When I first started blogging 3 years ago, I had just finished working on The Apprentice, I was about to start work on The Xtra Factor, and despite the fact that I had zero spare time - as in, we literally worked 6 day weeks and I spent my one day off recovering with chocolate and Harry Potter - I desperately needed a creative outlet to distract me from the stress of work. And I guess in a way, have a place that my voice was heard, rather than just listening to the top execs and making sure that their voice/vision came to life.
I started because I loved to write - the photography obsession came later - and not for one moment did I expect that 3 years later, this little place that was my saviour from going crazy as a "TV person" would actually become my job.
Part of my - pretty bloody amazing - job involves receiving a hell of a lot of PR samples, which I am beyond grateful for. However, because of the sheer amount, there's just no way that I could possibly feature them all (unless I posted a review of them every single day which would be boring as f**k is definitely not what my blog is about.) So I decided to pick the best pieces from the new launches that I've received over the last few months and put together what I guess you could call, your one stop shop for all the best pieces of late.
OK, I'm starting off with a little bit of a cheat as these lipsticks are a couple of months old now, but I just couldn't not include them because they really are incredible. The Joli rouge lipsticks are a lot creamier and slightly more sheer than the rouge eclat lipsticks that I reviewed here, this does mean that they're so much more moisturising though and really do look beautiful on the lips as they are completely non-drying. I was lucky enough to receive 5 colours, all of which are absolutely stunning, and work perfectly as every day colours or a slightly bolder nude for Autumn. Paired with the Clarins Nude beige lip liner which is creamy, non-drying and incredibly long lasting... it really does make for a match made in heaven (.. or, you know, some factory in France!)
Talking of matches made in heaven, today I bring to you a product which is not only incredible (like, seriously seriously incredible) but pairs perfectly with a well known mascara that I'm pretty sure most of you would've tried and if not, heard of. The They're Real tinted primer is exactly that. A tinted brown primer that you put on before using your mascara, completely amping up the performance of your mascara leaving your lashes more defined, lengthened and separated! Technically, it's designed to be paired with They're Real mascara, however I've used this with and without it and it works brilliantly on all mascara's. It also works gorgeously on it's own for more natural, day time lashes... basically - because I'm aware I've been rambling for far too long - it's now a must have in my make up bag because it does everything!
Now this, this guys is really special. A Christmas palette release from Bareminerals consisting of a gorgeous bronzer that is extremely reminiscent of Nars Laguna, a stunning highlighter that reminds me a lot of Benefit's High beam but in powder form and a beautiful blush, perfect for a natural everyday look. Each of these powders are so incredibly finely milled and blend seamlessly into the skin. I would say that this would be perfect for fair to medium skin tones however maybe a little light for those with darker skin tones... but overall, a truly gorgeous product.
On the subject of Bareminerals, I was also lucky enough to receive some gorgeous new brushes I have totally fallen in love with. I had no idea that Bareminerals are actually the UK's number one brush brand, but after trying out the brushes, it doesn't surprise me at all. The Supreme finisher is my absolute favourite, a huge, extremely soft brush perfect for blending out any harsh lines - you know the ones, when you go a bit OTT with the contour! - and applying a finishing powder to set everything in place. Then we have the brow master which is perfect for taming those brows. The spoolie end is incredible (yes there's such thing as an incredible spoolie) and the other end works perfectly for powder brow products. It's easily become one of my must have makeup tools!
When I first looked at the smoke stick, I really didn't think it would be for me. A dark emerald green colour with gold shimmer running through, Fool's gold is definitely not an everyday colour for me. However, this really is just so gorgeous. I use it as a liner rather than all over the lid and it works beautifully. Extremely pigmented, glides on seamlessly and lasts for hours, a fab option for when you're in a rush or have more time to be precise. You go Glen Coco Topshop!
Nars... oh Nars. There are not many brands that can get me quite so excited about makeup like Nars does. From the beautiful packaging, the high quality finishes and huge array of colours, it will always be a brand that screams luxe for me. And their new AW15 launches are absolutely no different. Starting with a kohl liner that has completely changed the game; Minorque is a beautifully creamy, highly pigmented, blacker than black kohl liner that is easily blended but also doesn't budge once it's set in place. It works fab on the waterline too, lasting a good 6/7 hours (which is a miracle for me) and doesn't end up too far down my face at the end of the day. Classy times people, classy times.
Next up for the Nars newness is a lipstick from the beautiful Audacious range that really does have the wow factor (... as well as the ability to make me produce the most cringeworthy/vom-inducing phrases in existence). Silvia is a bright, in your face purple that definitely doesn't take any prisoners. Have I worn it yet? No. Do I think I'll ever wear? Maybe after a few wines for dutch courage. Do I wish that I had the balls/cool-ness to pull it off? Abso-bloody-lutely!
Finally from Nars - I promise the Nars Fan girl ends soon - is the dual intensity blush in fervor. Now this, is absolutely drop dead gorgeous and definitely something that I have been - and forever will be - wearing on a regular basis, and I absolutely adore it. A stunning peachy pink blusher with a subtle shimmer running through that really brightens and lifts the face. Alongside a beautiful shimmery purple blush which worn alone is definitely more of a statement, but swirled together with the former shade, makes the most beautiful, glowy, plummy pink cheek.
I'm not totally sure of how new the Fresh nude foundation is (it's new to me though which totally counts right? Erm, no, not really you twat...) but it does exactly what it says on the tin. It's a light to medium coverage foundation which just looks so fresh and glowy on the skin. The lightening drops however are really quite unique and different to anything that I've tried before (I have also heard rumours that they may be the first of it's kind, especially budget brand-wise anyway). In essence, the lightening drops make a foundation lighter, and the darkening drops darker, so essentially you only ever need the one shade of foundation and can adapt it to your skin tone throughout the year with the drops which I think is such a fantastic - and thrifty - idea. They don't disrupt the formula of the foundation at all and are ridiculously easy to use/blend in. It definitely wouldn't surprise me if we started to see many more brands jumping on the bandwagon taking inspiration from The Body Shop on this.
Last but most definitely not least is a perfume that totally defines the phrase "goals". Rituals are a brand that I've loved for a long time but I only really know of their pampering products/candles. I had no idea that they made perfumes and I had no idea that they came in the most beautiful, Instagram-worthy packaging (yes, I just vommed a bit in my mouth too using that phrase). This is a floriental
fragrance - can we just take a moment to appreciate how brilliant that description is? - that is just absolutely beautiful. A mixture of sharp woody aromas, sweet herbs and spicy parisian pepper... this scent really is perfect for those that love floral scents with a touch of spice and freshness. It has that elegance but also a kick of sexiness meaning it works for both day and night!
So that brings me to the end of my "best of the new launches"/"Omg look at these amazing products I want to slap them all on my face at once" ramble. I really hope this helps if you're struggling to decide which new products to treat yourself too, or even those that might make a fab Christmas gift (I'll personally be stock piling on the Rituals Elixir D'orient and Nars Fervor for my lovely lot!)
I would love to know what your favourite new launches are? Also, any Christmas gift ideas are so welcome!
As always, thanks so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed this post!
