Hi guys,

One of my highest requested make-up looks is a glowy, natural, nude look. I recently did a poll on my instagram stories and this came up as favourite compared to other looks such as a smokey eye or bold lip. So I decided to create one using some fantastic products I received recently.

The first thing I will say is that when it comes to creating this type of look your skincare before the make-up application has to be on point. The skin needs to be really hydrated and prepped. So to start with I exfoliated using *Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, which exfoliates the skin and leaves you with a smooth surface. I then applied *Pixi Glow Tonic Toner and Glow Serum for that extra boost of Glycolic acid, which will reveal new skin cells. I finally applied my *Dermalogica Prisma Protect moisturiser with SPF 30.

Hey guys,

A few weeks back I was invited to the Stila Spring launch and as always fell head over heels with some of their new releases. You will know by now from my previous posts that I am a big fan. Stila always stand out to me as quite an innovative brand especially being one of the first brands to launch the liquid eyeshadows but they always seem to be coming out with new products and colours that are so current. This Spring their focus is on skin, which as a skin lover I was so happy about. As well as launching new shades in their liquid eyeshadow formats, Stila have also released Skin Perfecting Colours and Primers as well as the In the Buff powder spray (see what I mean about the innovation!).

Hi Everyone,

Recently I attended an event with Stila cosmetics for their Vivid & Vibrant collection and it really blew me away. I am such a fan of Stila as you may have seen from previous posts. There was something about this collection that really appealed to me. The collection is based around jewel tones and every is luxurious and opulent in both colour and texture. I absolutely love the liquid eyeshadows as they provide a quick and easy way to make a statement without the need to use a brush, but there are also beautiful eyeshadow duo's in this collection that give such a beautiful effect so there is something for everyone no matter what type of product you like. 

 I decided to create a day to night look for you using some of their fab products. The first is this really simple shimmery eye look. To be honest this can be worn both at night and in the day, the sparkle on it is like no other. All I simply did was use the Heaven's Dew All Over Shimmer* and applied to my lid with my finger. I then slightly blended it out to the brow bone and applied a black kohl liner and lashes. It is so simple and took me less than 10 minutes but such a pretty eye look. I then added some of the all over shimmer to my cheek bone for extra added effect. This could be paired with both a neutral or bold lip. What I love about the All Over Shimmer is that it is just that! You can apply this anywhere, arms, legs , collar bone, literally wherever you want. It gives the loveliest sparkle and the formula is beautiful.

To create a bit of drama and to take this from day to evening all I simply did was apply the Shimmer & Glow liquid Eyeshadow in Vivid Smoky Quartz* to the lid and underneath the lower lash line to frame the eye. I applied this on top of the Heaven's Dew All over Glimmer. I made sure not to go to high on the lid so the shimmer could still be seen around the brow bone. I then applied a slightly thicker liner to the lash line and did this all with the lashes still on! The darker colour makes it a little more dramatic and perfect for an evening look. I also love the fact I didn't need to use a single brush for any of the eye looks I created!

So this is how you can go from day to night with Stila, literally only using two of their products. However I also couldn't help myself and created a look that was a little bit more creative using the Vivid and Vibrant campaign images for inspiration. Her I simply used the Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows in Vivid Smoky Quartz and Vivid Sapphire* as graphic liners. This just shows how versatile they are as a product and I can't wait to add to my collection. I hope you like. Have you ever tried any of the Stila products before? What should I try next?

Amina xx

Hey guys,

This week I am bringing to you a brand focus on Stila Cosmetics. They have appeared on the blog before in my Christmas Stocking Filler Gift Guide and New Year's Eve Makeup Look, however this time I am going to introduce you to some of their key products and new releases for Spring and end with a Spring make-up look, so be sure to scroll all the way down!

One thing I love about the brand is how easy their products are to work with. The products speak for themselves and help anyone achieve an effortless make-up routine. They are fast becoming my favourite make-up brand and something about the brand as a whole really connects with me. 

First up we have the Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows. These are one of the products that Stila are well known for. The Glitter & Glow combines glitter and eyeshadow into one product, it applies wet and dries to a powder. No need for glitter glue, it is fuss free, with maximum impact and I think this is what really appeals to me. Below are some swatches from the christmas gift set which contains 3 mini's, however there are a range of over 20 shades. Including duo chrome shades new for Spring. I am obsessed by the way, and want them all.

Carrying on with the eye theme, Stila have also released a Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow for Spring, as easy to use as the Glitter & Glow but with less of the glitter and more of a pearly shimmer. This is perfect for a less obvious look and gives such a subtle shine, it is soft and beautiful. I love that the colour applies wet and dries to a powder. It also means it is buildable, you can apply a thin layer, or apply more to get fuller coverage. These can also be worn with the Glitter & Glow if you are looking for maximum impact. However on their own they give a pearlescent effect that is so stunning. 

