Sunday, May 31, 2015

Currently Loving




Here's a round up of my current obsessions!

NARS lipstick in Funny Face

This is old skool at it's finest.  I must have owned this lipstick for years but it's one of those things I plucked out of my lipstick drawer on a whim and have since been obsessed with.  It is the prettiest shocking pink with a purple undertone and a very slightly metallic finish.  I have been wearing it every time I have gone out in the evening.  You can see it in my Lip Six posts here and here

MAC Amber x 9 palette

I am also obsessed with this little miniature palette from MAC-these are now available in the UK #HighFive
If anyone ever asks me what they should get as a taster from MAC this will be it from now on.  I find this palette so versatile and there are no bad shades.  You can read my full thoughts and see more pictures here.  I am even loving the matte shades and have been reaching for this very often.  I've also enabled Lis and Laura to add it to their stashes-two girls that probably don't own a lot of eyeshadow already.....

MAC 'Woodwinked'

Having said that there is one MAC shade that has had my heart for a long time-Woodwinked.

This is a suit all bronze shade-it's so smooth and pigmented and has a lovely foil finish.  You can see swatches of this shade within my MAC Pro Palette review post here

By Terry Terrybly Densillis blush in Platonic Blonde

I recently wrote a full review of this beautiful blush here and I literally CANNOT. STOP. WEARING. IT.

It's such a pretty peachy pink for Spring/Summer and really brightens the complexion without being overtly shimmery.  It's so pricey though that I am petrified of dropping and smashing it (I have form....) but this has definitely been my go to cheek colour for the past 6 weeks.

SK-II Eye Masks

I wanted to buy an eye mask that would help to rehydrate my eyes, especially after flying.  I picked these ones from SK-II up from Dubai Duty Free a few months ago and they give visible results.  They are all individually packaged so it's easy to throw one or two packets into your make up bag when travelling and you get 14 in a box for $115.   They come pre-soaked and are cut to fit the under eye area.  They claim that 'With just one application, appearance of fine lines is noticeably reduced, dullness of the skin under the eyes is visibly lightened and your eyes look visibly brighter.'  And I genuinely agree with this-I could see a visible difference when I removed them from my eyes.  Unfortunately it is a relatively temporary effect but definitely lives up to the claims.

Jo Malone Sakura Cherry Blossom cologne

I cannot resist Jo Malone.  There I said it.  I am such a sucker but I picked up all three limited edition colognes from the Blue Skies range.

This was a re-release from a few years ago and I am glad I finally got my hands on it.  This is a very summery daytime fragrance-it's very light and happy!  Cherry blossom, rose and bergamot are the key notes so definitely one for those who prefer the lighter, fruitier scents over heavier muskier ones.  It's all I am wearing at the moment.

What are you currently loving?


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Friday, May 29, 2015

NARS lip gloss-Striptease, Giza, Salamanca, Priscilla


NARS lip gloss-Striptease, Giza, Salamanca, Priscilla

NARS lip gloss-Striptease, Giza, Salamanca, Priscilla

NARS lip gloss-Striptease, Giza, Salamanca, Priscilla

It seems to be a bit of a lipstick review heavy week this week! 

I have always had NARS lip glosses in my make up collection.  Last year, when they reformulated their shades I did a bit of an edit on my stash and decided I needed to throw most of the ones I owned out as I had had them for years.  The good news is, the new formulation not only replicated many of the popular shades but it is also so good.  Way better than the original.  If you like your lip gloss to be non sticky, water like on the lips and super glossy then NARS is definitely a range worth checking out.

What is worth noting is that these are not the most pigmented glosses on the market.  They fall into the 'juicy' gloss rather than lacquer category but they're easy to wear, never feather and apply smoothly to the lips-no bunching up of the gloss is evident.

