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

Too Faced Love Flush Blush Wardrobe - review and swatches

I was really excited when Too Faced released the Love Flush Blushes. Over the last year, blush has become one of my favourite makeup items. I decided to wait for the Love Flush Blush wardrobe to be released in Australia so I could have all the blushes in one palette. Towards the end of January I walked into Mecca and this product had just been released. I picked it up without a second thought. The palette can still be purchased online from Mecca (you would have to use the find in store option to see if it is still available in a store near you).

This palette retails for $53 and contains the six blushes in the Love Flush Blush range. They are miniature sizes, but a good way to trial out all the blushes Too Faced has to offer in this range. 

The range comes with a nice combination of pinks, neutrals, peaches and deeper shades. 

(L to R: Love Hangover, Baby Love, I Will Always Love You, How Deep Is Your Love?, Justify My Love, Your Love Is King)

These blushes claim to have 16 hour wear. I haven't worn any of these blushes for 16 hours, but I can still see blush on my face at the end of the day, so they are long-wearing.

The full size blushes come with 6 grams of product each, where each pan in this palette has 2 grams of product. This palette retails for $53 in Australia, and the full size retails for $41 in Australia - which means this palette is good value for money. 

I really enjoy this palette and would recommend it for any blush lovers. Baby Love has become my favourite go-to every day blush shade, and I can see myself using this one up very quickly. 

Thanks for reading, 

X

Top 15 of 2015

I feel like 2015 just flew by. It was one of the most challenging years of my life, and I am happy to see it go. So today, I bring you my Top 15 of 2015 - in no particular order.

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette
This palette is absolutely beautiful. When I do makeup on people, this is the palette I reach for 90% of the time. Marzipan is a beautiful allover lid colour, and Creme Brulee is a stunning gold. I have made a significant dent in Milk Chocolate, which I love to use as a transition shade, and the shimmery highlight, Champagne Truffle is a beautiful shimmery shade (and can even be used as a highlight on the face). If I was to travel, this would be the palette I would take with me. It has the right amount of shimmer and mattes, and all the shadows are beautiful. I highly recommend this palette. I will eventually have a comparison post between the Chocolate Bar Palette and the Semi Sweet Chocolate Bar Palette up on the blog.

MAC Velvet Teddy
This has been my go-to colour for the better half of the year. I have purchased a back up of this, as I am nearly out of mine. It is a medium nude, and looks beautiful on my light skin, but would work on many skin tones. It is a pricey lipstick, but the MAC matte lipsticks are my favourite conventional lipstick, and it lasts for hours on the lips. If I'm wearing a nude lipstick, 80% of the time it is this.

Chi Chi Super CC Cream
This is my favourite base product from this year (and probably all time). The shade is great for my skin tone, and you get a lot of product - the tube comes with 50g! I've had it for quite a few months and will need to purchase a back up shortly. It is light-medium coverage, and if you're able to get this in your shade, I would recommend it. It is hydrating as it is a CC cream, and my dry skin looks fabulous with it. Highly recommend this.

OPI You're Such a Budapest  
This OPI nail polish has been on my nails 50% of the year. It is the most perfect periwinkle purple.

Kit Cosmetics Salted Caramel Candle
I don't currently have this candle, but it is one of my absolute favourite candles. This is the only sweet candle I actually enjoy. Usually, sweet candles are too sickly for me, but this candle smells like heaven. Absolutely adore this candle. When I've burnt through 2 more candles, I will repurchase this.

Lipstick Queen Hello Sailor & Queen Bee
I'm going to group these two together because they are a similar product, just a different shade. Essentially, they are a tinted lip stick, that are super moisturising. In the colder months, these are bomb lip products. My boyfriend also gifted me with Medieval for Christmas, so I will have a review up of it soon. For a review of Hello Sailor, see here.

Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation 
This powder is absolutely heavenly on my face. It isn't the cheapest face powder, but it doesn't dry my skin out at all. It also smells like chocolate, so who can really complain? I would recommend checking out this powder - oily and dry skin alike!

