Happy New Year Everyone !!

It seems such a long time since we updated the blog, but infact it has only been a few weeks – how time flies!! We have had a very busy festive period with lots and lots of new products in, but the items we are truly loving at the moment and want to share with you are our gorgeous ESSIE nail polishes. We are in ESSIE heaven here, as this nail polish is really worth paying a bit extra for.  ESSIE are Americas Nail Salon Experts since 1981, and have won many awards over the years for polish that really stays put and comes in a huge array of shades.

We have some beautiful shades which are just perfect for the summer season ahead, and you can even buy some of them in a travel size duo pack or singularly….. I have been a long time fan of ESSIE, and recently purchased a fast dry top coat which I have to say  is probably my number one choice of nailcare products!

Anyway, no more talking….. here are some of these gorgeous productsand shades, I’m talking about……

From left to right the shades are :

~ SUPER BOSSA NOVA ~ an upbeat bright fuchsia

~ SMOOTH SAILING ~ a breezy lavender blue with a reflection of pearl

~ BRAZILIANT ~ a hot orange with a touch of shimmer

Each come in a full size bottle (13.5ml) or if you want to just try it out for size we also do a mini version of each. Fabulous for travel or a weekend away!!

OUR PRICE  just £4.85 for 13.5ml

OR

£2.25 for 5ml size

Also in, are these MY PERFECT PAIR ESSIE DUO POLISH SETS …… we’re loving them so get in quick before we snaffle them all up!!!!

£6.75 for both sets as shown below

WOW what a cheap price for these gorgeous Sparkly gem kits. If you have never used Urban Decay Rocks before, then  it is an absolute MUST to try them out asap. One word AMAZING! You can glam up any Saturday night out by adding these little different gems to the corner of your eyes, your cheekbones, lashes, nails – wherever you like. Gorgeous and glamourous. The set comes with a small tube of eyelash glue and a tiny precise brush for applying.

I tried these out on my cheekbones last weekend, and absolutely Rocked the look – I got loads of great comments too !! And….. to make my evening just perfect, these little gems stayed absolutely in place for the whole night ! Fabulous! I’ll be stocking up on these little sets for Christmas stocking fillers for my friends too (and for me of course!). At 99p, this is too much of a bargain to miss out on ! Top marks for these beauties. Check them out below.

Cosmetic Kingdom price 99p

http://www.cosmetic-kingdom.co.uk/urban-decay-rocks.html

Great News Everyone

We’re extending our discount code until the end of August 2011, giving you 10% discount on all orders between now and then.

To obtain your discount on your order, when checking out, simply enter SUMMER10 as the coupon code. Your order will automatically be updated with a discount of 10% off the product total you have purchased.

Discount code SUMMER10 is valid until midnight 31st August 2011. No minimum order required. Discount does not apply to any delivery charge applicable. Discount code can be used multiple times, so order as you wish and take advantage of this great offer !!!

I simply can not believe where the time goes – it’s over a week since I last blogged about my favourite topice – Makeup, Cosmetics and Beauty Potions & Lotions !!

Well here we are again…… here is a frank and honest review from Charlotte Button (aka Sparkes & Mirrors) for you to have a look at on L’Oreal HIP Eye Cream Paint…….

First Impressions: I always maintain the basis of a good eyeshadow look is a liquid base, there are many liquid eyeshadows;, however this I feel is the best – for value and quality mainly.

The L’Oreal brand is trusted by millions of women and has an image of good quality. I came across this product as I was looking for cheap liquid liners, and a L’Oreal product at £1.75 :)))))))) seemed a definite way to go.

 When it arrived, it came in a little box and a decent brush too! (not often found with some eye-shadows)  It does seem a bit of a strange design, but strangely professional and smart. The tube itself seems really small, however you only need a small ½ pea size on each eyelid, it covers space well and makes the eyes look lovely, bright and dewy.

Application

As always on Sparkles&Mirrors I suggest using this type of product for a base on all eyeshadows, this eyeshadow is light and still with a strong colour so it can be used on its own or as a base. As well as ALWAYS applying with a brush.

As mentioned above the tube size makes you think that you will get through it quickly but you only need a small amount.

