Topshop Nails: 'Hidden Treasure'

I bought this beaut of a polish a few months back for a wedding I went to. It went perfect with my bag (in the background-also from Topshop!) with it's multi-tone metallic finish. It only took a couple of coats to get the perfect coverage and dried in seconds.

 'Hidden Treasure'

 

In the bottle it does look like it's going to have more colours shimmering on the nail but when it's on, it's more of a gold with a hint of bluey green. It's definitely not your standard gold- the reviews for the polish on Topshop.com will back me up in that!

I would definitely definitely DEFINITELY make sure you wear a basecoat under this…in my rush to get ready for the wedding, I didnt and two days later, when I reluctantly had to take it off for work…stained nails…! That’s obviously not the polishes fault though.

Topshop polishes are so affordable at £5 (£6/£7 for the metallics and special additions) Since Topshop launched there cosmetics range, I've been addicted and I now have so many because there colour range in so diverse, there's literally one for every outfit!

BareMinerals Original spf15 Foundation

I was lucky enough to sample the BareMinerals Original spf15 Foundation this week and I've been converted!

' BareMinerals Original spf15 Foundation'

At first I was sceptical, every powder I've tried hasn't given me enough coverage to cover my freckles, My BareMinerals consultant assured me that it wouldn't sit in my lines, It wouldn't look powdery on my skin and it wouldn't look clumpy in my dry areas.

So I took it home and tried it and she was totally right! The coverage can be built up to give you a totally flawless finish and although it's a powder, It feels so silky and soft and as you work it into the skin, it feels more like a cream. With a light coverage it evened out my skin tone and faded my freckles but as I built the coverage it gave me a flawless coverage whilst still looking fresh and natural.

'Un-touched photo- example of light coverage'

The finish is amazing- normally I would use a cream foundation then a powder to reduce the shine but with this mineral foundation, I cut the work in half because i dont need to mattify it after and it leaves my skin with a natural glow that you wouldnt expect from a powder.

Even better, it's good for your skin, it's obviously full of nourishing minerals but also has a sun protection factor 15 ( you should still be wearing an spf throughout winter...those rays can still get us!) it doesnt dry out the skin and BareMinerals claim that its 'so pure, you can sleep in it'!

BareMinerals foundation is so easy to apply that its perfect for quick everyday wear or lazys days...its my perfect 'Day-Off-Face'!

High Impact Mascara EXTREME volume mascara

Apologies for the lateness of this post...As I told you in July's post about High Impact Mascara from Clinique, The new High Impact EXTREME volume mascara was launched at the end of August.

 'High Impact EXTREME Volume Mascara'

Available in Black and Extreme Black, at £17, The unique brush with a new formula creates EXTREME volumised lashes with added length and thickness. The firm bristles comb through lashes, seperating and coating the lashes evenly- really lifting and extending the lashes.

 It's so easy to apply and it's hard to go wrong- it doesnt clog or overload the lashes and with just a couple of coats you can really get that false lash effect but so naturally!!

'An All-Rounder Mascara'

The formula is very long lasting but doesnt seem very waterproof compared to other mascaras in Cliniques collection. High Impact EXTREME volumising mascara doesnt claim to be waterproof but most other mascaras in the collection dont smudge very easily with my watery eyes. 

This one does tend to run a little when I put my contact lenses in or my eyes water a little, but it's totally worth putting up with for the effect it has on my lashes!

The Importance of: Moisturising

Why do we moisturise our skin? Do we need to moisturise our skin? Should we moisturise our skin? Do YOU moisture your skin??

We all know were meant to cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate but to what extent?

 'Clinique-cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate'

For a healthy skin to function it needs to have an equal balance of oil and water, consistant moisture barrier, an even cell turnover and a strong support structure.

In a drier skin, the moisture barrier of the skin is broken and can lead to the skin feeling tight and uncomfortable. With a lack of moisture in the skin, it can start to look dull and become flakey due to the cell turnover slowing down and dead skin cells build up but by using a richer moisturiser that can restore the moisture barrier will leave the skin feeling healthier and comforted.

A dehydrated skin can also feel tight and uncomfortable but in this case it is due to a lack of oil and water in the skin. The skin is less likely to feel rough or flakey but can look dull. A moisturiser that reblances the oil and water will hydrate the skin and maintain the balance.

Its not just dry and dehydrated skins that need moisturising though, Oilier skins can also benefit from a daily moisturiser. Sebum (oil) is produced in the Sebaceous Glands (oil glands) to lubricate the skin.

