Review and tutorial: Models Prefer Professional Classic Smoky Eye Compact

I picked up this little gem for just $7 in Priceline's big end of financial year sale, and it is now one of my go-to products when it comes to choosing an all over face look. You can dress it up, make it dark for a night out on the town, or stick to the lighter colours for daytime looks.

The compact includes 3 different eyeshadow shades, perfect for creating a gorgeous smoked eye look, a mascara in black, a highlighter and blush, and a nude lipstick which I absolutely adore.

For a closer look, and a tutorial on how to create a really pretty smokey look with this palette, watch the video below!

Nanoblur: 10 years younger in 40 seconds? Review.

I received a sample of Nanoblur in my bellabox this month, and I was dubious. Their promise to make me look 10 years younger with this stuff seemed a little far-fetched.  The only way to find out is to try it, so I did....and here's a little video of what I thought.

There is no digital editing of any of the pictures in the video, with the exception of the thumbnail image.

Let me know if you like this style of video, or if you prefer the talking-tutorial kind of videos.

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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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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.

Review: Lush Colour Supplement - Jackie Oates

On my last trip to the always-yummy-scented Lush, I decided to check out their new Emotional Brilliance cosmetics range. I was actually looking more for their amazing highly pigmented colour products, but one little gem caught my eye and I just had to check it out for myself.

Now, you need to keep in mind that I generally use MAC foundation, which I consider(ed) to be the best of the best in cosmetics for everyday use. I have to tell you that I've ditched my Matchmaster foundation in favour of Lush Jackie Oates colour supplement. I absolutely lovelovelove this product and I use it every single time I apply makeup now. It's the perfect neutral shade. I'm generally a little bit on the pink side, so yellow-based foundations make me look sick, and pink-based foundations tend to bring out the redness in my skin that little bit more.

As you can see here in my picture, it provides a lovely full coverage base, and when applied with a kabuki brush and set with a pressed powder to finish, it gives a lovely airbrushed look without too much effort.

If you wanted a more casual, everyday look, you can mix it with your favourite day moisturiser and turn it into a BB Cream! It's really, really versatile. Build it up over blemish-prone areas, or dress it down with simple application techniques.

The best part about this product is the price. At $17.95, this is the best value-for-money product I've used. Even if Jackie Oates isn't for you, colour-wise, there are 4 other colour supplements to choose from!


You can pick up Lush colour supplements in Lush stores or at www.lush.com.au


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Review: Lon Vitalite crystal whitening and moisturising hand mask

 In February's Lust Have It box, we were treated to this gorgeous Lon Vitalite crystal whitening and moisturising hand mask.

I've used some of their facial products in the past, so I was really excited to try this out, and did so as soon as I'd taken photos of the box and the goodies inside.

They basically look like cloth gloves soaked in goop, like a cloth face mask for your hands. The "goop" (that's the technical term for it!) is really cooling and calming to the skin, and I felt the benefit of that as soon as I put them on.

The instructions say to leave them on for half an hour, but I only managed about 20 minutes before my hands were needed for extremely important child demands. Nevertheless, I saw a vast improvement in the softness and hydration of the skin on my hands, and the skin seemed brighter after I used it.

I really loved it, and I'll be on the lookout for more. They are available from www.lonvitalite.com
Just be aware of their flat rate for shipping of $10.00, so if you go just looking to buy the $4.50 hand masks, they are going to end up costing you $14.50. My advice is to get together with some friends and share the shipping, or do what I did and order a few things to make it more worthwhile.

Their shipping is superfast (by courier) and if you're lucky, you might even find a couple of free samples with your order!













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Bellabox February 2013 Review.

The last couple of months have been a little bit disappointing with bellabox, so I was pleased to find that this month I got the "best" box. They run 4 different boxes, with some products the same in every box, and some different ones that are supposed to be selected based on our preferences of skintype, etc on our bellabox profiles.

So...what was in mine?

