I am not very diligent when it comes to responding to tags but today I am going to ignore that and ask you all to participate in mine. :)
I am calling it Overhyped and Underwhelmed. What were those products that were so hyped up that you felt you had to buy them - and then when you did left you incredibly disappointed?
Feel free to do a variation of this on your blog or in a video. I think its great to learn what people love, but also what people loathe.
So here are mine:
* Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser - I tried this about 5 years ago (maybe more - eek! I am old) and I was so disappointed. Yes, its got good coverage for a TM but that doesn't mean that it breaks into the foundation category. It is still just a moisturiser. It's no solution for those of us who have acne scars that need covering and even worse, the product didn't last the distance on my skin: even after applying the primer that I also was sucked into buying.
* Diorshow mascara - when I first joined the YouTube community this was THE mascara de jour. I got it and you know what? It didn't create va-va-voom lashes. Don't get me wrong, it was alright, but I wasn't happy paying £17 for "a tube of alright" :)
* MUFE HD Powder - remember all that controversy over that powder? Wow - that was some serious bad PR for one online company. Nevetheless whilst that was going on all I could think was "that product isn't even very good - you don't need the MUFE one or the derivative". It's meant to be transparent yet leaves a white cast on my face and it doesn't do anything other than leave me spectacularly underwhelmed. It's no MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Powder, that's for sure.
* Bare slimshine - I know a lot of people love this colour: I think it has alot to do with the natural pigmentation of your lips. Mine are clearly not meant to wear Blah - sorry Bare. It's so dull - I always feel the need to amp it up with a bright gloss whenever I try it on.
* NARS lipglosses - Striptease is gorgeous but I am not going to pay £18 for a gloss that turns within 4 weeks. Who wants to kiss lips that reek of plasticine? :)
* Aveda Rosemary & Mint shampoo and conditioner - what a gorgeous smelling range of hair products. It's just a shame that they have no moisture giving properties in them at all. I think of this as a "boy's product" - okay, to use every day for someone who has normal hair but for those of us that use occasional heat or dyes, its just not nourishing enough.
* Clarisonic - last but not least the Clarisonic. Oh, how I was sucked in by the marketing spiel and countless positive videos that all raved about the power of this product. You know what? It irritated my skin if I used it on a daily basis and the effects are nothing that you cannot get from a good exfoliator. My advice? Save your cash, buy the Neutrogena Wave, a good exfoliator or even an electric toothbrush and get similar results.
Phew - got that off my chest! This is a therapeutic tag: feel free to rant and rave :)
Friday, 31 July 2009
Thursday, 30 July 2009
ELF Studio Warm Bronzer
My latest product rave video focuses on the ELF Studio Warm Bronzer.
This is the close-up shot - 4 colours that you can either mix together or target individually.
I have been using it for about the last 7-10 days: I don't keep a make up diary so that is my best guess at the usage!
Admittedly, this product really suprised me - it gives a gorgeous golden honey hue on the skin, a teeny bit of skin reflecting shimmer and all for £3.50. Now that is what I call a quality bargain!
For the hell of it I took some pictures to show you how it works with my skin. Here we have a side shot - I like the fact that it both defines and illuminates at the same time.
And a happy face shot, added for the hell of it :) I like happy face shots!
I should also say that in these photos I am wearing the new L'oreal Studio Secrets foundation in the colour Gold Sand. Initial thoughts? Very positive but I want to give it another day or two before I do a full review.
Anyway, back to ELF...I was so impressed with this that I made my own little online order yesterday...the Complexion Perfection powder - that has got rave reviews online and the Complexion brush, which has also come highly recommended.
I ordered yesterday - at about 4pm - and it arrived this morning! This is amazingly fast. I am not sure if it's the same story for everyone but I just did a normal order, normal post, I didn't put a note "for lollipop26's blog" or anything and yet it still arrived today. It must have been luck!
Have you ever tried this product? Do you have anything else from ELF that you would recommend we all try?
This is the close-up shot - 4 colours that you can either mix together or target individually.
I have been using it for about the last 7-10 days: I don't keep a make up diary so that is my best guess at the usage!
Admittedly, this product really suprised me - it gives a gorgeous golden honey hue on the skin, a teeny bit of skin reflecting shimmer and all for £3.50. Now that is what I call a quality bargain!
For the hell of it I took some pictures to show you how it works with my skin. Here we have a side shot - I like the fact that it both defines and illuminates at the same time.
And a happy face shot, added for the hell of it :) I like happy face shots!
I should also say that in these photos I am wearing the new L'oreal Studio Secrets foundation in the colour Gold Sand. Initial thoughts? Very positive but I want to give it another day or two before I do a full review.
Anyway, back to ELF...I was so impressed with this that I made my own little online order yesterday...the Complexion Perfection powder - that has got rave reviews online and the Complexion brush, which has also come highly recommended.
I ordered yesterday - at about 4pm - and it arrived this morning! This is amazingly fast. I am not sure if it's the same story for everyone but I just did a normal order, normal post, I didn't put a note "for lollipop26's blog" or anything and yet it still arrived today. It must have been luck!
Have you ever tried this product? Do you have anything else from ELF that you would recommend we all try?
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
Tanning in moderation
Due to some medical evidence published today, tanning is the controversial subject du jour.
If you haven't kept up with the new read the story here or just know that basically it was compared to ingesting arsenic - i.e, it's that bad and that poisonous for you to do to your body. Fact. And if you use sunbeds when you are young you have 75% more chance of getting skin cancer.
What I find so interesting about this whole debate though - which has been going on for years - is that there is a vast difference in the way the media/government portrays tanning beds versus normal sunbathing.
Normal sunbathing is more often than not framed in relatively positive terms - an emphasis is given to the health benefits, the vitamin D, the mental lift you get from the sun etc. Even the images accompanying such articles look positive - with happy people exposing their skin to the sun on baking beaches.
In contrast, tanning beds are dismissed as "cancer boxes" and articles come laden with frightening statistics and warnings.
What am I saying?
Now to clarify, I don't think tanning beds are a good thing. I think they are dangerous - but then I think all tanning is - whether indoor or outdoor.
It's perhaps extremely politically incorrect to say but, yes, I have used tanning beds in the past. Yes, I regret it now. I know that baking yourself is truly a waste of time - ultimately I can get a better tan in 60 seconds with St Moriz self tanner than I can through minutes/days in the sun.
My thoughts on this subject haven't always been so clear. I have had the red nose, peeling skin and sunburn from over-zealous sunbathing and I have also purchased a course of sunbed sessions that I have truly enjoyed - although I always felt a bit guilty when I came out of the shop and didn't want people to see me!
However, as I get older I worry not only about skin cancer but also about ageing. Why would you pay a tanning salon to prematurely age you - let alone potentially contribute to getting cancer? When you put it like that it seems crazy to even consider it!
So no more sunbeds - I haven't been for over a year - and high factor in the sun at all times.
When I was in NY last week I picked up my favourite sunscreen of all time - Neutrogena's Body Mist Sunblock.
Honestly, this stuff is fantastic. I have tried Clinique, Clarins, Kiehl's, Banana Boat and Coppertone but none were as good as this. It's a non-sticky spray that stayed put for hours in the 40 degree Palm Springs sun last year. It sinks in straight away, it doesn't stain and it makes your limbs glisten :)
The damage may already have been done for me but it's wise to protect your skin as much as you can. I recommend that you all do the same.
And although it's nice to get a bit of sunshine just be sensible. As my mum would say, everything in moderation :)
If you haven't kept up with the new read the story here or just know that basically it was compared to ingesting arsenic - i.e, it's that bad and that poisonous for you to do to your body. Fact. And if you use sunbeds when you are young you have 75% more chance of getting skin cancer.
What I find so interesting about this whole debate though - which has been going on for years - is that there is a vast difference in the way the media/government portrays tanning beds versus normal sunbathing.
Normal sunbathing is more often than not framed in relatively positive terms - an emphasis is given to the health benefits, the vitamin D, the mental lift you get from the sun etc. Even the images accompanying such articles look positive - with happy people exposing their skin to the sun on baking beaches.
In contrast, tanning beds are dismissed as "cancer boxes" and articles come laden with frightening statistics and warnings.
What am I saying?
Now to clarify, I don't think tanning beds are a good thing. I think they are dangerous - but then I think all tanning is - whether indoor or outdoor.
It's perhaps extremely politically incorrect to say but, yes, I have used tanning beds in the past. Yes, I regret it now. I know that baking yourself is truly a waste of time - ultimately I can get a better tan in 60 seconds with St Moriz self tanner than I can through minutes/days in the sun.
My thoughts on this subject haven't always been so clear. I have had the red nose, peeling skin and sunburn from over-zealous sunbathing and I have also purchased a course of sunbed sessions that I have truly enjoyed - although I always felt a bit guilty when I came out of the shop and didn't want people to see me!
However, as I get older I worry not only about skin cancer but also about ageing. Why would you pay a tanning salon to prematurely age you - let alone potentially contribute to getting cancer? When you put it like that it seems crazy to even consider it!
So no more sunbeds - I haven't been for over a year - and high factor in the sun at all times.
When I was in NY last week I picked up my favourite sunscreen of all time - Neutrogena's Body Mist Sunblock.
Honestly, this stuff is fantastic. I have tried Clinique, Clarins, Kiehl's, Banana Boat and Coppertone but none were as good as this. It's a non-sticky spray that stayed put for hours in the 40 degree Palm Springs sun last year. It sinks in straight away, it doesn't stain and it makes your limbs glisten :)
The damage may already have been done for me but it's wise to protect your skin as much as you can. I recommend that you all do the same.
And although it's nice to get a bit of sunshine just be sensible. As my mum would say, everything in moderation :)
Freebie alert!!
Well when I say freebie I mean you have to spend a little to get something in return...
What am I talking about? The latest product being given away with a UK magazine!
