Hiatus

I am taking a break from this blog. I'm not too sure when I'll be back, but I wanted to wish all my readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope you are all well.

Remember,
be kind to each other.

X

Benefit Cosmetics Kissy Missy Holiday 2016 Set

About a month ago, I was in Myer and Benefit had just received the Christmas collection. I'm "trying" to tone down my makeup purchases, but couldn't say no to this set - the lady described the lip products as very pigmented (and they are a new addition to the Benefit line, so how could I resist?)

This set comes with four products - all deluxe size products. It features Benetint, Lollitint, and two new lip products - They're Real! Double The Lip in Revved-Up Red and Pink Thrills.

(L to R: They're Real! Double The Lip Revved-Up Red, Pink Thrills)

(L to R: Lollitint, Benetint)

The new lip products from Benefit claim:

• Product is a liner and lipstick in one with the customer teardrop tip
• Get visibly fuller, sexier lips in one easy step. Position the pointed tip along your upper lip line and glide on. Pivot to fill in your lower lip.
• 91% said lips look visibly fuller and sexier (consumer panel survey of 110 women after 1 week)

The set also suggests to layer either Benetint and Revved-Up Red or Lollitint and Pink Thrills for added staying power, or you can use the products on their own. 

I was sold on this kit because the lady in store said the products were super pigmented. The pigment on these lip products is nice, but not as pigmented as I was hoping for. However, they wear nicely, just like a traditional lipstick. They have a nice, creamy finish.

Overall, I do quite like this set, as I find it a great way to test out different Benefit products - and exciting because it features new Benefit products. I have owned Benetint before so it's nice to add it to my collection again, and Lollitint is a new additional. 

I would recommend this set for someone getting into makeup, as you have four choices for lip (or even cheek) colours, but two different kinds of products to try out. 

This set retails for $49 AUD in Australia, and can be purchased in store at Myer or online here. 

Thanks for reading,

X

Kat Von D Everlasting Lip Contour Duo - review and swatches

About a month ago I was in Sephora and picked up two of these mini lip sets from Kat Von D. At the end of last year I purchased a Lolita duo (click here to see review), and I really like the formula of those two shades, so thought purchasing another mini set wouldn't hurt. This set retailed for $31 AUD in store. I had previously seen it online, but cannot find it on the Sephora Australia website any longer. These mini sizes come with 3.0mL of product, where the full size comes with 6.6mL - so the product is just under half the size of the full size product. 

(L to R: Melancholia, Susperia)

I really enjoy the formula of the Kat Von D liquid lipsticks. They are thin, so I find they do tend to wear off quite a bit, but because of this, I hardly find them drying at all. You can see in the above swatches, especially with Susperia, that it is a little patchy, but this can be easily layered on the lips with no issue at all. 

You are able to achieve an ombre lip with this duo. Because the formula of these liquid lipsticks is so thin, you are able to layer these products with no cracking. These two colours go really nicely together to create an ombre lip. 

The only issue I find with this product is because it is so thin, after a few hours, you do see the product breaking down, especially in the centre of your mouth. This does not bother me at all, as it is quite easy to just layer this product so reapplying on top does the trick - you don't need to take the product off completely to reapply, like you have to do with other products.

I think the formula of Kat Von D Liquid Lipsticks is one of my favourites. I really like these mini sets, as going through a full liquid lipstick is quite a task. If you see this in store or online, I'd really recommend picking it up. The shades are nice on their own, but it's always fun to do an ombre lip!

Thanks for reading,

X

Mecca Beauty Loop Level 2 - October 2016

Mecca Beaty Loop boxes were released this week. This time around, I have moved down to Level 2 - which probably is a good thing and means I haven't spent over $1200 at Mecca in the last year. I'm actually quite happy with the products I received in this box.

I'm actually quite sick at the moment, so I'm not able to smell the Diptyque perfume, but I'm super excited to see it in this box. I've used the Josie Maran Argan Oil before, and quite enjoy it as a face and hair oil. I'm also happy to see a sample of the Smashbox Insta-Matte Lipstick Transformer. Lastly, there is a sample size of the Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara, which I'm also quite happy to see.

