Monday 21 September 2015

Givenchy Teint Couture Collection: Teinte Couture Balm, Teint Couture Long-Wearing Fluid Foundation, Teint Coutur Embellishing Concealer and Noir Couture Volume

Givenchy is a stellar brand that always seems to be under the radar compared to other couture beauty brands like Dior, Armani etc .  I really think they they excel in development of new foundation technology. Their Teint Couture Collection offers an outstanding complexion line up- From the *NEW* Teint Couture Balm, The TC Long-wearing fluid Foundation and  *NEW* TC Embellishing concealer. There is also the TC powder compact of which I have yet to own, since I do not gravitate towards powder foundations, though the Givenchy SA assured me this powder is perfect for setting the balm and foundation....


TC Balm, TC concealer, TC Foundation, Noir Couture Volume



Teint Couture Balm in Shade 4
This is lightweight creamy lotion that blurs pores and imperfections without the usual heavy silicone feel of other 'blur' effect complexion enhancers. For me this sits somewhere between a tinted moisturiser with the added benefit of making my pores and skin look polished will still looking like healthy fresh skin. It adds a glossy natural finish to my oily skin that lasts the whole day. The glossy natural finish is different to when we talk about foundations that have a radiant finish- as in foundations that have some sort of micro-pearl within the foundation to create radiance. This Balm is more of a plumped healthy gloss that reads natural. There is no melting of this beautiful foundation. I chose shade 4. It goes on seemingly lighter than my skin but once I've finished with my other makeup this is one of the best matches ever for my skin! I do powder through my T-zone to give it a slightly matte effect- I suspect dry girls could skip this step. It has a SPF 15 PA++ sun protection - always good for a daily foundation (though always wear a separate SPF for added protection). This has become my go to every day face! I cannot recommend it enough, which I did in fact do. My friend went out, sampled it and bought it the next day!

Teint Couture Long-Wearing Fluid Foundation in Shade 4
A buildable medium coverage foundation. It is described as having 'made to measure coverage ' and I'm sure if fuller coverage is your preference you could achieve it without any heaviness. This long wearing foundation gives me a very polished finish without looking too done. It has a demi matte finish - it never looks flat but allows the skin to retain dimension. This foundation also even out my complexion and blurs pores with ease and looks like velvet (in a good way.) After a few hours it still remains but with a slight dewiness. It never descends into a oil slick and never breaks up. It has a SPF 20 PA++. I have not tested it with flash photography.

Teint Couture Embellishing Concealer in Shade 2
I bought this item on a whim as it had received some unfavourable reviews. I am happy to report that I absolutely adore this concealer. As you can see, it has a pink 'illuminating' section together with the traditional concealer part in stick form. It feels quite hard to the touch, but it has a very light texture with good coverage. I either draw straight onto my underage (rarely do with other concealers) or draw onto my 'hand" palette and dab and warm product onto my undereye area. It has never once accentuated fine line and while not overly moisturising my under eye, it looks good. I have used it for spot concealing and will typically use only the concealer section. I have to admit I have not just used the pink section for highlighting on its own. I would definitely buy it again.

Noir Couture Volume
First, lets all just swoon over such sexy packaging. Hefty looking but actually quite portable, the mascara is housed in a gorgeous slick tube. It has a dense big brush. I usually favour these over the newer silicone skinny brushes. This mascara give big, bold lashes. It does not flake and stays intact till I take it off. If its high impact lashes you are looking for this would be a good product for you!


I have to say Givenchy has won over my heart with these products. I have already started trialling their Airy Light Mat Radiance and best selling Phot'Perfexion Fluid foundations and so far I'm impressed with me leaning toward two huge thumbs up for both of them.

Is there a brand that you wish had more attention?
xx




Tuesday 15 September 2015

Chanel Summer 2015 - My picks: Stylo Eyeshadow in Olivine and Laurier Rose

Hi everyone!

These were part of Chanel's summer collection and hopefully if you like them some counters should still have the in stock....... while Fall and Holiday collection start to fall!
 The Chanel Mediterranee collection landed on our shores a few weeks back and today I bring you my picks. The Ombre A' Paupie'res Effet Frais made their first appearance in the Chanel Lineup if I'm not mistaken last year spring. I enjoyed using them last year, so when I saw these two gorgeous and unusual shades I grabbed these two limited edition's. These shades are both perfect for the upcoming "pumpkin' season and I think lend themselves more to Fall than summer.

Olivine, Laurier Rose
Laurier Rose, Olivine

The formula has that oddly cool effect when applied to the eye. This obviously does not last long and I'm not convinced that the product needs this gimmick. My peepers however, do feel momentarily refreshed!
The shade Laurier Rose is a stunning shade of rose gold- essentially a glistening peach. This reached fully opacity in a single swipe.

Olivine is a shade that I have no match to in my stash. Its an almost matte moss green.
Both these shades are unusual enough to warrant a purchase! They are not my favourite shadow stick but are still high quality and last pretty well on my oily lids.
What was your favourite summer collection for 2015?
xx

Monday 14 September 2015

Clinique Pop Lip Colour and Prime in Nude Pop and Grape Pop

Clinique is definitely coming to the party. From a fairly unexciting repertoire they are releasing a slew of exciting new products. These lovely Colour Pops were released a few months back. These are meant to prep the lips and add colour, all in one cute, compact product. I chose Nude Pop from the nudes offered - a sheer, slightly pearlescent lively nude. A perfect, every day ,' throw it on like my fave pair of jeans' nude. Grape Pop is a juicy lilac purple . Its a fun colour which can be layered to reach full intensity. Both wear well and feel hydrating on my lips. They do 'prime' the lip as the colour sits well on the lips and does not accentuate any lines or bleed. I have since picked up another shade Plum Pop. They are described as demi matte - I'm not sure in my experience this is how I would describe them. They are more of a demi satin - neither opaque nor sheer in colour saturation with a moist feel and look to them.


Beige Pop, Grape Pop

Beige Pop, Grape Pop one swipe each
These are  lovely lipsticks that I cannot fault. They will still satisfy the more conservative Clinque customer while gaining fans with their great formula and easy colours. A definite win from Clinique.
What POP shade should be next on my wish list?
Oh and yes "Hello again"!
xx