A Makeup & Beauty Blog – Lipglossiping

I don’t usually fire out many lust posts but I had to share my OMGWANTITNOW for the new Rouge d’Armani Hot Collection.  I’d been sorta thinking about (trying not to think about) it for a little while… but Karla’s swatches, oh my… the swatches.

Yeah.. whatever… I was talking about the SWATCHES <<<< click this link and be prepared to want one.

Want one?  I want TWO.

I always seem to fall in love with Armani Limited Edition items and I swear that the counter in Selfridges has the worst stock levels of any counter, ever.  Wish me luck on Wednesday, I’m taking L into the big city and if I don’t come back with one of these beauts in my hot little hands, I won’t be a happy pink-lipstick lover.

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Do you have a favourite from the line up?

I was treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of acclaimed makeup school, The Academy of Freelance Makeup a couple of weeks ago so I headed into Soho, dodging thunderous downpours on the way.  Highly aware of how completely rubbish my own makeup looked that day, I settled into my seat to listen to Jana Ririnui, the creator of AOFM Pro and Jason Mallett, the director of AOFM Pro explain more about the school.

The core belief held by AOFM Pro is that their students will learn most efficiently from makeup artists currently operating in the freelance industry.  Not only will students gather the techniques and theories from qualified tutors but also learn more about experiences that might befall them in the future when they join the ‘real world’ of a working makeup artist.

Although the organised ‘curriculum’ is comprehensive, there’s also the opportunity for eager learners to gather knowledge through general class conversation with a working makeup artist… learning from anecdotes and tales of the fashion industry!  The scope for picking up invaluable advice is only limited by the flow of natural conversation.  In addition to this hands-on tutoring, students also benefit from the rotation of tutors, it’s the aim of the school to introduce their students to as many different working styles, techniques, creativity and products as possible.

The final thing that I took away from my morning at AOFM Pro was the aftercare… the school offers free refresher sessions for past students and promise to always be on hand to offer professional advice long after you’ve walked out the door, makeup brushes in hand.

Thanks AOFM Pro for letting me have a nosey around your studios and in your beauty cupboards and a big thank you also to Jade, Assistant Head Of Education for a super hawt smokey eye to brighten up the rotten Summer downpours!

image courtesy of Katie at MyLipsButBetter

For more information on the school, tutors and courses visit aofmakeup.com

A few weeks ago, I braved thunder, lightning and a healthy dose of hail to head down the Kings Road and snap some pictures of the new Gina Conway Aveda Salon in Chelsea.  By the time I arrived (sans umbrella), I closely resembled something that had been pulled out of a plughole.

To the team’s credit and my utmost appreciation, they sat me down and gave me an impromptu blow-dry to warm me up before I slunk away hiding behind my camera pretending to be a serious photographer.

Gina Conway Salons work in partnership with Aveda and currently operate out of four locations (Notting Hill, Wimbledon and Fulham) with Chelsea’s opening heralding the newest addition to the group.

Her Salons and Spas are unique in their focus on Eco-Awareness, even employing a dedicated “Eco-Angel” whose job it is to ensure that all salons are consistently upholding their promises to resource conservation, recycling and water management in their day to day activities!

The Salons and Spas offer a complete range of holistic hair and beauty services including specialist colour work, hair design, makeup and ayurvedic treatments with prices starting from a reasonable £36 for an Indian Head Massage.

The ground level is dedicated to the Salon side of things with the Beauty and Spa treatments taking place on the lower level, well away from the hustle and bustle of the hair-dryers and chatter of a busy salon.  Downstairs is tranquil and softly lit, a real haven of peace to offset the buzz of the Kings Road just outside the front door.

It was lovely to have the chance to talk to Gina herself about her empire, though the conversation rapidly turned to toddlers and babies – Gina has two more than me, and quite frankly, I don’t know how she manages to leave the house every morning let alone run four successful businesses across London!

Visit www.ginaconway.co.uk for more information on the Gina Conway Aveda Salon and Spas, book your next appointment or learn more about the group’s eco-commitments and links with Aveda.

I had a few requests to see how the Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense #3 Purpura looked when worn, so I applied it as an all-over wash yesterday and snapped some photos.

