Submitted by Organic Beauty View Blog
Have you noticed that honey is showing up as the superstar ingredient in a string of must-have natural products? No surprise, for its trifecta of skin benefits: the sweet, gooey stuff is hydrating, healing and anti-bacterial! Honey also happens to relieve blemishes and blackheads and refine pores, hence its key role in a product I love: Lily Organics Rejuvenating Enzyme Mask. Lily Organics’ mask looks and feels like it could be pure honey (this will never be more apparent than as your sticky fingers are applying it), but it also contains papaya and pineapple, two active fruits that loosen dead skin cells and clear up a dull complexion, as well as anti-inflammatory lily and the elasticity-boosting herb horsetail. Apply the mask onto clean skin and let it work its magic for at least 20 minutes (more if you can spare the time) and you’ll be amazed at the softness of your skin afterward. This type of gentle, enzymatic peel is often the best choice for sensitive skin. In my opinion, this mask is the star of the Lily Organics line, though it seems that you can’t go wrong with any of these USDA Certified Organic products. For the best deal, try one of the brand’s sample sets for normal, dry or sensitive skin- all of the sets include the honey mask! Writer :: Jolene Hart
Submitted by Organic Beauty View Blog
Global Green USA always hosts a special bash alongside the traditional Oscar parties that brings focus and awareness to eco-issues. With movies like The Cove and Avatar taking center stage and a slew of Hollywood celebs such as Jessica Alba & Natalie Portman in attendance, there was an extra buzz surrounding the event. Lesser known but no less fabulous were all the verdant movers and shakers who are proactively changing the landscape of how we think, act and dress(!) right now. Women like (more…)
Submitted by British Beauty Blogger
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It seems like such an unadventurous name - Morrocanoil - but all creativity issues are forgiven because this is one high performing product. The blurb says it cuts out frizz, conditions ends and makes hair shiny, all with no oily residue. And, indeed it does all of those things. In fact, after application my hair doesn’t feel at all oily, is certainly smoother and the ends look healthy and conditioned. All boxes ticked for this celebrity fave product. £29.85 (at HQHair).
Submitted by British Beauty Blogger
Rather liking this limited edition Tokidoki Chromatico Palette at Sephora. Tokidoki (by artist Simone Legno) means ’sometimes’ in Japanese and Karl Lagerfeld has famously been ‘Tokidoki’d’.
Submitted by British Beauty Blogger
I’ve loved Roget & Gallet for years - the original fragrance, Jean Marie Farina is a perennial favourite for soap because of it’s clean and somewhat old fashioned scent. It’s a refreshingly uncomplicated cologne fragrance - top notes of lemon and bergamot, middle notes of neroli, rosemary and bitter orange, and bottom notes of laurel bay, cedar wood and sandalwood. Not a whiff of woods that have been passed by the wings of fairies or pea shells picked at midnight etc, etc. It’s just a simple, traditional, soapy smell that errs to the masculine. However, Roget & Gallet’s newest product, Huile Sublime Bois D’Orange, is one of the most feminine orange zest scents I’ve ever come across. There’s no sharp hit - it’s all muted down with Jasmine and Cedar..delicious. The smell is almost secondary to the oil itself - a dry mix of argan, almond, camelia, macademia, evening primrose and sesame to make a softening and moisturising combination with no stickiness. You can spritz it over hair, face or body for instant hydration and it is suitable for sensitive skin, too. Find it from May for £22.
Submitted by British Beauty Blogger
We’ve done the see-through bag thing before, but if you do decide to go ahead with one of the Prada SS10 bags above, you’ll need to think quite carefully about what you actually put it in as there is simply no place to hide any beauty sins! Grubby lipsticks, floating, lidless eyeliners and caked foundation bottles are an absolute no-no unless you want to be branded a beauty slattern. But it also got me thinking about where you might put even more personal items such as tampons etc. I’m fairly sure nobody wants to see those rattling around at the bottom of your bag. Just as I was wondering this, I got a release through about Trinkets, a mail-order tampon service - sign up with all details etc and they’ll deliver in a letter-box size friendly package every month. Trinkets also send a portable and discrete little black zip-lock bag so nobody needs to know you’ve got the painters in. Oh..did I really just write that out loud? www.trinketwomen.com
Submitted by British Beauty Blogger
www.BigFashionista.blog.uk tested Estee Lauder Sumptuous Waterproof Bold Volume Lifting Mascara (not yet on counter).
First impressions of this mascara is that it is very classic packaging, the silvery blue and gold give you a feeling of luxury before you even use it.
On the Waterproof side of things, this mascara is everything and more that I could’ve hoped for. I showered in it, cried in it and even slept in it and nothing was shifting it! In fact maybe it was slightly too waterproof as even with my eye make up remover it still needed some rubbing to totally remove.
The colour of the mascara was a very rich black which as in the “Bold” of the title really rang true to me. The colour definitely made my eyes pop and gave me almost a discreet false eyelash effect. The tapered brush of the mascara made it easy to apply, but I did find that the brush picked up a bit too much of the product each time meaning I had to wipe the brush before applying, otherwise I experienced a clumpy effect. However, this did not detract from the mascara. I only needed one coat of this mascara to make my lashes look good, and with two coats there really was volume and lift to my lashes.
