A Makeup & Beauty Blog – Lipglossiping

With bamboo handles, 100% animal-free, antibacterial taklon bristles and priced at only £5.50 each… the new E.L.F range of mineral brushes are sure to be an interesting addition to the brand’s budget line-up in the UK.

From Left to Right: Powder Brush, Complexion Brush, Foundation Brush, Angled Blush Brush, Concealer Brush & Lip Brush.

From Left to Right: Liner and Brow Comb, Flat Eyeliner Brush, Smudge Brush, Contour Brush, All-over Eyeshadow Brush and Blending Eye Brush.

As well as individual brushes, you’re can also purchase two brush sets (£15 and £20 respectively):

The 4 piece set contains: Complexion Brush, Concealer Brush. Blending Eye Brush, Mini Kabuki Brush, Brush Bag

The 5 piece set contains: Complexion Brush, Eyeliner Brush, Concealer Brush, All-Over Eyeshadow Brush, Lash & Brow Comb, Brush Bag

It seems strange to me that they’ve doubled up the complexion and concealer brushes in both sets… it makes it far less appealing to purchase both sets.  Infact, you just wouldn’t would you?

I’ll be receiving a few samples from the new range shortly and will be keen to discover if these brushes are worth a punt.  I’ve learnt since first falling in love with makeup, that the one thing often worth spending a bit more on to get great quality… are brushes.

Will the new E.L.F bamboo range hold their own in terms of quality and usability?

Have you tried the new range yet?

A rich, berry red with a small amount of shimmer… I’ve worn this beautiful shade plenty of times since I received it at a press event last year but never as ‘full on’ as this.

It’s pretty vampy!

I usually apply with my fingers and blot it down to a stain but in the image above, I’ve applied with a lip brush before blotting on a piece of tissue.

I would feel far too conspicuous to wear this so bold in the daytime but I reckon I could give it a go on an evening out?

Longevity was really good on this one… 4 hours of near perfect wear despite drinking and munching on a packet of crisps.  Plus, as it fades… I think I love it more as it gives a sexier, slightly smudgy round the edges look.

Extravagant Berry is a limited edition shade that was released for Christmas 2010… it’s still around, but won’t be for much longer!

Metamorphosis… was the first big word I learnt to spell.  I think I was 8 or 9 and I delighted in telling anyone who couldn’t get away from me quick enough exactly what it meant.  You would have hated me.

Something you might like a little better though, is this Spring Chinese-inspired palette from Estee Lauder, available exclusively at Harvey Nichols.

Metamorphosis, Tom Pechaux’s creation is described as an ethereal combination of five metallic shades: Glistening Gold, Lavender Star, Pink Drama, Glacial Blue and Black Crystals.

Looking much brighter in the pan than when translated onto skin it promises to give a look that is soft yet sophisticated, a look that is reminiscent of a butterfly at night, with its fluttering dark wings of delicate pearl and effervescent mystery. Right-o then!

I think a picture illustrating that (rather flowery) description might be more my cup of tea…

Doesn’t Liu Wen look beautiful?  Sophisticated, powerful and delicate all at the same time.

I think it’s a striking palette but sadly pastels look so pukey on me that you’d call an ambulance if you saw me wearing those shades.

The Limited Edition Pure Color Five Color EyeShadow Palette in Metamorphosis is priced at £34.00 and available exclusively at Estée Lauder counters in Harvey Nichols only from 3rd January 2011.

Are you a pastels kinda girl?  Or are you like me and holding out for Lauder’s Spring release (the Wild Violet palette looks stunning!)

A galactic explosion of coloured glitter pieces in a glossy black base.  It’s a lovely polish apart from one failing… even after two top coats, the finish was still gritty.  It didn’t bother me hugely but I would have prefered to have a lovely non-bumpy surface.

Everything else was pretty spot on with this little number.  Very nice!