This time we have a set of 2 Body Shop eyeliners courtesy of In Style!
I believe there are four colours in total - buy two magazines and you can get them all!
I am such an eyeliner collector I may just do that but before I run out to stock up on magazine numero 2 I will give these a whirl - standard black and silver/grey :)
Did you pick up this offer yet?
What am I talking about? The latest product being given away with a UK magazine!
This time we have a set of 2 Body Shop eyeliners courtesy of In Style!
I believe there are four colours in total - buy two magazines and you can get them all!
I am such an eyeliner collector I may just do that but before I run out to stock up on magazine numero 2 I will give these a whirl - standard black and silver/grey :)
Did you pick up this offer yet?
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
In and Out number 9
Felt the longing to produce one of these posts today so here goes!
IN
Holidays - I feel like I am always talking about holidays these last few months - this is the last one for a while I promise :) I am going to Muscat in Oman for a week and will be celebrating my birthday there with The Boyfriend. I have been to Oman once before and always in the height of summer because then it is as cheap as chips (and very very very hot). For those not in the know it is completely unspoilt; the weather is hot, the service amazing, hotels are beautiful and there is even a Forever 21 :) Here is where I stayed last time...yes, I am addicted to design hotels :)
L'oreal Color Juice in Pina Colada - I wish these were sold in the UK. In short it is a super sticky and thick lipgloss that lasts for an hour after application. I am sold!
Cherries in the Glow nail polish - thanks to the lovely Vanewpc I now have this beauty! I need to apply it and show you how stunning it is - think raspberry-red! I have heard good things about Revlon's formulation so I am eager to try it - just need to get the fake nails in-filled!
Sigma brushes - I am being sent these to review (and some to give away in a contest) and I am so excited. Dubious brands often do the rounds on YouTube (AMIclubwear and HotMiamiStyles anyone?) but I think this is one online retailer that I am really curious about. If the brushes are up to scratch then it could be a great find.
OUT
Tiredness - I am so tired at the moment. I know this because I often fall asleep on the train to and from work. Not a good sign! I think its just been months of long hours at work and not getting enough sleep that is catching up with me. I wish I was a student and could doss around all day (assuming that I didn't have a holiday job o9ver the summer) but alas I am not. Cannot wait for my holiday as it will be a time for daytime snoozes in the shade with the odd mojito to help me on my way. Sounds blissful!
Link me up to your in's and outs! I love to read them!
IN
Holidays - I feel like I am always talking about holidays these last few months - this is the last one for a while I promise :) I am going to Muscat in Oman for a week and will be celebrating my birthday there with The Boyfriend. I have been to Oman once before and always in the height of summer because then it is as cheap as chips (and very very very hot). For those not in the know it is completely unspoilt; the weather is hot, the service amazing, hotels are beautiful and there is even a Forever 21 :) Here is where I stayed last time...yes, I am addicted to design hotels :)
L'oreal Color Juice in Pina Colada - I wish these were sold in the UK. In short it is a super sticky and thick lipgloss that lasts for an hour after application. I am sold!
Cherries in the Glow nail polish - thanks to the lovely Vanewpc I now have this beauty! I need to apply it and show you how stunning it is - think raspberry-red! I have heard good things about Revlon's formulation so I am eager to try it - just need to get the fake nails in-filled!
Sigma brushes - I am being sent these to review (and some to give away in a contest) and I am so excited. Dubious brands often do the rounds on YouTube (AMIclubwear and HotMiamiStyles anyone?) but I think this is one online retailer that I am really curious about. If the brushes are up to scratch then it could be a great find.
OUT
Tiredness - I am so tired at the moment. I know this because I often fall asleep on the train to and from work. Not a good sign! I think its just been months of long hours at work and not getting enough sleep that is catching up with me. I wish I was a student and could doss around all day (assuming that I didn't have a holiday job o9ver the summer) but alas I am not. Cannot wait for my holiday as it will be a time for daytime snoozes in the shade with the odd mojito to help me on my way. Sounds blissful!
Link me up to your in's and outs! I love to read them!
Monday, 27 July 2009
Breaking out the pigments...
I will sell lipsticks, eyeshadows, MSFs, blushes and foundations but I will never sell pigments.
For some strange reason I am uber-protective over my small collection of MAC pigments. The colours I have are what I consider to be the prettiest and although I don't use them every single day, these little pots bring me a lot of joy :)
Two such colours that I love to use are Shimmertime (left) and Heritage Rouge (right).
Shimmertime is an icy pink - I am trying to think of a regular colour that it compares too and I just can't. Heritage Rouge is slightly more dupable - a cross between Antiqued, Cranberry and Beautymarked.
Today I whipped these two out and plonked them on my eyes at about 6.30am. I could have deepened the Heritage Rouge a bit on the outer corner but this was for work remember - I didn't want to go too dramatic on a Monday morning :)
This is the full face shot - complete with pyjama top, bed hair and pre-coffee face :)
The colour held up well during the day and these two were super easy to blend - more reasons why they will never be sold :)
Other pigments that I think deserve a mention are:
* Vanilla (original, plain but amazing!)
* Melon (incredibly versatile and beautiful colour)
* Blonde's Gold (limited edition - boo but the most beautiful candlelit highlight - yay!)
* Smoke Signals - think matt Heritage Rouge. Its a gorgeous deep berry tone that is absolutely stunning.
* Mutiny - the prettiest blue/aqua I have ever seen in my life. No yoke! :)
* Tan - such a gorgeous colour. My friend Davina has used this for years - its practically her only eye product and its stunning. Golden, neutral, peach and tan all at the same time.
What are your favourite pigments?
For some strange reason I am uber-protective over my small collection of MAC pigments. The colours I have are what I consider to be the prettiest and although I don't use them every single day, these little pots bring me a lot of joy :)
Two such colours that I love to use are Shimmertime (left) and Heritage Rouge (right).
Shimmertime is an icy pink - I am trying to think of a regular colour that it compares too and I just can't. Heritage Rouge is slightly more dupable - a cross between Antiqued, Cranberry and Beautymarked.
Today I whipped these two out and plonked them on my eyes at about 6.30am. I could have deepened the Heritage Rouge a bit on the outer corner but this was for work remember - I didn't want to go too dramatic on a Monday morning :)
This is the full face shot - complete with pyjama top, bed hair and pre-coffee face :)
The colour held up well during the day and these two were super easy to blend - more reasons why they will never be sold :)
Other pigments that I think deserve a mention are:
* Vanilla (original, plain but amazing!)
* Melon (incredibly versatile and beautiful colour)
* Blonde's Gold (limited edition - boo but the most beautiful candlelit highlight - yay!)
* Smoke Signals - think matt Heritage Rouge. Its a gorgeous deep berry tone that is absolutely stunning.
* Mutiny - the prettiest blue/aqua I have ever seen in my life. No yoke! :)
* Tan - such a gorgeous colour. My friend Davina has used this for years - its practically her only eye product and its stunning. Golden, neutral, peach and tan all at the same time.
What are your favourite pigments?
Sunday, 26 July 2009
It's the little things...
...that can bring a smile to your face!
Here are some of my favourite (dirty) brushes standing to attention in their new home - a Glitzy Glam brush holder.
I am so pleased I can now join the scores of YouTubers with this legitimate brush set up :)
Here are some of my favourite (dirty) brushes standing to attention in their new home - a Glitzy Glam brush holder.
I am so pleased I can now join the scores of YouTubers with this legitimate brush set up :)
Blog sale - the third attempt - SOLD OUT
Here we have blog sale 3.
The rules are:
1) If you want an item, say so in the comments along with your Paypal email address. I will then send you an invoice - note the first person to claim it with their email address can assume that the item is theirs;
2) Paypal is the only method of payment accepted - it's just easier and more secure;
3) Please ensure you pay for the item immediately upon receiving the invoice - or at least some time within the next 24 hours; otherwise the item will be reposted and will not be reserved for you.
4) Prices are in £....I am sorry that I can't provide a full currency breakdown but £'s are what I know :)
5) I will ship to Europe and the US only. Shipping is £2.50 for one item: for each additional add 50p.
6) No returns;
7) That's it!
Onto the goods...
NARS Blushes
Never reach for them so why keep them?
L-R: Oasis, Desire
SOLD Oasis - £8
SOLD Desire - £8
MAC Beauty Powder
This is Smooth Harmony from Heatherette. The product has been used but this is being sold for the "collector" - ie, you can depot any face powder into this compact should you so wish
SOLD Smooth Harmony - £14
MAC Mineralize blushes
Dainty has been used about 5 times - hence the lower price. Hot planet has been used twice!
L-R: Hot planet, Dainty
SOLD Hot planet - £6
SOLD Dainty - £4.50
Other MAC blush products
L-R: Tenderling, Sculpt and Shape Powder (Accentuate Sculpt)
SOLD Tenderling - £4.50
SOLD Sculpt and Shape - £7.50
MAC MSF's
L-R: Brunette, Global Glow
SOLD Brunette - £9.50
SOLD Global Glow - £12
Benefit
Used about 5-10 times. Pretty product but not something I can live without!
SOLD Benefit's 10 Powder - £6.50
Bare Minerals blushes
I am keeping Sorbet - my favourite one - but these have been used twice!
SOLD Laughter - £4
SOLD Golden Gate - £4
Bobbi Brown
SOLD Pot rouge in Calypso Coral - £7.50
Mineralize products from other brands
L-R: Laura Geller, NYC
SOLD Laura Geller Blush n Brighten in Roseberry - £7.50
SOLD NYC Chroma Face Glow in Sunstone - £3
Guerlain
Very heavily perfumed bronzer but v. pretty. The pigmentation is quite light - think lighter than Laguna. Unwanted gift.
Swiped once!