Overall this is a great mascara. Would I repurchase? Definitely. Would I recommend it? Most definitely. This does exactly what it says it does and looks great as it does it.
Emily at www.pyxie-love.blogspot.com tested Guerlain Le 2 Mascara, £24.
There is a lot to like about this mascara from the stylish packaging down to the promise of ‘generous volume and extravagant curve’. This is a double ended mascara, however you do not need to use both ends. Brush 1 is a regular mascara wand brush 2 is a much smaller, fluffier brush for adding a ‘Vinyl effect to fix and intensify’.
Whilst I like the stylish, sleek packaging I do feel that the mascara packaging is quite long and wouldn’t fit in to my make up bag but I do like the practicality of the flat lids, which made it easy to hold when applying. The mascara itself was very lengthening and I was impressed with no clumping. It also coated my lashes well and even covered my inner corner lashes which is where I give it a thumbs up for volume. The mascara dried quickly and added a slight curl.
I didn’t see any benefit to adding the second coat with the smaller brush: it did not noticably intensify or add a vinyl effect. This was time consuming and not good for someone like me - who is often in a rush! After looking online at other Guerlain mascaras I used the smaller brush to coat my lower lashes and this worked perfectly. I experienced no flaking and would say this mascara was long lasting. I removed this mascara with ease using my cleanser. Although I loved the effects of the main product and will continue to use this mascara I don’t think I would purchase this particular Mascara myself but I am curious to try other Guerlain mascaras.
Amy-Louise at http://lipgloss86.blogspot.com tested DiorShow Extase Mascara, £21.50 (launching any day now).
‘High end’ mascaras have never really wowed me. I have tried a couple in the past and not been overly impressed so decided to stick with the mid range where I know I can get the results I want and need. Dior Show is a mascara that is spoken about a lot and has tempted me, and not just because the tube looks nice!
Sephora’s website says- ‘DiorShow Extase provides built-in treatment benefits and high-impact lashes in a single stroke! The spherical-shaped Black Pearl Pigments create a 3D volume effect and the exclusive Metamorphosis Powders expand in size by up to 50% after application. Also, SR38 Patented Ceramid brings additional care, reconstructing damaged lashes and promoting stronger and fuller lashes. So you could say, similar to L’oreal Lash Renewal Mascara? The brush itself looks like 4 balls of natural bristles put together. It has the same formula as L’oreal Voluminous and Maybelline Volume Express.
The first day I tried it, I used it on its own and was impressed. The brush grabbed my lashes and lifted them without the help of a really hard/dry formula to hold them in place. After a long day my lashes were still in place and my eyes were not dry or irritated. Day 2 and I decided to load up the mascara - again nothing bad to report apart from I did get some crumbled mascara under my eyes at the end of a long day. Disappointing, as I really love the effect it gives. Day 3 I used Max Factor Lash Extension first and then used the Dior as a second coat. No flaking. So the key for this mascara to work for me is to either settle for one coat or layer it up with something else! It provided an effortless wide eyed look.
@MillyBird Tested Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Waterproof, not yet on counters and gives it 9.5 out of 10!
The applicator is very unusual; it looks sort of like a very small thistle!!
The instructions show how to apply which is really useful and had obviously been thought through. I would normally curl my eyelashes. It was quite hard to judge how far to go into the lash when applying, but after a few strokes it was easier. The second day I applied it seemed to be much quicker as you quickly get used to the brush. My lashes were thicker, blacker and more separated and it has defined and made my eyes look a lot bigger, and my lashes look longer, although they haven’t ‘curled’ as much as they do with a curler - they are definitely more striking. The staying-power is excellent, with no ‘panda-eye’ from 9am through to 10pm! It is also fairly easy to remove with wipes.
For ‘everyday’ I would most definitely wear this as it stayed put all day! I wouldn’t curl my lashes on top of using this as I think it could be a bit OTT for me but on a night out, I would always use a curler for the full effect.
I would definitely recommend this product.
@Ceona Tested Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara, £21.
I love mascara and very excited to try this offering from Armani, not least because I didn’t even realise Armani did make up.
Armani Eyes to Kill promises “length and volume lash artillery” on the box. My lashes are a little too short, a lot too thin, and way too blonde. I require a lot from a mascara; artillery sounds about right to me. I am not ashamed to admit I let out a little gasp of delight when I opened the cardboard box containing this mascara - I’ve never owned a prettier mascara. Sleek, sexy, grey metal tube, embossed writing, and the most satisfying little clunk when you close it. Love it.
The brush looks like a fairly standard mascara brush. Long, medium thickness, bristley. I’m not a fan of thick wands, as I end up with mascara all over my eyelids when I wield them. I was slightly expecting something fancier looking, but thinking about it I’ve never been a huge fan of the gimmicky brushes, just give me one that works. On closer examination I’d say this looks like it has a lot more bristles than the average mascara brush, which may account for the next results.
