Sunday Special-August Favourties

Hey Readers,
WOW another month has passed and this month has been up and down!! It started well but towards the middle I ended up with the flu and for about two weeks so doing anything special with my makeup was the last thing on my mind so I kept things pretty simple.  Hence I do not have a lot of products to talk about this month but they have been my go to and ones I wanted to share.

Elf Mineral Primer
I know I raved about this in my iherb review post but I really have been loving this product whole heatedly particularly when keeping my makeup on became a little bit of a task this month. Sneezing, coughing, hot and cold temps plus using tissue constantly do no favours to keeping makeup looking nice but this primer definitely helped and I feel it has help me look much better than I felt a lot of this month.

Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin Concealer in 03 Medium
I picked this up around the middle of the month when it went on special at Big W. Its foundation was really what I was after but with 40% off and still in the hunt for a good full coverage concealer I had to pick up this up as well. Its a great medium to full coverage concealer that this month has gotten a work out hiding the dark circles under my eyes, redness around my nose and if the flu wasn't enough this month breakouts on my chin and cheeks!!! It's creamy, bends well, doesn't crease and lasts a whole day!!

Physicans Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow in the shade Nude Glow
I have been loving this highlighting concealer this month it really has been great for brightening up under my eyes and also has been good for adding a quick glow to the cheeks when pressed for time. I really have enjoyed pairing it with the maybelline concealer to cover my dark circles then this over the top to add brightness. Its a subtle glow without the shimmer, creamy, buildable and blends well.

Models Prefer Infinite Colour Shadow Pencil in the shade What a Poser.
I have become a little addicted to purple eyeliner lately and despite the fact I already own a few (or more) I could not pass up picking up another one when I found this marked down at Priceline. Its dark enough to replace a black liner giving great definition but light enough with a little shimmer to be a pop of colour with a neutral look. The product glides on, builds and blends well and it also lasts a long time.

Urban Decay Naked 2
I know I have spoken about this a couple of times before but I cannot help but bring it up again. I love the colours of this palette and how beautifully these eye shadows go on, blend and last all day!!! Its so versatile and it doesn't matter which shade you choose they all pair together well you can create any look and its great for on the go not only do you have a range of shadows at your fingertips you also have a large mirror to help apply them!!

theBalms How 'Bout Them Apples lip and cheek cream in the shade Pie.
This was one of my favourites from July's Bellabox and probably the most used as well. Its an amazing cream product so pigmented yet so easy to apply and blend without making you look like a clown. It also is one of the first cream blushes that has last all day and I haven't needed to apply a powder blush over to prevent fading. The shimmer is so subtle that it gives a really nice glow without the glitter effect on the cheeks keeping everything looking natural.

So that ends this months favourites. I hope you have enjoyed this short and sweet post hopefully next month I will have a bit more to talk about. Untill then Happy Reading and Happy Shopping

Everlynne.

August Bellabox and July Review

Hey Readers, 
Hope this post finds you well!! My Bellabox for August has finally arrived!!! I hate to rant a little here but we didn't get notification this month that boxes would be delayed and with no explanation from BB via their social media sites so I can only assume its a postal issue. However beauty boxes coming at the end of a month or into the start of the next month seems to be a bit of a trend!!! Hopefully its a once off!! And if its not going to be BB are up front and give us notification things will change!! End of rant!! Sorry!!! Any way guess I should get on with reviewing the previous box and telling you what we received in August box!!

July Review
Innoxa Skin Clear Anti Shine and Blemish Control Lotion SPF 15
This smooth easy to apply lotion has been a favourite this month. The pump dispenses just the right amount to apply and it absorbs almost instantly its almost a serum moisturiser in one. It really hydrates and helps with oil control without leaving a film or powdery residue on the skin.

Yu Be Moisturizing Skin Cream
This is still a great moisturiser even though it does smell a little like vapour rub. Its a thicker consistency but it still absorbs into the skin leaving it feeling really hydrated, soft and smooth. I acctually used this on my lips when I had the flu earlier this month and it helped soothe my dry, chapped lips.

Designer Brands Lip Butter
This was a slight disappointment this month its an ok lip balm it does the job but its a little slippery to apply and it absorbs so quickly that it left my lips feeling dry. I felt the need to be constant;y reapply. I prefer lipbalm with a bit more longevity.

