Shimmering Diamond.

Diorskin Poudre Shimmer

in Rose Diamond

I've been looking at purchasing this little beauty for a long time, however there was word going around that it was actually being discontinued, and therefore I wasn't expecting to find it anywhere. However whilst in House of Fraser in Leeds I thought I would ask anyway, and to my up most shock they actually had in stock. She also told me that they had in fact changed their mind in wishing to discontinue it, which makes me really happy because its just stunning.

This is an all over face powder, however I just use it to highlight my cheekbones and to add a beautiful shimmer to my skin. As sheer and shimmering as silk, the Poudre Shimmer brightens the complexion with thousands of sparkles and an airy caress of translucent light subtly shaded with delicate, sparkly gem-like effects. What is the secret of these unique reflections? Just the right amount of pearlescent particles and pigments designed to give the skin a beautiful sheen. The result is in just one step, your face radiates with a delicate halo of light!

It comes in two shades, the Rose Diamond, which is the one I own, and also Amber Diamond, which is brown tones. I looked at both, however the Dior assistant thought this shade suited my complexionbeautiful glow then that of the Amber Diamond. As it was the one I had originally wanted anyway I bought it immediately and haven't stopped admiring its beauty since. Its very much like the Bobbi Brown shimmer brick, however as my sister owns that I have compared them both, and actually much prefer this Dior version, this is because in my opinion the Bobbi Brown version can sometimes be...too much. Whereas this creates just the right amount of shimmer which when picked up by the light looks totally incredible, making my face so radiant and look so pretty. I did attempt to swatch this, unfortunately I wasn't able to get a photo which portrayed its true beauty, however due to it not being discontinued any more you can always nip to a Dior counter and swatch it for yourself and uncover its stunning beauty.

Overall this is just stunning. It retails for £32, which many will find rather expensive, however I think its a really good price for much a stunning piece which will definitely last you a long time due to it being 10g, which is a hefty weight. You also only need such a small amount of product to create a stunning look, so it will definitely last you a long, long time.

What do you think of the stunning Poudre Shimmer?

Leed's Haul.

Last Thursday me and my boyfriend went to Leeds overnight. We went early morning Thursday so we could get some shopping in before we went to find the hotel, which was actually outside Leeds in this lovely little town. This therefore allowed me to do some well deserved retail therapy after my first month at work, and truly becoming a grown up...totally no fun at all! Thus I thought I would do a little haul post, showing you all what I purchased whilst in the lovely city of Leeds. I wont go into much detail, just list them as I'll be doing separate more in-depth reviews of them individually soon.

- Kiehl's Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion

- Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser

- Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner

- Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion

- Diorskin Poudre Shimmer in Rose Diamond

- Lancôme Hypnôse Star Mascara

- Shu Uemura Beige UV Under Base Mousse SPF 30

- Shu Uemura Depsea Hydrability Moisturizing Lip Balm (repurchase)

PS. If you have never used Kiehl's products before, you can actually go into one of their stores or counters within department stores and they will give you a free consultation and provide you with free samples for you to try before you purchase the full size products. In my opinion its really great idea and I would definitely go into store and get some samples to see how fantastic there products are.

The Perfect Base?

Shu Uemura - 

UV Under Base Mousse

As you know primers are really impotent as a base for your foundation, they really make a difference to the last-ability of your make-up as well as creating a flawless canvas for your make-up, creating a much more flawless overall look. Recently I've really been enjoying using Shu Uemura products, and this is one of those products which really grabbed my attention. Due to me going to Leeds on Thursday with my boyfriend, I thought I'd do some research into it, and write a quick basic review because it overall sounds incredible.

Shu Uemura state; "Our number 1 selling product worldwide, UV under base mousse gives you the perfect base for your make up."

The website also states;

Mr. Shu Uemura always had aspirations to create a product convenient to use in a texture that is new to cosmetics. He also sought for unique packaging that brought surprise to women. With these thoughts in mind, UV Underbase Mousse was developed based on Mr. Shu Uemura’s idea to create a product which performs as a veil between skincare and make-up for better make-up canvas.

