PAUL & JOE SWOON

PAUL & JOE FACE COLOUR 02

First of all I'm not usually JUST a packaging kind of make-up girl..... but LOOK! It's so pretty and feminine. The compact is a cool mauve pink with micro pink and gold shimmer. LOVE. 

Highlighter and blush in one. 

I thought this might of been a shimmer/frost finish product but it's actually matte with micro glitter. SAY NO TO CHUNKY GLITTER FACE PRODUCTS.

Total impulse purchase. I've always been interested in Paul & Joe but nothing really stood out. I have to say the selling point is the packaging for me but the product isn't bad inside! Would I of just bought it for the product alone? No.... but this kawaii little product stands out in my vast collection. Also it's my first dabble into Asian cosmetics which I've not really tried before (made in Japan).

Lastly sorry for the absence of make-up looks, I'm currently involved in a really cool project where I'm doing 3 looks for a fashion film/commercial. I'm just gathering together photos so it'll be a whammy of make-up for you guys!

CLARISONIC DIAIRIES

Me (looking dorky + my mega round face) and my Clarisonic Mia (£120)

This is a *really* expensive purchase for me. But a long term investment I hope *looks at my DLSR*. I've always heard good things about it but I never thought I needed it. Fast forward to my favourite YouTubers having one, constant battle with dry patches and an ASOS discount code floating around.....the face toothbrush was mine.

Back story: my skin is for the most part is OK - occasional break out maybe once a month but nothing to complain about.

My main issue is my oily t-zone. And I mean really oily. I'm kind of hoping my skin type will change as I get older but I think I've inherited my mums skin..... her skins still really oily at 48! The Clarisonic doesn't claim to reduce oiliness but if I'm cleaning my skin properly, hopefully the skincare products I do use will work better and improve on that situation.

My second issue is flaky skin. The easy and cheaper solution is just to exfoliate (I mix bicarbonate soda with face wash and it does make your skin squeaky clean) BUT it's still a constant struggle because it only lasts a couple of days before the dry patches reappear..... and you can't hide flaky lizard skin (I get it all over - and it's most noticeable after foundation) - it's just gross.

Also I have to say I'm sorry there's no photos of my bare skin for 'before and afters' but I think you guys can take my word for it if its working or not. If anything I'm going to be pissed if nothing major happens!

AND if you wondered why my skin looks 'OK' in photos, I just hide my gross skin texture with lighting and flash ;)

I'm aiming to use it maybe twice a week for a deep cleanse because I hear people can get hooked with it and it can actually do more harm than good to go hardcore sonic-cleansing mad. Aim is good skin= less foundation. Win. Well, that's the idea.

28*/03/12 (first time): Can't believe how much additional make-up it has taken off after my initial make-up cleanse off (Liz Earle's C&P). So all this time whilst I was thinking my skin is clean -  it's not!  It's got ridden of my dry patches and I've been mainly concentrating the brush on my open pores/t-zone area to see if there will be any differences.

9/04/12: Still no purging! I'm still on my Easter break (aka lazy week) so I've only whipped out my Clarisonic if I've been wearing make-up. Skin texture has definitely changed. Much smoother and I'd say 95% of my dry patches have gone and not reappeared. No change on the oiliness but I've used a new product that has coincidentally helped  with that (Invisible Zinc face and body - apparently it's the zinc!)

21/04/12: Still really impressed. No purging.... huzzah! My skin is probably the best condition it has been for years and I *really* don't think it could of been achieved if without the Clarisonic. My skin is more luminous and my dry patches are so much better- nowhere near as bad as it were. Note: sorry if I sound really LAME. I am really this lame and cheesy.

Hey guys, I kept this purchase on the low because I was a bit skeptical and wanted to test it for awhile before I shared my thoughts on it. And..... so far it's been a good investment!

I don't think my skin could be like it is right now if I had just carried on with my old routine - which I'd say is quite 'intense' for a 20 year old anyway - damn you blogging world for making me aware of these lotions and potions!

