Shu Uemura Umask palette in Pink - Review and swatches

Shu Uemura has so many hero products. I love their cleansing oil, eyelash curlers and wonderful lashes! For Spring 2013 they launches their Blossom Dream collection which included 3 eyeshadow palettes and if I am not mistaken all are matte palettes. Trying to be practical I went for the most neutral and chose Unmask palette in pink. This was my first venture in 'Shu' shadows as I only previously owned G White Gold. Sadly, this palette has left me wanting and I'm not sure I will purchase Shu Uemura shadows again. I had swatched their Karl Largerfeld collaborative palettes and the shadow seemed really exceptional. I also felt their single shadows and I have a list of single shadows that I really want  wanted!

Firstly let me start by what I did love about this palette. The packaging is sleek, reusable (as the permanent shadows and cheek refills can slot in) and so cute. The colour combination of this palette really is appealing. It is a palette of matte shades which is unique and hard to find. I thought this might stop me buying the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette as the two light shades looked like dupes. NO!

From Left to Right:- Soft warm pink, Bright coral pink, warm coppery brown, Dark flat chocolate, warm cream to round it off.

When I swatched the colours I inadvertently put a damp finger on one of the pans. This created a hard no-go zone that I had to scratch off before I could get to usable shadow. Matte's are notorious for being powdery and hard to blend. I managed to pat and build up the shades but these shadows are chalky and virtually unblendable. I was so upset as I though I would love this palette. It is quite an expensive palette at $65,  I expected the quality to match.

I do not like to write negative reviews. I am hoping some of my readers have creative tips for me how to get the best out of this palette. For now I'm going to stick to my Smokey layers lashes and hope that Shu Uemura improves on their poor performing shadow formula.


What has your experience been with Shu Uemura eye shadows?

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 Siren Red Collection Part 2 - Gold Pearl Sheer Eyeshadow and PINK Sweet Pea Lip Glow

Onto part 2 of this excellent spring 2013 Collection.
The makeup adorning the models faces are mirroring the beautiful high voltage bags (see here) and capes on the Runway. Pink Sweet Pea Lip Glow (and the 3 other new Lip Glow shades) are bright and look like a vinyl overlay when applied on your lips. I chose Sweet Pea as it was limited. It is a electric pink with a cobalt blue shimmer running through it. The packaging is of course is luxurious. A beautiful Burberry lid tops off this unusual square lipgloss.

The Lip glow is full of ceramides to help plump (not sure) the lips and oils to nourish. This has got to be one of my favourite lip gloss formula's. It has a classic lipstick scent. I do prefer a vanilla scent, but it is not off putting. The gloss has minimal stickiness and my lips feel hydrated while wearing the gloss as well as after it has worn off. Once the gloss wears off, a pink stain is left behind. While highly pigmented the colour is transparent with a subtle shine, so my lips are bright, but still wearable for everyday. I have previously reviewed a similar colour from Becca (here). The Burberry shade is more transparent, less shiny and more for daily use.

You can see the blue shimmer in the sunlight

A gorgeous pigmented sheer pink

Sheer Eyeshadow in Gold Pearl is a light sheer wash of colour with ever so slight matching micro shimmer. If you are light- med in complexion this would run a bit lighter than your skintone, which brightens your eye area, when applied as an all over wash. Many have complained that it is too sheer, but it compliments the punch colours of the light glow cheek colours in Hydrangea Pink (reviewed here) and Coral Pink and the bold lip glows in this collection. the contrast works well together and was planned to perfection.TIP: A great new way of using the fresh glow Burberry primer is to mix it with a darker nude Burberry eyeshadow like Pale Barley and work into the crease area over your freshly applied Gold Pearl to create a bit of depth to the eye area. Gold Pearl swatches chalky, but on the eye is soft and glittery (don't run away, it's a luminous sheer effect).

Just does not capture the iridescence!

Comparison Burberry Porcelain, Burberry Gold Pearl

Gold Pearl as a all over wash

This rounds up my picks for Burberry spring 2013.
I would love to know if you picked up any of the Burberry Collection.

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 Siren Red collection for Spring/Summer 2013 - Part 1: Light Glow in Hydrangea Pink

I really relished the thought of all the new Spring 2013 collection hitting the stores. On the whole I was pretty underwhelmed, except for few stand out collections. One of my favourites is the Burberry Spring/Summer 2013 campaign. The image below is from the glossy brochure I received with my purchase from Harvey Nichols. Who thought spring could exude such a moody, simple sophistication.
The photographer should be applauded for such a sensual image. The shadows speak volumes.

My picks for the collection were:

• Hydrangea Pink Light glow for cheeks - a vibrant pink 
• Single eyeshadow in Gold Pearl - sheer cream base with fine sparkle
• Lip Glow in Sweet Pea - bright pink with blue shimmer - Limited

First off I would like to review Hydrangea Pink Light glow. Burberry blushes are amazing. This one is no exception. Expect a highly pigmented formula that buffs easily. This has been compared to Tom Ford limited Narcissus from their winter collection. Tom Ford is definitely cooler, showing up more blue. Hydrangea Pink is so pigmented and you can easily turn into a hot mess. But, since it is so finely milled you can buff away the excess. An extremely gentle hand is required for a softer effect. This pink is bright in the pan, but actually gives a healthy flush to my cheeks. This shade is pretty much matte. I found the best placement when playing around, was high on the cheek, then blended downward for a diffused effect. This mimics a sexy blushing effect on my light/med complexion. Burberry has stepped out of it's comfort zone with these brighter, more vivid shades.

