A Makeup & Beauty Blog – Lipglossiping

It was good to come home last night and sleep in my own bed after 2 days up in the ‘big smoke’.

I’m pleased to see that my post scheduler has been working well, unfortunately I’m all out of draft posts now!  My backups have been well and truly depleted by that little jaunt!  Best get writing then, I’m certainly not suffering from a lack of material (just a lack of sleep).

While I was away, I attended two blogging events, both of which were a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to sharing the details of them with you.

My break away from home was filled with everything I hoped it would be: fun, laughter, alcohol, makeup, good food, good company, christmas lights, iphone tweeting, shopping and eggnog lattes.  But more on all that later.

How have you lovely lot been? Any salacious gossip, life-changing events? A lot can happen in 48hrs you know!

As for me, baby L is off for a nap… and I think I might join her.

…to buy a Heat magazine… *does shoulder shimmy*

So, I wanna check out the big Westfield Shooping Centre (Inglots anyone?), drink some cocktails, maybe hit Selfridges, ooh I definitely want to find a Boots that has a Dior Counter (can any Londoners help me out with that one?), have another Eggnog Latte and eat some KFC (classy).

I’m staying over-night Thursday and will be leaving Leila in charge of Mr. L for the first time.  Nervewracking, but I’m sure he’ll behave himself.

I’m at a bit of a loose end on Friday afternoon, so if anyone wants to meet for a coffee, shout at me on Twitter!

My Advent Giveaway will be ongoing as long as my post scheduler behaves itself.

Keep your fingers crossed for me that the Dior Holiday Palette is still available!

How much loyalty do you show brands when you shop?

I tend to be more loyal to my skincare brands than I do my cosmetic ones.

Why is that?  I’m not sure.. perhaps I’m less inclined to “experiment” and risk upsetting my skin.

Whatever the reason, when I find something that works, I usually become fiercly loyal for a relatively long period and it takes a lot of persuasion to make me change.

As for cosmetics?  I’m as fickle as they come… well… perhaps not…

I’ve recently thrown away all my pencil eyeliners except for my GOSH Cosmetics Velvet Touch ones.  Once I started using these, I didn’t see the point of keeping the rest as my hands simply stopped reaching for them in the morning.

What brands are you loyal to?  And Why?

I introduce to you… 6 fabulous ladies & 6 fabulous entries!

I have looked long and hard at these.  I deliberated, umm-ed, ahh-ed and threw some hmmm-ing in there for a bit of added drama.  Mr L was useless, he agreed to have a look whilst stuffing his face with Coco Pops at about 2am last night.

“What am I supposed to do?” says he… “Help me judge the competition.” says I…

“You just pick whichever one you like and I’ll agree”.  I’m sure I heard him mutter “like we usually do” at the end there, but he looked all innocent with milk dribbling down his chin when I spun around to throw my death-ray glare.

Onto Plan B then… (not that I had one until a lightbulb moment half an hour later)

But before that, let me show you the fab candidates…

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Six wonderful entries I’m sure you’ll agree!

So anyway where was I?

Oh yes, being the super cool networker that I am, I worked my magic on Twitter (all Social Media stylee) and persuaded an ultra-hip Make Up Artist from Las Vegas to judge your entries…

Oh ok… so I asked my mate @PinkySpanish to have a look.  But she is a bona fide MUA (some say she’s ultra-hip too) anddddddd she is from Las Vegas… which sounds terribly exotic and edgey to me sat in my front room in Hampshire.

So there we have it!

She’s been looking over your entries and has chosen a winner!

But um, I can’t tell you who it is yet.

I know, I know!! I’ve just made you read this huge post before leaving you sitting there on the edges of your seats.  It’s like I’ve run away with the biscuit tin after filling it with all-butter shortbread right?

The thing is… I don’t know what the prize is.  I was hoping Aussie would let me know today, what with it being THE END OF THE COMPETITION AND ALL but no… so you’ll have to cool your heels for one more night (as will I) and I promise all will be revealed as soon as I hear from them!

So fellow beauty addicts, it’s THAT time of the year again.

Our loved ones begin to quake at the thought of choosing us suitable pressies and our partners become more forgetful about where they keep their wallets… don’t tell me that’s just mine?

Christmas… it’s a time for families and reflection.  Thankfully it’s also a time for stuffing one’s face, getting presents and leaving the washing up to pile sky high.

With the more commercial materialistic angle in mind… I present to you (and Mr. L) my Christmas Wishlist 2009.

1. Alex Monroe Sterling Silver Reed Warbler in Heart Necklace – £89.95

soooo pretty, I love so many Alex Monroe pieces, but this one really stood out to me being so delicate and feminine.

2. Dior 5-Colour Iridescent Eyeshadow – Smoky Crystal – £36.00

The most beautifully cool-toned, shimmery, highly pigmented, smooth like buttah palette in the existence of all palettes that were ever made ever, in the whole wide world.  ’till I find another one.

