MizzWorthy Illamasqua Competition entry (Video & Description)

It dawned on me that "The looks you've always wanted to try, but never had a reason or an excuse to... Until Now!" meant that once and for all I had to transform myself into the image I had been transfixed with for so long. It may not be as dramatic or as weird and wacky as some entries, but it's just that little bit extra than I'd be comfortable to wear out; just that smidge over the line... just enough over it to know it would provoke looks that spoke of, "hmm, she's overdone it today". But yet I yearned to be like those Dior girls: with bold green eyeshadow, stark white face, pink cheeks and dark blood red lips. And I tried, so thanks MizzWorthy for giving me the perfect occasion, finally!


Products used:

FACE

Tinted moisturiser (Origins Nude & Improved)
Ipsa highlighter stick (nearly all over, to look white!)
MAC Crushed Bougainvillea CCB
Bare Escentuals Flowers Blusher
MAC Sunpepper pigment
Chanel 'vaseline' tube (YOU know the one I mean!)
Clarins eyebrow pencil in 02 Medium

EYES
Estee Lauder new Double Wear cream e/s in Silver leaf; Sea Mist
MAC pigments in Chatreuse; Teal
MAC e/s in Jewel Blue; Femme Noir
Bare Escentuals e/s highlight in Soul
MaxFactor MAX mascara
Benefit Eye Bright
Lancome le crayon Khol in Noir

LIPS
Guerlain Kiss Kiss laque in Purple Star
Dark purple lip liner in Aubergine (can't see brand name)

Depotting for the Very First Time... and Estee Lauder 'haul'

Like a saddo, as soon as I had spotted Liz's blog post, I rushed out in a pitch of feverish urgency to pick up a load of the Bronze Goddess collection. The duo pencil had definitely grabbed my attention, and is sold out on the US site so it must be good. The bronze blushes look so pretty too.

Thinking I should kill two birds with one stone, I decided I felt brave enough to embark on my first ever attempt at depotting. MAC's very functional looking pots look like they are designed to be cracked open much like a clam shell, and all those YouTube videos made it look accordingly simple. My go-to guru is Enkore, I'm sure we all know him! I've even met him when he came to London, he was such a kind person - really helpful and giving of his time.

Anyway having said that, I blame him for me butchering my Shale eyshadow (I started with my least fave: Shale has no lasting power, even though it's a very pretty colour). His was the 'No Heat' method. Koren is a dancer and is strong, he peels back that lip (of the lid I mean!) with an ease that simply did not translate to my puny hands.

I managed to flip out the shadow tray of course, but then when attempting to pull the lip down to pour my alcohol in the gap, I failed. I dug my nails, my pliers, my finger, at various regular intervals, gouging deep crevices into the poor mangled shadow. Not to mention the mess. After eventually managing to free out the poor tortured Shale, with just its little shards of life seated within the pan, I decided I'll try heat. Well I don't care if it means breathing in fumes, it works, and even an absolute novice can do it. I used a hairdryer, then I used a hot light bulb (hair dryer was better, but it's my Parlux so I'm not keen on risking ruining it).

So with my 6 empties bagged up, I went to the shopping centre to get my free MAC lipstick, and my EL collection goodies. I first went to EL. They had no idea what I was talking about. Gosh, how infuriating when you know so much more than the people behind the counter?? They were like, "Oh it's discontinued". I managed to convince them it was in fact a forthcoming collection, and eventually one looked in the staff book and it transpired that at this stage, in fact for a whole month, it's a House of Fraser exclusive. My heart sank.

But not for long: I drowned my sorrows with the new Double Wear cream eyeshadow collection. Some of these shades, arbitrarily chosen it seems, are limited edition. I know the amazing bright turquoise Green, the Gold and the Silvery taupe are limited at least; the lovely lilac at least is perm. But I couldn't resist them, and Boots currently has, as Hele pointed out, a £6 points award for two EL items. So, I got 3. Couldn't decide between the purple and the silver, and the sales lady convinced me to treat myself...! She also said, "I can see you like your brights." haha. Quite.

