A beauty junkie in London

Jubilee beauty #1

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 08:30:00 +0000

How cute this this Jubilee-theme limited edition tin of Steamcream?

Steamcream is a bit of a funny product for me - part of me is really cynical of its claims of being 'formulated using pure unrefined steam for maximum absorption'....(what is unrefined steam?!) But the part of me that's actually used it is totally on board - it's a great multi-tasking moisturiser whose main benefit is how simple it is (oh and it smells lovely).

Best thing about the brand though has to be the cute little tins that come in a rainbow of designs (I'm loving the little Ladybird tin you can see on Feel Unique's Steamcream page!). I actually have about three knocking around now, including this one, a cosmic pattern one and an earth pattern one. I've always said I'm a sucker for cute packaging!

Steamcream is available from feelunique.com

PR sample.

Balayage with Jack Howard

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 07:30:00 +0000

Apologies...this post is a bit 'heavy' on pictures of me...! Not my normal style at all, but wanted to try and do the whole before/after thing - plus get a decent shot, rather than the old 'in mirror reflection' iPhone shot...

Anyway, what this is all about is my recent visit to the absolutely stunning Rossano Ferretti Hairspa, in Mayfair, close to Regents Street and a stones throw from 'Vogue House', the home of Conde Nast publications in the UK (and in my head, the UK version of the Devil Wears Prada).

I was in this lovely salon to re-visit the lovely Jack Howard - who I first saw Jack back in Feb 2011 for my first 'Balayage' experience, when he was based at another salon. Something about the slick and stylish Rossano Feretti salon seems far more his style than the previous venue - it really is the most luxurious salon I've been in (there's a guy on the door who's role is to greet you and show your way in).

Jack's signature technique is 'Balayage' - a free hand painting version of applying colour to hair. Resulting in a gorgeously natural alternative to traditional highlights. This isn't a technique that's only for blondes by the way - it's a way of adding a natural looking dimension to any hair colour.

BEFORE! Blah-tastic.

After...

This was absolutely ideal for the look I wanted - I wanted to go for an overall lighter/brighter blonde effect. But I still wanted dimension and contrast. The finished effect for me can be best seen when I tie by hair back and I can see the lighter sections on the darker sections underneath my hair - I love this effect, it's made my hair feel so much less 'blah' than I was feeling pre-balayage.

After..slightly dazed looking, but you get the idea of the shade a bit better than in previous 'afters'

I had taken a few pictures of images of (mostly celebs) with blonde hair shades that I liked for one reason or another... these really varied but one of my favourites was a shot of one of the Olsens (Ashley I think) with a gorgeous buttery blonde shade - and I feel that this is the colour that Jack has really picked up on and created for me and I'm so happy with it. It's a cooler tone, which I've always been told doesn't suit me - but the contrasting warmer tones balance it out and I feel it's actually really flattering.

I have to also got to give a mention to the wonderful Bruno who cut and styled my hair after Jack worked his magic - he did a wonderful job and left me feeling great (good enough to stand next to Kim Kardashian no less!)

For more information on Jack Howard and Balayage please take a look at his website.

I was a guest of Jack Howard/Rossano Ferretti

Phillips Lumea

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Thu, 31 May 2012 23:09:00 +0000

So summer finally hit London, which is amazing. But it’s also led to some last

minute beauty panics… you know, the usual – getting rid of hair where it

shouldn’t be, making bits that are white brown and ready for skirts instead of

jeans.

Cue beauty gadgets galore. I’ve written before about how I’m a big fan of

anything that makes the more laborious sides of a beauty routine quicker and

the results last longer.

The Philips Lumea IPL hair removal system is one such gadget – giving you

beautiful smooth skin, every day - so taking the step of ditching the tights that

little bit less scary. Philips is the number one female hair removal brand in the

UK , which is a pretty good recommendation!

Philips Lumea looks a little bit like a Star Trek style gadget that might be used

to zap aliens…but it’s not, its streamlined design just makes it easier to hold

whilst using the IPL (intense pulsed light) to zap the hair follicles and halt hair

growth, therefore leading to de-fuzzed skin – every day. But for a much better

explanation, watch the video:

It has two heads, one for larger areas and the smaller, precision attachment for

sensitive areas, such as the face. Plus the best news – Lumea only needs to be

used once every two weeks for the first 8-10 weeks and then every 4-6 weeks to

be hair-free all the time..

