Guerlain Ecrin 6 Couleurs

This is one of my favourite eyeshadow palettes. I love everything about it - quality of the shadows, the applicator that comes with it and the gorgeous packaging.

I had been looking for  neutral eyeshadow palette for ages, and I finally found this one last summer. I tend to reach for this a lot in the mornings for a natural daytime look, especially at work, and they last all day without creasing. I like that there are colours in there that I can use for a subtle daytime look, but I can always use the darker shades to vamp it up in the evening.

I bought this palette for a whopping £53 from House of Fraser. My justification for spending that much money is that I genuinely use every single eyeshadow, all the time. There are colours suitable to use for bases, all over, crease, highlighter and the black is perfect for a smokey look.

The only minor gripe I have is that although the packaging is lovely, it is slightly on the heavy side. But Usually something like that would annoy me, but I can make an exception for this palette, and I keep it displayed on my desk rather than shove it in a drawer like I do with my other eyeshadows ;)

MAC Cream Colour Base in Hush

I made a quick stop over to MAC the other day for some advice, with the intention of picking up a highlighter and bronzer.

After trying out a few of the mineral highlighters, I eventually admitted defeat and accepted that powders just don't work on my naturally dry skin. In the end I settled for the cream base in HUSH.

Its a nice, pinky-frosty colour - a bit duskier than what it looks like in the pictures. It also blends well into my skin to give a soft finish.

I like that it is compact enough to put into my make up bag for touch-ups in the evenings. There is not much to say really except that it is a decent multi-purpose highlighter. I still love my Benefit High Beam more, only because I find I have to work that little bit harder to blend HUSH into my skin compared to the other one. I am also in love with the Nars Orgasm Illuminator which I shall dedicate a blog post of its own to soon. 

Another highlighter I have put onto my shopping list is the Becca shimmering skin perfector. I actually think about this product a lot and is on top of my list of things to buy. 

I have also ordered a couple of the E.L.F Shimmer sticks to try out and will document my thoughts on them once they have been tested out. 

In terms of bronzer, the assistant applied a skin finish powder on me which was a few shades darker than my natural skin tone. She showed my how to apply etc. It didn't look too bad, but I decided not to purchase it because I still don't think I have got the grasp of bronzer on indian skin yet. Only because I worry that I won't apply it and end up looking mental. I'm thinking to taking the plunge and picking up the Chanel Soleil Tan or try out a Benefit one. I'm not sure... its all confusing!

Things I like

I bought myself a new desk, rearranged my make up collection, made some more space in my room to concentrate on kick starting a second career. And I just can't seem to get into it. For some reason, it seems more fun to plan holidays, watch Judge Judy and actually enjoy the weekdays not having to watch it go by through an office window.

Actually, ANYTHING else seems to be more interesting than working at the moment (even spending time with relatives). I am lucky I have a small amount of savings which I can eat into, so maybe I should just enjoy being a lazy bum for a while (but not for too long).

Any hoot, another post on a few things I am really liking at the moment.

L-R: B&BW hand gel, Eve Lom Lip Balm, Bourjois Foundation,  Forever 21 earrings 

Bath & Bodyworks Ani-Bacterial Hand Gel
There is something about spending money shopping abroad without having too much concern about price etc. Its almost like it is not really money. Does that make sense? This is what happened to me when I went to a Bath & Bodyworks store in USA recently. I went nuts in there and spent a small fortune on sprays, lotions and soaps. I got really excited about discovering pocket-sized hand sanitizers that smell lovely that I bought loads for myself and and gave some away as gifts to friends and family. I have not come across this type of product anywhere here in the UK (I can't usually stand the smell of hand gels) so maybe that is why I got a bit happy when I saw them. The one I am currently using is called Midnight Pomegranate and has cute little floating beads in it. I know it is just a hand gel, but I really think it is great! I think they were $1.50 each and were on offer at the time. If ANYONE knows where I can get Bath & BodyWorks stuff in the UK, please, please let me know!!

Eve Lom Kiss Mix
This has a pretty thick consistency so I like applying it about half hour before I put on my make up for it to sink in well before I apply my lipstick. It gives a bit of a tingly feeling and therefore helps plump my lips slightly (although that might just all be in my head). Very moisturising for dry lips.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation
I have always been impressed with every Bourjois foundation that I have tried. I have also tried the other, foundation version and I love it as much, The only reason why I have the serum at the moment is because it works better for me in the winter as it is slightly more moisturising. This stays put all day and does make my skin look healthier. Its costs less than a third of the price of some of the other foundations I have - plus Bourjois does not test on animals - bonus!

