Friday 29 June 2007

Oh, oh, oh, it's Magic!

You know how I so love a little extra special something with my beauty products and just to keep you in the loop, I also enjoy a finely milled powder. With that in mind, I declare Perscriptives Magic Powder my favourite product of the week.

As a brand, I like Perscriptives. It's got a real no-nonsense approach to creating really good skincare and beauty products that actually work and the customisation element means they work for all skintones and types. Plus, lots of them look pretty too.

Example a)
Besides being a perfect match for my skin, this ridiculously finely milled Magic Powder illuminates my skin, sets my foundation and diffuses any pesky blemishes and, ahem, fine lines. Plus I have the translucent powder version but I just found out they do a red neutralizer version which just jumped to the top of my list of 'please Mr BeautyLover, it is pay day after all' begging.

And now for the magic... Although this is a powder, when you brush it onto the skin, it feels like a cooling liquid. How good is that? I don't know exactly how they're performing this witchcraft but I imagine Harry Potter is working in their factory.

And I like it.

Wednesday 27 June 2007

New York state of mind

Since I got back from NYC I genuinely haven't had time to make my brain work properly, so today I'm going a touch Virginia Woolf on you with my stream of beauty consciousness...

The best product car none to have on a flight is Nivea creme. Yes, the old school stuff in a tin.
It creates a protective barrier, nourishes the skin and even though you might think you look like an oil slick at the end of the flight, your skin will thank you for it three days in.

Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. I picked up more DDF complexion enhancing SPF 30 in Sephora at the bargain price of $30. Please do the same, it's fab.

MAC Tendertones rocked my lips for the duration of the trip. I'm obsessed. Silky, scented, and SPF 12, where is the bad people?

Bliss Magnolia Body Mousse is divine. Light yet rich, pleasantly perfumed but not strong enough to fight with your perfume. If you're going to the states, grab some while you're out there so you don't have to lug it over AND make happy times with the exchange rate.

Superdrug Hair Serum. No really. It comes in a little hot pink bottle and you only need three drops to totally transform your hair into a shiny, tangle free mane. And it's a complete bargain - hurrah!

There's so much more, I feel like I'm leaving alot out but I also feel like I have jetlag, hayfever and a cold.

Plus there's a lot of poking to be done on Facebook.

Tuesday 26 June 2007

Hot salt love

Since I got back from NYC I've been in a total mardy bitchy bum of a mood.
It's not just withdrawals, it's this crappy weather, my general poverty stricken nature and the horrible cold I picked up from GI Jason, my plane compadre on the way back (And, no, he wasn't even hot. Grump.).

In an attempt to shake it off, I stripped off, stood on my bath mat and grabbed a handful of a gorgeously, gloopy gunk and rubbed it all over me. Nope, I didn't go for a mudbath at Glastonbury, I had a Hot Salt Scrub from Bliss.


Hey, if I can't be in New York, I can at least use the hottest products from New York's hottest spa, right?

This stuff is amazing. Genuinely should come with a 'dangerous - mind altering yumminess inside' label. It's thick, and blue and gets all warm and delicious in your hands and then when you massage it into your dry skin, it gives out the most amazing eucalyptus scent and skin saving oils.
And then when you hop in the shower, it all vanishes!
Dissolves!
Disappears!

And you don't look like the creature that crawled out of the blue algae lagoon, you look like you've had a skin transplant with a baby's bottom!

And it cleared my sinuses.
Get in.

http://www.blisslondon.co.uk/shop/detail/BLISS-042/

Monday 25 June 2007

What's in the Bag Jini?

I forgot Jini's surname. I'm jetlagged and a bad person.
Sorry.

What's your signature make-up product and how does using it affect your mood?
I swear by Dr Haushka’s Toned Day Cream – even on the very worst skin day (which can make me bloody miserable!) this product makes my skin glow which certainly improves my mood.

