Sunday, November 29, 2015

EOS HOLIDAY 2015 DECORATIVE LIP BALM COLLECTION


Despite numerous trips to the US over the years until this fantastic gift set arrived on my door I had not tried EOS Lip Balms. I think I may see an obsession coming on and luckily they are readily available in the UK.

The EOS Holiday 2015 Decorative Lip Balm Collection* is a nicely boxed set of the famous balms in three flavours; Sweet Mint, Pomegranate and limited edition Vanilla Bean. The added EOS touch for the holiday season is two sheets of decals featuring all manner of things from letters to hearts, various charms and all sorts to allow you to personalise your lip balm to your liking.


Whilst I'm sure any lip balm lover would be overjoyed to open this gift on Christmas Day I think it makes a great gift that younger children could personalise with the decals to pass on to their friends or family. Young girls I'm sure would love to decorate these balms and pass on to their friends as a small Christmas gift that is individual to their tastes. 

As for me, if I can bear to share I might just let me niece lose on one to gift her mum!

*this post contains press samples
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Saturday, November 28, 2015

Paul & Joe Christmas Gift Ideas


A couple of weeks ago as Christmas lights were starting to appear across London I was invited down to the new Paul & Joe boutique in Mayfair to see their latest releases. Paul & Joe are one of my favourite brands to meet with as their events are always special with small, intimate groups of bloggers meeting with the brand ambassador and make up artist extraordinare Craig-Ryan French as he talks through the seasons new products and shares his tips on how to use the products.

Of course this visit was to introduce us to the Paul & Joe Christmas releases, the starring role belonging to the Zeffirelli's Romeo & Juliet inspired Masquerade Collection. A limited edition make up bag featuring the fabulous masquerade imagery contains your choice of pastel or warmer tones for the eyes in innovative eyeshadow sheets. Each sheet can be used up to 100 times and I think these are perfect for travel and all those nights out attending Christmas parties.

Also included are a Creamy Cheek Colour, eye Liner and Paul & Joe's famous Rose Treatment Balm - all you need to throw in is your favourite mascara. A perfect gift for a friend or maybe even a Christmas treat for yourself.

Next is the Paul & Joe Luxurious Body Collection* which is beautiful collection of pampering products; bath salts, body soap and a delicious body butter which is my favourite of all three items. There are two scent choices and I have No 2 an energising and dramatic mix of citrus, herbs, spice, ylang ylang, musk and vanilla for an oriental aroma. Packaged in a prettily decorated floral box to make wrapping easier who wouldn't wanted to open this on Christmas morning.

The great news is that with the Black Friday madness happening all weekend over at ASOS you can get 20% of both the gifts mentioned by entering CYBER at check out.

Time to tick of some more people of your Christmas list and bag a discount don't you think.

*this post contains press samples

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Monday, November 23, 2015

Charlotte Tilbury launches at John Lewis


Charlotte Tilbury launched way back in 2013 and I jumped straight onto the band wagon and armed my BFF Ben with a Christmas list of products from the range I would like. He battled the crowds to make some purchases for me, and still to this day he says he can't believe how much money he spent on make up!. The good news is that unlike Ben there is no need for anyone to fight the festive hoards as Charlotte Tilbury has now launched online at John Lewis.

In celebration of the brand online launch as well as being available in John Lewis stores  I was invited down to their Oxford Street branch to have a 'Tilbury Transformation'. I know many people don't enjoy in store make overs but I like to take the opportunity to try something different and picked the Vintage Vamp look which you might have seen on Instagram here. Well if you're going to have a Tilbury Transformation let's make it a good one. Funnier still was I had this applied at lunchtime and returned to the office looking very different than I'd left.

Following my visit John Lewis also allowed me to choose four products from the range to try for myself at home and let me tell you picking 'just four' items from the range is more difficult than it sounds - yes first world problems right there.

Before diving in to discuss the products I chose and how I found them I must admit that my previous picks from Charlotte Tilbury had left mixed feelings. So Marilyn from the KISSING lipstick line is my go to for nights out but The Glamour Muse Eyeshadow Palette was a disappointment. As was the Full Fat Lashes Mascara which had dreadful fall out for me but the Limited Edition Gold Bar Highlighter, which is making a comeback this year , is another favourite and go to for nights out.

