A Makeup & Beauty Blog – Lipglossiping

Hugely delayed because I’ve been out of town since Friday…

~ Rachel finds out if a body lotion can be energizing with Liz Earle.

~ Makeup Morsels finally tries out those famous Urban Decay Liners.

~ Looking for a similar powder to the Magic Cool Powder from MAC? Look no further – Sleek Makeup have one for half the price!

~ Check out Audrey Dao’s review of Zoya’s Spring 2011 Intimate Collection along with photos and swatches!

~ Daily Polish shows off sneak pictures of China Glaze’s Holiday 2011 Collection Let It Snow!

~ Phyrra tells you about Shadow Transformation. She compares four products from Fyrinnae, Hi-Fi, Sobe Botanicals, and Medusa’s Makeup. See which one comes out on top!

~ Kelly of Gouldylox Reviews finds a new love at the drugstore. It’s quickly becoming a foundation favorite!

~ What do you do when your bosses go on leave? Why, wear crazy turquoise fishnet nails to work of course – Musicalhouses did it!

~ Retrodiva shares her five favorite tinted moisturizers that can be used even on oily skin.

~ One palette; how many looks can The Lip Print create? It’s a Palette Challenge!

~ Sarah from IHeartCosmetics bypasses Bella Bamba and goes straight for Benefit’s Prrrowl and Magic Ink.

~ Jo at Music and Makeup finally had a play with MAC Club eyeshadow and liked the results!

~ Are China Glaze Channelesque and China Glaze Below Deck dupes or not? Check out this post at Beauty addict’s blog to find out!

~ Big pores? You need this! Hellcandy shares her love for Benefit’s Porefessional.

~ Craving the new Make Up For Ever Lab Shine lip glosses? Well, you’re in luck because Krasey Beauty has swatches of the full collection!

~ Mz. More of The Glamorous Gleam tries out OPI Shatter Nail Polish. Is it all it’s “cracked” up to be?

~ Jenn over at Spiced beauty puts on her best glam face using BarryM Cosmetics!

~ theNotice chats about the new love in her life – that is, Clarins Rouge Hydra Nude lipsticks. Will you be picking up a tube before they’re sold out?

~ Amy Antoinette reviews ELF’s Studio Line blushes.

~ It’s all about glowing skin and pink hues this spring! Anita reviews (almost) the entire Guerlain spring collection over at Pleasureflush.

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~ Beauty Crazed wants to solve your winter hair woes with $200 worth of Marc Anthony products! So enter the contest already!

~ Start the new year with a new you. Win a La Mav anti-age skin care pack and enjoy your new skin.

~ Help Cindy celebrate the one year anniversary of Prime Beauty. At this celebration the presents are for you!

~ Come by Jeweled Thumb to read a review of the Eyeko My Coral Crush Peachy Keen blush and also win one! Enter now to be one of the 2 lucky winners!

~ Socialite Dreams is hosting a giveaway of socialite approved goodies!

The dust is clearing and I’m surveying the damage that IMATS has done to my purse.  It could be worse, it could have been better.  I set myself a budget and exceeded it (of course).  But, I don’t feel gut-wrenching guilt and my child will still be able to eat (gruel) next month.

The haul.  The picture above is oddly missing a lip tar but I don’t care enough to retake it.

I bought a freestyle Yaby palette from MUABoutique stand (served by the awesome DvoraDvine no less! *swoon*) with the intention of filling it with random Yaby purchases throughout the year.  I had to pick up a couple of eyeshadows to start my collection off too right?

I made a beeline for Guru Makeup Emporium as soon as I arrived… (having sussed out which MUFE stockist had the best discount first of course).  I wanted to try the new Rouge Artist Intense lipsticks and picked out three that caught my eye.  I also grabbed the one of the new Uplight highlighters in #11 and another MUFE Aqua Cream for my collection.  Love them.

O to the doube C – I bought 4 of these last year and although I um.. haven’t really worn them much, I wanted some of the new shades as soon as I swatched them.  Now that I’m getting more comfortable with brighter colours and wielding a lip brush, I’m hoping I’ll reach for them more frequently.  If I don’t, I deserve shooting for being stupid and flahoolick.

