My Cheeky Duty Free Purchase

Evening ladies,

I've just returned from my week away in the beautiful south-east of Gran Canaria and thought I would share with you what I have to show for my 5 hours in duty free (my flight was delayed - whoops!).

During the time I waited I met my perfect lipstick: matte, smooth, dusty-pink and all in beautiful Chanel packaging.

It's from the Rouge Allure Velvet collection in La Raffinée, which according to Google Translate means 'refined' ... and boy do I feel refined when I wear it! 

Swatch without flash:
above - applied once
below - applied twice

Swatch with flash:
same as above picture

On the lips

I'm totally in love with this, although it was a bit pricey even with the duty free discount (RRP £25.00) I really don't mind paying it once in a blue moon for the amazing quality that Chanel offers in it's lipsticks. If you like matte lippy like me then make your way down to the Chanel counter ASAP because this texture is exactly what it says on the tin - it feels like velvet on your lips and is truly unique in that respect. It's not too drying and even the wear is incredible, it lasts most of the day and even when it rubs of it leaves a beautiful stain to the lips. Not to mention this colour is to die for. 

What are some of your favourite matte lipsticks?

Hollie x

ps. yes I did take these photos on the plane  - I was excited! 

A Quest for the Perfect Summer Foundation?

As a newcomer to high-end foundations, I'm finding it quite hard to find my feet in terms of finding the best foundation for my skin, especially now summer has arrived!


In the past I've always been an avid user of MaxFactor's foundation range, specifically their 'Lasting Performance' foundation which has high coverage and,  in my experience, actually does last on the face for the 8 hours it claims. However, as I've become more money-wise and able to save a little extra money to throw in the cosmetics pot, I discovered the divine appeal of high-end foundations through my first Chanel purchase - their VITALUMIÈRE AQUA  foundation in B10 - this product had such backing from the online beauty community - I wanted to see what all the fuss was about!

Needless to say, after my first feel of this silky-smooth beauty on my skin I was a changed woman, and it's fair to say it will take an out-of-this-world product to tempt me to go back to drugstore foundation products again! I would definitely recommend trying this out if you have dry to combination skin as it's so moisturising and gives you that healthy, dewy glow that seems to be so in fashion nowadays (a proper review on this delight to come soon). 


However, although I LOVE the finish of this foundation and it's buildability, the red pigmentation and breakouts that often invade my cheeks in the oily summer months do somewhat miss the high coverage that their old Max Factor friend offered. In light of this cosmetic nostalgia I am on the market for the perfect summer foundation that offers the beautiful finish of the VITALUMIÈRE AQUA but with a little more coverage. After some research I've decided to go for one of the following:

- Estée Lauder Stay-in-Place Makeup: For a look that stays vibrant and fresh whether it's a workday, a workout or a weekend. Smooth it on once and don't think twice about it. 

- Nars Sheer Glow Foundation: A glowing, satin-finish foundation with sheer and buildable coverage. Replete with skincare benefits and the NARS Complexion Brightening Formula, skin is hydrated, more luminous, softer and smoother.

- Chanel Perfection Lumiere: Effortless to apply, with seamless blendability for a naturally flawless effect, this breakthrough foundation is the ideal all-day, everyday formula – suitable for all skin types in a diverse range of 20 shades. 

They all seem to offer longevity and buildable medium coverage, which one would you go for?