!!! A beauty blog from Raspcherry.....

A Bank Fashion haul

2011-12-12T18:03:00.001Z

I seem to be shopping more at bank than i have ever shopped before.

It has definitely become one of my favourite 'Clothes shop'

I'm really into ballet pumps as they have a smart, pretty and cute look but can still look elegant when worn right. and I have picked up quite a few pairs from Bank throughout the autumn fall period.

I dont intend to wear these on snowy days obviously, I'll wear my Emu's or Uggs' for that.

The pumps are Bank branded and the quilted bag is Little Buddha branded

I love this bag it is definitely a very affordable chanel dupe, because there is so much attention to detail.

From the quilting to the pockets everything has been done immaculately in a pretty way without being an obviously tacky Chanel Replica by adding faux Chanel detailing.

I have used this bag in so many different combos as it goes with everything, they also had it in a pretty black finish too but I think its probably sold out and I wish i had purchased it when it went on sale price.

I might do an outfit of the day just to show you how pretty and elegant this bag looks

Yes I did kind of buy the bag and shoes together because they matched but both items are fantastic alone too.

I have purchased other garments and apparel from Bank that i will share with you soon

Have you bought anything from bank recently ?

What fashion finds are you loving ?

So Sad :(

2011-12-11T22:26:00.003Z

I've lost my favourite watch

Its by Guess, and its highly polished gold plated set with crystals all around the bezel.

I bought this watch about the time I had Bubby so it has alot of sentimental value, and has become my gavourite watch above my other watches which include DKNY, Emporio Armani, Guess, and even more than my Reymond Weil watch.

I used to change my watches with my outfits but this watch is so beautiful that it goes with everything whether im dressed down in casual trackies or simple t-shirt and jeans , or dressep up in bollywood style asian clothing.

Im hoping that it has simply been misplaced or hidden by bubby, and that it shows up soon.

please wish me good luck.

XOXO

NOTD :- Nails inc Electric Teal and OPI Bring on the Bling

2011-12-08T22:58:00.003Z

My Nail of the day

There are so many days when I dont know what I want to put on my nails

but earlier this week I woke up knowing I was going to wear this Nails inc Electric Teal on my nails.

I wish i took these pics outdoor so that you could see how vibrant the glitter is.

This is the combo that i was going to wear for Eid but as it was still some what summery I knew i would have plenty of opportunity to wear this combo later in the year as I could see that teal was going to be on trend this fall and winter.

The teal shade I very luckily got as a GWP in instyle magazine its called

Nails inc for InStyle 'Electric Teal'

and the glitter colour is OPI's 'Bring on the Bling'

which I feel is appropriately named to my style :)

I am wearing one coat of each polish

the glitter can be layered for a very intensive look

But glitter can be a bitch to remove

Im loving this Combo <3

What do you think about this Combo ?

XOXO

FOTD:- Smashbox and Laura geller Look

2011-12-08T22:46:00.000Z

Im trying out different products in different Combos to see if I can reduce the bulk of my everyday makeup bag and also to see if i can use individual items -if you know what I mean!

This is the latest Smashbox quad from the recent TSV on QVC and I wanted to try out some laura geller products that i have been neglecting.

Tinted Moisturiser - Benefit you rebel
Concealer - Arianne poole Conceal and contour palette
Gel Eyeliner - Bobbi brown in black ink
Mascara - Loreal Telescopic carbon black
Pencil eyeliner - Mac feline khol power
Eyeshadow Quad/palette - Smashbox Photo Op 'On stage'
Eye base / lip primer duo - Laura geller spackle duo for eyes and lips
Trio face compact -Laura geller Baked cheek dreams 'Napolitan'
Face powder - Laura geller balance and brighten in medium / original
Lipstick - Mac Myth
Clinique lash curlers

I later added bare Minerals lip gloss in Raspberry tea on my way out

Heres a pic of me wearing or using the makeup, Its just a quick pic in the evening from my iphone 4 so im sorry iys not too clear but I rarely wear my makeup too dark I usually blend it to a natural look so that I always feel comfortable.

Today it was raining heavily and miserably so I hope to recreat and take some close up eye shots of this quad and review it soon because i love it - Think Mac satin taupe!

Are you using any of these products ?

What products are you rocking right now?

My Current SkinCare Routine - Face

2011-12-08T22:23:00.001Z

I generally have very dry skin but Ive learned to make it normal combination but

My Skin had been behaving really badly in October, I used to have about 1 breakout or spot in a year throughout my teens and about once a month in more recent years due to time of the month etc if you know what I mean.

Then in november i felt it was time to go back to basics or Back to Clinique in my case to sort out this problem.

But rathe than going out Shopping, I decided to go through my inventory and I found everything I needed and more.
BTW Im considering doing A Beauty-Buy-Ban! Because I have way too much beauty products!
And I did not post up this years birthday haul which was as huge as last years birthday haul
I have had a request to put it up so I will hopefully do that soon.

On to the skincare and my current routine
I have left out some products which are my add ons for when and if needed but these products are the ones that im mainly using on a daily basis.

MakeUp Removal
Clinique Take the day off makeup remover for lids, lashes and lips.
I soak a little cotton pad with this to remove the most of my eye makeup, and lips if im wearing a strong colour. Or if Im wearing alot of makeup I will use my own home blended Cleansing Oil.
Or I might use one of my trusty no7 quick thinking wipes instead.
Cleansing
I use the Clinique liquid facial soap mild with a liz earle muslin cloth, or no7 cleansing sponge Exfoliate
I use my cleanser with Cliniques manual exfoliating brush or my Tresonic ( Clarisonic dupe) or use the Clinique 7 day scrub cream. I do this once a week or every other day depending on the condition of my skin.
Toner
I use Clinique Clarifying lotion in mild or no 1 on a cotton pad in circular motions all over my face avoiding eyes and lips (as pictured above) Im not a big fan of toner, I prefer splashing lots of water or spritzing some liz earle instant boost skin tonic but right now im on a clinique 3 step routine.
Serum
Im currently using Avene eau thermale spring water soothing serum to keep my skin soothed and hydrated. I apply 1 pump all over my cleansed and toned face.
Eyes
Im trying to use up my final supply of prescriptives super line preventor for eyes, eye cream otherwise Ill use Clinique all about eyes eye cream
Moisturiser'S'
I apply a tiny bit of Clinique dramatically different gel or lotion all over my face and neck
Because I suffer from dry flaky skin I apply a teeny touch of Clinique Moisture surge extra thirsty skin relief to my nose and any other dry patches or I will apply Decleor Aromessence oil instead.
Then I use Clinique Superdefence Moisturiser spf25 for dry skin all over my face and neck to give additional moisturisation and sun protection even in winter.
Lips
Clinique all about lips or Clinique superbalm moisturising gloss or decleor lipbalm or Gale Hayman lip lift or any other lipbalm I happen to grab hold of.

There are other bits and bobs, and other products that Im using but this is the main or the most of it, If you want to know what else im using, just let me know and I'll post that up too.

I have been on this routine for a couple of weeks now and my skin is doing well :)

And thats it for my skincare and then Im ready for my Makeup routine which will start from either primer or tinted moisturiser or both.

I hope this was helpful or interesting, I'd love to know what your using and what works for you regardleess of your skin type or age.

XOXO

NOTD :- Ciate Wait until dark

2011-12-02T20:48:00.001Z

Ciate paint pots

Gorgeous deep berry purple

perfect for this season -and ohh so 'in' !

ciate wait until dark is similar or close to OPI lincoln park after dark and lincoln park at midnight but not an exact dupe

but if you wished you could find a nail polish that matches the colour of laura mercier packaging -this is it :)

Sorry about the chipping on the tips but atleast it gives you an idea of longevity after 2 days with only one coat of polish over base coat no top coat

I have my hands constantly in and out of water etc

XOXO

Swatches :- Some of my Mac Lipstick collection

2011-12-01T12:34:00.001Z

these are in my top 10 most worn mac lipsticks

and these are the 8 colours I usually carry with me in my purse / bag when I travel

1 - Mac Creme d nude cremesheen

2 - Mac dream frost limited edition

3 - Midimauve lustre

4- Mac Angel frost

5- MAc Fabby lustre

6- Mac Warm me up

7- Mac Bombshell frost

8- Mac Surprise me

Included in this post are two of Kim kardashians favourite lipsticks angel and bombshell

Angel is a frost version of mac creme cup cremesheen lipstick

Lots more swatches coming soon

XOXO

Raspcherry Blog Sale december 2011

2011-11-30T18:13:00.002Z

MAC cosmetics makeup bag £12

NEW & unused but crinkling in storage

Un branded makeup bag £5

with zipped compartments and brush/ pencil holders

NEW Elemis cosmetic toiletries bag £15

NEW Loccitane waffle makeup toiletries purse with button £12

NEW Loccitane waffle bag £12

(this has a stain outside which I will try and wash out)

New Clinique makeup bag £12

FCUK complete makeup palette

Blush/bronzer/shadows/lipcolours -a few of the shadows lightly swatched

includes decent brushes

£15

Sephora sculpting disc dupe (really big / lightly used once or twice)

