Exploring My Collection : Face Brushes

Let me start by saying that I am no brush aficionado, but I have managed to put together quite a nice brush collection that meets my needs. Today I bring you my most used face brushes. These represent those that are beyond beautiful to touch and use. I do have a few others that I use, but did not make the cut for this edition for the hopes of some brevity. In compiling this collection I relied heavily on bloggers friends for recommendations, as well as those brush mad blogs that made me dive head first into this brush obsession. So here is a glimpse inside my collection. I hope you enjoy!

 Brushes Top to Bottom:

• Hakuhodo Kokutan Finishing LAG - A perfect mix of blue squirrel, goat and synthetic hairs has gone into the making of my perfect finishing brush. This super soft angled head sweeps away unwanted product and softens any harsh powder lines. The angle allows it to hug the contours of my face. I then go back in with a finishing powder to set, blur, perfect my makeup. The handle is ebony wood and comfortable to use. The synthetic hair help maintain the shape of this brush and support the natural hairs .
• Hakuhodo S103 -It has a beautiful vermillion handle which is a traditional japanese colour. I use this pointed goat brush primarily for powder and contouring. It does lay down a good amount of colour, so I need to go back with a clean flat shaped head brush to diffuse the contour. It can also be used for strong cheek colours, but I prefer it for a precise contour application or a sweep of finishing powder.
• Tom Ford Bronzing Brush - The Tom Ford Bronzing brush is a soft, dense goat hair creation. It is quite large, but it manages to place just the amount of bronzer on my cheeks. The density allows it to then buff the powder seamlessly into place.

• Bobbi Brown Powder Brush - One of my first higher end brushes, this has always been a workhorse brush. It is definitely not as soft as my Hakuhodo or Tom Ford Brushes, but does a suitable job when applying setting/finishing powders. I am not 100% sure of the natural hairs used and even when I ask the local BB SA's I get varied answers, so we will just call it Hair 'x'
• Bobbi Brown Cheek Brush - This came soon after my BB powder brush. It gives a pretty cheek that is not to strong or too soft. Natural hairs again of unknown origin. I have experienced no shedding with either of my BB brushes and they have maintained their shape for quite a few years.

Top to Bottom

• Hakuhodo G557 BkSl - A mix of Goat and polyester. An angled brush, with the synthetic hair slightly longer than the goat. I use this with my liquid foundations. it gives a fairly good finish, but does take time to create a flawless canvas.
• Hakuhodo J210 - This is a natural goat hair brush, which is good for small faces and a more precise application. The round head helps blend any harsh edges. It does produces a natural to strong colour so when using vivid colours such as Tom Ford Narcissus, rather use a less dense brush.
• Shu Uemura 20H. An angled cheek brush made with pony hair, which I tend to use for contouring as it does sit in the hollows quite well.
• Suqqu Cheek - Famous! This is best used with strong cheek colour to create a soft look. It is quite floppy and I do feel the need to go with a firmer brush to blend colour more.
• Tom Ford Cheek Brush - Tom Ford just does beautiful brushes. Dense goat hair once again. I should use this more often but tend to save it for 'special occasions. This is daft as it is my favourite cheek brush. A light tap into the blush, tap onto back of hand then onto cheeks - sheer bliss.

There you have it!
Any recommendations for my next brush acquisition?

Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Seductive Rose

Tom Ford Seductive Rose just recently found a welcome home in my Tom Ford collection. Seductive Rose, was initially an asia only exclusive with lavender Lust (I purchased mine in Hong Kong via my helpful dad!). I understand this is now available in the US. I received a request from Bellyhead from Wondegondigo after she posted this new discovery at her local Tom Ford counter, to show how it looks on me. Like Belly I was initially a little disappointed. This quad, I thought was a little sheerer than my other Tom Ford Faves. But, I now recant such blaspheme and now lurv my little Tom Ford treasure. It has earned it's name as it has thoroughly seduced me!