I don’t know about you, but something that means an end to regular shaving/

waxing?? That’s got to be pretty much the Summer beauty dream right? Now just

to get the clever folks over at Philips to create a gadget that gives an immediate,

flawless all over tan that lasts all year long…

For more information see the Philips Website

Sponsored post

Clarins Enchanted Summer Collection (picture heavy)

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Thu, 31 May 2012 07:30:00 +0000

Clarins has consistently been one of my most-loved premium make-up brands, and their Summer collection hasn't changed that one bit. The 'star' piece of the collection is the stunning eyeshadow/liner palette...but more on that in a bit. I'm going to start by looking at the Bronzing Duo in shade 03.

Clarins Enchanted Summer Collection

Clarins Bronzing Duo 03 (Flash)

Clarins Bronzing Duo 03 (Natural Light)

L-R: Light shade, darker shade, mixed together

The Clarins Bronzing Duo is gorgeous in the pan and silky smooth when swatched. When I first saw the shade I was expecting it to be much darker than it actually is when applied - I like the perfect shade is a lovely bronze, without shimmer but thanks to the mineral pigments it does leave skin with a nice glow.

Next up is the BEAUTIFUL Enchanted Palette...seriously. Just look at the pictures. I was actually a bit sad after I started using it as the pattern on the top had been lost. Sad times.

It's not just the beauty of the palette that I love about this - it's the gorgeous shades that have won me over. All four of the eye shadow shades are really wearable - I even like the purple shade! The liner is also gorgeous, a different (creamier) texture to the shadows, but could be used as a shadow/lid colour too. My favourite shade in the palette has to be the one in the bottom left - the bronzey, shimmering shade. It's lovely - and I'm nothing if not predictable when it comes to my favourite shades!

Next up are the Kohl/Kajal liners - this is probably just me, but Kohl/Kajal liner always reminds me of Sex and the City 2 when Carrie buys the liner at the market and applies it before she goes to meet Aiden?? Random... I know. But there we go. I have two shades - 01 and 02, Black and Violet. Both nicely pigmented and easy to apply. There's just something that makes me feel instantly sexy using Kohl liner?! There's not many products in the world that have that effect, so this is a good thing!

There's also a pretty 'Instant Smooth' Crystal Lip Balm in shade 03 'Crystal Coral'. Another instant love product for me - I do love 'proper' lipstick, but I find tinted balm type products much easier to use for day time. This is light and moisturising, with a pigment running through the middle that can be sheer or built up for a stronger colour.

In addition to the Crystal Lipbalm there's also the Colour Quench Lip Balm - the shade here is 09 Pink Jaipur. One of those peachy pink with gold shimmer running through that I'm such a sucker for. I find there's just something universally flattering about this sort of shade. The colour is pigmented when swatched, but sheer on the lips - but the shimmer is still there, subtle, but there - giving a subtle impression of fuller lips. Having a little look at the other shades available in this product - I now desperately need to check out Peach Nectar and Pink Marshmallow!

It's a tough call as to which of the lip products I love the most... I *think* I'm leaning towards the Colour Quench Lip Balm... which stands out to you as the most lust-worthy?

You can find out more about the Clarins Enchanted Summer Collection on the Clarins Website.

PR samples.

WIN! Stila 'in the light' palette

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Wed, 30 May 2012 12:48:00 +0000

Very exciting news for any of my fellow nude eye shadow lovers out there... I have a brand-spanking new Stila 'in the light' eye shadow palette to giveaway! You can read my review (and see swatches) of the palette here. But to enter the giveaway then read below to find out more!

To enter all you need to do is pop a comment below and tell when what your two favourite shades from the palette are (to see swatches of all the shades view the review post HERE)...and make sure you follow the rules!

The Rules!

You must be a follower on GFC/Email/Bloglovin

UK only

Must be over 16

Please include a way for me to contact you if you win in the comment!

Closes Friday 8th June 2012 at 12pm GMT

Only one entry per person - multiple comments/duplicates will be ignored - only one will count.

GOOD LUCK!

(Palette provided as PR sample)

Essie 'To buy or not to buy'

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Wed, 30 May 2012 08:30:00 +0000

Quick NOTD of another recent Essie purchase... this time this was from ebay (American seller, fairly good price and arrived in about a week with no customs charges). Essie describe this shade 'To buy or not to buy' as a lavender with shimmer - and in the bottle it certainly does have a pretty shimmer but this is pretty much lost on the nails - but you can see it (just about) in the bottom picture.

