A Makeup & Beauty Blog – Lipglossiping

I picked these Sue Moxley Famous bits up in Superdrug sometime this Summer, I’ve forgotten exactly when – sorry!

The eyeshadows were on offer because the range is being updated… the shimmer brick thing was full price… £7  I think.  It hardly breaks the bank, but the packaging isn’t exactly enticing is it?  Tack-tastic.  Thank god it’s being updated.

The eyeshadows aren’t my cup of tea at all.

They’re very frosty and have that slight oily feeling that reminds me of the Superdrug MUA ones.  The colours aren’t too bad.. but the frosty over-shimmer kills it for me.  This is coming from someone who doesn’t mind shimmer!

The Shimmer Brick in Pink (which has obviously been inspired by a certain Bobbi Brown version) accentuates my pores in a way that the Bobbi Brown shimmer bricks just don’t do.  The brown tone in this also creates a unnatural shade for my skintone when swirled together.

Finally, to add insult to injury… a great chunk of product broke away from the pan a couple of days later.  I don’t have a picture of how it looked after it crumbled… but flicking back through my shots from before I started using it, I came across the potential culprit.

If you’re browsing in store and want to pick one up.  Make sure that the edges are fully intact.  Along that top edge is where mine broke away.

Overall, not a very positive experience with the brand.

Look, LOOK!

Shu Uemura now have an online presence in the UK… and rather dangerously, it comes with a shopping cart!

Not only that, but you can currently get 20% off all purchases you make through the website if you use the code “elle20” at checkout.  The code will expire at midnight on the 7th September, so get ordering!

I’m starting a new series called The Countdown.  Each month, around this kinda time I’m gonna be having a root about on my desk and in my cabinets to find the top 3 products that I’ve reached for in that particular month.  They may be long since discontinued or they may be new acquisitions.

I love reading people’s favourites lists and I often find hidden gems amongst them, so I hope this will be interesting to you lovely lot!  Today it’s my top 3 blushes of August.

1. Shu Uemura Glow On Blush in M23 Wine – Stupid shade name, I’ve never drunk a wine this shade. If I had, I would be sure to have remembered the belly ache that would have followed!

I’ve been using this matte blush with a very light hand, just a pop on the apples of the cheeks with a loose bristled brush.  EASY to go overboard with this one!

2. Topshop Blush in Butterscotch – If Shu’s Wine is easy to overdo… this is the exact opposite.  It takes quite a bit to get this to show up on me.  I’ve been using my fingers to apply and like the natural effect this cream blush gives.  I’m not sure I’d repurchase because I’d like one with a bit more oomph – but I’ve been reaching for it a lot this month because I’m loving the nude colour.

3. Illamasqua Cream Blush in Laid – A recent purchase, Laid is a cool toned hot pink… again, this one is best reserved for the apples of the cheeks unless you’re going for that 80s look!  Blends like a dream and so quick for a fuss-free pop of colour.  Love it.

What have been your favourite blushers this month?

There’s not actually too much to report at the moment.  I’m about a week away from my 4th facial laser hair removal session courtesy of SK:N Clinic and things have generally been progressing well.

Remember how I told you guys about the ‘regrowth’ I was told I might experience around this kinda time?

Well, I’m experiencing it…

But let’s be honest, that’s kinda wimpy right?

I’m noticing a slight shadow under the surface of the skin.  Hell, that’s nothing I guess… I used to have a permanent and much, much darker shadow in the circled areas.

However, it’s definitely worth mentioning because it’s (once again) brought home to me how emotional this whole thing actually is.

Let me explain…

When I was warned about the possibility that after my 3rd/4th session, I may notice the hair appears to grow stronger, thicker and faster again… I took this on board.  I even mentioned it to you guys.  I was mentally prepared for the blip in the progress.

But really? Despite this awareness?  It still panics me.

“What if the hair’s just gonna return when the sessions finish?!”

“What if the laser can’t remove it more than this?!”

I’ll be completely candid.  I take my hair-free face for total granted now.  I would be devastated if either of the above scenarios occured.  Completely devastated if I had to begin shaving daily again.  Heartbroken if I saw a 5 o’clock lip shadow each time I looked in the mirror.

This is a big deal.

I’m looking forward to my 4th session next Monday, please let it put me back on the right path.  I’ve come to depend on these (so far) wonderful results.

While I’m here, I thought I’d link you to something I’ve just spotted on their home page.  It looks like they’re currently offering us the chance to get a skin assessment for the princely sum of £1.  I don’t have any specific details on this other than what this link tells you…. consider it a little heads up.

Forget FitFlops or FlitFops or whatever the hell they’re called and check out the new boys in town!

These new sandals from Scholl are called HydraStep and they contain a special built-in gel footbed that slowly releases softening ingredients as you go about your daily routine!

