As you all know I love a beauty bargain but sometimes it’s great to indulge in a luxury lipstick or high-end highlighter. Sometimes we all need a little decadence right? Today I’m rounding up the designer cosmetics the team have recently been painting their faces with.
Lolly | Lipstick Queen
My latest luxe beauty indulgence has to be my Berry Sinner lippy from Lipstick Queen. I’d not purchased anything from the brand previously but I’d heard good things about their velvety smooth products that apparently glide on your pout like butter so was intrigued enough to buy.
Granted at £22 it’s not the most expensive lipstick on the market (I’m looking at you Mr Ford!) but since I decided to purchase the product online rather than seeing it beforehand in the flesh, it would be an expensive mistake if it all went wrong. I’ve also never gone this berrylicious before but have been quietly gathering courage after trying (and adoring) MAC’s Velvet Teddy so I felt ready to go over to the dark side.
If you’re a facts and figures kind of girl then you’ll want to hear the science behind Lipstick Queen’s ‘Sinner’ range. The lipsticks have been enriched with 90% rubber pigment (rather than powder) which means that the colour is intense albeit creamy. If you’re looking for shimmer or iridescence or sheer colour then this product isn’t for you. Once applied the lipstick is incredibly moisturising and not at all cakey which I worried might occur with such an intense hue; suffice to say I loved it from the first application and it’s definitely become a permanent resident in my makeup bag.
Since we’re heading into Summer and Berry Sinner is more of an Autumnal shade, it makes perfect sense to purchase a couple more pinky shades from the brand… you know to evoke more of a sunshiny vibe. Hot Rose Sinner and Pink Sinner are right up my street….just don’t tell Ste.
Lisa | Caudalie Radiance Tinted Moisturiser
Shortly after my intro post was published, in which I admitted that I knew very little about make-up, I went to visit my Auntie. She sat me down and gave me a mini make up tutorial… bless her, I think she felt like she had failed me as an Auntie up until that point! Auntie Maggie this is not the case. I loved the finished effect and one thing that she told me off quite sternly about was not wearing foundation or moisturiser with an SPF and this really stuck with me. Hence my desire to try a tinted foundation with SPF.
The first thing that struck me about Caudalie Radiance Tinted Moisturiser was the teeny-tinyness of the nozzle-applicator bit (what DO you call that bit?!). This pleased me because I don’t like to use much make up and it meant that I could could squeeze out the smallest of dabs. One of the reasons why I shy away from wearing too much make up is because I think it looks awful when it goes wrong and you can see an orange foundation line at the side of someone’s face, or clumpy mascara (although according to last week’s Stylist magazine, clumped lashes are currently en vogue). This product didn’t let me down – it was substantial enough to give my skin a radiant complexion but didn’t give me a caked-on appearance. I am also a sucker for a beauty product that smells beautiful and this moisturiser does just that. But the main thing is…being SPF20, it protects your skin.
A little bit more research into the brand also led me to discover that Caudalie is behind the Vinotherapie Spas… Caudalie if you would like me to review your Le Plaza spa in NYC I would be more than happy to oblige. Or the one in Bordeaux. Or any for that matter.
Charlotte | Guerlain Kiss Kiss Creme Lipstick
I don’t feel “done” unless I have something on my lips, I’m not bothered about much on my skin or even doing my brows (I know! such a beauty sin!) but leaving the house without perfecting my pout makes me feel all unfinished.
With a bossy toddler demanding my time in the mornings my daily make-up products have to perform quickly and have longevity, I can’t be bothered to re-apply every five minutes. And that’s why the Guerlain Kiss Kiss Creme Lipstick in ‘Morning Rose’ is my new favourite thing. It’s basically a lip balm with a tint that is the PERFECT pink – like you have spent the last few hours simultaneously kissing and eating strawberries. Even though the moisturising sheen wears off after an hour or so what’s left is a stain which lasts for hours and doesn’t fade, peel or bleed. You can literally put it on with your eyes closed it’s that awesome, and then not have to thin about it again until the afternoon.
For Spring date nights and special occasions I have been gravitating towards a glossy finish and even though I am relatively faithful to my Bobbi Brown Rich Colour Gloss in Angel Pink I recently discovered Dior Ultra Gloss in 363 ‘Nude’ which is UBER shiny – I’m not gonna lie. But there is no denying it instantly lends a plumping youthful boost to your lips. And its slide-y rather than sticky, which is always a winner in my beauty book.
Lauren | NARS Bronzing Powder
As I have somewhat shiny skin, I had to ditch bronzer a few years ago as struggled to find one without an iridescent sheen. However feeling washed out and pasty skinned I decided to resume the search for a matt bronzing product.
After reading review after review suggesting NARS Bronzing Powder was a hit with many a pale skin, I gingerly placed an order. As you can see above the ‘Laguna’ shade looks oompa loompa orange so I was pleasantly pleased to find on my fair skin it just gives a very subtle, long lasting glow. It’s so natural looking someone even commented on my healthy holiday glow after I’d been to Cornwall. I don’t think anyone has ever said this to me. Ever. There’s also a couple of darker shades which also have rave reviews too.
Any luxury cosmetics you’ve been coveting recently? What designer make-up have you added to your dressing table?
{SHOP THE POST}
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”1658163″]
Well as this post appears on my birthday I am going to take it aseems a sign I need to buy! ? x
Happy Birthday Emma, it clearly is a sign! Xx
Happy happy birthday Emma – I think you need to treat yourself to ALL of it 😉 xx
Happy Birthday Emma. Everyone deserves a present to themselves on their birthday 😉
Have a fab day x
Also I may perchance have purchased the NARS bronzing powder off the back of your recommendation Lauren…
Oooh do you like? X
I ADORE! Ste came home and was like ‘have you been skiving from work and sitting in the sunshine’ when I first wore it….The cheek of the man! But it’s very very good so I’ll forgive him…
Beauty posts are my fav! ?
I’m all about the Dr Haushka Translucent Bronzing Tint at the moment. Perfect for giving a sheer bronze glow without the shimmer. It’s a totally buildable colour and because it’s a gel rather than a powder it doesn’t go all cakey.
Full of all the good stuff too like witch hazel, olive oil, minerals yadda yadda!
A gel you say? This sounds like a whole lot of fun. Gotta love a bit of olive oil! x
Indeed. And Dr Haushka is obviously a real doctor so it must be good for you, right?
Obviously
This is one of those danger posts again! I think I might have to get a Laguna bronzer – I don’t like loads of sparkle on my face during the day and it is quite hard to get a decent matt bronzer. I bought Benefit’s Hoola last week but for some reason it makes me look…dare I say…grubby. I do NOT like.
Also, I have decided I need some sort of illuminator. Not glittery, but sheeny and blurry which would ideally make me look like I have the perfect skin of an 18 year old. Does this product exist? Probably not, but if anyone has any recommendations, they would be most appreciated! 🙂
The packaging of Hoola is so immense I was swayed by it once but I looked as though I should appear as an extra in Strictly Ballroom. It wasn’t a good look. Let me know if you do give NARS a whirl x
I was so annoyed when I put it on Lauren. Especially as I went for it because it was on a list of best bronzers that Sali Hughes compiled for the Guardian. Maybe it works on folks with darker skintones – I’m not the absolute palest person in the world, but my skin is pink toned, so maybe that’s why it looked so awful. I think I’ll head to Space NK at lunchtime to check out the Nars. x
Both Lolly and I are big fans of RMS Living Luminizer for glow. I’m also a big fan of NOID as raved about here:
http://rockmystyle.co.uk/16244-2/
Yep! What Lynsey said….
Thanks Lynsey! Will go have a butchers at those two now…
Lynsey, what exactly is the NOID stuff?!
Is it a primer? Heard a few good things about it and am looking for something to wear under my foundation as I suddenly seem to have developed large pores in a couple of areas on my cheeks…..my skin can get a bit oily throughout the day, so not sure how it would work for me?
*NIOD….!
It’s kind of a primer but not in the traditions sense – not sure it makes your makeup last longer but it makes you LOOK better. In photos and in real life. If I’m going out out, I put it under my makeup but sometimes if I’m looking a bit blah, I wear it on its own. It kind of blurs everything and makes your skin lovely and glowy sans glitter.
A couple of girls in work bought it on my recommendtion and they’ve been impressed too so it seems to suit a multitude of skin types!
I think you have sold it to me …….I wanna be glowy, sod the primer!!
Thank you for your reply!
……RMS is bad for the finances…….!
You get your glow on, girl! ??
Sorry Jane. If it’s any consolation, RMS is bad for my finances too. ;(
And mine – the readers are such enablers!
I have used Shu Uemura’s Stage Performer Instant Glow, which the lovely sales assistant recommended to me. Dangerous those make-up shops… Anyway, it is not glittery but is certainly sheeny and I love wearing it for a night out (I feel it makes me look a bit too “dewy” for daytime but it would certainly work!!). Not sure if you have a place to try it on near you as it isn’t stocked in many places (in London there is a shop in Covent Garden, and it is stocked in Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Harrods etc) and it isn’t cheap so I would definitely try before buying if you can. I’m sure someone else can recommend something cheaper though!
Annie is this a highlighter or a illuminator or something else entirely? I’m very intrigued….
Um to be honest I don’t know what you would call it – I think illuminator would be the best description though. You can either use it as a base under your makeup, which is what I tend to do, which gives a really nice dewy appearance, certainly glowy but not sparkly or anything… You can also put a tiny dab on top to add more of a highlighter appearance but I don’t think it is the best product for this to be honest, it is a bit too wet in my opinion. This is the link if you want to read the company’s blurb: http://www.shuuemura.co.uk/makeup/face/base/stage-performer-instant-glow. I really like it though!
