Charity Donation for Blog Sale

Thank you all who bought from my blog sale. I am donating half the monies raised to Macmillan Cancer Support. You can donate really easily by credit/debit card here:

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Donate/Donate.aspx

You can also donate by post and branches of Natwest amongst other ways. For more info:

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Donate/OtherWaysToGive/OtherWaysToGive.aspx

Thanks again!

Winter Lip Balm Review!

I bought this lip balm about a month ago on a trip to London, there was a 3 for 2 at Superdrug so I took a punt on a brand that was new to me and looked interesting. I keep it by my desk to use throughout the day.

Bloom Lip Balm (Kissable Lips) flavoured with lime essential oil.

The Good points:

A little goes a long way and it lasts for hours. It's great to use as a base for lipstick. I normally apply loads of it then scrub it off gently with a damp muslin. This leaves my lips soft and smooth. I then apply a bit to moisturise. It's not greasy, the texture is waxy and I use my nail to scrape off a bit and rub it over my lips. The smell is definitely the best bit about this lip balm, it is divine, seriously fresh and fruity. You get a mild hit of it when you lick your lips. This lip balm is also available in five other flavours/scents (Vanilla, Orange, Grapefruit, Peach and Strawberry)

The Bad Points:

I thought it was expensive at £6 but it has lasted really well. I have barely made a dent in it. I think the reason it's expensive is partly because it is a glass jar. I find this fiddly, breakable and you have to use your fingers to get it out. I much prefer sticks/twist ups). I don't think it will ever be safe in my handbag. Also, Bloom isn't available in all Superdrugs so is difficult to get hold of!

You know you need lip balm when there's this much snow!

Please don't call my snowman fat, he's very sensitive about it. He's hoping to lose some pounds before summer (heh heh)!

Bloom Cosmetics Website.

The things you find out after you're married!

I've been suffering (sympathy please!) from aching shoulders the last few months as I was in training. I was running miles and working up to 20 push ups a day. Full push ups too, not those half arsed knee ones and considering I was starting from a base where I could do none, this was hard work and has taken its toll on my body! (Where's that sympathy?!)

Also working at a computer every day for long hours in a bad posture has given be tight shoulders. I would often get a tension headaches.

My sister came to the rescue, she's an excellent masseuse. I gave her another Tisserand Oil for Christmas (the de-stress lavender oil) which she has been reviewing for me. I am sneaky giving her a present and then asking her to review it! My family are used to it by now. My excuse is that if I want a professional opinion, she is best qualified! When she came to visit she gave me a shoulder massage using the Energy Revive Body Massage oil from Tisserand. It's not a pleasurable experience at all as it's a sports massage. So after a small bought of agonising followed by relieving massage, I felt much better.

The people at Tisserand sent a couple of items to try because I am mad about Orange Blossom Oil fragrance! You might remember that I gave away five sets of five Tisserand goodies in a pre-christmas giveaway.

Here's a picture and what the Tisserand website says about this oil:

• "95% organic
• An invigorating body oil to re-charge a tired mind and body
• Perfect in the morning to deliver get-up-and-go, or later in the day when stamina needs a boost
• De-luxe skin conditioning, rich in vitamins, antioxidants and omega 5 & 9
• Contains hand blended oils used by professional therapists
• Euphoric organic bergamot oil
• Energising organic grapefruit oil
• Balancing organic lime oil"

So my sister, as a professional, says that this oil is better for massage than the De-Stress one from Tisserand because it is lighter and easier to work with muscles. It glides over the skin without dragging, but isn't too oily so she can pick up muscles and work on them without slipping.

She uses the De-Stress as a body moisturiser and loves the intense lavender smell. She uses it on her legs before bed to relax and moisturise overnight. What a good idea.

Since my sister lives too far away to give me a daily massage, my husband has taken over. He has certainly been hiding this talent from me. Every birthday he gets me a massage voucher for a local spa. He says he hates having massages and is rubbish at giving them. He SO lied about that as since I pleaded with him to give me a 10 min shoulder massage with this oil in the evening, they are feeling so much better. MEN!

Tisserand Massage oils cost around £8 and are available from their website

2009 Fave and 2010 Wishes!

I was going to do a blog post about my favourite cosmetics from 2009, but I'd already done that in a video on my YouTube channel!

So I asked some of my favourite YouTube Gurus and Bloggers for their top cosmetics from 2009 and what they hope to see in 2010 - here's what they said!

BritishBeautyBlogger: It would have to be Jonathan Ward Candles which are organic so must be cruelty free. think its at www.jonathanwardlondon.com...the fragrancing is really high quality and cleverly done, and the burn time is good. Idon't often delve into the complex world of artisan fragrancing, but Jonathan interprets scents in a way that is sophisticated but easy to understand at the same time. If you think about multi layered scents and how complicated they are - and then they really only smell of one indisinguishable thing - these are a real addition to the candle market that make sense and scents.

MizzWorthy: I want to say the liquid metals from Illamasqua, but I know a lot of people dislike them as they can crease when worn alone (personally, I can forgive this, as I like them so much, but I understand why other people can't lol...). I suppose therefore I am going to have to say the liquid highlighter, which is expensive, but in my opinion well worth it - I describe this (to anyone who will listen) as candlelight in a bottle. It is quite simply the best highlighter I have ever used, and a teeny weeny dot is enough for both cheekbones. It can also be mixed in with foundation, used on collarbones and shins, and even on the browbone and I have used it as an inner corner eye highlight too on occasion. Eyeshadow, lipstick and blush colours may come and go, but dewy fresh looking skin will never fall out of favour, and this helps me achieve that look.

My hopes for products in 2010 - for companies to continue to innovate with different formula's and twists on the old favourites. For example, a mineral foundation that actually is longwearing, or a long wearing lipstick that doesn't lead to dry lips.

Sirvinya: I think my favourite product from 2009 has to be the Diorskin Nude liquid foundation. I think it was the first one I was 100% happy with, perfect colour match and it feels fantastic on the skin. For 2010 I'm hoping for finding a perfect drugstore mascara. The L'Oreal one I use has been discontinued so even though I love it, I don't think it counts.

KlaireDeLys: My number one product would be the HD powder from e.l.f. As soon as I've finished mine I'm going to buy an other one, it's such a lifesaver especially for photos and setting my make up. In 2010 I'm hoping we can see more makeup which is made naturally and for people with super sensitive and pale skin like me. (and affordable!)

Lipglossiping: I copied this verbatim as it's funny! I honestly can't narrow it down to 1 (and I've really tried!) - there's 2, so pick whichever one fits your article best! DHC Deep Cleansing Oil and Illamasqua Brow Powder.
My hope for 2010 is less focus on innovation for innovation's sake!

Oh wait, did it have to have been released IN 2009?
Um.. if so...
erm... um... err... *scratches head* oh yeah! Shu Uemura Painting Liners (released Spring 09)

GetLippie: kind of have three best products for 2009, feel free to pick one - I'm hellish indecisive!

1) Onix Brazilian Blowdry from Compton Hair - this has tamed and treated my insane hair, and now I'm finally a wash and go girl! No straighteners needed, and crucially, no worrying about my hair exploding when it rains!

2) Mavala Scientifique Nail Hardener - I have weak, peeling and stupidly stumpy nails. Or, at least, I did. I've been using this tiny bottle of magic twice a week for a while now, and I have *gorgeous* nails. And a new obsession with nail varnish! Seriously, this is the only nail system I've found that does exactly what it says in the tin, and you don't have to use it daily!

3) Cargo Plant Love Illuminator in Wind - Organic, cruelty-free cosmetics that seriously deliver results. This is a gorgeous pinky-gold-bronze bronzer/blush that is universally flattering and looks beautiful on everyone. I've used it every day since I got mine, and am considering a back up ...

As for 2010, I'm hoping to see more organic and cruelty-free colour cosmetic ranges arrive.

FilthyGorgeousMakeUp: Fave product of 2009? That is a tough one! I would have to say the ELF studio line in general as it is such great quality for the price- and if I had to pick one thing it would be the flat topped powder brush which I love!

For 2010 I hope that more companies start releasing more exciting shadow shades, esp in a matte formula, as I think it is really difficult to find a good matte as often they are chalky and hard to blend.

Helen's Nice Things: My favourite product from 2009 has to be Models Own nail varnish. The colours are superb, the application, wear and pigmentation is better than any other I have used,  plus they are inexpensive and always have excellent offers on their website - and importantly, the customer service is second to none.
I hope for more US brands to be more readily available over here without the expense of shipping or having to buy from a US importer who applies major mark-up on products.
Make Up Trials and Tribulations: My number 1 product of 2009 was YSL Teint Parfait, it's like a primer and foundation mixed into one.  It works a charm with my skin, it's hard finding makeup which matches Indian skin and this does it perfectly.  To add another string to its bow, it mattifies my skin and then makes me look glowing (not greasy) in photos.  It costs about £25 but I've been using it non stop for ages and a little pea drop lasts ages.

My other wonder product was the Biore warming face scrub, it is great to use everyday and it keeps the greasy skin at bay without drying you out.

What do I hope for 2010? Hmm..a primer which is cheap and actually works on my skin would be nice, a cheap gel liner which stays put.
Vexinthecity: MAC Thermal mask and Volcanic Ash Exfoliator. I love the effect they have my skin, especially when used together. They erase all abrasions and leave me with the smoothest canvas for my make up.
What I hope for in 2010 - That brands realise just how utterly pointless it is to release LE skincare. It doesn't benefit the consumer in any way whatsoever.
The Virtues of Beauty: My number product of 2009 has to be the Age Reform Exfoliating Cleanser by Murad and my hopes for products in 2010 is to see more of a colour range in drugstore foundations for woman of colour in the UK.
OogleMakeup Benefit 10. I used to value this for its brown shade, which is especially perfect as a soft contour. Initially, I ignored the highlight side - thinking it was way too subtle for my liking. However, one day I realised that it works brilliantly to set my undereye concealer: giving it a luminosity that works wonders! 

Benefit 10 therefore has two hugely flattering uses, in one neat package. And at a push, it can work as your eyeshadow too. Multi-tasking, and compact. Yes the cardboard box is horrible, but think of our environment! It's good to do your bit to avoid landfills, right.
 
My beauty hopes for 2010 are to see more genuinely innovative and multi-tasking products, and some better matte eyeshadows (as most out there are chalky horrors.) And a botox face mask? 

New Toy - FormSpring.Me/Oxfordjasmine

It's New, it's temperamental, and it's probably going to go the way of FriendsReunited but it'll keep me amused for a while!

If you want to ask me a question then please post to my formspring! It's a bit like twitter but you ask a question to me and I respond.

http://www.formspring.me/oxfordjasmine

It doesn't cost anything and it's a good way to make sure I see your question.

I will do my best to respond to your questions!

Please have a look at the others I've answered in case yours has been answered previously.

Also no personal questions please, I prefer not to answer those!

She's not your OLDER sister!

You have no idea how many times I hear this, and frankly am sick of hearing it! But yes she is, she is nearly 10 years older but looks so much younger. I hope this runs in the family as I want to look this good when I am in my forties.

When any woman comes to visit, they get a make over; whether they like it or not and my sister is no exception. To be fair, no one ever asks me for a make over, they just get collared in to it. I was keen to try a new foundation on my sister because I really love it. Like me, she is keen to find the perfect one that can be applied with minimum fuss to achieve a fresh faced, naturally radiant and flawless look.

So here are a few pictures of the transition:

My sister does wear make up normally; just a bit of concealer, blush and lip gloss. That's it! Here she is with No Make up. Still stunning (if she weren't my sister I would hate her, biatch)

A brief description of My Sis's skin:

Skin Type: My Sis has very dry but sensitive skin so I needed both a moisturiser and primer to prevent the foundation leaving dry patches as it was absorbed. She uses Dermalogica moisturiser and I used an Obsessed Minerals Beauty Fluid in Riviera as a primer. Being in her early 40s, she has only the minimum of a few wrinkles under the eyes and round the mouth.

Uneven skin tones: Like me and all asian women, she has undereye darkness and uneven skin tone on the forehead and round the mouth. Her eye lids are darker than the rest of the face.

Face shape: She has an even proportioned face. The eyes aren't too close or wide apart, the forehead, cheeks and chin are equally spaced and generous lips with softly square jaw line.

Eye shape: She has deep set eyes and they are slightly hooded on the outer corners. Her eyes are huge and she has amazing thick and long lashes. Her eyes tend to droop at the outer corners in an almond shape.

So here we are with foundation:

I used a primary layer of Coastal Scents Undercover HD foundation in Shade ST5, with another layer in specific places like under the eye, round the nose and chin. No concealer was needed. My sister has a pink undertone to her skin, whereas mine is orange. So we were not surprised with the big difference in shades we prefer in the range. I am a shade ST10.

Now we move on to the final look. My sister wanted a going out look that was polished and sophisticated, that she could also tone down to wear as an every day look.

Products used:

Eyes: MAC Brule (all over), Soba (crease) and Satin Taupe (top lash line and inner corner). Ricepaper to highlight.

MAC Teddy Eyeliner

Clinique High Impact Mascara in black.

Lips: MAC Retro Lipstick and e.l.f Studio Minty Lipgloss in Boston

Cheeks e.l.f Studio Peachy Keen, Sleek MakeUp Luminous Pressed Powder as a bronzer.

I can't show a full face shot for privacy reasons but I am grateful that she has let me show a half face portion!

Would you like to be my next victim, I mean volunteer?

New Year's Eve Look of the Day! Happy 2010!

Here's my New Year's Even FOTD! I didn't do much this New Year's Eve, met some friends in the day and then went to see Avatar in 3D. If you haven't seen this film then you really shouldn't miss out!

I used my Urban Decay Book of Shadows II to create this look, it was a present from my sister!

Primer Potion (one of the four I have now!) over the lid area.

Mushroom is a grey looking shadow but on my skin it comes out as a lilac silver). I used it all over the lid.

Followed by Ecstacy (a very vivid purple) above the crease.

Then I used Perversion (very dark inky blue/black) in the crease and then used as an upper and lower eye liner.

As a brow and inner corner highlight I opted for the glittery Nylon, a champagne colour with huge sparkle.

On the rest of the face I used Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in Velvet plum on the cheeks, followed by MAC Spiceflower on the lips.

I did this look whilst I was on BlogTV yesterday, just as a spur of the moment thing. I really enjoyed chatting with the little group of people who joined me. I may do it again soon and give you a bit more notice!

Even thought I was wearing 3D glasses and was in a dark cinema, I enjoyed this look and couldn't fault it for staying power!

Whatever you did, I hope you had a great New Year's Eve!

All the best for 2010!