My First Ever Giveaway on www.lipstickluvvies.com

If you haven't already noticed, English Rose Beauty has morphed into http://www.lipstickluvvies.com/. I have just posted my first ever giveaway there, so to be in with a chance of winning Decleor and OPI goodies, take a look.

www.lipstickluvvies.com

The main reason for changing the name of my blog is so that I could secure the domain name, not possible for English Rose Beauty.

So you can now check out the new improved blog at www.lipstickluvvies.com

It should make everything a lot simpler, thats the plan anyway!

English Rose Beauty is moving!

Hi everyone,

This will be my last post here on English Rose Beauty because it is changing to Lipstick Luvvies!

There were too many blogs and websites with similar names and I decided Lipstick Luvvies was a catchier title. It is my term for those obsessed with all things beauty, I thought it sounded much nicer than the more commonly used beauty addicts or makeup junkies!

The style, content, regularity of posts etc will all be the same, only the name is checking.

So come and join the lipstick luvvies at http://www.lipstickluvvies.blogspot.com/

Hope you like it
         X

Q&A: Which is your favouriste shade from the Les Khakis de Chanel Collection?

Indulge me, do you have a favourite from the Les Khakis de Chanel collection of nail varnishes or do you hate them all?

Les Khakis de Chanel - Khaki Brun, Khaki Rose & Khaki Vert

For me, Khaki Vert is the standout as I don't have a shade like it and how could I not love a nail varnish that is almost the exact same colour as my eyes? I might change my mind once I see Khaki Rose in the flesh but Khaki Brun is my least favourite.

So, even if you think £19 for a nail varnish is ridicculous, do you have a favourite colour out of the three?

Chanel Khaki Vert Nail Varnish - I gave in to temptation

So I have no will power when it comes to Chanel nail polishes, but the benefit of that is I get to show you some swatches of the new limited edition Les Khakis de Chanel Collection. This post will be all about Khaki Vert, but I have ordered Khaki Rose and it should arrive in the next few days. I am still deliberating whether to go for Khaki Brun, I find it the least appealing of all the shades and am somewhat put off by other beauty bloggers descriptions of it as 'baby poo'.

Chanel nail varnish in Khaki Vert - £19

But as I already said, I have no will power and would like the complete set, if only for comparative reasons.

Now onto the important stuff, the pictures!
(apologies for the shiny looking fingers, I applied cuticle oil and didn't realise how much it would show up in the photos)

Before I saw the colour in person, I was a little concerned that it would be very similar to a couple of OPI shades I already own, mainly You Don't Know Jaques and Over The Taupe. I took pictures of the bottles side by side so you can see my fears were unjustified, the Khaki Vert is most definitely green when compared to the other 2 shades.

OPI Over The Taupe, Chanel Khaki Vert, OPI You Don't Know Jaques

I think many people are under the impression that all three of the khaki shades are very much brown based but Khaki Vert is green. I have shown it side by side with Particuliere and Jade to show the differences.

Chanel Khaki Vert & Chanel Particuliere

Chanel Jade and Chanel Khaki Vert

2 coats of Khaki Vert applied + top coat

As with all Chanel polishes I have tried, it applies like a dream and I could have left it at just one coat it is that pigmented. However, I always apply 2 plus a top coat so that is what is shown in the photos.

2 coats of Khaki Vert applied + top coat

The colour is most definitely a green and although this collection has proved rather like the marmite of the beauty world, you either love or you hate it, I love it (also love marmite). It is unlike any other shade I own and I think it will look great with my camel wool trench coat which I am looking forward to wearing as it gets colder. Camel is meant to be the fashion trend this season and I think all three of the Khakis will compliment this look.

I finally took a few photos using my camel coat as a background so you can see the contrast and a dark brown background.

Khaki Vert on camel background

Khaki Vert on camel background

Khaki Vert on brown background

I think the final photo really shows how green this colour actually is. In reality it is very similar to my own eye colour. It is an opaque, cream shade that is perfect for Autumn. It doesn't scream military to me, I find it more of an olive shade.

