Beauty Wishlist

Beauty Wishlist by bea-atreides featuring nars cosmetics

1. Real Techniques Starter Set  / 2. Real Techniques Core Collection / 3. HD Brows Bombshell / 4. By Terry Touche Veloutee / 5. Nars Laguna Bronzer / 6. Nars Orgasm Blusher / 7. Dermalogica Cream Exfoliant / 8. Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel  / 9. Bioderma Crealine Cleansing Solution / 10. Origins Make a Difference Night Cream

I've been wanting to update my beauty products, just like my wardrobe and I've recently blogged about my first few purchases (here and here), but I have been doing lots of research on the other products I would like to add to my collection (gradually of course! I haven't won the lottery, sadly.)

There are some really great beauty blogs out there (see my Inspiration List) and Lisa Eldridge's website has been a huge help, especially when looking at skincare products. 

I  firmly believe you need to look after your skin and not just plaster make-up on to cover it. I found it hard to work out what my skin type was; it's not oily, dry or sensitive but I am prone to break outs. The Dermalogica products (7 & 8) sound perfect to help combat my break outs, whilst the Bioderma Cleansing Solution (which is hyped about a lot on beauty blogs) is gentle enough, yet effective. The Origins Night Cream moisturiser (10) sounds amazing and I can't wait to try it. 

I've also been desperate for some brushes for a while, I don't think you can create a desired look without a great set.  These Real Techniques (1 &2) brushes have received massive hype and the reviews are great, plus they are so reasonably priced! 

I'm a huge eyebrow fan, Cara Delevigne's have me swooning, I've hear great things about this palette (3) and I'm desperate to give up my pencil that I currently use. 

To help with creating a great base, I'm desperate for this By Terry Touche Veloutee (4), I've been recommended By Terry a lot and have heard amazing things about it.  This concealer/highlighter sounds perfect and a great alternative to the classic YSL Touche Eclat. In addition, the Nars bronzer and blush (5 & 6) look amazing on anyone who wears them. 

I can't wait to start trying these products out...

I'm sure I'll be adding to my list too.

What are your beauty must-haves?

Beauty Buys...

I recently mentioned (here) that I was building up my make-up bag and started with my foundation. Now, I thought that I should reap the benefits of being in Duty-Free before my holiday and treated myself to a new mascara. 

I've had my eyes on a few recently, YSL Shocking Mascara and Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara, however, I didn't end up purchasing either.  I do still want to try the YSL one but I was on the hunt for a waterproof one (for holiday) and sadly they didn't have this option.

I ended up purchasing Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes (Waterproof)...

Dreaming of a Doll Lash effect?

Hypnôse Doll Eyes Waterproof coats every single lash without weighing them down, for a wide-eye look.Results: A volumised, extended, lifted lash look.

I have to say I really like this mascara, it's my favourite that I have used in a long time! I like the brush/wand, which was what put me off the Hypnose Star mascara - I prefer a fuller thicker brush/wand to really coat my lashes. Which is why the Hypnose Drama may be on my list next...

I usually wear quite heavy eyeliner, but with just a few coats and curled lashes, this mascara really does open your eyes and has a great look, both volumised and extended.

As for waterproof, it is the best waterproof mascara I have used, the majority stays put but after a long day in the sun/in the pool it did eventually come off and there were slight grey smudges under my eyes... but nothing like panda eyes at all!  

My other recent buy, which is actually a gift is the Chanel Coco Noir perfume, from my very lovely boyfriend!

So now I smell lovely!

Next on my list is concealer... does anyone have an recommendations or links to their reviews please?

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H

Now building my essentials wardrobe is not just restricted to my clothing, but includes my make up also!

I used to always buy expensive/luxe make-up whilst living at home and working but during university it was a very expensive habit to upkeep.  However, now I have re-joined the working world, I felt it was important to start building my make-up collection once more.

