bloomzy /

Review: Playboy Kitten Eyes Liquid Eyeliner

Playboy Kitten Eyes Liquid Eyeliner*

Me and liquid eyeliner go hand in hand. You won’t see me with make-up on without liquid liner. Basically it has become a staple, on my face and in my cosmetic bag. I like to think that after about 5 years wearing liquid liner I know my stuff. So when Playboy cosmetics gifted me with their new eyeliner, I was excited to try it.
Swatched on top of a nude eyeshadow, using primer.
Pros:
+ Easy to apply
+ Brush rather than nib
+ Jet black shine finish
+ Cute packaging

Cons:
– Cracked during wear
– I could feel the liner during wear
Notes:
I wasn’t sure what exactly to expect from Playboy’s capsule make-up collection, but I was excited to find out. I first noticed the packaging, which they’ve kept true to the brand by featuring the iconic Playboy bunny. The eyeliner itself comes in a simple black tube with a pink signature – cute! I prefer brushes (like this one) when it comes to liquid liner, as I think you have more freedom, and it’s generally easier to apply. This was certainly easy to apply and left a sharp black, wet look finish. It was also easy to build on. I was impressed. Unfortunately it did crack during the evening though. I also had the same problem with an eyeliner with a similar formula, and I had to keep trying out various primers to find one that worked well with it. So I will give this the benefit of the doubt and say that it could probably be solved with a different primer underneath. As for being able to ‘feel’ the liner, I don’t really know how to explain it in any other way. For £6.95 this won’t break the bank and is a fun addition to an eyeliner lovers collection.
Playboy’s Kitten Eyes Liquid Eyeliner will be available from mid-April.
Stockists are still to be confirmed.
bloomzy /

The Secret of Avène Eau Thermale

On Thursday I was invited to breakfast with my favourite skincare brand – Avène.
They had cryptically told me that I would be finding out the secret behind their products.
As the brand has made such an impact on my skincare routine I couldn’t wait to find out.
Amongst the gorgeous bouquets of flowers and delicious food were some new products.
Avène is now releasing their ‘XeraCalm A.D’ range, which is aimed at those with eczema.
As someone who suffers from eczema from time to time, this came as a delightful surprise.
But wait, didn’t I mention a special little secret? Well luckily for you I’m going to share it.
So what is the secret of Avène?
The lovely representative told us that it is all down to nature. A long time ago, the founder of Avène found a spring that had special healing properties. The locals also knew about it and used it to bathe in and to help ease their skin conditions. It sounds as though it could be something from a fairytale, right? At least that’s how I imagined it. 
Now, do you remember your geography children? Then you might recall how springs come about. Rain falls down into the soil and makes a magnificent journey through the earth before creating a spring. It is this process that allows Avène to gather their eau thermale, as it rises from a hot spring under the earth. The water in this spring takes all the minerals and a unique microflora ‘dolomiae’ from the earth and soil. This process takes over 50 years, so the eau thermale in all your Avène products really is special. It is a science that the Avène team have been working on, and perfecting, for many years. Luckily for us they are now sharing their secret, so we can all benefit!
So it’s no wonder why Avène’s products are soothing, anti-free radical and anti-irritating. It’s amazing to think that a spring discovered in 1736 is still helping us, and our skin woes today. Avène have put a lot of research, thought and care into their products and I love that about them. I also think it’s wonderful that the eau thermale in their products comes from a natural spring. How many people can say they use the water from a thermal spring in their skincare routine? Their products aren’t only for those with eczema or sensitive-skin, anyone can use them. If you want to be converted, like I was, then you need to try out Avène. 
You can purchase Avène’s new range from selected Boots stores, from April 2014.
bloomzy /

Primark’s Must-Have New Beauty Travel Bag!

Polka dot monogram beauty/travel bag
Lorna and I went on a bit of a Primark binge yesterday. We spent about an hour wandering around the Tottenham Court road store. After trying on all of the items we had hoarded, we decided to hit the beauty section. I wasn’t after a new beauty bag, but I did think my Whistles one was looking a bit meh. Then I saw this. You know when you find that gem amongst the rough of Primark items? Yeah that. I just loved everything about it, and I automatically began searching for an E. The polka dots. The gold letter monogram on the front. The double zips. It’s perfect. I can see this featuring on a lot of dressers, in bags, and on everyone’s Instagram. I fit all my necessities inside such as my lipsticks, lip balm, mirror, perfume etc. The double pockets mean you’re able to fit a whole bunch of stuff inside of it. It’s useful, chic and fun, with a design that will appeal to most people.
They seemed to have most letters available but certain ones were a bit sparse. 
So head to your local Primark to grab one before they go!!
bloomzy /

