valentine's day gift ideas

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They don't call me last minute Larry for nothing! I did in fact have this post planned for a little while now but being the busy bee that I am, have only just got round to putting it together. Fingers crossed that a few of you are just as preoccupied as I am and are still in need of a Valentine's idea or two. I realise that the majority of people reading my blog are girls, but for the few fellas that are reading this, I've popped in some gift ideas for your lady too. If you fancy any of the gifts above, send your partner in crime a link to this post as a little hint hint. Off I go to overdose on chocolate and Chambord. 

how to | fresh and radiant skin

Please excuse the fact that my hair makes it look as if I had just rolled out of bed, I hadn't.. cough. This is the make-up look that I wear most days, its simple, radiant and fresh. My secret weapons to flawless looking skin are both the Illamasqua Skinbase Foundation and the Nars Copacabana Illuminator, both of which I absolutely adore. I like to sometimes also like to use the Sisley Express Flower Gel beforehand which really perks my skin up too. If it's a really hot day and I don't fancy wearing much make-up then I will go for the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua which is my second favourite foundation, it doesn't give a great deal of coverage but has such a glowy finish. For my brows I've been filling them in with a lighter colour than usual, I can't bare using a warm toned brown on them so it always has to be an ashy shade. Flicked liner as always for the eyes with some smudged underneath the bottom lash line to create the illusion of thicker looking lashes. The lip and blush shades I choose were both a barely there almost unnoticeable pink to achieve an effortless overall look.

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chanel spring 2014 collection

Nothing says 'bring on the spring' like a newly launched Chanel make-up collection. We might all still be stuck in the gloominess of February but by no means is that an excuse to be stuck with dull shades of make-up too.

The creme blush in '67 chamade' (£27) may look daunting at first but used lightly it creates the most beautiful natural looking pop of colour on the cheekbones that lasts all day long. I'm in love with nude nails at the moment and have found the ballerina nail colour (£18) to be the ultimate nude-pink nail polish shade, it's very sheer so needs a good three/four coats to build up a good coverage depending on if you want just a delicate light pink shade or a more milky nude colour. I used the illusion d'ombre shadow  in '93 impulsion (£24) to create a super sparkly glittery effect all over my lid, it's a cream shadow so is super easy to blend and apply but get rid of the brush as it's useless. I'd never have normally picked up a pink eyeshadow but I'm so pleased with how well the colour goes with my green eyes, and I'm a huge fan of glitter on the eyes so it gets a big thumbs up from me. Last but not least, the lipgloss in '179 murmere' (£21), this simply creates a beautiful peach sheen on the lips without feeling too sticky. 

The shades all come to together to create a glowing, natural everyday look, as much as I love a bright lip and bold eyes these products have completely converted me to using my cheeks for colour and leaving the rest of my make-up looking as natural as possible.

CHANEL COLLECTION NOTES DE PRINTEMPS SPRING 2014

new launch: chanel l'ete papillon collection

Chanel and Summer. What two things could ever combine to rival the concept of such a dreamy new make up collection. Chanel is the ultimate in luxury make up as far as I'm concerned, the packaging is always beautifully chic and rarely does something disappoint. Call me a sucker but I'd happily fork out a small fortune for any beauty product stamped with the CC logo. I'm head over heels for the L'ete Papillon (meaning Summer butterfly in French) collection and have added many products to my lust list, the nail polishes look incredible. I've had the privilege of being able to feature a couple of products before the launch date and have been so excited to put this post up.

First up is the Rouge Coco Shine lipstick in '457 Idylle', which in basic terms is a super hydrating peach shade of lippie. I find peach lipsticks usually quite tricky to wear as they don't go well with my skin tone but I'm in love with this as it's so sheer and just gives a hint of colour.

