Corail Intuitive | YSL Rouge Volupté Shine

YSL Rouge Volupté Shine No. 15 'Corail Intuitive' - $55 AUD

A couple weeks ago I was passing the YSL counter and noticed a display of Rouge Volupté Shine lipsticks, YSL's most recent addition to their lipstick line. Before I knew it I had tested, fell in love with and bought shade number 15 Corail Intuitive. Oops.

Luckily, I still had some money left over on a Myer giftcard from Christmas so my wallet wasn't robbed by this purchase haha! Love giftcards - they make what would be an insane purchase, justifiable. Well that's what I keep telling myself anyway ;)

Corail Intuitive is a beautiful soft coral shade, right up my alley. The colour is quite sheer at first and applies as a lovely soft peach nude shade that can easily be built up to a bright coral. The formulation of this lipstick is perfect - smooth, creamy, hydrating on the lips and they smell amazing! I find the colour doesn't settle into fine lines or gather at all. I think I may need to avoid the YSL counters for a while... or I may be tempted to pick up some more shades!

Have you tried YSL lipsticks before?

Review | Solid Rose Contour Palette

Solid Rose Contour Blush Palette - $19.95 AUD *

Palette holds 6 large pans for contouring, shading, concealing and blush.
Colours: Unless I'm fake tanned, I rarely bronze or contour. When I'm at my natural paleness everything is either too orange or muddy for my skintone! The contour is this palette was unfortunately the same case and too muddy on me. I also had an issue with the white highlight being way too chalky looking in colour. On the other hand, both blushers are gorgeous bright shades that I reach for often and although I don't use the other contour and highlight shades regularly, I think they are both neutral shades that would work well with a variety of skintones. Every colour in the palette is matte.

Pigmentation: A light hand is needed with the darker shades as they are quite pigmented. I found the blushers lasted most of the day on my cheeks.

Packaging: Although it's your generic plastic palette, I actually appreciate the simple black and thin design.

Price: $3.325 per pan. I would easily pay that much for the blushers, probably not that rest though.

Have you tried any contour palettes?

* Sent for review

xx

Jemma Kidd | Dewy Glow Radiance Creme

Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Creme in 'Iced Gold' - $24.90 AUD

I have a confession - I'm a highlighter junkie. I own quite a few liquids and powders, but the Jemma Kidd Make Up School Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Creme is my first cream highlight. If you follow the English beauty community, I'm sure you will have heard the hype surrounding this product! After listening to Tanya Burr from Pixi2woo rave about it for years, a couple months ago I finally picked it up from BeautyBay.com ($24.90 with free shipping). As I expected, I love this stuff.

Jemma Kidd Make Up School Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Creme in 'Iced Gold' is a lovely golden light-diffusing cream and currently my go to highlighter. In the pan it looks quite frosty (not what I was expecting) but thankfully on the skin it leaves a beautiful pearly finish with great lasting power.

I was worried the texture might be similar to cream blushes (sticky and a pain to apply) but I was pleased to find the formula is light-weight and smooth. I use my fingers and it glides easily onto the skin. The radiance creme can be used under or over foundation. I like to apply it to the tops of my cheek bones as a natural looking highlight.

The packaging is thin, sleek and contains 4.25 grams of product. Despite using it nearly everyday I'm sure it will last me a while as it's quite pigmented and you only need a small amount.

What's your favourite highlight?

xx

Garnier | Anti-Dark Circles Roll-On

Garnier Anti Dark Circles Roll On - $18.99 AUD rrp

Apart from discolouration around the eyes, I'm fortunate not to have extremely dark under eye circles and find a full coverage foundation is enough to even out my eye area. That being said, there are still days when I feel like I need that extra something for brightening - this is where the Garnier Anti-Dark Circles Roll-On comes in.

