Saturday 12 December 2015

The Parcel by Marie Claire Summer Edit.

Hey Readers, 
I hope this post finds you well. This week my parcel has arrived, I was so excited to see it but at the same time I am saddened that it is the last for the year. However opening it was a great pre christmas surprise!! The box is so full I wont waffle on too much but get onto telling you whats inside!!!



Maybelline  The Colossal Pumped UP! Volum' Express Mascara
Even though I have tried this before I was excited to see a new mascara in this box. This is one of the newer mascaras for Maybelline this year its a collagen formula that combined with a bigger brush that gives bigger, bolder and extreme volume. As I said previously I have tried this before just not sure if I enjoyed it or not, so happy to give this another try!!!




Paula's Choice Vitamin C Spot Treatment received a 5ml deluxe sample full size is 15ml.
This is a spot treatment that contains 25 per cent stabilised vitamin C that helps to reduce the apperance of pigmentation and deep wrinkles. It is suitable for the face, neck and chest. Have not tried a product like this before so interested to see what its like.




Elizabeth Arden Superstart Skin Renewal Booster received a 5ml sample full size is 30ml.
This is a light weight treatment that helps to restore the appearance of the skins surface as well as helping to boost the skins natural defenses and ability to to renew itself. Interested to try this one my skin has been looking a bit dull of late so wouldn't mind seeing how this works. 



Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in the shade 260 So Much Fawn.
So happy to see this one I do enjoy these polishes as they are so easy to apply with their wider brush applicator its so quick and easy the colours are opaque even with only one coat they dry easily as well. These are an all in one product too so you don't need a base or top coat they also are chip resistant. 



Maybelline Color Sensational Color Elixir in the shade 100 Petal Pusher.
This is a balm, lipstick and gloss in one that promises hyper saturated colour with and ultra cushiony feel. Petal pusher is a pale pink and it does have a gold shimmer running through it. I am interested to see what its like on the lips!!



Zoeva Eye Brushes received the 230 Luxe Pencil
This has got to be the most exciting product in the box this edit. I have seen so many instagram pics, youtube tutorials featuring  these brushes but due to budget restrictions I have really not been able to buy. Really interested to see what these are like in person.



Michael Kors Gold Collection sample of White Luminous Gold
This perfume is one of three in the Gold Collection and after looking it up the scent of white luminous gold is an intoxicating burst of pear, jasmine and amber. Smells OK I have not tried a Michael Kors perfume before so interested to see how it wears.



Swisse Deep Sea Hydrating Mist Toner received a deluxe 15ml sample full size is 125ml.
This is a toner enriched with soothing aloe vera and hydrating sea minerals as well as antioxidants to leave the skin brighter and more youthful I don't usually use toners but as the weather gets warmer it would be nice to have something on hand to refresh my skin. 



Lonvitalite Face Mask received two masks C2 and C4 
These Lonvitalite masks are sheet masks infused with ingredients to help the skin look hydrated, soft supple and more radiant. The C2 mask is infused with collagen to promote skin renewal and keep complexion looking firm as well as helping to smooth skin and wrinkles. While the C4 mask is coconut milk based to help prevent and relieve dryness, flaking and sagging of skin as well as helping connective tissue to stay strong and supple. While its generous of Marie Claire to give us two, you all know how good I am at trying face masks so I will find these a good home for Christmas.



Trilogy Make-up Be Gone Cleansing Balm received a 10ml deluxe sample full size is 80ml. 
This is another product in the box I am excited to see. Based on rose hip, coconut and sunflower oils this cleansing balm helps to dissolve makeup whilst leaving the skin smooth and hydrated. Very interested to try this one it smells really good in the pot. 



OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo and Conditioner received 60ml deluxe samples full size is 385ml. 
This is a shampoo and conditioner infused with argan oil that helps to promote softness and shine but also helps to protect hair from UV and heat styling damage. I use this brand of shampoo and conditioner already and have written about how much I enjoy these products before so very happy to have a travel size. 



WOW so that ends the Summer edit of The Parcel by Marie Claire. I have so many great products to try in this box I am not sure where to begin. If you are looking for a new beauty box for the new year I do recommend giving this one a try I have been loving it over the last year have received some great products and I feel its really great value.  I hope you have enjoyed reading this post and until the next one Happy reading and Happy shopping. 

Everlynne.

Friday 4 December 2015

October and November Favourites

Hey Readers,
I hope this post finds you well. Its been two months since being able to tell you about my beauty favourites and I really cannot believe that it not only been such a long time but that also the end of the year is a month away!!! Given its been such a big gap I do have a lot to talk about so I am going to jump straight in.




Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous 30ml 210 Medium Beige
This has been a go to over the last couple of months it just lends itself to so many occasions. As an everyday foundation I love applying it with a stipple brush buffing it into the skin which gives such a light and natural finish to the skin but one that gives a decent amount of coverage and lasts all day. Applied with a real techniques foundation brush or buffing brush I find I get a medium to full coverage finish which has been my go to for a long day at work and a recent friends wedding and as it does not contain SPF it also is great for photos.  I love that is applies so smoothly, blends flawlessly and that it lasts all day without a need for a lot of touch ups.






Rimmel Lasting Finish 25hr Nude Skin Perfecting Medium Coverage Foundation in 200 Soft Beige
I am not sure what made me pick this up again but I forgot how great it is as an everyday foundation it’s a medium coverage that applies easily and blends flawlessly it also lasts a long time. It also stands up to heat and humidity without budging.



Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser in Fair and Medium
As you may know I am a long time user and lover of the fair shade in this range which with its slight pink undertone is great for both concealing and brightening the under eye area and also doubles as a great eye shadow primer as well. After a long time I have now discovered the medium shade this has more of a yellow undertone and while it is great for helping conceal under eye circles it is perfect for all the other problem areas as well redness, blemishes pigmentation be gone!! These two work great in combination they are also easy to apply and blend.





Thin Lizzy 6 in 1 professional powder in the shade light.
So after watching a youtube video a while back, that compared this to the much loved hoola by beniefit.  I was interested to pull this out of my draw and give it another try. This product has received a lot of mixed press over the years and I was lucky enough a while back to end up with a freebie through the job that I had at the time. I had used it on an off as a bronzer as I never really trusted its 6 in 1 claim but I have to say it has been in the back of my draw for a long time.  I have never used hoola myself but after watching the video and seeing how great it looked as a contour I just had to try. It makes for a great contour and great all over bronzer. The product isn’t matte but it isn’t glittery either so it is great for everyday it is easy to apply and is buidlable have really been loving this new discovery. 



Designer Brands Cosmetics Pro Contour Palette
This caught my eye while scrolling through Instagram one day and even though I don’t use my other contour palette that much something just made me want to check it out. Needless to say I picked it up just after Melbourne cup and not really put it down since.  It’s great for travel the palette itself is quite compact and the mirror on the inside of the lid is really handy. Like most contour palettes on the market there are three highlight shades and three contour shades. But unlike the others all these powders are all matte and unlike the more popular contour palettes they aren’t as pigmented now don’t take the previous statement as a negative this is what I actually love about this one. With the other palettes I have tried , you have to have such a light hand when picking up the product and I often find myself taking so much time to blend out so it looks natural. With this palette pigmentation is medium which I find easier to get the perfect contour that I can build if I need too I am also finding that these contour colours suit my skin tone better less grey and orangeness going on.




Models Prefer Infinite Colour Shadow Pencil in the shade Down to Earth
This is a really easy to use shadow pencil that has become my go to recently. It makes for such as easy all over lid colour which is great for when I am pressed for time or really need to look polished fast. Blended out with a brush or finger and paired with brown or black liner this is a really easy to wear and work appropriate look. Down to earth is a taupe bronze shade that has a metallic sheen finish that can be applied as a light wash of colour or built up and once dried it does not budge. I also makes a great base for shadow.




Covergirl Intensify Me Intense Black Liquid Liner in 300
This inky black liner is the newest product available from covergirl and offers a new innovation to the world of eyeliners its rounded paddle shaped tip allows the versatility of having your liner be thin or think depending on how you hold your pen. While it takes a little bit to get used what I love about this liner is that it applies jet black and stays all day without fading to grey and even with a rounded tip it isn’t hard to create the perfect wing.