NUXE HUILE PRODIGIEUSE There is a reason this multipurpose oil is a French favourite. Giving intense nourishment for face, body and hair without a greasy after-touch, the sweet scented oil will become your favourite too. 50ml RRP $24.95 available at bellabox.com.au

SALLY HANSEN COMPLETE SALON MANICURE No time for a salon mani? No stress! Achieve the at-home quality trifecta: a gel-like shine finish, fast and easy application and chip resistance. Enjoy your choice of three shimmering shades: Mermaids Tail, Golden Rule and Shoot the Moon. 14.7ml RRP $14.95 available at Priceline and selected pharmacies

JOHN FRIEDA FRIZZ-EASE DREAM CURLS CURL PERFECTING SPRAY  Want sexy waves that last? Turn to Frizz Ease. A few spritzes will help to hold pre-styled curls, or add definition and extra waves to naturally curly locks. Time to confidently flick your stunning mane around in front of your main squeeze! 198ml RRP $16.99 available at Coles, Woolworths, Priceline, Target and selected pharmacies nationally

BATISTE DRY SHAMPOO  Batiste is back in their new pretty in pink packaging – we guarantee it’ll be the new love of your life next time you need fresh locks fast! 150ml RRP $9.95 available at supermarkets and pharmacies

U SKIN SOLUTIONS CLEAN AND GO EXFOLIATING GEL CLEANSER This two in one cleansing and exfoliating solution is perfect for keeping pores clear and clean. Calendula, antibacterial tea-tree oil and super fine bamboo beads leave your skin feeling soft and smooth! 125ml RRP $30.95 available at bellabox.com.au

BANANA BOAT SPORT SPF 30+ It’s still summer, so make sure you are taking extra care to look after your skin with the Banana Boat range. It’s a must for essential skin care! 200g RRP $14.99 available at grocery retailers, pharmacies and convenience outlets

All in all, I'm pleased with what I received. With the nail polish in full size, and priced at $14.95, I basically paid for it and got everything else for free.

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Review Thursday: Samantha Chapman Real Techniques stippling brush

I picked up this brush when I went into my local beauty supply store for nail polish remover and files. I just really liked the aesthetic of it.

For those of you who don't know what it is, a stippling brush is awesome for application of pretty much any base product; foundations, blushes, highlighters, whether they are cream or powder.

This one is a duo-fibre brush, with a really dense head of shorter bristles, and the perfect amount of longer, finer, softer bristles.

I don't ever apply cream products with a brush because I just never got the hang of it, so I have had lots of success with powders using this brush. It really buffs the powder on beautifully and gives you a perfect finish.

The last two benefits of this brush are simple, yet unusual for a brush of this quality. First, it has a flat end, so you can load it up with powder and sit it up on the counter so that you don't lose any product if you need to put the brush down for any reason.

Last of all is the price. You won't find a better brush for ten bucks anywhere.
You can find it here: http://realtechniques.com/shop-collection/your-finish-perfected/stippling-brush

What's your favourite cosmetics brush?

Review: December 2012 bellabox!

Ok...before I start this review properly, I have to say that we were led to believe the the December box would be epic and filled with colour (makeup) products. And though that is technically true and they have included a product here that retails for $110, I have to say that the remainder of the box is somewhat disappointing.

The box well and truly paid for itself with the one special product and it's a really good opportunity to pick up the makeup kit for next to nothing if you want it, but for beauty bloggers like myself who like to see different products in usable sized samples that we can try out and tell you guys all about, there really isn't much to show you this month.

So... enough whinging about a box I only paid $15 for. Let's get down to the nitty gritty.

Inside, I found:

Allegra Rhodes hand and nail cream, 5ml (regular sized product 175ml RRP $32.95)
It smells good, and is Red Lychee scented.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Flawless Finishing Cream, 30ml (regular sized product 113g RRP $16.99
This will come in handy for my crazy hair. It's a good sized sample that I'll be able to get some decent use out of before I review it for you guys.

EmerginC Multi fruit Cleanser and Protocell Cream 3ml each (regular sized product 240ml RRP $55 (cleanser) and 50ml RRP $119 (protocell cream))
i've used products from this company before, and they're great, but tiny sample will probably be a one use thing and it's really hard to form an opinion on one use.

