A Makeup & Beauty Blog – Lipglossiping

The Art Deco signature Paloma styling on the packaging is doing it for me alone.  But throw in bejewelled lashes (that in fairness, I would probably only ever gaze upon), a red lipstick, black liner and a smoky eye set?  I’m liking the look of the collection very much indeed!

The two limited edition items from the collection are unsurprisingly, the palette and the eyelashes.  The lipstick and liner can be found in Shu Uemura’s current core collection (albeit in different packaging).

~ Paloma for Shu Uemura limited edition Swarovski encrusted false eyelashes – £55 (ouch)
~ Rouge Unlimited lipstick in 190 – £19.50
~ Black Gel Eyeliner – £19.50
~ Limited Edition Paloma Faith make up palette – £57

Paloma says… “I’m inspired by the queens of tragedy – Billie Holiday, Edith Piaf and Judy Garland.   Then throw a bit of Nick Cave, Etta James and PJ Harvey into the mix, add all my influences from avant garde cinema and you start to come close. My visual style is fancy dress as I never grew out of dressing up boxes! My early performances were David Lynch meets William Blake at the circus. Welcome to my world….”

The collection is available throughout February, exclusive to Selfridges, London.

Is it just me or are we seeing a bit of a theme emerging? 😉

First up…

Hot.  Hotty Hot Hot.

Blush – Scandalous (£4.29)
Pout Polish – Scandal (£4.29)
NAILED – Geisha’s Seal (£3.89)

Due to be released exclusively to Superdrug on February 14th.

All For Eve and all for a very good cause indeed.

All For Eve have joined forces with London florist OnlyRoses in time for Valentine’s Day.  Above is the “ultimate in red” package.  Priced at £90, it includes a dozen red roses, an award winning lipstick from celebrity make-up artist Daniel Sandler, the Sophy Robson Nail Polish and the clutch bag essential of a Swarovski Crystal Nail File.

Orders are being taken online at allforeve.co.uk and www.only-roses.com from 27th January with 100% of All For Eve’s net profits going directly to The Eve Appeal.

If you haven’t seen or read about this collection 100 times already then you truly are in love and should stop snogging your beau before your lips drop off.  C’mon, the makeup’s this-a-way!

Illamasqua Throb is their nod to the season of lurve and the cheekily-named pieces reflect this.  I picked up the lipstick in Sangers last week and can’t wait to give the true red it’s first outing!

Nail Polish – Load, Scorn, Throb (£13.50)

Lipstick – Sangers (£15.50)

Intense Lipgloss – Succubus (£13.00)

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Any of those take your fancy?  They’re less maintenance than a fella!

I received a few bits and pieces from Screenface before Christmas and have been putting them to the test.

I love the idea of using ‘professional’ makeup in my day to day life.  It’s no secret that us consumers pay through the nose for pretty packaging and the immense marketing budgets of the high street brands.  So I’m always curious about whether going for professional products really will give more bang for our buck!

Let’s start with the Screenface Shadow Magnet Eye Primers…

The Screenface Shadow Magnet Eye Primers (£8.95) come in two shades, light (left) and natural (right).  They’re both hard-textured with less slip than the likes of UDPP.  The shades can be mixed to create a good neutralizing base (should your eyelids need it) and they promise to deliver true colour and long lasting eyeshadow results.

I’d agree on the true colour… but long-lasting?  Not as much as the other eye primers in my collection.  I did a side-by-side comparison with UDPP and the Shadow Magnets were beaten by a good few hours.  I was surprised that these didn’t deliver in the way I’d anticipated from a pro-brand.

Moving swiftly on…

Screenface Cremewear Blush (£9.95) – Small, but perfectly formed.  These 2.8g cream blushes glide on effortlessly with a good deal of slip, making blending a dream.  The shades are sheer and glowy with a hint of sparkle (just a hint mind)… I couldn’t be more sold on these and am finding it very hard to pick fault with them.

