Thursday, 6 February 2014

Tom Ford Spring 2014




The Tom Ford Spring Collection has just recently hit the stores, this years offerings are a collection of 8 Sheer Lipsticks and 4 Nail Colours. The packaging has reverted back to the original white and gold style.

Tom Ford Lip Colour Sheer
Brand Description - Harmonising sensuous shades of shimmering nudes and hot, vivid colours, the limited edition Lip Colour Sheer Collection delivers an irresistible effect that compliments sun-kissed, summer skin. A decadent mix of vitamins C and E and Shea Butter helps lavish the lips with saturated moisture. The distinct, bevelled Lip Colour Sheer bullet is packaged in a retro-chic, ivory and gold coloured Tom Ford case.

Bittersweet

Firecracker

Incorrigible

In The Buff

Paradiso

Pink Dune

Summer Fling

Sweet Spot


Tom Ford Nail Lacquer
Brand Description - To Tom Ford every detail counts. This extra-amplified, gloss and shine Nail Lacquer, in a wardrobe of shades from alluring brights to chic neutrals, lets you express your mood to compete your look. Its groundbreaking, high-performance formula with bendable coating delivers high coverage and shine white staying colour true throughout wear.


Coral Beach

Incandescent

Indiscretion

Sugar Dune





Tuesday, 4 February 2014

Nars Narsissist Eye Palette



Nars Narsissist Eye Palette
Brand Description - Nars introduces the Narsissist Eye Palette, named for and inspired by the brand's devoted fans and cult followers, this inaugural palette will set the stage for future Narsissist products to come.
The limited-edition palette features 15 of the Narsissist community's most beloved and inspiring shades in one compact, ready-to-wear every day, every way.
Wear one shade on its own for captivating colour or play with the possibilities by layering different shades for an unlimited range of effects. -  £55


Now where do i start? I haven't been this excited about a new product since, well never to be honest. There have been a lot of releases of neutral palates over the last few years but there isn't one that i have genuinely counted down the days until it's release. Nars have made most of my go to eye shadows for the last few years, the colour selection and the ease of use whether it's how easy they are to blend or how pigmented the darker shades can be, making it really easy to achieve a full eye look with minimal products. Which makes this palette something very special, having 15 wearable shades (shade details were given in this post) to carry about is really going to shake up my everyday makeup routine and i can't wait to see if I am still loving this as much in a few months time. So far I'm especially loving the 5 cooler shades on the bottom row but i can honestly see myself getting a lot of use out of them all. If you can get your hands on one of these then go for it, you won't regret it. You can register at John Lewis here to be notified when it comes back into stock and the bonus is they are selling it for £5 cheaper!




All About Eve #1, Madrague #2, Fez

Bali, Coconut Grove, Madrague #1

Nepal, Ashes to Ashes, Brousse #2

Mekong, Bellissima #1, Lhasa

Bad Behaviour, Dogon #2, Pandora #2


Click images for full sized versions



Monday, 3 February 2014

Molton Brown Rhubarb & Rose Hand Cream



Molton Brown Rhubarb & Rose Hand Cream

Brand Description - London via The Pantry: A crimson summer tart. Freshly picked roses. Bowls of sugar, spice and all things nice.
The way we blend it: A luxury hand cream with white truffle extract for exquisitely soft hands, rhubarb extract and moisturising rose extract.
Why you'll love it: This intensive hand cream is an instantly absorbed daily treat for delectably soft and luxuriously moisturised hands with temptingly sweet aromas. - £10

I'm not one to get excited over a hand cream but for some reason with this one it was love at first sight, well love at first smell i suppose. I'm not even normally a fan of very sweet fragrances but there is just something irresistible about this one. The scent aside it is a really lovely, quality hand cream that isn't greasy in the slightest and sinks into the skin effortlessly. It is the perfect size to carry about in your bag and use whenever your hands feel a bit dry or if you get a craving for rhubarb and custard sweets. So that's why i like it so much.
For the truly addicted the scent also comes in a 300ml hand wash for £16 and hand lotion for £20 or you can pick up all three for £40. At the moment you can buy it from either Molton Brown or John Lewis.





