A Makeup & Beauty Blog – Lipglossiping

If you’re a fan of classic shades, Carolyn K’s Armineh is about as classic as it gets.  This beige-toned nude should work well on most skin-tones as it leans neither too cool nor too warm in tone.  I often find that nude shades (unless pink-toned) can pull orange against my colouring so a true neutral is most welcome.

Application was smooth but this one did unfortunately need a full three coats before it even considered becoming opaque on the nails.  The formula has been infused with Pro Vitamin B5 for stronger, healthier nails and employs a flat brush for an easy (and speedy) application.

Carolyn K’s Armineh is part of a three-piece set, available online from www.powderrooms.com, priced at £12.99

As you gently sashay through the sweet-smelling wafts of Lemon Lavender, Midsummers Night, and White Gardenia in your home… do you ever ponder upon what your fella is missing out on?

Well, wonder no more because Yankee Candle have brought back their much-talked about Man Candles with a Man Candle II collection.  But what new scents have they introduced that could possibly entice our men-folk into splashing the cash on home-fragrance, I mean… let’s face it, it’s not on the top of their list of priorities is it?

Genius.

Who doesn’t like bacon?  (Apart from the bazillion vegetarians around the world OBVIOUSLY).  I’m seriously hoping that the Movie Night candle smells nothing like the movie-nights we have chez Lipglossiping because I almost always burn the popcorn and trust me, there is no worse smell on Earth than seriously charred kernels.  Heck, I’d need a dozen Bacon candles to mask the smells created by my kamikaze microwave.

And just in-case they’re not willing to lay down the pennies on a full-size jar, these man-scents are also available as in-car fragrancers.  A wave of processed-pork under your nostrils each time you jump in the passenger seat?  Oh, you ladykiller you!  Possibly, quite literally.

I can only see these on the U.S. pages for now, but keep an eye on the UK Yankee Candle website where they should be turning up to join the other Man Candles available.

Beauty dosing. What’s that all about then?

We’re all too aware of the importance that a healthy diet can play when it comes to promoting clear skin, strong nails, and shiny hair and sometimes you only need to make the simplest of changes on the inside to see a profound effect on the surface.  But, let’s say that you’ve upped your water intake, ditched the junk food, and cut down on the booze… what next?  Well, the beauty industry have some clever concoctions up their sleeve to tempt you into exploring some potential shortcuts to a new, even-more-beautiful you!

Let me show you a few that have caught my eye recently:

01:  You don’t need to spend a fortune to take your first, tentative steps into the world of supplementing your standard beauty regime.  Beauty’in Beauty Drink B Focused contains: Vitamin A, C and E, B2, B6,PP, B12, zinc, selenium, guarana and acerola, all of which promise to stimulate the brain and metabolism to help fight fatigue.  The 340ml bottle contains only 8 calories, so dose-up safe in the knowledge that the only thing you’re beefing up is your levels of concentration!  £3.50, selfridges.com

02:  As William Gladstone once said: “If you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are too heated, it will cool you. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are excited, it will calm you.” Tea.  It’s everything.  And if you drink as much of it as I do (milk, no sugar), you might aswell make that afternoon cuppa work a little harder!  Viridian Nutrition describe their latest Ultimate Beautea as a “refreshing and cleansing blend of hibiscus flowers, rose petals (rosa damascena), calendula petals, chamomile flowers, licorice root and cleavers leaf.”  £12.00, nutricentre.com

03:  If you’re fretting over the recent appearance of the sunshine and what it means for those “bikini bodies” we’re all supposed to be unveiling (to great applause), I’m on your side.  I somehow haven’t found the motivation to jump out of bed, straight into 400 crunches every morning.  Until that motivation strikes, there’s always the promise of some serious body toning courtesy of Functionalab whose Body Toning Beauty Dose assures a significant improvement in the appearance of cellulite.  The 30-day program contains Grape seed polyphenols which contribute to fat metabolism and the appearance of smoother and firmer body skin. £33, functionalab.co.uk

