Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Candy Coral

I love a good gimmick and I want to love cream blush (but I don't really) so I pounced when I had the opportunity to pick one of these up through my US-based friend and blogger Tammie.


I asked her to pick me up the colour Candid Coral in the hopes it would give me a peachy flush. I then proceeded to break my arm and leave this blush sitting for the best part of 4 months untried until this last week.

So here are my thoughts so far:

Packaging: Very cute no issues there. It also seems to close well which hopefully will slow the drying out process.

Smell: Not sure there is one. Kind of wish there was - is that strange?

Texture: It is kind of a play dough type texture somewhere between a cream and a powder. It's spongy and kind of strange. I have been rubbing it around and then applying it to my face with my fingers before blending out with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush. I kind of wish this had a shimmer as it seems to sit flat on my face.

Performance against it's claims: The back of the packaging (pictured above) says it melts into the skin and I am not quite sure of that. Maybe this works better if you have oily skin - on dry skin it doesn't seem to do much for me at all. Mind you it doesn't have outlandish performance claims either so it does get a thumbs up there.

Value for Money: Look this is at best a novelty item and for that it works nicely. I certainly wont be replacing my blush collection with the Bouncy blush range anytime soon but it's a nice reminder that makeup can be fun too. It is also quite sheer so probably best for light to medium skin tones only.

Have you tried this range? What were your thoughts?

Jacx

Monthly Empties - October 2011

I managed to say farewell to a few friends this month including:

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in shade 51: Every time I thought this foundation was finished, I found more and by the end I just wanted it to be finished. As soon as I finished it I went and bought another one though lol. I've reviewed this one before so let's move on.

Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse Foundation in shade 110 Porcelain: I had such a stormy relationship with this foundation. Hated it, loved it, over it, loved it...by the end though I was definitely a fan. I'd buy it again (especially at US prices) but I find it hard to find the lightest shades of Maybelline in Adelaide - but in Melbourne they were everywhere. Gorgeous matte (but not cakey) finish perfect for weekends but I had trouble getting it to last for work days - but that's just me.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Micro Serum: I picked this up on Snet and just loved it. This was a guilt purchase after deciding that at 36 I definitely need to be using serums. It's a white cream that absorbs beautifully and has no scent. I went to Kiehl's website to buy another one and I couldn't find it. Devastated. :(

Aveeno Ultra- Calming Cream Cleanser: loved it, reviewed it. Enough said lol.

YSL Top Secrets Beauty Sleep Concentrate:  This came in a Beauty Box and I loved it. It smelled fruity (in the same way that Healthy Mix does) and it made my skin feel amasing. I was using this one at night. I went onto a second tube Dee gave me almost immediately but I think this is not a product to be used consistently - although I'm just guessing as there was very little detail on the sample tube on what to do with it. For $99 AUD for 30mls as nice as this was I wont be purchasing the full size. 

Matrix Amplify Conditioner: Meh. Snet purchase, I wouldn't bother. Definitely no to repurchasing.

Too Faced Lash Injection Mascara: I ruined this mascara by opening it a couple of times a month and then putting it away again. So when I actually used it, it was a dry crumbly mess. It's a full tube of killed mascara :( I would probably try this again when I work through my mascaras.

MAC Studio Fix Mascara: I hate the brush on this - it's so spikey it hurts your eyelides when it touches. If you want to try mastering your mascara application by torture give it a go. This is pretty much full - I couldn't stand being pricked by the brush. The formula was average at best. This is no Opulash. Repurchasing only as gifts for people who piss me off.

NYX Doll Eye Mascara Volume: I am a big fan of the lengthening version of this one but this is equally good. I think overall I prefer the effect of the lengthening formula but either way at $9 a pop this is a highly underrated mascara that no one seems to be talking about. The brush has the look of a honey wand (you know what I mean). It's so gentle for sensitive eyes and is almost mistake proof. This is truly a great dry formula mascara that is IMO showing more expensive brands how it's done well. I will definitely repurchase.