I'd 100% recommend it to anyone who is wanting to improve their skin texture and just to really deep cleanse the skin.

If you have 'OK' skin and your current routine isn't helping you go to the 'YAY' skin mode..... go for it and incorporate a Clarisonic into your routine!

YSL ROUGE PUR COUTURE GLOSSY STAIN IN ROUGE VINTAGE INITIAL THOUGHTS

 YSL ROUGE PUR COUTURE GLOSSY STAIN- 5 ROUGE VINTAGE (£22.50) 

The applicator is brilliant for precise application and it really helps to contour the lips

 I had red lips on before hand so I tried my best to get rid of it all

 2 thin layers (and sloppily applied.) I was worried it might be a bit too pink, but no, perfect mid tone berry..... or my sister's boyfriend would say "why don't you just buy some raspberry jam instead?"

I look like a startled tired monkey. IGNORE. 

Nearly 5 hours of wear and I just blotted with a tissue to see what the stain looked like.

This is actually how I'd look if you bumped into me in real life. I don't even wear liquid eyeliner anymore - I'm so boring! AND still loving Bourjois' flower perfection foundation, wears very well and I've noticed no oxidation - NO ONE wants an orange face. 

 Hey guys, I don't usually get too excited by new releases but when Lisa Eldridge raves about something.... YOU KNOW IT'S GOOD.

I literally received this today but so far I'm very impressed and I know I will use it everyday as it gives me colour AND sheen with the reassurance I won't need to reapply and be paranoid it's moved.

I'd describe the texture and feel almost 'rubbery' on the lips (in a good way.) It sort of 'adheres' to the lips, which you don't get with other lip glosses and creamy lipsticks that have that 'slippery' feel.

Before I even blotted my lips they were still glossy and as I'm typing now, my lips don't feel too dried out - though a quick application of lip balm wouldn't go a miss.

Overall I'm very happy. Who doesn't want a lip product with long lasting wear time that eventually fades into a stain? So to summarise, if you want pigmented soft glossy lips with the reassurance it will not budge, give these a go!

MAKEUP YOUR MIND BY FRANCOIS NARS OVERVIEW

My books fallen apart :(

Original book review including photos here.

Buy from Amazon for £18.84 including P&P here.

LA FEMME BLUSHES - SWATCHES AND INITIAL THOUGHTS

12 La Femme cosmetics blush on rouge refill pans in a La Femme twelve slot empty palette bought from Cocktail Costmetics (cheapest UK online stockists of the range as far as I'm aware)

First row from L-R:

FLAMINGO PINK

CORAL SPICE

MAGENTA

PURPLE PASSION

SOFT BEIGE

ORANGE

 Second row from L-R:

ROSE

PINK VELVET

PINK

CORAL

FRAMBOESIA

RED

PLEASE NOTE I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER, I'VE TRIED TO CAPTURE THE SHADES TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITIES. FOR POTENTIAL BUYERS I WOULD ADVISE YOU TO VIEW THESE SWATCHES AS REFERENCES ONLY.

Hey guys, this is just an initial review. I will update more on the performance etc. when I use them more thoroughly.

 I've been hearing about La Femme for awhile and when I saw they were available online in the UK I decided to give them a go. The blushes are CRAZY pigmented and for those who don't know they are only priced at £2.95 (5.5g) each (pease note you are only buying the refill pan)!

 I mainly bought these blushes for kit purposes and you can also buy more 'subtle' shades too.

The only negative thing I have noticed is the matte shades don't seem to smooth on so nicely (compared to NARS mattes), but this can be resolved with extra blending/layering.

Overall I am really impressed, if you are looking for extremely pigmented blushes in particularly matte finishes (they sell 'pearl' finishes too) check La Femme out. Worth the hype!

