Beauteco Beauty Box | July 2013

When I was contacted by Beauteco (the new beauty box in town) my first thoughts were - is this for me? I tried a Glossybox subscription last year and at the beginning I was so excited each month when the box would arrive in the post, but I did find myself feeling less and less enthused with the products and didn't always feel that they reflected the price tag for a monthly subscription. That said I hopped on over to Beauteco's website just to understand them a little better and I have to say I was truly impressed.

As a company they've gone for a completely new approach - something that's clearly important in the competitive beauty box market. Offering you a menu...that's right, an actual menu to choose from. There are 3 different boxes containing a mixture of products so it's not simply a surprise, you're actually receiving items you want and that are more tailored to your needs. As well as 100% recyclable box, let's have a yippee for not having a box within a box!

I will briefly give you the lowdown of my box and it's contents, I opted for menu 2 :)

Art deco: Eyeshadow Base (RRP £8)

I absolutely love how dinky this is! Makes it perfect for travelling and is different to any other I’ve used before. I’ve only used it once or twice and the results match up to my urban decay equivalent so it’s definitely getting a thumbs up from me and affordable too.

Art Deco: Soft Kohl Eyeliner (RRP £6.75):

I haven’t tried this one out yet – I only wear black eyeliner in the evenings on a night out or something, and I haven’t had the opportunity to give it a whirl, but I’ll be sure to report back once I have.

Neal and Wolf Intensive Care Treatment (RRP £12.95) and Volumizing Lotion (RRP £11.95):

Firstly, the packaging is absolutely beautiful and to have these two bottles in full size form is brilliant for a beauty box. Neal and Wolf isn’t a brand I’d tried before, but looking at the packaging I immediately thought ‘luxury’. Let’s have a chat about the intensive care treatment first...products like this are always a must have for me. I regularly suffer with split ends and a simple conditioner doesn’t really cut the mustard. This one smells divine, and ever ever so slightly lathers on application so you can see and feel exactly where you’ve applied. I’ve used it a few times and my hair feels so silky smooth afterwards and my split ends are all sealed. I just apply it instead of my conditioner after shampooing and leave it on whilst I’m y’know, shaving my legs etc. The volumising lotion also smells heavenly and comes in a squeezy bottle. If I’m using a product like this I will always give it a blow dry to see the full effects. This 100% helps create body in the hair, it certainly felt fuller and more bouncy and when teamed with my volumising dry shampoo or hairspray it helps give the roots a bit of a lift too. Overall I love both these products but I think I’d probably only repurchase the conditioning treatment as a staple in the routine!

Pukka Radiance Serum (RRP: £23):

I haven’t tried this bad boy yet, but I’m certainly excited. Serums are my favourite and anything that involves radiance has got my full attention. So I’ll let you know how I get on :)

Honestly, I'm really impressed and with the fact that you can choose exactly what you want for only £10 it's a bit of a no brainer - especially when half of the products retail at much more than that!
If you want to get your hands on a beauteco box subscription you can find out more and sign up here :) 

Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in Place Makeup

Anyone of you who watch my YouTube videos will know that my Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions foundation is a firm favourite. It’s been the only foundation I’ve used for the past 2 or so years and it’s served me well – how I love you my trusty companion. However I recently decided that I wanted to branch out, and try to experiment with a few more foundations now my skin has (sort of) decided to calm down.

Estée Lauder’s Double Wear has been raved about for a long time now and I don’t know why but I’ve just never thought to try it. It was only when I started to ask for recommendations from friends and bloggers that I realised perhaps I was missing out. I trotted down to my local counter a couple of weeks ago to get colour matched (is it just me or is this one of the most exciting things ever?) and the lady was so helpful and picked the absolute perfect shade for my skin – Ecru.

Through the grapevine I’ve heard Double Wear is renowned for being thick and tricky to apply – I have to disagree, I had zero issues with it and it applied like a dream. I’m quite sure that it’s all down to what you’re using to put it on and what products you’re using before doing so. I’ve been using my trusty witch anti-blemish primer – which is bloody good I tell thee, and applying the foundation with my Real Techniques buffing brush. Because this is a thicker foundation I am having to wash my brush a little more regularly than with others but this brush was 100% made for that foundation, it’s a match made in heaven.

This is the matte of all matte foundations and it does set quite quickly, so if you’ve got dry skin you might find this foundation a little too drying. The coverage is INSANE, honestly you can’t really believe it until you’ve tried it – I expected it to feel really cakey and heavy but it doesn’t at all, it’s simply just lovely. My scarring from spots is something that really knocks my confidence and this covers them like no other – winner.

