A LIPSTICK A DAY

Rouge Coco Shine in Flirt #69* is my cup of tea...because it's coral! I have a couple of Rouge Coco Shines and I love the formula - they are great for days when full on traditional lipstick is just a bit too much.

There is no doubt the star product of the Chanel Spring 2012 Harmonie de Printemps collection is the Blush Horizon de Chanel.  However I couldn'y help but be disappointed that the pattern was again stripes, similar to Chanel Bronze Rosé from the 2011 Summer (and the stripes theme will continue for Summer 2012 as well).  My secret wish is for Chanel to make a camellia motif powder palette.

The Chanel Spring Collection has finally launched in the UK.  I picked up a few things from the collection yesterday - will try to photograph and review them tomorrow if I can find the time.  Now in a mad rush to get dressed and have passport photos done (which is ALWAYS horrible).  Have a lovely weekend ♥

I adore the makeup at Christian Dior Couture by Pat McGrath.  A fresh and modern interpretation of 50's makeup (liner & full brows) to complement the new "original Dior New Look" silhouette. (To be honest I prefer the makeup to the dresses, please bring Galliano back!)

Murad very kindly sent me one of their Vitamin C Infusion Home Facial Kits, which I've wanted to try for a while.  This weekly vitamin C treatment mask (a at-home version of their spa treatment) claims to improve the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, stimulate skin renewal and increase hydration.

Vitamin C is one of the ingredients required to produce collagen.  Theoretically more collagen = plumped up skin*.  But can skin absorb vitamin C?  From my very unscientific research, it appears only very highly concentrated amounts (more than 10%) can be absorbed.  High concentration of vitamin C = £££.  Hence this kit, with 30% pure L-Ascorbic acid,  is not cheap at £65 for four treatments.

*Women in Asia spend A LOT of money on collagen drinks and tablets, although ingesting collagen doesn't necessarily mean your skin will absorb it.

This non beauty related but I thought I'd do a post on the best affordable desserts/patisseries in Paris.  I am a foodie with a very sweet tooth.

If you're heading to Paris anytime soon, please head to CityPharma in St Germain.  It is a pharmacy but the entire ground floor is dedicated to French skincare, bodycare, hair products and toiletries.  The layout is almost like a supermarket or library - tall shelves full of products with very narrow aisles (don't come here if you've got a wheely case with you).  I didn't take any photos of the store as I was in a bit of a rush and the store is BUSY (above image from google street view).

Santa left me a Joues Contraste in Rose Pétale under the Christmas tree :)

Rose Pétale is a medium rose pink with small shimmers throughout.  It is basically a pink version of In Love #55, except the texture seems to be even smoother and softer.  

I love City Pharma! Was very tempted to buy more. Anyone have suggestions for anymore must buys? No pharmacy seem to have Avibon in stock :(

(I know Nuxe and Klorane is available in London but it's cheaper here)

Dior's Garden Party Spring 2012 collection has two nail polishes - Forget Me Not (purple) and Waterlily.  Both are rose scented and limited edition.  I picked up Waterlily only as Forget Me Not doesn't suit my tanned olive skintone.

Dior's 2012 spring collection, Garden Party, includes the Rosy Glow Healthy Glow Awakening Blush (Rose à Joues Réhausser de Bonne Mine) in Pétale #001.