You acting kinda shady, ain't calling me baby.

This post is the first of many of a new feature i've decided to write leading up to Christmas. You'll be relieved to know that this isn't no ordinary gift guide, as i've already practically memorised (and circled with a big fat red marker) the entire contents of the Boots catalog. I've decided to showcase the many beautiful coffee table books i have acquired over many past birthdays and Christmases, maybe as a gift idea for a lovely friend, or lets not beat around the bush, your Christmas list. They all range from beauty, fashion and style, to kick of this week i decided to start with my favourite book that resides on my overflowing bookcase.   

Chanel, Collections and Creations by Daniele Bott - (£17.50)

I first came across the beautiful Chanel, Collections and Creations written by Daniele Bott when i was searching for a gift for a close friend. This amazingly detailed coffee table book not only houses a wealth of knowledge surrounding the iconic French fashion brand but unveils the most beautiful imagery, of which is undeniably stunning, detailing the moving journey of Chanel, from Coco to Karl. After my friend received this, she then made prints of the images and framed them, hence the long over-zealous photos i had to include as in-sight..

The ever-changing design of buttons on the iconic tweed suit.

The Cameila in a range of different creations, different sizes and fabrics.

The Camelia bun!

The iconic N.o5 diamond necklace as seen on Nicole 

The house of Chanel opened its private image archives especially, showing the historical journey of the Chanel brand, from the iconic exact designs from Coco Chanel to the modern day transformation of Karl Largerfield. The book itself covers five central themes rooted to Chanel: the classic tweed suit (of which i will own several of by my seventies), the camellia, fine jewellery, fragrances and cosmetics, and finally the little black dress. I could waffle on about this grand yet sleek coffee table has to offer on each theme but i will say what i learnt from this guide, is the story behind the Camelia, the famous flower incorporated in many classic designs, still to this day. The Camelia is a simple, classic white flower favourited by Coco, for its likeness to her style: feminine yet androgynous. The flower also bares no scent, as not to interfere with any perfumes - something i find fascinating. Even still to this day Karl Largerfield always reworks the Cameilia into each of his collections, its always present yet in a completely different creation.

Any other titles devoted to Chanel i should hunt out?

Daydreamer

 

Slight delay in posting about my duty-free goodies, simply because i've been having a good play so i can report back all in good and proper fashion. To start the story (because there always is one..) the Sandiford family moseyed on in to duty-free pretty early at Gatwick North terminal, whereby i had no intentions of wasting time i frogmarched straight over the make-up counters like a force not to be reckoned with. Considering it happened to be payday and i had been given a belated birthday gift - belated as in last October - my darling friend knew me well enough to keep a card by for such moment!

Mac Paint Pot - Bare Study

I had been eyeing up the Mac Paint Pots (cream eyeshadows) for quite awhile, as my Urban Decay Primer Potion really doesn't cut it for me, however on another note the ELF eyeshadow primer is much better in my opinion. Anyway this works perfectly either as a primer under other shadows, intensifying the colour and lasting power, or just a general wash of champagne colour on the lids. It was perfect for holiday, easy to blend and wear. Definitely a staple.

Mac Blush - Style

With my shopping list in tow i had originally planned to purchase Springsheen, but the sales assistant informed me that most items were in-fact out of stock.. I could't pass up Style, which is pretty darn similar to Springsheen none the less. It is a frost/shimmery finish, a light coral sheer shade with a slight gold running through. I tried so hard not to buy another blusher, but hand on heart this does differ slightly from the other eight coral blushes i own, ahem.

Chanel Coco Shine Hydrating Sheer Lipstick - Chance

Thats lipstick porn right there. These lipsticks are beyond beautiful and they live up to their ridiculously long names. I'm practically a lipstick virgin, anything too pigmented i run for the hills. But these babies are a sheer but pack a punch bright colour, they are creamy and hydrating, adding an impressive glossiness and rather good staying power surprisingly. Despite the horrendous prices - it is Chanel darling - these are definitely a firm favourite of mine!

Chance is a bright pop of pink, completely and utterly pretty with a tan but rather nice bright yet subtle pink on paler skin tones.

