So fresh and so clean.

Untouched lipsticks make me happy. These two have been sitting in my drawer since December but have remained untouched until this week. Partly because the packaging fills me with a content, warm feeling every time I open my storage and see it shining back at me, but partly because I felt the shades weren't right for the season until now. 

I picked up Tom Ford 'Wild Ginger' on a staff order last year, back when I was able to receive a rather generous discount on TF products. I had been eyeing up this shade for an awful long time, I am a sucker for an orange red. This is my second TF lipstick and as usual I have been very impressed by the quality- heavy, click shut packaging paired with a smooth formula that is high in pigmentation and comfortable to wear. This colour is most striking worn with fresh, flawless foundation base and barely there eye makeup or a small and tasteful eyeliner flick.

Ben bought YSL Rouge Pur Couture in no.52 as a christmas present for me. He knows how much I love YSL but I would rarely treat myself to a lipstick from there. This is a bright coral pink, a little reminiscent of a couple of limited edition MAC lipsticks I have,  which were favourites of mine last summer. Similarly to my weakness for orange reds, I do love me a coral. And you all know I love me a bright lip, so this was always going to be love.

A little bit of luxury does everybody good, I am not sure I could ever justify a Tom Ford lipstick full price and I am kicking myself for not picking up more when I had the chance. The traceless foundation stick in Alabaster is also calling to me. Are you girls loving these shades as much as I am, or are they a bit daring for you?

Thanks for reading,

E.

Midweek Post: Sunset Colours

I have become a little more experimental with colour recently, which I mentioned in my last FOTD post too. Wearing warm, sunset colours on my eyes is fast becoming one of my favourites, I love warm toned colours on cool toned skin as a general preference, because although it doesn't fit in with 'rules' of colour I think it keeps skin looking alive and youthful. Too many cool colours on fair pink skin can look almost morbid sometimes. A way of trying out warm, flush colours on your eyes without buying new eyeshadows is to use blusher! Illamasqua's 'Lover', 'Naked Rose' and 'Beg' blushers are some of my favourites to wear on my eyes.

EHD.

PS I'll be replying to all of the lovely comments that have been left for me in my last few posts early next week. Please don't think I am ignoring you, I read and appreciate every comment and message left for me!

FOTD: Creamy pink lips.

I was initially a little disappointed when I  first tried my Tom Ford lipstick in Blush Nude on. Before you think I'd have the audacity to 'diss' a TF lipstick, I'm not, just the shade wasn't for me. As most of you will know by now, Emily doesn't do nude lips. I just don't feel like me and I like having fun with colour which often results in coloured lips, and I also think flatters my pale skintone better, too. This Tom Ford lipstick is fine luxury- it's so creamy, so smooth, and so opaque on just one swipe on the lips, so I had to find a way to wear it.

By layering a bit of 'Rock Candy' lipgloss from Estee Lauder on top, which was part of a duo lipgloss I got free in their most recent Gift With Purchase (you can see that here), these two products create a soft milky pink that looks ace with a smokey eye. It's about as 'nude' as my lips will ever get, but I love it and know I'll be wearing this look a lot more often from now on.

What do you think? Do you own any Tom Ford lipsticks? I definitely need Wild Ginger in my life, I'm a sucker for an orange red.

Estee Lauder GWP- The Contents.

As I mentioned in a post a couple of days ago it's currently Gift With Purchase time for Estee Lauder (exclusive to Debenhams). This happens twice a year and is an offer of a free makeup bag containing 7 samples when you purchase two items (this time around, one has to be skincare.)

I thought I'd do a post showing you it's contents, with my thoughts on the products they've included. There's always a choice between two makeup bags; the skincare is what differs inside, I chose the bag targeted towards normal/combination skin but the other is targeted towards more mature (there's a firming moisturiser) or dry skin.

Skincare:

Perfectly Clean Splash Away Foaming Cleanser- I'm always dubious to try new cleansers, this one has a floral scent and seems quite thick. I will give it a go when I've run out of my current one but I'm not expecting much. Who knows, I might be proven wrong!

Perfectly Clean Fresh Balancing Lotion- Again, I'm a bit cautious to try this. This is quite heavily scented (fresh and floral) however I think I will give it a go once by Liz Earle Skin Boost toner has run out because I know that this is alcohol free so should be fairly gentle.

Idealist Even Skintone Iluminator- This is a serum that instantly gives a glow and radiance boost to the skin with it's pearly beam finish, it also works on improving any uneven skintone over time with constant use. I always feel that this is a product I should love, so I'm looking forward to trying this. (You get a sample of Advanced Night Repair in the other bag).

Daywear Moisturiser- I've been using this moisturiser full sized throughout the year and have just finished it so this miniature is welcomed. A good cucumber scented moisturiser offering SPF15 but feels a little oily at times as it leaves behind residue, there is an oil free version with SPF 25 avalable for a few pennies more if you did like the sound of this.