To be totally honest, the formula of this one was a bit disappointing. It's not as good as the new diffusion line that hit Superdrug/Boots recently. The new diffusion line has a much nicer brush to work with, it's flatter so much easier to apply. The brush with this polish is long and thin and the formula meant I needed three coats to get a decent finish.

Overall, if you want a lavender polish then I'd suggest going for Lilacism from the new diffusion range instead - when on the nail, it's hard to tell the difference and the formula/brush on that one would win it for me! But in this case I was suckered in by the name...!

THIS is the seller I bought from (have bought from them a few times and never had any issues).

Bought by me.

Jo Hansford 'Great British Blow Dry'

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Wed, 30 May 2012 07:30:00 +0000

Last week I went along to the rather lovely new Jo Hansford salon in Mayfair to find out more about their special package they have on offer in celebration of the Jubilee - the 'Great British Blow Dry'. Having tended to 'many a royal mane' the stylists at the salon really know how to deliver (and teach - as I found out) a selection of key royalty-worthy looks.

At the event we we're shown the key looks by stylists on models and then invited to create our own looks. The three styles were:

The 'Royal Rebel Roll' - a classic bun, that could be styled sleek or messy, depending on your personal style.

The 'Royal High-nest' - a stylish up-do, inspired by a cross between a classic Bardot style and the style Princess Eugenie wore on the cover of Tatler. Again, can be smooth or messy, depending on your own style.

The 'Duchess' - the very much in-demand look a-la Kate Middleton...all volume and glossy waves.

I went for the 'Royal Rebel Roll'...with a slightly messy finish as I'm not really very good and being perfect and polished when it comes to my hair - even if it starts out nice, it will end up a bit messy...so might as well make it part of the look!

The Royal Rebel Roll was amazingly easy to create - using a hair donut (as pictured above). An absolute must-have if you have thin/fine hair and want a decent sized bun (if I do one of these without the donut I end up with a stump on my head rather than a nice looking bun). The key was using pins after creating the bun to pull it closer to the head, so it looked more styled rather than 'stuck on'.

There was a competition on the night to win this rather gorgeous (and suitably regal) tiara.... I didn't win! The prize went to Llymlrs who created a gorgeous up-do, but with her own twist on it.

Below are a few more snaps from the evening so you can see the finished result....

Me and Lina (from Make Up to Make Out) checking out our Royal Rebel Rolls...

Before and after!

It's worth a mention that the package at the salon if you want to get the Royal treatment is a little different to how I experienced it on the night. At the salon you can book in for the 'Great British Blow-dry' package, including: a blow-dry (choosing one of the royal-inspired looks) where you will be taken care of by one of the fab stylists plus you will recieve a manicure...all the while enjoying refreshments of Pimms, scones, London-themed biscuits and of course, English tea. To give it the overall British feel.

The Great British Blow-Dry costs £100 for more information please see www.johansford.com

I was a guest at the above event.

Stila 'in the light' palette

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Tue, 29 May 2012 07:30:00 +0000

I do love a nude palette - if you read this blog regularly, you will know that nude eyeshadow shades really are my favourites and it's fairly rare for me to branch outside of nudes for an make-up look I try. This new Stila 'in the light' palette is an interesting set of nudes - mixing in both matte and shimmer shades, plus a mixture of warm and cool shades. All housed in a slim and light weight palette - without a mirror, but that doesn't bother me. I'd rather have a light palette than one with a chunky mirror.

So here are a few snaps to take a closer look at the palette and the shades.

Top line L-R: Bare, Kitten, Bliss, Sunset, Sandstone

Bottom Line L-R: Bubbly, Gilded Gold, Luster, Night Sky, Ebony

Smudge Stick in Damsel

I've actually surprised myself with my favourite shades - on first look I thought my most-loved would be kitten. But I'm actually loving Bare - the pale, matte shade. Really simple, I've been wearing this as part of a no make-up, make-up look - so it looks like I'm not wearing any. But the pale shade manages to brighten up the lid, leaving it looking fresh and me wide awake.

I am also loving Kitten of course - and Sunset - a gorgeous warm shimmering bronzey/brown that I find really compliments by blue eyes. Luster, Night Sky and Ebony are also gorgeous cooler shades for dramatic smokey eye.

The other thing I'm loving about this palette is the smudge stick liner in 'Damsel' - a very deep brown, almost black shade. It's gorgeous for making an eye more smokey and dramatic.

Let me know what you're thinking of this palette... I might just have a special little surprise for you later this week!

