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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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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First Impression Friday: YSL – Touche Éclat Le Teint Radiance Awakening Foundation

Up until a short time ago I had never tried a foundation that wasn’t considered drug store. In the past I haven’t wanted to spend a lot of money on foundation shades that don’t match me as my skin is fairly pale. I’m now starting to think that by investing a little more money into nicer foundation I will be happier with the overall look of my makeup. Often higher end brands have more shades available to cater to more skintones and the quality of product is better.

I purchased YSL’s Touche Éclat Le Teint Radiance Awakening Foundation on a whim after reading a review from a fellow blogger and spending the entire day watching reviews of it on YouTube. This foundation appealed to me through it’s claims and the fact it is ideal for drier skin types.

Claims

• Reduces the look of fatigue and creates flawless, buildable coverage
• Improves skin’s brightness and luminosity
• Weightless finish – foundation feels and looks invisible on the skin
• Conceals imperfections

When it comes to foundation I like natural looking coverage that helps even out redness in my skin and product that doesn’t feel thick to apply. I prefer foundation not to lean too matte or too dewy and sit somewhere in the middle. I believe this foundation does live up to its claims. Keep reading to find out why.

Shade

I purchased this foundation online and wasn’t able to swatch or test shades in store before I bought it which is risky but I am pleased to say the shade I purchased is spot on! The Radiance Awakening foundation comes in 30 shades and I purchased the shade B10 Porcelain.

YSL cater to different undertones similar to MAC; B = neutral undertone, BD = golden/yellow undertone and BR = pink undertone. The lower the number following the undertone, the lighter the shade. I selected B10 as I have warmth and coolness in my skin but I am still on the fair end of the colour spectrum. One shade lighter BR 05 Cool Milk, may have worked for me but I wanted a neutral shade for my skin.

When this foundation arrived I automatically compared it with the sample of MAC’s Studio Fix Fluid foundation in NW13 and this is a touch lighter which is better. I wasn’t able to wear bronzer with NW13 but I think I will be able to get away with bronzer with this YSL shade.

Top: YSL
Bottom: MAC

Application

I used a clean Zoeva 102 Silk Finish brush to apply the foundation and product felt lightweight and easy to blend into the skin. Foundation didn’t drag or apply in streaks and felt silky smooth when being blended/buffed. The foundation blends out seamlessly and it’s not easy to detect where foundation stops and skin starts. The first time using this foundation my skin was drier than usual as I was getting over a cold but the formula didn’t cling or accentuate any dryness or settle into lines. Usually I like to apply one layer of foundation and touch up areas on my cheeks and around my nose if needed. This foundation had decent coverage after one layer and did allow me to build up product where I needed to without disturbing the layer underneath. The brush did soak up some of the product but I was still able to use the brush to really buff foundation into the skin.

Performance

The foundation is a nice consistency, it’s not thick and it’s not runny. Product will stay on the back of your hand between blending out layers. The foundation doesn’t feel heavy and glides over the skin. I’d say initially the coverage with one layer is light-medium which I like but you can build up coverage if you desire. The colour doesn’t oxidise after application and other makeup sits nicely on top. I used MAC’s Strobe Cream as a primer underneath and I didn’t find my face looked too glowy – it was a radiant, healthy glow which again is what I like. I will be testing out other primers to see how they perform with this too.

I had the foundation on for about 12 hours and it wore well during the day. Product didn’t fade or break down. My face didn’t look oily or shiny and the foundation kept my face looking natural and skin like. I do think it brightened up my complexion and made me feel more like my usual self despite the remnants of a cold.

Only wearing foundation and concealer:

Unedited photo taken in natural lighting.

Wearing the foundation with a full face of makeup:

Other products used:

• Olay Complete UV Lotion Sensitive
• MAC Strobe Cream – Pinklite
• Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer – 1 Fair
• Urban Decay Primer Potion
• Colourpop BYOP, shades used: Hear Me Out, Wake Up Call, Feathered and Ringer
• Zoella x Colourpop Supernova Shadow in OG
• Rimmel Scandaleyes Lycra Flex Mascara in 003 Blackest Black
• NARS Orgasm Blush Duo
• Kathleen Lights x Colourpop Scorpio Moon lipstick
• MAC Fix+

Summary

Pros:

• Shade matches me well
• Lightweight, buildable coverage
• Seamless and natural looking on the skin
• SPF 22

Cons:

• Pricey
• Not as many shades available as other high end foundations (still a fair selection at 30)

Overall, I am extremely pleased with YSL’s Touche Éclat Le Teint Radiance Awakening Foundation after only one use and can’t wait to wear it again! The product lives up to it’s claims and applies and blends like a dream. The formula is extremely comfortable and lightweight and virtually undetectable on the skin. If this is what all luxury foundations are like, I’m a convert!

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Have you tried this foundation? Do you own any foundations you consider luxury?

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