Tuesday 31 January 2012

Review: Clinique - Fall in Love With Colour.

- This is a sponsored post - 

Fall in Love With Colour is Clinque's latest launch for this Spring 2012, it's a chance for the brand to showcase their makeup products and introduce those key products which suit your skin tone and enhance your natural beauty. 

Backing this launch are three exciting products, which will be the key items featured across the launch. I've been lucky enough to trial and review these. 



Almost Lipstick
This month, Clinique are launching their latest lip product, Almost Lipstick. This is a very moisturising formula which aims to suit all skin tones, making it easy to pick a shade to suit you. There are 7 shades being launched. 
I was a bit wary of the very bright shade at first, but I was surprised to find it glides on like a lip balm, and gives a natural sheen to the lips. This shade, 41 Flirty Honey, reminds me a bit of a tinted lip balm like Vaseline Rosy Lips. It is rather pigmented though, so it's that link between a tinted lip balm (as it's so moisturising) and a lip stick, as it still provides a nice amount of colour - hence the name Almost Lipstick.
The product glides on easily and is great to apply due to the packaging (I hate putting my fingers in to pots and tins, so unhygienic) and because it's so moisturising, the colour lasts so long.
It's the right amount of colour, it can be worn easily during the day as it's not too much, but also built up for night time. 




Quickliner for Eyes Intense 
Also released this month is the new Quickliner for Eyes Intense in 6 shades, this is a rich and highly-pigmented eyeliner which doesn't need to be sharpened. The intense shades are smudge-proof, and the silky formula aims to provide 12 hour wear.
My first thoughts on this was how easy it applied, without giving the flaky look of kohl. It was literally like a pen, it glides on so easily and sets. There is a smudging sponge provided on the end, but you will need to do this quickly as once it's dried it doesn't budge! 
Despite usually wearing liquid liner, I quite like using this. The small nib makes it really easy to apply, and I'm able to get right in between my eyelashes to really define.
The shade I received is 07 Intense Ivy, a dark, rich black with green undertones. I don't often wear green on my eyes, so I would probably prefer black, but the shade range with these Quickliners is really impressive. 




Chubby Stick Moisturising Lip Colour Balm 
The Chubby Sticks have been out for some time now, but continue to be a popular choice for a lip product. This is a "lip balm in a pencil" which, like the Almost Lipstick, I am a fan of! The pencil packaging means you can apply easily and conveniently, and it's also a lot more hygienic.
Chubby Sticks aim to provide an ideal amount of colour, whilst also moisturising the lips. There are 8 shades currently, and again, don't require a pencil sharpener. 
The shade I received was 02 Whole Lotta Honey, which is a pinky/brown. It's not a shade I'd usually go for, however, it's actually a really lovely natural colour which I think I'll get quite a lot of use from. I have extremely dry lips, so this works so well for me. I like a bit of colour on my lips for day time, but nothing too extreme. This glides on so easily, I can do it without a mirror and the packaging means I can top up any time without any mess or fuss. 


L-R: Chubby Stick in Whole Lotta Honey, Almost Lipstick in Flirty Honey & Quickliner for Eyes Intense in Intense Ivy (unsmudged & smudged) 

I don't own many products from Cliniques colour cosmetics lines, so this has given me an idea of what to expect. I'm really pleased with the products, they're great, easy to wear, easy to apply products. I think these three products are ideal for those who want to enhance their features, without wearing too much. The lip products are both moisturising and pigmented, meaning they can be worn day or night and built up for more colour.
I found the formula of the Quickliner wasn't like any of the Kohl liners I've tried before. It's creates such a lovely, defined look without leaving eyes looking dark and harsh.

What are your favourite Clinique products? Do you think you'll purchase anything from the Fall in Love With Colour range?

Sunday 29 January 2012

New Low.

Jumper: Topshop (old season)
Top: River Island (*)
Skirt: H&M

I wasn't sure if I'd blog this outfit or not, I have quite a few posts to publish at the moment and deciding which one to go for each day is proving difficult. Serious blogger problems!

Monday tomorrow, and a busy week ahead! I've got a few events this week, including IMATS at the weekend. I've hardly seen anyone since I got back to London so hopefully this week will bring many a catch up! 


