Pür Minerals Show Off Collection

Pür Minerals Show Off Collection* is a 6-piece set, part of the Christmas Collection 2013 - It contains 3 eyeshadow sticks and 3 cheeks & lips products. 

It's the perfect present for the make-up addict in your family or, believe me, it's worth investing as a treat for yourself, especially with the party season upon us!

These crayons are the perfect size for your handbag or your office kit and you can go from day to night look in a few minutes.

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Pür Minerals and once again, I'm impressed with the quality and the gorgeous, pigmented shades. The eyeshadows are vitamin enriched and the lip/cheek glosses are very hydrating, thanks to shea butter and jojoba oil.

Eyeshadow Sticks in: Exposed, Unveiled, Staged

top - bottom: exposed, unveiled, staged

The eyeshadows are easy to modulate to the desired degree, for a natural look or a smokey eye.

During the day - I like to use Unveiled as a base colour and then apply Exposed to the waterline and inner corner, to make me look more awake.

For a night look - I simply add Staged to the crease and blend (to add depth) and smudge below the eye.... easy-peasy!

Exposed is a vanilla colour with a hint of pink, Unveiled is the perfect burned gold and Staged - my favourite - is a chocolate with purple sheen.

Lipgloss Sticks in: Pucker, Taunt, Fling

top - bottom: pucker, fling, taunt

These pink pencils are the perfect consistency and colours for both lips & cheeks. 

They are non-sticky and blend seamlessly on the cheeks, giving a healthy, blushing-from-within look; at the same time, they deliver a punch of pigmentation on the lips, without being drying.

I particularly love Fling, which is the perfect shade of berry for autumn! Taunt - the deepest shade - compliments the cool tones of Staged and it's great to channel the wine stained lips of this season. Finally, Pucker is a light pink - beautiful and glossy on the lips and also works to perk up the complexion on the apple of the cheeks.

Pür Minerals is available from Marks & Spencer nationwide - link

1st JolieBox

This is the first ever JolieBox - technically, it's not a new subscription because it's basically the former Boudoir Prive' that joined forces with the french version and brought Jolie to the Uk.

First thing I notice about the box is that it's a tad smaller than its sisters; not a complaint, in fact everything is beautifully and neatly packed inside.
Also, the information card looks very expensive, quality paper - you can tell a lot was put into every detail.

OPI Gold Shatter Nail Lacquer

Good start, right? Who can be disappointed with OPI? It's the gold shatter and I'm very happy because I was looking to buy a gold polish for NYE. Sorted!

Also, it's a full size bottle and I just realised I don't have any OPI full size polish yet... it's huge!

worn over Nails Inc Lily

Mitchell and Peach Shower Wash

I've never heard of this brand before. The bottle is plastic but the label looks really posh: you can tell it's a natural product with essential oils and good ingredients. These includes honey, wheat proteins and vitamin E.

Straight from the bottle, the smell is too strong of lavender for me but once in the bathtub is not so overpowering. Also - being a shower wash - it's not idea for a bubble bath as I find it doesn't foam a huge amount.

CID Cosmetics i-gloss in Baby Doll

I was pretty intrigued by this product as Cid is famous for their gimmicky packaging. This one is a lip gloss with a light in the lid and mirror on the side; the mirror can come in handy but I'm afraid to say, the light became soon annoying! I know that you can turn the light off on the lipstick but not on the lipgloss, unfortunately... and it's kinda of blinding really. Also, the brush is rubbish and it splits up.

Nevertheless, It's a nice colour.

Jane Iredale 24-Karat Gold Dust in Rose Gold

I already received a lash conditioner in this Boudoir Prive' box and I can't help noticing AGAIN how bad and poor the packaging looks!

Apart from this - superficial, some may say - impressions, I love the colour!

The description says that it's a multi-use dust that can be used everywhere on the face and also on body & hair but I have mainly used it as an eyeshadow. I shall try on the cheeks too.

Like every pigment/powder, you need to be careful with fallout but it applies and blends nicely. Also, it has a good payoff in pigmentation.

Yon-ka Vital Defense

This is a day cream: anti-aging prevention, antioxidant and anti-pollution to help the skin preserve its youthfulness. Sorry but I haven't had the chance to try it yet... looking forward tho.

Lots of thought in the packaging and I like the foil tube.

Bonus Items:

Kusmi Detox Tea

I love that they also included a non-cosmetic product - I hope they keep up with this!

I know in the BirchBox in the States, they often send granola bars or chocolates... I think it's a nice idea. 

