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

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

Current Favourites

I haven't done a Favourites post in quite some time, so I thought I would compile all the products I have been loving over the last couple of months.

Too Faced Love Flush Blush Palette 
This is the only blush product I have been reaching for for the last couple of months. Baby Love has become my favourite blush - it is the perfect shade for everyday. To see my review of this palette, please click here.

MAC Whirl Lipstick
This lipstick has quickly replaced Velvet Teddy as my favourite MAC lipstick. It is a little bit darker. I really have been loving medium toned nudes over the last year or so, and am super happy I've added this to my collection.

Kat Von D Lolita Everlasting Lipstick
I think this is my favourite liquid lipstick ever. The shade is so gorgeous and perfect for everyday. I only have a deluxe size sample of this product, and will have to purchase the full size very soon.

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara
I picked a mini of this up to give it a try. I actually wasn't expecting to love this mascara as much as I do. This mascara is great at curling and separating the lashes.

Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara 
I got this mascara in a gift set of Tarte products from Christmas. Over the years I have heard good things about this mascara, and I have to agree with them. I love layering this mascara on top of the Benefit Roller Lash. This is a great thickening mascara.

Benefit the POREfessional Primer
This primer is amazing to use one my nose. I wear glasses, and I find with this primer, makeup transfer on my glasses is more than halved! Makeup transfer with glasses always discourages me, but I am so happy to have found a product that is able to reduce this. This primer also keeps product on my nose for much longer - when I don't use this product, makeup always fades super quickly on my nose.

MAC Lightscapade Mineralise Skinfinish
I think this is the most natural highlight I own, and I love it for everyday wear in the office. I picked up this highlight maybe two years ago after trying Soft & Gentle - which was seriously hyped in the beauty community, and to be honest - I just don't get it. Up until the last couple of months, I had hardly reached for this highlight. I tried it one day and was seriously wowed by how natural and glowy it looked on my cheeks.

The Body Shop Ionic Clay Mask 
I have been breaking out quite badly over the last couple of months - and this is something I have never experienced in my life. I love to use this mask as a spot treatment. I tend to leave it on for quite a bit to dry out pimples, and it works quite well.

Australis Take Me On Tour Contouring & Highlighting Palette 
The contour shade in this palette has become my everyday contour shade. Absolutely perfect for my light complexion.

And those are all the products I have been loving over the last couple of months!

Thanks for reading,

X

Benefit Real Cheeky Party Blush Palette - review and swatches

Benefit Coralista is one of my favourite Benefit blushes, and when I saw this set I knew I had to purchase it. This was $69 from Myer Benefit Counters, but you can now purchase it for just under $50 - click here to see if it is available in a store near you. This set features 4 blush shades, 1 bronzer shade, a cream highlighter, mini mascara and mini gel liner. 

Along with having my favourite blush shade, Coralista, Rockateur was included in this palette, which I have wanted to try since it's release, but really haven't been interested in paying $50 for one blush. Surprisingly enough, Dandelion has become my favourite pick out of this whole palette - it does appear to have some micro shimmer in it, but once on the face it is relatively matte and quite a natural colour. Dandelion is described as a "sheer, ballerina pink". Rockateur is a rose-gold shade, and I think I will get more use out of this one in the cooler months as it is a bit darker, but it is a lovely blush colour and I'm glad it was included in this set. Sugarbomb is a mixture of peach, soft plum, rose and pink, and when swirled it appears a bit softer in tone to Coralista. This is a fun summer colour. Hoola is the bronzer shade in the palette, and a lovely shade for light-medium skin tones. It is a matte bronzer, not too warm, and a great option for contouring. Coralista in this palette is a little bit chalky. I've never owned the full size of Coralista, I've had it a few times as a deluxe size like this in different palettes, but to me this time around it is quite an underwhelming formulation. It definitely requires a bit more to make it work, but still one of my favourites. Coralista, as the name suggests, is a beautiful coral shade.

(L to R: Dandelion, Rockateur, Sugarbomb, Hoola, Coralista)

I do own a mini sample of the Benefit Watts Up! in stick form, but do prefer it like this in a pot. This is a cream highlighter, and is a champagne shade. The packaging it is in can be removed from the palette in a little compact, which makes it great for travel!