* Bought with vouchers from a press day. 

Saturday 28 January 2012

2011 Favourites.

- Skincare - 

♥ Liz Earle Cleanse + Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser: A firm favourite in the blogging world, removes every trace of makeup. 
Liz Earle Normal/Combination Moisturiser: My favourite moisturiser, not too heavy or greasy and absorbs in well. 
Clinique All About Eyes Rich Eye Cream: An excellent light but moisturising eye cream, also cools and helps with puffiness. 
Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil in Gel: An amazing gentle cleanser to remove the last traces of makeup. 
Jurlique Soothing Foaming Cleanser: My absolute favourite cleanser, leaves my skin so so soft and fresh. 

- Face Products - 

♥ Rimmel Stay Matte Powder: I prefer this over MAC MSF Natural, a great way to set makeup and absorb excess oils on the cheap!
Topshop Highlighter in Sunbeam: I think this may be sold out now, but it's my favourite highlighter ever!
MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation: I've gone off this a bit now, despite using it for the last two years. The colour is all wrong for me, but still the best foundation I've come across in terms of finish and coverage. 
Benefit The Pore-Fessional Primer: Hands down, the best primer I've found (after trying so many!) makes pores invisible and also creates the smoothest base. 
Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer: Heavy duty coverage without looking caked or unnatural. 


- Eye Products - 

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara: the best mascara I've ever tried, leaves my eyelashes thick and full of volume. 
Bobbi Brown Concealer Kit: Perfect for concealing under eye bags, without being heavy or creasing. 
Benefit Brow-Zings in Medium: I've never used any other eyebrow product, this has everything you need. 
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler: A recent purchase but already in my favourites, makes such a difference. 
MAC Fluidline Eyeliner in Blacktrack: Perfect for thick, black eyeliner and my favourite cat flicks. Lasts all day and never smudges. 


 - Lip Products - 

MAC Lipstick in Creme Cup: The perfect shade for me, lasts well and doesn't dry out lips. 
Revlon Matte Lipstick in Smoked Peach: A lovely warm orange/peach shade, goes on easily without being drying. Lasts well for a matte lipstick. 
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Pink in the Afternoon: My favourite pink lipstick, very pigmented and lovely finish.  
♥ Look Beauty Double Hit Lip in Rose Riot: A lipstick and gloss duo, a gorgeous colour - wear alone or together. 

 - Blushers - 

Benefit Bella Bamba: A shimmery coral which has quickly become one of my favourites. 
NARS Orgasm Powder Blush: My all time favourite blush, a peachy pink with gold shimmer. This suits all skintones! 
MAC Fleur Power Powder Blush: A bright pink with a Satin finish, gives such a lovely, natural flush.
♥ MAC LE Bite of An Apple Blush: Similar to Fleur Power but matte and a bit brighter. 
Illamasqua Powder Blush in Beg: A dusty pink with a matte finish, although I tend to add highlighter.


 - Nail Polishes -

Models Own Utopia: A perfect white/lilac shade, my newest favourite! 
Models Own Juicy Jules: Perfect for using on one finger, this goes with everything! 
Models Own Slate Green: I love this colour, a darker mint. 
Missguided Nail Splash in Misstique: I love the quality of these polishes, I wear this teal shade often.
No7 in Cheeky Chops: This looks like Shellac when it's on, and the colour is beautiful. It lasts a good few days before it chips too. 


- Misc. -

Sigma F80 Brush: The perfect brush for applying foundation, buffs in so naturally. I'll never use anything else. 
St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse: My favourite fake tan, it applies easily and naturally without streaking. 
Marc Jacobs Daisy EDP: Probably my favourite perfume, fresh, floral and light. 
Kiehl's Creme de Corps Body Lotion: Unscented, moisturising without being greasy and absorbs in well. 
MAC Matte Gel: The perfect prep product to absorb excess oils, I use this on my T-Zone under foundation. 


