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Laura Mercier 'Lingerie' Eye & Cheek Palette

2012-02-16T08:32:00.002Z

How absolutely beautiful is this palette from Laura Mercier?! We love it here in the studio.
It is part of Laura Mercier's Lingerie Spring collection therefore limited edition, so we feel very fortunate to have one in our hands. It is the perfect palette for subtle hits of warm and glowing colour, great for bringing about spring-like youthfulness all year round.

In the palette are six shades for the eyes, most of which are exclusive to this palette with the exception of African Violet and Black Plum.
The two blushers, One pink toned, one peach toned, are a versatile duo to have in one set for a gorgeous and healthy blush. Both are perfect for everyday, I would pair the peach toned blush with a stronger lip or eye look and the pink toned with a softer fresh make-up finish. The shadows are the most beautiful and luxurious warm toned colours, from which you can create a multitude of looks. Within the six there are great options for defining, contouring, base colours and options to create both natural and sumptuous smokey looks from the different combinations. All products have brilliant staying power, a smooth finish, strong pigmentation and blend softly. There is a very sophisticated air about this palette, from the sleek case the products come in, to the richness of the products inside. I love how all the colours are totally wearable too, making for a good investment.

Get the palette whilst you can from Laura Mercier counters or online at www.lauramercier.com

Adele Grammy Make-up Tutorial

2012-02-15T19:44:00.000Z

NIP + FAB Shower Fix Oil

2012-02-14T12:02:00.000Z

NIP + FAB is a body and beauty range formed by the creator of Rodial, Maria Hatzistefanis. They offer all sorts of different products from cellulite combatting to eye and skin brightening and plumping. This shower oil has been my go-to bath product of the moment and it is fantastic for giving skin a gorgeous smooth feel and a glowing finish. It simultaneously cleanses the skin to maintain skins natural moisture balance. It is so gorgeously rich, and smells like oranges and mandarins, with the orange element toning, energising and awakening the skin, and the mandarin element also encourages circulation and can reduce appearance of lines with the addition of gentle oils to cleanse and protect.

It's a great pick me up for skin, helping to eradicating dryness and giving skin a healthy glow whilst also keeping skin soft and supple. This is the first NIP + FAB product I have tried and it totally does what it sets out to do, so I can't wait to try more products from the range which I hope will be equally as good! For £12.25 it is quite expensive for a shower product so it is fortunate that the bottle goes a long way, only a little amount of product is needed for all over application.

http://www.nipandfab.com/

Evangeline Lilly (Kate from LOST) 'No Make-up'

2012-02-10T17:55:00.001Z

Products Used:
BECCA Luminous Skin Colour Foundation http://www.beccacosmetics.com/uk/
BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector
MAQPRO Palette http://www.preciousaboutmakeup.com/makeup/le-maquillage-petite-palettes
Clinique High Impact Mascara - http://tiny.cc/90bi6
Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer - http://tinyurl.com/76wu34q
MAC Fluidline in Black Trax - http://tinyurl.com/7fs9ve4
MAC Petting Pink Lip Conditioner
Daniel Sandler Watercolour Creme Bronzer in Fiji
Anastasia Brow in Espresso http://www.cultbeauty.co.uk

Seaspray eyes and pink cheeks.

2012-02-09T19:04:00.001Z

TOPSHOP goodness!

2012-02-06T09:37:00.000Z

Although I wouldn't consider the Topshop make up line as one of my favourites, I think they have some exciting products, particularly in terms of their very trend driven colour range. Here's a few stand outs...

Nail varnish in Dead Ringer and Crackle Topcoat in Frosty

The Topshop nail polish are pretty awesome, they are brilliant to work with, apply evenly and just one coat is enough (although I do two coats for extra shine). They dry on the nail quickly and the colour range is fabulous.

I love the bright and glossy finish to Dead Ringer, it's a perfect pick me up for this dull February. As for the Crackle Topcoat, I think I have mentioned before, I am not a huge fan of that finish personally, but for those that do like it, this one is a winner.

The finish is sparkly and iridescent but also matte. My only flaw with these polishes is that they aren't amazingly chip proof and it only takes a day or so for scuffing and chipping to appear. Having said that, if you like painting your nails regularly then this isn't a problem.

Available in Topshops stores, £6.

Crayon's in Sunshower (gold) and Ramble (brown)

These are great products. Gorgeously pigmented and shimmery they make for a perfect base for eyeshadows to add extra depth and intensity, or they look great on their own for a quick and easy eyeshadow fix. Products like these are great for a summery glowing look or for really building up a smokey eye when used as a base. I love these two colours, both pretty and shimmery to make the eyes stand out. They are so soft that it is simple to run all over the lid and under the eye too, they are also wonderfully smudgy so you can blend with fingers or a brush to get your desired finished. At £7.50 each these are great value.

Click to have a look at Topshop Make-Up

AVON Ideal Flawless Foundation

2012-02-03T12:59:00.005Z

Nic and I had a lovely tweet from the gorgeous Alesha Dixon yesterday and as you may know she is the face of the new AVON Ideal Flawless Foundation. Which, I then realised hadn't yet featured on the blog.
When writing a post I usually google the product to find out other peoples experiences, this helps to either validate my own opinions or to make me think a little more.

While googling I came across this brilliant backstage video of the 'Ideal Flawless' shoot.
I urge you to watch this, it is full of great make-up tips from the very lovely Liz Pugh and Alesha's skin looks heavenly. Such tips validate my own love of lipstick on cheeks!

Ok, back to the foundation...

AVON Ideal Flawless Foundation is Oil-Free with an SPF15. It is £12.00 for 30ml and available from Avon or your local Avon representative.
It comes in 16 shades, from very pale to darker that Alesha. Nic and I always like to see cosmetic brands embrace darker and lighter skin tones, as they should.

Ideal Flawless comes in a slick glass bottle with a black cap not dissimilar to some other prestige brands. It looks expensive and classy on the dressing table.
The texture of the product itself feels smooth and moisturising. It blends into skin perfectly without looking cakey or thick but has incredible coverage.
Due to the oil-free formulation it is suitable for all skin types and does set so you need to work quickly.
Just like Liz Pugh in the video (above), I think you get optimum results from this foundation if you apply it with your hands or a buffing brush.

A great foundation for the price and lets hope we see more brands incorporating shades for darker skin.

Real Techniques Stockists

2012-02-02T11:36:00.003Z

It has been a very exciting week for Real Techniques.
Finally our online store opened to US customers and then Boots announced that they will be stocking them as of the 15th February.