I love it because it’s such an easy-to-wear shade, it applies and blends excellently with just my finger, is dark enough to give some great definition and a hint of smokiness yet light enough to be suitable for Summer.  Having said that, longevity (on me) isn’t all that much better than the L’oreal clones I tried a couple of months ago.  It doesn’t disappear from my lids completely but after around 4hrs, 70% of it resides in my socket line.  Still, it’s beautiful while it lasts… I’ll definitely pair it with a primer next time.

please excuse the pores!

Face

Shills Super Magic BB Cream SPF50 PA+++
Guerlain Meteorites Teint Rose 01
Bare Minerals Blush in Promise

Eyes

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense #3 Purpura
Avon Supershock Gel Eyeliner in Black
L’oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara in Black
Suqqu Brow Powder in 04

Lips

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Speed Dial

Well, I wasn’t gonna get sucked into the hype.  Oh no, not me!  But then I thought “oooh just one little look to see what everyone’s going on about… *swoon*, *thud*, *kerching*”

Sucker.

Priced at £24.50, I believe this makes the Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Intense in #3 Purpura, the most expensive single eyeshadow I own, roundly beating my Le Metier de Beaute spangly silver that I bought on impulse and have barely worn to this day.

So first things first, is it worth that horrendous price tag?  Of course it’s not… but like my Tom Ford lippies, the numbers that ring up on the till matter less once I’ve fallen head over heels.  All that matters is finding ways to justify why I require at least one more from the range.  Sucker.

The Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Intense range of 12 shades incorporate multi-faceted pigment with impressive colour payoff and a rich, creamy formula.

I initially approached the counter with Lust Red in mind after seeing Temptalia’s swatch of the blackened-red shade… but a quick check at the alternatives available had me lusting after something a little lighter for Summer.  Don’t worry Lust Red… I’m coming back for you in the Autumn!

Purpura, #3 is a beautifully blended mix of purples and gold that combine to create a violet-toned charcoal that dances with a golden glimmer.

I wouldn’t class this as sheer when applied dry but it’s definitely more ‘buildable’ (that’s a diplomatic way of putting it!) than some of the other, more intense shades.  This is actually one of the reasons I purchased it as it felt “airier” and more befitting for hot days when a ‘made up’ face just looks a little too much.

The three swatches above show Purpura applied dry, ontop of primer (Urban Decay original) and with a damp brush.  There’s not a great deal of difference between using a primer or simply applying it with a dampened brush so I’d imagine the question of preference will come down to longevity.

As for longevity, well I don’t have any opinion on that yet seeing as I only bought this yesterday.  All reports sound good so I’m looking forward to decent wear from this really, rather expensive but ultimately flippin’ gorgeous eyeshadow.

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense eyeshadow in #3 Purpura is priced at £23.50 and available to buy on counter if you can find stock.  As of yesterday (31/5), Selfridges in London was out but Harvey Nichols came up trumps!

What do you think?  Like or no-like?

Still sitting down there in my wishlist purely because I’m a lazy oaf who hasn’t updated yet, sits the fragrance Agent Provocateur.

CheapSmells.com are currently doing a ridiculously good deal on the Agent Provocateur family, so I thought that now would be the most useful time to update and review the fragrance that I finally got around to buying last month).

Agent Provocateur EDP starts with an intense blast of spice, reminiscent of a (very) steamy evening in Marrakech before quickly softening as the fragrance blends with the warmth of my skin.  The floral begins to peek through as the heart notes surface to smother the spiciness in a shroud of powdery rose and white flowers.

Despite the scent’s obvious femininity made apparent in the floral aspect of the perfume, there’s a musky sourness that remains intact from that initial spritz to eventual fade.  It’s animalic, sexual and bold.  Don’t expect a juicy, sweet fragrance to make you feel light and girly.  Agent Provocateur is a seriously sexy number that will wear you if you lack the confidence to wear it back!

Agent Provocateur is available for upto 70% off the RRP at CheapSmells.com until the 5th June.

Do you like your fragrances to be provocative and bold or a little more demure?

We don’t like it but we can at last be excused a bit of roughness in the Winter as the harsh weather takes its toll on our poor extremities.  Our hands are usually the first to succumb to the Gods of dry skin and those rough bits that catch on your sleeves *ouch!*

In the Summer though, there really is no excuses for general skin dryness… so give yourself a helping hand and check out some of the hand creams below for a sure-fire way to get some silky softness back in your life!