I recently re-purchased a second tube of this and decided it was worthy a blog post. Although it works well for me, be aware that if you're after a full coverage concealer for extreme dark under eye circles and puffiness, this might not be the product for you. The thin consistency provides a light tint, sun protection and caffeine 'stimulating properties' for brightening and helping reduce puffiness. I can't say the product fufills every single claim on the packaging, but it does enough for me.

At $18.99 rrp the product is quite pricey (I would recommend waiting until you can find it on sale somewhere), but I think it's definitely worth it. Unfortunately the range is limited to 2 shades 'fair-medium' and 'medium-dark', but Garnier also makes a clear version without the tint and just the soothing and brightening benefits. This could work well layered under other concealers, if you're finding your concealer alone isn't enough for your under eye circles.

Have you tried the Garnier Anti-Dark Circles Roll-On?

xx

Essence | Stay All Day Eyeshadow

Essence Stay All Day Shadow Glammy Goes To - $5.5 AUD

I'm not usually that keen on cream shadows, but the Essence Stay All Day shadows are definitely worth trying out. They're only $5.50 AUD (bargain!) and so multi-functional.

I have the shade Glammy Goes To - a gorgeous shimmery golden bronze. I love to use it a base under eyeshadows or as an all over lid colour when I'm in a rush (or just going for a simple makeup look). It can be applied quickly using your finger and you don't have to worry about setting it with a powder as it lasts through the whole day. Check out my $20 Makeup Challenge, if you would like to see it in a tutorial.

What are some of your favourite Essence products?

xx

Too Faced Palettes

You may have noticed that my Too Faced Natural Eye palette is present in basically every 'Face of the Day/Night' blog I post. I adore the shadows and thought it would be interesting to do a little more in-depth post about both Too Faced palettes that I own.



Too Faced Natural Eye

This palette comes with 9 gorgeous neutral shades that are all highly pigmented, easy to apply and long lasting. I love that there is a mix of matte and shimmery finishes, and even one glittery one for fun.

'Heaven' is the perfect off white highlight colour and my everyday go to inner corner and brow bone highlight. Sometimes I will even lightly swipe some of the shadow across my lid to brighten the eyes. 'Sill Teddy' is a highly pigmented and gorgeous light champagne colour. I love to use this as an all over the lid colour and inner corner highlight paired with 'Push-Up' in the crease during the day. It also works great as an an all over the lid colour for a smokey night look (see my Face of the Night post HERE)

I don't find myself using the other matte shadows too often, but I do think they look great on my Mum when I do her makeup. The other shimmery colours are gorgeous but again, I don't find myself reaching for them too often.



Too Faced Pixie Pin-Ups

I remember standing in Sephora when I was on holiday in Europe and 'ooh-ing and aah-ing' over the gorgeous packaging of all the Too Faced products. This palette caught my eye instantly with the cute pop up picture, lovely colourful shades and mini shadow insurance and mascara. As you can see from the pictures, I still haven't actually opened the mini mascara, not sure why actually. I adore the primer though, will definitely re-purchase when I run out.

On the top row you have 3 shimmery shades that are colourful but definitely wearable for day time. 'Leading Lady' is light peach colour which looks gorgeous all over the lid and really brightens the eyes. 'I know what boys want' is a cute light pink but as you can see from the pictures, just not a colour I ever reach for. 'Lucky Charms' is a light green that I think looks lovely on the lower lash line to add a pop of colour. The other 3 shadows are either in the Natural Eye palette or very similar, so I don't reach for them.

I love this palette but can see myself maybe selling it in a future blogsale.

Have you ever tried Too Faced products?

New Holy Grail Deodorant.

Rexona Clinical Protection Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

My 'deodorant routine' has always involved a Rexona spray in the morning and a random Rexona roll on in my bag, if needed during the day. I wouldn't say I have a case of very excessive sweating, but I do sweat quite a bit and especially during hot weather, clubbing or when wearing clothing that isn't exactly breathable.

Long story short, I tried the Rexona Clinical Protection Anti-Perspirant Deodorant last week and I am AMAZED with the results. 48 hour protection - actually a legit claim! I apply it and don't sweat at all during the day and excessively less over a longer period of time.

