Friday, November 30, 2012

November empties!!

This is my first ever empties post and I have been weirdly excited about it!  The hardest thing has been remembering to keep the empties so I could photograph them at the end of the month!  It's been a good experience though because I remembered about 'Back To Mac' where you can return 6 empty Mac products for a new Mac lipstick!  I've got 3 Mac empties already this month!

November empties.  Ali also sneaked into the top right corner, I don't think I will be throwing him away.....


Cleanser and eye-make up remover

Mac Gently Off Eye and Lip make-up remover, Shu Uemura Ultim8 Sublime cleansing oil, Make Up Forever Sens'Eyes

Mac Gently Off Eye and Lip make-up remover

I bought this dual phase oil and water eye make-up remover on a whim.  I had previously had the Mac Pro Make Up remover but it irritated my eyes and I ended up throwing it away.  I like dual-phase eye make-up removers and this one definitely exceeded my expectations.  It was so comfortable to use and removed all traces of eye make up without leaving behind an oily residue.  It contains cucumber extract and rose water.
Cost GBP14 for 100ml bottle in UK, AED90 in Dubai

Would I buy it again?  Yes definitely.  I like the slim bottle too, makes it easy to pack when I am travelling.

What have I replaced it with?  Currently using Garnier Make Up remover (also dual phase) and Simple eye make up remover.

Shu Uemura Ultim8 Sublime cleansing oil

I bought my first Shu Uemura cleaning oil in June last year when I was in London.  And I absolutely loved it (I bought the High Performance Balancing cleansing oil).  So when Shu announced they were launching this oil recently I added it to my 'must buys' for my trip to London in September.  I love cleansing with oil even though I have combination skin.  2 squirts is gentle enough to remove all makeup including eye make up without stinging or irritation.  You smooth over and massage into dry skin and then wash off with warm water.

Shu say that cleansing with oil removes all impurities and leaves skin radiant.  This new formula combines 8 exquisite botanical origin oils to achieve petal-soft silky smooth skin.  It also claims to soften, condition, hydrate and nourish skin.

I did enjoy the cleansing sensation but unfortunately my skin wasn't so keen on this version of their cleansing oil.  I'm glad I bought the smaller size as a tester to see if I liked it.  I suffered breakouts around my chin when I used this cleanser.  It hasn't put my off Shu cleansing oils though, but I would go back to my High Performance Balancing version.

I bought a 150ml bottle for GBP34 from SpaceNK in Knightbridge  Shu Uemura are not present in Dubai and do not ship to Dubai either unfortunately.  Space NK however do ship to Dubai for a flat fee of GBP12.50.

Would I buy it again?  Yes I would buy Shu cleansing oils again (I bought a large High Performance Balancing cleansing oil in the UK) but I would not buy the Ultim8 again.

What have I replaced it with?  Currently using Kiehls Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser in the morning and Kiehls Acai Texture Perfecting Cleanser in the evening.

Make Up Forever Sens'Eyes

This is a cream/gel formula for sensitive eyes.  I liked the pump as it meant you just used the amount you needed and I did find it to be effective and caused no irritation at all.  It does not leave a greasy residue either.
Widely available in Dubai (standalone store in Dubai Mall, Sephora and Paris Gallery), not so much in the UK although you can buy online from Guru Make Up Emporium in London.

Would I buy it again?  No, there was nothing wrong with it but I prefer water/oil based formulas.

What have I replaced it with?  Currently using Garnier Make Up remover (also dual phase) and Simple eye make up remover.

Perfume
Issey Miyake L'eau D'Issey-Ltd Edition Summer 2012 bottle

Issey Miyake L'Eau D'Issey

My favourite perfume ever.  I go back and back to it.  I have some unopened in my cupboard for when my next perfume runs out!  Costs approx GBP45 for 100ml
  
Would I buy it again?  Absolutely yes!

What have I replaced it with?  Just finishing off a bottle of Katy Perry Purr.  I had been using this as my evening/going out perfume but now we're in winter I'm using it in the daytime too.

