Dior Addict Lipstick Fall 2012 #646 Wild & #816 Instinct

I’m head over heels with these two Dior Addict Lipsticks from the Fall 2012 Collection: Wild #646 and Instinct #816.  While these two deep brown nudes look quite similar in the bullet, there are distinct differences between the two when applied.

Both are beautifully creamy and moisturising in formula; it would be difficult to ‘over apply’ them.  I love a moisturising lipstick, particularly in Autumn/Winter and am equally fond of a formula that can be applied ‘blind’, sans mirror - slick it on in the back of a taxi in confidence that it will look good.  Although well pigmented, the formula is quite sheer and glaze-like, difficult to get wrong, easy to get right and a pleasure to wear.

These kind of tones tend to be my Autumn Winter lip uniform. I may stray to a deep wine, red or fuchsia, but this is my version of an everyday ‘distinctive nude’ lip.

Dior Addict Lipstick in Wild #646

  

Wild is the lightest of Dior’s four new A/W lipsticks.  An extremely wearable copper brown with a subtle gold pearlescent sheen, Wild is really quite sheer on application - a light glaze of colour that dresses the lips without looking overly made up.

This is my idea of a nude lipstick - slightly deeper than my natural lip colour, rather than the pale, almost skin toned shades that some associate with a nude lip.  Personally I don’t find lips that blend in with the rest of my face at all flattering; this is as light as I like to go.  If I’ve been eating or drinking, this can look slightly more orange/rust toned when first applied, so may look quite different depending on the pigmentation of your lips.

 

Dior Addict Lipstick Instinct #816

I was in love with Wild until I tried Instinct. Fickle, moi?!  Instinct is a warm toned raisin brown.  The formula is so intensely soft and moisturising I could literally apply it every half hour without complaint.  I find this kind of colour incredibly flattering to pretty much any skintone, but think it looks best contrasted against pale Winter skin.  It’s the type of lipstick that transforms me from looking half dead to half alive of a frosty morning.

Dior Addict Instinct, applied.

 

Instinct (top) looks almost chocolatey here - smooth, creamy and without shimmer.  Wild’s golden sheen really isn’t overtly apparent on the lips, having more of a light catching effect than anything else.

 

Single and heavy swatches of Dior Addict Wild (top two) & Instinct.  The larger swatches are 5 or 6 applications, illustrating how impossible it is to overdo these shades.  You wear them; they will not wear you.  I’ll be interested to see whether the two darker shades, a red and plum tone, are equally sheer (see my pics and review of the whole collection here).

Dior Addict Lipstick in Instinct and Wild are Limited Edition shades, available at Selfridges from 30 July 2012 and nationwide from 10 August, RRP £24

New: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser in a compact

I’m excited to confirm that the rumours are true… a compact version of Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturiser will be available in the UK in September 2012.  The best selling tinted moisturiser - renowned as one of the most popular formulas ever - will come in a lightweight crème formula compact with SPF 20.

Like the original, the compact promises sheer to moderate, buildable coverage with a natural, dewy finish, suitable for all skin types.  I normally steer away from compacts as I find they don’t work well with dry skins, but have hope that this one might be a winner.  And while there’s no point in opting for tinted moisturiser if you’re after a foundation finish, I expect that the buildable element will be greater with a compact.

Available in an impressive 12 shades (Porcelain, Blush, Nude, Bisque, Sand, Fawn, Almond, Tawny, Caramel, Tan, Walnut, Mocha), it comes with a custom designed sponge applicator.  It’s available in the US now at LauraMercier.com if you’d like a look at the shades.

The compact contains 7.50 g/0.26 oz as opposed to 50ml/1.7 fl oz in the original tube.  The price will be the same, £33.

The new Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Crème Compact will be available at Laura Mercier UK retailers nationwide beginning September 2012, priced £33.

Are you a fan of Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser?  Do you like the idea of a compact version?

Dr Jart + BB Cream: Regenerating & Water Fuse Review & Swatches

One of the most talked about BB Cream launches of the year, Dr Jart+ BB Cream is one of the longest standing formulas around.  Asia’s best selling BB cream,  it was developed in Korea in 2004 by a team of 21 dermatologists and comes in four formulas designed to address specific skincare needs {outlined in my previous post}.

For me, Dr Jart stands out among a plethora of recent BB launches by numerous major beauty brands, so I was really excited to try this one, which I considered ‘the real thing’ and somewhat set apart from the others.

 

While personally I would have chosen the Platinum or Premium formulas (dry/ageing), it was great to receive two different formulas to compare, especially when I realised how different they are. Regenerating is aimed at sensitive skin, while Water Fuse is designed for oily (mine is dry).  Despite this, I have enjoyed using these products and am really impressed by their properties.

“Acting not only as a moisturiser, serum, primer and perfector, each Dr.Jart+ BB Cream
targets individual skincare needs… and has adapted ingredients, features and
benefits to deliver beautiful results.”

Swatches

First up, the colour: Regenerating is several shades lighter than Water Fuse and leaves a slight chalkiness often associated with BB Creams.  This can easily be warmed up with powder, bronzer or blusher, but is worth noting.

Regenerating is a yellow toned beige while Water Fuse has more golden apricot tones.  Regenerating is also thicker and more creamy in texture, with greater coverage; Water Fuse is light and silky - and despite being designed for oily skin, feels moisturising.

If you scroll back up to my top swatches, you can see the extent to which my freckles are covered, giving you an idea of coverage (there is a small gap between the two blended shades where my biggest freckle is uncovered).

The difference between the two shades is minor indoors, though you can still see that Regenerating offers a touch more coverage.

After around half an hour I noticed that the product seemed to have settled into my skin, looked slightly more opaque and the dewy finish of Water Fuse had reduced a little.

Both of these formulas have an incredible texture and to me feel much more like a skin treatment than makeup.  Regenerating feels really rich and nourishing and while the slight chalky finish does nothing for me at the moment, it will probably be ok in Winter, warmed with a little blusher.

Water Fuse really does feel more like a product for dry than oily skin, purely because it feels hydrating rather than oily or shiny.

It’s a balm. That’s why it feels this way; that’s exactly how it feels.

On application, you can see the little bubbles of moisture on your skin as you blend it in. It was difficult to capture this on myself, while blending, but I managed to do so on my sister - after applying several layers in the above pic. The droplets of water magically appear then disappear - it’s as if the products seals them into your skin.

This is Water Fuse applied, with a teensy bit of Liz Earle cream blush on my cheeks and lips (review coming soon) and a very light slick of mascara: my ‘no-makeup-makeup’ look. Not the one I wear when I’m trying to look au naturel (good Lord that takes forever!); the one I wear when I’m racing out the door because I have no time for further pampering (which is quite often with two small children on an 8 week school holiday!).

I know I don’t look brilliant, but do I look a lot better than without makeup!  Dr Jart BB Cream smooths out the complexion and covers minor imperfections, slightly more than a tinted moisturiser would.  There is still some redness and shadows and the addition of concealer would help a lot - when I have time that’s exactly what I’ve been doing while testing this out over the past few weeks.  I’ve become much more comfortable (almost) in my own skin and that’s a good thing, right? 

Edit: Just found this pic on my camera, wearing Dr Jart with concealer, a little powder & blush - thought I’d include it to show how it looks worn like this!

If you don’t need a lot of coverage, I think you’ll adore this.  I’ve also used it under regular foundation or with a little light foundation where I need it most, both of which I love.  The fact that it contains a decent SPF and feeds your skin while helping you look better (or good if you’re lucky) is an absolute bonus.

Dr Jart+ BB Cream is only available at Boots in the UK, instore or online priced at £18-24.

I’d love to know what you think if you’ve tried Dr Jart - please do leave a comment below.

Essie Bikini So Teeny Summer 2012 Collection with Zuneta

This week’s Mani post is over at Zuneta.com, where I’ve swatched Essie’s Bikini So Teeny Summer 2012 Collection.  If you’d like to see how pretty colours like these (& more) look applied, please pop over to

my guest post at Zuneta!

Have you tried any colours from this collection?

3 Wonder Serums: Murad Sleep Reform, Caudalie SOS & Vichy LiftActiv

   

It’s taken me a long time to get my head around serums.  I thought they were just another thing that skincare companies were trying to convince me I needed - and frankly, I thought I was doing well by using eye cream and moisturiser.

I still don’t think they’re necessary for everyone, but if you’re concerned about ageing, dryness or dehydration (or in my case, all 3!), then serums are your secret weapon.  Packed with active ingredients, their formula is lighter and finer than a moisturiser, so they penetrate deeper into the skin where they’re really needed.  Different formulas have multiple benefits, but key attributes include helping the skin regain & retain moisture; increasing collagen production and protecting against environmental pollutants.

There are so many to choose from, but over the last six months, these three really stood out for me: Murad Sleep Reform Serum, Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum and Vichy Lift Activ Youth Enhancing Serum.

