A Makeup & Beauty Blog – Lipglossiping

If you find yourselves in Selfridges, Oxford Street over the next 7 days, be sure to check out the latest installation that’s causing a bit of a stir…

Step inside a giant 5.5 metre high Chanel fragrance bottle to view behind-the-scenes footage from the new Chanel Coco Mademoiselle advert featuring Keira Knightley.

In addition to watching the short film, visitors also have the opportunity to answer questions about Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel and receive a luxurious souvenir for every correct answer!

And if that isn’t enough to get your heart racing, don’t forget to gaze in wonderment at the limited edition, super-sized 200ml bottles of Chanel Coco Mademoiselle EDP that are exclusively available instore.

Chanel popcorn anyone?

Everyone’s talking about The Vitality Show this week, one of the best ‘beauty and wellbeing’ expos on the calendar!

“With over 300 companies on hand to dispense diet and healthy eating tips, beauty and anti-ageing solutions and fitness and wellbeing advice – there’s everything you could possibly want to look healthier, fitter and more gorgeous.

And that’s just for starters…there’s a host of amazing interactive attractions that are guaranteed to inspire you too.” source

The show is being held at Earls Court 2, London from this Thursday 24th March until Sunday 27th March.

.

Courtesy of JustBeautyDirect, I have 4 Pairs of e-tickets for this THURSDAY to be won!

.

For a chance to get your hands on a pair of tickets, you can either leave a comment below OR make use of Twitter!

Follow and Retweet (RT) this message:

“RT @lipglossiping: Follow & RT to win a pair of tickets to The Vitality Show http://bit.ly/gN2CrP”

Good Luck!

.

T&C:
Lipglossiping.com is the Promoter
Note, this is for THURSDAY entry only (24th March)
The competition closes at 3pm on the 23/03/11 (that’s less than 24hrs away folks!)
This competition is open to UK residents only, aged 18 years or over
4 winners will be emailed their e-tickets tomorrow evening and will need a printer to print them

Every new month seems to bring with it innovations in cosmetic technology. Whether it be gadgets, formulations, application methods or even just the latest must-have ingredients… put it this way, there’s never a dull moment!

But unlike a few years ago, competition is tighter… brands are hot on the heels of one another to grab a slice of the action!

The latest cosmetic innovations are becoming more accessible than ever and I thought I’d highlight a few that have captured my attention…

[SlideDeck id=’11267′ width=’100%’ height=’535px’]

What other products have you come across that claim to do the same job as a much higher-priced competitior and do you trust them as much?

Phew, you don’t wanna be trying to remember the name of this foundation after a few sakes.  But for the record, Shiseido Integrate Gracy Cream Foundation Moist SPF22 PA++ in PO-10 *cough* is definitely worth remembering.

I first heard of this foundation after Kathi at LotusPalace blogged about it… anything that Kathi calls HG frankly has me running for my debit card, foaming at the mouth.  So I ran for my debit card. I’m not admitting to anything else.

I paid around £15 for this on eBay from AlphaBeautyUK and it arrived within 9 days of ordering.

You get 25g of product in a small glass jar… it’s not particularly fancy, it’s just… functional.

My skin is still recovering from the Winter, dry at the best of times.  I’m still needing to consider foundations that won’t be attracted to dry patches of skin and although creams are usually cited as being the ones to go for, I can’t say that I’ve noticed them being particularly more moisturising in the past.

Perhaps I’ve just been going for the wrong ones!

The most compelling thing about this foundation for me is the almost perfect shade match… it’s possibly a hint lighter than my skintone but once it’s had time to fit (oxidise?), it’s pretty damn spot on.

Although clearly pink-based, I think it has enough peach in it to stop it from turning ruddy… if colour matching to a so-called English Rose complexion is an issue for you, I really recommend giving this a try.

So, how about that moisture then?  Seeing as this is called “moist”… well it’s not bad.  It’s not as moisturising as something like Chanel Vitalumiere but to be honest, I find that too tacky on my skin and a little uncomfortable to wear.  I’d class this as somewhere between that and a normal, satin finish foundation.

I’ve read this described as a medium-coverage foundation but for me at least, this is pretty full-on.  I don’t own many foundations that give a fuller coverage than this.  I’ll probably find this far too heavy for the Summer but I’m fine with it while the seasons are still changing.  Here’s a before/after – prepare yourself, it’s shots like this that remind me why I like makeup and NEED eyeliner.

After is on the right, I’ve applied the Shiseido Integrate Gracy Cream Foundation Moist with my fingers over a moisturised face.  No concealer.  God I have big ears.  And please excuse the bloodshot eye.  And the lip spot.  And…oh, bugger it.

