Moi Beauty – Edinburgh*

dsc_0915

A few months ago I took something of a pledge to take better care of myself, and as a result I’ve been sampling some of the best spas and nail bars Edinburgh has to offer! Last week, Moi Beauty in Edinburgh’s Morningside was on my must-visit list, when I was kindly invited to give their Luxury Shellac Mani and Pedi.

dsc_0893

dsc_0919

The salon is an absolute haven in the city – all exposed brick walls and white; it feels more New York than Edinburgh. I popped in on a rather dull Saturday morning, and the welcome couldn’t be warmer. I was ushered in out of the drizzle, shown to one of the salon chairs and tasked with choosing my colours.

dsc_0897

dsc_0902-1

dsc_0904-1

Shellac is no joke at Moi Beauty – I’m not sure that I’ve ever come across a bigger selection of colours to choose from! Even though my heart was all about the pink and neon, my head prevailed and I opted for chic and understated nude for my fingers and a deep chocolate for my toes.

dsc_0938

My morning started with my Luxury Shellac Pedicure, and it was exactly what I needed! While I poured over Hello! magazine, my therapist Claire got to work. My feel were buffed, exfoliated and massaged, and honestly, I have to say, Claire worked miracles! My heels were filed into submission, any a bit of reflexology soothed away the week’s stress. Then, once the Shellac had been applied and dried, my feet were dipped into bags of liquid paraffin to soften them even further.

dsc_0936

Then, once the paraffin had hardened and been peeled off, I popped over to the nail bar for a Shellac manicure. Considering I had peeled off a three week old shellac manicure the night before, my nails weren’t in the best of shape. Claire didn’t so much as blink, and got to grips with her clippers and files, leaving my fingers looking immeasurably better!

dsc_0930

My cuticles were softened and clipped, and I was buffed into having hands that look like they belong to an adult! My beige polish is just beautiful, and it’s such a great choice for a long-wearing polish, as it goes with absolutely everything! It was such a heavenly way to start the weekend, and a week later, my nails still look perfect!

Thank you so much to Moi Beauty for having me! You can find their website here.

 

Lancome Juicy Shaker – Show Me the Honey*

lancome-juicy-shaker-show-me-the-honey-2

Ok, so it’s not exactly news that I’m a big fan of Lancome’s Juicy Shaker lip glosses. When they were released earlier this year, I kind of binged on them – collecting a handful of colours in a few weeks, and honestly, they’re still one of my most used products.

lancome-juicy-shaker-show-me-the-honey

Show Me the Honey is probably the most neutral of my collection (which even contains a blue one) and it’s the perfect shade for everyday use. It’s a sheer, warm toned peach which makes lips look pretty and juicy – and really, what more can you ask for?

lancome-juicy-shaker-show-me-the-honey-1

Like all Juicy Shakers, Show Me the Honey, has a bi-phase formula which you shake prior to using. Then, using the foam applicator, you just dab the gloss onto lips. It has a moisturizing and super lightweight formula, so it’s perfect if you’re not a fan of a sticky gloss. Instead this just smoothes on, leaving lips feeling hydrated and looking gorgeous!

Lancome’s Juicy Shaker in Show Me the Honey is priced at £18.00 and is available here (UK) and is priced at $21 and is available here (US)

Urban Decay XX Vice Reloaded*

dsc_0478

Whenever Urban Decay release a new palette, it’s almost as if you can hear the world’s intake of breath. There have been a couple lately, and I got my hands on the brand new XX Vice Reloaded Palette, and spoiler alert – it’s a good one!

dsc_0483

Packaged in a slick black compact, complete with jewelled logo, XX Vice Reloaded is something special to behold. It’s big, weighty thing, with a push button which releases the spring-loaded lid. I just love it, and it looks incredible. There’s no doubt about it, this palette is all about celebrating the best of Urban Decay!

dsc_0514

Inside there are 20 shades (to celebrate 20 years of the brand), some new, some classic, and some re-releases, as well as a double ended brush, and a huge mirror. At first I was a little daunted by the shades selection – there are some true jewel colours in there – particularly ones like Acid Rain and Asphyxia which are just breathtaking. But there is also a great selection of neutrals in there too! Perfect for using on a more regular basis.

dsc_0492

The beauty of XX Vice Reloaded is in it’s adaptability. Day looks revolve around the colours Suspend, Shallow and Midnight Cowboy. They’re a mix of matte and satin finish shades, which provide a subtle wash of definition without looking too dramatic.

dsc_0522

In the evenings, I’ve been smoking everything out with shades like Oil Slick, Smog, and Twice Baked. As we’ve come to expect from the brand, Urban Decay’s XX Vice Reloaded’s shadows are buttery smooth and apply like a dream. I’ve noticed that the matte shades do seem to have the very best colour payoff, whilst the shimmers and glitters are a touch sheerer, so when I want a really vivid look, I apply using a dampened brush.

dsc_0524

Like most of the brand’s palette, this one comes with a double-ended brush which is surprisingly useful. I just love that Urban Decay include real tools in their kits, rather than the usual sponge applicators which I throw out immediately!

dsc_0528

Since both ends have quite long and fluffy bristles, it’s a good tool for creating subtle blended looks – and what more can I ask for in the mornings?!

