Tell me you had the time of your life, without telling me you had the time of your life…
I’ll go first! 🍑
I had the absolutely pleasure of attending the Unicorn Cosmetics Peach Sponge Launch Party at Little Fant Farm and honestly, I made a new core memory!
The weather was absolutely scorching too which made for a beautiful day in a stunning location, surrounding by the best people!
The UC Team are some of the best people I have ever met and made us all feel so welcome. I’m so over the moon to have met them all as well as the talented creators I had the honour of attending with!
The food was incredible with delights such as a buffet style afternoon tea and the most AMAZING cocktail sausages I have ever eaten. I don’t know how they did it but I’m pretty sure no others will ever compare now for the rest of my life.
From giant garden games to constantly flowing peach inspired cocktails, the team thought of absolutely everything and I feel so lucky to have been invited. What an absolute dream come true it was to be surrounded by some of the most talented creators in the business!
When I tell you that a collection has NEVER spoken to my soul more than this one, you best believe it!
There’s a fresh face in Paris! Emily Cooper is brightening up the City of Light with her signature colourful style and wit. From lunch with friends to a chic night out, celebrate everyday the way Parisiennes do and indulge in the full Spectrum x Emily in Paris collection. Most importantly, remember to say oui to possibility.
Spectrum Collections have captured the essence of the infamous Netflix series perfectly and I can’t wait to get my hands on it (so if anyone is looking a last minute Christmas gift idea for me then here I am serving it to you on a pretty pink platter).
For those of you who haven’t joined the masses and binged watched what can only be described as the guiltiest of pleasures then this little run down might give you a glimpse into the dream world of Emily…
Emily in Paris follows Emily, a driven 20-something American from Chicago who moves to Paris for an unexpected job opportunity. She is tasked with bringing an American point of view to a venerable French marketing firm. Cultures clash as she adjusts to the challenges of life in Paris while juggling her career, new friendships, and love life.
The last couple of years has truly been a time of reflection for so many people. It has given me so many things to be grateful for as well as the numerous worries I’m sure the majority of us feel pretty similar.
One thing I will happily take away with me into the new year is a new found appreciation for small businesses and indie brands.
The beauty community is saturated with talent. Some more well known than others but all admirable in their quest to achieve their dreams.
Here is a list of some of my favourite indie cosmetics brands, fingers crossed you’ll find something new and exciting to sink your teeth into!
I’ve spoken about Arttitude many times before and to be honest my love for the brand has only grown since then.
The Colour Splash palette is the perfect addition to your collection if you’re after something daring with the kind of pigment quality most high end brands could only dream of!
Their product line has expanded considerably in the last year whilst still keeping up with the impeccable standard of previous releases. What more could you ask for?
Palm Beauty is the baby of the bunch. Founded by Courtney Green of TOWIE fame this little gem still feels brand spanking new after only launching this time last year.
If you’re after an eyeshadow palette that’ll take you from day to night, on any occasion and all year round then look no further because Palm Beauty has you covered with their warm toned, neutral 9 pan beaut.
You’ll also find a collection of lip products that will become handbag essentials in no time!
If you’re after something with a little bit more edge then VE Cosmetics is perfect for you. This one woman powerhouse is all about ensuring ethical practices whilst still being fierce as they come.
You’ll find stunning eyeshadow palettes (witchy vibes all round guys, you’re gonna love em!) as well as a whole host of lip products with a formula and finish to suit everyone (with some seriously unique shades to boot!).
Luxury is probably the word that first springs to mind when I think about Labelle.
With an extensive range of products (the diamond highlighters are my fav!) they manage to hit the mark each and every time with their on trend releases.
Pretty much the perfect present selection for the beauty lover in your life.
UC has come a long way since they first launched their now iconic lashes.
With three gorgeous palettes, a selection of stunning pigments and brushes that look like they escaped straight from a Disney movie you really are spoilt for choice.
They also have the most beautiful and magical aesthetic that I’m kind of obsessed with. Mermaid brushes. Give me the strength to not skint myself!
This one will need no introduction. If you haven’t tried the P.Louise base then you need to get an order in right this minute because it is honestly a game changer.
The brand juggles being recognised world wide (it’s a favourite of Kim K don’t ya know!) whilst still managing to maintain its roots, giving back to her supporters is something that Paige does on a daily basis.
