25.10.16

NARS Velvet Lip Glide in 'Stripped' | Review & Swatches

NARS Velvet Lip Glide in 'Stripped' | Review & Swatches
Cult beauty brand NARS have just released a new wave of lip products that are a simple solution for those who haven’t fallen in love with liquid lipsticks. The NARS Velvet Lip Glides are not quite a traditional lipstick and not quite an opaque gloss. And being a fan of NARS’s Velvet Matte Lip Pencils and their Audacious Lipstick collection, it didn’t take me long to part with my cash and snap up ‘Stripped’ a beautiful people pleasing nude, which has quickly become a resident in my handbag.

Packaged in a sleek minimal tube with a pinched doe-foot applicator, the shade ‘Stripped’ is a light-medium beige pink. The NARS Velvet Lip glide has a semi-opaque pigmentation, a lightweight non-sticky consistency and a vanilla scented formulation. It’s comfortable to wear and applies like butter, leaving a glossy sheen on my lips helping them to appear plump and fuller. After an hour or so, it develops a velvet-like (less shiny) finish, that’s still a tad creamy, but certainly not matte (basically it never fully dries down!). And the best part? It doesn’t dry out my lips. But it’s not surprising, as its formulation is infused with NARS Oil Infusion Complex, an innovative concentration of oils, for an extra shot of hydration - making it one of my most comfortable lip products to date. I did notice however, that occasionally the colour clung to dry patches and settled into fine lines, especially when my lips are in need of a little TLC. But when paired with a lip liner, it's faultless. And as expected it does transfer, as it doesn’t have a matte finish. 

NARS Velvet Lip Glide in 'Stripped' | Review & Swatches

The bottom line: you’ve got to try the NARS Velvet Lip Glides. Available in 13 shades inlcuding a punchy red and mahogany brown, the NARS Velvet Lip Glides are easy, comfortable, lightweight, with a decent amount of colour and coverage.

The NARS Velvet Lip Glides are available to buy at Fabled (by Marie Claire) for £21.00.

Will you be picking up the new Lip Glides from NARS? 
Emily
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22.10.16

4 Under-Eye Concealers That Actually Work

4 Under-Eye Concealers That Actually Work
What's the most powerful product in your makeup bag? Personally I'd award my concealers as my true beauty heroes. Designed to banish, lift and brighten those shadows lurking under your eyes, they're the difference between looking like you had a night out and looking like you snuck in a few extra hours sleep. But concealer can be really hit or miss, so I've compiled 4 Emily-approved concealers at every price point, that conceal and minimise dark shadows.

The brightener: Bourjois Radiance Reveal Concealer £7.99
Packed with hydralonic acid and Mont Blanc glacier water the Bourjois Radiance Reveal concealer is perfect for those with dry under eyes, that need to conceal with something a little more moisturising. The coverage is sheer so it won’t completely cloak your skin. Its light-reflecting finish adds a subtle luminosity to the skin making it an ideal candidate for brightening. The doe-foot applicator makes application precise and easy. And once applied it visibly smooth's away fine lines and hydrates the under-eye area. It’s just a bummer that it only available in 3 shades!

The full coverage concealer: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer £23.64
If you’re after coverage the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer provides full coverage for the darkest racoon eyes. It’s highly pigmented and has thicker coverage in comparison to other products available, and whilst it’s a little on the pricey side it's well worth it. Taking just a teeny-tiny amount on the back of my hand (a little goes a long way), using a synthetic brush and I blend the product under my eyes. It can be tricky to get the product out of the tube - it requires a good squeeze! But the concealer drastically diminishes any unwanted darkness without being cake-y, sitting in creases around the eyes and slip-and-sliding all over your face. It blends immaculately and the shade is spot on. I also use the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer to help conceal any redness around my nose. And with a bit of translucent powder it stays where you put it for the whole day. If heavy bags really both you, it’s worth the investment - it has it all covered! 

The corrector: Bobbi Brown Corrector £19.50
The Bobbi Brown Corrector is a pink or peach based corrector created to neutralise under-eye darkness before the use of concealer. I quickly tap into place with my fingers and it effectively corrects the blueness beneath my lashes. Its formulation is creamy, lightweight, waterproof and is available in 16 skin-tone correcting shades. The colour-correcting formula contains skin conditioners to help protect the delicate under-eye area and layers well under concealer or foundation (which also helps to balance the colour if necessary). If you over apply it does have the tendency to crease, but tap on just the right amount, apply concealer and set with powder, it will be smudge-proof masking tied eyes all day long. 

