A Makeup & Beauty Blog – Lipglossiping

Well… assuming we’re all still here and haven’t been “raptured” by the morning, here’s this week’s question of the week!

Which products would you confiscate from your 16 year old self’s makeup bag?!

I wouldn’t have confiscated it but I would have issused a distinct “Woah! There Nelly!” warning regarding my (over)use of black kohl.  I spent a good 2 years of the late 90s looking like a startled Panda.  I definitely would have confiscated all my germ-breeding foundation sponges that never saw even a speck of baby shampoo for many, many months.  Who says teenagers aren’t completely disgusting?

Here’s this week’s Lipstick League!

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Pink Sith – Knows the end is coming when she professes her love for a 2nd Clinique product, Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum!

Phyrra – My Independent Spotlight for May is Geek Chic Cosmetics! Learn all about the people behind the company in this unique interview.

Vampy Varnish – Get your glow on with Pixi Lumi Lux Radiance Powder.

we heart this – MAC’s Surf, Baby! has a riding a beautiful wave, especially the Surf the Ocean Crushed Metallic pigments.

Beauty Junkies Unite – shows you that the new Hello Kitty for Sephora “Memoirs of a Kitty” Collection isn’t for kids! The eyeshadow & blush palette is to die for.

EauMG – This niche Hollywood perfume house will have you smelling like a 1950’s poolside pin-up with their Kitten. Meow!

Nouveau Cheap – gives you an up-close look at the last of the three limited edition Summer 2011 collections from Wet n Wild: Inked (inspired by urban art culture).

Orange to LA – is on her 4th container of LUSH Oatifix Fresh Face Mask. Find out why she’s smitten!

Forget your usual beauty awards that announce crap like roll-on foundations as being the best thing since airbrushing or Maybelline’s ‘no lash’ (you know the one) as the greatest mascara since falsies were invented.

The CEW (UK) Awards are the real deal and deserve the respect they’re granted within the industry.

Here are the winners for 2011…

Best New Bath and Body Product: Mass Market
Sanctuary Ultra Rich Body Butter (£10.20)

Best New Haircare/Styling/Colouring Product: Mass Market
Batiste Dry Shampoo Fresh (£2.25)

Best New Everyday Facial Skincare Product: Mass Market
Dr. Organic Rose Otto Facial Serum (£12.29)

Best New Skincare Treatment Product: Mass Market
Lanolips 101 Ointment (£11.00)

Best New Make-up Product: Mass Market
Rapidlash Eyelash Enhancing Serum (£40.84)

Best Classic Beauty Product: Mass Market
Bio-Oil (from £5.45)

Best New Men’s Grooming Product: Mass Market
Nivea For Men Q10 Revitalising Gel (£10.99)

Best New Brand: Mass Market
JOINT WINNERS: Lanolips & Dr. Organic

Best New Bath and Body Product: Prestige Market
Balance Me Rose Otto Body Wash (£12.25)

Best New Haircare/Styling Product: Prestige Market
Liz Earle Naturally Active Haircare Botanical Shine Shampoo (£7.65)

Best New Everyday Facial Skincare Product: Prestige Market
Clarins Multi Active Day Early Wrinkle Correction Cream (£38.00)

Best New Skincare Treatment Product: Prestige Market
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronized Complex (£35.00)

Best New Make-up Product – Face: Prestige Market
NARS Orgasm Illuminator (£21.50)

Best New Make-up Product Eyes or Lips: Prestige Market
Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Colour (£21.50)

Best Classic Beauty Product: Prestige Market
Eve Lom Cleanser (from £30.00)

Best New Woman’s Fragrance: Prestige Market
Chloe – Love, Chloe (from £38.50)

Best New Men’s Fragrance: Prestige Market
Chanel – Bleu de Chanel Eau de Toilette (from £42.89)

Best New Men’s Grooming Product: Prestige Market
Shiseido For Men Skin Empowering Cream (£85.00)

Best New Brand: Prestige Market
Emma Hardie Amazing Face (from £10)

Best New Certified Organic Skincare Product: Mass or Prestige Market
Balance Me Super Oil With Juniper and Bergamot (£20.00)

Best New Self Tan or Suncare Product: Mass or Prestige Market
Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Sun Defence for Face SPF50 (£15.00)

Best British Brand: Mass or Prestige Market
Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare

Best New Hand or Nail Product: Mass or Prestige Market
All for Eve Swarovski Crystal Nail File (£12.95)

Best Iconic Beauty Product: Mass or Prestige Market
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant (£25.00)

Predictably, I’m delighted to see Lanolips do so well (both as a product and a brand) but a few other personal favs include the Liz Earle Naturally Active Haircare Botanical Shine Shampoo and Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Sun Defence for Face SPF50 – both of which have been previously reviewed on the blog if you’re interested in discovering what (I think) makes them so good!

