Empty Products #17

Long time, no post! Life happened and I simply haven’t had energy or time to focus on the blog. I had this post written and the photos taken at the start of April but my mum got sick and was admitted to hospital again. It’s nice to finally share it!

I enjoy being nosy and seeing what products people have finished up which is part of the reason I continue to share what I use up. A number of products I started my project pan with feature in this empties, I’m proud of all the progress I’m making so far! A quick warning, these empties are VERY makeup heavy.

Makeup

1. Revlon Lip Butter – Lollipop

This is a classic example of what I dub “the Chanelle lip colour”. Lollipop is a beautiful bright fuchsia with hints of micro-shimmer and the formula is lovely. The lip butters were designed to be more like a stain but Lollipop can be built up and layered and is very pigmented. The formula can be quite glossy and slip a little but I didn’t have any trouble with this shade.

Repurchase: This range is discontinued but if it was still available I would consider purchasing Lollipop again. I do have other fuchsia shades in my collection.

2. MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW10

I purchased this concealer in 2017 and it lasted me around 3 years. I didn’t use it solidly or exclusively throughout that time, I used other concealers in between. The formula works well with my dry skin, product can be built up and layered easily without looking cakey and clinging to dry patches. This isn’t the most high coverage concealer but as it can be layered it is able to cover redness and blemishes. Since finishing this up, I do miss it. I’m currently using L’Oreal’s Infallible More Than Concealer and while the coverage is amazing, it can perform differently depending on the foundation and primer used underneath.

Repurchase: Maybe

3. Clinique Rosewater Pop Lipgloss

I got this lipgloss in a set a couple of years ago. The colour is really pretty, it gives such a natural, rosy sheen to the lips. The formula isn’t sticky and this was nice to wear on no makeup days but the gloss didn’t have much staying power. Lips felt nice and soft after wearing this but it’s not something I would reach for often. I used this up because it had been with me for a while.

Repurchase: No.

4. BECCA Skin Love Brighten & Blur Primer

This primer has such a lovely fruity scent and the product itself is incredibly moisturising and hydrating. Where this fell down for me is I found it was too hydrating and makeup wouldn’t always sit nicely on top. I have dry skin so I need hydration but the texture felt thick and heavy on my skin. It’s nice to have tried this but I wouldn’t buy the full size.

Repurchase: No

5. Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil in 002 Hazel

I have used this to fill in my brows for about five years now. I am currently using a different brow product from Rimmel which I’m enjoying and I think the cooler brown shade suits me a little bit more at the moment. I do still enjoy the pencil as it’s quick and easy.

Repurchase: Already have.

6. Johnson’s Baby Shampoo

I use this to clean my makeup brushes which is why I’ve included it in this category. One of these bottles lasts me a couple of years and several brush washes. The product is inexpensive, brushes wash up nicely and my skin doesn’t get irritated when this has been on the bristles and they come into contact with my skin.

Repurchase: Already have.

7. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara (4.8 ml)

In a previous empties post I used a sample size of Too Faced’s Better Than Sex mascara and was on the fence about it as sometimes the product would smudge onto my eyelids and I didn’t always get on with it. As the product dried out I did enjoy the mascara more but it’s interesting that using a second sample I had a different experience. What I think made the difference is the wand, the pink part of the wand on this sample was a lot longer so it was easier to hold and really get into the eyelashes and apply product. There was pretty much no smudging and my lashes looked really full and voluminous.

Repurchase: I’m not sure I would pay full prize for this mascara ($44 NZD) but I would use this mascara again if it was on sale, I was given it or received another sample.

 

Skincare & Fragrance

8. Natio Ageless Advanced Lifting and Firming Serum

I hadn’t used a serum before as I really enjoy facial oils but I decided to buy this one last year when Natio had a 3 For 2 offer on. I didn’t hate the serum but I also didn’t notice much difference when I used it. My skin didn’t seem plumper or softer but perhaps in hindsight laughter lines looked less prominent. This was easy to spread over the skin and it soaked in quickly but I also looked forward to finishing the serum.

Repurchase: No.

Body

9. Nivea Invisible Anti-Perspirant – Clear

Still using and loving this! A nice, fresh smelling anti-perspirant that doesn’t cause skin irritation or leave residue on clothing.

Repurchase: Yes.

10. The Body Shop Shea Nourishing Body Lotion

I love The Body Shop and the Shea range is a firm favourite but this body lotion isn’t quite how I remembered it. It used to come in a pump bottle and there used to be some product wastage but the texture of the lotion seemed to be softer, more moisturising and have a stronger scent. The squeeze tube as opposed to the pump bottle is great but the lotion doesn’t seem as malleable and it seems like more product is needed at a time.

Repurchase: Maybe. If the brand bring out a Shea Body Yoghurt I’ll be all for it! I love the texture of those and there’s no product wastage.

11. The Body Shop British Rose Body Butter (50ml)

I had always been curious to try a product from the British Rose range. I held off for a while as I was worried the floral scent would be overwhelming but I didn’t find the scent of this body butter too much at all – it’s a nice, fresh floral. This does give a glowy sheen to the skin but I don’t find the formula as moisturising as other body butters I’ve used in the past. Not sure I’d purchase the full 200ml size.