Woods of Windsor True Rose Conditioning Hand and Nail Cream 125ml (£7.75)*

A lighter option for those who dislike the heavy feeling of cream on their hands.  This Woods of Windsor lotion absorbs quickly and efficiently whilst leaving behind a delicate rose scent.  I recommend keeping this one nearby though as you’ll need to top up regularly to ensure long-lasting softness.

Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream 75ml (£18.40)

I picked this up in Debenhams a little while ago and true to its name, the Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream delivers a welcome boost of moisturisation which means I can apply at night before bed and wake up in the morning with noticeably smoother digits.  A good choice to stash in the bedside table but perhaps not for you if you dislike the feeling of a rich cream on your hands.

Liz Earle Hand Repair 150ml (£19.65)*

If greasy residues are your main concern, the Liz Earle Hand Repair is the product you need!  The larger sizes come with a convenient pump dispenser which releases a rich, awesome smelling (as you’d expect) hand cream.  It absorbs with blistering speed, leaving my hands feeling silky to the touch.  Not as heavy duty in the moisturisation department as some, I’d recommend this for those with normal/dry skin concerns.

All for Eve Hand Cream 100ml (£7.50)

My top pick for Summer hand creams is the All for Eve offering I bought last month.  I keep this at my computer and would recommend this as the perfect every day hand cream.  It smells delicious, leans toward a lighter, more easily absorbed formula and at under £8 for a generous 100ml, it’s a bargain!  And don’t forget that all proceeds from ‘all for eve’ products go towards ‘The Eve Appeal’ fund.

Heathcote & Ivory Vintage Mimosa Mini Hand Creams 30ml (£4.00 for 3)*

Super cute mini hand cream that’s perfectly sized for some handbag toteing!  This Heathcote & Ivory Vintage Hand Cream is surprisingly potent for the money.  Again, more suited to normal/dry skin than those in need of severe replenishment, I particularly love the Shea Butter based formula which spreads itself thinly without taking all day to sink in!

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If you’re in particular need for something a little more intense, you might also be interested in taking a look at my review of the Lanolips Rose Balm Intense.

Are you getting your skin in shape for Summer?  What are your favourite hand creams at the moment?

* Denotes PR Sample

Oooh la la, American Apparel are serving us up a Summer scorcher with these new neon polishes…

A total of SIX new blisteringly bright shades are now available and I’m just a little bit excited by the thought of a Neon Red. (ok, a lot excited!)

The new shades are: Neon Orange, Neon Violet, Neon Green, Neon Coral, Neon Red and Neon Yellow.

Priced at £7.00 each and available to buy online or in store.  Up and at ’em!

You would be forgiven for not having heard of Aroma Therapeutics before… I stumbled across them when I was at The Vitality Show last month.  They were doing an offer on their bath and body oils and being the sucker oil lover that I am, I couldn’t resist parting with my pennies for a few.

In the bottle, they smell incredible.  Easily as good as offerings from the more well-known brands such as Aromatherapy Associates, Tisserand and NEOM… but sadly, this is pretty much where the similarities end.

Once dispensed into water… the scent dissipates far too quickly, we’re talking gone in a matter of 30 seconds.  Frankly, a fart would linger for longer.  I’m guessing that although exquisitely blended… there just isn’t enough of the potent stuff in these bottles to carry the aroma for a decent length of time.  I’ve also tried applying to my skin before jumping in the shower… but again, as soon as the water hits it, sayonara good stuff.

It truly is a bit of a tragedy because the Recharger scent (Rosemary, Ginger, Rosewood, Nutmeg and Orange) in particular is divine.  I haven’t tried any of the other products in the same scent lineup which includes massage oils and spray concentrates, perhaps I should limit the use of these purely on my skin rather than as part of my bathing routine but damn it, I bought these as bath treats!

Aroma Therapeutics are available to buy online from Fragrant Earth and are currently on BOGOF and are £26.65 for 50ml.

What are your favourite bath-time treats?

Did you know that April is Earth Month?  Well it is, so listen up!

Now in its 12th year, Aveda created Earth Month in April 1999 to raise awareness and funds for critically important environmental issues around the world, and has since raised more than $18 million for organizations that directly affect environmental change.