Happy Sunday everyone

Jac x

Monthly Favourites: October 2011

I haven't done one of these posts since June as I have been trialling different products for review purposes. While I am still doing that I have been making more of an effort to just use what I like on some days too. So here we go:

Foundation: This month I actually have 2 and here's why. Firstly I was using up my Maybelline Smooth Mousse foundation which I love, it just doesn't hold up to a full day at work for me. I find that my skin wants to absorb anything including makeup in an effort to be less dry. Once that was done and dusted I started using Face of Australia's Lasting Looks Natural Foundation with SPF15 and loved this one too. This foundation retails for $11.95 and seriously is freaking awesome - lasts wonderfully for work but if you are super super pale it may be a little dark (think your more tanned summer face - or should I say less scry white summer face?).

Blush: I was sent some BYS products for review and decided to pick up some more to test out myself. One of those that I picked up was BYS' blush in Peach Sundae (I think Lilit recommended this one it to me) and I have to say this blush is a gorgeous light summery, shimmery peach - just the way I like 'em.  At 4.95 AUD (from memory) this one is a total bargain. LOVE!

Powder: I have been using Face of Australia's face powder for a number of months now and I am not making any headway. A word of warning though for those with dry skin - less is more otherwise you can look dry. In fact I haven't needed a face powder when using the FOA foundation mentioned above so I assume this will last me forever. This baby retails for $11.95 AUD as well.

Eyeshadow: Just when I thought this was going to be an Aussie favourites post (lol) in slams NARS with their cream eyeshadow in Mykonos. It's neutral, sparkly, easily blendable, stays all day, doesn't crease and I love it all over my lid for that "I look like I made an effort but I really didn't" days. I get my NARS from kissandmakeupny

Mascara: Recently I mentioned that I had done a bit of an Australis haul and one of my items was the Lash TLC Conditioning Mascara. It took me a couple of goes before I was sure I liked this mascara but I do and I recommend it specifically for those who are looking for something suitable for sensitive eyes. Not only does this mascara not irritate during the day but it is also really easy to get off when you are ready for bed time. Retails for $14.95 AUD.

Lipstick/product: Again this is a bit of a tie, first we have Australis' Mint Condition Lip Gloss SPF30 in Meow With Your Mind. My god I love this gloss - the colour, finish, SPF, name - just everything. It's also only $8.95AUD as well. Secondly we have Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Coral Reef. I've heard people rave about this colour and you know what IT'S ALL TRUE. Just get it - even at Australian prices (I think about $20 AUD) it is worth it (I'm sorry I missed it from the photo above but I'll do a swatch post separately).

Skincare: I have been totally in love with L'oreal's Youth Code Super-Concentrated Serum which I have been using every morning and some nights as well. I just love the way this makes my skin feel and it is absorbed so quickly too. I picked mine up a few months ago when Priceline had the whole Youth Code skincare line on sale for $22 AUD.

Nail: Orly's Night Owl made it twice in a row on my nails. It seriously looks like nothing in the bottle but I just love it one. A NOTD is coming. Preeeeettttty!

Perfume: Giorgio Armani's Acqua di Gioia is a gorgeous perfume that I love wearing as the weather gets warmer. I have received so many compliments from people when I wear this fragrance and can often be found smelling myself when I wear it as well lol.

Other: Now that the weather is heating up again SPF is becoming a real concern as I realise I have done bugger all to get something sorted out since last summer. However there is one product that I have been relying on for years to keep me white and sunburn free and that is Banana Boat's Ultra Sunscreen in SPF30. I freaking love this stuff.
I was also lucky enough to be sent one of the new sunscreens in the BB range -Mineral Protect- kids with SPF30. This is a naturally based sunscreen with clear zinc. I used it on the weekend in a ridiculously hot day (35) in Adelaide and again it was a winner. A more in depth review of the BB sunscreens I have used and loved is coming.

Whew and we are done!

Have a great week everyone and thanks so much for still reading and commenting despite my irregular posts at the moment - that work/life balance is certainly a challenge at the moment for me.

Jac x

Disclaimer: I received the Banana Boat sunscreen from PR as mentioned above - everything else I bought myself, either way my opinions are always my own.

