Best of the Best 2012

So now that 2012 is thundering to a close, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on all the wonderful products I have discovered this year. I have really broadened my horizons brand wise and have really enjoyed trying out many new treasures. Every day became a new opportunity to reinvent myself with either a bright slick of Tom Ford Narcotic Rouge, or a strong contoured cheek compliments of Chanel Notorious! It really has been a whirlwind of iridescent shades and buttery textures affording me the chance to embark on many fanciful jouney's.
I have compiled a list of my favourite products that have defined 2012:

The best cleanser:

• Eve Lom Cleanser

My favourite eye treatment:

• Strivectin SD for eyes

The best innovation of 2012:

• Giorgio Armani maestro foundation

The best creative product of 2012:

• Chanel  Notorious for cheeks and eyes

The best tinted moisturiser:

• Chantecaille Just Skin

The best sheer foundation

• Giorgio Armani Maestro fusion makeup

The best medium founadtion

• Nars sheer matte founadtion

The Best primer:

• By Terry Hyaluronic face glow

My favourite eyeshadows of 2012:

• Tom Ford
• Runner up - Rouge Bunny Rouge
• Runner up - Nars
• Runner up - Addiction by Ayako

The best cream cheek colour:

• Becca
• Runner up - Addiction by Ayako cheek stick

The best powder blush:

• Burberry
• Runner up - Bobbi Brown

The best highlighter  :

• Becca shimmering skin perfector 

The best body cream :

• Kiehl's creme de corps soy milk & honey whipped body butter

The best makeup remover:

• Bioderma

The best skin treatment product

• Dr Perricone Formula 15

The best moisturizer :

• Dr Perricone Deep Moisture Therapy

The best contour product:

• Tom Ford shade and illuminate

My favourite hair care products:

• Kiehl's rice and wheat volumising shampoo and conditioner

The best pencil eyeliners:

• Urban Decay 24/7  glide on eye pencils

My favourite mascara:

• Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Excess
• Runner up - Estée Lauder sumptuous lash extreme

My favourite under eye concealer:

• Chanel correcteur perfection 
• Runner up - Nars concealer duo

The best sheer lipstick :

• Burberry Lip Mist
• Runner Up - Chanel rouge coco shine

The best matte lipstick :

• Burberry velvet matte

The best creamy lipstick:

• Tom Ford

All these products I have loved using and are my personal  favourites. 2013 is sure to be a year of many more exciting collections and amazing new breakthroughs in skincare. I cannot wait to discover them with you. Happy New to you all!

 

Inglot Brights in Turquiose and Purple

Inglot arrived awhile ago. I had not heard much about it other than there brushes were being compared to their MAC counterparts. I recently bought two of there bright eyeshadows as I had heard positive comments about them.
Here is what I think. The packaging is functional, nothing to exciting, except if you are buying and filling their larger palettes. as part of their freedom system. You can custom fill these palettes as I did with this duo or in some cases the bigger palettes come already filled. They have a dizzying amount of colours that come in many textures and shades. When I was choosing my colours, I did feel that some colours were definitely better that others in terms of pigmentation. The colours in the freedom palette are numbered. I chose two colours that I do not have many of, 491DS is deep grape and the other 480DS,a fresh vibrant turquoise. Both these were extremely pigmented and really went on well. On my eye they were easy to blend. These really feed my need for fun crazy colours, but I'm not sure if this angled at a more youthful market. I would probably pop in to Inglot  from time to time to look for a specific colour to create a particular look. With that said I really do like the colours I chose and used carefully can be used as accent colour to create a more sophisticated look. They are very well priced, so that would be a drawcard for many people.

Are there any Inglot fans out there?

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!

Urban Decay Ocho Loco 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Set - Holiday 2012 - get it before it's gone!

Urban Decay's 24/7 glide-on eye pencil sets are eagerly awaited each holiday season. They are my favourite long wearing liners. This set is so amazing as it as an array of colours from neutral to brights, and Perversion has been included, which will be a spare as this is my go-to 'blackest black' eyeliner. This is the best time to get these liners as the set was about 40 pounds and each liner individually sells for 12.97. So you are getting a set valued over 100 pounds. A perfect sharpener is also included which works well will these soft liners, and gives them a sharp, crisp point. A few of these shades are also limited. The picture below was taken in my hotel room, so please excuse the poor quality, as I need to discard the packaging for my trip home.

