Beauty buys of the year: MAC Viva Glam GaGa and Cyndi

GaGa Lipstick [Lustre]

I wasn't expecting to like MAC's VIVA GLAM GAGA, but as soon as I swatched it I had to have it. It's a beautiful light, bright bubble-gum pink, and it's blue-based so it is ideal for my fair skin.

It's a lustre lipstick, so while the staying power isn't really bad, it isn't great - around two hours max.
I have dry lips, but have not yet experienced any flaking or chafing after I’ve been wearing this.


* Lady GaGa's favourite lipstick is Pink Nouveau, so she asked MAC to create the VIVA GLAM GAGA around that shade

GaGa lipglass

If you like MAC's blue-based powder pink VIVA GLAM GAGA lipstick, then you need the lipglass edition too. This is almost exactly the same shade as the lipstick; The pink colour is just a bit milkier. The finish to the gloss is a cream and seems to have a thicker formula then my other MAC lipglasses, but it still gives a lovely polished shine to my lips. A single coat gives a more natural polished look to my lips, however layering it gives a milkier look that is great for pairing with strong eyes.

Cyndi lipstick [Lustre]

I wouldn't class this as a real red - it leans strongly towards coral - but I'm loving it. Not being confident with wearing red lipstick I love that this doesn't scream look at me!" and I would actually class this as subtle enough for every day wear. The lustre finish to the lipstick tones down the shade even further.

Review: Book of Shadows NYC by Urban Decay

At first I wasn't sure about buying this - mainly because I already have Volume II [which contains Perversion and Midnight Cowboy Rides Again], and The Naked palette [which is entirely filled with neutral shades], plus three of the new shades are green - which is usually a no-no for my blue eyes. 

But when I saw the final palette in Boots and picked it up to read the description on the back whilst wandering around in a I-need-to-finish-my-Christmas-shopping-now panic, I noticed that a woman was following me around the store and telegraphically ordering me to put it back down, so I naturally flipped her off in my head and went ahead with my purchase...

The Bookworm: Standing Out by Katie Price/Jordan

'From my early teens I've been an exhibitionist and from the time I started senior school I was desperate to look different. I've always gone for clothes that make me stand out, rather than blend in with the rest of the crowd.'

Nobody stands out from the crowd quite like Katie Price. The world can't help but sit up and take notice of her every move. Ever since her early modelling shoots, the camera lens has never been off her and even in those early days, it was clear that a star was born.

Katie Price isn't one to follow trends. Unafraid to do whatever it takes to look how she wants, she doesn't play by anyone else's rules and she always does things her own way.

Here, Katie Price opens up her make-up bag and throws open the doors to her wardrobe. She talks about how her image has changed as her career in the spotlight has evolved and how what she wears affects her relationships with her her family, her fans and the press. She reveals all her top tips on looking and feeling good to get the best out of life including what she wore on the night that Jordan was born, how she puts together an outfit to make a statement and she talks frankly about her fascination with cosmetic surgery. Find out which style crime makes Katie say 'there's just no excuse for it' and who makes Katie think did you actually look in the mirror before leaving the house? And what are the must-have items that Katie just can't live without.

This is Katie's guide to looking good, living life and being happy, inspiring others to be confident about the woman they are and the woman they want to be.

Spotlight: Supershock Gel Eyeliner Pencil by Avon

I'm not sure how long Avon's Supershock gel eyeliners have been available, but to me it's a new wonder...

I'd tried the Supershock mascara and as I didn't like that I didn't really notice the introduction of the liners. But I recently received a liner in a free-gift-with-purchase offer and when I tried it I was instantly blown away.

Review: Badass: A hard-earned guide to living life with (the right) style and attitude by Shannen Doherty [Book]

Advantages: Cozy writing style, split into clear sections, easy to put down and get back into, stunning photos
Disadvantages: The advice is mainly common sense

♠♠♠♠/♠♠♠♠♠

** I'll start with a friendly warning; BADASS is NOT an autobiography, it is clearly marketed towards personal growth and self help **

Reformed bad-girl actress Shannen Doherty has manged to turn her life (and potentially career destroying ways) around and she has just published a book to help others face up to their problems and how to come through.the other side stronger.

Review: Confessions of an heiress by Paris Hilton [Book]

Advantages: Easy to put down and then get back into, attractive layout

Disadvantages: Padded with photos and lists, not very informative

✮✮/✮✮✮✮✮

In the words of Paris herself "A lot of people seem to have the wrong idea about me. In fact, pretty much everything I read about myself is totally ridiculous. Newspapers and magazines write that I'm spoiled and privileged, and that all I do is dance on tabletops and party with my friends. They think I instantly became famous because I was born into a rich, well-known family, and everything has come so easily to me. They like to think everything they read about me in the tabloids is true. 

Well, you can't always believe what you read, right? So I've finally decided to give you a sneak peek into my very hyped life -- so you can know the real me".

CONFESSIONS OF AN HEIRESS attempts to answer the question "What is Paris Hilton's job?" with Paris' lifestyle guide/memoir. As well as informing us on her many business ventures [modeling, acting, singing, a fragrance range etc], Paris also gives a [tongue in cheek] a guide on living the heiress lifestyle.

Review: Look Like A Star by Lauren Luke [Book]

 Advantages: Clear layout, easy to find shades used, photographs through-out step by steps.

Disadvantages: Very little challenges, didn't inspire me much

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Lauren Luke used to run her own cosmetics store on Ebay, and started a YouTube channel to demonstate the make-up to customers. When she started to do celebrity inspired looks her channel became extremely popular all over the world.

Today she regularly appears on TV, has her own make-up line, still makes videos for her YouTube channel and has published this book.

Rumour Mill: Lady GaGa to front MAC 2011 Viva Glam campaign?

Perez Hilton thinks so.

There's no information right now, but seeing how successful this year's campaign [also fronted by Cyndi Lauper] has been I'm sure MAC are indeed seriously discussing it.

Upcoming: Dita Von Teese's beauty book, Plus talking cosmetics and fragrance

Burlesque superstar Dita Von Teese says she'd love to have her own cosmetics line.
Dita, who does her own makeup and is writing a book filled with beauty tips, explains:
"I want to do my own make-up line, because I feel like things are missing in the world."


She adds her line would include a matte lipstick because 
"that’s so hard to find these days."

But the sexy performer isn't stopping with makeup, she's also working on a fragrance!
Von Teese tells WWD:
"What I really want to do is make my own fragrance. I don’t want to smell like anyone else. I have to talk to the smaller companies, because the bigger ones, like Coty, are like 'Well, not everyone knows your name, like the Kardashians or Victoria Beckham.' "




[Source: cocoperez.com]

Review; Vogue Makeup by Juliet Cohen [Book]

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Advantages: Layout, stunning photography

Disadvantages: Information is thin on the ground, no photos in the places where it's needed.

VOGUE MAKE-UP aims to be a one stop shop for all thinks beauty related. Everything from basic skincare, to pedicures are covered, along with helpful quotes from respected make-up artists and tutorials to help inspire you.

Review: Purse Spray set by Project D

✯✯✯✯✯/✯✯✯✯✯

Advantages: Reasonable price, good packaging, good size, good lasting power, Gorgeous bottle, very versatile

Disadvantages: None for me