NEW IN TOWN IN WELLINGTON! Victoria spices up my makeup...
Over the course of writing this blog over the last two years, there have been some real wins. Getting an Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian Award and being on the cover of a magazine are right up there, as is going to the NZ Social Media Awards and helping raise money for Downtown Community Ministry last Christmas. But I've gotta say, when I started to get to test makeup from Estee Lauder, this was a real highlight. What can I say? I love all things Wellington, and in particular trying out new makeup looks in our rain & wind. The range is available in Wellington exclusively at David Jones.
Now safe to say, the standard disclaimer applies (I'm not makeup artist etc etc). I do know my way around a lipstick, I can successfully powder my nose and I have recently become mad about primers. I watch lots of YouTube videos about makeup, and really enjoy learning techniques. I'd rather shop for a blush than a skirt. There are not that many makeup brands from New Zealand, let alone Wellington. And so on.
I could go on in the justifications. But at the end of the day, this is MY blog that I run solo handed, all in my own time, and if I wanna write about makeup from time to time, and if I can save myself a few bob by being sent some for the privilege, I damn well will (wouldn't anyone!).
Male readers, you're welcome to tune out and come back when I next interview someone kick-ass or taste the latest in craft burgers.
With that rant out of the way, let's talk about the new Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder Collection. I was born in 1989 which means I hit peak Spice craze. I had the Barbies. I had the Impulse Spray (god, I loved that stuff) and I had the Movie. However, I wasn't so nostalgic that I would just walk out and buy some of Victoria Beckham's goodies for the sake of it. I genuinely wouldn't have tried this makeup line if I hadn't been sent it. But I am so glad I was because I can honestly say two things:
- It is not cheap - this is an almost eye-wateringly expensive range (I looked up the prices online and you can see them by clicking through the links. Brace yourself).
- It's flipping phenomenal and worth pretty much every penny.
Maybe it is some cruel technique, but now I genuinely want more from the range, having tried the products below.
To start with, the packaging is sensational. It has an Art Deco design and wouldn't be out of place in Murder on the Orient Express. It also makes a wonderful clicking sound. Personally, the Eye Foil is the next product I want to rush out and by...having spent yesterday afternoon watching YouTube reviews of this range online. Everyone agrees that Mrs Beckham has nailed it. Let's have a closer look at the products.
Morning Aura Primer (from Signature Pieces)
Amazing. Genius. Incredible. This is a primer that makes your face sing. You know that it is good because whenever I see a photo of VB she is GLOWING! You just press the pump down, rub some on your fingers and press into the skin. Put on before makeup, or wear on its own with a lick of mascara and some of the aura gloss below. Use the powder to take down the shine and you have the perfect no-makeup makeup look.
Matte Lipstick in Victoria (from New York Collection) + Matte Lipstick in Burnished Rose (from Miami Collection)
These are two of three lipsticks in the collection. I couldn't decide which to use, although Burnished Rose would be my first choice, so here I mixed them together on my lips and moved them around with my fingers to create a blurred, blotted look that mimicked just having been kissed. These are super creamy and luxe and the container is a delight. I really think that these are probably the most purchasable item from the range, being the least pricey, in the case of getting a taste for the collection, but equally they are one you could pass on if you decided to invest in a few items, because the colours, while stunning, could be matched with dupe from another range if you wished. I for one will be wearing Burnished Rose at the wedding I am going to next weekend.
Eye Ink Mascara (from Signature Pieces)
This is actually the best mascara I have ever used. I find that getting the right mascara is really hard and I have hooded eyes so it often means that my mascara smudges and I look like a panda. This has amazing fibers in it which cling to your lashes and created bulk and length. The brush is petite but don't be fooled. This son of a gun packs a punch. For me, this mascara is perfection. Buy it now.
Aura Gloss (From L.A. Collection)
The Aura Gloss is a little confusing at first. It kind of reminded me of body glitter that I used to wear circa Spice Peak in 1998. However, it is infact a wonderful shimmery lipgloss that is hydrating and can also be used as a highligher. Smear it across your cupid's bow, cheeks and brow. I do like this and think it is quite a bit of fun.
Eye Matt Duo in Electrique and Nude (from Miami Collection)
Again, when I saw these colours at first I was quite confused. But wearing the blue, with some eyeshadow primer first undernear, I am converted. I don't think the duo necessarily should be worn at the same time, but I will certainly wear nude for day and the blue at night. The colour lasts pretty well and I can't believe it but I adore the shade. I got comments when I put up an Instagram photo saying the look was a bit like Adele. I'll take it. Great pigment, and beautiful to use. I applied it with a flat angled brush which helped create the matte, cat eye look (sorry my brows are wild).
Skin Perfecting Powder (from Signature Pieces)
This powder looks like it will be chalky as, but it is actually very light and you can use it on all skin tones. It mattes the shine from your face and is great if you don't want to wear more makeup. I loved this too and it will be replacing my Nars Pressed Powder.
So there you have it! The range has been analysed and its a YES from me. Head out to test the products yourself at David Jones. They are limited edition so don't tarry too long. Come on... say you'll be there!