A beautiful boy is on the approach and you only have time to apply one product - what is it?
Pout Plump in Caramel.

Out of every product you've ever had, current or sob, discontinued, what would be your favourite beauty product ever?
Mac C4 foundation – sadly discontinued, but it was the only foundation that matched my skin tone exactly. When it was discontinued I might have a shed a tear, until I discovered Laura Mercier.

And so, the Bag…
Dr Haushka Toned Day Cream
Laura Mercier Moisturising Foundation in Sunny Beige
Daniel Sandler Watercolour in Cherub
Avon Super Full Mascara (truly amazing!! my entire office bought one after we tried it!!)
Daniel Sandler Black Eyeliner in Onyx
Laura Mercier Shadow in Sandstone
Pout Plump in Caramel
Daniel Sandler Lip Liner in Cappuccino

Doesn't it sound divine? Once I'm de-jetlagged, I'll have all sorts of wonderful things to tell you about NYC and slap. Fab!

Thursday 21 June 2007

A cautionary tale

Never, ever, ever pop into Bloomingdales with your credit card and hit the Stila counter when you're in a rush.

I cannot disclose exactly how much I dropped for fear of Mr BeautyLover having a shit fit but basically, I don't need to buy any more make up, well, ever.

There were a lot of eyeshadows, smudgepots and lip glazes involved and then a credit card and then a big old pang of buyers remorse.

It didn't help that the make up artist was desperately beautiful.
And a man.
And straight.

Check him out at www.robertocasey.com
Sigh.

I have to go and be slightly sick now.

Monday 18 June 2007

It's a La Mer-acle

I've never been entirely comfortable with investment products, you know, the ones that cost half your salary and don't actually leave you with the skin of an eleven year old?

Well, I have to stand corrected on something.

And it's Creme de la Mer.



Flying always leaves my skin trashed. Completely dehydrated, looking grey and really irritated but not this time. I have lavished my skin with the love that comes with La Mer products and it it loving me back. Can't wait to see what we achieve together in the long term - I can already tell this is no fling.

I'm glowing, I've got a lovely healthy sheen and should any Lower East Side hipsters care to stroke a cheek (in a purely platonic way Mr BeautyLover) they will find it softer than a baby's bottom.

I'm converted and by Saturday morning, I will also be maxed out on all my credit cards.
The stuff is a mer-acle.

(p.s. yes, I know that was terrible but I LOVE a pun)

Friday 15 June 2007

Long may it last...

I've tried to keep calm about my impending New York trip (on the plane this time tomorrow people!) but I'm starting to freak out. I'm the least well organised EVER.
I haven't packed, I haven't collected my dry cleaning, haven't picked up my contact lenses... But I do have my tickets, company credit card and $500 cash. Ker-ching!

And what I have done, is my pre-plane-prep.
Hair washed and deep conditioned (always the day before so it doesn't dry out on the plane) - check.
Skin exfoliated, deep cleansed and moisturised to within an inch of it's life - check.
Drank enough water to sink a camel - check.

Now, the one area that always worries me the most, is travelling make up. You can't wear alot because you have to take it off on the plane anyway but you can't wear nothing for fear of being mistaken for a troll and lodged in the cargo hold. Dilemma, dilemma...

But hurrah, if Colosport haven't provided me with two fabulous get out clauses - 30 Day Mascara and 24 Hour Eyeliner. The mascara is a fun kit that you mix yourself (takes two ticks and is totally easy. I'm a DIY tard and I've managed it twice) and then brush onto lashes for a genuinely long lasting, elegantly defined look. Perfect if you don't want to fanny about trying to get waterproof mascara off once you're safely locked in cattle class.


And the eyeliner is like the most fun felt tip you've ever had. Easy to apply and smudge for a subtle look (or smoke it up if you're going out straight after the flight!) and it really does stay put. Fab. And you can pick them up frmo Boots, Asda and Sainsbury so there's no excuse!