So how did my new picks fair you want to know, well let's start with Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation* in shade 4.5. This foundation has been five years in the making due to Charlotte's tenacity to ensure her products are the best they can be. Dubbed a 'miracle in a bottle' that claims to work for pretty much anyone whatever the age, skin condition or type. At £29.50 and with an impressive 15 shades it is comparable in pricing to Nars, Estee Lauder and the like.

There is no question Charlotte Tilbury packaging is gorgeous and I could buy most products for that alone, although I do feel that the Magic Foundation bottle is a little bit disappointing. Yes there's a glass bottle and the gorgeous rose gold lid but the white lettering and pump make it appear a little cheaper than I would like. That said unlike Nars for the same price your pump is included and I'd rather keep the price point down than wasted on packaging and it's still aesthetically pleasing to look at and sits nicely on my dressing table.

Onto the Magic Foundation itself. You have a thick, medium to full coverage foundation that does not feel heavy when applied and blends nicely onto skin. It reminds me of Make Up Forever HD Foundation (the original formula), which I love, in terms of formula and finish but will flatten your face out, or certainly does in my case, to give you a blank canvas to work from. I tend to use lighter formulas day to day but I've found myself wearing this flawless and long lasting formula almost daily since I've had it. Minimal concealing is required when using the Magic Foundation, even for my dark circles although contouring/warmth needs to be put back in my face. It's not a complete matte finish but certainly not

My only complaint is that it contains SPF as I would happily use this as my 'evening' foundation but there is the fear of the dreaded flashback. Not that that will stop me I'm sure. If you too are looking for a lighter, fuller coverage foundation I'd recommend picking up a sample.

Next I chose the famous Filmstar Bronze & Glow Palette*, swooned over by many bloggers across the country and one I have often looked at and admired from afar. At £49 this is certainly not the cheapest of products but one look at the gorgeous packaging and using my famous trick of dividing the cost of the products contained, £24.50 for the bronzer and the same for the highlighter makes the price appear more palatable.

I'm still undecided how I feel about the Filmstar Bronze & Glow. It hasn't wowed me but that might be a mix of my make up skills and using alongside the Magic Foundation which requires more effort from my limited contouring skills. Both products are finely milled and I find them luminous without being too shimmering and they create a radiant look. In fact the problem is me and that this duo blends so nicely to give a subtle contour and natural appearance that I think throws me into thinking I'm not even wearing make up. If you have friends who, unlike us bloggers, stick to just one product this would be the perfect gift for Christmas to cover their needs for a radiant complexion.



Finally I decided to try another two of the eye shadow palettes, The Dolce Vita* and The Rock Chick*. The principle behind the gorgeous Charlotte Tilbury quads is Prime, Enhance, Smoke and Pop with each giving you the ability to take your look from desk to disco. Firstly I can say that both these quads were a bigger hit than my previous purchase and surprisingly it's The Rock Chick quad which I am absolutely in love with. Usually I prefer shades of brown on my eyes and it's a been many years since I played with greys and black rimmed eyes but The Rock Chick gives a look that I've been returning to daily. The Dolce Vita which I know is a popular choice is lovely and has been worn a lot since I received it but I do find it less exciting but maybe more because it's my usual choice and I have similar colours and options in other palettes.  All the shadows have great pigmentation and allow you to smoke up the look you want as appropriate. I wear with my Lorac or Urban Decay eye primers and find that they will last way beyond office hours. I can't wait to wear these over the festive period and use the glittery pop.

To sum up I'm pleased to have had another opportunity to try more products from the brand with pleasing results and whilst some are more loved than others they're all great additions to my make up collection and I can see why people are such a fan of the brand. The only problem is now I want to add The Rebel to my collection.

*This post contains press samples

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Sunday, November 22, 2015

Beauty Empties | October 2015


Along with my late October favourites, so too is that month's empties. In fact empties have fallen by the wayside more that any other posts of late so there are few jumbled posts that will appear but for now let's focus on what has recently made it's way into the pile.

