tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48906044110093333432024-02-19T22:48:56.812+00:00LIKES LAW, LOVES LIPSTICK.Perennial student & lipstick-loving future lawyer writes about beauty etc.Josephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-32373794860989053462012-07-04T17:50:00.003+01:002012-07-04T17:50:51.541+01:00MAC Eyeshadows I've Hit Pan OnPredictable Ronseal title there. Without further ado:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBIrlh3DeO-jsWfURt9WtqsknqIp8kBgmLxH5prC0NmToXWYs03V0ic522sMHG0tCX-5IbSG3rh3YH7uSabsbWLTIs-gSAjdFglZwGz__ZFwXj6xpB7yE_3QTKjPLZ9x0cYrUPg1GUt5A/s1600/SAM_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBIrlh3DeO-jsWfURt9WtqsknqIp8kBgmLxH5prC0NmToXWYs03V0ic522sMHG0tCX-5IbSG3rh3YH7uSabsbWLTIs-gSAjdFglZwGz__ZFwXj6xpB7yE_3QTKjPLZ9x0cYrUPg1GUt5A/s640/SAM_0019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top row: Dazzlelight, Vex, Blanc Type, Phloof!<br />
Bottom row: Coquette, Patina, Copperplate</td>
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The first two pans on the top left are nearly new, since I totally finished up my first Dazzlelight and Vex.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQckGT_HfoeTKjcWgDYTDWXNw21u-0a_v3q-d437dqZ4Cddayjxu9jQjbJ1b7xzX0nmVkrKWQLrWl9tdmw-_81HQuf3ZM3DPT2vLqZZbJCdzrHdL5nLrjkM9AP-UCdqJ7a1IMNxm5blRf/s1600/SAM_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQckGT_HfoeTKjcWgDYTDWXNw21u-0a_v3q-d437dqZ4Cddayjxu9jQjbJ1b7xzX0nmVkrKWQLrWl9tdmw-_81HQuf3ZM3DPT2vLqZZbJCdzrHdL5nLrjkM9AP-UCdqJ7a1IMNxm5blRf/s640/SAM_0020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top row: Dazzlelight, Vex, Blanc Type, Phloof!<br />
Bottom row: Coquette, Patina, Copperplate</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QKzlAt0GY4asH3Hwo_6Loia1YQ-RYPQeZsc1koLKwmM0I262NGui4wq4vQskycjTiprhCzSf3mruQAMTKjOzE8LaQyknMie1E-m-thYBasyYnbYeia9HCK_6Ck3GBR4PpfMxXa32af5i/s1600/SAM_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QKzlAt0GY4asH3Hwo_6Loia1YQ-RYPQeZsc1koLKwmM0I262NGui4wq4vQskycjTiprhCzSf3mruQAMTKjOzE8LaQyknMie1E-m-thYBasyYnbYeia9HCK_6Ck3GBR4PpfMxXa32af5i/s640/SAM_0022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Dazzlelight, Vex, Blanc Type, Phloof!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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These four are my favourite highlight/lid colours.<b> Dazzlelight</b> is my staple neutral for all over the lid - really brightening without being overly frosty. <b>Vex</b> is a gorgeous unique shade, a silver/beige with green/pink duochrome. <b>Blanc Type</b> looks incredibly dull swatched, but is an almost perfect match for my skintone (tiny bit yellow) and very useful for blending out edges, or evening out the lid. <b>Phloof!</b> is a verrrry frosty pink-white, best suited for an inner corner highlight, but I have been known to wear it over the lid with matte purples in the crease. I do love a bit of shimmer, me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_FKq_UNMyaK2TG2KtgAlIfCBVi4HlvAieYnCREkhu73xSNBFylEKcojEWb6Lr0J4DQhu8pRM5PkZl8FW7dcnlzrwgWEf81IJadDGi8oE9E0cixK1cTWvR4kco1KvJgp5RecAxkhGn1ED/s1600/SAM_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_FKq_UNMyaK2TG2KtgAlIfCBVi4HlvAieYnCREkhu73xSNBFylEKcojEWb6Lr0J4DQhu8pRM5PkZl8FW7dcnlzrwgWEf81IJadDGi8oE9E0cixK1cTWvR4kco1KvJgp5RecAxkhGn1ED/s640/SAM_0023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Coquette, Patina, Copperplate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Coquette</b> is my eyebrow colour, an excellent cool-toned mid-brown shade which is also useful for defining the crease. Really glad I found this, as it doesn't get many mentions on blogs. <b>Patina</b> is the one I'm surprised I've hit pan on, since I don't use it very often - this is about as warm a brown as I can comfortably wear. My rubbish swatch doesn't show the antiqued gold shimmer on this, which is very pretty. Finally, <b>Copperplate</b> is a brilliant buttery matte grey-brown, super pigmented and blendable, which can be worn as a light wash or a dark smoky crease. This is a touch too dark for my brows in the daytime, but I do use it in the evenings for a more dramatic look, as it's nice and cool.<br />
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These are definitely among the MAC shadows I would repurchase (or already have done), and use on a regular basis. My next foray into my MAC palettes will be following up the purple theme! <br />
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Till next time,<br />
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Josephine xJosephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-72042396992058063692012-07-04T17:04:00.000+01:002012-07-04T17:04:02.559+01:00All Things Purple - Lipstick EditionSo I finished my exams, and went to the ball, and turned 23. I'm now at home for a week or so, packing for a month in Nepal, and rediscovering my love for purple makeup products.<br />
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Kicking off with lipsticks, naturally!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxPYNixXym4wPlYcxwwSD-u_CKVUqr4p8cG49Q_9tvzWd002jRwnGNOp6Idm2_c_pPbMM8_8lca6WcdggdiJsX4aNTthDgDE2T1Q0oigw7hcAeN9NmjaNtkAbfWBWjGhpxF6vxXxgfqIs/s1600/SAM_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxPYNixXym4wPlYcxwwSD-u_CKVUqr4p8cG49Q_9tvzWd002jRwnGNOp6Idm2_c_pPbMM8_8lca6WcdggdiJsX4aNTthDgDE2T1Q0oigw7hcAeN9NmjaNtkAbfWBWjGhpxF6vxXxgfqIs/s640/SAM_0011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: MAC Violetta, Snob, Up the Amp, Topshop On the Town</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xY9iIfpXeRFqDwtSetbe5PfHklWffudW4OeJx0wrgc4qBEBnRWi58k9P2sujs00ALD-nKSBaLWUcD36fqB9uBeF2keUZLwvJtgirO9UUltYfjnkkwh_kfzSY-f00UU9ETylXnJwY_Azo/s1600/SAM_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xY9iIfpXeRFqDwtSetbe5PfHklWffudW4OeJx0wrgc4qBEBnRWi58k9P2sujs00ALD-nKSBaLWUcD36fqB9uBeF2keUZLwvJtgirO9UUltYfjnkkwh_kfzSY-f00UU9ETylXnJwY_Azo/s640/SAM_0014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top to bottom: MAC Violetta, Snob, Up the Amp, Topshop On the Town</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>MAC Violetta</b> is the queen of purple lipsticks. This is a Pro shade, which I bought at the (admittedly sometimes quite scary and unwelcoming) MAC Pro store in London. It's pretty damn purple - no lilac or mauve nonsense here, just straight up bright purple. Can be a teeny bit unflattering against the teeth, but a stunning lipstick nevertheless. Just to round things off, it's in my favourite Amplified formula, which is super-opaque and long-wearing.<br />
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Taking it down a notch to <b>MAC Snob</b>, which is a very blue-toned lilac pink (Satin finish). I got this (and the Topshop lipstick here) a month or so ago from <a href="http://brighttowngirl.blogspot.co.uk/p/blog-sale.html" target="_blank">Alice's blog sale</a>, which is awesome. Very pretty girly daytime shade - barely purple against the others here, but a more wearable variation on the theme.<br />
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And of course the classic <b>MAC Up the Amp</b>. I highly recommend trying this out if you don't already own it - great Amplified formula, really unusual darkened lavender colour which is wearable day to night (I'd say). Love this one!<br />
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Finally, a non-MAC contender, <b>Topshop On the Town</b>. Sadly I think this is discontinued, so I snapped it up from Alice's blog sale! I think MAC have released limited edition versions of this shade in the past (Lavender Whip?). It's a pale mauve colour, not the most flattering but unusual and fun, particularly for spring pastel makeup which I love wearing. I haven't come across a dud Topshop lipstick yet in terms of formula - this is similar to MAC's Amplified finish.<br />
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If you have any other purple lipstick recommendations (especially non-MAC), do drop me a comment! <br />
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Lots more purple where that came from, in the shape of blushes (MAC, NARS, Illamasqua), eyeshadows (MAC and Chanel spring to mind), and the odd nail varnish/lipgloss/miscellaneous item.<br />
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Till next time,<br />
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Josephine xJosephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-63841243481749561042012-05-20T17:01:00.001+01:002012-05-20T17:01:16.269+01:00Revision Ate My LifeTo the extent that I've only acquired three new things recently. I bought two, and one was a lovely present from my mother, hurray!<br />
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Here we have Chanel No. 19 Eau de Parfum, Illamasqua Skin Base foundation in 02, and Illamasqua lipstick in Eurydice (from the new Human Fundamentalism collection).<br />
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The perfume was the gift, earlier this month, after I went through a phase of loving No. 5 again. It is a bit of a shock when you first smell it if you're used to standard popular fruity/sweet scents, and I wasn't sure I liked it when I first wore it. I'm happy to say it's grown on me, and I now love it. It's a very green floral, heavy on the iris, and almost woody - perfect for this wet spring we're having! <a href="http://boisdejasmin.com/2006/03/chanel_no_19.html" target="_blank">Victoria</a> has a lovely review, as does Angela on <a href="http://www.nstperfume.com/2011/08/29/chanel-no-19-and-no-19-poudre-fragrance-review/" target="_blank">Now Smell This</a>. It's completely different from any other scent I own, and I can see myself getting through this bottle pretty quickly! I must say it doesn't last as long on the skin as you might expect from an EDP, but then again I do like my perfume obnoxiously strong, so maybe it's just me.<br />
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I reached the halfway point in my exams on Friday (I now have a week "off" to revise for the next set), and wandered over to Selfridges in the afternoon to peruse the Illamasqua counter. I did nip into the Beak St store first, but got fairly terrible service (for the first time ever, I may add) so left, shame! Anyway, I was keen to test the Skin Base foundation in 02, the next shade down from white, since I'd seen swatches of its pinky-pale brilliance - and I was not disappointed. I've only worn it twice, but the match is perfect and if I moisturise well in the potentially flaky (delightful) areas around my nose the finish is also lovely. Very pleased with this so far!<br />
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And of course I bought this lipstick. It's bright blue-pink AND matte, two of my favourite qualities in a lipstick. Need I say more? Well, it's incredibly long-wearing, without being too heavy-feeling or cakey on the lips. This is my first lipstick from Illamasqua, and I'm impressed.<br />
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My tea break is now over, and I shall slink back to my land law revision. Woe is me. Hope everyone is well and looking forward to summer! (Eternal optimist alert.)<br />
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Till next time,<br />
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Josephine x<br />
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PS. I am so impressed with myself for only having bought TWO things on Oxford St. I nearly bought four more (two blushers from Dainty Doll, and a blusher and lipstick from Topshop) but just wasn't enthused enough to get to the till. A sea change in my spending habits, perhaps...I can only hope!Josephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-7354399462983441852012-05-01T16:20:00.003+01:002012-05-01T16:23:29.043+01:00MAC Lipsticks: Lustre EditionI only have three lustres - I know, only! They're all more recent purchases, after I figured out that the more eye-catching shades I bought initially don't cut it for everyday wear in some circumstances! These three are all very wearable for daytime in any environment, particularly since the lustre formula is relatively sheer and glossy - you can slick it on lightly, or build up the colour for more intensity.<br />
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The wear time isn't great, but this is in the nature of the formula; these wear off nicely and are so easy to reapply, so it isn't really a problem. Lustres are the perfect choice if you don't fancy the done-up look of a opaque, highly pigmented lipstick (such as the mattes or amplified cremes, both of which are coming up!).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5UPgSI4QHagaI1kKh8rXl701SCT0oRlkuZwFgp4dWw2GTWq5C3ik3ntk3rncChyt7go7ZOPlEyfb4PnevQ_-5pCmQ2D4N4OdDQrF3qkfkQIqnnI3xfQ_fM91FcNi0lZeB8cwCAP0D80y/s1600/SAM_0399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5UPgSI4QHagaI1kKh8rXl701SCT0oRlkuZwFgp4dWw2GTWq5C3ik3ntk3rncChyt7go7ZOPlEyfb4PnevQ_-5pCmQ2D4N4OdDQrF3qkfkQIqnnI3xfQ_fM91FcNi0lZeB8cwCAP0D80y/s640/SAM_0399.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: See Sheer, Syrup, Plumful</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrinHkQv_4eJ9Ntf52dwcxtzg2IopILukXJEs0yLqtC50PWRuXH-20DdL3fue9fm4Q4V15yLKCd8wJNQNCvDM26tmHBZSkl9hiRqAAVhwNulQ2dq74ACr3Z6Nepq476OhTFNTxb1G4FcBw/s1600/SAM_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrinHkQv_4eJ9Ntf52dwcxtzg2IopILukXJEs0yLqtC50PWRuXH-20DdL3fue9fm4Q4V15yLKCd8wJNQNCvDM26tmHBZSkl9hiRqAAVhwNulQ2dq74ACr3Z6Nepq476OhTFNTxb1G4FcBw/s640/SAM_0405.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top to bottom: See Sheer, Syrup, Plumful</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczQRk8QIGjvjoLxodnBVfUKYN6Rw1kCVdGetWUAh4q3JTIs3UFMV8xbNn3S0Mi5XpRHuTsrgkMwI0BzW98yET0EzIyHkvaOZjkXgIw2EJwwXH2-9wvahpri88_lnxouq3J_u1IlKbRzhb/s1600/SAM_0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczQRk8QIGjvjoLxodnBVfUKYN6Rw1kCVdGetWUAh4q3JTIs3UFMV8xbNn3S0Mi5XpRHuTsrgkMwI0BzW98yET0EzIyHkvaOZjkXgIw2EJwwXH2-9wvahpri88_lnxouq3J_u1IlKbRzhb/s640/SAM_0407.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top to bottom: See Sheer, Syrup, Plumful</td></tr>
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<b>See Sheer</b> is a muted coral, particularly lovely for spring/summer. MAC describes it as a "grapefruit pink", which is admittedly cute, and grapefruit is spot on, but if you want a pink lipstick, go for one of the other two!<br />
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The easiest way to describe <b>Syrup</b> is as one of those "my lips but better" shades. This is probably the most natural-looking, easy to wear MAC lipstick I own! (See also <b>Cosmo</b>, which is a shade darker and more pigmented, but also made of awesome.) Syrup is what I would class as a neutral or "nude" lipstick, since it is a close match to the colour of my lips (rather than the colour of my skin, as with other so-called nudes!). This is easy to touch up without a mirror, to give a dash of colour and make your face look brighter and more groomed - I usually apply it on the train in the mornings! Highly recommended. (MAC have this down as a "cloudy pink", whatever that means.)<br />
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<b>Plumful</b> is a deeper, plummier (surprise!) version of Syrup. Given my penchant for berry colours and purples, I love this as a wearable member of that colour family. Great for a slightly more dramatic lip which is still very wearable. MAC call it a "blossoming rose-plum" - I guess rosy plum is quite accurate, though how helpful "blossoming" is is up for debate.<br />
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The first MAC lipstick I was ever recommended was <b>Patisserie</b>, a lustre which looks like another MLBB colour, but it was out of stock at the time (excellent sales tactic, Oxford MAC girl!), and now I have Syrup I don't feel the need to buy it. Honest...<br />
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Till next time,<br />
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Josephine xJosephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-92197742288588883872012-04-30T12:33:00.001+01:002012-04-30T13:07:54.064+01:00MAC Lipsticks: Cremesheen EditionJust putting it out there: I have a lot of MAC lipsticks. What can I say, addictive personality and all that jazz. There's something about them that got me seriously hooked a while back - <b>Ruby Woo<i> </i></b>was my first (which I think I've talked about in my post on <a href="http://likeslawloveslipstick.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/on-red-lipstick-mac-instalment.html" target="_blank">MAC red lipsticks</a>), and I soon accumulated a <i>lot</i> more. My last purchases were some of the matte brights from the Iris Apfel collection, and I think my obsession has eased off a bit now - you never know, though...<br />
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I love seeing which shades people have chosen, so I thought I'd swatch my collection for you. I've split them up by formula, as categorising by colour would be too messy and random when you have as many pinky and/or bright shades I do! <br />
<br />
Kicking off with the cremesheens, for no reason at all. It turns out I own seven. Which is bizarre, since I don't think of this as my favourite formula - I prefer mattes and amplified cremes (I have nearly all of the amplifieds!), or lustres for less pigmented colour. I can't say I wear any of these on a truly regular basis except <b>Speed Dial</b>, though part of my motivation for swatching them all is to encourage myself to use more of my collection!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>PINKS</b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDWFLhsVmJMb9ylbu53LXzZgEkgjiapc4sn4sLOVGG9alTkmwGFp2MsWbKBdVNyFaCxhJYvaO5cr4xsyFuITPs89DBf77EpHE0qVzrJXO-lryfgyA9RhCHUTldP7fO-tsXI7iS4okuuSJ/s1600/SAM_0386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDWFLhsVmJMb9ylbu53LXzZgEkgjiapc4sn4sLOVGG9alTkmwGFp2MsWbKBdVNyFaCxhJYvaO5cr4xsyFuITPs89DBf77EpHE0qVzrJXO-lryfgyA9RhCHUTldP7fO-tsXI7iS4okuuSJ/s640/SAM_0386.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Creme Cup, Speed Dial, Speak Louder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1WiHWldIwol2eyKH-EuTpfEBdHx4VTaXzy8eVXzbuzhxmHYj2T7TmP6vWeQk9tzUsPJ_382P9yVx7sljdXxYsLz_EUXsWpB1u2uiFi6m5vBwBR0AoOvFjrIGYN3J71mOcnICUV0QBfZM/s1600/SAM_0390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1WiHWldIwol2eyKH-EuTpfEBdHx4VTaXzy8eVXzbuzhxmHYj2T7TmP6vWeQk9tzUsPJ_382P9yVx7sljdXxYsLz_EUXsWpB1u2uiFi6m5vBwBR0AoOvFjrIGYN3J71mOcnICUV0QBfZM/s640/SAM_0390.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top to bottom: Creme Cup, Speed Dial, Speak Louder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I can never figure out why I don't like <b>Creme Cup<i> </i></b>more! It's a cool-toned light pink, which everyone loves, but I just don't warm to it (ha) very much. Maybe I'll try wearing this one more, as it seems undeservedly neglected! However, I much prefer the other two colours here...<br />
<br />