The Stila 'in the light' palette is available for £25 (free delivery) feelunique.com

PR sample.

Essie Cute as a Button: NOTD

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Mon, 28 May 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Last week I welcomed in the much-needed heat wave in London with a suitably sunny manicure - using Essie Cute as a Button. Using my much loved nail favourites...

The thing I love the most about Cute as a button is that it manages to be a lovely mixture between a soft and pinky shade at the same time as a bright hot coral-red...if that makes sense!? Basically it's gorgeous and could be my new favourite Summer shade.

This is one of the new Essie diffusion range in Superdrug and the formula is flawless, two coats for perfection thanks to a nice fat brush. Happy days.

Another little cheesy touch to my manicure, I realised it matched perfectly with my jumper dress from Mango...that's a lovely bright neon stripe (and a bargain at £9.99) that I was technically wearing as a top rather than as a dress.

Essie is available for £7.99 from Superdrug (currently 3 for 2)

Bought by me!

Ytsara Massage at The Peak Health Club: Review

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Mon, 28 May 2012 07:30:00 +0000

Pre-holiday I was very lucky to be invited to The Peak Health Club to review the Ytsara Massage. The Peak Healthy club is in the middle of Knightsbridge -just a stones throw away from Harrods and fairly close to Knightsbridge tube station.

From the picture below, you can see the large windows at the top of the hotel - this is the setting for the gym and entrance to the spa. I was shown around this area and have to say, the views are spectacular.

I was then led to the quiet and peaceful treatment room where I was given some herbal tea and allowed to get ready. Even as someone who doesn't drink tea - this was a nice and relaxing way to start the treatment.

The Ytsara Massage includes a range of treatments - I went for the full body treatment 'Nuat Namman Body Oil Treatment'. This uses a combination of a herbal pumice (a warm ball of herbs that's used to massage the skin) and oils to massage and soften the skin. With the general result of me being totally blissed out and left with beautifully soft skin.

The massage was adapted to my requirements (heavy on the neck and shoulder areas where I hold all my tension, more gentle elsewhere) which I like -it's good to know the treatment can be adapted to suit your needs, so you don't leave still feeling tense or like the massage is only half done.

To me, the main test of a good massage is if I feel totally exhausted afterwards - this means I've completely wound down and just want to sleep! So this was truly a good massage, I was definitely ready to sleep after this one! I didn't feel rushed or on a schedule at any point during the treatment - even after it started late due to a bit of a mix up over the bookings, the treatment was still for the full hour and half allowed for it - which I appreciated. As I've been in places before where they cut the time or make you feel rushed.

Overall, The Peak Health Club is a little oasis in London - just entering the hotel you feel like you have left London for another far more exotic country. The setting is peaceful and the staff are attentive and very knowledgeable - happy to talk you through the treatment in more detail if you like.

For more information please see the website.

I was a guest of The Peak Health Club.

MAC Bafta Red Carpet Looks

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Sun, 27 May 2012 16:03:00 +0000

So, tonight is the BAFTA's so I thought now would be perfect timing to tell you about the MAC Masterclass I recently went along to. The class was all about red-carpet ready make-up and creating that flawless for the paparazzi look.

Now, I don't think I'm walking any red carpets any time soon, but knowing how to create a make-up look that looks flawless in any light and lasts all day is pretty high on my list of make-up wishes. So here's a little run down of the two looks created by Cher Web - Senior Make Up artist for the brand.

The first look is a classic neutral, but glam and fresh look - with a flawless base at the core. Plus key products of Paint Pot in Groundwork on the eyes - for a natural looking bit of definition and lustre drops for a glow that's totally camera ready, with an added fresh-looking flush thanks to 'Something Special' cream blush - which I recently bought too, and love. Plus in the first photo you can catch a glimpse of an amazing concealer palette that's due out later this year.

Rather than start from scratch, for the second look Cher used the first look as the base for the second, stronger look. With the main feature of the look being a strong orange-based lip using 'Good to Go' long wear lip cream. Plus false lashes and a dark-rimmed eye - breaking all the old-school rules of only featuring eyes or lips, not both. I loved how this looked so strong, but modern with the nude, Grecian style dress and the model's colouring - it made the lips and eyes really stand out against the simplicity of the dress.

Which of the finished looks do you prefer, the neutral glowing look or the stronger orange-based red lips look? Overall I think I'm loving the neutral look the best - it is on the 'safer' side, but if it was me walking the red carpet (ha!) I'd want something classic, with a glow in the right places (and matte in others). But the orange lip with dramatic eyes does look stunning - especially with a simple dress!

