Top 5 MAC lipstick & lipliner combo's

Does anyone else have problems looking for a lipstick & lip liner that actually work together? Sometimes when you walk into MAC you may be a bit overwhelmed with the sheer amount of choice and won't even know where to begin?!

...If so, make a cup of tea, put on your pyjamas, and nom on some chocolate as I bring you down the list of my all time favourite MAC lipstick & Lip liner combinations.

At number 5 we have...

Ruby Woo & Cherry 

If you're looking for the ultimate 50's matte lip then look no further.

There is no duo quite like this one. With amazing staying power, you wont need to top this lipstick up all night! One application is all it needs..Unless maybe you're kissing the face off the guy next to you.

In at number 4 its..

Viva glam 2 & Stone

I adore this duo. If you're feeling something a bit more ''natural fox''  then this is the combination for you. Perfect for creating that Kim K  look that everyone is crazy for!

Next up is..

Kinda Sexy & Whirl

Now this is your perfect pinky nude collab. Think Kylie Jenner but hotter cause YOU'LL be wearing it ;) 

Not everyone can pull off ''kinda sexy'' as a lipstick alone, but paired up with ''whirl'' it pretty much suits everyone! So pucker up gorgeous!

At number 2 its none other than..

Heroine & Nightmoth

Even that name combo is perfect!

I adore dark lips, I usually wear dark lips all year round but THIS has to be the best dark lip duo to ever be created! I find this best suited to very pale people (like myself) BUT all skin tones can pull this off just as well!

I find the electric violet tone in this lipstick tends to make teeth appear whiter and eyes brighter. You'll be a total knockout 

And finally, in at the number one spot its...

Velvet Teddy & Spice 

Now I know this might seem a tad generic, but you really cannot go wrong by combining these two. This look will take you from morning to night. Perfect for literally any occasion.Perfect for almost any skin tone too. So if you're a MAC virgin, and looking for the perfect lip but don't quite know where to start...most DEFINITELY star with this one

Do you have any other combo's that you find you cannot live without? Let me know! 

The Parma Violet

The flops of 2014

Welcome to my flops of 2014!

I think its only fair seeming as I posted about my favourites from 2014 that made me go wow here, I thought it was only fitting that I showed you a few products from 2014 that made me go...meh.

Not all products are 'bad' but I have had some bad experiences with some of them. So what collections and products did I feel didn't meet the hype? 

In no particular order we have...

MAKEUP REVOLUTION LIPSTICKS

Although I do love Makeup revolution and I adore their eyeshadow and highlighters, I feel that I was immensely let down with their lipsticks. After seeing some amazing reviews online I decided to buy myself some, after dying with excitement for them to show up, when they did I was immensely let down. They seem super oily and greasy with little or no staying power on most lipsticks, and they made my lips SUPER chapped and even made them bleed!.Although I do absolutely adore the brand and all their other makeup products, I'm afraid this was a total and complete let down. Sorry makeup revolution!

But do check out their fantastic eyeshadow palettes! I can never fault them! Simply beautiful

LOREAL COLLECTION PRIVEE COLOUR RICHE NUDES

When I seen the ad's for this collection, I'm not going to lie, I was really excited.I ran down to my local Boots and bought myself 'Eva's Nude' as it was the one that would suit me the most. After coming home and comparing shades with my friends we realised that most if not all of the shades look nearly the exact same when applied. I was gutted! These lipsticks almost come out like a sheer lipgloss rather than a nude lipstick. I LOVE L'Oreal and had utter confidence in them regarding these lippies, but unfortunately they were a let down, BUT after releasing their 'pure reds' collection I can forgive them because it is FABULOUS! If you are looking for the perfect red, then pick up 'Blakes red' 

THE BALM WHATS YOUR TYPE MASCARA

Now before I start with this one, this is NOT a bad mascara.

I am blessed with naturally long & thick lashes and I always want a mascara that does them justice, unfortunately this does not.

