tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17169178443847368732024-03-14T14:56:58.418+00:00Glamouredbewitched by make-upClairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-28005012465307805612011-01-24T20:47:00.000+00:002011-01-24T20:47:15.472+00:00New blogI've started a new blog which I'm intending to use as a place to talk about my new plans for life since my husband died. I'm sure there will be make-up too, as that features quite heavily in my new plans. If you fancy taking a look, it's<a href="http://lifesplosion.blogspot.com/" linkindex="19"> here.</a>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-52622887606902451332010-08-27T15:05:00.000+01:002010-08-27T15:05:55.429+01:00One day at a timeI started my blog at the beginning of the year in order to have something enjoyable to do while I was going through some very difficult times at home. In June 2008 my husband was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour. He received aggressive treatment and stayed strong and independent for as long as he possibly could. At the end of April his condition worsened and he was admitted to hospital. He improved enough to come home to die, which had always been his wish. With huge and fantastic support from the NHS and local hospice, I cared for him at home until he passed away on June 22nd, aged just 39.<br />
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Writing about make-up on here was a normalising activity for me and allowed me a bit of a release and escapism. It's still something I love and so I hope to return to blogging soon, if anyone is still reading - and probably even if they're not!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-84995398619693170732010-04-24T12:18:00.000+01:002010-04-24T12:18:15.948+01:00Saving faceI've used a moisturiser with an SPF 15 or above since I was about 14 years old. I have very fair skin with freckles that tends to burn easily and I like to feel protected year round. Once the sun comes out in England I up the protection factor with a separate sunscreen.<br />
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I used to use Clarins SPF 40 UV Plus Dayscreen, which was quite nice but at £28 for 30ml, it didn't really inspire me to apply as liberally as you should with a sunscreen. I've also used Clinique Cityblock before, both the tinted and colour free versions, but found I did not really like the texture.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkus00W6osPOkdJ6pEC5UjeFLSJWerxv1ML1b4vkdxQKUpud511g5Hznnul8cfcNmraVT4ZBra1oeRb7hfJ1Z5ArzP-qhr9UacL60Lua1Ky_Ewt62c0v8G7NwGjG7zcP3lRyWnotRdQh5w/s1600/la-roche-posay-anthelios-fluide-extreme-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="561" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkus00W6osPOkdJ6pEC5UjeFLSJWerxv1ML1b4vkdxQKUpud511g5Hznnul8cfcNmraVT4ZBra1oeRb7hfJ1Z5ArzP-qhr9UacL60Lua1Ky_Ewt62c0v8G7NwGjG7zcP3lRyWnotRdQh5w/s200/la-roche-posay-anthelios-fluide-extreme-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This year I've discovered what is fast becoming my perfect product - La Roche-Posay Anthelios Extreme Face Fluid SPF 50. I know the name doesn't exactly trip off the tongue and the idea of an 'extreme face fluid' is mildly amusing to me, but it's a really good product.<br />
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The bottle contains 50ml and the product is formulated for sensitive skin that may be oil prone, which mine tends to be during the summer months. The fluid is lightweight and quite runny and absorbs quickly and easily into the skin. There is no white cast and it feels quite hydrating to me. My make-up applies well over the top and it does not seem to increase oiliness, in fact I'm finding it works quite well as a primer.<br />
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Regarding the sun protection qualities it provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection due to containing Mexoryl SX and XL filters. It's also non comedogenic and paraben free, according to my bottle.<br />
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La Roche-Posay is now available on <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/LA-ROCHE-POSAY-ANTHELIOS-Extreme-Face-Fluid-SPF-50-50ML_866323/" linkindex="562">Boots.com</a> although this product is currently sold out. I bought mine for about 12 euro from <a href="http://pharmadiscount.com/" linkindex="563">Pharmadiscount.com</a> where I also buy Bioderma Crealine cleanser and Embryolisse moisturiser.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-12714414495660785412010-04-22T14:36:00.002+01:002010-04-22T17:22:43.466+01:00Let there be lightAfter being ill and not sleeping well for a while, I've been steering clear of any darker eyeshadows or anything with a blue or purple undertone as they just enhance the existing darkness around my tired and squinty eyes.<br />
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Whilst rooting through my shadow collection the other day to find something that would give me a quick wash of colour, I pulled out one of my MAC palettes and remembered an old favourite - Jest.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOJ_i8Hp-3vW8rn__HbFY0pLibtS8V0_jpR7AqpAqkWB3CZ1KN_RPvCs5aEdLAVUJujc6e3yY7X24sJ1TtA78PR7jtN26IlJvfV0d8f6869tI7IOD_eCgtjE9oRumw_RYhw96PJ0KHvU7/s1600/jest2" imageanchor="1" linkindex="18" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOJ_i8Hp-3vW8rn__HbFY0pLibtS8V0_jpR7AqpAqkWB3CZ1KN_RPvCs5aEdLAVUJujc6e3yY7X24sJ1TtA78PR7jtN26IlJvfV0d8f6869tI7IOD_eCgtjE9oRumw_RYhw96PJ0KHvU7/s320/jest2" /></a></div><br />
I bought several peachy, shimmery neutrals from MAC a while ago and I remember reading loads in the blogosphere about All that Glitters and Naked Lunch but I'd never read any raves about Jest. It's a frost finish, which I don't normally like very much, but the description of soft peach with an icy shimmer piqued my interest. I ordered it thinking it sounded like a nice neutral and was amazed when I swatched it for the first time. <br />
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For me, this shadow applies like butter and is the perfect wash of colour. It lightens and brightens in a subtle and pretty way and the peachiness brings out the blue of my eyes. It looks great on its own with mascara but equally fab with darker shadows blended into the crease such as Woodwinked. On my post illness eyelids it worked wonders - it's particulaly effective on the inner corners for a soft highlight if you're a bit tired.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbnauhIl57nanw4r7AckCt9bg9-3pT7RLY5SXu_mu1UMguvCp8ycCJRBBXjjfJegzrnSW97Yg59grgSZJG-v6E6Kyc6FfrJz6U80ZZP3CRX9XKFk95c6jaqRjM_tZZhsqvUxoHNSp9yrZ/s1600/jest+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="19" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbnauhIl57nanw4r7AckCt9bg9-3pT7RLY5SXu_mu1UMguvCp8ycCJRBBXjjfJegzrnSW97Yg59grgSZJG-v6E6Kyc6FfrJz6U80ZZP3CRX9XKFk95c6jaqRjM_tZZhsqvUxoHNSp9yrZ/s320/jest+collage.jpg" /></a></div><br />
As you can see, you get a soft, sheeny reflection of light at one angle, and the deeper peachiness comes out at another angle. Like an idiot I forgot to take a photo of it actually on my eyelid, but rest assured it was the perfect choice to help me in my quest to look human again. I think this shadow would suit a lot of different skintones and I'd love to know if anyone else rates it highly too.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-28834937180410228732010-04-18T15:33:00.001+01:002010-04-18T16:13:53.997+01:00Glitter and smells in the pipelineHurrah - I no longer feel like the grotesque lead role in a horror film. Unfortunately, I still look a bit like one so there are no pictures of my face for a few days. I bet you're gutted, aren't you.<br />
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If there's one thing that's good about having to lie in bed for four days, it's the combined joys of owning a laptop and the existence of internet shopping. Instead of being at work, I could spend hours perusing various beauty websites and reaching for my credit card in between bouts of hacking coughing or feverish sleep. I can also blame any shopping excesses on a drug-induced delirium. Sorted.<br />
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A package that I ordered pre-illness arrived on Thursday to bolster my spirits. It contained more mini shadows and lip lustres from my new love Fyrinnae:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAS4NbnVeHmQ2KvIs-YLfytxTUbGudc8CXbcGWZ2O-X2jJ-YJgqmBsYsqH5kR1h-dQwODBbno5GzGgrnqQldD-3aKtdT6-_E9U9ii5J3XMqPQ4TXrwHb4FJbXLKHCXK8X0EV9C_vGargBf/s1600/morefyrinnae.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAS4NbnVeHmQ2KvIs-YLfytxTUbGudc8CXbcGWZ2O-X2jJ-YJgqmBsYsqH5kR1h-dQwODBbno5GzGgrnqQldD-3aKtdT6-_E9U9ii5J3XMqPQ4TXrwHb4FJbXLKHCXK8X0EV9C_vGargBf/s400/morefyrinnae.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I got more Arcane Magics, a few brights and some neutrals to try out. I will be back with more FOTDs in the next few weeks. From my sick bed, I placed a new Julie Hewett order which includes my first custom palette selection, so I'm looking forward to seeing if the colour representations on the website are accurate.<br />
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I also ordered and received (very quickly) a number of samples from <a href="http://www.luckyscent.com/" linkindex="21">Lucky Scent</a>, a US-based website for hard to find fragrances. I'm increasingly intrigued by more unusual fragrances and I also want to find my perfect 'earthy' scent that captures damp cellars and loamy earth but in a non hideous way. Here is what I got samples of, including a short description from the website:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUGIU3diZTV2zry5-yvOuAT1O_2QAe7sapdZoIYkuOxXFOsxeQQDyXzdgVApQLObdl21Owr4LK3up1GHYApL8_NtLBqmKPlxUR3rJM9VIuz2RLTQlwUw38bFmnNAJBH8vE8NBOVY3brYs/s1600/perfumetest.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="22" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUGIU3diZTV2zry5-yvOuAT1O_2QAe7sapdZoIYkuOxXFOsxeQQDyXzdgVApQLObdl21Owr4LK3up1GHYApL8_NtLBqmKPlxUR3rJM9VIuz2RLTQlwUw38bFmnNAJBH8vE8NBOVY3brYs/s320/perfumetest.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Boudicca - Wode</span></b><br />
a play of dark and light - soft musk and dry spice and brooding black hemlock. A stroll in the woods becomes a trek through a primeval forest with a few glowing yellow eyes peering at you from the shadows.<b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: small;">Profumum - Thundra</span></b><br />
A solitary walk through a cool, damp forest, just after the rain. You can smell the rich earth as it drinks in the water, the bark on the trees, the carpet of fallen leaves and wild mint crushed under your feet.<b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: small;">Profumum - Fumidus</span></b><br />
The smokiness of aged Laphroaig scotch served neat, It is also earthy – the earthiness of rich, freshly tilled land surrounded by uncut forest.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Pr<span style="font-size: small;">ofumum - Oxiana</span></b> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">a union between the more Western cleanness of musk infused by a fresh oceanic accord joining with the earthier and slightly sweet balsamic accords from the East.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Hilde Soliani - Fraaagola Saalaaata</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: small;">With notes of strawberries and salt, this is a </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: small;">unique mixture of pulpy, juicy, fruity innocence and strangely saline, at times almost earthy sensuality.<b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Montale - Patchouli Leaves</b></span><br />
These are patchouli leaves wrapped in the softest and the most expensive of cashmeres, brought in oak trunks from exotic faraway lands<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Montale - Fougeres Marine</b></span><br />
The creators take fern out of its traditional foresty context and place it by the sea, thus achieving a quality that is simultaneously fresh, green and earthy.<b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: small;">Parfumerie Generale - Private Collection: L'Oiseau de Nuit</span></b><br />
this is a complex and modern salute to leather. Very sweet and earthy all at once, L’oiseau makes your eyes glaze over and your jaw tighten with the need to get as close to it as possible.<br />
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I'll be testing these over the next couple of weeks, so let me know if anyone has any requests for what gets reviewed first.<br />
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I'd really recommend a look at the Lucky Scent <a href="http://www.luckyscent.com/" linkindex="23">website</a> as the scent descriptions alone are amazing. The samples I bought were $3-$4 each and postage was a flat $5 and they arrived well packaged and within a week.<br />
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One fragrance I really wanted to try - but they had no samples of - was CB I Hate Perfume Black March. The 'nose' behind this line is the same person that created the Demeter line of unusual fragrances, of which Dirt and Thunderstorm are some of my all time favourites. I've seen Black March described as 'Dirt in HD', so it sounds like perfection to me. The perfume notes are listed as: 'rain drops, leaf buds, wet twigs, tree sap, bark, mossy earth and the faintest hint of spring flower bulbs'. How can I resist that?! Fortunately, this range is stocked at Liberty, so I think I will be making a fragrance pilgrimage in the not too distant future.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-50182113442215088252010-04-16T13:01:00.000+01:002010-04-16T13:01:49.545+01:00Glamour free zoneThough I remain beauty obsessed in spirit, I'm afraid the body is not willing this week. Thanks to a hideous throat infection and four days in bed, I currently look a lot like this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsIiNImzI3PYzMt-zN3qho6Dj_6VNkXaJOFnD-5_wqvDU2iDU2FMnR5u9Fs6r9HVXq6NkBDkm1dGEbPrRFP3QZmtbOi3sRBj0BZlSTAUsOiUZr8NnVk0TZ93ByTQqgYFqf9u6ImPeRIpj/s1600/ill.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="117" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsIiNImzI3PYzMt-zN3qho6Dj_6VNkXaJOFnD-5_wqvDU2iDU2FMnR5u9Fs6r9HVXq6NkBDkm1dGEbPrRFP3QZmtbOi3sRBj0BZlSTAUsOiUZr8NnVk0TZ93ByTQqgYFqf9u6ImPeRIpj/s200/ill.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