I look forward to arriving in JFK looking like a well rested, sophisticated minx.

Thursday 14 June 2007

Building from the Base

I've always been a massive advocate of foundation primers on this site and the biggest problem for most people is that I've only really been able to recommend my beloved Smashbox primer - available here through QVC but plentiful across the Atlantic.

But you can now rest easy my patchy skinned, non-long lasting foundation friends. Estee Lauder's Face Primer Plus Smoothing Matte Base is amazing and available from an Estee Lauder counter near you!


They say: Sheer, silky-matte gel creates the smoothest, most seamless surface for foundation to glide on, stay on. Minimises pores and fine lines. Absorbs excess oil, without drying. Oil-free. Oil-controlling. Fragrance-free. Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested.

I say: Tis all true. It's got a similar texture to the Smashbox primer, all lovely and smooth with an almost powder finish. I have to say, when I ran out of Smashbox, it didn't even occur to me to panic. This is absolutely as good, if not better. Now go out, grab some and watch your make up magically stay on all summer!

£18 well spent.

Tuesday 12 June 2007

Smooth as a Baby's

Since I cannot tan (no, really, I'm currently having it certified by NASA) my number one must have for my pale, pale hide is soft skin.

My name is BeautyLover and I have become an exfoliation addict.

I'll be posting about a few of my new faves but the first one I want you to know about is the ridiculously fabulous Dermalogica Exfoliating Body Scrub.




The first time I tried it out, I was a bit underwhelmed. I'm usually looking to be scrubbed raw from an exfoliator (and yes, I know that's not the idea) and this was a more delicate, slightly granular cream exfoliant. It lathered up nicely, smelt of lovely lavender (my secret shame) and left my skin relatively soft. But so far, so meh. The second day, I used it and my skin felt softer. The third day I used it, my skin began spontaneously singing love songs to the product.
I had become so jaded looking for instantaneous results, I forgot that sometimes, it takes more than ten minutes to get an effect.

This is a genuinely fantastic product from one of my favourite brands. Dermalogica always delivers and I don't know a single person that has tried a single one of their products and doesn't constantly sing it's praises. You can get all loved up by calling stockist info on 0800 591818.

The scrub contains (hope you're not hungry) Fig, Date and Olive seed powders gently remove dead and dulling cells. Rice Bran and Papaya Enzymes to slough off impurities and stimulate cell renewal. Purifying essential oils of Lavender, Orange, Sandalwood and Rosemary condition and invigorate the body while awakening the senses.
I mean, yum.

And I've been following up the treatment with a twice daily slathering of Body Hydrating Cream, a light (perfect for summer) but deeply effective lemony smelling cream that really makes my skin glow. This baby is rocking hydroxy acids from Sugar Cane and Apple combined with Lactic Acid, smooth and relieve skin dryness. Anti-inflammatory properties of Green Tea, Lavender, Tea Tree and Chamomile oils to soothe and soften the skin and essential oils of Sandalwood, Orange, Clary Sage, Patchouli and Rosemary help to hydrate the skin and lock in moisture.


I smell delish.

Cheap Thrills - Gosh that's good!

In my sweaty New York state, it's all about make up that stays the distance. Waterproof, smudgeproof, call it what you want, I just want to know it's going to be there from morning till at least lunch time.

So it was happy days when I discovered GOSH waterproof eyeshadows. Lovely portable sticks (which means you can take them on the plane ladies!) that glide on and stay on. The colours are sheer but bright enough to pick out your peepers and they really don't budge.


I'm rocking Love that Dolphin, mostly because I love that name, but Love the Moss, Champagne and Gold(less good name) are also lovely for inner city summer looks or summer holiday party nights. And all for £5.99!


Oh, and the waterproof mascara is pretty good too if you're on a last minute pre-holiday dash.

Just a quick word of advice, please don't wear make-up on the beach. If you must (and I mean really must because you should have tinted your eyelashes with Coloursport 30 day mascara by now) you can wear waterproof mascara and tinted lip balm but that's it.
Seriously.
Ew.

