Nostalgic Beauty!

I have fond memories of clambering up my mothers dressing table stool to get a glimpse of the glistening glass and curious designs of her perfume bottles; usually YSL Opium and a selection of Chanel classics.  My eye would then catch the glimmering golds and silvers from her array of cosmetics lined alongside the fragrances.  There was much intrigue and immense eagerness to be able to wear it all at once, play and just be a grown up! Well, now I am and I feel like I've gone back in time as Joan Collins Timeless Beauty hit my radar recently.
Timeless, I'm not sure but nostalgic yes!
There is nothing screaming uber-clever technology or super duper formulas, however, its good to see a make up brand that is as 'good-looking' as the lady herself.  She does wear a full face of make up, not my favourite look, but I've always admired Ms Collins for her effortless beauty and incredible dedication to looking good and dressing well.  Nevertheless, the Divine Lips lipstick in Melanie that I'm wearing above, glides on and is sensationally creamy which manages to stay in place, much-like the Nail Lacquer.  

Nail Lacquer in Lady Joan

Divine Lips in Lady Joan

The best part of Joan's Timeless Beauty collection is that you can display these cosmetics; they are all about luxury and for me a wonderful reminder of how I began my love of beauty, asthetics and cosmetics.

Beauty Alert: Avon Ultra Colour!

If ever there is a time to get on-line, scroll, search and make your very best beauty purchases, then that time has arrived!!!
Avon have unforgettable offers, even 'cheap as chips' with some awesome colour splashes in the form of Ultra Glimmerstick Liner for lips for as little at £3, Ultra Colour Lip Crayons, under £6 and Mega Effects Mascara for a tidy tenner!
Get logged in now to buy fashion forward colour positively bursting with long wear pigments.

Avonshop.co.uk 

Beauty Alert: Illamasqua ESP Lipstick!

Is this the colour of Summer?  Who knows and who cares!  Illamasqua have done it again, played with our minds and dragged us away from the norm with their Paranormal Collection full of never seen before textures and shades for SS 13.  Their ESP Lipstick has hit me between the eyes, well, maybe I should say smacked me on the lips with a deep and dense purple: somewhat reminiscent of the 80's too (which I love even more).
They are obviously telling us to step away from the corals, though, not everyone could rock this colour or even the softer tones of Posture but I love the unexpectedness of this shade and I think you will be surprised at its performance, so why not give this vibrant shade a try?

Beauty Alert: Givenchy Le Rouge!

I have an undeniable love for Givenchy that has been blossoming since the Summer of 2005 and it hasn't died off for me although occasionally I've missed out on what's new and wanted to kick myself for not being in the know about this sensational and innovative brand.  Givenchy launches are something I want aware of, as a Make Up Artist I believe they truly speak to us with their intriguing prismes of colour to help us contour, colour and explore.
This season Givenchy launch Le Rouge, 12 vibrant and classic, lip popping shades with immense intensity of colour; reds, pink, beiges and my favourite corals.  What more can be said than head out to your nearest department store to sample the demi-matte, lasting texture capsuled in the one of the most luxurious faux leather and silver cases you have ever seen!

Beauty Alert: New Coral Colour for Spring!

Keep your eyes on this fantastic CORAL lip colour...why? 

It's THE coral you'll be wanting to wear Spring 2013!!!

Clinique have not only upped the oomph of colour with their NEW Chubby Stick Intense but also have hit us with the sensational coral, 04 Heftiest Hibiscus.  Not the best name for such an adorable shade, I'd prefer to call it High Corral Coral!

I have my lipcolour for Spring, have you?

Beauty Alert: Rouge Dior Nude!

Some of us are luckier than others on the quest to find the perfect 'Nude' lip stick, I could possibly count on one finger how many 'spot on' shades I've found for my complexion.  Some just appear too pink on my yellow skin tone, others wash me out being so beige.

Dior have appeased to those of us who never stop the search by revealing 10 new shades of Rouge Dior Nude Lip Blush, which suggests choosing a colour that will create a 'blushing' hue.

As with much of Dior's offerings I am 'blushing' away with my perfect nude, 169 Grege, seen here, a soft, moisturising lip stick with a sheen of warm beige.

Now discover your perfect match now at Selfridges.  Nationwide from 14th September.

Maybelline's for me!

Yesterday, I was on the hunt for a reliable liquid eye liner for two reasons; my usual felt pen style liner was running out and I thought I'd resist from replacing it by purchasing on-line as it is no longer available in the UK.  The second reason was that my other 'not so cheap' waterproof liquid liner was no longer performing as it should, in fact it had begun to flake soon after application.  

I visited a Pro store but they were out of stock of the Make Up For Ever Liner they thought I might like.  What to do?

I was eager to buy something immediately as back up at least!   

