A Makeup & Beauty Blog – Lipglossiping

Whilst this may not be the most important question we’ll ever ponder, for me… it was all I could think about a fortnight ago as I sat in the hair salon umm-ing and ahh-ing over this very dilemma.

In the end, I did what I always do in situations like this, I semi-commited.  I let the stylist cut me a hint of a fringe, a slight side sweep.  A fringe for wimps really.

I don’t like it. It’s bitty and it’s annoying… it says “Here stands a woman who has no faith in her own judgement!”

What I should have done, is bought one of these before visiting the salon.

The Cosmopolitan Collection Sexy Straight Fringe in Darkest Brown.  A clip-in fringe for commitment-phobes!

It’s the easiest thing in the world to attach, simply align wherever you want the end of your fringe to reach and press on the two clips that come attached.  Voila!

Instant fringe!

Now, whilst I am actually in love with my new fringe, it doesn’t come without issues.

1. It’s synthetic and therefore shiny.  If only my real hair were this shiny!  Now, don’t get me wrong… we’re not in doll’s hair territory, it’s not a horrible synthetic shine but it does contrast to my own hair and I need to fix this before I’d wear it out.  I’ve heard that some dry shampoo should do the trick.

2. If you have fine hair like mine, you need to play around with the back of the fringe (where it meets your hair) to ensure that the join is as well-hidden as possible.  Those with thicker locks will probably find this a doddle, I need a bit of careful placement and backcombing.

3.  Beware of relationships with partners, family and friends.  Mr. L and I are no longer on speaking terms since he called me Duane Dibley.

On the plus side, it provides instant gratification for a striking new look on nights out or when I want to confuse my 2 year old.  It’s well cut and heavy enough without being comedy-heavy and perhaps best of all, it covers my grey roots like a dream!

You can purchase The Cosmopolitan Collection Sexy Straight Fringe* online at HotHair, priced at £24.

* Press Sample

Get it wrong and Mum will serve you up the sad, soggy-looking roast potatoes forever more.  That smug brother of yours?  He’ll get your crispy ones.

On a budget?  Never fear… here’s my pick of the best Mother’s Day Gifts for £15 and under!

1. Cath Kidston Cherry Blossom, Jam Jar Candle (£15.00)

Large Jam Jar Candle, fragranced with Cherry Blossom from Cath Kidston’s latest home fragrance collection.   Burn time 40 hours.

I think it’s like… THE LAW… for Mum’s across the land to swoon at the altar of all things Cath Kidston.  There is no way on Earth you can go wrong with this purchase.  Cherries?  Kitsch?  Kidston?  Those tatties are yours.

2. Woods of Windsor, True Rose Perfect Pairs (£13.25)

A fabulous gift for any occasion, featuring Eau de Toilette (30ml) and Hand & Nail Cream (125ml) in a beautiful presentation box, fragranced with our elegant rose petal scent, combining crisp green violet leaves, rose otto and warm damask rose.

I have the hand cream* and it’s a gently-scented, nourishing cream that leaves my hands feeling soft but not greasy.  Not intensive enough for cuticles but a really nice all-rounder with a delicate true rose fragrance.  Tres jolie!

* my hand cream was a PR sample

3. Illamasqua ASOS Exclusive Nail Duo / Viridian & Scarab (£10.35)

Bejewel your nails with the ultimate Christmas duo, deepest emerald and decadent ruby. Talk with your hands and make a statement.

I don’t need to tell you how much of a bargain this is… just don’t tell your Mum it’s a Christmas set and you’re laughing (at your brother) all the way to the oven!

4. Vaseline Pink Therapy Tin (£6.99)

If you find yourselves in Selfridges, Oxford Street over the next 7 days, be sure to check out the latest installation that’s causing a bit of a stir…

Step inside a giant 5.5 metre high Chanel fragrance bottle to view behind-the-scenes footage from the new Chanel Coco Mademoiselle advert featuring Keira Knightley.

In addition to watching the short film, visitors also have the opportunity to answer questions about Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel and receive a luxurious souvenir for every correct answer!

And if that isn’t enough to get your heart racing, don’t forget to gaze in wonderment at the limited edition, super-sized 200ml bottles of Chanel Coco Mademoiselle EDP that are exclusively available instore.

