A Makeup & Beauty Blog – Lipglossiping

When a company bodly declares their latest product as FUN.  Well, it had better be hadn’t it?

LUSH’s latest invention announces itself with the promise that this multi-tasking bar of playdough-esque sudsy stuff will bring a new dimension to bath-times, hand-washing times, and even washing-your-bike times.  You see, FUN is marketed as multi-tasking to the max – it’s basically the perfect present for bath-dodging sculptors everywhere.

I don’t have a bath-dodging sculptor in the house – it’s all I can do to keep both Mr. L and Leila out of the bathroom.  Infact, we have a self-administered timer system for baths and showers lest we prunify ourselves to death with the sheer amount of skin/water contact.

FUN comes in a range of FIVE colours, each offering a different scent to enhance the bathtime experience (descriptions below taken from the website):

Pink: Jam packed with the fruity, candy smells of childhood.
Red: Mandarin and orange essential oils will make you think of sunny orange groves and freshly squeezed juice. Brings a bit of summer sun to your bath and play time.
Blue: Relax and feel ready for sleep when you wash with this mix of lavender, Moroccan chamomile and chamomile blue essential oils. The perfect bedtime bath.
Green: A citrus burst of tangy lime and lemon essential oils will wake you up, keep you feeling fresh and focused and help you play for hours.
Yellow: Creamy vanilla tones evoke thoughts of seaside ice creams, granny’s baking and home comforts.

I set Mr. L the task of deciding whether Lush’s latest invention really was as fun as it ought to be…. let’s see how he did shall we?

“It keeps crumbling”, he grumbled as he tried to mould it into the Eiffel Tower.

“Baby steps.” I advised, “Try for something a little less ambitious…”

… to be honest, I think he could have tried a bit bloody harder.

We agreed that on the FUN scale, it scored a not overly impressive 6 but it did smell pretty delicious.  Ultimately, it was more fun than brushing your teeth but not as fun as eating a Boost bar (we had to eat a Boost bar just to check – we’re nothing if not scientific about these things).

We haven’t tried FUN wet yet… but we have a very willing (and slightly curious) test applicant at our disposal – but more on that tomorrow.

LUSH FUN is avaialable online and instore now, priced at £5.00 per bar – 10p from each sale of FUN goes to help children affected by the Fukushima disaster.

* press sample

Morning!

Hope you’re reading this from the comfort of your beds, I intend to still be fully tucked up when this post goes live – probably with one eye on Franny’s Feet, Mike the Knight or whatever else is showing on TinyPop that will grant us an extra half hour in bed in the morning.  Sweet, sweet children’s T.V.  Once that’s over and done with I’ll be heading to my parent’s house to eat my Dad’s birthday cake celebrate my Dad’s birthday.  Possibly with a little trip to the supermarket on the way back.  Not the most exciting of Saturdays is it?

Whatever you’re doing today, I thought I’d give you a little heads up to a rather tasty free delivery offer that’s gone live over at Illamasqua.com.

The deal lasts until Monday morning and is valid on both domestic and international orders with NO MINIMUM SPEND.

If you’re interested in checking out some of my favourite (and not so well liked) Illamasqua goodies, click here for an archive of Illamasqua-inspired posts.   Also worth checking out is the Illamasqua Perfect Pout bundle; The Retractable Lip Brush, any colour in Medium Pencil and any colour in Lipstick for the price of just £38.00, originally £47.50.

What are your plans for the weekend?

Are you thinking about Christmas yet?  Can I let you in on a little secret?  I’ve nearly bought all my Christmas presents already.  Don’t hate me, it just seemed to happen without any real intention to get organised – perhaps it’s because funds are a little tighter this year than normal (“real” rent will do that to you), or perhaps there’s been some really good offers on in all the shops I frequent?  Either way, I have managed to secure some thoughtful pressies for definitely less than it would cost if I had left it until the “holiday spirit” is in full swing!

I even hit the supermarket this week and bought all the chocolates (you know, the present bulker-uppers!) for a £1 a bag – malteasers, minstrels, rolos…. oh god, did someone say chocolate?

Anyway, incase you are feeling a little bit organised, I wanted to tell you about a rather lovely Jimmy Choo GWP that’s out on counter now.

No, sorry, it’s not a pair of shoes! But perhaps the next best thing – no, not a lifetime supply of Galaxy either, stay with me…

It’s a Jimmy Choo shoe case, to put your, err, Jimmy Choos in!  But you know, your Converse would look pretty good in it too (sacrilege!)  This would make a lovely gift for any fashionistas and you can either keep the perfume for yourself, or be super generous and part with that aswell!  Or you know, you could just keep it all for yourself (my precious, etc. etc.)