Nails

Sally Hanson Insta-Dry Top Coat and Sephora Express Nail Polish Remover

Sally Hanson Insta-Dry Top Coat

Sally Hanson is a great brand for nail care.  Cheap and reliable, I've been using this top coat for the past 6 months.  I bought this from the Supermarket in Dubai for approx AED30 (GBP5)

Would I buy it again?  Yes

What have I replaced it with?  A sample size bottle of Opi Rapid Dry top coat

Sephora Express Nail Polish Remover

I am sure these have a proper name but this is one of those 'dip your finger into the remover soaked foam, swizzle it around and remove' polish removers.  I really liked this one from Sephora, it lasted about 5 months without drying out and was a bargain at about AED35.  Sephora is not available in the UK but Bourjois do a very similar version for about GBP5.

Would I buy it again? Yes

What have I replaced it with?  The Bourjois version I got in my Selfridges Lucky Bag

Conditioner

Dove Colour Radiance Hair Therapy

I wouldn't normally review an empty shampoo or conditioner as I am purely a supermarket girl when it comes to these (usually L'oreal Elvive or Herbal Essences) but this one deserves a mention.


I got this sample size free with a UK magazine I picked up at the airport last time I was in the UK and I used it just for using its sake.  But I almost squealed with delight when I squeezed it and a pink and white swirl that looked like ice cream came out!  It was just the novelty as I have not seen that before!  As a conditioner it worked fine but I don't believe it is available in Dubai as yet and I don't know how much it costs in the UK.

The Make-Up

Armani Eyes To Kill mascara, Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector, Mac Mineralize Skin Finish, MUFE HD Microfinish powder, MUFE HD Foundation, MUFE Brow Seal, YSL Touche Eclat and Mac Lipstick in Sweetie

Armani Eyes To Kill

Loved this mascara!  Bought as a gift for me, it volumised, separated, lengthened and didn't smudge.  If I didn't have about a million mascaras to get through I would buy it again in a second.  Available at Harvey Nichols in Dubai and Dubai Duty Free.  It costs GBP24.50 at Selfridges.

Would I buy it again? Yes

What have I replaced it with?  Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Feline Extravaganza

Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector

I cannot speak highly enough of this product!  It is something I have bought 3 or 4 times over.  I stumbled on it by accident about 3 years ago when I was looking for something to add to my foundation to make it a bit darker for when I had a tan (a rare occurrence even though I live in Dubai!).  I was looking for something not too dark and with no shimmer at all.  The lady on the Clarins counter asked me to try this and I refused thinking it would be shimmery (as its called Bronze Shimmer) but I was wrong.  Its a light gel/cream that mixes perfectly with foundation.  It's not too dark and you can add more or less according to how tanned you are.  I absolutely love it-it lasts forever and I love the fact that the packaging has a vacuum effect-so as you're using it, it sucks in on itself so not one drop gets wasted.  Available at all Clarins counters and it costs GBP25.

Would I buy it again?  Absolutely

What have I replaced it with?  I have never found anything similar to this.  I haven't replaced this tube but I will be doing so when I go shopping on Sunday!

Mac Mineralize Skin Finish powder in Medium Plus

Another product I would not have bought without trying it in store first and having it recommended to me by a Mac artist.  I am not a fan of mineral make up because I feel it gives too much of a shimmer on the skin and is too unnatural for daytime.  But this powder is going to be a staple in my make up kit for sure.  It sets make up without adding additional colour.  It's not shimmery and is very natural looking.  It costs GBP21 and it seemed to last an absolute age!

Would I buy it again?  You betcha!

What have I replaced it with?  It just ran out yesterday so I'll be buying another on on Sunday

Make Up Forever HD Microfinish Powder

This is a white/colourless finishing powder used to set make-up and can be used over foundation or alone.  It can be used on all skintones-but I am pale and I found that you had to blend this really well to ensure there was no white residue left over.  I also felt it washed me out a little bit and I had to add the above Mac powder over the top of it.  The other thing that drove me mad was the small size of the tub-it made it really difficult to use.  The easiest way seemed to be to tip the powder into the lid then swirl my brush around.  The 100% silica formula is supposed to blur imperfections and even out the skintone.  It costs about GBP20.