Chanel popcorn anyone?

This has become my go-to ‘quick mani’ as it doesn’t seem to matter how shoddily I slap it on, it always comes up looking pretty neat and polished!

The above shows three coats but it’s the kind of polish that you can wear sheerly to good effect.  It has a slight ethereal quality in the sunlight thanks to the pale hue and subtle silver shimmer.  It’s a very pretty polish with good wear and one I’m pleased to have in my collection.

Pelican Gray is from the China Glaze Spring 2011 Anchors Away collection.

Do you like grey polish for Spring?

The thought of dying my hair is genuinely one of the dreariest prospects I encounter every couple of months but for me and my grey hairs, it’s a necessary evil.  It smells, it stains and it’s a downright chore.

When I first heard about the new foam hair dyes entering the market late last year, I thought “oh hai new gimmick, I’m still going to hate using you”.  I was right.  Just not entirely…

The first one I tried was the John Frieda Precision Foam Colour* which retails at around £9.99.

It’s more money than I normally pay for a home colourant but I’m sure it’s one of those that will eternally be on special offer somewhere.  Having said that, it’s freakin’ fantastic.  It dispenses a rich, creamy foam from start to finish with crystal clear instructions, great packaging (and awesome gloves that fit properly!)

You can tell when thought and careful planning has gone into the details… and here, the quality is apparent even down to the fact that the dye wipes off skin beautifully without compromising on potency!

However…

The available shades for brunettes suck.  They’re all fairly warm-toned and if you’re a pink-faced girl with a penchant for ashy tones, this isn’t good news.  Would I buy it again?  Only if I want gingery grey bits when the dye fades.  So, um… probably not.

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The second one I tried (and I’m sat here with freshly dyed hair now) is the Clairol Nice n’ Easy Colour Blend Foam* which normally retails at a more palatable £6.99.

Props to Clairol for a stonking range of shade availability.  Everything from cool to warm tones, darkest to lightest… However, I got beef with this brand.

The instructions included in the box are terrible and led me to over-mix the formula thus producing crappy foam.  The instructions state: “Shake bottle until completely mixed”.

Watch this…

Now, to my mind… “Shake bottle until completely mixed” is a truly rubbish way to communicate to your customers “give it three firm shakes and then leave it alone for 30 seconds”.  No?

I followed the pack instructions, held the bottle, closed my eyes and shook vigorously for about 10 seconds until I was convinced that the products would be nicely mixed.

The result was a runny foam that applied nothing like the creamy John Frieda formula.

This stuff also stains like a four year old running around with a plate of spaghetti.  As a home hair-dye veteran, I’m used to wiping the backs of my ears, that pesky patch where a strand inevitably drops onto your shoulder and the annoying bits on the temples where you want to cover the baby greys but not the skin.  I usually do a grand job of it too.

Unfortunately, I’m sat here now with pretty bad skin staining on my temples.  Do I risk applying a barrier cream and not getting the coverage I need on those greys?  I don’t know… All in all, it’s a disappointing performance from the Clairol.

I’m genuinely upset about this because the colour selection is fabulous, the end result is good (though not as glossy as the John Frieda) and in theory, I love the foam formula which makes it almost impossible to ‘miss’ bits.  I don’t have to faff about parting my hair to get into the roots… I just treat it like I’m shampooing with a creamy lather and the formula does all the hard work for me.  Foam hair dyes have truly been a revelation.

Not only that, but in both instances, the dye has rinsed down the plughole like a dream with the water running clear after only a minute or two at the most.

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Which should you buy then?

If you’re looking for red tones, buy the John Frieda and do it now, while it’s on offer.

If you’re wanting a cooler-toned shade… go for the Clairol but beware the misleading pack instructions and be sure to use a barrier cream such as vaseline on your hairline.

The future’s bright and it’s rather foamy.

*press samples

We’ve all seen products that stake lofty claims on the packaging and using them can often leave behind a single raised eyebrow of “hmm… really?”  Take The Day Off*… really does take the day off.  And the night before that if you’ve been a lazy sink-dodging mare.

With dry hands, scoop out a 10p piece sized blog and massage over dry skin to remove all traces of makeup.  The solid balm transforms into a silky oil that glides over skin with ease.

