Lorac Pro Metal Palette

I am a sucker for a good eye shadow palette and Lorac make some of the best. The shadows are seriously pigmented and so buttery and smooth. One of their latest additions to the line is exclusive to Ulta and beyond beautiful. As part of the Fall 2015 line the Pro Metal Palette is chocked full of gorgeous ultra metallic shades that range on the neutral side with a few interesting colors in there. I can say already that I am blown away by this palette, I think these could be the most buttery pigmented shadows I own. The color selection isn't my usual go to but I am definitely getting more wear out of them than I thought. The intense highlight shade Quartz it my absolute favorite. It adds a real punch to the inner corner and I love wearing it really boldly with a matte brown. Gilded is a pale gold that is perfect for the center of the lid, it adds a bit of highlight but isn't as intense as Quartz. Rose Gold is just that, and you no my obsession with the pretty metal recently. Amber reminds me of a pigment by L'oreal I have but this is even more metallic, it looks really pretty on the lid by its self and the orange gold really brings out the brown in my hazel eyes. Graphite is a cool toned taupe brown, it would be really pretty on the lid for a metallic smokey eye or in the outer v for a little definition. Clover is a really unique shade in the palette, it is a brown with a little green in it. It looks really pretty smudged under the eye or again in the outer v. Onyx is my least favorite and probably the least buttery in the palette. I personally don't really like it because black isn't really my thing not because it's a bad shade. In fact it's quite beautiful and different as it had blue shimmer running through it, so don't rule the palette out on it. Cobalt is another unique shade, as the name would suggest it is a cobalt blue. I think using this as a liner would be so pretty, as you can see it swatches beautifully and I really love it. The palette is small, compact, and light making it a perfect addition to your travel bag, especially if you want a good evening look while your away. Basically what I am saying, YOU NEED THIS NOW! If you are a fan of a shimmery eye then you can't get much better than this. Get it at Ulta now for $28.

What Lorac products do you love? Love...


*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

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Murad's Makeup Skincare Hybrid

Finding skincare that actually works can be a real struggle. It's also not easy to get your perfect routine down without having to use too many products so multi-taskers are perfect for your beauty routine. A product that is a primer, anti-aging, and has an SPF sound pretty perfect right? Well let me tell you it is. The Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Sheild gives you flawless protected skin all in one step. The silky velvet consistency glides over the skin and blurs inperfections (as the name would suggest) such as fine lines, pores and uneven texture. It has Shitake Mushroom and Mucor Miehie Peptides help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and Black Currant, Rosemary, Goldenrod, and Peony Root Extract to help improve skins texture. With invisible sunscreen broad spectrum SPF 30 it also protects the skin. It also actually works as a primer, I wore this out in hot humidity this weekend and I found it kept my makeup locked in place and stopped me from becoming a oily mess while still keeping my skin hydrated. One thing to mention is that the SPF is a chemical one but I have recently done some research on the benefits of physical vs chemical and they both seem to have there pros and cons. After my research I have come to the conclusion that actually I shouldn't be ruling out chemical SPF's all together, while I think I will always prefer physical SPF's, for a thinner, lighter, more invisible base and chemical could be better. If you're looking to take a step out of your routine or for agreat primer and SPF in one then Murad has you covered.

What'a your favorite summer SPF? Love...

*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

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Summer Ready With Soap & Glory

I have been a Soap & Glory fan for as long as I can remember, we're talking way back in my early teen years. There was (and still is) something about it that is affordable but still feels quite luxurious. I have been using these three body products for the past few weeks to get my skin summer perfect. I have super dry skin and the Flake Away Body Polish has seriously helped to keep everything smooth and hydrated. It is a sugar, salt scrub mix with shea butter, almond oil, and peach seed powder. It has a really nice scent which is their Original Pink Fragrance, and it really reminds me of their body spray I used to use back when I was about 12. It has quite a thick runny consistency that is different to most other scrubs but I really like it as it exfoliates enough but it still isn't too harsh. The Righteous Butter is award winning and quite rightly so. It is packed full of aloe and shea butter to really hydrate the skin. I love that it is quite whipped in consistency but still sinks into the skin quickly making it perfect for summer. Lastly I have been using the Sit Tight Super Intense 4-D Firming and Smoothing Serum which is a lower body gel set to target firming and reducing cellulite. Now I wouldn't say I have much cellulite but since using this the little I did has reduced dramatically. I have been using it for almost 14 days now and I am still not sure on its claim to 'firming', I have found things look smoother but not necessarily firmer. I still don't really understand the technology behind it but apparently the more you sit the better it works, bonus! It says you should feel a warm tingling sensation when applied (with the very handy massaging roller balls, may I add) but I personally did not get that, to me it kinda just felt cooling a little like a medicine cream such as IcyHot. I don't think this product is going to cure serious cellulite but if you only have a little or just want to smooth your bum and thighs then I would defiantly give it a go. So Soap & Glory really do have everything when it comes to having perfect skin, and this is the perfect time of year to be smooth and soft.