Review: Illamasqua Shattered Star Marquise Nail Polish

Illamasqua Shattered Star Marquise Nail Polish, from the Glamore Collection*

Orange nail polish isn’t really something I’ve gone out of my way to wear. So when Illamasqua sent me their new Shattered Star Marquise Nail Polish, I internally thanked them for helping me to try something new and fun. There are actually two other shades in the Glamore collection; a champagne, and a pink – both of which are glitter polishes, like Marquise. Illamasqua claim that Marquise is highly pigmented, chip resistant and has a multi-dimensional glitter finish. Well I have a little something to say about that…
Subtle triangle nail art and swatch, using Illamasqua’s Marquise
Pros:
+ Highly pigmented
+ Chip resistant
+ Applies easily
+ Love the packaging
+ Long lasting
+ Opaque in one coat

Cons:
– Could dry quicker

Notes:
As you guessed, I don’t really have anything bad to say about this polish. Yes it does everything it claims to, and it does it with flare. Application can be something which a lot of brands go wrong on. Thanks to a good quality polish and brush Illamasqua has it down to a t. As I mentioned at the beginning of the post, I’ve never been a fan of orange polishes. Illamasqua may just have changed that though as Marquise is a gorgeous, highly pigmented glitter polish that looks amazing on. I really like the other shades in this collection (Trilliant & Fire Rose), but for me, Marquise is just so striking that it stands out from the rest. I can’t explain exactly how the glitter can have a multi-dimensional finish, because I don’t even fully understand that myself, but it does! It’s something unlike any other glitter polish I’ve used before. No it doesn’t dry in an instant, but then it doesn’t take a lifetime either; it just takes about as long as any other standard polish. I love Illamasqua for their high quality, highly-pigmented make-up products and this polish lives up to all of those. For £15 it may seem like a lot, but a little goes a long way (it’s opaque in one coat), and it really is worth paying for this kind of quality.
Marquise is currently out of stock on Illamasqua‘s website, however it is also available in-store.
bloomzy /

Review: Shiseido Fullmake Washable Base

Shiseido FWB Fullmake Washable Base*

You’d be forgiven if you’re slightly confused as to what this product does. Whereas the name may be in English, it doesn’t make much more sense than FWB. Well Shiseido can be forgiven as this skincare product is aimed at the Japanese market. This is a base for your make-up, that will help it stay put, but also easier to remove. It also claims to nourish skin, whilst evening your skin tone and improving lip colour. I decided to give it a go as I love Shiseido, and the idea behind this.
Pros:
+ Easy to apply
+ Fragrance free
+ Non-sticky formula
 + Kept my make-up in place
+ My foundation washed off easily

Cons:
– Doesn’t work on waterproof make-up, such as eyeliner/mascara
– Left a mark when I got a spot of water on my face during the day

Notes:
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I put this on in the morning, but it applied easily with no fuss. The base is fragrance free, which is always a plus for a face product in my books. The product has a texture between a cream and a gel, and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. I wore this over a few days and my make-up did stay put each day. Although on one of those days I happened to splash some water on my face, and it did leave a visible mark on my foundation, but it wasn’t too big. When it came to washing it off, now that’s when I got excited. There are a whole bunch of instructions on how to apply and wash this off to get the best out of the product, and they’re definitely worth reading – at least I read them. You can read them here. So after following the instructions I noticed that my foundation had come off my face and was mixed in with the water droplets on my skin. It’s hard to explain, and it looks a bit odd, but it works! It removed my eyeliner and mascara…to the rest of my face, but then this doesn’t work on waterproof make-up, which makes sense. You do need a cloth or cotton pad to remove the make-up…or you could maybe stick your head in the sink, but I’d recommend the former. I was impressed with how my foundation removed so easily, and it left my skin ready for a good cleansing. It definitely makes the removal of make-up, and your skincare routine a lot easier. For around £11, this isn’t a bad price and is up there with some well known British brand primers – but then this does a bit more than that. I’d consider purchasing this, for all of its benefits, because it does exactly what it says on the tin tube.
You can purchase Shiseido’s Fullmake Washable Base at Lunatu.
bloomzy /

Review: Micro Pedi Gift Set

Emjoi Micro Pedi (with Manicure/Pedicure Kit) Gift Set*

Mother’s Day is fast approaching and brands are bringing out gift sets left, right and centre. That makes it slightly more difficult for those who may want to purchase one for their mum. I was contacted about going for a pedicure with my mum, and receiving a gift set from Micro Pedi. Unfortunately I was unable to make it, so they sent me over the gift set so I wouldn’t miss out. I found out about Micro Pedi last year and actually gave one to my mum as she loved the idea. So it made sense to me that this was the perfect gift idea for me to review for Mother’s Day!
Included in the set is:
The Micro Pedi foot smoothing device, with extra coarse roller.
The Micro Pedi Finishing Foot Cream, with peppermint oil and cocoa butter.
Micro Pedi Manicure/Pedicure Kit, compromising of 5 separate attachments.
Nail Scissors, Nail Clippers, Nail Brush, Toe Separators and Pouch.
What did I think?
When I used the Micro Pedi I found all of the claims to be true. It’s so easy to use and you don’t feel anything at all whilst you’re using it. Like most people I’m not immune to rough/hard skin on the heels of my feet. This managed to get rid of it after using it for only a minute or so on both feet. The cream smells amazing (I’m a big fan of peppermint) and is the perfect accompaniment. I prefer to pair it with the cream after use (and some bed socks), for perfectly soft tootsies. As for the manicure/pedicure tools, they were actually the part I was most excited for. You all know I love anything to do with nails so I will be getting plenty of use out of this. The scissors, clippers, toe separators and nail brush are good, useful additions. This is perfect for some Mother’s Day (or all year round) pampering!
The Micro Pedi Gift Set is now half price at Boots (was £79.99, now £39.99).
bloomzy /

Interview: Keiko Lynn

I’m sure you all know of Keiko Lynn already, but if you don’t then you’re in for a nice surprise. Keiko is the gorgeous face from Brooklyn behind the fashion, beauty and style blog Keiko Lynn. Her blog, (established in 2008) features beautiful photography and even more eye catching content. You’ll find hair & make-up tutorials and outfit posts galore – as a reader you’re spoilt for choice. She took the time recently to answer a few questions for me, and here’s what she had to say.

You’re my style crush, and I think it’s safe to say you’ve influenced a lot of people through your blog. So what I’d like to know is who, and what, influences you?
I take influence from so many places, it’s sometimes difficult to pin down. My great grandma always had a big impact on me – she was an excellent seamstress and taught me everything I know. She had the best style, and the fact that she made most of her own clothes made it even better. Sewing is what got me interested in fashion. I’m also a big fan of the ladies featured on Advanced Style, because I believe in wearing whatever makes you happy, and not adhering to any boundaries set by others. As far as style influences, I’d say I look to the past. The 60s and 90s are big influences. I watched a lot of My So Called Life, growing up.

Do you have any favourite fashion brands you couldn’t live without?
I’m crazy about a lot of niche brands: Sretsis, Vivetta, To Be Adored, Family Affairs, Rachel Antonoff…the list goes on.

Of course your tattoos are a big part of you, and your personal style. Do you have a favourite? And would you have any advice for someone who is thinking of getting their first tattoo?
I waited for years to be tattooed by Amanda Wachob, so my floral piece on my forearm is my favorite. It makes me so happy when I look at it – I can’t remember a time when I was without it! First time tattoos: do your research, and be patient. Don’t go in without a clear idea of what you want. Don’t rush something that will be on your body forever.

You are always looking flawless, so I’d love to know how you keep your skin looking so great, and what your favourite beauty/cosmetic brands are.
I use a lot of Mario Badescu products, and also get my facials there. Lately, I’ve been using Biologique Recherche P50 1970 as my toner, and I swapped out my normal moisturizer for Coconut Oil.

Finally, as the majority of my readers are based in the UK I’m sure they’d love to know a little bit about Brooklyn. 
Do you have any favourite spots you’d recommend? 
I’m actually working on an ongoing guide to Brooklyn, so I’ll have a more cohesive list, soon!
Some of my go-to spots would be:

Treats:
Farmacy (for an egg cream or an ice cream sundae), Dough (for the best donuts), Four and Twenty Blackbirds (pie) 

Brunch, Lunch, Dinner:
Vinegar Hill House,
Buttermilk Channel,
Hunter’s, Al Di La, Clover Club (jazz night on Wednesdays) 

Shopping:
Beacon’s Closet,
Bird
Article, Cloak and Dagger, Catbird,
Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store, Brooklyn Flea

Thank you to Keiko Lynn for being kind enough to answer my questions.
Photo credit to keikolynn.com.