My Top Five Lipsticks... EVER!

You guys I just love lipstick, I love it so much I don't even think I can put it into words. Yes that's pretty sad but nothing gets me more excited than picking up a new lipstick. Of course I have some tried and tested HG lippies in the mix and I thought I would share my top five lipsticks of all time with you today. So this past weekend I decided to merrily swatch a good chunk of my lipstick collection, just to have a refresh of what I have. I shared the diary of it over on Snapchat which you may of seen the 10 dozen swatches if you follow me there (I am Nicoladarita btw so go follow!). When you are such a lipstick lover like me it can be rather tricky to pic your top five but I had a real good think about it and I actually managed to make the choice rather easily.

MAC Cremesheen in Pure Zen- This was one of my first MAC lipstick purchases years and years ago now and to this day I still love it. It is a creamy nude shade that is quite pale compared to what I usually go for but some how it really suits me. It sways a little more pink that peach which I personally prefer and I think it is a shade that seems to be neglected in MAC's collection.

Chanel Rouge CoCo in Adrienne- This one is relatively new in my collection but I have already worn it a ton and I can tell it will be a shade I buy and buy over again. It is a brownish nude that goes with any makeup look and I can imagine it suits pretty much every skin tone. The formula of these is lovely and creamy but still long lasting.

YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in #44- My most worn lipstick title has to go to this baby! It is such a beautiful baby pink shade that is on the sheer side so it is very wearable. The formula of the new Oil in Sticks is probably my favourite ever, it is just so nourish and comfortable on the lips.

Burberry Kisses in Rose Blush- I just love this colour, it is like a berry but still wearable in non autumnal months. The formula is creamy but still quite pigmented and just easy to wear. I have noticed nearly all of my picks have a very creamy almost sheer formula so clearly I have a lipstick 'type'.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Very Victoria- This is my only matte pick, which I was quite surprised about considering I wear matte lips quite often. The Matte Revolution formula has to be the best for matte, long lasting, comfortable lips. They are highly pigmented and just seriously the best! I have whole post on a few shades HERE if you want a read. Very Victoria is the perfect browny pink shade that isn't too cool nor warm, think MAC Velvet Teddy but 10000% better.

Do you have a lipstick for life? Love...

Leave a Comment Beauty

Share:

New Foundation Loves

You guys know me and you probably know that I am the biggest foundation and base junkie there is. I have had a fare new favourites of late so I thought why not share. So just a bit of background on what I generally like in a foundation; something rather glowy, hydrating, and with just enough coverage but nothing too heavy. So some shopping has happened and I have a few high end and one drugstore option to share with you today.

YSL Touche Eclat Le Teint Radiance Awakening Foundation- I was unsure about the new revamped formula of this for a while, I just felt it didn't wear very well on the skin but I have come to rather like it oddly enough. The wear time still isn't the best but I have found I can make it work and the beautiful finish it has just makes it so worth it. It has just enough glow without looking too greasy or wham bam thank you mam in the sheen department. The coverage is great, with a good medium to full finish which I find perfect for special occasions or evenings out.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua- Everyone and their mother seems to go on about this one but I was always sceptical as it contains alcohol. My dry skin can't tolerate anything too stripping so I was a little worried but I honestly have found no problems and I love it! The finish is very natural and it has a rather sheer coverage but I really like it for no makeup days or just when I want a more natural look. I can see it will be perfect for summer as it doesn't budge or get greasy at all on my skin.

Urban Decay Naked Skin- I have written a full post on this one HERE so I will keep it brief in my description but basically this is just good natural skin in a bottle. The finish is perfect for everyday and if you want one very good au natural foundation in your collection then this is the one.

Bourjois City Radiance Foundation- So this is the drugstore pick of the bunch and I have to say it is one of the best drugstore products I have tried in a while. It is called a foundation but I would liken it to more of a tinted moisturiser. It has a very light but creamy glowy coverage that is perfect if you like to wear just a little makeup. It also has SPF 30 so it's great for protection in the sun.


Love...

Leave a Comment Beauty

Share:

Little Nugg Masks

These affordable little pods of facial goodness have intrigued me quite a bit since seeing them on the shelves of Target almost a year ago, although I never actually got round to picking any up. So I finally got my hands on some and today I thought I would share my opinion on them with you lovely lot. So if you are looking at the image above and think 'what the donkey is she going on about' then let me explain a little. Basically Nugg have created these little ketchup sachet like pods filled with enough face mask for at least two or three uses making it perfect for traveling or skincare junkies like me. They have a bunch of different formulas for different skin concerns from hydrating to deep cleansing to soothing, so there is certainly something for everyone. I have tried out a few of the different masks now and I have to say that I am rather impressed considering how affordable they are. The deep cleansing is one of my favourites as I love how it makes my skin feel so clean but not stripped at all or dry. I find the was they are in pods so convenient and I can see they will be my little holiday treats when I go away.You can get then now from Selfridges HERE in the UK. Have you tried anything from Nugg? Love...


