Beauty Wish List (High-end/Luxury).

Not long ago I did a Beauty Wish List Drugstore Edition. Not long after that I actually picked up pretty much everything on it. I will write some reviews on them pretty soon. Lets just say, some I surprisingly liked, and others I was incredibly let down by. However, that’s in due course. Not long after posting my Drugstore edition, I got asked what high-end/luxury products I had my eye on. Therefore I thought I would show you a few products I really want.

First up is the Shu Uemura’s Fresh Cleansing Oil, also known as the Fresh Pore Clarifying Gentle Cleansing Oil (what a mouthful). I have never read so many good things about a cleanser before. Normally people say that high-end cleaners are a waist of money, that their just like lower end cleansers and that you’re just paying for the name etc. However, in this case so many people are saying it’s definitely worth the splurge, and trust me by splurge I’m talking about £30 for 150ml!

WOW! My purse is crying already!

So, why is this cleanser so highly rated? Firstly, the ingredients are really good, for the first time ever Aqua, isn’t the first ingredient. Ingredients included are; Sakura leaf extracts (Known to reduce inflammatory mediators that can cause skin redness. It also helps to improve skin texture), Lipo ha (Salicylic acid derivatives helps gentle exfoliation for refined skin) and Cherry extract (Contains natural aha to remove dead skin cells, bringing smoothness to the skin and a refined complexion). Secondly, unlike most cleansers aimed at combination/oily skin, it doesn’t contain alcohol. Lastly, I have read many reviews where people say they can see amazing improvements in their skin after a week of use. I definitely want to give this cleanser a go, and see if it lives up to the hype. My grandmother always told me that when it comes to skincare, it’s the one thing you should always spend that little bit more on, because no matter how good your make up, its never going to look great on unhealthy skin!

Secondly is the new DiorSkin Airflash Matte Touch. This is a new release and is one of three Airflash products, the other two being a CC Crème and a Foundation, which also has me slightly excited over the prospect of literally having an air brushed foundation! Now the Airflash Matte Touch comes in one slightly tinted universal shade; universal beige...that is a really good shade for me, maybe less great for those who have really pale skin.  This Matte Touch Airflash is an aired powder, which wraps the complexion in a uniquely soft veil that sets the makeup. As light as a breeze, this ultra-fine formula adapts to all skin tones and blends with the skin for perfectly sheer coverage. Your complexion is instantly flawless with a spectacular finish, utter perfection…GET ME TO THE DIOR COUNTER RIGHT NOW!

Next up is the Urban Decay Supersaturated High Gloss Lip Colour in Lovechild. I’ve looked at these so many times, their creamy, long wearing and richly pigmented lip colour pencil. I love the colour Lovechild it’s a beautiful medium-pink shade, with a slight blue undertone. I really think this shade is great for during the day and also for at night with a smoky eye. One of the main reasons I love this colour is because out of them all, this has the most unbelievable shine to it. It really is a beautiful mix of lipstick and gloss!

Now, I know I did included butterLondon in my drugstore wish list, however some people thought it actually belonged on the high-end list. This may be because for some people they can't actually buy it in there local boots, or that it's more expensive then your average drugstore nail product brand. The prices range between £12 for polishes and £18 for nail treatments, therefore it's on a par with other nail brands such as OPI and Nails Inc. Recently I have really been loving butterLondon products. I purchased their Horse Power Treatment not long ago and loved it, and recently I bought the Nail Foundation which is a treatment meets base coat, which is just amazing. Therefore I thought it would be rude not to wish for a few nail polishes to join my little collection. The two colours I'm loving at the moment are 'Disco Biscuit' which is described as a 'hot-pink jelly, with an undercurrent of tiny iredecent glitter particles.' It's a truly beautiful colour and something I actually haven't got in my collection. Secondly is a shade named 'Big Smoke' which is described as 'metallic navy blue'. It's not a shade I would usually go for, however navy is big for autumn/winter, therefore I thought this nice metallic twist would look great.