BUT This would be perfect for those with shorter or thinner lashes as it gives super definition. I adore the packaging, super cheeky and very 1950's. I adore every product from The Balm but this just didn't suit me. Again, this is NOT a bad product.

Its not you....its me...

MAC ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW COLLECTION

There is absolutely nothing here that made me go ''I JUST HAVE TO HAVE THAT''.

2014 was MAC's ''Limited Edition'' year.

There seemed to be Limited edition this Limited edition that every two seconds, and I think that MAC really overlooked the product quality and packaging immensely. This was the one collection I was really looking forward to, but I felt so underwhelmed that I didn't buy anything from this collection.

Just me?...

LADY MILLION EAU MY GOLD

This ad seemed to be on telly every two god damn seconds. I seen so much about it online AND the men's original One Million smells so good I decided to take a sniff of the stuff.

Great bottle. great name... same generic overpriced perfume smell

Do not waste your money. It smells like every other generic perfume out there.

So what do you think? Do you share the disappointment? Or did I leave out something from 2014 that seemed like the biggest let down of the century? Let me know!

The Parma Violet

Ted Baker Pout and Prejudice : Review

Hey everyone! Hope everyone is good and not dying with a phlegm covered flu due to that Baltic weather out there! 

Now, if you're looking for those pretty stocking fillers for the pretty girl in your life, weather it be a mother, a sister, a daughter, a friend or even a grandmother, Ted Baker knows where its at this Christmas!

I recently picked up their lippies in Boots this month as all Ted Baker products are three for two. The packaging is too pretty for words! I adore it so much! So lets see what I thought?

This marvellous little metal tin, cleverly named 'Pout and Prejudice' contains three beautiful lipsticks ideal for any age! The tin has a gorgeous vintage design complete with teeny tiny pastel houses .

The packaging is super girly with Ted Bakers signature powder pink,rose gold tones and Peach ribbon.

And it just gets better, when you  remove the lid, you're blessed with these three gorgeously packaged lipsticks. Again, in a dusty pink colour with rose gold lettering. These lipsticks are almost too pretty to touch!

Excuse the terrible lighting!

Inside you should have a Nude, A Peach and A red shade! 

Very staple colours! Such a great idea! Again, I simply adore the rose gold lettering, its so insanely pretty!

just look at that detail. So flawless, go girly and so luxurious!

These swatches were taken with no flash in natural light.

From L to R

Nude, Peach, Red

Every single one of these colours are so perfect and would make an ideal present for someone this Christmas!

So why not pop down to the holy grail that is boots and pick some up ( and because its three for two why not treat yourself in the process)

Happy shopping!!

The Parma Violet

Autumn / Winter lipsticks 2014

Lipstick has slowly become my mini obsession over the past year. I'm most fond of dark colours, so I am beyond delighted that Autumn is here so I can wear these gorgeous colours all over my face. So here are my most favourite (and cheap) , pretty little lippies for Autumn/Winter 

Excuse the messy Wet N Wild caps..I am a monster

So from left to right we have..

• Cherry Bomb - Wet n Wild
• Cinamon Spice - Wet n Wild
• Sugar Plum Fairy - Wet n Wild
• Roxo - amplified - Pedro Lourenco for MAC - Limited Edition
• Viva Glam 1 - Matte - MAC
• Goddess of the Sea - Cremesheen - Alluring Aquatic - Limited edition
• Kooky - MUA LUXE - Lip lacquer 
• Reckless - MUA LUXe - Lip lacquer 

This autumn seems to be all about deep matte reds and purples, which i am obviously loving!

Swatches from left to right, as above!

Excuse the messyness, my dog ruined it with his cute paws and devilish ways

Wet n Wild cosmetics available in Dunnes Stores & Penneys nationwide

Mac from MAC @ Brown Thomas Dublin

you can order MUA LUXE from here

The Parma Violet

Revlon colourstay moisturestain & gel envy *review*

Good evening everyone! I'm mad sorry that the majority of my posts have been posted in the evening time recently, I'm a tad under the weather and feel so groggy in the morning time...and I'm just too lazy! 

