The contour "blush" product you should know about

I have found a drug store contouring product that you may just be missing out on.

I love the concept of contouring ; if done well and subtly.  It can add dimension and shape by enhancing the natural bone structure of the face. The art of contouring is to use a deeper colour than your skin tone to replicate shadows on the face or body. With the 2015 contouring frenzy , beauty companies released contour palettes galore and they hit the shelves fast and hard. Though I find some contour palettes amazing , my concern was that I was coming across a lot of warm, orange toned contour products that were perfect for bronzing and not so much suitable for contouring. When I want to bronze my face I want a warm toned brown colour ( with an undertone of orange/red),  and when I want to contour my face I prefer a cool toned brown (undertones of grey/ beige).

Fortunately ,I have been able to find a hidden gem amongst the drug store contouring products that I wish to share with you. funnily enough, it's actually a blush ! 'NYX' cosmetics have a high definition blush powder range , and within it's range is the hidden gem that is shade "Taupe". It's a cool toned neutral brown that has perfect blend of brown and grey tones that mimic a shadow , making it a perfect contour colour. What's also great is that it is completely matte powder though very well finely milled, and silky to the touch. The pigment is great and it blends effortlessly!

I apply this product to my cheekbones, jawline, and ever so slightly the sides of my nose and hairline.

The packaging is a small , sleek black glossy compact with bow detailed clasp. It's simple and efficient plastic packaging is very light though doesn't feel too cheap . There is also a perspex window on the top of the packaging so you can see the shade of the product without having to open the compact. For the price you receive 4.5 grams of product.

I was able to purchase this product from boots stores in the UK and retails for around £6.  five out of five from me!

Sincerely, Harry

Jo Malone : Herb Garden colllection

When it comes to beauty product releases, little brings me more joy than seeing a new fragrance collection to one of my favourite fragrance houses ; Jo Malone . 

Jo Malone have released five limited fragrances based on the concept (and titled) , "The herb garden." Each fragrance uniquely headlining an earthy and green herb accord , some diced between other fragrant floral and fruity notes. The campaign's main image being a lady in her garden, showing a very glamorous side to being green fingered. The whole concept oozes a british vibe.

The five blossoming fragrances stand at ;

- Lavender and coriander

- Wild strawberry and parsley

- Sorrel and lemon thyme

- Nasturtuim and clover 

- Carrot blossom and fennel

( I didn't even know carrot blossom existed.)

Each slender glass bottle is tinted with a shade of leafy green , with a silhouette print of a herb that can be seen through the bottle. Simple yet reflective to the collection. 

I knew I would like at least one of these fragrances , but i didn't expect to have a like to all of them. The two standouts to me where the sorrel and lemon thyme and the lavender and coriander. Sorrell and lemon thyme surged my taste buds to salivate from the sharp and citrus scent , bursting with a refreshing sourness. This would mix beautifully with one of my fave scents, 'wood sage & sea salt'. 

Lavender and coriander has a romantic vibe, calming and soothing as resting your feet from a long day with a cup of tea. The coriander tones down the floral notes of lavender , whilst an underlying tonka bean accord adds depth , warmth and a very subtle sweetness.

With my purchase the staff kindly gave me a little fabric pouch with some "Herb bombs",  so I could grow a herb garden of my own. A gesture from them to me which just completed the Jo malone experiance. I was just missing some rain and soil!

Each 30ml fragrance retails for £44 , and are only available for a limited time.

( sidenote : Instead of binning the fragrance cards used to sample scents in Jo Malone, recycle them as bookmarks or magazine page markers . ) 

Sincerley, Harry