£5

MaC hello Kitty beauty powder in a MAC MSF mineralize compact

£12

~~Prestige skin loving minerals glam tan bronzerhighlighter like mac msf~~

~~discontinued in UK rare VHTF £10~~
**SOLD**

travel Smashbox O glow swatched once £12

Gale Hayman youth lift plus £12
this is like genie, its supposed to smooth out your skin inc wrinkles and pores like a primer

Boots botanics radiance night renewal serum brightens complexion for younger looking skin

lost lid, used a couple of times almost full £12

Neals yard remedies power berry daily moisture £12

brightens complexion, used once or twice almost full

Bobbi brown moisture rich foundation cool beige 3.25 poured out 1ml into a sample jar

so almost full £25

Carlos de roma pure lipgloss in a shimmery berry shade, swatched once £6

Carlos de roma pure lipgloss in a shimmery gold shade -butterfly wings swatched once £6

1- tell me item you wish to purchase and whether you want to pay as a purchase which incurs a £2 charge or as a gift payment so no extra charge

All Items inc UK p&p

please add £3 for international shipping

Paypal charges a fee of a couple of pounds for transactions so please add £2 or Make payment as gift

As usual A blog sale is for clearance purposes so no returns

I will obtain proof of posting incase ant claims need to be made against Post office postal services

2- Please leave your email address so I can invoice you via paypal

3- also let me know if you are UK or international

Lots more products coming soon

Thank you

Raspcherry

Raspcherry finally Shatters !

2011-11-30T14:27:00.000Z

The whole world has been crackling etc for such a long time

but I just could not get into it

It just reminds me of messy nail polish

but done correctly in the right combination i have seen some very pretty pictures

but I felt maybe its something very school - girl like

But I finally Crack-led when I picked up a gold nails inc nails effect polish

but I still did not use it and Ive had it a few months now

And earlier this week I purchased the OPI gold shatter and finally used it over my OPI Malaga Wine

I think its a gorgeous combination

perfect for christmas or any asian bride or bollywood style outfit

For comparison i will try and do a nails inc crackle so you can see the two together

Would love to know/ see some of your combos <3

XOXO

Sigma launches new make me up travel brushes in a new mini travel size

2011-11-28T16:54:00.000Z

Sigma make me up brushes were originally available in 4 very pretty colours

Coral, a tiffany and co -esque teal, Black, and purple

www.raspcherry.blogspot.com
http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=63157

Now they are available in she same great choice of colours

Make me crazy - Purple

Make me classy - Black

Make me Blush - Coral

Make me Cool - Tiffany and co / Chanel nouvelle vague style teal

But in a super cute and dinky travel size

www.raspcherry.blogspot.com
http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=63157

You can see the comparison of the new size kits against the older sigma brush sets here

The still come with the amazing case that opens up to be 2 separate brush holders

3 ways to use your brush holder

1- The case is great to keep your brushes clean in dust free

2- Or you can open to divide your face brushes from your eye brushes

3- or you can keep your brushes in one half and your pencil makeup like your liners in the other half

Ellis faas styleee!

Get your brush set here

http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=63157

These brush sets make a great gift for anyone who loves makeup

Shipping to UK can take about 10 days so hurry up and order now in time for christmas

and definitely order by the 10th of december for christmas gifts

XOXO

NOTD :- OPI Malaga Wine

2011-11-28T15:36:00.000Z

If your looking for a gorgeous wine red

this is the colour for you

It is one of OPI's top best sellers

and I think its in the classic collection -but please dont quote me on that just in case

This is such a vampy colour but is still sophisticated enough to wear in a high profile job or party, night out, wedding etc

In the pic is just one coat of OPI malaga wine over nails inc caviar base coat

As always its quite difficult to paint your nails with a 3 year old princess on standby demanding her nails be done first

The pics are taken in broad daylight but seem to make the nail lacquer look more cherry red

but the nail polish is more of a black cherry shade

What are you wearing on your nails ?

XOXO

A close up of Revlons latest nail polishes

2011-11-25T18:15:00.000Z

Revlon Facets of Fuschia

Deep purple black nail polish with purple multi sized glitter

very fun shade for the brave

A dupe for Deborah lippmann bad romance

Revlon Gold coin

Super shimmery and glittery true gold

for the gold lover, olive skintone and bling bling lovers

a dupe for OPI Glitzerland

Have you bought these or their more expensive dupes ?

Free international shipping on sigma beauty

2011-11-25T10:31:00.000Z

Sigma is offering free worldwide international shipping

on all orders

Dont forget you get a free gift with every order over $30

http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=63157

When you use this link

or click on one of my sigma links on the side to take you to the website

The deal is valid TODAY ONLY

from 9AM to 5PM CST (chicago)

this is about 6hrs behind uk time

so the deal starts about 3PM UK time

Dont forget to use this promotional code to get free delivery

' BF2011 '

http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=63157

I have featured some pics of my top pics for you

Please comment below and let me know what you have ordered

XOXO

Review:- MAC carry all

2011-11-23T12:20:00.000Z

MAC Carry all

Train case

I bought this because It holds more product and is lightweight for portability

whether its for actual travel or just to move location for example when i need to do my makeup in another room or at my parents house etc

It fits alot of products

and has handy little loops to hold products around the edges

It has a long shoulder strap which can be adjusted and made shorter

and has an internal zipped pocket to keep smaller items safe and easier to find

It even comes in a protective dust bag which is very handy to keep it clean in between uses or for travel

I dont like the mirror in it

its a weird cheapy plasticy tacky mirror but its still nice to have a mirror in the case

I just wish it was a proper mirror

The bag is abit expensive -near the £50 mark from memory

but its alot cheaper than the £200 mac pro travel case

The bag also comes with authenticity cards

I hope you found this review helpful

Do you have any mac bags/cases, how are you finding them ?

if you have reviewed one leave a link for me to see

XOXO

NOTD:- Revlon Gray Suede 030

2011-11-22T14:13:00.000Z

Nails of the day revlon gray suede 030

This nail polish is the perfect nude shade for darker skintones

it would be a nude shade for medium to medium dark skintones

and a pretty polish colour on all other skintones

Its a colour that is great to use on days where your not to sure about what you want to wear on your nails

and it gives a very smart polished look

so great for interviews, work or an appearance in court

XOXO

NOTD:- Revlon Lilac pastelle 031

2011-11-22T14:01:00.001Z

Revlon nail polishes are affordable, you get alot of product for the price about £6.29 it is good quality, as it does not have alot of nasty chemicals, it does dry in about 5 minutes and one coat can be reasonable for anyone who like me cannot be bothered with multiple coats.

Revlon Lilac pastelle 031 is a pretty pastel shade, its quite opaque, and above is one coat.

I think this colour is very complimentary of all skintones from palest ivory to the darkest mocha skintones

Do you have this shade?

which revlon shades do you own ?

XOXO

Sigma launches super pretty city collection brush sets

2011-11-22T12:49:00.003Z

Check out these Super cute brush sets

Check out these super cute brush sets that sigma has launched for the christmas holiday season.
They are limited addition and very affordable and will make a great gift for any makeup lover
These brush sets are available in four colours representing four international citys in the world - london, tokyo, new york, and paris!
These sets are great for travel too
My favourite is the london collection since I love gold and these are 18k gold plated so they really suit my style, this set costs the most at $89 so if you are looking for something more affordable why not buy one of the other three sets at $59

or why not even treat your self ?

Click one of my side links to go to the sigma website to get your brush kits and get yourself a free gift on all orders over $30 :)

XOXO

Back to MAC time again (2nd post)

2011-11-22T12:15:00.000Z

Back to mac is Mac cosmetics recycling or loyalty incentive

in England you can return any 6 mac containers and receive any mac lipstick of your choice that is not in limited edition packaging.

This month my empties include

- Select spf15 foundation

-zoom lash mascara

- stain lip colour

- prep and prime lash

- super slick liquid eyeliner

- fluid line gel liner black track

I got a 'hue' lipstick

which is a really pretty nude-ish lipstick

and I think its a great lipstick for my skin tone

Have you backed to mac ?

What did you use up and what did you get ?

FOTD:- Smokey silver grey eyes using MAC

2011-11-21T18:51:00.001Z

Hi Dolls, im so sorry i have been away, I have been super busy as life is very hectic,

I do have alot of posts coming up for all of you including lots of hauls, and looks and swatches

As always your very welcome to comment for any requests etc

here is a look im loving right now, so I had to share it with you all.

I hope you like!

On my Face

Benefit you rebel lite as base

Bobbi brown moisture rich foundation -medium beige

Smashbox halo powder -light

Ariane poole conceal and contour palette -all 3 shades

Benefit Hoola to contour

Benefit dallas as blush

Benefit dandelion as highlight

On my Eyes

Lancome eye paint as base

Mac Gorgeous all over from lashes to brow

Mac Ambience in crease and outer corner

Mac Dark devotion in outer corner

Bobbi brown black gel liner on upper and lower lashline, and inner rim.

Mascara Revlon grow luscious as base and Loreal volume million lashes

On my lips

Ariane poole concealer as lip base

Carmex lip tint in peach

Let me know your thoughts, any requests, and even what you have been up to ?

