Burt's Bees Essential Body Kit - Part 2

Four products down, four to go!  See part 1 here.

Peppermint Foot Lotion - I'm not a fan of peppermint scented foot products.  I understand the peppermint is cooling and all that, but you usually put it on after they've been washed, so wouldn't they be cool anyway?  It's lightly moisturising, and non-greasy.  It's ok.

Extra Energising Body Wash - It's nice enough - not a strong lather but enough, the scent is nice and refreshing but faded quickly so it didn't clash with my perfume.  Wouldn't buy again as I don't see anything particularly special, but I'll keep it for when I travel.

Naturally Nourishing Body Lotion - The big thing to note here is that it's a lotion, not a cream.  As my skin is drying out with the seasonal change it wasn't hydrating enough for my tastes, but if you just want something light it's quite nice.  The smell wasn't offputting but also something I wouldn't specifically choose.

Radiance Day Creme (with royal jelly) - My clear favourite out of these four!  Again it's a lighter formulation, but I still found it really hydrating.  Makeup application was also nice and smooth.  I'd consider buying this again for my day cream, if I had a richer moisturiser at night.  I wish I'd known about this one in summer!

So overall I think it's a great deal for only $24.95!  Some products were great, some weren't to my fancy but I'm glad I tried them out.  And it's really piqued my interest for the rest of the Burt's Bees products - will see what else I can pick up!

Burt's Bees Essential Body Kit - Part 1

I've decided that I need a new skincare regime.  My skin is really suffering with the change in the weather, and this gives me a perfect chance to test out some new products - from my local health food store!

Natural skincare isn't revolutionary, but I've never made a conscious effort to use it.  But it makes a lot of sense, and the environmental benefits are great as well.

I was surprised by the range of skincare lines that my local store carried!  There's so many products that got me excited, but since I was after an exfoliater to start with and my hands need some love, I found a pack that had it all - Burt's Bees Essential Body Kit.

Contents - Replenishing Lip Balm, Peppermint Foot Lotion, Extra Energising Body Wash, Deep Pore Scrub, Radiance Day Creme, Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme, Hand Salve and Naturally Nourishing Body Lotion.  8 products for $24.95.  Pretty nifty, huh!

Since it's late at night I tested out half the products now, and I'll review the others when I use them tomorrow morning.

Replenishing Lip Balm (with pomegranate oil) - nice!  Really smooth texture, and moisturised my lips without feeling too waxy.  I really like the pomegranate scent too!

Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme - I expected this to be 'creamy', but it was more like a gel/balm.  I had to warm the product up before I could apply it, but it was quickly absorbed and surprised me with how moisturising it was.  Lemon smell was really refreshing too.  Another thumbs up.

Hand Salve - I'm actually not too sure what to do with this.  Like the cuticle cream the texture is like a balm, and it smells like eucalyptus.  It doesn't really work as a hand cream because of the consistency.  Maybe it could be a spot treatment, but because I have the cuticle creme I don't really have a use for it.

Deep Pore Scrub (peach and willowbark) - this disappointed me to start with.  My first thought was that the grains were way too large for a facial scrub - they feel like they're scratching my skin rather than buffing it smooth.  And the grains felt too few and far between, so it took more product than I would like in order to feel like I had enough.  What I did love was the 'waxy' residue that was left behind - it wasn't actually wax, but more like a moisturising 'barrier' which meant I could get out of the shower and not make my skin feel tight and make me run for the moisturiser.  Now, after my moisturiser has absorbed my skin feels much more hydrated than normal, and very soft.  Maybe it will win me over with time?

Interesting results so far... wonder how the other products will perform?

Fyrinnae - Lip Lustres

I received my first Fyrinnae order two days ago, and I've been busting to show you all!  I'm still playing with the shadows, but I wanted to show you all the Lip Lustres I picked up.  These really surprised me - I wasn't prepared for the texture at all!  Imagine a liquid lipstick, but with a 'dry' feeling.  That's the best I can describe it. They feel 'dry' to wear as well, and although the stronger colours leave a stain you will still see a transfer onto your coffee cup (or Diet Coke bottle if you're like me!).  They've packed a lot of pigment into these tubes though, so what you see is what you get on your lips.

