A peek at the cheeks: Le Metier de Beaute's 'Radiance' Powder Rouge in Echo

I've been hitting the beach a bit too hard these past few weeks, but I don't stay all that long. Promise! Or else Scott would have to bring a human-sized spatula in order to scrape me off the beach. I love the sun, the way it feels on my skin (tho' I know my skin cells located within the hypodermis are screaming, "holy hell woman!") and I love the glow. Let's face it, me especially, the ozone is essentially depleted in this part of the world -- if I don't wear sunscreen I can guarantee you'll hear my skin go snap, crackle and pop! I protect my skin with SPF 30, but sometimes this particular level doesn't quite cut it; case in point, I got a wicked bad sunburn during the first week of January. It took my skin almost a week to recover and that's not counting the peeling which took place shortly thereafter.

The much-loved glow I referred to is something I don't want to shake, ever. Le Metier de Beaute's 'Radiance' Powder Rouge in Echo is how I go about getting sun-kissed cheeks.

Le Métier de Beauté 'Radiance' Powder Rouge in Echo

Before shouting "hold the phone, I've seen this colour before -- isn't that NARS' Orgasm?" While it has hints of gold and gives your cheeks that perfect flush, Echo leans red whereas Orgasm is pinker.

It's worth noting Echo is a build-able colour, applies smoothly and blends easily.

Wearing Echo on the apples of my cheeks

If Echo doesn't sing to you in the colour department, there are three other "universal" shades to consider, Fresh (pale pink with blue undertones), Rumor (plum/brown) and Whisper (pale peach). The compact is petite, rubbery (for klutzes like me) and includes a built-in mirror. I might have to swap out my goto blush; it'll save some room in my makeup bag and I'll get my sun-kissed cheeks too :)

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Le Metier de Beaute's 'Radiance' Powder Rouge in Echo:

• $30.00 USD - purchased from Nordstrom.

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 9 out of 10 bags – easy to use, effortless and natural looking.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• This 'Flawless Face' Kaleidoscope might be worth another look.

A glimpse at the lips: Burberry’s Lip Velvet in Fuchsia Pink No. 309

Burberry Lip Velvet in Fuchsia Pink No. 309

Burberry's Lip Velvet in Pink Amber was a tiny taste -- wearable, pretty, safe and should suit most skin tones. Fuchsia Pink ups the ante and begs for lippie lovers to throw caution to the wind.

For a moment I thought I misspelled "Fuchsia"

Swatch of Pink Fuchsia No. 309

At first glance, Pink Fuchsia looks like just another red lipstick, but don't let this baby fool you. This hidden gem needs to be tried on and thoughtfully considered -- for instance, which dress would you pair Pink Fuchsia with? Or, are you brave enough to wear such a bright shade to work?

I did and was asked, "which shade are you wearing?" Pink Fuchsia also has a super power, the power to make your pearly whites appear brighter; so throw those Crest White Strips away and hand your loved one(s) a pair of sunglasses.

Wearing Burberry Pink Fuchsia No. 309 on my lips

Still not sold? To help set things straight, I lined up several similar shades from my own stash in order to properly compare and contrast.

The lineup: Rouge d'Armani 400 (left), Pink Fuchsia (centre) and NARS' Flamenco (right)

Rouge d'Armani 400 is a true red with blue undertones, NARS' Mexican Rose was a wildcard I thought could pass (it doesn't) and NARS' Flamenco is perhaps a sheer version of Rouge d'Armani 400.

Have I convinced you yet?

Close up of Pink Fuchsia No. 309

Initially, Pink Fuchsia appears to have a glossy finish, but within an hour the glossiness will dry down to a matte finish. Wear time is optimal -- Pink Fuchsia stuck around all day and I ended up removing the remnants close to 10 hours after application.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Burberry’s Lip Velvet in Pink Fuchsia No. 309:

• $30.00 USD / $50.00 AUS

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 9 out of 10 bags – let your lips do the talking about this perfect conversation starter.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• I purchased Gold Pearl No. 26, it's sheer, subdued and perfect for the office. Review to follow!

