Illamasqua Rich Liquid Foundation, Nicola's lashes and a Loch Lomond Wedding!

So as previously mentioned I purchased Illamasqua's Rich Liquid Foundation in shade 205. This is not going to be too detailed a review but will rely on visuals to give you an example of this foundations effectiveness.

On Saturday, I attended a beautiful wedding on the banks of Loch Lomond so it was the perfect opportunity to road test this foundation. As I was getting my hair blow dried in the morning I knew I would not have a lot of time once I got home to do my full face so I made sure my base was on before getting there. Once home I completed the look with liner, lashes, bronzer, blush, lipgloss etc. What I am trying to say is that I applied the foundation at around 8.30am and did not touch up all day.

Here is the foundation in action at around 3pm. No touch ups. (Sorry no pics of when it was first applied)
This is me with my mother-in-law, she is so petite, I look the size of Shrek in comparison. Now when you first apply the rich foundation it seems really thick, almost like it will be impossible to blend but this is all an illusion. I apply it with my fingers to my whole face, then buff it in with a brush. It literally takes me seconds to apply, usually my foundation routine would take a full 5 minutes at least and that would be me in a rush! As soon as it is on, it will look very matte and the coverage looks quite full on. It is a full coverage foundation which I like as it kills the intensity of the freckles on my face. After a few minutes though, it seems to absorb with the oils in your skin to create a full coverage yet natural look. It neither covers matt nor luminous but gives a lovely glow to the skin. It is a thick foundation but feels and looks so light on your skin.

Here I am half way through the evening reception after much dancing! (sorry at this point i started to apply a different lipgloss that clearly didn't match the liner, i blame the drink). Again, no touch up to the foundation only a little touch up of concealer under the eyes, which I must say, was not needed I am just in the habit of ALWAYS doing this!
I would say its still looking pretty good at this point. I also wore my Girls Aloud lashes - Nicola's. Not one person commented on them so I assume they didn't notice they were fake - good sign! Because I had quite a busy dress on, i kept most of my make up low key other than the lashes. On my eyes I wore Mac shroom with satin taupe in the crease and a little Mac Mystery for depth along with fluidline winged liner.So back to the foundation, my final photo is of me at 3am in the morning and I think for nearly 19 hours of wear it held up phenomenally - even if i do look zonked! I can imagine this foundation is not for everyone. I know others have mentioned it is drying and i can understand why that might be. I suffer from dry skin but having wore this since Friday I have seen no negative effects to my skin .. and it pretty much only takes a few days for me to notice this. In my opinion this is the perfect base.

And for anyone wanting to know what my dress looked like, here it is .... just a quick snap taken from my hotel room ... not the best but you get the idea.
Have i sold this foundation to you? What do you think of its staying power?

Promise my next post will not be Illamasqua related!!!

x

More Illamasqua ... haul time!

Sorry to bore you all but I am just really excited by Illamasqua right now. It is fast becoming my favourite cosmetics brand. The day after it launched in Glasgow, I went back to purchase a few more things.

While I was there, I was assisted by the lovely Sian who is a fellow blogger! Check out her blog, she is one talented girl! It turns out that I had met Sian just over a year ago - she had tried out some products on me just before my wedding when she worked at Bobbi Brown. She is the reason i love bobbi brown creamy concealer and bobbi brown apricot blush!

So moving on to the haul ...Here we have under eye concealer, Rich Liquid Foundation and Powder Foundation. I think these are all in shade 205. This is only from memory as the shade details have rubbed off the back (only flaw so far with the packaging). I will be doing a seperate review on the Rich Foundation which is immense .... as are the powder and concealer. The powder is so smooth and as Sian described, mousse like. It glides on the skin and covers blemishes up instantly and naturally without looking caked. The Pressed Powder... wow! This is so finely milled and I literally dust it over my face as if it were fairy dust ... well bit of an exaggeration but that is how fine and soft it is. My usual powder of choice is Mac's pressed powder. Never again. Illamasqua wins this hands down. Mac is cakey in comparison.

