NEW: Colab Monaco Dry Shampoo

monaco colab dry shampoo

Ah – nearly every single one of you answered correctly to my little giveaway question last week – I think I must have made the clues too easy! I asked which “city” (strictly speaking, it’s a principality) was represented by my brand new, glamorous-smelling Colab dry shampoo and most of you said Monaco. Well done. Winners have been notified by email so please do check your inboxes and spam filters and what have you.

I’m exceedingly proud of this particular Colab scent because it manages to smell rich and indulgent and heady, like some kind of holiday body oil, but it’s actually a light, sheer dry shampoo in a spray can! I’ve been skipping my perfume quite a lot since I received the final production samples of Colab Monaco – I find that a good dousing of the Sheer & Invisible in my roots leaves me perfumed enough for the day without any extra anointing of the pulse points. I do this pretty much every second day, actually, because during my last trimester of pregnancy my hair has been a little bit lanker at the roots and I’ve needed a little bit of oomph to stop it lying so flat. It never feels greasy so much as just…disappointing. So yes, a few big spritzes in the underneath layers and a nice little fingertip-massage and my hair starts to behave itself that bit better.

colab dry shampoo campaign monaco

The Monaco scent, by the way, was inspired by some of my favourite summer fragrances; those heady, unisex ones with classic cologne notes. Think Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino, some of the lighter and fresher Acqua di Parma scents, the solid, original 4711 cologne… I wanted that absolute headiness that you get with neroli fragrances and then a lovely lightness from the citrus and a bit of sexy warmth from the amber – glamorous but completely wearable. And I must say, very moreish.

Monaco launches at Superdrug tomorrow, so keep an eye out here – and make sure you take a look at the Colab Instagram page, they are running the most amazing competition with Superdrug to win a luxury trip for two to Monaco. Swish hotel, helicopter rides and Michelin star restaurants…it is well worth giving this a shot!

Colab Instagram Competition 

The post NEW: Colab Monaco Dry Shampoo appeared first on A Model Recommends.

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7 Ways to Look Younger Using Just Makeup!

We all want to look our best, and by our “best” we usually mean younger. There are a lot of ways to help slow down the aging process. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables, using sunscreen to help block harmful UV rays, and drinking a lot of water are just a few.  Getting the right amount of exercise also helps slow down the aging process.

Some women have the idea that the more makeup they apply the better they will look. But the truth is, using too much makeup can settle into fine lines and wrinkles that we acquire as we get older. This makes them stand out instead of covering them up. However, with the right tricks, turning back the clock can be as easy as opening your makeup bag.

1. Skip the Powder

As we age, we tend to lose the natural glow of our skin. You would think that powder, being lightweight and non-greasy would mean it’s a necessity but that’s not always the case. Powder can easily embed itself into the fine lines and wrinkles on your face, especially around your eyes and that will only exaggerate them. Also, adding powder to the skin can make it look cakey or dull.  Instead, opt for a foundation that is lightweight or a tinted moisturizer. This will help even out your skin tone without making it feel greasy and allow your skin to shine through.

My top pick: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation  (Amazon) (eBay) (Sephora) (Nordstrom)

2. Apply a Creamy Pink Blush

Just like face powder, a powder blush can set into the fine lines and wrinkles that occur over time. It can also make your skin appear dull. Opting for a cream blush adds a glow to your cheeks without overdoing it. Make sure you pick the right shade for your skin tone no matter if you have light, medium, or dark skin. Using a pink color will add a nice flush to your cheeks that will give them a more youthful appearance. Just remember to use clean fingers when patting the cream blush to your cheeks to avoid getting any germs into your pores

My top pick: NYX Cream Blush in Boho Chic (Makeup Geek Store)

3. Curl your Lashes

Curling your lashes immediately makes the eye pop. With time, the eyelid begins to droop and eyelashes begin to flatten. You need to give the appearance of everything being pulled up. Curling your lashes gives the appearance of your eyes being more open and wide therefore looking more youthful.  Remember to apply a couple coats of mascara, but even if you don’t make sure you curl those lashes.

My top pick: Shu Uemura Lash Curler  (Amazon) (eBay)

Also: Tarte Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler (Amazon) (eBay)

4. Wear Plumping Lipgloss

Thinning lips is another sign of aging. Although you can’t turn back the clock and make your lips full like they once were, you can help give the effect of fuller more supple lips by using a plumping lipgloss. This will also help your lips feel fuller and appear thicker than normal. You will know when you have a good plumping lipgloss by the slight tingle on your lips. This lets you know it is working. You should however, avoid using dark colors as this will give your lips a shadow effect and actually make them appear smaller.

My top pick: Bare Escentuals Buxom Lipgloss in Bambi (Amazon) (eBay)

Also:  NYX Plump It Up Lip Plumper (Amazon) (eBay)

5. Conceal your Dark Circles

Whether it’s from lack of sleep, heredity, or age, having dark circles under your eyes will make you appear older than you actually are. Dark circles actually make your face look as if it is being drawn downward. The trick to correctly concealing them is not to use your normal concealer. Use a concealer that is peach or salmon color as this will help to counteract the blue color that most under circles tend to be. To add some brightness under the eye and make them appear more youthful, gently pat on a concealer over the corrector. Use one shade lighter than your natural skin color.  This will give automatically give a more youthful appearance to the eyes.

My top pick: Bobbi Brown Corrector in Peach (Amazon) (eBay) (Sephora) (Nordstrom)

Also: Makeup Forever Concealer Palette (Amazon) (eBay) (Sephora)

6. Wing Your Liner

Just like curling your eyelashes, winging out your liner can give an instant lift to your eyes. As we age, our eyes begin to somewhat droop.  By winging out your liner you are instantly giving your eyes the appearance that they are being pulled upward. Many women find that creating a winged eye is hard to do. The reality of it is having the proper tools and making sure to use a gel liner.  Use an angled eyeliner brush like the Makeup Geek Bent Liner Brush which sells for $3.79 USD. If you are uncertain how to use one of these brushes or how to achieve that cat eye, or winged liner effect, check out our video “How To: Use An Angled Liner Brush“.

My top picks: Makeup Geek Gel Liner in “Immortal” and Makeup Geek Bent Liner Brush

Also: Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in “Black” (Amazon) (eBay) (Nordstrom)

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer Review

Today I have another review for you all and this time it’s for NARS concealers. I recently reviewed the NARS Lip Pencils, but I also picked up some NARS concealers at the same time and wanted to share them with all my wonderful Muggies!

NARS 04

These are the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealers. They come in a wand type packaging much like the Maybelline Fit Me Concealers. They are very similar in size with the Maybelline being .23 ounces and the NARS being .22 ounces. I really like the packaging on these. They have a  sleek see through container that allows you to see the product and a matte finish handle on the wand. The matte finish not only looks great but is easy to clean as well. The wand inside is a flat doe-foot wand which I really like a lot. When you apply the concealer the flat part of the wand allows you to put it on the skin effortlessly.

The formula is very creamy and very pigmented so you don’t have to apply a lot to get the desired amount of coverage. This means a little will go a long way. I like the way it feels as it is super silky, smooth and it has no odor to it. These concealers would be best for under the eyes or for light touch-ups. If you have blemishes the concealers that come with this type of wand are to thin, you want this for more for delicate areas and that’s why under the eyes is best.

The best way to apply it is to sweep it on under the eye and take a fluffy dome brush like the Makeup Geek Soft Dome Brush and gently blend it into the skin. This hides the eye bags and brightens the area a little as well. The price on these is $28.00 which I think is far to expensive for what they are. They are good products if you want a good concealer and don’t mind spending the money or just want a high-end product.

NARS Concealer Swatches 02

NARS Concealer Swatches 01

These come in 10 different shades so there is a good range of colors for everyone. These do run on the warm side with the only cooler toned one being “Honey”. The lightest color here will be great for you porcelain skinned gals, it’s “Chantilly” and the darkest shade is “Cacao”. For reference my shade is “Biscuit”.