Covergirl liquilineblast in the shade 460 Green Glow
I am not actually sure why I picked this up I don’t usually go for such a bright colour but this has become my go to pop of colour over black liner this month.  I really have worn it a lot and it was fun to pair it with orange shadow for a simple Halloween look as well. These liners are true to the colour in the tube and glide on so easily and do blend but you do have to work quick as they do dry down and don’t really budge after that.


Swatches (left to right) Models prefer shadow pencil, Covergirl Liquiline and Covergirl Intesify me.



W7 Zoom More Volume Mascara in Black
I usually reserve talking about a mascara for mascara madness post but this one is a great every day choice that I thought was worth sharing with you know. This mascara is from w7 which so far I have only found stocked at chemist warehouse it also is slightly cheaper than most brands on the market and from memory I picked this up for about $6. The rubber wand coats and seperates lashes without leaving excess product behind or clumping your lashes along the way it gives great volume and definition and is quick to apply which is what makes it such a great everyday choice.




Max Factor Colour Intensifying Balm 40 Exquisite Caramel

I had recently seen these balms in a few videos from Jodi from Goo Roo Beauty and they had just caught my eye as I was looking for something for a few upcoming events but also something to glam up an every day look. I picked one up when I say them on sale for I think 30% off. Exquisite Caramel is really a my lips but better colour which pairs with any makeup look whether it be simple or glamour. The product goes on smooth has medium pigmentation isn't too glossy and lasts a long time its so easy to apply and being so compact great for a clutch purse when going out. 






e.l.f Makeup Mist and Set
I have been looking for a makeup setting spray for a while and purchased this one when making my last iHerb order.  Not only is this great for helping your makeup last longer, As the weather has gotten hotter this is a great cooling finish to any makeup application whilst also great for helping your makeup to not slide off in the heat. It definetly makes a difference to the longevity of your makeup look.


  


Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water
As I said earlier in this post I have really been getting into black liner and even layering my liner which at the end of the long day is a little harder to get off. As usual I have a few micellar waters on the go so I do switch between and this one is the one that I keep reaching for it not only is simple (ha ha ) to use it also is really gentle on the eyes. Eye makeup including black liner just comes straight off and I find I don’t have to constantly swipe to get everything. Its also great for getting the rest of my makeup off and it doesn’t leave a residue on the skin.




So that ends the favourites from October and November. I hope you enjoyed it and that this post wasn't too long to see it through till the end. Hopefully this helps next time you are shopping for something new. Until next time happy reading and happy shopping.

Everlynne.





Friday 27 November 2015

Bellabox November

Hey Readers,
I hope this post finds you well. This week Novembers Bellabox has arrived at my door. Due to my internet issues I missed talking about Octobers box and reviewing what I received in September. So this post will just be about the current box and hopefully next month I can be back to my usual reveal and review post. BB for November has arrived with the theme ready set glow and as it definitely has gotten a lot hotter here in QLD over the last month I thought it the perfect theme for the start of summer!! This box is a little lighter than the previous ones but this month we have received a few really exciting products!!!!



Laqa and Co Cheeky Lip in the shade Cray Cray
This is the much talked about hero product for the box this month. Early in the month BB teamed with beauty you tuber Katrina Maree to announce not only its inclusion in the box for every subscriber but also if you got in quick the choice of colour in which you received. I was lucky enough to receive my choice. This cheeky lip is a twist up chubby pencil that is a cream consistency but does dry to a powder finish and it can be used both on the lips and cheeks. Cray cray is a coral/orange colour which in the tube does look quite bright but swatched and blended out it gives a lovely wearable coral pink flush I have not yet used it on the cheeks so not sure about staying power but will get back to you on that next month.




Nyx Baked Eye Shadow in the shade Lavish
I was very excited to see included in the box. I already own a palette of shadows from nyx which I do enjoy using and I have looked at many times but never purchased before their single shadows. Lavish is a metallic gold and perfect for the party season ahead really cannot wait to give this a try. I think this also may make for a good cheek highlight as well. You can also use these both wet and dry!!



Redwin Coconut Balm 
This is a multi purpose balm that includes papaya extract and jojoba oil for deep hydration. This I have received in a previous beauty box so I know its a decent product but not that excited to see this again. I will most likely give this one to a new home.