MAC is the official make-up sponsor of the BAFTA's this year. The awards are taking place this evening (Sunday 27/05/12)

MAC Hey, Sailor! 'Fleet Fast' blusher

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Fri, 25 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Another little recent purchase... from the MAC Hey, Sailor! collection. This is one of those MAC collection that actually has special packaging to lure you in and purchase... there's also a gorgeous face powder with embossed coloured lines that I was very tempted by, but decided against it as I really don't need another face/radiance powder...(clearly needed another blusher though)

So I picked up 'Fleet Fast' blusher - a pink, with a coral-ish tone to it, with a satin finish for a bit of a healthy sheen/glow. I love a coral-ish blusher and this shade is one I definitely don't have, as on the skin the pinky shade comes through stronger than it looks in the pan.

The colour is a warmer colour on the skin than it looks in the pan - with the pink coming through stronger than the peachy shade. It's pigmented, but not *too* pigmented - it's buildable, so you can adapt to suit your skin tone. I think that this shade would really suit all skin tones - user heavier on darker skin tones or sheerer for the paler ones of us! I like how it has the satin sheen, for a subtle glow.

What do you think - anything tickle your fancy from the Hey, Sailor! collection??

More info: MAC website

Bought by me.

New H&M cuff & Nails Inc Haymarket

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Fri, 25 May 2012 07:30:00 +0000

This is another little recent purchase that I wanted to do a little blog about - I bought this last week and have worn it pretty much every day since. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was for me. Anyone who knows me, knows I have a major obsession with the colour turquoise... so it was a bit of a no brainer.

Its a definite statement piece, it's big and bright and gorgeous for the sudden heat wave. Best thing of all - it's was from H&M, so cheap too. It was either £4.99 or £5.99 - bargain!

It also matches Nails Inc. Haymarket nail varnish perfectly...which is the colour I've been wearing today (which I managed to apply - top coat and all - on the bus on the way to work... with less smudges than I manage when stationary!?)

Nails Inc - PR sample. Cuff - bought by me.

Glossybox May

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Thu, 24 May 2012 19:49:00 +0000

Happy first birthday to Glossybox! I can't believe it's been a whole year of monthly beauty goodies!

Heres a few pics to see what I received in my May Glossybox. Overall, its a nice box but none of the items really excited or wowed me so far this month. My favourite has to be the Noble Isle 'Summer Rising' shower and bath gel - that smells amazing. I'm also looking forward to giving the Uniq '1' multi-functioning hair product a proper test.

The other products I received are a (I think) body lotion from - it smells nice, but I say I think as the packaging is in German so I know it's either a body lotion or a cleanser from the handy little Glossybox leaflet, but I'm not 100% which it is as for texture, it could be either?!

There are two perfume samples which do smell nice (my fave is the Si Lolita one) and some false lashes. The lashes are a bit on the dramatic side for my taste but will hold on to them for a night out. There's also a little Glossybox mirror and a birthday balloon! The mirror will come in very handy.

For me, this wasn't the most exciting box I've received - but I feel that's the nature of these type of sample delivery services. You win some, you loose some!

PR sample.

Jo Malone Sloane Street

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Thu, 24 May 2012 06:34:00 +0000

Look at the gorgeous display Jo Malone have fitted their Sloane Street boutique with to celebrate this year's Chelsea in Bloom!

So very British and just standing outside the store made me feel like a borrower (teeny person!) - surrounded by the tumbling flowers extending out into the street and the giant trowel. I love it - really makes you stop and take another look!

Just to give you a better look - here's a professional photo version of the shop window!

I hope this becomes a trend - with more shops being this level of creative with their window displays!

New Zara Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Wed, 23 May 2012 08:30:00 +0000

So on Friday I made a little trip to Zara, with the grey/rose gold satchel type bag that every blogger and their bff has at the moment...of course part of it came down to being suckered in by the hype, part of it was just that it's a genuinely good daytime bag (and only twenty quid!).

But in the end I decided against it - something about the long thin strap (and my tendency to over stuff bags) just screamed 'it will break' to me. So instead I left with a collar necklace (can be seen wearing it in this post) that promptly decided to break on first wear - not impressed. So I took it back, planning to get a refund until I spotted this baby...

