New In: Ojon Rare Blend Oil

Ojon Rare Blend Oil £29

There was a moment at the Ojon HQ where this beautiful pot of sunset colours made me smile. It was applied to half my hair and after looking in the mirror at each side of ends, one dreary and dull and one shiny yet not greasy looking and almost glowing. It was a serious transformation!

Ojon Rare Blend Oil includes 7 natural oils that have whole host of claims like 'nourishes, repairs and transforms' dull or dry hair, making hair instantly look 'glossier, shinier and silkier' & as far as claims go I definitely agree. My hair was shiny, light & soft.  

3 coloured layers of oil that need to be shaken to create one beautiful sunset colour. In terms of application I apply it on damp hair before blowdrying and after blow-drying to add shine. I recommend  sniffing it, even if you don't buy it. The smell is heavenly! 

The consistency differs to the likes of Kerastase Elixir Ultime and Moroccan Oil as it's much much lighter in texture and less thick, not as light as the Ojon Damage Reverse Hair Serum however.  Lighter hair oils tend to be the formulas that I favour as they don't weigh the hair down full of sillicones but it's all a matter of preference.

I really would have liked to see this with a pump or a pipet as scooping out oil into my hands always ends up being too much/little product and I can never get the amount right!

Did spy this wonder bottle in Sephora in France so picked up a couple more as its not out till October in the UK. It will be available from John Lewis, Harrods & Fenwicks. 

New In: Mavala Jeans For Genes Day Collection

Going to a primary school where wearing a uniform was fully enforced Jeans for Genes day would always be extremely exciting. Not having to wear a itchy pleated skirt and being able to choose from my collection of comfortable flares. Jeans for Genes day, being a non-uniform day, also meant no usual rules apply so nails were allowed to be painted. If I was to go back in time Mavala 178 Denim Blue would've been my colour of choice.

Mavala Jenes for Geans day collection £10

Currently on Beauty Bay until the 5th of October is a three piece collection featuring a base and top coat and a perfect metallic blue polish, all for £10. £1 of which goes to support Genetic Disorders UK. All purchases will enter in an automatic entry for a chance to win your office a manicure day by celebrity manicurist Jenni Drapper (she's amazing - such a perfectionist!)

I love brands that help me support charities as well as my addiction      

Find them on Beauty Bay here

New In: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector £33

I've always had my eye on Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector thanks to makeup artist Lisa Eldridge using them in her videos (see here), but after multiple tests of the shades Pearl and Opal  I decided neither was right for me. They've recently introduced a new shade, Moonstone, which was much warmer and right up my street!

The Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector is water-based so extremely light in texture, feeling almost moisturiser like, with light-diffusing particles of shimmer that help give skin an added bit of glow and radiance. Similar to a diluted version of Benefit Sunbeam with much smaller particles. Something that always pleases me in items I apply on my face - skincare benefits. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector contains SPF 25 as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidants and a whole host of vitamins included. 

I've found multiple ways to apply this, my favourite being just on the high points of my cheekbones for some light reflecting and highlighting. Other uses are to mix it in with foundation or moisturiser for an all over luminous complexion. In terms of applying, of course it's paired with my favourite Real Techniques Buffing Brush patted into the skin as to not affect my foundation and blended well to avoid having a 'snail trail' across my cheekbones. 

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone (left) & Pearl (right)

Highlighters are something I shyed away from for some time, as I do have combination skin, for fear of looking too shiny, but when applied in places I welcome some shine, down the centre of my nose, middle of my forehead and highest points of my cheekbones it does the trick of adding some super natural glow without looking or feeling greasy.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector is £33 for 50ml, and using not even half a pump at a time I don't think I'll be running out anytime soon!

Have you tried the infamous Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector?

New In: Lancome Hypnose Star

Previous posts here, such as Mascara Mixing, indicate the lack for finding 'the one' when it comes to mascara. The closest I've ever gotten is Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill which does an excellent job at lengthening and volumizing and has a similar brush to my latest purchase, Lancome Hypnose Star.