Eyeko Cosmic Nail Polish is available to buy online from PowderRooms priced at £3.50

I bought this little palette from ASOS a few weeks ago.  There were three to choose from and I couldn’t decide between Sueded Browns and this one, Velvet Plumtones.  So I did the only sensible thing I could do…. I googled for reviews! (you thought I was gonna say “buy both!” didn’t you… tsk.)

It wasn’t long before this video by Sam from Pixiwoo came up and I clicked through to watch.  I didn’t actually have to get that far… because as soon as I’d read “Especially good on green eyes” in their title… it was in my basket.  Be aware though, that if you do watch the video… you can probably kiss goodbye to the £25 you need to get this in your hot little hands.

Ugh, I love… love… LOVE the illustration on the front.

The palette is beautifully made, one of the best I own in terms of packaging quality.  I know that’s no great shakes… but when it feels good enough to make you take notice, it’s worth a mention.

I’m getting into a bit of a bad habit of swatching then photographing.  Or in this case… using about 3 times, then photographing.  Sorry!  I like to photograph pristine palettes for you guys but I just can’t help myself!

Four satin shades are included… none of them shimmery, just smooth with a slight sheen.  The ‘most’ matte is the darkest shade in the top left and most satin-y, the palest in the top right which has a slight iridescence to it.

Each shade applies super smoothly and blends very well indeed.  A fact that was visually noticeable for someone like me who isn’t completely shit at application but has a tendency to realise halfway through the day that she could probably have benefited from a couple more minutes blending.  Does that make sense?

On with the swatches…

Clearly a cool-toned palette, each shade has a hint of plum about it… it’s subtle but coherent and makes them work beautifully together.  It’s not hugely pigmented, the above swatches show around three swipes each but the pigmentation is buildable.  Applying over the top of UDPP extracts more vibrancy from the shades but I quite like the subtle muted tones that I get without it.

So would I recommend?  Yes, yes and yes again.  I really want the other two palettes for my collection… but Lord knows I don’t need them.  Perhaps (as they’re limited edition) ASOS will discount them if they don’t sell out first.  If anyone spots them at a cheaper price before I do – I would really appreciate a heads up!

Like the look of the Elizabeth Arden Limited Edition Color Intrigue Palettes?

You know I’m a sucker for Elemis and on Sunday, they’re launching their brand new Melting Cleansing Gel to the fanfare of one of QVC‘s legendary TSVs.

I get excited when TSVs like this come up.  They sometimes include products that I’m less likely to use which reduces the value of both the TSV and the set for me.  This one?  Love everything in it and the new Melting Cleansing Gel sounds exciting! (you know you need to get a life when you genuinely get excited at the prospect of cleansing gel).

But because I know you lot are as tragic as I am… have a listen…

This gorgeous cleanser is suitable for all skin types and transforms from a gel to a milky cream when it is mixed with water. (Love cleansers that emulsify like this and am sorely tempted to give it a try whilst ignoring the 4 half full bottles of cleansing oil still in my bathroom)

key ingredients include :

~ Argan Oil to tense the skin and support the skin’s fibre networks.
~ Rice Silk to eliminate shine.
~ Assai Fruit to protect the skin’s lipid barrier to avoid it getting dry.
~ Rosemary Leaf a powerful antioxidant to stabilize oil flow and the sebaceous glands.

Will you be checking out the Elemis TSV on Sunday (sky channel 640)?  What’s been some of your favourite TSVs to date?

Gifts with purchases are welcome throughout the year… they really are.  But never are they more welcome than at this time of the year when we have to part with our cash like it or not! (one for you, two for me)

And I’ve got a reet good’un here.

Ohhhh Elemis…

I can’t even pronounce your name in my head without getting a bit sexy about it…. flicking the ‘L’ and gently hissing the ‘S’.

You are my elicit internet lover.  I find myself daydreaming of alone time with you… my arms submerged up to the elbows in Fairy’s finest whilst you drain my bank account faster than Burak from Bodrum.  I am your Shirley Valentine and my husband must never discover the extent of our relationship.

But God you give good product.

And this is a very good offer but you need to be QUICK!