Makeup:

'Sumptuous Extreme' Mascara- The brush for this is huge so is clearly a mascara for building bold volume- it's tapered at the end of the wand so it'll be easy to coat those hard-to-reach inner lashes. I've used the regular 'Sumptuous' mascara before and was impressed, as I didn't experience any smudging or 'panda eyes' and the sample lasted me longer than I expected.

Pure Colour Lipstick in 'Pink Parfait'; This is a sweet, wearable, light candy pink which carries that signature fig smell of Estee Lauder lipsticks. All their formulations are enriched with minerals which won't dry your lips out while offering good colour pay off and medium shine. This shade has a slight pearlescent finish to it, which puts me off it but will appeal to others!

Pure Colour Lip Gloss Duo in 'Rock Candy' and 'Plum Divine'- I think including a gloss was a good decision as there's something to please everyone, as not everyone likes to wear lipsticks and visa versa. 'Rock Candy' is very me and I'll use this a lot, it's a pretty milky pink colour with shimmer running through it and will perk up 'Pink Parfait' perfectly. 'Plum Divine' is a little brown toned for my taste but would look lovely on Asian or black skintones, or layered over a brighter lipstick such as MAC's 'Up The Amp' or 'Rebel'.

 

Overall I don't think this set is bad for a freebie, especially if you're a fan of the brand and are looking to repurchase your favourite products anyway. The makeup bag is pretty tasteless in my opinion, however I know that some people love it, packaging is always subjective! It's also a good way to really test out some products if you were new to the brand, as the samples are large enough to try things properly, and those you're not going to try you can give them to friends or family who will!

This offer is on until the 29th September- will you take advantage or are these products not for you?

Pink Riot!

Estee Lauder Pure Color Vivid Shine Lipstick in 'Pink Riot', £19.50.

Ruby Woo wanted to join in the photo session, it was too cute not to include! <3 her!

This a new shade from the new Vivid Shine colour range at Estee Lauder. This shade, 'Pink Riot' screams versatility, I reckon it would look brilliant worn during the day (particularly on late summer evenings or in the autumn) or with a sparkly gloss dabbed on top for an evening look.

The Vivid Colour lipsticks have prism pearls contained within the forumla which are meant to create a 'mirror-like finish' however I can't see a huge difference in the finish in comparison with their other lipsticks on offer. The finish has a shine without being glossy, and the lipstick is scented with a sophisticated fruity smell.

Pink Riot is a bright berry pink. Opacity is achieved very easily however this can also be dabbed on for a just bitten look or a quick flash of warmth to the lips. It's quite milky and it is so moisturising and soft too.

Overall, I do love this range of lipsticks. The packaging is gorgeous, the formula doesn't dry out the lips like others do and there's plenty of colours to choose from if 'Pink Riot' isn't for you!

Whilst I'm on the subject of Estee Lauder- their LE Violet Underground collection is so exciting for what is usually deemed such a 'safe' and mature brand- matte purple lipstick with a matching purple lipgloss! Review to come on the gloss when I've got the internet back again.  

Midweek post: Candy lips

I've got back into my bold lips and simple eye looks recently. The other day I thought I'd wear bright candy pink lips so thought I may aswell document it as a FOTD! I put ombre lips into practice, a look I'm really loving at the moment as it let's me be (a bit) creative but is also wearable for day to day! I love the depth it adds to lips when you use a darker liner and blend it to a lighter shade, though it's always important to remember, and god knows, AVOID that not so charming look that was so popular in the 90's- sorry Naomi!
It was also the second time I used Illamasqua's Sealing Gel. I'll pop a review up of this in a couple of weeks when it has been tried and tested properly!

Let me know if you use any of the products used and what you think of them.

FOTD:

Estee Lauder DoubleWear foundation in 'Shell' mixed with L'Oreal Lumi Magique primer

Chanel Poudre de Universelle in '20 Clair'

MAC 'Harmony' blush (contour)

MAC MSF in 'Soft and Gentle' (cheekbone highlight)

Benefit 'Sugarbomb' blush

Eyes:

Estee Lauder peach/gold eyeshadow from the 'Topaz Mosaic' palette

Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner (waterline)

Yves Saint Laurent 'Shocking' mascara

MAC 'Showstopper' on brows

Lips:
Rimmel Lasting Finish Lip Liner in '004 Indian Pink'

MAC LE lipstick in 'Naughty Saute'

Thankyou for reading!

Midweek post; MAC Vegas Volt! (vs Watch Me Simmer)

MAC lipstick in 'Vegas Volt', £13.50 for 3g.

Yes, some of you may be yawning 'another MAC lipstick?' but as lip products are one of my favourite things, I like to document them!

Vegas Volt is one of those 'in your face' lipsticks that many of us know and love. Excellent for brightening up a pale complexion such as mine and absolutely divine on tanned skin, it's one of those colours that if you have the balls to wear it, it'll be a colour that'll be much loved in your collection.