Keep an eye out for the finalist and winner seals on the products, shelves and websites to discover the CEW favs!

You can also read more about CEW and the awards by clicking through to this Superdrug page which goes into greater details about the processes behind the esteemed recommendations.

Did any of your favourites make the cut?

It’s all go over at Batiste towers this week…

BIGGER CANS!

They’ve listened to the fans and SUPERSIZED three of the most popular fragrances.

Original, Blush and Tropical scents can now be purchased in 400ml cans… that’s double the size of the standard versions and promises to deliver around 20 applications.

The new size cans will retail at £4.99 each which I’m assured, represents a saving of almost 17% if you opt for the larger size over the 200ml version.

NEW PACKAGING!

Even the original sizes are getting a makeover.  The 150ml cans will be increasing to 200ml as standard which does mean a slight price hike, but from my quick maths this is fairly in line with the increase in volume rather than a sneaky way to squeeze more pennies from us.  Cynical? Moi?

If you’re unsure what to look out for next time you go shopping… here’s a visual of the new packaging changes.  Can you spot your usual fragrance?

NEW PRODUCT!

Finally…

Batiste have introduced another new product to the ever-expanding range…

XXL Volume promises to “provide a volumising makeover to help transform dull or limp hair into big and bouncy locks“.  I achieve a fair volume boost from the original range but will be interested to see how this aids in wrangling my flat locks into big, pouffy hair styles!

Batiste XXL Volume retails at £3.99 for 200ml and will be available from Superdrug, Boots, Sainsbury’s and Independent Pharmacies from June.

Phew! I think they need a nice cup of tea and a lie down!

It may not have escaped your attention (astute lot that you are) that Lipglossiping.com has been suffering from some loading and slowness issues.  Infact, it’s been pretty poor since that initial long downtime back in December/January.

I kept thinking that perhaps it would get better and accepting temporary solutions to save myself the hassle and anxieties that moving webhosts brings.  But it’s time to face the simple truth that it’s getting worse, not better.

I’ve now signed up to a new hosting company based in the UK and am currently migrating all files and databases over to the new service.  Hopefully you won’t experience any changes in uptime while this is happening (heck, it can’t get much worse can it?) but if the site does disappear for a day or two, at least you’ll know why.

I hope that this is the last time I’ll have to do this for a long while… I’ll be biting my nails that I don’t lose anything in the big move.

Thanks for your patience, I know it’s been a pain in the arse.

Situated on the edge of the Cotswolds and with just as much chocolate-box charm, stands Ellenborough Park, once a school for girls and now boasting 62 lavishly-decorated bedrooms within its 15th Century walls.

I was invited along last week to discover the newly opened Spa, heavily influenced by the hotel’s historical connections with Lord Ellenborough, Governor General of India.  The Spa is a haven of Eastern design with careful attention to detail and flourishes that bring the 19th Century colonial rule to a gentler age!

Ellenborough Park

Spread over two levels, The Spa at Ellenborough Park boasts a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, sensation showers, seven individual treatment rooms and a couples treatment suite for the use of those who prefer to experience a bit of pampering a deux!

Hydrotherapy Pool – image courtesy of Ellenborough Park

Having spent the journey to Ellenborough Park bickering with Mr. L about the best way to get there, I arrived bad-tempered and weary before throwing myself into the arms of Tessa who’d been charged with the task of introducing me to my first Aromatherapy Massage.

For the first 5 minutes, I was tense and resistant to Tessa’s hands but a few reassuring strokes and a couple of deep breaths later, I’d turned to putty.  She kneaded and unwound the knots across my shoulder blades without a pummel in sight!  I’d chosen the Babor Energising blend of oils which scented my skin (and the room) with a tangy mix of grapefruit and petitgrain, leaving me feeling revitalised and clear-headed.

An exclusive range of Babor products available in the Spa

My massage struck the perfect balance with firm but gentle pressure and thankfully no blathering from my therapist or elevator music to interrupt my bliss.  Whilst the pressure was consistent enough to stop me from nodding off, I may have very nearly dribbled on my towel.  But I won’t confirm that.

