1st FOTD of 2014

My skin has been looking a bit dull lately, probably due to all the indulging food of the festivity. I used quite strong hue to brighten the skin but still keeping it fairly simple.

Face: Clinique City Block Sheer SPF25, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in 05, Mac Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in medium, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in medium, Becca Beach Tint in guava, Bobbi Brown Face & Body Bronzing Duo;

Eyes: Revlon GrowLuscious mascara, Kiko Water Eyeshadow in 202;

Lips: YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain in Corail Fauve.

Shopping My Stash / #3

It has been so unusually warm in recent weeks so I decided to give my liquid foundation a break and I used Neve Cosmetics Flat Perfection smoothing powder foundation in light neutral as my base. As a primer I used Laura Mercier Mineral Foundation Primer which never impress me, if I'm honest, but seemed the perfect match to use with this pressed powder.

On the eyes, I primed with Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion and then used different combinations from the Ysl Ombres 5 Lumieres Eyeshadows no.11; when I wore the deeper purple shades, I use the new acquisition Kiko Glow Touch Lips & Cheeks in pleasant pink azalea both as blush and lip stain.

When I used the green eyeshadows instead, I wore Mac Blush Ombre in azalea blossom on the cheeks and Deborah Milano Shine Creator Lipstick in 16 pearly plum on the lips

Gosh! That's a pretty palette...

As an highlighter I chose St. Tropez Skin Illuminator in violet - what else??! - and Dior DiorSkin Nude Tan Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder in 02 sunlight - to add a touch of warmth to the skin.

Revlon GrowLuscious was the mascara of choice - mainly because I need to finish it up since I don't really like it; finally, I protected my lips with Softlips which does seem to leave a white cast so I've been using it as a base.

*****
Summer Giveaway Winner is... Sian @ http://www.quitefranklyshesaid.com/
Congrats honey - your prize will be with you soon! :) xxx

FOTN / Urban Decay Theodora Palette

Face: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Estee Lauder DoubleWear Concealer in 07 Warm Light, Mac Mineralized SkinFinish in soft & gentle, Guerlain Meteorites Perles in 01 teint rose', YSL Blush Radiance in 02;

Eyes: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, Urban Decay Oz the Great and Powerful Theodora Palette (west, beware, spell), Revlon GrowLuscious Lashliner in expresso, Bourjois Volume Fast & Perfect mascara;

Lips: L'Oreal Rouge Caresse Lipstick in 301 dating coral, Mac Archie's Girls Lipglass Lipgloss in kiss & don't tell.

Empties / February

This post is a bit late this month, I can't believe it's nearly mid-march o.O

Anyway, here are the products that I finished in February.

Nivea Firming Good-bye Cellulite Gel-Cream: I have used this body cream before; the texture is really smooth and light and absorbs quickly. Ideal to apply in the morning and the scent is also really fresh.

Repurchase: yes

Evolve Skin Cocoon Body Wash: another lovely body product that I highly recommend! Evolve is a quality organic brand with a great ethos and that performs well, too; definitely looking into try more from them.  I prefer to use this body wash in shower because it doesnt' foam up a lot so it's not the best for a bubble bath. Smells like candies... yum

Repurchase: yes

Ysl Forever Youth Liberator Serum: I can't say I was particularly impressed with this sample. Maybe I was expecting too much but It didn't perform better than my favourite serum: Estee Lauder Night Repair Serum. I would probably score 6 out of 10 because I still didn't have any bad reaction and moisturized well but it definitely didn't wow me. Also, it smells kinda of alcohol-y.
Repurchase: no
StriVectin-SD Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles: this has become one of my favourite eye cream. It seems to target wrinkles but I actually saw a huge improvement in my dark circles and chuffed to bits about that. It also absorbs nicely and allows a good application of make up afterwards.
Repurchase: yes
Caudalie Vinexpert Radiance Day Fluid: another great product from Caudalie! The consistency is kinda of a runny cream and a little goes a long way. It gave me perfect hydration for the whole day and didn't break me out (always a plus!). I should just mention that I love the Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet-Creme better but lovely lovely cream. The scent also is so comforting, reminds me of relaxing days by the sea. :)
Repurchase: yes
Renu Radiant Skin Peel: I can't believe how impressed I've been with this tiny sample; I managed to squeeze 2 uses out of it but I already saw great results after the first use too. You just keep it in pose for 10 minutes and then wash it off with warm water. Afterwards my skin looked and felt purified, my pores visibly clean and smaller... I couldn't believe my eyes!
Repurchase: yes

All in all, a great month - I discovered some lovely products and my stash is starting to get smaller, too... hehe... I was running out of space! ;)
xxx

FOTD - Grey eyeshadows

top/bottom, left/right: ysl stain, nars blush, pure kajal, nars shadow, chanel shadow

Face: Laura Mercier Radiance Foundation Primer, Make Up For Ever HD Foundation in 117 , Nars Blush in Sin, St Tropez Skin Illuminator in Violet;
Eyes: Chanel Ombres Perlees de Chanel palette (dark grey), Nars Ramatuelle palette (silver grey), Pure Kajal in grey, Bourjois Volume Fast & Perfect mascara;
Lips: Ysl Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain in 17.