The most I have been able to manage is showers and the occasional swipe of my clammy face with one of these:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidc9WAHF1UmBpWDp2SXrkMx7O5xkzNn7RohcAF2v4ptynZkxtnkKICusQ9t_le6VyQJ-sQczvwnTwK1sR-cWkN9lj2QhAmG1fkx86luTU8bbOp3I9f_TG-Ch1gYZau8lZhffOBGfhlcu51/s1600/Boots-Cucumber-Wipes.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="118" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidc9WAHF1UmBpWDp2SXrkMx7O5xkzNn7RohcAF2v4ptynZkxtnkKICusQ9t_le6VyQJ-sQczvwnTwK1sR-cWkN9lj2QhAmG1fkx86luTU8bbOp3I9f_TG-Ch1gYZau8lZhffOBGfhlcu51/s320/Boots-Cucumber-Wipes.jpg" /></a></div>Normal service will resume when I look less like a reject from Jim Henson's Creature Shop.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-24947772627790008542010-04-11T18:14:00.000+01:002010-04-11T18:14:50.224+01:00Summer scrubbin'I've <a href="http://beglamoured.blogspot.com/2010/02/strange-and-beautiful.html" linkindex="142">written before</a> about my love for Villainess products. I really like all the Smooches I've tried, with the scrubby, earthy smelling Grundy being my favourite. I recently ran out of Grundy so I investigated my stash for something else to use in the shower. I decided to give the Paradise Misplaced Smooch a go which, unlike Grundy, is described as a body conditioner rather than a scrub.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPWLvFGzKr28mQaQ-_0c7aOadNf0InwBeZpB37XGR9E7sr5nd5kq8gQ2mM2shZeHvA9b3hQ_h0VSjlj06m0RnzUqP8lUmQhLjdtxWGXrEcS6qYeLedNPzRDpI0gK1QRJbu-nfrXqZnDkB/s1600/villainesspm.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="143" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPWLvFGzKr28mQaQ-_0c7aOadNf0InwBeZpB37XGR9E7sr5nd5kq8gQ2mM2shZeHvA9b3hQ_h0VSjlj06m0RnzUqP8lUmQhLjdtxWGXrEcS6qYeLedNPzRDpI0gK1QRJbu-nfrXqZnDkB/s400/villainesspm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The scent description is 'sweetly creamed coconut and touches of mango offset by crisp green tea'. As a lover of green tea anything I was hoping this product would be delicately scented, fresh and perfect for spring/summer. Turns out it is just that.<br />
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As this is a body conditioner rather than scrub, it has a very smooth texture. It does exfoliate gently thanks to coconut flakes and green tea flecks. It is quite thick and reminds me of the texture and consistency of goose fat at room temperature (sorry if that's a bit gross). Fortunately that's where the similarity ends.<br />
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You are supposed to apply this over your body in the shower, it then reacts a bit like a facial cleansing oil and emulsifies on contact with water, turning into a silky body treatment. Once I'd rinsed it away, my skin felt very smooth and soft and had a delicate, fresh fragrance which lingers all day. It is so moisturising that there is no need to apply body moisturiser.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfOTJZtncTdx_GTO9JvnePIB49JhFLqPzc5eCtkTr53ftn6FuHRtgW-GcWKKuS5ZGPiKZZ8LOHeVOuXrRthVRP8BJan91VlKnTu-W8MbAJCMkolZDT81D1qc4hyMtvjM8i1NLmzCFBMyk/s1600/villainesspm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="144" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfOTJZtncTdx_GTO9JvnePIB49JhFLqPzc5eCtkTr53ftn6FuHRtgW-GcWKKuS5ZGPiKZZ8LOHeVOuXrRthVRP8BJan91VlKnTu-W8MbAJCMkolZDT81D1qc4hyMtvjM8i1NLmzCFBMyk/s400/villainesspm2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I am planning to stock up on this for the summer. I love that I still smell of green tea and a bit of mango seven or eight hours after showering and the moisturising properties are brilliant thanks to all the coconut oil. I will use this on my legs and feet when I'm in full on bare legs and sandals mode and I think it will help pedicures last a bit longer.<br />
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I really recommend the Villainess line. All the products I've tried so far have been brilliant and the fragrances are really unusual. Even the 'foodie' fragrances have a slight edge and are not just sickly sweet. I've bought all mine from <a href="http://shop.poshbrats.com/index.asp" linkindex="145">Posh Brats</a> which is an excellent site. I recently received a fairly large order which included some Posh Brats own brand products and I'll be reviewing those soon.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-19695436609348522342010-04-09T19:34:00.000+01:002010-04-09T19:34:19.131+01:00FOTD - FyrinnaeI've been trying to work my way through the shadows in my last Fyrinnae order and I've reached the more colourful options now. My workplace is is quite relaxed and rainbow eyes are fine, but I'm not always in the mood for bright shadow application first thing in the morning.<br />
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Today I applied Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place cream shadow in Blue Velvet to the outer third of my eyelid and blended it into the centre to fade. I then tapped a small amount of Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy on top. Once it had gone tacky, I swept Arcane Magic shadow in Faerie Glamour across the lid and drew it under the lower lashline. I then blended Atomic Afterglow shadow into the crease and inner corner to soften the edges of the Faerie Glamour. I love Atomic Afterglow and have ordered the full size in my second Fyrinnae order. It's a lovely silvery taupey shade with a hint of cool green that seems to blend well with any shade or creates a shimmering neutral eye when used alone.<br />
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You can see in the pics that the Estee Lauder Blue Velvet helps intensify and draw out the blue in the Faerie Glamour, which is more violet in appearance towards the inner corner where there was no coloured base. Like all the Arcane Magics, Faerie Glamour changes dependent upon which light it's seen in, with artificial light having the greatest impact.<br />
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The rest of the face was half a pump of Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation, ELF Complexion Perfection powder, Urban Decay Sweetie blush and Fyrinnae Pink Guitar Lip Lustre. It took about ten minutes to do and thanks to the Pixie Epoxy - truly a wonder product - the eyes lasted well all day with no creasing or flaking.<br />
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Apparently, my second Fyrinnae order has shipped so I'm waiting with baited breath for some more Arcanes and Lip Lustres. The pricing on the site has been rejigged recently, but it means the sizes are slightly bigger, which is particularly good for the Arcanes (for an extra few cents, the smallest size is now 1/4tsp where it was previously 1/8tsp).<br />
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I really recommend <a href="http://www.fyrinnae.com/index.php" linkindex="81">Fyrinnae</a>. They clearly post the waiting time for shipments on the home page, but I've never had to wait for the full period. The quality of the products I've tried so far is amazing and there are fun and funky shades alongside more muted naturals. I've never been a fan of loose shadows as I find them too messy but the Pixie Epoxy really helps combat that issue. Also, as a fan of Urban Fantasy I like owning products with names like 'Elven Dagger', 'Warrior-Mage' and 'Druid Werewolf', as if I'm touched by magic as well as make-up.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-38973422998922862572010-04-06T20:32:00.001+01:002010-04-06T20:42:00.981+01:00FOTD and review - Trish McEvoy Turquoise Python Petite Make-up PlannerFor some reason, I've neglected Trish McEvoy for a few years. I went through a bit of a Trish phase in my late twenties when I managed to get my hands on a few of her excellent Little Black Card palettes and fell in love with the No.9 Blackberry and Vanilla Musk perfume. Then I moved on to my next beauty 'thing' and forgot about Trish for a bit.<br />
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Last week, I decided we'd been apart for long enough and came home with the Turquoise Python Petite Make-up Planner. The planner includes a removable mini make-up bag, a petite page, the new Crystal Deluxe Diamond eye shadow, new translucent finishing powder, new Instant Pick-me-up face colour trio, new Irresistible Petal lip gloss, a deluxe travel size of the Eye Base Essential in Bare, Azure Glaze eye shadow and Arabian Nights eye definer. It's a pretty good selection of products and there is plenty of room in the planner itself for adding more petite or mini pages - and thus more make-up - as time goes by.<br />
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The shades in the petite page are lovely for spring and summer. Although the Azure Glaze shadow looks quite bright in the palette, it applies as a subtle wash and can be built to increase intensity. It has a nice shimmer to it but is not glittery. The Crystal Deluxe Diamond eye shadow<i> is</i> sparkly, but in a very subtle way. I would definitely only use it on the eyes though, unless you like glitterball highlighters on the cheekbones. The Arabian Nights eye definer applies as a deep navy, just as it appears in the palette. The face colour trio is a good mix of seasonal shades which I think would work well on a variety of skin tones. The finishing powder suffers for being next to the Arabian Nights shadow. I tried to carefully pick some up with a MAC 109 but still managed to get a smear of navy shadow on the bridge of my nose. Nonetheless, I like the palette a lot.<br />
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The lipgloss is pretty, feels cushiony on the lips and has a slight mintiness to it, which I quite like. Beyond that, there's nothing much to say about it and I think it would be easy to dupe. The eye base however is an amazing product. I have quite oily lids and I almost always use UDPP or Too Faced Shadow Insurance. Though they are both good, I find shadows more difficult to blend on the former and the latter is a bit too runny for my liking. The Trish McEvoy eye base is quite thick and creamy, applies like UDPP, conceals any redness or veins and shadows apply very smoothly across it. It also holds them tight all day. I will definitely purchase a full size when the travel size is finished. Having checked the website I've found it comes in 6 different shades to match varying skintones. I think it's brilliant for a quick, clean eye with tidy brows and a sweep of mascara.<br />
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Anyway, on to the face of the day:<br />
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I did this on Saturday in about 5 mins, just to get a feel for the products. The face is <i>just</i> a smidge of concealer, mainly to cover redness, and translucent finishing powder. The lack of foundation is all thanks to <a href="http://beglamoured.blogspot.com/2010/03/regime-change-mv-organic-skincare-and.html" linkindex="22">my new skincare regime</a> which I'll do a full update in in a couple of weeks.<br />
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I used the eye base from lashline to brow and then swept the Crystal Deluxe Diamond shadow over the same area. Using a MAC 217, I swept the Azure Glaze shadow into the crease and gently buffed and added more colour until I was happy with the intensity. I used a pencil brush and the Arabian Nights eye definer on my upper lashline and the outer third of my lower lashline. Cheeks were the bottom two colours of the pick-me-up colour trio (my pale blue skin shrank from the bronze) and then finished with a dusting of finishing powder and a slick of the lipgloss. Overall, a speedy basic face with a little kick of colour (click the pics for a closer look).<br />
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I'm looking forward to playing with the shades I have in the petite page, using the trio of colours on my eyes or doing a vampier evening look with the blue shades. Overall, I'd recommend this product if you fancy some fresh, polished new shades for spring and summer and you might want to build a Trish McEvoy collection that's portable and well packaged.<br />
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I got my Turquoise Python Planner from Harvey Nichols in Birmingham. If you want to take a closer look at some of the products, <a href="http://www.trishmcevoy.com/default.aspx" linkindex="23">she has a US website</a> which I believe ships to a number of countries.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-3854497990069478412010-04-02T14:40:00.000+01:002010-04-02T14:40:19.013+01:00Less of your lipPhew. For a number of different reasons, this week has been very strange and stressful. I promise you there were a couple of great FOTDs, but I just forgot to take photos of them. I will hopefully get back on track after Easter.<br />
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In the meantime, I thought I would show you a few of the lip products I like and regularly reach for, plus a new acquisition. As I've said before, I much prefer glosses and glazes to fully pigmented lips. I'm no good with a liner as my lips are a bit wonky, I often find lipstick drying and I like food too much to carefully apply a gorgeous lipstick and then not ruin it with elevenses. As I've already gone through my <a href="http://beglamoured.blogspot.com/2010/03/julie-hewett-and-fotd.html" linkindex="367">Julie Hewett faves</a>, I'm leaving those out.<br />
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First of all, a shot of my bare lips. They're fairly pigmented and I learned a couple of years ago that the likes of GOSH Darling and MAC Blankety make me look ill, so I tend to steer clear of those 'nude' shades. My preferred natural lip is a sheerish, glossy berry.<br />
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The first batch of faves in the tube, and here they are on the lips:<br />
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1. <b>Lipstick Queen - Medieval </b><br />
This is the new acquisition. As a <a href="http://beglamoured.blogspot.com/2010/02/valentines-love.html" linkindex="371">big fan</a> of the LQ Butterfly Ball lipsticks, I have been lemming this for ages. The shade is supposed to represent the colour achieved in Medieval times when women applied lemon juice to their lips to stimulate blood flow. I don't know about that, but I really like this lip product. Like the Butterfly ball lipsticks, Medieval is lightweight with a glaze finish and feels incredibly moisturising in the lips. The shade is marketed as a 'suits all' so I'd be interested to hear what other Medieval users think.<br />