“a light make-up as transparent as the air”
Mr. Shu Uemura

Shu uemura’s UV under base mousse is the sensational mousse texture make-up base, beloved for almost 20 years as the must-have step for beautiful make-up creation. Latest technology introduces UV under base mousse SPF30 PA+++ with 20 times lighter texture, to achieve “pore-less” complexion with exquisite coverage for long-lasting flawless beauty.

It comes in 4 different versions, all of which are weightless mousse make-up bases (primers);

The first of which is the Beige or Pink versions which helps to even out the skin's tone and texture, reduce redness and minimise the appearance of pores. They're the original version of the UV under base mousse, aimed at specific skin tones, those with beige undertones and those with more pink undertones.

The BB version helps to improve the skin's appearance and overall condition whilst providing a natural cover which helps to conceal dark spots, blemishes and scars. Designed for all skin types and tones, the unique mousse formulation delivers hydration and coverage with an aero-light texture.

The last version is aimed at Brightening, this new instant brightening ultra light mousse base has demonstrated under clinical conditions to have brightening efficacy; 95% saw spot size reduced and 83% saw improvement in the colour of spots. Overall the result is that skin is left looking clear with a more even toned complexion.

I've read so many reviews from different bloggers, and it sounds truly amazing. I'm definitely going to try it out when I go to Leeds and maybe even purchase one of the four, depending which the assistant believes is better aimed at my skin. They retail for £29, however due to them being a mousse you only need a small amount to go a long way.

Have you tried Shu Uemura's UV Under Base Mousse, what do you think?

butter LONDON.

butter LONDON Nail Polish Collection -

Autumn 2012

I have to say, the one thing which grabbed my attention about the new Autumn collection by butter LONDON was how unique the shades are. Usually they have one specific aim eg, different red, pastel shades, however this time there is definitely something for everyone. As usual, it is a collection of edgy and on trend shades, however its not catching my attention as much as past collections.

(from left to right)

Trustafarian: A sage green flecked with gold.

Dodgy Barnett: A grey/silver hybrid.

Lovely Jubbly: A fusion of gold, red and blue sparkles set in magenta.

Shag: An orange burgundy fusion that's all things autumnal.

Gobsmacked: heavy charcoal with a slightly pigmented finish.

Overall non of the colours really jump out at me, however I'm really looking forward to seeing the swatches of Lovely Jubbly and Gobsmacked. These are released in August, and they are retailing at £12 each.

Do you like the collection, which colour are you wanting most?

The Best Fake Tans.

Everyone knows summer in England isn't exactly the best summer ever, but this year has been on record the worst summer ever, with the rain, thunderstorms and flood warning I think its fair to say everyone needs cheering up. Now, I don't know about all of you, but the one thing that really cheers me up (other then shopping) is a tan. During times like this when the sunny days are few and far between I turn to false tan to cheer me up and get me set for when Mr Sunshine does make an appearance.

For some people fake tan is a serious phobia, the idea of leaving the house streaky, orange handed and totally patchy even makes me shiver, however all that is now a with these new up to date products which are aimed at even the most disaster prone self tanner. Therefore here's my list of the best fake tans on the market (there in no particular order).

• Xen-Tan Dark Lotion, £23

A favourite of A-List celebrities, beauty editors alike and myself, this Dark Lotion gives you a rich, natural olive tan that looks great for up to 10 days. Easy to apply, it goes on evenly, smells delicious and instantly creates a gorgeous streak-free finish you'll love. Packed with rich moisturisers and premium ingredients, Dark Lotion glides onto skin and leaves it feeling nourished and silky smooth. Enriched with coconut and walnut oils, it helps you achieve a stunningly natural olive tan that's exceptionally long wearing.

• Lancaster Gradual Hydrating Bronze Lotion, £17

If dark, messy self-tanning products are the stuff of your beauty nightmares, this Gradual Hydrating Bronze Lotion from Lancaster could be the product for you. Easy to apply, this milky lotion is perfect for every day application, since it glides on smoothly and dries quickly for an even bronzed colour, also has an added SPF 6.

