February Favourites

Hi everyone!

These are my favourite products this month :) Feel free to comment on what products you enjoyed this month!

The Original Beauty Blender

I recently purchased this on Crush Cosmetics after months of contemplating whether a $20 sponge was worth it. And my oh my, this sponge is literally a miracle for blending out liquid foundation... it seriously is effortless with this baby! I bought it in a pack of two for $43 and if you compare it to the Real Techniques Sponge which retails for $16 in Australia, then it's totally worth it! Highlight recommend :D

Wet N Wild Eyeshadow Palette in Comfort Zone

Again, I was also skeptical to buy this because in the US it retails for about $5 whereas on Crush Cosmetics it costs $12 for us Australians. Still, I decided to give it a go because the neutrals are just so gorgeous. As you can see with the swatches below, all the colours are very pigmented and creamy - honestly they don't even need eyelid primer for the colours to show up unlike some high end palettes. The packaging is pretty flimsy but the product is so so good for a relatively affordable price in comparison to other palettes available in Australia. This is a great palette for beginners who are testing out what neutrals suit them. 

Hourglass Cosmetics Blush Palette Trio

Oh, baby. When this palette came out during Christmas I had to have my hands on it! Like the Ambient Lighting Palette, the texture of the powder is so finely milled, having more of a iridescent light as opposed to chunks of glitter. The swirl of the colours is gorgeous and in the swatch you can see that the colours are pigmented with a nice sheen on it. Definitely recommend for those who have been wanting to try out their blushes!  

Benefit Watts Up Cream Highlighter

This was one of my first Benefit products and over the years I have fallen in love with it over and over again. I initially used it for my main highlighter after foundation, but I actually found it better as a base for powder highlighters like the Mac Soft and Gentle or the Stila Highlighter Duo. It creates a nice sheen on your face that complements well with more shimmery highlighters. Love!

Leoban Croft Argan Oil

This is not a favourite because of the specific brand, but more so for the Argan Oil product. Even though argan oil isn't really permanent for your hair, it still adds softness and shine when used after you wash your hair. Nothing extraordinary but I love using it because of the smell and the way my hair feels!

Garnier Clean Sensitive 2-1 Gentle Makeup Remover

I actually stole this one off my mum because I had no more of my own makeup remover. I know micellar water is all the craze right now but this is such an underrated product. It is for sensitive skin so it doesn't irritate you skin when you use it. I find that this is the best makeup remover EVER. Key term: MAKEUP REMOVER. It removes mascara and red-stained lips like a dream! Unlike the micellar water, you will need to cleanse your face after. But, it is a lot better at removing makeup than micellar water - definitely!

Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream

And lastly, my most recent love is this crazy good night cream. Aveeno is my favourite skincare brand because it works well with my skin and doesn't irritate it. One time I left my nose strip on for too long which literally dried every inch of my nose and burned like a b*%$h. Over night I used this cream and the next day it seemed to start heeling straight away. Daily moisturiser is definitely not enough for dry skin and now I HAVE to use night cream every night to keep it baby skin soft! FAVOURITE PRODUCT OF THE MONTH :D

Thanks for reading girlies and hope you had a great February! 

Jane

Finding your perfect foundation

Hey gals and guys!

In the past few weeks I've been asked a lot of questions about what foundations do I used for everyday light makeup and for more heavy night out makeup. I have a small foundation collection but I can still give you guys some tips on what to look for in foundations.

(L to R: Rimmel Wake Me Up - Ivory (100), Revlon 24hr Colorstay - Buff (150), Bourjois Healthy Mix - Vanilla (52), Bourjois Healthy Mix Gel Serum - Vanilla (52), Make Up For Ever HD - Marble (117) Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream - Light Beige (32)) Pic below: Opposite order. 

What to look for in a foundation? I'll be using these examples above to help you find yourself the perfect foundation!

Skin Tone & Undertone

When I was first looking for foundations, I wasn't actually aware that it wasn't just the colour of your skin that helped you colour match - it was greatly to do with your undertone. Generally, there are three undertones that will help you identify which colour would match you: warm, cool and olive undertones. These can also refer to pink, yellow and neutral undertones. Four of the five foundations above have warm undertones as I have a yellow skin tone. The first foundation is definitely a cool, pinkish undertone which didn't match with my skin whatsoever. Besides that it was light and I could possibly get away with it, I just looked really washed out and ghost-like - it didn't give me that golden glow like my Bourjois Foundation gives me. I find it really important to know what your skin tone and undertone is, so that you don't end up spending loads of money especially on high end products ending up with a pink or too yellow face!

Skin Type

In general, there are four skin types:

• Dry - Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundations, Revlon Colorstay, Rimmel Wake Me Up
• Normal - Bourjois Healthy Mix, Revlon Colorstay
• Combination - Revlon Colorstay for Combination Skin
• Oily - Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream, Make Up For Ever HD Foundation

This is not to say that you can't have dry skin in winter and oily skin in the summer - it is just a key that could help you pick the right foundation formula. For dry skin I would recommend a more dewy formula because it helps hydrate your skin during the day while being able to cover up your imperfections on the skin. The Bourjois Healthy Mix foundations are probably my favourite for hydration because you can really feel the formula blending with your skin and doesn't feel drying at all after I have applied it. Also, some foundations like the Revlon Colorstay have specific categories for their foundations, such as my one which is for normal/dry skin again helping your skin breathe even with foundation on. For those with more pinkish undertones I would recommend Rimmel's Wake Me Up because it is very moisturising, almost to the point of too oily but if you have really dry skin this should definitely hydrate it. For more oily/combination skin, it's better to look for mattifying formulas such as the Bourjois 123 CC Cream because it helps control the oil on your skin and kind of 'soaks it up'. The Bourjois one isn't the best example because it is only semi-matte, so it gives you a dewy but mattified look at the same time. Not many drugstores do have matte foundations, but there are great powders that help set and mattify your foundations such as Rimmel's Stay Matte Powder, Australis Fresh and Flawless Powder and NYX HD translucent setting powders. When I come across a good matte foundation for oily skin I will definitely update you guys on it!

Coverage & Longevity

The coverage you are looking for is important as well because you might not want to look caked up during the day but at night you need that extra coverage. Or even you've chosen a really lightweight foundation that doesn't last long for the night but is decent for daytime.

• Light - Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream
• Medium - Revlon Colorstay
• Medium-Heavy - Rimmel Wake Me Up (especially to 'wake you up' - it can be quite a heavy formula), Make Up For Ever HD Foundation
• Heavy - N/A I don't have any good examples of this
• Buildable - Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundations (can go from very light everyday coverage to a medium-heavy coverage for the night out)

• Doesn't last very long - Bourjois 123 CC Cream
• Average lasting - Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundations, Rimmel Wake Me Up 
• long-lasting - MUFE HD, Revlon Colorstay

High End Vs. Drugstore

The only high end foundation I own is MUFE so I can't really give a substantial comparison between high end and low end but I'll give it a go! Particularly comparing MUFE and Rimmel, because I find that Revlon and Bourjois have excellent quality foundations, there is a big difference on formula. The Rimmel foundation is quite thick and doesn't apply evenly on the skin. The MUFE foundation is great because it can be a thick formula but it blends out beautifully and takes a short amount of time to blend into the skin. Rimmel's formula seems to sit on the surface of the skin rather than blending in for a more natural look. In terms of colour selection, MUFE and other brands like MAC really have a great range - they cater for different skin tones and undertones. Especially Bourjois and Rimmel, they have a very small colour selection. The Healthy Mix only have 3-5 (which are mostly yellow tone) depending on which country they're in, and the Rimmel one has about 7-8 but are mostly pinkish tone. Estee Lauder's Double Wear Foundation has all three undertones. Obviously the price of high end is usually quite steep ranging from $50-$100, and if you get the wrong colour you would've wasted a lot of money! Drugstore foundations in Australia can range from $10-$30 which would be better for those on a budget. 

My all time favourite goes to:

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in 52

This foundation is just perfect for me. I have normal skin but it gets quite dry in the winter so the dewy formula is very hydrating. The coverage is build able so I can use it on a quick shopping errand or build it up to medium coverage for those messy nights out. Also, it actually is the perfect colour for me because it is for yellow-tone light (not fair) skin tones so it doesn't make my face look too white. I went to a MAC counter the other day to get colour matched and the retail assistant even said that I have the correct foundation colour on. This was my first ever foundation and I still love it to this day and will continue repurchasing it forever! The fruity smell just also makes it feel like you're putting something fresh on your face. This is definitely my HG!

Thanks for reading and hope this helps you find the perfect foundation for whatever use it is! Feel free to comment on what your HG foundations are :) 

Product Listings and Locations

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation 52 - priceline.com.au, $32.00, asos.com/au, $19.61

Bourjois Healthy Mix Gel Serum 52 - priceline.com.au, $32.00, asos.com/au, $19.61

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream 32 - priceline.com.au, $25.00, asos.com/au, $19.61

MUFE HD Foundation 117 - Make Up Forever US Website, $55.00

Revlon Colorstay normal/dry Foundation 150 - priceline.com.au, $34.95

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation 100 - priceline.com.au, $19.95, asos.com/au, $16.67

Toodles,

Janie :)

First Impressions on Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette and Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

Happy Uni-break everyone! :)

Today's post will be my first impressions on Too Faced Chocolate Bar and Urban Decay's Naked 3 palette. I received these by my beloved friends for my birthday, and I haven't had time to really test it out. These are my first high end eyeshadows so I'm super duper excited! Previously I have used drugstore brands such as Physician's Formula, Maybelline Colour Tattoos, various palettes by chichi cosmetics  Crown 88 Neutral Palette which I loved, but I dropped it and now most of the colours are smashed :( I'm not very good at using eyeshadows but these seem like they'll help a lot! 