The other surprise was the scent - some were barely fragrant, some were so strong they made me sick.  If you're sensitive to scented products I'd be wary.

First up - Bare Shoulders.

This was pretty, a bit of a mauve/pink shimmer through what otherwise would just be a nude.  I could wear this easily, except for one thing - the Cafe Au Lait smell.  Oh god, it's gross.  My stomach was churning as I put it on.  And then the smell lingered as I wore it.  Such a shame.

Next, let me introduce you to Lollipop-Pop.

Pretty in pink with a blue shimmer twist.  I'm not a pink kinda gal, but this will be pretty to layer over others.  The scent was lychee - not bad, it was bearable.  Very strong again.  Why does it have to be so strong?  :(

Now it's Meloncholy.

It's a strong coral, which the site warns can lean to orange but almost brings out brown tones on my lips.  Too strong for me, but I'm going to sheer this down and I think I'll be onto a winner.  Scent is melon (funny about that), but was nowhere near as strong as the first two.  Thank god.

Aah, my favourite - Romantique.

Oh god, this is so pretty.  So pretty!  Described on the site as a 'semi-sheer soft warm pink with gold shimmer', it's just gorgeous.  I'd wear this with other colours, but just as easily on its own.  Would be interesting on the cheeks too... must try that out!  Toasted Marshmallow scent smelt more like coffee, but wasn't as potent as Bare Shoulders and disappeared quickly.

Now, to cross over to the dark side!  I grabbed some vampy shades to test out application as well as to compare to the Lip Tars (which many bloggers have drawn similarities between the two).

This is Diabolical Masquerade.

Disappointed.  I was hoping for a stronger red or glitter component, but in real life it just looks black.  And the application was pretty patchy.  The worst part?  THIS was the unscented one!  WHY couldn't it have been Bare Shoulders?

Lastly, it's the jet-black Monochrome.

Again - patchy application, even worse than before.  Once the gloss dries a bit it's rather unremarkable.  If I want jet-black lips I'll go for Tarred Lip Tar every time.  I'll use this to layer perhaps, but otherwise I don't recommend.

Overall there were some winners and losers, but the biggest request I have of Fyrinnae would to be make ALL the Lustres unscented.  It's so offputting.  And I'll steer clear of any of the darker colours.  I'll only purchase these if I see a really unique colour, but otherwise a traditional lipstick or gloss would be more comfortable to wear.

Keep an eye out for my Fyrinnae shadow swatches - no disappointments there!
Which one was your favourite?

Beauty of the Earth EOTD/COTD

COTD?  Does Cheek of the Day even exist?

Well, in this blog it does!  :)

Ok, so first look - Peacock on the mobile lid (up to the crease) and under the eye, with Mississippi Mud in the crease, black liner on inner rim and black mascara.  These shadows are a breeze to blend, but just be warned - being a loose powder means that you really need to place the shadow where you want it, rather than brushing the shadow on.  Otherwise it will spread too far - and with dark colours it can mean starting over again.

Second - Big Ego with Wicked blended over the top.

Now for the cheek!  Obviously this is Georgia Peach...

... but what happens when I blend a little bit of Wicked over the top?

Amazing!  Not just a highlight, but it actually brings it to more of a pink rather than peach!  It did need to be buffed back, which is testament to the strong pigment.  But so easy to use.

I love blending - it's always full of surprises :)

P.S.  Oops!  Forgot to show you the gloss - I really like it!  A soft nude, but the sparkle keeps it interesting.  Super smooth and non-sticky texture, yet slightly thicker to keep it on the lip for longer.  I'm buying more for sure!

Review - Stila Smudge Pot in 'Little Black Dress'

I picked up this little gem in a blog sale with Too Much Blush (thanks doll!) and I must say I like it!  It reminds me a lot of the Plumkin cream shadow I reviewed yesterday, but with the ease of application and consistent texture that it lacked.

