Say’s Lancôme :

“Lancôme invents Teint Visionnaire, the first high-tech make-up duo that pushes the concept of perfect skin to an all-new level: the alliance of a targeted high-coverage corrector enriched with vitamin CG and a perfecting foundation with a concentration of [LR 2412]. For the first time, women no longer have to choose between ultra-perfection and a natural-looking result.”

For the first time, two complementary expert steps are blended in a single product, to reconcile perfect coverage and a natural, no-compromise result available in 18 shades of tone-to-tone corrector + perfecting foundation.

Step 1:
Targeted high-coverage corrector The lid compartment contains an easy-to-work corrector enriched with vitamin CG, known for its brightening action. Apply locally to instantly correct dark spots, under-eye circles and any other imperfections. This high-coverage texture need only be applied to areas in need of correction.

Step 2:

Complexion perfecting foundation
For a perfect complexion with a natural finish over the entire face, this fluid flawlessly harmonises the complexion whilst remaining extremely light for a fine, weightless make-up result. It evens out skin without accentuating pores, wrinkles or fine lines. Enriched with [LR 2412], the “perfect skin” molecule, it works day after day to smooth wrinkles and refine pores, recreating truly beautiful skin. Two fundamental products with two complementary textures, for the ideal balance between high coverage and a natural finish, as well as between make-up and skincare.

Skin is genuinely transformed in 4 weeks. Day after day, Teint Visionnaire visibly metamorphoses skin, improving its quality. After 4 weeks,on bare skin, imperfections, dark spots and wrinkles are corrected, revealing skin that is perfectly smooth, even and infused with light. Skin is truly transformed.”

Teint Visionnaire will be available in 15 shades, mimicking the shades of Lancôme’s Teint Idole Ultra and Teint Miracle ranges. The RRSP is 595.00. It will be available at all Lancôme counters, in selected  Edgars, Red Square, Stuttafords, Woolworths, Truworths and Foschini, from the end of April.

The post Lancôme Teint Visionnaire foundation appeared first on Kim Gray Lifestyle Blog.

Features & Benefits:

•  Luxuriously creamy and hydrating formula with excellent phytoderived emollient properties

•  Certified organic sunflower based polyglycerides hydrates and smooth lip contours, while adding volume and definition

•  Naturally cooling peppermint oil is an emollient-rich botanical that provides excellent antiseptic and astringent benefits with a refreshing tingle that both soothes and stimulates irritated lips

•  Knocked-out Stila logo on cap, colour-matched to the shade within for easy at-shelf navigation

• A handy mirror on top of the cap for easy application on-the-go

Stila Colour Balm is available in 10 shades, priced at R210. You can find Stila’s Colour Balm Lipsticks at selected Woolworths and Truworths stores countrywide.

TO WIN:

To stand the chance of wining 1 of 5  lip-smacking Stila Colour Balms, simply like the Stila Facebook Page Here, and tell me in the comments section on my blog that you have and which colour you’d like.

And / Or

Tweet about this competition @kimgray @StilaSA

Winners announced 19 April / open to S.A. only / winners must claim prize within 30 days

The post Win 1 of 5 Stila Colour Balms appeared first on Kim Gray Lifestyle Blog.

Says QMS Cosmetics “Beauty balms were first formulated in Germany in the 1960′s to protect the skin and coverage after surgery. They contain ingredients that create an even skin tone as well as anti-oxidants which prolong the onset of aging as well as protecting the skin from pollutants. In Asia, the BB market grew rapidly, as most women are fanatical about having flawless, blemish-free skin. Last summer, the western world saw the BB cream emerging as the leading beauty product, taking over serums, primers and tone-eveners. In fact, it’s a multi-tasker that does the work of moisturiser, sunblock, anti-ager and foundation. The Daily Mail called it “the Swiss Army knife of the beauty industry”.”

So it’s important to remember, this is not a foundation, but more like a tinted moisturiser with loads more benefits!

Offering I think the most coverage of the 4 BB Creams I’ve tried, the new Clarins BB Cream is fabulous with its satin, oil free finish, perfect for evenings out and can only radiate wonders applied over your Clarin Beauty Flash Balm, one of my all time favourite beauty products!

* 3d Radiance Pigment ensures an even and radiant complexion, reducing redness in the skin

* Organic Kiwi extracts energize the skin while katafray and hyaluronic acid boost and reinforce hydration

* Protects against pollution and free radicals

* Mineral filters protect the skin against harmful rays of the sun (spf25) and prevent formation of dark spots.

Launches April, R375

I Love that the Filorga tube has a little pump action, allowing you to easily control the amount you want to use.

*  Comprehensive anti-ageing action: a powerful active ingredient corrects wrinkles by activating the skin’s healing mechanisms. A protective index of 15 prevents cutaneous photo-ageing.