Chanel Coco Shine Hydrating Sheer Lipstick - Evasion

Evasion is a more dusky pink in the tube, but its not to be over looked. On the lips it creates that shade 'your lips but better, i.e more kissable' even with a slight coral sheen.

Mac Lipstick - Creme Cup

Macs best lipstick formula is its Cremesheens, completely smooth and creamy, they apply like a dream. Already a mad fangirl of Hue, a lovely nude, Creme Cup is Hue's pinker cousin. More pigmented than the Chanel's, they are Macs two fail safe lipsticks. 

This would be my overly tanned hand, natural may i add, providing swatches.

Top L-R - Paintly Paint Pot, Style blush.

Bottom L-R - Evasion, Chance, Cremecup.

And of course, not forgetting duty free on the other side! In the tiny Cuban airport i snapped up the best rum around, Havana rum, so tasty. The little weathervane logo on the bottle was a landmark i visited here. With the larger bottle working out at a bargainous six pounds, each of my family clinked the entire way back to Gatwick. I also purchased many Cuban cigars, not for my consumption of course! but for friends.

Such a cheesy photo, i couldn't resist. I did sniff out some Victoria Secret's body mists but frankly they smelt like a tarts boudoir so i gave those a miss, i also went back to purchase some Chanel blush but was slightly scared when the sales assistant gave me the eye and said 'your honestly back again?!' I took this as a sign and retreated, of which now i thank her, as duty-free can be rather dangerous! So whilst i sip on my Cuba Libre cocktail (post to follow, so tasty!) and plan my next Chanel lipstick purchase, have a lovely evening! 

Girls on Film.

Here are three fabulous filled videos from Chanel, beware, watch at your own risk. I now have an overriding urge to purchase everything in this collection, oh what i have i let thee in for?

This fun yet genius, quirky little video was created by Peter Phillips, creative director of Chanel make-up; for their new promotional website Chanel Makeup Confidential. It showcases their brand new Spring 2011 collection, with the lovely Lisa Elderidge having a good play with the products and creating a new look. 

This video talks about the plans for Chanel Confidential, which i think is fabulous idea. Peter Phillips is working with such a classic, iconic brand - but why not switch things up? The following video demonstrates the latest things going on the website, such as how-tos, exclusive product info.. everything you need to know about Chanel. I'm so in, do sign up to their newsletter on the asap. I think this is a fantastic opportunity for Chanel, i may not be able to afford a handbag (yet) but i sure as can buy that new varnish in Pearl!


And, my favourite video - what's not to hate? Makeup, Duran Duran and Chanel? Three of my favourite things!





What do you think of these videos? I'm so glad Chanel have graciously climbed on the social media digital platform.

rockin' around the christmas tree

..has to be one of my all time favourite Christmas songs, mainly because it reminds me of Home Alone, which is basically the best Christmas film ever. My Christmas was slightly mad, i went to visit family in Worthing for the day, then the boy came down and we drove home and spent the evening together at home. Sadly i don't have any photos, as i completely fail at remembering. My family have just arrived home, so we will be having our normal Boxing day feast tonight, accompanied by Bedknobs and Broomsticks!

Here are a few presents i received from my lovely family and friends.

The boy bought me a very large (massive!) bottle of Chanel Chance, which is amazing because a) i could literally bath in it and b) he bought me tiny bottle for me when i was sixteen, so five years later i think i deserve the biggest ;) And a Clarin's lip gloss that smells like toffee, yum.

My lovely little brother gave me a Nars eyeshadow duo and a very, very cute bird hook for my room.

My lovely parents bought me the Mac mini brush sets, i'm blown away how good they are already. And those three tartan hideous cases are being hidden away somewhere, until i can find some use for them.

Audrey Hepburn is a big style influence on me, her classic and rather french style is exactly how i aspire to be. My lovely friend Sarah, who is actually amazing at giving gifts, gave me this book full of photos of her, and even includes a print which no doubt will be framed on the asap.

My lovely boy also bought me these, Linda La Plant is possible one if my favourite thriller authors. Mary Poppins is my all time favourite film, and Christmas really isn't Christmas without Bedknobs and Broomsticks! 

With my Christmas money i snapped up these Vivienne Westwood pumps from My Wardrobe for £35.00 steal! Much to the amusement of my boy's friend they smell of sweets too, how odd! 

