Project Perfume

Accountants need projects like fish need bicycles water.  This year, I've decided to set myself one, I have around fifty different projects going on at work so, what's another one for home?

Over Christmas, I downloaded Perfumes: The A-Z Guide by Luca Turin onto my Kindle App (Santa ignored my repeated requests for a Kindle this year, I hate him), and spent a glorious day and a half reading about practically every perfume under the sun.  I also spent a lot of time bookmarking those perfumes I was really interested in having a sniff of.  It's completely and utterly engrossing, and I learned a great deal reading it.

2010 was the year I really re-discovered perfume. After several years of avoiding buying it altogether, being disgusted with the proliferation of syrupy-sweet stinks that all smelled the same, I stuck to a few old favourites (Acqua di Parma, Jicky and Aromatics Elixir, in the main), and thought that there was nothing on the market to interest little old me.  I was wrong.

So, having spent last year discovering that there was perfume I like available, I'm going to spend some time this year, sniffing my way through the classics (and some not-so-classics - just because I love them) and see if I can educate my nose a bit more.  I spent some time before Christmas with some amazing perfumers, and I'll be talking about those soon.

It turns out that when I'd been bookmarking the scents I was interested in, I'd picked out around 100 or so that I was really, really super interested in, so, being an accountant, I've created a spreadsheet (I even added a pivot table, deep joy!) and I'll be tallying everything I've sniffed as the year goes on. I can manage two sniffs of new perfume a week, I'm sure.  I'll even review them here ... a bit.  Occasionally.  If, over the next 12 months, you see an anorak  accountant with a spangly pen frantically writing notes on random bits of paper in a perfume hall near you, then you'll have spotted Get Lippie out in the wild ... I'll publish the list in full at a later date.

So, if money were no object what perfume would you buy for yourself?

My Picks of 2010

Needless to say, you'll have seen a million of these posts already, and I was in two minds whether or not to post my selections too, but some of these products have been life-changing for me, and I thought I'd share them anyway ...

Bath Products of The Year:


Aromatherapy Associates

Early on in the year, I was sent an Aromatherapy Associates Miniature Bath and Shower oil selection, which I adored, and since then, I've been through two - count them! - full-size bottles of the Deep Relax bath oil.  Both heady and relaxing, this stuff has seen me through an operation, a change of job, and moving house, I can't recommend it highly enough.  A capful (or two, in my mega-bath's case) is more than enough to soothe my aching bones, and ease my weary head.  You can also use it as a shower oil, or, in extreme cases, you can dab it on your pulse points and sniff as required. They do great candles too.


Lipstick of the Year

Guerlain Rouge G in Georgia

Adore the packaging, love (love!) the colour, and the fact that it's both £10 cheaper than Tom Ford's Pure Pink, alongside being slightly easier to wear makes this glorious shade my pick of the year.   The Tom Ford Private Collection lipsticks did grow on me throughout the year (to the extent that I now own three of them), however, this is the shade I'll be buying  back up of very soon.

Shampoo/Conditioner of the Year:

Andrew Collinge Smooth & Shine

An oldie, admittedly, but a damn good one.  I found this moisturising, and made my hair behave beautifully.  Easy to rinse, and it left my hair with an amazing shine, and at a bargainous £4.99 for a 500ml bottle, it lasted forever too!  If it were SLS-free, I'd be using it still (I had a keratin treatment at the end of year, so am using SLS-free formulations right now), but I had no issues with colour-stripping whilst I was using this on my dry, colour-processed hair.

Blusher of the Year

Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush

2010 was the year I really started to get into blusher, it started with Estee Lauder's Bronzed Goddess bronzer, and ended with Nars Douceur, but in between were these little gems. I love them still, and now own three, in Truth, Cherub and Dare (plus I intend to get my hands on Flush and Gentle at some point too), as they're practically perfect.  Long-lasting, buildable and perfectly tinted, after I learned to handle them, I fell in love.