The liner is a soft kohl type which does not tug or pull, not dissimilar to Makeup Forever liners. These colour go on intense as the colour you see in the pencil. They blend like a dream, then set for all day wear. These are perfect for your waterline as they are waterproof. This set offers a mix of finish as some have micro-glitter while others are matte.

From left to right here are the shades:

• Stash - olive bronze with gold sparkle
• Mushroom - warm gray shimmer - limited
• Rockstar - matte aubergine
• Junkie - Teal sparkle - limited
• LSD - midnight blue with turquoise sparkle - limited
• Hustle - Bronze shimmer - limited
• Psychedelic sister - matte violet - limited
• Perversion - matte intense coal black

Grindhouse Sharpener with two sizes

 This set is a must. These liners will help you create so many looks with ease and you will be getting essentially four liners gratis. So Happy Holidays, make your eyes sparkle with these amazing liners from Urban Decay.

Which is your favourite shade of Urban Decay 24/7 glide on eye pencils?

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?

Bobbi Brown Holiday 2012 - Powder Pearl Eye Trio

The Bobbi Brown Holiday 2012 Collection came out in two sections. First Caviar and Oysters collection and soon after Choose Your Black. Since I have a few Bobbi Brown palettes I did not purchase one as they seemed too close in shades. The Caviar and Oyster palette has a beautiful highlighter, which I wish came on its own. The Choose Your Black had a interesting cake liner, but it was not as pigmented as my Addiction by Ayako one, and my Laura Mercier one is very similar. However, the loose shadow trio had me weak at the knee's. Bobbi Brown only brings these unusual (for Bobbi Brown) in limited collections, so I purchased these quickly.

Loose shadows are not my first choice as they are harder to apply and do not wear as well. Use short patting motions with a short compact brush like a Mac 239 to reduce fallout. Keep packing on for a more intense look or swap to a Mac 217 for a wash of colour. This trio has a lovely shade collection.
Moolight - Chocolate taupe- chunky, so watch for fallout
Pink Pearl - Peach shimmer
Black Pearl - Warm intense grey with gold reflects (the star of the show)

Pink Pearl, Moonlight, Black Pearl without flash

Pink Pearl, Moonlight, Black Pearl with flash, blurred to show shimmer

All 3 shades can be mixed and matched depending on the look you are going for.
The applicator is spring-loaded and does not sit in the product once the lid is screwed into place. I am still a bit hesitant to apply straight to my eye, just for long term hygiene reasons, but have done so and it placed product well on the lid. The wand is quite large so precision application might be difficult, so you might want to use the brushes suggested above. For a LOTD - I used MAC painterly over the whole lid, added a darker shade in the crease for contour. I then patted Pink Pearl over the centre of the lid and Moonlight on the outer corner. Blend. I then used an eyeliner pen for a winged line. Loads of mascara on the upper lashes!
This trio can all be kept for yourself (shouts "YES") or given separately to 3 of your lucky friend as gifts!

 

I found these shadows had staying powder and were extremely versatile. I will do a comparison to my Rouge Bunny Rouge loose shadows soon.

Are you a fan of loose shadows?

Rouge Bunny Rouge Fragrant Confections

These look a real treat and are available from Zuneta for all Rouge Bunny Rouge fans!

ROUGE BUNNY ROUGE ¬ FRAGRANT CONFECTIONS ¬ 3 NEW PERFUMES ¬ £81

We’re delighted to share Rouge Bunny Rouge’s new fragrance collection! Each shade is a complex blend of exotic scents, developed to transport you down the rabbit hole with each delightful spritz.

Buried deep below the Enchanted Garden, accessible only through a winding maze of caves lies the Vault of Captured Memories. Behind a multitude of invulnerable doors, the Connoisseurs of Scent work tirelessly over their luscious spoils. Gathering the mists of memories and emotions from baffled senses, they harness the vapours into innumerable falcons of glass.

There are 3 scents available:

Chatoyant, Vespers & Lilt!

Chatoyant

TOP: Bergamot, Lemon HEART: Orchid, Jasmine, Rose, TLOilPy: oBfertghaemoVta,llLeymon HEART: Orchid, Jasmine, Rose, Lily of the Valley BASE: Sandalwood

Vespers

TOP: Bergamot, Cinnamon Bark, Violet Leaves, Black Pepper HEART: Green Apple, Muguet, Rose, Violet

BASE: Cedarwood, Musk, Sandalwood, Vanilla

Lilt

TOP: Green Leaf Accord, Fig Leaf HEART: Peach, Coco, Violet BASE: Vetiver, Musk

Le Métier De Beaute Bauhaus Collection

Hello Everyone!

If you are a Le Métier De Beaute fan, head over to Zuneta, as they have just received the highly anticipated Winter 2012  Bauhaus Collection.

THE BAUHAUS WINTER 2012 COLOUR COLLECTION

As with all of LMDB’S color collections, Creative Director Mikey Castillo looked outside of the traditional beauty realm for inspiration. Bauhaus was a school in Germany that Combined crafts and the fine arts, and was famous for the approach to design that it publicized and taught. It was founded with the idea of creating a ‘total’ work of art.

BAUHAUS KALEIDOSCOPE EYE KIT £75

Drawing inspiration from the Bauhaus movement that influenced famed runways of Caroline Herrera and Cynthia Rowley alike, Le Métier de Beauté unveils a ravishing, new Kaleidoscope Eye Kit for the Holiday season.

HOLIDAY NAIL LACQUER COLLECTION £16 EACH

Inspired by all things Christmassy, this collection takes a free spin on holiday hues. Shade Names (left to right)

Moons Glow ¬ A golden gleam lacquered overlay Tinsel Town ¬ Subtle Shimmer lacquered overlay with

crisp celadon undertones Christmas Town ¬ A rich emerald Dream Maker ¬ Vibrant navy blue

Chanel Holiday 2012 - Regard Signé De Chanel

Chanel Holiday 2012 is a real winter collection - all spicy berries and gold. While the colours are classic Chanel this collection is right on trend with the inclusion of a deep, dangerous vampy lip. This launches this collection into "gimme" territory. I honestly tried to refrain, as I had just indulged in Tom Ford. but this proved to be an impossible task, as the quad is one of the best formula's, I feel Chanel has offered. I have chosen (so far) only the eyeshadow quad Harmonie Du soir and the Rouge Allure Velvet in L'Impatiente.

What I love about Chanel quads is that they are universally flattering. This could be seen as boring, but Chanel really makes products that can be used from your twenties to more mature woman, a wide range of skintones and hair colours. This quad is great as it has a dash of seasonal colour. The texture of these shadows are buttery and can be blended as easy as 1-2-3. They have pearl like quality which adds a sexy ,bohemian sheen to your eyelids, bringing out your inner Serena van der Woodsen.

The quad has a beautiful gold, a taupe, festive berry, ballet pink. The berry  could be used as an softer alternative to the edgy red eyeshadow look that is popular at the moment.

The shadow wears for the whole day with some fading, but still looks good. I wore it with Urban Decay Primer Potion. This is the palette Suqqu should make with berry shades as the textures are comparable with each other. This is a must for Chanel lover's and for those looking for a Chanel quad with a twist

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in L Ímpatiente is a blackened berry. It has a drier texture than the Rouge Allure as it is more matte. It can be worn full on or tissued off for a stain effect.

Chanel L Ímpatiente

Tom Ford Black Orchid

Tom Ford Black Orchid (reviewed here) has a more pigmented, glossy finish. Chanel L Ímpatiente is more berry, while the TF leans more brown. Both are gorgeous examples of the vamp lip trend.

The Chanel Regard Signé De Chanel collection also has lovely mix of nail polishes, glosses, blush and some nude lipsticksand some other bits and bobs. It is a cohesive holiday collection which will help u achieve a polished, sultry look.

My Chanel products will be well loved as I feel this palette lends itself to everyday casual looks, as well as paint-the-town-red nights out!

What was your favourite product from the Chanel holiday collection?

Addiction By Ayako in Flash Back and Midnight Drive

Addiction By Ayako has an extensive range of single shadows. They are housed in a sleek black compact, with the pan able to be snapped out of it for easy de-potting. They can then be place a variety of compacts that can house a mix of shadow and blushes. When I bought all my Addiction goodies a while back I chose two single shadows - Midnight Drive and Flash Back. I could not quite decide on what to choose, and wanted to try out Addicion shadows as they come hightly recommended by some of my favourite beauty bloggers.

