Bath Time With The Beauty Vine #3 | The Luxe Edit | Laura Mercier

Today's "Bath Time with The Beauty Vine" post is without a doubt, luxurious and decadent. Laura Mercier is quickly becoming one of my favourite high end beauty brands. I don't have a huge collection of her cosmetics, but a carefully thought out and selected edit of beautiful products that I enjoy using, and reach for on a regular basis. Of course, there are many more of her products that are on my ever growing wish list, including her liquid foundations, stunning lipsticks, and of course the recently released rose infused facial oil and moisturiser...just to name a few.

I happened to be in the right place at the right time whilst scrolling on Instagram late last year, and entered a competition to win this set of Almond Coconut Milk Bath and Body products. I believe the set was a Christmas promotion, and low and behold... I won! Be still my beating beauty heart!

These gorgeous products deliver not only in their beautiful quality and sensorial delight, they just make you feel special. At the risk of repeating myself, taking some time to do something just for me is really important as a busy mum of four boisterous children. I have learnt over the years to let go of a little bit of that mother guilt, and have come to realise that if I don't have a little bit of time for me, time to fill up my tank, then I have less reserves to deal with meeting the needs of my family,  the demands of part time work as a midwife, and just life in general.

So allow me to set the "Bath Time" scene for you once again. Steam is wafting around my bathroom as the bath fills...fresh, clean pyjamas, fresh clean fluffy towel, candle glowing,
and glass of wine at the ready..

Let's go Laura!

Before we begin, I thought I would share this description of the Almond Coconut Milk Fragrance that I found on the Laura Mercier website...

" Inspired by the aroma of a French Patisserie, this scent captures the essence of almond, coconut milk, jasmine, rosewood, ylang yang, vanilla, tonka, heliotrope and musk".

Now try and tell me that doesn't sound completely delicious!

Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Honey Bath is about as luxurious as a bubble bath could possibly be. Swirl the honey dipper into the pot, and place the luxurious honey bath under the running water. It creates a load of lovely bubbles with a warm, sweet, comforting scent.
Enriched with sweet almond oil, macadamia oil, honey and vanilla extracts, your skin will feel so beautifully clean and soft. A sip of wine, and a little bit of time soaking...heavenly.

Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Sugar Scrub is creamy and thick, oozing with coconut oil, Tahitian Gardenia extract, Sweet Almond Oil, Honey, good sized chunks of sugar, and finely ground coconut and almond shell. This scrub does not beat around the bush, it gives a really good exfoliation with an extremely nourishing, decadent base. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I like to take my time, and really focus on scrubing all the neglected areas of my skin, which really is everywhere lets face it! I will typically do the top half of my body whilst sitting in the bath, and then stand up to buff the lower half until it's glowing, including my poor neglected feet. A good scrub is typically followed by some time focusing on quieting my mind. A little more time soaking is in order...

Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Souffle Body Creme is next on the beauty menu. Out of the bath, I wrap myself up in my fluffy towel, pat my skin dry, and smooth on this completely delicious whipped body cream. Enriched with protective and skin nourishing oils of Grape Seed, Macadamia, Sweet Almond, and Rice Bran oil, with an added kick of Shea Butter, Honey, Aloe, Vanilla, Cinnamon and Cacao extracts, this body cream is pure and utter luxury. A little goes a long way, and my skin just glows. I could seriously give JLo a run for her money in the glow department... and I bet she doesn't smell like a french patisserie...

How could there possibly be anything else to add this bathing ritual worthy of a princess, I hear you implore? Well, there is. Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Shimmer Body Mist. Now I have tried to locate this product for you, however I cannot find it anywhere. As I mentioned earlier in the post, I believe this gift pack was a promotion for Christmas, so the Shimmer Body Mist was likely limited edition. Certainly not an essential, you would do just as well without it, but gosh it is pretty. Spritz anywhere you wish your skin to shimmer and glisten, I can imagine this product to be lovely as an extra layer of the divine fragrance, perhaps before a special occasion or date night. You could also mix a little of it into the Body Souffle for a more subtle shimmer. Do keep your eyes peeled for this in limited edition gift sets.

The full size of the Almond Coconut Milk Honey Bath is a 300ml tub and retails for $50.00 AUD.
The Almond Coconut Milk Sugar Scrub full size is 340gm and retails for $55.00 AUD.
The Almond Coconut Milk Soufflé Body Cream full size is 340gm and retails for $65.00 AUD.

