tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66056155641988737412024-02-19T08:26:39.926-08:00A Thing for BeautyPandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.comBlogger173125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-73318326733908053722016-02-17T14:11:00.002-08:002016-02-17T14:21:22.863-08:00L'Oreal Infallible Sculpt & Blush Sculpt - ReviewHello pigeons!<br />
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It's been a while, I know. I'm sorry. The irony is that I have so much to tell you it's almost overwhelming. There have been some awesome products getting a lot of my love recently which I've failed to update you on. I've been thinking I really ought to make a list so that I can organise my thoughts more coherently and then I won't feel too overwhelmed to write about it all!<br />
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I thought I'd kick-start my writing again with a little show-and-tell of a couple of new products that have hit Boots this week; the L'Oreal Infallible Sculpt and the Blush Sculpt.<br />
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Contouring is MASSIVE. It's really become a mega trend in the last year, so much so that almost all of the budget brands have now launched their own take on how to chisel your cheeks. I don't know how it got so huge, and a part of me wonders if it's just another ploy to make us even more paranoid about our features and make us part with even more moolah than we already do. Well, it's made me paranoid enough to start noticing photos where I haven't contoured in some way.<br />
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So here's a little first-impressions on these two new face babies from L'Oreal seeing as I only acquired them today. First up, the Infallible Sculpt:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L'Oreal Infallible Sculpt in Light-Medium</td></tr>
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This is a decent-sized palette with two balmy cream-to-powder compacts. There are two colour options available, light-medium and medium-dark. This is the light-medium one which I think would be fine for very pale to medium olive complexions. The darker side is the contour and the pale side the highlight, although it doesn't behave like other highlighters...more on this later.<br />
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It's not clear how you're supposed to apply this, there is no brush supplied as L'Oreal have created their own to buy separately (out of stock where I was today). I tried using my fingers to stripe the product on which worked fine, although a brush of some sort works better for blending (I used a Real Techniques expert face brush).<br />
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The pigmentation is just enough for a gentle contour effect and it blends out really nicely. The feeling is like a silky balm (obviously it's silicone based) but the texture feels much more sophisticated and high-end than I was expecting. It's very similar to the YSL Le Teint Sahariennes cream-to-powder bronzer in fact, expect the colour is much more suited to contouring as it's much cooler in tone.<br />
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The paler side of the palette I'm not overly enamoured with. It just seems to look a bit ashy on the skin. There is no perceptible shimmer or gleam, and I can't work out how it's any better than using any other highlighter, or even nothing at all. However, I'm going to give it another chance this week when I test it out a bit more.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L'Oreal Blush Sculpt in Nude Beige</td></tr>
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The Blush Sculpt on the other hand I totally love! There seem to be 3 shades available at the moment, and I chose Nude Beige as I've not seen anything quite like those shades. In reality the name is misleading as it's more of a peachy copper and my goodness it's really gorgeous! The idea is that you swipe the darker shade lower on the cheek, and then top up with the paler one and then the highlight on the top. This is what I've done here in the photos but to be honest you get a beautiful effect when you just swipe a brush over all three shades and use it like that, it just seems to sculpt naturally, I don't know how!<br />
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So, here's mon visage avec a bucket-load of contour products! My camera phone is pants and the lighting is pants but the idea is to show the shade contrast and at least you get the idea. As you can see the effect is pretty soft (although in real life you can see it more) and the colour of the blush is just so pretty. It is on the shimmery side but this seems to fulfill the highlighting element quite nicely. It's not garish shimmer by any means but just seems to enliven the complexion really beautifully.<br />
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( If you're interested the rest of the make-up is: Bourjois CC cream over Laura Mercier Radiance Primer (holy grail primer BTW), Clarins Instant concealer, on the eyes Laura Mercier eyeshadows in Morning Dew and Fresco with Stila liquid liner and Dolly Wink Volume Mascara, on lips Revlon Red Colorstay lip pencil with a bit of lip balm)<br />
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At the moment the Infallible Sculpt is on offer at £6.99 (will be £9.99) and the Blush is £7.99. L'Oreal is on 3 for 2 at the moment as well.<br />
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I'll be back soon with some more make-up juice for you all, sweetpeas! Hope you enjoyed this little update!<br />
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<span id="goog_294741473"></span><span id="goog_294741474"></span><br />Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-62665367136368436312015-10-18T12:13:00.001-07:002015-10-18T12:13:19.126-07:00Stylist Live - My thoughtsSo, the first ever Stylist Live, an exhibition which in essence is the living embodiment of the magazine.<br />
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I am the hugest ever fan of Stylist. It's free, but very hard to get hold of as I never seem to be around when they distribute it. I usually end up with a 2nd or 3rd hand manky copy someone drops on the floor. That's how hardcore I am, I actually pick it up from the pavement in order to rifle through a copy. I used to have the app which downloaded the new issue straight to my phone but it ended up using so much memory I had to delete it. Anyhow, I like the paper version so much more; I can linger over the pages without squinting.<br />
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I was one of the first to secure tickets for this much-anticipated event back in the summer when they were first released. Could. Not. Wait.<br />
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On Friday morning I met G outside the Business Design Centre in Islington. We were there before doors opened along with other die-hard Stylist fans. We were given fabric 'goody' bags on entering and a voucher for free bubbly.<br />
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On entering we walked through a giant version of the Stylist front cover, presumably the effect is of one literally walking into the magazine itself. Clever.<br />
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The hugest sponsors of the show were right there at the front; Nars, Ford, Swarovski and Aveda (Aveda had a big stand in the middle of the hall). They undoubtedly had the biggest stands. Being such omnipresent brands this didn't interest us as much as finding more niche exhibitors.<br />
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I guess if I'm honest I was a little underwhelmed in what was on offer on the exhibition floor. There were some niche brands of clothing, jewellery and stationary, but I was expecting to see far more variation in products on offer. There was very little on offer in terms of homeware and food, and the price brackets for a lot of stands were pretty high. Fine jewellery, custom-made shoes, stunning stationary (gorgeous, but let's face it, a bit useless) and some expensive accessories boutiques. If there were show discounts or perks available then these were not advertised that clearly overall.<br />
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I bought one thing, a very pretty little necklace by Finchittida, a jewellery brand I'd never encountered before. The basis of their designs is perspex, except it doesn't look like perspex. The designs were imaginative, creative and extremely beautiful and I really wanted to try on everything. There was a gold perspex crown which I just HAD to try on. Crowns really need to become a 'thing'.... everyone needs a crown. I learnt that it was a huge injustice that I do not currently own a crown. I will definitely consider the possibility of commissioning Finchittida to make me one of their custom-made £150 crowns. Yes I will, Mr P.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Custom-made crown by Finchittida. I would have uploaded the photo of me wearing it but I look like such a goofball because I was so freaking happy that it didn't really do justice to the regality of the thing! </td></tr>
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Food wise, I was somehow expecting to graze on lots of lovely samples, being the gannet that I am. There really wasn't that much on offer. I suppose I was at the wrong show for snacking! However, there were not many options for eating lunch, one main restaurant where the queue was ridiculous and one macaroni cheese pop-up where we ended up satiating our hunger with a huge pot of Anna Mae's bacon-topped mac'n'cheese. Yummy, but I didn't exactly feel as light as a fairy afterwards.<br />
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For me the main event was attending the talk by Pixiwoo. I love Pixiwoo. They (their videos, I mean) kept me company in the lonely Brussels days and formed the basis of my make-up <strike>obsession </strike>education. :) I couldn't believe I was finally going to see them in action!<br />
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I found the talk interesting and the sisters themselves are very engaging individuals, easy to like and actually a little bit shy. The problem was the layout of the staging. We were all seated on one level at the front, the stage was not that high and when they sat down they couldn't be seen. They needed to be on taller seats, like bar stools so they were raised up. I wanted to take photos of them together during the interview but my view was totally blocked by the sea of audience in front of me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam Chapman explaining shadow sticks</td></tr>
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I managed to get some photos during the smokey-eye masterclass, because, thankfully they had the good sense to place the model on a high chair and Sam was standing up. Perhaps because we spent most of the talk trying to see through the crowd to the stage, we left feeling slightly underwhelmed. <br />
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The main draws for the whole 4 day event were all the talks and demonstrations which were timetabled throughout the days. Appearances by various authors, chefs, TV personalities and the Stylist team themselves. Quite a few of the 'learning labs' were filled up quickly as they were free events with limited space, proving just how much interest there was, especially on the journalism related topics. Next year perhaps Sylist should consider offering a multi-day ticket for those who want to attend talks which are scheduled on other days. I would have dearly loved to have seen Nigella and Lisa Eldridge but my ticket was only for the day they were not there. <br />
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The catwalk show was great fun and was definitely one of the highlights. It was a catwalk of affordability, ie, high street fashion, creatively put together and pretty inspiring. They showcased five trends, my favourite being the Period Drama trend because obviously that's what would go best with the crown <strike>I'm going to</strike> may one day purchase.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1gE2J43Gynz1HR9DIoIZyqRav6sSFeGYg61juOkiZjGwIunBVgGjROAUr5xZ_yY5JxGbUtklZcH9aFybcTomWDTupAYlLM2wTqfhgQ96WWRhrG8Kwn3ulwZiXrS0UlpX-Ad2ivXfZBQ/s1600/20151016_134146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1gE2J43Gynz1HR9DIoIZyqRav6sSFeGYg61juOkiZjGwIunBVgGjROAUr5xZ_yY5JxGbUtklZcH9aFybcTomWDTupAYlLM2wTqfhgQ96WWRhrG8Kwn3ulwZiXrS0UlpX-Ad2ivXfZBQ/s320/20151016_134146.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sweet & Sour trend, pastels and neons</td></tr>
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We were in the front row, or FROW, so I got some good images (well, good-ish, I'm pretty inept with any camera if you haven't noticed that already).<br />
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Anyway, the inner tart in me wants these shoes....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5z7IrTzmC94Xikte-t1Os6YFY8f5rVG0Aq3WeIea2O8DuZH6FhCiTPKkL9fFxA7DNJITF9gawUZ03XgUvBZTvMxouATMBdeJjUgrRyzXzUtA_s_kJZ62DwqU6N6EvT-UWUGk2KYa2s8/s1600/20151016_134724%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5z7IrTzmC94Xikte-t1Os6YFY8f5rVG0Aq3WeIea2O8DuZH6FhCiTPKkL9fFxA7DNJITF9gawUZ03XgUvBZTvMxouATMBdeJjUgrRyzXzUtA_s_kJZ62DwqU6N6EvT-UWUGk2KYa2s8/s320/20151016_134724%25281%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
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The even bigger tart in me wants these ones.....<br />
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I wish I could pull off cropped trousers but I'd end up looking like a dumpling that got dressed in the dark. Love the colour palette here though.<br />
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I fell crazy in love with this Topshop silver dress, but sadly would have no occasion to wear it and probably would chicken out of wearing it even if I did. I have an inner exhibitionist who likes to remain.... hidden! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topshop silver dress</td></tr>
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<br />One of the more fun, slightly gimmicky experiences on offer was the Swarovski photo 'booth' experience. We got to wear lots of gorgeous Swarovski jewellery and pose for a 7 second film which was turned into a tiny flickbook. G and I mucked about for 7 seconds and came away with an adorable memory for a lifetime. It was a pretty cute way to close our day, which despite the small niggles, was really a fabulous day out.<br />
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Here we are on the cover of Stylist!<br />
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Hahaha....not really!<br />
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One day though, one day...... and when I am I will be wearing that crown!<br />
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<br />Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-14904598318999263642015-10-12T03:32:00.000-07:002015-10-12T03:32:05.277-07:00Laura Mercier Masterclass @ Harvey NicholsDarling readers!<br />
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Is you ok? IS YOU? Good, coz I wanted to know!<br />
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Sorry to go all 'ghetto grammar' (a phrase of my coinage.... you're welcome) after my long absence (again!) but I'm obsessed with Glozell right now and her customary <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLKpQMCXR6Y" target="_blank">introduction</a>.<br />
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Anyway I'm back (yes I am), and with a stonkingly awesome thing to write about. Remember I told you about this lovely girl I encountered back in February who encouraged me to get back into blogging? No, of course you don't, but I won't hold that against you. ;) Well, the lovely Vicky works for Laura Mercier and leads the team at Harvey Nichols, which, if you haven't been, is a cute little corner shop down Knightsbridge way where you can pick up a pint of milk and .... um, Prada.<br />
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Gorgeous Vicky invited me to this very exciting VIP event they were holding upstairs in the fifth floor restaurant which was a masterclass with some of Laura Mercier's top make-up artists. There would be make-up, bubbly and canapes. Hel-lo???<br />
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The event was last Wednesday 7th October, so I'm writing about it now while my mind is still fresh (well, I've had a coffee this morning so that'll do).<br />
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When I walked into the room on the fifth floor of Harvey Nics, I was greeted with prosecco and was immediately struck by how beautiful the place looked. Stunning floral displays, a long beautifully-dressed table laid out for the select few attending, and the impeccably neat and tempting displays of make-up in the numerous mobile units the artists were using. I refrained from diving in and swatching everything, mainly because I had prosecco in one hand, my phone camera in the other and a misguided sense of dignity (yeah, right....)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlwBrfNUyxsMxC9UzJ-PkIlg2UO-O-9g05vMKcgQtLqNPgQAEtrxAfD2MUalTu3pDhq7hc1C2IrFbwuVbaqe_H1VOv62SSXWbO4ehZVdgUog-GsLWhRhexLCrGgg0BbvB3lMhgl16_oU/s1600/20151007_181047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlwBrfNUyxsMxC9UzJ-PkIlg2UO-O-9g05vMKcgQtLqNPgQAEtrxAfD2MUalTu3pDhq7hc1C2IrFbwuVbaqe_H1VOv62SSXWbO4ehZVdgUog-GsLWhRhexLCrGgg0BbvB3lMhgl16_oU/s320/20151007_181047.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inimitable Laura Mercier</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just loved this illustration of Laura at work! </td></tr>
