Paul & Joe Christmas 2021

 Treat a loved one to the cutest beauty gift this Christmas from Paul & Joe.

Known for their ridiculously cute cat-inspired lipsticks, balms and compacts, this kitsch, funk brand does not disappoint this festive season.

Take a little look at a selection of their goodies I’ve compiled to introduce to you.

Absolutely beautifully presented (as always), these items are a festive feast for your eyes, and if you’re a cat lover then you’re going to be well and truly in heaven.

 

Up first is the simply exquisite Treatment Lipstick 001 Bouquet de Noel (£17).

Hidden inside an environmentally friendly cardboard tube complete with a ditsy floral pattern you’ll find a wonderfully rich, luxurious lip treatment stick-balm.

Formulated with a host of natural moisturising ingredients including Jojoba Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil and Orange Honey as well as Collagen, this silky balm helps to deeply nourish and hydrate dry, chapped lips.

 

The best part? The bullet tip is shaped like a cat face.

Wait.

A cat face. Wearing a Santa hat.

I know I know, I can’t! Its just unbelievably sweet!

Gimmicky? Maybe, but this is a signature element for Pal & Joe and quite frankly I think its brilliant.

The only issue is that the formula is so decadent and effective that it won’t take long for that little cat to disappear!

Available in the same fashion print is the Paul & Joe Silky Hand Cream (£11).

This luxurious, lightweight hand cream boasts a beautiful festive fragrance and long-lasting hydration.

 

Its formula contains water repelling silicone oil, so even if you wash your hands you’ll find that the moisture is locked in for long lasting effectiveness.

Looking for something a little more dramatic? Look no further than the Paul & Joe Limited Edition lipstick in Ruban de Noel (£17).

This packaging features red and white gingham with the image of a gorgeous cat with big blue eyes and just like the lip treatment, reveals a surprise when you remove the lid.

 Twist the lipstick upwards and up pops a festive, red, mischievous winking kitty with (you guessed it) a Santa hat.

Ruban de Noel is a sumptuous, soft red which is perfect for the party season.

Enriched with orange oil, shea butter, jojoba oil and macadamia nut oil, this creamy rich lipstick not only imparts a gorgeous pop of colour but ensures your lips are pampered and soft all day long.

Featuring a matte finish and a gorgeous fig scent, it is a comfortable, easy to wear lipstick that will certainly draw admiring glances.

 Just like the lip treatment, this lippie also has a matching hand cream in the form of their Moisturizing Hand Cream (£11).

Unlike the silky hand cream, this tube of joy features a far richer, decadent texture to deeply restore and hydrate the skin on your hands.

 

Perfect for extra dry or sensitive skin, it possesses a gorgeous fig scent and is a great price point for stocking fillers.

Finally, no makeup bag would be complete without a mirror, and what a mirror the Paul & Joe Beauty Mirror (£14) is.

This large, circular compact mirror has been dressed in a rich, red wine hue and features a unique floral motif and red pleat detailing.

 

Presented alongside an elegant, hand keepsake pouch, it is super slim and light making it perfect for popping in your handbag.

Its innovative fold back lid allows you to stand the mirror upright, perfect for effortless touch-ups whenever and wherever.

Given the attention to detail with each and every item from this Christmas Collection, I would have expected their price points to be way higher but was pleasantly surprised to see how affordable they actually are!

You can get your hands on these gorgeous gems from Feelunique, Beauty Bay and Amazon now.

Mavala Fantastic Lip Collection

 Summer may have taken its final curtain call but that doesn’t mean you have to head to the dark side for winter, oh no.

Keep that feeling of bright summer days going throughout the winter months with Mavala’s stunning Lip Fantastic Collection.

 

Inspired by the feminine, floral colour trends of S/S 21, this collection of beautiful lip colours features a palette of floral, sparkling, cheerful tones to bring a little colour into the everyday.

Created to reflect the beauty of floral nature in all its glory, even the names of the lip shades carry reflect this affinity with nature.

There are six shades within this collection, each exquisite in their own right and each matches perfectly with the nail polishes from the Flower Magic Color Collection, allowing you to match your lips and tips!