Eyeshadow of the year

Le Metier de Beaute Kaleidoscope in Le Cirque

To be fair, everything I've tried from Le Metier this year has been great, but the Le Cirque Kaleidoscope blew me away a little bit. Beautiful and endlessly versatile, this is practically the only eyeshadow palette I've reached for since I bought it a couple of months ago. Alas, it's limited edition, so I'm glad I arranged a backup when I could.

Foundation of the Year

A tough one, this, so there are two winners (and a runner up ...):

 Guerlain Lingerie De Peau and Bourjois Healthy Mix

Both great for a glowing finish (even though the Bourjois is technically only a "satin" or semi-matte finish), I genuinely couldn't choose between the two.  The Guerlain is a lighter-than-air, dewy finish that I find works best when set with just the tiniest bit of powder, whereas the Bourjois doesn't need setting, but I find the coverage is a little heavier.

Just want to give a mention to a distinguished runner up, which is Armani Face Fabric.  Amazing mousse texture, but for me, I need to be having a really good face day to do it justice.  But this is great stuff:

Nail Varnish of the Year

Deborah Lippmann: Hit Me With Your Best Shot. 

A glimmering steel-grey shade with hints of multi-coloured micro-shimmer, I've reached for this polish again and again since it arrived in my stick little paws, I love it, and it just edged out Dolce & Gabanna's Perfection (which it very nearly is) as my pick of the year.  Unfair as I still don't think House of Fraser have it in stock yet, but when they do, snap this one up!

Candle of the Year

Jonathan Ward Idina's Locket

No competition - unless you count the rest of the candles in this superbly-scented Amber range from Jonathan Ward, of which I bought the entire range of the day it was released!  And I know I wasn't the only person to have done the same, either. Warm and evocative, this candle smells like it was stolen straight from the boudoir of  Coco Chanel herself.  I now have more candles from Jonathan on my "Candle Wall" than I do from any other maker, and the reason for that is because they are wonderful, not to mention very clean burning.


Perfume of the Year

Untitled by Maison Martin Margiela

A possibly controversial choice,  but my blog, my rules, so ... I have to say that out of all the mass perfume releases I smelled this year, this was by far the most interesting, and it's definitely the scent that's responsible for getting me interested in perfume at all during 2010, so for that, it was a very important discovery for me.  Not every perfume in store smells like sweeties, and thank goodness for that.  You're going to be hearing a lot from me about perfume in the coming months, so you can all blame the 'Martin.

Skincare Range of the Year:

 Much like Le Metier above, where I haven't had a duff product from them all year, Alpha H has been the same for skincare.  I've tried practically every product from the range now, and (one exploding eyecream aside) I've liked (at worst) all of them, and loved some of them.  Start with Liquid Gold, try the facial oil, then move onto the masks, you can't really go wrong.  I'll have some more in-depth reviews of a couple of things coming up soon, but this is a great, no-frills brand, and I highly recommend them.

You might also want to have a look at Mir Skincare, which is formulated for sensitive skin, and is a bit of a marvel, in particular I loved the (vegan-friendly) Argan Oil, which I'll shortly be placing a replacement order for.

And finally - if you're still reading!

Overall Product of the Year

Clarisonic

Quite simply, it's a life (and skin) changing bit of kit.  I've banged on about it at relentless length several times before now, so I shan't go on, but suffice to say, I can't imagine life without this now.  Even if it is, essentially, a giant toothbrush for your face.

This has been one massive post, sorry!

And the Haus of Gloi winner is ...

Oh, I'm delighted by this one, as she's one of my favourite people too ...

It's Emily from Sparkle and Shade!

Please drop me an email, lovely, and I'll get your parcel out to you as soon as I can.

Thank you so much to everyone who entered, I greatly enjoyed reading all the entries, and it looks like I'll have to do duckface on a more regular basis in 2011 .... 

Happy New Year everyone, see you on the other side.

