Karen Murrell - Red Shimmer Lipstick Swatches & Review

August 3, 2015, 7:39 pm

≫ Next: Press Release: MAC Le Disko Collection - August 3rd, 2015

≪ Previous: Collection Big Fake Curves Mascara Review

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Provided for review

Hey lovelies,

I got a rather lovely parcel from Karen Murrell at the end of July, which means it's time to review another lipstick for you! :D If you'd like to see more Karen Murrell lipstick reviews or in action, please check out my Karen Murrell tag. I'm thinking of doing an overview post with swatches of all the ones I have in one place, would anyone be keen for that?

Each Karen Murrell lipstick features its own artwork on the outer cardboard sleeve of the box. The tube is their usual classy and sturdy matte black with the 'KM' logo.
Karen Murrell's lipsticks are touted as 'vegetarian lipsticks', created with natural ingredients and ecologically friendly recycled packaging. They are designed to nurture your lips, improving their condition each time you wear a Karen Murrell lipstick.

Red Shimmer is a medium pink leaning red with very fine shimmer that adds sheen instead of frostiness. It has Karen Murrell's usual smooth but slip-free formula with buildable colour pay off, making it ideal to double duty as a creme blush.

As is often the case with Karen Murrell lipsticks, Red Shimmer was a pleasure to wear and lasted for four hours on me without being drying or feathering. I did find the weartime short for a red though and it was looking a bit faded after three hours. 

From the end of July until stocks last, Karen Murrell are offering a free scarf with the purchase of any two of their lipsticks. The scarf is absolutely beautiful and the neutral tones go with everything. I'm not always a scarf person, but I've found myself wearing this a lot - it's deceptively warm and very soft and light. If you're looking to try out Karen Murrell or add to your collection, now is a great time. Here are some other shades to check out:

Violet Mousse | Coral Dawn | Rymba Rhythm | Racy Rata | Pink Starlet | True Love | Sugar Rush

A FOTD with Red Shimmer

What I liked:

• Buildable colour pay off
• Smooth application
• Non drying
• Doesn't feather, bleed or migrate

What I didn't like:

• Four hours is a fairly short wear time for a red lipstick

Where to buy:

• The Karen Murrell website
• Also available around New Zealand, Australia and Dubai - check the Stockists page for more info

What do you think of Red Shimmer?

X
Lani

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Press Release: MAC Le Disko Collection - August 3rd, 2015

August 5, 2015, 2:16 am

≫ Next: MAC Phiff! Dazzleglass Swatches & Review

≪ Previous: Karen Murrell - Red Shimmer Lipstick Swatches & Review

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Press release

Hey lovelies,

I popped into the new MAC counter at Queensgate Lower Hutt (squee! It's so awesome having one in 'popping in' distance now!) while out running errands with my youngest yesterday and was delighted to find their brand spanking new collection Le Disko on counter.Which of course reminded me that I hadn't yet posted the collection info for your perusal! I have Phiff! Dazzleglass, which is repromoted in this collection, from a previous launch so will pop swatches and a review up for you ASAP.

Le Disko, where glitter and glamour intoxicate and colour gets physical. It’s all see and be scene as the crowd converges under a sparkling aura of lights and erupts into a dazzling sea of eyes and lips. Feel the fever with Dazzle Eye Shadow in riotous hues, while Dazzleglass drops it like it’s hot for colour-popped lips that’ll make the boys go crazy. It’s a full on colour disco, and you’re the reigning queen.

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Dazzleglass $48.00NZD

Phiff! - Sheer neutral beige with orange undertones

Sugarrimmed - Pale white beige

Rollergirl - Nude with pink pearl

Cherry Popping - Fuchsia with blue pearl

Boys Go Crazy - Dark purple with blue undertone

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Dazzleshadow $50.00NZD

She Sparkles - Light grey with silver sparkles

Last Dance - Peach beige with pink sparkles

Let's Roll - Red bronze with sparkles

Slow/Fast/Slow - Bronze with red sparkles

Boom Boom Room - Light burgundy with emerald sparkles

Can't Stop, Don't Stop - Deep plum purple with sparkles

Try Me On - Deep blue green with sparkles

Feel the Fever - Deep blue purple with pink sparkles

Get Physical - Purple with light blue sparkles

Say It Isn't So - Dark grey with pink sparkles

Let's Boogie - Black with sparkles

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Superslick Liquid Eyeliner $42.00NZD

Nocturnal - Bright silver pearl

Pure Show - Bright yellow-gold pearl

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274 Brush $68.00NZD

MAC Le Disko launched on Monday the 3rd of August and is available at the following locations while stocks last:

• M•A•C Britomart, Atrium on Takutai, Auckland. 
• M•A•C Ponsonby, 130 – 134 Ponsonby Road, Auckland.
• M•A•C Westfield St Lukes, 80 St Lukes Rd, Mount Albert. 
• M•A•C Botany, Fountain Lane North, Botany Town Centre. 
• Smith & Caughey’s Queen St, 253-261 Queen St, Auckland. 
• Smith & Caughey’s Newmarket, 225 Broadway, Newmarket. 
• Farmers Centre Place, Shop 81, 501 Victoria Street, Hamilton. 
• Kirkcaldie & Stains, 165-177 Lambton Quay, Wellington. 
• Ballantynes, City Mall, Christchurch. 
• M•A•C Westfield Riccarton, 113 Riccarton Road, Christchurch. 
• Arthur Barnett, 285 George St, Dunedin.
• Farmers Queensgate, Lower Hutt

Will you be picking up anything from this collection?

X
Lani

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MAC Phiff! Dazzleglass Swatches & Review

August 6, 2015, 4:43 am

≫ Next: July Empties

≪ Previous: Press Release: MAC Le Disko Collection - August 3rd, 2015

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Gifted/Contains affiliate links

Hey lovelies,

As promised, here's my review of Phiff! Dazzleglass which is currently on counter with the Le Disko collection (find the press release with collection info, prices and availability in New Zealand here). My tube is actually from the Marilyn Monroe collection (2012) and was a kind birthday gift from my Uncle (I am a big Marilyn fan), but it's previously been promoted in Ice Parade and Dazzlesphere (2011) and Magic, Mirth and Mischief (2009).

MAC Dazzleglasses come in long, slim tubes with a pointed brush applicator. The brush applicator makes it easy to dab on the lips, especially as a layering option as it does not disturb the product beneath as much a doefoot potentially can. 

Despite the size of the tube, they contain a disarmingly small amount of product for a gloss with a retail price of $20USD (or $48NZD) - just 1.92g (0.06oz). That's even less than Lime Crime's Velvetines (2.6ml/o.88 fl oz) which have the same US retail price and have their volume frequently picked over. I am not a huge gloss wearer, so I've never finished one, but if you are you may want to consider a more cost effective option - particularly if you're shopping in a country with hugely inflated cosmetic prices.

For all that, they are really nice glosses and I do enjoy the formula. Their consistency is thick, but in a cushiony way and although they share the tackiness of MAC's Lipglass formula, it helps them to last a good amount of time. I find them to be hydrating and they have the classic MAC vanilla scent. I can't see myself being tempted to pay New Zealand retail prices for one any time soon, but I treasure the ones I have.

Sorry about the arm swatch, Phiff! was incredibly difficult to get my camera to focus on and in the end this was the best I could do!

Phiff! is described by MAC as a 'sheer neutral beige with orange undertones'. It's essentially a clear gloss with the tiniest hint of a beige tint, evident only by the slight milkiness you can see in my liplines in the swatch. What makes Phiff! special is the fine golden shimmer dispersed through it. In real life, it's more prominent than the makeup look below would suggest, as it catches the light beautifully as you move. 

I found Phiff! hydrating while I wore it and it lasted four hours on me which is bloody good for any gloss, let alone a mostly clear one! After the shine had faded, some shimmer remained.

A makeup look with Phiff!

