40 Beauty Questions tag!

Hellooo guys!

Today I thought I would post something a little different, so I've decided to do the 40 Beauty questions tag! :)

I'll post the makeup questions first, and then move on to the skincare ones! 

Here goes!

MAKEUP!

Q1. What foundation do you use?

My go to foundation at the moment is the Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour foundation! It has amazing coverage and wears beautifully throughout the day!
I also must give a special mention to the Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation. Love this stuff, I've been using it forever!

Q2. How about concealer?
I love using MAC Prolongwear concealer under my eyes and blending it out over my cheekbones for a highlighted effect. For blemishes I can't go past the NARS Radiant Creamy concealer.

Q3. Do you know your undertone colour?
I do! I've got beige/ slightly golden undertones!

Q4. What do you think of fake eyelashes?
I love them! I wish I had more time and patience to wear them every day. Sometimes I wear them during the day, but I mainly wear them out at night or to special events.

Q5. Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?
I do indeed! But lets be honest, it doesn't always happen. 

Q6. What brand of mascara do you use?
At the moment I'm using a combination of the Maybelline Full 'N Soft mascara and the Covergirl Clump Crusher mascara (which is practically empty, I just love using the wand to comb through my lashes after applying the first mascara).

Q7. Sephora or MAC?
Sephora. Bigger selection, much wider choice - Makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrances and more! I do love MAC, but I'm so excited for Sephora to come to Australia!

Q8. Do you have a MAC Pro card?
Sadly, no! Not yet ;)

Q9. What tools do you use in makeup application? 
I use a combination of makeup brushes (Sedona Lace, Ecotools, xobeauty, etc) makeup sponges (Beauty Blender, Real techniques) and if I'm in a hurry I use my hands! :)

Q10. Do you use a makeup base/ primer for the eyes?
Yes, always! I feel strange if I don't. Some of my favourites are the Urban Decay Primer Potion, Maybelline Colour Tattoos and MAC paintpots.

Q11. For the face?
Some days I do, some days I don't. It depends on the foundation I'm using. I really love illuminating primers, though.

Q12. What is your favourite eyeshadow colour or shade?
My favourite colours to wear on my eyes are warm bronzes, purples and teals.

Q13. Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
I love using both! Liquid eyeliner for a more defined, crisp look, and pencil for a more smudged out effortless type look.

Q14. How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
Never, really! Now mascara is a different story...

Q15. What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
Sometimes they can be a little messy and fussy to use, but they're worth it if they're good quality! The trick is a good base :)

Q16. Do you use mineral makeup?
Not at the moment, no! But I've tried it and I like some brands more than others ;)

Q17. What is your favourite lipstick?
I think I'll have to go with Snob or Up The Amp by MAC! I also love bright purples :)

Q18. How about lipgloss?
I don't really wear lipgloss, so I can't say I have a favourite!

Q19. What is your favourite blush to use?
Katie by Illamasqua. Absolutely adore it. Check out my top 10 blushes post to see my full opinion and my other favourites!

Q20. Do you buy your makeup on eBay?
Rarely. I'm too paranoid!
  
Q21. Do you like drugstore makeup?
Do I like drugstore makeup... Pffffft! Of course I do! Some of my favourite products are drugstore brands :)

Q22. Do you go to CCO's (Cosmetic Company Outlets)?
If theres a good one, heck yes! They don't pop up too often though, and the permanent ones around my area are a bit dodgy.

Q23. Did you ever consider taking makeup classes?
I have indeed! Not sure what I'll do though. I'm too indecisive.

Q24. Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
Not really no. Which surprises me because I'm generally a pretty clumsy person in every other aspect of my life!  

Q25. Name a makeup crime that you hate?
People telling me what I can and can't do on my own face. If I want to wear bright blue lipstick I'm gonna do it! As long as you're comfortable and you like the way you look, then you can wear your makeup however you like :) As long as you're not affecting anyone else, do what makes you happy! 

