Beauty Spotlight Roundup 31/3/12

The month of March was a little crazy with its swings in weather. The Beauty Spotlight Team still found ways to discover beauty everywhere we went. We have some new faces to share with you so be sure you check out the team’s posts and find some new fun blogs along the way.

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic discovered some lippies that work with every skin tone from Susan Posnick! They even stay closed in a purse!

Pammy Blogs Beauty finds that Urban Decay's Naked 2 Palette exceeds the hype! It might possibly be the best neutral palette ever for cool-toned girls!

The sophisticated Suqqu triumphs again with a beautiful array of products for spring; Visionary Beauty has a look at one of the eye shadow palettes

Witness a miracle when Prime Beauty's stick-straight hair goes curly with Marc Anthony BEACH WAVES. All she needs now is a sunburn!

Modesty Brown shares some juicy lip action courtesy of Ellis Faas Glazed Lips in L303.

The weather is warm in the UK, so LondonMakeupGirl's thoughts have turned to sunscreens. Which ones does she recommend? Find out in Sunscreens - Which one to buy?

Beauty Info Zone has a set of 6 amazing lipsticks for all you red lovers from YBF Beauty. This set would make the cutest gift for you or your mother! Even your Mother-in-Law would be impressed.

The Pink Sith Blog has tried out the NEW Eyeko Skinny Brush Mascara. Is it the bee’s knees or a stinging reminder that there is no such thing as the perfect mascara?

At Everyday Beauty, Zuzu's Petals described how she conquered Rosacea and discussed the pros and cons of various treatments.

At Lipstick Musings, Shannon's found the perfect summer shimmery eye with Tarina Tarantino's Eye Dream Highlight Duo in Amber and Elektron . Come check out swatches and an Eye of the Day!

See how Paula, from Older Girl Beauty, *almost* had the cult classic eyeshadow "Erika F", but ended up with the pretty, grey "Last Night" shadow in her stash instead.

polish insomniac falls in love with a sheer grey polish called OPI My Pointe Exactly. Find out why this polish made it onto her Top 20 list!

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed goes colourful for spring with candy coloured lips and tips from Bourjois Paris and Dior! Check them out and see if you don't think they look good enough to eat!

Perilously Pale decided it was about time she tried out some much raved about drugstore gems and has been won over by the incredible L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadow in All Night Blue.

A first look at BM beauty

BM Beauty is a range of mineral makeup and synthetic brushes. They are BUAV approved and the make up is free from bismuth oxychloride, parabens, nano particles, synthetic dyes and fragrances. I'd seen the brand mentioned on a Pixiwoo tutorial and it pique my interest.

I have been mostly wearing the Inika mineral foundation, though mineral powders are not the best for my dry skin, my skin sensitivities and acne flare ups are such that this formulation seems to cause me the least problems.
The BM beauty foundation (£14) immediately caught my eye as its a cheaper price and also appeared to come in a lighter shade (my Inika is a touch too dark). I am highly impressed with the BM and I find the performance easily comparable to the Inika. It feels lightweight, coverage is buildable, it lasts quite well and causes me no irritation/acne. The shade Stripped is a much better match, its lighter and has a slight pink tone which matches my cool toned skin.
Concealer & foundation pictured below:

Ingredients:

• Mica
• iron oxide
• zinc oxide
• titanium dioxide

• Use the mineral foundation brush 121 to buff your mineral foundation to a perfect, flawless finish.
• Apply using firm, circular movements.
• For more camouflage, simply build up the layers till blemishes disappear.
• Keep the tip regarding adding foundation to moisturiser.
• Mix mineral eyeshadow with a little water and apply as an eyeliner using eyeliner brush 119.
• Apply Marble Sparkle eyeshadow to the inner corner of the eye, where you naturally have a dark shadow for a youthful, wide eyed look.

The concealer (£8) comes in two shades, I went for the lighter one called Vanish. Its a bit darker than the foundation and has more of a peachy tone. Under the eyes this doesn't provide enough coverage for my bad circles and layering can make the area look a bit dry, however it works well when used lightly to set my under eye concealer. I use this primarily for spot/scar concealment, where I find it works very well as it gives high coverage,stays put and doesn't aggravate the condition.

Ingredients:

• Mica
• iron oxide
• zinc oxide
• ultramarine

Swatched below: Concealer, Foundation and Inika Foundation

The foundation brush (£14) is extremely soft and fluffy. The head is full and rounded. This works very well to apply the mineral foundation which surprised me as I have been using much denser packed brushes previously, I also really like this for blush application.
Pictured below against a MAC 116 for size compare

I'm very pleased with all the products and it will be a brand I repeat buy from, its nice to find an affordable range that still delivers great results.