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2. <b>Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips - Jessica</b><br />
I have a few of these BE plumping glosses, but this is my favourite. The mini size came in a kit with shadows and blush and whilst they don't see much action, Jessica is regularly in use. The gloss is a sort of peachy pink duochrome with a shot of fine gold shimmer. Like the other BE Buxoms, it smells of coffee and caramel and has a slightly warming and tingling effect on the lips. It doesn't seem to plump mine, but I don't really like those sort of products anyway. The tube includes a doe foot applicator, which I don't particularly mind but I know some people hate. BE often does sets of 4 of these glosses which I think are good value for money. In fact there's a set on QVC I have my eye on at the moment.<br />
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3. <b>Bobbi Brown Shimmer Lip Gloss - Rose Sugar</b><br />
Like the rest of the world, I hate the brush. The stupid, scratchy, splayed out brush that eventually becomes an obstacle to applying the product. I really love the lipgloss though. This shade was used on me when I had a Bobbi Brown makeover at House of Fraser and it was one of the products I purchased on the spot (the others were a bronzer and an undereye concealer). It is the perfect shade if I want to look professionally polished. There is enough pigment to even out my lips with a natural mauve, a small amount of shimmer and it's not too sticky. If they repackaged this product, I would buy more shades.<br />
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4.<b> Maybelline Watershine Gloss - Mauve Star</b><br />
This has a similar base shade to the Bobbi Brown Rose Sugar but with less shimmer and more glitter, although they are fine particles of gold so it's not too disco on the lips. I have three of these glosses and I love the absence of stickiness. They are easy to apply and have one of those slightly longer doe foots that have more flexibility than the short ones. There is a strong smell of something fruity but if you don't mind that, I highly recommend these glosses - there's a good range of colours and they are fab value for money.<br />
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Now on to the second batch of products<br />
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1. <b>Clinique Almost Lipstick - Black Honey</b><br />
I have used this lipstick since I was a teenager and read a recommendation from a make-up artist in a magazine. I had never bought from Clinique before and I hovered shyly at the counter before rummaging through the testers. When I found Black Honey I immediately chastised myself for getting it wrong, surely this very dark lipstick could not 'suit everyone' as the MUA had suggested? Upon swatching it I saw immediately that this lipstick was actually a sheer, rosy brown and a new love was born. In the years since I have bought numerous tubes, recommended it to dozens of friends and gasped in horror when I heard it was to be discontinued. Happily, it was saved and I intend to keep buying this gorgeous shade.<br />
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2. <b>Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick - Vintage Pink</b><br />
I don't often look at drugstore brand lipsticks, just as I don't often look at high end lipsticks. Seeing this shade reminded me that lipsticks can be just my cup of tea occasionally. Vintage Pink is a soft shade of mauvey pink with a moisturising and lightweight finish. It also works well topped with the Bobbi Brown or Maybelline glosses in my list for a neutral, polished look. Like a lot of women, Rimmel holds a special place in my heart thanks to the Heather shimmer lippie I used to have rolling around in my school bag. The lipsticks still smell the same, so I get the nostalgia trip without the frosted pink lips.<br />
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3. <b>Fresh lipgloss - Sugar Fairy</b><br />
I got this in Sephora on my last trip to NY. It came in a set with Supernova mascara, which I didn't like as much as I thought I would. The gloss is another story, it's non-sticky, very moisturising and has that incredible lemon and sugar smell that Fresh turned into a perfume. It does not smell artificial to me, but like a freshly baked lemon drizzle cake. Yum. It's a pretty sheer pink with micro glitter and I really love it as part of a summer look.<br />
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4. <b>Jemma Kidd Ultimate Lip Care SPF12 - Apricot</b><br />
I bought this to make-up the value of a online purchase in order to qualify for a GWP. I was expecting it to be a glossy balm with a hint of colour and so was quite surprised to find the texture is more like a lipstick and has quite a lot of colour. 'Apricot' translates to a juicy peach on my lips and has a fair amount of shimmer. As this is a lip care product, it does a nice job of moisturising my lips, but it also lasts quite well. I got it just before Christmas, so I'm looking forward to using it in the summer.<br />
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So there you go. I have a lot more lip products than that so I think I need a sort out. These are some of the items I reach for more frequently and that I know I can apply on the run without a mirror - my basic requirement for a lip colour!<br />
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what are your favourites?Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-11755922506246086202010-03-29T21:06:00.003+01:002010-03-29T21:10:12.218+01:00FOTD - more FyrinnaeTwo more of my Fyrinnae shadow samples today. I really cannot get over how easy to work with the Pixie Epoxy makes these. It feels like I'm using one of those magic colouring books where a wet brush reveals the colours of a picture. A fluffy brush dipped in loose, glittery powder eyeshadow should lead to a big old mess, but the precision and ease of blending is phenomenal.<br />
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Anyway, here's today's face (click for a closer look):<br />
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On top of a base of UDPP and Pixie Epoxy, I applied Equality shadow on the lids - a very sparkly and iridescent platinum shade - and then used Avian Shapeshifter Arcane Magic in the crease, outer corner and blended slightly above the socket. This was one of the smoothest eyeshadows I have ever used in my life and it really did go on like a dream. It looks like a sort of terracotta shade in the pot but once applied and seen in different lights, it ranges from burnished copper to rosy brick and everything in between. I am still loving Fyrinnae very much.<br />
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Foundation and concealer were both Bourjois Healthy Mix, lightly dusted with ELF Complexion Perfection. MyFace blush in Holiday and lips were Dior Addict Lip Glow. Once again, the shadows lasted very well all day, thanks to the magic of Pixie Epoxy.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-54426602511638753982010-03-28T17:54:00.002+01:002010-03-28T20:50:12.975+01:00Regime change - MV Organic Skincare and RENFor the last four weeks I have been trying some new skincare products. I had noticed a few changes in my skin thanks to the relentless march of time etc. Most notably, some fine lines around my eyes and the skin on my cheeks becoming more fragile and a little drier. I also still have the occasional hormonal outbreak of spots around my chin. Wrinkles <i>and</i> spots, lucky me.<br />
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Anyway, the first thing I decided to look at was exfoliation. I have used a physical exfoliant since I was a teenager. I can remember gleefully scrubbing my tender skin with Aapri scrubs and/or those scouring pad type foaming mini sponges they did. The thought of it makes me shudder now.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>More recently, after finding even a 'gentle' exfoliator from Nuxe to be hideously scratchy, I resolved to find a new way to get rid of dullness and blocked pores without adding to the broken capillaries in my cheeks. After watching a Lisa Eldridge video on YouTube in which she sang the praises of lactic acid as a gentle yet effective exfoliant, I went for a look around Space NK. I came home with this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IewBJ7qngSJgmambwwBJy1lcZpQ171ULZtyfs_tktlyRBBUY9s0SelLNk2ksnNkAAwyxfv2qCroFcjtrg6kUcE7GMqCOwlkZox-iBwUqtzifdlyWFZMrGlQHIPvWJbx7X3K2PSQTZzwp/s1600/Ren.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="27" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IewBJ7qngSJgmambwwBJy1lcZpQ171ULZtyfs_tktlyRBBUY9s0SelLNk2ksnNkAAwyxfv2qCroFcjtrg6kUcE7GMqCOwlkZox-iBwUqtzifdlyWFZMrGlQHIPvWJbx7X3K2PSQTZzwp/s320/Ren.jpg" /></a></div><br />
According to the REN website, the Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask is:<br />
<blockquote><span style="font-size: small;">a potent bio active peel mask designed to renew the complexion, reduce fine lines and dramatically improve skin tone, firmness and radiance. It has been formulated with a fruit acid complex (lactic, glycolic, tartaric and citric) and Papain Enzyme to give a gentle but potent exfoliating peel that will leave skin glowing and in optimum health. </span></blockquote>So as well as lactic acid, there are several others for dissolving your dead cells. The product is meant to be applied once a week for ten minutes - avoiding the eye area - and then washed off. I've been using it for four weeks now and I really like it. The directions say you may feel a tingling sensation when you apply, but I don't. It feels very gentle and has not left me with any soreness, redness, itching or any other unpleasant side effects. What it has done is made my skin look calmer, more even and glowy. Even after the first use, I could see a subtle difference. In the past few weeks, my hormonal outbreaks have lessened and blemishes have cleared up faster than they usually do. My ruddy cheeks are also a lot calmer since I've stopped scrubbing at them.<br />
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I've tried to show what the product looks like above. It comes in the usual REN vacuum packaging and is a thick peachy gel that smells very fruity. In fact, as a result of the texture and odour it is a bit like applying apricot jam to your face. I find this an oddly enjoyable experience. I will continue to use the product and plan to repurchase once it's run out. I expect it to last another six weeks based on how much product is left after four applications. I'd recommend it to anyone except those with sensitive skin. It's particulalry recommended for those with acne congested and mature skin and is said to work well on post acne scarring, blemishes and blackheads.<br />
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I have also started using a new daily skincare routine in the past couple of weeks. It's too early for me to give a complete review but I wanted to share my thoughts because I am so impressed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkMUZf2s3-OUX6qD7b4fxiQnTrWbpJPMASWiXcGjY-TFllKrW441Aps2L7OTaBSAQx5GcmDo0ufqx77UhnleLLqE4FrfLOQhl9xJXuMuMIFjA4hxo2tA_-nZ6-qbGoFc229uehMzxnWdm/s1600/MV.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="28" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkMUZf2s3-OUX6qD7b4fxiQnTrWbpJPMASWiXcGjY-TFllKrW441Aps2L7OTaBSAQx5GcmDo0ufqx77UhnleLLqE4FrfLOQhl9xJXuMuMIFjA4hxo2tA_-nZ6-qbGoFc229uehMzxnWdm/s320/MV.jpg" /></a></div>I have been using the Gentle Cream Cleanser, Rose Hydrating Mist, Pure Jojoba Oil and Rose Soothing and Protective Moisturiser from MV Organic Skincare. I was looking for something organic and nurturing, so started browsing online. I found some reviews for MV Organic and thought the range sounded lovely - very pure and unfussy but caring and pampering at the same time.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">MV Organic is 'An all Australian organic skincare company, specialising in luxury formulations for discerning skincare lovers, including those with sensitive skin, eczema and rosacea'.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It is sold in the UK at <a href="http://www.beingcontent.com/" linkindex="29">Content </a>where I ordered the small size of the cleanser. Then when it was back in stock I also purchased the travel essentials set which includes the hydrating mist and a 15ml moisturiser as well as another small sized cleanser. I also bought the full sized Pure Jojoba.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The products are a joy to use. The cleanser is thick and creamy and smells delicious. It is used in conjunction with a muslin cloth and a series of warm to hot compresses which leave my skin feeling thoroughly cleansed but not stripped. This is followed by a light spray of the hydrating mist and then a pea-sized amount of the moisturiser is massaged in while the skin is still damp. I have been using the jojoba oil as an undereye moisturiser at night, and I cannot remember the last time the skin there felt so hydrated. This product can also be used as an eye make-up remover and a moisturiser for sensitive skin.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'd say the range is mid to high level in price but you are paying for the highest quality, organic ingredients and you do not need a lot of product. The moisturiser in particular is amazing. I was sent a tiny sample - maybe 1/4 tsp - with my initial order for the cleanser and it lasted me for a week used once a day. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After I'd used the cleanser and samples of moisturiser and jojoba for the first time, I was very happy with how my skin looked the next morning. It was refreshed and glowing and felt incredibly soft and nourished. I immediately emailed Imelda at Content to ask when the travel set would be back in stock so I could try the hydrating mist and get the 15ml moisturiser. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I will continue using the products and write a fuller review in a few weeks time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In addition, I can highly recommend <a href="http://www.beingcontent.com/" linkindex="30">Content</a>. All my purchases have arrived swiftly and well packaged with lovely samples and hand written thank yous. I was also sent a 10% off voucher with my first parcel and am looking forward to placing more orders there in future.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-20281163864830864392010-03-28T12:23:00.000+01:002010-03-28T12:23:54.953+01:00Nails with a twistI always love reading about other people's beauty bargains and products that have 'changed their life' (I know this is all relative, it's just personal grooming after all). This is one of my life enhancing products:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNx7vtekYiyRH-G_MiOQv4qZXzpWUI73B9GzDRBK5u4pTaiayLFBXydWVkI05UUxJhVlwRTcxzHmqAa-ygxWqDhrhJrajeC_QPb46MtuWLfn525eaDdkl3zv-JXrRjxp1qbDvzzsCavOuA/s1600/nails.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="29" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNx7vtekYiyRH-G_MiOQv4qZXzpWUI73B9GzDRBK5u4pTaiayLFBXydWVkI05UUxJhVlwRTcxzHmqAa-ygxWqDhrhJrajeC_QPb46MtuWLfn525eaDdkl3zv-JXrRjxp1qbDvzzsCavOuA/s320/nails.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The Instant Nail Polish remover from Pretty Quik (I don't know why they jettisoned the 'c'). This is a little plastic tub which holds a sponge soaked in polish remover. There is a little slit in the middle into which you insert your fingertip. Then, as it says on the label, simply dip and twist.<br />
