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?

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 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!

Givenchy Acoustic Colors Collection Fall 2012

I did not realize that Givenchy was such a hard to find brand (as we get it where I live), though collections come in extremely limited quantities (something like 2 items of each product per concession). I see that Sephora carries it and still has their 2012 Fall collection in stock. I keep on overlooking my Givenchy quads, and I'm not sure why - they have a good colour selection with wonderful textures. The quad I bought was no exception - Le Prisme Yeus - Accoustic Quatour Colour and Shine for Metallic Eyes in Acoustic Harmony (80). This was apparently inspired by the connection between music, emotion, sound and colour. These colour seem a random collection but can be layered and played with to create counless look. They are high in shine and interspersed with divine chunky glitter that makes your eyes twinkle. Watch out for fallout - I did not mind as my makeup looked lived in. This is my eyes little black dress for a night on the town.  I hate to say it I did wear this in the day, but I guess it would not be appropriate for office use unless in the creative industry, What I love about this quad is that not only did it have sparkle but a big punch of well pigmented colour as well. This compact quad has hidden brushed that are below the quad - good for travel.

The next item I bought from the collection was the Rouge Interdit Shine Acoustic Wild Rose (29) lipstick. Swatched on the hand it comes on quite metallic, but on the lips it is sheer, softly metallic, my lips but better colour. It is described as a 'shimmering plum'. The bullet is firmer than most lipstick, but it is really comfortable to wear. It does have that classic (old- fashioned?) scent which I don't really care for, but it dissipates after a while. The lipstick being sheer does not have staying power.

Acoustic Wild Rose Lipstick

To really make this collection rock I had to get the lipgloss- Gelée D'Interdit Smoothing Gloss Balm Crystal Shine Acoustic Wild Rose (18). Non-sticky and moist is how I would describe it. Beautiful ruby  and pink micro-glitter supended in clear gloss, with no grittiness. This gloss has a cocktail of ingredients good for plumping, smoothing and hydrating. I can definitely vouch for its hydrating properties but have not used it long enough to ascertain if it has any smoothing effect. Plumping- not that I have seen. The scent is a lot stronger than the lipstick, so those scent adverse would have a hardtime with this, though it is really nice. I wear this over the Accoustic Wild Rose lipstick for added sparkle. With this in mind I think this would have made an awesome christmas collection - jewel tones and sparkle!

                                                                                                                                                          

Out of focus to show sparkle

L-R Lipstick, Gloss, Gloss over Lipstick

Please keep in mind these swatches are coming up muddy and are actually more rose in reality.

Overall, this is a well-edited concise collection. There were other item, but they were not as exciting as these- their was a colour changing clear gloss but sadly, we did not get it here. So if you can find these limited edition items - get them as they are unique!

Givenchy really offers such beautiful makeup, and I will definitely make a point of using them more often.

Which brands do you love but keep on forgetting to use?