*  Soothing and repairing action: the Unisooth complex immediately reduces redness and soothes fragile and sensitised skin for an even complexion. Triacetate acts as a natural inflammatory which is fabulous for irritated, puffy or red skin.

*  Corrective action and natural coverage: soft focus agents and latest-generation pigments blend into the skin for a flawless complexion.

Retails at R550 available at Edgars and Red Square

Not originally packaged as a BB Cream, but it pretty much is, The QMS Medi Cosmetics Sport Active Cream has long been a favourite. With only one shade available, this dewy cream adjust to any skin tone.

* Keeps skin firm and healthy

* Prevents skin aging as well as premature light-induced skin aging

* Nurtures and leaves skin supple

* Protects against free radicals

It’s a really sheer formula, leaving your skin tone evened and glowing, to enhance the natural you!

R610, see here for stockists

Being the first BB Cream I tried, I was hooked.  I love the glow this product brings to my skin!

* Diminishes appearance of fine lines and skin imperfections

* Minimized pore size

* Reduces redness and skin irritation

*Leaves a silky finish

* Oil free, paraben free and dermatologist tested

R395 available at select Woolworths & Truworths Stores

The post Beauty Balm round up appeared first on Kim Gray Lifestyle Blog.

1.)           You’ve just been to New York for NYFW, what were your highlights?

New York fashion week is always a thrill for me, and this year I was welcomed not only by plenty of snow but also a limited edition make-up bag designed especially for Maybelline by Patria Fields! Scoop!

My highlights this year was working on Lacoste and DKNY shows. It is always a thrill to work on NYFW, as it is truly the best experience to work on top international models who we see in all the big ad campaigns. My favourite models this year on the DKNY show were Cara Delavigne who is always clowning around and pulling faces for the camera’s until she walks the runway, and Lais Ribeiro, who is not only the sweetest girl but a complete professional, with skin to die for!

  2.) Can you tell us about any make-up trends you saw and you’re loving?

I am a true fan of a well-constructed nude face and this year many designers chose variations of nude faces and let the garments be the hero. Skin was slightly more mat than summer versions of nude looks, and focus was on either full brows or lots of lashes as a focus.

3.) Which are your top 3 Maybelline Products right now and why?

* Colossal Smoky mascara, just when I thought it couldn’t get any better this mascara came as a pleasant surprise and is now a “must have” item.

* Fit Me foundation, I have using this in my kit since it launched last year and it is still my go-to number 1 foundation.

* Master Drama Precise, for a perfect liquid liner on the top lashes and also Master drama pencil, as it stays put for hours making a real must for me, as touch- up’s are not necessary with these pencils!

4.) I’m all about natural looking, glowing skin, lots of lashes and a fun lip – what would you recommend for a freckled girl like me? 

Definitely Fit Me foundation, it is a light liquid foundation that is designed not to change your skin texture, but will still cover imperfections. Your freckles will still be visible but your skin will have natural glow and look polished.

5.) Any beauty tips for Kim Gray Readers that you swear by?

* Don’t line your lips with pencil.

* Using eye-cream before foundation will help you achieve a better under eye result, after you have applied concealer.

* You can keep applying mascara while it is wet, but stop the minute it is dry.

* Don’t over pluck your brows, fuller brows are more youthful .Use a brow pencil to gently fill in brows (not draw them on) for a professional finish.

Maybelline and make-up fans will also be excited about this years Maybelline 2013 Calendar, inspired by New York City. Through make-up, see the likes of the George Washington Bridge, classic New York graffiti scenes, Central Park, New York City Sounds and Time Square to mention a few.

The post Maybelline 2013 appeared first on Kim Gray Lifestyle Blog.

Launching on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2013, the campaign will kick off with the introduction of Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge in the select international markets including South Africa. Every cent of the retail selling price of Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge, R340, will support organizations that empower women and girls with the confidence and resources to be their best.

“Pretty Powerful symbolizes my belief that all women are pretty, and with the right tools, are empowered to a higher level of pretty – it’s about being confident and about being who you are,” says Bobbi Brown. “It’s this philosophy that fuels the campaign and motivates me every day to do all I can to empower women and girls.”

In South Africa, the campaign will support HeartBeat, a charity that cares for the emotional well-being of orphaned and vulnerable children suffering from the impact of HIV. Bobbi Brown Cosmetics will focus on the women and girls in the program, ensuring they receive the education, as well as the life and job skills necessary to thrive as people, students, workers, partners and parents.This limited edition item will be available in March 2013 at select Bobbi Brown counters Retailing for R340. The Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge will be available exclusively at Edgars and Red Square. Put it in your diary girls!

The post Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge appeared first on Kim Gray Lifestyle Blog.