I really notice the difference between luxe make up and 'cheapy' make-up, don't get me wrong there are some great high-street beauty products, but sometimes you do need to spend a tiny bit extra for quality. I'm building my collection gradually as there is no way I could do it all at once!

I've started with my foundation...

I've gone with Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24.

I did a lot of research and looked in to Mac, Estee Lauder, Nars and YSL, however, after reading lots of reviews, asking friends and trying swatches on my hand I felt that Lancome was the best for me.

It has a lovely velvety matte finish and you don't feel like you are caked in make up, it gives great coverage and is buildable so you can make it suit you. The girl at the counter was SO lovely and that really helps when you are unsure and trying something new.  It really does last all day and I leave work, travel on the muggy central line and it's still doing a good job. 

I have it in 03 Beige Diaphane, which is slightly darker than my natural complexion but as I'm off on holiday and usually wear fake tan it is perfect. 01 Beige Albatre was a perfect match to my skin so I may swap to this in winter once my tan has faded. 

I highly recommend it! 

Signature Scent: Coco Chanel Noir

Coco Chanel Noir…

I have been on the hunt for a new perfume for a while now, something that as soon as I smelt it made me go “wow! I need this”, there are plenty that I think are pretty but I need 'The One' and I have found it....

Throughout my life I have had many different perfumes; Marc Jacobs Lola, Chanel Chance, Dolce & Gabbana The One, Gucci Flora, Gucci by Gucci, Miss Dior Cherie… to name just a few.

I found myself really tempted by Tom Ford recently and I think that was my first choice until yesterday.

I’d seen lots of press about Coco Chanel Noir and I’ve always been a fan of Chanel perfumes, they are always; classic, beautiful and elegant. So when I spotted the new bottle whilst perusing the beauty counters of House of Fraser, I had to smell it and now it is all I can think about (I have the card in my bag and keep taking a sniff).

It is definitely THE perfume I want to have as my signature scent.

First of all the bottle, sleek shiny black, simple and classic. According to Chanel perfumer, Christopher Sheldrake the fragrance is inspired by Venice and has an animal sensuality.  It is the third of the Coco franchise (Coco and Coco Mademoiselle) and created by chief perfumer Jacques Polge to represent Coco Chanel’s love of the “dazzle of black and Venice” (I must say I share this feeling!).

It is made up of grapefruit, Calabrian bergamot, heart of rose absolute, rose essence, jasmine absolute, narcissus and rose geranium leaf, a drydown of Brazilian tonka bean, Venezuelan tonk bean, Indonesian patchouli, New Caledonian sandalwood, bourbon vanilla and white musk frankincense….

All I can tell you is it is perfect!!!

I will be hopefully purchasing this at Duty Free when I go on holiday, if not, as soon as I land back in London I will be off to the nearest supplier.

Mint Candy Apple

I've been super busy recently with work and at weekends, I've not really had a moment to myself at home to breathe. This is my first Sunday at home (without a hangover) for a while! 

I thought i'd give you an update of my Wardrobe Essentials... I've made the first step and thrown out over half my wardrobe, scary but surprisingly refreshing. Anything that I never wore, didn't fit, wasn't flattering etc was a goner! 

I've also made a few purchases recently, however, these have been for my holiday in Spain in September. I'll share these soon, when I have time to take a few piccies.

Anyway, new to my beauty wish list...

Essie Mint Candy Apple 

As a loyal turquoise/mint lover, it was no shock that I fell in love with this colour! I'm waiting for it to come in stock at my local Superdrug.

It'll be perfect for the rest of summer and on holiday with a tan.

Nicole Richie - Fifi Awards 2012

The Fifi Awards were a few days ago, so I know I'm a little behind. I started work this week, so I'm just settling into new routine, however, I felt this was too good not to share.

Nicole Richie has long been one of my icons and regularly featured here at The Fashion Circus. I think she looks simply stunning in this Emilio Pucci dress.

Her make up and hair is flawless too. 

Desperately searching for a similar dress, as unfortunately my budget won't stretch to Emilo Pucci!!!