The one problem I do have with the product is how Chanel are justifying charging £19 for this when it is no different to my eye from any of their other varnishes that cost £16.50. It does feel like they are taking liberties, knowing that limited edition colours will be sought after whatever the price.

Having had to pay over the odds for Khaki Vert to get hold of it at all, I guess their assumption is right.

What do you think of the colour? Is £19 too much? Has anyone tried the other shades?

I will post about Khaki Rose as soon as the postman (I'm seeing a lot of him lately) bring it, but if you can't wait that long, www.londonmakeupgirl.com has posted about it already.

Q&A: Do you prefer to buy makeup palettes or individual products?

Having just posted about the latest Urban Decay palette, I wondered whether more people prefer to buy palettes for their makeup bag because of the great value they offer or if individual products still win as they offer better choice.

Nars Emotional Rescue Artist Palette - £53

When at university and on a tighter budget (and less room for my makeup collection), I invested in a lot of palettes, especially from Nars and Stila. I could never have afforded the products individually and I discovered a few products I loved this way that I later bought individually.

Now at home in my own space, my makeup has room to spread itself everywhere and I find that I reach for the palettes far less often. I discovered yesterday a whole box of them which I've barely touched. So this begs the question, are they really better value for money when you generally reach for one or two shades and waste the rest?

I am hoping that my new Naked palette with prove the exception. I am determined to use it all, I want to see the bottom of the pan for once!

So do you buy into palettes or do you prefer to choose your own shades?

It's official, naked is the best way to be!

So after many days waiting for the postman, it has finally arrived, Urban Decay's Naked Palette.

Urban Decay Naked Palette - £27

Much sought after, the palette is great value for money, containing 12 neutral shades, all that you could ever need! Four of the shades are exclusive to the palette and the different textures include matte, shimmer, satin and sparkle.

Shades: Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked, Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal

The aim of the palette is cover all the basics you could ever need, but make them versatile and interesting. You should be able to go from office looks to an evening smokey eye with just these shades. As well as the eyeshadows, the palette contains a 3.7ml size the bestselling Primer Potion and double ended 24/7 eye pencil in Zero and Whiskey (black and brown).

The case itself is quite sleek, has a decent size mirror inside and the outside is flocked. Although this is a nice idea, I doubt that it will wear well. As the idea is that this palette can be all you need when out and about, a leather or metallic casing might have been more suitable.

I haven't tried the eyesahdows on yet, just swatched them, but they do feel lovely and creamy. I haven't used any Urban Decay products since I was 17 and used a couple of their face palettes for school, so the quality of the shadows was a pleasant surprise.

The swatches were taken without the primer potion applied underneath. On the darker shades, the photo makes them appear a lot more glittery than they are in real life.

Shades: Virgin, Sin, Naked & Sidecar

Shades: Buck, Half Baked, Smog & Darkhorse

Toasted, Hustle, Creep and Gunmetal

 

Overall, I think this is a great palette for anyone and everyone. Even though I have quite a few Bobbi Brown neutral eyeshadow palettes, this Naked Palette offers something that little bit special. I would only hesitate to recommend it to those who already have a number of Urban Decay shadows as I don't know if I would pay £27 for the sake of just 4 new shades. Happily for me, I have none so all are new and exciting. I can't wait to have a play around with them. Plus, I have never used the primer potion so I'll be interested to see how it affects all of my shadows, not just these.

The palette is what it says, a great basic. It allows me to have a wardrobe of nudes at a good price, which I can add to with the more expensive brands like Edward Bess, Rouge Bunny Rouge and Burberry, as I would never be able to afford 12 of their neutrals in one go.

Although this should satisfy my requirements for nudes for the foreseeable future, I still feel incomplete without Chanel's Taupe Gris. It will be mine when my bank balance is out of the red!

Urban Decay's Naked Palette is available for £27 from Boots, Debenhams and House of Fraser.

Get it while you can!

Q&A: What and when was your last beauty purchase?

Am posting this whilst watching the QVC New CID Cosmetics show (with my hair covered in Ojon Restorative Treatment - stinking the house out) in a bid to make myself feel less guilty for spending.