Would I buy it again?  No

What have I replaced it with?  Illamsaqua loose powder in 010 (again colourless)

Make Up Forever HD Foundation

The BEST foundation I have ever used.  I have so many problems getting the right shade for my skin tone but finally this one seems to be perfect.  This is an oil free, medium to heavy coverage (I would personally say Medium at the most) liquid foundation.  It costs around GBP26 and it lasted me a good 4 months.

Would I buy it again?  Yes I already have!  It's in my stash!

What have I replaced it with?  Using up an Illamasqua Skin Base

Make Up Forever Brow Seal

Clear gel to set your eyebrows.  Really liked it, didn't set the eyebrows rock hard but kept them in place.  Costs approx GBP11.

Would I buy it again?  Perhaps


What have I replaced it with?  Nothing yet but will probably buy the Mac version on Sunday.

YSL Touche Eclat 

Been using this under eye light reflecting concealer for years.  Have tried others but always go back to YSL-I buy the 2 packs at duty free usually.  I don't think this needs much of a write up-it has a great reputation for concealing under eye shadows and can be used as a highlighter too.  I would not use this on blemshes as because it is light reflecting it highlights them rather than concealing them.

Would I buy it again?  Yes!

What have I replaced it with?  Another Touche Eclat from my stash!

Mac lipstick in Sweetie 

A good every day pink-described by Mac as an ultra sweet pink it is slightly frosted but very wearable for day.  Mac lipsticks cost GBP14.  I found this picture of me wearing it.....

Mac Sweetie
Would I buy it again?  I haven't felt the need to buy this exact shade again


What have I replaced it with?  About 20 other pink lipsticks in my collection!

That's all my empties for this month, I LOVE reading empties posts so please leave me your links to yours! 

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Sunday, November 25, 2012

30 second post-What I wore this week

The lips


Top row: (L) Guerlain Rouge G in Gil (orange with a gold shimmer) (R) Mac Brick-o-la (Berry pink)

Middle row: (L) Mac Twig (pinky brown) (R) Mac Speed Dial (Blue based pink)

Bottom row: (L) Clarins Rouge Prodige in Orchid Pink (fuchsia pink) and Mac Dazzleglass in Money, Honey (rosy pink with red pearl shimmer)


Top row: (L) Nars Semi Matte lipstick in Transeurope Express (deep pink rose) (R) Illamasqua Magnetism (deep raspberry)

Bottom row: (L) Nars gloss in Stella (muted raspberry) (R) Mac Venomous Villians Evil Queen lipglass in Hot House (discontinued) (Deep fuchsia with iridescent purple shimmer)


The Nails



Top: Mac Girl About Town-hot pink!

Bottom; Opi Skyfall collection 'On her Majesty's secret service' Grey/blue base with blue, yellow, purple glitter (love this polish)

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Saturday, November 24, 2012

Belmacz Glow Gold Leaf Lip Gloss

This is my latest find and I will say immediately that I am in LOVE-big time!

These really are for the make up loving girl who has everything-24ct gold leaf infused lip gloss.

I got mine from the Cult Beauty website but they're also one of the brands in the Selfridges Beauty Workshop.  From the Cult Beauty website I chose 2, Cornelian which was described as 'an orangey-coral sunset' colour and Punk, described as a 'putty pink'.

The packaging is really nice-they come in a cardboard box an on the inside lid is a quote from William Blake.  The gloss itself is in a clear plastic case with flip top lid.



When I first saw Cornelian it looked so orange I thought I had made a wrong choice and was really disappointed.  But when I tried it I was amazed, it is the most beautiful colour, sunset coral is the perfect description.  This is going to be my holiday go to for sure-I am absolutely in love with it.