What are your favorite Soap & Glory products? Love...


*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

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My Favorite Blogs

I love reading other blogs just as much as I love writing my own. There is nothing quite as good as sitting down to have a read on a Sunday morning with a cup of tea, what can I say I'm not a coffee person. Bloglovin' is always one of the first places I go to when I wake up in the morning. I have a vague recollection of writing a post like this before but I can't see to find it, so hey lets round up my favorite bloggers all over again. I like a variety of different blog's but mainly fashion and beauty of course. I have tons of blogs I read but these five are the ones I get excited about when I see they have a new posts.

Sarah Loves Makeup- I think I have mentioned Sarah's blog before in a post and it truly is a favorite of mine to read. I can imagine she has a lipstick collection to die for as I am always drooling over her posts involving lip products like this recent one all about Tom Ford lipsticks. She has some great content and I am forever making trips to Sephora after reading her posts. I really don't know how she juggles studying and having such an amazing blog.

Necessary Nothings- I mentioned that Necessary Nothings could be my favorite blog when I did my collaboration with Corinne, (which you can read HERE if you would like) and my love for it has only grown. Corinne is so lovely and has also helped me out with a lot of blogging 'things', and it feels great to be able to chat to other bloggers about blogging things because people like my family and friends while supportive don't always get it. Necessary Nothings has some great beauty posts and her Italian vacation posts has me dreaming of a break.

Dress Yourself Happy- I love Serein's blog and Youtube channel. She has such fun posts and does great first impressions as well as cute fashion posts. You can check her Youtube channel out and are previous blog collaboration HERE. Hopefully we will have another one for you soon. She is also part of the It Cosmetics 'It Girl' contest so make sure you go and vote for her!

Carrie Bradshaw Lied- Kathleen's style is impeccable and I find myself staring at her posts for what seems hours working out if I could ever look that good in those shoes, or that dress. The answer, probably no. She also has some really cool lifestyle and home posts like her most recent about Functional Decor. I also love her blogs layout, the big photo slideshow at the top is so fun to watch!

Bows & Sequins- Bows and Sequins are two of my favorite things so it is only natural I love Jessica's blog. Again she has great style and I dream of a day I can look as put together as her but for now reading about it is all I need. She has a post up right now with all of her picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and I may or may not have shopped a few of the items. Oh, and you have to follow here on Snapchat (jessicasturdy) she has some of the funniest and prettiest snaps.

God I feel like a complete stalker after writing this... Anyway let me now your favorite blogs in the comments I would love to see them! Love...