Quite a few of this months empties have already been repurchased and that includes KMS California AddVolume Shampoo and Maybelline BrowDrama. Both these products are staples and ones I can rely on. For different jobs obviously. KMS California AddVolume Shampoo* isn't the cheapest product but I love the volume it gives my hair and I recently found a bottle at a reduced price in my local Homesense so I couldn't resist picking it up. See my review on more KMS California products here.

Maybelline BrowDrama I've discussed many times. Day to day I'm too lazy for penciling in individual hairs, even with products that make that easy. Instead a quick swipe from this Brow 'mascara' and I'm happy with the look. I have of course replaced already and am tempted to try other versions for comparison but I always resist preferring to stick with what I know. 

Two favourite skincare items ended up in the pile this month, Vichy Idealia Eyes* and L'oreal Age Perfect RefreshingToner. Both of this affordable items hold their own against luxury brands. Vichy is one of my go to high street brands, particularly the Idealia range. The products are perfect for my 30plus skin that I don't always treat as well as I should. With dreadful sleeping patterns and habits dark circles can be a problem for me but Idealia Eyes makes me look more awake than I feel. Toners are always difficult to talk about for me, this isn't the 'refreshing' spritz, nor the tingly acid tone type but it's one I like for those inbetween days when you want something more than just the refreshing spray but not too much for exfoliating toners. There is a lovely masculine scent to this toner which I enjoy and I always feel like my skin looks better for using this.

Unfortunately the Nanokeratin System Re-Vive Invigorating Shampoo and Conditioner* was not as much as a favourite as KMS was. Nothing to dislike just nothing to love either - especially for the price point and from a salon brand. Despite being specially formulated for 'virgin hair' like mine it never gave results that I couldn't get from cheaper alternatives. I do have another couple of sachets of this product to use so I will try again and see if I notice better results.

Another month, another hand cream and Vaseline Intensive Care Healthy Hands + Stronger Nails* is perfect for this time of year and a great size for those of you like me who use a lot of hand cream and an even better price. This isn't the fanciest of hand creams but it keeps hands moisturised, isn't greasy and has a subtle scent. 

Even before we reach the end of 2015 I think I can safely say 007 Fragrance for Women* was my surprise hit of the year. As I talked about in my initial review I had a slightly snobbish opinion of what I would class as a novelty fragrance and was proved very wrong. The 007 fragrance became as loved as my Chanel classics and for a much more affordable price. Perfume is something I usually request for Christmas or might treat myself to in duty free but this is one I could easily justify treating myself to 'just because'. 

If you saw this instagram post then you'll be aware of my love for Sure Maximum Protection deodorant. It literally won't let you down, or me at least. I've dabbled with other deodorants, as much as recently in fact and they just don't compete with this favourite. Sexy it isn't but I'm a sweaty betty and have spent years tackling wet patches under the arms and trying every deodorant known to man and this is the first that ticks all the boxes. My only complaint is I seem to go through them sooooo quickly. 

And finally is a boring product but one I mention for a number of reasons. Firstly, I was introduced to The Breath Co via a press sample and secondly it's important for me that my readers see that I will continue use products beyond the 'freebie' and purchasing with my own money - especially in this case when I could by far cheaper versions. This is a toothpaste that I recommend for anyone who doesn't like that minty toothpaste flavour. Minty it says but it has none of that overpowering flavour that would make you gag if you took a sip of orange juice. If you're interested keep an eye on the usual Boots offers, you can usually get it discounted. Read my original review here

Did you spot any products you use in my trash?

*this post contains press samples

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Saturday, November 21, 2015

October Favourites


Without stating the obvious 'I'm late' with Octobers' favourites posts in unofficial blogging laws but I'm happy with 'better late than never' and you get a post on a Saturday seen as I've neglected things lately. Enough rambling, let's dive in before I hit publish on Novembers favourites.

I'd read about the Sophia Webster collaboration with Toni & Guy in a magazine and whilst I can't justify the cost of these fabulous flamingo shoes from Ms Webster, I can justify the cost of a bottle of shampoo. I actually happened across these products when I went to order my new sofa. I took a wrong turn at the retail park and found myself in front of a branch of Boots I didn't know existed. Clearly it was meant to be so I took advantage and treated myself. There was a 3 for 2 offer on at the time so I also picked up the 3D volumiser which alas wasn't a favourite and just made my hair a weird combination of crispy and greasy so that was passed over but the shampoo and conditioner were a hit. With Sophia Websters limited edition packagine and designed for fine hair this isn't a shampoo and conditioner that gives a lot of volume but makes hair look fresh and clean without weighing it down. It's my every day shampoo if you like.

