Chanel Eyes & Lips



[affiliate links & *press sample] 

I said I'd be back to talk about the (mostly) Chanel eye and lip products I mentioned in my previous  post... If you're after a neutral eye shadow palette, Chanel Les 4 Ombres in Clair Obscur (#308) includes a great edit of everyday shades that can easily be glammed up for evening with a touch of sparkle. I know I'm not alone in neglecting half of the shades in larger palettes, so enjoy using all four of these very wearable tones. 


The colours lean quite cool on me, my personal preference. I love the idea of warm toned shadows but rarely find them particularly flattering. From top left there's a mid brown, pale taupe, dark chocolate and vanilla shade. The two left hand shades have a whisper more warmth than those on the right. For day wear I used the lightest as a base, vanilla on mobile lid, mid brown in my crease and dark chocolate as liner. 



This pic gives a more accurate representation of the colours in the pan; they are neutral yet rich.


If you struggle with sensitive or panda eyes then *Poppy Sloane Tres Chic Mascara could be your new saviour. It's been a long time since I've tried a tubing mascara and I've been so impressed with this. It lives up to its zero flaking or smudging claims and the new formula adds substantial volume and curl.

Tubing mascara coats each lash with a literal tube of colour that stays put until removed with water and a little friction. I found the staying power a little bit too good (I swear you could go deep sea diving with this on and surface with perfect lashes). Waterproof makeup remover will have no impact... I found the best results with the Skin Nerd Cleanse off Mitt.

The two brushes in this pic are my favourite for eye shadow. The big fluffy one is a Kiko blending brush (similar here) and the other is a *Crease and Eye Smoother by Tina Earnshaw, which I use for smudging out liner. I've used these two daily for years and literally panic if I misplace either!


Shavata Brow Perfector Palette is one of the few I've tried that I think would work for pretty much anyone. It's really foolproof, easy to use and gives great long lasting results. Wax is built into the colour which really helps shape and hold brows in place all day. This one belongs to my sister who uses the darkest shade, while I use the lightest mixed with a little medium on the tails and love how the colour shows up on skin as well as it does on the brow hairs. 


Chanel Le Rouge Longwear Jumbo Lip Crayon is one of my favourite formulas, especially for this time of year. It applies like a well pigmented glossy balm lipstick and settles to a satin finish with surprisingly good lasting power. This shade is Au Naturel (#19) - apologies for not swatching but there was literally half a mm left and I will be purchasing another!

I'm wearing it with a L'Oreal liner in this instagram pic, along with the rest of the products featured. See the rest of the products in my previous post: Chanel Face.

*press sample
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Chanel Face


                                             
[affiliate links]

I wore an (almost) full face of Chanel yesterday and was so happy about getting my glow on that I wanted to share my thoughts. I'd forgotten how much I love photographing makeup and have so many pics to share that I'm dividing them into two Chanel fuelled posts - one on skin/base products and a second on eyes/lips. (In no way swayed by a last minute drinks invite on this gloriously sunny evening.) 


First up, Chanel CC Cream. Not new, yet much hyped of late... and I had to find out why. Rich and creamy in texture, this performs as a light to medium foundation on my (normal to dry) skin. A definite notch up from tinted moisturiser, one light layer leaves a slightly sheer finish, while a little extra where needed covers enough to even out skin tone while allowing freckles to peek through. And in my case, the odd blemish and broken vein, yay. There are days when I prefer a little extra cover, but as a fan of skin-like finishes, this works for me. I'd rather go light on base and add concealer than look overdone... so much fresher and more flattering. 


These swatches are of Chanel CC Cream in shade B30, my (fake) tan shade. I'm naturally more of a B10-20 in Chanel, depending on the season. I photographed this in direct sunlight; it definitely looks more neutral toned on my face.


Chanel Palette Essentielle (Beige Clair 150) is a true makeup gem in my eyes. Creamy concealer, blush and highlight in one compact make everything so quick and easy. The concealer is hydrating enough to use around the eyes and dense enough to cover minor blemishes or redness. The blush adds the most flattering flush of coral - and the highlight, a sheeny luminosity for my favourite kind of ethereal glow. A  rare combination of luxurious yet practical (and great in a hurry) makeup. 

                                           
Swatches of Chanel Palette Essentielle in Beige Clair 150 (the lightest shade available): concealer, blush and highlight. 


I only needed a light dusting of powder around my nose and chin to avoid over-glow and set my concealer, so opted for Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder. I can't deny that a good third of my pleasure in using this comes from the gorgeous packaging and that ingenious golden H decanter. Finely milled and 100% talc-free, this powder adds a soft focus effect and gently mattifies without dulling the skin. (Also available in a cute mini travel size!)

See the products applied (unfiltered) on my Instagram

Next time, Chanel eyes and lips...

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Skincare Highlights from my Dressing Table


[includes a press sample & some links are affiliate]

In true old-school blogging style, I've swiped a handful of current skincare favourites from my dressing table to share with you. No fancy pics or theme, just some standout products I've really enjoyed using regularly in recent months. 

I'm a sucker for a hyaluronic serum and Hydr8 B5 by Medik8 is my latest love. In addition to a mighty dose of super-hydrating hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B5 boosts water retention levels for a plumping effect. I usually sandwich this between a facial spritz and my moisturiser. 

I was so happy to stumble across Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Cream in my local TK Maxx and it totally lives up the hype I'd read about it online. I've been a fan of this Korean brand for years and what I love most about Ceramidin Cream - besides that gorgeously retro metal tube - is the texture. Rich and smooth, it feels incredibly comforting and instantly nourishing on the skin, sinks in quickly and provides the perfect base for makeup. As the name suggests, it contains skin ceramides, moisture magnets that help dryness, sensitivity and redness. Can not fault it. I've just noticed that ASOS has a cute Ceramidin Discovery Kit for just £12, which seems a good place to start. 

Speaking of sensitivity, I have used up and repurchased La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra Nuit twice in the past six months (the first bottle was a press sample). I'm prone to rosacea and congestion and like everyone, sometimes my skin just loses the plot and sometimes I want to use something I know is safe. Which is when I turn to this product, day and night if needed (though a separate day cream is available). I don't doubt that this has lots of magical properties but soothing and comforting are what I love this for. (Currently on offer on the above link*).


Eucerin is a brand I often use for body care - their cleansing body oil and moisturising lotions are fantastic if you're prone to dry skin conditions. I bought Sensitive Protect SPF30 when I started using retinol earlier this year (more on that to come in a separate post) and it didn't disappoint. Sinks in quickly, doesn't disturb makeup, leave a white cast or break me out - definitely recommend. The body SPFs are also great and I use them on my children too.

Last but not least, the latest addition to this line up is Image MD Restoring Facial Cleanser (press sample). I have great faith in Image and really rate their approach to skincare. I'll share more about some of their other products in the coming months but this cleanser is the stand out for me. It contains a blend of salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids to gently exfoliate as it cleanses and I've noticed a marked difference in the clarity of my skin since introducing it to my routine. Plus it's an absolute pleasure to use - a gel texture that rinses off easily. This is a professional product that you can source via Image here or buy online in the UK here.

That's it from me for today... I hope you enjoyed this rundown on my skincare favourites... more from me soon!

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