The texture was a surprise too-I thought it was going to be a 'solid' lip gloss, a bit like carmex lip balm.  But it's more like a jelly vaseline texture (I hope that makes sense!) so don't be tempted to poke your finger in as you'll end up with loads of product on your finger.  But it isn't sticky at all and feels light as a feather on your lips.  The colour is buildable as well, below I've posted pics of the Cornelian colour with one and two layers.  This is my favourite of the two, I don't have anything else like it in my collection.


Belmacz Glow Gold Leaf lip balm in Cornelian. Top Left; Looks very orange in the pot, Top Right; 2 layers, Bottom left;  The colour of the gloss, a beautiful sunset coral,  Bottom right; One layer of the gloss
Here is Punk

Belmacz Glow Gold Leaf lip gloss in Punk Top; One layer, Bottom left; pink with subtle gold shimmer, Bottom right; baby pink in the pot.
The only problem with these glosses is that I like them so much I've ordered two more from Cult Beauty!  Not a cheap addiction at GBP24.95 each.

Lush though!!

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Friday, November 23, 2012

Selfridges Lucky Bag

I've seen a LOT written about the Selfridges Lucky Bag.  I was practically weeing myself with excitement when they announced they were launching them-they have SO many great brands in the new Beauty Workshop hall in their London store.

So there is a bit of a story behind this so bear with me.

They launched online on Wednesday 14th November and I placed my order at 09:47 Dubai time (so that's like stupid o clock early in the UK).  I bought 2.  I was so excited!

I paid GBP9 for next day delivery, thinking I would send it to my mums work and it would arrive Thursday, latest Friday which was her last day in the office before she flew to Dubai to see us.

Let me say, I order from Selfridges quite a bit.  I think they are a great company.  I have never had a problem with them before, in fact I would praise their excellent service.  But on Friday I realised my order hadn't even been dispatched yet.  My initial thoughts were 'they must be so overwhelmed with orders for the Lucky Bag there is a delay' but then online reviews started to pop up-and a lot of them complaining about the GBP4.95 postage-and I'd paid almost double that and hadn't even got mine.  I emailed Selfridges and heard nothing.  On Saturday I got an automated email saying my order had been dispatched and then later on Saturday evening an email from Selfridges customer services apologising for the delay (but not saying why it had happened) and offering to refund the postage-if I rang them with my card details.  Now to be honest, if I call them from Dubai, the phone call is going to cost me more than the postage so I don't see the point.  However, has it put me off ordering from Selfridges 'No' and will I order from them again 'Yes'.

The parcel finally arrived at my mums work late on Monday afternoon which meant my dad had to trek down there to collect it, not ideal when they were leaving extremely early on Tuesday morning to fly to Dubai.

So, 4000 miles later and I receive my 2 Lucky Bags, looking a bit worse for wear but intact.

Selfridges Lucky Bags

Bag one contained

Anatomicals 'I've had the thyme of my life' body cleanser-300ml
Anatomicals 'Snog me senseless' minty tingling lip balm-full size I assume
Lucky Duck Creme Brulee Lip Balm-full size I assume
Beauty Junky face mask
A packet of tissues
Blink eyebrow shape gift card



Ok so I got one of the lucky gift cards for a service in-store but as I live in Dubai what use is this to me?  I am not complaining obviously but I will gift this voucher for a brow shape at Blink to whoever asks for it first by commenting on my blog.  Please just ask me for it.  My mum and dad will bring it back to the UK and post it to you.

But the rest of it??  Well these are my thoughts.

Without the gift card surely this bag is not worth GBP15?  When I go onto the Beauty Workshop website page none of these brands are even listed on there as being stocked.  I love lip balm but why put 2 in one bag?  And why oh why oh why did Selfridges think it would be a good idea to put tissues in a bag like this.  I just don't get it.  This is a bag for teenagers, not a 32 year old professional.  In fact I think my 4 year old niece would love the duck lip balm, I can hardly whip it out in my office can I?