Revlon Fantasy Length Self Adhesive Lashes
Once again I have failed to use these lashes despite looking at them several times and really wanting too put them on!! I even had a party late this month and had all my makeup planned and forgot about these!! Might just have to try them randomly at some point!!

theBalm How 'Bout them Apples Cheek and Lip Cream
This was the biggest surprise this month. I love the Balm products and I knew before I tried this was going to be good but just how amazing this cream is astounded me. It has great pigmentation, (a little bit goes a long way) it is so smooth to apply and it blends out so effortlessly, doesn't pull at other products on you face, doesn't make the skin feel wet or tacky it dries to a powder and it lasts all day. Pie is a pink red colour and at first I thought it would be a bit clownish for me but it blended out it giving a gorgeous glow to the cheeks really liking it am seriously considering the whole palette!!

August Bella box
So this months BB has come with the theme sport your style this was released as a sneek peek aka spoiler at the start of the month. At first I thought products for post exercise/going to the gym and did think we would end up with lip balm, dry shampoo or body spray but then the makeup junkie in me thought maybe more cosmetics and colour products that are non neutrals, bright shadow, cheek or lip stick something that pushes the boundries of any ones usual make up routine!! Looking at what I  received I was wrong on both counts!!!!

Eco tools Detailed Lip Brush received one brush
This lip brush is made from recycled aluminium and bristles are cruelty free said to help you get beautifully defined lips. I was excited when I first saw this eco tool this is a great brand but in reality I don't use lip brushes all that often so not too sure!!

Naturals Natrasan Hand Sanitiser Spray received a 28ml spray full size
This instant hand sanitiser is infused with kakadu plum and vanilla and says it will leave your hands fresh and clean it is fast acting and long lasting, alcohol free. Interested to see what this smells like. While I do prefer to wash my hands however long trips and camping is usually where I find these come in handy.

Eco Tools Cellulose facial sponges received a full size pack of five.
These are plant derived sponges that are designed to give the face a deep clean removing all traces of dirt and makeup. Have not used a product like this in a long time so am interested to see how they work and if they can get rid of a good days makeup.

OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner received two 60ml samples full size is 385ml.
This shampoo and conditioner says it will strenghthen and add elasticity to hair. It includes coconut milk and egg proteins. This is probably the only product in the box that fits the post sport thoughts I had about this box and while I do not really enjoy coconut scented products I am interested to see how  it fairs.

Maybelline Colour Show Nail Lacquer received a full size 7ml in the shade 240 Twilight Rays
A polish to make your finger tips instantly groomed and stylish. Twilight rays is a black base with a gold glitter so not my usual pick in polish but I already know that these are smooth to apply, dry quickly and have decent longevity.

Palmers Cocoa Butter 5ml sachet sample full size is 400ml
This is the bonus sample for this month and I will probably use next time I moisturise!!  

OK so that ends my sport your style BB for August.  While writing this I have been looking at other bloggers posts on what they received in their BB and I have to admit that I didn't get the most exciting products on offer this month and what we all have received from BB this month is quite mixed. But my original thoughts of what sport your style should be where correct as some have received lip balms and brightly coloured eyeshadow  so I guess this was an all encompassing sport your style theme. Overall though I am happy with what I have received and I will use most of the items and give you my thoughts next month!!!

Happy Reading and Happy Shopping
Everlynne.

Mascara Madness #7

Hey Readers, 
Hope this post finds you well!! Once again I have not posted a mascara madness post for a long time and yet I have been trying out a lot of different mascaras. Post moving earlier in the year I pulled my stash of mascaras waiting to be tried from their draw and  work through them. This has been a bit of a hit and miss process with some having been left such a long time that they are simply passed there prime drying out quickly and starting to get that old mascara scent so hence not used for long. But there are a couple that have stood out and they are the ones featured in this post today. I hope you enjoy!!!

MUA Mega Volume Mascara in the shade Black/Brown 
The Pitch: This comes directly from the MUA website this mascara adds a touch of natural glamour, length and volume to your eyelashes. With a brush made of rubber and tiny little teeth evenly spaced along the head - perfect for separation and definition.