Here is the swatch on my arm:

Pretty huh!  It's really glittery in this photo but it's quite dark on application.  Here are my peepers using this as an eyeliner AND a smudged-shadow-kinda-thing.

See - not so sparkly!  I could see myself rocking the smokey eye for a big night out, or using it as a liner at work when I want to sneak some 'makeup artist' into my 'corporate' look.

As an extra she threw in Clinique Quick Eyes cream shadow in Lucky Penny, which I used as a base underneath the liner.  No creasing, easy to blend, and a pretty colour.  I scored!!

What do you think?  Pretty?  Or disco?

Indelible Cream Shadows

Another Makeup and Glow order, another sample.  This time it was for their line of indelible cream shadows - I got Brownie Points (brown) and Plumkin (purple).

First of all, I found the application rather difficult.  I've never used cream shadows before, and was confused how I was meant to blend these out to avoid a harsh line.  In the end I just kept wiping product off my brush and blending out, but I didn't feel confident with it.

Here are the swatches:

 

Brownie Points - true brown, quite dark on application.  This was the easiest of the two to use.

 

Plumkin - dark purple with flecks of glitter.  This was HARD to blend.  Maybe my sample was dry, but the consistency was much harder and blending was a nightmare.  You can see in the photos that the coverage is patchy and uneven.  Again, whether this was a dry sample or because of the glitter I can't tell you.  Colour was pretty, the sparkle was only obvious on close inspection.

I decided to wear Brownie Points to work the next day, and again found application was hard to get right (but it is getting easier!).  The amount of product needed is so small but it doesn't really spread, so I ended up patting the colour over the lid then blending out the edges to try and get an even application.  No powder was put on top as I wanted to see if it would crease.

Currently it's been on my eyes for about 5 hours and my lids still feel a bit sticky - which is REALLY annoying.  I have no doubt that this would disappear with a dusting of powder (note: yes it does, just tried it), but then I wouldn't be testing out the product, would I?  It certainly hasn't creased which is great, however the colour has definitely faded to a more subtle brown wash.

Overall these cream shadows aren't for me.  The difficulty in blending, the time spent to get an even application and the residual sticky feeling turned me off.  Maybe in my next order I'll pick up a lighter colour (maybe Gold Frost or Immortal) and test whether it could be used as an eyeshadow base, like a MAC Paint Pot.  Brownie Points might be good as a base for a smokey eye, but I wouldn't buy Plumkin - pretty colour, but too patchy and inconsistent.

Lip Tars - Katricia, Demure and Hoochie

The darlings at Makeup and Glow love to throw in some samples when you order - and with all the theatrical makeup I've been doing lately I've been ordering a lot!  I asked to try the latest OCC Lip Tars, which are all about the purples.

Katricia
OCC says: Creamy violet.

I say:  Yeah, it's purple.  Almost Cadbury purple.  I wouldn't wear this on its own, but it's a great base purple to own.  I'd be looking to add a drop of red to bring it to a more wearable colour.  In fact... how does NSFW (red, for those unfamiliar with LT shade names) look blended with it?

HOT!  Still purple, but much more wearable with a pink edge in it.  This is my favourite 'blend' that I did for this post.

Demure
OCC says: Rich, purplish fuschia.  (swatch below is Demure first, and Anime underneath for comparison)

I say:  Fuschia, baby!  Bright bright bright.  Not as bright as Anime, but you can see the 'purplish' tint when they are side by side.  Still freaking bright though.  But let's try to tone it down... with Grandma (coral).

Ooh, now this is nice.  In real life it's still strong, but the 'electric' edge has been taken off.  I really like this combination.

Hoochie
OCC says: Vivid, true magenta.

I say:  neon purple!  This would be great for a high fashion look, but also remember the amazing mixing quality of lip tars and you could easily create some divine shades.  Use it to lighten up a colour that you think is a little deep, but you don't want to use white (since it just looks like a pastel of the original version).  If I felt like mixing a new colour with this I would add... Fondue (dark brown).  Because I can.

I'm always surprised when I mix the Lip Tars - this is still a statement lip, but more 'winter' than 'Ibiza Disco'.  In real life it's very dark and vampy, not something I would do myself but I wouldn't look twice if I saw this on someone else.  Really nice.