A Beautiful Rosy collection is the obvious theme of this quad. The base/highlight colour is a pink based cream lustre that immediately brightens my eye area. There are two Tom Ford pigmented glitters in this quad - a pretty pink and plum shade which are best patted onto the eye for maximum impact. The deep shade is a matte, dark aubergine (brown plum) which adds depth to the outer V.
I used the lightest shade over the whole lid and shaded lightly up towards the brow bone. I then deepen the outer V with the darkest shade and also run this colour under my lower lash line. I pat the plum glitter on the outer half of the lid and the pink on the centre. I then darken again with the darkest shade and repeat the glitter. I used Tom Ford liner in Espresso  to line the eye and smudged out. This is such a girly range of colours that created a fresh look. if you just used the plum over the whole lid a more edgy look can be achieved.

Seductive Rose is just ............wonderful. If you like the whole Tom Ford glitter /shadow combo, you should love this one too.


Tom Ford is available at Stuttafords.

Tom Ford Eye Colour quad in Sahara Haze

Tom Ford in Sahara Haze is a modern mix of texture and shades, in the green family.This palette is a sultry mix of olive shades. The highlight shade is a yellowed cream, which works with the other 3 shades. The next shade in the top is a satin gray green - quite unusual. The next shade is the usual Tom Ford glitter stunner. It is a lively crisp green that brightens the palette - this shade requires fingers to apply in a patting motion. The last shade is a deep olive with pewter undertones .
This palette will work with most skin tones and hair colours. My recents 'oops' at the hairdresser has left me with decidedly auburn locks with blonde ends (ombre attempt gone bad) so these greens look really nice with my red tones-make lemonade out of lemons so they say.......This quad has a chameleon quality as it sometimes has a silver look to it once applied to my eyes - almost like the colour of wet stone. I found that pairing it with different shades of eyeliner also changes the quality of the shades. A blue liner brought out the same in the shadows.

Tom Ford has done greens really well. This quad can give a subdued look or amped up for an edgy performance. These shades stay on all day and remain vivid and fresh. Love , Love, Love!!

Sahara Haze is a quad worth investing in. Of course, I am a Tom Ford fan, but seriously this one did not disappoint me at all.

Tom Ford Lip Lacquer in Pink Lust

The final product I got from Tom Ford summer 2013 collection is the Tom Ford Lip Lacquer in Pink Lust .This a an easy to wear comfortable lip product that feels more like a lip treatment. It is not sticky like the Tom Ford lip glosses, and it is like your favourite sweater you throw on day in and day out.

It is a 'frosted' baby peach .It ties in with the whole look of the collection, where u look as if you are basking in the sun and the light is reflecting off  you at every angle. It is very pretty. It also layers over you favourite lipstick.This is a no-brainer! If you can find it get it!

Tom Ford Illuminating cheek color for Summer 2013- Blush Guilt

This is a new limited product never done before by Tom Ford. A turn up cheek stick that is meant to illuminate your cheeks, mmmmmm......

Most cheeks stick, give the impression that they are quick and easy to use. Blush Guilt is far trickier and needs a little more love and attention.  The colour is very similar to the Tom Ford Fire Lust skin illuminator, sans the slightly heavier micro - shimmer. This cheek stick NEVER dries down, so here starts the love. It has been suggested to use this on bare skin. I wear a tinted moisturiser/foundation for a reason?! So, I have used this from the stick/or fingers onto my 'foundationed' face. This worked to give a gleaming golden peach effect to my cheeks. It did give more colour than Fire Lust, but still very soft. My cheeks remained 'sticky' until I took it off. The emollient texture makes it difficult to powder over. I though it might look great with bronzer or blush underneath, but the powder product is effectively wiped off while applying Blush Guilt. This gives a very editorial look, very much like the glossy eye trend. It does give a pretty flush to the cheeks, but I think you could choose between Blush Guilt and Fire Lust or maybe choose the other shade Bronzed Amber. Since I just love the idea of creating such looks I am still enjoying the cheek stick. I prefer this product at night, since I have oily skin. If I wore it through the day I might end up looking shiny all over.