Q26. Do you like colourful shades of makeup (lipstick, eyeshadow) or neutral ones?       
Refer to my last question ;) I like both! Depending on what mood I'm in :)

Q27. Which celebrity always has great makeup?
Rupaul! Oh mah gawwwd.

Q28. If you had to leave the house wearing only one makeup item, what would you choose?
If my skin has had a reaction to something and it's red and blotchy, or if I'm particularly tired I'll go with concealer. If I'm having a good skin day, I'll go with mascara!

Q29. Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
Of course! I do it all the time!

Q30. Do you think you look good without makeup on?
If I don't have any makeup on, I'm generally in a mood where I'm too lazy to care :)

Q31. In your opinion, what is the best makeup line?
Drugstore I would have to go with Maybelline or Loreal, and high end I would go for MAC! They have a bigger range than most companies.

Q32. What do you think of makeup?
I absolutely adore it! The possibilities are endless.

SKINCARE!

Q33. How many times do you wash your face daily?

I always remove my makeup and wash my face at night without fail. Sometimes I wash my face in the morning too, but I'm not as strict with that.

Q34. What skin type do you have?

I've got sensitive skin, and at the moment it is really quite dry on my nose! My cheeks generally stay pretty normal but my T-zone changes.

Q35. What is your current facial wash?

Lush Angels on Bare Skin. Cannot speak highly enough of this cleanser!

Q36. Do you exfoliate?

Sure do! My Lush face wash is a gentle enough exfoliator for daily use :)       

Q37. What brand do you use?

...Lush? I'm also a fan of the St. Ives Green Tea scrub.

Q38. What moisturiser do you use?

My HG moisturiser is the Nivea Sensitive Soothing Day Cream. It has been discontinued sadly, but my mum and I found a heap of them at Target one day and bought them all! I also love the Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion. I get the small squeezy tube and it lasts me forever for my face!

Q39. Do you have freckles?

I don't!

Q40. Do you use eye cream?

I've tried a few but haven't found one that I love yet. So no, not really.

Q41. (What?) Do you or did you ever have acne prone skin?

Thankfully, no. I get the occasional spot here and there, but nothing major. I tend to have more problems with redness!

Q42. Have you ever had to use Proactiv?

I tried it once upon a time, but the lady told me that I should use the body wash on my face as it is more gentle than the traditional 3 step system -  but even that was way too harsh.

So that's it! 40 Questions my butt... I wonder if anyone else who answered these noticed that?

I tag you! Go go go!

Xx.          

       

 

  




    
     

BeautyJoint haul

Hey hey!

Hope you're all doing well!

A couple of weeks ago I made a BeautyJoint order, and it arrived in my mailbox last week!

So I figured why not show you all what I ordered? :)

Keep reading if you're interested!

NYX Dewy Finish Setiing Spray-

NYX Dewy Finish Spray - $8.00

I'd been wanting this for such a very long time, after hearing Shaaanxo rave about it in her videos :) 
Yes, I do take a lot of my makeup inspiration from her, so you'll often see her name pop up! Especially when I post hauls ;) Forever being sucked in!
I haven't tried this yet, but I will post my thoughts up when I do!

Milani Baked Blushes in '05 Luminoso' and '01 Dolce Pink'- 

Milani Baked blushes - L:'05 Luminoso' R:'01 Dolce Pink' - $7.99ea

These have recieved so much hype in the online beauty community, so obviously I had to get my little hands on them!

'Luminoso' is the shade that gets nearly all of the spotlight, and I had heard Lauren Curtis raving about this one along with 'Dolce Pink', so I figured why not try both?

L: 05 Luminoso R: 01 Dolce Pink

These are CRAZY pigmented! You barely have to touch your brush in the product to get more than enough for both cheeks (and it's not made any easier by the fact that I'm as pale as a ghost).

I haven't used them enough to have made a concrete decision on them, but as soon as I've decided, you'll be the first ones to know! Promise!

