GRWM: Trying New Makeup #2

Over the past six months or so since mask wearing became mandatory in New Zealand I haven’t been wearing a lot of makeup. It’s a double edged sword because I miss the chance to create and play with products before work but at the same time I don’t need to get up as early and it has made my morning routine simpler. As a result I haven’t been looking to buy new makeup but there are a few things that have caught my eye recently that I was excited by.

Authored Push Kit

Authored is Tanya Burr’s new makeup brand and I didn’t take much notice of the products at first until I started seeing some reviews and a few bloggers/YouTubers I follow sharing their thoughts on Instagram. In December I purchased the Push Kit which contains all four products the brand makes so far: tinted moisturiser, brow gel, mascara and lip balm. The idea of simple, effortless beauty drew me in and the products are good basics if you’re on the go and want something quick and easy or you want to look polished without putting on a full face.

1. Tinted Moisturiser – Shade 1 – Shade 1 is the lightest shade intended for those with light skin and neutral undertones. Not only did the shade description sound accurate for my skin tone but I figured if it was too light I can easily apply a bit of bronzer, better that than having a shade too dark. The formula is lightweight, on the runny side (I store my tube with the cap facing up) but very easy to blend into the skin and can be built up for more coverage. The product claims to give a soft matte, slightly dewy appearance and I agree, my skin looked like skin but with a healthy, natural glow. The product didn’t cling or settle into lines and other makeup applied nicely over the top.

2. Brow Gel – 1 Light Brown – I had never used a brow gel before so I had to look up how to apply one before doing my brows. Safe to say I needn’t have worried as it was very easy to apply and there was no excess product needing to be cleaned up. The colour is good, my brows are darker than my hair so it’s not hard to get a decent colour match I find. My brows still look natural which is what I like. Big thumbs up!

3. Mascara – When it comes to mascara I prefer natural bristle wands, a formula that is super black and gives length and volume. I don’t believe mascaras give an accurate representation of how they perform after one use so I tend to properly make up my mind after I’ve been using a mascara for a week or two. On first impressions this ticks the natural bristle wand, super black formula and length boxes but I would have liked more volume. Again, that may come once I’ve used it a bit more and the formula has got some air in it – I’m not disappointed by any means. The formula is on the drier side straight off the bat (which I also don’t mind) and it didn’t smudge or flake. It seems to layer nicely and not coat lashes with too much product at once. Looking forward to using this more to see if my thoughts change.

4. Lip balm – This was the product I was least excited to try but it worked out more worthwhile getting the kit and trying all products rather than buying two or three other items separately. I am pleasantly surprised by how much I like this. Normally I don’t need to wear lip balm often and my lips don’t get dry but I can see myself reaching for this to pop on around home or dabbing over top of my lipstick which is what I did for this look. The lip balm isn’t thick or sticky. I’m not a fan of cherry but the scent doesn’t bother me and disppears after a minute or two.

Max Factor Creme Bronzer – Light Gold 05

Is this bronzer still a favourite in the blogging world? I would see this everywhere a few years ago and I don’t know anyone who isn’t a fan! I’ve owned this bronzer for a year or two now but wanted to pull it out as I’ve only worn it a handful of times and it is very pretty. I’m loyal to my Body Shop bronzer as that was in my project pan last year (which was abandoned due to Covid) but this is also a winner and one I’m happy to reach for. Despite having creme in the name this is a powder bronzer and creme refers to the Max Factor range the product is from. The flecks of shimmer don’t make the face look shiny and it’s the type of bronzer that is hard to apply too much of, which is a good thing. I was doing a quick Google search whilst writing this post and I don’t know if this is available anymore. I’d urge you to get in quick if you’ve been wanting to try this in case it’s gone!

Huda Beauty Rose Quartz Palette

Cool tones work better on me and they are what I gravitate towards most often. This is my first Huda Beauty product and I purchased a kit from Feel Unique also containing a zip around case, three eye brushes and a Silk Balm as a birthday present to myself. The day after the palette arrived I knew I wanted to play with it immediately. All of the shades are beautiful and for the first look I went for something rather simple and classic. I applied Radiate as a base shadow, used Precious to deepen the crease, went in with Energized on my finger and applied it all over the lid and placed Love Stone in the inner corner.

YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick – 08 Pink In Confidence

I purchased this lipstick last year and had always wanted to try this formula, I’d heard many good things about how comfortable it is and how easy the shades are to wear. Pink In Confidence is a relatively neutral rosy pink with a subtle hit of colour. I am fair skinned and it looks pretty natural on me so it wouldn’t be the best for those with darker skin tones. I love bold, bright lip colours but wanted something on the neutral side from this formula as it is very soft and shiny and a bold colour would get messy. The lipstick is very balm-like without being thick and goopy and is super easy to apply. If you have dry lips this formula works well. The formula won’t have the longest wear time but it does wear evenly and will give you a decent number of hours before needing to reapply.

Other makeup used:

• Clinique Dramatically Different moisturiser
• Maybelline Pore Minimizing Primer
• L’Oreal More Than Concealer – 323 Fawn
• Urban Decay Primer Potion
• MAC Double Gleam highlighter
• Max Factor Creme Puff blush – 10 Nude Mauve
• Pixi Rose Glow mist

The Finished Look

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think of the finished look?

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$1,000 Fantasy Sephora Cart

Last year Lily tagged me to share what products would be in my fantasy cart if I had $1,000 to spend at Sephora. In the couple of years Sephora has been around in New Zealand I have placed a handful of orders and it’s great to be able to get my hands on brands not all stores carry. I think the items I’ve chosen for my cart are practical and there’s a variety of different products.

1. Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm | Price = $65 – This is my favourite makeup remover! The texture turns from a balm to an oil when it is touched and it melts makeup off the skin. I understand this way of cleansing with fingers might not appeal to everyone but I always wash my hands first and I’m not a fan of using cotton pads and micellar water or makeup wipes to remove makeup. I have dry, sensitive skin so a balm works best for me and this one is unscented which is even better! I do go in with a facecloth to wash everything off after before applying moisturiser.

2. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream in Fair Ivory | Price = $72 – I have tried the mini of this in the shade Fair and while I could make it work something a touch lighter would work better, enter Fair Ivory. Whilst I have spent more than this on a foundation I’m waiting to see whether Sephora release this shade in a mini so I can try it before committing to the full size. I love the formula of this CC Cream, it’s easy to blend and gives such good coverage. The hype is real!

3. Zoeva Authentik Skin Foundation | Price = $28.50 – Since this foundation launched I have been curious to try it. I’ve seen a lot of positive reviews and the shades have a ‘w’, ‘c’ or ‘n’ in the shade name so it’s easy to identify who that shade is best for. This foundation comes in 44 shades and aims to give medium, buildable coverage with a weightless, natural-looking, luminous finish. Once I’ve used up some foundations in my collection I’d like to try this.

4. YSL Mon Paris Eau de Parfum | Price = $113 – This is waaaaay more than I’d be willing to pay for a 30ml bottle of perfume but if I had $1,000 to spend at Sephora I would totally indulge and buy it. The bottle is simple and cute and the notes of the fragrance sound really pleasant and like something I’d want to try. If this has the same longevity as Black Opium and is of the same quality you can’t go wrong.

5. Lancôme Idôle Eau de Parfum | Price = $139 – This is quite a recent launch but the sweet, floral descriptions of this scent make me think it would be right up my street! The design of the bottle is stunning, it’s a very sleek and classic and the pink and rose gold tones are so pretty. Lancôme fragrances are popular and I’d love to try one and see what they’re like for myself, this one grabs me the most.

6. Estée Lauder Pure Envy Lipstick in Dominant | Price = $63 – This is my favourite type of lipstick colour and I tend to go for fuschia shades with a little bit of microshimmer but this looks like pure bright pink goodness! I own a few shades in this vein but they are all slightly different and I get so much wear, it is my go to colour and I must wear it at least once a week on average. I have another Estée Lauder lipstick of this formula and it’s lovely.

7. YSL Volupte Shine | Price = $67 – I don’t have any specific shades in mind that I’d like to try from this range but I have heard a lot about these lipsticks and the bullet and tube are iconic. The formula is creamy and shiny and not opaque, it’s more like a lip butter. Leave any shade recommendations you think I’d like in the comments!

8. Tarte Maracuja Miracle Mist Setting Spray | Price = $23 (30ml) – I haven’t heard of this mist before or tried anything from Tarte but having a good setting spray in your makeup arsenal is a must. I have heard a bit about Tarte’s Maracuja Oil and people seem to like it so this mist sounds interesting. The mist is infused with maracuja, papaya, rose flower and cucumber fruit water. This is supposedly waterproof as well.

9. BECCA Skin Love Glow Shield Prime & Set Mist | Price = $56.00 – Everything I’ve tried from BECCA I’ve liked, their highlighters in particular are my favourite! This mist is designed to prime, set and refresh and sounds like a great multitasker. It is infused with Hawaiian sea water and desert spring water to boost hydration, goji berry, blueberry extract, cranberry extract and Vitamin E to nourish skin as well as being fuelled by glow nectar brightening hydra complex. The  bottle is visually pleasing and would be easy to tell exactly how much is left.

10. Sigma Iconic Brush Set | Price = $95 – This looks like the perfect makeup brush starter set. So often people buy more brushes than they need (sometimes because more brushes means having to wash them less) but only end up using a handful regularly. This set contains three face brushes and two eye brushes as well as a little pouch to house them in. The rose gold colour looks super luxe and Sigma brushes are meant to be really good quality!

11. Pat McGrath Mthrshp Mega: Celestial Divinity Palette | Price = $161 – Compared to all the other Pat McGrath palettes on Sephora NZ this is a bargain! I have seen people talking about this palette all over my Instagram and I agree it looks absolutely stunning and I love all the different coloured shimmer shades. I’m considering asking my brother to give me a Sephora gift card for my birthday so I could put it towards this palette but I’m also on the fence as to whether these shades are different enough to what I already own – it’s a lot to spend on a palette. The palette is $32 cheaper on the Pat McGrath website but annoyingly only US customers can purchase and redeem gift cards there.

12. Tarte Tartelette Tease Palette | Price = $35 – I was tossing up between putting this six pan mini palette in my cart or going for the Tartelette In Bloom Palette. In the end the Tease palette won out due to how gorgeous the two shimmer shades look. In Bloom looks like it would lean warmer whereas I tend to like how cooler, neutral tones look on me.

13. Tarteist Lash Paint Mascara | Price = $40 – I have tried my fair share of new mascaras over the past year and for the most part I’ve been impressed. I enjoy trying new mascaras as you form an impression quickly and know whether you like it or not. Formulas can change as mascaras dry out but usually if I like a mascara when I open it it tends to get better when it dries out. This aims to give length and volume which I like and the splattered effect on the tube is cool.

14. HUDA Beauty Mint Obsessions Palette | Price = $46.20 – This palette is a bit of a wildcard and not something I’d usually go for. The pastel shades and shimmers look absolutely beautiful and I’d be curious to see if these mint tones would suit my fair skin. I haven’t tried anything from HUDA Beauty before but these nine pan obsessions palettes would be a good place to start.

Total of items in cart = $1,010.70

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Have you tried any of these products? What would be in your fantasy Sephora cart?

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Empty Products #14

My first empties round up post lockdown! Has anyone else noticed they have been using less   due to not wearing making and not using as many beauty products? On the whole this bunch of products wasn’t the best for being ones I love and would gladly repurchase but there are a couple I really enjoyed.

Haircare

1. Schwarzkopf Leave In Treatment

I would apply this product after a shower when my hair was 80% dry and let it soak in. The smell was pleasant, my hair did look sleeker as opposed to if I didn’t use this but it’s not a product I’ve missed since finishing it up.

Repurchase: Probably not.

2. Schwarzkopf Ultimate Repair Shampoo

The scent of this is very manly but not in a good way. I didn’t find this worked well on my hair and I didn’t enjoy using it.

Repurchase: No.