Another product I picked up on my serendipitous Boots trip was the Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in East End Snob. This lip liner has done the rounds on blogs and YouTube and again was in the back of my mind to purchase. I like Dervish from Mac as my 'goes with anything' liner but it's always great to have an alternative. I can't speak to it's claims as a dupe for Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Cheat Liner but I can say I bloody love the Rimmel one. It's become a staple and every day go to as I embrace nuder lip shades. The shade is lovely whether worn alone all over the lips or just to line. I can't say I'm giving Kylie Jenner a run for her money but I do find lipstick is looking a little more polished these days.

Following on from last months pinky nude lip favourite, another oldie but goodie has made an appearance. Hot Gossip from Mac is the slightly shimmery sister to Syrups cloudiness. Sometimes I prefer a nude lip to have a gloss to it but when you don't actually like wearing gloss a shimmer and slight frostiness can have a more wearable effect. Step in Hot Gossip. I've actually broke the bullet of this so I'm having to use a careful hand as I'm not prepared to cast it aside just yet and I'm loving wearing it with a darker eye at the moment.

Make Up Revolution's Iconic Dreams Palette* is fast becoming a staple in my make up routine and one I reach for when I don't want to think too much about my eye make up. I featured it in my Going for Gold post last month and was amazed at the quality and pigmentation of such a cheap product. I know if I use these eye shadows I'll create a great look and one that will last from day to night. I'm very tempted with the Make Up Revolution 144 eyeshadow palette currently only £8 until midnight on Tuesday. I'm picked one up today for a young lady I know will like it for Christmas and whose mum wants her to have well performing affordable products.

As mentioned above the Toni & Guy shampoo didn't provide much volume so I've been reaching for Batiste Oomph My Locks XXL Volume Spray* on an almost daily basis to add a little more. We all know and love Batiste for their dry shampoo range, especially me and their new line of styling products is working a treat too. Dubbed 'backcomb in a bottle' just spray in your roots and give a rub and away you go. I'm going to have to pick up the texturising spray next time I hit Boots.

Finally is the Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer which was a surprise favourite. Early last year I spoke of my first dabble with Laura Mercier primers and how it didn't work for me so when a friend passed this version over to try I had limited expectations. If ever there was proof that it's often a case of just trying the right product, even from the same brand this is it. Where the original was too sticky for me, this is a lovely cream and feels like applying a lighter moisturiser to the skin. With now of the stickiness and adding a hit of hydration without going overboard this is perfect. I've been using this a lot with a foundation I've been testing lately (more of that later in the week) and it was the perfect first step to accompany some of the more flatter foundations we wear. So much so is my love for this product that I apply simply this after my skincare regime for days when I'm sitting around at home or just popping to the local supermarket.

Have you tried any of my favourite products?

*this post contains press samples

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Tuesday, November 10, 2015

The Body Shop Oils of Life Review


Today's post was originally intended to be drafted and published last week. Unfortunately I became unwell and hence it's rescheduling to today but on the plus side my skin was in such a state that The Body Shop Oils of Life range was really put through the testing period.

The new skincare collection from The Body Shop is based around three precious seed oil ingredients; black cumin seed, rosehip and camellia seed oils. These three seed oils are known to revitalise and repair skin and restore radiance.

The Oils of Life range includes five products which includes a choice of cream/moisturiser and a facial massager. I was sent three products from the range which allows for a streamlined routine if you're not one for multiple products. You are can use these products both morning and night which I did through my testing period. The only addition I made was my eye cream and of course my own cleansers.

Step 1 is the Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Bi-Phase Essence Lotion*, which despite it's 'unique bi-phase formula' to me is simply a toner. Whilst there was nothing groundbreaking for me with this product it was plesant to use. It was certainly lightweight, in comparison to the other products and did refresh the skin as I like my toners to do. Unfortunately unlike the other products in the range the bottle this is housed in was only plastic although you are unable to tell from first appearances.

