Marc Jacobs makeup now available in the UK!

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It's been a long time coming but the entire Marc Jacobs makeup collection is now available to buy in the UK! A small selection has previously been available in the London Mount Street store, but the whole range can now be purchased in Harrods or online at www.harrods.com.

This is great news for those of us who have been lusting after products like the Le Marc Lip Creme Lipsticks or the new Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara. Since the range's launch in 2013 it has been readily available across the pond in Sephora but this is the first time the full range has been accessible in the UK.

Personally it's this rather beautiful La Parisienne eyeshadow palette I'm after...

Shop the full collection at www.harrods.com/brand/marc-jacobs-cosmetics/

'Would You Rather' - skincare edition

When Jen and I play a little game called 'Would You Rather...' it becomes disgusting and weird fairly quickly. That's the whole point of the game, neither option should be a pleasant one! (If you've never heard of it, Google it. You're missing out on a classic.) However, keeping it clean and family friendly, today I'm going to play a tame beauty version of the game. I know, how dull. But the good news is that it does narrow down the skincare champions from the last few months of reviews – particularly useful if you are trying to decide which of the items we have reviewed to spend your money on!

1. Would you rather use Coconut Oil or Barefoot SOS Repair and Renew Intensive Treatment? 

This is an easy one, definitely Coconut Oil. I use it nightly and although I intend to try Avocado Oil, this is one of the cheapest and best moisturisers I have ever used. I use the Barefoot oil as a body moisturiser. I really liked it on my face but it plateaued after a while. However, it has reduced redness on my arms and always feels as if your skin is really moisturised after a hot shower. It's been great in the winter months but the Coconut Oil is cheaper and just as good. 
Read: Coconut Oil, is it worth the hype?
Read: Barefoot SOS Repair + Renew Intensive Treatment Oil

2. Would you rather use Colbert MD Illumino Oil or the Alegenist Anti-Aging Repair Oil?
Colbert MD Illumino Face Oil. I am yet to try the Body Oil but I have already purchased the Face Oil. Yes, it is a lot of money for 30mls (£100) but it is one of the only products that you can see an immediate improvement the day after. I use it the night before special occasions and my skin looks visibly better. Lines are reduced, tone is even and skin is really hydrated. Don't get me wrong, the Alegenist is great but it doesn't have the immediate effects and, for me, you have to use more than a couple of drops to get results


3. Would you rather use Burt's Bees Citrus Face Scrub or Glam Glow Flash Mud Brightening Treatment? 

Glam Glow. I know it's a mask but I often use it as an exfoliater because of the exfoliating particles within it and yes, the product doesn't work as well as if you leave it on for 25 minutes but it works very well and leaves the face smooth. The citrus smell is gorgeous too. I want to love the Burt's Bees Citrus Scrub but it's so messy and goes everywhere, which drives me nuts. 

Read: Burt's Bees Citrus Facial Scrub

4. Would you rather use Dr Jart's Ceramidin Oil Balm or Aveda's Botanical Kinetics Intense Hydrating Rich Creme? 

Aveda. They are both great products but the Aveda Creme absorbs better and works better under makeup. 

Honourable mention: Nude Progenius Omega Treatment. Review coming soon. 

Diorshow Fusion Mono

The Dior Show Fusion Mono is a gel-mousse texture that gives a mirror shine effect when patted onto the lid, but when applied to the crease and intensified it gives a subtle matte definition. The above colour, 821 Chimere, is a rose gold on the lid but adds a little something extra to the 'No Makeup, Makeup' trend when applied to the crease. It's almost as if a contour powder has been used as a crease shade. There's no fall out and judging by comments on Instagram, it can be used as a highlight too. 

The colour lasts and although described as mirrored, it's too not glittery and transparent, it is multifaceted and buildable. I have used it daily and by looking at the product above, it's hardly noticeable, so it looks as if it will last a long while. 

The product is used in the crease to give subtle definition to the eye.

Having read Jen's post on Dior's spring line, I'm excited to see future products! 

£22.50 for 6.5 grams. 

www.dior.com

Gwen Stefani for Urban Decay – blush, lipstick and lip liners

Having brought you news of the Gwen Stefani for Urban Decay eyeshadow palette back in November (you can read about that here), I am pleased to say that the collection has been expanded and now includes a blush palette and a selection of lipsticks and lip liners.

The blush palette contains six shades of blush/bronzer/highlighter; Cherry, Easy, Angel, Lo-Fi, Hush and OC. Much like the eyeshadow palette the packaging is beautiful and although I haven't tried it, I have been informed that the colours are very versatile and will work well on a variety of skin tones.

Blush palette, £35

The lipsticks come in a fantastic range of colours, although they might not be for everybody as they mostly bold (with the exception of one nude) and mostly in varying shades of red. But hey, this is Gwen – what did you expect?! The lipsticks are in a variety of finishes too; I believe the nude is a sheer shimmer while several of the reds are matte. There are six lip pencils to complement the collection.

Lipstick, £16
Lip pencils, £14

www.urbandecay.co.uk

Have you tried any of these products yet? If so we would love to know what you think!

Maybelline Gel Eyeliner

Maybelline's Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner is something that I always come back to because no matter what else I try, nothing comes close to this eyeliner. 

THE PROS: 

• Price: it's £7.99. Bargain. 

• Colours – I use the black but the product also comes in brown, charcoal and eggplant to help create different looks. 

• Longevity – despite this being in a pot and, therefore, has the potential to dry out, the product lasts for months. I bought my last one in April of last year and have only just opened a new one. 

• Consistency – the liner is oil free and because of the gel consistency it glides across the eyelid, without any pulling, which not only means an even line but helps not to irritate the eye and prevents the aging process by dragging the lid. 

• Long lasting colour – the liner lasts for hours and hours. The packaging states up to 24 hours and, although I haven't worn it for 24 hours, I can imagine that is true. I generally put it on at 7.30am and by 6.00pm, it hasn't moved at all. 

• Pigmentation – the colour is intense but can be used to create a thin line or a super duper wing. It's easily buildable and can create a thick line without looking too much. 

• Safe for sensitive eyes – I find that some products and eye creams can irritate my eyes, especially in the summer months, when my hay fever drives my eyes nuts but this never irritates and the packaging states that it is fine to use for those who wear contact lenses. 

THE CONS:

• Ingredients – it's not awful by any means but it's not something like Dr. Hauschka or something that helps to protect the eye. 

• Drying Out – From the ones that I have thrown away, the product has started to dry out but it lasts so much longer than products like M.A.C Fluid Liner. For the price, it certainly is worth it. 

• Brush – a brush comes with the liner but I don't find that it works very well. It's too chunky. I use a Sigma E11 brush, which costs about £14 and works really nicely with the product. However, any angled or thin liner brush would also work. 

Dior Spring 2016 Collection – Glowing Gardens

The temperature has taken a serious nosedive here in London and, although I am hugely grateful for today's blue skies, there's no denying that I am looking forward to spring. Warmer weather, longer days, bunnies, flowers... you get the picture. Of all the spring 2016 beauty collections that I have seen so far, I think Dior has captured this essence of spring the best.

The limited edition Glowing Gardens collection is exactly how it sounds – a range of products that celebrate that quintessential Dior glow using colours inspired by the flower gardens of Granville.

Below are a selection of my favourite items – I particularly want to get my hands on that beautiful illuminator! I thoroughly recommend checking out the whole collection on Dior's website and, if there's anything you want, get in there quickly before it sells out....

From top to bottom:
• Illuminator – currently sold out
• Nail Polish £19 each
• 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow £43.50
• Dior Blush £32.50
• Rouge Dior Baume £26.50

For UK readers most items are available at www.selfridges.com, for US try Sephora or Saks.
See the full collection at www.dior.com

Nars Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

This product has become my favourite primer. Don't get me wrong, Urban Decay's Primer Potions are great, especially Eden, as it neutralises the colour of the lid. However, this Nars primer keeps eyeliner in place all day and night and quite possibly, the next day!

THE INFO:
'A polymer and mineral-powder blend establishes a firm grip on color ensuring hours and hours of gorgeous wear. Fortified with a special deep-sea extract and an antioxidant rice extract, the Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base dries on contact and keeps the delicate eyelid smooth and prepared for color application.'

THE PROS:

• Prevents creasing, smudging and caking. 

• Prolongs winged eyeliner (ensure that the product is applied to the edge of the eye too).

• Easy application.

• Works with any type of eyeshadow product (cream, powder, shadow stick etc.).

• Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested (i.e, skin and eye tested). 

• It lasts a long time. I have used it daily since July and I am only now going to need to re-purchase at some point soon. A little goes a long way. 

• £19.50 for 0.28oz, which lasts 5-6 months of daily use. 

• Fragrance free.

• Holds up in hot, humid weather and the rain. 

• You can use half the product from the applicator on one eye lid and half on the other. This is why it lasts for so long.

THE CONS:

• The doe foot applicator means that it often gets makeup on it and can get quite dirty.

• The packaging is prone (especially the lid) to attracting makeup, moisturiser, hand cream and anything else! Be prepared for it to look like you've had the product for years, after a week! 

• Once the product has been applied, you need to blend eye shadows quickly. Otherwise, you end up pulling at the lid because once the primer has dried, the colour is locked on! This isn't really a bad thing, considering that the product is doing what it says. It just means that you need to apply it as you are doing your eyeshadow and not when doing skin prep.
 

Overall, I think it's a very good product and I will continue to purchase it. 

www.narscosmetics.co.uk