L-R: Crush, Afterglow

They last and last without sliding down my cheeks or transferring… the colour payoff is great, yet they remain buildable for the heavy-handed among us.  They remind me a little of the new Urban Decay cream blushes (due out soon)… but I prefer these.

Just buy one.  Or three.

Lastly, Screenface Creme Shadow (£12.95) – Available in 6 shades, above is Moss… which looks more like an Antique Gold to me, strange considering they do a shade called Antique Gold!  However, 7g gives you a hefty amount of product for your money.  Deeply pigmented and spreads like a dream.  Longevity isn’t that amazing on this if worn on it’s own but it does make a lovely base for intensifying powder shadows.

I usually apply this with my finger for a sheer wash of colour and achieve around 5 hours wear before it disappears upward into the crease of my eye socket.  It blends beautifully without setting too quickly and is a quick-fix for time-pressed mornings!

If you find yourself in Covent Garden, I recommend taking a look around the Screenface Store on Monmouth Street.  It’s a charming shop and I defy you to walk out empty-handed!

I’ve been dying my hair since the age of 14… first pillar box reds and harsh blacks – anything to be different which was ironic really, considering I used to simultaneously do anything I could to fade into the background.

At the age of 17, I discovered my first grey hair… and since then, they’ve been coming in thick and fast.  I now dye my hair (roots) every 8 weeks or so to keep on top of it.

I attended a masterclass at the Schwarzkopf Academy back in October.  It was focused on their Palette range of home hair colourants and aimed to demonstrate the very best way to achieve great results at home.

Let me show you a video from the afternoon (if you spot me, please ignore the horrendously unflattering camera angle… it’s not my seven chins, it’s the bloody angle alright?)

I’ve found the Schwarzkopf Palette dye gives a beautifully natural and glossy result.  It’s not particularly different to anything else I’ve tried in terms of application although I found that it was a tough cookie in terms of staining… definitely a little harder to remove than my normal product.  It was also a lot less ammonia-stinky than my normal Superdrug hair dye… a welcome discovery!

My favourite thing about the Schwarzkopf Palette formula though is that I don’t get the “Lego Hair” thing that I usually notice with home hair dyes.  Are we all familiar with “Lego Hair”?  That horribly obvious single block of colour that screams “I’ve just given myself a cheap home hair-dye job!”.  The Schwarzkopf Palette range appears to melt into my own natural highlights and lowlights instead of overwriting the lot.

Freshly coloured hair, what a lovely feeling!

Some tips I learned from the day:

– Wash your hair if it’s greasy or full of oil-based product (hairspray/mousse is ok)
– Apply your hair dye to the point of saturation (one of the biggest mistakes people make is not using enough product)
– Custom mix your colours – it’s far easier than I imagined to create a personalised shade!
– You can’t lighten pre-coloured dark hair
– Grey hair needs extra processing time
– Use moisturiser to protect the skin or vaseline, but don’t get any vaseline on your hair or the colour won’t take.
– There’s no need to shampoo after dying unless you want to.
– To protect your clothes, use a bin liner with a hole cut in it for your head!
– Section off your roots and concentrate the colour there.  You can smoosh the ends in to ensure they get even coverage later.

Schwarzkopf Palette comes in a range of 12 shades from a light natural blonde right through to black.  It’s available instore at Boots, Superdrug and some supermarkets priced at around £3.49 – bargain!

Oh god… I can’t stop talking.  I’m so sorry!  Condense… condense!

SK:N Clinic Laser Hair Removal Final Video Review from lipglossiping on Vimeo.

I shall take some well lit after photos in the next few days and show a quick before/after comparison too.

Is it Friday yet?

We all want great skin throughout the year but we all want it that little bit more when we have a slew of parties to attend!

This Christmas, Sisley are offering 2 new Express Facials at Selfridges, a great excuse to include some pampering whilst doing your Christmas shopping!

