Male Make-Up Essentials: My Everyday Kit

Its common nowadays to find that guys have a basic grooming kit, whether it contain post-shave balm, pair of tweezers, a lip-balm or sorts, a concealer stick or even some bronzer. So for the past two years I've been using various products that I think create a subtle, fresh-faced look for guys and a look that guys can get away with, without the "face full of make-up" stigma being attached. I will at a later date upload a video to "NevsNatterTV" showing how to apply each product, but I thought it'd be beneficial to create a blogpost to refer to for product purchases and application instrutions. 

I have chosen a selection of products that suit my skin type (normal - dry), and shades that suit my skins complexion however I have attempted to select products that suit general skin types.

#1

Now if make-up application is not for you, which is fine, I always recommend the use of a facial moisturiser/day cream and a hand lotion. After using various moisturisers I found that the Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Intensive Daily Moisturiser for Face with SPF 15 was the best option. Its almost like a primer and unlike the promise drugstore moisturisers make, the price really can be overlooked with the effectiveness of its application. 

#2

 After preparing the skin with the Elizabeth Arden Moisturiser, I use Benefits Boing Concealer in Shade 02. Now I'm not usually a fan of compact concealers as I really don't like having a completely matte face. However with Boing a little bit really goes a long way and the subtlety comes from not using excessively and the quality comes from its effective cover-up of blemishes. For contouring and for further coverup I use L'Oreal Nude Magique BB Cream, I just apply to the cheekbones, sides of my nose and my temples and it really helps cover any further blemishes and gives a more natural look!

#3

When it comes to brows I found it so hard to find a product that looked subtle enough for a guys every-day use. I looked at varying kits and treatments that can be used in order to shape/tint brows. I finally came across Benefits Speed Brow, which is a brush-on eyebrow gel, it keeps the eyebrow shaped with a neutral tint and it literally takes seconds to use.

#4

And finally a good lip-balm/treatment is so crucial. No body likes a cracked lip! So for more intense treatment I've been using the Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Intensive Lip Repair Cream which I have just been applying before I go to sleep and first thing when I wake up. Then for application during the day I've been using the EOS Moisturizing Lip Balm in Sweet Mint, it honestly smells so nice and so fresh.

So there you have it guys, some simple tips and products that can be used to create a subtle but clear complexion for guys who don't particularly wear make-up or for those simply looking for the right products. 

Please let me know what you thought of this post and I'll continue to upload similar tip and reviews as I have enjoyed doing this one so much!

What is your favourite product for a subtle look?

Nev

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Topshop & River Island Sale!

Hey Guys,

Okay so whoever decided to put a sale on at Topman and River Island around pay-day is either a genius if you're trying to spend, or evil, if you are trying to save. Sadly I fell into the latter category as I am currently trying to save for uni in September! However I could not physically bring myself to look through the sales, and sadly (or not so sadly) this is the results!

Okay so from Topman I was genuinely quite suprised at the sale in their little branch in Durham. The sale rail was packed full of reasonably priced clothing. Firstly I decided to looking at their "high roller" tees and their long sleeve casual tees as these I frequently wear in rehearsals, to lounge in or to wear under shirts and I found these two bad boys!

I've never had a 3/4 length sleeved jersey before but this caught my eye because of the purple stripes on the arm and thought could be nice to jazz up my rehearsal clothe wardrobe, but it genuinely looks nice under, cardis, denimn jackets and shirts for a much smarter look.

I also picked up this large/oversized grey high roller with multicoloured speckles on it (you can't see the detailing on the photo). I just thought it would look nice under a bright shirt, and would look smart with light skinny jeans and brown suede desert boots.

And then I found my favourite thing in Topman, and I was honestly far too excited about this purchase. 

Honestly this waterfall cardi is so comfy and looks so smart for night outs or smart/casual gatherings. I've been looking for a cardi or jacket that can substitute a checked shirt or denimn jacket and I thought this would work perfectly. The price I was pleasantly suprised with, and didn't mind paying considering how much I loved it!

Then I ventured into the River Island sale, a place I don't usually shop, but decided to give it a whirl and I was pleasantly suprised!

Now I know it seems all I seem to be buying lately is checked shirts but I really do think they look so smart and can be made to look dressy for night outs and gatherings, or just make a casual daytime outfit look really nice, so I was rather chuffed/suprised with these finds!
Well its safe to say my wallet has suffered, but I think it was worth it for such great clothes at such great prices!

What did you guys find in the sales?

Have a fab weekend!

Nev

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Adidas Bargains

Hey Guys!

So normally when clothes shopping I don't tend to look into sportswear shops such as Nike,

Adidas or JD Sports, unless there is something in particular I am looking for, however when I was at Dalton Park in Murton yesterday I decided to "live on the edge" and have a look in Adidas, and I was pleasantly suprised, firstly at their amazing prices but secondly and the massive discounted Adidas Originals range! So after a thorough look around I decided to go for two items which I couldn't resist buying. Around the front section of the shop is seemed to be that the sole focus of the shop was their amazingly discounted "Adidas Stipe Jackets", on sale for £27.99 from £65, (I hadn't previously realised they were so expensive). However for £27.99 I though this was a fair deal. There wasn't an extensive range of colours but there were a few to choose from. I ended up choosing this blue with red stripes jacket which has, since purchase, been growing on me. 

With me going to Newcastle College, next year to study a Foundation Degree in Musical Theatre I thought the hooded jacket would be rather practical to just "throw on" during rehearsals or on the long route back home! Whilst looking about there was an Adidas Originals sale rale which I raked through for a good 20 minutes. I did find a burnt orange sweatshirt which I loved but after trying on I really didn't think suited me, and then I came across this shirt which seemed to be the only one on the rale!

Now if you've seen past blog posts and videos on my NevsNatterTV YouTube account you will know that I have a recent found love for overside checky, plaid and flannel shirts. I just think they go really well with a pair of skinny jeans, in any colour (depending on the colour of the shirt) and a pair of desert boots or suede boots. So knowing this I could not resist this almost dark navy shirt with a light read cross-hatch pattern, and it was in my size too! Perfect!

So it was safe to say I was pleasantly surprised with these items. However the surprises didn't stop there, when I reached the checkout the sales clerk offered me a 30% off leaflet! Instead of the total reaching £46.99, it was reduced to £32.92!!!!

Amazed! I highly recommend checking out your nearest outlet shopping centres!

Have you guys experienced any bargains like these??

Nev

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