L'occitane Flash Sale

Offering excellent quality and a little bit of French luxe, L’occitane products make lovely gifts. They’ve just announced a flash sale, so until midnight tonight you can get some genuine bargains. With Mother’s Day fast approaching, it may be worth stocking up.

Here are my sale picks:

So evocative of time spent in Provence last summer, this Lavender handwash would make a fine addition to any bathroom. It’s reduced from £15.00 to £6.00.

Moisturising without being greasy, L’occitane hand creams are just gorgeous. This Cherry Princess one is reduced from £8.00 to £4.80.

I’m in the market for a new body lotion and with my love for all things rose scented, it seems that me and this Radiant Body Milk were meant to be. It was £20.00, it’s now £12.00.

Wrapped up prettily in a little package with string, anyone would love to receive these rose and lavender soaps. A steal at £2.70 each. They were £4.50.

£4.50 - £2.70

£4.50 - £2.70

A Lavender based cologne, this Eau de Toillette has got summer written all over it. It’s reduced from £42.00 to just £12.60. 

Will you be making any purchases?

Clinique Foundation Five Day Sample

I’m a big fan of foundation samples. Not only does shop lighting make it nigh on impossible to get an accurate colour match, there’s just nothing like trying something for yourself at home before handing over your hard earned cash. Whereas you may slap foundation on with your fingers of a morning, an in-store beauty advisor can happily while away fifteen minutes blending it in beautifully with an expensive brush. Not that the latter method is necessarily better, but you will get a different effect. 

Having made many, many horrible choices in the past (see my foundation graveyard for evidence) I now refuse to buy foundation without trying a sample at home first. 

To coincide with the launch of their online Foundation Finder, Clinique are currently offering a free five day sample from any of their counters. 

Clinique was one of the first brands I got into when I was younger so I’ve tried their foundations before. I like that they have a good colour range and can accommodate my pale skin. Whereas back in the day, Superbalanced fitted the bill, nowadays I prefer slightly more coverage. After a quick chat with their advisor at Boots, I was prescribed Even Better Makeup in Alabaster (incidentally I just did the online Foundation Finder and got the same result). I was seriously impressed with the amount they are offering in their samples. There’s enough to enable me to try it out a few times - with a brush, with fingers, during the day and at night. I’ve used it once so far - a two minute rush job before work - and first impressions are good.

If you’re passing a Clinique counter this weekend, it’s definitely worth taking advantage of this offer. If you do, I’d love to know how you get on.

Mojito Loves | Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara

I'm a bit of a make up tart. Forever in search of the holy grail of foundation, body lotion, lipstick, whatevs, I rarely repurchase the same thing twice. So when I do, it has to be good. 

Before: Wanna play 'Hunt the lashes?' After: Ah-ha, there they are!

With poker straight albino lashes, mascara is an absolute non-negotiable daily essential for me and Max Factor Masterpiece Max is the one I plump for time and time again. 

Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara

It adds bulk as well as curl. There are no midday smudges or flakes. It never clumps. It's fairly priced (I get through a lot of the stuff and I have a mortgage to pay). The semi-flexible rubber brush is easy to manoeuvre and gets into the fine lashes at the inner and outer corners without fear of eye-stabbage. And it gives good depth of colour to disguise the aforementioned white lashes.

 I currently have two on the go - black/brown for day and black for night. If you'd like to bag yourself a tube, there's currently an offer to get two Max Factor products for £14.00 at Boots. Can't say fairer than that. 

So that's my favourite mascara and the first in the Mojito Loves series. But tell me, what's YOUR favourite mascara and why?

x

Today's Face

With a little more time to spare than I have midweek coupled with a desire to keep things simple for the weekend, today's look is a glowy affair. Light reflecting foundation, highlighted cheeks and golden eyes are just the ticket for perking up a tired face the morning after the night before.

Face

No.7 Instant Radiance Foundation, Cool Vanilla

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer, Cool Sand

Cheeks

Nars Blusher, Deep Throat from the 'At First Sight' palette

Jemma Kidd Dewy All Over Radiance Cream, Rose Gold (Discontinued - boooo)

Eyes

Bare Minerals Eye Shadow, Stay Golden (Limited Edition)

No. 7 Stay Precise Liquid Eyeliner, Black

Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara, Black

Brows

Nars Eyeshadow, Bellisima from the 'At First Sight' palette

Lips

Lanolips Lip Ointment, Rose

So that's me for today. 
What's your favourite weekend look?

x

On Trend: Lilac

Evoking traumatic memories of my lilac gingham school dress circa 1989, I can’t say this is a trend I’ll be rocking head to toe. I fear my pale skin and featureless face (hello albino eyebrows!) could leave me looking like a week old bruise if I venture too far down the lilac line. But it’s one of the hot colours for spring and there’s nothing like a good pastel shade to put a bit of a spring in one’s step (geddit?).