I picked up 4 shades last year from Selfridges (I know, it has taken me almost 12 months to review them-bad Stacey)
Striptease-a very pale milky gold-not my usual thing but actually I really like it and it leaves behind a really pretty gold sheen
Giza-An effortless peachy nude for lazy days
Salamanca-My personal fave-the juiciest pinky coral with a glass like sheen
Priscilla-NARS' best seller from this range-a sheer fluro pink

There are 36 shades in total so something for everyone-I have my eye on Angelika-a sheer pink with gold sparkles-I owned the original so I think it's now time to own the remix!

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Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Back to MAC-Vegas Volt


MAC Vegas Volt review

MAC Vegas Volt review

MAC Vegas Volt review

Whoop it's coral season!!

I love coral, it's so summery and fresh and come spring/summer my lip hue of choice!

So it made sense that for my latest Back To MAC 'exchange' I went for a bright coral-Vegas Volt.

Back To MAC is a scheme MAC runs to encourage recycling of its packaging.  They accept anything made of plastic so even items like the empty MAC make up remover wipes qualify.  Once you have 6 empties you can pop into any MAC store or concession (or you can send them to MAC) and in return, MAC will give you a free lipstick.

The process was very easy, I literally walked in with my 6 empties, chose my lipstick, signed the Back To MAC register and walked away with my beautiful new lipstick.

Back to MAC is available worldwide or via mail directly back to MAC.

Vegas Volt is indeed a stunner!  It's rich and creamy due to the Amplified formula and is a brightening orange toned coral.  Blot it down for a more subtle shade but I like to wear it full on.

As a side note, I'm off to Vegas again in July-I can't wait!

What's your favourite coral?
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Monday, May 25, 2015

Lip Six


Happy Monday!  And happy bank holiday Monday if you're in the UK.  I'm not jealous at all.....

Here's my last 6 lip picks.

lipstick swatches


Top row (L) Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Lost Cherry (R) NARS Audacious lipstick in Brigitte

Middle row (L) Burberry Lip Velvet in Pink Amber  (R) Dior Rouge Dior lipstick in Souveraine (LE)

Bottom row (L) Dior Rouge Dior lipstick in Allegresse (LE)  (R) L'Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire liquid lipstick in 304 Ruby Opera

I apologise for including two limited edition shades from the Dior Rouge Dior range-but the formula of those Dior lipsticks is sublime and I urge you to try it!  My favourite this week was a cross between Dior Souveraine and Charlotte Tilbury Lost Cherry-but Lost Cherry is really just a more matte version of Souveraine.  On the whole I have really loved the L'Oreal Coulour Riche lipsticks but I really struggled to get Ruby Opera to apply smoothly and consistently.

Do you have a favourite?

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Sunday, May 24, 2015

Clinque Pop Lipstick and Primer in 'Plum Pop'

Clinque Pop Lipstick and Primer in 'Plum Pop' review

Clinque Pop Lipstick and Primer in 'Plum Pop' review

Clinque Pop Lipstick and Primer in 'Plum Pop' review

I have read all the raves about the new(ish) Clinique Pop lip colour and primer-from the bloggers who were sent it as a PR sample before launch to the smaller and make up obsessed bloggers like myself and I decided that the raves for this lipstick seemed to be coming from all angles so I decided to get on that bandwagon pronto.

I have to admit I don't own a lot of Clinique make up-I have a chubby stick with the worst name ever (Heftiest Hibiscus wtf), have tried a few of their mascaras and bought two of the Clinique blushers with the flower motif that I have never gotten round to trying and that's about it.  Back in the day I was all about Clinique Air Kiss gloss although it was the stickiest and smelliest gloss in the world and came in a pot.  Hygienic.

There are 16 shades of the Pop lipsticks-I plumped for Plum Pop after seeing it on the lovely Lauzrah's blog-I played it safe with this muted plum shade with a definite pinkness about it.

