Makeup Remastered- reinvent yourself daily: Dr Perricone Advanced Face Firming Activator-my fi...

Makeup Remastered- reinvent yourself daily: Dr Perricone Advanced Face Firming Activator-my fi...: Advanced Face Firming Activator , how do I love thee - let me count the ways...... I have to start my skincare holy grail list with this mu...

Dr Perricone Advanced Face Firming Activator-my first holy grail product

Advanced Face Firming Activator , how do I love thee - let me count the ways...... I have to start my skincare holy grail list with this must have product fom Dr Perricone. I have been using this product for many years, as far back when it was just called Face Firming Activator! I have always had difficult skin - oily and blemish prone. I had always hoped (as we all do) that my skin would settle down before any wrinkles started. Alas, no such luck. So my problem was that most anti-ageing products were formulated for mature skin that tended to be drier, so the products were heavier, which was too much for my oily skin. Also, the products seemed to be too active, so I broke out from them.  

Then I tried AFFA-now let me count the ways- 

•  This is a lightweight formula. For me, it forms part of my serum category and typically layered under my moisturizer . In my younger years I would use this on its own, with no moisturizer as I felt it gave enough moisture. I now top it with a moisturizer.
•  When used at night my skin always felt refreshed on waking. Any blemishes looked less red. I have now learn't that the alpha lipoic acid in the product has anti-bacterial properties. It shows that it should be applied in the morning but I sometimes tweak my routine depending what I am using at the moment. 
•  My skins hydration levels (from Sodium Hyaluronate) are boosted and my face looks toned.This is made possible by the ingredient DMAE which is a feature in many of Dr Perricone's products. I feel this wonder product has kept (most of) my fine lines at bay. My skin although oily tends to get dehydrated, so this really helps.
•  My pores look more refined which is always a concern for us more oilier folk. The Alpha lipoic acid really works hard on pore size together with glycolic acid. Do not let the word "acid" scare you. I have had no irritation from AFFA and find it gentle on my skin. The texture of my skin is finer.

•  I'd like to note that the scent of this product (from the DMAE) dissipates after a minute or two and after continued use I can't even smell anything.

Every skincare brands has their "spiel". I have found many of Dr Perricone products actually make an impact on my skin and it's backed by user-friendly science. AFFA just slots into whatever routine I am using as I "re-taylor" it from time to time. Anyone from about 25 upwards should consider an anti-aging product and this one is a good all- rounder. I do believe you should not wait for the lines to appear before starting on a basic anti-aging routine. As the adage says "prevention is better than cure". Advanced Face Firming Activator is my vanguard against aging and I loathe to be out of it. 

What product can you not do without?

P.S I have bought this product myself:)- many many times!

Makeup Remastered- reinvent yourself daily: Nars Marie-Galante - Sensational summer duo

Makeup Remastered- reinvent yourself daily: Nars Marie-Galante - Sensational summer duo: As I mentioned before, I am not quite ready for Fall Collections just yet. I still want to enjoy the lovely products that were available for...

Nars Marie-Galante - Sensational summer duo

As I mentioned before, I am not quite ready for Fall Collections just yet. I still want to enjoy the lovely products that were available for summer 2012.

One of my best purchases of the season was Nars Marie-Galante. This is a whimsical duo of sparkling lilac and moody shimmering navy. The shadow is hard to swatch and requires some work when applying to get density of colour. This aside, once applied these shadows are worth the small amount of work needed for good colour saturation. They can be used in a variety of ways.

• Lilac over lid and navy to line upper and lower lash line
• Lilac over lid and navy worked into outer corners of the eye
• Navy over the lid and the lilac patted over the navy for a beautiful layered effect

Both these colours can be used alone over other matte shadows to add the shimmer and dimension. I attempted them wet but this did not make them more pliable. There was minimal fallout from the glitter, but this did not really bother me too much. The shadow has staying power and lasted most of the day, which is good as I have oily lids. This appeals to my girly and wicked side, just depending on your application. It is a versatile duo that has enough point of difference, that I would love it to be part of the permanent Nars duo selection.