Personally I don't think I would add any of these to my collection - I have ten (yes, I know...) and I've covered all the primary colours with a few extras, so I can mix almost anything I need.  If I was going to add anything I'd love to have Katricia as I think it's the most 'wearable' of the three when mixed with other colours.

I'll have to do a post on my favourite Lip Tar hybrids.  What's your favourite blend?

Australis Haul - Part Two!

After the pleasant surprises of my first post, would the good times continue? A lip gloss and a brush set were awaiting my review... and the results are in!

Let's start with the Colour Inject Mineral Lip Gloss in Hip Hop (RRP $11.95)

I was initially worried as bronzes aren't my colour of choice.  I'm not a fan of tanning or bronzing after seeing so many bad examples walking down the Brisbane streets every day.  But this product came out quite sheer, and was actually really wearable.

The smell was like a fruit that I can't put my finger on (but nice - not off-putting at all), and the texture wasn't at all sticky - just smooth and easy to wear.  The colour was almost like a nude that had a subtle bronze tone to it, and the small glitter particles add a touch of fun without being too 'disco' for daytime..  I could see myself wearing this on its own, or over other colours that are too pink for my tastes.  I like it!

And now the Brush Set (RRP $18.95)and Angled Liner Brush (RRP $6.95)- which I have to say I don't hold high hopes for.  I hate scratchy brushes, so I'm very picky with what I use.

First points go for size - great for travel.  Short handles mean they fit in my cosmetic bags.  Good start.

The brush set says it has a 'domed eyeshadow brush, eyeshadow applicator, tapered lip brush, brown brush, mineral powder brush and foundation sponge'.  I would consider it to have an 'eyeshadow brush, lip brush, lash comb/ brow brush, cheap sponge and two useless applicators'.  The mineral powder brush is cheap and scratchy, and the 'eyeshadow applicator' is a cheap sponge-tip that will last one swipe before it splits.  The foundation sponge has the texture of a disposable, so will disintegrate quickly.  But the eyeshadow brush is dense and soft on the eye, the lip brush is tight and will give a great line, and the lash comb/brow brush works well.

The angled liner brush is soft as well and applies shadow well, but it's too soft for a tight line.  Keep it for smudged/smoky shadow.

If you want great brushes at a low price point, go for EcoTools (which is available at Priceline).  Don't bother with these Australis ones.  I'll be using these in emergencies only.

So there you go!  More Australis than you can poke a stick at :)

Australis Haul - Part One!

 had the pleasure of attending some makeup artist workshops run by the awesome Mandi Levanah in Sydney, which were amazing.  She willingly shared the secrets of the industry that she had to learn the hard way, and I am forever thankful for her.  She's also sparked my obsession with manicures and OPI polishes, but that wasn't hard!  So if she ever reads this - thank you so much, and I can't wait to do another workshop with you :)

As part of the workshops we got a goody bag!  Yay for freebies!  And it featured a number of Australis products, which was interesting as their low price point can often reflect poor quality.  But she swore to us that times have changed, and we'd love these products.  And, like so many other things, she was right!

First of all - Colour Inject Mineral Lipstick in Cha Cha

This was surprisingly sheer, and took a couple of coats to build up to this intensity.  This isn't a tone of red I would usually wear, but the smooth and moisturising formulation has me interested.  I think I'll keep this to mix with other colours, but I may pick up a different colour in this range. A RRP of $12.95 for such a wearable formulation is music to my (poor) ears.

Next - Perfection Brush On Lip & Cheek Tint

I've always kept clear or lip & cheek tints, as I'm naturally (too) rosy and thought they would highlight my overall redness.  But I was pleasantly surprised with this combo!  I had an English-rose flush to my cheeks and a subtle stain to my lips that was totally wearable.  Add some volumising mascara (vibrations anyone?) and I'd be ready to leave the house.  This could be my new winter look!

RRP $10.95 (bargain!)