Here are my favourite picks which give a nod to the lilac trend without looking too try hard.

Paper straws | Ginger Ray at Not On The High Street | £2.99

Use these to sip pink lemonade out of a pretty frosted glass. Or cider out of a pint. Whatevs, they’ll make anything taste better I reckon.

Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow in Lilac | Bobbi Brown | £17.00

It is with a certain amount of trepidation that I’ve included lilac make up in this list. Done well, it can look soft and pretty. Done badly, it can emphasise under eye bags and have a bit too much of an 80s vibe for my liking. This shadow is a little pot of shimmery gorgeousness though. Just have plenty of concealer on standby to disguise those pesky bags.

Desert Boots in Lilac | Clarks Originals | £85.00

Managing to be both hard and girly at the same time, and with more than a whiff of the 90s about them, these lilac desert boots are made to be paired with a floral dress or a cheeky playsuit. Ridiculously comfortable, they’re perfect for summer wanderings without the merest hint of achiness at the end of a long day.

Nail Varnish in Enchanting | Revlon | £6.49

At the more affordable end of the spectrum, a pop of parma violet on the tips of your fingers is the perfect way to gently ease yourself into this trend. Glossy and long lasting, Revlon nail varnishes are a trusty favourite of mine. A good buy. 

Fat Quarters in Lilac | John Lewis | £16.00

With a distinctly vintage feel, I love the idea of turning these pretty fabrics into something usable. From a mini apron to a cute cosmetic bag, there’s lots of lilacy loveliness that crafty types can create. For inspiration, here are 25 things you could do with your fat quarters.

So there we have it, five little bits of lilac for you as we eagerly bid adieu to winter and say hola to spring. 

Will you be sporting or avoiding the lilac trend?

Review | Bourjois 10 Hour Sleep Effect Foundation

Sleep is one of my favourite things, so the promise of capturing a perfectly rested face in a £10 bottle of base was too good to resist. The question is though, was it too good to be true?

Bourjois say...

“Bourjois 10 Hour Sleep Effect Foundation comes to the rescue when concealing signs of fatigue like dark circles, imperfections in skin tone, and a dull complexion. It is enriched with a high concentration of vitamins and minerals, for revitalised and energised skin.”

Mojito says...

Works well for: This is a great foundation for those who prefer a natural looking, light, dewy base. Matte textures can be very aging, so the light coverage and dewy finish make it ideal for both young and mature skin alike. It works best for normal to dry skin types.

Avoid if: Avoid this foundation if you have oily skin. Same goes for open pores or pock marks - it will only emphasise them. It’s not for you if you prefer a fuller coverage either.

Pre-application, things are looking tired and blotchy. Oh and let's not forget that perfectly placed pimple on the bridge of my nose. 

Packaging: Lightweight and easily transportable, this peachy bottle gets a thumbs up from me. The hygienic pump applicator offers easy control so there’s no wastage. Me likes.

Shades: With a measly five, mainly Caucasian shades to choose from, it's not going to suit everyone. The lightest offering, 71 Abricoté Clair, is the perfect colour match for my pale, neutral skin tone though. A pleasing find.

SPF: For what I consider to be a daytime foundation, it's surprising that it doesn't contain any SPF.

Applying with the Real Techniques Buffing Brush gives more coverage than applying with fingers.

Scent: Despite my preference for unscented facial skincare and make up, I like the floral rose scent. It didn’t aggravate my sensitive skin which is sometimes a problem with fragranced products. 

Texture: Flowing freely out of the pump applicator with a rather runny texture, this is a true liquid foundation. It’s so liquid in fact, that more than one pump has a tendency to run all over my hand as I’m applying it. I now apply one pump at a time and add another as and when I need it.  

Post-foundation, but pre-concealer, powder and blush. Two pumps have given a light, natural looking, dewy finish. Things are looking more even, less blotchy. The pimple is disguised, but alas, not eradicated.

Coverage: Offering a light, natural coverage, the 10 Hour Sleep Effect Foundation can be built up slightly, but it’s never going to mask any major flaws or imperfections. Using the Real Techniques Buffing Brush to apply gives a slightly higher level of coverage than when applied with fingers, and that’s been my preferred option.