 

Murad Sleep Reform Serum

Essentially a good night’s sleep, bottled, this highly sophisticated serum encourages skin repair and renewal during sleep to reduce signs of ageing.

“…improves collagen production potential by up to 62% while encouraging relaxation to soften the appearance of facial expression lines. Scientifically proven ingredients stimulate the proliferation of cells responsible for collagen production by 78%.”

 

Murad is a brand I’d wanted to try for a long time - I believe in its science and found this product a pleasure to use.  It left my skin looking noticeably rested; a proper beauty sleep potion!  Frustratingly this is way out my usual price range, though as I type, my skincare guru, Caroline Hirons’ words echo through my mind…

“And don't want to spend money on a derm? I see that £200 handbag honey. Your life, your skin, your priorities. But remember this: you only get ONE SKIN. You can always buy that handbag later.” Caroline Hirons, Beauty Mouth (go follow her blog - it’s all kinds of awesome - and after meeting her in real life I’m utterly in awe of her skin!)

Murad Sleep Reform Serum £89 (I know, I know!) BUT Beauty Bay currently has 20% off Murad, making it £71.20 (go on… read Caroline’s quote again!). 

EDIT, thank you to one of my favourite followers, Catherine, for letting me know that you can get 33% off any Murad purchases until end Aug 2012 with code "YOUMAG" at Murad.co.uk (Catherine highly recommends the starter kits!)

 

Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum

French skincare brand Caudalie is really special - one of the earliest brands I really fell for (& was heartbroken when my local Space NK discontinued, but it’s back - hurrah!).

As the name suggests, one pump of this serum is like a nutritious drink for the skin and leaves my face heaving a huge sigh of relief.  97% natural, active ingredients include Grape Water, Hyaluronic acid & Grape-seed Polyphenols for deep, continual hydration. 

 

Super light in texture, it sinks in and feels deeply soothing, yet incredibly gentle and leaves my skin feeling plumped and soft.  Despite having dry skin, I can often get away without additional moisturiser when I use this.

“A moisturizing bubble: The S.O.S Thirst-Quenching Serum continuously captures and diffuses water deep within the skin to restore its moisture balance and leave it feeling soft and fresh.”

The light citrusy fragrance makes it even more of a pleasure to use, with mandarin blossom, lemon leaf, cucumber water and fresh mint.  I try to save this for days when my skin needs a little extra tlc and will most definitely replace it when empty.

Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum costs £26.10 at Feel Unique.

 

Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Youth Enhancing Serum

I’ve been really impressed with the Vichy skincare I’ve tried and this is no exception.  This product was Marie Claire Prix D'Excellence Beauty Award 2012 International Winner, and Good Housekeeping Reader Recommended 2012.

An intense anti wrinkle serum, it feels smooth and velvety on application and gives the complexion an instant boost.

“Vichy has identified… a driving force behind the natural renewal of essential collagen fibres and the surface skin layer: the Derm Source. This formula enriched with Rhamnose, a naturally derived active ingredient found in a Brazilian plant, helps stimulate activity in the Derm Source.”

 

I love this kind of pipette style dispenser, particularly for such a liquid product - it’s quick, easy, hygienic and lets you see exactly how much product you’re using.

I prefer to use this with an additional moisturiser on top. Serum should always be applied first, before moisturiser; people often get confused about this, but applying serum first allows it to seep deep into clean skin where it’s really needed.  You may find that you need less moisturiser on top of serum, so it should go a little further.

I like to use this on special occasions or nights out for the instant boosting effect, though as with all of these products, I have also used it consistently on a daily basis for around one month.

Vichy Lift Activ Serum 10 Youth Enhancing Serum costs £25.05 at Escentual.com (15% discount; normally £29.50)

 

Which one is for you?

• For significant anti-ageing: Murad Sleep Reform Serum (check out the range for several other ‘day’ serum formulas)
• For instant hydration, softeness and added dewiness: Caudalie SOS Serum
• For an instant softening effect: Vichy LiftActiv Serum

 

Do you use a serum

Press samples

Parissa Chamomile Body Sugar: Hair Removal

To say I was apprehensive about using this would be an understatement.  They say that having babies creates a strong pain threshold.  It doesn’t.  It makes you never want to experience pain in your life again, ever - you’ve had your fill.  My personal pain threshold is pathetic… so it took me three weeks to gather the courage to use this sugaring kit.  I told myself I was ‘letting the hair grow’ *sniggers* - here’s what happened…

Sugaring is a natural hair removal method, considered less painful than waxing (a good start!).  Parissa Chamomile Body Sugar is “infused with soothing Chamomile, gently lifts away hair from the root for clean, salon-smooth results up to 6 weeks.”  I liked the idea that it was washable… if the pain got too much, I could just jump in the shower and rinse it off.