Select Boots stores will stock RT.
EAST

Aldershot Wellington Ctr Aldershot Hampshire

Ashford High St Kent Ashford Kent

Aylesbury Hale Leys Sc Aylesbury Buckinghamshire

Banbury Castle Quay Banbury Oxfordshire

Banbury Cross RP Banbury Oxfordshire

Basildon Mayflower Rp Basildon Essex

Basildon Town Sq Basildon Essex

Basingstoke Chineham Sc Basingstoke Hampshire

Basingstoke Old Mall Basingstoke Hampshire

Bedford Harpur Ctr Bedford Bedfordshire

Bedford Interchange Rp Bedford Bedfordshire

Bexhill Ravenside Rp Bexhill-on-Sea East Sussex

Bishops Stort Potter St Bishops Stortford Hertfordshire

Bletchley Beacon Rp Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire

Bracknell Princess Sq Bracknell Berkshire

Brighton North St Brighton East Sussex

Bury St Edmunds Cornhill Bury St. Edmunds Suffolk

Camberley Obelisk Way Camberley Surrey

Cambridge Newmarket Rd Cambridge Cambridgeshire

Cambridge Petty Cury Cambridge Cambridgeshire

Canterbury Whitefrs Sc Canterbury Kent

Chatham Pentagon Ctr Chatham Kent

Chelmsford Chelmer Vill Chelmsford Essex

Chelmsford High Chelmer Chelmsford Essex

Cheshunt Brookfield Ctr Waltham Cross Hertfordshire

Chichester North St Chichester West Sussex

Colchester Lion Walk Colchester Essex

Corby The Peel Centre RP Corby Northamptonshire

Coventry Arena Rp Coventry West Midlands

Coventry Central 6 Rp Coventry West Midlands

Coventry Lower Precinct Coventry West Midlands

Crawley County Mall Crawley West Sussex

Dartford High St Dartford Kent

Derby Kingsway Retail Pk Derby Derbyshire

Derby Westfields Sc Derby Derbyshire

Derby Wyvern Rp Derby Derbyshire

East Grinstead London Rd East Grinstead West Sussex

Eastbourne Arndale Ctr Eastbourne East Sussex

Eastbourne Sovereign Rp Eastbourne East Sussex

Fareham Westbury Mall Fareham Hampshire

Folkestone Sandgate Rd Folkestone Kent

Grantham High St Grantham Lincolnshire

Gravesend St George Sc Gravesend Kent

Great Yarmouth Market Sc Great Yarmouth Norfolk

Guildford High St Guildford Surrey

Harlow Broadwalk Harlow Essex

Hastings Kingswalk Hastings East Sussex

High Wycombe Eden Ctr High Wycombe Buckinghamshire

Horsham Swan Walk Horsham West Sussex

Isle Wight Newport Hghst Newport Isle of Wight

Kenilworth Talisman Sq Kenilworth Warwickshire

Kettering Gold St Kettering Northamptonshire

Leamington Spa Parade Leamington Spa Warwickshire

Leicester Fosse Park Leicester Leicestershire

Leicester Gallowtree Gt Leicester Leicestershire

Leicester Thurmaston Sc Leicester Leicestershire

Lincoln High St Lincoln Lincolnshire

Loughborough Market Pl Loughborough Leicestershire

Luton The Mall Luton Bedfordshire

Maidenhead High St Maidenhead Berkshire

Maidstone Fremlin Walk Maidstone Kent

Maidstone King St Maidstone Kent

Mansfield 4 Seasons Ctr Mansfield Nottinghamshire

Milton Keynes Crown Walk Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire

Newbury Northbrook St Newbury Berkshire

Northampton Riverside Bp Northampton Northamptonshire

Northampton The Parade Northampton Northamptonshire

Northampton Westgate Rp Northampton Northamptonshire

Norwich Castle Mall Norwich Norfolk

Norwich Chapelfield Norwich Norfolk

Norwich Riverside Rp Norwich Norfolk

Nottingham Broadmarsh Nottingham Nottinghamshire

Nottingham Giltbrook Rp

Nottingham Riverside Rp Nottingham Nottinghamshire

Nottingham Victoria Ctr Nottingham Nottinghamshire

Nuneaton Market Place Nuneaton Warwickshire

Oxford Cornmarket St Oxford Oxfordshire

Oxford Cowley Rp Oxford Oxfordshire

Peterborough Serpentine Peterborough Cambridgeshir

Peterbrgh Queensgate Ctr Peterborough Cambridgeshire

Petersfield High St Petersfield Hampshire

Portsmouth Commercial Rd Portsmouth Hampshire

Reading Broad St Reading Berkshire

Reading Calcot Reading Berkshire

Reading Oracle Ctr Reading Berkshire

Redhill High St Redhill Surrey EAST 6497

Romford The Brewery Romford Essex

Romford The Liberty Romford Essex

Rugby Junction One Rp Rugby Warwickshire

Slough High St Slough Berkshire

Southampton Above Bar St Southampton Hampshire

Southampton West Quay Southampton Hampshire

Southend The Royals Sc Southend-on-Sea Essex

Stevenage Queensway Stevenage Hertfordshire

Stevenage Roaring Meg Rp Stevenage Hertfordshire

Stratford U Avon Bridge Stratford-Upon-Avon Warwickshire

W Thurrock Junction Rp THURROCK Essex

Winchester High St Winchester Hampshire

Windsor Peascod St Windsor Berkshire

Witney High St Witney Oxfordshire

Woking Commercial Way Woking Surrey

Worthing Montague St Worthing West Sussex

NORTH

Altrincham Rp Altrincham Cheshire

Altrincham Stamford Qtr Altrincham Lancashire

Ashton Ul Staveleigh Way Ashton-Under-Lyne Lancashire

Barnsley Cheapside Barnsley South Yorkshire

Bishop Auckld Newgate St Bishop Auckland County Durham

Blackburn Cobden Court Blackburn Lancashire

Blackpool Bank Hey St Blackpool Lancashire

Bolton Gates Sc Bolton Lancashire

Bolton Middlebrook Rp Bolton Lancashire

Bolton Trinity Street Rp Bolton Lancashire

Bradford Darley St BRADFORD West Yorkshire

Burnley St James St Burnley Lancashire

Bury The Mall Bury Lancashire

Chesterfield Low Pavemnt Chesterfield Derbyshire

Doncaster Frenchgate Ctr Doncaster South Yorkshire

Doncaster Wheatley Hall Doncaster South Yorkshire

Durham City Retail Park Durham County Durham

Gateshead Metro Centre Gateshead County Durham

Grimsby Friargate Grimsby Lincolnshire

Halifax Market St Halifax West Yorkshire

Harrogate Cambridge St Harrogate North Yorkshire

Hartlepool Anchor Rp Hartlepool County Durham

Huddersfield King St HUDDERSFIELD West Yorkshire

Isle Of Man Douglas Isle of Man

Keighley Airdale Ctr Keighley West Yorkshire

Kendal Stricklandgate Kendal Cumbria

Lancaster St Nicholas Lancaster Lancashire

Leeds Albion Arcade Leeds West Yorkshire

Leeds Birstall Rp Batley West Yorkshire

Leeds Colton Rp Leeds West Yorkshire

Leeds White Rose Sc Leeds West Yorkshire

Liverpool Aintree Rp Liverpool Merseyside

Liverpool Clayton Sq Sc Liverpool Merseyside

Liverpool New Mersey Rp Liverpool Merseyside

Manch Walkden Ellesmr SC Manchester Lancashire

Manchester Market Street Manchester Lancashire

Manchester Trafford Ctr Manchester Lancashire

Middlesbro Cleveland Ctr Middlesbrough North Yorkshire

Newcastle Eldon Sq Newcastle Upon Tyne Tyne and Wear

Newcastle Kingston Sc Newcastle Upon Tyne Tyne and Wear

North Shield Silvrlnk Rp Newcastle Upon Tyne Tyne and Wear

Oldham Elk Mill Cntr Rp Oldham Lancashire

Oldham Town Sq Sc Oldham Lancashire

Pontefract Beastfair Pontefract West Yorkshire

Preston Capitol Rp Preston Lancashire

Preston Deepdale Rp Preston Lancashire

Preston Fishergate Preston Lancashire

Rochdale Royal Exchng Sc Rochdale Lancashire

Rotherham Retail World Rotherham South Yorkshire

Scarborough Westborough Scarborough North Yorkshire

Sheffield High St Sheffield South Yorkshire

Sheffield Meadowhall Sc Sheffield South Yorkshire

Southport Central Sc Southport Merseyside

St Helens Church St ST HELENS Lancashire

Stockport Merseyway Stockport Cheshire

Stockton On Ts Tside Rp Stockton-on-Tees County Durham

Sunderland The Bridges Sunderland

Wakefield Kirkgate Wakefield West Yorkshire

Warrington Gemini Rp Warrington Cheshire

Warrington Golden Square Warrington Cheshire

Widnes Shopping Park Widnes Lancashire

Wigan Robin Park Wigan Lancashire

York 43 Coney Street York North Yorkshire

York Monks Cross Rp York North Yorkshire NORTHERN IRELAND

NORTHERN IRELAND

Ballymena Tower Sc Ballymena County Antrim NORTHERN IRELAND

Bangor Cd Main St Bangor County Down NORTHERN IRELAND

Belfast Boucher Road Belfast County Antrim NORTHERN IRELAND

Belfast Donegal Place Belfast County Antrim NORTHERN IRELAND

Belfast Forestside Sc Belfast County Antrim NORTHERN IRELAND

Lisburn Sprucefield Sc Lisburn County Antrim NORTHERN IRELAND

Londonderry Cresnt Rp Londonderry County Londonderry NORTHERN IRELAND

Londonderry Foyleside Sc Londonderry County Londonderry ROI

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

Athlone Golden Isle Sc Athlone Westmeath ROI

Blanchardstown Ctr Blanchardstown Dublin ROI

Bray Main Street Bray Wicklow ROI

Castlebar Hopkins Rd Castlebar Mayo ROI

Cork Blackpool RP Cork Cork ROI

Cork Half Moon St Cork Cork ROI

Cork Mahon Point Cork Cork ROI

Drogheda Laurence Sc Drogheda Meath ROI

Dublin Grafton Street Dublin Dublin ROI

Dublin Jervis Sc Dublin Dublin ROI

Dublin Liffey Valley Dublin Dublin ROI

Dublin Lower Baggot St Dublin Dublin ROI

Dublin Omni Centre Dublin Dublin ROI

Dublin St Stephens Green Dublin Dublin ROI

Dublin Swords Pavillions Dublin Dublin ROI

Dundalk The Marshes Sc Dundalk Louth ROI

Dundrum Town Ctr Dundrum Dublin ROI

Galway Shop St Galway Galway ROI

Gorey Main Street Gorey Wexford ROI

Limerick Childers Rp Limerick Limerick ROI

Limerick William St Limerick Limerick ROI

Maynooth Carton Park Maynooth Kildare ROI

Mullingar Habour Pl Sc Mullingar Westmeath ROI

Portlaoise Town Centre Portlaoise Laois ROI

Tallaght 245 Square Sc Tallaght Dublin ROI

Thurles Sc Thurles Tipperary

SCOTLAND & LONDON

Aberdeen Bon Accord Ctr Aberdeen Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen Garthdee Rd Rp Aberdeen Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen Union Sq Sc Aberdeen Aberdeenshire