STEPHANE MARAIS BEAUTY FLASH BOOK OVERVIEW

Hey guys, I've finally figured it out!!! Videos from my DSLR= GOOD QUALITY. Note I do not edit my videos (too lazy) so you can see all my mishaps. 

Buying the book from WHsmith's is a better deal!

BROW JOB

Jolen Mild Cream Bleach

Before! Please note I have filled them in with powder.

Pretty sure you weren't meant to apply the creme like that lol. Comes with spatula (used this first time round) but with brows a mascara spoolie would be better.

Follow the instructions, but I *think* this was after 20 minutes. You can see its a bit patchy and I've done a bad job of washing it off as you can still see residue on the left brow.

This is probably after another application done using a spoolie this time.

Hey guys, I decided to go for it and bleach my brows. Looking at the time line it looks like a different person in each photo (look at my skin tone) lol. I still don't get the hang of my camera. 

Anyway I am pleased with the results it does has a 'red' undertone but it sort of compliments my skin tone. Its really weird having fair eyebrows as my face isn't really framed any more so I feel like a alien every time I look in the mirror.

Not sure if I will keep this up forever. But if you want a 'temporary' change, bleaching your brows is a good option.
Please note you will probably get a better result if you have medium-dark coloured hair. If you have really thick brows I would avoid as it might be hard to get the colour even.

L.F'S 2010 FAVOURITE PRODUCTS

I don't think I've mentioned this on my blog before, but Stephane Marais Beauty Flash finally arrived at my college. So naturally I went crazy with scanning all of my favourite looks. I will get round to recreating some of them soon.

MY FAVOURITES:

M.A.C PRO LONGWEAR SPF10 FOUNDATION

Perfect. I *really* can't fault this foundation.

SUGARPILL COSMETICS PRESSED EYE-SHADOWS

I own 6 of these eye shadows (white, yellow, orange, pink, red and purple- lazy with names sorry!!) and they are so good. CRAZY pigmentation, blend well, good amount (4.g) and MATTE!!! The only one I have a hard time with is Poison Plum (purple) but I'm working on it.

COLLECTION 2000 GLAM CRYSTALS 

Best £2.99 you will ever spend. Drugstore can be good. 

E.L.F STUDIO COMPLEXION PERFECTION 

I know I know. How hard can it be to find a good face powder? Well for me....hard! This is the only powder I will use on any clients/shoot. Period. Not chalky, finely milled and sets make-up beautifully. NOTE this doesn't add any coverage so be aware of this. For me I just want a powder to set the face without any more coverage.

E.L.F STUDIO BLUSH BRUSH

I have 4 of these now, which in L.F world means I really like it!! Small and tapered it does everything with its super soft bristles.

CLINIQUE SUPERBALM MOISTURISING GLOSS

I've used this before and fast track 2 years and an Elle magazine promotion. I'm hook, line, and sinker for this as lip-balm-does-jack-all-for-my-chapped-lips-but-this-really-really-does-work-and-makes-them-baby-soft-no-joking. Now breath.

Z-PALETTE

I bought 6 of the large universal palette and they've saved up so much space in my cluttered vanity space-ma bob. A bit of an investment but very travel friendly (especially for make-up gigs!!!).

KRYOLAN ANTI-SHINE POWDER

This actually works. No gimmicks. The real deal.

RED CHERRY LASHES

I love Ardell lashes but these are made by the same people, exactly the same styles and half, HALF the price.

FYRINNAE PIXIE EPOXY

Loose shadows/glitters NEED this. In fact anything but matte shadows. HG worthy. Staple product for kit!

Hey guys, so there's my definitive list of my favourite products of 2010. If its up there, it means I really do love and use these products. I know not all the products I've featured on my blog a whole lot but trust me I've tested them all out thoroughly and I approve. Lots. 

2010 has been amazing for L.F MAKE-UP so thank-you thank-you for supporting me. I will try to make this year even better and continue with things I've started off (eras series).

 x x x

P.S I am not sponsored by love-makeup, I just buy a lot from them as they have everything! Never had any problems personally so safe hands.

