A Makeup & Beauty Blog – Lipglossiping

And so my MUFE Aqua Cream collection grows because I wasn’t able to help myself when I saw a swatch of Aqua Cream #19 and couldn’t stop thinking about it for weeks afterward!

MUFE Aqua Cream in #19 is a blue-toned purple with an almost electric quality.  Like most Aqua Creams, it can be a bit tough to blend and I’d recommend applying it more as a base than an independent eyeshadow.  Unless you got the skillz of course.  And if you have?  Come show me how to do it!

Look, ain’t she purdy?

Lasting power is more than adequate on my lids, without any primers I get around 7/8hrs before creasing… the more heavy handed I am with it, the faster the product heads for my creases.

I particularly enjoy pairing this one up with NARS Ashes to Ashes eyeshadow, creating a KILLER violet-taupe from the combo.

MUFE Aqua Creams are available to buy online from Guru Makeup Emporium and PAM priced ar around £16.75

Do you own any MUFE Aqua Creams?

… get in my basket.  Well, maybe not ‘cos I’m pretty skint this month but I am genuinely having a hard time trying to decide what to get.  I’m not sold on the palette (pretty though it is) but I am a-hankering after either the beach tint in Guava or those powder blushes….

If you’ve got a spare 15 minutes, make yourself a cup of tea and have a look as the MUA runs us through the products in the collection courtesy of Zuneta’s great video.

Talking of BECCA, I currently can’t get enough of the BECCA Creme Blush in Hyacinth I bought earlier this year. It gives a fresh, dewy finish with a powder-dry formula once set.  Effortless “finger makeup” as I like to call it.  Boy am I getting lazy in my old age or what?

I suggest you check out Makeup4all for some great product shots from the new collection and ModestyBrown who has an awesome interview with BECCA’s founder Rebecca Morrice Williams.

Have you got your sights set on any new collections at the moment?  Spill the beans!

Bare Minerals have added a new shade to their popular High Shine Eye Color range just in time for Summer!

Rose Gold* is (as the name suggests) a pinked bronze that looks pretty damn awesome combined with a pair of green eyes (if I do say so myself!)

The pigment contains enough warmth to pop the green tones in my eyes whilst keeping the overall feel of the shadow to that of a more wearable neutral.

The applicator sadly still suffers from my original complaints against it and whilst lovely, I’m not making any claims that the shade is particularly undupable.   However, the formula is remarkably creamy and blends out beautifully with my fingers for a super-quick stroke of colour.

Bare Minerals High Shine Eye Color in Rose Gold will be available on counter and online from June priced at £15.

* Press Sample

I’m introducing a new segment to the blog called The Cutting Room Floor which will include various hair-related releases, snippets and bits and bobs that have caught my eye.

I’m definitely no hair expert and am forever throwing various products at my barnet in an attempt to undo the damage that regular colouring wreaks upon it but like most, I dream of soft, silky locks that reflect mirror shine *wistful sigh*.

This month I’ve been thinking about…

1. The John Frieda Live Hair Academy is the brand’s first online ‘show’ and will be streamed on May 27th at 1pm.  The hour long segment will be showing you how to achieve the hottest summer hair styles, how to best use the John Frieda products and sharing the techniques you need to know so you can achieve salon results at home.

They’re looking for participants including models and contributors who have specific hair-related questions they can answer live on the show! Want to get involved? All the details are on the John Frieda facebook page.

2. Stone Bridge Hair Accessories have caught my eye with this beautiful handmade Poppies Silk Scarf Headband.  The bold print screams Summer and I love the idea of “cheating” the silk scarf look with an easy-to-wear headband alternative.  A quick browse around their site leaves me wanting to play with a hundred different updos!

3. The eye-catching Macadamia Natural Oil range contains a blend of sought-after Argan and Macadamia Oils and is available in a ‘healing’ treatment, shampoo, conditioner and repair masque.  My dry hair loves treatment oils and visibly improves with regular use so I’m tempted to give this natural range a whirl.  Have you tried it yet?

4. Brocato’s CurlInterrupted Keratin Smoothing System is the the first non-toxic hair smoothing system, completely free from Formaldehyde, Thio and Sodium Hydroxide and with the added benefit of only a 24hr wait before you can wash and style your hair as normal (compared to the usual 72hrs).

I was put off keratin straightening treatments last year when reports of health concerns surrounding the possible release of unsafe levels of formaldehyde went into overload but it’s good to see there are healthier options available!  For further details call 08705 561 929.

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How’s your hair today?  Mine is in desperate need of a bucket hat!

How completely bloomin’ cheerful does this new Summer nail collection from Cosmetics A La Carte look huh?

