Limited Edition Your IT Girl® Lips! IT’S YOUR FLAWLESS RED LIP!

Hi everyone,

As mentioned in my previous post I've been wandering around Sephora in Melbourne a little bit.  I came across IT Cosmetics It's Your Flawless Red Lip pack.  And being the red lippie lover since I was 14 I thought I'm going to give this one a try!

According to the packaging IT claims the following:

Experience the gift of youthful vitality with your perfect red lips that last! This limited-edition, 2-piece set includes your cutting-edge Blurred Lines™ Smooth-Fill Lipstick in IT Girl™ and a bonus Travel-Size YLBB™ Your Lips But Better Waterproof Lip Liner Stain in Cherry Flush. While Blurred Lines™ lipstick drenches your lips in rich color, lip-smoothing collagen and hydrolyzed filling spheres, the creamy YLBB™ lip liner enhances your lipstick and locks it in place with budge-proof definition."

Tried it on a "work" day when lipstick usually doesn't last very long, due to various activities such as drinking, eating, biting one's lip etc...
When I first applied the red lip liner I wasn't that impressed with the colour.  But it did go on quite smoothly.  I filled in my whole lip with the lip liner (as I always do for colour longevity).  I then put a coat of the lip stick which was also very smooth and hydrating.  A little odd for me as I always wear matt to very matt red lipsticks.
Again I wasn't a massive fan of the colour as I am used to wearing blue based reds and this was a little too orange for my liking.  Unfortunately there is no choice in terms of colour.  The lipstick didn't last very long and the liner had created as slight stain but it was not waterproof as it is claimed.

The lipstick and liner did feather outside my lip line. Not a great look for red lips and certainly not the look I'm after.  I like a clean, neat finish on my red lips.  The lipstick felt very nice on and this product would be great for someone who is medium to olive skin toned and who just wants a wash or stain of colour rather than a full red "vintage" lip.

Not a huge fan but then it doesn't cost the world either.  RRP around $24 AUD and you're also getting the lip liner.

Final call?  Not a huge fan of it given my preferences for red lipstick.  I don't think it's exactly what it claims (waterproof) and there are other waterproof lip liners available that actually don't budge.  Given the choice I probably would not have bought it but as mentioned I am a sucker for a red lipstick!

Until next time take care of yourselves

Margaret

Sephora - Melbourne, Sydney

Hello everyone,

It's been a very long time.  Just thought I'd put out a very short post about Sephora in Australia.

I had been to the Sydney Store a couple of times before the Melbourne one opened in November of 2015.  My experience was ok.  It's very busy of course and the staff quite friendly and open.  Not super knowledgeable but then enough to know a little about almost everything.

As for the Melbourne store, having had a little more time to wander around I wasn't that impressed with the product range.  It's a shame that we now have another competitor in Australia who isn't really able to compete in the Australian market properly.  My initial reaction was great!, we have another large store in the marketplace to compete and finally give a decent price change for the Australian market.  Everyone knows that here in Australia cosmetics are so hideously expensive that when news of Sephora coming was welcomed with open arms.  Unfortunately we have been given another raw deal.

Yes Sephora provides us with products we normally wouldn't have access which is wonderful, but due to restrictions they are unable to compete on price with products that already exist in the Australian market place.  Go figure!

All in all it's still worth a visit.  Sephora provides a good range although restricted.  The travel size items are excellent and make great stocking fillers!  The Sephora brand range is very good and worth a try.  Not too expensive and quite good for it's price point.  I'm looking to try the new cushion foundation and will give a review on that as soon as I give it a try.

Until then take care of your skin and yourselves.

Margaret

Remove make up with just water! - with The Original Make up Eraser

Hello everyone,

Ever come home very late of an evening and have been to tired to remove your make up?  Here's something that will save you!

The Original Make Up Eraser make up remove cloth.

Just add water.  It will remove your eye make up, mascara (apparently even waterproof mascara) and face make up with water.

Just add water and voila' your make up is gone. No scrubbing or rubbing.  Just gently wipe your face as it removes all the make up from your face.  And your skin isn't sore from wiping as the cloth is so very soft!

According the website: 

"The Makeup Eraser is made from a proprietery blend of polyester.

Water is the only thing needed for Makeup Eraser to work. Warm or hot water works best.  

Makeup Eraser does not have "loops" in its material and will not grab Eyelash Extensions.

Makeup Eraser is chemical free, it will not harm Permanent or Tattooed makeup, nor will it loosen/dissolve Eyelash Extension glue.

Unlike Microfiber, Makeup Eraser will not dry your skin.

Makeup Eraser is soft, it won't tug on delicate skin, especially around the eyes.

Makeup Eraser lasts up to 1,000 machine washes".

OK so I have trialed this for about 2 months now.  It removes face make up and normal mascara quite well.  Proof?  Once I cleaned my face with the Make Up Eraser I used a toner to remove any 'left over' make up.  My cotton pad was clean!  Hurrah!  As for how clean it can get?  The first time I washed it (in a lingerie bag in the washing machine), it was spotless.  But each subsequent wash still leaves behind mascara marks.  I'm not bothered though.  Still cleans my skin just as well!

As for waterproof mascara I ddid need to go over my eyes a few times to clean it and even then it wasn't completely off.  I would still use an oily make up remover for the waterproof mascara as it removes it so much more quickly with less 'rubbing'.

All in all if you're wearing your daily make up I highly recommend it.  It's very soft and doesn't really irritate my skin (which is quite sensitive). 

I'd love to know what you think.

Until next time

Margaret

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