Nail colour of the week

Your eyes do not deceive you. This week I wanted something subtle and pretty having had so much dark colour. And So I went for Gucci Mucci Pucci which has to be the best name for a nail varnish ever. It is quite pink, a bit girlie but I am enjoying it because I never do this colour. Subtle, that's me!

Liz Earle perfumes

I am having a Liz Earle moment. Having raved about her make-up, I'd like to discuss her perfume. I got a bottle of Botanical Essence No 1 for my birthday and it's absolutely lovely. It's not pushing the envelope in any way as it's very simple however it's delightful and a fragrance I think would suit all. You can read the long list of ingredients here. It's a scent you put on when you don't know what mood you are in. I like it very much.

I went into the Liz Earle shop again yesterday as I wanted to get more of the mascara base (if you don't have this yet, why?) and was planning to just get that but they had an offer where if you bought two make-up items, they gave you a free lip gloss. Naturally I found this irresistible so I picked some eye shadow which I've not tried yet, I'll report back. Then I was given a free Cherry lip gloss.

In addition, you also get to choose a sample. I am very impressed with Liz Earle service, you choose your own sample! Other brands could well take note. I picked the other perfume, Botanical Essence No 15. You can read the list of ingredients here.

I put this on yesterday after my shower and it's completely different to No 1. Much more complex and interesting. I was sniffing my wrist all night long. I don't think I'd get it but only because I have SO MUCH perfume that I have to fall in love completely to buy anything new but it's well worth seeking out. Given how great the service is, they'd probably just give you a sample if you ask nicely.

I can see why Liz Earle has such loyal followers. What she does, she does well with excellent service. Highly recommended.

Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura

Last night I met a friend for cocktails in Selfridges. We had a very strange evening in which I became friends with a lady sitting next to us (we're now Facebook buddies!) and we were given bread and butter without plates or knives. The margaritas were good and after a couple of them we said our farewells and I headed to the beauty hall as I needed a new primer.

Lesson number one: if you are a beauty addict, it's probably best not to shop when you have a few drinks under your belt.

Lesson number two: if you don't like aggressive beauty counter ladies and feel intimidated by them, then go at 8.30pm on a cold November evening. They really couldn't be bothered to sell me anything which was fine by me. It was beauty shopping as beauty shopping should be, me browsing and them waving at me with tired smiles.

I got a primer (Laura Mercier, I'll report back in due course) and then my eye caught the Shu Uemura counter. I had read that Karl Lagerfeld was collaborating with Shu Uemura and oh my word. It's so beautiful. Did you know Karl sketches using Shu Uemura eyeshadows and pencils? That right there is why I love Karl. Wouldn't you do the same if you created Chanel? I know I would.

Naturally my eye was caught by the shadow palettes. Look!

It's simply divine. However, even in my inebriated state, I realised I simply could not justify yet more eye make-up so instead I bought the cleansing oil. I've always wanted to try the Shu Uemura cleansing oil so I felt this was entirely a sensible purchase.

It's so pretty! It's also really good. The lady demonstrated it on the back of my hand (which wasn't necessary, I was so going to buy it based on the little black tie on the bottle) and it's soft and lovely. I can hardly bear to tell you how much it was. Ok, it was £57 but it should last a year. Ahem. It's now sitting proudly in my bathroom. Also, very generous samples  which is something else they give you more of at the end of the day.

I guess we should all be grateful I didn't wander tipsy into the Vivienne Westwood concession. In fact, when I look at it that way, I saved money! Yay.

Estee Lauder Doublewear mascara

I have found it at last. The perfect mascara. No smudging. Perfect application. Great brush. Long-lasting. I don't know how it's taken me so long to try this mascara but I am very glad I finally did. You can get Volume + Lift, Curling or Lengthening. I went for Volume + Lift. Honestly, it's brilliant.

Now it's not cheap at £20 but I am really loving this. And I can't remember the last time I truly loved a mascara.

Nail colour of the week

I had forgotten how much I like this one. Damsel in a Dress. It's a purple with a slight shimmer to it, very pretty indeed. My nails have never looked better thanks to the great non-acetone remover discovery so I am pleased.

I have exciting mascara news to share. I think I may have found The One.

Nail colour of the week

I'm in a dark and mysterious mood so I went for a very old favourite, Wicked. It's a very deep red, almost black. I love it.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

I bought my first gel eyeliner from Bobbi Brown back in February. I am still loving it on a daily basis. The blue I chose is my favourite colour to wear and there's something very dramatic about it. However I think we can all agree that a girl cannot live with one gel eyeliner alone. In fact, I think I've been pretty restrained with only having one for seven months.

After a long and very challenging week at work, I woke up with an overwhelming need to go and browse beauty counters. I specifically wanted to get a new Bobbi Brown eyeliner and I had in my mind that a purple would be nice. So off I went to the mothership that is Peter Jones where yet another helpful Bobbi Brown assistant helped me. Violet Ink is the perfect purple and she kindly made up my eyes for me with it.

If you've not tried these eyeliners, you really must. They are so easy to apply and they last all day long. They are £17 but I can't imagine ever running out because you hardly need any. Well, unless you like to put it on your whole eyelid!

I then skipped off to the Origins counter and stocked up on essentials there, I cleverly managed to avoid the perfume counters because I really don't need any. No I don't. Nope.

NARS: Andy Warhol collection

Sometimes an idea comes along and you wonder why nobody has done it sooner. Get your chops round these. The Debbie Harry eye and cheek palette.

Flowers eyeshadow.

Lip gloss coffret. Look at that TIN!

Walk on the Wild Side.

I want it ALL. And I want it now. I don't think any further explanation is required.

Nail colour of the week

It was grey and dull on Monday and I considered it to be time to go dark so I chose Essie's Sole Mate. I love this deep plum/purple. It's very dramatic and a bit of a classic. It is now Friday and not a single chip to be seen.

Max Factor Eye Brightening Mascara

Time to try a new mascara my friends. This one intrigued me, Max Factor Eye Brightening mascara. Apparently it contains light reflecting particles to add a subtle effect. It just looks black to me. Maybe the one for blue or green eyes is less subtle. However, as with all Max Factor mascaras, it has a great brush and does a good job. For £7.99, it's pretty good. It's not a big chunky mascara so it's good for the day. I've just layered up my eyes with it ready for a day of hard shopping.

Talking of shopping, I cleared out a bathroom cupboard yesterday and found five bottles of perfume I don't wear so I am ebaying them. You know, just in case you need some perfume in your life...

Nail colour of the week

My Bliss pedi was as blissful as could be. I choose Essie's Camera which is a neon coral and it's fabulous. It would be better if I had tanned feet and I was currently in the Caribbean but one can't have everything.