I love Soleil Tan De Chanel! So lovely for dewy summer bronzed skin and Chanel always looks good on the dressing table. It goes on smoother than powder bronzer so it’s a great product to take on holiday and use in the evenings on already sunkissed skin.
A consistent luxe make-up purchase is my Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel bronzer. I have just run out and was planning to repurchase (for possibly the 8th time) tomorrow. This bronzer is hands down the best I have ever used and even with the price tag at £32 I feel it’s worth the cost especially as it lasts almost a year. The colour, consistency, longevity, subtle scent and ease of application are fantastic. As is the small buzz of a beautifully gift wrapped Chanel purchase! I also have shiny skin Lauren so a bronzer with any hint of iridescent is a definite no. Your NARS recommendation has got me seriously reconsidering though. I have a feeling that I will be testing the patience of the House of Fraser beauty assistants tomorrow!
Tracy M – I would recommend Benefit for liquid highlighters 🙂
Haha Snap! Clare Jess
Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel now on the wishlist Clare and Sarah!
I second the Chanel gift wrap. I always keep the bags and the ribbon. I’m such a hoarder.
My friend Perfect Kelly swears by this, I am so tempted but feel it might be too dark for my pale skin? I have heard it’s quite buildable though? x
The NARS Laguna bronzer is an absolute staple in my makeup bag year round. Just a quick swish of it in the winter to ‘lift’ my face and a more generous dousing of it in summer months and once i’ve got some colour on my face. It’s the best bronzer I’ve ever tried, and I’ve tried MANY!
Two Space NK purchases this week – Laura Mercier illuminating tinted moisturiser (SPF20) in Natural Radiance. I mix this 50/50 with my normal foundation (Rimmel Wake me Up for work days, MAC Studio Sculpt for anything more deserving than spending the day sat at my desk!) and it’s a gorgeous finish. I have it in a few different shades depending on how much colour I have on my face. Worn on its own it gives a gorgeous healthy glow to the face without being too shimmery.
The other purchase was the By Terry touche expert, under eye concealer/highlighter. This isn’t cheap by any means but is the best of these products I’ve come across for hiding those dark circles brilliantly, without it fading over the course of the day or getting caked when layered with foundation/powder on top.
xxx
It’s ace when you find a product you adore isn’t it Anna?
Also love the Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser, I just wear the Nude shade by itself and don’t bother with any foundation. Feels so nice and light but gives a nice light coverage.
Perfect for summer Annie x
I’ve just bought this http://www.escentual.com/dior/diormakeup059/ Dior Addict Lip Glow Enhancer. I’m not a big fan of lipstick as I always feel a bit made up but if I’m going out I like to put something on. This naturally enhances the colour of your own lips and provides a subtle sheen. Just perfect for a ‘no make-up’ girl like me. Nice texture and it really does subtly enhance the colour of your own lips!
I’ve bought a few lip products recently for a natural lip but they’ve ended up so natural you can’t even tell the difference! This sounds like a good one to try x
Sooooo, lunch break is now over and I am the proud owner of one Laguna bronzer. Infinitely more subtle than Hoola and definitely no hint of any dirty brown streaks on my face, yay! Whilst there I had a little look at Becca’s Illuminating Primer and may be returning to make a purchase. The back of my hand is looking distinctly youthful and glowy. 😉
Anna, I’m a By Terry fan too. I think their Sheer Expert and Cover Expert are excellent – I used to use Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser (not the illuminating one though) but changed when I discovered By Terry. Whilst on the subject of luxe tinted moisturisers, I also love Chantecaille Just Skin, though it has less coverage.
All these things Tracy that I now want to try! x
I happened to see this post this morning, whilst enroute to John Lewis anyway, sooo I am now the proud owner of the Guerlain lipstick, it’s lovely! My Mama was tempted by it too!
And I’ve been thinking about the Laura Mercier caviar stick after last weeks post, so may have also just ordered this little quartet from Harrods (a gift to myself!) oops.
http://mobile.harrods.com/mt/www.harrods.com/product/caviar-stick-eye-quartet/laura-mercier/000000000004876093
Fabulous choices Debs x
Oooooh Debs I love the caviar stick so I’m VERY tempted by this set….!
Lolly there is also a set of 6 (!), Matte to Metal. Decisions decisions…
http://mobile.harrods.com/mt/www.harrods.com/product/matte-to-metal-holiday-caviar-stick-colour-collection/laura-mercier/000000000005039879
Please no more lovely beauty posts until my next pay day! x
[…] know that in our recent post about luxe cosmetics Charlotte mentioned that she doesn’t feel ‘done’ without something on her lips. I didn’t […]