' has been a favourite of mine for a while for contouring too, but more recently I have discovered the Moisturising Bronzing Powder from Chanel. Mine is in the shade 62 Terre Epice which provides a more natural-looking glow to the skin.

I originally ventured to the Chanel counter in order to try out the infamous Bronze Universel. However, as I suspected, it was far too dark for my skintone, and instead the MUA recommended the Moisturising Bronzing Powder. It comes in a beautiful velvet pouch with a free brush too, which is a bonus. I've tried out the brush and it is questionable, but then again it did come free. In terms of packaging, I definitely prefer Chanel. It is just so sleek! It is quite a lot lighter in colour than Laguna, and it is slightly shimmery.

NARS Laguna is a cult favourite on beauty blogs and channels, and unlike Tan de Chanel it is completely matte. It is a fair bit darker which is great for contouring, but when I apply it all over my face, being so fair it can be a bit 'much'.

For darker skintones I would definitely recommend Laguna (or for a cheaper alternative, try the contour shade in the Sleek Contour Kit), but for pale girls like me I'd try Terracotta.