Review: Maybelline ‘The Falsies’ Mascara

Hi there! For this week’s second review I’m talking about Maybelline’s ‘The Falsies’ waterproof mascara. I bought this mascara the same day as Patisserie funnily enough and I’ve really come to enjoy using it in my daily makeup routine.

I picked this mascara up as part of a 3 For 2 deal on Maybelline products a little over a month ago. I’d heard good things about The Falsies and needed another product to make up (pardon the pun) my three. I have been using Rimmel mascaras for over two years with no problems and I love them so at first it felt like I was cheating on Rimmel.

Claims

“False lash glam, instantly!”

• Patented Spoon Brush fans out lashes from corner-to-corner, while our Pro-Keratin formula instantly builds volume without clumping.
• Unique flexible wand helps to lift and separate lashes to provide the look of 300% more visible, fuller lashes, no gaps from any angle.
• Contact lens safe and ophthalmologist-tested.
• Waterproof, also available in Washable formula.

(Source: Maybelline)

Impressions: Then and Now

I like to do these review type posts after I’ve had the product for a little while so I can test it out and give you a fair opinion. Interestingly, my thoughts when I first started using this mascara are different to what they are now.

Formula. The first few times I used The Falsies the formula seemed very wet. It wasn’t messy to apply but personally I prefer my mascara less wet. It took a couple of uses before air got into it. Now, I like the formula, it’s not too wet, dries quickly and doesn’t clump.

Come Clean. Another gripe I had was how difficult it was to remove. I know it’s waterproof so it’s not meant to budge but the Maybelline website says easily washes off with soap and water. One, I have sensitive skin and two, I wouldn’t put soap near my eyes. I was simply used to my Rimmel mascaras and it just means when I remove it I use a separate cotton pad soaked with micellar water for my eyes. I have to rub a little more vigorously than the rest of my face but the micellar water doesn’t irritate my eyes so it’s fine. As long as you use a good makeup remover or eye makeup remover you won’t have any problems.

300% More Volume? The Falsies claims to provide up to 300% more visible, fuller lashes but sadly I don’t think this claim is true. It definitely makes my lashes more fuller but let’s face it, not 300% – how is that even measurable? My lashes aren’t very long and are rather thin but I do find this mascara does a good job at separating them and gives a nice bit of length. Wearing glasses I don’t like too much length as the mascara can dirty the lenses and actually push the glasses off. I prefer voluminous lashes to lengthened lashes.

I wanted to show you a comparison of no mascara vs. 2 coats of The Falsies. As you can see it makes my lashes darker making them more visible and adds more volume and length. I find two coats to be the optimum amount. More than that and my lashes can start to look clumpy.

Overall Verdict

The spoon shape of the brush makes application easy as it mimics the curl of an eyelash and helps to coat more lashes in one hit. The only thing that I’m not such a fan of with this mascara is the price, (it ranges from $24-$27 NZD). I didn’t mind so much this time round as I got it as part of the 3 For 2 deal but both my Rimmel mascaras have been half that price. I do really like this product though and I’m not ruling out a re-purchase. I’ve bought a few Maybelline products lately and the quality has impressed me so it’s definitely a brand I’ll be looking out for more in the future!

---

Have you tried The Falsies? What do you look for when it comes to purchasing a mascara, are you all about the length or do you prefer thick, voluminous lashes?

Review: MAC Patisserie Lipstick

Hey everyone, happy Monday! This week on the blog it’s review week and I’m kicking off with a review of my second MAC lipstick; Patisserie. I purchased this lipstick about a month ago and it is incredibly beautiful. I’ve included a swatch as well as an image of me wearing Patisserie so you can see how it looks on.

Packaging

When I reviewed Syrup I talked about how much I adore the packaging. I love the simple black box with the lipstick shade on the top and I love how the shade and finish is on the bottom of the actual bullet itself. The lipsticks are lightweight and although the casing is made of plastic it doesn’t feel cheap.

Claims

MAC describes Patisserie as a ‘Sheer creamy neutral pink’ and for the most part I think that description is accurate. Everyone’s perception of colour can be slightly different and lipsticks can change colour once on the lips anyway. To me this lipstick is a mixture of pink, brown, and a peachy terracotta. It is unlike any colour I own and isn’t one I would normally go for but I’m a fan.