One thing I noticed when I got it home is that it reminded me of one of my favourite lipsticks 'Watch Me Simmer' which if you read my blog regularly you'll know it first appeared in my 'Shop MAC' mini haul and has featured in monthly favourites posts too. I will say that I do still prefer Watch Me Simmer due to it's coral pink leaning, whereas Vegas Volt is more of a orange coral infused tomato red. Both are neon-esque shades and are great worn subtley and dabbed onto the lips or at full opacity!

The photograph below shows Watch Me Simmer on the left and Vegas Volt on the right.

Watch Me Simmer was limited edition in 'Shop' and then re-released in the 'Reel Sexy' collection however Vegas Volt is a permanent shade.

I love both of these lipsticks, and shades such as this really are staples on my summer face!

Do you own Vegas Volt?

M.A.C. Review #5 Matte Lipstick & Daphne Guinness Collection

M.A.C. Lipstick in Pink Plaid, £13.50 for 3g

I was browing the M.A.C. website for the perfect matte pink lipstick, my Illamasqua one (here) is gorgeous but more neon than I was expecting, and I will continue my search until I find the perfect pink. Don't you worry now, you'll all be informed when I do.

Left; With Flash. Right; Without

Pink Plaid is a stunning colour, it's pretty rose pink, Pink Plaid leans toward blue undertones, and it appealed to me because it was subtle yet noticeable, and a shade that I can see me wearing for a long time- something to suit all ages.

This is certainly a versatile colour, one that will look gorgeous no matter what the season! It's pink so will work gorgeously in spring/summer but because of it's dusky blue tones it can be worn in the colder months too. On the lip it is quite bright, I've had a few compliments when I've worn it. It seems to stand out most with a smokey eye that incorporate greys and black hues, it can look 'too much' when worn with pinky pink blusher, or with warm toned browns on the eye.

The matte formula glides on smoothly, and of course lasts a good amount of time!

Overall I am really happy with this lipstick, it's not the most exciting of shades but one that will always be used and always be useable.  

Do you own Pink Plaid? Will you be buying this?

Also, what do you think of the Daphne Guinness for MAC collection? At first I thought it was a strange collaboration because she was the face for the NARS Autumn campaign a couple of years ago, but I like it, it makes a sophisticated change to that hideous Glitter and Ice collection anyway! Has anyone bought from this yet?

I adore the cool toned, well thought out colour palette. I'm confident it's a very wearable collection, but also have suspicions that the colours may only appeal to the makeup addicts amongst us!
The collection is already famed for having several 'inspiration' points, pigeon blood, butterflies, Titian paintings and outer space to name a few.  She is quite a character, isn't she!
I think I'll be treating myself to the lilac lipstick, one of the blushers (undecided yet!) and I'm actually completely tempted to buy one of the lipglasses, despite their poor reputation.

Images courtesy maccosmetics.co.uk

The collection has been available since Boxing Day and will be discontinued in the first week of February.

Beauty Christmas Gift Idea

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick £22.50

Not only have they been voted Number One best lipstick on the market by Dominique Major of The Independant, but the YSL Rouge Pur Couture lipsticks have packaging that can be customised...

Image from the YSL Facebook fan page

 Take one lipstick in the shade of your choice, and get it engraved with your personal message. This makes a standard piece of makeup more special and personable and perfect for any female friend or family who likes a bit of luxury. Due to its metal casing, YSL products can be engraved, and because these Rouge Pur Couture lipsticks are square shaped it makes it easy to do this.

 

I went and got one for my mummy as part of her pressie this Christmas, then my boyfriend liked the idea and we got one for his mam too!! 

Apologies for the photos, it was so hard to capture the engraving, it's much more obvious in real life!

I really like this gift because I think it's a bit different and unique, I'm looking forward to giving it and I'd be absolutely chuffed to get this!

Have you got any great gift ideas to share with me?

Illamasqua Review #3 Lipstick

Illamasqua Lipstick in Corrupt, £15.50 for 4g

 I really love lipsticks, and I really love Illamasqua, so I thought it time I purchased an Illamasqua lipstick! It was on the pricier end of the scale, being £2 more expensive than the renouned lipsticks by M.A.C., but you get 4g of product which is a gram more than M.A.C...

 I was drawn to this colour because it was a matte finish and it stood out to me from the swatches on the website. I'm not the girliest of girls, but I do LOVE the colour pink, and to me this shade, 'Corrupt', is the perfect striking, barbie pink. I have plans to try 'Resist' and 'Salacious' ASAP! 

Left; Without Flash. Right; With

If I'm honest, it's a more fluro and deeper pink than I expected it to be, in my head it was a bright candy pink, but this is the problem with ordering online sometimes. I'm not disappointed though, the finish is lovely, and I really can't complain as it makes a nice addition to my lipstick collection! I'll be needing to buy myself a bright pink lipliner though, asap!- Why don't I already have one!!

This would look darling on all skin tones, worn with pink blush, simple & sparkly eyes and a defined brow. It also looks lovely with a gloss on top for an all out, party lip.

Do you have any Illamasqua lipsticks? What do you think of this shade?