FOTD - Rimmel Glam'Eyes Mono Eyeshadow in 171 Fancy Topaz

Few people asked me about the Rimmel eyeshadow I shared in my haul yesterday... so I thought to do a quick FOTD to show how it looks on the eyes... it's not that scary at all - Hope you like it! :)

Face: Ysl Touche Eclat Foundation in BR40, Stila One Step Primer, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer in medium, Mac Mineralize SkinFinish in soft & gentle, Mac Mineralize SkinFinish in medium, Mac Sheertone Blush in blushbaby;

Eyes: Rimmel Glam'Eyes Mono Eye Shadow in 171 Fancy Topaz , Mac Paint Pot in Painterly, Max Factor Liquid Effect Liner in black fire, Ysl Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils, Neve Cosmetics Occhioni mascara;

Lips: Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Colour spf12 in 18 Soft Nude.

FOTD - New Lanark World Heritage Site

Face: Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup Foundation Spf15 in 4, Stila One Step Primer, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Estee Lauder DoubleWear Concealer in 07 Warm Light, Benefit Sun Beam, Benefit Bella Bamba;

Eyes: Kiko Water Eyeshadow in 202, Soap & Glory Thick & Fast mascara, Clinique Bottom Lash mascara, Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, Bourjois Intuitive Liner;

Lips: Ysl Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain in 12.

FOTD - Casual Afternoon

eyeshadows used

Face: Stila One Step Primer, Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation in 3.0, YSL Touch Eclat in 1, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer in medium, YSL Blush Radiance in 2;

Eyes: Guerlain Ecrin 4 Couleurs palette in les bois de rose, Ellis Faas mascara, Revlon GrowLuscious Lashliner in Espresso;

Lips: Liz Earle Signature Lip Colour in 13 Melon.

FOTD - Clinique Chubby Stick in Mimosa

Face: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, Ysl Touche Eclat Foundation in BR40, Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer in 07 Warm Light, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Benefit Cha Chat Tint, St Tropez Skin Illuminator in Violet, Becca Fine Pressed Powder in Sesame;

Eyes: Urban Decay Primer Potion, Max Factor Liquid Effect Pencil in Black Fire, Soap & Glory Thick & Fast mascara, L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes in extra-black, Maybelline Eye Studio Duo in 62 Mocha Mirage;

Lips: Clinique Chubby Stick in Mighty Mimosa.

FOTD

Face: Ginvera BB Cream (not pictured), Ysl Touche Eclat in no.1, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer in medium, Neal's Yard Remedies blush in Peony, Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder in Brightening Nudes

Eyes: Clinique Brandied Bronze palette (brown shades), Clinique High Impact mascara, Ellis Faas mascara, Clinique Bottom Lashes mascara, Revlon GrowLuscious Lashliner in 002 Espresso;

Lips: Lancome L'Absolu Nu lipstick in 101 (not pictured).

Don't forget to enter the giveaway :)
xxx

Lip Products Comparison

When I wrote my recent Debenhams Haul post, I realised I never blogged about my other Clinique Chubby Stick... so, I decide to quickly put them side by side to compare the shades... it could be helpful if you're considering to buy them, I imagine.
I have also compared the Ysl Glossy Stains that I have... Hope you enjoy! :)

 Clinique Chubby Stick

l-r Super Strawberry / Mighty Mimosa

Ysl Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain

l-r Corail Fauve /  Corail Aquatique / Encre Rose

What do you think?
This post was actually a lot of fun... maybe I should do a 'my lipsticks collection' post... would you be interested in it?
xxx

Haul / Debenhams

Clinique Chubby Stick in 13 Mighty Mimosa

On Sunday's Post, I mentioned that I was looking to buy another lip crayon...

I came to the conclusion that - even if the Revlons are cheaper - I prefer the Cliniques as I find them more moisturizing and comfortable to wear.

I went for Mighty Mimosa because it's such a pretty colour, as simple as that.

 Also, it's very flattering on my skintone so I will get the most use out of it.

I know there are some Chubby Sticks Intense coming out soon but I prefer this type of product to be sheer, to be honest.

What I am looking forward to, Clinique-wise, are the Chubby Sticks for eyes... when are they coming out??? I saw some spoilers months ago but not release date as yet. :(

amount of product you get

Ysl Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain in 12 Corail Fauve

Now, it's just plain rude to place an order for only 1 item, right? ;)

Well, I decided to pick up another favourite lip product of mine (also, had to reach 40quid to take advantage of the promotion).

This is, actually, my 3rd Ysl glossy stain... ops... You can check the others here.

 These are expensive beauties but the quality is amazing, in my opinion.

Also, the colours are vibrant and interesting... especially now that I'm trying not to buy dupes in my lipstick collection.

Corail Fauve is a coral pink, very wearable; again, I like the consistency, very light formula and performs amazingly. The applicator works well too and you get just the right amount of product out.

What's your favourite lip product/colour??

x

FOTN - Cinema

It's getting dark earlier and earlier so I had to improvise to manage to get a photo - change of location! ;)

Anyway, last week I won some tickets for the premiere of Moonrise Kingdom through Emerald Street. 

I was well chuffed as I wanted to see the film anyway.

I loved it! It's so quirky, cute and funny - highly recommended!

We were also treated to cocktails and treats before the screening so I decided a lip stain was in order: I love the colour of this lip stain but, because of the consistency, is quite hard to get an uniform coat and goes on a bit patchy; I had to do 4 swipes and keep my mouth open until it dried completely... also, need to resist to rub the lips together.

eyeshadows used

Face: Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation in 3.0, Benefit PoreProfessional, Ysl Touch Eclat in 1, Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer in 07 Warm Light, NARS Foreplay palette;

Eyes: Bobbi Brown Sand Tortoiseshell Eye Palette, Mac Paint Pot in Painterly, Revlon GrowLuscious mascara;

Lips: byTerry Aqualip Jelly Tint in 101 Dancefloor Flirt - 

Random Catch-up

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Protective Sun Lotion SPF 15

I got this through the post; you could enter a draw to receive a sample on the Hawaiian Tropic website, months ago.

This sunscreen lotion has moisturizing ribbons that, apparently, keep you hydrated during sun exposure. It arrived quite late for me to try out now, plus the SPF15 is nowhere near enough to actually sunbathe, in my opinion.

I will save it for next spring and use it as a city spf protection - smells lovely!

I'm a big fan of both the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain & Clinique Chubby Stick - and I want to get another one... the problem is that I can't decide on which colour to buy... so I went a bit swatch-crazy in Boots. ;P

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains

Clinique Chubby Sticks

I also want one of these Clinique holders that you could get in June (when the new colours came out)... anybody knows if they're still available and where??

Lancome New Hypnose Star mascara

The lovely Sandra from Beauty Balm heard me complaining that I couldn't find a Tatler magazine with the free mascara anywhere, so she kindly posted one to me - she's such a sweetheart! :)

I love this mascara - it's really become one of my favourite, I'm just not a fan of the floral scent.

Still, I like it so much that the smell doesn't put me off from using it.

I got both these parfumes from Boots.com - you can often apply for a free sample and I usually find out about these on Twitter.

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire is not to my liking: it's too sweet, coming from the cherries and berries in it, and gives me an headache.

Lancome La Vie Est Belle, instead, is lovely! This is warmer and powdery and grown up, which I prefer.

I just realised that's the one with Julia Roberts in the advert... she looks pretty amazing in it, don't you think?!

I'm pretty obsessed with trying new foundations - lately, there are just too many coming out all the time that I don't have enough hours in a day to try them all, really... the most hyped have been YSL Le Teint Touch Eclat and Urban Decay Naked Skin.

They are both very very nice foundations but I have to give the edge to Urban Decay Naked Skin!

The consistency of UD one is just right up my street - it's nearly liquid and disappears into the skin. 

I got the shade 3.0 which I think it's a tad too light for me but still, It's performing really well.

YSL also gives a great, natural finish... but I now tend to compare all foundations to my favourite - NARS Sheer Glow - and that baby still comes up on top!

Finally, I won Raffles Bizarre giveaway - YAY!!

A huge collection of diy goodies, note paper, stickers, postcards... I'm obsessed with stationery as well so I was thrilled to see this parcel in my letterbox. I'm sure it will come in hand to prettify Christmas pressies, too. ;)

 

What have you been up to lately? :)

xx