I would love to know if you have any tips or tricks when using Tom Ford Illuminating cheek color?

Tom Ford Summer 2013 - Skin Illuminator in Fire Lust

Tom Fords look for summer 2013, is to make you look all posed, basking in the sun with a wind machine and sunkissed skin bathed in a warm honeyed light! Fire Lust in the bottle is all that. A golden peach toned illuminator brings this image to life. Fire Lust is multi dimensional, with micro shimmer shot through it. It is a soft illuminator bringing a very light veil of colour to the skin. It is hard to over apply and is not very buildable so best suited for illuminating the high points of the face. Unlike Armani sheer fluid in 6 which I reviewed here, Fire Lust is not a cheek colour. I have added it to my foundation, and it imparts a subtle effect. I am not sure if this shade is for everyone, with that being said since it is sheer to the extreme, I don't think you can go to wrong (cool toned girls ??). I do like it , but would love it if it had a bit more colour to it. It is good for both day and night.

This is another top quality product from Tom Ford. If you do not have an illuminator like it this is very nice to have as it is a warm toned illuminator- no ice princess here! It work well with the other products in the Tom Ford collection.

Which summer collection is your favourite?

Tom Ford Cream Color for Eye in Pink Haze and Escapade -

Tom Ford only seems to release these exquisite cream shadows to tease his adoring fans. They are limited and should be on your summer beauty hitlist. These two shades were my first two cream colours from Tom Ford. I would wear them every day if I did not have so many other wonderful eye product to test and enjoy.

Pink Haze is a shimmering salmon pink. this product is so creamy and blendable.  It can be worn as a soft wash of colour or built up without it looking heavy. This has been compared to Chanel's Illusion D' Ombre in Abstraction but surpasses it in texture and wear and colour. Chanel's Emerveille is a lot more pastel.

Escapade is a butterscotch cream shade. It's mousse-like texture glides on beautifully. This shade has less shimmer than pink haze, but still has a lovely gleam to it. Both can be used as a wash or layered as a base with powder shadows to give more depth and interest.

Both of these shades wear the whole day without losing any impact. I have oily lids and they work well with or without primer for me. I apply with my Real Techniques base shadow brush. The tacklon bristle's are a perfect pairing for these cream shadows. A sweeping motion is needed as opposed to Armani's Eyes To Kill pots which require more of a patting motion. I think most people could wear these shades as long as you think out of the box. Both are unusual neutrals, because lets be honest how many taupe shadows can a girl rock!

I have a few more items from the Tom Ford summer 2013 collection, but these would be my must haves.

What has been your favourite summer collection this season?

Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Pink Sugar

Tom Ford offers two formula's in a gloss - the Ultra Shine Lipgloss and Lip Laquer (which is clear unless in a limited collection). I purchased the high shine lipgloss in Sugar Pink, which is full of pigment but still a bit sheer?? Yes, a bit of a dichotomy.
Housed in a clear, solid 'tube', with a brown lid and gold trim. Very posh and keeping with the whole Tom Ford simplistic elegant look.

It is creamy but still quite sticky, but this is to be expected for such a glossy finish. Wear time is like most tacky glosses, a little longer than most, longer if you do not consider talking, eating or drinking essential! My lips are moisturised and do not feel dry after it wears off. It comes with a very firm brush applicator, which it makes it easy to apply.

Sugar Pink is a delicate sweet girly pink. This offsets many of Tom Ford's bold eyecolour quads very well. These would pair well with his Lip Colours in the lighter range like Pink Adobe or Spanish Pink.

I would definitely buy more of these glosses and there is an extensive range from soft pastels to violent purple! Do you like, love or hate Tom Ford Glosses?