' Sebaceous Gland'

  In oilier skins, The Sebaceous Gland can get a bit over active and produce too much oil which can block pores resulting in spots. So, although the skin can feel comfortable without moistursing, A light, oil-free moisturiser that controls oil can keep an oil skin feeling fresh and clean.

So there really is no excuse...theres a moisturiser for everyone!

Chubby Stick...INTENSE

Chubby Sticks just got INTENSE!! The crayon style, moisturising, lip colour balm has been re-interpreted in 8 new stronger shades. As you can expect, from my previous display of affection for the original chubby sticks,  I'm estatic!

 'Chubby Stick INTENSE'

 

 

The pumped up colour sticks arrive at Clinique counters on November 16th (uk), A bit of a wait, but expect the launch to be huge! I would definately suggest getting on your local counters waiting list to see these. The launch for the original Chubby Stick moisturising colour lip balm saw most colours selling out in the first week, so if you want in, get in quick!

The new INTENSE chubsters have 2-3 times the pigment of the originals but all the benefits remain the same in the formula. They are incredibly moisturising and stay balmy on the lips for hours- as well as long wearing colour stay! 

With the colours being so strong, I found that the colour I tried (Plushest Punch-sorry no picture!), they seem to leave a slight tint to the lip as they wear off- and they wear off very evenly, avoiding that dodgy line you normally get around the lips when your lippy starts to disappear!

 

So, The colours?

 

 '8 plumped up colours'

 

Apologies for the lack of numerical order,but, from left to right;

06 Roomiest Rose, 04 Hefliest Hibiscus, 02 Chunkiest Chili, 01 Curviest Caramel, 07 Broadest Berry, 03 Mightiest Maraschino, 05 Plushest Punch and 08 Grandest Grape.

 

Grandest Grape is bang on trend this season- a deep plummy shade- wear it alone with mascara during the day and add some deeper eyeshadow to take it from day to evening! Sorted!

Owl Shaped Lipbalm- Twit Twooooo!

Get a Twit Twoo pout with this moisturising, owl shaped lipbalm.

Who thought that, whilst stationary shopping, i would find this funky lipbalm in... Paperchase??!

'Owl Shaped Lipbalm'

At £6, it's a bit of a pricey lipbalm- but it IS owl shaped!! It feels soft and balmy on the lips and has a hint of tint, this one is 'Cherry Dusk' It's quite pinky with a light pearlescent finish and also has a fruity cherry scent but there is a strawberry version which is a deeper red shade and, obviously, has a strawberry scent.

'Owl Pout'

So, that's my lips kept soft for the Autumn! 

MAC: Superslick Liquid Eye Liner/ Estee Lauder Sumptuous Waterproof Mascara

Superslick Liquid Eye Liner- M.A.C's slickest liner! This Water based, Water resistant, Liquid liner sweeps on in an easy, precise application- its hard to go wrong really! 

The formula is very watery (due to it being water based I guess!) ,so be careful not to tip the tube like I did..cue black liquid liner everywhere, and the applicator is a long spongey tip which is really helpful for creating that sweeping eyeliner look. 

'Superslick Liquid Eye Liner'

 Available in 9 colours, this liner is perfect all year round because if your splashing in the pool in the summer or stuck out in the rain in winter...IT WONT BUDGE!!

I tested it's power yesterday on a trip to my local pool and after being splashed a few times by fellow lane swimmers the liner was still as perfect as when I had applied it.

'Here's the proof!'

So theres the proof- at last, I have discovered a totally budge proof LIQUID eye liner!

Now, you cant wear liner without dressing your lashes can you? 

I'd like to introduce you to...Estee Lauder's Sumptuous Waterproof Mascara.

A bold volume mascara that lifts, lengthens and has lash plumping fibres to thicken the lashes. Unlike other waterproof mascaras that tend to be quite dry and limp, this gives you fluttering lashes without the smudging, flaking and smearing.

I've been using this mascara for swimming, holidays and snowboarding ever since my favorite Estee Lauder consultant, Leanne, reccommended it. It's never let me down and does well in humid conditions too- it doesn't melt or go clumpy like previous mascaras I've tried and because it's fragrance free and ophthalmologist tested, It doesn't irritate my eyes when they are feeling sensitive.

All i have left to say is.. BRING IT ON!!!

Boi-ing! Concealer from Benefit Cosmetics

 Boi-ing! The industrial strength concealer is now available in five shades so now we can all cover our dark shadows and imperfections!

