December Empties

I am proud :), to present another empties post. Proud , yes, as I find it hard to finish product. I'm not sure if I am not putting enough on , as I am sure the SA says "should last you 3 months" - 10 months later I am still smothering myself.

Perricone MD Nutritive Cleanser - a gel cleanser that gives a gentle cleanse to my oily skin. It does not foam up, but gives a fresh, non-stripped feeling to my skin. I will repurchase.

Perricone MD Firming Facial Toner - a refreshing toner with Glycolic, that gives my skin a tight revitalised feeling. Keeps my pores clear and gently sloughs of dead skin. I will repurchase.

This Works Clean Skin 5 - in - 1 water - I use this primarily to clean off my eyes and give my face a quick once over before I cleanse. This is almost an exact dupe for Bioderma. It is effective on all my eye makeup ( I do not wear much waterproof products) and is extremely gentle on my sensitive eyes. Many eye makeup removers make my eyes weep. Biorderma is easier to get so I have not repurchased.

Natura Bisse Oxygen Mousse - I was disappointed with this cleanser. It comes out the dispenser in a glorious foam . That's where the magic ends. A foaming cleanser like this should make your skin feel fresh and clean. I felt I need to wash after I used this. it did not leave a residue, but did not feel it thorougly cleansed my skin.

Skinceuticals Phloretin CF - This anti- oxidant treatment is a must have for sunny climates. Its lightweight and absorbs well. I will repurchase

Perricone MD Acyl Glutathione - This serum/cream is to treat deep creases. My mom swears by it. I am using it as a preventative treatment and feel it is keeping creases at bay. I have repurchased in the past, but now have a bottle of their Acyl- Glutathione Deep Crease serum to replace it with.

Bobbi Brown Instant Long-wear Makeup Remover - a good makeup remover. I do feel my Bioderma which is more economical works better even for Bobbi Brown's Long-wear eyeliner gel. I would repurchase if (horror) Bioderma became available.

I think I have made some good headway in finishing some products. My next wish would to hit some Pan, to make me feel I am really working my products. Have you managed to use up any products - you can join me in a victory dance!

Holiday 2013 Roundup - Guerlain, Chanel and Shiseido

The end of year is rapidly approaching, with most holiday collections being released awhile back. Here is a roundup of the other Holiday items I purchased, while there is still a whiff of cinnamon and spice in the air . I have previously reviewed the gorgeous Shu Uemura holiday here and here. I have also featured the Three Holiday Winter Stardust Set here.

The SA's at the Chanel boutique went all out with their beautiful packaging. So elegant!

The Joues Contaste Powder blush for holiday 2013 is my first Chanel blush. Wow, what an introduction. It is a hybrid between a bronzer and rosy glow on my skin tone. It swatches with a sparkle, but this does not show on the the cheeks. My cheek bones are like KAPOW, once I apply this.

The now famous sponge like Illusion D' Ombre came in two shades of which I chose Fatal. This sultry berry shade really works for one of my favourite grunge lived in looks.

I missed out on last years Guerlain's Wulong spectacular, mainly as I did not want to part with the ridiculous amount they asked for it (blocked from my mind), but the Crazy Paris collection came with two pressed beauties. Above is Crazy Meteorites. A Radiance powder that is so silky smooth to the touch, applies sheer and leaves a veil of skin perfecting powder that blurs and enhances in all the right places.

This Crazy Terracotta compact was actually a second choice to the crazy meteorites. I am so glad I did not miss out. The same sublime texture as above. This 'healthy glow powder' really gives the cheeks a pretty flush.

Lastly, the Shiseido Eye Colour Bar - I nearly camped out for it, as only recently made it's appearance here. I am going to reserve judgment as I have had limited time to play with it. First impression: powder is silky in texture just like my Cle De Peau quads. The colour payoff on the few I have worn are more ethereal than saturated. Time will tell if I like this.

The look above shows the Chanel Illusion D' Ombre and Accent Joues Contraste Blush in action. A simple but effective look. 

Happy Holidays! I do have one or two posts planned before we go on our family holiday. If I do run out of time to finish, I apologise in advance, tis the Silly season as they say!

xxx MR

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G 'Fallen from the lipstick tree' in Penelope Pink

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G 'Fallen From The Lipstick Tree' was launched with her quintessential line. I love her whole rock chick vibe - so I was keen to get a real nude lipstick which is missing from my own collection. She has 2 nude lipsticks - Nude Kate and Penelope Pink. I went with the safer Penelope Pink, as I thought Nude Kate might give me dead lips.

