Friday 29 March 2013

March Favorites



Hey Readers,

Hope this post finds you well and Happy Easter hope the Easter bunny has been good to you!!!!! This month has gone quite quickly but I have managed to try a few new things as well as rediscover some old favorites I had stashed away....... I have collected and bought a lot of makeup over the last year. So I decided at the start of the month that I will spend the next couple of months using what I already own, try those items that I've bought but not opened, rekindling old loves, but also making room for new items to come. I also am trying to use up products that are ok, ones that I don't love to bits or products that really are in need to be used up before they expire. I still have bought a few new things and a couple have made this months favs!! SO here goes....



Covergirl Clump Crusher by Lash Blast in Black Brown
I picked this up when I saw it for $10 at Big W just after it had been released. Little did I realise that I'd picked up the black brown and not the black but this mascara does not disappoint  It is also worth all the hype that has surrounded it. Not only does it not clump but it also gives volume and length to the lashes, the curve of the wand and short bristles on the brush not only catch the all the top lashes but the bottom ones as well setting quite quickly and have not had it flake even in the hot weather. I am so impressed and when I saw it marked down at Priceline I did buy the black version!!!




Rimmel Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder in the shade Silky Beige 005
I bought this after hearing a lot of good reviews but had not opened simply because I already had two other pressed powders on the go. I have and extremely oily T zone and depending on the foundation I either need to blot post application before I powder or make sure I blot and re powder half way through the day just too keep the shiny line down my nose in control. So with a few long days ahead of me and very little time for touch ups I decided to open this one up and give it a go. It definitely does the job extending the time before I need to touch up it also gives coverage were applied, its extremely smooth and silky easily applied. I also enjoy using it over the top of my Garnier BB cream all over buffed in with a real techniques buffing brush. 






Milani Illuminating Face Powder in the shade 01 Amber Nectar 
This all in one powder not only looks cute in the pan but also is a go to all in one product. Able to be used as a blusher, bronzer or highlighter its peach tones and gold shimmer give a beautiful glow on the cheeks. I have layered it over matte blushes as a highlight but I do just love putting it on on its own negating the need for anything else. 





Ulta3 Easy Wear Blush in the shade Cashmere
This coral toned blush that I have had in my stash for a while it is extreamly pigmented and gives amazing colour pay off with the lightest touch of the brush. It does have shimmer and is another blush this month that just works on its own no need for bronzer or highlighter giving colour and a beautiful glow with very little effort. 


Left swatch is Ulta3 in Cashmere
 Right is Milani Amber Nectar



Savvy by DB Lipstick in the shade Nude
I am not a lipstick wearer usually but wanting to get into the game so I decided to start small and work my way up!! I didn't want to pay a lot of money given I really had little idea of what colours would suit. Savvy by DB is a line exclusive to Priceline and is a brand that despite the low price point has really decent quality. Now this lipstick isn't as mosturising as I would like but the shade is just perfect for my skin not too pink or brown toned it really is a my lips but better or MLBB shade I don't feel that my lips stand out and it pairs well with most eye looks it is also quite long lasting.



Maybelline Baby Lips Love Colour in the shade Berry Crush
Again after hearing a good review I thought I would give this new version of the colour baby lips a try. Its a rosy red tint that gives just a small amount of colour to the lips. These are really mosturing and long lasting not needing constant reapplication. 



Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Golden Rule
I recieved this in Febuary's Bellabox and think I have worn it ever since!!! Its the perfect gold glitter that works on the fingers and the toes the glitter itself it fine and dense you only need one coat and the entire nail is covered in glitter and its subtle enough to be on everyday while being a perfect quick mani before a night out. The wide brush of this polish also makes it easy to apply and it dries really quick. I also found that it lasts about 6-7 days without chipping!!!!



Thats all the items that have really impressed this month and I will be shopping my stash a bit more to find some more favorties and rekindle old loves in the months to come!!! Happy Easter and Ill talk to you soon.

Ever.

Saturday 23 March 2013

A little discussion on Beauty Boxes



Hey Readers, 
Hope this weekend finds you well. I just thought I would make a quick post in regards to the two beauty boxes I subscribe to. I want to give a little background information and explanation to my posts that I feel I should have given before I started blogging about these boxes. 

I have always been a magazine subscriber so the concept of receiving a box full of beauty related products each month was really a no brainier for me. I felt it was going to be like receiving a magazine but you got to actually try out the products not just read about them. 
I also felt it was a great way of trying new products without having to blindly pay out my hard earned dollars or going on a review that may or may not sway your thoughts before you even tried. At the time there was four different boxes on the market and it did get a little overwhelming and it was hard to always like what you received and not compare to what you received in the other boxes and to what everyone else recieved. 

So by the time we got down to two boxes, boxes started becoming more tailored and  I started bogging I made a decision I wouldn't compare one against the other I would only compare boxes from the same company to give an overall perspective of variety and quality.

I also made the decision to be honest but positive. I have kept my subscription up to be introduced to new things and try things I wouldn't have normally have bought and while some things aren't necessarily to my taste or aren't suited to me I still try and see the positive side that I gave it a whirl it doesn't work and which ever company saved me however much!!! And if I receive the same product a second time I usually regift to a friend or sister to have a try. 

I just can't stand those that rant and winge particularly on these companies Facebook pages with so many of us not everyone is going to be pleased all of the time and while I'm happy for everyone to have an opinion the constant negativity just gets people down. I want you to enjoy reading my posts and come away feel happy not depressed. If your subscribed compare my thoughts to yours and see what I received.  If your not subscribed after reading I hope you've gained an overall perspective to what you may be thinking of spending your money on. 

Overall I feel these beauty box subscription services do well to keep up with the demand, a variety of clients and up to date with current beauty trends.

Thanks for reading 
Ever. 


March Lust Have It and February Review

Hey Readers,
This month has gone so quickly could really not believe when my box arrived this week,
I am almost finding it hard to try all the products before the next box arrives but I have tried most so my review is below!!

Summer Tan by Mancine Self Action Tan-Dark
I was really suprised by this product despite the product it self looking so dark it really gave really nice colour to the skin I don't usually self tan given my skin is naturally tan but realising a dress I had bought was above my knees I thought covering my pale upper legs was warranted. I was a little daunted by the thought of having to pre exfoliate and moisturise and wash my hand straight after use!! Such a process...which I completley forgot about till after I'd pumped the product onto my hand!!! I went on smooth, didn't streak blended well with my natural skin tone!! Really enjoyed giving this a try.

Styli-Style L3 Timeless lipstick in the shade Eternal Flame.
I did not wear this a lot the colour is very bright and not being a huge lipstick wearer the colour was a little daunting. This formulation is said to be non drying, long lasting, all day moisture and hi shine. It is really a non drying formula it felt like it had set on the lips but also is easily smudged and transferred  Long lasting is definetly true but I did find the colour stained my lips as well. I'm not sure in convinced on the all day moisture after about 10 mins post application I felt my lips were dry and needed lip balm. But it does have a nice shine finish in between matte and a gloss overly noticable but just enough.

The Natural Source Camoflage Colour Nail Lacquers
I recieved this one in the colour Ivy a mettalic green. I was really excited to give this a try application was fairly easy but did require a couple of coats to build the colour but I do like that flexablity with how opaque you want the colour to be and it coved quite well. However it did not live up to the claim on the card that it would be 10 days chip free I noticed it starting to come off about three days post application. I will continue to use maybe a top coat will help longevity.

Lon Vitalite C9 Moisturing Hand Mask
I have not had the chance to use this one so I am not able to give you a good review. This month has been so busy that getting 30 mins free to do nothing has been a challenge when I get to using it I will do a separate review for this one.

Lust Have It March
The new months box came packaged in a goregous green reusable box complete with tissue and a lollipop treat!! The really are keeping the standard high and hopefully continue it is at this point I will refer you too a small post I wrote on these subscrition boxes I felt there was a few things I need to say as background to my posts as well as the reason I stay subscribed (link here). In regards to LHI on its own the boxes have been a bit up and down it seems one month is WOW and the next is so so and we seem to repeat this cycle month in month out. Now I know that we can't be wowed every month and there will always be products that are amazing and products that simply don't suit but I still want to feel that I'm getting value for money. And I feel that this is were we are now with the LHI boxes so I hope it continues.

BioElixa Body Shape Celulite Contour Creme recieved 150ml full size
This cream is to help reduce the apperance of cellulite bumps and dimples. This product really isn't most suited to me as I am lucky enough not to have the visual effects of cellulite. Despite this I may still give it a try it says it help to increase circulation and help deliver more moisturised skin. Also have a few family members that may also like to give this one a try.




Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray recieved a 20ml sample full size is 59ml
Really excited to try this one!! Have heard great things about it on blogs and you tube so can wait to give a whirl. This light weight spray is said to keep your make up from being shiny, dry, melting, creasing or fading giving a "just applied" look all day. I have some long days ahead of me and the weather is quite warm so I will put this to the test. 




The Natural Source Camoflage Colour Crayons recieved two full size pencils shade 044 and 037.
These colour crayons are from the same company that brought us the nail polish in last months box. The are naturally based and can be used on the face or body. Given the colours I recieved I feel they will get most use just on the eyes and lips. 044 is a light nude pink that I think will be most suited as a inner corner or brow bone highlight. 037 is a dark burgundy red which would suit as a lip liner but also thinking a good night time eye look as well. 




DeLorenzi Essentail Treatments Equilibrium recieved a 30g sample full size is 250g.
This is a hair treatment masque which contains rosehip and oat peptides to restore and nourish dry and damaged hair this is a treatment so it does need to be washed out after 5-10 mins. I am interested to give this a try my hair gets a bit neglected at the moment so hopefully this will restore any damage I have done.




Ocean Essence Gold Eye Cream recieved a 15ml full This is an eye cream infused with 18K gold and shea butter it says it helps to reduce fine lines and improve dark circles while the gold pearl essence help to reflect light giving an anti aging look. I actually received this in my November Bella Box last year. Its a really light eye cream that goes on smoothly and sinks into the skin. I really enjoyed it so probably will regift this one to a good home.




Overall a great box and once again enjoying the variety of LHI's boxes am really interested to see how these products go and will give my reviews next month.

Happy Weekend
Ever.

Saturday 16 March 2013

March Bellabox and February Review

March Bellabox has arrived so its time to review box that was. Feb's box was given the valentines theme with items to help one get ready for a great night out my review of all the months products is below.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Perfecting Spray
Did not really have a whole lot of luck with this product I just don't think it was made for me and my hair given its long and straight and won't hold curl for any product. I still like the brand have have enjoyed past products this one just isn't for me.  

Batiste Dry Shampoo
OK So I know I said I wasn't a dry shampoo user but by chance I did find myself in need this product recently a Friday night event and no time to wash my hair this product was my answer but as a result I feel these products are not really for me. I did not really like the smell nor did I really feel my hair looked any better then before I started spraying, my hair is quite oily as well so feel this product really does nothing for me.

U Skin Solutions Clean and Go Exfoliating Gel Cleanser
Really enjoyed giving this one a go I was excited by a product that cleansed and exfoliated in one. It smelt really fresh with the inclusion of tea tree oil and cleansed the skin well. The only disappointing thing was I didn't really feel the bamboo bead exfoliation so it felt more of a cleanser rather than a exfoliator. I would have considered purchasing but it is a touch on the expensive side at $30 a bottle.

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse
I am still intrigued by this product and its so many uses. The smell is amazing and so far I've really enjoyed using it in my hair. I have a rather oily scalp so have really concentrated mid length to the ends where my hair is drier. This oil soaks in nicely with no greasy feel. My hair feels softer, smooth and tangles less. While still being manageable. Will continue to use.

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure
I have really enjoyed using this polish its just the perfect amount of glitter coverage and this gold goes with everything. One coat is just enough while two coats makes fingers and toes really stand out from the crowd. I also love how long it lasts without chipping!!!! Love love love!!!!

Banana Boat Sport SPF30+
A good all rounder this sunblock its 4 hours water resistant, 30+ and has really good coverage without being overly oily, greasy and leaving you smell like sunblock after a day out in the sun.

March Bellabox
Bellabox have gotten in early this month with Easter at the end of the month they have given their box the theme of delicious beauty an Easter treat minus the chocolate!!!



Ocean Essence Coconut Body Milk recieved 20ml which is a full size product
This is a light weight moisturiser that is non greasy, dries quickly and soaks into the skin without feeling sticky  it does smell a lot like coconut. The smell isn't my most favorite so I probably wont use it all over my body but I will certainly keep this one on hand.



Simuolive Olive Hydrating Shower gel recieved a 50ml sample full size is 250ml
I'm excited with this inclusion to the box I don't mind a good shower gel this one is infused with olive oil and natural spring water so naturally based, good for the skin. The smell is quite reasonable so can't wait to try.



Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire EDT recieved a 1ml sample size full size is 100ml 
I am always slightly apprehensive about perfume samples as very few smell that great on my skin but this one is quite a light scent not too over powering even when first applied and it wears quite well will enjoy giving this one a few more goes.




The next two products really have excited me and I really like the fact BB have not only included two colour products but have taken the time to pair then up making them a good lip duo. 

Designer Brands Lip Pencil in the colour Nude recieved a full size pencil
I am really excited about this inclusion I am getting back into wearing lipstick and thought I would need to buy a lip pencil. This is a pink tone nude and it goes on so smoothly and easily. I also like the inclusion of the sharperner in the lid as I do travel with my make up a lot this will be handy.  



Yes to Carrots C Me Shine Lip Gloss in Playful Nude recieved a full size product.
Again an exciting inclusion and I am really liking the fact that this pairs with the pencil giving me an instant everyday lip duo I don't even have to think about. This gloss goes on smooth and lasts it isn't as pigmented as it looks in the tube but given I don't usually wear heaps of colour on my lips I'm fine with that. It does contain peppermint oil which does give the lips a slight tingle which I feel will take a little to get used too as well. Have included swatches of the gloss and lip pencil below.



Swisse Active Energy Bar recieved a full size bar.
Once again a bonus product from BB that really doesn't make a lot of sense given the theme of the box. But I am willing to try something new and hopefully this bar will taste yummy and I won't feel its an as awkward inclusion as I do now. 



So overall an interesting box for March and interested to see how these products go over the next month. Hope your having a wonderful weekend and I'll talk to you soon.

Ever.





Friday 1 March 2013

February Favorites

Well Readers its that time again!!! Another month has flown and its time for the favorites that have been in the makeup bag for most of the month!!! Feb has gone so quick its been hard to work out all the things I've really enjoyed in this month alone but I have worked out my selection and it is as follows....





Face of Australia Purifying Cleaning Wipes
I was originally introduced to these by one of my beauty box subscriptions. I am a makeup wipes fan so was really happy to give a brand I had not used before a go. $4.95 for 25 wipes is also extremely good value. What I love about these ones is that there not too wet and they don't leave a residue on the skin post makeup removal and they remove makeup including liquid eyeliner easily without any serious rubbing.




Natio Renew Radiance Foam Cleanser
I have used this cleanser for a while but as I receive so many samples it often gets pushed to the back of the shelf in the shower so I can give a sample a go. But somehow I always find myself coming back to this one its creamy and lightly scented and foams up beautifully gets rid of makeup, excess oil and any other build up on my face. It is also reasonably priced.



Lucas' Pawpaw Ointment
This month I have used this primarily as a lip treatment. My lips have been really dry and flaky and we are coming into the cold and drier times so I thought I would try and get a head start. I use in combination with the carmex original balm, At night I first put a thin layer of the carmex on then over the top a layer of pawpaw ointment. In the morning my lips are so moisturised and soft with dryness and flaking reduced. It also lasts a lot longer on the lips then a regular lip balms so has been good for use during the day keeping my lips hydrated and not having to be reapplied every five minutes. Paw paw ointment can also be used on scratches and scarpes, as well as rashes and even pimples it helps to heal these ailments and helps also minimise scaring and I have to say I was stunned when I'd seen a post on the Bellabox facebook page recently sadly a subscriber was dissapointed about recieving a tube of pawpaw ointment in her box. Saying that pawpaw ointment was a product only worthy of being used on nappy rash!!!! Its good for so much more and is so resonably priced  I  recommend you give a try and see.



Elf Contouring Blush and Bronzer Duo
This is a product that has been on the wishlist for a while and I was so happy when it arrived in my beauty joint order. I have pretty much used it ever since. This duo is so pigmented and a light tap goes a long way. The bronzer is slightly dark so I do have to use it sparingly and blend well but layered with the blush it really works. I also really enjoy the blush on its own as well.




Covergirl LashBlast Fusion
I know I have been switching between three mascaras this month but this really has been the one I've really enjoyed.  It's volume and lengthening formula goes on so easily you get great results with no clumps or flakes and it gives a natural look with so little effort.



Chi Chi Glamorous Nudes Eyeshadow Palette
Another wishlist item that I finally found and had to snap up!!! I travel with my makeup and theres not much room in my cosmetics bag so having a palette that fits in my makeup bag has also been really handy. Being hailed as the dupe for the urban decay naked palette I've really enjoyed creating different looks and researching looks based on urban decays version I could try out. These shadows are also really soft and pigmented working well dry and wet. This palette will probably make a few more favorites posts!!!!



Physicans Formula Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Powder Bronzer
Before my elf blush bronzer duo arrived this was my go to bronzer and despite its little bit of shimmer it just leaves a beautiful sheen on the skin. I really enjoy using it for contouring as well as all over my face. Swirling my brush all over the pan and sweeping it on. It is great on its own to warm up the face or paired with a soft toned pink blush.



Bourjois Blush 32 Ambre D'OR
This peach toned blush is rose scented and has a beautiful gold glitter swirled through. I really enjoy using this blush as a highlighter and often also layer it over matte blushes when I feel like sparkle but the colour of the other blush.




Bic Solei Razor
This may seem a little bit of a random inclusion but these razors have really impressed me this month. Usually I will use mens razors as I find womens ones always have more soapy slippery scented extras that the razors themselves just don't do the job. But the yellow specials tags got the better of me and I picked these ones up. They are as good as the mens ones I've previously used they glide easily and the blades seem sharper than other razors my legs are smooth in seconds.



So that's it for February I hope your month has gone well and I'll talk to you in March!!!

Ever.