SOLD Guerlain Terracotta light bronzer in 02 Brunettes - £9
MAC Shadows
SOLD Forged rose cream shadow - £4.50
Palette
I already have one - this is the back up and has been swiped once :)
SOLD Fascinating Ruby: Smokey eyes palette - £12.50
The rules are:
1) If you want an item, say so in the comments along with your Paypal email address. I will then send you an invoice - note the first person to claim it with their email address can assume that the item is theirs;
2) Paypal is the only method of payment accepted - it's just easier and more secure;
3) Please ensure you pay for the item immediately upon receiving the invoice - or at least some time within the next 24 hours; otherwise the item will be reposted and will not be reserved for you.
4) Prices are in £....I am sorry that I can't provide a full currency breakdown but £'s are what I know :)
5) I will ship to Europe and the US only. Shipping is £2.50 for one item: for each additional add 50p.
6) No returns;
7) That's it!
Onto the goods...
NARS Blushes
Never reach for them so why keep them?
L-R: Oasis, Desire
SOLD Oasis - £8
SOLD Desire - £8
MAC Beauty Powder
This is Smooth Harmony from Heatherette. The product has been used but this is being sold for the "collector" - ie, you can depot any face powder into this compact should you so wish
SOLD Smooth Harmony - £14
MAC Mineralize blushes
Dainty has been used about 5 times - hence the lower price. Hot planet has been used twice!
L-R: Hot planet, Dainty
SOLD Hot planet - £6
SOLD Dainty - £4.50
Other MAC blush products
L-R: Tenderling, Sculpt and Shape Powder (Accentuate Sculpt)
SOLD Tenderling - £4.50
SOLD Sculpt and Shape - £7.50
MAC MSF's
L-R: Brunette, Global Glow
SOLD Brunette - £9.50
SOLD Global Glow - £12
Benefit
Used about 5-10 times. Pretty product but not something I can live without!
SOLD Benefit's 10 Powder - £6.50
Bare Minerals blushes
I am keeping Sorbet - my favourite one - but these have been used twice!
SOLD Laughter - £4
SOLD Golden Gate - £4
Bobbi Brown
SOLD Pot rouge in Calypso Coral - £7.50
Mineralize products from other brands
L-R: Laura Geller, NYC
SOLD Laura Geller Blush n Brighten in Roseberry - £7.50
SOLD NYC Chroma Face Glow in Sunstone - £3
Guerlain
Very heavily perfumed bronzer but v. pretty. The pigmentation is quite light - think lighter than Laguna. Unwanted gift.
Swiped once!
SOLD Guerlain Terracotta light bronzer in 02 Brunettes - £9
MAC Shadows
SOLD Forged rose cream shadow - £4.50
Palette
I already have one - this is the back up and has been swiped once :)
SOLD Fascinating Ruby: Smokey eyes palette - £12.50
Friday, 24 July 2009
Blog sale warning
I thought I would warn you that I will be doing another sale on Sunday afternoon/evening (UK time) and there will be more MAC and NARS etc. up for grabs.
I had some news this week that has further spurred me on to sell alot of my makeup. Don't worry it's good news! I don't want to say anything specific but I may be leaving the country for work in September - I promise to fill you in when I can :)
(I will still be YouTubing and Blogging :)
I feel a bit stupid having got more makeup in NY but I feel that this was unique circumstances :)
How I will make it up is selling the stuff that is simply not going to be coming with me when I leave - I mean, what is the point of it sitting at home, gathering dust for a year?
I hope these blog sales don't bother you. If they do let me know as I will consider another forum to sell my items in!
I had some news this week that has further spurred me on to sell alot of my makeup. Don't worry it's good news! I don't want to say anything specific but I may be leaving the country for work in September - I promise to fill you in when I can :)
(I will still be YouTubing and Blogging :)
I feel a bit stupid having got more makeup in NY but I feel that this was unique circumstances :)
How I will make it up is selling the stuff that is simply not going to be coming with me when I leave - I mean, what is the point of it sitting at home, gathering dust for a year?
I hope these blog sales don't bother you. If they do let me know as I will consider another forum to sell my items in!
Thursday, 23 July 2009
Light lilac line up
I hate how conservative some people can be about nail polish. Wear a bright blue or a coral and suddenly it becomes a talking point - specifically in an office environment.
Having said that I tend to play it safe during the week. Reds and neutrals are good - the mint greens and yellows are not.
I think I have found a happy medium though in pink/lilac toned talons! Polishes like OPI's Mod About You and Essie's Minimalistic are easy to carry off without feeling totally unoriginal.
Here is a line up of the ones I have so far...
Spot the newbie!
Clue: It's the smallest bottle!
(L-R: OPI Done out in Deco, Collection 2000 Dynasty, OPI Mod About You (don't mind the mess - there was drama on the plane) and Essie Minimalistic)
It all started with an innocent twitter and a link to Holly's blog last night and before I knew it I was marching in to Superdrug, heading to the Collection 2000 stand and picking up this lilac number - Dynasty.
For about £2 you really cannot go wrong. My nail polish application is not the best but this is, as Holly said, streak free. I did need two coats to get the right level of pigmentation but it dried quickly with a light shine finish.
I will be sporting this tomorrow and it will be seeing me through a 2 hour presentation where I will be doing a lot of hand gesticulation to draw attention to this lovely colour :)
Have a great Friday everyone!
Having said that I tend to play it safe during the week. Reds and neutrals are good - the mint greens and yellows are not.
I think I have found a happy medium though in pink/lilac toned talons! Polishes like OPI's Mod About You and Essie's Minimalistic are easy to carry off without feeling totally unoriginal.
Here is a line up of the ones I have so far...
Spot the newbie!
Clue: It's the smallest bottle!
(L-R: OPI Done out in Deco, Collection 2000 Dynasty, OPI Mod About You (don't mind the mess - there was drama on the plane) and Essie Minimalistic)
It all started with an innocent twitter and a link to Holly's blog last night and before I knew it I was marching in to Superdrug, heading to the Collection 2000 stand and picking up this lilac number - Dynasty.
For about £2 you really cannot go wrong. My nail polish application is not the best but this is, as Holly said, streak free. I did need two coats to get the right level of pigmentation but it dried quickly with a light shine finish.
I will be sporting this tomorrow and it will be seeing me through a 2 hour presentation where I will be doing a lot of hand gesticulation to draw attention to this lovely colour :)
Have a great Friday everyone!
Sssh! It's a secret!
Apologies for the super naff title of this post but I couldn't help myself.
What I am tentatively referring to here is L'oreal's Studio Secrets line. This "professional" line has been promoted endlessly in magazines and the range of foundations, primers and products looked tempting.
I saw it in the flesh/plastic yesterday at a large Superdrug (it seems to only be in the larger stores) and although the lipsticks and eyeshadows got very little interest there was one product imparticular that caught my eye:
The Smoothing Resurfacing Primer
According to L'oreal this is to be used:
"...on shadowy areas such as under the eye, and on the least smooth areas: the forehead, the sides of the nostrils and around the mouth, to stop lipstick from running. Apply in little dabs, always smoothing the primer from the inside to the outside of the face (so as to avoid any tide-marks on the edges of the face)..."
You put it on underneath foundation and then let it polyfilla-in your skin: ie, rid of those pores and oilies.
For a little 15ml pot you will pay £12. Not cheap but is it worth it?
Well...my mum used it today and in true "makeup experiment" style we used the L'oreal product on the left of the picture and her normal Becca oil-reducing primer on the right...
(Click for the mega close up!)
Can you see the difference?
We definitely can!
After a 10 hour makeup wear there is less shine and much more smoother looking skintone - the latter of which is probably down to the fact that the primer helped the makeup stay on longer to create that illusion.
I could of done with this in New York. The humidity there just wiped away my foundation and this could of been just the product to lock it into place.
I will keep you updated on this! My only reservation with these type of products is the fact that they effectively cover up/clog your pores, preventing the natural oil secretion. Seeing as I am Miss Spotty Chin I will be the guinea pig and let you know how it performs :)
What I am tentatively referring to here is L'oreal's Studio Secrets line. This "professional" line has been promoted endlessly in magazines and the range of foundations, primers and products looked tempting.
I saw it in the flesh/plastic yesterday at a large Superdrug (it seems to only be in the larger stores) and although the lipsticks and eyeshadows got very little interest there was one product imparticular that caught my eye:
The Smoothing Resurfacing Primer
According to L'oreal this is to be used:
"...on shadowy areas such as under the eye, and on the least smooth areas: the forehead, the sides of the nostrils and around the mouth, to stop lipstick from running. Apply in little dabs, always smoothing the primer from the inside to the outside of the face (so as to avoid any tide-marks on the edges of the face)..."
You put it on underneath foundation and then let it polyfilla-in your skin: ie, rid of those pores and oilies.
For a little 15ml pot you will pay £12. Not cheap but is it worth it?
Well...my mum used it today and in true "makeup experiment" style we used the L'oreal product on the left of the picture and her normal Becca oil-reducing primer on the right...
(Click for the mega close up!)
Can you see the difference?
We definitely can!
After a 10 hour makeup wear there is less shine and much more smoother looking skintone - the latter of which is probably down to the fact that the primer helped the makeup stay on longer to create that illusion.
I could of done with this in New York. The humidity there just wiped away my foundation and this could of been just the product to lock it into place.
I will keep you updated on this! My only reservation with these type of products is the fact that they effectively cover up/clog your pores, preventing the natural oil secretion. Seeing as I am Miss Spotty Chin I will be the guinea pig and let you know how it performs :)
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
Wow I am slow...
So I got back from NYC yesterday morning at 6am - I was at work at 7.50 and by the end of the day I was shattered...hence the lack of blogging and video posting.
But hurrah! I made a video tonight - the first of a 2-parter where I show off my goods and here is a blog! :)
The first video covers all the makeup goodies I picked up - also all the nail polish which is ridiculously overkill: how many shades of pink does a girl need for goodness sake? Well, it would seem the only answer for me is - LOTS.