L.F'S CURRENT FAVOURITES

 KRYOLAN- ANTI SHINE POWDER

This product ACTUALLY works! Thank-you Cami for the review. I was sceptical at first, since products usually claims x, y and x. But my battle with oily skin is so so so so much better now. I'd say 80% of my usual shine is gone. So check it out if you can.

 BOOTS BOTANICS- FACIAL LOOFAH

As well as having oily skin I also have the dreaded winter dry patches :( These "bad boys" (sooooo Gok Wan) gets rid of all those pesky bits. Just be gentle though as they can be rather abrasive!!

 M.A.C 217

Sorry 219. You were favourite.... but then this one- brush-does-it-all came along. BUY IT. NOW!

 MAYBELLINE DREAM MOUSSE BLUSH- 04 MAUVE

Want a blush that looks 'natural' and blends on like a dream? I love love love this blush especially buffed on straight after foundation. 

DOGEARED STERLING SILVER WHISPERS CROSS

I'm not usually a big jewelry wearer but apart from being inspired by Lollipop26, ASOS had a 20% code floating around. This is a early Christmas present for myself and I've not taken it off since I've bought it.

 p.s I'm not religious 

LUSH BIG SHAMPOO AND ANGELS ON BARE SKIN

I used to be a LUSH convert (3 years ago?) but then it slowly died down. BIG shampoo is seriously the best shampoo ever. Makes your hair so shiny (mine is super dull) and light and fluffy. This stuff lasts you a really long time and I use it everyday even though its suppose to be used weekly...ooops.

Angels On Bare Skin, I always go back to this. I think I've repurchased this 4 times now... which in my books means its pretty impressive. Not sure why I ever stopped using this but my skin went through a really bad phase and A.O.B.S calmed my skin down and I love it doesn't have all those harsh chemicals most cleansers have. 

BTW, this cleanser doesn't remove make-up, I use this to cleanse in the morning.

TOPSHOP 'BEAR' HAT 

Can't find it online but I'm sure they'll be loads knocking around in-store. £12. What a rip-off for a hat with ears. 

M.A.C PRO LONGWEAR SPF 10 FOUNDATION

Sorry its side-ways but I can't work out how to rotate it! As you can see from the very dirty nozzle. THIS STUFF ROCKS. HG worthy no-doubt. This stuff not only lasts the entire day (good for college/work etc), controls the 'oilies', good medium coverage and non-cakey. Recommend lots!!!!


Hope you liked my list, I will update with more favourites when I've tested out products thoroughly :)

L.F RAMBLES - TRIP TO NEWCASTLE

The only semi-decent shot taken during the trip. This shot reminds me of London. 

Think I forgot to mention this but we had a reading week at college which was a week to go places/catch up on work. So me and A.J decided on a trip to Newcastle (Manchester was our initial plan).

View from BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, floor 4?

Cool shot! Ruined by my shakiness :(

Yay! I love finding things that says BIJOUX! Not sure what kind-of place that was but Pussy Galore was next to it..hmm.

HAUL! 

The temp' tattoos were from BALTIC. Do I need them? NO. Do I even like graffiti-style art? NO. Why did I buy them?! Because I felt the need to buy something from all the art galleries.. SHHH. I might use them during Halloween. They cost me £3.95 and the art is by Mr Dane. Woop.

The Barry M polish is that cracking one 'every ones' been talking about. I tried it yesterday but I wasn't feeling it. I'll give it another go soon.

Ring is from the Laing Art Gallery. I know its not to every ones taste, but its different! A.J picked this design out too. £9.90, pricey for me!

Highlight for me hahah! During our last few hours in Newcastle, I made A.J go into Fenwicks, which is basically a Selfridges. Anyway passed the M.A.C counter and spotted the postcards. MINE.

Nails for the week (I only paint them once a week as I work Friday and Saturday and they get wrecked!). The cut is from me attempting to cut a carrot in half...useless.

