Friday wishlist- foundations

Hi everyone!

Happy Friday! :) Most of you liked the idea of Friday wishlists and I love preparing this type of posts, so here is a new one, this time it is my foundation wishlist :)

I mentioned many times that I usually stick to my Holy Grail - Lancome Teint Miracle, which stops me from buying new high end foundations.

I really want to try all the ones I included in this post, especially the Clarins Skin Illusion in both liquid and powder form. I have seen some rave reviews and I am tempted to buy them

The reason why I am thinking about all these products, is the fact that I read blogs and beauty magazines, but to be honest, I have enough foundations to last me for a couple for years!

Anyway :) Here is the list with links and prices.

1. YSL Touche Eclat £28.00 link

2. Estee Lauder Double Wear £27.50 link

3. Lancome Teint Idole Ultra £27.00 link

4. Clarins Skin Illusion Natural Radiance £24.00 link

5. Clarins Skin Illusion Loose Powder Foundation £28.00 link

If you tried any of the above, I would like to hear what  you think.

Oh, and I know that I don't say it often enough, but I really appreciate all your comments and I love talking to you on Twitter and reply to your emails, so feel free to contact me if there is anything I can help you with :) Twitter is the best way to talk to me, as I always reply the same day. My twitter name is @TheBlackPearlB

Sandra xo

My lipstick collection- with swatches of all colours :)

Hi everyone!

Remember when I asked on twitter what post I should prepare at the weekend?  Well... Most of you said- lipstick collection, so here it is :) It took me ages to prepare it, but it was worth it. I am glad I did it, as some of my lipsticks were old, so I binned them and I only kept the ones I can still use - a total of 36 lipsticks (I think). I actually thought that the number will be higher, but I think that under 50 is a reasonable amount :)
I could probably live with just 10, but let's face it- I love makeup too much :)

I picked my favourite shades and I reviewed most of them already so I will link all the reviews just in case you want to have a look. Most of the shades are recent purchases, like the AMAZING YSL Rouge Volupte in Sensual Silk. I adore this shade- it is the perfect nude/beige, very hydrating and creamy and I will be reviewing it soon. The next one is the beautiful Vegas Volt by MAC and you can find the full review here.

MAC Fanfare was my first ever lipstick- a giveaway prize from Kimmi (thank you lovely!) review here. The Lancome lipstick is my most worn colour and I will probably need a new one soon. If you would like me to review it, let me know :) Clarins Joli Rouge in shade 710 is my recent bargain purchase- it was £3.99. It is gorgeous!

The Lily Lolo lipsticks are amazing- I got one as a sample and ordered another shade the same day, because I fell in love with the formula. You can find my review here. Next, we have L'Occitane Pivoine Delicate (review here). It is a perfect sheer peachy shade.

I also love MUA lipsticks and shades 15 and 16 are my favorites. I wasn't in love with the first one at the beginning, but I kept reaching for it and I really like it now :) Review of shade 15 here. Another new addition to my collection I seriously love is the Youngblood lipstick in shade Tangelo- it is a gorgeous orange colour, creamy and moisturising. You can see how it looks like on the lips here. The last one in my favourites is the DuWop Private Red lipstick and you can read the full review here.

THE REST:

Trying to take photos with a very nosy toddler around isn't easy :)

I am wearing a ribbon necklace from www.oasap.com

I hope you enjoyed this post :) xo

Autumn picks: MUA Lip Boom- It's a situation

MUA Lip Boom It's a situation* £3.00 link

I always loved deep burgundy lipsticks, so I was very happy to receive the Lip Boom with my MUA order a couple of weeks ago. My order  was very, very late due to some items being out of stock and a high demand, so I got a couple of products to compensate for the delay.

"It's a situation" is a very dark and warm burgundy shade, very creamy and very pigmented.

I like the way it feels on the lips and it stays put for 3-4 hours.

I am not a fan of  lipglosses anymore, but if you want to add a bit if shine this duo is perfect.

I wonder if MUA does the same shade in their £1 lipstick line?

Neve Cosmetics Blushissimi Blusher and Contour Palette review

NEVE Cosmetics Blushissimi Blusher Palette* 10x3g £21.99 link

"The Blushissimi palette from Neve Cosmetics contains 10 blusher, bronzer and highlighter shades. Vitamin enriched shades created to define, enhance and give a healthy and fresh face. The velvety texture gives a high colour pay off, and may be used wet or dry. Each individual pan can be removed and repositioned as the palette is magnetic.  Refills are also available."

No silicones, glycerin, parabens or petrolatum.  Formula wet & dry, maximum versatility.  Non-comedogenic. Cruelty free, tested on makeup artists, not on animals. 

I am always on the lookout for new blushers and bronzers and the Neve palette contains everything I need to add contour and a little bit of colour to my face.  I adore all the blusher and bronzer shades and the highlighter is lovely and creamy.

The packaging is simple, yet beautiful. The case is sturdy and the closure is very secure. You can also move all the shades if you wish, as the palette is magnetic. It is a great feature, because if you run out of a shade you can buy a refill for £3.95 here and replace it :)

The consistency of most blushers is powdery, but I don't mind that at all, as the colour payoff is great and looks really natural at the same time. It is a good thing for me, as I usually go crazy with blushers and end up looking like a clown  :) haha

The bronzers have a lovely, soft texture and the highligther is creamy and looks lovely on top of the cheekbones, nose and temples.