(pics taken on webcam so not high quality)

XOXO

Haul :- Stuffies from Boots

2011-10-12T23:11:00.000+01:00

Ted Baker Butterfly Designer toiletries and makeup bag -its so pretty for autumn winter :)

Carmex moisture plus ultra hydrating lip balm in clear and pink

Beauty fixation nail polish touch up

I have been looking for a replacement for the smashbox lip treatment,

I do not want a typical petrolium based one i want something nourishing and if possible quite natural

and although I use the carmex in the tuba as well as in the tub I really wished they had one in the stick or bullet form, so I really jumped for joy when i saw these in boots originally I was going to get just the clear which is what I needed but then I decided to get the pink one too to see how it is and can I say 'product love' this stuff is sooo good, so ill b picking up the only other colour available which is peach.

Although Ive blabbed alot about it i will review these properly soon.

Organix Moroccan argan oil Shampoo and Conditioner

Organix penetrating moroccan argan oil -leave in hair treatment serum

I have been using the Moroccan oil branded products and they do cost loads so I wanted to see how this affordable high street brand compares

XOXO

Announcement:- Giveaway winner for mac eyeshadow!

2011-10-11T23:32:00.004+01:00

The winner is ****** OFBAUBLESANDBLUSHES ******

Please contact me on twitter and I will DM you my email address

Congratulations

To everyone else I will be holding a NEW giveaway which i will be putting up shortly
if you have any ideas of items you would like to receive in the future giveaways please comment below
also let me know what types of posts you would like to see more of

Raspcherry

XOXO

BLOG SALE :- Iphone 4 X SOLD X

2011-10-08T22:55:00.001+01:00

Please email reasonable offer to me on the above email address on my profile/contact me

or contact me on twitter ASAP

The crack is only on the external glass and does not affect useage of the phone in anyway
neither is any of the useable screen covered
a cheap £3 fascia/ cover from ebay can cover the phone
or you can repair it if you want to
This handset will work everywhere except you cant make calls in the uk
price is for handset only
if you dont have a iphone usb/charger then you can purchase one off of ebay for about £3

Any questions plz ask

Alternatively you can comment below

Thank you

XOXO

NOTD :- Butter london -No more wait-ey katie

2011-10-04T00:07:00.000+01:00

This is my first ever Butter london nail polish

Im usually quite restricted within my comfort zone

and tend to stick yo OPI and nails inc but I always want to try other brands but im often disappointed with quality especially if a high end product fails me

Butter London no more waitey Katie is such a gorgeous colour, Ive had my eyes on it for ages and finally decided that Im going to try this brand out

I love the colour,
It seems extremely sheer but if you put on a thicker layer its abit more less sheer (I hope you know what i mean)
And 2 or more coats go on very opaque

Quality wise I do find it starts chipping very fast, but Ive not tried it with a top coat as yet , Ill update this post or tweet about it once ive tried it with a top coat.

I was wearing one coat but as it was chipped I applied a second coat for the pictures to blog about this

I did find this dries very fast

Butter london do notadd the three major harmful chemicals often found in nail care and polishes so i found this useful

The packaging is nice, Similar to Chanel the bottles come with 2 lids

The brush is decent and application is good

This cost me £15 from debenhams
and the bottle conttains 11ml 0.4 fl oz of formula

Im loving this colour for this autumn / fall season

Have you tried butter london? \What nail polishes are you loving this season ??

XOXO

Warning to all Seche vite top coat users

2011-09-30T22:01:00.001+01:00

Picture from Seche vite website

I am a huge fan of seche vite top coat and i have been using it for years
it has been a fave of mines and repeat purchased and has basically been my HG top coat for the past 3 years

Luckily I started using it after the birth of Bubby -so no problems for me luckily.

The problem is with the DBP contained within this top coat
but other big brands that use DBP include : Orly, sally Hansen and OPI -unfortunately I use all three brands especially OPI

Heres some information posted by GlitterGeek on SalonGeek which summarises the issues

Due to escalating public and media pressure, three major nail brands are removing DBP from their US polish formulations. OPI, Orly and Sally Hansen have all acknowledged the move following criticism from health groups and consumers that the chemical is dangerous. This is due to a backlash from reports that concluded the substance links to birth defects among other health issues. Polish formulations in the UK however conform to EU regulations. Here DBP is banned, and so up to now all three companies have been manufacturing different formulations for the UK market. DBP is said to be an endocrine disrupter linked to underdeveloped reproductive systems in newborn boys. The chemical has also been associated with accelerated puberty in girls - a factor that might also be linked to breast cancer

Here is the link to the thread
http://www.salongeek.com/nail-geek/44544-warning-label-seche-vite-topcoat.html

I think that this is really worrying
I have noticed many chemicals making a come back into beauty care products and has put me off some products, if not the whole brand

I really wanted to share this with all of you

Be safe

XOXO

Raspcherry autumn style

2011-09-27T22:56:00.001+01:00

Raspcherry autumn style by raspcherry featuring flat heels

Burberry short trench coat
£595 - flannelsfashion.com

Gucci pumps
£269 - profilebrighton.co.uk

EMU Australia slip on shoes
$190 - heels.com

Dune round toe pumps
$73 - asos.com

Dorothy Perkins flat heels
£20 - dorothyperkins.com

Miss Selfridge ballet shoes
£16 - missselfridge.com

Miss Selfridge flat shoes
£16 - missselfridge.com

Burberry tote bag
$595 - neimanmarcus.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors red wallet
$80 - michaelkors.com

Ted Baker cable knit hat
£45 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Bretton Baker-Boy Hat - Brown
£5 - urbanexcess.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors Jet Set iPad Case, Python
$130 - michaelkors.com

FOTD :- Smashbox smokey purple eyes

2011-09-23T18:38:00.000+01:00

Picture taken with webcam (as are all my low quality pics-sorry!)

I did a tutorial on this look recently, I really love this look and wanted to share it with you all

It is using the smashbox quad in charm

XOXO

Just a quick note and a special offer

2011-09-23T18:26:00.001+01:00

Just to let you know that theres only 1 week left to enter my mac eyeshadow giveaway
I will be picking a winner after the month has ended

Also there is a special offer on www.maccosmetics.co.uk
free delivery on all orders over £30 no voucher code needed the offer is on all of the uk mac website
so all cosmetics, brushes, makeup, skincare, etc is included

Also a free elf studio stipple brush and free delivery on www.eyeslipsface.co.uk
UK - STIPPLEUK
EURO - STIPPLEEU
ITALY - STIPPLEIT

minimum order at E.L.F / ELF / Eyes lips face is £13 or 15 euros

PS let me know what you buy from this offer

XOXO

Review:- Garnier tinted Anti dark circles roll on

2011-09-18T13:50:00.000+01:00

First thing I have to say about this product is 'Holy Grail'

I was in love with the original garnier anti dark circles roll on which is the one in the green roll on tube

it is basically a liquid gel like eye product and the metal roller ball provides a cooling massage and actually squishes down puffy eye bags and soothes

the main active ingredient is caffeine

My only concern with the original one was that as i am a daily makeup wearer I was worried that my foundation, concealer, powder etc was contaminating the solution in my original roll on

and i could 'imagine' the nasty gunky formula inside

But since this is now tinted I dont have that concern anymore :)

I use the light shade which works fine for me I think the other darker shade would work fine on NC 35- nc45 skintones and I really hope Garnier read this and create a truly dark one for women of darker colour above nc45 as nobody should be without this product.

The roll on gives light coverage on dark circles, so if you have very dark circles you will need a proper concealer, I have medium dark circles so this works ok for me and better with a highlighter as well such as ysl touche eclat, but my main concern is eye bags and puffiness which is the HARDEST thing to cover up since it is a real problem as puffiness is 3d and not just aflat discolouration .

I still use an eye product under this and I do go over this with concealer and highlighter but this is mostly out of habit and also to try to cover up my puffiness -which usually fails anyway lol

Have you tried this ?
which eye products do you use ?

XOXO

Review :- Loreal True match powder compact

2011-09-18T13:19:00.002+01:00

This is my favourite high street or drug store pressed setting powder

I will do a post on my favourite loose powder soon too

My favourite high stree foundation is probably loreal true match and this powder works amazingly with the matching foundation but Ive used it with many other brands foundation and it works great

It is very fine, and it is pressed really hard so you dont get that nasty dusty texture

if you like the Revlon colorstay pressed powder you will not like this one

I might do a review on the Revlon one too if anyone is interested

The packaging is nice and you can clearly see the shade through the lid

and the mirror is on the other side, it comes with a foundation-sponge

which ive used in emergencys but i preer to apply this with a big fluffy brush

My shade is golden beige, beige dore, W3, which would work for anyone mac shade nc25 - nc30 but not for nc35 and above

the W in the w3 means that this is suitable for warmer shades with yellow, golden undertones

This powder really helps to set foundation and is really good to carry for touchups on the go

it is so finely milled that you would have to use alot to get a cakey finish

which is a good thing since I do have dry skin

It does give a very light to medium coverage so will need concealer, and/or foundation for blemised skins

Although this cost about £10 I cant remember the exact price

this powder will last you months so it is economical and budget friendly.