Last we have two other minis - They're Real Mascara, and They're Real Push-Up Liner. I have owned the They're Real mascara before, so I won't be opening this one up until I've used the mascaras I do have opened, but I do enjoy this mascara. The They're Real Push-Up Liner is quite an interesting concept, but I have struggled with it so far. I will give it a few more tries, but the Essence liner I use is super easy, and lasts just like a gel anyway!

I believe I will end up depotting the blushes in this palette as the packaging is quite bulky, and I'm sure I can repurpose the packaging for something else.

If you've been interested in trying out the Benefit blushes, I would recommend looking into this palette - and more so now that it is at a reduced price. The blushes are not full size, and are considered "medium size", except Rockatuer, which is a full size product (5g of product). Sets like this are real value for money, and I'm glad I now have a majority of the Benefit blushes in my collection.

Thanks for reading,
X

Empties/ Products I'm Chucking Out #7

It has been a very very very long time since my last Empties Post, and I have been dreading doing this one because of the amount of products I have used up since. But alas, it is time to bin all these empties, so on to the empties post!

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush (3x 200 mL, 1x 50 mL)
This is my all time favourite dry shampoo, so I'm really not that surprised I've used this much in the last six months. Always a repurchase, and always features in my empties.

Edward Beale Pure Argan Oil 
I used this product up quite a while ago, but it was good at moisturising my hair after every wash. If this was on sale, I'd probably repurchase it (even though it is relatively cheap to begin with).

Schwarzkopft Daily Oil Elixer

This was another product I liked to use after every wash, and was featured in my Project 10 Pan - look, I did use something up! I have found an oil I like better, but for the price, this was good at it's job. 

Cedel Dry Shampoo
This was good as a dry shampoo, but the scent was too much for me. Would not repurchase.

L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil
This was an okay oil for the price.

Schwarzkopf Ultimate Colour Oil-Elixer
Only a sample, so can't really say much about this oil. But it is for coloured hair, so I might purchase this to give it a real go.

Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturiser Dry Skin Repair
The dry skin body moisturiser from Vaseline is my absolute favourite. I don't use this allover my body, but I do use it on my back as it is hard to reach. Absolutely love this and always repurchase (there is another one pictured below in a different photo that I forgot to include in this one - whoops!)

Garnier Moisture Match Ultra-Hydrating Rich Cream (x4)
I have absolutely been loving this moisturiser, as I'm sure you can see. It's a great drugstore moisturiser for dry skin and I'd recommend it for anyone with dry skin.

Lush Mint Julips Lip Scrub
This was my favourite lip scrub before I discovered the Popcorn.

Lush Popcorn Lip Scrub
This is my favourite lip scrub from Lush (and probably my favourite product from Lush, as well). Have repurchased.

Lush Breath of Fresh Air Toner Water
I was going through a stage where I wanted to test out all of the toner waters from Lush. After this adventure, I have concluded that this is my favourite and since have purchased the large size. The toners are super convenient because they are in a spray bottle, and they are relatively cheap. I would recommend checking them out.

Lush Eau Roma Water
I really liked this toner water, but the Breath of Fresh Air is my favourite.

Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream Sample 
This was only a baby sample, but I did enjoy using this. I might have to pick this cream up as a full size at some point.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eu So Fresh

I don't like the original Daisy all too much, but I absolutely adore this version. I've been meaning to pick up another bottle of this scent, it is so summery and so fresh. I have since purchased the Daisy Dream, which I do love, but once that is up I think I will have to repurchase the Eu So Fresh again. I'm not a fan of the original Daisy.

YSL Parisienne

I love this scent. It reminds me of my trip to England every time I wear it. Was gifted with another bottle for my birthday last year.

Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb

My all-time favourite perfume. This will always be a repurchase.

Benefit Moisture Prep Toning Lotion
I liked this toner, but my favourite toners are the Lush Toner waters. But this was a fine toner, nothing wrong with it, did not break me out.

Nivea Pure & Natural Regenerating Night Cream
I like this moisturiser, and I like the scent. I would repurchase this one.

Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream
I actually really like this moisturiser, and probably will end up purchasing the full size. This moisturiser is great for dry skin.

Cutex Nourishing Nail Polish Remover

Don't really have much to say about this nail polish remover. It worked well at removing polish.