What I liked:

• Wore for four hours
• Sparkle isn't gritty
• Hydrating

What I didn't like:

• Incredibly small amount of product for the price - 1.92g (0.06oz) (RRP $20USD, RRP $48NZD)

MAC Le Disko launched on Monday the 3rd of August and is available at the following locations while stocks last:

• M•A•C Britomart, Atrium on Takutai, Auckland. 
• M•A•C Ponsonby, 130 – 134 Ponsonby Road, Auckland.
• M•A•C Westfield St Lukes, 80 St Lukes Rd, Mount Albert. 
• M•A•C Botany, Fountain Lane North, Botany Town Centre. 
• Smith & Caughey’s Queen St, 253-261 Queen St, Auckland. 
• Smith & Caughey’s Newmarket, 225 Broadway, Newmarket. 
• Farmers Centre Place, Shop 81, 501 Victoria Street, Hamilton. 
• Kirkcaldie & Stains, 165-177 Lambton Quay, Wellington. 
• Ballantynes, City Mall, Christchurch. 
• M•A•C Westfield Riccarton, 113 Riccarton Road, Christchurch. 
• Arthur Barnett, 285 George St, Dunedin.
• Farmers Queensgate, Lower Hutt

Also try:

• Specktra.net Clearance Bin
• Ebay
• Facebook sales groups
• Glambot
• Amazon
• Storenvy
• Trade Me

Have you tried MAC's Dazzleglasses? What do you think of them?

X
Lani

Follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin

July Empties

August 9, 2015, 4:37 am

≫ Next: MAC Permanent Nude & Neutral Lipstick Swatches & Review Part One

≪ Previous: MAC Phiff! Dazzleglass Swatches & Review

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Purchased by me/Provided for review

Hey lovelies,

After I spent June thiiiiiis close to finishing up a few things, in July I emptied quite a lot! Seriously - I kept forgetting more things and having to collage together more pictures to show you all of it :D This month is pretty heavy on products that make a regular appearance in my Empties posts, along with some favourites I haven't discussed yet. Happily, not too many duds!

• Skinlite Make-up Cleansing Tissues
  These wipes pop up in Empties posts as often as I remember to photograph them! I've been using this brands since I was maybe 18 or 19 and they're great. They effectively remove most makeup, including waterproof mascara, without irritating my eyes or skin. Love that I can pick them up for between $3 and $4.50 at Kmart or The Warehouse too.
• Real Techniques Miracle Sponge
  Patrick decided this sponge was ready for an Empties post when he bit a big chunk out of it. Thanks Pat T_T I've already got two others and absolutely love them. Will keep repurchasing probably until the end of time!
• MOR Blood Orange Hand and Body Lotion
  This was a GWP with a bridal magazine I bought late last year. I love the packaging, it's absolutely gorgeous, but the lotion itself didn't feel like anything special - similar to the OPI Avojuice in its lightness. The blood orange scent was neither here nor there for me. 
• Red Seal Zinc, B6 & Magnesium
  Love this stuff for helping to keep my hair and nails healthy. Repurchased already!
• Tosowoong Nothing is Impossible Remover
  I kind of can't believe I've never mentioned my love for this makeup remover before - it's absolutely amazing and the few days between finishing it up and my replacement bottle arriving were truly nail biting. It's great for removing anything my usual wipes are struggling with and will shift all but the most stubborn staining makeup (no more hot pink stained lips for two days!).
• OPI Avojuice Holly Berry Hand & Body Lotion
  This is my second to last mini Avojuice - just one more to finish up! Holly Berry was a Christmas scent for 2013, I think, and it's okay. Sweet with a hint of cinnamon, which on paper sounds like something I'd adore but it just fell a bit flat for me - I really can't put my finger on why! This isn't something I'd repurchase, the Avojuice formula just isn't hydrating enough for my tastes.
• Collection Does It All mascara
  It was a sad day when this mascara finally ran out! I loved it so much that I never even got around to reviewing it (which sounds odd, but often my most loved products, which live in my makeup bag, are rather out of sight, out of mind for the blog, despite being what I reach for whenever I do my makeup.) It thickens, it lengthens, it curls, it stays put all day - will definitely repurchase. Only thing I don't like is how stubborn it can be to remove without a dedicated eye makeup remover like Tosowoong Nothing is Impossible. I can't blearily smear a makeup wipe across my face late at night and know everything is gone if I'm wearing Does It All. Not that I do that... often..
• Maybelline Babylips Antioxidant Berry
  Gotta love the cheap and cheerful Babylips and Antioxidant Berry is still my favourite flavour from the range. I've now polished off two! They're quite hydrating, great for the price.
• Weleda Everon  Lip Balm*
  I technically didn't get to finish this, because Patrick dunked it in a glass of water while it was uncapped and it actually went mouldy - EW! I was about halfway through it and it's a really great lip balm. If you're keen on natural ingredients and a good amount of hydration with no tint or shine, check this out.

• Rainbowlicious cupcake
  This was the soap of choice for our bathroom sink for a while there and it got used up very quickly (it is rather small in size though, a bit bigger than a squash ball). The topping is whipped soap mousse and it feels amazing! My hands felt very soft and hydrated after using this soap. A definite repurchase, the only trouble will be choosing from the multitude of colour combos, scents and toppings!
• LUSH Phoenix Rising bath bomb
  This was actually Noel's empty, since he chose it at LUSH, but he let me share the bath with him so I guess it counts :D This coloured our bath a beautiful pink and smelled lovely too. Would repurchase.
• LUSH Love You Mum soap*
  This sort of ended up being Noel's empty too as I started using it but couldn't get into the smell, which is rather musky. Noel was unphased and happily used this up. He liked how knobbly the flower petals were and especially enjoyed pulling them off and sliding them around the shower floor #fouryearoldlife

• LUSH Cupcake Face Mask*
  A face mask that smells and looks like chocolate?! Do I need any further persuasion to repurchase this? Okay, it also did a great job of helping to clear up my hormonal breakouts during shark week and didn't make my face feel dried out.
• LUSH Brazened Honey Face Mask*
  I really liked the smell of this one in store, but applied to my face it was a little stronger than I was keen on. It's very very gritty, so it gave my skin a good scrub as I rinsed it off - I really enjoyed that! I'm on the fence about trying this again, I think I'll give something else from the LUSH face mask range a shot first.

• LUSH Parsley Porridge and Mangnificent soaps*
  Now before you think I am some insane soap consuming monster, I've had some help from my little boys using these two up and they were about two thirds gone by June, so not much to finish off in July! Mangnificent smells beautiful but I found it didn't lather as much as previous LUSH soaps I have used. Parsley Porridge is a face and body soap, with a more textured side to give your face some light exfoliation. To be honest I really wasn't a fan of its scent and it also leached green colour onto the other soaps nearby it in the shower, so I wouldn't repurchase. BUT it did clean my face well and I didn't have any issues with it causing breakouts or stripping the skin, so if you like the scent it'd be worth picking up. 
• LUSH D'Fluff Strawberry Shaving Soap*
  This stuff is LIFE CHANGING. It's made such a difference to the condition of my underarms, I will definitely repurchase the first chance I get. I reviewed it here.

Did you have any empties in July?

X
Lani

*Provided for review

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MAC Permanent Nude & Neutral Lipstick Swatches & Review Part One

August 10, 2015, 5:29 am

≫ Next: Darling Girl Liquid Kiss Luxe Balm Gloss - Taupe-tation Swatches & Review

≪ Previous: July Empties

$

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Purchased by me/Contains affiliate links

Hey lovelies,

I feature a lot of limited edition or discontinued MAC here and honestly it's easy to overlook the permanent range in the face of so many LE collections. There are some amazing gems in the permanent line-up though, so today I have part one of the nude & neutral lipsticks that I have. The neutral/nude category is very subjective (you may consider some too rosy for nudes and that's okay! I'm showing you what I would pair with any makeup look as a neutral lip colour). Each shade will of course look different on varying skintones - for reference, I wear NC15 in MAC foundations. I do have a lot of shades to show you (this is part one of at least three posts) so if nothing in this post looks suitable for you, hold tight - there are more to come! :D

Swatched on bare skin under daylight bulbs

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Myth

Myth is described as a 'light neutral nude' and has a satin finish. It's very pale and the yellow leanings make it very warm toned - I suspect it would be more flattering on someone with a deeper complexion than I! Myth is unforgiving of any uneven lip texture, so well prepped lips are a must. The colour pay off is great though and it lasts for three hours on me without being drying.

See the rest of this makeup look here

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Honeylove

Honeylove is described as 'light beige toned with rose'. It has a matte finish. I'd call it a warm beige, I don't see a lot of rose here. Let me tell you, it immediately jumped into my top ten MAC lippies list as soon as I applied it for the first time! The colour pay off is lovely and it's very smooth, creamy and forgiving, particularly for a matte. I got just under six hours wear out of Honeylove without it being drying and it wore away evenly. Even if you're not a fan of mattes, I still recommend checking Honeylove out - it might just change your mind!

See the rest of this makeup look here

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Patisserie

Patisserie is described as a 'sheer creamy neutral pink'. It has a lustre finish. There's enough brown in here for me to comfortably call it a nude and it's been one of my favourites for years - this is actually my second tube! Patisserie has buildable colour payoff and a light, forgivable texture. It wears for three hours on me and is slightly drying.