The Reality: This is the perfect mascara for volume and length whilst obtaining a natural look. As the pitch says the tiny spikes on the brush really separate the lashes and it doesn't clump even when you go for that second layer an easy mascara to apply without worrying about clumping or excess product on your lashes.

Covergirl Flamed Out Mascara in the shade black/brown.
The Pitch: Covergirl states the this mascara makes a bold statement with winged lashes that curve up and out. Try this curling mascara with a unique wire brush that coats your lashes for an instant volume boost.

The Reality: I have had a love hate relationship with this one. After not loving it intially it ended up back into the draw for a couple of weeks till I pulled it out not wanting to waste a mascara that was actually ok. After trying again I do really love that it gives volume and curl to the lashes but it doesn't wing them like other hourglass shaped wands have in the past. It gives great fullness and definition but I  find the formula quite thick so have to be careful when applying as I have often ended up with a small amount of clumping and excess product on my lashes if I swipe multiple times to quickly. 

Sportsgirl Blink Big Volumising Mascara in the shade Black
The Pitch: hmm their really isn't one!! All the Sportsgirl website says is that this is a volumising black mascara with wand applicator.

The Reality: Yep its that good no fancy what this mascara can do for your lashes pitch required. Its a great volumising formula and traditional wire brush means that it coats and seperates lashes easily you get volume and definition while still looking natural.  I have probably been using this mascara for way too long. But it really has became my go to particuarly when other mascaras are failing me. So easy to apply, no clumps or excess product and it seems to get better even when its starting to dry out. I promise that I will say goodbye after I by a new one!!!

So that ends another mascara madness, I hope you enjoyed and if your in need of a new mascara I have helped the choice a little!! I am going to try and work through my stash so we can do this again so until the next time. Happy reading and Happy Shopping.

Everlynne.

  

*Review* iherb haul- Real techniques, e.l.f, Physican Formula

Hey Readers, 
Its been nearly a month since my iHerb order arrived and I have spent a lot of time trying all these products. I have found some new loves, re kindled with old favourites and some slight disappointments but overall  I have been loving trying new things and experimenting with different ways to use them!!!!


Real techniques

Expert Face Brush
As I said in the original post I own three of these so I new from the minute I pulled this out of the packaging I was loving it already and after using older versions for so long I had forgotten just how nice a new one is to use. It just is a perfect all round brush that with its dense bristles and dome tapered top applies, stipples and blends foundation and concealer with perfection leaving you looking flawless (could I rave any more) I recommend if you are looking for a new foundation brush that can do it all!!! 

Setting Brush
OK so my original premise for buying this one was as a replacement for my contour brush that I love using for under eye concealer but also want for bronzer and blush. I have to say I am still on the fence as to weather it will be my replacement for concealer. The brush isn't as big as the contour so it takes longer to blend out concealer and the bristles aren't as soft so its a little bit scratchy on the face it does the job though however its the first real techniques brush I haven't been completely happy with straight away.

Complexion Sponge
To be honest I have only used this a couple of times after applying foundation with a brush for so long it is taking me a bit to get used to and I don't think I have quite got the technique of using a sponge just yet. The sponge itself is really easy to use and gives a smooth flawless finish but I am finding it does soak up a bit of product. It also gives a lighter coverage so I have found that I am going over areas a lot to hide redness and blemishes etc. You really have to press/bounce product onto the skin to get everything even and a long lasting result. Like my expert face brush though it is an all in one so foundation and concealer are applied with the one tool and I like how the flat side and pointed ends mean you can get into those hard to cover areas. I just haven't worked out the best way to use it yet!! will keep trying.

e.l.f- Eyes Lips Face

Powder brush 
This flat top kabuki style brush has definitely changed my touch up routine. The flat top picks up powder perfectly allowing it to be pressed directly onto those shine affected areas. It also easily allows you to buff powder all over the face quickly with a smooth and flawless finish over a BB cream in seconds. 

Mineral Eyeshadow Primer in the shade sheer
I recently added this to my monthly favourites as from the first try I was impressed with this primer. It just applies so smoothly, blends out easily, doesn't cake or crease. Its matte and holds shadows all day long not matter how hot or cold my day is. I have really been loving the benefit of adding this to my makeup routine. 

