Product review: Cosmetics à La Carte custom blend foundation

cosmetics a la carte custom blend foundation - somanylovelythings

Just for you: it makes you feel special!

After attending Cosmetics à La Carte lovely event to mark their 40th anniversary, I redeemed my complimentary custom blended foundation at their shop in Knightsbridge.

I had the chance to browse through their many products, but Cosmetics à La Carte’s unique selling point is customisation – you get not only foundations, but lipsticks, eye shadows, blushers made especially for you, it is really like ordering à la carte; you have a big menu and put things together the way you like. It is a very useful service to bring discontinued shades you love back to life!

The service was really lovely, and the make-up artist very friendly. After a few tests with different blends and asking my opinion a few times, she set on a blend, then went off to prepare the full size bottle by weighing the right proportions. The good thing is that you can get not only the colour matched to you, but also the texture – she asks what you expect from your foundation, what kind of coverage and finish you’d like to give you something that matches your expectations.  I asked for full coverage and matte finish.

I was quite pleased with the foundation, it has good durability, applies really well and my skin looked good with it on. The coverage is excellent; a very small amount goes a long way and there’s no need to build coverage, but it feels light on the skin. The shade is pinkier that I am used to, but I think is a decent match.

This service is definitely recommended if you think you still haven’t found the best foundation for you, or the ones you tried don’t sit well on your skin. Pop in and they will be happy to help!

The boutique is located at 19b Motcomb Street, Knightsbridge, SW1X 8LB.  You can book an appointment by calling them on +44(0)20 7235 0596 and you can get all the information on products on the Cosmetics à La Carte website.

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my own true experience with the products and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Product review: glō Minerals glōLash Lengthening Mascara

gloLash Lengthening mascara

I was very excited to receive a glō Minerals box full of product to try and amongst them, there was their glōLash Lengthening mascara, which I have now been using for a while.

Their packaging is very nice, matte and shiny silver and it has a really nice weight to it. The brush is pretty standard, with nice bristles separation which feel very comfortable to apply. It doesn’t pick up a lot f product, so it doesn’t clump. At all. It separates the lashes really well and does what it says on the tin: lengthens.

It does not build up volume; after a few coats, the lashes are still super separated and defined; the effect is fan-like, really delicate, as it picks and coats each lash individually, even the tiny ones!

gloLash Lengthening mascaraFirst time I used, I wasn’t quite sure, but my lashes look very nice and I am loving it! Durability is good and it is not too hard to remove, which is also a bonus.

What glō Minerals say:

“Our Lash lengthening mascara is formulated to deliver nutrients and help your lashes to grow to their full potential. (…)

The exclusive antioxidant blend of vitamins A, C, E and green tea extract makes it safe for contact lens wearers.

It creates noticeably longer lashes by conditioning your lashes whilst you are wearing the formula. Apply the Lash Lengthening Mascara alone to define lashes or apply after Lash thickener & conditioner for thicker, fuller lashes.”

eye make up - somanylovelythings

Using my new mascara!

The formula is very mild and gentle on my eyes, so I am enjoying using this one; it became part of my daily routine!

You can get the Lengthening mascara and other products on the Glo Minerals website.

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my own true experience with the products and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Product review: glō Minerals Ultra Brush

Glo Minerals Ultra Brush

This little brush really packs a punch! I love a flat face brush to apply powder and the glō Minerals Ultra brush is perfect for this.

I was so happy to open my glō box and see their Ultra brush in there to try – I knew it was going to be great when I saw the picture on their site and I wasn’t disappointed.Glo Minerals Ultra Brush

It is quite a small brush, with dense, very soft bristles. It picks up a great amount of product and offers a great application, it buffs really well, so the powder blends really well on the skin, providing a smooth and even finish.

Although this is a great size for your make-up bag, they also have a retractable version of the Ultra brush, which is even better to use on the go!Glo Minerals Ultra Brush

I didn’t know glō Minerals but I am very impressed with the product and have been using it almost ever day since I got it!

You can buy the Ultra Brush and other products on the Glo Minerals website.

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my own true experience with the products and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Product review: Beautiful Movements Mixing Medium

Beautiful Movements Mixing Medium - somanylovelythings

A while back I was lucky enough to interview former Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt, responsible for the Beautiful Movements Cosmetics and leave with some items to try.

