MAC Viva Glam - Cyndi

Do you go gaga for Gaga? Or are you crazy for Cyndi?  Maybe it'y my age, or maybe I just can't pull off the light blue toned pink.  Anyway, my loyalties lie firmly with Cyndi.  After all, I am a child of the 80's!

In 1994, MAC launched the M.A.C Aids fund and the Viva Glam Program.  Limited Edition lip colours  were introduced on MAC counter's for a maximum of 12 months, with all RRP from the sale of each lipstick/lip glass going towards helping men, women and children who are dealing with AIDS/HIV around the world.

Viva Glam Cyndi was launched in Spring 2010, alongside Viva Glam Gaga.  They retail for £13.50 in the UK, which is a total bargain when you know where the money is headed for.  To be honest, they have never really been on my radar until recently, when I have begun wearing lipstick more frequently.  I'm usually attracted to gloss.  I like how it looks and feels on the lips.  But, after swatching Viva Glam Cyndi on a recent trip to MAC, I was surprised at the the glossy finish.  I guess that's because it's a lustre.  

So here it is.  Up close and personal in the bullet and on my lips. Apologies for the slightly blurry picture!

At first the colour was a little frightening to me.  I don't usually go for bold colours on the lips.  But I quickly realised that this would be a really wearable shade for me.  It's bright, without being too much.  It's a red, but is somewhat toned down with the inclusion of coral, making this a sort of 'my lips but better' shade, well, for me anyway.  I've been wearing it most days to work and have found it really to be a really easy shade to pull off.  It's certainly low maintenance (which you know is a must for me!) and polished.  Perfect!

I guess as it is almost Spring 2011, that the reign of Viva Glam Cyndi and Gaga will be drawing to a close.  So I know that I am going to have to bag a few of these as back-up's.  I not only love the product.  But fully support MAC and their fund-raising effort for such a worthwhile cause.  I'll certainly be adding a few more Viva Glam's to my collection.  Namely, II, IV and VI!  I don't feel bad though.  I'm just doing my bit for a great charity. 

Any Viva Glam recommendations for me?

L'Occitane Shea Essentials Collection TSV - Saturday 26th February

(Image borrowed from qvcuk.com )

Not another damn post about QVC! Yeah I know, I hear you.  But I can't help it, they just have some really fantastic offers on at the moment.  This being one of them.

Tonight's TSV is from L'Occitane.  A brand I truly adore for bath and body-care products.  So to have this collection on offer seriously tempts me.  I love the Ultra Rich Shower Cream  and the infamous Hand Cream with 20% Shea Butter is a must have for me. Score!  But, just to pique my interest further, L'Occitane and QVC have an Auto-Delivery option. 

Now, for those of you who aren't all genned up on the workings of QVC, Auto-Delivery is a fabulous little idea,  You buy as normal using a special order number and get your regular TSV through the post.  Then 90 days later, another kit arrives at your house.  This time, key products will change, usually to keep in line with the season.

  From the mailshot I received, I believe the other scent families on offer for the rest of the year are Apricot Flower, Orange Honey and Pure Shea.  This will mean that the Vineyard Rose products shown above, will be replaced with the other scents and you will still receive the hand cream and shea shower gel to keep you stocked up.    It's a great way for newcomers to the L'Occitane brand to try out different products in the range.  As you've guessed.  it's a no brainer for me as I'll buy those core products anyway. I'll also now have some new products to road test every 90 days. Yipeeeeeeeee!

Original Sin by Urban Decay @ Debenhams

(Image borrowed from urbandecay.com)

I happened to stumble over this little gem on the Debenhams.com website and wanted to share.

  The Urban Decay 'Original Sin' (great name!) collection comprises of full sizes of the Original Primer Potion (affectionately known as UDPP to those in the know) and the Primer Potion in Sin - a gorgeous shimmery champagne colour.  At the moment you can pick up this collection for £15 on the Debenhams website here, considering that a single UDPP costs £12, this is a bit of a steal. 

I've only ever had the mini sizes of the Primer Potion.  As Urban Decay usually throw one in as a little bonus when you buy a palette - but they seem to last for ages.  God knows how long these 2 full sizes will last!! Years probably! 

UDPP has fast become a staple in my make up routine. Plus, I've wanted to try Sin for ages so this seemed like the perfect opportunity.

Are you tempted by a touch of Original Sin??

It's Beauty Day on QVC - Sunday 13th February.

Yes, I know.  I am the QVC Queen! But something exciting is happening at midnight that heralds the beginning of the infamous "QVC Beauty Day".

I got a mail shot this week from Laura Geller to tell me about her TSV.  The Femme Fatale collection is a five full size piece bundle of goodies that look lovely. The smoky plum eye-shadow trio is gorgeous.  I can tell you now that I wont be purchasing though.  As lovely as it looks I'm not in the market for any of the items in the kit. I'm working my way through products I already have.  Listen to me being all sensible. Must be because I'm 30! haha.

However, I was excited to watch this little piece of video from Alison Young, where she says there will be special offers, Easy-Pay's and Beauty Day prices to be had. Exciting!

 What I am on the look out for is a fab deal on Alpha H Skincare, particularly the Liquid Gold.  I will probably spend the day watching in my jarmies, as is the rule for Beauty Day in my house. I can't wait. I love listening to all the hints and tips from the brand representatives and the banter form Alison Young.

Happy Shopping, if you are in the mood for purchasing.  And if you're not, well Happy Sunday to you!

QVC's February 2011 Beauty TSV's

 

Thursday 3rd February - Leighton Denny Expert Nails

Saturday 5th February - Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare

Sunday 13th February - Laura Geller Makeup

Wednesday 16th February  - Hair by Philip Kingsley 

Saturday 26th February - L'Occitane - Beauty en Provence

Monday 28th February - Judith Williams Skincare 

Happy Shopping!