As observed by other reviewers they impart a wet look effect. This is a new "formula" that I have not seen before. 

I have always received compliments when wearing this duo. I really think that if you can, get Marie-Galante fast, since it is limited.

What is your favourite product from the Nars Summer 2012 collection?

Makeup Remastered- reinvent yourself daily: My Favourite Lip treatments for kissable, soft lip...

Makeup Remastered- reinvent yourself daily: My Favourite Lip treatments for kissable, soft lip...: I really love a good lip treatment. I have tried quite a few over the years and have a some favourites in my arsenal to keep my lip supple ...

My Favourite Lip treatments for kissable, soft lips

I really love a good lip treatment. I have tried quite a few over the years and have a some favourites in my arsenal to keep my lip supple and feeling good.

Clarins Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm with essential Rose Wax

I have repurchased this countless times. It in my handbag all the time for quick on the go application.

It hydrates and really keeps my lips soft. It has many active ingredients like Shea butter and Ceramide 3.  Other ingredients which make up the Maxi lip complex helps boost collagen. It also doubles as a great natural gloss. It's lightweight and comfortable to wear,

Super By Nicholas Perricone Lush Lips

This delectable lip treat stays next to my bed. It has a light coconut scent which sends me into holiday mode. However, not only does this little jar of goodness smell so delicious it contains Coconut Oil Tocotrienols, which is a form of Vitamin E that drenches your lips in moisture. I would love this to come in a stick formula for all day use, as I'm not one to stick my fingers in the jar if I feel they are not 100% clean. The jar  lasts quite a long time as the formula is packed tight in the jar, but melts into the lips on application. This is one of my favourite Super By Dr Nicholas Perricone products. My lips definitely are LUSH after using this product.

Sugar Advanced Therapy by Fresh

This product is most like your traditional Lip Balm. This product is meant to help with wrinkles around the mouth area with the inclusion of Sea Fennel and Hyaluronic Filling Spheres to help add volume to the lips. Honestly I have not noticed this particular benefit. It is a good hydrating lip product. I do wish it felt a bit more pliable on the lips and only seems to melt onto the lips when the weather is hot.

Chantecaille Lip Potion

This lip treatment is by Chantecaille, a niche brand which I recently discovered and I am loving. They have innovative formula's using cutting edge technology. This lip treatment also has Vitamin E and Shea butter to nourish and hydrate. The product in the jar is softer that the Super Lush Lips, so it is easier to apply. The downside is that it gets used up much faster. It does work really well in keeping my lips chap-free and is a good overnight treatment. I wake up am my lips still feel soft.

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Skin Protectant

This is the work-horse of the group. The consistency is quite thick and sticky. I think it makes a great moisture barrier by virtue of this consistency. The scent reminds me of regular petroleum jelly - which I think could be approved upon. It also relies on the benefits of Vitamin E. Included as ingredients are Petrolatum and Salicylic Acid for mild exfoliation for kissable lips. This is the least "pretty" of the group, but does work as well if you can get past the thick formula and scent.

I have just ordered Sarah Happ Lip Slip and scrub and hopefully they will arrive soon. This brand had been hyped by many in the media. I really do hope it lives up to it. The packaging is so sweet and I am a sucker for little boxes with bows.

What lip treatment do you love? Any recommendations......

Makeup Remastered- reinvent yourself daily: Bobbi Brown Desert Twilight Collection- My Picks

Makeup Remastered- reinvent yourself daily: Bobbi Brown Desert Twilight Collection- My Picks: The Bobbi Brown Desert Collection was launched recently and was available at our local stores last week. For all Bobbi Brown fans it is ...

Bobbi Brown Desert Twilight Collection- My Picks

The Bobbi Brown Desert Collection was launched recently and was available at our local stores last week.