Housed in a pretty rose gold case, in keeping with the Filmstar Bronze and Glow palette, which has an art deco feel. The formula is very nice. I have to say that this is a very comfortable formula, yet there is nothing that makes it stand out from other high-end brands. Tom Ford, Burberry and Armani make more creamier and more hydrating formula's. Suqqu wins hands down - yet no suitable nude like this one in their colour range. I cannot say that this shade is totally unique, but I can say it is a nude without draining the colour from my face. One might be able to match Penelope Pink with one of the new nudes from the Armani CC lipsticks. I love to wear this colour paired with any of my Charlotte Tilbury Luxury palettes. It works well with a smokey eye, colourful eye and a simple feline flick. I would actually love to try Nude Kate and really push the rock chick look!

In a nutshell - I love the nude shade. I like the formula. I think the colour range is genius and in keeping with the idea of achieving a particular look from the Glamour Muse to the Sophisticate. Have you tried the lipstick from Charlotte Tilbury collection and what are your thoughts?

MR xx

Three Winter Stardust Holiday Set 2013

My First Three products and second Holiday set for 2013. I have just swatched them for you before fully evaluating them. Enjoy!

Winter Love Duo .06

Child of Moon 09, The Prettiest Star 10

Sunlight

Indoor with Flash

The bag is really nice . It has space for makeup brushes on one side and a space for shadows and pencils on the other. The duo case is rather small and slim so should fit in perfectly (mmmm seem to like that word of late!) The duo is in a matte casing that is smaller than most I have come across. also seems to be fingerprint resistant, If that is a problem for you. The two shades are perfect for winter - a
muted lavender with soft silver shot through it (subtle) in a satin formula and a berry satin shade that turns more brown in brighter lighting. A soft dark blue shimmer, almost undetectable, runs through it. So much so the camera just does not want to pick it up. I am excited to see how this works on the eye!
The two pencils are soft to apply but not too 'mushy'. A pink-taupe shade and a gold with micro shimmer in same colours. I have been wanting these pencils for ages. Will try tomorrow for sure!

So, some more Japanese makeup love. What has been your favourite holiday sets for 2013, that you have just had to have? I would love to hear your comments. xx MR

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow to face sculpt & highlight

Charlotte Tilbury launched a face sculpting duo with her new line. Housed in a glistening, bronzed, lightweight compact that is really beautiful. I like the fact that it is made from a light material as it make it better for me for travel. Some might see it as a negative and perceive it as cheap. But this well crafted art deco duo is chic and "posh".

Both powders are finely milled and go on smooth. They blend well and I have had no patchiness.
The sculpt powder will probably suit most people as a bronzer than as a sculpting powder as this leans more warm and has only a hint of a cooler shadow shade. It can however be built up, so those paler girls with a deft hand could gently apply as the sculpt shade in the hollows below the cheeks. I am light to medium and have used both below my cheek bones and on the cheek. Both ways add depth and my cheeks have added dimension.So it is definitely more than just a bronzer.

The highlight shade is a soft champagne, with no frostiness, which some illuminators can have. It is so nice on the bone just above the cheek, brow bone and on the centre on the nose and cupids bow. It really does  create a gentle 'lit from within" look.  This should really suit most skin tones.

L-R Sculpt, Highlight

Soft sculpted cheeks

Charlotte states "You can slim, sculpt, enhance & illuminate -
It's an illusion I use all the time for my clients" I have enjoyed my Filmstar Bronze and Glow palette. It is a perfect way to mimic razor sharp cheekbones and feel like a suparstar!

Shu Uemura x Takashi Marakami 6 princess holiday 2013 : Heart-Full pink parallel palette

Today I am thrilled to show you the other Shu Uemura Holiday 2013 palette. While the black parallel palette (reviewed here) will dazzle you with striking, sparkly colours, this pink inspired palette may look bland in comparison. I cannot tell you how much it has wowed me. It has the same sweet graphic on the front face of this lightweight case, by japanese artist Takahsi Marakami, but with a pink princess and anime.

Palette colours:
Top L- R

• White with yellow hue - pearlescent finish
• Soft yellow - pearlescent finish
• Medium Brown with golden hue - soft metallic finish

Middle L-R

• Baby pink - pearlescent finish
• Cool bubblegum pink - satin finish
• Rose toned copper - Soft metallic texture

Bottom L-R

• Flame toned copper - soft metallic finish
• Bright pink cheek colour - almost matte

All shades are buttery and blend like a dream. The three small pans (like the other Shu Palette), are even more dense and beautiful. These two copper shades are so unusual (Shu Uemura does these colours well) and will look good on all eye colours. The two light pastel colours have no frostiness to them. The cheek colour while bright, is slightly harder in texture to make it easier to apply and build up the pink to your desired depth. I have also mixed and matched with the black parallel palette- the combinations are endless. This is by no means all 'sugar and spice', but has interesting contrast and wearable shades all housed in one handy palette.

