Christian Dior Diorshow waterproof mascara in black - revisited

Hello everyone,

Happy New year to you all.  I know it's already February!

I wanted to do a very quick review.  One which I had done quite a while ago but would like to revisit.  I used Diorshow waterproof mascara earlier this week and am it reminded me of why I love it so much. 

I am lucky in that I have decent length on my lashes but the fullness/volume is lacking as I've "matured".  This mascara not only makes the most of the length you have but makes your lashes look full and lustrous!

The only negative (if you can call this a negative), is that when I put on my sunglasses my lashes were hitting the lenses....I know poor me right?

That's it.  That's the only con I have with this mascara.  And it's waterproof-ness?  Stayed put all day.  It was a hot day, I was perspiring and I even cried a little and it stayed put.  Tough stuff!

To remove I used a cream cleanser and it was all gone.  No rubbing and scubbing required.  That's great news for those of us who don't want to create unnecessary lines...

So a big thumbs up for this.  I use this mascara alot for weddings too and the clients like it.

Anyway I look forward to reviewing loads more products and would welcome any suggestions you all may have.

Until next time,

Margaret

 

Blinc Eyebrow Mousse

Hello everyone,

It's been a while and it's nearly Christmas so I hope to have a few more reviews for you shortly.  Recently I bought the Blinc Eyebrow Mousse in Black.  I have black brows and buying brown often means reddy-auburn brows which then looks weird on me.  Because I also have black hair!  I read that this product stays put.  Which being summertime in Australia is very important!

According to Blinc the Eyebrow Mousse:

• cannot fade, run, or smudge, even if you sweat or wear it in harsh weather conditions.
• In addition to the unparalleled hold of blinc Eyebrow Mousse™, the innovative brow makeup also contains a peptide to moisturize and provide anti-aging treatment to the skin beneath your brow. Not only will you have perfectly colored brows, but you will also be treating your skin at the same time!

 Well I thought that's quite a claim so I tried it.  At first I used their applicator which is much like a mascara wand.  

That was a mistake!  I ended up with scouse brows!  Although quite fasionable at the moment I find it quite harsh for someone of my vintage.  So I tried it again but this time applying with a fine liner brush to create the appearance of hairs.  It worked a treat.  And true to its claim it stayed on all day and night (I wore it to a Christmas party all day and night).  Not a smudge, fleck, transfer of any kind.   It was  a warm day, I danced and nothing movedd.  My brows were perfect all evening! 

I would recommend this product if you want to make your brows look fuller and give them some shape.  Not sure about the claim moisturising and anti aging properties of the product.  I can't say I noticed a difference in two times I used this.  But I shall keep an eye out and see there's any difference.  It comes in 9 shades including a clear one and  retails for around $36 AUD but will last for while as the colour is quite pigmented.  Admittedly I haven't had a chance to play with the other colours but I suggest you have a look and play with it.  You can purchase from www.blinccosmetics.com.au or at beauty and hair suppliers Salon First and at www.adorebeauty.com.au.  I think you amy also find it at Kit Cosmetics in Myer stores or concept stores.

I look forward to hearing about all the gifts you receive and what you've tried.

Until next time,

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all

Margaret

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

Hi everyone,

Here's another quick review.  Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder.  Hourglass is fast becoming my new favourite cosmetics brand!  This is a lovely, very finely milled luminscent face powder that gives a beautiful soft glow to the skin.  It is supposed to mimic various times of the day and night to provide soft light and luminosity without looking like a disco queen (not that there's anything wrong with that of course).

   

Are available in 6 shades:

Ethereal Light: An opalescent sheer, cool white powder that mimics a moonlit glow—even in broad daylight.
 
Diffused Light:  A soft, warm, pale yellow powder that conceals redness and gives skin clarity—like a soft ray of morning light.

Dim Light: A neutral peach beige powder that blurs imperfections and highlights a radiant complexion with the perfect balance of warm and cool tones.

Mood Light:  A soft, sheer lavender pink powder that mimics the softest, most forgiving light and brightens the complexion.

Luminous Light: A champagne pearl powder that creates a soft, incandescent candlelit glow—day or night.