667 Lily: Formulated with a cream finish, Lily is an elegant, luminous pink.

668 Rosa: Rosa is a beautiful pinky coral with a cream finish.

669 Marigold: A vivid, bright marigold hue with cream finish.

 

670 Wild Poppy: This intense fuchsia with red undertones is my favourite and is also in a cream finish.

671 Petunia: Petunia offers a bold, sparkling pink in a cream finish.

672 Primrose:  The only shade with a pearl finish, Primrose offers a soft, tender pale rose colour.

 

From Top- Bottom: Petunia, Marigold, Lily, Primrose,Wild Poppy & Rosa

Regardless of the finish, each Mavala lipstick features the same lip loving formula to ensure long lasting, comfortable wear.

Enriched with deeply hydrating shea butter, soothing aloe vera and conditioning Vitamin E, the rich formula banishes dryness and softens your lips while leaving you with a wash of irresistible colour.

Silky, soft and creamy in texture, the lipsticks are almost what I would describe as a lip balm hybrid.

Providing even, precise coverage in a single application your lips are left feeling soft and nourished hour after hour.

 

Beautifully pigmented, you can enjoy the pleasure of rocking a gorgeous lip with a satiny gloss finish which will not only lift your look but also your mood.

After all, how could you possibly feel down with such a gorgeous bouquet of hues available at your fingertips.

A quick tip of mine would be after applying, to lightly blot your lips with a tissue to ensure no bleeding or slippage.

 

This won’t remove the elegant sheen but will ensure that your lipstick is less likely to transfer when you eat or drink.

Mavala’s Fantastic Lip Collection is available in pharmacies and salons now and cost £13.65 each.

M.A.C’s New Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipsticks

 Lipstick lovers rejoice. M.A.C. have just upgraded their already iconic Lustre Lipsticks and now they’re bigger and better than ever before.

Introducing Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipsticks.

These beautiful bullets of joy are here to take your lipstick wearing experience to next levels of comfort and care thanks to their new formulation featuring a decadent blend of lip-loving ingredients.

Created to pair flattering, modern colours with a comfortable, nourishing feel, these lispticks really are a lip balm lovers dream.

Available in an impressive 28 different shades, they boast 18 new colours, four limited-edition and six fan favourites, ensuring there’s a colour to suit every complexion, mood or occasion.

The rich, silky formula has been enriched with jojoba, raspberry seed, coconut and extra-virgin olive oils to deeply nourish and condition your lips while shea butter and hyaluronic acid helps to impart long lasting moisture.

“Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipstick is an absolute pamper day for your lips”, says UK-based M·A·C National Artist Carly Utting. “Lips feel plump and baby-soft with the sheer, glassy blanket of colour it brings.”

Created to enable you to build the level of colour you want, they sway from a barely-there sheer wash, to a luminous and bold colour payoff.

I got my hands on 4 of these fabulous gems in a range of shades to illustrate just how beautiful they really are.

 

Succumb To Plum: A deep cool purple

Syrup: A beautiful blue-pink

fLUSTered: An eye-catching, vivid bright blue-red

Posh Pit: A warm, elegant rose-brown beige

 

Contained within the instantly recognisable curved black M.A.C bullets you’ll find a gorgeously shiny lipstick with the brand name embossed along the side.

The tip of each lipstick come to a soft point, allowing for precision application and their texture is nothing short of luxurious.

The wonderfully rich, sheer lipsticks glide with ease across your lips without tugging or pulling on your skin for an even coverage after just one application.

 

Silky smooth and soft, they quench dry lips while imparting a beautiful pop of colour which can be built upon depending on the intensity of look required.

Unlike many lipsticks which can cause your lips to feel dry and uncomfortable almost instantly, these little goodies actually nourish your lips like you would expect from a lip balm.

However, unlike a lip balm, your colour won’t slide, slip, bleed or diminish over time.

 

Its luminous finish helps to create the illusion of a fuller pout thanks to its long lasting moisturising properties and superior shades.

Lips look beautiful and feel softer, smoother and more supple than ever before.

M.A.C’s new Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipsticks are available now and cost £19.50.