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Where has this mascara been all my life???? I don't have the most fabulous lashes. They are short, okay at holding a curl, but nothing amazing. Enter the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. I love this mascara. If you haven't tried this mascara out, please, do your self a favour and try it. Your mascara game will change completely. The first time I wore this mascara, my friend asked me if I was wearing falsies. Enough said!

LA Girl Pro Conceal in Classic Ivory
MAC Prolongwear Concealer is still one of my all time favourite undereye concealers, but for the last 2 or so months of 2015, I have really enjoyed this concealer. The shade I have is quite pink in tone and thus amazing at covering dark circles.

Chi Chi Brow Pomade 
I have two shades - Taupe and Dark Brown. When my roots were a lot lighter (I have a belayage blonde happening), Taupe was a good shade, but now that my roots are a lot darker, I find Dark Brown the better option. To see my review of Taupe, please click here. A comparison of the two will be up on the blog shortly.

ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in Trap
In the cooler months, this is the ultimate perfect lip shade. It is a cool toned nude. The formula lasts on your lips for ages, is a little drying, but not too extreme. These products retail for $6US, and they have a heap of shades as well. I have two reviews up of different shades - see review 1 (Trap is mentioned) and review 2.

NARS Steven Klein One Shocking Moment Cheek Palette 
This, of course, is a favourite from the last couple of months of 2015. The highlight shade in this palette is my favourite to put under my eyes. See my review of the palette here. The palette contains a massive Laguna, beautiful blush shades, and a nice contouring and highlighting duo. If you can still pick this up, I would highly recommend it.

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle EDP
This perfume was a gift for my 23rd birthday this year. I've never been too interested in Chanel scents, but this scent is so feminine. I've used a quarter of the bottle in five months, so it definitely has been used a lot this past year.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion Plus
This moisturiser has been a favourite for years. It is super moisturising, works well in the summer and winter months, and always leaves my skin feeling hydrated.

ColourPop Blaze Super Shock Shadow
This eyeshadow was part of the Kathleenlights Where the Light Is quad, but can now be purchased individually (I have placed an order with ColourPop and one is on it's way to me). See review of quad here. This is the most perfect bronzey, glittery shadow. Because it is a ColourPop eyeshadow, it is super pigmented and one of my favourite go to bronzes (next to Urban Decay Smog, nothing will ever remove that as my number 1 bronze).

And those are my favourites of 2015!

Happy New Year!

Dupe for MAC Velvet Teddy (MAC Velvet Teddy vs Too Faced Melted Chihuahua)

MAC Velvet Teddy is my absolute favourite lipstick. It is a medium toned nude, and complements my light complexion nicely. I recently acquired a mini size of the Too Faced Melted Chihuahua, which upon swatching I thought was a really similar shade to MAC Velvet Teddy. Here I have a mini comparison between the two.

The MAC is definitely more matte, whereas the Too Faced is more "glossy" - I say "glossy", as it does dry down to a semi-matte, but doesn't look as matte on the lips as the MAC.

(L: MAC Velvet Teddy, R: Too Faced Melted Chihuahua)

The MAC lipstick comes with 3g of product, and retails for $36 in Australia. The Too Faced comes with 12mL of product, and currently retails for $30 in Australia. The lipsticks are a different finish overall, but I find the shade quite similar and think it is a great alternative - and you are receiving more product with the Too Faced compared with the MAC. I still do reach for my Velvet Teddy rather than the Too Faced, as I find Velvet Teddy lasts longer on the lips. 