I’m a long-standing cleansing oil fan and my face simply doesn’t feel clean to me until I’ve double cleansed.  Cleansing balms are something I’ve bought in the past but I generally prefer to use a pump bottle of oil than scoop product from a jar.

Last time I returned from holiday and opened my suitcase to find oil-soaked clothes put pay to that little preference.

I’m also finding balms to be more compatible with my Clarisonic.  The slip feels a little dryer than with my usual oils (though still perfectly workable) and I use my delicate brush head in conjunction with a low speed setting before washing off.

It leaves my skin feeling smooth and squeaky clean.  Drier skins may find this a little drying but oilier types should appreciate the product’s ability to cleanse thoroughly without too much stripping of the skin’s natural oils.

Finally?  It leaves not a scrap of residue behind.  It emulsifies fully with water into a creamy, milky fluid that washes away with ease.

It’s unscented which will please many (though I wouldn’t have minded a touch of fragrance tbh), gives me absolutely NO eye irritation (despite massaging it into my lashes!) and contains no mineral oils.  Win.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is priced at £19.50 for 125ml.

Do you use cleansing balms?  What are some of your favourites?

*press sample

So impressed was I with Chanel Rouge Allure Laque in Dragon, I went out and bought Coromandel (£24) too.

I knew it was a risk, Coromandel is an orange-based red and I think it’s clear that I’m more suited to blue-based reds.

Still it will be interesting to see Coromandel in the swatch comparison lineup (week 2 is coming soon!)

We’re getting into Ronald McDonald territory aren’t we?  I think it’s a beautiful shade but for the purpose of learning more about reds and how different shades ‘react’ on different skin tones… are we in agreement that this isn’t the most flattering for such pink-toned skin as mine?

I mean… by all means, break the rules.  There is NOTHING to say that one shouldn’t rock a shade that isn’t classically correct for you.  Infact, I’d be willing to bet that some of the hawt-est chicks out there are rocking reds that POP off their lips precisely because they contrast so strikingly.  But in the interests of me being more your normal, everyday kinda girl – I think this one’s a fail.

As for the actual product.  It’s another Chanel beaut!  You can pretty much read my Dragon post and repeat the pros and cons of wear and quality for this one here.

I’m gonna do a high street red lip next… I’m getting a bit one-sided and high end centric here.  Red lips should be accessible for all right?!

What next?  Maybelline?  Rimmel?  Revlon?

We all know how it feels to find a fabulous holy grail piece of cosmetic wizardry.  That one lipstick that makes your teeth look whiter, your face fresher and your eyes sparkle.  And then it goes and gets discontinued.

You throw yourself on the mercy of eBay, watching as auction after auction fizzles out whilst you sob at your keyboard bemoaning your crappy sniping skillz.

Let me tell you about Cosmetics a la Carte’s “My Colour” service.  At £47, it’s not inexpensive… but to many, it’s proved invaluable.

The premise is simple.  Take them a sample of your discontinued/hard-to-find gem and they’ll make a virtually indistinguishable match for you.  The process happens instore and your guidance is most welcome… think it’s a little too dark?  Let them know!

Once you’re happy with the colour match, you can expect a package through your door just a couple of days later containing a doppelganger for your long-lost holy grail product.

The possibilities for this kind of service aren’t limited to colour-matching.  Perhaps you have a favourite lipstick… but hate the texture?  Perhaps you want the colour re-created in a gloss form?  No problem!

Now, part of the beauty for Cosmetics a la Carte is that not only have they provided the initial service, but the chances are that the lazy among us are likely to come back for re-orders.

At £47 for the “my colour” service… you’d have to really love that product but I think it’d make a rather awesome gift for a mother or grandmother who has kept a sentimental stub of their favourite ‘rouge’ or ‘lippie’ from days gone by!

The Cosmetics a la Carte store is located in swanky Knightsbridge, a stones throw from Harrods, Christian Louboutin, Annick Goutal and Dior.  So the simple fact is that you may not have any money left to spend by the time you walk through the door.  However, next time you’re in the area – pop in for a nose around.  It’s a little cosmetic haven!

COSMETICS A LA CARTE, 19b Motcomb Street, Knightsbridge, London SW1 – Tel: 020 7235 0596

Cult Beauty Pop-Up Store!