04:  Planning a heavy night out this weekend?  Been burning the candle at both ends too ferociously?  Faust’s Potions offer something a little bit quirky to help boost your morale and aid in the recovery of the dreaded hangover.  These 25ml vials deliver a much-needed blend of vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts just when your body needs it the most.  If the reviews on Cult Beauty are anything to go by, these should make essential packing for festival goers nationwide this Summer.  £5.99, cultbeauty.co.uk

05:  If beauty comes from within, this Skin Clear supplement program from Perricone MD is bringing out the big guns.  The 30-day regime delivers an impressive 7 tablets a day which include: B-Complex + Vitamin C, Evening Primrose Oil, Tocospan Vitamin E, and Omega 3.  It offers a convenient and no-fuss way to ensure you supplement your skin efficiently with a system formulated to help improve skin’s clarity while providing toning benefits and improving skin’s texture.  £69.50, uk.spacenk.com

06:  Hailing from the oddest-looking tree in the world comes the much-revered Baobab Fruit.  So revered infact, that this fruit – which has three times as much vitamin C as an orange – has long been heralded as a bit of a cure-all for many health complaints.  Containing almost fifty-percent fibre and fourteen essential vitamins and minerals, it knocks spots off many of the other so-called super fruits in existence.  It’s simply not difficult to see the potential beauty benefits from a fruit with almost five times the antioxidants of fresh acai berries!  Aduna’s Baobab Fruit Pulp Powder provides a convenient way to supplement your diet by sprinkling it on your morning cereal/porridge/smoothies and reaping the beauty benefits!  £17.99, aduna.com

Do you beauty dose?

Ice Cream.  That’s all I’ve been able to think of since painting my nails in these pastel hues from Eve Snow London’s new range of nail polishes.  It’s not as if I need much motivation to daydream all day about a 99 with a flake, but this is just silly.  I can’t look down without wanting to lick my nails, send help!

I’m missing my favourite flavour from my “nearly neopolitan” though.  Sad face.

British-made Eve Snow London launched last month, and is the work of Yvette Snowden who wanted to create a range of beauty products with added blends of vitamins and nourishing ingredients.  These added ingredients include: vitamin E, argan oil, and ginkgo biloba whilst the formula remains free of formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate.  It should be noted, however, that this isn’t a Big Three Free formula as these nail polishes unfortunately contain both toluene and formaldehyde resin.

I found that both of the colours I tried (Opium & Pixie*) applied smoothly and dried quickly to a shiny finish.  The 10ml polishes also behaved kindly to my attempts at a bit of nail art without dragging and achieved opacity in a couple of coats.

Eve Snow London colour nail polishes are priced at £12 each and available to buy online at www.evesnow.com

* press samples

Hello lovely readers, if you remember my post from the beginning of last week, I introduced Clinique’s new range of nail polishes. In summary, I was feeling a little iffy about Clinique’s claims of a “revolutionary” hypo-allergenic formula. I won’t go over it again… but the original post is here if you need to remind yourself.

Well, I promised you an update… and here it is:

The PR team at Clinique listened to my concerns and promised to find out what they could for us with regards to how the formula differs from the already-established Big 3/4 Free formulas available on the market.

Here’s the statement that they were able to provide me with:

The concept for Clinique’s nail collection for sensitive skins came about when Janet Pardo, Senior Vice President, Global Product Development, Clinique, visited both Clinique’s Guiding Dermatologist and an independent dermatologist for an allergic reaction around the eye area. Both dermatologists advised Janet to remove her nail polish as this is often a common cause for an allergic reaction around the eye area. Following this, Janet started the process of creating a nail line in the Clinique way – Allergy tested, Fragrance Free, Ophthalmologist Tested and Dermatologist Tested.

This was a 6 year process that involved extensive testing with women diagnosed with sensitive skin. The formula was tested for one month on women with sensitive skin and sensitive eyes. It was vital that Clinique did not compromise on the finish, shade offering or formula and that the collection ticked all the boxes for a great polish that was suitable and safe for women with sensitive skins.

