High End Beauty Products - Worth the hype?

DIOR DIORIFIC High Fashion Lipstick - Diorama
 

 

 

I love the Diorific Range. It personifies luxury.  This Diorific lipstick captures the Dior spirit of extreme luxury, with a deep, rich colour. The Lipstick has a rich texture, with an intense, long–lasting colour.  I went for the colour Diorama. A deep red. Lovely for a night out or special occasion. Not only is the product superb but the gold casing makes it so special.

 

DIOR DIORIFIC Vernis Nail Lacquer - Gold

 

 

 

 

 

I love the Dior Diorific Nail Lacquer.  It not only comes in a beautiful bottle but the product is amazing.  It is long lasting and gives a professional finish.  I will defiantly be getting more colours. They are so worth the money.

 

DIOR Show Iconic Overcurl Mascara Make-up Gift Set

 

 

 

 

I really wanted to try a high end Mascara and got this beautiful gift for Christmas.  The Dior show Iconic Overcurl Mascara is a fantastic product.  It really lives up to its name overcurl.  It extends the lash and gives great definition. In the set you also got a mini version of the DIOR 5 COULEURS DESIGNER All In One Artistry Palette Eyeshadow.  These colours are amazing for an everyday look and you get a whole mini palette with a base, colour, shade, shine and liner. The eyeshadows are so pigmented and long wearing.  I really want to invest in a large version of this with a different colour range.

 

 

 

Charlotte Tilbury - Luxury Palette -  The Vintage Vamp - colour-coded eyeshadows

1. Prime 2. Enhance 3. Pop 4. Smoke

 

 

 

Vintage vamp is a great description, it's very easy to obtain either a very gentle day look that is elegant, or full on vamp. The eyeshadows are so soft and very comfortable to wear. They are pigmented and very easy to blend. I like the four step application of  Prime, Enhance, Pop and Smoke. The packaging is beautiful and I have been very impressed with any Charlotte Tilbury I have used so far. 
 

Charlotte Tilbury - The Vintage Vamp Lip Look

 

 

 

Lip Cheat - Savage Rose - Lip liner
 

 Lip cheat is a rich, velvety lip liner that glides effortlessly over the lips and has the power to completely re-shape, re-size and balance your lips.  This lip liner can smooth over texture for a seamless line. It is waterproof and lasts up to 6 hours so your lips keep their shape and don’t smudge. I really love this lip liner. I feel that lip liner is a key element for the perfect lip look and with the combination of the lip cheat liner and the kissing lipstick I really did achieve a fantastic long lasting lip look.
 

Kissing - Night Crimson - Lipstick

K.I.S.S.I.N.G is a range of 10 lipsticks created with modern and classic icons in mind. The range varies from nudes to red carpet reds made to suit any skin tone. Perfect for a full lip. It is long lasting , very moisturising on the lip with staying power that really lasts especially if you are out to dinner or drinks.  Again the packaging is beautiful.

Lip Lustre - Unleash me - Lip Gloss

  LIP LUSTRE is a super luxe, high-gloss lacquer that gives your lips a brilliant mirror-shine finish, creating the illusion of a 3-dimensional, voluptuous pout. Lip lustre adds a creamy texture to your entire lips to plump, boost and coat. I usually do not like lip gloss as I can find them sticky with no staying power but this product has really changed my mind.  Yes when you apply you have a high sheen but it seemed to almost have a quality of a lip stain.  It actually withstood dinner and when I went to the ladies to check I was still looking ok I couldn't believe that the product was in place with a rich colour and only needed minimal re application. I also found the product hydrating and really helped my lips over Christmas to keep dryness away.

 

Estee Lauder - Double Wear Foundation and Double Wear

 

 

 

 

 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Nude Cushion Stick Radiant Makeup

The Cushion stick polishes and evens skintone for a healthy looking glow. It is the perfect product if you have any skin problems as it is skin-loving, weightless and comfortable.  This Double Wear formula instantly hydrates and can last up to 8 hours.  I tried this product when I got a flare of pregnancy acne and dry skin.  I found the heavier formula Double wear foundation actually was showing up the acne more and I really needed my skin to breathe. This Nude Cushion Stick was the answer.  It is lightweight but still gave amazing coverage.  I was so pleased and happy, It made me feel really good when I thought I was at a loss with my skin! I would highly recommend this product!

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10

 Now if you want a foundation that will last for a full day of work or play this is the foundation for you.  It keeps skin looking fabulous, breathing comfortably through heat, humidity and activity without changing colour or fading. It has a natural matte finish and SPF10 sunscreen to protect skin. This foundation is perfect for a special event like a wedding to achieve a flawless finish with staying power. 