Sunday, 2 February 2014

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Fatal vs Illusoire




Chanel Illusion D'Ombre 837 Fatal vs 83 Illusoire

The Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Eye shadows have been around for a while now so it's getting to the stage that when there is a new collection some of the shades are very similar to previous releases. I'm sure most make up addicts have the problem of being drawn to certain specific colours and probably own at least five shades of the same nude lipstick so it pays to do some research before parting with any hard earned cash. This was the case for me with the shade 837 Fatal from the Chanel Autumn/Winter 2013 collection. In swatches it looked somewhere in between Illusoire and Ebloui so i wasn't sure whether it was worth picking up.
In the end i decided to go for it instead of Ebloui because it looks like an easier shade to pull off and it is limited edition and we all know how annoying make up regrets are. The formula makes it a bit of a marmite product, you will either love the amount of glitter (which can lead to a bit of fall out) or you are going to hate it but they are extremely buildable and long lasting with a primer. It is a product that is definitely worth checking out because it can look incredible glam especially for how easy they are to apply, even with just your fingers.



(Left to Right) 837 Fatal, 83 Illusoire



(Left to Right) 837 Fatal, 83 Illusoire



Thursday, 16 January 2014

Nars Narsissist Eyeshadow Palette




Every so often there will be a collection or a specific product that is announced that you just can't get out of your head. (This can happen with fashion too but the price normally makes it an unobtainable dream!) This is definitely one of those products that i am going to be dreaming about until i can get my hands on it. 
The subject of these dreams is the Nars Narsissist Eye Palette and it looks like a beauty. I love Nars eyeshadow, they have been the main staples of my everyday make up routine for the past few years and i have been using the And God Created the Woman Palette (reviewed here) pretty much every day since i got it.
So far I've read that the quality and pigmentation of the shadows do not compare to the individual shadows but for the amount of choice you get this doesn't put me off and they all look like great neutral shades that you would get a lot of use out of.

Product Reviewed Here



The 15 shades in the palette are as follows;

  • All About Eve #1 - Flesh-toned neutral (part of a permanent duo)
  • Madrague #2 - Matte Caramel (part of a permanent duo)
  • Fez - Velvety Cocoa (permanent)
  • Bali - Neutral (permanent)
  • Coconut Grove - Deep brown infused with reflective particles (permanent) 
  • Madrague #1 - Matte Cream (part of a permanent duo)
  • Nepal - Soft, sheer rose (permanent)
  • Ashes to Ashes - Shimmery violet-based brown (permanent)
  • Brousse #2 - Black Violet (part of a permanent duo)
  • Mekong - Espresso infused with gold (permanent) 
  • Bellissima #1 - Shimmering beige with subtle glitter (part of a permanent duo)
  • Lhasa - Lavender Grey (permanent)
  • Bad Behaviour - Deep pewter (limited edition from the Guy Bourdin holiday collection)
  • Drogon #2 - Charcoal (part of a permanent duo)
  • Pandora #2 - Matte Black (part of a permanent duo)



So far it looks like it will be launched in the UK on 20th January, no word yet if anyone has an exclusive on it but hopefully they will be producing more than the One Night Stand blush palette! The US price is $79 so let's see how much we get overcharged here in the UK.




Tuesday, 9 July 2013

Bumble & Bumble - Surf Travel Set Review



Bumble & Bumble - Surf Travel Set

Brand Description Surf Foam Wash Shampoo 50ml - A clean-rising formula wipes out impurities and makes way for buoyant body and soft, seabreezy texture.
Surf Creme Rinse Conditioner 50ml - This lightweight conditioning rinse imparts airy softness and texture.
Surf Spray 50ml - Sexy, salty, sun-dried, windswept styles - whenever, wherever. - £18


Review

Bumble & Bumble have got some of the best styling products on the market, Surf Spray being one of them but i have never been completely bowled over by the shampoos and conditions except for the Thickening Shampoo which is excellent.
This shampoo really intrigued me as i have never been able to do the whole effortless beachy wave style which has been in fashion for the past couple of years and this one promises body, texture and enhanced natural waves for all hair types. It is gentle enough to use daily and is just lathered through the hair and rinsed thoroughly as usual. I followed this with the matching lightweight conditioner through the ends of my hair, left for about a minute and then rinsed. I towel dried my hair, sprayed Bumble & Bumble Tonic from roots to ends and then followed with Surf Spray. It suggests leaving your hair to air dry or blow dry with a diffuser but i am far too lazy for that so i just hand dried it with a hair dryer and still managed to get a really good texture. You can also use Surf Spray on dry hair for detailing and adding lift at the roots. I was really impressed with the end results, my hair looked full and it was really easy to work worth, i worked it into a side plait. The following day my hair had a nice wave to it thanks to the products and the plait and looked great in a messy ponytail.
Overall i think this is the perfect shampoo and conditioner when you want to have a messy textured, slept in hairstyle and if you are already one of the many fans of Surf Spray then you are going to love the shampoo and conditioner too.