Overall, I'm quite impressed with the box and look forward to using all the products.

Thanks for reading,
X

Project 10 Pan - Finale

I have been debating ending this project, or continuing, but I am really disheartened and think I need a break from these products. I have tried my hardest over the last few months to use up as much product as I can, but I think I just need a break now. In saying that, I'm still happy with my progress - out for 10 products, I have finished 3 completely. Out of the 7 remaining, I have hit pan on 3 of the products, and on the cheek trio, I have finished one product completely and hit pan on another. The remaining products cannot be measured on a "pan" basis.

At the last update, there was a significant dent in the Sleek highlight, and I have now hit significant pan on the product. The blush has not gone down much, but does have a tiny dip. I did end up hitting the bottom in the ELF eyeliner, and the pan has increased in the ColourPop eyeshadow. 

I have made a good dent in the Rimmel and NYX pencils, and will continue to try and use them up. The bareMinerals lipstick is the product I had the hardest time with. It's a nice shade, but I really dislike the finish of the lipstick - it is too creamy and glossy for my liking, and in all honesty, I like changing up my lip products on the daily. 

I mentioned in a previous post I would continue to use up the Maybelline Brow Drama until this project was done, as I cannot see inside the packaging to track my progress, but the product is getting old. I really like the formula of this brow gel - it really holds brow hairs in place. Once you cut the weird brush wand you can make this product work. I would consider repurchasing this product, but only if it was on sale. I wouldn't go out of my way to purchase it. 

I think I won't start another Project Pan until next year. I have a few ideas on what I can do next year. But on the other hand, maybe I can do a mini Project Pan for the rest of this year - maybe a Project 5 Pan? Finish 5 by the New Year?

I really did enjoy doing this project, and although I didn't use up all 10 products up, I did make a significant dent in the products I do have left. The products I do have left can always be put into another Project Pan at a later date (I might even do a Project Pan Roulette!)

Thanks for reading,
X

September Favourites

September has come and gone and I realise I haven't done a favourites post in a few months, so here is my favourites post from September!

Juicy Couture Couture La La EDP
I picked this scent up from Priceline a couple of months ago when it was on sale. I adore the Peace, Love and Juicy Couture scent from Juicy Couture, which is quite a floral scent, as is this one. Now that we are in Spring, I feel like I can rock the floral scents, and this is the one I wore on the first day of Spring, and for the majority of the month.

Manic Panic Dreamtone Foundation in Virgin (Whitest White)
This has become my favourite product in my every day routine. I use it to lighten foundations that are too dark, and have even used it to lighten liquid concealers that are too dark (I have some small jars where I have been mixing the foundation and concealer so I am able to store it and not have to do it on the daily). If you are of a fair/light complexion and have difficulty matching your foundation shades, I would recommend this product. I will have a review up of this foundation on my blog at some point.

Mario Badescu Lip Wax
This is the best $6 I have ever spent (I've actually bought two now). This lip balm is super moisturising and I probably won't ever buy another lip balm again. You can purchase this from Mecca.

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso 
I picked this up from Crush Cosmetics about a month ago after hearing raves and raves about this product for years. It's safe to say all the raves were correct and this is one beautiful blush. It is quite a luminous blush, as the name suggests, and looks absolutely gorgeous on my light skin. Highly recommend!

Wet n Wild Megaglo Contouring Palette in Dulce De Leche 
This is another product I've seen raves about over on YouTube. And this is another product that the raves are correct. I picked this one up from Crush Cosmetics as well. This product was $12AUD, which I think is a steal. If you're interested in picking up some US drug store products, I'd recommend checking out Crush Cosmetics - they do have a nice selection of Wet n Wild products. My favourite side of this duo is the highlight shade, but the contour shade is also lovely and I use it whenever I use the highlight shade without any complaints!

(L to R: Wet n Wild highlight, Wet n Wild contour, Milani Luminoso)

Thanks for reading,

X

Project 10 Pan - Second Update

I haven't done an update in about two months, but have had some significant progress since my last update on my Project 10 Pan. Click here to see my introduction post, and here for my first update.