What do you think?  I think it tones down redness nicely, covers most imperfections adequately and doesn’t accentuate my dry bits.  I think it’s a bit full-on for the Summer and wish I’d discovered it a couple of months ago.  Mostly though, I love the shade which is pretty damn awesome.

Shiseido Integrate Gracy Cream Foundation Moist SPF22 PA++ in PO-10 is available to buy online from eBay (and possibly many other places that I’m not clever enough to translate).

Smelly men. Let’s face it, they’re a real problem.  Stinky brothers, shower-dodging boyfriends and husbands who think that turning their undercrackers inside-out consitutes a legitimate change of clothes.

Thankfully LUSH are on the case and have introduced a whole range of pampering goodies for the fellas in our lives.

The inspiration behind the range comes from the original men’s Dirty scent that was released in 2009 by B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful (LUSH’s defunct sister brand).  The scent proved to be such a hit that LUSH wanted to find a way to re-incorporate it into their current range of products.   That all sounds straightforward enough, launch a range of men’s products that smell like an old favourite cologne and watch the pennies roll in!

Though it gets a bit more interesting than that because Mark & Simon Constantine, otherwise known as The Gorilla Perfumers decided to introduce men to the concept of layering.

Us women know what layering is all about right?  Usually… we get our Xmas gift sets of our favourite fragrances and on special occasions we’ll use the shower gel followed by the matching body lotion before spritzing on the EDP before we walk out the door.  Simple!  A lovely layered scent that has been built up to full intensity and is guaranteed to last longer than our dates.

With the new Dirty range from LUSH, each product contains single notes from the original Dirty cologne.  Thus, instead of layering the same complete scent over and over, you’re actually building the fragrance from the ground up!  How freaking cool is that concept?!?!

Let me show you some of the products available in the new range:

Spring Wash Shower Gel (£4.25 100g / £8.50 250g / £14.95 500g) is a skin-softening and skin-tingling shower gel for the body and hair.  Sodium Bicarbonate works to soften the water and deodorise the skin, whilst the spearmint, menthol and fine sea salt will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised… like you’ve showered in a mountain spring!

This smells like Spring and Summer rolled into the perfect package… it’s zingy, fresh and invigorating.  Mr. L likes it because he can wash his hair without having to reach for another bottle *tsk*.

Verdict: Steal it

Read the rest of this entry »

I always love reading about what other people are coveting but seeing as I rounded off this week with a sneaky Guerlain Meteorites purchase, these will have to remain firmly in my lust list for the time being…

1. NEOM Luxury Organics Mini Bath Oil Set – £15

I think this little set is amazing value for money, you can get around 10 baths from 5 vials which works out at only £1.50 a bath.  I’ll be surprised with myself if I can make it through the next week without moving these from my lust list into my verymuchwentandboughtit list.

2. Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturiser SPF25 – £21

Exclusively available at Selfridges and Brown Thomas until mid-April, I’m desperate to try the new Clinique Tinted Moisturiser.  I’m a total tinted-moisturiser addict and simply can’t bear the feeling of heavyweight foundation in the Summer.  I know we’re not quite there yet with the weather but I’m all about the forward-thinking! (and the shopping).

3. Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF50 – £21.82

I’ve been getting acquainted with a few Alpha-H samples after a recent blog event and a couple of items have really caught my attention.  One of them is the Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser that provides light moisturisation combined with heavy-duty SPF.  Because I already favour specific moisturisers, I just want a full-on SPF for the Summer that isn’t going to interfere with other products.  This is probably the one I’ll be purchasing in a full-size version.

4. The Organic Pharmacy Marigold & Comfrey Hand & Nail Cream – £16.50

Still on a bit of a quest to replace my Bliss Blood Orange and White Pepper Hand Cream, this rich yet light offering from The Organic Pharmacy is top contender!  I stole a squeeze last time I was intore and it smells beautiful, keeps moisturisation levels up and absorbs like a dream.  What more can you really ask for?

5. Malin + Goetz Tobacco Candle – £37.00

When I see something described as an entheogenic experience, quite frankly… I want in.

Although at £37.00 it may be a little while before I take the plunge, especially as Mr. L just doesn’t ‘get’ candles.  Infact, the last time I bought a pricey (and it wasn’t even THAT pricey) candle… he waved a £20 note around infront of the flame going “well if you can do it…”.  Philistine.

Screw the iPad, I might buy him this one for Father’s Day.

6. Agent Provocateur 30ml EDP – £21.75

From one entheogenic experience to another… more… sensual scent.  Agent Provocateur brings the sexy, sexy back.  It also reminds me that I need to raid Rae’s perfume stash as this was another recommended to me by her quite, QUITE exquisite nose.

Screw Father’s Day… isn’t it Mother’s Day soon hmm?

.

So there’s my weekend lust list, what’s hitting the top of yours today?

Ahhh, now wouldn’t we all like a little more dosh to see us through this Spring/Summer?

