November Glossybox - What's Inside Mine - Lips & Lashes Edition

November's edition of Glossybox has the theme of Lipsticks to Lashes so as you would expect it contains items for both purposes...

What's inside ?

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick £7.99 

This month there is a full size lipstick from Revlon promising one of their best selling shades - As I already have the very popular red 'Fire & Ice' I was hoping for another shade to try, however I was sent the red. It is a gorgeous and full impact shade and I have worn it for Christmas Day in previous years as it is such a lovely festive red.

MUA Eyeshadow Palette £4 

This cute palette from MUA is called 'Undressed' and features 12 wearable shades of nudes and metallics. Perfect to adorn your eyes.

Eylure Natural Lashes £5 

These lashes do look luscious, voluminous and flutterworthy but personally I don't wear lashes so I shall be gifting these to my lucky sister.

Emite Diamond Heart Primer full size £25.90

I have got the 15ml travel size version of the primer. I love trying new primers so will be trying this shortly. It smells nice, has a peachy tone to it which promises to boost radiance and create a smooth finish. It also has a cream rather than silicone texture.

Royal Apothetic Body Lotion full size £14.50 

Once again this is a travel size version but it is a rather generous tube. I absolutely love the scent of this - Venetian Grove. Lactic acid will gently smooth skin and milk proteins will hydrate the skin. I am looking forward to applying this to my skin after bathing this winter... Gorgeous and light!

Final thoughts 

Although there are a couple of  items I won't be using, I think this month's box is really quite good. Makeup lovers will adore it and those who like to focus on skincare will appreciate it. I personally enjoy discovering new brands so this box gets a thumbs up from me.

What did you think?

Urban Decay Naked Palette - The Ultimate Eyeshadow Palette?

I do find it hard to muster too much interest in large eyeshadow palettes as there always seems to be a random horrid blue or some other garish colour (s) that I just wouldn't wear. I tend to buy singles of shades that I really want... But, you would have had to have had your head in the sand not to have noticed the hype over the Urban Decay Naked Palette and rumour has it that it is a Kate Middleton fave. Could I be converted? Is this the ultimate eyeshadow palette?

On first glance the shades are completely up my street, gorgeous, gorgeous bronze hued shades and a fabulous mix of matte, shimmer, satin and sparkle formulas.

I fell in love with the colours but was curious to see how they performed. Well all I can say was I was blown away... the shades glide on like silk across the skin, they look so wonderfully smooth, blend like a dream and most importantly last without fall out or creasing.

Every shade is complementary to the others, choosing shades to work together with is effortless. I love the range of shades going from light to dark as it is incredibly easy to create a day look and a smokey evening look in just a few steps.

My stand out shades are - Virgin (a brilliant base shade that evens and brightens the eye area)
Sin (a gorgeous  light champagne shimmery shade) and the deeper Sidecar and the golden hue of Half Baked and the medium bronze hue of Smog. However, quite honestly the colours are immensely flattering even down to the smudgy shades. I like them all and will  definitely be getting a huge amount of use of this palette as already it is my go to palette.

This is without a doubt 'if you only buy one palette' buy this palette type of product!

Swatches of the Urban Decay Naked Palette 

Urban Decay Naked Palette costs £38 

(and worth every penny)

*PR Sample

Kiko Spring Collection - Generation Next - Review

I have said before that Kiko is one of my favourite makeup brands and their new wearable Spring Collection - Generation Next is no exception.

The stunning geometric packaging is  inspired by the famous Italian Murano glassware and channels the theme of  the future with its shiny and colourful range.

I was sent a few items to try out.

Masterpiece Bronzer in 01 Forward Sienna £14.90

Gorgeous and sturdy packing house this three shade bronzer - either use the shades separately to sculpt the face or swirl together for an allover glow. This is the perfect matte bronzer shade for warmth and the lighter shades brighten. Texture wise this powder is buttery soft and blends beautifully.