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Sigma 3DHD Brush Line

I have been trying out a few different Sigma products lately and these brushes really caught my eye. They are rather strange, and I was skeptical to say the least. They have a very odd shape to them for a brush, so much so my mum even asked if I had cut them myself like it. With an almost roof triangle shape to their bristles they are certainly unique. Made with Sigma's exclusive synthetic bristles they pick up powder and cream products like a dream. The unique cut is engineered to fit all the contours of the face and glide easily around areas like the nose. The 3DHD Kabuki blends in cream, liquid, and powder foundations effortlessly. When using a liquid I like to dab the product all over my face and then blend with one side of the brush, and then with the clean side smooth everything out to get the perfect airbrushed finish. I have also been loving this brush for cream contouring and highlighting, it fits perfectly into the hollows and high points of your face and blends product in to look incredibly natural. I was never really one to use concealer brushes other than to pin point conceal, I just think a sponge or fingers blend better in places like the under eye but boy has has the 3DHD Precision Brush changed my mind on that. To say this brush has changed my whole dark circle game wouldn't be a lie, it blends like nothing else while still keeping the coverage needed. If you are a frequent reader here on Perfect Peonies then you will probably know dark circles is something that I seriously struggle with, were talking I can get 10+ hours of sleep and still look like I haven't slept in a week. I have tried hundreds of concealers but have never really thought about the way I apply it could make all the difference. I love using my Estee Lauder double wear liquid concealer with this and lightly buffing it in under the eye, it seems to some how keep the up most coverage while still looking natural and completely blended. The unusual shape of the brush makes it perfect for fitting delicate areas such as around the nose, and of course under the eyes. If you are bored with the traditional buffing and concealer brushes and feel you need brushes that actually work then make sure you check these out. You can also receive 10% off right now with the code INNOVATINGBEAUTY on the whole site, just head to Sigma Beauty!

Under eye circles sorted, sadly I no longer have an excuse to sleep longer...


*This post contains affiliate links and PR samples, for more information please refer to my disclaimer. 

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A Rose Gold Obsession

When the rose gold 'thing' blew up a few years back I never really got into it. I always thought it was to girly and much preferred just classic gold or sliver. Saying all of this, suddenly a few month ago I had a 360 and have been buying pretty much all rose gold jewelry. I have come to understand the rose gold I do like; when it's not too pink, more just a tinted gold. With my new found love for rose gold I have been on the hunt for the perfect high quality pieces to add to my collection without breaking the bank. I was scrolling my Instagram 'discover' page (which by the way is amazing to find new accounts to follow, I would say the majority of people I follow I have found there) and came across 'The Peach Box' who are an Australian jewelry company. I was instantly besotted with their Instagram feed so went straight to their website. I fell in love with practically everything on there and had to make an order immediately! I was a little worried about shipment charges (as the order would be coming all the was from AUS to the US) but I was pleasantly surprised with it being under $10 (AUD) and if you spend over $50 AUD then it is free international shipping! I ended up with only two items as I wanted to see the quality before I order anymore, but right now I can tell you I am stalking their 'new in' page as we speak (or type). The two rose gold bangle bracelets I got are beyond beautiful and I think I have been wearing them every day since they arrived, which by the way took about 10 days from ordering. They are both pretty simple but I really like that as they can be worn alone or stacked with other bracelets. The Buckle Bangle caught my eye first, and I just new I had to have it. It some how reminded me of my horse riding days, so felt very appropriate. The quality of the piece is beautiful, it feels sturdy and looks polished. It has a very interesting fastening where you almost have to do up the buckle. The second bangle was The Floating Crystal Bangle, I like this because it really is incredibly simple. It has a elegant almost girly feel to it with the one tiny crystal and looks really pretty paired with some dainty rings. Again it is amazing quality for the price and I think I am going to get a ton of wear out of it. On the two pieces at the times exchange rate, and including shipping I ended up paying around $40 USD. What a steal!

Are you Placing you order as you read? If not here's a little incentive, I have a coupon code so that you can get 15% off their already incredible prices. Just use the code "tpd-perfect_peonies" and head to thepeachbox.com to redeem. The code is only valid till the end of August 2015 so make sure you get over their quickly! I hope you enjoy. Love...


*A discount was given for my thoughts to be relayed, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information. 

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The Best Of The Week #3

So it's that time again to wrap up everything I have been doing/loving  this week. I haven't done one of theses post in a few weeks as life has pretty much just been all work, but in my effort to make Perfect Peonies a little less beauty (not that I don't love it all being beauty, it will always be predominantly beauty) I am trying to inject some more fashion and lifestyle posts.

