At first glance, I’m not gonna sugar-coat it… this range looks uninspiring.  Housed in the kind of packaging that is incredibly easy to forget.  Not that this is an entirely fair conclusion to reach… because, you know, I don’t actually know how much thought has been put into the packaging but c’mon, look at it… hardly exciting stuff is it?

However, if my Mum taught me anything, it’s not to judge a book by its cover (much) and housed within this little selection of beauty goodies, lie a couple of lovely products.  Let me give you a quick rundown, and by “quick”, I mean “really rambly”, of course.

First things first, who are the brand behind the products?

Vitage are a British brand, better known for their premium skincare which has been packed with scientifically-proven ingredients and vitamins and is suitable for a wide spectrum of skin concerns.  The range includes cleansers, serums, moisturisers, sun protection, and lotions for both the body and the face.  This latest update to the brand introduces a line of colour mineral cosmetics which includes: foundations, eyeshadows, tools, primers, blushers and eyeliners.

The Vitage Natural Daily Perfector (£25)* is a primer product with a mousse-like texture that has been enriched with antioxidant-rich Brazilian Green Tea.  It delivers little in the way of pigment but much in the way of pore-filling, skin-smoothing wonderment.

Promising to be suitable for even the palest of skintones, it isn’t.  Frankly it annoys me that it dare even suggest that it is.  I’m pale but I’m not super-pale and this is too orange-toned and dark for my skintone.  It gives me a faint unnatural looking hue that no pale, English-rose complexion should suffer.  If this came in a transparent variety… I’d buy it in a heartbeat for its skin-resurfacing prowess but it doesn’t, and so I won’t.

The Vitage Natural Foundation (£24)* looks like your standard mineral powder foundation in clumsy pot packaging.  Again, the lightest shade is not quite right on my skintone, and seeing as the brand only offer four shades… there’s a fair chance you may not find a perfect fit either.  And it’s a shame, because the pigment on offer from this pot is pretty impressive… a single swatch with my finger below demonstrates the kind of coverage this product packs.

Although it’s officially described as “sheer”, I find it builds coverage quickly without looking powdery, a sure sign that you’re looking at a well-crafted product that has been milled to deliver the softest, creamiest texture that a powder could offer.

For its price, the Vitage High Definition Brush (£21)*, I’m simply not sold on… there is nothing about this brush that would make me urge you to go and spend your pennies on it.  It’s solidly built, well-cut, and soft on the face… but so are a million others, at a cheaper price than this one.  Stick to Real Techniques.

Now, I don’t know if the PR knew how to sucker-punch me with a beautiful taupe… but well, they got me good.  The Vitage Natural Eye Colour in Velvet Storm (£14)* is a beaut.  Easily worth £14 of anyone’s money for neutral-toned or fellow taupe-addicts like me.  Again, the quality shines through and this product delivers a creamy, well-pigmented and smooth application.  Staying power is perfectly acceptable once paired with an eyeshadow primer.

But who cares about all that when it comes to simply “oohing” over a pretty plum-taupe?  Not me, that’s for sure…. look at her, go on… look!  She has that ghostly sheen thing going on that reminds me of my Kjaer Weis eyeshadow in Wisdom.  Just luverly.  If it had been pressed, I’d have probably fainted from taupe-love.

The final product to show you is the Vitage Natural Lip Lustre in Fuchsia Glaze (£14)*, and although I’m impressed by a non-sticky texture and fair-to-good lasting power, I’m still kinda mehh-ing all over this one, again… particularly for the price.

I’d describe it as a gloss/liquid lipstick hybrid which leans more to the gloss side of things.  The pigment is buildable but the texture suffers as a result if you start applying multiple coats which is sacrilege because for me, the beauty of this product lies in its ability to deliver a realistic and super lightweight natural flush in a single coat.  I’m not one for natural flushes, but don’t mind applauding a nice “gloss” texture when I feel one.

Overall, my feelings on the Vitage range of colour minerals are mixed, a couple of the products made me raise an eyebrow upon reading their price tags (and I think the plain packaging does nothing to persuade me that they’re worth a premium mark-up) but it’s also quite easy to take it for granted that these are products are produced by a company that specialises in premium skincare, and as a result, has injected some high-tech ingredients into this cosmetic range…

I’ll leave you with a FOTD which uses the products discussed above.  It’s a natural display, not exactly ground-breaking but easy to wear and suitable for most modern women looking for a polished look.  Please excuse the grey hairs, my face is the only part of me showing any “polish” at the moment!

The entire range of Vitage Colour Minerals is available to buy online from beautybay.com with prices starting from £14.00

* press samples

The post A Tuesday FOTD with Vitage Colour Minerals appeared first on A Makeup & Beauty Blog - Lipglossiping.

Where did the last 12 months go bub-a-lubs?  It seems like only yesterday we were Thomas-the-Tanking it up for your third birthday and here we are now, tidying the remnants of your Alice in Wonderland extraordinaire!  So much has happened this past year as you’ve taken some serious steps towards becoming a proper kid, no longer a sproglet but a bonafide little girl with the sass to back it up.  As I sit here trying to recall the moments and peculiarities that have made this past year such a joy to share with you, I’m overtaken by the realisation at just how much you’ve had to adapt in this time.

In 2012, we moved from Nanny and Pop’s house to our new flat… a monumental occasion that you would have done absolutely anything to reverse.  “Do you like your new flat?” we’d ask, ever more hopeful each time…

“No”.  Would come the reply.  “Can we go back to Pop’s now?”

Each Thursday night, when I take you for your sleepover with Nanny and Pop, it’s a grand reunion with more melodrama than a night at the TV Soap Awards.  “But I’ll miss you Mummy!” you say with all the sincerity of a politician.  Sometimes, you even phone me an hour later just to remind me that you’re still missing me.  “Would you like me to come and pick you up?” I offer.  “Oh no! I’mokMum, seeyoutomorrow!” you say faster than Usain Bolt on speed.  *Click* goes the phone.  You big spoofer.

As if that weren’t change enough… last September, you started pre-school and things didn’t run smoothly.  Your usual, cheerful little self turned upside down and inside out as you struggled to cope with such a huge watershed in your life.  Not used to the company of so many other children, you rejected the noise and clamor of the environment you’d been thrust into… that is, until you actually stepped through the door.  And so this continued for months, dismayed by the thought of returning to nursery while at home… but not wanting to leave it whilst there.  Apparently, this is pretty common for children who haven’t been brought up with other children around them.  Knowing this didn’t help ease the transition at the time though.

But now, as you turn four… you’re desperate not to have to leave pre-school this Summer.  You know that “big” school is around the corner and I can see the cogs turning as you think about what this means for your future.  The thought of leaving your beloved “teacher” Susan behind at nursery is too much to contemplate, even though you seem to be the only child there who likes the rather prickly, older lady (and I can’t help but love you even more for that).  I’ve heard that you and her sing show-tunes together while you do all the jobs that the other kids don’t have the patience for.  Susan tells me that you are a methodical child who completes her tasks with care and precision, I secretly think that this may be code for OCD but either way, you’re definitely your father’s daughter when it comes to your perfectionist tendencies.  God help me.

Talking about your inherited personality traits… today, I watched you dance around on a makeshift stage that you’d conjured up from a set of paving stones and I wondered where you could have possibly come from.  Unlike both me and your dad, you love nothing more than to perform.  I always roll my eyes and say “trust me to have gotten the jazz-hands kid”, feeling terribly disloyal all the while.  Because you see, it’s not a fair description of your passion for a performance.  You’re a storyteller my little girl, and a good one at that.  You’re actually a bit of a shocking dancer, with the grace of a thousand, heavily sedated elephants but what you lack in finesse, you make up for in your sheer determination to put on a good show.

But perhaps, out of all the things that have happened this year, the most groundbreaking has been your discovery of The Princess.  You told me yesterday to save a birthday cupcake for your “prince”.  When I asked if you meant Daddy, you couldn’t have looked more horrified (poor Daddy).  I don’t know much about this mystery prince of yours but apparently he has red hair and a kind heart.  He sounds alright to me, just make sure you leave it until your 32nd birthday before introducing him to Dad.  And how could I forget Galahad, your imaginary steed who accompanies us wherever we go, helping you ride safely over kerbstones whilst avoiding the cracks in the pavement.  You don’t know it yet, but you’re going on a pony-trek as your birthday surprise next week.  I can’t even wait to see your face.