Hi Friends. I would appreciate it if you could refrain fron including self- promoting links in your comments, as I then have to mark them as spam. I love to hear from you, but can only publish comments that adhere to the above. I am really forward to hearing from you all!

Tom Ford in Cognac Sable - My favourite Tom Ford quad!

I have been so busy using and reviewing spring collections that many of my favourite products have yet to be reviewed. I purchased Tom Ford's Cognac Sable at the end of last year. It has become one of my most treasured and used palettes. At first site one might think too warm and too much glitter. Take a second look, you will not be disappointed  My interest was first piqued when I watched Charlotte Tilbury work her magic with the Cognac Sable quad. This was, together with Golden Mink (reviewed here) , my first Tom Ford eyeshadow quads. Down the rabbit hole, never to be seen again!

The Tom Ford packaging is elegant and compliment these particular colours perfectly. The colours are a clever mix that can transition from day to night. The top left shade is a soft honey that brings brightness to the eye. This shade is good for blending out the other darker shades. The top right shade is a sparkling ginger that is gorgeous! This warm glitter is best pressed on with fingers in a patting motion. This unique shade brings out the caramel tones in my eyes that I never new I had. Just superb! Hero shade in my opinion. The two lower colours are a :- rich golden brown with the same fire orange tones as the ginger and a :- deep shade that is a rich smokey dark chocolate. This shade is so nice to line the eye, deepen the outer V, used on the whole lid and blended with the honey shade through the crease. All 3 non glitter shades work well for a day look. I use the glitter in the day too, but those with a more formal lifestyle, this should be reserved for going out. These colour stay put all day, on my oily lids with primer. No fading. They can be applied strong or sheered out.

The texture of the shadows are silky and smooth.  These highly pigmented shades are so blendable, even novices could master this quad. So beautiful and bold, they go on like velvet.  If you looking for an unusual quad with very usable shades this is a quad worth looking at. Pair this quad with the TF eye definer in Espresso.

Quad in sunlight

Tip: Go Bold and wear this with a red lip- it is gorgeous. My pick is Tom Ford Narcotic Rouge.

Quad indoors with flash

I am already searching the net for the summer Tom Ford collection. Nothing yet, but it is definitely on my hit list for summer 2013. Meanwhile, I am loving my Cognac Sable. Do you have a favourite palette that can do no wrong?

Hi Friends. I would appreciate it if you could refrain fron including self- promoting links in your comments, as I then have to mark them as spam. I love to hear from you, but can only publish comments that adhere to the above. I am really forward to hearing from you all!

Tom Ford Lip Colour Shine- New for Spring 2013:Smitten I love you already!

I was really waiting for the launch of Tom Ford Spring 2013 beauty campaign. It seems that the main look will be out around march, but this new collection of Lip Color Shine's are the new lip collection for spring 2013. As one would expect for spring, this is a sheer, juicy lip stick that sings "spring".

My first choice was Bare, as it was a nude I was missing in my lip collection, but already at counters Bare and Nubile were sold out. My next choice was Smitten. Initially I was afraid this was too sheer and merely an expensive lip balm, but, on wearing this for a few days I have formulated a more positive opinion. This colour is one of the lightest in the 10 colour lineup. It reads on the lips as a barely there ballet pink. In the tube it looks more coral and in the sunlight a soft rosegold micro shimmer runs through it. The Tom Ford machine describes this shade as honeysuckle pink - 'purdy ain't it!'

The case is in the signature Tom Ford cognac and gold casing, but this one is more slimline. Still very chic. It has luxury written all over it.

The texture is slightly heavier than the normal Lip Colours and has a slight stickiness like their gloss. This increases the wear time relative to other lipsticks in this sheer category. Again, in comparison to other sheer lipsticks out there, like Chantecaille Lip Chic, this not as soft and pliable on my lips, but having said that, is still super comfortable to wear. It has a balm-like quality to it. It does not dry out my lips either. It does contain wonderfully moisturising ingredients as you would expect from Tom Ford Products-:

• Soja Seed Extract
• Brazilian Murumura butter
• Chamomilla flower oil

If I had easy access to these beauties, I would already have picked up more for my collection.