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette

(Swatches of colours: L to R)

What I like:

• These colours compliment each other well, there is a good mixture of matte and shimmery colours. Previously I have used the Chi Chi cosmetics eyeshadows and they are all so shimmery which makes it hard for everyday use. There are 5 matte shades that are neutral and can be used as the base.
• Most of the shimmery colours are very well pigmented and could easily be swatched. The texture is buttery and feels nice on the lids. I love the range of colours as well, going from a darker maroon red to the violet colours. It is very versatile for achieving many looks
• IT SMELLS LIKE CHOCOLATE... and tastes sweet too. Unique to Too Faced, this chocolate bar drew its inspiration from one of its other products, the Chocolate Soleil Bronzer.Funny story: when I received this at my dinner, my friends actually tasted the eyeshadows to see if they tasted like chocolate. They were sweet but didn't taste like chocolate unfortunately. Also one of my friends said that each shadow should taste like its name (not a bad idea). 
• I really love the fact that all the names are types of sweets which just makes the palette so much more authentic and unique. 
• The magnetic, slim packaging is great for travel and storage. You're not afraid of it breaking or anything like that - another problem that I have with Chi Chi eyeshadow palettes. The fact that it is a chocolate bar just makes it all the more tempting to get it.
• There is a mirror, which again great for travelling and anything on the go. 

Some issues I had:

• The colours are all very nice but for a palette that costed $68.95, I would've expected the base colours to be more pigmented. If you can see in the swatches, the second colour (white chocolate) is hardly visible. The fact that the shadow area is bigger than the other ones show that it should be the one used the most. I am disappointed in some of the colours such as this and strawberry bon bon (well I guess the matte colours). The colour pay off isn't great and it just doesn't show up on the lids at all. What is the point of having a lot of matte colours without them actually showing up on the lids. They really need to change the formula for matte colours especially in this palette. I've seen other smaller palettes with highly pigmented matte colours. 
• This is a minor issue, but the lid goes all the way down, so when you are applying makeup you need to physically hold up the mirror. (I know, first world problems) but it is quite annoying to be flopping around the mirror. I tend to just use the bigger mirror i have at home while applying this eyeshadow. 
• Another minor problem - it didn't come with anything complementary. The naked palette came with a double sided brush and sample primers. For $68.95, you'd expect at least one perk!
• Whilst the colours all feel nice on the lids, I feel like the colours when they are swatched do not look the same on the lids - maybe its just me though. 

Overall Verdict:

3.5/5

•  The mixture of neutral colours are great and you could definitely do a lot of looks from this but for the price I was really hoping for the texture and colour pay off to be just a bit better. I also own the Too Faced Romantic Palette and all the colours are ALL velvety, not just the shimmery ones. They need to work on their matte colours like I said.
• I am happy owning this palette because it does have a great range of neutral colours but in terms of texture I would definitely go for the Naked Palettes as I will review below. 

Urban Decay's Naked 3 Palette

 (Swatches: L to R on the palette above)

What I like:

• This is truly a gorgeous palette - I love how Urban Decay has certain colour schemes for their palettes. The Naked 3 is a rose-gold based palette ranging from lighter pink tones to the darker ones, and then finally the more brown colours. Unlike the Chocolate Bar which has a range of neutrals, this palette mostly has the pinks and browns. This is good because I can use the two palettes tougher and have more range of colours. I don't know about the other urban decay palettes, but this one also contains matte shades, with the first colour which is a base like Too Faced Milk Chocolate colour (although this one is much more pigmented as you can see)
• The texture of this palette is unbeatable. The shadows are all so buttery and apply so effortlessly onto the lids. Even though it has matte shades, I feel like Urban Decay has also made these colours buttery and more pigmented unlike Too Faced Chocolate Bar.
• The packaging is also really nice, I love the long rectangles of colours because it looks so neat in the packaging. It is also a metal frame but with plastic on the inside. It is not a metal snap lock but a plastic-key lock kind of thing. The mirror is bigger than Too Faced Chocolate Bar and has hinges so you can see yourself easier. Even though it is a bit thicker, I find that it is still quite compact and feels a bit sturdier with its metal exterior and plastic interior. 
• It comes with extras! The Naked 1 and 2 came with one brush with only one end, but they're combined the two for Naked 3 which is the best of both worlds! In the box you also get 4 sample primers ranging from normal skin to anti-aging formulas. 

Some Issues that I had:

• Like I said, there is a rose-gold colour scheme which means that these shadows obviously won't match everything that you're wearing so it is a bit limited. e.g. you are wearing all blue - the pinks won't really match up with it. 
• Some of the colours wash me out - maybe because I'm asian and have some pink undertones. I usually have to match the colours with the darker brown ones to accentuate my eyes more. 
• No other real issues here, just the palette is targeted for those who do want a particular colour scheme - it is less versatile than the Chocolate Bar

Overall Verdict:

4/5

• This is a beautiful palette that you can just stare at all day without using it. The colours are all so pigmented and velvety which is what you would expend from a high end eyeshadow palette.
• If you already own naked 1 and 2, or any other neutrals you should definitely go for this palette as it gives you the rose-gold colour scheme that is unique to Urban Decay. 
• If you don't own any eyeshadows yet I will hold out on this one because it is quite expensive, not available in Australia and is not as versatile for everyday looks like the Chocolate Bar.
• Overall, I am very impressed and as I have never owned a Naked Palette, this is a good first impression of it.