The British company who are well-known for their bespoke makeup have released 5 bold shades that promise to extend this season’s hottest trends beyond our clothes!

Flash: An envious bright green
Inka: A warm shade of zesty tangerine
Viola: A tranquil lilac
Bonheur: A bold hot pink
Rhythm: A classic red go-to shade for timeless style.

Perfect poolside shades if ever I saw ’em!

The Cosmetics A La Carte Purely Floral collection are priced at £10 each and available to buy instore or online from their website.

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Do any of those shades set your fingertips a-quivering for Summer?

We don’t like it but we can at last be excused a bit of roughness in the Winter as the harsh weather takes its toll on our poor extremities.  Our hands are usually the first to succumb to the Gods of dry skin and those rough bits that catch on your sleeves *ouch!*

In the Summer though, there really is no excuses for general skin dryness… so give yourself a helping hand and check out some of the hand creams below for a sure-fire way to get some silky softness back in your life!

Woods of Windsor True Rose Conditioning Hand and Nail Cream 125ml (£7.75)*

A lighter option for those who dislike the heavy feeling of cream on their hands.  This Woods of Windsor lotion absorbs quickly and efficiently whilst leaving behind a delicate rose scent.  I recommend keeping this one nearby though as you’ll need to top up regularly to ensure long-lasting softness.

Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream 75ml (£18.40)

I picked this up in Debenhams a little while ago and true to its name, the Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream delivers a welcome boost of moisturisation which means I can apply at night before bed and wake up in the morning with noticeably smoother digits.  A good choice to stash in the bedside table but perhaps not for you if you dislike the feeling of a rich cream on your hands.

Liz Earle Hand Repair 150ml (£19.65)*

If greasy residues are your main concern, the Liz Earle Hand Repair is the product you need!  The larger sizes come with a convenient pump dispenser which releases a rich, awesome smelling (as you’d expect) hand cream.  It absorbs with blistering speed, leaving my hands feeling silky to the touch.  Not as heavy duty in the moisturisation department as some, I’d recommend this for those with normal/dry skin concerns.

All for Eve Hand Cream 100ml (£7.50)

My top pick for Summer hand creams is the All for Eve offering I bought last month.  I keep this at my computer and would recommend this as the perfect every day hand cream.  It smells delicious, leans toward a lighter, more easily absorbed formula and at under £8 for a generous 100ml, it’s a bargain!  And don’t forget that all proceeds from ‘all for eve’ products go towards ‘The Eve Appeal’ fund.

Heathcote & Ivory Vintage Mimosa Mini Hand Creams 30ml (£4.00 for 3)*

Super cute mini hand cream that’s perfectly sized for some handbag toteing!  This Heathcote & Ivory Vintage Hand Cream is surprisingly potent for the money.  Again, more suited to normal/dry skin than those in need of severe replenishment, I particularly love the Shea Butter based formula which spreads itself thinly without taking all day to sink in!

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If you’re in particular need for something a little more intense, you might also be interested in taking a look at my review of the Lanolips Rose Balm Intense.

Are you getting your skin in shape for Summer?  What are your favourite hand creams at the moment?

* Denotes PR Sample

I don’t generally get enough time in the mornings to do much in the way of eyeshadow so I often rely on a slick of liner and a bold lipstick and to be honest, that suits me fine!  Seeing LondonMakeupGirl rock a gorgeous flick the other day inspired me to make the effort and extend my liner past the ‘comfort zone’!

I was also keen to wear my new Revlon Strawberry Suede lipstick that I picked up from eBay after hearing Lisa Eldridge extol its virtues… shame Revlon discontinued it, it’s pretty fabulous!

Products Used:

Face
Lancome Teint Miracle in 010
Inglot Cream Concealer in 32
NARS Multiple Tint in Beverly Hills

Eyes
NARS Ondine
Stargazer Liquid Eyeliner in Black
Rimmel Volume Flash x10
Illamasqua Eyebrow Cake in Gaze

Lips
Revlon Strawberry Suede Matte Lipstick

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What are you wearing today?

I was gonna pack this post with as many random references to Wales as possible but decided in the end that I couldn’t be bothered… boyo.

With the majority of my family hailing from Cwmbran and its surrounding valleys, I know a thing or two about eating Welsh delicacies (and the Pontypool Front Row) and with that being said, I thought it was high time I had a go at concocting a Bara Brith.

I love it because it’s such a store cupboard recipe… I didn’t have to go shopping for any of the ingredients and it was in the oven within 20 minutes.

1 cup of sugar
1 cup of mixed, dried fruit (I use dates too)
1 cup of strong tea
2tsp of mixed spice
1oz of butter/margarine
2 cups of self-raising flour
1 medium/large egg

Place the sugar, dried fruit, tea, mixed spice and margarine into a pan and slowly bring to the boil, stirring all the time.