Let the hauling begin..

Sorry for the delay in posting this haul. Those who read my tweets already know I have been home with sore ribs this week caused by an ongoing viral infection that just does not want to leave my body. In the last month and a half I have had 9 days of personal leave (all with a medical certificate) and I AM STARTING TO FREAK OUT.

I hate not being a work (yes I am a geek), I hate being seen as a "sick" person and my independent streak gets all bitchy about that perception I can tell you. Thank god I have had all of these new pretties to keep me company - and to keep my mood mild (well for the most part it has been mild).

And so we begin our journey with a group order to MAC USA (cos there is no way I am paying AUD prices if I can help it) with Nessa and Michelle.

Products pictured from left clockwise:
* Paint Pot in Indianwood
* Cream colour base in Hush
* Eyeshadow in Brule
* Prep and Prime (Oh thank god I have this again)
* Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Gotta Dash!
* Lipstick in High Tea

You would not believe all the trouble Nessa had with this order so big big thanks to her for this one - she went above and beyond to satisfy our MAC cravings. Soon after that Priceline had a crazy special on Maybelline products - 3 face products for $30. I'm only human right?

Pictured above:
* Maybelline Super Stay 24 Makeup Foundation in Porcelain Ivory
* Maybelline fit me foundation in 115 (Ivory)
* Maybelline fit me concealer in 15 (Fair)
* Bourjois 10 hour sleep effect foundation in 71 (abricote clair)

I picked up the Bourjois foundation as my Healthy Mix foundation is almost finished finally - that stuff lasts for freakin' forever. To be honest I'm a bit meh with the new one but I have to give it a chance and it is common for me to hate a foundation the first couple of times I use it.

One of the good (or bad if you are my bank account) things about the Adelaide Beauty Conference was getting reintroduced to brands I had ignored for a while - most notably - Australis. I'm not sure what Australis did to make me lose interest in them but for years I have walked straight past their displays without a second glance. Enter the ABC goodie bag with their HD blush and eyeshadow  palette (which I will get around to showing you as they look great) and my interest was peaked again. Off to Priceline I trekked again:

Pictured above:
* Ready Set Go Finishing Powder in True Translucent
* Colour Inject Mineral Lipstick in Mambo (love this so much)
* Lash TLC Mascara in Blackest Black

Then the following week Priceline had another special on Australis and I went back in - specifically to get an eyeshadow product which I will explain fully when I show this stuff in more detail but I also got a free mascara (yes another one lol).

Pictured above:
* Paparazzi Perfect HD eyeshadow in Snap Attack
* Mint Condition Lip Gloss in Meow with your mind (OMG love this too)
* Freebie mascara: Voluptulash Mascara in Blackest Black.

While on one of these missions to Priceline I also decided to check out some Burt's Bees products, a Cetaphil cleanser (the lovely PR people sent me one for oily skin that is destined for Noodle Arms so I picked up one for me to try instead), and a Revlon lipstain in Dawn (I'm not sure about this yet, the colour seems to go on uneven).
I wont list these below as you can see the details in the picture and yay for me for such a clear picture with my new camera.

I know what you are thinking - wow that was a good haul - but what made you think it was over lovely readers? Yes I had one more spending spree to complete and that was for a little brand called Palladio that I have been mulling over ever since EmilyNoel83 mentioned them a year(?) ago. The place I found that had the best range that also shipped to Australia was the Makeup Geek Shop - and as I am a big fan of Marlana I was happy to buy from there:

Pictured above:
* Rice Powder in Translucent
* Herbal Foundation Primer
* Herbal Tinted Lip Balm in Golden Pink
* Herbal Tinted Lip Balm in Cotton Candy

Now I'd love to say it all finished there but I've been home alone for a week and I have more parcels coming. I also picked up some more skincare (check out my empties post if you need to know why) and a Face of Australia foundation a couple of days ago. I blame FOA though for having a foundation light enough for me with SPF15 for less than $12 - I was clearly provoked there!

Now if there is anything you would like me to prioritise for review and or swatching just leave a request below.