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The biggest surprise came when Vicky asked if I would mind being their model for the masterclass! Terrified at the thought of being bare-faced to start with, I knocked back my prosecco and then agreed to be cleansed of my current make-up in preparation for the artists to work their magic. I did explain to them that my face was 'weird' and perhaps not the best example to work on but they shushed me. To be honest, I feel that I know what looks best with my strong features and I'm always fascinated to see how the professionals view my face. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiKfin9TeGA8Y1X9luZzdegi2U9D5-A49V4X9V8Cxlui6xFcQXUKcOLQ5u_HynIfiC8ky4Yf76QvIcDtWFrnXvabLrGV1sInsbWokiS4XXHLSxnF5gQV2Qo-YUd9bWsoESCnUF6X9IOQ/s1600/20151007_183331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiKfin9TeGA8Y1X9luZzdegi2U9D5-A49V4X9V8Cxlui6xFcQXUKcOLQ5u_HynIfiC8ky4Yf76QvIcDtWFrnXvabLrGV1sInsbWokiS4XXHLSxnF5gQV2Qo-YUd9bWsoESCnUF6X9IOQ/s320/20151007_183331.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Base products laid out ready for my face! </td></tr>
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I was to have 3 artists work on me. The first, Sasha, was to work on the base, ie foundation, contour etc. The second, Trevor, would do my eyes, and then finally Chris would do my lips.<br />
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Sasha explained very clearly what she was using and why she was using it at every stage. On my face went the Radiance primer, Silk Creme foundation, Secret Camouflage, Secret concealer around my eyes mixed with eye serum, cream contour from the new contour kit, a bit of blush from a cream stick, and some setting powder. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHW1fCvmNoZ8i6MIVzQWvhLdz7uppJ_Lnnv00QtVrwHEiC15IUIlakeYMl3q32H3RtCpIrOQoa6o2zgmXALT4qlhZWJdIeWjf4ROhGXu1w3LOBncCtNcUgWnpt-vf3jBoNWXfmJoDAWao/s1600/IMG-20151008-WA0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHW1fCvmNoZ8i6MIVzQWvhLdz7uppJ_Lnnv00QtVrwHEiC15IUIlakeYMl3q32H3RtCpIrOQoa6o2zgmXALT4qlhZWJdIeWjf4ROhGXu1w3LOBncCtNcUgWnpt-vf3jBoNWXfmJoDAWao/s320/IMG-20151008-WA0004.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sasha answering questions from the table.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzR0I2oxUidKQ4-sJYzIRzCf7r92HMiwwaYdBAW4GK50djedw0VoWCeLAEySErSj8QKVkL5YLTHNXYCiAs79MxOX4S0G70vzlraxyt3MOBe_UWIDq3SdUeHuF9Dqs7-HwIDSCU1cspUc/s1600/IMG-20151008-WA0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzR0I2oxUidKQ4-sJYzIRzCf7r92HMiwwaYdBAW4GK50djedw0VoWCeLAEySErSj8QKVkL5YLTHNXYCiAs79MxOX4S0G70vzlraxyt3MOBe_UWIDq3SdUeHuF9Dqs7-HwIDSCU1cspUc/s320/IMG-20151008-WA0005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working her magic....</td></tr>
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By the time she had finished, my skin was incredibly even and, yes, radiant. I had told her that my hugest bugbear was always being able to see my dark circles, whatever I happened to use. She had only used a teeny bit of concealer, and even that was mixed with serum..... I had my doubts about how much that could cover. Although I could still see my dark circles, the overall effect of me looking ill and tired was less noticeable, I think also due to the base being so perfected.<br />
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Next Trevor would do my eye make-up. I had pre-warned him that I had wonky eyes and was used to wearing more make-up on them to try and counteract this. For the purposes of the masterclass he wanted to do a very natural look using the 'sunrise' effect of going darkest at the lashline with colour gently bleeding out to almost nothing at the brow-bone.<br />
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He used the Eye Basics primer in Buff (which, if you read back on early posts used to be my eye primer of choice), and then followed with shadows (Buttercream, Fresco & Deep Night). The colours were incredibly natural and the focus was really at the lashline where he tight-lined with black cake liner. Interestingly he didn't line my waterline which, to be honest, I ALWAYS do as I feel naked without liner there. He said he didn't think I needed it. The jury is still out on that one! The huge revelation came with the brows. I normally just whip a bit of tinted gel through them as they are pretty low maintenance for me. Trevor used the Deep Blonde brow powder and Brunette eye pencil on them. By the time he had finished I had PERFECT arches. The best eyebrows I ever had in my life! I only hope I can try and replicate it, although it wasn't a quick process.... might have to save that for special occasions.<br />
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Chris was on lip duty and I was surprised that he was going to go for a vibrant deep purple lip..... something I would never even consider wearing.... until now!<br />
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Oh my days, when I saw the colour he would use (Lip Paint in Fuschia Mauve) I panicked a bit..... I do not consider my lips to be good enough to highlight, but for some reason everyone else does. Isn't it funny how we see ourselves? So on went the paint, and then a collective exclamation of admiration as my lips were filled with fuschia and my face came to life. I could not believe how daring it looked and yet, how refreshing and instantly brightening. Paired with the very natural eyes it worked so well! Chris really spent time perfecting the lip line with a pencil AFTER applying the lip paint and the result was just awesome.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eFm3t0B9em7C8v_a4syYv2xianNEo4Hy1pI4Nd6heEjmSFzzDUZBTXLqzZPGqKFyyMhcV3qL9xtI9tfCKpaw74DD_DEGbFNJRMkIbIQHTzD_uo-Y0phIluio_4GFUvEDU46aYrCzZVk/s1600/2015-10-07+21.33.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eFm3t0B9em7C8v_a4syYv2xianNEo4Hy1pI4Nd6heEjmSFzzDUZBTXLqzZPGqKFyyMhcV3qL9xtI9tfCKpaw74DD_DEGbFNJRMkIbIQHTzD_uo-Y0phIluio_4GFUvEDU46aYrCzZVk/s320/2015-10-07+21.33.37.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura Mercier Lip Paint in Fuschia Mauve</td></tr>
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He added a teeny bit of gloss to the bottom lip at the centre as the lip paints are not overly shiny, and I love the effect! Seriously, my lips don't normally look like this. I need this guy on speed-dial! My camera has problems picking up colours correctly so in reality there is more purple in this colour than the photo shows. Here is another one in a different light.<br />
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Still not great, but you get the idea. It's an instant teeth-whitening colour as you can see!<br />
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Oh God, you're going to want to see the whole of my face now, aren't you? Well, as you know by now I'm pretty shy and don't do photos of moi..... but seeing as you asked nicely, here I am with Vicky post-makeover. <br />
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It was almost impossible to get a decent photo of the make-up... my
phone camera distorts everything, both colours and shapes so all the
photos I tried to take did no justice whatsoever to the amazing work the
team did.<br />
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After the masterclass everyone got a chance to try out the products and have their make-up done by the other make-up artists whilst I chatted with the lovely Laura Mercier team. I discovered that there was huge love and respect for the grand dame herself who had visited the store in person earlier that same day. The whole team were so dedicated to Laura and her ethos that this energy shone through in bucket-loads. You really get the impression that they are not there for the hard-sell, but to help women (and men!) achieve the best version of themselves through the confidence-boosting power of great make-up and skincare.<br />
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I've spent a lot of my life trawling around beauty halls and talking to staff there, and I can whole-heartedly say that it's rare to find such knowledge, passion and belief in a brand. Except really, these artists do not believe in a brand, but in a person and her life's work. I came away feeling uplifted by my evening there and so eager to try out everything again myself. If there is ever a chance for you to take part in such masterclass I would urge you to go!<br />
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Oh, and there was a goody bag too!<br />
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I was begging silently that something Almond Coconut would be in there and it was! The mini body souffle was still sealed and yet the perfume arose from the bag like ambrosia of the Gods! I could wax lyrical about this scent, but I won't because you all have lives to get back to. Also in the bag, was a mini lip glace, a mini blusher, a caviar eye stick in Amethyst (gorgeous, I used that the next day!) and the Radiance foundation primer.<br />
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I really hope you enjoyed this post (not sponsored, by the way, in case you were wondering)..... I loved every second of my time at the masterclass and can't wait to try out products I may have, ahem, 'acquired'. Write-ups coming soon (nudge me if I go quiet again!).<br />
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<br />Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-62965628277399517612015-03-31T12:49:00.002-07:002015-03-31T12:49:31.201-07:00'Vichy Lift Activ Serum 10 Eyes & Lashes' ReviewHello chickadees!<br />
<br />
How are you all? I'm sorry I came back and then abandoned you again. Life is crazy right now, what with Mr P and me up and moving house again. I'm surrounded by boxes and home improvement catalogues right now (and you know how much I love me a catalogue, right?).<br />
<br />
I have so many things to tell you..... it feels like I just want to do one huge Skype conference with you all and chat about all the things I've been loving over cake and tea.<br />
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For now, I'll let the most unimaginative title do the talking.... I want to tell you about this eye serum which has literally CHANGED MY LIFE! Ok, not my life, but you know what I mean. It's bloody awesome!<br />
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You want the long drawn out story or the short one?<br />
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Too bad, I'm giving you the short one :)<br />
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I'm a very intuitive person, and quite often I'll be drawn to products with no rhyme or reason. I've not heard about this serum at all, and I wasn't looking for an eye serum while I was in Boots. I was at the Vichy section looking for the also awesome 'Night Detox' cream which is part of their Normaderm range (I really should review that too... ). Anyway, I saw this little silver vial and I instantly got the feeling it would be great.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQq_sguArwa3vePEeF1wpZMVxzy3yQo-95gBMEzFk4fWVv9Ffb9Fi4sSDAp5vbV68ojlefg6cT-a-OnYwdGfgY5rjR0ryHaJFoIhlIm8lTJTpNFkfN7bbDDrfvD6bKp1s31aF2lwUrAA/s1600/vichy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQq_sguArwa3vePEeF1wpZMVxzy3yQo-95gBMEzFk4fWVv9Ffb9Fi4sSDAp5vbV68ojlefg6cT-a-OnYwdGfgY5rjR0ryHaJFoIhlIm8lTJTpNFkfN7bbDDrfvD6bKp1s31aF2lwUrAA/s1600/vichy.png" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I didn't really expect it to be as good as it is. After ONE application of the light, pearly serum my under-eye puffiness was GONE. I woke up the next day and I couldn't put my finger on what was different about my face.... until I realised that my eye-bags had literally shrunk! I was so flabbergasted I ran into the bedroom and woke up Mr P and started yelling about how I couldn't believe my new eye product had actually worked. Mr P flinched from this brutal awakening and then proceeded to snort himself back to sleep.<br />
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I use a bit of eye cream (currently Resultime by Colline) over the top as it's not moisturising enough on it's own (it's a serum, not a cream). If you're not careful and apply too much then it's tricky to apply concealer over the top as it tends to 'ball up' and flake off your face. Use a teeny bit in the mornings if you're putting make-up on top.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczbchipoTDbufAWLti3BYx1YOOcPcR-V_u4aViHdu9ClU-x-rQSJaS8n3ey9KppjicLtfoEIiBj-koLJhwTVAeNIaUIlAwQW3HJOpRe-s_M6X8s4jMn3ysqeZdsTneeSPkqxjOI_H56M/s1600/2015-03-31+19.55.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczbchipoTDbufAWLti3BYx1YOOcPcR-V_u4aViHdu9ClU-x-rQSJaS8n3ey9KppjicLtfoEIiBj-koLJhwTVAeNIaUIlAwQW3HJOpRe-s_M6X8s4jMn3ysqeZdsTneeSPkqxjOI_H56M/s1600/2015-03-31+19.55.39.jpg" height="320" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vichy Lift Activ Serum 10 Eyes - light, fluid texture with a hint of pearl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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No results as yet on my lashes, but it's worth it for how it instantly refreshes the entire eye contour. My dark circles look a little better simply by virtue of the fact that some of the puffiness has gone down. It's only been about 2 1/2 weeks that I've been using this but I don't think I've ever seen such good results so fast from any other eye product.<br />
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Looking online for it I've just seen that it's won the Cosmopolitan Beauty Awards 2014 for best eye cream! I'm not surprised. I'm glad I tried it before I knew about this, it shows that my results are not placebo induced.<br />
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At the moment you can get this with 33% off at <a href="http://www.feelunique.com/p/Vichy-Liftactiv-Serum-10-Eyes-and-Lashes-15ml" target="_blank">Feelunique.com</a> which makes it only £16.65. It's also widely available elsewhere, including Boots and other pharmacies.<br />
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I threw away the box but I sourced the ingredients list online:<br />
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<div class="section" id="desc-ingredients">
<div class="title">
Ingredients</div>
<div class="copy">
Aqua/Water, Rhamnose, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat.,
Dimethicone, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, PEG-20 Methyl
Glucose Sesquistearate, CI 77891/ Titanium Dioxide, Mica,
Triethanolamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicyloyl Phytosphing Sine,
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Phenoxyethanol,
Adenosine, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide /Ammonium
Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum,
Octyldodecanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer,
N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Chrysin<br />
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As you can see this is not a 'natural' product. My skincare choices tend to be from more natural-based brands such as Melvita and Decleor, but to be honest, nothing so far has really cut the mustard when it comes to the eye area, hence my huge leap of faith into the non-natural market.<br />
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If it's results you're after, particularly on puffiness and dullness, then I would suggest you give this a go. It's not cheap as chips but it is in no way going to break the bank either. Anyhow, I don't believe anything cheap will work decently on the eye area.... I'm waiting to be contradicted!<br />
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What have you been using around your peepers?<br />
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<br />Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-70948845634854916202015-02-22T14:19:00.000-08:002015-02-22T14:19:44.009-08:00A few winter savioursHappy Sunday, my sweets.<br />
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I'm just out of the kitchen, finished baking some breakfast muffins for Mr P. I've boldly come up with my own recipe.... Banana, coconut and Brazil nut muffins. Fingers crossed they turn out ok. I've been quite experimental recently, daring to comfort bake without a specific recipe to hand.<br />
It's been emotional.<br />
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Anyway, I got to thinking whilst creaming the butter and unbleached sugar together, that I should probably share with you all some of the other comforting things that have helped get me through this winter.<br />
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<u>Bath salts</u><br />
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Not exactly groundbreaking news here.... but a lovely hot bath on a cold night is one of life's true pleasures. My most recent bathing discovery has been <a href="http://www.waitrose.com/shop/DisplayProductFlyout?productId=352154" target="_blank"><b>Dr Salts Muscle Therapy Bath Salts</b></a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3CDusDHarj8FYkgm_9cL2JMKUgtl7xMPgMe4ly1vUbSoe7AweMHuuvyk5RUNE5MhNe3C8wB14qf6QdON-eC_voct-uoHU3DW89NmWDKf3NK0txFAxrtmOriXmE0MsHvOhb3BpiYzb1I/s1600/Dr+Salts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3CDusDHarj8FYkgm_9cL2JMKUgtl7xMPgMe4ly1vUbSoe7AweMHuuvyk5RUNE5MhNe3C8wB14qf6QdON-eC_voct-uoHU3DW89NmWDKf3NK0txFAxrtmOriXmE0MsHvOhb3BpiYzb1I/s1600/Dr+Salts.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr Salts Muscle Therapy</td></tr>
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You can be as generous as you like with these depending on how aching you are. They have a wonderful herbal/medicinal scent of Eucalyptus and despite not being the most thrilling bath product out there, manage to deliver pure relaxation on a hitherto unprecedented level. I literally slipped into the bath today and nodded off within 1 minute. These work on an emotional level too. Relaxed body, relaxed mind and vice versa. You get a whopping 1kg for anything between £5 and £6.99, depending on where you buy them from. I bought mine from Waitrose but they are quite easy to get hold of online, in Boots and other supermarkets.<br />
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<u>Hydrating face mask </u><br />