First, onto the products I have finished up!

I have finished the Lady Gaga EDP, L'Oreal Nude Magique Foundation, the NYX HD Concealer and the bronzer/contour shade from the Sleek Face Form Palette. I'm quite happy with my progress so far, 3 full products used up, and 1/3 of a palette used up completely! I still have a smaller bottle of the Lady Gaga EDP, and I most likely will repurchase this perfume when that one is used up as I quite enjoy the scent. I don't think L'Oreal sell the Nude Magique foundation anymore, but I could be wrong (a quick google and search on the L'Oreal website shows they don't sell this foundation, but have other variations of products in the Nude Magique line). Once I had purchased products to mix with this foundation (I loved mixing it with the Body Shop Lightening Shade Adjusting Drops), I found I went through this foundation quite quickly as I was able to create a shade that matched me a lot better (this foundation was a little dark as in Australia we are just getting out of winter and I am at my lightest in skin tone). I would consider repurchasing the NYX HD Concealer, as I found it was a great brightening concealer for under the eyes. 

In regards to the highlight and blush shade in the Face Form Palette, I just want to hit pan. This Project would go on forever if I attempted to use up both products.

For the ELF Cream Eyeliner, I have made a significant dent in the middle, but I'm not too sure if I've hit the bottom as yet. I have used this as a base, to tighline and waterline, under the lash line as a base for shadow. A small amount of this product goes a long way. 

The pan has increased in the ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in Glow. I use this as a base whenever I wear eyeshadow. I have technically completed the "hitting pan" part of the project with this product, but I would like to use it up. 

I will continue using the Maybelline Brow Drama until this project is done, and then chuck it in the bin. As the packaging is not clear, I can't mark any progress for this product, but I have been using it consistently. However, it has been in my collection for a while and getting a bit old, so I think it's almost time to get rid of it. 

I have made okay progress on the Rimmel Eye Pencil, and the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil. The bareMinerals Make Your Move Lipstick is a little hard for me to use, but I am trying. The colour of the lipstick is nice, but the formula and finish are not my favourite, so I have been trying to work out different ways to wear it. I do need to make a more conscious effort to use this lipstick (I have worn it a few times since the last update), but there's just other lipsticks I prefer much more. 

I am happy that I have been able to clear out three products from my collection by using them up. Overall, I don't think I'm going to make much more progress on the ELF Cream Eyeliner, as it is quite hard to see the progress I have made, but there is a nice dip in the middle of the product, and I will continue to incorporate this product into my eye looks. I would love to use up the Rimmel Eye Liner and the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil. And of course, I want to hit pan on the highlight and blush shade in the Sleek Face Form Palette. 

Overall, I have used up 3 out of 10 products, and hit pan on 1 out of the remaining 7 (hopefully by the next update I would have hit noticeable pan on the ELF Eyeliner, and at least one more shade in the Sleek Face Form, be it the blush or highlight shade). I am quite proud of the effort I have made in this project so far.

Thanks for reading,

X

Empties/ Products I'm Chucking Out #8

It has been almost a year and a half since my last empties post. I have only been accumulating these empties for the last month-two months, as I had stopped collecting my empties.

Covergirl Advanced Radiance Pressed Powder in 105 Ivory

I adore this powder. It works really well on my dry skin. I have already repurchased it, and I think I have found my holy grail drugstore powder. 

MAC Studio Fix Powder in N3

It has taken me about three (or maybe four) years to use this powder up. When I first purchased it, I liked it, but as time has gone on my skin has gotten dryer and this powder really emphasised my dryness. Towards the end, I was just using this powder on my chin where I have a bit of scarring and pimples to cover it up, as this powder has got a lot of coverage. I would recommend this powder for people with oily skin, but not dry skin. 

bareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation in Fairly Light N10 

I actually really loved this foundation. I have dry skin, but it did not emphasise my dryness whatsoever. I got this in a set of bareMineral goodies, so I also got the matte version, which I didn't like as much. I ended up purchasing the pressed version of this foundation, and unfortunately it does not perform as good as the loose, as it really emphasises my dryness. I probably would repurchase this as the undertone was fabulous, matched me pretty well, and did not dry my skin out whatsoever. The only downside is it is very messy because it is loose. 

Ben Nye Neutral Set Colourless Powder

I adore this powder. Last year at IMATS, I repurchased two bottles of this powder, and will repurchase two more this year at IMATS. I use this daily to set my undereye concealer, and I have minimal creasing with this product. 

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW20
This is my holy grail concealer for under the eye. A couple of weeks ago I Back To MAC'd five empty bottles, and I'm almost done with another one of these. This will always be a repurchase for me.

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer
I actually quite enjoyed this primer. It reminded me a lot of the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer, which I also enjoy (and have repurchased over and over). I would repurchase this, but only when it is on sale (or at Chemist Warehouse where I initially purchased it - makeup is always discounted there).  I don't think this product is a great pore eraser (it has a silicone feeling, but doesn't fill in pores all too well), but large pores aren't a skin issue that I experience.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind (x2)
The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind is a primer I have repurchased over and over. It is the one I use in my freelance kit, and it works great on my skin as well. It is great at smoothing and slightly hydrating my skin.

NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray 
This is another holy grail in my collection. I have one sitting in my freelance kit, and one sitting on my vanity. Always a repurchase (and can we talk about how great it is that NYX is now stocked in Priceline???)

Urban Decay b6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray 
This spray was okay. I didn't notice too much when I used this verse when I didn't use it. This product claims to be redness reducing, pore minimising, and oil absorbing. Redness is my only real skin concern out of the three, and I don't think this spray made much of a difference. However, this spray was nice as a pre-makeup treatment and it was a hydrating spray.

Essence Lash & Brow Gel Mascara (x2)

This is my holy grail brow gel. I go through this brow gel quite consistently, and whenever I see it in the shelf at Priceline or Target, I tend to pick it up as a back up. When the product starts to change colour and the tube is getting a bit empty, that's when I tend to chuck it and grab a new one. 

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

I love this mascara. I'm currently using a deluxe sample size of this mascara that's almost done as well, and I have a back up deluxe sample waiting to be used. I do find this mascara tends to dry out quickly, so I prefer going for the deluxe sample size as opposed to the full size (there was a point where at Mecca you could purchase the deluxe sample size). 

Maybelline Pumped Up! Colossal Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara

This mascara was in my freelance kit, and I never used the wand so can't comment on that (my only comment is the wand is actually huge), but this mascara has a good waterproof formula. I did use it on myself a few times (with a disposable wand), and I found the formula good.  I would repurchase this mascara for my freelance kit. 

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara 

This is a deluxe sized sample that I picked up on sale at the Sydney Domestic Terminal earlier this year. I wasn't expecting much from this mascara, but I actually love it. I have quite a few unopened mascaras and I'm trying to keep my unopened mascara collection to a minimal, but I would consider repurchasing this mascara in the future.  

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb EDP

I'm sure this perfume has been in my empties before. This is my holy grail perfume. I go through a bottle a year roughly, and will always repurchase. I abolsutely adore this scent. If you've never smelt Flowerbomb and are a fan of floral scents, make it a point to smell this perfume, and thank me later. 

MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick 

This is the first MAC lipstick I have used up. Last year, MAC Velvet Teddy was on my lips about 80% of the time. I have repurchased this lipstick, but tend to lean more towards Whirl. I think when the warmer months come around, I will reach for Velvet Teddy more as it is a lighter shade compared with Whirl. 

Blistex Click Cool Spearmint Lip Balm 

Years ago, I used a peppermint lip balm and it was the most soothing, wonderful lip balm. I saw this in Chemist Warehouse a while ago (it was in a duo with a peach scented lip balm as well), and put it in my basket without a second thought. I loved this lip balm, and would repurchase if I saw it in stores again. Mint lip balms are so refreshing. 

Target Essentials Cosmetic Pads

I actually really enjoyed these cotton pads. Next time I'm in Target, I'll pick up another pack. 

