New Cid I-Gloss in 'Raspberry Kiss'

New CID I-Gloss Light Up Lipgloss in 'Raspberry Kiss', £13.59 from hairtrade.com. 

I was so excited to try this! I've been curious about New CID for a long time and having the chance to trial one of their lipglosses made me feel like a very lucky gal.

I'll start with the packaging. At first glance this lip gloss looks pretty regular- the tube is transparent so that you can see the shade inside, but on closer inspection you soon start noticing the interesting stuff. Not only does the lipgloss have a mirror alongside the tube, which is handy, but as soon as you twist off the applicator this bright white light switches on automatically. These two features make it a very unique lipgloss and the perfect accessory for a night out on the town- you're sure to attract some attention with a lit up lipgloss and it'll save plenty of toilet trips as you'll have your very own mirror and light all in one place to top up. It could also make a great impromptu torch, or glowstick, should a situation where you needed either of these arise!

The shade 'Raspberry Kiss' looks a deep red in the tube but transfers a beautiful sheer berry shade on the lips. The pigment has enough depth to it that it is great worn at this time of year- on it's own during the day or layered on top of a red lippy for night time. There's lots of microglitter scattered through it but this isn't very noticeable when it is on, and the glitter wears off naturally with the gloss throughout the day.

The consistency of the gloss is lovely- it's light and non- sticky. I find it lasts around an hour and a half before it needs topping up, but if you don't have time to do this it does wear down to a subtle berry stain. The only downfall I noticed was that it settled into the lines in my lips however I imagine thise wouldn't be as noticeable with their lighter shades. If it does feather, this could probably be combatted using a lip liner.

All in all, this is a fab product and would make an excellent Christmas gift because it's a conversation starter paired with a good quality product inside. I love the shade because it is so wearable and I imagine it would suit almost everybody, even those who are shy of colour as it isn't 'too much.'
I definitely want to try more shades of these, 'Coral Candy' looks like my perfect summer colour. You can also watch a demonstration of the I-Gloss and other New CID products by clicking here.

This product was sent for me to review. Hairtrade.com is one of the UK's leading online retailers of hair extensions, hair care and beauty products. You can buy this product by clicking here.

Lychee Luxe Lipglass.

 M.A.C. Tinted Lipglass in 'Lychee Luxe', £13.50 for 4.8g.

You may remember that I surprised myself a couple of months ago at how much I liked my first Lipglass from MAC (you can see a review and swatches of Pink Lemonade here.) Well, I soon gave in and ordered another, with the good-enough-to-eat name 'Lychee Luxe'.

For once, the website seemed to describe the shade of this quite aptly as a 'pinky coral with golden shimmer'  -it's a red infused coral which makes it perfect to wear during this transitional season and throughout autumn because it's got more depth and is quite intense. This makes me happy as it's no secret what a coral girl I am, and I'm not ready to give them up yet! The gold shimmer specks are obvious when you're up close but they're not too chunky, the gold creates a warm sheen when the gloss reflects the light.

As with all lipglasses, the consistency is thick and balmy, and it's because of this that people's opinions of them always seem so split. It is also quite gloopy but it's due to these factors that you get impresive pigmentation and a long lasting finish. Whilst these are nice layered on top of lipsticks, these pack enough punch to be worn on their own and unlike the negative effects MAC lipsticks have on my lips (always dry and worse for wear the next day), this isn't the case with the lipglasses, which is another bonus.

I think I'll purchase a couple more of these over time, I've definitely got my eye on Russian Red and Eclectic Edge. (I wish I'd bought True Babe, why are the best colours always Limited Edition?!)

Do you own this shade? Are you a lover or a hater of The Mac Lipglass?

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?

LATE Midweek Post! Pink Lemonade

(Apologies that my Wednesday post is up on a Thursday, yesterday I had a 5am start and training for work in Bristol. I didn't get home til gone 9 and after the second Dominoes of the week (tsk) I collapsed!)

MAC lipglass in 'Pink Lemonade', £13.50 for 8g.

 Despite their bad rep, I've been really enjoying using this lipglass in 'Pink Lemonade' for the last couple of weeks, and I shall tell you for why!

When I first removed the lid I did notice the product string, gloop and stick to the wand and immediately wondered if this product would be too sticky to even wear. However, after applying it onto my lips I wasn't as disappointed as I thought I'd be.

Pink Lemonade is a warm, light coral pink shade- having only been a lipgloss fan for less than a year my collection in comparison to lipsticks is mere and this shade seemed to shout out to me, as I love peaches and corals! I really enjoy the feel of gloss on my lips, they don't seem to negatively affect my lips like lipsticks do, instead acting as a barrier whilst delivering high shine. Perf!