Compeed blister pad, single (regular sized product size unspecified, RRP $11.95)
This feels like an afterthought. Without knowing how many of these you get for $11.95, it's really hard to know whether they are value for money or not. However, for anyone who has ever had a blister...the benefits of relief from that are pretty priceless.

and last of all....the big product:

Savoir Fair limited edition makeup kit, full sized product, RRP $110
Ok, ok... it's pretty awesome, and the retail price of it makes the box seem really awesome. I got the winter toned kit, and as you can see below, it's full of makeup essentials. The packaging is nice and it has a really great sized mirror inside the lid. Would I pay $110 for it? Hell no. For that sort of price, I would expect full sized products inside.The lipgloss is quite decent sized, around the size of an OCC liptar, and the eyeshadow pans are small normal sized, but the baby-sized mascara, eyeliner and blush are a major disappointment for someone who already has a decent makeup kit.
HOWEVER, for the makeup noob, this is a really amazing kit, and it has most of the essentials to start creating makeup looks, along with some cool cards stashed away in the lid, under the mirror, to help you figure out how it's done. The main problem with this is that makeup noobs generally don't want to shell out over a hundred bucks to get their first bit of makeup, no matter how nice it is.

So...I'm not sure if I just did my first ever negative review, but I still see some positives in this box, and will continue my beauty sampling journey with bellabox in 2013, because they work really hard and produce great sample boxes.

Oh... and just for something really cool... I'm giving away my Savoir Faire makeup kit in the Christmas giveaway!!!!
This is something I'd decided to do before I got my hands on the kit, so I'm sticking with my decision, and now all I have to do is figure out what you guys are going to have to do to win ALL THE THINGS!

What do you think of the box? I know it sounds like I'm whiney and ungrateful, and I assure you this is not the case, just trying to look at the box critically for the review. I still think it's AMAZING that bellabox included such an awesome product.

Thursday review: Skinmiso Pore Beauty Nose Packs

 In my bellabox this month, I received a trial pack of Skinmiso nose packs (enough for one use), and because it's a Korean product, and the trend in Korea is for porcelain skin, I was keen to get a look at this product and see how it performed.
So it's basically a two step process, with a little bit of exfoliation in between. You put on mask number 1 for 10 minutes, remove it and use the stick-thingee to exfoliate and remove excess sebum, and then use mask number two for 10 minutes, remove it and rub in the extra goop that it leaves on your face.

The verdict? I am immediately heading to www.bellabox.com.au to order a full size product (10 sets). It has left my skin looking and feeling like silk, and I'm truly amazed at the results!

step two

step one

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Review Thursday: Exciting new products from Innoxa!

It's not often that I get all excited about a foundation and primer, but when I got my hands on these ones and tried them out, I did a little bit of a happy dance. You can find them at David Jones, Myer, Priceline, Terry White Chemists, My Chemist, Chemist Warehouse and leading pharmacies nationally.






First, let's start with the primer. Innoxa Pure silk skin primer is a really superlight formulation, almost a gel consistency, and clear in colour. I almost expected it to feel like water on my skin, but it really feels like smoothing a layer of silk over your face. I have some very high end products that cost a fortune, and do roughly the same thing. I'd even go as far as to say that this product is better, at half the price.
The primer provides a gorgeous, smooth, silky base for your foundation, and if you're a primer user (like most girls should be) this is definitely well trying. You won't look back.



Then the foundation. I am a big fan of high end foundations, and I've tried just about every awesome $70 foundation there is to try. Innoxa Long Lasting foundation is amazing. It's my new favourite base product. Its anti-ageing, light-reflecting. 16 hour lasting formula really does what it says it will do. I even (naughty, I know) fell asleep last night after a party with my makeup still on and woke this morning with a perfect face of makeup still applied. A good base makes all the difference when it comes to things like your colour products smudging, migrating, or wearing off altogether. Even my eyeliner (which sometimes moves into the outer corners of my eyes and smudges) was still exactly where I'd put it almost 24 hours earlier!
If you're looking for a new foundation to try, and you're in the market for something really awesome, save the extra money you'd spend of a really fancy product and get into a store (specified at the top of this post) to pick up this foundation. You won't regret it. At $29.95 it's a total steal, and I will definitely be replacing this product again and again. It's earned a place in my makeup staples.

These products were provided for review by the lovely people at Innoxa. As always, my opinions are my own.

PS...I really, truly love these products!

Thursday Review: Bioderma Sebium range

In my September bellabox, I was lucky enough to receive a couple of awesome products from french brand Bioderma.

Both samples were reasonably small, but looks can be deceiving, and I've found enough product in the 2 little samples to keep me going for several days.