This impressive looking, triple-swirled helix serum instantly color corrects, brightens and covers skin imperfections for a flawless face with no fuss. This 4-in-1 primer, colour corrector, brightener and anti-ageing skincare serum prepares your canvas with the help of Stila’s Youth Revival Bio-Available Mineral Complex.™  The twirly, worly, Stila One Step Correcting & Brightening Serum leaves skin feeling smoothed and matt, yet radiant and even toned. A real secret weapon for skin! (R330.00)

It’s such a nice surprise when applying the Stila Colour Balm Lipstick ( I have the Terracotta Rose) as it’s all minty and unexpected from a lipstick. This creamy, balm lipstick contains organic sunflower-seed polyglycerides to hydrate and smooth lips while cooling peppermint oil which provides a refreshing tingle that soothes irritated lips. The lipstick certainly feels hydrating with a fresh, minty tingle and boasts a creamy shine.

*Available at selected Woolworths and Truworths Stores

The post Stella Stila products appeared first on Kim Gray Lifestyle Blog.

Bobbi Brown launches a new skin care range with an exclusive SuperCitrus Complex to brighten, moisturise and even skin tone.

The Extra Bright, lack-lustre-busting-trio, consists of a Foaming Cleanser (R410)  to rid dull looking skin impurities, an Advanced Serum (R790) to target dark spots and minimize fine lines and an Advanced Moisture Lotion (R680) to soothe any redness in the skin and strengthens skin against hyper-pigmentation. It also prepares the skin for treatments to follow.

I’ve been trying it out and it’s not an expected creamy lotion but more like a face splash. It ads a fabulous glow to the skin. These 3 Extra Bright products work together to minimise skin-dulling dark spots, unevenness, discolouration and brighten the skin for a more radiant glow. I love the simple, modern packaging! It’s as fresh as the product itself.

Oh my gosh, the Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow Sticks (R335) are amazing and so fun to use as it glides on effortlessly – this is going to save one so much time as the creamy texture is so easy to smudge and blend! Love it! With 8 hours of long last colour, use the shadow sticks to darken, highlight or define eyes.

The post Bobbi Brown loves appeared first on Kim Gray Lifestyle Blog.

Invest in quality when it comes to brushes, as a make up artist I know the importance of good tools for my trade. Real hair brushes are the answer and when cared for correctly they can and should last years. It’s important to clean them regularly and I prefer to use shampoo over brush cleaner. No need to squeeze shake or dab brushes, just lie them flat on a towel and allow to dry over night. Brushes lend to a smoother, more polished make up application.

For tricky areas like under the eye, you fingers are still the best tool to use, they work best to blend creamy concealers as the heat from your finger tips helps to melt the concealer and blend it into the skin. Fingers are also great for applying creme blushes onto cheeks and creme textured eye shadows onto eyes lids.

Another ‘can’t live with out tool’ is the earbud, essential for cleaning up lip and eye lines or a mascara spill. (Try rolling the bud over the smudge rather than sweeping it across which generally just smears it further).

1 /2 /

The post Brush up appeared first on Kim Gray Lifestyle Blog.

A colour for every occasion! Love the bright pink for toes and soft pink for finger nails.

Enhance a summer complexion with the beautifully crafted Poudre Signee de Chanel (Limited Edition – R650) It enhances natural skin tone with its warm beige and peach evanescent powder with fine sparkles to brighten the skin. So pretty, it gives skin a gorgeous glow and evens skin tone. A real summer spoil! I love that the sparkle is very subtle and so you won’t look like a disco ball when going out. It’s got just that perfect touch of radiance.

The Les 4 Ombres (R560) is my perfect palette. Create natural looking, defined eyes or darker sultry definition with these 4 classic, soft & creamy yet powdery shades.

The post Chanel spring make up collection appeared first on Kim Gray Lifestyle Blog.

Be Legendary Lipstick (R190): Smashbox’s signature lipstick gets even more legendary in a new “Love Me” edition, featuring Kulig’s signature red shade. This creamy formula is infused with vitamins, as well as Shea Butter. Available Shades: Love Me (red), Tempt Me (coral)

Lip Enhancing Gloss (R180): Let your lips scream “Love Me” without uttering a word with this glassy gloss. Developed with a non-sticky, moisturizing formula, the gloss delivers color with a hint of pearlescent shimmer. Available Shades: Adore Me (coral), Charm Me (bubblegum pink)

Eye Shadow Palette (R390): Let everyone know that “Love Me Was Here” with just a glance. These collectible palettes feature five richly pigmented shadows. Contrast and blend the shades for an enhanced look. Available Shades: Admire Me (pinks and browns), Entice Me (blues and purples)

Blush (R220): Housed in a collectable compact emblazoned with Kulig’s “Love Me” scrawl, this high-impact hot pink was made to make your canvas pop in public. Available Shade: Idolize Me (bright pink)

Available at selected Woolworths, Foschini, Edgars and Red Square Stores.

The post Smashbox “love me” collection appeared first on Kim Gray Lifestyle Blog.