NOTD: Orly – Flirty

Posted by Lipglossiping On August - 12 - 2011

Barbara Cartland is wearing this shade on her toes up in Heaven.

As flashy as a silver tiara and as pink as a poodle dipped in a vat of candyfloss.  Orly’s Flirty* is unashamedly girly and a sparkling pink for Summer.

The above swatch shows two coats finished with a quick dry because it was a touch slow-drying.

You can buy Orly online at BeautyBay.com but they’re currently out of this shade, so try somewhere like Beauty4Nails instead.

Are you a PINK girl?

* press sample


Deal Alert: £17 for £35 worth of Murad Skincare goodies!

Posted by Lipglossiping On August - 10 - 2011

Over at Living Social, they’ve got a cracking Murad Skincare offer which is only live for a little while longer.  Spend £17 and receive £35 worth of store credit for Murad.co.uk, a solid bargain for anyone wanting to dip their toe into a high-end skincare brand.

Perhaps you’re considering your first foray into anti-aging products or just want something a bit special to tackle those Summer oilies?  Either way, a 51% saving from an official supplier is not to be sniffed at!

Mr. L loves the Energizing Pomegranate Cleanser so it’s a shame I’m not buying it for him eh?  Instead, I’ve got my eye on the new Hybrids Skin Perfecting Primer (dewy) but I’m a tad concerned it may be a bit dark for my skintone.  I’ll have to search for reviews (of course!)

Smoothie does it!

Posted by Lipglossiping On August - 5 - 2011

I have a smoothie-maker rapidly gathering dust in the back of my cupboard and I’ve decided to brush it off and put it into action this month!

I’m gonna feed my skin from the inside out with some beautifying smoothie recipes consisting of a whole host of revolting sounding ingredients!  Don’t laugh… check me out at the end of the month when you’re all mistaking me for err… *insert someone with really amazing skin here*.

Anyway, you get the jist.

My first Smoothie is gonna be from skincare guru himself, Dr. Murad.  I had the pleasure of meeting him a couple of years ago and listened to him talk about his theories behind the importance of ‘getting’ your water from your food as well as your drinks/general fluid intake.  He’s a fascinating man and I’m looking forward to trying out his Water Secret Smoothie.  I may have to hold my nose as I drink it though no?

He says:

The delicious smoothie you are about to enjoy is a wonderful way to give your body Internal Care by flooding your system with the building blocks of healthy strong cells.  That’s why this smoothie provides you with:

Amino Acids: the building blocks of cell-building proteins.

Lecithin: a source for a key ingredient in cell membranes called phosphatidycholine.

Antioxidants: to protect cells from free-radical damage.

Essential Fatty Acids: to help cells attract life-sustaining water.

If you wanna join me (go on, be brave!) here’s the recipe for Dr. Murad’s The Water Secret Smoothie.

  • 1/2 cup blueberry juice (unsweetened)
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup raspberries (fresh or unsweetened frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon lecithin granules
  • 1 small banana
  • 3 to 4 cubes of ice (optional)
  • Stevia extract or Agave Nectar (optional) to tast

I’ve just picked up my lecithin granules from here with free delivery, blueberry juice is looking a little elusive at the moment but the rest should be simple enough to find.

Hope it’s not revolting!

You can read more about Dr. Murad’s theories on looking and feeling younger in his book, The Water Secret* (£12.99)

Do you ever make skin-beautifying smoothies?  One of those ideas you always toy with but never see through?

* press sample

Paul & Joe Fall AND Holiday 2011 Makeup-palooza

Posted by Lipglossiping On August - 2 - 2011

We’ve got a bit of a mish-mash here so bear with me.  You’re looking at a selection of Paul & Joe goodies from both their Fall 2011 Manhattan collection AND a few bits from the upcoming Holiday/Christmas 2011 collection.  ‘Citing!

These five sparkly polishes are Holiday/Christmas releases (I couldn’t see the Fall polishes on the stand).  We’re looking at glitter people.  Jewel toned glitters and I have NO idea what that green is all about.  It’s reminded me to take nail wheels with me for swatching next time.  Stupid blogger.

On the left, we have the new finishing powder which will be available in SIX shades from the 5th August.  In the middle… yeah, let’s take a moment over that green again.  And over on the right are the eyeshadows and lipsticks from the Fall Manhattan Collection.

Moving on…

I got a bit hung up on the polishes…  “Holidays are coming, holidays are coming….”

