Cover FX

It's the ultimate mission, to create the perfect make-up base.  Made all the more harder if we suffer from skin conditions or problem areas such as acne, pigmentation, under eye darkness or rosacea.

Cosmetic brand, Cover FX looks to provide a solution for all such skin types in order to create that flawless finish for everyone.  Created by Lee Graff, a corrective make up specialist and cosmetic engineer (yes there is such a profession) Jenny Frankel, Cover FX is a range that promotes self esteem and confidence by taking control of your appearance.

Don't be mistaken, this is not just a range for those with skin imperfections, anyone can use Cover FX to create a perfect base.  In fact, it is used by many celebrities and apparently a favourite of Beyonce.  If it's good enough for Sasha Fierce ....

The range consists mostly of base products such as primers, foundation, concealers, setting powder but they have branched out to colour products like lipgloss and blush.

Wanda, Me and Lee

Cover FX has recently launched at Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh where it is exclusively stocked in Scotland and I was asked if I would like to come in and meet with Lee Graff and Cover FX make up artist Wanda Longo to try out the range for myself and be made over using their products.

It was fantastic to meet Lee and Wanda, hear the story behind their extensive careers which eventually led to the Cover  FX brand and of course to be made over by Wanda using Cover FX products.

My Wanda make-over.  Wearing Cover FX Primer, Liquid Natural Foundation, Concealer, Blush and Lipgloss

Now there are things I really like about the brand and some things I am not such a fan of.  I particularly love the anti-ageing skin prime fx which feels so silky on the skin and the natural fx foundation.  The blush collection is also extremely pigmented with amazing longevity although may be a little shimmery for some.

My skin looks good for such a close encounter with the camera!

The extensive range of shades really appeals to me - there is a shade for everyone regardless of skin tone or shade.  It really does try to cater for all.  Also dependant on skin condition there are different recommendations of products which you can find on their website.  For instance, they recommend acne sufferers  prime the skin, blot it with a matte powder then use a pressed mineral foundation to create a flawless finish.

I am not so much in love with their setting powders as I find them a little on the cakey side and creates a little flashback when taking photos.  However, it's a great range, brilliant concept and I will continue to experiment with the brand.

You can find Cover FX stocked at Harvey Nichols.

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YSL Shocking Mascara

I love big lashes, black lashes, in your face lashes.  I pile on the mascara like there is no tomorrow to achieve the thickest, bushiest of lashes.  You see, I just feel naked without it.

I was a fan of YSL Faux Cils and Singulier mascara so when I was asked if I would like to try their new false lash effect offering, YSL Shocking, I obviously jumped all over that bad boy.

My first attempt at this mascara wasn't great.  It is very very wet which made it blob - I hated this, however, I loved how dark it is (I have shade 'Deep Black') it is almost like black ink.  The brush is long, slim and a little bit messy looking with it's multi direction bristles.  Instead of dismiss it immediately, past experience has taught me to stick with a product a while before making a final call, and i'm glad I did.

After a week or so, the formula starts to dry out a little.  Just enough to have more control of the wand and application and that's when you start to get the best results.  While it is still wet, blobbing occurs, a lot.  However, after it settles in its tube, I found I could layer it on my lashes, flaring them out where desired and really getting into the roots which was too hard to do beforehand without getting mascara all over my eyelids.

Excuse my early morning tired and red eyes!

Now the result isn't  going to be everyones cup of tea.  It is prone to clumping although this can easily be combed through but I quite like when it clumps especially with a smokey eye.  It really lengthens and thickens the lashes making them appear big and almost baby doll like.

I tend not to have to curl my lashes with YSL Shocking but if I do, it holds the curl well.  The best thing is I never feel the need to give my lashes the once over with the wand throughout the day or if I was freshening up my make up before leaving work for the day.  It looks exactly as it does in the morning as it does at night.

However, do I think it's worth it's 'Shocking' title and £22 price tag.  Yes and No.  Yes, as I love the mascara, it's great to work with (after those first few days), it gives a pigmented and voluminous finish and lasts the entire day and then some.  No, because it's not that different from the YSL faux cils formula however, if you like faux cils then i'm sure you would also love YSL Shocking.

Have you tried YSL Shocking? What's your verdict?

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Are you worth it?

Getting your hair swish on is a girls prerogative, right?

Well, now you can do something with that swish thanks to a new campaign from L'Oreal Paris Casting Creme Gloss.

L'Oreal Paris are looking for 3 girls to star in the next Casting Creme Gloss advert alongside spokesmodel, Cheryl Cole.  Whether you are a deep brunette, honey blonde, or my favourite, fiery redhead ... you could be the next colour crush!

From 31 October to 27th November you will be able to enter the competition by visiting the L'Oreal Paris Facebook page and click on the application button on the left hand side.  Upload a photo of yourself and after that it's down to the vote so make sure your friends and family get clicking for your win from the 28th November to 4th December 2011.

The most popular brunettes, blondes and redheads will be shortlisted for a casting day where you will be preened to perfection in preparation for a live audition in front of a panel of judges.  The winners will be chosen to appear in an exclusive new L'Oreal Paris advert alongside Cheryl.

So go on, prove you're worth it!

Dislcaimer:  Opens to female UK and ROI residents aged 16+. Entrants must register with L’Oréal Insider, colour their hair using Casting Crème Gloss and upload a photo on facebook. No purchase necessary. Closing date 27/11/2011. For full Terms & Conditions and to enter visit this page 


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Christmassy Nail of the Day

The Christmas season is around the corner,  only 8 weeks away!! Yikes!

Soon we will all be panic buying last minute gifts and squeezing ourselves into our party dresses after one too many Quality Street!

Tonight, a bit by accident I created a 'Christmassy' nail effect.  I had been gifted this gorgeous classic red 'Enchanted Garnet' by Estee Lauder a while ago and this is my first time trying it out.  It just so happened to be sitting next to Nails Inc Westminster Abbey so I thought I would mix them up together.

Rather shoddily applied I admit but you get the general effect.  In fact on reflection, I've recreated the Estee lauder bottle design on my nails!!

This is the first time I have painted my nails in months after a succession of gel nails.  It felt good to delve back into the collection.  I do love the ease, glossiness and polished finish of gel nails but as hard as I try I always end up biting them off around the 2 week mark! (I don't advise this as a safe, hygienic or comfortable method of removing gel nails).

I'm sure I will resort back to gels in a matter of weeks, especially in the run up to the party season. Watch this space!

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Hotel Maison Moschino, Milan

I was having a quick browse for weekend breaks, pricing flights, accommodation and what not when I came across the Hotel Maison Moschino in Milan.

I have to be honest, I am a big fan of themed hotels.  I love the quirkiness, the fun and the downright tackiness that gives this hotel a whole lot of personality.

Inspired by fairytales, they say it is like falling down the rabbit's hole where the norm is to expect the unexpected.

'Alice's Room'

'Sleeping in a Ballgown'

'Sweet Room'

'Little Red Riding Hood'

Needless to say, I was enjoying the entertainment value of the Hotel Maison Moschino so much that I was too busy to book my weekend away so that will have to wait for another day.

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Happy Halloween!

It's the spooking season again and unfortunately this year there will be no dress up for me :(

A busy schedule has called for a well needed/earned rest this weekend - can't say i'm not extremely jealous of everyone getting to dress up though ... love indulging in a bit of creative alter ego madness!

This is what I wore for the ITCOW event on Wednesday night.  There was a tedious link to Horror B Movies in there with the cat mask (Catpeople, Eye of the Cat) but it was mostly  just because I liked it!

I tried to make my lips look blood drenched by wearing MAC Russian Red with Nars Amazon lip pencil roughly penciled on the middle of my lips.  I went for full graphic eyeliner to add to the horror chic! Lace dress is the one that everyone and their mother is wearing at the moment, from trusty H&M.

Whatever you are dressing up as tonight, have fun and stay safe! Looking forward to seeing lots of blog updates of halloween outfits so hope you have all been creative :)

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ITCOW Highlights (picture heavy)

I thought I would show you some photos from the recent In The Company of Wolves (ITCOW) event I mentioned I would be attending on Wednesday.

You can hear more about it from Claire who along with her friend Ally is the genius behind ITCOW.

A 70's B Movie horrorfest inspired evening of fashion, music and art did not fail to impress.  It packed a real punch in it's overall aesthetic, mental stobe lighting not to mention music by Dirty Larry that nearly had us all raving by the side of the catwalk!  I also have to make a special mention to Kaeleigh Wallace who was the make-up sensation of the evening, a super talented artist, the girls diva like make up looked amazing!

Highlights for me where Isolated Heroes (psychadelic navajo-esque with a show stopping sequinned skeleton dress), Sweet Danger (printed floaty maxi's), Fair Feathered Friend (Bespoke feather headwear - right up my street), Jeniveve Berlin Millinery (more bespoke headwear) and not to forget Athif Dean's horsehair dress and the delights from Bonnie Bling.

In summary, the whole show was a veritable feast for the senses.

Venue: Sub Club, Glasgow

Sweet Danger

LilyLoveLock

Jeniveve Berlin Millinery

Jeniveve Berlin Millinery

Athif Dean

Athif Dean

Isolated Heroes

Isolated Heroes

Fair Feathered Friend

Fair Feathered Friend

Fair Feathered Friend

Fair Feathered Friend

Fair Feathered Friend

Bonnie Bling

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