Ulta 3 Nail Polish in the shade Kiwi Kaos
This is a good inclusion always love a good polish and the ones from Ulta 3 are really great quality. This colour however probably wouldn't have been my first choice but I will try it I just think it will go on my toes!! 



Sebamed Liquid Face and Body Wash received a 20ml sample full size is 300ml.
This is something that I have not seen in a long time and makes me remember my days in pharmacy when I worked in the skin care sections. This wash is unique in the respect that it is pH balanced to the skin whilst being soap and alkali free it helps to balance and moisturise the skin without being harsh and is great for any one but particularly those with sensitivities.  



Bic Soleil Glow Razor 
This is the bonus product for the box this month. This 3 blade razor has a comfort shield to effortlessly glide over the skin as well as a lubricating strip infused with vitamin E and aloe to pamper the skin. I do have a razor that I use consistently but I do always like a disposable one for travel so will add this to my toiletries bag. 



So that ends BB for November. As I said some great inclusions in this months box and I am very happy to give everything a try. Until the next one happy reading and happy shopping.

Everlynne.


Friday 20 November 2015

Empties Hits and Misses #2

Hey Readers,
I hope this post finds you well. I am sorry it has been so long between posts but so many things have gotten in the way that getting a post up every week again just hasn't been feasible. Hopefully I have worked eveything out and it wont be so long till the next one!!!.

So I did this post back in February and given it usually takes me forever to finish anything I didn't think I would be doing another one anytime soon but my bag has gotten pretty full and so I thought I better put down my thoughts before I take out the trash!!


Misses!!!
Pantene Shampoo Aqua Light 750ml.
I had originally been introduced to this by one of the beauty boxes and I really enjoyed the sample so the next time I saw it on special I bought the full size. Have no idea why but I didn't seem to get the same results as the full size and I got about half way through this one and switched to something else my other half ended up using the rest he didn't mind it.



John Frieda Beach Blonde Cool Dip Shampoo and Smooths Seas Conditioner sample size 50ml.
This is another beauty box shampoo and conditioner introduction and once again I really liked this at first I found it cleaned my hair really well and the conditioner made my hair feel really soft. But it was the third time I used it I got a real hit of the mint that is in these products and I found my scalp and skin tingling it wasn't the most pleasant sensation and it lasted for quite a while post wash as you can see there not empty but I am throwing them out anyway!!




Hits!!!
Imperial Leather Foam Burst Foaming Shower Gel Tropical Sunset 200g
If you don't know already from reading my blog I discovered these last year and I am a big fan. These are a great shower gel. The product itself is so soft and smooth a little goes a long way and they  wash well. The instant foam action means its also great for shaving. So quick and easy love this edition to my shower.



Johnson's Body Care Mosturising Body Wash 1L
I was introduced to this earlier in the year when staying at a friends place even though I had been prepared and packed my toiletries bag I had forgotten to replace my shower gel which I had finished on a previous trip. Luckily this shower gel was already in the shower so I 'borrowed' a bit for my shower that night. The scent was so soft and the product itself lathered perfectly and cleaned well I was impressed and couldn't walk past it the next time I was in the shops.




Rexona women long lasting protection stress control antiperspirant deodorant 50ml roll on.
This featured in my last empties post so I wont babble too much but I will say its still working effectively, I still enjoy using it and I will probably keep repurchasing.



Formula 10.0.6 Seriously Shine Free Mattifying Oil Free Moisturiser 75ml
I have written about this a couple of times and you will often see it featured in my instagram fotd's its one of the best moisturisers I have found that not only helps keep me matte but also moisturises sufficiently its great under foundation as well as on its own it not only combats my oily T zone but also helps moisturise the dry areas on my forehead. I have already repurchased!!!



Physicans Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow Nude Glow Concealer
I have enjoyed every last bit of the concealer and I was sad when the bow on the lid broke but I was devastated when I realised I had used it up and didn't have a back up :(. This concealer is so light and creamy great for brightening up under the eyes but also doubled as a highlighter it just goes on so smooth and blends so easily. I haven't bought another on the basis that I want to use others up now but definitely on the repurchase list.



Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Oil Free Foundation in the shade 210 Medium Beige
Love this foundation worth the all the hype that came with it and I couldn't pick up another fast enough when I realised this was finished I have had so many misses with foundation of late that its nice to have one in the collection that you know you can put on anytime and it just looks perfect every time. This applies, blends and builds perfectly it smooths the skin and looks flawless and it doesn't cake. If you want to try something new give this a go.



On the Fence!!
Innoxa Skin Perfecting Pore Vanishing Cream 10ml
Now this product has been much talked about and definetly received a lot of hype and for many its a holy grail product but after using the entire tube I am still on the fence. As I have mentioned before my T zone is quite oily and the pores on my nose prominent. So in reality it takes a lot more than vanishing cream to make them disappear. It s just some days I felt like it didn't help to minimise the appearance of my pores and I found with some foundations I would find separation in the areas I had applied yet other days I would look smooth and flawless. On the plus side though definitely helped makeup last longer on my skin. I also wouldn't repurchase as 10ml for $18 is quite pricey in my mind.



So that end all the empties I hope you enjoyed and until my bag fills up again Happy reading and Happy shopping!!

Everlynne.





Saturday 24 October 2015

Mascara Madness #12

Hey Readers,
I hope this post finds you well. I'm sorry for the delay in my posts but problems with my internet connection have not been faring me well. Hopefully it is fixed now and I can get back to regular blogging. So I thought I would start with a post I haven't posted in a while!! Mascara Madness where I take the pitch of the advertising of a mascara and compare it to the reality of the performance!!!  



Rimmel Wake Me Up Wonder'Full 001 Black 


The Pitch: Rimmel's first mascara with vitamins & cucumber extract, that helps lashes feel more nourished throughout the day and instantly energises with its light and refreshing scent Precision brush with soft, lash-hugging fibres smoothly wraps each and every lash with clump-free volume, stretching them all the way up from root to tip.

The Reality: As the pitch says this is a very light mascara and it doesn't leave your lashes hard or crunchy even after building a few layers. While the brush definitely lifts and separates the lashes the large wand can be tricky to maneuver and swipe too quickly and you will end up with clumps. 




Loreal Miss Manga Mega Volume in the shade Black



The Pitch: Miss Manga Mascara builds 15 times the volume of natural lashes, both top and bottom. Lashes are amplified for wider, bigger and more open doll like eyes. Eyes are 
instantly opened and widened for the ultimate Manga Doll Eye look. Featuring a cone shaped, flexible brush that is thin at the tip, 360 degree application becomes effortless as the brush can easily capture both long and short lashes


The Reality: The conical shaped brush is definitely what sets this mascara apart from the others and it really does help to catch and fan out every lash as well as making it easy to apply mascara to the bottom lashes as well. While it does help to amplify and volumise the lashes the 15 times is a little advantageous of its pitch. However it does have a smooth application without clumps, my only problem with this mascara is that I did find over time it does flake a little particularly in the heat. 

Maybelline Lash Sensational 



The Pitch: A revolution in mascaras, Lash Sensational The secret is our Fanning Brush which reaches every single layer of lashes for a lash-multiplying effect. The result, Thick beautifully fanned-out, sensational looking lashes 

The Reality: While the mascara itself applies well for me it wasn't the sensation I was hoping for. A lot of hype came with this mascara and it really didn't live up to my expectations. The brush is hard to use and I did find it would easily clump. The formula itself is also quite wet taking a bit of time to dry. Not a favourite.

Max Factor Masterpiece Max in the shade Black



The Pitch: Masterpiece Max creates bold thick lashes for chic beautifully framed eyes, The IFX brush delivers 4x more volume vs. bare lashes. Smudge-proof and touch-proof for all day confidence.

The Reality: What this advertising pitch says is really what you get with this mascara. It applies so easily and it really does volumise the lashes with ease giving the lashes both volume and definition without looking  over done. It also doesn't clump or flake in the heat. 


So that ends this mascara madness, I hope you enjoyed this post and if your in the market for a new mascara that this post helps you choose your next one. Until next time Happy Reading and Happy Shopping. 

Everlynne. 

The links that helped this post!!! 

Wake me up by Rimmel

Miss Manga by Loreal

Lash Sensational By Maybelline

Masterpiece Max by Max Factor