Products Listings and Prices

Too Faced Chocolate Bar - $68.95 @ meccacosmetica.com.au (available online and in stores)
Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette - $80 @ beautybay.com.au (only available online, not available at stores in Australia)


Thanks for reading the blog guys! Really appreciate it and I hope that they continue to help you with your makeup :) Also you can comment on your opinions about them below!

Toodles,
Janie

Review: ELF Blushes and Face of Australia Contour Kit as dupes for Nars blush and bronzers

Hi everyone :)

Happy long weekend! Hope everyone is enjoying themselves on the road (not that you should be reading this and driving!) or snuggled up in bed with some studying for finals to do (like me D:). This surely will lighten up your day!

Today's post will be on dupes that I found for Nars Orgasm blush and Nars Laguna Bronzer. Retailing at $45 and $55 respectively, some of us find it very hard to believe that a product could be so good for us to empty our pockets. The products that I am going to compare are all under $10. Let's see if there really is a difference.

The Blushes: 

(Top to Bottom: Nars Blush in Orgasm, ELF Blush in Tickled Pink, ELF Blush in Candid Coral)

Nars Blush in Orgasm 

Pigmentation & Colour pay off

• As you can see in the picture, the colour is a very pretty pink-coral with small specks of shimmer. Before I bought this blush, I read that it was a colour that suited all different skin tones (i.e. a universal blush colour)
• And boy were they right. I've seen this colour on really fair skin to those with more tanned skin, and they look equally as nice. On fairer girls it gives a nice, pink-flush (I wouldn't call it natural but close to it) and on darker girls, the shimmer gives them a nice and healthy glow. 
• When I first used this brush, the colour was very pigmented. I just needed to swipe a bit on and it would show up on my face. However, lately it seems that the blush has dried up a bit and the shimmer specks show up more than the actual colour. For $45 I would think that this is quite unreasonable - the colour of the product should be consistent. It actually took me the same amount of swipes to get the colour on my arm as the ELF ones.

Texture:

• Nars blushes are famous for feeling so silky and feels just heavenly soft on your face. There are no flaky bits and it is definitely not drying on your face at all. It really does just brush on effortlessly and doesn't feel powdery at all.

Longevity/Lasting power

• This baby has amazing staying power. When I set my foundation with the NYX finishing powder, this blush stays on pretty much all night. 
• That's really what you want from a high-end blush - staying power. If the colour is beautiful and very unique, but the staying power isn't as great then the product isn't really worth it in my opinion. 
• I would say it lasts about 5-6 hours with a good primer, lasting foundation and a setting powder. For those who complain that blush never stays as well, you really need to prep your face for it to last for a long time!

Packaging

• It is a rubbery/plastic compact that is easy to grip and doesn't feel fragile. You feel like it is very unlikely to break if you were to drop it. 
• The rubbery texture does make the compact prone to dust or powders sticking to it. It's really hard to clean off and it comes back again so I don't even bother. You can see it from the packaging above. I would say that once it gets dusty, it does lose its 'premium' feel but I'm not too fussed about that
• Inside there is a small full-sized mirror which is great for doing makeup on the go. 

ELF Blush in Candid Coral & ELF Blush in Tickled Pink

Pigmentation and Colour Pay off

• Last week I went to Kmart to pick up the ELF's Blush and Bronzer Duo St Lucia but they were sold out again :( So I decided to do my research and found that these were everyone's two favourite blush colours
• The colours are very similar in the compact but when they are swatched, but they're actually quite different. As you can see, Tickled Pink is a similar colour to Nars Orgasm Blush but it has less shimmer and more of a peachy pink. For everyday use, I would prefer the ELF's blush because it is closer to my own 'blushed' cheek colour. (Apparently this colour is similar to Nars Deep Throat Blush - haven't got my hands on this one yet but i'll be sure to update you guys!)
• Many people say that Candid Coral is a dupe for the Nars Orgasm Blush but I don't really think so. The Nars blush is definitely more pink, whilst this one is a peachy-coral colour. There is definitely more shimmer in this colour compared to Tickled Pink, which makes it a great highlighter as well. 
• I guess if you mixed the ELF colours together it would look a bit like Nars Orgasm (if you wanted to go to all that trouble :P)

Texture

• These ELF blushes definitely don't feel as silky and smooth as Nars blushes. They often feel powdery and needs to be blended out. In saying that, once it is blended the texture on the face feels just as nice as Nars.

Longevity/Lasting Power

• This is probably the downfall of ELF blushes. Whilst the colours are great and very natural (my favourite look!), they tend to fade very quickly. I would give them tops about 3 hours and then you probably won't see it on your face anymore.
• The powdery texture is probably to blame here. It takes so long to blend, yet it comes off very easily. Sad face here :( 

Packaging

• As you can see above, the compacts look very similar - Elf was probably copying Nars design hehe. 
• Whereas Nars Blushes and Bronzers are in a rubbery/plastic compact, ELF blushes are just in a plastic case which feels a lot less sturdy and will probably break if you use drop it too much. 
• Inside, we only get half a mirror which is pretty uncomfortable for travel when you want to see how it looks on your whole face. 
• However, I do like the plastic window that tells which colour the blush is. I know for sure that if I get more Nars blushes I will have to always look at the back to see what colour I'm getting. A win for ELF here. 

Verdict 

I would recommend investing in the high-end blushes, especially with the great colour range that Nars has. The cheaper alternatives are good for everyday natural looks, but if you really want something that defines your cheeks and gives them definition opt for Nars blushes like Orgasm.

The Bronzers: 

(Top to Bottom: Face of Australia Illuminator (Glamazon Compact), Face of Australia Matte Contouring Bronzer (Glamazon Compact), Nars Bronzer in Laguna)

Nars Bronzer in Laguna

Pigmentation & Colour pay off

• This is the perfect colour for natural contouring. It is a nice golden medium brown that isn't too muddy and isn't too orange. It has a bit of shimmer in it which should not scare anyone away! The shimmer is to a minimum and does give your face a nice supermodel glow. 
• Recently the colour has gotten a bit orange, well it is just orange on my plain face without any foundation. I don't recommend contouring your face without having a foundation base first because it just looks muddy and doesn't blend well with your skin. 
• This colour is also great for an all over nice and healthy glow bronzer. I usually use it when my face is too pasty and this bronzer doesn't make my face look too orange at all!
• It really is a multi-tasker bronzer, both for light/natural contouring and all over the face. 

Texture

• I find that this bronzer is even silkier than the Nars blush purely because there aren't shimmer specks in it. The shimmer powder is very fine, so it makes the bronzer highly blendable for the skin. Absolutely love the smooth application!

Longevity/Lasting power

• I love how brands such as Nars keeps their products consistent. As a duo with the blush, the Laguna Bronzer has great staying power. Again, I would apply this at the beginning of the night and by the end of it, it would still be there!
• As with the blush, you guys really have to prep you face before and after using blush and bronzers to make sure that they do stay for longer. Invest in a good primer and setting powder. it will really make all the difference.

Packaging

• Similar to the blush packaging, it is rubbery but shock-absorbent I guess. I could drop it on the floor a thousand times without worrying if it broke. It is very light as well so it doesn't weigh down your bag. 
• The compact in this is bigger which I think is great for bronzers. Sometimes it is used for all-over-the-face bronzing, so it gives you a bigger pan to sweep your brush on and to apply on your face. 
• Also this means the mirror is a fair bit bigger than the blushes which is awesome! I use this mirror for application of any other makeup because I can usually see my whole face. It doesn't obstruct my view at all. 

Face of Australia Glamazon Contour and Highlight Kit in Leopardess 

Pigmentation & Colour pay off

• I bought this contour kit because every Australian beauty Instagrammer has it in all of their pictures so I HAD to have it. 
• Despite the Laguna Bronzer being amazing, I wanted to find cheaper alternatives if I were to hit the pan. The bronzer in this kit is actually a bit darker than Laguna and more matte. 
• I actually quite like this bronzer because it is matte so your cheeks look more defined - it looks a bit more clean-cut when contouring. 
• This product is actually more pigmented than the Nars bronzer which means a little goes a long way. If you use too much it will become muddy especially because it is more of a chocolate brown colour than golden dark honey colours like Nars and Benefit's Hoola Bronzer. I am quite fair so I do have to be very careful
• Since this is a contour kit you can obviously not use this as an all over bronzer because the result will not be pretty
• My favourite thing about this compact is the highlighter. It is so gorgeous and pigmented. I've never used a powder highlighter/illuminator so I can't really compare to others. It is not to shimmery and sits perfectly above my blush and bronzer. Again, you only need a sweep of this product. Do not use too much or you'll end up looking like a disco ball. 

Texture

• I like that both of these colours are quite silky unlike the powdery texture of the ELF blushes. For $10 you can't really complain! It does take a bit more effort to blend into your skin but again for a product that is about 5 times cheaper, I wouldn't be too fussed.

Longevity/Lasting power

• Unlike the ELF blushes which were quite powdery and lacked blendability, this contour kit is very pigmented and blends relatively well into the skin.
• This product lasts about 34 hours - if I do not randomly rub my face and it comes off. A bit less than the Nars bronzer. If you were wearing this in the day, I would recommend carrying the compact along for touch ups.