Likes & Dislikes

I LOVE the price, quality, range of colours (mainly neutral colours, still very effective) I dislike the fact that the tube isn’t bigger, I’d like a little bit more product.

COSMETIC KINGDOM PRICE JUST £1.75

http://www.cosmetic-kingdom.co.uk/loreal-hip-cream-shadow-paint-eyeshadow-steely.html

Hello!!!!

I am sooooooo excited. I have been on the hunt for a new cheap foundation for absolutely months now. I have to confess when it comes to foundations, I’ve always been a bit of a Dior fan, my favourite being Dior Capture Totale, but at just a tad over £60, it’s a little bit expensive to say the least – although I do justify this by it also being a treatment aswell as a foundation !!!! But my pocket is not really stretching to this sort of extravagant purchase these days. So I have been hunting and hunting for something that makes my skin feel fresh and light, yet at the same time gives a good coverage.

But no need to look any further – it’s here……. I’ve found it !!

MAYBELLINE MINERAL POWER NATURAL PERFECTING FOUNDATION    OK…..so this is not exactly a comparison to the Dior Capture Totale at all….. but that’s not what I was looking for. I was looking for something that sits on my skin, allowing my skin to breathe making my skin feel smooth, dressed and flawless and a foundation I could use every day without the mega expense.

The photograph above shows the foundation in shade Light 3 – Natural Ivory. Cosmetic Kingdom price starting from just £4.99

To apply, the foundation is quite liquid and loose, not what I am used to or what I was expecting, so the feel of the application is extremely lightweight. However, the liquid applies evenly and with very little effort or blending. The loose liquid makes the foundation easy to build, giving a full coverage where necessary. I have a few spider veins appearing across my cheeks, and I had no problem covering these and without any heavy, clogging application or look. The mineral feel made my skin feel bare, smooth and perfect in one.

I’m won over ! My Dior Foundation will be my special ocassion foundation, but the Maybelline Mineral Power Foundation is now going to be my new best friend for everyday wear!!Oh…. I nearly forgot – it also contains an SPF18 sunscreen, so great protection from the stresses of the ever changing sun!

So, the foundation is found !!!! All I have to do now, is find a perfect finishing powder/veil……any recommendations anyone ??

Hi Everyone

Well what a fabulous week of weather, and at Easter too ??!! Amazing. I’ve had a bit of a week one way or another, so I thought I’d have a spot of relaxation and pamper time this evening. And I have to tell you I am so shocked….. so shocked that I must share this little beauty find with you straight away !!!

Yesterday evening I was in Waitrose and thought I’d treat myself to some of their lush looking UMI bathing products. I was drawn to this simple yet stylish looking range, all in glass jars and with unusual scents and ingredients. (The 1/3rd off the RRP also attracted me !!!).  So knowing I’d had a pretty rubbish week, I thought I’d have a pamper night tonight and take some time out to chill.

So while I was waiting for a soak in a cool bath with the Fig & Walnut Bath Soak, I tried out the Peach & Macademia Nut Sugar Scrub, pictured above. The smell is to die for, the mix of peach and macadamia nut are very strong but this product is supposed to Rejuvenate…… infact, I think it smelt good enough to eat!!!. I applied to dry skin before I got into the bath, as I always do this with oil based scrubs. The consistency of the scrub is just right…. not too oily but not to dry. Some scrubs can be far too dry, but this is simply amazing. Yes….. I love that word ‘AMAZING’ I know !!, but this is truly fab…. ever since I got out of the bath I have been stroking my silky smooth skin. I didn’t even bother to moisturise when I got out of the bath and that’s unusual. My skin feels really soft to the touch and exceptionally smooth…an almost instant effect. The bath soak itself is also great. Really delicately fragranced and not over the top with foam… just a subtle, grown-up soak. I love both of them !!

So well done to Waitrose for this great range of realistically priced bath products. I have taken the following extract directly from the Waitrose website, and this is what they have  to say about UMI…..

Product Description

Peach and Macadamia Nut Sugar Scrub for Rejuvenation
A fusion of uplifting ingredients to indulge the body and ease the mind.
Peach extract is known to nourish the skin, while macadamia nut oil softens and hydrates

From reading the Waitrose/Ocado website, all products are produced in the UK and include natural ingredients. These really are a little bit of paradise for me…… so that’s my evening done with….. I will now be on the internet pawing over all the online UMI goodies !!!!!

