Lola Makeup by Perse – Review by Talia Lee-Skudder

 

LOLA Makeup by Perse is the luxurious yet affordable cosmetics brand and the official make up partner for top TV show ‘Britain’s Next Top Model’ presented by Abbey Clancy. Each week the wannabe models would have their faces painted using LOLA products, showing the versatile looks that can be created with a combination of the different cosmetics available.

 

I was sent a number of their products to try out including the piel perfecta primer, the concealer pen, a matte long lasting lipstick and the ultra high shine gloss. The products are all packaged in slick matte black boxes with white writing, creating a high-end illusion that the products are much more expensive than they really are. With prices as low as £5.95 we can all own a little bit of luxury without breaking the bank.

 

The piel perfecta illuminating primer is a mineral infused base using diamond luminescence. I loved this primer, it was super light and a little product really goes a long away. It creates a glowy and brighter complexion and is fab for when your skin needs a little pick me up but you don’t want to layer on the foundation. It is also perfect worn under foundation, giving your skin that luminescent look whilst also providing the ideal canvas on which to apply foundation. Following the tips on the back of the tube, I also used the primer as a highlighter and was pleasantly surprised. It gave my skin a natural glow that is sometimes difficult to achieve with heavier liquid based products and powder highlighters. I loved this product, as the weather gets warmer it will be my go-to primer for creating that summery-glowy look with a product that does not make my face feel like it is caked in make up.

The concealer pen, similar to the consistency of the primer, was incredibly light and blendable. Again the serum is illuminating and instantly adds a touch of youthful radiance. This is the perfect product for light everyday colour coverage. If you have dark circles under your eyes and you prefer a heavier coverage, then you can use this product as a liquid highlighter on the tops of your cheekbones and on your brow bones. Alternatively, if you’re a fan of contouring then this product is great for highlighting the bridge of your nose and the middle of your forehead.

Next is the matte lipstick in colour Merry Berry. This too comes in slick, black matte packaging. Initially the colour in the tube appears to be a deep red, however on application it becomes clear that it is a berry colour with more of a pink tone as opposed to red. The colour is long-lasting but if you are looking for a dramatic lip then I would advise applying two layers of the colour. I wore the lipstick all night and with only a few top-ups the colour remained as vibrant as when I first applied it.

Finally, my favourite, the ultra high shine gloss in clear. I am not a huge lip gloss fan and usually prefer a matte lip but I think this product may have just converted me. I love that this gloss can be worn over any lip colour to vamp up your make up look. The gloss truly makes your lips appear more volumised and seductive due to the conditioning active vitamin complex. Worn on top of your lipstick the gloss really emphasises the cupids bow and creates the illusion of a plumped up pout and does not require frequent reapplication to maintain its glossiness. The ultra high shine lip-gloss is now a staple in my cosmetics bag.

 

From foundation primer to false eyelashes and nail polish, LOLA caters to every make up related desire. Head over to their website at www.lolamakeup.com to check out the huge range of products they have on offer. You will not be disappointed!

 

Plump It: Volumising Lip Plumper – Review by Talia Lee-Skudder

 

plump-it

Plump it lip gloss is perfect for achieving that plumped up pout. Simply smooth it onto your lips and wear on its own or underneath your favourite lippie. Immediately on application, your lips will tingle for about thirty seconds. As this subsides you can visibly see your lips becoming fuller and plumper as the lip gloss gets to work. The Cupid’s bow noticeably gets more defined creating the illusion that your lips are bigger.

I have always been sceptical about lip plumping products, often finding that they do not actually work. However, after using Plump It, the change in the shape of my lips when wearing the product is obvious. Whilst my lips are not that thin to begin with, Plump It successfully fills them out and gives me a better shape – which is particularly noticeable when I am wearing a darker lipstick colour.

Plump It comes in a classic silver tube with a sponge tip and click applicator. The gloss consistency is lightweight and glides on easily with the sponge applicator. A great product that achieves a natural and full-looking pout.

For those of you who lust after a Kylie Jenner pout, then Plump it is the product for you. Transform your smile and rock your plumped up pout.  Plump it is available online for £19.99.

www.plump-it.com

The Perfume Studio – Review by Talia Lee-Skudder

 

the_perfume_studio

If you’re looking for a unique and fun Christmas gift idea then the Perfume Studio masterclass should be at the top of your list.

The Perfume Studio invites you to spend a day learning about the art of perfumery and creating your own unique and bespoke scent. I attended their masterclass in Manchester last Saturday, and was enrolled on the Platinum Experience which meant I got to walk away with a 20ml bottle filled with my own signature scent.

 

Guests were welcomed with a glass of fizz, or orange juice for those who weren’t quite ready to start drinking at 11 am on a Saturday morning. Once everyone had settled at their tables, the perfume stylist, Freda Rogers, gave an insight into the world of perfumery. Freda provided a brief overview of the business that has been running for more than ten years, and that has brought with it the opportunity for many to blend their own fragrances and learn about the art of perfumery.

the-perfume_studio4

After a brief introduction in which we were told we would be following in the footsteps of countless celebrities who have gone through a similar experience in the creation of their own fragrances, we started the process of choosing our own scents. Individual scent cards were handed out whilst Freda described the key notes in each sample. She informed us that fragrances consist of top note scents, middle notes and base notes and the importance of each category.

Starting with the base note, this range of blends ensure the longevity of your scent and it is these notes that last on your clothes. The blends include musk, woody and balsamic to name a few. We were then introduced to samples of the middle note which set the tone of the whole fragrance and include a number of floral based scents. Finally, we sampled the top scent. This is the blend that makes your perfume instantly recognisable; although it does not have the same longevity of the base note it is this blend that is most memorable.

the-perfume_studio1

We each collected our favourite blends and decided what worked well together. It is important to remember however, that creating a fragrance is subjective – so resist the urge to be tempted by what others around you like and dislike. After much deliberation, I finally decided on what blend of scents I wanted and my bespoke fragrance included woody, musk, neroli, gentle floral and fruity. The perfume stylists create your fragrance while you wait or have your afternoon tea. The 20ml bottle of your perfume comes in a cream box emblazoned with the Perfume Studio logo, a lovely keepsake from a brilliant experience.

the-perfume-studio2

 

You can attend the Perfume Studio masterclasses nationwide as well as at the flagship events held in London and Manchester. These are group experiences. However, private consultations and events are also offered. You can find more details at The Perfume Studio

The Perfume Studio masterclass is the ideal Christmas gift. It’s a great experience for you and a friend or even to do on your own. Not only is it fun and a fab insight into the world of perfumery, but you also get to create your own bespoke perfume blend. A definite must for your Christmas lists.

www.theperfumestudio.com