They have a range of colours, from neutral tans, a bouquet of pinks and a few brights. Smitten has a shimmer/micro glitter in it, while other shades do not. It is a comprehensive collection that will definitely find favour with Tom Ford enthusiasts. Smitten, since it it has such a beautiful translucent  quality, can layer over your matte lipsticks or lip stains to create a new shade. Smitten is easy to wear - its fresh and girly, but can change in the wink of a smokey eye to a luscious temptress!

So expect sheer luscious lips drenched in high shine, with the new Tom Ford Lip Color Shines.

Which brands do you love for their sheer lipsticks?

Hi Friends. I would appreciate it if you could refrain fron including self- promoting links in your comments, as I then have to mark them as spam. I love to hear from you, but can only publish comments that adhere to the above. I am really forward to hearing from you all!

Hot Red Valentine Lips - My top 5 Red lipsticks

Valentine's day calls for a hot Red Lip. I have chosen my top picks which comes in a sheer texture if your are celebrating in the Southern hemisphere and it is hot. A softer red sheen with flirty summer dresses makes for a pretty combination. My other picks are more dramatic and matte. So if your are on the other side of the globe, bundled up beside a fire these, velvet finishes are sure to please.

Burberry, Dior, Nars, Mac, Tom Ford

Tom Ford in Narcotic Rouge - red with pink tone

Mac in Ruby Woo - red with orange tone

Nars in Red Lizard - red with bue- more creamy

Burberry Lip Mist in Rosy Red #205 - blue red and glossy

Dior Addict in New Look # 745 red orange iridescence

Happy Valentines day - here's a virtual chocolate heart to all of you - xxx

Hi Friends. I would appreciate it if you could refrain fron including self- promoting links in your comments, as I then have to mark them as spam. I love to hear from you, but can only publish comments that adhere to the above. I am really forward to hearing from you all!

Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate- the art of Chiaroscuro comes to life

Tom Ford has the perfect product to enhance your natural contours of your face (and even make supermodels jealous.) The cream duo allows you, the artist, to mould your features and hide your imperfections. Your cheekbone are now discovered and you will be bathing in the etherial glow of this soft-focus sheer highlighter. This is a cream palette which is housed in the distinctive Tom Ford packaging. Two large size pans are filled with one luminescent pearl highlighter and a natural shade for contouring that does not add warmth but depth to your face (a key feature for a good contour product). This shade, although a cream, goes on natural with a more matte finish. Many reviews made me worry that my oily skin would not like this cream product, but once applied it stays put and does not look shiny. The highlighter, of course has a more dewy finish to it, but used sparingly and in the right places can be worn during the day without making my skin look greasy and at night to add allure to a smokey, sexy look.
Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate should be renamed "Contouring and highlighting for Dummies."

Shade and Illuminate in Intensity One

When at the Tom Ford counter, the correct method of applying the Shade and Illuminate was shown to me. Tom Ford is all about being bold, bordering on exaggeration . The Sale Associate also explained how Tom Ford loves symmetry and even the most beautiful are not perfect. This duo helps, with a little smoke and mirrors to achieve this beauty in symmetry. Lara Stone looks gorgeous and over -the- top lounging on Mr Ford himself, in many previous Tom Ford beauty adverts. The contour shade is therefore, taken in an arc motion. The top should line up with the top part of the ear, then arced downwards, following the hollow of the cheek. This, of course is the area we want to shade and recede. Please note that I did place too much product to illustrate the shape of the line. I used the Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate brush, which was designed for precisely place the product in the right place. This cream can also just be used in the typical position as a diagonal straight line in the hollow of the cheek, from the ear area to direction of the mouth. But, since we are all little Tom Ford monsters, we need to do it in the Tom Ford way!