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My skin rarely gets so dry that it becomes uncomfortable, but even so I feel the need for extra plumping and hydration at this time of year. I've loved the<a href="http://www.origins.co.uk/product/3857/10497/Skincare/Category/Masks/Drink-Up/10-minute-mask-to-quench-skins-thirst/index.tmpl" target="_blank"> </a><b><a href="http://www.origins.co.uk/product/3857/10497/Skincare/Category/Masks/Drink-Up/10-minute-mask-to-quench-skins-thirst/index.tmpl" target="_blank">Origins Drink Up</a> </b>mask for a while now and I'm not sure I've ever written about it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKb-Ozxm3OO16gMkPczwOHcryf60Sisej2BpM37HoO2qTe3YervqALgcbHA4xqkHb7TwZfHK-77kopHB5W21kDIrulh0Be-i06Kxt1LWLG3yYnyA0qMzyTKdqcDWlcOFPgEwZpkSj_oc0/s1600/origins+mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKb-Ozxm3OO16gMkPczwOHcryf60Sisej2BpM37HoO2qTe3YervqALgcbHA4xqkHb7TwZfHK-77kopHB5W21kDIrulh0Be-i06Kxt1LWLG3yYnyA0qMzyTKdqcDWlcOFPgEwZpkSj_oc0/s1600/origins+mask.jpg" height="296" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Origins Drink Up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It's a luscious white creamy concoction which you smother your face with in a thick layer after cleansing and then let it work it's magic. I take it right down the neck too. Leave it on for as long as you like and then wipe off the excess with a tissue or damp flannel. My skin looks amazing the next day if I use this and super juicy. If you have dry skin you will love this. Origins also do an overnight version of this which I've heard is also amazing. I have to say that as someone who's always gone for purifying masks it's a welcome change to have this in my collection.<br />
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<u>Hand cream with a pump </u><br />
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There are some amazing hand creams in tubes and pots, but in the depths of winter you need something with a pump that you can quickly dispense when you're literally rushing out the door. Put it somewhere where you know you'll be getting ready to leave the house, like the hallway or at the entrance to your bedroom or bathroom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9S2gQ7j0ICrInr3O0o2-b6ecuAstYCzI6QrjopOafQ1jH4E8P_ZoAmokCA6cO6hoQ1Wo15O4cWK5UJBKjwyD4R3KmqLp1gSsRSRmStfFE4bWMr_r07HaxXi8sZq-D9FJ0cv43yePg-bM/s1600/The+Sanctuary+hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9S2gQ7j0ICrInr3O0o2-b6ecuAstYCzI6QrjopOafQ1jH4E8P_ZoAmokCA6cO6hoQ1Wo15O4cWK5UJBKjwyD4R3KmqLp1gSsRSRmStfFE4bWMr_r07HaxXi8sZq-D9FJ0cv43yePg-bM/s1600/The+Sanctuary+hand.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Sanctuary-Spa-Long-Lasting-Moisture-Hand-Lotion-250ml_1461332/" target="_blank">The Sanctuary 5 day Moisture Hand Lotion</a> and it's been a true saviour this winter. Mr P likes it too and it's been encouraging him to moisturise his dry mitts more often.... simply because it's in a pump and he's way too lazy to employ fine motor skills and open a tube. Lots of people dislike the classic Sanctuary scent. I happen to really like it. If you don't then don't buy this. Scent aside it's actually a very good hand cream indeed. I'm not sure the moisture stays for 5 days, particularly if you're an OCD hand washer like I am, but my hands and nails do feel much better since I've been using this. It leaves a bit of residue on the surface of the hands but I like the glow it gives to the skin. Hands can look so beaten up a lot of the time and this is like a quick hand-lift. It's only £5.50 from Boots and you get a whopping 250ml of the stuff. <br />
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<u>Lip balms in every pocket, in every bag</u><br />
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If I don't have a lip balm with me at all times I freak out and start chewing my lips like my mother didn't love me enough. Lips suffer so much at this time of year and you need to be prepared. Even Mr P is a freak about lip balm. I've had to stop carrying tinted ones as he would grab mine and smear it on, little realising that he was thereafter sporting a rather fetching berry-tinted pout.<br />
If you're out and about choose stick balms. There is nothing more icky than seeing people on public transport dip their bacteria-ridden digits into a gloopy pot and smother it over their smackers. Eugh. They've literally just put out a welcome mat for a nasty virus.<br />
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(Sorry, that's my OCD making another appearance.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKIcksMq5tZUKMvoFeIbJ6_wZdmU21NzJVe3AHPlzKvAZTZjIOzZSE6qih4rM5pVkK-jyxZ9gUK3wBWl9h2fKUaEhDv_TBKeG1hPaVwR2DRzs128WD5yFocb8_3KToECDQQEbpDVk3R4/s1600/Burts+bees+lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKIcksMq5tZUKMvoFeIbJ6_wZdmU21NzJVe3AHPlzKvAZTZjIOzZSE6qih4rM5pVkK-jyxZ9gUK3wBWl9h2fKUaEhDv_TBKeG1hPaVwR2DRzs128WD5yFocb8_3KToECDQQEbpDVk3R4/s1600/Burts+bees+lips.jpg" height="320" width="166" /></a></div>
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<b>Burts Bees</b> make nice little sticks, as do <b>Caudalie</b> and <b>Nuxe</b>. I generally favour the more natural brands as they don't mask true moisture with petrolatum. Beeswax and shea butter are good alternatives as ingredients and feel (and taste) much nicer too. Going back to Burt's Bees, I have to say that the Pomegranate version has a very odd taste and I wouldn't recommend it. It performs well, but I just find the scent too strong and weirdly fake for a natural product. Choose one of the other flavours.<br />
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<u>Winged liner</u><br />
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Ok, hear me out on this. I'm so wrapped up when I go out these days that the only thing that can be seen are my eyes. I don't want to get so lost wrapped in wool that I lose myself so I've been sporting a lot of winged liquid liner so that my eyes 'pop' and say 'hello, yes, there IS a person underneath the mountain of Zara scarf'.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwKuNbRGTotaeAXaVnp-Uj-IO1Z3y8BXjqaU3aa3RWcdQriddlc0JLwYhGxvEFgGQJTDMfVmclzvUKFYnCzPFNA81lwouW7_ZFkI6RYHCuISkgZe-5JobCCCeiZESma6e1j0o7vf6Mys/s1600/DHC_Liquid_Eyeliner_EX___Black_0_5ml_1410856490.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwKuNbRGTotaeAXaVnp-Uj-IO1Z3y8BXjqaU3aa3RWcdQriddlc0JLwYhGxvEFgGQJTDMfVmclzvUKFYnCzPFNA81lwouW7_ZFkI6RYHCuISkgZe-5JobCCCeiZESma6e1j0o7vf6Mys/s1600/DHC_Liquid_Eyeliner_EX___Black_0_5ml_1410856490.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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You don't have to wing your liner, of course. Anything that makes your eyes look amazing whilst you're cocooned will make you feel surprisingly cheery. Winged liner takes a bit of practice and I have to say that the Dolly Wink liquid liner (Japan only I'm afraid) is hands down the best one I've found. Coming a close second, the <a href="http://www.feelunique.com/p/DHC-Liquid-Eyeliner-EX-Black-0-5ml" target="_blank">DHC Liquid Liner</a>, available from Feelunique.com is pretty good, although still not as good as Dolly Wink. <br />
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Right, that's it for now, the muffins are ready. They smell amazing! <br />
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What have you all been using and enjoying this winter? <br />
<br />Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-51292863212051988602015-02-15T14:36:00.001-08:002015-02-15T14:40:31.542-08:00OMG she's back........and maybe here to stay????<br />
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I'm probably talking to no one right now, and perhaps ever again.... but if you are reading this then please, please leave me a comment or message! It's been so long since I last wrote that I'm sure this page has been the web equivalent of a ghost town..... echoes of previous posts howling in the winds.... html detritus blowing about.... you get the drift.<br />
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So think of this as a kind of re-development, a renaissance of sorts. I've been meaning to get back here for too long now, and it was only after a chance encounter today with a lovely make-up artist and hopefully, new friend, that I decided that I couldn't let all my writing go to waste. She was so enthusiastic when I mentioned I 'used to' have a blog that I really began to believe in it again and so, here I am!<br />
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This blog has always been my outlet for writing about something I love very much, all things beauty related. It's semi-autobiographical with a few nail polish shots and product reviews thrown in. I know that I have missed it, and I know that I need it back in my life. I welcome you to join in my journey here and add any contributions.<br />
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I'm also thinking of starting a Facebook page and.... I'm thinking of changing the title, but I'm yet to come up with something I'm happy with.<br />
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Until my first 'useful' post in ages, I'll leave you for now with a short list of a few of my current favourite products:<br />
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<b><u>Make-up</u></b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7w2Y0kGb4DSSBQq1AWl4FW7wLl5-4dkxKfD4WjhtjROmTF7SR-zdRNixbWNevzloqoKXToA7WZe-XL1hiW0JXxhhnG9ApUUZWz_5XWeaFZQ6-LfJd1W2KaEWLI8q2XPWdZ24lJey52g/s1600/20150215_220913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7w2Y0kGb4DSSBQq1AWl4FW7wLl5-4dkxKfD4WjhtjROmTF7SR-zdRNixbWNevzloqoKXToA7WZe-XL1hiW0JXxhhnG9ApUUZWz_5XWeaFZQ6-LfJd1W2KaEWLI8q2XPWdZ24lJey52g/s1600/20150215_220913.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clarins Instant Concealer, Dolly Wink Volume Mascara, Bareminerals Eye BB 5-in-1, Estee Lauder Double Wear All-Day Glow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Estee Lauder Double Wear All-Day Glow - simply gorgeous, medium coverage which gives a stunning healthy look to the skin.<br />
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</div>
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Clarins Instant Concealer - Amazing coverage, beautiful finish, much hyped, hype is deserved.<br />
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Dolly Wink Volume Mascara - The only mascara I've ever found that holds a curl and does everything you'd want a mascara to. Only available from Japan sadly.<br />
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Bare Minerals 5-in-1 BB eye shadow - A surprise hit..... eye-smoothing, priming, colour... all in one. I love these!<br />
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<b><u>Skincare</u></b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7FZuiiZrDS3alAN6lhDKd0ezmj963nSrQIq9DTAVQRFBfh9QQAH9qsgOBvRk1JPTqfKR11WK-NjASOCw115c104qeNWvC-C92JAlh9oZ1vqnol20dhqB007LH30SoMCSH3pgsJOmnyY/s1600/20150215_220756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7FZuiiZrDS3alAN6lhDKd0ezmj963nSrQIq9DTAVQRFBfh9QQAH9qsgOBvRk1JPTqfKR11WK-NjASOCw115c104qeNWvC-C92JAlh9oZ1vqnol20dhqB007LH30SoMCSH3pgsJOmnyY/s1600/20150215_220756.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apivita Serums, Decleor Micellar Oil, Vichy Normaderm Night Detox</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Decleor Micellar Cleansing oil - Nothing removes make-up, even waterproof, faster. Seriously. Nothing.<br />
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Actually, anything Decleor is pretty amazing.<br />
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Vichy Normaderm Night Detox - Fantastic at sorting out troubled skin overnight. Angry spots are calmed, and skin looks radiant in the morning.<br />
<br />
Apivita serums - I have both the Radiance and Hydration serums. These are beautiful, light and mostly natural and I've noticed that they do make a difference to how my skin looks and feels.<br />
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<b><u>Bodycare</u></b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTn0Eg9QeoGlCafw8kU9HADOqFeSChWHsDKnAzzza0vS5qxLzZ4x83k93ipdn8GQeRDsjYQ5aEIM4x72xc56M4p4PQR0qpdzkVxVwY3gP-lCTsW7kkkUfXVX_fKhF8YFeyDIAM6UJe83A/s1600/20150215_220953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTn0Eg9QeoGlCafw8kU9HADOqFeSChWHsDKnAzzza0vS5qxLzZ4x83k93ipdn8GQeRDsjYQ5aEIM4x72xc56M4p4PQR0qpdzkVxVwY3gP-lCTsW7kkkUfXVX_fKhF8YFeyDIAM6UJe83A/s1600/20150215_220953.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L'Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate body cream</td></tr>
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<br />
Anything from the L'Occitane almond range.<br />
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Anything from L'Occitane in general.<br />
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There you have it, my lovelies...... I've broken the spell of blogging inertia. Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-17820123662366635822013-10-16T07:56:00.005-07:002013-10-16T07:56:54.575-07:00YSL - Youth Liberator Foundation ReviewChickadees, it's been a while since I told you what to go out and buy (or avoid) so I thought I'd give you an excuse to go shopping (as if you all needed one...)<br />
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There are plenty of reviews on the net about this new offering from YSL, but I thought I'd give my tuppence worth anyhow.<br />
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I'll begin by saying that I've not liked YSL foundations or concealers before. I'd bought them and they've always turned out to be unusable. Surprise, surprise the products I'd previously tried are no longer available and YSL have manned-up and started to produce the goods.<br />
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Youth Liberator is a serum foundation. It is supposed to be one of the new hybrid foundation/skincare offerings which are now flooding the market. It's not enough that a foundation can instantly make the skin look better, but given time it apparently can improve the appearance of naked skin. YSL brought out their Forever Youth Liberator serum earlier this year (or was it last year??) and this foundation supplements the supposed effects of the serum (which I haven't tried).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUReyZPC8lvncsHnThXrfZiJATTu47W-QxAxTZ4uRWa5lVNZK0Ty4rb6E3UeHqAm7-do5MTFz7OErs0EoKpa370LSnB2rQmHg0UAsO6L7CsKkhJ79V7a1ci-ItvgV6r4mAHLwAhwDlho/s1600/IMG_1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUReyZPC8lvncsHnThXrfZiJATTu47W-QxAxTZ4uRWa5lVNZK0Ty4rb6E3UeHqAm7-do5MTFz7OErs0EoKpa370LSnB2rQmHg0UAsO6L7CsKkhJ79V7a1ci-ItvgV6r4mAHLwAhwDlho/s320/IMG_1500.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YSL Youth Liberator Foundation</td></tr>
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What's it supposed to do? Well, they say that it should give you a smoother, more even toned complexion and restore the skin's 'youthful brightness' (like 'young' people go about with light-bulbs in their heads, radiating that 'youthful glow' LOL). They recommend you also use the serum for increased effect, but I would take that with a pinch of salt...<br />
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Does it deliver? The jury is out on whether I've noticed any improvement in my skin tone since using this, but it certainly hasn't done it any harm either. To be honest, after applying my usual skincare arsenal I question how much of the anti-ageing ingredients are absorbed from a foundation sitting on top of it all. That said, the effect on the skin is just lovely. It gives the appearance of healthy, glowing skin whilst having quite a satin-matte finish. I have combination skin which gets a bit drier in winter and I think this foundation provides a pretty good balance for me in that respect. It's not drying at all, although I find I need to make sure my skin is nicely moisturised before using it. It tends to go more 'glowy' as the day wears on so if I'm out and about I find I need to use a bit of powder on the T-zone. In that respect I'm not sure it's the best foundation for very oily skins.<br />
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The coverage is medium. Because of the term 'serum foundation' it makes me think that it would have been a lighter almost tinted moisturiser type, but in fact it goes on like a regular liquid foundation and covers a fair bit. I reckon you could build it up to full coverage if you so desire, or just use a teensy amount if you wanted less. Fingers or a brush will work to apply it, although as much as I love using my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, I think I actually prefer using my fingers for this one, just seems to blend the product into the skin more effectively.<br />
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The shade B30 is a perfect match for my pale olive skin, though there are sadly only 6 shades as of yet. Not ideal, but if you find a match then definitely try it out.<br />
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Price wise it comes in at £34 a bottle. Not the cheapest around, but not the most expensive either. My other most-used foundation, Lancome Teint Miracle is £27.50. I have not yet decided which one I like better. Watch this space....<br />
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So, if you are in the market for a new foundation, one which would be suitable for night or day, with good coverage and a nice naturally radiant finish, I don't think you could go wrong with this one.<br />
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Plus, would you look at the packaging? Go on, look at it. like a bottle of some divine elixir which will make your dreams come true... Do you need another excuse?<br />
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Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-67901918697380055252013-10-02T06:24:00.000-07:002013-10-02T06:24:06.220-07:00Better kisses! AKA, the ultimate cure for dry, cracked, flaky lips!<br />