Arbroath High St Arbroath Angus

Bexleyheath Broadway Sc Bexleyheath Kent

Bishopbriggs Strath Rp Glasgow Lanarkshire

Bromley The Glades Sc Bromley Kent

Crayford Towers Rp Dartford Kent

Croydon Valley Plaza Rp Croydon Surrey

Croydon Whitgift Sc Croydon Surrey

Dartford Bluewater Park Greenhithe Kent

Dumfries High St Dumfries Dumfriesshire

Dundee High St Dundee Angus

Dundee Kingsway West RP Dundee Fife

East Kilbride The Plaza Glasgow Lanarkshire

Edgware Broadwalk Sc Edgware Middlesex

Edinburgh 101Princes St Edinburgh Midlothian

Edinburgh Craigleith Edinburgh Midlothian

Edinburgh Fort Rp Edinburgh Midlothian

Edinburgh Gyle Centre Edinburgh Midlothian

Elgin High St Elgin Morayshire

Epsom Ashley Ctr Epsom Surrey

Falkirk Central Rp Falkirk Stirlingshire

Falkirk High St Falkirk Stirlingshire

Glasg 200 Sauchiehill St Glasgow Lanarkshire

Glasgow Braehead Centre Glasgow Lanarkshire

Glasgow Buchanan Gallery Glasgow Lanarkshire

Glasgow Enoch Sq Glasgow Lanarkshire

Glasgow Fort Glasgow Lanarkshire

Greenford Westway Rp Greenford Middlesex

Greenock Hamilton Way Greenock Renfrewshire

Hamilton Palace Twers Rp Hamilton Lanarkshire

Hamilton Regent Way Hamilton Lanarkshire

Harrow St George Sc Harrow Middlesex

Hemel Hempstead Marlowes Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire

Hounslow High St HOUNSLOW Middlesex

Ilford 177 High Rd Ilford Essex

Inverness Retail Park Inverness Inverness-shire

Irvine Fullerton Square Irvine Ayrshir

Kilmarnock King St Kilmarnock Ayrshire

Kingston U Thms Union St Kingston Upon Thames Surrey

Kirkcaldy High St Kirkcaldy Fife

Lond Beckton Galleons Rp London Middlesex

Lond Charlton Grnwich Rp London Middlesex

Lond Hammersmith King St London Middlesex

Lond Wimbledon Ctr Court London Middlesex

Lond Wood Green High Rd London Middlesex

London 16 Tottenhm Ct Rd London Middlesex

London 193 Oxford St London Middlesex

London 385-389 Oxford St London Middlesex

London Balham High Rd London Middlesex

London Bishopsgate London Middlesex

London Brent Cross Sc London Middlesex

London Canary Whf Jubile London Middlesex

London Carnaby St London Middlesex

London Cheapside London Middlesex

London Clapham Falcon Ln London Middlesex

London Colliers Wood London Middlesex

London Ealing 35Broadway London Middlesex

London Enfield Plce Gdns Enfield Middlesex

London Fleet Street London Middlesex S

London Fulham Broadwy Rp London Middlesex

London Holborn London Middlesex

London Kensington London Middlesex

London Kew Richmond Surrey

London Lewisham London Middlesex

London Liverpool St Stn London Middlesex

London Piccadilly London Middlesex

London Piccadilly Circus London Middlesex

London Queensway London Middlesex

London Sedley Place London Middlesex

London Stratford City London Middlesex

London Tooting London Middlesex

London Victoria Crdnl Pl London Middlesex S

London Wandsworth London Middlesex

London White City Sc London Middlesex

Montrose High St Montrose Angus

Perth High St Perth Perthshire S

St Albans St Peters St St. Albans Hertfordshire

Staines Two Rivers Rp Staines Surrey

Stirling Thistle Ctr Stirling Stirlingshire

Sutton Surrey High St Sutton Surrey

Uxbridge Chimes Sc Uxbridge Middlesex

W Thurrock Lakeside Sc Grays Essex

Watford The Harlequin Watford Hertfordshire

Watford Waterfields Rp Watford Hertfordshire

Whetstone High Rd London Middlesex

WEST

Barnstaple High St Barnstaple Devon

Bath Southgate Centre Bath Somerset

Birkenhead Grange Rd Birkenhead Merseyside

Birm Fort Dunlop BIRMINGHAM West Midlands

Birmingham Bull Ring Sc BIRMINGHAM West Midlands

Bournemouth Castle P Sc Bournemouth Dorset

Bournemouth Cmmercial Rd Bournemouth Dorset

Bridgend Caroline St Bridgend Mid Glamorgan

Bristol Broadmead Bristol Avon

Bristol Clifton Down Ctr Bristol Avon

Bristol Cribbs Causeway Bristol Avon

Bristol Eastgate Rp Bristol Avon

Bristol Emerson Green Bristol Avon

Bristol Imperial Rp Bristol Avon

Burton On T Coopers Sq Burton-on-Trent Staffordshire

Cannock Orbital Rp Cannock Staffordshire

Cardiff Bay Rp Cardiff South Glamorgan

Cardiff Queen St Cardiff South Glamorgan

Cardiff St Davids 2 Cardiff South Glamorgan

Cardiff Ty Glas Rp Cardiff South Glamorgan

Cheltenham Gallagher Rp Cheltenham Gloucestershire

Cheltenham High St Cheltenham Gloucestershire

Chester Broughton Sc Chester Cheshire

Chester Foregate St Chester Cheshire

Chester Greyhound Rp Chester Cheshire

Congleton Retail Park Congleton Cheshire

Crewe Grand Junction Rp Crewe Cheshire

Dudley Merry Hill Centre Brierley Hill West Midlands

Ellesmere Prt Cheshr Oak Ellesmere Port Cheshire

Exeter Exebridge Ctr Exeter Devon

Exeter High St Exeter Devon

Haverfordwest Withbsh Rp Haverford West Dyfed

Hayle West Cornwall Sc Hayle Cornwall

Hereford High St Hereford Hertfordshire

Jersey St Helier Qun St Jersey

Llanelli Parc Trostre Rp Llanelli Dyfed

Llantrisant Talbt Grn Rp Pontyclun Mid Glamorgan

Macclesfield Grosvenor Macclesfield Cheshire

Neath Water St Neath West Glamorgan

Newcastle U Lyme High St Newcastle Staffordshire

Newport Gwent Commercial Newport Gwent

Newton Abbot Courtney St Newton Abbot Devon

Newton Abbt Greenhill Rp Newton Abbot Devon

Oswestry Church St Oswestry Shropshire

Plymouth Drake Circus Plymouth Devon

Poole Commerce Centre Poole Dorset

Poole High St Poole Dorset

Redditch Kingfisher Sc Redditch Worcestershire

Shrewsbury Meole Brace Shrewsbury Shropshire

Shrewsbury Pride Hill Shrewsbury Shropshire

Smethwick Windmill RP Smethwick West Midlands

Solihull Mell Square Solihull West Midlands

Solihull Sears Rp Solihull West Midlands

Stafford Queens Rp Stafford Staffordshire

Stoke On T Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire

Stoke On Trent Festvl Rp Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire

Sutton Cold Gracechch Sc Sutton Coldfield West Midlands

Sutton Cold Prc Alice Dr Sutton Coldfield West Midlands

Swansea Fforest Fach Rp Swansea West Glamorgan

Swansea The Quadrant Swansea West Glamorgan

Swindon Brunel Plaza Swindon Wiltshire

Swindon Greenbridge Rp Swindon Wiltshire

Swindon Orbital Rp Swindon Wiltshire

Tamworth Ventura Rp Tamworth Staffordshire

Taunton High St Taunton Somerset

Telford Forge Rp Telford Shropshire

Telford Nth Sherwood St Telford Shropshire

Trowbridge Gateway Trowbridge Wiltshire

Truro Pydar St Truro Cornwall

Walsall Park Place Walsall West Midlands

Wednesbury Gallagher Rp WEDNESBURY West Midlands

West Brom Grt Bridge St West Bromwich West Midlands

West Brom Sandwell Ctr West Bromwich West Midlands

Weston Sm High St Weston-Super-Mare Somerset

Wolverhmptn Dudley St Wolverhampton West Midlands

Worcester High St Worcester Worcestershire

Wrexham Eagles Meadow Wrexham Clwyd

Wrexham Rp Wrexham Clwyd

Yeovil Middle St Yeovil Somerset

Yeoville The Peel Ctr Yeovil Somerset

As always, thank you so much for your support. x

Armani Blushing Fabric

2012-02-02T08:23:00.000Z

The Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric Second Skin Blush has a whipped, almost mousse like formula (see picture below) which is quite a rare texture - but the results are beautiful. It's soft to touch and upon application has a velvety and smooth feel which makes it easy to work with and blends beautifully for a sheer and vibrant blush on the cheek that is buildable for those that like a full-on finish.