Step 1 : Apply contour shade in arc

Step 2: Pull brush along arc to blend cream

Step 3 : Pull brush downwards blending in the hollow of your cheek

Finish - subtle contouring achieved

L-R Illuminate pearl shade, Countour Shade, Contour shade blended out (with flash)

I did the face swatches without any foundation and in full sun. With your favourite foundation a more flawless finish will be achieved. The illuminate shade should be used on the high points of the face. These being down the centre of the nose, the cupid's bow part of your lip, brow bone and the part of the cheek just below the undereye area on the outer area of the eye (my beauty mark marks the area). Got it! I have had so much fun using this product. While the brush, they say is not essential, to achieve that Tom Ford glamour, it really makes it child's play. Intensity one will suit a wide spectrum of skintone. If you can check it out at your nearest counter. Makeup does not come better than this!

Hi Friends. I would appreciate it if you could refrain fron including self- promoting links in your comments, as I then have to mark them as spam. I love to hear from you, but can only publish comments that adhere to the above. I am really forward to hearing from you all!

   

Tom Ford in Aphrodisiac 19 - wallflowers need not apply!

This bright fuchsia lipstick came with the Fall/Winter 2012 collection. It forms part of their permanent collection as well. Aphrodisiac (#19) is well pigmented, creamy, long wearing and hydrating. This pink will work on all skin tones from pale, olive to dark. It reminds me of Miami, drinks with umbrella's and breezy dresses. Yes, I know it formed part of the fall/winter collection, but this colour will work all year round. As with all Tom Ford lip colours, Aphrodisiac is so comfortable to wear, as like all other TF lippies it contain soja seed extract, Brazilian murumuru, chamomilla flower oil. So, I guess besides the gorgeous packaging this is where your money is going - top notch ingredients. With one swipe you get maximum, even intensity which over a few hours wears down to a stain.

Tom Ford loves for both his eyes and lips to have impact. Aphrodisiac stays true to this ethos.
This is my second Tom Ford lip colour and I love it.

Do you have a favourite Tom Ford Lip Colour?

Tom Ford are available locally and exclusively at Stuttafords - cannot wait until the whole Tom Ford line becomes available as Tom Ford has just hit Hong Kong- so holding thumbs!

Tom Ford in Golden Mink - Divine and Decadent

I have really come across some impressive products this year, Tom Ford being one of them. If you are a frequent reader of beauty blogs you will be aware that some adore and some are really adverse to the brand. Ok, so I am definitely on the adore end of the spectrum and for many reasons.
 Before I review Golden Mink, here are my thoughts on the subject. Many have stated that the price versus the quality is just not there. In my personal experience I have found these shadows to be have the modern edge of Nars together with the texture that exceeds that of the best. The quads come in interesting colour combinations, with different textures and effects. I have only received compliments when wearing my Tom Ford Quads. They are expensive and not everyone can afford such a luxury or choose not to indulge. However, you are getting four large size pans in a compact. I think if you had to compare this to a Bobbi Brown filled 4- pan compact, you would be surprised how comparable in price they would be. I feel that the quality of these shadow are one of the best, with them being long-wearing and well pigmented. I love the burgundy brown compact which is elegant and well made. There are two double ended brushes inside with 3 various sponge tips and one brush. I used them successfully to create a basic everyday look. I have to keep reminding myself that I have other good brands in my stash, as I have continually worn them since I got them about four weeks ago. Please excuse the pictures with the product already been used, but I bought these in London and could not resist before getting home and photographing.

Cognac Sable

The top left shade is a champagne fine glitter, which is best applied with your finger in a pressing motion. This is to reduce fallout and get good adherence to your lid. This shade is pigmented and glittery all in one. The next shade on the top right, is an unusual gorgeous ginger shot through with glitter. It is very similar to one of the shades from the Shu Uemura Chocolate Donna palette.
The bottom left shade is a buttery, soft beige taupe, which is perfect for all over your lid. The last shade on the bottom right is a medium brown with a satin texture. this works well to line, deepen your contour, add depth to the outer corner of your eye.