The last three things I bought are all E.L.F products. I've only recently started getting into this brand (way late, I know) and I'm so happy I have! I was holding out for my trip to Hawaii, where I was going to stock up on E.L.F stuff, but I couldn't find it anywhere! So I've had to make some sneaky purchases since getting back home ;) The first two were again, all Shaanxo's fault!

E.L.F Eyebrow Kit in 'Ash'-

E.L.F Eyebrow Kit in 'Ash' - $3.99

I've used this little guy once so far, and already I don't know if I'm sold. I only used the wax side, but even when I swatched it on the back of my hand, it just isn't as pigmented as I thought it would be. Perhaps I need a darker colour. I'll keep playing around and hopefully it will get better the further I dig into it!

E.L.F High Definition Undereye Setting Powder-

E.L.F Undereye setting powder - $3.99

So far, I've only heard good things about this one! Can't wait to give it a shot. I'm such a fan of highlighting products, and anything that will make me look more awake gets my money! I'm hoping it will give my Bare Minerals 'Well-Rested' a run for it's money - I love that stuff! So if this is anything similar, I'll be a very happy lady :)

E.L.F Studio blush in 'Gotta Glow'-

E.L.F Blush 'Gotta Glow' - $3.99

Did I mention yet that I'm a fan of highlighting products? ;)

This reminds me so much of NARS Albatross! I'd read online that they were similar, and I figured since I already own the latter, I would grab the E.L.F one so that I could write a comparison post for you guys! :)

So that's it for this BeautyJoint haul! I will mention that shipping can get a little exxy with this website, so keep that in mind. It also took a really long time to get to me! (more than 3 weeks from ship date to arrival date). 

If you're willing to wait though, it's worth it! Because I think it makes up for the shipping costs in the low prices they charge for the products themselves :) 

And if you live in Australia, you'll know that waiting is just a part of having beauty products from the rest of the world that we just can't get here, unfortunately! 

Xx.

Top 10 favourite blushes

Hi everybody! (Hi Dr. Nick!) <- Surely I'm not the only one who does this?

How are we all? :)

Today I've got a suuuper exciting post for you...

My top 10 favourite blushes!

My blush drawer ft. my cat Riley! He wouldn't get up :/

Yay! Blush is my favourite makeup item, and I definitely have the most of it out of all of the things in my collection.

I've got blushes from both high end and drugstore. I've got cult classics and I've found hidden gems. I've got more blush than I "need", but lucky for you guys, this means I've tried and tested enough to be able to show you my current top 10!

These are in no particular order with the exception of the last on the list. That is my holy grail #1 blush that I would trade all others for if I had to. Keep reading to find out what it is!

Essence Silky Touch blush in '10 Adorable'-

Essence Silky Touch blush - $4.50AUD

This blush a light peachy pink colour, with very fine glitter. The glitter is barely visible on the skin, and just adds a glow to your cheeks! This is such an easy every day colour, it goes with any makeup look, and it's the one I take with me while traveling!

NARS blush in 'Orgasm'-

NARS blush - $45AUD

Now you've all heard of this one, but I had to put it in! This blush is known for being a gorgeous peachy pink shade with that famous gold shimmer. Heaps of brands have their own recreations, but so far from what I've tried, none of them beat the original!

NYX Cream blush in '02 Natural'-

NYX cream blush - $11.95AUD

This has got to be my favourite cream blush yet. It's a dusty pink colour with no shimmers or glitters, so as the name suggests, it does look quite natural once applied to the cheeks. It is so easy to apply and blends like a dream!

Benefit blush in 'Hervana'-

Benefit blush - $51AUD

This stuff is absolutely gorgeous! It's expensive, yes. But totally worth it! It's got swirls of apricot, dusty pink, lilac and a pretty highlight all in one. I'm such a fan of blush that leans on the lilac side. It smells beautiful and it looks amazing on the cheeks! Love it!