Friday, 5 July 2013

Chanel Stylo Eyeshadow - Moon River 07 Review


Chanel - Stylo Eyeshadow

Brand Description - A smooth-gliding pen applicator delivers a new lightweight, long-wear shadow that highlights eyes with gleaming colour. A cooling, water infused Formula creates a shimmering veil on lids- or precisely lines the eyes with perfect definition. Price - £23


Review

As a huge fan of the Illusion D'ombre eyeshadows I was really excited when it was announced Chanel would be releasing their eyeshadow pens. I was a little disappointed with the colour selection, compared to the Illusion D'ombre shades i feel they aren't as wearable but if you are looking for something a bit more exciting than the usual neutrals then Cool Gold, Jade Shore and Blue Bay are definitely worth checking out. I decided to go for Moon River which is a gorgeous platinum colour perfect for a bit of everyday glamour. When you first apply the product you are treated to a relaxing, cooling sensation which quickly fades but is certainly an interesting feature. The product applies very smoothly and the colour is extremely easy to build. This is a long lasting product and looks as amazing applied straight on to the lid as it does over a powder shadow for a beautiful shimmering finish. Overall I was extremely impressed and the colour Black Stream is definitely on my shopping list!







Sunday, 16 June 2013

Yves Saint Laurent - Baby Doll Mascara Review



YSL - Baby Doll Mascara

Brand Description - Seduction, all the way to the tip of the lashes. A vastly separated "eyes wide open lash look. The micro faceted brush makes lashes appear multiplied and magnified. On one side, thick and spaced bristles coat the lashes and create volume. On the other side, fine and close bristles reach every lash, including the smallest lashes at the corner of the eye for a full fringe effect.
Ophthalmologist tested. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Price £24.50


Review

YSL seems to be the marmite of the mascara world, people seem to either love them or hate them. I have to admit i love their False Lash Effect mascara, i wouldn't say it is my favourite but if i was feeling flush with cash i would definitely repurchase it. The new Baby Doll mascara is a different story. On first use I hated it, I didn't pay attention to the different sides of the rubber bristle brush, mainly because it isn't very noticeable first thing in the morning when you are in a rush. Whatever side i used that morning it left my lashes clumpy, undefined and maybe a little longer than usual but nothing mind blowing. Disappointed i scoured the internet to read reviews to see what other people were saying about the extremely hyped product and to my surprise i appeared to be in the minority. For round two, with a bit more time on my hands I paid more attention to the brush and used the thicker bristled side first all over the lashes, working from the root to the tip and then went in with the finer bristled side at the corners on lightly on the bottom lashes. It certainly looked better than my first attempt and I was a little more impressed but still not bowled over. For my down-turned eyes I don't feel that this is the best choice for me but if you have a natural curl in your lashes then i think you would be impressed with the length and dramatic effect you get with just one coat. When you start to build it, it does start to get a bit clumpy but i know a lot of people love this kind of mascara look so this could be the mascara you have been waiting for. For me personally i think i will go back to the False Lash Effect when this is finished.






Before

After

Saturday, 15 June 2013

Marc Jacobs' Debut Make Up Line - Marc Jacobs Beauty


On August 9th the new make up line Marc Jacobs Beauty will launch in the US at Sephora stores, Sephora.com and at selected Marc Jacob stores. In spring 2014 it will launch at Sephora stores in France, Italy and Spain and in the rest of Europe throughout 2014. No news for the UK as of yet. So what will we get when we manage to get our hands on it?


Talking to WWD about the line Marc said "I like the idea of transforming oneself, making and modelling yourself to what you feel like being, whether that's once a day, three times a day, seven times a week, whatever it is. I like the transformative qualities of fashion and fashion to me is not just clothing, it's handbags, it's shoes, it's clothes, it's hair, it's makeup, it's fragrance, it's the whole ritual of making those choices, of enjoying the ritual, of making choice that will tell the world who you want to be that day. I think everybody is the star in their own movie. And so you dress the part, depending on how you feel or what part is that day. I mean my shrink probably knows who I really am but most people know me as how i present myself."


