IMATS and MUCH more!

It's been a busy couple of days for me and I'm off to the IMATS early tomorrow morning and possibly on Sunday if it's better than it was last year.

If I'm not too tired on Sunday then I'll do an IMATS roundup post, and a post that I've been dying to do since last night but didn't have the energy for! Watch this space ....

Oh and if you're going to the IMATS and spot me, come and say hello - I won't bite!! xx

FREE UK delivery on New Look orders TODAY only!

New Look are giving free standard UK delivery on all online orders today (Friday). No discount codes or links, just free delivery on checkout until midnight.

Happy Shopping!

Click the logo to start shopping!

NARS Orgasm Illuminator UK release date info

I know a lot of people in the UK are itching to get their hands on the hotly-anticipated addition to the NARS Orgasm family. Well, you don't have much longer to wait!

This is to be released as a Space NK exclusive on February 18th and will be released nationwide at NARS counters on 1st March.

This information was passed on to me, directly from NARS, so no more speculation.

Described as "a light fluid that contains flecks of gold, peach and pink shimmer", it’s designed to diffuse light and add luminosity to skin.

Currently only available from Sephora, I've read mixed reviews, but keep reading that this is a winner on darker skintones and quite frankly that is music to my ears!

It'll set you back £21

Models Own 50% off sale

Models Own will be having a 72 hour sale giving 50% off all their purchases totalling £20 starting this Friday at 12:01am until Sunday 31st January.

All you have to do is enter discount code FIFTYFIFTY at checkout

Over the past couple of months, I've noticed a few blog posts with swatches of their nail polishes which at sale price will be just £2.50 a bottle.

They now also ship internationally, so those overseas can grab some bargains too! Enjoy!

The Monday Poll

Courtesy of Karen

Mood: Happy! (though I was pissed off this morning LOL)! I've got lots to look forward to over the next few days and throughout February. Oh and my new phone should be here tomorrow and my bestie is back on Blighty soil on Monday *happy grin*

A sport or physical activity you’d like to learn? I'd love to learn how to ice skate, but I have a fear that I'll slice my own fingers off.

Guilty junk food craving? Not really. I've eaten reasonably healthy for the past few days but succumbed to a McDs on Sat night. Oops.

Fragrance? Bath &Bodyworks Japanese Cheery Blossom body splash

Eyes/lips/cheeks:

Makeup's all off now, but earlier it was:

Eyes: MAC Soft Brown/Handwritten
Lips: MAC Feelin' Good tinted lip conditioner
Cheeks: MAC Notable

Something you’re grateful for today? Having family and friends that care about me.

Names of your pet(s)? No pets, but I'll get a dog eventually if I get my own way.

What are you most looking forward to this week? Thurs-Sun will hopefully be a a lot fun this week. Launches, events, dinner dates, late night shopping and IMATS.

Outfit: Nothing glamorous I'm afraid! Black velour bottoms and one of my boyf's t-shirts

Weekly goal: To complete a couple of forms that need filling out that I've been ignoring. Boring!

Introducing Ellis Faas

Back in December I attended an intimate press event introducing the Ellis Faas cosmetic line. Already a hit in Australia and Europe, this cosmetic line is certainly unique in design, with the creator Faas, taking inspiration from a gun for its packaging.

Ellis herself was present at the event and passionately shared her vision, explaining that Faas colours are based on the colours that exist naturally in our bodies and designed to universally flatter all skintones.

Ellis Faas

The collection consists of 27 lip products, 14 eye shadows, 8 foundations, 8 concealers, 4 blushers, 3 powders 2 mascaras, 2 eyeliners and 1 cleverly designed makeup holder.

The sleek, cool metal casing is extravagant and will definitely have those around you flocking to see what you've just pulled out of your makeup bag.

Eye colours come in two options - Creamy Eyes and Milky Eyes. The liquid to powder formula of the Creamy Eyes is super easy to apply, blends well and dries quickly to create a soft, velvety finish which can be layered to create a more dramatic effect. Milky Eyes has a slightly more translucent texture and can be used in conjunction with Creamy Eyes to add a silky sheen of colour.

