clinique - Lucy's Stash

Hello lovelies,

this post is my entry to the Beauty and the Beach 2 contest by Travel Supermarket. This contest is running for second year so I've decided to enter. I usually don't show my face, I'm a bit insecure about it (and very pale atm, British weather sucks :D) but I thought I'll give it a shot.

The task was to create perfect holiday hair, nails and make-up. I took it a bit further and done the makeup and nails both inspired by a bathing suit I used to own years ago. It was yellow with black 'indian summer' pattern.

First up is HAIR: I chose to do a simple twisted braid which will work on medium or long hair.

Step 1: Comb your hair to the side and secure it with an elastic band below your ear
Step 2: Divide your hair into two strands
Step 3: Start twisting first strand of hair, then pin it to your top so it doesn't undo itself
Step 4: Twist the second strand of hair
Step 5: Take both twisted strands and twist them together, then secure with an elastic band

The braid will un-twist a little bit gaining a volume. Why I chose this hairdo? Because it's very easy to do, makes my long hair manageable and if you get it wet and then dry again it will leave your hair nicely curled...

....yes, just like that!

Next up is a MAKE-UP which I matched to my nails. I wanted something very light but also fun. I've matched gold eyeliner with the sunny yellow nails but the rest of the face is not heavy on the makeup at all.

Foundation: I have used Erno Laszlo Tinted foundation with SPF 15 for my whole face. It's my go-to product in the summer as it's very light and contains pearlescent particles that brighten the skin.

Blush: T. LeClerc multi-usage powder in Aurore - it is a mixture of bronzing powder and pink blush with shimmery particles in it. It was a limited summer edition few years back so I don't think it will be available any more.

Eyeliners: I have used Illamasqua Liquid Metal in Solstice (gold) and Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner in Black. If you'll plan on swimming choose waterproof eyeliner .

Mascara: Rimmel 100% Waterproof Mascara in Black.

Lips: Labello SUN with SPF protection

And my favourite part, NAILS! You can see a big improvement in the pictures there :D As said before, these were inspired by a bathing suit I used to own and in which I have spent a wonderful summer. The bathing suit had exactly this pattern with unusual spiral depiction of sun.

I have used Clinique 70º and Sunny in a bright yellow. The black nail art patterns have been drawn on with Rio Beauty nail art pen and all sealed with Seche Vite topcoat.

So that's it, and that was me. Hope you'll have your fingers crossed for me and stay tuned for tomorrow's nails only post ;)

*Products provided for an honest review

Hello lovelies,

Have you heard about the new Clinique nail polish range? Yes, Clinique is now bringing nail polish to the counters and I couldn't be more excited! Here is a bit more information from the press release:

Six years in the making, Clinique introduces a pioneering innovation to the nail enamel industry: NEW A Different Nail Enamel for Sensitive Skins is formulated to minimise skin sensitivity. It is dermatologist tested, ophthalmologist tested and appropriate for sensitive skins and sensitive eyes.

The formula is beautifully balanced to maintain a high shine and streak free application. It is quick drying and available in a wide colour variety, including a few of Clinique’s iconic hues and seasonal, trend setting shades.

According to the press release, there will be 12 shades as a core collection I presume and they are also releasing additional 9 limited edition shades for Summer 2013. I will show your four colours today.

01 Call My Buff - milky white jelly. This is the lightest shade Clinique offers and it could be used, maybe even intended for French manicure. It is very sheer so I've applied three thick coats to get the coverage you see in the pictures. My nail line is still visible so I wouldn't wear it by itself BUT it is very good for 'glitter jelly sandwich manicures'. I will show you one in another post.

Other than the pigmentation, the formula was polish was great. It applied very easily, dried fast and very glossy. No topcoat in the pictures.

03 Fizzy - vintage rose pink with bronze undertones and subtle silver shimmer. This is a pretty and office friendly shade however it is also a bit sheer. I've applied two thicker coats but I felt three would be better. It applied well and dried fast, no problems there.

08 Party Red - classic red creme. I've always loved red nail polishes and this one is one of the good ones. It applied like butter, very easily and the pigmentation was excellent. If you have short nails you could get away with one coat. I've applied two as my nail line was slightly visible. It dried fast and glossy and did not stain my nails. I've applied W7 Diamond Topcoat.

21 Hot Date - medium purple jelly. Firstly I thought that this is a purple creme but after I've applied first coat I knew it's a sheer jelly. I've applied two thick coats (or three regular would do) and I was quite happy with the coverage. It applied easily and it dries fast in regular or thin coats however the thick coats dried slightly longer. Removal was very easy.

Each polish comes in a box with the regular Clinique pattern. All bottles are quite simple and plain, the silver cap has the Clinique name embossed into it. The sticker with a shade name and other information is at the bottom of the bottle. I'm quite used to pretty bottles with print on it so I'm not very keen on this very simple design. It is also hard to see the shade when the polishes are stored in a polish drawer. On the other had it does have the high end elegance to it.

For a £12 price tag my expectations were quite high. I'd say the Party Red colour is worth it but I'm not sure about the rest. if you're into jellies, these definitely have good formula and the purple Hot Date is quite well pigmented.

Polishes are available exclusively online at www.clinique.co.uk from the 25th April 2013. Nationwide at Clinique counters from 31st May 2013.