If you’re after a purchase with plenty of heart, soul and positivity then P.Louise will have your back.
The beauty industry has gone from strength to strength in recent years, especially with the rise of the ‘influencer‘ and power of social media. With an incredibly saturated market, an endless supply of near identical products and concepts it’s hard to know where to invest your hard earned cash. I’m here today to share with some of my favourite brands created and headed by female entrepreneurs as well as my go to products. Why they’re so special and deserve your support.Like the Spice Girls said once upon a time (and is definitely the theme of today’s post) Girl Power!
Unicorn Cosmetics founder Mel had always experimented with colour through fashion and hair (she has worked her way through the rainbow and honestly, I’m so jealous because she always looks amazing!). Her journey began with the realisation that she could bring something new and exciting to the table.
The makeup world was very different to what it is now, everything was black and more black. Makeup brushes were honestly one of the less expensive products to fund and I was obsessed at the time with buying MAC brushes, but hated that they were so boring and pretty basic. I just didnt understand why no one had done a multi-coloured hair makeup brush that had a different shape handle, and that’s where it started really.
Mel Blue
With no knowledge or prior experience of how to start a business (10 years as an NHS data analyst is obviously vastly different to being the ultimate unicorn boss babe although she has always been a creative at heart, dabbling in customising shoes and selling jewellery) she used her initiative and sourced everything via google. Choosing a factory was difficult but eventually having found the right one it was actually Fiancé Chris who turned Mels vision into reality with his clay design of the iconic unicorn brush handle.
Which actually brings us to the brands thoroughly recognisable name.
Unicorn was picked because it’s such a unique creature and magical. That’s all my brand is meant to be about, unique magical products that make you feel inspired and are ground breaking in design and quality.
Mel Blue
The UC Pro Unicorn Brush Range has been a resounding success with professional make up artists and enthusiasts such as myself giving them rave reviews across the board. The class of 86’ eye brush set is one of my most favourite purchases ever! Mel has managed to create tools of a professional standard at an accessible price which is so important especially at the moment when financially so many people are struggling.
If you follow UC across social media then you will probably already have seen a sneak peak of the Glow Ting highlighter (which Mel admits is her favourite creation so far!) and I will be first in line to get my hands on it when it drops, is there anything better than a glow that can be seen from space? I’ve also been told there are some other exciting launches planned for later this year!
Not only is Mel a hard working, strong business woman, she is also just a genuinely nice person! Praising her UC team (who she says have become her family), followers and supporters who have helped her build the brand up to what it is today.
You really need to find the right people to surround yourself with, and don’t be disheartened if you don’t get it right the first time, it’s a really big learning curve. No one loves your brand/business more than what you do, so always follow your gut. Business is one huge lesson. But more than anything I would say protect your creativity in legal terms, trust your instinct and dont be scared to say no.
Arttitude Cosmetics (which is completely vegan and cruelty free) was founded in 2019 by Rukhsaar (who is also a full time clinical scientist if she wasn’t already busy enough!). The brand boasts a full line of lashes, gorgeous lip products and the most beautiful rainbow palette you ever did see. She fell in love with the beauty industry and make up artistry after working in the family business, Arttitude Studios.
My mum has been working as a make-up artist since the early 2000’s and it was her that inspired me to learn make-up which is where I developed my passion from. When she started working as an MUA, make-up wasn’t what it is now. She wanted to challenge those norms and put the art back into make-up artistry and give it a whole new attitude, and that’s where the name comes from – her make-up studio was called Arttitude Studios, so she actually named the brand!
Rukhsaar
The Arttitude product line (which started with lashes) was originally designed with the studios clients in mind. After struggling to find the perfect lash for each client the decision was made to create their own! Each with its own luxury feel and presentation to make the experience even more special.
Building up a business whilst holding down a full time job as a health care professional isn’t something everyone can do and that’s what makes Ruks the ultimate inspiration. Arttitude Cosmetics is all about community. The brand is incredibly supportive of the artists they work with and constantly strives to give back to those who have supported the company as it grows. Her advice to others with dreams of starting their own business is straight to the point but also full of love. Exactly like the brand itself!