Next up is something I no doubt, don't really need, however so many people are using it and loving it, and to be fair...I'm feeling a little left out. It's the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light. I have seen pictures of people before and after using this, and it literally looks like there face has just been lit up. When this originally came out, I thought it was just going to be another highlighter, which is full of shimmer, glitter, and nothing special. HOWEVER, according to their website it 'Utilises cutting-edge photo-luminescent technology—transparent micron-size, colour correcting particles—to alter and refine the appearance of the complexion. Delivering a multi-dimensional luminescence to every skin tone, making it appear younger, unlike traditional powders, which simply sit on the skin to cover imperfections.' Doesn't that just sound amazing! I'm off to Leeds soon, I have a sneaky suspicion I'm going to accidentally fall into Space NK and give this little beauty a test drive!

Recently I've been looking at trying a new hair care brand. I like swopping and changing things, and since having my hair highlighted I really want to take care of it. My sister told me about a brand they use within her hair dresses, called Sebastian Professional, its something I personally hadn't ever heard of, but she couldn't recommend it enough. When she went to the hair dressers she then picked me up their shampoo and conditioner for multi tonal hair (hair that had been highlighted, lightened or has more then just one colour running through it) and its just amazing...granted expensive, but just incredible. Therefore when looking for a new heat protector I straight away went to their website and came across their 'Trilliant Complex'. Their website description states 'multifaceted complex with rock crystal extract, designed to gently condition hair and provide heat protection. Creates ultra-light body and sparkling flashes of shine.' I love that not only does it protect, it also conditions the hair and adds shine. Most protectors in my experience have actually dulled my hair down, and left it feeling coated and weighed down rather ultra-light with added body and shine. I also like the idea of 'rock crystal' as a key ingredient. 

Lastly is a repurchase, which for me is very unusual. I usually like to swop, change and try new products to compare them. However ever since I ran out of this product my hair has just felt really dry, it doesn't shine like it used to and overall just doesn't look at all healthy. The product in question is the Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum. When I was using this product, like many others I always wondered if it was actually doing anything, however I haven't used it for just under a month and I was wondering why my hair was all of a sudden gone really down hill, and thats when I realised this is whats missing. For people with thin hair which tends to dry out rather easily, leaving it looking dull this is a god send, it leaves your hair silky soft, manageable, healthy looking and utterly radiant. Definitely going to have to hunt a new bottle down!

Now. Even thought this is a wish list, there is all possibilities what it will grow...especially as it comes up to the autumn/winter and new products are being released. Also, its coming up to Christmas...so stay tuned for a Christmas Beauty Wish List.

Chocolate Inspiration.

Shu Uemura -

Chocolat Donna

Shu Uemura's Autumn/Winter collection I have to say is just incredible, its inspired by chocolate and therefore is rightly named Chocolat Donna. This post is just a quick over view of what to expect within the collection.

This collection includes:

Eye Shadow Palettes – £50

Six pre-set eye shadows in a chocolate inspired palette, however you can also customise it.

Orange & Pistachio Palette; A hint of spicy orange glitter; nutty pistachio, hazelnut and crystallised ginger peel-with gold accents- in pearl. Blend with rich shades of matte milk chocolate with golden accents or define the eyeline with cacao.

Mint & Vanilla Palette; A fresh spice and savoury herb selection that includes glittery golden vanilla and mint, and powdery matte vanilla shades; complimented with pearl mocha with gold accents and rich cacao for defining the eye line.

Raspberry & Mocha Palette; This fruit infused set includes glittery mocha; raspberry, creme mocha and gold accented mocha in pearl; blend or layer with matte milk chocolate with subtle gold accent or rich cacao to define your eye.

Glow On (blushers) – £16

Framboisier; a touch of this luscious berry shade will delight the senses.

Apricot; dip into this sun kissed shade to spice up your chocolate covered world.

False Eyelashes (LE) – £20

Choco-lash, inspired by decorative gourmet chocolates. Brown feather with gold and silver accents add the perfect flavor to any shade of eye make-up.

Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte – £20

Choco-inspired colourful confections ranging from milky beige to hot cherry pink. Matte but creamy and moisturising formula.

