If an unbelievably effective hair mask that gives you gorgeous glossy locks is on your wish list, then Lola's Secret Beauty Blog would love to introduce you to Gotukola Youth Spring Hair Mask! It is a truly amazing product that tames even the most unruly hair!
Want to take 10 years off your looks? Brighten that smile with the new Oral B Deep Sweep Electric Toothbrush and Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste. Prime Beauty is giving away 5 of them, hurry and enter now!
The Pink Sith has learned her lesson about taking Ambien and going on-line. See the Dior Diorshow Mono Eyeshadow in Choc Clair that she purchased in her dream like trance.
Do you change your Beauty Routine for the change of Season? Check out how Pammy Blogs Beauty tweaks her Beauty Routine for Spring and Summer. Plus, enter to win $500 from Jergens!!!
Have you ever written a letter expressing your love for a cosmetic? Read to find out what mascara has Beauty Info Zone excited enough to do this.
15 Minute Beauty shares how she curls her hair, and has it last for days!
Jessika from polish insomniac has the scoop on the Barielle Summer Brights collection!
Bathing suit time is coming fast and Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed has found something that might actually help her get into one this year - check out her newest find - Biotherm Celluli Eraser!
Gratuitous (almost) taupe swatch alert! Modesty Brown compares Rouge Bunny Rouge eyeshadow in Sweet Dust Seriema to some other similar matte taupe greys.
London MakeUp Girl contemplates a life without sludge in her post on Bright Winter eye makeup.
We all need a bit of Suqqu in our lives, Visionary Beauty reviews the blend colour eyeshadow quad in Akanezora.
Perilously Pale shares how Hourglass Cosmetics takes lip balm/treatments into a whole new territory with their incredibly indulgent, and EFFECTIVE, N0. 28 Lip Treatment Oil.
Paula, from Older Girl Beauty, is making good on one of her New Years' resolutions - she is on the hunt for her perfect foundation.
Sunday, 28 April 2013
Friday, 26 April 2013
Dupe Alert: Avon Smoky Plumes vs Essie Smokin' Hot
I picked up Avon Speed Dry+ in Smoky Plumes on a bit of a whim. I try my best not to buy more nail varnish these days, out of guilt for the number of bottles I already own, but it seemed churlish to turn down an offer of £2.50 for a bottle.
The colour, Smoky Plumes, really appealed to me. I do like a good gruple and I suppose I shouldn't have been shocked to discover that it was a dupe for something I already owned. As you will see from the nail wheel, Avon Smoky Plumes is pretty much a spot-on dupe for Essie Smokin' Hot. It also looks very similar to Chanel Paradoxal, only without the (well) hidden sparkle, of course.
Although the colours are practically identical, the formulas are quite different. Smokin' Hot has a thin, runny consistency, whereas Smoky Plumes has a thick formula and does have a tendency to drag. Personally speaking, I find the Essie easier to apply both in terms of the consistency and ease of manipulating the brush. However, the Smoky Plumes did look better the next morning, on account of the faster drying time. And yes, in case you are wondering, I am walking around with Smokin' Hot on one hand and Smoky Plumes on the other in the interest of accurate research...
As ever, I can't comment on staying power: I make all manicures look worn within 12-24 hours, standard. I find the quality of the Avon polishes is generally pretty good though and Smoky Plumes is worth considering if you're looking for a nice gruple.
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| L-R: Smoky Plumes, Metro Chic, Smokin' Hot and Paradoxal |
The colour, Smoky Plumes, really appealed to me. I do like a good gruple and I suppose I shouldn't have been shocked to discover that it was a dupe for something I already owned. As you will see from the nail wheel, Avon Smoky Plumes is pretty much a spot-on dupe for Essie Smokin' Hot. It also looks very similar to Chanel Paradoxal, only without the (well) hidden sparkle, of course.
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L-R: Smoky Plumes x2, Metro Chic, Smokin' Hot and Paradoxal |
Although the colours are practically identical, the formulas are quite different. Smokin' Hot has a thin, runny consistency, whereas Smoky Plumes has a thick formula and does have a tendency to drag. Personally speaking, I find the Essie easier to apply both in terms of the consistency and ease of manipulating the brush. However, the Smoky Plumes did look better the next morning, on account of the faster drying time. And yes, in case you are wondering, I am walking around with Smokin' Hot on one hand and Smoky Plumes on the other in the interest of accurate research...
As ever, I can't comment on staying power: I make all manicures look worn within 12-24 hours, standard. I find the quality of the Avon polishes is generally pretty good though and Smoky Plumes is worth considering if you're looking for a nice gruple.