I bought these from bmbeauty.com

Suqqu Blend Colour Eyeshadow #10 Kozuecha

I picked up the most neutral looking quint out of the three released for the Spring collection, Kozuecha #10 (£45). The palettes will be part of the permanent line.
It features a sheer peach iridescence, a light shimmery taupe, a matte ivory base shade and then the split pan which consists of a medium brown with satin finish and a darker brown which though matte in base does contain micro glitter.

Using a DSLR instead of my normal point and click, you can see the multi shimmer embedded in the shadows in the picture below, I think this is what gives the colours more complexity.
Though the darker shades are not quite as buttery soft as the others in the palette, this applies really well and the shadows retain the lightweight feel that I expect from Suqqu. Though I've only had a few Suqqu eyeshadow palettes in the past, the pigmentation seems higher than normal.

The colours work harmoniously with one another and I can see myself reaching for this often.

Ingredients:

I bought this from selfridges.com

Beauty Spotlight Team: What's in my Prime Beauty's ....

Our Beauty Spotlight Team series on 'What's In My Makeup Bag' was so successful that the team has decided to let you delve a little deeper into our inner sanctum. Prime Beauty is starting it off this week by giving you a peek at how she keeps her skin soft and smooth and her tresses shiny with 'What's In My Shower.' Let's go behind the curtain and she what's lurking in Prime Beauty's shower!

Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipstick Moist: EX-04 Tousakura & 01 Haruoto

The spring collection features three lipsticks (£27 each), of which only EX-04 is limited edition.
Both of the colours I bought are variants of peach/beige nudes. EX-04 Tousakura is sheerer and lighter in tone with a tad more peach, whereas 01 Haruoto is a deeper version.
They have a very glossy finish. The pigment is more on the sheer side compared to the normal Creamy Glow Lipstick formula.
Swatched below L-R: 01 Haruoto, EX-04 Tousakura
I thought these might be similar to two of my other Suqqu lipsticks, but in actuality whilst the colours are in the same colour family, none are dupes.
Swatched L-R: 06 Umegasumi (normal Creamy Glow formula), EX-04 Tousakura, 01 Haruoto, EX-01 Sangoiro.
I really like the formula as they feel creamy/moisturising with the slightly heavy feel of a balm. They are very soft though and I have squished a few edges here and there so probably not one to leave out in hot weather.

Ingredients:

I bought these from selfridges.com

Suqqu Spring: Nuancing Cheeks Ex-01 Botaniro

The three blush compacts launched with the Spring collection are all limited edition. I bought the lightest, coolest looking shade, EX-01 Botaniro (£38).
Though the colour initially looks rather similar to all the other cool toned pinks on the market, as someone who has a difficult time wearing pinks due to them turning too warm, making me look ruddy or looking too bright/harsh, this has been a great find.
It does not turn colour on me and melds in with the skin giving a cool, natural pink flush.
The colour are both cool, candy floss pinks of differing degrees. The left side of the palette has an almost textured look to it and is more pigmented with a satin finish, the right has a smooth look, pigment is more subtle and the finish is slightly shimmery with a few touches of silver sparkle (I don't find this sparkle imparts on the skin and I can only see a glow).
Swatches below L-R: Left shade, right shade, shades mixed
I have mostly been using this both shades layered, though the colours work well used alone.
Swatched below for colour comparison L-R:By Terry Cheek to Cheek Rose, Suqqu Botaniro shades mixed, Rouge Bunny Rouge Gracilis.
Suqqu blushes have a smooth texture, they blend beautifully and there is never ever any effort required with application.

Ingredients:


I bought this from selfridges.com

Beauty Spotlight Team 18/03/12

Are you ready to embrace your inner Tinkerbell? Then you *must* check out Pixi's new Disney collaboration palette: The PixiGlow Fairy Face Palette. It is a must have for an enchanted Spring!

If you are searching for an easy to wear palette of neutral pretty colours for Spring, Visionary Beauty thinks the Sue Devitt Day & Night palette might be what you are looking for.

Over at Pretty in Dayton, did Styrch choose to be "Beauty" or the "Beast" for her avant garde photo shoot with local photographer Kidtee Hello?

There's a new girl in town and her name is Sunday Riley. Beauty Info Zone has the first of several posts about Sunday Riley eyeshadows. Come see what the fuss is about.

Perilously Pale has found the most mouthwatering blush that she thinks will flatter almost every skin tone from fair to deep with Rouge Bunny Rouge Original Skin Blush in Orpheline.