I also received some money from my parents as my main present, which was lovely of them, but i really cannot decide when to spend it on! Paired with my birthday money, i could buy an Alexa (gigantic grin) but i'm so indecisive it's untrue. Currently on my wish list is a Mui Mui, but we will see. 

Whilst i didn't make it out shopping today, i have one large Boot's order, TWO Topshop orders and a sneaky John Lewis order to arrive! I somewhat managed to get onto all sales early in the morning before work on Christmas Eve, and snapped up all the best bits! 

Have you been sale shopping? The in-store Topshop one was pants! 

the specials

Whilst waiting for student funds to arrive - my wardrobe is seriously lacking the much needed A/W must haves. In the time being i thought i would show you my loves, 'mehs' and dislikes of the beauty world of this moment in time, there are many products you hear me batter on about but truth be told i'm rather addicted to trying out new skin and body products, so here goes:

Loves.

Queen Helene's Mint Julep Mask 

This mask is a godsend, something pretty special - have i ever found something like this on the UK market? No. This American brand Queen Helene's clay mask is formulated to dry up acne pimples, rinse away blackheads and shrink enlarged pores, gross?  But, hey it works a treat. I've used countless clay masks promising to do the same, and sure they make a slight difference but not in any way as deep cleansing as the Mint Julep Mask. Working like any other clay mask, it is to be left on the skin for 15 minutes and then washed off, yet straight after use-age you can visibly notice the impurities being bought to the surface, yes, pretty gross again but the mask is actively working away at imperfections you have rather than just working to prevent new ones forming. I use this two/three times a week and can see my pores improving. The only drawback is that this brand in American, meaning it can only be bought online, i bought mine off of Amazon for roughly £5 - and this is amazing for the size of product sold (i cannot see myself running out of this any time soon!).

No7 Tinted Moisturiser - Boots (£11.00)

I have pretty much always over looked the No7 brand, simply because it struck me as outdated, with thoughts of blue crumbly eyeshadow accompanied by orange cakey foundation was enough to scare me off. But since Boots introduced their £5 off vouchers, it was practically inviting me to try some products rather than just stocking up on the amazing eye shadow brushes that they offer. I am a self confessed foundation addict, always on the search for the next perfect formulation. After my stint with the Lancome lady (for an update see end of post) i decided that at the moment my skin doesn't require such a heavy coverage, and slathering on foundation looks so tacky. So i gave the No7 Tinted Moisturiser in Fair a shot, it states that it is suitable for all skin types, it has SPF 15 and provides a beautiful sheer colour. First off i wondered how can one product be suitable for an oily skin as well as a dry skin? Secondly, already a winner for having an SPF. And thirdly, i don't understand the term sheer..

All you need to know is that this tinted moisturiser covers and blends perfectly to provide a very light base, enough to look like you are alive, but enough to make you look very natural. I simply add concealer on any blemishes or dark circles, and to keep the shine at bay i just re-powder like normal. I have an oily skin, and i wouldn't stay it applies either dewy or matte - just enough balance.


(click to read moar)

Johnson's Facial Wipes (£2.99)

I bought these for my holiday in Egypt last year, since then, i always have a pack of these within my beauty box. These go so much further than just your normal wipes, they check all the boxes for removing make up, but the way they make your skin so soft is just damn right crazy. I went through a stage of stoking my face after using these, in awe of soft they made my skin! Plus they smell so refreshing and don't tend to dry out at all. Winner. 

Chanel Soliel Tan De Chanel (£28.00)

Yes, a tad pricey but this product has been a staple in my make-up routine all summer, in-fact i have used this ever since i bought it and i haven't even dented the amount! This bronzer politely shoved my Nar's Laguna to one side, creating the perfect bronzed base. It can built up to create a really sunkissed glow or applied lightly to contour and add that extra hint of colour. I apply this after my foundation, using the ELF powder brush, which creates a seamless, natural finish. I really recommend this product for fair skins, who just want that light touch of tan. Plus is smells LOVELY, all tropical and fruity, yum.