Bag two contained
Beauty Candy
Bourjois 1 Seconde Dissolvant-full size
St Tropez Gradual Tan-Med/Dark-sample size
Ren Moroccan Rose Otto body wash-sample size
Nails Inc St James polish-sample
Lustrous Locks Vitamin Complex



I feel this one is slightly better but still, candy??  I have actually just run out of my 'Sephora' version of the Bourjois polish remover and I really liked that.  I am the palest girl in the world so the St Tropez won't work for me and I already have the Nails Inc polish (as it was in a Nails Inc set I got last Xmas)

It definitely hasn't wowed me at all-in fact I am pretty sure Selfridges will be putting this down as a massive fail on their behalf.  The thing I don't get is that there are SO many fab brands in the Beauty Workshop, why stock the bags with products that I would expect to pick up at Superdrug??

I actually went to purchase 4 more of these bags for 4 of my friends but at last minute (I was actually at the checkout online) I didn't-and I am glad because I think I would have been quite embarrassed to have given these as a gift.

Did you buy one?  What are your thoughts?
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My biggest make-up haul of the year!

Reunited!

Blogging has been a bit neglected this week as my parents arrived on Tuesday for a much needed sunshine filled break-not only is it awesome to see them but they came with them bearing make-up and beauty products from the UK-things I have bought and had sent to them or things I bought when I was in the UK 3 weeks ago and couldn't fit in my suitcase!

I've also done a bit of speed shopping this week and bought some extra 'can't live withouts'-that's what I tell myself anyway!

The products from the UK

Ciaté

Ciaté Breakthrough Breast Cancer Duo and Speed Coat

Ciaté Mini Mani Month


I've been waiting for these products for SO long!!  I bought them both in the UK but they didn't arrive before I left so mum and dad had to bring them.

The Breakthrough Breast Cancer duo is 2 pink polishes Pinkalilly which is described as a shimmering pop pink with golden undertones and Pinkaboo, a twinkling pink holographic glitter, based on their bestseller Jewel.  Jewel was worn by the singer Adele at the Grammy's this year along with 'mistress' (now famed as the Louboutin manicure).  20% of the profits from this product goes to Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Ciaté Jewel (l) and Mistress (r)

I bought Jewel and it is an amazing polish-twinkles and sparkles in the light so I am excited to try this pink version.

The Ciaté Mini Mani Month is one of the most exciting products I have seen this year and makes an excellent present.  It's designed to be a 24 day advent calender with a surprise behind each door-17 polishes, 4 mini caviar beads and 4 exclusive glitter shades.  I bought mine from Selfridges but you can also get them from the Ciaté website here for GBP38.00.  They've sold out twice over so far so get one fast if you want one!  I'm actually going to save mine for post Xmas January blues (and I counted my nail polishes the other day and have 95 eek!!)

Ciaté is also sold in Dubai at Sisters Beauty Lounge and in Bloomingdales Dubai Mall.

Selfridges Lucky Bag

I was so excited when I heard about these and I bought 2 literally the minute they launched online.  I'm going to do a separate post on them so you can see what I got inside.

Selfridges Lucky Bags

My first Cult Beauty order

This is actually a company I have fallen in love with over the past week and I placed my first order with them to be sent to my mums last week.  Whilst researching for Xmas presents I had come across this website and whilst browsing came across Belmacz Glow Gold Leaf Lipgloss

Belmacz is an acclaimed jewellery house.  Belmacz designer Julia Muggenburg has launched a cosmetic collection where, and I quote from Cult Beauty's website 'she has applied the same originality, quality to detail and attention to each beautiful pot of gloss as she has to her gemstone collections.'

I was attracted to her pots of lipgloss because the contain actual flecks of 24ct gold.  Yes you heard me right, this lip glosses have actual gold in them!  This is a gift for the girl who has everything!

Cult Beauty ship worldwide but my first order was to the UK and they offer free shipping to the UK.  Mum said the order arrived just 2 days after it was placed.  They offer 3 free samples with orders over GBP25 and I chose an Eve Lom, and Astalift and a Dr Brandt sample.

I am SO happy with the Belmacz lipgloss I am going to give them a whole post of their own.  I am actually in love with them already-an expensive habit at GBP24.95 each!