Now that the products are available at Holland & Barrett, I decided to talk about a product I have been using quite a bit since getting my hands on – the Beautiful Movements Mixing Medium.

The clear cream is very versatile and a great all-rounder in any make-up bag. For me, the best use is as a primer.

I apply all over my face, after my usual serum but before all make-up. The texture on the skin is really velvety. It really saves up liquid foundation (my favourite type), as it helps spread, blend and create a more refined look with less product. In terms of staying power, it does help, and it  holds within my usual primers’ average of 6 hours (sometimes including a super sweaty spin class).

Beautiful Movements products - somanylovelythings

I also used as a mixing base, adding the mineral foundation to it. I mixed two colours from the samples I got applied all over my face. The finish was very sheer and natural and I found this a little bit difficult to build up, as I need medium to full coverage.

The other way I used it was by applying the mixing medium first on the skin then adding the mineral foundation powder on top. It is much easier to build up coverage this way.

For these last two ways of using, it lasted a good four hours in a good state, then a touch up was needed. I also noticed my skin was somewhat radiant, I liked the finish, although I do need a bit more coverage.

Beautiful Movements products - somanylovelythings

I also tried with some eye shadow loose pigments to create more intense colours with better staying power.

I finished the looks with the bronzer, which is applies well on top of the medium and foundation; it has a very subtle sparkle, and doesn’t sheen so much on the face, which I like. I think it will be perfect for the beach!

The Mixing Medium sells for £20 (20g)  and you can buy this and other products from the range at the Beautiful Movements website and at Holland & Barrett.

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my own true experience with the products and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Summer 2013 collection L’été Papillon de Chanel

JUST TOO PRETTY!!!

20130531_SummerCollection_V2_r3_c1“A poetic beauty look that expresses all the energy, playfulness and lightness of summer” indeed!

Find the colour combination and the shimmer just stunning!!! Surprisingly, I really like the colourful bottom lashes in the video, in blue and orange!

And, surprise surprise, I am in LOVE with the nail polish, I believe it is Azuré. Ooooh.

See the collection on the Chanel website.

Exhibition Colour and Culture: Celebrating 40 years of Cosmetics à La Carte

colourandculture21For a very limited time only, Cosmetics à La Carte is holding a fashionable and colourful exhibition in London, to celebrate their 40 year anniversary.

The company, founded by Lynne Sanders in 1973, creates bespoke and ready to wear cosmetics in their London lab and took its first steps through the colour vibrancy of the 70’s, moving past punk and androgyny in the 80’s and 90’s to reach the current natural glow trends. In times of re-invention, recycling and creativity, where pretty much anything goes, what will the future hold?

The exhibition takes you through the company’s history and highlights, including the first nude lipstick for Princess Diana to bubblegum gloss worn by Lady Gaga; and in the literally hot preview(it was quite busy and the gallery was quite warm!), all was accompanied by champagne, that helped me keep cool, canapés and delightful mini-cupcakes.

What really grabbed my attention was the wall art. Really pretty, especially their timeline. The four centre-piece busts were also very interesting, the Princess Diana inspired being my favourite. That feeling that fashion, art and beauty go hand in hand was a constant throughout.

In the goodie-bag, a lipstick, in an appropriately red shade called Vintage. And and the offer of a complimentary custom blend cosmetic to be redeemed at their Motcombe St boutique. Nice touch.

Colour and Culture: Celebrating 40 years of Cosmetics à La Carte is on until the 26th May 2013, at 50 Redchurch Street, E2 7DP, from 10am-6pm daily. If you are in London, add this to your bank holiday activities to-do list!

Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz for Lancôme to launch

This super cute teaser video for the collaboration collection between the Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz and cosmetics brand Lancôme was illustrated by the man himself and ticks all the fashion and beauty boxes. alber elbaz for lancôme mascara, image from style.com

With uber cute packaging gracing some existent hit products, as seen on these Style.com and Fashionista.com previews, the LIMITED edition (yes, you heard it) 9-piece eye make up collection is set to be a total (and quick) sell out. I mean, how gorgeous is this on the right??? Really???  ❤

“It’s never just a piece of makeup. It’s something a bit deeper than that.” Well, Elbaz, I totally agree with you, sir.