So next up we have powder blusher in 'unrequited'. This is quite a warm pink, somewhere inbetween barbie and baby pink. Its so soft on the cheeks. A little similar to Benefit Dandelion but way nicer and much better pigmentation.

I also picked up a sheer lipgloss in 'Devine' .. i think.. again the name rubbed off (please fix this Illamasqua, i hate not knowing the names of what i'm wearing). I already have an intense gloss which I love so thought I would try a sheer this time. In its tube it is electric, almost neon pink but on the lips it is much less so, very wearable.

I loved Baptiste nailpolish so much, I just had to have another one so i picked up this bright coral/orange in 'Whack'. Again, this colour is almost neon and it just looks fabulous on your nails, perfect for Summer! I have this on my hands and tootsies just now (just one coat) and i love it!

So there we have my Illamasqua haul. I am still waiting on the Sirens collection coming to the Glasgow store so as soon as it arrives I will be there ... with bells on!!

So what do you think of my purchases? What is on your Illamasqua wishlist?

xx

Illamasqua goody bag

So in my last post I mentioned the goody bag the lovely Joanna from Illamasqua gave me. Well here is the fantastic booty that was inside...

First up is this amazing lipstick in the shade Perilous ( i think... it has rubbed off slightly). It's a full on bright orange!
Now, I can imagine you looking at this and thinking its a bit wild but in fact its actually really wearable. It will look great with a summer tan but when i was wearing it, I was still pretty pale and it looked pretty cool. It just has a bit more of an edge to it. It can be worn well with both neutrals and brights, I wore it with blue on my eyes and it looked great! I was also given a medium pencil in shade 'Thrash', this is an orange and i think i will line my lips with this the next time I wear this lippy.

Next up is an eyeshadow called 'Roulette', its like a burnished red. Very lovely colour. I have not yet tried this out properly so any tips on how it could be worn would be great. I think it will be lovely on!Volume Mascara in 'Harness was also in the bag. Now, I think some people may be put off this because there is a slight smell of Germolene that comes with it. Fortunately for me I quite like this smell. Obviously once on your lashes you cannot smell this, its only when applying. I've mentioned before, i am very fussy with mascara and so far Chanel Exceptionelle is my ultimate. Now, I do like this mascara but not so much for its volumising properties. I like that it applies smootly to the lash without clumping or reshaping the lash too much. For me, its the perfect mascara to wear in tandem with falsies. I am not sure I could wear it on its own .... but I shall keep on experimenting with it.

I won't show you the nail polish again as it was in my previous post but I do absolutely love it ... and no chipping!!

Thank you Joanna! x

Illmasqua has arrived .....

.... yup, this wonderful brand is now practically on my doorstep!

I was lucky enough today to be asked by Joanna at Illamasqua to join them for the launch of the brand in Glasgow. I was over the moon to be asked and even managed to get away from my work a little bit earlier to go in and have a nosey!

When i got there I noticed the Illamasqua counter straight away, it stands out from any other brand on the shop floor. Its in another league completely which is really refreshing after so many years of make up brands basically looking like clones of one another but with a different name attached. I've got to admit I was actually a bit nervous on arrival, I think it was the excitement of it all but when I met Joanna she was just so lovely and friendly, she really was a joy to speak to. I had a browse through a lot of the products which are all stunning and daring in their own ways. Joanna then introduced me to Alex Box, Head of Illamasqua's Art Team ... that was intimidating. Here I was in the presence of a world famous make up artist, with a portfolio that includes Stella McCartney, McQ, Gareth Pugh and work featured in Vogue, i-D and Dazed and Confused to name just a few ..... I was honoured.

Alex is an amazing looking woman with such an individual and creative style ... I was a mesmerised by her. I got chatting to Alex and got quite a bit of advice regarding colours and she also showed me the products from the new Spring/Summer collection.

