A Makeup & Beauty Blog – Lipglossiping

It’s been two years since the results of Olay’s first Big British Beauty Poll were published, and in beauty years, that’s practically forever!  Gauging public attitudes about how we view the notion of beauty revealed some fascinating insights: Audrey Hepburn was (perhaps unsurprisingly) named as the most iconic beauty of all time, while the poll also revealed that we might not be as keen to jump on the cosmetic injections bandwagon as we once were – a case of too many frozen foreheads on the telly?

Now it’s time to do it all over again!

Olay are launching the Big British Beauty Poll #2 to coincide with their 60th anniversary, and this time – it’s bigger than ever!  The brand want YOUR opinion on everything from skin-care to makeup, hair colour to hair-removal and everything in between. It’s time to have your say.

And this is how you do it….

1. If you’re female and aged over 18 years, simply visit www.facebook.com/beautyRecommendedUKandIreland and become a fan.

2. The Olay Regenerist Big British Beauty Poll will be open to entries from Thursday 4 October at midday to Thursday 1 November 2012.

3. If you complete the poll, you will automatically be entered into a free prize draw to win one of three x £1,000 cash prizes plus a set of Olay Regenerist’s three “hero” products: 3 Point Treatment Cream, 3 Point
Super Serum and Night Renewal Elixir (regardless of the responses).

4. If you then go on to share the poll with a friend on Facebook, you will also be automatically entered into a further prize draw to win one of three x £500 cash prizes.

For full terms and conditions and to read about the competition disclaimer, please visit www.facebook.com/beautyRecommendedUKandIreland

* this is a P&G/Olay sponsored post

What is it?

A mud mask that promises the highest quality ingredients and exceptional results to deliver everything you need for great skin, whatever your skin type.

How much is it?

£49.99

How much of our money goes to supporting PINK projects?

25% of profits from the sale of CURE SEXY will be donated to the Pink Ribbon Foundation.

How do I get it?

www.glamglowmud.co.uk

A with most great battles throughout the ages, there are rarely any real winners.  This is how I’ve always felt when it comes to the issue of my skin.  The beauty industry likes to neatly compartmentalise us into skintypes, it makes it easier for them to sell us the products they think we need and it gives us a sense of understanding and order in our already chaotic lives – it serves a purpose.  The problem is that many of us don’t neatly fit into those prescribed compartments, it’s not that they’re irrelevant to us… it’s just that they don’t provide the full solution.

I’ve always described my skin as dry.  This is because I get flaky skin in the winter (despite exfoliating), visible flakes around my nose and chin whatever the weather when I wear a foundation that my skin won’t tolerate, and a tightening sensation after cleansing with any type of water.  I’m loathe to describe it as sensitive, because although I do have redness, I never get reactions or burning sensations when applying products (and I’ve tried a lot!).  That’s all pretty standard so far, but the thing is… these areas are at the same time oil-slicks by lunchtime!  How is that even fair?

I pretty much tolerate it because it can be blotted, and I know it’s not as bad as people with true oily skin get… I only need to blot a couple of times a day for example, but surely that I, with all my flakes… shouldn’t have to blot at all!

That was quite a lengthy introduction but it seemed important to express how I feel about my skintype because the product that I’ve been trying for a few weeks has proven itself to be perfectly suited to my particular concerns.

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator is an instant skin mattifier with an oil-free formula that importantly (for people like me) promises to supply necessary hydration to the affected area.  In the past, I haven’t had huge amounts of success with Clinique skincare, I’ve found that it pampers to the extremes and I know that some oilier-skinned types really adore the classic 3-step skincare system, but I found that it simply eft my skin feeling uncomfortably tight.

The Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Stay Matte Hydrator has a lightweight formula and I only need to use a small amount across my t-zone once my moisturiser has been given five minutes to settle.  It’s priced at £32 for 50ml which isn’t unreasonable for the quantity but judging by the rate I’m getting through the bottle, I’d prefer to pay £16 for 25ml you know?

I’ve found that my t-zone remains far more matte throughout the day since using this, which has had the wonderful side-effect of not seeing my foundation slip from my nose as the day wears on.  I can’t say that I’ve noticed any particular improvement in pore-refinement but my “dry” skin is remaining comfortable despite using this and I’m not experiencing any additional flakiness.

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Stay Matte Hydrator is available to buy on counter and online at clinique.co.uk priced at £32 for 50ml

Does your skintype fit neatly into the dry/oily/combination compartments?

* press sample

What is it?

Tangle Teezer’s special edition Penelope Pink Compact Styler features a retro print of candy pink bows and hearts.

How much is it?

£12.25

How much of our money goes to supporting PINK projects?

Tangle Teezer are donating 20% from every sale to Breast Cancer Care throughout the month of October.