If you go, I recommend spending the additional £25 to extend your experience to a full 55 minutes because it’ll take a pair of wild horses to drag you from that bed.  If there are no wild stallions at hand, there’s always the temptation of The Juice Bar where you can sit and quench your thirst or the enticing hydrotherapy pool downstairs.

The Spa blends seamlessly into the tranquil surroundings of the hotel

If massages aren’t your cup of Darjeeling, the Ellenborough Spa also offers signature treatments that include the summery-sounding Maritime Salt Body Exfoliation (£45) and decadent Sea Creation Facial Ritual (£115) along with various manicure/pedicure treatments that make use of the Leighton Denny range.

Leighton Denny at Ellenborough Spa

I’ll leave you with some more images from my visit to Ellenborough Park.  As you can see, I took advantage of the good weather to have a proper nosey around the Cheltenham hotel!

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to enjoy their hospitality so soon after the 18-month restoration which has revealed a luxury country retreat that achieves an admirable balance between the traditional and the modern, the formal and the informal… business, pleasure and everything inbetween.

For more information on Ellenborough Park and Spa visit www.ellenboroughpark.com or call 01242 807528

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Disclosure: I was invited to experience Ellenborough Spa as a guest of the hotel and the treatment reviewed was complimentary.

The winner of their very own super-duper perfume toting Travalo is….

Yvonne Duffield

Congratulations Yvonne, please drop me an email with your contact details so I can get this sent off to you!

Thanks for your entries every one and have a great week!

Ahh a miracle… wouldn’t that be nice?  Let’s bottle some little miracles, tint them the same colour as our skintones and then buff ’em all over our face in the morning when we’re looking a bit ropey.  Et voila, we go from Linda La Hughes to Linda Lusardi in under 50 seconds.

Pop!  There goes that bubble…

a).  Only about half of you will know who Linda Lusardi is and I should really set my sights a little higher than page 3.

b).  I’m not sure I believe in miracles and if I did, I wouldn’t find them in a bottle (unless it was 70% proof).

and

c).  Shut up and review the damn foundation already.

Lancome Teint Miracle is the company’s newest base which has, they say, been 10 years in the making.  It comes backed with some pretty flowery statements.  Stuff like…

Lancome decrypts the inner light of perfect skin and recreates it.

To that, I simply raise an eyebrow and say…

O Rly?

Teint Miracle is a medium/full coverage foundation that somehow manages to defy the laws of physics by retaining a light, fluid texture that blends as easily as my MAC F&B whilst offering coverage to almost rival something as potent as Estee Lauder Double Wear.  The more I think about how it could possibly achieve this, the more respect I gain for those 10 years in development.

I need to take a moment to marvel at the packaging because it’s not only rather attractive but also functional.  The pump is see-through which stops the “how many more pumps ’till it all comes out in a rush” guessing game we all know so well and for me, one full pump covers my face pretty much perfectly.  Your mileage may vary!

Lancome Teint Miracle in 010 Beige Porcelaine (the lightest shade) is a good match for my complexion.  I would class it as fairly neutral, neither leaning too much toward pink or yellow in the spectrum.  The formula also contains a light pearlessence, not Cullen-esque in the slightest but there is a sheen that almost makes the foundation look a shade too light for me when I first apply.  This fades as the foundation sets before becoming imperceptible but leaving behind a subtle glow.

The glow doesn’t look at all greasy or shiny until after the foundation has worn in for many hours but if you fear the glow, I’d suggest looking for something that offers a fully matte finish.  Me?  I embrace any and every glow I can get my hands on and this is one of the better ones out there.

Excuse the nightie and the early morning “oh God, it’s another day” expression.

Before is on the left if you hadn’t already sussed that.

The Lancome Teint Miracle gives me great coverage over my redness and veiny bits without looking too heavy and I’m really happy that it still allows my natural skin texture to peek through.  I really dislike medium/full coverage foundations when they make it abundantly clear on my face that they are indeed medium/full coverage foundations.

If you have any larger blemishes (like I did on the side of my nose) you’ll still need concealer to disguise the blighters.

As for longevity, I achieved good all-day wear from this foundation albeit with a bit of slippage on the nose toward the end of the day.  If  you have particularly oily skin you will need to powder at lunchtime.