Packaging

• Out of all of these products, this is definitely my favourite compact! First of all the lid is leopard print, how sick is that! I'm pretty sure that is what really got me in all those instagram pictures. 
• the packaging is completely plastic with a glossy shine, which is different to the matte-ness of the other cases. It is a little flimsy and I would be scared to drop it, but the hinges and lock of the compact is very sturdy.
• It also contains a full sized mirror which I love. Not many drugstore brands have a nice full sized mirror, especially those matte powders. It is also great that this is both a bronzer and illuminator in one which makes it easier to carry around than my Nars Laguna. 
• As my first ever Face of Australia product, I am very impressed. Definitely going to look out for more cheap gems

Verdict

Whilst Nars Laguna Bronzer is my HG and my go to every time, after I bought this FOA one I have been reaching for that one a bit more. As I said I love the illuminator/bronzer duo which just makes it easier for doing my makeup while travelling on the train etc. I still love the Laguna bronzer as a multitasker and for the colour pay off, but the FOA contour kit is slowly winning over my heart. Jokes aside, I am really loving this contour kit - and it is great for beginners because of the price and the duo. Would highly recommend!


Product listing and locations

Nars Blush in Orgasm - $45 @ MeccaMaxima and MeccaCosmetica stores, and www.meccacosmetica.com.au
Nars Bronzer in Laguna - $55 @ MeccaMaxima and MeccaCosmetica stores,www.meccacosmetica.com.au
ELF Blush in Tickled Pink - $8 @ participating Kmart stores, kmart.com.au, and $3.21 @ au.iherb.com
ELF Blush in Candid Coral - $8 @ participating Kmart stores, kmart.com.au, and $3.21 @ au.iherb.com
Face of Australia Glamazon Contour and Highlighter Kit in Leopardess - $9.95 @ Big W stores, and www.bigw.com.au

A rather long post but I wanted to give you guys a detailed post on whether high-end brand and HG products are really worth your money. Usually they are, but there are also some hidden gems that we look passed straight away because of their dirt-cheap prices. I would definitely recommend doing more research on alternatives that may save you all the money and disappointment if you were to hate the high end product. Hope this helped everyone!

Tune in for the next post on my beautiful eyeshadow palettes that my friends bought for me for my birthday! Exciting! (yes, Toofaced Chocolate Bar is included. Does it actually taste like chocolate?! You'll find out in my next post!)

Toodles,

Janie xoxo

Splurge vs. save (brief list!)

Hello gals and guys :D

Hope you've all been well! Today's post will be on the constant battle between high end products and drugstore brands. We've all been there in Myer, David Jones or Mecca Cosmetica and wondered if we should buy the $55 Benefit blush or just stick with our favourite Maybelline 'bouncy' blush. Here's a post that will help you decide whether you should take the plunge!

I'm pretty much in the same position as you! I've only really got a handful of expensive products that I spent hours online and hours in store testing to see if it is really worth it.

Splurge on: 
Foundation
Breathability & texture - 
- Firstly, this is the product that you will be covering your WHOLE face with. If the product is not breathable or causes allergic reactions then of course there would be damage. This is more evident in drugstore brands such as Maybelline, Covergirl and Rimmel. I'm not saying that these products are to be avoided completely but you need to watch out on which foundation you pick as you should avoid damaging your skin.
- Usually higher end brands have products such as Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua which has a lighter texture and generally feels more breathable on the skin. Chanel's Vitalumiere provides good coverage as well as being better for the skin.
- Textures of drugstore brands such as Covergirl are normally very thick and seem to smear onto your face rather than properly blend in. It leaves streaks on your face no matter how good your makeup brush is.
Colours & Coverage:
- Besides Revlon and Bourjois, most other drugstore brands have a maximum of six shades (of which three are highly unflattering) which makes it very difficult for you to find a colour that matches you!
- Especially with Asians, it is hard to find a mixture of a pink and yellow undertones - so we might end up with a cake face that we just aren't proud of.

Recommendations: 
Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua foundation
Make up Forever's HD High Definition foundation
Revolon's Colorstay foundation
Bourjois' Healthy Mix foundation


Blush and Bronzers:
Pigmentation & Lasting power
- I have tried many blush and bronzers from high end and the lower ends and I can tell you that for sure the feel and pigmentation of expensive brands are so worth it.
- Drugstore brands such as NYX and Rimmel have nice blush colours, especially if you want to go for a natural look, but generally they come on very light and needs to be built on a lot. In most cases they do not last very long either and it fades easily which means constantly reapplying even at a dinner party!
- I used to swear by Rimmel's Match Perfection blush in light/medium, however after constant use of the colour faded very quickly. Similar to Rimmel's Natural Bronzer in Sun light 021. As a pair these worked well for about 2 hours but fades equally as fast when you are sweating or are going through any energy inducing exercise. Also, the colour of the bronzer never sit that well with me. It isn't as orange as other drugstore bronzers, but it definitely had a hint. This is not great for any contouring because you end up looking like a cake face clown!
- After moving onto higher end brands like Benefit and Nars I have never really looked back. Benefit's Dandelion and Sugarbomb are great compact blushers that give you an even coverage and lasting power. Overall the colour pay off is great because it actually stays on your skin!
- Nars Orgasm blush is absolutely amazing. The colour is like a very subtle metallic corally/magenta pink that stays on all night. As a cult product is really does suit most skin colours so you won't be afraid to try it out.
- Coupled with Nars Laguna Bronzer, they both have just enough glitter to highlight your cheeks as well as creating a sculpted contoured face. The bronzer has no orange colour pay off which is perfect for slight contouring when you are having a simple night out without too much makeup. Again the bronzer lasts quite long compared to many of the drugstore products that I've tried.