For all Bobbi Brown fans it is a great collection which is made up of the following
Desert Twilight Eye Palette - This palette offers a mix of matte, shimmer and sparkle. If you do not already own a few of her palettes this would be a must. I however, have enough other Bobbi Brown palette and shadows, that I feel there is too much duplication. The only standout colour is the Twilight metallic eyeshadow. Colour payoff on Bobbi Brown shadows are a bit subtle for me and have never been my go to choice. It is tho, a great travel option as it also has a liner colour and handy two-sided brush.
Bronzer/Blush duo - this duo is also great when travelling. The bronzer has a "lived-in "tan colour. The blush was a pretty peach/pink. I love Bobbi Brown blushers on the whole but I struggled to swatch the tester.
Long Wear Eyeliner Gel in Twilight Night Shimmer Ink - This was the first item in my shopping bag. Bobbi's gel liners wins awards for good reason. This a a beautiful aubergine with gold and purple reflects. This is nice as as a strong line or smudged out to see the shimmer. The gels are easy to work with and stay put.
Lip Gloss in 4 limited shades- The most unique shades were Desert Rose and Twilight (a sparkling champagne). The Desert Rose was my pick. It deepens the lip for that tawny look Bobbi was going for. It is described as a heather brown.
Long Wear Cream shadow in Blue Moon- Bobbi Brown's cream shadows are really good. This one is no different. I would have scooped it up, but for the fact that I did not want to duplicate other products that I have in my own collection. BB rarely does bright cream shadow, so this is a must, in my opinion. This is a blue that could accentuate tired looking eye so beware from that point of you.
Desert Twilight mini brush set- This is a well-edited brush set in a elegant case for travel. I would have considered it (I love BB brushes and have quite a few), but unfortunately our counter's did not receive it.
Nail polish in Twilight shimmer and Turquoise- I have not heard much buzz about BB nail polishes. These two are very pretty but not enough for a purchase.

Lip gloss in Desert Rose, Long wear gel in Twilight Night Shimmer Ink

Lip Gloss in Desert Rose inside

Lip gloss in Desert Rose in sunlight

This collection gives the idea of long summer days. The colours gives one a tawny, sexy look, as one would look, when the day is entering dusk and the shadows are long. I think there are a few great products that would suit most people which lines up with Bobbi's philosophy which embraces everyone.

Which are your top picks from Desert Twilight?

Nars Fall 2012 - Nars at his best

The Nars Fall (or as we like to call it here Autumn) collection is about to be launched on Narscosmetics.com on the 14th July and instores 1st August 2012. This is once again a beautiful yet surprising collection. Mr Nars has an eye for colour and always has new ways of mixing them. The trio High Society is a interesting mix of texture and shades which make's a warm transition into fall. The duo Vente Glace' adds the frosy feel with icy platinum and silver, which makes it a perfect compliment to the trio. What I really like about these colours is that that are so different from other Nars shades that I feel happy to purchase them, as they are all one-of-a-kind. The nail colour is aptly named Storm Bird, a deep sexy grey. The cheek colour Oulaw is a re-promote of a shade that everyone apparently loves. The lip colours are offered in a Velvet Gloss (More). a sheer lipstick (Autumn Leaves), a Larger than Life Gloss (Rouge Tribal) and a pure matte lipstick (Amsterdam)  which is the best matte lipstick I have found. The collection is rounded off with an icy accent Multiple (Undress Me). The different elements in this collection play off each other. The icy planes of the face are contrasted with jewel lips and strong eyes.

I definitely have my eye on the eye shadows, nail polish and perhaps the blush. This is a thoughtful, sophisticated, restrained yet bold collection which is does not dissapoint. With this collection about to arrive I am going to revisit Nars Summer 2012 before everyone forgets how beautiful it is. One lucky thing is that I'm about to go into to spring so my Marie-Galante and Ramatuelle will still be in heavy rotation.

Which Nars Fall items will be in your bag?

Makeup Remastered- reinvent yourself daily: Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in En Vogue - a sheer cora...