RD165; A delicious bright red with a surprising twist! Reminiscent of freeze dried raspberries.

WN275; A wine beige colour to stain lips-creamy milk chocolate infused with a splash of red wine.

PK335; A sugar pink with blue undertones for a moody sugar high.

PK348; Sweet pink shade gives a kissable strawberry appeal to lips.

PK375; Dark cherry colour is as sinfully rich as a black cherry cream treat.

PK376; Hot cherry pink, like a burst of decadent berry coloured liquor filling.

BR761; Mocha brown shade as delicious as a spoonful of chocolate mousse.

BG931; A milky beige shade like cocoa powder dust on a delectable truffle.

BG944; A soft beige shade sweetened with a drizzle of fruity pink syrup.

OR570; Add a zing to lips and dip into this high volume mandarin orange shade.

Overall, this collection is just divine, its so pretty and so wearable. I'm most interested in the Raspberry & Mocha palette and also the Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte lipstick in PK335 and PK376 as they sound like lipsticks I would definitely wear.

Is there anything in the collection which really grabs you attention?!

Undecided.

Shu Uemura -

UV Under Base Mousse

Not long ago I wrote a review about this product, as so many people were buying it and totally raving about it. Therefore I did a really in depth explanation of this under base which can be found here. After writing the post I was so excited to go and buy this under base mousse, as it just sounded amazing. However I have to say, I just cant decided if I like this product or not.

At first it really took me by surprise, it comes out as it states...a mousse, however it disappears as soon as you go to put it on your face, therefore you need to be super fast and just put it all over your face as fast as you can. Once on it feels light as air, you cant actually feel its on. It really does help hide my really large pores which is just amazing, however it could be a bit more concealing of blemishes to help create the ultimate flawless base. Maybe looking back I should have purchased the BB version instead of just the Beige, but oh well.

Anyway, I tried this under my foundation, however it didn't really help my foundation last amazingly longer, however maybe an extra hour or two. However I have found that when I put it under my Garnier BB Cream, it works much better then under foundation. The added SPF 30 is a real bonus as it means my skin is protected throughout the day, which is a fantastic bonus. It does make my BB cream go on somewhat flawlessly and last much longer then if I was to wear it alone.

Overall would I buy this product again...no. I don't think it lived up to all the hype, I am really rather disappointed as I did want it to work wonders, however as disappointing as it is I still use for it as a daytime primer...mainly because of the high SPF. Personally I do think £29 is really expensive for this product looking back, and I really wouldn't advise it to anyone as the "perfect primer" as I think there are much better primers out there (especially the new release from Urban Decay which review should be up soon). Basically I really cant make my mind up about this primer, I think its going to become one of those love hate products depending what mood I'm in on that day, however it definitely will not be repurchasing it.

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

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?

Pink Sparkle.

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Shine Lipstick -

S/S PK337

First, let me just say, this is my new favourite day time lipstick.

I have never tried any Shu Uemura products before, until this and also my new lip balm from them...the review can be found here. Now the shades of these are really rather confusing. The S/S counts for spring/summer, this means they are somewhat limited edition, I say somewhat because I'm not 100% sure if the shades within the spring/summer collection, are going to stay indefinitely within the everyday collection. The PK is rather obvious, it refers to the colours, for example pink, BG means beige, RD means red etc. The numbers are the different shades within that colour group, they do have names, for example this one is, according to the website, called baby pink. However when I went into store to ask for it by this name, the assistant looked rather confused, therefore I find it easier to refer to them by the number rather then the name on the website.

Now on to the lipstick itself. When I first tried this on in the shop, there was instant gratification as soon as the assistant allowed me to glide it onto my lips, its simply incredible and the delicate formula creates a smooth veil on the lips. It glides on so easily, delivering an incredible high shine and vibrant pure colour. Its enriched with ultra-shine oils and Shu Uemuras signature hybrid pigment, therefore it creates a fusion of watery, dewy shine with a rich colour. The colour itself is a baby pink, semi-opaque colour, with very fine particles of shimmer which gives a beautiful wet look, without it look frosty. Its incredibly hydrating and has a soft balmy texture, which is perfect for both a daytime lipstick and also for the summer months.