See on the shelf behind?  The palette and cardboard boxes with ribbons?   That’s Holiday… and it’s a bit special because the palette is customisable and the little boxes are for hanging on the Xmas tree!!  They contain single eyeshadows that can be bought for the refillable palette!

OK, just one last look at those polishes….

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What do you think?  Sophisticated Fall and a Sparkly Xmas?  Sounds good to me.

Tried, Tested and (mostly) Rejected: Sun Protection

Posted by Lipglossiping On August - 1 - 2011

I owe you an apology for the sun protection series that never happened.  I planned my posts, split the topic down into the main aspects I wanted to cover but then a few things happened that prevented me from seeing things through…

1).  Turns out there are only 24 hours in a day.  Who knew.

2).  I wanted professional input but one contact went silent halfway through the process and the other replied to my questions with single word answers and I was frankly too aware that they were both doing me a favour to push my luck.

3).  I may have also got the mega wobbles about doing such an important subject justice.

So basically, I failed but I can honestly say that I failed with the best of intentions.

Still, all the ‘homework’ that I put into the series hasn’t entirely gone to waste as it has given me understanding and knowledge that has left me far better prepared to comment on some of the sun protection I’ve discovered this Summer and I’ve needed this time to use, compare and decide on my favourite facial sun protection products on the market today.

Let’s start from the top shall we?

1.  Dr. Brandt UV SPF 30 PA+++* is an an advanced broad spectrum UV protectant that contains ‘dry touch’ technology.  It wears exceptionally well under makeup and provides a satin finish with no white cast.  Packaged in an airless pump, it refused to dispense for me on a few occasions leaving me pumping nothing but air until I swore at it and it behaved again.

I wasn’t hugely keen on the scent but it deserves top marks for leaving a practically naked finish.  Medium-textured and water resistant for 80 minutes.

Price:  £30.00 for 30g at SpaceNK

Repurchase?:  Probably not, it contains Oxybenzone and I don’t like the scent.

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2.  Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF 50+ is an incredibly light-textured solution blended with antioxidant Vitamin E, calming Aloe Vera and pure Honeycomb extract for hydration aswell as sun protection.  This is another superb sun cream to wear under makeup leaving no white residue and providing a dry finish without a hint of greasiness.  Claims water resistance of up to 4 hours.

Price:  £21.82 for 50ml at QVC

Repurchase?:  My heart says yes but my head says no.  Again, this contains Oxybenzone.

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3.  Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ PA+++ is a fluid-textured solution that feels cooling to the skin when applied.  It leaves no white casts and a slightly dewy (but not greasy) finish.  Perhaps better for normal/dry skins though as it lacks the immediate touch-dry feel of the other two.  It sets after a couple of minutes, which is how long I usually wait before applying makeup over it.  No claims of water resistance.

Price: Around £12 for 50ml from eBay

Repurchase?: Again, probably not.  It’s great value but contains Octinoxate.

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4.  Avon ANEW Solar Advance Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF50 PA+++* similar in finish to the Biore but with a heavier texture.  This is definitely more cream than fluid but the most pleasant smelling of all sun creams trialled.  Packaging is a frustration because the bods at Avon decided it would be a good idea to print orange text over a yellow bottle, cue much squinting.

Again, this works best if you leave it a couple of minutes before applying make up but again, it left no white casts on my skin and once ‘set’, I experienced no issues with products that I used over it.

Price:  Currently £8.50 for 75ml at Avonshop – an absolute bargain!

Repurchase:  Unlikely, it’s another one to use Oxybenzone as a UVA/UVB filter and is a little heavier textured than the others.

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5.  SkinCeuticals Sheer Mineral UV Defense SPF50* is an all-mineral sunscreen that employs physical UV filters Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide to protect the skin from the sun.  You would usually expect to be left with a white residue as these ingredients sit on the skin’s surface, physically deflecting the UV rays but SkinCeuticals Sheer Mineral UV Defense uses micronized particles to provide a sheer, non-chalky finish.  The texture is extremely fluid and needs a good shake before applying as it does separate in the bottle.

Paraben-free and contains plankton extract to increase the skin’s defences against UV and heat stresses.

Price:  £26.99 for 50ml at Dermacare Direct

Repurchase:  Possibly, though I found the mattifying effect a little drying for my combo/dry skin.

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6.  Neals Yard Remedies Wild Rose Daily Moisture SPF 30* is the first sunscreen to be certified by the Soil Association (it’s 56% Organic) and contains only one active ingredient: Zinc Oxide.  Naturally scented (as you would expect), the tube dispenses a heavy-textured cream that takes a bit more effort to massage into your skin compared to the others on trial.  Once rubbed in, it dries to a velvety finish with no white residue.  It feels more comforting for my dry skin than the SkinCeuticals but otherwise, very similar once set.