Finish

Patisserie is a lustre lipstick meaning it has a semi-gloss finish. Lustre lipsticks are moisturising like a lipgloss and have pigment (albeit not as much as a matte) so they can be worn more sheer or built up. Both of my MAC lipsticks have a lustre finish, they’re so easy to wear and I really like them. I can’t comment too much on wear time as my lips hold pigment well no matter which lipstick I’m wearing. I would only really need to reapply after a meal or if I had a busy day planned.

Scent

Everyone who’s a fan of MAC lipsticks knows all about their gorgeous vanilla scent. Vanilla is one of my favourite scents anyway and to have lipsticks that smell like it is heavenly. I can still smell the lipstick after I’ve applied it but if you’re not a fan of the scent, don’t worry because it doesn’t linger for very long.

Application

Because Patisserie is a lustre finish it means the lipstick glides over the lips and is super easy to apply. I like to wear my lipstick more built up so I normally apply two or three thin, even coats. My natural lip colour is quite pale and I find this lipstick adds a beautiful hint of colour to the lips and goes on pretty much as it is in the bullet. The bullet contains little flecks of gold glitter which helps to add a nice subtle shiny look to the lips. The glitter is barely noticeable once the lipstick is on but looks so pretty.

Pros

+ Neutral, everyday shade that would suit a range of skin tones.

+ Great everyday colour for work.

+ Glides on for easy wear and application.

+ Pigmentation – good colour payoff with just one swipe.

Cons

– There is one very small con. The flecks of glitter make the bullet look slightly grainy but it doesn’t affect application at all.

Overall Verdict

Although pinks are my favourite lipsticks to wear and MAC describes this shade as pink I think it fits more into the neutral category. I was initially worried this shade would be too pale for my skin and make it look like I had foundation lips which is not the case at all! Patisserie adds a nice warmth to my face and complexion and I love wearing this lipstick!

Patisserie in action!

---

Let me know your thoughts on Patisserie and if there are any MAC shades you think I should check out!

May Favourites

I can’t believe in a few days time it will be an entire month since I started my job. This last month has zoomed by but it’s been good not stressing about finding a job and having one less worry on my mind. I’m still job searching in case I’m not kept on after two months but at least I’ll have some proper experience under my belt.

Onto this month’s favourites…

1. The Body Shop – Shea Body Whip – The body whip is the product I got when I exchanged the Shea shower cream that I was reacting to last month. I have been applying this body whip at least once a day on my arms before getting dressed and it is absolutely lovely! The product has a light texture and doesn’t feel greasy at all. It sinks in quickly so you don’t have to wait before getting dressed. I’ve mentioned numerous times how much I adore the scent of The Body Shops’ Shea range. Using this in conjunction with my body butter – also Shea – is divine. The bottle feels very lightweight and has a handy squeeze pump allowing you to get the amount you need. The pump locks into place so if you’re traveling the product won’t end up all over your belongings, no one wants a Ross from F.R.I.E.N.D.S situation!

2. MAC Syrup – How could I not include this wee beauty in my monthly favourites?! This has been my go-to lip product almost everyday this month and I just love how versatile and easy to wear this shade is. The formula is smooth and moisturising and doesn’t dry out the lips or cling to dry patches. If you’d like to know more about this lipstick and see swatches, click here to read the review I posted last week.

3. Dainty Doll Blush in 004 You Are My Sunshine – This blush is another product I have been wearing practically everyday in May. I first posted about it earlier this month. There is hardly a day I’ve been to work that I haven’t worn it. You Are My Sunshine is the most gorgeous peachy, rose-gold shade and at first I was worried it wouldn’t suit me but how wrong I was! I lightly tap this onto the tops of my cheekbones and apples of my cheeks and it gives such a subtle, beautiful glow. The golden particles really pick up and reflect the light.

4. Nivea Invisible for Black & White (Clear) – I’ve used this deodorant in the past and really loved it and I started using it again this month. I find a lot of other deodorants tend to feel sticky and get all over my tops when I put them on but not this one. This deodorant promises to not leave white marks on black clothing or yellow marks on white clothing and I’m pleased to say it lives up to its promise! The smell is also pretty pleasant and lingers throughout the day which is nice because it makes me feel like it’s doing its job and I don’t need to reapply. Nivea deodorants come in glass tubes (is tubes the right word?) so you can see how much is left and know exactly when you’ll need to get a replacement.

5. Music (ft. Bianca, Jessica Agombar, Jodie Connor and Morgan Deane) – This month I have been turning to these five tunes time and time again so I decided to compile them all into a handy SoundCloud playlist for you! Most of these tracks aren’t available to buy yet but British popstress Bianca recently released her debut EP Hi-5 – check that out if you like what you hear!

---

That’s all for this month, be sure to let me know what you’ve been loving! ❤

New Makeup: Blush & Concealer

Happy Friday everyone! By the time you read this I would have completed my first week at my new job and be looking forward to my first weekend off.

I have been on a bit of a makeup buying spree of late but I justify it to myself as trying new products while picking up essentials at the same time. I’m not a makeup hoarder and don’t have a huge collection so I don’t see my makeup buying as impulsive.

I recently purchased a Rimmel foundation and my first MAC lipstick which you can read about here if you haven’t already, but today’s post is all about my new blush and concealer.

Dainty Doll Blush in 004 You Are My Sunshine

I bought one of Dainty Doll’s powder blushes in the shade 004 You Are My Sunshine. It is a peachy, rose gold shade and it is absolutely beautiful. Pictures and swatches on the internet don’t do justice to how beautiful it looks in person. I’ve read that You Are My Sunshine is a dupe for NARS Orgasm. The pigmentation of this blush is really good and I don’t need to apply much as the flecks pick up and and reflect the light. As with all my other Dainty Doll products I love the packaging and this blush is so light and compact so it can be popped in your bag for touch ups throughout the day. The compact also comes with it’s own mirror.

I have been wearing this blush to work all week and it’s amazing how much it completes my look. I simply swirl my finger round the compact and lightly dab the blush onto the tops of my cheekbones which adds a nice sparkle to my face.

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer – 15 Fair

I’ve had the concealer stick I’ve been using for years and it has never let me down. All the other stick concealers I’ve swatched and looked at buying really don’t come close so I decided to give Maybelline’s Fit Me Concealer a go. The concealer has a doe foot applicator which makes it easy to dot under the eyes or onto imperfections. The aim of the product is to conceal seamlessly while letting skin breathe.

I have been wearing this product to work all week too and I’m really pleased with how it looks. The concealer blends in so nicely and doesn’t feel cakey or wear off throughout the day. I place concealer around the edges of my nose, on my chin and on any spots. I only need a few dots of this particular one – a little definitely goes a long way.

Overall, I’m loving the new products I’ve purchased and I look forward to using them in my future makeup routines.

What was the last makeup item you purchased?

Chanelle x

Shopping Shenanigans: Featuring My First MAC

Hey everyone! Last Thursday my brother and I went on a little shopping trip and of course I wanted to tell you about my day so what better way to share it than through a post?! I’m very excited to share this post with you as I bought my first ever MAC lipstick!!! Read on to find out which shade I chose. The morning started with a McDonald’s breakfast – their hot chocolates are absolutely delightful! My brother and I then traveled to Hamilton which is roughly 1hr and 30mins from where I live.

Isn’t it gorgeous?!

Not long after arriving I bought my MAC lipstick. At first I was apprehensive about paying so much for a lipstick but you do pay for quality. I’ve read so many blog posts championing MAC lipsticks and I wanted to try one for myself and see what all the fuss is about. After standing at the MAC counter for what seemed like ages – and with my hand covered in swatches – I finally settled on Syrup which is described as a cloudy pink shade and has a lustre finish. I immediately fell in love with the packaging, bullet shaped casing and vanilla scent.

While my brother was browsing around a shop I captured this image of my nails. I’m wearing OPI’s It’s Frosty Outside from the Mariah Carey Holiday Sands collection.

I also popped into The Body Shop to purchase a Mother’s Day gift for my mum and the lovely lady behind the counter gift wrapped it for me. I selected a Shea soap and a bottle of White Musk fragrance mist.

Lunch ft. Dunkin’ Donuts 🙂

L-R: Vanilla Coke, Bavarian Kreme, Boston Kreme.

Following lunch I bought a bottle of Rimmel’s Match Perfection Foundation. I didn’t intend to buy a new foundation but decided to take the plunge and purchase it anyway. Wherever I went on Thursday I couldn’t help but look at the makeup displays and I happened to spot 010 Light Porcelain and 081 Fair Ivory. I swatched both on my hand and liked the look of Fair Ivory more. I’d previously sampled Rimmel’s Lasting Finish 25hr Foundation in 100 Ivory (read my review here) which was slightly too dark for me so the lighter shade is a better match.