My only bugbear with this rather lovely product is transfer.  For some reason, I have issues when I wear this.  Dab my nose on a tissue?  More foundation on tissue than nose.  This is obviously a problem and one that I’m not used to experiencing, if anyone has any ideas… let me know!

I’d also like to point out that I prefer to apply this with a brush.  Sponges are a no, no… even when damp my beauty blender likes to EAT this foundation.  Oh also, I think that if you already have a primer you’re in love with… you probably need to try this foundation ASAP.  I tried it over MAC Prep+Prime and it made an already smooth finish, incredible.  And I don’t even really like Prep+Prime!

Hope that wasn’t too indepth… I do totally advise a little trip to your local Lancome counter to see if they’ll colour match you or part with a sample so you can try for yourself.  I may not be one for miracles but Lancome Teint Miracle does come pretty close!

Lancome Teint Miracle SPF15 Foundation is available to buy instore or online priced at £26.00

* press sample

As one of many Pro-Collagen Marine Cream devotees, I’m always happy to discover an opportunity to purchase my beloved anti-ageing moisturiser in a tub big enough to drown myself in.

Due for a strictly limited release this June, the Elemis Anti-Ageing Super Duo combines two of Elemis’ most sought after skincare offerings…

Pro-Collagen Marine Cream – 100ml (usual price £127)

Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules – 60 caps (usual price £59)

The Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules are a new one on me.  I have to say, I usually overlook anything that comes in little pods like that… I’m quite old-fashioned about my moisturisers being cream based!  However, the capsules contain pure Moringa Oil and promise to renew skin elasticity and counteract the external effects of our environment thanks to a healthy dose of anti-oxidants.

The set doesn’t come cheap (but we knew it wouldn’t right?) at £128 but does offer a saving of over £59 were you to buy these two products separately.

It will be available online at timetospa.co.uk or at Elemis spas, salons and selected department stores nationwide.

Quick, sell your grandmothers!

Perhaps a bit deep for a Tuesday morning but I was thinking last night about how I used to use and wear makeup.  From that first lilac eyeshadow through to the morning of my wedding, I wanted makeup to turn me into some dramatic adaptation of myself.  Infact, barely even myself… I wanted it to work miracles and turn me into a fairytale version of that reflection I saw in the mirror.

I vividly remember the excitement before my bridal makeup trial and being so hugely disappointed afterward that I’d agreed to pay some chick £70 to make me look like myself, but with lipgloss.  Not that she was bad at her job, she was pretty good… but it was my first experience at letting someone else loose on my face and God only knows what I really expected or wanted from that poor makeup artist.

Nowadays, I’m pretty horrified if after applying my makeup I look like anything other than what I’d normally see in the mirror.  Infact, I’d take it as a sure-fire sign that I’d well and truly overdone it!

I think it goes to show that my formative years were spent poring over too many before/after makeovers from between the pages of Just Seventeen magazine.  Makeup can have a dramatic affect on your appearance… but I wonder what age I was when I realised that I didn’t want it to make me look like someone else anymore.

Or maybe… I’ve just settled for second best?

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Do you wear your makeup like a (beautifully applied) mask or just to dampen your flaws and accentuate your best bits?

My beautiful little girl Leila turns two today.  I’m sorry I don’t have a ‘normal’ post lined up for today but I spent all weekend going OTT organising her birthday party and I’m pooped!

I’m also sorry for another Leila post but if this blog stays in the internet ether for however many years, I’d love her to be able to look back one day and know that despite all the makeup related chatter, she was always my number one girl.

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I spent 10 minutes yesterday evening telling Leila all about when she was born.  I told her how the first thing she did when she emerged was look for something, anything to stick in her gob.  Just like her Mum.

I told her how we spent the first 3 months of her life trying and failing to smooth the frown from her temples and I told her how I wanted to spend the rest of my life whispering “I Love You” into her ear until I knew for certain that she’d never, ever forget.

Leila, I don’t half love you stinky bum.  Happy birthday big girl!

Morning!

It’s Leila’s 2nd Birthday Party today and I’ve been in the kitchen for what feels like the past 72hrs solid.  I don’t know why I’ve bothered to be honest… I know my girl and she’d be happier with a Curly Wurly than any of the ‘creations’ I’ve lovingly put together.  Oh well, I’m happy to sacrifice my waistline for the greater good.

Anyway, this week’s fantabulous Lipstick League…

This week’s question of the week…

What was the first beauty product that you ever tried?

There are two products in particular that I remember spending my money on when I was younger… we’re talking about 16 years ago.  The first was a mid-lilac eyeshadow in the Avon Colour Trend range, I thought it looked hawt.  Infact, I still reckon it probably did.  What?!  It totally did!

It had horrible lurid green packaging and a sponge applicator that I WORE through, I loved it so much.

The other product that I remember repurchasing fairly often from my local chemist was a compact powder.  I can’t remember what brand… but I think the shade was called Candlelight?  It didn’t have a mirror or anything fancy(!) like that… but I can always remember patting it on my shiny nose with those little powder puffs in the toilets at school!

Pink Sith – Joeybunny has 3 new TAUPE eyeshadows to show you with her Introduction To Silk Naturals post!

Phyrra – raves about Sonia Kashuk Makeup Remover and tells you why it’s her favorite.

Vampy Varnish – loves the new Kat Von D Angeles Eyeshadow Palette.

we heart this – All this beauty has made us thirsty! Doesn’t a Lemongrass Mojito sound good right about now? We’ve got an original recipe for you.

Beauty Junkies Unite – has the scoop on the newest eyeshadow releases from bareMinerals for Summer 2011, and she can’t stop looking at the colors. Check out her easy to re-create “Calypso Sunrise” eye look!

Clumps of Mascara – is in a Target Beauty contest and needs your vote to advance to the next round. Vote daily!

EauMG – EauMG introduces a perfume that proves that smelling good does not need to cost a fortune. Move over Montale! Here’s Pirouette Essentials.

Lipglossiping – will use any old excuse to drag out her collection of NARS blushes. It’s a NARS Blush-a-palooza!!

Nouveau Cheap – My favorite post this week is actually one I did at another blog! These new eyeshadows and liners from Hard Candy aren’t just hot, they’re downright baked and molten.

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What was the first beauty product that you ever tried?

There’s a simple truth right there.  Buying too much makes me feel guilty though and no-one likes feeling the weight of their child’s university education resting on their shoulders.  No pressure Leila.

Here are a few bits I’ve picked up this week…

Lanolips 101 Ointment (£11.22) – I’m on my last tube and thought I’d grab one while I remembered.  This is a staple purchase for me to keep my lips in good condition.

Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF15 in 01 Alabaster (£21.00) – I tend to forget how affordable Clinique makeup is when to all intents and purposes, I do still consider it a high(er) end brand.  This was an impulse buy for me… I really wanted to check out the new Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturiser but I didn’t get that far because I fell in love with the texture/coverage of this one first!  I’ve only worn it once so I’m not ready to review but first impressions are good.

Mystic Moments Murumuru Butter 100g (£7.50) – I plan to melt this and use it as a leave in conditioner… well, that’s the plan.  If it’s too rich, I’ll be using it as a pre-wash treatment instead!!

Mystic Moments Macadamia Oil 100ml (£3.75) – My Dad has v. dry skin and I’ve converted him to using a body oil whilst still wet from the shower.  Unfortunately, I haven’t converted him to the price tags that I’m happy to pay for my post-shower treats.  I’m going to do a bit of googling and see if I can fashion him a rudimentary body oil that softens and replenishes on a budget to suit him!  As for the Macadamia?  Well… I thought I’d nick a bit for my hair while I was at it 😉

Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream (£7.65) – I’m on my second tube and this stuff just works really nicely for me (thanks Nicola Pixiwoo!) whenever my skin is feeling under the weather.  I had a breakout a couple of weeks ago and I feel that this has helped me get over the ‘recovery’ period with less fuss and foundation application woes.

Avon Solutions Plus Total Radiance (£various) – This was recommended to me a couple of weeks ago by one of you lovely lot as a great tinted moisturizer and it works in the same way as the Estee Lauder Daywear Sheer Tint Release that I reviewed here.  Except that this gives less colour making it a great option for pale types who find the Lauder version deepens their tone too much.  The bad news is that it’s not available on the Avon website as I look today so if you want to give it a go, you’ll need to scour eBay.

Lucky Scent Samples (£various) – I feel a new obsession coming on… I ordered some hard-to-find fragrance samples from LuckyScent.com and they arrived within 5 working days from the U.S!  I’ve already fallen head over heels with one of them… uh oh.

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What have  you been treating yourselves to this week?  Anything I can add to next week’s list? 😉