I have been assured that they do not crease. Certainly my swatches have been impossible to remove, great sign! Especially the dark navy, which now I wish I had got as a 4th, that would have made more sense as well, oh dear, maths has never been my strongest suit. Plus I didn't realise how useful a dark base would be. But I would certainly recommend the dark blue for definite! I'm going to try these out before I can heartily recommend them as well. I'm going to try the stunning green one first, as it's really bright so perfect as I want to do my look for MizzWorthy's contest and I had an idea!

Then I went to MAC, and thankfully they barely looked at the pots (didn't even count them, I must have an honest face!) - let alone any trouble regarding the pans being missing or any suchlike trivia. The SA spent ages going through millions of lipsticks: Twig, the bright new Colour Ready shades, a multitude of others. But after all that, I just got another of my Kinda Sexy. I am not a big fan of MAC lipsticks, they all felt either very drying, or were just too sheer. Most of their range, I believe, would suit a darker skintone. Sadly all the Hello Kitty lipsticks had gone, or I'd have got another Big Bow. But Kinda Sexy at least makes lips look really big, so I'll put up with the way it makes my lips feel like they are as shrivelled as a 90 year-old's.

PS: I also bought clothes, but I'm not sure if those would be of interest, this is strictly a makeup blog, after all. But at any rate, damage to my wallet was extensive by the close of day. And my electricity bill awaited, like some sinister harbinger of doom.

PPS: Those depotted shadows in pic above are in the wonderful ELF palette, much better than MAC 4 pan palette, this is sturdy, MAGNETISED and has a mirror! Love it, got it in a swap. In US, these are only $1!! In UK £1.50, still pretty good! Colours are Mink & Sable, Femme Noir, Contrast and the why oh why discontinued Jewel Blue. Estee Lauder colours: Silver Leaf, Sea Mist, and Lilac Petal. (Review will follow, I have high hopes for these!) N.B: There are 10 shades available in the range.

Current lemmings .... plus, my 'on the go' make up bag!

Before I start this post, I wanted to say... yesterday I decided I was going to practise for my entry to MizzWorthy's contest. I had picked out my high fashion inspiration pic :

and excitedly pulled out my Coastal Scents palette. I have only tested this once, and adored it. But I had a massive headache after testing it.

Yesterday, after using a ton of it as part of my futile effort to recreate the look, (replete with beads and sequins no less), I suffered the most excruciating headache and sore throat. I have no idea if the palette is to blame (unfortunately for me, my body thinks it's a millionaire - I suffer bad reactions to any jewellery except 18ct Gold, and now I fear perhaps all makeup except high end?!!) or, if it's just a coincidence and the Spring weather is bringing on some extreme allergy. All I know is, it's really unpleasant and now I'm scared to use my palette ever again. But I have to get my entry in to this amazing contest! - Mind you, Natalya has entered now so chances have been radically slashed. So selfish of her to enter contests - How can mere mortals compete now?!!! If you haven't seen her fabulous entry, it's here.

The other day I went to check out the newest MAC collection (yes, it's that time, again) because Caprig reviewed it, and basically said it was the greatest makeup breakthrough in the history of makeup, ever. And she uttered these dangerous words:

"My husband rarely comments on makeup these days, so when he says something with enthusiasm, I tend to pay attention. He was amazed at how much younger I look with just Mineralize Skinfinish on and no foundation at all."

Anyone who says anything about products that make you look so young that even a dopey husband can tell (this is me inferring of course!), well I have to take note. I have become aware of my visible frown lines, to the point where I am seriously wondering about Botox. So off I went to check out "This Fountain of Youth" (her words).

Perfect Topping is a pale peachy shade, despite all the veining. I must take issue with MAC for making their products all veiny and swirly, so it looks like something utterly unique, but in truth most times the end result is no different to a straight-up pale peach highlighter or equivalent. So it was with this: it is categorically a highlighter (I have heard it called a blusher, but on my pale skin it is too light for that) and it is, although finely milled and smooth, still rather sparkly and glimmery. I think a humble pale shimmer eyeshadow would suffice for basic cheek highlight purposes, so I didn't pick it up.

Then off I went to check out the Line filler prep and prime new tube, part of the other new collection 'Colour Ready'. But it reeks of gimmick, too reminiscent of my experiences with Too Faced wrinkle injection and the Prescriptives line filler tube. Has anyone tried this new Prep and Prime?? I passed on all of MAC's new offerings, although I picked up the matte Bronze which I really like (permanent item).

