Smashbox Image Factory Collection A/W 2012

Inspired by some of the iconic images captured at Smashbox Studios over the past few years, Image Factory is the new Autumn/Winter 2012 collection from (who else?) Smashbox. Perfect for the glamorous ladies amongst us, this small yet sophisticated collection features two beautiful neutral eyeshadow palettes, two bold cream blushes and  a selection of waterproof shadow liners and lip glosses.

Smashbox Photo Op Palettes in Icon and Muse

The Photo Op Icon palette contains a selection of dramatic eye colours for a show-stopping evening look, including rich, smokey shades Thunder, Blackout, Roast and Blackcurrant, and pretty neutrals Alabaster and Seafoam in a matte finish.

Muse is filled with an array of gorgeous neutrals which will take you from day to night, with shimmery shades Russet, Truffle,  Sandstorm and Juniper, with mattes Bare and Sumatra for a more pared down, day-time look.

Lip Enhancing Glosses in Fab and Snappy, Waterproof Shadow Liners in Charcoal and Metallic Bronze and Airblush Whipped Cheek Colours in Soft Plum and Nude Rose

The Lip Enhancing Glosses come in sets of two - Fab and Snappy, as seen above, make up one pairing, while you can also get your hands on Luxe and Chic (a dark chocolate plum and a pale baby pink). The glosses have a high-shine, mirror like finish and Smashbox suggest mixing the two shades in your set for an even more unique look.

The beautiful whipped cheek colours come in a mousse-like formula and are designed to blend easily to create an airbrushed, photo-ready look. I can tell you now that Soft Plum is right up there on my 'Dear Santa' list, as it's such a beautiful berry shade that's going to be just perfect for the upcoming festive season

The Waterproof Shadow Liners are limited edition, so be quick if  you have found yourself popping them on your wishlist and can no longer see a future for yourself without them! I know I'll be hunting myself down one, if not both, as they are going to be fantastic for creating a smokey eye in minimal time to take you straight from work to Christmas cocktails - because let's be honest,  no one needs much of an excuse for a knees-up from now until the end of the year, do they? It's good to be prepared!

Oh dear, oh dear. My Christmas list is expanding by the nano-second, and we're still only in September.

Do any of these products float your boat?

xx

Laura Mercier Cinema Noir Collection A/W 2012

Inspired by the film era of the late 1940s and reminiscent of such big screen icons as Ingrid Bergman, Katherine Hepburn and Rita Hayworth, Cinema Noir is based upon a time where black and white was slowly giving way to colour. Focussing on soft shades and flawless finishes, the collection has a number of sumptuous new products to tempt us with sultry lip shimmers, luxurious nail lacquers and glamorous face powders and eyeshadows.

Shimmer Bloc in Starlet Mosaic

Ground Espresso and Deep Teal Tightline Cake Eyeliners

Eye Colour Duet: Suspense

(There will also be another duet, Mystere, available, featuring a taupe and a midnight blue, which looks really pretty.)

Burgundy Longlash Mascara

Creme Lip Colour in Raspberry Sorbet

(There are also Creme/Shimmer Lip Colours in Passion Fruit, Tea Rose and Fresh Brown).

Nail Lacquers in Cocoa Suede, Organza and Nude Silk

I love the look of the Shimmer Bloc and think it could be the perfect all-in-one bronzing and highlighting product. Actually, this is something I probably would have enjoyed using during the summer months to get that healthy holiday glow, but I'm sure a bit of bronze won't go amiss in the Autumn/Winter when our cheeks have faded to a deathly shade of pasty (pastey? Basically, I'm not talking about the Cornish pastry treat we know and love in the UK!) white.

I'm definitely finding myself intrigued by the burgundy mascara. I don't really know what to expect from it, if I'm honest, but I'm all for trying something a bit different, as so many of the cosmetics that come out these days are a bit samey. Burgundy might perhaps make for a dramatic evening look....or 'been punched in the face chic' if it decides to rain when I'm wearing it. Let's be honest, that's quite likely in our delightful climes. Either way, I am looking forward to giving it a try, and if I do so happen to end up looking like I've been on the wrong end of someone's fist then I will just have to find a way to make it work for me. Fashion is all about making statements these days, no?

I will probably also be slipping the Tightline Cake Liner in Deep Teal into my online shopping basket, though knowing me, this will be indecisively emptied and refilled several times before I finally actually give in and  make the purchase. it's a battle of wills. My wallet almost always loses in the end.

I like the look of Raspberry Sorbet, being a fan of a good berry lip in the Winter. In terms of the Eye Colour Duos, as I mentioned before, I am way too indecisive to choose just two shades, so I think I'll be sticking to bigger palettes which provide me with an array of shades, although I'm sure these little beauties will be perfect for some of you to slip into your handbags for day-time touch-ups or nights out.

All in all, I think I like the glamorous air this little lot gives off, and some of these will definitely be making an appearance on my Christmas list if I am still grappling with my online basket by then.

The collection is now available from Space NK, Harvey Nicholls, Selfridges and other departement stores.

What do you think of Cinema Noir? Have you seen anything that is very much your cup of tea?

xx