Haulin' in Lyon Part 1 (Sephora) & Make Up Forever product raves

This is what I picked up from Sephora in the second city of France...


(From L-R)

Make Up Forever HD Elixir - this is something I've been wanting to try since its release in the States. It has only just been released in France, which is strange because Make Up Forever is a French company. I would say it is the French equivalent of MAC. It is described as an "innovative serum that instantly hydrates and adds radiance to the skin. The breakthrough formula was specifically created to smooth and prepare the skin for high definition make up." It goes on to say that "D-Panthenol and Glycerin ensure HD Elixir provides and immediate boost of hydration (+520% after 15 minutes) that lasts throughout the day (+175% after 6 hours)."

No matter how much I moisturise, I have really dry skin on the sides of my nose (gross!) so I have to use a serum post-moisturiser, pre tinted moisturiser. I have been using this every day since I purchased it and I can say that it definitely keeps my skin hydrated all day long. It is a lightweight formula that only takes about a minute to absorb. You only get 12ml or 0.40fl.oz for 29 Euros but there is a dropper in the lid so none of the product should get wasted.

Make Up Forever Brush Cleanser - I bought this randomly. I haven't tried it out yet.

Make Up Forever Glossy Full Couleur in #7 Pale Pink - Another product I picked up randomly but I am so glad that I did. This is the most moisturising, non-sticky, non-plastic tasting gloss I have ever tried. Forget about Nars Turkish Delight and try this instead. I have crossed Dolce & Gabbana's Candy off my wishlist and replaced it with MUFE #8 Peach & #10 Pinky Peach.

Sephora Retractable Powder Brush - I just got this to throw in my bag to use with my MAC Blot Powder.

Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes in #1L Star Black - I repurchased this as I have nearly used up the one I got in Paris in August. This is my go to eyeliner of the moment, it is quick and easy to apply and lasts all day.

Back to my love of Make Up Forever. Out of all of the products I have tried from this brand (around 10) I have not been disapointed. If you have any MUFE product recommendations please let me know. Apart from the lipglosses, I am interested in purchasing the HD kabuki brush, the double-ended sculpting brush and Aquablack Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow.

Part 2 of my haul is from the Pharmacy, Monoprix beauty section and Yves Rocher.

Bisous -x-

Sephora to make a comeback in the UK...? :)

So word is that Sephora and Marks & Spencer are in talks about operating Sephora within their stores. Mmm if it goes ahead it certainly would be a breakthrough, but something in Oxford Street or Regent Street on the scale of the flagship Champs Elysees store is what I'm praying for. You can join the Facebook group at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4356233675

Demand for Sephora in the UK would be huge because the shopping experience there is unique compared to Boots and even Space NK and the beauty halls of major department stores.

I'm lucky enough to visit my family in France every few months so I can hit Sephora for my fix then. But the thought of Sephora in the UK makes me wonder how minimal my French hauls would be :)

Bisous -x-

Paris haul

Salut!

Sorry I haven't blogged for a while. My internet got cut off before I went to Paris.

I had a great trip, the weather was hot so I got a great tan. I spent two days at Disneyland and the rest of the time shopping and visiting friends. Here is my modest haul...

In Sephora I just picked up some Make Up Forever stuff - the five colour camouflage concealer palette (love), aqua smoky lash mascara (I'm not sure about the wand) and two aqua eyes eyeliners in black and shiney black (love). I also picked up a Sephora non rinse brush cleaner (not pictured).

In Parashop I picked up Bioderma Crealine H2O and the wipes. I highly recommend these as after a week of using them my skin has noticeably improved. Clarins better watch out - I might just switch all my skincare over to Bioderma.

In Douglas I picked up a cute Hello Kitty sponge and a mini Mavala nail polish in Liberty - its a cream nude colour j'adore ca!

Apart from make up, I bought two breton tops from Saint James and a pair of leather look ballet leggings from Promod which is the French equivalent of Forever 21.

If you plan to visit Paris, I recommend Rue de Rennes and Rue du Four in the 14th arrondissement for shopping. The closest metro station is Rennes or Montparnasse Bienvenue. There are many Sephora stores all over the city but the one on Champs Elysees is the biggest and has the best selection of products - it even stocks MAC. French skincare brands are very good and can be found in any pharmacy, but the Parashop chain is really good.

Bisous -x-

Paris Wishlist...

I am going to Paris in August and that means one thing... SEPHORA! :)

I can't wait to hit the Make Up Forever section. This is what I want...

Waterproof Smokey Lash mascara
Aqua Eyes waterproof eyeliner in Black
5 Colour Camouflage concealer palette in either No1 or No2

I'm hoping they will have HD Elixir and the double ended contour brush - I checked the French website and they are not available on there yet.

Depending on the contents of my Hello Kitty purse at the end of the week I might go back and get a back up of the HD Microfinish powder and maybe a Sculpting Kit.

I might also get some Sephora brand products, although Sephora in the US has a better selection.

Apart from make up, I hope to find the perfect vintage Chanel 2.55 handbag, another handbag, some clothes (in particular a bright or printed maxi dress, breton top and tulip skirt) maybe some shoes, possibly some Hello Kitty stuff and some Arabic jewelery.

Bisous -x-