Is Brown the new Black?

As we're starting to get into the summer months, I think its nice to change from the usual routine black eyeliner, to a softer look using a brown eyeline. This one from No7, is great because its got its own smudging tip, for softening a harsh line and creating a fresh natural look. Great for when you don't have long to put your make-up on, on when you're going to be spending the day in the sunhine and want a little bit of definition but nothing too heavy.

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Lovely Lipgloss

A girl can never have too many lip glosses, and here is another one I would definitely recommend to add to your collection!

Maybelline's Color Sensational Shine Gloss is everything you could wish for from a drug-store lip-gloss; a great range of shades, fairly long lasting, acceptable fragrance and not too sticky!

I went for 'Cashmere Rose', which is a great every day shade, and also looks really good if you want to add an extra kick to a pink lipstick.

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Felt-tip Liner

I've always loved liquid liner and gel-liner, but its taken me a long time to buy into the 'felt-tip' liner scene.

Within the space of about a month, I know own two. One black, one blue, both by Eyeko. If you're looking for fast, accurate eye-liner application, I would definitely recommend these. They are incredibly long lasting, and once you get the knack of them, very easy to apply. One thing I would say though, if you are right handed like me - for some reaso, I find the application on the right eye a lot harder! Something to do with the angle of the pen, but I can work round it.

And if you're looking for something with a bit of pop, especially for spring/summer, I would definitely recommend the blue, paired with natural eyeshadow and pink lip gloss. Its not overtly blue, and is a great alternative to black.

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Simple Toner

I don't think the brand 'Simple' gets enough credit for being affordable, gentle skin-care. I have used their products for years, as I find that heavily perfumed products can give me an allergic reaction, and Simple is so gentle and mild on the skin. I use their Light moisturiser and Cleanser regularly, but today, the Toner is getting the honourable mention.

After I've removed my makeup and washed my face, I dampen a cotton wool pad with the Simple Toner and wipe it all over my face. Its gives the perfect finishing touch to your evening routine - knowing that I've got every last scrap of make-up off my face and leaves it feeling incredibly clean and not at all tight. I know there are a lot of expensive toners out there, but I really can't fault this. And at around £3 bottle (which is regularly on offer), its a complete bargain!

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Face/Eyes/Lips Compact

Nars have quite a few cult products, so when they combined their famous bronzer, blusher and lipgloss in one handy sized compact, along with three eyeshadows in very useful shades, I couldn't resist! The mirror inside is pretty decent too.

Nars 'Crime of Passion' Palette

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Sparkling Skin

If you want to give your skin a glowing boost, I would recommend using Clinique's 7 Day Scrub-Cream.

This exfoliator gently removes any dead skin and buffs it to perfection. I have used exfoliators in the past that have caused me to have lost of little spots, but this one doesn't irritate my skin at all and I can really feel a difference in the smoothness of my skin in the days after using it.

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Facial Soap for problem skin

Clinique's bar of 'anti-blemish' soap my seem steep at first (£14.50), but when it lasts a year, that works out as just less than 4p a day, so its a bargain really.

My skin can sometimes be greasy, and sometimes I have dry patches, but I never find this to irritate my skin, and I do think it helps keep blemishes at bay.

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