Okay so I am about to totally contradict myself and talk about beauty, but it has to be done. I have been obsessed with this Sigma Blush in 'for cute' which by the way is the weirdest name ever. It looks quite scary and bright in the pan but the color is just stunning once it is on the cheeks, also for a more affordable blush it really lasts well and isn't at all powdery. Also you can get 10% off everything (including their amazing brushes!) with the code INNOVATINGBEAUTY just click HERE to redeem. I was also sent the BodyBlender by BeautyBlender this week and I have been having a lot of fun trying it out, a full review on it will be up in the next few weeks. Last weekend we went into D.C. to Roosevelt Island, it was really beautiful and much bigger than I thought. It was a lovely day, and not too hot so all in all it was pretty perfect other than the fact I was in flip flops and there were hundreds of huge spiders crawling around on the floor! If you are visiting D.C. or live in the area then I would definitely recommend a visit. Last but not least is my love for these beautiful Bauble Bar rings, I am totally in love with rose gold at the moment (more on that on Monday) and these rings have been feeding the obsession. I think the little midi ring is my favorite and it's on sale now for $12! Oh and please excuse my messy nails... there in a growing period, and in case anybody wants to know I have O.P.I 'Mod About You' on them. To end this post I also want do a quick announcement, during the month of August I will be posting every weekday! It' will be hard but I am up for a new challenge, but don't worry if you are enjoying these weekly posts I will still be doing them when there is something to write about.

Congratulations to all of those who graduated this week! What have you done with your week? Let me know in the comments. Love...



*This post contains affiliate links, for more information please refer to my disclaimer. 

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Deborah Lippmann Painted Desert, Summer 2015

Hello, my name is Nicola and I am a nail polish addict. I have had this problem for a while now and it's not going away anytime soon. Okay, so all jokes aside I am serious, things are getting out of hand, but my latest excuse is that I must have them to try for you. The Deborah Lippmann Painted Desert Collection for this summer truly is a beautiful one. I have already reviewed the Spring Collection which I am in love with way to much by the way and you can read it HERE if you wish. So before I get onto individual color I just need to mention how amazing the formula of Deborah Lippmann polishes are. I have been testing out a few different higher end brand nail polishes recently and for wear time, ease of application, and dry time these polishes defiantly came up on top. Each polish in this collection is inspired by the desert and actually quite unique. Every polish is creme in finish, very opaque, and fast drying. 'Shifting Sands' is the lightest and most summer like of the collection. It is a warm toned creme nude that is extremely opaque, in a rush one coat is all you need. 'Terra Nova' is a caramel mustard kind of color, not the most appealing to me but definitely unique as I have nothing at all like this in my collection (which is bursting at the seams). It is again very opaque and easy to apply, only taking a matter of minuets to dry. 'Desert Moon' is a very pretty khaki grey, I love me some grey and green so this is the perfect combo. I am not sure about wearing this in summer as I am in to my pastels and bright colors but I will get a lot of wear during late summer/fall time. The last color in the collection is 'Love In The Dunes,' it is similar to 'Desert Moon' but has purple tones to it instead of green. It is very pretty but again in my mind it is more appropriate for fall. All in all I think it is a really unique collection for Summer, If you are someone who hates bright colors then it could very much be for you, but if you are like me it will still be perfect for fall. Even if it is not a color from this collection you really should splurge a little and try a Deborah Lippmann polish, they could be my favorites. Love...


*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

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A Perfect Hair Day with Living Proof

My hair drives me crazy; it's not curly but not straight either, it kind of just has a limp wave to it. It frizzes like no tomorrow and basically letting it dry naturally and leaving it has never been an option for me. I have been a huge Living Proof fan for a long time and the 'Perfect Hair Day' range could be my favorite. The line is made for all hair types transforming your hair to its optimal condition for stronger, healthier, and more manageable hair. The results are immediate and get even better over time. The Shampoo is sulfate, silicone, and oil free making it gentle but cleansing for the hair. It delivers five benefits of smoothness, conditioning, volume, strength and polish while keeping your hair clean longer. Normally I am not a fan of sulfate free shampoo's as I always feel they don't clean my hair well enough, especially after using a lot of product but this shampoo cleaned really nicely and lathered up well while not being drying at all. The Conditioner has the same five benefits as the shampoo with an added a hit of moisture while de-tangling and not being too heavy. I will definitely be grabbing some more of these mini's for my vacation next month. The 5-in-1 Styling Treatment is my favorite of the line and it has totally transformed my hair. I like to use this on damp hair before blow drying and it adds volume, smoothness, and stops all the frizz and fluffiness. I find it also helps my style last a lot longer and I don't have to keep adding in extra curls each day. Before this treatment I had to straighten my hair before curling it, now I blow dry, touch up the fronts with a flat iron and then can go ahead and curl straight away. The Night Cap Overnight Perfecter adds shininess and silkiness to hair that lasts up to five washes, it also protects from the harsh hair realities of everyday. I have only used this a few times but so far I am in love. I have been adding it to my damp clean hair and then letting it air dry (which I never normally do, especially since I have had it cut) and unbelievably my hair has been air drying with out all the frizz! Okay so I am still left with my limp wave but it's a whole load better than normal, all I have to do it touch the front up with a flat iron and add a few waves; hair done in a matter of minuets. I have yet to try it on dry hair but will be experimenting and will let you know. On the shine front it really adds a nice boost to the hair that lasts.