Hope you all have a great weekend
Jac x

Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick - Coral Gleam

I love these lipsticks and have previously reviewed and swatched them here.

Recently I picked up Coral Gleam and I love it -

Bare Lips above and Coral Gleam Lips below

Favourites April 2011

When I went looking for my last favourites post I realised I haven't done one of these since OCTOBER. I think with summer and each emergency that happened (the floods, the cyclones, the earthquakes, the fires, the nuclear emergency, now tornadoes etc...) and specifically because of the nature of my 'real job',  my focus has been everywhere except here. Lucky for me I eventually come back to seek comfort in my stash (or try increasing it) when times get tough.

April has been a craptacular month for me personally, I've spent it battling the stress of a starting a new job, finishing my old job, constant hay fever (pick a season already Adelaide!), sinus infections, laryngitis and attempting to eat my weight in chocolate. As you can imagine this doesn't scream out "you look pretty" and my favourites really reflect that this month - think comfort and wanting to look less like death warmed up.

Foundation: This month I was testing FOA's Liquid Mineral (review done) and Bourjois' Healthy Mix (review coming) Foundations but when I had a choice I sought comfort in Maybelline's Dream Smooth Mousse (review coming).
Blush: MAC's Tenderling.
Powder: Rimmel Silky Loose face powder - I am yet to use a foundation this doesn't work with.

Eyeshadow: I was all over the place this month, often wearing no eye makeup so I could freely rub my eyes but my favourite look was from Physician's Formula Eyeshadow Trio in Baked Spices (review coming).
Mascara: MAC Opulash ( you guess it ....a review is coming)

Blush: MAC's Tenderling
Lipstick/Product: Hands down this was FOA's Mineral Lip Shine in Twilight Glow - such a comfort product and I just love them (a review is coming very soon but for now a swatch)

Skincare: Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream (review coming)
Hair: Was too tired to care - sorry but as long as it was clean it was good enough for me.
Perfume: Oh perfume I remember you...I was completely scentless this month. I was very much looking forward to trying Su's fragrances but was too irritated to wear anything at all. I even had to switch back to a scentless soap from my usual body wash. MASSIVE SAD FACE!
Other: This is the Zoya month. After obtaining their Intimate Collection from eBay I have done a few orders for other shades from nails etc (I have a problem!) and I am very impressed. There are some NOTD pics to come from this collection very soon. This collection can be split into two groups for me - the purples and the others.

  From left to right: Dove, Gemma and Jules (the others)

  From left to right: Dannii, Marley (my fav) and Caitlin (the purples)

What were your favourites of the month?

TAG: My 11 Most Reached For Products

 

This tag comes from the lovely Jade and has been done on a few blogs such as Dee's. This was super hard for me because I like to tinker with my makeup when I have time. So think of this as my 11 most reached for things if I am not given a lot of time to get ready. I have to say I was shocked to see how much MAC was in here  - and scared about how much they all were (eeeek!). Anyway on with the fun part - 

TAG I wish I hadn't bothered...

 

The inspiration for this post came from a nail disaster from Saturday night. You know those products you were super super excited to get your hands on but for whatever reason were complete fails in person... this is a tag for those products. Here are 5 I wish I had stayed away from...

1. Maybelline's The Falsies Mascara - Now you know I love my Emilynoel but I hate this mascara. I honestly only purchased it because she said it was so awesome and that was totally my choice so I am not bagging her (love her) or it. This mascara doesn't work for me for 2 reasons... my wand is floppy and the formula is wet. Combine a floppy wand that gives no resistance with a wet formula and what do you get? Well what I got was mascara all over my eyelid and oil slick lashes (you know where they stick together because there is too much product so you look like you have 5 lashes).

2. Essie Nail Polish in Pop Art Pink - again I did my homework before purchasing and this looked like an opaque pink jelly. Now on me it looked like this -

It actually annoys me that this looks better in the photo than in real life. This is also 3 coats - a very clear VNL and it's so streaky. I immediately removed it. Never ever again.