A FOTD with Patisserie

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Hug Me

Hug Me is described as a 'flesh pink' with a lustre finish. I fell in love with it after borrowing my sister's tube some time ago and eventually cashed in some Back 2 MAC empties for it. It's much browner than Patisserie but still has a hint of rose to keep me happy. As with most lustres, colour pay off is semi sheer but even with a smooth application. Hug Me wears for four hours on me and is non-drying.

See the rest of this makeup look here

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Faux

Faux is described as a 'muted mauve-pink' with a satin finish. Definitely some sly mauve undertones going on here, though I'd largely classify Faux as more of a rosy brown than a true mauve-pink (which makes me think of something like Kat Von D Lovecraft). Colour pay off is again, beautiful, with a tiny bit of streaking sneaking in. This is likely down to Faux feeling a bit more emollient than other MAC satins, which also causes it to gather around the inner rim of my mouth over the course of the three hour wear time. Gathering is something I really dislike in a lipstick, but I do love the colour of Faux so it's a bit of a trade off. 

See the rest of this makeup look here

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Fast Play

Fast Play is described by MAC as a 'neutral pink' with an amplified finish. It's a medium rosewood color with full colour pay off and a smooth formula. Fast Play would be an absolutely stunning rosey nude on deeper skintones - I'm hanging out to see it on my little sister, who wears NC40-42 in MAC. Wear time clocked in at four hours and I did find it drying.

See the rest of this makeup look here

What I liked:

• All shades had great (or buildable), even colour pay off
• Honeylove, Patisserie, Hug Me and Fast Play had smooth, forgiving application and textures
• Most shades wore for three hours or more
• Honeylove wore for just under six hours
• Honeylove, Hug Me, Myth and Faux weren't drying

What I didn't like:

• Fast Play was drying
• Patisserie was slightly drying
• Myth was unforgiving of uneven lip texture
• Faux gathers around inner rim of mouth over the course of wear

Where to buy (NZ):

• M•A•C Britomart, Atrium on Takutai, Auckland. 
• M•A•C Ponsonby, 130 – 134 Ponsonby Road, Auckland.
• M•A•C Westfield St Lukes, 80 St Lukes Rd, Mount Albert. 
• M•A•C Botany, Fountain Lane North, Botany Town Centre. 
• Smith & Caughey’s Queen St, 253-261 Queen St, Auckland. 
• Smith & Caughey’s Newmarket, 225 Broadway, Newmarket. 
• Farmers Centre Place, Shop 81, 501 Victoria Street, Hamilton. 
• Kirkcaldie & Stains, 165-177 Lambton Quay, Wellington. 
• Ballantynes, City Mall, Christchurch. 
• M•A•C Westfield Riccarton, 113 Riccarton Road, Christchurch. 
• Arthur Barnett, 285 George St, Dunedin.
• Farmers Queensgate, Lower Hutt

Also try:

• MAC Cosmetics (US site)
• Specktra.net Clearance Bin
• Ebay
• Facebook sales groups
• Glambot
• Amazon
• Storenvy
• Trade Me

Phew! What do you think of the first six? Do you have a favourite nude or neutral MAC lipstick?

X
Lani

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Darling Girl Liquid Kiss Luxe Balm Gloss - Taupe-tation Swatches & Review

July 8, 2015, 4:15 am

≫ Next: Korean Polish Spam #5

≪ Previous: MAC Permanent Nude & Neutral Lipstick Swatches & Review Part One

$

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Purchased by me

Hey lovelies,

I'm sort of obsessing over Darling Girl Cosmetics at the moment. I was already pretty enamoured with the brand, having reviewed several of their eyeshadows and blushes, but then I tried their lip products and man, they are next level pretty! And easy on the wallet too - today I'll be showing you one of the Liquid Kiss Luxe Balm Glosses, which retail for just $5.50USD.

I wanted to try something really different for my first foray into this formula but choosing was made slightly more difficult by the fact that there's no shortage of unusual shades on offer in the Balm Gloss range! I settled on Taupe-Tation, but there are also blackened green, purple and navy colours along with some more conventional pinks, mauves and a coral (which is calling my name). Why did I want a taupe gloss? A few reasons:

• To mute other lip colours
• Apply sheerly to mute natural lip colour
• Layer over greige and taupe lip colours, like MAC Stone lip pencil and its co-ordinating lipstick
• Because I haven't see anyone else come out with one yet!
• YOLO

The Liquid Kiss Luxe Balm Glosses are packaged in a 3ml click pen with a pointed brush applicator. As is pretty standard with this type of gloss delivery system, you have to twist the base many times before the first bit of product appears, but the brush is quite nice for applying colour smoothly and precisely - I applied the lip swatch neat from the tube.

Shimmerrrrrrrrrrrrr 😍

Taupe-Tation is described as a 'somewhat opaque taupe-y grey with holographic mica based glitter that changes from pink to gold'. It swatches very grey on my arm, but once mixed with the pink of my lips it definitely reads more taupe. It's semi opaque when the colour is built up, as per my lip swatch, but can be worn more sheerly if you prefer. This is one of those shades that will look very different depending on the natural pigmentation of your lips. The pink to gold shimmer described reads as pink to violet to me and I only see the gold shift at extreme angles in the tube. This doesn't bother me but if you are wanting a very duochromey gloss this may be a dealbreaker for you. Taupe-Tation lasted for three hours on me, with the glossy finish fading in the last hour and was hydrating during wear. It's a unique shade for sure and I quite like it! I think Taupe-Tation would look fab over MAC Stone lip pencil and can't wait to try that combo.

This is my first time trying out Darling Girl's Liquid Kiss Luxe Balm Glosses (or Balm Gloss for short) and I'm really happy with it! It's a thin, smooth, non-sticky and lightweight formula and as you might expect from the name, it does indeed have a balmy feel and hydration to boot. The scent is lovely - a little fruity and lightly sweet without being cloying. My only problem now will be choosing my next colour!

See the rest of this makeup look here

What I liked:

• Semi-opaque, even colour pay off
• Hydrating
• Wallet friendly - retails for $5.50USD

What I didn't like:

• Not a massive fan of click pen applicators, but I'm being nitpicky!

Where to buy:

• Darling Girl Cosmetics

Will you give into Taupe-Tation? (I'm sorry. I had to. 😄)
X
Lani

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Korean Polish Spam #5

August 13, 2015, 4:25 pm

≫ Next: Bobbi Brown Red Lipstick and Sheer Color Lip Gloss Almost Pink Swatches & Review

≪ Previous: Darling Girl Liquid Kiss Luxe Balm Gloss - Taupe-tation Swatches & Review

$

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Purchased by me/Contains affiliate links

Hey lovelies,

It's been an embarrassingly long time since I've posted a Korean polish spam post and my whole family has had a cold all week so my brain is too fuzzy for anything more complicated! Korean beauty brands make some of the coolest nail polish out there, I love how they pick up on indie brand trends and put their own spin on them rather than just duping them (although that does occasionally happen too - still, they're generally far more creative than many mainstream European & US brands!). They're also usually fairly inexpensive, rarely setting you back more than $10NZD, which is pretty good given OPI currently retails for $20NZD. So, let's take a peek at some of these beauties!

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A'Pieu Twinkle Nail Touch - RD01

Kiko Sugar Mat - Cherry Red, 2 coats

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A'Pieu Twinkle Nail Touch RD01, 2 coats

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Glisten & Glow HK Girl Topcoat

The Twinkle Nail Touch line is a collection of glitter toppers and crelly/jelly glitters, which pleases my inner magpie greatly. In fact, I've just seen that there are a few more additions to the line with my name on them.... :D RD01 has HUGE metallic hexes amongst an assortment of smaller ones and is a bit on the thick side. I did have to fish for the largest hexes and place them but the rest came out easily. I really like the jelly base, it looks so squishy and this particular colourway has me thinking of jam.

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A'Pieu Twinkle Nail Touch BL03

Kiko Sun Pearl #428, 2 coats

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A'Pieu Twinkle Nail Touch BL03, 2 coats

Sadly I think both of these A'Pieus may be discontinued, I can't find them on Ebay or Roseroseshop. Hmph. BL03 is definitely worth picking up should you come across it though - it's a mixture of turquoise and iridescent glitters and very fine microshimmer. It looks perfect with the dusty teal green of this Kiko polish.

