MAC Masterclass Brush Collection

...Introducing the new MAC Masterclass Brush Collection which is an ultra-modern range of unique brushes that delivers a high level of performance and revolutionizes personal makeup application. Ergonomically designed for even and effortless application, lush, silky, synthetic fibres are engineered to expertly pick up and apply product seamlessly. Available in three sizes, Linear 1, Oval 3 and Oval 6 feature a special grip brush handle designed for absolute control, and a tilted tip that keeps fingers and hands out of the way for ultimate precision...

I must say that I'm slightly intrigued by this collection and certainly will be looking to check them out when they launch here. MAC state that in designing this collection, the developers took into consideration how a makeup brush could be reworked to being easy to use for both right and left handed individuals.  The brush is designed for both the bristles and handle to run parallel to the face to work with the planes of the face.  The bristles are of synthetic fibres, that are described as "feeling natural but still delivering a beautiful blended finish of high-end bristles.  The idea behind the application is a gliding motion to effortlessly apply and blend makeup.

The Masterclass Brush Collection consists of the following:

Linear 1:  Designed for use on the eye and lip areas.  Can also be used to fill in brows.  Short and narrow in shape, this brush delivers a precise stroke to lashes and lips.

Oval 6:  Described as ideal for use on the face to apply blush, foundation and powder for an even flawless coverage.  A medium sized, rounded brush glides easily across the planes of the face.

Oval 3:  An elongated oval shaped brush with pointed tip which can be used in a multitude of ways to apply concealer or cream/powdered eyeshadow products.  

The brushes are now available in the US with the expected launch here in UK in December.

What are your thoughts on this collection?  A must try?

New! Benefit Products for 2014

These little goodies popped up on my radar this evening whilst browsing through my Bloglovin feed so thought I would share the news that Benefit will be launching two new products in time for Spring 2014.  

First up being The Porefessional Agent Zero Shine powder.  Now having the Porefessional primer in my kit and use it regularly as a lifesaver for priming ladies with a multitude of skin sins such as enlarged pores, fine lines or general mild discolouration of the face.  Therefore, I will be keen to trial the new addition to the Porefessional range when it launches next month via Lookfantastic.

The product itself is a self contained powder consisting of a built in brush and a twist and tap into the lid means that it is perfect for touch up's on the go.

Expected January 2014 cost £23.50

Next up is Lollitint which Benefit describe as their "candy-orchid tint that treats lips and cheeks to a tint of dreamy sweetness"  Yes well, that may all be well and good but this latest addition to the Bene-Tint range is perfect for Spring's pastel colour trend as the colour is described as a lavender pink shade.  Benefit recommend layering Lollitint with a dusting of Hervana blush for the perfect pink flush (nothing like a bit of link selling here!)  I have used Benetints on and off for several years and do like the longevity of them on my cheeks in particular.  Lips, I can take or leave as I don't find the stain to last as well as I would like (probably down to too much drinking coffee/talking/eating throughout the day!)  For hygiene reasons, tints are something that I don't tend to use.  I will be looking out for a mini size of this however, mainly just to try.

Launch date in UK is to be confirmed, but Lollitint is currently available on www.benefitcosmetics.com

Will you be trying out these new Benefit products?

                                                   

Skincare: Glamglow Super-Mud Clearing Treatment

Having recently caved into the hype and various reviews I have read about Glamglow and their Clearing Treatment Mud Mask, I indulged in a purchase following a wander in M&S Beauty Hall (most impressed by the way - another blog to follow..)

Currently being pregnant, my skin really has taken a bashing from all the enhanced hormones now flying around my body, initially leaving me with a rather becoming breakout of spots.  With this in mind, I was keen to explore the many, many options of "miracle" skin products available and having spent some time reading about this mask, I decided to seek it out for myself.

The Skin Clearing Treatment is a mud based mask which visably detoxifies congested skin, leaving a brighter and smoother complexion.  The mask helps clear any existing blemishes and helps to prevent future breakouts by unblocking pores, treating skin concerns such as ingrown hairs, razor burn, black/whiteheads and areas of discolouration.  Ingredients include Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Azelaic Acid and Pyruvic Acid - all of which help exfoliate and refine the texture of the skin.