I am desperate for Estee Lauder's new collection to come out, those bright blues look stunning. And by the way the new Double Wear cream eyeshadows are amazing! They are all shimmery, so I am hesitating, as I prefer matte, but they seem better than paint pots, my swatches took a great deal of rubbing before they vanished! Estee Lauder is my fave. They are £13.50 so not much more than MAC.

Anyway, and now, thanks to being inspired by Aestheticcoo, here is a glimpse of my make up bag. Because I wear great long-wearing stuff (EL Double Wear fdtn) and UDPP, usually I never even dip into my bag so it's very much there mainly for comfort value. But here it is:

please can YOU do one too!!!!

I keep it all in a see-through zip up case -- VERY useful!! - I also don't have anything too precious in there, mainly small GWP so I don't weigh myself down!

Contents out:

Contents explained:

The Sephora retractable brush is surprisingly good! And the clips are essential for my horrible haircut.

Popster is a great colour, but not half as moisturising as 8 hr cream!

I have always felt this little case offers everything I need.

PERFUME COLLECTION!

As a general rule, I like oriental perfumes with a light hearted kick to stop it being too heavy. I like fresh scents but I also appreciate woody, more sumptuous overtones. These are the ones I've been tempted by and why.


I started collecting perfume at a young age, fascinated by not only the bottle designs, but also of course by the way a scent captures an emotion or attitude. In many ways, I supect my initial perfume collection was very much a prelude to my consuming interest in beauty generally!

• Donna Karan New York Perfume "A blend of rare Casablanca lilies, .... created to duplicate the skin scent of suede and the cuddly warmth of cashmere." PERFECT! Beautiful oriental, rich and luxurious and utterly unique, very distictive.

• Donna Karan DKNY Perfume "A cold, strict and elegant fragrance for daily and office use. An energicetic wave of the top awaits you with the notes of green tomato leaves, red orange juice and cold vodka. The floral heart is composed of water lily, orchid and daffodil. The composition closes with the mild and pleasant notes of birch and tulip." - erm, I agree with the office use bit... it's the ultimate office perfume, very professional and sharp/ serious/ sophisticated, but ultimately but this smells like detergent or soap to me.

• Calvin Klein Euphoria (original) Perfume "Calvin Klein Euphoria opens with the exotically fruity notes of pomegranate and kaki, supported by rich green notes and a sensual floral heart of lotus, champaca and black orchid. The base of this beautiful perfume reveals deeply sexy black violet garbed in amber and carnal musks." - Yes, this perfume manages to open with a fresh, light-heated fruitiness, but then expand to a more mysterious oriental scent. The main notes are rose hip, Japanese apple, green leaves, Lotus, black orchid, red woods, black violet and amber.
  
  
• Giorgio Armani Elle "An oriental vanilla fragrance. It was launched in 1998.Top notes are pineapple, lime, tuberose, mandarin orange, pear and bergamot; middle notes are orris root, jasmine, heliotrope and lily-of-the-valley; base notes are sandalwood, tonka bean, amber, musk, vanilla and cedar." - A heavier version of my favourite theme: fruity start giving way to a heady musky vanilla and sandalwood base. Less subtle than my other choices, this seems somewhat younger and less sophisticated to me now.
  
• Iceberg Fluid "Soft floral and fruity, with a determined start, sweet freshness at heart and cozy woody notes with vanilla finishing the composition. Citrus freshness of bergamot, mandarin and grapefruit, associated with juicy pear and aromatic basil – make almost masculine harsh top, followed by the flowery notes of jasmine and heliotrope with a nuance of juniper. Vanilla, musk, tonka bean, sandalwood and cedar are settled at the base." - This scent is very similar to my fave Donna Karan perfume, it's a refined, oriental, woody fragrance. A feminine scent due to its blend of oriental fruits and flowers, but with low notes of musk, woods and amber.

• Elizabeth Arden Green Tea "A citrus aromatic fragrance for women.Top notes are rhubarb, mint, orange peel, bergamot and lemon; middle notes are carnation, musk, jasmine, oakmoss and white amber; base notes are caraway, amber, musk, green tea, jasmine, cloves, oakmoss and celery seeds." - Like DKNY, this is a great office scent, and really citrusy and clean. I love the lotion and shower get version of this as well, this scent is definitely my everyday staple.