But right now, I love this one so much that it’s gonna be my Christmas present to myself for being such an amazingly cool person.  I’m so nice.

3. Daniele de Winter – Choc Beauté – €17.94

From the site:

“Choc Beauté are delicious chocolates designed to make your skin more beautiful”

I don’t really need to elaborate on that do I? 4 boxes please… oh go on then, 5.

4. Mason Pearson Bristle & Nylon Hairbrush – £49.90

I’ve had my Mason Pearson Hair Brush in “Handy” size since I was 3 years old… so that’s um *counts* 25 years… 25 years of daily use.  It needs replacing desperately, but considering how old and battered it is – it still does the job every morning.

5. Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essence Absolue – £37.50

A worldwide sellout.  A protective treamtent oil from the masters of hair containing Camellia essence.  Can’t find it anywhere… but since when has that stopped me wanting something?

6. LUSH 12 Days of Christmas Gift Box – £34.95

Winter is all about LUSH for me, I don’t know why… but I get a bit LUSH crazed come December.  I blame Ruby Red Slippers which can be found in The 12 Days of Christmas Box Set (along with a whole lot more!).

7. USLU Airlines Nail Polish in BIV & GRZ – €21 each

I first heard about USLU over at the delightful BeautyWooMe

How can you not love a company who names it’s products after airports?  Here’s 2 for the plane spotter in all of us.

Oh, and incase you’re curious… GRZ stands for Thalerhof Airport in Graz, Austria and BIV is Bria Airport in the Central African Republic.  Don’t say you don’t get no educashion on this here blog!

8. Silk Sleep Silk Blanket – £135

Yes, it’s decadent. No, I don’t care.  It’s 100% Silk and me and Leila need it for cooching in now.  But only if she promises not to pee on it.

9. Nana DeBary – Green – $98

Top notes: bergamot, citron
Heart notes: basil, cardamom
Base notes: thyme, musk, vetiver

Yum! Gotta love a fresh, easy going, green scent.  Reminds me of summer when it um isn’t.

10. Blitz Gold Leaf Shadow by Belmacz – £26

They say:

Belmacz Blitz is a creamy gold eyeshadow that doubles as a brow and cheekbone highlighter. Each pot contains two leaves of pure 24-carat gold and the cream glides on to give a smooth, sheer finish. Layer it on to create a dramatic solid gold effect. As with all Belmacz products, the beauty of Blitz is how well it blends, giving you a flattering, golden shimmer without looking artificially glittery.

Lipglossiping says:

It’s Christmas, why the hell not?

So that’s my top ten Chrimbo Crushes. *wistful sigh*

Just so that you know… in reality, I’ll get…

Lipglossiping, keepin’ it real this (and every) Christmas 😉 x

Tomorrow signals the last day of November.

From there on… it’s downhill all the way, no time to catch our breath with too many presents to buy, cakes to prepare, cards to write and family to dodge.  Come Christmas Eve we may allow ourselves a teeny moment of respite… just enough time to stop, take a breath (and a big glug of Baileys) before hurtling headfirst into the main event.

Don’t even think that you’re going to be able to go anywhere throughout December without someone, somewhere mentioning the C word (no, not that one!)

I’ve been a grumpy old Scrooge about Christmas throughout November.

I genuinely do object to hearing Christmas carols, dodging mechanical Father Christmases and averting my eyes from selection boxes when I’ve only just gotten over the death of summer.  It takes away from the magic of Christmas for me… heck, by the time Christmas Day finally arrives I’m sick to the back teeth of hearing about it.

Now I’ve gotten all that off my chest… let me elaborate on the purpose of this post.

My lovely readers… In an attempt to gear myself up for some genuine festive cheer… I do hereby summon you to come visit my little corner of the internet every day throughout December.

“For Why?” I hear you cry…

Because, my little elves… I have an awesome Christmas Present to give away to one lucky reader every day from December 1st right up to and including Christmas Day itself!

Yes, I’ve been buying and collecting up lots of little bits and pieces since I started blogging this year and have been looking forward to treating you.  I’ve just passed the 200 follower mark, which means a lot to me as I’ve never given incentives for anyone to follow and hope that you have chosen to do so as a way to remember to check in occassionally.

Anyway, enough of all this mush!  How about the goodies?

Well… they range from low-end to high-end… from Revlon to Benefit, from The Body Shop to Shu Uemura. It’s a real mixed bag.

The giveaway will be open internationally, and as always you do not need to be a follower.  If I weren’t a blogger myself, I wouldn’t have a clue how to follow another blog.

Check back on the 1st December to see what treats I have in store for you!

I’m struggling! I need your help!

My lips are getting drier by the day and I’m at a loss as to how to restore them.

I’ve tried all the products you see in the picture below, I’ve applied religiously and thickly.  So thickly infact, I swear down I’ve put on 3lbs thanks to my newly formed lipbalm-licking habits.

