Sunday 30 December 2012

Rose Gold - Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Illuminator

Being pretty slow off the mark on what I believe was Elizabeth Arden's spring Rose Aurora range, for once did me a huge favour - I picked this up in the seasonal sales for 1/2 it's original price tag! And, it's absolutely gorgeous to boot. I'm a huge fan of the dewy look, being matte quite scares me, I'd just prefer to glow (without looking like a disco ball, of course!) The Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Illuminator in Rose Gold is just the ticket for a soft-focus light reflecting shimmer to the cheek bones. The shade is warming and natural on the the skin and not at all icy as I have had with highlighting powders and creams I've tried in the past. It's the perfect shade for my skin tone, which is fair with pink undertones. In fact, I think it has overtaken the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick, as my favourite highlighter. As I'm singing the praises of this lovely product, I can't fail to mention the packaging - aside from the pretty floral box it comes in, the rose gold mirror compact is a super-chic addition to any make-up bag.

I'd say, get your hands on it whilst you can!



Saturday 22 December 2012

A New Lipstick Obsession: MAC Lustre Lipstick Rouge À Lèvres in Love Lorn

Self-gifting, inevitable at this time of year whilst pacing the streets looking for Christmas presents for friends and family. Guilty as charged. I picked up this new lipstick yesterday, just couldn't resist it's posey pink shade, and having tried it out the minute I bought it, I thought I'd share it with you.

I'm new to MAC lippies. (I know - I can hear you screaming), its just I'm not an avid lipstick wearer and favour dramatic eyes, so in an effort not to rock the panto-chic look, I spend a lot of time looking and not so much buying. Anyway, that was until I started reading so many blogs - now, I need them and its less on the eyes and more on the lips. However, here I have found the perfect pink shade, gives a subtle pop of colour without looking too obvious, it isn't uber pigmented and can be worn alongside my beloved smokey eye. MAC lustre is moisturising, sheer and perfect for the lipstick rookie as it doesn't require the precision in application a more striking matt lippie would. It's only down side, it's not really a stayer, needing topped up a bit more often than I'd like. I LOVE it and I'll definitely invest in some more colours! What is your favourite MAC lippie?



Thursday 20 December 2012

Two Favourite Festive Shades (plus one)

Just a quick post on my festive nail colours - plus one, not so festive - but lovely all the same!

Nails inc, St. James
I got this free with Glamour Magazine (along with 1000s of beauty lovers around the country. ) I don't normally go for such a vibrant red, after trying this, I won't look back. St. James oozes 50s glamour and festive cheer - perfect for any Christmas Party.

Max Factor - Max Effect, Silver
When I picked this up, I thought it was a lot darker than it looks on. It definitely is silver, but after a marathon four coats it comes out in the amazing Pewter metallic shade you see in the bottle. The mini brush is perfect for easy application and small bottle easy to pop into your make-up bag. I just LOVE this colour and its also one of the longest lasting nail varnishes I've used in ages - or maybe that's just the four coats . . .

Models Own, Vintage Pink
Not really a festive shade, but gorgeous all the same. I got this as a Christmas gift from a colleague and had to try it straight away. It's a subtle dusky pink that gives you a 'put together' look. The formula has a silky consistency and after two coats the colour has a lovely depth. A nice shade, perfect all year round!

What are your favourite festive nail colours? I'm always on the look out for new colours to add to an already abundant collection!

Thursday 13 December 2012

To The Rescue: Eau Thermale Avène

I picked this up out of curiosity, I've been experimenting with Avène products, loving them (more reviews to follow) and wanted to try this. This Thermal Spring Water spray claims to be 'essential soothing care for sensitive, hypersensitive, allergic and irritated skin'. I have to say after buying the 50ml can, it's something I will definitely repurchase in a larger size. I use in the morning and evening after cleansing, before moisturising. It's soothing, calming, refreshing and feels amazing on the skin. Perfect to wake you up in the morning. I also use to set my make up - it makes it last longer and stops it looking powdery or cakey. At this time of year when the air is cold outside and heating blasting inside - this product is my twice-a-day necessity. What do you use to calm irritated skin in winter?


Wednesday 12 December 2012

Excess Baggage

With the party season upon us, I find with late nights and less sleep than normal, I need a little extra help with the dark circles and bags under my eyes come morning. Here's a quick post on my go to products - one new and one old favourite.

I've been using YSL Touch Éclat for years, both as a highlighter and to disguise any dark circles - it's definitely my go-to product after a heavy night and is certainly a staple in my make-up bag all year round. Dotting under the eyes in darker areas and blending with a brush to even out. It lasts ages, makes me look like I've had a good eight hours sleep and definitely worth the money.

