Saturday, April 29, 2017

Essence My Must Haves, I Love Colour Primer and Volume Stylist Lash Extension Mascara Review


Ladies and gents, I have been a bit of a couch potato lately and watching the entire season of 13 Reasons Why, Iron Fist... and was hooked on Salem

Believe me, Essence's new range is just as addictive.

Left to Right: Raspberry Frosting

ESSENCE MY MUST HAVES

This is a fabulous palette that you can refill with the shades YOU love! You can customise 4 or 8 shadows (yes an 8 palette is available!) via a selection of 20 whopping eyeshadow shades to chose from as well as five blushes and three lip powders (included: a pink lip base for the lip powder, a highlighter and a bronzer as well as fixing powder).

The wear time of the shadows is approximately 5 hours and slightly longer with a base. My favourite is Raspberry Frosting - I never thought I would ever use a pink eyeshadow! But I love a touch of pink on my lids. One thing I need to note, the glitter resides on the top layer of the shadow, not throughout the entire shadow, I wish it did!

Peach Party is more of a highlighter base shade, it's beautiful to wear alone on the lids or as a highlighter on the cheeks.

Black as a Berry is a great crease or liner shade, I do tend to lean towards deep purple shades on my lids.

Single shadows are $3.05 a pop, love them!


ESSENCE I LOVE COLOUR EYE PRIMER

I don't usually use primers, it's a step that I ALWAYS forget, however I did feel that this primer did extend the longevity of my shadows beyond 5 hours (I'd say approximately 6-6.5?) and it did slightly enhance the colour intensity.

This primer is creamy easy to blend and fast drying, if you have discoloured lids, this primer will help with simple colour corrections.

Due to my mornings being time-poor, I feel that I will reserve this product to being used for the weekend and events!

ESSENCE VOLUME STYLIST LASH EXTENSION MASCARA

Oh how I wanted to love this mascara! This mascara contains soft lengthening fibers that does not fall off my lashes and into my eyes like the conventional short thick and straight fibers you'd find in mascaras.

This mascara did lengthen my lashes and made them look longer and fluffier. I recommend users to twirl the mascara wand whilst it is still in the bottle to ensure fibers are grasped by the wand.

I love the shape of the wand, it's relatively thin - therefore able to reach hard to reach places, with longer bristles around the centre of the wand and thinner towards the outer. Brilliant design.

I have worn this mascara on several occasions, for short term this mascara is good, however it does not hold curls of my naturally straight lashes - which is OK given not many non-waterproof/non-tubular mascaras can. However when I wore this for longer than a 5-6 hour period (I do have watery eyes so it really put mascaras to the test) and I experienced some smudging to my lower lids.

VIDEO DEMO



Friday, April 28, 2017

Shu Uemura Play Date Full Face Look and Review


I had a big day of shopping and high tea with my lovely mother on Saturday - I don't know how people can spend the entire day in the shopping centre without getting a headache! The lights are so sharp. A couple of weekends ago, my partner and I were lucky enough to have been chauffeured to Richmond and Katoomba for a foodie filming session, I of course, wore Shu ;)


SHU UEMURA PLAY DATE - WATER SLIDE BLUE

A very simple limited edition palette with childhood-inspired shades in metallic and pearl texture. The case is reusable and can fit 3 other pressed eye shadow refill shades and 1 glow on cheek blush.

The pressed shadow shades are Dark Purple, Aqua and Soft Purple. The blush is Pink Shimmer.

The eyeshadow shades are quite pearlescent - especially the lighter shades. The texture is creamy and easy to blend. Pigmentation wise, the shades are true to the colour you see. As for wear time, it would last for about 4-5 hours, I find lighter shades to have shorter wear time. It's a pricey little palette, but if you are a shu lover and enjoy pastel shades, this may be something for you to consider.


SHU UEMURA DRAWING PENCIL - PINK

This pencil is perfect to draw on your face or as an eyeliner, it's very creamy, very pigmented, does not transfer, true to it's colour and best of all... WATERPROOF!

