Tuesday 30 September 2014
Soft & Gentle Orange Blossom & Grapefruit Deodorant
I haven't used a spray deodorant in years thinking that the roll on/stick type deodorant are less irritating to the skin but I have been proved wrong in this thought having used Soft & Gentle's newest product - Orange Blossom & Grapefruit Anti-Perspirant Deodorant.
Soft & Gentle say
Everyone wants to feel fresh and comfortable all day. That's why we've created our 48hr body responsive anti-perspirant deodorant with skin-kind soybean. We also know how important it is to smell great - so all our nature inspired fragrances are composed of quality ingredients to give you that little bit extra.
All our Soft & Gentle products are anti-white marks to protect your clothing too.
My thoughts
Orange Blossom & Grapefruit is a wonderful scent, light and fresh. The spray is even and continuous and true to its word, no unsightly white marks are left on clotinh. I was sceptical of this spray being enough for my needs but it performed well and kept me feeling fresh and dry all day, every day when used.
And as its name implies, it is soft and gentle and doesn't irritate my skin at all.
Happy days...
Soft & Gentle Orange Blossom & Grapefruit Deodorant 150ml £1.89
*PR Sample
Labels:
deodorant,
Skincare,
Soft & Gentle
Monday 29 September 2014
NIVEA Daily Essentials Refreshing Cleansing Mousse Review
A few months ago I was unexpectedly away from home with no toiletries and so made a mad late night dash to a Supermarket to pick up some beauty essentials. Not cleansing is simply not an option for me so this was top of my list and the aisle I spent the longest in!
I was tempted to pick up another bottle of a cleansing oil that I love and know works, but as I still had some left at home I wanted to try something new...
Nivea Daily Essentials Refreshing Cleansing Mousse for Normal & Combination Skin caught my eye with its liquid to mousse formula.
Nivea say
Cleanses deeply & moisturises
Sensational cleansing experience leaving the skin feeling soft and refreshed
With Vitamin E & Hydra IQ
My thoughts
Two pumps provides a rich and creamy cleansing foam that feels so lovely and soft on the skin and actually it is a really effective makeup remover too! It has the wonderful NIVEA scent that I just adore (it always reminds me of holidays) and leaves skin feeling soft, clean and fresh and unusually for a foam wash does not leave skin feeling tight after.
I give this cleanser 9/10 as I wouldn't recommend using it on eyes and instead recommend using a separate eye makeup remover.
Nivea Daily Essentials Refreshing Cleansing Mousse £4.99
Impulse Rock & Love Body Spray
Think classic Rock Chick and it conjures up images of smoky eyes, a rich black eyeliner, false look lashes and red lips. If I were creating this look I would use the products above, all guaranteed with serious staying power!
However, there is one addition that I would make and that would be by adding the new Rock & Love Body Spray from Impulse. The sweet floral scent is utterly delightful but not as heavy as Vanilla Kisses and yet it really lasts. No hot and sweaty moments with this Amber & Orange Blossom body fragrance.
Rock Chick = Rock Chic.
Gorgeous!
Impulse Rock & Love Body Spray costs £1.99
*PR Sample
Labels:
Body Spray,
Impulse
Friday 26 September 2014
Vichy Idealia Life Serum Review
As part of my current skincare routine I have been using Vichy Idealia Life Serum twice daily. I think the pump action bottle has a very appealable design and I love the shimmery pink. Great shelf appeal.
Vichy say
Even and illuminated complexion
Refined looking pores
Rested facial features
Transforming skin quality of skin affected by the following:
Stress/fatigue
Overexposure to sun
Pollution/smoke
Unbalanced diet
My thoughts
Idealia Life Serum smells so good! It has a lovely fresh scent that is so pleasurable to apply and a nice light creamy consistency with a slight shimmer. It absorbs well and leaves skin feeling soft. I have been applying it for about three weeks now and my skin feels beautifully soft and quite glowy. I have noticed that the general condition of my skin does look much approved and I have to apply less foundation as time has gone on...
I like using this serum as a step in my skincare routine and will continue using it, it promises tightening of pores and refined skin, but so far so good.