Urban Decay Vice Lipstick

 Ladies and gents, meet the gorgeous new Vice lipsticks from Urban Decay.

This is their first lipstick launch in 5 years and my gosh is it s good ‘un!

Featuring an impressive 31 new shades, these little tubes of love have been created in an all-new 100% vegan formula.

 

Inspired by L.A., the new lipstick bullet design draws inspiration from the modern, sculptural architecture and gritty concrete jungle of Downtown Los Angeles.

The outer packaging features bright pinks and bold purples sat as a backdrop against a collage of black and white lips, with just one full pout featuring the colour of the lipstick captured within.

Slide the bold, rectangular lipstick out and enjoy the contrasting architecture of the rigidity of its edges paired with soft curvatures of both the lid and main body of the lipstick in a contemporary, reflective pinky-silver hue.

Remove the lid to reveal a soft, metallic purple tube which houses your lipstick and revel in its beauty!

The 31 strong line up has been created in three distinct finishes; cream, matte and shine and you’ll find every kind of shade from neutrals and warm nudes to bright pinks, electric reds and even deep purples to dazzle and delight depending on your mood or occasion.

Their vegan formula has been infused with a host of skin comforting and nourishing ingredients to ensure that you your lips don’t just look good, but feel good too.

 

Ravenswood

Depends on Traffic

Aloe vera and avocado oil, both rich in antioxidants soothe and protect your lips while hyaluronic acid clings onto moisture for long lasting nourishment throughout the day.

That’s not all though. These seriously pigmented lipsticks offer superior, even, long lasing colour that will not bleed or feather, ensuring your lips look beautiful from day to night and beyond.

If vibrant, intense colour is what you’re looking for then their Cream or Matte finishes are the one for you, or if you’re after a more sheer look then their Shine Finish collection is perfect.

 

Hideaway

What's Your Sign

I like my lipstick to be bold so I got my hands on a couple of Cream and Matte shades to put them through their paces.

In the cream finish I tested out ‘Depends On Traffic’, a medium warm nude and Ravenswood, a beautiful medium dusty rose.

In matte I opted for ‘What’s your sign’, a soft nude pink and Hideaway, a deep nude mauve.

 

Each shade has been created with the same decadently rich, creamy and soft formula.

The angled tip of the bullet is perfect for effortless, precision application and the rich pigments ensure an even, full coverage with just one sweep.

The cream line offers a slightly softer, creamier finish than matte but surprisingly despite matte lippies having a tendency to dry your lips out, I didn’t experience this at all with Vice.

 

Comfortable to wear and hugging your lips like a warm embrace, their vividness lasted long after application and continued to feel pleasant to wear all day long.

I’m really impressed by these bad boys.

I love their fun, funky design and packaging. I love the variety of finishes on offer and I love the range of colours available.

Urban Decay’s new Vice Lipsticks are available online and instore and cost £19 each.

Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss

 The warm summer months can see people step away from heavy makeup in favour of a lighter, breezier look to reflect the change of season.

Out are thick, heavy foundations and in are natural, comfortable feeling products.

 

Step forward Charlotte Tilbury with her beautiful new lip colours to keep your lips looking and feeling beautiful all summer long.

Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss colours are hyaluronic acid infused hydrating lipstick balms.

Bridging the gap between cosmetics and skincare, these next generation lipstick gloss balms feature a host of lip-loving ingredients to comfort, nourish and hydrate your lips while imparting a soft pop of colour.

 

Available in 10 universally flattering shades (including the iconic Pillow Talk), the hero ingredient here is of course, hyaluronic acid which retains moisture to plump and smooth your lips.

C-Peptide reduces the appearance of fine lip lines, creating a more youthful appearance.

Hydrating Butters replenish and nourish your lips while passion fruit seed oil deeply conditions.

 

Super-soft Polymers care for your lips while glossy ester’s and pigments moisturise, giving your lips a high sheen finish with medium coverage.

As far as I’m concerned, the trend for skincare led cosmetics is simply brilliant and I will often seek out such products as I think the idea of caring for skin while beautifying is inspired.

I also have a pretty huge lipbalm collection. You’ll never find me without one as I can’t abide the feeling of dry lips.