<b>Speak Louder</b> and <b>Speed Dial</b> are both blue-toned pinks, though Speak Louder is darker and redder. These don't get mentioned all that often on blogs/YT - people seem to favour nudes or super-brights! Speed Dial is a very wearable, pretty everyday pink, while Speak Louder is pretty bright on the lips (which I love for daytime, but it may be more of an evening shade for other more tasteful people!). Both great for summer. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>CORALS/PEACHES</b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmzq6vWEGu5Eeb30E06Ro6Yw94On0ubuiUIENJ8VQNa10g86w17Mll8x6eQPPzRMJBED1hxwzqVzEbxRv8_BK8CzQBQNfHk0YacOQrT0c5-iN7HoMl4X3jPkmZ1G_bKuyWW99kvvouCAk/s1600/SAM_0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmzq6vWEGu5Eeb30E06Ro6Yw94On0ubuiUIENJ8VQNa10g86w17Mll8x6eQPPzRMJBED1hxwzqVzEbxRv8_BK8CzQBQNfHk0YacOQrT0c5-iN7HoMl4X3jPkmZ1G_bKuyWW99kvvouCAk/s640/SAM_0393.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Shy Girl, Ever Hip, Jazzed, Crosswires</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3ZphQxm8y93Og12bgZyDmcW6nvuaKnjXim4pJbrzAR-LWq4t0lhUhqwTox1XeCR4h_R4X22F1NQ1eK6iu1EJallqd06c-Uast7yJ5CjJQONHoI7fjNSUW50wp8519dPKbvSgRzB6zGV-/s1600/SAM_0398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3ZphQxm8y93Og12bgZyDmcW6nvuaKnjXim4pJbrzAR-LWq4t0lhUhqwTox1XeCR4h_R4X22F1NQ1eK6iu1EJallqd06c-Uast7yJ5CjJQONHoI7fjNSUW50wp8519dPKbvSgRzB6zGV-/s640/SAM_0398.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top to bottom: Shy Girl, Ever Hip, Jazzed, Crosswires</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Ever Hip</b> and <b>Jazzed</b> are limited edition shades I got in
a blog sale last summer, when I was going through a
coral phase. I'm usually not that keen on coral shades on me, as I find
them tricky with my colouring for some reason, despite wanting to like
them! Ever Hip is a lovely pinky coral which does work fairly well on me (also, I adore the Liberty of London packaging!), while Jazzed is more true coral.<br />
<br />
<b>Crosswires<i> </i></b>is
a shade you rarely hear mentioned on blogs/Youtube -
it's a pinky coral red (helpful), like a more pigmented version of the
lustre <b>See Sheer</b>. Gorgeous for easy-to-wear summer lips. (This is basically a coral version of Speak Louder, if that makes sense!)<br />
<br />
<b>Shy Girl</b>
is one of those incredibly popular shades, but I find I have to be
careful what makeup I wear with this. For a warm-toned summery look -
bronzer, peachy blush, golds on the eyes - this peachy nude is lovely,
and the formula is miles better than <b>Hue</b>, a glaze finish which is
basically a pink version of this. So if that's your style I definitely
recommend Shy Girl (though you probably already own it!). On me,
however, this look is not the most flattering - I wear it occasionally
when I'm feeling summery, and I do enjoy it, but it's slightly jarring
against my complexion.<br />
<br />
Having swatched all these, I'll definitely be wearing them more in future - especially Speak Louder and Crosswires, which have been unfairly relegated to obscurity in the bottom of my makeup drawers!<br />
<br />
Till next time,<br />
<br />
Josephine x<br />
<br />
PS. I think I heard some of the lesser-known colours, like Crosswires and Speed Dial, mentioned in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sm-h6UgZBKc&feature=plcp" target="_blank">Miss Princess Pancake's excellent video</a> on her favourite MAC lipsticks, which features some really wearable shades. Thought I must have got the idea from somewhere when putting in that particular online order!Josephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-66345010638682710152012-04-28T15:44:00.004+01:002012-04-28T15:58:49.908+01:00More New Things, feat. MUFE and StilaSubtitle: "Natural Light, What Natural Light?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNqiCKlmgUIBHXII5fHay9WzEcGmEewuUYzNgGUABxrK4MPLc6oaVaDbCj7QBsajqwazw3r57PgqBhqC5t5Hjz-F_92IWRCuNMDMSpjRMofhE5MQkeKeUTNakWncFpLSY_kRxtgKtmuwQ/s1600/SAM_0373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNqiCKlmgUIBHXII5fHay9WzEcGmEewuUYzNgGUABxrK4MPLc6oaVaDbCj7QBsajqwazw3r57PgqBhqC5t5Hjz-F_92IWRCuNMDMSpjRMofhE5MQkeKeUTNakWncFpLSY_kRxtgKtmuwQ/s640/SAM_0373.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2r63759sw1CjXgu0fSSL_ayd20j9DbfXMTh8e-OQM2fB8cJwpqUr2fBZwEQsNJjMiEf9UgGmiEXyxLuChy0Ixadz3b9V_y7i1hhIbnL6NZZZKS366po5_9MV4fZxrrSr1pkyoqn9fnPLs/s1600/SAM_0375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2r63759sw1CjXgu0fSSL_ayd20j9DbfXMTh8e-OQM2fB8cJwpqUr2fBZwEQsNJjMiEf9UgGmiEXyxLuChy0Ixadz3b9V_y7i1hhIbnL6NZZZKS366po5_9MV4fZxrrSr1pkyoqn9fnPLs/s640/SAM_0375.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXCItoWZD2LgxkWZuG3jnWklPU3-Gxl_Bxuy-wL6LFjKJugzKnKyEyGcJcByYzog1Y29Hy1piuDWwf8Jwv1eJbLfVW7kIKFVjexA5uYydXDJvZrYq6ffEgGLtX_3aTITWi0_rIUyI4Bdb/s1600/SAM_0377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXCItoWZD2LgxkWZuG3jnWklPU3-Gxl_Bxuy-wL6LFjKJugzKnKyEyGcJcByYzog1Y29Hy1piuDWwf8Jwv1eJbLfVW7kIKFVjexA5uYydXDJvZrYq6ffEgGLtX_3aTITWi0_rIUyI4Bdb/s640/SAM_0377.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Let me introduce you to <b>Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + foundation</b> in shade 15 Alabaster, and <b>Stila Convertible Colour</b> in Lillium, my latest purchases.<br />
<br />
I acquired the foundation from <a href="http://www.preciousaboutmakeup.com/makeup/make-up-for-ever-mat-velvet-" target="_blank">Precious About Makeup</a>. Miscellaneous influences: rave reviews on Youtube, such as <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lkJaGRpIHQ&feature=plcp" target="_blank">Tiffany's</a>; noticing it on <a href="http://www.camiloveskiwi.com/2012/04/on-next-months-shopping-list.html" target="_blank">Cami's wish list</a>; promisingly pale swatches on <a href="http://glossedintranslation.com/2010/09/28/foundation-swatches-for-pale-people-paler-than-mac-nw15/" target="_blank">Glossed in Translation</a>. It wasn't cheap, but I kind of impulse bought one evening. Very pale, pink undertones, matte - this had potential. And I'm pleased to say I am in love with it.<br />
<br />
This is only the second foundation I've ever had that I can apply straight from the bottle AND IT MATCHES (the other being the Illamasqua Light Liquid Foundation in LF115). Immediate plus. I applied it on top of the Murad mattifying primer (double whammy) in a morning rush as I was leaving for a weekend in Oxford - I know, sensible timing. But this stuff went on like a dream (I used my fingers to apply it), looked great - and more importantly still looked great by the evening. No powder required at all, and it didn't look cakey. My friend couldn't tell I was wearing foundation at all - which isn't to say this doesn't even out the skin and look pretty flawless (hideous cliche but it's true). Genius. So far, worth the price tag. Now if only MUFE was a bit easier to come by, I think we'd be entering Holy Grail territory here.<br />
<br />
And in Oxford, I bought more makeup. Obvs. Specifically, this Stila cream blush. Well, the Boots on Cornmarket had a new Stila stand, next to the Orly stand (I bought Rage, though I haven't applied it yet!), and I gravitated towards these. I do love me a good cream blush, and <a href="http://viviannadoesmakeup.com/" target="_blank">Anna</a> had mentioned this one a few times on her blog, so I had a swatch and went for Lillium, a warm pink.<br />
<br />
The packaging is a winner - fairly small and light, but substantial-feeling and cute (with a mirror, always a plus since I use cream blush to touch up during the day). The formula is very different to my favourite cream blushes by Topshop, which are cream-to-powder and set matte - this is almost sticky, and never dries completely matte. "Dewy", I believe, is the relevant makeup cliche buzzword here! When I first applied this I didn't realise how pigmented it was and had to rectify the situation with foundation and powder, so beware. I found this a tad tacky to blend with fingers; it works better with a brush, like the MAC 188. So I don't think I'll be trading in my Topshop blushes anytime soon, but this is a delightful addition to my horde of blushes!<br />
<br />
If you have any recommendations for cream blushes do drop me a comment, as I'd love to try some other brands (any excuse!). I have my eye on Illamasqua, but am open to suggestions!<br />
<br />
Till next time,<br />
<br />
Josephine x<br />
<br />
PS. Speaking of Topshop cream blushes, there's a new one in town: <a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=5445161&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208568&parent_categoryId=208495&pageSize=20" target="_blank">a pink called Prime Time</a>. I need.Josephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-4650461191206808522012-04-18T14:20:00.003+01:002012-04-18T14:25:07.377+01:00Nostalgia in All the Colours of the UV RainbowUnusually, I tidied my room today. (This may have something to do with tort law revision.) These were among the most bizarre things I found lurking in drawers, relics of my undergrad days:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7m6gwDFjlAy6EiYXTi1jwVXoEXJSVkFz2looI2v0qJmGOeqZMSsf0TnzHaGUUnJE04tLrAAWB8r0PaXEDcacR7waDX5W4KEuGh6_ak7gvwD3Wd6DhkoHd7zCGAIpOnlyHr6Vp2L7VKWjp/s1600/SAM_0361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7m6gwDFjlAy6EiYXTi1jwVXoEXJSVkFz2looI2v0qJmGOeqZMSsf0TnzHaGUUnJE04tLrAAWB8r0PaXEDcacR7waDX5W4KEuGh6_ak7gvwD3Wd6DhkoHd7zCGAIpOnlyHr6Vp2L7VKWjp/s640/SAM_0361.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyoQcUFdDszkLuuBcoTuhGkDsYAy__-0vibSF5mbrsyhqd7aFrR6gt2J4VnOiR1Uk86NG4zYOM7GzDHNzeZyypIEyzvXE1e1Imchyphenhyphend8rNysR4wKNV_xzPVLoFNB0N4-PhGABYdj4g0vEaX/s1600/SAM_0365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyoQcUFdDszkLuuBcoTuhGkDsYAy__-0vibSF5mbrsyhqd7aFrR6gt2J4VnOiR1Uk86NG4zYOM7GzDHNzeZyypIEyzvXE1e1Imchyphenhyphend8rNysR4wKNV_xzPVLoFNB0N4-PhGABYdj4g0vEaX/s640/SAM_0365.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The second photo aptly represents the contrast between my previous student days, when I used to go out most nights of the week, and my current revision-bound, hermit-like state. (Why I ever needed six whole tubes of UV paint is of course a mystery.) This may have more to do with the fact I've been living back at home this year after four years away, which has been interesting. I live in a very small town outside London, so let's just say the UV paint and the last train home are not particularly compatible. Frankly, I think I've left behind my glowing-warpaint days, but you never know, I may bust this stuff out after exams are over!<br />
<br />
Anyway, enough of the random post - there's a tort textbook with my name on it! <br />
<br />
Till next time,<br />
<br />
Josephine x<br />
<br />
PS. My latest foundation craving, courtesy of <a href="http://www.camiloveskiwi.com/" target="_blank">Cami</a>, is the Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + in Alabaster, available from <a href="http://www.preciousaboutmakeup.com/makeup/make-up-for-ever-mat-velvet-" target="_blank">here</a>. My current combo of Revlon ColorStay + Illamasqua Light Liquid is a bit of a pain to mix up, what with the glass bottle of ColorStay inevitably glopping a metric ton of product onto the back of your hand, and can look a tad cakey if you're not careful. So the search for a pink-toned, pale, matte foundation continues...Josephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-89196213225091609832012-04-17T20:52:00.005+01:002012-04-17T21:13:33.743+01:00Makeup StockpileSo, for some reason I took pictures of the contents of my makeup drawers (bought from WH Smith last year, inspired by <a href="http://viviannadoesmakeup.com/" target="_blank">Anna</a>'s similar ones).<br />
<br />
If nothing else, I can report back that the blinding glare of an entire drawerful of MAC lipsticks seriously confuses the auto setting on my camera, as you can see below...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafpIIht5v4dglzF7j5tgDG-hzPEu7YUjzuJhJIv_CyteEs_hFVJiR_zwLIyuR9N_wy2B6MdaruTLGjgiAtGjp9TziTrJhZeaWkrU6NAwryD2d_CzQ4c59kxkiuQgVdrJfTC6EzL09kWBx/s1600/SAM_0342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafpIIht5v4dglzF7j5tgDG-hzPEu7YUjzuJhJIv_CyteEs_hFVJiR_zwLIyuR9N_wy2B6MdaruTLGjgiAtGjp9TziTrJhZeaWkrU6NAwryD2d_CzQ4c59kxkiuQgVdrJfTC6EzL09kWBx/s640/SAM_0342.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foundations and blushers, feat. NARS, MAC, Illamasqua, Topshop, Bourjois, Benefit, et al</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMONgyEA6QLxC82ERgKuk9zsNriyWds5zIXB_271hQnzKZsMKlI64avRvRS3zpElo5g34ukd7u6WHANi8KJTiuo10O_DYlYcWgCHmNNKunlZSTyzEi3opBvSyZxhx7-kOdhWW2ZeXzlsT/s1600/SAM_0353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMONgyEA6QLxC82ERgKuk9zsNriyWds5zIXB_271hQnzKZsMKlI64avRvRS3zpElo5g34ukd7u6WHANi8KJTiuo10O_DYlYcWgCHmNNKunlZSTyzEi3opBvSyZxhx7-kOdhWW2ZeXzlsT/s640/SAM_0353.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hilariously amateur photo of MAC lipsticks - and yes, there are two layers. I have a problem</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bv7wEPGg6ZuJEKihSlGdxQGw7k8hFAozIN6ZI2bmEnMPerk_y6aqwF2lwCIkZBneub-CtNIVQTCBqcQR6qFfruiqDAaLEfeKHenf1qw_hUawqkYDK1hrPMVSOyXQtVzTdzNQexoyl6qS/s1600/SAM_0357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bv7wEPGg6ZuJEKihSlGdxQGw7k8hFAozIN6ZI2bmEnMPerk_y6aqwF2lwCIkZBneub-CtNIVQTCBqcQR6qFfruiqDAaLEfeKHenf1qw_hUawqkYDK1hrPMVSOyXQtVzTdzNQexoyl6qS/s640/SAM_0357.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lipliners & glosses etc. Amusingly, I don't even count myself as a lipgloss-wearer</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMCG_Thp3GkbLjkFZQr9e1U-DysBXH3N6Qwngd3Ge3ZYaCyAzMZt3tO8D2ZykMZvIN21RDRidJ6Ic327a4k1jGvD7Bt9LqYS1bL8xBtZR6GWxWu119-4Vf1VFnmC9fdtLdEB3aLICsBdz/s1600/SAM_0358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMCG_Thp3GkbLjkFZQr9e1U-DysBXH3N6Qwngd3Ge3ZYaCyAzMZt3tO8D2ZykMZvIN21RDRidJ6Ic327a4k1jGvD7Bt9LqYS1bL8xBtZR6GWxWu119-4Vf1VFnmC9fdtLdEB3aLICsBdz/s640/SAM_0358.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixed bunch of eyeliners. I usually wear the L'Oreal liquid liner. Fail. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONJUG00rC-D7GyrHr6K5VKSrUR8B_W9HePEpYX9DlB0MmPsIlmpz-0d901vxZIHrsMDwud6gkr1Dyi9TWgZJgXZxdlFzwI1wPjAxDAeuSdbcw_0G0qWks302k7gh82IX-ECj_lVIffet5/s1600/SAM_0346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONJUG00rC-D7GyrHr6K5VKSrUR8B_W9HePEpYX9DlB0MmPsIlmpz-0d901vxZIHrsMDwud6gkr1Dyi9TWgZJgXZxdlFzwI1wPjAxDAeuSdbcw_0G0qWks302k7gh82IX-ECj_lVIffet5/s640/SAM_0346.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eye shadows - heavy on the cream shadow side here, palettes elsewhere!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFTIdWnmd6fMq5mo4ia2vTA4v9SFICvGKfyIp-VPDozzx9xC4q_c3a6KhmlumxdkXiuQeO-LbidRV1WGxEqqKrwQbMuLaCJDeu0Ql8aBAl3y3vIRgh5CBy4W73e3VHtW34V14QcS5nP7P/s1600/SAM_0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFTIdWnmd6fMq5mo4ia2vTA4v9SFICvGKfyIp-VPDozzx9xC4q_c3a6KhmlumxdkXiuQeO-LbidRV1WGxEqqKrwQbMuLaCJDeu0Ql8aBAl3y3vIRgh5CBy4W73e3VHtW34V14QcS5nP7P/s640/SAM_0349.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lipsticks, including MAC overspill. I have no excuse. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>And this isn't even everything I own - I have a separate makeup bag for stuff I'm currently using every day. And my two MAC eyeshadow palettes and UD Naked palette are elsewhere. OH LORD. Is this normal? Spending ban needed pronto, especially on the lipstick front. Because nobody needs that many lipsticks. Not even in a nuclear winter. I couldn't face photographing my nail polish! Another time, when I'm feeling stronger... <br />
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Anyway, I think my next post will be on my favourite high street makeup. More words than pictures this time, honest!<br />
<br />
Till next time,<br />
<br />
Josephine x<br />
<br />
PS. I really hope this doesn't come across as in any way boastful - apart from sheer boredom at sitting at home revising contract law all day, I was motivated by a desire to remind myself what the hell I actually own before I'm tempted to buy yet more, and encourage myself to use more of all this stuff rather than grabbing the same bits & pieces every morning. I may do a lipstick of the day "challenge" to shake things up in those groaning lipstick drawers, for one thing!Josephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-37491491569558431442012-04-15T12:37:00.003+01:002012-04-15T16:07:09.104+01:00Latest Face & Boots BitsSo, I'm entering the black hole of revision & exams until June. Worryingly, I seem to have forgotten how to revise, finals being all the way back in the dim & distant past (well, 2010).<br />
<br />
This is what I've been wearing on my face if I feel like making more-than-no effort. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsfY6OAna4OLq7Wi75Yzclf6imdrMEOy39x9ujG14OXjTIZ1svbScg2hRhDnZj3QEnrI-aLMnuoPhCv4r4SgCrOg8G69wUBCF5kyzBvNazapte0SQFOtZGUbCE0Th8AF-L0FpEh-aqpg9/s1600/SAM_0333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsfY6OAna4OLq7Wi75Yzclf6imdrMEOy39x9ujG14OXjTIZ1svbScg2hRhDnZj3QEnrI-aLMnuoPhCv4r4SgCrOg8G69wUBCF5kyzBvNazapte0SQFOtZGUbCE0Th8AF-L0FpEh-aqpg9/s640/SAM_0333.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Murad Oil-Control Mattifier, Illamasqua Light Liquid Foundation in LF115, Revlon ColorStay Foundation in Ivory, L'Oreal Mattifying Powder, and NARS Douceur blush (bottom)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Primer: </b>the Murad Oil Control Mattifier. I'm definitely a fan of this stuff - helps make-up go on smoothly, controls shine brilliantly throughout the day, and has SPF 15.<br />
<br />
<b>Foundation: </b>I've been mixing Revlon ColorStay (Combo/Oily version) in Ivory with Illamasqua Light Liquid Foundation in LF115 (the palest skin-coloured shade). I used to wear the ColorStay on its own, but it is a) much fuller coverage than I need/want, and b) too dark/yellow, irritatingly. Mixing in the Illamasqua sorts both of these problems pretty nicely, giving a far better colour match and less cakey coverage. I mix them up on the back of my hand (really don't appreciate the fact the ColorStay has no pump, dammit) and apply with my fingers. I used to use a Sigma F80 flat-top kabuki brush but I find it soaks up half the product and is a right pain to clean, so fingers it is!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinntY7IoY7ZeUYijNZuxZ520sCpS7_A_BwjXVWgHEIiCmAoyc72FL6fvk7xM8BrTu1ql2KVdFvKJjXa2EKt02KwBfsXHEdrkC6S3DYkF-1rQIh9SG77iojOi3O8ZRlYuXxtwtZJTgI-bId/s1600/SAM_0337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinntY7IoY7ZeUYijNZuxZ520sCpS7_A_BwjXVWgHEIiCmAoyc72FL6fvk7xM8BrTu1ql2KVdFvKJjXa2EKt02KwBfsXHEdrkC6S3DYkF-1rQIh9SG77iojOi3O8ZRlYuXxtwtZJTgI-bId/s640/SAM_0337.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top: Revlon ColorStay in Ivory; bottom: Illamasqua Light Liquid Foundation in LF115</td></tr>
</tbody></table>LF115 is a good match for me on its own when blended out, if a tad neutral, but it does emphasise the pallor in a dramatic way which I don't always want, especially in the daytime. I also have this foundation in LF120, which is pinker, darker and a more easy-going shade. I can't say I'm in love with the formula on its own, as it has a tendency to look streaky/greasy, as if it's just sitting on top of the skin in an awkward way. Such a shame given the ah-mazing shade range! Must try Skin Base sometime. But am very happy to have discovered a way to use this one, really enjoying it at the moment!<br />
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<b>Powder: </b>the L'Oreal Transparent Mattifying Powder, sadly discontinued ages ago. I bought several of these from eBay when I realised it was no longer available in shops, so I'm now working my way through my stash. The packaging is a bit silly, as surely nobody ever uses the rubbish little brush in the lid - I just unscrew that and use a standard powder brush, obv.<br />