BYS blush in 'Candyfloss'-

BYS blush - $3.95AUD

Don't let the price of this one fool you. For a very long time this was the only blush I would reach for, every day. It is yet another peachy pink blush, and it is not dissimilar to the Essence blush mentioned above. It is slightly warmer than the Essence blush, and not so baby pink. It is impossible to overdo it with this one, yet it is pigmented and blends beautifully. This would definitely rank in my top 3 favourites.

Models Prefer Soft Touch blush in 'Charisma'-

Models Prefer Soft Touch blush - $12.99AUD

This blush is one that I picked up on a whim one day while browsing around at Priceline. For memory I grabbed it because it looks similar to Benefits boxed powders and I wanted to see what it was like! It is such a pretty apricot colour with plenty of gold shimmer. It looks healthy and glowy when applied to the cheeks, and acts as a highlight at the same time as a blush. Booonus!

Sportsgirl Make Me Blush cream blush in 'Pink'-

Sportsgirl cream blush - $9.95AUD

I wouldn't call it dusty or peachy.. I think the name 'Pink' is a pretty accurate desription of this colour! It's a light pink, but not quite baby pink. The application of this one is drier than the NYX cream blush, so it's a little harder to work with. But once you warm the product up between your fingers you're set! 

MAC powder blush in 'Well Dressed'-

MAC powder blush - $41AUD

This one is on the pricier side, but I obviously think it's worth it! Well Dressed is a cooler shade of pink, which almost throws a little on the lilac side on my skin. It has a teeny amount of fine glitter in it, but nothing crazy. I absolutely adore it, and it's another one of those blushes that you can throw on with any eye look!

Rimmel Match Perfection blush in '001 Light'-

Rimmel Match Perfection blush - $14.95AUD

Easy peasy to apply, perfect natural flush of pink. I've had this one in my collection for a while, and it used to be my go to blush when I was first getting into them! Happy memories :)

And the last on the list... The all time favourite... The only blush that I actually ranked out of my whole collection... My number one is...

Illamasqua Powder Blusher in 'Katie'-

Illamasqua Powder Blusher - $35

I absolutely cannot say enough good things about this blush. I LOVE it. It's a cool toned pale pink, which when applied to the cheeks makes me look like a doll! It's velvety smooth and applies like nothing else. It blends beautifully and has a matte finish. So easy to layer with your favourite highlighting products, but still looks amazing when applied alone. 

The girl at the Illamasqua counter told me that this wouldn't suit me, and instead talked me into a different shade. When I got home I knew I had to have it anyway so I ordered it from ASOS online (hate to say it, but they're cheaper there anyway. Plus, free shipping! Yes please!) and I'm so very happy that I did! 

It's not the kind of shade that is for everyone but like any makeup, if you like it and it makes you happy, then wear it! Don't listen to anyone else. You're not wearing it for their satisfaction anyway!

So that's it! My top 10 blushes (for the time being, at least ;))

Thank you so much for reading!

Xx.

Review: Bare Minerals 'well-rested' eye brightener

Hey everyone!

Today I've got a little review on the Bare Minerals eye brightener in 'well-rested' for you!

I was sitting here today thinking about the products I reach for every day, those that can't be replaced with anything else, because they're in a league of their own. And of course, this little pot of happiness was the first that sprung to mind!

Use: This is a loose powder product used to illuminate under the eyes and conceal dark circles. It's quite light, and it has a yellowish undertone with sliiight shimmers (perfect for brightening, but not enough to make you look like a 4 year old). It can be worn over liquid concealer/ foundation, or it can be worn alone! You can also use this down the bridge of the nose and on your cupids bow to give a subtle highlight.

Cost: 

This cost me $24.95AUD from Kit Cosmetics, which I think is amazing!
I've had this for more than a year and I've used it every single day that I've worn makeup. The amazing part is I've only used about 2/3 of the product, so it lasts a very long time!

Packaging:
The packaging is pretty straight forward. It's a loose powder, so it has a screw top lid and inside there is an insert that twists to allow an opening to dispense the product.
I close this after I use it to prevent the product from shaking out and spilling everywhere when I open the lid the next time!