The lip shades come in three textures and 27 colours. From stained and subtle to vivid and glossy, Ellis Faas has it all covered. If you prefer more of a stained finish go for Creamy Lips or for a full on wet-look shine opt for Glazed Lips. Either way, you won't be disappointed.

On the website shades can be viewed on an assortment of skintones which gets a thumbs up from me.

The range launches exclusively in Liberty next month and prices are as follows (correct as of Dec 2009):

lips £21
eyeshadows £22
mascara £19
eyeliner £20
blush £20
foundation £34
concealer £21
powder £19
holder £21

Not cheap, but comparable to other lines readily available in department stores. I had a good play with all the products and liked some of the lip and eye shades. I may treat myself to a couple of lip shades if feeling particularly frivolous!

Check here to view handy step by step videos sharing application tips The range is currently available online from Ellisfaas.com but pricing is in Euros. It launches in the UK next month at Liberty so not long to go until you can view it all in person.

A Shopaholic's dream

I won this book before Christmas and I've finally found the time to check out some of the websites featured since its arrival a couple of weeks ago.

The book is split into approx 15 sections ranging from beauty and fashion to weddings, and travel.

After just flicking through for a few minutes I've come across lots of familiar websites and lots of new ones. I'm gonna compile a short post soon sharing some of my new internet finds. Just don't blame me for any purchases made as a result of my post!

The Mega Tek challenge

The answer to my hair growing prayers arrived in the post today, Mega-Tek! Read here and google for a million other reviews, articles and threads on this wonder product

Last week I had to chop about 3 inches off my hair as I missed my November trim (I trim my hair every 8-9 weeks) and that, teamed with the horrible weather and tying my silk scarf around my head too right at night caused some breakage. All my split ends are gone but I now need to focus on getting my length back, particularly at the lower back of my hair and all over in general.

My hair is also quite fine and I've always wanted thicker locks, so here's hoping. I've taken a snap of my hair today and will be doing an update post in 2 weeks as I've read reviews, complete with pictures which display noticeable growth within this period.

Hair length as of Friday 22nd Jan 2010

On a serious note, please join hands with me and pray that I don't end up with horse gums and a tail to match next week!

Beauty Blog Link Love - Friday 22nd January 2010

theNotice has a three-part video series on how to contour your cheeks -- check out the first tutorial here!

MAC Mineralized SatinFinish gives off a beautiful finished look according to Eve's review at xLovelymakeupx.

Marina from MakeUp4All reviews and swatches on the cheeks Illamasqua's Cream Blusher in Rude and Illamasqua's Lipstick in Over.

Lipglossiping asks if the modern age has spawned demon digital artists.

This week, Louise wonders if the nude lip is all it's cracked up to be

Krasey Beauty takes you back to school with Skincare 101

Head over to Beautifully Glossy to check out L'oreal's Studio Secrets Resurfacing Primer.

It's Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago, so check out some makeup looks inspired by some of the costumes!

Jellyminx swatches her cream eyeshadows!

Lisamarie at Beauty Crazed visits the Benefit Brow Bar for the 15 minutes that changed her life.

Sarah over at I Heart Cosmetics has found a really cool new invention for your makeup brushes!

Liparazzi has found the perfect concealer to brighten up her life, put a boi-ing in her step and Benefit her on her wedding day.

Jo over at Music & Make Up is having a one year anniversary giveaway.

Lisa Kate from Sparkle is my Crack! shows you how to look like a Cheer Bear!

The Makeup Snob shares her opinions on a couple NYX lip and eye palettes.

ASOS launches its plus size collection - ASOS Curve

ASOS launched their plus size collection today, ASOS Curve which will be stocked in sizes 20-26 and includes key seasonal pieces such as the leather biker jacket as well as basics.

ASOS standard sizing already goes up to an 18 and I think this range will be welcomed by larger, fashion conscious ladies.