This year, Aveda are focusing on helping to provide access to clean water and sanitation for children and families around the world.

Lisa Snowdon and Margherita Taylor join Aveda’s 2011 Walk for Water as part of 12th Earth Month Initiative

Last week, the brand successfully organised and completed a five mile “Walk for Water” campaign along London’s Southbank, raising funds for Wateraid along the way.

The company have also released a rather lovely, limited edition “Light The Way” candle.

The Aveda Light The Way candle features a French-inspired aroma made with 100 percent certifed organic ingredients, including lavender, lavandin and clary sage sourced from the Diois region of northern Provence, France.

Formulated from soy wax, which means that the candle burns cleanly and completely from first light through to final extinguish.

The candle retails in the UK for £16.

Of that purchase price, £12.80 per candle sold in the UK will go to Global Greengrants Fund (GGF) and their water-related projects.

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Origins have established a partnership with Global ReLeaf to plant trees and restore wildfire-damaged areas which means that for every Plantscription sold during 17th – 30th April 2011, Origins will plant a tree on the customer’s behalf.

What a good way to get green thumbs without getting dirty!

In addition to this, you need to know about their trade-in/amnesty deal!

For one day only on 22nd April 2011…

Customers can bring in any current skincare product (any brand, full or empty) and trade it in for a complimentary full size of either Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash or A Perfect World Antioxidant Cleanser with White Tea.

That’s a deal worth £16/€23!  Yes, really!

To find your nearest Origins counter/store, check the Origins website and search for your postcode.

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Finally, French organic beauty brand Melvita are celebrating Earth Month and honouring their own bee-entwined roots by installing an apiary above their London flagship store in Covent Garden in an attempt to protect the declining bee population!

The apiary will be a permanent fixture on the roof of the Covent Garden store and also celebrates the launch of The Melvita Foundation which exists to protect the environment and bee populations around the world.

“We should not be scared of bees.  They are the guardians of the environment, they contribute to ecological biodiversity.  With the Melvita Foundation, you can act and protect them” Bernard Chevilliat, Melvita Founder.

During Earth Month, Melvita customers can help add more hives to the Melvita City Apiary through purchasing select Melvita products which contain honey.

•  Hydrastim – £22.00
•  Softening Hand Cream – £12.00
•  Apicosma Body Balm – £19.00
•  Softening Shower Gel – £9.50
•  Capiforce Hair Mask – £18.00

For each of these products purchased, Melvita will donate £1 to the Apiary fund, which will raise money to buy new hives and to further encourage the protection of the bees in and around London.

If you want to learn more about the Foundation, Melvita are holding a Bee Workshop on the 22nd April in the St Martin’s Courtyard store from 1pm – 4pm.  It’s open to all, so pop along to take a closer look at the bees and indulge in some free honey tasting!

Let me introduce you to the “Acqua for Life Challenge”.  A facebook campaign set up by Giorgio Armani Beauty (in conjunction with their popular fragrances Acqua di Giò and Acqua di Gioia).

The campaign aims to provide a minimum of 40 million litres of drinking water to populations without any access to it, working in partnership with Green Cross International to raise everyone’s awareness of this issue.

900 million individuals are still deprived of safe, clean and healthy water for their daily essential needs. Water that is essential for drinking, eating, guaranteeing a minimum of hygiene and maintaining one’s health.  The goal of this challenge: To offer this year a minimum of 40 million litres of drinking water to populations in need.

Because they are the most vulnerable to water-borne diseases and it is their future that is taken hostage by this uncertain water supply, children will be the primary beneficiaries of the donations collected by the “Acqua For Life” campaign.

The operation will initially begin in Ghana, supporting the Smart Water for Green Schools project: In this west African country some 40% of the rural population does not have access to drinking water.

The money raised will then be used, over time, to finance similar operations in other countries.

So, how can you contribute?

Easily and quickly.

I’ve set up a Lipglossiping Acqua For Life Facebook group and all YOU need to do to contribute 10 litres of water to the cause is join up.  It will literally take you 15 seconds.

Click the link above and grant the app access (it won’t do any funny business with your account!)

SEARCH for the term Lipglossiping in the left hand side community search bar and hit on JOIN.  Thassit!  All signed up, 10L of fresh, safe drinking water with your name on it!