Modesty Brown share the beautiful and very versatile Le Metier de Beaute Aurora Lip Kaleidoscope. There's also some exciting news for European LMdB fans!

Trip to London planned? London Makeup Girl tells you where to find some British beauty bargains in her Guide to Less Expensive Beauty Shopping in London.

In an attempt to simplify her routine, Zuzu's Petals at Everyday Beauty tries in vain to find a single brand that meets all her needs and wonders if you've found yours.

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed is ready for spring already and has the nails to prove it! Check out her swatches from the Sephora by OPI Bohemian Brights Spring collection and see if you don't get a touch of spring fever too!

Paula, from Older Girl Beauty, talks about the new product line from Burt's Bees called "güd" that has scents so good it made her act like a fool in Target.

The Pink Sith has made her justification to get the Chantecaille Coral Reef Palette. Can she provide one for you?

At Lipstick Musings, Shannon's found the coolest eyeliner collection EVER with the new Ultraflesh Black Magic palette!

Prime Beauty fell in amour with Lancôme's new Rouge In Love High Potency Lip Color in In Corail, see why it completes her.

Chanel April Le Vernis Nail Colour & Suqqu Spring Sneak Peek

I view Chanel nail polishes with trepidation, though the colours are often stunning they don't wear well on me as I am unable to go a day without chips (unless I wear a good top coat in which case I can stretch to about 2 days).
Though I wanted two of the nail polishes from the spring collection I managed to rein my urge in, my mother however did not and she bought the shade in April (£17.50).
If there was a colour that depicted grown up elegance this is it, it has a very glossy finish, the colour is a darkened cranberry. The coverage is very good, though I prefer to wear two coats.
Of course this did chip on me, but it was worth it as the colour is really beautiful and I'll be borrowing this from my mother often I'm sure.
Ingredients:

I couldn't resist giving you a sneak peek at what I bought from the Suqqu spring collection.
Quite a few items from the collection are limited edition (the blushers, face powder and Ex04 lipstick to my knowledge) and as the brand are notorious for having very quick sell outs I'd grab it quick if you are interested. I'll get my reviews up as soon as possible but just to say that I am exceptionally pleased with all the items.

My mother bought the Chanel from John Lewis, I bought the Suqqu from Selfridges.com

Sue Devitt Day and Night Neutrals Eye, Lip and Cheek Palette

The limited edition Day and Night palette (£38.50) is an easy to wear palette of fresh, pretty shades that are coordinated extremely well.
The sleek silver palette consists of two blushes, three shadows and three lip glosses. It also contains two small brushes (one is double sided).

The blushes are very pigmented and I have to be very careful with application on my pale skin. They feel quite smooth, perhaps a tad dry and have a satin finish.
Pale Peach is a brightening peach and Evening Rose is a dusky rose.

The shadows have good pigment, feel really smooth and blend very well. All the shadows are shimmery.
It contains a delicate seashell pink, golden chocolate brown and a golden champagne.
Blush and shadows swatched below:
The glosses have a slightly tacky feel to them and are not long wearing. The colours are extremely pretty, though subtle.
The shades are nude pink, brown rose and a warm rose.
I think this is an extremely well thought out palette which will appeal to many. The quality is very good and it requires no thought to be able to get a pretty everyday look.

Ingredients:

My husband bought me this from lookfantastic.com

Beauty Spotlight Team 10/03/12

The Mystery Makeup Bags have all been revealed! Therefore the Beauty Spotlight Team is regrouping for new surprises. In the meantime, please enjoy Marcia from Beauty Info Zone's picks of the week from the team. She hopes you enjoy these as much as she does.

Beauty Crazed has a great foundation contest.

Beauty Info Zone introduces you to Addiction NV cosmetics.

Everyday Beauty shows us the beauty of Rouge Bunny Rouge’s Florita blush.

Lipstick Musings shows us the beauty of a Tarina Tarintino eyeshadow duo.

London Makeup Girl goes nude with HIPP-RGB nail polish.

Modesty Brown tempts us with Edward Bess’ Monte Carlo palette.

My Beauty Bunny finds a great cruelty freebargain mascara.

Older Girl Beauty shows us how to enjoyNars artistry.

Pammy Blogs Beauty shares her February Star products.

Perilously Pale shares her thoughts on Lashem Lash Gel.

Pretty in Dayton shows the POP of China Glaze.

Prime Beauty teaches us about Sue Devitt Lip Intensifier pencils.

Visionary Beauty shows us how to be natural with Too Faced.