It is hard work. Expect to be working around the clock. Don’t expect to plant the seed and eat the fruit the same day. Read, read and read some more! Remember – the first year in business is just about surviving. But, having said all this. Go for it and don’t hold back. You don’t want to spend the rest of your life wondering, ‘what if.’ Take the risk, work hard, and you have all my love and best wishes for your every success.
Spectrum was started by sisters Sophie and Hannah in April 2014, born from a garage in Barry, South Wales.
Spectrum has gone from strength to strength in the years since then and has become a brand recognised across the world. Offering premium quality products that are always vegan and cruelty free (the sisters are TRUE animal lovers).
The duo who have always been fiercely passionate about beauty and fashion and feel strongly that make-up is more than just a visual thing.
A beauty routine is a ritual that when shared can bring so much happiness and really become a bonding experience. Makeup isn’t just functional, it’s very emotional.
Sophie & Hannah
Combining both beauty and fashion to create Spectrum was a genius decision. The brushes are by far some of the most beautiful I have ever seen, functional and made to a professional standard yet stylish and bold. The perfect dressing table accessories.
Having branched into cosmetics last year I now feel that there is no stopping the brand which is run by a predominantly female team.
And guys, have you seen their Disney collections? Because you know I am all about that life!
Paige Louise (PLouise) had loved and experimented with make up from a young age which ultimately led her to begin training as an MUA at 20. From there she grew more confident within her artistry and formed her own opinions on what worked and didn’t work within the beauty industry.
I used to stare at these gorgeous shadows sitting in these luxury palettes and then get very frustrated when I didn’t receive the colour pay-off on my clients’ eyelids.
Paige Louise
P.Louise Make Up Academy (which includes an aesthetics studio, hair lounge, state of the art classrooms and student facilities plus a swanky beauty lounge) opened in 2014. It was the foundation for the brand to really take the world by storm in 2018. After spotting a gap in the market, Paige was able to realise her dream and launch the now globally recognised brand.
I think it’s fair to say one of the most famous products to hit the industry in recent years has got to be the P.Louise Base.
I very quickly realised I needed a product that would clean up the eye area, neutralise any pigmentation and would be ready to give my shadows the best shot at living their best life.
Paige Louise
It is beloved by influencers and make up artists world wide and in my opinion really is worth the hype.
Going off on a slight tangent but oily skinned spectacle wearers like myself will appreciate this little trick I’ve picked up recently. Apply a touch of the base onto your nose and blend with a sponge. This will give the area a super base for the rest of your make up that doesn’t budge!
Anyway, I digress.
The brand now boasts an impressive array of products including eyeshadow palettes, paints and brushes as well as a fashion line co-owned by her brother.
Paige has proved herself to be a down to earth, kind hearted and driven young woman. I can’t wait to see what else she has planned for the industry.
Lois Cosmetics launched back in 2020 (and what a bloody year to start a business guys, BRAVE or what?!).
You know I’m all about girl power and this female founded brand hasn’t let the pandemic stop them from taking the beauty community by storm with not one but three high quality eyeshadow palettes all with their own individual theme and story.
With many years experience as a professional makeup artists, working with top brands and celebrities all around the world it would have been a crying shame for Lois not to put her expertise towards building a brand that is not only socially conscious but also right on the mark when it comes to trends.
With an ever expanding range of beautiful products there is truly something for everyone. Treat yourself to the most stunning liquid eyeshadows whilst also filling your basket with brand spanking new makeup brushes and eyeliners.
I can already tell that LC is fast becoming a lifelong obsession.
These women are a force to be reckoned with and I personally find their stories to be full on power and inspiration. I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s posts and I would be so interested to hear all about your own favourite female led brands!
Introducing our brand new phoenix eyeshadow palette. A gorgeous 25 shade palette, with a mixture of warm and cool tones, and 5 incredible formulas – the possibilities are endless!
Find your perfect red with our ultimate red lip kit – from the Born From The Ashes collection. Includes creamy satin finish lip bullets in 3 different shades of red, so you can find a classic red lip for every mood. Wear them on their own, or mix them together for the perfect ombre red lip.
Introducing our gorgeous Eternity lashes – the first of our clear band lashes at Arttitude Cosmetics, and part of our Born From The Ashes collection. A luxurious wispy lash with a fluffy outer wing, and beautiful curl – these lashes are absolutely perfect for every eye shape! And the best part is – they are 100% vegan and cruelty free.