• Fake Bake 60 Minutes Self Tan Liquid, £24.95

Fake Bake has long been one of the top go-to brands for the best self-tanning products, and now they've formulated their fastest ever developing tanning lotion that provides you with a natural sun-kissed glow in just 60 minutes. The pioneering time-saving liquid boasts a fast-drying DHA and erythrulose complex making it perfect for last minute body prepping.

• St Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse, £33

The original, and many would argue still the best, St Tropez has maintained a loyal following. But if you're a fan of a really deep tan, you're going to love this new offering for summer: Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse. The new darker formula contains allo-melanin, which is designed to mimic the skin’s natural melanin, ensuring the most natural, deep tan for a gorgeous jet set look.

• Clinique Self Sun Body Tinted Lotion, £17

With an oil-free gel formula, Clinique's Self Sun Body Tinted Lotion has a light texture that goes onto skin seamlessly for an instant bronzed look that develops into a rich tan. Technologically-advanced polymers help hold the product onto the skin’s surface to maximise the life of the colour, while mica and caramel particles give you that just back from holiday shimmer.

• Lancome Flash Bronzer Face Gel, £23

Sometimes fake tan products can be a little harsh on the face, so the clever people at Lancome have formulated a state-of-the-art product especially for the skin in that area. This amazing self-tanner is not only fresh, but with its skin-caring gel texture applies easily, evenly and dries quickly. Develops for a deep and even natural-looking tan in just one hour; for a radiant, healthy glow in a flash!

• Garnier Ambre Solaire No Streaks Bronzer Self-Tanning Mousse, £9.33

A favourite with many magazines recently, this light, air-whipped mousse delivers an instant bronze sheen to the body without any of those pesky self-tanning streaks. The formula is tinted so you apply the right amount to every area of your skin, for a flawless result. You won't miss a spot or over apply! The colour develops over a few hours and doesn't have that telltale fake tan smell either. Overall this has no self tan smell, is easy to apply, quick drying and provides a very natural-looking tan.

• Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel, £17.50

One for even the most devout fake tan phobes, Clarins' Self Tanning Instant Gel is easy-peasy to use and gives an even, natural-looking colour. The non-oily formula is quickly absorbed by the skin meaning you can dress immediately. The colour develops in just one hour, and the gel is full of plant extract, larrea divaricata, which slows the rate at which skin cells are shed, meaning you stay bronzed for longer.

• Trilogy Self Tanning Instant Bronzing Gel, £14

Even though your tan isn't natural, the product can be, thanks to Trilogy's Self Tanning Instant Bronzing Gel with 100% natural ingredients. Fuss-free, quick-drying and easy to apply, the gel creates an instant golden shimmer to skin in need of a holiday, which develops over two to three hours for that must-have glow.

• Rimmel Sunshimmer Instant Tan Water Resistant, £6.99

A great fake tan doesn't have to break the bank. Rimmel's matte tan budget buy, which comes in a choice of two shades; light and medium, this provides a gorgeous natural looking bronzed look whilst keeping skin nourished and moisturised. This is an instant natural sun-kissed look for the face and body which is streak free, fade proof colour can withstand sudden rain, splashes and even spilled drinks. This is fantastic for an immediate flawless tan look or to enhance an existing tan, which dries instantly and wont come off on your clothes.

Whats your favourite fake tan for summer and have you have had a fake tan disaster, if so leave a comment underneath would love to hear about them!

20 Years In The Making.

YSL - 

Le Teint Touche Éclat Foundation

Twenty years after the launch of the iconic Touche Éclat concealer pen, Yves Saint Laurent has launched a foundation that achieves the same gorgeous illuminating result for the whole of the face.

