Saturday, 20 August 2011

Biba launches make-up line at House of Fraser


Iconic fashion brand Biba will launch their new capsule make-up collection, available exclusively at House of Fraser.

The range will comprise of a Lip Palette, Eye Palette, Face Palette, Nail Polish Collection, Eyelash Collection and Lip Gloss Ring.

The Biba cosmetics collection is obviously inspired by the original Biba themes of 1930s Hollywood glamour.

Biba's beauty range will be priced from £15 to £34 and will launch in House of Fraser on 1st October.

(I've got my eye on the lip gloss ring...)


Friday, 19 August 2011

v72 PRO CHOICE SHOOT

Makeup James Kaliardos
Hair David Von Cannon
Model Lindsay Lullman (Next Models)

For V72 The Transformation Issue, James Kaliardos transformed model Lindsay Lullman into a series of dual-faced beauties and captured the spirit of the makeover and showing just how to take your look to any extreme on the beauty spectrum.

1. The Power Broker & The Pop Star
LEFT:
THE POWER BROKER

Sculpt in cool neutrals for dramatic effect
All makeup, Clarins
On skin, Skin Illusion Natural Radiance Light
Reflecting Foundation SPF 10 in cream
On brows, Pro Palette Eyebrow Kit
On eyes, Mono Eye Shadow in chestnut freeze
On cheekbones, Bronzing Powder Compact in golden sun
On lips, Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in beige

RIGHT:
THE POP STAR
Blend acid-bright hues in bold, sweeping gestures
All makeup, M.A.C Cosmetics
On skin, Studio Moisture Tint SPF15 in medium
On eyes, Eye Shadow in aquadisiac, Eye Kohl in blooz
and Zoom Fast Black Lash Mascara
On cheeks, Powder Blush in frankly scarlet
On lips, Lipstick in show orchid

On hair, L’Oréal Professionnel
Texture Expert Mousse Volupté

2. The Prima Donna and The Princess
LEFT:
THE PRIMA DONNA
Get a Hollywood glow with rose and gold
All makeup Giorgio Armani Cosmetics
On skin, Face Fabric Foundation SPF 12 in porcelain
On brows, Eye Brow Defining Pencil in brown
On cheeks, Sheer Blush in sand
On lips, Lip Wax in antique rose
RIGHT:
THE PRINCESS
Fall into fantasy with fluorescence and frost
All makeup Chanel
On skin, Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder in clair and Le Blanc de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base
On eyes, Illusion d'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow in fantasme and Inimitable Intense Mascara in noir
On lips, Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour in flamboyante

3. The Peacenik and The Performer
LEFT:
THE PEACENIK

Natural beauty comes through in neutral nudes
All makeup YSL Beauty
On skin, Poudre Soleil Bronzing Powder
On eyes, Ombres 5 Lumières Eye Shadows in tawny and Crayon Yeux Haute Tenue Eye Pencil in velvet black
On lashes, Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara in noir radical
On cheeks, Crème de Blush in rouge passion
On lips, Rouge Pur Lipstick in ultra flame

RIGHT:
THE PERFORMER
Amp up the drama with contrast from lashes to lips
All makeup NARS Cosmetics
On eyes, Single Eyeshadow in heart of glass and Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara
On cheeks, Blush in desire
On lips, Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in red square

4. The Punk and the Poet
LEFT:
THE PUNK
Streamline with pops of vibrant color
All makeup, Lancôme
On skin, Teint Idole Ultra Foundation in bisque 0
On brows, Le Crayon Khôl EyeLiner in black ebony
On eyes, Artliner Precision Point EyeLiner in noir
On cheekbones, Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow in ciel du soir
On lips, Color Design Sensational Effects Lipcolor in front page and
La Laque Fever Lipshine in electric pink
On hair, L’Oréal Professionnel Texture Expert Infinium 3 Strong Hold Working Spray

RIGHT:
THE POET
Flaunt your free spirit in tones of bronze and rose
All makeup, Estée Lauder
On skin, Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer and
Signature Silky Powder Blush in radiant kiss
On eyes, Sumptuous Extreme Mascara in extreme brown
On upper lids, Pure Color EyeShadow in sandbar beige
On lower lids, Pure Color EyeShadow in smoky ember
On lips, Automatic Lip Pencil Duo in rose coral




Thursday, 18 August 2011

In my kit...The Babyliss Pro Conical Wand

One of my favorite hair tools is my Babyliss Pro Black Rebel Conical Wand. I've had it for a couple of years now and use it all the time, I couldn't recommend it enough!

When it launched it was a massive hit in America, and now it's pretty huge here too.



The wands were created for flexibility, and to help anyone from professionals to general home users in creating amazing results quicker than any other curler on the market!

There are 25 heat settings to give you versatility, and the tapered barrel is 25mm at the base which gives you the option to vary your curl sizes as you go.

I do still use my straighteners in some instances to curl, but my Babyliss Wand always leaves hair looking beautifully waved and I wouldn't be caught packing my kit without it!

Here's some hair that I've created with my wand...






Tuesday, 16 August 2011

Science in Beauty

Sun exposure. Junk food. Lack of sleep. Excessive drinking. They all play a big role in ageing your skin before its time. The eyes are where we start to age first. A tiny line here, crow’s feet there…

The concerns of ageing skin had definitely been more on my mind with my 28th birthday approaching, and so, after deciding I wanted to be pro-active in the matter and start trying to preserve myself - I had a good'ol research into the best products out there! After a lot of talking with friends and researching the best and most effective ingredients I came across Xtend-Life. They're based in Christchurch, New Zealand and having been impressed by their thorough and informative website I placed an order with them for their Age Defense Active Day Cream and Eye Contour Serum! I've been using the products for a few months now and really like them - so I wanted to share my 'find' with you.

Xtend-Life promise that their products are specially formulated to outperform all other skin care products anywhere in the world… at any price, and even offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. (you cant beat that can you?!)
 
Check 'em out - I hope you like them as much as I do!
http://www.xtend-life.com/skincare 





Friday, 12 August 2011

Making your makeup last...

Layering is the key to making you makeup last...especially when it comes to your foundation and blusher. Have a light touch when applying and keep your look fresh and natural.


To make your foundation last, first things first - preparation!
Cleanse your skin of any impurities and products, then use a quality moisturiser and let that sink in for a couple minutes. This will help to avoid dry areas and help ensure that your foundation goes on smooth and evenly.

Apply cream and liquid foundations with a sponge or brush and only to the areas that you need it! (even if you do just use your fingers!) ALWAYS make sure that you avoid the makeup mask!
Once you've got your foundation on where you need it, set it in place with a powder. You can use a fan brush, or a powder puff/cotton wool disk for more control.

At the moment my favourite powders are:


(Via Laura Mercier)


If you have an oily skin or you feel like you need that extra hand when it comes to keeping your foundation in place, you should try a good primer. I have a couple that I still want to try out so I'll have a good ol'blog on primers soon, so check back! In the meantime, here's one of my faves that's worth a go...

Laura Mercier - Oil Free Foundation Primer


Do you have a favourite primer I should road test...?

Thursday, 11 August 2011

In my Kit...Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentre

One of my favourite kit items and a real space-saving-wonder-product-must-have for the beauty guru is Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentrate. Working as three products in one it's perfect when you don't have much room in your makeup bag, kit or holiday luggage!



This must have can be used to cleanse the skin, remove make-up, used as a repairing mask, slapped on as an after-shave cream and is even gentle enough to use as a baby-care product!!

With ingredients of natural origin with recognised virtues, rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins it is absorbed by the skin quickly to restore moisture and smooth away any imperfections many people can have that are caused by dryness....Mooch around the ins and outs of this and other Embryolisse products here... www.worldwide.embryolisse.com




Wanting...Philip Lim Pashli Satchel



Philip Lim's leather satchel with expandable front zips, pinked edges, & locking closure is beautifully sophisticated and I reckon there's not a lot I wouldn't do to have one...♥

So, if you're made of money pre-order yourself one at
Nordstrom...and grab me one while you're at it - thaanks daarling ;)