Reviewed: Rhodes To Heaven The Lip Plumper

I'm not into the idea of nip/tuck surgery. Each to their own, what a woman does with her body is her perrogative after all but you can't out-smart age forever. Once you're on the cosmetic surgery conveyor belt surely it's a little like the scene at the end of the film Death Becomes Her? Eternally in need of an ally to scoop, skim and scaffold. 

I'd be lying if I said I'd never entertained the idea of a small injectable tweak. Isn't it annoying how features that were once smooth and plump (like the lips) lose volume and crinkle? A bee-stung pout appeals but you can guarantee I'd end up looking like a guppy. Anyway, the husband has categorically stated that any facial meddling will result in divorce. He seemed mighty serious. 

Thrice as nice: rhodes to heaven the lip plumper

Looking for more natural means of regaining lip oomph led me to Rhodes To Heaven The Lip Plumper, which claims to be a multi-tasking plumper, gloss and salve. The ingredients list revealed (amongst others) beeswax, lanolin, castor oil and fruit waxes - all good stuff for hydrating and attracting moisture to thirsty lips - but it was the 'plumping' palmitoyl oligopeptide protein that interested me most. Peptides are commonly used in glosses and lipsticks designed to boost lip volume (they may increase levels of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid) but not so often in a lip balm formulation. 

After three months of use my verdict is that this is a very impressive balm on a par with my beloved Lanolips. The medium-thick consistency has good wearability, of around half an hour, and leaves lips feeling nourished, cushioned and looking super-shiny. The pretty ballet slipper pink colour tints lips ever-so-slightly and I love the fact that it is available in a click-pen brush applicator. I loathe dipping my fingers into balm especially when I've been commuting or on public transport (germ phobic).

The plumping effect definitely isn't going to give Angelina Jolie sleepless nights but I have seen a moderate, visible increase in volume - especially in the centre of my top lip - and a smoother lip surface. Please note that my lips are marked from past cold sores so their tone is naturally uneven.

My only slight niggle with The Lip Plumper is that one end of the box was quite scuffed on delivery which took the shine off of the 'treat' somewhat. If it had been a gift for someone else I would have asked for a replacement. Though, in fairness to Rhodes To Heaven, I didn't give them the chance to provide an alternative as I was itching to put its plumping prowess to the test straight away.

To dip or not to dip, that is the question

Overall, this is a very lovely lip treatment and definitely worth a look if you're in the market for adding a new anti-aging balm to your collection. I'll be repurchasing the jar version (better value) and using the empty pen dispenser as an applicator - genius, huh? Although it's worth pointing out that the pen has lasted three months of daily use. Good going, I'd say.

The Lip Plumper is available from Rhodes To Heaven in a 5ml click-pen for £8.95 or a 10ml jar for £13.95.

Vintage Finds: Dressing Table Treasures

Today I thought I'd showcase some of the vintage finds I love unearthing in charity shops, at car boots and on Ebay and Etsy.

Sometimes objects are poignant and intimate; I own a woman's diary from the 1930s that chronicles a courtship (he bought her diamonds and furs for Christmas), which I couldn't bear to see tossed onto a car boot scrap heap. It cost just 20p to save. Sometimes items are a perfect fit; my wedding ring is a 'previously owned' Art Deco design that I knew had been waiting for me the minute I laid eyes on it. Most often I just find the history and romance of the past compelling. The husband grumbles that hours of his life have ebbed away watching me rifle through 'bits of s%*t.' Send me into a good flea market and I enter a trance. Truly I do. 

Beyond general retro relics, I'm also a keen collector of vintage cosmetics and will be sharing more trinkets in upcoming posts for those similarly inclined. But for now here are a few of my pink, black and gold powder-room pretties. Aren't they just charming.