As soon as I saw it, I knew I was going to buy it - the combination of tan (with a pinky tone to it) and rose gold detailing meant it had the appeal of the other bag, but this one had the longer handle (that feels more secure than on the other bag) and the side handles, so can be worn different ways. It was £10 more than the other bag, but still a good price at £29.99...

I love it - the size and style, the fact it has a zip fastening and the inside pockets (there's a zipped section plus pouches for phone/oyster card etc. The colour will go with pretty much anything, but it light enough to feel summery too and the rose gold details I just love.

On the website it's described as a 'Soft Bowling Bag', but to me the shape isn't anything like a bowling bag... bowling bags were made to carry bowling balls - this is tall and thin... but whatever. I've included a link below to this bag and also one to the bag I was talking about at the start!

This bag: here

The other bag: here

What do you think?? Zara on to another winner!?

Bought by me.

Nails inc for InStyle 'bluebell'

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Wed, 23 May 2012 07:30:00 +0000

I recently picked up Nails inc for InStyle 'Bluebell' that's available free with InStyle magazine this month and it's instant love... It's a blue with just a gorgeous lilac tint to it. It's a definite contender for one of my all time favourite polishes. It's gorgeous.

In addition to being a beautiful shade, especially for spring - it also applied like a dream, two coats plus my favourite Nails Inc top coat to give it a super glossy finish.

I love this shade so much I am seriously considering picking up a back up...plus I kinda want the other shades available with the mag... Looks like I'll be doing my bit of recycling this month!

Have you picked up any of the free shades this month? Which ones and what do you think?

Bought by me.

Best fake tan for quick results: Sienna X

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Tue, 22 May 2012 07:30:00 +0000

So this weekend I met Kim Kardashian... which was awesome, but a beauty nightmare. How can I stand next to a woman who's entire career is based on being gorgeous without a bit of a last moment panic...! So number one on my list was getting my fake tan on... and fast. Because in typical style I'd left it to the last min.

Cue tanners which promise fast results... I needed something with a max of two hour developing time before I had to wash it off and get out the door. So I pulled out my fake-tan stash and got reading, which promised the quickest - Sienna X.

Sienna X has recently had a bit of a make-over, and to be honest I don't love the new style packaging. I actually feel it looks more old fashioned than the previous packaging/branding (which I wrote about here) but meh, packaging isn't everything!

Performance wise, I can't fault it. I used the scrub on dry skin, then showered off before applying the Express Tanning Mist - I spray straight to skin and then buffed into skin with a mitt, let it dry/develop over two hours then washed off using the Balance Body Wash.

Results wise, I'm really happy - you can see my tan on the day on my Kim Kardashian post to see what you think of the shade. I genuinely couldn't find a fault - I can normally be relied upon to find some sort of tanning-fail, usually on the feet or hands... but nope, this worked well all over! Top marks Sienna X!

So if you're looking for a tan with fast results - I can totally recommend Sienna X.

Sienna X is available from wantthelook.com

PR sample.

Recent purchases: Essie

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Mon, 21 May 2012 07:30:00 +0000

The Essie diffusion line recently hit the shelves at Boots and Superdrug and I couldn't be happier, Essie is definitely one of my absolute favourite nail brands. The combination of shade range, quality, names of the polishes and the style of the bottle just works. Plus, even better than being on sale in Superdrug/Boots - they're on 3 for 2 in Superdrug... cue spending spree.

I picked up two colour polishes and a new nourishing base coat. The colours I chose are Masterplan and Cure as a Button. I do love a good murky grey and I've wanted Cute as a Button (which looks brighter red than it is in real life here - it's a bright coral-ish pink) for ages - I also wanted to pick up Lilacism, but it was out of stock. I spotted it in stock in Boots the following day, but decided against buying there as they didn't have the same promotion going on. But they have stock on line, so tempted to order - but then worried I'll exhaust my picks from the range we have here...so I'm hoping there will be new shades released too!

Have you picked up any of the diffusion line Essie yet? Is so....what shades? Go on...tempt me!

Essie is available online from Superdrug (£7.99)

Bought by me.

Lily Cole for The Body Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Sun, 20 May 2012 12:55:00 +0000

Lily Cole has teamed up with The Body Shop to launch a Limited Edition cruelty-free make-up collection. The range contains no animal products and have never been tested on animals. But of course cruelty free/ethical cosmetics doesn't mean it's missing anything in innovation or gorgeous colours! The two stand-outs from the collection for me are the shimmer cube and the lip/cheek domes.