INGLOT were offering a cool 30% discount, so although I wasn’t intending to indulge… I really got sidetracked by a few items.  Can you tell I kinda have a thing for lipstick yet?

Finally…

This one was actually a mistake.  An embarrassing one at that.

You know the infamous Face Atelier foundation that is supposed to be like “uhmazing”?  Well…. someone clearly wasn’t paying enough attention or was high on nail polish fumes or something.  The stand I bought this foundation from was called Make Up Atelier Paris.  Slight difference there right?  My brain saw “Atelier” and swooped before engaging.

Now, idiocy aside… I actually preferred the texture of this foundation to FACE Atelier’s after swatching at the FACE Atelier stand to compare.  This one feels lighter in texture but with that same silicone slip… I’m hoping this will be a good choice as the weather gets warmer.

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So there’s my sins… I’m very pleased with them and if there’s anything you’d like me to review/swatch first, tell me and I’ll push it to the front of the IMATS haul queue.

Did you go?  What did you buy?

OK, they didn’t really… but I’m waiting on a stock image and confirmation for the (updated) prize.

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Keep your fingers crossed I get it today.  If I don’t, I shall improvise and we’ll return to the regular giveaway schedule tomorrow regardless (albeit 1 day behind).

Whilst you’re here reading this rather pointless post, I may aswell tell you what I have planned for this week.

Tomorrow, I’ll be bringing you full swatches of the Urban Decay 15th Anniversary 24/7 Pencil Set.
Wednesday, I’ll be reviewing a new cleanser love and a NOTD.
Thursday should bring you a show and tell of what I received for Christmas (it’s about time!)
and Friday I’ll be talking about a new primer!

Inbetween all that, there may be room for some more blogging frivolity if I can skive off from my day job for long enough to get those posts out but I’m battling a big email backlog that makes me wince every time I think of it.

What are your top tips for staying organised? Are you a lists kind of girl?

Touted as a ‘true’ red, I can’t decide if I agree?!  One minute I think it’s a teeny bit orange-red and the next… leaning toward the blue.  Perhaps that is the mark of a true red?

Oh, I don’t know… these reds, they start to confuse me after a little while!

Sangers is matte, very matte and a little hard textured.  I’ve been warming it up on the back of my hand before applying as the brush drags across my lips otherwise.

It’s bold and it’s beautiful and somewhat unforgiving on dry lips.  But it lasts like a trooper with practically no transfer at all.  Not even a speck on my wine glass (ok, cracked mug – I was trying to sound sophisticated).

I bought it last week from the store on Beak Street and it’s another red that I’m pleased to call mine own.  I will wear it often but ensure that my lips get extra TLC before and after.

Sangers is priced at £15.50 and available in the flagship store, Selfridges and online.

We’re approaching the climax of this year’s New Year Giveaway, UK ladies… you don’t wanna miss these last few days.  Seriously.

Don’t say I don’t know what you ladies want!

Probably the hottest item of makeup to be released in 2010, Urban Decay’s Naked Palette offers beauty connoiseurs everything they need for a neutral eye in one, single portable palette and Urban Decay have generously donated one of these must-haves to me to give away to one of YOU!

They Say:

These neutrals won’t leave you naked. THIS is how Urban Decay does neutral: Far from boring, the Naked Palette includes 5 NEW shades (with names like Buck, Darkhorse, and Virgin) in addition to seven of the brand’s most addictive best-selling eyeshadows. This is a shadow palette that everyone will want, everyone can use, and everyone will buy. Experiment with office-appropriate neutrals, summertime bronzy looks, or sultry smokiness (achieve golden, brownie, or grey-hued shade combos). Plus, you get an exclusive double-ended version of the award-winning 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero (black) and Whisky (a warm brown shade without sparkle) and a mini genie bottle of Eyeshadow Primer Potion. With all this at your fingertips…you’ll hardly need clothes at all.

I’m not afraid to say it… I’m flippin’ jealous.

JEALOUS!

Wanna win it?

Models Own have announced their new Spring/Summer nail collection which will include some rather exclusive (read: hard to get hold of) shades!

Nyla Nude is only available at River Island and Orange Sherbet is available exclusively on line.  Glad I don’t want either of those then!

I was able to try Bloo Boo back late last year and have been sitting on the swatch picture in anticipation of it’s inclusion in the Spring/Summer set… Bloo Boo is really rather lovely and non-chalky for a pastel blue.