Once the mixture has cooled, add the flour and egg whilst beating the mixture together before pouring it into a loaf tin (greased and floured) and baking at around 170 degrees celsius (fan oven) for an hour.  At this point, insert a knife or skewer… if it comes out clear, you’re done.  If not, leave for another 10 minutes before checking again.

Let it cool on a wire rack and cut into slices, served with thick butter!

Then kiss goodbye to your diet…

A gaggle of geese, a school of fish, a colony of ants… a… a… a.. nest of NARS?

Whatever you want to call it, here are some of my favourite NARS blushes in all their shamefully dirty glory (I really should give these a wipe over!).

Considering I’m such a cool-toned chick, you might be able to tell I have a fondness for peachy cheeks (no sniggering at the back).  I just find that with a light touch, it warms up my complexion and looks more natural and less doll-like than the pinks.

My latest acquisitions (you may be able to spot them from the fact that they’re less dusty!) are Gilda and Mata Hari.  I picked up Gilda from the ASOS/Groupon super deal, ahhh… I want another one of those!

Anyway, there’s no real reason to this post other than for me to have an excuse to play with my NARS blushes.  Sorry, indulge me!  Here have some swatches…

Douceur – A neutral matte shade that has enough pink in it to be a delightful option for cool-toned skin.  Swatched heavily here, I’d call it a must-own simply because (with a light hand) it will add a touch of colour to your cheeks without clashing.

Mata Hari – This always feels like a proper wintery rose shade.  Another matte, it’s heavily pigmented and a touch powdery.  I haven’t worked out how to make this work flawlessly for me but I want to persevere!

Torrid – A bit scared of this when I bought it but it’s gorgeous.  A proper peach with sparkles!  Used with a light hand I can make this work nicely against my colouring but I do need to double check in different lighting before venturing outdoors (just in case I’ve tangoed myself!)

Gilda –  It’s a gorgeous shade but I haven’t got the application of this one down yet.  Perhaps it’s just a bit too warm and matte for me, either way… it’s another one I want to learn to love.

Deep Throat – My favourite NARS blush.  It’s a pinker, more pigmented version of Orgasm with silvery sparkles compared to the dusting of gold that runs through the big O.  It’s a perfect peachy pink and one that I will repurchase forever more.

Orgasm – The cult favourite is also a hit with me!  Warmer than Deep Throat and a little sparklier, I often pair this one with other blushes (particularly mattes) to give a more 3D appearance.

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Do you own any NARS blushes?  Which are your favourites?

Is it a berry?  Is it a pink?  Can we call it a berry pink and be done with it?

Ciate Main Stage is a lovely rosy pink (I thought we were going with berry?) shade.  I do love pink… not for my clothes or things around me but chuck a pink lippie or polish at me and I’ll doll myself up quicker than Barbie would topple over were she made of flesh and bones.

As with most Ciates, the formula leans a little thick but gives great coverage.  Shown above without a top coat.

Ciate Main Stage is available to buy online from PowderRooms priced at £9.00

~ Got a lipstick too pale to use straight from the bullet? Regretting buying it? Beauty’s Bad Habit shows you 10 ways to use pale lipstick with GOSH ‘Darling’.

~ The Pink Sith suffers from Beautyblogitis and ends up purchasing the new Soleil Tan De Chanel Moisturizing Bronzing Powder in Bronze Rose. Does she regret it or is it the perfect cure for what ails her?

~ Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed likes candy, Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy that is! Come admire her candy lips!

~ LilBiuty shines the spotlight on NYX eye pencils and lipliners.

~ Louise watches some TV, and talks about how a childhood touched by disfigurement inspires what she does on Get Lippie today.

~ Are you wearing sunscreen every single day? Kelly from Gouldylox Reviews finds the perfect SPF for your skin type and reminds you why Tara Reid should not be your skin idol.

~ AOYV discovers theBalm with a Hot Mama blusher.

~ Makeup Morsels plays with the gorgeous and versatile Cream Pigments from Illamasqua.

~ Sarah from IHeartCosmetics checks out Nioxin haircare.

~ Liquid lipsticks seem to get a bad reputation. Jeweled Thumb shows you how to apply them with no feathering or cracking in her How To post.

~ It’s so easy to fall in love with Inglot AMC Face Blush (shade #86)! Check out what Vesna from Beauty addict blog loves so much about that blush!

~ theNotice stumbles across a drugstore gem that’s not only ridiculously cheap, but ridiculously high-quality, as well. Find out what Rae’s “holy grail” powder is!

~ KimmieKarmaLove reviews a brand new mineral makeup company that is vegan and loves what she sees!