The Anti-age concealer: Maybelline Eraser Eye Concealer £7.99
The Maybelline Eraser Eye Concealer is a gem. Whilst the sponge applicator isn’t particularly hygienic, it makes application effortless. Its formulation includes goji berry and Haloxyl help to reduce the look of puffiness, fine lines and the appearance under-eye circles and is a great option for those with mature skin. Applied in a triangular shape under my eyes and blended, it instantly brightens and masks dark circles. It has a natural finish with no shimmer or dewiness and doesn’t require a setting powder. However, on occasion it has been too dry for my liking. It has light to medium, layerable coverage. I picked one shade lighter than my natural skin-tone and it has a soft yellow undertone that works wonderfully on my cheekbones, under my brows, and eyes for a general contouring effect. And it’s available in fair, light, medium, honey, neutralizer and brightener shades. 

What's your favourite under-eye concealer?
Emily
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20.10.16

The Unique Stacker Ring From Clogau

The Unique Stacker Ring From ClogauOver the last few years, Pinterest has fuelled my desire to wear a dainty, delicate rings on every finger, so as a result I have quite a ringdrobe. But funnily enough I've never been a jewellery junkie growing up, mainly due to the fact I'm quite selective and have a particular taste, which makes selecting jewellery a difficult task. And whilst my collection primarily consists of Pandora's best selling stacker rings, I have recently acquired a new, rather unique ring from Clogau, which has taken nicely to my index finger and hasn't been removed ever since.

Handcrafted and beautifully designed the Clogau Gold Life Affinity Stacking Ring £99.00* is timeless and elegant. The Celtic inspired ring features sterling silver ivy leaves that look a little like interlocking hearts and a ribbon of rare 9 carat Welsh gold. The stacker ring looks minimal worn alone, but also looks great layered with other pieces (layering isn't just for your autumn wardrobe!). I particularly like the combination of metals as my ring collection is primarily silver. But I'm also intrigued by Clogau's heritage. Clogau is a second generation family business based in Wales who for 25 years have used rare Welsh gold taken from the Clogau St.David's Gold Mine in Snowdonia in their range of jewellery. And I was surprised to find that Welsh gold has been used to provide wedding rings for the Royal family as far back as 1923 - if it's good enough for the Royals its good enough for me! The Celtic heritage resonates in their designs and also on the inside of the ring bands where the Welsh dragon and Clogau hallmark are proudly displayed. 

I had never heard of Clogau up until now, but they sell beautiful pieces from stacking and engagement rings, gold pendants and intricate earrings and are a jewellery brand that should be on your radar too. 

Had you heard of Clogau? What's your favourite piece of jewellery?
Emily
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18.10.16

The Mac Repurchases

The Mac Repurchases
If you’re a MAC Cosmetics fanatic like me you can imagine my glee when Debenhams announced 10% off all MAC products last weekend. So naturally I popped a couple of essentials into my online basket (sorry bank balance) both of which are repurchases and two essential setting fixtures that had been missing from my makeup stash for some time. 
If you’re looking to upgrade your makeup game, I recommend a finishing spray. MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ is my go-to for when my makeup looks a bit 'meh'. Whilst the fine face mist doesn't particularly enhance the longevity of my makeup quite like Urban Decay's All Nighter Setting Spray, when spritzed over my face after applying my makeup it instantly refreshes my complexion. Fix+ rids that cakey look when I get a little too powder happy and applied after a full days work I can hit up happy hour looking like I've just applied my makeup. It's magical, non-irritating, non-sticky, works well at intensifying pigments and eyeshadows, is weightless and simple to use. I've been through countless bottles of stuff. It's just that good. 

While I do prefer a translucent loose powder for setting my makeup, during colder months I'm often shuffling between cold temperatures, blowing winds and heated spaces which leave my skin a little pink. This is where MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish Natural comes in. The face powder from MAC adds an extra hint of coverage whilst diminishing fine lines and pores. I used to steer clear of powders, as they tend to be heavy and drying, not to mention they would run the risk of oxisiding and caking over my foundation. But MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural isn't chalky, drying, or cakey. Applied directly on-top of my foundation the powder enhances my foundations finish and still allows my skin to glow. It's not a mattifying miracle, but it's got staying power and can be applied throughout the day without looking like you've over done it.

What products do you repurchase from MAC?
Emily
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16.10.16

New Season, New Scent: CLEAN Reserve Sueded Oud

Admittedly I’m not shy on perfume, but with so many new-season scents being released I thought it was prime time to update my perfume wardrobe. From a young age I’ve lusted after glass bottles filled to the brim with sweet scents, but my taste has become more sophisticated as of late. CLEAN Perfume create understated, uncomplicated fragrances for the home and body that are inspired by the beauty and pureness of nature. And CLEAN Reserve Sueded Oud* is the perfect sophisticated scent to kick off the new season.

