Tuesday, January 31, 2017

LUSH Valentine's Day Collection 2017


My partner was the first guy to gift me a hand made Valentine's Day card. V'day was never really a thing to me until I received my first handmade card! He made the day special for me, in a sense that I became more demanding and wanting hand made cards every Valentine's, Birthday and Christmas!!! What you see above with the beautiful Lush goodies are just a few cards my partner made for me :)

Unfortunately due to our now busy work schedule, handmade cards are rare... now we just give each other Lush!

Below are just a few of Lush's limited edition Valentine's Day Collection this year.


CUPID BATH BOMB $6.95

An opulent bath time bouquet of calming rose and bergamot. A fantastically floral fizzer is full of uplifting bergamot, rose and violet leaf absolute, and its subtle sweetness is sure to melt your heart as it melts into your bathwater.

My boyfriend had dibs on this! Every year I gift him more and more bath bombs, he loves them and I LOVE that he loves them!


LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU LOTS SOAP $6.95

This is a beautiful soap with rose petal infusion, rose oil, rose syrup and even fresh rose petals. Oh my goodness, this soap smells amazing, like roses and lollies. I have already used half of this soap, my skin always feel well nourished and smells divine after each wash.



THE KISS LIP SCRUB $9.95

This smoothing blend of fine sea salt, caster sugar and fair trade cocao butter will soften the skin and leave a delicious taste on the lips. A little almond and mandarin oil sweetens, and the edible hearts are just for enjoyment!

I have always loved Lush's lip scrubs, I've owned Mint Julips and Popcorn (the most delicious of all - I kind of started eating it rather than using it as an actual scrub.....). I am so excited that there are edible hearts in this lip scrubs, makes the product even more special!


THE KISS LIP GLOSS $9.95

Pucker up, this beauty is infused with fair trade shea butter from the Ojoba women's cooperative in Ghana. This soft hydrating butter will moisturise your lips while the Kalahari melon and organic jojoba oils add a touch of the exotic. Organic illipe oil and agave syrup to give a lovely slip and delicious shine to your lips.

This is more of a balm that will give you a gorgeous shiny and frosty lips. It's super moisturising due to the shea butter and lasts for hours. Your lips won't experience any post-balm dryness.

If you are keen on any of the above or would like to see further products from Lush's Valentine's Day collection range, click here or head in stores now!
*The products featured in this post were provided for editorial purpose.

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Simple Summer Look with Antipodes Cosmetics



I've never really thought about which season I like and which I didn't, I dislike the cold and gloomy days because I spend 75% of my working hours out of the office... yet at the same time I dislike the humid and stinking hot summers.

I don't think I need to tell you guys how much I love Antipodes right? It's a re-occuring brand on my blog, it's also a brand that I would buy/gift friends and familys. We all know Antipodes as a skincare brand, but Antipodes is expanding it's cosmetics range and I am beyond excited!!

Today I want to showcase an easy breezy summer look featuring the use of Antipodes Mineral Foundation, Natural Hair Kabuki Brush and lipsticks


ANTIPODES MINERAL FOUNDATION IN PALE PINK $39.95

- Hydrating, skin-perfect foundation features Vinanza Performance Plus to reduce facial flushing and earth minerals to help balance oil production
- This foundation is lightweight and suitable for all skin conditions including normal, oily, blemish-prone and rosacea.
-Dermatologically approved for Sensitive Skin*
- Available in 4 shades (01, pale pink, 02 light yellow, 03, medium beige, 04 Tan)
- SPF 17

MY VERDICT

This foundation was very impressive! It's finely milled and does not appear cakey following application. I was quite surprised that it did not significantly highlight or enlarge my pores like most other mineral foundation (I personally feel that if the powders are not finely milled it'll accentuate my pores).

The foundation provided a very natural coverage, I have been using it on no makeup, make up days. Despite my recently tanned skin, I was surprised that 01 Pale Pink was still workable (however I would probably now suit Medium Beige).

I love using this mineral foundation during this sweltering summer weather. My face won't melt off or feel unbreathable as I do when wearing liquid foundation.

Overall, giving this formula a two thumbs up!


ANTIPODES KABUKI BRUSH $29.95

- Natural hair
- Even and flawless application
- Soft natural hair (cruelty free, no animal was harmed in the making!)