Cool Touch Eyeshadow in 01 Original Cream £8.90

The eyeshadows are described as intense and giving a long lasting, metallic and glossy finish. I was sent Original Cream to review and it is a wonderfully rich golden shade that will really brighten the eye area this Spring/Summer. I think it imparts a slight wet look which I love and application is smooth and even. Available in 8 shades, this eyeshadow is housed in a flip top pot.

Crystal Eyeliner £6.90 

I love these eyeliners, they have already found their way into my everyday makeup bag. I was sent two shades - 03 a metallic brown and 06 metallic grey which are both really complimentary to my green eyes. They are super soft to apply just gliding over the eyelid but imparting a strong colour. Once set these do not budge, at all. Love, love, love. Available in 6 shades.

Frosted Look Lipstick £7.50 

Although these are described as giving a frosted look to lips ,the shade I have - 02 - which is a nude pinky shade is surprisingly matte in swatches and on my lips. This was the most disappointing product in terms of its description. That said I have been wearing this as it is a nice nude shade. This is a soft and creamy chubby pencil style product but the nib is like a lipstick which is a little different from the usual crayon lipsticks. Available in 6 shades.

Glassy Lipgloss £7.90

For the lips this is far more exciting! I really like the mirror packaging with a huge window so you can see the colour of the shade inside. The doe foot applicator is excellent too. The bright coral shade is the perfect Spring/Summer shade and one that really lifts my complexion and brightens my face and eyes. Ultra glossy, wet look finish this is a lipstick/lipgloss hybrid with vivid colour the water based formula coats lips whilst moisturising. This gives a beautiful colour but is not at all heavy on the lips. Another winner for me. Available in 6 shades.

Kiko Milano Next Generation Spring Collection is available now from Kiko stores and online at its website. 

*PR Samples

Collection Cosmetics Field Day Range For Spring 2015

I love Collection Cosmetics for its affordable yet brilliant and on trend makeup. I have found quite a few gems in their range and so was excited to see what they had in store for Spring 2015. I have already shared one of the nail polishes from the range - Peach Blossom earlier today and so I have the rest of the Field Day range to show you.

The Field Day range inspired by florals evokes gentle Summer days, think lazy days of afternoon tea and picnics...

Swatches of the Field Day Collection 

There are three lipsticks in the collection £2.99 each

Fuschia (gloss)
Pink Rose - (matte) a pale pink
Tulip - (matte) my fave!

Tip - If you are using the matte shades ensure lips are suitably smooth and exfoliated before application.

I adore the Eyeshadow Pencils £3.19 each - 

These shimmery shadows can be used all over the lid or as a highlighter on the brow bone or in the corners of the eye. Coming in two shades - Summer Meadow (a gorgeous pale green) or Golden Sun (a wonderful pure gold shade) They are waterproof  and super long lasting, they just do not budge. However, they are gorgeously soft to apply!

And finally to complete the range are three shades of nail polish £1.99 each - Peach Blossom, Peony (pink) and Heather which I will be sharing with you very soon.

*PR Samples

British Beauty Blogger Eye & Blush Palette & Eye Pencil Kit

British Beauty Blogger AKA Jane Cunningham was one of the very first bloggers that I followed and I still read her site today and so I was delighted to find out that she had created a small range of makeup products with high street giant Marks and Spencer. In their own right they have really upped the ante with their beauty department - bringing in quality niche brands and revamping their own ranges.. I guess it was only natural for them to look at what was going to be the next big thing. In my mind it is bloggers collaborating with brands and they couldn't have had a better fit with Jane and her delightful little collection. Featuring eyeshadows, eye liners, nail polish, bronzer and lip products.

The packaging for the limited edition capsule collection features illustrated designs from fashion and beauty illustrator Nuno Da Costa. Clean white packaging with striking black and white drawings that have a flash of colour, this is so Jane and the price point incredibly affordable.