This is a product that I have repeat purchased so I definitely recommend it

and i think the true match powder is more colour friendly that the maybelline matte powder which can look cakey and leave a white cast on asian and darker skins.

Which powders are you using and loving ?

XOXO

Mini Review :- Liz Earle Sheer skin tint spf15 tinted moisturiser

2011-09-11T23:27:00.000+01:00

Mini Review at this point as ive only had this product a few days

The liz earle skin tint is due to release this month september 2011

I was very lucky to be sent a sample package :)

I like the packaging, Its very sleek and will look good amongst any makeup and skincare collection
I like that the packaging has been kept compact and not over-bulked and is lightweight
and is a very decent 40ml 1.3 oz

I think that the spf in the skin tint is a mineral one and not a chemical one so suitable for sensitive skins

I have listed the ingredients of the skin tint because I sometimes get questions about foundation ingredients
The skin tint is also animal friendly inline with the rest of the liz earle skincare line
Liz Earle often talks about how difficult it is to obtain the animal friendly bunny badge and that very few companys pass the criteria to qualify

I have also displayed the customer service number and address incase you have any queries I cannot answer

now on to the swatches

the 2 shades I have tried are beige and beach

Beige is the medium shade in the range and the lightest in the picture
Beach is the darkest shade and the darker shade in my picture

Texture wise the LETM is very creamy, it is hydrating, and it is very light coverage and does give a glow or dewy look
TIP: go up a shade to give yourself a faux tan tint - it is that forgiving

I have bad skin so i do need to use concealer and a powder foundation over this
if you are choosing the LE TM because you want to improve your skin and you need more coverage try the bare escentuals mineral foundation over this
and if you have good skin why not add a cheek tint or cream blush, lipgloss and your chosen eye makeup and your good to go

From my swatches and the swatches I have seen elsewhere of the lightest colour -bare
Im making some colour recommendations

Bare is similar to laura mercier tinted moisturiser in nude
Beige is similar to laura mercier tinted moisturiser in bisque
Beach is similar to laura mercier tinted moisturiser in sand

In mac terms

Bare suitable for mac nw/ nc15 to nc25
Beige suitable for mac nw/ nc25 to nc35
Beach suitable for mac nw/ nc35 to nc45

In estee lauder terms

Bare - intensity 1
beige - intensity 2
beach - intensity 3

in bobbi brown terms

Bare - beige
Beige - natural
Beach -honey

and I know liz earle herself has dry skin and I know that when she creates and formulates products she makes them for herself, and she would not launch this if it did not work on her and on that note her business partner kim has oilier skin so again if this product was not suitable for her either im sure she would not be happy to release this product either, I love thier business story and Ive been using Liz earle products for years now on and off so Im very aware of about 80% of their products <3

This product was sent to me as above but all of the above is my own opinion

XOXO

Haul :- No7 Accessories from Boots

2011-09-11T20:02:00.002+01:00

It was no7 £5 voucher time at boots and I tweeted a reminder to say that the vouchers were due to expire so if you like beauty GWP and other offers be sure to follow me on twitter

Items purchased

No7 Magnified mirror

No7 Tweezer set

No7 Makeup mirror

No7 Eye lash curlers

I already have soo much makeup that I felt guilty buying makeup especially since i have alot of No7 makeup

if you are interested let me know and I will review my no7 cosmetics collection too

and i have a huge stack of the no7 3 in 1 wipes which is actually my Holy Grail

Ill do a review on these very soon too

What did you buy with your vouchers ??

XOXO

Swatches :- Smashbox lipgloss collection

2011-09-11T19:24:00.002+01:00

Smashbox lipglosses are unscented and unflavoured

they are similar in quality to mac lipglass

and are in a variety of finishes

this is my first post of smashbox lipgloss shades

ill be updating my blog part by part and hopefully you can see all of my lipgloss collection

L-R

- Couture

- Vintage

- Bohemian

- Fire

- Blur

- Blaze

Fire and blaze are the most sheer formulas

where as couture, vintage, bohemian and blur are the most opaque

Couture has the most shimmer

Blaze is th most versatile and one of smashbox most popular shades

My favourite of this lot is blaze its similar to mac lipstick in cosmo or clinique lipstick in blushing nude

These colours would be especially amazing on dark skin tones especially darker indian, afro caribbean and can be worn as a day lipgloss on darker skins or as a more dramatic look on lighter skins.

XOXO

Chanel le vernis Graphite 529

2011-09-11T15:00:00.001+01:00

I cant believe I forgot to post this since im completely in love with this its one of my favourite colours this autumn fall to winter

Chanel Nail polish le vernis in 529 graphite is a smokey grey silver that is shot through with gold sparkly pearls I love anything gold -almost!

XOXO

Review:- Smashbox High definition healthy FX foundation

2011-09-10T19:21:00.003+01:00

I seem to have been quite loyal to this specific foundation and have been through about 4 bottles since its launched, I have already done a video review on this but felt I should share this product with my blog readers too x

I think I love everything about this foundation except for the lid because its abit flimsy and breaks easily

My bottle is soon to finish as I use this product quite alot its one of my HG, no fail, keep coming back to foundations

SMASHBOX SAYS :-

Now you can have flawless skin from the inside out. Our revolutionary HIGH DEFINITION HEALTHY FX FOUNDATION is an oil-free, weightless formula packed with anti-aging, revitalizing, and firming ingredients that work overtime to provide cellular nutrition for skin.

Vitamin-packed, oil-free weightless foundation that provides buildable coverage with a flawless finish. UVA/UVB SPF 15 offers sun protection, vitamin C fights free radicals, and new cell-energizing Ribose renews the appearance of skin. Our unique, patented bio-delivery system gives you time-released moisturization and firming benefits that last all day. Skin is refreshed and revitalized for a flawless future.

The bottle is a standard 30ml bottle

it costs £28.50

which is a so-so type of price, Ill pay it but Ill have an internal toddler type temper tantrum -just joking!

This foundation and other smashbox products are available in the UK from Debenhams in store or online

Texture

This foundation feels like a souffle - not a mousse a liquid souffle

It has spf 15 uva and uvb protection which im not really bothered about since I love additional protection and ive not noticed an overly whitened face in flash photography but having now said this i think i will investigate this further - but this might just be because I always follow with a powder foundation and bronzer

The foundation also has a tendancy to seperate but you are supposed to shake it before each useage to overcome this

The packaging is also an air tight airless pump

so its super hygienic too

I love to use this on special occasions because I feel it does make me look good in pics as above.

The coverage is medium buildable and in the past i have worn this doubled up with an extra layer and I dont feel caked -but you have to do it right !

My colour is L3 or L4

the pictures show L3

I love the way smashbox has named the shades its simply broken into 4 categories

fair, light, medium , dark

and each colouring group has numbers 1-4 (roughly)

I have alsed m3 in the past as a tan but now i just use Mac mineralize nc40 satinfinish or Chanel tan de soleil for this purpose

I definitely recommend this foundation I know its abit pricey

but if your budget does not go as far as £28.50 maybe try revlon hd foundation which is £10-13?

I hope you found this helpful

XOXO

Cheap as chips and from MUA

2011-09-10T18:51:00.001+01:00

MUA Clear Mascara priced £1 and available from Superdrug stores

Im so used to using expensive brands that im often guilty of walking past lower cost brands

But im glad that i have been trying products from MUA

The products are packaged ohh so simply which is a good thing because you can see what you will be getting

The product that Im absolutely loving is probably one of the most simplest products that they have in their range

Its a CLEAR mascara

I actually use this on my brows after eyebrow pencil or after a eyebrow powder or even on its own

especially now that it is contaminated with the colour from my coloured brow products -but i actually wanted this to happen !

No aplogies for the condition of this tube as this product has been loved daily

I think I was spending too much on my Benefit eyebrow products

Brow-zing and I never used the wax just the powder colour

also I was buying the benefit eye brow pencil

and then I would finish off with the benefit mascara like tinted eyebrow gel wand

but this clear mascara can do the job for just £1

The only complaint??

Would have preferred the tube to be shorter and slimmer

But that is the worst thing i can say about it

Ohh and I bought a lipgloss from the range for bubby :)

Have you tried any MUA products??

Fashion:- My Eid Shoes

2011-09-10T18:04:00.000+01:00

I shared alot of my eid look from my outfit to my nails

and i feel my shoes deserve a post of their own since its the first time Ive worn huge heels since I have had bubby who is now proudly 3 years old

The shoes are burana and were bought from TK maxx and were reduced from £100 - £50

They were very comfortable but none the less I was aware that i had my huge body weight on the equivalent of 2 pencils !!