Repurchase: Maybe the 50ml size.

---

What was the last product you finished up?

Follow me:

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Empty Products #15

This is my fourth empties post of 2020 but it feels like I have used products up so slowly this year due to Covid and lockdown and being home more, has anyone else noticed the same? Overall in this round up all of the products were good, there aren’t any I’d begrudgingly use again if they were back in my collection.

Haircare

1. Wella Professionals Oil Reflections Conditioner

The scent of this range is lovely; white tea extract and camelia. This conditioner aims to work in 30 seconds to smooth hair and lock moisture in but I always leave conditioner in for a couple of minutes before rinsing. The conditioner does help hair feel and look shiny and smooth. The one slight gripe I have is that the shampoo and conditioner don’t come in the same size bottles, the conditioner is only 200ml. Most people tend to use more conditioner than shampoo and I wish brands would keep both products the same size or have larger sized bottles of conditioner so products can be finished up at the same time. (I am still using the shampoo at the time of publishing).

Repurchase: I can see myself using this again.

2. Wella Oil Reflections Luminous Reboost Mask

I got this mask in a set with the shampoo and conditioner and most of the time I would alternate between using this or the conditioner. Occasionally I would mix this mask and the conditioner in together if I wanted super silky, soft hair. The texture of the mask is not as runny as shampoo but it’s not thick either, it’s malleable and able to be massaged in really easily. I do think my hair wasn’t as smooth once I ran out of this mask but at the same time I won’t rush out to repurchase it.

Repurchase: The mask on it’s own, no, but if I find it as part of a set with the shampoo and conditioner again I would happily use it.

Makeup/Beauty

3. BECCA First Light Priming Filter

I had heard so many good things about this product so when I saw it as part of a BECCA set on the Sephora website last Christmas I snapped it up. The packaging of this smaller size is beautiful, it’s a pretty purple iridescent tube reminiscent of the primer inside. If you like glowy skin or want something light to wear on top of moisturiser on minimal makeup days I think you will enjoy this. I liked the glow it gave but I found with certain moisturisers and base products if there wasn’t a matte element it would pill and crumble up on my skin.

Repurchase: No.

4. Maybelline Master Prime Hydrate + Smooth

The more I used this primer the more I enjoyed it. Unlike the BECCA primer this would apply the same no matter which base products I used and give a nice smooth, even look to my skin. This is a good, all round every day primer that does what it says. I don’t know how oily skin types would get on as they may find this a little slippery but if you have normal-dry skin you’d probably like this.

Repurchase: Maybe.

5. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Most people either like this mascara or they don’t and I sit somewhere in the middle. For a lot of people this is their holy grail and I will say when this mascara is good there is plenty to like. When I first started using the mascara the formula was wet and it would smudge but as it dried out I started to like the formula more, the mascara layered and built volume better. The brush is a nice hourglass shape and made of real bristles which I prefer. I’m glad to finally have tried this mascara but it won’t be taking holy grail status.

Repurchase: No. If I received the mascara as a gift or in a set I would use it again though.

Skincare & Fragrance

6. Trilogy Sensitive Very Gentle Restoring Oil

This is the third or fourth bottle of this oil I have finished up over the past couple of years. The oil is not heavy or greasy on the skin and three-four drops is ample. The oil soaks into the skin quickly and keeps it feeling nourished and hydrated. If I am applying this oil I do so in the evening after washing off my makeup. I haven’t had to reach for this oil a lot this year due to winter being mild and trying a new night cream that would do a good job on it’s own most of the time.

Repurchase: Yes. This is lovely applied over my nighttime moisturiser when my skin feels especially dry.

7. Natio Renew Radiance Night Cream

I started using this at the beginning of the year and the 75ml tube lasted the best part of a year with almost nightly use. Natio products seem to work well with my skin and I love that the brand uses plant and natural ingredients. This cream contains pomegranate and vitamin c and the blend is lovely. The texture is very lightweight and a little goes a long way. Product soaks into the skin quickly without compromising on hydration. I found with using this I didn’t need to reach for facial oil as often, my skin wasn’t getting as dry.

Repurchase: Yes. I think the brand has discontinued this range *sad face* but I have found a tube online which I purchased.

8. Olay Complete UV Lotion Sensitive

This is the second bottle of this lotion I have finished up. I used to only use Simple moisturiser but after trying this it’s more hydrating than the Simple product and I haven’t gone back. I do use separate day and night moisturisers – this is such a nice one to wear under makeup, it’s lightweight and non-greasy. This contains SPF too which is an added bonus.

Repurchase: Maybe. I’m currently exploring other daytime moisturisers.

9. Marc Jacobs – Daisy EDT

Before trying this perfume I had seen the bottle as a prop in tons of photos but didn’t have any idea what the fragrance actually smelt like or what the notes consisted of. I first tested this in store and really liked it, it’s fresh, light and bright, floral and feminine. The scent is not overpowering and has good lasting power. This perfume is a perfect one to wear day to day, to work and it’s good for a first date too. This is a safe, all rounder that I will definitely purchase again once I’ve used up some of my other perfumes.

Repurchase: Yes.