Now, when people go on about staying power I rarely believe any foundation will last all day. Even my Clinique that I swear by requires a good topping up by the end of the day. But on the first day I wore this I couldn’t quite believe how in-place my face was (that sounds so wrong) at the end of the day. No slipping, sliding, caking, congealing – nada it is honestly the best foundation I’ve ever used. It’s probably not something I’ll wear throughout hotter months (if they arrive) as the coverage is so full, but it’s become my staple daily foundation for the moment.

With a price tag of £27.50 it’s not the cheapest, but in comparison to my Clinique at £21 I am completely happy to pay an extra few pounds for this beauty. The gorgeous packaging alone is enough for my magpie tendencies.

Is Double Wear a foundation you’ve tried yet? What are your thoughts?

Illamasqua the I'mperfection Collection

Illamasqua is a brand that I first discovered a few years ago - It’s best known for being the centre of attention in stage makeup but has more recently slotted itself, rather perfectly may I add into the top-end, high street stores. It’s bold, vibrant, fun and the quality in every product speaks volumes.

When the ever beautiful Rose contacted me and popped a few items from their new collection in the post I was stupidly excited and the I’mperfection Collection for Spring is the latest to hit the makeup shelves (firstly how amazing is the name I'm Perfection and Imperfection rolled into one? Genius). This has to be my absolute favourite collection ever – rather than concealing the parts of us we’re embarrassed of with heaps of makeup it’s all about celebrating and highlighting your imperfections; embracing them and the rest of the world.

First up is the nail polishes - the two shades below are called 'Speckle' and 'Freckle'. Speckle is a pale violet and Freckle is a light, neutral tan. 

This is unlike any nail varnish I've tried before - there are tiny little specks of black and silver running throughout and the matte velvety finish turns your nails into little duck eggs. It's such an amazing idea, and so perfect for Spring.

Now for the lippy - Immodest is the brightest Pink I own and I must say I was a little dubious to try it out at first, but needless to say I'm in love.

It's a long lasting matte finish and contains all the right vitamins to stop your lips from drying out. I've gone for a full coverage lip, but this could definitely be dressed down with a lighter application and a hint of lipgloss. With Illamasqua you pay for what you get and the staying power on this bad boy is second to none.

For me there’s nothing more exciting than a campaign that makes you think outside the box, and potentially change the way you look at not only your makeup, but your life. Makeup aside, that’s something we should all take inspiration from.

If you want to have a look at the rest of the collection you can do so here - I know I'm swooning over the Lover & Hussy blush!

What do you think of Illamasqua? Have you dipped your toes in the luxurious waters? Remember - you don't have to be too daring with your makeup choices to enjoy their collections, there really is something for everyone.

Camera Ready at Shear Ego

On Saturday I had the pleasure of going to Shear Ego Salon and Spa in Pittsford Plaza to test drive their special occasion hair and makeup services for Rochester A-List.

God knows I can use all the help I can get...

I walked in looking like this:

And walked out looking like this:

Necklace c/o Arwark

Isn't amazing what the right hair and makeup can do?

When I arrived, I was given the grand tour of the 18,000+ square foot salon, spa, and men's club.  I had no idea how big this place was.  This beautiful facility has a little something for everyone.  Whether you're a guys guy looking for a quick game of pool before a straight shave or a group of ladies looking for a mimosa-filled spa party with girlfriends, Shear Ego has got you covered.  I can't wait to go back and try out some of their spa services!  Don't worry, I'll be sure to write about that too, but for now let's get back to hair and makeup, shall we?

The first item on my agenda was an up-do with Valentina.  I left it up to her to do what she wanted with my hair.  I showed her a picture of the dress I was wearing that evening and made it clear that I didn't want to look like I was going to my 8th grade dance, but other than that she had free reign.  I wasn't disappointed with the side sweeping curls she had in mind.

She might be smiling back there, but I'm sure she was looking at the hair that I had slept on wet the night before thinking - this?  this is what I have to work with?  She never let on a bit though... what a doll!

Here I am getting my curl on:
 

What?  I don't have any makeup on yet!

This is what I really look like!
It takes A LOT of work to get this girl camera ready!