3. Seche Vite - this has to be the MOST hyped nail product going around. So I saved my shekels and got myself a bottle. As far as top coats go, at best it is average. Everyone says "oh your nail polish will last so much longer" well in my experience it's actually the opposite. My polish chips from the edges almost immediately which I find baffling as my nails don't chip easily. Killer shine but overall it's a complete fail.

4. Urban Decay's Midnight Cowboy Rides Again - not even the packaging can save this eyeshadow. Don't be fooled by it's neutral gorgeousness, it's a complete glitter bomb and when I say glitter I mean glitter NOT shimmer. So disappointed.

5. Bonne Bell moisture lip balm with UV filters - so I was having a trip down memory lane in Priceline the other day when I picked this one up. This was my high school makeup item. I have clear memories of my Bonne Bell inside my uniform pocket at school all through years 11 and 12. I have no idea what happened but this tastes like perfume... and not a fresh fruity floral...it's old lady perfume. Yuck.

Now if you've read down to here consider yourself tagged ... I want to know what didn't work for you.

But wait there's more...

Gosh I seem to be no real further caught up in my posts than I was a few weeks ago so I thought I would do a quick dump of what lovelies have made their way to my home (and heart):

• Too Faced Neutral Eye Kit - got mine from ebay and I am IN LOVE. A great alternative to the Naked palette (I assume) for those who like a bit of shimmer.
• Gucci's Flora - I got mine in Melbourne on a St Patrick's day special. Just a gorgeous feminine fragrance that is a little sweet and very light. Bliss!
• Wet n Wild palettes in Silent Treatment and I'm getting sunburned - haven't touched them yet. I'm hoping they will be just as awesome as Walking on Eggshells
• Giorgio Armani's Acqua di Gioia - this has been my best friend over summer. A true delight and it was my first dip into the Giorgio Armani fragrance range. BTW have you seen the advertising for this one - she is stunning and airbrushed lol.
• Maybelline's Dream Smooth Mousse - still trying this one out but so far so good. It's not eligible to be a HG foundation for me as it has no sunscreen. 

I also got a lovely parcel from Su after entering a giveaway on her site to try some of her blends. But being as lovely and generous as she is I ended up with quite a delightful collection of treasures which I have to take a picture of to share here. My job/pleasure for next week is to try out her fragrances and report back. I am super impressed by anyone brave and talented enough to do their own blending. Go Su!

Weather in Adelaide has been crappy which I really don't mind except sometimes I need sunlight or just a bit of light in general to take some snap shots. I'm hoping that there will be a chance to do a bit of a swatchapoolza on the weekend.

Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipsticks

While in Melbourne a few weeks ago, I got a sms from Dee advising that Chemist Warehouse were going to have a sale on Maybelline products and they were offering 3 Colour Sensational lipsticks for $20 (She's such an enabler lol). Anyway dutifully the next day I popped into a Chemist Warehouse and picked up 3 new lovelies. Below I have swatched them with the one I already had in the colour Nearly There (205).

If you are not already familiar with the Colour Sensational Lipsticks then I am happy to report that this range comes in a heap of colours - split into 3 colour tubes - pink, brown and red. The finish of the shades is varied with creme and shimmer shades across the colour groups. The packaging is (IMO) lovely and doesn't scream "cheap lipstick here" which is nice. My only issue is the scent, it's some kind of fake sweet something (maybe caramel?). Personally I don't like the smell but it wouldn't stop me from purchasing more of these in the future.

I have swatched the four together here - so you can see they are all different colours because a couple look almost identical on my lips below.

 Pictured: Plaza Pink, Nearly There, Totally Toffee and Caramel Kiss (natural light, no flash)

 Pictured: Plaza Pink, Nearly There, Totally Toffee and Caramel Kiss (natural light, direct sunlight)

Now onto the lip swatches if you are interested:

OMG...now this is a HAUL...

I think I mentioned previously that one of my makeup BFF's Steggers was headed to the US... and had kindly agreed to become a personal shopper for me and my enormous list of wants.
Well yesterday the lovely Steggers, Dee and I had a lunch where we all shared our latest hauls... and Steggers handed over all of my stuff as well. Now for the scary pics...