Monday 11 June 2007

Taer on my Pillow...


I just saw Jason Donovan. Sorry, so excited.

But back to more pressing matters at hand. As you might have noticed, I'm a touch fickle and always looking for the next best thing to rev up my routine. Skincare has always been a touchy subject for me with regards to recommending it - I think everyone's skin is so different, it's hard to say that what works for me will work for you but recently I've fallen for a really amazing range that I would happily recommend to anyone.

Taer Icelandic http://www.taer.com/Defaultframes.htm is pure, simple and wonderful. I've been using the 24 Hour Cream in a day time and the Restore and Replenish at night for the last month or so and really have noticed a fresher, clearer complexion. The formula is full of wonderful natural things like chickweed, ladies mantel, yarrow, horsetail (?) and lavender and most importantly, (and this is a direct 'they say') All herbs used in the Tær range of products have the coveted Organic Product of Iceland mark.

Oooh.


The smell put me off a little at first (it's a touch medicinal) but my mother did always say if it doesn't smell/taste nice, it's probably good for you... and she's definitely right.
And now I kind of like it! Plus the heavy pale green jars definitely reek of something - super class. I'm addicted. I'm looking forward to rocking the hydrate and comfort mask on my trip over to New York on Saturday - oh, did I not mention that? ha! I'll totally be mentioning it all week now...


But back to my love of Taer, it really is a beautiful range.
And Icelandic men ain't bad either.
Maybe they're short of beauty journos over there...

What's in the Bag Cindy Irwin?

Today's beautista is super-hot Cindy! And as befitting of such a beauty, Cindy's make up bag is AWESOME.
Yes, I said it and I stand by it.
Cindy, tell us what's in the bag...


My signature make-up product is Jelly Pong Pongs Chic Shine in Ballerina. It instantly perks up my face, leaving it looking like I’ve just run up a flight of stairs. (in a good way, not in a frost bitten way!).

If a cute boy is on the approach, it would have to be my trusted chic shine again. It’s a small duo that covers both the cheeks & lips, so perfect for those speedy swipes!

Favourite beauty product ever would have to be Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, it covers just about everything, and has totally saved my life on more than one occasion

I also love Aromatherapy Associates face oil in Renew & Sandlewood. It’s smells gorgeous, is deeply hydrating, and helps diminish fine lines if you massage really well into the skin for at least 5 mins or so.

I have facials with Caroline Josling, who works miracles. She also works inside the mouth which nobody else does and has amazing results!

The following items are in my make-up bag:
Terracotta Moisturising Bronzing Powder – it gives me a sun-kissed warmth & blends extremely well
Tweezerman tweezers – they stay sharp for ages
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or – I keep it in my bag just in case I go somewhere unexpected. It smells wonderful, gives my skin a lovely sheen, and I also use it on my hair too!!
Estee Lauder Stress relief eye masks – great for tightening under the eyes
Lancôme Magicils Mascaras in turquoise & fuchsia – perfect brights for summer
Chanel Joues Contraste in Turbulent – a very subtle, beautiful pink blusher. I will be wearing this on my wedding day!!
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream for my lips, as I very rarely wear lipstick or lip glosses

Didn't I say it was awesome?
Sigh.

p.s., I'm so in New York and it's amazing.

What's in the Bag Lola Love?

Today's beautista is a super duper inspiro girl who we should all worship and adore. Lola Love is the hip heroine of Think Pink and Beauty*Licious, go for it guides for girls that teach young misses that it's okay to be themselves and more than okay to have a passing interest in make up as long as they realise it's not everything.


How could her bag not be cool?

What is your signature product and how does it make you feel?
J'adore pink - natch, so I never leave home without applying Bnevertoobusytobebeautiful's 'Wanna B' lip cream. You need a lip brush as it comes in a jewel-encrusted, heart-shaped package of adorability, but it's a definite head-turner and makes me feel like a total glam-girl from a 1950's movie, oh, and the good news is it stays put all day – what more could a girl ask for?