Midnight Drive

Both these colours are a HIT. Midnight drive is a mint green which is a bit dusty, like it has lost its freshness.  Flash Back is your classic taupe, but this formula is creamy and has serious staying power (here are comparisons with other taupes). I can only believe that the other shadows in Addiction stable are just as impressive as these two. Pigmention is incredible and they blend so easily. They look like velvet on the lids. Flash Back is a perfect basic and Midnight Drive a great accent and for highlighting areas of the eye

Flash Back

These to colours paired together are close cousins to Nars Habanero duo, but more subdued. The Midnight Drive equivalent is crisper and the Flash Back one is more of an intense plum. As we know from previous posts the creator of Addiction- Ayako - was an intricate part of the Nars team way back when. I am loving these shadows from Addiction and hope to increase my Addiction collection soon.

They are amongst my favourite in eyeshadows ranking up there with Rouge Bunny Rouge and Tom Ford. Wish they were more easily accessible........

What are you favourite eyeshadow brands?

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!

Stila all is bright lip glaze set - Perfect gift

Stila is a brand that just recently re-entered our country. With the loss of Benefit from our market this was a welcome addition to our fairly limited cosmetic scene. This limited lip glaze set is a wonderful gift for a teens upwards. This cute set can be given as a whole gift or broken up to add as stocking stuffers. The 8 colours in the set are a great variety from twinkling sugar pink, vibrant orange to cranberry. There are 6 limited shades, while Black Cherry and Sugar Plum are part of their permanent collection. In my experience the more coloured glazes do pack quite nice pigment punch. These glosses do tend to be sticky and shiny, and are slightly scented on application, but this soon dissipates. This set is very reasonable in price.

So welcome Stila!

What was your first Stila product?

Becca Jewel Dust - takes me to Fairy land and back.....

Becca really has some hero products, and many are unsung heroes, like Becca Jewel Dusts. I love pigments (loose shadows). I have many Mac Pigments from brights to nudes. I love how they have sparkle and iridescence that just puts a smile on my face. I decided to venture outside my comfort zone and purchased a Jewel Dust from Becca. This is described on the box as "sparkling powder for the eyes". I chose Aspara ,a pure cream delight that can be used over dark colours, mixed with other pigment to change their colour, to highlight and to dab at the inner corner of the eyes for instant radiance. The jewel dust has micro glitter and sparkle that is like the finest milled powder, to the touch. The iridescence wears as a sumptuous multi-faceted jewel-like powder.

The packaging is a solid plastic cube, with a circular name Becca "riveted" to the top. This may sound cheap, but it is well made and contemporary. The top twists off and the product is easy to get to.

I have swatched Becca Aspara with Mac Vanilla and Naked to show comparisons. Aspara seems to have more pigmentation and sparkle to it. The sparkle on my lid is not like a showgirl in Vegas, but still reads subtle and pretty, but with more va-va-voom.

L-R MAC Vanilla, MAC Naked, Becca Aspara

This could be used as a veil of colour with a black winged flick, or with other shadows to add a party feel. A light dusting on your cheeks with a fan brush or décolletage is another option.

I love my Jewel Dust in Aspara- I think you would agree it make Vanilla and Naked look like the two ugly sisters. I bought mine at my Local Becca store, but Becca can be bought at Zuneta, which ships internationally.

Which Becca products are calling to you?

Giorgio Armani Maestro Palette in Maestro 01

Giorgio Armani is the epitome of understated, chic elegance. The newly engineered quads, mirror this philosophy. They come in 8 understated neutrals that are great basics for any beauty lovers collection. They are based on the colours of nature found on the Italian coast, and have a transparent and layered effect. They have light Micro-fil silk powders which make the shades sheer but buildable and as tactile as Armani fabrics themselves.

I had a gap in my shadows that are grey and smokey, so I chose 01 Maestro. They come in a black, shiny, round compact, which also houses two double-sided sponge applicators. These are ok for initially patting the product onto the eye.

I found the shades to have a good mix of transparency, as seen in the two lightest shades, and good pigmentation , as in the darkest two. This makes the quad more interesting and as you can see from the

photograph, a sophisticated smokey eye is achieved by layering these shades. I winged the med-dark shade to create a more complex look. 

This palette would be good paired with Mac Ruby Woo or your favourite red lipstick.

Lashes compliments of Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Excess  Mascara

I am extremely happy with my purchase. Armani has really created some beautiful combinations - my other choice would have been 03 Pantelleria- a delicate combination of seafoam green, deep moss and iridescent tonal beiges.

What is your favourite Giorgio Armani product?