Anyway, this tea is a blend of Mate', chinese green tea and lemon grass, flavoured with lemon. Personally, I really like it! :)

JolieBox Concealer Brush

Finally, we received this brush and again I was super-pleased as I needed one - that's luck!!! :)

I've been using it for under eye concealing and I'm liking it. Good quality and also like the design of the white short handle.

To conclude I loved this box a lot! If I had to chose only one subscription, I would pick this one, right now. I hope they keep up with the extra bonuses (although, I understand these may have been included just as an introduction present) and I don't expect an extra item but I like the idea to get 'tools' & snacks too... I liked everything I received and they seem to be working with great brands... so fingers crossed for the next one!!! :)

P.S.: there's NOT going to be a January box. We were informed, at the beginning of the year, that they want to concentrate on getting everything right with the Valentine's Day box so they were skipping a month... fine by me. :)

FeelUnique - November Box

Emma Hardle Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm

I love this product! It comes in a paste form that you need to mix up with few drops of water to create a cream and then massage on the face; pretty similar action as the Liz Earle cleanse but I thought the cloth was of better quality. In fact the Dual Action Professional Cleansing Cloth has 2 side - I use the muslin side to rinse off my face and the smoother side to finish off and the eye area.

It smells really nice, like almond & marzipan and the packaging looks expensive; my only criticism would be that I'm not too keen in sticking my fingers inside the jar day after day, for an hygienic point of view. Nevertheless, I was so impressed with it that this reason wouldn't stop me from buying it.

Schwarzkopf Professional OSIS+ Dust It Mattifying Powder

This product is to add control and volume to your hair.

These types of dusts have become popular in the last couple of years and I already have this powder from Schwarzkopf, which I found really really similar so I will swap the OSIS+ for something else. 

I have barely used the one I got only a couple of times but this was a great item to include, especially since it's a full size.

Xen-Tan Deep Bronze Luxe

I was so disappointed to see this self tan inside the box. First, I don't use self tan products and secondly I already received the same identical one in the July GlossyBox. Luckly, I managed to get rid of the previous one easily - I'm sure there's somebody else out there that can make good use out of it.

Goldwell DualSenses Rich Repair Ultra Volume 60 Sec Treatment

OMG - WORST ITEM EVER!!! I hated it so much that I'm even regretting trying it out.

I don't usually bother with styling products but I try to give a test run to every item I receive, in the beauty boxes - at least once.

It's a pre-wash treatment so I thought it wasn't going to mess my hair but instead it has been like putting blue glue on my scalp!!! I found it incredibly difficult to rinse and, also after washing a couple of time, it still left my hair sticky and tangled.
Personally, to avoid like the plague!!!

Bella Pierre Shimmer Powder in Noir
Nice product but I received the black version which is something I'd never use. If I do a smokey eye look, I usually go for brown or purple. Sorry for the lack of swatch but I've already exchanged this one as well, so I kept it sealed.
Btw, I was informed by the receiver that noir is not shimmery at all.

Prada Candy Eau de Parfum
the name says it all really: too sweet! I don't like it.

To summerize: I only like 1 item out of the box.
 Still, I'm in two minds about the FeelUnique box: I can appreciate the quality of the brands that I received but they don't seem to cater for my needs, really.
I'm thinking the JolieBox will blow it out of the water...

P.S.: I thought I also spare two words about the customer service. In my October box I received a faulty nail polish and after much emailing back and forth I was told that a replacement was sent on the 18th October ( I received the box on the 8th).
Then, a month goes by and when I receive the november box, still no sign of the other polish. I email them again but I get ignored for several days so I decide to contact them on the Facebook page - to much disappointed I notice they've deleted my message. So, I leave another message and guess what? It also gets deleted.
Anyway - bottom line - they, at least, contacted me by email and issued a new replacement.
I can understand that the first one, apparently, went 'missing' in the post but all that censorship is very very poor. You guys can really take no criticism? And as I consequence they created more fuss than necessary because now I'm ranting for half of this blog post. Not too clever, if you ask me!

Introducing / Ellis Faas

Today, I wanna talk about a brand which I'm really excited about.

This make up range has been created by a well respected make up artist from Amsterdam, Ellis Faas; the  collection is based on natural colours present in the human body, put towards emphasising beauty of every skin tone. 

No matter on age, skin type or style, every woman will have the perfect tools to create the most versatile of looks. That doesn't mean becoming boring, in fact the products are perfect to create also the most theatrical and eye catching looks - and let me show you how below... 

Another central aspect of this range is the packaging: I can appreciate the research and effort which must have been put into realising this stylish and beautiful make up. All products are in liquid form, again because the human body consists mainly of water and a fluid product will blend more easily on the skin. Very clever indeed.

