Clinique Help to Kiss It Better February 2011

For the fourth year running Clinique are partnering with Great Ormond Street Hospital Chldren's Charity for the Kiss It Better Appeal, raising money to fund research into the causes and treatment of childhood cancer.

This year Clinique has created a special Limited Edition set of Smoothie Kisses Lip Glosses.

The vitamin C Smoothie glosses are Pink Me Up, Goodness Grapecious, Nude-tricious and Mango-thon and come with a gorgeous bag! £22.

You can only find this set in House of Fraser throughout February and £4 from each sale goes to the charity (£2 from Clinique and £2 from HoF).

If this doesn't appeal then a £2 donation will also apply to all Clinique lipsticks and glosses sold throughout February which I think is brilliant!

Please do go and check out your local House of Fraser Clinique Counter in February to help this amazing cause.

When Worlds Collide...the IMATs Fall Out.

Over the weekend I found myself unfollowing a well known make-up artist and blogger on Twitter. Why did I unfollow them? Bad attitude, that’s why. So, what was so bad? Well, it was something of a rant about Lauren Luke's appearance at the IMAT's. Now let me start off by saying I am not a particular fan of Lauren Luke's. I once watched a couple of video's to see what the fuss was about, thought she seemed like a nice girl but she wasn't offering anything I felt directly relevant to me so I never really went back. I know since then there she's scored jobs, make up lines and books. Whilst I've not purchased a Lauren Luke product, I kind of thought to myself, good on her and that was that.


And so we fast forward to now and I gather she was a speaker at this years’ IMAT's (International Make-up Artist Trade Show), and I didn’t really think anything of it – after all she’s been on TV plenty of times offering a ‘real girl’ insight into how to apply a variety of make-up looks. But then I start noticing on Twitter grumblings from "proper" make-up artists, up in arms wondering why on earth she was there and a general grumbling about promoting "amateurism". I feel this is greatly unfair to Lauren who has never professed to be a professional make-up artist, but has made the most of the opportunities being an amateur has given her. It’s unfair to victimise her on Twitter so publicly in my view - is it so hard to consider you're talking about real people? Any valid points the Tweeter had were lost in a sea of what sounded like sour grapes.

To get to the heart of the matter, I can totally understand why it is a little galling to a trained professional to have an untrained You Tuber speaking at a Make-up Artist Trade Show. It doesn't take a great reach though to understand why LL was there (she is immensely popular, with a no airs and graces attitude and reaches out to ‘real’ girls helping them achieve make up looks in a way that is understandable and easy to follow). But, pro make-up artists seem to struggle to get their head round the concept of make-up applications as genuine and of real interest to thousands and thousands of people who don’t aspire to be make-up artists themselves – they just want to do their make-up nicely!

The IMATS event was open to all – and not just trained MUAs, therefore it makes perfect sense that a speaker who appeals to the ‘masses’ was there. I think this is the bit that causes professionals the biggest problem. Their industry is changing. There seems to be, broadly speaking, a complete inability to understand a) the role of bloggers and b) the fact that they are here to stay, even from those MUA's who blog. The lines are blurring slightly. We still know a great MUA when we see one, but we don't necessarily want to learn their techniques that seem impossible for us to try at home and we do want techniques that are accessible, given to us by friendly, warm people. It would seem that the fact that the IMAT's is open to non MUA's and that they are being catered for seems to be rattling a few cages. And maybe they are right, maybe a trade event should be for industry professionals only, but the fact is, it's not. And the untrained and the bloggers and the LL fans aren't going away.

So there we go. Now back to the Twitter unfollowing of the moaning MUA who is of course, entitled to her view. But put something on Twitter and the person who is the target of discontent is likely to see it...and see it Lauren Luke did. I kind of liked her response which said it all:

"Thank you for reinforcing my belief which is that people like you are the reason why people like me are successful!" An elegant response to being called ‘mediocre and amateur’.

On a personal note I'd like to reiterate I'm not particularly a fan of Lauren Luke's work, but as a human being who has created a storm of interest in make-up and made it real and attainable for thousands of You Tube viewers, she gets my vote.

Accessorize Eyeshadows & Lashes

 A short while ago I was sent a few lovely bits from Accessorize make up. I swatched them and I have only just got round to writing the review now. I was sent two Rock Star Baked Eyeshadow Duos, the first being High Maintenence (the browns) and bad Reputation, (the grey and white).  I unfortunately don't have the box for the lashes any more so I can't tell you which they are on the site, but I can't see them on the site anyway at the moment.

