Beauty reimagined: Fabled by Marie Claire

fabled-by-marie-claire-review-1Imagine a gorgeous place where your favourite beauty brands come together. That would be enough, right?

Add some beauty experts edits and opinions, from a leading magazine, to make your life easier when choosing the best products for you.

fabled-by-marie-claire-review-2Then, top it off with a real shop full of friendly and approachable professionals in the counters.

Enough? Thought so, but there’s more: online shop with the superb Ocado delivery service, within a chosen 1 hour time slot.

Too good to be true? Maybe, but it’s real. All this is Fabled by Marie Claire.

And you can experience it right now as I have an exclusive 15% discount code for you, lovely readers, to start shopping online right now: VOU039323938, valid until the 26th October 2016. 

To me, the concept is genius: an online shop tons of amazing beauty brands covering makeup, skincare, hair and fragrance, supported by the magazine expert edits, reviews and trend watching.

Beauty lovers that might be short for time, or are not sure about what red lipstick to go for, now have a haven to make their lives easier and help them nail they beauty needs.

And The Fabled Shop in London’s Tottenham Court Road? Dreamy!

fabled-marie-claireI was about to place my order at fabled.com and decided I needed a new foundation. Took the opportunity to try the new Urban Decay All Nighter foundation.

So I went to the shop for a colour match, as I work nearby. Even though I told the lovely makeup artist on the UD counter I was not buying, she was lovely, helpful and super friendly.

I also wanted to get myself a new eyeliner – I went for Estée Lauder Little Black Liner. Obviously both will be reviewed soon!

fabled-by-marie-claire-review-3Now to the order. The site is clean, well categorised, so it is easy to use and find what you’re looking for. You can also look for specific brands, skin concerns, the Marie Claire edit and specific filtering within categories.

They have an online chat to help you in those decisive hours and placing the order is very quick and painless, with Ocado delivery (free over £15, £3.90 otherwise) slots from 5:30 am to 11:3pm.

And you can attach it to your grocery shopping. Now, that’s as exciting as it is dangerous!

Remember, you can get 15% off right now with my code VOU039323938, valid until the 26th October.

fabled-by-marie-claire-review-4At fabled.com and at their fabulous The Fabled Shop at 21 Tottenham Court Road, London, you can find Aveda, Aromatherapy Associates, Balance Me, Bobbi Brown, Benefit, bkr, Burberry, Clinique, Caudalie, Crabtree & Evelyn, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Essie, Eyeko, Estée Lauder, Eylure, ghd, Giorgio Armani, Gucci,  Hugo Boss, He-Shi, Lancôme, Lipstick Queen, L’Oréal Paris, Marc Jacobs, Maybelline, Nails Inc, NARS, OPI, REN, Rimmel, Seche, St. Tropez, Skin & Tonic, T3, This Works, The Balm, Tom For, Urban Decay, Zelens (breathe) and much more.

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You know the drill, but I’ll say anyway: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

All natural, Naked Beauty (oil)

skin-tonic-naked-beauty-oil-review-1Now, I’ve had my eyes on Skin & Tonic London for a while and was thrilled to try their new product: the Naked Beauty Oil.

Yes, it’s an oil (although they call it a serum), so it’s more than halfway to winning my heart. More than that, its British produced, organic and from a company well worth knowing, they are really good people.

Starting with the deep reddish orange colour, this luscious oil applies and sinks well on the skin.

I love using oils overnight, and with this my skin wakes up plump and radiant.

With rosehip, apricot, pumpkin and raspberry oils, all containing vitamins A, C & E and omegas 3 & 6, this oil has healing, refining, soothing and hydrating properties for dry skin.

skin-tonic-naked-beauty-oil-review-2It is perfect for the colder season just coming in and at £25 for 30ml, it is a real bargain.

The Skin & Tonic London Naked Beauty Oil is available from their website and from shops like Selfridges, Anthropologie, Whole Foods Market and Fabled by Marie Claire. It is certified organic (99%), 100% natural, unscented, suitable for vegans and , non GMO and not tested on animals, so it’s all round goodness for you and your skin.

Remember when I said they are really good people? Skin & Tonic London use a maximum of 7 ingredients and they are organically certified.