Kit

The kit contains a tub of sugar, a zillion waxing strips, several wooden spatulas for application and a vial of soothing Azulene oil to rub on afterwards.

Prep

Preparation is key.  I’d recommend exfoliating a couple of days in a row beforehand to remove any dead skin and loosen any ingrowns.  On the day, ensure you have this lot ready before you even think about starting,…

1. Pain killers (for me, 20 mins before starting) OTT, perhaps, but every little helps!

2. Choose a quiet area where you won’t be disturbed (I had to switch rooms half way through when two small inquisitive children tried to join in, though to be fair the kitchen floor probably wasn’t the best spot.)

3. If there’s no wipable hard floor, put down an old towel… the sugar is washable but it’s sticky and you probably will get the odd drip.

4. Lay out the wax strips where you can easily reach them and a bin/plastic bag for dumping the used ones (though again, they are washable - I really didn’t think all that gunk would do my washing machine any good).

5. Wear something short, with no loose dangly bits that might get in the way!

You’re ready to start…

Warm the tub of sugar in the microwave (aha, that’s why I chose the kitchen!)… before warming it’s wobbly solid - see above - it doesn’t spill.

I found that I needed to warm it several times during the process - the smoother and runnier it was, the easier it was to use.  Follow the timings on the instructions (it’s only about 20 seconds)… the consistency should be like runny honey before you start.

Above, packaging directions (more details inside) and one used strip to give you an idea of how it looks… pretty, huh? ;)

 

Does it hurt?

Now hand on heart, it is not that painful.  For me, the pain was totally bearable (remember I did take painkillers before starting).  If I hadn’t been sent this for review, I’m not sure that I’d have had the guts to go for it, but I’m so glad I did and will definitely buy it in the future. 

I suffer from dreadful itching a day or two after shaving - it literally drives me insane as soon as the regrowth starts.  That’s why I wanted an alternative… there’s no doubt that shaving would be quicker and easier, but then the results don’t last so long and it was great not having to worry about hair removal for a few weeks. 

I know this will sound nuts but I actually quite enjoyed the process - in the same way that I like to see a lovely shiny bathroom after I’ve cleaned it.  It was kind of fun!

 

Results

It made my legs almost smooth… in all honesty I think the few baby hairs leftover were partly due to my poor technique and I know I’ll be more efficient next time.  The results only lasted around 3 weeks for me, but again I think better technique would probably have achieved better results.

The Azulene oil was very soothing, but my legs weren’t sore and stingy like they are after waxing - there was none of that ‘don’t want to wear tight clothing’ feeling afterwards.  The hair follicles were slightly pink, but only for about 1/2 hour, whereas this would last 1-2 days for me after regular waxing.  I was able to use body lotion, self tan etc with no irritation the next day (12 h later) and was very happy!

 

My Top Tips

Start with a small amount of wax on first couple of strips, just to get an idea of how it all works, then proceed to longer applications

• apply wax in thin layers - this will remove the hair much more efficiently, use less product and is much more manageable
• leave a space at the base of the wax strip to grip onto as you pull it
• pull upwards, against the hair growth
• hold the wax strip as close to your skin as possible as you pull it up - imagine you’re pulling up a zip. This is key to removing as much hair as possible and minimising discomfort.
• hold the skin taut (below the strip) with one hand as you pull up each strip - this makes it less painful
• strips can be reused: I probably used each one around 3 times and it worked really well. You can also fold over the strips (sticky side) and use one of the outer (clean) sides.

Parissa Chamomile Body Sugar costs £9.74 at Boots.com where it’s currently on offer (usually £12.99)

 

Dior Golden Jungle Collection AW 2012

I love Dior makeup, but mesmerised as I am with the eyeshadow colours and textures, they haven’t yet appeared in shades that I feel are truly me.  Until now.  Or until 30 July to be precise, when the Dior Golden Jungle Collection launches at Selfridges, rolling out elsewhere across the UK from 10 August 2012.

The ‘Jungle Motif’ (or leopard print as us lay people call it), has been a trademark signature of the House of Dior since its debut in 1947, loved by actresses such as Marlene Dietrich and still cleverly reinterpreted by Dior Couture.