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I find this product is brilliant for removing polish in a hurry. It is particularly good with dark polishes and even those pesky glitter finishes, though a double dip is sometimes required. Even though it's like a bath of polish remover it does not dry out my nails, in fact it feels quite nourishing. It really does remove polish in seconds though and even with blue polish I never end up with the dreaded 'smurf fingers' and stained nails I usually get with a cotton wool pad.<br />
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One tub can last quite a long time, but it depends on how many dark polishes you remove as the sponge obviously becomes saturated with colour eventually. I buy mine from Superdrug and they cost about £2.50, I think. They also do a similar product for use with acrylic nails.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-10043923568618460272010-03-26T20:48:00.001+00:002010-03-26T20:49:46.483+00:00FOTD - Fyrinnae, MAC, RMK, Daniel SandlerSo, I've spent some time doing crazy experiments in my bathroom with the Pixie Epoxy and all my Fyrinnae samples and can officially confirm I love all of them. The shadows are amazing, the mixture of colours is great, the shimmer and sparkle are fantastic and the Pixie Epoxy is a wonder product. When using this product, you must work against type with the loose shadow. There is no delicate patting on of colour with a dense shader brush. You can swipe a flufffy brush coated with loose powder across your lid and it will stick and give an amazingly intense wash of colour. I highly recommend it.<br />
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Anyway, moving on to today's look:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWFcA4ZVqeYt94uIWsfZ9h_wVt9S9QTet3jC3s_QwzbYJFMITkUpxtu1Men3N6eSVgy8klXQc6Z1y3P64EzMusczhKdc7Y4uzVE3XmZHuAo0duOitmNeK1ARlBNiLsTXbjNtUyAK-SQb0/s1600/fy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="22" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWFcA4ZVqeYt94uIWsfZ9h_wVt9S9QTet3jC3s_QwzbYJFMITkUpxtu1Men3N6eSVgy8klXQc6Z1y3P64EzMusczhKdc7Y4uzVE3XmZHuAo0duOitmNeK1ARlBNiLsTXbjNtUyAK-SQb0/s320/fy1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Let's take a closer look at those eyelids and the gorgeous Fyrinnae shadows:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVx8_3guhYt5kLyY0W-Qej5C3M9CT3S6e_-E0VuRLhcGvCNWs2LXRoAmg3jNHtl2-ebnKvKy_o-sNtR8EHKR6cUblU_0yhK9l4ZAlo0KJn-pDegXBddRNfZSDtj-vf5crOXdl5blWZI5W/s1600/fyfotd.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="23" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVx8_3guhYt5kLyY0W-Qej5C3M9CT3S6e_-E0VuRLhcGvCNWs2LXRoAmg3jNHtl2-ebnKvKy_o-sNtR8EHKR6cUblU_0yhK9l4ZAlo0KJn-pDegXBddRNfZSDtj-vf5crOXdl5blWZI5W/s320/fyfotd.jpg" /></a></div><br />
*sigh* I just love them.<br />
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Anyway, the technical deets. After priming my eye with UDPP in sin I applied a tiny amount of Pixie Epoxy from lashline to brow on both eyes. I also took a tinier amount and ran it along my lower lashline (avoid the waterline). After leaving it to dry a little and go tacky - about 20 seconds - I used a fluffy shader and stroked Fyrinnae Atomic Afterglow across my lid and below the lower lashline. It goes on incredibly smoothly and the epoxy really grabs hold of it and gives a smooth, almost foiled look. Atomic Afterglow is described as silvery taupe with silver and gold highlights, but I definitely get a soft green undertone.<br />
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I then used the same fluffy brush to apply Arcane Magic in Archmage in the crease and then blended both inwards and upwards. Again, it was a dream to work with. The Arcane Magics change colour dependent upon which light they are seen in. Archmage is a deep green with a lighter shimmer that changes from pale green to silver to pink in various lights. Someone at work commented on how lovely my eyeshadow was today and how it 'kept changing colour'. The Arcanes are really something. I took another photo with flash to try to show a shift in colour:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72-OIKdFEIURQvfeyGlzm9bm_xGHGXWaZ_CtdI4KFQFj6SMHdJUr1T66OXl44xDViOC2_HsvTmRcl_Grvh5mJRHrJkV6iBM0YIZ79g45oZcMYpCtp0ctFX6Gqzi_kEk1fO9W6rcAw0Dt2/s1600/fr2.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="24" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72-OIKdFEIURQvfeyGlzm9bm_xGHGXWaZ_CtdI4KFQFj6SMHdJUr1T66OXl44xDViOC2_HsvTmRcl_Grvh5mJRHrJkV6iBM0YIZ79g45oZcMYpCtp0ctFX6Gqzi_kEk1fO9W6rcAw0Dt2/s320/fr2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I highlighted the inner corner up to the middle of the socket line with MAC Vanilla pigment, then used MAC Vanilla shadow to highlight under the brow. The face was RMK Liquid Foundation, Daniel Sandler Watercolour in Truth on the cheeks and on the lips is MAC Naked Honey Skin Salve topped with Fyrinnae Lip Lustre in Flavor of the Day. I will do a separate post on the Lip Lustres at some point.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This look lasted well all day and the shadows did not flake or crease. I am looking forward to more adventures with my sample shadows, Arcanes and Pixie Epoxy. I am also planning another order with Fyrinnae for some full size shadows as I am so impressed with these. Delivery took a lot less than the 16-20 working days initially outlined on the website and even if I'd had to wait a month, it would have been worth it. I also got two free sample shadows included in the order, which I thought was a nice touch.<br />
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I leave you with an 'eyes open' pic, in order that the Lip Lustre can have a bit of attention while the amazing shadows are hiding:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYf16r70aYG5mgaGe5st1KY1bkGF4tfetFF8iZhX72gCrCkwxqJCCSmh_fVR5IJGh3szPO21FwsamPoPrFWCb7DYGFd1219TIbRtDH_suu13NYtr6tHUht4KVC_9xLI1flD9aBkcjaq4g/s1600/FR3.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="25" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYf16r70aYG5mgaGe5st1KY1bkGF4tfetFF8iZhX72gCrCkwxqJCCSmh_fVR5IJGh3szPO21FwsamPoPrFWCb7DYGFd1219TIbRtDH_suu13NYtr6tHUht4KVC_9xLI1flD9aBkcjaq4g/s320/FR3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Anyone else a Fyrinnae fan? Any recommendations?Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-63740541695850536792010-03-24T20:12:00.000+00:002010-03-24T20:12:34.251+00:00Ceci n'est pas une haulI'm not a big fan of haul posts or YouTube vids, I prefer to see products in action rather than trotted out for no apparent purpose. Having said that, I am trotting out some new products for you now, with a promise that I WILL show them in action when I get a moment.<br />
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Real life has thrust its greasy nose into my beauty reverie in the last few days so my opportunities to post have been somewhat curtailed. Nevertheless, my first ever order placed with <a href="http://www.fyrinnae.com/" linkindex="111">Fyrinnae</a> arrived through the letterbox today, and I am excited as a result. Behold:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsP3WLcevlg7Jd46WwWwTWaqU5zFHAu92JFIxx5-SPSFQb8dn1u8TWHUqpmdUZojZMiMo1g9F_I47Kj1EbfxrKm3Tul5QZfp8CPM2DStKxMKxDo0pPNd4-CFEvaWYWEjbWLrnVEO1av4O/s1600/pretties.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="112" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsP3WLcevlg7Jd46WwWwTWaqU5zFHAu92JFIxx5-SPSFQb8dn1u8TWHUqpmdUZojZMiMo1g9F_I47Kj1EbfxrKm3Tul5QZfp8CPM2DStKxMKxDo0pPNd4-CFEvaWYWEjbWLrnVEO1av4O/s400/pretties.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><br />
I ordered samples sizes of a number of eyeshadows, three Lip Lustres, several Arcanes and a full size Pixie Epoxy. They all look beautiful in the pot and the mixture of sparkles in some is amazing. I snapped a few quick pictures to show you, but I will give them the attention they deserve and do a proper post soon. In the meantime, here is a visual amuse-gueule:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vzyYxQTe6udcq1sSUdMbjGVYWNeRUAWsz64slPr60mm6iXIii9JvhUzi0imq3bDa7JDOJGWya2eOIUG5_fYAqD2z0fn7uu55Ek4dxUjzLaOjnvh5AOf415Uke-0QfKLTPqcwVtIfyF_S/s1600/sparkle.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="113" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vzyYxQTe6udcq1sSUdMbjGVYWNeRUAWsz64slPr60mm6iXIii9JvhUzi0imq3bDa7JDOJGWya2eOIUG5_fYAqD2z0fn7uu55Ek4dxUjzLaOjnvh5AOf415Uke-0QfKLTPqcwVtIfyF_S/s400/sparkle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-44158518522934768962010-03-21T17:35:00.002+00:002010-03-21T17:40:34.430+00:00FOTD - Suqqu, Daniel Sandler, Julie Hewett, BourjoisEven if I get up 5 minutes earlier than usual in the morning, I never seem to have time to click a few photos of my FOTD lately. I finally managed it on Friday for the first time in ages. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-32-IonO6ToDD-3sp5yNL1LfhIdvC93mWJ7AIZX47b7G6-CvNrVTulXaqX_W3o8RHp6_ho5DG-LcTSPo1S82Ss3WB3WmClYgd4jktflc56TzooidscDiWbJb-o1c_WRv2dXFxLUf6LU7D/s1600-h/fotdrep.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="23" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-32-IonO6ToDD-3sp5yNL1LfhIdvC93mWJ7AIZX47b7G6-CvNrVTulXaqX_W3o8RHp6_ho5DG-LcTSPo1S82Ss3WB3WmClYgd4jktflc56TzooidscDiWbJb-o1c_WRv2dXFxLUf6LU7D/s320/fotdrep.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I was rushing to get ready for work and was a little flustered, which hopefully explains my dishevelled mop. I decided to use my Suqqu EX-02 Sukashizumi palette on Friday, but wanted to try a slightly different look from the <a href="http://beglamoured.blogspot.com/2010/03/fotd-suqqu.html" linkindex="24">last one</a> I featured using that palette.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VcagOUAqcWHQa0NU1jmEWRG2ADbfp4oU9u-zhgLT9Xm6AEh7beN6CMflFL53ih7LPN9YgNz1Z99gu2r-GptDHRn9HLB7VgS27xPcbN4M7nYO1-t10kjsWA1bKiEOBehjXqaKFftl_Ix7/s1600-h/suka.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="25" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VcagOUAqcWHQa0NU1jmEWRG2ADbfp4oU9u-zhgLT9Xm6AEh7beN6CMflFL53ih7LPN9YgNz1Z99gu2r-GptDHRn9HLB7VgS27xPcbN4M7nYO1-t10kjsWA1bKiEOBehjXqaKFftl_Ix7/s320/suka.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I really like the shimmery taupe shade in the palette, so decided to make it more of a feature this time. As before, the shadows blended beautifully, even on top of a base of Urban Decay Primer Potion, which normally hampers smooth blending slightly for me. I was pleased with the finished look, which only took a few minutes. I love the pale lilac shade for highlighting, it's such a brightening colour.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKwI3v2WZOsiQnFEuzsyH9Tj6yNEgp1yGRo9LpADDGnNX_MGF1DWL1Z2stp9ZsW4pUsmfeLHXB_kWso2yrwvkdFQP6JTybRozkGgKdN3Dv5nfxi6iUJZL5cwlotXasZdEHTsneqJJuSCQ/s1600-h/eyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="26" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKwI3v2WZOsiQnFEuzsyH9Tj6yNEgp1yGRo9LpADDGnNX_MGF1DWL1Z2stp9ZsW4pUsmfeLHXB_kWso2yrwvkdFQP6JTybRozkGgKdN3Dv5nfxi6iUJZL5cwlotXasZdEHTsneqJJuSCQ/s320/eyes.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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The photo washes the colours out slightly, but it was a nice, office-friendly look. On the rest of the face I used Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation and concealer, Daniel Sandler Watercolour in Truth as a blusher, Suqqu Noble Nuance face powder and lips were Julie Hewett Camelia balm in Rose. The Daniel Sandler Watercolour is a new acquisition and I really like it. The shade is a very pale peach which is recommended for helping to camouflage high colour in the cheeks. I will do a full review on it once I've used it a few more times.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjDXWDNnkine9tqs9BzLv9RQzmlI-VHkUrBMGTk50OAKpYBWVfUbe7YwFlt0C465pfPs_d5KM41opkEHK85f54ASTaiiTMwzsez2v6mc72Yogxz5dXOKbOwEAz6EkA8N5nvlWcWrrh-l0/s1600-h/fot2.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="27" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjDXWDNnkine9tqs9BzLv9RQzmlI-VHkUrBMGTk50OAKpYBWVfUbe7YwFlt0C465pfPs_d5KM41opkEHK85f54ASTaiiTMwzsez2v6mc72Yogxz5dXOKbOwEAz6EkA8N5nvlWcWrrh-l0/s320/fot2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I tried to capture the full look in natural light, but as you can see I managed to skew the shot slightly thanks to the slatted blinds in my lounge. Oh well, I suppose it adds a bit of atmosphere, or a great impression of cack-handedness, dependent upon your opinion.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-38270756678059650842010-03-19T22:04:00.000+00:002010-03-19T22:04:50.260+00:00Ruddy hell!<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #666666;">*long, and very picture heavy post* </span></span><br />
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As I've mentioned before, I have naturally ruddy cheeks. I am also getting more broken veins in my cheeks as I get older. I'm generally happy with my skin, it's usually clear apart from the occasional hormonal outbreak but I'm currently trying out some new skincare that seems to be helping (I'll post on that once I've been following it for a month). My mum has lovely skin and my nan did too, so I know genetics plays a big part. I do make an effort to look after my skin though and have been cleansing, moisturising and using a minumum of SPF 15 daily since I was about 14.<br />