The size of my products are 110gm, which is just under a third of the full size. Each pot comes absolutely full to the brim with product, and I have had plenty of baths with these. I have no doubt the full size products would last a very long time! These are luxury products that come with a luxury price tag, but I can't help but warmly and wholeheartedly recommend them.

 Laura Mercier Bath and Body products are also available in a number of different scents... I have my eye on the Ambre Vanille.  I really don't think you could go wrong with any of the scents. These products are certainly not inexpensive, and perhaps something that you could pop on the wishlist for a birthday or special occasion gift.
However, if it is within your budget, absolutely go for it!



Have you tried any of these completely delicious products? Are you sick of hearing the word delicious? Do leave a comment below! I would love to hear your favourite Laura Mercier products!



Thanks so much for stopping by!


Blessings,


Lou xo

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Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour | Swatches and Chat

Laura Mercier's Caviar Stick Eye Colours are one of my favourite eye products. I have accumulated a modest four shades over the last 2 years, and have been trying to quiet the beauty lover's voice in my mind that keeps whispering " ...oh wouldn't it be lovely to try some more shades Lou?...." 

Anyone else hear that little voice? Do tell me I'm not alone here?

There are a number of reasons why I adore these cream shadows. They have a creamy, sophisticated  formula that once set, does not move. They have a beautiful range of shades, each of the four that I own can be quickly applied to the eye lid, and then blended up into the crease for a quick and easy one-shadow look... I'm all about that. Their compact, streamlined packaging makes them perfect for travel, and their mechanical, twist-up design means they do not require sharpening.

 Considering I have quite oily eyelids, I am always surprised by how long these last on me. I find applying a primer underneath does not work well for me, I prefer to apply these to clean eyelids, but you use whatever works for you. I find that the formula tends to adhere to the primer and not blend out as well. 

If you would like to see the shades that I own, along with swatches, then please read on!...

LAURA MERCIER CAVIAR STICK EYE COLOUR  L-R Rose Gold, Orchid, Amethyst, Cocoa

Rosegold and Orchid are both really pretty applied to the eyelid and just patted in with your fingertip.  I have always wished that Rosegold was a touch more pink ( fussy old bird I am ), but none the less, it is beautiful, and perfect for a quick and easy everyday look. I often use Orchid in the same way, it is also really pretty on the inner half of the lid, with Amethyst on the outer half, and blended into the crease. 

In the Autumn and Winter months, I love using Amethyst on its own, it is such a beautiful, deep taupe with a hint of purple. Pair it with some black winged liner and you have the perfect eye look for a night out. Cocoa is the most recent addition to my collection, and the only matte shade that I own. It has a special place in my heart, because I purchased it from Sephora in New York last year. As you can see from the swatch above, it is ridiculously pigmented. Having said that, it is still very easy to blend out. I often take an angled eyeliner brush, take some product from the tip of the pencil, and use it to line my upper lash line. It is a beautiful, rich shade, and just so creamy! Both Cocoa and Amethyst make a quick, easy and effortless smokey eye.

I love using the Real Techniques brushes with these shadows, in particular, the Base Shadow brush or the Shading Brush. Both will blend out the product perfectly... no fuss, no bother.

I purchased the shades Amethyst and Orchid from Strawberry Net last year. I know that a few people have had issues with authenticity when purchasing products from Strawberry Net, but I have not had any problems personally. They are currently listed at $44.00 AUD, which I believe is a little more expensive than what I purchased them for last year.

In Australia, Laura Mercier is sold nationally at David Jones stores , and is also available online from Adore Beauty, who currently have the Caviar Sticks for $39.00 AUD, which is a little less than Strawberry Net.


Whilst they are certainly positioned on the more expensive side, I believe that they are most definitely worth the splurge, and would not hesitate to recommend them!

Do you own any of these beautiful cream eyeshadows? Do you have any shade recommendations for me to pick up next time I am feeling weak and enabled? Do leave a comment below...I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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Laura Mercier Flawless Expressions For Eyes, Cheeks and Lips

Hello Beauties! 

I purchased the Laura Mercier Flawless Expressions for Eyes, Cheeks and Lips prior to Christmas last year, and have only really started playing with it in the last few weeks. The problem with having too much makeup!

I believe it was a Christmas 2014 release, and is limited edition.

So you may be wondering why I am showing you this today, but I have discovered that this set is available on Adore Beauty at 30% of the recommended retail of $90.00 AU, and is now down to $63.00 AU!

I have some swatches and thoughts to share with you today, in case you might like to take advantage of the discounted price!

Laura Mercier Flawless Expressions Eye and Cheek Palette - Eyeshadows L-R Buff Pearl ( Luster ),
Fresco ( Matte ), Cherrywood ( Luster ), Guava ( Sateen ),  Stone Sable ( Sateen ), Deep Night ( Matte ).

These eyeshadows are absolutely beautiful. They are smooth, creamy and blend beautifully on the eyes. I only own one other Laura Mercier eyeshadow, and that is the single eyeshadow in Amethyst, which I love to bits. The only shade in this palette that has a little less colour pay-off is Guava, however all of the other shades are exceptional. The two matte shades, Fresco and Deep Night are just stunning. The swatches you see above are just one swipe of colour. I love how there is both mid-tone and deep toned matte shades in the palette. I have Fresco as my crease/transition shade today, and I have used Deep Night as my liner. Buff Pearl is on my eyelid, which is so lovely and brightening. Cherrywood is a stunning warm plum that looks just beautiful in the outer corner. Stone Sable makes a perfect one-shadow look, patted onto the lid and blended up into the crease. Can you tell I love them?

The palette itself is quite small and compact, and I like that the colours are grouped into warm and cool options.

Laura Mercier Flawless Expressions Second Skin Blushes in Lush Nectarine and Rose Petal.
Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick in Rose Gold. Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Gilded Rose.

I already own two of Laura Mercier's Second Skin Cheek Colour Blushes, Lotus Pink, and City Pink. They were the first two higher-end blushes that I purchased, thanks to the glowing recommendation from Jodi ( GooRoo Beauty ) a few years ago. There is something very unique about the Second Skin blushes, they give your cheeks the most beautiful glow, and I know this term is overused, but it is very much a lit-from-within glow. I find that they are buildable, and last really well on my skin. I was very exited to see the shade Lush Nectarine in the palette! It has been a lemming of mine ever since Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup sang its praises about 2 years ago! Both of these shades are just gorgeous. Love.

I have 4 of the Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Sticks, and absolutely love them. They certainly deserve their own blog post! I'll put it on my list! I already own the full size of Rose Gold, and although I have always felt it could be a little bit pinker and warmer, I still love it. These cream eyeshadows work equally as well one their own, or as a base for your powder eyeshadows. Love. This one is a smaller size, though they do last for ages!

I have not previously tried a Laura Mercier Mascara or Lip Glace, both of which come as full size products in this set. The mascara in this set is the Full Blown Volume Supreme Lash Building Mascara and so far I like it. It always takes me a couple of weeks to really suss out a mascara and gather my thoughts, but this one is nice and black, not too wet, and builds volume and length very nicely. The Lip Glace in Gilded Rose is just beautiful, smells like vanilla cake, feels nice on the lips, and lasts really well without being heavy or sticky. On the lips it is essentially a clear gloss with a little bit of fine gold shimmer through it. I have never "felt" the glitter on my lips, and I think whist this shade is pretty on its own, it would be perfect to layer over almost any shade of lipstick. I think I might need to try some more shades, the formula is right up my alley...

I really love these type of makeup sets. You have everything you need to create either a natural look, or something more dramatic, bar your base products. I think it would be perfect for travel, and it would make a such beautiful gift. Aside from the fact that it is on a really great special, I think it is still definitely worth the original $90 price tag. And if it is something you think you might like, then Happy Valentine's day to you?


You will find this palette on Adore Beauty here. Adore Beauty also ship internationally, you will just need to check the site to see if they ship to your country. I am quite a regular customer to Adore Beauty ( shhh...don't tell my husband).  Their customer service cannot be faulted, shipping is extremely prompt, everything is packaged safely and securely, and you also get a free Tim Tam with every order. Need I say more?

Do you already own this lovely palette? What are your favourite Laura Mercier products?

