Rimmel Metal Rush Nail Polishes

Rimmel London Metal Rush Nail Polishes: £3.99*
L-R: Purple Reign, Royal Blue, Pearly Queen, Gold Save The Queen
Metallic finish nail polishes aren't really my thing but these new additions to Rimmel's AW12 range have really caught my eye! This quartet has a type of technology that makes the shade change in certain lights.

If I had to pick a favourite it would probably be the third one along, called Pearly Queen. Typically it's the polish that needs the most layers as it's quite sheer, but I think this would also look great layered over another colour.

What do you think of these polishes and metallics in general? What's your favourite polish finish?

Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion

Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Foundation: £36*
Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Foundation is a product made of water-free oils and pigments rather than a bunch of fillers to bulk it up, which is the unique selling point of the base. It has a very light liquid consistency almost like water, and applies like velvet on the skin (I use my Real Techniques Buffing Brush to apply). The coverage of this foundation is light but buildable, and leaves a soft matte finish without a mask-like appearance over your face. It basically just looks like 'your skin but better' which is a phrase used over and over, but this time it's true!

This review has been such a long time coming, the reason being because I'm in two minds about it. The whole concept of the foundation fascinates me (beauty + science = the way forward!) but unfortunately it's also one of those things I'm just not suited for. Although the product is made with oils which on paper seems perfect for me as the owner of dehydrated, sometimes dry skin, I would say this would suit those with oilier skins a whole heap better than it does me. After prolonged wear, the foundation clings onto any hints of dryness such as around the nose and on the chin, and just doesn't seem to feel like 'enough' on my skin which is strange as I'll happily switch my foundations for tinted moisturisers. I think as long as I work on keeping my hydration levels up, this could well be a winner one day..

While this foundation isn't exactly my holy grail, I'd definitely recommend paying a visit to your local Giorgio Armani counter for a sample of this to see what you think. I've never felt a foundation like it and fell in love with it upon first application. The shade range is pretty diverse, and caters for those with very pale skin so worth a look at if you have trouble finding shades light enough. Honestly, I wish I could love this more, but I'm just not the perfect candidate!

What's your favourite type of foundation? What level of coverage do you feel most comfortable with?

Give as you Live

sponsored post
Wishlists are a common occurrence on my blog, and I'm pretty much always buying stuff online, so when guilt-free shopping scheme Give as you Live was brought to my attention it seemed like the perfect way to spend money and give to charity while I shop. Give as you Live provides shoppers a way to give to charity through over 2000 retailers (listed here) who will donate on their behalf. You can shop via the website or, if you're forgetful like myself, download the extension here, so that you can shop direct from the usual online stores you'd use and be helping out some really good causes at the same time. This is a bunch of stuff I have my beady eyes on right now, and what better time..?

YSL Glossy Stain #21, £22.50, Selfridges - since trying out one of these (review here) I'm dying to get more!

Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche 50ml, £50, Debenhams - lusted after this for ages.. perfect chance (pun intended)?!

Hello Kitty Liberty Mug, £9, Topshop - granted I only really want it for the tin pictured, but still.

Barbie Printed Body, £25, Miss Selfridge - my friend said this "looks like a 10-year-old's swimming costume" - and?!

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser, £33, Selfridges - another item I've been meaning to get for ages.

Roberts Cath Kidston DAB Radio, £199, Very.co.uk - swoooon, the time has finally come to purchase a proper radio.

Pantone Christmas Baubles, £8.99 each, Firebox - geeking out at these, any graphics nerds will agree they're amazing!

The thought of raising money for a charity of your choice while also doing your Christmas shopping (for self or others, naturally) in the comfort of your own home is a wonderful idea and I'll definitely be doing a lot more of my buying like this rather than in stores just for that reason. You can check out Give as you Live gift guides here for inspiration and more information on how it works here. What do you think of this idea? Will you Give as you Live this Christmas?

The Art of Growing Up

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Follow me on Instagram: @milkteef
Las Iguanas, at Live Nation HQ in front of some badass MJ discs, love the Marmite Christmas lights at Oxford Circus, Rihanna secret 777 show was awesome, Pixi holiday collection, went to ASOS for an evening of champagne, mad eyelashes and beauty goodies, pub, most amazing parcel ever (follow-up post on the way), my poor pup is in hospital at the moment, amazing Disney sweater coming soon to ASOS, using heated rollers for the first time (again, post to follow), and finally went to HYPER JAPAN yesterday & got myself a mini Totoro keyring!

My week looks like it's been great but to be honest along with the amazing opportunities there have been major downsides too and it's resulted in me being pretty stressed out. I'm worried sick about Beigel and even though he's getting better, and I didn't really want to go into it on the blog (and won't till he's well again), it's true that positive thoughts help any situation so that's why I'm sharing. Hope you all had a great weekend. I'm about to light a few candles and try to clear my room out (AGAIN) - take a look at my blog sale to help me out!

Ray-Ban 3025 Aviator

Ray-Ban 3025 Aviator: £88.90*
I've been an admirer of the aviator style of sunglasses for quite some time. I never thought they would suit me but I ordered a cheap pair of H&M ones earlier in the year and rarely took them off all summer. I couldn't help but think it was time to get some proper ones though so when I was offered these to review I jumped at the chance!

The Ray-Ban 3025 Aviators are a classic pair of eyewear. Dainty but bold at the same time, iconic and absolutely timeless. A firm favourite with celebrities and pretty much go with any outfit. I love the timeless colour combination of brown lenses with the gold frames for a luxe and somewhat girly (despite their unisex nature) feel.

For the price, as long as you take care of your glasses, I think they're worth it. They aren't the most popular sunglasses brand in the world for no reason! What's your favourite style of Ray-Ban eyewear?

NARS Satellite of Love highlighter

NARS Satellite of Love highlighting blush: £21
I have a bit of a thing for highlighters. They're probably my favourite beauty product to use and can really transform the skin from drab and tired looking to bright and fresh. I've reviewed another NARS highlighter before (see my post here) so when I saw the press release for this new one a while back I was super excited to see how it would compare.

As part of the NARS Andy Warhol collection, Satellite of Love (named after the Lou Reed song, as he was part of the Factory) is an illuminating powder in a golden sand hue to give the skin a luminous glow. The light reflecting transparent pigments in the product are so flattering and work in unison with a blush or alone as they are marketed as 'highlighting blush powders'. I apply a wash of this with a Real Techniques Setting Brush after bronzer and/or blush, above the cheekbones (or where mine technically would be if you could see them) to give that extra something to the skin and really perk it up. This could also be used as an eyeshadow for when you're in a rush or just to add some depth to a matte colour I think. It's hard for me to pick a favourite out of the two I own, I'd say get this one if you're torn but then again Miss Liberty was made permanent so it may be the same case for this one!

Are you a fan of highlighting powders? What's your favourite - is it a NARS one (like me) or from a different brand?

24 Days of Christmas with Liz Earle

24 Days of Christmas with Liz Earle: £100*
Even at the ripe old age of (almost) 22 years, pretty much every year I'll have an advent calendar filled with miniature chocolates for a daily treat in the run up to the big day. This year, however, I'll be swapping confectionery for skincare and various other body treats in the form of this luxury advent calendar offering from Liz Earle.

This beautiful box is house to 24 mini products being the mystery doors. From best seller Cleanse & Polish to hand, foot and haircare, this has everything you could wish to try from the brand and more. For a full product list see here. Even though the price seems rather steep you're absolutely getting value for your money and also the chance to try a large number of products without committing to the full sized tubs and bottles which is great for me at least!

Will you be trying this? I know I certainly can't wait for December 1st so I can get started!