As my skin is slightly more greasy than my usual t-zone, I found that this mask worked particularly well in combating the issue.  My skin definitely appeared brighter and smoother in texture after just one use.  If you suffer from an overtly sensitive skin, I would however tread with caution in using this product due to ingredients eucalyptus, peppermint and parfum which could potentially cause irritation.

Glamglow Super-Mud Clearing Treatment retails here at £45.00 for 34g.

Kate Moss, US Vogue December 2013

The Silk Road shot by Mario Testino featuring Kate Moss for US Vogue December 2013.

I have literally just stumbled across these images whilst browsing and just had to share them.

These shots of Kate are simply breathtaking, the makeup is absolutely flawless and Kate herself looks effortlessly beautiful with a classic glossy red lip.

Stunning.

Within My Kit: YSL Chromatics Eyeshadow Palettes

I recently purchased YSL Chromatics Uptown palette in Classy (Palette 9) for my kit and can honestly say it's now become one of my most reached for eyeshadow palettes ever since.  With this in mind, I decided to add to my collection whilst taking advantage of Debenhams Beauty Event this weekend.  As a result I bought Palette 10 from Autumn/Winter 2012 with a silver and golden green tones.  Palette 19 which consists of shades of light and mid pink and deeper plum tones.  Both palettes are extremely wearable and blend out beautifully on application.  

Palette 9 consists of four colours which YSL describe as having been inspired by Uptown buildings such as the Dubai tower or a Manhattan skyscraper, the shades include a sparkling champagne, a satin toned marble, a golden brown concrete and a deep blue steel are neutral and easily wearable.
All shades can be used either wet or dry, used wet, the pigments turn into a cream and metallic.  YSL describe the shadows as consisting of a 75% concentration of pearl and pigment, so when used wet, the water re-hydrates the shadow to release full intensity.

 I've yet to experiment with these shadows wet (something that is on my to do) but having used them dry, the texture and colour payoff gives a easy application. From using the Classy palette(#9)the lighter champagne colour is lovely as a sparkling base where the deeper tones can be mixed and blended to create a smoky eye of varying intensity. 

(Left to Right: #19, #10, #9) 

The full shade range can be seen and purchased here at £39.00 each.

Bourjois Iconic Glam Christmas Gift Set

Everyone loves a freebie, particularly at Christmas time so I was particularly happy to receive this little gift box from Bourjois whilst popping into Boots on Friday night.  This gift is available with purchase over £15.00 throughout December.

The Bourjois Icon Glam set consists of the following:

Smoky Eyes Trio #O1 Gris Dandy

Effect 3D Lipgloss #06 Rouge Democratic

So Laque Ultra Shine nail enamel #24 Rouge Escaprin

Volume Glamour Max Holidays Mascara Black

This little kit pretty much covers it all perfectly for the festive party season, with a dark smoky eye, glossy red lips and matching nails.  I'm particularly partial to wearing a red lip so will be using the lipgloss at the first available opportunity!

Go get your's now from Boots

*apologies for the photo quality, I can't currently locate my camera leads so iPhone it is!

What's on your Christmas wish list?....

  

 

As Christmas is fast approaching (it's December tomorrow - Yay!)  my husband has started asking the standard question of "so what would you like this year???"  

Well....  

Having given this question some (great) consideration and plenty of research (reading various beauty/fashion/personal blogs here on Bloglovin) I've finally began to create an ultimate wish list.

First up being this from the rather fabulous Charlotte Tilbury who launched her own makeup range in September.  I've currently signed up to the waiting list for this limited edition (only 300 sets will be released) collection of products which Charlotte has named Future Vintage.  The collection which will be signed by Charlotte contains the Filmstar Bronze & Glow compact, the limited edition Bar of Gold highlighter and an exclusive Lip Laquer in Bardot Beige.  This collection is currently top of my list, mainly as I am dying to try out some of these products which sadly, are currently only available in Selfridges, Net-a-Porter or via Charlotte Tilbury


Next up on my list is my all time favourite perfume, Tom Ford Black Orchid.  I absolutely adore this perfume (seriously I'm now on around my fourth or fifth bottle) and I'm still not bored of this fragrance.  It's quite a smoky scent which only requires a very small amount in application to make an impact.  The blend consists of notes of Lotus Wood, Sandalwood, Balsam, Vetiver, Patchouli, Black Truffle and Blackcurrent.  You can buy Tom Ford Black Orchid here

