Quick Reviews #7

We were recently sent some goodies from GOSH Cosmetics to try, so I thought I would do a quick review of all three items. These are all available exclusively from Edgars, and the stock seems to be limited, so if there is something here that catches your eye, you best hurry! Forever Metallic Eyeshadow Stick in ‘Grey’* I decided to really put this to the test by wearing it on a night out with no eyeshadow primer (something I never do). I am pleased to say it held up rather well – the colour did fade slightly but there was…

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Review: GLAMGLOW Face Masks

A few months ago the lovely people at Metropolitan Cosmetics sent Jules and I a few GLAMGLOW face masks to try. For those of you not already familiar for GLAMGLOW, it was founded in 2010 for backstage and professional use in Hollywood’s entertainment industry. The masks were made available for retail a year later and proceeded to take the world by storm, picking up awards left, right and centre. The masks are loved the world over due to their ability to help the skin appear instantly camera-ready, refine pores, diminish visible imperfections, and produce a noticeable glow (hence the name). Given their cult status, we…

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NEW: Moroccanoil Volume Collection

Moroccan oil Extra Volume Shampoo and Conditioner | All Dolled Up

We recently attended the launch of Moroccanoil’s latest product line that promises to inject fine hair with lots of body and volume. Those are the magic words as far as we’re concerned so we were very excited to give the range a whirl – here’s the lowdown: Extra Volume Shampoo & Conditioner If there’s a choice between the effectiveness of cleansing vs styling products in creating volume in my hair, styling products will win every time. I just have a much more successful track record with them than shampoo and conditioner. I’ve been using this combination almost every single time…

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Review: Smashbox Full Exposure Palette – A Love-Hate Relationship

Smashbox Full Exposure Palette Review | All Dolled Up

Let me begin by saying that I’m usually quite decisive about whether or not I like products; if I do, it goes into my stash, if I don’t then it gets chucked or donated to a friend. However, I’ve had this palette since April (Camilla bought it for me in the States) and it’s taken me months to figure out if I like it or not… and eventually I realised that I was ambivalent. Let me explain: What’s to love The layout: Sheer genius – seven shimmery shades up top, seven matte shades down below. I’m surprised we haven’t see more…

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Lust List: Edgars Red Square

Have you taken a leisurely stroll through a Red Square store recently? If not, I highly recommend that you do – there are so many fabulous new releases, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Usually it takes a while for international releases to trickle down to South Africa, but lately I have noticed that they are hitting the shelves a lot quicker, sometimes within a matter of 2-3 weeks, which is fantastic for us! Last night I wandered around a bit and chatted with all the ladies working behind the counters – they were all so lovely and were happy to…

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Summer’s Hottest Nail Polish Shade

Maybelline Color Show "So Chic Pink" - All Dolled Up

There is one colour that seems to be EVERYWHERE at the moment, and it is Radiant Orchid, Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2014. Described as “a captivating, magical, enigmatic purple”, it looks particularly gorgeous on the nails, as I discovered last week when I painted mine with the Maybelline shade mentioned below. I’ve since spotted loads of other nail polishes in this vibrant, magenta shade so here are three easy-to-find options: Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquer “So Chic Pink”* Swatch by me. Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy “Up the Ante” Swatch via Cosmetic Proof Essie “Splash of Grenadine” Swatch via Demelza’s…

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The Preview: Elizabeth Arden UNTOLD ABSOLU

I recently attended the exclusive preview of the new Elizabeth Arden fragrance, UNTOLD ABSOLU, the latest addition to the UNTOLD family of fragrances. The event was glamorous and refined, and, I think, captured the essence of the fragrance perfectly. We were treated to a delicious 5 course meal inspired by the five different facets of the fragrance: glamorous, captivating, refined, mysterious and sensual. The fragrance itself is rich and warm, and contains touches of Black Raspberry, Italian Bergamot, Red Plum and Ginger. It is billed as “a sensual expression of the original fragrance” and was inspired by the sensual, captivating…

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{CLOSED} Competition Time with Turquoise Studio!

Turquoise Studio has recently celebrated its first birthday! Happy happy birthday to you, dear Turquoise Studio – without you, our lives would be Sigma-less and empty! To celebrate its first birthday, Turquoise Studio has kindly offered up a Sigma Smoke Screen palette to give away to one lucky All Dolled Up reader – just look at how beautiful it is:  Ooh yes, that’ll do nicely, thank you very much! We can attest to the fact that Sigma eyeshadows are fantastic quality – we used the ‘Warm Neutrals’ palette in a tutorial earlier in the year and were both blown away by the…

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Almond Obsession

Sweet Almond Oil Beauty Products - All Dolled Up

I’ve recently discovered that I absolutely love the smell of sweet almond oil. It started when I picked up a tub of Almond Body Butter from The Body Shop winter sale a couple of months ago and it’s become a full-blown obsession. I find the warm, nutty fragrance has just enough sweetness to be feminine without being sickly, and is tempered by a vanilla-like creaminess. Sweet almond oil is one of the most versatile, multipurpose skin care oils out there. It is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals and is therefore extremely nourishing and revitalising, especially for dry skin. It…

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