Apart from the technology behind it, these pens are simply beautiful! From foundation to eye shadow to lipstick, they all come in this practical and sleek bullet, provided with a brush for easy use (the applicators can be washed, of course). 

There is also an holder available to store all the pens together; I can see myself picking it up and fill it with the colours of choice, before an holiday. I like the practicality and no more lost make up in hotel rooms... double-bonus, me think! :)

Ellis Faas Autumn Set 2011

Petrol Milky Eyes E204

The eye pencils come in 3 different formulas: Creamy Eyes (the heavier coverage, with a velvety texture), Milky Eyes (a more translucent formula), Light (highlighters which dries to a metallic effect).

Black Mascara E401

This is probably the less exciting product of the lot; it's a mascara, that's it! It's good quality and does the job, very lengthening and it is buildable.
It also comes in brown.


Deep-Cherry Creamy Lips L102

The lip pens come in 3 formulas too: Creamy Lips (classic shades for definition and long wearing lips), Milky Lips (a more translucent texture for a stain effect), Glazed Lips (a transparent, ultra-wet splash of colour).

Today, I have created a look with strong lips!

You can also see a stronger eyes look, using the petrol pen here.

Fist of all, I LOVE these set! You can also still pick up the summer one from the website. They are a great capsule collection and they are always bang on trend.
Are they a great idea for Christmas presents for the ladies in your family or what??!!

Other colours I would recommend & I want to try myself...
'E' series are eye items, 'L' are lips, 'S' are blushes:

E105 - E203 - E208 - E305
L108 - L207 - L307
S304

Curious yet?? :)

xx

*pr sample*

FOTN

Few days ago I went to the cinema to watch Red State; it was followed by Q&A with Kevin Smith - yes! my fiancé is a geek; to be fair the guy is pretty funny! :) - anyway, this is what I 'wore' for the date in the dark.

I'm having major hair drama lately!! :((

FACE

Revlon PhotoReady in 007 Cool Beige

Benefit Erase Paste in medium

Benefit Moon Beam

Clinique Fresh Bloom Blush in Peony

EYES

Ellis Faas Milky Eyes E204

Ellis Faas mascara E401

Max Factor Liquid Effect Pencil in Black Fire 

LIPS

Mac Overjoyed lipstick

Mac Sheer Vision gloss

(both from Intriguing Scarlet: 3 Cool Pink Lips palette) 

FOTD

Lunch date on a wednesday afternoon

FACE:

- Benefit Porefessional 

- Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in Beige Sable*

- Benefit Erase Paste in medium

- Benefit Posie tint

- YSL Blush Radiance #2 

EYES:

- YSL Ombres 5 Lumieres #11

- L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes mascara

- Daniel Sandler Baby Jet mascara

LIPS:

- Benefit Posie tint

*I'm not too sure about that foundation yet; I prefer it applied with a brush. I used fingers for this picture and build it up but I don't think it's giving me enough coverage.

What's your experience?

YSL Autumn 2011 Look - Midnight Garden

W O W - am i pleased the mind behind the new make up range is Lloyd Simmonds! 

He's Yves Saint Laurent make up artist since June 2010 and just came out with the most exciting collection, i've seen so far for the upcoming season.

  The inspiration comes from nature where colours represent emotions, feelings - Epitome of life itself!

Bright aqua, iridescent green, shimmering violets that mimic the plumage of birds and vibrancy of tropical palms.

All products are in the ultra-chic shiny gold cases, iconic of YSL.

Blush Radiance no2 & no5

There're 2 matte and 2 shimmering squares in the compact; I have swatch them separately above but they work better blended together, giving a lift to the cheeks. They are easily buildable and comes in 6 shades.

I'm also curious to try no3 (bottom left) - violet blush, I don't have anything quite like that...

Rouge Volupte Perle - no107 Impetuous Beige

This is a gorgeous shade; although, it's classified as 'beige' i would say is more pinkish (than brownish) and a perfect match for me. It gives a subtle veil of colour with a pearly brilliance - totally melts into the lips, really comfortable to wear.

There're 6 hues to choose from:

Ombres 5 Lumieres Eyeshadows - no11

oh my... this is the piece de resistance, of course! 

This is the only palette of the collection and they manage to create the most beautiful eyeshadows to play with. My personal favourite are the 2 lighter shades which are infused with blue mother of pearl reflections. I sense that some of you may get scared from all the shimmer but this is not ordinary sparkle - the eyes look luminous and framed at the same time. The powders blends together beautifully and stay put all day.

La Laque - no43 Wintergreen & no44 Moonlight Blue

This are the less exciting of the lot - but still the perfect finish to complete the look.

The collection is available now worldwide.

more looks to follow...

axx

*this product was a free sample - Many thanks to Lucy*