The second is a newbie - Benefit Ooh La Lift. It's a light pink paste, used for brightening any under eye shadows. Dotting under the eyes, patting the product with my finger to even out. I'm a big fan of the Benefit brand and if I'm honest, had higher hopes for this product, it does the job but needs reapplying more often than I'd like. It does sell itself as an eye brightener, so I guess it does what it says - I'd just prefer a little more coverage. To end on a positive note - it feels amazing on the skin, cooling and refreshing.

What products do you rely on to make yourself look and feel a bit more human the morning after a nights partying? I'd love your suggestions - with 2 weeks partying left, I'm sure ill need them!

Tuesday 11 December 2012

The Golden Touch

I get so many compliments on this necklace, I thought I'd write a quick post. If you've never heard of Bookish (www.bookishengland.co.uk), its the perfect website to get some literary gems such as this understated character. The ampersand comes on an 18" gold plated chain and adds a touch of literary intrigue to any outfit - prepare for ?'s on where you got it!

Monday 3 December 2012

Winter Essentials

I am sure, like me you've noticed the start of December has seen a drop in temperature and a bit of a chill in the air - it's FRRREEEEZING! So, I thought I'd write a post on three of my winter handbag must-haves.

I'll start from the top ...

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream - Skin Protectant
This cult product is something I simply won't leave the house without, especially when there is a bite in the air - it claims to soothe and calm irritated skin, and that's exactly what it does. During the colder months, when the central heating is blasting, I notice I get dry patches on my skin (and as scaly is not such a good look), dabbing this on moisturises, eases itching and quickly sorts out any such problems. I also find this is good as a lip balm and on any dry or cracked skin on my hands. It is quite costly, though lasts absolutely ages - I've had this tube for over a year as you can probably tell from the packaging, which has been updated. One of the only downsides to this products is it's strong smell. I don't mind it's almost herbal scent, it smells like it should be good for you! I think I have read somewhere Elizabeth Arden have toned it down slightly.

Vaseline Lip Therapy - Rosy Lips
This is my go to product for those low maintenance days, all the goodness of Vaseline Original with a hint of a rosy colour. I love the pinky feminine twist on the classic blue and white tin, it's a perfectly sized for pockets or make-up bags and keeps my lips moisturised and chap-free throughout the colder weather.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
This is the absolute daddy of hand creams! I seem to be able to tell winter is round the corner by the state of my hands, the minute the temperature drops, I see chapping and cracked skin, especially between my fingers and on my knuckles. I have tried SO many hand creams - ranging from high end to own brand cheapies - this, my friends wins hands down - if you'll pardon the pun. Just a little bit, goes a very long way - sorting out all the winter skin problems above and leaving my hands soft and smooth. I also have to mention, it has a slightly 'waxy' texture, which I think is it's winning formula, you can still feel it working even after giving your hands a good scrub. If you don't have a tube, don't wait, get yourself some of this budget-friendly wonder cream!

What are your favourite winter must-have beauty items? I'd love to hear what your winter saviours are!

Sunday 25 November 2012

The Soap and the Glory

I have had a recent splurge on some Soap & Glory goodies - well, they are currently on a 3 for 2 offer in Boots, so why the hec not, eh? I will review the other two I bought soon, but today, I've picked out my favourite - The Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser. And I have to say, it is exactly that - fab. If I'm honest, I'm not a skin care junkie and generally opt for the same brands every time - creature of habit I guess. So, straying away from my usual, I didn't have high hopes for this product, but decided to give it a whirl, I'm both surprised and thrilled with the results.

This product claims to clean, smooth and melt away make up, and that it does! The super-luxurious balmy cream is a dream to massage into the skin, it contains panthenol, lavender, sweet almond and orange oils - it smells divine and clears the airways to boot. Concentrating around the nose, cheeks and chin - where pores clog. Leaving it on the skin for a minute or two, dampen the cloth provided with warm water and wipe away. It gently removes every last scrap of make up and leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed - not squeaky clean and tight and I can honestly say, my pores actually have shrunk. Amazing!

Monday 19 November 2012

Hello and Welcome!



I thought I'd start at the beginning, seems like the best place to start . . . Welcome, to my first ever blog entry

To be honest, I'm a little intimidated by this whole blogging malarkey - the are so many amazing blogs that I read on a daily basis and that have been my inspiration for giving it a whirl myself. What better way wile away the winter evenings and claim a teensy-weensy bit of the Internet for myself to talk about life in London and the things I love - fashion, beauty and all things style related. I hope you enjoy reading it . . .

Sarah x