Make Up Store - AMAZING nail polish

You'll see from a previous entry that I recently discovered the fantastic Make Up Store.  At the launch party, I was given some fab products to try, so today I will be reviewing their nail polishes.

Elin, is a fabulously fluro orange-pink, perfect for summery toes!  For me, the most important factors when purchasing nail polishes are:

- the colour in the bottle IS the colour that ends up on your nails! 

Isn't it annoying when you purchase what appears to be a rich, vibrant colour, to then apply it and find it's thin, watery and a lesser version than what the bottle in-store/online suggested?

- it doesn't take ages to dry. 

They say it can take a good few hours for polishes to dry fully, but once they are touch dry, you can usually get on with whatever it is you are doing.  This is important in this ever-increasing pace of life that some people impact on themselves.

- it doesn't chip easily.

Some polishes are better than others at this (for me, Barry M, OPI are great, Chanel isn't)  Of course they will chip, and it can sometimes depend on if you have used a base/topcoat, and what job you do (!) but in general you want them to last a day or two before chipping/peeling!

- the brush glides on well and is of a decent quality.

Such an important point when it comes to applying and getting an even coverage.

So, how did the Make Up Store's nail polish fare? 

Top marks on all of the above points!  The colour is exactly as I expected, it dries in good time, easy to apply brush and is durable; my nails did not chip for a couple of days (and I spend much of my time typing!)  I want to also add that I've used their polishes on both my toes and fingernails and they have lasted very well so far!

If you havent paid a visit to a Make Up Store yet, put it on your 'To Do' list; you won't be disappointed!!

http://www.makeupstore.se/gben/home.php

Shu Uemura

I've been using Shu Uemura eyelash curlers for the last couple of years and they are amazing; I certainly agree with the fabulous reviews that the top beauty & fashion magazines give them!  The last few times I've been past their counter, I've noticed that their extended line of cosmetics is ever increasing, and so today, up for trial are their Ultimate Expression Mascara, Liquid Eyeliner, UV Under Base and Red: Juvenus Vitalizing Line Reducing Eye Essence....Phew!

Ultimate Expression Mascara

Now you probably know if you read this blog that I LOVE mascaras and am always on the lookout for a better one!  This one promises extreme volume, dramatic length and a beautiful curl.  Does it do this?  In short, YES.  I would like the formula to make my eyelashes a bit thicker (in the way that Diorshow does) BUT it does lengthen, curl and volumise (to an extent) so what more do I want?!  Upon feeling my lashes (I am wearing two coats) they feel a touch dry, but no more than the average mascara makes them.  They aren't crumbly, flakey and they are very jet black and they still look great at the end of my working day!  Id give this mascara a 7 out of 10.

                                 Liquid Eyeliner

All I can say about this is WOW!  I discovered liquid eyeliner pens a couple of years ago as I was desperate for the cat's eye effect, but was having no luck with the standard liquid eyeliner pots (think Rimmel, Mac)  I invested in the Shiseido one after reading in a magazine that it was the preferred one used by make-up artists on the gorgeous Angelina Jolie....and well, if it's good enough for Ange...  If I am to compare this to the Shu Uemura one, the latter wins.  I cant put my finger on why, but the pen glides on so smoothly and the effect is amazing...for me, it's Shiseido 8 out of 10, Shu Uemura, a 9!

UV Under Base

I've never been one for using bases, as I just see it a another expense, and there are already enough aren't there?!  A good friend and fellow make-up addict of mine is really into using bases/primers and she swears by the difference they can make to your look. 

So, here we have the UV Under Base by Shu Uemura.  Now I have dabbled in primers/bases over the years (make-up artists would give me small samples of them sometimes when I purchased foundations) so I do understand how they work, important elements being covering/minimising pores, evening out skintone and simply creating a flawless bass upon which to apply foundation.  This base, is fabulous!  It is in the format of a foam and only one pump is needed.  It absorbs and dries quickly and smells pretty good too.  My foundation definitely lasts longer when I wear it and I don't get the flakiness towards the end of the day like I often do when I haven't used a base.  Need another plus?  It contains SPF 10.....Winner!  This gets a HUGE 10 out of 10!

Red: Juvenus Vitalizing Line Reducing Eye Essence

There are many eye creams available and a variety of price ranges span across them.  It's always important that it doesnt sting or give the delicate eye area any pain!  I say this because a while back I purchased one from YSL, specific to dark circles, and it really really hurt!...of course I binned it!....looking back, I probably should have taken it back instore as it was pretty pricey...but anyway...  This one is meant to target fine lines and dark circles and make skin feel more supple.  I've been using this for about six weeks now and my dark circles are certainly reduced; their appearance is better, less noticeable.  Are the fine lines any finer?!...not really.  Maybe this is because I don't have any really noticeable lines around my eyes (well not yet!) and I am using another line-filler at the moment too (to be blogged about in the coming weeks)  We must remember that we shouldnt expect miracles from these creams, beauty companies don't create miracles (yet!) BUT my dark circles are reduced and the area around my eyes does feel more supple and moisturised.  I'll give this cream a good 6.5 out of 10.

Im pretty impressed so far with the products from Shu Uemura; keep reading for more product reviews!

http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/

Make Up Store has landed!!!