A little goes a long way so this tube will last you a very long time.

Unlike most cream blushes, this one stays firmly in place for as long as your foundation holds up, and it then comes off with ease when the day is over. This colour is shot through with shimmer, giving it a special touch and adding more intensity to the finish.

All in all, an easy to use product for an instant fresh and glowing look, making the skin look healthy and warm.

It's innovative formula gives it a unique selling point, making it stand out from other cream blushers available and giving it a little extra appeal.

The Armani Blushing Fabric's are available in three colours. This one here is called Shimmering Apricot Pink.

Disclaimer: This review was written by Kate Gowing.

Armani is a L'Oreal owned company. Nic and Sam did not review this product due to animal testing policies.

BM Beauty Swatches

2012-02-01T09:50:00.002Z

To go with the post and interview from last week, which you can take a look at right here, these are the gorgeous BM beauty swatches that we promised...

Mineral Eyeshadows

Click on images to read the text

Enjoy and don't forget to check out www.bmbeauty.com

Figs & Rouge Organic Balms

2012-01-30T10:35:00.000Z

These 100% organic balms are so gorgeous. The design is classic and original with a 20s/30s art deco feel. Encased in the pretty tins is a highly moisturising balm for lips, hands and body, each tin having a different style that corresponds to the scent of the balm within. Figs & Rouge pride themselves on the fact that their products are 100% natural and organic, enriched with vitamins, shea butter and natural bees wax to give them optimum effectiveness. The balms are also completely petroleum free. Incorporating all these positive aspects to make for a little tin of joy!

They don't feel greasy on the lips at all, they are highly moisturising and they smell good enough to eat! All in all, a great daily essential that travels well, and that you can also use practically anywhere - from chapped hands and feet, nails and lips and dry skin in general to keeping brows in shape, using as a make-up primer and even as a cleanser.

A product like this is such a make-up bag essential, their versatility makes them so practical and there is no end to the ways you can use them (even on your hair and as a perfume) that it could easily become a 'don't leave the house without it' product.

An innovative brand with an ethos that you can't fault, gorgeous and creative packaging with a brilliant product inside that is great for everyday skincare and perfect to carry around with you. They have a fantastic website too, packed with information about the products to give you a little more insight and to see the full range of balms.

www.figsandrouge.com

Stockists - Boots, Asos, Urban Outfitters, Whole Foods and Anthropologie just to name a few...

diptyque

2012-01-27T10:35:00.000Z

diptyque is a Parisian brand of perfume, scented candles and luxury bath and body products. Founded in 1961, diptyque has since gone on to become one of the most sought after and sophisticated brands of its kind. Since being introduced to diptyque a couple of years back (we can't get it in Norwich) I have continuously had one product or another in my possession continually.

I love the vanilla and warmth to Eau Duelle, the fig scented, summery and unisex Philosykos and at the moment I am going through a vetiver phase (a type of grass derived from India) so the appropriately named Vetyverio is another of my must-have diptyque fragrances.

I recently got a new addition, the fairly new diptyque Vetyver candle. My perfume is on its last few sprays, so the candle has come at a welcome time.

As well as the wealth of the amazing scents that the diptyque range features, I love the packaging, It is so effortlessly timeless and chic, simple and non-fuss, yet it exudes classic French sophistication. Also, once the candle has burnt down they make for brilliant and stylish holders, I'm thinking I will use mine as a make-up brush pot.

The fragrances last on the skin all day, I have even had comments on it at the end of the day. The candles fill the room with scent almost instantly and resonate for a good while after. They are available in smaller sizes, but the size I have gives around 60 hours of burning time.

diptyque products also make for fantastic gifts as there is a scent for everyone, not only that but the packaging and the variety of products available from will make them hard to resist. Although perfumes may be hard to choose for someone specifically, the candles are so diverse and unique, each and everyone of them offering something different, yet all with an unarguable air of luxuriousness.

Who else is a diptyque fanatic?

www.diptyqueparis.co.uk

Gielly Green Haircut Experience!

2012-01-25T17:41:00.001Z

After our recent blog post reviewing the Gielly Green repair shampoo and hair mask (which you can read here), We were lucky enough to be invited into the salon for a cut and blow dry! We sent lovely London based girlie, Kate Gowing.

Kate reports, I went last week and was really excited to see what they would do with my lifeless and very flat hair, and I am thrilled with the finished look - my hair has been given a whole new level of vitality and femininity.

The salon - based on George Street - is gorgeous and chic, spacious with a luxury interior, giving it a sophisticated vibe. Upon arrival I was greeted by really friendly staff, one of whom kindly showed me around the salon. The salon not only offers hairdressing, but also includes beauty rooms with an array of treatments available. Gielly Green has also recently made the addition of a Shavata Brow Studio and Lash Lounge which is very exciting, with threading, tints, lashes and so on available. So your trip to the salon can transform you in an abundance of ways!

I had my hair cut by the amazing Fred Gielly, who is without a doubt the nicest guy I have met in the business and it was a real pleasure to have my hair cut by him. Before the cut, I went through the shampoo/conditioner/head massage process (which almost made me fall asleep) using the gloriously smelling Gielly Green products, this was a lovely experience in itself, and in fact I was lying down having this done which made it extra comfy and enjoyable!

I was a little unsure of how I wanted my hair cut but I knew I wanted more body and life to it, so I let Fred work his magic and sat watching the transformation. I was so thrilled with the outcome, with the addition of layers and a fringe cut in, my hair had so much more bounce and volume to it, exactly what I wanted.

The way my hair was blow dried was something I thought I could never achieve at home, but after my cut the salon told me that Fred had posted a 'how to' YouTube video about creating the perfect blow dry - excellent. You can see the video along with lots more hints, tips and information about the salon here.

Loved, loved, loved every aspect of my time in this welcoming and warm salon. Anyone living or passing by London should definitely check it out. I know I will be going back!

