Empties!!! Hits and Misses 2015.

Hey Readers,
I hope this post finds you well!! This week I have been in a spring clean mode trying to tidy up post the chaos of the festive season. My office/makeup room is quite untidy and not long after starting to tidy up this box of empties caught my eye not wanting to get rid of them before I had a chance to write about them I thought it would be a good subject for today post and I hate to keep bringing up the past but these are all products and empties from 2015 so lets get onto the hits and misses!!

Hits

Daiso Makeup Brush Cleaner 150ml 
I had seen this cleaner raved about so many times and it took me forever to find a bottle as every time I went to a Daiso store they where sold out and to be honest when I finally got my hands on this product I quickly found out why!!! The cleaner itself really does rid your makeup brushes of product quickly and easily its actually amazing how easily it dissolves the buildup of product and how simply it does it.  Brushes that I usually find hard to get clean properly having to wash them twice before they look clean are a breeze. The only one downer to this product is I find I do seem to use it up quite quickly its not a product I find a little bit goes a long way and I seemed to go through a bottle within a couple of months. Despite this though I have repurchased and I did buy a couple of bottles as back up!!  

Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous in the shade 210.
OK have raved about this enough on this blog so I wont go on and on too much but I have to say it is the first foundation that I have repurchased again and again. Its just such an easy foundation to use, blend and the longevity is amazing. I would recommend it to anyone that wants a great easy to use everyday foundation.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer 
I believe this was in a beauty box I received it had been put in a pile of sachets to use up so I thought I better give it a try. Its pretty basic primer not claiming to do anything other than create a smooth and invisible layer to prepare and protect the skin. It certainly does what it says and its really moisturising and smooth to apply it also definitely improved the longevity of a foundation that doesn't usually last that long on my skin I would repurchase if it didn't have a $34 price tag.

Boots Optiva Aqua Capture Serum 
This was a full sized product I received ages ago in a bellabox and I really wished I had used it a little bit more!! Its a great easy to use serum that just disappears into the skin and doesn't leave your skin feeling wet or sticky. The result is softer and plumper looking skin. Sadly I am terrible at remembering to put products like this on my face at night so I don't feel I truly got the most benefit out of it. 

Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash.
This was a sample from a beauty box that I gave a try despite not suffering with acne. Its a great face wash and I really did enjoy using it. Its just a great simple cleanser that bubbles, washes well is easy to wash off and leaves your skin feeling good. A really easy product and happy I got to give it a try. 

Me Me Me Seventh Heaven Face Base
This is a great moisturiser and primer in one. Its not only got a great scent but it also is a really great moisturiser that soaks easily into the skin and doesn't leave a residue. While it doesn't hide pores, smooth lines or diminish redness it does create a great base for makeup and I do find helps the longevity of foundation. The only thing I don't love about this one is it does come in a tub which are not my favourite and the reason why I would not purchase this again. 

Misses
Loreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil 
This I was really excited to receive a sample of this product in a magazine. I had tried and loved the shampoo and conditioner from the same line so was very happy to see this. Sadly I was fast disappointed the product itself is really thick and took ages to work through my hair and while I was expecting beautifully hydrated hair I found my hair felt really dry, I also found that usually I can go two maybe three days between washes but really the next day I felt my hair needed washing again. It was a 10ml sachet so I got nearly three tries out of it and each time I just wasn't impressed with the result so this one for me is a miss!!.

So that ends this empties hits and misses post I hope you enjoyed reading this one. Hoping your new year is going well and until next time happy reading and happy shopping!!!

Everlynne.

15 from 2015

Hello Readers,
I hope this post finds you well and that the start to your 2016 has been happy. OK so I know my last post was a reflection of the year that was but this week I thought I should put a beauty focus on the year that was and tell you about all the products that I loved for 2015. There where so many products that I came across for the year so I have narrowed it down a little to my top 15 for 2015.

1. Bloom Cosmetics Eye Definer Dark Brown.
This has probably been my most used product for the year after rediscovering it early in the year. My primary reason for loving it so much is the fact that it is really easy to apply and has great pigmentation. The formula is creamy but not so creamy that it slides and fades to nothing. It also blendable but once dry it stays a long time. It also gives great definition but being a brown also looks natural.

2. Maybelline 24 hour Colour Tattoo in the shade 70 Barley Branded and 25 Bad to the Bronze.
These have been my go to shadows for 2015 rarely leaving my makeup bag!! Perfect for travel and are my go to every time I am time poor and needing to look polished quick. Both shades a universal when it comes to any of my eye shadow palettes and not only make a great long lasting base but also pair well with any neutral shadow. I love using them both all over the lid with a matte brown in the crease, liner and mascara its not only quick to apply but its a great any time appropriate look.