MY VERDICT

An adorable and travel friendly brush, although this product was made from animal hair (I think it's goat hair?) however Antipodes assure their consumers that no animals were harmed!

This brush is the perfect size to grab all minerals from the lid. The bristles are natural so they are not as soft as synthetic brushes, so you may or may not like this brush based on personal preference. However, this brush performs quite well and provides an even application.

ANTIPODES LIPSTICK $31

- Available in 6 shades
- Nutrient rich avocado oil infused with lipstick
- Colour rich

MY VERDICT

The two shades I own are "Remarkably Red" which is not a true red, it has more of a purple undertone - this is my everyday go-to shade. The lipsticks are pigmented, smooth on application and fairly long lasting. I love the texture, it's not tacky, sticky or heavy, and sits feathery light on my lips. "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" is a stunning fuchsia, a colour I haven't been able to bring myself to wear!

The other thing that is worthy of mention is that these lipsticks are cruelty free without nasty chemicals so you won't need to be too concerned when you accidentally ingest some lippie on your lips!

VIDEO DEMO



*The products featured in this post were provided for editorial purposes, all opinions are my own.

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Sephora Showcase: Best of Sephora 2017



I have been lucky enough to attend the spectacular Sephora Showcase to check out the best in Sephora to be launched within the first half of this year. Some of the products are already on the shelves either at Sephora stores or online, others to be launched and it's worth the wait.

I personally noticed a boom in the natural and organic market, I suppose consumers are becoming more aware of what goes on our skin. Ok, so this is a really long post, so I won't keep you for any longer, lets start!


FARMACY


Farmacy is a natural skincare brand that is farmer cultivated and scientist activated. Their products contains naturally derived ingredients with no nasty chemicals. Farmacy have approximately 10 farmers working with them at the moment, growing and nurturing their key patent protected ingredient Echinacea Purpurea, Green Envy - containing the highest known concentration of potent natural antioxidant that helps to protect/firm the skin and normalises skin pigmentation. Farmacy also carry a few honey products!

Hero products includes Honey Potion, Honey Saviour and Sleep Tight Firming Balm




NEST FRAGRANCE

You probably have already seen NEST Fragrances in Sephora, there are already 7 gorgeous fragrances available in stores (if you haven't had a smell, do yourself a favourite and spray yourself with Nest next time you are at Sephora!). The newest edition is Black Tulip, key notes are Black Amber Plum, Pink Pepper and Japanese Violet. This is a provocative, seductive and alluring scent! I think you'd agree by looking at the beautiful art-work!



KAT VON D

Kat Von D needs no introduction. Let's get straight to it.

Kat's expanded her Lock It range, including more foundation shades, from the lightest light to the darkest dark, so all women of all colour are included. Inclusive in this range extension is Kat's Lock-It brightening powder and setting powder. I had a play with the brightening powder and it is the most wearable under eye powder for summer

If you watch Sephora on YouTube, you would've seen Kat's Pastel Goth Eyeshadow Palette, how crazy are the colours!? Don't fret, combined with Kat's new Alchemist Holographic Palette (triangle  shaped photographed below), every single shade in the Pastel Goth Palette will become ridiculously gorgeous and wearable.

I highly recommend everyone to go in store and swatch the Alchemist Holographic Palette once it launches in the next few months. Because the photos will not do this product justice, you gotta see it to believe it.




YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE

Youth to the People is a relatively new brand with 3 products (cleanser, serum and age prevention cream) launching in Sephora Australia. Imagine Superfood combined with Skincare. For those of you who cannot stand the taste of Kale... well...Youth to the People have included superfoods like Kale in their skincare, for you to use and not to taste! Believe me you will never know you are putting Kale based ingredients on your face, the products are barely scented.

Products are free from parabens, sulfates and phthalates.



TARTE COSMETICS

Lo and behold, Tarte has created a "Chill Out" line for the everyday women, those who want to work out and look good at the same time. Products include a waterproof mascara, tinted moisturiser, exfoliating stick and H2O moisturiser.

I couldn't resist but to take a shot of some of Tarte's popular palettes/makeup products, just look at them... urgh, my life is complete.