Then it struck me as I read a recent Elle magazine, whilst waiting to get my nails done, flicking through the beauty story adorned by a Make Up Artist I rate highly and respect as a Beauty Genius, yes, Sharon Dowsett, UK's Make Up Director for Maybelline!  This was recommendation enough for me plus I've read countless reviews on their liners, they are brand that is always easy to find and well stocked in Boots, so I dashed over there with great speed (after my nails were done, of course).

I was immediately drawn to this liner, Master Precise as it was similar to my existing one.  I was impressed by the super fine tip applicator as well as the price tag.  Bearing in mind its currently 3 for 2 on all Maybelline Cosmetics, I decided to buy two liners, one for my kit and one for myself.

When I arrived home I thought I'd draw an eye line as quickly as possible.   Yes, I do know I apply make up for a living but I don't wear much make up, certainly not liquid liners these days but even I was impressed by how easy it glided on while I traced it along the lash line with precision and without getting into an awkward posture to apply it.  Brilliant, I think I've found my 'reliable' liquid liner!  Of course, I went straight for the jugular by attempting to rub the fresh eye line with my fingers to find not even a smudge; it was evident, I had indeed found a remarkable liner.

I mentioned the offer of 3 for 2 at Boots so I made the most of it and purchased another item for myself.  I rarely buy make up these days as I earn products from editorial credits, published product mentions and my blog and with little time on my hands I don't get the chance to pass by and play with products for myself let alone my kit, so this was a treat.  I wanted to choose an alternative lip product to a lip stick, maybe a stain of some sort, then I noticed Maybelline Super Stay 10h Tint Gloss in Forever Coral.

I loved the colour (what's not to love about corals in the summer), the texture was of a stain quality though injected with a gloss finish, which I assumed would feel nice and hydrating, rather than dry as with some stains.

And I was right!  It felt so comfortable on, without an outrageous shine in a pretty hint of coral.  Long lasting?

Yes, this lip colour clung on nicely and didn't have that nasty gloopy feeling nor did it solidify or congeal.

I am so chuffed with these purchases so I urge you, if you're out this weekend on a jolly jaunt for make up, do take a look at these and make the most of this budget buy offer in Boots.

Which Maybelline products have you been using?

What's in store from Dior?

I tweeted this image this week but thought you might like another gander at the gold infused Fall Look, Golden Jungle from Dior.  As well as the harmonious duo Diorblush, Leopard motif of Golden Jungle Eye Shadow Palette and Dior Addict Lip Stick with a shine finish from  rosewood to deep burgundy shades, there is even more Khaki on show for next season though with golden flecks throughout to ooze warmth; what an adoring mix. 

Nail colour will be BIG next season, every leading brand have some sensational shades for Autumn with  Dior Vernis  possibly topping them all by introducing such an animalistic Limited Edition duo nail colours of a gold base and khaki top coat, to create a crocodile effect!

Here is a quick snap from the press release.  For all of you dying to know when you can lay your hands on the Golden Jungle collection, it will be exclusively at Selfridges from 30th July 2012, then Nationwide from 13th August 2012.

Rouge in Love.

Are you constantly falling in love?

  I am, with yet another adorable lip range that launched earlier this year from Lancome, Rouge In Love, super soft, instant colouration lip sticks, which are HIGHLY pigmented so you can achieve that block of colour in shades such as Violette Coquette or Rouge Valentine, without a smudge nor smear.  

Lancome are impressing me more and more these days as they are concentrating on building up a broader colour range, Teint Idole Ultra 24hr foundations for instance and now their Rouge In Love, lip wardrobe is a hefty 24 shades cleverly categorised into 3 moods; Jolis Matins, Boudoir Time and Tonight Is My Night, need I say more expect maybe j'adore!

Obsessive Summer Lips!

I've become a little obsessed with OCC Lip Tars, from Cocktail Cosmetics, you may have noticed this on Twitter and thought, 'she's a bit slow on the uptake!'
I probably am, as I do have foolproof products I have loved for years, even decades, therefore these obsessive findings are a triumph and should be much hailed for their density, staying power and unbelievable 'I hardly feel a thing' texture.
I first tried them on this shoot by mixing a bit of Digitalis and Belladonna together, which in turn picked up on the floral shades in our models dress.
Any thoughts?  Are you obsessed too?

Sweet Honey Lips!

I love tinted lip colours, not only because they are a quick sweep of colour in a sheer finish or that they feel light, non sticky and unfussy but they leave lips looking natural and can accompany neutral to smoky eye make up so well.
 Clinique have just launched Almost Lipstick, an array of slim and sweetly packaged shades.  I have 4 to show you:

I was a little stuck as to show you these colour in true form, so opted for a fingertip swatch.  These shades of honey create a syrupy shine from nude to deep aubergine.  From top to bottom: Tender Honey, Flirty Honey, Lovely Honey and Chic Honey.

Then finally a paper swatch from left to right: Chic Honey, Lovely Honey, Flirty Honey and Tender Honey.

These are a welcome addition to any make up kit or handbag if you like shine and the 'Almost' coloured lip look.