Step 2 is the Oils of Life Intensely Revistalising Facial Oil* which again contains all those magical seed oils from Egypt, Chine and Chile. Unlike the Essence Lotion above the Oils of Life Facial Oil is in a glass bottle which would hold it's weight against Kiehls and similar brands. The orange glass and simple gold plaque certainly make for an expensive look on your bathroom shelf.

Described as a lightweight daily facial oil if you are anything but dry skinned you will find this too heavy, certainly for morning use. Alongside the Gel Cream it was too much for my skin and whilst it wasn't suffocating, nor felt heavy it's presence on my skin was evident and it would take a long time for my skin to fully absorb. As you can imagine when wanting to apply primers and foundations I had to proceed with caution. Whilst it wasn't greasy it was  I stopped using by day and relied on it by night and it worked much better for me and I'd wake in the morning with skin that still felt soft, moisturised and appeared plumper.

I mentioned above I became unwell and any moisture that was once in my skin was sucked out. Constant nose blowing left my nose looking, red and sort and my forehead developed the sort of peeling usually common with a day in the sun and not protection. Adding the Oils of Life Facial Oil back into my routine meant that whilst the dryness didn't immediately disappear it certainly speed it up and provided enough hydration that I was able to still wear foundation and so on.

Finally Step 3 is the Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Gel Cream* which is the lighter of two, the other thicker version being simply the Intensely Revitalising Cream. Once again you have a luxurious glass pot that houses this water like appearance gel cream. Again because generally my skin is normal to combination it was too heavy to wear by day, although certainly easier if I switched out the facial oil but once the dry skin kicked it it was a blessing. I do find I can wear this moisturiser if I apply lightly for general wear but if I'm applying before bed I can happily slather it on.

All in all whilst typically this is a regime to the dryer skinned amongst us it certainly proved its worth when I needed it and I'm glad to have it on standby as we enter cold and flu season.

*This post contains press samples.


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Monday, November 9, 2015

Remescar Silicone Scar Stick Review


Remescar Silicone Scar Stick* is a very quick and easy to use treatment to reduce the visibility of scars, both old and new which I have been testing out recently. I must start by saying that I have minimal scarring, severe or otherwise and I wasn't always diligent in my application but I was still able to form some thoughts on those I did have and offer up my thoughts today.

The two scars I used in my testing period are on my arms, one near my wrist from a curling tong incident (haven't we all been there) and another rather strange triangular shaped one on my upper arm where I foolishly lifted a roasting chicken and poured hot fat down my arm - through a sweatshirt I might add.

At the time these burns initially occurred I used The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Gel to tackle them so they had healed nicely and left only slight scars behind.


Very nondescript packaging houses your stick of silicone which does remind my of a certain glue stick! You simply twist up the stick and apply to the effected area which should be closed, clean and dry. It is a little tough, certainly not a cream product but it does apply smoothly with minimal resistance and what the eye doesn't see so to speaks is a thin layer of silicone-based film which provides a 'suitable healing micro-environmental' for your scar. Some people have complained that this can be a little drying but I haven't found that the case and it was almost unnoticeable that I had applied.

You continue to apply the stick treatment twice a day for 2 to 3 months, which is admittedly where I would fall a little short. In fact I actually thought I should bring it into work and have on my desk so I would apply of a morning and before heading home. That aside I did use a least once a day and as mentioned my scarring was minimal and I certainly saw it fading and now, it's only with a little tanning in place are they more significant. There is certainly no redness left to speak of.

The Remescar Silicone Stick is quick and easy to use and if you have scars, burn marks, stretch marks or the like that you're looking at treating this could well be worth something to try. At £19.99 with its required application period it could prove pricey and I would be interested to see how long the stick lasts but I think the price would be worth it should it work for you and/or you have particular marks that are cause for concern. Of course the size and the aforementioned issues might make it prohibitive if you have a larger area to tackle.

What do you use to tackle any scarring?

*This post contains press samples

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Friday, November 6, 2015

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Review


Dark spots can occur at any time of for a number of reason, sun exposure, ageing or even from pregnancy and Caudalie have discovered that after loss of body tone and facial sagging, dark spots are the third cause for concern for women. Even more interesting is that many women do not even what has caused them.