View the Curve collection here

Lauren Conrad - Fashion Muse

The Hills isn't the same without "LC", but despite no longer being on our screens, Lauren Conrad is still killing me with her wardrobe.

I love how she throws outfits together. She's never too styled like a lot of her Hollywood peers and her look is easy to replicate with high st alternatives. I think her look is simple and classy - love it! Yes, you can find 101 girls on the UK high street who dress in a similar fashion to Lauren but it's the way she carries herself, that makes her stand out (that and the fact that she's been on our TV screens for the past few years).

I do think some things are best left well alone, and I'm not a fan of some of the 'designs' in her clothing range stocked at Kohl's which I think look dull and quite cheap. Her latest offerings are a big improvement on the last collection though but you won't find me running to the nearest Kohl's whenever I'm across the pond, for them.

Here are a few of my fave outfits from our pal "LC".

I have those shoes!!

Oh and I had to add this picture of Lauren and Whitney as I think it's on fire and sums up all the vanity, fakery and narcissism that is The Hills!! Love it!!! LOL

If you're reading this Lauren, please send me one of your Chanel flaps, you have at least three of them, I'm sure you can part with one!

Oooh la la!

I'm going to Paris for a few days next month with the Mr and was was wondering if you guys could help me out a little.

I've never been before (I've never had the urge to go if I'm honest), despite it being 2 hours away on the train and haven't got a clue what we should check out - other than the obvious tourist attractions.

Any recs for nice restaurants, things to see or shopping areas? To be honest I just wanna find Sephora and then retrace Carrie's steps in SATC, bar the stepping in dog shit episode but that won't be fair on hubby. As much as he entertains my penchant for all things SATC, I think he'd draw the line at me running around Paris in a tutu acting out 'the lost scenes' LOL

I read that the patisserie she's sat in, in the clip I posted has been closed down and transformed into a restaurant so that's that off the list :-(

An everyday FOTD

I hate taking pics for FOTDs because I hate having my photo taken in general so it just turns into an ordeal as I furiously snap about 60 pictures for 2 bloody shots! If I had my way I wouldn't do them at all, but I appreciate that it helps to see what a product looks like at times and I enjoy looking at them (other peoples that is, not mine LOL) myself.

Today's face was nothing special, just an ordinary look with minimal fuss.

Excuse the eyebrows, I'm fully aware they're shocking at the moment but I don't have time to get to my threading salon 'til the weekend, so whatever!

Face:
MAC Mineralize Satinfinish foundation NW43
MAC Loose Powder NC50
Bobbi Brown Sheer Color Cheek Tint in Sheer Pink

Eyes:
MAC Cork over lid
MAC Satin Taupe faintly in crease
YSL Faux Cils mascara
MAC Feline on 1/2 of waterline and set with MAC Carbon e/s

Lips:
MAC Siss l/s and Revlon Super Lustrous lipgloss in High Beam Tan

Mo'Nique wins a Golden Globe - Precious

Last night comedienne Mo'Nique, won a Golden Globe (Best Supporting Actress) for her role as Mary Jones, an abusive mother in the independently made film, Precious.

I watched Precious on Boxing Day and I've never been so shocked at a film within the first 15 mins (not including my reactions to American History X and Mississippi's Burning) and it stayed with me for days afterwards. Writing this post has reminded me I need to get hold of a copy of the book, Push by Sapphire on which it's based on.

If you get the chance to watch this film, please do. I don't want to give anything away other than it's very raw, very emotional and in my opinion fully deserves the acclaim it's received to date.

When I watched Mo'Niques acceptance speech this morning, it brought tears to my eyes:




If you've seen Precious, then I think you'll agree that she fully deserved to win a Golden Globe for her performance.

Well done Mo'Nique!

Bobbi Brown Sheer Color Cheek Tints

By know you all know I'm a blush whore, they're my favourite make up product. I've been meaning to do a post on the Bobbi Brown Sheer Color Cheek Tints for ages. I bought Sheer Pink a couple of months ago and have used it a few times and have since acquired Sheer Raspberry and Sheer Blackberry. I credit Milan Rouge for getting me into these.