I'm not shy of bold make up looks that's for sure so when I spotted the coloured mascaras the make up addict voice in my mind told me that I needed to try one (or two) out. These mascaras are the first of any colour than black that I've ever tried, and they really are quite brilliant. You'd think that using a bright colour on dark lashes probably wouldn't show up all that well or manage to thicken the lashes and work as a proper mascara, but both of these work in every way that you'd hope. I was pretty shocked at just how good the colour pay off was on my dark lashes and was equally impressed that my lashes were just as thick and defined as when I use my favourite mascara. I'm so excited to work with these for lots of different eye looks for Summer, I will be making the most of them that's for sure. As they are waterproof they can be a little tricky to remove but on the plus side it means that they last all day long. Inimitable Waterproof Mascaras in 57 Blue Note (left) and 47 Aqua Blue (right).

And last but not least we have the Levres Scintiallantes in '437 Eden' - a shimmer free bright pink shade of lipgloss. As most of you will know I am no lipgloss fan and pretty much hate the stuff unless the formula is just right. By just right I mean doesn't feel sticky and lasts long on the lips thankfully this one ticks those boxes (Chanel packaging always sweetens the deal too) but the colour comes out clear on the lips and if asked would I repurchase it I'd have to say no.

Overall I'd recommend checking out the nail polishes and coloured mascaras from the collection, I predict that they will be the most popular and sought-after due to being unique shades. The L'ete Palillon collection launches in stores and online tomorrow (31st May). What are you loving the look of from the collection?

scents for spring

ANNA SUI FAIRY DANCE EAU DE TOILETTE - This is a really lovely light scent with a twist of sweetness and warmth. It's a combination of Rose and Vanilla that come together to achieve a fresh and radiant balance.

MISS DIOR EAU FRAICHE - Pretty much the freshest and uplifting perfume that I've ever smelt, this couldn't be more suited to Spring time. It's beautifully delicate and reminds me of a bright and breezy Summer's day.

THIERRY MUGLER ALIEN AQUA CHIC - I have been in love with the original Alien perfume for as long as I can remember which is why I love this lighter more toned down version just as much. Review here.

CHANEL CHANCE EAU TENDRE - One of my favourites scents to reach for is this fresher version of Chance by Chanel, it has a hint of White Musk which settles the Grapefruit notes down really nicely.

What are you favourite scents for Spring?

chanel coco noir eau de parfum

My perfume collection is ever-changing and being updated with new fragrances however it has to be said that absolutely nothing could ever beat having a bottle of a classic Chanel scent on my dressing table. Don't get me wrong, I'm no perfume snob and will happily try out cheaper alternatives but everyone needs that bottle of special perfume, right? I've fallen head over heels for Coco Noir, it's such a sophisticated scent and is paired perfectly for those occasions of wearing a little black dress. It has a seductive twist but is lighter and more wearable than heavier Chanel perfumes, if I were to wear just one perfume for the rest of my life I'd certainly have to chose this one. The packaging alone is enough reason to send my heart all a flutter; a delicate black glass bottle with gold and white detailing. Although the price tag is sky high one spray on your wrists and one on your neck will leave you smelling irresistible all day long, it has immense staying power so hopefully the bottle will last a long time.

CHANEL COCO NOIR EAU DE PARFUM 100ML - £106

chanel vitalumiere aqua

I recently indugled in some make up retail therapy and the product I was most excited to try out was the Vitalumiere Aqua foundation by Chanel. I say foundation but really it's a mixture of a skin tint and highlighter yet has good coverage. I've been loving swapping my usual heavy foundation for this, it's made me embrace a lighter hand with my make up and my skin has been looking much better for it. I like to apply concealer to my problem areas then use a buffer brush to blend the foundation into my skin and finish with a dusting of powder. I have typically dry skin so the dewy finish that this gives my skin is perfect, but probably a product to stick away from if you have considerably oily skin. I'm also a big fan of the simple and lightweight packaging, I barey notice when it's in my make up bag unlike the clunky glass bottles of other foundations. The product also has a built in fragrance meaning it smells fresh and uplifting on application, it's only subtle though as to not be overpowering. It's worked out to be one of the best foundations that I've ever used, if your foundation routine needs a bit of a revamp definitely head to a Chanel counter and ask for a sample to try it out. If you want to see what it looks like on the skin then have a look at a few of my previous posts as I'm wearing it on those.

