Revlon Fire & Ice - LMB 60 Cult Products

Interview Make-up

I don't go on interviews but I do have a make-up look that I'd pull out of the bag if I was going on one. It's one of my go-to looks for anytime I have to look smart, made-up but not over done. If you would rather then swap the black liner for brown or even just smudge the darkest brown shadow over the pen liner to soften it.

As always I've listed everything below; the products, including the dupes and other palettes you could use, my blog reviews and videos so you can see what I really think of some of the products I've used here.

Gwen Stefani Urban Decay palette (now discontinued) colours used: Skimp, Stark, Anaheim, Punk, Baby, Serious, Blackout
NYX HD Eye Base
Louise Young LY19 brush
Real Techniques Shading Brush 
H&M Bold Eyeliner
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Diffused Light
Maybelline Great Lash Big
Origins GinZing Tinted Moisturiser
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer
Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush in Rose Glow
MAC Eye Pencil in Smoulder
Louise Young LY13 brush
Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
Dior Baume Rouge in Lili
Hourglass Brow Arch
Urban Decay All Nighter
Revlon Fire and Ice

Similar palettes and dupes:
Urban Decay Naked
Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics
Louise Young Essential Eye Palette
Sleek Makeup i-Divine palette in Oh So Special
MAC Dazzlelight (Skimp dupe)
MAC Brule (Stark dupe)
MAC Wedge (Anaheim dupe)
MAC I'm Into It (Punk dupe)
MAC Patina (Baby dupe)
MAC Concrete (Serious dupe)

Product Reviews:
Gwen Stefani Urban Decay Palette
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder
Origins GinZing Tinted Moisturiser
Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara 
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

Videos:
How to Use the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder
Origins GinZIng Tinted Moisturiser Quick Review
Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara Quick Review
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara BIG Quick Review 
Daniel Sandler Watercolour blush quick review 

Some links are affiliate links which means I will get a small commission if you click through and buy from them. There is no extra cost to you and if you are not comfortable with that then do feel free to open a separate window and google the product for yourself

Red Lipstick

Lady Danger, Fire & Ice, Berry, Raven

Red lipstick is such a classic look that most make-up wearers have at least tried it even if they don't already own a few. In fact a lot of people I speak to have tried a red lip and felt that they couldn't pull it off. I can really understand this - a red lip is a bold statement, you need to feel confident to carry it off and even though it's a classic look it can be hard to wear. You need the right red which in this day and age is hard to find just for the sheer amount of choice.

What I personally love about a red lip is when it isn't a statement but just a chic everyday look - Monica in friends often wears a red lip but she's never a character I think of as being particularly make-up based. Get the rest of the make-up understated, team it with the right red and it can look incredible.

Friday Video - August 2014 Favourites

Maybelline Big Eyes in Luminous Brown
Diorskin Star Fluid Foundation - Available from September
Dove Spa Extra Rich Body Cream
Revlon Nail Enamel in Tropical Temptation

Make-Up I took on Holiday - Friday Video

I usually take about three bags of make-up on holiday with me to cover every possible eventuality... no I don't know either, but this year I took one. Yes one. Here's what was in it...

Revlon Nail Enamel in One Perfect Coral - Product of the Week

I only wore Butter London nail varnish last year as I was pregnant and it's free from any nasties. The colours are lovely but for summer One Perfect Coral by Revlon is my go-to nail varnish for my toes and it's great to have it back on. Long lasting, easy to apply and the perfect mix of orange, pink and red.

Revlon Grown Luscious Mascara

I feel bad returning from holiday and writing a bad review - I will post a video of my french purchases as soon as my disastrous post-holiday cold passes. But until then... I've been wanting to try out new mascaras for ages as I always stick to the ones I know I like and there are thousands out there. I've heard some good things about Revlon's Grow Luscious Mascara and thought it may be the solution to my stumpy eyelashes. I have to say after a couple of months I'm not that impressed.

Not even worthy of a better photo...

My eyelashes don't seem to have changed at all and it's really hard work getting a good effect. You have to really rock it backwards and forwards and do a lot of layers to get any impact at all. It does feel nice once it's on but I caught sight of myself in a mirror when I'd just bunged one layer on before going to the shops and I looked like I didn't really have any lashes at all. Much, much prefer Max Factor Masterpiece or L'Oreal Telescopic False Lash effect and will be sticking to those as my high street purchases in the future.

I'm determined to persevere until it's finished in case I suddenly wake up with amazing long Bambi lashes but I'm not optimistic...