Described by Butter London as a molten apple green shot through with metallic gold, I’m happy with that description.  On my skintone, it’s not as vulgar as OPI’s Sit Under The Apple Tree which still gives me nightmares when I think back to it.

DOSH is a far crisper, punkier and more vibrant affair.  The metallic shimmer is micro and v. pretty in a gentle non-chunky way.  No chips but a bit of tip wear by the third day and the above photo shows two coats.

If you’re a fan of greens, you’ll probably want to add this to your collection… if not?  Hold out for a peek of some of the others because there’s some surprising stunners.

Butter London DOSH is available to buy online now from PowderRooms priced at £11.95

I’m hugely excited to be collaborating with Beautique.com for this giveaway. These guys are in my “oooh la-la don’t touch till payday” favourites folder!

Once upon a time (thanks to fat fingers)… the Beautique store link ended up in the same online shopping folder as my shortcut to WilkinsonPlus.  It was like the Sun and Moon colliding and I only just escaped with my debit card intact. 

Beautique.com have a seriously lust-worthy stock inventory that should probably come with a health warning. Or at the very least, a purse one!

Haven’t got a clue what I’m on about?  Well… listen to what they have to say about themselves (they’ll be far more eloquent than me).

Beautique.com is the sister site to Urban Retreat which is a beauty treatment paradise located in Harrods, London and Harvey Nichols, Manchester.

Beautique.com stocks hard to find, luxury brands such as Laura Mercier, Clive Christian, Connock London plus old favourites such as OPI, Daniel Sandler and Kerastase. Thanks to Beautique’s close links with the world renowned Urban Retreat, the girls behind the keyboards have access to hundreds of beauty insiders and experts and are able to bring you the best and latest beauty information and products.

Plus every new customer benefits from 10% off their first order with code welcome, so if you’re in to your luxury beauty Beautique.com is worth a click!

For a full list of treatments available at Urban Retreat click here: http://www.urbanretreat.co.uk/default.aspx?PageID=1

Told you.  Posh side of t’internet.   So what the hell are they doing getting in touch with me?

Well, Beautique have got a fan-flippin-tastic prize up for grabs and they want to offer it to one of you awesome lot!

WIN A £100 URBAN RETREAT VOUCHER PLUS A PAMPER HAMPER!

You know Urban Retreat right?  That bolthole of heavenly pampering and lavish treatments housed in Harrods, London and Harvey Nichols, Manchester?  Good, thought you did.

So… clearly, you want to win – but how?  Simple.

.

Head over to the secret page on Beautique that’s been reserved for Lipglossiping readers and answer one simple question!

.

I wish you the best of luck with this one my UK lovelies!

Well, I didn’t expect to spend the best part of Monday/Tuesday welling up at your stories of the inspirational women in your lives.  And I know it’s a cliche to say that I wish I could send you ALL a friendship bracelet… but, boy do I really wish I could send you all a friendship bracelet.

What I will say though is that as inspirational as those women may be to you, you honouring them like that totally inspired me too.  Thank you.

I had to pick your names out of a virtual hat, your stories were too personal and beautiful for me to feel entitled to personally ‘pick’, I hope you don’t mind:

Winners are:

Annabelle
Leah
Jessie
Eliz C
Bicky
Christa

Ladies, please email me your postal details and I’ll get your lovely bracelets (and makeover tags!) off to you early next week!

Phew, your gorgeous red-lipped pics are still coming in thick and fast so it’s high time for another one of these don’t you think?

1. The beautiful Smaira from DollyMixFits is wow-ing us all in a stunning bold red, Rimmel’s Alarm.

2. Adorable Aina from Pudderkvastrabagast is vamping it up with MAC Currant lipliner & Hang-Up lipstick!

3. Sabrina from A Little Obsessed sports a striking high street red in a GOSH Soft n Shine Lip balm, Kiss – stunning!

4. Robyn from EyelinerAndSprayPaint is totally rocking indie brand’s Evil Shades Deviant Lipstick in Devilista

5. Kathrine over at ProductPixie sizzles in Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square with a slick of 8 Hour Cream on top.

.

Thanks ladies!  I flippin’ love seeing how all these gorgeous reds suit different skintones and hair colours so well!

.

If you want to join in with the fun and submit your red lip look, email me a photo of your lovely selves with the following info:

I really don’t like to rush reviews on skincare, there are always so many claims to consider and sometimes skin takes its sweet time to get used to new products.  I received the Biotherm Skin.Energetic Concentrate serum for review consideration almost 2 months ago and have been using it every morning, I’m just about ready to give you my thoughts and impressions of this serum that claims to “fight the most visible signs of fatigue”.