(L: Too Faced Melted Chihuahua, R: MAC Velvet Teddy)

Thanks for reading,

X

September Favourites

The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist

This has been my go to face setting spray for the last month or so. This is a hydrating mist for the face. I don't know if it makes my makeup last any longer due to the fact that I have used setting sprays every time I've done my makeup for the last 2-3 years, but it is a nice hydrating mist and my skin loves it. I haven't tried much from The Body Shop to be honest, but I am quite excited to do so in the future. 

bareMinerals Prime Time Foundation Primer
A couple of months ago, I purchased the bareMinerals set of powder foundation in the lightest shade. This included a small sample of the bareMinerals Prime Time Primer. This primer is silicone based, and glides nicely over my skin. Silicone based primers are my favourite type of primers. It does not emphasise any dryness on my face and any makeup I apply on time blends nicely.

Chanel Coco Madmesoille EDP
This perfume was a gift for my birthday, and is an absolutely gorgeous scent. I've never really been into Chanel, but this scent is beautiful. It is a very feminine scent.

Hourglass Mood Exposure Blush
I purchased the limited edition Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush palette last year, and I have used this blush a lot (it is the last shade in the palette). It's such a nice, natural shade. I definitely prefer it more in the winter months (love my corals in the spring and summer), but this blush does have a significant dent in it and  I can see myself reaching pan quite soon.

theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer 
The last month or so, I have really been into highlighting. This highlighting powder is one of the more extreme highlighters that I own, but it is absolutely gorgeous. Mine shattered after I first purchased it so it has been put back together with a bit of rubbing alcohol, but I definitely recommend this highlighting powder. One of my favourites.

Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation in Light 
My boyfriend actually purchased this for me. This is the only powder foundation I have used that doesn't emphasise my dry skin. It goes on smooth and lasts great. I think I have found my holy grail powder. This works great on top of a foundation/BB/CC cream or by itself. I will go more in depth in my review of this powder which should be up in the coming weeks.

(L to R: Hourglass Mood Exposure Blush, theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer, Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation in Light)

And those are my favourites for this month!

X

Too Faced 5 Star Favorites Set - review

I picked up this little set from Mecca Maxima a month or so ago. The price for this set was $28, which is quite reasonable in that you are receiving 3 products for that price (although they aren't full sized, they are deluxe sized). To be honest, the only thing in this set you would go through quickly is the mascara (and maybe the eyeliner, depending on how much eyeliner you use a day). The primer will last you quite some time.

Please note, I have for the last 2 and a bit weeks had an eye irritation which has made testing these products a bit hard (and hence the lack of posts). At first, I thought it may have been the eye liner or mascara in this set but when the irritation did not go away after a day, I realised it wasn't the eyeliner or mascara. We are back in the eye makeup game now!

Too Faced Perfect Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner is a super pigmented, black liner. This does not move from the water line. I do tend to use gel eyeliner in the upper lash line and water line as that does not go anywhere, but when I wear contacts the gel sticks to the contact and is a pain to remove without taking the contacts out. This pencil does not have this issue. As this is in a pencil form, it is easier for travel compared to gel as well. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara has become an instant favourite with me. The wand has an hourglass shape and it makes my lashes dark, bold, long and voluminous. I don't know why I haven't picked this up sooner, but I'm so glad I have now. When this runs out, I will definitely be repurchasing. Too Faced Shadow Insurance is an eyelid primer. Urban Decay Primer Potion has been my go-to for years, but I have always been interested in trying this out. To be honest, whenever I do eye makeup, I will apply an eyelid primer and then put a base on - 90% of the time this base is the MAC Painterly Paint Pot. I never just rely on an eyelid primer. This one reminds me a lot of the Urban Decay Primer Potion Original, and I will continue to use this. 

Unfortunately I can't see this on the Mecca website anymore, but it may still be available in store. All these products can be purchased as a full sized product from Mecca Maxima, and Mecca online. For the price, this is a great little set and I'm happy I got to try out these three great products.

Thanks for reading,
X

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette - review and swatches

I purchased this palette towards the end of last year, and it retails for $65 from Mecca Maxima. When this palette was first released, it wasn't really on my wish list. I own a Too Faced palette from a couple of years ago and there is only really one shadow I use from that palette, and that is for my brows (I have, however, recently depotted it and have been using it so much more since). This deterred me from purchasing any more Too Faced palettes. On a whim, I decided to pick this up. I do not regret purchasing this palette at all. Too Faced describe this eyeshadows in this palette as "pigmented with pure, antioxidant-rich cocoa powder and includes 16 matte and shimmer shades of natural browns, delicate pinks and luscious plums".