And the finished product:

After hair, it was time for makeup and lashes by Melissa.  Again, I pretty much gave her poetic license to do whatever she wanted aside from making me look like a drag queen.  Thankfully I was in very good hands.   Melissa used all Cargo products, was a complete sweetheart,  and I walked out looking every bit the lady.

I think one of the biggest wow factors of my makeup that night was the lashes.  Too many people are afraid of false lashes.  They really make your eyes pop.  Melissa used individual Ardell lashes with tinted glue to give me a seamless, natural look.  I absolutely love them.  While I definitely don't have the time to put on lashes for every day wear, I usually wear them for special occasions and events.   It was so nice to have someone else apply them for a change! 

Little, tiny miracles.

Can you believe the difference?!

You can't even compare the two!  The falsies look so natural, yet they really give that added oomph to my look, not to mention that they photograph really well.  Any time you want your eyes to stand out in pictures, lashes are the way to go.  And if you're too scared to apply them yourself, head on over to Shear Ego and have Melissa do them for you.  She is a lash master.

After two hours of being primped and pampered, I looked like this:

A far cry from this:

Yowzah!

After they indulged my need to take a few awkward #selfies in the mirror, they handed me my new client goodie bag (I love gifts!) and I was on my way home to get dressed for dinner.  

My new client welcome package included hair and skin care samples and
 a $25 gift card to use toward my next service!

You've heard the phrase "it takes a village?"  Well that applies to not only raising children, but also to getting a fashionista camera ready.  Don't get me wrong, I clean up pretty good on my own, but for a little extra pop on those special occasions, it definitely "takes a village" and Shear Ego is just the kind of village I need.  I would highly recommend having your hair styled and makeup done for the next special event in your life.  Updos and lashes aren't just for wedding and proms.  You only live once... why not look and feel your best?  And why not let Shear Ego help you do it?

Since I'm sure you're dying to know, here is the completed look for date night at 2Vine with my hubby:

Taylor Pink Bubble Dress c/o Lendperk
Sauvignon Blanc c/o 2 Vine
Hair and Makeup c/o Shear Ego
Best job ever c/o Rochester A-List

And for the rest of the month Shear Ego is offering some FABULOUS specials for A-List subscribers, but you have to get on The List to take advantage of these limited time offers.  Sign up for A-List and open up a world of fantastic spa deals here.

Love you like I love the red carpet treatment, 

xoxo

Jenny

This is Halloween | The Corpse Bride

Last weekend consisted of a belated Halloween Party at my friends apartment. As you can see, she looks rather marvellous and I look down right hideous - but when in Rome and all that jazz. (Right?) 

I had such a fun time getting ready and just HAD to show you the wig (I think this particular one is out of stock now, but there's one very similar available here!). I don't know if you've seen, but over the past month or so I've been filming a few videos on another channel - Annabelle's Wigs, showing ladies various tutorials and how to's on their fab wigs / hair pieces. If you want to have a nose you can do so here.

Anyway, back to the outfit! I am a huge fan of Tim Burton (Nightmare Before Christmas being my all time fave movie). So it seemed obvious for me to go as one of his characters! I dressed up as The Corpse Bride and did the following to achieve my look:

1. I applied Stargazer White Foundation to my whole face using the Real Techniques buffing brush. This foundation is SO cheap and I feel probably a little bit kinder to your skin than face paint. 
2. Using the Real Techniques Blush Brush I lightly dusted my face with a dark blue shade from the MUA Starry Night Palette. 
3. Then, using a random eye shadow brush I contoured the curves of my skull / face i.e. eye sockets, temples, cheekbones and collar bone with the MUA palette focusing on the darker shades of blue and black.  
4. I then used the same darker shades on my eyes covering the lid in blue and hollowing out around the edges with black. I applied my usual liquid black winged eyeliner (video on how to do this here), pencil black eyeliner to the waterline and drew false eye lashes on to my eye lids with the liquid eyeliner to give the illusion of larger eyelashes. To finish the eyes I applied my false eyelashes (eyelure) and coated with thick black mascara. 
5. To complete the makeup I used black pencil eyeliner to fill in my brows, flicking them up in the center to give the impression of being sad, and filled in my lips with the Revlon Lip Stain in Crush, adding a touch of black eye shadow to the creases of the lips.
6. I popped on my wig and Crown and Glory customised headband and was good to go!

It took me about half an hour to do and I was quite pleased with the results :)

What do you think? And what did you dress up as on Halloween?

NARS Event at Scott Miller

Monthly Favourite's | June 2012

I realise I’m always a bit late with these type of posts. Perhaps I should pay attention to the alarm bells telling me that I need to get organised! 

Anywho, it’s that time of the month again! (No ladies, not thattime of the month, eww) No, it’s monthly favourite’s time! C’mon, get excited ;)

I didn’t have too many this month, to be honest, there wasn’t anything I was hugely crazy over; excusing the items I’m just about to mention of course…

Happy Watching!

L-R: NARS Illuminator, Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer, Palmer's Natural Bronze, Tresemme Dry Shampoo, Antipodes Eye Cream, Body Shop Tea Tree Facial Wash

What were your favourite's this month?

GLOSSYBOX April 2012

At the beginning of last week, I received my monthly GLOSSYBOX. Exciting times ladies! If you aren’t too familiar with the beauty box concept, let me give you a brief introduction.

Glossybox offer a monthly subscription to a fabulous little box of beauty goodies. You can pay on a monthly basis (or yearly if you are a diehard fan), for a mere £10 p.m, plus £2.95 postage & packaging. Of which you can cancel at any stage, there’s no catch in this one! & in return for your subscription, each month, you’ll receive 5 high-end products from various beauty brands. The idea is that they are all a smaller size than you’d purchase in the shops, just so you can test the water to see if you like them. Try before you buy etc etc. Glossybox are a little different though, they try to theme their boxes each month, i.e. holidays such as xmas, valentines etc. or Harrods. This month it’s themed around Organic products. & this is what I received:

Figs &  Rouge Balm – Rambling Rose:

I think this has to be my favourite product in this month’s box. It’s a teeny tester pot, but you get such a lot of product for the size. It states on the pot that this can be used for lips, face & body; however I’ve only used it on my lips so far. It’s 100% organic, & smells/tastes uh-mazing. I literally want to eat it. It’s super moisturising & leaves your lips silky smooth with a little glisten after application. I suffer quite badly with chapped lips & this has definitely kept them hydrated, so far, there’s not a crack to be seen, woohoo!! Another fab bonus to GlossyBox is that with some of the items you will receive a discount code to purchase a full size of the product. So, no surprises I got straight on to this & purchased another yummy flavour for a mere £3 with my discount included! What a bargain for such a lovely product.

AYUURI Natural Body Wash - Sandalwood:

This was a full sized product, which is always lovely, seeing as these boxes are just meant to be testers for you to try before you buy. My bottle came in the fragrance Sandalwood. I’d never actually smelt sandalwood before, but I absolutely love it! The thick creamy texture lathers up nicely & leaves my skin feeling really soft and hydrated. I wasn’t jumping for joy over the packaging. The letters were half rubbed off, & well I don’t think it’s that nice to look at. But @ £4.95 a pop, I’m not complaining. Too much anyway.

Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst-Quenching Serum:

I’m not too sure on this one. It’s quite a nice product, but I hate the word nice, so that’s not saying much. You’re meant to apply this day and night, bore application of moisturiser or foundation; to restore moisture in the skin. As of yet, I haven’t seen any radical changes, perhaps it’s a gradual improvement. & at £39 per bottle (30ml full size), I’m not sure I’m too convinced.

Inika Cosmetics: Certified Organic Eyeliner – shade 05 Black Caviar:

This. I LOVE. It is so soft & doesn’t drag the eyelid on application. The pigmentation is strong & has super staying power. It does smudge a little too easily I feel, & if you wear it on the bottom lid, you may find it smudges out a little after a few hours – although this is perfect if you’re going for a smokey eye. This was another full size product, @ £11.75 – you’ve already beaten the price of your subscription, which is amazing! I’m definitely going to be purchasing more of these.

KAI Perfume Oil:

Product Description: Our intoxicating signature perfume oil fragrance, which is a light and intoxicating blend of a gardenia top note wrapped in white exotics.

I’m afraid this one isn’t for me. It’s a very heavy floral fragrance, which reminds me of an older ladies perfume. It says that this perfume oil will smell differently on each individual, & on me it smells a bit like popery.

Overall I’m really pleased with this month’s box. To be honest, I don't think I've ever been disappointed with one. If there’s ever been a product I really don’t like, it’s gone as an extra in someone’s Christmas stocking, or just to a friend I know will love it. I’m not sure I’ll ever end my subscription!

What did you lot think of your box this month? & if you haven’t signed up for Glossybox do you think you will now? I’m not sure how you can resist!