Their small batches are hand crafted and they support small, local producers in the UK and France, as well as fair trade cooperatives in Ghana and Sri Lanka, and give 10% of their profits to charity:water.

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You know the drill, but I’ll say anyway: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

The liquid lipstick

liquid-lipsticks-3Stop press. I have succumbed to something liquid on my lips.

After living my fist makeup years (ok, way more than just my first years) smearing my lips with clear lipgloss (oh, the freaking 90s), I completely went off it and never looked back. I am a lipstick girl through and through.

In recent years, I started adding a tiny bit of high performing gloss to my lipstick, for that added volume trick.

However, liquid lipsticks started coming into the market a fir while ago and now they have hit the big time, flooding the high street. I must confess that scepticism got the best of me and I wasn’t that keen on Kylie, Jeffree, Kat Von D, YSL, just to name a few. So much I hadn’t tried anything until….

liquid-lipsticks-4I was at The Apartment over LFW and Collection had a fab area. Amongst other goodies to pick up, were they yet to be launched (and now on the shelves) Velvet Kiss lipsticks.

I picked one – because you know, I can’t resist, but didn’t get more than one because, you know, it’s a liquid lipstick. No good. Right? RIGHT?

Wrong. Very wrong. On another visit, I may have picked up a couple more.

And since then, more brands waltzed into my life and I cannot get enough. The brands on the market now deliver, for a very affordable price, superb quality.

liquid-lipsticks-3The pigmentation is ace, the finish is fantastic and durability great. All that on top of the ease of application. I find liquid lipsticks are the perfect everyday lip colour.

It is easy and quick to apply, there is no huge precision and multiple steps as it is with lipstick and it does deliver in a similar way.

High street budget brands do not disappoint: Collection Velvet Kiss (£) and MUA Velvet Lip Lacquer (£3) are fantastic tiny investments that offer a great return.

There is a colour and finish for everyone. Hello, blue ❤

Lord & Berry Timeless Kissproof lipstick is a little bit more on the expensive side at £15 but pays off in creaminess and colour.

I will be reviewing them all soon, as I think they deserve a good go!

My heart will always belong to lipsticks, but I can confidently say I found a tiny little corner in it for liquid lipsticks.

Are you a fan? What’s your favourite brand?

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You know the drill, but I’ll say anyway: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Cheek and glow

seventeen-skin-wow-highlighter-cheek-stamp-blush-review-1Obviously it’s no surprise I am a huge fan of  luminous and colour products for the face. I have a huge selection I actually use regularly, on rotation and I am glad to add those two to it.

seventeen-skin-wow-highlighter-cheek-stamp-blush-review-2As I mentioned before, I thought I was a bit out of the Seventeen range, but discovering it was a joy. And that doesn’t stop.

At their blogger event, I mingled with actual teens (the horrors of being old) and found out two gems of a product, amongst a whole treasure trove of makeup wonders.

The Seventeen Skin Wow 3 way highlighter and primer is  glowy. Literally. It delivers a light peach shine, lifting the makeup and making skin glow.

It is light, blends well and it is not glittery, catching light wonderfully for great highlighting with good durability.

seventeen-skin-wow-highlighter-cheek-stamp-blush-review-5This little gem got me all excited: the Seventeen Cheek Stamp Blush is cute and handy.

seventeen-skin-wow-highlighter-cheek-stamp-blush-review-6Within this tiny little round box, there is a mirror and a cushion that picks up colour (which is on the lid) when its closed.

Open it and stamp the cushion to the cheeks for a flush of colour. It does need a bit of blending, but it blends well. Saturation is great and durability too.

seventeen-skin-wow-highlighter-cheek-stamp-blush-review-7It is available in five colours, mine is Stare Struck, a shimmery old rose colour.

And, as with all Seventeen products, the price is ace: the Skin Wow 3 way highlighter glow and primer costs £5.99 and the Cheek Stamp blush, £4.99.

You can get the Seventeen range from Boots in selected shops and online. Keep an eye out for promos!

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You know the drill, but I’ll say anyway: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Salon care, at home!

wella-at-home-system-professional-review-1Wella is a brand that for me holds nothing but great memories. Before I bought my own shampoo and conditioner of choice, my mum used to buy the good old Balsam and Revlon Flex and Aquamarine. So my hair grew up with that.

And of course, Koleston was the first hair dye I used to blondify my life. and stayed for seven years.