This is my order and look our for my Belmacz post and swatches

Cult Beauty order, two Belmacz lipglosses and 3 samples

Bobbi Brown

I bought 2 Bobbi Brown palettes from the UK but couldn't fit them in my suitcase!  One is the Extreme Party Eyes which I believe is exclusive at Selfridges

Bobbi Brown Extreme Eyes Palette

This palette contains 7 eyeshadows, a liner colour and a highlighter.  It also contains 4 brushes.  The shadows have different finishes-from matt to glitter/shimmer to metallic.  It's a beautiful palette perfect for the party season.

I also bought the Bellini Lip and Eye palette which contains 10 eyeshadows and 4 glosses.  The colours are much more neutral and wearable for every day in this palette-I can see me getting a lot of use out of this.  The Bobbi Brown website has a really good description of the palette contents.

Bobbi Brown Bellini palette

These palettes are NOT in any of the Dubai stores yet :-(


Clarins


It's fair to say I have been lusting after this eye quartet since reading about it, what seems to be, months ago on British Beauty Blogger

Beautiful gold packaging and 4 wearable shades, I can't wait to try it!

Clarins Odyssey

Clarins Odyssey Eye Quartet





The products from Dubai

Dermalogica

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

I have been dying to try this Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant for a long time and as Dermalogica is stocked in almost every pharmacy here in Dubai I bit the bullet and bought some this week.  I need a new facial exfoliator and my interest in this one was renewed when I read a few UK based beauty blogs about receiving a sample of this in their beauty boxes.  I'll do a review when I open it up.

Laura Mercier

I have been reading so many good things about Laura Mercier recently and my mum has bought me one of their Holiday 2012 palettes for Christmas.  Laura Mercier used to be stocked in the UAE but disappeared a while ago.  It's now re-stocked in Bloomingdales in Dubai Mall but I hadn't heard very good things about the counter there.

I went along to try and get a Silk Creme foundation and primer.  I have a lot of problems getting a foundation that suits my skin colouring as I have quite high redness in mt face but a very pale neck so avoiding the 'tide mark' look is crucial for me.  Now I have found a foundation that really does suit me, when I am buying another foundation I take that one along to try and colour match it.

To be honest I am happy just browsing most make up counters without the sales assistants asking me if I want help.  But of course (as happens everywhere in Dubai), as soon as I got to Laura Mercier I was approached by one of the staff.  But I have to be honest, this girl was brilliant.  I told her what I was looking to do and she said fine and she started to ask me lots of different questions about my skin type and what coverage I wanted and what I was using now, both in make up and skincare.  She obviously knew a lot about different brands and I was really comfortable talking to her.  We tried 2 different Silk Creme foundation shades and found the perfect one on the second attempt.  She re-did my foundation and showed me some other products but there was no hard sell and she taught me a new trick to minimise dark circles.

I bought a Radiance Primer, Silk Creme Foundation, Flawless Skin Tone Perfecting Eye Gel Creme, Secret Brightening Powder (this has been on my wish list for a long time), Under Eye Perfecter and a concealer brush.

Laura Mercier haul


And finally, my second Cult Beauty order

On Sunday I saw Susie Amy who writes Blusher and Blogging tweeting that Cult Beauty were offering a free goody bag with orders over GBP40.  I zoomed over to the site and the goody bag looked ace-lots of unique brands that I would love to try.  I didn't find spending GBP40 that hard to be honest!  This time I chose to use their international delivery service.  They offer 2 services, a standard and a Fed Ex.  I chose the Fed Ex which costs GBP25 flat fee.  Now that may seem a lot but, it was in Dubai and on my desk in 3 days and, I didn't realise at the time, but because I was ordering to a non UK address, the website had automatically deducted VAT off all the products.  So really, what you save in VAT covers the postage.  Also, Dubai ladies, if you have a Shop and Ship account remember you can't ship anything liquid, including cleansers, nail polishes, toners and lotions.

Receiving the order on Thursday really perked up my day-again I got to chose 3 samples and I got the goody bag.  Now THIS is what the Selfridges Lucky Bag should have been.  And this one was free.