Quite stark though!

Priced at £5 each and available in Boots, online and it seems… River Island (well, one of them).

Are any of the new shades capturing your attention?

Ever since I finally confirmed how to pronounce the brand name properly, (“lox- ee- tahn” incase you were unsure too!) I can’t stop name dropping it!  Do you do that?  I’m all like “oooh get me… French accent”.  Now I just need to work out the ‘beauté’ in Le Metier… My D in A-Level French wants me to say “boat-ay” but people look at me like I’m a bit slow when I don’t make the “yew” sound… anyone?

I’m digressing just a wee bit aren’t I?

Anyway, look!!!  It’s like the battle of the beautifully packaged prizes!!  First, Liz Earle and now Provençal brand L’Occitane… that hot pink is swoon-worthy!

So what’s inside?!

L’Occitane (told you I couldn’t stop saying it…) say:

Delight your senses with four delicious shower gels. This collection includes:

• 75ml Peony Shower Gel
• 75ml Fleur Chérie Shower Gel
• 75ml Cherry Blossom Shower Gel
• 75ml Rose 4 Reines Shower Gel.

Wanna win it?

Leave a comment to enter.  Giveaway closes at 23:59GMT on 29th January.

UK Only.

My lovely international ladies, I’m sorry but the rest of the daily prizes will be available only within the UK.  I don’t want  you to keep returning to enter only to be disappointed that you can’t.

If you’re from outside the UK but don’t want to miss your chance at winning “most dedicated” entrant mystery prize… you can still comment.  Just let me know that you’re not eligible to win the daily prize because of your location!

Winners will be announced early next month.  Info and rulez can be found here.

Is it just me or are we seeing a bit of a theme emerging? 😉

First up…

Hot.  Hotty Hot Hot.

Blush – Scandalous (£4.29)
Pout Polish – Scandal (£4.29)
NAILED – Geisha’s Seal (£3.89)

Due to be released exclusively to Superdrug on February 14th.

All For Eve and all for a very good cause indeed.

All For Eve have joined forces with London florist OnlyRoses in time for Valentine’s Day.  Above is the “ultimate in red” package.  Priced at £90, it includes a dozen red roses, an award winning lipstick from celebrity make-up artist Daniel Sandler, the Sophy Robson Nail Polish and the clutch bag essential of a Swarovski Crystal Nail File.

Orders are being taken online at allforeve.co.uk and www.only-roses.com from 27th January with 100% of All For Eve’s net profits going directly to The Eve Appeal.

If you haven’t seen or read about this collection 100 times already then you truly are in love and should stop snogging your beau before your lips drop off.  C’mon, the makeup’s this-a-way!

Illamasqua Throb is their nod to the season of lurve and the cheekily-named pieces reflect this.  I picked up the lipstick in Sangers last week and can’t wait to give the true red it’s first outing!

Nail Polish – Load, Scorn, Throb (£13.50)

Lipstick – Sangers (£15.50)

Intense Lipgloss – Succubus (£13.00)

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Any of those take your fancy?  They’re less maintenance than a fella!

…were held earlier in the week at a swanky ‘do’ in London.

Attended by some of the country’s best journalists and writers, the awards recognise the work that UK beauty journalists do to educate and inform their readers through intelligent articles on skincare and beauty.

So, quite frankly… I have no idea how I managed to bag one.

I was awarded Best Beauty Blogger at the ceremony and will even get a trophy to proudly display next to my computer… or yano, in everyone’s face.  Repeatedly.

The Best Beauty Blogger category was introduced to the award line up for the first time this year and despite my jokes and general awkwardness, I really am very happy, proud and thankful to have been selected as the inaugural winner by the panel of judges.

I’d also like to give a shout-out to runner-up SCforM who writes a great grooming blog you should be following here.

Thanks for the support, banter and patience you guys show me as I bumble my way through this blogging thing, you make it so much fun.  Now I’m off to tell my husband that I shall henceforth answer only to the title of ‘award-winning’ wife.  What?

Blimey… I wish I could wrap presents like that…

We’re on the home straight now and today I have to offer you THE most beautifully presented gift set donated to the blog by Liz Earle.  Contained within the iconic blue box, you’ll find a set that promises to give your tootsies the pampering of their life!