Save on:
Mascara
- Despite the buzz about expensive mascaras such as YSL baby doll, Diorshow Mascara and Lancome Hypnose, they pretty much do the same thing as drugstore brands.
- As I mentioned in my last post, mascaras especially from the Maybelline line gives you a more subtle look as well as being quite build able and have curl hold.
- Many high end branded mascaras have fascinating brushes and colours (blue, green & purple) but I don't know if you are willing to fork out $50 for a mascara based on mere intrigue!
- Drugstore brands are enough. Trust me. Getting sucked into buying fifty dollar mascaras and finding out that they don't work as well as your favourite (and cheap) mascara will cause a big hole in your purse... and your heart!
- Check out my older posts to see what mascaras are for you! http://blushandbronzers.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/to-new-year-and-new-mascaras.html


Eyeliners 
- Although the pretty packaging of Chanel and Dior liquid eyeliners, you're better off paying $10-$20 less on them. I personally have a sample eyeliner from Lancome, and the lasting power is pretty much the same as the Retractable eyeliner from Revlon.
- But, one thing to splurge on in this category is a good gel eyeliner. Maybelline's Gel Eyeliner is quite good but the formula dries up quite easily so it is hard to use after a while. For a more longer lasting gel eyeliner, you should opt for the Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner which has great lasting power and doesn't dry out as fast!
- But for liquid eyeliners and your everyday liners, just stick to your good ol' Revlon or Maybelline!

Recommendations
Revlon's Colour Stay Retractable eyeliner
Maybelline's Master Precise Liner (Liquid)
Bobbin Brown's Gel Eyeliner

This is just a brief overview of some products for now! More 'Splurge vs. Save' posts to come :)

Toodles,

Janie

To the New Year and New Mascaras

Hey ladies and gentlemen!

After a few months of being AWOL on this blog, I've finally come back for the new year of 2014.  Here's to new years' resolutions and learning to finish what you started :) Wishing you all a swell start to the new year!

Could it be "The One"? (talking about mascara here!)

Which mascara is right for you? Are they too clumpy? Does it run when you sweat? Can it hold your curls? Will I have voluminous lashes like all the models who put on fake lashes for a mascara campaign?! I have some of the answers here for you. 

Loreal's Volume Million Lashes

Thickness/Volume: *****
Length: ***
Curl hold: **
Intensity: ***
No Clumping: ****
Waterproof: Not waterproof but holds up well with some sweating 

Overall, this mascara does as it says - creates very thick lashes and its plastic bristles attaches onto every lash. For Surprisingly this mascara was also very black in colour which is great for creating a more intense look. However, the thickness does come at a cost due to its quite heavy formula. Not as thick as some of the mascaras below, but it seems to not be able to hold a curl as well. As you can see the bristles are all straight which means an even coverage of formulae which makes it difficult to extend the middle lashes especially. This is good for both everyday use for a more intensified look, as well as a simple evening, not over the top, lash look. 

Verdict: ***.5

Rimmel's (new) Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara
Thickness/Volume: **
Length: ***
Curl hold: *
Intensity: ***
No Clumping: **
Waterproof: Not waterproof 

This is one of my first Rimmel mascaras, and to be honest was a big disappointment. Unlike most mascaras, it has a really big wand which makes it difficult to manoeuvre around small lashes. In the ad it promised a 'doll-like', 'retro glam', look. The shape of the wand supposedly makes the outside and inside lashes longer than the middle lashes making your eyes look bigger. The fact that the formula smelled like nail polish remover, and was just so thick really put me off. When I applied it on my lashes, it just felt like wiping black paint on my lashes, weighing down my already very straight lashes. Not a very nice look at all. Due to the heavy formula, curl hold was very poor as I mentioned above. The only real benefit was the length. Disappointed!

Verdict: **

Covergirl's Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara
Thickness/Volume: ***
Length: **
Curl hold: *
Intensity: **
No Clumping: ***
Waterproof: TOO waterproof 

Overall, I had high hopes for this mascara because it is raved about on every beauty blog and beauty video. I'm not sure if it was because I got the waterproof one, which is way to waterproof by the way. It took me about 6 swipes of Garnier's gentle makeup remover to get it completely off my lashes. The bristles are also plastic, but unlike Loreal's (Millions) mascara, they are very short which felt like it couldn't grab any lashes at all! The formula is very thick and feels uncomfortable on the lashes - as if lashes got a few times heavier - and again thick formulas are the worst for curl hold. The thickness of the lashes was noticeable, but the length was nowhere to be seen due to the short bristles. Overrated. Really. 