All the haulage is sitting in this bag that Elle gave me - which was crammed with Glitzy Glam goodies. Yes it says Lollipop26 on one side and Laura on the other :)
One of the products I picked up was Dior's Lip Glow.
This is one of those items that I knew, sooner or later, I wanted to try out. Pixiwoo made me do it :)
As I was in the airport, and I seem to lose all sense of money sense in the airport, I thought now was the time.
It's one of those "bring out the natural tone" of your lips kind of deals. It's £15 and for £15 I know that lips go from....
this...
to this....
The difference is subtle - but it's definitely there. I like it alot more than Too Faced's Mood Swing gloss effort - that stuff just turned bright fuschia.
The Dior Lip Glow feels soft when applied but it also makes them feel "buzzy" - like they are being plumped. Not sure if it actually results in any volumisation but it definitely feels like it.
However, having said all that is it holy grail lip material? No - its a nice concept and I am glad I have tried it but I already know that I will not be lemming a back-up anytime soon. That's me just being completely honest.
Have you tried this? What did you think?
But hurrah! I made a video tonight - the first of a 2-parter where I show off my goods and here is a blog! :)
The first video covers all the makeup goodies I picked up - also all the nail polish which is ridiculously overkill: how many shades of pink does a girl need for goodness sake? Well, it would seem the only answer for me is - LOTS.
All the haulage is sitting in this bag that Elle gave me - which was crammed with Glitzy Glam goodies. Yes it says Lollipop26 on one side and Laura on the other :)
One of the products I picked up was Dior's Lip Glow.
This is one of those items that I knew, sooner or later, I wanted to try out. Pixiwoo made me do it :)
As I was in the airport, and I seem to lose all sense of money sense in the airport, I thought now was the time.
It's one of those "bring out the natural tone" of your lips kind of deals. It's £15 and for £15 I know that lips go from....
this...
to this....
The difference is subtle - but it's definitely there. I like it alot more than Too Faced's Mood Swing gloss effort - that stuff just turned bright fuschia.
The Dior Lip Glow feels soft when applied but it also makes them feel "buzzy" - like they are being plumped. Not sure if it actually results in any volumisation but it definitely feels like it.
However, having said all that is it holy grail lip material? No - its a nice concept and I am glad I have tried it but I already know that I will not be lemming a back-up anytime soon. That's me just being completely honest.
Have you tried this? What did you think?
Monday, 20 July 2009
Back to Blighty
Here is a token post for you...
I am writing this from JFK airport after enjoying a great weekend with Elle/Allthatglitters21.
To summarise the last three days I would say that it was constant chat chat chat. We were not very productive - no videos were made and no photos were taken - but we had so much fun and yes, there was shopping.
It's funny how well we got on really. We have never spoken on the phone - our only communication has been through a computer - but as soon as I got to Sephora we started shopping and chatting and that's pretty much what we did for the rest of my stay :)
I picked up a combination of makeup and clothes and as Elle said, we got a lot of the same things so you might get a sense of deja-vu when you watch our videos :)
Speak to you all very soon!
I am writing this from JFK airport after enjoying a great weekend with Elle/Allthatglitters21.
To summarise the last three days I would say that it was constant chat chat chat. We were not very productive - no videos were made and no photos were taken - but we had so much fun and yes, there was shopping.
It's funny how well we got on really. We have never spoken on the phone - our only communication has been through a computer - but as soon as I got to Sephora we started shopping and chatting and that's pretty much what we did for the rest of my stay :)
I picked up a combination of makeup and clothes and as Elle said, we got a lot of the same things so you might get a sense of deja-vu when you watch our videos :)
Speak to you all very soon!
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
NYC Shopping List
This time tomorrow I will be in Heathrow, killing time before my 8.30pm flight to NYC! I am very excited about this little trip and most excited about meeting up with Elle - Allthatglitters21. :) I hope there will be lots of photos and maybe even a video or two but we will see..
I do have a little shopping list in my head of the things that I am keen to look at and then maybe, if I like them and if I haven't spent all my money at Forever21, buy.
So here goes:
+ Sephora Platinum Air Brush #55 - I heard about this originally from Lisasz09 and then Magpiesparkles jogged my memory. Apparently its the best foundation brush - ever - or so they say!
+ Lorac croc palette - I have picked this up every time I go to a Sephora in the US. I look at it, admire the shadows and then put it down. Maybe it's time to give it a go?
+ Fresh Sugar lip treatment - I love lip treatments and a lot of people speak highly about this one. They also speak about the high price. However, I kind of want to know whether it's worth it or not so this may slip into my shopping bag.
+ Sephora-OPI nail polish - This is where my beloved Metro Chic comes from and I would really like to explore the colours. I have "I'm with Brad" - a gorgeous deep burgundy but if you have any recommmendations for other shades, I am all ears :)
I think that's about it...the thing these days is that we can get a lot of this stuff in the UK - or at least order it - so I don't feel a manic pressure to buy things purely because they are "USA only"...having said that I am thinking about stocking up on MUFE HD :)
My next post may well come from the Big Apple. Take care everyone! :)
I do have a little shopping list in my head of the things that I am keen to look at and then maybe, if I like them and if I haven't spent all my money at Forever21, buy.
So here goes:
+ Sephora Platinum Air Brush #55 - I heard about this originally from Lisasz09 and then Magpiesparkles jogged my memory. Apparently its the best foundation brush - ever - or so they say!
+ Lorac croc palette - I have picked this up every time I go to a Sephora in the US. I look at it, admire the shadows and then put it down. Maybe it's time to give it a go?
+ Fresh Sugar lip treatment - I love lip treatments and a lot of people speak highly about this one. They also speak about the high price. However, I kind of want to know whether it's worth it or not so this may slip into my shopping bag.
+ Sephora-OPI nail polish - This is where my beloved Metro Chic comes from and I would really like to explore the colours. I have "I'm with Brad" - a gorgeous deep burgundy but if you have any recommmendations for other shades, I am all ears :)
I think that's about it...the thing these days is that we can get a lot of this stuff in the UK - or at least order it - so I don't feel a manic pressure to buy things purely because they are "USA only"...having said that I am thinking about stocking up on MUFE HD :)
My next post may well come from the Big Apple. Take care everyone! :)
Monday, 13 July 2009
A modest kind of haul
So today MAC officially launched a couple of new collections. Off I trundled at lunchtime to the King's Road branch - my absolute favourite MAC.
The MUA - who has seen my YouTube videos (cringe!) - said "You're on the ball again" - yes, my friend, I most certainly am! I was also the only customer looking at the new displays which was a suprise.
I looked very briefly at Naked Honey but nothing, other than the gorgeous promo image, grabbed me.
So for this visit I foccussed on Color Craft.
In theory Color Craft is the kind of collection that makes me spend crazy amounts of money. It has MSFs, pretty pink lipsticks, shimmery eyeshadows and even a full range of blush.
Maybe a year ago I would have marched in there and declared: "Bag it all up for me please"...now I am a little more sensible. This is partly because:
a) Although I want to keep buying makeup I don't want my makeup stash to get any bigger than what you saw in the Makeup collection video - that means sell a chunk and buy a little; and
b) I know that I should only buy things that I am actually going to use.
For those reasons, I picked up four items and I am happy with all of them so far...
1) 226 brush - Who would of thought that it was possible to get excited about a brush? Well I CANNOT WAIT to play with this. For once I am thankful about a re-promote.
2) Daft Pink blush - it's a pretty blend of pink, plum and gold but to be honest there is more shimmer than pigment. I confess that I love MAC's mineralize blushes though - perhaps even more than the MSFs - eek!
3) Cheeky Bronze MSF - This is more of a peachy-bronze glow giver and that glow comes mostly from shimmer. However, I liked the subtle warm sheen it gave and as a rule I prefer MAC's warmer, bronzey MSFs to any others - ie, Refined, Shooting Star (I love you Shooting Star), Global Glow and So Ceylon for example. The other's just didn't grab me - definitely pretty but not essential. (As if this was essential...anyway)
4) Color crafted lipstick - The hype got me to buy this one but I am glad I am so easily swayed. It's super pretty, the kind of lipstick I will instantly start wearing everyday and it is, as everyone has says, Saint Germain's more wearable cousin.
And that's all...for now.
I say for now because I keep hearing everyone rave about the Honey Salve and when people rave, I want. So tell me - is it really worth getting?
What did you all think of Color Craft?
The MUA - who has seen my YouTube videos (cringe!) - said "You're on the ball again" - yes, my friend, I most certainly am! I was also the only customer looking at the new displays which was a suprise.
I looked very briefly at Naked Honey but nothing, other than the gorgeous promo image, grabbed me.
So for this visit I foccussed on Color Craft.
In theory Color Craft is the kind of collection that makes me spend crazy amounts of money. It has MSFs, pretty pink lipsticks, shimmery eyeshadows and even a full range of blush.
Maybe a year ago I would have marched in there and declared: "Bag it all up for me please"...now I am a little more sensible. This is partly because:
a) Although I want to keep buying makeup I don't want my makeup stash to get any bigger than what you saw in the Makeup collection video - that means sell a chunk and buy a little; and
b) I know that I should only buy things that I am actually going to use.
For those reasons, I picked up four items and I am happy with all of them so far...
1) 226 brush - Who would of thought that it was possible to get excited about a brush? Well I CANNOT WAIT to play with this. For once I am thankful about a re-promote.
2) Daft Pink blush - it's a pretty blend of pink, plum and gold but to be honest there is more shimmer than pigment. I confess that I love MAC's mineralize blushes though - perhaps even more than the MSFs - eek!
