Category Archives: beauty news

1) Hurrah! The Sunday Tittle Tattle is back. I’m back. Part of me wishes that it was still in Greece, but it’s good to start the New Year feeling relaxed and healthy and positively brimming with Vitamin D. (“NEW YEAR?” I hear you screech, “what the hell is that woman on about?” And I get you; it’s September, not January. But does nobody else still think in terms of school years? I have never quite managed to kick the habit, fifteen years after leaving sixth form (oh God). I suppose I then did Uni for many years, on and off, and my Mum and brother both teach, so they think in school years… Tell me I’m not the only one that does this? I find September to be far more cathartic in terms of “new starts” than January could ever be. The revitalising effects of the summer, Christmas to look forward to.. Discuss, comment, tell me your thoughts.) Where was I? Brimming with Vitamin D! Yes. I have a few more holiday posts to go and then I’ll shut up about it.

2) I have been catching up on one of my favourite blogs, Incurably Curious. Have I told you about this blog before? It’s so bloody funny, I actually find myself blurting out weird shout-laughs if I read it on the train. If you ever need cheering up, click on over and read through the archives – the review of Fifty Shades of Grey is just spot-on.

3) So many of you have been chomping at the bit for pet pictures, so here they are: Mr Bear rolling on a rug (above) and Dexter wearing a cardigan. Kind of.

4) Also, here’s me in a Kayak:

Mr AMR bought this earlier on in the year and said that he would use it every day to go up and down the river in front our house. So far he has been in it twice. So I am commandeering it and shall be learning how to kayak. Really, really fast. I did five minutes the other day and was knackered beyond belief so I’m guessing it’s pretty good exercise. If anyone has any kayaking tips, pray share. I’m all over the shop at the moment, zig-zagging around the river like some kind of demented Outward Bound instructor.

5) Sorry sorry sorry to the Max Factor lipstick winners; I forgot to post the prizes before I went on holidays! It’s at the top of my list for things to remember on Monday. Your lippies will be with you soon!

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Collection have recently launched a couple of new products for the contour and highlighting trend, with the Collection Contour Kit £4.19 and the Collection Speedy Highlighter £3.99. After seeing swatches online, I decided not to purchase the Contour Kit as the contour shade was much too dark and warm toned for my skintone but the highlighter looked perfect. I already own the No7 Instant Radiance Highlighter, which is pretty much identical packaging wise to the Collection Speedy Highlighter but my No7 Highlighter snapped within weeks of purchasing it which was pretty disappointing and now it’s such a faff to use, so I thought that I’d buy the Collection equivalent and even if they were identical, at least the Collection Highlighter would be easier to use.

The Collection Speedy Highlighter is packaged within a short, chubby plastic stick with a twist up base just like the No7 Instant Radiance Highlighter, with the highlighter having a cream formula which you use to draw on the skin where you want to highlight, and then blend it in with either your fingertips or a brush. The formula is very creamy, and easy to blend under or over foundation, and it even blends nicely over powder too. The shimmer in the No7 Highlighter is a little chunky and obnoxious, but the shimmer in the Collection Speedy Highlighter is a lot more subtle, and glowy which I much prefer as it doesn’t look so obvious on the skin unlike the No7 one.

Shade wise, the Collection Speedy Highlighter is a champagne colour which I think would compliment any skintone and makeup look, and I find myself using it almost every day as I can apply a light amount for a subtle sheen, or build it up for a more intense glow but you could even layer a powder highlighter over the top for a super intense highlight. I have also used a little on my fingertip to press into the centre of my eyelids for a pretty, brightening effect and it works nicely as an inner corner or cupids bow highlight too. I love how versatile this stick highlighter is, and I would love for Collection to introduce some other shades.

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We have a confession: we’re sorta in an office makeup rut. Which is even worse considering we actually work at a makeup company. But, let’s be honest: isn’t it easy to get stuck in a daytime beauty routine when you’re trying to look professional instead of provocative? Luckily, we work at a makeup company (we knew it would turn out positive!)—which means that inspiration is everywhere. Turns out that you can flaunt your flirty side at the office with a few bold products in moderation. Below is a confident & pretty yet still totally polished look to rock at work.

Here’s how to be a downtown beauty!

Step 1: Sweep hoola across your chin, cheeks & forehead for a sun-kissed summer glow.

Step 2: Draw the perfect wing with they’re real! push-up liner. Trust us! It’s okay to wear a cat eye to the office as long as it’s not feral.

Step 3: Apply they’re real! mascara for extra-long lashes. Hint: Hold the wand vertically & stroke upward to curl & separate for that doe-eyed sex appeal.

Step 4:  Finish with hydra-smooth lip color in dare me.

Voilá! This look is simple enough to incorporate into your morning routine, without falling into a routine. How do you spice it up at the office?

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MAC used to be one of my favourite beauty brands, and I used to find myself splurging everytime they released a new collection. However in the last 18 months or so, I’ve just not found myself being wowed by their collections and their constant repromotes. When I saw the MAC Summer collection, I knew I’d have to get something as the packaging alone was amazing. I opted for the MAC Wash and Dry Crisp Whites Powder Blush £20, and even though the collection launched a month ago, you can still purchase items from the collection on the Selfridges and House of Fraser websites, which never happens with MAC collections as they usually sell out within days.

The packaging is stunning.. with a glossy ombré metallic turquoise, coral and yellow pattern which is ideal for a Summer collection. Crisp Whites is described as being a pale tangerine with pearls, and is the most perfect peach blush for pale skin like mine as it gives a subtle flush of colour and a pretty sheen to the cheeks without any obnoxious shimmer or glitter. The texture is really smooth, and I find it easy to blend. Crisp Whites can be worn quite sheerly as a pale peach, but it can also be built up to almost an orange shade. This has fast become my favourite Summer blush, and I am so glad I bought it as it’s just so pretty and compliments any makeup look. If you fancy picking something up from the MAC Wash and Dry collection, I’d recommend doing it very soon as I can’t imagine it’ll hang around for much longer…

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