From top left;

• 'Springtime' portrait by Enid Elliot Linder - £4 from Cancer Research. This little image caught my eye in a charity shop window. I love the colour combinations (black, gold, pink and peach) and the whimsical illustration. Enid Elliot Linder was a talented artist from Torquay who began producing silhouettes in 1972. Her work can still be found in antique shops and on eBay.

• Elizabeth Arden Ardena Powder from eBay & Sarah Coventry Pearl Magic Pendant from Etsy. Both appear to date from the 1950s or 1960s. The Ardena Powder is as new and has an unusual box compact design. The faux pearl pendant remains in its original packaging (the top of the case is clear plastic and faceted like a jewel) and is deceptively weighty. I plan to wear it on a long gold chain. For more beautiful vintage cosmetics and collectibles take a look at Rose Petal Curiosity Shop on Etsy here.

• Boots La Question Face Powder from eBay. The La Question range was introduced by Boots in the 1930s/1940s. Still retaining its beautiful peach pigment and distinctive heritage scent (think Nana's), this powder pot is pure make-up history.

• Minature Chanel No5 fragrance bottle (empty) and Max Factor Hollywood Face Powder in SUM'R TAN from eBay. These were purchased as props for use in a still-life set, although I ended up buying them myself. The Chanel bottle is definitely vintage but difficult to date; I would hazard 1980s at a push. The Max Factor Powder is unused and has the most fantastic description on the reverse that reads -

'Created by Max Factor Hollywood... Correct colour harmony shades to blend with individual complexion colourings.

Made from purest ingredients, superfine in texture, delicately perfumed to please the most fastidious tastes.

Guaranteed free from lead, orris root, and any other harmful ingredients.

 Its adherent qualities make it "stay on" and "cling" under the most trying conditions.'  

Are you hooked on the history of vintage make-up? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thank you for reading x

Rockalily Lipstick Swatches

Perfect 10: the range houses 4 core shades and
6 limited editions which I've mixed up here - darn!

At the end of January, on a freezing cold night, I attended my first blogger event for the launch of ZOMG! the lipstick collaboration between ReeRee Rockette of Rockalily and Zozo of the The London Lipgloss.

It was a jam-packed turnout and the entertainment (cupcake crafting, pin-up photography, marvellous millinery and a library of retro hairstyles and make-up history) was brilliant, but I had my eyes on the prize - swatching. These would have been better swatched onto skin for sure, but I just couldn't get decent shots with flash. I really need to dig out the manual for my camera and actually read it. The eager hive of activity around the lipstick table also meant there was next to no time for faffing. 

I've checked my swatches against those on the Rockalily site and they're a pretty decent match on paper with the exception of Vintage Vixen, which has picked up too much warmth and is more of a dusky rose in real life. Talking of real life, to see the shades swatched in the flesh take a look at the Rockalily gallery. If you're into pinks you might also like a peek at my previous post on the gorgeous Pompadour Pink. Get me, back-linking and everything ;)

Although I loved the new ZOMG! fuschia shade (a serious pout-popper), I've got my eye on two summery corals - Mae Hem and Mermaid. But which to buy? Decisions, decisions.

Do you have a Rockalily favourite or a shade you're tempted to try? x

Reviewed:17 BB Blemish Balm All In One Magic Make-Up

Now that's almost magic: i like this really quite alot

It seems every woman with a beauty blog has been there, done the BB thing and moved swiftly on, but I'm so pleased with this product that I thought a behind-the-times review might still be of interest? Hope so.

The last time I bought anything from 17 it was called Boots No.17. I guess I felt I'd outgrown the target market but having read some highly positive reviews (who says that blogs don't drive sales?), decided that £6.99 wasn't a break the bank risk.

So what the heck is a blemish balm (A.K.A a BB balm or cream)? It's a tough one to call as I haven't tried any of the 'original' trendsetting brands from Asia. However, from what I can gather BB creams/balms were created to be multitasking make-up improving the appearance of skin tone and blemishes whilst offering skincare benefits and decent levels of SPF.