If perfect hair is what you're after, then Living Proof have you covered.   


I must also mention these hair ties, they are so cute and comfortable in the hair. Emi Jay also donate 20% of every purchase to charity so make sure you go and check them out. Love...

*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

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A Beach Makeup Look

Beach season is officially here so for today's post I am going to be sharing with you my 'beach makeup'. This post is in collaboration with the lovely Corinne from 'Necessary Nothings' and she is going to be showing us her go to 'beach makeup' look also. Can I just start by saying that I am so excited about this as 'Necessary Nothings' could quite possibly be my favorite blog ever! Her posts are full of what you want to know and I always aspire to have photographs that look as good as Corinne's! I will link to her blog and Instagram at the bottom of this post so make sure you go and check both out and give her a follow; especially her Instagram she has some dreamy Italian photos.

When it comes to normal vacation beach days I don't tend to wear much on my face other than an SPF and maybe a little concealer but if I am headed to the beach for lunch or it's more of a 'day' thing then I do like to put some makeup on. These products create a really simple look that wearable just about anywhere and keeps fresh even in hot weather. This look isn't just perfect for the beach either, it would work for a pool party, a day exploring the city, or for just a simple Sunday.

Ok, so if I have applied an SPF already I will go in a just conceal where I need a little coverage. A liquid-y concealer is best for this and something that is budge proof is even better, I love the Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Flawless Concealer, It literally doesn't move all day. If you do want a base with coverage and SPF all in one then treat yourself to the Chanel CC Cream with SPF 50, It lasts really well on the skin and has a decent amount of coverage. It isn't overly glow-y either so you don't have to worry about becoming too oily. For cheeks I always think cream products look most natural, dab and blend a little of the Clinique Chubby Stick for Cheeks in Robust Rhubarb on the apples of you cheeks for a natural flush. For summer I think looking bronzed is always good, this La Riviera Sun Matte Bronzer by Vincent Longo* is my new favorite. The shade Sun-Kissed is warm but not orange and is matte so looks super natural and not 'sparkly'.  For the eyes I think a touch of mascara is all that you need, just make sure it's waterproof so you don't look like a panda coming out of the sea. The drugstore do a ton of great mascaras but my personal favorite is the L'Oreal Voluminous Butter Fly Mascara. I also like to keep the lips hydrated with a little balm. I really need to get one with SPF so any recommendations would be appreciated but until then I love this Vita Mineral Lip Balm by REN*. It is hydrating and has a little sheen to it, and I love that it comes in a tube not a pot so you don't have to dip any sandy fingers in, also its not going to melt in the heat like a stick balm. To finish off I like to give everything a quick spritz with a setting spray, this ensures that your makeup really will stay put. If you have oily skin go for something mattifying but if like me that's not an issue, use something like Urban Decay's All Nighter for some serious long lasting power!    

Make sure you go and see Corinne's beach makeup and give her follow on Instagram! 

Corinne's blog: http://www.necessarynothings.com/

Corinne's Instagram: https://instagram.com/necessarynothings/

Love...