Looking forward to 2011? Guerlain, Lauder, Dior, Lancome and Clarins are ...

Nope, haven't gone quite mad - yet - but I found these pics on my iphone today and thought I'd show you some of the things you'll be able to see on Get Lippie coming up in the next couple of months ...

Here you can see the spring/summer releases from both Dior and Guerlain (Dior on the left, Guerlain on the right).  I'm loving the pressed Meteorites powder there, and the grey lipgloss from Dior.  Dior have a new mascara brush too, which I'm looking forward to trying when I get rid of my eyelash extensions ...

Here you can see the next Tom Pecheaux collection for Estee Lauder - Wild Violet - this looks simply beautiful. I think Tom has done amazing things for Lauder since he became Creative Director, and this looks like no exception:

The palette looks amazing - I'm a sucker for purple, as most of you should already know - and the Untamed Violette eyeliner looks fab too, can't wait to try this.  The range launches at Selfridges on 3rd January, and will be available nationwide from February.

Clarins are specialising in nudes for Spring 2011, and these are some lovely shades. Personally, I can't wait to have a proper look at the one second from the right there.  Those shades of mauvy-pink are perfect for me.  There's an eyeshadow palette too, which has some lovely pinkish neutrals, which looks very interesting.

Lancome are giving us pinks and purples this spring, and this looks very pretty indeed.  That purple eye palette in particular is really calling my name.  I like purple, what can I tell you?

A closer look at Guerlain - I think I need that new Rouge G. It's red, of course I need it!

Urban Decay is launching creme blush this spring, alongside a limited edition box of all of the 24/7 eyeliners.


So ... see anything interesting?  Anything catch your eye?  If so, let me know, and I'll arrange a review for you ...

Merry Christmas!

It's Christmas, and Get Lippie is taking a little holiday (literally, whee!) but I'll be back next week, showing you my picks of the year, and some other bits and pieces.

In the meantime though, here's hoping all of you have a wonderful Christmas, and I'll see you next week!

But, if you're really desperate for something to do while I'm away, why don't you enter my Christmas Giveaway?

Sienna X - Fake Tan

I had a fake tan recently.  Those of you who know me will know how funny this is, but truth be told, when you're offered a tan by Sienna X - the people who are responsible for the tans on Strictly Come Dancing, then it's actually pretty hard to turn down. Honestly!  Plus, I had a party to go to that weekend, so it seemed like a good idea at the time.

I'll be honest.  I've never had a fake tan before, so it was with no little trepidation that I headed to a top-secret location in central London for my spray-down. Elaine, the person who carried out my tan (the lucky, lucky girl) instantly put me at my ease - to be honest, some of the backstage gossip from Strictly kind of helped, I have to admit - and I was all sprayed up and ready to get dressed again in just about six minutes.  Colour me deeply impressed!

On initial spraying the liquid smelled lovely and tropical, slightly coconutty, and not at all biscuit-ish.  There was just a hint of digestive overnight - it can't be denied - but it wasn't too dreadful.  once I'd showered off the guide colour, I was left a gorgeous pale-caramel shade (Elaine had promised me the "party tan", which just makes you look like you've been away for a week or so), and I was exceptionally happy with the golden colour, which didn't look at all orange.  Best of all, in the office the day after getting tanned, I was asked a few times if I'd actually been away!  On one occasion by someone who had actually seen me the previous day, which just goes to show how convincing the shade was.

So impressed was I (especially with my face, as the fake tan had completely covered up my red blotchiness, so I'm going to be more willing to try some facial tanners this coming year, I think), that I gave some of the products to a work colleague to try.  Here's what Joanna had to say about the home-tanning products:

So it is well known fact amongst my friends that I should never be left alone with a bottle of fake tan.  I’ve tried them all, from the sprays to the graduals and ending up with even having slight problems applying after sun creams which contain just a smidgen of fake tan!