3) Cheeky Bronze MSF - This is more of a peachy-bronze glow giver and that glow comes mostly from shimmer. However, I liked the subtle warm sheen it gave and as a rule I prefer MAC's warmer, bronzey MSFs to any others - ie, Refined, Shooting Star (I love you Shooting Star), Global Glow and So Ceylon for example. The other's just didn't grab me - definitely pretty but not essential. (As if this was essential...anyway)
4) Color crafted lipstick - The hype got me to buy this one but I am glad I am so easily swayed. It's super pretty, the kind of lipstick I will instantly start wearing everyday and it is, as everyone has says, Saint Germain's more wearable cousin.
And that's all...for now.
I say for now because I keep hearing everyone rave about the Honey Salve and when people rave, I want. So tell me - is it really worth getting?
What did you all think of Color Craft?
Sunday, 12 July 2009
Blog sale - the second attempt
EDIT
Going, going gone - it's all sold guys!
Here we have blog sale 2. I am getting into the swing of things now and sadly I still have a ton left so this may - or may not - be the last of the sales!
The rules are:
1) If you want an item, say so in the comments along with your Paypal email address. I will then send you an invoice;
2) Paypal is the only method of payment accepted - it's just easier and more secure;
3) Please ensure you pay for the item immediately upon receiving the invoice - or at least some time within the next 24 hours; otherwise the item will be reposted and will not be reserved for you.
4) Prices are in £....I am sorry that I can't provide a full currency breakdown but £'s are what I know :)
5) I will ship to Europe and the US only. Shipping is £2.50 for one item: for each additional add 50p.
6) No returns;
7) That's it!
Onto the goods...
Lipsticks
NARS lipsticks
L-R: Honolulu Honey, Barbarella
Both have been used about 3 times - somehow the tones are wrong for me - 100% beige undertones which does absolutely nothing for my lips.
SOLD Honolulu Honey - £4.50
SOLD Barbarella - £4.50
MAC Lipsticks
What is it with beige-y toned lipsticks? Needless to say these have been hardly used!
L-R: Up-note (Balloonacy collection) and Barely Lit (Flashtronic)
PENDING Up-note - £4
PENDING Barely Lit - £4
Benefit
SOLD Lipstick in My Treat - a bright, hot pink. Used once because it still scares me.
£4
Chanel stuff
SOLD Pro lumiere foundation in 40 Beige - £8 (95% left)
One of my mum's donations to this blog sale. She has used it twice and I have used it twice and we both dislike the consistency and finish.
SOLD Soleil Tan de Chanel - £14
I don't get this product. I like things to be portable-friendly and I can't imagine myself carting this around in my handbag. Used twice!
NARS
Two glitter monsters from Francois - Hula Hula eyeshadow duo and Crazed blush
SOLD Hula Hula duo - £7.50
This look so promising and pretty but that left gold colour is really just pressed glitter. Buyer beware
SOLD Crazed blush - £8
A pretty bright raspberry blush but it has just never been used more than 3 times. Its super pigmented too so again, beware!
Urban Decay
SOLD The Ammo palette - £4.50
It's nice, I have used it about 15 times but some of the shadows are a little too shimmery for my liking. If you can work with the likes of Maui Wowie and Polyester Bride - I am in awe :)
MAC Shadows
L-R: Contrast, Persuasive trio and Bronzescape solar bits.
All three have been used twice and that's not really enough for me to justify keeping them.
PS. Do I really need to say why I am selling Bronzescape solar bits? :)
SOLD Contrast- £4
SOLD Persuasive trio - £6
SOLD Bronzescape - £6
MAC MSFs
L-R: Warmed and Soft & Gentle
SOLD Warmed (used once!) - £9
SOLD Soft and Gentle (used 5 times max) - £8
Light flush MSF
A pretty MSF but not that unique or special to me....it's limited edition though so I am sure it will make someone happy :)
SOLD Light flush (used 4 times) - £9
Super LE MSFS
L-R: Lightscapade and Shimpagne
Yes these are limited edition MSFS and are extremely hard/expensive to come by. But they are used to so I am not going to take the mickey here.
Both have 75% of product left.
SOLD Lightscapade - £12
SOLD Shimpagne - £12
General blush products
MAC blush
L-R: Flirt & Tease and Gingerly
Neither of them hit the spot for me and have been used about three times each.
SOLD Flirt & Tease - £4.50
SOLD Gingerly - £4.50
MAC Blossoming cream blush
I really wanted to love this pretty light peach blush but somehow I just don't and I also have a Stila product thats similar - but better. Used twice!
SOLD Blossoming - £6
Going, going gone - it's all sold guys!
Here we have blog sale 2. I am getting into the swing of things now and sadly I still have a ton left so this may - or may not - be the last of the sales!
The rules are:
1) If you want an item, say so in the comments along with your Paypal email address. I will then send you an invoice;
2) Paypal is the only method of payment accepted - it's just easier and more secure;
3) Please ensure you pay for the item immediately upon receiving the invoice - or at least some time within the next 24 hours; otherwise the item will be reposted and will not be reserved for you.
4) Prices are in £....I am sorry that I can't provide a full currency breakdown but £'s are what I know :)
5) I will ship to Europe and the US only. Shipping is £2.50 for one item: for each additional add 50p.
6) No returns;
7) That's it!
Onto the goods...
Lipsticks
NARS lipsticks
L-R: Honolulu Honey, Barbarella
Both have been used about 3 times - somehow the tones are wrong for me - 100% beige undertones which does absolutely nothing for my lips.
SOLD Honolulu Honey - £4.50
SOLD Barbarella - £4.50
MAC Lipsticks
What is it with beige-y toned lipsticks? Needless to say these have been hardly used!
L-R: Up-note (Balloonacy collection) and Barely Lit (Flashtronic)
PENDING Up-note - £4
PENDING Barely Lit - £4
Benefit
SOLD Lipstick in My Treat - a bright, hot pink. Used once because it still scares me.
£4
Chanel stuff
SOLD Pro lumiere foundation in 40 Beige - £8 (95% left)
One of my mum's donations to this blog sale. She has used it twice and I have used it twice and we both dislike the consistency and finish.
SOLD Soleil Tan de Chanel - £14
I don't get this product. I like things to be portable-friendly and I can't imagine myself carting this around in my handbag. Used twice!
NARS
Two glitter monsters from Francois - Hula Hula eyeshadow duo and Crazed blush
SOLD Hula Hula duo - £7.50
This look so promising and pretty but that left gold colour is really just pressed glitter. Buyer beware
SOLD Crazed blush - £8
A pretty bright raspberry blush but it has just never been used more than 3 times. Its super pigmented too so again, beware!
Urban Decay
SOLD The Ammo palette - £4.50
It's nice, I have used it about 15 times but some of the shadows are a little too shimmery for my liking. If you can work with the likes of Maui Wowie and Polyester Bride - I am in awe :)
MAC Shadows
L-R: Contrast, Persuasive trio and Bronzescape solar bits.
All three have been used twice and that's not really enough for me to justify keeping them.
PS. Do I really need to say why I am selling Bronzescape solar bits? :)
SOLD Contrast- £4
SOLD Persuasive trio - £6
SOLD Bronzescape - £6
MAC MSFs
L-R: Warmed and Soft & Gentle
SOLD Warmed (used once!) - £9
SOLD Soft and Gentle (used 5 times max) - £8
Light flush MSF
A pretty MSF but not that unique or special to me....it's limited edition though so I am sure it will make someone happy :)
SOLD Light flush (used 4 times) - £9
Super LE MSFS
L-R: Lightscapade and Shimpagne
Yes these are limited edition MSFS and are extremely hard/expensive to come by. But they are used to so I am not going to take the mickey here.
Both have 75% of product left.
SOLD Lightscapade - £12
SOLD Shimpagne - £12
General blush products
MAC blush
L-R: Flirt & Tease and Gingerly
Neither of them hit the spot for me and have been used about three times each.
SOLD Flirt & Tease - £4.50
SOLD Gingerly - £4.50
MAC Blossoming cream blush
I really wanted to love this pretty light peach blush but somehow I just don't and I also have a Stila product thats similar - but better. Used twice!
SOLD Blossoming - £6
Saturday, 11 July 2009
A quick round up...
Here is a round up of some recent purchases - some made today and some made earlier this week.
You may notice that no cosmetics feature in this post. I can confirm that there has been no rushing out to purchase Color Craft.
I think it's fair to say that I am a little burnt out with the whole "make up hauling". I am sad that I can't really get excited about collections right now. When Color Craft came up on the MAC site I looked at it, then exited - and I haven't been back to look. I kind of miss that rush I used to get when I waited, with baited breath, to pick up the new things. I think easing off a while might help it return.
In the meantime...here are some bits and pieces that I am currently excited about:
Maybelline Wet Shine Diamonds
I found this at a local market stall and got very excited! I remember seeing a video by Misschevious where she featured a product similar to this and it remained engrained in my memory
They are a pure novelty factor kind of item and I got both for £1 :)
I have to say though that these are composed of the cheapest and strongest chemicals known to man.
The primary ingredient is listed as Xylene - an obnoxious chemical that would no doubt get glue-sniffers excited - such is the strength of the fumes.
Could the reason these are not now sold in the UK be down to this? I am thinking "possibly".
LA Candy
You know the old adage of "don't judge a book by its cover"?
Well when it actually comes to buying books I live by the opposite rule. If the front cover artwork looks enticing then I will at least consider buying it.
I think this book possibly deserves the "Prettiest Front Cover" award.
Okay okay, this is probably the literary equivalent of chewing bubblegum and it doesn't quite sit alongside some of the more weighty tomes on my bookshelf but it looks sugary, light and fun and for that reason I am looking forward to indulging :)
Reiss "Kat" Skirt
I love Reiss. I think I would like to buy all my clothes from there. I like the fact that they have quite strong, simple pieces but that there is always a quirk in the detail to make it interesting. That's what I like.
I also love the Reiss sale. This Kat skirt was originally £110 but I got it for half.