Well.  I was strolling down Carnaby Street in London a few weeks ago, and like a magpie to glitter, as soon as I caught sight of the Make Up Store, I legged it over there!  Wow, a beautiful boutique of colours, make-up varieties, glitter, pigments, tools, body creams....Oh my!

I had a chat with one of the artists and she explained about the different products that they sell, informed me about the pigments (a big thing if you like your colours to be bold and last) and I was also given a beautifully put together Make Up Store magazine, which is full of features, step-by-step guides to various techniques and a full worldwide pricelist.  I was pretty impressed and bought myself a lovely lipstick and lip pencil (in Prairie and My Precious Coral, if you're wondering!)

The store officially launches this week and they are having various nights targeted at customers, media and make-up artists.  I popped by last night, where I received a 12 month discount card which entitles me to 20% off products from the store (see cards T&C's)  There were also canapes and glasses of wine on offer along with many of the company's artists to advise you on finding those perfect products to beautify yourself.

I was lucky enough to be able to get in touch with one of the guys from their head office a couple of weeks ago, and so last night, he very kindly gave me a 'wonderbag' of products from their current Fifties range (see above) to try!  Keep your eyes peeled for my reviews.

From what Ive seen/tried so far, the products work like a treat and their costs are on par as other premium brands such as Mac and Illamasqua.

Check it out!
www.makeupstore.se/gten/home.php

Living Nature - 100% natural skincare

If you've read any of my other entries, you'll see Ive been getting into the whole Paraben-free lark.  More and more, Im taking notice of what exactly is in the beauty products that I use, and Im finding that in many cases, they are not all that beautiful!

A friend of mine who works in the skincare industry told me about this brand called Living Nature, she calls this her skin saviour.  Enough said, I had to try the products for myself!

I have pretty dry skin, and of course around the eyes, where the skin is thinner, is always an area that I think we should all pay attention to!  The products I tried for this was their Extra Hydrating Toning Gel and the Firming Flax Serum.  Both products, although different, are meant to nourish and hydrate dry skin; did they work?  Yes, and I have to add that the Firming Flax Serum is AMAZING!  I have never used anything that feels so beautiful and smooth on the delicate eye area.  Could I see a difference after using it?  Yes.  Could I feel a difference after using it?  Hell yes!

I also tried the Nourishing Night Cream which like the Flax Serum, is so creamy and velvety; it too, works like a treat!  I dont want to overlook the Extra Hydrating Toning Gel, as this works well too, but for my skin, the other two mentioned ones were the best.

Yes, their products do cost more than some other well-known brands, but they also cost less than other ones AND contain much better ingredients for you.  Many stores stock the brand, and it's also possible to purchase online from their website.  Id definitely recommend this brand to anyone!

http://www.livingnature.com/

Biotherm Homme – proper skin care stuff for the modern day geeza.

No, I havent had a sex change...  Today's entry is brought to you by a member of the male species, my significant 'other'....Enjoy!

I’m not one for all that ‘metro’ male lifestyle business.  In my opinion, that’s for guys with too much time on their hands and have their priorities all mixed up.  These views have been challenged somewhat of late following my acquaintance with the male skin care brand, Biotherm Homme.  It was the Mrs - who you can probably see from this blog knows a thing or two about beauty products and what it takes to look after yourself, who bought me a collection of these products as a special treat.  I promised her I would write about my experience so here you go, promise kept!


Cleansing Gel

I’m someone whose skin produces enough grease to run a fish and chip shop.  I’ve always been told this will help me to age well, albeit with the occasional unwanted spot.

After just a few days of using the cleansing gel, I noticed an immediate reduction in grease.  My skin also feels really smooth.  With results so immediate, I wondered whether the rest of the products would be as good???

Aquafitness – Shower Gel

This is without doubt the best shower gel I have ever used!  I never thought I would feel so strongly about a shower gel but I suppose after years of using the cheaper mass market brands, Ive never known any better. Yes, it makes you feel clean but Id be worried if any shower gel didn’t result in a clean body.  What makes this gel so good is the smell.  I can only describe it as modern day masculinity.  Masculine smells often get mixed up with your dad’s old Brut aftershaves – this is nothing like that.  There’s nothing ‘girly’ about the smell either.  Its fresh, lathers up well (if that floats your boat) and smells fantastic.  This will be on all future birthday lists!

High Recharge Yeux

The Mrs probably knew that as soon as I opened this, I would say this wouldn’t work and was simply a gimmick – she wasn’t wrong!  But like all things in life, I'm willing to give it go…

Described as an anti-fatigue cold eye serum, its supposed to give the eye’s an instant recharge as well as help to reduce the appearance of dark circles – great for those early mornings after a night out on the tiles.  The description is pretty accurate.  It does give you a pretty instant boost – a bit like splashing your face with cold water, minus the water.  It's hard to admit but I quite like it because it does work!  The only slight drawback is that the ball doesn’t always roll perfectly over the skin and the ‘wake-up’ feeling it gives you doesn’t last long enough.

Aquapower – Absolute Gel

It's basically a moisturiser.  It was only a 50 ml size tube, but you don’t really need that much.  It smells quite fresh and has that same masculine smell which ive come to recognise as distinctly unique to the Biotherm brand. Result: Another thumbs up!

So how would I describe the Biotherm Homme brand to my other like minded blokes?  Proper skin care stuff for the modern day geeza.

http://www.biotherm.co.uk/

http://www.biotherm.co.uk/_en/_gb/men/index.aspx