The product recommends itself to morning and nightly application but I prefer to use serums and oils that target my low hydration levels in the evening… that’s just a personal preference.  However, I’m the total opposite in the mornings and have been known to skip moisturiser entirely purely because I hate to feel like I have a heavy mask of skincare on throughout the day.

The Biotherm Skin.Ergetic Concentrate is not your usual anti-aging serum.  It’s designed for a younger market who may be just noticing the first effects of the aging process but instead of claiming to reverse those signs, the Skin.Ergetic serum promises to boost moisture, radiance and dampen the effects that a busy lifestyle can have on tired, dull or stressed skin.  This in itself has me sitting up and paying attention.  Radiance?  Freshness?  Did someone say perky?  I’m all about the perky.

First things first… what a total bugger this is to open and ‘mix’.  It comes in two parts, the ‘serum’ (think of it as a carrier oil) and then a ‘powder’ (think of that as the active ingredients).  You need to dispense the powder into the serum and shake thoroughly to mix.  I can do the shaking but the dispensing had me stumped for a little while.

I read the instructions, re-read them properly… made a cup of tea and glared at the bottle.  Then I gave the thing to Mr. L, throwing my arms up in the most Gallic way I could muster and pointed at the instructions.  About 15 seconds later he gave it back to me fully mixed with a pitying look on his face that left me with no other option than to refuse to say thank you and KMT at him instead.

The concentrate smells divine.  It’s fresh, zingy and above all else, apple… er… y.  It makes for a positively uplifting experience in the mornings on my freshly washed skin.  A white lotion that spreads thinly and without resistance over my face ensuring that a little prodcut goes a very long way.

I was unconvinced that it would give me enough moisture and in patches, I don’t think it does.  I definitely need to use my normal day cream over this but in fairness, you’re not supposed to use it alone anyway.  Moot point.

The concentrate is enriched with things such as: Broccoli (a novel way to get your 5 a day), Soy, Apple, Lemon and Sugar Cane… all of which promise to improve radiance and skin texture.  In honesty, I can’t say I noticed a huge difference to my skin texture first nor last… but radiance?  Well… it was only when I stopped using it last week (thinking that I’d had enough of it not doing anything other than smelling and feeling good) that I noticed how much duller my skin was looking by the middle of the day.  The Biotherm Skin.Ergetic concentrate seems to bring a brightness to my complexion that it’s visibly lacking without.

Priced at £35 for 50ml… I’m not even close to being halfway through the bottle after 2 months (1x a day) usage so have no problems expressing that I believe it provides value for money.  My only concern is chasing after something that gives more than just visible brightness.  Admittedly, it provides most things I want from a daytime serum… non-greasy, easily absorbed, refreshing, value for money, brightening… but it doesn’t give me smoother skin or plump out fine lines.  Does anything?  Well… I’m still chasing that particular pot of gold.

All in all, if fatigue is your main skin concern and you want something light and refreshing for the summer months that will brighten your complexion and leave you looking more refreshed.  I’d seriously give Biotherm’s Skin.Ergetic Concentrate a second look.

Biotherm Skin.Ergetic Concentrate is priced at £35 and available to buy from most department stores and online at Boots, Debenhams, House of Fraser and Beauty Expert.

What do you look for in a serum?

Originally intended for my red lip series, Inika Mineral Lipstick in Electric Red is formulated with natural shea butter and jojoba oil and prides itself on being a completely natural and vegan lipstick.

I say ‘originally intended’ because once I applied it to my lips, I could see that it wasn’t really a fit for my red lip series what with it not really being red n’all.

Inika Cosmetics are an Australian brand boasting over 79 permanent products in their lineup.  All natural products are guaranteed to be completely free from petrochemicals, fillers, talc, bismuth oxychloride, GM ingredients, parabens, preservatives, mineral oils, phthalates and fragrances.  That’s quite a list… but usually consumers often find themselves making compromises in terms of pigmentation or wear when it comes to natural products….

Inika’s Electric Red* is indeed lacking in pigmentation.  While this will disappoint some, others will be delighted to find a more wearable version of a strong shade.  I can’t help but feel that with a name like “Electric Red”, I want something a little bolder to translate to my lips.

It has the prettiest metallic sheen… and in truth, I’m actually quite delighted to find such a wearable warm red that neither makes me look like a clown, nor a cheap tart.  It’s quite an unusual shade and perfect for summer.  Texture-wise, it’s quite hard but softens up as the warmth of your lips encourages the mix to spread.  Once on, it feels light and comfortable.  Despite the natural ingredients, I can’t say that I found it particularly moisturising but it definitely didn’t dry my lips out either.

If you’re looking for light, wearable shades to suit all skintones, take a closer look at the Inika Cosmetics range of highly wearable lipsticks.

Inika Mineral Lipstick in Electric Red is priced at £12.77 and available to buy online from the Inika Cosmetics website.

* press sample