The lightweight foundation promises the 'magic light' of Touche Éclat in a foundation that's suitable for all skin types and age ranges. Like Touche Éclat for your entire face, but better. It's the first entirely accessible foundation that not only boasts a whopping 22 shades, but each of these has three separate undertones (Rose, Beige & Gold) which means there's 66 tones in all, so there's bound to be one to suit your skin tone perfectly regardless of ethnicity or skin type.

  Le Teint Touche Éclat can be applied using either your fingers or foundation brush, colour is buildable, works tirelessly to create a luminous glow and brings radiance back to the skin like no other product on the market. Used with Touche Éclat pen, they form the perfect duo to define contours and target shadowy areas of the face.
  The lack of talc, silica and bulking agents means it doesn't settle in fine lines or *gasp* wrinkles, nor give you a mask like effect, regardless of the coverage you build up. As one blogger writes "there have been mornings that I've had to be on site after 4 hours sleep and genuinely my skin hasn't looked better, bright and radiant enough to garner compliments from Engineers?" Therefore this has to be good.

Priced at a very competitive £28 for a luxury brand foundation, I'd urge you to get to a YSL counter, be colour matched with your perfect shade, receive a very generous 7 Day sample and prepare to fall in love, this is what I'm planning on doing next time in at work.

Excited much?

Utterly Devoted.

YSL: Devoted to Fans Pallete

Facebook has become so importent within so many of our lives, that it's hard to imagine a day without it, maybe even an hour for many of us. Its wierd to think what we did before tagging, poking, sharing and uploading existed? However as a celebration of their love for Facebook, and as a 'thank you' to their 352,000 Facebook fans, Yves Saint Laurent are launching an exclusive eyeshadow palette called 'Devoted to Fans'. This is truly the first of its kind, never before has a brand created a pallete purly to be bought over Facebook. Exclusively available on their Facebook page, only 1650 palettes will be available to the most dedicated and devoted among us - once they're gone they're most definitely gone!

Packaged in a beautiful blue case, adorned with gold writing, its certainly something a little different from the luxury brand. This unique design deffinetly stands out and will generate so much excitement, the pallete sure to become a collectors item in year to come. The shades included are also very wearable and classic, they include a white highlighter, black bold charcoal, matallic shimmer taupe and a 'Facebook' blue. Summing up the whole range, these 'classic with a twist shades' give a great basis for any makeup lover's collection.

I really adore this YSL eye pallete because the eyeshadows are so soft, malleable, blendable and totally long-lasting, the pigmentation is amazing and can also be used whilest wet for more intense results!

The palette is sure to sell out so fast, therefore if you want to get your hands on one, you better check out their Facebook page here, snap one up for £39.50.

Hypnôse Star.

Lancôme Hypnôse Star Mascara

Iconic beauty brand, Lancôme update their renowned, Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara with a glamorous Betty Boop inspired campaign.

Nothing says ‘glamour’ quite like a set of full, fluttering lashes, and who better to take some beauty inspiration from than Queen of the Flutter herself, Betty Boop. Iconic French beauty brand, Lancôme have done just that and referenced the animated heroine as the muse for the newly released, Lancôme Star Hypnôse Mascara.

Loved by beauty editors, Lancôme’s mascaras never fail to impress. The latest addition, Hypnôse Star Mascara focuses on volume and curl – just what you need when it comes to achieving show-stopping lashes.

Using an innovative brush and Lancôme’s unique ‘Black Diamond’ effect fluid, the mascara works to coat the lashes smoothly and precisely for extra long, thick and full lashes even Betty would be envious of.

The secret to the unique brush (pictured to the right, the top brush) is in the double flat edged design, allowing you to get right in to the root of the lash and all those hard to reach corners. Two rounded edges then work to curl and lift the lashes to give you the most wide-eyed, sultry peepers.

Miss Boop-boop-de-doop herself makes a cameo in their short film ‘Star Eyes‘ to promote Lancôme’s new Hypnôse Star Mascara. The video is kinda genius. Instead of using false lashes to promote their product, they use every girls favourite cartoon gal famous for pouty red smoochers, and big bright eyelashes.