I was so impressed during the week but what sold me completely and sent this deodorant to 'holy grail' status is actually from wearing it last night. I went out clubbing with friends and was amazed by the results. When getting ready at home I am usually start sweating a bit from the heat of styling my hair and just getting ready. Once I get to the club and start dancing, I I sweat more (it's hot in clubs ok!?) and will have to use my roll on atleast twice during the night to freshen up...

Not last night. I was dancing until 4 am and at no point did I get that 'ew I feel like I'm sweating/smell" feeling. Sure I wouldn't say I was 100% dry, but I felt normal and just fresh! THEN I got home and went to sleep without showering (hah) and woke up this morning feeling just as clean as the night before. I hadn't sweated at all and my uh, underarms, smelt clean like I just had a shower.

I'm not sure what the exact price is (I work in a pharmacy and received it free to try) but I believe it's quite pricier than your usual roll on. I don't care though as it truely is an amazing product and I will definitely purchase it when I use this one up.

The packaging is quite hygienic too as you have to twist to dispense product, making it easy to clean. The fragrance is very subtle and pleasant.

Face of Australia Lip Quench - Lychee Crush

Face Of Australia Lip Quench SPF30+ Lipstick - 'Lychee Crush'

It seems everyone and their mother (in the Aussie beauty blogging world) is currently obsessing over this Face Of Australia lipstick in 'Lychee Crush'. Being the major makeup junkie I am, I knew I had to try this one out. I've only had it one day and I can already tell it will be a staple in my collection.

This moisturising lipstick contains SPF30+ and a combination of shea butter and jojoba oil and is a perfect wearable nude lip colour. At first application it actually looked quite streaky and stuck to all the dry areas on my lips. I was so disappointed and thought it would be another Gosh 'Darling', but after lightly exfoliating and applying lip balm I tried again and was pleased to see a lovely creamy application.

I went through my MAC lipstick collection and found that the closest dupe is Hue. They are both that flattering nude but not too pink/orange/brown tone, with a buildable coverage and glaze finish.

For $9.95 AUD (I also managed to get it 20% off) this lipstick is amazing quality at an affordable price!

Review: Models Prefer

Models Prefer is an Australian brand that has been around for years now. Last year the brand had a complete revamp with new products and display in Priceline. I thought I would review a few of the prodcuts I own.

'Desk To Date' Blush $9.99 - A gorgeous shimmery deep coral and extremely pigmented, I would recommend a light hand on this blush as too much can leave you looking quite clownish.

'Work It' Mineral Eyeshadow Duo $12.99 - A shimmer champagne and olive green, these shadows look gorgeous in the pan. Unfortunately they lack colour pay off and tend to crease on my lid by midday even with a primer underneath. I also find the green looks quite dull on the eyes, very dissapointing!

Matte Liquid Foundation $14.99 Unfortunately I wasn't too impressed with this product either. Although it was quite mattifying, I found that the foundation was hard to blend and 'sat on the skin'.
(Side Note- I've heard some good reviews on this foundation so just because it didn't work for my skin type doesn't mean it won't work for others)

Precision Eyeshadow/Eyeliner Brush MP03 $12.99 - Love this brush and would highly recommend it! The eyeshadow side picks up and places eyeshadow so easily and the eyeliner side is the perfect shape to apply gel eyeliner.

Mineral Powder Brush MP03 $16.99 - Not really sure why I bought this brush, considering I don't use mineral powder... but I was curious to try it with my pressed powder, unfortunately I didn't like the application.

Overall Thoughts - The blushes are decent quality but probably not something I would repurchase. Even though the colour I have is nice, I find myself reaching for other coral blushers in my collection. I'd highly recommend the double sided brush but I think the rest of the products are a miss.