The first ever brush set from Arttitude Cosmetics. This 12 piece set has been completely custom made, and contains a range of brushes perfect for make-up artists to create any look desired! The brush set includes small fluffy brushes and a pointed detailing brush designed to work with minimal eye space, to achieve precise perfect blends.
Our gorgeous red and black marble beauty blender is perfect for applying your base evenly, and minimising the appearance of pores. Achieve a perfect flawless complexion every time.
Each component of the collection has been crafted to perfection to for the brief seamlessly. Working beautifully on their own as well as together.
The Phoenix Eyeshadow Palette is a stunning addition to the Arttitude Cosmetics family and I can’t wait to see the daring combinations artists will create together with the pre-existing palettes.
The chameleon multichrome shades (Phoenix and Dreams) are truly the star of the show (although saying that I’m a self confessed brush hoarder and these beauties are INSANE).
The lipsticks (Inferno, Legacy and Conquer) are the perfect combination of creamy and long lasting. Taking classic reds and giving them a modern day twist.
If you follow me over on Instagram (HERE) then you’ll know I’m a bit of a palette hoarder…
I’ve rounded up my fav autumn/winter feels palette so if you’re struggling to narrow down your shopping basket this might give you a nudge in the right direction!
Celebrating spooky season all year round with this beaut! The grungy colour story of the Unicorn Cosmetics Wicked Palette still has me hooked all these months later.
Full of vampy glam goodness that’ll see you through a multitude of situations. I really can’t see it getting old. It’s also currently on sale for £24.99!
You can use code ‘THEBEAUTYBOO’ at checkout to save some £££.
The luxury finish of these rich shadows 100% justifies the £32.50 price tag, plus the packaging is lush and I’m not sure what else you can ask for really?
The warm tones of the Pantherine Palette give off utter autumnal dream vibes but also beautiful sunset feels so you’re pretty much covered all year round for £30!
The Spectrum Collections Pantherine Palette is a warm toned delight with (in my opinion) the perfect mix of matte and metallic shades. It’s also super pigmented and blends like a dream.
The dreamy colour story of the Rose Metal Palette will have you wishing every night was date night. Whilst definitely neutral for the most part it’s rosey tones really add that something special into the mix. Absolutely packed with pigment and the quality is second to none.
A colour story of two halves if ever there was one. Each element of the palette works so beautifully together for a truly unique experience but you really do feel like you’re getting an extra bang for your buck with so much choice and versatility.
This vegan & cruelty free beauty is just so magical with its pigmented mattes and stunning shimmers (or a cheeky duochrome with shade ‘Ray’ which really lifts the whole palette to another level).
A driven individual who strives to achieve her goals while attaining a beautiful glow both inside and out.
Summer may be over but that doesn’t mean you have to leave that coveted glow behind. The Core Cosmetics Collection is a must have if you’re after that glowing goddess lit from within kind of vibe (and who bloody isn’t!).
Never have I ever in all my life seen such an aesthetically pleasing collection.
I feel like this collection might be the very definition of what I feel on the inside on my best days. It just feels all things ‘good’ you know?
It’s an absolute must have and I’m so excited to collect the rest of the Pinch Pot shades!!!
The Spectrum Collection Core Cosmetics Collection is a thing of beauty. So elegant yet contemporary which I think is a really hard balance to strike with Sophie and Hannah have done it with complete ease!
Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.
A bit of a different post from me today my loves but you know what they say, a change is as good as a rest.
When I was first contacted some time ago and asked to test out a couple of cleansing bars I have to say I was intrigued! I’d never actually owned a product of this sort before and am always up for trying new things so of course I was immediately onboard. What I didn’t know was that I was going to fall head over heels in love with this beautiful company.
Little Soap Company were founded in 2008 and have turned big dreams into a reality with their unique approach to the bathroom staple.
Eco Warrior – a cruelty free & vegan collection under the Little Soap Company umbrella contains 99.9% natural ingredients and is plastic free, eco friendly and biodegradable (both the soap and packaging) so you can treat yourself to a luxurious self care session with the knowledge you are doing your bit for the environment.
Did I mention they also smell amazing?! Like not regular amazing, ACTUALLY amazing. The scent alone is just a hit of instant relaxation.