Also contains antioxidant-rich wild rosehip oil and milk thistle, is paraben-free and wears beautifully under makeup.

Price:  £23.50 for 50ml at Neals Yard Remedies.

Repurchase:  Absolutely.  100% mineral, matt-finish but with the added benefits of moisturisation makes Neals Yard Remedies my winning choice.

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A note on my personal choice to avoid some synthetic UV filters:  I’ve made the decision to avoid some UV filters that have been linked to possible hormone disruption.  The jury is still out on the validity of studies that have flagged these safety issues but whilst there are good alternative choices available, I’m pleased to be able to make them.

* press sample

Molton Brown to launch fine fragrance collection

Posted by Lipglossiping On July - 30 - 2011

A well-engineered scent can whisper inspirational stories to its wearer, weaving tales of history and geography from top note to base and this debut fine fragrance collection from Molton Brown has been attuned to achieve just this.

Navigations Through Scent is a five-piece collection scheduled for nationwide launch this September.  The line up traces the influence of the ancient spice routes, drawing inspiration from key focal points along the trail.  The journey begins in the Egyptian Ancient World before moving through both time and history, settling in the New World, Canada.

Each 50ml bottle imparts scents that are indigenous to the regions from which they take their name.  Indeed, Jennifer Jambon, Molton Brownʼs Principal Perfumer, spent a year researching these destinations to uncover a host of unusual scent ingredients that would evoke emotions and memories reminiscent of these faraway lands.

The collection appeals to my inner armchair-geographer, I could spend hours looking at maps, infact, I still remember the day I discovered Google Earth for the first time and the hours I spent poring over the locations in all their satellite glory.  So, of course, the first thing I did when I received the information about Molton Brown’s new endeavour?  I fired up Google Maps to discover more about the inspirational places behind each scent!  Quite possibly the most geekiest thing I’ve done to date.  Possibly.

Iunu (07°91’S, 112°65’E) – £65

Iunu, buried under modern-day Cairo starts the ancient journey with a lead ingredient of Egyptian Jasmine and a distinctly rich floriental musk.  My favourite from the collection, feminine and a touch animalic.

Top Note: ginger oil, elemi oil
Middle Note: Egyptian jasmine oil*, ylang ylang, black pepper
Base Note: patchouli oil, oakmoss

Lijiang (25°16’N 110°16’E) – £65

Lijiang, inspired by China is a musky floral featuring Osmanthus absolute.  A prized, high-value oil.  Described as combining the light, delicate softness of silk with crisp tea.

Top Note: vegetal notes, pink berries
Middle Note: white tea, osmanthus absolute*
Base Note: white musks, vetiver

Singosari (07° 91ʼS, 112° 65ʼE) – £55

Singosari takes us to Indonesia, historically part of the Spice Islands.  Patchouli plays a lead role in this sensual and feminine fragrance that evokes the spirit of tropical rain and exotic spice.

Top Note: incense, ginger
Middle Note: cinnamon, nutmeg
Base Note: vetiver, patchouli*

Apuldre (51° 02’N 0°47’E) – £55

Apuldre, the old Anglo-Saxon name for Appledore in Kent.  Inspired by the green-aromatics of the English countryside and featuring a hit of juniper berry (think gin!) on a base of leather.  A mischievous scent and the most masculine from the collection.

Top Note: juniper berry*, wormwood
Middle Note: cedarwood, violet leaf absolute
Base Note: modern leather accord, styrax absolute

Rogart (45° 33’N 63°09’W) – £60

Rogart, Nova Scotia marks the end of the journey to the New World.  A juxtaposition of coniferous wilderness with the woody warmth of maple syrup makes for a deliciously Autumnal fragrance.  My 2nd favourite from the collection.

Top Note: elemi oil, juniper
Middle Note: angelica, maple syrup
Base Note: gaiac wood, fir balsam*

* signals the key ingredient native to the fragrance’s geographical inspiration.

If you can’t wait until the nationwide release in September, the brand will be releasing the Navigations Through Scent collection exclusively at Harrods from August.

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* Disclosure: I was given a set of sample vials at a recent press day.