Lucky last - Jumbo Mineral Bronzing Powder

Mandi swore we'd be surprised at this product - she claimed it was the perfect bronzer colour.  And she was totally right!  A soft bronze sheen illumnated my cheeks but in an oh-so-subtle way.  I did have to buff this colour after application to soften the edges, but that may be because it was applied straight over liquid foundation (for the smoothest result I should have powdered my face first).  And I'm not a fan of tans or bronzing, but this was a great contour that just added warmth to my cheeks.  And for RRP $19.95 for 35g of product, you get a lot of bronzing for your buck.

Check out the difference - the cheek tint is on the lips and the left cheek, the bronzer is on the right.

(gosh I look serious - makeup testing requires concentration!)

The lipstick will need some tweaking before it enters my makeup bag, but the lip/cheek tint and the bronzer are going straight to the pool room (oh, how very 'Aussie' of me!).  I always wrote off Australis as poor quality, but these products have proved me wrong.  I love it when that happens!

Next up: review of Australis brushes and a lip gloss - will the surprising results continue?  Stay tuned!

Mascara-palooza!

I have two desert island essentials - foundation and mascara. And this week I've bought new supplies of both.  So first I bring you the mascara review, since it's the most... satisfying.  And prepare for lots of innuendo.  You'll see why in a moment.

First up - Rimmel Sexy Curves.  I scored this as a freebie at the Primped Look Book sessions.

My first thought when seeing the wand - are you KIDDING me?  What IDIOT designed this wand?  How could a wavy wand evenly coat all my lashes?  I scoffed and felt superior in my opinions.

Then I tried it - and I shut the hell up.

This mascara separated my lashes like no other.  Normally I have to wipe the excess off the wand to avoid too much product being applied, or comb them afterwards.  Not with this baby.  I'm lucky in that my lashes already have plenty of curl, but it held its shape well throughout the day.

For the price (RRP $17.95) I think this is an amazing mascara.  If you want separated, defined lashes rather than thick and voluminous this is for you.  This will be my everyday mascara, as I prefer something thicker and more dramatic for night.  But it's definitely a sexy formula.  And if there isn't a new mascara on the market I want to try, I'll definitely repurchase this.

And in keeping with the sexy theme... introducing Maybelline Pulse Perfection mascara (RRP $23.95).  Otherwise known as 'The Vibrating Mascara'.

I couldn't help myself.  Priceline's 20% off sale gave me the perfect excuse to try this baby out.  Could this battery-operated buddy help my lashes reach their climax? (*giggle*)  Send them into the throes of of ecstasy... I mean volume?? (*giggle*)

Maybelline promises clump-free definition, intense colour and shine, building lash volume with length and curl.  With a vibrating wand.  As this is my first vibrating device (*giggle*) I didn't know what to expect.  But now, as a seasoned vibrator (*giggle*) I'm left rather satisfied (*giggle*).

It's a strange sensation having a vibrating wand near your eye.  I kept flinching, but I learnt to place the wand at the base of my lashes with the vibration alrealy turned on.  Otherwise you run the risk of starting the vibration and displacing the wand into your eye, which is not the idea.  Then you slowly brush the wand up your lashes and let the vibrator do the work (*giggle*).

No mascara, one coat, two coats:

Separated?  Absolutely.  I was amazed.  The subtle vibrations really do help the lashes stay defined.  They looked long and volumised.  And multiple coats didn't create any clumping.  Me likey.  To make sure it was the vibrations and not the design of the wand, I applied the mascara without vibration.  And it definitely wasn't as effective.  In fact the clumping happened almost instantly, and multiple coats made it much worse.  So yeah, it was the vibrations making it work.

But in the end... is it worth it?  Would I buy it again?  Honestly - as much as this works, it's just a fad product.  You can achieve the same result with a regular mascara and a lash comb.  It's a fun novelty, but it does take time to make sure you did it right - vibrating wand + running late for work = watery eyes and ruined makeup.

I'll be using the mascara until the tube runs dry or the battery runs out.  But I don't think they'll be any vibrating items in my bathroom in the long term.  Well, not a mascara anyway... oh dear, I've gone too far...  ;)

Have you tried any of these mascaras?  What's your verdict?