SEPHORA COLLECTION

If you are wondering what the most adorable collection is below, it's Sephora's limited edition Valentine's Day collection. Get your partner to get it for you, or buy it and gift it to yourself, because this collection is simply too adorable!

Other release coming to Sephora beauty includes charcoal micellar water, rouge tint collection and smoky eye stick eyeshadow.


ERNO LASZLO

I actually attended Erno Laszlo's cocktail party last year and did a post (click here) about their infamous double cleansing range, so I won't go into too much detail here. However, let me introduce to you Erno Laszlo's newest set: White Marble Collection. This collection works to illuminate and brighten the skin.

I had a play with the toner and it smelt/felt incredible! The back of my hand was so soft!



FIRST AID BEAUTY

First Aid Beauty, aka FAB (how good is that!?) is a simple yet effective skincare brand that will address common skin concerns with scientifically advanced formulas free from parabens and synthetic fragrances. FAB will treat your skin by providing both immediate relief and long term solutions, ideal for sensitive skin!

FAB's Ultra Repair Cream is their hero product, receiving 2016 Allure Best of Beauty Winner and have received countless positive feedback from women with sensitive skin.


GIVENCHY

Givenchy is an all time favourite stand to visit.

Their lipsticks are... I dare say, infallible and forever perfect/gorgeous. Their new release, Rouge Interdit lipsticks will leave you wanting more. I had a touch up by Givenchy's Makeup Artist, Ken at the event. The colour applied on me was No. 8 (the first lipstick from the right photographed) and it was just the most stunning purple pink shade I have seen in a long time. I'll have to hunt it down. The texture was creamy and non drying.


 SMITH & CULT

I have seen Smith and Cult ALL over Instagram, the founder of S&C Dineh Mohajer also created Hard Candy - WUT WUT!!! SHE IS AMAZING!! S&C is described as an expression of our unrefined thoughts and emotions - I love this idea so much! S&C's nail polishes are as gorgeous in photos as they are in real life. The bottles are HUGE! I couldn't believe the size until I saw them in real life.

Smith and Cult are bringing out more lip shades and eyeshadow quads!


ANTONYM

Antonym is a natural beauty range, free from nasty chemicals and is cruelty free. All products are either certified organic or certified natural with eco friendly packaging. Antonym carries a brush set, where the handles are made from bamboo, their products are absolutely beautiful.

I am taken away by their baked highlighters (which can also be used as a blush/all over illuminating powder). I honestly cannot wait for this to hit the shelves!



ZOEVA

Zoeva is launching 5 new lip and face brushes - a makeup artist's dream - to go along with their new brow collection, including a highlighter and brow sculpt as well as the most affordable mascara that can be layered (it will retail in Sephora AU for approximately $15-20).

Another new to Sephora product I need to mention is their face highlight/sculpting squads (photographed below) based on seasons! Imagine a bluey-silver highlighter, cosmic!



IT COSMETICS

I have two IT Cosmetics concealers and I love them both for my under eye area. It's the only brand I'd use for my under eyes on special occasions because the coverage is phenomenal.

There are 4 new products from It Cosmetics.

- Je ne sais quoi face palette
- Bye bye under eye eye cream
- Bye Bye Pores Primer
- Superhero eyeshadow palette

I am most excited about Bye Bye Pores!


THE BASE BY LARA BINGLE

If you are not familiar with this brand, The Base by Lara Bingle is a collection of the ultimate bronzing and tanning products to achieve a natural, safe and healthy golden glow.

The line also includes cosmetics (i.e., cheek to face tint, bronzing makeup base and LB cream which is like a tinted moisturiser).



MAKEUP FOREVER

Exciting times for Makeup Forever lovers, they are extending their already incredible Ultra HD range by including a powders and boosters.

I am quite focused on my brows lately, and the Express your Brows range caught my attention, bringing us a new brow liner to define with buildable application and brow gel, a tinted brow groomer!

Makeup Forever won't neglect your lips, releasing the most intensely pigmented range, Artist Acrylips. Working with Jessie J to bring you rich, bold, textured and highly pigmented lip paints.



PER-FEKT

Per-fekt is a new brand to me and possibly to you as well! The founder of Per-fekt is Richard Anderson, a leading entrepreneur, who has successfully launched some of today’s leading beauty brands including Yves Saint Laurent and Bobbi Brown Essentials.