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<b>Blush: </b>NARS Douceur. Perfect everyday natural blush. I usually use a MAC 188 with this.<br />
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This, plus some mascara and lipbalm, is my standard leaving-the-house routine. I'm impressed by the Murad primer - I don't need to touch up with powder AT ALL during the day. Impressive. Although to be honest more often than not I will just use SPF and powder on top. Because it's only the library. If anything I prefer sticking on a bright lipstick - yesterday I went for MAC Girl About Town and remembered how much I looove it! - to cheer up my face, rather than spending ages on eyeliner etc.<br />
<br />
Hope everyone's having a lovely weekend!<br />
<br />
Till next time,<br />
<br />
Josephine x<br />
<br />
PS. Today's cheeky Boots haul:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6R9eAIiqu5ONV_6No-9Tpws2Zr_TZDcWwKHNomI6r5bf5gD6dmlf53dIGIoVmBx5MQlsDnEvbR6N1vhsqzrNs50t9mlhWI3SLNEfHyARgRwB4XQFbJLN8flTN-1sT3zauUbd_vCqnabhh/s1600/SAM_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6R9eAIiqu5ONV_6No-9Tpws2Zr_TZDcWwKHNomI6r5bf5gD6dmlf53dIGIoVmBx5MQlsDnEvbR6N1vhsqzrNs50t9mlhWI3SLNEfHyARgRwB4XQFbJLN8flTN-1sT3zauUbd_vCqnabhh/s640/SAM_0339.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top to bottom: Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Mascara; Revlon Lip Butters in Macaroon & Sweet Tart, Soap & Glory Lid Stuff eyeshadow quad in Off the Wall Flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I fancied picking up these two Lip Butters having seen endless swatches on blogs. I now have six in total, five of which I like - Peach Parfait is the exception, since I find it gritty with obvious unflattering shimmer. I also had a poke around the Soap & Glory makeup, since I'd heard good things about their mascara, and ended up getting both the mascara and this random eyeshadow quad. In the end, the whole lot only cost £21 - the mascara and quad were £10 each, so I ended up with the Lip Butters for 50p each. Win. Chatting to the cashier is always worthwhile! This was something to do with a £2 off voucher which wouldn't scan properly, so he put them through as a pound! Nice one.<br />
<br />
I definitely think my Lip Butter collection has grown big enough now. None of the other colours appeal to me as they're all too pale/shimmery, so I'll concentrate on actually wearing what I've got - revolutionary, I know. Will report back on the S&G bits at a later date when I've given them a whirl!Josephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-37110350921157003222012-04-03T12:27:00.003+01:002012-04-30T18:20:24.324+01:00Skincare Routine (Of Sorts)I've rounded up the products I'm currently using to cleanse/tone/moisturise/all that jazz. I have normal to combination skin, with a T-zone that can get pretty darn oily at times; I also have fairly big pores around my nose, which I hate. I get a few spots round my chin now and then. This is what I use pretty much every day...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6DVTUbi9jzP7UY8Avfh3fUi56cVPv_uvTm7ssWBjYvai5vCAqrLvwVgH8hZV-y4NT5x1ur7BLNBZVso2bwF-1Rkzf6E_YfS1l9-V3xvHKJ5Z1lYtlbu9hBw67MJsf1-4c0uGzDUrQOGf/s1600/SAM_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6DVTUbi9jzP7UY8Avfh3fUi56cVPv_uvTm7ssWBjYvai5vCAqrLvwVgH8hZV-y4NT5x1ur7BLNBZVso2bwF-1Rkzf6E_YfS1l9-V3xvHKJ5Z1lYtlbu9hBw67MJsf1-4c0uGzDUrQOGf/s640/SAM_0317.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, Instant Boost Skin Tonic (attractive muslin cloth out of shot)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
1. <b>Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser</b><br />
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Not much to say about this as every blogger and their cat uses it, so I'm sure you've come across it before even if you don't use it yourself! I've been using this for nearly a year now, and have stuck with it, which is more than I can say about any previous cleanser I've used. It is expensive (in fact I need to re-order, ouch!) but it's really gentle and gets your face clean effectively. Surprisingly, I quite like the faff with the muslin cloth - I thought I'd hate it, especially having to wash the cloths so frequently, but I actually find it quite therapeutic and no bother at all.<br />
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I first tried this because I was getting sick of the harsh anti-blemish face washes I kept buying from Boots, especially the common ones with a scrub element. I used to use those <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Beauty/Skincare/Body-area/Bodycare/The-Beauty-Boutique/Soap-Glory/Soap-Glory-skin-care/Deep-pore-cleansing/?cm_re=c9083_image2-_-list-_-deep_pore&cm_sp=brand_treatment-_-c9083-_-c9083_image2" target="_blank">face mask type products</a> from <b>Soap & Glory</b>, like The Fab Pore and No Clogs Allowed, but after a while I found they stung my skin and made it feel tight and uncomfortable. Not cool, especially since I've never had sensitive skin at all. Another product in the same vein which I used to use but now wouldn't go back to is the oddly popular <b>St. Ives</b> <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/St-Ives-Blemish-Fighting-Facial-Scrub-150ml_1110527/" target="_blank">Apricot Scrub</a> line.<br />
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In fact I think I turned to Liz Earle after a baaaad experience with <b>Clinique</b>'s god-awful "3-step programme". Suffice it to say that rubbing my face with pure alcohol didn't do wonders for my skin - the "clarifying lotion" (I think I even bought the mildest one) gave me delightful red dry patches across my cheeks, which is pretty impressive given that I <i>don't have dry skin</i>. Nice one Clinique.<br />
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In conclusion, I think I will be repurchasing the Liz Earle for a long while to come, and I definitely recommend it if you haven't tried it already! (If someone wants to step into the breach and buy me <a href="http://uk.lizearle.com/cleanse-tone-moisturise/cleanse-and-polish-beauty-subscription.html" target="_blank">this subscription</a> to the cleanser of my dreams, they are of course very welcome.)<br />
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2. <b>Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic</b><br />
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This couldn't be further removed from the evil alcohol water purveyed by Clinique for the "toning" step. It's incredibly gentle, and smells like a National Trust shop (you know, kind of herbal/floral/wholesome, probably with a sprinkling of tasteful tea towels). Initially I thought I wouldn't buy this again, but I'm completely converted - it gets rid of the last traces of makeup and cleanser, and gives your face a lovely fresh feeling.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXAUZc1_cQme6AWd2-UFJh0OgX8LBLSN3mahzcfib-gRyN585g2dusH2B7pYuLw2voUESfbC70xT7_xZTWP9OxYWq01j4mj8FVkhuAkoH_1BFwU6XyvMpAQq2KU9uMX8bkELrJsF-HejC/s1600/SAM_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXAUZc1_cQme6AWd2-UFJh0OgX8LBLSN3mahzcfib-gRyN585g2dusH2B7pYuLw2voUESfbC70xT7_xZTWP9OxYWq01j4mj8FVkhuAkoH_1BFwU6XyvMpAQq2KU9uMX8bkELrJsF-HejC/s640/SAM_0324.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Alpha-H SPF 50+ Moisturiser, La Roche Posay Fluide Extreme SPF 50+</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
3a)<b> Daytime - Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF 50+</b><br />
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I am trying to be good and use this every day. Another pricey one, but the best I've found in terms of finish and texture. It doesn't dry completely matte (this would be a miracle, I think), but it doesn't interfere with makeup on top, and it doesn't pill or otherwise make a nuisance of itself. I've repurchased this many times from <a href="http://www.lookfantastic.com/alpha-h-daily-essential-moisturiser-spf-50-50ml/10243492.html" target="_blank">LookFantastic</a>, so if you're looking for a high-SPF daily sunscreen for oily/combo skin, I recommend giving this a go.<br />
<br />
Mini sunscreen rant: I've tried a couple of other high-factor daily wear facial sunscreens, given my fear of tanning/wrinkles/freckles etc. There was a <b>La Roche Posay</b> SPF 50 offering (Anthelios XL Fluide Extreme, to be precise - pictured above), which was really runny and hard to apply. Then there was the <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Clinique-Super-City-Block-SPF-40-40ml_18544/" target="_blank"><b>Clinique </b>Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40</a> (copy and paste job there), which was, frankly, awful. For starters, it turned out to be tinted (i.e. orange), which was not obvious at all from the packaging - I wouldn't have bought it had I known this, at least not without testing the shade, since I'm wary of "one-colour-fits-all" tinted products. It's marketed as an "invisible primer", which is far from the truth in my experience - not only was it orange, it also pilled and rubbed off like crrrazy while blending into the skin, even before you dared to put foundation over the top. I persevered with this for longer than I should have because I wanted it to be a great product, but had to chuck it in the end (which is why it doesn't make an appearance in the photo). In fact, I don't think I'd bother buying anything else from Clinique, given my negative experiences of their products so far and the vast range of great brands out there. If you're a Clinique fan, though, do drop me a comment about your favourite products, as I always like to try stuff out on recommendations!<br />
<br />
So, I'm perpetually on the look-out for good SPF 50 or so facial sunscreens, but will be sticking to my Alpha-H for now...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_f51RZZbq-1CtS90vy8fHTKqxcLGNP1-Zlo30NHtLQNV586bw5_Bke_o5Lmo_b88hTP6XFSvkLm9nx2_vq2KMPvu-cLxDwkrhv1AeqmhaGbiBCKY9H4bFPP_RodO0uC3iuD48K7D-nHmH/s1600/SAM_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_f51RZZbq-1CtS90vy8fHTKqxcLGNP1-Zlo30NHtLQNV586bw5_Bke_o5Lmo_b88hTP6XFSvkLm9nx2_vq2KMPvu-cLxDwkrhv1AeqmhaGbiBCKY9H4bFPP_RodO0uC3iuD48K7D-nHmH/s640/SAM_0321.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top: Liz Earle moisturiser; bottom: La Roche Posay Effaclar K</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
3b) <b>Night-time - La Roche Posay Effaclar K / Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser (Normal/Combo Skin)</b><br />
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I mentioned the <b>Liz Earle</b> moisturiser in my last post - I've been using it under NARS Sheer Glow foundation in an attempt to sort out the patchy/flaky bits the foundation reveals/creates(?). I've only used it a handful of times, and it does the job of hydrating the skin without being too greasy. Can't really comment on long-term effects though.<br />
<br />
I bought <b>La Roche Posay Effaclar K</b> when LRP products were on offer in the big Boots on Oxford Street. I'd heard quite a bit about it on blogs, specifically <a href="http://www.vivaadonis.com/2012/02/la-roche-posay-effaclar-range-explained.html" target="_blank">Dee's very informative post</a> on the Effaclar range, so when I got a major breakout around my chin (I swear it's related to leaning my chin on my hand all the time when I'm studying!) I wanted a new product to sort it out. This did the job impressively! I applied it morning and night for a few weeks, and it cleared my skin up excellently. It dries down pretty fast so makes a decent base for makeup. I would definitely repurchase this in future. I also picked up the Effaclar Duo, which I'll be trying when this runs out (which will be soon - it doesn't last particularly long). This range is fairly pricey when not on offer, though, and this tube didn't last me all that long.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-E2ZaXP8CBm_HxXoVzY58dItHZYJBGu6oJeQ_3DFJA6_jC32zoDgFJMaWkpgHuIzQlfiY5V22HXDzMBAu62kwriYHroiZFj9YGk1lfNWdKGiig3Tuh0EIDnO7tkCT3N2avRsB8Es58Mz/s1600/SAM_0328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-E2ZaXP8CBm_HxXoVzY58dItHZYJBGu6oJeQ_3DFJA6_jC32zoDgFJMaWkpgHuIzQlfiY5V22HXDzMBAu62kwriYHroiZFj9YGk1lfNWdKGiig3Tuh0EIDnO7tkCT3N2avRsB8Es58Mz/s640/SAM_0328.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Bioderma Crealine H2O Solution Micellaire, Boots Botanics Soothing Eye Make Up Remover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wildcard: <b>Bioderma Crealine H20 Makeup Remover</b><br />
<br />
My friend visited from France and left me half a bottle of this because she couldn't fit it in her suitcase. I was nerdily excited to try it, since so many bloggers rave about it. And it is pretty damn amazing - incredibly neutral, perfume-free, takes off makeup without rubbing, and doesn't leave residue. I definitely will be picking up more of this when I go to Paris this summer! Recently, I foolishly repurchased the <b>Boots Botanics</b> oil cleanser (the one with two layers that you shake up, which is called the Soothing Eye Make Up Remover) with a voucher I had, forgetting I really didn't like it last time I tried it - horrible warm feeling on the eyes, and leaves so much residue you might as well have dipped your face in cooking oil. I've been using the Botanics and not enjoying it much, so I was very interested to try a non-oil-based makeup remover. Shame Bioderma is such a pain to get hold of in the UK!<br />
<br />
OK, it turns out I had a surprising amount to say about skincare. Whaddaya know. Apologies if I expressed my distaste for your favourite product here, goes to show how subjective skincare is! If you have any recommendations for good everyday sunscreens/eye makeup removers, let me know! <br />
<br />
Till next time,<br />
<br />
Josephine x <br />
<b> </b>Josephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-77072501088025914072012-04-02T14:56:00.004+01:002012-04-02T20:31:58.356+01:00New Things Edition I: Face ThingsSo it has been an age since my last post! Meaning I have acquired quite a few new things in the meantime. Kicking off with... <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>FACE THINGS</b></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70usbyxWC_G5Q7aJDaXdR6FjgUAvM-QpBrR9wK6Sw-wGzOvvJUtmcTOa14W7Ihud-Vbagqoe3WUbfmEhNIloKutkcmufd_FEAnmbdnWwNGP7Oz51wgM58-68rWrB4AUM0F76vsf1B9uv0/s1600/SAM_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70usbyxWC_G5Q7aJDaXdR6FjgUAvM-QpBrR9wK6Sw-wGzOvvJUtmcTOa14W7Ihud-Vbagqoe3WUbfmEhNIloKutkcmufd_FEAnmbdnWwNGP7Oz51wgM58-68rWrB4AUM0F76vsf1B9uv0/s640/SAM_0302.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15, NARS blushes in Douceur and Deep Throat, NARS Sheer Glow foundation in Siberia, Topshop blush in Head Over Heels, Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser (normal/combo skin) </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOu3OiIqg63Y7qge-fohXe2K5jmnnwxFJh9O5Qn4bJWtRJfoEmgwTyldELe4N1SK8nnqXUov75aFlRFHD04Xc0xiHptgqndkyCbBsWQbvMxCAXXX2V5lXBylcCkud3OYP_i_O7B4u6u9RG/s1600/SAM_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOu3OiIqg63Y7qge-fohXe2K5jmnnwxFJh9O5Qn4bJWtRJfoEmgwTyldELe4N1SK8nnqXUov75aFlRFHD04Xc0xiHptgqndkyCbBsWQbvMxCAXXX2V5lXBylcCkud3OYP_i_O7B4u6u9RG/s640/SAM_0305.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: NARS Douceur, NARS Deep Throat, Topshop Head Over Heels</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6BhgTyUpj4FK4biUCJ8lLkVJUNpWO-q8KUAyFzlWDGQcJLFySRHstaOsw2oL63eK8rLyzUm-pLCN97LTjYprSNUGYiQA3jdfzmX5Ci77fP1WJXHsOLZfpQ5vNiMKfSh6ij2bpHidqp74/s1600/SAM_0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6BhgTyUpj4FK4biUCJ8lLkVJUNpWO-q8KUAyFzlWDGQcJLFySRHstaOsw2oL63eK8rLyzUm-pLCN97LTjYprSNUGYiQA3jdfzmX5Ci77fP1WJXHsOLZfpQ5vNiMKfSh6ij2bpHidqp74/s640/SAM_0312.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top to bottom: NARS Douceur, NARS Deep Throat, Topshop Head Over Heels (OMG IT'S OUTSIDE)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>First up, <b>NARS</b>. Having seen various bloggers of the pale persuasion wear <b>Douceur</b> with aplomb, I was keen to try it out. I'd previously overlooked it at counters in favour of a few more eye-catching shades, since it is pretty unremarkable in the pan (i.e. at first glance it's a boring matte rosy brown, which also looks dull swatched above), but recently fancied a neutral blush to balance my collection, which is impractically heavy on loud pinks and the like. So I trotted along to Selfridges after classes one day, and ended up buying it. I now wear it nearly every day, with any colour lipstick or eyeshadow, for a perfectly neutral, natural cheek, without fuss or shimmer. Brightens up and defines the face, without being overbearing. Bold claim: if I only had one blush, ever, it would probably be this one, for sheer versatility and wearability. (Maybe.)<br />
<br />
Frankly, the raved-about <b>Deep Throat</b> pales in comparison as far as I'm concerned. I've hardly worn it since buying it for about £15 on <a href="http://buyapowa.com/" target="_blank">Buyapowa</a> over a month ago. It's a pretty, shimmery peachy pink, and I'm sure I'll wear it more in the summer, but I'm not overly enthused about it to be honest. At least I got it cheap!<br />
<br />
The other new blush in my stable(?) is <b>Topshop</b>'s cream blush offering in <b>Head Over Heels</b>. Not quite sure why I bought this - I was in the Oxford Circus Topshop to look at the lipsticks (I can't be the only person who shrinks in fear from the prospect of buying clothes in that shop, it's basically a rugby scrum), and came away with this too. I do love my Topshop cream blushes, so I suppose my collector's mentality came out (especially because it's only £6). Confession: I haven't worn it yet. Oops. But it is very pretty, and I love the formula.<br />
<br />
A sideline: why the heck have Topshop discontinued all the colours in this formula except Head Over Heels, Neon Rose & Flush? They're all squarely in the bright peach/coral family, and the testers sitting side by side are verrrry similar. The neutral one, Nutmeg, is my favourite! And there are now no cooler tones/pinks in the line at all. Bizarre. Sort it out, Topshop. (I do love your amazing lipsticks though - a story for another day.)<br />
<br />
I also picked up <b>NARS Sheer Glow in Siberia</b> from <a href="http://www.camiloveskiwi.com/" target="_blank">Cami's</a> blogsale. I had hesitated to buy this full price (about £30), but couldn't resist it when a bargain popped up! So far, I'm on the fence about this. It's pale, all right - a smidge yellow for me, but light enough for this not to matter too much when blended. However, it accentuates dry/flaky patches I hadn't even noticed before! I don't own any other foundations which do this, so was a bit surprised, especially as it's aimed at people with drier skin (I have normal/combo). It went on slightly better when I slathered on moisturiser beforehand the second time round, but I'm a bit unimpressed so far, having heard so many people praise this so highly! Still, I shall persevere. And the paleness makes me happy.<br />
<br />
