Dior Addict Lipstick - Shade 249 Diorissime

I'm a big fan of the Dior Addict lipsticks so I was very excited to find one in my stocking this Christmas!

I love these lipsticks because they are intensely moisturising and very glossy.  I suffer with chapped lips, particularly at this time of year, so it's great to find a lipstick that keeps my lips hydrated.

Shade 249 is a gorgeous coral colour with a slight shimmer.  It is one of the sheerer shades of the Dior Addict lipstick line so it's a good option if you're looking for a subtle lip colour.

Lots of love & happy new year!

Lather, Rinse, Repeat...

Just a quick one to remind you lovely ladies to wash your make-up brushes regularly.  Make-up and dirt will build up on them over time and keeping them clean will help prevent blemishes.  I try to wash mine out once every couple of weeks. 

To wask your brushes, wet the bristles in warm water and pour a small amount of mild shampoo into the palm of your hand.  Move the brush in circular motions in the shampoo to build up a lather and then rinse.  Repeat, and then leave to air dry.

It's best to use baby shampoo to clean your make-up brushes as it won't contain an harsh chemicals that could damage them.  Also don't rub your brushes dry, just lay them flat on a towel in free flowing air.

Maybelline One by One Volum' Express Mascara

At the moment I'm using Maybelline One by One Volum' Express mascara and I think it's fab!

This is why Maybelline think you'll love it...

• Patented Lash Catcher™ brush has 3 bristles per lash to make every lash count
• Catches, coats and de-clumps each lash to make them all fatter and flirtier
• Instant clump-free volume
• Contact lens safe and ophthalmologist-tested
• Washable, also available in Waterproof formula

I couldn't agree more!  The brush is easy to work with, my lashes don't clump, and it gives great length and volume.

No mascara

With two coats of One by One

The only down side is that the brush is quite large so it's more difficult to do the lower lashes.
Definitely worth a try!

Love,

Not So Express: The Falsies Volume Mascara

I'm reaching the end of my Maybelline The Falsies Volume Express mascara and I don't think I'll be buying this one again. Usually I quite like Maybelline products but I've struggled to get to grips with this one.

The bristle brush is difficult to work with and although it adds some volume to my lashes, it's a challenge to stop them clumping together. The mascara lengthens my lashes fairly well but again it's really hard work. I've found it difficult to grip my lashes with the brush and the time I spend applying mascara in the morning does seem to have doubled!

Before

After

As I've persevered, the mascara seems to have become a little easier to work with, although I've probably just got used to the morning challenge!

Hopefully I'll have better news to report with my next mascara!

xBBx

Dior Addict Lipstick... I J'Adore It!

On my recent visit to Debenhams Beauty I found myself at the Dior counter (yet again) getting far too excited!  This time it was over the Dior Addict lipsticks... 
The new Iconic range, fronted by Kate Moss, is a collection of 44 vibrant colours with high shine.  Not only are the colours to die for but the Iconic lipsticks have 25% less wax than classic lipsticks.  Instead they contain an innovative gel that provides intense hydration and a magnifying glass effect to intensify the shine and colour.

I walked away from the Dior counter with a shade named Singuliere, but wish I could have bought them all!  The packing is gorgeous and the intense hydration is a real bonus for me and my chapped lips!

Singuliere is a bright pink with surprisingly good staying power for a glossy lipstick!  It is also very easy to apply thanks to what Dior are calling a 'melting texture.' 

If you're trying to decide which brand and shade of lipstick to use on your wedding day, Dior Addict is definitely worth considering.  Check out all 44 colours on the Debenhams Beauty website.

I certainly plan to add some more Iconic colours to my make-up bag!

xBBx

Lip Service

I really suffer from chapped lips. It doesn't seem to matter what time of year it is or what the weather is like. If I don't have a permanent coat of lip balm, my lips will be chapped within the hour!

This was a real concern for me on my wedding day.  After my make-up was applied, I knew I would have a 30 minutes drive to the church and then a 45 minute marriage service.  What I didn't want was chapped lips half way through my vows! 

On the day I used MAC Prep + Prime Lip underneath my lipstick. It's a primer that goes on clear and provides a moisturising layer between your lips and lipstick.  Each time I reapplied my lippy throughout the day, I also reapplied the primer.  It certainly did the trick!  From sunrise to sunset on my wedding day my lips were soft and smooth.

So if you are anything like me, I would definitely recommend this product.  It will cost you £10.50 at Debenhams Beauty.  Worth every penny in my opinion!

xBBx

J'Adore Dior

It was all about Dior Skin when I visited Debenhams Beauty in Oxford Street this past Saturday.  I've been a huge fan of their make-up for years and despite using SkinFlash and Forever Pressed Powder on a daily basis, I've never tried one of their foundations.  I thought it was about time I gave one a go... 

I'm very fussy with foundation and not an easy customer!  I don't like foundation to feel heavy or thick on my skin but I do need good coverage as (despite being in my twenties) I still get spots.  The Dior ladies are always fabulous and on this occasion I had Jing helping me.  She removed my skin make-up with Dior Instant Cleansing Water and then used these products..

To transform my skin from this... 




Spotty & blotchy - yuck!


To this....





Glowing!



I would highly recommend Dior Nude foundation for a lightweight feel with good coverage.  To help your foundation stay put and to prevent oiliness, you should apply a primer to your skin first.  Remember to apply liquid foundation with a foundation brush, starting in the centre of your face and working outwards.

The Shimmer Powder gives your skin a beautiful glow.  I choose 002 Amber Diamond for a slightly bronzed look as my skin is very pale. 001 Rose Diamond also looked great though! 

So next time you're in Debenhams, pop by to see the Dior ladies.  They will give you great advice and these fantastic Dior Skin products will help your skin look flawless on your big day!

 Love xBBx

Lengthy Lashes

Having tried No.7 Dream Lash mascara and been rather disappointed, I was surprised recently to discover that my mum's lovely lashes were thanks to the new No.7 Exceptional Definition mascara.

It turns out mums really do know best... I've tried it and I love it!  The brush is amazing as it grips the lashes to coat them to the very ends and the bristles on the tip of the brush helped me lengthen even the difficult to reach lashes in the corners. See my lashes before, and then after using Exceptional Definition in the brown/black colour...

With no clumping or flaking, Exceptional Definition is absolutely worth the £12.50.  Once you have the definition created with the first coat, you can apply further coats to build on the volume of your lashes too!