3. BE Beauty Essentials Volumising Mascara
This mascara was probably the most surprising good product I have found in 2015 and to be honest I bought it because I liked the rose gold packaging. Its actually a great everyday mascara it goes on easily, doesn't clump or flake and while it doesn't give an amazing amount of volume it gives enough definition and is so easy to apply that I would recommend it to any one. This is Priceline's own brand of makeup so you can only pick it up there I am just hoping that in the future they release another version of it.

4. Lucas Paw Paw Ointment with Lip Applicator.
This little red tube has always been a handbag staple of mine and once I tried the tube that includes the lip applicator it just makes it all the more handy. I battle with dry lips all year round and the product itself goes on smooth to give great hydration when I need it most. It also lasts a long time post application as I have been finding with lip balms they dry out my lips more and I am constantly reapplying them.

5. Max Factor Colour Intensifying Balm in the shade 40 Exquisite Caramel
Lip colour products are the hardest thing for me as I just haven't ever found a colour that I feel looks good on me or that feels comfortable on the lips. Having dry lips as well I also need something with hydration and that doesn't make things look worse. Colour wise its a neutral pinky brown that really makes for a great my lips but better colour. It goes on smooth, doesn't need liner or a mirror to apply. It hydrates and gives just enough colour to the lips to make them look smooth, polished and glossy. It also wears quite well throughout the day.

6. Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Fresh Complexion Oil Free Foundation in 210 Medium Beige and the Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Concealer in Medium

You are probably sick of hearing me talk about this foundation and concealer and I promise I will stop going on about it and try to find something that is just as good but for the moment this is the best foundation I have found in 2015!!! Big claims I know but it really has been a wow product and it really is my go to and go back to when other foundations just don't impress. It doesn't matter how you apply this foundation it goes on smooth, blends flawlessly it also withstands heat and a long day at work. It does also give me decent shine control.

Again probably over reading me rave on about this one but honestly I have never used a concealer more than I have used this product. Its pigmented, creamy has a decent amount of coverage and blends well. Its great for concealing under the eyes and it doubles as a great eyeshadow primer as well. The doe foot applicator also means its easy to apply exactly where you want it.

7. Designer Brands Pro Contour Palette.
So I may have only owned this since November but I have used it pretty much everyday since then. This is an all matte contour palette that includes three contour shades and three highlight shades. Its a great travel friendly palette that includes a mirror inside the lid. I love it because from day one it has been so easy to use the medium pigmentation of the contour shades means you don't have to be super careful when dipping your brush into the product, they apply and blend easily and I haven't had any of the shades appear too muddy or end up looking orange. The highlight shades are smooth to apply blend well and I used them most for setting cream products.

8. Sigma F05 Small Contour.
This brush I have owned for ages and its probably my most used but least talked about brush. This brush is not only great for contour but also for blush, highlight and bronzer, while I use it primarily for powder products its also great for blending out cream blush as well. Its just the perfect shape and size for the hollows and tops of the cheeks. I also sometimes use it with powder to set concealer under the eyes.

9. Real Techniques Buffing Brush
I have spoken a lot about this brush and you know by now that I love it so much I actually own two!!! It the best all round brush and it makes the application of any foundation so quick and easy. I also enjoy that it not only lends it self to cream and liquid products but it then allows you to apply powder quickly and easily as well. One of them is always in my make up bag!!!

10. Manicare Angled Liner Brush
This was a random purchase that I picked up many years ago but a brush that I never really used that much. I am not sure what made me pick it up to use but it really hasn't left my makeup bag since (other than to wash of course). Being synthetic this brush is great for all types of liner I have often used it for gel or cream liners but mostly I love it for winging out pencil liner when I want a softer but precise wing look its also great for applying dark shadow to the roots of the lashes. Its small yet precise and the angle just allows you to create the perfect precise wing. 

11. Formula 10.0.6 Seriously Shine Free Mattifying Oil Free Moisturiser
This is probably up there with my eye liner when it comes to my most used products this year. Originally I had a mixed reaction about this moisturiser as I wasn't sure it was hydrating enough but also because I didn't feel it really kept the shine at bay. It was after changing to another moisturiser for a while that I realised just how good this one is. As for hydration I have to be honest probably in the winter I probably need a bit more but in the summer this is a great cooling and hydrating inclusion to my makeup routine. And as you probably have surmised it definitely keeps the shine at bay and is particularly good when used with a tinted moisturiser or a lighter foundation which don't usually give me the oil control I need.

12. Ponds Clear Balance Oil Control Skin Mattifying Facial Foam
I picked this up during 40% off skin care sale at Priceline not only was I wanting to try a new cleanser but as I had a lot of oil control problems at the start of the year I was looking at anything that said mattifying!!! Overall its a really great cleanser and while I liked it from the begging like the moisturiser I spoke about previously I didn't see the full value until I stopped using it and tried something else. Again though it is a great creamy cleanser that really washes your face and doesn't strip the skin sadly it does contain micro beads which I also have enjoyed and if you have seen recent reports have now been found to be causing harm to the environment and subsequently are to be banned and phased out of skincare and body products I am just hoping that Ponds don't change the rest of the formula as I do really enjoy the cleanser itself!!

13. Microfibre Cloth
This has been my go to for makeup removal this year its not only a great makeup wipe alternative but its also a great time saver as I use it to remove makeup while in the shower. I really love the fact that with just water I am able to remove all the makeup on my face including liner and mascara and then just was the cloth out for next time. So great and a couple of extra minutes in the shower isn't bad either. 

14. ELF Makeup Mist and Set
I never realised just how good these types of products where until I bought this one earlier in the year. I had used a few of these types of products before but only occasionally. I picked this up after seeing a review of another version of this type of product on youtube I knew it wasn't going to be the same as the one I saw but I was interested to test a product like it out. I liked the idea of being able to set my makeup for a number of hours thus reducing the need for touch ups. I had a few formal occasions coming up and I used it post makeup application for all of them. It not only sets your makeup but definetly increases the longevity and reduces the need for touch ups. I also found that in the heat and humidity my make up fared better than when I didn't use this. Its also quite inexpensive which makes it a good cheaper options to other brands!!! 

15. Havianas Freedom Sandal 
Ok so this is a bit of a cheat on my part as these are not a beauty product but since they are a fashion item I do consider them to be beauty related!!! As you know I live in a warm country, I spend a lot of time outdoors and around water I also walk a lot and I find the traditional thong/plugger/flip flop very uncomfortable after a while and I don't like the fact that they make noise when you walk. These are a great alternative to that, as a sandal you get all the benefits of a thongs they are easy to put on, take you from land to beach to water but you get the comfort of a sandal and as they come in this gold colour they look a little bit fancier and it allows me to pair them with everything!!!

So that ends my 15 for 2015!!! I hope you enjoyed this post and that the start to your new year is going well. I am looking forward to 2016 which hopefully will bring some interesting new beauty products!! Until next post happy reading and happy shopping 

Everlynne.

Happy New Year!!!!

Hey Readers,
I hope this post finds you well and that 2016 is going well so far. Today I thought I would sit down and write a post to reflect a little on what was 2015 as well as try to put down my thoughts as to what I hope 2016 will hold for my blog. I will make this quick as I don't wish to bore you too much but at the same time I wish to explain a few things from the year that was as well as I do really want to put my thoughts out there for 2016 to see what you all think!!!

2015 saw my blog change a little, This year I found myself getting a little more confident with my writing and therefore finding it easier to post content every week. At the same time though I have had a lot of internet problems which has often meant I have found it hard to have a post go up successfully or on time. Through all that however I have found that you as readers where enjoying my beauty box posts more and more and my mascara madness post where becoming increasingly popular too. I do find these fun to write but I do wish to expand so if you have any posts that you like to read please feel free to suggest a topic?? 2015 also brought a lot of stuff for me personally my full time job expanded giving me more challenges and responsibility as well as a little more stress which has taken a bit to get used too. I also have been planning my wedding which while it is exciting and I am looking forward to being a Mrs, I am not very organised person so it has taken me a long time to get the hang of everything. So having everything start to come together has been interesting. I also have had a few of my family members that are interstate become sick and sadly pass which has meant a lot of emotional time as well as a lot of travel so hence sometimes no time for blogging at all. Overall though it has been a relatively good year and I did enjoy a lot of it but at the same time I am happy to see what 2016 has to bring.  

For my blog I am hoping 2016 gives me a bit more time to blog and as I said previously I would really like to expand further so would really appreciate you as readers telling me what you would like to see more of?? Changes if any to my current posts!?!? Would you like a few non beauty posts?? I don't really want to put up content that people don't wish to read!!! For me personally getting married in April will probably be the highlight and I am hoping that the rest of the year after that brings some good times I would really like 2016 to be full of laughter and happiness and I really wish that for all of you reading this too!!! 

I think I will end this here as I find myself starting to ramble a little. I hope you have enjoyed reading and I hope your own vision for 2016 is going well. So until next time Happy reading and happy shopping!!!

Everlynne.

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.

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.