The brush is something very unique as it has two sides as well as being triangular shaped. One side that's practically flat, with medium length packed bristles which is for packing all the product onto the lash, being able to get right down to the root. The other side, with medium packed long bristles is made for separating and lengthening lashes. For application I use the flat side first then alternate between the two.

The overall effect isn't too dramatic, definitely a mascara I would slap on in the day time as it adds decent length and volume. It's pretty buildable, I managed to build up to three or four coats but I expect once the formula dries up a little that will grow. One thing it does lack a little is adding thickness, so I'm back with layering mascaras and this time I found L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black to be a great match! Overall very impress with my first Lancome mascara. Oh, and it also has a sparkly tube      

Lancome Hypnose Star is £21 

Have you ever tried any Lancome mascaras? What did you think?

New In: Makeup Academy Undressed Palette

I'm sure you've seen the Urban Decay Naked Palettes pop up here a little bit and rightly so because they are extremely useful! All the shades I could need tucked away in one little palette. There's much debate around which one is better, the Naked original or Naked 2 and for creating a smokey eye I have to go with Naked original as there is a greater mix between matt and shimmer shades. Make Up Academy, a brand which I'm not very familiar with have brought out a new palette called Undressed which seems to be a fantastic duplicate for the Urban Decay Naked Palette!

The shades, both swatched below are extremely similar and a much more reasonable price at £4 as opposed to £36. Some of the shades are even more pigmented than the Urban Decay!

The top row of swatches is Make Up Academy and the bottom is Urban Decay and apart from a couple of shades the difference between the two palettes is hardly noticeable!


Have you ever tried any of the Make Up Academy Palettes?

New In: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip Stain

Being one for the glossy yet glossless lip products when I saw what looked like Revlons alternative to the Clinique Chubby Stick I had to give it a go. The Just Bitten Kissable Lip Stains & Balms have been flying off shelves since they arrived in the UK and are a little difficult to get hold of, but I've managed to pick up the shade Cherish, a gorgeous light pink with a hint of purple.

First of all these give no way near as much coverage as the Clinique Chubby Stick, just the tinniest hint of colour that can be built up with application. It's more on the lip balm than gloss end of the scale which I loved as they feel really comfortable on my lips, which brings me onto the next thing - the texture. It's really easy to apply, feels very nourishing with a hint of mint scent. Not as moisturising or creamy as the chubby sticks but do last around the same time a good couple of hours. Once the shine wears off leaves a colour stain to give that 'just bitten' look.

They aren't the most moisturising of formulas, but definitely not drying so I would stay perhaps look for something more nourishing if you've got dry lips. At £7.99 I'm definitely interested in picking up another shade, perhaps Charm. 

Will you be picking up Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains?

New In: YSL le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation

Probably one of the most anticipated launches of 2012 is the new foundation from YSL, Le Teint Touche Eclat. Launched 20 years after their infamous Touche Eclat highlighting concealer, which I'm personally not too keen on, but after much excitement surrounding this foundation I decided to give it a go. 

Firstly, the shade range - of which there are 22 shades available, that are split into rose, beige and gold colour groups, so there should be a shade for most. The aim of the foundation is to create the same effects as the Touche Eclat Highlighting Concealer, to brighten, enhance and appear more radiant which I can safely say it does! The texture is unlike any foundation I've tried, being a soft focus gel as opposed to the usual opaque powder, which can cause that 'cakey' look. It blends like an absolute dream, feels totally weightless on the skin.

Being one who's finish of choice is matte this wouldn't be what I normally reach for, as it's definitely a glowy finish. Not nearly as glowy as some tin tined moisturisers I own, Chantecaille Just Skin being one, but just adds a lovely radiance to the skin. I tended to opt for a mattifying primer underneath, such as Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer - post here, to control that extra bit of shine without powdering over the top. The coverage is definitely medium at most and wouldn't be something I described as buildable. 

