High-end beauty products: March 2012

So today I thought I would give you a further insight into my make-up collection by talking about the cosmetics that I find I am using a lot right now. Just to confirm, I do not follow any beauty trends at all – if I like something I will try it out and make it my own or I just stick to a very natural look generally.

Firstly, I am going to tell you about my favourite lipsticks of the moment. I am very pro-bright lips; I think that it can add a new dimension to a very plain outfit and bring a whole new element to your personal style.

Yves Saint Laurent, Rouge Pure Shine – Wild Blackberry

This colour is absolutely gorgeous to put it bluntly. When I saw the packaging I have to admit I was a little bit hesitant to try the product as, as you can see in the picture below, the colour on the outside of the lipstick indicates that it may be a brownish colour; however, it really is not. The name ‘Wild Blackberry’ describes the colour spot on, as it is a deep purple-red. They retail at around £20, depending on the store; I think I got mine for £23.50 in John Lewis (my lovely granny bought me it). I should probably mention that this lipstick is very sheer and works fantastically with my lips as they tend to get dry quickly when I put product on them. The only negative I can think of with this product is that it can wear away very fast and you might find yourself having to retouch it often.

Chanel – Rouge Allure – #38 Luminous

I’m not really that sure what this lipstick is actually called but it is number 38 of the Rouge Allure collection (if you do know the name please comment and let me know).

This lipstick is such a natural colour and that is what I like about it. I said previously that I like a bold colour on the lips; however, when you are wearing a complicated outfit sometimes it is nice to have some neutrality on your face – this is where this lipstick comes in perfectly. I like it because it has a creamy formula and also has a little shimmer to it, which rounds it off perfectly. I adore the packaging and think it is very chic – I don’t think it looks as good in pictures as it does in real life, please take my word for it! I believe it retails for £24. I didn’t buy my one as I found it routing through a collection of my mums make-up that she had in a box and doesn’t use anymore so I can’t tell you how much she got it for.

The next product I’m going to share with you is my favourite bronzer, possibly of all time. I think it is incredible and once again it happened to be one of mums rejected ones that I found in her goldmine of make-up around a year ago.

Chanel – Joudes Contraste – Brume D’or

I think I have basically summed up how much I like it above. The bronzer, in my opinion, looks great with all sorts of skin tones. I use mine for usually contorting my cheeks as I am not blessed with prominent ones like some very lucky people; however, if I feel like my skin has no colour to it and needs a bit of love I will dust the bronzer across the natural points the sun would usually hit (across my cheekbone instead of under them, down my nose, across my forehead and a small bit on my chin). The product does come with a brush but I would really recommend in getting a larger one, e.g. the MAC 182, to apply it with – I have a Lancôme one and it works a treat.

          

To end this post I’m going to talk about the newest perfume in my collection. I was a bit apprehensive about buying it as I didn’t have much money left in my bank account at the time but I knew deep down I wouldn’t be disappointed if I invested in it and I am so glad I did because it really hasn’t disappointed!

Yves Saint Laurent – Elle

I know perfumes are an entirely personal thing so I’m not entirely sure why I’m writing about this product as it wont appeal to some readers but then again it might to others and I love it so much that I felt it was worth a section of a post on my blog. I am not a fan of obviously floral or very sweet smells in perfume as I find they make me feel a little bit nauseous in the morning – very odd, I know! The perfume has been described by critics as bold, sassy, classy and sexy. The pictures I have inserted below do not do the bottle any justice, as it looks fabulous in real life when light is reflected through it. If you already have this perfume and are looking for another I would really recommend the Armani Code for women EDP (Eau de Parfume) – when I purchased Elle I was in-between the two, the only thing that swayed me was the name embarrassingly! Elle retails at £56 in most shops. I got mine in Harrods at a reduced price due to the sales after Christmas, which I was really pleased about.

                    

“Beneath the makeup and behind the smile I am just a girl who wishes for the world.”  – Marilyn Monroe

I hope you enjoyed this post and it was, somewhat, helpful. I am in the middle of testing a new product that I will review next week so remember to look out for that on Saturday!

Elle, x

Hair care: Guy Kremer products.

As I mentioned on my post last Saturday, I have been testing some hair products in the last few weeks. I am going to give an overview of each of the products and my final review on the different aspects of each.

Today, I’m going talk about the Guy Kremer Professional Salon Style range. Guy Kremer is an internationally renowned hairdresser and his range definitely lives up to expectations, as I have really liked the results it has given me over the last two weeks.

Guy Kremer Hydro Rescue Cleanser

I have to admit it is one of the best shampoos I have used for getting a proper deep clean. At first, once you’ve washed it out your hair may feel a little difficult to handle but from products I have used in the past that generally means that my hair has been thoroughly washed.