Swatched: Mavala collaboration with Elle, free with August’s issue

Posted by Lipglossiping On July - 30 - 2011

I only received these Mavala/Elle polishes yesterday* but thought I’d better get them swatched and up on here ASAP as many of you were unsure about whether the shades were unique enough to warrant multiple magazine purchases.

Well, they’re standard cremes, no hidden fireworks but they are all formulated beautifully.  Two coats is shown for each swatch below which is impressive when you consider that I didn’t bother with a top coat and they were touch dry within a couple of minutes.

In other words… if you have 100 reds, oranges and greys already, you’re not gonna need these but if you’re looking for fuss-free, handbag-sized backups of some of your most used and ‘go with everything’ shades, you could do far worse than picking them up.  Oh and don’t forget the free magazine 😉 (sorry Elle)

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Elle magazine goes on sale from the 3rd August, cover price is £3.70

* PR sample

Hands up if you remember the last time Elle collaborated with Mavala on an exclusive nail polish?  That would be me, it was pretty unforgettable after all.

Well, they’ve been putting their heads together again and this time have come up with not one, not two… but THREE exclusive polish shades that ELLE will be giving away free with next month’s magazine!

The magazine goes on sale from the 3rd August and I foretell them flying off the shelves quicker than you can get them in your baskets so if any of the shades take your fancy… be quick.

Will you be picking one (or three) up next week?

Product Love: 25th July 2011

Posted by Lipglossiping On July - 25 - 2011

I’m not letting the end of the month sneak up on me again like usual.  Infact, I’m gonna do my “product love” post right now in a rebellious “up yours” to the Gregorian calendar.  Screw you end of month!

 

Veet Hair Minimising Body Moisturiser*(£4.99) – The difference in hair growth since I’ve been using this has been minimal BUT I’ve just repurchased a bottle regardless because it smells amazing and has become my go-to body moisturiser this month.  Light, easily absorbed and keeps my skin soft and supple during the warmer weather.  If it is slowing down my hair re-growth, good… but I’m not completely convinced on this (though do keep in mind that I has weird hair issues!)

Goody Tortoiseshell Slide Combs (under £2 a pack) – I get annoyed with Goody because they seem to discontinue my favourite hair accessories at such a rate of knots that it sometimes feels like a conspiracy *looks around*.  I’m not sure if these have been discontinued but I haven’t been able to find a backup pack when I looked this month.  These side combs are brilliant because they grip my fine hair like no other.  Brilliantly well made and discreet enough to make it look like you’re creating awesome hair styles with the help of magic pixies.

Kings & Queens Sultan of Grenada Lemon Flower Roll-On Deodorant (£3.50) – My best friend at Uni came from Grenada so this always reminds me of her.  I’m not sure she’d be keen to know that our friendship lives on in my bottle of roll-on mind you.  Without compromising on efficacy, this is simply a lovely (and slightly different) choice for deodorant scenting.  If you haven’t tried Kings & Queens yet, you should.  Keep your eyes peeled in T.K. Maxx too because I’ve seen some mini sets in there recently.

ASDA Little Angels Liquid Talc (£1.47) – If you’re well-endowed in the chest department, you may be familliar with the overuse of talc on particularly warm days.  This liquid talc is Leila’s but I stole it this month and plan to steal it again.  Talcum powder that applies like a lotion?  Clever!  No more mess, no risk of talc on dark clothing but with the same effectiveness as the powder alternative.  For less than £1.50… gerroff Leila, it’s Mummy’s now.

Neals Yard Power Berry Daily Moisture (£22.50) – This was in a try-me kit that I bought a couple of months ago and I’ve been using it on and off since then.  Whenever my skin feels like it’s ‘playing up’ I return to this… it’s like the nurturing, inoffensive aunty of the skincare world that safeguards your delicate state until you feel ready to take on the big boys again.  Make sense?  Well… it did in my head.  It also has anti-inflammatory properties, something I lurve to find in my skincare.  Big thumbs up!

Bare Minerals Purifying Facial Cleanser* (£15.00) – This has been a staple on my bathroom sink since I was given it a few months ago (and it’s still got a 1/4 left!) – I use this after oil cleansing as my second cleanser and it cleanses away any residues and leftover grime without leaving my face feeling stripped.  To be fair, that’s all it does… but it does it just as well as Cetaphil but with less product.  Basically, it’s my Cetaphil replacement.  I take issue at the product’s claims to remove eye makeup (it doesn’t) but I’m going to forgive it just because everything else is spot on.  Definite repurchase when it eventually runs out.