Body

10. Nivea Invisible Anti-Perspirant – Clear

I have been using this anti-perspirant for over 5 years now and I don’t tire of it. It works so well and does what it claims and features in every empties.

Repurchase: Yes.

---

What was the last product you finished up?

Follow me:

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Full Face of First Impressions

I have acquired some new makeup recently and there are enough products to warrant trying out a bunch together for a dedicated post. I love trying out new makeup and enjoy watching videos and reading about other people doing the same. Before purchasing products I always research and look up plenty of reviews and over the years there aren’t many products I’ve purchased that I really haven’t liked.

Products listed in order of application. Products marked with *** are new:

1. Natio Daily Defence Face Moisturiser SPF 50+*** – Natio face products work well for my skin. Their products are full of good, natural ingredients and the price you pay for the quality you get is sensational. The main ingredients in this moisturiser are Aloe Vera and Vitamin E which are wonderful for dry skin like mine. SPF 50 in a moisturiser is great too and this one doesn’t smell like sunscreen. It feels light and non-greasy on the skin. It spreads easily and soaks in quickly without leaving skin feeling like it’s parched.

2. BECCA Skin Love Brighten & Blur Primer*** – This primer was part of a set I purchased at the end of 2019 and I have been waiting to finish up a couple of other primers before trying this one. The primer is lightweight and blends easily into the skin. It’s less runny than something like First Light by BECCA and more akin to the texture of the Hangover Primer by Too Faced. I love the sound of this, it aims to smooth, brighten and nourish the skin and diffuse the look of pores to allow makeup to apply flawlessly over top.

3. Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil in 002 Hazel

4. Lancôme Teint Miracle Foundation in 005 Beige Ivoire*** – Since trying a couple of high end foundations I see a difference in how my skin looks and the overall finish of my makeup is nicer and more flawless. This particular foundation is a favourite of one of my closest online friends (Nadine) and she has dry skin as well so I knew it would be a winner. I purchased the lightest shade available 005 Beige Ivoire which leans a little yellow but in a good way that I can make work. I don’t know if bronzer on top would be too much right now but in summer when I’m a little less fair it should be fine. The formula is extremely lightweight to allow for breathable coverage and a natural glow. The texture is quite runny as it is a water based foundation but that also helps product spread easily over the face. I usually wear one layer of foundation but to test how this builds I used two light layers around my nose and chin where I get redness. The foundation built nicely and didn’t cake or settle into lines.

5. MAC StudioFinish Concealer in NW10

6. Fenty Beauty Mini Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder in Butter*** – I got the mini size of this powder as a back up for when I have finished my Rimmel Match Perfection loose powder. Fenty Beauty’s powder is ideal for all skin types and the powder does feel silky smooth once applied. I have been enjoying using powder to set my concealer recently as it does make a difference to the overall look of my makeup. I purchased the shade Butter as it is one of the shades recommended for fair skin tones and aims to give a soft, brightening effect. I have heard a few people say this powder is messy but I’ll have to use it a few more times to see whether or not that’s true. The combination of this powder with the other base products left my skin feeling like velvet.

7. BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop*** – This is the third of these little mini highlighters I’ve purchased and they are some of my favourites! Champagne Pop is described as a soft white gold with pinky peach undertones. In comparison to the other minis I own by Becca Champagne Pop is warmer and more golden than Opal and Moonstone. This shade isn’t too golden for my liking and it’s absolutely beautiful on the skin, Becca highlighters have a lovely, soft formula that blends into the skin effortlessly.

8. Rimmel Magnif’Eyes Eye Primer*** – I have been using Milani’s Eyeshadow Primer but I notice sometimes it makes my eyelids dry and different eyeshadow formulas can be hard to apply and blend over top of the Milani primer. I’m a big fan of Rimmel and this primer was half the price of the Milani one. It reminds me a lot of Urban Decay’s Primer Potion which I love, looking forward to using this more!

9. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette*** – I love neutral palettes and I know this has been discontinued but it’s an absolute classic! I picked this up brand new a couple of months ago and it has been sitting in my drawer since. I used the shade Bootycall as a base shadow, Tease to deepen the crease and Suspect all over the lid. I used the fluffy side of the double ended brush that comes with the palette to apply Bootycall and Tease and my ring finger to apply Suspect. The shadows were incredibly easy to work with and blended like a dream. I can tell I’m going to get a lot of use from this palette.

10. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara – This mascara isn’t brand new to me but I haven’t spoken about it on the blog before. Does this mascara live up to its name, no, is this mascara the most lengthening and volumising I’ve used, also no. It is however a decent mascara and as the formula dries out I enjoy it more. The formula was very wet when I first started using it and it didn’t layer well and would smudge. I probably wouldn’t repurchase the full size of this mascara but I’m glad I’ve tried it.

11. BECCA Glow Gloss in Foxglove*** – I purchased three Glow Glosses from Becca and Foxglove is my favourite shade out of the three. It is a muted plum with cool silver pearl and gives me MAC Syrup vibes. The formula has little flecks of glitter but this doesn’t feel gritty on the lips and it’s very subtle. The gloss does have a minty scent and a bit of tingling upon application but nothing uncomfortable and it stops after a few minutes. The formula isn’t sticky, it’s very comfortable to wear and the gloss is nicely pigmented.