Vichy Life Serum 30ml £29.50
*PR Sample
Labels:
paraben free,
Serum,
Skincare,
Vichy
Vichy Idealia Eyes Contour Cream Review
As part of my current skincare routine I have included two items from the Vuchy IDEALIA range - the first product is the newest in the collection - Vichy Idealia Eyes
Vichy say
The 1st Vichy eye contour idealizer care with DRM-Bright complex + caffeine + vitamin B3 + instant illuminators to fight all enemies of your ideal eye contour.
Transforms skin quality and colour around the eye contour:
Reduces the look of dark circles
Illuminates shadows
Smoothes the look of fine lines and skin texture
My thoughts
From reading the product description this is exactly the kind of product that my eyes needed so I was really looking forward to using this product. It doesn't disappoint.
Idealia Eyes is a light cream that you apply with the super soft and bendy applicator (just squeeze desired amount out) and tap on to work in. The cream has a slight shimmer to it which means that you get an instant illuminated effect but with continued use, dark circles are less obvious and the whole area looks brighter and smoother with fine lines fading too.
Great stuff.
Vichy Idealia Eyes 15ml £23
*PR Sample
Labels:
Eye Cream,
paraben free,
Skincare,
Vichy
Trilogy Balancing Face Lotion Review
I have been using this gorgeous moisturiser for the past few weeks and my skin likes it a lot.
Trilogy say
Certified natural day/night lotion
Refreshing hydration and rebalancing action
Provides the perfect base for make-up
Replenish both water and oil requirements to leave skin feeling healthy, balanced and settled. This energising lotion is ideal for oily/combination skin types or those looking for a lighter moisturiser.
Our unique ingredient Rosapene combines nourishing rosehip oil with super antioxidants to help protect against the visible signs of ageing. Avocado, evening primrose and calendula oils hydrate while antioxidants vitamin E and green tea help fight free radical damage. Gingko extract inviforates and energises, helping skin renewal.
My thoughts
Trilogy Balancing Face Lotion comes in a pump dispensing bottle. It looks almost medicinal in appearance and has a slightly herbal scent which I wasn't entirely sure of at first but now I quite like it.
Consistency wise the lotion is light and pleasant to apply, instantly absorbing into the skin. I find it to be really gentle on my skin, not at all aggravating and it has appeared to calm down my rosacea.
All in all, my skin looks and feels soft, hydrated and healthy. I use it twice a day and cannot fault it at all.
Trilogy Balancing Face Lotion 100ml £ 26.50
*PR Sample
Labels:
moisturiser,
paraben free,
Skincare,
Trilogy
Thursday 25 September 2014
Elemis Frangipani Monoi Body Cream & Body Oil
The Elemis Frangipani Monoi skincare range is one of the nicest smelling ranges I have ever had the pleasure to use. The body scrub is simply sublime and to add to the often feted body oil in the collection comes the newest product in the range - Frangipani Body Cream. Exotic, sensual and super moisturising and hydrating, the frangipani flower scent lingers long after application.
For silky smooth, exquisitely scented skin I cannot think of anything better.
Luxury spa at home has never been so pleasurable or beautiful.
Elemis Frangipani Monoi Body Cream 200ml £24
*PR Samples
Labels:
body moisturiser,
Body Oil,
Elemis,
Skincare
Wednesday 24 September 2014
Brunch At One Aldwych Hotel
I love Afternoon Tea and I love eating out but I was looking to do something a little different for our Wedding Anniversary.. During my research I came across the three course Brunch at One Aldwych Hotel (held in the Axis Restaurant), thought it a fabulous menu and promptly booked it for a Saturday. I was looking forward to it for two whole weeks!
Well what can I say, I honestly cannot think of a nicer way to enjoy a weekend. We arrived at 12pm and it was a little quiet in the dining room, although my eyes instantly were drawn to the dessert buffet, more about that later.
The room was cool and stylish with mirrors, white walls and huge floral displays. The setting and vibe was relaxed and there were all ages groups all enjoying the Brunch.
Although you can choose the unlimited Prosecco option we opted for just the Brunch, neither of us are huge drinkers and later we were going to have cocktails in The Lobby Bar! We ordered coffee to start - a Latte and an Americano and tap water was poured into our glasses and periodically topped up throughout the meal. Had I not been going for cocktails after I would have also ordered an Espresso Martini.