Besides the fact you’ll feel smug AF for making good choices there are also some practical positives that go hand in hand with choosing to swap your regular skincare or haircare for a bar.
Easily transportable. Chuck them in your bag without fear of those pesky spillages!
Less waste, which is a entire reason in itself am I right?
Cute as hell (because in the age of Instagram you know we all appreciate a good aesthetic!).
For every bar sold Little Soap Company pledges to donate 25p to the Sumatran Orangutan Society (SOS) to help plant seedlings in Sumatra, Indonesia as part of their forest regeneration and conservation mission. SOS works to protect Sumatran orangutans and the forests they depend on. They have planted over 2 million trees and rescued over 200 orangutans so far and continue to work on new solutions for the issues facing orangutans in the wild.
Eco Warrior SOS Bar Press Release
Both Little Soap Company and SOS believe that the future is all about sustainable palm oil and that a complete boycott could have more devastating effects for orangutans and the rainforest they depend on for survival. They only use RSPO Sustainable Palm Oil, produced without harming rainforests or the species that rely on them. Their passion is infectious and an asset to the beauty industry.
It would have been easier to have bowed to pressure years ago and made palm-oil free soap, but I truly believe it is the business of a business to help improve the world. I realised very early on I wasn’t just making soap – Little Soap Company is also a vehicle to educate about big issues that big brands were not only avoiding but adding to, like the use of cheaper, non-sustainable palm oil and the question of responsibility for what we are flushing down our plug holes. We used to be regularly pressurised into boycotting palm – but this is not the right approach. My wife is an ape conservationist and runs a zoo and we met arguing about palm oil!! She said how terrible it was I made soap and contributed to the crisis and I said some equally inaccurate things about zoos. The world is not black and white and we both had a journey to come to value each other’s viewpoints and learn the other side of the argument.
Emma Heathcote-James, Founder of Little Soap Company.
The special edition bar is is fragranced with a blend of pure essential oils, fitting in nicely with routines for all skin types.
For less that a fiver you can add this beauty to your collection AND do your bit for the cause. You can pick yours up here… or find more information here…
Part of what makes this collection so special and unique is that the brand worked together with Freshly Baked London to produce a first for Unicorn Cosmetics. The baby powder scented self tanner of your dreams.
The collection includes…
– Angel Eyeshadow Palette.
– 10 Piece Complete Brush Set.
– Angel Hand Mirror
– Angelic Loose Pigment
– UC x @freshlybakedldn 1 Hour Rapid Tan
– 2 X Exclusive Faux Mink Lashes in Angel Lash Box (styles apple sours & lemon meringue)
All beautifully presented in the Angel Artwork Box.
It can be purchased together at the discounted price of £99.99 (worth £140.90) or can be picked up individually which is great if certain things catch your eye.
Unicorn Cosmetics Angel Hand Mirror.
My heart honestly feels warm at the sight of this collection. You can see how much love and hard work went into creating every single element so that it’s not only pleasing to the eye but functional above anything else. It really is easy to grasp how UC have fast become a household name in such a short space of time. They’re a walking masterclass on how to build a supportive, loyal community.
A pop of colour on your lash line can really transform your whole look with minimal effort.
Lois Cosmetics launched back in 2020 (and what a bloody year to start a business guys, BRAVE or what?!).
You know I’m all about girl power and this female founded brand hasn’t let the pandemic stop them from taking the beauty community by storm with not one but two high quality eyeshadow palettes…
Lois Cosmetics Gone Rogue Palette.
Gone Rogue for you thrill seekers and Rose Metal to soothe the most romantic of souls.
Lois Cosmetics Gone Rogue Palette Swatches.
UK based, cruelty free & vegan with the kind of quality one rarely finds in such a budget palette nowadays.
Lois Cosmetics Rose Metal Palette.
With many years experience as a professional makeup artists, working with top brands and celebrities all around the world it would have been a crying shame for Lois not to put her expertise towards building a brand that is not only socially conscious but also right on the mark when it comes to trends.
Lois Cosmetics Rose Metal Palette.
With an ever expanding range of beautiful products there is truly something for everyone. Treat yourself to the most stunning liquid eyeshadows whilst also filling your basket with brand spanking new makeup brushes and eyeliners.
Beauty with Boo 