Baby it's Warm outside

Coastal Scents have done it again, my mind just boggles at how they produce such palettes. The latest is the 88 Warm Palette.

I face an all too familiar dichotomy with the coastal scents palettes, I put this down to my personality. I both like and dislike having that much choice, does that make sense? Do you look at large palettes and feel a sense of panic about having to use them but also a sense of relief that you don't have to mix and match colours on the fly?

As per usual with the palettes and hot pots, there is a massive choice of colours, textures and finishes (matte or shimmer) in small 1cm diameter pans. The eye shadows are well pigmented although the lighter colours are powdery but work well with a primer or base over the eyelid.

Here are four of my favourites, they don't have names so I've named them! Plummy, Stormcloud, Nectarine, 24 Carat. I can see myself using these all year round.

For more info go to the Coastal Scents Website

e.l.f Studio is almost here...

Win Studio goodies before they are even released!

e.l.f have a number of the new range to give away to lovely YouTube elfcometicsUK Channel subscribers, check out the video below for details:

e.l.f want you to create a celebrity inspired look as a video response to the contest video.

The contest closes on 6th July 2009 so hurry!

I was lucky enough to receive some of the products from the e.l.f Studio range to play with, here's my video of my five faves below:

e.l.f Studio is due to be released at the end of July 2009. For more information check out the e.l.f website

Sleek Safari I-Divine Palette

This summer is all about Safari and the new Sleek Safari I-Divine Palette (£4.88 from Superdrug, released 8th July 2009) has 12 gorgeously rich shades of eye shadows, some matte and some shimmery.

As usual, they are soft and creamy and blend well when layered which makes controlling the intensity of colour easy. Most of the colours I think I have seen already in other Sleek palettes, however the greens are really eye catching and have several dimensions. I thought the two greens on the bottom row were the same but one is slightly more blue than the other, but they are really similar.

Swatches

I am a big fan of the green on the top row, third in from the left. It's just gorgeous and really makes brown eyes pop! I'll be doing a look with this palette soon, and I'll add the video to this post.

Hello Lily Lolo!

Since my skin flared up a few weeks ago, I have been getting in to mineral make up, I already use barefaced beauty and elf but wanted to try Lily Lolo.  My Australian friend absolutely raves about it and swears by it as she has had skin episodes in the past. 

I received my little order and it was so cutely presented in a white ribbon tied box.

And here are the contents:

This was photographed without a flash and in natural sunlight to show how the colours are pigmented.

The large jar is the Mineral Finishing Powder in Flawless Silk (£12 for a 4.5g jar or 99p for a sample). It is so light that it barely feels like I am wearing anything, I try to use a setting powder with my foundation as it makes the make up last all day.  

Also the "Super Kabuki" is synthetic and very dense - probably the most dense one I have which is great for picking up plenty of product and distributing it evenly, rather than a huge splotch on the first dab!  It's about 7cm long and has bristles that are 4cm long, it was £14.

So now on to the individual products!

These eye shadows are Pink Champagne (light pink) and Pixie Sparkle (kingfisher blue) swatched.  The left is dry and the right is wet.  Both are silky light, smooth and very pigmented. I also found that there was little fallout when using them dry.  Both are £5 for a 2g jar, no samples available)

Sweet Cheeks Blush is a very fine peachy gold blush, gorgeous on its own or over another blush or as a highlight (£7 for a 3g jar or 49p for a 1/4 teaspoon sample).  It was impossible to swatch and photograph as it is so sheer but in the flesh it gives an ethereal glow that I really like.  But I was slightly dismayed that it is going to be discontinued, so get it while you can!

When I first looked at the Ooh La La Blush in the pot (£7 for a 3g jar or 49p for a 1/4 teaspoon sample), I thought it was far too red for me, but it is again very sheer and the intensity of colour is easy to build up.  Again silky and smooth feeling on the skin, it really does not feel like I am wearing anything.  My love for minerals is growing I can feel it!

I think Lily Lolo are intending to bring out mineral lipsticks, I certainly hope so because I love all of the elf mineral ones (I have all 18 shades!).  I think there is also talk of eye and lip pencils too! Next time I might check out the Lipglosses which look lovely!  