In terms of application I've been reaching for my Real Techniques Buffing Brush, which is how I apply most of my foundations on a day to day basis as it provides a flawless, even coverage. It does last around five or six hours before needing a touch up around my t-zone, which is a little too short for me, but due to the gel formula doesn't separate on the skin after time which is a big plus. 

One bottle of YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation will cost £28, which I personally think is totally reasonable for a high end foundation, but also making it cheaper than it's competitors at Dior (£31) and Chanel (£38). I've been reaching for the shade B30 which is a perfect colour match for my current skin tone, however hopefully in summer this will change! Overall a definite thumbs up from me! 

YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation is available nationwide at all YSL counters and is £28. 

Were you into YSL Touche Eclat Concealer? Will you be picking up a bottle of their latest foundation? 

New In: Estee Lauder Matt Perfecting Primer

I'm definitely a primer girl, having combination skin the benefits of using a primer are phenomenal. It's one step I rarely forget mainly because using a primer makes my skin feel so smooth and flawless, as well as making foundation and concealer blend beautifully over the top. The biggest factor for me is the increasing the longevity of my makeup which usually goes up by around a good couple of hours.

As opposed to powdering over the top of glowy foundations to control shine I opt for a primer and of course being really into mattifying primers I had to give Estee Lauder's new release a whirl. Estee Lauder recently released 2 new primers, one for illuminating and one for mattifying. Matte skin being my finish of choice I've been giving that one a little test drive. You've probably seen Givenchy Mister Matt Primer pop up here quite a bit purely because it works at keeping my skin shine free and provides a really smooth finish for makeup but how did Estee Lauder compare?

First up are the facts... 1 bottle of Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer will set you back £21.50 for 30ml, which is a decent price for a primer, especially compared to it's more expensive competitors. Benefit Porefessional at £23.50 for 22ml and Givenchy Mister Matt for £25 and 25ml.

Overall it prolonged my makeup staying power by around three hours. Compared to Givenchy Mister Matt wasn't too much of a difference in lasting power apart from my skin looking more decent when using the EL. As well as pores looking a lot less visible after a long day. When comparing both textures Estee Lauder would be my one of choice, the texture described as a 'gel-cream' is much more nourishing and feels less siliconey than Givenchy. It's similar to a moisturiser that drys matt whereas Givenchy is much thicker, velvety and harder to blend into the skin.

So in summary Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer is really giving my old favourite Givenchy Mister Matt a run for its money! There's just one more mattifying base I've been trying so stay tuned for that      

Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer is £21.50 and available at John Lewis here and at Estee Lauder counters (it's already sold out online!)

New In: Mac Heavenly Creatures Collection

Mac Heavenly Creature Collection 

Mac have too many collections to keep up with these days, but their recent collection, Heavenly Creatures totally took my breath away! The most beautiful blushes and skinfinishes I've laid my eyes on in a while. The collection contains a range of products from Blushes, to Lipsticks to Eyeshadows and launched last week and I managed to get my hands on three items - they are going to sell out pretty quickly!

Mac Mineralize Skinfinish in Centre Of The Universe 

First up the Mineralize Skinfinish in Centre Of The Universe, a little beauty in a black pot! I'm familiar with the Mac Mineralise Skin Finishes, especially the shimmer finish - see post here - they give a lovely colour to the face, aren't the finest milled powder around so I do be careful not to overdo it. The coral and golden shimmer marbled effect gives an overall peachy glow that's very illuminating and slightly frosty. I'm really looking forward to wearing this in summer - especially as a blush or highlight.

I haven't induged in a Mac lipstick in what feels like years, but Cut A Caper is a shade I couldn't resist. Personally I don't find the formulas of Mac lipsticks to be particularly amazing, they feel quite drying and do highlight cracks in dry lips. That being said I've recently found Nuxe Reve De Miel lip balm (see post here) to be a fantastic base for applying them - problem solved!