Johnson's Daily Essentials Nourishing 24hr Day Cream SPF15 for Dry Skin
I used this moisturiser, but found with most foundation/face products, it would ball up and not look cute. For days where I'd wear mineral foundation (which has been more frequent lately), this moisturiser is fine. But any other days, this would not work.

Johnson's Baby Conditioning Shampoo

My go-to for deep cleaning my brushes. Have repurchased two bottles since using this one up.

Lime Crime Eyeshadow Helper Sample 

I really liked this eyeshadow primer, I found that there was minimal creasing when used. Unfortunately the sample has dried up so I'm the bin it goes.

ELF Blush in Mellow Mauve
This blush unfortunately shattered when it was dropped and I attempted to use it but unfortunately just became too messy. This is a relatively cheap blush and a nice autumn/winter shade, so I probably will repurchase this at some point.

L'Oreal Nude Magique 
This foundation is lightweight, but I really love it. It is super liquidy, which I kind of enjoy. I have repurchased it since.

NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray
This is my absolute favourite setting spray. I have repurchased, and I always use this when I do makeup on clients.

David Jones Daily Brush Cleaner
I really like this brush cleaner. It is relatively cheap and does the job. Have repurchased since, and have some of this in my makeup kit as well.

Clinique High Impact Mascara
I love this mascara, and I love getting this as a sample. I don't like purchasing mascara too often because I have quite a few tubes going, but would consider purchasing this.

Benefit They're Real Sample
I do like the Benefit They're Real brush, but I don't think it is a mascara I need.

Daiso Puff and Sponge Cleanser 

This product absolutely rips all makeup product out of sponges. Will always repurchase this product.

Face of Australia Translucent Setting Powder

I really like this translucent setting powder and would recommend it. Have repurchased. 

Seche Vite Top Coat 
All time favourite top coat. I have been getting acrylics with gel polish as of late, so I haven't really needed to go out and repurchase this. But I will eventually.

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer 
This primer reminds me of the MAC Strobe Cream, and I have purchased it a few times.

Ardell Lash Glue
I absolutely adore this lash glue. I'm currently using up an Eylure lash glue, but once that is used up I will definitely be repurchasing this one. It goes on clear, and it dries clear - what else do you want in a lash glue?

Maybelline the Falsies Mascara
I absolutely adore this mascara, one of my all-time favourites. Recommend this mascara if you haven't tried it. 

Essence Maximum Definition Volume Mascara
I absolutely adore this mascara. It's cheap and does the job. Would repurchase.

ELF Lash and Brow Gel
This is a really old product that just needs to be binned. I love my Essence Lash & Brow Gel, so probably wouldn't repurchase this one. From what I remember, this made my brows super hard like I had sprayed hair spray, so not a huge fan of it.

And those are the empties!

Thanks for reading,
x

Empties/Products I'm Chucking Out #6

I haven't done an empties post since last December - wow. I have used quite a few products up over the past four months - even a few makeup products, which is quite surprising for me!

Schwarzkopf Heidi's Heat Styles Heat Protectant Spray

This is my go-to heat protectant, and I have already repurchased.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil

I absolutely despised the scent of this (I love the Cocoa Butter lotion) and it took me ages to use this up! I think I will just stick with Bio Oil. 

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush

My favourite dry shampoo. I have repurchased, and got two mini's of these from the Easter Show! 

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Cherry

Not a big fan of the scent. When I was in England last year, I purchased the full size of this because it was ridiculously cheap and I wanted to try out the scent. I used it up because it was a free sample, but I would not purchase this scent. The dry shampoo does work well though, it is the scent that turns me off it!

Nivea Moisturising Fluid SPF 15 

I liked this moisturiser - quite liquidy, blended in nicely - but there are others I prefer. This comes in a relatively small tube, so it is good for travel - which is why I bought it - I took it overseas last year. 

Benefit POREfessional Sample

I got this sample from a Benefit counter around Christmas, and only recently tried it out. Because I wear glasses, makeup tends to move around my nose, and I used this primer on my nose and it worked quite well! I probably will end up buying this, but not at the moment. 

Nivea Rich Regenerating Night Cream

I'm not too sure about regenerating, but this is a rich night cream and keeps my skin quite hydrated. Would repurchase, I prefer this one to the other Nivea night cream I am using at the moment. 

