Sunday 30 March 2014

March Favourites

Hey Readers,
Hope this post finds you well and hope the month of March has been good to you all. At the start of the month I thought March seemed  to be  pretty laid back and that I would enjoy the month ahead not have it pass by in a blur!!! About half way through and things got busier than I had expected and all my intentions of extra blog posts and photos on Instagram dashed!!! Hopefully if I start now I can get a few extra things up for April.

Ok so onto my favourites for this month its a short list but most of these products are new finds that I have been loving and while I will most likely include a few of them in comparison posts with other products later on I will tell you about them first here!!!





Garnier Skin Naturals Micellar Cleansing Water All in 1

I bought this when I found it on special in Woolworths it was much anticipated and I couldn't wait to see how it would go. Garnier taking on the likes of Avene and Bioderma both of the cleansing waters I have used and enjoyed is big competition and with such an affordable price point I was skeptical it would be as good!!! As I couldn't wait to try I used this I used it the night I bought it and I'm sorry to say Avene and Bioderma but in my opinion Garnier does it better!!!! This cleansing water is so light and smooth on you skin, it doesn't leave your skin wet or feeling like it has a slight residue and has a much better scent than the Avene micellaire lotion. It whisks away a days makeup with one swipe no extra rubbing required making light work of both mascara and heavy eyeliner!! I cannot believe that for less than half the price of the Avene and Bioderma it does such a great job.




Kosmea  Skin Clinic Rescue Balm

I was introduced to this via one of my beauty box subscriptions a while back and I have been using it ever since!! A combination of rose hip butter and oil, calendula oil, shea butter and lavender oil just to name a few this little pot is amazing. This balm clears skin blemishes, helps with dry patches and all round just makes my face look smooth and feel soft I use it at night mainly so that it has time to work, waking up in the morning to healthier looking skin. I am really enjoying it and might have to consider buying the full size.




Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in the shade Red Dahlia

This month I have been having a lot of issues with my lips being dry. As a general rule I have dry lips and the skin tends to chap quite easily this is part of the reason I am not a huge lipstick/gloss/tinted balm wearer as I find most of them don't last on my lips and tend to dry them out making the problem worse. I always have to have a good lip balm on hand to keep dryness at bay anyway. But I wanted something different and as I have been sorting through my lip product stash to sort whats hot and whats not, I came across this balm. I won a competition a while ago and this was a part of the prize and I had never opened this so thought I would give it a try. The balm itself is soft and smooth gliding onto your lips with ease, it lasts a long time on the lips and helps keep them hydrated, and yes it does have a slight red tint but it doesn't seem to dry my lips out like other tinted products do. I have really been enjoying this and will most likely purchase others as we get closer to the cooler months.





Essence Kajal Pencil in the shade 08 Teddy
Early in the month I was looking for a new matte brown liner while my Revlon one has served me well it has seen better days and I was looking for an alternative to replace it. Thinking I would also get a chance to write a one brand post on essence this month I started my search with this brand. I picked up this Kajal pencil in 08 Teddy and one of the 24hour stays no matter what eyeliners in 02 stunning brown. While the 24hour liner should have been my pick as it ticked all the boxes of my previous liner (dark almost black brown, matte, quick and easy to apply)  I found myself reaching for the kajal pencil more. Teddy is more of a bronzy brown and it does have a sheen to it over being completely matte but its so soft hand glides on it also is really precise even when you've lost that sharp point of the pencil its also so easy to smudge and smoke out I have really enjoyed creating a wing and softly smudging it out and its not as intense as a black and the best bit is that the lid fits on the end of the pencil great for if your like me and always loose it in your cosmetics bag or in the mess of makeup on your bathroom bench!!!!




Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream 
Originally I spoke about the Vanilla Macadamia version of these lip butters last winter and usually in the colder months these have been my go to. But due to having a lot of issues with dry lips this month I have pulled them out early. Not only am I using this as a treatment at night I am also caring round a tin in my handbag for during the day. While the Vanilla Macadamia is still on the go (so much product in these little tins) the Caramel cream I have been using during the day its still as extremely moisturising as the other but its consistency is a little less thicker and lighter. Will keep these out until after winter now!!! 