'Boi-ing! Concealer'

I find this concealer goes a very long way so at £16.50 it’s a bargain. As it’s quite thick I’d recommend using an eye cream before applying around your eyes so it doesnt sit in any lines or go cakey in dry areas. Its also best to use your fingers to apply this creamy concealer as the warmth of your fingers will help to blend the product in.

 

 'Five shades of Boi-ing!'

Boi-ing is perfect for a quick, effective cover up but its also really good as a lip liner… use a small amount smeared over your lips to hold your lipstick and use a small brush to define around your lips,particularly if you are wearing a dark lipstick, it will tidy up your pout! Its good for quick touch ups and on nights out, just dont over do it or you'll end up looking like a china doll- its that powerful!!

Visit your local Benefit counter and get a Benebabe to match you up to the right colour or you can order yours at  www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk.

Boots Botanics Cleansing Wipes- 'All Bright'

So with Reading festival coming up, I went on a search for beauty supplies. First on the list was wipes! After browsing through what seemed like a million shelves of assorted facial wipes, I came across these bad boys!!

'Botanicals Cleansing Facial wipes'

 Boots own brand-  'Botanicals' cleansing facial wipes. THEY ARE AMAZING.

They can remove anything! From dirt to facepaints to waterproof makeup and leave you feeling sparkling fresh and clean. They containing brightening Hibiscus which is a great antioxidant and a natural emollient so it really helps to soften and brighten the skin- I've seen a big improvement after cleansing since I've switched to these magic wipes!

They feel refreshing on the skin when your cleansing, they aren't too dry,  they dont drag on the skin like some  cleansing wipes do and, even better, they dont cost a fortune either!

Every bathroom cabinet should have a packet of these...im stocking up!!

Shake Your Tail Feathers On Your Nails!!

Feathered nails..not the most practical nail art but it got me in a flap!

'Feather Nails- Full Set'

So ,after my dear friend Becca told me she'd seen it on E!, I was keen to give feathered nails a go. Although she made it sound simple- it was very messy! Basically, you paint your nails with a base colour (I used a nude varnish from Dior), then stick a feather on, trim to fit the nail and then seal with a clear topcoat. 

Sounds dead easy but it was actually pretty tricky! The painting and sticking bit was a doddle but when I came to trim the feather, it kinda went a bit sloppy so I think i'll need another go to perfect this! Once I'd finished, I had an unusual set of nails but not all of the feathers stayed flush to my nails and started to peel which was very impractical and I ended up just peeling them off!

 'The only one that came out perfect!'

 As far as nail art goes I'd give it a 6/10 for ease but a 10/10 for uniqueness..its the thought that counts right?

New Lippy In My Life!

Theres a new lipstick and lipgloss in my life and for once it didnt cost a days wages!

Introducing  'Nevada', from Topshop, £8.

This nude lipstick feels luxurious with a velvet finish that leaves your lips feeling moisturised- almost like a lipbalm feel! Topshops makeup range has grown so quickly and they do quite a few lippy shades now and at £8 I can afford one for every weekend! 

' Nevada- Topshop'

Although 'Nevada' is nourishing to the lips, I would suggest prepping the lips with an exfoliater and primer as due to the shade, it can gather in any dry areas and look a bit splinted.

 Unusually it has a matte finish which you dont normally associate with a moisturising lipstick, so to glam it up a bit and to reflect away from my dry splinted areas- I wear my new lipgloss 'Nookie Nookie' from Benefit, £14, over the top.

' Nookie Nookie-Benefit'

Benefits ultra shine lipglosses have a high shine with a subtle shimmer, are very reasonably priced and come in cute tubes so they look nice in your bag! The wand is a little brush which gives the gloss a great application and the smell is pretty pleasant too- kinda cupcakey!

Mix It Up With Mixology

You all know how in love I am with my new chubby stick in 'Voluptuous Violet', So now... Im gunna mix it up with mixology at Clinique!!

 'Mix it Up With 16 Shades'

After another training seminar today, I came home with another three chubby sticks, meaning more combinations for me! With mixology, you take your favorite shades then mix and match to create your own shades. My fave mix? 'Voluptuous Violet' and 'Woppin Watermelon'!

You can have a play and mix your own at  Clinique online.

 I will be posting my chubby cocktails soon!

Cliniques High Impact Mascara

So, going back a few weeks to my 'Product Junkie' post, I am using cosmetics I dont normally use. Starting with High Impact Mascara by Clinique. Im using black but it also comes in brown/ black and a limited edition brightening black. The specially developed formula and brush are designed to work together to thicken the lashes whilst seperating them as you comb through.

 

 'High Impact Mascara in Black'

 One coat gives quite a natural, seperated look but as I love my lashes bold, I layered up the coats. Normally too much mascara results in clumpy, flakey lashes but this lasted all day with no panda eyes and it removed easily at the end of the day! I used Take The Day Off (remover for lids, lashes and lips) but it can also be removed with warm water.

Clinique are also bringing out a new High Impact EXTREME VOLUME Mascara in August which i cant wait to try. Its going to be available in black or extreme black with an oversized brush and a domed top brush to reach the smaller lashes. More info when it arrives- cant wait to get it on my lashes!

 High Impact Mascara is available on counter or online at www.clinique.co.uk for £16, as is Take the day off, also £16.

Clinique Goodies For Me!

Best perk of my job? The free products!! 

I attended the new season strategy seminar on Thursday and came away with the latest must have lip balm- Cliniques chubby stick moisturising lip colour balm, The new stay-matte, oil-free foundation and the new superbalanced powder bronzer, Aswell as a cute, exclusive, London 2012 Olympics makeup bag! I also had lots of sneak previews of the upcoming products for the season ahead.

Clinique goodies

Im yet to try out the bronzer and foundation properly but I LOVE my chubby stick! Theres a huge hype on them at the moment, they're in all the magazines and theres a tv advert just for chubby sticks on the telly so im totally on the chubby stick band wagon now. I chose voluptuous violet which looks bold and quite dark but when its on its pretty natural and quite enhancing to my lip colour- its definately worth visiting your local Clinique counter and spending some time trying the colours on- youll be surprised by how different the colours can look when they are on the lips- your natural lip colour can make a massive difference to the tone and shade of the colour.

My Chubby Stick- Voluptuous Violet

Chubby sticks are exactly what they say they are- a moisturising lip colour balm. The balmy texture isnt tacky or too glossy and it really keeps your lips feeling comfortable and soft. The product is so popularand has had great reviews online with 5/5 star rating and 95% of customers recommending them to a friend.

Chubby sticks come in 16 shades in a range of colours from reds and purples to pinks and nudes and whats even better with new shades is that you can mix and match to create your own shade! Ill be mixing mine with pudgy peony, a deep pink, to create a more magenta lip colour!

 

Get your own chubby stick for £16.00 at your Clinique counter or online at www.clinique.co.uk

Posie Tint+ California Kissin'= Match Made In Heaven

So my latest product purchase is....Posie Pal! Its a match made in heaven duo from Benefit. One end you have Posie Pal, a pink lip stain that you can also use as a cheek stain, and the other end is California Kissin' a smile brightening gloss. The blue pigments in California Kissin' make your smile look brighter and whiter and it has an amazing, fresh, minty smell to it too!

Just a light stain of Posie Tint and plenty of California Kissin'

Posie Pal is limited edition and only £15.50! Although i already have the full sizes of both products, its a handy lil duo for the handbag for touch ups on the go. I find that the stain does need a few coats to build up a shade that shows on me. It stays quite a while but being a lip biter, i need to touch up throughout the day. The gloss stays put and feeling fresh for ages though!

 

Id give Posie Pal a strong 8/10!

Product Junkie..

So, After spending three hours transferring my makeup kit into my new kit trolley, I have come to the conclusion that I have a problem. I am a product junkie.

My makeup Kit

The benefits are, of course, that I have a lipstick and eyeshadow for everyday of the year. Unfortunately it means I could probably have bought a house by now!

So this is where the challenge begins...I am going to try and use at least one different product every week until ive used every product I own at least once.

Keep an eye on this blog for my weekly updates!

ps..this doesnt mean im going to stop buying new products!!

 I am a product junkie after all...

Acoustic Magazine Shoot, 11-06-12.

Yesterday I spent my afternoon in a small pub in Bedford that had been taken over by studio equipment, models and makeup to create some images for a new 'Acoustic Music' online magazine aswell as a few shots for a guitar shop advert. Seeing as Ive mainly been doing bridal makeup recently, it was a nice change to get creative with a smokey eye and violet lips to transform Ayesha into a rock chick!

Getting Ayesha rock-chick-ready!

Ayesha and James were great on set, when the came together for the guitar shots they really pulled the concept off and despite Ayesha never having played before she looked a real natural! The clothing designer, Hayley Bishop, designed and made Ayeshas outfit especially for the shoot and i was impressed by the quality and standard of the pieces. The pattern was quirky and unique and the shape of the top was unusual! You can check out her designs at www.hayleybishop.co.uk