And I have to say it's a big thumbs up-the formula is very lightweight and imparts a nice luminosity.  It's very forgiving to dry lips and feels very hydrating.  Lasting power isn't exceptional but I wouldn't expect a formula this creamy to stick around for days.  The very sharply pointed tip makes application straight from the bullet a synch and it doesn't migrate outside the lip line.  It's easy peasy lemon squeezy lipstick.

I am definitely tempted by a few more shades but will be picking them up in the US next month where this lipstick retails for $18 versus £16 in the UK so they're much cheaper Stateside.  Am looking forward to getting my swatch on!


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Friday, May 22, 2015

Dior 539 Variation Nude 5 Couleurs eyeshadow palette

Dior Variation Nude 539 5 couleurs eyeshadow palette review

Dior Variation Nude 539 5 couleurs eyeshadow palette review

I have to admit to being pretty judgy on make up-the first time I try something I am either like 'love it' or 'hmmm hate it'.  I have to admit I have found Dior pretty hit and miss from my last couple of purchases-I reviewed the Tie Dye blushers and was not impressed at all, the Backstage Eye Reviver palette was kind of disappointing and the Christmas limited edition palettes I sold in a blog sale.

But there is still just something about Dior and there are things I love, like the Rouge Dior lipstick formula-and the Rouge Dior Baume and the old formula eyeshadows before the reformulation at the end of last year are some of the very best out there.

I feel like I have reviewed so many neutral eye palettes recently-the aforementioned Backstage Eye Reviver, MAC Amber x 9 , Gucci Tuscan Storm, Charlotte Tilbury The Sophisticate and yet here I am with another one-the newly released 'Variation Nude' which seems to be part of the Tie Dye collection although it seems an odd fit.

Anyway, yes I know this is a bit of a ramble but basically I LOVE this palette.  It was an instant hit!

Dior connoisseurs may think this looks quite like 'Rosy Tan' (now discontinued) but Variation Nude has a bit more depth and complexity to it and the top left shade is a softer beige rather than a pink.

The formula is just like the old Dior palettes-smooth, buttery, blends easily, lasts all day long and does not budge or crease and pigmented.  The finish isn't glittery-although when I swatch it there is definitely complex microshimmer in all the shades when you see them in direct sunlight-but it is satin and metallic.  I really like it.

I'm so relieved this Dior palette is back on point because I did really debate about buying it given my recent experiences with their newer palettes.  If these shades had been in the Eye Revivor palette I would have been doing cartwheels.

Here are some swatches in direct bright sunlight-from left to right on my arm is from top left clockwise in the palette finishing with the centre shade at the end.  The centre shade is the most beautiful pearly highlight.

Dior Variation Nude 539 5 couleurs eyeshadow palette review

And here are some in natural light.

Dior Variation Nude 539 5 couleurs eyeshadow palette review

Dior Variation Nude 539 5 couleurs eyeshadow palette review

Hooray for Dior on this one, this palette has definitely found a way into my nude palette loving heart!


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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Colour Pop eyeshadows-the best $5 you'll ever spend

Colour Pop eyeshadow review

Colour Pop eyeshadow review

Colour Pop eyeshadow review

I feel like everyone is talking about Colour Pop-and so they should be.  I kept seeing Instagram posts about their eyeshadows and whatsapped my fellow cosmetics addict Sarah and said 'how do I get my hands on Colour Pop'  Sarah told me they only ship to the US but as I have a US shipping address (Aramex shop and ship Dubai peeps) I used my paypal account and that address to acquire my first order.

Colour Pop seem like an exciting company to me.  They're California based, absolutely cruelty free and very interactive with their clients.  My order arrived well packaged with a cute little handwritten note saying they loved me more than pizza.  Who doesn't?

They do a pretty basic range at the moment-eyeshadows (with every shade under the sun catered for and matte and shimmer finishes), lip products (lipsticks and lip liners), blush and now highlighters.  And they're cheap as chips.  $5.  You hear right-five little dollars.