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The Face Shop Face It CMX325 Flash Flash

Star Kin - Cotton, 3 coats

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The Face Shop Face It CMX325 Flash Flash, 1.5 coats

Again, another discontinued polish. I'm not being very helpful today, am I? Sorry! I picked up Flash Flash because it reminded me of Lynnderella Boy-Girl Party (which I actually ended up buying too - see swatches here). It's a really dense glitter topper with an awesome glitter mix going on. Flash Flash applies really nicely with a little bit of extra dabbing needed to fill in some gaps in the glitter distribution.

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Innisfree Pro #49

Innisfree Pro #49, 3 coats

What's this? A polish that's still readily available? This pretty pale mint texture has lots of gold shimmer that gets a little lost on the nail but still adds interest overall. I found it really easy to work with and the texture dried down quickly. You can pick it up on Ebay.

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A'Pieu Twinkle Nail Touch BL02

A'Pieu Twinkle Nail Touch BL02, 3 coats

Another one that's still available! BL02 is an inky blue jelly with green and blue glitter - basically another Deborah Lippmann Across the Universe dupe. It's on the sheer side but builds up to full opacity in three coats. You can buy it on Ebay.

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Etude House Play Nail Sugar Powder #196

Etude House Play Nail Sugar Powder #196, 2 coats

This is a pretty cute texture polish. The opacity is fantastic, very nearly a one coater but I added a second coat for more texture. The texture is generally sparser than many other textures I have tried though. I haven't shopped with this site before to vouch for it, but Kokocolor appear to have #196 in stock.

What do you think of these polishes? Are you a fan of Korean beauty brands?

X
Lani

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Bobbi Brown Red Lipstick and Sheer Color Lip Gloss Almost Pink Swatches & Review

August 15, 2015, 12:34 am

≫ Next: ZA Deep Hydration Lasting Moisture Gel Review

≪ Previous: Korean Polish Spam #5

$

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Provided for review

Hey lovelies,

When the new Bobbi Brown counter opened at Farmers Queensgate here in Lower Hutt at the end of June, I was down there like a shot to check everything out. While there, I had the pleasure of meeting Bobbi Brown's national training manager Olivia Wilde, who gave me a makeup lesson (which you can see here) and a bunch of gorgeous Bobbi Brown products to try. It was a great introduction to the brand and I'm now hanging out to try more!

During their opening celebrations, the Queensgate Bobbi Brown counter gave away assorted colours of full size Sheer Colour Lip Glosses or Lip Colors with an Ultimate Makeup Lesson and I was generously gifted one of each. 

Swatched on bare skin under daylight bulbs

*

Red

The Lip Colors come in glossy black and gold tubes with a teardrop shaped bullet. They have a similar scent to Karen Murrell's lipsticks, just much lighter and without the clear cinnamon notes. The formula is intended to be 'non-drying... offers full-color coverage and comfortable, long-lasting wear.' They have a retail price of $54NZD (or $27USD in the States).

Red is a vivid fire engine red with rich, opaque colour pay off and a creamy texture. It wears for six hours on me without being drying and I had no issues with feathering. Red definitely has me keen to check out more of the Lip Colors as red lipsticks typically feather on me, especially if they have any hint of sheen. This was such a pleasure to wear!

*

Almost Pink

Bobbi Brown's Sheer Color Lip Gloss comes in a rectangular tube with a doefoot applicator. The formula is supposed to leave 'a hint of color with a long-lasting, glossy finish' and is 'formulated with jojoba and avocado oils for immediate hydration, plus Vitamins C and E. Aloe extract soothes lips and helps keep them feeling comfortable. The gloss has a peppermint scent. In New Zealand, Sheer Color Lip Gloss has a RRP of $50NZD ($26USD in the States).

Almost Pink is a very pale, translucent pink. The mint scent causes a small amount of tingling after it is first applied, but I stopped noticing this after a minute or so. The texture is light but cushiony with minimal tackiness. Almost Pink wears for two and a quarter hours on me and is hydrating. It's certainly a nice gloss, but I'm not enough of a lip gloss fan to ever consider shelling out $50 for one.

*

Holiday 2014 Brush Set

The last gift I received was this brush set, which some googling told me was part of the Holiday 2014 collection. It contains travel size versions of the following:

• Face Blender Brush
• Sheer Powder Brush
• Dual-Ended Concealer Blending/Eye Blender Brush
• Eye Shadow Brush
• Eye Liner Brush
• Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush
• Brow Brush

I haven't tried the full size versions to compare their quality, but these feel pretty nice. My favourites are the Face Blender, which I've been using for blush, and the Eye Shadow Brush, which blends out transition and crease colours absolutely beautifully.

What I liked:

• Red has rich, opaque colour pay off
• Red is light and creamy in texture
• Red is non drying
• Red does not feather
• Red wears for six hours
• Almost Pink wears for two and a quarter hours
• Almost Pink is hydrating
• Almost Pink has a light, cushiony texture

What I didn't like:

• Almost Pink has a small amount of tackiness

Bobbi Brown is available at the following locations nationwide:

• Smith & Caughey’s Queen Street, Auckland
• Smith & Caughey's Newmarket, Auckland
• Farmers Albany, Auckland
• Farmers St Lukes, Auckland
• Bobbi Brown Store, The Pavilions at Britomart, Auckland
• Christchurch Westfield Riccarton, 
• Farmers Hamilton Centre Place
• Farmers Queensgate, Lower Hutt

Have you tried any Bobbi Brown products?

X
Lani

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---

ZA Deep Hydration Lasting Moisture Gel Review

August 15, 2015, 6:00 am

≫ Next: Living Nature - Summer Rain Lipstick and Lip Hydrator Swatches & Review

≪ Previous: Bobbi Brown Red Lipstick and Sheer Color Lip Gloss Almost Pink Swatches & Review

$

0

0

Provided for review

Hey lovelies,

The chilly winter weather always leaves my skin craving a moisture boost and ZA have come to the rescue with their Deep Hydration Lasting Moisture Gel.

Packaged in a quirky jar which makes me think of flying saucers, you get 50g of product for the RRP of $28NZD. 

Here's what ZA have to say about the Lasting Moisture Gel:

• Fresh dewy gel moisturiser for all skin types
• Provides hydration deep into the skin layer and instantly boosts skin’s hydration level
• Locks in moisture to the skin

The texture is that of a light, thin gel with no greasiness or tackiness whatsoever. It feels incredibly refreshing on the skin and absorbs quickly, making it ideal for using before makeup. There's a generic skincare scent which I'm not sure how to more accurately describe, I'm afraid!

I've been using the Deep Hydration Lasting Moisture Gel for a few months now, largely as a night cream, though it is light enough to use as a day cream too. I've had no problems with it causing breakouts, it's just all round love for me!

ZA Deep Hydration Lasting Moisture Gel has a recommended retail price of $28NZD and is available at the following retailers:

• Farmers
• Selected pharmacies
• Japan Mart
• Makeup Direct

Have you tried this moisturizer? 

X
Lani

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Living Nature - Summer Rain Lipstick and Lip Hydrator Swatches & Review

August 16, 2015, 3:19 am

≫ Next: MAC Monday: MAC Temperature Rising - Ripe For Love Blush Swatches & Review

≪ Previous: ZA Deep Hydration Lasting Moisture Gel Review

$

0

0

Provided for review

Hey lovelies,

I've been giving some products from New Zealand brand Living Nature a whirl lately, and today I want to show you two of their lip products. A certified natural company, Living Nature has an international reach and a focus on nourishing, safe and ethical products. I found their About Me and FAQ pages to be very interesting reads, definitely worth a quick squiz if you're interested in their products.

*

Summer Rain

Living Nature's lipsticks come boxed with a round cutout at the base of the carton to show the colour of the lipstick inside. The tube is compact and charming with rubberized packaging, while the Living Nature logo adorns the cap. I quite like the lipstick bullet, which deviates from your standard teardrop style by being slanted on both sides. These retail for $40NZD for 3.9-4g (marked 3.9g on the box, 4g on the tube). Out of interest's sake, this is 0.9-1g more than a MAC lipstick, which has the same NZ RRP.

Swatched on bare skin under daylight bulbs

Summer Rain is described by Living Nature as a 'darker, more intense true pink '. On the website it appears to be a purple toned magenta, while on me it's a medium warm rosy pink. It's a confusing discrepancy which made me wonder if I had a mislabelled lipstick at first, but on closer inspection all of the swatches on the Living Nature site look very photoshopped and colour inaccurate. It's really annoying when companies do this - why bother providing a swatch if it's so wildly off? I hope this is something they will remedy in future. 