Fast forward (only) a few years and Wella is back in my life, but with a difference: the products I am using are tailored to my hair needs. That is Wella at home.

The salon consultation is more extensive and you leave with a more complete regime. The online tool, however, gives you a snapshot of the best products for your needs. And there is no surprise both matched, with a few added products for the salon consultation.

I am talking about the Energy Code Speed mapping, dubbed the “speed dating” (opposed to the “dinner date” salon consultation, which can be guided with the app that help salon professionals “prescribe” the personalised Wella regime for their clients), which doesn’t take that long and you end up with a full regime to care for your locks.

The best thing is that you end up with products from various lines, mixed and matched especially for you. That makes me feel special!

After talking about my concerns – sensitive scalp, fine hair, oily roots, dry ends and so on – I left with five amazing products.

wella-at-home-system-professional-review-4The Wella System Professional Balance shampoo provides gentle cleansing. It lathers well and leaves hair squeaky clean without stripping. it is great for sensitive, irritated and itchy scalp.

wella-at-home-system-professional-review-2We all love a good mask and I was given that and not a conditioner. Weird, I know, but it works, to be used twice a week, the System Professional Volumize Mask is a dream. It reinforces the hair structure from within and delivers super moisturisation.

wella-at-home-system-professional-review-3The System Professional Hydrate Quenching Mist is great to use. It can replace the conditioner most days; it gives the hair that extra hydration without weighing it. It is leave-in and helps with detangling for stress-free brushing/combing and smooth hair.

wella-at-home-system-professional-review-5I also got the System Professional Alpha Energy, a scalp spray to help strengthening the hair, also from the within. It works at hair structure level for healthier, stronger hair. That translates in less damage, more manageability, less irritation and better moisture. After continuous use, scalp should feel rejuvenated and less irritated.

Lovely to use, it is quite refreshing and soothing at application; it smells divine and disappears on hair after application; when applied on dry hair, it does not grease or clump. It dries quickly and hair looks fresh at the roots.

For finish, my longer prescription came with Repair Perfect Ends and Luxe Oil Reconstructive Elixir which I have been using (and loving!).

However, I am also using the brand new Wella Oil Reflections Luminous Reflective Oil. It is luscious, light, the smell is fabulous and gives the hair a gorgeous finish.

Best part (apart from amazing hair, of course), is that my bedroom smelt like a salon after drying. So nice!

You can take a look at all the amazing Wella System Professional products, do the express mapping and get your personalised code.

Sadly the Oil Reflection Luminous Oil is not available until January 2017 – so make a note and hurry buy it when it is out!

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You know the drill, but I’ll say again: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

 

Gimme (more) oil!

dermalogica-phyto-replenish-oil-review-1Here I go say it again: I love oils. I know I keep going on about it but there are so many amazing products now on the market I cannot help but rave about it.

Dermalogica is a brand I am very close to and they have added yet another product to my love list: the phyto replenish oil.

What I like the most about this, apart from its amazing properties, is the fact is mixed well with other products, even makeup. No surprise as dermalogica was the first in the market to come up with the concept of skincare layering.

I’ve been adding a drop of it to my foundation before applying on my skin for that extra glow – after all, it is a luminous treatment oil!

Of course, that means the skin protection barrier reinforcement treatment is working thought the day, even if in a small dosage.

dermalogica-phyto-replenish-oil-review-2The best thing is that is does not compromise the foundation finish (except for a subtle added glow) and durability. Skin does not feel greasy, heavy or as if it is about to melt.

Alone, it is a fabulous replenishing oil with a great texture that sinks beautifully in the skin, which is left free from shine, but with enhanced luminosity.

It contains antioxidants camellia japonica, that helps reinforce the skin natural barrier and eating later collagen, tamanu oil, which combats free radicals, chia seed oil delivering fatty acids, balancing orchid flower extract, hydrating hyaluronic acid, sunflower seed oil and vitamin rich rice bran oil.

The dermalogica phyto replenish oil sells for £56.20 (30ml) and a tiny bit goes a very long way with amazing results.

You can get it from the dermalogica website or over their fabulous shops and counters nationwide.