Shu Uemura Sweet Reds collection : Spiky Rose, Mon Shu Red Pure and Baby Flame

Shu Uemura has released some of my favourite collections of late. The Sweet Reds came out before the holiday collection. Initially I thought (in embarrassed error) a collection of 6 red lipsticks - snoozefest!. I quickly take back that most stupid thought (bubble be gone) and am now firmly on the Sweet Reds wagon. I 'limited' myself to a pick of three. Beware these are limited, but were still very available last week. They were paired with a neutral palette but my focus was on these luscious reds.

The formula of all three, are in the supreme shine product range. These lipsticks are described as a ' breakthrough dewy shine' with 'vibrant, pure colour '. All three shades produce a jelly like cover that gives a shot of colour while still remaining translucent. The effect is a moist juicy lip. My lips feel soft and hydrated. A soft stain of colour remains after the lipstick has worn of so no harsh lines are left. With most sheer lipsticks with hydrating texture wear time is limited, but with the residual stain effect, I am quite satisfied.

Spikey Rose, Mon Shu Red, Baby Flame

 I think I managed to choose a good trio of reds from the cool blue-red Spiky Rose, the more classic Mon Shu Red and the coral-toned Baby Flame.  Spiky Rose is a sheer cream texture. Mon Shu has a soft shimmer, while Baby Flame has a matching sparkle that dazzles on the lips. My natural rose lip colour does peek through, but these lipsticks while considered 'sheer', have good colour pay-off.

Spikey Rose, Mon Shu Red, Baby Flame

All these reds have a different look. If I had to choose only one it would have to be Spiky Rose. It just makes everything look chic. But if I could add one more to my collection it would have to be Dolly Red. I used the expression recently and find it apt with this blog entry today "the same but different!"
Note to Shu Uemura: make these sweet, sweet reds permanent!


So from a slow, hesitant start my Shu Uemura love affair is no longer a secret but an all out lovefest!

Shu Uemura x Takashi Murakami 6 Princess Holiday 2013 collection - featuring Enchanted Black Parallel palette

The Shu Uemura  Enchanted black parallel palette is by far the most enticing holiday palette for 2013, a close second being the slightly more 'shy' Heart- full pink parallel palette from the same collection.
Something has to be said for the utterly beautiful textures of these japanese eyeshadows and one cheek colour (funnily enough it states 'made in Korea' on the back). The next feature of this palette is the simple genius mix of colours. I can be a goth, punk, on trend, elfish, pretty or dark princess with just a few choice swipes from this colour spectrum. What a joy!

The palette itself is slim and light. The  cutest 'manga' characters adorn the front of the case by artist Takashi Murakami - who has been dubbed as the "Japanese Andy Warhol" by many, but is his work is firmly steeped in Japanese culture and is famous in his own right.

Shade descriptions :
Top L - R
Metallic True Gold with subtle gold sparkle
Metallic True Silver subtle silver sparkle
Satin dense black with multi colour sparkle
Middle L-R
Soft tulle pink with subtle tulle pink sparkle
Satin lilac
Pearlescent Grape with subtle grape sparkle
Bottom L- R
Blackened green in a soft metallic finish with subtle green sparkle
Cheek colour - Rose pink with a soft pearlescent finish to add a lustre to skin

Indoor with Flash

Natural Lighting Outdoors

Natural Lighting Outdoors

All swatches were with one swipe of the finger. I now know what the true meaning of buttery is. My fingers in the pans are meet with such a soft touch. All shades in this palette are of the most exceptional quality. The smaller three shadows seems to be that fraction more dense and even more silky. Pigmentation, blendability, wear time are all there. All my boxes have been ticked. The enclosed double ended sponge applicators are good in a fix. The double ended brushes (hair unknown) are flexible and soft. I am quite happy with the exclusion of a lip shade, as I find these messy and "how do I touch up after the initial application?". Holiday palettes should have that dash of sparkle- this palette is perfect!


What has been your favourite Holiday collection released so far?

Charlotte Tilbury The Glamour Muse Luxury Palette

Today I am showing you my third Charlotte Tilbury luxury palette in The Glamour Muse. This was my first pick, when I initially saw all the palettes, as I loved the POP shade. This palette has two 'frostier' shades, one more satin and than a metallic glitter shade, so a fairly good mix of texture.