The pink remained on my lids for a whooping 14 hours, a lot of blinking, watery-eyes business and eye rubbing after naps. It's damn sturdy, however it was relatively difficult to remove and required makeup remover.

SHU UEMURA ROUGE UNLIMITED SHEER SHINE - GUILTY CHERRY

A very pigmented and smooth lipstick. When applied generously, it will give you a beautiful deep maroon look. I have been using lipstick as a tint (see video), giving me a true "just bitten" look. The tint is very long lasting, non-drying on application and survived my first meal. I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome, this is definitely a keeper!

Although it is non-drying on application, I would still recommend for users to top it off with a lip balm. It's "non-drying" but it's not the most moisturising either.


VIDEO DEMO



*Products featured were provided for editorial purposes.

Sunday, April 23, 2017

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Gel and Revive Candle


 With Mother's Day not far off, Aromatherapy Associates have just the treat!

Revive Body Gel is a beautiful citrus scented body gel  with refreshing and invigorating powers of grapefruit, rosemary and juniper to even out skin tone and texture to maintain a healthy micro-circulation.

This product is excellent when massaged into the skin to help improve the appearance of cellulite and enhances tone/texture.

Massage this product into your skin on a daily basis focusing on areas such as hips thighs stomach, ankles and feet. I find this gel to be truly luxurious! At $72 a pop, it is not cheap, there is an area on my thighs with slightly uneven skin tone and I have seen very small improvements in the skin texture due to good hydration provided by the body gel. I feel that you might need to finish the entire tube in order to see effects on cellulite.


Above is one of the Joyful Aromatherapy Candle from it's set, it comes in a set of 3. The Revive Candle (photographed) will awake your senses, Indulgence will uplift your mood and Relax will bring you calmness and serenity.


*Products featured were provided for editorial purposes

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

DECIEM Hylamide Photography Foundation Review



ABOUT DECIEM HYLAMIDE PHOTOGRAPHY FOUNDATION
  • Nano fractions of silica-based prisms create light confusion to reduce the looks of visible lines and pores immediately without looking like traditional makeup, while creating a perfect backdrop to highlight facial features.
  • Ultra-advanced super-fine hue correctors blackout unwanted tones in real life while creating the look of angular shadows.
  • Adds discreet golden glow instantly for a visibly radiant, healthy-looking skin
  • Super light, oil free biotechnology complex to provide hydration
  • Can be applied over or mixed with foundation or used alone for a natural look


MY VERDICT

  • I was quite confused as to the purpose of this product when I first saw it, a white foundation!? Once I started using the product I realised this is an incredibly versatile product.
  • When used alone (I recommend to try this on a good skin day) it hides imperfections and gives you a beautiful healthy glow (a golden sheen) and it does colour correct, however it will not conceal larger blemishes.
  • As a primer, I found it to work quite well, I did notice some foundation sliding off my nose after a long day, however it does not clog pores. I did notice my pores to minimise some what due to the reflective particles, however it was not completely diminished and still visible.
  • If you are looking for a glowy base, mix it with your foundation. Some people are using this as a highlighter, I can see how it can work but I don't think it'll work on my skin tone, but I think it would act as an amazing highlighter on darker skin tones.
  • The product itself is not oily and possess more of a matte and smooth texture that is easily to blend.
  • I have read a lot of mixed reviews, I think it may be because the product is so versatile and you need to try all the methods to determine which best suits your skin.
Can you see the sheen especially around the wrist area?

While this is not a video demo, but I did use DECIEM's Hylamide Photography Foundation in the video below.

Disclaimer: Product provided for editorial purposes.

Monday, April 17, 2017

White Glo Deep Stain Remover Activated Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste Review


Yellow teeth is not a stranger to me, depending on what I have been eating and drinking my teeth can go pretty yellow... and it doesn't help that I have olive skin!

I have been obsessed about everything charcoal lately and was excited when I found White Glo at my door.


