Friday 25 July 2014

July Bellabox and June Review

Hey Readers,
I hope this post finds you well. This months BB is a little late this month but as we received an email around the 10th giving us notice I am not too fussed!! I am just happy I have received this in a reasonable time frame and in the mean time I have been enjoying the products from last months box.

Herbal Essences naked shine shampoo and conditioner.
I have to say I was quite surprised by these this month!! It not only cleaned my hair quite well it also lasted a reasonable amount of time not feeling by the second day my hair was desperate to be washed again. The smell was also quite pleasant!! Good travel size too.

Innoxa super smooth lip liner
As the name says this is a smooth and easy to apply lip liner and neutral shade has definitely paired well with most of my lip products this month its also long lasting so have enjoyed not having to re apply constantly.

Olay regenerist revitalising hydration cream
Initially I wasn't sure this was the product for me this month but again I was surprised. This is a quite thick cream that isn't heavy on the skin and the smell is pleasant. It also hydrates the skin and I have really enjoyed using it this month!!

Cedel blow dry faster spray and La roche posay effaclar duo
I put these two together as they are the two products I did not use this month. As i said in my original post I don't heat style my hair and I am yet to find a good home for this so at the moment its in the give away box!! As for the effaclar duo I have had a pretty good skin month so haven't found myself reaching for this this month I have been happy just using the olay face cream.

So onto my BB for July I was really excited when I saw my BB was on its way this month after my issues with LHI over the last couple of months its nice the BB comes on time and is filled with interesting and new products to try. American Beauty is the theme to this month and given that not all products we have received are from american brands this theme seems more a reflection of a few high end brands that have joined with BB in recent times. Regardless really excited to try everything and cannot wait to share this with you.




Innoxa Skin Clear Anti Shine and Blemish Control Lotion SPF 15 received a 50ml full size product.
This was the first thing I saw when I opened the box this month and I did have a small chuckle as I recently have bought this. I am still excited to see this though it is a product targeted to my skin type and I do enjoy Innoxa products so very happy to see its inclusion. This lotion moisturises, controls shine and with SPF15 helps protect the skin as well.  Very happy to have a back up to my current bottle.



Yu Be Moisturizing Skin Cream recieved a 3ml sample full size is 70g.
This is a Japanese cream that is targeted at helping to repair dry skin. While I have received this before from BB I am happy to see it again I am not sure where my original tube is and I have had very dry lips with recent cold dry winds in Brisbane so happy to use this again.



Designer Brands Lip Butter in the flavour Mango received a 10ml pot which is full size.
This is a lip butter that says it will moisturise dry and damaged lips keeping them hydrated. Happy to see this designer brands is a very affordable pharmacy brand and a good lip balm always comes in handy and it smells quite nice too.



Revlon Fantasy Length Self Adhesive Lashes in the style Intensifying
These are gorgeous false lashes that have there own self adhesive band so do not require glue in order to attach them. I am generally not a false lash wearer but these look amazing and I really want to try to see how they look I am also feeling more confident to try these given there is no glue involved!!



theBalm How 'Bout Them Apples Cheek and Lip Cream in the shade Pie received a 0.57g sample full size (individually) is 3.3g
If I wasn't excited enough unpacking this box I discovered this at the bottom of the box. This cheek lip stain is one of the much talked about How 'Bout them Apples palette by theBalm this is a combination of 6 shades for the cheeks and lips in shades reminiscent of rosy red apples. Pie is a pink red with a slight shimmer. Being a cream means application can be as light or heavy as you like. I am a blush fan as a general rule and the fact that I can use it on the lips is a bonus!! I cannot wait to try get ready to see this in a few instagram fotd's!!!




Mary Kay Botanical Effects Mask received a 3g sample full size is 113g
This is the bonus product for the month I am happy to see something from the Mary Kay brand sadly all this says on the card is that its suited for oily skin. Happy to give a try see how it goes.



 Really happy with this box and very happy to dive right in and give everything a try cannot wait to share my thoughts next month until then Happy Reading and Happy Shopping.

Everlynne.





Saturday 19 July 2014

My top picks for simple on the go Makeup!!!

Hey Readers,
Hope this post finds you well. Thought I would post something a little different for my blog this week and tell you about my most used products when I need simple make up. Make up that gives me a natural look, that is work appropriate or makeup up for when I am in a rush  need to look put together on the go. These are products I turn to that I know are quick to apply, work all day and look good no matter what!! While some of these products may change in the future a lot I will always return to time and time again



Moisturiser and Primer

Garnier Moisture Match Mattifying Fresh Cream for combination oily skin
I was never a huge moisturiser before makeup user but this product has definitely changes that!! I have an oily T zone but dryness on my forehead (especially during winter) so finding something to balance that has been hard but this one does the trick. My oilyness is held at bay and dryness hydrated, my skin always feels better for it and my makeup applies smoother.



Essence All about matt oil control makeup base
Like moisturiser I wasn't always a primer user I never thought that they really did a lot or where worth the extra time on a busy morning but as my days have gotten longer the need for primer has been justified. Some days I apply my makeup at 7am and I am still going at 8pm so I need all the help I can get. I have tried many but this has definitely become a favorite it applies smoothly, dries quickly and isn't slippery or sticky. Its so quick and easy so even in a rush I have time to apply!!




Foundation/base
BB creams
I include a few in this section as I often find myself reaching for different ones depending on the day but overall these are my go to for a quick simple easy on the go base that last a decent amount of time and gives me a natural even complexion no matter what.

Chi Chi Super BB Cream
I used to use this BB everyday but as other products have come along this has become my go to when I am heading out for a day of fun in the sun, A day sailing or 4wdriving at the beach isn't complete without it!! This is a 30 plus medium coverage formula that just glides on applied with finger tips or if you have more time a brush its great for on the go!! It covers any imperfections, dark circles and redness with ease. Doesn't make me look shiny and lasts a decent amount of time!!



Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream
This is a great everyday running late for work, going shopping or easy weekend makeup base while its a lighter coverage than I usually prefer it evens out my skin, builds without caking and most of all helps me stay matte all day. I really enjoy buffing it into the skin with a small amount of powder on top, bronzer, blush and I have a look that lasts all day!!



Bronzer
Bourgois Delice de Soleil Bronzing Powder
This was one of my first Bourjois products and one of my youtube made me buy it products. This is a gorgeous bronzer that while you see shimmer in the pan it doesn't transfer to the face so is essentially matte giving warmth and glow without being too brown or orange. I love using it on its own all over my face to give a natural all over glow as well as using it to contour and pairing with a peachy pink blush!!



Blush
Again I include a few options here!! I not only carry a few blush options in my makeup bag as a general rule but I also have a few blushes that no matter what always seem to go on smooth and look beautiful.

the Balm Hot Mama
This peachy pink blush is a long term favourite and one that I pick up time and time again it has a gorgeous shimmer running through so it also gives a beautiful glow. It not only pairs well with my favourite bronzer but also stands alone and it doesn't seem to matter it always applies perfectly every time smooth, buildable and blendable it always looks good.



Essence silky touch blush in the shade 40 natural beauty
This is a great everyday all rounder. This is a blush, bronzer and highlight in one!! While most girls find their favourite my lips but better lipstick. I have found the best my cheeks but better blush!! So good for sweeping over the cheeks, forehead and dow the neck for overall and long lasting glow.



Eyes

Mary Kay Fluid Eye Colour in the shade Pearl
This is the ultimate on the go no time for any eye look product and I often use it when I am in a rush or need to look put together but am really pressed for time. It also makes a great base for any neutral eye shadow look. A clickable brush pen its also easy application that is so quick and easy blend out with you ring finger and eyeliner and mascara good to go!! Great for when you don't want to get your brushes out however if you do a little bit of bronzer applied into the crease to lightly contour works well!!! 



Chi Chi Glamourous Nudes Eye Shadow Palette
If you have seen my instagram fotd pictures and read a couple of monthly favourites the inclusion of this palette will be no surprise!!! This palette is always my go to no matter what and I sometimes find it hard to put in in the draw in order to try something new!!! This collection of 12 shadows that are both matte and shimmer allow any look to be created no matter how much time you have. Easy to wear, apply and blend this compact palette is also great for travel. I love having the options at my finger tips!!! 



Bloom Cosmetics Eye Definer in the shade Dark Brown
This has been my go to liner for a while. I love that it is so creamy and easy to apply but I also love the fact that brown creates great definition to the eyes, makes lashes look thick all while looking really natural. I find it easier to wear and it goes with any look natural or dramatic. 



Sports Girl Blink Big Volumising Mascara 
Obviously mascara is something that I have to change up often but for a simple, natural look when I want definition to my lashes without looking false but at the same time need something that is quick and easy to apply this is an amazing mascara that just does the job every time!!! Its traditional wire brush has dense bristles that grab the lashes and really give volume and definition without clumping. This formula is also one that you can build resulting in bigger lashes but still looking quite natural its just such a great formula not to wet or thick!!   



So that ends my top simple makeup picks. I hope you have enjoyed reading something different for my blog and that it helps next time your looking for some fuss free makeup products!! Until next time Happy Reading and Happy Shopping

Everlynne.




Thursday 10 July 2014

iHerb Haul!!! Real Techniques, e.l.f and Physican Formula




Hey Readers, 

I hope this post finds you well!! As you probably have seen already I have been doing a bit of online shopping and I thought like my Bourgois haul I would post what I recently bought from iHerb!!! If you haven't heard of iHerb before they are an American company that specialise in selling health products online, but at the same time they also have a beauty section that sells (at the american prices) cosmetics and brush lines that are a little bit more expensive here in Australia. iHerb have fast and reasonably priced shipping to Australia and they also offer discounts depending on how much you spend as well as a code system offering any new customers $10 off when they spend $40 or more and $5 off when you spend less than $40 my code is WJQ942 so if you what to pick up some goodies yourself feel free to use my code to get a discount on your spend!!

OK so onto good stuff!!


Real techniques

It is no surprise that I enjoy using these brushes and while real techniques can be found in Priceline it is no secret that iHerbs prices are nicer on the hip pocket (sorry priceline)!! I also have noticed that you cannot always get the full range in every store so its nice to know that these are all accessible online.

Expert Face Brush

This brush is amazing!! and with this one I now own three!! Sound excessive I know but if you read my 2013 favourites post you will know that I loved my first one so much that the handle has actually fallen off while its simply that the glue is no longer holding I use this brush so much I didn't think it would hurt to have another. The bristles are so soft, dense and its rounded tapered shape means foundation is applied flawlessly and concealer blended (especially under the eyes) with ease so when I am pressed for time I can do both without the need to change brushes.




Setting Brush

I picked this one up as I love the contour brush from this line and I use it all the time to apply concealer and powder under my eyes but then cannot use it for contouring my face with bronzer later on.  So I thought it time I find a replacement the contour brush. The setting brush is smaller but it still has the same shape and rounded top of the contour brush and I think it will work perfectly for my under eye area!!! 




Complexion Sponge
I have wanted to try this for the longest time but it seemed every time I went to the iHerb website it was unavailable!! But good things come to those who wait!!! This I guess is the real techniques version of the beauty blender and while I have not used a beauty blender after seeing this I feel it will be better!! It really gives the best of all words with application a large rounded side for application and bending, a flat side for the under the eyes and around the nose and a pointed tip for covering imperfections. I love that this sponge can be used wet or dry and I have seen it used both for cream/liquid foundation as well as applying powder. I cannot wait to try!!!




e.l.f- Eyes Lips Face

At the risk of repeating myself like Priceline and real techniques in Australia we can now find e.l.f in Kmart but once again we are not always able to access all of the range and also we pay a little bit more for the products in store!!!  


Powder brush 

I have wanted to try this brush the longest time after seeing so many beauty vloggers on youtube give it praise. I do enjoy flat top powder brushes for foundation application but I have also seen these used for contouring its so soft to the touch cannot wait to see how it performs.




Mineral Eyeshadow Primer in the shade sheer

While I am usually a person that doesn't bother about eyeshadow primer I have recently found myself adding it back into the makeup routine I am not really sure why but it really does make the difference when wanting you shadows to last longer but I don't own that many so I thought I would pick this up and give it a go. I also chose sheer as the primers I do own are coloured/tinted. 





Mineral Face Primer 

I am buying a lot of primers at the moment and while I enjoy most that I try I am still on the hunt for that perfect one!! This is a clear multi purpose primer that helps to combat oil, flaky dryness and reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines. Have looked at this multiple times so wanted to pick it up and give it a try. 



Maximum Coverage Concealer in the shade beige

My favourite concealer has recently been discontinued so I have been on the lookout for something to replace it. This is a maximum coverage concealer that is highly pigmented, blendable and long lasting I also prefer concealers that come in a tube. 




Matte Lip Colour in the shade natural

I have read a lot about these lip colours both in blogs and on instagram so I took the opportunity to pick one up with this order. I have never tried a matte lip colour before and I chose the colour natural as I felt it would be the most wearable for me.


Physican's Formula

I have loved products from this brand for the longest time and these next two products I have seen so many times in pictures and videos that I just had to have them. The packaging of these is also really cute and I had to stop myself buying the whole range!!

Nude Wear Touch of Glow in the shade Nude Glow
This is a Concealer, Highlighter and Touch up tool in one. I not only picked this up because of the packaging but also because I really enjoy using multi tasking products. There are often mornings I don't get as much time to dedicate to my makeup application as I'd like, I always prefer to hide and brighten the dark circles under my eyes. I also often require a touch up to go from day to night so I am hoping this is the perfect on the go product!!! 






Nude Wear Glowing Nude Blush in the shade Natural 

Not only the packaging but my blush addiction played a part in picking this one and I spent hours on google images trying to work out which shade I preferred. Natural is a more peachy pink toned blush and I cannot wait to give it a try. Blushes from Physicans Formula do often apply a little sheer but they are buildable and long lasting. 



So that is all from my iHerb haul once I have had a chance to try everything I will post my thoughts. I have enjoyed putting it together and writing about some new products so I hope you enjoyed reading this post. Go check put iHerb its a great website with some great products. So until next time Happy Reading and Happy Shopping!!!


Everlynne.







Disclaimer: All the products bought in this haul post were bought with my own money, all opinions are my own and are 100% honest. The discount code stated if used by my readers will result in rewards back to myself through the iHerb rewards program that you in turn can become a part of and can earn your own rewards by sharing your code to new iHerb customers. 



Saturday 5 July 2014

Bourjois Haul

Hey Readers, 
I hope this post finds you well. Recently I discovered the heat group has an online store selling some of their most famous brands Max Factor, Covergirl, Essence, Ulta 3, and Bourjois. Also at the time of this discovery they also were offering 30% off store wide and with free shipping on purchases over $40 needless to say I didn't have to think twice about picking up a few things!!! While I looked through all the choices the Bourjois really caught my eye. I have been wanting to try their new primers and a few foundations for a while but every time they go on sale at Priceline when I get there everything is always sold out!!! So I swooped at the chance. While I have not had the chance to try everything I wanted to show you what I got and I will most likely post a review later on!! 




Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation in the shade #53 Light Beige 
This foundation focuses on correcting imperfections by the inclusion of 3 pigments. 1 is yellow to combat dark circles, 2 to mauve to reduces dullness and 3 is green for anti redness. I felt this would be the perfect option for me as I am always looking to cover dark circles and redness and it can't hurt to brighten my skin as well. I believe its medium coverage so I am interested to give a try and see how it wears. 




Bourjois Happy Light Foundation in the shade #52  Light Beige
This foundation is all about luminous and flawless looking skin using translucent pigments to correct but without masking. While I usually stay away from foundations like these as they often contain micro glitter particles ( or should I say light reflecting particles) and also have a tendency to melt with my oily combo skin. But I have heard good things and wanted to try and swatched on the back of my hand there doesn't seem to be any glitter so I am pretty happy so far. 




Bourjois Happy Light Matte Serum Primer
Am on the hunt for a primer that not only mattifies but also reduces the appearance of pores and that was my reason for wanting to try this. Not only does it say it will mattify the complexion in any light but also has an airbrushed action to minimise pores. 




Bourjois Happy Light Luminous Serum Primer 
While I do prefer a matte look on my oily T zone, I do prefer to look a little more glowy and more natural look for the rest of my face. I also find that a lot of mattifying foundations can have a tendency make the rest of my skin look flat and a little cakey on those areas that aren't as oily. So while this won't go on my T zone I feel the rest of my face will benefit!!! 




Bourjois Concealer Stick Light Beige
This concealer like the 123 perfect foundation uses pigments yellow and white to hide imperfections and dark circles.  This is a wind up application that I'm hoping will make it easy to apply and blend out on the go. 



So that is all the goodies I picked up cannot wait to try and give you my thoughts. You can find the Heat Group at  http://www.heatgroup.com.au/  shipping was ultra fast my package came within a week of purchase and as I spent over the $40 it was free but if you don't want to spend that much its $7.50 to anywhere is Australia. A really great online store love supporting an Australian business and will probably shop there again!!!

Until next time Happy reading and Happy Shopping!!!
Everlynne. 





Friday 4 July 2014

June Favourites

Hey Readers,
 I sorry I did not post much for the month of June, I do apologise but it was a bit hectic with some family stuff. Makeup wise I really focused on shopping my stash as I did not really have to buy anything new. Overall though I have found some great products that I really want to share with you now!!! 




Essence All about Matt Oil Control Makeup Base
This product hasn't left my makeup bag for the last two months and I think I have used it most days as a part of my makeup routine. As the description on the back of the tube states this is a lightweight makeup-base for a long lasting matt and smooth finish. Specially formulated with evermat complex this base helps balance out oily skin and to minimize pores. While I don't feel the appearance of my pores are minimised it has definitely increased the longevity of my makeup and keeps my oily T zone at bay longer. It comes out of the tube white but does apply clear and smooth and dries almost instantly and the small tube fits easily into any makeup bag.




NYX Blush in the shade Pinched.

Said to be a dupe for the much talked about Nars Orgasm I originally bought this as I felt it would be the most wearable for me out of the small amount of options available at my local target. This peachy pink blush may look small in the pan but makes up for it with BIG amounts of pigmentation!!! and flecked with gold glitter it means that you have blush and highlight in one. As I said you only need a small amount to get a glowy cheek and it lasts all day long. It pairs amazingly with a little bronzer and a soft smoky eye!!!




NYX Butter Gloss in the shade Tiramisu

I bought this during the last 40% off Nyx at target and not being a huge colour on the lips wearer I chose this brownish pinky nude that would look natural and its perfect!! This for me is really a my lips but better colour the formula is smooth to apply isn't sticky feels comfotable on the lips and lasts a decent amount of time. Its also pigmented enough that it can be worn by itself.




Essence Blush in Natural Beauty

This is a gorgeous natural toned blush which I originally bought as a contour shade. For a long while it replaced my bronzer as just that but as winter has gotten colder I really have leaned towards using it over my bronzer contour to really warm up my face. I know that sounds like a lot but it gives such a gorgeous glow to the face and pairs nicely with a peachy pink blush lightly over the top.  I also love it for a light makeup look when I've just put on BB cream and mascara on and want blusher but my look to stay natural and not to look like I've put blush on!!! 




 BYS Matte Compact Powder Foundation 

Over a month ago I dropped and smashed my Rimmel stay matte compact powder despite my love for my Rimmel I already had an Australis fresh and flawless at home ready to take its place when I'd finished sadly that lasted a week before it too lept out of my bag smashing on the floor. Having no time to get out the rubbing alcohol and fix!! I also didn't have the budget to replace either!!! It was in Kmart that I went for a cheap and quick fix despite thinking it may or may not do the job. As you can tell by now I stand corrected!! This is a really great mattifying compact powder it goes on smooth, blends well and is perfect buffed all over a BB cream or foundation as well as for pressed onto the T zone for touch ups. I really only have to top up once or twice a day (T zone only) and while it has a little less coverage than the rimmel or australis  it still goes the distance. A great alternative and when I can I will repurchase.




Rimmel Matte BB cream

Originally I was unimpressed with this BB cream and felt it was one of those over hyped products. Both coverage and longevity seemed average and it really didn't hide my dark circles, imperfections or minimise pores as a result it ended up in the back of my draw. I brought it back out when I looking for a quick no makeup look one weekend. I found that this works a lot better when its really buffed into the skin using my real techniques buffing brush it not only makes the application quick but it looks smoother and coverage better. And it also seems to help it to last longer. For a work day I do top with a little powder but when your in a rush it does last on its own!! 



So that rounds up my May favourites I hope that you have had a wonderful month and aren't feeling the cold to much!!! Until next month Happy Reading and Happy Shopping!!

Everlynne.