There are 16 shades in this palette, with the highlight shades White Chocolate and Champagne Truffle in larger pan sizes - this is not an uncommon practice from Too Faced. The smaller eyeshadow pans (14 in total) have 0.95g of product, and the 2 highlight pans have 2.8g of product.

Gilded Ganache is a darker chocolate brown. This shadow has gold flecks in it. The pigmentation is good with this shadow, but there is quite a bit of fallout when this is applied. 

White Chocolate is a matte, beige shade. It is the yellower of the two highlight shades in the palette. The pigmentation on this matte is great, and I find good use with this shadow to set my base (usually MAC Painterly Paint Pot) lightly with a blending brush before applying any shadows. 

Milk Chocolate is a medium warm-tone matte brown. So far, this shadow has received the most use in this palette as it is a great crease and transition shade. The colour payoff is great with this shadow.

Black Forest Truffle is a darker burgundy/wine shade with gold flecks and shimmer. The application of this shadow can be a bit inconsistent, but on top of a base this shadow works fine. 

Triple Fudge is a dark matte brown. The pigmentation of this matte shadow is not on par with some of the other mattes in this palette, but it is not a chalky shadow and performs great at darkening the crease and outer V of the eye look. 

Salted Caramel is a light warm-tone matte brown. This shadow does lean towards an orange-brown. This matte has great pigmentation. 

Marzipan is a beautifully pigmented pink champagne colour. This is a great everyday colour and has a shimmer finish. One of my favourite go-tos in this palette. 

Semi-Sweet is a darker warm-tone matte brown. I like to use this when darkening up the crease or outer V. This darker matte works great during the day time, and to up the look for the night time, I would recommend going with Triple Fudge in the outer V. 

Strawberry Bon Bon is a matte, light pink shadow. Unfortunately pink shadows are not my preference so this shadow has not receive much use (and most likely won't). In saying that, however, the pigmentation is good and the shadow is fairly blendable. For those that do like pink shadows, this would be a good one. 

Candied Violet is a purple shimmer. Unfortunately, as you can see in the swatches below, this shadow is not overly pigmented. It does perform okay over a base (preferably a purple base), but on its own it is fairly disappointing. I do tend to use this shadow on top of a purple liner underneath my eyes for a pop of colour. 

Amaretto is a shimmery wine shade. The pigmentation is okay.

Hazelnut is a bronze shimmer. This shade is warm-toned and has good pigmentation.

Creme Brulée is a nicely pigmented gold shimmer. Out of the whole palette, this and Marzipan have the best colour pay-off and are my go-to allover lid shade. 

Haute Chocolate is a bronze shimmer. Compared to Hazelnut, it is more cool-toned. I like the inclusion in this palette of a warm tone and cool tone bronze. 

Cherry Cordial is a purple wine with shimmer. This shadow is great for the Autumn and Winter months. It has good colour pay off. 

Champagne Truffle is a pink-toned shimmer highlight. This is gorgeous shadow and can be used as an all-over highlight (yes, on the cheekbones and allover the face as well!) 

(L to R: Gilded Ganache, White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Black Forest Truffle, Triple Fudge)

(L to R: Salted Caramel, Marzipan, Semi-Sweet, Strawberry Bon-Bon, Candied Violet, Amaretto)

(L to R: Hazelnut, Creme Brulée, Haute Chocolate, Cherry Cordial, Champagne Truffle)

The palette also comes with a mirror, which is a great addition. It is in a tin casing (similar to that of the Urban Decay Naked 2 or Naked 3). One of the only disappointing things I find with this palette is that the names are not printed on the packaging but on a slip. I have taped this slip over the mirror side of the palette as to not lose the names. Too Faced have since updated this in the release of their Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar Palette, which will also be up for review soon. Another thing that is disappointing with the palette is the consistency of the shimmer shades. As you can see in the swatches, Marzipan and Creme Brulée are extremely pigmented and consistent, however when you get to some of the other shades, such as Black Forest Truffle or Candied Violet, they are not nearly as pigmented. However, in saying that, as I use an eyeshadow primer and a base whenever applying eyeshadows, this assists in the application and pigmentation on some of the lesser pigmented shadows and I can make them work. 