Rahua Voluminous shampoo & Conditioner

Rahua is a range of haircare products based around the restorative properties of Rahua Nut Oil (found in the Amazon rainforest), the oil is meant to be able to deeply penetrate the hair's cortex to restore and repair. The range is free of synthetics, parabens and sulphates and is 100% vegan and the brand denote the products as organic.
I'd had good results from the original shampoo and conditioner, so was interested when they expanded the collection to include a Voluminous Shampoo and conditioner.
The shampoo (£26) has a light feel and leaves the hair feeling very clean and does create some body/volume. Unfortunately I have very sensitive skin and I found this too drying for my scalp and it made my head feel itchy. It might well be things like the citric juice or eucalyptus that I reacted to, but given my high sensitivities I'm not particularly surprised as I don't have a good success rate with shampoos.
Ingredients:
The conditioner (£27.50) has a light weight texture (much lighter than the original) it de-tangles the hair and leaves it soft. Such is the lightness it can also be used as a styling add, using a bit on dry hair to give a nice shine and cut down on the frizz.
Ingredients:

For damaged hair such as mine these do not provide enough nourishment nor did I feel like they strengthened the hair. However, though these are not really suitable for me I do think both products deliver on creating volume and bounce to the hair and I also found they made my natural hair colour look a lot brighter.

I bought these from zuneta.com

Too Faced Natural Face Natural Radiance Face Palette

Though I seldom buy from Too Faced, as soon as I saw how pretty this was on Charlie from ladyofthelane, I had to pick it up. Its a face palette that is meant to create a warm, sun-kissed glow.
It comes in a magnetised cardboard compact with mirror and contains three cards which demonstrate different application techniques/product placement.
The palette (£31) contains the following:
Bronze Veil-warm golden bronze with very slight shimmer, I'd say the pigment is more buildable, which I think preferable as it means it will work for a variety of skin tones
Crème Blush-warm rose
Powder Blush-highly pigmented shimmery coral pink
Concealer-The colour is a medium beige, its probably best suited to those around a MAC 20-30. This gives very sheer coverage and does not provide enough cover for my dark circles.
Luminizer-a sheer champagne base with peachy pink shimmer.
Brightener-Yellow toned and I think this would work for a wider range of skin tones than the concealer, from a shade lighter than a MAC15 right up to a shade 30.
The powder products have a nice smooth texture and the creme blush does not have a tacky finish and applies really smooth with no patchiness.The Concealer, Luminzer and Brightener have a high level of slip to them, whilst I think this works for the brightener/Luminizer, the concealer could have done with having a more creamy texture as I find it can disappear from the skin if you try and blend it in too much.

Swatches L-R:Bronze Veil,Crème Blush, Powder Blush,Concealer, Luminizer,Brightener.
I think this is a great palette and something I can see myself using up. Though the concealer is not right for me, I just mix it with the brightener.
The colours of the palette work so well together and it really does deliver on giving a healthy, fresh faced radiance to the skin, my complexion just looks better when I use this.

I'll most definitely pay more attention to Too Faced releases from now on.

I only have half the ingredients as there was a sticker over the others, but the Too Faced website does list them all.

I bought this from Boots

Beauty Spotlight Roundup 03/03/12

The Beauty Spotlight Team has delights from February to share with you. You might learn about some new lip products or maybe you'll be delighted by some blush. You might just decide that your finger nails need some attention or maybe you want to learn a new eye lining technique. Whatever your desires, we aim to please.

If you haven't smelled Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed's fingers than you just haven't lived! Come on by and find out what all fuss is about scented nail polish!

Beauty Info Zone is crazy about Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics. The new spring collection has some beautiful products, especially the cream blushes. We’re sure you’ll find one (or more) to fall in love with yourself.

At Everyday Beauty, Zuzu finally learned how to line her eyes.


Shannon at Lipstick Musings has been on the hunt for an interesting alternative to her signature red lips, and she's found one in Armani's Rouge D'Armani #601. Come see if you agree that it's the perfect plum!


Modesty Brown hunts through her stash for a replacement for the discontinued Guerlain Kiss Kiss lipstick in Beige Nude. Why do the best things always get discontinued?


Pammy Blogs Beauty gets salon-quality UV gel nails at home with the Knockout Nails system.


Perilously Pale shows us a Face of the Day using the items she picked up from the BECCA Balearic Love Collection. Beautiful products? Yes. Accurate promotional info? No.

Styrch of Pretty in Dayton played with two of her favorite polishes of all time and found they work well together!


What's lighting up Prime Beauty's life (and face) these days? Milani Illuminating Face Powder and it's under 10 smackers!


Looking for a mascara that gives you that bit extra, Visionary Beauty checks out the growth boosting claims of the By Terry Terrybly mascara.