~ Sleek MakeUp released new shades to their True Colour Lipstick Collection, making LaaLaa over at Dolce Vanity want to have a sneak peek at a couple….

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~ Daily Polish is giving away the limited edition Jason Wu/CND nail polish set, enter here!!

~ Kim Porter is giving away a free ticket to The Makeup Show NY!

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For more links, please visit the BBLL homepage!

I can sometimes be a bit slow on the old review lark… I get excited about a new product and throw myself into full-on playing, sniffing, painting, daubing and general testing but it has come to my attention that I’m not a conveyer belt of product analysis.

Like every other human being on this planet.  I’m fallible and I didn’t see this one coming.  Well, I kinda did because I gushed about it to a friend 6 weeks ago.  She had also tried it but didn’t like it and her impressions made me doubt my gut instincts, so I cooled my passions a little and tried to inject a touch of devils advocate into the situation.  Receiving gratis products to play with and review is undoubtedly completely awesome but with it comes a degree of responsibility in not wanting to let anyone down by being anything other than ‘spot on’ with my reviews.

With that in mind, I’d been mulling over the results I wasn’t sure I was seeing… at odds with the simple truth that I loved how the product applied/felt/moisturised etc.  But then I saw a before/after photo that wasn’t even relevant to the product I’m talking about and my doubts were blown sky high.

By now, you probably know I’m rabbiting on about the eye cream I mentioned on Friday.  A couple of you pointed out that you could detect a visible difference and in a world of disappointing anti-aging products that claim to offer the world, a visible difference (even slight) is a little beacon in the night.

Skinceuticals A.G.E Eye Complex* gives a pretty understated impression when it comes to kerb appeal.  Even more so when you consider the price tag of £78.00.  I’ve paid more for an eye cream precisely once in my life and after finishing the pot, I chided myself and said I’d never do it again.  Well, never say never…

The simply styled packaging contains 15ml of product that promises to diminish dark circles, puffiness and effects of glycation.  I don’t really understand what glycation is other than at the base level of it causing premature signs of aging because of degrading body tissue… but this product claims in the long term to reduce the effects of this glycation and in the short term, help mask the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.  Still with me?  Have a read of what they say…

…Immediately, optical diffusers improve radiance and minimize the appearance of dark circles and capillaries. Within four to twelve weeks, a complex of flavonoids and synergistic peptides improves lymphatic drainage and eliminates accumulated hemoglobin’s colored degradation end-products to dramatically improve dark circles and puffiness.

By twelve weeks and beyond, blueberry extract interrupts the formation of advanced glycation end-products (A.G.E.) and Proxylane restores water and nutrient content to the dermal epidermal junction (D.E.J.) to increase skin elasticity and thickness for dramatic improvement of wrinkles and crow’s feet.

Well now that I’ve managed to baffle myself with the science-y bits… let me tell you the things that I do understand about this eye cream.

It’s intensely hydrating without being heavy or too rich and I haven’t experienced any problems with milia since using this.  I began testing it at a time when I was very dry under my eyes, scaly dry even.  The Skinceuticals cream took charge immediately and within a matter of days my skin was back to normal.

Within a couple of weeks, I felt that the shadow around the edge of my eye socket had a lifted a little but I wasn’t 100% sure if I was imagining it.  As for fine lines or crepiness?  Well, I didn’t notice any differences at all.

This is the same impression I was left with after 8 or so weeks.  Amazingly hydrating, beautiful to apply, cooling on the eye area and simply lovely.  But a £78 spend demands a bit more than that for me.  My demands were coming closer to being met the other day when I was editing a before/after for my UD Lush Lash post.  Here it is again…

To my mind, my eyes look less puffy and the fine lines seem shallower (particularly the one on the right) in the 2nd photo.  OK, it’s not groundbreaking… it hasn’t erased all imperfections or tightened up any droopiness on my eyelids.  Neither is this a hugely scientific experiment but I’m TOTALLY feeling vindicated in an “Oooh I knew I liked this product for a reason!” kinda way.

I’ve been using SkinCeuticals A.G.E Eye Complex for around 11 weeks (once a day) and I estimate that I’ll be finishing my pot in around another 8 weeks.  I’m currently undecided about a repurchase.  If it were £30/40 cheaper, I’d be on it like a recovering alcoholic on a Lambrini.  But let’s wait and see what another 8 weeks bring… if it makes my undereyes smoother than a baby’s bum, I’ll be sure to let you know about it!

Skinceuticals A.G.E Eye Complex is priced at £78 and available to buy online from BeautyExpert.

* Press Sample

What’s the most you’ve ever paid for an eye cream (and was it worth it?)