As you can see from the swatches below, this quad takes neutrals and makes them fun again. My *ordinary* brown eyes now seem more alluring. I have shied away from neutrals, as I deemed them boring. This has peaked my interest in the beauty of a neutral eye. Brown eyes seem more luscious and inviting. This will frame both blue and green eyes as well. My feint green flecks seem...... MORE.

 

Overall, I can only sing the praises of Golden Mink. If you have any celebration coming up, this is would be on top of my wishlist. Golden Mink is also a good entry into the world of Tom Ford, as it is wearable for day and evening looks (glitter in the day- YES- just trust me).

Tom Ford- worth the money- I would love to hear your thoughts?

Makeup Remastered Ab Fab in London - Tom Ford, Hourglass, Eve Lom, Urban Decay

Hello Makeup Lovers!

So I am back from my really quick trip to chilly, charming London. I think all who have been can agree that this is one of the most special times in London. All twinkling lights, spruced up windows, warm wafting aroma's and drumroll please............holiday collections galore!

A (hotel) room with a view

St Christopher's Place

The londoner's are extremely friendly and I had a wonderful time. I had a 'few' (wink wink) makeover's and went with a wish list of brands unavailable where I live. Seriously, the freedom if having any brand you love at your fingertips is a (frivolous) joy.


My first stop was Selfridges, which I adore. I had a few Tom Ford products on my list so I went to look at their concession first. The Tom Ford experience, as I like to call it, is as elegant, exclusive as the brand. All products the MAU was going to use was placed on a tray, and each step explained in detail. I was colour matched slightly dark, and a TF MUA at Harrods showed me a lighter shade which was much better. Tom Ford is an expensive bad habit. But I think the quads have such sublime, interesting shades that look so beautiful on the lids and suitable for all eye colours. I was so excited to be able to buy the following.
Eyeshadow quad in golden mink
Eyeshadow quad in cognac sable
Eyebrow pencil in taupe
Eye pencil in Espresso
Shade and illuminate palette in intensity one with brush

I love Liberty which is housed in a quaint tudor building -the makeup area is more intimate. I walked passed Hourglass with little interest as my last foray was a bit dissapointing (opaque rouge liquid lipstick)-but I thought mybe I should have a good and proper look. Firstly, let me say the MUA's for Hourglass were enthusiastic and helpful. I am glad I took another look at this brand, as they have some amazing products. Here is what I walked away with.
Mineral Primer - cult status
Veil Fluid Makeup
Aura cheek stain
Retractable foundation brush
I had to leave their Lash lacquer and duo, as my wallet was running low and a girl still gotta eat!

Finally, on my radar was a few hero products.
Eve Lom Cleansing Balm - cult status
Urban Decay Ocho Locho set - value set
Caudalie spray
Konjac sponges
I also got samples from the lovely Space NK - I am currently trying out Re'Vive and Algenist skincare brands.
I was surprised to be so badly colour matched again with  Chantecaille future skin. when I left the store I was so pale, I frightened myself when looking in the storefront! A bit too early for the Twilight premier!
Selfridges has the new Beauty Workshop running. This extension of the beauty hall, holds little treasures, some which were sadly out of stock -like OCC lip tar, Beauty Blender, Aesop, Paul and Joe, Konjac sponges, Ciate, Nails Inc, Bite -really fun!!
I had the unexpected, lucky experience of a complimentary Perricone micro - current facial  - they were offering it as a promotional tool at Selfridges. Let me tell you, that I look refreshed and my skin is looking contoured and younger. A real treat!

Harrods

I am going to review the products mentioned above. Let me know if you have any requests or if you would like any done first.