March Favourites

Hi guys and girls!

As you've all been anticipating, I will be showing you my favourites from the last month. Some are old and some are new, but all of them are amazing in what they do (hehe, a bit of rhyming for you). 

Chanel Correcteur Perfection Liquid Concealer in Beige Clair (10)

Why I love this: 

• I've been trying to find a concealer that hides my dark circles and is long lasting. My dark circles are pretty bad to the point where some days I look like I got punched in the face (LOL)
• Drugstore products from Maybelline are okay, but they don't last long nor do they really colour correct
• This product has a yellow undertone which is the best for covering dark circles. I love the creamy texture of this concealer, the consistency is not too thin or too thick. It blends in beautifully using the Real Techniques Setting Brush. 
• Even though it's not as long lasting as I hoped it'd be, the fact that it can even cover my dark circles is already amazing. It feels great under my foundation and does not have creases under the eye whatsoever
• Pricing wise, this is probably not the cheapest product you'll buy, but I highly recommend this of those who have dark circles and are sick of the lack of blendability of drugstore products. 
• Also, the product is 7.5ml which means it lasts for more than a year. 

NYX Butter glosses (Creme Brûlée, sounds delicious!)

Why I love this:

• This is a pink-nude opaque gloss that is good for everyday use. I have been looking everywhere for a nice pink-nude that didn't wash out. Being Asian by skin is quite yellow yet my lips are a pinkish colour and when I wear normal nudes, I just look like I don't have any lips at all! Or I look very sick.
• As you may know I love, love, love the butter gloss in Meringue which is a cute barbie pink that is opaque so it doesn't look too over the top. 
• Overall, the texture of these glosses is awesome! It is not sticky at all and the formula is not too thick on the lips either. As it is a gloss, the product is not very long lasting, especially if you go out for dinner so you'll need to keep reapplying. 
• The applicator is like any other, and very easy to use on the lips. Some of you might not like the cotton candy-like smell of the gloss but I love it! 
• It is awesome to match this nude gloss with a smokey eye for a less extravagant event

Real Techniques Setting Brush (ah-maz-ing)

Why I love this:

• The setting brush is one of the newer products that i've just purchased. At priceline at the moment they are on special, 20% off!
• I've got a few real techniques brushes that I bought in the 'expert face' set, and I love how they're all so versatile for use with blush, bronzer, powder and liquid foundation.
• Recently, I've been in need of a smaller brush especially for the application of concealer. The small, flat foundation brush of real techniques was quite good but it was too stick to blend the concealer in under the eye. And it kept poking me in the eye which was not pleasant at all!
• Reading other makeup blogs, people have raved on about this small setting brush which is a multi-tasker. 
• So far, I have used this brush to blend my Chanel Concealer and I am in love! It just blends the product in flawlessly, just like the expert face brush by Real Techniques for my foundation.
• Also I've used this brush to blend in my Benefit Watts up highlighter under my eyebrows and nose bridge. It blends really well and can get into the tighter places.
• This really is a multi-tasker!

Sukin Sensitive Moisturiser 

Why I love this: 

• Sorry for the blurry picture, but my camera just wouldn't focus! Anyways, lots of people have asked me how I keep my skin so clear and whether I have a skincare routine. 
• Honestly, I have normal/combination skin which doesn't really break out or get very dry. I am one of the luckier ones, but I know many out there who are struggling to manage their breakouts and what not. 
• However, this is not to say that I don't take care of my skin either - especially if I want to keep it youthful for when I'm older. Moisturiser is a key player in keeping your skin hydrated throughout the day, as well as helping to keep your skin firm rather than saggy. 
• I use Sukin's Facial Moisturiser in sensitive, for those days where I have quite dry skin in winter. This product is affordable and doesn't contain chemicals that you see in other products. This product is paraben free which means that it is free of preservatives that may be harmful to our skin especially if it builds up day after day. 
• The product has a very light scent that doesn't bother me at all, and the consistency is easy to blend out into your skin - you can leave the house without a thick layer of white on your skin!
• Out of all the moisturisers I've used, this actually keeps my skin smooth throughout the day and feels so light. It's formula is also good for a primer since it is a bit thick but very blend able into the skin.

Maybelline's Colossal Volume Express Cat Eye 

Why I love this:

• I bought this mascara because it supposedly gives a 'cat eye' look, especially winging out on the outer corners of the eye. Being very devoted to my full 'n soft Maybelline mascara, I only used this product after my application of my holy grail mascara.
• Recently my Full 'N Soft mascara has become very dry and flaky. I'm a bit skeptical that the r.r.p. of the product at priceline has gone down from $18 to $14. I'm sad to say, but I think that the formula has changed to obviously something cheaper that dries out much quicker.
• One night while I was testing out some makeup, I used this as the first layer to my mascara and it was really amazing! The formula is quite thin like the Full 'N Soft so it doesn't clump up and very build able. The brush is quite stiff, unlike Full 'N Soft so it can catch onto almost every lash with just one swipe. Also, since it is a curling mascara it holds the curls very well and doesn't feel heavy on the lashes. 
• This very curved brush allows you to apply it on the outer corners of your eyelashes very easily so those smaller lashes also gets some mascara. 
• Like the Full 'N Soft it is also very volumisinig but gives more of a dramatic look than the everyday look of FNS. Overall, I am really loving this as an alternative to my holy grail! I hope they change the formula back because I am sad now!

Revlon's Colorburst Lipgloss in 012 Orchid

Why I love this:

• Unlike the NYX butter glosses, Revlon's Colorburst Lipgloss has a more shimmery finish on the lips. 
• Both products have similar textures, where they are not very sticky and feel very light. This colour is one of my favourites because it is a very light purply pink which is flattering on more asian skin tones. 
• The applicator is flatter than the NYX butter gloss which means the product is applied more evenly but also it is a bit more messy because it isn't as precise on the lipline. This doesn't really phase me because I love the product!
• The gloss is actually more visible than the butter gloss which is more opaque, meaning you have to apply more. This product reminds me of the colorburst butter lipsticks in the Revlon line as well, but in a bottled gloss form which can be more convenient if you don't want to look too over the top with makeup. Especially on those uni days where you are dressed more casually. 
• Overall, I like this product mainly because of the colour and that the gloss has no artificial or alcoholic smell which I know is very off-putting for some people. I definitely recommend this gloss and the butter glosses when you want to be more subtle with your makeup look and don't want to have to go through the routine of applying lipstick. 

Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick in Pink Cognito (820) - Shine formula

Why I love this:

• As you can see, I'm having an obsessions with cute, light pinks and pink nudes! Since I don't want to be mainly using glosses everyday because they are inconvenient because you have to reapply, I did need a nude pink lipstick. 
• Like I've mentioned before, the true nude colours just wash me out so badly and they try to cover up my pink lips which just makes it look even worse!
• When I was in Singapore, where Revlon's products are literally half the price in Australia I picked up this baby. It is in the Shine category of super lustrous lipsticks, and even though it is quite shiny, the product more so shows colour onto your lips. I personally don't like shine or shimmer but like the colorburst lip glosses too, Revlon balances out colour and shine perfectly.
• This product is quite opaque and you do need to apply layer after layer for the colour to show, but since the colour is so nice how can I resist! This is honestly just a back up for me, for when my true love of a nude pink in lipstick form comes, but i'm not minding this cheaper option at all!
• With my recent purchase of the NYX butter gloss in Creme Brûlée, I've used these two as a pink-nude combo and they compliment each other perfectly. I would highly recommend buying these two together. 

Maybelline's Superstay Lipliner (040 Red)

 Why I love this:

• Last but not least! My new favourite red which I've given a preview on Facebook and Instagram. As you wish I will be reviewing this new red which I am absolutely in love with. 
• At first I didn't think much of this product, especially since it's new and Maybelline don't have the best lip products. I bought this on a whim because Revlon's Colorstay Lipliner was just too darn expensive. 
• Unlike the Rose Nude version of this lipliner like I've written about in my previous post (New products), this lipliner is actually creamy and is very pigmented and vibrant. The nude one is just too chalky and hard to actually show up colour on my lips.
• As I was doing my makeup for a wedding, I applied this lipliner on the outer line of my lips. I didn't realise how creamy this product really was, so I inside my lipline as well. The colour turned out so nicely and it was more of a sultry red than my usually orangey-reds. Since this product is also 24 hr, it is very long lasting and it is not sticky and doesn't go on your teeth like all the other red lipsticks! 
• I highly recommend this product because it is so vibrant, long lasting and also isn't drying on the lips at all. Especially since it's in the form of a mechanical pen, it is also very precise so you won't have to wipe off all the ugly red smudges that ruin your whole makeup! (it has happened to me many times).
• There isn't a lot of the product for everyday use of this product so you should probably wait for it to go on sale again to stock up!

Also a hint for using your old things for makeup storage. Last time you will remember I used my old document organiser to store my makeup and this time I bring you the Nude by Nature brushes stand!

Funnily this cylindrical container that came with my Nude Kabuki Brush and Illuminator fits all of my brushes so snuggly. Today I was going to go out and buy a brush holder but luckily I found use in this baby. To save money on the not so basic essentials but people say are essential, try to find things that you already have at home! Things such as document organisers, pencil holders, old pencil cases, your mum's old handbags or clutches are all great in storing your brushes and makeup for home use or for on the go. Don't waste your money when you might have what you're looking for right at home.

Prices and Locations

1. Chanel's Correcteur Perfection Liquid Concealer in Beige Clair (10) - Available at Myer, myer.com.au (Prices may vary)
2. Maybelline's Colossal Volume Express Cat Eye - Available at Priceine, priceline.com.au ($19.95) - offers: 15% off entire range
3. Maybelline's Super Stay 24 hour Lipliner in Red (040) - Available at Priceine, priceline.com.au ($19.95) - offers: 15% off entire range
4. NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brûlée - Available at Target, target.com.au ($9.95)
5. Real Techniques Setting Brush - Available at Priceine, priceline.com.au ($14.99) - offers: 20% off entire range
6. Revlon's Colorburst Lipgloss in Orchid (012) - Available at Priceine, priceline.com.au ($21.95) - offers: Buy 1 get 1 free off entire lip range
7. Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick in Pink Cognito (820) - Available at Priceine, priceline.com.au ($21.95) - offers: Buy 1 get 1 free off entire lip range
8. Sukin's Facial Moisturiser (Sensitive) - Available at Priceine, priceline.com.au ($9.95)

Toodles!

Have a great week ahead and share some thoughts about your recent purchases, or recommendations in the comment box below!

Janie

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