Wednesday, 24 April 2013
Rouge Bunny Rouge Sweet Dust Seriema Eyeshadow
I've had these pictures organised and in draft form for a long time but I will admit that my love for this eyeshadow has been a bit of a slow burner. Rouge Bunny Rouge Sweet Dust Seriema is a browned concrete and on my skin it swatches with a slight mauve undertone. It's one of RBR's matte formulas and the texture is extremely smooth. I find that touching a brush to the pan does create a bit of dust but I haven't experienced any issue with fallout when I apply it.
I had assumed that I would use this as a lid colour but in fact I get more use from it as a crease colour and also to soften the edges of a smoky eye. Today, I am wearing it in the crease with MAC Brule as an all over base colour with a bit of the pearlised champagne-pink from Rue de Rivoli as a brow highlight. Some would say it's a boring look, I'd say subtle. Po-tay-to, po-tah-to!
To put the colour into context, I thought it would be useful to compare it to a couple *cough, cough* of similar eyeshadows from my collection. Below, you can see how it compares to similar shades in the Guerlain Rue de Rivoli, Rue de Passy and BECCA Enigma palettes, as well as old favourites RBR Solstice Halcyon and MAC Omega. None of them are precisely identical but, based on the pan, I would say that Armure from the Enigma palette is pretty close.
BECCA Armure is still closest based on the swatches, however the texture of the RBR eyeshadow is definitely superior. As a random aside, I do like to see the colours compared side by side like this as it's interesting to see the different undertones. It also makes me even more keen to have a colour analysis to see which of these colours, if any, would fit with my recommended colour palette.
Rouge Bunny Rouge Sweet Dust Seriema eyeshadow pan costs €24/£20 and is available from the Rouge Bunny Rouge Online Boutique, BeautyBay.com and Zuneta.
Disclosure: I ordered Sweet Dust Seriema from the Rouge Bunny Rouge website using a voucher sent to me by the brand. The links are included for information only and are not affiliate links.
I had assumed that I would use this as a lid colour but in fact I get more use from it as a crease colour and also to soften the edges of a smoky eye. Today, I am wearing it in the crease with MAC Brule as an all over base colour with a bit of the pearlised champagne-pink from Rue de Rivoli as a brow highlight. Some would say it's a boring look, I'd say subtle. Po-tay-to, po-tah-to!
To put the colour into context, I thought it would be useful to compare it to a couple *cough, cough* of similar eyeshadows from my collection. Below, you can see how it compares to similar shades in the Guerlain Rue de Rivoli, Rue de Passy and BECCA Enigma palettes, as well as old favourites RBR Solstice Halcyon and MAC Omega. None of them are precisely identical but, based on the pan, I would say that Armure from the Enigma palette is pretty close.
Swatches from left to right: Armure from BECCA Enigma, Rivoli eyeshadows, Sweet Dust Seriema, Solstice Halcyon, MAC Omega, Rue de Passy, Gracious Arasari
BECCA Armure is still closest based on the swatches, however the texture of the RBR eyeshadow is definitely superior. As a random aside, I do like to see the colours compared side by side like this as it's interesting to see the different undertones. It also makes me even more keen to have a colour analysis to see which of these colours, if any, would fit with my recommended colour palette.
Rouge Bunny Rouge Sweet Dust Seriema eyeshadow pan costs €24/£20 and is available from the Rouge Bunny Rouge Online Boutique, BeautyBay.com and Zuneta.
Disclosure: I ordered Sweet Dust Seriema from the Rouge Bunny Rouge website using a voucher sent to me by the brand. The links are included for information only and are not affiliate links.
Monday, 22 April 2013
A FOTD with MAC Style Snob and Club
I thought I'd share this face of the day from yesterday, as I was really pleased with how the eyes turned out. It was a bit of a random pairing of two of my well loved MAC eyeshadows, I've already mentioned MAC Club quite a few times but I don't think I've shared Style Snob before other than in swatch comparisons. Unfortunately, it is one of those 'taupes you can't have', unless of course you're lucky and find one in a blog sale.
I started off with a base of Le Metier de Beaute Dualistic pencil in Champagne smudged over the mobile lid. Despite the name, this is a lovely matte taupe colour. I find it lacks definition as a liner but it's excellent used like a paint pot. I patted Style Snob on top of the Champagne base, blended out at the crease and then pushed Club along the lashline, concentrating on the outer third of my eye.
Apologies in advance for the hair band. I'm dithering over whether to stick or twist with the short hair. As much as I love short hair, I don't love regular trips to the hairdressers...
Face
NARS TM in Finland mixed with BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in Pearl
BECCA Concealer Duo in Praline to cover blemishes, redness and also on my undereyes
Hourglass Duo in Sunset, blusher on the cheeks and a bit of the bronzer
MUFE HD Powder
Shu brow pencil
Eyes
NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
LMdB Dualistic Pencil in Champagne used as a base
MAC Style Snob
MAC Club
Clinique High Impact Mascara (magazine freebie)
Lips
RBR Lipgloss in Coy
I started off with a base of Le Metier de Beaute Dualistic pencil in Champagne smudged over the mobile lid. Despite the name, this is a lovely matte taupe colour. I find it lacks definition as a liner but it's excellent used like a paint pot. I patted Style Snob on top of the Champagne base, blended out at the crease and then pushed Club along the lashline, concentrating on the outer third of my eye.
Apologies in advance for the hair band. I'm dithering over whether to stick or twist with the short hair. As much as I love short hair, I don't love regular trips to the hairdressers...
Face
NARS TM in Finland mixed with BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in Pearl
BECCA Concealer Duo in Praline to cover blemishes, redness and also on my undereyes
Hourglass Duo in Sunset, blusher on the cheeks and a bit of the bronzer
MUFE HD Powder
Shu brow pencil
Eyes
NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
LMdB Dualistic Pencil in Champagne used as a base
MAC Style Snob
MAC Club
Clinique High Impact Mascara (magazine freebie)
Lips
RBR Lipgloss in Coy
Saturday, 20 April 2013
Visionary Beauty visits the Beauty Spotlight Desert Island
It's Visionary Beauty's turn to be stranded on the desert island; having not been on holiday for years this was actually a welcomed turn of events. However, being allowed a mere 12 beauty items was very tricky, lets see what made her list of essentials.
Sunday, 14 April 2013
Beauty Spotlight 14/04/13
Helen from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog , who has a frightening collection of pink lipsticks and lip glosses, has found her all-time favorite perfect pink lipstick from Susan Thompson Cosmetics called Lola's Secret! It is simply the most gorgeous and wearable pink that is sure to please those who seek the perfect pink pout!
Prime Beauty is loving her soft, silky hair after using WEN Cleansing Conditioner. The limited edition Spring Gardenia Green Tea scent is perfect for this time of year. And...because she loves her readers so much, she is a giving away a bottle too!
Ready to dive into some delicious scents for Spring and Summer? Pammy Blogs Beauty details the lastest assortment of products from The Body Shop!
The Pink Sith Blog is giving away a Lancome Moonlight Rose Illuminating Powder. Enter for a chance to win today!
Whether you're a redhead, blonde or brunette you'll appreciate the gorgeous shades in these Whiphand Cosmetics lip palettes. Beauty Info Zone loves these so much that we jumped at the chance of offering a giveaway for these too.
This week Modesty Brown has discovered that her guilty TV viewing pleasures can also be an interesting source of makeup inspiration!
Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed plumps up her pout with the wonderfully non-sticky new gloss from Guerlain - come check out Guerlain Gloss D'Enfer Maxi Shine and admire your reflection!
Christa from Perilously Pale never thought she could appreciate the whole textured nail trend but the new OPI Bond Girls Liquid Sand collection has totally BLOWN HER AWAY!
15 Minute Beauty shared her go-to eye look for work. It's a little bit warm, a bit sparkle and neutral for work.
Paula, from Older Girl Beauty gives us her final update on her results with Imedeen® and is having one last 90day supply giveaway to one lucky reader.
Wednesday, 10 April 2013
Crimson Lips and Neutral Eyes
I have been taking my makeup inspiration from some unusual places lately. I'm forever on a quest to find something to watch on Netflix to justify the subscription (easier said than done) and my recent guilty pleasure has been re-watching my Agatha Christie favourites. For me, Miss Marple wins in the battle of the Christie sleuths but the maquillage in Poirot makes up for the lack of suspense.
This particular eye look was inspired by Henrietta Savernake's makeup in The Hollow, played by Megan Dodds. You can see a good still of her eye makeup here. The character wore a lovely pale pearlised eyeshadow on the brow bone with a little on the lid too. It was subtle but very pretty and immediately made me think of the Guerlain Rue de Rivoli palette. I used the iridescent cream/pink on the centre of the lid and the brow bone and a mix of greys and fawn colours in the crease. I lined (very wonkily) using the Hourglass Script liner. In retrospect, I wish I had opted for a gel liner for a more matte finish.
I chose to go for a more statement lip than Henrietta wore, primarily because I had a new lipstick to play with but also because the colour and finish felt quite 'Poirot' appropriate. I bought this lipstick in a recent Avon order and it's in the shade Matte Crimson. As soon as I swatched it, I worried that I'd picked out a MAC Rebel dupe. I've swatched them side by side and was relieved to see that they're not identical but probably a little close considering how often I opt for such a deep, opaque colour. I'm pleased to report the formula isn't a lip-husking disaster either.
Do you ever take inspiration from looks you've seen on TV or films? Or do you have a favourite era makeup wise?
This particular eye look was inspired by Henrietta Savernake's makeup in The Hollow, played by Megan Dodds. You can see a good still of her eye makeup here. The character wore a lovely pale pearlised eyeshadow on the brow bone with a little on the lid too. It was subtle but very pretty and immediately made me think of the Guerlain Rue de Rivoli palette. I used the iridescent cream/pink on the centre of the lid and the brow bone and a mix of greys and fawn colours in the crease. I lined (very wonkily) using the Hourglass Script liner. In retrospect, I wish I had opted for a gel liner for a more matte finish.
I chose to go for a more statement lip than Henrietta wore, primarily because I had a new lipstick to play with but also because the colour and finish felt quite 'Poirot' appropriate. I bought this lipstick in a recent Avon order and it's in the shade Matte Crimson. As soon as I swatched it, I worried that I'd picked out a MAC Rebel dupe. I've swatched them side by side and was relieved to see that they're not identical but probably a little close considering how often I opt for such a deep, opaque colour. I'm pleased to report the formula isn't a lip-husking disaster either.
 |
| Avon Matte Crimson on the left, MAC Rebel on the right |
Do you ever take inspiration from looks you've seen on TV or films? Or do you have a favourite era makeup wise?
Saturday, 6 April 2013
Beauty Crazed visits the Beauty Spotlight Desert Island
Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed is our latest
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
Jo Malone, Limited Editions and Ebay
I'm having one of those moments where I curse myself for being so slow to write about something. I'm not gifted with the talent others have for describing scents, so perfume reviews take me a long time to formulate. I also don't really like to write about items without having something useful to say. However, I should know from past experience that this is not especially helpful though when it comes to limited editions.
I squirted the Bitter Orange & Chocolate Cologne from the Jo Malone™ Sugar & Spice Collection this morning. The initial hit is delicious and reminds me of the smell from an open bag of Jaffas (like orange smarties, only better). The delicious smell reminded me that it was high time that I write about the collection; the Elderflower & Gooseberry and Ginger Biscuit colognes are also lovely but I would struggle to describe them. However, I think if you like fragrances like Haus of Gloi Who Needs Love and Come Hither or the citrus-y scented Guerlain Aqua Allegoria perfumes, I think you would (have) like(d) the Sugar & Spice Collection.
But, here's the rub. My delay in writing about the collection means that, with the exception of Redcurrant & Cream cologne, all of the fragrances have sold out online. I'm not sure whether this is also the case for the boutiques and counters, but I would guess so. What I can see is that you can buy the perfumes for an inflated price on Ebay. I found a bottle of the Bitter Orange & Chocolate cologne for £65 BIN. The RRP was £38.
This is a practice that infuriated me as people clearly buy limited edition items to sell at a profit on Ebay, anticipating the demand once a collection/product sells out. I'm sure the Lord Sugar's of this world would consider this entrepreneurial, I just think it's cheeky. Of course, this is not unique to Jo Malone™ collections, I know it has happened in the past with Suqqu and some MAC limited editions too. I do wonder how quickly the collections would sell out if it wasn't for Ebay sellers buying up so much of the stock? I also realise that people must purchase at these inflated prices, otherwise it wouldn't be profitable.
Anyway, that's enough of me ranting. I'm off to scour the internet for a perfume called Sour Grapes!
Disclosure: Press Samples
I squirted the Bitter Orange & Chocolate Cologne from the Jo Malone™ Sugar & Spice Collection this morning. The initial hit is delicious and reminds me of the smell from an open bag of Jaffas (like orange smarties, only better). The delicious smell reminded me that it was high time that I write about the collection; the Elderflower & Gooseberry and Ginger Biscuit colognes are also lovely but I would struggle to describe them. However, I think if you like fragrances like Haus of Gloi Who Needs Love and Come Hither or the citrus-y scented Guerlain Aqua Allegoria perfumes, I think you would (have) like(d) the Sugar & Spice Collection.
But, here's the rub. My delay in writing about the collection means that, with the exception of Redcurrant & Cream cologne, all of the fragrances have sold out online. I'm not sure whether this is also the case for the boutiques and counters, but I would guess so. What I can see is that you can buy the perfumes for an inflated price on Ebay. I found a bottle of the Bitter Orange & Chocolate cologne for £65 BIN. The RRP was £38.
This is a practice that infuriated me as people clearly buy limited edition items to sell at a profit on Ebay, anticipating the demand once a collection/product sells out. I'm sure the Lord Sugar's of this world would consider this entrepreneurial, I just think it's cheeky. Of course, this is not unique to Jo Malone™ collections, I know it has happened in the past with Suqqu and some MAC limited editions too. I do wonder how quickly the collections would sell out if it wasn't for Ebay sellers buying up so much of the stock? I also realise that people must purchase at these inflated prices, otherwise it wouldn't be profitable.
Anyway, that's enough of me ranting. I'm off to scour the internet for a perfume called Sour Grapes!
Disclosure: Press Samples
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