Guy Kremer Hydro Rescue Rebalancer

This is the conditioner and I am a huge fan. I usually use a lot of conditioner, as I like to try and make my hair look as shiny and healthy as possible because I have dyed my hair quite a lot in the last year or so and, therefore, is a little bit lacklustre. I have found that I do not need to use much of this rebalancer in order to get the same effect as I would with a lot of any other regular conditioner, which is great (and saves money).

Together these products work amazingly and my hair has never failed to have a gorgeous shine to it. If anyone is interested, or wants an easy natural way to dry their hair, I usually air dry it or wrap my hair in a towel so the heat trapped from my head dries it. I find this a very effective method in making my hair soft and shiny. It also means that there is no artificial heat used which would damage and dry it out more than necessary.

‘I passionately sought out the best of ingredients to create products which feel lovely, smell gorgeous and work brilliantly,’ – Guy Kremer.

Guy Kremer Perfume & Gloss Spray

This does what it says in the title. I really like the smell of it and the fragrance lasts all day.

Many of my friends have asked me for recommendations on which shampoos they should buy that leave a long lasting smell in your hair but lets be honest, there are various ones which have the capability of letting the smell last for a little while but no more than a few hours. This product honestly lasts all day and the fragrance is still as strong in the evening as it was when you first put it in earlier that day.

I have to admit I did make a rookie error the first time I used it as I didn’t think I had sprayed it properly onto my hair so I kept pressing it; not realizing that in the mean time my hair was getting covered in oil. Woops! That was entirely my fault though as I didn’t read that I was only supposed to apply a ‘fine mist’ to my hair because I was so eager to use it.

Anyway to sum up this product, it is really fantastic and I think every girl should own it.

Guy Kremer Frizz Fix Hair Spray – Firm Hold

This is the last product of Guy’s range that I have been testing and I love it. It smells so good! I usually have a phobia of breathing in hairspray and I run away every time I spray it into my hair but as bad, and weird, as this might sound I really could just sit and smell this product all day. It lasts throughout the day, which is essential for a hair spray especially in my case as I’m always out and about around my school and in various other places when I’m home.

I don’t think I can fault this range at all, as you may have noticed, and really hope you all go and try it for yourself, as I highly doubt you will be disappointed with it.

Elle, x

A new direction: skincare basics

After careful consideration I have decided that I am going to turn ‘ELLEboyce’ into, both, a fashion and beauty blog as I have an equal amount of love for both.

Most of my friends know I am a complete cosmetic freak. I have spent a horrifying amount of money on different products/cosmetics over the years. I like to think that each beauty product, individually, has enhanced or helps the way I look (obviously some products are a let down and not worth the money).  I want to give you all an insight to what I buy: what is worth the investment, and maybe not so much.

So without further ado lets get stuck into this post!

I’m going to start with the basics, or essentials, this week, as that is the base of achieving your ‘beauty potential’:

Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare

I swear by this stuff. The range is a must-have in my skincare routine and never fails to please. It comes with a cloth that helps to remove the cleanser, along with dead skin cells and dirt, and makes your skin look even more radiant than it did before.

Advantages of the range:

• Easy to use.
• Smells fresh, is not perfumed.
• Made of only natural ingredients.
• Works for all skin-types.
• Most stores give an introduction about how to use the different products.
• You can buy various sizes i.e. a starter kit or a 100ml pump.
• The packaging is easy to clean

Disadvantages of the range:

• It can lead to break outs when you start using it due to its thorough cleaning and repairing but bear with it!

One point that I thought is neither a disadvantage nor an advantage is that it is quite expensive but you do pay for the great quality.

This is certainly a product I would recommend to you all as I think it is most definitely worth the investment. The picture below is my lovely Auntie Fran whom uses the Liz Earle products like me and, in fact, introduced me to them. If the look of her skin does not encourage you to buy these products I do not know what will – it looks incredible.

Galatéis Doucher

This is a cleanser from Lancôme, a company I must admit I have a little bit of an obsession with.

The cleanser is great for those lazy days when you just cannot be bothered to stand around the sink and wash your face or, simply, you do not have the time.

To use this product you just simply squeeze the fluid onto your hands and massage into your face. You then wipe off the excess with a cotton wool pad and voila; you have had a good cleanse in all of 2 minutes.

I used this product for 2 months after I had run out of my Liz Earl Cleanse & Polish and I have to admit it did wonders for my skin. It is a very good back up!

Advantages of the product:

• No initial break-outs
• Modestly priced for a high-end brand
• Smells fresh
• Quick to use

Disadvantages of the product:

• Packaging gets messy quickly
• Packaging is not appealing to the eye
• You don’t feel as thoroughly cleansed as with some other products

I hope this post has given you an insight into some products that I use in my skincare routine, and recommend. I also hope you like that I am now talking about beauty products as well, I thought it gave my blog a bit more diversity and I am very passionate about it.

At the moment I am testing a few hair care products; to give you an accurate review I am putting them through a 2-week trial. Keep a look out for that post!