The <b>Murad Oil-Control Mattifier</b> was a spur-of-the-moment online purchase after seeing it recommended on <a href="http://www.beautyandmakeupboudoir.co.uk/2012/02/my-top-5-products-for-keeping-oily-skin.html" target="_blank">the Beauty Boudoir</a>. It was available (relatively) cheaply on <a href="http://www.lookfantastic.com/murad-blemish-control-set-2-products/10575248.html" target="_blank">Look Fantastic</a>, and as a fairly shiny person I thought I'd give it a try. So far I've mainly used it in the evenings, since in the daytime I tend to use my SPF 50 Alpha-H moisturiser, especially now it's actually sunny. It acts like a primer, leaving a smooth surface for foundation etc, and it definitely reduces shine. It's looking good so far!<br />
<br />
Finally, I also threw in my pot of <b>Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser</b> (normal/combo skin one) - I've had this for a pretty long time and never ever used it, but when Sheer Glow started going all flaky and worrying I whipped this out of my drawer and gave it a go. I wouldn't really use it on my T-zone, especially my chin as it's pretty damn oily (ick), but on cheeks etc it's good stuff - fairly non-greasy and easily absorbed. Will definitely be using this more from now on!<br />
<br />
And now got to dash, since my deadline is ticking ever nearer (oh lordy). Next up: lip things, feat. Topshop and Revlon.<br />
<br />
Till next time,<br />
<br />
Josephine x<br />
<br />
PS. Bonus picture of animals frolicking in the sun...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQRRMb_9DT-9kWzhjiyPiH_nXhOuCXiw3-P43D444iiKSJ_JMghUQx5OgXbIJusosL1DK8Zm4k_sCaLqb6SLunJiOEGzQhrSeJtA53W9Ko7utSBbtPtSLWwwwqGk5CBhYst0eTKretwi9/s1600/SAM_0310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQRRMb_9DT-9kWzhjiyPiH_nXhOuCXiw3-P43D444iiKSJ_JMghUQx5OgXbIJusosL1DK8Zm4k_sCaLqb6SLunJiOEGzQhrSeJtA53W9Ko7utSBbtPtSLWwwwqGk5CBhYst0eTKretwi9/s640/SAM_0310.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Bertie and Dennis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Josephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-1159395402682079942012-03-13T13:24:00.002+00:002012-03-13T15:12:51.920+00:00Brush-Free Makeup for the HungoverWe've all been there: you've woken up after a night out, feeling less-than-ideal, and need to look presentable (i.e. less shit) as soon as possible. Without the benefit of good lighting, an enormous stash of products, or indeed any brushes (in the likely event that you've stayed over at a friend's/boyfriend's house and therefore don't have any brushes, or just can't be bothered with the whole brush thing).<br />
<br />
This is how I would do it...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>STEP ONE: FACE</b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1w3V-A-Fp7UvHHGTDdbgI_fzXXwGfsumLRI_GMuTpAplX8RjdfwtQOvo429rde6AorpqGbnHp13wM7vCZNqRIqQMpTsMMFt_0cq1tdrQIBBe5k1B3BC1uto-yBC6_XqM4zKDaRrlecenS/s1600/SAM_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1w3V-A-Fp7UvHHGTDdbgI_fzXXwGfsumLRI_GMuTpAplX8RjdfwtQOvo429rde6AorpqGbnHp13wM7vCZNqRIqQMpTsMMFt_0cq1tdrQIBBe5k1B3BC1uto-yBC6_XqM4zKDaRrlecenS/s640/SAM_0279.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>L-R: 17 BB Makeup, Collection 2000 Concealer, Topshop Blush in Flush</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b> </b>I'd go for some kind of foundation type stuff you can slap on with your fingers, to even out the inevitable blotchy/dull bits. My current choice is <b>17 Blemish Balm All-in-One Magic Makeup</b> in Light - because if you ever need magic makeup, it's when you're feeling/looking distinctly worse for wear.<b> </b>Surprisingly, this is pale enough even for me, partly because it's light coverage and easy to blend. Winner. I think <b>Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum</b> would also work well here.<br />
<br />
Stick on some concealer where required. Like the rest of the world, I favour the <b>Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer</b>, in Fair. (Irrelevant observation: I think they've now dropped the crazy futuristic "2000" part of their moniker, leaving the bizarrely abstract and meaningless "Collection". Fair enough.)<br />
<br />
Blush is pretty much essential to avoid looking like the undead if you're very pale like me. Cream blushes are the way forward in these situations. I'd choose <b>Topshop Cream Blush in Flush</b> (or Nutmeg, the neutral colour). And it has a mirror - handy.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>STEP TWO: EYES</b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOJLBTAqW_f-57i0uc-YljReRKFXFZ9Fhq-jiuU_TFNH2q7HT4Kh7QnnWjVNS50A8ycm7lnbwKzQq6KOy-upbYz_VLjEujV3fQJCN0z1x40e-BoADa-IQ-c84-4j5NWPmEkdw4OzK9rI_/s1600/SAM_0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOJLBTAqW_f-57i0uc-YljReRKFXFZ9Fhq-jiuU_TFNH2q7HT4Kh7QnnWjVNS50A8ycm7lnbwKzQq6KOy-upbYz_VLjEujV3fQJCN0z1x40e-BoADa-IQ-c84-4j5NWPmEkdw4OzK9rI_/s640/SAM_0282.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>L-R: MAC Bare Study, Rimmel mascara, Topshop white kohl</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>First up, neutral-coloured sparkly stuff will help. <b>MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study</b> is ideal. Smear this liberally all over the lid with your finger, possibly on the browbone too if you're keen. Dab some on the inner corners too, as this will distract from how knackered you look.<br />
<b> </b><br />
Next, mascara. If you suffer from dark circles, maybe skip the lower lashes. I'm using <b>Rimmel Lash Accelerator in Extreme Black</b> (now with even more black!).<br />
<br />
Desperate times, desperate measures - white kohl. On the waterline. You might look a little crazy, but this is probably better than the bloodhound effect. (If you have a tasteful flesh-coloured pencil liner, go with that. I only have <b>Topshop Kohl in Frost</b>, a glaring matte white. Keeping it classy.)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>STEP THREE: LIPS</b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhdWZludvVnWZqYAOK9Kz3Y595gQoiCgOuA_9M49ZQT7g6iDTVNjcrZYJ1zUg8A3cPEgQEFdmiT7JxgTsYOKB5nc6q4GUoZ7ijSIh-NikxLhnoMzr9Hr6IjxRiWxpar4ZW267rvxJQZGn/s1600/SAM_0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhdWZludvVnWZqYAOK9Kz3Y595gQoiCgOuA_9M49ZQT7g6iDTVNjcrZYJ1zUg8A3cPEgQEFdmiT7JxgTsYOKB5nc6q4GUoZ7ijSIh-NikxLhnoMzr9Hr6IjxRiWxpar4ZW267rvxJQZGn/s640/SAM_0289.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>L-R: Revlon Lip Butter in Sugar Plum, 17 Mirror Shine Lipstick in Belle; front: Lanolips</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b> </b>Your most basic option here is a heavy-duty lip balm, for the predictable dehydrated lips - <b>Lanolips 101 Ointment</b> is my top choice. (Must investigate the tinted versions some time.)<br />
<br />
A bit of colour may well be your friend here, however. I'd go for something glossy and easy to apply, like a <b>Revlon Lip Butter</b> (I like <b>Sugar Plum</b>), or <b>17 Mirror Shine Lipstick</b> in a neutral colour - when I went to look at these I wanted the super-popular Beehive, like the sheep that I am, but it was way too pale, too peachy, and too much like MAC Hue for my taste, so I went for the darker, more wearable pink <b>Belle</b>, which is lovely.<br />
<br />
At this point you're pretty much done. Congratulations, you look more like a normal person now! However, if you have a few extra minutes, how about some optional extras? <br />
<b> </b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>STEP FOUR: FINISHING TOUCHES </b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1idA6DKr1_3x4c5s58zoyu1j433pUFGAYdyDIeTXJHKg83R1QeCr4H_brpDBz3KCEstwIsnMo06MFGMRNLDILO9czHKMg7wkekRoxSPGqAVrBjFGtUnAIXtegkWt2FKGse0BgMpQEjtW4/s1600/SAM_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1idA6DKr1_3x4c5s58zoyu1j433pUFGAYdyDIeTXJHKg83R1QeCr4H_brpDBz3KCEstwIsnMo06MFGMRNLDILO9czHKMg7wkekRoxSPGqAVrBjFGtUnAIXtegkWt2FKGse0BgMpQEjtW4/s640/SAM_0297.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Clockwise from top: No. 7 pressed powder. Stella McCartney Stella, Jemma Kidd highlighter</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now is the time to fake a youthful, healthy glow with a cream highlighter. In a pinch, you could dab <b>MAC Bare Study</b> or other pale cream eyeshadow of your choice along your cheekbones (gotta love a multi-tasking product, though subtle this ain't). If I was feeling fancy, I'd go for the ludicrously-named yet foolproof <b>Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Creme in Iced Gold</b> - the "All Over" bit really is outstandingly redundant, though I suppose you could smear this all over your face if you wanted. Added bonus: a really big mirror to do your makeup in (though I have been known to do mine using the mirror in the Topshop blushes).<br />
<br />
Grab some pressed powder if you're prone to shininess, and dust over your T-zone. I use <b>No. 7 Perfect Light Pressed Powder in Translucent</b>.<br />
<br />
Finally, spritz some perfume - this will give the illusion of being more rested/groomed/clean than you actually are. The only bottle I have small enough to bother packing in an overnight bag is <b>Stella McCartney Stella EDP</b> (have they stopped doing the printed bottles now?? I'm sad about this), which fortunately happens to be a lovely fresh floral scent, perfect for spring.<br />
<br />
<b>TA-DAH! </b>You are now ready to stumble out into the bright, noisy world in search of a very large coffee. Good luck! <br />
<br />
Till next time,<br />
<br />
Josephine xJosephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-64993908327244511042012-03-08T15:35:00.002+00:002012-03-08T15:42:27.868+00:00U-taupe-ia?Yeah, I went there. (I'm pretty sure I'm not the first and I won't be the last - just felt compelled to do it!)<br />
<br />
Taupe is a pretty magical colour. As far as I'm concerned, a taupe is somewhere along the spectrum between grey and brown. (A great blogger who is particularly passionate about taupe is Elvira of <a href="http://www.pinksith.com/search/label/taupe" target="_blank">The Pink Sith</a>, who has an awe-inspiring collection!) I gravitate towards the greyer taupes, since I'm so cool-toned (as I may have mentioned an obnoxious number of times in my previous post, apologies!), but since lots of "true" greys turn blue/silver on the skin when blended, or are too dark and harsh for daytime, taupes are some of my staple daily shadows. This may be deviating from the "taupe" brief somewhat, but I also class purple-toned greys in the same general category of "wearable every neutral-ish colours", so I've included them here.<br />
<br />
This post was prompted by my acquisition of the <b>Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 Hour Eyeshadow in Tough As Taupe</b>, from <a href="http://acestacebeauty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Stacey's</a> blogsale. Having heard lots about these on various blogs, I was v. excited to be able to try them in the flesh, so to speak. (I also picked up Audacious Asphalt and Bold Gold, of which more another time.) I don't know if these are going to launch in the UK at all, but they're basically a version of cream potted shadows, in the same vein as MAC Paint Pots/Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadows. Here's hoping they do make an appearance on these shores, as my impressions are pretty good so far!<br />
<br />
Here are all the taupes I pulled from my collection: <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEFFA194dMh92pg0iJof6J3R4uvUjTjqoDTZSfHWSv5UpGGa67ltgEU3IbGhl93azyulxgESePCZidwLhlNgmUlI23ici73xSwOy-ytuQS30NoMQdf2QysePRuDOE8y-qQJoqfS8caG9K/s1600/SAM_0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEFFA194dMh92pg0iJof6J3R4uvUjTjqoDTZSfHWSv5UpGGa67ltgEU3IbGhl93azyulxgESePCZidwLhlNgmUlI23ici73xSwOy-ytuQS30NoMQdf2QysePRuDOE8y-qQJoqfS8caG9K/s640/SAM_0258.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Top row, L-R: NARS Lhasa, Ruby & Millie Beige 840P, Chanel Illusoire. <br />
<br />
Middle row, L-R: Maybelline Tough as Taupe, Benefit Skinny Jeans, Illamasqua Hollow. <br />
<br />
Bottom row, L-R: MAC Morning Frost, MAC Copperplate, MAC Satin Taupe.</b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Here are swatches of what I think of as the purple-toned taupes:<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpVkxI21cYEngyXG81-lNvpVpD7ZQyTZnRV3qPvJps5TWZ2TGMmLYkTnBgM4uWRZ8x30Xab0Kv3meOmyvzqbXAhAtMMGjvopKguH7xoOAV_yjcqjC-YRA0WIdNBpqPMjQNV6NDFVO-mP9/s1600/SAM_0270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpVkxI21cYEngyXG81-lNvpVpD7ZQyTZnRV3qPvJps5TWZ2TGMmLYkTnBgM4uWRZ8x30Xab0Kv3meOmyvzqbXAhAtMMGjvopKguH7xoOAV_yjcqjC-YRA0WIdNBpqPMjQNV6NDFVO-mP9/s640/SAM_0270.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Top to bottom: NARS Lhasa, Ruby & Millie Beige 840P, Chanel Illusoire, MAC Satin Taupe</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I've raved about <b>NARS Lhasa</b> before, so I won't add much here, except to say this is the perfect colour for a daytime slightly smoky eye. It doesn't photograph brilliantly (not helped by the fact I'm not a brilliant photographer), but in person it's more purple, with a subtle shimmer/sheen. Gorgeous.<br />
<br />
I think <b>Ruby & Millie Beige 840P</b> (I absolutely hate brands with numbered shades!) might be discontinued - I don't think Boots stocks the range any more, at least. But if you can get hold of this, I highly recommend it! Amazing buttery formula, incredibly pigmented (much more so than Lhasa). Basically a cooler version of Satin Taupe, as you can see from the swatches.<br />
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<b>Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Illusoire<i>.</i></b> These did the blog rounds last year sometime, and I just <i>had</i> to get this colour (especially with money off on the Debenhams website). A shimmery (almost glittery, really) purple-grey? Yes please. I don't plan on picking up any other shades, but this bizarre sponge/gel hybrid formula is brilliant - buildable, blendable, long-lasting.<br />
<br />
<b>MAC Satin Taupe</b> must be one of their most famous eyeshadows. It's a good frost, pretty pigmented and shimmery rather than glittery. This is a plummy cool brown - looks great in the crease with Phloof! or Vex on the lid. I'm definitely glad I bought into the hype on this one! <br />
<br />
And the rest: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEM8q3uMTeCVDk3SPicbnbsynsbBSd4X1x6DuexXlhcthoi2UIXIp9u1CWFf3Wmo7VtNxIpxhI9J42UxMluc2sp9rwSKYxwJwY2Q7Fz9q7lhgEeGKfDVrIjb-B_qphN5dgMwj86x6AbUU/s1600/SAM_0274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEM8q3uMTeCVDk3SPicbnbsynsbBSd4X1x6DuexXlhcthoi2UIXIp9u1CWFf3Wmo7VtNxIpxhI9J42UxMluc2sp9rwSKYxwJwY2Q7Fz9q7lhgEeGKfDVrIjb-B_qphN5dgMwj86x6AbUU/s640/SAM_0274.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Top to bottom: Maybelline Tough as Taupe, Benefit Skinny Jeans, Illamasqua Hollow, MAC Morning Frost, MAC Copperplate.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Tough as Taupe</b> is a grey-brown elephant-coloured taupe, quite dark - basically a cream version of Copperplate, one of my favourite MAC shadows. It's very pigmented, and applies well, but I did find it creased after about four hours' wear, so next time I'd wear this with a primer underneath. Very pleased with this!<br />
<br />
<b>Benefit Skinny Jeans Creaseless Cream Shadow</b> is a bit different, more like a grey-green. I rarely wear this, but now I've swatched it, it's going in my everyday makeup bag! The formula is a bit drier and harder than the Maybelline shadow or the MAC Paint Pots, but it's very pigmented, applies smoothly and blends out well.<br />
<br />
A multi-purpose product always appeals to me, so <b>Illamasqua Hollow Cream Pigment</b>, a cool-toned brown, is a bit of a winner - I use it on the eyes for a neutral matte wash, or on the cheeks for a subtle contour. Quite a dry stiff formula, but long-lasting and easy to apply with fingers.<br />
<br />
I'm being a bit cheeky here by including two colours that aren't in the stores - <b>MAC Morning Frost</b> came out in a winter collection last year (hence the white lid). This is the perfect easy everyday neutral to slap on with your fingers for those early morning starts: a shimmery cool brown, light enough to use all over the lid, and you can get away without a primer.<br />
<br />
<b>MAC Copperplate</b> is a staple for me. A cross between grey and brown, it's a matte squared (why are there not more of these?), so applies smoothly and is incredibly pigmented and blendable. It's a touch too dark for my brows in daytime, so I use MAC Coquette, but this is a really versatile shade for a light wash over the lid, or deepening the crease. To be honest, this is about as brown a shadow as I can comfortably wear!<br />
<br />
So there you have it, my range of taupes! These are definitely some of my favourite shadows - where some people love warm browns, I love these!<br />
<br />
Till next time,<br />
<br />
Josephine x<br />
<br />
PS. I finished my coursework, hurrah! It was a close-run thing, but I did it. Phew. Sadly the next deadline is 8th April, but I'm not thinking about that just yet...Hope you're all enjoying the sunshine today!Josephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-78404606514044271232012-03-05T15:15:00.002+00:002012-03-05T18:28:07.155+00:00Rate or Slate #1: MAC Eyeshadow EditionHaving lighted upon an appropriate rhyming pair of words, I give you my version of the up/down, hot/not, in/out feature. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>RATE: MAC VEX</b></span></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAin0n_VxsfuIkOOBLyjuPnvpJADtxpfvRR7zj2sGS2n1bJMzZ_nMAFBPvUS_agnEm6vZUPb7Rei9_RUQR06gqZ-be-nM2ldIA6BvtaCwC_5Im9eu-l9C_Je3O-ft6ymGt1HtHL0LBnaUf/s1600/SAM_0240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAin0n_VxsfuIkOOBLyjuPnvpJADtxpfvRR7zj2sGS2n1bJMzZ_nMAFBPvUS_agnEm6vZUPb7Rei9_RUQR06gqZ-be-nM2ldIA6BvtaCwC_5Im9eu-l9C_Je3O-ft6ymGt1HtHL0LBnaUf/s640/SAM_0240.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Out with the old, in with the new - MAC Vex</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>This might just be my all-time favourite MAC eyeshadow - and I own thirty-one in total. It's certainly the first eyeshadow I ever finished.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsPoRLhfESWdtIZDA90nIMQ65FN3mZqnhdKAkIcKotCrpFmDxn3xbYRb49wYVfBP1G7CfWTS6jLMBD4QqhLwwrKWDT1rX8R70gPUViaIbWSTouWudHBQcFSY5Nz1Rga2sOn4kSIhupx-z/s1600/SAM_0243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsPoRLhfESWdtIZDA90nIMQ65FN3mZqnhdKAkIcKotCrpFmDxn3xbYRb49wYVfBP1G7CfWTS6jLMBD4QqhLwwrKWDT1rX8R70gPUViaIbWSTouWudHBQcFSY5Nz1Rga2sOn4kSIhupx-z/s640/SAM_0243.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Questionable swatch photo ahoy!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>This is one of the good frosts - applies smoothly, without chunky glitter, just shimmer. MAC describes this as "<span id="shade-description-swatchcards">beige with pink-green pearl" - I agree about the duochrome pearl effect, but I see more silver/grey than beige. (Maybe a very cool-toned beige.) </span><br />
<br />
<span id="shade-description-swatchcards">This is the perfect all-over lid colour for me, either to wear on its own or with a grey/purple (such as MAC Blackberry or Satin Taupe, or NARS Lhasa) in the crease.</span><span id="shade-description-swatchcards"> I 100% recommend that you give this a swatch next time you're at a MAC counter/store, if you're in the market for a wearable yet unique everyday lid/highlight colour.</span><span id="shade-description-swatchcards"> I am very pinky-pale, with blue/grey eyes, so I definitely favour cool-toned eyeshadows, and this is the best neutral I've found so far! </span><br />
