Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelee Review

If there is one product that I think is a Summer essential, it's the highlighter and if you only buy one this Summer, make it the Illuminating Powder Gelee from the limited edition Bronze Goddess collection from Estée Lauder ...

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelee in Heatwave

Estée Lauder says 

Turn up the heat. Give yourself a heavenly glow with this super-luxurious bronzer. This seductive all-over bronzer is endless summer. Smooths on as a soft sheen. Builds to a luminous pearl highlight. 

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelee in Heatwave

My thoughts 

The second I applied this highlighter to my skin, I was smitten. It has a beautifully soft formula that literally glides over the skin, applying evenly and lighting up the skin with a wonderful, lit from within appearance. Providing that all important healthy glow this warm toned bronzer screams Summer. This is one makeup item that I am using every day. An utterly gorgeous must have. 

Wearing EL Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelee in Heatwave

A mega 10/10 

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelee costs £38

*Gifted by Boots Lakeside 

My Favourite Beauty Products Of 2015

For my favourite beauty/makeup products of 2015 I went for the products I reached out for the most in my makeup bag...and unsurprisingly the products took in my eyes, cheeks and lips!

You would have had to have lived under a shell not to notice the trend for contouring (made really famous by Kim Kardashian) and not being blessed with lovely cheekbones this has been one trend that I have been embracing in a small way.

I love to accentuate/fake my cheekbones with the extremely affordable SEVENTEEN Define & Conquer Contour Kit which costs just £5.99 from Boots. It is a really simple way of defining and illuminating the face contours and comes with a handy instruction sheet to help you.

I simply adore a good nude lippie, lord knows I have plenty in varying shades but as you can see by how much the one above has been used,  this is my favourite everyday shade and formula - Max Factor Colour Elixir in shade Simply Nude and coming in at £7.99 is the perfect price for everyday use. My lips but better.

Finally, readers of BeautySwot will know that I don't use fake lashes or inserts so I am always on the look out for mascaras and products that enhance my natural lashes... Estee Lauder's Little Black Primer was an absolute essential last year with its multi uses. Promising to tint, amplify and set it does it all. Use alone for pretty and natural lashes, use as a primer under your mascara to give the 'wow factor' to your mascara. It thickens lashes, lifts and lengthens. My favourite use is to set the mascara you are wearing with a final coat of the LBP. It makes the mascara waterproof which is absolutely essential for me in the Summer as I suffer from Hay Fever. I also used it at my sister's wedding and there were many tears of joy but my mascara stayed firmly in place. A brilliant, brilliant product. It costs £20 but is worth every penny.

So there you have it, my favourite products of 2015. What were yours?

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer Review

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Flawless Wear Concealer SPF10 is one of my favourite concealers as it has multiple uses. It works a treat at concealing blemishes and scars. It can also be used around the eye area on dark circles and on the eyes as a base for evening out skintone before applying eyeshadow.

I use shade Light/Medium which is perfect for me although the concealer range comes in an impressive eight shades so you should be able to find a suitable shade.

Estee Lauder say 


Looks flawless. Lasts 15-hours. Feels comfortable, never dry. Stays seamless, without creasing.

Its lightweight creme formula creates the perfected look of flawless skin all day. Transfer-resistant, colour-true, with medium buildable coverage that won't slip, slide or melt away. Luminous finish.

Infused with minerals and emollients to condition skin and make blending easy. Oil-free. Water, perspiration and humidity-resistant.

To start, choose a concealer shade that matches your foundation or is one shade lighter.

For best results, we recommend applying concealer after applying your foundation.

Use Double Wear Concealer with Concealer Brush 5. Swipe concealer to back of hand, then with brush smooth on over desired area. Blend well.

Targeted concealing techniques: For darkness around eyes, go with a slightly lighter shade than your foundation. For puffiness, slightly darker. For uneven skintone, wear the same exact shade as your foundation.