3. Schwarzkopf Ultimate Repair Conditioner

Usually I can remember if I preferred a shampoo or conditioner more but I can’t with this range, I just know I wasn’t a fan of either of these.

Repurchase: No.

Makeup/Beauty

4. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream in Fair

This CC Cream is totally worth the hype! I purchased a 12ml deluxe sample from Sephora in December and love how this looks on my skin each time I wear it. The quality day after day is consistent and it makes such a lovely everyday base. One light layer of product was enough for the finish I like and this does not cling to dry patches, it skims over the skin and gives a natural, healthy look. Product can be layered but I found I didn’t need more than one layer. I did notice Fair was a slightly better match for me in summer as opposed to autumn but I can still make the shade work.

Repurchase: Maybe. I see IT Cosmetics have come out with a new Fair Ivory shade but not in the 12ml size yet. I’d want to try the smaller size first in the new shade.

5. YSL Volume Effet Cils The Curler Mascara

I got this mascara as part of a set of YSL minis last year and started using it in February this year. The mascara has a plastic wand which I’m not usually a fan of but this formula was so good I didn’t mind the brush not having real bristles. This mascara gives length and volume and it’s super black which I love, it adds to the drama and really makes your eyeshadow pop. The formula was consistent throughout the time I used this and it was a nice medium between wet and dry. The formula wasn’t sticky and layered well without clumping.

Repurchase: No, sadly. Not because the product is bad but no full sized mascara is worth $70 – that’s ridiculous!

6. Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in 002 Hazel

This brow pencil is all I have used to fill in my brows for the past four years. This shade matches in with my auburn hair perfectly.

Repurchase: Already have.

7. Delon Regular Nail Polish Remover

This did the job and wasn’t harsh on my nails when it came to removing nail polish but I didn’t like it as much as the Cutex Strengthening nail polish remover I tried years ago and loved. The Cutex product is difficult to track down though.

Repurchase: If it was the only type available then yes but there are other nail polish removers I prefer.

Skincare & Fragrance

8. The Body Shop Mandarin Energizing Face Mist

I purchased this thinking it would be similar to The Body Shop’s Vitamin C mist as they both target tired, dull skin and aim to give it a boost. I did not enjoy the scent of this and it felt a little sticky on the face. It didn’t soak in and leave my skin hydrated, it just kind of sat on top of other products.

Repurchase: No, my least favourite face mist out of all The Body Shop ones I’ve tried.

Body

9. The Body Shop Warm Vanilla Body Butter

When I purchased this body butter I was overwhelmed at how sweet the scent was but once I started using it the sweetness was manageable. The scent is easier to digest in smaller doses and the sweetness wasn’t too much once product had soaked into the skin. As with other body butters this feels lovely and silky to apply and keeps skin nourished and soft.

Repurchase: Possibly. This was part of a Christmas range but The Body Shop tend to release a vanilla scent nearly every Christmas.

10. Nivea Invisible Anti-Perspirant – Clear

Holy grail! This features in every empties for a reason.

Repurchase: Yes.

11. Dove Invisible Dry Anti-White Marks Deodorant

I strayed from my trusty Nivea anti-perspirant and this was nowhere near as good! The product was more like a cream than a liquid when applying it and it felt a little sticky. Product didn’t feel as moisturising on the underarms and I felt more sweaty. I used this during autumn/winter mainly working from home so I wasn’t getting particularly hot either.

Repurchase: No.

Discards

1. Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow – Perlina

I had heard so many good things about the Stila Magnificent Metals and when I purchased a set of three minis to try I was left scratching my head as to what all the fuss is about. One shade I threw out as product was non existent but I did want to make an effort to use up the other two shades in the set; Perlina and Kitten Karma. I went to apply Perlina on top of another eyeshadow recently and discovered it had dried up which I was disappointed about. I will not be picking up any of these in future as overall I haven’t had a good experience. I don’t know whether it’s because these are minis and the full sized shades perform better but I’ve been put off.

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What was the last product you finished up?

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GRWM: Luxurious Makeup Look

I am lucky enough to have some really beautiful makeup products that aren’t exactly on the lower end of the price spectrum. Before I purchase a product I always look up reviews and do my research, especially if I’m considering parting with a substantial amount of money. I definitely feel comfortable splurging in some areas and saving money in others. I know what works for my skin and how I want my makeup to turn out.

I wanted to be a little boujee and create a look using as many luxury products as possible. I didn’t doubt for a minute the look would come together well and I’m so pleased with it!

Products listed in order of application:

Products marked with an * means I didn’t have a luxury alternative

1. Olay Complete UV Lotion Sensitive*

2. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer – I sampled this primer last year and fell in love with it straight away. I purchased a full size during lockdown. It makes my skin feel silky smooth and foundation applies beautifully over the top. A little goes a long way as this spreads really easily over the skin. It feels moisturising but it’s not at all greasy.

3. Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil in 002 Hazel*

4. YSL Touche Éclat Le Teint Radiance Awakening Foundation in B10 Porcelain – This is as close to a holy grail foundation that I have discovered so far. The shade is such a perfect match for my skin – it’s the right amount of warm and cool and like the primer, a little goes a long way. One layer is enough and the consistency of the foundation is light but blendable. Product is very easy to move around the face. This foundation makes your skin look like skin but enhances it and gives a dewy, healthy glow. I’m so impressed every time I wear it!

5. MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW10 – This concealer blends nicely on top of the YSL foundation. It can be layered up and covers redness and spots well. This can sink into lines if my skin is feeling dry but using a good primer and foundation combats that. Studio Finish also feels lightweight and doesn’t clog my skin or make me oily.

6. Rimmel Match Perfection Translucent Setting Powder*

7. Milani Eyeshadow Primer*

8. xoBeauty Heaps of Sweets Palette – This palette cost around $55 (NZD) which compared to lots of other palettes on the market isn’t expensive. Ever since trying xoBeauty a couple of years ago I have been impressed with the price points of products in relation to quality. I tend to use drugstore eyeshadow palettes as I don’t have any high end ones but this is a good in-between. I went for a cool toned eye look, I used the shade Vanilla (light neutral that leans purple) as a base shadow all over the lid, Brownie (chocolate brown) to deepen up the crease and Cupcake (shimmery taupe) for a wash of shimmer.

9. YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils The Curler Mascara – I have been using this little mini since the end of February and it has lasted well! This has a rubber wand which I’m not usually a fan of but this mascara is really pleasant to use. The formula has stayed the same since it’s been open and it gives a bit of length and volume which I love. (Technically this mini wasn’t expensive as I got it as part of a set but if I purchased a full size it would be the priciest mascara in my collection).

10. MAC Double Gleam Extra Dimension Skinfinish – This highlighter literally melts into the skin. A little goes a long way and it gives the skin such a beautiful gleam. The cream-powder formula is flattering and doesn’t accentuate pores. This shade is versatile and one I see myself reaching for a lot as it will go with everything!

11. MAC Warm Soul – I was opting for a rosy-nude lip and knew this blush would be perfect on the cheeks to accompany it. Warm Soul is one of MAC’s Mineralize blushes so it has a baked formula and a gorgeous speckled marble effect that translates onto the skin. Like the highlighter, this blush is such a versatile shade and the combination of this and Double Gleam is a winner.

12. MAC Fix+ Magic Radiance – After setting my base with powder I knew a few sprays of this would re-hydrate the skin and make it look lovely and glowy again. Magic Radiance is even more hydrating than the regular Fix+ and it is packed with Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and essential oils which are all great for the skin. This smells amazing too!

13. Estée Lauder Pure Colour Envy – Intense Nude – A work colleague gave me this lipstick as it wasn’t the right shade for her and it was the inspiration behind creating this luxury look. Estée Lauder is a brand I haven’t tried before. The bullet is navy and gold with a magnetic closure – it feels satisfying when the lid snaps back into place. Intense Nude is number 130 in the Pure Envy range and it is described as a moderately warm-toned light plum. This shade isn’t a true nude as it has hints of pink, brown and red but it is one of those shades that is a great everyday colour. The scent is lovely and the lipstick glides over the lips like butter. It’s incredibly comfortable to wear.

The Finished Look:

Close up of my eye makeup using xoBeauty’s Heaps of Sweets palette. Also wearing “The Romantic” lashes by xoBeauty.

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Do you own any luxury makeup products?

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The Lockdown Me Spree

I kept everything as ‘normal’ as possible over the lockdown period and I did end up making a handful of online orders. I was in two minds about sharing the items as understandably a lot of people have gone quiet online and are being super mindful of the content they put out.

I do want to say I 100% purchase everything myself and I am in no way bragging. I was fortunate to be in a position to work from home and continue earning my salary. I am very much a saver and also go through periods of time where I don’t spend anything.

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Hourglass

Since sampling Hourglass’ Veil Mineral Primer last year I have wanted the full size, but I held off as this primer is pricey. I purchased the 56ml tube (which is the largest size) as value for money wise it works out the best. This primer feels like silk on the skin and makes foundation apply like a dream over top. It has SPF15 in it too.

xoBeauty

1. Round Face Brush – I didn’t need another foundation brush but I wanted to compare this to my Zoeva 104 Buffer Brush. These two brushes are bigger than my others and I tend to reach for them when my smaller foundations brushes are dirty. This brush is dense and by the time I’ve applied foundation my hand is sore from buffing but the finish it gives is nice and worth it.

2. Kelly Lip Pencil – I only own one other lip pencil but I thought this deep brown toned mauve would work nicely with MAC Viva Glam III and other nude/berry lipsticks in my collection.

3. False eyelashes – Since trying false lashes from xoBeauty in March I have been obsessed with how good they look and I wanted to pick up another couple of pairs in different styles:

“The Girl Next Door” were designed for the utmost natural girls in mind. These are lightweight, natural, and not too long. They are perfect for anyone with not a lot of eye space, or anyone with hooded eyelids. They have a zig-zag pattern that looks feminine and gorgeous!

“The Romantic” were designed for the girly girl who likes a bit of flirt, a bit of length, and a bit of volume! They are super full but do not take over your eyes, so they can be worn day or night. Tapered on the inner corner for comfort, and finished off with a beautiful flick and curve on the ‘Outer V’ to elongate your eye shape.

“The Glamourista” are ideal for any glamorous look! Even though they are slightly more dramatic, you can still get away with wearing them for any occasion, day or night, because they are so wispy and lightweight.

Chemist Warehouse

1. YSL – Black Opium – Since trying a sample of this perfume at the end of 2019 I knew I would pick up a full size eventually. Black Opium is a great everyday perfume or one for date nights – the main note is vanilla but it also has hints of coffee and it’s a very warm, sexy scent.

2. Concealers – Cream concealers are best for my dry skin and I want a back up option if I am unable to pick up Collection’s Lasting Perfection Concealer – the brand is not widely available in New Zealand. I’ve always been curious to try Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Concealer and I’ve also heard Arna Alayne praise the L’Oreal Infallible More Than Concealer on her YouTube channel as a great full coverage option.

3. Revlon Diamond Shine Gel Envy Top Coat – This is the top coat I currently use and it is great so I picked up a backup. The width of the brush is perfect and the top coat spreads so easily. It gives a lovely shine to nail polish and doesn’t chip easily.

MAC

1. Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Double Gleam – Double Gleam is a liquid-powder highlighter that gives a luminous, well-defined finish and is described as a beige that breaks silver. As I carry out my challenge of using one eyeshadow palette and highlighter per month I’m learning what textures I like and what works best on my skin. I have a few highlighters in the same colour family as Double Gleam but ultimately I enjoy being a minimalist and only keeping products I really love. I’m hoping Double Gleam will allow me to let go of a couple of other products I don’t reach for as often.

2. Love Me Lipsticks in Hey, Frenchie! and Très Blasé – I mentioned I was curious to try these shades when I reviewed Laissez-Faire, (also from the Love Me Range). Hey, Frenchie! is a deep mauvey nude and Très Blasé is a light peachy beige. I ordered both of these from the same company but there was a stock issue with Très Blasé so I am waiting for an ETA to hear when it will ship. If it doesn’t come back into stock I will look at getting it from somewhere else. I thought I’d mention it here anyway as I do intend to buy it.