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Anyway, back to the ruddiness. this is what my cheek looks like without any make-up:<br />
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I thought I would review and show you how several of my favourite foundations deal with that...<br />
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<a name='more'></a>There are eight foundatins I currently toggle between, and more in reserve. I am on a permanent crusade to find the perfect one for my skin, I know a lot of people are. I want coverage without caking and I want it to disappear into my skin, yet be visible to me so I can see it's working. I want to look natural but polished. I want the moon on a stick, it would seem.<br />
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Here are the rules of my test, in an attempt to be vaguely scientific. The picture above is the control, it will appear in the left hand side of every foundation test picture collage so you can see the difference. For the foundation test I applied a small blob of product on the same cheek as the control pic, blended with my fingers and photographed in natural daylight. I've also photographed each product next to a hand swatch to show texture. All photos are clickable if you want more detail.<br />
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First up, Bourjois Healthy Mix:<br />
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This is a fairly new foundation, available in Boots and Superdrug. It seems to have taken the beauty blog world by storm and I can see why. I like the coverage I get, it blends well, feels natural, lasts for a day at work and smells like sweeties. I know the colour range isn't amazing, so that's a bit of a black mark.<br />
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As you can see, Healthy Mix does a good job of 'harmonising' the colour of my cheek. Some red shows through, but I really don't mind a bit of natural colour. I normally use this (and most other foundations) with a Sonia Kashuk flat top brush and I did notice I got a less smooth finish applying with my fingers. I really like this foundation and it's a big plus for me that the packaging is a hygienic pump, something which some of the more high end foundations in this post don't have.<br />
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Next up is Clinique Even Better:<br />
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This was new from Clinique last summer and is supposed to improve the tone of your skin with continued use. I hop from product to product so much that I can't vouch for that. It does feel nice going on and has good, medium coverage. I used a sample I had in a darker shade on a friend last year and she loved it so much she went and bought a bottle - it really did a good job of evening her skin tone.<br />
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Again, application with the fingers is not as smooth as with a brush. The shade I have (Ivory) has slight yellow undertones which helps to mask the redness slightly. This foundation also has an SPF15, which is a good bonus. It lasts well too, even when I get a bit hot and sweaty, so it became my go to foundation last summer.<br />
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On to the next one, Chanel Mat Lumiere:<br />
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This is one of my all time favourite foundations. It has a lovely light, buildable texture but gives good coverage. It lasts amazingly well on my skin. It also has an SPF15, is in a hygienic pump and smells of roses. It's the base I normally use for a night out as I love the coverage and soft luminescence it gives my skin whilst keeping the shine off my t-zone.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mm-RgwPQG4OERHVQSZ3Nw5nWXRlFOBlKAXMjQUcDPopFZ7iX-CugD-oH28ga7ID8AZi9p8Btf7j4UZ-yQ8rsA2Xfb8IsPpfkXwL6HaHrJARXZWzfiF127KF4fwlC8rW4SaOfOPCuTcOE/s1600-h/Chanelcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="230" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mm-RgwPQG4OERHVQSZ3Nw5nWXRlFOBlKAXMjQUcDPopFZ7iX-CugD-oH28ga7ID8AZi9p8Btf7j4UZ-yQ8rsA2Xfb8IsPpfkXwL6HaHrJARXZWzfiF127KF4fwlC8rW4SaOfOPCuTcOE/s320/Chanelcollage.jpg" /></a></div><br />
As you can see, the Mat Lumiere does a pretty good job of masking the red. I normally put an extra layer on my cheeks and that gives me the perfect canvas. I *heart* Mat Lumiere.<br />
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Onwards, and it's the turn of RMK Creamy foundation<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLs7U7rm4KWPzpwbYekuRyBfPLexaf5RwaJJ0ZTkB4XCmBP8Dyatz_OJyC85HNYP0xZfNzR8Dw2znOvR1WfMGqVueJQqzZa_uSPS37R3-u4jyiUWksLym8L2Rr6-nSJty20HmyhtLvdjB7/s1600-h/RMKcreamsw.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="231" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLs7U7rm4KWPzpwbYekuRyBfPLexaf5RwaJJ0ZTkB4XCmBP8Dyatz_OJyC85HNYP0xZfNzR8Dw2znOvR1WfMGqVueJQqzZa_uSPS37R3-u4jyiUWksLym8L2Rr6-nSJty20HmyhtLvdjB7/s320/RMKcreamsw.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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As I've mentioned before on this blog, I love RMK. This was the first foundation I bought from the range, based on positive reviews I researched in the blogosphere. As the name suggests, it's a thick and creamy product yet it is not particularly moisturising. In fact, I'd say it's better for slightly oily skin as it does seem to suck the moisture from your skin a bit. A little goes a very long way - I need only a pea-sized blob for my whole face. It comes in a screw top jar with a little spatula for scooping.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCDm17s_qODHULxRI8mSUKZ0WOkYnGRHtNmZRcdDRDeCdvtnv2FXTBfEH1BH7AKXs0wHTweAx4JjHd5ijDVKX9sWfCXXoV8y6VLJZIr_cwNGXq2xEuIM9gf7nEwwopmrLNmY0TO9NM9I9/s1600-h/RMKcreamcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="232" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCDm17s_qODHULxRI8mSUKZ0WOkYnGRHtNmZRcdDRDeCdvtnv2FXTBfEH1BH7AKXs0wHTweAx4JjHd5ijDVKX9sWfCXXoV8y6VLJZIr_cwNGXq2xEuIM9gf7nEwwopmrLNmY0TO9NM9I9/s320/RMKcreamcollage.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Coverage of my redness is good. This foundation is medium to heavy coverage and is another great one for a night out. I do find it feels a little mask like on my whole face, but I think that's due to the pigmentation and the slight drying effect. I do like the way it looks in photographs so I like it for formal occasions or when I want to look professionally polished.<br />
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Let's move along to myface:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvPvTUGZRo-5VXBuddLCWPDUdEGXWADSHrQsPnBijNwRRUiLQld5cAeN0AgmQ58Bfnoj4dsqHnfNGzh5aGG4mH3M0raFglp_d8RuJvwIcweih7sYxVnZSboZTPYQJbAXsQRgIqjSnRULo/s1600-h/Myfacesw.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="233" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvPvTUGZRo-5VXBuddLCWPDUdEGXWADSHrQsPnBijNwRRUiLQld5cAeN0AgmQ58Bfnoj4dsqHnfNGzh5aGG4mH3M0raFglp_d8RuJvwIcweih7sYxVnZSboZTPYQJbAXsQRgIqjSnRULo/s320/Myfacesw.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This is part of the Charlotte Tilbury designed range available in some branches of Boots. The range offers colours for three different skin tones - fair, medium and dark. I'm pretty sure it won't cover everyone, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a shade pale enough for me, as I often struggle with drugstore foundations. Coverage with the myface mymix foundation is light but the product builds extremely well. It's almost like a tinted moisturiser with one coat.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTq0nmB98PhyphenhyphenfeIHK_EiOJtRsv1vEype5GMtERLaMobPO8lBiasc7E32WHuvh1Gu-teaDrhpBUrwbjxqHzQirnzBS0-NXZxNBcM_hQAe7UzrE-VZTDZUK5d9o-sV63Cc1ZRlFqjVkIWJX/s1600-h/myfacecollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="234" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTq0nmB98PhyphenhyphenfeIHK_EiOJtRsv1vEype5GMtERLaMobPO8lBiasc7E32WHuvh1Gu-teaDrhpBUrwbjxqHzQirnzBS0-NXZxNBcM_hQAe7UzrE-VZTDZUK5d9o-sV63Cc1ZRlFqjVkIWJX/s320/myfacecollage.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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As you'd expect with one coat of such a low coverage product, there's still quite a lot of red. I do think it tones down the intensity well and the broken veins are quite well-hidden. One coat of this is great for my weekend daytime make-up and it seems to disappear into the skin, looking very natural, which I like a lot.<br />
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Next up is a free sample from Suqqu:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIYbAetE3HIq0RGgRigc2-RrtKLopNs7mpdUycamIebMKPGeVWjp8hQD8TeNnUdJ2ZH-nbD7gZx_jMV0qBszQAI2aaNTnWh-FA2SxYm5PT0NA-MIKoNXZPcR_xbqUo5ZJcaiTzRj0JM71/s1600-h/suqqusw.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="235" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIYbAetE3HIq0RGgRigc2-RrtKLopNs7mpdUycamIebMKPGeVWjp8hQD8TeNnUdJ2ZH-nbD7gZx_jMV0qBszQAI2aaNTnWh-FA2SxYm5PT0NA-MIKoNXZPcR_xbqUo5ZJcaiTzRj0JM71/s320/suqqusw.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I've recently been using this generously sized sample of Powder Foundation Glow when I've wanted a really quick make-up. It's incredibly soft and smooth and feels almost cream-like, even though it's definitely a powder. There is quite a lot of yellow in the shade I have, which works well on my red patches as it helps to neutralise. It can also be reapplied throughout the day and never looks dry or cakey.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWN6wtsOcfNliA3vWYaCBgUI01cL44zw-_26UB2mTcSHKWTD5TetQrsr9kKrsVsuR48pzqNCG93LVAob9g4Y2fodIzZPmSYHStVeRrvo1c0T2VVoFtT40_ifGopulZkfcfWnnLEbDjkqN/s1600-h/Suqqucollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="236" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWN6wtsOcfNliA3vWYaCBgUI01cL44zw-_26UB2mTcSHKWTD5TetQrsr9kKrsVsuR48pzqNCG93LVAob9g4Y2fodIzZPmSYHStVeRrvo1c0T2VVoFtT40_ifGopulZkfcfWnnLEbDjkqN/s320/Suqqucollage.jpg" /></a></div><br />
One swipe with the sponge applicator gives quite sheer coverage but the yellow starts to tone down the red immediately. I'm really impressed with Suqqu products and if I could justify another new foundation I'd be buying this. It's a brilliant option when you want a 5 minute face.<br />
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On to the 'big gun' in my collection, Face Atelier Ultra Foundation:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmrGeovNhRlVijQ6hRkRCeHI0XHuf7m3Qk-17At4LrxRtzmQFkf3dm9lwkKynOEcS800RoB21fDTJL3B_NNh-VU_h5SJX7db1Y3HAyaiVhq23R_gzZyAcOLaT0ADfBwMVrMu_JJAkHfUi/s1600-h/FAsw.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="237" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmrGeovNhRlVijQ6hRkRCeHI0XHuf7m3Qk-17At4LrxRtzmQFkf3dm9lwkKynOEcS800RoB21fDTJL3B_NNh-VU_h5SJX7db1Y3HAyaiVhq23R_gzZyAcOLaT0ADfBwMVrMu_JJAkHfUi/s320/FAsw.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This is the foundation beloved of many pro artists and used on stars of the stage and screen, including Madonna. Not being a curiously bendy pop chameleon, I can't attest to it's staying powers under studio lights but I can tell you this feels like a professional product. It has amazing slip, due to the silicone microspheres it contains, it's very liquid and needs vigorous shaking before use. It feels super lightweight but has very high pigmentation and great staying power. It also does a great job of masking red...<br />
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This was accomplished with a drop the size of a grain of rice. If I use a brush and apply a second layer, I can pretty much blank out the red. Whilst I love knowing I can do that if I want, I don't use this foundation very often as I feel I look <b>too</b> washed out and pale. I am a contrary Mary, yes. It almost goes without saying that this foundation looks great in photographs. It's apparently very popular for bridal make-up.<br />
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Finally, it's my new love - RMK Liquid Foundation:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8ygZCmdPllt1bj3FAihqEUT2xgLBvpDXwIe4SBPKDOnfcVCpK-TuemznenYCBfRY4qA2ZvRFkvx1EhoAym6xSWGrcBoy0jQtk3VomXwJq8c8wkCcWOB3_aRhJxMUNuJeIulbEr1xe5cV/s1600-h/RMKliqsw.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="239" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8ygZCmdPllt1bj3FAihqEUT2xgLBvpDXwIe4SBPKDOnfcVCpK-TuemznenYCBfRY4qA2ZvRFkvx1EhoAym6xSWGrcBoy0jQtk3VomXwJq8c8wkCcWOB3_aRhJxMUNuJeIulbEr1xe5cV/s320/RMKliqsw.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I was given a sample of this and it was a revelation. The texture reminds me of Face Atelier - it is very liquid and needs a good shake to combine before use as it contains both water and oil. It is incredibly lightweight and I haven't found anything to compare it to. It gives medium coverage which is easily buildable and it truly does seem to disappear into my skin yet cover imperfections. I only need a tiny amount, buffed in with my Sonia Kashuk, and it looks great. It dries to a soft, slightly powdery finish so does not need setting and it lasts wonderfully - a lot comes off when I cleanse at the end of the day.<br />
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This is a teeny, tiny amount smeared across my cheek. Again, it works better for me with a brush but you can still see how much it's toned down the redness and broken veins. It may not be the best for coverage, but the texture and feel of this foundation makes me love it most out of them.<br />
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So there you go (WAKE UP!!!). If you have reached the bottom of this post, well done. I am sick of the sight of my own cheek, so you must be too. I hope this post has been vaguely interesting or helpful. I hoped to show which foundations I find work well with my very pale skin and ruddy cheeks, so if you have the same colouring, it might be of use.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-24945068208059295772010-03-17T13:49:00.010+00:002010-03-17T20:34:19.760+00:00'It's after 7, don't waste good lipgloss'<div style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*lotsa pics again*</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDDMq3bpDflXXhwpLXG_YdK1JENNeMuXtp8Wh7Ed5qcw0fXwW8tEoLypOuarph2gkIc_X4IMnS8-fi_tTrS6ptG-Klu0788YVTPm3VUYYmN9-oUPZl4OV4eclJTGE84joUxJHZcLA4XYw/s1600-h/pretty-in-pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="45" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDDMq3bpDflXXhwpLXG_YdK1JENNeMuXtp8Wh7Ed5qcw0fXwW8tEoLypOuarph2gkIc_X4IMnS8-fi_tTrS6ptG-Klu0788YVTPm3VUYYmN9-oUPZl4OV4eclJTGE84joUxJHZcLA4XYw/s320/pretty-in-pink.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>For the second entry in my <a href="http://beglamoured.blogspot.com/2010/02/theyre-only-noodles-michael.html" linkindex="46">occasional series</a> on my favourite 80s films, I thought I would focus on Pretty in Pink. <br />