Other memorable milestones of your third full year included a trip to Disnleyland Paris (where you met the beautiful Snow White), a Christmas spent with your family from Australia, a bout of chickenpox (and croup), a couple of day-trips to Chessington (you’re a daredevil rollercoaster rider), and a summer holiday in the exotic climes of Liverpool & Manchester where you could barely contain your excitement at the trams, no really.

You still only really like chicken nuggets and IKEA meatballs.  Sometimes tomato soup and always, always cheese.  Like a little mouse, I know your Pop sometimes sneaks you a slice to eat in bed after you’ve brushed your teeth on a Thursday.  Co-conspirators.  I pray you are gifted with many more years to bask in your Grandparent’s adoration for you.  You refuse to get your hair cut.  After watching Tangled, you’re convinced that, like Rapunzel’s, your hair will turn brown if it meets with a pair of scissors and I haven’t got the heart to tell you that your blonde locks are already looking darker than they were six months ago.

You’re still fascinated by people’s earlobes.  You reach up to play with mine at least 10 times a day, a comfort thing I’m sure.  I shall be one of those old ladies with ear lobes that reach their shoulders and I shall blame you for it.

The final thing I want to remind you of in years to come is your solemn promise to never grow too old for a cwtch.  Right now, as I write this after putting you to bed, you love me to the moon and back… although sometimes you only love me “zero” and I have to tickle it out of you until your arms are outstretched in demonstration of how big your love is.  You’ve taken to calling me “Mama” and although it sounds so frightfully middle-class, it melts me every time.  I’m sure you know this.  You’re not daft my girl.

Happy birthday my dearest darling duck, you’re such a plonker and I love you more than “baninna” ice-cream.

The post Leila turns 4… appeared first on A Makeup & Beauty Blog - Lipglossiping.

Question of the Week – Tell us about a funny makeup/beauty mistake you have made…or care to admit to?

Answer - My teenage years were pretty much dedicated to making beauty mistakes.  Powder compacts that were a full shade (or more) too pale for my complexion teamed with thickly-rimmed kohl eyes that went alllllll the way around.  Hai Panda.

My Beauty Bunny – has a fabulous guest post from the Lipstick League’s Clumps of Mascara sharing the 5 Best Cruelty-Free Beauty Brands for Women of Color. Trust us, ladies of every complexion will love these colorful choices!

Nouveau Cheap – the best multi-tasker to come out this year is also limited edition. Here’s why you need the new Milani Shadow Eyez in Almond Cream (but hurry before it’s gone).

Prime Beauty – takes a look at the Lancôme Summer 2013 Color Design Eye Show Palette. The colors are so summery you’ll want to dive right in, PLUS she has a Lancôme giveaway to give your skin a luminous summer glow!

Phyrra – shows off the new Makeup Geek Pigments! Which shade will you fall for?

we heart this – presents a drugstore eyelid primer that’s WAY better than pulling a rabbit out of hat! It’s L’Oreal Magic De-Crease.

Beauty Junkies Unite – Take off for your summer vacation early with the review & swatches for the brand new Essie Resort Collection for 2013. These new nail hues are bright & fun!

Clumps of Mascara – adores the brand Simple and their awesome skincare products. Got sensitive skin? You HAVE to try this drugstore brand out.

EauMG – Here’s a video review of one of Victoria’s favorite classic perfumes for spring/summer, Chanel Cristalle.

Gouldylox Reviews – Did a temporary color stain your hair? If you aren’t up for the pastel trend, here’s how to remove the unwanted color.

Guest Post of the Week, as chosen by My Beauty Bunny – Did your spring cleaning include a thorough washing of your makeup tools? If not, Kristie of Blushing Basics has the details on tackling this important task: How To Clean & Sanitize your Makeup & Makeup Brushes.

C’mon, spill the beans… tell us about a funny makeup/beauty mistake you have made…or care to admit to?

The post The Lipstick League – week of 13.5.13 appeared first on A Makeup & Beauty Blog - Lipglossiping.

Answer: -  Threading all the way!  Once I’d finally put the tweezers down and made friends with my local threading lady, my barely-there brows began to thrive and I now sport an impressive pair of forehead-warmers! There’s also nothing quite like the beautifully sharp, clean finish that newly threaded brows displays.

Lipglossiping – isn’t entirely convinced by Clinique’s latest foray into the world of nail polish. Click through for the full story!

My Beauty Bunny – You may be up to your ears in beauty products, but what about your furry best friend? We’ve got a look at Pet Head, an edgy fashion-forward line of pet products.

Nouveau Cheap – What do you do when your favorite drugstore eyebrow pencil keeps getting harder and harder to find? If you’re me, you find a wonderful (and affordable) Japanese beauty product to take its place!

Pink Sith – tells you about the time she was arrested by the Fashion Police, but got released on her own recognizance thanks to her Stars Makeup Haven lip gloss in Jezebel.

Prime Beauty – gets the perfect bronze goddess look with the new Buxom Hot Escapes Bronzers--they even smell like the beach!

Phyrra – shares expert tips on How to Care for Natural Locks Hair!

Vampy Varnish – May is skin cancer awareness month so here is some info about prevention, risks, being pale and her favorite sunscreens!

we heart this – MAC Temperature Rising Nail Lacquers are a gorgeous glitter explosion on their own (Scorching Haute and Tropical) but wait until you see them mixed…

Beauty Junkies Unite – If you like lipsticks with insane color payoff, that still feel great on your lips—don’t pass up these new lippies from BUXOM, the Full Bodied Lipsticks!

Clumps of Mascara – is in love with these new Clinique nail polishes. They totally knocked them out of the park!

EauMG – reviews a new French perfume that should inspire a spicy limoncello cocktail, Olfactive Studio Still Life.

Gouldylox Reviews – Natalie Maines may not be a style maven, but her latest look requires chutzpah. Like it or lump it?

Guest Post of the Week, as chosen by Lipglossiping – The lovely Meg from Lips So Facto shares her top tips on how to DIY your own relaxing bath soak, a must-read for stressed-out sisters everywhere!

The post The Lipstick League – week of 6.5.13 appeared first on A Makeup & Beauty Blog - Lipglossiping.

Unless you’re a bit of a recovering packrat like me.  Since moving into the flat I’ve forced myself to pare down the amount of hoarding I like to usually do and I’m a far more organised lady than I ever used to be.  That being said, I’m still far better at the shopping side of things than I am at the minimizing and Lancôme’s latest collaboration with British designer Jenny Packham has got my fingers itching to reach for my purse.

The 2013 limited edition Jenny Packham for Lancôme cosmetics bag has been inspired by an iconic polka dot print from the Jenny Packham SS13 collection, straight from the catwalk into your handbag.  The bag – which is available in either pink or white – contains a selection of luxury travel-sized Lancôme products including: 1 x Galatéis Douceur 50ml, 1 x Tonique Douceur 50ml, 1 x Bi-Facil 30ml, 1 x Hypnôse Mascara 2ml, and 1 x L’Absolu Rouge 1.65ml.

Not only is the design eye-catching and effortlessly chic, it should also be pretty good at disguising mascara splodges, genius!  Of the design, Jenny had this to say:

I am delighted to be collaborating with Lancôme once again. For 2013, I wanted to create a design that is fresh and stylish, with references straight from the catwalk. With its bold print and gold accessories, it has a very modern feel.

The Jenny Packham for Lancôme cosmetics bag is available exclusively at Harvey Nichols from 18th May 2013, and nationwide from 1st June.  To qualify for this GWP, simply purchase two Lancôme products (one to be skincare) from your nearest Lancôme counter while stocks last.

The post Going dotty for Lancôme’s Jenny Packham gift with purchase! appeared first on A Makeup & Beauty Blog - Lipglossiping.

Application was smooth but this one did unfortunately need a full three coats before it even considered becoming opaque on the nails.  The formula has been infused with Pro Vitamin B5 for stronger, healthier nails and employs a flat brush for an easy (and speedy) application.

Carolyn K’s Armineh is part of a three-piece set, available online from www.powderrooms.com, priced at £12.99

The post Carolyn K Armineh NOTD appeared first on A Makeup & Beauty Blog - Lipglossiping.