My latest beauty purchase was all of 2 minutes ago, the CID foundation in Fair. I am trying to refrain from buying anything else, but Chanel's Taupe Gris is calling my name from the Debenhams website with 10% off and free delivery. Hard to resist.

Chanel Taupe Gris - £19.50

Having watched an OPI show today (any excuse not to write my law assignments), I also really want the whole OPI Swiss collection. I say whole because I resent paying £10 a bottle and prefer to order from a seller in the US where I can get the whole 12 colours for the price of about 5 bottles here in the UK. The only problem is that shipping takes an age so I should really get around to buying it soon so that I can post some decent swatches for you. If I leave it much longer they'll be onto the Christmas Collection before mine arrives.

I had made a promise to myself that I wouldn't spend any more money until my law exams are over in October, firstly because I have no money, and secondly so I have something to look forward to. For some reason I find one big spend more satisfying than frittering for weeks. However, promises are made to be broken!
Can anyone help ease my conscience and admit to buying anything beauty related today or this week? Is it only me that can't help but be taken in by QVC selling techniques even though I should know better?

CID Cosmetics launches on QVC UK today at 5pm

I'm quite excited about this launch because I have been wanted to try a new foundation for a while, been looking at By Terry and Ellis Faas versions which are both in click pen applicators, but Grace London's post about the CID foundation has whetted my appetite. The product contains colour adaptive pigments that should make it easier to avoid foundation disasters.

CID I-perfect Foundation - available at www.asos.com and www.qvcuk.com

Take a look at how she got on trialing the CID-i Perfect foundation at www.londonmakeupgirl.com.

Although it is available at other online retailers, QVC UK are launching the product range with a show today at 5pm. I have no idea what the range is like as a whole, but I will probably buy the foundation as at least I have 30 days to try it, see if the shade is right, if it is worth the money etc. A lot easier than guessing what a product is like when shopping online.

Has anyone tried any of the other products in the range?

I'll let you know how I get on with the foundation sometime next week, depending on how quick the delivery is.

Q&A: How many times a year do you visit the hairdressers?

I have been shamed into this question since realising that I haven't stepped foot near the hairdresser's scissors for well over 2 years.

I have an excuse though, I became ill whilst at university and promptly decided to cut my long hair off in favour of a pixi cut, a la Emma Watson. My theory was that I would be better by the time it grew back. Well, my hair is now past my shoulders and unfortunately my health situation hasn't changed, so in a funny way I feel I'd be giving in if I get it cut now, accepting defeat. Silly I know.

I don't really feel like I am missing out though, I never enjoyed trips to the hairdresser. I hate the inane chatter and always feel awkward, politely pretending to love every hair cut when inside I could sometimes cry! I am not the best a confronting and complaining.

Hopefully one day I will make it to one of the big, posh salons in London and a fairy godmother of hair will magically transform my thin, straight, mousy hair into something much more exciting and flattering.

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment - £39 from John Lewis

In the mean time, I have just bought Ojon's Restorative Hair Treatment (will let you know how I get on with it), so I don't feel so neglectful of my poor locks.

10% of Beauty items at Debenhams online plus free delivery

Just a quick heads up to let all you makeup fanatics know that Debenhams are offering free delivery (no minimum spend) and 10% off all beauty items today when you buy online at www.debenhams.com.


Some special offers of up to 25% start in store tomorrow but it is a day early online.
Debenhams stock some great brands like Chanel, Dior, Elemis, Smashbox, Urban Decay and Illamasqua so if you have had your eye on something for a while, this may well be the time to buy.

Urban Decay NYC Book of Shadows vol III

I had a quick glance this morning and they do have the Urban Decay Naked Palette in stock at the reduced price of £24.30 and the NYC Book of Shadows Vol III for the reduced price of £27.

Makes me feel a bit foolish for having ordered the Naked palette for full price plus delivery from House of Fraser last week! If I receive it today I will post a review later so if you are impressed you have time to get it at the discounted rate from Debenhams. All depends on how fast House of Fraser deliver.