ABOUT WHITE GLO

White Glo Deep Stain Remover Activated Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste is an advanced extra-strength whitening toothpaste that has been formulated to remove deep stains and discolouration. It is formulated with highly absorbent activated charcoal to trap colour particles and to help penetrate and draw out stubborn stains. The low-abrasion formula with nano-charcoal technology assures it is safe on enamel and protects against cavities.

PRICE: $5.99 per pack

HOW TO USE
  1. Use daily to replace your ordinary toothpaste.
  2. Brush thoroughly with the bonus toothbrush twice a day or as directed by your dentist.
  3. Electric toothbrush users can also use this toothpaste
INGREDIENTS

Calcium Carbonate, Aqua (Water), Silica, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Silica, Aroma (Flavour), Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Carboxymethyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Charcoal, Sodium Saccharin, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Cetylpyridinium Chloride 0.05% w/w and Sodium Monofluorophosphate 0.76% w/w.



MY VERDICT

-
I have been solely using this toothpaste for several weeks now. This is my first time trying a charcoal toothpaste, the paste itself is grey in colour and when brushed, the foam is white as per any other toothpaste.
- This toothpaste lathers up really well, and I dare say, better than some of the other toothpastes I have tried.
- I have tried White Glo products before, some of it worked on me, some of it didn't. I feel that I am on the fence with this product, some days it works really well, other days my teeth remains yellow... but I will always see a nice shine to my teeth following use.
- I am unsure whether I would purchase this particular product, I feel that some of the other White Glo toothpastes worked more effectively on me. One thing that is really appealing is the toothbrush and dental stick inclusions!


Disclaimer: This product was provided for editorial purposes

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Bioderma Sebium Range Review + Video Demo


I have been watching various YouTube videos on the "French" routine, beautiful skin with natural looking makeup to enhance facial features.

Skin is exceptionally important for French women, it makes sense, when my skin feels good, it really doesn't matter whether my foundation is budget or high end.

Today we look at Bioderma's Sebium range, if you want to skip the review and watch the demo only, skip to the video at the end of the post.


BIODERMA SEBIUM H2O PURIFYING CLEANSING MICELLE SOLUTION



  • Gently cleanses and removes make-up without drying out the skin
  • Purifies the skin and regulates sebum quality
  • Offers an immediate sensation of freshness
  • This product is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, contains no colouring agents and non-rinse.
  • Suitable for Combination, oily or blemished skin
  • Available in a 100 ml, 250ml and 500ml bottle, also available in 500ml reversed pump bottle (photographed)


  • MY VERDICT
    • This reverse pump bottle is GENIUS, you can now clean your face with a cotton pad and use micellar water with one hand.
    • The micellar water itself is gentle, non-irritating and easy to use around the eyes/removing non-waterproof eye makeup.
    • I was able to remove my entire face of makeup with a few pumps on a single cotton pad (see video at the end of the post).
    • I have always been a fan of Bioderma's micellar water, this one is no exception. The reverse bottle though... my god... I can't even describe my excitement when I saw it!


    BIODERMA SEBIUM PURIFYING CLEANSING FOAMING GEL



  • Gently cleanses and purifies
  • Limits sebum secretion
  • Keeps pores from becoming clogged
  • Guarantees good skin and eye tolerance
  • This product is soap-free cleansing base, contains no colouring agents, soap and paraben free, non-drying, non comedogenic and hypoallergenic
  • Suitable for Combination or oily skin
  • Available in 100ml and 200ml tube; 200ml and 500ml pump bottle.


  • MY VERDICT
    • This gel cleanser lathers beautifully (see video!), I have tested it around my eyes and it did not irritate the eye area.
    • Following the wash my skin felt clean and non-drying, however I did need to re-hydrate my skin as I do have dry to combination skin that is ALSO dehydrated and I occasionally experience break-outs (more so in the past couple of weeks).
    • This is a good cleanser, however very similar to some of the other gel foaming cleansers I have previously used.