One thing I find fantastic about Stila is the usability of the products. They are created with ease in mind. You don't have to be a make-up artist to use them but can still get a professional look. An example of this can be seen in the new Smudge Kajal Eyeliner. It is essentially kajal eyeliner with a smudge sponge and sharpener attached at the bottom.  The formula is lovely, very waxy and applies smoothly. Perfect for smudging and giving a blended look, but with a high intensity pigment. It comes in four colours and I need them all.

Another classic Stila staple is the Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick, infused with Vitamin E and Avocado oil it keeps your lips hydrated throughout the day. As matte liquid lipsticks go, this is a very comfortable formula, one of the best I've tried. And that is saying something really as I am definitely a gloss girl! For Spring there is also a shimmer version which is metallic and just stunning. Shimmer for the win I say.

Also new for spring are the Stay All Day Sheer Liquid Lipsticks, same formula but somehow more transparent and less pigmented. Everyone is so caught up with high impact these days but these are surprisingly nice and lightweight. They offer a light wash of matte colour to the lip, and offer a great compromise for someone who loves a matte lip with a softer finish. 

If you are looking to jazz your lips up you need to get your hands on Stila's new Glitterati top coat! It is a clear liquid with tiny particles of pearl, perfect to apply over any of the Stay All Day liquid Lipsticks. Perfect for nightwear and gives your lips a little added extra. This is next on my wishlist!

I created my Bohemian Beauty look below with Shimmer & Glow in Carefree over the lid, with a dark brown shadow blended into the crease. Because the liquid dries to a powder you are still able to apply and blend powder eyeshadows to the rest of the eyes. I then applied the Smudge Kajal eyeliner in Intense Black over the lash line and used the smudger to blend it out. On the lips, I applied Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Bellissimo with Stay All Day Sheer Liquid Lipstick in Sheer Caramel over the top to give an ombre effect. I love the fact all the products can be layered to get different effects. 

So that's my round up of some of my fave Stila products and some of their new releases. Once again this is a brand I am totally falling in love with and will continue to purchase from. They somehow make beauty and make-up un-intimidating and make it exciting for everyone. Have you purchased from Stila? What are your faves? Let me know in the comments below.

Amina xx

*Contains PR samples. All opinions are my own.

Hi guys,

I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas. This week I am bringing to you a make-up look for New Years Eve. This actually happens to be my christmas look as we never actually do anything for NYE, since having the kids. We are usually wrapped up warm in bed and get awoken at midnight by our neighbours' fireworks. At which point Aaron and I say happy new year to each other and fall straight back asleep. However if you do have something planned, then this make-up look will take you all through the evening into the early hours if needed. 

As I was rushed for time, I literally used three products after I had applied my base and brows. Firstly with the eyes. I used Luminous Bronze Light in my Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette to create a bit of depth in the crease of my eye lid. I then applied the Stila Glitter & Glow in Smoky Storm half way over my lid. The sparkle was fantastic and gives the perfect amount of shine. This look is perfect for low lighting as whatever light their is just causes the glitter to sparkle even more. 

For the lips I decided to go with Creeper, a gorgeous matte red from my ColourPop Foxy collection. I can't emphasis enough how good the quality of these Ultra Matte Lips are. My lips lasted 8 hours without a top-up and all while eating non stop. I have always loved ColourPop but limit my purchases because of customs charges.  I don't always go for bold eyes and bold lips but with this look it just works.

I then used the Ambient Lighting palette all over my face! Diffused Light to set under my eyes, Hypnotic Strobe Light to highlight, Luminous Bronze Light again as a bronzer, and Surreal Halo as my blusher. This just tied the whole look together. I opted to go without lashes, but if you want a little added extra, then these Midnight Lashes from Lash Couture's Faux mink collection above would be perfect!

So that is the finished look. I hope you like it! I can't believe another year of blogging and life has gone by. It has been one which has had it's moments but I would be lying if I said I wasn't ready for  2018. Thanks to every one of you who read my blog, it means so much more than you know. I think however, after over 2 years of blogging, Ali & Her is more than ready for a small break. Fingers crossed for all of us that 2018 is one of the best yet. Looking forward to what's to come. Happy New Year! xx

Amina xx

Hey Guys,

This week I am bringing to you a gift guide for stocking fillers, however saying that some of these would also make great actual gifts on their own too. They would also be perfect for those Secret santa's where you are on a budget. They are all beauty related so if it ain't your thing then click away now!

This is such a beautiful gift set. It contains three of the magnificent metals liquid eyeshadows in mini format. For the price I think this is great as it allows you to try three different colours for around the same price as what one would usually cost. The effect these give is stunning and so sparkly I just can't get enough. This is one of the pricier items on my list and would equally make a fab christmas present or stocking filler.

Such a lovely stocking filler. Not only am I 'impressed' (excuse the pun! Come on, it is christmas!) by the range of gorgeous designs, but also how secure these feel on the nail. I think I can honestly say these are the best false nails I have ever tried. They fit my nails so perfectly and they have been designed to look like a gel nail. They appear so professional and would be a hit in any beauty lover's stocking. I really enjoyed wearing them myself and have a pair ready for Christmas day!

