How To Achieve 'Insta' Brows 101

When it comes to trends, eyebrows play a big part. The squiggly brow has almost taken over the gram but, the 'Instagram' brows have become the most used trend! In other words...full, bold brows that are well structured and highlighted. So here's my tips on getting those insta brows you've always wanted...

1. PRODUCTS are the key!
The products you use play a key role. I prefer to use a pomade, concealer, dual eyebrow brush and a gel. But an eyebrow pencil or stick always works.

Obviously the no.1 pomade to use is the ABH pomade, which I actually purchased on holiday. But, if you want to save, I recommend the NYX Tame & Frame which I believe is a dupe. Its a regular pomade that is creamy and very pigmented. And honestly does the same job, for a better price. Using this with a small precise brush gives such a natural feel to your brows. The nyx brow contour is also pretty handy and works like a pencil except which I love. 

2. Pomade Drying Out

Although gel eyeliners and pomades in this instance are the BOMB, they can dry out and pretty quickly, especially if you haven't screwed the lid on tight. Here's a quick tip on how to deal with it or prevent it:

• keeping the pot upside down when using it to prevent the air from drying it
• use a liquid that enhances the pigment such as the Duraline by Inglot
• or as I do, use oil to make it more creamy (I put a drop of vitamin e oil and it works fine)

3. TOOLss
When using a pomade, a brush is necessary. These are the ones I use often, I like to switch up the brushes I use now and then. If youre on a budget or just generally want to save I've got a dupe for you! ££££

I've been using SixPlus Brushes, they have amazing quality brushes for very affordable prices, a set of 11 being around £25+ that's almost £3 per brush! H&M used to do this dual brush, with an eyebrow side and a concealer blender. Not too sure if they continue selling this but it does its job! And if you wanna save even more the Primark dual eyebrow brush is a great alternative, which I didn't expect at all since its £1.50?! 

8. Set those brows in place!

Setting your brows honestly saves so much time and mess. A tinted or clear gel works wonders to get those sparse areas and to stop stray hairs from forming their own lives. Your brows will not budge after this step so make sure your done with filling them before this!

Eye of Horus - Dynasty Dual Brow Pencil and Gel

9. You don't have to have threaded, clean and shaped brows for this.

If anyone has told you shaping your brows by threading, tweezing etc is the only way to brow heaven, they are WRONG. Yes, it will be easier to fill your brows, but a simple concealing can do the trick when your brows are due for an appointment! My favourite concealers are the Maybelline Eraser Eye and the Collection Lasting Perfection. Outlining your brows with concealer can also make your brows look perfectly shaped and clean.

Shop the products mentioned here - 

Have any brow tips? What products do you like to use for your brows? Share them with me in the comments!

@velvetblogs

All Things Lashes

If you didn't know, lashes are a must for me! They make any eye look 100% more...how do I put it? Neat? Put together? But I swear by applying lashes because they also hide away the mess you've made underneath, if your a non-expert like me. So these lashes that Threads Beauty sent me, so kindly, obviously got me excited.

These are the Threads Beauty Lashes in 'Vava Voom' which are quite a natural pair that would be great for everyday use for me personally. And 'Red Cherri' are more bold and dramatic which I'd probably wear on a special occasion.
Each pair comes with a small tube of adhesive which dried clear (the regular glue that usually comes with false lashes)

                                                                        £9.00 For Each Pair

*If you cannot tell, I've actually used these in the past hence the dirty lash band and I obviously forgot to take a photo beforehand because that's just what I'm like. But these were effortlessly easy to apply because of the thicker lash band which I personally love because I'm not at all amazing at applying falsies, they didn't look too 'fake' because my makeup was quite heavy as well so I wouldn't recommend wearing the 'Red Cherri' ones on their own I guess. But that's totally your choice if you do.

They also have so many styles to choose from! If I was being extra critical I'd say that the packaging isn't the best, its not very secure however, it isn't a big deal.

Companion Lash Glue $10/£7.75

I love to have a good lash adhesive since I'm not an expert when it comes to lashes, so this just makes applying lashes that extra easier.