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How To Make The Most Out of Your Blog

We're veering off beauty today and this is going to be a post for all of you bloggers, and you probably won't be surprised but a big majority of my readers are bloggers themselves. Blogging has become such a huge thing with almost a idea of 'glamour' attached to it. Let me tell you know it's not all free stuff and parties, there is a lot of hard work involved. I have never done a post about blogging before because I have never felt like I am qualified to, but I got thinking and I have really learnt a lot on my blogging journey and thought it was about time that I shared it. I am not going to be talking about SEO or HTML coding because quite frankly it's something I don't even understand, this is simply going to be some tips/lessons that I have learned from my few years of blogging.


Do Blog Frequently & Consistently- I think this one is pretty obvious but the more you post the more your readers will come back. Back when I first started my posting was very erratic and I would be posting every day on minuet and then once a month the next. Don't panic or stress yourself out if you can post everyday, even if you just post on weekends and it's consistent you blog will begin to grow. As soon as I had a schedule (currently three days a week) and stuck to it my audience and views began to grow.  Basically frequency and consistence is key.

Do Get Involved With Other Bloggers- I wasn't really getting involved with many bloggers until the beginning of this year and it's something that I love doing now! If there is a blog that you love reading then contact them to say hi! Even ask whether they would like to do some sort of collaboration post with you. One thing I have learnt is not to be shy or scared, most people in the blogging community are so lovely and are always up for working together. I can honestly say that I have made some great blogging friends, even those who I haven't met.

Do Utilize Social Media- Again until the beginning of this year I was not doing this very well. I was only using Instagram and really only for personal use. Utilizing hashtags on Twitter and Instagram is a great way to get yourself and your blog out there. Twitter has become a massive way for me to get new readers through linking new posts, even just through 'meeting' new bloggers through 'chats', and just general Twittering. Let's not forget Pinterest, I get a huge inflow of readers from posts that I pin and link there, I think it is a really underrated social media platform. It's all so simple to do, sign up to each platform and begin sharing.

Do Customize Your Blog- This may be a step you can't do right away but personalizing your blog will bring a whole load of new readers. I know personally that generic looking templates just don't make me want me to read a blog. This doesn't have to be something you spend tons of money on if any at all. You can get ready made beautiful templates from Etsy and similar sites for a matter of dollars or even learn a bit of coding and make your own. I am a big believer in you get out what you put in.

Do Contact PR Companies & Brands- I think this is something people don't talk about enough. I also only really figured this out recently; that opportunities aren't necessarily always going to land on you doorstep (or in your inbox) and that you need to go out there to get them. No matter the genre of your blog, whether it's beauty, fashion, jewelry, food, nails, or elephants you should be contacting appropriate brands that would be a good feature on your blog. Now I know I said 'free stuff' isn't what blogging is all about but sure it's a great perk and you get a great topic to talk about. You can't expect every company out there to know who you or your blog are so contact them and let them know, you never know you may be exactly what their looking for.

Do Take A Break- I get in a blogging funk all of the time and have had to learn that sometimes no posts are better than crappy ones. I get this may contradict my 'Do Blog Frequently & Consistently' but when you just aren't feeling it your just not going to be coming out with things people want to read. I am guilty of this big time, I have had my fair share of ridiculously boring posts. Every now and then whether its because I am ill or on holiday or just feel I need a break I will take one. Life can get in the way of things and if you have a full time job/education then running out of time is not a crime. You need to remember that life will not end if you miss one post.

I hope you have enjoyed reading my tips/advice and it has been helpful to you. Now I want your best blogging tips, share them below and we can all learn and share. Love...

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Vincent Longo La Riviera Sun Matte Bronzer