Whilst we were choosing what to eat bread and butter was brought to our table - delicious, light and airy Rosemary and salt bread..just to whet our appetite...
First course
I chose blueberry pancake with maple syrup and creme fraiche - the pancake was thick and fluffy with gooey blueberry inside, I was given a tiny pot of maple syrup to pour and a pot of blueberry compote. Delicious.
My husband opted for a dairy free Eggs Benedict
Hollandaise sauce was replaced with mayonnaise and the usual bread was substituted with the Rosemary bread that we had with butter to start.
For our mains we chose the following
Beer Battered Fish & Thrice Baked Chips - This came with mushy peas, the batter was light and crispy, the chips, my husband declared, the best he had ever tasted.
Pork Belly, Spinach and Chantenay Carrots - Melt in the mouth pork belly, perfectly cooked spinach and sweet carrots. The sauce was absolutely delicious. My only little quibble was that the carrots could have been warmer.
The portions are quite deceptive as by now we were pretty full. However, where I was sat I had the best view of the Dessert Buffet and I was itching to go up there and try some of the tempting puds.
My husband opted for a plate full of fresh fruit (good man!) I on the other hand was only too happy to satisfy my sweet craving!
Bread & Butter Pudding, A Strawberry Mousse concoction and my top pick a delectable Pistachio Creme Brulee that was quite simply to die for!
However, I only scratched the surface of the offerings, there was chocolate cake, huge chocolate cookies, Toffee Popcorn, a fruit cake, jellies and much more.
And to top it all off the fabulous staff brought out Turkish Delight and Marshmallows for our Anniversary!
Such a lovely gesture.
We had a fabulous time, enjoyed amazing food and the staff were attentive and exceptional.
Brunch at One Aldwych is highly recommended!
One Aldwych Hotel 3 Course Brunch costs £30 per person
Labels:
Brunch,
food,
One Aldwych
Tuesday 23 September 2014
What To Wear To Brunch - Outfit Of The Day
Here is the outfit that I wore to Brunch at One Aldwych Hotel, it was just perfect for the occasion and even saw me through afternoon cocktails in The Lobby Bar.
I opted for black skinny jeans turned up so they were cropped to the ankle. A simple black t-shirt, a red cropped cardigan for a splash of colour and a statement necklace. I wore black patent ballet pumps with bow detail as I was spending the whole day out and heels would not have been comfortable.
Simple, smart & stylish.
Labels:
fashion,
food,
One Aldwych
Monday 22 September 2014
Tanqueray Brings Cocktail Couture At One Aldwych
Until October 2nd, Tanqueray Gin and The Lobby Bar at One Aldwych have partnered to create four bespoke fashion designer cocktails. The tempting Cocktail Couture menu features cocktails inspired by fashion icons showing at each of the fashion weeks.
Calvin Klein - New York, New York
Tanqueray No. 10, rhubarb liqueur, Martini Bianco, fresh pomegranate seeds and lemon bitters. Served in a chilled coupette glass.
Alice Temperley - English Rose
Tanqueray London Dry, rose liqueur, homemade jasmine syrup and lemon juice. Topped with bergamot foam. Served in a chilled Martini glass.
Moschino - La Dolce Vita
Tanqueray London Dry, Martini Rosato, homemade wild berry syrup and cranberry juice. Topped with Champagne. Served in a cat glass with Sauvignon Blanc and mango mousse.
Chanel - Blanc et Noir
Tanqueray London Dry, lemon juice, Chartreuse, elderflower cordial and citrus bitters. Topped with lemongrass foam. Served in a black glass over ice.
We tried the New York, New York and La Dolce Vita cocktails in the stylish setting of The Lobby Bar.
New York, New York (chosen by my husband) was an ultra refreshing citrus drink, it smelt so good the scent floated towards us as it was brought to our table. Sleek, sophisticated and impressive.
La Dolce Vita (my choice) was predictably a glamorously, sweet alcoholic affair that lived up to my expectations. Served in an unusual cat glass this was ostentation at its finest.
Priced at £13 each, the limited edition cocktail menu will be available for the duration of the fashion month, from the start of New York Fashion Week on 4th September until the end of Paris Fashion Week on 2nd October.