So I'll start by talking about the packaging. I think it's really beautiful. I love it, its all very whimsical, bohemian if you like and I'm impressed. Considering the brand is so purse friendly, I'm impressed, its also very inkeeping with the whole Accessorize style. Gorgeous.

So, lets talk about the eyeshadows first. They are both gorgeous. For £4 you absolutely can't go wrong to be honest. They apply beautifully, blend well, even though they are all slightly sparkly there's no fall out and they are nicely pigmented.

I've used these quite a few times now and I'm really impressed. Since I've been blogging I've turned into a bit of a high end snob, I dislike Sleek, I'm not a fan of Barry M, but these I really do like. There are also some really beautiful colourways on the Accessorize site so I think I'll have to have a look instore and see if my local has any more (they didn't have any make up at all the last time I checked) as they are considerably more purse friendly than other brands I buy and in some cases, considerably easier to use and get results with.

Swatches, just one quick swipe of each:

Now onto the lashes. Not quite as much of a success for me! I don't have any pictures of them in use, since I couldn't actually get them on! I must admit I've only ever worn false lashes once and it took me an age to get them on, but I did eventually, but these I just couldn't manage. Now even if I had have managed it, I doubt I would have kept them on as they are far too big for me! They are really pretty, but on me, the 36 year old Mum I just felt ridiculous. I think you can tell from the first picture up there that these are very dramatic indeed and I just found them unweildy and tricky. I will try again at some point, but it was so frustrating. Having said this, I should think if you are a dab hand at applying lashes and you're a bit younger than me and love a dramatic lash these would be perfect, and at £4 a pair, pretty easy on the pocket too. I see on the Accessorize site that there are a few more subtle designs and probably they'd have been more suited to me and I'd have felt less ridiculous than with these great flapping things!

So a bit of a mixed bag for me from the Accessorize line. Having said that, its not a negative review (of the lashes), I think they just weren't right for me and I'll happily try out another pair. I will also be checking out other products in the range as the famous polishes really appeal as well as some of the lip glosses, blushers and I have my heart set on some of the single shadows now, especially the acid green!

This range is well worth checking out. As I say, the shadows are gorgeous and a lot of the rest of the range really appeals too! http://www.accessorize.com/page/home/

May's Beauty Bloggers Best Things!

So we're nearing the end of January now and the last blogger to share their Best Things this month is the very lovely May from the very popular http://maylovesmakeup.com/. It's an honour to have her over here at Lady of the Lane this week. I'm sure most of you already regularly check out her blog, but if you don't, then what are you waiting for!

 As always, if you'd like to see yourself here then please drop me a line!

So lets start with some easy questions!

Can you talk me through your daily skin care regimen, which products you use and why?
I try not to use too many products on my skin to avoid overloading it. I use lots of Soap and Glory skincare, at the moment. ‘Clean Mary’ face wash, ‘The Greatest Scub of All’ face scrub when I feel I need it and ‘Catch a Wrinkle in Time’ moisturiser which I’ve been using for years and absolutely love! I have only recently started using eye cream which I know is shocking but it’s from The Soap Shop and it’s called ‘Pink to Make the Boys Wink’ and I’ve been getting on really well with it! I use a Soap and Glory Face Mask called ‘The Fab Pore’ too which is fantastic!

What shampoo and conditioner are you devoted to?
Tigi’s Bed Head Dumb Blonde shampoo and conditioner, I’ve been using them for years and always go back to them!

What about your top three make up brands generally speaking?
I love MAC for lipsticks and I absolutely love 17, they have some great lipsticks and nail polishes which are really lovely quality and very affordable. Too Faced is another favourite of mine, I love the range of products and the cute packaging (I’m a sucker for cute packaging!)

Ok some specifics now!

What is your favourite foundation and why?
At the moment it’s Illamasqua Rich Liquid foundation, it’s very highly pigmented so it gives full coverage with just a small amount of product, the shade range is fantastic too!

What is your favourite mascara and why?
At the moment I love Max Factor’s Lash Extension Effect mascara, the brush is thin and separates all my lashes and makes them lovely and fluttery

What one product do you think every cosmetic aficionado should have in their collection?
I’m pretty obsessed with lipsticks, everyone needs to find their perfect lipstick!