The formula for this lipstick feels very similar to Karen Murrell's lipsticks, both contain carnauba wax which has a very high melting point. This means they feel less slick than some brands and have a soft, demi-matte and natural finish. Summer Rain has buildable to semi opaque colour pay off. It lasts for three hours on me and is very comfortable to wear, even lightly hydrating.

 *

Lip Hydrator

The Lip Hydrator comes in the same packaging as the lipstick, which is a lovely touch. If you're going to buy a luxury lip balm (and most people would agree the RRP of $29.50NZD does make it a luxury), you certainly want it to look the part. The Lip Hydrator definitely isn't your average Chapstick, it's deeply hydrating and has a thin, light texture which makes it perfect to prime your lips prior to lipstick application. I've been especially enjoying it as an overnight treatment as it's not greasy in the slightest, meaning it won't wipe off all over your pillow or leave gathered up product at the inner corners of your mouth. Definitely worth checking out if you want a solid performer of a lip balm!

What I liked:

• Summer Rain has buildable to semi-opaque, even colour pay off
• Summer Rain is lightly hydrating
• Summer Rain wears away evenly and does not migrate, feather or bunch
• The Lip Hydrator is deeply hydrating
• The Lip Hydrator's thin, light texture makes it a great primer before lipstick
• The Lip Hydrator also makes a great overnight conditioning treatment

What I didn't like:

• Huge colour variation in colours shown on website and real life

Where to buy:

• Livingnature.com
• Full list of national & international stockists here

Have you tried any products from Living Nature?

X
Lani

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MAC Monday: MAC Temperature Rising - Ripe For Love Blush Swatches & Review

August 17, 2015, 5:09 am

≫ Next: LUSH Shades of Earl Grey and Yes Yes Yes Massage Bars Review

≪ Previous: Living Nature - Summer Rain Lipstick and Lip Hydrator Swatches & Review

$

0

0

Purchased by me/Contains affiliate links

Hey lovelies,

Somehow, The Temperature Rising collection (2013) never registered a blip on my radar back when it released. But when I saw Ripe For Love pop up in a MAC sales Facebook group I'm a member of I quickly realised I'd missed something good! Fortunately if this blush starts singing its siren song to you, it's not too hard to find in sales groups and the asking prices don't often seem to exceed the original retail price of $23USD, even brand new in box.

This collection came in gorgeous frosted bronze packaging with purple lining the boxes. These little touches get me every time!

Applied heavily/sheered out

Ripe For Love is a beautiful warm coral, officially with a satin finish though it has a little more shimmer than your average satin. If pore emphasising shimmer has you running for the hills, fear not - Ripe for Love buffs into the skin to leave a lovely glow. The colour pay off is buildable and easy to blend and on me, Ripe For Love lasts for nine hours, just looking a little faded after six hours.

A FOTD with Ripe For Love

What I liked:

• Good, buildable colour pay off
• Blendable texture
• Doesn't emphasise pores, buffs nicely into skin
• Lasts for nine hours

What I didn't like:

• Looks a bit faded after six hours

Start your hunt here:

• Specktra.net Clearance Bin
• Ebay
• Facebook sales groups
• Glambot
• Amazon
• Storenvy
• Trade Me

Do you recall this collection? Did you pick anything up from it?

X
Lani

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LUSH Shades of Earl Grey and Yes Yes Yes Massage Bars Review

August 17, 2015, 5:58 am

≫ Next: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream - Istanbul, Prague and Copenhagen Swatches & Review

≪ Previous: MAC Monday: MAC Temperature Rising - Ripe For Love Blush Swatches & Review

$

0

0

Provided for review

Hey lovelies,

One of my first ever LUSH purchases was the Each Peach Massage Bar on a mother-daughter day trip to Wellington in my teens and the Massage Bars have been a favourite of mine ever since. It's always exciting when LUSH add to their permanent range and in May they added six Massage Bars to their line up! I have two of them to show you today.

Left: Shades of Earl Grey, right: Yes Yes Yes

These Massage Bars are solid cocoa and shea butter, two super hydrating, skin loving ingredients. They melt quickly at body temperature, which makes them perfect for massaging - my husband, who is not usually a LUSH fan, has to concede that he loves these for his legs after he's been playing football. The kids also like them for a back rub at bed time, it helps them to really relax and go to sleep. Personally, I just feel I deserve a lot of massages - that mum life is sometimes often a thankless job and using one of the massage bars is a great treat.

They'll take a few seconds to warm to your skin, but after that you're away laughing. If you're not sure how to use it, LUSH have a great video:

In New Zealand, the Massage Bars have a retail price of $18.50, which I think is quite reasonable given how much we've used ours so far with very little signs of them diminishing. Massaging with body oils could get quite messy and use up a lot more product faster than I'd ever finish one of these. 

Yes Yes Yes has a heady jasmine scent, so if that's your jam you'll be all over this! If strong florals aren't your fave, keep scrolling for...

Shades of Earl Grey, which has a citrus and (you guessed it) earl grey scent. It's light and subtle, not too strong at all for my husband's nose (he finds most fragrances overpowering). I'm willing to ignore the 50 Shades inspired name for this one because it is my favourite of the new releases.

Massage Bars can be purchased at LUSH Online (NZ) or you can find your nearest LUSH store using the store locator. International readers can find their local LUSH site here!

Have you tried the Massage Bars?

X
Lani

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NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream - Istanbul, Prague and Copenhagen Swatches & Review

August 18, 2015, 5:09 pm

≫ Next: Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Eye Defining - Cheeky Pink Eyeshadow Swatches & Review

≪ Previous: LUSH Shades of Earl Grey and Yes Yes Yes Massage Bars Review

$

0

0

Purchased by me/Contains affiliate links

Hey lovelies,

I told myself I didn't need NYX's unbelievably popular Copenhagen Soft Matte Lip Cream. And I was doing just fine ignoring it until I saw Lexie from Nailgirl wearing it when we went out to dinner with friends earlier in the year. The girl knows how to create lemmings, that's for sure! Copenhagen looked incredible on her and lasted throughout the meal without any touch ups. I was blown away, and onto the wishlist it promptly went.
While scoping out prices on Ebay, I found the First Crush set, which contains Copenhagen along with two other colours, Istanbul and Prague. Due to Copenhagen's popularity, a lot of sellers have been hiking up their prices for that shade substantially, so buying this set was actually about the same  cost - I paid about $20USD for the trio.

The Soft Matte Lip Creams come in tubes coloured to match the shade inside and they have doefoot applicators. It's worth noting that the Soft Matte Lip Creams contain a generous 8ml for their US retail price of $6.00. That's some competitive pricing; many brands are charging a lot more for significantly less product. 

Formula overview:

These have a mousse like texture which is easy to spread thinly across the lips. It takes a few minutes for them to dry completely matte, but you don't have to fuss around keeping your lips apart as they aren't tacky - the formula doesn't stick itself. They don't feather, migrate or bunch over the course of wear. To me they smell quite sweet - other reviewers have liked it to cupcake frosting - which seems to be quite a divider of opinions! I enjoy bakery scents and scented cosmetics in general, so I'm a fan, but if you can't stand them you're probably better off avoiding these. 

Swatched on bare skin under daylight bulbs: Istanbul, Prague, Copenhagen

*

Istanbul

NYX call Istanbul a 'clean pink'. It's a light pink with subtle warmth. It reminds me quite a bit of MAC Please Me, a touch bluer and lighter. Here's a quick comparison!

Istanbul has lovely colour pay off with no streaking. It emphasises uneven lip texture a little more than darker shades of the Soft matte Lip Creams so you'll want to give your lips a good scrub before applying. It wears for just under five hours on me, becoming minimally drying after two hours and looking a bit faded toward the end of wear.

See the rest of this makeup look here

*

Prague

Prague is described as a 'matte merlot; I'd call it a cool medium berry. Again, beautiful colour pay off and application! Prague wears for four hours on me and is minimally drying and a touch faded after two.

See the rest of this makeup look here

*

Copenhagen

And now we come to the famous Copenhagen! It's described as a 'matte rich plum', which I'd agree with. I was underwhelmed by colour pay off and application though - it's patchy and uneven as you can see. Copenhagen lasts for seven and a half hours on me and becomes drying after three hours. The colour was faded and wearing in the center by the time it finally began disappearing.

See the rest of this makeup look here

What I liked:

• Great colour pay off
• Sweet frosting scent
• Istanbul and Prague last for four-five hours
• Copenhagen lasts for seven and a half hours
• Mousse like texture is easy to apply
• They don't feather or migrate

What I didn't like:

• Drying after two to three hours
• Copenhagen is patchy

Where to buy:

• Amazon
• Ebay

Have you tried NYX's Soft Matte Lip Creams?

X
Lani

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Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Eye Defining - Cheeky Pink Eyeshadow Swatches & Review

August 19, 2015, 4:59 am

≫ Next: Essence Superfine Eyeliner Pen and I Heart Stage Eyeshadow Primer Swatches & Review

≪ Previous: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream - Istanbul, Prague and Copenhagen Swatches & Review

$

0

0

Provided for review/Contains affiliate links

Hey lovelies,

Estee Lauder recently added a new line of eyeshadow singles to their permanent line and they're gorgeous! The twenty shade strong line contains a mixture of 'matte, velvet, luminous and brilliant finishes' to appeal to all tastes.

Pictured here with the Magic Smoky Powder Shadow Stick in Pink Charcoal, which I reviewed here.

The Pure Color Envy Eye Defining Singles come in a small, glossy blackened navy compact which is domed on the top and bottom (although the bottom does have a flat section in the middle, so don't panic about it rolling around!). Inside there's a decent sized mirror and a small sponge tipped applicator, which I don't typically reach for, but have found it good for dabbing on an inner corner highlight.

Cheeky Pink is a warm champagne pink shimmer with great colour pay off. The Pure Color Envy Eye Defining eyeshadows are said to be a 'tri-brid formula that combines the best properties of a cream, powder and gel'. They're also pitched as a wet to dry formula, being more intense and metallic when applied wet. They have a thin, smooth texture which feels quite silky and they apply and blend beautifully.  I've been using Cheeky Pink as a face highlighter as well as an eyeshadow and it works wonderfully both ways. Here it is in action as a highlighter:

FOTD details to come

In the eye makeup look below, I've used Cheeky Pink on the inner corner:

See the rest of this makeup look here

What I liked:

• Great colour pay off
• Thin, silky texture
• Applies and blends beautifully
• Works well as an eyeshadow or highlighter

What I didn't like:

• Nothing!

Where to buy:

• Estee Lauder counters nationwide, RRP $58NZD
• Estee Lauder (Australia)
• Amazon

Have you tried Estee Lauder's new eyeshadows?

X
Lani

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Essence Superfine Eyeliner Pen and I Heart Stage Eyeshadow Primer Swatches & Review

August 19, 2015, 7:04 pm

≫ Next: Melt Cosmetics Lipsticks - Darling, Bang! Bang! and Stupid Love Swatches & Review

≪ Previous: Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Eye Defining - Cheeky Pink Eyeshadow Swatches & Review

$

0

0

Provided for review

Hey lovelies,

Here are two cheap & cheerful eye products from Essence! I've really enjoyed many of the other Essence products I've tried, so let's see what I thought of these.

Superfine Eyeliner Pen

The Superfine Eyeliner Pen ($5.65NZD) is a felt tip style eyeliner with a long, thin sponge applicator. It has just the right amount of flexibility to make drawing a line easy. The holographic writing on the packaging is a cool touch! 

Swatched heavily (left) and a single pass (right), photographed on bare skin under daylight bulbs

This isn't the blackest eyeliner I've ever seen; it has buildable colour pay off and a satin finish. It feels a bit dry during application but doesn't drag. I noticed some creasing after eight hours of wear.

A FOTD with the Superfine Eyeliner Pen

*

I Heart Stage Eyeshadow Base

I quite like the packaging for the eyeshadow primer, it's fun and the doefoot applicator spreads a thin amount of product across the eyelid easily.

The I Heart Stage Eyeshadow Primer ($5.65NZD) is a semi opaque ochre coloured primer. The yellowness is a great idea, as it's wonderful for cancelling out any redness on the lids. Sadly this primer fell flat on my oily, hooded eyelids and did not prevent creasing on me. I have a couple of friends who use this and it works really well for them, so I definitely don't think it's a dud - eyeshadow primer is just one of the most subjective products out there!

What I liked:

• The doefoot applicator on the primer spreads a thin amount of product easily
• The primer's yellow tint helps to cancel any redness on the lids
• The felt tip on the eyeliner pen has the right amount of flexibility to easily apply a line
• Wallet friendly

What I didn't like:

• Primer creases on me
• Eyeliner creases on me
• Eyeliner isn't super opaque
• Eyeliner feels a bit dry

Where to buy:

• Selected Farmers stores nationwide
• Price Wise Direct
• Price Wise stores

Have you tried any Essence products?

X
Lani

---

Melt Cosmetics Lipsticks - Darling, Bang! Bang! and Stupid Love Swatches & Review

July 18, 2015, 2:15 am

≫ Next: Recent FOTDs

≪ Previous: Essence Superfine Eyeliner Pen and I Heart Stage Eyeshadow Primer Swatches & Review

$

0

0

Purchased by me

Hey lovelies,

I'm excited to share swatches of some gorgeous Melt lipsticks with you today! I fell hard and fast for Melt after trying my first lipstick from them, Summer (check out my review!) and it's about time I posted about more of them. So without further ado, some lovely brights to feast your eyes upon.

Packaging:

Melt lipsticks come in striped boxes with cute lip prints on the outside. The lipstick tubes are long (longer than a MAC lipstick) and matte black with the Melt logo printed on them in purple. The packaging is of very nice quality - I love the attention to detail Melt have put in. They have made no compromises in ensuring the quality matches the $19USD price point. Bonus for the animal lovers - Melt are cruelty free and most of their products are vegan (presently, all of the lipsticks except 6six6 are vegan).

Formula Overview:

Melt lipsticks are opaque and ultra matte - think the slightly stiff consistency and flat matte of a MAC Retro Matte lipstick and you're on the money. They can take a second or so to warm up on the lips, but once they do they are very easy to apply and they don't tug at the lips. My method with these is to begin applying in the center of my lips first, then creating the outline either from the bullet or with a lip brush once it has warmed up. You may have more or less trouble with this depending on the climate you live in.

The scent is described as 'vanilla cake' which I agree with but there's also an underlying playdough scent which I don't love. It's not very noticeable during the course of wear, so that's nice and it's obviously not been enough to deter me from buying more :D

Lasting power is generally pretty solid, with all of these shades wearing between five and a half to eight hours. I find most of the shades minimally drying toward the end of wear while some shades aren't drying at all. 

Swatched on bare skin under daylight bulbs

*

Darling

(Apologies, this one is a little overexposed! Second photo is colour accurate.)

Darling is a pastel pale lavender and it's super fun to wear! It has a slightly thicker texture than other Melt shades that I have tried, and I noticed the occasional tiny streak of pink pigment during application (in the swatch above, there's a speck of it in the middle of the left half of my upper lip, and a streak close to the center of my lower lip on the right side). This didn't bother me too much as it was very subtle in person, but it might be off putting for others. Darling wears for five and half hours on me and leaves strong pink staining. 

A makeup look with Darling

*

Bang! Bang!

Bang! Bang! is a vibrant tangerine orange. It's the perfect inbetween option compared to shades like yellow based Lime Crime My Beautiful Rocket and the more red leaning MAC Morange. It lasted for a little over six hours on me without feathering or migrating and didn't stain. Love, love, love :D

*

Stupid Love

Stupid Love is a near neon hot pink. It's so damn fabulous! I thrashed this one on holiday earlier in the year. It wears for eight hours on me (including meals!) without feathering or migrating and leaves strong pink staining, but it is minimally drying.

A makeup look with Stupid Love

What I liked:

• Fantastic opacity
• Longlasting - wear for five and a half to eight hours
• Bang! Bang! isn't drying
• No feathering or migration
• Cruelty free, vegan shades

What I didn't like:

• Vanilla cake/playdough scent
• Darling and Stupid Love are minimally drying
• Can take a few seconds to warm up for optimal application
• Darling had a few tiny streaks of pink pigment

Where to buy:

• Melt Cosmetics

Have you tried any Melt lipsticks?

X
Lani

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Recent FOTDs

July 20, 2015, 4:10 am

≫ Next: Living Nature Eye Pencil - River Stone Swatches & Review

≪ Previous: Melt Cosmetics Lipsticks - Darling, Bang! Bang! and Stupid Love Swatches & Review

$

0

0

Purchased by me/Provided for review/Borrowed/Contains affiliate links

Hey lovelies,

It's been far too long since I shared any FOTDs! Here's a sampling of what I've been wearing on my face over the last month.

Wednesday 17th June

An experiment outside of my comfort zone. Blegh. Not one of my finer efforts! Too warm, too high above the crease for my eye shape and colouring.