Forever 21 earrings
Forever 21 do some really good reasonably priced jewellery - which is very important to me as I lose/break necklaces, earrings etc all the time. I just think they are really cute.

Hope you your day is slightly more productive than mine :)

Miracle of the Chanel Pressed Powder

I went away for a mini break a few months and when I got to duty free, I realised that I had left my Laura Mercier translucent pressed powder behind at home. I coincidenlty (!) happened to be sitting by the make up and perfume section and thought I'd look to see if there is a coloured pressed powder that I could pick up. I settled for the CHANEL POUDRE UNIVERSELLE COMPACTE and I am so glad I did. This has to be one of my most favourite make up items ever. 

I have this in 'Translucent Shade 3'

I apply it at home with my MAC 150 brush, and press with the sponge applicator when I'm out and about (I pop over to a Chanel counter every now and then to pick up sample replacements of the applicator). 


It gives a light coverage, and I love how it helps provide a natural, even toned and more smoother complexion. 


I can be heavy handed with it as I don't feel that it looks cakey at all. A definite Love.


To carry on with the powder theme, another great find - and happened to be freeish, is the Clinique Blended Powder 

It came as part of one of those Bonus TIme products - where you buy two products and get a bunch of stuff free. It is loose translucent powder which is so finely milled its almost like air. I buff away with this, and it smooths any lines, helps keep make up set and just evens out the face. It also gives a healthy glow which is a huge bonus. I have a friend who has some scars left from childhood acne - she will just have this over some concealor during work days and and her skin looks all lovely and smooth!

Most disappointing makeup product ever...

... actually, this is the most disappointing make up product I have experienced in a very very long time. It is the Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain and Balm.

I am a big fan of lip and cheek stains and like trying out new ones. Although I was under no illusion that I would end up looking like Jessica Biel if I wore it - she looks sickeningly gorgeous in this Revlon ad:

I was however hoping that the pigment would be strong and bold, and was pretty excited about the balm part.

So here is mine;

I got this in the colour 'Flame'

First of all, the plastic packaging was a nightmare to take off. I understood that it had to be extremely airtight as to not dry out the pen part. So I was okay with that. But then I opened it. The balm fell off with the lid.

I put the balm back on but it keeps falling off every time I try and apply it directly from the stick

Basically, the balm does not twist down - so you have to be really careful when taking the lid open or the balm just breaks off. Silly packaging, but I thought of well, I should have been more diligent. What disappointed me completely was the colour pay-off. The first application was fine. But then it completely dried up. The swatch below is after keeping it standing for a week.

I only got one proper use out of it and I ended up throwing out today.

What a waste of £6.

Bargain buys

I have been trying to go to the gym regularly now for the past seven months. I decided to join one next to work so i wouldn't get lazy and not go after work if I joined the gym near home. I haven't been too bad actually as going with a buddy does help. Well, I'm trying not to think about the recent 5 week lapse. I'm getting back on it. 


I don't know if anyone else has the same problem, but my my gym bag seems to be really heavy with products - I carry around so much stuff other than just the gym kit such as shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, crams, lotions, makeup etc. I did use to carry small decanted bottles around me but somehow the fuller size products seem to have creeped back into my bag. 


Anyway, as I don't want to take my expensive things to the gym with me, I have come across some real beauties that are dirt cheap. So here are a few of my proud finds:

Boots Coconut and Almond Shampoo

This cost freakin' 99p! Amazing stuff. It leaves my hair soft and clean and smelling lovely. I haven't tried out the conditioner, but I tend to use my Moroccan oil after coming out of the shower anyway so that works as my conditioner. 

I am pretty fussy with my hair, with all the dyeing and blow drying damage, and I think this stuff works great

Natural High Brightening Eye Cream

Contains Organic Rosehip Oil, and other things to help brighten the eye area. I have to say, it does help. I love how it easily sinks into my skin after the shower and brighten it to make me look fresh-eyed. I don't know if it does anything more that provide a temporary cosmetic effect as I have been using it only a couple weeks now, but I really like the effect it gives. Bargain at £2.49 considering the most I have spent on an eye cream has been over £80 and did crap all to improve the dark circles around my eyes.

Sleek Makeup I-Divine 12 Piece Shadow Storm

I had initially bought this because I wanted easy to wear eye shadows and a good black. Most of the bottom ones have broken beyond repair due to it travelling in overnight bags etc. So I thought I'd have it in my gym make up bag for those times I go out straight after a workout. They are very well pigmented and I find that they apply really well with just my fingertips. These palettes are great value for money at under seven quid. 

So these are my bargain finds. I would really be interested to know what people take to the gym with them so that it will give me inspiration on how to pack lightly!