XOXO

Mac lipstick collection and swatches

2011-09-10T15:54:00.000+01:00

Swatches are from my 8 pan mp mac lipstick palette top row

Mac lipstick shades swatched L - R

Mac Warm me up lipstick

Mac Bombshell lipstick

Mac Surprise me Lipstick

Mac creme d nude lipstick

XOXO

Mac lipstick collection and swatches

2011-09-10T15:35:00.001+01:00

Part 2
Lipsticks from top row of my 8 pan mp lipstick palette

Swatches L-R

Mac Lipstick in Dream ltd ed

Mac Lipstick in Midimauve

Mac lipstick in Angel

Mac lipstick in Fabby

You can see comparisons of mac lipsticks in dream , midimauve, angel and fabby

neither are dupes of each other although midimauve is from the similar family to fabby on the lips

and dream is a glaze lipstick but is frosty similar to angel

I hope this helps

XOXO

New product launch :- Garnier BB cream and swatches

2011-09-10T04:22:00.003+01:00

Garnier miracle skin perfector

Daily all in one BB cream

Garnier has launched its BB cream in the uk

this is possibly the second bb cream in the UK

the first being mac prep and prime bb cream (review coming soon)

But i really feel that this is more of a BB cream

since its more of a multi tasker

Garnier claims that this BB cream or Beauty balm :-

-Evens skintone

-Adds glow

-Blurs imperfections (sounds like a camera mode)

-Smoothes fine lines

-24 hour hydration

SPF15 uv sun protection

It is also affordably priced at £10 - £11

Im really quite happy with this product

to me it is a tinted moisturiser

and i feel its a perfect match with the tinted eye roll on for a simple makeup routine for a busy person or mum on the go

It is quite a fluffy moussey texture and it does feel refreshing and hydrating on the skin

It comes in two colour choices

-light

-medium

I hope they introduce a dark for much darker skins

The light looks like mac nc25 bobbi brown warm beige

and the medium looks like mac nc35 bobbi brown warm natural/honey

I would recommend light for fair to light medium skintones such as nc20 to nc30

and i recommend the medium for nc30 to nc40

although it is a tinted moisturiser so yo can probably get away with using this product beyond my shade recommendations

coverage is light to medium similar to a tinted moisturiser

I hope this review has helped

XOXO

EOTD:- My everyday look

2011-09-10T03:57:00.000+01:00

Using too faced natural eye palette

Products used

Too faced natural eye eyeshadow palette

Rubenesque paintpot

Mac black track fluid line gel liner

Mac lash primer

Mac zoom lask mascara

mac feline khol power eye liner pencil

I have been doing this look almost everyday throughout the summer holidays

I find that it is very complimentary to my skintone since its gold, bronze and rose gold

Im using every colour in the palette except for one -because its glitter-mania!

Although i could realistically incorporate it into the look as inner corner and under eyebrow highlight

Im thinking about doing a tutorial on this

let me know your thoughts

I had to share this with you as im still using this same look

Is there a single palette that you are really loving or that really works for you ??

XOXO

YSL touche eclat for medium to darker skins

2011-09-10T03:30:00.003+01:00

I was checking out the new YSL touche eclat highlighter pens in store

the SA was really annoying she automatically picked up YSL TE no 5 and wanted me to buy it

but I wanted to explore the new shades

bearing in mind that I have been using no 01 for the last many years without any problems says alot about the versatility of ysl te, it is an illuminator or a highlighter, it is sheer and gives very little coverage

I wanted to swatch all the shades but had to get away from the SA

I did tell her that ive been using no 01 and i still have 2 YSL TE's to finish

I agree that no 5 is a good match for me foundation wise but this is not a foundation is it ??

its a couple of mls and costs about £22 so I do not want this as a foundation !

no 5 is exactly like mac nc30 shade , bobbi brown warm beige/natural

my personal opinion is that the following shades

no 1 is universal sheer opalaecent mother of pearl

no 1.5 is perfect for -nc20

no 2 is perfect nc20+

no 3 is perfect for NC30+ asian mediteranean skin tones

and no 5 is perfect nc40+ olive darker skin tones

no 6 is perfect nc/nw 50+ afro caribbean, black skintones but with less red

no 7 again above nc/nw 50+ again black skintones but possibly red based

no 8 where available is supposed to be good for nc40 too

Logically since i have been using no1 for so long I think I could get away with using all of the shades from no1 to no 3

but im really looking forward to trying possibly no2 but more than likely no 3 or even both

FYI- pics taken with iphone 4 5mp camera but in store lighting so my hand looks really ugly

I really hope that this helps

XOXO

A quick blog sale All new unused

2011-09-09T01:01:00.000+01:00

These are all new unused products that I have over-purchased and I have back ups for and in some cases the shades are in multiples of palettes as well

Philosophy mimosa / bucks fizz shower gel, bubble bath and shampoo 3 in 1 £10

Clinique strawberry fudge eyeshadow duo £19

Bobbi brown moisture rich foundation cool beige 3.25 spf15 £29

suitable for light medium beige skintones about mac nc25 or loreal vanilla beige

Mac mineralize skinfinish duo Limited edition £25

Rare includes msfn medium and a shimmer msf highlighter suitable NC25-NC30

Clinique blush in 110 precious posey

My fave and HG most 2nd all time most used blush £19

Bobbi brown cream to powder blush stick in 4 clay

amazing nude bronzer colour matte similar to chanel bronze universal

discontinued hard to find big 4.3g very pigmented £25

All products are NEW unused I opened them for taking pics (I used iphone 4, sorry for quality)

they come in original packaging and price includes free economical UK p&p

basic packaging so items can fit through your letter box where possible

and I will get proof of postage which you can have if you need to claim against royal mail

Please comment below to let me know which item you are interested in and your email address that I can send invoice to please mark payment as gift

XOXO

Swatches:- Mac match master foundation

2011-09-07T13:43:00.003+01:00

Im really quite excited about this new foundation

I think I will be getting it very soon

However here are same shade swatches for light to medium skintones

Im usually a little lighter than NC30 but the swatches are on my hands which always catch alot of sun

so my hands are equivalent to nc40 for reference

which always makes me look like im borrowing someone elses hands

and I took the pics with my iphone 4 with flash on in store lighting

funnily it always makes my hands look brown but im happy that the swatches are showing true to life

Shades swatched from top to bottom

7.0

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

Ive blended the shades together here to give you an idea of texture

I think its quite thick and creamy but not sticky its quite smooth

and blends in very well

coverage is medium buildable

Feel free to ask any questions

Im very reader friendly

XOXO

I did the bridal makeup

2011-09-06T23:17:00.002+01:00

This couple married at 10.10 on the 10th of 10th 2010

XOXO

Some of my Mac Foundation collection with swatches

2011-09-06T22:14:00.001+01:00

L-R

Mac studio sculpt foundation NC25

Mac Face and Body foundation C3

Mac select foundation NC30

Mac studio fix fluid foundation NC30

Mac mineralize NC40

Top to bottom

Mac studio sculpt in nc25

Mac face and body in C3

Mac select in nc30

Mac studio fix fluid in nc30

Mac mineralize satin finish nc40

I have alot of foundations

if you are looking for a review on any please check my previous posts or feel welcome to request a review

XOXO

Dupe Alert for Benefit big beautiful eyes

2011-09-06T21:56:00.000+01:00

Bourjois Smokey eys in no 05

This palette is very similar to the benefit big beautiful eye palette

which has been my goto eye shadow palette for many years now

however the big beautiful eyes palette also contains a boing concealer in o2, mini brushes, a mirror, and a chocolate brown shadow suitable for eyeliner but I use it as my brow colour.

Review:- New Revlon Sultry Smokes Quad palette with swatches

2011-09-06T21:50:00.000+01:00

The pigmentation of this quad is similar in quality to all of the revlon quads

The revlon sultry smokey palette is a great alternative or dupe to the maybelline Smoke quads if you are in the UK as the maybelline quads are not available here

Swatches above

Smokey grey is a really big look this year

and this is a really affordable way to achieve that look

also it is a great handbag carry around product as you wont feel too guilty if it got damaged or lost

XOXO

Swatches:- Nails inc nude and taupe shades

2011-09-06T21:29:00.000+01:00

Nails inc polishes swatched L-R

Nails inc Havana from the beauty collection limited edition collaboration with dove deodorant

Nails inc Heather Grey limited edition collaboration with diet coke

Nails inc Jermyn street - Nails inc best seller nail polishes

NOTD :- Nails inc Heather grey

2011-09-06T21:21:00.001+01:00

I really really like Nails Inc nail polishes and my nails inc collection of polishes proves it

Ive always been an OPI girl until nails inc came along

now I will happily use either

I did not know what colour I wanted to wear today and so i almost opted for a taupe

- Jermyn street (no less)

and then my eyes fell on this shade that ive not yet tried as you can see in the pic this was on offer at boots with Diet coke -Amazing offer!

1 coat of nails inc in heather grey -no top coat !

I think this is one of my favourite shades for autumn / fall

XOXO

Mac lipstick collection swatches

2011-09-06T17:06:00.001+01:00

This is some of my mac lipstick collection

but in parts hopefully I'll post up a complete mac lipstick collection swatches

similar to my clinique lipstick collection swatches

L-R

Mac Lipstick -Dreamy limited edition

Mac lipstick -Midimauve

Mac Lipstick - Surprise me -limited edition

Mac lipstick - Warm me up -limited edition

XOXO

OOTD:- my eid outfit of the day

2011-09-06T16:51:00.000+01:00

This Eid I wore a Teal 'Churidar' (skinny trousers) and dress 3 piece outfit that has golden bronze embellishments

I really like it, its not too glitzy but is perfect for a special occasion and I did not feel out of place when I went out to the cinema to watch bodyguard

Watch this space as I will upload my accessories as well

XOXO

Swatch:- Mac myth lipstick

2011-09-06T16:19:00.000+01:00

LOTD:- Lips of the day

Sorry about the dry lips

not only am I a dry skin diva

but Mac Myth is a satin lipstick and does have a drying effect on the lips

and should ideally always be applied over exfoliated and moisturised lips

and to add to that I wore this on a cold and windy day :(

but atleast it gives you an idea of myth lipstick on the lips

I often use this lipstick as a lip base colour

XOXO

Comparison :- Mac Rubenesque Vs Improper copper

2011-09-06T16:06:00.001+01:00

I know alot of people have been waiting for this

so here it is Mac aintpot in Rubenesque and Mac cream colour base in improper copper

both are permanent in the mac collection

I have swatched them both side by side

paintpots are more cream to powder where as cream colour bases are more liquidy

to the naked eye they both look similar

but since rubenesque contains a gold pearl it shimmers more gold and improper copper shimmers more peachy toned

I often wear improper copper as a blush applied with my fingers and it gives a nars orgam effect

and is quite similar to the nars orgasm multiple -maybe ill do a comparison of these two next ?

and I wear rubenesque from lash line to brow with my fingers either alone for a quick look or as a base, currently ive been using this daily under my too faced natural eye palette

Eotd/ fotd to follow soon

XOXO

Haul :- Issey Miyake perfume giftset for men

2011-09-05T23:20:00.000+01:00

Issey Miyake l'eau d'issey pour homme is my husbands signature scent

infact L'eau d'issey is our couple and wedding scent

Its light, clean, crisp, fresh, and lasts for hours, in the mens choice its masculine too

which is always a good thing :)

I actually bought this set back in july from debenhams so im not sure if its still available in this gift set which includes a travel mini mens perfume pen spray

XOXO

Swatches:- Laura mercier original tinted moisturiser

2011-09-05T22:59:00.001+01:00

Now Available in the UK from 2011 onwards laura mercier tinted moisturiser in 'Bisque'

Please ignore my super tanned driving hand

It does not match my face

Swatched shades include -

Nude, -equivalent to Bobbi brown beige/cool beige / Mac nc25

Bisque -equivalent to me :) , bobbi brown warm beige/natural / Mac nc30

Sand - equivalent to Bobbi brown warm natural / Mac nc35

I have dry skin so I use the original tinted moisturiser

and Ive had to use nude in the past as the next available shade in the UK is sand

and sand is super orange toned on me

so Im ok in winter but in summer i have to add darker powder bronzer but I usually skip this in summer and move on to darker foundations

XOXO

Sleek Nude collection haul and Swatches

2011-09-05T22:23:00.001+01:00

Products in packaging

Products without packaging

Sleek nude collection palette with acetate cover showing eye shadow names

Eyeshadow palette, blush palette and pout polish

Sleek nude eyeshadow palette, nude blush, nude pout polish

Swatches L - R

Pout polish -

Blush -

Eyeshadow palette in same order as in palette

My Eid Henna Mehndi

2011-09-05T21:29:00.001+01:00

I feel that henna mehndi is an essential part of eid

Im not a trained professional mehndi artist

but i do enjoy doing henna and mehndi

I hope you like

XOXO

Chanel illusion de ombre mirrifique no 85

2011-09-05T21:19:00.001+01:00

Chanel illusion d ombre mirrifique 85 is really difficult describe

its almost a gel product but with a spongey mousse texture

It almost reminds me of a moussey product smashbox did ages ago

I love love this colour and have already used it a few times

my 3 ways to wear it is

no1 - as gel liner

no 2 - as a cream eyeshadow on the lid for a gorgeous glittery smokey eye effect

no 3 - as a base on the lid for use under powder shadow for a smokey look

Picture above

is Mac rubenesque paintpot from lashes to lid

Chanel cream shadow liner as liner on both upper and lower lashline avoiding inner rim water line

Mac zoom lash mascara

XOXO

NOTD:- Eid combo featuring leighton denny and OPI

2011-09-05T20:51:00.001+01:00

PRODUCTS USED

OPI Nail Envy

OPI Base coat

Leighton Denny - Do me a flavour

OPI - Sparkle-icious glitter lacquer

OPI Top Coat

XOXO

Comparison :- My 22ct gold badboy Shu Uemura lash curlers vs Chanel precision eyelash curlers

2011-09-05T20:38:00.001+01:00

XOXO

SWATCHES:- Mac Prep and prime fortified skin enhancer , highlighter, and matchmaster foundation

2011-09-04T22:47:00.003+01:00

Mac Matchmaster foundation swatch in 3.0 equivalent to nc30 light/medium warm beige skintone

Mac Prep and prime highlighters

Light boost - medium skin tones

Bright forecast - darker skintones

Radiant Rose -fair to light skintones

Mac Prep and Prime fortified skin enhancers spf35

Illuminate - fair to light skin tones adds brightness

Neutralize -light to medium skintone or to rectify redness

Adjust - light to medium skintones

Recharge - darker skintones, or can help with grey ashy skintones

The texture of the fortifiers are quite similar to the recent mac prep and prime BB primer spf35

Have you tried any of these ??

XOXO

Swatches :- Smashbox face primers Collection

2011-09-04T21:25:00.002+01:00

I have used most of smashbox's primers with the exception of the very new ones which launched in the uk in september 2011

Im really liking the new packaging too

The tube is so much more user friendly because the old pump dispensers kept failing to dispense

they were also made of glass which looked good on my vanity but are very heavy for travel

Smashbox then changed the packaging to the airless pump dispensers which looked very nice and quite matched the Smashbox healthy FX foundation bottles

I have swatched all of the primers with the one exception of the demaxyl spf15 which was abit watery in the store for some reason but not too worry it is very similar to the original primer in look and texture

Smashbox primers swatched above

Original primer

Light/ lite primer

Hydrating primer -NEW

Adjust primer -Green

Balance primer - lavendar, lilac, purple -NEW

Blend -peach

Luminizing - peachy gold -NEW

Most of the Smashbox primers have a silicone base

except for the light and hydrating primers

These are available at Debenhams and retail for between £29 - £31 depending on which one you choose and are 30ml each

For the time being Im trying to use up some of my other primers before I repurchase any of these

And im on a makeup buying ban for now since my collection is so huge I cant justify buying any more makeup for now :(

Are you using a Smashbox primer or are you preferring something else ??

XOXO

NOTD :- pretty sweet pink macquite cute icecream cake with gosh glitter

2011-09-04T20:42:00.002+01:00

Pink nail polish is by mac from the quite cute collection in 'icecream cake'

Nail glitter on tips is pink from/ by Gosh at superdrug

Henna/ Mehndi design is my own

XOXO

Freebies alert Loreal Gift with purchase

2011-09-04T20:25:00.000+01:00

Spend over £15 on loreal cosmetics at boots uk and get a loreal GWP worth £25

Includes :-

Youth code sample

Infallible foundation travel size

infallible pigment eyeshadow in a gold shade

eyeliner in dark/ navy blue

a coral nailpolish

Do let me know if you get this and your thoughts

XOXO

Review Smashbox lip perfectors

2011-09-04T19:40:00.000+01:00

I absolutely love these 2 products

they are both tried, tested and approved by me

so i had to do a review on them for you

I am sure there are alot of people out there looking for good skincare lip care products

both of these products are unisex as they are not makeup and the packaging is very gender friendly

This is the Smashbox lip scrub it is called emulsion lip exfoliant and retails for £15.50 at debenhams

I believe it is made of all natural ingredients and is super lip safe and delicious to use

It is said to contain vitamins and soothing conditioners

it is sugar based and has a peppermint taste and contains tiny little poppy seeds to exfoliate as well as the actual sugar

It also contains shea butter, cocoa butter and jojoba to nourish the lips

My preffered way to use this is before brushing teeth as it also protects your lips from the toothpaste

I then scuff it off

This is the smashbox lip balm it is called lip treatment and retails for £15.50 at debenhams

This lip balm is the perfect daytime lip treatment as it not only moisturises but also protects your lips with an spf15,

This lip treatment contains all of my favourite nourishing ingredients including

Shea butter, mango butter, jojoba, and avacado, chamomile and honey, also anti oxidants and vitamin A C E -doesnt that sound delicious ??

this has been my preferred lip base for a very long time as its not greasy at all its just very comforting and makes a great base for lip colour

Unfortunately i am out of stock of both of these items as i really need to use up other things I have bought, but i really look forward to buying these again

These 2 are definitely my holy grail lip perfectors and lip base

Have you tried these, or do you use something similar ??

GIVEAWAY TIME

2011-08-22T15:34:00.002+01:00

Win A MAC Eyeshadow of your choice

potted or pan

Open to all Subscribers

ENTRY RULES

A - you must be a follower of this blog

B - Extra entry if you follow me on twitter and RT my giveaway

C - Extra entry if you mention my giveaway on your blog

D - You must leave me a way to contact you preferably your email

E - just write 'ENTER ME' under this post

F - Please state which colour you would like to recieve (I advise you leave a 1st / 2nd / 3rd choice)

G - by entering this contest as above you are confirming that you are either over 18 or that you have obtained permission from a parent/carer or guardian

This is an international giveaway and eyeshadow will be genuine mac, most likely from debenhams.