•  The Prime shade is a pale pink with a pearlescent texture
•  The Enhance shade is a rose toned taupe with a pearlescent texture
•  The Smoke shade is a satin warm grey with a hint of purple
•  The POP shade has a red purple metallic base with matching glitter

Prime, Enhance, Smoke, POP

All shades are beautiful in colour. They apply smoothly and blend well on the most part . The POP shade is slightly different from the Charlotte Tilbury glitter shades that I have. This purple swatches an amazing shade, but for some reason it makes my lids look a bit crepey- mmmmm, pity. I am trying my hardest to get this to work, but it applies patchy, but I will keep at it!

What I do love about this palette, is that when using the first three colours an elegant and office appropriate look can be achieved. When the purple is added into the mix, it changes completely in it an on trend colour look. The POP shade is a 'fly in the ointment', but I have been more than happy with my other palettes.  I have The Rock Chick on my radar!

UPDATE: I have been trying to get the best out of the POP colour. I have used it on over a primer, and a light sweep of MAC Pure White Paintstick. I have captured it it in the picture below. A lovely hue of purple has been achieved, with the glitter barely visible. I have worked the enhance colour into the crease for extra dimension and loads of mascara. The colour does show up quite well, with the shade needing to be built up with finger patting and layering a few times. It does still accentuate any lines on the lids but does look very pretty. You decide.

Jo Loves......A shot of Thai Lime over Mango and Pink Vetiver

Jo Malone has just opened her new fragrance boutique in London. I purchased my two Jo Loves fragrances online. The service was impeccable from advise to shipping. I have always loved Jo Malone's distinct fragrances that are unique and refined.

My two fragrances came packaged in these beautiful, plush boxes, with Jo Loves branded ribbons. With this gorgeous packaging I just knew that this was a special product . Fragrance is very subjective, but lovers of Jo Malone clean yet subtly complex scents will not be disappointed.

• A shot of Thai Lime over Mango - this cheeky little name is just as tart and flirty as the scent it is named after. This fruity scent has a masculine quality as the Thai lime, Mango, Black pepper, Freesia, Mint Leaves and vetiver and White Thyme Absolute all mix to gives it a fun twist. Every time I smell it I get the sensation you get when you suck on a lime itself. A strong summer fragrance that can take you into fall. This forms part of her Mango collection of 3 fragrances.
• Pink Vetiver - this is quite a masculine scent and categorised as Woody/Spicy, but is dripping in sexy. I can smell a lot of pink peppercorns which gives it that very come hither scent. Definitely woody.

Both fragrances have a 'light hand' - both last softly on my skin, but I am not one for strong scents that cling. I prefer a lingering quality to my fragrances so these suit me well. I can imagine how delightful it must be to pop into the Jo Loves store and smell all her wonderful creations. A few more fragrances have been added to her range that sound full of whimsy like :-  A shot full of Fresh sweet peas and No 42 A Flower Shop  (Her new shop is on the same site as the flower shop she worked in as a teenager - how poetic).

Classic bottles with classics in the making!

Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette in The Sophisticate

The Sophisticate is my second palette I am showing you from my little Tilbury collection. I had always wanted Tom Ford's Cocoa Mirage, so I chose this quad of four similar complimentary neutral matte shades. These run cooler than the TF quad. These matte shades need only one swipe for full intense colour. These are the antithesis of chalky 'blah' mattes than many other brands just cannot master.

The Prime shade (This is Tilbury talk for all over base shade), is a cool smooth cream which evens out my lids. I am feeling more sophisticated already. The Enhance shade is a soft camel colour, which should be nestled in the outer corner to lay down the colour then swept across the crease. This will add definition to that area. The Smoke shade is a deep warm grey donkey colour, that is good to thicken the lash area, with a wash of this shade or worked into the outer V and along the lower lash line for a more dramatic effect. The POP shade in this palette has no glitter, but is a warm brown with a slight red undertone. All shades are beautiful.

Prime, Enhance, POP, Smoke

Silky matte

Sometimes a polished look is quite nice even for my sometimes outlandish makeup tastes (Glitter Freak). This is lovely with a bright pout and a simple contoured cheek. I am thrilled with my purchase and if you are looking for a neutral palette that is versatile from a light fresh look to a Penelope Cruz deep sexy eye (yes and sophisticated) this is it.

Team Tilbury all the way!

Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette in The Dolce Vita -

I am excited to be sharing with you the first of my four Charlotte Tilbury eye palettes-The Dolce Vita.

I was a bit worried as a few if the initial reviews were ambivalent or negative. I had already ordered mine so I waited eagerly for them to arrive in order to judge for myself if these were going to be as dreamy and amazing as I had hoped them to be. I should not have even doubted them, as my previous Charlotte  Tilbury purchases were excellent and on par if not better than other luxury brands (I have previously reviewed here eyeliners here and The Retoucher concealer here).
The ripping of my Selfridges yellow spotted tissue paper was audible as I just wanted to dip my fingers into these unmarked buttery pans. Eureka!! -I had hit gold. My fingers were immediately stained with smooth, creamy pigments - I breathed a sigh of relief !-Yes they were everything I had hoped for!

Prime, Enhance, Smoke and POP

The packages, yes, is similar in colour and look of Tom Ford. It does not have the heft of a Tom Ford eye quad- but in my mind this makes them more portable. Each pan is smaller than a Tom Ford one. The back of the packaging has Charlotte's diagram of how to use the palette, which works well with her Youtube videos on the corresponding looks. So if you are a beginner in makeup application, or willing to learn more from Charlotte herself, pop over to her tutorials. I just love her nonchalant manner and cool Brit chic.

This is a warm palette! Similar to Tom Ford Cognac Sable, one of my all-time favourites. You could choose between the two, but they are as they say 'The same but different."

• The Prime shade - A brightening satin champagne
• The Enhance shade - Red Brown clay satin
• The POP shade - Warm copper base with matching glitter
• The Smoke shade -  Dark brown matte/satin hybrid ??

All shades are highly pigmented, creamy (yes I said creamy again) and smooth to apply. The glitter shades is best patted on to minimise fallout and to get maximum impact. This palette  a day to night to perfection.

On my first day of wearing two compliments only goes to show how nice this palette is.

Charlotte, you are winning such a place in my heart!

Charlotte Tilbury liners 3 ways : The Feline Flick, Rock 'n Kohl and The Classic eye pencil

Charlotte Tilbury's new collection I think quite cleverly incorporates 3 types of eye liners, which works well with her ethos of recreating different looks for all your alter - ego's - as her main page on her website asks "Who will you be." Since I like to morph my looks from day to day I had to indulge in all 3 varieties. 

• Feline Flick - This comes in one shade Panther, a matte warm black. Just enough flexability in the nib, the liner is aptly name as it give the most beautiful feline flick. "Quick fine line shodo pen" is how it is described and  this is perfect. Shodo is the art of calligraphy originating in china then migrating to Japan. These delicate and bold 'illustrations' are know for their nuances and beauty. So this 'shodo' eyeliner is used to create a precise feline flick. Ultra thin lines can be created for the inner corner of the eye to extend the look of the feline eye. The pressure you apply and the angle you hold the liner will change the thickness of the line you create. It has a grip, just like a calligraphy type pen. The matte black shade is good for both day and night as it is intense, but not harsh. I get full colour with one stroke of the pen. It lasts all day, yet comes of easily with my Bioderma eye makeup remover. I have managed to master a pretty good feline flick, and if you have ever attempted these they are not easy.
• The Classic eye powder pencil. This pencil come in two shades - Audrey and Sophia. I bought the darker brown shade in Audrey. With the trend on long wearing liners, this type of eye pencil has been discontinued by many big brands. Such a pity, as a soft effect is achieved with this pencil. Once layered over my shadow and worked into the eyelash line, this pencil lasts most of the day. It adds definition to the upper lash line and gives my lashes a denser appearance. This can be thickened up for day to night transition. It does loose it's colour a few hours in when I use it on my lower lash line and waterline, but that's pretty normal on my oily skin. I suggest a dusting of setting powder just below to avoid such migration. This is a close sister of Tom Ford's Espresso liner.
• Rock 'n Kohl is what I think of, when I think of Charlotte Tilbury. This long-wear, dense, waxy liner comes in two shades. Barbarella Brown and Bedroom Black. I bought the brown shade as I already have the Giorgio Armani and Urban Decay equivalents. I will probably also get the Bedroom Black in time as the other two make my eyes itch when I put them in my waterline. The brown is a dark warm black brown that reads almost black. This liner can be used as a sharp line or smudged to within an inch of itself to created a gorgeous smokiness. As near to prefect as these types of liners go.

T-B The Classic Eye powder pencil, The Feline Flick, Rock'n Kohl

L-R Feline Flick, Rock 'n Kohl, The Classic

Here they are after intense rubbing

I hope this review has been helpful to anyone considering the Charlotte Tilbury eye liners.

What are you go to liners?