Over ten years ago now Caudalie launched the Vinoperfect Complexion Correcting Radiance Serum* to provide a solution to these dark spots. Containing Viniferine, a pure product of the grapevine, this natural active ingredient is designed to bring our your skins radiance and correct dark spots and the Vinoperfect serum is a number one best seller.

So how does your serum work? First Viniferine enables the production of tyrosinase, that will regulate your melanin production. Next you're given a boost of radiance and clarity by promotion of microcirculation. Melanin synthesis is limited by anti-inflammatory activity and finally antioxidant activity protects your skin from UV radiation.

All this from one light and milky serum. It is a none greasy formula although during the Summer months I did find it a little too heavy for day wear and a little more radiant than I bargained for which is a shame as the zesty lemon scent was the perfect wake up.

I only have one small dark spot which I was able to observe as I used this serum and it certainly was diminished as I would use. In fact now it's barely visible. For me this isn't a product that falls into the 'need' category and it proves a little pricey for a luminous appearance, especially as I found it too heavy by day but if my dark spot situation were to worsen it's definitely a serum I'd reach for.

Do you suffer from dark spots?

*This post contains press samples

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Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Winter Hand Care



Since having my acrylics removed many moons again now I tend to my hands needs at home. In fact I look after them far better than I ever did, allowing myself time for manicures and my cuticles have never looked so tamed. As we enter the colder weather one of the first places I start to feel it is my hands. The gloves will be out very soon I'm sure.

In preparation I've added a couple of extras to my manicure routine to make things a even more luxurious. The first is Lush Salted Coconut Hand Scrub which let's get it out of the way now, smells amazing. I could literally sit with a pot of this under my nose 24/7.

As I type this post I'm trying to think back to whether I've ever used, or had used a hand scrub in any hand treatments and don't think I have. Of course body scrubs are a regular in my routine these days and it seems quite logical that you apply the same care to your hands.

How you use this product is down to you and your hands, you can dive straight in to dry hands for a more abrasive scrub or add some warm water to make things a little softer. Either way the combination of sea salt and coconut oil will leave your hands soft and supple. It's also great to have this on hand for any self tanning errors.

Next in my Winter line up is Trind Softening Hand Mask*. Trind is a German nailcare brand that has just recently launched into Marks and Spencer Beauty Halls. With ingredients such as macadamia nut oil this hand mask is created to restore skin, remove impurities and offer a solution to chapped and dry hands.

It was quite a bizarre experience applying a mask to the hands. Firstly of course you're unable to do anything and unlike waiting for nails to dry in this instance you cannot touch anything as things will get messy and application can be as you're battling the applying on each hand without wiping it off. You'll get the hang of it though and after five minutes you simply rinse your hands.

This two products certainly add some additional luxury to my manicures at home and my hands have never looked better.

Would you ever try a hand mask?

*This post contains press samples 

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Monday, November 2, 2015

Book Review | Simply Glamorous


Gary Cockerill may be known by many as friend and make up artist to Katie Price but with the release of his new book Simply Glamourous he certainly proves his make up skills go way beyond reality tv.

Simply put this is your typical how to but for me this is written in a style that wants you the reader to try the looks at home whether the most natural to the more decadent 'Showgirl' and Gary makes it look easy. Or at least like you could try.

In a time where YouTube tutorials are king it may seem strange to release the more traditional format and maybe it's my age but I've followed those tutorials and between trying to apply gel liner and press pause, constant rewinding when things go a little too fast it can become frustrating. With this book you can follow at your own pace. Tips and instructions are given in easy to read and understand format and in most instances what you need is right in front of you without even needing to turn the page.


There are sections in the book for your face, eyes, lips, easy to digest tips complimenting your how to's, information on skin types and finding our whether you are warm or cool toned. I particularly liked this, I've done the 'what colour are your veins' etc but often end up more confused than when I started whereas here you have, laid out before you actual colours identifying as well as the likes of eye shapes and so on. Visually this is cleaner and easy to digest for me.

