collection colour pro intense colour lip lacquers

Collection recently launched a range of Intense Colour Lip Lacquers, which are basically highly pigmented lip glosses. I'm usually not a lipgloss fan due to them all lacking in colour but I've been impressed by these as they add a really nice pop of colour to the lips. They are fairly sticky feeling and are quite a thick formulation, but they do last a long time on the lips. I like the packaging too as it's sleek feeling and doesn't shout 'cheap' and inside is a doe foot applicator. I really like these two shades as one is a full on bright pink and the other is a more toned down nude peach colour, so if you are a fan of lipglosses I'd definitely recommend checking them out. 

COLLECTION COLOUR PRO INTENSE COLOUR LIP LACQUERS - £4.19

how to: flicked liquid liner

I've been working at mastering the perfect flicked liner for a while now and have finally learnt the skills to get it right almost every time. In the past I've tried all sorts of cream, gel, kohl and liquid eyeliners but have been most impressed with the Collection Fast Stroke Eyeliner that I've been wearing for a few months now. The felt brush has the perfect balance between being flexible and sturdy with a pointed nib that creates the perfect flick every time. I found the liner super easy to use as the product is so pigmented and is wet enough to be easy to work with yet dries quickly and doesn't smudge. It creates a super dark jet black line that lasts throughout the day, so overall a big winner in my book. To create a base on my lids to draw the liner on I've been using Mac Painterly Paint Pot, it's a pinkish nude shade which gives just a hint of colour and really helps the black liner to stand out. Not only is it a great colour but it makes liquid liner apply so much more smoothly and because of this I've found it takes me half the time to draw on than usual, such a nifty little product. Last but not least to finish off my flicked liquid liner look I coat my lashes in Yves Saint Laurent False Lash Effect Mascara, it gives my lashes a great thickness yet leaves them wispy enough as to not weigh them down.

1. Apply the paint pot all over the lid by using patting motions, then paint on a thin line just leaving a small gap just at the edge.

2. Find where your lashes end and add a small line just there in the same angle as of your lashes and adjacent to your lower waterline. Once you work out the area to draw the mini line you will have the basis for the perfect look every time, this method always works brilliantly for me.

3. Join up the two lines and then fill in any space by following the end of your waterline and go over the larger line once more to give a darker look and to cover any missed patches.

4. Curl your lashes and add a couple of coats of mascara but keep your lashes looking wispy and flirty rather than too thick and heavy. I don't usually use any product on my bottom lash line apart from a small amount of mascara as I find it suits the look best.

pegasus beauty summer showcase event

Last week I popped along to the Pegasus Beauty Summer Showcase Event and thought I'd let you know about some new launches and products to look out for. I was there for a couple of hours and got to hear about lots of exciting things that I hadn't heard about before, it's always great to have the chance to chat with brands first hand and to ask lots of questions. 

I got talking with a lovely lady representing the brand Collection and was really impressed with the new ranges that they are soon to come out with especially the Gothic Glam collection which is right up my street. They have also just released a range of Lip Laquers which are rumoured to be a cheaper alternative to Rimmel Apocolips so I will be keeping an eye out for those, not forgetting the 'Does It All' mascara which will retail at under £5. 

Next up I heard all about Steamcream and of how they make the cream that goes into the array of tin designs. They use only a small number of key ingredients and fuse them together using a steaming process and the cream is all made by hand in their kitchens.

Manuka Doctor also have an amazing new line of products that are set to release later in the Summer which I will have all of the details and plenty of reviews coming up on as I'm their official blogger! I had a quick look at the products and from what I could tell I think the Radiance Serum will be a big hit and is what I'm most looking forward to having a go with. 

Do you have your eye on anything from these new launches?

new launch: l'oreal neon pop nail collection

Summer is well and truly here and although the weather can't make up it's mind it's time to embrace bright colours and neon shades. Summer is my favourite time of year for makeup launches but I get most excitement seeing new shades of bright nail polish to add to my never ending collection. I had a very exciting package delivered a couple of days ago containing a balloon filled with bright shades of confetti along with the Neon Pop nail collection by L'Oreal. It's certainly one of the best deliveries that I've ever had and being the nail polish junkie that I am it put a big smile on my face. On to the nail polishes, there are four shades in total Acid Watermelon, Flashing Lilac, Wasabi Hint and Banana Pop. The formula of the polishes is quite watery so three coats is needed but the brush is absolutely amazing and only requires two strokes to complete a nail. My favourite colour is a hard one to pick but I'd probably go with Banana pop as it's completely different to any other shade that I own and is flattering to my skin tone which was a surprise. Although I'm a fan of the bottle design I noticed that these polishes only contain 5ml of product, and whilst Models Own have 14ml it's quite a let down that you pay the same price for around 1/3 of product. Overall I'd definitely recommend checking out the polishes but just be aware of what you are paying for.

The polishes will be available this month at a price of £4.99 each.

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?

sisley california soul: the products

For Spring/Summer 2013 Sisley have combined these products to create their 'California Soul' look, I love how when everything is used together a beautifully bright yet sophisticated make up look can be achieved. I will be putting together another post on creating the 'California Soul' look but for now will be giving an insight into each of the products.

 

PHYTO-OMBRE ECLAT EYE SHADOW IN LINEN - £27.50 - This shade is the perfect natural matte nude colour with a hint of pink, I wouldn't say that it's a must have but it does create a nice base colour if worn alone with liquid liner for example.

PHYTO-OMBRE ECLAT EYE SHADOW IN VELVET - £27.50 - This shade is a lovely light smoky purple that works well when used for a daytime look. The pigmentation is rich so it has good colour pay off too, it's a good option for anyone who likes to avoid shimmery shadows.

PHYTO LIP SHINE IN SHEER CHERRY - £27.50 - Now here is something that you can get excited about, a beautiful bright sophisticated red lipstick with ever so chic packaging to match. I have an absolute addiction to red lipsticks and I can certainly imagine this becoming my new favourite.

PHYTO KOHL PENCIL IN KHAKI - £31.50 - Eyeliners aren't something that I ever tend to use on a regular basis meaning that I wouldn't spend a small fortune on one such as this but that being said it does match my green eyes really nicely and is very soft and easy to work with.

L'ORCHIDEE HIGHLIGHTING BLUSH WITH WHITE LILY - £60 - Last but not least is my favourite product of the lot, for obvious reasons! This blush is truly a little piece of art and puts all of my others completely to shame, the outside packaging is mirrored and once opened up reveals an elegant shimmering orchid. Obviously it costs a bomb (we are talking Sisley here) but it's truly magical in it's own right, and the colour looks stunning once on the cheeks too.

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.

models own ice neon collection

I always love to see new collections from Models Own, they never fail to come up with something interesting yet on trend and I was very pleased to receive two nail polishes from the new 'Ice Neon' collection to have a go with. The twist with the range is that it's advised that you keep the polishes in the fridge to prolong the neon effect, this is probably a bit of a marketing ploy but petty cool nonetheless. The bottles have a frosted effect and come with lids that match the colour of the polish which I really love. If you already have lots of neon/bright shades of polishes I wouldn't say you need to rush out and buy the whole collection however there are definitely a few shades well worth a look.

First off I tried the shade 'Luis Lemon'. After seeing the colour in the bottle I couldn't wait to give it a go but was a little disappointed with how sheer it was upon application. It took around four coats to get a good finish but it is worth it as the colour turns out gorgeous neon lemon. In my opinion this is the stand out and 'must have' shade in the collection.

Next up I got to have a play with 'Pink Punch'. Although you can tell just how bright this shade is, in reality it's slightly more pink toned, think fiery fuchsia. I do already have many neon pink shades in my collection but was surprised to find that this colour is different to them all. This polish has a shine to the finish compared to the semi-matte finish of 'Luis Lemon'.

The collection will launch in Boots stores on 22nd March and will retail at £5 a bottle.

essie winter collection

A couple of days ago the Essie Winter Collection arrived through my door, and I was definitely a happy girl when trying out all of the beautiful shades. I love how the collection has a really nice mix of Autumnal and Winter shades with both warm and cool tones. I found that the formulations of the polishes made them both easy to apply to the nail and long lasting when sealed with a topcoat.

'WHERE'S MY CHAUFFEUR'

"She's driven, all right. Catch a ride with elegant, gorgeous turquoise that never fails to drive them wild."

'BEYOND COZY'

"To get a little closer, don't be shy. Invest in golden sparkle power that gives a new meaning to legal tender."

'SHE'S PAMPERED'

"To the victor go the spoils. Work hard and treat yourself like a VIP with outrageously luxurious scarlet."

'LEADING LADY'

"Twinkle, twinkle major star. Rule the red carpet and land the coveted role in glittering high-wattage crimson."

'SNAP HAPPY'

"Voulez-vous get a lot of attention? Eye-popping vermilion is impossible to deny. With just one snap of her fingers, this colour gets noticed."

'BUTLER PLEASE'

"This rapturous, blue-blooded siren simply adores being waited on hand and foot, thank you very much."

The Essie Winter Collection is available now in Boots and Superdrug stores at £7.99 per polish.

essie.com/latest-collection

sleek nude collection

Just before I jetted off for my hols last month I received the Sleek Nude Collection through my post box but unfortunately ever since then I've been such a busy bee that I haven't managed to share my thoughts on the products. I was pleased that they came out with the natural shades in the collection for daytime looks as Sleek can tend to be quite a bold brand when it comes to colour so the products make a nice change. The collection hit the shops on 31st August so if you fancy a closer look head out to Superdrug and do some swatching.

Suede Blush - £4.30

The blush from the collection is a gorgeous warm toned peach/brown shade, perfect for olive toned skin or used lightly on a paler complexion.

Bare Minimum - £4.30

I personally believe that having at least one Sleek Pout Polish is a must in any girls make up kit and you can't go wrong with this nude/clear shade. It doesn't add any colour to my lips personally but works well at moisturising them and adding a subtle sheen to the lips.

Au Naturel i-Divine Palette - £6.49

The eye shadow palette has a load of great daytime/neutral colours and some darker shades for a smoky eye. I did unfortunately find some of the lighter shades slightly too chalky and didn't show up on my skin very well as you can see. However overall it's still a decent palette and worth getting even if you only use the darker/shimmer shades.

http://www.sleekmakeup.com