Finish: Given that this is designed as a fatigue busting base, it’s no surprise that the 10 Hour Sleep Effect Foundation results in a dewy, plump finish. There’s a subtle brightening effect, which I’ve welcomed during these winter months when my skin looks a little lacklustre. 

Longevity: On my combination skin (normal overall, with dryness around my eyes and oiliness on my nose), it lasts around 4 hours before things start to get very shiny. Not great. A primer underneath improved things slightly, but it’s not a particularly long-lasting product. However, the small and light packaging means a mid-day touch-up isn’t too problematic if you're so inclined.

Value for money: At £9.99, this is a well priced foundation. Its lack of staying power reduces its VFM for me a little, but not so much that I wouldn't consider repurchasing it.

Concealer, a light dusting of powder and a pop of blush finish off the look and showcase the glow-giving benefits of the 10 Hour Sleep Effect Foundation. The pimple has been well disguised by my trusty Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer.

Verdict: Offering a little more coverage than a tinted moisturiser and with the added bonus of skin care benefits, the 10 Hour Sleep Effect Foundation is a good choice for people who don’t usually like wearing foundation. Its light formulation is easy to apply without ever looking cakey, and the dewy finish is youthful and glow-giving. Things can get a little TOO glowy around the nose, chin and forehead though, so I’d recommend a dusting of loose powder to minimise shine and set the base, even on dryer skin. Overall, it did a reasonable job of evening out my blotchiness but it loses points for its short wear time. Whilst I can’t say it left me looking as if I’d indulged in ten hours of sleep, it can't be expected to work miracles, can it? 

Bourjois 10 Hour Sleep Effect Foundation |£9.99 | Widely available

Mojito and Toast

Tonight, I am one happy Mojito.

Just a few short weeks since the launch of The Beauty Scriptures, I'm ridiculously thrilled to announce that I will be joining Toast magazine as their new beauty and fashion columnist. 

Does this mean I'll be hanging out with Huey?

Expect the usual beauty news, plus my favourite picks from Sheffield's many wonderful artisans and indie stores. I can't wait to get started. 

The first column will hit the mean streets of the steel city on 1st March. Yes.

Lyn Harris Perfume Update

Earlier in the week I wrote a post about a Miller Harris diffusion line on sale for just £12.50 at Marks and Spencer. Since then, I may or may not (I may) have been back to M&S to bag La Poudree and La Rose from this soon to be deceased range. Oops.

La Poudree

La Poudree is a feminine, blousy fragrance with a distinctly old-fashioned feel. Old-fashioned in a good way. Glamorous old-fashioned. Initially powdery as the name suggests, it settles down to a soft sweet, vanilla scent. It's not a perfume I'd usually plump for, but it makes me feel pretty and girly and I'm surprised at how much I like it.

La Rose

I'm a granny at heart and it's a fact universally acknowledged that all good grannies love a rosy scent. Surprisingly though, this offering is not in the least bit grannyish, making it ideal for the non-granny contingent amongst you. Yes it's floral, but it's got a sharpness to it which keeps it feeling fresh and modern. Me likes. A lot.

Perfume alchemy

After spraying the testers before purchasing, I was left with La Poudree on my left wrist and La Rose on my right. It got me to thinking that the sweetness of the former would work well with the sharpness of the latter. So this morning, I layered the two scents together to see if my nose was onto something. It was. With a layer of La Rose atop a spritz of La Poudree I smelt absolutely bloomin' gorgeous. If I do say so myself. Best of all, my custom scent was still going strong a whole 9 hours later. Not even my favourite premium scents last that long. Very impressive.

For just £12.50, these fragrances offer superb quality at a knock down price. They're sold out online and likely to be discontinued, so grab a bottle in your local M&S while you still can.

Budget Beauty #3 | Blistex Daily Lip Conditioner

It was during a reading of Romeo and Juliet in Mrs Morgan's year 10 English class that I was first warned of my potential addiction to lip balm. My constant reapplication of some fruity concoction in a cute little pink pot was distracting, apparently. 

Fast forward fifteen years and Mrs Morgan has been proved right. I freak out slightly if I don't have lip balm on me at all times. And I can't sleep without a thick coating on my lips. Yes, I am an addict. 

Blistex Daily Lip Conditioner | £2.50 | Widely available

In an effort to feed my addiction I've tried many, many lip balms - so many sink in too quickly, some leave lips more parched - and I always come back to this one, the Blistex Daily Lip Conditioner. Perfunctory, with a slightly medicinal scent and a thick texture, it ain't glamorous and it doesn't come in a cute pink pot. It does however do a fine job of keeping dry lips moisturised. At £2.49, you can't say fairer than that.