Per-fekt is developed for time-poor women who want more multi-tasking products on the market save time during application (ME ME ME!). Per-fekt offers multi-functional products that are quick and easy to apply, long-lasting, and offer an alternative to traditional beauty products.

Hero products includes Liquid Gold, Lip Per-fekt Hydrating Balm and Skin Perfection Gel.


DR JART

Dr Jart is a high performing Korean brand, I remember seeing them at the last Sephora Showcase in mid 2016. I received a sample of a whitening cream. Mum is into whitening, I gave her the pot to try and she loves it so much that she would only wear it on special occasions.

This time Dr Jart brings another high performing product, called Rubber Mask. You apply the creamy serum, followed by the rubber mask that is actually made from seaweed (I know, what!). The back of my left hand was tested and it felt incredibly soft afterwards.


BEAUTY BLENDER

Beauty Blender is 15 today! Happy Birthday Beauty Blender :)

What a great achievement and milestone! To celebrate the birthday, BB brought a limited edition shade. Reminds me of a pale cherry blossom!


COMMODITY

Commodity was another brand I was introduced to at the last Sephora Showcase, I received a cocktail their fragrances and my favourites were Rain and Book.

Commodity is bringing out some new scents, I also heard that 2-3 scents will be made into candles (Book is one of them!).


BECCA

Becca has really made it's mark in the beauty industry with their AMAZING highlighters.

Two of the most exciting products from Becca to launch is First light priming filter which is a primer Soft light blurring powder. I *shamefully* do not own any Becca in my collection, this will need to change!


ESTELLE AND THILD

A brand I was introduced to at the last Sephora Showcase, I LOVE their serum. All their products are certified organic by EcoCert. I learned the story behind Estelle and Thild today, the founder, Pernilla Ronnberg did not feel comfortable using any skincare on her two little ones (Estelle and Thild) so she created her own skincare line that is safe for the skin. Estelle and Thild became an instant success throughout Scandinavia and I can see why!


JUNE JACOBS

June Jacobs is a beautiful natural brand.

They are releasing something special for frequent travellers.

Yes! Travel friendly masques!! I have a trip planned in June and you guessed it. June Jacobs is coming with me in it's travel friendly, beauty to go packaging.


ARCONA

Arcona wow-ed me, it's a high performing natural brand, their products are infused with  enzymatic-based ingredients such as high concentrations of antioxidants, plant lipids and extracts, sea vegetables, essential oils, vitamins and minerals.

The one product that really caught my eyes was Magic Black Ice which is considered as a peel and a mask. This product contains Icelandic volcanic sand which physically exfoliates and acts as a magnet to attract congestion and excess oil. As well as black lava and charcoal to purify.



COVER FX

Need I say more?! Just look at the swatches! (It's unedited, unfiltered and 100% untouched!)

3 new shades guys!! From Top to Bottom: Blossom. Rose Gold and Halo.

YOU NEED THIS.



MARC JACOBS

Marc Jacobs is a lover of colour, launching a range of colour lip and eye products.

Marc found that there are many liquid lipsticks on the market, however none nourishing and moisturising on the lips. So he created a semi liquid lip "Liquid Lip Cream". True to colour, matte and of course, non-drying and highly hydrating.

For those who are prefer to stay away from colour, Marc Jacobs offers beautiful glossy nude lipsticks. To top off any lipstick, there is also the hi-shine lip lacquer,  more pigmented than your usual lippie and perfect to wear alone.

For eyes, there's the Highliner, for those who love a pop of colour around the eyes. It's a gel liner so the formula glides on pigmented and perfectly.






There were a few brands I didn't get around to, unfortunately my time management skills (usually excellent) wasn't too great when I get lost in the world of beauty and missed out on visiting a few brands, these includes NUDESTIX, CAOLION, STUDIO 10, MURAD, ALTERNA, OUAI and BLITHE.

Believe me I was hard at work and barely ate. Expect the all of the above to be out between February to June 2017.

Is there anything in particular you are excited about for this first half of launches at Sephora this year?
*Lily not Louise was invited to Sephora Showcase as a guest. A massive thanks to Sephora and One Day Dream for hosting such a spectacular event!

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