I love the combination of shades in the shimmer cube and how they each pop out in their own little plastic cubes, should you only want to carry one or two with you, you can - without mess. I actually used these a little like a snooker cube to swatch...using the cube to directly swatch to my skin. Although using this on the eyes you wouldn't do it like that.

The four shades are unusual but they really work - you could use the lilac and the peachy pink for day and the bronzy pink and dark brown for night, or any combination you like really... no rules and all that. Colour wise, there's no glitter at all - just shimmer.

The lip and cheek dome is another interesting product - a light gel, that can be used on both lips or cheeks (as it says on the product...) it's a very sheer product, for the swatch I had to swipe it a few times, but it can be built for a stronger colour. I like how sheer it is - it's a lovely fresh cheek colour for a light weight summer shade. It's also available in a coral/orange shade too.

If you like the look of the collection then make sure you head to check it out soon as the products are Limited Edition, available from The Body Shop.

Lip and Cheek Dome £10

Shimmer Cube Quad £16

PR samples.

Kim Kardashian True Reflection Launch

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Sat, 19 May 2012 18:40:00 +0000

On Friday evening I went along to the rather flashy Rose Club to see Kim Kardashian launch the latest in her fragrance range 'True Reflection'. I was a bit fan-girl excited about this for a few reasons - firstly, having been invited to the previous launch but not able to make it I really wanted to be there and secondly, E! would be filming the whole thing.

E! has been my guilty pleasure since I discovered the channel when I was living in America - as sad as this sounds, but the fact that I could potentially be a face in the background of one of my favourite shows was a little bit exciting too.

Overall, I'm really not all that fussed about celebrities - but there's something about the Kardashian clan phenomenon that I love. I guess it's just watching them makes you almost think you know them or something!? Anyway, enough about the K-klan...on to the launch!

In typical fashion my camera died the moment Kim walked into the room - so a big thank you to Laura from Belles Boutique for sharing her fab pictures from the night with me!

Kim and Jonathan Cheban

Kim looked flawless, as I expected she would. Make-up wise, she's definitely not a fan of the natural look, but she looked gorgeous. She wore a fitted lace overlay dress with red skirt detail and sheer lace top. She's pretty tiny too - well, she's about my height, maybe slightly smaller as we were both wearing heels.

Wish I'd been looking in the right direction for this!

Looking the right way, but not the greatest shot!

After a bit of a wait and some build up Kim came in and said a few words about her new fragrance - which she describes as "Having a bit of a twist compared to her previous scents". There was also a pretty impressive modern ballet performance as the finale of the event (hence the snap of the ballet dancer...)

It's an oriental fragrance that break down into:

Head Notes:

Italian bergamot, luscious plus and succulent peach.

Heart Notes:

Night blooming gardenia (a theme across her fragrances), chocolate orchid and lotus flower.

Base Notes:

Textured woods, patchouli and musk.

It's a very night-time, sexy scent - the sort of thing you can definitely imagine Kim wearing it. It's not my personal choice of fragrance - although I do really like her original fragrance. If you like sexy orientals, then do check it out.

'True Reflection' is £30 for 50ml and exclusive to Debenhams until June when it launches nationwide.

PR sample.

Lilac nails: 2True shade 50

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Sat, 19 May 2012 15:25:00 +0000

Another day, another nail of the day - this one's a cheap and cheerful colour from 2true that costs a tiny £1.99 and overall I'm really impressed with the quality.

Lilac nail colours have to be one of my favourite nail shades and this one is a pretty, middle of the road lilac - not too pink, not too blue. The more unique thing about this is that is has a distinct silver shimmer running through it, giving it an almost-glitter like appearance.

This is two coats, with my nail favourites as base and top coat - it lasted well, I kept it on for two days and removed as wanted a change rather than because it was needed...always the way with me - always want a new colour!

2true is available on line from Superdrug.

PR sample.

Favourite nail essentials

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Fri, 18 May 2012 07:30:00 +0000

These two little bottles of nail happiness are my recent go-to nail essentials products for all my manicure needs.

Orly Bonder is my current favourite base coat for a few simple reasons, it's cheap (£5 a bottle), it stops my nails from staining and it keeps polish in place. Simple - it really does the essential jobs of a decent base coat.

Nails Inc Kensington Top Coat is another total winner for me - to be totally honest, when I first saw this I didn't expect miracles and I have no idea why that is - there's no reason why not to thing Nails Inc would deliver a good nail basic. Best thing about the top coat is that it dries super fast, to a totally dry finish - not one that leaves fabric prints on the nails after late-night painting sessions.