Wearing Hey, Frenchie!

3. MAC Peachlite Strobe Cream – A little while ago I finished up a 30ml tube of Strobe Cream in the original Pinklite shade. I did enjoy using the product as a glowy moisturiser with no makeup on weekends or as a primer before applying foundation. I was curious about a couple of other shades; Silverlite and Peachlite. Silverlite was out of stock so I opted for Peachlite. Peachlite has a peachy pink sheen and is the shade of Strobe Cream that is probably the most universal and will suit all skin tones. I’ve worn Peachlite a couple of times since it arrived and my skin feels extremely soft and moisturised.

4. MAC Fix+ Magic Radiance – I have used the original Fix+ in the past and since MAC launched Fix+ Magic Radiance I have wanted to try it. I suffer with dry skin and this product is supposed to be super hydrating. Magic Radiance is loaded with Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and essential oils. It aims to cool and soothe the skin, set makeup for extended wear and refresh lacklustre complexions. Fix+ is also great for spraying on your brush before applying eyeshadow or highlighter to make it more intense.

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Hope you enjoyed seeing everything I’ve picked up recently! Have you treated yourself to anything during lockdown?

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GRWM: New Makeup + First Impressions

I haven’t done a get ready with me or shared a makeup look in a while and there’s a couple of newer products in my collection that I want to talk about. I thought it would be fun to create a look with them and share my first impressions. With the majority of the other products I have tried to use ones that I don’t reach for on a regular basis.

Products marked with *** are newer to my collection.

BASE

Olay Complete UV Lotion Sensitive – A good everyday moisturiser that is inexpensive, contains SPF and does the job.

BECCA First Light Priming Filter *** – I have only used this a handful of times so far but it feels lovely and lightweight on the skin and blends in very easily. Makeup sits nicely on top and this is a product I see myself really enjoying.

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream in Fair – I am really enjoying this CC Cream. A good shade match, easy to blend, longwearing, comfortable on the skin and covers my redness well. I urge you to try this if you’ve been on the fence. I picked up my tube from Sephora which is smaller and cheaper than the full size but a good way to sample the product.

MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW10 – This concealer pairs well with the IT Cosmetics CC Cream and isn’t drying when used in conjunction with hydrating foundations.

Rimmel Match Perfection Translucent Powder – With the warm weather lately this powder has helped to stop excess shine. I tend to only reach for powder in summer or if my base makeup looks too glowy.

eyes

Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil in 002 Hazel – This pencil is still all I use to fill in my brows. The red tones go with the red in my hair and my brows never look overdone.

Milani Eyeshadow Primer *** – I didn’t realise this eyeshadow primer didn’t have a brush on applicator and is a squeezy tube. Product seems easy to blend on to the eyelids and the eyeshadows I wore on top applied well. I need to continue using this for a while before I can decide whether or not I’m a fan but I’m not disappointed after the first use.

Zoella x Colourpop Brunch Date Palette – Brunch Date is such a beautiful palette and it is the palette I have selected for my one palette, one month challenge for March. This palette gives me autumn vibes and is packed full of neutrals with pops of colour and shimmers. I used Maple Syrup all over the lid, Extra Slice to deepen the crease and applied Pancakes Please across the centre with my finger.

YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils The Curler Mascara *** – I purchased a four piece set of YSL minis in order to sample Black Opium towards the end of 2019 and this mascara was also in the set. I prefer to only have one mascara open at a time so I waited until my previous mascara was finished before trying this. I was curious to see how I’d find the mini size as I’ve only used full sized tubes before but application wasn’t any harder as the wand is full size. I was surprised by the shape of the wand and a little shocked as to how it manages to fit in the tube (image of the wand below). The wand is long and curved and has two sides of bristles designed to give lashes a full, lifted look. Upon first application the mascara definitely gave me length and product applied easily, the formula isn’t too wet or too dry and I’m looking forward to using this more.

Cheeks & Lips

BECCA Moonstone Shimmering Skin Perfector *** – This highlighter came in the same set as the First Light Priming Filter. Moonstone is a light gold and sits somewhere between theBalm’s Mary-Lou Manzier and BECCA’s Opal, of which I own both. This shade is very natural on the skin but can be built up if desired. The glow BECCA highlighters give is super pretty. The mini size lasts ages too!

Max Factor Creme Puff Blush in 10 Nude Mauve *** – I believe blush is one of those products you don’t need to own a lot of if you have a few good staple shades. Baby pinks don’t work for my skin so I tend to be drawn to more dusty, mauve pinks or peachy pinks. Nude Mauve is a stunning brown-pink mauve that is subtle but still gives my cheeks some oomph. This blush can really be layered up to sculpt and highlight the cheeks.

xoBeauty Liquid Lipstick – Aroha – Aroha is a beautiful muted deep plum but a shade I haven’t worn much since purchasing it. I thought this colour would be perfect for this look as I went for simple colours on the eyes and cheeks and I’m sure you all know how much I love a bold lip!

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What do you think of this look? Have you tried any new makeup recently?

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January Favourites + Highlights 2020

I personally feel January gets a bad wrap, people exaggerate about it “being the longest month ever” which I don’t think is true. January for me is a chance to reset and start fresh for the year and it always feels quite calm after the busy festive season. January is also my birthday month and I feel like people who complain about disliking it are making an unintentional dig at those who celebrate their birthday in January. I find it hard to believe we are one month through 2020 already, I swear every year gets faster!

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Nutella – I’ve never been a huge Nutella fan but I saw a teeny tiny jar at the supermarket and purchased it purely for the size. I enjoyed having toast with Nutella to use up the contents of the jar and purchased a bigger size after it was finished. Toast with Nutella is nice to alternate between the yoghurt or fruit I usually have. Nutella hasn’t become a cupboard staple but it’s a nice treat!

2. YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick – Le Rouge 01 – This lipstick is one of the four minis that came in a YSL set I purchased from Mecca towards the end of last year. Le Rouge 01 is a classic red and it has such a lovely comfortable satin finish. The colour lasts all day and doesn’t slip or bleed. I also think the mini sized bullet makes it easier to control and apply, no lip liner is required.

3. And So It Begins by Rachel Abbott – My second read of 2020! Over the past year or so I have been reading more psychological thrillers and this one was extremely gripping and kept me guessing right until the end. The twists and turns weren’t predictable and the book overall was super easy to read, the story was told well and the ending felt complete. I am looking forward to reading the follow up novel coming in April.

Mark and Evie had a whirlwind romance. Evie brought Mark back to life after the sudden death of his first wife. Cleo, Mark’s sister, knows she should be happy for him. But Cleo doesn’t trust Evie…

When Evie starts having accidents at home, her friends grow concerned. Could Mark be causing her injuries? Called out to their cliff-top house one night, Sergeant Stephanie King finds two bodies entangled on blood-drenched sheets.

4. House Rules – House Rules is an Australian home renovation show that I have watched for years and a new season started airing in New Zealand this month. Six teams travel around Australia renovating each other’s houses and gardens to ultimately try and win money to pay off their mortgage. Teams get scored on their work by a panel of judges and eliminated one by one until a team are crowned the winners. This is a good show for sitting down in front of with my book, I can see what’s happening but I don’t have to be glued to the screen in case I miss something.

5. Deep Water – Deep Water has been called the British version of Big Little Lies which is another series I really enjoyed. Deep Water is described as a modern day look at family through the eyes of three women as they try to balance work and life pressures. Each woman has secrets that surface and their lives intertwine with each other.

January Highlights

• After watching a documentary about Michael Hutchence in December I have been listening to INXS music a fair bit. The instrumentation and vocals are sensational!
• It was my birthday on January 24th and also my last day at work for a couple of weeks. I went out to dinner with some friends and had a lovely day.

January’s Spotify Playlist:

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How was your month? Share one of your highlights in the comments!

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Empty Products #12

The first empties post of 2020! Let’s see how many products I can get through this year! In my bullet journal I will keep a list of everything I finish up and at the end of the year total them up. I’m aiming to be on a low buy in 2020 and not purchase products until I’ve used others up first and stop buying things for the sake of it. I do quite well anyway but there’s no harm in trying to do better.

Haircare

1. OGX Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo

I was curious to try this range after trying the Argan Oil shampoo and conditioner from OGX. A little bit of this shampoo goes a long way and my hair does feel smooth and soft when I use it but I can get the same result from cheaper shampoos. These bottles do last me a long time but by the end I was looking forward to moving on to something else.

Repurchase: Don’t think so.

2. OGX Brazilian Keratin Therapy Conditioner

I prefer the shampoo in this range to the conditioner. The conditioner has a strong scent and it’s not one I find pleasant. Like the shampoo, the conditioner didn’t do anything revolutionary for my hair.

Repurchase: No.

Makeup

3. MAC Prep + Prime Fix+

I don’t use a setting spray each time I wear makeup but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The mist feels hydrating and gentle when it hits the skin and the mist sprays evenly when the nozzle is pushed. The scent is nice and natural and contains elements of green tea, chamomile and cucumber. If you’re sensitive to scented products you should be fine with this one. This is great to dampen eye brushes to pack on eyeshadow too.

Repurchase: Yes.

4. Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation – 100 Fair

If you asked me a year ago what my favourite foundation is I would have said this one. It has decent coverage, has a nice satin finish, a little goes a long way and the tube packaging is compact and lightweight. However, since trying a couple of high end foundations in 2019 this pales in comparison. The colour doesn’t match me as well as foundations from MAC and YSL and towards the end the product wasn’t sitting as nicely on my skin as it once did… possibly due to age? If this was a touch lighter it would be the perfect drugstore option for me.

Repurchase: Maybe.

5. L’Oreal True Match Lumi Healthly Luminous Makeup in W 1-2 Porcelain/Warm Ivory

I researched this foundation before I purchased it and the selling point for me was how good it was for dry skin. I have no doubt this is good for dry skin but a lot of the times I wore this I would need powder as the foundation is so thin and slippery. It’s not the best for layering and one thin layer works best. As a result the coverage is very minimal and this seems more comparable to a BB cream or tinted moisturiser. The product didn’t cling to dry patches and the shade was ok. This wasn’t terrible but by no means would I try this again.

Repurchase: No.

Skincare & Fragrance

6. The Body Shop Moringa EDT

These little bottles are really travel friendly. I bought one in a different scent to pop in my locker at work for when I need a quick refresh but I didn’t end up doing that. The moringa scent is a delicate floral that’s nice for everyday wear.

Repurchase: Yes. I would also consider the Moringa Fragrance Mist which is cheaper and contains 70ml more product.

7. Juicy Couture – Viva la Juicy and Viva la Juicy Glacé rollerball

I received this double ended rollerball as a gift and both of these scents are lovely! Viva la Juicy is a vanilla gourmand and is my signature scent. Glacé is a fresh, icy take on the original containing notes of pear and sorbet. Both of these scents have serious lasting power and I found with the rollerball the scent really gets absorbed into the skin and lingers all day.

Repurchase: Not this exact rollerball but I do have full size bottles of both perfumes.

8. Juicy Couture – Juicy Couture

This is not a bad perfume but it is my least favourite Juicy Couture scent that I have tried. The notes are stronger than what I usually like and nearly border on headache inducing territory. The lasting power is excellent and this scent does evoke compliments. If you don’t like sweet, overly feminine scents give this one a sniff.

Repurchase: No.

9. YSL – Black Opium

I purchased a YSL set of minis mainly so I could sample this perfume as I’d heard mixed reviews and wanted to try it before committing to a full size bottle. Black Opium is seriously sexy and contains notes of coffee, warm florals and vanilla bound by an undertone of white musk. I used this 7.5ml sample bottle up in a matter of weeks. The scent lingers all day and is one of those that is perfect for all occasions.

Repurchase: I intend to purchase a full sized bottle.

10. Antipodes Halo Skin Brightening Facial Mud Mask

Antipodes is a New Zealand brand which I had heard plenty of good things about prior to trying this mask. For a mud mask this didn’t dry out my skin or irritate it at all. It helped to soothe skin and keep it clear from impurities but for the price tag I don’t think it’s outstandingly better than my favourite face mask from Natio which is half the price and contains more product.

Repurchase: Don’t think so.

11. The Body Shop Black Musk Body Lotion

The black musk scent from The Body Shop is one I enjoy for it’s spicy warmth. This body lotion was satisfactory but didn’t feel as moisturizing as others I have tried in the past. The black bottle makes it hard to see how much product is left. Another product I’m glad to have finished.

Repurchase: No.

Body

12. Nivea Invisible Anti-Perspirant – Clear

I have used this anti-perspirant for about 4/5 years now and it features in almost every empties so if you’re a long time reader you’ll know how much I enjoy this.

Repurchase: Yes but I might buy a different product next time I need deodorant to give my skin a break.

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What was the last product you finished up?

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Yearly Highlights + Signing Off For 2019

Usually towards the end of each month I round up my favourite things but in December there hasn’t been anything new that I’ve come across that I haven’t talked about before. In lieu of December Favourites I’ve rounded up my favourite products of 2019. I will also be sharing some  highlights from the year. This is my final post for 2019 as I want to give myself a break from posting between Christmas and the New Year. Thank you to everyone for taking time to read and comment and for showing support. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and I hope you have the best day with your loved ones!

Base

1. Trying higher end foundations from YSL and MAC – 2019 is the year I stepped up my foundation game and ventured away from the drugstore options slightly. I got a sample of MAC’s Studio Fix Fluid Foundation which applied beautifully each time I used it and made me start looking into other high end foundations. After finishing the MAC sample I purchased a bottle of YSL’s Le Teint Touche Éclat in B10 Porcelain and it is such a perfect colour match for me. A little goes a long way with this foundation and like the MAC foundation it applies and sits beautifully on the skin. I have still got a couple of drugstore foundations in my collection and once I’ve used those up I can see myself heading more towards bases that are slightly more expensive but perform better. It takes me so long to finish a foundation that I’d rather it be one that I really like.

2. Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder in Light – I heard The Anna Edit talk about this product numerous times and I’d been curious to give contouring a go so I bit the bullet and purchased it. I wanted one shade that suited my skintone rather than purchasing a palette where most of the shades would sit untouched. This product is lovely to work with, the powder is soft and easy to blend and I don’t need to use much at all. I tend to use this over bronzer on days I want more definition.

Eyes

3. xoBeauty Heaps of Sweets Palette – This palette is a relatively new addition to my makeup collection. The layout and the number of different colour combinations excites me and makes me want to experiment with the palette. The pigmentation, formula and the combination of matte and shimmer shades is great and since the palette arrived I have not put it away, it’s sitting on top of my dresser within easy reach. Palettes like this that can be used for wearable everyday looks but also contain fun pops of colour are so versatile.

4. Zoella x Colourpop Group Hug Supernova Shadow Bundle – If I had to pick my favourite brand for 2019 it would be Colourpop! I hadn’t tried anything from Colourpop before and I remember asking on Instagram for product suggestions and someone mentioned that they didn’t like the Supernova Shadows. I didn’t purchase the Group Hug bundle in my first order but I am glad I picked it up in a subsequent order. The bundle contains the shades OG and Bellini and both are packed full of shimmer and glittery goodness. The pigmentation is stunning, especially Bellini, and they apply so smoothly and last all day. They are what I thought the Stila minis I have would be like but 100x better. Unfortunately this set has now been discontinued.

5. Colourpop Sol Palette – This is one of my favourite eyeshadow palettes in my collection and every time I use it I’m never disappointed, there’s not one bad shade. The warm, orange tones work really well with my hair and complexion and this palette is surprisingly versatile. If I had to pick one palette to travel with it would be between this and The Remix Palette from Shaaanxo and BH Cosmetics. One of the best nine pans Colourpop do in my opinion!

6. Colourpop Super Shock Shadows – One of the Colourpop products recommended to me were the Super Shock Shadows. This product is what the brand first started off with and having a creamy, highly pigmented texture with no fall out it’s easy to see why they are so popular. Across the four Colourpop orders I placed this year I purchased eight shades in total. My top picks are Slave2Pink (neon pink glitter loaded up with blue), Bouncy (cool toned bronze with gold and violet duo chrome), Nillionaire (bronze with pink and gold ultra-glitter), Dare (shockingly neon purple with hot pink and violet glitter) and I Heart This (taupe with silver ultra-glitter).

Lips

7. Revolution Jewel Collection Lip Toppers – These sheer, non-sticky glosses are packed with stunning shimmer to switch up your favourite lipstick. I have two out of three shades; Fortune (iced silver shimmer) and Exquisite (duo chrome sheer pink with cool silver shimmer). They can be worn alone or layered over lipstick for a high shine finish and colour shifting duo chrome effect. Fortune is my favourite!

8. L’Oreal – Bois De Rose Lipstick – A work colleague gave me this lipstick and the colour reminds me a lot of Syrup by MAC which I completely finished a couple of months ago. Bois De Rose has more of a rosy tone whereas Syrup has more of a purple-berry tone. The formula of this shade is lovely and creamy and it is such a lovely colour for everyday wear.

Accessories

9. YSL Black Opium – The 7.5ml perfume sample of Black Opium did not last me long at all, it’s finished already! I instantly fell in love with the scent and in the near future I definitely want to pick up a full sized bottle. The combination of warm, sweet vanilla and coffee with a hint of spice is extremely sexy.

10. Daniel Wellington Petite Melrose Watch – I purchased this watch last year and whilst it was an investment piece I love wearing it! My wrists are tiny (which I have a weird fascination with) and Daniel Wellington watches accommodate that. When you order from Daniel Wellington you can customise your watch by choosing the size of the dial, the colour of the dial and the colour of the strap. I chose the Petite Melrose in rose gold with a white 28mm dial. The watch goes with everything and looks dainty and elegant.