I got my Lily Lolo from their website www.lilylolo.co.uk

I used some of the products in the video below.

Melt Proofing your Make Up for Summer!

Here's my latest YouTube make up tutorial, using e.l.f products to create a melt proof look. You can see it below:

The products I used in this look and the reasons I chose them:

All Over Cover Stick in Medium - is a thick concealer type product which means that it will be on the oilier side and more suitable for drier skins if used thickly. I used it as a well dispersed thin layer using a foundation brush to get it where I wanted it most, around the nose and on the cheeks and chin.

Shimmering Facial Whip in Citrus - this is a gorgeously understated tone, a hint of pink coral which just adds a little shimmer and tone to the cheeks, without adding any flush which you don't need if it's going to be hot!

Tone 1 Clarifying Pressed Powder - this is the secret of immovable make up, set everything by gently pressing in a small amount at a time with a powder puff - this keeps it looking natural and not too powdery.

Duo Cream Eye Shadow in Blueberry - crease resistant and a fabulous base for eye shadows or on its own for a bit of shimmer and definition around the eyes. To work it must be set with powder.

Regular and Waterproof Double Ended Mascara in Black - waterproof is your friend!

Lip Pencil in Bark and Moisture Care Lip Colour in Bark - these two are fast becoming my go to lip combination for an everyday subtle hint of colour that just adds a healthy look to the lips.

There was a comment of disbelief that it would crease in ten minutes!

Well I beg to differ!

I put it on at 6pm and went out to see a band at the theatre (Out of the Blue, an all male acapella group - so talented!), which was packed, very hot and the show was three hours long! I then went to a bar and didn't get home until midnight. I recorded myself which is why the background is different and the lighting a bit weird. So that was 6 hours later and I think I put it through its paces with a hot and humid evening! It was not smeared and throughout the evening all I needed to do was to touch up the lip colour.

So the secret to melt proof make up is to keep products to where they are needed rather than all over and keep it simple. Don't forget to set the entire face with a fine powder and be sure to press it in to keep it looking undetectable.

What are your "go to" products that you depend on?

The Body Shop - Discount Codes For Online Purchases.

The Body Shop kindly sent me these links to let you know about some discounts on their website for products that I have used and quite like!

Four shimmering cubes of fresh, spring pastel colours for the eyes. Shade 01:Pearly White - Light and shimmering, Shade 02: Precious Pink - Soft and feminine, Shade 03: Green Shimmer - Soft and fresh, Shade 04: Silver sparkle - Shimmering and smoky. Price: £12.52

FOLLOW THIS LINK http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/_en/_gb/catalog/product.aspx?ParentCatCode=C_Makeup&CatCode=C_Makeup_Eyes&prdcode=58344m

And use the code BLOG_SHIM

This is my favourite product so far as I use it all the time! A quick skin pick-me up and excellent for setting make-up. Spritz it on for instant refreshment, moisture, and protection. With a delicate rosewater scent. Size: 100ml. Price £6.85

FOLLOW THIS LINK (http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/_en/_gb/catalog/product.aspx?ParentCatCode=C_SkinCare&CatCode=C_SkinCare_ForAllSkinTypes&prdcode=18837m)

And use the code BLOG_MIST

A daily face wash with orange jojoba micro-beads to gently exfoliate and reveal smoother skin. The antioxidant vitamin C protects skin and revitalizes. Size: 100ml. Price £7.80

FOLLOW THIS LINK (http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/_en/_gb/catalog/product.aspx?ParentCatCode=C_SkinCare&CatCode=C_SkinCare_ForNaturalRadiance&prdcode=24683m)

And use the code BLOG_SCRUB

Float away the day with refreshing rosewater to gently cleanse and dissolve eye make-up. Also conditions lashes so they feel soft and silky. Size: 250ml. Price £5.84

FOLLOW THIS LINK http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/_en/_gb/catalog/product.aspx?ParentCatCode=C_SkinCare&CatCode=C_SkinCare_EyeCare&prdcode=28311m

And use the code BLOG_CAM

These links and codes expire on the 18th September 2009.