The two new facials available are described as…

[stextbox id=”custom” caption=”Pre Party Preparation Express Facial” ccolor=”ffffff” bcolor=”b0c4de” bgcolor=”e6e6fa” cbgcolor=”a9a9a9″]

Sisley’s new Pre Party Preparation Facial works to deep cleanse the skin and combines a gentle buffing cream to boost skin circulation whilst removing dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. This is followed be an intensely hydrating mask which plumps, firms and smoothes the skin. To solve the problem of dry, chapped winter lips, the facial combines nourishing lip treatments to leave lips soft and plump.

Skin is left glowing, hydrated and smooth providing a perfect base to apply your party makeup.

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[stextbox id=”custom” caption=”Post Party Recovery Facial” ccolor=”ffffff” bcolor=”b0c4de” bgcolor=”e6e6fa” cbgcolor=”a9a9a9″]

Sisley’s new Post Party Recovery Facial begins with a deep cleanse to ensure that every trace of dirt and makeup is removed allowing pores to breathe again.  This is followed by a revitalising exfoliation to remove impurities.  Next, one of Sisley’s award winning skin saving masks is applied to help regain optimal condition of the skin.

To solve the problem of puffy, tired eyes the facial combines a soothing eye treatment to awaken tired eyes and eliminate dark circles.  Your skin is left looking bright, radiant and rested.

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A £35 booking fee applies, which is redeemable against 2 or more Sisley skincare products purchased on the day of the treatment.

The first Friday in October… a brisk morning that was threatening to drop a raincloud on my head as I made my way through Bloomsbury.  I was heading to Simple‘s Beauty Bootcamp after being asked to join a panel of judges intent on discovering the brand’s new online ambassador and ‘Simple Star’.

I was feeling nervous and thanks to an early start, in desperate need of a strong, hot coffee.  I consoled myself with the knowledge that whatever nerves I might have been feeling, I could probably triple it and still not come close to the number of butterflies that would be encircling the bellies of the nine finalists.

And what about those finalists?  Nine of the most ambitious, articulate and driven ladies that I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet.  Some were naturally confident, whilst others inspired me with the strong facades they were able to construct in preparation for the tasks ahead.  As I watched them listen carefully to what the day ahead would entail, I was confident that Simple would have no problems finding a Star amongst the group.

Task 1:  Getting to Know You

The ladies were set the challenge to do a little digging amongst their compadres in order to discover some interesting facts that they could share with the rest of us in the room…

Easier than it sounds… what ensued was a frantic scrum of semi-organised interrogation!  Secrets were divulged left, right and centre as the clock counted down.  We were treated to some juicy tidbits about the finalists and the task was completed with the ice well and truly broken!

Read the rest of this entry »

When I went to London a few weeks ago, I was on a mission.  I wanted to buy something that I couldn’t get from any of my local stores and I wanted it to be something from a brand that I wasn’t hugely familliar with.

I asked on Twitter and received a suggestion for the Shiseido Accentuating Color Sticks…. cream blushes?  I was all over it.  Like an embarrassing rash.

I’m a sucker for cream blushes, particularly when they’re in stick form like this… the only problem that lay ahead of me now was shade selection.

Three shades had caught my eye and I was truly torn.

Peach Flush, Rosy Flush and Champagne Flush.

Peach Flush looked quite… well… peachy to my eye and I’m always a little fearful of anything warm-toned but I know that when I get the shade right…. peach can really brighten up my complexion and play down the redness in my cheeks.

Rosy Flush was the one I was drawn to naturally… but my only caveat was that it was really quite bright… almost dolly pink rather than a true rose colour.  Less natural looking, but lovely for the Winter nonetheless.

Lastly, Champagne Flush… one of those beautiful shimmering highlighter shades that give that “lit from within” look.  Just a hint of pink pearl…. very lovely, but did I want another highlighter?

I went with Rosy Flush.  I handed over my card, paid my monies and went on my way not entirely sure I’d made the right decision.  Infact, I got as far as the Clinique counter and changed my mind.

Sheepishly, I went back and asked if I could change for a different shade and the counter staff couldn’t have been more accommodating… even going so far as to not treat me like a nuisance… I KNOW!  In SELFRIDGES?  Ah. Mazing.

Wanna know which one I got?