The Spring/Summer collection, Sirens, is fantastic. Here are some of the collection images:I can't remember every product but there are quite a few that I will definitely be buying as soon as they arrive in-store. First thing I am after from this collection is the coral coloured nailpolish called Lament which just looks like the perfect shade of coral that we have all been talking about and looking for!! I am also uber excited about 2 cream based products in the collection called Liquid Metal. I am not sure if they are classed as a shadow, a blush or highlight but basically they do everything, they can even be used on your body. One is a golden colour called Solstice, the other more bronzy called Enrapture. They will look fabulous with a tan. I tried the Solstice on the back of my hand, and it literally looks likeliquid gold melting on your skin, similar to the effect of gold leaf. Alex actually put this on as a liner just above my fluidline and it looked amazing, really opened up my eye added some life to my otherwise neutral make up today. This really is a fabulous collection.

Alex also took me over to play with the pure pigments. I told her about my warm/cool colours dilemna and she told me that I should have no problem wearing both warm and cool colours. In keeping with Illamasqua's philosophy, Alex really believes there should be no rules to make up and it is a form of expression. Here Here! So, in light of this Alex used a cool coloured pigment on my eyes, Chasm. Here are some photos of it. Its applied over the gold liner but it still gives a pretty good effect. Remember, Alex did not do a full make up, so the rest of it may not look quite so good.
Alex also suggested I play up my cheeks .... don't need to tell me twice, buying new blush is always a joy! I had a look at the blushes and have got my eye on a few already.

I also tried some Rich Foundation on the back of my hand. This is quite a thick consistency yet still light on the skin. It will definitely cover any blemishes and/or freckles. Just before I left, Joanna was kind enough to give me a little goodie bag.Wow!! WOW!! In here is a nail polish, mascara, medium pencil, lipstick and eyeshadow. I will go into full detail on these after the weekend as tomorrow I am going back to purchase Nymph blush and some Rich Foundation ... and possibly a few other things, so i can give you all an overview of the products at the sametime. Why i didn't just buy it today, I will never know?!

It really is refreshing to see a brand do something that is a bit different and encouraging others to think outside the box and be creative with their image. Maybe its just the novelty just now but I can see this being the start of a beautiful love affair between Illamasqua and myself!

Before I go, I will leave you with a photo of the polish. Its called Baptiste, and its the most wonderful shade of purple. I want to show you this because this is the polish with just one coat on!!! This is a winner for me. MAC polishes are watery bottles of wasted money compared to this! We will see how long it lasts without chipping before I make my final judgement but so far I'm thinking Illamasqua could by my new favourite for polish!
So a big Thank You to the girls at Illamasqua today, especially Joanna and Alex. Thank you so much!

Has anyone else fallen for Illamasqua yet?
x

another little haul ...

While everyone is trying to save in blogland, it seems I am taking no notice. Tonight after work I headed to the shops with a friend. I wasn't looking for anything in particular but ended up picking up quite a few things.

First thing I picked up was this great straw trilby hat from Warehouse. I had been eyeing up an almost identical one in Topshop, but at £4 cheaper it was a bargain! I think this will be ideal for Ibiza and will go with so many things. Hats are a big thing in my household so its a welcome addition.
I have been looking for some new Gladiator sandals for a while and since my big shoe clearout this week, the hunt had upped a gear. When i seen these in New Look at a mere £25 I was over the moon. In my opinion they look much more expensive. I have still to road test them for comfort so fingers crossed they tick that box too!Next stop was Principles. I was lured in by the closing down sale as it has now gone into administration. I never shop in Principles unless I am buying something smart for work. I picked up this Missoni-esque long, slouchy waistcoat. The photo doesn't show it off too well. I plan to wear this with a little top or boob tube, probably with a belt pulling it all in at the waist and worn with little shorts and gladiator sandals and some chunky wooden jewellery to accesorize. I also picked up some a chunky wooden bangle and 2 smaller bangles with gold detailing.

Next purchase was another item I had originally seen in Topshop but at £35 I was holding out for something better .... thats until I stopped by Primarni!!! I picked up this near identical round, straw body bag. It also has a cool leopard print lining..... and the best bit ... it was only £6!!! Nearly a £30 difference!! whoopee! Here they are both picured alongside each other.
The photos aren't that clear but you get the idea. I will be taking this bag on holiday with me and possibly T in the Park too, although might not be the best if it pelts with rain the whole weekend!