How do I get it?

www.tangleteezer.com

Are you thinking about Christmas yet?  Can I let you in on a little secret?  I’ve nearly bought all my Christmas presents already.  Don’t hate me, it just seemed to happen without any real intention to get organised – perhaps it’s because funds are a little tighter this year than normal (“real” rent will do that to you), or perhaps there’s been some really good offers on in all the shops I frequent?  Either way, I have managed to secure some thoughtful pressies for definitely less than it would cost if I had left it until the “holiday spirit” is in full swing!

I even hit the supermarket this week and bought all the chocolates (you know, the present bulker-uppers!) for a £1 a bag – malteasers, minstrels, rolos…. oh god, did someone say chocolate?

Anyway, incase you are feeling a little bit organised, I wanted to tell you about a rather lovely Jimmy Choo GWP that’s out on counter now.

No, sorry, it’s not a pair of shoes! But perhaps the next best thing – no, not a lifetime supply of Galaxy either, stay with me…

It’s a Jimmy Choo shoe case, to put your, err, Jimmy Choos in!  But you know, your Converse would look pretty good in it too (sacrilege!)  This would make a lovely gift for any fashionistas and you can either keep the perfume for yourself, or be super generous and part with that aswell!  Or you know, you could just keep it all for yourself (my precious, etc. etc.)

The Jimmy Choo shoe case is available in department stores nationwide from October 2012 with a purchase of any Jimmy Choo 60ml fragrance.

So, one of the most well-known names in British skincare releases a line of makeup.  Women everywhere go crazy.  This lipstick-loving chick gets a bit twitchy over the thought of a Liz Earle lipstick… but I don’t mind admitting that I’d been having preconceptions about how it would feel/look.  I imagined that it would be sheer, moisturising… a bit balmy.  Manna from heaven to some, but not to me.

I was wrong though, it’s basically the complete opposite.  Aren’t you glad to be following the blog of someone who clearly has absolutely no beauty foresight whatsoever.  It’s like when I get emailed to give my opinion on future trends.  I usually look behind me to see if there’s someone else in the room the email was directed to.  Then I say “coral”.

But I digress…

The Liz Earle Signature Lipstick in 01 Rosehip is a natty little bullet of pigmentation with a satin finish.  But I don’t love it.

The shade is very pretty, a muted red which makes for a great pop of colour on pale skin but it draaaaaaags on my lips like a fat dog resisting its daily walk.  You can even see the drag marks on the back of my hand!  It needs more slip, it needs more glide!  Sure it gets better once you’ve spent five minutes drawing it over your lips warming it up but I don’t have time in the morning to resuscitate my lipstick before applying it and I can only imagine the texture getting worse as the temperature drops further.

All in all, this has to be a no from me.  Pretty colour, class packaging and lovely embossing on the bullet that gives it the elegance you’d expect from the brand but the formula doesn’t do it for me.

Liz Earle Signature Lipstick in 01 Rosehip is priced at £14 and available on counter or online at lizearle.com

* I should say that after writing my review and googling to see if anyone had a similar experience, I’m the lone voice of dissent which is making me wonder if I got a bad one.

* press sample

I won’t blather on, instead I shall direct you to this post where you can find out all you need to know about entering this brilliant competition.  UK entrants only I’m afraid.

Competition closes tonight at midnight, get a wiggle on ladies!

What is it?

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil is a multi-purpose, moisturising dry oil with ingredients that include rCocoa Butter, Vitamin E and Rosehip and Canola oils.

How much is it?

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion is £9.99 for 150ml

How much of our money goes to supporting PINK projects?

A donation of £1 from the sale of each bottle goes directly to Breast Cancer Care.

How do I get it?

Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil is available at Superdrug, Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and www.chemistdirect.co.uk

Literally. It’s not wishful, it’s damn lustful. Now that we’ve finished furnishing the flat, I’m putting aside a little money each month for some lovely beauty things that have been catching my eye recently.  It’s only fair that I be rewarded for my diligence, stiff upper lip and horrifying withdrawal symptoms, no?

Well here’s what I was daydreaming about last weekend…

01: Burberry Lip Velvet in Bright Poppy (£22.50) – I’m not sure if they’re out yet but these matte lipsticks promise to throw away the rule book when it comes to matte lip texture.  Hydrating?  I’ll believe it when I see wear it.

02: La Roche Posay Hydreane BB Cream (£15) – Oh, um.  HELL YES.  A BB cream formulated by La Roche Posay has me salivating at the thought.  I’m like a 6yr old on Christmas morning – hoping, praying that what’s under the tree is as good as she hopes.

03: Yves Rocher Flawless Finish Fluid Foundation in Rose 100 (£9.60) – Try saying that after a few.  I can hardly say it now (hides the bottle).  I tried this one on the back of my hand in the Yves Rocher store in Prague and it looked/felt soooo good but I’d already stretched my no-makeup budget to the max on some eyeshadows AND I’m currently in love with their BB cream (review coming soon!) so I skipped on this.  And now I can’t stop thinking about it.

04: Terry de Gunzburg Haute Parfumerie Flagrant Delice (£68) – I wrote about these a few weeks ago but have since had a cheeky spritz of Flagrant Delice on my wrist and I’m captivated.  Creamy almond milk and sun-ripened fig make for the most delicious combination that not only I, but Leila too have fallen in love with.  She says it’s a very “mummy” smell which I’m taking to mean that it makes her feel as downright comforted as it does me.  Honestly, such a beautiful and lingering scent. Wantsies. Can’t affordsies!

05: Orla Kiely Geranium and Myrrh Candle (£24) – I do have a soft spot for Orla Kiely, I know that those bloody designs are everywhere but, c’mon… they are brilliantly retro and modern all at once.  I was actually hoping I’d prefer the scent of the lime green design, seeing as that would have been the one to match my decor.  But in typical sod’s law-style fashion, it’s the Geranium & Myrrh in resplendent red that I’m lusting after.

What lovely things have you been lusting after recently?

Regular readers will be familliar with the concept of Pink Week here at Lipglossiping.  For the third year in a row, I dedicate the first week of October (Breast Cancer Awareness month) to showcasing a selection of beauty products that have pledged financial support through their sales to raise awareness for Breast Cancer.  So without further ado…

What is It?

The Think Pink Beauty Kit from Elemis contains the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (30ml) in limited edition pink packaging, Pro-Collagen Lifting Treatment Neck and Bust ‘Boob Tube’ in limited edition pink packaging (15ml), and a 50ml bottle of Elemis Sp@Home Quiet Mind Relaxing Bath Elixir.  All presented in an Elemis pink cosmetic bag.

How much is it?

Elemis Think Pink Beauty Kit has an RRP of £32.50

How much of our money goes to supporting PINK projects?

Regardless of how many kits are sold, Elemis have once again pre-pledged a £10,000 donation to Breast Cancer Care.  That’s what you call putting your money where your mouth is.

How do I get it?

The Elemis Think Pink Beauty Kit is available to buy online from www.timetospa.co.uk or on counter at selected John Lewis stores.

God. Have I told you how much I love foundation? Oh, I have?! Well, the thing is… I really love foundation. I love the idea of being able to smooth over the blemishes, teeny veins and discolouration with what is, effectively, a new skin.

If I were a character in a horror-filled b-movie, I’d like to be the skin harvester and I’d go around, stealing people’s faces… no, please don’t leave. I’m only joking. Sort of.

So that I don’t have to go around harvesting other people’s faces, Benefit have launched a new beauty kit that will appeal to all foundation-lovers out there.  How To Look The Best At Everything claims to contain everything we need to achieve that sought-after flawless complexion.

Let’s take a closer look….

The kit is available in three skin shades: Light, Medium and Deep and is packaged in squee cute Benefit stylee, taking obvious inspiration from the series of similarly titled books.  Despite the housing being cardboard, it stands up pretty well to mild misuse… it’s not gonna crumble anytime soon, unless you put it in the washing machine or something phenomenally stupid like that.  In which case, you deserve whatever soggy mess awaits you.

Beneath the ‘front cover’ sits an assortment of Benefit’s face products… providing you ‘get on’ with the products inside, this is a brilliant thing to take away on holidays/dirty weekends and the like.  Do people even still have dirty weekends?  I feel like I’ve just stepped out of the 80s with that expression!

So, from left to right, we have:

The POREfessional primer (7.5ml) |  Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow in “Cheers to Me” Champagne foundation (7ml) | Boi-ing 01 & 02 concealer (1.5g each) | “Hello Flawless!” “Me, Vain?” Champagne powder (4g).

I’ve been doing my sums and based on the quantities of product you receive inside the kit, compared to the full-size prices…. the kit is worth approximately £44.22 on product value alone.

Which is pretty awesome considering that Benefit (who are not well-known for their bargainous prices) are asking only £24.50 for the entire set.

It’s a great starting point for anyone unfamilliar with the Benefit base makeup line and would be a lovely present for most teens *cough* and older makeup-loving ladies to open on Christmas morning.

Benefit’s How To Look The Best At Everything kit* is available to buy now online and on counter nationwide, priced at £24.50

* press sample

For 48hrs only, get 25% off at Cult Beauty with the discount code FLASH25. Perfect for those organised Christmas shoppers out there (I know you’re out there!)

Code valid until midnight on Monday.

* Discount exludes Escentric Molecules and Moroccanoil