Beauty Care Co Nail Polish Remover Acetone Free 

I liked this nail polish remover, relatively cheap and because it is acetone free safe to use on acrylics. Would repurchase. 

Starlet Nail Polish Remover with Vitamin E 

I liked this nail polish remover as well. Relatively cheap, and gets the job done. 

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

I got this sample (and another one) last year, and I liked it. It was moisturising, but I didn't really see a difference. I do have the other sample still, so maybe I will. 

Maybelline Clean Express Eye and Lip Makeup Remover

This was one of the makeup removers that is half liquid and have oil, and you mix it up. I like the concept, but this made my face so greasy! Would not repurchase this, there are other makeup removers that work much better. 

NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray

I like this setting spray, and I have repurchased it. Next I want to try the Urban Decay Setting Spray for dry skin, but that will have to wait for now. 

Pure Acetone 

I picked this up from a nail store, it was about $5 and pure acetone works great at removing nail polish (who would have known!). I will end up repurchasing this when I return to that store. 

L'Oreal Youth Code Youth Booster Serum

I liked this serum a lot, and I probably will repurchase this.

Natio Ageless Illuminating Primer (x2)
I've used up two of these primers in the last four months, and I do like this primer. It is quite hydrating, and I enjoyed using it, but I think there is a better primer out there for me.

Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes
I've had this mascara since July last year, and it is time to bin it. I did like this mascara, the brush was nice, but I don't think I can justify the price of this mascara. Maybe next time I travel overseas, I'll pick it up duty free.

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara 
I love this mascara, and when I get around to going back to the store that sells this in Australia, I will stock up on a few. I have previously done a review on this mascara, which you can view here.

Covergirl Clump Crusher in Black Brown
This is another mascara I liked using. I'm not too sure if I will repurchase this one as I have found other mascaras I love since, but I do recommend this one for separating lashes and for lengthening.

Essence Lash and Brow Gel Mascara
My holy grail for setting brows. I have repurchased this over and over again, and will continue to repurchase.

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in 01 Ivory
I used this up a while ago, and I did enjoy it. But I used it up so quickly - maybe under two weeks. I have found things that work better, but this was a good concealer for highlighting under the eyes.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in 52 Vanilla
I love this foundation. I need to repurchase it, but that will have to wait. Light to medium coverage, and great for dry skin.

Garnier BB Cream for Combination to Oily Skin in Light
I love this BB cream! Although it is for combo to oily skin, I find it works well on my dry skin, and I much prefer it to the original Garnier BB cream. Since using this up, I have repurchased another tube.

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat 
My holy grail top coat. Have repurchased this, and will continue to repurchase. This stuff dries super quick, and if you haven't tried it - I'd recommend it.

Urban Decay Original Primer Potion
I've had this sample for ages. I'm not the biggest fan of the original Primer Potion, but I love the matte one (Eden).

Manicare Disposable Mascara Brushes
Love these for coming out the brows. I keep these in my makeup kit as well.

Lush Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub
I adore this shower scrub! So much so that when I repurchased it I bought two. The price is fairly decent for a body scrub, and I adore the smell of this.

Redwin Vitamin E Cream
When I'm sunburnt, I cover myself in this stuff. It is relatively cheap, and works well as a body moisturiser as well. Will repurchase this eventually, probably in the summer time.

Johnson's Moisturising Day Cream
I have mentioned this in previous empties posts, and I do love this moisturiser, but I have found better ones suited for my dry skin. I am still on the hunt for the perfect moisturiser, though.

Eylure Katy Perry Color Pop Lashes in Ka-Pow! 
From memory, these are the purple lashes - which I wore for my 21st! I loved these lashes, although I wish they made them in just normal black. I absolutely adore the Katy Perry lashes by Eylure.

Swisspers Naturals Cucumber Facial Cleansing Wipes
I don't really remember these in particular, but the Swisspers Naturals are my favourite kind of face wipes. I would repurchase these.

Swisspers Naturals Green Tea Facial Cleaning Wipes (x2) 
I prefer these out of the bunch of Swisspers Naturals range. I love the range, and will continue to repurchase these wipes.

Johnson's Daily Essentials Nourishing Facial Cleansing Wipes for Dry Skin
These may be for dry skin, but they did not work well with my dry skin. I found them quite harsh, and I would not repurchase these.

Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes
I don't really remember these wipes all too much, but I don't remember having a bad experience with them, so I probably would repurchase these if they were on sale.

Daiso Eyelashes (x2)
Here I have two pairs of Daiso lashes. I like Daiso lashes - they are cheap ($2.80) and have some nice styles. Not my favourite kind of eyelashes, but for the price, you really can't go wrong.

Beauty Care Co Makeup Remover Pads
Always in my empties, always a repurchase.

And those are my empties over the last four months! Thanks for reading,
x

What I've Bought Recently #2

This week, I bought a car. A brand-spanking-new car. So you'd think I'd quit on the spending for a bit, right? Apparently no. These are all the new things I've bought recently!

MAC Face and Body Foundation in C2 is a foundation I've wanted to purchase for a long time, and I finally did. I've only used it today (bought it yesterday) and it is light weight foundation, but I am loving it so far! 

I picked up the Nude by Nature Natural Mineral Cover for Light/Medium Skin Tones from Priceline two weeks ago, but I haven't actually tried it as yet. I'm a little nervous because of my dry skin, but I want to give mineral makeup a go. 

For the past couple of days I've wanted a dark red nail polish, so I picked up the Rimmel Salon Pro Nail Polish in 706 Classical Red yesterday. Put it on last night, and so far so good. 

The tube of MAC Viva Glam Rihanna is absolutely gorgeous - and so is the colour. I have a lot of red lipsticks, but nothing that is a frost finish. This lipstick is super pigmented.

I mentioned the L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau De Teint in 120 Pure Ivory in my March Favourites (view here), but it is a recent purchase so I thought I'd include it in this post. 

MAC Prolongwear Concealer in NW20 was mentioned in my last What I've Bought Recently post, but unfortunately yesterday I was doing makeup on a client and the bottle dropped and shattered everywhere! I had to go to MAC straight away and buy another one, this is my absolute favourite under eye concealer and I will repurchase again and again. 

I think I have found a holy grail product for my brows, and that is Benefit Gimme Brow in Medium/Deep. I apply this before powder throughout my brows, and fill in where I need to after. Absolutely adore this, and lasts all day! 

The only real question I have about the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Antwerp is where has it been all my life? I picked this up this week - and I am in some serious love. There was a 3 for 2 offer on NYX products, and I might go back to Target today and see if the sale is still on. I absolutely adore this - it is matte, but not drying, I've had it on today for 2 hours now and there is no sign of cracking or drying out. I adore this product!

I was in Mecca Maxima last week, and saw the bareMinerals Lash Domination Mascara, and what caught me was the price! Cosmetics in Australia are fairly overpriced, but this was only about $23 so I decided to pick it up. I haven't had much use out of it so far, but I will do a review of this mascara at a later date. 

I picked this Rimmel Scandaleyes Show Off Mascara yesterday as it was on sale. I used it today and so far so good, and the brush reminds me of a bigger version of the Benefit They're Real mascara.

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer was also included in my March Favourites, but it is a recent purchase and I thought I'd include it. It reminds me of the MAC Strobe Cream but in a primer purchase, and I definitely will be repurchasing this. 

As part of the 3 for 2 in Target, I grabbed the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in 630 Cashmere. I haven't tried it yet, but I think it will be a lovely base for different gold and bronze eyeshadows.

I've tried Bioderma before and loved it, and I saw the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water in Priceline, so of course I picked it up. I really like it, and it's great for dry and sensitive skin. 

And those are the products I have picked up recently. Reviews of products will be coming soon!

March Favourites

Another month gone, it feels like 2014 is flying by. Onto the March Favourites!

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer 
This is a primer mixed with MAC Strobe Cream. I love it. It makes my skin feel nice and smooth, has illuminating properties, and my makeup goes on flawlessly. I definitely think I have found a primer I will continue to repurchase.

A'kin Pure Radiance Rosehip Oil - For Dry, Sensitive and Normal Skin
My skin has been super dry lately, so I thought trying out an oil would be a good idea. This stuff is awesome, it is an oil so does take a while to sink in, but I use it morning and night and my skin hasn't been as dry. I basically love drowning my face is moisture. This hasn't made me break out either (like another oil I purchased has). If you have dry skin, or sensitive skin and need some hydration and moisture, I'd recommend trying this out.

Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Bikini-tini 
When I do wear eyeshadow, I tend to pop this in the inner corner and allover my eye to open it up, and then add a highlight shadow. Fool-proof eye make-up, really. I did a comparison post between the Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Barely Branded and this cream shadow, which you can view here.

Maybelline 24 Hr Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze (Bad to the Bronze)
This always pops up in my favourites, and this is the one cream eyeshadow I would recommend to anyone. Looks great on its own, with any bronze or gold eyeshadow topped on it. Super long lasting. I love this, and the price point is amazing. Definitely recommend this one!

L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau De Teint in 120 Pure Ivory 
I am working on a review of this foundation, which will hopefully be up soon - when I have a day off to take before and after photos (unfortunately, most days I leave home and it is still dark, and by the time I have returned home, there is hardly any makeup left). I don't think this is the most long-lasting foundation on the market, but for a light, natural looking base makeup, this is it. It is a strange consistency, very liquidy, but feels almost like water - which is why I think I adore it so much! Because of my dry skin, makeup tends to cling.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Perfume
This month I've really been reaching for this perfume. I only have the tiniest bit left, so this will probably be featuring in my next empties! It's such a nice floral scent, and definitely need to repurchase this soon.

Top 13 of 2013

I cannot believe 2013 is at an end. This year has been one of the best years of my life, the most significant was my travels to England. For this yearly favourites, I decided to pick 13 of my favourite products I discovered in 2013 - and it was hard to narrow it down! But here it is, my top 13 of 2013!

1. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

This is probably the best purchase I've made this year, and definitely number one on my list of best products of the year (and probably my favourite palette ever). This is the perfect palette to accompany any makeup look, single eyeshadow, or palette you have. See my review of the Naked Basics here.  

2. MAC Painterly Paint Pot 

This is the best matte base I've ever tried - I don't know why I put buying this off for so long! Although my whole body is dry, I have hooded eyelids that get quite oily. This keeps everything on my lids. I don't do a makeup look without this base, and although it is on the pricier side in Australia, if you're looking for a good base that'll work, I recommend the MAC Paint Pot in Painterly.

3. Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation

I've found that this year, my skin is much more dry than it has been. I slowly had to move away from powders, and venture into the world of products specified for dry skin. This isn't a holy grail foundation (I know I'll find it someday), but it is a great everyday foundation for dry skin. 

4. Essence Lash and Brow Gel

2013 was definitely the year of the eyebrow for me. This brow gel sets everything in place, and is relatively cheap - under $5. Even if you don't fill in your eyebrows or apply any product to them, it's always good to set them and smooth everything out, and I recommend this brow gel. 

5. Benefit Coralista Blush 

This is the blush that made me fall in love with blush. I absolutely adore this blush, and since then have tried incorporating blush in my everyday routine (something I never really did). On paler skins this is beautiful, and on darker skins it is beautiful. I love this blush.

6. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

My Seche Vite is basically all gone, but this is the greatest top coat I have ever used. It dries super fast, is glossy, and everything I want in a topcoat. I highly recommend this product if you haven't tried it yet! 

7. Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Perfume 

This is one of my perfume favourites of 2013. I picked this up on my way back from England at Heathrow, and I absolutely adore this perfume. I'll probably invest in the original parfum next time, but I love the scent of this. I love floral scents! 

8. YSL Parisienne Perfume

I've included two perfumes because this was the year I ventured out into different scents. Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf is my all-time favourite scent, but when I got a sample of this earlier in the year I had to buy it. I purchased this a week or so before I went to England, so every time I wear this perfume I'm reminded of that time away, and this is definitely a scent I'd purchase over and over again. 

9. Lush Dreamwash Shower Smoothie

For when my eczema flares up, I love this stuff for in the shower. It's like a clay almost, and is super soothing. 

10. Daiso Puff and Sponge Cleaner 

This is the greatest thing to clean makeup sponges. For regular brushes, I find it mediocre, but it just sucks liquid makeup out of brushes. 

11. Sigma Small Angle E65 Brush 

This is the only brush I will use in my brows. It is much smaller than the other angle brushes I own, and is perfect for filling in brows. I think I'll need to invest in another one soon, because I also adore this brush for gel eyeliner, or black eyeshadow on the lash line. 