Radiant Light: A sun-kissed golden beige that enhances your tan

I have the Dim light (and no nothing to do with my intelligence thank you!) which beautifully sets my foundation without going cakey.  Especially under my eyes where I need emolient concealers and correctors.
I absolutely love it!  Yes it's a little on the expensive side.  But a little goes a long way.  There's no need to pile this stuff on.  A little on your T Zone and you're good to go.  I like quick and easy results.  Especially in the mornings!

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder is available from Mecca Cosmetica in Australia and retails $59.  For everyone else there's Sephora of course and Hourglass online as well their many concession stands in various department stores through out the USA.

I'd love to know what you think of these.  I think they are beautiful.

Until next time


Margaret

 

Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation

Hello everyone,

I haven't done a foundation review for a little while.  So here it is.

This foundation by Hourglass is absolutely amazing!  It makes your skin look flawless, even, matt but not dry and almost airbrushed perfect!

This is without a doubt a high end, premium foundation.  But quite frankly I think it's absolutely worth it!  At the moment, for my Australian followers, you can only buy Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation at Mecca Cosmetica and retails for $78.00.  Which in the scheme of things is more expensive that your budget brand such as L'Oreal and Maybelline.  However, in the same price range as Chanel and Estee Lauder.  So not completely over the top.  Plus with this product a little goes very far.  There's no need for powder as it finishes to a powder.

According to Hourglass:

An ultra-mattifying, anti-aging foundation that absorbs oil, camouflages imperfections and ensures a long-lasting flawless finish - without the need for touchups. Studies have shown an improvement in skin's overall appearance, with blemishes, acne scars and pores becoming visibly reduced in 4 weeks of use.*
Water-resistant and ideal for oily, combination or blemish-prone complexions.
Free of oil, paraben, gluten, fragrance, phthalate, synthetic dye and nanoparticles.  

I was curious to use it because even at my age my skin still has an oily T zone.  Most frustrating!!  But this product allows my skin to breath without getting all messy.  In fact my T zone isn't oily at all with this product. It really does absorb any excess oil which makes it perfect for those of us who have oily or combination skin.  And doesn't dry out any areas of the face which may be dry.  Used in conjunction with Hourglass' Mineral Veil Primer (which is a-maz-ing!!) you will look picture perfect without the appearance of wearing too much make up.  

 And honestly ladies I think that's our goal right?  To look like the most perfect version of ourselves but still be ourselves.

So bottom line?  I absolutely love it!  Perfect for summer when it's humid and hot.  At this stage Hourglass does not ship to Australia.  Fingers crossed that changes soon.  As mentioned in another blog, Sephora is coming to Australia but there's been no talk of when!  When that happens you'll be able to purchase Hourglass products there. 



Please let me know what you think of this product.  I'd love to hear from you.


Until next time

Margaret

Breakthrough liquid-to-powder formula delivers an unparalleled matte finish with real longevity that lasts all day, eliminating the need for powder, blotting tissues or constant touch-ups - See more at: http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/catalog/product/view/id/244/s/immaculate-liquid-powder-foundation/category/14/#sthash.FMvRxRMh.dpuf

Breakthrough liquid-to-powder formula delivers an unparalleled matte finish with real longevity that lasts all day, eliminating the need for powder, blotting tissues or constant touch-ups - See more at: http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/catalog/product/view/id/244/s/immaculate-liquid-powder-foundation/category/14/#sthash.FMvRxRMh.dpuf

Breakthrough liquid-to-powder formula delivers an unparalleled matte finish with real longevity that lasts all day, eliminating the need for powder, blotting tissues or constant touch-ups - See more at: http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/catalog/product/view/id/244/s/immaculate-liquid-powder-foundation/category/14/#sthash.FMvRxRMh.dpuf

Rimmel Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara

Hello everyone,

Another mascara review!

This one has been sitting in my drawer for a little while.  I finally started using it about 3 weeks ago. I like it!  I don't loooove it!  But I don't hate it!  It's well priced.  It gives loads of volume and seperation to your lashes.  It's very black so creates beautiful definition without having needing to apply several coats.

The hourglass wand  creates lift and volume without too much clumpiness.