Have a Great Bank holiday weekend everyone………… HAPPY EASTER  x

Hey All

We’re lovin’ these gorgeous NYC Colour Wheels. There are a number of colours in the range including shimmering, bronzing, and simple pink cheek ones.

Our girl on the ground, Charlotte, has been at the forefront of testing and reviewing these little beauties …check this out…..

NYC Colour Wheel Mosaic Powder

First Impressions The case is sturdy and the same size as other powders on the market, therefore still making it easy to take with you. The look of the mosaic powder gives a more ‘tonal’ impression.  Despite the price it doesn’t look cheap either which is a major plus!

Application
The powder is smooth and you can run a brush over it and pick up various colours and once applied to the apples of the cheeks looks lovely and natural. It gets darker with layers, with me being a fan of natural/flawless look I only needed 2 light layers and it felt silky. 


Likes
I like the price, the sturdiness of it, the soft powder, the novelty of the mosaic powder shades.

Available in 4 gorgeous shades :

 ~ TRANSLUCENT HIGHLIGHTER GLOW

~ PINK CHEEK GLOW

~ ALL OVER BRONZE GLOW

~ ROSE GLOW

So, just how do you create the perfect smokey look ? We have read so many articles of late on this subject and everyone has such different ideas, that we thought we’d let you all know, how Grace, our MakeUp Artist extraordinaire, achieves this look……

There are several steps to perfecting a smokey eye look according to Grace …..

Firstly, always conceal. Any visible imperfections need to be hidden, otherwise the addition of makeup will just exaggerate any blemishes or flaws. But remember,  only use concealer where you need it, and blend gently and lightly with your fingertips, trying not to pull or tug the delicate skin around the eye area. Grace recommends Maybelline’s Mineral Power Concealer for this job as it gives good coverage yet is easy to blend.

Next, use a matte pressed powder shadow in a dark charcoal colour, sweeping over eyelids to create a wash of colour. Blend up to and into the socket area, no further, keeping the colour contained exactly to the eyelid area. This will flatter the look.

Then add your pencil…… apply pencil to the top lashes along the lash line as close as possible, then do the same under the bottom lashes, from the outer corner to midway across. With a soft blending brush, (Grace likes Royal Blending Brush ~ see above) blend your lines right into your lashes, hiding any visible areas of skin. This is important to make your eyes seamless and give continuous cover. This also takes away the harshness of the solid lines drawn, to make your eyes instantly smokey.

Now using a liquid eyeliner, (we recomend L’Oreal Voluminous Liquid Eyeliner in black – see pic above)  sweep an upward line at each outer corner, top lid only, as close to your eyelashes as possible. This will make them look thicker instantly and will deepen the look of your smokey effect. Remember, no visible patches of skin, so make sure the eyeliner covers everywhere necessary.

And finally, add your normal mascara by jiggling the wand from bottom lash to top lash, covering every lash from corner to corner. If you like your bottom lashes with a sweep of mascara, try Clinique’s tiny bottom lash mascara, designed specifically to help you create great bottom lashes. Apply 2-3 coats of mascara to add volume and depth to your look.

And et voila, you have achieved the perfect smokey look !

Afternoon Everyone!

This week, we have been ”review” crazy. It’s all we seem to have done, but do we have some fab reviews for you to take a look at??!!  Our expert reviewer, Charlotte Button,  has been taking a look at some of the Value cosmetics ranges for us such as WET N WILD and has given us her thoughts on a couple of products.

But, before the reviews though……. we have some BREAKING NEWS at Cosmetic Kingdom !!!!!!!

Finally……. we can accept Credit & Debit Cards !! This really is fab for everyone as we know you were all so limited previously. It’s been a painful integration and took more time than we expected but the result is we can use cards at last!! I always prefer using a card than Paypal or Google Checkout. Much easier !!

Just have to wait until pay day now though !!!

So, as promised, here’s the first review of this week….. we’ll publish some more a little later….

Wet n Wild Ultimate Minerals Eyeshadow by Charlotte Button

Product Description as Advertised: ‘…Perfect loose powder eyeshadows in mix and match colours that blend well together, highlighting, lining and contour your eyes. Silky soft powder formula…’

The verdict:

First Impressions: The product is an ideal size for on-the-go and wouldn’t look bulky on your make-up shelf.  I like the idea of the loose powder, having been scared before of taking pots of dust and it going everywhere and you looking suspicious – never a good look. But the little wand with a foamy nib is a great idea to keep it under control, this was my impression anyway…

Application: This is where I got a little bit disappointed, I do love wet n wild products, however this time I was not entirely convinced, earlier I mentioned about powder going everywhere, WELL…..this time you unscrew the tube and pull the wand out, but as you do the little foamy ball on the end is almost too big for the tube as it pops out and little bits of powder go everywhere L  so for me that was a major downside.  BUT – that aside…..it sweeps on lovely and is easily blended after.

Likes

Size and ideal for handbags and touch-ups, in a good variety of colours and the price is unbeatable.

Dislikes

The little powder firework display….that is all really.

Ideal if….

You like your cosmetics on the go, or a tidy little addition to your make up shelf at home.

RATING: 2 / 5

COSMETIC KINGDOM PRICE: £0.79

http://www.cosmetic-kingdom.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=ultimate+minerals

Let us know what you think of this review, and your own comments if you have tried this product. We’d love to publish your thoughts on the products we review.

Take care everyone & have a great weekend x x

Surprise, surprise !!!!  Its a dreary damp Saturday morning!  Why oh why does it always rain on a weekend ? But today I am determined not to get down with this horrible English weather. Instead I am turning to my magic box of designer cosmetics. Well perhaps not so designer, but a little box of magic it certainly is !!!

I’ve been itching to get my hands on Maybelline’s Falsies Volum’ Express Mascara recently, but I knew we had a shipment coming in at work so decided to wait… and yesterday they arrived!! And ohhhhhh…… what a lovely sight they were. All glossy and sparkly in their lovely turquoise and purple packaging!

And of course, when John asked me what I was going to review this weekend…… well that was a difficult one to answer ?!? – FALSIES of course !!!! lol It put a huge smile on my face yesterday picking one up, so has it faired up as well as I’d hoped ? Read on and find out…

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First of all, the packaging. I just love this packaging. It’s bright, eye catching and in great colours. Only thing that did worry me, is whether all Falsies were waterproof or not….. I had to check all over the packaging to make sure the one I was choosing was not waterproof – the turquoise packaging just threw me a bit that’s all.  But no, this one wasn’t.

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The packaging description really does go for it on the false lash effect……. Here’s what Maybelline say about the product : More visible lashes, fills in the gaps. Instant volume. False lash effect with spoon shaped brush. Unique flexible wand helps to lift and separate lashes to provide the look of more lashes. Patented spoon brush and Kera-fiber formula instantly build 8x more volume without clumping to complete the false lash look. Opthalmologist tested ~ contact lens safe

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The wand is definitely unique and flexible…. do I like it ? In a word …. No. I really disliked the actual wand. I found it difficult to use and to grip lashes, but perhaps that’s just me. I don’t like curved brushes full stop!

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But, with that said, once I got accustomed to the wand and how it worked best in applying the mascara, the mascara itself was great. It was none clumping, did fill the gaps in my lashes (of which there are many – too much picking at old mascara when bored !!!! Disgusting habit, I know, but hey, we can’t all be perfect !) and it did volumise, thicken and lengthen my lashes.  Did it give me a false lash

effect like this ? Actually, not far off! Perhaps not quite as voluminous as these show, but pretty good overall. My Saturday morning has definately been cheered up and I can go out now looking like a goddess – lol!!! Ah well, perhaps not a goddess….. but maybe a princess ?! hee hee

Try the FALSIES out. You won’t be disappointed but don’t expect really long, glamourous false lashes, this really is up to the art of false lashes and not a mascara !!

Cosmetic Kingdom Price, just a snip at £5.75

http://www.cosmetic-kingdom.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=falsies

So, now I’m all beautified and gorgeous……I’m off to do some serious damage on my credit card – RETAIL THERAPY ! You have to love it ….. and I do !! I have a hot, hot date tonight, and  need some gorgeous heels and glamour to finish my look. Wish me luck !! x

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