Saturday 23 February 2013

Mascara Madness #2

Hey Readers,
If you follow me on instagram (Makeupscience) you would have seen the photo below and know that this post was on its way. If not I will explain....
At the start of the month I posted a photo of three mascaras saying I was going to try for the month then give a verdict of how they went and whether I would recommend. I may not post one of these every month but I am going to try and do this regularly  Mascara is always something I'm turning over I do enjoy trying something new so wanted to share my thoughts....



Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Mascara Cat Eyes
Now this is a mascara I used to use a lot of ages ago and then it went off the market I could not find it anywhere. It was at Christmas when Maybelline brought out their Christmas packs that I saw this mascara with and eyeshadow and lipstick I snapped it up. Since then I also have found them at CFD (Cosmetics Fragrances Direct) singularly and also recently noticed that this version is once again on the Maybelline stands in Priceline and Coles just in a waterproof version. For this mascara ts really is all in the brush its slim has short bristles and is curved. This means it coats, lifts and separates the lashes with ease, being slim line its easy to also give your bottom lashes the same treatment and with very little clumping. I don't really get a lot of volume from this mascara as the name suggests but it gives my lashes the most amazing lift and length my lashes really frames my eyes. It takes so little effort to get such great results I really enjoy using this one and recommend giving it a go.




The Balm What's Your Type Black Mascara in Tall, Dark and Handsome.
Again I picked this up in a Christmas pack I really wanted to try the highlighter that was in it and for the price of that I got the mascara and a lipgloss as well. Now this mascara definitely gives length and darkens the lashes. The brush is rubber with short spikes and does taper slightly making it easy to get right into the inner corner lashes as well as catching the bottom ones as well. This formula is a little thicker than a lot of other mascaras I have used. It also is quite a wet formula which does take a little to get used to. Right after application I can feel it on my lashes and have to wait a second for it to dry  but apart from that it gives lashes natural looking length with little clumps. Given this one is from the Balm a brand that produces some really interesting products there really is no huge WOW factor I would expect for a high end mascara and I probably wont pay the $24 dollars to repurchase.




Covergirl Lashblast Fusion
I bought this mascara when it was on sale at Woolworths they had a promotion that all the Covergirl mascaras were $10. I couldn't decide between the volume and length versions so went with the fusion to get the best of both worlds surprisingly you actually get both!!! This really has become a go to mascara its thick short rubber bristled wand which coats lashes with ease and results of volume and length are almost instant. For me its one of those mascaras you can apply without thinking with lashes left natural looking just with a little bit more definition. I really have enjoyed using this one on the days I have very simple eye makeup on or the days I am wearing mascara on its own. The volume and length really gives the best of both worlds in the one mascara.




Ok so that ends my second edition of mascara madness I really have enjoyed trying these mascaras and writing this post so I hope you enjoyed reading and it helps with your next mascara purchase. Please follow me on instagram and like my facebook page both are under MakeupScience. Also feel free to leave me a mascara recommendation or your thoughts on any I have reviewed.

Ever.

Friday 22 February 2013

Bellabox February and January Review

Bellabox January Review
Ok so while it doesn't really seem like four weeks since my last Bellabox another has just arrived for me to enjoy!! January's box was really great and I have enjoyed all of the products that were sent!!

You Me and Everybody Cool it Aloe Vera Gel


This product was really the only thing I didn't use sadly time to enjoy the sun has been short lived it has rained and even flooded a lot this month so sunny weekends have been few!!! But in some ways I do feel its a good thing as it means I've not gotten sun burnt or had any major skin irritations this month!!! 

Face of Australia Massage Therapy lip shine


As I said last month I'm not really a lip gloss girl but this product has definitely  converted me and I really have enjoyed it a lot. I do find it slightly sticky when I first put it on but after a few seconds its gone and it lasts a quite a long time. I also have paired it with a lipstick that while I enjoyed the colour do not like its frosty finish with this gloss I get the best of both worlds colour with the gloss.

Jurlique Replenishing Cleansing Lotion


After a month of using this product I still really impressed at how well it takes off makeup and cleans the skin so easily. It leaves the skin soft, smooth and lightly scented!!! 

Jurlique Purely Age Defying Ultra Firm and Lift Cream 


Another great product from Jurlique this month. I have not only really enjoyed using this after the cleansing lotion but also on its own. I'm not completely sure that my skin has been lifted and firmed but my skin is softer, smooth and  moisturised without feeling heavy and sticky.

Natio Pure Mineral Skin Perfecting BB Cream SPF 15


I did not mind receiving a small sachet when it came to this product. I had really wanted to give this a try but couldn't bring myself to be potentially buy a whole tube and be disappointed with the product. I've done that recently with another brands BB cream and I was not going to do that again. As a BB cream it ticks all the boxes. Its easy to apply blends with the skin, is hydrating, has coverage and evens out the skin tone. 



Bellabox February


February box was given the Valentines theme and came wrapped in really cute heart printed tissue paper. Now I have to say that it wasn't as full as January box but it did contain a few exciting items. 




John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Perfecting Spray received 30ml full size is 198ml
Now my hair is far from curly and doesn't like holding curls no matter how much product I use. However I do want to try and see how it goes reducing frizz and taming the fly aways that I am blessed with. 





Batiste Dry Shampoo in the scent floral and flirty blush received  a 50ml sample full size.
I have received one of these travel size dry shampoo before (not sure if it was from BB or LHI) and to be honest its still in my bathroom cabinet. I am not a dry shampoo user really so I think that this one might be re gifted my mum is about to travel soon so I might see if she may find it handy!!!




Banna Boat Sport SPF 30+ recieved 15ml sample full size is 200g
This was added as a 'Bonus' sample I put that in quotations as I feel that given there was a chance to be surprised with the inclusion of a Tiffany and Co necklace, a sunscreen sample isn't really a bonus!! It also doesn't quite fit with the valentines theme either but it is a practical product in my house hold so it defiantly will get use!!






U Skin Solutions Clean and Go Exfoliating Gel Cleanser received a mini sample full size is 125ml
I am excited to try this one I do enjoy face scrubs/exfoliators and I am always up for trying before buy. I am intrigued to see how well the exfoliating bamboo beads feel and work. I do also like the fact that its a cleanser and exfoliator in the one product. It also has got a nice fresh scent and contains calendula and tee tree oil.




Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse received and 10ml sample full size is 50ml

Now while I cannot actually say the name of this product I am interested to give it a try. This sweet smelling french multipurpose nourishing oil can be used on the hair, face and body. I've never owned a product like this before so am interested to see how it applies, feels and lasts. 





Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in the colour Golden Rule received a full size.
This is definitely  the most exciting item of the box this gold glitter polish goes on smooth, is dense and covers with ease. I also really love how the brush is wider than other polishes so a perfectly painted nail is only minutes away. It also wares really well I do wash my hands a lot at work and in three days it has not chipped!!! 





Overall I am happy with the February box there are items that I will definitely  use over and over and ones that I will re gift but overall I feel I've got my moneys worth. I will give all the products a whirl over the next month and next box tell you what I thought.

Have a perfect day 
Ever.



Lust Have It February and January Review

Hey Readers, 
Its that time again my new months Lust Have It box has arrived and its time to review the box that was. I really enjoyed January box have given all thee products I received and my full review is below.....  

Lust Have It January Review


Nude by Nature BB 5-in-1 Miracle Cream in light

As I said in my last post was really excited to see this BB cream included and full size ment that I could try it a few different ways particularly given that the light shade wasn't a perfect match for me!! I did enjoy giving it a go, I found it worked well under powder with no cakeyness or blotching and hydrated my skin. It also blended quite well into the skin and with concealer!! Now this is where I feel it falls down a little as a BB cream and falls slightly back into the just a good tinted moisturiser category. It was very very light on coverage and is not really buildable. For me a BB cream should have coverage and be buildable, even out the skin and lessen redness at least. Even after applying two coats, my own skin still shone through redness and darkness not evened out. It was a little disappointing but on the days were I'm not wanting a lot of makeup, extra hydration or having a good skin day. I will definitely turn to this. 

Ella Bache Great 50+ Sportsbloc Active

I was really excited to receive this given I've always looked at Ella Bache products just never had the budget to buy. I also curious about whether the the 50+ addition to sunscreen really makes a difference. To get maximum use out of this sample I did decant it from the sachet to a bottle just to make it easier to dispense I also didn't want to waste the generous sample of 20ml. Overall I do have to say I have mixed feelings. I really wanted this to work on my face and under my makeup while the product goes on easily is lightweight and lasts for a long time. On my face it was a bit greasy and under my makeup it meant that it just did not last and I was shiny by midday as opposed to around 3pm. Now I think this may primarily have something to do with the extra lanolin and macadamia oil included to nourish the skin and I have to admit my skin felt good but I ended up using this just on my body. On my body it went on smooth, sinking into my skin nicely and lasting a long time without feeling too greasy, smelling like sunblock or sticky at the end of a fun day out. In regards to being 50+ I did feel it lasted a little longer then my usual choice of sunscreen but I still topped up every 3-4 hours, it also seemed thicker than usual but as I have not tried any other 50+ sunscreens I have nothing to compare. Overall I have enjoyed it and as a little goes a long way I will continue to use.

Emotional Brilliance Makeup from Lush Cosmetics I received in Success say "yes" which is a silver eyeliner
Again another exciting inclusion to the box and sadly I have only swatched on my hand I do feel that it will make a great base for a smoky eye and a bit of difference over a black winged liner. I do have two engagement parties next month so am definitely planning to use it on my eyes then!!! 

Kabuki Brush by Lust Have It

Could not wait to use this one could not  believe how soft it is to touch and on the face. I was really impressed at how it distributes mineral makeup. And there has been minimal fallout and shedding. Am really hoping that lust have it expand this range I wouldn't mind a set!!! 

Klorane Shampoo and Conditioner 

As per my last past about only receiving the conditioning balm, I did receive a response from the LHI team saying that I should have received a shampoo sample and if I sent them an email I would have the extra sample sent. Sadly February has been a busy month and I never got around to!! I have however continued using the balm it smells great, is easy to apply post shampoo and leaves my hair soft and manageable I've really enjoyed it and most likely will buy the full size.

Ok so on to February's LHI box despite this box arriving late this month I have to say that it arrived quicker then I thought I usually post email wait up to five days to receive my box this time it only was about three. 




Summer Tan by Mancine Self Action Tan-Dark recieved 250ml which is full size
This is a self tanning lotion that just by unscrewing the top to look at the product it looks quite dark but I am willing to give it a go despite the fact I've never really self tanned before. 




Styli Style L3 Timeless Lipstick recieved on which is full size.

I am really interested to try this lipstick after reading the card it explains that this is a non drying, long lasting and hi shine lipstick. Eternal Flame is the colour I recieved its a vibrant pink that is a little brighter than the  colours I usually wear bright but true to the description it is definetly shiny and long lasting.





Lon Vitalite C9 Crystal Moisturising Hand Mask recieved 1 pair which is full size

This product is a pair of cloth gloves that are designed to give the hands a full cleansing and detoxifying treatment. It takes around 20-30minutes so will have to set aside some me time for this one.




The Naural Source Camouflague Colour Nail Lacquers recieved a 12ml full size

in Ivy.
These polishes are toluene and petrochemical free, they are coloured with natural dyes and are said to last 10 days without chipping. Cannot wait to put this metallic green to the test!!!





Overall from just looking at the products on their own it didn't seem to be as as exciting as previous boxes we have received from LHI. But unpacked and opened I am really interested to give these products a go. Chip test the polish, try something new with the self tan lotion and will see if a bright pink lipstick suits me!!! all while grabbing some me time with the hand mask. Overall a great box will see how all these products go.

Ever.









Saturday 16 February 2013

Beauty Joint Haul!!!


Hey Readers
Recently I purchased makeup from Beautyjoint.com and thought I would share my experience and what I bought with you today. After hearing about this website from a few beauty guru's on youtube (misstango2, heyyjune) I decided to have a look. I was really after the elf blush bronzer duos that I've heard a lot about but had been sold out when I last bought from the elfcosmetics.com.au website. They had them and at a good price so after adding the to my cart I went and looked for more!!! 

Beauty Joint being an american company offers a lot of makeup brands we can't easily get in Australia if at all. Brands include NYX, Jordana, Wet n Wild and Milani just to name a few. They also do everything at American prices so its a lot cheaper then makeup here at home. Now I do want to point out that given its coming from America and with all online shopping you do have to consider shipping particularly when getting makeup online. It sometimes can see you spending more than what the item costs just to get it to your door. Beauty joint have weight based shipping which is more expensive than most flat rate so I do advice put all your wanted items in your cart and calculate the shipping so you can modify your order if needed. I do have to say though it is quite reasonable I divided the shipping cost by the number of products I had chosen and it still meant I was getting items a lot cheaper than other websites or here at home. Shipping is also quite fast I just got the basic and from the day I ordered to the day I received was only 13 days pretty fast given most of the time you wait anywhere between 4-6 weeks!!! 

Ok so onto the good stuff and what I bought....


Starting with ELF or Eyes Lips Face. Now I know that you can get ELF from their Australian website (www.elfcosmetics.com.au) and as of 2012 they have reduced their prices so we are not paying heaps more than our international friends. But as I wanted to get my hands on their most popular blush bronzer duo which seemed  to be always out of stock I jumped at the chance to get them and at reasonable price I also found there are three different versions two of which I cannot yet find on our Aussie site. 

elf Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzer.
The first shade is listed as St Lucia but as far as I can tell this is the original version and only one found on our Aussie website. The blush is a peachy pink and contains a gold glitter, the bronzer a medium tone and also contains the gold glitter of the blush. 




The second shade is Antigua the blush in this duo is more of a bright hot pink blush partnered with a darker more chocolatey bronzer.


I also decided to get a few elf accessories I have been wanting to try their brushes and thought I would get pick up their blush brush its a little flatter than I thought but I do like the pointed tip which I might try to use for contouring. I also picked up the elf shine eraser oil blotting sheets I have only used one other brand before and wanted to given something else a go they are also $2 for 50 so a bargain really. 



NYX 
I have not been able to find reasonably priced NYX items for a while so took the opportunity to pick up a few items that I had on my wish list!!! 
This light matte bronzer is one I have been eyeing for a while. I really enjoy using matte bronzers for contouring. I also enjoy the knowledge that I can add blush and/or highlight without being overly glittery and shimmery.









NYX Blush and Bronzer Combo in the shade Sunrise in Bali. 
This duo is similar in colour the the elf St Lucia but the NYX is defiantly finer the glitter particles less noticeable giving more of a sheen. (could not get these photos aligned sorry)






NYX Bohemian chic Nude Matte Collection 
I picked this up as I have been looking for matte shadows I do not mind a shimmer and glitter. But from time to time I want a matte shade for the crease, brow bone or transition colour most palettes usually only have one or two and usually a light shade or black. This I felt will give me endless options and also comes with two matte blushes. I'm really excited to give this a go see how it compliments with my other neutral palettes and try some more subtle no shimmer looks as well.

Milani 
The first item I picked up is a powder mosaic blush in the shade Sweet cheeks the colour is mix of soft pinks and gives a beautiful sheen. Being a mosaic also means you can tailor the colour and use as a blush or highlight.




I also got an Illuminating face powder which as per the packaging says it can be used as a highlighter, blush and bronzer. I got the shade 01 Amber Nectar its a peachy tone that gives a beautiful sheen and again being a mosaic you can tailor the colour. 


Jordana
Was particuraly excited to see this brand available I have watched many you tube videos which include the folowing two items and I cannot wait to try!!! The Jordana Fabuliner liquid eyeliner pens in 01 Black and 02 Brown, I got both as I use black eyeliner as a general rule but after seeing the brown is quite pigmented I decided to pick it up as well. The tips are quite thick at the base but thin at the end!!!




I also picked up a colour tint blush stick in the shade 04 Coral touch this was a bit of an impulse buy as it was only $3 I just have seen a lot of these retractable cream blushes being released recently and wanted to give one a try. I usually prefer a powder blush so I am interested to see how is best to apply, how long it lasts and colour payoff. 

Wet n Wild 
Again you tube has told me a lot about this brand and for our american beauties this brand is quite popular. I picked up an eyeshadow trio in the colour walking on eggshells it may only be three shades but I feel it will lend itself to multiple looks as well as complement other shadows I own. I also got  blush in the colour mellow wine this is a deep pink/red with not too much shimmer. Both items are highly pigmented and I cannot wait to try.  



Ok so thats it!!! I cannot wait to try all of these items and be able to tell you a bit more about them. I am also excited that I have been able to share a website online were you can get reasonably priced makeup in brands that aren't easily accessible here in Australia. I highly recommend beauty joint.com while shipping may be variable its fast so you don't have to wait too long for your goodies!!! 

Hope this post finds you well!!!
Ever.

Friday 1 February 2013

Lust Have It January!!!

WOW Another month another Lust Have It!! I cannot believe this month has gone so quickly. January has defiantly  been the month for beauty boxes to really pull out all the stops and impress. This month also confirms for me that Lust Have It have been listening and are sending boxes that have great variety and decent quality!!! January Lust Have It really has impressed from the minute I opened the pack, goodies are now packed in a beautiful re usable box with products inside nestled in tissue paper. Now there are a few different versions but this is what I got......



Nude by Nature BB 5-in-1 Miracle Cream in light received a 50ml tube which is full size.I am always up for a new BB cream and had looked at this a few times in Priceline, thinking that I would purchase when next time I saw it on special. The five benefits of this BB cream is to give hydration, increasing the glow of the skin, correction and perfection by evening out the skin tone, hiding blemishes and protection with the inclusion of natural sunscreen. I cannot wait to give this a go and see if it does all five.



Ella Bache Great 50+ Sportsbloc Active I received a 20ml sample full size is 130ml
I am very interested to try this one not only will it be the first Ella Bache product but also the first 50+ product. Its 4 hour water resistant and can be used on both face and body. It includes ingredients such as lanolin, macadamia oil, pomegranate, cranberry, grape seed and vitamin E making sure the skin is hydrated as well as protected from the sun. Its a deluxe sample of 20ml so great that we will be able to get more then one try from this, I do intend to decant from the sachet into a pot/bottle making it easier to apply but also so I get multiple uses out of it. 



Emotional Brilliance Makeup from Lush Cosmetics I received in Success say "yes" which is a silver eyeliner
Amazing inclusion of a  Lush makeup product really has given this box an A. Again this will be a first for me as I have not really gone to lush and had a look at their cosmetic range. Was a little cautious of the colour it does look slightly concrete grey in the bottle but swatching on my hand reveals a light sparkily silver that it really bright but wearable. At first I was thinking this would try layered a black liner but blending the swatch out I feel it would be a good base for a silver smokey eye or inner corner highlight. 



Kabuki Brush by Lust Have It

I have to admit I was both excited and apprehensive about this item as in the past beauty box branded brushes have been a bit hit and miss!! This is defiantly a HIT!!! This brush is so soft and not spiky or prickly on the face its compact a decent size for everyday and travel lending itself to blush and powder foundation. Will defiantly be interested to see what else is going to be added to the Lust Have It collection.




Klorane Shampoo and Conditioner 
This product inclusion was a little bit of a surprise one for me. As I held the sachet in my hand I was interested as I had received a sample of a product I have not tried before and after reading that it includes mango butter and pomegranate to nourish, untangle and protect my hair I was interested to try. Then as I only had the one sachet I thought I had only received a sample of shampoo and missed out on the conditioner as stated on the product card.  But then I read the sachet itself and to my surprise revealed I have actually received a sample of Klorane nourshing and untangling conditioning balm. This is applied post shampoo to towel dried hair, left in for two mins and rinsed out. I have used it and seems to work quite well being the  sample is 10m so I will actually depot the rest from the sachet so I get multiple uses out of it. So I'm not sure whether that was correct and just a miss print on the card or what but I am happy to continue using and will tell you what I thought in my review next month.



Overall another fabulous box from Lust Have It and I'm really impressed. They really are stepping up with great quality brands, decent sample sizes and variety of products included. I will give these products a go and next month review when I receive my next box. To find out more about this monthly beauty box go to http://www.lusthaveit.com.au/.


Talk soon
Ever.