For prices and more information check out -

http://www.giellygreen.co.uk/

Post written by Kate Gowing

BM Beauty by Kimberly Wyatt

2012-01-24T18:03:00.000Z

Kimberly with co-founder Laura McComiskie

Last year, former Pussycat Doll and 'Got to Dance' judge Kimberly Wyatt launched new make-up brand BM Beauty - the PETA and BUAV approved line is a unique brand of make-up that puts its ethical and all-natural ethos at the forefront of its campaign. As well as this, Kimberly currently campaigns for, and stars in, the PETA's 'Ugly Side of Beauty' advert which urges the European Union to not postpone the total ban of all animal tested cosmetics, and stay with the planned deadline, initially set for 2013. I talked to Kimberly about both the campaign, and the blossoming BM Beauty line.

The advert for PETA is a really hard-hitting and effective image that really brings the message home. I asked Kimberly if she thinks the advert will create positive change that will help put an end to animal testing. "I feel like none of these animals have a voice, so by creating a picture like that and making it as close as it can possibly be to the truth, people will start to look, to use their own voice, to just take time to help make this change. Not one person can do it, but together we can be something great. The only people that can have a voice for them is us, in creating make-up lines and making those choices, hoping we bring a better consciousness to make-up and to life."
It is this sort of attitude and ambition to see the end of animal testing that is integral to the aim and ethos of BM Beauty.

The make-up line, currently only sold online since its launch almost a year ago, has already had a great amount of success and will expanding into retail stores later in the year.
The make-up promotes itself as completely cruelty free, and is also free from parabens, synthetic dyes and fragrances and nano particles (just to name a few). Most of the make-up is mineral based and there are an abundance of colours and products to choose from to create looks for any occasion.
I have been trying out the mineral foundation. It contains zinc oxide, which can help with spot prone skin - so whilst some foundations feel like they are clogging up your skin, this one simultaneously provides good coverage but also allows skin to breath, feels lightweight, and helps with any breakouts. It is affordable too at £14 which is even more of a reason to try out this product.

In addition to the mineral foundation, I have been using the mineral based eyeshadows and the mineral bronzer in 'Summer Warmth'. I love the soft, velvety texture of them, they all are beautifully pigmented and blend flawlessly. I had to ask Kimberly what her top picks from the range were - "A girl can't ever go without a mascara and I'm really proud of this mascara, it's all natural but it still gives the thickness and the blackness that we all want. I also think a nude lip gloss is always fantastic, I don't ever leave home without mine. The finishing powder is so beautiful and dewy, it covers any spots that you may have, I have to deal with red spots occasionally, and it just gives you this flawless no make-up looking face and feel, it's perfect."

There products are broken up into collections so that it is easy to choose colours that compliment each other, there is also a string of online make-up tutorials showcasing the different collections, about which I asked Kimberly what her favourite tutorial is and which collection she uses the most. "I have to say Earthy Princess, I really wanted to create something that would be easy for any girl that’s trying to apply make-up and use colours that really compliment each other, and this is like a go-to palette for me - for everyday, for night, for stage and I can use it in different ways for pretty much everything. It lends itself to being accessible and easy." You can check out the Earthy Princess at work along with other tutorials and information on their website here.
Other collections are Starry Eyed Glamour (cool neutrals), Storybook (bright & bold greens, pink and purple) Burning Spirit (soft golds and bronzes) and Earthy Princess (warm browns and pink)

I also discovered that her business partner Laura McComiskie had previously worked on an organic skincare range 'Love the Planet' for which Kimberly credited for giving her valuable insight into the processes of make-up creation - from creating colours to knowing about the ingredients that go into them. She told me how the initiative BM Beauty arose after meeting Laura through people in the music industry. "We became best friends, we really shared a passion for making positive change as people, and making positive choices as consumers, I really loved what she was doing with her 'Love the Planet' range, I was really inspired by that. As we got to know each other more we really shared a passion for make-up so with the inspiration and the changes that we were both making we decided to merge them together and create something special, and that is how BM Beauty was born."

Finally, I wanted to know what we can expect to see from the range in the future. "We're working on incorporating some creamy products, I love powders, but I do love creams too. We are working on an eyeliner, a highlighter that is great for eyeshadows and cheekbones, we have a rouge too, the colours are beautiful. With the arrival of the cosmetics in store soon too it is all exciting stuff!"

It's so exciting and refreshing to see this innovative and ethical brand growing and the products are effective, affordable and unique. It was a pleasure to talk to Kimberly about the range and to gain further insight into its development and ethos. Everyone should check out the range which is currently stocked online, you can follow them on Twitter too (@BMBeauty) for updates and more information.

www.bmbeauty.com

Haifa Wehbe inspiration

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000Z

A bit of Daniel Sandler Love

2012-01-19T11:42:00.000Z

We are loving pretty much everything from the Daniel Sander range at the moment, we did a post a few months back showing a few highlights from the range which you can see here, but I thought I would give a shout out to a couple of products that we seem to be using non-stop.

The amazing Watercolour Blushes which are such an innovative and fresh approach to blusher. As you can see from the picture, the blush comes in a thin liquid form and you can either apply it directly to the face with fingers or with a brush, you are left with a hassle free gloss of colour on the cheek that is non-sticky, buildable and makes the skin look instantly radiant and healthy. Only a little of the product is needed to achieve a beautiful glowing look, so this bottle will last you for months and months. The two colours here are Cherub on the left, and Gentle on the right and are available for £14.50 each.

The other shout out goes to the Invisible Radiance Foundation and Concealer which is so utterly fantastic and one of the most handy duos I've come across lately. From the top picture, you can see that the lid of the foundation flips open to reveal a corresponding concealer with a mirror to go with it. This essentially means that you can create a flawless, even and luminous look all in one product. The foundation itself is great, it gently reflects light making skin appear healthy and fresh, it has a lightweight formula so it sits on the skin comfortably and lasts on the skin too. I like how the packaging includes a curved brush which acts as a scoop making it simple to get the product out, right to the last drop.

The concealer is tailor made to match the foundation perfectly, it has a rich and creamy formula which means it easily covers dark circles and eradicates signs of fatigue and balances out skin tone. Both products are totally paraben free (honeysuckle oil is used to preserve instead) and you can even mix a bit of the concealer with the foundation if you want a heavier finish. The foundation and concealer duo is available for £28.00 and is definitely worth checking out.

Daniel's website is worth checking out too, for more information about Daniel and to look at all the products www.danielsandler.com

If you are really lucky you can catch Daniel doing a masterclass with his products on QVC, but I warn you to hide your credit card because Daniel makes it look so easy that a fortune could be easily spent... Last week I nearly bought products I already own!