Swatch of Double Wear Concealer in shade Light/Medium 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer blended 

My thoughts 

This concealer is not cheap but it lives up to its claims and therefore I would repurchase again and again. I love that it completely conceals blemishes for a flawless base and it really lasts. Some concealers don't blend well or have a dulling effect on the skin, Double Wear doesn't do this and is barely traceable.

Fabulous product.

Top tip - If you find the product too thick for your eye area why not mix it with some of your eye cream/lotion for a brightening effect that is super lightweight and long lasting.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Flawless Wear Concealer SPF10 costs £21.50 

Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup Review

Over the years I have bought and tried many Estee Lauder foundations as they really do seem to suit my skin type, what I have noticed is how my shade has changed - I have been Vanilla Beige, Pale Almond and even Fresco. I popped along to my nearest counter to get matched up to their newest foundation - Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup SPF25 and was told that my perfect match was 2N1 - Desert Beige. 

Estee Lauder say 

Infuse youth with this innovative makeup from the Serum Experts, infused with age-defying Perfectionist serum technology.
Instantly: Brightens and perfects. Re-ignites the look of radiance. Reduces the look of lines. Nourishes with oil-free hydration.

Long-wearing shades for all women, all skin tones. Now re-ignite your youth.

Swatch of Desert Beige 

My thoughts 

Skin type - Over 30, normal/combination 

This foundation has a gorgeous thick, creamy texture and feels wonderfully silky to apply and yet it looks barely there and feels light once applied and blended. I find it instantly smoothes and perfects skin with a brilliant brightening effect. I feel confident having applied this foundation, I feel that any flaws I have seem to disappear, leaving behind beautiful skin.

This foundation lasts for well over 11 hours on my face and keeps makeup in place too. I really like this foundation and would be tempted to purchase it once I have run out of my current foundations.

Wearing Perfectionist Youth Infusing Makeup SPF25 in Desert Beige 

Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth-infusing Makeup 30ml costs £37

Estee Lauder Little Black Primer Review

Kicking off Mascara Week on BeautySwot.com is Estee Lauder's latest release - the Little Black Primer. Whilst technically not a mascara I wanted to try it out and see if it, like denim is with fashion, would become an essential part of my makeup routine...

Estee Lauder's Little Black Primer £20 

Estee Lauder are asking us to think of it as a Little Black Dress for the lashes - another perennial and wardrobe essential.

It can be used in three ways

- Tint: Colours and lifts bare lashes so they stay silky black throughout the day and even overnight.
- Amplify: As a primer, it’s the optimal mascara base for volume, lift and length.
- Set: Brush over mascara for a long-wearing, water-resistant topcoat that helps reduce smudging and flaking.

My thoughts 

Tint - I already have dark lashes so for me the first use as a tint was pretty ineffective. This would be fantastic for those with lighter lashes but made little or no difference to my lashes when worn alone. 

Amplify - As a primer this is just fantastic, unlike traditional lash primers which are white this is a black one and one single coat helps improve a mascara immensely. You need less of your usual mascara, it thickens lashes (something I personally am looking for in a mascara), it lifts and lengthens beautifully. Full marks as a primer. 

Set - Once again I was suitably impressed. The Little Black Primer when used over your usual mascara sets mascara beautifully for no smudging or flaking at all. It also holds the lashes in the uplifted position and so the result is that mascara looks as fresh as the time you applied it (for me this lasts from day to night). For me is the bonus that I can make any of my mascaras waterproof by applying this over the top. Excellent!

Final thoughts.. 

I love the curved thin brush as it allows a non messy application and coats every single lash. I won't use any mascara now without setting it. 

*PR Sample

My Top Five Foundations

Listed below in no particular order are my current top five favourite foundations - 

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Perfectly Nude Makeup £28

A light to medium coverage foundation that is so light in texture that it melts into the skin leaving a natural and radiant finish that makes my skin look so good.