Right… here’s the offer…

[stextbox id=”custom” bcolor=”b0c4de” bgcolor=”e6e6fa”]Head down to your Elemis Debenhams counter to take part in this exclusive COMPLIMENTARY offer, 5 special size products worth up to an incredible £97 with any two or more Elemis purchases.  Available now until the 21st November 2010. To ensure each product is tailored to your skin type, they are prescribed by Elemis trained experts who will give you your own personal consultation, assessing which product is best suited to you. [/stextbox]

The offer includes a selection of hero products from across the Elemis range:

· Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser 30ml
· Maximum Moisture Day Cream 20ml
· Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream 15ml
· Papaya Enzyme Peel 15ml
· Tri-Enzyme Facial Wash 50ml
· Skin Nourishing Milk Bath 125ml
· Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt 35ml
· Aching Muscle Super Soak 125ml
· Skin Nourishing Hand and Body Lotion 50ml
· Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Serum 10ml

The offer is available at Debenhams London Oxford Street, London Westfield, Belfast, Chester, Newcastle, Meadowhall, Birmingham, Glasgow and Brighton.

None of those are near me (waves from the South/South West) which sadly means that I’m screwed… but my marriage is intact.  Oh, the irony in that sentence.

I was sent these a couple of months ago but only got the chance to photograph and review E.L.F’s NARS Albatross dupe – Gotta Glow before my camera kicked the bucket.

I’d like to show you the other two that were released at the same time as Gotta Glow.  I hope the pictures and swatches are useful.

Fuchsia Fusion is a glitter bomb of a blush.  A slightly muted raspberry rose shade with silver chunky sparkles.  Texture is a bit hard but the pan gives up a lot of powder when you pass the brush over the top.  I personally wouldn’t bring this blush within 10 yards of my face until I’ve tapped off at least some of the glitter.

Pink Passion is my preference of the two.  A proper dolly pink matte blush that feels chalky but soft.  Pigmentation is impressive for the price and you could do far worse than this blush for double the money.

If only that glitter in Fuchsia Fusion were a little finer, I’d be giving a double thumbs up.

Both blushes are priced at £3.50 and available online from the ELF website.

Following the roaring success of Estee Lauder’s previous nail polish release and the fact that I simply couldn’t have anymore love for Surreal Violet than I do, I had super high hopes for their Christmas collection.

I was given Extravagant Pearl at a recent event and I have really mixed thoughts on it.

Extravagant Pearl is one of two polish releases for Christmas 2010, the other being Extravagant Night (a dark plum with mesmerising micro-glitter).  Looking at Extravagant Pearl in the bottle, I expected it to be a sheer, layering polish… it isn’t.  The above shows three thin coats and if you don’t mind a visible nail line, you could be done in two.  Oddly enough, the reviews I’ve read of the darker Extravagant Night show that one to be a 4 coater!

Anyway, I’m going off on a tangent…

Extravagant Pearl is quite a difficult colour to describe… but I think I’d call it NARS Albatross in a nail polish.  A pale, warm gold with shimmer.  Lots of shimmer.  A little too much for me.

It looks quite frosty and for some reason makes my normally narrow nails look wide and fat.  It needed a top coat too thanks to the micro-glitter making the surface of the nail quite gritty to the touch.

I want to love this shade, I really do… it is packed so completely full of beautiful multi-coloured sparkle in the bottle I was sure I would be on cloud nine with this on my nails.  But I’m just not feeling it.

I tried layering it over black to see if I loved it more… I still don’t.

Urgh, what’s wrong with me?  It’s clearly very pretty and sparkly and totally Christmassy.  It even works well against my skintone… perhaps I just don’t like frosts?

Wear has been marvellous… 3 days now with no tip wear at all though it was a little slow to dry between coats.

What do you guys think?  Am I crazy for not loving it?

Estee Lauder Extravagant Pearl is a Limited Edition shade released as part of the EL Christmas/Holiday Collection.  It’s available online or on counter and priced at £12.