From barely there make up to one face four ways and finding the perfect nude or red lip everything is covered. There is most definitely something for everyone and isn't just a book for extravagant make up wearers or pure newbies to the arena. I'd be surprised if there was anyone that wouldn't learn at least something new from this book. Even mascara wand types have their own page.


As a blogger, YouTube viewer and general make up lover I have in the past brought every item featured in a tutorial, panicking when some weren't available and whether that would ruin a look. With Simply Glamourous and the tutorials available here you are unaware of the products used. Gary tells you it's a 'black mascara' or a 'rose pink blush' but other than that it leaves you some experimentation and confidence to use maybe what you already have rather than thinking you can't possibly create said look without 'that' specific product. If you turn to the back of the book Gary does list the products he has used and they are largely high end with a little Sleek thrown in for good measure but again visually you're allowed to interpret and use what is available to you.

I've yet to dive into the book and start putting the tutorials into practice on myself instead enjoying reading and absorbing all the information but I feel inspired and often the very opposite is what can happen with these types of books. Even as I type this review and flick back through the book I'm excited and feel like I can achieve some of these looks and that's all Gary wants, make up to be realised as accessible to all.


Young or old will enjoy this book, scared of contouring that's covered, think you're too old for a glamourous evening look well just turn to the page showing Gary's mum, you'll be blown away.
If you love make up or know someone that does this might very well be the best thing you could buy them for Christmas.

Simply Glamourous by Gary Cockerill is published by Jacqui Small and available from Amazon here. Does this sound like a present you'd like to receive?

*This product contains press samples

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Book Review | Simply Glamorous


Gary Cockerill may be known by many as friend and make up artist to Katie Price but with the release of his new book Simply Glamourous he certainly proves his make up skills go way beyond reality tv.

Simply put this is your typical how to but for me this is written in a style that wants you the reader to try the looks at home whether the most natural to the more decadent 'Showgirl' and Gary makes it look easy. Or at least like you could try.

In a time where YouTube tutorials are king it may seem strange to release the more traditional format and maybe it's my age but I've followed those tutorials and between trying to apply gel liner and press pause, constant rewinding when things go a little too fast it can become frustrating. With this book you can follow at your own pace. Tips and instructions are given in easy to read and understand format and in most instances what you need is right in front of you without even needing to turn the page.


There are sections in the book for your face, eyes, lips, easy to digest tips complimenting your how to's, information on skin types and finding our whether you are warm or cool toned. I particularly liked this, I've done the 'what colour are your veins' etc but often end up more confused than when I started whereas here you have, laid out before you actual colours identifying as well as the likes of eye shapes and so on. Visually this is cleaner and easy to digest for me.

From barely there make up to one face four ways and finding the perfect nude or red lip everything is covered. There is most definitely something for everyone and isn't just a book for extravagant make up wearers or pure newbies to the arena. I'd be surprised if there was anyone that wouldn't learn at least something new from this book. Even mascara wand types have their own page.


As a blogger, YouTube viewer and general make up lover I have in the past brought every item featured in a tutorial, panicking when some weren't available and whether that would ruin a look. With Simply Glamourous and the tutorials available here you are unaware of the products used. Gary tells you it's a 'black mascara' or a 'rose pink blush' but other than that it leaves you some experimentation and confidence to use maybe what you already have rather than thinking you can't possibly create said look without 'that' specific product. If you turn to the back of the book Gary does list the products he has used and they are largely high end with a little Sleek thrown in for good measure but again visually you're allowed to interpret and use what is available to you.

I've yet to dive into the book and start putting the tutorials into practice on myself instead enjoying reading and absorbing all the information but I feel inspired and often the very opposite is what can happen with these types of books. Even as I type this review and flick back through the book I'm excited and feel like I can achieve some of these looks and that's all Gary wants, make up to be realised as accessible to all.


Young or old will enjoy this book, scared of contouring that's covered, think you're too old for a glamourous evening look well just turn to the page showing Gary's mum, you'll be blown away.
If you love make up or know someone that does this might very well be the best thing you could buy them for Christmas.

Simply Glamourous by Gary Cockerill is published by Jacqui Small and available from Amazon here. Does this sound like a present you'd like to receive?

*This product contains press samples

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