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Ladies and (minority) gentlemen, I present to you...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">DOUBLE BALMING<span style="font-size: xx-small;">TM</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">This <span style="font-size: small;">revolutionary method of caring for you<span style="font-size: small;">r lips is brought to you exclusively by yours truly and I've <span style="font-size: small;">taken the liberty of trademarking it here<span style="font-size: small;">, though legally <span style="font-size: small;">I'm not sure where I <span style="font-size: small;">s<span style="font-size: small;">tand o<span style="font-size: small;">n tradem<span style="font-size: small;">arking a process which essentially invol<span style="font-size: small;">ves using two lip balms one after another. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">So here's the thing... Lips get <span style="font-size: small;">dry, they crack <span style="font-size: small;">in winter and get all flaky and shrive<span style="font-size: small;">l</span>led up. My lips have alw<span style="font-size: small;">ays been like this<span style="font-size: small;">, also in the summer. So my little discover<span style="font-size: small;">y has literally <span style="font-size: small;">changed my li<span style="font-size: small;">fe<span style="font-size: small;"> as I <span style="font-size: small;">have not suffered from dry lips EVER SINCE. No exaggerations. I'm now very proud of my pout. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_n4jINxPG5dwj1Zwj_iECcAmSdAMyiHh9bS7KNqxFsgKXLqdPfA-ql_0mXkYknToq-BSMQPBYUFCR7q2w5nHrrqqnTrA_geZqfw0ZS1gqqGv1hCRmCuoToR5qYS85BT_yLkuGiIg74xU/s1600/IMG_0543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_n4jINxPG5dwj1Zwj_iECcAmSdAMyiHh9bS7KNqxFsgKXLqdPfA-ql_0mXkYknToq-BSMQPBYUFCR7q2w5nHrrqqnTrA_geZqfw0ZS1gqqGv1hCRmCuoToR5qYS85BT_yLkuGiIg74xU/s320/IMG_0543.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here's the lowdown. <span style="font-size: small;">You need TWO lipbalms. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The first lip-balm <span style="font-size: small;">should be </span></span></span>a drier waxy type, preferably <span style="font-size: small;">ba<span style="font-size: small;">sed on natural ingredien<span style="font-size: small;">ts. Basically anything that you need to <span style="font-size: small;">massage on to the lips. These balms are usually found in pots. The best in my opi<span style="font-size: small;">nion i<span style="font-size: small;">s the <b>Nuxe Reve de Miel </b>(click <a href="http://athingforbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/nuxe-reve-de-miel-lip-balm-and-hand.html" target="_blank">here </a>for m<span style="font-size: small;">y review)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>. </li>
<li>The second balm needs to be a balm/lip-gloss hybrid. A thick almost gloopy gloss, one that comes in a tube rather than a stick. My one is <b>Eve's Kiss by Rituals</b>. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiA_fgg7710l_NlTiLewwLqDSc1DTLACdwQGTz0feUHcJ_GVpuo2BD7LEXpNmKD_px9qRVoJOFsRIGE2-x1I7dNetgKWlOItc6hsTdxDe75NxbkXshgZWQk9BlqxXC0MBma-vBttgltk/s1600/DSCF3905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiA_fgg7710l_NlTiLewwLqDSc1DTLACdwQGTz0feUHcJ_GVpuo2BD7LEXpNmKD_px9qRVoJOFsRIGE2-x1I7dNetgKWlOItc6hsTdxDe75NxbkXshgZWQk9BlqxXC0MBma-vBttgltk/s320/DSCF3905.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbCd4S46_lSRxpDq8ex5UsPVCxR-4CKwHnYA8vUQYJhRD-GoSIExYwMKEM2L5riUYitZhji-KgwVaYzOM-LYkXT6OONzQItbOkJL2N-FCmuguXkXoE4twGj2tU3Q2u1Ca0SeDaYjlB7o/s1600/Rituals_Eve__039_s_Kiss_Silkening_Lip_Treatment_15ml_1376319502_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbCd4S46_lSRxpDq8ex5UsPVCxR-4CKwHnYA8vUQYJhRD-GoSIExYwMKEM2L5riUYitZhji-KgwVaYzOM-LYkXT6OONzQItbOkJL2N-FCmuguXkXoE4twGj2tU3Q2u1Ca0SeDaYjlB7o/s320/Rituals_Eve__039_s_Kiss_Silkening_Lip_Treatment_15ml_1376319502_main.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The process: Massage the drier, waxy balm into your lips. Massage well, making sure that your lips are saturated. Then apply the gloss balm on top, massage a little if you want to spread it out but it must sit on top and not be rubbed entirely into the other balm.<br />
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Do this at night and you will wake up with gloriously smooth plumped and moisturised lips. Do it in the morning before you put your make-up on and your lips will be luscious for the whole day. Do it during the day too and you'll give Angelina Jolie a run for her money.<br />
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Of course you all have lives and <b>double balming<span style="font-size: xx-small;">TM<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">(lol) shouldn't get in<span style="font-size: small;"> th<span style="font-size: small;">e way of that, but I can assure you that just doing it an night is usually enough. If you're not well or if <span style="font-size: small;">you're lips <span style="font-size: small;">are in a more urgent state of flakiness, I u<span style="font-size: small;">rge<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">you to double balm as much as you can. <span style="font-size: small;">You <span style="font-size: small;">WILL</span> thank <span style="font-size: small;">me.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you're out and about<span style="font-size: small;"> just take any o<span style="font-size: small;">ld lip balm with you to top up, you don't have to use the combo. I will say,<span style="font-size: small;"> however, that supermarket cheapies and pe<span style="font-size: small;">trolat<span style="font-size: small;">um based sticks are NOT the best thing. <span style="font-size: small;">Better off looking for something with beeswax, honey, shea.... something natural. Mineral oi<span style="font-size: small;">l gives 'slip' but it doesn't mo<span style="font-size: small;">isturise. Nice natural options inclu<span style="font-size: small;">de the <b>shea based lip balms by L'Occi</b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>tane</b>, <b>Burt</b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>'s Bees honey based lip</b><span style="font-size: small;"><b> balms</b><span style="font-size: small;"> and</span> <b>Nuxe Reve de Miel in stick form</b> (though<span style="font-size: small;"> this is not as effective as the pot form). If you can afford <b>By </b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Terry Baume de Rose </b>(£35!!!) then go for it. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The results are worth it,<span style="font-size: small;"> and <span style="font-size: small;">I can't wait to hear from you if you<span style="font-size: small;"> try it. I<span style="font-size: small;">'ve finally been able to use all the amazing li<span style="font-size: small;">p<span style="font-size: small;">sticks and glo<span style="font-size: small;">sses I have<span style="font-size: small;">, everything looks 100% on a smoother, plumped up canvas. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pucker up<span style="font-size: small;">, people, this is your lipstick ren<span style="font-size: small;">aissance! </span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-82376448710259314952013-09-29T16:07:00.002-07:002013-09-29T16:07:09.452-07:00Lipstick speaks!Despite not having written here for a couple of months, and having an enormous back-load of current beauty stuff to update you on, I couldn't help turning to my beauty nostalgia roots once more and delving back to the nineties and early noughties. Believe it or not, this blog started out to be a collection of memories and chats about make-up, beauty and life and a vehicle for me to tell my stories. Product reviews and advice posts came about as a natural evolution and catering to demand. I like creating those kind of posts too, but much more than that I like to write... and I like to remember. <br />
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So, the other day I went to mum's to pick up a couple of bits I'd left there and I finally brought home a make-up roll full of stuff I hadn't decided what to do with. Most of it very out of date and probably harbouring a few new life forms, but I didn't want to carelessly through stuff out without checking. Plus, if you know anything about me by now, you know I get emotionally attached to things. The older and mankier the thing, the more attached I get.<br />
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The bulk of the make-up roll was made up of lipsticks, but ones that I could never ever seem to be able to through away even though they had long expired. Pulling them out now has forced me to finally give them a voice before I lay them to rest in lipstick heaven.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCVhXODRSzgxYyue4IZO9NhuK8lrwxqlXMoJO7d_0EPefta-9yDCJdLUqtiqHuXY3raedPHihHb5zSvCJ5gmI-1OLUXx0VJLlDHfNVwpxNYotIUmv1F6J4_xgBmzu0cORzOKyjBZ01Is/s1600/IMG_1412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCVhXODRSzgxYyue4IZO9NhuK8lrwxqlXMoJO7d_0EPefta-9yDCJdLUqtiqHuXY3raedPHihHb5zSvCJ5gmI-1OLUXx0VJLlDHfNVwpxNYotIUmv1F6J4_xgBmzu0cORzOKyjBZ01Is/s320/IMG_1412.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clinique 'Brick' </td></tr>
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Hey, I'm Clinique 'Brick'. I am a gloriously rich, deep matte red! I was bought in Harrods in the autumn of 1997 with student grant money. It was the first term in the first year of uni and I was the lipstick du jour..... well actually 'du soir' would be more accurate since she would assemble herself in a mostly black combo of polyester black wide leg trousers and some sort of lacey black mesh top, diamante clip-on earrings and finishing off the look by applying me generously with a lip brush. I was worn with regularity and with pride. I made her feel very grown up and a little like her mum, who only ever wore red lipstick. She didn't quite know what look she was channeling at the time, but I was the queen of her little make-up bag. Plus, I was purchased on an outing with the first male friend she ever had, and he was a fundamental part of her life in her first years at uni. He encouraged her to experiment with make-up and fashion and she loved it. I am the first step in her evolution from frumpy teen to, um..... a bit less frumpy teen with a small dash of wannabe sexpot . Small steps, people, small steps.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAd4vfE7NY6IPzDaVRTB8auHcBTuXw59jpp4AKU6IPVLmJiTm64iNllWS0g2o5nPMDqQ1Yz1LvT3UNthv6LCmBtEjaud_oE5ti-lqfia2IwVfIib0173pgskUNY7hoYKSVr5swaTeLwMk/s1600/IMG_1413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAd4vfE7NY6IPzDaVRTB8auHcBTuXw59jpp4AKU6IPVLmJiTm64iNllWS0g2o5nPMDqQ1Yz1LvT3UNthv6LCmBtEjaud_oE5ti-lqfia2IwVfIib0173pgskUNY7hoYKSVr5swaTeLwMk/s320/IMG_1413.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guerlain 'Juliette'</td></tr>
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Hello dolls, I'm 'Juliette' from the Guerlain mother-ship! I was bought in House of Fraser probably between 1998-9. She was with her friend O and, like always, they were shopping for make-up. There were sales, and I was in the reduced bin feeling lonely and unloved. She picked me up and put me on and it was a match made in heaven. I was a deep purple-y toned dark nude colour with a teensy flash of irridescent green. I sound odd, right? But it turns out that I was the only lipstick she ever finished right down to the bottom of the bullet! She spent a long time after trying to find a replacement for me but my colour was so unique that she ended up with a lot of duds on the way. I saw her through her years at uni and beyond and she kept me for over a decade, although empty, like a jewel in her extant make-up collection.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guerlain.... oops, no name</td></tr>
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Bonjour mes amies.....I am also from the house of Guerlain, but I was bought in Paris around about 2000. She was with O again and they found their way to my home boutique. She was going to buy another red shade, but she found me, a deep purple-nude. She liked me a lot, she wore me a decent amount, but I was a poor shade of my cousin Juliette and after a while she kind of put me aside. I used to have a little cap at the top which protected my mirror, revolutionary in my day!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6qs_AA8XduHFHPPMN2_U5A9g3LBZW3Vyb9tc1xqBNvO-Igg3dkScLIwwx9XWwuC_bKwqoKGWDmMxePQcp9pPob6vVj9WGVAwFsyoD8Tdky4HbH7bvL2EvE5NFEDJ1QzyPzflIYoMGe0/s1600/IMG_1415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6qs_AA8XduHFHPPMN2_U5A9g3LBZW3Vyb9tc1xqBNvO-Igg3dkScLIwwx9XWwuC_bKwqoKGWDmMxePQcp9pPob6vVj9WGVAwFsyoD8Tdky4HbH7bvL2EvE5NFEDJ1QzyPzflIYoMGe0/s320/IMG_1415.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clinique 'Bronze'</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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What's up, babes? I'm Clinique Bronze and I was bought with another peachy shade in order to secure a GWP (gift with purchase), a lilac make-up bag with lots of mini treats, the kind of bonanza gift that Clinique used to do really well back then. She actually wanted my peachy sister more than me as she was forever trying to channel Shania Twain from the 'Man I feel like a woman' video. Shania had these gloriously full sexy peachy orange lips and Pandora wanted to look like that so badly. Check out the video to see what I mean.... she spent a decade trying to replicate that look. Sadly I wasn't much part of her plan and I slowly went a bit rancid. Dark times. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chanel 'Santa Barbara'</td></tr>
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Well hello there.... enough with all this Clinique rabble.... I'm from Chanel and my name is 'Santa Barbara'. I hail from the now extant Aqualumiere line. A plummy reddish brown shimmer, sheer and elegant but somewhat ageing for my mistress. I was yet another attempt at replacing that goddamn Guerlain Juliette. What did she have that I didn't, huh? I was used, and liked very much but I went missing in the bottom of a handbag sometime in the early noughties and was only found last year. How tragic....<br />
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Nous sommes les quatres camellias de Chanel! We were bought in Sephora in Rome after a particularly horrendous makeover in which she left the store looking like a drag queen who had complained he/she was not draggy enough and got an over-enthusiastic make-up artist to do his worst. That day she learned that her strong-featured face could not take that much make-up and, ignoring the product recommendations of aforementioned make-up artist, went ahead and bought us as an alternative to the 33 euro tube of glitter gloss. We were more beautiful before we were defiled with finger and brush. You can see which of us she liked the most. We are forever a memory of how much make-up our girl needs to stay a girl. <br />
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<br /><i>Hope you enjoyed these ramblings.... I also hope to be back writing more often. Keep smiling! </i><br />
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Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-52599414923080796342013-05-23T04:48:00.002-07:002013-05-23T04:48:26.121-07:00My 3b hair update: routine and maintenanceHello my dear sweetpeas..... I hope this post finds you well and having a good hair day.<br />
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A while back, I think in August last year, my life changed forever when I finally found a great hairdresser who could tame and tease my 3b curls to perfection. You can refresh your memories <a href="http://athingforbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/3thirty-best-hair-salon-in-london-for.html" target="_blank">here</a> if you're interested. For reference, there is an official scale of curliness going from 1-4 (4 being afro hair) and between the numbers there are letters which define more clearly the type of curl within that curl bracket.... if that makes any sense at all. So 3b is <i>very</i> curly, think spirals and frizz and poodles and you're pretty much there.<br />
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So since August my hair has been the best it's ever been in my life. I've had some 'bad hair' days but in comparison to before my salon visit they are not even that bad, just a bit more frizzy than normal.<br />
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I did promise a review of the products I'd been using alongside a hair routine update so here I am and here it is.<br />
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Now I do understand that this may not be relevant to many of you, but for those poor type 3 girls out there suffering as I did this post could be a lifeline.<br />
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So here's what I do and while I describe my routine I'll tell you what I think of the products:<br />
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<u><b>Step One:</b></u> Wash hair a maximum of twice a week with a NON-SULFATE shampoo. I've been using the <b>Mizani True Textures Curl Balance shampoo</b> which was recommended to me, alongside all the other products in this post, by my hairdresser. The shampoo is quite watery in texture so be careful that you don't pour too much out at once. For a non-sulfate shampoo it still foams up a treat and cleanses the hair beautifully without stripping it. I rarely need to shampoo twice and can almost comb the tangles through with my fingers after using this alone. The smell is mildly coconut-y and I love it! I've gotten through about two bottles of this since August and I'm on my third. A seriously fantastic shampoo which is almost a treatment for the hair in itself, I don't need to rush to put on the conditioner afterwards as my hair behaves itself when I use this.<br />
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On days where I feel my hair is a bit grubby but I don't need to give it a full wash I use <b>Mizani Cleansing Cream</b>
which is literally what it says it is, a cream which cleanses and
conditions at the same time. This does not foam at all and it feels
strange to massage a cream product into the scalp and believe that it's
going to cleanse your hair. The smell is also a bit odd, I can't quite
describe it but it smells almost a bit clinical, not unpleasant, but not
as nice as the other products. Still, I'm not sure how it works but it
does indeed clean the scalp AND condition the hair without the need for
conditioner afterwards. Using this in place of shampoo and conditioner
once in a while is meant to keep the hair from getting too dehydrated.