I have been using this Esqido Lash Adhesive for quite awhile now and I'm honestly in love. Its a latex-free and invisible glue. However I do still cover the lash band with liquid eyeliner because it leaves a white shiny finish. The applicator is so thin and easy to use so you don't use too much or too less. It takes at the most, a minute to go tacky but this does not make your lashes come of at all. Also the packaging is so classy, it has a ROSE-GOLD top, who doesn't love classy packaging? Esqido also sell lashes so go check em out :)

For $5 off Esqido, use this link: https://r.esqido.com/3791158149 (Disclaimer: I will benefit from you using this referral link)

Are you a falsie kinda gal or do you prefer not to wear them? If so what's your favourite false lashes? I've been loving the Dodo Lashes in D105 as well as the Red Cherri ones I've mentioned above x

@velvetblogs

Affordable Makeup // W7 Makeup Review

After, a break from blogging, I'm back with a affordable makeup review!

So last week I received a package from @w7makeupuk (make sure to check out their website - www.w7cosmetics.co.uk)

I received a contour stick, 'power puff' beauty blender, 'kiss me' plumping gloss and the 'camouflage kit' concealer palette.

Starting things off badly,  the colour of this stick looked as though it would suit my skin colour, however the colour blended to almost nothing and as you can see in the picture below it was quite tilted to one side so when I tried to use it, it broke off :( this is probably because it was mailed but the packaging for some of the products in general does lack quality unfortunately, so if you do decide to purchase these I'd recommend you get them in store!

On to a more positive note, the power puff blender was amazing I definitely know this as I have had it in the past its good for blending foundation and getting in the corners of your eyes for concealer etc. This would be a good beauty blender to buy if your on a budget, or if your wanting a cheap but good quality beauty blender.

The lip plumping gloss was glossy and kept my lips moisturised for quite a long time, it didn't really plump my lips but I haven't used it regularly so I couldn't give you any evidence of that, although it did tingle a bit if that makes a difference? Will update you on that though. (doesn't actually plump your lips) Although, I do love the applicator! The scent of the gloss was also peppermint and was a bit strong so I wouldn't get it if you do not like that sort of scent.

Lastly, the camouflage kit concealer. (partially shown in the first photo) This packaging I was digging! I wasn't expecting too much as its an affordable brand and so when I tried it and didn't really work well as a concealer I wasn't shocked. (it blended out to nothing) It also has many colours concealers in the palette and a concealer brush which is handy, however the brush gives off a black colour when used, not sure if its just mine! (now I use it for smoking the lower lash with black eyeshadow, so it did come in handy haha)

What are your affordable makeup picks?

Insta - @velvetblogs

Spring Favourites ❁

Before I get into anything, this is a spring favourites collaboration with booksandbeautyx - so you should go check out her blog which was up a few hours ago - http://wp.me/4V3Fj also be sure to comment if you like favourites blogs as I'll do them more often ☻

Ickle Baby Bot ↠

This is the 'sleepy time soother' (said in the lush catalogue) it has a relaxing lavender smell and chamomile oils that is refreshing ☻ it also looks very cute - I definitely recommend it and it is only £1.95, one the cheapest bath bombs at lush!  

Charity Pot ↠

Its a hand and body lotion with charitable roots!

It has a floral scent and it benefits your skin as well as good causes as every penny you spend on the charity pot is donated to causes for people, animals and the environment, this is only £1.00 for the little pot I have (the one in the picture) and £6.95 for a bigger pot

Essie Nail Polish ↠

This is the Essie Nail Polish in the colour 'Mind Your Mittens' I bought it yesterday for £1.99 (in a store in Wales, where I live) but they are usually £6.99 in Boots 

I love this shade as it goes with everything, as most of my clothes are black, grey and blue. I'm actually running out of it and it makes me sad :( 

Don't forget to check out booksandbeautyx's blog, I mentioned the link at the beginning if this blog ^

Check out my Instagram - instagram.com/velvetblogs

If you want me to post any other blogs, reviews, favourite etc just leave a comment below ❥