Cloggy, spider style lashes can be waved goodbye thanks to Lancôme’s premium mascara formula that blends together a mixture of soft waxes for the most natural effect. Priced at £21, the Lancôme Hypnôse Star Mascara is currently available nationwide.

I really cant wait to buy this mascara, I haven't tried one of Lancôme's mascaras yet, however so many people have raved about them so I think its definitely time to try one out.

Have you tried the new Lancôme Star Hypnôse Mascara yet, if so do you like it?

Current Skin Routine.

It's easy to say that pretty much everything in my skin routine has pretty much changed in the last month, maybe even less. This is purely down to me getting a job at the Kiehl's counter in House of Fraser, a not so well known skin care brand from America, however never the less there stuff is incredible..and I promise this isn't me being totally bias, some of there stuff is totally fantastic.

I originally was given samples of their Ultra Facial Oil-Free collection, the original version of this collection is also available, and I have to say its incredibly popular, however due to me having oily skin I always opt for the Oil-Free version. The collection consists of a cleanser, toner and moisturiser, and I personally use all three of them in that order every morning and night, however sometimes I forget to moisturise. However, never the less my skin has been transformed, not totally transformed into immaculately clear skin, I do still get the odd breakout, but its nothing in comparison to how my skin used to be. Its much less oily, it looks much more radiant and is just overall much more healthy which is really brilliant. Now lets get down to the exact products I use, however beforehand I would just like to say I'm not going into a proper in depth review of each and every product, just the basic outline;

 

Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser

This is a really fantastic cleanser, you only need the smallest amount. Its a really quick-lathering cleansing foam which thoroughly removes impurities and visibly reduces excess oil on the skin’s surface. Enriched with Imperata Cylindrica Root and Lemon Fruit Extracts the non-stripping, sulfate-free formula leaves skin clean and refreshed without over-drying, leaving skin looking more balanced. Helping to control shine for 24 hours reducing oil on the skin’s surface all day. Like most Kiehl's products its paraben-free, silicone-free, perfume-free and obviously oil-free!

Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner

This is an oil-free toner which is formulated to visibly reduce excess oil on skin's surface, while leaving it instantly fresh and healthy looking. Made with Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract and Antarcticine to soothe and hydrate skin, this non-drying alcohol-free formula gently removes any remaining residue, dirt and oil without stripping skin of vital moisture. Helping the overall PH-balance of the skin, and reducing shine on the skin by 80% immediately. Once again its paraben-free, silicone-free, perfume-free and obviously oil-free (can you see a trend emerging).

Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion

This oil-free lightweight, all day moisturising lotion helps visibly reduce excess oil on skin’s surface, leaving a shine-free and balanced appearance. This non-greasy hydrator traps moisture to deeply condition skin and restore its moisture balance. It contains Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Antarcticine and Vitamin E which helps keep skin looking fresh all day. Proven to visibly reduces oil on skin after 1 week, control shine on skin for 24 hours and reduces shine on skin by 82% immediately. This is also paraben-free, fragrance-free and oil-free!

Midnight Recovery Concentrate

The elixir works all night to replenish the skin with moisture and leave younger-looking skin by morning. This readily absorbed elixir helps the skin to recover radiance by morning, with skin feeling smoother and softer, which is the key reason I use it, not for the "younger-looking skin" theory. Enriched with Squalane, Evening Primrose Oil, Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Essential Oils including Lavender, this formula provides a boost of intensive moisture to dehydrated skin which instantly penetrates the skin surface to help replenish it with moisture. The concentrate is designed to work at night; with skin hydrated, supple and soft, rest assured you can say goodnight to a tired-looking complexion. This is really fantastic, you only need 2 or 3 drops to do you're entire face and trust me, your skin really does look a lot healthier and more radiant in the morning, this is really a god send.

Overall Kiehl's products are really amazing. In compression with other high end skin care brands their products are really fairly priced and really do work, and you only need a little of everything as it does go a really long way.

Have you tried any Kiehl's products, if so which are your favourites?

The Perfect All-In-One.