FACE

ELF Mineral Infused Primer - Tone Adjusting Green (iHerb)

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation 1N1 Ivory Nude (Amazon)

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer - Vanilla (Amazon)

Australis Contour Kit (Ebay) 

Unsure of blush and highlight, sorry!

EYES

Covergirl Shadowblast Beige Blaze (Amazon)

LORAC Pro Palette - Taupe as transition, Sable on socketline, Cream to blend out, White on browbone, Nude on inner corner, Gold on center of lid, Garnet on inner half of lid (Amazon)
ColourPop Super Shock Shadow - Hustle on outer half of lid

ZA Liquid Eyeliner BK999 Real Black* (Ebay)

Benefit They're Real Mascara (Amazon)

BROWS

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade - Soft Brown (Amazon)

MAC Brow Set - Clear (Ebay)

LIPS
ColourPop Lippie Stix - Cookie

*

Saturday 20th June

FACE

Sephora Anti-Shine Foundation Primer (Amazon)

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation 1N1 Ivory Nude (Amazon)

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer - Vanilla (Amazon)

Australis Contour Kit (Ebay)

Fyrinnae Enrapture blush

Nature Republic Provence Blossom Blusher #1 Pink as highlighter

EYES

LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer (Amazon)

LORAC Pro Palette - Taupe as transition, Cream to blend out, White on browbone, Nude on inner corner (Amazon)

MUA Pearl Eyeshadow Shade #11 all over lid and lower lashline

ZA Liquid Eyeliner BK999 Real Black* (Ebay)

Eye of Horus Goddess Mascara*

BROWS

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade - Soft Brown (Amazon)

MAC Brow Set - Clear (Ebay)

LIPS
Karen Murrell Lipstick - Fuchsia Shock

*

Tuesday 23rd June

FACE

Sephora Anti-Shine Foundation Primer (Amazon)

Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup - 1C1 Cool Bone (Ebay)

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer - Vanilla (Amazon)

ColourPop Super Shock Cheek - Hysterical

ColourPop Super Shock Cheek Pearlized Highligher - Double Dip

Maybelline Color Tattoo - Tough as Taupe (as contour) (Amazon)

MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder - Gold-Go-Lightly (as bronzer)

EYES

LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer (Amazon)

LORAC Pro Palette - Taupe as transition, Cream to blend out, White on browbone, Nude on inner corner (Amazon)

Femme Fatale Cosmetics - The Wayward Prince all over lid
Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Eye Defining Single - Cheeky Pink to highlight inner corner
Estee Lauder Magic Smoky - Pink Charcoal on lower lashline/upper lashline

ZA Liquid Eyeliner BK999 Real Black* (Ebay)

Eye of Horus Goddess Mascara*

Born Pretty Store false eyelashes (Born Pretty Store - use my code LR10K31 for 10% off your order)

BROWS

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade - Soft Brown (Amazon)

MAC Brow Set - Clear (Ebay)

LIPS
MAC Dazzleglass Creme - Do It Up

*

Thursday 25th June

FACE

Sephora Anti-Shine Foundation Primer (Amazon)

Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup - 1C1 Cool Bone (Ebay)

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer - Vanilla (Amazon)

Australis Contour Kit (Ebay)

MAC Blush Ombre - Ripe Peach (Ebay)

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish - Light Year (Ebay)

EYES

LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer (Amazon)

LORAC Pro Palette - Taupe as transition and on lower lashline, Cream to blend out, White on browbone, Nude on inner corner (Amazon)

ColourPop Super Shock Shadow - Birthday Girl all over lid, inner corner lower lashline

ZA Liquid Eyeliner BK999 Real Black* (Ebay)

Estee Lauder Extreme Sumptuous Mascara (Amazon)

Ardell Demi Wispies, cut in half (Amazon)

BROWS

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade - Soft Brown (Amazon)

MAC Brow Set - Clear (Ebay)

LIPS
Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick - Native

*

Sunday 28th June

FACE

Sephora Anti-Shine Foundation Primer (Amazon)

Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup - 1C1 Cool Bone (Ebay)

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer - Vanilla (Amazon)

Australis Contour Kit (Ebay)

Milani Baked Blush - Corallina (Amazon)

MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder - Gold-Go-Lightly

EYES

LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer (Amazon)

LORAC Pro Palette - Taupe as transition and on lower lashline, Cream to blend out, White on browbone, Nude on inner corner (Amazon)

Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy

Femme Fatale Cosmetics - Choose Wisely all over lid, The Girl Who Cried Monster on lower lashline

Innocent + Twisted Alchemy - Sleepwalking Pastorals on inner half of lower lashline

ZA Liquid Eyeliner BK999 Real Black* (Ebay)

Estee Lauder Extreme Sumptuous Mascara (Amazon)

Ardell #110 false lashes (Amazon)

BROWS

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade - Soft Brown (Amazon)

MAC Brow Set - Clear (Ebay)

LIPS
MAC Mattene Lipstick - Naked Bliss

*

Tuesday 30th June

FACE

Sephora Anti-Shine Foundation Primer (Amazon)

Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup - 1C1 Cool Bone (Ebay)

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer - Vanilla (Amazon)

Australis Contour Kit (Ebay)

LORAC TANtalizer Baked Bronzer (Amazon)

Maybelline Blush - Golden Fuse (Amazon)

EYES

LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer (Amazon)

TheBalm Nude 'Tude Palette - Sultry as transition shade, Sassy to blend out/highlight, Seductive on lower lashline (Amazon)

Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy

Femme Fatale Cosmetics - Straw to Gold all over lid

ColourPop Super Shock Shadow - Rebel on outer V

ZA Liquid Eyeliner BK999 Real Black* (Ebay)

Estee Lauder Extreme Sumptuous Mascara (Amazon)

Born Pretty Store false lashes, cut in half (Born Pretty Store - use my code LR10K31 for 10% off your order)

BROWS

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade - Soft Brown (Amazon)

MAC Brow Set - Clear (Ebay)

LIPS
Tarte lipgloss - unnamed pink shimmer

*

Wednesday 1st July

FACE

Sephora Anti-Shine Foundation Primer (Amazon)

Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup - 1C1 Cool Bone (Ebay)

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer - Vanilla (Amazon)

Australis Contour Kit (Ebay)

MAC Blush - Gingerly (Ebay)

Innocent + Twisted Alchemy Angelic Powder - Immortal Glow

EYES

LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer (Amazon)

MAC - Wedge on socketline, Shale all over lid/lower lashline, Manila Paper to highlight

ZA Liquid Eyeliner BK999 Real Black* (Ebay)

Australis Pencil - Blackest Black

Estee Lauder Extreme Sumptuous Mascara (Amazon)

BROWS

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade - Soft Brown (Amazon)

MAC Brow Set - Clear (Ebay)

LIPS
Sephora Cream Lip Stain #14 (Amazon)

*

Sunday 5th July

FACE

Sephora Anti-Shine Foundation Primer (Amazon)

Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup - 1C1 Cool Bone (Ebay)

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer - Vanilla (Amazon)

Australis Contour Kit (Ebay)

Dark Heart Designs Bronzer

ColourPop Super Shock Cheek - Prenup

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish - Porcelain Pink

EYES

LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer (Amazon)

LORAC Nude Skinny palette - shade #3 as transition, shade #1 to blend out
Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy
Notoriously Morbid - Say Your Right Words all over lid/lower lashline, You Have No Power on inner corner

ZA Liquid Eyeliner BK999 Real Black* (Ebay)

Estee Lauder Extreme Sumptuous Mascara (Amazon)

BROWS

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade - Soft Brown (Amazon)

MAC Brow Set - Clear (Ebay)

LIPS
MAC Lipstick - Eden Rocks

*

Tuesday 7th July

FACE

Sephora Anti-Shine Foundation Primer (Amazon)

Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup - 1C1 Cool Bone (Ebay)

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer - Vanilla (Amazon)

NYX Taupe Blush (to contour) (Amazon)

Physicians Formula Argan Wear - Rose (Amazon)

EYES

LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer (Amazon)

LORAC Nude Skinny Palette - Shade #3 as transition, shade #2 all over lid, shade #1 to blend out

ZA Liquid Eyeliner BK999 Real Black* (Ebay)

Australis Pencil - Blackest Black (smudged out on lower lashline)

MAC Parfait Amour eyeshadow (over Australis pencil)

Estee Lauder Extreme Sumptuous Mascara (Amazon)

Ardell Demi Wispies false lashes (Amazon)

BROWS

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade - Soft Brown (Amazon)

MAC Brow Set - Clear (Ebay)

LIPS
MAC Lipstick - Instigator (Ebay)

*

Saturday 10th July

This was from a visit to the brand spanking new Bobbi Brown counter at the Farmers in Westfield Queensgate! I received an Ultimate Makeup Lesson from the lovely Olivia, who is the national trainer for Bobbi Brown. Until the end of July, visit the Queensgate Bobbi Brown counter for a complimentary makeup lesson** and you'll receive a free deluxe sample of their Smokey Eye mascara.