I actually wore this out last night and forgot to do the whole OOTD photo procedure (Mental reminder: I need to do more of those)...so here is a quick 2D mock up of how it played out:
* GAP blazer (not current season)
* Cream Topshop sleeveless cotton top tucked into the skirt (current season)
* Accessorize knot necklace (current season)
* Reiss Kat Skirt
* Nine West platform heels (current season)
And this week's TK Maxx bargain?
I present a pair of Paper Denim & Cloth "Mod" jeans for £19.99. They fit brilliantly, are the perfect length and are from a brand that I have tried and loved before - although then I paid about £140.
I am one happy customer!
And before I go...
One other thing I got this week was the La Roux album from itunes...I love it! :)
Hope you all had a great Saturday - get ready for tomorrow's blog sale :) We are talking Chanel Universal, tons of MAC and a smattering of NARS :)
x
You may notice that no cosmetics feature in this post. I can confirm that there has been no rushing out to purchase Color Craft.
I think it's fair to say that I am a little burnt out with the whole "make up hauling". I am sad that I can't really get excited about collections right now. When Color Craft came up on the MAC site I looked at it, then exited - and I haven't been back to look. I kind of miss that rush I used to get when I waited, with baited breath, to pick up the new things. I think easing off a while might help it return.
In the meantime...here are some bits and pieces that I am currently excited about:
Maybelline Wet Shine Diamonds
I found this at a local market stall and got very excited! I remember seeing a video by Misschevious where she featured a product similar to this and it remained engrained in my memory
They are a pure novelty factor kind of item and I got both for £1 :)
I have to say though that these are composed of the cheapest and strongest chemicals known to man.
The primary ingredient is listed as Xylene - an obnoxious chemical that would no doubt get glue-sniffers excited - such is the strength of the fumes.
Could the reason these are not now sold in the UK be down to this? I am thinking "possibly".
LA Candy
You know the old adage of "don't judge a book by its cover"?
Well when it actually comes to buying books I live by the opposite rule. If the front cover artwork looks enticing then I will at least consider buying it.
I think this book possibly deserves the "Prettiest Front Cover" award.
Okay okay, this is probably the literary equivalent of chewing bubblegum and it doesn't quite sit alongside some of the more weighty tomes on my bookshelf but it looks sugary, light and fun and for that reason I am looking forward to indulging :)
Reiss "Kat" Skirt
I love Reiss. I think I would like to buy all my clothes from there. I like the fact that they have quite strong, simple pieces but that there is always a quirk in the detail to make it interesting. That's what I like.
I also love the Reiss sale. This Kat skirt was originally £110 but I got it for half.
I actually wore this out last night and forgot to do the whole OOTD photo procedure (Mental reminder: I need to do more of those)...so here is a quick 2D mock up of how it played out:
* GAP blazer (not current season)
* Cream Topshop sleeveless cotton top tucked into the skirt (current season)
* Accessorize knot necklace (current season)
* Reiss Kat Skirt
* Nine West platform heels (current season)
And this week's TK Maxx bargain?
I present a pair of Paper Denim & Cloth "Mod" jeans for £19.99. They fit brilliantly, are the perfect length and are from a brand that I have tried and loved before - although then I paid about £140.
I am one happy customer!
And before I go...
One other thing I got this week was the La Roux album from itunes...I love it! :)
Hope you all had a great Saturday - get ready for tomorrow's blog sale :) We are talking Chanel Universal, tons of MAC and a smattering of NARS :)
x
Thursday, 9 July 2009
Lush Ultra Bland
First of all I want to preface this by saying that I don't love everything that I have tried from Lush (no matter how hard I try I don't get the whole concept with buying lumps of soap (give me shower gel any day!) and I also hated the impossibly hard and scratchy green salt scrub for example) but I think this product might be a keeper.
I kept hearing people talk about this. First came Kerry1487 and then came an "in real life" friend Trudie - professional makeup artist and skincare specialist extraordinaire who highly recommended it.
The product is Lush's Ultra Bland cleanser and I think this stuff is magic!
The selling point for me, and the reason I tried it, was that everyone said it removed all makeup - including waterproof mascara.
My initial reaction is always to go "yeah, right" when I hear that. Few products do it better than baby oil - but then we know that the mineral oil in baby oil is not always great for the delicate eye area.
So I gave this a try and you know what? They were right. It even - get this! - removes my copious layers of mascara and that my friends, is quite a feat!
And how does it work? Its a light cream texture that you massage into your face and eye area. I smell honey as soon as I open my little pot and that is one of the ingredients included. After massaging it in, wet a cotton pad and then wipe. It's that simple. I often tone afterwards as well - trialling something by BeeLuscious at the moment and it does the job.
I have to say that I am really impressed with this. Now in a couple of weeks time I might break out and have to retract this post but to be honest I don't see how that can happen. It has a non-offensive ingredients list and the reviews I have seen say how it is good for people with sensitive, spotty-prone skin like myself. I am keeping my fingers crossed! :)
Has anyone else tried this? I want to know your experience - good or bad!
I kept hearing people talk about this. First came Kerry1487 and then came an "in real life" friend Trudie - professional makeup artist and skincare specialist extraordinaire who highly recommended it.
The product is Lush's Ultra Bland cleanser and I think this stuff is magic!
The selling point for me, and the reason I tried it, was that everyone said it removed all makeup - including waterproof mascara.
My initial reaction is always to go "yeah, right" when I hear that. Few products do it better than baby oil - but then we know that the mineral oil in baby oil is not always great for the delicate eye area.
So I gave this a try and you know what? They were right. It even - get this! - removes my copious layers of mascara and that my friends, is quite a feat!
And how does it work? Its a light cream texture that you massage into your face and eye area. I smell honey as soon as I open my little pot and that is one of the ingredients included. After massaging it in, wet a cotton pad and then wipe. It's that simple. I often tone afterwards as well - trialling something by BeeLuscious at the moment and it does the job.
I have to say that I am really impressed with this. Now in a couple of weeks time I might break out and have to retract this post but to be honest I don't see how that can happen. It has a non-offensive ingredients list and the reviews I have seen say how it is good for people with sensitive, spotty-prone skin like myself. I am keeping my fingers crossed! :)
Has anyone else tried this? I want to know your experience - good or bad!
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
Alexa Shaye is back!
Okay guys, do you remember Alex Shaye on YouTube?
Makeup videos of course, a bit of lip-synching, and a whole lot of hauls?
I loved her videos and then I noticed that her account had gone. I always feel sad when that happens but understand that things change for people and sometimes, if we are very lucky, they do come back to YouTube.
And I am pleased to report that Alexa has come back - her new channel is called Beautysmark
I would really love it if you all subscribed because she is a cool girl and its nice to spread the love :)
http://www.youtube.com/beautysmark
Makeup videos of course, a bit of lip-synching, and a whole lot of hauls?
I loved her videos and then I noticed that her account had gone. I always feel sad when that happens but understand that things change for people and sometimes, if we are very lucky, they do come back to YouTube.
And I am pleased to report that Alexa has come back - her new channel is called Beautysmark
I would really love it if you all subscribed because she is a cool girl and its nice to spread the love :)
http://www.youtube.com/beautysmark
Neon nails
As well as picking up a weird off white colour earlier this evening (see earlier post) I found myself in New Look, checking out their cheap and limited cosmetics selection.
My real reason for going into New Look was to check out the shoes. I wanted black jelly sandals but all the size 5's had gone, and I was about to head out the door when I saw the Stargazer nail polish rack.
I have seen Stargazer before - I think it was in Adhoc on the King's Road and for about twice the price. And this stuff is probably not worth twice the price (ie, in New Look its about £2 or thereabouts)
I randomly chose two - and I have to admit to you all that I cannot stop looking at them. I think the intense brightness makes me smile.
I got the imaginatively names 102 and 104 - basically a "bright ass" yellow and a neon pink.
On the train home I couldn't wait and tried the 104 - wow! Neon pink with an undercurrent of lilac. Ignore the nails - they need chopping - concentrate on the colour! :)
I love it but it's definitely not presentation-friendly so I have just removed it - no staining to report - and I will wait until the weekend.
Do you have any neon polish recommendations? I know Essie have a collection out that is all neons - anyone tried that?
My real reason for going into New Look was to check out the shoes. I wanted black jelly sandals but all the size 5's had gone, and I was about to head out the door when I saw the Stargazer nail polish rack.
I have seen Stargazer before - I think it was in Adhoc on the King's Road and for about twice the price. And this stuff is probably not worth twice the price (ie, in New Look its about £2 or thereabouts)
I randomly chose two - and I have to admit to you all that I cannot stop looking at them. I think the intense brightness makes me smile.
I got the imaginatively names 102 and 104 - basically a "bright ass" yellow and a neon pink.
On the train home I couldn't wait and tried the 104 - wow! Neon pink with an undercurrent of lilac. Ignore the nails - they need chopping - concentrate on the colour! :)
I love it but it's definitely not presentation-friendly so I have just removed it - no staining to report - and I will wait until the weekend.
Do you have any neon polish recommendations? I know Essie have a collection out that is all neons - anyone tried that?
Magazine freebie alert!
So the Best Magazine Freebie of the week goes to....
Tatler!
I have always thought myself too common for Tatler - it is a very posh society/fashion magazine and one that has beautiful imagery but not a lot of relatable content.
However, they are currently promoting the latest issue with the inclusion of a free (mini) Essie nail polish and that had me sucked in with a sale. Sales are what all these freebies are about - I think the print industry must be suffering with the recession because literally every magazine is at it at the moment.
On offer are about six colours - the majority of which are red/pink/like millions of other colours but there was one muted off white/grey colour I wanted - and here it is.
This is Essie's Great Expectations
It's a bit of a weird colour but I think that's why I wanted it. I am curious to see what it looks like when applied... I shall keep you informed
Tatler!
I have always thought myself too common for Tatler - it is a very posh society/fashion magazine and one that has beautiful imagery but not a lot of relatable content.