Happy shopping
         X

Q&A - Are you are bath or a shower person?

As I am in bathing heaven at the moment with the new Philosophy Shower Gels (can also be used as bubble bath), I wondered whether the majority favour showers or baths?

I know that practicality has to play a part, but for me, nothing beats a long soak in a hot bath filled with suitably fragrant bubbles.

I always view showers with suspicion after one day a giant spider crawled up from the plug hole to greet me once I was already in. It was very tricky trying to get out with said spider blocking my path ( I am a terrible coward and tend to scream for male help to remove anything insect-like whilst I stand on a chair like a damsel in distress). This time there was no help available and so I always let the shower run empty for a good while just as a test to ensure it is insect free.

At university, I would never have dreamed of having a bath. I spent 4 years in flat shares with guys and made it my mission to spend as little time as possible in the vicinity of the bathroom. It once got so bad that I would drive 20 minutes away to the gym just to shower and wash my hair there. This may sound dramatic but to give you an example, one housemate played in-line hockey and their kit absolutely stinks of sweat. The team were threatened with being banned from the sports hall unless they did something about the smell and so my housemates kit was left to soak in our bathroom for days, and day, and days. Not a pleasant sight or smell.

Having returned home though, I treat the bathroom as my sanctuary and bath beats shower hands down.

How about you, any horror stories to share of creepy crawlies, vile bathrooms or just stinky housemates? Do share.

The Monday Manicure - Leighton Denny's Supermodel

So this week's Monday Manicure features the most popular shade from British nail maestro Leighton Denny's range, Supermodel.

Leighton Denny - Supermodel £11

This is probably the perfect go with anything taupe shade, and why it is almost always sold out. It is a thick creme and when I use it I always finish with a coat of Seche Vite for a nice glossy finish. A great neutral, neither too warm nor too cool, it is universally flattering. Overall, a great colour for effortless sophistication, conservative enough to wear at work, yet still elegant for an evening out.

I have to admit that Leighton Denny is not my favourite nail brand, OPI wins that accolade, but I do like some of his shades and I find this one an easy option when I don't want to think too much about what outfits I might wear during the week or where I might be going.

In the photo I have applied 2 coats and I think that is all you need, but I can find Leighton's polish a little tricky to apply. It is hard to get just the right amount on the brush so that you don't end up with a thick coat. I have learnt this from bitter experience when I thought my nails looked great but once dry a few hours, the varnish simply peeled off. 2 thin coats is the key.


I also find that the brush can drag a bit, leaving inprints. However, these are all minor problems that can be overcome with a bit of care and attention.

2 coats of Supermodel applied with Seche Vite topcoat

Overall, Supermodel is a great shade to have in your collection, especially for those days when you can't decide what colour to go for. If you can get hold of it that is.

Although unavailable currently on a lot of online Leighton Denny stockists, QVC stock a Supermodel duo (currently on waitlist) and another set with Supermodel and slicktips which is in stock. See www.qvcuk.com. It is a good staple shade but I don't think it is quite worth its constant sell out status.

What do you think? Have you tried it or do you have another colour that is your go to shade

Q&A: What is your favourite colour of Nail Varnish?

I thought this was a suitable prelude to The Monday Manicure, so if any colours in particular are popular, I will try to include them in future posts.

OPI - Catherine The Grape

My favourites depend on the seasons. In Summer I love bright corals and pinks, my favourites being Leighton Denny's I Love Juicy and Chanel's Riviera. For Autumn/Winter I go for either a nude like Leighton Denny's Supermodel (tomorrow's Monday Manicure) or a range of purples like OPI's Catherine the Grape, Louvre Me Louvre Me Not and Parlez-Vous OPI?

For my toes, anything goes really, from deep red to blue glitter, I think pedicures give us a chance to bring out the show off in us all!