A beautiful boy is on the approach and you only have time to apply one product - what is it?
As I would already have applied my perfect pout earlier, I would definitely make sure my lashes were as skirty-flirty as possible by applying lashings of Maybelline Intense XXL Volume & Length Mascara in Waterproof black – the beautiful boy won't fail to be totally blown away as this prod makes lashes cause a serious breeze with each skirty-flirty flutter!


What product would you miss the most if it was sob - discontinued?
Rimmel's 'hide the blemish' concealer. It's cheap and does exactly what it promises to do – it's totally effective at hiding the most pesky and rudest of spots. This proves very helpful when one inevitably appears before your date with the beautiful boy that you snagged earlier with your flutterby lashes!

Grab your hit of Lola here...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beauty-Licious-Lola-Love-Clark/dp/0007235348/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/203-2642415-8814334?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181565629&sr=8-1

Friday 8 June 2007

Agent Procrastination

I am so swayed by pretty things so you won't be surprised to find out that I've fallen hopelessly in love with the new fragrance from Agent Provocateur.

Because I'm a little bit sleepy post lunch, I'm going to leave you with the 'they say' potion of this post because all I really have to say is - wowsers, sexy!
Isn't it minxish?


The new ‘Purse Spray’ is presented with transparent red glass, preciously enveloped with a gold reflective lacquer which plays provocatively with the light.
The neck of the bottle is clasped with a golden clip and tied with a red leather bow tie.
There sits a portrait of a woman across the body of the glass,
her head is turned mysteriously away.

Who is she?
She is Agent Provocateur Maîtresse.
She is the Governess and the Teacher,
She is the Mistress and the Lover.

Armed with this intoxicating tool which fits comfortably in your handbag and contains the secret formula of the sexy modern aldehydes which encourages the selected exotic ingredients to open and fly, including White Lotus, Ylang Ylang, Osmanthus flower & Violet leaves, you can be sure to hypnotise even the most resilient of victims!

Oh yes, it's Friday night and I'm armed!
I've always had a crush on Agent Provocateur products in general and the original scent was a little too havey for me (althought I adore it on my friend and I worship[ the powder pink bottle) but this is just lovely.

So all it comes down to is... Ugly Betty finale or testing this out on hot boys at the pub?
It's so sexy, I think Betty might have to wait for the rerun. Grrr.

Thursday 7 June 2007

Weather the Storm

So every cloud has a silver lining, right? Today you lucky beauty hounds benefit from my misfortune...

Yesterday (again, total abandonment. I think it's because my daddy left. Sorry) I was busy failing my driving test. I mean, who really drives backwards round corners? Bastard.
So while that meant I was weeping into Hotel Chocolat truffles instead of posting, it also meant my new Bare Escentuals Weather Everything waterproof mascara got the real test drive.
I sobbed.
Sobbed.
And sobbed.

Seriously though, if Bare Escentuals are going to carry on answering all of my beauty problems, I'm going to have to give up the blog and just link you to their stockist (0870 850 6655 ). It's amazing.


The plush brush gives really thick gorgeous lashes that look realistic (nothing worse than spider lashes on the beach. Or in your driving instructor's car on the A3.) but they do not budge once set. They eventually gave up the fight to my Johnson&Johnson eye make up remover pads but they didn't reveal I'd been wailing like a big girl while watching My Super Sweet Sixteen for at least an hour, to ANYONE.

Wow.

Tuesday 5 June 2007

Tender Loving Care

We're all well aware of my big girl crush on MAC. It's like the cool girl in the sixth form who always looks that little bit edgier than everyone else but at the same time, like she hasn't even tried.
Sigh.


Well, happy to tell you their latest collection, Tendertones, is on counter now. And it's lush (I'm bringing 'Lush' back).