5 Summer Pink Lip Looks - Friday Video

I'm slightly lipstick obsessed at the moment so I've got a whole lot of pinks that I'm wearing for a summery look, ranging from pale nudes to hot shimmers... excuse my big zoomed in face in the thumbnail

• Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream
• MyFace MyMix Foundation in 02 Fair
• Clinique Coloursurge Eye Shadow Duo in Victorian Pink
• L'oreal Superfine Liner Perfect Slim in Black
• Rimmel Matte Eyeshadow in Jet Black
• Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara in Black
• Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light Bisque
• Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 3 Medium
• MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy
• Marks and Spencer Limited Collection Bronzer in Light
• Collection Shimmer Shades in Way to Glow
• Collection Shimmer Shades in Blushalicious
• Natural Collection Pressed Powder in Warm
• Clarins Crystal balm in 02 Crystal Pink
• MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Fuscia Fix
• Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey
• MAC Lipstick in Lustering
• Revlon Colour Burst Lip Butter in Sweet Tart

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip Balm Stain

I've been desperate to try out the new Clinique Chubby Sticks but I'm trying to be good as I have quite enough lipsticks and babies aren't cheap but I couldn't resist the new Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip Balm Stain which looks pretty much the same but is a fraction of the price at £5.99 (Chubby Sticks are £16). Revlon do another Lip Balm Stain which comes with a stain pen at one end and a balm at the other but I noticed that quite a few of the balms had snapped off so I went for the big stick instead.

I really love it - it's easy to apply, the colour I chose (Honey) is gorgeous and quite natural and really non-drying on the lips. I wouldn't call it is a stain though, I have always needed to reapply when I've worn it, but maybe a little less often than a lipstick but the stick format makes it so easy to carry around and apply that it really doesn't matter and it wears off evenly so nothing to worry about on that front.

I definitely want to get this in other colours just because they are such good value for money and so easy to use but I'm also thinking I should maybe get a Clinique Chubby Stick too... just for a comparison. I used this all last week whilst working on a film set and could quickly re-apply without a mirror and be sure that it looked good.

Revlon Falsies

I hate wearing false nails. I'm quite lucky, my nails do chip and fall off sometimes but I can grow my own talons sometimes so I never use fake nails as I don't want to upset my own too much. I also just have memories of sticking my fingers together and the nails flipping off every ten minutes and having to be glued back on.

Not so the new Revlon false nails. They are easy to apply and even easier to file to suit your nail shape and they are rock solid - these babies are not going anywhere. With new glitter designs such as Minx which I tried these are great for a little boost on the finger front. The only annoying thing was removing them - you are instructed to hold your hands in acetone based nail varnish remover until the nails dissolve and not remove them by taking them off yourself. I found it much easier to soak them for a bit and then pull them off. I think I would have grown old if I'd waited for them to dissolve off. I did it for half an hour and they were only dissolved a little bit. The ones I pulled off came off completely and nearly two weeks later I still have remnants of the ones I let dissolve on my nails!!

This does mean however, that these puppies have staying power and are definitely worth a try if you are a fan of falsies.They don't have the new 'Runway' designs available in the UK yet but fantastic red, natural or french manicured so you still have some variety. I think the red ones look fantastic xx

Typical

It's been a while but it had to happen sooner or later. No 7 have stopped doing my standard everyday fail safe eyeshadow. I thought it may be a temporary blip but no... it's still not appeared after months of patient waiting. I could take the hint that I'm just not trendy anymore but no - instead I'm determined to find a replacement. And not only have I done so but I think I've found better.

I loved the No 7 in Opal because it was silvery white without being too 80's and OTT and the replacement, Revlon ColorStay 12 Hour Eye Shadow, well, it just looked too white and needs careful application but it's amazing. It says it will last for 12 hours but I have long ago stopped believing these kinds of claims but (and I hate to say this in case it jinx's it...) it seems to be true. I don't know whether during the day I manhandle my face or have particularly sweaty eyelids (I'd like to point out that they don't feel sweaty), but after a long day the eyeshadow is definitely... well, patchy. Not so for the Revlon. Having just looked in the mirror this puppy stays on - it's a dream come true. Now I just have to worry about when they decide that this is no longer fashionable. Then the hunt will continue. But for now I'd definitely recommend the Revlon ColorStay as a great eyeshadow for everyday use - whatever the colour! xx

Necessities

I have to get my disgust for today's News of the World off my chest before I can write this post. Today they had photo's of Kate Middleton stalking with Prince Charles saying that in today's gun culture they thought it was irresponsible. I was so cross because it's a perfect example of gun's being used responsibly in a tradition that has been going on for hundreds of years. Whether you agree with stalking or not there are people there who have been properly trained and who are using them in a safe environment. I think that we have a growing problem with gun crime but that doesn't mean anyone who handles a gun is going to use it dangerously. I hate that people waste time on tiny incidents when the serious ones keep getting worse.

Right - now that's over I think I tracked down four great nail varnishes on Friday (having convinced myself that they were necessities). The first was actually a Miss F find. It's Revlon Nail Enamel for £4.99 in One Perfect Coral. It looks slightly different depending on your skin tones - it looks more orange on Miss F and more red on me but what I love about it is that its a calmer alternative to a more post-box red. I can't stop looking at my hands!! The next is L'Oreal's Resist and Shine in 505. I can't track the actual colour down for some reason but this is a light red which is really girlie and pretty - I think it's the perfect red for toe nails. 17's Knockout Red is a cheaper, slightly darker version of the L'Oreal and 17 also do a great 3 in 1 clear nail varnish which moisturises and conditions and makes the perfect base and top coat. Both were just £2.59. I've been feeling like a real glamour puss since my nail fest at the weekend (Mr J had his eyes opened to a whole new world of the nail varnishing process). I will say that the Revlon did only manage to stay on for three-ish days but this is no criticism really. I have yet to find a nail varnish that can last longer than that and I've been trying for ten years!!