12. Sleek Face Form Palette in Light 

This palette (at least the contour) has seen better days! The contour is absolutely lovely for my light skin, the highlighter is also nice. My only vice with this palette is the blush - on light skin tones, I really can't work this. When I was in England, my cousin who is dark skinned used it and it looked phenomenal on her! But on me, no! However, I'd recommend this palette just for the contour alone - I love it.

See my review of the palette here.

13. Maybelline 24 Hour Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze (Bad to the Bronze)

This was a purchase I made in England. I've been a fan of the Colour Tattoos since they came to Australia in late 2012, and although this has been a favourite, I never picked it up until I was in England - another product I put off buying for so long!

And those are my top 13 of 2013. Happy New Year everyone, see you in 2014!

Benefit Cabana Glama - review and swatches

I received this kit from a friend for my birthday in July. I love how my friends know me! I did a review on the Bronze of Champions kit I bought when I was coming back from England (see post here), and I think these kinds of kits are perfect as you get to try out different products from Benefit - especially in Australia where the prices are expensive. I already know I will be repurchasing Watts Up and They're Real when I run out of the mini sizes (from the Bronze of Champions kit), because they are awesome products! Both are making it to holy grail status. I also would repurchase Hoola, but I've got another Hoola bronzer in this kit so I don't think I'll be running out anytime soon! 

This kit, like the Bronze of Champions, is aimed at a nice summer tan. This kit features the Some Kind of Gorgeous Foundation, Hoola bronzer, three Benefit eyeshadows - which is awesome! (there was only one in the Bronze of Champions), two brushes and Posie Tint. 

The Some Kind of Gorgeous foundation is in the second shade (Medium), which I feared was too dark for me. However, when it is buffed into the skin it works well (which you'll hopefully be able to see in the photos below). The only problem I have is the smell of the foundation... it's not a pleasant smell at all. This is a light coverage foundation. It is a little dark for me, but because it is so lightweight and blendable, it blends okay into my skin. 

When heavily swatched, the foundation looks way too dark and orange for me. When blended out, it matches much better, although is just a tad too dark at the moment. It is a light coverage foundation, so perfect for days you don't want to wear much foundation, or in the summer. I probably would wear this in the summer when I'm a little darker, but the smell of the product is what turns me off. 

I applied the foundation all over my arm, and it hardly had an effect on blurring out my tattoo. This is a very light coverage foundation. 

The Hoola bronzer is an awesome contour shade. The Hoola bronzer in this kit looks bigger than the one in the Bronze of Champions kit, which makes me very happy! The brush it comes with also isn't too bad, and is really good at blending out the product. 

I have a light complexion, and a heavy swatch of Hoola on my arm appears very muddy. However, when blended out (which I've done next to it using the brush included in the Cabana Glama kit) it is quite blendable and matches my skin tone much better. 

The three eyeshadows are all shimmery, flattering summer shades. They are fairly pigmented, although the two brown shades (Bronze Buzz and Cocoa Pizzazz) are quite similar when swatched, as can be seen below. I'm not the biggest fan of pink, but Peach Fuzz has a nice combination of pink and gold and on my lids (as shown in the pictures at the end of the post) Peach Fuzz came off more golden than pink, especially when combined with Bronze Buzz. 

(The three eyeshadows in the kit in placement order - Peach Fuzz, Bronze Buzz and Cocoa Pizzazz)

Posie Tint is an interesting product. This is a legit stain, it would not come off with a makeup remover wipe once I swatched it and took photos of it on my arm - which didn't take more than two minutes! It works extremely well as a stain, but I'm not the biggest fan of pinks. It looks nice on the lips, but is a little drying. Definitely need to scrub and moisturise your lips before using this product. 

Above is after I wiped the swatches with a makeup remover wipe

This is the look I came up with using the three eyeshadows in the kit - Peach Fuzz and Bronze Buzz mixed together on the lid, and Cocoa Pizzazz in the crease. I used the Some Kind of Gorgeous Foundation, Hoola as a contour shade/bronzer, and Posie Tint on my lips and cheeks. 

Thanks for reading my review! I highly recommend Benefit kits like this, as it is a good way to try out different kinds of products all in one go.