Having said that the wand does pick up alot of product and there needs to be depositing of product back into the tube.  But it's not too much of a bother.  The only downside for me is that is does smudge underneath the eyes.  I do have issues with this as I use quite emolient foundation and concealers which may add to the problem.  I suspect using the waterproof one would resolve this issue.  Haven't tried the waterproof yet but will let you know when I do.

Rimmel's Scandaleyes Retro Glam retails for around $16.95 AUD and you can buy it in Priceline, Target, K Mart and Big W.    Honestly some of you will love it and some of you will hate it.  But  you won't know until you try will you?  All in all it still doesn't beat my all time fave (at this point) L'Oreal's False Lash Butterfly Wings mascara but for the price I think it's worth it.  

Let me know what you think.


Until next time

Margaret

Blinc Cosmetics Liquid Eyeliner Pen review

Hello everyone,

 I hope all is well with you all.  Ok so a new review.  I am always searching for a great eyeliner pen that doesn't dry out and doesn't smudge off.  And on this never ending search I found the Blinc Cosmetics Liquid Eyeliner pen.  

 Some of you may have heard of Blinc's mascaras which come off in little tubes with water.  So I was intrigued.  Needless to say it has been one of the best purchases I have ever made!   At least so far.  I have worn it to work and no smudging or flaking. I've even worn it to the gym (the ultimate test) and again no smudging!  Best of all you can 'slide' it off with a little water and gentle pressure with your hand.  So need for make up remover yaay!  Unless of course you're wearing eyeshadows etc...

It's shaped like a felt tip pen.  I find it very easy to use and apply the liner without making a mistake. It's not a dry brush so it glides very smoothly across the eyelid.

According to their site this is the process for removal:

• Neither water alone nor pressure alone will remove blinc eyeliner.
• Only the combination of lots of warm water and gentle pressure, from your fingertips, a washcloth or water pressure (i.e. shower), will slide the "layer of colour" effortlessly off your skin into your hand.
• No makeup remover is necessary!
• Does not penetrate your skin and leaves no residue.

Retails at around $35.95 which is a higher price range to existing liquid liner pens, however for its features of long wearing and easy removal I'm happy to pay the extra amount. 
It can be purchased from beauty suppliers and also from beauticians and therapists.  Click on the link below to find your closest stockist.


http://www.blinccosmetics.com.au/index.php/stockist 

So again I really like and it's a great product if you struggle to keep your liquid or gel liner on.

Until next time

Margaret

L'Oreal Paris - False Lash Butterfly Wings Mascara

Hello everyone,

Ok so I know I said that the previous mascara I reviewed I loved (and still do), but this, this mascara, in my humble opinion, is the Holy Grail of mascaras.  I absolutely love it!!!

It's the wand that gives you the most amazing length and winged effect.  It is the 1stmascara with an asymmetrical brush/wand.

 The asymmetrical brush helps to lift and stretch your outer corner lashes to give you a fanned out lash effect. Very in season currently but never really out of season as it is a very classic look.  Helps to accentuate the feline look.  Partner it with a feline flick of eyeliner and you have a very effective way of opening up your eyes and looking beautifully seductive at the same time.  Who knew?  



The shorter bristles add the product to your lashes 
and the longer "winged" bristles help to stretch your lashes and wing them out. 

I have trialled this mascara for about 2 weeks and I really like it.  The formula is a heavy, wet formulation but smooth and silky, not clumpy.  And there are no flakes.  Your lashes don't feel stiff or crunchy.  
I have worn it to work, dancing and still no fallout nor smudging.  I did however wear it to the gym and I did get fallout and smudging after a particularly sweaty session.  But I wasn't wearing the waterproof so I think that's justified.  My eyes look so much bigger and my lashes just look amazing!

For a 'budget' mascara I think it's fantastic.  However, in my home country Australia it is quite expensive in comparison to other brands. It retails in Australia for $25.95, which I think is very expensive.  That's getting quite close to premium brands such as Lancome (which is owned by L'Oreal) and the like.  I would buy this on sale but I'm pretty sure you won't regret it.  I am very sure this will be my staple mascara from here on in.

I'm very impressed with it.  The packaging is slick using a metallic mirrored finish.  And of course that wand!

I'd really like to hear what you think of this mascara and welcome any feedback you may have on this or any other product.

Until next time

Margaret