So these two are my current go-to products for whatever my nail colour is.

Nails Inc = PR sample. Orly Bonder, bought by me.

No7 Beautiful Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Thu, 17 May 2012 07:30:00 +0000

So, No7 - the classic Boots brand recently gave its skincare line a bit of a refresh. This meant making it feel more streamlined, with skincare ranges clearly designed for different skin types/ages so you can find the right products for you - whilst keeping things simple.

I'm overall a big fan of No7 - the brand has some fantastic products and I have many a time before sung the praises of their eye make-up remover. It's been my go-to product for ages and the number one thing I stock up on when those £5 vouchers are available. In fact, on a recent clear out I found around three brand new bottles of the stuff, which is roughly a years supply at the rate I currently go through them. Safe to say, I am well stocked.

So my love for the eye make-up remover aside (more on that shortly) I have also been using the Beautiful Skin Melting Gel Cleanser for Normal/Dry Skin and the Beautiful Skin Day Cream for Normal/Dry skin (SPF 15).

Of the two products I am absolutely loving the Melting Gel Cleanser - it's perfect for anyone who wants to try an oil cleanser, but is a bit scare of the idea of slapping oil on the face. This is a thicker texture than oil (a gel...duh) but it really does melt into the skin and then when you apply the water it emulsifies - and rinses off, taking the day of make-up with it.

The Day Cream is nice, but hard to find much to say about really - to be honest. It's a solid product, does a decent job with no revolutionary results to be said yet, my skin does feel nicely hydrated but not greasy. It doesn't smell offensive (or of anything really) and it does the job. Downsides to this product though - I wish it came in a tube rather than a pot and I wish it was SPF30 rather than 15. But that's just me being fussy with my skincare.

Now, back to the eye make-up remover. In the refresh I feel Boots have made a bit of an error - not in the formula, that's a good as it's always been. But the new packaging is a bit of a let down - they have removed the old pump style dispenser (as you can see the new and the old next to each other above), leaving the product with just a lid that screws on and off. Of course this isn't the end of the world - but to me it's that little bit less convenient, which makes the product loose a bit of it's sparkle in my eyes - and that's coming from someone who has a years supply stashed away.

I really wish they had kept the pump dispenser as part of the packaging style. It's probably just clumsy me worried I might knock it over and have a blue-oily-liquid disaster one day... but still, it's the little things that make a product and the pump dispenser was that for me (so much so that I'm keeping my old bottle and dispensing the product into it)

So my overall view of the refreshed range - of course I haven't tried it all, but I like how they're streamlining things to keep it as fuss free as possible and I'm loving the melting gel cleanser. It's nice to see a mainstream range launching a more unusual texture cleanser. Definitely recommend trying this one.

If you have tried any of the range let me know what you think in the comments below.

For more on the Beautiful Skin range visit Boots.com

*Cleanser and moisturiser PR samples. Eye make-up remover purchased by me.

Models Own Indian Ocean

noreply@blogger.com (Beautyjunkielondon) — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:27:00 +0000

Last year the launch of the Models Own Beetlejuice collection caused quite a stir in the beauty blog world... I do love a good duo-chrome polish, they turn me into a bit of a magpie with their pretty sparkly colourful-ness. Then this year the brand added three new polishes to the collection - of which only one was really a stand out for me, Indian Ocean. It's a stunner.

The other two, 'Tropical Sun' and 'Copper Pot' are nice, but to me - not really on the same duo-chrome level as Indian Ocean. In the promo picture (below) they looked far more duo-chrome then they are in real life.

L-R: Tropical Sun, Copper Pot, Indian Ocean

L-R: Copper pot, Tropical Sun, Indian Ocean

I teamed it with a base of No7 Stay Perfect in 'Minty Fresh'

With Flash

I tried to capture the gorgeous pinky shimmer, but it wasn't easy - the picture with flash is the closest I could get. But this really is a gorgeous polish - in different lights you can see the different shades, sometimes its the fresh blue shade (boosted by the base colour) and in others you can see a silvery shimmer with flecks of pinky/purple and in others the pinky purple shimmer really shows.

This is the closest I've seen to a polish I'd describe as 'Sky Blue Pink' - the colours the sky goes when the sun is setting and it's a bit rosey, but still blue? That might not make total sense to all...

Of the three new shades in the collection, to be this one is a must have.

Models Own polishes are £5 and available from Boots.com

PR sample.