Side note: I never thought I'd say this ever, but I really enjoy the gym and I can see a big difference in my mood if I haven't been for a while. To be honest I probably am not doing enough to actually lose weight as my diet and general lifestyle is still rubbish, but when I feel down, down a strong coffee and spending twenty minutes on the treadmill really helps bring things to perspective. 


Hope you enjoy your weekend what ever you do.


xx

Origins Ginzing Eye Cream and other stuff

I was browsing though the Boots website, ordering my usual everyday supplies (like shampoo, cotton wool etc) when I came across an amazing Origins offer. Its the 'Origins Good to Glow Ginzing Eye Gift Set' which is exclusive to Boots online. The set contains:

• Ginzing Eye Cream
• Full story Lash Loving Mascara
• Duel Ended Lip Gloss
• Pretty decent sized toiletry bag

I have been on the look out for another eye cream as the two I am currently using are okay, but are not helping combat the depressing dark circles.  I have already used one of their night eye creams which I liked, but not loved but I have heard a lot of good things about Origins eye creams in general. So I thought, I might as well try the Ginzing one out as one of it's main features is to beighten the eye area. 

It contains ginseng to hydrate and reduce puffiness, with shimmery silica and mica illuminaors to brighten and minimise the look of dark circles. On the Origins website, the full sized 15ml costs £20. Now on the Boots website, you get the full sized 15ml eye cream with the bonus mascara, lipgloss and wash bag currently for a grand total of £12.50!!!!!! 

Definitely worth having a try out.

Lipgloss swatches

Things I'm loving at the moment (Feb '11)

E.L.F Sheer Mineral Booster (starting at £3.50)

I'm a big fan of the Bare Minerals 'Mineral Veil', and think this E.L.F version is a pretty decent, much cheaper dupe. I've been using this on top of my foundation and cream blushes to set everything. It doesn't stop the shiny t-zones coming through all day however. But it is so light weight and non-cakey looking, and I like the way it looks.


Batiste Brit Dry Shampoo (£2.19)

I've mentioned this before but since discovering dry shampoo, my hair is looking better as it being allowed to rest in between washes. I cannot recommend this product highly enough, it really will change the way you do your hair! A bonus of using this is that it helps me style my hair and keep it in place without having to use other products to weigh my hair down. This Brit Batiste version is so clean and fresh smelling, I love it!

Origins Starting Over Age-erasing Moisterizer with Mimosa (£35)

Origins products as a general rule are really good and this is no exception. I'm loving using this in the winter months. I like to wear this on days I don't wear makeup (which is only when I know I'll be at home all day!). This is because when I wear this over a serum, I feel that my complexion looks smoother and brighter.  It has three main ingredients: Mimosa (soothing proerties), Argan Leaf Extract (protects against UV) and Green Algae (helps skin boost its now natural collagen). My skin feels smooth and plump all day.

NYX 'Goddess of the Night' Lipgloss in 'Juicy Red' 149 (£3.99)

NYX is a bit harder to get in the UK. There are however a few decent sites which you can order from. I'm into red lips at the moment and this on top helps soften the drama of the colour. The gloss smells of delicious strawberry and it gives such a long lasting 'glossy effect'. Really good value for money. Definitely will invest on a few more colours.

No7 Perfect Lips Pencil in' 15 Fire' (£7.50)

I love wearing this all over my lips and then using the NYX gloss on top. If I want something more dramatic, I use Mac's Russian Red lipstick in between these two products.


Korres Volumising Lash Conditioning and Strengthening Mascara (£10.00)

At first glance, the wand or the product do not look very exciting and when I first tried it, I was annoyed about the price I paid for something which I thought did not work at all. However, after a couple of days when a bit of air went in, I have fallen in love with this mascara. It does not necessary make my lashes longer, but makes them look more plump and full. I am using this every morning at the moment, and I am glad I bought it. 

Nars Sheer Glow with Benefit 'That Gal'

My favourite foundation/primer combo of the moment - they are the Benefit 'That Girl' brightening face primer and Nars Sheer Glow foundation. These together seem to work really well with my super dry winter skin at the moment.

Benefit 'That Girl' brightening face primer (21.50)

Please excuse the wear and tear of the outside packaging, I've had this product for a couple months now. I was initially a bit hesitant to get this as I thought it would be gimmicky and would end up making me look like a greaseball by the end of the day. But I have been pleasantly surprised by it. The 'Bad Gal' comes in what looks like a cross between a Prit Stick and play dough machine, and you have to twist the bottom to get the product out.