Right - the jury is in on the James Brown and Kate Moss new haircare range. First a bit from their press release...

"James Brown defines British hairdressing. One of the world's most sought after and influential session stylists: he has more British Vogue cover credits to his name than any other hairdresser. His signature brand of effortlessly cool hairstyling from grunge to high-octane glamour has influenced a generation "

"When formulating the range James called on his best friend and muse Kate Moss for her advice on fragrance direction and packaging aesthetics. This new partnership between James and Kate is a continuation of their long-term relationship which has seen them as best friends, flatmates, trusted confidantes and, on camera, as fashion catalysts. Kate's involvement also sees her as the face of the James Brown London brand, ensuring this exciting new launch is as much about James' and Kate's personalities, professional experience and personal favourites as it is about natural and efficacious ingredients. "

Now Miss F and I are pretty much the perfect testers for hair products. Her hair is naturally blonde and thick with curls at the end. Mine is fine, but there's lots of it and peroxided to within an inch of it's life. We both wash ours every other day but Miss F's can definitely go a bit further without washing than mine which, being fine tends to stick to my head and lose all volume. We were trying the dry hair shampoo and conditioner and the styling balm. Due to the peroxide my hair can be dry and frizzy. Miss F's has a tendency to frizz and although it's not dry - she wants it to shine.

I found that my hair felt really silky after using the James Brown products (the conditioner is pretty tough stuff so should just be applied to the ends of your hair) but the day after it lacked volume. Miss F loves it - she says it makes her hair feel shiny and her curls are proper curls rather than frizz. I think that a first wash with the James Brown and the second wash with the Thicker Fuller Hair Shampoo would do the trick for my hair (that's if I can get to the James Brown before Miss F). The Styling Balm is great is smells really nice and even though it feels quite hard (literally) to apply this actually ensures that you don't overdo it (which is the most upsetting thing). This range is definitely worth trying.

Got some more lovely treats in the post today so am off to check them out xx

Me, me, me

Lucky me had a really great weekend. Post dog-death Miss B was a little morose. I did go through the 'I have no friends I'm all alone' stage and now am safely out the otherside. The weather definately helped but so did doing something different with my time. Rather than the usual Sunday with Mr J spent drinking and eating too much whilst reading papers we went with Miss M, to a car boot sale in Battersea. But wait, we went one step further, we took a table, some chair, a great picnic and what seemed like half of Miss M's flat and did some selling. I was a little dubious at first but it was so much fun. I would really recommend it. Proof that there is still cool cheap stuff to do in London. It nearly but not quite made up for the fact that I am living in a building site and have had no hot water for over a week. I'm running out of places to shower which is not good.

Am now facing the usual poverty which the end of the first week of the month brings. Have luckily purchased Mr J's birthday present but for some reason have no idea what I want myself... except about 100 different products of course but I just don't think that that can be my present from Mr J. However, it would be foolish of me not to browse under the circumstances. Here's what I've seen....

• Sue Devitt Beauty Eye Intensifier Pencil in Surat (£17.50). This deep shimmering bronze is great for adding definition and a bit of sparkle. It is smudge proof and waterproof so this works great as either and intensive liner or lighter for smokey eyes.
  



• Paul and Joe Serum (£22) a grease free intensive moisturiser. This frangrance free serum contains honey to aid moisture retention.
  
  
• Shiseido the Make-up Silky eye shadow quad in Lunar phases (£24)
  
  
• Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Frosted (£17) used in the morning and evening this plumper contains the latest in 'lip plumping technologies'.

• Revlon Bedroom Eyes poweder liner in Fishnet Jet (£8)
  


• Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Body Spray (£13) can be used everywhere and even works upside down. Not wanting to be too gross but I want to try this on the hard to get bit between the shoulder blades!



• Bliss Love Handler (£28). This seems to be being recommended everywhere. It releases caffine over an extended period of time which increases your metabolism. Best used with FatGirlSlim...
  


• GHD Summer Travel Bag (£145) comes with a styler and heat proof pouch and some travel sized goodies. Terribly extravagent especially if, like me, you already have some GHD's but I can't help myself.
  



• Elizabeth Arden's Smokey Eyes Powder Eye Pencil (£12)

One thing I've noticed since getting older is that presents you saw your older relatives getting when you were younger and thought were rubbish you now really want. If anyone is stuck for what to get me, anything from L'Occitane, The White Company, Molton Brown, Jo Malone (... you get the idea) is perfect. The thought of a receiving a scented candle drove the seven year old me into a decline now I adore them. xxx