The Finished Look

Overall I’m impressed with how this look turned out and I’m a fan of all the new products I tried. Standouts after the first use that I’m looking forward to trying more are the moisturiser, foundation, eye primer and eyeshadow palette.

---

What do you think of this look? Have you tried any of these products or purchased any new makeup recently?

Follow me:

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Empty Products #8

This is my third empties post since the start of November 2018! I am getting quicker at using things up and I definitely think my low buy is helping. I am more inspired to use what I’ve got before buying more and replacing products. I know which products I’m close to finishing and putting my focus on those rather than having different things open at once and using small amounts of each.

Haircare

1. OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo

I enjoyed the shampoo from this range a lot more than the conditioner. A small dollop of product was enough and from the time I started this shampoo until the time I finished it was around seven months. $13 seems expensive upfront but over time that works out to less than $2 per month. The product does have a pleasant scent. It didn’t leave my roots feeling oily or dried out, my hair felt soft and clean.

Repurchase: Maybe.

2. Schwarzkopf Extra Care Conditioner Supreme Length

After finishing my previous conditioner I was ready to try something new and this caught my eye. Not only is the bottle my favourite colour but the product is aimed at long hair prone to damage and oily roots. This smells really nice and actually worked well in conjunction with the OGX shampoo above.

Repurchase: I have.

3. Fudge Urban Miracle Ends

A fellow blogger inspired this purchase a few years ago and when I first got it I would make a conscious effort to use it but after a few months it fell by the wayside. It became a product I’d use on my hair to keep the ends looking sleek and straight after I’d blow dried it. I don’t use tools on my hair often which probably explains why it took me three years to finish this! I’ve been trying to get it gone these past few weeks and I finally did it!

Repurchase: No. It’s not a bad product but I didn’t enjoy using it.

Makeup

4. Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Primer

I understand why so many people enjoy this primer, it’s very moisturising. A little goes a long way and the 20ml tube lasted me four months. The coconut scent isn’t offensive and even if you don’t like coconut scents like me I think you’ll still like this, the scent is barely there. I did find when I used my MAC Studio Finish Concealer it would pill if I used this primer. This primer did accentuate lines sometimes too.

Repurchase: The primer was fine if I used my Collection concealer but I am using a Max Factor primer currently which I prefer. I may pick this primer up again though.

5. Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara – 003 Extreme Black

Words cannot explain my love for this mascara! The big brush is surprisingly easy to work with, the wand has proper bristles rather than plastic ones and the formula and pigmentation is incredible. The formula is consistent throughout the lifetime of each tube, it doesn’t change drastically. It’s slightly wetter when first opened but not in smudgy, messy way. The wand gives length and volume. I’m sad the Extreme Black shade has been discontinued, the regular black shade is just not as good.

Repurchase: Yes, my holy grail mascara! I have one tube left as a back up and might try and hunt more down.

Skincare & Fragrance

6. MAC Studio Finish Moisture Cream

Don’t get me wrong this is a nice moisturiser and this is the second tube I have finished up but I think I’d try it as my day moisturiser if I pick it up again to see how it performs under makeup. I don’t find this works as good with the facial oil as the night moisturiser I am currently using – Clinique’s Moisture Surge – I like something slightly lighter in the evening so the oil absorbs better.

Repurchase: Maybe.

7. Trilogy Very Gentle Restoring Oil

This oil has been such a game changer for my skin! The lines I used to get around my nose and mouth have practically disappeared and my skin is much softer and nourished. Makeup applies better and this oil works well in conjunction with my day and night moisturisers. I don’t have excess oil or get many breakouts (I tend to notice hormonal/stress breakouts or get them from sweating and if I haven’t been eating well).

Repurchase: Already have.

8. Britney Spears Private Show Perfume

I got this perfume for Christmas in December 2016 and every time I wore it I got asked what it was or comments from people saying how nice I smelt. I loved it at the start and the lasting power is good but ever since the break up last year something in me switched and I stopped enjoying this as much as I had previously. This was my ex boyfriend’s favourite on me and I’m not petty enough to not like it anymore for that reason but the scent is a reminder and I’d rather not think of sadness every time I spray it.

Repurchase: Not sure, I’ll test this in store in the near future and see if I feel any different.

Body

9. Nivea Anti-Perspirant – Clear

This has featured in every empties post since 2015.

Repurchase: Until I find something as good, yes.

10. The Body Shop Shea Hand Cream

Shea is probably my favourite range at The Body Shop. The scent is appropriate year round and the sweet, nutty smell is lovely. I have tried a number of products from the range and haven’t been disappointed. This hand cream is one I’d recommend to everybody if you’re new to trying The Body Shop’s products and you’re looking for a good staple. It also makes a nice gift. This isn’t the first tube I’ve finished up.

Repurchase: Yes.

---

What was the last product you finished up?

Follow me:

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Soft Valentine’s Makeup

2017 is the only year since I started blogging that I didn’t create a Valentine’s themed makeup look but other than that it’s pretty much a yearly tradition. This is my first Valentine’s Day in three years being single (shoutout to all my fellow single babes!) and I’m okay with that. I’ve been doing much better these past few months and I’m not the kind of girl that relies on a man. I believe things will work out the way they’re meant to… or at least I hope so!