I was sent the eye products to review and I just couldn't wait to have a little play!

Eye & Blush Palette £14

There is a lovely mix of shades in this palette, all you need from neutrals for day and smokey shades for night, the pigment is excellent, the quality brilliant and the shadow has good staying power. The inclusion of the blush is a fab idea as then you can leave out taking a separate blusher if you are away for the weekend/holidays.

Eye Pencil Kit £15

Jane has chosen the pencil shades well, I would wear and use every single one of these colours. There is a brown, grey, black and glittery black (ideal for party season), navy and wonderful pops of colour in the green, turquoise and purple. Whilst I wouldn't wear the lighter colours as I would the darks I would (and already have) used them to line and brighten the eye area. Texture wise they are soft to apply with no drag but hard enough for precision...

With eight pencils in this kit makes it outstanding value.

With this little collection.. the eyes have it!

British Beauty Blogger MakeUp Collection is available from Marks & Spencer now

*PR Samples

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

#MyNo7Feeling Look 7 - Seven Days Of Makeup

Today is the final day of the Boots No7 #MyNo7Feeling makeup challenge and I must admit I am a little sad. It was great fun trying out all the looks and yes at times I was pushed out of my comfort zone and none more so than today. I call this the Monday Blues as the trio of items are all Blue.

Having green eyes I am not altogether convinced that blue is really a shade for me and I have to confess to having a real aversion to Teal that started 7 years ago when I was pregnant with my son, just the thought of the shade made me feel nauseous and that feeling hasn't really left!

Makeup For Look 7 

The trio is made up of the following

Boots No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour in Cruising £6
Boots No7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow in Turquoise £7
Boots No Stay Precise Liquid Eye Liner in Sky High £7.50

Cruising is a Teal shade of nail polish which I know is hugely popular but just not for me, however it is highly pigmented so you could get away with a single application if time is short.
I didn't apply the eye shadow to the whole eye lid as I felt it would be too much for my small eyes, so it sat just above the lash line where I had applied the liquid liner and in the inner corners as a brightener.
The liquid liner was my favourite product in this trio, the applicator brush was sturdy yet soft for precision application. It was so easy to get a neat line, I was very impressed. The colour was an electric blue which provided a cute flash of colour and its vibrancy lasted all day. I would definitely take a look at other shades in this range.

For the blush I used the Cool Pink that featured in one of my previous looks and a nude lipstick.

Look 7 

The Nail Polish 

So there it is, the final look. I hope you have enjoyed this series of posts.

*PR Samples

#MyNo7Feeling Look 6 - Seven days Of Makeup

Today Hurricane Bertha was due to hit the UK in some shape or form. Torrential rain and high winds were predicted and so it only seemed right to choose the following trio for Look 6.

Makeup For Look 6

Boots No7 Extreme Length Mascara in Black 
Boots No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour in Blackcurrant 
Boots No7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow Quad in Purple Haze

Ooh these purples shades are really quite juicy, the blackcurrant nail polish is wonderfully dark and rich and only required 2 coats for full opacity. Purple Haze eyeshadow quad has 3 purple shades as well as a gorgeous grey and the mascara lengthens and separates, no smudging or flaking.

Purples and greys also really make my green eyes stand out so I know I will be getting a lot of use of this quad. Very pretty and the nail polish will take me right into Autumn and Winter. Love, love, love the Look 6 collection.

To complete the look I used the Spice blusher from earlier this week to bring warmth to my cheeks and paired it with a peachy nude on my lips.

Look 6 

Face

Blackcurrant Nails

*PR Samples

#MyNo7Feeling Look 3 - Seven Days Of Makeup

Day 3 of the Boots No7 #MyNo7Feeling challenge. I am getting used to the idea that my make up is set out for me! Although the products have been grouped, it has been left to me to decide which group to use on which day.