The Jimmy Choo shoe case is available in department stores nationwide from October 2012 with a purchase of any Jimmy Choo 60ml fragrance.

So, one of the most well-known names in British skincare releases a line of makeup.  Women everywhere go crazy.  This lipstick-loving chick gets a bit twitchy over the thought of a Liz Earle lipstick… but I don’t mind admitting that I’d been having preconceptions about how it would feel/look.  I imagined that it would be sheer, moisturising… a bit balmy.  Manna from heaven to some, but not to me.

I was wrong though, it’s basically the complete opposite.  Aren’t you glad to be following the blog of someone who clearly has absolutely no beauty foresight whatsoever.  It’s like when I get emailed to give my opinion on future trends.  I usually look behind me to see if there’s someone else in the room the email was directed to.  Then I say “coral”.

But I digress…

The Liz Earle Signature Lipstick in 01 Rosehip is a natty little bullet of pigmentation with a satin finish.  But I don’t love it.

The shade is very pretty, a muted red which makes for a great pop of colour on pale skin but it draaaaaaags on my lips like a fat dog resisting its daily walk.  You can even see the drag marks on the back of my hand!  It needs more slip, it needs more glide!  Sure it gets better once you’ve spent five minutes drawing it over your lips warming it up but I don’t have time in the morning to resuscitate my lipstick before applying it and I can only imagine the texture getting worse as the temperature drops further.

All in all, this has to be a no from me.  Pretty colour, class packaging and lovely embossing on the bullet that gives it the elegance you’d expect from the brand but the formula doesn’t do it for me.

Liz Earle Signature Lipstick in 01 Rosehip is priced at £14 and available on counter or online at lizearle.com

* I should say that after writing my review and googling to see if anyone had a similar experience, I’m the lone voice of dissent which is making me wonder if I got a bad one.

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I’ve been dragging my heels when it comes to getting excited for Autumn. Everyone around me has gone chunky-knit/boot-buying crazy while I’ve been trying to eke out one more wear from my floral palazzo trousers before I vacuum pack them away under the bed for the Winter.

But I’m feeling zen about it now. Infact, I feel quite vindicated seeing as Autumn has now clearly arrived with a vengeance this week. Yeah, you go ahead and shiver in your new chunky knit. You brought this on yourself.

It’s not that I hate Autumn… despite my protestations, it is indeed my favourite season too and I am particularly partial to the new collections that the cooler weather brings.  I’m already contemplating vampier lips and more Autumnal blushes.  Infact, here’s five Autumn blushers that I bet you don’t own…

1. Cargo – Tonga: A beautiful, muted matte rose with a hint of mauve

2. Makeup Store – Sugarpink: A soft, dusty pink with a touch of earthiness.

3. Becca Pressed Shimmer Powder – Princess: A muted plum with a hint of bronze, scrumminess.

4. Jane Iredale – Cotton Candy: A sparkly plum with shimmer that flatters without looking too glittery.

5. T. Le Clerc – Brun Voile: A sheer, neutral brown that will go perfectly with everything.

What are your favourite Autumn blushers that don’t get the hype they deserve?

Jekyll and Hyde, Torvill and Dean, egg and chips (my thoughts are never far from food).

Some things are just meant to be together.

Whether it’s a really obvious pairing or something a little more obscure, that moment you hit upon the right combination, you know it immediately.

I wasn’t sure when I first read about the Lucy Annabella Spearmint and Lemongrass candle combination.  I anticipated that both scents intertwined would create something too fresh, too tingly and perhaps a touch too medicinal for a home fragrance.  Oh, how wrong was I?

I can only imagine how tricky it must be to get the balance just right when it comes to fragrance, whether it’s in perfume, bath oils or candles – one addition too many and the entire concept goes down the pan.  There are a million tried and tested home fragrance combinations out there, featuring some of the most popular scents around and this one instantly appeals for not taking the path of least resistance.

Spearmint and Lemongrass, you shall go down in history as the Bonnie and Clyde of fragrance combinations. You’re badass.

The styling and packaging of the Lucy Annabella Organics Candle, however, is not badass.  It’s perfectly presentable – beautifully wrapped in tissue paper and ribbons, housed in a delicately patterned tumbler which will sit demurely wherever you place it.