I have had to brave the outside world in a myriad of colours from Oompa Loompa orange to plain good old fashioned jaundice. I’ve been streak ridden, and had blotches and horrendous hair line mistakes, oh and not forgetting very strange coloured eyebrows on some occasions. 

I had in general given up completely and resigned myself to the fact that I will be brown once a year when I return from my holidays, until that is I was very kindly given a set of the Sienna X tan.  Now, I was told by a certain someone who I have huge beauty faith in that this was a different kind of fake tan and the idea behind it is to make you sun kissed, not orange as some well known brands make you, and I am pleased to say it does exactly that.  It is amazing. 

You exfoliate and put on the gradual tan 1 hour before bed so it can dry and the results are fantastic.  I looked like I had just had a two week holiday in the Caribbean!  The smell of fake tan is still there so I suggest you apply before bed.  Reapply the next day or day after and the results are pretty shocking I have to say.   The texture is pretty thick but it moisturises your skin beautifully and the exfoliator and radiance body moisturiser in the same range are an absolute must too.  I defy anyone to go wrong with this product.  Seriously……. I have found my perfect fake tan at last.

As for me, impressed as I was with my professional spray tan - and I was, very - I don't think it's something I'll be doing on a regular basis, turns out I'm a bit more low-maintenance than I thought I was!

The Fine Print: Products were provided for review consideration, Sometimes you just have to try something different.  I don't think I can take the smell of biscuits too often though ...

All For Eve on QVC

I make no bones about my support for All for Eve, truly I think it's a great business idea, and I've been proud to be associated with the brand since it's inception earlier this year.  This is just a quick heads up to let you know that All for Eve will be live on QVC tonight at midnight, and they will be the TSV (Today's Special Value) product of the day too.

For those who don't know, All for Eve was set up in November 2009 by George Hammer in memory of his sister in law, Nadia,  who died in December 2008 of cervical cancer.  All for Eve donates 100% of net profits from all it's products to the Eve Appeal, which is committed to supporting research into curing gynaecological cancers of all types.  This is a business model I can really get behind, and I hope that you will too.

So far the range comprises a lipstick (created by Daniel Sandler), a nail polish (created by Sophie Robson), a hand cream, a shower gel, body lotion, body butter and body scrub (created by Urban Retreat) and a nail file (created by Swarovski), I've mentioned many of these products before.

A new product will be launching on QVC tonight too, as Alpha H are launching a new facial oil, with all profits going to the Eve Appeal.  Jam-packed with frankincense, camomile, rosehip, and carrot oils, it's just what the doctor has ordered for adding to your skin-care routine this winter.  I've been trialling a bottle of this for the last couple of days, and it's been perfect for protecting my skin from the dreadful weather, but I'll give you a more in-depth review once I've had a chance to try it out properly.

Oh, and as if it wasn't enough that you can help a deserving charity this Christmas week, if you tune in to QVC this evening - okay, technically tomorrow morning - you'll be able to see the indefatigable Caroline Hirons (aka known as BeautyMouth to other bloggers, but I mainly call her Hilda - you can find out why if you follow her on Twitter), alongside Tom from Alpha H, and my old mate Daniel Sandler.  Show them some support!

Malin + Goetz at St Martins Lane Hotel

I do love a little bit of Malin+Goetz, their pared-down very  "New York" aesthetic really speaks to me for some reason.  I think what I love about them is that they don't make outrageous claims for their products (no "reclaiming your lost beauty"-style ramblings for them, thank goodness!) and the range itself is markedly simple, if ever-expanding, but, the products do work, and they work very well.

What I also love is their range of interesting and almost unique scents.  Rum hand soap?  Yes, please!  Eucalyptus deodorant?  I'll take two!  Actually, I genuinely am on my second Malin+ Goetz deodorant, it sounds a bit odd, but the scent is markedly refreshing first thing in the morning, and I find that it doesn't clash with any scent during the day. And it works, which is always a good thing, when it comes to deodorant.  I'm also a fan of their Vetiver candle, which I burn on random occasions to bring a hint of summer to my bedroom.  I'll be talking to you in more detail about their eye-cream very soon (heads up, I love it).