It's no surprise that Marc Jacobs has been very hands on in creating his collection and we can expect to see his expert eye at work in creating the colour palettes throughout the collection he said that his overall colour palette "Tells a story and that story is based on a spirit. I chose different types of characters, such as ingĂ©nue. Formulas are like fabrics, fibers, each fiber, whether silk, cashmere or whatever, they have natural properties." His personality and sense of humour is also apparent in his choices of names for the products, Magic Marc'er Precision Pen Eyeliner and Style Eye-Con to name just a couple.


As the pictures suggest, this is going to be a huge collection from the launch comprising of 122 pieces which will be separated into four categories. The first of which is Smart Complexion which will include a foundation with anti-ageing ingredients and will be available in 16 shades. A brightening concealer pen which also contains anti-ageing ingredients which will be available in 7 shades and also a setting powder. The next category is called Blacquer and will include a precision pen eyeliner which is a waterproof black liner, a lash lifter and a gel crayon. The third category, Hi-per Colour includes, eyeshadows, blushes, lip products, nail polish and bronzer. The last category, the amusingly named Boy-Friendly, Girl Approved consists of a lip balm, a concealer and a brow tamer.













This looks like a gorgeous collection. I'm really impressed by the sheer volume of products that are going to be available from the launch, there is going to be a huge selection of colours to choose from. I hope this means that the prices are going to be reasonable enough to be able to invest in a few different products and shades. Are you excited for the launch? What products are you most looking forward to? 







Friday, 14 June 2013

Guerlain Khol Me Kajal - Noir Volcanique 01 Review



Guerlain - Khol Me Kajal

Brand Description - The original creamy liner. Guerlain has created the first multipurpose Kajal: the Kohl Me Kajal, for a tailor made makeup. Its creamy texture glides on perfectly, making it the ideal ally for all woman who love deep and magnetic make-up. Applied as a khol solely along the inside of the eyelid, it underlines and enhances the eyes with a provocative depth. Worked as a liner in a thick line along the upper lashes, it adds modern sophistication and widens the eyes. When used as an eyeshadow it is ideal for a very simple smokey eye. Price - £23.50


Review 

If there was one makeup product that i couldn't live without, it would be a good eyeliner. I have been wearing it as part of pretty much every make up look i have done since i started wearing make up many years ago. So when a new eyeliner comes on to the market I can't wait to try it, hoping it will as good as it promises. Very rarely does this actually happen but not with Guerlain's new kajal pencil, Khol Me Kajal in shade 01 Noir Volcanique. It is a gorgeous rich matte black liner which glides over the lid smoothly and effortlessly. It applies easily to the upper lash line and the waterline and can be smudged and used as an eyeshadow to quickly create a smokey eye. It lasts about 6 hours before starting to crease but if i seal it with an eyeshadow on top it still looks good 10 hours plus which makes it an excellent choice for a long wearing, everyday liner. It has become my eye makeup staple and i can't recommend it highly enough. The only downside i can see is that there doesn't seem to be any way to sharpen the point which means you may not be able to use it all which will be disappointing but as you get nearly double the amount of product than in your standard eyeliner pencil it's not a deal breaker.











Tuesday, 11 June 2013

Tom Ford Illuminating Cheek Color - Blush Guilt Review




Tom Ford - Illuminating Cheek Colour

Brand Description - Capturing the natural, warm tones the skin reflects at dusk the Tom Ford Illuminating Cheek Colour sculpts and defines cheekbones with a radiant glow. Pearls enhance the formula giving the cheeks gorgeous luster, added definition and structure and illumination. Apply a few strokes of the stick onto cheeks and blend into skin for a flawlessly radiant finish. Pair with Tom Ford Bronzing Powder for a sensuous, sun-bronzed effect. Price - £48


Review

Tom Ford's Illuminating Cheek Colour is the brands take on a creamy stick blush. This blush is sheer and dewy on the skin, very different to how it looks on the stick and it blends beautifully. As it is so sheer it looks great over a darker blush or bronzer, especially as a highlighter. It lasted well on my combination/oily skin, especially for such a dewy product and still looked good over a more matte effect mineral makeup when applied with a light hand. To use straight from the stick you would have to have a very minimal foundation coverage as it can look unnatural, especially with the slight shimmer when applied too heavily. Overall this is a very pretty, radiant blush for fans of a sheer coverage. I can't say this is a must have product because of the price and it won't make a dramatic difference by any means but if you are looking for one luxury item to add to your make up bag this summer, this is definitely one to consider.