For this look I wanted to create something dreamy and sweet but not overly pink. I opted for base products that would give a subtle glow and look smooth and seamless on the skin. I didn’t go bold on the lips or eyes and kept an almost totally neutral palette, adding pops of colour to the cheeks and lips.

Products listed in order of application:

1. Olay Complete UV Lotion Senstive

2. Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Primer

3. Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil in 002 Hazel

4. L’Oreal True Match Lumi in W1-2 Porcelain Ivory – I haven’t spoken about this foundation on my blog too much. I have had it for almost a year now and it’s the one I am using as my everyday foundation most days and want to finish up next. The formula is light and easy to blend and perfect if you like glowy, hydrating foundations.

5. Urban Decay Primer Potion

6. MAC StudioFinish Concealer in NW10

7. Rimmel Match Perfection Translucent Setting Powder – I find the L’Oreal foundation slightly too glowy in the summer on it’s own so I set my cheeks, nose and chin with powder.

8. The Body Shop Honey Bronzer in 01 Light Matte

9. Shaaanxo The Remix Palette – I used the shade Clarity as a base shadow all over the lid and the shade Buttercup in the crease mixed with a small amount of The Body Shop bronzer.

10. MAC Naked Pigment – Naked was applied over top of Clarity.

11. Tanya Burr Selfie Lash Mascara – I was sent this mascara by a blogging friend and I have been enjoying using it! The brush is small allowing you to get into all the lashes and the formula isn’t wet and smudgy. This gives a lovely natural look but a second coat really adds oomph.

12. Makeup Revolution Blush Queen Palette – I used the third shade in the top row and applied it using a Detail Fibre Brush from xoBeauty which is my favourite to use with this palette. The brush picks up a combination of colour and shimmer and gives the loveliest finish.

13. xoBeauty Radiant Glow Powder – Aurora – Usually if I’m using a blush with shimmer I won’t apply highlighter as well but this one from xoBeauty has a beautiful pink shift and isn’t blinding so it blends in with the blush nicely.

14. The Body Shop Strawberry Smoothing Face Mist 

15. xoBeauty Liquid Lipstick – Carpe Diem – This is such a unique shade of lipstick; a muted lilac. The colour isn’t too pale for me (but is probably better suited to lighter skin tones) and when it fades a little it looks more pink. The formula of these liquid lipsticks is gorgeous and they have a delicious creme brulee scent!

The Finished Look:

---

Are you doing anything to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, whether you’re single or part of a couple? 💕

Follow me:

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Ride Or Die Makeup Tag

If you only had one of each makeup item to use, what would you pick? I can’t imagine how hard this tag would be if I had drawers of makeup and had to narrow down my favourite products. I am basing this post on the categories Jaclyn Hill mentions in her Ride Or Die YouTube video and adding in/taking out options where appropriate. This is the holiest of holy grails!

Primer
Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Primer

This primer is nourishing and hydrating and makes the products on top look and apply better. I have the sample 20ml size and it has lasted me four or so months now. I definitely see myself repurchasing this in the future. This does have a coconut scent and whilst I’m not a coconut fan, the scent fades quickly after application so I’m happy.

Foundation
Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation in 100 Fair

Max Factor bases really impress me, they look nice on the skin, they cater for my skin tone and they have good coverage. I previously used this foundation in 101 Ivory Beige but Fair is a better match. This has an almost satin finish, not completely dewy or matte which I like. Despite having dry skin I don’t like overly glowy makeup.

Concealer
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer  – 1 Fair

The coverage and consistency of this concealer is really nice. Dry skinned gals will most likely be fans of this as it’s creamy and doesn’t cling and always makes my base look more flawless. I will continue to repurchase.

Face Powder
Rimmel Match Perfection Translucent Powder

I don’t use setting powder everyday but I do tend to reach for it in summer. To be fair this is the only face powder I’ve ever tried but I do like it and it’s not too powdery that it accentuates lines or dry skin. The tiniest bit goes a long way.

Blush
NARS Orgasm

The peachy-pink tone flatters so many people and is almost like a universal shade. While I don’t wear blush everyday this is the one I would be sad to be without.

Bronzer
The Body Shop Honey Bronzer in 01 Light Matte

This is kind of cheating as it’s the only bronzer I’ve properly tried and stuck with but when a product is this good you’re not going to stray. The Body Shop bronzer comes in a few shades and caters for different skin tones. This bronzer never looks harsh or orange or muddy, you might not think it’s there but it’s a product I wouldn’t skip applying in my everyday makeup routine now.

Highlight
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle

This is one of those cult beauty products and for good reason, it is gorgeous! This is quite a neutral tone but the product can be built up if desired. This is the most versatile of my highlighters and gives the cheeks a lovely glow.

Mascara
Rimmel Scandaleyes Lycra Flex 003 Extreme Black

I have used up a few tubes of this mascara now and whenever I try something different this is always what I compare other mascaras against. This gives length and volume and the Extreme Black shade does what it says on the tin but sadly this shade has been discontinued. I have tried the regular Black version and it is nowhere near as good.