 

The combination of a nourishing balm paired with colour can be tricky to navigate as often, the colour itself tends to take a bit of a back seat to the hydrating qualities of the balm, but in the case of Happikiss they’ve got it spot on.

The balm itself is housed in a cute, compact tube with all the glam Tilbury colours on show.

I got my hands on two of the gorgeous shades; Passion Kiss, which is a sophisticated, soft brown and  Happicoral, a fresh soft coral shade which is exclusive to CharlotteTilbury.com.

Now, unlike a lipstick, due to the unique fondue-like texture, you’ll find that these Happikiss balms are non-retractable, so its important to only twist the base clockwise to open and apply a little at a time.

 

The formula is wonderfully silky and soft. Lightweight yet rich, shiny yet non sticky, it applies like a dream, effortlessly gliding across your lips.

Surprisingly, it actually offers pretty even coverage in just one swipe and I was really impressed by the potency of the colour too.

I expected it to be fairly weak but it wasn’t at all.

Once applied, my lips felt soft, plump and comfortable plus while the shade was certainly noticeable, it wasn’t as bold or as in your face’ as a traditional lippie.

Ideal for that ‘no-makeup’, ‘natural’ look, it is simply perfect.

Plus, because it is so hydrating, I actually found myself not needing my regular balm too.

 

I’m seriously impressed by these little tubes of joy and am on a mission to collect all 10 shades now as I love them so much!

Charlotte Tilbury’s Hyaluronic Happikiss Lipstick Balms are available now and cost £19 each.Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss

Emolyne

 When it comes to makeup I’m happy to admit that I can be a tad lazy, so when I came across a brand that offered a collection of products which allow you to perfectly match your lips and nails I was chuffed.

Emolyne is a new British make-up brand that has created an impressive range of 30 different shades with matching Lipsticks, Lip Liners and Nail Lacquers.

 

 

Founded by Ugandan-born, Denmark-raised and London-based Emolyne Ramlov, the collection has been created to ensure there is  shade to suit every skin tone and is inspired by Emolyne’s heritage.

She looked to the continent of her birth for inspiration in creating her debut range seeing that each shade is named after an iconic African city, country or landmark as an homage to the rich and vast essences of beauty that continent holds

 

 

 

Like me, she spent years trying to find lip and nail products that were an exact shade match,so instead of giving up she decided to create a brand that would cater to those looking for coordinated colours.

Within the range you’ll find 15 shades of nude and 15 shades of red to allow you a diverse range of colours to choose from and to ensure that each and every skin tone is catered for.

I opted for the luxurious, Eritrea, a nude rose pink.

 

 

A truly stunning, flattering shade, their Metamorphosis Velvet Semi-Matte Lipstick (£21) features a beautifully pigmented, long-lasting formula.

Can we just take a moment to appreciate what could be, the most stunning Lipstick case i've had the pleasure of owning.

 Dazzling with an elegant sparkle of pink and gold, it exudes luxe glamour.

 

 

Onto the lipstick itself.

Rich and creamy in texture, it offers superior hydration to prevent your lips from drying out while offering a great, true colour pay off.

The weightless texture effortlessly glides across your lips, delivering full coverage in just one sweep.

 

 

For precise, ultra-long lasting coverage apply their rich, smudge-proof Metamorphosis Velvet Long-Wear Nude Lip Definer (£13).

Plump and define your pout while preventing lipstick bleed by lining your lips with this exact match of your lipstick colour.

 

 

The liner is pigmented enough to wear alone or as a base to enhance your lipstick staying power.

Complete your lips and tips look with their Nude Metamorphosis Gel Lacquer (£11).

 

 

This gel effect, quick drying, long lasting nail lacquer offers an ultra-glossy, highly pigmented finish in just one coat without the need for a UV lamp.

It delivers an impressive high-shine finish and elegant, vivid colour which hugs your nails and stays put.

 

 

I just adore the concept of a brand that has true matching lip and nail colours and can’t fathom why this hasn’t been created before!

Available to buy individually or as a kit, you can save £5 by buying the complete trio as one.

 

 

Check out Emolyne’s impressive range of products and colours online now.