   

For Luxe skin, I'm currently hankering after this set by Eve Lom.  Consisting of five travel sized products including Eve Lom Cleanser 50ml, Muslin Cloth, Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser 50ml, Eve Lom Rescue Mask 15ml and Eve Lom Kiss Mix 7ml.  This is a great set to establish a good skincare regime for flawless skin.  This set is £65.00 (worth £82.00) available here
 




And finally, there always has to be a pair of shoes or in this case trainers!  Nike Air Max 1 have been on my wish list for a wee while now, more now especially as I'm pregnant again and comfort is paramount particularly whilst I'm working.  These Nike's in black and club pink are perfection.  Available from Office




What's on your Christmas list this year?

Coming soon: MAC Magnetic Nude Collection

Having literally just stumbled across the latest visuals released for MAC Magnetic Nude Collection which is due to launch in the US on 26th December with the UK following around 2nd January 2014.  I am completely taken with this latest MAC offering, mainly as the images promote a very polished and flawless look with products that I can see getting a LOT of use as part of my working kit.  I'm particularly keen to check out the Fairly Precious Skin Finish, Amourous Alloy Extra Dimension Eyeshadow (loving copper eyes at the moment) and the collection's brushes.

Take a look below....






The collection comprises of the following:

Extra Dimension Skinfinishes 

Superb soft peachy nude with multi-dimensional shimmer*

Magnetic Appeal Medium tan with fine gold sheen

Fairly Precious peach with dimensional pearly sheen

Extra Dimension Blushes

At Dusk mid-tone cool pink*

Autoerotique mid-tone coral rose

Pleasure Model soft terracotta with pearlized pigments

Lipsticks

Close Contact creamy peach (Amplified Creme)

Carnal Instinct deep brick red with gold pearlized pigments(Frost)

Morning Rose soft cool rose (Cremesheen)

Sensual Sparks mid-tone cool caramel (Amplified Creme)

Lipglass

A Quiet Roar creamy off white*

Steel Kiss mid-tone mauve with green pearlized pigments

Hell Bound brick red with gold pearlized pigments*

Oh My Darling pale yellow pink*

Overspiced mid-tone muted coral

Extra Dimension Eyeshadows

A Natural Flirt iridescent light pink*

Sweet Heat soft peach pink*

Silver Dawn mid-tone grey mauve

Platinum Love bright silver

Amourous Alloy deep terracotta copper

Fluidlines

It's Physical brown with purple pearlized pigments

Chilled frosted white gold

Our Secret metallic brown with red pearlized pigments

Opulash

Bad, Bad, Black black

Brushes

128 Brush Split Fibre Cheek (Natural/synthetic fibre)*

235 Split Fibre All Over Eye (Natural/synthetic fibre)*

* Repromotes 

What do you think of the MAC Magnetic Nude Collection?  Are you tempted to indulge?

Picture and Info Credit: Specktra

Black Honey... A Clinique Cult Classic

One product that I can say that I have repurchased time and time again is Clinque's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey.  I ADORE this lipstick, having first stumbling across it in 2005 following reading a magazine recommendation. This lipstick is a perfect sheer berry shade which can be built on intensity depending on individual preference.  The glossy finish is perfect if you are slightly fearful of wearing colour and also can work well if your lips are on the thinner side.

Clinique originally created Black Honey as a lipgloss shade in 1971 where it proved to be an instant success.  In 1989, Almost Lipstick was introduced, a sheer glossy lip colour which precisely blended red, blue, orange and yellow pigments enabled Black Honey to look beautifully different on each wearer. Clinique has since launched Black Honey Fall Collection back in 2011, having been such a hit several of these products have now become part of the permanent range. 

Black Honey Collection is currently available comprising of a lip colour, nail colour, and lip gloss with a High Impact mascara thrown in.

I'm currently wearing the nail colour which to me, is a perfect winter shade to go alongside one of the staple lipsticks in my makeup bag.

Have you tried Black Honey?

                     

Image credits: Google

Lips: