#28kisses Lipstick Challenge Round Up

28 days, 28 lipsticks/glosses and 28 kisses later, I am finally done with Nykki's Lipstick Challenge and what's more I finally pushed myself into reviewing 28 products that I've been 'meaning' to review but never really got round to it.

Matte Red Kisses

Forbidden Kisses

Salacious Kisses

London Kisses

Amped Up Kisses

Rosegold Kisses

2nd Generation Kisses

Secret Kisses

Bodyshop Kisses

Quite Loud Kisses

Betty Kisses

Veronica Kisses

Just One More Kiss

Black Hearted Kisses

Chameleon Kisses

One Pound Kisses

Morning Kisses

Frosted Coral Kisses

Shaded Kisses

Bewiching Kisses

Mystical Kisses

Sensational Kisses

Ruby Kisses

Sam's Blowing Us Kisses

Supermarket Kisses

Dark Magic Kisses

Northern Light Kisses

Superhuman Kisses

Thanks so much for all the feedback over the last 28 days.

My MAC Stereo Rose Giveaway ENDS TODAY!!!!!!!

If you haven't entered to win yet, the clock is ticking!!!!

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A Little Mother's Day Sparkle

What do you get your mother for Mother's Day when she has already gotten Christmas, Birthday and Valentine presents in the space of 3 months??? 

I actually don't think there is anything else to get her that she doesn't already have but don't think telling her that will get me excused from giving her a Mother's Day  present; she will frog-march me to Argos the day after (True-story!!!)

As I've already gotten her perfume, bags and clothes, I thought that the next best thing to get her; which will round off the gift-buying until Christmas 2013, is some jewellery.

I know some people are a bit scared about buying expensive jewellery online (Honestly I can’t blame you) but let me just point out that all orders from the Lloyd’s Family Jewellery website are handcrafted and UK hallmarked WITH an authenticity certificate so you know that what you are purchasing consists of genuine gold and gemstones, and you won’t be disappointed when your piece arrives.

The first thing I thought about getting here was an Amethyst Birthstone Ring.

While I don't really believe in birthstones, my mum is lucky as her birthstone is Amethyst which is a gorgeous burgundy shade that my mum always wears so she would love this Diamond & Amethyst Ring. But knowing my mum she would probably lose it when it goes flying off her finger during an over-gesturized conversation, and quite frankly I think it's my Dad's job to buy her rings . . . can't have him thinking he's in competition with me (because I would lose . . .badly) 

Another option would probably be these Illusion Set of Drop Earrings which would probably win me a lot of home-cooked meals for the next few months as she loves her earrings but I wonder if I can convinced my dad to pitch in (AKA buy it but put my name on it) so I can get her a new watch. She hasn't quite forgiven me for running over her last one with my car.

Now obviously you can get Rings, Bracelets, Earrings,Studs and Luxury Watches on the Lloyd's Family Jewellery website to suit any occasion but don't forget to search their special offers sections. You might just find the perfect wedding ring, thank you present or birthday present there.

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#28kisses and Counting | Day 28: Superhuman Kisses

The #28kisses Lipstick Challenge is finally finished and I'm not too sure if I'm happy or sad that it's all over.

MAC Strong Woman is from the Limited Edition MAC Strength collection which was a matte lipstick collection featuring amazing colours from past MAC collections. Strong Woman is actually my first MAC matte lipstick and I felt that it was such a huge deal that I've postponed posting about it for the last month just so I can round off my lipstick challenge on a high note.

I'm not even going to lie here, I went for MAC Strong Woman because I felt it was the creamier version of Sleek's True Colour Lipstick in Mystic and I am in love with that kind of opaque bright purple. I think that Strong Woman is a bit lighter than Mystic and looks suspiciously like MAC Daddy's Little Girl but that is a bit pinker.

I think I will get a lot of use out of this as it means I now have creamier version of my favourite lipstick (YAAAAY!!!!)

Ok, I know it is a bit obessive to buy an expensive dupe of my favourite lipstick just because it has a different texture but come on, tell me that you have done the same at least once?

My MAC Stereo Rose Giveaway ENDS TODAY!!!!!!!
If you haven't entered to win yet, the clock is ticking!!!!
Click Here to Enter

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#28kisses and Counting | Day 27: Northern Light Kisses

I never really thought I had so much pink hidden in my makeup collection but having looked back on the #28kisses LipstickChallenge, almost all the posts have been pink or red . . .when did so much pink creep into my collection?? I demand an answer!!!!

Ok, no I really don’t especially when I’m about to talk about another pale pink lipgloss . . . but I’m running out of ways to describe the colour pink now . . . what do I say about Revlon’s Crystal Lilac??

Crystal Lilac is a psychedelic bubble-gum pink gloss with green reflects in it that is very eye-catching in the tube and on the lips. I did originally buy this just because I thought it was pretty (sometimes the buying reasoning is just that simple).

I’m not really one to go for a pink lipgloss this light but I love mixing this with a nude lipstick like MAC Freshbrew or Doubleshot to add a little ‘something-something’ to my lips.

I am a huge fan of Revlon’s Colorburst lip glosses as their smooth, lightweight and non-sticky formula feels like it should cost a lot more than their £7/8 price tag.

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#28kisses and Counting | Day 26: Dark Magic Kisses

 I was actually planning on posting this ‘kiss’ yesterday as it went hand in hand with Makeup Store announcing they were releasing their S/S13 Cocktail collection but trust me to leave my SD card reader at home on my makeup desk . . . just how is that meant to be useful to me when I’m over 1 hour away from my house??!!

I can’t help but feel that I missed a great collaboration opportunity but what’s an unorganized blogger meant to do? *shrugs shoulders*

Makeup Store Lipstick in Magic can definitely give Mac’s Rebel or Cyber a run for its money any day. Blasphemy?? I think not!! Magic has a Metallic, Satin Finish that is just so rich, pigmented and unique that I normally find myself reaching for this over my MAC Rebel (hence why my rebel looks so new and this looks like I’ve tortured it).

I remember rushing down to the MakeUp Store in Carnaby Street after the iFabbo event that took place in Summer 2011 (my second blog event EVER) and I was so excited about the brand that I had to pick up a few extra goodies to play around with. Though I never blogged about it, Magic has popped up quite randomly in a few of my posts along the years and I think I actually need to retire this lipstick and get a new one but there’s just something about the “first” product bought from an amazing brand that makes me want to add it to my blogging mantel.

At the moment there are only 2 Make Up Store Counters/Stores in the UK, which are on Carnaby Street and in Westfield White City, but I really feel that they are so worth the journey. 

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A Pharmacognosist Skincare Approach

What is it about Natural Skincare Products that makes me perk up in my seat? After learning in 2012, what I am allergic to and which skincare ingredients should be avoided at all costs; if I prefer to keep my skin rash and dry patch free, 2013 is all about learning what brands stock products that not overly perfumed and fruit sugar intoxicated, which leads me to my newest curiosity Dr Jackson.

Dr Jackson is an Industry Leading Pharmacognosist; with a qualification list that reads like a blurb on a book, who has now launched his very own online store. His Kigelia derived skincare products were previously only sold in Liberty and Harvey Nichols. 

I really wanted to highlight his brand because I love his aim and objective of promoting pharmacognosy (the study of medicines from natural plants) into the cosmetic industry and well as using safe organic ingredient where possible. 

At the moment his product line contains:-

Skin Cream 01 contains Kigelia fruit extract, Baobab Oil, Shea Butter & Marula Seed Oil and has a SPF 20 factor. Skin Cream 1 is a unisex skin cream containing bioactive extracts and is designed to smooth and illuminate the complexion, reduce puffiness and have a firming effect on skin.

Skin Cream 02 contains Kigelia fruit extract, Baobab Oil, Frankincense &Mango Seed oil and seems to be the 0 SPF night time equivalent to the Skin Cream 1.

Face Oil 03 contains Baobob Oil, Marula Oil, Calendula Flower and Arnica Flower Extract, and works as a deep penetrating oil to alleviate dry and damaged skin and improve the skin tone. This face oil contains 2 base ingredients that are known for it’s anti-inflammatory and healing properties, which is good to know if you suffer from exceptionally dry skin or excema.

While these 3 products are designed to work together, I’m more interested in trying out Dr Jackson’s Skin Cream in 01. I know I am not allergic to seed oils or shea butter but I’m not too sure about Kigelia as my allergies tend to flair up with fruit extract. I know this brand is stocked in the Harvey Nichol’s Beauty Mart so I think I’ll pay it a visit after work and take a quick test skin-swatch to see if I react to it. 

  

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MakeUp Store Unveils Spring 2013 'Cocktail' Collection

Seems that the snow flurries and piercing wind couldn't dissuade Make Up Store from announcing the launch of the Spring Makeup Collection.

The Swedish Makeup Brand "MakeUp Store" will be releasing it's new collection "Cocktail"in March which is set to feature a unique mix of shades and blends. The range will include:-

Micro-shadows (£11)

Parfair Amour

Curucao

Cosmopolitan

Eyedusts (£11)

Blue Moon

Nailpolish (£11)

Anders

Mirjam

Lipstick (£12.50)

Pink Panther

Pencils

Strazz Pencil (£10.50)

Eyepencil (£12.50)

I know that that only Make Up Store Counters/Stores in the UK are on Carnaby Street and in Westfield White City, so if you happen to be in that vicinity, go into the store. Their product's pigmentation and quality will blow your cotton socks off.

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