Lightly scented Burberry checks'

This shade I think is unique enough to warrant a purchase. This light glow blush does not accentuate my pores and glides on smooth. It also has the usual benefits of Wild Rose (hydrating) and is ever so lightly scented. Silicones gives this blush its silky application (so beware those silicone adverse). The colour lasted the entire day, with no patchiness.The other shade in the collection Coral Pink looks pretty too, but I wanted a shade sans any coral leanings.

I could not be more pleased with my purchase. This blush will see much love in the coming months.

Part 2 is coming soon with reviews of Lip Glow in Sweet Pea and Gold Pearl Eyeshadow.

Which Spring 2013 collection caught your attention?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which brands do you love for their sheer lipsticks?

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

Hot Red Valentine Lips - My top 5 Red lipsticks

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

Burberry, Dior, Nars, Mac, Tom Ford

Tom Ford in Narcotic Rouge - red with pink tone

Mac in Ruby Woo - red with orange tone

Nars in Red Lizard - red with bue- more creamy

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

Dior Addict in New Look # 745 red orange iridescence

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

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

By Kilian - Love ..... Don't be shy

By Kilian definitely forms part of the upper echelon of world fragrances. His collection of fragrances are all distinct from one another and are classed as either feminine, masculine and unisex, but these rules are often broken. From citrusy to heavy spice, there is something for everyone. I could not resist buying his indulgently feminine fragrance : Love.... don't be shy. His inspiration for Love was the marshmallow! I sent my mother on a quest to procure this exotic treasure for me. At the time, I did not realise that it came housed in the most beautiful box, exquisitely crafted to cradle your precious elixir (as this perfume is an investment). A tasseled key keeps it safe.

The bottle is heavy glass with intricate scrolling down the sides. A silver plaque discreetly displays the perfumes name. What I love is that this bottle is refillable at a more reasonable price ( and therefore kinder to the environment.)

The notes found in this perfume are (this is a list of most of them- seems to be a few that are not listed):

• Top Note - Neroli, Bergamot
• Middle Notes - Honeysuckle. Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Sambac Jasmine Iris, Black Pepper
• Base Notes -  Caramelized Sugar, Vanilla and Musk

"The devouring passion of an orange blossom
powdered by glazed sugar" - Kilian

This fragrance is sweet and warm. It shows restraint, by never becoming cloying. The name is therefore very apt as the scent is almost innocent but the caramel and vanilla that form part of the base notes make this perfume more rich and layered. I am absolutely loving this perfume. It wears long and only a light spray is needed. I never like to be doused in my fragrance- I only want hints of it, like a soft mist, that u catch on a breeze.

So if you are looking to spoil someone special this Valentines day or just yourself, By Kilian is the perfect  indulgence.

Which gourmand fragrances do you love?

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!

Sunday Riley Good Genes - " I got it from my momma"

I am not one to chop and change when it comes to my core skincare. I have been using Dr Perricone Advanced Face Firming Activator for many years now, But the last few months I have been discovering new Brands that I have found hold true to their promises and results are real.
Towards the end of last year I started reading about Sunday Riley, described as 'modern skincare' on the box. After many rave reviews and press I knew I had to try it. I ordered two products directly from Sunday Riley website. The customers service was good and emails answered when trying to make my choice of products. It's always good to go with a brands 'hero' products. So, I chose Good Genes Treatment, a corrective serum and Juno Transformative Lipid Oil (to be reviewed soon) as they both slotted into my skincare regime at the time.

Good Genes is an all in one night time treatment which target many factors that makes us look older. I used this when my pigmentation was at it's worst and I definitely saw a difference in the darkness of my pigmentation within 2 weeks.( If your pigmentation is very deep I would recommend seeing your dermatologist as some skincare just does not penetrate  and work deep enough as Dr's wonder cream's) They do recommend using their Stimulent III for stubborn pigmentation. But, if your pigmentation is fairly new and close to the surface Good Genes should help. Initially I found my skin to be slightly dehydrated in the first few days, then my skin really took on a new clarity and youthful look. They suggest using this for a quick 5 days to revive dull skin or daily for skin that has been damaged by too much sun, scars, pollution, stress and other aging factors. I used it for about a month and loved it. The product is a liquid that has a pleasant herbal scent. It goes on my skin first, then my moisturizer then Juno Oil.

Good Genes has married the founder's Native American medicinal heritage with today's science to create a careful blend of ingredients:

• Licorice - target pigmentation, brightens and is anti - inflammatory
• Squalene - Repairs your skin barrier
• Yeast Extract - for a healthy skin
• Lemongrass - antioxidant and optimal circulation
• Arnica - inflammation fighter with soothes
• Uneutralised Lactic Acid - line plumper that aid skin renewal while firming the epidermis
• NV-5 - this is Sunday Riley secret ageless complex which is a mix of Native American Botanicals

When I came home from our summer holidays recently I used Good Genes for about 3 weeks to revitalise my skin after the heat and sun had sapped my skin. I do feel that it re-energised my skin. I have put it away again for when my skin is feeling it needs a boost.

Sunday Riley - "A perfect union of Botanicals and Biotechnology"

Do you believe in the power of Serums?

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

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

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

Shade and Illuminate in Intensity One

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

Step 1 : Apply contour shade in arc

Step 2: Pull brush along arc to blend cream

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

Finish - subtle contouring achieved

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

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

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