So, aside from volumising my waist line… this little lot has done nothing to improve the state of my lips.

I’m thinking that maybe it’s more about the routine than the product?

Should I be exfoliating? Should I be wearing balms with lipstick ontop? Should I buy a scarf to wrap around my mouth if it’s windy? (Dont’ think I can’t hear you muttering Mr. L…) Perhaps I need to apply a winning combo before bed?

They’re not so bad that they’re flaky or even sore.. but my lipsticks are looking like shit on me because of it – and that ladies and errr ladies, just won’t do.

Tell me, what can I do?

Look! *sniff*

My thumbnail broke last night on a ring pull 🙁  It didn’t just break.  It fractured halfway down the nail bed.

I’m trying to be grown up about it, honest I am!  I mean, they’re nails for chrissake, and I was overdue a chop… but I didn’t wanna chop them down to my knuckles!

On the plus side…

~ I can now type without waking the neighbours
~ My iPhone actually responds when I tap it
~ I won’t be waking up with random claw marks on my cheeks
~ Leila doesn’t have to dodge the nails of doom mid-nappy change
~ I can scoop product out of jars without that horrible “loadsofshitstuckundermynailsgetitoff” feeling.
~ I can pick my nose without damaging my brain 😉

On the negative side…

~ I have stumpy nails.

See where the break began?  Stoopid ring pull.

Ok, I realise this post is *incredibly* self indulgent, but I did have more in mind than just to invite you all to my pity party.

….

See how yellow my nails are?  That’s from using copious amounts of nail polish.

You’re supposed to be able to avoid it by using a good basecoat.  Not sure on that one, I do use good basecoats and it doesn’t seem to matter which brand I use… I still get yellow nails.  Infact, as an ex-smoker… my nails have never been yellower than they are now.

So my point is, this gives me the perfect opportunity to trial 3 things that have been waiting for a test.

1). Bubble White Nail Cleaner (available at Sally Beauty)

I have a sachet of this hiding somewhere in my bathroom cabinet, I shall dig it out and give it a try.

2). Barielle Nail Brightener

One of the goodies Barielle sent me.  I was a bit disappointed when I saw it was a cosmetic product as opposed to a treatment.  But if the Bubble White doesn’t do it’s job, I’ll be very pleased to try it!

3. Nailene So Natural/Real/Couture Glue on Nails (I *think* you can get these in Boots – any confirmation gratefully received!)

It’s been many years since I’ve worn glue-on nails… I hope technology has improved since then, or these will last about 45 minutes on my fingers.

So um yeah… every cloud and all that… *sniff sniff*

So, I was asking on Twitter last night… Why is it, when department stores advertise things like 25% off sales, the beauty department only ever offers 10% off at the most.

All department stores are the same, you receive the email with the promise of big savings only to open it and sigh at the small print.

So, it was rather apt this morning when I read this article on the Daily Mail website.

If you haven’t got time to read it, here’s the headline:

Battle of the beauty brands as Debenhams slashes prices by 15% in Christmas price war

God I hate the Daily Mail.

“Slashes” and “15%”, an oxymoron if ever I heard one.  Excuse me if I don’t pee my pants with excitement and rush down to my nearest overpriced cosmetics counter to take advantage of that generous 15%, I wouldn’t want to start a stampede in the middle of this dramatic pricing war.

So yeah, no real point to this post… just venting a little.  Sorry about that.

I’ve spent the last 14 years swirling, wiping and generally smearing the setting powder “du jour” onto my face.  Only in the last month have I started patting it on.  Whether with a large fluffy powder brush or a sponge… I just pat, pat, pat and get better, more even and less cakey coverage.

What else…

Oh yes, brows.. if I press my finger where my natural arch is and gently pull the brow/skin taut… I find it much easier to brush the brow powder through and I get a much neater, more defined result.

What are your application A-ha’s!?

Hello!

No posts yesterday, none today!  What’s going on?

Well… we currently have some house guests who are camping out in my makeup spare room, as soon as they’re gone, normal service will resume!

Hope you’re all well and happy!

Incidentally, I’m having a little clean up round here… dust was gathering in the corners and there was a big coffee ring on the table.

My blogroll is a little out of date so if you would like to exchange blogroll links (and you aren’t listed already) or if your link needs updating please leave a comment with a linky to your blog or send me a message.

I’ve been removing unused widgets, adding a new cool (or possibly rubbish) translator for my visitors reaching me from more exotic climes and generally tweaking things to make the site as speedy as possible.

I know there were a few issues a couple of weeks back with pages continually refreshing and comments not being allowed through… I trust that this is all resolved now, but I always appreciate any feedback noting technical problems you may be experiencing!  It gives me the opportunity to use the whip on Mr. Lipglossiping (no, not like that).

Whilst I’m asking… is there anything you’d like to see added?  I was contemplating an “upcoming posts” thingamabob in the sidebar for my own motivation as much as anything… is that useful?  Or do you prefer surprises?