I saw an apparition of Lancome's Color Design Infinite 24H Eyeshadow in Electrifying Sparkle

Wearing Lancome's Electrifying Sparkle over Chanel's Apparition

Like a witch toiling away the time over her latest brew, I too got lost in time and space while playing with Lancome's Color Design Infinite 24H Eyeshadow in Electrifying Sparkle. Previously I shrugged this formula off because it seemed so similar to Armani's Eyes to Kill and L'Oreal's Infallible, but I decided to take a leap of faith with Electrifying Sparkle -- the colour was intriguing and hard to define. Is it gold? Silver? Pewter? Or, a shade of green? Your guess is as good as mine.

Lancome's Electrifying Sparkle

Swatches of Electrifying Sparkle without flash (left) and with flash (right)

Electrifying Sparkle is reminiscent of a freshly smothered cigarette -- the butt's scorched, crumbling ashes give away while the ashtray begs for more sustenance. Lancome describes this shade as a "sparkling green silver" and online I viewed this colour as a gateway to endless possibilities.

I found Electrifying Sparkle's formula to be soft yet gritty; the best way to awaken this eye shadow is by gently dabbing the brush onto your lid. Once the colour builds up to your liking, blend in a conservative sweeping motion; this method helped with minimising fall-out.

I created the look above by applying Chanel's Apparition on the outer half of my eye lid and then I blended Lancome's Electrifying Sparkle into Apparition. Originally I intended to create a gradient of hues, but I like how these opposing colours melded into one. In order to keep with the moody theme, I lined my eyes with NARS' Koala and finished with a coat of black mascara. Creasing hasn't been an issue thus far, but I've only been wearing this look for an hour or two; hopefully my trusty NARS' Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base will help to keep things in place.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Lancome's Color Design Infinite 24H Eyeshadow in Electrifying Sparkle:

• $24.50 USD - another acquisition via Sephora and Hop Shop Go.

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 8 out of 10 bags – fun, flirty and begging for a bit of alchemy.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Lancome's video of Michelle Phan makes me want to buy this blush palette.

This stuff works: Living Proof's No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream

No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream

I've been a slave to my hair for approximately 15 years; vanity sunk in during my sophomore year of high school as I became more aware of myself and my peers. I was born with blonde hair and blue eyes, but as the years progressed my eyes turned hazel and my hair went from baby fine blonde to super frizzy brunette. Gone were the days of braids and pigtails -- paddle brushes, hair dryers and flat irons soon cluttered the drawers in the bathroom. My new routine would add at least 30 minutes of "required" prep time. Did I also mention I've never been a morning person?

I quickly turned into a grumpy teenager hell bent on fighting my frizzy hair. Now, I'm just a grumpy adult fighting to make it on-time to work!

My frizzy hair

More often than not you've seen me with smooth hair with a flick of a wave or curl on the ends; however, I think you'll see me with my natural waves more often, because I've been l-i-b-e-r-a-t-e-d! Living Proof's No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream has saved my arms, gives me additional time to sleep-in and keeps my waves in check.

Tamed waves

After showering I wrap my hair in a towel and allow it to stay there while I get ready. After 15 minutes or so, I'll remove the towel, de-tangle my hair with a wide-tooth comb and apply a dollop of No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream from the roots to my ends. Then I'll part my hair, tip my head over and give my hair a good scrunch. The halo of frizz has been reduced and I don't feel as self-conscious about wearing my lazy wavy hair.

Jennifer Aniston Living Proof

It was recently revealed Jennifer Aniston became co-owner of Living Proof and will also serve as a spokesperson for the brand. I figured if she was willing to put her image behind Living Proof, then it's worth giving it a shot -- man, the power of celebrity. Truth be told I've always been a fan of Jennifer Aniston and shared crazy hair envy with many other women and men throughout her tenure. Honey-hued locks with not even one hair out of place. Jealous much?

For those of you who share fine, frizzy waves with the likes of me, go ahead and try this magical potion.

You won't regret it.

About this cream...

The scent: light, but wears off as your hair dries.

Consistency: creamy (as labelled).

Miscellaneous notes: doesn't leave residue on your hair or your hands; I experienced no product build up and your hair will not turn crunchy like it can when gel is used.

Price & Availability: I purchased (1) one 4 oz. bottle of Living Proof's No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream from Sephora for $26.00 USD and had it shipped to Melbourne via Hop Shop Go. For the Aussie set, you can find Living Proof at your local Mecca Cosmetica for $35.00 AUS.

Photo credit: http://www.livingproof.com/jen