<br />
<span id="shade-description-swatchcards">Which brings me neatly (kind of) on to...</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span id="shade-description-swatchcards"><b>SLATE: MAC ALL THAT GLITTERS & WOODWINKED</b></span></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WgliTbk2nMxZp7m82yqkAVoNpS5XWa1t_mOob9-WOx0Z44Cu2imtFrp2qGQ8NpZDOhq4s38znai_yydw4gCPdYWZNs8PXEvIkGAwDLxyzhSBXxQBBnv9sbcy0KlbaOcDL5BWTWh-RXm3/s1600/SAM_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WgliTbk2nMxZp7m82yqkAVoNpS5XWa1t_mOob9-WOx0Z44Cu2imtFrp2qGQ8NpZDOhq4s38znai_yydw4gCPdYWZNs8PXEvIkGAwDLxyzhSBXxQBBnv9sbcy0KlbaOcDL5BWTWh-RXm3/s640/SAM_0244.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>L-R: All That Glitters, Woodwinked</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>These are truly awful on me. As in, they're orange. Now, I know orange-toned eyeshadows are supposed to flatter blue eyes, but who cares if your eyes look bluer if you look distinctly ill/exhausted, with red eyes and grey skin? Bluer eyes be damned!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKQlO5t6YninEH9j08OtHtxW93941A98lcMgvTqjIzhpt76K79LYLNFyDd67M8-UT8eZkmxgB0UnZY4d8zMPq-lZKVi-oYYMVNz0Y2iH8bMl5vtsOVMwltVCbrS61rKRpz0HcAURcG4Ig/s1600/SAM_0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKQlO5t6YninEH9j08OtHtxW93941A98lcMgvTqjIzhpt76K79LYLNFyDd67M8-UT8eZkmxgB0UnZY4d8zMPq-lZKVi-oYYMVNz0Y2iH8bMl5vtsOVMwltVCbrS61rKRpz0HcAURcG4Ig/s640/SAM_0247.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Top: All That Glitters; bottom: Woodwinked</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>These are both veluxe pearls, so they're super pigmented and smooth. And, in their own right, they're gorgeous colours, which look great on lots of people - just not generally people with my colouring, I imagine.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiperwGXGjsVB2N7z19aIqVsm3hmshYk5QNSenAQ9QvDmbFPA7cWOmNnB01PThH7Eb7fSK-3ZVMGibZNj2uC8QR4VBegNxGLg-BeMp9tj7f9RuIxZsezB5y7kb2I-pl_SdebqzecLdW_rs_/s1600/SAM_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiperwGXGjsVB2N7z19aIqVsm3hmshYk5QNSenAQ9QvDmbFPA7cWOmNnB01PThH7Eb7fSK-3ZVMGibZNj2uC8QR4VBegNxGLg-BeMp9tj7f9RuIxZsezB5y7kb2I-pl_SdebqzecLdW_rs_/s640/SAM_0255.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Top: All That Glitters; bottom: Woodwinked</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>These blended-out swatches really show the orange tones, particularly in Woodwinked. The change is actually quite dramatic, from the warm gold of the first swatch, to the fairly strident orange below. <br />
<br />
Anyway, <b>All That Glitters</b> is a warm peach which is verrry popular - but on me it's not only too warm, it's too dark to use as a lid colour really. I have tried to wear this a few times in the past, especially since it's such a nice formula, but without much success. I will probably give this another whirl in summer, with peachy blush and some (gasp) bronzer, but it's not my favourite look by a long shot, and I'd always reach for something else in preference to be honest.<br />
<br />
<b>Woodwinked </b><i>can </i>look OK, if not particularly flattering, for a dramatic summer evening eye, if I use a primer (usually Too Faced Shadow Insurance), lots of black liner and mascara, and try not to blend it out too much so it doesn't turn lurid orange. But frankly there's never really a time when I can be bothered to use a product which works against my skin-tone so radically.<br />
<br />
I would <i>never </i>repurchase either of these - not that I'll ever use them up. God knows why the sales girls encouraged me to buy these, rather than more suitable cooler-toned colours. These were among the first MAC shadows I ever bought, mainly on the strength of the enormous amount of blogger hype - so many girls listed these two among their favourite colours, that I just had to have them! Sad but true.<br />
<br />
As always, these are just my personal opinions based on my experience with the shades mentioned. All That Glitters and Woodwinked suit a lot of people, but they absolutely don't work on my super-pale, cool-toned skin, which is such a shame!<br />
<br />
Hopefully this will become a regular feature, since it encourages me to pick two or three products rather than ramble on endlessly about 20 in one post!<br />
<br />
Till next time,<br />
<br />
Josephine x<br />
<br />
PS. It's so very wrong, but I am intermittently tempted by colours like Bronze and Antiqued, even though I know they'd look awful on me in the manner of Woodwinked. Curse you, MAC!Josephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-24790003343165718242012-03-05T10:27:00.003+00:002012-03-05T11:40:54.684+00:00Current PreoccupationsI have a pretty addictive personality. This can be good - I usually throw myself into things and get very enthusiastic about them. It can also be bad - everything in moderation, etc. Here is a choice selection of what's been preoccupying me over the last week!<br />
<br />
<b>SONG: </b><a href="http://open.spotify.com/track/6H1Rv4gWCDclpLeWdoxZnv" target="_blank">"Don't Unplug Me"</a>, by ALL CAPS. This came out in 2010 but I've recently rediscovered it, and am <i>obsessed</i>. Previous obsessions (according to last.fm, which I only signed up to last January sadly - think of all that music being listened to unrecorded, so to speak) are <a href="http://open.spotify.com/track/70ipgnIIeFPtZhNna5mvLM" target="_blank">"Pop the Glock"</a> by Uffie, and "<a href="http://open.spotify.com/track/7Eac0xPiBW49M3jVgJ4Rz9" target="_blank">Beat Control"</a> by Tilly and the Wall. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/ck-z4-B8_5k/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ck-z4-B8_5k&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ck-z4-B8_5k&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><br />
<b>ALBUM:</b> Still Foe's <a href="http://open.spotify.com/album/4wOVuWOT355RWyhQca5Hgv" target="_blank">Bad Dream Hotline</a>. Brilliant stuff - every track is worth a listen (or five - I actually had to buy the CD, thanks to Spotify's incredibly irritating five-plays-and-you're-out rule. I miss the old days).<br />
<br />
<b>BOOK:</b> M.R. James's ghost stories (available cheaply from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ghost-Stories-Wordsworth-Mystery-Supernatural/dp/1840225513/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330708555&sr=1-3" target="_blank">Amazon</a>). I never read actual horror fiction (i.e. anything gory), since it just doesn't appeal to me, but these are chilling little gems: mannered, yes, but brilliantly effective.<br />
<br />
<b>FOOD:</b> Salted chocolate (specifically <a href="http://www.lindt.com/uk/swf/eng/products/excellence/smooth-milk/milk-sea-salt/" target="_blank">the Lindt kind</a>). I've also been making occasional batches of plain vanilla biscuits (courtesy of Nigella Lawson's must-own <i>The Domestic Goddess</i>). Also jelly - the kind where you snip up the cubes with scissors and make it yourself, obv. Nostalgia in a wibbly-wobbly spoonful. Strawberry or raspberry are the best flavours. And jelly should <i>not</i> have bits of fruit in it, since that just ruins its bizarre translucent glory. (Only possible exception: really good trifle on a summer's day.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/2753518" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img height="480" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/2753518/tumblr_l4imnpkkG21qatbalo1_500_large.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Not my jelly </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>YOUTUBER:</b> Kathy from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/jsutkissmyfrog/videos" target="_blank">JustKissMyFrog</a>. (It was actually her <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK6IhCBw6dU" target="_blank">February Outfits</a> video that reminded me of the addictive ALL CAPS song mentioned above, which makes her awesome already.) If you aren't already subscribed to her, I highly suggest you do so now! I absolutely love the eclectic (had to use that word) mix of videos she makes, which are hilarious, personal and insightful, usually all at the same time.<br />
<br />
<b>WEARING: </b>Grey everything - jumpers, skirts, cardigans. My style at the moment is basically school uniform chic (and the "chic" part is questionable). From the ages of 11 to 16 I wore a black watch tartan kilt to school every day, and I now own three kilts in different tartans which I've found in charity shops and shortened to above the knee, to be worn with red or black roll neck jumpers. (Red is pretty much the only colour I wear at the moment.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/18198434" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img height="640" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/18198434/6_large.jpg" width="467" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dream jumpers</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>NAILS: </b>Nothing! This is pretty revolutionary for me, since I wore nail varnish pretty much constantly since I left school (where we weren't allowed to wear it). I felt my nails deserved a bit of a break, since they weren't in great shape, so I haven't had nail varnish on since New Year. The downside of this is that my huge nail varnish collection (featuring Barry M and Models Own heavily) is sitting unused at the bottom of my wardrobe!<br />
<br />
So, there you have a sprinkling of the things I'm enjoying at the moment. No makeup! I will be starting a hot or not, up or down style feature, which <i>will</i> be about makeup (of course), when I next take a break from the world's dullest coursework essay.<br />
<br />
Till next time,<br />
<br />
Josephine x<br />
<br />
PS. Random photos are from <a href="http://weheartit.com/" target="_blank">weheartit.com</a>.Josephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-81752367995016521592012-03-02T16:32:00.002+00:002012-03-02T17:44:10.961+00:00On Red Lipstick - Rockalily InstalmentDespite all the well-deserved publicity (I won't say "hype", since I have negative associations with that term!) surrounding this brand in the beauty blogging world, I wasn't aware of it till very recently. If you read a lot of beauty blogs I'm sure you've come across <a href="http://rockalily.com/" target="_blank"><b>Rockalily</b></a>, run by the gorgeous and inspiring <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/ReeReeRockette" target="_blank"">ReeRee Rockette</a>, so I won't add too much about the brand here - I'll just say that, if you enjoy wearing red lipstick and you don't own one by Rockalily yet, you're missing out big-time!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdtXr3CKQiNgyNE12A1uJuhyphenhyphenopQCuXNTRCCLTE69_3wc4kUJv1p56jpza-jT39WycVYVL7iuSHx0AGXys-AaYJ7xX879m7CQv6V0yR1gF3HHlWXXKPjBIUNQ0jHLpqYtsm5SZWY94HRKb/s1600/SAM_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdtXr3CKQiNgyNE12A1uJuhyphenhyphenopQCuXNTRCCLTE69_3wc4kUJv1p56jpza-jT39WycVYVL7iuSHx0AGXys-AaYJ7xX879m7CQv6V0yR1gF3HHlWXXKPjBIUNQ0jHLpqYtsm5SZWY94HRKb/s640/SAM_0190.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>L-R: Rockette Red, Roulette Red</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>A glance at my <a href="http://pinterest.com/legallipstick/beauty/" target="_blank">Beauty board on Pinterest</a> (and, indeed, the fact I'm doing a red lipstick series at all - I'm subtle like that) will reveal that I like red lips. I'm very pale, with light blue/grey/indecisive eyes and very dark hair, so I love the dramatic effect of a bright, blue-based red lipstick on me. I'm also a bit of a sucker for all things retro - this is a horrendously generalised catch-all term, I know, so if I were to be a bit more specific I'd plump for the eternally flattering fifties style, particularly dear to my heart because it embraces The Waist and shuns my particular sartorial nightmare, the low-waisted skinny jean (possibly the least flattering item of clothing known to womankind). And we all know how those fifties housewives worked a red lip, repression be damned.<br />
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However, I had yet to find a red lipstick which wore comfortably while lasting all day, meaning I generally sported red lips on a one-evening-only basis. So when I eventually came across so many rave reviews by bloggers about Rockalily lipsticks, I had to try one!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTh0nIqku_c161sbH2u4HULmxIYhyphenhyphenZLhYiSgCp7W016EqumJe2jOjpo1ppmgMsguTjqQoCSyacT2wBShDJmpSBqaBklOSuTiioqfSddLhVDPCmziNcFARPV64C6ziFAVECVES5eV0QUNIF/s1600/SAM_0235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTh0nIqku_c161sbH2u4HULmxIYhyphenhyphenZLhYiSgCp7W016EqumJe2jOjpo1ppmgMsguTjqQoCSyacT2wBShDJmpSBqaBklOSuTiioqfSddLhVDPCmziNcFARPV64C6ziFAVECVES5eV0QUNIF/s640/SAM_0235.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Top: Rockette Red; bottom: Roulette Red; background: laptop (vintage)</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>My first pick was <b>Rockette Red</b>. It's a blue-based bright red - a flattering, classic shade. But the formula is what really impressed me. It's pretty matte, which is my preferred finish for bold lip colours, but more importantly it has none of the issues which bedevil so many matte shades: it goes on very smoothly, and isn't at all drying, hurrah! I found it to be very pigmented, with amazing lasting power, even without lipliner (I went with my usual MAC Cherry, which matched fine). The first time I wore this, I went through cups of tea, biscuits, and dinner, and my lipstick was still going strong, with only minimal touching up required after a few hours. This stuff is genius, and makes wearing red lipstick as effortless as it can be!<br />
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As you can see, one lipstick quickly turned into two: I soon had to (you know how it is) get <b>Roulette Red</b>, Rockette Red's slightly darker sister. Same flattering blue tone and outstanding matte formula, but the colour is a touch deeper. You probably don't need both, but when a lipstick works this well, hey, why not? (To see these on the lips, I refer you to the many glowing reviews by various bloggers <a href="http://www.rockalily.com/reviews" target="_blank">collated on the Rockalily website</a>.)<br />
<br />
These lipsticks are priced at £14 each, which is by no means cheap - however, bear in mind it's only 50p more than MAC, and the formula is SO much better than some of MAC's mattes (I'm looking at you, Ruby Woo, and not just because you rhyme pleasingly). I think delivery is around £2.50, and I found it to be super speedy. All in all, highly recommended! <br />
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Oh yes, and they smell lovely. I rest my case.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">Till next time,<br />
<br />
Josephine x<br />
<br />
PS. If this isn't enough red lipstick for you, there's more where that came from: choice selections from <a href="http://likeslawloveslipstick.blogspot.com/2012/02/on-red-lipsticks-revlon-instalment.html" target="_blank">Revlon</a> and <a href="http://likeslawloveslipstick.blogspot.com/2012/02/on-red-lipstick-mac-instalment.html" target="_blank">MAC</a>. </div>Josephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-90034789790860546192012-02-23T12:54:00.005+00:002012-02-23T14:20:15.728+00:00Today's Makeup BagSo, I decided it was time to clear out my makeup bag and throw in a few products I haven't used in a while/put away colours I'm not wearing at the moment. And I took some photos.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjVGG4DA56biQS1RZyYEJSFnJMImz20KMOM1DmUkMLXP0aCJ-0XxMhjfC7XMAfrnTivzmMITuSB0NvxJjMkyQJNqkDeV8u61UN7ImPXV93A8sr_df1cU5QqF-rQUgJTtexp8ouXxuaDeD/s1600/SAM_0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjVGG4DA56biQS1RZyYEJSFnJMImz20KMOM1DmUkMLXP0aCJ-0XxMhjfC7XMAfrnTivzmMITuSB0NvxJjMkyQJNqkDeV8u61UN7ImPXV93A8sr_df1cU5QqF-rQUgJTtexp8ouXxuaDeD/s640/SAM_0207.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I'm always shocked by how MUCH this looks all laid out like that! I split it up into eyes/face/lips, so it's a bit less intimidating!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>EYE PRODUCTS</b> </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OrqdfSmQrcW3AT3uW5H4QJeMNfKPre4GH3VjqdSf6ZuGvqiONzlGKcRhiUkmZi8hGjlcc4Cco9qxKx5uuf_JDCrc0Q7-50wbKle8wR6YDrhuFPmNjl8npqhOxaGiMI7W9CZGndEcqSql/s1600/SAM_0209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OrqdfSmQrcW3AT3uW5H4QJeMNfKPre4GH3VjqdSf6ZuGvqiONzlGKcRhiUkmZi8hGjlcc4Cco9qxKx5uuf_JDCrc0Q7-50wbKle8wR6YDrhuFPmNjl8npqhOxaGiMI7W9CZGndEcqSql/s640/SAM_0209.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Nothing that revolutionary here, with lots of the same old favourites making an appearance.<br />
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In the <b>MAC eyeshadow quad</b> I have (clockwise from top left) <b>Vex</b>, <b>Dazzlelight</b>, <b>Patina</b>, and <b>Satin Taupe</b>. I want to finish up these pans of Vex and Dazzlelight as they're now a bit of a pain to apply, and Satin Taupe and Patina deserve a bit more love than they currently get in my 15-pan palette. The lone eyeshadow pan is <b>Coquette</b>, my eyebrow colour, and the NARS shadow top right is (surprise!) <b>Lhasa</b>.<br />
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I've owned this <b>MAC Paint in Bare Canvas</b> (in the metal tube packaging, below the quad) for a while now, having randomly ordered it after I sent back a dried-out jar of Painterly Paint Pot. It's not a product that's talked about a lot on blogs/Youtube, and I was curious to try it out - however the ointment-style packaging, while cute, is a bit of a nuisance. My current tube of <b>Too Faced Shadow Insurance</b> is on its last legs, so I'm trying out Bare Canvas as an alternative eye primer.<br />
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The <b>Bourjois</b> pot eyeshadow bottom left is in shade 90 <b>Blanc Diaphane</b> - I've had this for an unhygienic length of time, but it's just so useful for popping a white highlight in the inner corners (and yes, I do use the crappy sponge applicator!). <br />
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Mascaras: I'm still enjoying <b>Benefit's They're Real!</b>, but after my Revlon Grow Luscious dried out, I felt I needed another, more "casual" mascara which isn't so hard to remove at night. I picked up <b>Rimmel Lash Accelerator in Extreme Black</b>, having previously loved the regular black version, and so far I'm pretty happy with this - a much smaller brush than the Revlon version, which makes it easier to get at the corner lashes. I may be saving They're Real for evening use in future!<br />