Who doesn't love false lashes? Well whatever lash effect you want, from dramatic to natural, Kiss have you covered. I was particularly wowed by the Lash Couture range as they give a faux mink effect. They are 3D and also have a mix of brown and black coloured hairs in them to make them look even more effective. Gift one as a stocking filler and do yourself a favour, buy a pair for you too.

Without fail, every year I get some sort of nail polish combo as a gift and out of a lot of sets, these limited edition colours really stand out to me. Leighton Denny is a great nail brand and you can rely on the quality of the nail polish. You get two mini nail polishes for £10 and I think the colours are great for the festive season. The packaging also gives me christmas cracker vibes so it's a hit for me!

So this might not seem like an obvious stocking filler but let me tell you whoever is on the receiving end of these will thank you! If you haven't heard of Spacemasks, it's essentially an eye mask that when you apply to your face, start to warm up using some kind of crazy scientific power (iron filings react to oxygen creating heat). The end result is a warm soothing eye mask with the added extra of Jasmine. I suggest buying a box of five and adding one to everyone's Christmas present!

6. Charlotte Tilbury - Mini Celebrity Lipstick Charms (£29)

Hey Guys!

This week I am bringing to you my beauty wishlist. These are things that I have wanted for a long time or items that haven't even been released yet, either way I can't wait to get my hands on them. Basically, I just needed to get this off my chest and I feel by having a post dedicated to them, it will make me feel like wanting them less. That doesn't make any sense does it?! Anyway...

1. Hourglass - Ambient Lighting EditVolume 3

This is a limited edition Rose Gold palette and the shades just call out to me. I have lusted over all of the Ambient Lighting Palette but for some reason this one particular has my name written all over it.  I have always loved blushers, but this combines beautiful blushers with highlighters and a bronzer, all encased in a rose gold casing. The colours are perfection. Want. Need.

2. Huda Beauty - Faux Filter Foundation

I am so excited for this new foundation by Huda Beauty, released later this month. Two years in the making, Huda has promised this foundation to be like no other. With a shade range of 30, there must be a match for me. From what I have seen from Huda wearing it herself, the finished look is seamless and I know I am going to need to try this. Only downside is there are no Huda Beauty counters anywhere near me so I'm going to have to guess my shade. Wish me luck!

3. Huda Beauty - Dessert Dusk Eyeshadow Palette

Keeping in the theme of Huda Beauty. Her newly released Dessert Dusk Palette looks absolutely stunning. Released on the same day as the NARS X Christopher Kane palette was, I opted for the NARS (see review here). But this hasn't left me wanting the Dessert Dusk any less. Twilight, Retrograde and Cosmo are so enticing. But I can't justify buying as I have a lot of the other colours from other brands or palettes. Still would love it in my collection though.

4. NUXE - Huile Prodigieuse OR (multi purpose dry oil)

Recently I got a sample of the NUXE Huile Prodigieuse OR dry oil from the My Little Box subscription box and was pleasantly surprised by the scent and effect the oil has on my skin. I have heard so much about this oil and read a lot of reviews and wondered what the fuss was all about. I love it so much I now want the shimmer version which has particles of glitter within it, leaving your skin glowing. 

5. Barry M - Liquid Chrome Highlighter Drops (Pearl)

Do I even need to say anything... Barry M has a range of Liquid highlighters and they are all so pretty. This one in particular just gives off unicorn fairy mermaid vibes. So what can I say. I want it. I don't know if it will suit my skin tone but that's not going to stop me. It comes in a bottle with dropper style dispenser and can be applied directly onto the face and blended with a beauty blender, brush or fingertips.

6. Stila - Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow

Again, one I have wanted for a very long time. Stila have a range of colours and you apply simply by swiping the applicator over the eye. It leaves you with the effect of eyeshadow and glitter without having to apply eyeshadow and glue glitter on separately. They are so pretty and easy, I just want one in my collection. They can be pricey at £23 but I have managed to find them for £19 here, so am extremely tempted!

7. Caudalie - Beauty Elixir

This is one of those products I have wanted to try forever. This beauty elixir is raved about and it's a skincare item that so many people swear by. I love Caudalie as a brand and how they use natural ingredients in their products. The main ingredient behind a lot of their products are grapes specially grown in france which makes them quite unique. Unfortunately I don't own anything from this brand yet ,but the beauty elixir is definitely on my wishlist.

8. Fenty - Holiday Collection

With Fenty Beauty by Rihanna having recently launched I have been super intrigued by all of her products and have been reading many reviews to get my head around which of her products I need. However, the more I read the more I felt like maybe I could give it a miss. That is, until I saw her holiday collection. The oil slick packaging on the lipsticks is drawing me towards them and that eyeshadow palette looks like it has a little bit of everything. This is definitely on my one to watch list and I'm sure it will be a sell out.

So that's my beauty wishlist for now. I feel so much better now I have got them all off my chest and have something to look back at when I feel like treating myself. What's on your beauty wishlist?

Amina xx