The New Scholl HydraStep Sandal (£24.99):

• Contains a moisturising gel infused with gentle natural emollients, Vitamin E and a delicate fragrance
• Has a soft and breathable bamboo charcoal textile insole
• Has an anatomically shaped footbed and anti-slip sole for comfortable walking
• Is dermatologically tested (insole)
• Is water resistant

I dunno about your feet but mine are pretty rough.  I’ll spare you photos…

It’s not that they’re callused or any of that nasty stuff, they’re just hard as hell.  Like 2 week old unwrapped cheddar left on the top shelf of the fridge.

My issue with these revolutionary sandals is that… well… they look a bit generic don’t they?  I wouldn’t really wanna pair them up with a maxi dress yano?  And I’m not planning on any poolside holidays.  Maybe I could wear them as slippers?

Scholl recommend that you wear these anatomically shaped monstrosities for 2hrs a day to fully appreciate the benefits.

I’m torn… I do love the sound of what they promise… I want baby soft feet!  But I’m not sure that I wouldn’t feel like a resident of Cuckoo Land Mental Hospital shuffling down the corridor with a pair of those stuck to my trotters. Especially them white ones over there.

What do you guys reckon?  Would you wear these in the quest for kissable tootsies?  I can’t say I’m not tempted!

The New Scholl HydraStep Sandal (£24.99) is available in three colours – black, white and fuchsia in sizes 4/5, 6/6.5 and 7/8 – and is sold exclusively at select Boots stores, on www.boots.com and through the Scholl website.

I bought a green eyeshadow.  Not just any green eyeshadow, an expensive green eyeshadow.  Not just any expensive green eyeshadow, but a pale green expensive eyeshadow.  With frost.

I tried it on.  It made my eyelids glow.  Glow like they were from 1982.

Sigh.

Have you made any compulsive and slightly ridiculous purchases lately?

There’s something about textured hair.  I wants it.  Once my hair is washed and dried… it’s a fluffball.  A flat fluffball.  No volume at the roots… fluffy at the ends.  A.K.A – uncool.

I get scared of hair products though, I mean… I’ve just spent 30 minutes washing and blow-drying my hair and I’m hyper aware that whatever I’m gonna apply has the potential of making me look like I need a bloody good hair wash again.

I was sent Schwarzkopf’s OSiS Mess Up Texture Matt Gum which is bizarrely packaged to look somewhat like a sardine can.

Odd packaging aside, it smells delicious.  A bit of a cross between a mango and a bag of opal fruits starburst.  I’d be tempted to spread it on my toast if it didn’t look quite so unappetizing.

An off-white putty greets you when you peel back the protective foil.  The gum is solid in the box, if you turned it upside down (d’ya dare me?) nothing comes out… you could even give it a little shake… *holds breath* no really, you can!

I like the texture, I can run my finger over the surface without actually digging my nail into the gum and I pick up enough product to start working into my hair.  As someone with that morbid fear of using too much product, this is a selling point.  For other, more competent souls… you may wonder why the hell I’ve just wasted the last paragraph.  Tough, it’s my review.

Ultimately, there’s not much more to say… it is indeed matte, and it does indeed texture.  It calms the fluffiness and coats the hair giving each strand greater definition.  My hair doesn’t clump together so much… it just looks… better.

Schwarzkopf OSiS Mess Up Texture Gum is priced at £11.70, though you can currently purchase it from Feel Unique – £9.95 with free delivery.

The Smashbox Muse palette is from the 2009 Spring Collection.

10 positively creamy shades… pastels on top, stronger shades on the bottom.

The brush that it comes with is surprisingly soft and useable… the top row shades are gentle and spring-like, whilst the others comple the more dramatic pairing.

I’m delighted that I picked up this palette and right now, it’s an absolute steal over at Just Beauty Direct priced at £13.74

Do you wear pastels?

My first foray into the infamous world of BB Creams!

What are BB Creams?

BB Cream stands for Blemish Balm Cream and is a very popular base product in Asia.  Korean companies in particular offer a wide-range of BB Creams to suit many different skin types.  They fill the gap in the market between cosmetics and skincare… a product designed to give flawless coverage whilst benefiting the health of your skin in one (or many) ways.

I first heard of BB Creams when I went to South Korea a few years ago, I had absolutely no idea what they were or did until I arrived back in the UK and started blog reading.

BB Creams at the minimum, offer moisturisation and coverage, with many more offering SPF, Whitening Properties and Anti-Aging to name but a few.  They’re big business in Asia and have been slowly but steadily making a splash amongst makeup aficionados worldwide.

So, why has it taken me so long to try one?  Ultimately… convenience.  You have to head to eBay or online stores that specialise in Asian cosmetics.  Then you have to work out which BB Cream you fancy trying and frankly, there are so many available… it all gets a bit confusing.

I took the plunge and settled for South Korean brand Skin Food.

Skin Food Gingko Green BB Cream #1 (50g) to be exact.

Here’s what they say about it:

A multi-function product for skin care and makeup.  Containing gingko leaf and green tea extracts rich in lecithin and vitamin B, it protects sensitive skin and improves skin tone.  Use when you want to achieve a bright, radiant skin tone.