However, they are currently promoting the latest issue with the inclusion of a free (mini) Essie nail polish and that had me sucked in with a sale. Sales are what all these freebies are about - I think the print industry must be suffering with the recession because literally every magazine is at it at the moment.
On offer are about six colours - the majority of which are red/pink/like millions of other colours but there was one muted off white/grey colour I wanted - and here it is.
This is Essie's Great Expectations
It's a bit of a weird colour but I think that's why I wanted it. I am curious to see what it looks like when applied... I shall keep you informed
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
The Body Shop Tantalising Lip Butter
Most of you have already met but for the rest of you let me introduce you to the Tantalising lip butter by The Body Shop:
I have just uploaded a video which extols the virtues of this product but in my mind The Body Shop have got their marketing all wrong.
This is not the moisturising, lip replenishing product that the blurb would have you believe. In fact, for me it does the opposite and even though it is emolient it can be drying.
What their marketing team should be focussing on is the fact that it looks amazing worn either on its own or when paired with bright lipsticks.
It also smells delicious thanks to the dragonfruit and out of the £5 cost ($8 in the US), £3.89 goes to an HIV charity.
For those reasons, today I picked up two more as I was waiting for my train at London Bridge and when I got home felt the urge to snap some shots to show you all how it looks:
This is the butter on top of bare lips:
But where it looks it's best is when worn over a shocking and bright colour like MAC's Show Orchid...
Fundamentally this lip butter "prettifies" any lipstick
For example,
MAC's Show Orchid
MAC's Show Orchid and The Body Shop's Tantalising Lip Butter
It reminds me a lot of By Terry's Baume de Rose in the way it looks on the lips. They are by no means the same product - By Terry is rich and replenishing and, might I add, £30 but you get the idea :)
As I mentioned at the beginning, I know a lot of you have this already and for those of you that do, do you also find this drying? Or is it just that my lips are dryer than the Sahara?
I have just uploaded a video which extols the virtues of this product but in my mind The Body Shop have got their marketing all wrong.
This is not the moisturising, lip replenishing product that the blurb would have you believe. In fact, for me it does the opposite and even though it is emolient it can be drying.
What their marketing team should be focussing on is the fact that it looks amazing worn either on its own or when paired with bright lipsticks.
It also smells delicious thanks to the dragonfruit and out of the £5 cost ($8 in the US), £3.89 goes to an HIV charity.
For those reasons, today I picked up two more as I was waiting for my train at London Bridge and when I got home felt the urge to snap some shots to show you all how it looks:
This is the butter on top of bare lips:
But where it looks it's best is when worn over a shocking and bright colour like MAC's Show Orchid...
Fundamentally this lip butter "prettifies" any lipstick
For example,
MAC's Show Orchid
MAC's Show Orchid and The Body Shop's Tantalising Lip Butter
It reminds me a lot of By Terry's Baume de Rose in the way it looks on the lips. They are by no means the same product - By Terry is rich and replenishing and, might I add, £30 but you get the idea :)
As I mentioned at the beginning, I know a lot of you have this already and for those of you that do, do you also find this drying? Or is it just that my lips are dryer than the Sahara?
Monday, 6 July 2009
Wow is that my real colour?
This weekend I was considering dying my hair. A box dye is my shortcut to feeling refreshed and new.
But before I headed to the shops and committed to the process I looked in the mirror and I was pretty shocked.
Could that be my - *gasp* - natural hair colour coming through?
I have highlighted and dyed my hair since I was about 18. I haven't done anything with it - colour wise - for about 7-8 months and so over time that natural colour is starting to creep through.
And I have to say - I don't hate it.
In some lights its a light brown with a touch of uber-dirty blonde.
In others its more auburn
I had no idea how light my natural hair is compared to my "midnight/brazilian/morroccan" browns that I have been using.
Much to my surprise its not grey (well I am getting old)! The "naturalness" of this has been confirmed by my very own mother who desparately wants me to ditch the darker dyes and embrace the brown/auburn/blonde me.
I think I am going to appease her for a while and let my hair "do its thing".
I suppose this forms the third strands of Project Hair Health:
1) No heat
2) Lots of conditioning goodness; and now
3) No harsh color
Let's see how it goes - if anything these photos make me want to play up the red even more. When I muster up the patience to sit in the colorists chair - I find the whole highlights procedure extemely tedious - I may ask for a whole lot of reddish tones
But enough about me - over to you. Put your hand up if its been over a year/decade since you last saw the real you? :)
But before I headed to the shops and committed to the process I looked in the mirror and I was pretty shocked.
Could that be my - *gasp* - natural hair colour coming through?
I have highlighted and dyed my hair since I was about 18. I haven't done anything with it - colour wise - for about 7-8 months and so over time that natural colour is starting to creep through.
And I have to say - I don't hate it.
In some lights its a light brown with a touch of uber-dirty blonde.
In others its more auburn
I had no idea how light my natural hair is compared to my "midnight/brazilian/morroccan" browns that I have been using.
Much to my surprise its not grey (well I am getting old)! The "naturalness" of this has been confirmed by my very own mother who desparately wants me to ditch the darker dyes and embrace the brown/auburn/blonde me.
I think I am going to appease her for a while and let my hair "do its thing".
I suppose this forms the third strands of Project Hair Health:
1) No heat
2) Lots of conditioning goodness; and now
3) No harsh color
Let's see how it goes - if anything these photos make me want to play up the red even more. When I muster up the patience to sit in the colorists chair - I find the whole highlights procedure extemely tedious - I may ask for a whole lot of reddish tones
But enough about me - over to you. Put your hand up if its been over a year/decade since you last saw the real you? :)
Saturday, 4 July 2009
Blog sale - the first attempt
EDIT: All gone! Until next time :)
I am going to do "a Lorraine".
I have lots of makeup - too much - and I want to get rid of some of it but at the same time I am having trouble removing it from the drawer. But enough is enough!
Here is my first attempt at a blog sale. I will probably do this every week - and will sell a few items each time.
The rules are:
1) If you want an item, say so in the comments along with your Paypal email address. I will then send you an invoice;
2) Paypal is the only method of payment accepted - it's just easier and more secure;
3) Please ensure you pay for the item immediately upon receiving the invoice - or at least some time within the next 24 hours; otherwise the item will be reposted and will not be reserved for you.
4) Prices are in £....I am sorry that I can't provide a full currency breakdown but £'s are what I know :)
5) I will ship to Europe and the US only - this is just for the first round. Shipping is £2.50 for one item: for each additional add 50p.
6) No returns;
7) That's it!
Onto the goods
MAC Blush - SOLD
SOLD MAC Hipness blush from Fafi - £5
nice packaging not a great colour for me: swiped x1
SOLD MAC Tippy blush from Hello Kitty - £5
I just cannot get the colour to sit well: swiped x1
NARS Blush - SOLD
All blushes have been used up to 5 times: and that's it!
From left to right: Lovejoy, Taj Mahal and Mata Hari
SOLD Lovejoy - £8
SOLD Taj Mahal - £8
SOLD Mata Hari - £8
SOLD NARS Hungry Heart duo
Used 4 times. For the life of me I have never got this to work! If you can then I salute you!
SOLD Hungry Heart duo - £12
Eyeshadow: MAC
From left to right
SOLD MAC Smoke & Diamonds - £4
Does zero for me - used it twice but makes me look tired. Got to go!
SOLD MAC Coppering - £4
Purchased on a whim, tested on my hand once and long forgotten
SOLD MAC Mink & Sable - £4
Tried this out once and again, I looked tired. Not one for me.
SOLD Eyeshadow: NARS
I am not going to lie - these are glittery monsters, Baby Girl especially, and I have used both of these twice. Never been able to make them work.
From left to right: Baby Girl and Night Rider
SOLD Baby Girl - £5.50
SOLD Night rider - £5.50
Thanks everyone!
I am going to do "a Lorraine".
I have lots of makeup - too much - and I want to get rid of some of it but at the same time I am having trouble removing it from the drawer. But enough is enough!
Here is my first attempt at a blog sale. I will probably do this every week - and will sell a few items each time.
The rules are:
1) If you want an item, say so in the comments along with your Paypal email address. I will then send you an invoice;
2) Paypal is the only method of payment accepted - it's just easier and more secure;
3) Please ensure you pay for the item immediately upon receiving the invoice - or at least some time within the next 24 hours; otherwise the item will be reposted and will not be reserved for you.
4) Prices are in £....I am sorry that I can't provide a full currency breakdown but £'s are what I know :)
5) I will ship to Europe and the US only - this is just for the first round. Shipping is £2.50 for one item: for each additional add 50p.
6) No returns;
7) That's it!
Onto the goods
MAC Blush - SOLD
SOLD MAC Hipness blush from Fafi - £5
nice packaging not a great colour for me: swiped x1
SOLD MAC Tippy blush from Hello Kitty - £5
I just cannot get the colour to sit well: swiped x1
NARS Blush - SOLD
All blushes have been used up to 5 times: and that's it!
From left to right: Lovejoy, Taj Mahal and Mata Hari
SOLD Lovejoy - £8
SOLD Taj Mahal - £8
SOLD Mata Hari - £8
SOLD NARS Hungry Heart duo
Used 4 times. For the life of me I have never got this to work! If you can then I salute you!
SOLD Hungry Heart duo - £12
Eyeshadow: MAC
From left to right
SOLD MAC Smoke & Diamonds - £4
Does zero for me - used it twice but makes me look tired. Got to go!
SOLD MAC Coppering - £4
Purchased on a whim, tested on my hand once and long forgotten
SOLD MAC Mink & Sable - £4
Tried this out once and again, I looked tired. Not one for me.
SOLD Eyeshadow: NARS
I am not going to lie - these are glittery monsters, Baby Girl especially, and I have used both of these twice. Never been able to make them work.