Mac Cut A Caper Lipstick is a lovely coraly peach shade with a lustre finish. The shade can be built up from a slight hint of colour to a full blown peachy lip, both of which I love. I know I'll be reaching for this a lot this summer!

Mac Mineralize Blush in Supernova

The blush that made me drool - Supernova. Mainly, being the shallow person I am, due to the pink and gold design. It's heavily pigmented so needs a really light hand to avoid applying too much and resembling a clown - definitely not one of those slap on when your not looking products. It gives a gorgeous pink flush with a hint of golden highlighter that looks very fresh on the skin. 

What do you think of the recent Mac collections? Will you be picking anything up from Heavenly Creatures?

New In: OPI & Minnie Mouse Collection!

This collection has got to be the cutest this year...it's OPI & Vintage Minnie Mouse! This collection is really making me channel my inner girly girl with it's adorable pink and red shades as well as a glitzy topcoat packed with pink glitter and heart sequins. 

There are four shades to choose from, Nothin' Mousie 'Bout It, I'm All Ears, The Colour Of Minnie and If You Moust You Moust (from left to right)

Nothin' Mousie 'Bout It, I'm All Ears, The Colour Of Minnie and If You Moust You Moust (from left to right)

Nothin' Mousie 'Bout It, I'm All Ears, The Colour Of Minnie and If You Moust You Moust Swatches (from left to right)

My favourite combination has got to be If You Moust You Moust with Nothin' Mousie 'Bout It over the top. I love being able to strategically place the heart sequins or packing them on for an all over effect.

Each shade is available to purchase individually or in a set of 4 (but no glitter topcoat!)

OPI Vintage Minnie Mouse Nail Polish Set

OPI Nothin' Mousie 'Bout It

Would you be interested in trying any of the OPI & Minnie Mouse shades? Which one is your favourite?

I predict they'll be in high demand! They are available at Lena White here or at House Of Fraser

New In: Benefit Dandelion Ultra Plush Lip Gloss

Honestly, six years after buying my first Benefit product, Dr Feelgood primer, I'm still on the fence if I'm mainly paying for packaging or product. I'm a total sucker for anything beautifully packaged but there's always that bit that thinks is the actual product worth it? 

My second Benefit product was one of their box powders, Hoola. Which was followed by Georgia and  Dandelion. They have recently released 6 new Lip Glosses to match their Box O' Blushers, and Dandelion, a peach shade with gold flecks was the shade that caught my eye.

I love the effect gloss has on my lips but hate the sticky, heavy feeling it can give. Which is where I fell in love with Dandelion. The texture is very very sheer feeling absolutely weightless on the lips but looks really glossy. Not being drying at all with a typical Benefit fruity scent.

Of course being a lovely weightless gloss means one thing, a lack of staying power. I would say these last around 45 minutes on my lips at the most, which is of course not the best but that's to be expected from a light textured gloss. 

Like I mentioned there are 6 available shades for £13.50 I really do recommend going to test out the texture of these if you're passing a Benefit counter!


What was your first Benefit product?

Currently Loving: Essie Nail Polish

This post should probably be called Currently Re-loving Essie Nail Polish as  thats pretty much whats happened. Over the past couple of years between my sister my Mum and I we have ended up with a pretty sizeable Essie collection and had named these our favourite brand of nail polish. There was just one huggge problem, especially for my sister and I  - the brush. We just simply couldn't paint my own nails with such a small brush so we moved onto OPI as the brushes were wider and easier to use. Recently much to my great pleasure Essie have relaunched and now have a new diffusion line in Boots and Superdrug for £7.99, over 70 shades to choose from and with wider brushes! 

Left - Essie Polish New Diffusion Line Brush Right - Essie Original Brush

Recently I've picked up (from left to right below) Muchi Muchi, Mint Candy Apple, Status Symbol and Splash Of Grenadine. The thicker brush makes it so much easier to paint my own nails!  I'm guessing they changed the formula and I don't think it lasts as long on my nails. Another little annoying thing they've changed is the name of the polish is now on the side of the lid as opposed to the bottom. 

