A selective editorial on style
Posts by Ellie
Illamasqua Nail Varnish
01 week ago
I fell in love with Illamasqua ever since I discovered their amazing Lipstick. Illamasqua is known for their intense and very bold make-up and when I noticed their Nail Varnish collection I just had to try it.
Leave your mark with bold, rich, vibrant colors that stand out. The formula is hard wearing and chip resistant and contains individual finishes from matte to high gloss. Apply two coats for high intensity and use with Illamasqua Nail Base Coat and Illamasqua Nail Top Coat for the perfect finish. Make a statement and talk with your hands!
The advertisement at Sephora promised a “rubber look” so I was intrigued. I used two coats of the color Vice (rich magenta/satin finish) with a base coat underneath. I wasn’t impressed with the matte look, and didn’t see it as looking rubber-like, so after two days I added a top coat which made the color pop and look very lovely.
The varnish itself is thick, covers well and doesn’t chip easily. The thing is, I can get the same quality from OPI, ORLY and Nails, Inc. at a lower cost (Illamasqua is $14, the others are $9.50 or less). So in this case, I would recommend to try it before you buy and decide for yourself.
As I was researching for this post I also saw on Illamasqua’s site a Handmade Toxic Claw.
Individually crafted, each original piece is a miniature work of art that transforms your look. Designed to be worn on either thumb, customise your Toxic Claws with Illamasqua Nail Varnish for a versatile and truly unique finish. False nails will never be the same again!
Not sure what to say about this one, except it’s sure to be noticed!
Three Little Wonders by Ole Henriksen
12 weeks ago
For the last week I’ve been using samples of the Three Little Wonders by Ole Henriksen. The trio of products are formulated to moisturize your face and neck, as well as provide anti-aging and re-texturizing benefits.
Twice a day you are to use the Truth Serum Collagen Booster, which is a high-potency vitamin C complex that prevents and corrects signs of aging while promoting brightness. The serum feels like a light gel which absorbs very quickly on the face and neck.
In the AM, after the Truth Serum, apply Sheer Transformation. This cream is also very light-weight, you might be tempted to think it’s too light, but let it absorb and you’ll notice your skin won’t be tight or feel dry. Sheer Transformation helps fade skin discoloration, nourishes and re-texturizes the complexion.
In the PM, after the Truth Serum, apply the Invigorating Night Gel. Over time this light-weight gel stimulates cell turnover, exposing a younger, firmer-looking complexion. This product is in the form of a gel, thicker than the serum, very similar to hair gel. Some people have found it sticky, in my case I liked the way it was quickly absorbed by my skin. I did notice the stickiness when I applied a thicker layer. It’s not what you would expect from a night cream, but it works!
After one week of using these products, I have noticed a difference. My skin feels a lot softer and I’m considering switching to the Three Little Wonders when my current face cream is finished.
The trio costs $70, which is a lower price than buying them separately. My suggestion as always is to try a sample first before committing to a purchase, and even though the bottles are only 1 ounce, a little does go a long way.
Alien by Thierry Mugler
02 weeks ago
I rarely review perfumes because they’re too subjective, a great scent can smell awful applied on my body and be amazing on someone else. But I just had to make a comment about the sample I found on Vogue. It’s for Alien by Thierry Mugler.
It’s a spray packet, you lift the tab, push it back down and a small spray comes out of it. I loved it! OK I loved the packaging, not the scent.
Even though the perfume is not for me, I just can’t throw away the sample. I’ll be passing it on to a friend of mine.
China Glaze Hunger Games / Capitol Colours
13 weeks ago
Brand new colors from China Glaze, will come to stores early March just before the release of The Hunger Games. The new collection is called Capitol Colours and each polish is a representation of a certain aspect of the story. You’ll be able to find the collection at Sally Beauty Supply and ULTA Beauty.
In my case, I think Electrify and Smoke & Ashes will be perfect for my collection!
Agro
Dress Me Up
Electrify
Fast Track
Foie Gras
Harvest Moon
Hook & Line
Luxe & Lush
Mahogany Magic
Riveting
Smoke & Ashes
Stone Cold
Urban Decay Naked2
01 month ago
A big hit for Urban Decay has been its collection of neutral eyeshadows called Naked Palette.
This palette can be called anything except boring, with 12 gorgeous neutrals that work on any skin color. The palette includes glittery, shimmery and matte textures.
Now the most anticipated sequel will soon be available, named Naked2.
This collection features 12 new neutral colors that range from pale and deep, to matte and sparkly.
Naked2 is currently available only online through Sephora.com and is expected to be available in stores by the end of January. They expect the palette to be in very high demand, so either order it online or call your local Sephora consultant to verify dates.