Labels:
Cocktails,
london,
One Aldwych
Make Green Eyes Stand Out with Brown Eyeliner
An eyeliner that I have been reaching for so often lately is the Bourjois Metallise metallic eyeliner in Brun Alliage. Brun Alliage is a deep, dark brown with a very soft metallic aspect to it that reflects in light. The shimmer is barely noticeable but has a wonderful way of reflecting in my pupils and just makes my eyes sparkle with life and enhances the greenness. Take a look at the photo above to see what I mean.
I notice that when I wear this eyeliner that I get loads of compliments on my eye colour and my eyes so it is 100% worth buying..although I think it is not made anymore :( It is such a pity as this is a fabulous product, waterproof, soft to apply and rich in colour.
Ah well, I will be looking for a dupe soon!
Max Factor Gel Shine Lacquer Vivid Vermillion - Nails Of The Day
Who says Summer is over?
I am making the most of the September sunshine with this gorgeous coral red, new Gel Shine Lacquer nail polish from Max Factor. Vivid Vermillion is bright, fun and glossy.
I only needed to apply one coat for opacity.
Love it.
Max Factor Gel Shine Lacquers costs £7.99
*PR Sample
Labels:
Max Factor,
nail lacquer,
nail polish,
NOTD
Thursday 18 September 2014
My Top Five Foundations
Listed below in no particular order are my current top five favourite foundations -
YSL Le Teint Touche Éclat Foundation £30.50
Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Perfectly Nude Makeup £28
A light to medium coverage foundation that is so light in texture that it melts into the skin leaving a natural and radiant finish that makes my skin look so good.
Read the full review here - http://www.beautyswot.com/2014/04/elizabeth-arden-flawless-finish.html
bareMinerals BARESKIN Pure Brightening Serum Foundation £26
bareMinerals first ever liquid foundation blew me away with its results. Flawless perfection, a bright and natural finish with buildable coverage.
Read the full review here - http://www.beautyswot.com/2014/08/bareminerals-bareskin-pure-brightening.html
Over two years down the line this foundation still impresses me with its ability to transform my skin, illuminating and enhancing in a great gel like formula.
Read the full review here - http://www.beautyswot.com/2012/08/ysl-le-teint-touche-eclat-foundation.html
Boots No7 Stay Perfect Liquid Foundation £14
This foundation provides almost full coverage and has excellent staying power, I would use this on a daily basis as a good alternative to Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation.
Read the full review here - http://www.beautyswot.com/2013/10/no7-stay-perfect-liquid-foundation.html
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup £29.50
A best seller and it is easy to see why. A perennial favourite of mine, this foundation provides full coverage and all day staying power. It is heavier than other foundations but it really does cover everything and is ideal for the winter months.
Read the full review here - http://www.beautyswot.com/2011/01/estee-lauder-double-wear-foundation.html
Labels:
Bare Minerals,
Elizabeth Arden,
Estee Lauder,
foundation,
No7,
YSL
Tuesday 16 September 2014
Nails Inc Colville Mews - Nails Of The Day
Today's Nails of The Day comes courtesy of one of my favourite nail polish brands. Nails Inc Colville Mews is a smart milky beige shade. It took 2 coats to achieve this opaque and glossy finish.
Nails Inc Colville Mews costs £12
Labels:
nail polish,
Nails Inc,
NOTD
Pinks Boutique Try Me Set Rose Body
I do love a sample sized product and this little Try Me Set from luxury organic skincare brand Pinks Boutique is up there with the best of them and is quite simply an ideal way for trying before buying. There are seven sets to choose from, being the Rose fiend that I am I had to try the Rose Body version.
The set contains the following items which I found to be suitable for one use.
Rose Crystal Bath Soak - My favourite from within this little box of goodies. I popped the crystals into my bath and soon the bathroom smelt incredible and inviting. A lovely way to relax and kick off the pampering.
Contains Himalayan mineral crystal, Epsom salts and is infused with an organic blend of rose essential oils.
Rose Crystal Bath Soak 500g costs £39
Rosehip Face and Body Scrub - A gorgeous smelling, smooth and gentle yet effective scrub, I used it on my body for super soft skin.
Rose & Geranium Body Wash - This body wash comes out as a gel, is delicately scented and is gentle on the skin and soothing.
Rose & Geranium Body Wash 250ml £23
Rose Face & Body Balm - The balm is almost solid in form but warmed up in your hands turns into a delightful oil that would be so good as a massage oil, as it was I had to massage into my own skin and it was just beautiful. Smelt wonderful and left skin feeling super soft for hours. I used it on my body as part of my pampering experience.
Rose Face & Body Balm 50g £30
Final thoughts - I loved this little set and it provided a fantastic introduction to the Pinks Boutique products. I absolutely loved the Face & Body Balm and Bath Soak.
Pinks Boutique Try Met Set - Rose Body costs £20
*PR Sample
Labels:
bath soak,
body moisturiser,
Body scrub,
body wash,
paraben free,
Rose,
Skincare
Friday 12 September 2014
Tanya Burr Penguin Chic Nail Polish - Nails Of The Day
I love this shade from the Tanya Burr Collection - Penguin Chic is a gorgeous dark greige autumnal nail polish. The formula is lovely to apply, smooth and even, it took 2 coats to achieve this rich and glossy finish.
*PR Sample
Labels:
nail polish,
NOTD,
Tanya Burr
Thursday 11 September 2014
Max Factor Skin Luminizer Foundation Review
The secret to healthy-looking, flawless skin, this foundation contains light-reflecting particles that create a gorgeous, healthy glow.
- Subtle skin luminizers are specially designed to reflect ‘warm’ light tones.
- Also contains a hydrator that helps improve skin’s condition to create a healthy glow from within.
- Medium coverage with a dewy finish.
- Handy pump dispenser
My thoughts
I was sent the shade Warm Almond to try out. It isn't a perfect match but it is very close. I have to add a bit of bronzer to my neck to get the two to match but this is no biggie. One of my bugbears is the limiting shades to choose from - the actual foundation is really good!.
First of all the bottle is see through, always a bonus for me. It has a shiny gold top and bottom and the product is an attractive swirl. The pump dispenser is very handy although one pump dispenses a little too much product for my needs, so being less heavy handed helps to dispense the right amount.
The actual foundation is creamy and a joy to apply, smooth and silky it feels very moisturizing on the skin and literally just melts into the skin. My skin is pretty good right now with no real blemishes and this evens out skintone and tones down the red perfectly.
Skin is radiant but not oily looking and it lasts the working day.
Overall a really nice day to day foundation.
Max Factor Luminizer Foundation £11.99
*PR Sample
Labels:
foundation,
Max Factor
No7 Extreme Length Mascara Review
No7 say
With No7 Extreme Length Mascara you can open your eyes to incredibly intense, fluttering lashes. Its smooth formula is perfect for building up your lashes without any clumps.
The exclusive, uniquely shaped flexible brush grips and extends each lash for maximum length and eye-opening definition. It is easy to build intensity by adding the mascara to individual lashes, even those in the corners of your eyes.
My thoughts
I was given this mascara as part of the #MyNo7Feeling challenge and liked it so much that I have found myself reaching for it more often than not.
The brush/wand is rubber based and the bristles are short. I find that that particular wand suits my lashes. It lengthens and defines my lashes beautifully in two coats. There is no clumping, no flaking and no smudging all day.
Impressive. The perfect day mascara.
And finally, the obligatory before and after pics!
Before
After
No7 Extreme Length Mascara costs £12.50
*PR Sample
Wednesday 10 September 2014
Scholl Velvet Smooth Pedi Express Review
Just as you thought it was time to put away your sandals and break out the Winter boots, September has brought the warm weather back once again. It appears that it has taken people by surprise that they have to wear their sandals and so I have noticed some feet that look like they need some TLC, really today with the tools out there within easy reach, there really is no excuse! No need to say I don't have time for a pedi as nowadays you can do it yourself in the comfort of your own home...
Scholl Velvet Smooth Pedi Express got my feet Summer Ready in just a few minutes and throughout the Summer I have continued with this fast and easy footcare regime, ensuring my feet always look fabulous and feel super soft.
Scholl say
The Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi is an electric foot file for the professional removal of hard skin skin at home. Its roller surface furnished with microgranulates removes excess hard skin in no time and almost magically softens the soles of your feet starting with the first use. Easier than ever before!
The Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi functions without any sharp blades and is furnished with a safety stop that stops the device as soon as too much pressure is applied to the skin.
My thoughts
Chunkier and wider than the original Scholl Pedi, this demolishes hard skin in seconds, followed by a routine of the Scholl Velvet Smooth Intense Serum and daily application of the Scholl Velvet Smooth Essential Moisture Cream, gorgeous feet can be yours.
The Serum and Foot Cream have a fresh, pleasant scent and the cream is non greasy and absorbs in seconds. Simple, effective and affordable home treatment.
Can you afford not to have fabulous feet?
*PR Samples
Chunkier and wider than the original Scholl Pedi, this demolishes hard skin in seconds, followed by a routine of the Scholl Velvet Smooth Intense Serum and daily application of the Scholl Velvet Smooth Essential Moisture Cream, gorgeous feet can be yours.
The Serum and Foot Cream have a fresh, pleasant scent and the cream is non greasy and absorbs in seconds. Simple, effective and affordable home treatment.
Can you afford not to have fabulous feet?
*PR Samples
Labels:
exfoliator,
Foot Cream,
Scholl,
Serum,
Skincare
Tuesday 9 September 2014
Contour - How To Create Killer Cheekbones
I don't have stand out cheekbones but with a bit of makeup magic and clever contouring I can create and fake those to die for cheekbones that I so desire.
How to create and cheat your way to Killer Cheekbones in 3 easy steps -
Contour
Blush
Highlight
Step 1 - Use a matte contour blush in a shade one or two darker than your natural colour - Suck in your cheeks and follow the hollow under the bone to apply the blush - I love Smashbox Blush Silhouette in Rush.
Step 2 - Apply your blusher as normal, I take mine up to the hairline - One of my all time faves is NewCID Cosmetics i-glow in Coral Crush.
Step 3 - Apply a highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones for added definition and contrast - I absolutely love the Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc that comes with 4 highlighting shades.
The picture above is quite dramatic but you can still recreate killer cheekbones in a more subtle way - as seen in this picture where I am wearing a red lipstick
The blusher I used for this look was a matte neutral which is the the perfect shade for wearing with red lipstick but also works equally with a barely there nude/warm beauty look.
Cargo Blusher in shade Tonga
Labels:
beauty,
Blusher,
Cargo Cosmetics,
highlighter,
Laura Mercier,
New CID,
Smashbox,
Tip
Monday 8 September 2014
Leighton Denny Light & Dark Eau De Parfum
Leighton Denny, well renowned for his beautiful range of polishes has recently launched his first ever fragrance - Light & Dark, the initials of which also match his name.
Leighton Denny says
Light & Dark is designed for women looking for something out of the ordinary.For those who want to seduce, this is the perfect weapon. It is wild, mysterious and intoxicating - a scent that women love to wear and that men adore on them
A special blend of absolute oils including a fruity mixture of pepper, myrrh and incense, offers a warm welcoming unique fragrance, which can be worn day or night. With its heart of gardenia, jasmine, lily and rose, LIGHT & DARK triggers instincts of allure, attraction and desire, which is merged with top notes of mandarin, grapefruit, peach and white pepper to stimulate confidence and distinctiveness.
Top notes - Mandarin, Grapefruit, Peach & White Pepper
Heart notes - Gardenia, Jasmine, Lily & Rose
Base notes - Pepper, Myrrh & Incense
My thoughts
Described as a floriental this perfume is absolutely delicious. The mix is delicately sweet from the fruity top notes that also provide a bright aspect to it. The floral heart notes are light but the blend of flower selected is just perfect and the base notes add the warmth. The result is feminine, seductive and really rather special.
A great new scent for Autumn.
Leighton Denny Light & Dark EDP 70ml costs £43.50
*PR Sample
Labels:
Leighton Denny,
perfume
Tanya Burr Nail Polish - Little Duck - Nails Of The Day
Today's Nails Of The Day come courtesy of Tanya Burr Nail Polishes - an exclusive collection by Eye Candy. This beautiful shade is called Little Duck and is the most wonderful mint colour. I love it and it is perfect for my skintone.
I have one major beef with the bottles, I couldn't open them! I tried and tried, hurt my hands in the process and had to resort to asking my husband for help (even he found them difficult, but obviously I had loosened them as he did manage to finally get them open). The square lid comes off to reveal a more user friendly shape. The texture on this particular shade is quite thick and gloopy, one coat is streaky, two is perfect. The finish is a bit lumpy but not bad to look at. Also this shade has great staying power - I applied this on Friday and it is still going strong today and looks as good as day 1.
I have a few more shades from the collection to try out and will let you know how I get on with them.
Tanya Burr Nail Polishes cost £5.99 for a 12ml bottle but are currently on offer at Superdrug for £3.99
*PR Sample
Labels:
nail polish,
NOTD,
Tanya Burr
Tuesday 2 September 2014
Kiko Cosmetics Daring Game Collection - A/W 2014
One of the most exciting makeup collections of the year was delivered a few weeks ago. Now I have spoken many times about how great Kiko Milano Cosmetics are for price and quality and this launch is no exception.
The Limited Edition Daring Game Collection has been brought out for this Autumn/Winter and what a treat it is. The card style outer packaging is so smart and alluring, I would be instantly attracted to it if I saw it in the shops. However the products inside do not disappoint either.
Kiko say -
Daring Game is here, the new limited edition collection from KIKO MILANO.
The exciting game of seduction begins. Luxurious and sophisticated atmospheres reflect the style of those who have the courage to gamble on their own beauty: an elegant queen of hearts who is sure of herself. The colours are vivid and full-bodied, the trump card for bold make-up.
Light and shadow alternate to enhance the features, correct shapes and give maximum emphasis to femininity and character. The facial skin has a base perfecter with moisturizing properties that makes it smooth and radiant. Bronzer and highlighter create a sculpted effect that accentuates strengths and hides flaws. The eye make-up frames the look of pure colour, making it penetrating and sensual. The lips are full and defined. The nails are embellished by the glossy reflections of the polish.
The shades and design of the packaging interpret the Daring Game mood, expressing beauty with an unmistakable style.
Swatches
From top to bottom -
Ace of Diamond Lip Pencil - Piquant Fire Red £5.90
Ace of Diamond Demi-Mat Lipstick - Piquant Fire Red £7.90
Color-Up Long Lasting Eye Shadow - Charming Champagne £7.90
Mystery Smoky Eye Pencil - Heady Rock Brown £6.90
All In Marker and Kajal £9.90
My thoughts
Inside there are some exquisite pieces, I love how rich the red lipstick looks in its gold mirrored casing, with the words ACE OF DIAMOND and it is a stroke of genius whoever designed the POKER nail lacquers with the numbered dice lids. Fun and yet so classy and this is what sets Kiko apart from others.
There are some real gems in this collection.
First up are the POKER nail lacquers - rich in pigmentation and incredibly glossy.
POKER Nail Lacquers £6.90 each - Shown here are Suggestive Red & Exclusive Blue
I also adore the chunky gold crayon eye shadow stick - it is a beautiful gold and only needs one application to achieve a solid base, once set it does not budge, brilliant for a night out and party season. If you only pick up one item I would suggest it be this. My top pick.
Color-Up Long Lasting Eye Shadow £7.90 - Colour Shown Charming Champagne (available in 10 shades)
I love the Mystery Smoky Eye Pencil it has tiny sparkly flecks that lifts it from being just another eye liner - It is also buttery soft to apply so there is no drag but stays in place with a precise or smoky line if you wish. I wore it with the champagne eye shadow and red lipstick and it looked great. I have worn both since many times.
Mystery Smoky Eye Pencil comes in 6 colours.
Also in the collection is a double ended black eyeliner - the pen side is a true black and it is really easy to line the eyes with precision with the pen style, the kajal is great for the inner eye.
Completing the look are the red liner and lipstick which make a bold statement - watch this space for a red lips of the day post :)
A very, very nice collection and every single item reviewed here is under £10.
Also in the Daring Game collection are a beautiful bronzer/highlighter duo, blusher duos and eye shadow quads.
*PR Samples
Labels:
Eye Liner,
Eye shadow,
Kiko,
Lip Liner,
Lipstick,
nail lacquer,
nail polish
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)