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Liner-wise, I'm using my trusty <b>L'Oreal Super Liner in Carbon Gloss</b> for when I fancy winged liner, and have thrown in <b>Topshop Kohl in Saddle<i> </i></b>(shimmery dark brown) for a change, since I never usually wear pencil liner. I also have a rather battered <b>Mac Eye Pencil in Ebony</b>, which is a more or less permanent fixture in my makeup bag - these days I mostly use it on the waterline of an evening. Finally, I'm experimenting with <b>Topshop Kohl in Frost</b> (matte white) as an inner corner highlight and on the lower waterline - white looks pretty stark, of course, but until I get round to acquiring MAC's pale flesh-toned Chromagraphic Pencil, this will do for those especially exhausted mornings!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>FACE PRODUCTS</b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZUksHlpc7EQ6yT4miXYz2wDxci5A0kKseKYT9z7TZoVzp81w4VAmnP22H_0I9TY8qSkqx6of0uLAwjNENJKjDdWaKNybZOQNFcGPKbK_s4ugxo5Wsjfzfcs7SFYFo7CpvurWd_JoVj_r/s1600/SAM_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZUksHlpc7EQ6yT4miXYz2wDxci5A0kKseKYT9z7TZoVzp81w4VAmnP22H_0I9TY8qSkqx6of0uLAwjNENJKjDdWaKNybZOQNFcGPKbK_s4ugxo5Wsjfzfcs7SFYFo7CpvurWd_JoVj_r/s640/SAM_0217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>L-R, top to bottom: No. 7 Perfect Light Loose Powder in 05 Translucent; Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in 51 Light Vanilla; Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Hollow; Jemma Kidd <span style="font-size: small;">Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Creme in Iced Gold; NARS blush in Desire; Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in 1 Fair.</span></b></div><b><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The only new product here is the <b>Jemma Kidd</b> creme highlighter, which I bought after hearing rave reviews from other bloggers, particularly <a href="http://viviannadoesmakeup.com/" target="_blank">Anna</a>! So far I only own powder and liquid highlighters (such as MAC Lightscapade and Benefit High Beam), and I love the simplicity of creme products which you can apply with your fingers. This was pretty expensive - £17 I think - but no more so than MAC! It's a gorgeous product, which can be blended out to a subtle glowy sheen, or applied more heavily for a more intense white-gold highlight.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I chose <b>NARS Desire</b> as my blush of the moment - we got off on the wrong foot, since I was more taken with Sin, but I feel it's time to acquaint ourselves. After spending that much on a blush I'm damned if it's going to languish in my makeup drawers unused! Report to follow.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The other products are fairly standard, and I think I've mentioned most of them before, and/or lots of other bloggers have! I do like the <b>Illamasqua Cream Pigment</b> as an eye base, but at the moment I'm using it as a contour shade, with varying degrees of success.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>LIP PRODUCTS</b></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pcaI9fpjdYIl4cRCINTMZO9SB_rBY8ioZNq-xrOUh_AEJfRZuk8pi5ZzUT_2YqfdRzPxaFNoJcn90uoOEGVyWCqT4xVetAMk49xuYzUfCwpSNMZIseigj_LZs7MQxnDzaXM2PVc4pbXa/s1600/SAM_0218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pcaI9fpjdYIl4cRCINTMZO9SB_rBY8ioZNq-xrOUh_AEJfRZuk8pi5ZzUT_2YqfdRzPxaFNoJcn90uoOEGVyWCqT4xVetAMk49xuYzUfCwpSNMZIseigj_LZs7MQxnDzaXM2PVc4pbXa/s640/SAM_0218.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>L-R: Neutrogena lip balm SPF 20, MAC Hue, Revlon Lip Butter in Sugar Plum, and (front) Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in 063 Eastend Snob</b></span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b>This basic <b>Neutrogena lip balm</b> lives in my makeup bag all the time - I prefer the <b>Lanolips 101 Ointment</b>, which resides in my handbag, but that doesn't have SPF. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">[<i>Warning: rant ahead!</i>] Ah, <b>MAC Hue</b>. This is a glaze finish lipstick which I'm sure many of you have heard of/own. It's one of the most talked about lipsticks MAC make, so when I first started buying MAC products, I ordered this online after watching girls on Youtube rave about it as the most wearable nude. Thankfully I passed on Creme d'Nude and Myth, realising even in my naive state that these would be a disaster on me. However, so many beauty bloggers rated Hue in their top handful of MAC lipstick colours, or as their favourite lipstick ever, that I didn't question my <i>need </i>for it. I probably would have bought it even if I'd swatched it in a shop, to be honest, since it's a non-offensive-looking sheer peachy pink when swatched. On my lips, however, it's just - horrible. Why?</span><br />
<ol><li><span style="font-size: small;">(Oh yeah, I'm listing.) It's lighter than my lips. Quite a bit lighter, in fact. Since I am very fair, the combo of pale pink skin and pale pinky lipstick is - not good. It's also a touch too orange for my taste/skintone.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">If I were ever to want the nude lip/smokey eye look (which is so gorgeous in my head/on other people!), I'd need a lipstick which was opaque/pigmented enough to cover my natural lip colour. This is not it. I find it applies not only sheer but also uneven and streaky. Nice.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">It doesn't last. This isn't surprising given the glaze finish, but it wears badly, gathering in lines and generally making a nuisance of itself.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">OK I'll stop now. Sorry. As ever, this is just my personal opinion - I've certainly seen many a blogger/Youtuber look gorgeous wearing this shade! But I certainly wouldn't recommend it to anyone with my colouring (pale, pink-toned skin) and taste in lipstick colours (namely, my natural lip shade or darker).</span></li>
</ol>So that's my beef with Hue. Like an ex-boyfriend of a similar name, it's good on paper, not so great in real life. (I couldn't resist it.) Having spent £13 odd on this lipstick, though, I'm gonna wear the damn thing. At least you have to reapply often, which gives me a chance of finishing it up!<br />
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And finally, my latest lip product acquisition, courtesy of <a href="http://acestacebeauty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Stacey</a>, is the <b>Revlon Lip Butter in Sugar Plum</b>. This is AMAZING. I love the two other shades I picked up (Raspberry Pie in particular, a stunning deep pink, and Peach Parfait), but this is the most wearable everyday "my lips but a LOT better" colour.<br />
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I've got to say, for my purposes/tastes at least, the Revlon Lip Butters are beating Hue hands down. (They remind me of MAC's lustre finish, which I do like; in particular, Sugar Plum is comparable to <b>MAC Plumful</b>.) Pigmented, glossy, not at all drying - all that, and they wear surprisingly well! I get a few hours' wear out of these, and they seem to fade pretty evenly. There are loads of blog posts and Youtube videos on these Lip Butters (such as <a href="http://www.amarixe.com/2011/11/revlon-lip-butters-swatches-review.html" target="_blank">Allison's</a> post, which features a swatch of Sugar Plum), which apparently launch in the UK in mid-March, so I'll stop rambling here - but I will definitely be picking up more shades!<br />
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Till next time,<br />
<br />
Josephine x<br />
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PS. This is the bag all this fits into! It's a purple leather <b>James Lakeland</b> bag which I got for about £10 in TK Maxx. I love that shop!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnE-7ScH2e-wAwcuGj1Lxw8hpSidw2Jrw3s7qxA-M9CXDFAIA5j21onimFDFBQG6rN4GfAfph7vled56Ha22pgx-JFP8J_OadcaIC1-aIMnV8PsMDFAtmaz6BaBSRYS68vlfx84MPax3p_/s1600/SAM_0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnE-7ScH2e-wAwcuGj1Lxw8hpSidw2Jrw3s7qxA-M9CXDFAIA5j21onimFDFBQG6rN4GfAfph7vled56Ha22pgx-JFP8J_OadcaIC1-aIMnV8PsMDFAtmaz6BaBSRYS68vlfx84MPax3p_/s640/SAM_0223.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxrPGA-IovTNF60JHEF6bQqUNq6Qg_lrVFp5tWATmDf6LSqjHeu-GMv3ml87jC1hUms2mJaYL3AxVnC21dpNKC3jDWAKiemiASzbF42tr4Tr6LLSvqs7ebX9ynHHmLprRr9SZgG0WHtGi/s1600/SAM_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxrPGA-IovTNF60JHEF6bQqUNq6Qg_lrVFp5tWATmDf6LSqjHeu-GMv3ml87jC1hUms2mJaYL3AxVnC21dpNKC3jDWAKiemiASzbF42tr4Tr6LLSvqs7ebX9ynHHmLprRr9SZgG0WHtGi/s640/SAM_0227.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><center>(Mascara tube for scale in otherwise featureless table landscape.)</center>Josephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-6407484743722046352012-02-21T09:57:00.002+00:002012-02-21T10:06:40.987+00:00On Red Lipstick - Revlon Instalment<b>Revlon </b>are my favourite high street brand for lip products. (And this was <i>before</i> some of their amazing new <b>Lip Butters</b> came into my possession, via the lovely <a href="http://acestacebeauty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Stacey</a>.) I even own and enjoy (occasionally) a few of their lipglosses in the Super Lustrous formula, of one-time Lilac Pastelle fame; and I generally hate lipglosses. I especially like their range of matte shades, though sadly it looks like several of these have been discontinued (why, Revlon, why?? <b>Strawberry Suede</b> was my favourite!).<br />
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Without further ado, here are the reds I own:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9ABDSO4LwMCEBrg-F2RSr9KjH_zJTFalmrTV1_0_24HkF1A10fLtfpkvJYt1SHsIMs2avlZiEcP8JX-LL_Mqp21Z3UWJG3KY2Q-K6TwK5x7fqblgfH9EOWzrpQoAyNv6NVyPU2UgNt03/s1600/SAM_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9ABDSO4LwMCEBrg-F2RSr9KjH_zJTFalmrTV1_0_24HkF1A10fLtfpkvJYt1SHsIMs2avlZiEcP8JX-LL_Mqp21Z3UWJG3KY2Q-K6TwK5x7fqblgfH9EOWzrpQoAyNv6NVyPU2UgNt03/s640/SAM_0189.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>L-R: Revlon Red, Really Red, Fire & Ice</b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAf58v4UJau_7bX4VXcsUn2gZntEwR690BbzyWhAQmqVwnrklXLluRtlQDMmgO8lG-38UMLp-e5I7qPVWglgn_juWt72aoOHvVXbejos3_BcEXfv23Q9vBdW_RFbjSTVbrbZB6nxLFTNOC/s1600/SAM_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAf58v4UJau_7bX4VXcsUn2gZntEwR690BbzyWhAQmqVwnrklXLluRtlQDMmgO8lG-38UMLp-e5I7qPVWglgn_juWt72aoOHvVXbejos3_BcEXfv23Q9vBdW_RFbjSTVbrbZB6nxLFTNOC/s640/SAM_0200.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Top to bottom: Revlon Red, Really Red, Fire & Ice</b></div><br />
<b> Revlon Red</b> is a Super Lustrous lipstick. It's a blue-based red, with a finish similar to a MAC Amplified Creme - very pigmented, with a sheen finish, and wears well on the lips.<br />
<br />
<b>Really Red<i> </i></b>is a matte, and still listed as available on the (shocking) <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Revlon-Matte-Lipstick_870980/" target="_blank">Boots website</a>. The finish is comparable to one of the better MAC mattes - longwearing and not too drying. It's a browner, more winey red, but still very wearable. <br />
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Swatching these made me wonder why I don't wear <b>Fire & Ice</b> more often! It's really bright, neutral red, leaning slightly warm (a tad brighter than Revlon Red). It's another Super Lustrous shade. You've probably seen the revamped ad campaign featuring Jessica Biel (of course, I prefer the original image!). I think there's a matching nail polish, which I don't own.<br />
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<center><img src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2010/11/10/t-magazine/10silva-revlon/10silva-revlon-tmagArticle.jpg" /></center><br />
<br />
These are £7.49, and often on special offers in Boots/Superdrug, so definitely worth looking into, especially if you don't fancy shelling out for MAC. I should wear these more often!<br />
<br />
Till next time,<br />
<br />
Josephine xJosephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-78756534170644533312012-02-21T09:24:00.001+00:002012-02-21T09:29:02.746+00:00On Red Lipstick - MAC InstalmentLipstick may well be my favourite makeup item (OK, so I love a good blush too). It’s such a grown-up, sophisticated product, which can totally transform your face – or switch up the shade or finish, and it can be completely girly/loud/crazy/you name it. <br />
<br />
I didn’t really wear lipstick at all until fairly recently. Shocking. At school, like every other girl, I wore lipgloss (Lancome Juicy Tubes were my weapon of choice). Then I had a few rosy-pink Estee Lauder lipsticks which were passed on to me by my mother, the queen of the everyday bright pink lip, who never wears a neutral – her current favourite is the classic <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Revlon Cherries in the Snow</b>, which I also own and love (and which will feature in the bright pink series shortly!). <br />
<br />
I thought about doing a post on my lipstick collection, but swiftly realised this would be intolerably epic, because I have so darn many. Rather than dividing them up just by brand (which would be ridiculously MAC-heavy, I’ll be honest), I decided colour groups was the way to go. And, in the spirit of my rediscovered love of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mad Men</i>, what better place to start than <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">RED</b>. This will be a series of posts on what I would class as classic, bright reds. Starting with:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>MAC</b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnel_jOmGVwL9IJO47uvOnkpazBDGBupCeLQFAk4SPXApvMtlJEVhTKMjSbD_M3vyG7hUgOnbkhp5Irjm086os_SL-hyZeaOArCMIvUeYaRJQzLqb3SuuyWy5NFs5YZY2Nbr8Wep7YPwHT/s1600/SAM_0182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnel_jOmGVwL9IJO47uvOnkpazBDGBupCeLQFAk4SPXApvMtlJEVhTKMjSbD_M3vyG7hUgOnbkhp5Irjm086os_SL-hyZeaOArCMIvUeYaRJQzLqb3SuuyWy5NFs5YZY2Nbr8Wep7YPwHT/s640/SAM_0182.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>L-R: Ruby Woo, Russian Red; Cherry lipliner</b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPbUI3Rk2mpbY-8Qo4BysB3pPU4R6RLb0GdoBt2EfrU7OnOWWHAlZd81s9k-XWwRJr7B_nZJ1NVvDB4PyvUapwQ0Hy9VteEyWHkfxrU6arRKp2KItY92mb8YWX1AKl2-bRfsFQs67sHZQ/s1600/SAM_0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPbUI3Rk2mpbY-8Qo4BysB3pPU4R6RLb0GdoBt2EfrU7OnOWWHAlZd81s9k-XWwRJr7B_nZJ1NVvDB4PyvUapwQ0Hy9VteEyWHkfxrU6arRKp2KItY92mb8YWX1AKl2-bRfsFQs67sHZQ/s640/SAM_0185.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Top to bottom: Ruby Woo, Russian Red, Cherry</b></div><br />
<b>Ruby Woo</b> was my <i>first ever </i>MAC lipstick purchase. Momentous stuff. I was heavily influenced by a glamorous American friend on my course, who wore Russian Red to class, had rockabilly bangs, and always looked amazing. So we went to the MAC counter in Debenhams one afternoon, where I picked up Ruby Woo and Cherry lipliner (ah, the classic MAC girls and their sulky hard sell). Despite it being the driest lipstick known to humanity - so dry it actually skids on the lips! - I loved the shade and the matte finish (and even the bizarre vanilla-esque scent) so much I wore it to every formal event for a term. It even bears the scars of being dropped under the table in hall after too much wine. I can't say I wear this often now, but it's a gorgeous blue-based bright red if you don't have issues with drying lipsticks.<br />
<br />
After my love affair with Ruby Woo, it was inevitable I would purchase <b>Russian Red</b> at some point. It's another classic red, a bit more neutral in tone I'd say, and a tad deeper in colour. It's also a matte finish, but the formula is much, much easier to wear, which was a major factor in picking this up. Out of these two, I would probably choose Russian Red for the better texture (more forgiving on the lips and easier to apply being two particular advantages), but I do love the bright blue red of Ruby Woo!<br />
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<b>Cherry</b> is a good all-round bright red lipliner, which I'd wear with pretty much any bright red lipstick. I find it quite dry, which makes it a bit laborious to apply (especially in winter when it's cold!), but I suppose this means it lasts longer on the lips.<br />
<br />
I don't think I'll be acquiring any more reds from MAC, if only because I have <i>more </i>than enough choice as it is. If there was a bright red in the Amplified Creme finish, which I love, I'd probably have to get it (full disclosure: I have <b>Dubonnet</b> and <b>Dark Side</b> - more of which later). So far I've steered clear of the other popular matte reds such as <b>Lady Danger</b>, because I'm cautious about wearing orange-toned reds - while I'm not shy about bold lips (for some reason I own an actual orange lipstick), the warmer reds clash with my skintone and certainly don't whiten teeth!<br />
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I'm going to post this as it is rather than tagging on all the other brands, to stop it becoming hugely long! Suffice it to say I have Revlon, Rockalily, Chanel, NARS, and Estee Lauder coming up next (oh the suspense!).<br />
<br />
Till next time,<br />
<br />
Josephine x<br />
<b></b>Josephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-48639199027652546012012-02-13T11:32:00.005+00:002012-02-13T12:15:23.357+00:00Twenty QuestionsSo, while taking a break from the endless revision/coursework treadmill, I thought I'd do this personal questions tag which has been floating around Youtube/blogs for a while.<br />
<br />
<b>1. Things you cannot leave the house without?</b><br />
Aside from the obvious (keys/phone/wallet) - lip balm (Lanolips!), hairbrush, a good book (you never know when you'll get stuck somewhere waiting for a train, and pretend texting can only get you so far!).<br />
<br />
<b>2. Favourite brand of makeup?</b><br />
My collection probably features MAC most heavily - I also have a new-found love for NARS (see previous post!). On the high street, I like Revlon for lip products, Topshop for their cream blushes and kohl pencils, and Barry M/Models Own for nail varnish.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/20229983" target="_blank"><img src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/20229983/212161832415137412_Nw92EUEF_c_large.jpg" /></a><br />
<b>Yeah, I own too many of these.</b></center><br />
<br />
<b>3. Favourite flower?</b><br />
In spring you can't go wrong with a good daffodil. Also lily of the valley, bluebells, honeysuckle, roses. Generally, if it doesn't smell nice, I'm not interested.<br />
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<center><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/9032651" target="_blank"><img src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/9032651/teapotvase2_large.jpg" /></a><br />
<b>Hipster daffodils</b></center><br />
<br />
<b>4. Favourite clothing store?</b><br />
Without a doubt, TK Maxx. I now resent paying full price in normal shops! I also go through phases of charity/vintage shopping. I don't remember the last time I bought clothes from regular high street shops!<br />
<br />
<b>5. Favourite perfume?</b><br />
Thierry Mugler Angel or Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb. I also wear Stella McCartney Stella a lot.<br />
<br />
<b>6. Heels or flats?</b><br />
In the daytime, always flat boots; in the evenings, always heels.<br />
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<b>7. Do you make good grades?</b><br />
I'm currently in my fifth year of higher education. I heart learning (but I can't wait to start my real job next September and stop being a student!).<br />
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<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/4437413"><img src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/4437413/tumblr_l9oftaHnhC1qcqq7jo1_400_large.png" /></a><br />
<b>We can only hope so.</b></center><br />
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<b>8. Favourite colours?</b><br />
Black, white, red, grey. These are pretty much the only colours I ever wear. I also love purple.<br />
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<b>9. Do you drink energy drinks?</b><br />
When I was at university I drank quite a lot of Red Bull (the sugar-free kind), both with vodka and in the library late at night. Not good. I have to admit I also drank Blue Bolt, the Sainbury's budget version, in a pinch, and that stuff is pretty noxious.<br />
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<center><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/12102170" target="_blank"><img src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/12102170/tumblr_loi0gsyDg11qfji2jo1_500_large.jpg" /></a><br />
<b>The view in the library</b></center><br />
<br />
<b>10. Do you drink juice?</b><br />
Not really, but if I'm cooking a proper fry-up for breakfast (usually when hungover), I'll have orange juice. Has to be bitty, or there's no point! (Similar to my theory on peanut butter - go crunchy or go home.)<br />
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<b>11. Do you like swimming?</b><br />
When I was younger I used to swim a lot, but now I only ever swim on holiday. And I love swimming in the sea, even the freezing British sea!<br />
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<b>12. Do you eat chips with a fork?</b><br />
Since I only ever eat chips when I've had a few drinks - no.<br />
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<center><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/20839793" target="_blank"><img src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/20839793/tumblr_lu9zhlkt3C1r4oqz4o1_500_large.jpg" /></a><br />
<b>Cue photo of chips, with ketchup. I also like mayonnaise more than I should.</b></center><br />
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<b>13. Favourite moisturiser?</b><br />
Anything with SPF in it. Usually the Alpha-H SPF 50 one.<br />
<br />
<b>14. Do you want to get married later on in life?</b><br />
In theory, yes. <br />
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<b>15. Do you get mad easily?</b><br />
Not really, I'm quite easy-going in that respect.<br />
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<b>16. Are you into ghost hunting?</b><br />
Bizarre question - no. Is anyone?<br />
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<b>17. Any phobias?</b><br />
Don't think so (how boring!).<br />
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<b>18. Do you bite your nails?</b><br />
No. I do bite the skin round them when I'm stressed, which is really not a good habit! <br />
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<b>19. Have you ever had a near death experience?</b><br />
Thankfully, no.<br />
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<b>20. Do you drink coffee?</b><br />
Is the Pope Catholic?? (Yes, a thousand times yes. Coffee is the lifeblood of the student. But never, ever Starbucks.)<br />
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<center><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/21663986" target="_blank"><img src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/21663986/tumblr_ly9oucoIxR1qkd2bvo1_500_large.jpg" /></a><br />
<b>This is actually tea. I like tea too.</b></center><br />
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And finally, a random photo of Dennis doing his thing, having a nap on Ford Madox Ford:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8CovSARPZ-h3HoloowbBfnXHiXBoXiYb5MTN2LLN7SIbyboquEVP7uuLJh0rOeTXWJP5W9yIBpLWA4Pg6AtFQgs7B5OTZpXKp9O1rXmMokfXd9gjFWQjLPalX_GZOigNQLh1Pb7KWxjr/s1600/SAM_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8CovSARPZ-h3HoloowbBfnXHiXBoXiYb5MTN2LLN7SIbyboquEVP7uuLJh0rOeTXWJP5W9yIBpLWA4Pg6AtFQgs7B5OTZpXKp9O1rXmMokfXd9gjFWQjLPalX_GZOigNQLh1Pb7KWxjr/s640/SAM_0146.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Till next time,<br />
<br />
Josephine x<br />
<br />
PS. Random pictures are from <a href="http://weheartit.com/" target="_blank">weheartit.com</a>.Josephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-43944427218435964222012-02-11T16:15:00.009+00:002012-02-12T12:45:57.776+00:00My NARS CollectionI hesitated to use the word "collection" in the title, since I only have seven products from NARS (I know, "only"), and I'm determined not to let this spiral to a ludicrous number (see: my issue with MAC lipsticks and eyeshadows). I have my eye on a few more shades of blush - namely Mata Hari, Douceur, and Deep Throat - and perhaps the Sheer Glow foundation (in Siberia, naturally), but that's about it.<br />
<br />
So here are the products I've accumulated thus far:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhMU8p5R5aoSTiQGuQVirYXAQdlNnjVZ84QJ-eyyhQOL1gmouW-cDNJoQ_rR_ZjjDlaKCgpKub7wBdbIf5IUEGkATI3m6Q7KvwrSumCee_FcDyLkU7gO_ueK6dCbDXdMi8fWm2EXlRfYG/s1600/SAM_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhMU8p5R5aoSTiQGuQVirYXAQdlNnjVZ84QJ-eyyhQOL1gmouW-cDNJoQ_rR_ZjjDlaKCgpKub7wBdbIf5IUEGkATI3m6Q7KvwrSumCee_FcDyLkU7gO_ueK6dCbDXdMi8fWm2EXlRfYG/s640/SAM_0153.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Two blushers, a single eyeshadow, a lipstick, and three Pure Matte lipsticks. And what shades did I plump for, I hear you cry?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXvsgTKnPp23UH7i6ALO8jO190lAq3A43diEQDo-T5UP__RstcH_N6GuzfQ8Fq-UQLYH2CPzBDGy04sGHo5bkFmB9goRopB6KCGxgHylarHM8lX0T2kf5eRdCQLJgIFH9AZiDcVC2u9eP/s1600/SAM_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXvsgTKnPp23UH7i6ALO8jO190lAq3A43diEQDo-T5UP__RstcH_N6GuzfQ8Fq-UQLYH2CPzBDGy04sGHo5bkFmB9goRopB6KCGxgHylarHM8lX0T2kf5eRdCQLJgIFH9AZiDcVC2u9eP/s640/SAM_0156.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Desire (L) and Sin (R) blushes; Lhasa single eyeshadow</b></div><br />
<b>Sin</b> has already featured in my <a href="http://likeslawloveslipstick.blogspot.com/2012/01/everyday-face-of-moment.html" target="_blank">"everyday face" post</a>, and it's still the resident blush in my daily makeup bag. It's a gorgeous shimmery plum colour, with a smooth buttery formula, which looks surprisingly natural on my pale pink skintone - especially lovely for cold weather. <br />
<br />
<b>Desire</b> is a straight-up matte pink, leaning on the cool side. It has good colour pay-off, though it's not as smooth as Sin when swatched (probably due to the matte formula). I can't say I've used this anywhere near as much as Sin so far; I do love a good dolly-pink cheek, which this delivers when applied with a light hand, but I'm not in love yet. I shall persevere! I also managed to resist buying the new <b>Gaiety</b> blush from the Spring collection, after swatching it and finding it was just a cooler, less pigmented version of Desire. Sad face. Fingers crossed NARS isn't heading down the MAC "selling you the same colour three times over" road...<br />
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But that's not to say the Spring collection didn't have its redeeming features. Far from it, since it features my new favourite eyeshadow, <b>Lhasa</b>. I knew as soon as I saw the promo pictures online that I HAD to have this. Lavender grey? YES. (This is a situation for capitals, shouty and obnoxious though they are, trust me.) I haven't been seriously tempted by any eyeshadows from the brand before, as all the neutrals looked a bit warm for my taste/face. But this is a stunning heathery/misty grey (which clearly brings out the lame poet in me), just perfect for a subtle smoky daytime eye. It is also destined to be partnered with <b>MAC Vex</b>, which is possibly my all-time favourite MAC shadow. Success. <br />
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[<b>Edit:</b> Sabrina at <i>The Beauty Look Book</i> has <a href="http://www.thebeautylookbook.com/2012/02/nars-413-blkr-and-lhasa-single.html" target="_blank">a lovely post</a> with swatches of Lhasa and other NARS shadows, including <a href="http://www.narscosmetics.co.uk/the-latest/413-blkr-collection" target="_blank">the new 413 BLKR eyeshadow</a> which looks suspiciously similar. Why, NARS, why??]<br />
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And look, I did swatches! Crappy crappy swatches, but still. Taken in daylight, no flash.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2gCB12wCHxb93cIOK_aq9U8h_FntzCJ2j-yP-IrANt4N-Sih427_Zz5_FfOshXIjfliDy9ZTew8BRw4ohFCKmdhC2WqQ0cv5l6tstOBoUoHFn5c5d6iB3pjR219q3w846PB84-GJJZOf/s1600/SAM_0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2gCB12wCHxb93cIOK_aq9U8h_FntzCJ2j-yP-IrANt4N-Sih427_Zz5_FfOshXIjfliDy9ZTew8BRw4ohFCKmdhC2WqQ0cv5l6tstOBoUoHFn5c5d6iB3pjR219q3w846PB84-GJJZOf/s640/SAM_0159.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Top to bottom: Lhasa, Sin, Desire</b></div><br />
<b> </b>Sin isn't looking particularly inspiring here, particularly because the shimmer doesn't translate well onto my freakish giant hand (and it isn't this brown in person, more cool plum), but it's definitely worth a look next time you're at a NARS counter.<br />
<br />
And now for the lipsticks:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWk5Qvooj9-gexqoBY0NHFn5j4dtylHW74fxEGYG_3n_xY89o9SHEhjHSYey8YW6hwbfq7vohWLLGmQHI7BjxdNSfLMmGSs2yT3WjkCHnVqMVIpLpK0N-G80FVUaA40G9rYHwlkE_WzUeG/s1600/SAM_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWk5Qvooj9-gexqoBY0NHFn5j4dtylHW74fxEGYG_3n_xY89o9SHEhjHSYey8YW6hwbfq7vohWLLGmQHI7BjxdNSfLMmGSs2yT3WjkCHnVqMVIpLpK0N-G80FVUaA40G9rYHwlkE_WzUeG/s640/SAM_0162.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>L-R: Schiap, Carthage, Valparaiso, Vesuvio</b></div><br />
And on my luminously white arm (these are literally one swipe each, that's how pigmented they are): <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZ2YeUkdCWfVKsWIHCAmoj762iVYeAXWT6vjHqmkujueKEDhIPvZR8OAEPWY-GxDxHfnadgjUh_vbxGShP6urN8aqNHa-FpTFDx_1VzcM8Wzl3ZOYRrezY_9raerQ8Wpe58zsDajAGnmm/s1600/SAM_0173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZ2YeUkdCWfVKsWIHCAmoj762iVYeAXWT6vjHqmkujueKEDhIPvZR8OAEPWY-GxDxHfnadgjUh_vbxGShP6urN8aqNHa-FpTFDx_1VzcM8Wzl3ZOYRrezY_9raerQ8Wpe58zsDajAGnmm/s640/SAM_0173.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Top to bottom: Vesuvio, Valparaiso, Carthage, Schiap</b></div><br />
<b>Schiap</b> was my first ever NARS purchase, which I bought in Selfridges after an assessment day last summer. Hot, sticky, and knackered, I made a beeline to Oxford Street as soon as the last hideous business analysis exercise was over, and bought the brightest damn lipstick I could find. Hot pink lip products are my weakness (okay, one of my weaknesses!). This is a fabulous example of my particular favourite, the matte blue-pink lipstick.<br />
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<b>Carthage</b> is a recent acquisition from <a href="http://www.ladyofthelane.com/" target="_blank">Charlie's blogsale</a>. I'd been eyeing it up for a while, but couldn't justify it full price given its similarity to Schiap - then when I came across it in a blogsale I couldn't resist! It's a slightly warmer, lighter pink than Schiap, perfect for summer. And of course it's in the truly excellent Pure Matte formula, which swipes on in seconds, is completely matte, and wears for an age - what more could you need? <br />
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<b>Valparaiso</b> also comes from the Spring collection, though why they thought this gorgeous, dramatic purple-berry shade was appropriate for spring I do not know. But I love it for the wintry weather we're having at the moment. The sales guy tried to entice me to buy a matching lipgloss, blasphemy! I would never sully its matte perfection with a tacky gloss.<br />
<br />
And finally, <b>Vesuvio</b> - because much as I love pink lipsticks, you can't go wrong with a classic neutral bright red. You can see I'm not a big fan of subtle lip colours, let alone the dreaded nude lip - which looks great on some people, but makes me look absolutely terrible. (That's not to say I didn't purchase a few paler lipsticks, like the raved-about Hue and Creme Cup, during the first flush of my MAC addiction, but they now sit completely unloved in my makeup drawers, oops!)<br />
<br />
So, if you enjoy bold matte lip colours, I highly recommend the Pure Matte line - and there are some pretty-looking more natural shades as well, if that's more your bag. However, I've got to say my recent lipstick acquisitions have somewhat cast these into the shade (shocking, I know!). Yes, I am the proud owner of three(!) <b><a href="http://www.rockalily.com/" target="_blank">Rockalily</a></b> lipsticks, which I've been wearing nonstop since I got them. Definitely a blog post in the making!<br />
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Till next time,<br />
<br />
Josephine xJosephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-18653685331166600362012-02-09T09:58:00.002+00:002012-02-11T14:18:47.335+00:00UpdateJust a quick post (while in the midst of EU law coursework and revision, the joy) to say that I haven't abandoned this fledgling blog - I have several posts planned, but am sadly time-poor at the moment! I have, however, acquired a few beauty bits and pieces over the last few weeks, including a smattering of the gorgeous <b>NARS</b> Spring collection (<b>Valparaiso Pure Matte lipstick</b> and the divine <b>Lhasa eyeshadow</b>), and my first <b><a href="http://www.rockalily.com/">Rockalily</a> lipstick</b>! I also picked up a few things in <a href="http://www.ladyofthelane.com/">Charlie's</a> recent blogsale: <b>NARS Carthage Pure Matte lipstick</b>, which I'd had my eye on for a while, and the infamous <b>MAC Stereo Rose MSF</b> (just couldn't resist - what can I say, I'm a sucker for the hype!). <br />
<br />
I've also been dreaming about moving to LONDON (finally). I currently live at home in Kent, and am commuting to law school in London - it's only half an hour on the train, but it makes all the difference! Living at home after four years away at university has been a bit of an adjustment, and to be honest I can't wait to move out again. Hopefully by the beginning of September!<br />
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<br />
<center><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/22734132"><img src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/22734132/bf63af856e9558a9780ef2769d7bd13c_large.jpg" /></a><br />
<i>Gratuitous shot of London looking pretty</i></center><br />
I've also been tweeting a LOT (sorry) about the recent <a href="http://www.blogger.com/unilad.com/">UniLad</a> controversy. Here's <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-16852406">the BBC's coverage</a>, and there's a lot more out there (including some excellent blog posts) - if you have a strong stomach, <a href="http://uniladmagevidence.tumblr.com/">this Tumblr</a>, compiled by the amazing <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/LorrieHearts">LorrieHearts</a>, demonstrates how violent and misogynist (as well as homophobic) much of the content was. Feel free to <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/legallipstick">tweet me</a> if you're interested to know more. <br />
<br />
Depressing stuff, apologies! But it's really made me think how important the things we say on the internet can be, and how much of an impact they can have in real life. I'm sure lots of you have already seen it, but I highly recommend the recent BBC Panorama on online bullying and the horrific consequences it can have on vulnerable young people in particular - not very pleasant viewing, but valuable I think.<br />
<br />
And finally, an album I've been loving: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bad-Dream-Hotline-Foe/dp/B006J9I6MK/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1328609235&sr=1-1"><i>Bad Dream Hotline</i> by FOE</a>. I even bought it on CD recently, after Spotify's "five listens and you're done" rule kicked in (dammit).<br />
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<br />
<center><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61OBlQ7k4wL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></center><br />
<br />
Coming up: a post on my rapidly expanding NARS "collection", I think!<br />
<br />
Till next time,<br />
<br />
Josephine xJosephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-11692640504484418502012-01-27T14:55:00.005+00:002012-02-12T12:12:25.006+00:00My Perfume CollectionI am definitely not one of those people who's happy to have one perfume on the go until they finish the bottle (because how boring and sensible would that be?). I love the idea of a "signature scent" by which people can recognise you even in the dark (handy!), but I also love mixing it up perfume-wise. Living at home at the moment means I get to use my mother's perfumes as well, so I've included the ones we share in this post. Usual disclaimer about my general incompetence when it comes to describing perfumes - this is something I'd really love to learn more about! I will pop links to some wonderful perfume blogs I've come across below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUocRp3M9pyO2lkDmKjjf6EDNT3LIiDizGa4boCAzRwqIiJsy8LVV1hquUzQ1Z_i7zu8kvcoyaDnSxkElVfkhj9ulpM8A8qaPhDQwmEu9w9Y6CcvTfrf797tGMKm68SDj4RJzViyiCkjKl/s1600/SAM_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUocRp3M9pyO2lkDmKjjf6EDNT3LIiDizGa4boCAzRwqIiJsy8LVV1hquUzQ1Z_i7zu8kvcoyaDnSxkElVfkhj9ulpM8A8qaPhDQwmEu9w9Y6CcvTfrf797tGMKm68SDj4RJzViyiCkjKl/s640/SAM_0133.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><center><b>L-R: Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Lilia Bella EDT, Calvin Klein Eternity EDP, Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb EDP, Stella McCartney Stella EDP, <br />
and (front) Thierry Mugler Angel EDP</b></center><br />
<br />
<b>Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Lilia Bella EDT:</b> First off, I should point out that this is apparently discontinued. Boo. For those interested in Guerlain's Aqua Allegoria line, <a href="http://perfumeshrine.blogspot.com/2011/04/guerlain-aqua-allegoria-fragrances.html" target="_blank">the Perfume Shrine</a> has an excellent post on the topic. This fragrance is basically lily of the valley with a splash of lilac - light, floral, fresh, and perfect for springtime.<br />
<br />
<b>Calvin Klein Eternity EDP:</b> This one was a present. I really don't like getting perfume as a gift - this sounds pretty obnoxious, but my justification is if I haven't chosen and tested it myself the chances of me liking it are slim, and it's pretty awful for someone to spend what's usually a significant amount of money on a present I won't use. I also don't really understand the practice of asking someone for a particular perfume as a gift - if you're going to specify exactly what you want, why not just ask them for the cash and buy it yourself? With that mini-rant out of the way (oops!), back to Eternity itself. Apparently it has notes of Freesia, Mandarin, Sage, Muguet, White Lily, Patchouli, and Sandalwood. I find it quite spicy (peppery) and citrus-y, something I don't particularly enjoy. To be honest I would never have bought this for myself.<br />