Mineral Face Primer 
This is another primer I have been enjoying I am not sure what e.l.f put in their primers but they are really good. Again I was really impressed with this from the first try. I first used this before an afternoon/evening out it was a busy time and I didn't get a chance to look at my makeup or touch up throughout so after a couple of hours when I came home and looked in the mirror for the first time I realised that my makeup was exactly the same as when I left. I did have a little shine in my T zone but not as much as usual. It doesn't diminish my pores as much as I would like but the fact it holds makeup so well I can't complain. I also like the pump top to this bottle which gives great control to the amount of product dispensed. The product itself is clear, smooth and applies easily it does have a slightly slippery feel on the face but overall a great primer. 

Maximum Coverage Concealer in the shade beige
As I said in my original post I have been looking for a new high coverage, blendable and long lasting concealer which is the reason I chose this one and the reason I am enjoying using it. It does have a yellow undertone which helps to conceal under the eyes and its high coverage hides blemishes well. It is creamy but at the same time quite thick so a little goes a long way and you do need to take time to really blend it in.

Matte Lip Colour in the shade natural
This is a really great my lips but better colour. Soft and natural and it really does make any makeup look look a bit more glam than it really is but I have found the formula a little bit drying on its own. However combined with lip balm before applying does help. What I have really enjoyed about this one is its long lasting so touch ups are few and far between.  

Physican's Formula

Nude Wear Touch of Glow in the shade Nude Glow
This hasn't left my makeup bag since I pulled it out of its packaging and while I have a love hate relationship with this clickable pen, Its an amazing product for concealing and highlighting underneath the eyes. This liquid is the perfect consistency gliding on and blending out without creasing or sinking into lines. The trick is to click once and not keep clicking so to dispense the perfect amount of product. The pen brush also allows to precisely apply around the eyes and even down and around the nose. Overall with a bit of powder over the top my under eyes are concealed and my complexion smooth. 

Nude Wear Glowing Nude Blush in the shade Natural 
At first I found this blush a little sheer but after much experimentation I have found a couple of ways to use this that I really have been enjoying. Mixing all four squares together and sweeping all over the cheeks and temples gives a wonderful and subtle glow to the face but concentrating your brush by dabbing over certain squares and  stipple onto the cheeks gives better colour concentration and gorgeous naturally flushed cheek. Really loving this one. 

So that is all from my iHerb review I hope you enjoyed. Be sure to look up  iHerb next time your shopping for elf, physicans formula or real techniques, its a great website with great service. 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. 

Sunday Special-Highlighters and Illuminators!!!

Hey Readers,
Hope Sunday finds you well.  Today I am writing the first of hopefully many posts. For a while I have been trying to post once a week with my post going up on a Saturday but I thought that it would be fun to occasionally put up a second post on the weekend on a Sunday. I call this Sunday Special as I am hoping that these posts will be something a little bit different and a bit more relaxed. An easy Sunday read!! Today's Sunday Special is a requested post. A while back on Instagram  I posted a photo asking my followers what you would like to see on my blog. I was asked to write about about Highlighters and Illuminators and How do you use them??? My answers are below!!!

Highlighters
Like the fluorescent texter you use to mark words and sentences that are important to you in a document or book. Highlighters in makeup are generally use to accentuate particular areas on the face that you wish to enhance. They include light reflecting particles aka shimmer/glitter to allow light reflection and really bring forward those areas to which they are applied. The most flattering places I find to use them are the tops of the cheek, inner corner of the eye, brow bone, bridge of the nose and above the lip. Mostly we are taking powder products however their are cream options available. Like blushes the have a varied shade range to match most skin tones or desired look form pearlescent to bronzey glow. When applying to the cheeks I do prefer to apply before my blush but most tutorials you see application will be after blush has been applied regardless they really add dimension to your makeup.