Application:
You only need the tiniest amount of product to do the job, so I shake out a little into the inside of the lid and swirl a small fluffy brush (I usually reach for the Sedona Lace 217 brush) around in the powder and lightly buff it under my eyes. 
Most days I use this over a liquid concealer to further lighten and brighten the undereye area, but on days that I don't feel like wearing a crazy amount of makeup I do wear this alone! It blends in with the skin amazingly on top of liquid concealer/ foundation or over bare skin. Bye bye dark circles!

Swatches: 
The first picture shows the product swatched heavily - 

 And the second shows it more blended out -

Overall:
So far I haven't found a product that compares with this! It conceals and adds coverage without looking cakey, it brightens without being glittery and over the top, it lasts all day whether layered over another product or worn alone, and it's an amazing price, even in AUD! Couldn't ask for more, I highly recommend!

Xx.


 

Nars Laguna/ Orgasm vs. E.L.F St. Lucia duo

L-R: NARS 'Orgasm' blush, E.L.F 'St.Lucia' duo blush + bronzer, and NARS 'Laguna' bronzer

Hey everyone!

So I'm sure you've all heard about NARS' coveted blush in 'Orgasm' and bronzer in 'Laguna', right?

Right.

Well, today I'll be comparing them to the E.L.F. contouring blush & bronzing duo in 'St. Lucia'!

Lets get ready to rrrumble! (Clearly grew up watching the wrestling with older brothers, what up)

1. Packaging.

I have the full sizes of 'Laguna' and 'Orgasm', so I can't compare duo for duo, but E.L.F's packaging is clearly taking notes from NARS, when I compare it with the full size of 'Laguna' side by side:

They both have large mirrors inside, and the product is displayed almost identically.

The NARS packaging feels sturdier, and of course it feels more of a luxury item than the E.L.F duo. I will also note that the NARS packaging is matte, while the E.L.F packaging isn't.

2. Colours.

Now, this is a big one.

I'll start by comparing the blushes first.

Firstly, the NARS blush is much darker and pinker than the E.L.F. blush, which is more peach in comparison. It has finer shimmers in it too - the E.L.F blush has chunkier glitter, and overall the NARS blush has more of a golden "sheen" to it. 

                              L: E.L.F 'St. Lucia' blush
                              R: NARS 'Orgasm' blush

Now for the bronzers.

At first glance these two look almost identical in the pan. Upon closer inspection, I realised that the NARS bronzer is slightly darker, and again, has finer golden shimmers than the E.L.F bronzer, which has more apparent glitter in it.

                             L: E.L.F 'St. Lucia' bronzer
                             R: NARS 'Laguna' bronzer

3. Consistency and swatches.
These swatches were photographed in natural light, with no flash.

L-R: E.L.F blush, NARS 'Orgasm', E.L.F bronzer and NARS 'Laguna bronzer

The NARS blush swatches much easier than the E.L.F blush. It is much more pigmented, which is the complete opposite for the bronzers.

The E.L.F bronzer is much more pigmented and is much darker than the NARS bronzer when swatched - which was not what I expected when compared them in the pan!

But, that's not necesarily a good thing for a bronzer. That can take you from 0 TO 100 way too fast, and you'll end up looking muddy if you're pale like myself. 

The E.L.F bronzer is much chalkier than the NARS as you can see in the swatches. Both of the NARS products are very buttery and easy to blend.

The E.L.F blush is much harder to swatch than the NARS, and you really need to build it up for decent colour payoff.

Price:
The NARS 'Laguna + Orgasm' duo will set you back around $85AUD ($42USD) and the E.L.F 'St. Lucia' duo will cost roughly $3.25AUD. 

Overall:

The NARS blush and bronzer are completely different in terms of both colour and consistency than E.L.F's version, and I would definitely NOT call them a dupe of one another.

Most people would now say that the differences are put aside when considering the contrasting prices, but to be honest, there is no point, because there aren't enough similarities for me to rule out opting for the NARS  products, even if they are pricey.