On the 15th of June, when the collection hits the shops, don’t you all rush at once. Yeah, right.

Exclusive interview: Kimberly Wyatt launches Beautiful Movements Cosmetics at Holland & Barrett

Kimberly Wyatt's Beautiful Movements Cosmetics - somanylovelythings

Gorgeous Kimberly shows off her make-up range

We all know Kimberly Wyatt – the blonde bombshell from the Pussycat Dolls and a star judge on Sky1’s Got to Dance programme. What we didn’t know (well, at least I didn’t know) is that Kimberly has a lovely make up range called Beautiful Movements Cosmetics, launching in June at Holland & Barrett.

The mineral make-up line, which consists of foundations, concealers, eye shadows, lip colours and blushers, is as pretty as it is good – it is free from parabens, animal products, synthetic dyes, fragrances and other chemicals usually present in cosmetics. To make it even better, it is cruelty free, not tested on animals, vegetarian friendly and approved by PETA and BUAV (that is the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection).

Kimberly Wyatt's Beautiful Movements Cosmetics - somanylovelythings

Mixing medium, foundation, lipgloss in cherry bomb and eyeshadow in aquatic

My very first impression was that, even though the line is mineral, it does not carry that dullness of mineral products already on the market (come on, you know what I mean!). On the contrary – and it is not just because Kimberly’s face adds that extra glamorous touch, it is also because of their fabulously vivid colours. Of course, the basic, nude colours are also present in the collection.

Before talking to Kimberly herself, I spoke to her business partner, Laura McCosmiskie, who is also responsible for skincare range Love the Planet. She told me BM Cosmetics have been selling online for more than 2 years, but they wanted to make sure the products delivered what they wanted, before hitting the streets. Plus, people really needed to physically try them, especially foundations. She highlighted that make up that is kind to the environment and the skin is paramount, as she suffers (like me and many others) from problematic skin and Holland & Barrett, being the health haven it is, seemed to be a natural stockist for the range. Her favourite product from is the Dewy Perfection finishing powder, a light diffusing powder that gives the complexion a soft focus effect! Nice!

Now, tell me….

During my short, but perfectly formed exclusive interview, Kimberly told me that she decided to venture into make-up because has always been a massive fan of make-up and loves the “artistic, creative side of creating a flawless face”. As she became more aware of what ingredients products contained, she found a big passion in wanting to make positive changes, not only as a consumer, but as a business. She describes the project as the perfect blend between a passion and wanting to make that positive change.

Kimberly Wyatt's Beautiful Movements Cosmetics and Dani Dutra from somanylovelythings

There are 37 products in the range. Look at all those colours!

Do I look pretty?

When asked about her favourite beauty look, she quickly replied natural, earthy tones for day with colourful lips, and darker eyes, with a more natural looking lip colour for the night – mentioning the range offers products to create both looks. She looked very natural on the day, wearing black eye liner with a flick. Very smiley and attentive, she came across as super nice and genuinely passionate about make-up, mentioning quite vivaciously how much she loves playing with make-up, the colours, the pigments and that natural make-up should not need to make sacrifices when it comes to those.

When asked about healthy habits, she said she tries to create as healthy lifestyle, and “beauty start from inside out, as cliche as it sounds”, praising fruit, vegetables and nuts in a healthy diet and regular exercise, as well as being aware about the “added extras” in products that we put in our skin. But we are all humans, and Kimberly, who is now based in London, confesses that her guilty pleasure is chocolate – actually, chocolate digestive biscuits!

Her fave product from the range is the silky Mixing Medium Prime & Create, which can be used alone, as a primer and also mixed with the powder, to create a cream consistency foundation, blusher or eyeshadow. Luckily, I got a sample which I have been using.

Kimberly Wyatt's Beautiful Movements Cosmetics and Dani Dutra from somanylovelythings

After the interview

Catch that light, accentuate that shadow

We finished with her telling us what her best beauty tip was: contouring. “Pay attention to the contours of your face and bring out the natural beauty using that”. Watch the shadows in your face and then use highlighter and darker shades to highlight and contour, enhancing what you already have. “Bring out your natural beauty, instead of creating a mask of make-up”. Well, I cannot disagree, that is a hell of a good tip, for more than one reason. Write it down ladies – this comes from someone who always looks good!