Lipstick
BYS Fuchsia Surprise

Just about everyone who knows me knows bright pink lipstick is my favourite! There’s something about hot pink/fuchsia that I love and whenever I’m in doubt about what colour to wear I always go back to it. I have a few different fuchsia shades in my collection but I picked this one as I finished a one of these completely and the pigmentation and formula for the price point is amazing!

Liquid Lipstick
Frambourjoise by Bourjois

My favourite red! Frambourjoise is a raspberry red with a hint of pink and the formula is to die for – it’s unbelievably comfortable and long wearing – I recently wore this shade for 14 hours. I reapplied during that time but the first layer didn’t flake or get crusty under the second and make reapplication difficult.

Lipgloss
Afternoon Tea by Tanya Burr

Not only does this lipgloss have the cutest name but it is the most beautiful natural light pink colour. Often I wear this if I don’t know what else to wear and want something easy. I love this gloss with a gold eyeshadow and Becca’s Opal highlighter for a glowing, radiant look.

Eyeshadow Palette
Shaaanxo The Remix Palette

This palette really has it all and was one of my favourite beauty discoveries of 2018! There’s a mix of colourful shades and neutrals as well as shimmers and mattes. The formula applies and blends like a dream and this is what I tend to reach for almost each time I do my makeup.

Single Eyeshadow
MAC Tan Pigment

When I’m not using my Shaaanxo palette I like to go for a simple look that doesn’t require too much fuss. Tan is neutral enough that it could be worn everyday but it still has that sparkle and glitz I love.

Setting Spray
MAC Prep + Prime Fix+

I haven’t had this setting spray for long but I am so happy I picked it up. The setting spray has a nice scent and feels very refreshing on the skin. The spray nozzle doesn’t spray too much product at once and two or three sprays is enough. Some sprays and face mists feel very wet and spray a lot of product but this doesn’t.

Perfume
Viva la Juicy by Juicy Couture

I can’t remember how I first heard about this scent but I would always spray it on myself in shops when I was a teenager and it’s a scent I still love and don’t tire of. I have finished up a 100ml bottle in the past and I repurchased another one. I tend to save this perfume for special occasions and this scent reminds me of the latter half of 2016 which was a really happy time for me. This perfume lasts all day, I can still smell it on my clothes and skin the next day and it’s sweet and feminine.

The products in action

Left side:

Too Faced Hangover Primer, Max Factor Lasting Performance, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, The Body Shop Honey Bronzer, MAC Tan, Rimmel Scandaleyes Lycra Flex Mascara, MAC Soft & Gentle, Max Fix+, Bourjois Frambourjoise.

Right side:

Too Faced Hangover Primer, Max Factor Lasting Performance, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, Rimmel Match Perfection Translucent Powder, The Body Shop Honey Bronzer, Shaaanxo The Remix Palette, Rimmel Scandaleyes Lycra Flex Mascara, NARS Orgasm, MAC Soft & Gentle, BYS Fuchsia Surprise.

---

Share your holy grail products in the comments!

Follow me:

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Shania Twain Concert Makeup

Today is the day I get to see Shania Twain in concert, and not only that but it’s her FIRST EVER concert in New Zealand! I became a fan when I was three years old and heard ‘From This Moment On.’ To be able to say I’ve seen Shania will be an absolute dream come true. Not only does she have a beautiful voice and incredible song writing ability, her story is one of strength and grace. Her life hasn’t always been easy but she refuses to give up and she continues to succeed.

Choosing an outfit for the concert was easy. I opted for my Shania Now album cover t-shirt with a pair of black leggings. Casual and comfy but concert appropriate.

Makeup wise I wanted to do a Shania-esque look so I drew inspiration from two of her music videos. I incorporated a berry red lip from ‘That Don’t Impress Me Much’ and a dark smoky eye from ‘I’m Gonna Getcha Good.’

Products listed in order:

1. Olay Complete UV Lotion Sensitive – This moisturiser works really well with my current primer and skincare routine. It soaks in quickly without leaving my skin dry or greasy.

2. Too Faced Hangover Primer – I like this primer and ever since I started using it my makeup has looked really nice.

3. Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil in 002 Hazel – Even with this being as small as it is it still applies how it always has.

4. Max Factor Lasting Finish Foundation in 100 Fair – When I want a flawless finish and good coverage this is my foundation of choice! I previously used this in 101 Ivory Beige, but think this shade is the better match out of the two.

5. Urban Decay Primer Potion – I want my eye makeup to last the night so this was a no brainer.

6. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer – 1 Fair – I used this concealer rather my MAC one as it’s easier to reapply without ruining the base underneath.

7. The Body Shop Honey Bronzer in 01 Light Matte – I like to use a light dusting of bronzer to act sort of like a setting powder and take off any major shine. I apply bronzer to the tops of my cheeks, my chin, my temples and in a ‘w’ shape over my cheeks and nose.

8. Makeup Revolution Iconic 1 Palette – I did a makeup trial the Saturday before the concert using my Zoeva Cocoa Blend Voyager Palette and the black shade from my Shaaanxo palette but the eyes weren’t intense and dark enough for my liking. I loved the Halloween eye makeup I did *HERE* so I decided to recreate that look on concert night.