This palette does lean towards more of a warm-toned palette, but does include some nice cool-toned shadows as well. I think this is a great thing by Too Faced, as the palette can be more versatile for the everyday makeup enthusiast. 

Overall, I love this palette. Since I have purchased it, I have probably used it more than my Naked and Naked 2 combined this year (both are two of my favourite palettes of all time). If you are tossing up whether or not you need this palette, go in store, swatch it, and decide from there. This palette is definitely in my Top 5 Favourite eyeshadow palettes. For $65 (in Australia), you get 16 shadows which is a great deal! And the palette also smells like chocolate, so you really can not go wrong.

Thanks for reading,
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Current Favourites

It has been a while since I've done a Favourites post, so I thought I'd combine the last couple of months. I have been experimenting with new products as of lately, and these are the products that have stood out to me from the last couple of months:

Josie Maran Cosmetics Argan Illuminiser 
Where has this product been all my life? I picked this up from Mecca a couple of months ago, and I love to mix it in with face products for an allover luminosity (it works especially well with the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue). The only downside to this product, when used mixed with base products, is once the makeup does wear off throughout the day, glitter does remain on your face. For a night out, however, this is a great product. You can apply it all over your face before foundation as an illuminating base.

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara
I received a small size of this in the Naked on the Run palette. I have been wearing this daily and it does something magical with my tiny lashes. Will definitely repurchase this one, even though I don't tend to spend too much on mascaras. I find Maybelline do great mascaras, but this one was a pleasant surprise.

Chi Chi Super CC Cream
I have been using this product on the daily. The coverage is light but buildable. I purchased this in the shade Light (I believe there is a Fair shade) and it is a pretty good match. Because it is a CC cream, this type of base product is great for dry skin. I have not had an issue with this one clinging onto dry patches. There is 50g of product in this tube. The standard for foundation is 30g, so the amount of product for the price is amazing.

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue
The coverage of this is much lighter than the Chi Chi CC Cream. I do find with super dry skin, this does cling a bit. With properly moisturised and primed skin, this is a great base product for everyday. There is 35g of product in here, which is an additional 5g than the standard amount of foundation. The colour range in Australia isn't as large as it is overseas, but if there is a shade that matches you, I would recommend checking it out. This product is advertised as a "tinted hydrating gel cream", so the coverage is just enough to even out my skin tone (my main concern is redness).

Too Faced Cocoa Contour Palette
This has quickly become a staple in my everyday makeup routine. The Light Cocoa shade in this palette (as you can see) is my absolute favourite under eye highlight powder I have tried to date. I've done a review of this palette here. The Medium Cocoa shade is a great contour shade for me, and I will definitely be experimenting with Dark Cocoa once the spring and summer time hits.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
I love mixing the two lighter shades in the palette for a subtle highlight during the day. I know a lot of people love to use these powders to set under the eyes, but I find them too shimmery for that. As a subtle glow, though, these work well. I've done a review of this palette here.

And those are my current favourites! Thanks for reading,
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Too Faced Cocoa Contour Palette - review and swatches

Too Faced has become one of my favourite brands over the last year. I saw this contour palette featured in YouTube videos a couple of months ago, and was desperately awaiting it's release in Australia. This palette retails for $52 from Mecca, and is available from Mecca Maxima and Kit Cosmetic stores.

Too Faced describes this product as the following:

"Lift cheekbones, look instantly slimmer or sculpt like a celebrity with Cocoa Contour. Includes the two essential sculpting shades, the perfect matte highlighter and a luminous pop of light for a contoured look that never looks flat. Infused with our antioxidant-rich Exclusive Cocoa Complex for a seamless finish and decadent chocolate scent. Features our Contour Buki Brush for the most professional sculpting effect".

The palette features for highlight and contour shades, and an adorable kabuki brush:
Light Cocoa - a light matte pink-based shade to highlight
Medium Cocoa - a medium, slightly cool tone matte for contour
Dark Cocoa - a deeper, more warm tone matte for contour
Pop of Light - a shimmer pink toned highlight

The included Contour Buki Brush is great for applying the contour powders.

(L to R: Light Cocoa, Medium Cocoa, Dark Cocoa, Pop of Light)

Light Cocoa has been my go-to under eye highlight shade since I picked up this palette. Medium Cocoa has been my go-to contour. In the warmer months, I will be using Dark Cocoa to bronze up my face - as you can see, it is definitely more warmer in tone than Medium Cocoa. Unfortunately the only downside of this palette is the shade Pop of Light - it is meant to be a highlight shade, but unfortunately it is just chunks of glitter once blended out. The colour payoff is of every other shade is great, and I find at the end of the work day you can still see my contour.

For the price, I believe this is a great palette. There are three usable shades in my opinion, and the inclusion of the brush makes it unique. I also have the Anastasia Contour Kit (which I will have a review up of soon), which before this was my go-to palette, and the Australis, but this is my favourite. The palette also smells like chocolate, so how can you go wrong?

If you are looking into purchasing a contour kit, I would say put this on your list to take a look at! It is limited edition, so get in quick!

Thanks for reading,
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Too Faced Soul Mates Blushing Bronzer in Ross & Rachel - review and swatches

I've really been on a Too Faced kick lately. I don't know what it is, but I need to own every Too Faced product! (I will have a review of the original Chocolate Bar Palette soon, I promise!).  Too Faced explains this product as follows:

Bronzer and Blush: the power couple of beauty. A duo made in heaven to add warmth, contour and a pop of colour for the radiant look of true love. Soul Mates Blushing Bronzer combines a shimmering, sun-kissed bronze and a brightening pop of blush that can be used separately or blended together for a healthy, beautiful flush.

The Soul Mates Blushing Bronzer comes in two shades - Carrie & Big, which is a light to medium bronzer with pop of coral blush, and Ross & Rachel, a medium to deep bronzer with pop of pink blush.

(L to R: bronzer, blush, mix of the two)

As you can see from the swatches above, blending the two shades together doesn't change the colour all too much at all. This is a gorgeous bronzer, but unfortunately in Australia we are entering into winter and this probably won't get much use until later in the year. The shimmer in the bronzer is absolutely gorgeous. 

You can of course use the blush by itself, but the only downside is the size of the blush portion. It is relatively hard to get a blush brush just to swirl around in the blush section, but I do look at this duo as more of a bronzer than a blush and bronzer duo. 

Part of me did by this because of the name of the product (huge Friends fan, right here), but it is a gorgeous product and gorgeous packaging (hello - it's in a heart shaped compact!). I can see this bronzer being a staple in the spring & summer months!

Thanks for reading,
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Mecca Beauty Loop Level 1 Box - 2015

This month, Mecca released the Beauty Loop boxes. Surprisingly, I'm only a Level 1 - which is a surprise to me! I believe the box comes up four times a year, and this box includes 4 samples of products.

The samples included are the By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder, Too Faced Shadow Insurance, Ren  Micro Polish Cleanser, and the NARS Light Optimising Primer.

I'm most excited to try the By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder, as it most interests me that this can be used as a skincare product on top of night moisturiser. I used the NARS primer yesterday and today (the sample is good for about 2-3 uses), and it is similar to MAC Strobe Cream in that it reflects light.  It reflects red, and it looks absolutely gorgeous. I might have to purchase this primer, I'm not going to lie. 

And those are the items I got in the Mecca Beauty Loop box!

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