ANYWAY, Recently I received a PR package from the lovely people at Revlon! I was dealing with an amazing woman called holly, who couldn't have been nicer and more helpful if she tried, I honestly haven't come across a more helpful PR, so thank you Holly and thank you for this generous package she sent me!

A hand written note, how lovely and personal!

In this package I recieved:

3 Revlon colourstay moisturestain's

&

3 Revlon colourstay Gel Envy nail varnishes 

When I opened the Lip glosses I realised that one was empty, I emailed holly about the matter and she immediately sorted out my problem and shipped me 3 more! Amazing!

So here are the colours:

050 London Posh (Excuse the sickly skin)

A Shimmery nude with a gold undertone 

025 Cannes Crush

A Bright peach

035 Miami Fever

A more vibrant peachy orange

001 India Intrigue 

A purple/mauve colour

First impressions : When you first apply the lipgloss, its a tad streaky and looks almost chalky. But after a few layers it goes on just fine. I wouldn't really call this a ''stain'' at all. 

Although the colours are gorgeous, the staying power is quite minimal. The product its self is thick and makes your lips feel moisturised and plump, This is one thing i did love about these. But after about half an hour the shine and colour seem to be gone completely.

 I appreciate Revlon sending me this gorgeous package but unfortunately it didn't quite tickle my fancy..Sorry Revlon!

Up next we have the Gel Envy nail varnishes  

130 Pocket Aces

410 Up the Ante

220 In the Money

When I first saw these colours I was blown away, I'm not the biggest 'green' fan in the world but them purple and coral colours got me so excited to try them on...

And I adore them!

(Sorry about the shabby nail work, not my strong point)

These swatches on my nails are after only one coat!

The coverage is amazing! And they dry pretty quickly! Super pigmented with a high gloss shine. I would urge any nail enthusiast to get their little paws on these babies! 

Super fun and super girly, and I love the summer colours they sent me! So perfect!

KEEP IN TOUCH

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The Parma Violet

MUA luxe lacquer - *Review*

Hello everyone! Trying to get through as many things today as humanly possible whilst unwell! (Worlds smallest violin) and this post in number one on my list so here it goes! :)

I've always been truly devastated that MUA do not sell their LUXE collection here in Ireland! Seeming as my whole family live in Birmingham,England (Whaddup the fam) my ma flew over to England and I asked her to bring me home these little gems! So without further adieu, here is my verdict..

Look at the pretty!!

I basically asked my ma to grab all the colours that she could get her hands on, these were the only 4 in stock at that time

The packaging is very ''Luxe'' itself! 

And these only cost £3 each!! 

These babies go on wet and dry completely matte! How amazing!! 

The packaging is similar to that of Limecrimes Velvetines frosted glass casing!

And thankfully a fraction of the price! Limecrimes Velvetines usually retail at $20 each!

Here's the colours I currently have

• Kooky - An ultraviolet matte purple.The staying power of this colour is amazing! And is my favorite of all four
• Reckless - This amazing 50's style red is an absolutely perfect statement red! The staying power is quite good, I find this one dried the quickest
• Funk - This candy,bubblegum pink i usually something id steer away from, but I honestly love it, THIS one was like rock to get off, the staying power is unbelievable 
• Tranquility - This gorgeous colour is perfect for creating that sexy 60's look, pair this with dark smokey eyes, big eyelashes and a mini skirt and hello twiggy!

GET IN TOUCH

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The Parma Violet

Beauty UK review

Good evening! 

And what a busy month August is starting off to be! Firstly I went for an interview for Forever 21 today,so keep your fingers crossed for me! :) Secondly, this week has seen the very first complimentary packages to arrive at my doorstep from various companies (us bloggers do live the life eh?) So here is what I received today! 

