Clinique Chubby Stick in 07 Super Strawberry Review

The last time I was out shopping with my stepmom she was going on about Clinique chubby sticks. I'd never heard of them before, and when she gave me one in colour 07 super strawberry, I thought I'd share my thoughts. 

I have to admit I've not used Clinique cosmetics before. I am a big fan of their skincare range, however honestly, their makeup looked kinda dull and never attracted me. I guess I wouldn't have tried these chubby sticks either if my stepmom hadn't given me one.

I'm actually pretty impressed with this and pleasantly surprised. There is a fair amount of colour and my lips like the feel of it. Although for the price, I'm not sure I'd recommend it. In fact, I still prefer my Revlon Lip Butters, and actually Super Strawberry reminds me a bit of my Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle, which is a much more purse-friendly option. I would even go so far as to say that I think the Clinique Chubby Sticks are meant to compete with the Revlon Lip Butters, although at twice the price I'm not really sure how. At least with brands like Chanel there's a bit a weight to the brand and clout associated with their cosmetic products, but I don't know anyone who would be ashamed to carry Revlon in their bag but be impressed by Clinique (i.e. I don't see Clinique as a prestige brand - what do you think?). The packaging also isn't very lush in my opinion. Yes, cute, but certainly not worth a higher price tag.

Having said all that, however I do really like my Chubby Stick. I just won't be purchasing any more.

Clinique chubby stick lip moisturizing lip colour balms are available for $16.00 US or £16.00 in up to 16 shades.

Herve Leger bodycon dress for pear shaped gals

I was window shopping in Neiman Marcus (yes, online... it still counts!) and found this gorgeous little dress from Herve Leger - Ombre Scalloped Strapless Bandage Dress

Such beautiful detailing, I couldn't resist sharing it with you.

I also wanted to share it because it's actually a bodycon dress that is just made for us pear shaped girls! Who better then Herve Leger, the virtual inventor of the bodycon dress in the 80s to bring us a modern and hip-friendly option. Tight and fitted with lots of detail at the chest and waist then opening up into a nice 'can you actually see how big my hips/bum are?' skirt! Lovely - a perfect blend of sexy and cute.

Downside? It's only $1,950 US.

Still, I would love to give this baby a home.

Update: I found a dupe. Well, not exactly, but this Love Note dress from Mod Cloth is pretty similar  don'tcha think? And it's only $69.99 US.

Gossip Girl Blair Waldorf Makeup Inspiration: Purple Eyeshadow

Gossip Girl is almost over. It's a sad day for all. Almost as sad as most of us feel while watching season 6. (Sorry, I love GG, but this season has just been pathetic!).

Shoddy writing and ridiculous plot aside, we can still count on Blair Waldorf to inspire us in all things beautiful. Today's focus - purple eyeshadow.

Yeah, I know what you're thinking. Purple eyeshadow sounds pretty 80's. Actually the 80's seem to be back in according to every high street clothing shop at the moment, and while I don't agree with that (sorry, I'm just not a fan of the 80's look!), Blair manages to pull off purple eyeshadow without any scrunchies, oversized sweats, or flourescent spandex.

Here she is in an episode from season 6 below. Go on, click on it, it's really big and you can see those beautiful purple eyes.

They really add a pop of colour to the rest of her fairly neutral and natural looking makeup. I think that's probably the key to wearing purple eyeshadow in the now and leaving the 80's look in... well, the 80's where it belongs.

I've picked out a selection of liliac lovelies for your eyes, should you feel inspired by Blair to paint your peepers purple too.

We'll start with a bargain at £6.99. You can't beat Bourjois Paris' Little Round Pot Intense Eye Shadow in no. 4 violet. Personally, I love the Bourjois baked shadows, so pigmenty and gorgeous.

Mac eyeshadows are a staple for most women, so I'm sure you won't be surprised that this is one of the shadows I've selected. You can get this look with the vibrant Creme de Violet, described as a pink-violet with gold pearl available for £12.00 or US $15.00.

If cream eyeshadows are more your thing, than you could try Shiseido's Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Purple Dawn, available for US $25.00

And last, but not least is actually my favourite, Purple Gradation from Lunasol's Layer Bloom Eyes range. Although it's a Japanese brand, thanks to shops like Ichibankao, you can still get your hands on this product without a trip to Japan. It is a bit expensive, but it's such a lovely palette. The bottom left shadow of course is a perfect lilac shade and it's what I would use to recreate this look.(Click here to see my review and some swatches of this product.)

Are you inspired to go purple, or will you tone it down or blend it out? 

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but this coat is so delightful!

Are you somewhere warm this winter? If so, I'm incredibly jealous! Feel free to ignore this post, as probably winter coats are the last thing on your mind. However, if you're like me and somewhere cold, you've probably either got a selection of winter coats or are on the lookout for one or some! After all, it's hard to stay beautiful if you're freezing!

It depends how cold your winters are as to how many coats you need, so obviously you may find you have less or more than I've covered, but hey, I'm only one person! I find that I need at least 4 types of coats each winter and here they are with some prime picks that are currently available for the lower budget and the splurger.

 

The transitional coat

The transitional coat, as the name implies, can be worn in the transition between the seasons. You can also wear it on chilly spring and autumn days. I'd almost say there needs to be another category to contain the trench coat but actually a nice trench can work really well as your transitional coat. Also, the trench is a classic for non-cold climates as well.

Bargain: £19.75 Forever 21

Big ticket: £995.00 Burberry

the waterproof coat

Aside from being waterproof, this coat should also be a wind breaker (or wind cheater) and keep the cold wind out as well as the wet rain, snow, and slush.

Bargain: £60.00 River Island

Big ticket: £229.95 Barbour

The wool coat / the dress coat

The wool coat (which I've also dubbed the 'dress' coat) is needed when it's cold, but you you still want to look stylish. A wool coat can look business professional, and looks great over dresses, both formal and casual, as well as jeans or trousers. If you only have one winter coat, I hope it's a wool one.

Bargain: £49.99 H&M

Big ticket: £545.00 MaxMara at House of Fraser

the holy-mother-of-all-creation it's cold out coat

I don't usually need one of these, but this year it's been pretty cold already, so I'm needing one of these. In fact, it was my search for one of these that lead me to write this post. You need this when it's so cold you don't even care what you look like as long as you don't freeze. You can look cute and adorable underneath the coat, but you need something that will keep mother nature from you!

Bargain: £149.00 Zara




Big ticket: £420.00 Jack Wolfskin

Dear Santa, ... I've been awfully good this year. Love, Cinderella

Have you been slaving away in 2012 like poor Cinderella answering to her stepmother and stepsisters? Well, then you definitely should let Santa (or your credit card) treat you some of the Cinderella collection available exclusively at Sephora in the US.

Sadly, they don't take UK credit cards, which is a major blow for us UK shoppers. But but but, I have a US shipping address.... ah, it matters not. This is one of the many websites in the US that will not take my UK credit card online but has no trouble taking it when I walk into their shops. Descrimination. Yes... I'm gonna throw that out there. But that is a rant for another blog.

Also, I know I am late to mention this collection and now quite a lot of it has already sold out! I've been too busy with work and my life outside of this blog, it's been hard to keep up!

But I do bring some good news, Cinderella on DVD is still available, and if you're in the UK, you can get the Diamond Edition for only £9.99 at Amazon. Now that's some magic that all of us can have!

I hope you're all enjoying the holiday season and managing to fit all your festivities and shopping in! I know it's a struggle, sometimes.