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

January Favourites

Hi everyone!

Your first instalment of monthly favourites of 2015 has officially landed.  The products are a mix of makeup are mainly what I use in the summer to achieve a golden, summer glow and products that I've used pretty much everyday this month! 

Lorac Pro Palette - Eyeshadows

(Swatches from left to right on the palette)

I've been loving this palette, even though i'm not that great at putting on eyeshadow! Unlike the Naked Palettes, this one has a row of 8 mattes and 8 shimmers that complement each other. The texture is buttery and nicely pigmented. Besides the Taupe colour (3rd colour of the top row), all the shadows have great colour payoff!

Tarte 12 hour Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed

After watching Essie Button, I decided to purchase this blush as one of my first for Tarte. She describes it as a light brown-toned pink that could be used alone without bronzer or contouring. I definitely agree with her! The blush is perfect for everyday makeup looks, especially if your previous blushes have left you looking like a clown. I cannot claim that it lasts 12 hours but it does last considerably longer than say my ELF blushes. I would recommend getting a good blush brush such as the Sigma F40 because the texture of the blush is a bit hard (because of the clay) so you need a brush that will pick up a good amount of product. 

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette 

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!! This is by far my favourite setting powder (it is deceiving but they are not highlighters!). Hourglass claims that these powders will blur out your imperfections and set your foundation with a gentle iridescent glow. I totally vouch for that and my colour for winter would be the Dim Light one and Radiant Light would be when I have a tan. Also I use Radiant Light for light contouring for daytime looks! 

Benefit's Gimme Brow

This little wand changed my brow game forever. It is the perfect deep brown colour for the awkwardly brown/black asian brows that I have. The wand is so small and precise that it helps me mould how I want my brows to look, even without a pencil sometimes! The formula is unique because it has fibres that volumise your eyebrows, creating a fuller look. This is perfect for everyday makeup as you don't need to put in much effort at all. Gimme Brow comes in this colour and a lighter one.

Loreal Paris 24 Hour Super Liner Gel Eyeliner

This is the first gel eyeliner that has worked for me and I am so grateful because my liquid liner is running out! As you can see in the 2nd image, the line is so dark, black and pigmented with just one swatch. I love this because it is such a smooth formula and lasts forever on the eyelids. Highly recommend guys! Note: I would recommend using this with a very thin pointed or angled eyeliner brush such as the Sigma E10 or Sigma Angled brush for the best results.

Nars Lip Pencil in Yu

I bought the Limited Edition Nars Digital World Pencil Set and Yu is by far my favourite colour. As you can see it is so, so pigmented and is a great pop of colour for those partying nights! At first I thought the texture would be dry and tug on the lips because it was a pencil, but it was very creamy and has great lasting power. It is a satin finish so it has a hint of glossiness for a classic look.

Mac Mineralise Skinfinish in Soft&Gentle

I've been wanting this highlighter for a really long time and when my Aunty got it for me, I was over the moon! Besides the beautiful golden/bronze sheen that is has on the skin (compliments pretty much any skin colour), the actual highlight powder itself is so mesmerising. The marbling effect kind of makes me feel like the highlighter is better than it actually is (great marketing Mac ;)) But overall it has great lasting power and completes any look!

Benefit's Hoola Bronzer

The universal bronzer. Many makeup artists have claimed that this bronzer is used on a lot of their models, and I would have to admit that it does make me feel like I'm a model. Because the it is a matte bronzer that has little to no orange or ashy tinge, it is the perfect bronzer for contouring. Previously I used the Laguna Bronzer which is also great but I found that this does do a better job. The texture is very buttery but has a bit of fall out. Lasts pretty much all day when it is set with powder! 

Loreal Paris False Lash Wings Mascara

This is my favourite night-time or night out mascara because it is so black and adds both volume and length. We all know my favourite is the Maybelline Full 'N Soft but it doesn't add enough oomph for nights out. This mascara is unique because of the wand, as it fans out creating a wing effect for your lashes. The bristles are close together so they catch every lash which is very impressive. I opted for the waterproof one as I usually do because they hold the curl better. Even though it is my favourite I'm still on the lookout for a mascara that does an even better job!

YSL Touche Eclat in 02

I have been wanting a highlighter pen for a while now and I picked up this baby during christmas sales for $32 as opposed to the RRP which is $55 (which is kind of ridiculous to me, but Australian prices ...). So far I have been using it for nights out and helps create that glowy highlighted look that everyone is into these days! It is a runny formula but I use my beauty blender to blend it nicely into my skin. I usually target the under eye area, cheekbones, nose bridge etc. I love that it is a pen as well because you can just mark where you want to highlight. Definitely recommend! 

Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Dark Brown

LOVE!! This product really does live up to all its hype. The texture is so creamy and doesn't budge even if you are sweating like crazy at a club. It does take a lot of practice to get used to it because it is so pigmented that your brows might look more like hairy caterpillars by the end of it. The trick is to use a stiff angled brush (preferably brow e.g. the EcoTools angled eyeliner brush) and to dip a bit of your brush is on both sides and clean it off on the rims so that there isn't too much product. It is so worth the money because you only need a tiny bit on your brush and you're good to good. Warning: This is for a more intense brow look so you might want to save it for your nights out when you want bold brows. 

That's it for January favourites and if you have any further questions or comments about the products please comment below! :)

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