My eyelashes are blonde and when I say blonde, I mean white. They lack all pigment. This means any mascara really has its work cut out on me. I need to build the coats in order to colour my lashes in and am therefore very prone to spider lashes, which I hate. Eyes to Kill worked brilliantly for me. I was able to build the coverage up with a few strokes while avoiding that clumpy spider look. It left my lashes looking noticeably thicker and longer and also gave fantastic separation. I swear it looks like I have twice as many lashes compared to my current everyday mascara, which I have to put down to all those bristles. No need to comb through, no funny clumps on the end, just long, thick, beautiful lashes. I’m a contact lens wearer and had absolutely no irritation using this mascara. I thought its long-lasting power might make it difficult to remove, but it came off easily with my normal gentle eye make up remover.
Overall, I absolutely love this mascara, it does everything I want. It gives me long, thick eyelashes without clumping, even with repeated coats. It lasts all day but comes off easily at night. What else would you expect from Armani?
Submitted by British Beauty Blogger
I’m totally baffled yet again as to why Style’s beauty awards use a drop-down menu system. They’re asking for readers to vote on their favourite beauty treats from lipstick to hair care - but there is no option (other than ‘other’ where you can type in the name of your favourite product) to vote for a specific item, i.e. Armarni Eyes To Kill Mascara. All there is is a drop down brand menu, which for something like Clinique is ridiculous as they have loads of different mascaras. In essence, all you are doing is voting for the brand, not the product. And how will it be announced when the winners are declared? X thousand readers decided that Dior have the best mascara (when there are at least six different mascaras from Dior) but we can’t say which one since we didn’t ask?? Not consumer friendly, and not helpful either. When it comes to foundation, your choices are Chantecaille, Chanel, Clinique, Dior, L’Oreal, Maybelline, Lancome, Bobbi Brown or Other (where you can type in your own choice). Now, Bobbi Brown alone has five different foundations, ranging from Hydrating to Oil Free, all doing different things for different ages and types of skin. Beauty afficionados of course do have their favourite brands, but as we all know, a brand can come out with one product that is amazing and the next minute a proper flop. This voting system doesn’t allow for any real choice - who decided on which brands go on the drop down, for example, a clear case of nudging the voter if ever there was one. I’d say this is just a pat on the back for advertisers because I cannot fathom what on earth it is telling consumers or indeed what level of information it is allowing consumers to tell them. What is the point?
Submitted by British Beauty Blogger
Payot Eau de Maquillante Express Cleaning and Toning Water For Eyes And Face With Tea Extracts
I love this cleansing water for it’s cleaning and toning effect, and boy, does it get every last little bit of make up off your face! Even though it should feel astringent, it doesn’t - its a very soft feeling formula - if you can imagine ’soft water’ and skin feels ultra clean afterwards. The only hesitation I have with it is that it probably acts better on oily skin than dry as I have noticed my skin feels a tiny bit taut afterwards. However, once I put my moisturiser on, everything is fine. I’d recommend this not only because it is a genuinely thorough cleanser (and good for eye make up too, but not sure how it acts with waterproof mascara, the ultimate test!) but because it feels very fresh on application and I’m thinking a perfect summer or hot weather cleanse if kept in the fridge. £16.15.
SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator
As a long time fan of Phloretin CF, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this Retexturing Activator, the newest product from Skinceuticals. Basically, the oil free fluid targets skin on two counts - hydration and exfoliation - using a compound (sorry, but the website is overly technical for me so you’re hearing it in my words, not theirs) that boosts amino acids within the skin for a smoother complexion. It also targets fine lines and wrinkles. It is silky to apply, but it is too early for me to say whether I am renewed! However, I’ve got high hopes purely on past experience of Phloretin which has an almost instant softening effect and leaves skin beautifully glowy. I’ll report back on how things go; in the meantime, if you’re listening Skinceuticals, could we have a product description that doesn’t need a science degree to go with it - please? £69.
Armani Nude Contrast Palette For Eyes
Nothing but good things to say about this gorgeous palette that is virtually eye make up perfection for me, as a lover of nude tones. The shades look and feel silky without being too sparkly, and the accent colours of dark grey, palest blue and cream are a beautiful compliment to the beige/gold central shade. 100% Yes! Part of the Summer Collection, it’s on counters later in the Spring.
Clarins Gentle Peeling Smooth Away Cream
I think this is what the French would call a ‘gommage’; you literally have to sweep away the dried product from your face taking with it, hopefully, old cells and any grime to reveal clean and glowy skin. Call me grisly, but I prefer my gommage to be white to start with for the shock factor when the peely bits come off a shade of grey - somehow far more satisfactory. This product starts off grey which rather spoils the macabre fun. However, that is my only gripe with it. You only need to apply a thin layer over the face - too much and it just won’t dry out - and once it has dried, sweep with repetitive movements to take off. It does hang around about around the jaw line where there is normally some light facial hair, but a quick swipe with toner got rid of any tell-tale strands. It left my skin feeling very clean, ultra soft and generally much smoother. This would suit oily/normal skin types as it contains clay extracts which can be drying to skin that is already dehydrated. £23.