Beauty Care Co Makeup Remover Pads 

I tend to pick these up every time I'm in Kmart. They're cheap, and they do the job ok. 

Woolworths Select Make Up Pads

I don't really remember these cotton pads all too well, so I'd say they're about average. Probably would only repurchase if I was in need of cotton pads and in Woolworths. 

Swisspers Naturals Green Tea Calming Facial Cleansing Wipes

I don't use face wipes every day, but when I do, these are one of my favourites to use. They are gentle on my sensitive skin and do a good job at removing makeup. Most importantly, these face wipes don't dry my skin out. 

The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask

I love this mask from the Body Shop. It is a great leave on, overnight mask, and very moisturising. Last year when my Dad was sick and the chemo was drying out his skin, I purchased him a few of the products from the Vitamin E line from the Body Shop, and they worked well for him too. If you have dry skin, or dehydrated skin, I would recommend checking this out at the Body Shop. 

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light

Unfortunately this oil made me break out. Towards the end (once I had figured out it was the oil breaking me out), I used it in my hair only. I wouldn't repurchase this product as I prefer other oils in my hair, but I'm happy I was able to use the product up (and that I only purchased a small travel size as opposed to the full size)

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

I love this micellar water. I use this to remove makeup (I tend to use a cleansing oil first, and then go over with the micellar water). This is fine to remove light makeup, but not great for heavy makeup. I also use this to remove swatches on my arm. This bottle has lasted me well over 6 months, and when I purchased this (it was from the Priceline 40% off skin care sale a while ago), I did purchase two bottles, and have already started using the second bottle. 

Daiso Detergent for Puff and Sponge

For a while, I couldn't find this product in Daiso. When I did, I purchased 10 bottles. I have used up more than just this one, but have not kept them. I find this is great for removing makeup from sponges, and also great to break down liquid or cream products on brushes (I find it works better than my usual baby shampoo) when deep cleaning them. If you haven't tried this product, I highly recommend it. I still have a few left, but will definitely repurchase when those are used up. This product is also $2.80, so you really can't go wrong. 

Lush Rose Jam Bubbleroon 

Rose Jam is my favourite scent from Lush. A couple of weeks ago I purchased a few bath bombs from Lush, and had to purchase two of these. I wish Rose Jam was a scent they had year round. Would definitely repurchase this. 

Manicare Mascara Brushes Duo Length & Define 

I either use these mascara wands in my freelance kit, or when I wax mine or my Mum's eyebrows. These are decent, and I would repurchase. I know I can purchase mascara wands cheap on eBay, and I should do that for when I wax brows, but I do like the shape of these wands for when I apply mascara on clients. 

Elemental Herbology Purify & Soothe Facial Cleansing Balm 

I think this product was off when I tried to use it. The scent of this was horrible. I'm just chucking it in the bin, don't want to put this near my face again. 

By Terry Baume De Rose 

I enjoyed using this lip balm at night, and the sample ended up lasting about a week. I do have another sample to use up, but this product is quite expensive and I didn't find it revolutionary by any means, so I would not purchase. 

NARS Total Replenishing Eye Cream

This sachet lasted a few uses, and was quite nice. I do need to get into using eye creams again (whoops), but I do prefer the Benefit eye cream I used to use to this one. It was a nice hydrating cream, though. 

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light 

This was basically a one time use sachet of the oil. I used this in my hair to moisturise after washing.

I have quite the collection of samples, and want to work my way through them, so hopefully I have a few more to include in my next empties post!

Thanks for reading,

X

One Palette, One Month - Urban Decay Vice Palette - August 2016 Finale

Let me just say, this month was not as productive as last month was. I tried to use this palette, but it was a bit harder to use every day due to a variety of reasons. The shadows are more colourful compared to the Anastasia Palette, and not easy for me to use every day for work, there are only two mattes in this palette (no real crease colour), and a lot of the shadows are extremely chunky and glittery (which again, makes it harder to use for work).

I hit the tiniest bit of pan on Blitz, the fourth shadow in the top row. I feel like I made an okay dip in Anonymous, the third shadow in the last row, as I used this shadow every time I wore eyeshadow to set my base.  I even ended up using Noise, the hot pink shadow in the palette, which I thought I would never touch. I mixed it with Vice (the purple shadow next to it) and a bit of Napoleon Cake Eyeliner Sealer, and used the two as a colourful eyeliner. My favourite, and most used shadows in this palette, where the five in the last row - Nevermind, Echo Beach, Anonymous, Freeboard and Laced. 

Even though I did not get nearly as much use out of this palette as I was hoping for, I still thoroughly enjoy this palette as I'm an eyeshadow palette hoarder, and this is the first of the Vice Palettes, so it does have sentimental value to me. I will most likely try pull this palette out for a Pan That Palette (year long edition) or a One Palette, One Month challenge again. 

I have over the last month accumulated a few more eyeshadow palettes, so I will take a break from this challenge for the month of September so I am able to test out all my new eyeshadow palettes. I will be back in October for another One Palette, One Month!

If you are interested to see the palette I chose last month, please check out the tag here.

Thanks for reading,
X

BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel 14 Colour Eyeshadow and Highlighting Palette - review and swatches

The BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel 14 Colour Eyeshadow and Highlighting Palette is a collaboration with YouTuber Carli Bybel, and features 10 smaller pans of eyeshadows, and 4 larger pans of highlighters (which can also be used as eyeshadows). I purchased two palettes at the same time, and both palettes were $12.50 (USD), and with shipping the total was about $50-ish (AUD). Not too bad, considering each palette worked out to be about $25-30 each (including shipping).

The palette features five matte and five shimmer shades. The mattes are quite versatile in this palette - a light beige to highlight (and set bases in my case), a mid tone brown, two purple/plum shades, and a dark brown. 

The palette includes four face highlight shades as pictured above. I love mixing the first two highlighters together for a beautiful glow on my light skin. I can't really use the other two highlighting shades as highlighters, but they work as beautiful eyeshadows. 

Overall, I think this is a great palette. The purples in the palette make this a great autumn and winter palette, and the shimmers and bronzes make it a great spring and summer palette. I do quite enjoy this palette, and overall, in my opinion, there are no complaints about this palette, considering how cheap it is. The shadows perform just like any other eyeshadows I have, but I always make it a point to use a primer and a base. The shimmery shades are beautiful, and can be intensified with a bit of MAC Fix+. 

The palette now retails for $14.50USD and can be purchased on the BH Cosmetics website.  If you were interested in purchasing this palette, I would definitely recommend it. 

Thanks for reading,

X

Kylie Cosmetics King K Metal Lipstick - review and swatches

A lovely friend of mine gifted me the Kylie Cosmetics King K liquid lipstick about a month ago. When the metallic lips were first released, I was quite interested as I do not own anything like them in my collection. King K is described on the Kylie Cosmetics website as a "soft metallic gold". This product retails for $18.00USD and can be purchased on the Kylie Cosmetics website.

The liquid lipstick has a doe foot applicator, like most liquid lipsticks I have tried, and has a moussey texture. I find that this liquid lipstick does take a bit longer to dry down, and it is mostly transfer proof - there is a bit of transfer when it has dried down on the lips, but it is not a significant amount. 

(King K swatch photographed in natural lighting)

(King K swatch photographed in direct sunlight) 

This shade is definitely unique in my collection - I do now own one of the ColourPop metallic liquid lipsticks, but this is a one of a kind shade, and was the first metallic liquid lipstick I had tried. This does dry to a matte finish, but looks very metallic on the lips. I do find, most likely because of the different formulation (metallic verse completely matte) that this lip product is not nearly as drying as some of the other liquid lipsticks I have tried - but like I mentioned earlier in the post, this product is not completely transfer proof. This shade is also a great highlighting tool for the lips - it is great applied in the centre to highlight, especially if you're not brave enough to rock this colour on it's own.

I am interested in also picking up Heir, which is the rose gold shade, but I think I will give Reign a miss. This shade is beautiful, but it isn't something I would wear on an every day basis.

Thanks for reading,
X