Essie- Mink Muffs

Most gormless face ever. After work so sorry if I look like a state. First time I tried on M.A.C's Revenge Is Sweet lipglass.

 Nice... but I doubt I would of bought it if it didn't have Maleficent on it. Sad. I know.

Video (HD, woo) of me and A.J summarising our trip. Watch if your extremly bored and my voice is horrible!!

Anyway, to sum up everything. I really like Newcastle! The city centre is basically a more spaced out version of Leeds. And I feel its more public friendly with most landmarks/galleries all within a walkable distance (from centre) - 10 mins max? I think i'll be returning again soon.... Whilst my sister still studies there (free lodging!!!).

M.A.C LESSON - LEEDS

KARLIE KLOSS! Can you believe she is 17?! Not only is she currently the 'it' model in the fashion world- she fronts Marc Jacobs Lola fragrance campaign and I like the fact she has quite small eyes (a change from all the doe-eyed models I usually see)!

First of all, really sorry but there are no photos from the lesson/haul but if you are interested in what I got up to, I'll try keep the post informative and not ramble!!

So yesterday I got to M.A.C (Harvey Nichols Leeds) at 11am and was greeted by Becky* (really terrible at remembering names sorry!!!) and was told she would be teaching my lesson. We decided to do a day look but I left it pretty much up to her- pick colours etc. as long as she used products I don't already use/have.

She started doing the eyes first and was really informative on why/how she used certain products and I never felt patronised (though sometimes I did tell her I owned certain products to save her the effort and time on explaining!!). The lesson was not 'structured' into a plan rather it was personalised to the clients needs, so instead of me actually doing the other side of my face I let her do it and I watched her with a hand held mirror in front.

Me and E.S asked her a lot of questions and she was always willing to answer them and in quite in-depth, even to the point I felt maybe she was telling me a bit too much (about working at M.A.C/retail/how to deal with clients/freelancing)!!

I was really pleased with the end result as it was exactly what I asked for- a day look. I think maybe I would be more 'amazed' if I was new to make-up but the look was nothing 'new' to me but the application was. I think sometimes people overlook application and depend on products/expect them to perform a certain way when really it usually depends on how you apply them and what tools you use.

Lately I have been using the traditional flat foundation brush but she used the M.A.C 187 (I use this for powder usually) to apply foundation and my skin looked so much better and 'airbrushed'. She also used a tiny-tiny-tiny amount on a petri dish which I am guilty of not doing and just end up using way too much.

She also used the 224 brush to do most of the eye work blending which again I was pleasantly surprised by (much softer appearance) as I'm often dependent on the 217.

The lesson ended at around 10 past 1, so half an hour overtime and we spent the end of the session talking about the products we used and me and E.S never felt she was trying to fob us off.

I would definitely recommend a lesson at M.A.C especially if you are new to make-up as you not only learn about the products themselves but also the application and tools to use. Not only that, your teacher is usually a MUA who has worked for M.A.C for several years or if your lucky you could even have the manager herself (M.C had her!!) so you know you will be in safe/experienced hands.

My only criticism is I didn't get a face chart as advertised but to be honest I didn't exactly mention anything about it and I didn't exactly need one.

WHAT SHE USED (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER):

• PAINT POT- SOFT OCHRE
• FLUIDLINE- BLACKTRACK
• STUDIO FIX FLUID SPF 15- NC20
• CREAMSHEEN GLASS- RICHER LUSHER*
• EYE-SHADOW- HONEY LUST AND EMBARK
• POWDER BLUSH- STYLE AND HONOUR
• PREP + PRIME TRANSPARENT FINISHING POWDER
• EYEBROWS- SPIKED
• STUDIO FINISH CONCEALER SPF35- NW 35
• ZOOM LASH- ZOOM BLACK

WHAT I BOUGHT (REDEEMABLE AGAINST LESSON COST- £50):

• STUDIO FIX FLUID SPF 15- NC20, my favourite 'night' foundation ever!!!!!
• STUDIO FINISH CONCEALER SPF35- NW 35, my quest to find the perfect under-eye concealer continues....
• 109 BRUSH, I blame Pixi2woo!!!!
• 217 BRUSH, I use this brush so much!!
• AND I bought on-line- FACE AND BODY FOUNDATION IN C2, as I want a 'everyday' foundation and I don't want to use up NARS sheer glow so quickly- yes I broke my finish-sheer-matte-foundation-first promise!!!

Hope it was useful and I will try to get all my comp' troubles sorted ASAP!!

I'M BACK!

FROM L-R: NSFW, TARRED, RX, SAFETY ORANGE, HUSH, ANIME AND FEATHERED!

I got these from http://www.themakeupartistboutique.com/ and are priced at £8.99 each.

I finally got suckered in from the hype from Youtube/blogger and whilst the website had 10% entire store sale... I took advantage. I haven't had enough time to play with them to share my thoughts but these are a good investment for my kit as I can now mix any colour combinations I want.

OCC Lip Tars are also 100% Vegan and Cruelty-Free, and are free of parabens and other harsh preservatives. A simple, elegant formula that contains Hemp Oil, Peppermint Oil and Vitamin E.

SORRY, I HAD TO GET RID OF THE PHOTOS- THEY ARE BEYOND HORRIBLE. I WILL DO AN UPDATED VERSION OF ME WEARING THE LIP TARS ASAP.

Hello guys! I'm back for good! Excluding art that I did ages ago I had 3 written exams, one of which was a AS resit. I had my last exam today which was textiles and I'm so relieved its over. I never like to predict/comment on how well I did in exams because I reckon I will jinx myself lol. Will have to wait till August for results!!

Really happy I will never have to study media and textiles ever again (4 years)... well I will miss media I think its rather interesting.

Anyway I have lots of things planned for L.F MAKEUP so I'll bullet point through updates and upcoming news-

• I currently have 7 bookings for prom jobs! Which I am over the moon about. I have a few new clients and R.T and S.H have booked me again!
• I am planning a give-away for my lovely bloggers! I know I don't have a huge amount of followers, but so what! When I reach to 20 there will be a NYX giveaway (my sister sells NYX products)!
• Speaking of my sister, if you look on my favourite blogs side bar gadget-thing you may find her blog! She does more of the day in the life posts.
• I have made an order with Fyrinnae. I cannot wait to try out the infamous pixie epoxy because I have trouble with loose shadows.
• I am planning on doing an eras themed series starting from the 40's- present.

Hope you look forward to the upcoming posts and feel free to suggest any posts you may want to see. The trials are going to be done over the next 2 weeks so I will update you on those too!

CHEAP AND CHEERFUL - COLLECTION 2000

COLLECTION 2000 THE HIGHLIGHTER- FACE AND BODY ILLUMINATOR (£3?/8g). MULTI PURPOSE STICK FOR EYES, CHEEKS, LIPS AND BODY FOR INSTANT RADIANCE. BLENDS EFFORTLESSLY TO GIVE SHIMMERING ACCENTS FOR ALL SKIN TONES.

HEAVY SWATCH- 1,2,3 and 4

BLENDED

Hey everyone, just wanted to do a product rave about these cream highlighters as they are amazing.... and cheap. These are total rip-offs of Nar's multiples (£27 with 14g of product) but they do a similar job so I can't complain. The packaging is obviously not as luxurious and I find Nar's multiples much creamier but I prefer Collection 2000's 'harder' formula as I find them easier to work with and I'll imagine they would last much longer.

I've had Maldives (1) for about a year and I've been reaching for it non stop for a couple of weeks. And after a lot of persistent bugging, my sister bought me 2, 3 and 4 which arrived this morning!

Hope you get to try these out, and on Ebay these sell for about £2 including P&amp