I love finding new blogs so please before you go, please recommend three of your favourite
bloggers.
I always find this difficult as I have lots of favourites but I love Sarah’s blog http://iheartcosmetics.co.uk/ her videos are fab too!

Kim’s blog is fantastic, I read all her posts and I keep saying it but her reviews are absolutely brilliant http://dottiek.com/

I’ve really been enjoying Vivianna’s blog lately, I met her at an Aussie Event recently and she’s such a sweetheart! http://viviannadoesmakeup.blogspot.com/

Thanks May for taking part, I keep hearing about Rich Liquid foundation at the moment. I ought to check it out although it has to be said I have far too many foundations already....

My Slendertone Face Trial Video Diary Part 1

Nothing much to say that the video doesn't explain. Enjoy!


Please note this is a new You Tube account and the one I will be using permanently from now on!

A Look at CND Nail Effects

I recently placed one of not-frequent enough orders with Trans Design. Seriously, if you are still buying your OPI's and China Glazes at £7/8/9/10 a pop! Stop that immediately! Buy from the US. £10 polishes for £35 inc delivery. Can't be beaten!

Anyway I digress. I've already shown you the China Glaze Techo and Liquid Leather but I also bought several CND polishes. I bought two plain colours, Buff and Blueberry. I'm not going to bother showing you Buff. I thought it was going to be an opaque putty shade but actually it's a sheer, streaky, white, not good. Blueberry isn't amazing either actually. It's a pale white-lilac shade, reminds me of those A Hint Of wall paints. Anyway it's one of those polishes that applies like tippex and looks like tinted tippex too. I don't like. However the finished look isn't bad and it suited the purpose here well. So here's Blueberry on it's own.

It's a bit boring but it serves the purpose I bought it for, which is as a base for these pretties:

These are CND Nail Effects polishes in Sapphire Sparkle, Raspberry Sparkle and Violet Shimmer. These are so pretty in the bottle so I was really keen to try them out over the Blueberry polish. So here are the results, firstly Sapphire Sparkle. These need to be seen full size really so please click to enlarge!

Next is Raspberry Sparkle:

And as the camera faied to pink up the true colour of the sparkles here's blurry close up that shows what the sparkles actually look like:

And lastly, Violet Shimmer:

If you've got this far and don't see how pretty these are, then you probably didn't enlarge them :)

These are really pretty and I'm looking forward to trying these over some different polishes, perhaps a dark shade, I would think the effect would be more obvious, but I chose bluberry specifically as I wanted subtlety. I wish I'd also got maybe a gold or green shimmer or sparkle to try too as there is no doubt these are a little samey, but thats just down to my choices.

Very pretty polishes and fab for giving a boring manicure a lift. Incidentally any streaks you see are a result of me applying the Effects over the base colour while it was still wet as I was rushing!

Estee Lauder Nutricious Vita-Mineral Foundation Review

I was sent the Estee Lauder Vita-Mineral Foundation a month or two ago in Intensity 1.0. There are six shades in total ranging from Intensity 1.0 to Intensity 6.0. So what is it? Well it's a foundation that claims to give you radiance, something my tired old skin is frequently lacking! It's a mineral foundation with vitamins C & E and pomegranite, an antioxidant. It claims to erase signs of fatigue, is oil free and claims to enhance your skin's beauty and impart a natural vibrant finish.

There are several remarkable things about this foundation, but I'll start by explaining that this is a light to medium coverage foundation, with emphasis on the light, and as such is only good for me on days where I feel fairly confidant in my skin and am not looking for a heavier finish. I assume it's sheerness is why the there are only six shades, I should think one shade would cover several skintones without too much bother. The shade I have seems rather neutral, neither too warm nor too cool, and I can't speak for the other colours as I haven't seen them, but assume they are similar in tone! Unfortunately in my picture I just couldn't get the colours right at all and it appears yellowy, you can tell its just the lighting here if you look at the pictue of the tube which is far pinker. Neither are true representations of the shade sadly.

So lets talk about the application and finish. It feels like applying the most silky moisturiser in the world is what it feels like. It's so soft and smooth. It seems to melt into your skin rather than sittnig on top of your skin. As such there are absolutely no issues applying, it blends perfectly, even for a dunce like me. I have used fingers and a traditional flat foundation brush, as well as my favourite Elf powder brush which I favour for make up application, all are easy.