Enjoy delicious Italian desserts minus the calories with Philosophy

Philosophy 3 in 1 Shower Gels - £14.50 each

Philosophy's award winning 3 in 1 shower gels are the perfect calorie free indulgence and hard to resist when they constantly invent such mouth watering flavours. The latest available in the UK are the Italian Dessert Trio, consisting of Orange Almond Scone, Italian Tiramisu and Hazelnut Espresso, perfect as we leave summer behind and winter draws in. The most surprising thing when you open these bottles is how much the fragrances match the descriptions, Orange Almond Scone is not simply a synthetic orange like many cheaper brands, there is a depth to it that recreates that scone scent, not an easy thing to do!

They are a lovely, creamy consistency and a little goes a long way. Unlike the Elemis Milk Bath that I also use, these can work out to be very economical at 480ml each, as you can use them in the bath or shower and as shampoo. Added to the bath they make great bubbles so they could be a way of enticing resistant youngsters to bathe regularly. I was hesitant before using them on my hair but it worked well. I wouldn't use them to replace my ordinary shampoo, but if you are in a hurry or need to save space when packing for a holiday, this is well worth a go.

The Hazelnut Espresso is by far my favourite, I've never been overly keen tiramisu as a dessert, but be warned, using them can make you hungry! I bathed in Orange Almond Scone this morning and as I write this, I am waiting for my orange cupcakes to come out of the oven. Maybe not such a calorie free treat after all!

The Philosophy Italian Dessert Shower Gel Trio is available from www.qvcuk.com for £32.

Individual Philosophy Shower Gels can be bought online from http://www.hqhair.com/ (but not these flavours) for £14.50 each.

Q&A - Are you a lipstick luvvie or a gloss girl?

Keeping with the theme of matte lips I thought I would see whether lip gloss is still more popular than lipstick.

Although I like both, lipstick is definitely my favourite. One application adds effortless elegance to the face and as I mentioned in the previous post, I can't stand it when my hair gets stuck to my lip gloss on a windy day.

The launch of the Chanel Rouge Coco range of lipsticks has really added to the recent resurgence of the grown up glamour of lipstick.

Chanel Coco Rouge Lipstick - £21.50

Is Matte the new black? - Nars Matte Lipsticks

This season has seen the revival of the matte lip, something I am very pleased to hear as I am sick of gloss (my long hair always ends up getting stuck to it, not a good look!).

Always a trendsetter, Nars have just released their new Pure Matte Lipsticks and they are on sale exclusively at Selfridges until the beginning of October.

Nars Pure Matte lipstick Advertising Campaign

I haven't managed to get hold of any of the new Nars Pure Matte Lipsticks but www.lipglossiping.com has some great swatches of the new shades on her fabulous blog.

What I do have is a rather large selection of the Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencils. I have always been a fan of the matte lip (I never cared if it was on trend or not), and the Nars jumbo pencils are my favourite. Easy to apply, not chalky and available in some great shades, I wear them almost everyday, with Sex machine my all time favourite colour of lipstick. As the name suggests, it is a sexy, cool toned pinky mauve.

Here are photos and swatches of the 8 shades I have, a reminder that if the matte look is what you are after, the Velvet Matte Pencils are an alternative option to brand's newer lipstick release (and £1 cheaper to).

Nars Velvet Matte lip Pencils: Dolce Vita, Red Square, Forbidden Red, Damned

Swatches: Dolce Vita, Forbidden Red, Red Square, Damned

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencils: Pop Life, Bettina, Sex Machine, Belle de Jour

Swatches: Sex machine, Pop Life, Bettina & Belle de Jour

Unfortunately, the colours in the swatches really don't do the product justice, they look much nicer on the lips (my lips are chapped and horrid at the moment so I chose to apply on the forearm instead). They have a creamy texture and are great to take on a night out for touch ups as they require no skill to apply.

If I do eventually buy one of the new Pure Matte Lipsticks, I will let you know how the 2 formulas compare.

They retail for £17 and be bought online from www.spacenk.com or www.narscosmetics.co.uk.

The new Nars Pure Matte Lipsticks retail for £18 and are available in 4 shades on www.selfridges.com.