Verdict: **

Lancome's Hypnose Mascara
Thickness/Volume: **
Length: ****
Curl hold: **
Intensity: ***
No Clumping: ***
Waterproof: not waterproof

Overall, this 'high end' mascara is probably not worth your money if you are looking for an all-rounder. However, it is excellent for layering. The formula is quite thick, wet and might smudge if you don't let it dry on your lashes. If you let it set properly though, i.e. wait for a few weeks before using the bottle, it dries up and works a charm. Usually I use this mascara for when my 'natural' mascaras do not give enough oomph. This mascara lengthens beautifully, especially when you just apply it on the tips of your already applied lashes. It will clump if you use it by itself due to the thick formula as other mascara I have mentioned above. Lancome's Hypnose also has bristles that are quite short which makes it difficult to make the lashes voluminous as it does not capture every lash. This formula is not waterproof so again I would not recommend using it on its own!

Verdict: **.5 

Maybelline's Colossal Volume Express Waterproof
Thickness/Volume: ***
Length: ***
Curl hold: ***
Intensity: **
No Clumping: ***
Waterproof: Enough waterproof

Overall, this mascara is similar to the above. Better for layering that using it by itself. The bristles are way too thin to soak up a lot of formula so this reduces its drama factor. Ideally you use the flatter side to build up your volume/thickness and length, and the curved side is to add the curl, and furthermore to make the lashes at the end longer for a 'cat eye' look. However, to create this look, this mascara needs to be layered onto another mascara already on the lashes. For example, using the more basic mascaras like Maybelline's Full 'N Soft, and Loreal's Volume Million Lashes, creates a voluminous base to shape the curled lashes. Apply this mascara, again to the tip of your lashes so it does not clump. This should extend your lashes that are towards the end and lengthen the middle lashes. 

Verdict: **.5

Maybelline's Full 'N Soft Waterproof Mascara
Thickness/Volume: *****
Length: ***
Curl hold: ****
Intensity: **
No Clumping: *****
Waterproof: Enough waterproof

Overall, this is by far my favourite mascara of all time! Don't be fooled by the funny looked bristles in the picture. The closeness of the thin brush-like, and soft bristles attach itself effortlessly onto your lashes. Unlike Maybelline's Colossal Volume Express mascara, the formula soaks the bristles enough for even coverage and lightly onto the lashes. It promises that your lashes will be soft and full and it really does its job. In all of the times i've used it, there has never been a sign of clumping which is awesome! I've gone through many mascara bottles, but this is the one that I always go back to. It is good as a base for other mascaras, good on its own when you continue layering it, and it just feels so light on your lashes. One thing about Maybelline mascaras is that the formula is thin so that it doesn't feel too heavy on your lashes making you want to rub it off. Due to its light formula, curl hold is great and I feel like my lashes are curled all day. A great mascara for everyday use if you aren't satisfied with your own lashes - some extra oomph for the day time. 

Verdict: ****

Benefit's They're Real Mascara

Thickness/Volume: ***.5
Length: ****
Curl hold: ***
Intensity: ***
No Clumping: ****
Waterproof: enough waterproof

And lastly, behold the Holy Grail of all mascara users! This mascara is raved about on every website and every beauty blog I've ever been on. Yes, the formula is great - gives you thick lashes but the formula isn't too heavy. The unique ball bristles at the top end of the brush is great for trying to get those small lashes on the inner or outer corner of your lashes, as well as lengthening the middle of your lashes as well. Even though it is always raved about, I'll bring you back to earth! The volume for this mascara is quite average - it doesn't grab onto all your lashes, and when you try to it continues to lengthen the ones that are already long! Also the bristles are VERY sharp so if you get it too close to your eyes you might just get a nasty surprise and you do not want that from your mascara! Like most thick formulas, it does not hold a curl as well as the thinner formulas. It does boast to make your lashes look 'real', but I feel that it is a step too intense for a natural looking mascara. I'm not trying to steer you away from buying it, but don't always go for the high end mascaras just because you've heard everyone talk a lot about it. It is a great mascara but there are cons too!

Verdict: ***.5

There you go. For those who are too afraid to try mascaras, I've made the job easy for you! Hopefully the new year brings in new mascaras that you love (or hate). Feel free to ask me any questions or to give me some opinions on mascaras that you have used (or the ones I've posted about!) 

Prices and Where to purchase.
Loreal's Volume Million Lashes, Priceline, $27.95.
Rimmel's Scandaleyes Retro Glam, Priceline, $16.95.
Covergirl's LashBlastVolume, Priceline, $17.95.
Lancome's Hypnose Mascara, Myer, $52.
Maybelline's Colossal Volume Express, Priceline, $17.95.
Maybelline's Full 'N Soft Waterproof Mascara, Priceline, $14.95.
Benefit's They're Real Mascara, Myer (Benefit bar), $38.

Toodles, 
Janie