Little Round Pots...

Good news. Remember in a previous Bourjois post I mentioned how disappointed I was with the pot eye shadows? Well, they have only gone an improved their formula and now they are beautifully pigmented with a softer texture, hypoallergenic, paraben and fragrance free.

There are 22 shades and here are most of them swatched. There are 4 illuminating shades, 4 on trend shades, 8 sculpting shades and 6 glittery shades.

I attended a Bourjois blogger event on Saturday where we had the gorgeous Cassie Lomas demonstrate a couple of looks for us using the little round pot eye shadows. I will always attend the Bourjois events purely because of my love for 10hr sleep effect foundation. On another note, Cassie Lomas is launching her Makeup academy in Manchester which opens in January 2011. *Sigh* I wish it was in London, nevertheless I would love to do a weekend course with her.

The new eye shadows have the date of which Bourjois was founded, 1863! The glitter shades are easy to differentiate from the others as the lid has sparkles on them.

We got to personally pick 8 little round pots from the 22 shades, here are the ones I chose...

I have swatched them dry and wet, some of them need to be wet to achieve more intensity but overall they are very pigmented. The only downside is some of the glitter shades get a little powdery, but nothing too annoying. I love all the shades I picked!

The paler shades!

The darker shades!

My 3 favourites are 04, 08 and 74.

• 08 Beige rose delicate - The shimmery cream shade is the most pigmented and striking for me, it's great for all over the lid on it's own or a great highlight.
• 74 Brun profund with blue accents - The plummy brown shade which speaks for itself.
• 04 Noir precieux: with a purple tinge - The intense purple which leans towards black. The best way to use this one is wet as the metallic finish is so stunning.
  

Below I used 08 all over my lid and as a highlight, I used 04 wet as a liner and lightly dusted a bit of 93 in the crease.

Next time you are at a Bourjois counter swatch 08 and surprise yourself!

Next on my Bourjois wishlist is the beautiful vintage packaging, I am hoping they will release a collection which goes back to their roots!

What's your favourite little round pot from Bourjois?

Disclaimer: Products mentioned were provided for review purposes, I was not paid and I am not affiliated with the brand. honest opinion as ALWAYS!

The past week...

I picked up Nars Laguna as I was really missing it, I really enjoyed using it in the past and realise I did prefer it to Casino as it's much cooler. It's one of my favourite bronzers alongside, Benefit Hoola and the Soleil Tan De Chanel, I plan on doing a comparison shortly.

I also got myself a Chanel Pressed Powder (Poudre universelle compacte) shade 30 naturel - translucent. I have been using it to set my foundation and it works like a dream, it always looks smooth and non existent. I can pile it on and it still doesn't look cakey, it also stops my t-zone from getting oily and doesn't irritate my skin. Win win for me.



I picked up 3 polishes from American Apparel, Pinto, Malibu Green and Palm Springs were the shades I opted for. These are so opaque and need no patience to apply, check them out if you get a chance. I feel like I want them all.

I love this gorgeous ring and wrap I picked up from Topshop, totally me!

I couldn't resist this large polka dot cardigan from H&M, it's so fun and cute. I like the raised circles and this cardigan is actually thicker than it looks on camera, it's perfect for the freezing weather we have in London.

As I was saying, it's FREEZING, here in London and I needed a padded jacket, I found this in Bershka, I have never purchased anything from there before but this jacket fit, looked nice on and is incredibly warm. Perfect, I love it.

What did you pick up this week?

Keeping Warm..

I got Peanut a jumper yesterday and I LOVE it. Doesn't he look warm and cute?

Mmmmm, licking his nose as he waits for his treat!

I purchased the jumper from a local pet boutique for £10.99 from a brand called Trixie. However, I think I will attempt to make my own from now on.

Can you believe he will be 1 on the 9th of December, remember when I first blogged about him HERE? Any ideas on what I should do for his birthday? :)

Sparkle!

Look at what we have here..

The limited edition 'SPARKLE' palette for Christmas from Sleek MakeUp.

I got this in the post this morning and was quite excited to unwrap it from the packaging as it looked very delicate. I expected it to be packed full of different shades of white, gray and silver sparkly eye shadows which would have been SO appropriate but was faced with a wide range of colours which wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but my vision was different, I get very imaginative. However, I think this palette is quite special and so I had to share.


They are almost your typical Christmas colours but with a few extras.

All of them apart from 'Noir' (matte), 'Gold Ribbon' and 'Tinsel' (Shimmer) contain chunks of silver glitter which is finely milled. All of the colours are extremely pigmented and wearable despite the glitter but there is some fall out. This palette is mainly suited for night time looks, parties and any other special occasion during the festive season.

My favourites are the 2 purples on the end.

I don't really like 'Gold Ribbon' mixed with these colours, it throws it off for me and I would have preferred a neutral matte shade instead. I really like the concept of these new glitter shades and would love to see a palette which would be a 'Basics' palette that contain matte, shimmer and glitter shades suitable for day and night use.

These kind of remind me of pressed glitter pigments and some of the night series eye shadows that Nars do too.

Overall this palette is a hit and one to check out, just thought I would give you a heads up.

Available on November 24th online and at Superdrug for £5.99.

Have you picked up a Sleek palette lately and will you be picking this up?

Cha Cha.. FOTD + OOTD

Today I rocked 'Cha Cha'.

The perfect peachy nude lip.

On my eyes I used Mac 'Brule' all over the lid, 'Cork' in the crease and 'Carbon' on the outer V. I used Mac 'Lord it up' pearlglide eyeliner on the waterline and on the outer upper lashline with L'oreal million lashes mascara which I don't like btw, Voluminous is still the best!

OTHER PRODUCTS USED:

• Face: Mac face & body foundation, Chanel universelle compacte poudre + Mac studio finish concealer & YSL Touche Eclat under the eyes.
• Cheeks: Soleil tan de Chanel and Prestige glam tan bronzer.
• Lips: Mac Oak lipliner + OCC lip tar 'Cha Cha'.
  

My outfit which consists of a kaftan top, jeggings, waist belt and flat boots.

Do you wear peachy lips, if so, what's your favourite product?

Living in the moment..

Spur of the moment and I have new hair. I got a half head of ash blonde (foil) highlights and I am rather pleased. :)

I always used to have my hair like this, but have kept my hair super dark for a couple of years now and it feels nice to have a change. I usually lighten up for summer but have rebelled and have lightened for winter. It's not a drastic change but a change nevertheless.

Have you done anything spontanious recently? If you haven't you should.

Forget the dressing table, DIY instead.

I was saving up for a dressing table but instead I have just saved myself £££'s and a whole lot of space. I spent nothing on my new setup as I already had everything. A little bit of drilling and a few screws here and there and voila.

I was inspired by my mother-in-law who turned her TV unit into a dressing table which looks amazing, and now maybe I can inspire you.

Meet my new makeup station!

I used a vintage mirror that I got from a Charity shop years ago which is made from frosted and textured glass.

I used a cream wooden shelf from Ikea, here's how it fits in with the room.

I used some fairy lights from Paperchase for some jazzing.

I have the majority of my makeup on this shelf and some bits that I don't use are inside my bedside table.

The wicker pots are from Ikea, the big one holds all of my lipsticks and the small one has my pigments. I have put my brushes in a pen holder from Paperchase, and my favourite lipglosses are in a acrylic pot.

My face products along with some everyday items are in the basket and the paper suitcase holds even more makeup.

I have been saved, I can now put my bar chair underneath and sit down and relax whilst I put my makeup on. Perfect.

What other DIY options do you have for a dressing table / vanity area?

Not so much of a Tartan Tale..

One word. Disapointed.

Today was the launch of the Mac holiday collection for 2010 which is called 'A Tartan Tale'. I haven't been that excited about the collection and my thoughts proved to be correct as I only picked up 1 thing which was the pearl glide eyeliner in 'Lord it up'. It's a beautiful brown with tiny shimmers, it reminds me of 'Bourbon' from Urban Decay 24/7 liners.

I had my eye on 'My highland honey' which is the peach powder blush but it looks too similar to Ripe Peach and the effect when applied to the cheeks is almost identical. I also found it very chalky and powdery which is unlike Mac blushes. I don't really like tartan, particularly green tartan which put me off buying anything with that packaging. The sets however are fantastic value for money and still worth checking out, but not for me.

I picked up 'Constructivist' paint pot from the main line as I figured it would make a quick easy eyeshadow and look great with 'Lord it up' on the upper lash line.

A short trip to Superdrug and I purchased a Rimmel lip liner in 'Red Diva' which is a perfect red with a slight blue undertone, I plan on wearing it all over the lips as I like the matte finish. My eyes suddenly focused on 'Coral Fever' lipstick from Maybelline color sensational range, it's more orange than coral but in the pastel family with a lustre finish. I have nothing like it, it's more of a summery shade but I'm sure I can incorporate it with any season. :)

Swatches..

Did you know that H&M have launched a home range? Well you know now.

I checked out the collection today, I wasn't wowed by it in fact I was quite disappointed. But, there were still a few items that caught my eye.

Once you go to see the home collection instore you will be faced with a display of items, there is nothing you physically pick up and put in your basket, instead there is a tiny magnetic shopping cart that fits into the palm of your hand that you stick magnets of items on. You then hand this at the till and they get the stuff from the stock room. It's very cute but it just makes me think that they saved money and time as they don't steam the items and everything comes wrapped straight from the factory. Hmmmm, I had to iron when I got home. :/

Napkins £1.99

Linen drawstring bag £6.99

Cushion cover £7.99

My favourite purchase of the day has to be the fresh roses, 2 bunches from Tesco's! Isn't it amazing how a bunch of flowers cheer up a home?! Puts a smile on my face.


What did you get from 'A Tartan Tale' and the H&M home collection?

Outfit, 'Dark Deed' and Halloween..

Toady's outfit consisted of my new All Saints Tee, I teamed it with a waist belt, jeans and a blazer.



My makeup was very light..

Face: Mac Face & Body foundation, Mac studio finish concealer,

Eyes: Benefit it stick on waterline, Rimmel brown pencil eyeliner on upper lashline & Mac zoom fast lash black mascara.

Cheeks: Chanel bronzer and Mac moon river.

Lips: Mac Lazy Day lipstick

But then, I decided I would wear 'Dark Deed' from the Venomous Villains collection as Halloween was a good excuse.

Here are a few of the dark lip products I own which are: Rimmel Black Tulip lipliner, Mac 'Dark Deed', Bourjois 'Rouge Intomperel' and Estee Lauder 'Extravagant Berry' lipsticks.

and swatches..

Dark Deed us the darkest, I teamed it with Rimmels Black Tulip lipliner which is a perfect match!
Ta da! When the Hubby saw me he was like "What the hell is that" Errrr, I didn't know what to say as it is very striking and NOT easy to wear. :)

But, I do like it, it's very vampy and feels quite sophisticated.

Have you missed Peanut? Here he is! :)

Later on we headed to my Mother-in-laws...

She went all out and made an array of home made cakes and pop corn parcels. She made the most delicious chocolate brownies & almond cakes.. MMmmmm! *Drool*

The kids loved it.. :)

..and so did I, it got to a point where it was like "forget the kids" I'll eat'em all! :)

How was your Halloween? And what are your thoughts on dark lips?