And they're amazing.  They have a spongey but not wet texture.  They are creamy and set to a powder.  They do not crease or budge all day.  They don't dry or crack on the lid.  There is no fallout because they are a cream.  They're true to pan colour.  The sparkly ones sparkle like diamonds on the lids.  They are hands down better than the Chanel Illusion D'Ombre.

There are a couple of niggles-they're very fragile and in the second order I placed two of the shadows had smashed in transit.  I contacted Colour Pop who immediately gave me a coupon code worth the value of the shadows that were broken and a sincere apology.  The shipping after order is a little slow (I have just placed my third order last week and it only got dispatched today).  There is not a huge amount of product in the pan and you can't depot them.  But they're $5!!  I feel bad for thinking these thoughts.

The best way to apply them seems to be to tap the colour straight on the lid with a finger or to use a flat short brush (like a MAC 239 brush) to apply the shadow.  They blend out really easily.  I am quite besotted.  I want to buy them for everyone.

Colour Pop eyeshadow review-eyeshadow swatches

Colour Pop eyeshadow review-eyeshadow swatches

My photos don't do them justice but here are a few shots of them on the lid.

Colour Pop eyeshadow review-eyeshadow swatches

Colour Pop eyeshadow review-eyeshadow swatches

Colour Pop eyeshadow review-eyeshadow swatches

Colour Pop eyeshadow review-eyeshadow swatches

Colour Pop eyeshadow review-eyeshadow swatches

Lets hope they ship to the UK soon!!

Let me see know if you'd like to see swatches from my second (and third, yet to arrive) order!

Colour Pop.  Good work.  Keep it up.

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Monday, May 18, 2015

Lip Six


Happy Monday!  Hope you all had a great weekend!  I had some Bloglovin issues last week but I emailed them and they all got sorted which involved amalgamating the two profiles I had since I bought my own domain (12 months ago...).  They were really helpful though so thumbs up to Bloglovin!

Here's my last six lip picks


Top row (L) MAC Cremesheen lipstick in Fanfare  (R) MAC Redd lip pencil with Dior Rouge Dior Sterling Red

Middle row (L) MAC Cremesheen lipstick in Sunny Seoul (R) NARS Matte Velvet lip pencil in Bettina

Bottom row (L) Tom Ford lipstick in Indian Rose (R) Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in 317 La Precieuse (LE)

I really do love the NARS Velvet Matte formula-it's not drying and leaves such a lovely finish on the lips.  I also find the Rouge Allure Velvet formula from Chanel far less drying than the original Rouge Allure.

What's your favourite?

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Sunday, May 17, 2015

NARS Christopher Kane-Parallel Universe and Outer Limits

NARS Christopher Kane-Parallel Universe and Outer Limits

NARS Christopher Kane-Parallel Universe and Outer Limits

NARS Christopher Kane-Parallel Universe and Outer Limits

NARS Christopher Kane-Parallel Universe and Outer Limits

NARS Christopher Kane-Parallel Universe and Outer Limits swatches

"I often use neons as neutrals-they refresh and inspire"-Christopher Kane

I wasn't going to buy anything from the NARS/Christopher Kane collaboration but somehow I ended up picking up the two eyeshadow offerings in the range from Selfridges.  The mini haul started because I dropped and smashed my Charlotte Tilbury 'First Love' blusher at my bosses leaving do-yes that's the second time I have dropped and smashed this blush and I needed to replace immediately.  And the collection was online.  And this happened.

I have always liked NARS eyeshadows-they're very pigmented and blend seamlessly.  I haven't met one I haven't liked yet. 

But these two were a bit of an impulse buy with no research and it's fair to say both are a sparklefest that I am finding difficult to work with.

Parallel Universe is a rose gold and icy lavender combo.  The rose gold is extremely pretty and has an almost wet look on the lid-similar to the finish of the Dual Intensity shadows.  Both actually apply well to the lid-they apply smoothly and evenly and blending is no problem.  But oh the glitter.  I literally had flecks of microglitter everywhere in every colour of the rainbow-it just isn't a good look.  And it is so hard to remove.