StriVectin-TL Neck Tightening Cream
01 month ago
In the eternal fight against aging StriVectin is at the cutting edge with skin treatments formulated to dimishing deep wrinkles and stretch marks or give certain areas a little lift as it is in the case of StriVectin-TL Tightening Neck Cream.
A rich, luxuriously nourishing cream that delivers potent firming and moisturizing ingredients to the neck and jawline. StriVectin’s new three-tiered technology tightens on skin’s surface upon application. It provides immediate and long-term benefits, including hydrating, lifting, and firming properites. It also improves skin’s overall tone and elasticity.
According to the instructions StriVectin-TL should be used twice a day and after two weeks you will feel a noticeable improvement. In my case, I did notice a small improvement, but nothing that would amaze me, then again my neck does not sag too much….at least not yet.
The cream is thick but glides on very nicely with a slight and pleasant scent. From what I’ve seen in other people’s reviews some women absolutely loved it and I’m glad for them since the 1.7 fl. oz. jar costs $89.
StriVectin-TL has very high end ingredients such as Patented NIA-114 discovered in skin cancer prevention research which helps rebuild skin layers and is clinically proven to reduce visible signs of aging, wrinkles and stretch marks. Other ingredients include collagen, shea butter, cumingii leaf and others.
Because of the cost I suggest you ask for a sample first and then decide for yourself. This might be what the Doctor ordered, without having to go to one. Also check out their product line of anti-wrinkle and stretch marks creams.
Phyto – Scalp Stimulant
01 month ago
This is the time of year when most of us like to take very long and hot showers, which may feel nice, but it wreaks havoc on the scalp. I started using Phytopolleine Universal Elixir – Scalp Stimulant because of my dry scalp, even though I didn’t have dandruff my scalp was very dry and terribly itchy, especially on the area where I normally have a ponytail. So far I’ve used it twice a week for a month and I couldn’t be happier with the results.
This formula harnesses the natural powers of rosemary, sage, cypress, eucalyptus, and lemon to instantly purify the scalp and catalyze microcirculation. It is recommended for those suffering from an unbalanced scalp whether it is dry, oily, itchy, or irritated. A fortifying boost sensitive, weak, anemic hair, it serves as an ideal preparation for thinning hair treatments such as Phytocyane and Phytoaxil®.
As for my personal experience: the first time I tried on the product my eyes almost watered from the scent. It’s a very strong Pine-sol type smell, I actually put on a shower cap the first time. When you use this product it is very important to shampoo, rinse and repeat otherwise you will be left with a slight lingering pine scent. From reviews I’ve read, some people experience a tingling sensation as well.
The results showed from the first application. Even when it’s wet straight from the shower my hair feels “fluffier”, its like my roots came back to life and they stand taller. As the weeks have gone by and I continue to use the product I’ve noticed my hair in general looking healthier and younger.
I was beginning to develop that horrible looking line in the back of my head associated with old age and limp hair, but it has slowly disappeared and all my head looks full of hair. I see more new hair growing and I’ve been shedding less. During this last month I haven’t used any masks, leave-in treatments or oils on my hair, only Phyto, my regular shampoo and conditioner. But the fact that my scalp is getting healthier means that my hair is looking amazing!
The bottle itself is small and using it twice a week I expect it will last me no more than six weeks, but eventually I’ll scale the usage down to once a week….it’s fortunate that I like the smell of Pine-Sol.
Sephora’s Eye Pro Lesson Palettes
02 months ago
In case you weren’t born with the make-up gene, that one that would instinctively tell you what colors to use and how to combine them to make your eyes pop, Sephora has made it easy to get the right look for your eyes with their Pro Lesson Palettes.
Pro Lesson Palettes are the easiest way to learn new makeup effects. You’ll get illustrated instructions for two looks: one for day and another for night. Easy to follow without flipping between pages or looking for cards, the instructions are printed directly on the palette.
This one shows you how to get a beige natural eye and a navy smoky eye.
Pro Lesson Palette: Brown Eyes
You can create a brown natural eye and a purple smoky eye.
Pro Lesson Palette: Green Eyes
Get a khaki natural eye or a black-purple smoky eye.
Pro Lesson Palette: Natural Eye
For those of you who want a subtle look, you can have a natural nude eye or a smoky nude eye.
Pro Lesson Palette: Smoky Eyes
This is the major leagues with the colors and instructions to make a brown smoky eye or a black smoky eye.
My sister taught me a way to make the smoky eye look in a very easy manner, it’s like Smoky Eyes for Dummies, even I can do it. And this is a big treat because she agreed to let me record her, we had a blast doing it while we had one of the Harry Potter movies in the background. The only sad part is that even though we were all made-up and ready to go, we decided to stay home and keep watching movies. Sister’s night in!