Let’s be honest… it doesn’t quite answer my question but the PR team were also eager to point out that retail versions of the nail enamel will come boxed with a full ingredient list and they kindly provided one for me to include on the blog, perhaps some of you eagle-eyed ingredients spotters will be able to deduce any missing toxins.

I don’t see any of the Big 3 (formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate) or even the Big 5 (+ formaldehyde resin and camphor) on the list. Can you see any other formula differences that might class this as a “revolutionary” update to the world of nail polish?

Either way, when there’s a lot of this going on in the beauty industry, it’s good to see a brand who deliver a full ingredient list at the point of sale and a PR team who are happy (and quick) to respond to questions and concerns.

When it comes to feelings of discouragement, there’s no better place to look for inspiration than within your own shell. The only problem is that this is one of those wretched “easy to say, harder to achieve” scenarios.

Inspiration is a slippery customer, often working hand-in-hand with another sought-after commodity, motivation. I believe that most of can usually only achieve one of these at a time but when we’re firing on all cylinders, it can be a joy to behold.

British brand NEOM have been doing a little bit of inspiring recently via their Twitter feed… the upcoming release of their limited edition Enchantment candle has filled their feed with images and chatter about one of Britain’s most delightful wildflower, the bluebell.  But before we all go crazy for a new fragrance, let me tell you a little bit about a NEOM classic, their Inspiration home candle.

I’m going to start this post – particularly as I’ve reviewed a number of NEOM scents in the past – by categorically stating that the Inspiration Candle* is my favourite thus far.  It probably helps that I adore the scent of violets, especially when paired with a blend of roses or grounded in a sultry, woody-base.

In the case of Inspiration, the violet has been beautifully fused with the spicy, resinous notes of cedarwood and it is this in particular that gives the candle a heady throw that can be enjoyed throughout the entire flat when it has been lit.  For some, candles can be “too strong”… to which I simply say, “open a window”.  If you’re concerned about purchasing a candle that delivers value for money, this one delivers more than enough scent for your buck.  It’s a beautiful little perfumed powerhouse.

The packaging is emblazoned with an inspirational quote, but I won’t hold that against them (haha).  No… I don’t mind the odd inspirational quote and the one they’ve chosen for the interior of the box (which you see as you take the candle out of the packaging) is a particularly nice one:

Life is about choices, even when it doesn’t feel that way.  Attitude is a choice.

Well, quite.

Whether or not this scent actually delivers any bonafide inspiration… well, that would be telling… but I’d describe the feelings evoked from the fragrance as both uplifting and calming.  This isn’t an invigorating type fragrance, it’s not one to put a spring in your step but instead, a soothing and deeply aromatic cwtch.  And that’s something that’s always welcome in my home.

NEOM Luxury Organics Inspiration Candle is priced from £15 (for the travel size) and is available instore at John Lewis (selected stores) and online from neomorganics.com

* press sample

Question of the Week – When it comes to lipstick, what’s your go-to finish (shimmer, creme, satin, matte, etc.) and why are you drawn to that particular finish?

Answer: – I don’t have a go-to finish. If I like the lipstick, I like the lipstick. The first thing that draws me in is the colour.  I’m an uncomplicated woman! (mostly).

Gouldylox Reviews – Makeup Wars are my favorite posts. This week’s war is all about facial masks. Was your favorite a winner or did it get defeated?

Lipglossiping – wants to know all about the last foundation you fell in love with. Come on over and share your sweet story of faux-skin perfection!

My Beauty Bunny – When the days heat up, many automatically reach for the lip-gloss. This summer, go the nontraditional route with a matte pout! Check out our round up of the best on the market; Matte Lips Make a Cruelty-Free Splash.

Nouveau Cheap – reviews the new Revlon Lash Potion Mascara and has a tip for you, in case you’re thinking about giving it a shot.

Pink Sith – is giving away some very cute and colorful Tweezerman Tweezers and Unbreakable Mirrors just in time for Spring!