Look at all the pretty!!This is what i got sent

*Posh palette 'festival'

*High brow - eyebrow kit

*Snob - lipstick

*Vampire - lipstick

And two surprise nail varnishes *pink pop and red royale*

Firstly, I adore all the vibrant gorgeous colours in the eyeshaddow palette! This palette is perfect for creating festival and summertime looks, or just for a bit of fun!At first glance i thought maybe the eyeshaddows wouldn't have great staying power but they do! one they hit your skin the colours pop and look insanely beautiful!

I also received two gorgeous lipsticks. 'snob' and 'vampire'

Snob: This lipstick is utterly perfect! Its a soft pink matte finish with a gorgeous mint tingle!  Pefect for those ultra girlie looks or 60's styles

Vampire: This lipstick is flawlessly sexy! This smooth high shine,wet look lipstick is perfect for those vampy looks. Team this lippie with dark smokey eyes and WOW, you will most definitely turn heads! This lipstick also has a minty tingle, although a GREAT colour, the staying power isn't the greatest, but the colour is worth it.

So i decided to create this sunset themed look for the end of summer, and for all them end of summer festivals 

I used:

*yellow - inner ducts + brow bone

*Pink - Undereye and outer eye

*Orange-all over

*Dark pink- Crease

*Snob - Lipstick

*Highbrow-Light+Medium mixed

Model: Leanna Morgan

My favourite product has to be the high brow kit! Look at how natural and defined them brows look!Staying power is brilliant and the colours included in the kit suits everyone! Its amazing! *Includes 3 shades, wax AND a tweezers*

Thank you so much Beauty UK for your amazing products! I will forever more be an avid customer and will continue to spread the word of this underrated brand!

if you wish for me to review your product, or simply what to just get in touch, please do not hesitate, comment below or mail me at theparmavioletblog@gmail.com, thank you

The Parma Violet

Thin lips? Transform them using this age old trick.

Everyone seems to want big, plump, juicy lips right? But sadly some of our gene pools aren't kind enough to bless us with Angelina's pout. BUT Makeup has blessed us with the tools to fake it! I myself have very thin lips but I plump them up using this age old, but VERY useful trick!

1. Simply Grab your lipstick of choice ( I chose Viva Glam by M.A.C)
2. Grab your most shimmery eyeshaddow you have (make sure its white/silver/nude, I chose 'Bootycall' from the Naked 2 palette)
3. Simply dab your chosen shaddow to the middle of your bottom lip and youre done!

Yep, seriously..it is THAT easy!

P.S.. i am VERY sorry about the short post and terrible pictures, on quite a harsh time limit today!

But I do hope you enjoy this short but very useful post! Try it! you'll never look back!

Do you have any useful makeup tips? Simply comment below or email me @ theparmavioletblog@gmail.com , thank you!

The Parma Violet

MAC Osbournes + Pedro Lourenco MAC review

IT'S SUMMER..

And one of the most anticipated MAC collaborations hit shops and the web!
And I'm pretty sure everybody nearly wet themselves with sheer excitement!

The MAC Osbournes collab with Mother and Daughter Kelly and Sharon Osbourne, was for me, the most exciting thing in makeup! And I knew I just HAD to grab at least SOMETHING from this collection! Although I do think the Sharon side of the collection is lacking slightly, the hype seems to be all about Kelly's side of the collection, and its very clear to see why. Kelly's collection seems to be very pastel/60's nude inspired, where as Sharon's collection is a more toned down version.

I feel like I'm the only one that adores the  Pedro Lourenco collection for MAC! Maybe because it was overshadowed by the release of the Mac Osbournes collection but who knows, this collection is sophisticated,simple and sexy! Another collection that was screaming out at me from all angles. So here Is what I picked up from these two fabulous MAC collections:

First of all, I keep the boxes from every piece of makeup I get, Im addicted, Im a box hoarder. 

These are the two pretties I got from the collection, I opted for lippies from both collections.

The packaging is to die for! Look at that casing! So pretty and girly!

The Pedro Lourenco casing is simple and sexy! A Matte black case with gold accents. The MAC logo is instead placed on the lower half of  the case  instead of the traditional placing which i love!

Kelly Osbournes lilac/Pastel packaging (inspired by her statement hair) is amazingly beautiful! I would nearly buy this lippie JUST for the packaging! So summery and girly! 

The colours I chose were Roxo and Kelly Yum Yum! I originally wanted Dodgy Girl from Kelly's Collection (A gorgeous pastel purple colour) But it sold out in no time! So I picked up Kelly Yum Yum. This is a spin on MAC's best selling Candy Yum Yum (CandyYumYum being a Matte finish and KellyYumYum being Satin finish)And I am SO insanely glad I did pick it up!This picture does not do these colours any justice! So I've swatched them so you can get a closer look (apologies for the terrible skin, my Rosacea is acting the maggot)

On the left I have Kelly Yum Yum and on the Right I have Roxo.

Kelly YumYum: Im not the biggest fan of bright pink lipstick, infact, i used to hate it, but now, this has changed my opinion completely, I LOVE it! I love the finish on this lipstick as it makes lips look juicy and full, and not too shimmery and 'wet' looking! 

Roxo: This is an amplified lipstick, and my god the colour is perfect! The light on my phone makes this colour look alot lighter than it is, its slighter deeper than the look in this photo. My only worry with this is that the staying power isn't all too great. 

Here's how these bad boys look with and without flash!

Over all both lipsticks have gone straight into my favorite category. I really think MAC are killing it this summer with all their fabulous collaborations and packaging!

I bought Kelly YumYum in BT2-Dundrum

I bought Roxo in Brown Thomas Grafton Street. 

Have you recently bought any of MAC's new collections? Want me to review something? Then simply comment below or email me on theparmavioletblog@gmail.com, thank you.  

The Parma Violet

Whats in my suitcase this summer?

ITS SUMMER!!!

And I honestly couldn't be happier! (This has been my first month of blogging and its going so well thank you all for following! VERY much appreciated)  :)Summer is my favourite time of year! Especially since I am jetting off to Portugal this Saturday the 10th!! I cannot contain the excitement! And it seems that everyone and their mothers are flying off on holiday this year! So I decided to do this post on what I am bringing with me to Portugal and maybe give you all a few ideas :) So without further adieu here are my favourite things going into my suitcase with me! 

 On Board

We all know there is NOTHING worse than being on a flight in uncomfortable restrictive clothes! And god forbid your flight gets delayed! And then there is the worry of dressing too cold/warm for your destination, so after careful planning I finally decided I am going to board my flight in this floaty, summery, girly outfit

Yellow Polka Dot Dress - 5EURO New Look

Round Sunglasses- 2EURO Penneys/Primark

Nude Wedges-12EURO Penneys/Primark

Necklace-3EURO Penneys/Primark

Suddenly Diamonds Perfume- 3.99EURO Lidl

WetNWild Nail varnish in Private Viewing-2.99EURO Dunnes Stores

Behold! My pretty suitcase that was only 20EURO from Dunnes Stores!

Dunnes are currently doing a sale on most Suitcases so run down before its too late! I was lucky enough to snap up this pretty case, it is JUST the right size for a week away in the sun!This case smoothly rolls along the ground and has interchangeable handlebar height! Perfect!

At the beach/by the pool

Of course, the most important part of your entire holiday has to be lazing on the beach or relaxing by the pool! and of course playing drunken volleyball in the water but thats for another time :) As I am a big busted lady on a budget finding swimsuits that fit right at a reasonable price are like gold dust to come across! And not being the thinnest of girls i dont tend to have alot of my body on show and like to cover up when I am beside the pool/beach! So i found these!

Excuse the awkward angle, it was the only way this picture was going to work. I spotted this bright,vibrant and classy bikini in Dunnes Stores would you believe! I was nearly positive they wouldn't have my best size (36DD) And they did! i was over the moon and ran straight to the desk to buy this gorgeous bikini! The details are just beautiful,it have a little knot at the front middle of the bikini top and a side knot on the bottoms, absolutely gorgeous, and also the support in the bra is excellent!

Bikini top 12.00EURO Dunnes Stores

Bikini Bottoms 6.00EURO Dunnes Stores

Spotted these flip flops in Penneys at 2.50EURO for two pairs! Unfortunately I couldn't find the other pair in my room for this picture (they're plain dark brown) Amazing value!

Again, excuse the terrible picture, but this is my favourite purchase of 2014 so far! This gorgeous colourful floaty kaftan is 16.00EURO from Penneys would you believe!!The detail is to die for! This sheer material will keep you modest over your bikini and yet allow breeze to fly right through to cool you down!

This is the best picture of the beaded detail on the chest that i could get! This Boho style kaftan is floorlength with bat wing arms, so floaty and sophisticated yet fun and sexy! Adore this buy!

And not forgetting a fun and flexible beach bag to carry your towel and sunlotion in!

Cotton Bag 7.00EURO Dunnes Stores

Dinner/Date night

Because I am going over with 11 of my friends and 1 being my Boyfriend its nearly positive that we will be going for a fancy dinner at some point, as my suitcase is only quite small I am only packing a light dress and small shoes with minimal accessories, so I came up with this date night look! A classy and sexy outfit made possible with a statement figure hugging dress and strappy leather heels with bag to match and gold accents. Love love love

Red Dress- 5.00EURO forever 21

Handbag 18.00EURO Penneys

Heals- 16.00EURO Penneys

Necklace-4.00EURO Penneys

Estee Lauder Lipstick-15.00 EURO Debenhams

this look would be perfect to go from daytime cocktails to evening dinner and drinks! This 50's style floral dress is one of my favourite wardrobe essentials! this ultra girly, vintage look is so versatile it can work during any stage of the day/night!

Floral Dress 10.00EURO New Look (Sale)

Nude Wedges 12EURO Penneys/Primark

Round Sunglasses 2EURO Penneys/Primark

Necklace 4.00EURO Penneys/Primark

Belt 4.00EURO Penneys Primark

WetNWild Varnish in Wet Cement 2.99EURO Dunnes Stores

Mac Viva Glam Lipstick 18.00 Mac,Brown Thomas

Shopping/Relaxing

During the day I dont want to make a huge fuss and dress to impress constantly, So this outfit is perfect for me as i wear it alot anyway! Ultra comfortable and super versatile! the outfit is simple and takes little to no effort! Team this outfit with a back combed pony or messy bun and you're ready to go

Top 2EURO Penneys/Primark

Skirt 4EURO Penneys/Primark

Creppers 12EURO Penneys/Primark

Guns N Roses Tote Bag 4EURO Penneys/Primark

Peace Sign Necklace 2EURO Penneys/Primark

WetNWild Lipstick in CherryBomb 2.99EURO Dunnes Stores

Round Sunglasses 2EURO Penneys/Primark

River Island London Perfume 10EURO (On Sale) 

I adore this dress! this striking blue dress was bought in a second hand shop and I adore it! The mandela type design on it makes it stand out from the crowd! Perfect for doing a bit of shopping or sitting down for some lunch and cocktails in the gorgeous sun!

Blue Mandela Dress- Second hand 10 EURO

I wear this..all...the..time, I literally cannot find anything else more comfortable so I would wear these around the house and on the flight back home! This jumper is my brothers that he got whilst he was in Isreal and these bottoms are my favourite bottoms..ever! I bought these in Spain last year at a market for 10 Euro! These are perfect to wear to/from the beach as they're a sheer material! Same goes for this jumper! It looks wooly and heavy but infact its super light weight! 

Are you jetting off this summer? If so comment below or mail me at nadinestephens1990@gmail.com 

I hope you found this post helpful!

The Parma Violet