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!

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.

Addiction by Ayako Cheek Stick in Amazing - the name says it all.....

Addiction by Ayako has a multi-purpose cheek stick, not disimilar to Nars Multiples. When buying my Addiction eyeshadows in Flash Back and Mudnight Drive, I also threw the cheek stick in Amazing into my virtual basket. Unlike the Nars Multiple which is a large turn -up flat head bullet (everyone get that?), the cheek stick takes on a lipstick form. I prefer this Addiction size for more precise application and for use on the lips. Never in a million years can I use up the Nars Multiple and I just hope I can use half of it before it goes bad. Back to the Addiction cheek stick - it has an unusual gel-like formula, but slick like a silicone product- whatever it is I LIKE. It looks like a really bright colour, but once buffed into the cheek area exudes a natural flush to my face. There is no glitter or sheen to this product. I really wears well on my oily skin and lasted the entire day.

I apply a small amount to the apple of my cheeks and a little more angled up towards the hairline. I use a stippling or buffing brush (fingers too) to blend it in my skin. The effect is rather seamless, even more so than my lovely Daniel Sandler Watercolour blushes. This is a natural creamy stain for your cheek.

I have also worn this my lips. It is comfortable, long-wearing, non- drying with a semi-matte finish. It comes up as a bubblegum pink and can be worn as a light stain or layered for girly intensity. Sheer with a gloss is cute too.

Addiction By Ayako cheek stick come in 14 shades where every skintone could find a good match.

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!

Perricone MD Formula 15 - really excellent skincare

It's no secret I am an ardent Perricone fan. My core skincare regime is all Perricone, with a few other brands popped in for good measure. Before I started writing this blog the kind peeps at Perricone sent me this product for customer review as they knew of my love for the Advanced Face Firming Activator from my many interactions on their facebook page.
Formula 15 marks 15 yrs of anti- aging research for Dr Perricone. This is his super- charged ADVANCED Advanced Face firming Activator. The already patented science of DMAE and Alpha Lipoic Acid have been increased in this formula for a power punch of these proven ingredients. I just know that my skin, which is not as young as I'd like to admit, is looking tightened, my pores refined and my texture soft and fine. The ALA acts as a strong anti-oxidant to fight free radical damage and helps improves nasty discolouration. DMAE boost the elasticity of my skin for a more youthful appearance. All this goodness is sent straight to the correct layers of the skin with their new NTP complex, a super smart delivery system.

The texture of the cream is somewhere between a serum and a lightweight lotion. It is fine for my oily skin and since it is used under a moisturizer it would be perfect for dry skins. I am using this instead of my AFFActivator in the morning. I make sure I take it up towards my hairline, crows feet area and neck to get full benefits of the contouring ingredients. The Perricone MD website states it helps "tackle the length, width and depth of a wrinkle"- this is of course over time, so don't expect a wrinkle free face by the end of the day. What I can say is that my mini- wrinkles in the making are looking softer and my face fresher. I will definitely continue to use Formula 15 as with Perricone MD products, the science just make sense to me and I feel my skin is getting ingredients with loads of research behind them. This little nugget is also paraben free. So if you need a little nudge into Perricone territory, this would be my first choice as a start. A good friend of mine now has little parcels whizzing across the Atalantic(Pacific?) after I introduced her to Perricone MD (S you know who you are!) I am guilty as charged, a full on Perriconista. But, I do promise to do some reviews of my other favourite skincare brands soon.

What are your tried and tested skincare favourites?

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!

Burberry Lip Velvet Lipstick in Pink Azalea and Lip Definer in Bright Plum

The problem was I could only choose one Lip Velvet. So many beautiful colours to choose from, but I had to narrow it down to one as I was purchasing other gorgeous Burberry products. I went with the colour worn by Cara Delevigne in the Burberry Lip Velvet advert, with the Lip Liner that was worn beneath it, of course! Behold - Lip Velvet in Pink Azalea. The usual mirrored casing replaced by a matte black version- really sexy and bold just like the texture and colour of this beautiful lipstick.

The colour is a burgundy muted red which when applied is just off matte. What I mean by this is that it has depth to the colour that renders it more alive than a flat matte product. This is I presume why they so aptly called it a lip VELVET. As like the fabric this lip product exudes a touchable quality. It wears comfortably, but matte lipsticks tend to be drier on my lips. My lips feel good upto about 3 hrs (reapplication needed) when there is minimal dryness and wear. There is no silicone slip as with the Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, which is also a good matte lip product. The product feels different in texture to the the Nars, but is long-wearing and luxurious. 