  1. Chantilly – True Ivory for Fair Complexions (Amazon) (Sephora)
  2. Vanilla – Tiny Cast of Pink for Fair Complexions (Amazon) (Sephora)
  3. Honey – Warm Peach Toned for Light to Medium Complexions (Amazon) (Sephora)
  4. Custard – Yellow Toned for Light to Medium Complexions (Amazon) (Sephora)
  5. Ginger – Golden Undertone for Medium Complexions (Amazon) (Sephora)
  6. Biscuit – Medium Dark Natural Balance of Pink and Yellow Undertones (Amazon) (Sephora)
  7. Carmel – Medium Dark Yellow and Golden Undertones (Amazon) (Sephora)
  8. Amande – Medium Dark with Golden Olive Undertones (Amazon) (Sephora)
  9. Cafe – Dark with Warm Red Undertones (Amazon) (Sephora)
  10. Cacao – Dark with Deep Gold to Brown Undertones (Amazon) (Sephora)

These claim to be “Long wearing and crease-proof. Paraben-free, Alcohol free, Synthetic fragrance free, Non commedogenic” which means it’s great for those of you with sensitive skin.

ADVANTAGES

  • Smooth
  • Covers Great
  • Great Color Range
  • Good Packaging
  • Highly Pigmented

DISADVANTAGES

  • Price

These are good products if you are willing to pay the price but for me personally, I am going to stick with the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer as it is pretty much the same product at a fraction of the cost.

So I hope that help you all out and gives you and idea of what you will be getting if you have one of these or are planning to pick one up. Be sure let me know in the comments what you all think. :-) And I really do hope you all are staying both happy and healthy!

XOXO,

Marlena

NARS 01

The Cosmetics Blog – BloCosmetics

Charlotte Tilbury & Norman Parkinson

Charlotte_Tilbury_

I always love Charlotte Tilbury’s new launches, so I was excited to hear about her Norman Parkinson collection as his work is so iconic. Charlotte Tilbury has admired Norman Parkinson’s work for years as it has always inspired her, so with the help of his grandson, she used his images on the packaging of her limited edition collection. Although we have to wait till July when it’s launched online and August for stores, let me show you my pick of the best products.

As a lover of cream blushes, I was bound to fall head over heels for the Colour of Youth Lip & Cheek Glow (£45). A long lasting hydrating balm which can be applied on both lips and cheeks for a dewy pop of colour. I found that applying it with fingers was the best as it gave the most natural flushed look to the cheeks, plus it can be applied as though it was a lip balm with the fingers. As with all the products, it contains an image from Norman Parkinson’s career, this time it’s an image of his wife, Wenda.

The famous Filmstar Bronze & Glow (£55) has been re-made into a cream version in the shade Sun Tan and Sun Light. Perfect for the warmer weather when products are usually swapped for creamier products. I always find that cream products are better for contour so I almost prefer the cream to the original powder product. The image on the packaging is from the Vogue issue in May 1975 with Jerry Hall on the cover, which is also featured on the make up bag.

Charlotte_Tilbury_

In case you prefer a powder highlighter, the Dreamy Glow Highlighter (£45) is for you. Described as ‘peaches and cream skin’ by Charlotte Tilbury, it’s a very finely milled champagne highlighter which looks great dusted on top of the cheekbones. Again with an image on the front, this features Carmen Dell’Orefice from the cover of Vogue in 1959.

As well as a limited edition collection, Charlotte Tilbury is also adding to her permanent collection with two new lipsticks and a new cream eyeshadow line. The Matte Revolution Lipsticks are beautifully matte and come in a range of shades and now there will also be a warm nude shade, Miss Kensington. The lipsticks glide onto the lips without looking chalky and drying the lips. One standout product for me are the Eyes To Mesmerise, a cream mousse eyeshadow. I’ve been using the shade Mona Lisa, a beautiful brown with a gold metallic running through it. They don’t crease on the lids, last all day and also come in many more shades. I certainly have my eye on a light champagne shade for an everyday look.

Makeup Review, Mascara Comparison Photos: Dolce & Gabbana Passion Eyes Mascara: Best Curl & Volumizing 2014 – Black, Brown, Blue

Scarlett Johansson happens to be an alumni of my children’s school, and I just met her brother last year. Good looks run in the family, and I can easily see why she embodies the new Dolce & Gabanna Passion Eyes Mascara ($32.00). Her eyes are a tool of seduction, carrying off the I’m-only-wearing-mascara look and […]