What are your favourite budget beauty products?

The Lust List | Cats

So here's the thing: I'm a fully paid up member of the crazy cat lady club. If like me, you love all things kitty, my first ever lust list should leave you purring with pleasure.

Night Cat Sunglasses, £31.00, Minkpink at ASOS

Yes, it may currently be raining cats and dogs outside, but a fabulous bit of facial furniture does a grand job of brightening one's day. With their classic cats eye shape and unique graduated pink toned lenses, these sunglasses will add a touch of glamour to any pussy lover's outfit when the sun comes out.

Victorie Cat Tray, £85.00, Ibride at Liberty

I paid my first ever visit to Liberty of London last year, and frankly, every other shopping experience ever since has been a disappointment. That place is pure heaven. Amidst the treasure trove of goodies on offer was this little beauty. Not to everyone's taste perhaps, but I love its elegant eccentricity. It would make a fine addition to Casa Mojito.

Cat Jumper, £35.00, Louche at Joy

This little kitty has been on my lust list for a while now and since being reduced from £45.00 to £35.00, it's becoming increasingly likely that she will be mine. The cheery bold blue works well with my pale skin and blonde hair, whilst the the cat's specs are virtually identical to my own so we'll be like little purring twins. Loves.

Real Men Heart Cats Badge, £10, Twiggd at Not On The High Street

I've often pondered what would happen if a love interest didn't like cats. After much consideration, I've come to the conclusion that he'd have to go - the cats were there first after all. Luckily my beau says he loves my two furry boys as much as I do, but I'm going to make him wear this badge to prove it.

 

Omega Cat Wallpaper, £36.95, Sanderson at Wallpaper Direct
 
A step too far for all but the craziest of cat ladies, but unsurprisingly, I adore this wallpaper. Used in moderation at the top of the stairs, in a bedroom alcove, or even in a bathroom, its chic grey tone and geometric feline shapes are boy friendly and will offer a striking talking point in any cat lover's abode. 
 

Rose Gold Cat Ring, £7.43, Vickyhandmade at Etsy

For someone currently in the midst of a rose gold obsession, this adorably cute ring tickles my fancy in more ways than one. And it's a total bargain. Want!

Affordable new perfume anyone? Be quick, these won't stick around for long.

If you're in the market for a new perfume at an affordable price, get yourself down to Marks and Spencer quick sharp. Half price scents from Britain's leading classical perfumer won't stick around for long.

50% off the entire Lyn Harris range at Marks and Spencer

When Lyn Harris, of Miller Harris fame, launched an exclusive collection with Marks and Spencer in 2012, it was greeted with squeals of delight from the beauty press. With a bottle of Miller Harris perfume retailing at £65 and the M&S scents coming in at £25, I can see why.

Fast forward two years and I've just spied 50% off the entire range in store. Sold out online, this leads me to suspect that the collaboration is not long for this world. There are six scents in the range - three for women, three for men:

La Poudrée (f)
"A fruity oriental classic. Raspberry and peach nectar with soft rose and orange flower on a base of Florentine iris, vanilla and musk."

La Rose (f)
"An elegant rose classic. Rose petals with sparkling green notes of galbanum and red berry on a base of patchouli, sweet musk and amber."

La Fleur (f)
"A white floral classic. White gardenia and Indian tuberose flowers set the tone with gentle woods, vanilla bourbon and musk."

Le Cologne (m)
"A vibrant citrus classic. Sicilian bergamot, lemon and Seville orange with French rosemary on a base of fresh vetiver and amber."

Le Sauvage (m)
"An invigorating zesty classic. Grapefruit and Seville orange with cardamom and coriander seeds on a base of oakmoss and vetiver."

Le Noir (m)

"A rich woody classic. Italian bergamot, green mandarin with lavender and tarragon on a base of pimento, patchouli and rich amber."

Despite belonging in the male range, Le Sauvage is my favourite. Its fresh, almost cologne style appeals to me and it makes a great daytime scent, especially in the warmer months. I picked up a gift set which included a shower gel and a full-sized 50ml bottle of perfume, all for £12.50. Bargain.

Step by step 1920s make up look

Perfectly defined red lips and rosy cheeks are classic 1920s but this decadent look isn't just confined to the history books. Molten gold and moss green eyes keep things fresh and modern, perfect for any glamorous night out.

Before and after.

Shop the look

These are the products I used, but they can be substituted and still give a similar look.  