My order was;

Stila Tiki Lip Glaze Trio

Astalift Discovery Kit


3 Custom Colour Century in Red Lip Palette

I love Stila.  I have for years.  This 3 pack of lip glazes are in lovely colours-I'm going to take them on holiday with me in a couple of weeks!
I have been dying to try Astalift for ages but it is not available in Dubai.  I love 'discovery kits' so that I can try a little bit of everything.
Finally, this lip palette from 3 Custom Colour is ace.  On the packaging it tells you what or who each colour in the palette is inspired by and from which era.  The colours look so wearable as well.

The goody bag is brilliant.  Let me tell you what was in it;


Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energising Mask 10ml
Jouer Lip Enhancer Conditioning Lip Treatment 2.3ml
Anastasia Lash Genius (waterproof topcoat)
Aromatherapy Associates De-stress bath and shower oil 3ml
Dr Brandt Flexitone BB cream-sample
DuWop Lip Venom-1.5ml
Kai fragrence
Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel 15ml
Alison Raffaele Reality Base foundation

I am most looking forward to trying the Bliss mask and the Anastasia Lash Genius.  I travel a LOT for work and having little samples like this is ideal for me.

Am so pleased with all my new products and can't wait to get trying them!


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Monday, November 19, 2012

30 second post-What I wore this week

THE LIPS

 

Top row L-R- Mac cremesheen lipgloss in Astral (strawberry pink with yellow and red undertones, very sheer), Chanel Rouge Allure in Incognit-82 (muted nude/pink)

Middle row L-R-  Mac Retro lipstick (Mac describe as a peachy pink brown but its red on me), Lancome L'Absolu Creme de Brilliance in 357 Rose Mythique (vibrant blue toned pink)

Bottom row L-R- Mac Naked Paris lipstick (similar to the Chanel one above but with light reflecting pigments), Nars lipgloss in Super Orgasm (sheer peachy pink with gold glitter)

THE NAILS

Top left- Opi 'Big Hair Big Nails' (from the Texas Collection)-Semi opaque coral-3 coats required
Bottom left- Nails Inc 'Brompton Place'-Opaque bubblegum pink
Right-Models Own 'Golden Peach'-erm golden peach!  Has a pinky golden shimmer in the light.

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Saturday, November 17, 2012

Oh Santa.....

This year there are some AMAZING collections that have been launched for the holiday season 2012.
If you're compiling your list to Santa and have been very good all year, here are some of my favourites you might want to add to your list......

MAC

Mac have done an incredible Holiday collection this year-I have never seen a bigger collection than this one.  The packaging is divine; sleek, sophisticated and will look amazing on your dressing table.  Many companies launch exclusive shades in their holiday collections that you can't buy in the permanent line, but its always worth doing your research to check you don't already own similar or indeed identical products (some of the eyeshadow palettes for example have 3 permanent line shades and 2 'exclusives' in them)

My favourites from the range are;

Fabulousness 5 Neutral Eye Palette

This eye palette is right up my street as I predominantly wear browns and greens.  There is a 'cool' and 'warm' eye version also.

Mac Divine Desire 'Quite Coral' Kit
  Still obsessed with coral-say no more!

Primped Up Lip Look Bag in Luxurious Pink


The lipstick 'Lickable' is part of the permanent line-but I dont own it (yet!)  The gloss and pencil are limited edition.  Sold to the blonde make up addict!  View the whole Holiday collection here


BOBBI BROWN

Bobbi Brown is a brand I have recently re-discovered after a few years of not buying anything from the brand.  Bobbi Brown is the Queen of the natural, groomed look but some of the products they have been releasing really have been beautiful, in both looks and quality.

I have treated myself to these 2 palettes

Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Eyes (exclusive to Selfridges)
 9 eyeshadows with different finishes-matt and metallic.

Bobbi Brown Bellini Palette-lips and eyes

10 eyeshadows and 4 glosses plus brushes-a beautiful set.