(Pictured above and swatches from bottom to top) theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer, Physicians Formula Powder Palette Mineral Glow in the shade Translucent Pearl, Makeup Academy Undress Your Skin Shimmer Highlighter, E.L.F Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in the shade Sunkissed)

Illuminators
An illuminator is generally a liquid product that is designed to give an overall illumination the skin. For the longest time I used these as highlighters not feeling confident with using them all over but applied directly to the face before foundation or a small amount mixed with your base gives a gorgeous glow to the skin. Again shade range is varied to suit any desired look pearlecent, blush or bronzey glow. The light reflecting properties in illuminators  are a more subtle option to adding glow to the face however you can combine with a highlighter if you wish.

(pictured above from left to right- Revlon Photoready Skinlghts face illuminator in the shade 200 pink light, MeMeMe Beat the Blues in the shade Moonbeam, MeMeMe Beat the Blues in the shade Sunbeam, Face of Australia Mineral Therapy Illuminator in the shade Angel Flame, Face of Australia Mineral Therapy Illuminator in the shade Angel Mist, Face of Australia Mineral Therapy Illuminator in the shade Angel Glow)

That is all for this post. I had a lot of fun putting this together and I hope it helps you next time you wish to add dimension and glow to your makeup look.  If you have any other posts that you wish to see in a Sunday Special please comment below or on any of my instagram pics!!! Until next time happy reading and happy shopping!!!

Everlynne.

July Favourites.

Hey Readers,
I hope the end of the month/start of the new month finds you well. Another month has passed really quickly and I really cannot believe its time to review my favourites and most used products for the month already. This month has been a big month in makeup for me,  I have bought a lot of new things so have been mixing up my makeup bag a lot in order to try them all but I also have been shopping my stash quite a lot as well. So it seems odd that I really don't have that many favourites this month despite this however I don't think Iv'e spoken about these products before so lets get to it!!!

NYX natural palette
I know I said in a previous post that I find it hard to put my chi chi palette away but half way through this month I decided to try something different and pulled this one out of the draw!! A combination of six neutral shades that I keep forgetting how much I enjoy using them. While I do have some issues with fallout from time to time these shadows are just so soft, pigmented and blendable that I enjoy using them every time.

Innoxa velvet blush powder in the shade Rose and Berry
I bought this recently when Innoxa had a sale for the end of financial year on their website. This palette has two blushes one matte with a peachy tone and the other pink that has a slight shimmer while I have enjoyed both this month the one I keep dipping my brush into is the more peachy shade. It gives a gorgeous natural flush to the cheek and pairs well with any eye look. These blushes are so soft, pigmented and blendable a little bit goes a long way and they last a long time on the cheeks.

Elf eye primer
This was a part of my recent purchases from iHerb and from my first try I have really been impressed with this primer. The doe foot applicator comes out of the tube with the perfect amount of product to prime both lids. The primer itself is soft and creamy, blends out easily, dries evenly, doesn't crease and it holds shadow all day long.

Youngblood pressed mineral foundation powder in the shade neutral
An old favourite of mine that I pulled out of my draw randomly this month, at the time I wanted a touch up powder with a mirror that would fit into a small clutch and this was the first I found. Again its a product I forgot how much I loved to use. Despite being a foundation powder which in the past I have used over a BB cream, I really primarily use this for touch ups. Being neutral it pairs with any foundation I may be wearing. A rice based powder it gives me oil control and like most mineral based powder products its light weight going on evenly and not looking cakey. I've really enjoyed it and cannot believe its been in my draw so long.

Dirty Works You Soft Touch Hand Cream
This has been tucked into my travel bag since I received it back in April's bellabox. I have used it on and off, but this month I really have been reaching for it. The weather here in Queensland has gotten cold and windy this month which combined with a job where I wash my hands a lot has caused them to dry out and crack so hand cream has become my new friend. This is such a great product smooth, light, dries quickly and doesn't leave your hands greasy.

Cotton Scarfs
These have been another winter favourite this month. I know I don't usually include a clothing item to my favourites but like my makeup these also something I have found myself reaching for this month. They are such an easy winter accessory. Two are from the brand banjo and matilda and the other is from Kmart they are soft, comfortable and easy to wear loving them for those days when I need to glam up a plain black or white long sleeve T, with jeans and boots.

So that is all for the month of July I hope you have enjoyed this post and the the new month is going well. Until next month happy reading and happy shopping!!

Everlynne