Urban Decay XX Vice Reloaded is priced at £43 and is available here (UK) and here (US)

Leighton Denny Tribal Collection*

DSC_0210

When it comes to nail brands, you know it’s going to be great when it comes to Leighton Denny. From colours which just feel perfect, to formulas which have to be used to be believed, you can see Leighton’s expertise in every aspect of his polishes!

DSC_0181

The first colour that I pulled from the line up was Desert Rain. It’s a perfect, punchy, cobalt blue which verges on neon, and is perfect if you’re after something that’s bright, fun and a little bit different. I’ve actually been looking for a shade like this one for a while – a couple of years ago I splashed out on an YSL Arty Ring in blue and gold, and I’ve been looking for a run manicure colour to wear with it, and this one fits the bill beautifully.

DSC_0244

One coat of the polish leaves nails with a rich, colour saturated, opaque coat of varnish, whilst a second coat gives an extra sense of richness. The varnish is incredibly easy to work with, and dries quickly to a high shine. I got three days of wear with Tribal Rain.

DSC_0204

Possibly the most challenging colour of the collection is Tiger Tamer, which is a rich, mustard yellow, which, in certain lights, almost hits neon. Since I’m really not a yellow type of person – it’s not my colour in the slightest – I passed it on to a friend to use and review, and I’m seriously glad I did.

DSC_0246

On her, it looks gorgeous, a seriously cool green-tinged yellow that shifts in the light, and looks all round awesome. She raved about the formula too! Like Tribal Rain, the formula was rich and creamy with serious lasting power.

DSC_0179

Tribal Survival was the third polish I tried, and is an exclusive to M&S colour. a stunning, subtle tone-shifting lilac, this is a polish like no other in my collection. If you’re looking for something soft and pretty, but which feels modern to use, this is the one for you!

DSC_0248

Depending on the light, Survival Instinct flits between a soft grey and lavender, and it looks great if you’ve got a hint of a tan. Surprisingly, for such a light colour, it applies wonderfully – almost opaque in a single coat, and with a second your left with smooth, glossy digits.

Leighton Denny polishes are priced at £12 each and are available here

 

The Three Best Bronzers*

DSC_0076I don’t mean to be the bearer of bad news, but it kind of feels like summer is coming to a close. We’ve had an absolute tonne of rain recently, and it’s getting a bit cooler. Not only that but it’s getting dark earlier and I’m feeling paler than ever, so in an effort to combat the oncoming winter-blues, I thought I would gather together three of my favourite bronzers which are making me feel a little more human! I’ve not featured these three on the blog before, so I will have in-depth reviews of each very soon, but I thought you’d appreciate a quick overview!

DSC_0087

Burberry’s Summer Glow Warm Glow Natural Bronzer in 04 is the perfect choice for a super natural, beach ready tan. Packaged in a seriously luxe compact, etched with the iconic Burberry check, this is a real show-stopper of a bronzer, and I’m happy to say, the formula is as great as it looks! The powder is also pressed into an abstract check pattern, and it’s almost a crime to use it. Well, it would be if it wasn’t such a great little gem of a bronzer. It’s super lightweight and provides a seriously natural glow.

DSC_0098

Sisley’s Phyto Touch Illuminating Powder might just be the most glamorous compact in my collection! A seriously shiny silver compact, which opens to reveal golden sun beams, complete with an embossed ‘s.’ Sisley’s Phyto Touch looks like it should be used exclusively on Victoria’s Secret models as it’s just the most gloriously shiny confection. It’s a hybrid gel-powder which gives skin a serious glow and a natural hint of colour. I’ve been saving this one for evenings out as it’s such a gem!

DSC_0072

Last up is Rodial’s Instaglam bronzer. As the name would suggest, this one feels like a filter in a (rather glam) compact! Unlike the other two, Rodial’s offering is completely matte, meaning it’s just perfect for everyday wear. I love a dusting of this for days when I want to feel casual, yet still pulled together. It’s almost a multi-use product as, because it’s matte, it’s also perfect for a little subtle contouring.

Burberry’s Summer Glow is priced at £31 and is available here.

Sisley’s Phyto Touch Illuminating Powder is priced at £66.50 and is available here.

Rodial’s Instaglam Bronzer is priced at £52 and is available here

Close Me
Looking for Something?
Search:
Post Categories: