March Favourites: All about the Mattes

Hey gals and guys!

Late post but I finally have time in my schedule to write a post. My life has been 5 days of uni and 4 days of work... 2-3 assignments per week... and no free time :( Easter Long Weekend is therefore the perfect time to blog.

Sigma Brow Powder Duo in Dark

Lately I've been trying to find alternatives for my maybelline Eyebrow Pencil (which is often too light) and the Anastasia Brow Pomade in Dark Brown (which is too intense for everyday use). And this is the perfect product! As you can see in the swatches, the powder is quite light so you will never be worried about looking like a clown - the powder is quite build able. I have heard that these powder duos are dupes for the Anastasia Powder Duo and is about half the price!

Mac Prolongwear concealer in NC25

Not sure if I have posted about this concealer before, but I have so much love for this product. Before buying this high end concealer, I've used everything from Maybelline Lumi Touch to the Loreal True Match concealers, but really... nothing can ever live up to pro longwear! The formula is quite thick but incredibly blendable. The liquid has quite a lot of 'tack' which means it is sticky, making it have longer wear. I highly recommend this for everyone because it has such high coverage which means you won't need to use a lot... meaning that at the end of the day it will last you heaps longer than drugstore ones.

Essence Lip Liner in Soft Berry

At $2, or well, $1 when it is the priceline 40% off sale, this lip liner is seriously amazing and worth every cent. The formula is so creamy and pigmented, not drying at all, like their eyeliners. I wish that I hadn't splurged on revlon lip liners at about $15 previously, because these do a much better job and you can buy all the colours for less that $15! The colour is great for winter, and the more dark berry based lip sticks! I love using it for an ombre lip-look with the apocolips lip velvet below!

Rimmel Apocolops Lip Velvet, Matte in 307 Meterotic Matte

This is my favourite drugstore Matte product! The colour is great because it can transition from a summer/spring colour, to a winter/autumn look. Because it is drugstore, the formula is pigmented but not as long lasting. It feels really nice on the lips because it is matte but incredibly moisturising!

ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer

ELF makes some pretty good products for about $3 a pop. It creates a really nice base for eyeshadow because the mineral finish is kind of mattifying. Of course, it doesn't intensify the eyeshadow colours like the Urban Decay Eyeshadow potion, but helps the products last a lot longer. I am running out and will repurchase to use for everyday makeup looks!

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub

I know people say that you can just make lip scrub out of sugar, oil etc. but it's something about the bubblegum flavour of this one that just made me want to buy it! It works just the same as DIY ones, but I know for a fact that I can't make mine smell like bubblegum! Obviously not the best product out there but the smell itself made is my favourite this month.

Seriously... this product shouldn't be on the monthly list... it should be on my FOREVER favourites! As you can see in the swatch, it is highly pigmented and dries very quickly! I used to use the Maybelline master precise eyeliner but found it to be quite watery and I hated the brush because it was too flexible. This is the best liquid eyeliner on the market because it helps create the easiest cat eye look! LOVE FOREVER!!

Rimmel Velvet Matte Nail polish in 017 Mattitude

Along with the Apocolips matte lip lacquer, I received this in the mail from Coty Australia. They're awesome because they send out full sized samples - so generous! I personally have never used matte nail polish, but I think it is so in right now - particularly the black matte. The only downside of matte formulas is that it chips quite easily so I'm trying to find a top coat that keeps the product matte but protects it from chipping too! Loving the mattes this autumn though.

Product Listings/Locations

Sigma Brow Powder Duo in Dark - $22 @ sigmabeauty.com or redefiningbeauty.com.au
Mac ProLongwear Concealer in NC25 - $32 @ myer.com.au or maccosmetics.com.au
Essence Lip Liner in Soft Berry - $2 @ priceline.com.au
Rimmel Apocolips Lip Velvet in Meterotic Matte - $15.95 @ priceline.com.au
ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer - $3.00 @ herb.com/au
Lush Cosmetics Lip Scrub in Bubblegum - $9.95 @ lush.com.au
Still Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner in Black - $26 @ mecca.com.au
Rimmel Velvet Matte Nail Polish in Mattitude - $8.95 @ priceline.com.au

Have a great week everyone and Happy Easter!

Janie

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 :)

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