Lipstick Week Day 4: Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy #400

It is no secret that Chanel's Rouge Allure lipstick formula is my favourite of all time.  However, that was until I had tried Armani's new Rouge Ecstasy range.  Giorgio Armani describe the formula as the first CC lipstick. standing for Colour and Care.  The Rouge Ecstasy lipsticks offer the comfort of a lip balm with beautiful, velvety soft colours.  My infatuation with the Rouge Ecstasy formula only intensified when Nick bought me 'Four Hundred' for Christmas (He braved the Fraser's Beauty Hall and picked it all by himself!).

'Four Hundred' is a beautifully deep, classic red.  It is subtly blue toned, making it an extremely flattering shade to wear.  The application is beautiful; it simply glides on to the lips and feels just like a lip balm.  'Four Hundred' has a satin finish and despite being quite a rich formulation, is extremely comfortable to wear.  The formula is long lasting and pigmented; there's no need for layering with this lipstick.  If you feel a little intimidated by the pigmentation of the Lip Maestro version of 'Four Hundred', this would be a perfect alternative as it is a lot easier to wear.  I like to think of it as the day time appropriate version!

Armani Rouge Ecstasy, you have truly stolen my heart.

Lots of Love

Nic xx

Lipstick Week Day 3: M.A.C's Toxic Tale

I don't think I've been as excited for a M.A.C collection than I was about Venomous Villains.  I  am a huge Disney fan and secretly love a good villain - the combination of Disney Villains and lipstick was too much to resist! 'Toxic Tale' was the one product that stood out to me straight away and I knew I had to have it.  However, it has been sadly neglected as time has went on; lipstick week has been a brilliant excuse to use it again!

'Toxic Tale' is an extremely bright coral (in some lights it can look almost neon!) and is a satin finish. The formula is pigmented, applies smoothly and because of the satin finish, is long wearing.  'Toxic Tale' was part of the Evil Queen collection (my favourite Disney villain, rivalled only by Ursula) and I absolutely love the packaging - I much prefer the shiny casing to the traditional M.A.C matte plastic.

As 'Toxic Tale' was LE, I've been researching online to find a possible dupe - I've read a couple of blog posts which compare 'Toxic Tale' to Rimmel's 110 from the Kate Moss collection and the photos look pretty convincing.  I can't wait to look for myself!

Lots of Love

Nic

xx

Lipstick Week Day 2: YSL Rouge Volupte Perle 'Celestial Mauve'

When I first started Magic's in the Make Up, YSL's Rouge Volupte lipsticks were everywhere - the packaging was beautiful, the formula glided on to the lips like no other and the colour range was excellent.  However, they are one of the worst lipstick formulas for longevity I have ever tried; a result of their exceptionally creamy consistency.  Enter the Rouge Volupte Perle in 'Celestial Mauve'.  Despite being less opaque than their Rouge Volupte cousins, the Volupte Perle formula seems to be a longer lasting and a lot glossier.  I have a couple of the other darker shades and they all leave a beautiful stain to the lips once the initial shine has worn down.

'Celestial Mauve' (LE) is not the easiest shade to wear and it took me a while to play about with the application.  I initially applied it quite opaquely on the lips and the finish was a little unflattering and streaky.  I've found the best way to apply 'Celestial Mauve' is to apply an opaque layer and, using my finger, gently pat the product into my lips.  This avoids the formula from streaking and helps diffuse the strong lilac undertones which can sometimes look a little harsh, instead leaving behind a beautiful, baby pink finish.

Love Nic

xx

Lipstick Week: Topshop Beguiled

A couple of years ago, I challenged myself to wear a different coloured lipstick each day for a week and blog about it daily (more challenging than it sounds while working full time in winter!).  Starting from today, I've decided to redo this challenge - it always helps free me from a make up rut! The shades I've chosen are:

1) Dark plum: Topshop 'Beguiled'
2) Nude - Chanel 'Boy'
3) Pink - M.A.C Girl About Town
4) Baby Pink - Rouge Volupte Perle 'Celestial Mauve'
5) Purple - Maybelline Colorsensational 'Hot Plum'
6) Coral - M.A.C 'Toxic Tale'
7) Red - Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecsatasy '400'.

I decided to go head first into the challenge and choose the most daring shade: Topshop's 'Beguiled'.

'Beguiled' is a beautifully dark, red-toned plum that dries down to a satin finish.  Unfortunately, it does tend to emphasise any imperfections on the lips but a little lip prep before applying definitely helps.  Because the formula is fairly dry, it is however extremely long lasting on the lips and typical of this type of shade, leaves a pretty plum stain on the lips during the day.

What are your thoughts on 'Beguiled' - have you worn a similar dark shade this winter?

Love Nic 

xx

2013 Favourites

I have loved 2013 - it may not have been the most productive of years (something I want to work on for 2014) but it's been a lot of fun! I wanted to take a look back at some of my favourite things I've discovered in the last year.  

Favourite make up product: Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation.

Favourite Hair Product: Sleep-In Rollers.

Favourite Skin Care Product: Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm

Favourite Dresses:

Favourite Places I've visited: Portugal, Liverpool, London (especially the Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour)

Favourite Photograph of 2013: My Amazing Family

Favourite Thing I've Eaten:  The World's Best Carrot Cake 

Favourite Book I've Read:  A Song of Fire and Ice Series (I can see a coffee and cake theme appearing)

Favourite Internet Discovery: Tumblr (follow me here)

2013...

2014…

While not being one for making new years resolutions, there are a couple of things I want to focus on this year:

1. Be more creative.  I want to blog more and learn something new - I'd love to do some make up and nail courses!

2. Continue with Operation Disco Pants.  I've started 2014 feeling determined to finish!

3. Take a few pointers from The Glitter Guide.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

What I wore...to a Christmas party Instagram Edition

Last night was my work Christmas party and like the amazingly organised blogger I am, didn't have time to take proper blog photographs.  Instead, here are some lovely grainy Instagram snaps of what I wore.

 

My dress is from Warehouse a couple of years ago.  I had originally bought this dress from Missguided which I absolutely love however it was incredibly short, especially for a work night out.  After some last minute panicking (by panicking I mean, throwing every piece of clothing I own on the floor) I found this black body con dress with silver embellished shoulders from Warehouse.  I love Warehouse dresses - I have fallen in love with this beautiful leather and feather dress - it would be perfect for New Year!

On my face, I wore M.A.C Studio Fix Fluid, NARS Laguna Bronzer, Bourjois Rose D'or, Laura Mercier Mosaic Shimmer Bloc and Rimmel Stay Matte powder.  On my eyes, I wore Benefit's creaseless cream shadow in Strut, Urban Decay Gunmetal, M.A.C Carbon, my all time favourite M.A.C 3d silver glitter (Christmas isn't Christmas without a little glitter), Two Faced Perfect Eyes eyeliner (this has quickly become one of my favourite products ever!) and Ardell Demi Wispies.  On my lips, I wore YSL Rouge Volupte #19 and Dior's Lip Glow.  

Then after a few too many shots of Sambucca, I got a little carried away and got some leopard print face paint done - just call me the female Mike Tyson!

I would love to see what you all wore to your Christmas parties - link me up!

Love Nic 

xx

Espa Skin Purifying Facial at The Retreat

On Saturday, I was invited to the launch of a range of Espa products and treatments at The Retreat in West Calder, West Lothian.  The Retreat aims to bring the quality of treatments often found in larger cities and spas to a more accessible location for the people of West Lothian. I absolutely love this - I think the standard of local salons found in Scotland is getting higher and higher; The Retreat being the perfect example of this. I was given the opportunity to choose one of the Espa treatments and chose the Skin Purifying Facial.  

I was introduced to my therapist Evelyn and got to ask her about the training she completed in Gleneagles to become an Espa certified therapist - it sounded quite an intense course and trusted I was in excellent hands!  I was then taken through a consultation and was asked what concerned me most about my skin. I've mentioned so many times on Magic's in the Make Up that I have quite oily skin which is prone to breakouts around my T-zone and acne scarring. The Skin Purifying Facial sounded perfect as it is designed to help congested and problematic skin.

After my consultation, I was taken in to my treatment room.  It was like walking into an oasis of instant calm.  The room was lit by beautifully scented aromatherapy candles, there was relaxing music playing and the treatment bed was so comfortable. Firstly, Evelyn analysed my skin using 'SkinVision' technology and it turns out that on the whole, my skin is fairly normal, with an oily T-zone and the occasional dry patch (I've been giving it a bad wrap this whole time!) 

The facial lasted 55 minutes and used the Espa balancing range (this smells AMAZING) which helps deep cleanse the skin, regulate oil and refine pores.  A number of products were used throughout the facial (I need the Balancing facial oil in my skin care routine), and Evelyn used a number of facial massage techniques and gentle exfoliation gloves to help my skin feel thoroughly cleansed.  While waiting for a face mask to work its magic, I was also given a hand and arm massage.  Of all the facials I have experienced, the Espa Purifying facial left me feeling the most relaxed and pampered, I felt so sleepy afterwards!  I also loved how bright my skin looked as you can see below - even Nick commented on my skin which is unheard of!

If you are looking for a professional and friendly salon in Scotland, The Retreat is perfect.  Within driving distance from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, it offers five star quality treatments at an affordable price.   It has such a warm and welcoming atmosphere that it would be difficult to not leave feeling relaxed!  The Retreat offers an amazing variety of facials - there is one to suit all skin types, including a personalised express facial which is only 30 minutes long and tailored to your skin type!  I definitely want to try one of the body treatments next - the salt and oil scrub sounds amazing and I've always wanted to try a hot stone massage!

I would love to hear about your experiences of facials. Have you ever tried an Espa treatment?

Nic

xx