 - Hair Products -

Dove Express Treatment Conditioner: My favourite conditioner, it only takes a minute and leaves hair feeling amazing. It also smells delicious. 
Aussie Luscious Long Leave-in-Conditioner: Perfect for when you can't quite get the brush through your wet hair! 
L'Oreal Mythic Oil: This has been replaced by Moroccanoil, but I do love this product. It smells lovely and leaves ends feeling soft and conditioned. 
L'Oreal Pli: The perfect product for creating texture and volume at the roots. 
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum: The best serum I've used for leaving hair soft, shiny and frizz-free. 

Thursday 26 January 2012

Paper Chase.





Top: River Island (*)
Scarf: Ebay
Disco Pants: American Apparel
Necklace: Urban Outfitters
Ring: Topshop
Nails: Models Own Utopia & Nicki Minaj for OPI 

So, I spontaneously purchased some Disco Pants! I had previously thought they looked awful, but seeing them on Emma changed my mind. I tried them on and Lily's reaction meant I bought them straight away. 
I actually believe they are quite flattering, and they go with everything! 

Today was spent blogging and eating. I went on a mad dash to get my hands on a peanut butter kit kat now they're back. Dedication. 

PS. The title is from this song

* Bought with vouchers from a press day.

Tuesday 24 January 2012

Boyfriend.



Jumper - H&M 
Shirt - ASOS
Skirt - Topshop 
Lipstick - NARS Bolero Lip Pencil 

A quick outfit post, I've had quite a few compliments on this shirt & jumper combo, I love it! So boyish and cute. I found it really difficult to photograph this outfit, it looks a bit frumpy but in real life it's probably one of my favourite outfits. 

I got absolutely soaked in the rain today, three times! It's time for a bath, Lush bath bombs, bed & a catch up with boyfriend! Sweet. 

I posted a review earlier also. 


Review: Bumble&Bumble Texture Hair (Un)dressing Creme.




I've had a lot of requests for a post on how I do my hair each day. In all honesty, I don't do a lot. It's sort of naturally like this with a bit of help. My hair is in too-good condition. It's a nightmare, really. It's so soft and hard to manage, I can barely backcomb it. Awful if you love volume, like I do. 

I've had B+B Texture Hair (Un)dressing Creme on my wishlist for so long, I'd actually forgotten about it until I was in Glasgow recently and found it in John Lewis. I love my hair when it's matte and has a bit of texture, because it's usually so soft and flat.
This product has been a life-saver, I'm so glad I purchased it as it makes my hair have so much more texture and volume. It gives it that unwashed, messy edge to it that I never get (I wash my hair every day).
The idea of this product is to apply it to wet hair. I put a small amount in my hands, rub them together and then pull my fingers through my hair - mainly around the roots. I leave it for a minute and then part my hair and style it (sort of) before blow drying. I usually tip my head upside down to give more volume, and then once it's dry it's pretty much finished!
Most of the time I'll run my GHDs through it, waving and curling sections loosely before backcombing a little bit.

This is really the only styling product I use in my hair now, it's great if, like me, your hair is a bit limp and flat. This gives you something to work with, without leaving any residue in your hair or making it look greasy. I find my hair sits really nicely after using this and I don't really need to do much with it.
It's definitely my go-to hair product, although it's a bit more expensive than other styling products, B+B is a great brand and I can't imagine using anything else - I use this every day.

Are there any similar products you would recommend? 

Monday 23 January 2012

Review: MAC Well Dressed Blush.





I bought this blush after a recommendation from Lily and I love it! It's a satin finish, a lovely cool toned pink with just the right amount of shimmer. I put slightly more blush on than usual today so it would show up well in the photos, but I think it really suits my skin tone.
It looks like a 'natural flush' which is what I aim for, as well as providing a slight shimmer to highlight.

This is the last blush I will purchase from MAC as I have far too many! What are your favourite MAC blushers? 

Pillow Talk.



Top - New Look 
Skirt - Topshop 
Coat - H&M 
Belt - H&M 

A quick outfit post as I'm going into Oxford St. to meet Lily for a shop and food! Bit of a boring outfit but it's only Lily! 

I waved my hair instead of curling it today and I really like it! I literally just ran my GHDs through my hair, waving it as I went and it turned out quite good! It's different at least. 