    BIODERMA CORRECTIVE CARE FOR ENLARGED PORES

    • Designed to tightens pores, smoothes and refines skin texture
    • Lastingly matifies, prevents blemishes and preserves the skin's natural radiance
    • Spreads out easily with a powdery effect, excellent to use as a makeup primer
    • Great for combination, oily or blemished skin
    • Hypoallergenic and paraben-free
    • Tube 30 ml

    MY VERDICT
    • The amount of pores I have on my face were minimised after my recent skin treatment, however they are still visible without makeup, especially to the right cheek. This product acted as a great matifying agent on my nose (it's really the only part of my face that gets oily). I haven't noticed any pore minimising effects as of yet. However I feel that it does work as a good primer, especially for those with oily skin.

    BIODERMA INTENSIVE PURIFYING CARE



  • Fantastic for acne-prone skin, biologically eliminates pimples and blackheads and limits scarring
  • Clears up the skin, instantly soothes and can be used under make-up.
  • Non-comedogenic, paraben-free, hypoallergenic
  • Tube 30 ml

  • MY VERDICT
    • This is a good moisturiser for those with oily skin, it feels a little bit too dry for me with some of it rolling off my face. I experienced a slight cooling sensation? Which was nice!
    • I can't comment on whether the product eliminates pimples and luckily I don't have blackheads! I personally feel that this is not the right moisturiser for me, but will suit those with oily and acne prone skin.
    • I must say that my skin did look pretty good after the entire skincare routine (see video below)

    VIDEO DEMO

    Disclaimer: The products featured in this post were provided for my consideration.

    Sunday, April 9, 2017

    OPI Fiji Launch @ Bondi Surf Bather's Life Saving Club


    I recently had the pleasuring of being present at the launch of OPI's Fiji collection, a range of beautiful tropical shades that suits every occasion. The event took place at Bondi Surf Bather's Life Saving Club, it was a windy afternoon, but nothing like a Fiji launch by the beach!


    With 12 stunning shades in this collection you won't run out of options. We were treated to manicures at the event alongside a wonderful traditional Fijian dance performance. The beautiful flora made me feel like I was actually in Fiji (or ready for a Fijian holiday!!!).

    The 3 photos below captures the newest shades launched.





    Photographed above is the manicure stations, I had such a difficult time picking out my colours and eventually settled for some pastel shades that I wouldn't usually wear.

    The pretty lilac shade is Suzi without a Paddle, the accent nail is called Polly wants a Lacquer?

    How pretty are the two colours!!! They work so well together :)




    An event post is never an event post without some food photos. We were treated to Coconut cocktails and yummy canapés!


    Disclaimer: Lily not Louise attended this event as a guest of OPI

    Friday, April 7, 2017

    Lush Easter Collection 2017


    Easter is our favourite time of the year, chocolate and bunnies what could be better!? Oh... to top things off, don't forget about the public holidays. It's been a while since we had a public holiday so this is well deserved!

    This Easter, Lush brought out products to suit the jolly season. Keep reading to find out more!


    LUSH CHOCOLATE LIP SCRUB $9.95 for 25g


    If you love Jaffa, you will LOVE this lip scrub. Popcorn lip scrub was on the top of my list for a long time, I think this Chocolate lip scrub is topping the chart. A delicious sugary scrub with an added choco-orange experience on your lips. This will definitely satisfy chocoholic cravings.


    CHOCOLATE EASTER EGG SOAP $6.95 per 100g

    Chocolate soap!? This is not a dream! Your skin (and your bathroom) will love you and this soap infused with lemon oil and vegan white chocolate. I've had this soap in the bathroom for a while and my entire bathroom smelt like chocolate, vanilla and citrus. Following use, my skin felt extremely nourished and my skin smelt amazing!


    WHICH CAME FIRST? (SPOTS) $9.95

    My bathbomb arrived a little bit banged up so I wasn't able to take it out of it's packet! I did however poured the remaining bits and pieces in the bath and let me tell you it was Easter wonderland in a bath with Sicilian lemon and grapefruit oil waters. How else to celebrate your Easter?!



    CHICK N MIX $11.95

    This is a super cool bath bomb, a chick with an egg in inside, surprise! Such a brillant design! This is a sweet and zingy bomb with comforting tonka absolute and refreshing bergamot oil.  I have given this bathbomb to my partner, he had dibs as soon as he saw it, it's too adorable!



    I am taking a week off this Easter, I will be surrounded by a lot of food (and hopefully good weather with a lot of sun!)

    What are your plans this Easter holiday?
    Disclaimer: The products featured in this post were provided for editorial purpose

    Saturday, April 1, 2017

    Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Recovery Mask-in-Oil and Concentrated Recovery Eye Mask


    Good morning! I am so glad it's Saturday, this blog post has been many weeks in the making, life has just been crazy busy! I recently went to my friend's wedding, it was a Hindu wedding (which is why my hands are covered in henna if you follow me on Instagram). It was an experience of a life-time. This weekend, I am ready to wind down with a movie and a cup of tea. I used Estee Lauder's new releases to pamper my skin prior to her wedding to make sure I look up to scratch.

    If you want to know more about these luxurious products, keep reading, or skip straight to the video demo!



    ESTEE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR RECOVERY MASK-IN-OIL 30ml
     $125AUD


    • Contains Chronolux and anti-oxidants to help lock-in the power of your serum.
    • Concentrated formula strengthens, nourishes and rebuilds, helping to create a night time cocoon.
    • Prepares skin for the day ahead by boosting it's natural resistance to environmental stressors and pollutants.
    • Use on a nightly basis as the last step of your beauty routine (after your serum) for renewed and radiant skin.
    • Ideal for strengthening skin, supporting skin's natural recovery, dullness and loss of radiance
    • Suitable for all skin types

    MY VERDICT
    • Estee Lauder's product packaging is almost always on point, and there is no exception with Advanced Night Repair Oil.
    • The oil is very lightly scented, a very light and subtle sweet scent that is really barely noticeable.
    • The texture of the oil is very light-weight, a lot lighter than your average rosehip oil. As a result, this oil is non-greasy and fast absorbing.
    • Immediately following application and the absorption of the oil my skin felt soft, nourished and smooth. This is the best way to finish off my skincare routine at night, when my skin is feeling really stressed, I would apply the oil directly onto my face.

    ESTEE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR CONCENTRATED RECOVERY EYE MASK (4-pack) $60

    • A worldwide first, the only eye mask infused with Advanced Night Repair technology. Designed for weekly use, this eye mask will burst into the skin with 20 times more of Estee Lauder's proven soothing, hydrating and Chronolux repair ingredients.
    • In 10 minutes, your under eye area will look more rested and renewed. Your fine, dry lines are plumped as skin is drenched with hydration.
    • Your under eye area will look radiant infused with luminous youth.
    • Ideal for under eye lines and wrinkles, dryness, dehydration, dullness, loss of radiance and soothes irritation.
    • Apply on clean skin once per week at night followed by your favourite eye cream
    • Proven for all ethnicities and all skin types
    MY VERDICT
    • A very unique and luxurious product, the eye mask is freshly soaked leaving a lot of excess serum for the rest of your face/neck.
    • After leaving the patches on for 15-20 minutes, my under eye area looked incredible, my very fine lines were no longer visible and the puffiness under my eyes lessened.  I was surprised by the outcome and the texture of my under eye area, it's possibly the best under eye patches I have used to date.
    • Although this product is extremely effective, I understand that not many of us can afford to use this on a weekly or even fortnightly basis. If you can, my goodness your under eye area would look 10 years younger. Otherwise, I would highly recommend using the eye patches prior to a special event. I have 2 weddings coming up so the patches will be put to good use!

    VIDEO DEMO

    Disclaimer: The products featured were provided for editorial purpose, all opinions are my own.

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