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I love John Hughes films and Pretty in Pink is one of my favourites. It was releasd in 1986 when I was nine, so I did not see it at the cinema. My first encounter with it was when I read in the Radio Times that it was going to be on tv, I think I was about 11 or 12 at the time. I asked my mum to tape it for me as it was on quite late at night. She only remembered after it had been on for about twenty minutes. It didn't really matter as I fell in love with Andie, Duckie and Iona immediately and I rewatched that recording until the tape wore out.<br />
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The central character is Andie Walsh, a feisty and stylish girl from a poor background in her final year at high school. She starts to date Blane, a preppie rich guy at her school. The film follows their relationship's ups and downs as they encounter prejudice from their friends and their own crises of confidence.<br />
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One of the things I like best about Pretty in Pink are the great supporting characters - the quirky, funny and caring Duckie<br />
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the snobbish, heavy-lidded and ennui ridden Steff<br />
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and the straight-talking, sweet and funky Iona<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayya3gOq63yZ9cVnxDJSdxTYEdYhCvXYT3eaCUzVTe74BAKPj0SBHRJjHzMsemPif0uN9Ezgc9fIi5UiJEWEI9o3t9QVQ9hncCTKBOVZ0AWncSemT_ZkIwTutYLc1ds1rTZr3D3LVG3Bj/s1600-h/gal_hughes10.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="49" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayya3gOq63yZ9cVnxDJSdxTYEdYhCvXYT3eaCUzVTe74BAKPj0SBHRJjHzMsemPif0uN9Ezgc9fIi5UiJEWEI9o3t9QVQ9hncCTKBOVZ0AWncSemT_ZkIwTutYLc1ds1rTZr3D3LVG3Bj/s320/gal_hughes10.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The aesthetic of Pretty in Pink has stayed with me since I first saw it. The 'outsider' chararcters of Andie, Duckie, Iona and their friends all dress very individually with lots of customisation and vintage details. This is also reflected in their homes, cars and places of work. When I saw the film I wanted to be Andie, with her Mondrian bedecked room, her independence, her dress making skills and her own pink princess phone by the bed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NZbSXBil6x1GLN5PzzUTkPBJbEWkWri2ZdY5NxcVxzoOirDoVVvhwZTymUAsVWChJujdsHU7h_yyZqxg_cQGe2-wUO1qImSaQ7nIs04x7CeT42ukADorhBeK8tgzauULkKj1LXCqDyAx/s1600-h/IMG_4251.JPG" imageanchor="1" linkindex="50" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NZbSXBil6x1GLN5PzzUTkPBJbEWkWri2ZdY5NxcVxzoOirDoVVvhwZTymUAsVWChJujdsHU7h_yyZqxg_cQGe2-wUO1qImSaQ7nIs04x7CeT42ukADorhBeK8tgzauULkKj1LXCqDyAx/s320/IMG_4251.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I wanted an adoring male friend like Duckie (and I would definitely have picked him over the insipid Blane). I loved the music she and Duckie listened to and it's thanks to Pretty in Pink that I discovered the Psychedelic Furs, The Smiths and Suzanne Vega.<br />
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When I went to sixth form and no longer had to wear a uniform, my style was influenced by Andie Walsh. I bought lots of floaty floral skirts and men's pinstriped waistcoats from second hand shops and wore them with vintage jewellery and Victorian-style ankle boots. I prided myself on my 'individual' look and fell in with a group of drama students. I then felt arty and creative and interesting, though this was tempered by deep insecurities about my looks and a need to overanalyse everything with too much intensity. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNzeg84cKpO6ZmTB6He6-yd2WyQyp9zeuTJu2DDQvBKf3Tr90OeZEzHuMow6joe4jEbdMRi9Q6sMUBAlV0QKdvFpXf5Y0a88Dm-gEG_uBhmClTVez2lIf5wyJaCBXg0I4l4ugmLXlcbfu/s1600-h/pip209.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="51" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNzeg84cKpO6ZmTB6He6-yd2WyQyp9zeuTJu2DDQvBKf3Tr90OeZEzHuMow6joe4jEbdMRi9Q6sMUBAlV0QKdvFpXf5Y0a88Dm-gEG_uBhmClTVez2lIf5wyJaCBXg0I4l4ugmLXlcbfu/s320/pip209.jpg" /></a></div>If I wanted to be Andie as a teenager, it was Iona I wanted to become when I grew up. I loved that Iona changed her appearance all the time, from punk to 40s with an 80s twist, from neon geisha to 50s prom queen with a beehive. She had wigs and amazing make-up, a wardrobe of infinite possibility and her own flat with a mixture of Retro Americana and Chinatown influences. Even her gong crash doorbell was cool. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x5iNJeI6xODilozMBSBNjGLUk08jJF514QKXOEfNAUt0B4OdihEaJ-8AX1jqincWjJtOB8i1rNWh6CHPKwAJLaqsrmLTyIqLbGDeXNrj9-GcBNzIrkmnHbhCC450kGyJfUFsGON3Djkh/s1600-h/IMG_4248.JPG" imageanchor="1" linkindex="52" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x5iNJeI6xODilozMBSBNjGLUk08jJF514QKXOEfNAUt0B4OdihEaJ-8AX1jqincWjJtOB8i1rNWh6CHPKwAJLaqsrmLTyIqLbGDeXNrj9-GcBNzIrkmnHbhCC450kGyJfUFsGON3Djkh/s200/IMG_4248.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Iona's charachter was significantly older than Andie, though Andie's old-before-her-time demeanour (thanks to a dead mother and work shy, booze lovin' father) and Iona's sense of fun and irreverence bridged the age gap well.<br />
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To me, Iona was funny, self-assured, confident, stylish and brilliant because she had not toned herself down with age - she was the person she wanted to be.<br />
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Unfortunately, my love for both Andie and Iona was severely shaken by their behaviour towards the end of the film. I found myself incredibly annoyed with Andie when she took Iona's beautiful, full-skirted retro prom dress: <br />
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and turned it into this hideous monstrosity:<br />
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You can't even see the disgusting pink tights and shoes in that photo either. Upon arrival at the Prom, Andie then proceeded to leave Duckie in the dust again, even after he'd ensured she did not go to prom alone, as she chased after boring Blane and snogged him in the car park to OMD. Yeeuch.<br />
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Iona disgusted me even more when a tearful Andie turned up to ask for the prom dress and found her looking very different due to her burgeoning relationship with 'Terence who owns a pet shop':<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUlxiX9xIHe76Kr_5LArnCto0BGANT9ZmL-LBguuUhT5TZJiiBSix4h12UzlB6OyIAhr5W26gM8guwdUlG8pe8H0STon_qwIjFvQx-KcoL2VFe5Oe3LA-iQeeWU208VS2DvIr4DG7aQi8/s1600-h/2744182230_b287e6504c_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="55" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUlxiX9xIHe76Kr_5LArnCto0BGANT9ZmL-LBguuUhT5TZJiiBSix4h12UzlB6OyIAhr5W26gM8guwdUlG8pe8H0STon_qwIjFvQx-KcoL2VFe5Oe3LA-iQeeWU208VS2DvIr4DG7aQi8/s320/2744182230_b287e6504c_o.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I felt especially cheated because my Mum owned a blazer just like that and wore her collars up in the 80s. I loved my Mum but I had to have some rebellion to aspire to. I was gutted, where was my strong, feisty role model? Could you only find love if you conformed to certain ideals? Why did she want to look ten years older? <br />
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As I said, I was quite intense and overanalysed everything. Pretty in Pink is not a manifesto for life, it's just a sweet, quirky film that tapped into the experience of being a teenager and feeling different and awkward. There will always be a place in my heart for Duckie though and I can't hear 'Try a Little Tenderness' without mentally revisiting his miming and dancing in Trax.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-64062427854216640662010-03-16T20:24:00.002+00:002010-03-16T20:26:51.667+00:00ELF Complexion Perfection powderI have mixed feelings about ELF products. I think the range is great value for money - most items are £1.50 - and offers an amazing selection of products to experiment with. Based on numerous purchases from ELF, I do feel that the quality goes up and down dependent upon what you buy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmcX6Vhd_jABIy5dV4qsx5dsrUxC6I70ks4EzlN1SXHCBNx5CMTgQgUwunvV1hLPjg9T4PsJxHIHUu5cD873TaOd5janAk1O4c_hJKiiUVA1_D7a9Q-s4nJi6KlxwSwnV7dtu4LxYCahg/s1600-h/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" linkindex="23" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmcX6Vhd_jABIy5dV4qsx5dsrUxC6I70ks4EzlN1SXHCBNx5CMTgQgUwunvV1hLPjg9T4PsJxHIHUu5cD873TaOd5janAk1O4c_hJKiiUVA1_D7a9Q-s4nJi6KlxwSwnV7dtu4LxYCahg/s200/009.JPG" width="200" /></a>The Studio range of products is really quite impressive. It's the more upmarket range with packaging that mimics the tactile design of Nars products but with a finish far less likely to get covered with fingerprints. Most items are £3.50.<br />
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For me, one of the standout items from the Studio range is the Complexion Perfection powder. This pressed powder comes in a very 'Nars-a-like' compact and looks odd when you first see it in the pan. Each quarter of the powder rectangle is a different shade - blue, pink, yellow and green. The idea is that the mixture of colours combines to brighten and even out your skin tone. It also promises to neutralise redness.<br />
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I have a lot of redness in my cheeks but the rest of my face is pale and I have freckles all over. As much as I like to cover the redness, I do not like the mask effect this can sometimes create. I prefer to tone the ruddiness down slightly in order that the rest of my skin can still show through. The Complexion Perfection is perfect for me because I can swirl a mix of the green and yellow sections onto my cheeks and it tones down the red without leaving me looking cakey.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5yOD4t8vi8_QrH5v-JYxEnmnW3xL73B70fMt6OE5a2UkzrR4McR51g_sxsj8DjwdIkpVUTFJWWNcj83LYSNxvoIWYwpHndFfchzXDVYUKEw0b9S6S7m4Ik0Y9FYOkaeWgzLAfRBsVUhn/s1600-h/ELFollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="24" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5yOD4t8vi8_QrH5v-JYxEnmnW3xL73B70fMt6OE5a2UkzrR4McR51g_sxsj8DjwdIkpVUTFJWWNcj83LYSNxvoIWYwpHndFfchzXDVYUKEw0b9S6S7m4Ik0Y9FYOkaeWgzLAfRBsVUhn/s400/ELFollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
As you can see from the fingertip swatch, the colours blend together to create a neutral shade. I find the powder to be very silky and smooth and a versatile product. I can swirl a kabuki brush across all colours and then dust over bare skin when I want a super quick finish on my skin to tone down shine and redness. I regularly use the powder to set my foundation if I'm wearing a full face of make up and I can reapply throughout the day without caking or build up of colour. I also use a small, fluffy brush with the yellow and pink sections to create a peach shade to set my undereye concealer and tone down any dark circles.<br />
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I've had this product since the Studio line launched in the UK (August last year??) and I have used it almost every day since. There is a dip in the middle of the powder but I have not yet hit pan. I think this product is amazing for £3.50 and I always recommend it to people if they ask about pressed powder. It's definitely worth <a href="http://www.eyeslipsface.co.uk/product%7EprodID%7E125.htm" linkindex="25">checking out</a>.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-4786540533322452732010-03-15T19:39:00.001+00:002010-03-15T19:40:21.073+00:00L'Occitane hand creamsI panic if I realise I've left the house without hand cream. A bit like my <a href="http://beglamoured.blogspot.com/2010/03/smooth-lips-and-classy-lady.html" linkindex="40">lip balm obsession</a>, I am always finding half finished tubes of hand cream in handbags or random drawers around the house. I hate to have dry hands and I always find the soap available in public loos, the office and restaurants seems to strip so much moisture from my hands. I also like to wash my hands a lot as I use public transport every day and I've seen what people put on seats, handrails and the like. Urgh.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoegkWJV7M4D4n4PGZTKk8xJMA3B-gNHzNXYph_fauT0A1fBvcVCvbTn5rHKm3tG9xnYHdni-PjzB4dDZvwVCUjQnS4ijFQ-bAdNcDDz2u6y-suzj1FDW83u5d03GKQorfNBEmD4tz1KJ/s1600-h/shea.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="41" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoegkWJV7M4D4n4PGZTKk8xJMA3B-gNHzNXYph_fauT0A1fBvcVCvbTn5rHKm3tG9xnYHdni-PjzB4dDZvwVCUjQnS4ijFQ-bAdNcDDz2u6y-suzj1FDW83u5d03GKQorfNBEmD4tz1KJ/s320/shea.jpg" /></a>After years of trial and error, I've found my favourite hand creams are those from L'Occitane. I find them to be rich, non greasy, nourishing and they smell gorgeous. My absolute favourite handbag standby is the travel size of the Shea Butter Hand Cream.<br />
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This cream is incredibly thick yet a small amount is enouch to cover the front and back of my hands and immediately soften the skin. It absorbs well and feels as though it protects my hands from cold weather and general dehydration and it smells a bit like baby powder to me - very delicate and a bit sweet. I've bought individual tubes but they also come as part of gift sets occasionally and I even acquired one tube as a free gift with a magazine last year.<br />
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I also always keep a tube of hand cream on my bedside table and (at least) one on my desk at work. I do try other brands from time to time - Burt's Bees is good but comes in a jar, which I hate, Liz Earle's is also good, but I find the fragrance a bit strong - but I always return to L'Occitane.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2HCRPdYCYtbfq6-q2bPDoZIepohrRM_izdRCagE-LHblGatq0zjg9H1fxdpNWjmvg24NlQJtqlmg7SQ3-JHV1hTlRFQT036byI7PNoe3sEshMZTWeBRV2VQF7yqqX4P0yeC8vcAp46-O/s1600-h/honey.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="42" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2HCRPdYCYtbfq6-q2bPDoZIepohrRM_izdRCagE-LHblGatq0zjg9H1fxdpNWjmvg24NlQJtqlmg7SQ3-JHV1hTlRFQT036byI7PNoe3sEshMZTWeBRV2VQF7yqqX4P0yeC8vcAp46-O/s320/honey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Also rich in shea butter, but not as heavy duty and thick as the one above, the Honey & Lemon Hand Cream is a real pampering treat. The cream can be squeezed from the tube in a thin ribbon from the lovely gold twist cap and it feels silky upon application. Again it is absorbed quickly and moisturises well but one of the real pleasures of using it is the scent. The sweeteness of the honey is curbed by a tart citrus hit and it will easily fragrance the room in which you apply it, though it is not headache-inducing. <br />
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Once I'd used a full tube of the Honey & Lemon - and it lasted for at least four months of daily applications at work - I decided to check out the other fragrances to see if they were all as delicious.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgDC6m5lfQ6uKEXFnf2idHT0Eof9JCJ_u9xHFhizNFWDRX-_m0sF8VPTxwacQacIrsW6UbNbTXFKKDY9AzIjMUHE73l2gsC85i0nJzh7YNY7y29LwTR327jdvDTBWuXwCZNeW4m9yx40-/s1600-h/tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="43" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgDC6m5lfQ6uKEXFnf2idHT0Eof9JCJ_u9xHFhizNFWDRX-_m0sF8VPTxwacQacIrsW6UbNbTXFKKDY9AzIjMUHE73l2gsC85i0nJzh7YNY7y29LwTR327jdvDTBWuXwCZNeW4m9yx40-/s320/tea.jpg" /></a></div>I toyed with Lavender, Cherry Blossom and Rose 4 Reines (which I succumbed to in the travel size as a handbag back up) but once I smelled the Green Tea Hand Cream, the hunt was over. This cream has the same silky moisturising qualities as the Honey & Lemon but the fragrance is even better, in my opinion. It is light, refreshing and sweet with a bitter undertone of leaf tea. As with the Lemon & Honey it wafts around the room and every time I apply it at work, someone will comment on the delicious smell. The fragrance then lingers on your hands which means you get wafts of it every now and then.<br />
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Pricing info and the creams themselves (along with others) are all available from <a href="http://uk.loccitane.com/FO/Home.aspx" linkindex="44">the L'Occitane website</a> though I've always bought from freestanding shops or concessions in Department stores. The travel size shea butter tubes are really worth a try, though I can't vouch for how well they'd work on sensitive skin or those with eczema. What works well for me might not for someone else. L'Occitane are pretty generous with sample sachets though.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-41872755166577483912010-03-13T20:28:00.002+00:002010-03-13T22:23:11.967+00:00Julie Hewett and FOTD*picture heavy post*<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKa2ZNMMn7Ra6HEc0XJb9VB_DkfjMbQCkTZVfgQY8L7tY7PYzkaQOWxPVJjMmopHJuu1Q-o0_4ws0HeoIgM5NTeBoR2mbchE_mS6kFSuDuSLq0LALDT7xEtuZuBp1kU3qp_tLAMacbQ18/s1600-h/JH.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="31" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKa2ZNMMn7Ra6HEc0XJb9VB_DkfjMbQCkTZVfgQY8L7tY7PYzkaQOWxPVJjMmopHJuu1Q-o0_4ws0HeoIgM5NTeBoR2mbchE_mS6kFSuDuSLq0LALDT7xEtuZuBp1kU3qp_tLAMacbQ18/s200/JH.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I love stumbling across fantastic things - I'm fairly certain most people do. The thing is once I find something new that I love, whether it's books, music, make-up or even cleaning products, I want to buy whatever is available to me in that range or genre. So it is with Julie Hewett. I've ordered items from the <a href="http://juliehewett.net/" linkindex="32">brand's website</a> three times and and there is not a single item I don't like. This of course means I want to try more and more.<br />
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Julie Hewett is a make-up artist in Hollywood. She worked on the film <i>Pearl Harbour</i> which is where she developed her own range of long-lasting red lipsticks - The Noir Collection - that authentically reproduced the colours of the 1940s.<br />
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As I've said before, I am not a fan of opaque, fully pigmented lipsticks. I love how they look on a lot of other people, but I much prefer a softer, glossier mouth. Within the Noir Collection there are three sheer shades of red which are absolutely perfect, in my humble opinion. I own the full sizes of Film Noir and Gem Noir and I received a generous sample size of Oona Noir (named for Charlie Chaplin's wife). They range from soft cherry red to a sheer blackberry and they feel weightless and smooth on the lips. The formula is moisturising yet has great lasting power. I also own Nude Noir which is not red, but a sheer mauve pink shot with gold shimmer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wviHMnicdwSrKjNAx9rwAKdI31hhsPp0ca4Joe4hdZ_GFzmuHQ6tzpLcdkkuvC5wMhhJbPCbOJ0xUeICzItKrfbXOVovr9J5N9sPqGTKrX5EZpAvzayL7leqRaGI4U53Bhyphenhyphenp78JdiWX9/s1600-h/JHlipsrightcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="33" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wviHMnicdwSrKjNAx9rwAKdI31hhsPp0ca4Joe4hdZ_GFzmuHQ6tzpLcdkkuvC5wMhhJbPCbOJ0xUeICzItKrfbXOVovr9J5N9sPqGTKrX5EZpAvzayL7leqRaGI4U53Bhyphenhyphenp78JdiWX9/s400/JHlipsrightcollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpZSdlL4xzsnagbV_DtKpKCRoJxPs4u2-gRjE6UeGNib8fXPg7KbUgQZDBjCGKxpSufxN2SdkFWerKxRRSFVZSx8ARoo48RIw3p9gmuhcvnRMHzYs728cFWX2Fn00dndVbipy9WsAxxZN/s1600-h/freecollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="34" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpZSdlL4xzsnagbV_DtKpKCRoJxPs4u2-gRjE6UeGNib8fXPg7KbUgQZDBjCGKxpSufxN2SdkFWerKxRRSFVZSx8ARoo48RIw3p9gmuhcvnRMHzYs728cFWX2Fn00dndVbipy9WsAxxZN/s320/freecollage.jpg" /></a></div>In my most recent order, I also purchased one of the Icon of beauty lipsticks in Thandie - a sheer red with gold highlights. The lipsticks all have gorgeous packaging, beautifully solid and gold with a retro swirl in the base. I'm not one for applying make-up on public transport, but I'm happy to whip these beauties out in public.<br />
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The Cheekies and Shimmies from Julie Hewett are also great products. Cheekies are little pots of cream blush and Shimmies are cream highlighters. I have the Goldie Shimmy - a soft gold with a subtle shimmer - and a sample of the Cleo Shimmy - more of a burnished bronze shade. As well as being used to highlight the cheekbones the Shimmies can be used on the eyes and blend well with the Julie Hewett shadows. I have the Peachie Cheekie which looks a vibrant coral in the pot, but is a wearable, pretty peach on the skin.<br />
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Also in the swatch is the Mystere Hue Colour, a beautiful taupe. These are cream eyeshadows which can be used alone or layered with shadows for a longer lasting and more intense colour. I tend to use a base with this product as it creases on me.<br />
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Purchasing a Cheekie from Julie Hewett also led me to acquire what's now one of my favourire make-up brushes. It came with the product as a special offer and at first I was bemused. It looked short and stumpy and totally unlike any other brush I've used to apply cream blush.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSu81YiHFvTrpAKkviiqMtA_ZluOuxIKbAdE2ZC8AEnPluqK0Ux7I1NkjN5kP-5iavOJDl5ixffJbiNcLZ0QRdrhakFhJ7aZDkHFgaZTt_T9Hclp-xON7MhVED-2xBsSjj05Rkk6pvLas1/s1600-h/JHbrushcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="36" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSu81YiHFvTrpAKkviiqMtA_ZluOuxIKbAdE2ZC8AEnPluqK0Ux7I1NkjN5kP-5iavOJDl5ixffJbiNcLZ0QRdrhakFhJ7aZDkHFgaZTt_T9Hclp-xON7MhVED-2xBsSjj05Rkk6pvLas1/s320/JHbrushcollage.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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It's actually amazing. It has short, densely-packed bristles and fits perfectly in the Cheekie pot. You swirl it around to pick up colour and then buff into the cheeks for a soft glow.<br />
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The eye palettes are one of the items that first drew me to the Julie Hewett range. There are a number of pre-existing palettes, some of which are limited edition. There's also the option to create your own custom palette which looks lovely but I've been overwhelmed by choice when I've attempted it. I own two of the pre-existing palettes - Twilight and Petit Four.<br />
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The Twilight palette is great for a natural day time look but can also be vamped up (pun intended) for the evening. I think they may have changed the palettes fairly recently, as the website says it includes a shadow called 'swank' in the slot mine has 'remy'. Either way, I love this palette. The size of the shadow pans is very generous, the colours are lovely, there's a mixture of matte, satin and shimmer and they are incredibly smooth but not so buttery they fall apart in the pan (Stila, I'm looking at you).<br />
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After being so pleased with Twilight, I decided to get the Petit Four palette in my last order.<br />
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Again it's at odds with the website which says 'berre' should be where 'bellini' is but I am really pleased with this palette. Bellini is a gorgeous peach and it recommends you use it as a blush too. The shadows in both palettes are true to their colour in the pan, which is not always the case with eyeshadow.<br />
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I decided to do a really quick face of the day with the Petit Four palette this morning. It took about five minutes and I did not use any eye base, just slapped on the shadow with brushes. After a day of shopping, visiting and cleaning I'd expect to see creases and even 'bald' areas where the shadow has worn off. I was amazed an hour ago when I looked in the mirror and found the eyes were just as they were when I photographed them earlier (click pics for a closer look).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71QQszOvmbQr1QnDfGR0cKp5HMKz6LO3X6mkeKY3uwBUWazq34ZStQigTMpV-B-cWhg0qdLlHmf5crUE4oVCAEUkqomik_PsgSr9FMpCqz00i4yJIkdc-nN_xUGV2NR-OxqX_GLgh17il/s1600-h/JHcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="39" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71QQszOvmbQr1QnDfGR0cKp5HMKz6LO3X6mkeKY3uwBUWazq34ZStQigTMpV-B-cWhg0qdLlHmf5crUE4oVCAEUkqomik_PsgSr9FMpCqz00i4yJIkdc-nN_xUGV2NR-OxqX_GLgh17il/s400/JHcollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I was really pleased with this look as it took hardly any time but I felt 'done' and very fresh faced thanks to the bellini eyeshadow as blusher. On the lips is a swipe of Thandie lipstick. I really like the combination of bellini on the lids and mica - a shimmery platinum shade - on the inner corner. It's stronger than the usual inner corner highlight and I think the contrast between peach and a bluish shade is nice.<br />
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So to summarise, I highly recommend Julie Hewett cosmetics. I also own a Camellia lip balm which is an excellent lip moisturiser and the pure cucumber extract which I haven't used yet, but it smells amazing. I think there are a few places in the UK that stock the line, but I've always bought direct from the Julie Hewett website. Shipping from LA takes about a week for a flat fee of $5.95 and everything is well-packaged. I've placed three orders now and received free samples with the first two. If you are a red lipstick lover, I'd strongly recommend taking a look at the Noir Collection as the full pigment shades are stunning.<br />
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Anyone else a fan? Any recommendations?Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-24925632158346770722010-03-12T18:52:00.001+00:002010-03-12T18:53:20.858+00:00FOTD - Suqqu, Bourjois, Julie HewettJust a quick post to show a face of the day from a couple of days ago. I've been on the back foot all week and keep forgetting to take photos in the morning so I rushed to get this after work, before the light went completely.<br />
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After falling completely in love with my first ever <a href="http://beglamoured.blogspot.com/2010/03/fotd-suqqu.html" linkindex="21">Suqqu purchases</a> I decided to drop by the counter to look at the other two eye quads in the Spring range. I decided to get EX03 Koukon, a mixture of warm browns in matte and shimmer shades.<br />
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I used Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation and concealer, set with E.L.F. Complexion Perfection powder. Blush was MyFace blusher in Holiday (my favourite blush) and lips were Julie Hewett Gem Noir lipstick, which is a lovely soft and sheer raspberry. I've just received some more Julie Hewett products so I'll aim to do a post on them soon.<br />
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Considering I took these pics at the end of the day when the whole lot had been on for 12 hours, I think the make-up lasted really well. I don't know what's going on with the simpering expression though. I tried to avoid my normal grumpy 'in repose' face, but I think this might be even worse. I can definitely see a touch of the Mr Bean about it.<br />
