Essie Maximillian Strasse Her - Spring '13

Let me introduce you to my new lacquer love. A few days ago I was faced with the new Essie Madison Ave-hue spring 2013 collection in Boots and boy was it tough to pick just one colour (it’s a hard life, isn't it?). I had my eye on Hip-anema, Bond With Whomever, and Go Ginza but in the end I plumped for Maximillian Strasse Her and I’m glad I did. 

This is such an unusual polish which looks grey in natural daylight yet leans to more of a green hue under artificial lighting. As with all Essie diffusion line colours application is a dream - this colour required two coats which went on really smoothly.

I also used the Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Gel Effect Plumping Top Coat which is apparently loaded with ‘Triple Polymer Technology’ to seal my polish and... it’s love! Whilst I wouldn't go as far as to say my nails look ‘plumped’, they are certainly super glossy and almost look gel-like which is good enough for me.

     Artificial light

     Natural light

Have you got your eye on any colours from the Essie spring '13 collection?

Norman Parkinson's Century of Style Exhibition

Yesterday I went to an exhibition showcasing the work of Norman Parkinson, aka the father of modern fashion photography. 

If you love fashion, photography, and 50's Vogue cover shoots then this is definitely worth a visit.

There were so many incredible photographs so here are just a few of my faves (apologies for the glare - the photos were lit up with rather unforgiving spotlights!):

Hat shoot taken in New York for Vogue (1949). 

My favourite picture of Audrey Hepburn - wasn't she stunning? Taken in Italy on the film set of 'War and Peace' (1955).

Wenda Parkinson - Vogue cover shoot (1954).

Wenda Parkinson - taken in India for Vogue (1956).

Roberto Capucci and a model - pictured at Florence train station (1961).

Anne Gunning - taken in India for Vogue (1956).

'Three Little Black Dresses' - taken in Florence (1961).

Apollonia van Ravenstein - shot in Barbados for Vogue (1971).

Model in YSL suit - pictured in Portugal for Vogue (1973).

Supermodel and David Bowie's wife Iman - taken in Florida (1982).

Models and photographers - pictured at Milan Fashion Week (mid 80s).

'Pretty as a Winter Print' - Vogue fashion shoot (1970). 

Lifework: Norman Parkinson's Century of Style runs until 12 May at the National Theatre, Southbank.

Which is your favourite photograph?

Inglot Freedom System Eyeshadow Palette Review

Inglot Freedom System Eyeshadow Palette

(l-r) Inglot 360, Inglot 337, Inglot 344

When it comes to eyeshadow, I much prefer making my own palette full of colours I know I will use rather buying a pre-made palette (although having said that I may have recently splurged on a certain infamous Nars neutrals palette, oops!). This is one of the things I love about MAC; you can buy the colours you love and slowly form your own set of shadows tailored to your eye colour and skin tone. For a while I've wanted to create a set of matte brown shadows for an everyday eye, so I decided to visit Inglot to check out their  customisable 'Freedom System'.

At the store, you are given a large magnetic board to attach any eyeshadows which catch your eye. The price of the shadows are very reasonable - each shadow costs £4.50 (much more affordable than MAC which is £10 a pop!) and the cost of the palette depends on the size you buy; my three pan palette was £5.

The packaging is brilliant - not only does it look super sleek but it is very sturdy and the magnetic closing makes the lid snap perfectly into place.

I wanted to create a totally neutral palette which would have everything I need for an everyday matte, defined, and contoured eye. After alot of umm-ing and ahh-ing instore (I'm pretty sure the sales assistants had never seen someone deliberate over eyeshadow so much), these are the colours I came out with:

(l-r) Inglot 360, Inglot 337, Inglot 344

Inglot 360: I bought the 360 to smoke out the outer corner. It's a nice dark, neutral brown. I would say it is slightly similar to MAC Mystery, but warmer.

Inglot 337: I was looking for a colour that was just a tiny bit darker than my skintone to sweep all over the lid and below my bottom lashes. Unfortunately I couldn't find the perfect colour but the 337 was the closest match. For some reason it looks slightly orangey in the photo above, but it is more of a warm brown colour. It is much warmer than MAC Omega, which appears ashier in comparison.

Inglot 344: This was the first shadow that caught my eye, and I knew from first swatch that I had to get it! I've been looking for the perfect brown-with-a-hint-of-mauve to blend into the crease. I like how the purple tinge warms up a smoky eye, whilst the brown base tone keeps it wearable for the daytime. This is my favourite shade as it is such an unusual colour.

In terms of pigmentation, these shadows are a dream to apply and feel so soft and creamy. The shimmer shadows were gorgeous and very well pigmented too but I managed to refrain from making any additional purchases - I practically wanted to buy the whole neutrals section!

Have you tried Inglot eyeshadows before? Are you interested in the Freedom System?

New In: Revlon, Soap & Glory, and Kiko Make Up

Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick in Fuchsia-ristic - £8 

Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede lipstick in Designer - £8.99

 Kiko Water Eyeshadow in 200 Champagne - £8.90

Once again, Boots is doing their 3 for 2 mix 'n' match deal across all their make up lines. Hurrah! This is actually a pretty big deal for us beauty obsessives. So I thought I'd share my fave purchases with you along with an AH-MAZING buy from Italian brand Kiko.

Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick in Fuchsia-ristic: Here we have yet another Chubby Stick variation. I've had my eye on this ever since Fleur mentioned it a while ago. The colour is a true pink with a slight neon look which will be perfect for summer. I was most drawn to the fact that it has a high gloss finish without the stickiness of a proper gloss - LOVE!

Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede lipstick in 097 Designer: I actually intended to pick up a couple of the new shades of the Revlon Lip Butters, but whilst perusing the Revlon counter my eyes darted to the new Ultimate Suede lipsticks. There were so many gorgeous shades I found it hard to pick just one, but in the end I came home with 'Designer', a gorgeous red with a tinge of orange and raspberry. I do find it to be a tad drying so I counteract this by dabbing the colour lightly onto my lips and finishing with a slick of lipbalm to achieve that 'just been on a country picnic and devoured a huge bowl of strawberries' look :)

The 3 for 2 offer runs until 16th April so there's still time to leg it down to your nearest Boots if you fancy picking up some new products!

Kiko Water Eyeshadow in 200 Champagne: I have never tried anything from Kiko before, but when I saw this eyeshadow it was love at first swatch. This is quite possibly THE most amazing eyeshadow ever. It's a gorgeous peachy champagne colour which would look great on any eye colour, swept across the lid or dabbed in the tear duct area. For a high street product it is pretty pricey, but I think the price is worth it. Seriously, the finish of this eyeshadow is incredible! It is so gorgeously opaque and shimmery. Plus just look at that beautiful pattern - it's almost too pretty to use!

UPDATE: I thought I would add a swatch for us to drool over. It is so lovely and pigmented - my only qualm is that the photos just don't do it justice!

Have you picked up any new products lately?

Lust list: Michael Kors Selma Handbag

Michael Kors Selma Handbag

Image credits: johnlewis.com

I've never been one to splurge on handbags. I used to just buy one that I loved, then wear it out until it was full of holes and needed to be replaced. But in the past few months this has changed and I now love the way a classy handbag can totally transform an outfit. 

I am in love with the new Selma bag from Michael Kors, which is fast becoming one of my favourite brands. Often Michael Kors bags contain a lot of gold hardware, so I love the simplicity of this one and the structured boxy shape. I also like that the Selma has a top zip fastening which is actually quite rare for a designer bag. However, note that the zip doesn't run all the way across the top - there are two small gaps on either side of the bag as demonstrated by those sticky out parts (technical term!) in the photo. It bears quite a strong resemblance to the Zara Office City bag which I mentioned in this post (which I also love!). 

The sales assistant at MK also couldn't help but gush about the Selma, saying she had her eye on the white one. She told me that the palm saffiano leather was so brilliant as you can just wipe it clean with a baby wipe. After seeing the Selma instore, I have to agree that the leather seems like it would be very easy to keep clean. It has a hard exterior which helps to keep it's structured shape. Personally I'm debating over whether I prefer the black or the navy. 

The kicker? If you live in the USA, this beauty will set you back $358 which equates to around £238 for us English folk. However, if we want to get our hands on the Selma in the UK, it'll cost us £315! Now that's just not fair, right?! Would it be totally unjustifiable to plan a trip to the States solely to pick this baby up...?!

Other items on my lust list: 

MAC Patisserie lipstick - Katie posted about this a long time ago and ever since then it's been filed in my mind under 'lipsticks I have to try'. See, this is how my crazy beauty-obsessed mind works! 

Una Brennan Superfacialist Rose Miracle Makeover Facial Oil - a drugstore pre-cleanse facial oil which is Caroline Hirons approved. Hurrah!

What do you think of the Michael Kors Selma bag? Which colour do you prefer?

New In: & Other Stories accessories

& Other Stories sunglasses (sold out online)

& Other Stories geometric print scarf

& Other Stories ocean print scarf

So the other day I was mooching around London and decided to pop into the much hyped store, & Other Stories. A Swedish brand from the makers of H&M, & Other Stories is supposedly meant to be the lovechild of H&M and Cos providing minimalist Cos-esque pieces at a slightly cheaper price (for reference, I would say the price point for the clothes was a little higher than Topshop). I would definitely recommend visiting this store even if you’re not lured in by the clothes which, to be honest, I wasn't. 

The aesthetic looks a bit like a warehouse mixed with a fashion designer's studio. Everything is white, the stairs are made from wire, and the walls feature inspirational street style images. The clothes are separated into collections – some are minimal and monochrome whilst others boast eye-catching patterns and bright colours. I would say that whilst the clothes do lean towards the basic, minimalistic side of proceedings, most items also feature an element to make them more trend-based, for example, a classic silk shirt is updated with a zip fastening instead of buttons. There were a few clothes I did like, but I have to admit, I wasn't overwhelmed. 

The part I did like? The accessories. They had some unusual pieces including chunky rings (often the same designs were available in silver, gold, and rose gold), bright clutches, and boxy satchels. They are scattered all over the shop floor so if accessories are your thang, make sure you pursue the whole store to uncover some gems. I fell in love with these round sunglasses (£10).  I spotted them looking lonely at the back of the store so I believe they were the last pair, but stock replenishes every Tuesday so visiting the store on a Wednesday would probably be your best bet if you fancy picking them up. The scarves were gorgeous too; I went for a monochrome geometric pattern and a stunning ocean print (£12 each). They were pretty cheap but feel incredible; they feel like they actually could be silk. 

The beauty section was pretty impressive too, there was a huge selection of products – eyeshadows, lipsticks, blushers, contour creams (MAC Pro Sculpting Cream dupe, anyone?), nail tools, brushes... the list is endless. Along with their own brand, they also stock some products from labels such as theBalm, This Works, and L:A Bruket. It all seemed very well thought out.

I am pleased to say I resisted the urge to throw a few nail polishes into my basket. Next time maybe. After all, a woman paired with a credit card can be a very dangerous combination...

Will you be visiting & Other Stories?

Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner Review

Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner

Reviews of the Redken All Soft shampoo and conditioner seem to be a bit hit and miss. Some rave about it saving their damaged hair by making it softer than ever before, whilst others say it's pretty useless since they reformulated the range. The new range contains an 'Interlock Protein Network' which helps to 'rebuild surface protection' (confused? me too!). 

First, let me explain the story behind my purchase. A few months ago I visited the hairdresser for a cut, and she asked which shampoo and conditioner I used. At the time I was using L'Oreal Elvive, to which she responded with what I can only describe as a look of horror. Apparently most high street shampoo and conditioners are loaded with silicones which are great for making your hair look shiny, but can coat your hair at the roots making it appear greasy quicker. She recommended I try the Redken All Soft range which she claimed had zero silicones and would leave my hair in much better condition. However, typical inflated hairdresser prices meant the duo was around the £25 mark so I came home empty-handed and a tad disheartened. 

I then spotted the duo for a slightly cheaper price on lookfantastic.com and decided to take the plunge, taking my hairdressers advice to treat my hair with a little TLC.

Now, the main thing I look at when I buy a new product is the ingredients list. The first thing I notice? Whilst the conditioner is silicone free, the shampoo DOES contain a silicone, dimethicone, and it's pretty high on the ingredients list! As you can imagine I was pretty annoyed at this but decided to try it anyway and see what all the fuss was about. 

I have been using the shampoo and conditioner for about two weeks now and, honestly? I have noticed no difference in the softness or shine of my hair. They're nice products, but nothing ground breaking. The difference I have noticed? For some reason, these products actually do keep my hair looking fresher for longer, which is great as we all know how bad it is to wash your hair too frequently. I'm not sure how it does it, but I have to say that I'm pretty impressed. For this reason alone I will happily use up the rest of the bottle without feeling too disgruntled about the whole silicone malarkey.

Have you tried the Redken All Soft range? What are your thoughts on products containing silicones?