What’s included:

~ Foot Spritzer 75ml
~ Foot Scrub 100ml tube
~ Foot Repair Moisturiser 100ml pump
~ Cotton Rich socks

Someone’s feet are in for a treat!

Leave a comment to enter.  Giveaway closes at 23:59GMT on 28th January.

UK Only.

My lovely international ladies, I’m sorry but the rest of the daily prizes will be available only within the UK.  I don’t want you to keep returning to enter only to be disappointed that you can’t.

If you’re from outside the UK but don’t want to miss your chance at winning “most dedicated” entrant mystery prize… you can still comment.  Just let me know that you’re not eligible to win the daily prize because of your location!

Winners will be announced early next month.  Info and rulez can be found here.

Cult Beauty Pop-Up Store!

From today until Monday 31st January, Cult Beauty is launching a pop-up shop exclusively in that beauty mecca otherwise known as Selfridges!

image shamefully purloined, half-inched from CultBeauty.co.uk

You’ll be able to lay your hands on hard-to-find brands such as Face Atelier, Ginvera, MV Organics and Rahua; as well as benefit from a whole host of beauty advice from industry experts.

Also, If you Sign up for the Cult Beauty newsletter, you’ll receive a coupon which will allow you to claim a free Como Shambala Invigorate travel set (showergel and lotion) – redeemable at the pop-up shop.

I’ll be heading along on Saturday after IMATS – might see you there!

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Cosmetics A La Carte Pop Up Parlour!

Cosmetics A La Carte will be launching a pop up parlour at The Peak Spa at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower hotel.  The pop-up parlour will offer complimentary ‘Recharge Makeovers’ and handy tips on how to get the perfect complexion every Friday.

The parlour will launch this Friday 28th January and will be open from 10am – 6pm.  Each consultation lasts between 20-30 minutes and Peak Spa, located high above the city on the ninth floor of the Jumeirah Carlton Tower, is open to members and guests.

Spa treatments at The Peak Spa can be booked by calling 0207 858 7300

Last weekend saw VexintheCity and myself wandering the streets of Paris, city of lights and painfully stylish women.  What is it with Parisienne ladies anyway?  Do they teach eyeliner in schools?  I didn’t see a single pair of eyes that hadn’t been expertly rimmed with smudgy black kohl.  It was both refreshing and slightly intimidating.

Here’s some shots from the (very long) day out, starting with the Paris essentials:

A map, we looked at it blankly all day long.

Jaffa Cakes – Don’t attempt the Eurostar at 6.22am without copious amounts of sugar close at hand.

Papped – I swear to God I did not pose for this!  Red lipstick made me feel almost cultured enough to tread the cobbled streets though.

Undeniably Paris!  Napoleon’s rebuild of the great city renders it thoroughly iconic with it’s long, wide Boulevards and grand Avenues!

Ahhh Sephora!  My first ever visit!  This is the one on Champs Élysées, we arrived v. early and as you can see, it wasn’t too busy at all!

Makeup, makeup as far as the eye can see!

Can you believe we sat our bums down on the posh chairs in Ladurée only to be told that we were too early for cake?  Too early… for cake?  So we boycotted all things French and went to McDonalds instead.  No really… we were famished!

As night fell, we indulged in a little of Paris’ notorious cafe culture… I recommend the house Merlot at Café Kléber, though I was a bit squiffy after only two glasses!

As you can probably tell by this photo.

But not this one!  Oooh La la!  Je t’aime La Tour Eiffel!

So what did I buy in the capital of fashion, beauty and all things ladylike?  Not a lot actually.  I’m saving my pennies for this weekend at IMATS but I did pick up a couple of bits…

See?  How restrained was I?

Despite all your fabulous advice and words of temptation, (for which I was immensely grateful and will be relying on when I return later in the year!) I held back and only picked up a Bioderma cleanser (for Mr. L!), a MAC CCB (I know, sacrilege to go to Paris and buy MAC right?) and a Rouge Baiser Lipstick (described as the world’s first ‘kiss-proof’ lipstick!)

Did I do well?  I also played with some MUFE in Sephora and expanded my IMATS wishlist tenfold.  Oops.