 

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Powder Makeup SPF 14.

I use this powder to give my skin a flawless finish after using any of the above foundations applying with a face powder brush. It has 8-hour staying power. This powder makeup stays fresh, looks natural and won`t change colour, even through non-stop activity. It glides on silky smooth, has staying power without feeling dry. It is defiantly Oil-absorbing. This powder is also oil-free and fragrance-free. It is my favourite powder ever! I use it daily with never any caking problems that you may find with other powders.

 

Estee Lauder- Modern Muse Le Rouge Eau Du Parfum Spray

 

 

 

 

As you can see from the half bottle above I love this perfume. It is rich in scent with Fruity, Floral, Oriental notes. It is described as Extroverted, Glamorous, Sophisticated. A sexy, provocative contrast of two distinctively different accords - rich roses awakened by ripe fruits.  I would say this is a sophisticated scent and perfect for the evening.  It is rich, luxurious and long lasting.  Since it release it has been a favourite of mine and I will always have this in my perfume collection.

 

 

KAT VON D - Everlasting Liquid Lipstick

 

 

 

 

 

The life-proof lipstick that will not wear off!  You really can eat and drink with the comfort of knowing your lips are going to stay flawless through it all! The everlasting liquid range comes in 28 shades. This creamy formula glides over lips like a gloss and sets to a matte finish. It truly has an amazing high-pigment colour that lasts all day.  It also lives up to Kats 100% Cruelty Free lifestyle. If I had to pick my go to lip range this is the one.  It is so easy to apply and really has true staying power.  Kats range is amazing and you can see her passion for creating quality make up products.  You don't even need a lip liner which I found surprising. You can create definition with the applicator and get great results.

 

 

 JO MALONE English Pear and Freesia Cologne

 

 

 

 

This high end cologne is the essence of autumn. The freshness of just-ripe pears is wrapped in a bouquet of white freesias, and mellowed by amber, patchouli and woods. Jo Malone create long lasting individual scents for all.  The whole experience of the store is amazing and you feel you can really find a scent that is personal to you.  This is my favourite.  It is a rich scent, long lasting and brings back amazing memories of Christmas from a couple of years ago when I first received some Jo Malone as a gift.  Yes it is an expensive, high end cologne but as they say you get what you pay for and Jo Malone is worth every penny.  Even this small bottle will last as you don't need to spray a lot as you would with a budget or high street designer brand.  If you want to splurge .. get yourself some Jo Malone and enjoy!

So are these High End Brands worth the Hype?  The answer is of course... YES!  You really do get what you pay for and I honestly don't have one negative comment for any of these products. They all have amazing qualities and you really do feel amazing wearing them.

I hope you enjoyed this post

Lots of Love

Purple Poodle xx

My top 5 beauty favourites - 2016

 

Urban decay Gwen Safani Eyeshadow Palette

 

This product has defiantly been my go to palette of 2016.  It is so versatile for a day or night look.  I was also able to use this for my brows.  The colour Bathwater is a fab base colour, it has a little shimmer as well which can also be used to define the brow bone. I used the colour Punk for my brows.  It was the perfect colour and actually worked really well to for definition.  It is long lasting and didn't even need wax to keep it in place. The colours steady, baby and pop make up a lovely day look.  I was able to get a night look by using the colours danger and 1987. I really love this palette. I have even ordered a second one for when my current palette runs out.



                          

 

Lancôme Hydra Zen

With pregnancy came dry skin and pregnancy acne! Thankfully the acne died down in the second trimester but the dry skin comes and goes.  It is understandable to have skin changes with all the hormone changes in my body but for awhile I was really at a loss in what to use as my usual moisturiser didn't work anymore (simple) and I had used it for years! I wanted to go for a higher end product and I had been using the Lancôme concealer and loved the product. I decided to have a chat with one of the consultants about skin care and was advised to try Hydra Zen. Lancôme Hydra Zen is for stressed dry skin.  I was even given the reassurance that if it didn't work or broke me out further, I could return it and try something else.  I have to say that this moisturiser has been a god send. It really helped and I would very much recommend.

 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Nude Cushion Stick Radiant Make up

Again with pregnancy skin problems I was finding my Estee lauder Double wear foundation very heavy and showed up my skin problems more rather than hiding them.  Perfect timing was the release of the Double Wear Nude Cushion Stick Radiant Make Up.  It was basically a lighter version and it was fantastic! Now since my skin has improved I have been able to go back to the double wear foundation especially if going out etc.. but in general on a day to day basis I wear the cushion stick! It is truly amazing, giving good coverage with a radiant look but not to dewy.

 

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick

Kat Von D really has been my go to lipstick for 2016.  I was obsessed with the YSL rouge volupte especially in the summer but come autumn/winter I really wanted a more matte look. I had used the Kat Von D lipstick before which I loved but wanted to try the every lasting liquid version as Kat herself said it was her favourite to use.  I have to say what a revelation! I was always weary with liquid lipstick as sometimes they don't give a long lasting lip look but Kat has nailed it! I found it moisturising and instantly went from a liquid to a matte lipstick.  At first I used it with Lip liner but then realised I got a better look and finish by just using the liquid lipstick on its own. It is very long lasting and comes in some amazing colours.  My favourites are Lolita, Lolita II and Mother.

 

Benefit Rockateur Blush

I was a major fan of Benefit Dandelion Blusher but my now go to blush is Rockateur.  It is a great shade not to light and not too dark and has a slight highlight in it. I find it has great long lasting coverage. I also love the packaging. It comes with a great mini mirror and brush, so its great for on the go.

 

It was hard to choose just 5 items as there are so many more I could write about but I would say that these have honestly been a stable in my daily beauty routine and I would really recommend them!

 

 

Hope you enjoyed this post

 

Love

 

Purple Poodle xx

 

 

 

Mini Boots Haul

 

We all love going to boots for our essentials.  Here is a mini boots haul to let you see what items I can't live without and why.

      

 

Simple regeneration age resisting day cream 

This moisturiser is amazing, packed with green tea goodness and SPF15.  This day cream fights ageing and helps combat dry skin.  When I had very dry skin I used the night cream version during the day and under my makeup which really moisturised my skin and made my makeup a lot smoother.

                                          

 

Simple Make up wipes

yes I know we should all cleanse and tone but to get my initial make up off I use simple make up wipes.  They have a really god formula that gets off a lot of your make up and leaves smooth skin.  I really like to use these in conjunction with other simple beauty products.

 

       

Sure Deodorant motion sense Cotton dry 

I have used Sure for years.. And why? because it works!  When you have a long day to get through you want to feel fresh and smell good.  T his brand does exactly what it says on the tin. I love the cotton dry version but there loads of different scents to try.

                                          

Tresemme Salon Finish Freeze hold Hair spray.

I have tried many different types of hairspray especially when doing vintage up do's and this is by far the best hairspray I have ever used. I have quite thick hair and I wanted a hairspray that holds and doesn't leave any residue.  This hairspray is honestly amazing if you have a special occasion to go to and want your hair on point all day. This is a winner!

                                         

Garnier Miracle Eye cream

A new product to my daily resume. Yes I'm getting older and I'm getting lines under my eyes.  Sometimes us busy ladies need a little extra help to look fab and this really helps for tiredness and lines. It makes me feel fresh before applying make up.  Reasonably priced this product is the first real eye cream I've ever bought.  I know I could go more expensive or use a more high end brand  but I don't feel I need that yet and if you just want a little boost for the eyes this is were to start!

                                       

Soap and glory Face cleansing and massage brush

Another new beauty find this cleansing brush gives a lovely clean and polished finish to the skin.  I feel that after make up removal there are always some left and this brush really helps with the cleaning process.  At a much more reasonable cost to the clarisonic cleaning brushes I fell that this is a great cheaper alternative and a handy size if needed while travelling.

     

 

I hope you enjoyed this mini drugstore haul.  

Love

Purple Poodle xx

Kiko Milano

 

KIKO Milano make-up stores have been popping up all over UK lately. A new store open up in Watford and I really couldn't wait to get into the store to try out their make-up products. The store itself was absolutely stunning, beautifully laid out, really bright and vibrant. When I went into the store they had a buy five items for £10. This seemed like too much of a bargain to pass up so I bought some products to give them a go. 

      

The first two products I lifted where the KIKO Milano metallic shine eyeshadows. The first metallic shine eyeshadow was number five they come in a little green box and when you open them they have a beautiful dark Brown metallic lid with the branding on top. This metallic shine eyeshadow in number five is a khaki green. The pigmentation in the shadows are unbelievable they really do feel like a luxury brand product very much like the Tom Ford eyeshadows that everyone is raving about at the moment this could definalty be a dupe. I was so impressed with the coverage in this eyeshadow. The next colour I purchased in the metallic shine was a number three, again beautifully packaged and this metallic eyeshadow is almost like a brown metallic. Again this eyeshadow is  really pigmented, can go such a long way.

     

The next two eyeshadows I got were 161 single eyeshadow this eyeshadow is almost like a pale blue matte finish and again super pigmented, really really beautiful. The next eyeshadow, another blue, slightly darker, is an infinity plus sparkle eyeshadow in 410 this eyeshadow is part of the clics System so this can actually go onto a magnetic pallette. I am definitely going to go back to purchase some of these eyeshadows and make up my own eyeshadow palette. This dark blue shimmer is so beautiful you can definitely build it up.

     

  

The next item I purchased was an automatic precision eyeliner, beautifully packaged, I purchased the 703 which is a blue dark blue liner it comes with a rollup eyeliner on one side and on the other side a rubber blender that you can blend out the liner. I really love this idea and it actually works really well.  I definitely want to buy more of these. 

     

So that was 5 for £10 but there are another couple of pieces I really liked so I just purchased these separately. They were two lip products. The first one is the unlimited lipgloss in the shade  21. This colour is a lovely deep plum. Even though this is a lipgloss it has a lovely consistency and when blended I can almost be like a lipstick/lipgloss crossover. It isn't too sticky has great pigmentation.  A product that is so easy to carry around in your handbag and  such good value for money. The last item was the pencil lipgloss. I got this pencil in number 14. It is a bright pink shimmer colour I can't believe you can actually get a lip gloss pencil! It is creamy but it definitely has not a sticky texture. It is super pigmented and has such a lovely sheen. Definitely something you can use as a liner, all over the lips or maybe as and over the top shimmer for a matte lipstick.

     

I am honestly so impressed with Kiko Milano Products.  You really get a luxury feel with these products not only in the packaging but in the products themselves.  Definalty some items can be dupes for other expensive makeup brand and I will be looking into this further and doing another blog post on this brand! I am so excited to but more products and do a make up look.

At the moment the current promotion is buy 3 get 3 free on selected items 

Yes I went back to the store to get some lipsticks. I purchased some of there Smart Lipsticks and also a red lip set with lipstick and lipliner you can see these in the pictures. I will be doing some makeup looks in another post!!

    

Watch this space!!!!!

Purple Poodle xx

MUA Make up academy luxury look for under £20

 

               

MUA make up academy professional is an affordable brand with amazing beauty products. I decided to do a blog post on MUA to see if a budget brand can really live up to the hype. I went for a broad range of products so I could do a full  face of make up to see if I could get a luxury look for under £20. 

The first product I picked up was the MUA skin define hydro foundation, enriched with vitamin E and jojoba. I got this in the colour Ivory. Whilst swatching this product I noticed that it had quite a nice smell for a foundation. It was quite silky, smooth,  hydrating and had a light to medium coverage. I do think that this foundation is quite buildable to get up to a medium coverage.

The next product I lifted were some eyeshadows.  I got a trio of eyeshadows called innocence, It consisted of three set shimmer shades ranging from a nude highlight shade to a define and line dark shade. I also picked up two separate eyeshadows one in the colour chamoisee and the other colour platinum.  Chamoisee  is a shimmer copper/brown shade and platinum is a shimmer silver shade. I am a real fan of shimmer eyeshadow. I found these eyeshadows were rather pigmented and long lasting.

The next item I purchased was the MUA pro base matte satin pressed powder. I got this in the shade ivory. This powder was lovely on the skin and the finish was quite silky. The product had great coverage. I found the powder was really great on the T-zone area. It definitely got rid of any shiny, especially during the day for touch ups.

The next item I got was the bronze and sculpt contour kit MUA lux range. This was an item that I hadn't seen before when I was previously shopping in Superdrug. The packaging is a bit more luxurious. I couldn't get the light to medium colour so I ended up getting the medium to dark. This duel bronzing compact is perfect for contouring or just building up after tanning. When you open up this product it has a handy mirror and there are two separate compartments. One has the darker matte shade at the bottom and the top has the highlighter shade. I really love the look of this product and for £5 it is a pure beauty bargain.

The last item I purchased was the MUA undress your skin shimmer highlighter. I got this in iridescent gold. It really does remind me of some of the more luxurious brand highlighters. I have to say that this highlighter for a budget price of £3.50 looks absolutely stunning. This highlighter is definitely buildable

I was so impressed with the MUA range. I think that for under £20 you get really excellent
make up, with a lovely medium coverage. The eyeshadows that are complete winners with such great pigmentation and the bronze and sculpt contour kit is definitely a must buy item. It is a beautiful piece of make up kit and it's definitely something that I will buy again.


Thanks for reading

Love

Purple Poodle

All Photography by Laura Joss