Look 3

So we have the following three items

No7 High Shine Lip Crayon in Statement £9

No7 Stay Perfect Shade And Define in Glistening Ray £8

No7 Lash Impact Mascara in Black £13.50

As soon as I saw the shade of the lip crayon I knew I was going to love this look. I have the High Shine Lip Crayon in Daydreamer which I adore. These are a great dupe for the Clinique Chubby Sticks and much cheaper!

I applied Glistening Ray which is a creamy shimmery shade on the whole of my eyelid and on my bottom lash line (not on the waterline) this brightened up the eye area. For definition I applied a little black eyeliner for definition and completed the look with the Lash Impact Mascara which gives volumous lashes. 

I always maintain that the right lipstick for you is one that makes your eyes stand out which Statement really does. 

Take a look at the finished look 

*PR Samples

Anna Sui Lip & Eye Colour Palettes Reviewed

I was so excited to review these absolutely gorgeous ANNA SUI Eye & Lip Colour Palettes. The Baroque packaging design is stunning, you could easily leave these out on the dressing table as they are so pretty and have that all important shelf appeal.

However, inside the contents are just as pretty and certainly do not disappoint.. I don't often scream in excitement but I can tell you in this case I was very nearly tempted!!

Take a look at these

Anna Sui Eye Colour Palette 

Inside are 10 wearable eye shadow shades from light to dark and a foam applicator and brush. Personally I would ditch the applicator and use your own brushes, ones inside eye palettes are rarely good.

The pale shades are great for every day and the darker shadows are perfect for evening and moving into Autumn (it pays to be prepared ;-))

Swatches 

The white is a brilliant white shimmery highlighting shade, you also get a nude (in my case it matches my skin-tone completely so you can just about see it) for a base shade, a pink, a taupe, 3 various shades of browns (one a brown/gold one shimmer, one satin, a pretty purple, a muddy green and finally a black with chunky glitter.

Day to Evening in one easy palette!

Anna Sui Lip Colour Palette 

Now this palette delighted me the most, I was expecting light glosses/tints and certainly not a palette of rich and creamy textured highly pigmented lipsticks. I made the mistake of putting the brush into the white pearlescent one and the brush disappeared into the creamy liquid! Now there is a shade for every occasion, gorgeous, gorgeous nudes, pinks, reds and a super bright coral. The shades are all surprisingly flattering.

Once again I wasn't really taken with the brush applicator, I would use my own lip brush.

Swatches 

Anna Sui Lip & Eye Colour Palettes retail for £28 a palette but Escentual.Com have them on offer for just £14 each!!

*Samples provided by escentual.com

Paul & Joe Makeup Spring/Summer 2014 and A Sneaky Autumn Peek!

I have already shown you the Paul & Joe Indigo Blues Nail Polish  from the Ice Cream Parlour and now I have a few more items of beauty.

First up is the Eye Colour Trio in April Paris 

A gorgeous trio of shades - yes there is a glittery blue but on the skin this transforms to a cool bright shade that is just ideal for highlighting and brightening the inner corner of the eyes and brow bone. A matte pink neutral shade that is the perfect base for your eyes and a light shimmer brown that is great for shading/crease. So 3 shades, 3 textures and the effects are subtle but pretty. The textures are great to work with, blending beautifully and lasting.

Paul & Joe Eye Color Trio in April Paris

Note - The compact shadow doesn't come in a case, Paul & Joe have launched 4 different compact cases to choose from . Above you can see the sweet Kitty Compact 002, however it also comes in two super pretty floral designs (Chrysanthemum and Floral) which I adore. It also comes in Compact I - the classic case (matches the lid of the glossy lip color)

Finally, the Paul & Joe Glossy Lip Color in shade 04 Flamingo

This shade is sublime, a perfect for Summer not too bright and yet super juicy coral. It is creamy and glossy, with rich colour pay off and it is not shimmery or glittery. It applies evenly and doesn't feel gloopy or sticky on the lips. I love the packaging, it is compact and has a pretty white lid with a raised embossed print. The wand is curved for easy application. A winner. 

The only problem is that the new collection of Glossy Lip Colors are not available until October!! 

Paul & Joe Eye Color Trio £23

Paul & Joe Compact Case £7

Paul & Joe Glossy Lip Color £20 

*PR Samples

A Spring Makeup Look

This was my make-up look on Saturday. I saw a glimmer of Sun and fancied something a little brighter than my usual taupe/neutral go to on the eyes.. I opted for a splash of Spring with this gorgeous Kiko Loose Pigment in Sunny Coral. 

I kept it very simple.

I prepped the area with Kiko Pearly Eye Base £6.90, a gorgeous and light eye brightening base that can be worn alone or under eye shadow.. it also keeps eye make-up in place all day. I followed by applying the Kiki Loose Pigment in Sunny Coral £5.90 all over the eyelid. I used the really rather brilliant Kiko Eyes 203 Flat Base Brush to apply the loose pigment and it kept all the product on the brush so I experienced no fall out and it blended nicely. I completed the look by lining my eyes with Clinique Quickliner Intense in Intense Plum £15. I love the Quickliner as it really is so quick to apply a strong line and it stays put. Finally I used Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara £9.99 for pretty, soft defined lashes. The wand coats all my lashes creating more volume. Fabulous.

What do you think?

New! Clinique 16 Shades Of Beige - Limited Edition

I do get excited by nude and neutral shades it has to be said, you only have to read my recent nude lipstick and gloss post to know that! Perfect for an everyday look or ramping up with darker shades for a smokier more evening look, neutrals are so wearable and versatile. It is no wonder they are my default beauty look.

As soon as I heard about Clinique's latest limited edition releases I had to find out more and of course share the news with you.

Take a look at the image above..gorgeous!

Clinique All About Shadow Neutral Territory 8 Shade Palette £32

Containing eight shades from the lightest beige to the darkest chocolate, this essential palette is all you need to create a soft or smouldering look.

Clinique A Different Nail Enamel For Sensitive Skins £12 each

This limited collection of 8 glossy neutrals can be worn either to complement your skin tone and elongate your fingers or in a contrasting classy nude shade. I am liking the look of Peek a Boo, I See You, Birthday Suit and Nighty Night.

Shades available -

Room Service - Off White

Peek a Boo,I See You - Nude Peach

Birthday Suit -Neutral Beige

Tickle Me - Neutral Yellow-Beige

Pajama Party -Neutral Pinky-Beige

Do Not Disturb - Reddish Beige

Chocolate On My Pillow - Pearlized Warm Brown

Nighty Night - Deep Cocoa

Available at exclusively at www.clinique.co.uk from 10th January 2014
Available on Clinique counters nationwide from 7th February 2014

Beauty Look - Smokey Plum Eyes Using The Body Shop Smoky Plum Eye Palette

I am not a major fan of big palettes of eye shadows as I find that I always seem to use up my favourites whilst other shades are languishing barely touched, but what I am a fan of are quad palettes that provide a step by step guide on how to use and where to put the shades. A bit like painting by numbers, they make my life a lot easier.. as soon as I saw this limited edition 4 Colour Eye Palette in Smoky Plum from The Body Shop I knew I had to try it. I thought the shades would look beautiful with green eyes.

The eye shadows come in a sturdy black casing with a mirror and it also features two brushes which fit inside -a mini eyeshadow brush and a mini eyeliner brush. This is a really nice compact and is small enough to carry around if you do need to touch up. The eyeshadows are very smooth to apply, easy to blend and build on if necessary and I found I had very little fall out. Excellent quality and a nice result. Foolproof in fact.

Close up of the four shades

Swatches

The finished Smokey Plum Eyes look complete with lashings of mascara and lined with Inika's Black Caviar eyeliner pencil, I love it.

The Body Shop 02 Smoky Plum Eye Shadow Palette costs £15

*PR Sample