It’s a little warmer than my skintone but ultimately blends to a decent match.  Colour matching seems to be one of the biggest issues with BB Creams and it’s always worth googling for a swatch to get an idea of how it might suit you.

The texture is truly rather lovely.  Thick but not so thick that it’s hard to spread.  There’s still enough slip to the product to stop it dragging across your face as you spread it.  Coverage is medium… it tones down my redness quite well and evens out my skintone.  Blemishes are not covered and concealer is necessary.  It really does feel like I’m wearing something different to my usual foundations… far more natural feeling on the skin.

Ultimately, this would be all you need if you’re blessed with great skin.  Oily skins will probably want something a little more matte.  I’m pleased I bought it, do I want to try more?  Oh yes….

I think I may have developed a dangerous new addiction.

Are you a fan of BB Creams?  Let me know some of your favourites!

I liked all the products that I was sent from Stargazer thus far… infact, more than liked.  They’ve impressed me.  Factor in the price for them, and I’m singing their praises from the blogosphere rooftops.

Sadly, the eyeshadows that I was sent fall into the category “More what I expected from a budget brand”.  They’re not terrible, but they’re nothing that I’m gonna get excited about.

I was sent two shades:

Very metallic looking in the pan, the texture instantly reminded me of Superdrug’s MUA… they have that slightly greasy feel to them.  Nothing wrong with that, but it does scream CHEAP!

Decently pigmented, the Arctic Blue shade took a little more building than Copper Fire, both are metallic.

They wear for a few hours before fading… combined with an eye primer, I just about got 7/8 hours from them before creasing. I’m being a little harsh, they’re performing like most budget eyeshadows… and they are budget eyeshadows at £3 each… but I was so impressed by the other products I tried, I think I was hoping for something more exciting from these aswell.

What I will say for them though is that the range is immense!  Over 50 shades of every colour imaginable in single pan form.  You can purchase Stargazer online from their website.

WOAHHHHHHHHH too much blush.

Aside from that, I was really pleased with how this turned out!  I was looking forlornly into my pigment drawer thinking that I don’t use them enough and although it was 6pm in the evening and I had just done my first DIY home facial (courtesy of Liz… yeah, we’re on first name terms innit) I decided to have a little play anyway.  Was that the longest sentence in the blogosphere?  Possibly.

I really need to start using more than 2 eyeshadow shades, I really enjoyed playing!

Products Used:

Face

~ Skin79 Super BB Cream
~ L’Occitane Etoiles des Neiges Illuminator
~ MUFE Full Cover Concealer in Shade 1

Eyes

~ Urban Decay Primer Potion
~ Silk Naturals Vanilla Pigment (all over lid up to brow bone)
~ MAC Melon Pigment (all over mobile lid)
~ MAC Revved-Up Pigment (crease and slightly above)
~ Elemental Beauty Vamp Pigment (outer v and under lower lashline)

~ Bourjois Khol & Contour in Brun Design (smudged on upper lashline then melon pigment reapplied over the top)
~ Benefit Bad Gal Lash Black Mascara

Cheeks

~ Milani Luminous Blush
~ Bobbi Brown ShimmerBrick in Nectar (yeah, I got carried away)

Lips

~ Bourjois Sweet Kiss Naturel Lipstick in 09 Sienne Kiss

Trout Pout. I haz one.

A quick SK:N laser hair removal update… check out my swollen top lip!  I’m impressed… that thing could take over a small country, it’s like the Goodyear blimp!

I don’t generally have much of a top lip as you can see in my FOTDs, so it’s only when you realise this that you can appreciate just how hugely puffed up that top lip is!

Anyway, I had my 2nd facial hair removal session at my local SK:N clinic on Wednesday and I was looking forward to it and dreading it in equal measure.  I’ve already said that I found my first session quite painful but I was hopeful that with a lot of the hair already destroyed, this 2nd session would be easier to bare.  And it was!

It was about 1/4 as painful as the first.  The only bit that had my eyes watering was the upper lip which they thankfully left till last.  The rest?  Completely fine…. just light pinging sensations against the skin.  Nothing to worry about at all!  Relief!

Compared to last time’s post-treatment soreness…. I have nothing.  Literally nothing.  After about 12 hours, the redness had completely faded… all that is left are a couple of whiteheads on my upper lip which probably have more to do with slathering on copious amounts of Aloe Vera gel than anything else.  A true 90% improvement in irritation and discomfort over my first session.

Except for the swelling.

The whole lower half of my face has doubled in size again, perhaps even more so than last time.  I look like a Spitting Image character.  I’m assuming this is just the fluid rushing to protect and heal the areas that it feels are under attack… but still, not attractive!

Here’s a post-treatment video just like after the first session, apart from noticing how horrible my bottom teeth are… try to concentrate more on how much less skin irritation I have compared to the previous video.  If it keeps progressing like this, it’s gonna be a doddle!

SK:N After treatment #2 from lipglossiping on Vimeo.