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

Leave a Comment Beauty

Share:

Spray Painting Your Nails?

I admit, it sounds rather bazar and indeed it is but Nails Inc are having a real moment with their Paint Can spray on nail paints. Dubbed as the "the worlds fastest manicure" it certainly got my attention. The whole concept is based on what it says on the tin, yep spray painting your nails. I was sceptical to say the least, but I have been giving them a trial for a couple of months now and I think I have formed a pretty firm opinion. So basically you apply your base coat, spray the paint on, apply the top coat and then wash away the excess paint on your fingers. Sounds simple right? Wrong. I found the process way more complicated and honestly found a traditional manicure way more timely other than paint dry time. So the 2in1 base coat/top coat is rather lovely and smooths the nails perfectly, great start. Now the spray can is where things get interesting. So you spray it on and it's rather fun, but then you realise it hasn't actually covered your whole nail and the colour looks a little patchy. I thought do not fear we will just do another spray coat, bad bad idea. Things just got chunky and kinda weird looking, certainly not polished and smooth like I would expect. Granted adding the top coat made things look a little better but I still wasn't in awe. At this point though the whole process had been pretty fast and I thought you no what the application may not be the best but for a five minuet manicure it is rather fun. So the next step is washing off the excess paint, except it doesn't really wash off. You either have to scrub hard with a nail brush, and I mean hard or go at it with nail polish remover and cotton buds like I did. So basically at this point even if you are rubbish at painting your nails, normal nail polish still works better. I felt a little sad about it not working as I am such a Nails Inc fan so I went with the good old motto "If at first you don't succeed, try and try again." After a few more applications I would like to say I have mastered getting an even colour a little more but the excess paint thing still really bugs me. Don't get me wrong, I love the concept and the whole process is rather fun and I certainly would give it a try with Nails Inc offering a variety of shades in the formula for only a tenner. The one thing I have learnt from this though, is that West End is the most beautiful shade ever and I will be buying it in normal polish formula (which btw is one of the best nail polish formulas) ASAP. Love...



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

Leave a Comment Beauty

Share:

The Caudalie Vinosource Collection

Hi, long time no see! Today I am back, well for now. I am not committing to being back full time as I am horribly ill right now but I am trying my best at getting a few posts up this week. Now onto today's post, if you have been round these parts before then it's more than likely you've heard me bang on about the Caudalie Vinosource Moisturising Sorbet. Recently Caudalie has released three new moisturisers in the Vinosource range to accompany the original sorbet. The first new offering in the lovely revamped pink packaging is the Moisturising Mattifying Fluid which is the perfect hydrator for oily skin types. It was created to have a blotting affect on the skin while still giving it the hydration it needs. It also helps curb oil production over time and leaves the skin feeling velvety soft and ready for makeup. Of course you then have the original that is perfect for normal to combination skin types, this is my usual day time moisturiser in the summer and I find it just hydrating enough and fresh feeling on the skin. The last two in the range are focused on dry skin. I find the Moisture Recovery Cream perfect for evening hydration and and when my skin is feeling a little lack lustre and dry. It has a more cream like texture compared to the sorbet but isn't overly rich or heavy which I really enjoy. Lastly for extremely dry chapped skin you have the Intense Moisture Rescue Cream, this is the one from the range I have yet to try but it is specifically formulated to penetrate deep within the skin to act as a lipid-replenishing bandage. I love the packaging from the new range, the small thin tubes makes them perfect for traveling and I can't help but love the beautiful pink ombre packaging they have between them. Have you jumped on the Vinosource bandwagon? Love...


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

Leave a Comment Beauty

Share:

Sorry I'm a Little M.I.A...

I just wanted to hop on and mention why I have been so M.I.A around these parts and social media recently. Things have been super busy and while I hoped to continue posting this week and the next I have now come realise it was going to be a lot harder than first thought. I have taken the past week as holiday as we have had friends visiting and on Monday I am off to Paris for a nice three day break. As I said I had hoped to continue blogging everyday but I haven't felt I could give you the content I would wish to. Over the past few months I feel like my content has been a little lack lustre and I am hoping a couple of weeks off will help me to feel fresh and be full of ideas for posts again. Sometimes you just need a little break to refresh, and while I normally put so much pressure on myself to post at least four times a week I think I just need to give myself a break. Thank you so much for your continued support and I will see you in a couple of weeks hopefully with a new fun vibe here on Perfect Peonies. Love...

P.S If you do still want to follow along with my next few weeks then you can watch all of my adventures on SnapChat- nicoladarita.