Read the full review here - http://www.beautyswot.com/2014/04/elizabeth-arden-flawless-finish.html

bareMinerals BARESKIN Pure Brightening Serum Foundation £26

bareMinerals first ever liquid foundation blew me away with its results. Flawless perfection, a bright and natural finish with buildable coverage.

Read the full review here - http://www.beautyswot.com/2014/08/bareminerals-bareskin-pure-brightening.html

YSL Le Teint Touche Éclat Foundation £30.50

Over two years down the line this foundation still impresses me with its ability to transform my skin, illuminating and enhancing in a great gel like formula.

Read the full review here - http://www.beautyswot.com/2012/08/ysl-le-teint-touche-eclat-foundation.html

Boots No7 Stay Perfect Liquid Foundation £14

This foundation provides almost full coverage and has excellent staying power, I would use this on a daily basis as a good alternative to Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation.

Read the full review here - http://www.beautyswot.com/2013/10/no7-stay-perfect-liquid-foundation.html

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup £29.50

A best seller and it is easy to see why. A perennial favourite of mine, this foundation provides full coverage and all day staying power. It is heavier than other foundations but it really does cover everything and is ideal for the winter months. 

Read the full review here - http://www.beautyswot.com/2011/01/estee-lauder-double-wear-foundation.html

Estee Lauder Double Wear All Day Glow BB Moisture Makeup SPF 30 Review

Continuing in my quest for a new base for Summer, and with me loving Estee Lauder's iconic Double Wear Foundation, it was only natural that I headed to the Estee Lauder counter to pick up a sample of their latest offering... Double Wear All Day Glow BB Moisture Makeup SPF30 

I would have had a sample earlier but the counter assistant told me that the coverage was even lighter than their original BB Cream which put me off as I need medium/full coverage. However, as I found out with the Elizabeth Arden Foundation I need to try these products for myself and make my own judgement..so I headed back to get matched up.

I was given shade Intensity 2 to try

Swatch of EL Double Wear All Day Glow BB Intensity 2

EL Double Wear All Day Glow BB Intensity 2 blended

Estee Lauder say

Benefits -Refresh. Hydrate. Glow.

Coverage -Sheer

Finish -Luminous

The first luminous, long-wear BB from Estée Lauder.

Now you have hours to glow. The BB Makeup that brightens, perfects and evens. Lightweight, oil-free, moisture-fresh. Protects with high-level SPF 30.

Instantly perfects skintone and vibrancy. Soft optics impart clear, bright tone and lustre to skin for a flawless, healthy glow. Provides Vitamin E and Vitamin C anti-oxidant protection.

Formula facts

• Long-wear - Up to 8 hours
• Oil-free
• Dermatologist-tested
• Ophthalmologist-tested
• Fragrance-free
• Non-acnegenic


My thoughts 

I was pleasantly surprised with the coverage of this BB, although Estee Lauder say it is sheer I am pretty happy that it covers all my bad bits (rosacea) but evens out and perfects my skin and gives a nice, bright glow without looking like an oil slick. I was interested to note that the product feels thicker than many BB Creams I have tried but blends to be invisible on the skin, leaving me with healthy, natural looking skin. I love the fact that it has an SPF30 which is perfect for the Summer months, it feels light on the skin and best of all, it lasts all day.

Tip - you can wear it under your foundation for extra coverage if necessary.

Super product, I can see this being a best seller.

Look how it looks in photos... flawless!

Wearing EL Double Wear All Day Glow BB Moisture Makeup SPF30 

Estee Lauder Double Wear All Day Glow BB Moisture Makeup SPF 30 costs £29 for 30ml and is available in 8 shades.

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara Review

I have a few mascara reviews in the pipeline, one of those mascaras is the dual ended Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer on one end and the Sumptuous Extreme Mascara on the other.

I was given the dual product sample when I purchased a full sized concealer and it is a great space saving item for travel that I think they should sell it!

Estee Lauder say 

Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara

Lashes seem to multiply, magnify, grow to extremes.

Three different high-volume fibers create audacious, false-lash effects.

THE FORMULA
Extreme Bold Volume™ formula is a blend of three high-volume fibers in a mousse-light base.

Acts like lash extensions multiplying and growing the look of lashes. Fortified with conditioning Lash-Advancing Vitamin Complex.

THE THREE FIBERS

Unique interlocking fibers build volume + length
Hollow fibers create massive volume, without weight
Ball fibers fill in and fill out even the sparsest lashes

THE BRUSH
Oversized BrushComber Extreme™ with two types of bristles—flexible fibers carry maximum formula; solid fibers comb and separate for clump-free definition.

THE COLOUR IMPACT
Prismatic pearls intensify pigment and luster. Eyes look brighter, wider, more seductive.

THE LOOK
Outrageous volume, lift and curves for an audacious, false-lash effect.

My thoughts 

First up the brush is huge! It is practically the length of the mini tube and I was a bit worried as my eyes are small and I anticipated a lot of mess on application. However, as you can see applying it was fine (no mess!) and I could even apply the mascara to my innermost lashes. The extreme black shade is very apparent in the photo. It is a lovely rich black shade that really enhances my already darkish lashes to give impact. Yesterday, in another mascara review I wrote that the mascara was nice enough but not wow enough for me to part with cash again. I have been wearing Sumptuous Extreme Mascara and every time I wear it I see that the results are quite spectacular. All my lashes are coated, thickened and lengthened. The result opens my eyes right up and the lashes stand out. I would be highly tempted to buy this mascara.

Before 

After 

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara in Extreme Black costs £22

Shop Beauty & Raise Money For The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and you can help raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation by purchasing some of your favourite beauty products and special limited edition versions.

Aveda Hand Relief (ltd edit) with Rosemary Mint aroma £19 for 150ml 

*£2 from every purchase will go to the BCRF

Bobbi Brown French Pink Set Embossed French Pink Blush & Mini Face Blender Brush £35 (ltd edit)

*£5 from every purchase will go to the BCRF

Clinique Pink with a Purpose Almost Lipstick - Pink Ribbon Honey £16 (ltd edit)

*£2 from every purchase will go to the BCRF

Creme De La Mer The Hand Treatment 50ml £35

*£7 of every purchase will go to the BCRF

Darphin Silky Moisturising Lotion Essential Body Beauty 200ml £28

*£5 of every purchase will go to the BCRF

ESTÉE LAUDER Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II 50ml with Pink Ribbon Bracelet £65

*£10 from every sale will go the BCRF

ESTÉE LAUDER Dream Collection

ESTÉE LAUDER Evelyn Lauder Dream Pin £10 (pin features two stones, one pink and the other blue to represent the 1% of US men diagnosed with Breast Cancer)

*The full £10 of every pin purchased will go the BCRF

ESTÉE LAUDER Evelyn Lauder and Elizabeth Hurley Dream Lip Collection £28
Features a full-size Pure Color Lipstick in Rubellite and limited-edition Pure Color Sheer RollerGloss in Hot Pink

*£5 from every sale will go to the BCRF

ESTÉE LAUDER Evelyn Lauder Dream Solid Perfume Compact containing Pleasures, one of Estee Lauder's most popular scents. £60 

*Estee Lauder will donate £60 (the full cost) of the Compact to the BCRF

Jo Malone London Red Roses Cologne 100ml £76

*£5 from every sale will raise money for the BCRF

Origins Drink Up™ Hydrating lip balm in Pink Guava 15ml £16

*£3 from every sale will go the BCRF

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer 30ml £25

*£5 from every primer purchased will go to the BCRF

BCA Campaign 2013 - We're Stronger Together - Circle Of Strength

At the beginning of the month I had the pleasure of attending the launch of Estee Lauder's Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign for 2013. By now we are all well aware (or should be!) of the significance of the Pink Ribbon that was co created with Evelyn H Lauder and founder of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation that has raised millions for and raised awareness of Breast Cancer. Evelyn Lauder's aim was to help prevent and cure breast cancer in our lifetime.

I listened as Elizabeth Hurley spoke about the great work that has already been done, I listened as leading Professors from the Royal Marsden spoke about how the money raised has directly benefited research at the Hospital in term helping sufferers. However, the underlying message was that although so much has been achieved so far there is so much more to be done.

Since 1994 The Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign has donated $38 million to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The BCRF has raised more than $450 million to date. I learned that an incredible 91 cents of every dollar goes directly to research and awareness. The BCRF does outstanding work in helping to save lines and improve the quality of care and survivorship for breast cancer patients through research worldwide.

2013's campaign goes that one step further - it is not just about raising money and awareness, now it is all about taking action. Strength in  Numbers encourages us to create a Circle of Strength - with friends and loved ones and spurring each other on to take action together or support each other to defeat breast cancer

Get annual mammograms at 40 or earlier if you are high risk.

Make healthy lifestyle changes

Raise funds for BCRF

Share inspiring, meaningful stories at BCAcampaign.com

Tweet or Instagram your support using #BCAStrength

8 Ways to Defeat Breast Cancer 

Early detection and simple lifestyle changes can help save lives

1. Examine your breasts regularly and report any changes to your physician/doctor.

2. See your doctor regularly for breast exams in your 20s and 30s.

3. Get annual mammograms at 40, or earlier if you are high risk.

4. Eat fibre and antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables.

5. Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight means extra risk.

6. Limit your alcohol intake.

7. Do not smoke and quit if you do.

8. Get at least 45 minutes of physical activity daily.

So.. who will be in your circle of strength?

Estee Lauder Modern Muse Eau De Parfum - Perfume Sample Saturday

Modern Muse Eau De Parfum  is the first major perfume launch from Estee Lauder since 2003's Beyond Paradise. Once again I was drawn in by the advertising, the model in the campaign and the face of the fragrance is the stunning Arizona Muse (how apt is that name!) and I am delighted to say the fragrance doesn't disappoint .

Estee Lauder say

Experience the new fragrance that captures your style, your confidence, your creative spirit. An alluring contrast of sparkling florals and sleek, sensual woods.

A Chic New Vision of Femininity. Containing a dual -accord structure, as complex and fascinating as the woman who inspires it. 

Sparkling Jasmine Accord: Capturing the creative energy and magnetic femininity of a modern woman. The luminous texture of two extractions of Jasmine Sambac with dewy Citrus Fruits combine to achieve a multi-faceted, unforgettable sensation.

Sleek Woods Accord: Her sleek style, strength and sensuality are expressed in this unique treatment of two Patchouli essences wrapped in the creaminess of Madagascar Vanilla, rich Amber Wood and soft Musk.

Top note

• Exotic Mandarin

Heart notes
• Honeysuckle Nectar
• Dewy Petals
• Jasmine Sambac
• China Absolute
• Tuberose Fleur Fir Nat
• Fresh Lily

Base notes
• Patchouli Coeur
• Patchouli Crist
• Amber Wood
• Suede Musk
• Madagascar Vanilla SFE

My thoughts

Modern Muse is an absolutely beautiful and glamorous fragrance that sits perfectly within the Estee Lauder brand, the scent is powerful but not heady. I have had many Estee Lauder fragrances over the years and this reminded me a lot of one of my favourites - Dazzling Gold. It has the same richness and depth that exudes confidence and femininity and pure pleasure when wearing. Modern Muse is Jasmine heavy so if that is not a scent that appeals this perfume will most definitely not be for you. However, if you are searching for a sensual floral fragrance to take you into Autumn with a delicate base of warmth then this is well worth a visit.

Modern Muse EDP costs £44 for 30ml 

Estee Lauder Metallics Nail Lacquer

Passing by the Estee Lauder counter I was drawn to the new Metallics Pure Color Nail Lacquers and I was even more impressed when I swatched a few that caught my eye...

Chocolate Foil 

It actually applies really smooth, unfortunately I had already tried a polish on this nail (from another brand) and it had smudged so I had tried to remove it..hence the lumpy appearance! Chocolate foil is an attractive chocolate/purple shade.

Rose Gold

Pretty champagne pink shade

Brushed Gold 

Brushed Gold is one of the best gold polishes I have ever tried. Such a fabulous colour that is flattering on all skin tones..

All of these shades needed just one coat for opacity and give high shine and long wear

Estee Lauder Metallics Pure Color Nail Lacquers cost £14.50 each and comes in 8 shades.

Makeup For Afternoon Tea - FOTD

Last week I went for Afternoon Tea at Paramount and I thought I would share with you the makeup that I wore. As I was making a day of it in London I wanted to make sure my make up lasted. It was a pretty warm and sunny day so I wanted to avoid the big melt and still look fresh for when we sat down to tea at 3pm. I tend to go for a strong/bright lip when I go out and specifically do something as I just think they look great and stand out in photographs - The Shard was proof of this.

Products used 

Dermalogica SkinPerfect Primer SPF30
Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF in Light
Benefit Hoola Bronzer
Smashbox Blush Rush in Silhouette
Cargo Blush in Tonga
New CID I-Shadow Quad in Florence
Clinique Quickliner Intense for Eyes in Intense Chocolate
Max Factor Clump Defy Volumising Mascara
Estee Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Apricot Sun

What do you think?

My Top 3 Skin Bases/Foundations for Combination Skin

Here are my top 3 foundation choices for combination skin. These are here because I turn to them the most. I would repurchase these in a heartbeat and they absolutely work for me. My criteria for a good foundation - easy to blend, must cover my redness and pores and have staying power. Not much really!

In no particular order -

1. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup SPF10 £27.50 for 30ml

Double Wear has been a favourite of mine for many, many years now. Although this is quite a heavy foundation, coverage is impressive for a true flawless appearance and it is adjustable so it doesn't NEED to look mask like. I don't need to wear a separate concealer or a primer. This is the one foundation that I would apply if I knew I was going to be out all day and evening and didn't want to reapply. It stays put and looks good until the minute you remove it. A fantastic and reliable foundation with cult status and rightly so. Available in 30 shades.

You can read my original review here.

2. YSL Le Teint Touche Éclat Foundation £29 for 30ml

Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation really impressed me the first time I wore it and I go back to it time and time again. This is a revelation, it is incredibly light, covers everything I need it to and essentially looks natural and makes my skin look so good. Although its staying power is slightly less than the DW I like how fresh and radiant it makes my face look and it remains so for many hours. Available in 22 shades.

You can read my original review here

3. Ginvera Green Tea Nude Cover BB Cream £26 for 40ml 

I cannot rave enough about this BB Cream. As a base it ticks all the boxes and provides the level of coverage that I require and demand in a product. Ginvera is a moisturising base with skin benefits, provides excellent coverage, a high protection level of SPF30 and it is similar to texture to the YSL foundation. It goes on a little Ash looking in colour but soon melts into the skin disappearing to be virtually undetectable, allowing you to just have fabulous looking skin. This is a perfect Summer base but truth be told I would be happy to wear this all year round.

You can read my original review here

What are you favourite foundations?

Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer - French Nudes Collection

With nude nails being a huge trend this Spring, Estee Lauder have created 5 perfect shades with one bound to suit, whether you want a barely there look or a shade to contrast your skin tone. Billed as foundation for your nails these flesh tones take simplicity and give it a fresh, modern twist.

Whilst I like playing occasionally with colours on my nails I am far more comfortable with nude shades so this trend makes me very happy indeed!

French Nudes Collection

From L-R


Bittersweet
Diabolique
So Vain
Nudité
Ballerina Pink

Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquers French Nudes Collection will be available from March - £14.50 each.