I don't really have a bad word to say about this foundation, its not a criticism of the product that my skin is sometimes not clear enough to wear it.  I find it very impressive that a foundation that has no oil in it feels so moisturising and doesn't turn into an oil slick half way through the day. That said, this doesn't last easily all day. I'd say that come 3 or 4 o'clock it starts disappearing on me. I suppose I could fix this and get it to stay a little longer with a dusting of powder but I can't help thinking that would ruin the "radiant" finish. It's £25.50. Oh and I should add it has an SPF of 10. I do like a foundation to have SPF.

So how does it look? Pretty fab in my opinion although you can judge for yourselves if you think it gives me radiance and vibrancy.

  I can see me getting through a lot of this in Sprng and I'll be interested to see how it copes with the Summer, what there is of it at least!

A final thought, it knocks spots of powder mineral foundations!

Update on my Rouge Bunny Rouge Application!

Hi all,

Regular readers will know that whilst loving my Rouge Bunny Rouge shadows I was struggling to get them onto my eyelid whilst keeping the true colours.

I had lots of tips from people, including someone at Rouge Bunny Rouge who read my post and so this is just a little post to tell you all that I've been practicising and I think I've finally cracked it thankfully!

So here's Mountain Bluebird (which I just couldn't get to apply as anything more than a sheer wash!) and a smidge of Unforgettable Oriole.

 That's much more like it! Basically I fixed the problem with time! A good layer of primer potion and then lots of care, attention and time! I built up lots of layers basically. Only using two colours so that blending is kept to a minimum. Then gently blending out the edges before applying another layer of colour and so on until the depth of colour I require is built up!

I've also tried this with more colours I was struggling with and I think this will work. I'm just not used to having to work so hard with products! I guess I'm just more of a slap it on kind of a girl, but now when I have a little more time I'll be confidantly able to reach for my beautiful Rouge Bunny Rouge shadows!

So thanks to everyone who tried to help me out with tips. I think I took a bit of everyone's advice!

Bubble Lounge Lip Gelee Winner!

I sorted through all the entries this morning and when I'd excluded those who hadn't answered the question, and those who weren't followers and made sure to include extra entries for those who tweeted I had 51 entries! Thank you to everyone who entered and I reading about how you'd pair the Lip Gelee up, it almost made me wish I was keeping it!

So in the grand tradition I used random.org and here's the results!

And so the winner is Rachel from http://xbeautyfiendx.blogspot.com/! Congratulations, I'm off to town tomorrow to buy something extra to go with your gloss so please drop me a line with your address!

Thank you to everyone again! And don't forget! If you buy something online and test it and find its not right for you, you can send it back!

Estee Lauder Spiced Peach Quad & Bronze Shimmer

I’ve been meaning to do a post about these products for a little while now as I use them quite frequently.  I kept putting off the post though as I simply find I’m unable to capture the eyeshadows on my eyes at all! I have no idea why but my camera really struggles to pick up the colours. They are really clear in real life though.
So anyway, I thought I’d just go ahead and do the post without images of them them in use, just some swatches instead
First up the Estee Lauder Signature 5-Tone Shimmer Powder in Bronze Shimmer.
This is a beautiful product. Although it is full of shimmer, actually, on the skin, it’s just radiant on the skin. It’s also largely beige and beige toned colours, so there’s nothing too brown and definitely not a hint of orange to be seen. Swatches of the different shades:
The second and fourth shades are the same, I wasn’t paying attention when swatching. The darkest shade gives a little depth of colour but it’s sheer. It’s a really pretty product and whilst I do use it often, I can see it really coming into use in the Summer. I should add you can use this where you choose, but it’s primarily a bronzer and/or eyeshadow.
Speaking of eyeshadows, Estee Lauder kindly sent me the the Signature Eyeshadow Quad in Spiced Peach.

You probably know by now that neutrals aren’t really my thing, I don’t wear them often. I think 20 years of wearing brown eyeshadow and nothing else just killed it for me. This quad has enough punch to make it interesting and wearable for me.
Swatches:
There’s a beautiful bright peach which adds a dimension to this palette that I really love. There’s a beautiful white gold which packs a punch, a matte brown and then a shimmery caramel colour. As I say I’ve used this quite a lot but I just can’t get them to show up in use on pictures, but they really do and whats more the quality is outstanding. They stay in place all day long. I tend not to use the the matte brown so much at the moment as I’m really enjoying a lighter brighter eye at the moment.
I highly recommend, not just this quad, but assuming the quality is consistent, which I don’t doubt really, then any of these signature quads. A really fantastic product and Estee Lauder never disappoints, their eyeshadow formula is really impressive.
Both products, highly recommended. The Quad is £31 and the Bronze Shimmer is £29.