FACE

Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil (Amazon)

Bobbi Brown Extra Treatment Lotion (Amazon)

Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Serum (Amazon)

Bobbi Brown Eye Repair Cream (Amazon)

Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Moisture Cream (Amazon)

Bobbi Brown Illuminating Moisture Balm (Amazon)

Bobbi Brown Corrector - Light Bisque (Amazon)

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit - Porcelain (Amazon)

Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation - Porcelain (Amazon)

Bobbi Brown Powder - Soft Sand (Amazon)

Bobbi Brown Blush - Nude Pink (Amazon)

EYES

Bobbi Brown Longwear Eye Base - Light (Amazon)

Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow - Bone, all over lid (Amazon)

Bobbi Brown Sparkle Shadow - Silver Lilac (Amazon)

Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner - Black Ink (Amazon)

Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara (Amazon)

BROWS

Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Longwear Brow Pencil - Saddle

LIPS

Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color - Bellini Pink

Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lip Gloss - Pink Sequin (Ebay)

*

Friday 17th July

FACE

Sephora Anti-Shine Foundation Primer (Amazon)

Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup - 1C1 Cool Bone (Ebay)

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer - Vanilla (Amazon)

Australis Contour Kit (Ebay)

MAC My Paradise blush (Ebay)

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Eye Defining Singles - Cheeky Pink (as highlighter)

EYES

LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer (Amazon)

MAC Stroke of Midnight palette - Quarry on socketline, Satin Taupe all over lid/lower lashline, Vapour to blend out/browbone highlight, Phloof as inner corner highlight (Ebay)

ZA Liquid Eyeliner BK999 Real Black* (Ebay)

Estee Lauder Extreme Sumptuous Mascara (Amazon)

BROWS

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade - Soft Brown (Amazon)

MAC Brow Set - Clear (Ebay)

LIPS
MAC Lipstick - Boca (Ebay)

X
Lani

* Provided for review
** During peak periods, full lessons may incur a $90 booking fee which is redeemable on product. 

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Living Nature Eye Pencil - River Stone Swatches & Review

August 20, 2015, 2:17 pm

≫ Next: Color Wow Root Cover Up - Blonde Review

≪ Previous: Recent FOTDs

$

0

0

Provided for review

Hey lovelies,

The next item from Living Nature that I have to show you is one of their eye pencils in the shade River Stone. As you might expect from the name, it's a lovely blue-grey. I don't think I've ever owned a grey eyeliner before!

River Stones comes boxed with its name printed on the exterior. The pencil itself is your traditional wooden style which needs sharpening, and it's matte black with the end coloured grey to match the eyeliner. Living Nature's Eye Pencils have a retail price of $29NZD for 1.14g.

Single pass (left) and built up (right), swatched on bare skin under daylight bulbs

River Stone is a cool blue-grey with a matte finish and buildable colour pay off. Living Nature call their eyeliner formula a 'soft gentle pencil with vegetable waxes to provide smooth application'. This is a pencil you'll want to wear down a little before applying, as it feels quite sharp and scratchy initially. I found the formula to be too stiff to comfortably apply to my lashlines at first (though after a few uses it has improved considerably and now applies easily) so I opted to line my waterline with River Stone instead and it worked wonderfully for that. It lasted really well on the waterline too and provided definition without being quite as harsh as black can sometimes be. I'd say grey is definitely an eyeliner colour worth trying!

A FOTD with River Stone

What I liked:

• Buildable colour pay off
• Lasts really well on waterline
• Smudges out easily

What I didn't like:

• Feels scratchy and sharp initially

Where to buy:

• Livingnature.com
• Full list of national & international stockists here

Have you tried grey eyeliner before?

X
Lani


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Color Wow Root Cover Up - Blonde Review

August 22, 2015, 1:13 am

≫ Next: Living Nature Warm Summer Blush Swatches & Review

≪ Previous: Living Nature Eye Pencil - River Stone Swatches & Review

$

0

0

Provided for review

Hey lovelies,

Ahhhh, regrowth. For someone who enjoys regularly colouring their hair, I have absolutely no tolerance for it! But getting your hair professionally coloured is expensive, and there's always a few weeks between scrounging up the money for a hair appointment and that moment when I've really hit my tolerance limit. Which is where Color Wow comes in! It's a powder designed to cover up regrowth (or grey hairs) in that inbetween period when you can't get to the salon. I have the Blonde shade, which is one of seven shades; there's also Platinum/Light Blonde, Red, Light Brown, Medium Brown, Dark Brown and Black.

Color Wow comes in a glossy black compact with a big mirror inside and a special duo brush. The powder is shimmery, I assume to mimic the natural luster of your hair. Here are the application instructions:

To cover roots, start with a small amount of powder. Use free hand to pull hair taut at the root. Dab on visible roots, starting from the scalp and working outward. Repeat as necessary until roots disappear and color looks like new.

To extend highlights, use the side edge of the small end of the brush. Use free hand to pull hair taut at the root. Wherever highlights have grown out, apply blonde powder joining it to the existing highlight.

Note: Let it set for aminute and then you can brush. If you put too much on…just blow off with a hair dryer or use the wide end of brush to dust off.

The colour is supposed to last until you wash your hair, but is water resistant so you can go swimming in it.

Here are some rather derpy photos of the Color Wow in action :D The way my hair is styled, the regrowth at my temples becomes noticeable and more bothersome sooner than at my crown. As per the instructions, I use the smaller end of the brush to sweep through the regrowth until it is suitably disguised. It takes a good few minutes to apply so I'm glad that the product lasts until you wash your hair again, I think I would be too impatient to rigorously apply it every day.

Full FOTD details here

Color Wow is available from selected pharmacies and Farmers stores nationwide for $49.90NZD. The price is honestly the only thing I'm not keen on! It's a fantastic product to be sure, but since I only use it for a week or two every other month, the cost per use would work out to be rather high.

What do you think of this product? Can you tolerate regrowth?

X
Lani

Living Nature Warm Summer Blush Swatches & Review

August 22, 2015, 5:43 pm

≫ Next: ColourPop Lippie Stix - Pinch, Frida, Tootsi, Heart On, Fighter and Blood Swatches & Review

≪ Previous: Color Wow Root Cover Up - Blonde Review

$

0

0

Provided for review

Hey lovelies,

Here is another beautifully packaged product from Living Nature, one of their blushes in the shade Warm Summer. I showed my mum this one not long after it arrived and we were both rather enamoured with the simple but clever elastic band closure. The packaging itself is sturdy textured cardboard with the Living Nature logo printed on it. Living Nature blushes retail for $45.00NZD and contain 4g of product.

When you first open the blush, you'll find a layer of vellum paper protecting the blush inside; the Living Nature logo that adorns it is a sweet touch. Also included is a travel sized brush which is sadly too floppy and oddly cut to be of service. I always wish brands would forgo this option and go for a mirror or a larger pan of blush instead!

Swatched heavily (left) and blended out (right), photographed under daylight bulbs

Warm Summer is one of two shades in Living Nature's blush range (the other being Cool Winter). As with the swatches shown for the lipsticks on the website, I found the stock image to be completely inaccurate. I really see no point in showing a purely photoshopped creation that bears no relation to the colour of the actual blush. If you made your purchase based on the website's depiction, you'd be expecting a cool, ashy rose, instead of the warm dusty apricot that Warm Summer actually is.

My moaning about colour representation aside, Warm Summer has lovely colour pay off. It looks powdery in the heavy swatch, but this doesn't translate at all to cheeks. Instead, it blends beautifully into the skin and looks very natural. A soft, rosy and understated glow which is impossible to overdo. Wear time was unusually fleeting however, lasting four and a half hours which seemed to be consistent whether over bare skin or over primer and foundation (and set with translucent powder). 

A FOTD with Warm Summer

What I liked:

• Lovely colour pay off
• Blends well
• Buffs nicely into the skin for a natural finish

What I didn't like:

• Only lasts for four and a half hours
• Color shown on site is completely inaccurate

What to buy:

• Livingnature.com
• Full list of national & international stockists here

X
Lani

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