• Clarins Par Amour Toujours "A floral fruity scent; Top notes are pink pepper and black currant; middle notes are and grapefruit; base notes are rose and raspberry." - A very innocent light fresh rose smell (i.e not heavy musky rose) Extremely girly, innocent: quite simple little perfume, aimed by Clarins for "daughters" as opposed to the Par Amour, but I don't think it smells too young for women. Lasting power not great, has to be re-applied, but very lovely smelling all the same. - I got this because I wanted to smell attractive rather than 'modern' or 'edgy' or even 'confident'... in many ways this is the antithesis of all those things. I won't be re-buying, but it's good to have it for days when you want to give a more submissive and traditionally 'feminine' impression.
  
• Hermes Un Jardin Sur le Nil "Inspired by the travel to Egypt (The Garden on the Nile). Explosive green grapefruit is timed by the floral-pineapple aroma of green mango and sweetly sheer lotus scent. The composition is then taken over by the calamus, sycamore and frankincense. The creator did not define whether this is a fragrance for women or for men. It can be used by both." -Although this fragrance is fresh and light, its lasting ower is brilliant and it never fails to lift my spirits - it's so fresh, confident, distinctive... there's something very very green about it, like fresh cut grass, it bursts out with an energy that is so invigorating. I'd describe it as a very fresh but still softly oriental scent. It's LOVE!
  

... Would really enjoy hearing what YOUR faves are?? xx

Make up icons without make up?

I have been left reeling by this recent photo of Dita Von Teese without her makeup:

Yes, she looks pretty, but way older and tired, if you ask me. But more than anything, it's just seriously disconcerting, I mean, this is the woman who wore full makeup to her pilates gym class - and frankly, I took great comfort from that. I'm a person who wears makeup to go to the newsagent, the gym, hell even when swimming I wear some resistant eye makeup! And I never arrive actually in my gym clothes either, I always have my normal clothes and shoes. I thought me and Dita were kindred spirits in that respect...

Dita, arriving / leaving her gym

Dita in full swing of her Pilates class


I feel betrayed! The only other celebrity that would shock me as much would be the equally unimaginable spectacle of Victoria Beckham with a bare face and no shades...

Oh my god - nearly!! Look at that sheer terror and horror on Victoria's face; look at the fear and worry on her stylists' faces! Wow that can't be faked, I recognise that look all too well. Stuff of nightmares!

Some people just look better with makeup, it was the Roman comedy dramatist Plautus who wrote, "A woman without makeup is like food without salt". However, now now girls, he also said, "I would rather be adorned by beauty of character than jewels. Jewels are the gift of fortune, while character comes from within." He also eloquently observed, "No guest is so welcome in a friend's house that he will not become a nuisance after three days." Or, "This is the great fault of wine; it first trips up the feet: it is a cunning wrestler." -An all round funny and witty playwright, no wonder he inspired Shakespeare... Ahem, I digress... coming back to his original analogy, I would agree.

As I've established, he probably did not mean it quite as emphatically as I do.

Madonna is another makeup idol of mine, and makeup certainly is essential for her. Her serious gym visits would not allow for a made up face, so she instead adopts the head down, shades on, stance. Gwyneth Paltrow, her gym buddy, looks annoyingly pretty without makeup: let's not dwell on that.

Madonna and Gwyneth go natural for their intensive workout

Below: Madonna, 2002

And below, ahem, 'refreshed' ... 7 years later

INSPIRATION PICS: MADONNA'S BODY; DITA'S GLAMOUR

P.S. Ever noticed how every soap has the character with 'the makeup'? In Eastenders it's Roxy (I learnt blending techniques by seeing it crudely mapped out on her face), In Corrie it's Fiz (I swear she wears Urban Decay deluxe eyeshadow all the time), In Emmerdale it's Jennie (similar fondness for bright eyeshadow). I know the older characters wear it too: Pat Butcher has saved me dozens of pounds when I hastily return the blue shimmery eyeshadows back to their counter tops. I just mean it's interesting to see the sort of character who gets picked out to wear the wacky looks. i.e it's always the zany and childish ones. Anyway please don't judge me that I watch these soaps, I mean for chrissakes I was quoting Plautus earlier! But Corrie is a guilty pleasure, it's more a comedy than a drama really, and Eastenders is a bad habit I can't break, Emmerdale is just quite fun. Anyway, I found this interesting website connected to Hollyoaks (which I don't watch, afterall I miss Grange Hill haha) but check it out for some useful breakdowns of their character looks:

They've had a few but I'm not sure if ther's an archive, check out their current Made Up Like: Mercedes McQueen.