Dove Hair Damage Intensive Therapy Winners!

Hi all,

Thank you all for the entries to this fab giveaway to win one of five sets of Dove Hair Damage Intensive Therapy sets including a Shampoo, Conditioner and deep Conditioner treatment.

I used random.org to select the five winners from the entries received. I'm not going to post all the pictures of the "draws" here, you will just have to trust me!

The numbers drawn were 6, 8, 12, 3 and finally 1.

So the winners are:

Charli
Stephanie Daly
Megan
Louise and
Jaljen

Congratulations all! I'm going to email you now providing you left an email address for me to email, so please drop me a line with your details so I can get Dove to send out your prizes!

Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Oil Winner!

Huge thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway I held in conjunction with Aromatherapy Associates to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Deep Relax Bath and Shower Oil.

I really enjoyed reading everyone's relaxation methods, I even got a few tips! Thank you.

So I had 47 entries and used random.org to choose a winner.

I'm absolutely thrilled to announce the winner is Jan from http://www.beautydiarist.com/. I couldn't be happier! Huge congrats Jan and please drop me an email to charlie@ladyofthelane.com with your address so I can organise getting it sent out to you!

Thank you to everyone who entered and don't forget, if you weren't lucky this time. don't forget there are two other giveaways running Here and Here.

Stavroula's Beauty Bloggers Best Things!

Another week, another lovely beauty blogger shares with us her favourite brands and products. This week it's the turn of the lovely Stavroula who you can find over here at her lovely site, which amongst other thngs offers lots of lovely tips and hints. As always, if you don't already follow then please do.

So without further ado let get on with the questions!

Can you talk me through your daily skin care regimen, which products you use and why?

I have oily skin with dry and sensitive patches around my mouth and on the sides of my nose and I find that if I wash my face twice a day my dry patches become really red and flaky, so I wash my face only once a day using either La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel or Mey Vital Liquid Soap. If my skin is irritated I spray some rosewater all over my face, if not then I skip this and I apply some moisturizer, lately it's La Roche Posay Effaclar M Sebo-Regulating Mattifying Moisturizer, which I love, because it's so refreshing and it's mattifying indeed.

For scrub I mix some fresh lemon juice with some sugar and it works like a charm, it smells great, plus it's really cheap. I also use face masks, lately I've been loving the Queen Helene Mint Julep Face Masque, it's really nice for people with oily skin and big pores like me.

I don't use any eye cream or any serums/anti-ageing products, I don't feel like I need to. If my under eye area feels a bit dry, I apply whatever's left on my hand from my facial moisturizer and I'm good to go! :)

What shampoo and conditioner are you devoted to?
I religiously use Johnson's Baby Shampoo, because most shampoos make my scalp itchy. As for conditioner..I always try new ones, my latest favorite is the Pantene Aqua Light :)

What about your top three make up brands generally speaking?
Elf, Revlon, Korres :) Elf has nice, affordable products, Revlon makes my favorite foundation, lipgloss and cream blush and I've become seriously addicted to Korres lately, I love their Abyssinia Oil mascara, their Cherry lipgloss and their bronzer!

Ok some specifics now!

What is your favourite foundation and why?
So far it's Revlon Colorstay, because I have very oily skin and this foundation is definitely longstaying and it keeps my face shine-free for about 7-8 hours, which is amazing.

What is your favourite mascara and why?
That's tough.. it's a tie between Korres Abyssinia Oil Mascara and Elf Studio Legthening & Volumizing Mascara. Korres mascara has a nice consistency, not wet and I also like the small and long brush, because you can get every single lash. As for the Elf one it makes my lashes long and full without looking clumpy, the consistency is nice and the long handle gives you great control.

What one product do you think every cosmetic aficionado should have in their collection?
Definitely Elf Powder Brush from their studio line, it's super soft and it applies liquid foundation like a dream. It's also great for powder :)

I love finding new blogs so please before you go, please recommend three of your favourite bloggers.
I follow so many blogs, it's really hard to choose 3 :( Can I cheat a little bit and mention 5?
http://www.funnyfacebeauty.com/ from the lovely Alicia
http://lovelyviolet5.blogspot.com/ from the lovely Greek girl Irini
http://productrater.blogspot.com/ amazing reviews from Justine
http://serious-shiny.blogspot.com/ from my fellow crazy Gemini Greek girl Ria
http://beautifulwithbrains.com/ from the lovely Giorgia, she always has great ideas

I still want to mention more blogs I love, but I have to hold myself lol!

So thats it! Thanks so much Stavroula for doing this. Would you believe that I've never tried any Korres, I really need to remedy that soon. Also, thank you for the blog recommendations, I've never read any of them!

As always, if you fancy taking part in Beauty Bloggers Best Things, please just drop me an email.

John Masters Organics Blood Orange & Vanilla Review

I really wasn’t sure how I was going to write this review because on one hand I am totally in love with these products, but on the other hand there’s something I’m not so keen on, but I’m slowly changing my mind on that anyway!

First up, please excuse the stock images. I did receive small sample bottles of these products and I did take pictures but then I started using them… only now they are half used have I looked and realised the pictures I took are all out of focus!

So I was sent, as I say, some small samples of these and I thought they sounded beautiful. Blood Orange and Vanilla Shower Gel and Body Milk. I have to say that when I hopped in the shower with the gel, I wasn’t completely enamoured with the scent. I suppose my nose was expecting something like chocolate orange, but this is much more fruity than this, in fact to me it smelt almost alcoholic. A dream product for some! The shower gel lathered beautifully and felt really moisturising however, so when I hopped out of the shower and dried I pressed on with using this the Body Milk and this is a total and utter wow of a product. Seriously!

Rubbing it in it smells just like the shower gel, it’s not horrible by any means, and actually the more I use it, the more I want to use it and like it, but two things are amazing about the body milk. The first thing is that this is possibly the most moisturising body moisturiser I have ever used in my life. I suffer with that Keratosis Pilaris on my upper arms and yet my arms feel soft and actually silky after use. Secondly, after a very short while on the skin the scent mellows out into a wonderful fruity scent but with more emphasis on the vanilla… it’s almost a foodie scent,  but not quite. It’s delicious.

In the face of the evidence, my arms, I can’t help but add these products to my wish list. My husband even found himself stroking my arm the other day in a slightly odd manner, going “mmmmmmm sooo smoooothhhh”, which with my skin is virtually unheard of! I certainly don’t expect any kind of results from a body milk, a body butter at a push, but this completely exceeds expectations.

So yes, I want these products in my life. Yes I plan to buy them when I’ve finished the samples (and the Soap & Glory Tote bundle of stuff) and when I do I’ll be buying from the fabulous Active Beauty. A great site stocking a wide range of fab products including this range. You can find the the Body Milk and shower gels there retailing for £18 each for 230ml.

If you haven’t checked out Active Beauty then do so, they have some absolutely fab ranges, especially in the hair care ranges!

Dior’s Crush Glow Quint. It’s Lurrrve.

So I must thank you all for your assistance a while ago on this post. I mentioned in the post that Dior’s Crush Glow was the one I really wanted, but at the time I couldn’t find it anywhere except on Ebay for £10 over the RRP.

Well I did manage to find it at http://www.escentual.com/ for the actual RRP so I snapped it up. It’s every bit as beautiful as I hoped it would be, if not more so in fact.

Take a look:

So there’s a gold, a pale, iridescent pink, a mid peachy pink, a taupe packed full of pink iridescence and a rich brown.

The shadow themselves are butter soft and swatch absolutely perfectly. I’ve done an extra one of the taupe in an attempt to show up the pink in it.

I must say it’s a relief to buy an expensive set of shadows that don’t require lots of work to get them to show up on my eyes. How they look in the swatches is exactly how they appear on the lid. In fact that brown is so vibrant it takes a lot of work to blend it in so it matches the other shades. That’s not a criticism at all, its just a measure of the pigment.

I know pigment isn’t the be al and end all of everything, but, given some of my recent experiences this is a breath of fresh air.

On my eyes, well, I’ll show you, don’t expect anything magical because application and blending are not my forte at all!

So I’m smitten and am planning my next Dior shadow purchase… I need recommendations! I need more! more! more!