The 100% soy candle burns cleanly and will last for up to 50 hours, the scent is invigorating but not too refreshing, neither is it ‘kitcheny’ – I light this in my hallway while I’m getting Leila ready for nursery and it perfumes the whole flat (ok, so it’s not a mansion!) within the thirty minutes it takes to get us out the door.

I can still smell it upon my return, even though the flame has obviously been long extinguished.

Candles are one of those frivolous purchases that in today’s tough times, we can frankly do without.  They’re a luxury, not a necessity and I have a couple of brands that operate at a lower price point to the ‘luxe’ big names that I will happily buy for a big treat for myself or a present for others.  Neom for wedding gifts (they look so posh!), Ancienne Ambiance for myself when I’m being naughty (scent divine), and with the exquisite packaging on these (and sub £30 price point) – I’ve found a new general-but-special gift, you know…. mother-in-laws, nans and the special ladies in our lives!

Lucy Annabella Organics Spearmint & Lemongrass Candle is priced at £25 and available to buy online from lucyannabella.com

What is your favourite home scent combination?

In celebration of the full Liz Earle Colour Collection launch, the brand are inviting fans to come and take a closer look at the new range.  Enjoy a glass of fizz and sample the new products whilst being shown the best way to wear and incorporate them into your makeup bag.

If you want to get up close and personal with the new range, head into your nearest Liz Earle store (or Liz Earle John Lewis counter) on Friday 14th September and Saturday 15th September.

Liz Earle stores (and opening hours)

John Lewis stores (and opening hours)

The British brand are also offering the chance to win a professional makeover for you and a friend, enter before the end of the day on 16th September to stand a chance at winning.

Have you been tempted by anything in the new Liz Earle Colour Collection range yet?

You know, for all the chemical exfoliators in the world, there’s still nothing quite like giving your face a good scrub. But can you actually do that past the age of 25 without feeling guilty that you’re being too harsh on your delicate skin?

Well, yes. Yes you can.

INA Crystals White Gold Glow Face Wash is an SLES-free facial cleanser that combines a rich, nourishing formula with the scrubby goodness of ground loofah and liquid crystal. The finely-ground loofah provides the perfect amount of scrubbiness without feeling scratchy or harsh against my skin.

The proof is in the post-washing glow that looks back at me in the mirror without a hint of increased redness across my sensitive areas.

Having so far waxed lyrical about the pleasures of the White Gold Glow Face Wash, I have to say that I wish it posessed a more luxurious scent.  I know many, many women can’t use highly-scented products. But, if I’m spending £23 on a face wash, I want that all-encompasing end-of-the-day relaxing experience when I take my makeup off. And for me, a big part of that is a damn-good aroma – I’d describe the scent as… earthy.

You can’t please all of the people all of the time.

That aside, the blend of sweet almond, basil, fennel, juniper berry, and carrot oils make for a nourishing experience that complements the exfoliation process and provides a longer-term moisture boost for my combination/dry skin.

Heartily recommended.

Aqua (Water), Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultane, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit, Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Disodium Cocoamphoacetate, Parfum (Fragrance), Sal (Himalayan Crystal Salt), Sodium Chloride, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sucrose Cocoate, Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Limonene

INA Crystals White Gold Glow Face Wash is available online at Zuneta.com, priced at £23 for 100ml

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If you’re looking to stock up on the classic Liz Earle cleanser – you know, the one that’s gathered a veritable army of fans since its launch 17 years ago – you might want to take a gander at the special edition which goes live on the website today.  Combining the original tried-and-tested formula with the aromatics of rose and lavender essential oils, it promises a relaxing cleansing experience.

This is all well and good, unless you’re anything like me, because by the time you drag your sorry self to the bathroom in search of a flannel, your main priority (other than emerging with a clean face) is not to fall asleep at the sink and drown yourself.

For the more alert among us, this could be just the thing to switch brain from day to night mode.  Or you could reach for it in the mornings and then BLAME the cleanser for everything you do wrong that day.  “Sorry, sorry!  Didn’t see your thumb there…. it’s this new cleanser, it’s the most relaxing thing ever and I keep accidentally washing my face with it in the mornings!”.  That would totally work for almost everything.

£2.00 from every product purchased will be donated to youth charity, The Princes Trust which aims to help provide support to young people looking for work, education and training.