Outer Limits is one of the most stunning shadows I have ever seen in the pan but I knew as soon as I opened it that it was too warm and too orange for me to wear as a single shade.  Having said that, Outer Limits is actually very sheer when used alone and glitter flies flipping everywhere!!!  The only way I can use it successfully is on top of a cream shadow base.  Even then, I very gingerly tap on the colour with a dense short bristled brush onto the cream shadow before it dries to have maximum sticking power.  Outer Limits has obvious microglitter in it and my photos below (taken with and without a flash) don't do it's prettiness justice.

NARS Christopher Kane-Parallel Universe and Outer Limits

NARS Christopher Kane-Parallel Universe and Outer Limits

It has a dense foil finish when applied over a cream shadow but there is fallout-not as severe as Parallel Universe but I can see flecks every now and again when I look in a mirror.

I feel kind of disappointed with this collaboration, I don't see me using Parallel Universe at all and not getting much use out of Outer Limits-there are definitely better ways to get a sparkly eye without the horrendous fallout.

Have you bought anything from the NARS Christopher Kane range?

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Friday, May 15, 2015

Hormonal adult acne: Things that have been helping my skin



Since I was diagnosed with cervical cancer almost 12 months ago I have been battling with my skin.  Part of my treatment was a radical hysterectomy but my ovaries were preserved and physcially moved into my abdomen as the cancer had not yet spread there.

I have very mixed feelings about this for several reasons

a) Ovarian cancer is much harder to detect than cervical cancer and the symptoms associated with ovarian cancer are common in lots of other illnesses that affect the lower part of your body-they can be similar to IBS or ulcers for example and often misdiagnosed.

b) Ethically, because the cancer had not spread yet to my ovaries the ovaries were preserved so that my body still produced hormones.  Some of you who followed my journey on my blog may remember from diagnosis to surgery was exactly two weeks.  I didn't do any research but I have since found out that even though my ovaries were kept there is still a 1:3 chance I will go through the menopause in the next 2 years. 

c)  My ovaries still produce an egg each month but as there is nowhere for this to go having had my fallopian tubes removed along with my cervix and uterus it just dissolves back into the ovary.  Because my ovaries have been moved I get the most incredible pain every month when this happens.  I can set my watch by it luckily and take enough painkillers to deal with it. (For anyone who is wondering no I don't have periods and no I can't have children-two questions I get asked a lot :) )

My skin since my operation has gone insane and I can only attribute this to my hormones and I had developed painful hormonal acne, mainly around my chin/jaw.  Anyone who suffers from this will know how it eats away at your self confidence and leaves you incredibly frustrated and unhappy.  One painful swollen lump would be replaced by another and another.  I think coming off the contraceptive pill as well may have had something to do with this as I assume when I was taking it, it provided some kind of hormonal control.

I went to see a dermatologist in Dubai and it was a disaster.  I arrived in tears and left in tears-it was one of my worst medical experiences in Dubai.  Maybe I will talk about the experience another time but she prescribed me a skincare routine I was unhappy with which was very harsh and alcohol based and although it didn't dry out my skin, it did not improve it in any way.

So I did two things-

1) I went back to Caroline Hirons blog and went through it with a fine tooth comb researching hormonal acne/acne/spots and her recommendations.  I came to the conclusion I needed to stock up on retinol and salicylic acid.  I also decided to pull back a little on glycolic acid for a little while and then reintroduce it.

2)  Did what all bloggers do and turned to the oracle that is Instagram for support and advice!

And touch wood the advice I have gathered has been working so I thought I would share some of the products I have been using and why in my evening routine.

1)  Double Cleanse

I decided to start off treating my face with kid gloves and went for a very gentle cleanser-for me La Roche Posay Toleraine is working as a make up remover.  This is a light milk that I massage well into dry skin and then rinse off with the aid of a damp flannel.  It's gentle enough to use around the eyes too.   I don't believe this is something Caroline recommends but I wanted to use something very basic with no essential oils or harsh ingredients.  It leaves my skin clean and happy.

Secondly, and I can't believe I am saying this, I started using Clearasil.  This was after a long conversation with my friend Antonia who recommended it and I am glad I tried it.  I can't believe at 35 I am using Clearasil.  Again, I am not sure if this is a Caroline approved product as it contains SLS (the foaming ingredient in shampoo) but it does contain salicylic acid and my skin has been much calmer.

2) Double tone

I have been using two toners and interchanging them.  The first was something Caroline talked about recently and it is the Clinique Mild Clarifying lotion.  This is another salicylic laced product but it is so gentle on the skin.  It has a runny gel like texture that feels cooling and non sticky.  My skin doesn't tingle at all and I can see this as a forever repurchase.  I have also been using the Pixi Glow Tonic which has a glycolic base.  I have just run out which is why you don't see it here.  One tip I picked up from Caroline was to use a little bit more toner than I was and to use the front and back of the cotton pad.  I also concentrate on the areas where I have breakouts.

For my hydrating tone (not pictured as I am writing this in Cairo and I forgot to bring it!) I have been using the Darphin Intral toner which is a very gentle toner for sensitive skin.  I need to decant it into a spray bottle but for the moment I am sweeping it over my skin on a cotton pad after I have let my exfoliating toner dry.

3)  Fish Oil

Something I picked up from Caroline was to include fish oil.  I asked on instagram about this and received some brilliant advice from a girl who follows me-it's terrible that I don't know her name as she is so lovely but her user name is 'detailoriented'.  She recommended I try the Bare Biology Lion Heart brand which is sold at Space NK so I ordered some and again in the short 3-4 weeks I have been taking them my skin has been calmer, much less breakouts and much faster healing if I do breakout.  I take 3-4 capsules a day.  It also comes in a concentrated oil that you take 5ml (tsp) of per day and I have got some but I am struggling to get over taking an oil by mouth-it's kind of making me retch at the moment so I am finding the capsules much more palatable.

To finish my routine I have been interchanging the two treatments below.  I really introduced these slowly slowly to see if my skin reacted.  I initially used the Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Infusion PM and it was amazing.  My breakouts seemed to stop overnight even though the PTR felt very oily on the skin.  The retinol just did wonders though for stopping my jaw/chin breaking out.  But I finished that up and picked these two from my stash.


Sunday Riley Good Genes

This is my third attempt at using Good Genes-when my skin was haywire this just wasn't helping when I threw it into the mix.  Now my skin is calmer it seems to be working ok-but both of these products are too new for me to actually review them properly.  Good Genes contains 40% lactic acid and I am hoping that this will help my scarring as I have been left with quite a bit.  I'll report back.  It's obviously pricey at £85 so I am keen to see real, tangible improvements.

Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial

On alternate nights I use the Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial which is more more of an oil based product.  This is where I am getting my retinol hit from Vitamin A plus a whole cocktail of goodness in omega oils, vitamins and antioxidants.  Again, once I have been using for a while I will let you know my full thoughts.

So that's where I am at the moment.  I wouldn't say I have fixed the problem but I am a hell of a lot happier than I was about 4 weeks ago.

Special shout out

The MAC Blemish Control gel from the Prep and Prime range has been a real go to when spots have appeared-it either brings them to a head quickly or dissipates them before they even really come up.  It does feel quite 'stingy' when you first apply it but it doesn't dry my skin out.  It contains 1% salicylic acid.

Retinol and salicylic do seem to be the things that have helped my skin the most-and I am guessing the inclusion of fish oil.  I would love to hear about your experiences with adult acne, especially hormonal acne and what products seem to help you.  I appreciate skincare is incredibly personal but I also know how soul destroying having spots when you're an 'adult' can be so I would love to hear your take on it.

Don't forget ladies, if you're 25 or over and overdue your latest PAP smear PLEASE get it booked asap!



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Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Gucci Magnetic Colour Eyeshadow Monos-Iconic Bronze, Iconic Copper and Antique Gold

Gucci magnetic colour eyeshadow mono review

Gucci magnetic colour eyeshadow mono review

Gucci magnetic colour eyeshadow mono review
Gucci magnetic colour eyeshadow mono review

Who remembers the day I boldly announced that I wouldn't be rushing out to buy any more Gucci Magnetic Colour Mono eyeshadows after my first review of them?  Well that was an epic fail as I have since amassed errr 6 more.  You can see the second trio I bought here and today I bring you my brief thoughts on Iconic Bronze, Iconic Copper and Antique Gold plus some pictures.

Iconic Bronze and Iconic Copper swatch similarly but in 'real life' look a little different.  Iconic Bronze has a lot of glitter packed into it and is a little 'grittier' in texture than Iconic Copper.  I have been obsessively wearing it as a liner.  It's very pigmented and would give a very bold warm sparkly look to the eyes if placed all over the lid.



Iconic Copper is very smooth, silky and again, pigmented.  Here I am wearing it in the centre of my lid with a slightly darker tone on either side.


These two are probably too warm for me to pull off as a single shade across the lid and I think you don't need both-they're close enough in tone to stand alone.  If forced to chose one I would go for Iconic Copper.  And if you don't want to splurge on Gucci I reckon UD Half Baked would pretty much do the job.

Antique Gold is a regret purchase I am afraid.  The formula is great-again smooth and silky to apply and the lasting power is exceptional but the shade pulls a little yellow on me and doesn't suit my colouring.


Gucci make up-yay or nay?  So far I think I am pretty much on the yay side!

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Monday, May 11, 2015

Lip Six


Happy Monday! I am off to Cairo today on a business trip but here are my last 6 lip picks!
lipstick swatches

Top row (L) Guerlain Rouge G lipstick in Gil  (R)  MAC matte lipstick in Velvet Teddy

Middle row (L) Dior Fluid Stick in373 Rieuse  (R)  Dior Fluid Stick in 269 Tiny Pink

Bottom row (L) Chanel Rouge Allure in Enjouee  (R) NARS lipstick in Funny Face

Pick of the week?  Totally in love with the Dior Fluid Sticks again.  I love how glossy they are.  I also cannot get enough of Funny Face from NARS-it's so vibrant and beautiful!  I can't get on with the Chanel Rouge Allure formula-I find it so drying.  The colour is beautiful though but I am sure I can dupe it in my stash.

Which is your favourite?
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Sunday, May 10, 2015

Dior Tie Dye collection 2015-the Blushes



Aesthetically I cannot deny that Dior produce some of the most swoon-worthy make up items.  I was all over these beautiful blushers from the Tie Dye collection but admittedly they were the only things that whispered 'buy me' from the line.

Dior absolutely nailed the packaging on this one.  The silver compact is utterly luxurious despite being a little on the lightweight side and the enclosed kabuki is a nice touch.  You definitely feel like you have splurged on a high end product.

The actual blushes themselves, despite being stunning in the pan have left me disappointed.



I had already been warned that Pink Sunrise was not hugely pigmented but that is an understatement.  However, most days I resemble Casper so I was pretty confident that it would show on my skin.  Can you see it on my cheeks on the picture below?  I have literally plastered it on and it's virtually undetectable.



Coral Sunset is more pigmented for sure but it is best applied with the very short stiff bristles of the enclosed kabuki brush to get that wash of colour.  But there is something weird about the powder itself-it kind of applies like a face powder rather than a blush and doesn't seem to blend seamlessly into the skin.  Maybe I was just having a bad make up day but I just didn't really like the colour or finish on my skin.



Have you bought anything from the Tie Dye collection?  I did actually buy one of the 5 colour eyeshadow palettes as well-I am hoping they're better than the Christmas palettes.


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