From today until Monday 31st January, Cult Beauty is launching a pop-up shop exclusively in that beauty mecca otherwise known as Selfridges!

image shamefully purloined, half-inched from CultBeauty.co.uk

You’ll be able to lay your hands on hard-to-find brands such as Face Atelier, Ginvera, MV Organics and Rahua; as well as benefit from a whole host of beauty advice from industry experts.

Also, If you Sign up for the Cult Beauty newsletter, you’ll receive a coupon which will allow you to claim a free Como Shambala Invigorate travel set (showergel and lotion) – redeemable at the pop-up shop.

I’ll be heading along on Saturday after IMATS – might see you there!

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Cosmetics A La Carte Pop Up Parlour!

Cosmetics A La Carte will be launching a pop up parlour at The Peak Spa at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower hotel.  The pop-up parlour will offer complimentary ‘Recharge Makeovers’ and handy tips on how to get the perfect complexion every Friday.

The parlour will launch this Friday 28th January and will be open from 10am – 6pm.  Each consultation lasts between 20-30 minutes and Peak Spa, located high above the city on the ninth floor of the Jumeirah Carlton Tower, is open to members and guests.

Spa treatments at The Peak Spa can be booked by calling 0207 858 7300

If you spend over £75 (eek!) at Cosmetics A La Carte, the bespoke cosmetics brand will treat you to a limited edition Valentine gift set known as…

Lippy Love Duo

*insert Barry White music here*

They say: A Classic Dr Rita Matte Red Lipstick and a super glossy Campari Red Lip Lacquer to wear together or alone to create your own individual look.  Easy to use and long-lasting colour to get you noticed this Valentine’s!

I barely have 75p to spend on makeup in the weeks following Christmas and Mr. L’s birthday (yesterday btw!) but that doesn’t stop me from staring at that image, going a little misty-eyed.  That lipstick looks heavenly!

I am seriously developing a proper red lip addiction, can I blame all of you for encouraging it?  Pleasethankyouverymuch.

The Lippy Love Duo is available in store: Cosmetics A La Carte, 19b Motcomb Street, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 8LB.

It’s every mother’s worst fear… watching their child get sick and being powerless to wade in and fix it all.

Clinique are once again partnering with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity for the KISS IT BETTER appeal which raises money to fund research into the causes and treatment of childhood cancer.

Throughout February, you’ll be able to purchase a special Limited Edition Smoothie Kisses Lip Gloss Set (£22.50) featuring the latest lip launch from Clinique, Vitamin C Lip Smoothie Antioxidant Lip Colour.

The set includes four Vitamin C Lip Smoothie glosses, in Pink Me Up, Goodness Grapecious, Nude-tricious and Mango-thon, all housed in a brightly coloured pink bag.

Sold exclusively in House of Fraser stores nationwide during the month of February, £4.00 from each purchase will go to the KISS IT BETER appeal (£2 from Clinique and £2 from House of Fraser).

If the new set doesn’t take your fancy, then A £2.00 donation will also apply to all Clinique lipstick or lip gloss (£15.00) sold at House of Fraser stores nationwide, throughout February. (£1.00 will be donated by Clinique and £1.00 will be donated by House of Fraser).

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If you want to learn more about the KISS IT BETTER appeal and discover other ways to donate, visit www.gosh.org/kissitbetter

I always protest that I don’t like pastels… and on paper, I don’t.  They’re insipid and make my hands look pudgy and blotchy.  I know that my fingers look far more slender with darker tips… but then I look down at my nails and get that happy feeling that only light and airy colours can bring.

Ciate Fun Fair is a cool toned cross between pink and lilac… the thing that strikes me most about it though is that it doesn’t look too stark.  Anything that leans towards pale AND cool does tend to start looking a little chalky and obvious.  Fun Fair just about keeps it’s dignity intact!

The formula was fine, one of those polishes that really come good on a 2nd or 3rd coat.  Don’t expect to be happy with this on it’s first coat.  I find that to be true of a lot of Ciate polishes.

Wear was good too… it lasted a full 3 days before tip wear became noticeable enough to make me want to remove it.

Ciate Fun Fair is priced at £9 and available to buy online from The Powder Rooms.