Face:Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, Origins Plantscription Anti-aging Foundation in Light Warm, Bourjois Healthy Balance Compact Powder in Beige Clair
Eyes: Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion, Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Automatic Eye Definer in Noir, Bare Minerals eyeshadow in Stay Golden (limited edition), Mac Eye Shadow in Sumptuous Olive, Max Factor 2000 Calorie mascara in Black, No.7 Pecise Liquid Eyeliner in Black
Eyebrows: Mac Eye Shadow in Concrete
Cheeks: No. 7 Natural Blush Tint Powder in Soft Damson, Jemma Kidd Dewy All Over Radiance Cream in Rose Gold (discontinued)
Lips: Max Factor Colour Elixir Lip Liner in Red Rush, Max Factor Colour Elixir Giant Pen Stick in Passionate Red

Recreate the look

Step 1

After applying Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion, line the upper lash line with Rimmel black eyeliner, smudging with a fine angled brush to create a flick at the outer corner. Next, adding a wash of Bare Minerals eyeshadow in Stay Golden creates a gorgeous molten effect. Building up the colour in fine layers rather than in one block not only makes the shadow easier to work with, it also helps to improve longevity. Stay Golden was a limited edition shade, but Urban Decay's Maui Wowie will give a similar, albeit more glittery, look.

Molten gold lids give a contemporary feel to this classic look.

Step 2

Using a fluffy brush - I used Mac's 217 - apply Mac's Sumptuous Olive eye shadow to the crease and outer third of the eye lid. Blend really well to create a seamless effect and remove any hard edges. Apply a fine line of Sumptuous Olive along the lower lash line using a smudging brush and finish with a couple of coats of mascara.

Apply a darker colour to the outer third of the eye.

Step three

When creating a strong eye look, there can be a lot of eye shadow drop down under the eyes. This does a fine job of emphasising any dark circles, something we obviously want to avoid! So whilst applying eye shadow before your base may seem illogical, it actually makes perfect sense. Often you can simply sweep it away with a clean brush, but I soaked a cotton pad with Bioderma Micelle Solution to ensure every last trace of unwanted shadow was wiped away.

Eye shadow drop down emphasies dark circles - remove with cleansing water .

Step four

After smoothing Smashbox Photo Finish Primer over the skin, I applied Origins Plantscription Foundation with a Bobbi Brown Foundation Brush, starting in the centre of the face and working outwards. This foundation provides great coverage with a healthy, natural looking finish - win win. The colour Light Warm was a perfect match for Anna's skin, which if you've read my piece about The Flawless Miss Lawson, you'll know IMHO, is key. Using the flat side of the brush I patted a little extra foundation around the cheek area to provide more coverage and disguise any redness. A sweeping of powder provides the matt, long lasting finish which any flapper girl needs to ensure she remains shine-free even after charleston-ing the night away.

Applying foundation after eye make up create a flawless look.

Step five

Next up I lined the lips with red liner, emphasising the cupid's bow to create a classic 20s feel. I went for a pink-toned red, with a subtle shimmer, to fill in the lips using the gorgeous Max Factor Giant Pen Stick in Passionate Red. This universally flattering shade is great for women who are taking their first tentative steps into the world of red lips, and the pencil style applicator is a doddle to apply.

Emphasise the cupid's bow for a classic 20s look.

Step six

I like to apply blush last to see how the eyes and lips are working together. All that was needed here was a very light dusting of a rosy toned blush, applied in circular motions to the apples of the cheeks. Gold-toned highlighter along the top of the cheek bones and under the brows ensures the skin catches the light in all the right places. Next up I feathered Mac's Concrete eye shadow through the brows using a fine angled brush. Bringing the line down at the outer corner slightly gives a nod to the 20s without replicating the era's unflattering trend for super thin brows. Lastly, a flick of black liquid eyeliner gives the eyes a final kick of definition.

Fresh and modern with a 1920s twist.

The finished look

Here you can see how accessories make all the difference to the finished look. The make up looks pretty and modern in the photo above, but paired with pearls, a hair band, a nude beaded dress and a feather stole, it takes on a vintage feel. The gentle waves were created using the Babyliss Waving Wand, adding a touch of movement to Anna's usually poker-straight locks. Simply gorgeous! 

Vintage accessories finish off the 1920s look.*

I hope you've enjoyed my first step by step guide. Do let me know if you attempt to recreate the look yourself or if you have any recommendations for products that offer a contemporary vintage look.

Love,

Miss Mojito

x

*Photograph by Laura Florence Bainbridge.