Professional make up artistry for the masses

If I may say so, I have always been very precocious when it comes to makeup and skincare (I'm sure most of us here can say that!) and I'm obviously convinced I could equally be a world-renowned makeup artist or a dermatologist (haha yes, again, don't we all) but, I was recently wondering whether us beauty junkies are all that elite after all...?

Whilst at university, all those aeons ago, before ebay, I remember scouring the net for a microdermabrasion tool. I found one on an American website, very expensive - plus I was stung by a horrific customs duty on top, plus it was an absolutely useless device, with a rubbishy foam sponge - but the point is - now that same exact device is available at my local drugstores, and microdermabrasion and skin resurfacing are words everyone is familiar with due to the adverts we are now subjected to.

Granted, combining science with cosmetics is nothing new. But nowadays, as a consumer we don't want to be patronised, we want to have the active ingredients that dermatologists and dentists have, and the finesse that profesional makeup artists have. Current adverts will attest to that.

Although it is only a matter of time before an actual makeup makeover programme hits (UK at least), we have a plethora of makeover shows which always feature a segment on makeup and hair improvement. TRESemmé has become a massive success to its tagline "Professional, Affordable"; MaxFactor has capitalised on its longevity by proclaiming "The Makeup of Makeup artists!" and hiring the celebrity mkeup artist du jour, Pat McGrath to devise face charts for their campaigns:

So, I wonder... how long before traincases, palettes and proper brushes become the norm? Isn't it about time a TRESemmé type initiative hits the makeup world? I suppose E.L.F comes closest to this idea, perhaps Coastal Scents too - but really, there still seems a void. The metal palettes should no way cost as much as they do, ditto the brushes (just compare the price of paintbrushes to realise the mark-up!)

Cosmetics traditionally weather financial storms, however WWD reported that even beauty sales dropped by 3% in 2008 compared to 2007. Perhaps the feeling that 'plus ca change...' is all too true when it comes to the cosmetics available at your local shopping centre. I think the time is ripe for a makeup artist canon for the masses!

Traincases, palettes, refillable tubs, spatulas, petri dish... too much for the masses, or is it time for the makeup revolution?

What would you like to see change in the makeup world? What do you want in your shopping experiences ... Do you feel satisfied with current collections or would you want more 'innovation' too??

Hauling frenzy delights...

My poor neglected blog! Well, the culprit is - predictably enough - no, no, not that old chestnut: 'life', but in fact, my intense hauling and ensuing preoccupation with my new treats. Blame aestheticcoo first of all, for an amazing swap which certainly made me feel like it was my birthday come early! It included my now absolutely essential step: a Physician's formula green concealer stick (which if you haven't tried, YOU MUST!),

a Korres absolutely heavenly Quince body butter (how did you guess Quince is my fave? Is it everyone's fave? Has anybody TRIED their Quince lip butter?? If not, you haven't lived.)


Also included was the famous nail polish I had heard hundreds of raves about, but sadly is not available in the U.K: 'Ruby Pumps' by China Glaze.

This, along with their new 'For Audrey' following suit, is surely their most ubiquitous polish. Strictly for festive occasions (though not just for Christmas) this glittery fuschia red deserves its accolades. One coat and it's pinky red, 2-3 coats and it's pure deep vampy red with a twist... whichever way, the condensed glitters always elevate it to a talking point!

Then there was a gorgeous ELF lace design transparent plastic makeup case, which has me even more tempted to order from them! Thanks also for the additional nail polish by 'Finger Paints' which was like Ruby Pumps but without the extravagance. Love it! And, of course, Queen Helene Mint Julip mask- this was ostensibly the item we were swapping for!! I had heard so many raves and miraculous stories about this, and after my recent swaplift (on MUA) which had been supposed to deliver this sacred tonic unto me, it was a wonderful relief to finally get it for real. And, I am very glad to report, it does work!!! Wonderful haul.