Top 5 personal highlights from 2019:

1. A personalised signed album from Claire Richards – Claire Richards has one of my favourite voices in the music business and she released her solo album in February 2019. Through Claire’s website fans could pre-order personalised signed copies of her album.

2. Securing tickets to So Pop 2020 – Speaking of Claire, Steps were announced as one of the acts for the So Pop 2020 series of concerts alongside The Pussycat Dolls, Jesse McCartney, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and others. It hasn’t properly hit me yet that I’ll be able to say I’ve seen my favourite band in concert even if they aren’t the headline act – 10 year old Chanelle never thought this would happen.

3. Finding a denim jacket – I knew that when I purchased my denim jacket from Pagani it is one of those timeless pieces that goes with everything. I often pair it with leggings for simple, casual outfits when I’m not sure what to wear and it’s a great layering piece that can be dressed up and dressed down.

4. Purchasing new perfumes – Halfway through the year I purchased a couple of new perfumes and I’m really pleased with all the scents in my collection at the moment. Girly, vanilla based scents are my favourite and you can’t go wrong with Juicy Couture in my opinion. The fragrances next on my list to buy are Viva la Juicy Rosé and a full size of Black Opium.

5. Being more social – I am by no means a social butterfly but I have been on my fair share of dates, attended a few quiz nights and been out to dinner with work friends this year.

December’s Spotify Playlist:

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I hope you are able to look back on 2019 and the decade with fond memories. If 2019 didn’t go the way you planned I hope 2020 will treat you better and bring plenty of happiness ❤

I will still be reading posts and commenting but this is me officially signing off – see you in 2020!

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Battle of the Red Lipsticks

It’s no secret that red lipstick isn’t my favourite to wear. Certain shades age me and make my skin look paler than it really is. Over the past week or so I have been testing the red lipsticks in my collection to work out which shades I enjoy. I wore the same base makeup and eyeshadow to keep the test fair and I discovered I definitely need to wear bronzer and blush when I wear red lipstick which I can get away without wearing with other lipstick colours. Currently I have seven red lipsticks. Raspberry reds and berry shades are not included but perhaps that’s a post for me to consider in the new year.

1. Revlon – Fire & Ice

Fire & Ice was the first red lipstick I got. This is one of Revlon’s iconic shades and it is a little unusual because it is a neutral red that is warm and cool at the same time. Fire & Ice is such a beautiful colour and depending on the makeup you pair it with can look more tomato red or more pink red. The formula is a creme and it’s very comfortable on the lips and easy to apply. You don’t need a lip liner with this shade and the lasting power is good despite the formula not being matte. It won’t end up on your teeth or fade drastically throughout the day. I don’t pull this shade out all the time but I enjoy it when I do.

2. MAC – Ruby Woo

Ruby Woo is one of the most coveted shades of red lipstick. Basically the hype is real and worth it if you’re looking for one great red for your collection. This shade suits just about anybody and is kind of like an old hollywood, glam red. Roby Woo looks like red velvet on the lips and I think if I could have only keep one red it would be this one! The lasting power is excellent and the formula is not drying if you apply balm underneath first.

3. Revlon – Wild Watermelon

The swatch makes this shade look more pink than red because of the sheer formula but on the lips Wild Watermelon definitely leans red. I love this colour during the warmer months and the glossy, shiny formula makes lips look soft and juicy. If you suffer with dry lips this formula is lovely too. If you’re looking for more wearable reds or more of a stain you will like this one. Revlon don’t make lip butters anymore but they are still out there if you search. As this is a lighter red it will wear away gracefully and is easy to re-apply.

4. Bourjois – Cherry My Cherie

I picked up this lipstick for about $8 last year but I just don’t reach for it very often. As the name suggests this is a beautiful cherry red and the formula is really soft and comfortable to wear. When I swatched the lipsticks Cherry My Cherie looks very similar to Ruby Woo by MAC. I would say if you’re looking for a cheaper version of Ruby Woo or you don’t like the Retro Matte formula this is a good alternative. I will be saying goodbye to this lipstick purely because I don’t need this and Ruby Woo. Ruby Woo has less transfer throughout the day due to its formula and I don’t mind applying balm underneath to get the shade to glide on.

5. xoBeauty – Kairos

Kairos is a product I featured in the Shopping My Stash post in July and I have been going back and forth about whether to keep it or not ever since. Before I started writing this post I tried the lipstick on and was convinced I wasn’t going to keep it. Whilst I can appreciate the pretty muted coral-red tones I didn’t love how it looked and think it would look better on light-medium skintones as opposed to my fair skin. As I began writing this post I started second guessing myself and now I want to wear the shade again with a full face of makeup and play up the pink tones with blush and highlighter to see if that changes my opinion. The colour is gorgeous and the matte formula is soft and comfortable so I don’t have an issue with the product but I’m not sure it’s the most flattering shade on me. I’ll keep you posted about this one!

6. YSL – Rouge Pur Couture #1

I got this mini as part of a YSL set and the best way I can think to describe the shade is like a cross between Fire & Ice and Ruby Woo. The formula is reminiscent of Fire & Ice and doesn’t slip and slide but the colour is a touch darker and more closer in tone Ruby Woo. I like the mini size and smaller bullet as it makes mistakes less likely during application and the bullet is angled to fit the shape of the lips. The plastic packaging feels cheap but I can live with that as the product inside is good.

7. xoBeauty – Impavid

This is the newest red in my collection, I have only had it for a little over week but I am a fan already. I absolutely adore the xoBeauty liquid lipstick formula and I thought it would be interesting to try as reds are notoriously difficult to apply. Impavid is a deep, rich, cool toned red that makes your teeth look white and is one of the darker reds in this bunch. I’m looking forward to wearing this one more and possibly being able to retire a few of my other reds if this proves to be my perfect red.

Swatches:

Left to right: Fire & Ice, Ruby Woo, Wild Watermelon, Cherry My Cherie, Kairos, Rouge Pur Couture #1 and Impavid.

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What’s your favourite red lipstick? How many do you own?

Out of the seven reds I’m keeping five, passing one on and undecided about the other.

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