Makeup Remastered- reinvent yourself daily: Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in En Vogue - a sheer cora...: Chanel brought out two new Coco shines's for Summer 2012- En Vogue and Empreinte. Since coral was a huge trend I went for the colour En Vo...

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in En Vogue - a sheer coral delight

Chanel brought out two new Coco shines's for Summer 2012- En Vogue and Empreinte. Since coral was a huge trend I went for the colour En Vogue. What is really great about Chanel's take on the trend, is that it is a wearable coral that has a good colour payoff without it being a bright coral that most people would shy away from. The Coco shine formula is described as "hydrating sheer lipshine". This really does drench your lips in a soft "lipbalm-but-better" feel and a luscious glossy finish.

If you love to wear the colours of the seasons, but prefer a less bold lip, this product for you. This is also a great alternative to a gloss as it has the look of a gloss but the wear of a lipstick- no stickiness here.

L-R Mac Sheen Supreme in Blossom Culture, Chanel En Vogue, Bobbi Brown  Gloss in Citrus

As you can see on the lips the Coco shine gives of a lovely luminosity and is extremely hydrating. Since it is so sheer, it is not long lasting, but with such a comfortable feel I am only to happy to re-apply. This colour is great for summer and it would be great if this colour was made part of their permanent line-up.

I would love to know which are your favourite coral lip products?

Chanel Routes Des Indes De Chanel- Illuminating powder

The new limited edition Bombay Express De Chanel has just launched in our local stores. Of course, I rushed over to see this little nugget of a collection. A lipstick in a soft sheer nude (Empreinte), a soft gold nail polish (Diwali), a re-promote of Mirifique from the Illusion d 'Ombre range, a blush Brume d'Or Joues Contraste and the star of the collection, the gold illuminating powder Chanel Routes Des Indes De Chanel. I have to say a little sigh escaped me as I saw it for the first time. This is Chanel embossing at it's finest- this brocade pattern is almost to pretty to touch.

This powder is a beautiful true gold. Admittedly, there are large pieces of glitter which are only on the surface. Underneath is the finely-milled gold which buffs beautifully into the skin. I think warm-toned girls with love this product as it will accentuate the tone of their skin. It will look great as traditionally placed as a highlighter on the high points on the face (above cheekbones and brow bones). It can also be used over a bronzer over the whole cheek buffed in really well, and as a eyeshadow on it's own.

I would have to say that gold illuminators are not readily available, so this is quite nice to add to your collection. I'm not sure however if it is essential to your collection........
The Chanel Routes Des Indes De Chanel was the only product that called out to me. The other products in the collection were not as special or different from the usual Chanel line-up.

Which one of the products from the Bombay Express Collection do you just have to have?

diptyque Eau Duelle - Parisian chic at it's best

On my most recent trip to London I purchased the most beautiful fragrance from diptyque. After many stops to the diptyque concession in Selfridges I settled on Eau  Duelle (I  also have Philosykos that I ordered subsequently online- Yay me!). I tend to find most mainstream fragrances altogether to fussy and tend towards fragrance house like diptyque and Serge Lutens.

Firstly, I love this fragrance as every time I wear it it brings me back to my wonderful time in London with my daughter and mom. Secondly, Vanilla, which is the base for this fragrance is my favourite go to scent in many of my perfumes. This is definitely not the " in your face just baked vanilla goods" vanilla but more of a sexy, darker, more sophisticated version. This is described on the website as a spicy fragrance, both suitable for men and women, but I do prefer it as a more feminine scent. It is also described as a fragrance of contrast as it takes you on a journey between East and West. For me the vanilla and spicy notes pull you in and are never sharp but warm and sensuous. The other notes which are present are from cardamom, elemi resin, olibanum, bergmot, pink pepper, juniper, saffron, black tea, musk, ambergris and of course the lovely bourbon vanilla. While this is quite a "rich" fragrance , I think there is enough contrast and softeness to transition from winter to summer with ease. It wore a full 12 hrs with only subtle fading. Layered with Philosykos this is the perfect date night duo.
I would love to know your favourite diptyque fragrance and combinations?
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