Overall, I had a lovely day out and I am really pleased with my purchases!

I hope you enjoyed reading about my day and seeing the new makeup I bought. I can’t wait to incorporate both of these into my regular makeup routine! Let me know if you’ve tried these products!

Chanelle x

Review: Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25hr Foundation

Hey there!

I received a free sample of Rimmel’s Lasting Finish 25hr Foundation* with an issue of Cosmopolitan I bought back in November 2014. I’ve had the sample for a little while now and I’ve finally gotten around to using it. I thought I’d do a review type post and share my thoughts with you.

*The product featured in this post is the Nude Lasting Finish Foundation as opposed to the Lasting Finish Foundation with Comfort Serum.

Rimmel’s Lasting Finish foundation is available in 8 shades ranging from Light Porcelain through to Natural Beige. The sample I received is in 100 Ivory – the third lightest shade.

Description as per Rimmel London Website:

Medium coverage foundation that feels hydrating and moisturising

• Lightweight formula blends instantly into the skin creating a nude, poreless effect
• Sweat, heat, humidity and transfer proof for up to 25 hours

The product description in my opinion is pretty accurate as the formula did feel lightweight on my skin but I didn’t notice a nude, poreless effect. (Perhaps, if I had one of the lighter shades?) This shade gives my face a slight orange tinge and isn’t as natural as I’d like. Clearly, I didn’t wear the foundation for 25 hours but I found for the amount of time I did, it was heat proof and lasted well.

Swatch

The size of the sample is only 1.5ml but because I’m not convinced it’s the right colour for my skin tone I have had more than one use from it and still have some product left.

The first time I used this product was actually my first time using liquid foundation. That sounds kinda crazy because I have dry skin but my normal non-liquid foundation works just fine. Wearing this for the first time I used moisturiser, but second time round I opted for primer and preferred the result. With moisturiser I felt the foundation emphasised lines and the primer provided more coverage.

I also did a concealer test between my Australis Concealer Stick and my old concealer stick. (I don’t know the name or brand because I’ve used it for so long and so much it has worn off). I preferred the foundation with my old concealer as it blended into my skin more smoothly whereas the Australis concealer felt a tad drying.

The most important thing to consider when you’re buying foundation is your skin tone. I’m convinced the reason this foundation isn’t for me is because it would suit someone with a warm skin tone and I think mine is cooler. Despite having red hair and freckles, which sounds like my skin tone would be quite warm, the foundation and freckles seemed to clash. My freckles were half hidden by the foundation and I’d rather a natural look or a foundation with more coverage.

Tip: To find your skin tone look at your veins, green = warm, blue = cool, and greeny-blue = neutral.

Overall, I wouldn’t go out and buy this particular shade of foundation but if you’re looking for a product with reasonable coverage and you’re new to using liquid foundation this would be a great one to try! You could also potentially look into one of Rimmel’s similar products; Lasting Finish Foundation with Comfort Serum (provides full coverage) or Match Perfect Foundation.

---

Let me know if you use a Rimmel foundation and what you think of it!

Chanelle x

Lip of the Day – 27.01.2015

This post was inspired by an Instagram comment from the lovely Katie of Plus+ Beauty. The lipstick I’m wearing today is called Gangsta Rap by Australis and she very kindly commented on how pretty the colour looked.

Background information

Australis was founded in 1986 and is unique to the Australasian market. It is “a complete lifestyle brand offering a wide range of products to our ever-evolving consumer.” There are over 1200 distribution outlets across Australia and New Zealand and for almost 30 years they have been inspiring women to create their own beauty style with ranges that reflect the latest looks and colours from runways around the world. Australis are also against testing on animals.

I bought this lipstick a little over a year ago now after being on the hunt for this colour (or one similar) for quite some time. My inspiration for this shade of lipstick came after seeing a picture of Vanessa White wearing a bright purple at the Capital FM Summertime Ball in June 2013.

The day I found Gangsta Rap I was ecstatic! Australis had recently released their line of Colour Inject lipsticks, unbeknownst to me, and the search was finally over.

Australis cosmetics contain ingredients not only to help them last longer but that are beneficial to you at the same time. Gangsta Rap contains Kakadu plum (the world’s highest known source of Vitamin C), Vitamin E, evening primrose oil and Titanium dioxide which acts as a UV filter and absorbs, reflects, and blocks ultraviolet radiation, among other ingredients.

Gangsta Rap is a little drying compared to some of my other lipsticks but this can easily be fixed by applying a lip balm underneath.

Shots of me wearing ‘Gangsta Rap’

Hope you enjoyed reading this post and seeing a peek inside my lipstick collection! Let me know if you own any similar shades!

Chanelle x

Mini Rimmel Haul

I was going to wait until today (Tuesday) to pick up Rimmel London’s Fix & Perfect Primer but my brother wanted to go to town yesterday so I ended up getting it a day early.

I also decided to buy a new mascara. I’ve had my current one – Rimmel’s Extra Super Lash – for a while and even though it hasn’t run out yet I thought I’d take advantage of the sale. I wanted another Rimmel mascara as I’ve never had any problems with the one I’ve got and the brand caters for sensitive eyes. I don’t think my eyes are that sensitive but it’s always better to be on the safe side. I wanted something a bit more dramatic to create volume so I opted for Scandaleyes Lycra Flex. I nearly chose Glam Eyes Day To Night but it only contains 9ml of product as opposed to Lycra Flex’s 12ml.

Scandaleyes Lycra Flex: “A big volume mascara that won’t leave your lashes stiff or brittle, so you can build drama from day to night! Lycra Technology formula makes lashes look full and voluptuous while remaining soft. MaxDensity brush covers whole lash line with one effortless coat to reveal and plump every lash.” – Rimmel Website

All Rimmel cosmetics were 25% off so I paid $12.38 for the primer and $15.38 for the mascara. (All prices are in NZD).

Can’t wait to try these out!

Chanelle x

Show & Tell: Dainty Doll Haul

A week and a half ago I ordered some Dainty Doll cosmetics through eBay and Amazon. Both orders were shipped from The UK on Monday 15.09.2014 and arrived in New Zealand this Tuesday.

Tuesday’s arrival consisted of Wonderbalm and two lipsticks. I have listed the prices and where each item is from in brackets.

Wonderbalm 001 Working Girl £1.66 (Amazon)

Lipstick 004 Material World £4.50 (Amazon)

Lipstick 007 Stripped £4.99 (eBay)

(The wonderbalm and lipstick 004 were purchased from the same seller on Amazon).

Top of the wonderbalm lid. The simple black metal and gold inscribed logo makes the items feel more luxurious.

The tub of wonderbalm is deceptive. You think it’s quite small but once you take it out of the box and open it up you realise there is a good amount of product. The tub features a snap closure, glass bottom and mirror.

 I have included this image of the back of the box as it lists the ingredients and many ways wonderbalm can be used. I haven’t used any yet but am looking forward to trying it out!

Side views of the lipstick boxes

Upon removal of the lipsticks from their boxes you can see the packaging is similar to that of the wonderbalm, black metal with a gold logo inscription. Sleek and sexy!

The bottom of the lipsticks feature the number they are in the collection but don’t include which shade it is. I know this may annoy some people but personally I’m not bothered by it. I have a good memory so know which is which.

Left to right: 007 Stripped and 004 Material World

Finally, what I’m sure you’ve all been waiting to see! The colours of the lipsticks differ slightly in real life but you can see Stripped is a lovely gold shimmery nude and Material World is a soft rose pink.

Top to bottom: Stripped (007) and Material World (004)

I have done swatches of both lipsticks on my hand (excuse my freckles and extremely pale skin). The camera has made my skin look redder than it actually is but the point of this photo is so you can see what the colours look like on and how they go with my skin. I am super impressed, I picked well even if I do say so myself! The lipsticks glide on and stay on for a good few hours. They don’t dry your lips out either. At the moment I have a slight preference for Stripped which I think is because a nude lip is a new style for me to try out.

Hope you enjoyed seeing the new additions to my makeup collection. What have you added to yours recently?

Chanelle x

---

On another note I have no idea what’s going on with my 001 Couture order. I received an order confirmation email but when I emailed customer services to see if the lipstick has been shipped (twice) I’ve had no response. If the lipstick hasn’t arrived after a month I’ll look into getting a refund.