<br />
<b>Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb EDP:</b> Let me start off by saying I will definitely be repurchasing this when it runs out, regardless of the high price! <a href="http://boisdejasmin.typepad.com/_/2005/12/fragrance_revie_1.html" target="_blank">Victoria of Bois de Jasmin</a> has a lovely review on this, so I'll limit myself to a few obvious observations: for starters, this is probably one for sweet-toothed perfume wearers only! Definitely a gourmand fragrance, which will appeal to dessert lovers. Easy to wear, warm and delicious. Vanilla & jasmine with a dash of patchouli. Gorgeous!<br />
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<b>Stella McCartney Stella EDP:</b> This is my latest purchase (heavily influenced by the cute bottle, I'm not going to lie) which I bought after borrowing it from a friend. Already over halfway through the bottle - I'm in a phase of wearing this most days. Great daytime floral - first impression is ROSES, and it dries down to a fairly warm, woody amber on the skin. For a more nuanced analysis, see <a href="http://www.nstperfume.com/2006/01/17/stella-mccartney-stella-and-stella-rose-absolute-perfume-reviews/" target="_blank">Now Smell This</a>. I'll be repurchasing this (and not only to acquire another of the three printed bottles!).<br />
<br />
<b>Thierry Mugler Angel EDP:</b> God knows how many bottles of this stuff I've gone through - I'd never be without it! This is incredibly popular, so you've probably encountered it before, if not in a department store then on a crowded train or similar. Because this stuff is potent! I happen to adore it, but it's definitely a try-before-you-buy situation. Massive amounts of patchouli to balance out the in-your-face vanilla/honey sweetness. Not a subtle, girly perfume by any stretch of the imagination! Notes include bergamot, helional, hedione, red berries, dewberry, honey, patchouli, vanilla, coumarin, chocolate, sandalwood and caramel. One of those fragrances everyone should try at some point! I've been through phases of wearing only this for about a year at a stretch, and will doubtless be going back to it soon. It's probably more of a winter fragrance due to its warmth and sweetness, which can be a tad cloying in summer, but I stubbornly wear it all year round anyway.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjZxXDVNOWZFEOOo6pmyQcH-21YX-OoSwCE8mAsoNwe64j6LMRFYCBFwCDQjflKk20GA9vFV8fnA6wfJLRAcyiceIsMoDxSIvASozJ-2hhcCTFaM_LQqqlD9An-QNc1e_oiT9571vTxWU/s1600/SAM_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjZxXDVNOWZFEOOo6pmyQcH-21YX-OoSwCE8mAsoNwe64j6LMRFYCBFwCDQjflKk20GA9vFV8fnA6wfJLRAcyiceIsMoDxSIvASozJ-2hhcCTFaM_LQqqlD9An-QNc1e_oiT9571vTxWU/s640/SAM_0131.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><center><b>L-R, top to bottom: Armani Code EDP, Lancome Hypnose EDP, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle EDP, Vera Wang Princess EDT, Nina Ricci Nina EDT, Dior Miss Dior Cherie EDP</b></center><br />
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<b>Armani Code EDP:</b> Sephora's website describes this as a "blend of zesty blood orange, ginger, and pear sorbet softened with hints of sambac jasmine, orange blossom, and lavender honey, warmed with precious woods and vanilla." So there. My bottle is ancient, only half full, and probably went south a while back. I loved this a few years ago, but never wear it any more. It's a pleasant enough fruity, summery scent, but pretty generic, and I would never repurchase. <br />
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<b>Lancome Hypnose EDP:</b> I class this in the same category as Angel - heavy, punchy, vanilla-with-a-twist. It's basically oriental vanilla/vetiver/passion flower, and it lasts for ages on the skin. I love this in winter - think this is my second bottle. As with Angel, this can give you a headache if you're over-liberal!<br />
<br />
<b>Chanel Coco Mademoiselle EDP:</b> top notes of bergamot and orange, a heart of jasmine and rose, and base notes of patchouli, vetiver, vanilla, and the ubiquitous white musk. Another very popular one - a pretty, girly floral, with just enough sophistication to save it from the tweenage market. I don't wear this as often as I used to, but it's nice in spring/summer. When this bottle runs out I doubt I'd repurchase.<br />
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<b>Vera Wang Princess EDT:</b> In my defence, this was purchased by my mother. I'd previously encountered it when recommending it to male friends as a present for a girl who liked the Juicy Couture perfumes (this is what happens when you leave perfume choices to men!). I do wear it now and then in summer, as it's pleasant enough. Top notes are apparently "lady apples, water lily, golden apricot and mandarin meringue", with "a heart of ripe pink guava, Tahitian tiare flower, wild tuberose and dark chocolate", and a drydown of "vanilla chiffon, pink frosting, precious amber and forbidden woods". Right. Lady apples? Forbidden woods? How the hell can chiffon, meringue, or frosting even be notes? Who knows. This bears some similarity to <b>Flowerbomb</b>, but I'd go for the latter in preference every time. This is basically pink fruit and vanilla - the mass-produced cupcake of the perfume world.<br />
<br />
<b>Nina Ricci Nini EDT:</b> I've got to say, the cutesy apple bottle is strike one against this perfume. This is another of my mother's purchases (not that she actually wears it!). Comparable to <b>Princess</b> - toffee apple, cotton candy, and vanilla. Pretty sickly stuff. Here's <a href="http://boisdejasmin.typepad.com/_/2008/05/nina-ricci-nina.html" target="_blank">Victoria's excellent review</a>.<br />
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<b>Dior Miss Dior Cherie EDP:</b> I bought an enormous bottle of this in duty free many years ago, because I thought it smelt of watermelons (such a discerning teenage consumer). I finally finished that bottle far too recently (it had definitely gone off, but I determinedly wore it till the end!). Notes include mandarin, strawberry leaf, violet, jasmine, caramel popcorn, wild strawberry sorbet, musk, and patchouli. There's a blindingly obvious trend towards Sweet Things emerging here! This is sweet and fruity, with caramelised sugar and strawberry being the dominant impressions. Inoffensive and very girly, I still wear this occasionally - and it's a very cute bottle!<br />
<br />
I also own and wear <b>Thierry Mugler Alien</b>, and <b>Dior Pure Poison</b>, but these mysteriously absented themselves when I was photographing, and this post is probably quite long enough already (sorry about that!).<br />
<br />
I think I can safely conclude I'm in a pretty serious perfume rut! (I can also conclude that I have a headache from all that sniffing, but that's by the by.) I'm keen to branch out a bit; perfumes on my mental list to try at some point include some by <b>Tom Ford</b> (Violet Blonde, Black Orchid, Tobacco Vanille), <b>Annick Goutal</b> (Mon Parfum Chéri), and <b>Serge Lutens</b> (Jeux de Peau, Tubereuse Criminelle). Oh yes, and I can't help wanting <b>Prada Candy</b> - which smells like you'd imagine, lots of caramel, vanilla and <a href="http://perfumesmellinthings.blogspot.com/2011/08/benzoin-aaaarrrrgh.html" target="_blank">benzoin</a>! Also my mother is getting <b>Illamasqua Freak</b> for her birthday from me, so I'll be stealing lots of that too.<br />
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Insert a gratuitous pretty Miss Dior Cherie advert here:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8F5__34dc5zUL_pU66UAyO0WM-oDTyiEGIqEpRxSeXFNI24FW8Mu6o6-p7to3dxRRWPdBJeaiMT33GHzYWrRcg7Z3_DK1EHCyUbayupJPKwVML-vTa2ps0jj6ZXasPK_r09FkglHcanL/s1600/missDiorcheriead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8F5__34dc5zUL_pU66UAyO0WM-oDTyiEGIqEpRxSeXFNI24FW8Mu6o6-p7to3dxRRWPdBJeaiMT33GHzYWrRcg7Z3_DK1EHCyUbayupJPKwVML-vTa2ps0jj6ZXasPK_r09FkglHcanL/s640/missDiorcheriead.jpg" width="434" /></a></div><br />
And finally, a shameful perfume confession: I gave away <b>Guerlain's Mitsouko</b>, legend though it is, because it smelt of pepper and cloves on me. This doesn't bode well for my future blossoming into a sophisticated perfumista...<br />
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Excellent perfume blogs:<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://thecandyperfumeboy.com/" target="_blank">The Candy Perfume Boy</a></li>
<li><a href="http://boisdejasmin.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Bois de Jasmin</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.nstperfume.com/" target="_blank">Now Smell This</a></li>
<li><a href="http://perfumeposse.com/" target="_blank">Perfume Posse</a></li>
<li><a href="http://eyelineronacatblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Eyeliner on a Cat</a></li>
<li><a href="http://graindemusc.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Grain de Musc</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.eaumg.net" target="_blank">EauMG</a></li>
</ul><br />
Till next time,<br />
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Josephine xJosephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-82793041297091778982012-01-24T14:57:00.002+00:002012-01-24T15:05:40.982+00:00Procrastination Courtesy of PinterestSo, I got hooked on <a href=http://www.pinterest.com/legallipstick>Pinterest</a> today. Not great timing given the essay due in this evening, but what can you do.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/legallipstick" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CEYEzWuDvcsl17CCsmSueA4kDcJqV_WewdatCk23mzn3d-AP5phlqXU2emSOCZfkp7j6geeMXgo3UH-Klp6zCY5wbYP1uLAjarlNnOA6Hq6mKEgfSde9Hfb-eYcpK7iYAdteL81_TXbA/s1600/pinterestlogored.png" alt="Follow me on Pinterest"/></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7JtsJZxNQWvnCCQMTYjYza2dI8TVeaUlPGo8s5V-0vGAhSX_8Cu0lMjnYPzU_F0ByFphFse4ObzZWAAWV2a4RBVf38ewiql_yfJNEx57y7DH5adchnIiKBC3HQwjIVyvW7a_3q92DcrM/s1600/letsbeadventurers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7JtsJZxNQWvnCCQMTYjYza2dI8TVeaUlPGo8s5V-0vGAhSX_8Cu0lMjnYPzU_F0ByFphFse4ObzZWAAWV2a4RBVf38ewiql_yfJNEx57y7DH5adchnIiKBC3HQwjIVyvW7a_3q92DcrM/s400/letsbeadventurers.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><center>Image from <a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/19035940">weheartit.com</a>. Because I'm now addicted to that too.</center> <br />
Some time I will figure out how to remove the silly grey lines Blogger puts around images. [Edit: ta-dah!]<br />
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And now, back to the essay. I may have to unplug the internet, but by God I'll finish it. It's on the British constitution, the separation of powers, the rule of law, all the fun stuff (not that you wanted to know).<br />
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<b>Coming soon:</b> perfume collection.Josephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890604411009333343.post-34463107303009043132012-01-21T16:13:00.007+00:002012-02-23T18:08:05.066+00:00Everyday Face of the MomentHere we have all the products I use in my standard daily makeup routine. Scary.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6Lf-QTCSwYiXo1y8GVJCgUA67zK2iVlShr3qbAerFkUTTbWkkT8yDAc9BC8GOs6eK4vIwdpiB4oEg5_1YZ9UlNsj3SUEan8Dmb44J_KPhbcCB3EoK9MG2MVbxL1ZlpgP32ZNl9Ak2zyd/s1600/SAM_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6Lf-QTCSwYiXo1y8GVJCgUA67zK2iVlShr3qbAerFkUTTbWkkT8yDAc9BC8GOs6eK4vIwdpiB4oEg5_1YZ9UlNsj3SUEan8Dmb44J_KPhbcCB3EoK9MG2MVbxL1ZlpgP32ZNl9Ak2zyd/s640/SAM_0117.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<b> </b>That's a whole lotta makeup. It's probably more sensible if I divide it up into vague categories, since listing it all here would be loooong (I tried it. It was).<br />
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<center><b>Face products</b></center> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH83_oLnFZO9SegACNsim-2DIQvNwv5d5fj9ZdaqRkfTUpe4fL1pFAhgLmxyyP1bzxzsv12O0dnRJSVBh0dvQJVGdUCMSf4g7wYt6Po55P0TWIcNSQJmjqjXHPZolDJj8xHdR9u5yiy58e/s1600/SAM_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH83_oLnFZO9SegACNsim-2DIQvNwv5d5fj9ZdaqRkfTUpe4fL1pFAhgLmxyyP1bzxzsv12O0dnRJSVBh0dvQJVGdUCMSf4g7wYt6Po55P0TWIcNSQJmjqjXHPZolDJj8xHdR9u5yiy58e/s640/SAM_0128.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
L-R, top to bottom: <b>NARS blush in Sin, MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Lightscapade, Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF 50+, Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in the lightest shade, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer in fair, and No. 7 translucent pressed powder.</b><br />
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I rarely wear foundation, but if I do feel like it, I blend in a small amount of this <b>Bourjois</b> one down the centre of my face, where I need a bit more coverage. Usually I just stick to concealer and powder - I definitely need powder after applying sunscreen, as it does look shiny, particularly till it dries. I'm trying to wear sunscreen every day, even though it feels (and probably is) bonkers putting it on when it's grey and cloudy outside. <br />
<br />
Then I swipe on my latest favourite blush, <b>NARS Sin</b>, which is a gorgeous wearable plum with a bit of gold shimmer, and a quick dusting of <b>Lightscapade</b> on top of my cheekbones (such as they are). I was going to photograph the brushes I use, but a) this post would be even longer and b) they're dirty, as usual. For the record: I do own the Sigma F80 flat-top kabuki, but if I'm in a rush and want to slap on a bit of this foundation I just use my fingers, as I do with the sunscreen. I use a MAC 188 for this blush, the amazing Illamasqua highlighting brush for the MSF.<br />
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<center><b>Eye products</b></center> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfxWMkSifuPBkbbMQW3m_sLiz10cBTbqJuC7XUT2yADmnyQQszuaohA2YM7jhZhrky-GzVu3Ud88ccejT8jjdXQZoV5gO20OE0soPvL8YUS8eWA3oI6ft4kl69sudUiZuS-jh9Rei5VTa/s1600/SAM_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfxWMkSifuPBkbbMQW3m_sLiz10cBTbqJuC7XUT2yADmnyQQszuaohA2YM7jhZhrky-GzVu3Ud88ccejT8jjdXQZoV5gO20OE0soPvL8YUS8eWA3oI6ft4kl69sudUiZuS-jh9Rei5VTa/s640/SAM_0120.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Top to bottom:<b> L'Oreal Super Liner in carbon gloss, Benefit They're Real! Mascara, Too Faced Shadow Insurance, MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study, MAC eyeshadows in (L-R) Crystal Avalanche, Vex, Dazzlelight, Coquette, and Copperplate.</b><br />
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This tube of the <b>Too Faced eyeshadow primer</b> has lasted me for absolutely ages, and it works brilliantly to keep eyeshadow on all day without creasing/disappearing (my mother is also a convert to this stuff!). However, when I went to the Oxford St Boots to repurchase (it's hard to find the brand in all but the biggest stores), I found it had gone up by FIVE POUNDS, to £16.50. At least, I'm pretty sure I only paid £11.50 or thereabouts last time I bought it. Now uncertain whether I'd purchase again at that price, but I shouldn't be running out any time soon. I'd also like to try the classic Urban Decay Primer Potion and MAC Painterly Paint Pot - should probably steer clear of the NARS one if I'm complaining about price! <br />
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I love the effect of this <b>Benefit mascara</b>, which everyone has been raving about - long, voluminous lashes with curl. So what's not to like? Well, firstly the price; I used a £5 off voucher in Boots, without which I do think it's overpriced. And it's a complete pain to get off at night! Maybe I should invest in a more heavy-duty makeup remover, but I always end up with panda eyes and flakes of black everywhere! <br />
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The <b>L'Oreal Super Liner</b> is an old favourite for flicked black eyeliner, which I go through phases of wearing every day. I have tried the Maybelline gel liner with a MAC 210, but I find it too fiddly, and difficult to get a smooth line without expending more effort than I'm willing to make in the mornings! <br />
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My eyeshadow standbys are either <b>Bare Study</b> all over the lid for a brightening effect - I just whack this on with my fingers if I need to get out of the door fast - or, for more leisurely mornings, a wash of <b>Vex/Dazzlelight</b> with a bit of <b>Copperplate </b>in the crease, using a MAC 239 and 217. If I'm feeling fancy, I'll pop some <b>Crystal Avalanche</b> in the inner corner for a highlight.<br />
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I always run some <b>Coquette </b>through my brows with the Illamasqua angled brush. I only started doing this in August, but now I wouldn't be without it - adds a bit of definition and polish to the face, which has to be a good thing!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lip products</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqtg-eBYDZJzkZ3Fk8R5CU-8qHnE5rhDnhuJRMskuHYANxS8WCoNx1hrDyRcs8L3nTi65FqxPIyYz3Wvvv3keI-KpHPC0FSlH4LkC1ZDonIT4iFG_OGRpJgIqLIqzuUL5YloN3L6lkn-C/s1600/SAM_0123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqtg-eBYDZJzkZ3Fk8R5CU-8qHnE5rhDnhuJRMskuHYANxS8WCoNx1hrDyRcs8L3nTi65FqxPIyYz3Wvvv3keI-KpHPC0FSlH4LkC1ZDonIT4iFG_OGRpJgIqLIqzuUL5YloN3L6lkn-C/s640/SAM_0123.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">L-R: <b>MAC lipsticks in Cosmo, See Sheer, Syrup, and Plumful, and Neutrogena lip balm with SPF 20.</b></div><br />
These are what I think of as my everyday lipsticks. If I'm feeling super lazy, I just stick on some lip balm and have done with it. The next step up in the grooming stakes is <b>Syrup</b>, which is basically a toned-down version of my lip colour, with some shine to it. <b>Plumful </b>and <b>See Sheer</b> are equally easy to wear (these are all lustre finishes, meaning you do have to reapply quite frequently, but I think the formula works well for the everyday, not too done look), but make a bit more of an impact colour-wise: Plumful, as the name suggests, is a beautiful berry/plummy colour, See Sheer a coral red.<br />
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Finally, <b>Cosmo</b>, which may take the title of Favourite MAC Lipstick Ever (quite an achievement given the size of my collection, which is a topic for another day). It's an amplified finish, so packs a bit more punch and lasts longer on the lips - a gorgeous deep rosy pink, similar to my lip colour but a tad darker. Since I'm so pale, this definitely draws more attention to the lips than the other shades mentioned here, but if I'm wearing understated eye makeup I like this effect. This is the one MAC lipstick I anticipate repurchasing. Love.<br />
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And there you have it. I'm now wondering if that's a ridiculous amount of makeup to wear for a normal day. Maybe I'll go in to college entirely makeup-free one day next week and see how I feel - I think I'd find blush the hardest thing to give up!<br />
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Till next time,<br />
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LL xJosephinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516178843546404885noreply@blogger.com6