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

2012-01-18T12:09:00.000Z

This best-selling foundation has become very popular with make-up artists the world over.
What's great about it? So easy is it to apply that you could literally throw this foundation on and it would look beautiful. It blends in quickly to provide instant luminosity and radiance without any unwanted residue (it is oil-free). It looks natural on the skin, evening out skin tone and providing an all over polished look and a perfected base for applying make-up. It's texture is velvety, smooth and dare I say, it feels expensive.
The foundation has a medium buildable coverage that easily covers dark circles, uneven skin tones and blemishes but it isn't at all obvious and yet manages to maintain a naturally flawless and highly effective finish. It also feels totally weightless on the skin.
I would say that it is more suited to normal/ dry or combination skin rather than oily.

Negatives - It is packaged in a heavy glass bottle, so not great for transporting in a kit, It carries the hefty price tag on £34, which makes this foundation as expensive as gold dust!

The foundation is available in 15 shades from Selfridges.

What foundation do you love and why?

Review written by Kate Gowing

Battle of the Urban Decay NAKED Palettes

2012-01-16T09:11:00.001Z

After the immense success of the first Urban Decay NAKED make-up palette the second one was going to have a LOT to live up to. The first NAKED palette made such a name for itself and featured in an abundance of YouTube videos and blog posts all over the world with pretty much everyone raving about it. With the gorgeous selection of quality shadows, it was hard not to.
So finally... the NAKED2 palette, I've been using it for a couple of weeks now and assessing it very critically against the well-established first palette. Here are the results.

On first appearance, the palettes have much in common, a rectangular case with a series of rectangular shadows lined up inside, both printed with NAKED on the front with bold lettering. However there are a number of key differences, and if we are just talking about packaging then the NAKED2 has to win. The case for the NAKED2 is much more durable, the shadows come in a metal case that locks securely shut, whereas the original is a velvet case that closes loosely together, thus making the new palette much more handbag friendly and protected. If i'm going to nitpick, the velvet on the first palette also attracts fluff, so ultimately the NAKED2 has better packaging for those with mild OCD (like myself).

Down to the nitty gritty - the eyeshadows! Ultimately, I have come to the decision that you just cannot chose between the palettes, they simply compliment each other perfectly and although it may seem slightly greedy to have both, the new palette has been designed as a follow up palette to the first but I would say it has more peachy tones.
Both have colours that I would certainly buy separately, while some perhaps I would not, but as complete sets I love them both equally and both have colours that I use more than other sets. If you are looking to get one over the other, you just have to decide how many colours from each you would wear the most and go with the one that has the most wearable colours for you.

To remind ourselves of the first palette...

Left to right: Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked, Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep and Gunmetal

This palette is undoubtedly brilliant and has such a cult following because of its quality and fantastic colour selection. On a side note, I do find these shadows have more fallout than many of my other favourite brands.

The colours that I personally use and would consider purchasing separately are Naked, Sidecar, Darkhorse, Toasted and Gunmetal. Unlike the NAKED2 this palette has two matte brown colours (Naked and Buck) which are brilliant for definition, there is also the gorgeously glittery Sidecar and the deep and dark glitters of Creep and Gunmetal. It is different to the NAKED2 in this respect, but the NAKED2 has some essential colours that are not found in this palette...

Left to right: Foxy, Half Baked, Bootycall, Chopper, Tease, Snakebite, Suspect, Pistol, Verve, YDK, Busted and Blackout

Although this palette doesn't feature matte browns, there is the mink colour of tease that is very pretty and soft to contour with, The neutral matte shadow Foxy, which is wonderful as a base colour, and the deeply pigmented matte black named blackout, which is amazing for quickly defining the eyes and creating a rich intensity. Neither these colours, or anything similar, feature in the original palette.

There is also the introduction of the taupe colour Pistol which is a much welcomed colour for me. The only cross over is Half Baked which makes an appearance in both palettes, although not one of my personal favourites, I presume it is in here again due to it being very popular and it is great on bronzed skin. This palette also sees the addition of five brand new eyeshadows - Booty Call, Busted, Pistol, Snake Bite and Tease.

Finally, just to talk of the overall quality of the shadows, as you may already know since we feature UD shadows quite a bit, the quality is fantastic, the payoff is rich, they are long lasting, they blend like a dream and the colour selections are right up my street but as I mentioned earlier, the fallout may be a turn off for some. Also, they are very shimmery indeed so certainly would be a disappointment for the person that prefers a matte texture

Personally, I can't pick a favourite of the two (apart from the packaging) and love having both, they offer me variety and have their uses in different ways. At £36 a pop, I think they are great value for 12 outstanding shadows in each palette. I'm pretty sure the NAKED2 will create just as much of a buzz and have the same amount of success as the first.

What do you guys think, do you have a favourite and why?

Gielly Green Boutique Collection

2012-01-12T15:16:00.001Z

Gielly Green is one of the most notable hair salon’s in the heart of London, based in the famous Marylebone High Street known for it’s string of luxury salons.

The salon opened in 2008 and since then has seen the launch of their Boutique Collection of natural hair products. The products are full of natural oils, minerals and vitamins to keep hair healthy and nourished. It’s also important, and highly note worthy to mention that Gielly Green products do not contain any carcinogens, parobens or synthetic fragrances.

For the last few weeks, I have continually been using a combination of the Repair Shampoo, and then when my hair needs it (every few washes) the Repair Mask, and have been really impressed with the results. It's exactly what my hairs needs, and in a short space of time has brought my hair and scalp back to life and full health. The shampoo is great for any of you who frequently straighten your hair, or use heat appliances, as well as restoring hair from the effects of the sun or from chemical damage from products like peroxide. Only a small amount of product (in relation to hair amount) is needed for the hair to lather up well and it rinses out quickly. Hair is left instantly softer and healthier, and I found that with this shampoo the hair remains fresh for a good couple of days. After a few weeks, with the combination of the hair mask, my hair was stronger, glossier and generally felt in better condition.

The mask, in it’s sleek packaging is a great boost for any thirsty hair. It penetrates the hair so efficiently and combats dullness and makes it totally rejuvenated and revitalised with its magic combination of oil, mud and minerals. I have been popping it on in the shower and leaving it for a good ten minutes, which I find sufficient, Gielly Green recommend leaving it on overnight for amazing results – this is my next venture! Both of the products smell amazing too, the scent is not too overpowering and is quite a fresh and floral smell, which is right up my street. Both the mask and the shampoo come in 200ml sizes, and after using them for several weeks, I’m just under half way through which is not too bad going. The shampoo retails at £16, and the mask at £29.50, which is worth the investment for luxurious hair care in my opinion.

Get them in the salon or online at http://shop.giellygreen.com along with the all the other products from the Gielly Green Boutique Collection and to take a peek at the salon itself.

Avene Eau Thermale Cleansing Milk

2012-01-11T08:46:00.000Z

French skincare brand Avene specialises in dealing with problem skin. If you have slightly dry, irritated or even allergic skin then Avene should be your first port of call.
Famous for its use of Thermal Spring water that is found in each of their products, renowned for it's soothing and hydrating properties. Recently, I've been using their cleansing milk as part of my skincare routine in a quest to keep skin hydrated and nourished through the winter months and I'm impressed with the results so far.

The rich moisture of the milk keeps skin soft and smooth as well as giving it a hydrated and glowing appearance. The cleanser is really gentle and effectively removes make-up without being at all irritating, make-up easily comes off with cotton pads and leaves the skin clean.

This is a really great cleanser for the effects of outdoor weather, and indeed lots of other Avene products are brilliant for even the harshest of weather conditions. This one in particular focuses on combating dry skin and sensitive skin so is perfect for me at this time of year.
Avene products are really great value for such quality and effectiveness, this cleanser is £11.50 for 200ml so you get a lot of product for the money spent - a good investment!
Avene is only available in pharmacies, in the U.K you can get it in Boots and other independent pharmacies.

Anastasia Beverly Hills 'All Eye Want Palette'

2012-01-08T20:34:00.001Z

So you may have noticed that we have been on a bit of an Anastasia roll recently, and I don't think it's going to stop rolling any time soon! Since last weeks Anastasia video was primarily based on the utterly amazing brow products, I thought I would give a close up look of the 'All Eye Want Palette' which only got a little mention in the video, but is also an absolutely brilliant addition to the much loved Anastasia brand!

In the compact set you are presented with 9 eyeshadow shades which are just such gorgeous and pretty colours, each and every one of them I would wear regularly and I love how they all complement each other with their warm and purpley tones. I have to say that these are some of the most well pigmented and easy to work with colours that I have come across in a while, they blend so effortlessly. Pretty much any combination can be used to pull off a beautiful look for day or night.

As well as the shadows in the pretty set there is a mascara, which is quite natural and nothing much to write home about but does manages to create definition and volume after a couple of coats. Alongside the mascara is an excellent brow gel which effectively holds brow hairs in place for as long as required.

Lastly, there is double ended brush for application and blending, to be honest it would not be my brush of choice but as a part of the set it does the job completely.

All in all I have a lot of love for this set, especially the shadows.

Really looking forward to it's arrival in the U.K on 16th January at CultBeauty

The set is $32 in the U.S.

Glossy eyes / Dark lips

2012-01-06T16:40:00.000Z

This is the image I used as inspiration for my most recent tutorial. Although I kept the eyes softer with less mascara and used nothing at all on the cheeks.
The photographer was Emma Tempest and we shot this a few years ago on a cold day in a cold warehouse in Loughborough Junction.
Just as in my tutorial, I used Dusk and Pearl Creme Colour Base from MAC on the models eyes.
I love working with the CCB, I find them very versatile. They can be used as eyeshadows, shadow bases, highlighters, contours, cheek tints, foundation mixers, lip stains...the list is quite endless.

Real Techniques Tutorials

2012-01-05T11:07:00.002Z

Would you believe that I have never written a post about my brushes?!
To be honest, initially I was embarrassed to talk about them. "YouTuber's" get accused of all kinds of deception and greed (some warranted, most not) and I certainly did not want it to look like I was trying to force opinion.
True to form, this is not a post about my brushes, but rather the tutorials that accompany them.
Perhaps some people are not aware of their existence and as I put so much hard work into creating them I better let you know where to watch them. Below are links to a few of my favourites.

YouTube

Website

Facebook

Glitter Disco Look

Colour Blocking Look

Diva Lash Look

As these are brush tutorials I don't actually feature the make-up products in the video.
If you really know your stuff then you can jot down what you think i'm using and check it against the Real Techniques blog for a full product list.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Swatches

2012-01-04T12:51:00.001Z

I haven't been this excited about a product range since we launched the Real Techniques brushes last year.
Here are the Anastasia brow product swatches that I promised you in my video yesterday.

Tinted Brow Gel - $21.00

Brow Powder Duo - $22.00

Perfect Brow Pencil - $22.00

Here are my brows using the Petite Arch brow stencil, Ebony Brow Powder Duo and Espresso Tinted Gel to set. Love, Love, Love.

Marks and Spencer Perfection Range

2012-01-03T16:11:00.001Z

We are loving a bit of the Marks and Sparks 'Perfection' make-up range. It's a range that doesn't have a huge amount of hype around it, and little press coverage and I think it deserves more. It is a diverse, extensive and great quality range that is affordable, effective and BUAV approved.

Here are our top picks.....

Perfection Illuminating Touch Instant Highlighter

(£9.50)

This product is very similar to the YSL Touche Eclat and in my opinion does the trick just as nicely at half the price. I've been using the medium shade, but a natural one is available too. It is great for highlighting the face and it is very handbag friends so perfect for refreshing make-up on the go. It has a light formula and a silky finish making it simple to blend into the face for an illuminating touch any time of day.

Perfection Illusions Radiance Illuminating Fluid

(£12)

Again, a product very similar to others on the market. This works as a great illuminating make-up base to give skin a glowing, healthy and radiating finish. It brightens dull skin in seconds. I've been mixing it with my foundation to give that extra healthy yet natural appearance which is exactly how I like my base to look. However, It also looks great on it's own, for the days when you don't want to wear a full face of make-up. This shade is 'Ivory', which is relatively colourless compared to the 'Gold' or 'Rose' versions.

Perfection Moisture Lipstick in Crimson SPF 15

(£6)

A truly divine shade of red . The lipstick's forumla is hydrating and smooth with a bit of gloss through it, so it does not feel at all uncomfortable on the lips. It stays in place brilliantly and the colour is long lasting, with little need to top up.
As with the entire range, the packaging looks and feels luxurious and much more expensive than it actually is.

Perfection Powder Blush and Blend Duo in Dusky Pink

(£6)

This blusher is gorgeous, wear them separately or mixed together to create a shimmering pink blush on the cheek. I love the warmth to this shade, It is certainly much needed at this time of year.

The powder itself is really soft and velvety and the colour pay off brilliant, only a little product is needed for a beautiful blush on the skin.

Essential Colours Brow and Lash Gel

(£4)

This brow and lash gel is such excellent value. I've been primarily using this on my brows to maintain their shape and to set the powder. The longevity of this product is good, as once the gel is applied it stays intact all day long. It also doesn't feel heavy on the skin, and although it coats the hairs, it doesn't harden up massively, like other gels can do. Ultimately, I just think this is such a bargain and will last ages.
If you are like me then you can use these to experiment by adding coloured pigments to create your own coloured brow/lash gels.

See the full range in store and online at www.marksandspencer.com