When I first heard of the BB phenomenon I couldn't help but think that this was surely just tinted moisturiser or foundation with great PR. But I can definitely see a difference in the texture of the 17 BB which, I've read, is similar to Asian offerings. 

So, straight to that texture which looks alarmingly thick when squeezed onto the back of your hand. Applied to the skin it immediately feels different too. It doesn't glide over large areas, like the new breed of barely-there foundations, but instead smooths on and then sticks a little covering a much smaller surface. I'd liken it to the days when sunscreen didn't spread well and required diligent rubbing in. This 'resistance' means that it stays where it's needed but is best applied with your fingers. My foundation brushes just won't play BB ball.

 Shade (Light): thick straight out of the tube
but surprisingly natural blended onto the skin

And now *drumroll* my face without any maquillage other than 17 Blemish Balm and eyebrow pencil. I don't do brow-less, ever. To quote the fabulous Nadine from Stella (we're loving Stella in our house), I look as 'bleak as a sheep' without the slap but I wanted you to see the coverage level in context. 

 

To begin with I found the finish heavier than I'm used to but after 5-10 minutes it softens to a lovely semi-matte look. The texture suits my combination skin, is still fairly fresh at the end of the day and I like the fact it has SPF but those with drier skin would probably need to prep with a good moisturiser. As you can see from the picture above it doesn't cover pigmentation and you need to go back with a concealer for blemishes (when don't you have to, let's face it), but in general it does a brilliant job of evening the complexion.

I'm wearing Light, which works well with my fair olive skin but may be too warm for cooler fair skin tones. It's also a shame that there isn't a wider range of shades available; Western BB's seem limited to just light, medium or dark. A friend pointed out she has yet to see a BB cream that would work for black skin and she'd love to try one too. 

Overall, 17 Blemish Balm is a bit of a bargain and has definitely reignited interest in a blast-from-my-past brand. In fact, this new Spring Fling Palette (£5.99) may well be my next purchase.

What do you think? Have you tried a BB cream yet and - if so - which are your favourites? x

*17 BB Blemish Balm All In One Magic Make-up is £6.99 at Boots.

Editions De Parfums Frederic Malle - French Lover & Musc Ravageur

This was going to my Valentine's post but - as usual - I'm blogging on the back foot and didn't quite get it together in time. Nevertheless, if you're looking to gift a lover (now or in the future), with seriously stylish, sensual fragrance then Frederic Malle could fit the bill.

Pitch perfect: frederic malle commissions celebrated 
perfumers to compose fragrance masterpieces

First off, I really like the brand concept. As a fragrance 'editor' Malle commissions his wish list of the world's most feted noses to blend one-off olfactory essays. Without the influence of focus groups, briefs and boundaries each is free to bring their unique, distilled vision to the table. Only when the fragrance is perfected is it finally published. Cool huh?

This may sound somewhat snobbish, arty farty even, but the proof is in the perfumes and there's nothing elitist about the way they are best enjoyed. Frederic Malle fragrances love body contact and many are, how shall I put this, quite libido-lifting. You may notice embraces lingering just a tad longer than is strictly necessary. 

The first fragrance I bought was French Lover for the occasion of the husband's birthday; no sniggering at the back please. So much more enigmatic than South London Lover don't you think? Earthy notes of cedarwood, galbanum (which conjures roughly cut flower stalks), and vetiver blend with powdery iris and spicy pimento. Patchouli, incense and musk lays down a depth that creates the sexiest man-who-scrubs-up-well scent you'll ever smell. 

For my birthday the husband returned the favour with Musc Ravageur; he's generous like that. I absolutely ADORE this fragrance. Warm and sweet without being sickly, musky without being musty it's like the perfect red lipstick or elegant leg-lengthening heels. The effect is very grownup, sophisticated and puts a wiggle in your walk. Notes of bergamot, tangerine and cinnamon lift what could otherwise be a classically cloying scent but my nose still heads straight to the vanilla, musk and amber - there's the tiniest suggestion of Angel in there. Musc Ravageur wears well on my olive skin (which seems to grab onto musks), and is a beautiful evening scent that lingers, permeating clothing with good old-fashioned glamour.

The lady is a vamp: evening elegance bottled 

The hubby and I bought our respective gifts from Liberty where the service was knowledgeable and exceptional, as you would expect when purchasing a perfume that costs £130 for 100ml or £90 for 50ml. We also received the samples below of which Angeliques Sous La Pluie, by fragrance legend Jean-Claude Ellena, is my absolute favourite. Reminiscent of gin and tonic on the top notes (owing to juniper berries), moving into coriander and musk it has a sparkling, breezy quality. Sadly, it leaves my skin almost as quickly as it settles so I'm not sure that I can justify the cost and will eek out the sample instead. 

Frederic Malle sample vials from Liberty London

Finally, I'll leave you with some images of Malle's super-stylish packaging which 
speaks volumes about quality, luxury and simplicity. 

Editions De Parfums Frederic Malle are available at Liberty and samples can be purchased online for trial from Les Senteurs at a cost of £5 per vial (max 4 vials, including p&p), or are free if you swing by the store. Thank you for reading! x

Sasa's Handcrafts - The Sweetest Baby Knits

If you like retro-inspired children's wear you'll love these cute-as-a-button hand knits. The use of cheery sunshine colours, kooky patterns and whimsical, naive detailing are right up my street. And the adorable booties? Well, they just make me smile :)  

Sasa's handcrafts: one-of-a-kind pretty knits

Little miss sunshine: crochet dress and bolero

Visit Sasa's Handcrafts Etsy shop to see more beautiful pieces handcrafted in Latvia - here.

Fresh Therapies Eden Natural Nail Polish Remover

Last year I went to the HPM Social blogging conference where I picked up some useful newbie blogger tips. I also picked up a goodie bag containing a sample vial of a completely natural nail varnish remover, which I promptly put in a drawer for safekeeping and forgot about. Like Alice In Wonderland, BB's curious mind seems to think that minature bottles of unidentifiable liquid are for his consumption. Imagined conversation as he prepares to tip it down the hatch: 'Ooh, look mummy!! A tiny baby boc-boc of water. Can I drink it?' NOOOOOooooooo!!!!

Smells like clean spirit: a new, natural
take on nail varnish remover

Visions of my overactive imagination aside, I've been meaning to put Fresh Therapies to the test. So this morning I dug the vial out of the drawer. And you know what? It really, actually works. Moreover, it's a pleasure to use. Pleasure and nail polish remover being four words that rarely sit in the same sentence together.

I've never previously questioned if nail varnish could be shifted with something less chemically abrasive and nostril affronting than highstreet formulas. Heck, I've even bought huge bottles of acetone-laden remover for £1. I just took it as read that the tough stuff was what was needed when actually, Eden fares almost as well on performance using vegetable derived solvents and conditioning citrus oils.

2 1/2 passes per nail removed all trace of
Illamasqua nail varnish in strike.
middle nail shows one swipe

I say almost, because it did take me two and a half swipes - to be precise - of each nail barring the little fingernails, to completely remove all traces of varnish. BUT, the lovely (yes, lovely), fresh lime and lemongrass scent and the fact that my bare nails looked shiny and moisturised - rather than brittle and scuffed - definitely made the extra couple of minutes work worth it.

£9.95 for 50ml of nail polish remover (no matter how stylish and appealing the packaging), is a price-point I've never considered paying for a product I tend to view as a basic essential. Then, there's the fact that a natural, water-clear liquid that effectively removes nail varnish sounds almost too good to be true. But here's the thing. It is good and it is true and you don't have to take my word for it. To try for yourself, visit www.freshtherapies.com click on 'products' and you'll see the link to order a free sample. I'd love to hear what you think x