L’Occitane Peony makeup collection

L’Occitane has recently released a limited edition makeup collection. Its inspired by the colours and varieties of peony flowers, all the products are free from parabens and the casing is made from FSC cardboard. All the items are Peony scented.

I went into a L’Occitane store and was greeted by an SA, I noticed that the Peony display was missing some items (one of the lipsticks and all the eyeshadows) and inquired when they would get them in, she replied that she had no idea, and it might not be for quite some time, it did seem strange to launch a limited edition collection and not release all the products at the same time.
I said to her I was just going to have a look at the colours, she did not leave my side. I picked up the Etoile des neiges Illuminating Powder and swatched it (it was very pale, not much colour pay off) and she asked if I wanted to try the products on instead, I said no it was fine, I just wanted to have a look so I could decide what to buy. I didn’t feel like I could swatch anymore, maybe this is something L’Occitane discourage? She still did not leave my side, I said ok, thanks, I’ll just get a few things, still she did not move, so I just grabbed some stuff but wasn’t able to have a proper look. I wanted to look at the lip balm and lip and cheek tint really but felt quite uncomfortable with her standing right next to me not saying anything.
In the end I bought lipsticks (£12.50 each) in Mme Louis Henry Lipstick (very sheer peach with slight pink tone and non gritty microglitter) and Paeonia ( sheer but bright pop of cool toned pink).

The formula is really nice; it’s very comfortable, smooth, lightweight and not drying. As there is a bit of slip to these they aren’t long lasting.

I also bought Marie Rivière Liquid Shine Lip Colour(£11.50) a pink with golden shimmer, this goes on a lot more sheer that it appears in the tube and I only get a hint of colour, I think its best worn over a lipstick.
The formula is not overly heavy but there is a bit of stickiness/tackiness to it, although this does make it last better.

Lastly I picked up the Hélène Facecolour Powder (£12.50) this is a sheer ivory base with golden shimmer. Its not an intense highlighter and looks like a sheen rather than full on shimmer. The texture is really smooth; I use it on cheeks and eyes.

Swatches (L-R):Mme Louis Henry,Paeonia,Marie Rivière, Hélène

Overall it’s a pretty collection for a soft natural look. I’m pleased with all the items, although I would have probably gone for a darker shine lip colour. I think the pricing fits well with the rest of the L’Occitane range. Where it not for the SA I’m sure I would have picked up some more.

Zuneta Guest Blogger post: Hourglass Cosmetics

I've done another post at Zuneta today, this time about Hourglass cosmetics, hope you like it x

http://www.zuneta.com/blog/?p=817

Rouge Bunny Rouge Sketches On Water Tinted Moisturiser

I’ve never had much luck with tinted moisturisers, they seem to either provide no coverage, break me out or are too oily/slippery.
Although I have had great success with the RBR range I did wonder after I ordered the Sketches On Water Tinted Moisturiser if I would regret it. After one use I was sold.
I got the lightest shade, Adansonia, to be honest it is a tad too dark for me but the sheerness of the product makes its wearable and it’s worth it for the results. Adansonia does not have any overly pink or yellow tones; it just looks like a beige skin colour. I think if you are a MAC NC/NW 15-20 this will be a good match.
Swatch below:dabbed on and then blended in.
At the time I bought this I had been suffering from a heavy cold and had the dreaded dry/flakiness around my nose, nothing worked (even using a muslin cloth and a heavy balm) however this tinted moisturiser when on like a dream, I was extremely surprised no flaky/dry areas showed through. No matter the condition of my skin this goes on with a beautiful seamless your skin but better finish, I think the actual moisturiser within this product must be really good to be able to work with my skin.
Texture wise its quite thick, but once on it feels really lightweight and has no oiliness to it at all; I think this would suit quite a variant of skin types. It provides a very light coverage, you still see your skin but it looks clearer and in better condition that it actually is.
I think the only deterrent is going to be the price, its costs £47 and other than a Chantecaille foundation I once had this is my most expensive foundation. I’m at the point now that unless its really ridiculously priced if a product gives great results then I’ll pay more than I normally would and cut down on spending money on other things.
I think if your interested in this it might be worth contacting Zuneta to see if you can get a sample first due to the price and the colour range (only 3 shades) so if you are lighter than me or quite dark you may not have a match but I am hoping that RBR will add a few more shades to this.

I bought this from http://www.zuneta.com/

Further thoughts on the Jemma Kidd Make Up School range

If I buy something I like from a brand I've not tried before I have a habit of suddenly wanting to try everything from the line. After buying the Jemma Kidd eyeshadows, I went and bought the Pro I-Rescue Bio Complex Cover (£28) and Pro Crease Brush 06 (£18) and also got a GWP full size Hi-Shine Silk Touch Lip Gloss (normal price £14). I bought these from http://www.lookfantastic.com/ and they still have the promo on.
The concealer promises a lot “Reduce fine lines, puffiness and bags around the eye area whilst covering blemishes and dark circles”
I got the shade light and although I consider myself very pale this is much too light for me and gives the dreaded white highlighter look. Colour aside, I probably didn’t use this long enough to be able to benefit from any of the potential treatment claims for lines, puffiness and bags but for me it was too dry and didn’t last well. I wouldn’t use this on blemishes because of the ingredients however it worked better on skin redness than it did as an under eye concealer.
I’ve been looking for a replacement for my MAC 226 as I find it a bit scratchy, the Pro Crease brush looked similar online but in real life you can its bigger, less tapered and fluffier. It deposits colour quite well and blends ok but not as good as the 226.
Although there is nothing ultimately wrong with it, its not made me want to rush out and try any more of the brushes.
The Hi-Shine Silk Touch Lip Gloss gives a subtle tint to the lips. The colour I got, Coral, looks really bright in the tube but once on I get an easy to wear touch of pinky peach coral. Whilst I’d agree its quite long lasting, I don’t agree with the non-sticky claims. It’s quite strongly scented of the fruity variety.
Swatches of concealer and gloss
After this last purchase I don’t think Jemma Kidd is a brand I will be buying from again as I just don’t think it’s for me. There are so many great makeup brands these days that I find I am expecting more from any given product, I guess that just means I’m getting harder to please :)

A mixed Wednesday: Liberty letdown, Armani pickup

I’ve been eyeing up the Le Metier de Beaute Dunes at Dusk Kaleidoscope Lip Kit for a while so finally decided enough was enough. I ordered it last weekend and just today received an email that it was sold out. I checked the site again this evening and it’s still showing for sale. I emailed Liberty to suggest that if something is sold out it might be best that they don’t show it as being available for purchase. Unfortunately, I’ve had this happen before with Liberty, surely keeping an up to date inventory is quite a straightforward procedure for a company of their size and means? At any rate I still do not have a Kaleidoscope kit, which I seem to be obsessing over; I’m hoping that Le Metier will expand its distribution so that another store will sell it online.

In other news, I bought a Rouge d’Armani lipstick. I went for a safe shade, beige 102 (£22 from Selfridges). It’s a perfect combination of pink, peach and beige and has a satin finish.
The texture feels very light on the lips but I do find it a little bit drying, it does last well however. I have to mention the packaging too; sleek as normal from Armani but this has a magnetic closure which I find strangely satisfying.

Great news for UK Trish McEvoy fans

I've just heard that Trish McEvoy will soon be available to buy online, Harvey Nichols will have some of the range very shortly then around June Selfridges will have the entire range. I can't wait, I had quite a lot of favourites from TM but after I used them up, due to the difficulty of getting to a counter I didn't re-buy, so now it means I can buy all my staples and try all the newer items I've been drooling after, of course my bank account weeps.....

Guest blogging at zuneta.com

I'm doing my second guest blogging post at Zuneta today, it's been a lot of fun doing these and reading everyone elses posts, hope you like my post today.

http://www.zuneta.com/blog/?p=750