Peach Flush!  Aren’t I brave?

And I love it…

I’m so pleased I changed my mind and went for the less safe option.  The Shiseido Accentuating Color Stick is a sheer cream to powder formula that doesn’t look at all greasyand I find it easier to blend than the NARS multiples (which although I love, I find a bit… tough going?).

Peach Flush really does give me a naturally warm flush and wears beautifully under NARS Orgasm and Deep Throat for a slightly bolder look.  It has a very subtle shimmer that isn’t too apparent once on the cheeks.

I take a little colour from the stick onto my finger tips and apply that way…. although tempting, I wouldn’t recommend applying straight from the tube.  Stripe-o-rama.

The only downside to the Shiseido Accentuating Color Stick is in it’s lasting power… I get about 4 hours wear from it before it disappears.  If I need it to last all day, then I wear it underneath a complementing powder blush.

Of course, now that I’ve bought Peach Flush… I’m desperate to get my hands on Rosy and Champagne too.

Shiseido Accentuating Color Sticks are available from counters nationwide priced at £26 each.

The new SpaRitual Winter 2010 collection is titled Imagine and features 6 on-trend shades for the season ahead.

Unconditional Love – Deep rose foil metallic
Living in the moment – classy, understated mushroom crème
Health, Wealth & Happiness – Luxurious dramatic two-tone blue, purple metallic

Endless Possibilities – Intense black cherry plum crème
Dreams Becoming Reality – Dramatic teal blue crème
A World of Compassion – Deep lilac crème

Not only big 3 free, all SpaRitual shades are also vegan.  One of my favourite things about the brand is the packaging.  The bulbous bottles feel luxurious and curvy, whilst the caps are simply perfectly shaped and proportioned for use.  The patented design features rubber grips which are moulded for a comfortable experience.

I was sent two of the shades from the collection to swatch… I’ll start with Endless Possibilities:

Endless Possibilities is a cherry black creme, incredibly glossy with a smooth glass-like finish.  THe above photo shows no top coat… nice huh?

It applied very nicely, and was opaque in two coats.  Impressive.  I didn’t experience any chipping but as with most very dark shades like this, tip wear was apparent by the end of the 2nd day.

Another 2-coater, Health, Wealth and Happiness is one incredibly sexy shade.  A Blue/Purple duochrome… the two-tone flashes are spell-binding yet sophisticated.  Application was consistent with the other polish and again, the swatch shot features no top coat.

Wear was a little better on this polish… again, no chips but tip wear wasn’t quite so apparent.

SpaRitual polishes are priced at £7.23 (exc. VAT) each and available online from SpaRitual

Recommended!

Strictly Come Dancing on Stars with Ice Factors in the Jungle makeup I can handle.  Especially when I got the opportunity to play and wasn’t completely horrified by the actual quality.  Plus they’d made the most of all the sequins, glitterballs, cutely packaged bits and bobs… it has that tack-tastic quality that you want from a Strictly Come Dancing makeup line.

This?

I’m not so sure.

[stextbox id=”custom” caption=”They Say” ccolor=”ffffff” bcolor=”b0c4de” bgcolor=”e6e6fa” cbgcolor=”b0c4de”]Become the ultimate diva with this new show-stopping collection of Glee inspired cosmetics. The dazzling selection of nail colours, eye shadows, lip glosses and lip balms offers Glee fans the chance to create their own personal ‘Gleekover’.[/stextbox]

I’ll be honest… I’ve never watched Glee, but surely if you were going to capitalise on the whole Glee phenomena with a little sideline in makeup… you could put a bit more effort into it?

Picture the scene (and bear in mind I have no actual idea how this works.)   So… we’re in the Superdrug/Glee/Wholesale Cosmetics people’s boardroom.  Eating doughnuts… probably.

“Hey guyyyyyys!  How about some Glee Makeup for Christmas?!”

*audible gasp*

“Ah-mazing!”

“But how can we make it Glee makeup as opposed to any old generic cheap crap makeup?  We don’t want our customers to think that we’re taking advantage of an opportunity without putting any real thought into it.”