Sometimes I feel like my hair needs a wash more than the recommended
once or twice a week so I'll use this for the third wash. A useful
product to have but not entirely essential as the True Textures shampoo
is so moisturising.<br />
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When I have a bit of dandruff I use the <b>Mizani Scalp Care Shampoo </b>which is, like the Cleansing Cream, a cream product which doesn't foam up at all. It smells fresh and minty with a hint of Eucalyptus and works a treat.<br />
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<u><b>Step Two:</b></u> Condition and detangle. I use <b>Mizani Moisturefusion Silk Cream conditioner</b>. I love this so much, but I hate the packaging. It's a thick cream that should come in a pot and not in a bottle. It's a pain to get out even when it's still full as the nozzle is tiny and the plastic of the bottle too thick to squeeze effectively. Still, I'm on my 4th bottle of the stuff because it's the best. I smooth about 10-15mls on my hair, combing it through gently with my fingers and NEVER a brush or comb as I had previously done. (I could never comb through my hair with anything other than a Tangle Teezer before, but I found out that the Tangle Teezer had almost wrecked my hair, pulling apart the curls and leaving me with dry frizz. It's a great product for sure, but not for curlies like me.) Anyhow, you don't need a separate deep conditioner for treatments as you can use this one, just leave it on for longer and maybe wrap a towel round your head or something. I rarely bother as it moisturises the hair so well just left on for a minute or so in the shower. The smell is gorgeous, fresh and slightly floral, it smells 'expensive' and we like that, don't we?<br />
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<u><b>Step Three:</b></u> Very gently towel dry (I just wrap my head in a towel, no rubbing or anything) and then apply generous amounts of <b>Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream</b>. I was told to separate my hair into sections and smooth the cream over each small section, and sometimes I do this, but more often I tip my head down and scrunch the cream through my hair very gently so as not to disturb the natural curls. I apply a final sweep of the cream over my hair once I'm standing up straight again to smooth down the overall 'mane'. Leave to dry naturally. Yes, even in the winter. This curl cream is the BEST styling cream I've ever used in my life. End of. It may be a bit thick for finer hair types, but for my type of hair it's perfect. It smells luxuriously fresh (whatever that means...) and I keep getting compliments on how nice my hair smells which is always a good thing.<br />
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For those in-between days where my hair doesn't need a wash but the
curls lose their definition and the frizz is back in force I simply
dampen my hair with a water spray (cheap Ikea bottle and tap water,
nothing fancy) and then apply a little more of the Curl
Cream. That seems to do the trick. <br />
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And that is it, guys and dolls. I think it's a pretty simple routine overall and it's kept me going nicely in-between hair cuts, which reminds me, I need to make an appointment next month for another trim. I estimate that I'll only need a trim about 3 times a year to keep it in tip-top shape, something I'm very happy about financially, although I'd want any excuse to go back to my hairdresser more often!<br />
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For those in-between days where my hair doesn't need a wash but the curls lose their definition and the frizz is back in force I simply dampen my hair with a water spray (cheap Ikea bottle and tap water, nothing fancy) and then apply a little more of the Moroccanoil Curl Cream. That seems to do the trick. <br />
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You can buy Mizani products from <b>Feelunique.com</b> and <b>lookfantastic.com.</b> I buy mine from Feelunique most of the time as they seem to be cheaper. The shampoo was just under a tenner last time I checked and the conditioner about £12. The Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream is the bomb though, priced at about £23 online (don't buy it in a salon it will be much more!). I try to wait for the discount emails that pop into my inbox occasionally and stockpile when I get about 20% off. You do get 250ml though and it does last a while, especially if you have less hair than me, which to be honest, you probably do. And don't take that as an insult, the amount of hair I have has been proclaimed as 'abnormal' by previous hairdressers..... <br />
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<br />Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-29167433392513183372013-05-10T05:35:00.000-07:002013-05-10T05:35:23.008-07:00Barry M 'Grapefruit' Gelly Hi Shine<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nVwD2pzogSvKEEvaFU_qKfEJ9luAALoO05TkZbCbwexjvrwOH3hKv4SzkeV_eJwsxIsc5pTySXCspCRV-ty_1hmP8ugCqZko2jm76aZD0_qJ5rvArO_6KawivhvCeLlU9p6mL_ijk0M/s1600/DSCF4483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nVwD2pzogSvKEEvaFU_qKfEJ9luAALoO05TkZbCbwexjvrwOH3hKv4SzkeV_eJwsxIsc5pTySXCspCRV-ty_1hmP8ugCqZko2jm76aZD0_qJ5rvArO_6KawivhvCeLlU9p6mL_ijk0M/s320/DSCF4483.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barry M Grapefruit gelly hi shine - artificial light</td></tr>
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See this? See this juice? I don't think your ready for this jelly.....<br />
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I'm loving Barry M at the moment, their lacquers totally rock both in colour and in formula. The new Gelly formulas are even more exciting as the shine is just amazing. I applied a top coat out of habit but you don't need to, making it perfect if you're in a rush.<br />
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The colour changes depending on the light, but the one you see here above is probably the closest in terms of the colour you'll see in real life. Cameras have a funny habit of altering colour so although I've done my best with these photos they don't capture just how bright and juicy this polish really is. It's almost neon and I love me a bit of neon. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barry M Grapefruit gelly hi shine - daylight</td></tr>
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Wear time was great, I had this on my nails for about 5 days and even by then it had only chipped on my one dodgy flaky nail on my right hand.<br />
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Love this, and looking forward to trying more of the Gellies!<br />
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£3.99 from Boots and Superdrug<br />
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<br />Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-91254012223174295382013-05-01T02:34:00.000-07:002013-05-01T02:34:00.955-07:00Paris Beauty Haul! Let's keep it short and sweet. I was in Paris at the weekend. Here's what I bought:<br />
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Yes, I went a bit crazy. Mr P was off doing his own thing and I was left to my own devices for a whole Saturday morning. See what happens when I'm left alone?<br />
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My first stop was the pharmacy in Monoprix, followed by a lengthy stop in Printemps, the unbelievably gorgeous department store which, to be honest, makes Selfridges look like Aldi. Then I finally made it to Sephora.<br />
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In no particular order, here is a summary of the damage I inflicted:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ella Bache skincare from Printemps</td></tr>
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In Printemps there was a small Ella Bache concession on the 1st floor. Ella Bache is now a very niche skincare brand which is very hard to come by. My mum used to use their products a long, long time ago and swore by them. We're talking about 20 + years ago here. Anyway, I saw them and thought I would make her a little present of some skincare goodies. I also bought myself two face masks. Seeing as it's almost impossible to find these products, even online, I opted for routine 'add ons' rather than staple products. I didn't want to get addicted to a face cream only to not be able to find it again.<br />
<br />The nice lady also threw in free full size hand creams, one for me and one for mum. I can report so far that it's one of the loveliest hand creams I've ever used :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French pharmacy faves ; Caudalie hand cream and Eau de Beaute, Nuxe huile prodigieuse, Melvita Extraordinary Water</td></tr>
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In the pharmacy section in Monoprix I bought lots of goodies. Mainly stuff that I'd always wanted to try but never justified buying. Now I found that justification, being in Paris seems to justify a lot.<br />
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I put the Nuxe golden oil in my basket first, seeing as I'll be Australia at the end of the year I'm going to have enough tan time to get through the bottle. The Caudalie Eau de Beaute has had a lot of hype in the blogging world. I bought the mini bottle to try for myself. It's to be spritzed before or over make-up to add radiance. Also for radiance is the Melvita Extraordinary Water. I'd heard a lot about the Rose version, but the Narcissus bottle called to me for it's brightening properties. I used it for the first time this morning and it smells like spring in a bottle. <br />
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The only make-up item I picked up was the lip-gloss which matched my Dior Diablotine nail polish. I also tried the lipstick version but it was just a little strong for me and preferred the lightness of the gloss. The sparkles in it are just stunning. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpaSdIXj-itszvNy7AyyPuNIw1ZRSDz4EoVwyd8Rmr5mi79jsM8bT4xGrOzeK9a0zjozElU6r0LM1IH_acYJ5DU-EPINJ_Ce4nRXfucIPBIraBtiRFTwhDCTqc9ZfHnNKo6oa54ppiYg/s1600/DSCF4482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpaSdIXj-itszvNy7AyyPuNIw1ZRSDz4EoVwyd8Rmr5mi79jsM8bT4xGrOzeK9a0zjozElU6r0LM1IH_acYJ5DU-EPINJ_Ce4nRXfucIPBIraBtiRFTwhDCTqc9ZfHnNKo6oa54ppiYg/s320/DSCF4482.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My only make-up purchase, Dior Diablotine lip gloss</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erborian newbies: CC Creme HD and Eye BB creme</td></tr>
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Also in the pharmacy I picked up the Erborian Eye BB creme which I believe is relatively new. Regular readers will know that I will not be without the original Erborian BB creme, so I had to try the eye version. Review will be coming once I've used it on a daily basis. The Erborian CC creme you see next to it I picked up in Sephora and is literally fresh from the factory, it's that new. This is my first foray into the CC cream world so I'm very excited to see how this works for me. First impressions are that it's very different from the BB cream and is more akin to a tinted moisturiser.... but watch this space. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some Diptyque lovelies: Eau de Tarocco (roll on), and Eau Lente (spray). With samples.</td></tr>
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Perhaps the most beautiful part of my shopping experience was my stop at the Dyptique concession in Printemps. A very nice man explained the Dyptique ethos and experience to me and helped me to choose a scent that would be most 'me'. I had Eau Lente on one wrist and Eau de Neroli on the other and I let them live with me for a few hours. I couldn't stop sniffing Eau Lente. I was in love. And Mr P fell in love with it too, so he took my back to the counter and we sniffed our way through the other bottles before deciding on Eau Lente and Eau de Tarocco (which he can also wear). How can I describe Eau Lente? Spicy, woody, sweet and sultry. There is a subtle smokiness about it and I think it's very sexy indeed. Eau de Tarocco is spicy with a hit of oranges which makes it fresh while adding depth. Mr P totally loved everything..... a rarity, as he's very very fussy about scent! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Algenist cleanser</td></tr>
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While I was in Sephora I got chatting to the lady at the Algenist stand. Algenist is a relatively new San Francisco skincare brand utilising something called Alguronic acid, a patent pending ingredient akin to Hyularonic acid in that it's exceptionally hydrating and repairing. I thought I'd try out the cleanser seeing as I get through cleansers like water. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwhHIa2uwYVY0-EwkKs_8oo3k7J9EXihUkJttk-bzHIhuP716Z6yBPhn47e19fC11MYTkyDcTxHm_F9FQRidfzl42ydl1u3pXty-gCh-qTlrzSkNGw-1BYZWIGZDDKV-5-WkbqpNrYXc/s1600/DSCF4481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwhHIa2uwYVY0-EwkKs_8oo3k7J9EXihUkJttk-bzHIhuP716Z6yBPhn47e19fC11MYTkyDcTxHm_F9FQRidfzl42ydl1u3pXty-gCh-qTlrzSkNGw-1BYZWIGZDDKV-5-WkbqpNrYXc/s320/DSCF4481.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elancyl hydrating body lotion and toning shower gel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last but not least, I had to mention Elancyl body products as they have the most divine scent of any range I've ever tried. I used to use them while i was staying with Mr P in Rome and I remember how much I loved them. The shower gel in particular is addictive. Imagine you're a wood nymph taking a gentle shower underneath a waterfall and you can smell the sweetness of the flowers, trees and leaves which surround you in your grotto. That's right, it's sweet and 'green' smelling at the same time.... utterly blissful. I urge you to try the shower gel next time you're anywhere that stocks Elancyl. In the UK I believe they have it at the Garden Pharmacy in Covent Garden. In France and Italy it's pretty much everywhere. <br />