Dior -

5 Couleurs Designer All-In-One Artistry Palette (Pink Design)

This was one of the little presents I bought myself whilst I was on holiday. I originally looked at these all-in-one palettes at my local Dior counter, however I really wanted the Pink Design (808) version, however they couldn't get hold of it for me, therefore I was overly excited when I saw it abroad. I actually didn't swatch it before I bought it because I had been wanting it for that long, I knew it was going to be brilliant, therefore it was on the counter within 30 seconds of spotting it.

Now, I have to say upfront, this is possibly the most difficult product to explain and review ever! However here we go...so, basically there the ultra-professional and totally new version of the mythic 5 coulerus palette. Its made up of five different textures which have been brought together in a single case to create the most amazing styles;

1. Base/Light

2. Colour/Iridescent

3. Shade/Satinity

4. Shine/Pearlescent

5. Liner/Matt

These five essential steps used by professional makeup artists, allows you to draw attention to the eyes and creates ultra-graphic eye make-up looks. This is the most beautiful palette with complimentary shades which can be worked for a subtle or dramatic look. All the colours are incredibly flattering, highly pigmented and easily blendable.

Now this palette specifically focuses on using pinks/purples. I did attempt to swatch the shades on the back of my hand working from 1 (the top shade) to 4 (the bottom shade), however specifically 1 and 4 due to them being really light and rather glittery it was really difficult to pick the shades up, however 2 and 3 are the most increidble shades out of all the pallet. 2 is the baby pink, which is very light and beautiful, whereas 3 is a stunning purple, both of which are glittery but it really helps to create the most incredible looks.

Overall, I really love this palette, not only are the colours stunning and they apply so easily, but also it includes a little example of how to best use the shades within the palette, meaning everyone can create the most amazing looks. The packagings the usual Dior style, very elegant and looks so expensive, it does come with two double ended eyeshadow/eyeliner applicators which means you can use the palette everywhere, easily slipping it into your bag without worrying about having to take five different brushes. It did cost 49 euros which converts into around £38, actually not saving that much, however I don't really mind. 

Beautiful Rose.

Dior Addict Ultra Gloss -

Bikini Rose 664

I've been waiting for this lip gloss to be released for soooo long, like months! Its part of the new Summer Mix collection by Dior, however it was the only lip gloss they hadn't yet released, therefore imagine how excited I was to know my boyfriend had bought it for me whilst I was away.

This is the most amazing lip gloss I've ever seen or owned. It has the most spectacular shine and provides over sized volume to the lips, giving everyone the most model worthy pout ever. It provides the most stunning vail of absolute comfort and an incomparably fine finish. "The Spotlight Shine complex, a blend of glass micro beads coated in a crystalline elixir, plays with substance and shine to enhance colour and provide an unbelievable volumizing effect." The pigmentation is really good, however it isn't opaque, which means that you can wear it either as a sheer jelly-glaze, or layer it for a more dramatic effect which provides the most perfect bright, yet wearable shade of pink. The packaging is beautiful and the innovative brush applicator allows the colour to glide on precisely and stays put while its ultra-light, non-sticky formula instantly pumps up the volume and softens the lips, leaving a light, pretty scent behind. In my opinion it lasts such a long time, it actually appears to stain my lips which is amazing as it means the colour lasts even longer.

Overall this is the most amazing lip gloss I own, the formula is wonderful and the fact its completely non-stick is just fantastic. It is £21, which in comparison to some other lip glosses is rather expensive, however in my opinion its totally worth it! Unlike any other lip gloss this does truly go onto the lips as pink as it look in the tube, which is a rarity in itself. This is most definitely my favourite piece from the Dior Summer Mix collection, and in fact from all the current summer collects released from any other brand, its truly that amazing. The downside to this lip gloss is its ridiculously limited addition, my boyfriend said the women in the shop had only one left, however it had only just been released, therefore if you want one, I would advise you run to your nearest Dior counter and cross your fingers its in stock.

I totally love LOVE this lip gloss!