Beauty Review: NARS Illuminator

Hi guys! So as you know this is our second beauty review and today it will be on the NARS Illuminator.

First, I'm sure everyone is aware of the makeup brand NARS. I have always heard great things about the brand but I don't typically experiment with makeup and stick to basic foundation and eyeliner- this was until I stumbled upon the NARS makeup counter at Sephora in New York (speaking of, I think we will do really well with a Sephora in London!). Honestly, the only reason I even picked this up was because I happened to meet an over zealous worker who went on about how amazing it was; but I can now say that I am very satisfied with my purchase.

The NARS Illuminator comes in 4 shades: Laguna, Super Orgasm, Copacabana and Orgasm and I have this product in 'Laguna' which is described as golden-bronze hue and is exactly that. This product is great because it doubles as a highlighter and bronzer. I like mixing a small amount with  my foundation so it gives a really nice glow when I am in the sun. It's also perfect to use in the summer because it is not as heavy as regular foundation but blends in seamlessly. I highly recommend buying this product and if you are not too sure about what shade to get,  look for more information on the NARS website or visit their counter at Liberty, Selfridges, or Harvey Nichols -check the website for more locations in the UK

Super Orgasm- Peachy pink with gold glitter
Copacabana- Pealescent sheen
Orgasm- Peachy pink with shimmer

NARS Illuminator retails at £21.50 and can be bought online here

Rising label: Evmorfia

Evmorfia Bethanis is a Canadian designer raised in Greece who launched her eponymous label Evmorfia this year with a capsule A/W11 collection. Evmorfia moved to London and went on to study Fashion Design at Central Saint Martin's College of Art & Design and has worked in various fashion design houses including Alexander McQueen.

Evmorfia's designs focus on enhancing the female figure and uses unique shapes, attention to detail, and luxurious materials. Her clothes are luxurious, edgy and tailored well to fit women but also stand out. She is inspired by different cultures and everyday living. Evmofria should be on your top designers to watch out for.

www.evmorfia.co.uk

Preparations for Autumn/Winter

The best time to buy pieces for Autumn/Winter is during the summer. You should already be aware that there are huge SALES during this season and the best bargains are usually last season collections but be on the look for versatile and classic pieces.

If you do not enjoy navigating the crowd on Oxford Street in the summer, try high street shops online like Topshop, Zara, Miss Selfridge, and Urban Outfitters but sale items tend to sell out quickly with the more popular high street brands.

Leather Boots £20 at Zara

Waterfall Jacket £17 at Miss Selfridge

Some of my favorite online destinations are online boutiques such as Net-a-Porter, Matches, My Wardrobe, and The Outnet. Although, they typically specialize in designers brands their sales have great bargains with pieces from past seasons and you can always find something simple that can translate through the seasons.

J Crew Wool Jacket  £93 at Net-a-Porter

Shearling Gilet £92 at TheOutnet

Triple Treath: David Longshaw- Designer, Illustrator, Writer

David Longshaw is a young talented British designer who graduated from prestigious art school Central Saint Martins in 2007 and is also a winner of the BFC/Elle Talent Launch Pad. He went on to study womenswear at the Royal College of Art and worked with Alberta Feretti and Max Mara in a bid to continue developing his talent. In addition to being a designer, Longshaw is an illustrator and a writer.

Longshaw's muse, Maude, a fictional mouse he created while studying at Central Saint Martin's has her own online magazine, MAUDEZINE,on his website and blog.  He has collaborated with Kristen Ward, Heather Blake and David Mosley for scarves (stocked in Harrods and available online) and has participated in Vauxhall Fashion Scout, London Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week.

For more of David Longshaw's work visit his website www.davidlongshaw.co.uk

You can purchase David Longshaw's pieces here at Harrods and here with prices ranging from £54 - £2,160

Beauty Review: Revlon Just Bitten

This is our first Beauty post and today's review is on the newly launched Revlon Just Bitten lip colour range.

Revlon's Just Bitten is described as a Lipstain + Balm, which is exactly what it is- one end is the lipstain which is designed as a felt tip and the other end is a regular clear lip balm. It is available in 15 different colours but unfortunately only 7 of these colours are available here in the UK. 

I purchased this in only one color,  'Frenzy' which I would describe as a dark berry colour. It lasts a very long time and is pretty easy to use. The lip balm on the end is a good addition because it allows your lips to be moisturized before applying the lip colour which makes the application easier. You also get 2 things for 1 at a good price of £7.99.

The only problem I had is that the lip balm snaps off very easily and I don't seem to be the only one, as other girls in the office had the same experience and it seems to be a common complaint online as well.

Overall, I will recommend buying this product if you're looking for a lip colour that is long lasting. I like that the lip balm adds a bit of moisture so your lips don't look dry and the colour is even. The only problem is with the lip balm that breaks off but if you experience this, you can always use another lip balm.

Revlon Just Bitten is available at Boots (3 for 2 offer) right now.

Officially a 'Phannatiq' Fanatic

It's not very often that edge and luxury come together but Anna Skodbo of Phannatiq, intergrates them both perfectly into her label. Phannatiq is a high end, urban inspired, womenswear label wth its first collection launched last year at Vauxhall Fashion Scout during London Fashion Week.

The label draws its inspiration from all around London and the fabrics used are sourced locally (for the eco-friendly fashionistas). All the Phannatiq pieces are beautifully constructed and wearable while still ensuring that you stand out from the crowd . Visit BENGT to see more available pieces from this amazing label.

www.phannatiq.com 

Have a go at fashion with The London College of Style

Thanks to The London College of Style, you can come one step closer to your dream of being a part of the fashion industry. LCS specializes in Fashion Styling and offers Foundation, Summer, and E-Learning programs. If you're bored this summer, it's something exciting for you to experience if you're interested in the fashion industry, otherwise it could be another fun thing you just happened to do.

London College of Style was founded by celebrity fashion stylist Wendy Elsmore and her work has been featured in Vogue, Elle,Glamour, In Style, Grazia and several other reputable publications; so you can be rest assured that the team at London College of Style will be equally experienced coming from a variety of backgrounds from costume designers, magazine editors, photographers, etc. They offers a very hands-on approach to teaching and providing students who are just starting out and professionals who want to further their career with fundamental skills

The great thing about London College of Style is that they also have a summer program. This is a perfect solution for students who are interested in fashion but pursuing a degree in a different subject. LCS also offers an online learning foundation course in fashion styling that allows flexibility but still provides students with the support and skills needed. The best way to enter the fashion industry is to gather as much valuable work experience in order to understand what really goes on behind all the glitz and glam.

Places currently available at The London College of Styling

Summer 6 Weeks: July 4th - August 9th 

September 12 Weeks: September 14th - November 30th

January 2012 12 Weeks: January 11th - March 28th

For more information, visit The London College of Style website.