And to top the interview off I had to embarrass myself and ask for an autograph for my other half, who is a fan. Ah, boys….

Beautiful Movements Cosmetics - somanylovelythings

The goodies I’ve been trying!

I took home a few goodies to try – and trying I have been! review will come very soon!

You can buy it from Holland & Barrett in June. If you cannot wait, head over to the Beautiful Movements website to browse the range and find out more about the brand.

A red a day – a liptastic week

red lips - somanylovelythings

Monday to Friday, from the top

My love of red lipstick is nothing new. If you know me, you know that you are very likely to find me wearing red lipstick – day or night. I just feel more like myself wearing it.

I am not sure when I rekindled my affair with lipstick. Think I talked about it here before. The 90’s and 00’s for me were really all about lipgloss. In a way, it was a blessing as my eyes were usually smeared with blue. My make up abilities came a looong way.

Lipgloss was the thing to have on your lips at the time. Everyone had bare, shiny lips, it looked like we had eaten greasy spare ribs and didn’t wipe our mouths. Please don’t take these comments as a “I am never wearing lipgloss again”. Far from it, I may dabble with it again, but since I got a proper flush of colour on my lips, it is really hard to let go.

Obviously, I amassed a small collection of it and have a couple favourites (one of them, actually doesn’t feature!), but love them all (almost) equally.

The past week, I noticed I wore red lipstick for work everyday of the week, so “a red a day” just kinda happened. Apologies as the pictures are not brilliant, I cropped my “outfit of the day” images…

On Monday, I wore  MAC Red, on Tuesday So Chaud, on Wednesday, Lady Bug, on Thursday Ruby Woo and on Friday, Lady Danger, all From MAC. My beloved Russian Red will have to wait for another week!

red MAC lipsticks - somanylovelythings

Have to say, I prefer the matte ones, purely for the staying power, but I won’t dismiss any red, after all, I am certain that life in red is more fun – at least mine is.

My top beauty tips

Illustration - woman applying lipstickRegardless of being a woman obsessed with beauty and is always trying new things, or just sticking to everyday basics, we all have our tricks and tips to make things work for us.

I decided to share some of mine; they are simple tips; some I use all the time, others very rarely, and they are a mix of information I picked up from make up artists or found out myself through experimentation, online and other blogs.

  • When applying concealer/ highlighter under the eyes , also apply to inside socket, close to the inner corners of the eyes, on the sides of the nose bridge – it makes a big difference!
  • Extend you eyebrows length to match and imaginary line from the outer corner of your eyes. Also, fill eyebrows with a matte eyeshadow closer to its colour, brush the hairs upwards and apply good highlighter on brow bone – this will give you supermodel brows.
  • Stay clear from dry, flaky lips by using a toothbrush and Vaseline to gently scrub your lips. I recently discovered Lush’s lip scrub which is also great!
  • I don’t deliberately apply to my face, but when I do apply on my hair, I notice a little bit of hairspray will ultra fix make up. Urban Decay’s All Nighter make up fixing spray gives you a very similar effect and is skin friendly, for more frequent use.
  • I always apply fake tan spray mixed with moisturiser; the colour looks more natural and it won’t streak!
  • After painting my nails, I rub manicure sticks with cotton wool on the tip, dipped in nail polish remover, on the edge of my nail. This creates an imperceptible line with no polish, minimising the varnish impact on surfaces, thus making it last longer and chip less.
  • Ballerina buns are a saviour for bad hair days.
  • Dry shampoo – another saviour; especially when you have fine hair like mine, which I feel the need to wash everyday!
  • When wearing dark lipstick, I like to apply some face powder on the outer line of my lips, it gives them amazing definition, really making them pop!
  • Sometimes I mix my foundation with moisturiser for a lighter coverage.
  • Lacy thongs are great for tight dresses. Their lace band is stretchy and it doesn’t cut through skin, leaving no marks or even worse, muffin tops!
  • Use a cotton bud dipped in eye make up remover for super defined corners on smokey eyes. Just rub it across from the outer corner of the eye towards your temples on a 45 degree angle to clean up the excess and create a super defined line.

What about you? Any tips or ritual you swear by? Why not share here?

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