Brand Focus: Alpha-H

Although not the most famous of brand,s as they prefer to pour money into their product development rather than on expensive advertising campaigns, Alpha-H is a Australian skincare brand which has developed a cult following around the world.

There is no fancy packaging, just great products in generous sizes, which actually live up to their promises.

As an Australian brand, the focus is on dealing with problem skin, and in particular, sun damage. The whole range is fantastic for getting real results for those with acne, scarring, sun damage and pigmentation. Alpha-H is frequently used on the non-surgery route on the TV show '10 Years Younger: The Challenge', and this is a testament to the fact that it really works!

The straight talking, no nonsense Michelle Doherty is the brand representative and she is like a breath of fresh in the industry with her 'no fluff or puff' approach, realising that all we want to know is whether or not a product works.

Michelle openly admits that she suffered with acne for 14 years and like many of us, used all sorts of abrasive lotions and potions that end up causing more harm than good. She would cover her face with makeup to hide the spots and I remember doing the same at university when I had terrible spots on my face, back and chest. When I look at photos from that time I look like I am wearing a mask!

The solution for Michelle was a simple regime from Alpha-H, using just the Triple Action Cleanser and balancing moisturiser to allow the skin to settle down. She was so impressed that she bought into the company and now her mantra is that everyone deserves and can get good skin.

Alpha-H White Gold - to target pigmentation

Alpha-H is renowned for using glycolic in many of their products, and the runaway success of the brand is Liquid Gold. Applied with a cotton pad direct to cleansed skin (avoiding the eye and lip area) at night, you don't need to layer any other products on top, lie back and wake in the morning with radiant skin. It is that simple. Liquid Gold is recommended for mature, sun damaged and dull complexions.

Aside from Liquid Gold, my favourite products are Micro Cleanse and Daily Essential Moisturiser with SPF 50.

Micro Cleanse is a gentle exfoliant to help remove dead skin cells, leaving a smoother, more radiant skin and allowing you moisturisers and serums to work more effectively. It can be used as a cleanser or more intensively as a mask.

The Daily Essential Moisturiser is what is says on the tin, a daytime moisturiser with a matte finish that protects the skin from sun damage with a high SPF whilst not leaving the skin greasy or chalky. I have been using it all summer and it has really helped prevent any pigmentation (that I am prone to) from developing.



Due to the success of Liquid Gold, Alpha-H have just released a more intensive version for use at night that you can alternate with Liquid Gold, Liquid Gold Intensive Night Repair Serum, £36.36 for 50ml (from http://www.qvcuk.com/). Although not suitable for sensitive skin, it contains vitamins A, B3 and glycolic acid and is worth giving a try for those who think their skin needs an extra boost.

I have pre-ordered my night serum and expect to receive it mid September, so I will write about it in more detail once I have thoroughly tested it for a month.

If problem skin is getting you down, Alpha-H might just be the answer to your prayers.

Q&A - What 3 products would you use if you were about to go on a date with Johnny Depp?

Every day I will be posting a beauty related question and then answering it myself, in the hope that all of you will share your answers in the comments section. I love hearing other people's opinions on beauty products and this process should help everyone get to know each other a little better.

So, for the first question:

If you could only use 3 beauty products before heading out on a date with Johnny Depp, what would you choose? (obviously answers will differ depending on whether or not you find him attractive!)

The one and only Johnny Depp

My 3 would be:

• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser in Porcelain - £32
• YSL Faux Cils Mascara - £21.50
• A 2 in one lip & cheek product, probably Stila convertible colour in Lilium - £18

What would you choose?

Dates for your diary - Urban Decay Naked Palette UK release

This is just a quick heads up on a few important beauty dates this week:

Urban Decay Naked Palette - £27

1st to 3rd September - Get 15% off any order on http://www.hqhair.com/ with the discount code HQSLIP. This might be just the incentive/excuse I need to buy some of the Nars Fall Collection I've had my eye on for weeks.

3rd September - The Urban Decay Naked Palette will be released nationwide and should be available online at Debenhams and House of Fraser. It was released on 23rd August solely at House of Fraser and sold out online very quickly so best get in quick if you want a palette of 12 fabulous neutral shades for just £27!