“Let’s stick some Glee stickers on it!”

*audible gasp*

“Genius! – If it’s good enough for MACs latest collection… it’s good enough for us.”

At least MAC’s stickers were printed in more than one colour.  Cheapskates.  How in the hell is this Glee-inspired makeup?  Once your Gleeky consumer has torn away the cardboard packaging… don’t you think they may be just a teeny bit disappointed with what’s left in the way of Glee-spiration? (ok, I’m stopping with the quips now).

You can go buy your *cough* Glee-inspired makeup which includes *cough* BeautyUK-esque eyeshadow palettes instore at Superdrug now.  With prices starting at £3, I’m not saying they won’t make excellent stocking fillers… but if I find one in mine?  Mr. L won’t have much to be “Gleeful” about.

Next up doing their bit for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is…

What is it?

The Breast Cancer Care Smashbox Smile Brightening lipstick duo from QVC – in luscious pink!

Light up your smile with this Smile Brightening Lipgloss Duo (each 6ml) from Smashbox. Each lipgloss is packed with light-reflecting particles for a gorgeous shimmering pout, as well as specially coloured pigments designed to reveal your brightest smile. It’s also infused with a cool minty flavour that will make you feel fresh and ready for the day or evening ahead.

Price

£13.31

Donation

QVC will donate all net profits to Breast Cancer Care

Availability

Online at QVC throughout October

I’ll be honest, Spring looks usually do very little to inspire me… the pastels… oh the pukey pastels.  Great if you have that 14yr old fresh faced androgynous model look.  Not so great on a somewhat hefty big boned 29 year old who left her teen years behind with the closing credits of Heartbreak High.

However…

I’ve surprised myself because I’m actually really enjoying the overall look from the Erdem Show, LFW S/S 2011!

All images property of St. Tropez

All images property of St. Tropez

St. Tropez skin-finishing expert Nichola Joss explains the skin…

[stextbox id=”custom” bcolor=”b0c4de” bgcolor=”e6e6fa”]“The inspiration for the skin comes from Cate Blanchett in The Lord of the Rings, when she has a hint of rose in her cheeks, It is as though the girls are outside running about in the woods. We are first spraying the models very lightly with the new Dark Mist; and then applying the mix of gold and pink illuminator over the skin. I love the combination – gold represents the golden light, which comes through the trees in the forest; and the pink is the pink blossom that grows within.”[/stextbox]

And the makeup?

[stextbox id=”custom” bcolor=”b0c4de” bgcolor=”e6e6fa”]Make-up artist Andrew Gallimore matched the face to the body with a very lightweight foundation that is almost a tinted moisturiser. “Then for the eyes,’ he said, beckoning the girl he has just demonstrated make-up to his team on, ‘there is a sort of day-glow plastic yellow colour. The face was super simple with a nude lip and no mascara. He then finished with a touch of St. Tropez Illuminator on the cheeks, down the bridge of the nose and in the cupid’s bow of the lips: ‘the whole feel is spring-like and Easter-y, in colour.”[/stextbox]

You can keep your day-glo yellow (though in fairness, it doesn’t look THAT day-glo to me)… but I AM loving the iridescent illuminator combined with those *just* pink cheeks.

For me, it’s all about that skin… I mean, no mascara? really? PAH.

There are so many illuminators and highlighters on the market and they are indeed one of my ‘downfall’ products.  And by ‘downfall’… I simply mean, I have way TOO FREAKING MANY of them.

The major problem that I encounter with these kinda products (and the reason I keep buying more) is thus:

a). They ensure that my pores can be used as ground markers for low flying aircraft

b). They tend look more metallic than naturally glowy

and

c). They often try to impart a heavy colour with the sheen.

If those photos are anything to go by… St. Tropez’s Skin Illuminator looks like it may be a pretty natural solution.

Oh and the hair’s kinda cute too!

St. Tropez Skin Illuminator is priced at £15 for a 30ml handbag sized tube and can be bought online from St. Tropez, HQ Hair and ASOS