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    Showing posts with label makeup. Show all posts
    Showing posts with label makeup. Show all posts


    When I found out Skinstitut had a makeup range, I had to try it!As a fan of their skincare, I was interested to see how their makeup would do. Currently stocked exclusively at Laser Clinics Australia, the range was born out of the need to provide something to patients who had undergone dermal treatments and wanted something for their face post-treatment, but that wouldn't be clogging or damaging to their healing skin. 

    The Skinstitut makeup range is essentially a hybrid between skincare and makeup, with each product in the range containing an advocated formula that combines cosmedical skincare ingredients with natural, triple milled minerals to give you something that you can wear after treatment and that will also help with the healing process.

    While I haven't had any dermal treatments recently, knowing how good for your skin these products were, I had to put them to the test - for reference, my skin sits a little on the oiler side; the main problem I get and which I use to test how good any makeup is, especially foundation, is whether or not the product separates and/or goes shiny on my skin throughout the day, or if it can tough it out and manage to stay looking flawless.


    Pressed Mineral Foundation 

    This product is a 4-in-1 deal, offering concealer, foundation, sun protection and a finishing powder, so you only have to put one product on your face and your base is caked and ready to go. Unfortunately, for me, this was probably my least favourite product out of them all. While it applied really well and looked great during the first part of the day, as I looked in the mirror in the afternoon, while it hadn't majorly separated, it almost somehow looked cakier than it had when I first applied. I also feel like it had a bit more a glow/highlight effect to it than regular foundation which I was living for all over my face.

    Loose Mineral Foundation

    This stuff is certainly one of my favourite picks from the range. Lately my skin hasn't been enjoying liquid foundation - its just been separating and looking super oily on my face for some reason, so I turned to this for a lighter option. This Mineral Foundation was the answer I needed - it manages to give my face an almost full coverage look, but while still looking very natural and by being able to use less product on my face, my skin isn't reacting as much with my makeup and staying put better throughout the day.

    High Definition Foundation

    This was another one of my favourites from the range. While I'm not currently using liquid foundation, as mentioned above, I did give this a go a few times when my skin was being less of a pain in the butt and I found myself really liking. While I will say it doesn't hold in place quite as much as my coveted Chanel foundation, this stuff certainly sits in a close second place. I found this foundation, while still giving a full coverage, is more light weight then the Chanel foundation I always use, so is a perfect option for when I want something a bit less intense but still want coverage.

    BB Cream - Blemish Balancer

    I've always been a bit on the fence when it comes to BB Creams - a lot of the ones I've tried in the past have either just given no coverage and sat more on the end of being a moisturiser than any sort of foundation, or they give coverage but the oil from my skin would seep though and seperate it all in no time. Still, I gave this product a go and I have to say I was pretty impressed. While it still wasn't my favourite of the lot, I feel like this is something that would be perfect if I was just ducking out somewhere and wasn't looking to be wearing makeup for an extended period of time. I also found, despite being a BB Cream, that it had pretty good coverage while remaining lightweight on the skin.
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    posted by . 11/19/19 . / /
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    Skin on Fleek with Skinstitut

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    Showing posts with label makeup. Show all posts
    Showing posts with label makeup. Show all posts
    posted by . 11/19/19 .


    When I found out Skinstitut had a makeup range, I had to try it!As a fan of their skincare, I was interested to see how their makeup would do. Currently stocked exclusively at Laser Clinics Australia, the range was born out of the need to provide something to patients who had undergone dermal treatments and wanted something for their face post-treatment, but that wouldn't be clogging or damaging to their healing skin. 

    The Skinstitut makeup range is essentially a hybrid between skincare and makeup, with each product in the range containing an advocated formula that combines cosmedical skincare ingredients with natural, triple milled minerals to give you something that you can wear after treatment and that will also help with the healing process.

    While I haven't had any dermal treatments recently, knowing how good for your skin these products were, I had to put them to the test - for reference, my skin sits a little on the oiler side; the main problem I get and which I use to test how good any makeup is, especially foundation, is whether or not the product separates and/or goes shiny on my skin throughout the day, or if it can tough it out and manage to stay looking flawless.


    Pressed Mineral Foundation 

    This product is a 4-in-1 deal, offering concealer, foundation, sun protection and a finishing powder, so you only have to put one product on your face and your base is caked and ready to go. Unfortunately, for me, this was probably my least favourite product out of them all. While it applied really well and looked great during the first part of the day, as I looked in the mirror in the afternoon, while it hadn't majorly separated, it almost somehow looked cakier than it had when I first applied. I also feel like it had a bit more a glow/highlight effect to it than regular foundation which I was living for all over my face.

    Loose Mineral Foundation

    This stuff is certainly one of my favourite picks from the range. Lately my skin hasn't been enjoying liquid foundation - its just been separating and looking super oily on my face for some reason, so I turned to this for a lighter option. This Mineral Foundation was the answer I needed - it manages to give my face an almost full coverage look, but while still looking very natural and by being able to use less product on my face, my skin isn't reacting as much with my makeup and staying put better throughout the day.

    High Definition Foundation

    This was another one of my favourites from the range. While I'm not currently using liquid foundation, as mentioned above, I did give this a go a few times when my skin was being less of a pain in the butt and I found myself really liking. While I will say it doesn't hold in place quite as much as my coveted Chanel foundation, this stuff certainly sits in a close second place. I found this foundation, while still giving a full coverage, is more light weight then the Chanel foundation I always use, so is a perfect option for when I want something a bit less intense but still want coverage.

    BB Cream - Blemish Balancer

    I've always been a bit on the fence when it comes to BB Creams - a lot of the ones I've tried in the past have either just given no coverage and sat more on the end of being a moisturiser than any sort of foundation, or they give coverage but the oil from my skin would seep though and seperate it all in no time. Still, I gave this product a go and I have to say I was pretty impressed. While it still wasn't my favourite of the lot, I feel like this is something that would be perfect if I was just ducking out somewhere and wasn't looking to be wearing makeup for an extended period of time. I also found, despite being a BB Cream, that it had pretty good coverage while remaining lightweight on the skin.
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    Skin on Fleek with Skinstitut
    posted by . 4/16/19 .


    There's a been a good mix of products coming through the mail lately, so I wanted to share some of my favourite bits and pieces that I've received.

    Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist Intense Deluxe Edition

    I've previously talked about this product a couple of times on my blog before. This product takes their regular Balancing Mist and combines it with a blend of four unique Rose extracts that will allow the product to not only hydrate and refresh your skin but uplift your mood and relax your mind at the same time - the perfect thing for a stressful day. I always like to use their Mist as a part of my skincare routine as a toner so I get a good hit of hydration (and now relaxation) each morning and night.

    This skincare brand has quickly become one of my favourite. While I know they sit on the more expensive side of the scale, every time I use their products my skin reacts so well and always looks its best when I have one of their products in rotation in my skincare routine.
    This is their original hyaluronic acid serum but supercharged! This product combines their original formula with Natural Moisturising Factors including sodium PCA, glycerin, urea, proteins, sugars, amino acids, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, creatine and more to give your skin a real hydration boost.
    I found this product to be a thicker type of serum but still super easy to spread. It feels very hydrating and gives a cooling sensation on the skin as it sinks in nicely. It also didn't have any scent that I noticed.


    Bobbi Brown Crushed Liquid Lip

    If you ever need a solid lip product, I've found you can't go past Bobbi Brown. Their new Crushed Liquid Lip is basically a hybrid of a liquid lip, a balm and a lip gloss and they are also paraben-free, phthalate-free, sulfite-free, talc-free, mineral oil-free and gluten-free. The lovely team sent me three shades and I honestly loved all of them - Juicy Date for a more natural, everyday type of shade, Bitter Sweet as a nice way to add a pop of interesting colour without being overly bold and Cherry Crush for a nice classic and striking red. I found all of them applied smoothy and evenly and dry down well without feeling super drying on the lips and as if they might crack. 
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    New Beauty Bits (ft Bobbie Brown, Medki8 & Jurlique)
    posted by . 4/6/19 .




    Its time to talk Nude by Nature on the blog again.


    Airbrush Mineral Primer

    Along with a cute little makeup bag to store all your products in, one of the first products you get is the Airbrush Mineral Primer. As you probably know by now, I'm no longer big on primers but this one has seen me jump back on the bandwagon a little bit. If I know I've got a long day of makeup wearing ahead, I have been popping a little bit of this on my cheeks and t-zone area to try and help my makeup stay looking smoother for longer. I do like the formula of this one - it's quite light but does still go a little tacky to really help makeup stick to it. I wouldn't say I notice a major difference using this product, but I probably get a few extra hours of shine-free foundation when I have this on, especially during a warmer day.

    Natural Mineral Cover Foundation

    You'll also get a mini size of their Natural Mineral Cover Foundation (perfect for travelling). A powder foundation is great for the summer months as it won't give you a thick coverage that will noticeably sweat off during the day, yet if you do have days where you want to go for something a little heavier you only need to pack on a little more to achieve it. This powder is super smooth and easy to apply and gives a really natural looking finish. This isn't a super high coverage foundation, so it's definitely for those days you're heading out and just want a little something to give your skin a natural, flawless looking glow.


    Kabuki Brush

    I've also talked about this brush before which is super soft and perfect for applying the mineral foundation and again, a great size for when you're on-the-go.

    I'm not really a big lip gloss fan and this product hasn't converted me this time around. I think this would be great applied over the right coloured lipstick if you're a fan of a lipgloss but is a no go on it's own. It smells sweet just like some Lip Smackers that I use to own when I was younger.

    This palette has all the shades you need to sculpt, define and highlight your face. I found these pigments were nice and soft and blend quite nicely. As someone who prefers powder contour I didn't mind this at all. I'm not so big on the contouring anymore but even to add some colour back to your face after applying your foundation, this works well. 


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    Keeping it Natural
    posted by . 3/7/19 .


    I know there was a bit of a brief pause in between blog posts there; life has certainly busy. But to brings them back I'm kicking things off with some wonderful products that I've had with me for a little while now that I wanted to share with you all - some tried, tested and loved brands to showcase this time around.


    Jurlique Softening Rose Body Cream

    The Jurlique Softening Rose Body Cream contains rosa gallica extract, avocado oil and shea butter to help restore softness to your skin and also leave it looking smoother. It also contains Beeswax and Sesame seed oil which helps to replenish the skin’s protective barrier. As with all their products, the rose scent is quite strong. I personally don't mind it but as always, those who aren't a fan of scented products probably won't get along with this one. I found this cream dries into the skin super quickly and isn't to thick, but still leaves the skin feeling nice and hydrated and smooth.

    Jurlique Softening Rose Body Cleansing Cream

    If you've ever used the Dove Moisturising shower gel product then this is like that but 10 times better. As a girl who already has so many steps to complete in the bathroom, if I can get two done at once I'm all for it. The cream only leaves a slight scent of rose on the skin after washing off and my skin definitely feels more moisturised afterwards compared to when using a normal shower gel. It is enriched with botanical oils including Macadamia Oil and Shea Butter which help to rebalance dryness and restore that precious moisture to your skin. It is also a soap-free formula, so it's gentle on the skin and won't strip away natural oils. 

    Moments4Me Anti-Ageing Face Mask

    This isn't the first time I've tried face masks from Moments4Me and I have to say they never disappoint. This mask left me skin feeling so soft and hydrated. I used this after a weekend of camping and not washing my face properly, along with a clay mask, to try and stop my face from breaking out - the next day my skin was calm and looked refreshed. This mask in particular contains hydrolyzed wheat proteins, marine collagen, oligosaccharides of Chicory roots and Laminaria algae derivative, which help to produce a lifting effect on the skin and improve elasticity, while also moisturising.

    Moments4Me Brightening Face Mask

    This mask is formulated from alpine plants that provide lightening and antioxidant properties which allow the mask to help restore balance and illumination to your complexion. It also helps to reduce pigment spots and restore freshness and radiance to your skin. I found using this mask certainly left me feeling refreshed and my skin just felt nice and clean, smooth and also hydrated. I think sometimes our skin, especially on your face, can do with a little extra boost of some nourishing ingredients every now and then, and this is a great product for it.

    Bioderma Photoderm BB Cream

    To me, this stuff just smells like sunscreen, which I'm not a big fan of unless I'm actually heading to the beach. This has a sheer coverage as you'd expect from a BB cream,  but I found it very, very sheer. Where I placed it on the skin it felt quite soft but a lot of the product seemed to sink straight into my skin. If you'd like to have a little coverage when heading somewhere like the beach, then this would probably be great for you. Honestly when I'm off somewhere like that I just can't be bothered with makeup and if I'm bothering to wear it, it's because I want coverage, so I don't really find myself reaching for this product ever. However, depending on what you prefer to have on your skin this could be a great option for you. Also, an FYI, this product is fragrance free, paragon free, hypoallergenic and formulated with anti UVA UVB dermatological filters to keep your skin protected from harmful UV rays.

    Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Croud Cream Cleanser


    This cleanser from Peter Thomas Roth is a non-stripping, fragrance-free cream cleanser that aims to maintain your skin’s moisture levels to give you a more radiant and youthful-looking complexion. The Hyaluronic Acid it contains helps your skin to attract and retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water from moisture in the atmosphere. Also, the Sodium PCA and Coconut Oil within the product will nourish your skin, while the Marshmallow Root Extract will allow it to soften and soothe. This product has a cool metallic white colour to it and I found it doesn't foam up quite a lot, but you can still feel it working. It feels nice on the skin and it didn't leave me feeling dry afterwards. The scent isn't exactly my favourite but like with most cleansers, it doesn't linger once washed off so it's nothing I can't deal with. 


    Peter Thomas Roth Water Drnech Hyaluonic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturiser
    I've had a full size of those before and I loved it! The name of this product is probably giving you a visualisation of hydrated and soft, touchable skin, which is exactly what this moisturiser will help you to achieve. This super hydrating cream will give your skin an intense burst of hydration which can last for up to 72 hours. I however like to use this product at night and let it sink into my skin as I sleep. As I wash my face each morning, it doesn't get the chance to be on there for 72 hours, but something like this would be a lifesaver for a long plane trip or to fight the drying effects a bitterly cold wind.

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    A Bunch of Beauty (ft Jurlique, Bioderma, Peter Thomas Roth and more)
    posted by . 11/30/18 .


    I've been gone from here for a little while, but I'm back today with something I use to feature on the regular, but this time it's been taken to a whole new level. I'm talking about Bellabox and their recent collaboration with VOGUE. The team over at Bellabox have put together an amazing assortment of goodies that are just 'a little bit fancy' for this collaboration, and I just have to share them with you all! So strap yourselves in and grab a beverage, we've got just a few products to go through.

    L'occitane Shea Hand Cream
    Looking for a bit of luxury for your hands, this hand cream from L'occitane is the way to go. The product seems quick thick coming out of the tube but it sunk into my skin really quickly, wasn't oily at all and only has a mild scent - best of all it left my hands feeling super soft and hydrated.

    Neon & Co Body Wash
    On first glance I love the packaging of this brand, so I wanted to love this product. It's hard to find a body wash I didn't like, but it seems I've found one. The scent of this product was quite odd - to me it honestly smelt like some cheap paint product I use to use as a kid. So wouldn't exactly recommend this one.

    Essie Treat Love & Colour
    This stuff will not only make your nails look great, it will help keep them that way to. The formula of this product means peelage and breakage are reduced, so your nails will be looking fab for longer. This white colour is also good on its own for a more subtle look, or you can throw it over a colour you already have on to give it a metallic-like sheen.

    Chloe Fleur Parfum
    The box also contains a mini size of the Chloe Fleur Parfum, perfect for in your handbag for on-to-go or your next travelling adventure. I've never tried a Chloe perfume before, and while I don't mind the scent, I'm not sure it's my favourite - it just smells a bit old fashion to me. 

    La Roche-Posay Respectissime Volume Mascara
    I've tried plenty of La Roche-Posay skincare in my time, but their makeup is a new venture for me, but I'm certainly not mad about it. I found this mascara was super easy to work with, no lumps or chucks and it certainly enhanced the length of my lashes. I don't feel like this gives you any sort of extreme volume (nothing a quick coat with another mascara can't easily fix) but it certainly makes my lashes more pronounced - would recommend giving this a shot.

    Sebastian Professional Shaper iD
    If you have hair that needs a little help with maintaining texture and volume, then this spray might be something you're looking for. I've always been one to stay away from such products when my hair was quite dried out, though since Suki has sorted my locks I'm trying to be a little more adventurous with my hair products. I do however tend to steer clear of anything they haven't recommended or handed to me (because they're work so far has been nothing short of amazing) so unfortunately I can't give an extensive review of this little baby. However if you do get along with this product this little size is again great for those on-the-go or heading off on a holiday (of which I'm super jealous).

    Jurlique Herbal Recovery Signature Serum
    I've tried a number of Jurlique products in the past and have always been a fan, but this is new to me. The serum is very light yet still feels very hydrating and also has basically no scent. I like to apply just a little bit of moisturiser over the top of this one, but it certainly doesn't leave me needing much. Jurlique has once again left me impressed.

    Philosophy Take a Deep Breath Oxygenating Gel Cream
    I've had a full size jar of this stuff in the past so I can tell you it's good. I like to use this one in the morning and I always found it sunk into my skin really quick and was great for applying makeup over the top, while also making sure my skin didn't dry out during the day. It has a nice refreshing, clean scent to it - nothing to over the top or powerful.

    Thalgo Lifting Correcting Night Cream
    A brand and product I had never seen or heard of before, so you know I was intrigued. Being a night cream I did find it a little thicker and it sat a little longer on the skin before sinking in, however I don't mind this for night time when I'm aiming for maximum moisturisation and recovery. It did leave my skin feeling wonderful after applying but beware it does have quite a strong; quite perfume-like. I personally don't mind it - it makes me feel a little posh while using it - but certainly wouldn't be a goer for those who don't get along with highly scented products.

    Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base
    Another product that I have had a full size container of in the past. While this product marketed to double as a primer (which I don't really use anymore), it is also a moisturiser which is what I've been using it for. I find the formula interesting - it feels quite thick and hydrating, like something I would use as a night moisturiser and yet when it dries it sinks nicely into the skin and does leave a more matte finish than your typical moisturiser. I've been trying to cut back on wearing foundation to work everyday and this is a great option for me for those days to give my skin a matte, less oily look. I also love the scent of this product and while it seems quite strong in the tub and when you first apply the product, the smell does subside.

    Mavala Vitalizing Alpine Micro-Mist
    This is another brand and product I had never come into contact with before, but I certainly love it. This bottle sprays the finest mist I've ever seen come out of a spray bottle, and the product has no scent, making it feel super refreshing and reinvigorating. I find it great to use as a toner or for a quick refresh during the day.

    Clarins Exfoliating Body Scrub
    Last but certainly not least, a product from Clarins - a brand I'm always a fan of this; this product included. The  exfoliating beads in this scrub are fairly large so it's good to be a little more gentle when using his product, but certainly still feels nice on the skin and is not to harsh - it leaves my skin feeling super soft and smooth. I also found the scent to be similar to a cleanser product I've used the past, which personally I didn't mind.


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    VOGUE x Bellabox
    posted by . 10/29/18 .




    When it comes to higher end makeup brands, I'm an advocate for Bobbi Brown. I recently had two products of theirs arrive in the mail that I wanted to share the love for.


    Limited Edition Rosy Nudes Edition Eye Palette

    If you love a rosy, nude look on your eyes, this palette is for you. With 10 amazing shades, ranging from mattes to shimmers, there are endless combinations of looks you can create. As to be expected from Bobbi Brown, all the shades have fire pigmentation, including the shimmers which I find some brands struggle to get to really pop without packing on a heap of product. Something like this would make a brilliant Christmas gift for the makeup lover in your life, but whether you want one for your friend or for yourself, you better get in store quick because there is only a limited run of these bad boys. They also have another limited edition eyeshadow palette, the Bronzed Nudes edition, that has some awesome metallic, matte and sparkle shades, depending on your preferred look.

    Highlighting Powder in Afternoon Glow

    I'm also a huge fan of Bobbi Brown's highlighters, so having another one to add to my collection certainly doesn't make me mad. The brand recently lunched three new shades; Sunset Glow, Moon Glow and Afternoon Glow. If you're after something that will blind passers-by this stuff is worth picking up. Afternoon Glow has a nice pink-orange colour to it, to give you a little bit of a sun-kissed look, while your cheekbones also look on point. The powders are super smooth and easy to apply - there honestly isn't anything I don't like about it.




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    Latest from Bobbi Brown
    posted by . 10/26/18 .


    If you're heading to a show or fair over the summer, then you just might spot the Nude by Nature showbag. Showbags are always a great way to pick up a bunch of products from your favourite brands for a discounted price and the Nude by Nature showbag has a great range of products to give you a fresh and basic makeup look on-the-go.


    Airbrush Mineral Primer

    Along with a cute little makeup bag to store all your products in, one of the first products you get is the Airbrush Mineral Primer. As you probably know by now, I'm no longer big on primers but this one has seen me jump back on the bandwagon a little bit. If I know I've got a long day of makeup wearing ahead, I have been popping a little bit of this on my cheeks and t-zone area to try and help my makeup stay looking smoother for longer. I do like the formula of this one - it's quite light but does still go a little tacky to really help makeup stick to it. I wouldn't say I notice a major difference using this product, but I probably get a few extra hours of shine-free foundation when I have this on, especially during a warmer day.

    Liquid Mineral Concealer

    This concealer leans on the thicker side, which makes it great for covering imperfections or tried eyes if you're not to prone to creasing. Being thicker you do need to work with it a little more to get it to blend, but it saying that it does blend out quite nicely. The finish is somewhere in between matte and dewy, not quite on either end of the spectrum but for someone like me who prefers something matte, this is still fine to cover small areas of my face. 


    Natural Mineral Cover Foundation

    You'll also get a mini size of their Natural Mineral Cover Foundation (perfect for travelling). A powder foundation is great for the summer months as it won't give you a thick coverage that will noticeably sweat off during the day, yet if you do have days where you want to go for something a little heavier you only need to pack on a little more to achieve it. This powder is super smooth and easy to apply and gives a really natural looking finish. This isn't a super high coverage foundation, so it's definitely for those days you're heading out and just want a little something to give your skin a natural, flawless looking glow.

    Natural Illusion Eyeshadow Trio

    This is the perfect trio to make a number of simple, natural looks. Whether you'er after something light to just give your eyes that little extra something or want to go a little darker and smokier, this little number has you covered and again, the small size is perfect for on-the-go and travelling. There are two matte shades and one lighter shimmer shade. Both matte shades have great pigmentation and are super smooth to apply. I found the shimmer shade wasn't a super strong colour, though it can be built up, so its better for adding a more subtle sparkle to your look.

    Kabuki Brush

    Lastly you also get a little Kabuki Brush. This brush is super soft and perfect for applying the mineral foundation and again, a great size for when you're on-the-go.


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    Nude by Nature have it in the bag
    posted by . 9/10/18 .


    I recently got my hands on a bunch of Chanel makeup for the first time and I was so excited to put this stuff to the test and see if it's really worth paying the extra money for the name. I've been wearing their makeup on a daily basis lately and have a few thoughts to share.

    Perfection Lumière Foundation

    Testing out Chanel foundation was the part I was particularly excited about. I picked mine up in shade 30 Beige which basically works perfectly for me when I have a bit of a tan. First thing I noticed when applying this foundation is how good it smelt! It has a light perfumed scent to it which just makes you feel extra posh as you apply it (much better than the paint smell that often emanates from some foundations). I don't tend to apply a heavy layer of foundation anymore as I've become more confident with my skin, so a little goes a long way for me. I actually started applying this with a brush - at a time when I was packing everything on with a beauty blender - and I find the finish comes out flawless. It also leaves your skin feeling quite soft and it holds up pretty well with my skins' oils throughout the day. Would definitely recommend giving this one a go if you're in the market for a new higher end foundation.



    Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder

    Knowing their foundation stacked up to the test, the next product I was really keen to try out was their powder. I picked this up in the shade 25 Beige, which is more suited to my skin tone without so much tan on and works perfectly to add over the top of the foundation just to lighten it up a little. Again I don't apply a lot of this (sometimes I even just wear it on it's own if I'm having a really good skin day) but I find it's super smooth and silky to apply. I do find the foundation wears against oils pretty well on it's own but I find the powder great for locking in spots of concealer or for a really nice, light finish to the skin. I would say that if you live by your powder this is a great option and worth the money.

    Les Beiges Healthy Glow Luminous Colour in Light

    A bit of a random grab but still not a bad one. This powder has a pink tone and (as you can probably guess by the name) a bit of a glow/shine to it - so I stick to using this in areas where I would normally use highlighter but when I'm not wanting a blinding finish but something a little more natural and subtle. The powder is super smooth and also smells really good - Chanel get 10/10 for making their products smell amazing. I don't feel like this is a 100% you need to go and buy product but if it is something that takes your fancy and gives an effect you love then it's definitely worth grabbing.



    Le Crayon Khol

    I originally thought I would pick up a black eyeliner pencil, but I have to say I'm pretty happy with this dark brown shade I grabbed instead. This eyeliner is super smooth and easy to apply and I find a darker brown still gives a nice edgy look to my eyes without being as harsh as a black liner can be. On nights where I've placed this around my bottom lid I found, while it did wear off over time (as all eyeliners that aren't liquid tend to do) it didn't fall down onto my foundation which is a huge thumbs up for me. I think these eyeliners are definitely worth getting your money out for if you're after a good eyeliner.

    LeVernis Nailpolish

    I have to say, Chanel know how to make a good nail polish - I picked up three different shades, a dark red, a black and a dark purple that is basically almost black. I find their nail polish really easy and smooth to apply and just a light second coat will give you a complete opaque finish. They also last really well on the nail as well - after wearing mine for about a week people were still commenting on my nails thinking I'd just painted them. I honestly think these are worth buying.





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    CHANEL Makeup - Is It Worth The Price Tag?
    posted by . 7/25/18 .


    What would a month be on my blog without a little Bellabox unboxing. I actually really loved this month's addition, which featured a bunch of products that are perfect to take with you on your overseas adventures - particularly for those long-haul flights. The only downside was I felt sad I'm not actually heading on a holiday anytime soon to use these products - I guess I'll simply have to pretend as I use them at home.

    Mor Eau de Parfum

    A little bottle of this sweet smelling stuff is absolutely perfect for air travel - it's well under the liquid limit so you can easily take it on board and freshen yourself up before you arrive at your destination. While I find I can't smell the Mor perfumes after a while, whenever I wear their scents I'll continue to get compliments throughout the day on my perfume, meaning this guy hangs in there for the long haul.

    Nerium Eye-V Moisture Boost Hydrogel Patches

    All that time in the sky doesn't do any wonders for your skin - sucking out all the moisture. To help refresh your skin towards the end of the flight, these eye patches from Nerium are a good go-to. Not only will you feel like you're in the middle of a spa, the cooling patches will help to reduce any puffiness from the stuffy airplane air and lack of sleep thanks to the crying children three aisles down, while also helping to wake you up and prepare for the haul out of the airport. 

    Emily Fruit Crisps

    A hot tip for flying: always take your own snacks.

    While I like the idea of these, I have to say that unfortunately I didn't love them. That may be because I had pineapple flavour and I'm the type of girl who pretty much only eats pineapple when it's on a pizza (yes it does belong there). I feel like a berry flavour could be something I could get along with, but eating such a high concentration of fruit does have me wondering about the sugar intake. That said, they certainly would make the perfect airplane snack if you're a dried fruit fan - certainly cheaper than buy the $5 mini packet of Pringles from the in-flight menu.

    Swisse Skincare Bamboo Facial Exfoliant

    When you've finally made it to your destination and can finally take a shower in your hotel room, this product is the perfect thing to have handy. The exfoliant in the product will really help to remove any dirt and dry skin build-up from your flight. The oils and acids in the product will also help to bring some life back to your face and rebalance your skin.

    Manna Kadar Blush

    No one wants to have to take a stack of products with them when they travel - they just take up extra space that you could fill with all the things you want to buy on your holiday and you're forever in fear each time you open your suitcase that this will be the time something has been crushed or exploded. So having multi-use products is a must-have for travelling, and that's where this Manna Kadar blush comes in handy. The mix of bronze, gold and blush in the product means it's perfect for all three uses and it's a compact size and won't be taking up any unnecessary room in your suitcase.

    Glamourflage Facial Mask

    Whether you want to whack this on during your flight or save it for some pampering when you reach your hotel room, having a facial sheet mask or two handy is essential for helping your skin recover after a flight. A nice long-haul flight will really do a number on the hydration of your skin and suck out every last drop. Whacking one of these on as you come to the end of your flight or once you've settled in will go a long way to helping restore that lost moisture and give you a moment to relax before the adventuring begins.
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    July Bellabox
    posted by . 7/23/18 .



    There's been some good stuff coming through my mailbox lately that I thought I would share some of the products I've been trying out.

    Biore Self-Heating One Minute Masks
    This product isn't new to me, but Biore kindly sent me a few as a surprise in my mail and with them being one of my favourite skincare brands, I certainly wasn't disappointed to see more of these on my doorstep. I'm particularly a fan of these masks. If you're skin is feeling clogged and lifeless but you don't have a lot of time to spare, these masks are the go. As the name suggests, you only really have to pop them on for a minute or two. When you apply the product and massage it into your face, you'll feel it heat up (which can be a bit of an odd sensation at first). Continue to massage the product into the face for another minute or so, rinse, and you're good to go. The perfect little pick-me up for my busy gals out there.

    Revlon ColorStay Excatify Liquid Liner
    This seems like a bit of a gimmick, but I've surprisingly come to really like these new eyeliners from Revlon. I think this type of product will either be a hit or miss with people, and it is something that can take a minute to get the hang off. I've haven't come across an eyeliner with a roller end like this before, and I have to say I don't completely hate it. The roller was a little tricky to use at first, but when you're using it almost daily like me, it doesn't take long to get the hang off. I was also really impressed with the formula of the liner. Something I struggle with when doing wing liner is how it fades and rubs off throughout the day. This liner however dries down so that when you want to remove it you pretty much have to peel it off. This formula means it sticks really well to the eye, though it can be a little prone to cracking. For something that I thought was going to be just a big gimmick I was pretty impressed and wouldn't knock back purchasing these again.


    Dermalogica BioLumin-C Serum
    If you're looking to give your skin a bit of a Vitamin C injection, look no further than this serum from Dermalogica. You know I love a good serum, and this product will help to give you a brighter and firmer complexion and boost your skins' natural defences from everyday pollutants and sun damage (though you should always remember to pop on a little SPF before you head out the door each day to really give your skin some proper protection).


    mesoestetic Bodyshock Reduce & Go
    I think the most important thing to remember with products like these is that they are not a miracle worker. Depending on what you're targeting, how your skin and body reacts and works and a number of other things, these type of products can certainly help to reduce, in the case of this product, stubborn fat in areas. That said, attempting to use this only and not doing any sort of exercise or making other healthy changes to also target any such issues you may have will not do the trick. This product is designed to give you a little bit of a boost on top of the work you're already doing. This spray is best to apply either just before or just after you work out in areas of fat you're wanting to reduce. This product then aims to help increase the use of fatty acids to boost your energy levels as you workout or as your recover, particularly from the targeted areas, to help you shift those stubborn little pockets. I've tried some similar products like this before and I found they could heat up to a point that was a little uncomfortable and unpleasant, but I didn't find this happening with this product. I've applied both before and after exercise, just depending on whether or not I've left myself enough time beforehand to do so, but it absorbs really quickly so it's not hassle if you find yourself preferring to use it beforehand.

    This also isn't the first time I've gotten the chance to give this serum ago. I actually previously talked about it in a blog post here. This serum has a whole range of B-Vitamins to help rebalance your skin and protect it from UV rays. It also helps to keep your skin hydrated by boosting your skins' immune response, which also goes a long way in giving a brighter complexion while tackling aging. When I first applied this, it felt a bit oily to me and I thought this was a product I wouldn't be able to use, but then I found it sunk into my skin so quickly and didn't leave me feeling oily at all. You don't need to use much of this and it leaves my skin feeling so nice and soft. I also love the scent of this product; it has a somewhat sweet, but not overly powerful, scent that makes me feel so lux.




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    New In (ft Biore, Dermalogica, Revlon & more)
    posted by . 7/17/18 .


    When it comes to Bobbi Brown products, I've always been a bit of a fan - recently however I started using a product of their's which has made me a complete Bobbi Brown convert. I've found my favourite foundation ever! Keep on reading to find out more.

    Vitamin Enriched Fase Base
    I've gone off the primer bandwagon for the time being, but that doesn't mean I still can't find a use for this product. While it is marketed to double as a primer, it is also a moisturiser which is what I've been using it for. I find the formula interesting - it feels quite thick and hydrating, like something I would use as a night moisturiser and yet when it dries it sinks nicely into the skin and does leave a more matte finish than your typical moisturiser. I've been trying to cut back on wearing foundation to work everyday and this is a great option for me for those days to give my skin a matte, less oily look. I also love the scent of this product and while it seems quite strong in the tub and when you first apply the product, the smell does subside.

    Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation
    I've found my favourite foundation of all time (at least for the time being that is)! I was first impressed with how well this settled into my skin upon application - it took no time at all to look flawless and stayed that way as I applied the rest of my makeup. The thing that really sold it for me though was how it looked when I checked in the mirror after spending all day at work - it was still all in place! While I had a little bit of shine coming through (nothing is ever going to completely stop that) it hadn't separated around my forehead, chin or nose where foundation usually does and it still looked completely on point - I was shook! I didn't even need to use much of the product to get myself a good coverage and this is a great buildable foundation, so you can go a little lighter some days or go full glam if you're feeling it. Seriously go out and get yourself a sample and try this for yourself!

    Instant Full Cover Concealer 
    I don't usually like to end things on a negative note but we're going to have to this time around. This is the only product in the Bobbi Brown range that I've tried that I haven't gotten along with and just can't get on board the hype with. Maybe it's because I don't have any major dark circles or blemishes that I'm trying to correct on a daily basis, but I find this concealer way to thick and full on for my liking. While sometimes I don't mind caking the makeup on a little harder for a night out, I find this concealer so thick that it's quite hard to work with, and when I use it under my eyes it leaves them looking instantly cakey. I know so many people who have sworn by this concealer but I just can't keep on board this boat this time.


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    Finding My Holy Grail Foundation with Bobbi Brown
    posted by . 7/3/18 .


    I've walked through the stores many a time and been tempted by all the shelves lined with beautiful bottles and jars, but I've never actually delved into Mecca's own range of beauty products, Mecca Cosmetica. Well today that all changes as I share my thoughts on some of their very own products.



    I would say this foundation is 'almost' longwear -  while it does hold up a lot better throughout the day compared to some of my other foundations, I still find this separates a bit by the end of a working day (which I think is pretty hard to avoid). I do like the buildable nature of this foundation though, and it sinks quite nicely into the skin when you apply it.

    Eyephoria Vivid Impact Eye Palette 
    If you're looking for a palette to create a dynamic night-time look, look no further. A combination of matte and shimmery shades, this is a palette I gravitate towards - if I'm going to do an eyeshadow look I tend to stray on the darker side. The wonderful shade range means you have everything at hand to create a complete look and in terms of pigment and shimmer pay-off, this palette is not playing!



    As someone who has gone off primer for the minute and also doesn't like an overly glowy look thanks to my oily skin, I don't find myself reaching for this all to often. However, I do like to add this to my cheeks before I pop on my foundation if I want to add an extra sheen to my look. I personally wouldn't recommend completely covering your face in this because the shine is real, but then again if that's a look you like, why hold back. I think this is best used on the points of your face that you're looking to add some highlight, and if you use a regular primer, use that across the rest of your face.

    If you need a good liquid lipstick in your life, I can't recommend this one enough! Not only do I love this shade, the way this dries down is how every liquid lipstick should. It dries down nice and matte and doesn't wear off, but doesn't go super dry and crack on the lips at all. In fact once it's fully dry you pretty much can't even feel it on your lips; 10/10 recommend.

    I've never really used a banana powder before as I've always shied away from the idea of a yellow powder on my face. This powder is super smooth and gives a nice matte finish, but I don't like to use to much because my skin tone doesn't really compliment the yellow all that well If however banana powder is your jam, I think you're going to like this one.

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    Testing Mecca Cosmetica
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