The Liz Earle Rose and Lavender Special Edition Cleanse & Polish is available in a larger-than-usual 150ml pump and is priced at £19.75, available from today at Liz Earle Stores, the Customer Centre on  
01983 813913, lizearle.com, John Lewis, and on QVC

As we say goodbye to Summer and hello to the first breaths of September, it’s also time to welcome a new cologne from Jo Malone. 

Blackberry & Bay is boldly described by the British brand as “the scent of innocence” and when aided by campaign images showing this kind of cuteness, it’s easy to see why.

Blackberry & Bay is as full-bodied as you might expect, but perhaps not quite in the way you’d imagine.

A wholly ripe affair with an uplifting, generous dose of blackberry and grapefruit from the first sniff.  However, don’t be fooled into expecting something sweet or creamy, Blackberry & Bay is juicy-yet-tart, comforting-yet-sharp.  It’s blackberries in the rain with your ponytail lashing at your nose and cheeks.

The bay leaf provides the ‘edge’ and indeed, the leaf needed to bring the fragrance down to earth and evoke the practicalities of blackberry picking in our, end-of-Summer climate.

If you’re looking for something to wear that spans the two extremes of our seasonal weather, you could do far worse than check this one out.

Blackberry & Bay has both aroma and soul.  It also surprised me by lasting longer on my skin than their recent Cologne Intense Velvet Rose & Oud release.

Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay launches today both instore and online at jomalone.co.uk, priced from £38

* press sample

In honour of the 1st anniversary of their not-so-new-anymore beauty hall – which by the way – is amazing, iconic London store Liberty have launched their own range of body-beautiful products in the form of: a hand wash, body wash, hand lotion, and a body lotion.  For a company where good design is so fundamental, you’d expect nothing less but for the range to look as great as it smells!

Liberty have chosen some quintessentially British garden-scents to infuse their new range, including: Geranium, Lavender, and Rose.  I personally love the tangy, slightly peppery scent of Geranium and think it’s a much under-used lead fragrance in body products, so I’m interested to discover which variety of the plant has made its way into the bottle.  I used to have a “lemon fizz” geranium that I’d purposefully brush past (a little roughly at times!) just to transfer some of the scent onto my clothes!

The range promises a long-lasting fragrance with non-greasy lotions that absorb easily.  As for the packaging?  The labels have been designed by the Liberty Graphics team and incorporate a reworked version of the classic Liberty print Claire-Aude, an abstract floral which was designed for Liberty in 1975.

Prices start from £18 and are available to buy online and instore now. 

I am such a sucker for a posh hand wash.

With most of my makeup in storage, I didn’t have long to trawl through my collection for the least fussy cosmetics I own to keep in my makeup bag whilst on the move.  Thankfully, I quickly discovered a purchase that I had made when the weather first began to warm up earlier in the year.  Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Tinted Moisturizer is a lightweight tinted moisturiser which offers good slip without being too greasy on my skin – in terms of coverage, I find that it gives me just enough to tone down the redness and give the illusion of a more even complexion without sitting heavily on my dry bits or sinking into pores.  If you’ve got blemishes to disguise, I think that this would combine very nicely with a heavier concealer to create a naturally flawless finish.

The tinted moisturiser comes in only two shades: light and medium, making its suitability limited to fair/medium skintones – the very fair will struggle with the light shade but I can wear it comfortably on my Summer NW15/20 skintone without too much difficulty thanks to the sheer finish.  The formula boasts Apricot Kernel Oil, Chamomile, and Royal Jelly Extract as key ingredients to promote hydration and the lack of scent is a bonus.  One of my favourite things about this particular skin base is that it applies beautifully with fingers and really responds well to being “warmed up” on the skin.

It contains broad spectrum sun protection with an SPF rating of 15, though you really don’t apply enough to ensure that kind of rating is actually achieved so I wouldn’t rely on it singularly to protect your skin – particularly in these Summer months.  The packaging is basic but functional and does the job well, it would make a good holiday choice – I wish I’d had a bottle of this when I travelled around Australia (many moons ago).

Ultimately, it’s not the base I’d reach for when I want a perfectly polished complexion and while it does sit very nicely on combination skin, its lasting power is no more than average.  It excels at being a fuss-free Summer workhorse, an everyday choice for those who want a “no-foundation” foundation solution.

It’s worth noting that the bottles appear to have been downgraded from 75ml to 50ml, whilst the price has remained the same.  Do check with your retailer if you’re shopping online as most haven’t updated their stock images to reflect the new sizing.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Tinted Moisturizer is available to buy on counter and online, priced at £20.50 for 50mls