It's summer time which means it's time to dust off those sandals, get your pale limbs out and pick up a great new bronzer. I am all about the glow come summer and the bronze glow is the best kinda' glow. If your having trouble really understanding my love for bronzer then think about this, I currently have five bronzer's just in my everyday makeup drawer... FIVE! Who could possibly need that many bronzer's you ask? Well a bronzer addict like me that's who. (believe it or not I have more that five... gulp) I have never tried any products from Vincent Longo before but when their PR team asked me if I would like to try their new bronzer's I jumped at the chance. There are two shades in the 'La Riviera Sun Matte Bronzer' which is part of the Modern Pop summer collection, a medium shade 'Sun-Kissed' and a dark shade 'Sun-Drenched'. They both have a really interesting speckled effect to them with the lighter shade having darker specks and the darker having almost white specks. Being matte they add a a really nice glow and warmth to the skin without look shimmery or unnatural. Now one thing that needs pointing out if you are super pale, like paler than me (think NARS Deauville, Charlotte Tilbury 2, Chanel 20 Beige) then there isn't really a color here for you, but good news for you darker skin gal's Sun-Drenched could be a great option. The pigmentation on both is great and you can get a really subtle bronzed look all the way to full on bronze depending which shade you use and how much you apply. They both also blend into the skin beautifully, but the darker shade Sun-Drenched is just a little more buttery. One thing to be careful of is that they do have a little bit of 'fall out' so make sure you tap your brush before applying. Sun-Kissed is my perfect everyday bronze shade, it's not to warm nor cool and can even be used to shape the face a little. Sun-Drenched is quite red in tone and on the darker side for me, I can only really get away with it if applied with a light hand. But I can see when I am tanned and when I go on vacation it will be perfect. If you're someone who loves the bronzed look then you need Sun-Drenched in your life, it is dark but applied sparingly it looks really natural (just make sure you run it down your neck too). Plus it makes a great crease color too! If you're in the market for a new bronzer or you are just an avid collector like me then defiantly check these out. The retail for $32 and can be purchased from Vincentlongo.com.

So I have my summer bronzer sorted...  Now just to find a home for the few other thousand.

Love...



*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

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My Favorite Lip Products For Summer

I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July weekend, the weather has been a bit rubbish here and I got sick on Sunday but it was still a fun weekend. As summer is now here I thought I would share with you today my favorite lipsticks and glosses for summer, I did this back in spring and you can read that HERE if you would like. Unlike in spring when it comes to lip colors I like to go bold come summer. Bright pinks, reds, and oranges! I like a mix of matte and gloss depending on how long I want things to last and the occasion. 

Maybelline Color Sensational in Vibrant Mandarin- I am so in love with this color! It is my perfect go to summer red, this always comes on my summer vacation with me. It is the most creamy red orange that doesn't tip to much either way. It has a satin finish that can slip about a bit so if you're wanting to wear this all day without touch up's then a good liner might be necessary. If you're searching for that perfect orange red but don't want to spend a fortune then this is the one for you. I am headed off to Mexico next month and I am certain this will be on my packing list. 

Colourpop Cosmetics Lippie Stix in Heart On- Another bright color! I love this color it's sensational, along with all of the other Colourpop Lippie Stix. It quite unique being a mix of magenta pink and purple but at the same time not so purple that's it too 'out there'. The formula is matte and last nicely on the lips especially if I layer it with the matching liner. If I want something bold but not red then this is that. 

Clinique Chubby Stick in Pudgy Peony- If I want something that's still fun and bright but a little less high maintenance then a Clinque Chubby Stick is always my best bet. I have written a whole post on the Chubby Stick line HERE if you would like to read. Pudgy Peony is a really nice hot pink that's sheer and moisturizing, you can slap it on the lips quickly so it looks like you tried when you really didn't. 

M.A.C Sunny Seoul Lipstick- If you want a warm toned coral pink lipstick then you need this! I can't always get away with wearing it as it washes me out a bit when I'm pale but once I begin to tan a little (mainly faux) it looks really pretty on the lips. It's a cremesheen formula so sits nicely and adds a nice amount of moisture. 

Marc Jacobs High-Shine Lip Laquer in Pink Flamingo- I have written a post about this HERE if you would like to read about it more in depth, but it's safe to say this could possibly be the prettiest gloss ever. It is expensive but it's non sticky, a gorgeous shade of pink and last well on the lips for a gloss.

Let me know your favorite lip products for summer in the comments, I can't wait to read your recommendations. Love...    

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June Favorites 2015

It is Summer!!! Maybe not my favorite season but still a pretty good and relaxing one. This month I am skipping all the ramble and getting straight into my monthly favorites. Ok I lie, I must first tell you all about my June, well I would if much happened, but it didn't. But I do want to say thank you again for all you support of Perfect Peonies as it continues to grow, it makes me feel like I am really accomplishing something. So I am typing this and realizing I am totally rambling and half falling asleep so really lets get into those favorites.