Do leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

Disclaimer: This is not sponsored, nor are there any affiliates links, I just wanted to share a great bargain! Cheers, xo

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Single... and Fabulous!! The Beauty Vine's Current Favourite Single Eyeshadows

I only have a handful of eyeshadow palettes, and while they are lovely, and I enjoy using them very much, it is the single eyeshadows that I reach for on a daily basis. Trying to make myself look a little more presentable is my aim in the morning...there is certainly no "I woke up like this" at The Beauty Vine HQ, I can assure you!!

So today I thought I would share some of the single eyeshadows that are currently occupying a draw in my little acrylic storage. I have recently had a tidy up and sort through of my makeup (gosh I love doing that!) and have collected a few favourites that are currently tickling my fancy to chat about and swatch for you. I have a few high end, and a few affordable options,  and I feel that they all fall into the neutral category. I think these particular shades would look beautiful with any eye colour...hopefully something for everyone! One feature they all have in common is that they all contain some degree of shimmer, and are mostly mid-toned shades.

I remember seeing a video from Emily Eddington from Beauty Broadcast ( EmilyNoel83 on You Tube) about single eyeshadows that work well as a one shadow look some time ago. The idea being that the shades will catch the light on your lid, and then when blended into the crease take on more depth to give your crease definition without the addition of another shadow. I typically use two brushes, a flat shader brush to pack colour onto the lid, and a fluffy blending brush to diffuse the colour into the crease. You could certainly get away with one brush, by just using your finger to pat the colour onto the lid, and then blend with the fluffy brush. I have two brushes pictured below from Bdellium Tools, the tapered blending no.785, and the flat shader no.777.  I also enjoy the Real Techniques eye brushes very much. If I feel I've blended the shade too high, I will take a dab of pressed face powder, and blend with the fluffy brush to soften the edge. It's simple, quick and easy, three things I need in the morning when I am trying to get four children ready for the day!

L-R  Laura Mercier - African Violet    NARS -  Ondine    Sunday Riley - Lady Godiva

L-R   African Violet,  Ondine,  Lady Godiva


Laura Mercier - African Violet.... Now I don't own any Laura Mercier eyeshadow palettes, and I believe this shade is in most of her palettes. Some may not consider this a neutral shade, but I do! I think it works beautifully as a one shadow look. The light catches the golden shimmer, and the pretty violet undertones look deeper and richer in the crease. I have also found that when patted over black liner along the lash line, it morphs into a beautiful antique gold shade...really pretty!

NARS - Ondine...I blame Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup for this one. It isn't the most pigmented of eyeshadows, however it is easily built up, blends beautifully and I just I love the tone of it. Brown with a hint of plum/purple. Love.

Sunday Riley - Lady Godiva... Another well known UK vlogger Ruth Crilly from A Model Recommends used this shade a few months ago in one of her videos, and I was immediately drawn to it. I managed to track it down at Mecca Cosmetica here in Australia, and it is now one of my most reached for shades. As you can see from the photo above, I have made quite a dent in it! It is so unique to me, so creamy and buttery, on the lids it's a warm toned taupe, and then blends out into a beautiful rosy, tan hue...I'm seriously obsessed with this shade! Highly recommend!

L-R   Wet'n'Wild - Nutty,  Rimmel London - Backstage,  Essence Cosmetics - Metropolitan

L-R   Nutty,  Backstage,  Metropolitan

Wet'n'Wild - Nutty...my lonely only Wet'n'Wild shadow, I have always meant to explore their 3 and 6 pan palettes, but just haven't gotten there yet! It is a gorgeous taupe, warm undertones, smooth and easy to blend, I love this on the lower lash line as well.

Rimmel London - Backstage...packs a punch in the shimmer department, but more of a cooler tone in my humble opinion. You can really get a glam look with this shade, and easily transition to a night time look with some liner and lashings of mascara. 

Essence Cosmetics - Metropolitan...is more of a deep brown, and probably the darkest shade of my current faves. However, it blends out really nicely into a lovely warm brown, and just fades away into the skin perfectly above the crease. 

I try to be as sensible as I can when it comes to spending my money on a single eyeshadow. In reality, it is not the most cost effective purchase! However, I am really pleased with the high-end shades I have shown you today, and would not hesitate to recommend them. 

Have you tried any of these shades? What are you favourite single eyeshadows? Do leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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