The Estee Lauder holiday collection is upon us and it’s a veritable feast of Christmassy goodness.  Berries and golds take the centre stage in the colour stakes and the line-up oozes Yuletide charm.

On a personal level, I was a touch disappointed not to see two eyeshadow palettes as with the Summer collection (the palette on the left contains lip colour) but that’s the non-gloss fan in me talking.

I’m concentrating on the eye palette today which I was given at the recent press event.  For me, it’s the jewel of the collection.  At first, I thought the shades contained within were a bit ‘off’… although neutral, they’re all rather warm toned and I really wasn’t sure how this would play out against my very cool skin.  I needn’t have worried, they work delightfully well.

Let’s take a closer look at that eye palette shall we?

Packaging is a solid, acrylic housing with gold-coloured lid.  It feels well built, substantial and looks classy on my dressing table!

Read on for closer shots of the shade and swatches…

Read the rest of this entry »

There’s just under 2 hours to go before Elizabeth Hurley, spokesmodel for Estee Lauder and The Breast Cancer Awareness campaign will literally turn London’s iconic department store Harrods PINK in an effort to raise awareness for the campaign!

The historic facade will be lit pink at 7pm this evening in support of The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and to celebrate the Estée Lauder brand’s 50th Anniversary at Harrods.

Also available to purchase this month, the Pink Ribbon Collection 2010:

The collection includes:

The Evelyn Lauder Lip Collection. This divine colour collection contains three shades of Pure Color Lipstick, hand-picked by Evelyn Lauder herself; Tiramisu, Candy and Rubellite.

RRP £25.00

Estée Lauder’s classic Jewelled Pink Ribbon Pin.

RRP £10.00.

The Elizabeth Hurley Lip Collection. This gorgeous lip collection includes two double-ended lipgloss wands, with four gloss shades from the new Pure Color Gloss collection; Nude Rose, Rock Candy, Brazen Berry and Extravagant Pink.

RRP £25.00

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£7.50 from each purchase of The Pink Ribbon Collection in the UK will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for its research programme at the UK’s Institute of Cancer Research.

Availablie nationwide throughout October, while stocks last.

Does everyone know what a GWP stands for?  I only found out about a year ago despite having been a regular owner of them for ooooooooooh about 10 years?  I think infact that I may have been the last person in the world to discover what the acronym actually stood for.  Kinda like that time I discovered my ex was sleeping with someone that wasn’t me.

GWP = Gift with Purchase!

Some brands are pretty famous for their awesome GWPs and many shoppers time their repurchases to coincide with instore events that feature these lovely little extras!  With potential bargainous Christmas pressies in mind, I contacted a few brands to find out what they had to offer for the month of October and was pleasantly surprised to find some not too shabby offerings!

1. Estee Lauder (Exclusive to Boots)

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Contents (choice of shades available)

• Take It Away Long-Wear Makeup Remover Towelettes, 5 sheets in travel size pouch
• Daywear Plus Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Creme, N/C Skin,15ml
• Advanced Night Repair Syncronized Recovery Complex, 7ml
• Eyeshadow Quad Compact with Applicator
• Pure Color Lipstick
• Double Wear Zero Smudge Lengthening Mascara in Black
• Estee Lauder Pleasures Edp, 4ml
• Purple Patent Cosmetic Bag with cross stitch pattern

Qualifier

Free with any two or more Estée Lauder purchases.

Until

Saturday 23rd October 2010

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2. Help: Clear Skin (online)

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Contents

• Limited Edition Heidi Cannon Purse

Qualifier

Free when you purchase one month’s supply of Help: Clear Skin

Until

While stocks last

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3. Clinique (Exclusive to Debenhams)

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Contents

• Exclusive Learn by Numbers Eye Compact in Neutral, 2.2g
• Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser, 50ml
• Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, 30ml
• High Impact Curling Mascara in Black, 4g
• Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Kissy Fit, 2.3ml

Qualifier

Free with the purchase of two or more Clinique products (one to be skin care)

Until

Saturday 30th October 2010