M.A.C Face & Body Foundation- This has been a rediscovery for me in the past month, I always seem to forget how much I love until I start using it again. I have a mini review of it written HERE if you care to read. It is so lightweight and perfect for the hot weather and I love that if I want I can go totally sheer or build it up to a medium coverage with it always looking like skin, and not skin with foundation on, real skin.

Colourpop Hustle Shadow- While it looks deep and dark in the pan used lightly it is the most beautiful light purple. I have been all about wearing soft purple and pinks on my lids this past month (I know me wearing color!) and this color looks so pretty lightly blended into the crease.

Deborah Lippmann Chantilly Lace- Ahh this polish is all kinds of beautiful! It is part of her spring collection and it's my favorite of the bunch, I have been wearing this on my nails and toes nonstop! It is a light pink with magenta shimmer in that's so delicate is just looks really metallic! Read about the rest of the collection HERE.

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray- So June was the month I had my hair cut short, well short for me. I have really been into having a textured wave in my new shorter hair and I couldn't do it without this bottle of magic. It is almost cry worthy expensive but then I thought about it... I am likely to spend $40 if not more for a foundation or even a bronzer so why not product for my hair. Boy am I glad I did, it adds beautiful texture and hold without being crispy and while smelling amazing!

Kat Von D Mad Max Brown Tattoo Liner- I love the black version of this liner and you can read my review on it HERE, but sometimes black is a little to harsh for everyday. This brown is just a little sutler, not much but a little bit. I would say you don't need both but if you want one then get the brown, it's so dark it's practically black but just a little softer. It's safe to say I have been working on my cat flick game this past month.

Clinique Hefty Highlight Chubby Stick- On Monday I wrote all about my favorite Clinique Chubby Sticks which you can read HERE after if you would like, but I have been in love with this highlight especially. It is a light pink champagne with minimal shimmer that adds the perfect amount of glow to the cheek bones. The formula is beautiful and creamy and so easy to apply in stick form.

To all my U.S. readers have a great Fourth of July weekend, and make sure you leave me your June favorites in the comments! Love...

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Deborah Lippmann Whisper Spring 2015

So I first feel like I need to apologize, I do know that isn't spring anymore but these polishes are just far too pretty not to share, plus they are still totally appropriate and you can never have to many classic shades, right? So, her spring collection was built round the idea of being soft, elegant, and understated and I think she has certainly achieved that. Don't get me wrong I love a bright pink or orange in the summer but pastels and nudes are always my favorite to have on my nails, they always look clean, classic and of course elegant. I think if I was to create a collection of polishes myself they would look very like this. The're two shimmers and two cremes in the collection with of course the shimmers stealing my heart. They are being classed as sheer polishes but you can get away with just two coats (especially in the shimmers) which I was shocked about, while still being able to wear them as a sheer one layer on the nails if you want. Now with that said if you do want the creme's to be opaque you are going to need three coats, but for me personally that's no problem as they dry so quick! If you have been a reader here on Perfect Peonies before then you may already know that I am a huge lover of Deborah Lippmann polishes so I did have high hopes for this collection. I am going to being with my favorite 'Chantilly Lace', it is like no other color I have seen before but it sure is beautiful! It is a really pale pink with an almost magenta shimmer running through it, another thing I love about these shimmers is that the shimmer is almost undetectable on the nails it kind of just looks very metallic. The other shimmer in the collection is 'A Fine Romance' the color that is on my nails in the photo. This is a beautiful cream color with a silvery shimmer running through it, to get the opaqueness on my nails I only needed two coats. So let's talk about the creme's, 'Misty Morning' is a really pretty grey duck egg blue. It does take three coats to be opaque but it is a really unique color, not quite blue, but not quite grey either. The other color is a grey based nude 'Like Dreamers Do', it almost reminds me a little bit of Nails Inc Porchester Square but slightly lighter and sheerer. You can get away with two coats with this one and if you are in the market for a classic nude you can wear for everyday then this is it. Of course because they're Deborah Lippmann polishes they wear very well and I can go chip-less for about a week. They retail for $18 each and you need to snap them up quick as I believe they are limited edition.

What is you're favorite Deborah Lippmann polish? Let me know in the comments. Love...

*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information. 

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