Prime Beauty – has curated a selection of 6 feminine and sophisticated fragrances complete with elegant falcons perfect for Mother’s Day. She’s even giving one away! You’re welcome.

Phyrra – shares her Mother’s Day Gift Guide. You’ll want it all for yourself!

Vampy Varnish – likes that the new Orly Mash Up collection for summer 2013 is literally a mash up of colors and finishes!

we heart this – Ahoy! We be giving away a BPAL Port Royal soap and Jolly Roger perfume oil to one of you landlubbers who stops by…

Beauty Junkies Unite – If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the L’Oreal Miss Candy Collection! Don’t have a sweet tooth? You just might after this review!

Clumps of Mascara – is giving away a $125 gift card and a ton of Eucerin goodies for an at-home spa experience!

EauMG – has paired perfumes with popular women’s fashion trends for Spring/Summer 2013! It’s also EauMG’s 5 year blog anniversary! So, don’t forget to join in the celebration and enter the giveaways!

Guest Post of the Week, as chosen by Gouldylox Reviews – I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I love Hair Romance. Although I don’t know Christina, her blog is one of my all time favorites. Almost everything I’ve learned about long hair styling (in the one year I’ve had hair long enough to work with), I’ve learned from her. Did I mention I like this blog?

Do you have a preferred lipstick finish?

Remember when we used to have to get dressed to go and do our shopping?  What a bore!  Thanks to the power of the interwebz and smartphones, we don’t even need to get out of bed!

How supremely lazy is that?  Bliss.

Bank Holidays are ripe for online discounts.  Companies know that they’re more likely to have a captive audience, so I thought I’d compile a little post including some of the best weekend beauty offers on the web.

Powder Rooms are offering 20% off all products (exc. sale items and Lilash) until Wednesday with the code may2013

Cult Beauty are offering free internation shipping with the promotion code MAYSHIP

Superdrug are offering free delivery all weekend until Tuesday, no code required.

Daniel Sandler are offering 20% off for registered shoppers until the end of Monday with the discount code BANKHOLIDAY20

Get 40% off (almost) everything at Dr. Lewinns this weekend, amazing!

Murad are having a Spring sale with 20% off everything. Quote SPRINGSALE at checkout.

Get an easy 15% off Bliss and Remede this weekend with code BWBANKHOL

Finally, grab a cool 35% off at The Body Shop this weekend with the code HOLIDAY

A massive thank you to Tsunimee who helped me compile this post.  Also to BareFacedChic for the Daniel Sandler heads up!

If you know of any more beauty discounts this weekend, feel free to leave the details below!

Go forth and shop!  Oh, and have a lovely Bank Holiday weekend beauty lovers.  The weather is set to treat us kindly (for once)!

If, like me, you enjoy scenting your home with candles… you probably feel a pang of guilt every time you head toward the bin with the empty receptacle.

But who the heck has time to wash out those things? All that scrubbing and scraping does neither your nails nor your dishcloths any good. As Half Man Half Biscuit once said, “There is surely nothing worse than washing sieves”. Well, they obviously hadn’t ever tried to wash out an empty votive.

Well, this is an old trick that I used to use on my oil burners after exhausting those Yankee Candle tarts of their scent… I’m sure a few of you are already familiar with the process, but incase you’re not… it goes something like this…

Take one manky candle holder…

…and nestle it safely in the freezer for a few hours, I usually completely forget about mine and retrieve them a couple of weeks later.

While the wax is still “frozen”, carefully prise the remnants away from the container with a knife.  Most of it will come off in chunks.  For any leftover bits, fill the jar with super-hot water and leave on the side to cool.  The remnants will melt, float to the surface and then re-harden, allowing you to scoop them out with ease.

Ta-da!

It’s an almost effortless way to secure yourself some pretty, new brush-holders.  Upcycle your votives and give them a new life on your dressing table.  Those large Yankee jars are particularly brilliant for re-using in the bathroom as cotton-wool holders.