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

Nails dipped in gold

nails-in-paint-can-good-as-gold-review - 6Golden nails. I’ve always had a penchant for them. Finding the right shade is a bit tricky, as I don’t like it glittery, but the new Nails Inc Paint Can in Good as Gold comes as close to golden perfection as possible.

Perfect for a quick fix, the spray on nail polish from Nails Inc was a pioneer and I was dead excited when I tried the also precious silver Shoreditch Lane when it launched with only two colours and amongst a media frenzy.

nails-in-paint-can-good-as-gold-review - 4Feelings towards the product remain the same as when I did my original review: love the novelty, the colour is great, pigmentation on the gold seem a bit more scatty then the silver (I went over twice) and the durability is good.

This time, I used the Nails Inc 2-in-1 base and top coat, which makes a very decent job of both, a rarity for 2-in-1 product. Golden thumbs up!

nails-in-paint-can-good-as-gold-review - 7*Maybe* I over sprayed onto my fingers on purpose. There’s no denying I wish I could se the pre-tidying up version and sport fingers dipped in gold, but that wouldn’t go well in the office, I am sure. But, oh, it’s so tempting!

In terms of time saving, I don’t think it is actually much less than normal painting, as I fell tidying up is always needed.

nails-in-paint-can-good-as-gold-review - 2Advantages include the fun (seriously!), the act you can quickly apply on top of any nail polish you’re wearing for a quick change, and of course, I made a meal out of it, but you can be much more targeted with the application to make clean up easier.

nails-in-paint-can-good-as-gold-review - 5Nails Inc Paint Can now comes in eight shades with Good as Gold by Lottie Tomlinson being the newest. Each can costs £10 and the recommended 2-in-1 base and top coat costs £8.

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

 

 

You’re invited to experience love in a bottle

michael-buble-by-invitation-perfume-2A scented love letter. That’s how the new Michael Bublé fragrance, By Invitation, is described.

I must admit I was rather sceptical, as I usually am of celebrity fragrances, but will say outright: I was very pleasantly surprised.

michael-buble-by-invitation-perfume-4The bottle, a lovely glass circle suspended within a golden ring, with the top being a metal version of an atomiser, is just very elegant and looks amazing on the dressing table. However, I think if it was a real atomiser, it would give this perfume the luxury edge.

Packaging is also clever in the sense it hasn’t got his name all over the bottle; only his initials on the inside of the metal ring. Classy.

michael-buble-by-invitation-perfume-1Bublé, a self confessed hopeless romantic, is through his perfume, inviting his female fans to experience “love in a bottle”, he says.

That’s a huge claim Michael, but I have to say I can feel the lovable warmth of this floral oriental fragrance.

It has top notes of red fruits and bergamot, while lily of the valley, wild jasmine and spicy inflections of peony are at its heart, on a base of sandalwood-musk and vanillas.

For me, it hits the spot as a deep, elegant and sensual scent, the way I like my perfumes to be. It has the initial allure, it develops well on the skin and it does stick.

michael-buble-by-invitation-perfume-3Of course, Mr. Bublé is no perfumer and renowned French perfumier Karine Dubreil-Sereni is the expert behind it.

Karine says that there were no restriction to use the finest ingredients to create this dream perfume of his imagination; how he would like a woman to smell.

And the price, in my opinion is excellent for such a quality fragrance. By Invitation by Michael Bublé costs £55, £39 and £29 (100, 50 and 30ml respectively).

There’s also a Luxury Body Lotion (£14, 150ml) and a Shower Gel (£12, 150ml).

It can be purchased from michaelbubleperfume.com and from the 11 September you can get it from The Perfume Shop.

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

Nails fit for Autumn

essie-autumn16-nail-polish-review - 1As a lover of all colours on my nails, I am not one to say there are summer and winter colours, but let’s agree that some colours for better in certain season.

And taking about fitting, essie has launched their beautiful Autumn 16 collection, inspired by the beauties and energy of Tokyo and its changing autumnal landscapes.

essie-autumn16-nail-polish-review - 2Six extremely wearable shades (it’s not always that a full collection feels like that to me) will take you through the new season.

I feel the gorgeous stony blue Udon Know Me and pretty Go Go Geisha are the perfect transitional colours, being a more sober shade of pastel. And boy, do I love a winter pastel!

essie-autumn16-nail-polish-review - 4They are gorgeous alone or mixed. Follow that up in your season timeline with a shade I fell in love with: Now and Zen, the perfect safe grey.