Though the E.L.F duo is not an unwelcome addition in my collection, I don't see myself reaching for it all too often, which is sad because I had such very high hopes for this one.

I hope you enjoyed this comparison post, and if you have any questions feel free to shoot them my way!

Xx.

May favourites 2014!

Hey everyone!

When did it suddenly become June? Is this year going crazy fast for you too?

Today I've gathered up all of my favourite products from the month of May to show you what I've been loving and why! :)

First up is the Lush 'Angels on bare skin' cleanser:

I'll start off by saying I have pretty sensitive skin. It used to be a lot worse, but I still struggle with finding cleansers that don't make my face sting and cause big red patches on my skin. 

I don't have acne, but I do get the occasional spot now and then and it's usually the kind that stays under the surface and just hurts.

This has been a life saver for me. It's a mild exfoliant, so my skin feels clean and soft after I've used it. It calms down the redness on my face, and helps keep my skin clear. 

Most importantly, it doesn't make my skin feel uncomfortable, and I don't feel the need to run full speed to grab my moisturiser as soon as I've dried my face.

In short, it's amazing.

My next favourite is my EOS Lip balm:

I have this in 'Strawberry Sorbet' and I picked it up while I was in Hawaii at the start of the month. 

Now, I'm not going to lie, one of the main reasons I like this is the novelty of it...

But it's also an awesome lip balm, it works well and it feels and smells lovely.

L'Oréal Lumi Magique 'Pure Light' primer:

Earlier this month I picked up the M.A.C Strobe Cream, and I've actually been reaching for this so much more than that. 

The two are very similar, and they aim to create a luminous base for your foundation, for a dewy skinned look which can be harder to achieve in the colder months.

It works wonderfully with light/ medium coverage foundations, and the primer still peeks through, but if you're using a more full coverage foundation, I would suggest mixing this in with it to get the same glowy result.

Smashbox 'Studio Skin' 15 hour wear hydrating foundation:

Okay, this foundation possibly has one of the longest names ever!

This stuff is liquid gold. I absolutely adore it.

It has amazing coverage without looking cakey, and it wears wonderfully (I actually think it looks better the longer you wear it).

I purchased this after seeing 'Shaaanxo' rave about it in one of her YouTube videos, and boy am I glad I did!

Safe to say this has risen to HG status, and I've only had it a few weeks! Cannot recommend this enough!  

NARS 'Radiant creamy concealer':

Hands down, the best concealer I've ever used. Ever.

Amazing coverage, buildable, and actually stays on blemishes.

You know, when you try to cover up a spot with concealer and it just won't stick? Not a problem with this bad boy. 

I also use this under my eyes and it works a treat!

M.A.C Paintpot in 'Painterly':

Now I'm sure you've all heard of this product a million times, but it's so worth the hype!

I had been tossing up between 'Painterly' and 'Soft Ochre' for months and months, and then I finally went with this guy.

Some days, you don't want to do much with your eyes. Say, you just want to apply some winged liner and mascara. I always feel strange applying nothing to my lids, and that's where 'Painterly' comes in. It's so handy to just chuck on when you're going for a simple look, and equally handy to use as a base for any other look! 

It covers any discolouration on the lids and it doesn't crease!

Benefit 'Hervana' Boxed Blush:

Isn't it just so pretty?

I'm such a fan of pale pink cheeks (think 'Katie' by Illamasqua) and this fits into that category well! It's definitely on the natural end of the scale in comparison to some of my others, but I've been reaching for it so much this month. 

I mean just look at it! How could you not fall in love? And it also smells gorgeous! Not overpowering, just a light sweet smell. Yum! 

Last but not least, 'Lightscapade' by M.A.C:

It is so hard to capture the beauty of this product in a picture! It's absolutely stunning. It has swirls of champagne, yellow, pink, copper, blue and so much more! 

I'm a big powder highlight fan, and this little gem is a welcome addition to my collection.

If you can get your hands on it, you need it. 

That sums up my May favourites! What have you been loving this month? 

Thank you so much for reading :)

Xx.