They say: Tendertones SPF 12 The M·A·C Tendertones SPF 12 collection will brighten any summer day. M·A·C Tendertones SPF 12 give lips a silky splash of sheer colour and a dab of SPF protection so lips stay healthy and feel smooth after every application. The Strawberry Kiwi flavour formula gives the protection and comfort of a lip balm with the sexy shine of a gloss. Petrolatum and Linoelic Acid work to condition and maintain moisture on lips while vitamin E works to protect against the harmful conditions of the environment. Lipid complex with coffee seed extract and astricaryum murumuru butter give lips the look of a gloss with the feel of a balm.

I say: It really is silky soft and super sexy. I'm rocking Deep Sigh today which looks like a terrifying deep bronze in the pot but comes out as a gentle, lip-enhancing sheen. Delicious. And how could I not want smoething with astricaryum murumuru in it?

The collection is limited edition so go grab a pot now, they're only £10.50 and you know you'll feel like the coolest girl in the common room with the heavy glass pot on your desk. I'm going back for Pucker, sheer raspberry pink. Mm-mm.

Monday 4 June 2007

What's in the Bag Emily Burton?

My favourite part of the week again! Here's the lovely Emily's make-up secrets...

What's your signature make-up product and how does using it affect your mood?
Daniel Sandler’s Watercolour in Cherub, people always comment on it when I’m wearing it and ask what make it is.

A beautiful boy is on the approach and you only have time to apply one product. What is it?
ChapStick- Every girl needs smooth kissable lips and it’s the safest thing to apply without a mirror- also my beautiful boyfriend loves the Cherry ChapStick.

Of every product you've ever had, current or sob, discontinued, what would be your favourite beauty product ever?
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser. It’s quite pricey at £30, but I have even got my friends addicted to it as nothing else even compares!

The Bag…
Pout Eyeslick in Butterfly
Laura Mercier Matte Bronzer

I find that there are somethings you just don’t need to spend lots on. I love Prestige Cosmetics Automatic Eyeliners as they’re easy to use and you don’t need a sharpener – plus they come in loads of different colours so you can change your look slightly but not too drastically.

I generally have at least three ChapSticks in my makeup bag as I love all the flavours and they are so cheap.

I have recently discovered the Daniel Sandler Lipstick in Ambrosia, a really nude shade but it makes me feel more like a grown up that when I have pink gloss on which makes my hair stick to it!

I am on the constant quest for the perfect mascara and currently have three in my makeup bag:
Prestige Cosmetics Lash matrix - great for amazing lashes for night-time and won’t budge even when caught in thunderstorms!

Pout Mascara (the thin one) - great for day for long lashes to achieve the “I haven’t tried too hard look”

Avon Super Full Mascara - a steal at £5 for a great result that lasts and yet still comes off easily at the end of the day.

Always an alice band for frizzy hair days!

A girl after my own heart! ChapSticks by the dozen and a Daniel Sandler Watercolour Cheek Stain.
Sigh, I might go and do my make up again...

Friday 1 June 2007

Lip Lip Hooray

Sorry for the total abandonment yesterday, I hope you don't have issues.
I was happily on the road with my best friend watching her wedding dress fitting - sob. Expect a gushing photo post in August (alongside a how to post bridesmaid make up that lasts all day and doesn't leave you looking like the Corpse Bride by the reception. I hope.)

Another quickie today for it is Mummy BeautyLover's birthday and we're doing honouring it in the traditional mother daughter way - shopping.

Being in a rush has made me very aware of how easily you can change you look with something simple. Today - my new favourite MAC lipstick. It's called Overrich and it's a beautiful sheer coral - sounds awful, looks divine. If you've got a free ten minutes this weekend, pop into your nearest MAC concession and have a chat with them about colour. I bet you come away with something you would never ever have tried.

And I bet you love it.

Have fun chicas!

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