Matte is the new black! Brand new mattifying products from Australis.

 Last week, I received a surprise in the mail from the amazing people at Australis, and I was suer-stoked to find that their new mattifying products were inside!

I've been eyeing off the lip mattifyer for a while, and I am really really impressed with it and the other two products in here.

I've made a review video, which you can view at the end of this post, but here is a short rundown of each product:

The new Matte Up foundation is amazing, the packaging is super awesome, with a sponge and a mirror included in the compact, and at $14.95, you really can't go wrong with this cream-to-powder gem.

Next up is Matte out, a mattifying base product designed to be used under your foundation to keep your oily areas matte all day long. it works like a dream, and despite it being purple in the tube, it goes on clear. At $13.95 it's an amazingly innovative product that really hits the spot.
















Last but not least is Matte Me, a mattifying base coat for lips. I tried it with an australis lipstick AND a MAC lipstick, and it worked really well at bringing the shine off of the lip product and mattifying without drying out. This one is $12.95 and worth every cent.

Here's my makeup look, using all three products. The picture is untouched digitally, and no filters were used. I'm calling this a big win for the makeup industry and for Australis. Well done! Keep the awesome products coming. I can't wait to see what they come up with next!

Fair and full disclosure. I was sent these products by Australis, free of charge, for my consideration. I was under no obligation to review them at all. I endeavour to bring you honest reviews of products that I have genuinely tried and enjoyed.



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Review: Australis stayput foundation and Ready set go finishing powder.

Happy Monday, readers! I know I've been really slack over the last week or so, but I've been very busy putting together some new Youtube content, and updating the look of the blog basics and the YouTube channel, which should be updated sometime this week.

This look was created using Australis
products. If you'd like to see a tutorial,
let me know in the comments.

And here is the
"flash photography" picture that was missing
from the video.
As you can see, for a face that looks so flawless under natural light,
 it's certainly not a great look when the flash illuminates it.

Today, I have a review for you. I've got a new way to achieve a flawless-looking face, and I've found some really awesome products to help me out with that. First is Australis Stayput Foundation, which is so smooth, medium-full coverage and feels like absolutely nothing on your skin! This stuff just stays and stays all day. I went out to work my butt off at Point Nepean on Thursday and after 10km of hiking and climbing, sweating and wiping my face, it stayed put. I'm really impressed with it.

Next, is their Ready set go finishing powder, a true translucent powder (HD powder) that sets makeup amazingly.

I loved both products, and put together a video review for you guys to watch.


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Go long! Brand new from Australis: long wearing lipstick.

This week I received an awesome package from Australis, containing their entire Go Long lipstick range!

They are long wearing (up to 10 hours!), kind and caring (with vitamin E, white tea leaf extract, rosehip oil, and mango butter) that feel really lovely and creamy on your lips, not sticky or dry like some long wear lipsticks can be.

I'll follow this up with some makeup looks and more in depth opinions next week, but I wanted to give you guys a look at these as soon as possible. Check out my video with first impressions and swatches of all 8 colours!



Fair disclosure: Australis sent me these products free of charge for my consideration. I am under no obligation to review them, but endeavour to give you guys accurate reviews of products that I genuinely enjoy and recommend.


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I'm with the band: How to smell like a rockstar (in a good way)!

 I am always really excited when I receive surprises in the mail, and when this one arrived, I was super-stoked. What could it be? It was a black box from Australis, with a pink ribbon.

I carefully untied the ribbon and lifted the top of the box and WOW! Brand new perfume sprays from Australis in wild new scents to suit the budding rockstar! As always, the packaging is pink and black, which I absolutely LOVE!

As for the scents, I really like them both.

"Get your rocks off" is a combination of berry, coconut, mango and apricot, a fruity scent that reminds me of summer.

"Wild at heart" is a fruity, flirty floral with touches of lily and violet, perfect for a day out at a music festival!

Here's the best part: Who wants one for FREE???

Right now when you make any online purchase from www.australiscosmetics.com.au, you get a free perfume spray! (subject to availability)

Alternately, you can find these at Priceline, Big W, K Mart and all awesome pharmacies.

Go try them out for yourself. at $4.49 RRP, you can't go wrong!

The awesome people at Australis cosmetics provided this product to me free of charge for my consideration and review. As always, my opinions are my own and I have not been paid for my review.

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March Favourites - with a twist!

This month I thought instead of posting favourite products, I'd shout out a few of my favourite brands of March 2013. I had quite a few favourites from a few different brands, so I figured it would be better to group them together for you.

So, without further ado, here they are, in no particular order:

Dove:

I particularly like their new pure antiperspirant, which they snet me to try out last week. As you all know, I've been working out like a maniac, trying to get in shape and build my stamina for Tough Mudder in September. A hard-training girl needs a hard working deodorant, and this one doesn't disappoint. I'm really pleased with its performance, and I'll continue to use it well into the future. It takes care of my skin at the same time! Multi-purpose products always get a really big thumbs up from me. Stay tuned for a proper review of this product next week.

Australis:

You guys know that I have a soft spot for Australis, because they were one of the first cosmetic brands I ever used, and because they are kind to animals, and they have really awesome products, all under $20 each. That's just a massive winning combination in my book, and the fact that their newest products dropped in March and are amongst my top picks EVER, meant that they HAD to be included in my favourites this month.First, we had the curve ink eyeliner, which is awesome. Then the bronzing primer, which is innovative and amazing, the pout pastes which rival most top end brands in colour payoff and stay-put-ness, and then there's their new perfume sprays, which I haven't reviewed yet, but are really lovely.

Australis are onto some really awesome new things. I'mm looking forward to seeing what's next for them.

 Lonvitalite:

So, about a year ago, I tried their 24K gold face mask, and I fell in love with it. At the time, they cost almost $60 for 5 masks, but I still thought that they were worth it.
Since then, more recently, they have reworked their entire business plan and not only are they far more easily available on their website, but they have more than halved the price (They are now less than $30 for 6 masks). They've also restructured everything and you can buy packs that have every eye, face and hand mask that they make for an unbelievable $20! I've bought so many of these masks in the last month, because I'm using them as a special reward when I have really good days in training.
I'm really pleased with the new Lonvitalite, and I really hope that the new plan is working for them, because I intend to continue purchasing their amazing products.



Essence:

I just discovered these guys when I was in Target the other day. I was surprised by the quality of their product for its amazingly inexpensive price tag (most of their products are in the$2-5 range).

I've tried out their concealer pen, eyeliners and eyeshadows, and I'm really impressed. I know you guys like a bargain, so get out there and have a look for essence products. You definitely won't be disappointed for the price.

 MAC:

My tried and trusted high-end brand. I've invested in a few more eyeshadows, some pencils, lipsticks and even a mascara, which MAC are not particularly praised for, but I really love my Plushlash mascara. It has an almost rubberised finish to it, and it lengthens, adds volume and generally fills out my lashes beautifully. It then doesn't run if I watch a chick flick and cry my eyes out, which is always a bonus.

My favourite day-to-day eyeshadow look right now consists of A wish come true from their "A tartan tale" collection, and Spectacle of yourself from their "Mega metals" collection.

I love MAC products and will continue to add to my collection as I'm able.

Last but definitely not least:

"What is this mix of brands?", you say? Well... this is my most favourite brand of all. Dollar Cosmetic Club!

Everything in this picture, brand name items, Lancome, Maybelline, L'Oreal, Rimmel, Revlon, all came from Dollar Cosmetic Club and they all cost me $1 each!
Yup, just a buck, for awesome brand name products. You've seen me review them before, so you know the deal and I've assured you of its legitimacy, so they definitely make my favourites list for March, because they had some really sweet deals that I took advantage of.

So, what was your favourite brand or product in March? Let me know in the comments section do that I can try it out too!

Australis Bronzing Primer!

Years ago, I had a Boots No7 product called "liquid sunshine, which was a liquid gold shimmer for all over use. It had these lovely little reflective bits in it that made my skin glow and I always looked so healthy. I've never been able to find a comparable product here in Australia...until now.

This week, Australis release their new bronzing primer, which is almost exactly the same effect! It gives you a hint of colour and a golden glow, even after you've applied your foundation.

In the picture below, you can see that i applied the primer only to my contour areas, and it's had a lovely overall effect on my makeup look. In the winter months, I intend to wear it all over instead of foundation on days when I don't want to wear a face full of makeup, but I still want some protection from the winter cold and wind.


This product is absolutely gorgeous, and a must have for every beauty-conscious makeup fan this season.

At $13.95, it's a total steal, especially considering it contains all the good stuff to keep your skin moisturised and protected from free radicals.

 Head over to www.australiscosmetics.com.au or into your local Priceline store and pick it up today!



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Australis Pout Paste: Review & swatches

 Yesterday I gave you guys my first impressions on the brand new Australis Pout Paste. Today, we'll have a closer look and see how it performs.

It comes in 3 different colours; Pash Me Pink, Berry Nice Kiss, and Love Bites. They are all super-pigmented and the colour really lasts. It's a sticky vinyl-sheen type of gloss feel, with the colour output and staying power of a lipstick!

Yesterday I compared them to OCC Lip Tar, and they really are very similar in their characteristics.

I do like that these ones have an applicator wand, though, and the fact that they are an aussie brand who are cruelty free is another couple of huge bonuses.

Unfortunately for my readers in the USA, I'm not 100% sure where/if you can get Australis products in the states, but try online, and see if you can find these. They're great value at $12.95AUD!

The colours in this picture from top to bottom are: Pash Me Pink, Berry Nice Kiss, and Love Bites.
You can see for yourselves how pigmented they are, and I didn't lay them on thick at all.

You can buy these online at www.australiscosmetics.com.au, or you can find a stockist near you on their website. I know that they are available at Priceline stores nationally.

First Impressions: Australis Pout Paste

I'll let the video do the talking for me today, stay tuned for a proper review of this product tomorrow!

An innovative approach to liquid liner from Australis!

Written with the Curve Ink Eyeliner.

Are you a beauty noob, too scared to attempt liquid liner? Are you a beauty professional, looking for an easier way to apply liquid liner, with a smooth and precise application method? Are you anywhere on the spectrum in between?

THIS PRODUCT IS FOR YOU.

This very recently released, awesome new, innovative product is Australis' brand new Curve Ink Eyeliner. And it's truly amazing.

You guys know I'm usually quite upbeat about products that I review, but I have never gone completely ga-ga over a product like this before.

I'm a regular liquid liner user, and I always get the feathery line where it gets stuck on my lashes or goes slightly off course. When I tried this one out, all I got was a line that went and stayed exactly where I put it.

Here's how it works:

The ergonomic design of the liner means that it fits perfectly into your "drawing" grip. This makes it instantly easier to control. It does require a little brain re-training if you're used to using a brush, but instantly it was easier to use.

The only thing I haven't shown here is the felt-tip that it has. It's a longer-style felt tip, with a perfect precision application every single time.

It's quick drying, smudge proof, long lasting and waterproof, yet removes very easily with makeup wipes. It's suitable for left or right hand application, is paraben free, and formaldehyde free.

Australis are 100% aussie, all of their products are under $20, and they don't test on animals! This liner in particular is $14.95. An absolute steal, for the amazing product that you get.

As far as I know, it's only available in black.

Here are the results that I achieved, my very first time using it.

It's so precise!

Right now when you shop online at www.australiscosmetics.com.au you get free shipping on orders over $50, AND a free mint condition lip gloss, valued at $8.95 with every online order (as at february, 2013. If you're reading this after February 2013, things may have changed on their site).

You can also find this little gem at Priceline (online only) at www.priceline.com.au

Product available week commencing 18 February, 2013

Here's a superquick tutorial I filmed for you guys:

Full Disclosure; the awesome people at Australis sent me this product for my consideration and review. They provided the product free of charge. My opinions, of course, as always, are completely my own.
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Gloss Goss: Katy's spring picks

It's no secret that I lovelovelove pink lipgloss. It forms an important part of my signature look. Here are some of my fabulous favourites for spring:

Natio Rich colour cream gloss in Happy is a deep, rich pink with a shimmery sparkle to it that really makes my lips pop!

BYS diamond shine gloss in Precious is an all-year-round favourite of mine that blends exactly to the natural colour of my lips to just give them a slightly deeper colour.

Benefit Posietint is a poppy-coloured lip and cheek tint in an almost salmon hue that I use for my lips and to give my cheeks a little boost when I don't want a blushed-up look.

Australis Plumptastic is for the times when I want a little boost in the fullness of my lips. It tingles and plumps up my lips while giving me a light pink tint.

MAC Dazzleglass in Smile is a lovely nude-ish salmon colour with a slight lustre to it, it was my very favourite lipgloss for many years, and has now fallen into my regular lineup all year round.

So there you go, my favourite pink lipglosses for spring!

What's your favourite gloss?

Most of these products were purchased by me, however, the Natio gloss was provided to me for review by the lovely people at Natio. My opinions are always my own, and it has earned its way into my favourites completely on its own merit.

Thursday Reviews: Australis Rush Hour Palette.

 In amongst my discount makeup haul the other day, I picked up this awesome Australis Cosmetics Rush Hour "Pinks on the go" Palette. It has everything you need to create colour on your face in one handy little compact. First, let me apologize for the state of my brows. Next Monday's how-to is DIY eyebrow waxing, and I'm leaving them just a little longer than I usually would, especially when I know they are going to be photographed!

So, let's have a look at this palette. It has a handy lip brush and sponge tip applicator included in the packaging, but you'll have to carry a blush brush along with your mascara for this one. Still, with everything else you need already in the compact, it takes up almost no space even in a handbag! The blush is a soft, creamy peach-pink, perfect for most skintones that would suit the rest of the palette. Then we have a quad of eyeshadows, which I've used all of in my makeup look below.

There is a very light, shimmery ice-pink, which I've used up to the brow bone, a dusty pink which I've used over the entire lid and blended in just above the crease, an almost-plum hue which looks lovely over the entire lid, and a brown, which I've used into my outer corners for a bit of depth. Overall, I think it's created quite a good look. To that, I added my usual combination of gel liner and pencil liner, and a super volumizing mascara, and I was all done with the eyes.

I applied the blush sparingly, as I don't like to go out all rouged-up, but it's definitely a product that you could build up if you wanted to create a more intense colour.

The tonings of this palette suit my complexion perfectly, so I'm really happy with my purchase.

Then it was onto the lips for a finishing touch. There are 2 lip glosses, in nude-pink tones, and a lipstick in this dusty pink colour that I've used in the makeup look. It went on really smoothly, and has lasted through eating and drinking several hours after I applied it. The bonus of it is that if I do need to reapply, it's all right there in my handbag, brush and all!

I'm really pleased with this palette. It's definitely something I'll use "on the go", as the name suggests, as well as at home on a regular basis. And here's the best part...the RRP on this little gem is $12.95... yes, that's not a typo. All Australis products retail for less than $20, a fact that they are very proud of. It means that everyone can afford great quality, animal friendly products from a well established (25 years!!!!) company with a great name.

Well done, Australis!