I'll probably be posting again today as I have a sort of backlog of posts... I hope no one minds this. I'm having a bit of a 'mare because this blog is style and beauty, and most of the time I think my outfit posts are preferred. I wish I had two separate blogs but it's too much hassle, so over the next few days you may get an outfit post and a beauty post. Let me know how you feel about this! 

Sunday 22 January 2012

Friends Like These.



Jumper - Topshop
Skirt - H&M 
Necklace - H&M 
Lipstick - MAC Chatterbox 

The skirt is back! I love this outfit, I originally just threw it on (like all my outfits, literally thrown together) but ended up really liking it. I bought the jumper in Glasgow a few weeks ago and haven't really worn it since but I love how it works with this skirt. 

I feel so happy today, I'm not exactly sure why? Probably because for once, it's sunny in London and I'm planning on doing some mega blogging today! 

I started up a tumblr (I've actually had it for a while but never used it) so if you would like to see the gh0stparties outtakes and general snippets of my life and other things, you can follow me on there.
I also post my favourite instagram snaps there (username is gh0stparties) so if you don't have instagram, you can have a peek at my pictures still! 

I've got some great posts lined up, including my Clarisonic Mia, Naked 2 palette (which I've still not touched), various beauty boxes & more. Stay tuned. 

Saturday 21 January 2012

Review: NARS Bolero Velvet Matte Lip Pencil.






I first saw this after my last flatmate bought it in the Summer, I immediately wanted it but after a while completely forgot about it - until I was at the NARS counter recently. I got the last one, so it was obviously meant to be.
This is a sort of lipstick crayon, it's a really soft and pigmented lip product, which leaves a brilliant matte finish. This is the second Velvet Matte pencil I own from NARS (the other being Roman Holiday) and I think they're great quality. 

As it's a matte finish, and I have dry lips, I'm always a bit wary of how it's going to look on my lips. Lighter shades tend to make lips look even drier, but this has such a creamy consistency. I don't find my lips get too dry when I use this, although a small amount of maintenance usually goes down well before applying! 

This is fast becoming my favourite lip product, the colour is perfect - a peachy pink with a hint of coral, and it seems to stay on my lips for ages (something that rarely happens). 
It's a bit more expensive than other lipsticks, but I do think it's worth the price. I love NARS products, it's definitely one of my favourite brands and I think the shades they have are all gorgeous. 

What do you think of NARS Bolero? (I think this product was Limited Edition but it seems to have been moved to the main collection now wooo)

Friday 20 January 2012

No Lover of Mine.




Top: Motel 
Necklace: Rock n Rose
Skirt: H&M 

I had such a struggle getting these photos right! I hate how dark it is during the day. I think I'm just sick of looking at them also, so I've posted them anyway. Such a shame as this is probably one of my favourite outfits! I love, love, love this print from Motel. 

I expect you're going to be seeing a lot of this skirt in the coming weeks. I had another pleated black skirt that I used to wear all the time, but it was so so short! I had to wear velvet hotpants underneath just in case. I wasn't setting out to get a leather skirt - it reminds me of a gladiator - but I love the way it looks on! 

Sorry the pictures aren't great, I'm still learning to use my Canon 600D and winter lighting is awful! 

Thursday 19 January 2012

Real World.




Jacket: New Look 
Top: H&M 
Necklace: Topshop 
Lipstick: Chanel Rouge Coco Gabrielle 

This is my first outfit post (in ages!) of 2012, and also my first outfit pictures taken with my Canon 600D that I got for my birthday. I also have a newly painted wall to take photos against. I'm considering taking full length photos again as although they're a little harder to do, I always think they're much more flattering (eg here & here) but I think I'll probably just mix it up a bit! 

I wore this to Brighton on Tuesday to see The Xcerts & Flood of Red. This is probably not the most appropriate clothing for Brighton in January, but this coat cost me £7 (not sure how I always seem to find excellent coats for £7!) and it went perfectly.
I've literally not stopped since I got back to London, finally I have a few days to relax before starting a new internship on Monday which is pretty exciting! 
Tomorrow I shall hopefully be getting a few more posts written up as I've been horrendously lazy lately!