Review: Australis Paprazzi Perfect Eyeshadow

Australis Paparazzi Perfect HD Eyeshadow
"Snap Attack"

Colour: 'Snap Attack' has 5 gorgeous pearly neutral eyeshadows. Starting on the left is a lovely champagne colour that reminds me a bit of MAC All That Glitters and Urban Decay Sin. As you can see this is my favourite and most used colour as I have hit pan significantly. It's a perfect all over the lid colour which looks great on its own or paired with one of the darker colours in the crease. The top shadow is another favourite of mine, a gorgeous warm taupe which actually looks quite bronzish on my skin tone. On the right is a light sandy gold, a nice inner corner or brow bone highlight. Personally I don't use this shadow too much as I don't find it compliments the other colours in the palette. The shadow on the bottom is a nice deeper taupe, I don't find myself reaching for this colour too often. Lastly is the warm champagne orange shade in the middle. This shadow is a beautiful and unique colour that I love to blend into my crease to make any look warmer.

Pigmentation: The eyeshadows are highly pigmented and apply and blend smoothly.

Longivity: I find these eyeshadows have a decent lasting power. Paired with a primer and depending on how hot the weater is, these generally last through the whole work/school day for me.

Packaging: The palette is a sleek, black packaging with a decent size mirror. They are quite sturdy but be careful, this is my second palette as I dropped my first on tiles and the eyeshadows crumbled! (my bad haha)

Price: $15.95 AUD - a reasonable price for a 'drugstore' eyeshadow palette (Well in Australia that is... haha). I also managed to pick mine up when Priceline had 20% off Australis.

Selection: This palette comes in a selection of colours, check out the Australis site for pictures/descriptions of each.

Paprazzi Perfect: Australis says "Eyeshadows are formulated with light reflecting photocromatic pigments" - I actually agree and love the way these shadows photograph, they have a gorgeous pearly finish that brightens the eyes.

Overall Thoughts: I love these eyeshadows and will definitely be re-purchasing when I run out. They apply and blend smoothly, leaving a gorgeous pearly finish. The only thing I would personally change is removing the colours I don't use and making my favourites bigger... but isn't that always the case with eyeshadow palettes :P

For more information check out the Australis Cosmetics website.
xx

Review: Australis Paparazzi Perfect Blush

Australis Paparazzi Perfect HD Blush
"Shoot To Thrill"

Colour/Pigmentation: 'Shoot To Thrill' is a gorgeous blend of bright pink, light pink and coral pink. I like to swirl my brush on all 3 shades and it creates a gorgeous bright pink blush on the cheeks. According to Australis, the "pigment is high in Mica content providing intense colour payoff." I would definitely agree with this statement, a light hand is needed to apply this product or you will get weird looks haha. The blush also has some light flecks of glitter but I haven't found that they transfer to my cheeks.

Longivity: I was pleasantly surprised with the lasting power of this blush! I work 9.00-5.30 and although it does start to lose its intensity after around lunch time, I find that at the end of the day my cheeks still have a pretty pink glow.

Packaging: Love! A sleek, round packaging with a large mirror (forgot to take a picture of that, d'oh!). As you can see in the pictures, on the back is a cute matching marble pattern to the blush itself.

Price: Only $12.95 AUD! Definitely reasonably priced for a 'drugstore' blush (Well in Australia that is... haha). I also managed to pick mine up when Priceline had 20% off Australis.

Selection: This blush comes in 4 shades, check out the Australis site for pictures/descriptions of each.

Paprazzi Perfect: I'll let you girls be the judge of that! I think it photographs quite nicely, but I'm yet to try it on a 'night out' and see how it appears with flash. Australis says it is "formulated with light reflecting and balancing photochromatic pigments that assist to create instant camera ready photos."

Overall Thoughts: This blush is definitely a winner for me! Affordable, beautiful colour, long lasting, doesn't break me out, cute packaging, pigmented so you don't waste product trying to build up colour pay off... I actually have no complaints!

For more information check out the Australis Cosmetics website.
xx