I hate this because it reminds me of little worms. So I am not a big fan of the container it comes in. The product itself is a light, creamy pink. It smells very sweet and lovely. Despite the colour, it is suitable for all skin tones, as I find with a lot of Benefit products. The idea behind this is, that it is meant to help brighten dull complexion as well as act as a primer. It does brighten the complexion, and as you lightly blend it over the skin, you can see your face looking a bit more healthier. It also smoothes out the skin so acts as a good base for foundation. What I do it put this on after my moisteriser, let it sink in whilst I do my eye make up, them put the foundation on top. It also works really well as a highlighter which I tend to top up through the day.

Nars Sheer Glow (£29 for 30ml)

I got skin matched last summer in 'Sycracuse' which was a pretty good match for me. Reviews of this foundation are in abundance, and they tend to be positive. I agree with these reviews. Although pricey, this is lasting me ages. I would say it is a medium coverage, and no matter how many layers I put on, it never seems to look 'caked'. It dries to a natural, healthy finish and does not wipe off the minute you touch it. In fact it is very well long wearing. At the moment, it is the best foundation I have tried and experienced. I will definitely be repurchasing this. I've got enough left for maybe three or four faces so looking forward to see what shade I'll be for winter.

What I have recently discovered is using the 'That Gal' under the Nars Sheer glow, my skin looks flawless without looking overly made up or like a disco ball. The foundation will last throughout my 9 hour work day, and I just need to lightly touch up around my t-zone if I'm planning to go out in the evening.

It photographs beautifully as well - the skin looks flawless, glowing and radiant.

One word of warning with bad gal, is that I have discovered that it does not work well with all foundations. Its a disaster under Mac Face & Body, and anything too 'liquidy'. I don't find it works well as a primer with some other foundations and to be honest, I only use it with my Nars. Actually, it works well with the Maybelline 24hr Stay as well.

E.l.F Haul - Initial Thoughts

Eyes,Lips, Face were doing a free delivery promotion, along with a free product if purchases were over £10. So here is what I ordered, and arrived quite promptly:

Tinted Moisteriser spf 15 in 'Honey' (tone 2) - £1.50

I actually wanted tone 3 in 'Spice', but it was sold out. The reason why I picked this up was because I wanted something light for when I am out for a couple of hours (I am not expecting this to be long lasting), or to put on after work on top of my morning foundation.

At first glance, 'Honey' seemed to be a tad too light for me but I was pleasantly surprised when I swatched it on my hand, at it blended in really nicely.


Duo Eye Shadow in 'Butter Pecan' - £1.50

I had prevously bought the duo cream shadow in 'Butter Pecan' and did not like it as it creased like crazy on the eyelids. The swatch on this duo is not bad, although it was a bit crumbly. But overall, seems like a decent pair of eyeshadows.

Customs Eyeshadow in 'Sage' - £1.50

I like this eyeshadow. Its just the colour I was looking for, goes on really well and I know I am going to love wearing this. Real bargain for such a good quality product.

False lashes Neutral Lash Kit i 'black' - £1.50

I have read good reviews about these falsies and am excited to try them out. I'll probably chuck the glue out and use my Duo though

Cream Eyeliner in 'Purple' - £3.50

This is the most expensive thing I picked up. I have been thinking about getting a purple gel liner for ages as I do use a pencil every now and again. It comes with a small angled brush which is okay. On first impressions, I will probably need to do a couple of layers of this liner to achieve the opaque look I like. You have to wait a minute or two for the product to dry or else it rubs off completely but once on, it stays put. I reckon it might work as a decent base as well.

I know I will have to add on an extra few minutes into my make up routine whenever I use this, for £3.50, its a good price to try a colour like this out.

Shimmering Facial Whip in Pink Lemonade - £1.50

I got this to use as a highlighter for my cheekbones. This is where E.L.F surpassed themselves in customer services. I discovered this product faulty when it came through the post. Obviously I was a bit annoyed but I didn't know if I wanted to hassled of trying to get a replacement for something that cost me £1.50. But then I thought I'll jot them a quick email about it. I took a picture on my camera of the product and sent that through. E.L.F were content with what they saw in the picture and they sent through a replacement the very next day. So simple and hassle-free. E.L.F's customer services is one of the best I have experienced.

Onto the product itself, I have only had the chance to swatch it and it looks pretty pigmented. I'll try it out tonight along with the tinted moisteriser as I have a birthday dinner to go to. A bit nervous, as Nars Sheer Glow has been my staple evening foundation for over a year now.

Make-up Mist and Set - Free (usually £3.50
This is what I got free as I spent over £10.  I've only ever used the Boots Vitamin e spray to set my make up in summer. This will be interesting to try out.

There you go. An abundance of Make up for under £12! Plus they're all pretty good too!