From left to right: Baby Girl and Night Rider
SOLD Baby Girl - £5.50
SOLD Night rider - £5.50
Thanks everyone!
Friday, 3 July 2009
In and Out number 8
It's Friday - a moment of the week that brings me intense joy. Without further ado here are my latest "Ins and "Outs":
IN
1) Platform heels - why didn't anyone tell me how easy these things are to walk in? The ones I am currently sporting are from Nine West. I got them a while ago and believe I added them to this blog. They also give me about three inches of height which makes me 5 ft 10 and therefore able to tower over everyone. Next on my wishlist is the Louboutin version - my birthday is in August :)
2) St Moriz - I feel like a broken record - kind of like the twitterers who are currently #moonfruit-ing like there is no tomorrow. (If you have no idea what moonfruit is, count yourself lucky!) Anyway, this fake tan is where it's at :) Believable, relatively non-smelly and foolproof. Streak free pins are mine!
3) Cherries - these are currently half price in Marks & Spencer's and are therefore my afternoon snack du jour. It certainly keeps me away from the KitKats!
4) YSL Pur Gloss number 1 - I wasn't sure about this product for a long time. The melon scent was nice and the colour looked so promising but on application it always looked streaky. Even now I still have to use my finger to blend it in but that extra step is worth it. Its a beautiful nude but what I would describe as a "soft nude" - not harsh or extreme but very wearable and glossy - perfect for an everyday lip product.
5) NYC - This really is the biggest "In". Two weeks today I will be in NYC! It's a bit of a whirlwind weekend visit and I am going to stay with AllthatGlitters21! We have been planning some sort of meet up for a while and we have finally got round to sorting it out. I have been to NYC a few times before so will be bypassing the tourist attractions (although I wouldn't mind doing Top of the Rock again....) and hitting the shops, spending time with Elle and hopefully discovering some new parts of the city. Cannot wait!
6) Finding a DDF cleanser in TK Maxx for £4.99! Originally this stuff is priced at £33 so this is a massive bargain. I have always been impressed by DDF products and this one is jam packed with glycolic acid. I used to always like to use a glycolic acid cleanser about twice a week - it seriously helps control my skin - but I got out of the habit as I couldn't be bothered to spend money buying something I would use so infrequently. So thank you TK Maxx for coming up with the goods at a reasonable price. I think we should start doing a "Best thing found at TK Maxx" competition. Do I win this week? :)
OUT
1) There is just one - beautiful weather that can only be observed from an office window. Life is unfair. Bring me my billionaire husband/winning lottery ticket already!
Have a great Friday everyone!
IN
1) Platform heels - why didn't anyone tell me how easy these things are to walk in? The ones I am currently sporting are from Nine West. I got them a while ago and believe I added them to this blog. They also give me about three inches of height which makes me 5 ft 10 and therefore able to tower over everyone. Next on my wishlist is the Louboutin version - my birthday is in August :)
2) St Moriz - I feel like a broken record - kind of like the twitterers who are currently #moonfruit-ing like there is no tomorrow. (If you have no idea what moonfruit is, count yourself lucky!) Anyway, this fake tan is where it's at :) Believable, relatively non-smelly and foolproof. Streak free pins are mine!
3) Cherries - these are currently half price in Marks & Spencer's and are therefore my afternoon snack du jour. It certainly keeps me away from the KitKats!
4) YSL Pur Gloss number 1 - I wasn't sure about this product for a long time. The melon scent was nice and the colour looked so promising but on application it always looked streaky. Even now I still have to use my finger to blend it in but that extra step is worth it. Its a beautiful nude but what I would describe as a "soft nude" - not harsh or extreme but very wearable and glossy - perfect for an everyday lip product.
5) NYC - This really is the biggest "In". Two weeks today I will be in NYC! It's a bit of a whirlwind weekend visit and I am going to stay with AllthatGlitters21! We have been planning some sort of meet up for a while and we have finally got round to sorting it out. I have been to NYC a few times before so will be bypassing the tourist attractions (although I wouldn't mind doing Top of the Rock again....) and hitting the shops, spending time with Elle and hopefully discovering some new parts of the city. Cannot wait!
6) Finding a DDF cleanser in TK Maxx for £4.99! Originally this stuff is priced at £33 so this is a massive bargain. I have always been impressed by DDF products and this one is jam packed with glycolic acid. I used to always like to use a glycolic acid cleanser about twice a week - it seriously helps control my skin - but I got out of the habit as I couldn't be bothered to spend money buying something I would use so infrequently. So thank you TK Maxx for coming up with the goods at a reasonable price. I think we should start doing a "Best thing found at TK Maxx" competition. Do I win this week? :)
OUT
1) There is just one - beautiful weather that can only be observed from an office window. Life is unfair. Bring me my billionaire husband/winning lottery ticket already!
Have a great Friday everyone!
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
UK Magazines do it again
Remember when everyone was yelping about the free Benefit Badgal mascara that came free with Glamour magazine?
I skipped that but there was one freebie that I have been waiting a month for.
This time its Elle magazine and it was a top by by Paul & Joe Sister. I knew the quality wouldn't be top notch but I love singlet style tops and this one had pretty ruffled detailing on the...you know....well....boobage area!
It came out today and so I was on a mission. There are four colours apparently (although all I have seen so far is a bright fuschia) but I wanted the dove grey - it had to be the dove grey. I was therefore the person seen sifting through the magazine rack today, turning all the magazines around obsessively to check the colour.
Finally I found it and here it is. I reckon its about a size 10 and I also reckon that this is a bit transparent but with a Victoria's Secret bra and my St Moriz I think this will work. It will be paired with dark Earnest Sewn jeans or my Topshop tulip skirt.
Did any of you get this yet? I have to say I love our UK magazines - books, sunglasses, tops, makeup bags, beach bags and makeup....it's something to be thankful for!
I skipped that but there was one freebie that I have been waiting a month for.
This time its Elle magazine and it was a top by by Paul & Joe Sister. I knew the quality wouldn't be top notch but I love singlet style tops and this one had pretty ruffled detailing on the...you know....well....boobage area!
It came out today and so I was on a mission. There are four colours apparently (although all I have seen so far is a bright fuschia) but I wanted the dove grey - it had to be the dove grey. I was therefore the person seen sifting through the magazine rack today, turning all the magazines around obsessively to check the colour.
Finally I found it and here it is. I reckon its about a size 10 and I also reckon that this is a bit transparent but with a Victoria's Secret bra and my St Moriz I think this will work. It will be paired with dark Earnest Sewn jeans or my Topshop tulip skirt.
Did any of you get this yet? I have to say I love our UK magazines - books, sunglasses, tops, makeup bags, beach bags and makeup....it's something to be thankful for!
Early days but St Moriz FTW?
Okay so its early days....
It hasn't even had time to wear off and leave me patchy yet ( something which has always happened to me with self-tanners) but I have to say I love the St Moriz ride so far!
I applied it last night and woke up this morning and noticed an even, streak free finish. Even my feet were even which NEVER happens.
And I can promise you that I am not the most diligent of fake tan appliers - I sort of swash it on, rub it in and go.
Some things to note:
1) The smell is initially musky and pleasant and then by morning becomes "biscuit". Oh well - you can't have it all. It's not overpowering but its the sort of thing a self tanning connoisseur notices.
2) It didn't stain my clean sheets. St Tropez auto bronzant lotion is probably the worst product I have tried for that...
3) It may make your face break out - I say this because I did apply it on my face last night and now there are two spots on my left cheek. I am blaming the St Moriz - fairly or unfairly.
4) It gives a light golden colour - which is the colour I go naturally in the sun. I am not sure of how much value this would be to someone naturally tan or darker than myself. I know these products are supposed to adapt to your skin's natural melatin capacity but mmmmm I am not so sure that they all do that. The good thing about the colour test though is that this product is cheap - not the £20+ that St Tropez has previously set me back so if it doesn't work for you, its not a massive financial commitment.
5) You need to wash your hands quickly after application - I live dangerously. I never use gloves to apply these products: hands do a much more thorough and even job for me. All it means is that I apply the product to my arms - wash hands - apply to legs - wash hands etc. This stuff is just like the St Tropez mousse: you need to move it to avoid orange palms.
All in all though I am one happy customer. The only thing that really bothers me about the product is the spelling - where is the "t" in Moritz for goodness sake? :)
It hasn't even had time to wear off and leave me patchy yet ( something which has always happened to me with self-tanners) but I have to say I love the St Moriz ride so far!
I applied it last night and woke up this morning and noticed an even, streak free finish. Even my feet were even which NEVER happens.
And I can promise you that I am not the most diligent of fake tan appliers - I sort of swash it on, rub it in and go.
Some things to note:
1) The smell is initially musky and pleasant and then by morning becomes "biscuit". Oh well - you can't have it all. It's not overpowering but its the sort of thing a self tanning connoisseur notices.
2) It didn't stain my clean sheets. St Tropez auto bronzant lotion is probably the worst product I have tried for that...
3) It may make your face break out - I say this because I did apply it on my face last night and now there are two spots on my left cheek. I am blaming the St Moriz - fairly or unfairly.
4) It gives a light golden colour - which is the colour I go naturally in the sun. I am not sure of how much value this would be to someone naturally tan or darker than myself. I know these products are supposed to adapt to your skin's natural melatin capacity but mmmmm I am not so sure that they all do that. The good thing about the colour test though is that this product is cheap - not the £20+ that St Tropez has previously set me back so if it doesn't work for you, its not a massive financial commitment.
5) You need to wash your hands quickly after application - I live dangerously. I never use gloves to apply these products: hands do a much more thorough and even job for me. All it means is that I apply the product to my arms - wash hands - apply to legs - wash hands etc. This stuff is just like the St Tropez mousse: you need to move it to avoid orange palms.
All in all though I am one happy customer. The only thing that really bothers me about the product is the spelling - where is the "t" in Moritz for goodness sake? :)
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