I thought I'd share some swatches which hopefully may be useful should you considering them as a purchase:

(L-R Sheer Blackberry, Sheer Pink and Sheer Raspberry)
With flash

Without flash

Packaged in a swivel-up stick for convenience, they glide easily onto my skin and I like the sheer, luminous sheen they leave. However, I need to rub firmly and approx 4 times to get a good flush of colour. I find I can blend them easily but I don't like that I can still feel their stickiness when I absent mindedly touch my cheeks afterwards.

I can't see myself using these in warmer weather as I think they're likely to slide right off my face in the heat. I think those very oily skin may find these difficult to work with.

I've been alternating between all three recently and find their lasting power is just okay. After approx 4-5 hours I need a touch up but when I layer a teeny bit of powder blush over the top, they last longer. I actually prefer the finish with powder blush on top as they have the tendency to look greasy if not blended properly.

*Click to enlarge*

The shades in this range (there are six in total) are lovely and a few universally compliment all skintones. Minor gripes aside, I find that they give a very natural flush of colour to the cheeks which is flattering and easy to wear.

I'd planned a FOTD to go with this post exhibiting one of the blushes in action, but as per usual, my Sunday resulted in not a scrap of make up being applied to my face, so sorry!

I'll do one tomorrow though and I bet you can hardly contain yourselves at the thought! Hahaha!

How much are they? £16.50
Where can I find them? Bobbi Brown online, Bobbi Brown Counters in major dept stores

Revlon Fruitful Temptations

I first read about these early last year when I was having a nosey on the U.S Revlon site checking out available Super Lustrous lipgloss shades. I love the novelty idea of yummy smelling nail polish as the scent we're all used to really isn't sexy at all. I was really surprised to discover a couple of days ago that these 'LE' shades are still available across the pond, as they came out last spring.

The scents available are Coconut Crush, Mad About Mango, Pretty In Papaya, Sublime Strawberry, Raspberry Rapture, Mon Cherry, Passionate Fruit and Not So Blue-Berry.

Full swatches can be seen here on Steph's Closet

Don't get too excited ladies, these won't be coming to the UK at all (I've checked with Revlon UK) but that hasn't stopped me from wanting Mad About Mango, Pretty in Papaya and Passionate Fruit. I already have a Revlon polish that's exactly the same shade as Passionate Fruit, but I want one that smells fruity damnit!!!

I think all nail polishes should be scented by law!

YouTuber's for Haiti

Here's the link to donate to the (Disasters Emergency Committee) DEC:
http://www.justgiving.com/youtubersforhaiti

You can read about the DEC here:
http://www.dec.org.uk/

Here's the link to donate to Doctors without Borders:
http://www.firstgiving.com/youtubersforhaiti

You can read about them here:
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/

Please retweet (on twitter) and spread the word.

ALL money raised will be donated to the charities directly.


I know many of you have already donated to the victims of the Haiti earthquake elsewhere (myself included), but I still wanted to give this appeal a mention. Since it's creation yesterday, it has quickly gained momentum (the BBC have even caught wind of it) and a number of YouTuber's and Bloggers have come together to help in any way they can.

it's entirely your choice whether you decide to donate, but if you haven't already and would like to, then any contribution would be appreciated no matter how small.

Seriously, can somebody help her?!

I love The Rachel Zoe Project, (hence my little tribute picture to Brad and Taylor on my sidebar) and am eagerly awaiting the start of season 3 which has recently been given the thumbs up.

Last season, Zoe's health issues were delicately touched upon and sadly it doesn't look as if they've improved. I saw this picture of her on the Daily Mail site on Thursday and felt quite sad. She looks awful.

Despite the rumours, that finger point towards celebrity stylist Zoe, as the one who encouraged Nicole Ritchie's notorious waif-life physique a few years ago, on her reality show she comes across as a likeable, hardworking, delicate soul who obviously has demons and issues of her own.

I hope she's able to face those demons and get the help she so obviously needs, because quite frankly this is out of control and for all the wrong reasons!