8th September - Vogue's Fashion Night Out: Peter Philips created 3 new limited edition Chanel nail varnish shades for the occasion. Move over Paradoxal, here come Les Khakis de Chanel. They will only be available from Selfridges and Chanel boutiques for £19 each.

A culinary solution to storing your makeup

Now although I say that this will be a post about storing your makeup, displaying it would probably be a more accurate description.

As you will have seen from my blog, I adore makeup and I think that many products are just too pretty to be hidden away. Whilst at university, I was moving house every year and my makeup was stuffed in an assortment of bags and boxes and it took a real battering. So when I found a more permanent residence, I decided to completely overhaul the way I stored it, aiming to make it both accessible and aesthetically pleasing.

The solution to my problem?

A cake stand.

Yes, you heard me correctly, the kind of stand that is more commonly used for the latest cupcake craze.

Cake stand = the perfect makeup storage solution!

I use a 2 tier cake stand and use it to store all the products that I use on a regular basis, and I find looking at it filled with makeup just as mouthwatering as if it was filled with cakes! The major benefit of the stand is that it creates much needed space on my rather cramped dressing table and all of my products are visible. There is a commonly quoted statistic that women wear 10% of their clothes 90% of the time, favouring those items that are most accessible and in view, I think the same is true of makeup. I use a much wider variety of products now I can see them than I did when I had them all hidden in makeup bags.

You can pick up fairly cheap cake stands allover, even at bootfairs of flea markets, but my favourite is Laura Ashley as they have some more ornate options. I also got some great pearl place mats from there which help stop the stand marking my dressing table.

My dressing table

For my other beauty items I use some decorative cream pots that are actually tooth brush holders from Asda to store lip pencils, eyeliners and makeup brushes. For cotton pads, I use a glass jar from Laura Ashley that looks more like a fancy cookie jar.

Toothbrush holders and cookie jars

The rest of my makeup and skincare I store in labelled boxes on a bookshelf or in my dressing table drawers. For the drawers, I use cutlery dividers to separate items.

Cutlery divider

I hope this post has given you some potential new ideas for storing makeup, don't let your gorgeous products get forgotten and gather dust in the bottom of an old makeup bag, show them the light of day!

One thing I wouldn't recommend though is having a cream dressing table, at least not without some kind of protective covering. I've only had mine a year and even though I use mats to protect it, it is now covered with an assortment of makeup stains that refuse to be removed!

Chanel Paradoxal Nail Varnish Dupe - Nails Inc Fulham Road

Although I mentioned the Nails Inc shade in a previous post, I thought I would take some pictures of it applied to the nails so you can get a direct comparison between Fulham Road and Paradoxal.

The 2 shades side by side: Nails Inc Fulham Road and Chanel Paradoxal

Although from the photo the Nails Inc shade looks more grey than the Chanel, and to contain less shimmer, this is not actually the case.

Nails Inc Fulham Road applied to the nails

Chanel Paradoxal - Spot the difference?

The shade as it appears on the nails is a far more accurate portrayal of the colour as a whole. Owning and having applied them both, I would say that Fulham Road is almost identical to Paradoxal, a proper dupe, more so than it appears in the photos. The only minor difference I found was in application, after 1 coat the Chanel shade looked a lot better but after 2 coats, there was little to tell the shades apart. The lilac/purple shimmer is arguably slightly more prominent in the Nails Inc colour, but I think this is a benefit as the shimmer in Paradoxal could be a trifle too subtle.

So if you like the shade but don't like the Chanel price tag, try Nails Inc Fulham Road, available at just £5 from www.bathandunwind.co.uk.

If your heart is set on Chanel and you can't get hold of Paradoxal, fear not, 3 more limited shades are set to be released this September, Les Khakis de Chanel - Khaki Rose, Khaki Brun and Khaki Vert. They were specially created for Vogue's Fashion Night Out and will cost £19 from Selfridges and Chanel Boutiques. For pictures, check out the post on www.britishbeautyblogger.com.

I want them all!