What I find impressive is it's pigmentation. Because the formula is thicker than most other glosses I've come into contact with, one swipe applies a near opaque finish. It's good worn on it's own as it offers more than just a sheer wash that most glosses offer, but is also good layered over a lipstick for added oomph and shine.

Similarly to MAC lipsticks, these also contain that inital vanilla scent that becomes pretty much untraceable once it's on. It's lasting power is fantastic (due to the thicker consistency) however this isn't one to be worn with your hair down, on a windy day! Trust me on that one! 

It has got a slight sticky and tacky feel to it, however I don't find this uncomfortable (however some of you might).

Overall, I don't hate lipglasses! Part of me is happy that my money wasn't spent on a dud product, but part of me is sad as now there's a few more shades added onto my everygrowing list......
(FYI it's found under the 'Tinted Lipglass' section of the MAC Cosmetics website!)

Wonder Product: YSL Glossy Stain.

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Vernis a Levres in '08 Orange de Chine', £22.50.

These are one of the newest additions to the YSL product range, a sucker for Yves Saint Laurent beauty and for lip products it wasn't long before I gave these ago. After trying on number 12 'Corail Fauve' and Makeda trying on number 11 we were bowled over by so many factors that these glossy stains kept coming up in conversation throughout the day as we were wowed by the unbelievable staying power as we shopped, drank and chatted. Big shout out to the blonde lady on YSL counter in John Lewis Westfield Stratford- we loved her! She even passed us after she had finished work, stopped us and commented that our lips were still intact, 6 hours later!

As much as I loved number 12, I felt I already sort-a had this colour. When I returned a couple of weeks later I opted for number 8, which is an orange shade with a coral element to it though not miles away from the original 12. I am IN LOVE.

Reasons to buy;

• The shine finish is so intense, enough to rival any lip gloss, no shimmer or sparkle chunks, just pure high shine.
• The colour pigmentation is impressive yet controllable; one layer applies a stunning wash of colour whereas two layers reaches full opacity.
• The product is totally unique, it's got the best elements of a lipstick (in terms of colour pigmentation), gloss (in terms of high shine) and lip stain (this product will be on your lips for the day, and on your hands if you happen to swatch any!)
• The product can be described as 'smooth' in so many ways- application is smooth, the packaging is smooth, and the barrier-like finish feels SO smooth on the lips.
• Kissproof!- You can kiss your boyf with this on, and nothing will transfer from your lips to his or affect the shiny finish.
• The colour range is excellently established; there is a colour for everyone.
• I found there to be absolutely no side effects to the lips after a days wear of this, heck even after three days wear my lips are in a condition no worse than they started off. This really impressed me, especially after nursing my poor lips back to health after lip abuse the last couple of months!

Have you tried these? What colours do you own?

I'm underwhelmed by the Revlon Lip Butters...am I alone?

Revlon Lip Butter in 'Candy Apple', £7.99.

I've waited for the 'hype' to die down a bit before posting this, but as a beauty blogger I feel it would be wrong of me not to contribute my two cents about the overall product range and a more indepth review of 'Candy Apple'.

I should have taken it as a sign not to buy after I'd been in to swatch these at least four times before I finally caved and purchased (on the Boots 3 for 2 so it's not that bad). The bright colours all seemed very average in my opinion there was nothing exciting or forward- thinking about the available shades, considering I'm normally pulled into to the brights first I soon surpassed these to take a look at the nudes, more tuned- down shades that I've been trying more of this spring. However the brown- toned glazed finishes on the majority of them, or chunky glitter running through them, or the light pink shades being very 'ala Nivea Lip Care' and realistically, just too pale to ever be wearable, put me off a purchase. None of the shades seem quite right and very old fashioned.

They looked fairly appealing on blog posts I've read but never seemed to live up to it in real life, drawn onto my hand. I really wanted to like them, a soft balmy formula in a lipstick form, the term 'lip butter' instantly sounds appealing!

I'm underwhelmed if I am honest. I cannot speak for all of the shades but my 'Candy Apple' is the worst kind of red (in my opinion), a tomato red that first applies far too muted to produce an odd, muted colour. I find the level of shine in the formula mixed with a red just doesn't sit well with me generally, and really has to be worked to reach it's full bright pigment. 

It wears fairly well, longer than a gloss,similar to any standard thick lip balm or chapstick.

I do like the balm- like qualities of them however, they are comfortable to wear and do feel like their acting as a 'shield' between your lips and the outside world. They are so smooth and thick, and those factors are two I really like and are definite pros!

When a product has so much hype and anticipation for release, I really think it's important to take a step back and formulate an opinion for yourself, and whether or not the product really is for you. Perhaps I'm still stuck in my ways, aways flocking to pigmented, bold & exciting colours. However lately I am so aware that I've been steering past matte formulas (previously my chosen finish) and have moved in favour for gloss finishes...so I half expected these to be right up my alley. FYI I have drifted past the L'Oreal counter to take a look at the new 'Caresse' range, and I am slightly wary of purchasing these, maybe this 'type' of lip product just isn't for me! There, I've said it!

What has been your experience of Revlon Lip Butters so far? Are you disappointed by the shades as much as me?

My March Favourites!!

Hey all!

I'm here with my favourite and most cherished beauty products from the lovely month of March....

M.A.C 'Watch Me Simmer' Lipstick; This is the lipstick I've been picking up the most this month if I wanted statement lips! I love the shade. It's a super bright, amplified coral shade that develops more pink the longer it's on the lips (on first application it leans more red). The only downsides are that it does stain the lips. I picked this up when the Shop MAC Collection was exclusive to Selfridges, it has since been released in the rest of M.A.C. stockists and appears to have become quite popular! If you missed out the first time, don't fret, it's being repromoted in the 'Reel Sexy' collection being released in April. See full review here.

Laura Mercier lipgloss in 'Nude Lilac'; You may have seen this used in a couple of my FOTD's before but I've never really reviewed it. It isn't a particularly long- lasting gloss as it isn't a very wet formula, but I love the glaze it gives my lips, even if it is just for a temporary basis! The lilac colour in the tube doesn't transfer to the lips but the cool tones of it do, it's the perfect gloss if you're looking to tone down a bright colour underneath, used on it's own it will only add a subtle colourlss shine to the lips. There is some gold glitter running through it that does remain on the lips after it's dried up. Note that it has got a strong, deep vanilla scent. This gloss has been carried around with me in my bag and used on a daily basis...perfect for me trying a bit of a more toned down nude look this springtime! (Post Here.)

Blistex Relief Cream; Not a very exciting product but one I've been using on my lips before bed to restore them back to health! I think I must have gone overboard on lip products the last few months because my lips have been paying for it the last few weeks, they've been dry and flaky but this may also be due to seasonal changes, either way I've been applying this at night and taking it a bit easier on the lip products. It's really worked, especially over a period of time and my lips feel nourished and smooth once again! It's not like a lip balm that you can apply on the go, as it is a milky white texture that does take a while to soak into the lips- definitely a night time treatment particularly with its tingly menthol flavour!

M.A.C. 210 Brush; With this, I've finally found a suitable brush that is thin enough to apply gel eyeliner the way that I want! I've been using the Maybelline Gel Liner which I think is okay but I never got on with the accompanying brush (next on my list is the Clinique one when this runs or dries out) so I took it upon myself to get a brush to make applying gel liner a bit easier and a bit more enjoyable. It does the trick, it's a very thin brush but the hairs are dense enough that you can control application quite well. You can choose the thickness of the line you'd like to apply and it distributes product evenly.

YSL Eye makeup remover; I got this free in a makeup bag a few months ago because I'd bought a few products the counter lady threw this in, it was full of goodies and I was so happy because I really love Yves Saint Laurent! I use it sometimes at night if my eye makeup is being a pain to remove but I mainly use it on a cotton pad to quickly remove any products off makeup brushes. It's great to give the M.A.C. 210 a quick clean after use to avoid any gel liner drying onto it and going clumpy between deep cleans.

Benefit 'High Brow'; I know they've released their 'High Brow Glow' now but I'm still a big fan of the original. I feel naked if I don't wear this. Applied under the eyebrows, onto the brow bone, it adds the illusion of more refined brows, and a higher arch (something me and my brow- waxer have been working towards over the last 6 months!) so this helps give the illusion of that in the meanwhile. It's a 'linen pink' colour so it blends into pale skintones really well, and adds that extra highlight and dimension to perfect any eye look! Would really recommend this.

Sally Hansen Mega Shine Top Coat; This was recommended to me by Cara over at Cara's Beauty Blog and since purchasing it a week ago I've put it on top of every nail look I've painted and it has completely transformed the way my nails look! I have other topcoats, but I was after a really super-glossy supershine topcoat that was fast drying and wouldn't break the bank. It dries within a couple of minutes and leaves the nails looking professionally manicured! Thanks Cara!

There's my March favourites, I don't do these often so I hope you've enjoyed it. What have you been loving lately? Let me know!