Sonia Kashuk brush buys

When news broke last Summer that Space NK were bringing Sonia Kashuk to the UK, I thought I'd finally get my hands on the bargain brushes she's become famous for, and what our American cousins have been enjoying for far too long without us. So imagine my unamusement when I heard that the brush prices were ridiculously marked up with prices starting at £10 and ending at £28 for a single brush.

After rolling my eyes so far into the back of my head I almost gave myself a migraine, I resigned myself to having to wait until my next trip to NY where I'd just have to find the time to get to Target in NJ if I ever wanted to try these brushes out as I haven't found them anywhere in Manhattan (U.S Chicks please let me know where in Manhattan they are if they exist!) during previous visits.

So when I heard that Space NK had reduced the brushes to what should have been their correct pricing (in my opinion) in the first place, I was on the Space NK site in a flash! Unfortunately the blusher and powder brushes had sold out but I managed to get a few others.

After ordering them last Friday, they finally arrived today and this is what I ordered:

There's absolutely no point to this picture whatsoever, other than that I was attempting to be a bit creative - and failed!

*Click to enlarge both pictures*

(L-R)

1. Synthetic Flat Top Blusher Brush – Use this blusher brush to perfectly apply blush to the apples of the cheeks.

2. Angled Contour Blusher – Fits perfectly into the contour of your cheeks for flawless definition.

3. Large Eye Shadow Brush – Perfect for delivering a wash of colour over the entire lid.

4. Crease Shadow Brush – This round tipped eye shadow brush is the perfect tool for detailing and using in the crease of your eye to create depth and contour.

5. Smudge Brush – Perfectly blend and smudge fine lines to create a flawlessly defined eye.

First impressions? I'm loving the feel of the flat top brush and I know I'll reach for this a lot when using my cream blushes. I'll reserve judgement on the others until I try them out properly, but I'm liking the look of the crease brush too.

On another note, I won't be ordering from Space NK in a hurry again ..£5 delivery charge? No thank you. Not even the free samples I received with the brushes can make me forget that charge in a hurry! If you can deal with the fact that the delivery charge costs more than some of the brushes left then check out Space NK and bag a few for yourself.

NARS Orgasm Vs Milani Luminous

For a good while now, the word on the street is that there's a cheaper alternative for the iconic NARS Orgasm blush which retails here in the UK for £18.50 and $25 stateside.

Step forward Milani Luminous, which costs a respectable $5.99 and is available from drugstores and selected beauty supply stores. Unfortunately Milani isn't stocked in the UK, so international chicks are gonna benefit more from this post having Milani within easy reach.

Two of my buddies have done the hard work for you and compared and swatched the contenders against one another. Check Miss Virtue's post for comparison swatches on a dark skintone and Lipglossiping for swatches on pale skin.

See what I did there? Three way blogging! It's the way forward I tell ya!

**Kelly has helpfully reminded me that Beauty Base in Westfield shopping centre, West London now stocks Milani so check it out if you get the chance**

I need these in my life ...

I spotted these in River Island a couple of weeks ago and I've been lusting after them ever since.

I want. I need!! The website image doesn't do them justice and they're almost sold out online already! There's a reason for this, they're gorgeous!



It's time to take action, I need to track these down and this will mean I'll need to start ringing branches tomorrow *groans*

FREE Barry M make up kit

For anybody that's interested, Barry M are giving away make up kits worth £20. Each kit will include a lipgloss, eyeshadow, nail polish and kohl pencil and will come in a hot pink make up bag.

What's the catch? You just have to collect 4 out of the 5 tokens (long!) that will appear in the supplement magazine Fabulous, which is found in The News of the World newspaper every Sunday from Jan 17th-Feb 14th.

You can get the first token this Sunday.

Bobbi Brown Makeup Facelift collection

Bobbi Brown is launching a new collection, Makeup Facelift which is available online now and is coming to stores next week. It was designed to give women all the tools to look well-rested and bright eyed – in five minutes!

The shades are easy to wear and are of the neutral variety that Bobbi Brown is famed for. Good to see that the popular Tinted Eye Brightener now comes in pen form, that will make application easier. It'll definitely give YSL Touche Eclat a run for its money offering a wider choice of shades.

Check out the collection in its entirety here

Bobbi Brown also share tips on how to utilise the products in this collection:

Plump

Layer skincare formulas, a wet hydrating eye cream such as the new Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream, which visibly revives, repairs and reinforces the delicate skin around the eyes, under a rich dense balm for instance, will give skin a plumped-up cushiony look. Use the warmth of your fingers to help blend the cream. It is far more effective to apply a base (foundations or tinted moisturisers) that looks like real skin and just evens out the complexion. Tinted Moisturising Balm works well to give a plump freshness to the skin.

Brighten

Lighten the under-eye area and draw your attention up with a pink toned corrective Tinted Eye Brightener. The shades of the brightener will totally counter act dark shadows under the eye making the eye look more lifted and tight. Be sure to apply close to the lashes and to the inner corner of the eye as well.

The brow bone should always be the lightest part of the make up so apply a white or ivory highlighter to this part of the eyelid for an instant lift. Try my new Eye Shadow in Navajo, this clean bright fresh eye colour will instantly lift the eye giving brightness and making the eye look higher and tighter.


Pop

Dust blush high on the apples of your cheeks. Choose a shade of blush that looks like the colour of your cheeks when you blush

Pinks and corals are great colour choices to give an uplifting youthful appearance to the skin, try my Pale Pink Powder Blush.

Define

Instantly give your eyes a lift with defined brows. The new Brow Pencils provide a soft, natural look as well as exceptional blendability in a convenient, easy to use pencil. The beauty of the pencil is that you can precisely place the arch which will instantly lift the brow.

When lining the eyes, extend the liner ever so slightly at the outer corner of the eye. Make sure the liner is thick enough and visible enough when your eyes open. Try Long wear Gel Liner in Caviar

Keep the eyelids fresh and natural (using either powder or cream shadow) and apply strong eyeliner and 2 coats of mascara to open the eyes. If you suffer with dark under eye apply eyeliner to the top lash line only.

After applying lipstick and lip pencil. Layer a light shade of light-reflecting, high shine lip gloss - Brightening Lip Gloss has a unique formula which makes the lip appear fuller and smoother so ideal for a lip with imperfections whilst creating the illusion of fuller lips

When you have finished the makeup apply a little Soothing Balm over the cheeks to give a fresh dewy finish.

I have to say the product in this collection that has pricked my curiosity is the Extra SPF 25 Tinted Moisturiser Balm. It looks like a good product to have for those lazy days when you can't be bothered to put a full face of make up on and I'm loving the sound of all the nourishing ingredients in it. I don't own that many Bobbi Brown products and I'd like to try a couple of their face products, so look out for a review shortly.

Tags/Blog Awards

Some of you may have noticed, during the last few months of 2009, I became utterly crap at completing tags that many of you were kind enough to include me in. I just had too much going on and could never find the time. I'm gonna make an effort to squeeze them in whenever I have a spare moment this year.

Beautyandtheblog nominated me to complete this '10 Things That Make You Happy' tag

Sounds simple enough ..

1. My amazing boyf. He spoils me rotten and treats me like a queen. Perfect inside and out.

2. New York - there's just a vibe in the air that's like no other. Even now, I feel the same excitement when I land that I did the very first time I visited this amazing city.

3. Meeting up with friends - good company and laughs a plenty

4. Puppies and kittens

5. Fabulous shoes. I can't get enough of schexy shoes!

6. Travelling. I love exploring the unknown.

7. My bed. I'd happily lie in it all day.

8. Finally tracking down that LE blusher/lipgloss/eyeshadow

9. Checking my online banking and realising there's more in my account than I thought. Nice.

10. My Mum's home cooking

Beauty Scribbler and BeautyjunkieLondon tagged me for these blogs awards. Cheers ladies.

For the 'You're a doll' award answer the question: Which character from a book/movie are you most like?