Do you recycle your candle holders?  What do you use them for?

Yesterday, I talked about recession-proofing your makeup with a bargainous £6 eyeshadow and today, well… you’ll see…

We’re living through some seriously tough financial times… upon this, I think we can all agree.  Yet, out of this seemingly never-ending recession, beauty brands really haven’t done too badly.

You see, in times of “austerity” (oh, how I loathe that word and all it stands for), life’s luxuries have to take a back seat… there are bills to pay, food to buy, and children to clothe.  And of course, all of these things are far more important than the need to satisfy any aspirations for a more extravagant lifestyle.  Except that, quite understandably, it’s precisely now more than ever that we genuinely need those fluffy distractions and escape from reality that life’s superficial offerings can deliver.

And so, instead of spending our pennies on designer clothes, handbags and expensive holidays… we’ve turned our attentions to slightly less flahoolick things such as shiny lipsticks, nail polishes, and Groupon-funded spa treatments.

In the midst of all this… it’s quite clear that some brands didn’t get the memo.

Launching today, exclusively at Debenhams.com is this rather spectacular and horribly-priced coffret, The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Vault… yours for just £240.  Now I could go on about what a ridiculous waste of money it is… but the truth is, if I could afford one… I’d be at least somewhat tempted.  After-all – and as much as I genuinely hate to call this a “bargain” – I can’t argue with the fact that this 40-shade set represents a saving of £320 compared to buying each eyeliner individually.

I could argue the toss that unless you’re a regularly-employed makeup artist, you have no bloody need for or business owning that many eyeliners.  But then, I’d be a bit of a spoil-sport wouldn’t I?  I’d also have to hide my ridiculous eyeliner stash under the bed and try very, very hard to keep a serious face whilst doing so.  And let’s not even talk about how much eyeliner you’d have to apply daily to use them up before the recommended eyeliner “use by” allocation of one year.

To put it plainly, that’s some serious investment right there.

However, I know that in all honesty, you care not one jot.  Because look at it.  It’s fucking amazing.  Lend us a tenner?

Will you be buying it?  Would you, if you had the spare change?  There are only 40 “vaults” available and the U.S stores sold out in 9 hours… you’d better be quick if you’re going to nab one!

The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Vault is available online now, from debenhams.com, priced at £240

LEILA SAYS HAPPY HUMP DAY!

If, like me, you’ve been searching for clever ways to recession-proof your makeup bag without compromising too much on the quality, I’ve got a treat in store for you today.

Nestled along the “this is not just any eyeshadow, this is M&S eyeshadow” (no, they’re never getting away from that slogan) lurks a rather stunning, richly pigmented, smooth-applying taupe.

You know that I’m kinda crazy for my taupes and my purples.  If the world fell off its axis tomorrow and all other shades whizzed off into outer space, I wouldn’t give a shiny shit and neither should you.  Because, at the risk of sounding a little controversial here… taupes and purples suit EVERYONE.  You just need to find the right ones.

Despite what the box says, this ain’t no “gunmetal”, there’s too much dusty moth-brown goodness in there for this to be a simple gunmetal *scoffs*.  Why, this is a full-on grown-up, grenache-drinking, interest only mortgage-paying taupe.  And not only that, but it’s a rather nice one lacking in both the kind of uber-metallic sheeniness that crepes at forty paces, and chunky sparkle.

It comes complete with a mirror, and most shockingly… a not-too-useless eyeshadow applicator that actually makes a really decent job at smudging the powder along the lashlines if you just use the tip.

For your meagre monies, you get a generous amount (no weight listed) of BUAV (bunny) approved product.  And for those who find this important… it looks easily depottable also.  I doooo like a neat, square pan!

Interestingly, they also sell a “taupe”… don’t get them confused… that one’s a wimpy, slightly-sandy looking incarnation. Pff.

M&S Autograph Pure Colour Mono Eyeshadow in Gunmetal* is priced at £6.00, available instore and online at marksandspencer.com

* press sample