I'm also a big fan of their lip balm, having written about it before, but I was delighted to find recently that they now have a Mojito flavour version, and this is something I'll be investing in soon (obsessed with rum, moi?  I'm sure I don't know what you mean).  Very soon in fact, because up until the 4th January Malin+Goetz have a pop-up shop open in the St Martins Lane hotel in Covent Garden, and the store is actually being manned by Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz themselves!  I met them recently, and they're a joy to spend some time alongside.

So, if you want to find out more about the brand, or just have a nose at the entire M+G range, then get yourself along to the St Martins Lane Hotel before the 4th January.  Oh, and if you can pick me up some of the Lotus perfume, and a bottle of the hyaluronic acid serum, I'll be very grateful, thanks.

Christmas Giveaway - Haus of Gloi!

Haus of Gloi has been one of my finds of 2010, anything that could convince me that using body lotion regularly would be a) something that I would do, and b) be something that I would look forward to has to have a certain special something about it!

So I thought I'd share the joi a little.  This week, I'm giving away sample size jars of Bubbling Scrub and Pumpkin Butter in Hearth which the Haus of Gloi website describes as: The warm glowing center of any home. Autumns last apple pickings, warm bread, orange rind, various fire roasted nuts, cracked black pepper all nailed down by an oozing sticky benzoin.

I'll also throw in a full-size perfume oil in Madcap Garden, described as: A lively blend, pure black tea chilled with peppermint and the tiniest spike of sweet honey. Very unisex, stimulating, addictive, and bright.


And, if you're very, very good, I might throw in a couple of sample sizes of some other scents as well.


All you have to do is:
1) be a follower of this blog (I have a list, and I'll be checking it twice) via Google friends connect
2) leave a comment on this post, telling me what your favourite post on Get Lippie has been this year
3) Be UK resident (sorry)
and 4) hang on till New Years Eve, when I'll announce the winner


I'll pick the winner at random, but if this competition shows up on any professional competition/money-saving forums or websites, then I reserve the right to change the entry requirements at will, and/or disqualify any entrants which I believe to be fraudulent.  The judges decision is final, no correspondence will be entered into, and there is no cash equivalent available in lieu of prizes.

Good luck!

Chanel - Le Coton

I make no apologies - whatsoever - for this post!  I mentioned Chanel cotton wool to some fellow bloggers the other week, and the gorgeous Vex in the City and Virtues of Beauty both blogged about how insane they thought it was straight after.  Can't, in all honesty, say I blame them, they are a little ... mad!

So, Chanel have released Le Coton exclusively to Henri Bendel's in NYC and a good friend of mine was sweet enough to bring me a box as a housewarming present recently.  There is nothing  - and I do mean nothing - as exciting as being handed a Chanel bag as a gift, no matter what the contents, for this particular beauty blogger!  The "coton" is apparently made of three layers, from cotton fibres so fine that they have to be hand-picked.  The box contains 100 pads, costs $20 and each pad is embossed with the Chanel logo on both sides:

Each pad is a more than decent size - you'd easily remove nail varnish from all ten nails with this, and it is very thick and soft:

So .. is it any better than ordinary cotton wool? Errrr ...no. In fact, I prefer my Boots double sided pads, which are smaller, but the edges are bonded so you don't get those irritating threads everywhere!  But, that said, this is such an insane item, that it's actually fun to use them.  It's fun to have them around, they were a perfect present for a beauty addict, and for that reason I'm very glad to have them! They do, it must be said, look very stylish on my dressing table.  Which is actually a bookcase, but I digress.  I shall ration my use of them though, as, at 10p (approx) a pad, they're an expensive habit to get into!

What's your most insane beauty purchase?