Founded in 2003 CLEAN have established a loyal following with their eco-friendly, cruelty free, people pleasing scents including; Rain, Blossom, Skin, Cashmere and Warm Cotton. The scents don't sucker punch you in the face when you apply them, they're like 'non-perfume perfumes' - you wear it, it doesn't wear you. But the CLEAN Reserve collection is a little more complex and grown-up, the fragrances can be worn alone, or layered and have been created "to be dynamic and evoke, not memories of the past, but possibilities and experiences yet to be discovered". CLEAN Reserve Sueded Oud is a beautiful woody scent and unlike any other fragrance I own. I tend to steer clear of anything too heavy or heady, but Sueded Oud isn't overtly sexy or heady, it's sensual, fresh, surprisingly light and luxurious. It’s difficult to capture scents in a blog post (describing scents is not my forte), but Sueded Oud is a creamy traditional oud fragrance. Upon application smoky top accents transport me to Bonfire Night, but after a few hours wear, it mellows and the base notes burn slowly, lasting throughout the day to reveal a soft suede, light oud scent.  

I'm not as eco-conscious as I should be when buying beauty products. I'm easily swayed by pretty scents and packaging. But not only does CLEAN Reserve Sueded Oud smell gorgeous, I love the ethos of the brand. CLEAN are transparent about how their products are manufactured, from the ethically sourced oak cap, sustainable ingredients, to the 100% recyclable glass bottle. So picking up a new fragrance this autumn doesn't need to be a guilt-ridden pleasure! CLEAN Reserve is exclusive to SpaceNK and retails at £79 for 100ml.

Have you tried CLEAN scents? 
Emily
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6.10.16

Affordable Matte Lipsticks From SEVENTEEN Cosmetics

SEVENTEEN Mega Matte Lipstick
If you're a sucker for a matte lip the SEVENTEEN Mega Matte Lipsticks won't disappoint your purse or your pout. Boots own budget beauty brand SEVENTEEN Cosmetics have released 12 flat topped bullets that claim to 'glide on smoothly to give you a bold and intense matte pout' with a 'non-drying creamy formula that's comfortable to wear and lasts for up to 13 hours' for a mere £4.49 each.

The lipsticks are encased in slimline matte black packaging and are described as 'mega matte', but I beg to differ and would describe the finish as simply matte - but if you're a matte die-hard blot with a little translucent powder for that mega matte finish. The formulation whilst not consistent across the three shades I've trialled, are creamy and non-drying, which is perfect with the winter months fast approaching. They apply smoothly straight from the bullet and whilst I found they transfer slightly, they have good lasting power without flaking and compromising on moisture. Unfortunately 'Looking Buff' (the lightest shade) falls victim to patchy application, dryness and an equally disappointing powdery texture. However, 'Nude News' a flattering nude and 'Roses Are Red' an adventurous bright red are a different kettle of fish: they pack pigment, are comfortable to wear, apply effortlessly, don't feather and have a creamy texture. 

If you have really dry and flaky lips, I recommend prepping your lips before application to avoid showcasing every imperfection. So brush your lips clean of any dry skin and pop on a base coat of balm. If you like precision apply with a lip brush to ensure you get a crisp edge and don't forget to carry a balm and the bullet during the day if you need to hydrate your lips and reapply your colour.

SEVENTEEN Mega Matte Lipstick
Have you tried the SEVENTEEN Mega Matte Lipsticks?
Emily
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4.10.16

The Magic Mitt That Erases Makeup WITHOUT cleanser?!

Jane Iredale Magic Mitt
When it comes to cleansing us ladies take it pretty seriously. I for one, have been cleansing for years and whilst I don't use the same face wash I bought from Boots back in the noughties, I've tried and tested a sea of cleansing products that claim to leave my skin looking flawless and feeling fresh. There are formulas for every skin type and an array of bars, pump soaps, creamy, gel and even foamy face washes. But I've found a cleansing alternative, which serves perfectly for the low-maintenance girl and for those of you who have super sensitive skin that erases makeup WITHOUT cleanser.

I've never been as skeptical about any beauty product that has landed on my doorstep quite like the Jane Iredale Magic Mitt* £17.00 - can cleansing really be this basic? But I can confirm the baby pink mitt is no glorified flannel, it really works. Softer and far silkier than your regular flannel all that is required is a little warm water - no separate cleanser! I pop the mitt onto my hand and gently massage the micro fibre mitt over my face and it removes foundation, eyeshadow and yes, even mascara without the use of a cleanser. But how?! According to Jane Iredale the combination of warm water and micro-fibres turn the makeup into an emulsion that is swept away by the mitt. And whilst it does take a little extra effort to remove lashings of mascara, I'm in awe at how effective this mitt really is. However, whilst Jane Iredale's Magic Mitt removes my makeup and daily grime leaving my skin feeling super soft, that fresh feeling just isn't delivered when using the mitt alone. But is that squeaky-clean feeling really any good for my skin? It's also worth noting the mitt does become a little grubby, but I've found a bar of Simple soap does the trick of removing any stains. 

Overall, the Jane Iredale Magic Mitt is a great alternative for anyone with dry, sensitive, or problematic skin that struggles to find a cleanser that isn't overly drying and irritating. Plus its a quick way to cleanse with no extra steps, or mess! 

Would you ditch your favourite face wash and try the Jane Iredale Magic Mitt?
Emily
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