*Thinks* I'd say Miranda from SATC. I have the same no-nonsense approach to things, have a good (actually great) sense of humour and can far too sarcastic for my own good at timse - haha! Go Miranda!

I nominate the following for the tag and the blog award ...

Liparazzi

Make Up to Make Out

Beauty by Mama Laura

Elle in Wonderland

Goldbeauty88's makeup blog

It's a London Thing

J's Blog

Sisa's Make Up Blog

Plane Beauty - All Things Superficial

Meek n Mild

Bored of your blog layout ...?

..then check out Californian hotty Sara, aka The Makeup Snob and her new blogger template site.

I had the idea for my blog header stuck in my head for months but couldn't find a designer who could do it just how I wanted it. Sara offered to help and put it together in minutes after I supplied her with the images.

I'm pleased that she's decided to share her skills and talent as her own blog layout changes all the time and I love seeing what she comes up with next.

Sara offers affordable, custom made templates and headers as well as a variety of premade templates.

Those who host their blogs on Wordpress haven't been forgotten either, she also has a site offering custom made templates for Wordpress blogs. Check that out here.

As if that wasn't enough, she also created the Love Life Lipstick Beauty Forum late last year, with another popular Specktra member (Tish), so check it out and join for chat on the latest collections, swatches, reviews and and much more. Its membership is increasing daily and the forum is going from strength to strength.

I HEART Sara, she's one of the coolest bloggers I know, so I'm more than happy to give her a shout out.

IMATS and MAC Pro cards

I know there''s still a glimmer of hope that MAC will be signing up anybody and everybody for MAC Pro cards for £25 at this years IMATS as they did at last years London show and the other IMATS shows that took place prior to it.

I had my suspicions that attendees wouldn't be as lucky this year as MAC failed to sign up non-professionals at the shows that followed IMATS London 2009 and this was confirmed to me today when I enquired and received the following email from Cori Stoddard, Online Editor of Make-Up Artist magazine :

"In order to get a M.A.C. Pro card, make-up artists must provide their credentials. Here's what M.A.C. says: "Anyone who uses make-up as a primary part of their work is eligible. Complete an application at any free standing M.A.C. store (or IMATS booth) or download an application at www.macpro.com. Join the M.A.C. Pro community and receive a discount on purchases at the (London) show. Please note that professional ID is essential."

For membership information, email promembershipuk@mac-cosmetics.co.uk or call 0870 034 2676

By the way, current MAC Pro members can save 15% off their IMATS London ticket price if they purchase it by January 15th. Use code UK10MACPRO

So, if you qualify, bring your documents/ID with you to the show and if you have a Pro card and are planning to go to the show and haven't bought your ticket(s) yet, buy them by Friday to get some money off. Every little helps!

Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland UK release info

In case you haven't heard, the eagerly awaited Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland palette is to be released in the UK during on Monday 1st March and will be sold exclusively at Debenhams and Debenhams.com

Timed to coincide with the release of Tim Burton's adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, the palette contains 16 best selling shades which have been renamed with names all taken from the famous fairytale.

I was a little surprised to hear this is to be a Debenhams exclusive, I thought they'd be available at Boots, but whatever. I don't own any Urban Decay eye shadows so I'm a little curious, but not having spasms at the though of it. I'm not the biggest fan of the packaging, that 3D pop up imagery looks like something I should have been given as a birthday gift 20 years ago, along with my a la cart kitchen.

However, seeing as it's a limited edition collectors item, the pound signs are flashing in the distance and I feel no shame in admitting that I may buy one to fling on Ebay. If some of the Ebay listings I've seen in the past are anything to go by, selling one of these on Ebay may well fund my impromptu shoe purchases for the next 2 months! The rumours that only 2000 will be allocated to the UK are false, but I expect this will still sell out extremely quickly.

Haven't got a clue what I'm talking out? Check out the palette in all its glory, complete with swatches, courtesy of Pursebuzz.

Are you you going gaga for this palette, sitting on the fence or unphased by the hype?

Review: Aveda Hand Relief

What it says on the website: Incredibly rich moisture therapy soothes dry, chapped hands—leaving them noticeably softer and smoother. Hydrating plant emollients, humectants, exfoliating fruit acids and anti-oxidants—including vitamins A and E—help diminish signs of ageing and provide optimal relief.

Increases moisture levels and elasticity in skin with continued use.


I remember when this hand cream was featured in every women's glossy going a few years ago. I guess the pun in the name was either too funny to ignore or Aveda spent a fortune on advertising their wonder product (probably both). As a result I've always been intrigued to find out whether it lives up to the hype.

Once the novelty of the product name wears off, what you're left with is a good hand cream that doesn't leave sticky residue. Containing Vitamin E, which is widely believed to slow the ageing process, it moisturised my hands well and I liked the texture of the cream which is neither too watery (one of my pet peeves) or too thick. I can't comment on its anti ageing qualities as my hands are fairly youthful due to my hand moisturising habits but I think mature skins would benefit from the rich formula of this hand cream which is just right in my opinion.

I'm not overly keen on the scent which is citrus-like but I've overcome that by not cupping my face in my hand (a habit of mine) until it wears off a few minutes later. The scent is a personal preference so don't let that cloud your view of the product itself. Even in this bitterly cold weather affecting us at the moment I haven't had to increase the no of times I use this. It sinks in well, retaining moisture first time round and I only reapply it after washing my hands.

There's only so much you can write about a hand cream - texture, smell and moisturising qualities aside, I don't think it warrants its price tag and I'm sure there are cheaper alternatives available. I am however pleased with its performance and would suggest it as a recommendation if asked for a hand cream.

I'll happily buy this again, but it'll be courtesy of bargain basement Ebay!

How much is it? £16.50
Where can I buy it from? Aveda, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges

Tagged - 7 products I'd like to try in 2010

My PC has stayed on long enough for me to complete this tag I saw on Jo's blog a couple of days ago. I thought it was a good one so thought I'd share my choices, although I couldn't actually think of 10 products so you'll have to make do with 7

So in no particular order ...

Boots No 7 Protect & Perfect intense beauty serum

I want to see what all the fuss is about and if using a serum under my moisturiser is effective in any way.


Mega-Tek

Used on horses to thicken and strengthen their manes, coats and tails, this has become an increasingly popular product to use on human hair for thickness and growth. I don't care if it's used on a horse, it bloody works on humans too and I've read enough reviews and seen hair growth comparison pictures to convince me that this will be a worthy buy. I'd rather use this on my hair and get results within a month than go through the trauma of having a weave fixed to my head that make me look like Trisha circa 1993! As long as it doesn't make me grow a tail and start neighing then it's all good! In the UK? Check the comments below, for a link to where you can buy it from.

LiLash

Even though I'm a bit nervous to try this after reading what happened to Arlene on her old (now defunct) beauty blog, a part of me still wants to try it as I know I'm guaranteed eyelash growth. Every time Bubblegarm does a FOTD, I stare in awe at her eyelashes. I'm aware of the possible side effects and just hope that if I do end up using this that I'm not affected. Knowing my luck, I probably will be! *rolls eyes*

RMK Recovery Gel

I've been intrigued by this ever since I was ambushed by the RMK SA in Selfridges a couple of months ago. I was quite taken with the white beads in this gel moisturiser that apparently burst into all forms of goodness onto your skin.



NARS Orgasm Illuminator
This claims to flatters all skintones and I like the original blush so I intend to put this to the test. One of the products I'm quite excited about trying this year.



Inglot Under Makeup Base
Cheaper than its famed Smashbox equivalent at £12 I have it on good authority that the Inglot primer performs much better. I'm not impressed with the Philosophy primer that I occasionally use so am eager to see how this fares instead.


Illasmasqua Rich Liquid Foundation

I've not tried Illasmasqua's bases yet and fancy a change from my Revlon Colorstay. If I'd known which shade I was I'd have snapped this up when Goss started selling them off in his blog sale(s) for £10 inc postage!


What about you? What would you like to try this year?