Good Luck

lips of the day :- Mac Angel lipstick

2011-08-22T02:13:00.000+01:00

My lips of the day

the Famous Mac Angel lipstick

I think its really popular since its Kim Kardashians favorite lipstick

I think she likes it with nars turkish delight over top

I sometimes wear gloss over this sometimes its just a case of whats in my bag at the time though

XOXO

Lancome GWP offer on now

2011-08-21T20:19:00.000+01:00

This gift with purchase (gwp) is exclusive to boots and is running from now until the 4th september 2011

The gift is a choice of skincare and lipstick colour

I love Lancome

I was a lancome only girl for a really long time

I think it was after my clinique girl phase -lol

Im abit OCD like that Ill get into a phase and stick to a brand because somewhere deep inside my head theres a voice that says the products work better together :s

Chanel Autumn/Winter collection 2011 picture and swatches

2011-08-21T19:42:00.004+01:00

More swatches and descriptions/names of Chanel, blush, quad, eyeliners, lip liners, lip gloss and lipsticks coming soon

XOXO

Chanel launches new eyelash curlers

2011-08-21T19:26:00.000+01:00

Anything Chanel does is high end and usually high quality

But for many years the title of best eye lash curlers has been held highly by Shu Uemura

who make very high end and high quality cosmetics, skincare, accessories and tools.

So . . . . .

which is better?

and which should you get?

should you get the Chanel eyelash curlers if you already have the shu uemura ones??

Well luckily I took along my Shu Uemura lash curlers to my local Chanel counter in boots at the Mall to investigate . . . . .

Held side by side they are EXACTLY the same !

same size etc

The main difference was that mines were gold plated and the chanel ones were Chanel-esque black

Which do you have ??

XOXO

EOTD:- Sleek Curacao look no 2

2011-08-20T22:00:00.000+01:00

Eye of the day

using Sleek Curacao palette

again there was no real inspiration behind this look I just looked at the palette

and decided to do a look starting from yellow and ending at green but with a splash of orange, pink and red.

My only regret looking back at the pic is that I forgot to add mascara

this look would be amazing with full on dramatic lashes

this colour reminds me of an exotic bird like a parrot or orange flowers in greenery

I hope you enjoyed this look

XOXO

EOTD:- Sleek Curacao look no 1

2011-08-20T21:39:00.001+01:00

This look is using yellows, oranges, pinks, reds, and purples

I just wanted to try a look that starts at yellow and ends at purples

having completed the look it reminds me of a yellow, red and purple sky at night

I used my sleek curacao palette for this look

I will update this post soon to include the shade names too

XOXO

Mac Peacocky swatches

2011-08-20T21:09:00.002+01:00

SHADES L-R

Tweet me -pinky gold

Odalisque -golden teal
Ego - Gorgeous Green

Noir Plum -dark purple

Centre Stage -Brown Maroon

Woo Me kissable lipcolour - the best true my lips but better colour

I love these eyeshadows they are huge

the payoff is good as they are very pigmented and give a slight metallic finish

I have done a look using all of these colours which i will be posting shortly

XOXO

Mac Mineralize blush in pressed amber

2011-08-20T14:32:00.001+01:00

Im really loving Mac mineralize blush in pressed amber

you can see how it look on my face above

its really a suitable skintone shade and using this is a blush negates the need for a bronzer and/or contour

Products pictured above

Man mineralize blush in pressed amber

Mac lipstick in pressed amber

FOTD:- Sleek mediterranean monaco teal look

2011-08-20T14:21:00.002+01:00

Products Used

eyeshadows from Sleek mediterranean collection Monaco palette

Mac mineralize blush in pressed Amber

Mac Lipstick strayin

Elf luscious liquid lipstick in perfect pink
Dramatic False lashes cut in half
Mac fluid line gel liner in black track

XOXO

Sleek Mediterranean Monaco Palette

2011-08-20T13:59:00.001+01:00

XOXO

Apologies and a shoutout

2011-08-19T18:32:00.003+01:00

Hi All!!

I have missed blogging for all of my loyal followers

but I have my reasons -I promise!

As well as being a busy mom etc I have been super annoyed with my blog in itself

It sounds weird but my blog has been STUCK

I could not make relevant changes to my blog and it really made me feel upset it kind of made me feel like my blog was not mine since I could not control it.

And since I created my blog as a release from the outside world to share my thoughts and makeup and beauty obsessions, likes and dislikes with other like minded girls and peoples The disorder in my blog felt it was not fulfilling its purpose in my life and it was a real turn off since I could not get my true thoughts out to you all.

However i did not move away from blogging i did create another blog but due to technical problems it is lost yet hanging in cyber-space.

So then created another blog ( www.beautyblogopedia.blogspot.com ) and all was going well and I tried new things that I would be scared to do on this blog but I was missing all of you.

So I have spent the last few days trying, trialling and erroring and tweaking this blog so i can get my backside back on here

unfortunately in the end I had to cut my losses and start afresh

I also want to give a shoutout to my twitter girl Techspidergirl who took out her time to look into the html coding

you can follow Ana here https://twitter.com/#!/techspidergirl

Techspidergirl is a web developer and designer, graphic designer and a blogger herself

she is available to help out with your blog and website for a reasonable $5 per hour if she can fix the problem for you

her web address is http://peachesandcreamdesigns.blogspot.com/

Thank you all for your patience and support

Mac Midimauve lipstick swatches

2011-08-08T17:38:00.002+01:00

Nars Tainted Love Collection and Swatches

2011-08-08T17:06:00.002+01:00

PICTURE HEAVY

This set is a limited edition set, I have already done a post about it previously and promised that i would do some actual swatches -so here they are !!

Nars tainted love set contains

Nars Angelika multiple (ltd ed) for eyes lips and cheeks -I like that this is a cream to powder formula and is not sticky, greasy or tacky on the face.
Nars Angelika Lipgloss (ltd ed)
Nars Schiap nail polish

This kit is definitely for very girly girls, as all the products are a hot barbie pink colour and perfect for the spring to summer time

The collection was released as a valentines day special in february 2011 and retails for £46 in the UK
but would cost £60 if all of these products were available individually

I have swatched the Nars Angelika blush and lipgloss to show how gorgeous this shade really is

The hand with the schiapp nail polish swatch dots is my three year old babys hand, shes always around when Im blogging and I let her get involved in the process in fact I sometimes even let her take pictures too.

XOXO

Review:- Smashbox Double take lipstick in Apricot

2011-08-08T16:32:00.001+01:00

The Debenhams website says :-

The doubletake lip colour from Smashbox is a lip pencil and creamy lip color in one! This vitamin-packed, long-wearing formula has caffeine and nourishing wheat glycerides to moisturize and protect lips

I do like that this lipstick is dual ended and that you get the matching lipliner with the lipstick
the formula is smooth, and creamy and has a good pigment it is a somewhere between a satin and cremesheen lipstick since i know alot of people prefer descriptions in mac cosmetic terms.
Im not sure what effect caffeine is supposed to have on the lips -maybe to wake up my lips??? lol!

The only con i would say is that it will need sharpening so dont make this your only handbag lipstick if you are not very efficient at making sure all of your makeup (pencils) are prepped and sharpened at all times

The colour is so this season, the name apricot really suits it s it is just that a peachy, coral apricot shade!
It is close to revlon peach colorburst lipstick and Mac Ever hip lipstick

I think this shade might be limited edition however there are four other colours available from the debenhams website

Sugar and spice

Amaretto

Praline

Cranberry

Ameretto is quite nice but my favourite of this bunch is Praline its a very neutral and versatile shade

This pencil is not cheap at £20.50
But worth it if you consider it as a lip liner and lipstick

XOXO

Review:- Smashbox Lipstick in Candle with swatches

2011-08-08T16:04:00.001+01:00

I dont have many Smashbox lipsticks but I have this one as well as a couple of other which I will hopwfully review very soon

This Lipstick is Smashbox's top selling best lipstick
And probably my favourite lipstick from Smashbox too

Its really versatile and can work with alot of different looks as the colour is quite pigmented, It is quite a frosty kind of lipstick, and can be abit drying on the lips if applied to already dry lips.

The colour itself is a nude shimmery pink bronze champagne colour

A Smashbox insider Makeup artist trick direct from the Smashbox makeup studio is to use Candle lipstick just on the centre of the lower lip to give the illusion of a more fuller lip -I dont do this myself as I feel that I already have very voluptuous lips!

XOXO

Sleek mediterranean collection Monaco palette

2011-08-08T12:08:00.002+01:00

This is another limited edition palette from Sleek
I really love their palettes
the eyeshadows are mineral based
and are very good quality
the pigmentation is good
and the colour you see is usually the same as the payoff that you get
Sleek have recently put up their prices and th paletttes now retail for £6.50 which is very cheap, affordable, reasonable.