... But then there was my own hauling. I got a Blemish Kit from Murad, which is seriously making my skin look its best. (£26, available in Harrods or online.) I highly recommend the kit to anyone having breakouts or wanting to even out their skintone. It's packed with natural exfoliants and pure ingredients, and has noticeably revived my skin.


I also got the legendary Coastal Scents 88 Original Palette : WOW!!
(from Crown brushes, £25)

which is very addictive and certainly a must if you adore bright colours!! I honestly mistrusted people when they said it's MAC quality, but I swear it is! Anyway, MAC eyeshadows vary so widely that many in this palette are better! - There, I said it. You should so look into this palette, you can even pick it up on ebay for a steal if you have the patience to wait for delivery. The only criticism that can be levelled at it, is that it's almost like face paints, in terms of how outrageously vibrant the colours go on.


I got some Crown brushes whilst I was there, and for £2 a piece, you can't go wrong. I got a 227 dupe (which is totally on a par with its £25 counterpart)


and a nice doe foot blender brush which is ideal for hooded eyes and very similar to my Stila no.20 brush. Highly recommended!

A selection of brushes from Crown brush website

Then I got Benefit Powderflage WHICH DOES WORK!! People have got used to MAC, NARS and Coastal Scents type of extreme pigmentation, but this is more subtle and trust me it works to gently haze out your undereye circles, wrinkles (it's especially good for those progressively edging towards those nasty fine lines) and any minor flaws. I love its soft consistency and reflective ability. Almost as perfect as Touche Eclat... and way more fun and hygienic to use!

There were other things (I posted YouTube videos at the time for anyone wondering) but let's now cut straight to MAC Hello Kitty. Because, much to my chagrin, the collection was very pretty in person. The packaging was quite sweet, it just doesn't photograph well. The lipsticks and lip products were a brilliant surprise. Although Cute-ster is too sheer by far, and unoriginal to boot, Big Bow is the most delightful shade of flurescent pink with blue duochrome almost, it's very flattering, lasts an impressive time, especially considering it's a glaze and not ultra-drying like their matte lipsticks!

And it's a very noteworthy departure from MAC, who generally churn out the same dull shades ad nauseam. Popster and Pink Fish deserved their raves- these are not only moisturising, they really do hold pigment. An adorable little tub to carry around with you, and a decent amount of product too. Personally, Popster was my fave as I adore bright corals, and I even bought a backup!

I checked out the Grand Duo blushers, imagining I would find them as off-puttingly sparkle-ridden as their Mineral Skinfinishes, but in fact they are very wearable and very like the soft powdery finish of Chanel blushers.

I must say though, that I would probably not buy again: MAC only gives us 3.2g of product, despite charging the same as for their 10g MSFs! That is just unacceptably underhand! And the shade I got, Love Rock, although it looks unique due to its lilac threading on the 'MSF' highlighter side, actually applies like any other pink blusher if I'm honest.

Also, it is very very pink, so never one to get you a natural look- it's very 'doll like'. But some days I love the pink lips pink cheeks look. Still, it's not a versatile everyday blusher in my opinion.

I must end by raving about Trish McEvoy brushes. Although they are expensive and make MAC look like bargain basement, they are made of blue squirel (like some Stila I believe) and feel so luxuriously soft it's uncanny. My MAC 217 has been scratching my eyes recently (it's the full size one so no excuses!) but my no.29 T.M blender is perfect, though smaller and thinner. The T.M no.21 Large Lay down brush picks up pigments like no other, it really makes a charlatan of the 239!

And the no.37 bronze/ highlight brush has become my contouring brush, ever since I scored the amazing amazing (why oh why discontinued!!!!) shade 'Emote' from a sometime MAC collection. That stuff is magic for us pale girls who want a contour that neither looks pinky nor orangey!! I use it everyday now, and feel unfinished without it.

Oh and I've been going wild in Topshop too, I do adore that place! I got 2 coats, as British weather is so changeable. I got a purple 80s style coat. and a soft leather jacket with drummer boy detailing. (excuse the rubbishy pics, much nicer in reality)

... What have you all been hauling?? Tell Auntie Gail!