9. MAC Silver Pigment – I used a short shadow brush to place the pigment on the inner corner of the eyes. I just wanted a small pop of shimmer so the dark, smokiness could shine through.

10. Rimmel Scandaleyes Lycra Flex Mascara – My holy grail mascara! The large wand on this mascara means more lashes get coated at a time and the wand is really good for bottom lashes. One coat on the bottom lashes is enough otherwise I find they detract from the top lashes.

11. NARS Mini Orgasm Blush Highlight Duo – This blush goes with any look and the highlighting shade in the duo is the perfect accompaniment. I chose this product as it’s easy to travel with and contains blush and highlighter rather than having to pack two separate products.

12. Rimmel 107 Lipstick – A red lip is always a good idea and this one from Rimmel is not only similar to the colour Shania wears in the video for ‘That Don’t Impress Me Much’ but it’s also festive and looks great with leggings and a white tee!

The Finished Look:

---

Who is one artist you’d love to see in concert?

What do you think of my concert makeup?

Follow me:

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

First Impressions: New MECCA Makeup

In August I shared a post with the items on my MECCA Beauty Wishlist that were currently sitting in my online bag. I culled that down by half and ended up purchasing four of the seven things on my list last week. The items I purchased are all pretty much new brands to me apart from Urban Decay as I won one of their lipsticks through a blog giveaway a few years ago.

The shipping was so quick! I ordered on Monday evening and the order arrived on Wednesday afternoon. I got free shipping and received three samples with my order, one of which I will use and the other two will go in my giveaway pile.

Products listed in order of application:

Products with (N) are new items.

1. Olay Complete UV Lotion Sensitive

2. Too Faced Hangover Primer (N)

3. Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil in 002 Hazel

4. Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 010 Light Porcelain

5. Urban Decay Primer Potion (N)

6. MAC StudioFinish Concealer in NW10

7. The Body Shop Honey Bronzer in 01 Light Matte

8. MAC Tan Pigment

9. Rimmel Scandaleyes Lycra Flex Mascara – 003 Extreme Black

10. NARS Mini Orgasm Blush Highlight Duo (N)

11. MAC Syrup

First Impressions:

• Too Faced Hangover Primer – The coconut scent is faint and fades almost instantly which is good. I’m not a fan of coconut and it’s barely there with this primer. The primer feels very cooling on the skin and is more of a creamy consistency. It doesn’t contain any silicone so it doesn’t feel oily or slippy. The rest of my makeup applied nicely over the top and my skin feels soft. I’ll have to give this a few more tries to see if I like it more than my Makeup Revolution primer.
• Urban Decay Primer Potion – I was surprised to find out this tube has a doe foot applicator inside it, I thought you squeezed product out! I decided to apply this before my concealer to give it a few minutes to sit on the eyelid before doing my eye makeup. I used my ring finger to apply a light wash of The Body Shop bronzer to my eyelid as a base on top of the primer and the bronzer did stick well. I dabbed MAC’s Tan pigment with the same finger over top and the pigment looks more sparkly than it usually does. The pigment didn’t fade throughout the day or sink into creases on my eyelid. Loving this already!
• NARS Mini Orgasm Blush Highlight Duo – I finger swatched these the day before applying them and they definitely show up more pigmented on the face – in a good way. I used one side of my Real Techniques Setting Brush for Orgasm and the other side of the brush for the Orgasm highlighter. I don’t often wear blush and highlighter together but these two are so glowy and beautiful and they give a lovely, healthy shine to my cheeks.

The Finished Look:

---

Have you purchased any new makeup recently? Was it a hit or a miss?

Have you tried any of the products I purchased from MECCA before?

Follow me:

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

MECCA Beauty Wishlist

MECCA is the Australia/New Zealand equivalent of Sephora (we have Sephora too, online at least) and the beauty retailer stocks and carries popular brands that aren’t all available elsewhere in New Zealand. I thought it would be fun to show you what’s currently in my cart and the items I’d like to add to my collection and try. Some brands I haven’t tried but I have heard many good things about in the beauty world!

Soap & Glory Hand Food | $5.00

Hand cream is one of my beauty staples and $5.00 for 50ml from Soap & Glory compared to $10 for 30ml from The Body Shop is a good deal. The hand cream contains shea butter, macadamia oil and marshmallow and features Soap & Glory’s original pink rose and bergamont scent.

Why I don’t need it: I want to use up the hand creams I’ve got before I buy more.

Urban Decay Original Primer Potion | $22.00

This is a classic among beauty lovers and one of Rachael’s – whose opinion I trust very much – personal favourites. I’ve never tried eye primer before and I personally don’t see it as a necessity in my beauty routine but I’d like to try this to see what the hype is about and maybe afterwards I will be converted.

Why I don’t need it: I often use concealer as my eye primer and I’ve already got a NYX eyeshadow base as well.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara | $36.00

I’ve tried the L’Oreal dupe for this mascara (Lash Paradise/Paradise Extatic) and it’s pretty damn amazing but it would be interesting to see how it compares to this mascara and if it’s worth paying twice the price for the Too Faced.

Why I don’t need it: I could get two tubes of L’Oreal’s Lash Paradise for the price of one of these and I’ve got two brand new tubes of my favourite Rimmel mascara waiting in the wings.

MAC Sized To Go Strobe Cream | $25.00

This product aims to refresh, perfect, hydrate and brighten skin, smooth texture and replenish moisture. The travel size comes in the shade Pinklite. Not only does this keep your complexion looking fresh and flawless, the cream is infused with powerful botanicals, vitamins and green tea. The sized to go Studio Moisture Cream lasts me a while and the small size means you get a good amount to try to decide whether or not you like the product.

Why I don’t need it: I see myself picking this up sometime in the near future to use as a base under foundation instead of primer.

NARS Mini Orgasm Blush Highlight Duo | $38.00

NARS seems like such a high quality, well-loved brand and their Orgasm blush is another classic for bloggers. I have a dupe of Orgasm and it is one of my favourite makeup items out of everything I own. The blush gives such a lovely flush to the cheeks and a little goes a long way.

Why I don’t need it: Again, I can also see myself picking up this duo. My favourite blush is a dupe for Orgasm and to have a backup and be able to try the real thing would be cool. The highlight in the duo, Hot Sand, also looks stunning.

MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ | $22.00

Lately with face mists I have been enjoying applying the mist to my face before moisturiser and massaging the face mist in alongside the moisturiser to give my skin more hydration. With warmer weather on the horizon this product would help set my makeup and keep it in place during the day. I also want to try the trick of spritzing an eyeshadow brush with Fix+ to really pack on shimmery shadows.

Why I don’t need it: I’m using one of the new face mists from The Body Shop but I can see myself picking this up once that’s done.

Too Faced Hangover Primer | $23.00

Fellow New Zealand blogger, Angela, loves this primer and I’d like to try it after hearing her mention it on her blog. One thing that does worry me though is the coconut scent, does it linger after application?

Why I don’t need it: I wouldn’t buy this primer and the MAC Strobe Cream. I don’t need both if I use the strobe cream as a primer.

---

Have you tried any of these products? What’s on your makeup wishlist?

Follow me:

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

L’Oreal Lash Paradise: An Honest Review

Ever since the launch of this mascara by L’Oreal I knew I wanted to try it! Every beauty review I read mentioned how good it was and even now I still haven’t heard any negatives about it. The mascara is called Lash Paradise in America and has a light pink metallic tube. In The UK, The EU and New Zealand it goes under the name Paradise Extatic and has a rose gold tube.

I purchased my tube of mascara in March off of a website and it cost $19.95, which for a drugstore mascara in New Zealand is very reasonable. In store it costs $25.00 which is still not bad but I’m all about saving money where I can. The website I purchased from actually has the pink tube which I like as pink is my favourite colour. The mascara comes in five different shades that I know of: Blackest Black washable, Black washable, Blackest Brown washable, Blackest Black waterproof and Black waterproof. I purchased Blackest Black washable, I adore super dark lashes and I don’t like waterproof formulas as they are hard to remove. I don’t know if this is true but I’ve heard washable formulas also hold a curl better – can anyone confirm or deny?

A distinctive comparison has been made between L’Oreal’s Lash Paradise and Too Faced’s Better Than Sex. I haven’t tried the Too Faced mascara so I can’t comment but the wands are the same shape and they both have pink, metallic tubes. I’m happy with how Lash Paradise performs so I’m not rushing to try Better Than Sex. Lash Paradise is also half the price.

This mascara has my favourite type of wand, it has proper bristles, not a rubber wand with plastic bristles. The wand is an hourglass shape and is a nice size, it’s not fat and chunky so mascara doesn’t get all around the eyes. The wand is lightweight as well as being easy to hold and manoeuvre.

The formula is great too! I am firmly in the camp that prefers drier mascaras to wet mascaras but even when I first opened this tube and the formula was wet it was fine. I did notice after using the mascara for a couple of weeks the formula changed and it wasn’t as good but when the formula started drying out it went back to applying well again. The not so good period was short lived and hasn’t put me off the product at all.

Two coats is optimum for me – lashes look long and fluttery without clumping and sticking together. The washable formula is a breeze to remove, I simply use a face cloth and it wipes away. The formula doesn’t flake, smudge or wear off throughout the day.

One thing I will say is that the pink metallic coating on the tube does peel away. I’m not sure if the same applies to the rose gold tube, that seems to have a frosted metal finish rather than metallic coating so I wouldn’t assume it does.

I have been using the mascara for four months now and it still performs as well as it did when I first wore it. I’m not someone who keeps mascara for three months then throws them away. As long as the formula isn’t dried up and doesn’t irritate my eyes I will use it. I tend to change mascaras roughly every six months.

Overall I love this mascara! This is on track to knock my favourite Rimmel mascara off the top spot. I definitely see myself repurchasing this which I don’t say for many mascaras and once I’ve been through a couple of tubes I will know if it’s worthy of holy grail status and whether I’ve found a replacement for my Rimmel. I’d like to try Paradise Extatic to see if there are any differences between the two apart from their name – you wouldn’t think so but you never know.

---

Have you tried this L’Oreal mascara?

Follow me:

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest