Topshop make-up out today

It all looks as good expected, check it out here at the Topshop website. Most excited about their lilac nail varnish, named after my favourite sweet: Parma Violets. Now to get me some (make-up and sweets that is).

Rimmel London Lippy

This makes me sad:

 I absolutely hate this packaging for Rimmel's new lipsticks. It offends me so much I nearly didn't put a picture of it up on the blog because I thought it would immediately lower the tone after the extremely classy Persuaders post. In real life, the high shine pink and gold with embossed crown is even worse because it is made out of the cheapest, flimsiest plastic. Ugh. Sort it out, Rimmel.

The sad thing is, I saw them while I was messing around at the high street make-up counters and the colours are actually quite nice. One in particular, called Tell No One, was very nice. But I just couldn't bring myself to buy it - maybe if it was on offer. But it was £5.99 - and I couldn't imagine getting £6 worth of enjoyment from the tacky, cheapo packaging. This is why brands should stick to simple designs, and black if they are ever in any doubt.

Topshop Make up

I'm really, really, really very excited about the Topshop Make up collection. I love the packaging, and the colours are bang on. As you would expect from Topshop. Drool.

Slightly worried about the quality though as I remember Topshop used to sell that 'Pop' make up and it was pretty rubbish. Since this is their own range and it has been much anticipated by all the fashion press and blogs I assume they will have raised the quality. The make up was created by Lizzie Dawson, a Topshop designer, and the range seems to be based more on fashion looks rather than beauty trends. The 'Festival' range was used on the Topshop Unique catwalk for a sort of Woodland hippy, wild caveman look. (Which brings to my mind that advert for chicken pieces in a packet where the woman turns into some sort of werewolf creature. Ahem. I'm pretty sure that reformed chicken bits were not the inspiration for the range.)

I don't go in for very neutral/bronze make up so I'm reserving judgement on it at the moment, but the main range is right up my eye-popping street. Yay!

Anyway, it's out in May so get thee to Toppers!

Revlon Trend Review

I have never bought Revlon make up in my life. It always seemed staid and aimed at the, ahem, older lady.

As I was buying foundation (Bourjois 8 hour sleep effect, meh - it's ok) I noticed the new range of colours Revlon had introduced and was pretty impressed. They also have a new Matte collection; very on trend and good for a relaxed, not-tried-too-hard look when worn with a simple face.

The Strawberry Suede lipstick has a lovely texture and finish, and it's a great colour. I'm planning to wear it with just mascara and my usual pale face for day, and add some flicky eyeliner and heavy bottom lashes for night.

I liked the look of Nude Attitude, it seems like it would provide the perfect cushiony sixtie's lip...but it seemed too similar to the Illamasqua lipstick I had ordered to justify buying it. Unfortunately.

The lipglosses are great punchy shades for summer. The bright fuscia pink is brilliant, but the coral looks best when applied over a little concealer on the lips to make the colour pop. Most importantly the lipglosses aren't too sticky; they have staying power without that annoying gloopy finish that means strands of hair are constantly stuck to your mouth.

The lilac/mauve shade called out to me but I restrained myself. It looks ace but I'm just not sure what kind of make up that would go with? Suggestions welcome! The new colours also include mint and lilac nail varnishes, which really reminded me of candy necklaces. Mmmm.

I am also coming round to Revlon's basic packaging, when the colours are this good it's nice to have them visible and framed by simple black lids. So now I'm a Revlon convert! At least the range is reasonably priced so this isn't going to require an overdraft extension, unlike all the things Lisa Eldridge is making me buy.

Candy Nails

Just bought the lemon and peach colours to complete the set! Although you need a few coats and a decent topcoat the colours come out exactly as they look; very opaque with great 60's style white base undertones. And of course, they link in very nicely with the whole pastel trend.

I can't wait to paint every nail a different colour now. They will complement the Club Tropicana summer wardrobe I'm planning...See above for the full horror of my eightie's dreamboat plans.

Avene Cleanser = Super

After coming across the very beautiful and luscious skinned Lisa Eldridge and her make up tutorials I was inspired to take my skin care regime to the next level. That's right...it was time for expensive French products.

Lisa does a really brilliant video about her skin care, naming her favourite products and explaining the reasoning behind her personal skin care regime. Amongst her army of lotions and potions (Lisa advises alernating between your favourites so your skin doesn't get used to them), the highly recommended Avene cleanser stood out to me.

I may have been slightly hynotised by Lisa's massive eyes and lovely eyebrows and porcelain skin at this point...but I felt very strongly that my skin wasn't clean enough. I wanted it to be as clean as Lisa's. She kept repeating the word clean, and other variations on that theme...and within an hour I was on my way into town, determined to buy products and stuff. I am already a highly suggestible person (especially when it comes to mascara adverts, even though I know it's all 'enhanced in post-production' I still buy them all - curse their false promises!), so something that was personally recommended by someone who actually had great skin was just too promising to resist.

And then it was buy 2 get 1 free in Boots. I stood no chance. I came home with the Avene Gentle Cleanser, Skin Recovery Cream and their Thermal Spring Water Spray. I can't resist a good spray.

I got home, a few quid lighter, but very pleased with myself for buying grown up products with sensible packaging.

After using the cleansing milk on my face I realised I had never truely removed my eye make up in about 8 years. Since I started wearing it, then. Already my skin looked a lot fresher, and it was so soothing my usually dry and sensitive skin seemed hydrated already. After applying the moisturiser too my skin felt and looked better than it had for years. Literally, years. I can't recommend these products enough - and I think the Spray will really come into it's own on holidays and in the hot weather.

I only wish I had invested in my face sooner. As someone with quite bad skin I had always opted for trying to strip the top layer of it off - thanks to Lisa I may have realised my terrible mistake just in time. It's all about doing things gently.