You will definitely see this palette used in many of my FOTD post in the future, as I have been reaching for it nearly every day. It is a little gem in my collection.

You can buy it from www.beautychamber.co.uk  

here

Ingredients: Talc, Mica, CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE), Octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate, Cetearyl ethylhexanoate, capryl glycol, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl acetate. May Contain (+ / -): CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 19140, CI 15850, CI 77510, CI 45410, CI 77007, CI 75470, Tin oxide.

Jam - Raspberry Pink Satin

Emoticon - Hot Pink Opaque 

Sunset - Warm Peach Matt 

Lotus - Pink Flamingo Matt 

Starfish - Rich Coral Pink Gold Satin

Bikini - Bronze Pink Satin 

Passion Fruit - Bronzer Pink Beige Undertone Satin. 

Chocoholic - Bronzer Earthy Brown

California - Bronzer Pink Biscuit Satin

Plastic - Cream Highlighter Satin

I used the California bronzer and Sunset blusher on my cheeks and the highlighter on the top of my cheekbones and nose. On my lips- Younglblood Tangelo lipstick

NOTD: Revlon Fast Dry Enamel 865 Sterling

Another lazy Sunday.... NOT! I will have a busy day, as I need to do quite a lot of cleaning... :/

Here is a quick NOTD post with one of the shades from Revlon's Shanghai collection.

It is a lovely metallic silver- 865 Sterling*, similar to the one I have from Barry M.

I swatched more colours from the  Shanghai collection here if you want to have a look.

Have a lovely Sunday xo

Clarins Odyssey Eye Quartet Mineral Palette

CLARINS Eye Quartet Mineral Palette Odyssey, Limited edition, luxury Eye Colour* 5.8g £30 link

"A collection of wet and dry formula eye shadow quartets, each containing four toning shades of satin and iridescent long lasting, super silky and blendable eye colour. Presented in Clarins' signature pale gold compact with mirror and two quality foam tipped applicators; one for defining the eye and one for shading and blending."

I can't describe how much I love this palette. I feel in love with it instantly.
Remember when I said that Rosewood palette (review here) was the most beautiful one I have ever seen... 
Well.... This one is even more beautiful! The design on the front is so pretty and unique!
It is a limited edition palette from the Clarins Christmas collection and it is available to buy from October, so if you really want to have it, hurry while stock lasts.

The palette comes in a protective red pouch to keep it safe, since it is too beautiful to get scratched and covered in makeup in my  bag :) I always use the pouch for Clarins palettes to be honest.
You will also find a little card with a guide, showing how to create two looks with the quad.
I tried both, to show you what you can do with just 4 shades.

The quartet consists of three brown shades and a beautiful gold/bronze.
The browns include a very dark matte brown,  medium brown with a bit of shimmer, and more shimmery beige shade which is the lightest colour.
The pigmentation is better than in the Rosewood palette to be honest and the colours are perfect for intense smokey eye , but also for natural day time looks. You can use the shades dry or wet, depending on the colour  intensity you are looking for.
The quad is very versatile and the quality of the eyeshadows is amazing, the texture is soft, they apply beautifully  and have great staying power. (On me they last all day with or without a primer)

Overall, this palette is absolutely beautiful and would make a PERFECT Christmas gift and WOW  women at every age. I am in love with it. It is simply gorgeous.

You can buy it from www.clarins.co.uk 

DRY SWATCHES

Friday Wishlist

This is my first ever beauty wishlist post :)

I am planning to make it a regular thing, every Friday. Let me know if you like this idea.

Here are some products I am dreaming of and I hope I can buy them soon :)

1. Korres White Tea Bergamot Freesia Eau de Toilette 50ml £23.49 link
2.Clarins Colour Quartet and Liner Palette Enchanted eyes £30.00 link
3. Chanel Rouge Coco lipstick £24.00 link
4. Aesop Parsley Seed Masque £27.00 link
5. Ciate Mini Mani Month Advent Calendar £38.00 link
6. Selfridges Beauty advent calendar -unfortunately it is SOLD OUT :( link

What is on your wishlist at the moment?

Korres Mango Lip Butter Review

Hi everyone.

Korres lip butters became my recent addiction and I purchased three of them so far.

I am planning to buy more, because they are really lovely!

KORRES MANGO LIP BUTTER 6g £6.00 from feelunique

"A buttery lip balm that melts on the lips and offers a shiny, tinted finish. The combination of Shea butter and Rice wax offers deep hydration and softness. Ideal for chapped lips.

Rich in precious nutrient substances, mango fruit is a particularly sought-after ingredient in contemporary cosmetology. Mango butter melts at body temperature and is easily absorbed by the skin, leaving a pleasant sensation. Thanks to its moisturising and healing properties, mango butter is often found in beauty products that are designed to naturally prevent moisture loss. Even in extreme conditions, such as heat-waves, severe cold, prolonged exposure to the sun, or time spent in dry, ventilated spaces, mango butter protects lips effectively and offers a healthy shine."

I simply adore this product. It feels amazing on my lips and keeps them soft and nourished.

It is a tinted lip balm, so it gives a bit of colour, but looks very natural.

Mango looks very pigmented in the pot, but once applied it gives a subtle hint of peachy orange and a bit of shine.

It is full of goodness for your lips, with moisturising shea and mango butter and hydrating rice wax.

I love the simple, yet beautiful packaging and the price is affordable with free p&p if you order from feelunique.com

I also have the Wild Rose and Guava Korres lip butters and will review and swatch them next week.