Trevor Sorbie Beautiful Curl Beach Hair (£5.10) – Currently a massive bargain at Boots because of a 2for£6 offer across the range, this salt spray gives my natural waves some good definition without the crunch you’d get from mousse!  I spray this on to almost dry hair and comb through with my fingers.  If I’m near the hairdryer, I give it a blast to finish.  It’s a quick fix for lazy hair days!  Also very excited that Trevor Sorbie have brought their original curl cream back recently, it was discontinued for a while, hoorah for consumer pressure!

Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Girl EDC (£9.00) – Still only £9.00 makes for an incredible bargain Summer fragrance.  I won’t go on about it because you can read my review here but more than one of you have fallen under its spell at ASDA’s bargain price since I mentioned it last.  I’ve been reaching for this one more than any other this month.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant* (£27.99) – This has become my morning cleanser/exfoliator in one… non-stripping and effective at ridding my complexion of dead skin it’s hugely convenient when I’m time-pressed.  I love the exfoliating action which makes use of Papain and Salicylic Acid to help dissolve excess surface cells in a more gentle way.  Who doesn’t like results-driven skincare?  Mr. L has also discovered its delights, something I’m not so keen on, it won’t be cheap to replace!

Floris London Florissa EDT (£22.50) – Another one that’s already been mentioned recently but deserves another shout out as my 2nd favourite fragrance of the month.  I’m particularly appreciating the complexity in this one which is (to me) a real outdoorsy, traditional scent and one that I’ve been complimented on more than once this month!

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Phew!  That’s quite a few products… what have you been loving this month?

* press sample

Scrub This! Neal’s Yard Remedies Rose & Geranium Body Polish

Posted by Lipglossiping On July - 18 - 2011

When it comes to exfoliation, I’m an advocate of all things gentle for your fizzog but I reckon you can get a bit tougher on those crepe-y elbows and knobbly knees.  I like salt scrubs, sugar scrubs and all manner of granular things!  In a pinch, I’ll make do with an industrial sander for my heels.  Put simply, I like to feel a good body scrub working.  I am…when all is said and done, a bit of a scrubber.

Which is just as well, ‘cos Neal’s Yard Remedies Rose & Geranium Body Polish is one hell of a scrub.

I once had a scented geranium plant in a pot next to my desk, it was lush… all lemony and I used to accidentally-on-purpose brush into it when walking past just so that it would release some of that aroma into the air.  This scrub takes me right back to those days but without the endless watering and tiny cobwebs.

The “scrubby” bits are comprised of exfoliating argan shell and rice powders, both providing a decent amount of exfoliation, this is definitely on the ‘I can feel it working’ end of the spectrum.  The particles are suspended in a creamy shea-butter base that doesn’t collapse under a splash of water like some.  Basically, you’re looking at the Ross Kemp of body scrubs.  It’s tough but with the potential to be a bit girly on the inside.

Being Neal’s Yard it obviously contains no nasties, is bunny-approved and suitable for vegans.  A 150g tube will set you back £16.35, placing it at the higher end of what I’d usually pay for bodycare type things but that familiar scent ensnared me and I can’t say I’ve been disappointed.  It leaves my skin so baby-smooth that I can see the jealousy in Leila’s eyes.

You can purchase Neal’s Yard Remedies Rose & Geranium Body Polish instore or online at www.nealsyardremedies.com

How do you like your scrubs?  Scrubby scrub or gently does it?

Allons enfants de la Patrie…

Posted by Lipglossiping On July - 14 - 2011

…Le jour de gloire est arrivé!

I have strong connections to our neighbours over the other side of the English Channel and I’m not just talking about my love for Steak Frites!  I spent every Summer, the entire 6 week school holidays practicing my rubbish French and playing with the local kids not too far from La Rochelle.  My parents still visit for a few months every Summer and still try to drag me over there for family holidays fifteen years later!

It’s been a good few years since I visited for longer than a day trip, I think the overkill when I was a child/teenager may have put me off a little but the country will always hold a special place in my heart.

So, in honour of Bastille day and the fact that ordinarily (were it not ‘weigh in day’) I would be stuffing my face with Brioche and Pain au Raisin to mark the occasion, I’m gonna pay tribute to some awesome and lesser-known French brands that you ought to know more about!

1.  Darphin – Hailing from Paris, Darphin is a professional, botanical skincare line that takes a more holistic approach.  Priding itself on its aromatic, plant-based formulas, the latest addition to the line: Melaperfect* is an Anti-Dark Spot Perfecting Treatment designed for skin with hyper pigmentation.

2.  Rouge Baiser – This French drugstore brand is best known for creating the first ‘kiss-proof’ lipstick in 1927.  I own #405 L’Authentique… isn’t the packaging to die for?

3.  Nuxe – Born out of a small laboratory in Paris, Nuxe is now one of the best-selling brands in pharmacies today.  Another brand firmly based in natural origins, their dry oils have a global fan-base.  Apply a few spritzes to your skin, face, hair… anything that could do with a gentle golden shimmer!  The Huile Prodigieuse Or* is an iconic holiday essential.

4.  Payot – Created in 1927, this Parisian (I’m sensing a theme) Spa brand offers a huge range of products and spa treatments.  The philosophy of the brand is also heavily invested in massage techniques and facial exercises, practically pioneering beauty rituals that are still used in spas today.  The Payot Lift-Performance Firming Remodelling Care has been put to work on my (many) wobbly bits in the hope of some remodelling of my own!

5.  Caudalie – Born from French vineyards, the philosophy behind the brand is based in the anti-oxidant properties of the grape and the grapevine polyphenols.  The Caudalie Beauty Elixir promises to tighten pores and provides an instant burst of radiance to the skin.  I’m a long-term fan of the Grape Water spritz as an alternative to my Avene in hot weather so I’m looking forward to seeing if I can achieve any ooh la la miracles with the power of wine grape.

6.  T. LeClerc – The T. LeClerc line is steeped in heritage and prestige, best known for the iconic T. LeClerc powders in various correcting shades.  One day, I will get my hands on Banane but as things stand, I will make do with my blush and lipstick in all their beautifully packaged glory!

7.  Bioderma – You can’t enter a French pharmacie without being greeted by the same staple lines: Avene, Vichy, Bioderma, La Roche Posay and Biotherm to name just a few.  Of course most people know about the Bioderma Crealine H2O by now but the brand make some other lovely products too!  Bioderma Sebium Foaming Gel is a gently foaming wash for combination skin that doesn’t strip my face of moisture.  I’m getting my Pharmacie dealer (a.k.a Mum) to bring me back some more Pharmacie goodies this Autumn!

8.  Parfums D’Empire – My most expensive perfume purchase to date is Ambre Russe from Parisian fragrance house, Parfums D’Empire.  The most decadent combination of rum (though I think I’m supposed to smell vodka), amber, leather, tobacco and tea that catapults you straight into the grand corridors of an imperial Russian palace of yesteryear.  It’s completely over the top and a love it or hate it scent.  Can you tell I love it?  Love.  It.  Next on my list is Cuir Ottoman… just as delightful.

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What are your favourite French brands in honour of Bastille Day?

* press samples

Mary Quant… just a teeny, practically accidental dabble…

Posted by Lipglossiping On July - 14 - 2011

…you see, the Mary Quant store is next to the Liz Earle flagship store just off the Kings Road and I was mooching around killing some time before a facial.  I’d done Zara, drooled over the pastries in Pat. Val and there was really only Mary Quant left.  I would make a rubbish defence lawyer.

The first thing I was drawn to was the display cabinet filled with (mostly) eyeshadows.  They come packaged as pans, the palettes are sold separately for around £7 upwards.  Sadly, even the largest palettes didn’t really hold a great deal so I decided to just buy the pan and work out what the heck I was going to do with the shadow later.

S-36 is a pretty, neutral taupe jam packed with multicoloured sparkle.  The sparkle is smooth… simillar to what you’d find in a well-milled pigment rather than something like an UD eyeshadow.

My swatch doesn’t show the multi-coloured sparkle at all sadly.  I believe this shade is limited edition (Spring 2011) and was priced at around £7-£9 (I’ve lost my receipt, sorry!).

The second item I gravitated towards was this nail polish that charmed my inner magpie for all things sparkly.

The image above shows two coats layered over a black creme.  The glitter particles are holographic and the clear base is packed with a pink/red pearl which turns the black base a lovely aubergine/purple shade.

This is a small 5ml bottle and it set me back around the same amount as the eye shadow.

There’s only one store in the UK but you can order from them through a mail order system by giving them a call on 0207 881 9833 or emailing them at mq.shop@maryquant.co.uk

RANDOM

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CLOSED - Win it! The Body Shop Expert Brush Collection

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…you see, the Mary Quant store is next to the Liz Earle flagship store just off the Kings Road and I was mooching around killing …

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…you see, the Mary Quant store is next to the Liz Earle flagship store just off the Kings Road and I was mooching around killing …

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