Next stop was H&M where I picked up some more accessories. 2 rings and a wooden sharktooth necklace.

Finally, I went to The Body Shop. I bought 4 new home fragrance oils in 'Line Dried Cotton', smells of fresh clean washing out on the line, hmmm lovely. 'Satsuma' .. delicious smell. 'White Petals' .. such a pretty smell. Coconut ... reminds me of holidays and is burning away just now - hmmm Holiday ... Celebraaatee... ok, getting carried away now!I am quite pleased with tonights haul, quite a few bargains in there which always justifies the spend!
What do you think? Any bloomers in there you think i should be returning?

xx

MAC Haulage!!

This post must carry a warning!! The pics are of insanely bad quality, the result of having no camera this week and having to make do with my phone camera!

Over the past couple of weeks I have picked up a few things at Mac, both while I was in London and at home.

First up are my Mac blushes. I picked up Dollymix and Ambering Rose. Dollymix on the right is a bright candy pink and Ambering Rose is pretty much what it says on the tin, its a lovely warm Amber Rose.I even got some (crap) swatches
So far the ambering rose has become a bit of a staple for me but I think it suits an autumnul look so it might be pushed to the side to make way for more summery hues.

Next up is eyeshadows. I picked up Graphology, Beauty Marked, Mulch and Soba. Graphology is a matt dark purplish grey shadow and has great pigment. Beauty Marked is a velvet shadow and is a gorgeous colour in the palette, dark purplish red with a glitter effect throughout, I don't rate the pigmentation too much though. Another velvet shadow Mulch is a golden browny bronzy colour and Soba which is a satin is a pale golden brown. So far I have gotten good use of soba and used Mulch for the first time yesterday with All That Glitters, this is a great combo and also recommended by Hele.
Next up is another Hele recommendation. I had decided to bodyswerve the Sugarsweet MSF's until Hele mentioned that she thought I would like refined and should buy it. I did try and resist but being the weak spendaholic I am, I caved in and bought it. And the verdict ..... I love it!! I have been wearing it most days and on nights out I have been really plastering it on for that Barbie sheen effect! Thanks Hele!!Now onto my fave purchases, the lippies!! woo! (from left to right; Lollipop Loving, Impassioned, Lady Danger, Red Russian)

So from the sugarsweet collection I picked up Lollipop Loving. There is a lot of hype around this lipstick and I thought I would love it as it is a light coral colour with gold and green reflex but alas I just don't think this colour is for me. I feel like my mum when I wear it yet it looks so gorgeous on other girls.
Impassioned is from the Colour Ready collection and is described as an amped- fuschia! It certainly is amped-up, its an amazing colour and a real statement lippy. Its not for the faint hearted at all. I imagine it would look great with a tan.
This next lipstick I had wanted for an absolute age! Lady Danger - a bright coral red. I love red lips and usually wear with a clean winged liquid liner. I would wear this look dressed up or casual with leggings and a cool t-shirt, in fact I did last week and it looked great! I seem to suit orangey reds better than bluey reds. (I look like i'm doing an Elvis impersonation with my lip here, lol!!) Last lipstick is Russian Red. Originally i couldn't choose between Lady Danger and Russian Red. Having decided on the Lady Danger, a week later I had to go and pick up RR! This is more of a blue-red and is a lot deeper than the above. This would be suited to a much more formal look in my opinion. I have also been mixing it up with Lady Danger which gives a great effect too.
So there is the bulk of my mac haul. Hope you liked it!

xx

Downsizing ..... my shoe collection

While my husband is away on business I thought it was high time I got to grips with some spring cleaning ... mainly my wardrobe! At the moment, we live in a small flat so storage is a big issue. My wardrobe is overflowing with clothes, bags and shoes so tonight I thought I would make a start in clearing out the old and unloved. I started with shoes. Shoes used to be like an obsession for me but I have been getting better. So here is my current collection housed at my flat (does not include the rest which live at my mums!!)