If you join up, consider your good deed for the day done and dusted and have a BIG thank you from me. x

Got a picky Mum?  A lady for whom a Superdrug giftset just won’t do?  No, me neither (thank God!) but if you do… here’s some prime picks that might settle the hunger in her belly!

The best Mother’s Day Gifts for between £30 – £50!

1. Liz Earle Botanical Essence™ Eau de parfum No.1* (£40.35)

For our first ever fragrance we’ve used the finest natural botanical ingredients from around the world and the expert skills of a distinguished perfumer from Grasse, France.  We gave him the time to indulge in the age-old art of perfumery, skilfully hand-crafting this complex scent with true passion to create this vibrant, sparkling fragrance translating into warmth and sensuality.  This sensuous fragrance can be worn every day.

Well, let’s just be honest here… it’s Liz Earle meets perfume innit.  If your Mum is like most Mums out there, she’ll fall over herself to rip the carefully chosen wrapping paper off this one.

2. Eve Lom TLC Cream* (£50.00)

This intensive cream gives tender, loving care to dry and very dry skins types and is ideal for more mature complexions.  The most luxurious of all rose oils, Rose Otto of Bulgaria gently softens lines and wrinkles and imparts a delicious aroma.

A very rich cream that is ideal as an overnight treatment for softening and reinvigorating the tightest of skin types.  To put it simply, go to bed with tight, aggravated skin and wake up with supple and hydrated skin.  It’s very thick but warms up well and absorbs effectively through the night.  Mostly?  I love the rose scent.  It’s a comfort cream for poorly skins.

3. Aspinal of London Lipstick Case (£35.00)

Protect your favourite lipstick in style with this lipstick case handmade in gorgeous mock croc calf leather and lined in shimmering grosgrain.  Designed to hold one lipstick, the case closes securely with a popper fastening and even has a small handy mirror.

Squee cute much?  If pink ain’t your *cough* Mum’s thing, it’s available in a host of other colours too!

4. Oskia Renaissance Mask (£48.50)

Designed to increase cell turnover, boost radiance and packed with OSKIA’s trademark blend of beauty-boosting nutrients, this luxuriously-textured exfoliating mask leaves the complexion smoother, more refined and illuminated. Our testing panel thought its natural perfume so delicious they wanted to eat it!

Oskia have a great reputation for their “nutritionally-designed, natural skincare range” which is all about supplying the skin with a ‘diet’ of skincare goodies that include vitamins, minerals, amino acids and glucides.  If your Mum is a lover of oraganic, natural products, then you won’t go far wrong with Oskia who are proud of their ECOCERT credentials.

The Renaissance Mask promises to be a real treat, providing instant results and rinsing tired skin down the plughole to reveal a fresher you!

5. Jimmy Choo Eau de Parfum (£38.50)

Femininity, luxury and style… bottled.  Green top notes give a burst of freshness, a heart of Tiger Orchid lends a creamy seductiveness, and sensual base notes of toffee and Indonesian patchouli. A modern fruity-chypre.

The best things come to those who wait and the base notes contained in the EDP are lovely.  Despite it’s base of toffee, it manages to be sweet without being cloying… they describe it as ‘creamy’ which is pretty much spot-on.  Perhaps a choice for the younger Mums out there *waves arms*.  Jimmy Choo’s inaugural fragrance is proving popular.

6. Davina Peace Citrus Fruits Candle (£36.00)

Each Davina Peace candle is inspired by a long-lasting memory of the brand’s eponymous founder.  Based on the balmy smell of citrus fruits, this candle blends the organic fragrances of Sicilian lemon peel, juicy orange, Italian bergamot and root ginger.  Dedicated to only sourcing organic ingredients where possible, Davina Peace uses only pure natural wax blended with an organic fragrance in her candles.

Nothing is more exquisitely shared between mothers and daughters than memories and Davina Peace pays tribute to the art of remembering with the fragrances she offers throughout her range.  Her Memory No. 2: Citrus Fruits candle is a perfect choice for the warmer Summer months that are hopefully beginning to open up before us!

Exclusively available at Harrods.

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Hope that gives you a little inspiration for lovely Mums everywhere!

* I have received press samples of these items in the past