Burberry Lip Liner is a chic square slim-line pencil. It is quite a dry texture and I cannot say that it has any better qualities than my MAC lip liners. This Bright plum liner will blend with all my lipsticks in the deeper red, plum family, so I am quite happy with it. It pairs superbly with my Pink Azalea Lip Velvet and worn underneath makes it more vampy and deep, as shown in the Burberry ad. This worn with a classic Burberry Trench would be a match made in heaven!

Pink Azalea Lip Velvet, Lip Definer in Bright Plum

Pink Azalea with Bright Plum underneath

Overall, I am still in love with Burberry. Their version of a matte lipstick has all the qualities a top brand should. Saturated colour, excellent texture, modern look, long-wearing and luxe packaging. Burberry Lip Velvet comes in many colours. I would love a few more shades leaning nude, bit I guess they need to hold back and mabye add a later nude collection like they did with the Lip Mists.

I would love to add to my singular Lip Velvet Collection and mabye opt for a brighter colour like Fuschia Pink.

Burberry Lip Velvets Love or Hate them?

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Makeup Remastered has flown the coop and is on the way to London

Hello Everyone!
I will be away for a week in chilly London. I am lucky enough to be going on a mini - break and will be visiting ALL the beauty halls I can find. I cannot wait to see all the holiday collections and attempt to match all the foundations I have been wanting too, so if need be I can order online at a later date - I mean how many foundations can a girl have (wink wink).

I am looking forward to my favourite London treats like Ben Cookies, Krispy Kreme and Hot Beef at the Brass Rail in Selfridges. I hope to bring back some oldies but goodies, and maybe some new 'hot of the press' products like the Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro, but I have a sneaky suspicion that I am going to miss the launch. Makeup aside, AllSaints, a truly British establishment, will be one of my first stops.

So weather be kind as I am used to less harsh conditions, but come rain or shine I will be on Regent street straight down to Covent Gardens!

I will still have some lovely posts, so don't despair.........

What are you fave British Brands?

Rouge Bunny Rouge When birds are singing......the best eyeshadows?

Fairly recently Zuneta has less 20% on the brand Rouge Bunny Rouge. I had to indulge as many blogs had adored this mysteriously indulgent brand. With it's origins in Russia, Rouge Bunny Rouge is no longer a 'best kept secret', but is emerging into the limelight with cult status. One might get confused when reading the whimsical copy about their products - but make no mistake, this brand has superior quality products that are technologically advanced fusing skincare benefits and makeup into top notch products.

I started with their Long- lasting eyeshadow singles curiously named 'when birds are singing...'. I finally settled on four neutral shades - Delicate Hummingbird, Unforgettable Oriole, Solstice Halcyon and Albaster Starling - and the whimsy continues......

L-R T-B Delicate Hummingbird, Unforgettable Oriole

Solstice Halcyon, Alabaster Starling

I barely had to touch the pan and my finger is enveloped in creamy iridescent colour. The texture of these shadows are exquisite to say the least. They are most comparable to my Addiction to Ayako eyeshadows. They are a velvety dream with intense pigmentation even for these neutral tones.

Delicate Hummingbird - muted plum with pink shimmer- iridescent

Solstice Halcyon - a mauve beige - other known as taupe- one of the best, see comparisons here

Unforgettable Oriole - metallic white gold - make me look like I have had 20 hrs sleep, brightens the eye area miraculously

Alabaster Starling - unfrosty metallic white with hints of silver and pink

L-R Alabaster Starling, Unforgettable Oriole, Solstice Halcyon,

Delicate Hummingbird.

I honestly cannot think of any cons, except for 'bring out more colours!'. These are long-wearing as they looked as fresh when I took it off as when applied hours earlier. They can be worn wet and with the RBR Aqua Primer (really wanting to try this for high impact effect.) They are also meant to to good for your lids, by staving off free radicals and promoting micro-circulation. I opted to buy these as singles, but some of the shades are available as refills for use in a 3 pan compact. Over time this would be a saving as they do cost less, but I do not think all shades are available yet. I loved all four shades I bought. As I said Rouge Bunny Rouge is available at Zuneta. 

What are your thoughts on Rouge Bunny Rouge?

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!