Now, all stop for the hero shade of the collection, Kimono-Over, a mesmerising deep damson plum shade, super dark and delicious.

essie-autumn16-nail-polish-review - 5On the warmer spectrum, a classic berry shade, quite vivacious, Maki Me Happy and the biggest surprise for me, Playing Koi, an almost vibrant bold orange rust colour, which looks amazing on my nails.

Essie’s colour director Rebecca Minkoff says that she wanted the collection to be a snapshot of her experience in a beautiful city at one of her favourite times of the year. I think she succeeded!

The essie Autumn 16 collection is now available at Superdrug and Boots (see ted shops and online) until late October (yes, it’s limited!) and each bottle costs £7.99 (RRP).

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

Organic Beauty Week is coming!

soil-association-organic-beauty-week-hero-products - 1As a beauty lover, I am looking out for the best for my skin. And organic is proven to be better for the skin, and the environment, so I was really happy to get involved with the UK’s leading organic certifier, Soil Association, to promote their “Look for the Logo” campaign, as part of Organic Beauty Week, starting on the 19th September.

The biggest and best organic beauty brands and experts will be together to increase awareness of the segment and products available, as well as some of the ground work these companies are involved with.

The only way to be certain a product is certified organic is to look out for the logo. When you see the Soil Association logo in there, you know that product is truly organic, free from synthetics, sustainable for the communities and very importantly, kinder to the skin.

And to illustrate the depth and breadth of the organic beauty offering available, they picked a few hero products I am absolutely in love with.

I think what really comes across here, apart from the superb quality, is that organic beauty products can be much more than affordable than what we think and it is well worth exploring the possibilities and giving new brands a chance (which is my favourite thing to do!).

soil-association-organic-beauty-week-hero-products - 2I featured the Herbfarmacy before and of course, they have heroes here too. The gorgeous Mallow Beauty Balm is a multitasking product fit for many beauty needs – moisturising, nourishing and radiance-boosting, it can be used as a cleanser, moisturiser or deep skin repairer. Costs £18 for 30ml.

Skin & Tonic is a company I’ve been following at a distance and finally got to try one of their products: it was everything I was hoping for. The Naked Beauty Oil feels amazing on the skin and helps heal, refine, hydrate and soothe. It sells for an amazing £25 for 30ml.

Love at first sight was with Made for Life by Spiezia Organics. Not only they have soul mending products, but their ethos is fantastic. This little box of calm, energy and focus really makes a difference in busy lives. Costs £25 for 3x 10ml.

Plus, at the launch event, I got to meet the founder, the beautiful Amanda Barlow (also entitled Queen of Hugs) and that hug I received from her filled me with joy and hope, and still keeps me going just by thinking about it.

Most people are familiar with Neal’s Yard Remedies and their products never disappoint. The gorgeous Oil Free Hydrating Serum is a bliss for hydration boost in the daytime. Costs £30 for 30ml.

soil-association-organic-beauty-week-hero-products - 3Therapi is another beautiful company that has honey based products. Their Lemons Myrtle Honey Gel Cleanser is gorgeous on the skin and the

Pai is also known brand from the organic world and their Treatment Masks are great. Loaded with nutrients, they are gentle and effective. Costs £30 per 75ml.

A body oil also features amongst the horoes: Voya Nourishing Body Oil is super-hydrating and has citrus and sea fragrances, as well as added rosehip. Costs £32 for 100ml.

Organic face wipes? Natracare has it. Made of organic cotton, 99% biodegradable, they are infused with oils and SLS and parabens free. They are gentle an affective. Costs £3.99 per pack.

Bamford is a massive authority in organics and their Hand and Body Wash and Lotion Duo are gentle and plant based, to clean, nourish, protect and hydrate the skin. Costs £22 for 250ml.

Finally, Terri Verde FranChouliPom Facial Serum has frankincense, patchouli an pomegranate oils, as well as argan to boost skin suppleness and nourishment. Costs £27 for 30ml.

Organic Beauty Week also aims to clarify what organic certification means with events, shopping discounts, panel discussions, Twitter Q&As and much more.

Get involved – check the Soil Association website to find out how to get into a whole month or organic awareness and discovery.signature1

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