Leave a Comment Lifestyle

Share:

My Origins Top 3

If you come around these parts often then you will know that I am very much into my skincare. Origins is one of my favourite skincare brands and I thought today I would share a few of my favourite items from the line. First up we have one of the best moisturisers ever! The Ginzing Energy Boosting Moisturiser adds so much glow to the skin it is unreal, the texture is so light but I find it perfectly hydrating for my normal to dry skin in the summer months. It brightens the complexion and smells incredible. Another favourite of mine is the By All Greens deep cleansing foaming mask, for days like today when my skin is feeling like poop. If I have congested skin then this is the perfect product, I used it this morning for a deep cleanse and it has just cleared my complexion completely. The liquid turns into a frothy foam upon application to the skin, where I like to leave it for 5-10 minuets and then 'cleanse' it off. So in short it is a mask-cleanser hybrid that clears the complexion of all nasty impurities. Lastly we have the Drink Up Intensive overnight mask which has been a long time favourite of mine. In fact I believe a review of this treasure was one of my very first posts here on Perfect Peonies. If you suffer with dry skin then you need this in your life. The thick balm like texture has a tropical scent to it which makes you feel like you're on holiday. I love that the perfect time to apply this is before bed and then you just let it do its magic while you sleep. Love...

1 comment Beauty

Share:

Kevyn Aucoin- The Creamy Glow

I have been a huge fan of Kevyn Aucoin makeup products for years now and for me nothing beats their sculpting powder. Every product I have tried from the range I have loved, but I have to admit that I haven't actually dipped my 'toe in the pool' all that much. A few weeks ago I thought I should be adventurous and try a few different products that I maybe haven't heard much about, and I came across 'The Creamy Glow'. I love a good cream product and these cream blushes looked right up my alley, the price tag also caught my eye as while they are not cheap they are certainly on the lower end of his whole line. I really haven't heard about these at all online before so on a whim without swatching or feeling their texture I just went ahead and ordered, and I couldn't be more pleased with them. I purchased the shades Tansoleil and Pravella with the former being a beautiful summery peach and the latter having a pop of pink to it. The formula of these is just beautiful and they are sheer enough in pigment that they can be built up nicely. They aren't too greasy or heavy and blend in like a dream. I love that they can also be used on the lips as well as the cheeks. The formula is perfect for summer and 'no makeup' makeup days which I love, plus they are just so creamy. I am so intrigued by them as I really heaven't really heard anything about them, have you given them a go? Love...

Leave a Comment Beauty

Share:

Darphin Stimulskin Multi-Corrective Divine Serumask

This mouthful of a product is a new release from a favourite skincare brand of mine, Darphin. The French born brand shows attention to detail like no other and it's a brand I know I can trust when it comes to caring for my skin. This new mask combines the benefits of their iconic serum and the indulgence of a mask, making it the perfect hybrid skincare item. The Stimulskin range is focused on anti-ageing and this mask gives the ultimate comfort to mature or dry skin types. The complex formula firms and lifts the complexion, revealing a younger looking you with fine lines diminished and a glowing complexion. I personally love it for my quite immature skin but I can see it would work amazingly on more mature complexions and really help plump fine lines. I like to use it a couple times a week or whenever my skin is felling dull, dehydrated, or lack lustre. I am so impressed with Darphin skincare and can't wait to try more. Love...


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

1 comment Beauty

Share:

A Morning Spent with Jo Malone London

Early yesterday morning myself and Hannah (hannahdelacour.co.uk) headed to Jo Malone's Regent's Street store for the launch of the new Judy Blame Collaboration. We were so excited even the pouring rain didn't dampen our spirits. We got to of course smell all the amazing scents that Jo Malone London offers but also got to learn about the new and exciting collaboration with legend Judy Blame. The limited edition collaborated packaging is inspired by London's Pearly Kings & Queens, with each having it's own symbol and spirit. We got to not only create our own 'Judy Blame' designs on our cologne bottles but also got to meet the man himself. I had so much fun decorating my cologne bottle with the adorable button design that is not only classic but a little edgy all at the same time, I am afraid I don't have too many photos's of it because some how myself and hannah ended up with each others; but it's safe to say I may have gone a little overboard. You can also do this through the month of June with any purchase of a Jo Malone London 100ml cologne of your choice, and of course get your hands on one of the beautiful and very special keepsake boxes. I personally went for the heart box but they come in a verity of designs and of course you get the wonderful Jo Malone gift wrapping. When it comes to picking your cologne, there is certainly something for everyone. Jo Malone London has such a variety you are bound to find something you love. A few recommendations of mine would be Wood Sage & Sea Salt, Wild Fig & Cassis, and Earl Grey & Cucumber; but this time I went for the very appropriate Peony & Blush Suede. I have a fair few Jo Malone London fragrance reviews so if you want to know more just hit that search button. The collection launches today (June 1st) exclusively to the Regents Street Boutique and Selfridges. Please do let me know what you think of the fun new packaging and this uber cool collaboration. Love...

*Thank you to the Jo Malone London PR team for the invite!

Leave a Comment Beauty, Fragrance, Lifestyle

Share: