Emotional Brilliance at Lush

Last weekend I visited Lush to check out their newly launched debut make up range 'Emotional Brilliance'. I'd read the press releases about the new line but was keen to see for myself how the concept of selecting colours worked.

One of the Lush staff offered to give me a personalised colour reading, you simply spin the wheel and then choose the three colours that stand out to you the most which are meant to reflect your state of mind. I selected Focus a bright silver eyeshadow, Feeling Secure a vivid purple eyeliner, and Bubbly a pearly pink lip colour. 

There's 30 colours in the range all priced at £14.50. My favourite shade is Perspective a subtle pink lip colour that's perfect for everyday wear and would look great as a cheek tint too! All the colours I sampled were highly pigmented and blended easily. Numerous shades in the collection have dual purposes and can be used on the eyes, lips or cheeks depending on the look you're creating. Many of the products contain jojoba and almond oil alongside cupuacu butter as a base providing soft and nourishing properties for the skin. 

Lush have also launched Eyes Right mascara, which claims to be suitable for the most sensitive of eyes containing only 1 preservative, Emotional Brilliance, a light-reflecting face powder to give a shine free finish, Charisma, a bronzing skin tint to give you a glow and Feeling Younger, a skin tint containing a magic orange pigment which works as a reflector leaving your skin looking brighter and youthful. 

In keeping with Lush's environmentally friendly policy their entire make up range is suitable for vegans. 

Have you tried Lush's new make up collection yet? 

What's your favourite shade? 

PS. Thank you to all of you who have contacted me about my new blog layout! It's designed by the super talented Gillian! You can visit her blog design shop here

Get Glamorous

Unless you've been hiding under a rock these last few months you've probably spotted gorgeous pieces from Glamorous popping up all over the blogosphere.. and if you're yet to discover them you're missing out! 

Glamorous offers the cutest printed and vintage style dresses alongside some of the seasons hottest trends in their collection. They're fast becoming one of my favourite sites to browse online! 

These are some of the items on my ever growing wish list! 

1. Grey Dipped Hem Studded Tunic - £23.99

2. Bird Print Mixi Dress - £29.99

3. Oriental Print Fringed Kimono - £31.99

4. Mint Pleat Front Dress - £14.00

5. Pearl Collar Sleeveless Shirt - £23.99

6. Pink Floral Print Playsuit - £29.99

The grey studded tunic would make a perfect addition to my autumn/winter wardrobe. I love the stud detailing on the shoulders and the dipped hem. It could be worn both during the day and dressed up with a pair of heels in the evening. 

I've loved this mint oriental print kimono with fringe detailing ever since I saw the lovely Gillian wearing it! It makes a great cover up and is perfect for adding a splash of colour with your favourite LBD! 

This classic white sleeveless shirt has been updated for the season with dainty pearls adorning the collar. It's ideal for both the office and at the weekend paired with your favourite skinny jeans. 

Have you bought anything from Glamorous? 

Where's your favourite place to shop online? 

Nails Of The Day: Chanel Mica Rose & Models Own Pink Fizz

Today I thought I'd share one of my new favourite nail varnish combinations! I've opted for a ring finger manicure using Chanel Shade 495: Mica Rose that I kindly received in a giveaway from the lovely Sarah, and Models Own Pink Fizz.

Mica Rose is a gorgeous soft pearly pink with tiny flecks of different coloured sparkles that really shimmer! It's applies smoothly and I needed just 2 coats.  It's a lovely luxury polish meaning I'm trying to ration myself and just use it on special occasions! It's a great shade for summer weddings. 

Pink Fizz is the first Models Own polish I've used and is by far the best glitter polish I've tried! I only needed one coat to achieve a full glittery nail which is really impressive compared to some glitter polishes where you have to apply layer upon layer and it still doesn't look very glittery. Priced at just £5 I'm sure I'll be trying more! It's a great shade for creating a stand out sparkly accent nail. 

  

Have you tried either of these nail polishes? 

£100 Asos Outfit Challenge

When I saw that the ladies at The Discount Coder Blog were running a blogger challenge to put together your hottest outfit from Asos for under £100 I knew I had to enter! I love browsing the latest styles on Asos and I'm always on the lookout to pick up a bargain!

1. Nude Heels - £22.00

2. Striped Peplum Dress - £40.00

3. Spike Bracelet - £8.00

4. Envelope Clutch - £18.00

5. Triangle Statement Ring - £10.00

I'm a big fan of one of SS '12s hottest trends, the peplum. They're flattering and show off your figure whilst defining your waist. This cute nautical striped peplum dress is perfect for both work and play.

I'd add a pair of classic nude heels which would also go with lots of other outfits and this oversized nude envelope clutch with metal bar detailing, perfect for holding all your night out essentials!

I'd keep accessories fairly simple to let the pattern and shape of the dress stand out. Spikes are everywhere right now, toughen up the look with this mixed metallic spiked bracelet which would make a perfect piece of arm candy! Slip on a statement ring like this pearlised shell triangle ring and you're good to go!

The total outfit cost comes to £98.00 so you've still got £2.00 change towards your first drink!

Do you stick to a budget when shopping for a new outfit? 

What would you choose in the Asos £100 challenge? 

Star Style: Lana Del Rey

I wasn't a big Lana Del Rey fan when she first came on the scene but after listening to her tracks on loop at a press day I was converted! As soon as I heard 'National Anthem' on the radio my love for her was confirmed and I had to buy the album which has been on repeat since! I really admire Lana's individual style and have major hair envy of her long locks! 

The fashion world has embraced her and she's fast becoming a style icon. Mulberry recently released the 'Del Rey' bag inspired by Lana's bygone glamour and playful style. She graced the cover of British Vogue back in March wearing a pastel perfect lemon broderie anglaise blouse and collar from Louis Vuitton's enviable SS '12 collection. 

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From her glammed up red carpet looks to her more relaxed casual style Lana keeps getting it right! She mixes vintage and retro inspired pieces with designer achieving a glamorous and feminine look with that bit of added edge. She's the queen of hipster style often snapped wearing bomber and biker jackets. I always seem to be drawn to her shoes from cute flats to retro style Mary Janes!

The flame haired beauty sports glamorous bouffant hair which fits perfectly with her signature style and accessorises with floral headbands ideal for achieving that festival vibe look. 

Are you a Lana fan? 

Whose style do you admire? 

Couture Fashion Week: Paris A/W '12-13

Last week designers hit the runways in Paris to showcase their autumn/winter 2012 couture collections. Couture fashion week is one of my highlights in the fashion calendar, I love seeing what the designers have come up with each season and admiring their lavish creations on the catwalk! These are some of my favourite collections from last week. 

Dior 

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Raf Simons did not disappoint with his highly anticipated debut couture collection for Dior. Sharp tailored looks with blazers and oversized peplum waists were worn over glamorous cigarette pants with pointed heels. I love Dior's feminine designs with cinched in waists creating the perfect silhouette. Models had slicked back hair and sported bright red lips. Stunning red carpet ready gowns with sequin and beading detail brought the show to a close. 

Chanel 

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Karl Lagerfeld paid homage to Coco's style with Chanel's couture collection this season offering classic suits and boucle style jackets. I loved the coloured tweeds updated for the season in soft pinks and lilacs and a range of patterns styled with feminine bows mixed with modern kaftan cuts. Suits were cinched in with metallic waist belts. Models wore sparkling tights with metal toe capped shoes. They even made beanie hats look glam with slouched netted styles adorned with sequins and tiny flowers! 

Giambattista Valli

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Giambattista Valli brought the outdoors alive on his couture catwalk. The collection was based around nature with reds and greens featuring heavily in their colour palette. Floral prints were emblazed over layered dresses with large ruffled collars and waists. I love the exaggerated ruffles throughout the collection which was one of my favourites across the week. In keeping with the back to nature theme models wore butterflies on their lips and in their hair alongside gold leaf jewellery. They also wore veils over their faces which was a trend seen across couture fashion week. 

Valentino 

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Valentino is another of my catwalk favourites. They continuously produce stand out lines with the most beautiful dresses! Their couture collection was pure understated elegance. They featured soft feminine designs in sheer fabrics and luxurious silks with cut out detailing. Hair was pulled back and styled in buns. Capes are set to be a big trend this autumn/winter as seen on the fashion week catwalks back in February, Valentino impressed with this yellow silk cape styled over matching patterned cigarette pants. One of my favourite pieces in their couture collection was the pink printed jacket with gold brocade detail worn over a flowing floor length gown. 

Who were your couture favourites? 

Vahram Muratyan 'Parallel Universes' for Prada

Following his animated graphics for Prada's Parallel Universes campaign artist Vahram Muratyan has designed a capsule collection of T-shirts inspired by some of Prada's key accessories for the season.

Best known for his illustrations in 'Paris versus New York' Muratyan's drawings have a playful, retro vibe. He charts his observations through colourful designs.
The T-shirt's capture his artwork produced for Prada's SS '12 collection featuring their famous flaming heels and popular sunglasses.

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As a self confessed handbag and sunglasses fanatic the first image featuring the retro shaped sunglasses and Prada bag would have to be my favourite design from the collection. They're perfect for adding a piece of Prada style to your wardrobe! 

The collection will available from mid July and the T-shirts are set to retail at €150.

Are you a fan of Muratyan's illustrations?

Which Prada item would you put on a tee? 

Infinitely Kusama

Following her successful exhibition at the Tate Modern earlier this year Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, renowned for her preoccupation with polka dots has teamed up with Marc Jacobs to produce a collection for Louis Vuitton. Jacobs first met Kusama back in 2006 and admired her depiction of the world through giant installations and canvases.

This follows a long line of collaborations between the art world and the fashion house. Contemporary Japanese artist Takashi Murakami was invited to work on Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer '03 collection where he recreated the famous LV monogram.

'Infinitely Kusama' embraces Kusama's signature polka dot patterns. The collection features bold printed pieces in a palette of primary colours and monochrome tones alongside bags, swimwear, pyjamas, shoes and accessories including colourful polka dot bangles and cuffs. I love the kitsch feel to the collection, especially the retro inspired dotty sunglasses. 

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I adore the patent leather polka dot flats with ankle straps, but at £635 I think I'll just be admiring them from afar! I love the polka printed bags, they're ideal for brightening up your outfit. The clear raincoat is a classic style and another of my favourite pieces from the collection. It retails at £5,223.. get saving now if you're looking to invest in the line! The collection is available worldwide from 10th July. 

Polka dots are here to stay this summer! Look out for polka dots and giant casts of Kusama appearing in the windows of Louis Vuitton's Bond Street Maison later this month. From 24th August Kusama is set to take over Selfridges windows also, this coincides with the opening of her pop up boutique housing the new collection and a giant pumpkin display which will be open for six weeks.

The Kusama retrospective moves to the Whitney in New York from July 12th until the end of September.

Are you dotty for polka dots? 

What do you think of the collaboration? 

Tried and Tested... Lush Charity Pot

Charity Pot

Charity Pot is a creamy hand and body lotion. It has quite a runny consistency meaning it feels light, absorbs quickly and doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy. 

It contains fairtrade organic cocoa butter giving it a wonderfully chocolatey scent and almond oil combined with essentials oils. Tagetes oil, ylang ylang oil and geranium oil have been included for their restoring properties designed to improve your skin. 

I purchased the trial size 10g tin. When I saw it at the till and smelt it I couldn't resist giving it a try. I've been using it as a hand cream and it leaves my hands feeling really moisturised and smelling of chocolate, what's not to love! I'm sure I'll repurchase this in a bigger size when my tin runs out. 

Lush donates all the money (bar the VAT) from sales of Charity Pot to the various charities they support.

It retails at £6.95 for 95g, £12.75 for 240g and is available to buy in stores or online at Lush. You can also buy the trial size 10g tin for just £1.00 which is a great way to sample the lotion and an ideal size for keeping in your handbag. 

Have you tried Charity Pot?