Heels:
There are around 30 pairs here, which is a fairly low number given that I have chucked quite a few pairs. This can only mean there is room for some new arrivals ;)

Some of my fave heels.... my Carvella work heels ... you can see they are very worn!

My yellowy-limey Kurt Geiger summer sandals, I bought these last year for honeymoon, they go with so many things despite their colour and are surprisingly comfy.
Flats, Flipflops and sandals:
There are a few missing from this that I just can't find anywhere. I really don't know why anyone should need this many pairs of flip flops and I guess i should throw most of these out as i know I will buy more for this years hols! I do love wearing them with baggy jeans though in the summertime. I especially love these adidas flip flops, they are so comfy and moc croc, love! And these unusual sandals from Office, look at the carved detailing on the heel!My gold gemmed Carvella pumps:Trainers:

Most of these are trainers fit for purpose - gym/running. These days i tend not to wear trainers for fashion except for my converse (which are not pictured, yet another pair I cannot find). My trainers really do look quite pitiful.
Here are my most loved and most used trainers, they come with me every evening to the gym.... my Stella McCartney for Adidas trainers:Boots:

This is just a handful of my boots, by this point I had lost the will to live so only sorted a few of them.
2 of my fave pairs are my Firetrap cowboy boots and a red pair of vintage boots that I picked up in Berlin.

And Finally, after all that, here is what is getting binned!!


Hope this didn't bore you too much but in all honesty it took the boredom out of the chore that is organising and downsizing my wardrobe! Oh and I must add, apologies for photo quality - hubby has taken the camera away with him and I can't find our old one, so phone pics it is i'm afraid!

X

Festival Glam - Part 2

Deviating slightly from the beauty, haircare, skincare side of things ..... being stylish as well as preened is a must for me.

With T in the Park being in Scotland, good weather is never guaranteed whereas rain always is!

Rain + Festival = MUD!

This means that the trusty wellington boot will be brought out from the back of the garden shed and donned with flowery dresses or hotpants! Each year I spot new and interesting designs but to be honest I am not an ambassador of the patterned welly. I love them on other people but for me I always manage to have them clashing horribly with something I am wearing. My latest pair of wellies are just plain navy with pale blue belt detailing on them ... lovely, match everything and admittedly, safe.

However, this year I have spotted my Lust-after Welly! I must must must have them .... or at least a decent copy of them! Here they are ...
Jimmy Choo meets Hunter for the first time to come up with these babies...... LOVE! I'm sure these would even make Kate Moss dizzy with excitement! Moc Croc, stylish black, they are just gorgeous! These will go with everything and I am already mentally styling outfits round them.

I could go on to mention making sure I pack a lightweight waterproof coat, sunnies, an over-the-shoulder bag, dressing up fun, funky hoodies etc, but right now I am mesmerised by the power of Choo!

What wellies will you be sporting this festival season? x

New Shoes!

I am obsessed with shoes ... and bags .... and make up! Lol

I find it hard not to buy shoes when I am out shopping and today was no different. I have a lot of heels and fancy shoes but not nearly as many casual shoes. I wear flat pumps most days and never feel glam enough but I hardly ever find a shoe with a small enough heel that is still comfortable.

Today, I was in House of Fraser (I know I hate the place but they have a great shoe department!) and there was a shoe sale one!! Once I had gotten over the woozy excitement I started rummaging around to find me a pair or 2 ... or 3. At one point, I had 4 pairs in my hand but my husband who was in a sensible mood today helped me eliminate 3 of them!! Damn him!

I put down the 3 skyscraper heeled glamorous sex kitten pairs of shoes and came away with these instead.

They are from an American brand called Seychelles who are, in my opinion, very similar to Irregular Choice. These little shoes have a real vintage look to them and are in a striking shade of teal. They also have a little bit of bronze detailing on the side. They are perfect for wearing casual with skinny jeans. They are so so comfortable and I can imagine I should be able to walk about for hours in these without being in too much pain at the end of the day. The sole feels very rubbery and bouncy to walk on, a little bit like the feeling you get with Crocs only a million times more attractive.
What do you think of them? Should I go back for the skyscraper heels instead?

x