Sleek products are available from the sleek website www.sleekmakeup.com
or from most superdrugs stores

This palette is really bright and perfect for summer I have been wearing out very summery looks and I will post some looks with this shortly

XOXO

MAC Bombshell lipstick Swatch

2011-08-08T11:57:00.001+01:00

Mac lipstick swatch in bombshell

A gorgeous pretty pink frost lipstick with golden shimmer

XOXO

What im wearing on my nails this summer with swatches

2011-08-08T11:03:00.002+01:00

FIRST PICTURE

1 - Chanel Mimosa (fleurs d ete ltd ed 2011)

2- Chanel Morning rose (fleur d ete ltd ed 2011)

3- Nars Schiapp

4- OPI Senorita Rosalita

5- OPI Elephantastic pink

SECOND PICTURE

6 - OPI Glitzerland

7 - OPI Bring on the bling

8 - OPI Sparkle-icious

9 - OPI Elephantastic pink

10 - OPI legally blonde (cant remember exact shade name will update soon)

XOXO

My Travel Brush Collection Set

2011-08-07T19:30:00.001+01:00

These are mini deluxe bobbi brown brushes
there are 6 brushes in this collection
from L to R
Blender brush
Large eyeshadow brush
Eyeliner brush
Eyeshadow brush
Lip brush

I think I bought this for £70 but I could be wrong
the brush set is limited edition from the Bobbi Brown ltd ed Platinum Collection

I like that the brush holder case is very flexible in that it does not have individual brush divides
each side of the brush holder has one large area each to fit in as many brushes as can fit in
so I have been able to add in all of my other little bobbi brown brushes from various other limited edition collections

I will post up some more actual pictures of my travel brush set very soon

XOXO

Laura Mercier Premier Beauty Collection

2011-08-07T18:29:00.001+01:00

OFFICIAL DESCRIPTION

Beauty is in the bag. This classic cosmetic bag holds everything you need for a great new look, plus a special exclusive preview of Tightline Cake Eye Liner in a limited-edition shade. There are so many different makeup looks you can create with this versatile colour mix for eyes, cheeks and lips. Also included, a flawless Foundation Primer, a Double-Ended Professional Brush, a Mini-Mascara, and a “Look Card” with application tips and techniques. It’s chic and portable – perfect for touch-ups on the go!

Premiere Colour Collection includes:

Mini Foundation Primer (30ml)
Tightline Cake Eye Liner in Ground Espresso (1.4g)
Eye Colour Duo in Dusk/Chocolate (2.5g)
Lip Glacé in Pink Lilac (2.8g)
Mini Black Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara (5.7g)
Double-Ended Pony Tail/Flat Eye Liner Brush
Cosmetic Bag

This Collection was said to be exclusive to John Lewis in the UK

And I first saw it at my local John Lewis counter and absolutely fell in love with this Collection

It is a complete colour collection

the only thing the collection needs is your own face products such as foundation and concealer and blusher

This set was released as a launch for Laura Merciers new tight liner collection

which is now available in quite a few colours and in case you are unsure

Tight lining is the name given to the lining of the upper inner rim or upper waterline or the upper inner lid

The Lipgloss is a gorgeous pink, in my opinion the perfect pink, neither too light or too bright and is exclusive to this kit only !

The Shadow and the tight liner can both be popped out of the individual compacts to fit into a laura mercier professional palette

The shadows are a gorgeous duo compact

the lighter colour is a shimmery lavender with a golden pearl similar to Mac trax eyeshadow but not an exact dupe

The darker shadow is a very deep chocolate plum

I do have this collection and I will be posting actual photos, face of the day, and swatches etc very soon

XOXO

Nars Tainted Love

2011-08-07T18:18:00.001+01:00

OFFICIAL DESCRIPTION

Ignite your passion for pink! Angelika Lip Gloss pairs with new, limited edition Angelika Multiple for delighting eyes lips, and cheeks in a cotton-candy hue with flecks of shimmering silver and gold. Nails make a statement in shocking pink Schiap.

This picture is from the www.narscosmetics.co.uk website

the set retails for £44 and was a valentines day special

I have bought this from www.spacenk.co.uk

As I now have a space nk loyalty card and its worth saving up the points for money off further purchases

I will be posting actual pictures and swatches soon

XOXO

Laura Mercier Classic smokey eye palette

2011-08-07T17:58:00.001+01:00

I Am soo excited about this new Smokey eye palette from Laura Mercier

I think it contains everything you need to create a perfect smokey eye

it even contains 3 professional dual ended brushes

I think that this is the first time Ive ever seen this in a palette

I just found this palette whilst browsing on the www.johnlewis.com website

this picture is also from that website

And it retails for £55

Which although expensive, but it is five eyeshadows and six dual ended brushes

This palette is definitely on my wishlist and I cannot wait until I get it !

I think that this palette would pair perfectly with my Nars Tainted Love collection

(I will do a separate post on this for you soon )

And I will ofcourse add information and more pictures of the actual palette once i get it

OFFICIAL DESCRIPTION

(from John lewis website)

Create smoldering, smoky eyes with my new Classic Smoky Eye Palette. All you need are the right shades and tools which I have hand selected for this signature kit. Included are four universal Eye Colours ranging from all over colour to a midtone, definer and highlighter. Also featured is my cult classic Tightline Cake Eye Liner in Black Ebony, which is my secret weapon to achieving the ultimate smoky eye. It’s all sleekly housed in a slimline compact with a total of five professional brushes. I’m here every step of the way with my detailed instructional guide found inside.

The palette contains:

Black Ebony Tightline Cake Eye Liner (1.90g)
Sparkling Noir Luster Eye Colour (1.40g)
Granite, Vanilla Matte Eye Colour (2 x 1.40g)
Sable Sateen Eye Colour (1.40g)

XOXO

Mac semi precious MSF and blush swatches

2011-08-05T11:40:00.001+01:00

Top Row

are all of the Mac Mineralize skinfinish from the mac semi precious collection

1. Crystal pink - Beige, champagne/ white, plum bronze

2. Goldstone -Rosy pink/ silver, lime, white pink, copper

3. Rose quartz - pink, champagne / pink, dirty green, bronze

Somebody had Semi precious pearl MSF so I was unable to swatch this one :(

Bottom Row

4. Feeling flush - pink, deep blue, pink, soft brown

5. Pressed Amber - Nude, beige, brown

6. Warmth of coral - coral peach

The mineralize blush retail for uk £18 each

and are uk/6g usa/0.21 oz

I have the pressed Amber mineralize blush which im loving for everday use

I have already reviewed and swatched this

XOXO

MAC Semi precious lipstick swatches

2011-08-05T11:21:00.001+01:00

Mac Semi precious collection july 2011

Swatches with official description from www.maccosmetics.co.uk

Gem of Roses - Midtone strawberry pink

One of a kind - Midtone rosy neutral

Lush Amber - light nude beige

Musky Amethyst - Deep plum

Each lipstick retails for £13.50

and is uk/3g usa/0.1 oz

I could not find it in the description but I believe that these are lustre finish lipsticks

which are quite sheer and moisturising

almost like a lipgloss in a lipstick

probably my favourite type of lipstick from mac

My Favourite lipstick from this collection is lush amber which I have already reviewed and swatched

I took these pictures on my iphone 4, so the quality is not the best but i think that the colours are showing more true than the pictures that were provided on the mac website

XOXO

MAC Semi precious Cremesheen lip glass Swatches

2011-08-05T10:43:00.001+01:00

Mac Semi precious Cremesheen lipglass swatches with official descriptions from www.maccosmetics.co.uk

1 - Natural Flare - Light caramel nude

2 - Geo pink - Strawberry pink

3 - Pure Magnificence - light grey pink

4 - Looks like sin - Midtone reddish plum

5 - Richly revered - Deep brown plum

Each Cremesheen glass has a brush applicator

Retails in the uk for £16 each

and are uk 2.4ml / usa 0.8 fl oz in amount

I think that the cremesheen lipglass's are slightly thicker and creamier than the normal lipglass's

and are more opaque and pigmented

overall they are comfortable to wear on the lips

and if you hate shimmery lipgloss and lipsticks because the shimmer gets left on your lips then you may wish to consider these

XOXO

My Babyliss beliss hot air styler

2011-07-29T20:24:00.002+01:00

Model- Babyliss BE liss ioniceramic 800 hair dryer

I have had this a few years now, i originally bought the larger version which is shaped like a hairdryer which is specifically for longer length hair but I found it to big and chunky to use and I kept hitting myself on the head with it so I gave it to my sister (who has even longer hair )

and I bought the model for shorter hair which is the one that I am reviewing now

It is light, easy to handle, and great to use in my thick, long curly hair

you can adjust the end styler and make it a really tight setting so that it can straighten your hair but I dont like the pull on my hair and my hair getting caught in the comb bit so I leave it on a medium setting

which is Ok since I always go over my hair with my GHDs

My hair is quite long as you can see in my profile pic it comes down to the middle of my back

This hair dryer is easy to handle if you always do your own hair like me

I have been let down by hair dressers so many times that I now even cut my own hair

The hair dryer has a filter on the back end

and also has a swivel cord just like the one on my GHD's so I dont tangle and strangle myself with my own hair dryer

I really like and trust baby liss hair tools

I think they produced the first retailed hair straightener with the steam attachment which was my first ever hair tool !

I thought Id put in a picture of the long hair version in also since this review also covers the be liss 1700w which also comes with a changeable diffuser attachment

Which hair dryer do you have ??