Elle, x

Saturday blogs

Hey guys,

I have decided that I am, instead of everyday, going to post only on a Saturday. I have made this decision due to the fact that this year I have my GCSEs to do and it is quite difficult to balance work and blogging. I hope you understand!

If you have any feedback for me I would love to hear it. My email address for that purpose is: ELLEboyce@hotmail.co.uk

Thank you for your support so far!

Remember to come back every Saturday for a new post!

Elle, x

The little black dress

“One is never over nor underdressed in a little black dress” – Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel formally introduced the little black dress, or LBD for short, to the world in 1926. Chanel believed that fashion should be functional as well as chic and this creation defines her philosophy perfectly.

The dress has been adapted ever since by many designers who have all put their own mark on it. Obviously Chanel did not invent the LBD; it had been around for many years before, but in the words of Ali Basye ‘The LBD was around before Chanel’s crepe de chine number appeared in Vogue, but she told us to wear it, and so we did.”

          

Chanel’s little black dress was featured in American Vogue on October 1^st 1926. At this time her everyday creations were hardly praised and were mainly dismissed by society as not being true haute couture. Nevertheless, Vogue still gave her a place in their magazine with the following paragraph and picture being featured in it.

The Chanel “Ford” the frock that all the world will wear is model 817 of black crepe de chine. The bodice blouses slightly at the front and sides and has a tight bolero at the back. Especially chic is the arrangement of tiny tucks which cross in front.

The era of the little black dress really took off in 1961 when Audrey Hepburn wore one, designed by Givenchy, in the classic film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The iconic dress sold for over £400,000 in an auction.

        

The LBD is now seen as an essential item for every woman in order to ‘complete’ her wardrobe due to its versatility. It can be dressed up for an evening out or dressed down to be worn more casually during the day. Depending on how you wear it, it can be seen as elegant and stylish or very modest (the way Edith Piaf liked it to be. She believed that it took away the focus of what she was wearing and gave more attention to her singing).

Elle, x

Versace for H&M

On the 21^st of June 2011 it was announced to the world that H&M had decided upon Versace as their next designer collaboration. Almost 5 months later the collection was available in selected countries on 17^th November and in others on 19^th November. The general public responded very well to it. There were even reports that people had begun queuing 22 hours before the official launch time.

The collection sold out within hours, which meant people like me, who go to boarding school where the technicians block all forms of enjoyment throughout the day, such as shopping websites (which is maybe for the best) weren’t able to secure an item from the collection.

Little did I know though that one of my friends, Kertu, had got me the most divine ring from the collaboration for Christmas. I am forever grateful to her for it!

A subsequent second range came out on 19^th January 2012, known as the Cruise collection. The range was covered in fruity patterns and the colour scheme was a clever one, it demonstrated a variety of refreshing, light hues that reflect the way many people perceive spring summer collections and the lack of seriousness those seasons have for many.

‘I am thrilled to be collaborating with H&M and to have the opportunity of reaching their wide audience,’ – Donatella Versace

‘The collection will be quintessential Versace, perfect for H&M and Versace fans everywhere.’ – Donatella Versace

Some people found the collections to be overly ambitious for H&M’s usual audience: the members of the public who just want to shop for high-street fashion. On the contrary, others were impressed with how the collaboration turned out and, as we can tell by how quickly it sold out, I think it was yet another success for H&M.

I think it is great that H&M do various collaborations with so many well-known high-end brands. It encourages the general public to explore fashion further without ‘breaking the bank’.

Elle, x

Alexander McQueen Skull Scarf

Recently I managed to get my hands on one of Alexander McQueen’s gorgeous Skull Scarfs. I thought I would write a post in dedication to it, as it has now become a ‘staple’ item in my wardrobe. I have the black one and I am so pleased with how many different items in my wardrobe it goes with. I love that it makes a simple outfit look so much more interesting, so effortlessly.

                           

The scarfs are made of 100% silk and look absolutely incredible however you wear them: as a sarong, a shawl, flung loosely or wrapped around the neck, even on your handbag. The possibilities really are endless to the individuality stamp you can put on an outfit with it. Not only can you wear it in lots of different ways, it also comes in 28 different official colours.

Alexander McQueen was known for using the skull frequently in his designs, which is probably the reason why the Skull Scarf is now recognized worldwide as being amongst one of his most well known creations.

I really can’t give this scarf enough praise. Its versatility is an absolute dream and it certainly is one item I would recommend for anyone reading to go out and buy (you may have to save up for a little while beforehand though, even though it is modestly priced for high-end fashion and one of his designs it isn’t exactly a high-street bargain!).

I will be uploading a post on one of my favorite collections of McQueen’s next week so if you, like me, are an avid fan of his designs and individuality keep an eye out for it!

I thought I should just add in that this post is also to honour and show my respect to the late Lee Alexander McQueen, who’s death was a year ago this time next week. He really was a truly unique artist like no other. Rest in Peace.

Elle, x