Models Prefer DD Cream in the shade medium
Really wanted to put up an individual post about this DD cream this month, I've been loving it so much. But I just haven't been able to get it up so I will talk about it quickly here first. This has been my go to base this month. It is so easy and quick to apply (less than 5mins) a medium coverage it builds and blends beautifully and I find on a good skin day I don't require extra concealer its been so good particularly on those days were I just don't have time to muck about!!! Really loving it and even bought a second tube in the recent priceline sale!!!




Formula 10.0.06 Three Times Sublime 3 in 1 Blackhead Wash + Scrub +Mask

Was actually looking for a pore refining scrub as this month I have taken issue with how obvious my pores seem to be looking. So into priceline I went.... Originally I picked up the one smooth operator which is the pore refining scrub in this range but the oat zinc pumice combination just didn't sound that great to me. So I looked at the other options to find this pink grapefruit and jojoba three times sublime and the  first thing I saw written on the front 'multi tasker' perfect for me!!! It smells so good and has a great formula to boot. The cream wash to scrub ration is perfect and the scrub particles themselves are gritty enough that they get the job done without scratching your skin but it is a thicker consistency which makes it great as a quick in shower mask (I put it on when I add treatment to my hair and wash it off when I wash the treatment out roughly probably 2-3mins) and it also foams up enough to be a wash. It leaves skin soft and smooth. I have really been enjoying this this month and while it doesn't diminish my pores, to be honest most of the products I have tried that say they will haven't so I guess I have to learn to live with them!!!




So that ends my March favourites!! Until next month, What have been your favourites this month?? Anything good for hiding pores leave a comment below!!! 

Happy reading and happy shopping!!

Ever.

Friday 28 March 2014

Lust Have It March and February Review

Hey Readers, 
Hope this post finds you finds you all well!!! Another LHI pack has arrived and while it seems quite late in the month history shows me that this is the usual time it arrives. I was eager to see this one arrive as I was really hoping for a great box this month. I know I haven't been overally happy with the last couple of boxes but for some reason I felt this one would be better. But before I tell you what arrived for march I will first review February's products.  

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel
Was surprised by this one!! It applies so easily and is so smooth. It also dries on your skin but doesn't make up feel tight. It also comes off with a flannel and warm water leaving skin soft and smooth. Have really enjoyed this this month.   


The Cosmetic Kitchen Eyeshadow
It will probably no surprise to you that this was the only product in the box that didn't get any use. I know in the spirit of these boxes and wanting to try something different I should have given it a try but I just couldn't bring myself nor did have I had a month that has really lent itself to try and find out how to make yellow eye shadow wearable!!! 

The Cosmetic Kitchen Cosmetic Brush
While I don't usually apply concealer with a brush I did give it a try with this brush and was pleasantly surprised it does allow a fair amount of control in placing product were its most needed and the tapper at the end of the brush does allow you get to smaller areas ie around the nose but it doesn't blend as well as I would have liked I found I needed to blend out with my finger or a fluffier brush. Where I have used this brush more is applying the Juice beauty mask I spoke about before for some reason I just didn't want to use my fingers to apply so I picked up this brush to help me out it dense enough to pick up enough product that your not constantly dipping back into the pot and allows application to all the tough areas of the face love it!!!

Vaseline Ultimate 10 Anti Aging Body Lotion 
This had sat on my bathroom bench unused for most of the month as I am usually a jeans wearer it nobody generally sees if I've forgotten to moisturise my legs but stepping into a beautiful dress before a friends wedding I realised i'd missed a step in the beauty routine!!! Luckily right in front of me was this lotion. With the little time I had and probably a bit too much product than I needed I literally just slathered it on my legs surprisingly despite my hurried effort the lotion goes on smooth, absorbs quickly and leaves skin smooth and soft I was impressed and even more impressed when the next day my skin still felt as smooth!!! 

Clariol Professional Radiance Shampoo
As I said originally I don't colour my hair so overall all I can really say on this product is that it is a decent shampoo, easy to use leaves your hair clean and soft, does the job. I wasn't really wowed but I am not disappointed either I am happy to keep using it. 

Clariol Professional Expand Volume Moose 
As I mentioned a friends wedding meant styling my hair and I know I said being short my usual updo wouldn't work but playing around I managed to make it happen!!! Yay!! I put the moose in before styling. To be honest didn't really get a lot of volume initially but it did seem to hold my style better and I didn't find my self having to fix half way through the night. The next day however I was putting my hair into its usual pony tail and it was then I noticed the volume factor it was funny but nice to know that this work!!!!

Hand spa Bijoux Hand Wipe
Not quite sure what to say about this one one hand wipe is nice to try but it kinda doesn't give any indication of the products true abilities. It is a nice product does leave your hands feeling soft but with only one try I can't say a lot else. 

I would like to take the time at this point to say that despite being not 100% happy with the last boxes I want to be honest and tell you all that I have resubscribed for another year. I was going to do a separate post of this but I felt that would be a little boring so I will briefly explain myself here. Over the last twelve months of being subscribed to LHI it really has only been the last few boxes that have had me close to clicking the unsubscribe button. If I looked at the other months and the months when I was on a month to month subscription I have always enjoyed what I have received. But at the same time their price increase to $19.95 had left me questioning continuing on. While I had used generally most of the products sent with only one or two from each box given away or not been used at all, I still felt a drop in quality for $20 a month. I was coming close to the end of my current sub and it was at this point LHI sent me and email  giving me the option to resubscribe for another year at a rate at which each box would equal $12.50 per box included shipping. I was skeptical thinking that maybe there would be a further drop in quality with a deal this good but I was also intrigued to see if it would be worth it!!! Overall I still enjoy getting this little surprise package every month and while I can get it for an affordable price I will stay subscribed. 
  
So onto what came in March's pack (I say pack as we did not get a box again this month LHI are changing there boxes so have sent the last two months just in bubble wrap and postage bags. The box you see in the background of my photos is an old one). This is an interesting mix of products and I have to say that I am excited by these ones.



Klara Cosmetics Kiss Proof Lips in the shade 05 Flaming Red received a deluxe sample full size is 8ml
This is an extremely vibrant red lipstick that comes in the same application format as a gloss. Highly pigmented and matte this formula is kiss proof and long lasting for up to 24hours. Will see how is goes!!!



Bloom Eye Definer in the shade Dark Brown. 
I chuckled when I pulled this out as I had just written in my monthly favourites post about how I have been looking for a new brown eye liner. It was also amusing as I then read that apparently we had gotten a choice between a concealer kit and liner via LHI facebook page as I had been avoiding the spoiler alerts I had completely missed this and so just got what I was given LHI had read my mind!!! Its a dark chocolate brown liner that is soft and creamy I am really excited to try!!! 



Orly Nail Lacquer in the shade Hair Band deluxe sample size of 5.3ml full size is 18ml.
This I think is my first Orly polish haven't really looked much at the brand before so I am interested to try. Hair Band is a gold glitter in a clear base, swatched quick on one nail the glitter is quite fine and smooth once dry and one coat gives good coverage interested to see its longevity. 



Chapstick Strawberry Lip Balm SPF 15 
This takes me on a trip down memory lane. I was obsessed with these as a kid and even into high school. I haven't used one for a long time but from what I remember a decent lip balm with a sweet smell!!!



Avedea Intense Hydrating Masque received a 7ml sample full size is 150ml
This is a face mask that includes organic aloe, kelp, lavender and rose water to hydrate, tone, soothe and cool the skin providing relief from dryness stress and exposure to the elements. Interesting ingredients and benefits will give it a try!!!



Recoverlyte Tropical Powder received one 8g sachet full size is 10 sachets.
This is a new version of gastrolyte more aimed at recovery (post a night on the town,  lots of alcholo, no sleep.) This not only gives the rehydration benefits but includes ingredients to give an energy boost as well. I don't generally use products like this as a general rule I like my sleep too much to be out partying late at night. My partner volunteered to try this one he was interested to see what it was like. I did have a small sip but the flavour wasn't that pleasant. His verdict is that the flavour is a little strong but he did like the effervescent factor it seemed to work!!!




So that is it for LHI this month a small selection but an interesting mix of products. Will see how they go and give you my thoughts next month!!!!! Until then Happy Reading and Happy Shopping!!

Ever



Saturday 22 March 2014

Bellabox March and February Review

Hey Readers,
Hope this post finds you well. Another Bellabox has arrived at my door and while it doesn't feel like a month since I spoke to you about my last the time has arrived. I have really been enjoying the items from last months box so I will get on with my review!!!!

Om She Aromatherapy Buff Away polish.

Have really enjoyed this one this month and I'm glad it was added to my box by accident over the face lotion It has a beautiful scent and scrub particles that aren't too harsh on the skin. Its so quick and easy leaving skin soft and smooth.

Om She Aromatherapy Red-Rice Mattifying Lotion

I was really excited about trying this, Iv'e had so many days where my shinny T zone has been overwhelming that I was interested to see how this would go. Its a beautiful moisturiser and has been a great addition to my morning makeup routine not only easy to apply but giving great hydration to my skin. As for oil control some days I feel it works other days not so much. I think its my skin more than the moisturiser which is the reason Iv'e continued to use and am thinking about getting a full size.

Palmers Cocoa Butter Gentle Exfoliating Scrub

I spoke about this when I wrote my post last month this is a good scrub and while I enjoyed it the first time I received a sample to try I wasn't really interested in trying again I re gifted to a friend who was interested to try something new.

Aveda Smooth Infusion Style Prep Smoother

This was the only product I really wanted to try but didn't get a chance to try this month!! Hopefully I will get a chance soon.

Pret A Polish

This was the most exciting item for me this month I have been really looking for a neutral and natural polish this was a little brighter than it looked in the bottle but overall was easy to wear paired well with a glitter and lasted about three/four days before it chipped!!

Beauty Diaries is the theme for March and while I am not sure what secrets these products can tell me, I am excited by what I have received. I am also excited that BB products now come in a little blue box these new boxes are gorgeous and will definitely use for storage!!! Predominately the brands included are new to me and those that aren't I am still interested to try what I have been sent. 




Model Co Party Proof Cream Matte Lipstick in the shade Kitty received a full size lipstick.

BB released this as a spoiler before we got our boxes so I knew this would be included in the box. At the time I wasn't that excited I am only just getting into wearing lipsticks and model co produce so many brighter colours that I figured I wouldn't get one that suited me or that I would wear. But when my box arrived I was eager to find out what shade I received and it just so happens I was lucky!!! Kitty is a light neutral pink that for me is really wearable, being a cream matte its smooth to apply, light on the lips and has  small amount of gloss not too flat and as an added bonus smells like vanilla. So YAY to receiving a makeup item and it being a great shade!!!    




Metta Skincare Body Oil received a 5ml sample full size is 200ml.

This is a light weight body oil that can be used as an alternative to moisturiser as well as a massage oil.  100% all natural grapeseed, macadamia, sweet almond and Jojoba oils. The smell is a bit earthy but not too overpowering am interested to try.



Australian Bush Flower Intensive Hand Cream received a full size 20ml.

This is an organic hand cream that contains ylang ylang and sandalwood said to smooth skin, restore and revitalise appearance of tired hands. Interested to try see how it goes.
Not sure I'm quite at hand cream using weather just yet but a perfect handbag size I will throw it in and see how I go!!!



WOW by Romy Mandarin and Lime Bath (deluxe sample no info on the sample as to its size also no information to how much is in a full size not listed on their website!!!)
Originally when I saw this I thought great for travel and I will put that straight into my wet pack for my next trip but then I smelt it and the combination of mandarin and lime smells so nice I want to try it now so not sure if it will make my wet pack!!!


Pantene Aqua Light Shampoo and Conditioner 40ml deluxe samples of each full size 350ml.
Despite a lot of feedback via BB's Facebook page saying that this was just a supermarket product and disappointment in its inclusion I was really happy to see it when I opened the box its not only great to have received both shampoo and conditioner but a version of pantene that I haven't used and have thought about trying for a long time these are also great travel sizes which for me is just a bonus!!! This aqua light version of pantene not only is a formula that says it won't weigh your hair down it also helps to protect it from damage.



Natralus Paw Paw Pure Gel received a sachet size sample full size is 75g. (Bonus Item)
This gel is a combination of paw paw and aloe vera gel to create a gel that not only soothes but also hydrates damaged skin. Not sure what I will use this one for but I am interested to try. 



Overall I am very happy with March's box and what I have received, I am excited to try all the products and give my thoughts in my next post. Until then Happy Reading and Happy Shopping.

Ever.




Friday 7 March 2014

Mascara Madness #6

Hey Readers, 
Hope you are all doing well!!! Realised at the start of the month that I haven't posted a mascara madness since December last year so I thought before too much of the year went past I should get to blogging about the mascaras that I have using over the past couple of months. 

Covergirl Lashblast Clump Crusher Extensions in Very Black
The Pitch: 200% more volume and length with zero clumps, the fiber stretch formula gives buildable volume and length instantly and combined with a curved brush with its precision spacing bristle reduce clumping for long separated lashes.

The Reality: Its most likely no surprise that I picked this one up after loving the original and like the original I don't really feel that you get 200% volume to my lashes but it does give great extension to your lashes while still keeping them looking natural. Its the perfect mascara if you like a more natural look, its buildable, doesn't clump and doesn't make your lashes look like your wearing a ton of mascara. Have really enjoyed wearing this one and always find myself going back to it!!!




Max Factor Wild Mega Volume 
The Pitch: Fierce lashes with up to 3x volume, a brush that amplifies the inner and outer corner lashes while sweeping out to give a wide eyed look.

The Reality=The Pitch mega volume is exactly what you get from this mascara and the hour glass shaped brush flares out lashes perfectly no falsies required here!!! You get volume and definition with very little effort however brush is quite large which does make it hard to give your bottom lashes the same treatment and I do recommend you wipe the end of the brush off before you apply it does come out of this tube with a lot of extra product which can get messy. Have been really enjoying this when I want a little more to my lashes and don't have the time to add eyeliner or enhance a winged eyeliner look.




Model Co Fat Lash Mascara
The Pitch: The following is straight from the Model Co website sorry readers its so long I was struggling to rewrite this one and include all the elements. 
Get full-figured curves in the seconds with ModelCo’s non-drying, non-flaking FAT LASH Volumising Mascara. FAT LASH gives you fuller, thicker, high-voltage lashes with its new and improved formula and innovative silicon brush.
The smudge-proof, buildable formula is both ultra volumising and lengthening and can be reapplied throughout the day for that extra fat lash. The unique, specially curved brush separates, lifts and coats each lash individually, while the bomber shaped brush head allows you to apply the mascara vertically, reaching even the smallest of lashes.
The Reality: I got this in the January Bellabox and to be honest I have a love hate relationship with this mascara, Yes you definitely get fuller, thicker lashes and the spikes at the end of the wand are really great to catch your inner corner lashes and bottom lashes as well. But you do have to be careful as it is a little tricky to apply, if you swipe your lashes too quick I find just clumps your lashes together which is also why I really haven't tried to layer this one at all. It also takes a minute to not feel wet  and slightly sticky but once that feeling is gone your lashes stay all day. The brush is quite similar to the benefit they're real mascara and I did try these side by side. Look wise my lashes looked the same the only difference being that the benefit mascara formula is thicker and harder to get off then this one so if your looking for same look and better price point this is the way to go. 





So that ends another Mascara Madness I have already started try some new mascaras so lets hope it doesn't take me too long to write the next one!!! Until then Happy Reading and Happy Shopping!!
Ever. 


The Websites that helped!! Thank you to all companies!!
http://www.covergirl.com.au/clump-crusher-extensions-lashblast-mascara
http://www.maxfactor.com.au/make-up-products/eyes/mascara/max-factor-wild-mega-volume-mascara
http://www.modelcocosmetics.com/shop/fat-lash-volumising-mascara

Saturday 1 March 2014

February Favorites

Hey Readers,
Hope this post finds you well!! WOW a new month is already here and as February has been so busy I haven't had a lot of time to change up my makeup, so have stuck with favs from previous months for the most part. However I have tried a few new things and have rediscovered a few things so while this post will be short I have not spoken about many of these products before!!!




Naked 2 Palette by Urban Decay 

As you may or may not know Urban Decay have just released the third version of these palettes and after much hype then seeing the palette itself I really wasn't interested to seek it out but for some reason it did make me want to get out my naked 2 palette. I have not used this in a long time and I'm not really sure why I put in back into my draw but I am really happy I pulled it out again. I think the last time I spoke about this in a post I was obsessed with the shades chopper and half baked, blackout. This month I have used a lot of suspect, snakebite, YDK and Busted, And for my Valentines day look I used foxy all over the lid and tease in the outer corner and crease I really just wanted a simple, natural no makeup  look for dinner with my other half. 




Mineral Glow Loose Mineral Powder Foundation in the shade Soft Beige

Up until last month I was subscribed to LHI FAB (Fashion And Beauty) box. I chose not to blog about it simply because I wasn't sure if I was going to subscribe long term, after three boxes I decided that it wasn't for me and wasn't worth the dollars either so unsubscribed. There weren't too many items that really stood out for me but this foundation powder is amazing. I first used it for a friends birthday early in the month it was a Sunday afternoon BBQ and wanted a  natural look and makeup I didn't have to fuss over throughout the evening. I used Maybelline Dream Pure BB cream as a base and buffing this mineral powder over the top it gives the skin a natural glow and isn't glittery. The powder itself is light and soft so easy to apply with a fluffy brush. Have repeated the look throughout the month loving the soft glow. I also love that it has a twist closure so when travelling the powder doesn't come through the sifter like most loose powders and make a mess!!!. 





Australis Primer 

This was apart of a pack of Australis goodies I bought last year and it had sat unused in my draw for ages. I am not a huge primer girl as I often forget to put them only to remember after my foundation is done. But I've been having issues with my makeup staying on this month the weather has gotten a lot hotter and I seem to be sweating off my foundation before Iv'e even finished the rest of my makeup at the same time my oily T zone seems to be on over drive and the shine line down my nose seems to appear before I've finished my coffee in the morning!!! This Primer is probably the most simplest of all the primers I've ever looked at with all the packaging saying is that it will prevent foundation fading, smooth and refine skin texture, locks in moisture. No wild claims in sight and I love it. Its also really easy to apply you don't have to rub it in hard and it dries so quick that your waiting no time before applying your foundation. It does feel smooth on the skin but not slippery which I've enjoyed and I do see that my makeup lasts longer!!!




Covergirl Cheekers Blush in the shade 105  Rose Silk

This I think is the most underrated blush I have ever owned and I think I only picked it up because it was on sale. I think these ones often get overlooked as the packaging isn't fancy and the brush that they come with looks cheap!! But its not really the added brush accessory we buy these things for its the product itself!!! And OMG this blush is really good. So soft and pigmented it glides on and gives the cheeks a natural flush and glow. The colour Rose Silk is a soft peachy pink and you only need a light touch for a beautiful result. It does smell like cinnamon so if you don't like scent with your blush be warned. I've used it almost everyday and I love it boring packaging an all!!! 





Nivea Fruity Shine Pink Guava Lip Balm.
As you know I have been enjoying my Nivea lip balms and when I saw these where on special in Priceline I had to pick up a backup for my current one. While I was there I thought I would try their new coloured version pink guava. It smells like lollies and gives the lips a pink/red tint with the shimmer inclusion giving a nice glossy look. It also stays on a decent amount of time and isn't sticky, but really soft and moisturising on the lips. Have really enjoyed it when I've wanted a bit more than a balm but less intensity of a lipstick!!



Sports Girls Nail It Double Dip

I don't often go into Sports Girl but when I do its usually to look at their accesories and makeup. I was looking for a necklace when I saw that they had a table of marked down items. This fluro green and pink double ended nail polish duo said buy me so I picked it up straight away. I rarely wear nail polish on my finger nails due to my work so once again my toes got the special treatment. I've been really loving the bright colours makes me smile everytime I see it and for a $5 polish for 10ml of product (marked down from $9.95) it has lasted more that a week before I have seen signs of wear!!!   




So that ends my favourites for February!!! As I said before a short list but these really where the real standouts for me this month!! Hope you have had a wonderful February and until next monthly favourites Happy reading and Happy Shopping

Ever.