CHANEL VITALUMIERE AQUA - £32

chanel spring 2013 collection

LONG-LASTING EYELINER IN SANTAL - £19 | PRECISION LIP LINER IN RUBELLITE - £17.50 | INTENSE LIP COLOUR IN PRECIEUSE - £25

Recently I got my hands on a few products from the new Spring 2013 collection by Chanel, and for obvious reasons couldn't wait to share everything with you all. It's not secret by now that I'm a massive fan of the brand, I've not once been disappointed with anything that I've bought. Yes, the price points are high but everyone needs a treat on the rare occasion. For the picture above I used the eyeliner and lip liner to create the look, I've never used lip liner before but I liked how it gave my lips definition and as I used it to fill my lips in too the colour lasted all day. It is a little drying so be sure to use a lip balm (hello Nuxe) and your lips should look perfect all day. I particularly like this shade as it comes across as a grown up chic raspberry pink which is bright yet not too 'in your face' and garish. I've also been really enjoying the eyeliner, I usually opt for a black flick of liquid liner but it's very time consuming so I've found smudging this brown liner by Chanel on my lower and upper lash line a great alternative, plus it looks much more natural. Last but not least is the beige lipstick, I'm saving this one for Summer as at the moment it's too orange toned for my pale complexion, I can imagine it would look wonderful on a darker skin tone though. I'm currently lusting over the nail polishes and illuminating powder from the collection, though I doubt my bank balance would be too pleased about that.

chanel péridot nail polish

I'm head over heels for Chanel make-up, it all seems to have a beautifully sophisticated feel with a modern edge. It's safe to say that if I spot a new nail polish or lipstick that they have launched I will ignore the price and hand my credit card straight over. Recently I picked up a nail polish in the shade 'Péridot' which I have been meaning to purchase for what seems like forever. I heard words on the counter that apparently it is going to be discontinued soon, so be sure to pick it up while it's still around. The shade is a stunning antique gold with green undertones, it reminds me of the golden colours from a peacock's feather. I haven't seen a colour like this from any other brand meaning I can justify the price to myself, it just looks so luxurious and eye catching on the nails. I hadn't worn a topcoat for the picture above as I always like to capture the true finish for nail swatches but I imagine that a glossy finish would make it look even prettier.

CHANEL PERIDOT NAIL POLISH - £18

chanel particuliere

After what seems like forever lusting after the famous 'particuliere' by Chanel I finally managed to get my hands on it a few weeks ago. I am more than aware that there are a few dupes out there of it but nothing beats having the original version. It goes with pretty much any outfit which means you don't have to swap and change your nail polish for days. Personally I like to wear it with a faded vintage pink coloured blouse which looks very classy. As with all Chanel nail polishes you only need to apply two coats and finished off with a good top coat it looks great. It is such an ideal colour to wear for work and I find myself wanting to wear it with every outfit.

CHANEL PARTICULIERE - £17

chanel black pearl

In a slightly rare occasion I managed to get hold of a product pretty much as soon as it had been released yesterday. My mum brought me the new Chanel nail varnish in 'Black Pearl' from the new Spring/Summer collection home from work with her. Apparently the sales woman told her they had only two left and wouldn't be getting more stock in for a while. I was so excited to review it that I painted my nails with it straight away and instantly fell in love. She also managed to pick up 'particuliere' for me which I was equally as thrilled about as I've been lusting after it for ages, but I will review that in a separate post. 

 The shade is a metallic black with a very green and slightly blue shimmer to it. The name is spot on as it looks just like a black pearl with hints of green. I'm sure that you all know that I'm not usually the girl who would recommend going out to buy a £17 nail polish but in this instance I really would. The colour is so unique and applies beautifully that is is worth every penny. Personally I only buy a Chanel nail polish every few months or so as a treat because they are so expensive, but I wouldn't say they are out of my price range for doing so. They also sing out to me while arranged next to all of my other nail polishes and look far superior in comparison to my cheaper collections. 

CHANEL BLACK PEARL - £17