And these 2 are definitely on my wish list

Bobbi Brown Caviar and Oyster Travel Brush Set
Bobbi Brown Rich Caviar Eye Palette




There is a large range of Christmas Gifts from Bobbi Brown this year for all price brackets and you can see the whole collection here

STILA

Stila has for a very long time been one of my favourite make-up brands but it doesn't get the kudos it deserves.  It even disappeared out of the UK for a short while but is now back with a vengeance in Boots and in Selfridges Beauty Workshop hall.  You can also buy online here.  I have ordered some products on line and they came beautifully wrapped in bright pink tissue with a cute little card.  I will do a post about my favourite Stila products but for their Xmas collection there are a couple of real gems.  Stila is about the same price as Benefit so not hugely expensive and the quality is great.

This one is top of my wishlist;
Stila All Is Bright Lip Gloss Lip Glaze

Stila lip glazes are fruity smelling and non sticky.  This set would be an amazing gift for GBP18.50 (if you were to buy individually it would be GBP75!!) or you could break up the set and share them around your friends as stocking fillers.

Another highlight of the Xmas collection is this eyeliner set.
Seeing stars smudge stick waterproof eyeliner set
Lovely colours for the festive season with a metallic finish-this set is worth GBP65 but is retailing for GBP25.
 
BENEFIT

Benefit do the cutest palettes all year round and they are all reasonably priced and make great gifts whether for birthdays or Xmas.  Not holiday specific but this palette is on my wish list

Benefit She's So Jetset!


Contains a miniature 'the Porefessional' (pore minimising primer), 4 neutral eyeshadows, first class face powder with a miniature brush, a mini 'they're real' mascara (this is an AMAZING mascara) and a mini lipgloss in 'Life on the A List'.  Cute personified.

ESTEE LAUDER

Maybe viewed as a more 'grown up' brand but Estee Lauder have some great Xmas gift sets this Xmas.  And they have teamed up with Michael Kors to produce some great gift sets comprising of blusher, lip gloss, brush, lipstick, nail varnish, mascara and eyeliner in a gift bag in either red, black or gunmetal.  Well worth checking out.
Estee Lauder Micheal Kors Gift Set

These sets, also from Estee Lauder are lovely too
Estee Lauder Art Of Eyes-Dramatic Smokey

Estee Lauder Art of Gloss Set

LAURA MERCIER

Laura Mercier have outdone themselves this year with a fabulous Holiday 2012 collection.  Luckily I already know I have been treated to this beautiful set for Xmas already
Laura Mercier Glamour Wardrobe


This stunning set is a double decker treat-8 eyeshadows, 5 lip glazes and 4 sheer cheek stains plus brushes.  I am most excited about the eyeshadow shade Peridot which is a shimmery green colour.  Thanks mum!

For those who love handcream, Laura Mercier have a lovely set of 4 amazing smelling, small size hand creams for GBP20.
Laura Mercier La Petite Patisserie Sampler

Finally for Laura Mercier, I am so tempted to buy this small Xmas edition palette-but I already have one of the shades in the palette!  But that green is divine and I'm tempted just to buy it for that as it is a holiday edition and not in their permanent line.  There is also a smokey eye version with silver/grey shadows in it.  I have Black Karat (middle shade) and it can be used wet or dry and is a brilliant colour-I highly recommend Laura Mercier eye shadows-they have fantastic pigmentation and very little fallout.
Laura Mercier Baked Trio Golden Metallics
Finally, if nails are your thing then Nails Inc is the place to go for your holiday treats.
Nails Inc-The After Party
My pick of the bunch is this 3 polish set in 'The After Party'.  Xmas is THE time you can get away with wearing gorgeous glitter and this set really vamps it up!

Another brilliant nail polish brand I love is Models Own.  I so love this Wonderland Gift Set I cant think of anything more Christmass-y.  Such a shame you can't buy Models Own in Dubai, I discovered it in Boots at Heathrow airport.   This set looks great value for GBP20.

Models Own Wonderland Gift Set


What's on your list to Santa?





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