Laura Mercier Eye Brow Pencil (£18.00)

I have very, very fair eyebrows. Needless to say, it actually looks like i don't have any. grump grump. Thanks to Mrs Mercier, i have conquered the brow pencil in a shade that actually suits me. Due to very crappy experience at the Mac counter, where the SA shaded in the darkest brown eyebrows which resulted in caterpillar vs alien territory, i'm a firm believer in sticking to your own mind, and thank god i did, this blonde brow pencil works wonders!  

Dislikes 

Revlon Colour Stay (£11.99)

For some people this is the holy grail drug store foundation, and i'm not going to lie, i thought so too. Until i looked in the mirror one day and wondered why my pores on my face looked twice the size, for that reason alone it completely fails. The coverage of this product is surprisingly good for a drug store foundation, i want to love it, but i just can't. Plus the shade Buff that i bought, is slightly peach toned which could possibly verge of the balance of looking to orange - it sucks. Another major rant, why the hell did Revlon not add a pump? See all that mess? Do not want.

Benefit Pop of Colour Palette 

Giving this product it's due, i did buy this a few years back and granted you can no longer buy it. Yet, Benefit do still stock the shades with the palette, so i thought i would throw my two cents in. The pink shade, known as Dandelion does not show on the skin. Instead if the pop of baby pink you expect: nada.    It states that it's a brightening face powder, but why on earth would i want a dusty layer of this on my face? Hoola, the bronzing face powder is like mud, it literally just looks like dirt. And Dallas, another bronzer, i personally dislike due to the glitter - ew. All round waste of money, and the brush is laughable. 

Nivea Visage Tinted Moisturiser - unless you are actually orange do not purchase

Bastistse Dry Shampoo in Blush - the smell of this, i find nauseating - stick to the original or Tropical.

And a product that doesn't get enough love..

Mac's lipstick in Chatterbox.

Have you tried any of these products?

(I'm still conversing with Boots on my experience at Lancome, but they Customer Service team are fantastic (oh the irony!) and i will post once i have received further correspondence).

All you need to be is classy and fabulous - and apparently, branded with Chanel.

The latest beauty craze is actually crazy. The new must-have beauty accessory is the Chanel transfer tattoos! They were seen all over their Spring/10 collection, following on from all the lace, intricate beading and embellishment, the transfers present a vintage, delicate design to one's body. Featuring the iconic two C's -the Chanel logo and adorned with lace patterns, they were seen snaking and twisting up models legs and arms on the runway in Paris. Available to buy in Selfridges and the Chanel boutique from March 1st, 'Les Trompe L'Oneil de Chanel' - a set of 55 individual transfers will be sold for £49.00.

I'm slightly torn by the idea, im eager to purchase these transfers, the intricate, beautiful patterns are calling me to buy. But, am i only drawn to them a) because apart from cosmetics, it currently the only piece of Chanel i can afford or b) it has one great novelty factor?

I think it falls to the latter of will i look like: a chic, Parisian model or 13 year old thats had a good rummage in Claires? - i think we know the answer, but im still swooning.

What are your thoughts?

Chanel Jade Le Vernis

This Chanel nail vanish is a must have item, all the fashion editors and insiders are going crazy over this limited shade. This pale green glossy shade launches on the 9th October and already has a very long waiting list, it is the Hermes' Birkin of the beauty world. The nail vanish is one of two limited edition shades this fall, the other being Rose - a pale pink tone which both retail at £19, sold at Selfridges. Both shades were inspired by the tweed fabrics and jewelry used in Chanel 09' A/W shows. They are both delicate, beautiful shades; but are they worth spending those extra pennies on and are they really A/W colours?

I feel unbelievably naked when i'm not wearing nail vanish and i always, always have them painted. My usual colour's are either a nude shade with beige or pink undertones or a dark purple/plum/cherry shade. Although, i do love experimenting with other colours, and this green certainly does look a beautiful shade; but it seems a bit too spring/summer for my liking.

But definitely worth the investment, although it is quite pricy i own Rouge Noir Chanel nail vanish and it has stunning results, barely chipping. So hopefully, i will at-least try to be able to get my hands on one of these limited edition shades!

However is all else fails, another fav nail vanish brand Barry M does a good dupe of Jade in shade Spring Green for under £3.00.