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</div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-49145509638556903102010-03-10T20:05:00.000+00:002010-03-10T20:05:51.449+00:00Suki skincareA couple of years ago I was given a Suki skincare starter set. The Suki range is described as '100% natural, non toxic and cruelty free skincare' and was created by Suki Kramer when she could find nothing to ease her very sensitive skin.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKB1Ey8HPyyeDnIH4jik6dY_adXKRh3ee0DPs3HzkkIeSTFK9yaRtl0C3_LoBkrWgxE08IINu8qIIYeRSSTYPuDB0D_WFZJeXMQ5SmJuzloHAPmcTiPZKIAEJe2yhcOxpqPXCvJXnTAc4/s1600-h/sukicollage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="298" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKB1Ey8HPyyeDnIH4jik6dY_adXKRh3ee0DPs3HzkkIeSTFK9yaRtl0C3_LoBkrWgxE08IINu8qIIYeRSSTYPuDB0D_WFZJeXMQ5SmJuzloHAPmcTiPZKIAEJe2yhcOxpqPXCvJXnTAc4/s320/sukicollage2.jpg" /></a></div>I'd describe my skin as more fragile or delicate than sensitive, but I found the skincare worked well for me and I really liked two products in particular. I went on to purchase full sizes of the exfoliating lemongrass cleanser (now called exfoliate foaming cleanser) and the concentrated facial toner with shitake, burdock and olive leaf (now called nourishing facial toner - shitake). I loved them so much that the last time I went to New York, I brought back three bottles of each as they were still hard to get hold of in the UK.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>The cleanser is recommended for all skin types, except Rosacea. Both the cleanser and toner are vegan.<br />
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As well as lemongrass, the cleanser contains natural sugar, chamomile and non gm rice flour. It smells absolutely wonderful - very citrus-zingy and refreshing. Initially, it's a little alarming as the texture feels like that of a very harsh scrub because it's packed with sugar crystals. However, it is not harsh on the skin. The directions tell you to take a fingerful of product and massage (not scrub) gently between moistened palms, then onto face and decolletage. On first contact with your wet palms, the product starts to foam gently and the sugar starts to melt. It continues to melt as you massage the face and then you rinse it off. It always leaves my skin feeling clean and smooth, but not tight or irritated at all. You only need a small amount each time you use it, so a jar lasts quite a while. It took me about three months to get through a jar (using it once a day).<br />
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The toner has quite a strong smell which I find appealing but I can imagine some would hate. It smells slightly earthy thanks to the shitake extract, but also a bit like dandelion and burdock as it also contains natural burdock extract. It looks a bit like real ale, particularly because it has 'bits' floating in it, which I've helpfully documented for you with pictures:<br />
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The toner is 'a medicinal grade antioxidant tincture' that helps revive, strengthen and fortify the skin. I either spray it straight on to my face after cleansing or spray some on cotton wool and wipe over my face. It leaves my skin feeling very clean and ready for moisturiser. In summer I love it for reviving and cleaning my make-up free face when it's just too hot to contemplate applying cosmetics. <br />
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Suki skincare is now more widely available in the UK. I've seen it at <a href="http://www.beingcontent.com/" linkindex="300">beingcontent.com</a> and <a href="http://www.bathandunwind.com/" linkindex="301">bathandunwind.com</a>. I'd definitely recommend it. Having tried one of the starter sets, the foaming cleanser is the stand out product for me, but it's all very nice and good quality. The starter sets are a really good way to find out which full size products you might like.<br />
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I would repeatedly buy these products, as exemplified by the fact that I already have. My one reservation is that the skin on my cheeks is delicate and increasingly prone to broken capillaries, so I'm trying to get away from using physical exfoliants. Although the sugar does melt into the foam of the cleanser, it's still a little bit scrubby for the first couple of seconds. It really is a brilliant product though - totally unlike anything I've ever used before. Ingredients lists for the Suki skincare range can be found on both the websites I've linked to above.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-64008954174362911032010-03-09T21:02:00.002+00:002010-03-09T21:05:55.945+00:00Smooth lips and a classy ladyIf I were stranded on a desert island and could only have one luxury cosmetic item (assuming sunscreen is classed as a necessary item) I would pick lip balm. I have a lot of lip balm. I have sticks, pots, tins and tubes and they are dotted around my house. Every time the season changes I become reacquainted with previous favourites as I change coats and bags and find several I've left in the pockets.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkN3kA7Wvp38oLbFlcSi1sBbgJBF50PBWaMElfYF2DYh5NgeqcUQbmJI37kEyfW93mdzay8hb_Qj1wMi_KjWAOmBZU_JEJx75mU-lvzP2C58DJd5MY_9R_m-lOqqHpClKcZ4TpF6wqMKU/s1600-h/badgercollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="18" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkN3kA7Wvp38oLbFlcSi1sBbgJBF50PBWaMElfYF2DYh5NgeqcUQbmJI37kEyfW93mdzay8hb_Qj1wMi_KjWAOmBZU_JEJx75mU-lvzP2C58DJd5MY_9R_m-lOqqHpClKcZ4TpF6wqMKU/s320/badgercollage.jpg" width="320" /></a>I prefer the type in tubes or sticks for hygiene reasons and also because they're easier to apply on the go. My current favourite is the Badger Balm stick lip balm in pink grapefruit. It is certified organic, which is nice for something I practically eat, and it smells delicious. It contains a lot of olive oil and the solid stick melts on contact with the lips and leaves a light slick of moisturisation which sits comfortably on the lips and is slowly absorbed. It is not sticky or tacky and I find it's a great preparation for lip pencils or lipstick.<br />
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I got it from <a href="http://www.bathandunwind.com/" linkindex="19">Bath & Unwind</a> where I found the service to be quick and efficient. They also do some pretty good special offers.<br />
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The classy lady of the post title refers to my favourite landmark - Lady Liberty. I love New York - in my opinion it's like a theme park for adults. I haven't been for a couple of years and I'm getting withdrawal symptoms, particularly for Sephora. I nipped into Accessorize on the way home from work and found this necklace as part of their Spring travel-themed range. It is the perfect balance of cute, cheesy and tacky for me, so I had to have it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2Qn1NYwh-ypbQm-lnRO3Re_wYnku-JFPXoDoevfMhB9CiXEENtptLffYUNGdllODtGnO9P-WtIxB9u2hP6s5ZccNOUOIyyvjZs8b4xXjrKqR_aITqtD49kTs2FpmYf_mKVL4afazUwWi/s1600-h/022Estate2.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2Qn1NYwh-ypbQm-lnRO3Re_wYnku-JFPXoDoevfMhB9CiXEENtptLffYUNGdllODtGnO9P-WtIxB9u2hP6s5ZccNOUOIyyvjZs8b4xXjrKqR_aITqtD49kTs2FpmYf_mKVL4afazUwWi/s400/022Estate2.jpg" width="343" /></a></div><br />
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Right, I'm off to listen to Alicia Keys singing 'Empire State of Mind' for the 327th time.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716917844384736873.post-52886144993478817092010-03-07T15:34:00.003+00:002010-03-07T16:11:38.395+00:00Face the past*picture heavy post*<br />
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One of the things that fuelled my obsession with make-up when I was growing up was teen magazines and annuals. Though I was still far from being a teenager in the mid to late 80s, I had female relatives and family friends who were aged between 15 and 21 and who all seemed impossibly glamorous to me. I would snaffle their back issues of Blue Jeans, My Guy and Just 17 as often as I could.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIG_VY3iaM92iGIYs7hpq7ZXuKBCxab9ZDSjX2Ev2zzyGfV1c4AsYbjIYSn-95WjsUV0lUcE0wwzg587KtG05CNgOWeaEOu2ON3UTm6jSiT78vBo5G5dHrwqHTF-1k_FW-HcWv7O7xcIS/s1600-h/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" linkindex="30" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIG_VY3iaM92iGIYs7hpq7ZXuKBCxab9ZDSjX2Ev2zzyGfV1c4AsYbjIYSn-95WjsUV0lUcE0wwzg587KtG05CNgOWeaEOu2ON3UTm6jSiT78vBo5G5dHrwqHTF-1k_FW-HcWv7O7xcIS/s200/027.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>The Blue Jeans annual of 1984 was one of my particular favourites and I would spend hours studying the photo love stories, problem pages, beauty tips and fashion. I could not wait to be 18 when I would be able to live my life as I wanted, and what I wanted was a life based on the Blue Jeans annual, 1984. I wanted stripes of tawny blusher, lurid blue eyeshadow and frosted pink lips. I wanted a curly perm sculpted into an immovable style and enhanced with plastic hoop earrings. I wanted to be a sophisticated woman. When I eventually did reach 18 in 1995, that dream had been long forgotten. <br />
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Then a few years ago a surge of nostalgia had me searching Ebay for Blue Jeans and My Guy annuals of the 80s. I struck gold and I now have a small collection of these wonderful windows into my own past, including the much beloved Blue Jeans Annual, 1984.<br />
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The make-up image that made a massive impression on me and which most made me want to track down a copy of the 1984 tome was this one (click pics to enlarge):<br />
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It was so trendy and exciting and rebellious yet pretty. I wanted the different coloured pencils and shadows used in the feature and I felt sure I would look just as 'good' if I recreated the masterpiece, despite the fact I had no make-up skills, the podgy, freckled face of a 7-year-old and an ill-advised short hair cut gelled into spikes that made me look more masculine than my own brother. It makes me smile that this style of make-up has recently resurfaced, with pencil skills and eye masks demos-a-plenty on YouTube.<br />
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My small collection of annuals from the decade that style forgot yields much to amuse. Makeovers turned 15-year-old girls into middle aged women, face charts showed ridiculous blusher apparently applied using a set square. It also shows a more innocent time, when celebrities were not so airbrushed and far removed from normality and heart throbs were ancient by today's Jonas Brothers standards.<br />
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Look at the heart throb poster from My Guy in the bottom left of the collage - it's the bloke who used to be married to Gail in Corrie. He really could have been the guy next door, or a gas fitter you might have met in the pub on a Friday night. Next to him is a double page spread of a fan meeting her heart throb - Glenn Gregory from Heaven 17. That sort of set up now produces a 28 part series on MTV.<br />
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These annuals also included features where it seems the editor said 'Ok, we've got some full colour pages to fill. What can we come up with?'. There is more than a whiff of the ridiculous about this feature on dog grooming but then I remember a girl of my age who lived nect door to my nan and routinely dressed her Yorkshire Terrier in baby clothes and pushed him around in a pram. Even at 6, I knew she was not my kind of person.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Back to beauty and I fondly remember those features that told you how to make your own face masks from cucumber, yoghurt and wheatgerm (cue me: 'Muuuum, it's not faiiiiir, why don't you ever buy any wheatgeeeeerm'). Or the recommendation to wash your hair with eggs for strength and shine. A great idea until I managed to turn my best friend's hair into a scrambled egg nightmare by using hot water to rinse. One of my annuals includes illustrated features on blusher placement to shape your face and facial exercises to prevent aging. This sort of gentle advice was later usurped by More magazine's charming 'Position of the Fortnight':</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeK5NX8l3RqPc5_aNPbAa-CQYnZhia_Eav5CSDPERMQsDuD-siayfaNaLlHWO3tp1hzfps-9CaJddfpS4jJ3f0T1ouvPFl6pe_hcvuwbE_JmD3Cwo5vkeRauk9HpTSUL7YYg9nfeBT5ZAg/s1600-h/facecollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="34" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeK5NX8l3RqPc5_aNPbAa-CQYnZhia_Eav5CSDPERMQsDuD-siayfaNaLlHWO3tp1hzfps-9CaJddfpS4jJ3f0T1ouvPFl6pe_hcvuwbE_JmD3Cwo5vkeRauk9HpTSUL7YYg9nfeBT5ZAg/s400/facecollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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I think I've also narrowed down where one of the greatest make-up crimes originated. The advice has obviously been passed from one generation to the next, as this still seems prevalent today:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7YhrzwWLoBiMdt4IV7F6HKBjD8KK7QmTtDmAo8VCL_c4fdXZYF8ID6sl_MtUC-e2Fy-rzTA09sux4BtHAOVFnwnTZbU-st5rGNJGD6kYvhK7H4dWYhcK5C9kYZy_NW1SZcMxAaRnZYWL/s1600-h/lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="35" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7YhrzwWLoBiMdt4IV7F6HKBjD8KK7QmTtDmAo8VCL_c4fdXZYF8ID6sl_MtUC-e2Fy-rzTA09sux4BtHAOVFnwnTZbU-st5rGNJGD6kYvhK7H4dWYhcK5C9kYZy_NW1SZcMxAaRnZYWL/s400/lips.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
If make-up was the opposite of subtle then hair was also determined to be memorable. As I recall, the 80s was the birthplace of wet look gel, mousse, scrunching, Sun-in and hair mascara. I had some hair mascara and it basically made you look as if you hadn't bothered to wash after helping your dad emulsion the kitchen ceiling.<br />
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Behold this triumvirate of beauties demonstrating the merits of curly perms, hair mascara, mousse, gel and all-round, highly flammable hair dos. I actually think the middle one looks quite contemporary as the hair mascara looks like grey highlights and the make-up is pretty edgy. I don't think I'll be sporting it in the office though.<br />
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Finally, it was not just the fashion and beauty of the 80s I aspired to. Some teen magazines also included recipes and sewing or knitting patterns. I was not particularly nifty with a needle and thread (I WAS only 7) but the Blue Jeans Annual 1984 also included this:<br />
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A feature on how to make cushions that look like cakes! This seemed like the best thing ever to me at the time and I suggested to my Mum that she might like to make some to go with our new three piece suite. To my great surprise, she did not leap on the idea. Funny, because I'm now about the age she was, and I still think a cushion that looks like a chocolate eclair would be brilliant.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139898420139344741noreply@blogger.com2