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Phew, so I guess that just about wraps up what I bought. I didn't talk about everything because you have lives to get on with, but I hope you enjoyed me sharing this you anyway.<br />
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Let me know if you've picked up anything nice recently!<br />
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<br />Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-9134232789541469412013-04-25T09:37:00.006-07:002013-04-25T09:37:51.525-07:00Dior - Diablotine<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9rM1dZRFp7DsEVuu1glpREc5z6OnISuMkQPy5DVqJRVzzz_BDUbVuxJnJJ9kKhesfrFI5Wb0-RIBCiAx43b94Q2XFTURrbhC9BWIeOZAquO-howXEzHDtMgTPe-_Ia3IibriydBF3Jk/s1600/DSCF4468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9rM1dZRFp7DsEVuu1glpREc5z6OnISuMkQPy5DVqJRVzzz_BDUbVuxJnJJ9kKhesfrFI5Wb0-RIBCiAx43b94Q2XFTURrbhC9BWIeOZAquO-howXEzHDtMgTPe-_Ia3IibriydBF3Jk/s320/DSCF4468.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dior - Diablotine (Summer 2013)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hello spring, you're here at last. Please stay a while so that your sunlight can grace my finger tips and make it worth my while to wear sparkling colours like this one...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUI7Bu_uPVbinjhpUpqpmukVWbR5AFQNhl2Ljc-2kxBtbM_s9SWZvppQUOT5xvuhTnMpxponBSIsavyKcjVwrTwr7g2auwNFFdr1I8LowljDbZhyAyLG3GXFTs7CVndb9-f9Vtixi-iI/s1600/DSCF4469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUI7Bu_uPVbinjhpUpqpmukVWbR5AFQNhl2Ljc-2kxBtbM_s9SWZvppQUOT5xvuhTnMpxponBSIsavyKcjVwrTwr7g2auwNFFdr1I8LowljDbZhyAyLG3GXFTs7CVndb9-f9Vtixi-iI/s320/DSCF4469.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diablotine - artificial light</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This is Diablotine by Dior, this season's impulse purchase by yours truly. It's been a long time since I splashed out on lacquer (really, Mr P, it has!). But this little beauty caught my eye (damn you, Cafe Makeup newsletter) and I had to grab it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qmgqagYILbQNFtUUlcyjhlUXAJjzmIsuGXH9S5Swm4TxROzy4YstEVnV2UWsqHDttK6m0nJ9mnjFg0B945Vk5paHJXYCyF8Jb_Qvyjhmy6aopReWlzAtzrde-AoF_m0A7W3ixYDlXOA/s1600/DSCF4470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qmgqagYILbQNFtUUlcyjhlUXAJjzmIsuGXH9S5Swm4TxROzy4YstEVnV2UWsqHDttK6m0nJ9mnjFg0B945Vk5paHJXYCyF8Jb_Qvyjhmy6aopReWlzAtzrde-AoF_m0A7W3ixYDlXOA/s320/DSCF4470.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's a very unusual shade of red, not that dupable. A soft red with an orange undetone (more visible in the artificial light of my bathroom) and tiny micro-specks of fuschia sparkle. There is also a slight milky quality to the colour which stops it from being the sheerer jelly I thought it would be. This is totally opaque in one coat, but I've given it two coats for more depth of shimmer and longevity of course.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbU_T7FouVXRjYdiJW9a5MpQeeObro2wwY_10C6K64zf6ppMw5JF7U_AURaI6qPa0NCEL2BQ8_Tc_u1Wd8HfEGaZmN12zr_1tjj2xKZXeMP4YQGBIR0uIGBXxHOfnGdF2LowvA2Vw9yY/s1600/DSCF4471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbU_T7FouVXRjYdiJW9a5MpQeeObro2wwY_10C6K64zf6ppMw5JF7U_AURaI6qPa0NCEL2BQ8_Tc_u1Wd8HfEGaZmN12zr_1tjj2xKZXeMP4YQGBIR0uIGBXxHOfnGdF2LowvA2Vw9yY/s320/DSCF4471.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I've reinstated my regular Fuji camera now which takes better close up shots my ipod touch. I'll aim to do most of my photography with this one now that I've found it's charger! The artificial light photos show the subtle sparkle more clearly, while the natural light ones are perhaps truer to the real colour. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57_Pzx2FQ9h6Bw3q294TRnB5i5BhfcSzBcbad4ycxjfzipNTSOmUUet16h5s2B2kslprrClVX-kyAtDDjrODbompp1ubfO9ViXmDCJyZbkVmR1F7F5PR337f78oIZ_xMJFEBF_Ttv1p0/s1600/DSCF4472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57_Pzx2FQ9h6Bw3q294TRnB5i5BhfcSzBcbad4ycxjfzipNTSOmUUet16h5s2B2kslprrClVX-kyAtDDjrODbompp1ubfO9ViXmDCJyZbkVmR1F7F5PR337f78oIZ_xMJFEBF_Ttv1p0/s320/DSCF4472.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diablotine - natural light</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLwFQIJYldrbpmL9ezDZaBq21NLwYtfK93qObv4AEEhcG23yTSHUoMvfyCatT_Iz9D90vJp-GU2tqXXjpFXgPBqna95l8dAeg6gAtx_jBFgsSNkSE8DhkKrxsHFWMAomMaQf3wbu0njM/s1600/DSCF4473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLwFQIJYldrbpmL9ezDZaBq21NLwYtfK93qObv4AEEhcG23yTSHUoMvfyCatT_Iz9D90vJp-GU2tqXXjpFXgPBqna95l8dAeg6gAtx_jBFgsSNkSE8DhkKrxsHFWMAomMaQf3wbu0njM/s320/DSCF4473.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is not the glossiest of polishes and definitely needs a topcoat. In fact, even after the top coat it dulled down again after a while. You can tell from the photos that it's not gleaming like some other polishes. Still, it's gorgeous and so perfect for spring. Plus the brush and formula are exceptional, so easy to paint with.<br />
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I chose this colour to wear this weekend in Paris.... where I may just pick up the matching lip-gloss.<br />
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Sephora beckons. I can hardly contain myself.<br />
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What do you think of Diablotine? Yay or nay? Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-51344283182873796792013-04-22T08:27:00.002-07:002013-04-22T08:27:33.468-07:00Estee Lauder 'Smashed'<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgiqFCtwIPCveRWzpOJFonkfvt3mdugu0sU6J3z5x_DG5Ng8E2Vm4E95HYH0rw36CmxdbtelU7skpwZYRqYjsPGRIbBp4k8HT5_7MH8SyevglhWAxfI28t5TGkj38xZ9mOGT1ltQgaf4/s1600/IMG_0775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgiqFCtwIPCveRWzpOJFonkfvt3mdugu0sU6J3z5x_DG5Ng8E2Vm4E95HYH0rw36CmxdbtelU7skpwZYRqYjsPGRIbBp4k8HT5_7MH8SyevglhWAxfI28t5TGkj38xZ9mOGT1ltQgaf4/s320/IMG_0775.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Estee Lauder Smashed</td></tr>
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I like to mix it up a bit don't you know.<br />
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Just when everyone else is sporting pastels and brights I thought I'd dig up a post I'd prepared back in November last year and put the vamp into springtime. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuVDRbQ3q8_EO4HtDjo7AdBzSejZ5rZTPvaad7EfN0dsLxna4qvHckp9giE0ZrK8QqUPs1b9SkQo5bUH1aqj-kjG8jgpUCb_70nSA15dzmN_PaIT8WnjZA2VpeH4U5kGccCEcd9cfy3M/s1600/IMG_0776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuVDRbQ3q8_EO4HtDjo7AdBzSejZ5rZTPvaad7EfN0dsLxna4qvHckp9giE0ZrK8QqUPs1b9SkQo5bUH1aqj-kjG8jgpUCb_70nSA15dzmN_PaIT8WnjZA2VpeH4U5kGccCEcd9cfy3M/s320/IMG_0776.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This is Estee Lauder 'Smashed', an incredible multidimensional juicy dark violet which begs to be set into something platinum and paraded around the lobby of the Ritz.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBj-KJqhsZbPOhtxtw44l-KhBcke1b_etRVWUwkp3ToJmTpL383rub9ZVkfl0MASn7Z7MEzlViBrHWFqu2zHIwBA1Xq-zACqMWf4JDEDuXsgm_6I3uaO4XypY5qNdZHCzTVr6oaDlfVg/s1600/IMG_0777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBj-KJqhsZbPOhtxtw44l-KhBcke1b_etRVWUwkp3ToJmTpL383rub9ZVkfl0MASn7Z7MEzlViBrHWFqu2zHIwBA1Xq-zACqMWf4JDEDuXsgm_6I3uaO4XypY5qNdZHCzTVr6oaDlfVg/s320/IMG_0777.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The formula is gorgeous, like most Estee Lauder polishes, and goes on like a dream. The bottle is a thing of beauty and one day I will have a special display unit for EL polishes alone, such is their splendor. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tSK4WbwVKTDT4kEmvrY1ekf9y-6BujWHfp-R3qDSZxV3loT9EltAaPqkyg05JASWbvMIblm6kwso5JNiqOFROcmTkf-iZYwDZJENR4dqc4hcEzaeJUFRJaoZ_ux1_HMU8rIgF0NZqU0/s1600/IMG_0780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tSK4WbwVKTDT4kEmvrY1ekf9y-6BujWHfp-R3qDSZxV3loT9EltAaPqkyg05JASWbvMIblm6kwso5JNiqOFROcmTkf-iZYwDZJENR4dqc4hcEzaeJUFRJaoZ_ux1_HMU8rIgF0NZqU0/s320/IMG_0780.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm sure you could wear this now if you wanted. It's dark, but it still manages to retain the gorgeous deep bright hue of midnight violets. Pair with something yellow I think.... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDP3vNkYch312iYKYn5jqr-pmjPYkINlnFLHbqyuE_63xcESI4ZY5VUfhQ02Jp-LHQL5yi4SlsPDXz6JqzSpGZ6g8FuePJ5T2Kw_A9fiHfbwqP1Okp8PLlxd1Nb7sWvJRFpqeHunLy0cg/s1600/IMG_0781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDP3vNkYch312iYKYn5jqr-pmjPYkINlnFLHbqyuE_63xcESI4ZY5VUfhQ02Jp-LHQL5yi4SlsPDXz6JqzSpGZ6g8FuePJ5T2Kw_A9fiHfbwqP1Okp8PLlxd1Nb7sWvJRFpqeHunLy0cg/s320/IMG_0781.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Estee Lauder Smashed</td></tr>
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I promise that the spring shades will be on their way, I have a particularly luscious Dior to share with you and some mouth-watering drugstore goodies too.<br />
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<br />Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-77099974274921204592013-04-04T15:49:00.000-07:002013-04-04T15:49:01.045-07:00A lesson learned.... and sharedJust when I thought I was getting back into the swing of things blog-wise, my life decided that suddenly there was no place for blogging in the self-induced craziness that has been the past two months.<br />
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Not only had I lost my blogging mojo, but pretty much my entire beauty mojo. Can you believe that at one point I spent two weeks without a scrap of make-up on my face? Two weeks. That hasn't happened since I was about 16. Dark times. We won't talk about the sweatpants.<br />
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My nails remained pretty much unpainted since November. Things really had gotten that bad.<br />
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Slowly slowly I'm injecting colour back into my life and hopefully back on this blog. I painted my nails a few days ago with L'Oreal 'So chic pink' (actually a coral) and now I'm wearing Mavala Rococco Red. Photos would be helpful (and obviously more eye-catching than my waffling text) but the point is not the colour, both of which are hardly ground-breaking shades, it's the sense of purpose that coloured nails gives me. They are uplifting and make me feel much more pulled together. I'm more ready to face the world. I didn't think that I'd ever want to wear polish again at one point and wondered what I'd ever do with my stash of over 100 bottles, some of which I'm ashamed to say I'd never even used. Despite my almost evangelical devotion to lacquer on this blog, I myself had decided that I no longer had time, need, interest nor desire for such things. <br />
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But I was so wrong.<br />
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It <i>is</i> important. In the grand scheme of things we always think that the bigger the gesture, the more impact and importance we have. But combined, it's also the little mundane things that contribute to making a difference, both to ourselves and to others. Living life means not forgetting these trifles, these inconsequential habits which for a brief time serve no purpose but to divert us and make us a little happier. I forgot them all and I was very, very unhappy. I was certainly not a better person for relinquishing my make-up, my nail polish and my nice clothes. <br />
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This is a beauty blog and it holds no weight or importance other than as diversion (hopefully a useful one sometimes) and entertainment, but it reminds me to remain grounded in a way that I had previously taken for granted. It's good for me to write, it fuels my creativity in every way and I've missed it terribly. I write to feel better and to <i>be</i> better, even if it is just about mascara....<br />
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So... I just wanted to put that out there in the blogosphere before I continue at some point posting photos of my nails and showing you what I've bought (which is why you're here in the first place, right?)<br />
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I feel bad that this is not a picture post, so here is a photo of a cat in rollers to make you smile.... it's the little things, right? <br />
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<br />Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-73707260069488720122013-01-30T11:35:00.001-08:002013-01-30T11:35:45.747-08:00Chanel 'Peridot' - A love that came lateThis was given to me back in September for my birthday by my little brother G and his adorable girlfriend, miss A.<br />
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In fact I have a huge back-load of birthday polishes to upload, 2012 had been a good year for lacquer! <br />
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I never jumped on the Peridot bandwagon when it first came out. I wasn't into metallics at the time and somehow despite other bloggers raving about it until they were blind I couldn't see what the fuss was about.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhZcaU6k5E3L0T9F6a5qEkHUn2WQyrZyRITKFDzPfqrlIxVuO7kntMovXoQyB9idkxtJZOm2rf0bpvEXE7fTWaZiDJhI8XoTKC5crV8sV7gBHIw9fjnxuiHelPLdrkYBxgJEBKqcNXCg/s1600/IMG_0800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhZcaU6k5E3L0T9F6a5qEkHUn2WQyrZyRITKFDzPfqrlIxVuO7kntMovXoQyB9idkxtJZOm2rf0bpvEXE7fTWaZiDJhI8XoTKC5crV8sV7gBHIw9fjnxuiHelPLdrkYBxgJEBKqcNXCg/s320/IMG_0800.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chanel - Peridot</td></tr>
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Until, that is, I glazed my nail-beds with this liquid gem of a colour.
It's like painting King Solomon's Mines onto your hands. The way the
colour changes is so distracting that I periodically stop what I'm doing
to slowly rotate my hands under the light. Sometimes peridot green,
sometimes a rich golden liquefied metal.... it's a stonking colour.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YtLl6FnCoLGmo1XhRgbRHKBm_x2SH86-foSfFlFOjON5gkLOmU3tJaUoTCfyAa3s_mr-cXdVkEht-J-XGyFb_8S-TeUvbc94qIEUbqYIFoqjbR6F8oyDEaLHQbif9JCkr1sttfIyf40/s1600/IMG_0801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YtLl6FnCoLGmo1XhRgbRHKBm_x2SH86-foSfFlFOjON5gkLOmU3tJaUoTCfyAa3s_mr-cXdVkEht-J-XGyFb_8S-TeUvbc94qIEUbqYIFoqjbR6F8oyDEaLHQbif9JCkr1sttfIyf40/s320/IMG_0801.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peridot in the bottle - how many colours can you spot?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJH2e4KOzoQNUQMJ5rJ8Ij92c4ShyphenhyphenTlC_eT8CWvsvzk0yZDsZf9Ujrd1JV-pCOnuBYbbftrteE5aWopKPlmhpplYxv0lVC84RdoArJbLZBcD3O9BU5ImZyy5hGkoLjTp_mF8bd7TiStsg/s1600/IMG_0799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJH2e4KOzoQNUQMJ5rJ8Ij92c4ShyphenhyphenTlC_eT8CWvsvzk0yZDsZf9Ujrd1JV-pCOnuBYbbftrteE5aWopKPlmhpplYxv0lVC84RdoArJbLZBcD3O9BU5ImZyy5hGkoLjTp_mF8bd7TiStsg/s320/IMG_0799.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chanel Peridot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Couple that with the fact that it's now my 'lucky' nail polish (fingers
crossed I'm not jinxing myself by announcing that to the world). Good
things happen when I wear this. <br />
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The formula is great, just like <a href="http://athingforbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/chanel-black-pearl.html">Black Pearl</a>. Two coats and a topcoat and you're done.<br />
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If you don't have this then you're missing out. No photo can really
do it justice, which is why I wasn't feeling the love before, but better
late than never, eh?<br />
<br />Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-7001483238241203482013-01-28T07:33:00.002-08:002013-01-28T07:33:29.681-08:00Dior 'Prune Smoking' I can't imagine a prune smoking, surely that would reduce it's health benefits.<br />
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Sorry, I'm totally sad, I know.<br />
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Anyway, this beautiful colour was a birthday gift from my lovely O. With my birthday being back in September it is quite shameful that I'm only posting it now, but to be fair I'd only used it on my toes so far and I would not ever, EVER inflict my feet on the internet. So once I got it on my fingers I got snap happy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiV4HdtW9nQ8i-OUw3-TH4lc-wpIfPXQ0BNBMDk_lqlVgNyePZ9McMP22ygJCT6xM0U6x23xOT73SB6ixA7Js0cKzV8wRB2MNGYS6OAJv-_gEyuSVscTeTmxp87Cx8S4leSNxcEL6HvlA/s1600/IMG_0907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiV4HdtW9nQ8i-OUw3-TH4lc-wpIfPXQ0BNBMDk_lqlVgNyePZ9McMP22ygJCT6xM0U6x23xOT73SB6ixA7Js0cKzV8wRB2MNGYS6OAJv-_gEyuSVscTeTmxp87Cx8S4leSNxcEL6HvlA/s320/IMG_0907.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dior - Prune Smoking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This is so chic. Undeniably so. It just oozes laid-back sophistication and implies that you do your weekly shop at Prada. <br />
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This is essentially a blackened burgundy. It's got quite a strong brown-black base to it which keeps it original. This is a straight cream with no shimmer, my favourite kind of finish. Two coats plus top coat. <br />
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So yes, this is the colour Dior call 'Prune Smoking'.... and sniggers aside about the name, I like it very much indeed.<br />
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<br />Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-43936735996890877522013-01-16T07:18:00.002-08:002013-01-16T07:18:57.983-08:00Hello stranger! Yes, you there.... HELLO!!! It's been a while and I'm very sorry for that. I cannot believe that my last appearance on Blogger was on the 10th November! I<br />
<br />
'm so out of the loop, can you believe that I didn't even know what the new Chanel 2013 Spring collection looked like until yesterday? Yesterday! The blogging community has known since way before Christmas.<br />
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And by the way it's very nice indeed. All three eyeliners are calling to me as well as the new eye palette. <br />
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I'm so behind.... *sobs*<br />
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Today I thought I'd kick my creative juices into flow and at the same time let you know about some products that may or may not change your life. There have been a few things over the last month or so that I've been practically idolising and it wouldn't be fair if you didn't know about them, right?<br />
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First up, <b>WELEDA REGENERATING POMEGRANATE BODY OIL</b><br />
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Just buy it, your skin will thank you for it. In fact Mr P thanks me for it, although he doesn't really know the reason why my skin is both silky and juicy (??) at the same time. I suppose I mean plumped up, rather than juicy, but it gives you an idea of what this gloriously golden oil does for your skin. It's part of Weleda's anti-ageing pomegranate line but just ignore the whole ageing element of it and just go for it, even if your in your twenties. The skin on our bodies is so neglected that we all need a bit of 'regeneration' in our body care.<br />
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Apply after showering and massage it into your skin. It's not one of those dry oils, it's a proper oil although it's not too heavy and sticky and I have no problem dressing right away. My skin just glows since I've been using this and it even looks firmer. Mr P thinks I've been working out (which I have.... massaging myself is hard work). <br />
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It smells delicately fruity and clean and doesn't interfere with perfume. 100% natural. What's not to love? I bought mine at Planet Organic for £19.99 but Weleda is sold in so many places and so many countries, it shouldn't be hard to find. It's not cheap I know, but I don't believe that there are many better things you can put on your skin. <br />
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Next, <b>LANCOME 'IN LOVE' DEWY MIST (for Spring 2013)</b><br />
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The product that I've been searching for my whole make-up wearing life. I love when my make-up has been on the whole day and kind of sets into my skin and becomes one with me. This spray gives me that look as soon as I put my make-up on, even if I've used powder. I hate my skin looking 'made up', somehow it lacks the radiance that I've been craving. This is radiance in a bottle. No shimmer, no cheap tricks, just a beautiful little bottle of orange blossom scented dew that kisses the skin with health. Spritz on after you make up or later on in the day to refresh make up for that youthful fresh skin you've been hankering after. I also use it before make up and it primes the skin by softening it. My only complaint is that it's limited edition and the bottle is too small. I'm using it too generously I think, but I can't help it. It's one of the most beautiful little products I've come across in a very long time and I'm going to need a back up bottle.<br />
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It's £22 (ouch!), but so worth it. Let's call it 'Princess spray'.<br />
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Following that, another Weleda <b>PINE REVIVING BATH MILK</b><br />
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Warming, cooling, refreshing, relaxing, liberating! A bath of contrasts you might say. This is the only thing I've been using in my Sunday night baths for the last month. It's so restorative and leaves the bathroom smelling like it can heal you. Mr P likes it, it's pretty unisex. Nothing nasty in here, all natural goodness. You can feel like Cleopatra in a mountain forest for all of 20 minutes. Eyeliner and headress optional.<br />
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I picked this up from Planet Organic for £10.95. I reckon you can get between 6-10 baths out of it. I'm very generous so I'm nearing my final, and 6th, bath from this bottle. If you have a smaller bath or are just more restrained than me (not hard) then you can make it last longer.<br />
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Well my lovelies, I hope you'll forgive my absence and I apologise in advance for the next few months as I will be preparing for a show and my mind will be in LaLa land. Actually on that note, I've been thinking for a while that it might be interesting to write about beauty prep and make-up for stage performance, my routine and various looks and products that I employ. What do you think? <br />
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Don't forget to let me know what products have been rocking your world recently! <br />
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<br />Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-47548009801363127182012-11-10T07:25:00.000-08:002012-11-10T07:26:04.842-08:00Oriental Blush - Water decal nails<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitrqztqbjIMjuLT8WdajDYJCAhVQhY0SgcY7JprKYMl-GkZvxNIlUOR432awJzJCgrXB7LC6a8TKjS1uJJimgMtE8qoo5ALeOfIO3wH9ejtT7TFO35obd8StygRdKiyF1THkUPEIoiM0/s1600/IMG_0683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitrqztqbjIMjuLT8WdajDYJCAhVQhY0SgcY7JprKYMl-GkZvxNIlUOR432awJzJCgrXB7LC6a8TKjS1uJJimgMtE8qoo5ALeOfIO3wH9ejtT7TFO35obd8StygRdKiyF1THkUPEIoiM0/s320/IMG_0683.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I saw these stunning nail decals on the British Beauty Blogger website about a month a ago and I knew I had to have them straight away!<br />
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They are commonly labelled as 'geisha' nails, but some very knowledgeable folk have commented that they are in fact Chinese peach fairies. Whatever these beautiful, ethereal creatures are, they make for a stunning manicure and I've blurred the label by calling them 'Oriental Blush', I think that sums up the look really. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfySEZVDQvQ8kjrGpXVGK2FKOFOEJhcg4S8d51TAAY3bV7Y2_aJxXLDN3AX21sEW7MqQjtPZFAFHp9LSLvQnyOEfXUiOGbYIiMr82SqxqZYiO3fN9HE6TMEURSXDRb0Wl3PKfY1CvGGgM/s1600/IMG_0684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfySEZVDQvQ8kjrGpXVGK2FKOFOEJhcg4S8d51TAAY3bV7Y2_aJxXLDN3AX21sEW7MqQjtPZFAFHp9LSLvQnyOEfXUiOGbYIiMr82SqxqZYiO3fN9HE6TMEURSXDRb0Wl3PKfY1CvGGgM/s320/IMG_0684.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peach fairy nails! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Nail decals are like transfers, you cut them to size from the sheet, soak them in a little water for a few seconds and then slide them over your (previously painted) nails. I chose a pale French manicure pink as my base for a soft, fairytale vibe. This is two coats of L'Oreal Marie Antoinette underneath the decals. After applying the decal I used a generous layer of topcoat to seal in the design. I'm happy to report that this has been one of my longest lasting manicures.... over a week of wear!<br />
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For some reason I couldn't get a crystal clear shot of the peach fairies, but if you go to the <a href="http://www.hailthenails.com/">Hail the Nails website</a> you can see them displayed perfectly and you can pick some up for yourselves while you're there!<br />
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I loved the peach fairies so much I picked up two sheets of them and I also got the Pink and Peach English Rose Flowers decals. Such a great little site! <br />
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I'm itching to try these over black, do you think it will work? <br />
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<br />Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-6921836793287577192012-11-02T11:06:00.001-07:002012-11-02T11:06:21.372-07:00Pandora loves AutumnIt's been a long time since I really wrote about the things I love and actually love what I wrote....<br />
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I began this blog almost two years ago as an outlet for my creative writing and more recently I find myself merely 'reporting' in the briefest way possible, leaving aside any real expression that might interfere or, most likely, be ignored. After all, most people check out beauty blogs nowadays for reviews and swatches, not for literary satisfaction. And why shouldn't they? Why should we part with our hard-earned cash for products that just aren't worth it. We're savvy and we know it.<br />
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Anyway, I digress as usual.... Today I'm going to indulge myself thinking about all the things that make me feel warm inside when it's cold outside, both beauty-wise and otherwise.<br />
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First up.... CANDLES!<br />
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I love them. I love the subtle light they create, and the way they instantly change the atmosphere in a room with a flicker. Scented candles are even better, but they have to be good quality ones. I've had some very disappointing candles in the past and there is definitely a correlation between price and quality. My current favourites are by Yankee Candle. Perhaps not the most luxurious of packaging it has to be said, but there is a cute homeliness about the jar candles and once they're lit and the lights turned down low it doesn't really matter anyhow.<br />
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When I come in from the cold there is nothing more reassuring than lighting a few candles and making some tea before snuggling up on the couch. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5565CVdvNLWtjUm8qLy9WaJ7zt0uAphzqnJsRXfkVCm-X4inGP2ULKP97mxbfHqSW2soQsc31MaO1GmUQqAQmZEhvJzlCjju3iQ4m47tRHy5eAnWm6dLKuHXLKxFqM_cphrqY1ePaD_0/s1600/IMG_0788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5565CVdvNLWtjUm8qLy9WaJ7zt0uAphzqnJsRXfkVCm-X4inGP2ULKP97mxbfHqSW2soQsc31MaO1GmUQqAQmZEhvJzlCjju3iQ4m47tRHy5eAnWm6dLKuHXLKxFqM_cphrqY1ePaD_0/s320/IMG_0788.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yankee Candles in Chamomile Tea & Blissful Autumn</td></tr>
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The two I have burning at the moment are Autumn Bliss, (a sweet, fruity and mellow tempered with spice and a stronger hit of pear) and Chamomile Tea (the most comforting, wrapped-in-a-blanket smell, and quite literally chamomile tea with a dash of honey). I burn them simultaneously if I'm feeling indulgent and they complement each other beautifully. The quality of Yankee candles is absolutely superb. A medium sized jar (410g) has between 65-90 hours burn time and the wax burns down evenly for the most part. The scent is as strong at the end of the candle as it is at the beginning.<br />
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Medium jars retail for about £16.99 each on the official Yankee Candle <a href="http://www.yankeecandle.co.uk/en/uk/page/home/">website. </a><br />
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Next up....RICHLY COLOURED NAILS!<br />
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This year I'm really spoilt for choice when it comes to adorning my nails. I have some beautiful metallics (which go with most things but really seem to set off knitwear beautifully) such as Estee Lauder Molten Lava and Chanel Peridot, and some more unusual offerings like <a href="http://athingforbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/estee-lauder-black-turquoise-notd.html">Estee Lauder Black Turquoise .</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Estee Lauder Molten Lava</td></tr>
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I especially love the feeling of pulling out my purse (which happens far too often according to Mr P) and flashing my jewel-toned dark nails at cash registers. Don't ask me why, but it makes me happy...<br />
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Next.... and a strange one.... PALE SKIN!<br />
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I love to embrace being pale in the winter and eschewing bronzer for a richer toned blusher and just-bitten lips. I love the idea of having alabaster skin, although to be honest I tend to go more sallow than anything else... still it's the <i>idea</i> I love and that inspires me to go more gothic with hair and make-up. I love the feeling of fragility that paleness gives me.... please don't get me wrong here, I don't mean consumptive heroine, and I certainly don't love feeling ill, I mean more like a delicate 'winter fairy', if there's such a thing (and I'm sure there is) :)<br />
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Anyway moving swiftly on..... BLACK! <br />
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Nothing literary here, it makes me look thin, ok? And I've been wearing a lot of it recently and loving the sleekness that comes with a mostly black ensemble. A well-cut black coat is every girl's best friend as are a nice firm pair of black treggings (trouser-leggings, don't you know?). I love colour, truly I do, but this autumn in particular I've been loving embracing the dark side....<br />
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Next.... CASSEROLES, STEWS AND BAKING!<br />
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See why I need the black? Cold weather means hearty food and is there anything more comforting than finding a casserole in the oven when you come in from the cold and freshly-baked muffins for those icy weekend mornings?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogFkkk6IY6K6-i8iFsrKch5QUaYyOl1wEZhEXbZk4bI5cAhFP2Iegfb1kQFFLxIr0-dXra2-RfN5NC7jAOBA1ZrGYIJ5-MIKH7IrB72LK933KegehA3v8GAEkRAMaE_6denqG-ZlPG_Y/s1600/IMG_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogFkkk6IY6K6-i8iFsrKch5QUaYyOl1wEZhEXbZk4bI5cAhFP2Iegfb1kQFFLxIr0-dXra2-RfN5NC7jAOBA1ZrGYIJ5-MIKH7IrB72LK933KegehA3v8GAEkRAMaE_6denqG-ZlPG_Y/s320/IMG_0782.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My vanilla caraway muffins - the ultimate breakfast treat</td></tr>
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I can't tell you how much I'd love to find a casserole magically made for me when I get home. Perhaps the winter fairy will provide it, it's probably more likely than coming home to find Mr P in an apron chopping onions.... <br />
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I hope you've enjoyed the randomness of this post.... I'd love to hear what you're loving at the moment! <br />
Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-70672070989764672742012-10-31T08:15:00.002-07:002012-10-31T08:15:44.364-07:00'Starry Night' Halloween Nails<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7EPDD2yQvjaDagsHG0jbJHV18nucqw8yJGyOzU5pgCk33b-YZB3lJAbYO3CV0xjYjeguJY0MmhwzFH5qbYvcZPCfp6UWNhi-mEG1qIvD2msnNSg-kNkuYfDbqtKwBFDMuAFWecBmsHs/s1600/IMG_0783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7EPDD2yQvjaDagsHG0jbJHV18nucqw8yJGyOzU5pgCk33b-YZB3lJAbYO3CV0xjYjeguJY0MmhwzFH5qbYvcZPCfp6UWNhi-mEG1qIvD2msnNSg-kNkuYfDbqtKwBFDMuAFWecBmsHs/s320/IMG_0783.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sinful Colors 'Black on Black' with Orly 'Shine on crazy diamond'</td></tr>
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Ok, so this is not exactly ground-breaking, but with not much time or scope for creativity nail-wise, I wanted a quick way to pay homage to Halloween without spending a frustrated hour with a tooth-pick trying to draw spiders on my nails. Granted, <a href="http://athingforbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/notd-sinful-halloween.html">last years nails</a> were much more interesting, but I had more time back then.<br />
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Having said that, I rather like my little festive Halloween look. Think black night peppered with stars, a less ghoulish and more glam take on All Hallows eve. <br />
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I used one coat of Sinful Colors Black on Black (yes, just one coat, it has marvellous coverage), topped with one coat of Orly Shine on Crazy Diamond, which is my favourite sheer glitter polish. Then one coat of Essie Good to Go Topcoat. The Orly, as lovely as it is, has a horrid dull finish if you leave it on it's own and a topcoat will bring it back to life.<br />
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I've tried to capture the amazing holographic nature of the glitter which comes to life under artificial light. In daylight you only see silver, so I took these photos underneath my bathroom lights.<br />
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For our Halloween tonight we are going to see Diana Krall at the Royal Albert Hall, so I don't think these nails would look out of place there. A little bit fun, a little bit chic and oh-so simple.<br />
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Happy Halloween peeps!<br />
<br />Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-35196171769069492492012-10-28T15:00:00.000-07:002012-10-28T15:00:31.844-07:00Chanel Black PearlAlso known as 'the curse of the black pearl'.... This has stolen my heart and become my number one polish of all time. I just want to wear this and only this....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chanel Black Pearl</td></tr>
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Funnily enough I didn't buy this little bottle of black magic. It was a birthday gift from my little
brother and his lovely little girlfriend (ok, they are not so little,
they are grown up enough to recognise Chanel, but you know.... younger
than me, so little.) They also bought me Peridot which I thought I didn't want but now I have
it I don't know how I could have not had it in my life. The Peridot
story will be told soon, but it's now my 'lucky' polish... <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chanel Black Pearl</td></tr>
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But back to Black Pearl. This literally is like someone has just replaced your fingernails with precious black Tahitian pearls. (Do pearls even come from Tahiti? Well, I like to think they do)<br />
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I don't know how they did it, but Chanel have replicated all the beautiful nuances in a black pearl, bringing out the shots of irridescent green and flashes of blue-lilac which can be found in real 'black' pearls. It's really incredible. <br />
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<br />I'm so in love with this. It goes with everything and even has a changing quality which means that it picks up the colour in whatever you are wearing and reflects it, for instance, if I'm wearing something green the polish becomes more green-tinged. Amazing.<br />
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It's a curse because I've received a lot of stunning new colours recently, all birthday gifts, all of which are gorgeous, but my heart yearns for black pearl in a way which I've never before experienced with polish. This is going to be one of the very few colours I'm going to need a back-up bottle of.<br />
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Plus, this is one of the GOOD Chanel formulas, lovely coverage, decent wear time. This is two coats with Essie Good to Go topcoat. <br />
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Buy it. You need it. You won't regret it.<br />
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<br />Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-24357252100885673202012-10-06T10:47:00.001-07:002012-10-06T10:47:06.151-07:00Review- Laura Geller Glow and Behold Kit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbu3Xr0dbYinLVt2vUxftPNKnQ-6TLxTopskGHSdxFMErkTTwcmth7JjsIVsyFc9mtjiX8OvKmjhd2Cp2l4LZv5LxAqfIR7rC5lOWA6GtzRncee5AviRjhUZv0wvnIlUj0skZpiMSVPw/s1600/IMG_0600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbu3Xr0dbYinLVt2vUxftPNKnQ-6TLxTopskGHSdxFMErkTTwcmth7JjsIVsyFc9mtjiX8OvKmjhd2Cp2l4LZv5LxAqfIR7rC5lOWA6GtzRncee5AviRjhUZv0wvnIlUj0skZpiMSVPw/s320/IMG_0600.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm a bad, bad beauty blogger, because I've not told you about this when it's something that you probably need in your lives, like, now.<br />
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This was a Today's Special Value on QVC some weeks ago and I caved in and bought it because every single one of the products looked so unique, unlike anything I have already, and as you can imagine, I already have a lot. <br />
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The whole kit was also tremendous value for money, something around the
£34 mark if I remember correctly, but even at it's current price, £42,
it's still awesome value for money and I would definitely buy it again
as a beautiful gift for someone. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJ65T-b0Nyy3MZH3AmhD-E56W7UQyzOx8ImqJtHx5AtAva4rKFfbFbiIsihK8kX1tQ6RCaq5CPGkeavMtwSF4-ulja6QjCGT_-lEZykidnzS1bt2-xjXlVs0kaA22h1zM6BfTtleg71E/s1600/IMG_0601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJ65T-b0Nyy3MZH3AmhD-E56W7UQyzOx8ImqJtHx5AtAva4rKFfbFbiIsihK8kX1tQ6RCaq5CPGkeavMtwSF4-ulja6QjCGT_-lEZykidnzS1bt2-xjXlVs0kaA22h1zM6BfTtleg71E/s320/IMG_0601.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura Geller Dream Cream concealer (medium-dark)</td></tr>
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So, what's in the set, I hear you ask. First up, and the thing that intrigued me most; The concealer. Yes, that's the concealer in the above photo! Can you believe it? You basically swipe your finger across all the shades and within each colour there are corrective and brightening properties which means that you get the best of everything in one go, almost like 4 products in one. If the result of mixing all four shades together is too dark or light then you can adjust the shade by going over the application with one of the three stripes of colour to lighten or deepen accordingly. The half-moon shade to the left is the highlight shade which, when mixed in with the others just brightens the under-eye area a touch, and when used alone as a traditional highlight gives a lovely rose-gold gleam to the cheekbones. This is a totally unique concept, made even more special by the fact that swiping across all shades does not ruin each individual colour, you can swipe down on them vertically to regain each original shade as you see it here. The effect looks very natural indeed, and I happily interchange this with my Garnier roll-on/Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection combo, although I suppose if it came to the crunch and I absolutely had to choose one concealer it would still be Collection 2000, just because my dark circles are soooo bad and it's a bit more opaque in coverage. But overall a very lovely concealer and definitely one to check out either on it's own or with the rest of the set..... and so moving on to:<br />
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The Tahitian Glow face and body powder. A gorgeous skin brightener which is a cross between a bronzer and a glow powder. It's a bit like the Dior Healthy Glow powder, only less orange. Don't get me wrong, I love my Dior powder, but this just brings my skin to life in a way I didn't think was possible. It can even double up as a foundation as it has a degree of coverage to it. In the summer that's what I'm going to do, if it lasts that long. You can also dampen the sponge it comes with and use it wet for even better coverage on the body, but I haven't tried this out yet. I just use it with a powder brush all over my face and marvel at the radiance. <br />
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I should also mention the half mirror inside the compact... it's a neat idea to have half mirror/half transparent plastic, it makes identifying the product a whole lot easier. The mirror is a little small, but much better than nothing. I do my make-up facing the window and so I have to hold up a mirror to see what I'm doing. As a consequence my mirror-less blushers get a little less love.<br />
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The Bora Bora blush is stunning. The perfect pale pink flush of colour for any time of year. The effect is luminous and paired with the Tahitian Glow the overall look is 'radiant princess', for lack of a better phrase! I think the key is that both the blush and the Glow powder are baked creams, so they are fundamentally a cream formulation which means that they don't end up looking powdery on the skin. <br />
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You also get a whopping size of the Spackle make-up primer in the set. I'm kind of fine without primer on an every day basis, but for special events and situations where you really want your make-up to stay put this does the job admirably. It's scentless and light. Not a thrilling product by any means, but a good one to have on standby.<br />
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Last but not least, this clever little lippie. It's a split-colour called Caribbean Kiss, with a plummy-pink on one side and a tawny bronze on the other. I thought that it looked a bit 'blah' to be honest, but it's now my most reached for lip colour, giving me a very luscious looking soft, fresh pout. The texture and scent are a huge plus, it has a light smell of raspberry buttercream (in my opinion!) and feels so moisturising. The colours are sheer which makes it so easy to slap on and not think about, and I can't think of anyone this would not look good on.<br />
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All in all I'm a TOTAL Laura Geller convert. If you have the QVC channel try and tune in when she's on, she's hilarious, so much fun to watch. That fact that the products are top-notch just makes me love her even more.<br />
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You can find the set<a href="http://www.qvcuk.com/Laura-Geller-5-Piece-Glow-%26-Behold-Collection.product.200859.html?sc=200859-SRCH&cm_sp=VIEWPOSITION-_-1-_-200859"> here</a> if you're interested. As far as I know it's only available in the UK via QVC, but in the US it's probably all much easier to come by.<br />
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<br />Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-40522876475385596602012-09-26T02:17:00.003-07:002012-09-26T02:17:47.088-07:00Top of the taupes - including comparison between Barry M Mushroom and Cappucino<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had prepared this post from a few weeks ago but never got round to writing it up. I thought it very appropriate for this time of year when we pack away the corals and dig out the greiges...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho73nXtd6ssaaHti8Cxp-JHdULcAc1-TwNhyphenhyphenKOevkeHMU02zlnrKjgjBqRUb_i8hd06iZCIY0-qiEBlJpDMyfWHKJuIb6QQQqD0-lu7u-qyEfc7t12LoReG2CpRCGetdVCHTdl3d7HfKE/s1600/IMG_0551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho73nXtd6ssaaHti8Cxp-JHdULcAc1-TwNhyphenhyphenKOevkeHMU02zlnrKjgjBqRUb_i8hd06iZCIY0-qiEBlJpDMyfWHKJuIb6QQQqD0-lu7u-qyEfc7t12LoReG2CpRCGetdVCHTdl3d7HfKE/s320/IMG_0551.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right: Mavala Mauve Cedre, Barry M Cappucino, Barry M Mushroom, Maybelline Rosy Sand, OPI A Taupe of the Space Needle, Kiko shade 325</td></tr>
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Inspired by the taupe-y goodness that is Barry M Mushroom, I decided I'd compare it to my latest Barry M acquisition, Cappucino, and then in a fever of taupe - greige enthusiasm I thought I'd dig out other shades in my stash to compare.<br />
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I was worried that they would all look far too similar, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that they are all different enough to justify them being in my possession. Maybelline Rosy Sand (4th along) is perhaps the only one that doesn't really belong, more suited to the nude palette, but I thought I'd chuck it in there as to me it's a paler shade of Barry M Mushroom to it's left. The OPI shade A Taupe of the Space Needle is more of a muddy khaki, you can really see it's green tones when compared to the others. I'd previously thought that the Kiko 325 was quite green, but now I see it as a green-toned grey.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3w9j5FiRoAWsGgu7zhimIVYSVEuvZa9NDLo5jY6gvt5bkG-SwGUvztgl5_DUm7vNX0RUhuRQUuxjDqY_Md8UERDmV4lR8N4LxSu755lX-_4DQvoeYVINLE4NmyvyiLJ2mgOH7G_h_bU/s1600/IMG_0553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3w9j5FiRoAWsGgu7zhimIVYSVEuvZa9NDLo5jY6gvt5bkG-SwGUvztgl5_DUm7vNX0RUhuRQUuxjDqY_Md8UERDmV4lR8N4LxSu755lX-_4DQvoeYVINLE4NmyvyiLJ2mgOH7G_h_bU/s320/IMG_0553.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right: Mavala Mauve Cedre, Barry M Cappucino and Barry M Mushroom</td></tr>
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So here is a clearer comparison of the two Barry M's. Cappucino is a more purple take on a classic taupe, but still in the taupe family I'd say. Mushroom is much more milk chocolate with a greyed base. Both are great shades to have, I couldn't choose between them as to which I like best and to be honest, at £2.99, I don't think I have to.<br />
Interestingly I nearly didn't buy Cappucino because I thought it would be too similar to Mavala Mauve Cedre (also pictured above) which I'd had for a while, but there is far more grey in the Mavala. <br />
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I love doing these shade comparisons.... I could spend hours just staring at swatches, plus it makes me realise the value of uniqueness in every colour I possess. Yes Mr P, they are ALL DIFFERENT. <br />
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I seriously recommend getting some plastic nail wheels from ebay, they are super cheap and hours of fun lie ahead! Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605615564198873741.post-30792387837563266552012-09-11T04:09:00.000-07:002012-09-11T04:09:59.711-07:00NOTD - Essie Tart DecoJust when we think we're falling into autumn, summer comes round again and slaps us in the face.<br />
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This weekend has been hot. Like, 28 degrees hot. I couldn't possibly slap on <a href="http://athingforbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/estee-lauder-black-turquoise-notd.html">Black Turquoise</a> in this heat, I needed to go dig out something brighter but not too holiday-esque, if you catch my drift. <br />
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I have various un-trieds in my collection, and Essie Tart Deco was one of them. A milky peachy-apricot-y orange hue in the bottle, it seemed like the perfect crossover shade.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwEeQKEDbSM_kxmdBW-H-DyFP4adgt6kFhncHn2beyhKxgaInrs-uZ1lb0VFwEeW9MZdgFzL1z8fDe733Zq9_9xlIxh4dQBnTU3m9s7eBIpiReZ3nyNQzH2MT2gzyiN3pocmCbJSJwY8/s1600/IMG_0611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwEeQKEDbSM_kxmdBW-H-DyFP4adgt6kFhncHn2beyhKxgaInrs-uZ1lb0VFwEeW9MZdgFzL1z8fDe733Zq9_9xlIxh4dQBnTU3m9s7eBIpiReZ3nyNQzH2MT2gzyiN3pocmCbJSJwY8/s320/IMG_0611.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Essie Tart Deco (daylight)</td></tr>
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I wasn't a fan of the formulation on this one, a bit thick and tricky to
manipulate with the rather narrow brush. I think this is the old Essie
formula, one I picked up much earlier this year when still in Brussels. I
would love to see how the new formulas compare at some point.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipC-cwKR6jjZAfGVMQPzrsV6smqyeehOV1Th4-u_Y7Om0-w5hCZcTYbhW-YaAwhTUiOuq5_NPV9v-_yEv-8f1gXPdhJYgj6gMr_F3EP5vRLoz8h3BJZ2_Tv85lc8i2YzozsHDGpprBwdM/s1600/IMG_0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipC-cwKR6jjZAfGVMQPzrsV6smqyeehOV1Th4-u_Y7Om0-w5hCZcTYbhW-YaAwhTUiOuq5_NPV9v-_yEv-8f1gXPdhJYgj6gMr_F3EP5vRLoz8h3BJZ2_Tv85lc8i2YzozsHDGpprBwdM/s320/IMG_0613.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxmpJ0Jf1Rn8vucPAtH-sX-jsdgJzqGN-QnG2heXdtdvsp4XzYabIqgSCL9iWDq391RHtfavzq6xpyEvcrBxn2Pl0rSaDehkxk9UCR7VJ1R25iotu9TOBnkCJmqZhBOoRnK929sLWSYo/s1600/IMG_0614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxmpJ0Jf1Rn8vucPAtH-sX-jsdgJzqGN-QnG2heXdtdvsp4XzYabIqgSCL9iWDq391RHtfavzq6xpyEvcrBxn2Pl0rSaDehkxk9UCR7VJ1R25iotu9TOBnkCJmqZhBOoRnK929sLWSYo/s320/IMG_0614.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Essie Tart Deco</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Anyway, that aside, would you look at that colour?? I couldn't
believe how bright it turned out, almost neon actually. And it's a bit
of a chameleon... in daylight you see much more of it's apricot milk
goodness. In artificial light it leans a much brighter true orange.
Either way I like it very, very much and it certainly livened up a
monochrome outfit I'd put together.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvu1qlfiCLI6YwJ9h9g5kmOhfGQ07CC2N36SdF1Ep9EqdPLGLQit04kH3YTlYhI456mZXuHBEdCz4Hnk7xuWhbSV4yKfFxjeJX6lzBRa81crLbP6_XEoQSg4BB7w6DsVMVtkpgIjqPt_I/s1600/IMG_0608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvu1qlfiCLI6YwJ9h9g5kmOhfGQ07CC2N36SdF1Ep9EqdPLGLQit04kH3YTlYhI456mZXuHBEdCz4Hnk7xuWhbSV4yKfFxjeJX6lzBRa81crLbP6_XEoQSg4BB7w6DsVMVtkpgIjqPt_I/s320/IMG_0608.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Essie Tart Deco (artificial light)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As usual, this is two coats with Essie Good to Go topcoat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WzTBsQgR8mePnRbNcca_HdhoaM6C8kYkeMYzKbOndrWXPVrl2nxhqxYXcR4Jv6CoYo6KZeiD25P8MskBsngG9v1D1Qbng_RP7w1kwwFtvbR7Kku_9rwilLVo6Vme44C8wUYqQi_12vw/s1600/IMG_0609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WzTBsQgR8mePnRbNcca_HdhoaM6C8kYkeMYzKbOndrWXPVrl2nxhqxYXcR4Jv6CoYo6KZeiD25P8MskBsngG9v1D1Qbng_RP7w1kwwFtvbR7Kku_9rwilLVo6Vme44C8wUYqQi_12vw/s320/IMG_0609.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Apparently it'll cool down a lot later in two days, but I'll enjoy Tart Deco while the sun still shines. I guess looking back on these photos it IS in fact very holiday-esque.... oh well. <br />
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Would you be partial to a slice of Tart Deco?Pandorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14298676110544240547noreply@blogger.com1