The star of the collection is this Golden Jungle palette, a trio of matte, pearly and iridescent eyeshadows.  It actually makes me feel a little weak just looking at it (I realise this isn’t something I should verbalise).

Golden Jungle Palette - Golden Khakis #001

I’m a touch sad that the pretty peach to the right of the shadow is a lipgloss rather than a blush - wouldn’t it make the perfect blush?  And mightn’t specks of eyeshadow muddy its prettiness?  The Golden Jungle palette is also available in brown, but personally I’m loving the khaki and think these shades are gorgeous for a really wearable softly sultry smokey eye. 

“Infused with gold, this ultra-chic animal print becomes even more sophisticated. Incredibly feline and a tad wild, the Golden Jungle look embodies the luxury of the urban jungle, pushed to the extreme.”

Golden Jungle Palette £52 (O.M.G)

 

As an aside, I’m heartbroken that this Golden Savannah palette won’t be available in the UK - it’s just perfection in my eyes and I could imagine never needing another eyeshadow all A/W if I had this beauty.

 

I could of course console myself with a new lipstick, perhaps one of these…

 

Dior Addict Lipstick, Daring #962 & Fatale #852

Daring (left) and Fatale are two of four new Dior Addict Lipsticks, Limited Edition  except for Fatale.  Of these two I’m loving Daring the most - a deep vampy raisin-veering-on-burgundy shade.  There’s another loving new deep nude called Wild, which looks like it will be lovely for day time.

Dior Addict Lipstick: £24

 

The collection also includes nailpolishes in khaki and gold tones, cinnamon blushers and pale, pearlised eyeshadows - here are a couple of looks created with the new shades…

 

I can’t wait to have a play with these when they come out and will hopefully be back with some swatches!!

Are you a fan of Jungle Motif, aka Leopard Print?

Lime Crime Aquataenia Mermaid Palette

source

Lime Crime is one of those brands that I probably wouldn’t have discovered if it weren’t for my fellow beauty bloggers (I’m thinking of you Jayne!).  It’s unlike anything I’ve come across elsewhere and the whole boldness, presentation and ethos fascinate me.

Lime Crime’s new Aquataenia Palette is the brand’s first foray into shimmer eyeshadows.  The colour scheme is quite gentle compared to some of its sisters (yes really!) and the pearlescent finish makes them more wearable than mattes of equal brightness.

Shades, left to right:

• Nautilus Prime – blurple
• Coral of the Story – true coral
• Seahorse Discourse – tropical green
• Pearl-ple – pearlescent lilac
• Atlanteal – seafoam blue/green

Personally I would only wear shades like this as a liner or dramatic flick, rather than all over the lid - and not sure I’d brave the coral on my eyes, though these shades can also be worn on cheeks.

source

When swatched, they do look much more wearable than in the palette.

“Each oceanic shade is loaded with shimmer & glitter particles to create a wet, glistening effect - reminiscent of a mermaid's tail under the moonlight - and makes your eyelids sparkle like the sea!”

I’ve always had a penchant for mermaids, so I’m loving the imagery associated with this campaign and the story behind it.  The name "Aquatænia" comes from Aquitania, a luxury ocean liner built in 1913 and the mermaid image was inspired by Nicole West’s Fantasy Art Doll, Moon Rider Mermaid.

To my mind these kind of shades look best on perfectly pale porcelain skin or olive and darker skintones.

Aquataenia Palette is available at CutECOsmetics for £23.95 (Animal & Vegan Friendly)

Have you tried any Lime Crime?

Thank you

My jaw almost hit the keyboard today when someone congratulated me on being shortlisted for Best New Beauty Blogger in the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards.  I am still somewhat in shock as I hadn’t even thought about this year’s awards, never mind asked for nominations, which makes it even more special and meaningful that some of you, somewhere, nominated me off your own bat. 

So a hugely humble thank you to whoever nominated me… I have no idea whodunit, or I’d smother them in kisses! 

Seriously, I’m really touched.  It means enough to me that you read my thoughts in the first place.

Congrats to all the other deserving nominees, including many that I’m honoured to be among.  The final winners will be decided based on 50% reader vote, 50% judging panel basis (panel made up of Cosmo eds) and voting is open until 31st August.

I’ve (rather apprehensively) popped up an Awards voting button on my sidebar.  And that’s the last I’ll say on the matter!

Thanks again you beautiful people - you have made my day - and if you weren’t reading, I wouldn’t be writing…

Nic xxx