The case is rather simple, you're either going to love it or hate it. Personally I think its really quite cute, ever so simple and maybe slightly basic in comparison to the incredibly stunning packaging of my Dior Addict lipsticks, however it does the job. The clear lid however, really does help to keep my draw organised, and also allows me to see exactly which colour I want, just from looking at it, instead of having to pick them all out the read the name on the base.

Overall this is a really stunning lipstick, I think the quality is really fantastic and lasts such a long time on the lips. They retail for £20, which I suppose isn't that bad for a high-end lipstick and is slightly cheaper then a Chanel or Dior alternative. Definitely a good day time lipstick, due to it being really hydrating and feeling really light on the lips. The only down side to Shu Uemura products is that for me there really hard to find, they're counters are really specifically placed and the closest one to me is an hours drive away, which is somewhat of a let down. However, I will definitely be give the counter another look over when I next see one, which hopefully will be soon.

Have you tried any of the Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Shine Lipsticks, if so which is your favourite?

DeepSea Saviour.

Shu Uemura -

Depsea Hydrability Moisturizing Lip Balm

Generally my lips are really dry, chapped and really sore. Even in the summer they still let me down by looking a mess. Therefore over the years I've been looking for a product which helps keep them hydrated, soft and overall happy. I've tried so many products and I officially think I can say...I've found the best product ever for those with ridiculously dry lips like mine.

Shu Uemura isn't a brand I've ever used before, however a lot of people have been talking about their lipsticks and also their skincare, saying how amazing both of them were. Therefore whilst in Manchester the women at the counter let me try this Depsea Hydrability Moisturizing Lip Balm and I fell completely in love. However, I actually didn't buy it until the next day, this was purely down to the fact I didn't realise how amazing it was until I had left the shop and my boyfriend commented on how healthy my lips were (something which doesn't happen very often). Therefore when we visited the Trafford Centre, I was determined to hunt this down and buy it straight away, and I found it...yey.

Now onto the product. Overall this is basically a high end lip balm. Its formulated with an optimal balance of beeswax and macadamia oil, which wraps your lips in deep comfort which visibly repairs chapped lips, leaving them instantly softer, smoother and more plumped. The key ingredient in this lip balm which is highlighted within its name is depsea water. This is something which is in many of Shu Uemura products, for those who don't know what depsea water is here is a brief explanation. Depsea water is basically water which is pumped from deep beneath the sea, its rich in minerals which are really beneficial for the skin. The key minerals are;

- Calcium which strengthens skin barriers and enhances collagen synthesis, which helps to plum the skin and make it appear more youthful.

- Magnesium which is an effective cell turn-over, helping prevent the oxidisation of the skin and helps energise it.

- Sodium which is key in helping keep a good PH balance within the skin, keeping it healthy and radiant.

- Potassium which overall helps cell membranes remain healthy.

Basically, for those who just sort of glossed over that, Depsea Water is really beneficial for your skin and is only found specifically within Shu Uemura skincare and beauty products.

Now onto my thoughts on the product...if you can already tell how much I love this lip balm then let me tell you...its incredibly amazing! It hydrates your lips instantly, and lasts such a long time, which means unlike normal balms you don't have to keep reapplying it. On the lips it looks just like a high-shine, clear lip gloss which is both non-greasy and not in the slightest sticky. The application is really easy, it has a slanted tip and therefore it allows it to just glide onto your lips. Personally I use it under a lipstick, it helps keep my lips really hydrated and also adds a high shine to my lipstick...I even think it makes my lipstick last that bit long.  I can definitely say since buying this and using it nearly everyday my lips have never been so smooth, soft and overall moisturised. They look so much more healthy and now I'm so happy I bought it.

It retails for around £18, which I know is incredibly expensive, however after trying so many other high street makes, I think its definitely work it to find something which works incredibly well. For me, I think its a small price to pay for happy, healthy lips.

Have you tried any Shu Uemura products, if so...which are your favourites?