While on the topic of nails...if you're in Boots or Superdrug make sure to check out Bourjois 1 Second Nail Polish Remover if you like to change your polish a lot like me! It will save you tons of time and so many cotton pads. All you do is whirl your finger around in the pot of sponge infused polish and all gone!

What are you favourite Essie colours?

New In: Caudalie Divine Oil

My body oil collection recently expanded thanks to this latest release from Caudalie. Moisturising is something that I try to make happen on a daily basis, especially in summer and I do prefer to use body oils as opposed to moisturiser as in general they sink into the skin faster and smell nicer! If you've tried or loved the Nuxe Multipurpose Dry Oil this is definitely something to check out - smells basically the same, like summer in a bottle! Really moisturising and absorb a little faster than the Nuxe. I absolutely love using body oils in the summer to give my skin some glow and radiance as well as really moisturising. When I've been sitting in the sun and skin and hair is looking a little parched I just run this through my hair with my hands as it smells amazing and it really nourishing.
The bottle isn't very travel friendly and I can see it causing a leaking in the suitcase situation but it's definitely one to keep on the dresser! 

You can purchase Caudalie Divine Oil for £25 at SpaceNK here or Feel Unique here

New In: Summertime De Chanel - Summer Collection 2012

Chanel Summertime De Chanel Collection

This summer Chanel have released a new collection named Summertime De Chanel that features two bronzers, three nail polishes, one eyeshadow duo, two pencils, two rouge coco shines and two lip glosses. I always look forward to a good Chanel collection and this one was no failure! I managed to pick up a few bits including the Soleil Tan De Chanel Harmonie Poudre De Soleil in 917 Sable Rose, Ombres Contraste Duo Eyeshadow Duo in 37 Sable Emouvant, Rouge Coco Shine in 437 Empreinte and Le Vernis Nail Colour in 607 Delight and 617 Holiday.

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel 917 Sable Rose

First up in the bronzer, Soleil Tan De Chanel in 917 Sable Rose, that includes seven (yes seven) shades, with a hint of shimmer. The shades are all really warm and compliment my complexion well even though I'm fair skinned and this is the darker palette of the two. I used them below blended together and swept across the cheeks for some radiance and sculpting. This will definitely be my summer staple as the shades are perfect for a day or an evening look and are so easy to use!

Left - Chanel Holiday 617 Nailpolish. Right - Chanel Delight 607 Nailpolish

I think everyone anticipates the Chanel nail colour shades, Holiday 617 is a bright coral and will definitely be gracing my nails this summer as well as Delight 607 which is a gorgeous shimmery bronze. I've been wearing Holiday on my nails with Delight on my ring fingers - lovely!

Chanel Eyeshadow Duo 37 Sable Emouvant 

The Chanel Eyeshadow Duo is very pigmented, very creamy and blends lovely! The shade 37 Sable - Emouvant is right up my street and will definitely be using this on a daily basis! Soft beige/cream all over the lid with some slight definition using the brown shade in the crease and under the eye and all sorted!

Rouge Coco Shine in 437 Empreinte

Last up, the Rouge Coco Shine - Hydration Sheer Lipshine in 437 Empreinte. I absolutely love the formulations of the Rouge Coco Shines, they are very hydrating while adding a sheer wash of colour and are very subtle. I love this shade, it's a soft beige with a slight shimmer to it that gives a 'my lips but nuder' effect.

Wearing Eyeshadow Duo 37 Sable - Emouvant on my eyes, Soleil Tan De Chanel 917 Sable Rose on my cheeks & Rouge Coco Shine in 437 Empreinte on my lips! 

So those are all the items that caught my eye from the limited edition Chanel Summertime De Chanel Collection (and I sense the collection will be a sellout!) Do you have you eye on anything?