Empties #1

First off - apologies for being so slack! It has been quite a while since my last post (confession). I've had a busy time at work and have been struggling to find the time to blog. It actually takes a reasonable chunk of time, which it appear I just haven't had in the past couple of weeks!

Well I'm here to rectify that, so let's start with my first empties post. I like these posts because they actually give you an idea of what people actually use regularly enough to finish them off.

Here goes....

1. Olay foaming face wash (sensitive)
I really like this cleanser. It's reasonably gentle and is super dooper at getting off makeup. I have not found a foaming cleanser that has this good a balance of being gentle, not overdrying and removing makeup completely.

Repurchase? Not at this stage. I'm trying out some fantastic, non-foaming cleansers at the moment and I'm really liking them. I may come back for this in summer though.

2. Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Moisture SPF 20
This is a really nice daily moisturiser with SPF. On my combination skin I find it applies smoothly and sets matte. It doesn't cause me irritation and I like that I can apply as much as I want without worry of my skin getting greasy. My one gripe with this is that I find it pills under some foundations.

Repurchase? No. I'm on the hunt for something that is compatible with my favourite foundations.

3. Clinique Moisture Surge
Love this lightweight, gel moisturiser. I've talked about this moisturiser before and praised it's moisturising abilities, while being incredibly lightweight. At this time of year I tend to use it to supplement my moisturisers but in summer I sometimes use this alone. Sooooo silky to use!

Repurchase? Yes. I stocked up on this a couple of weeks ago with the Myer GWP.

4. Garnier invisiMineral deoderant
It's deoderant. I like the deoderant and thinks it's functional. Didn't like this scent.

Repurchase? No.

5. Fairy Drops waterproof mascara
I don't remember the exact name for this mascara and everything on the tube is in Japanese! It's the one with the half-moon wand with balls on it. If that makes sense to anyone! It is a great volumising, fibre mascara that is amazingly waterproof. I really enjoy this and might try and pick this up when summer comes around again. I replaced this with a L'oreal waterproof mascara that I am not enjoying. Oh and the packaging is divine.

Repurchase? Maybe.

6. Soap and Glory Wash Your Hands of It (handwash)
I bought this hand soap in a super cute sink-side set with matching hand cream. The Soap and Glory Hand Food hand cream is one of my favorites and I love having a pump on my sink top. The matching soap smells delicious and doesn't dry my hands out. I haven't seen this sold seperately. Maybe I'll be able to find it when I go to london in October.

Repurchase? If I can find it.

7. Avene Eau Thermale
It's water in a can. I like misting myself, it's refreshing and tones down powder on my face.

Repurchase? If I see it on special.

8. Toni & Guy Firm Hold Hairspray
This is my travel hairspray because it's in such a cute little bottle. It's nothing special but there's nothing wrong with it either. It's a medium hold that isn't flaky.

Repurchase? Nuh I might get a little travel Tresemme.

9. Klorane Dry Shampoo
Do not want. It smells funky. It barely does anything. It's expensive.

Repurchase? No.

10. Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser
I love this cleanser. It's super gentle and sooo nice and creamy. When my skin is dry and angry, this stuff is great. It's cheap. I love the pump. My only little niggle is my T-zone gets super oily when I use this. Ahhh the joys of combination skin. Happy face, oily nose.

Repurchase? No, because I have found something similar without the oily T-zone problem.

Can't wait for Sunday.....!!!!

I am so excited for Sunday. Can you guess why?

Bobbi Brown's BB Cream SPF 35 comes to counters this Sunday 12 August.

If you are super keen then you can currently get it online from Bobbi Brown's website. I am personally waiting for it to come to counters so I can swatch it before I pick my shade. 

What's to know?

• It comes in 5 shades from "Extra Light" to "Medium to Dark"
• Claims to be a moisturiser, treatment, SPF and foundation all-in-one
• SPF 35
• AUD$60 for 40mL product
• Contains a nice
• Reviews from overseas releases indicate good oil control, staying power and natural sheer coverage

I'm not sure if I'll be "Extra Light" or "Light". The swatches on the website show "Extra Light" as being that typical ashy korean BB tone, which is ok but I don't need the lightening, I am already ghastly pale! "Light" looks like a nice neutral-yellow-leaning shade so we'll see how the in store swatching goes.

Are you a fellow BB-aholic? And will you be trying out it?

Available now online at bobbibrown.com.au

ILLAMASQUA - Fight For a Fair Beauty Price

As most of you know, we pay astronomical prices for beauty products here in Australia. It's so frustrating reading blogs from countries like the US where they say a product from a department store is expensive but it's the same price as what we pay for brands like L'oreal and Revlon.

There are some brands that have brought down their prices recently as the Australian dollar has strengthened. Kiehl's is really well priced now in my opinion and Estee Lauder has just brought down prices for their double wear foundations. It would be great if this was more across the board so I would purchase more here and not be tempted to buy online.

I first heard about this Illamasqua petition through gossmakeup artist, whose video I have linked below. Basically, Illamasqua have vowed to reduce their prices in Australia if we as consumers agree to purchase locally instead of overseas. They want to use the petition to show the industry that consumers will support local sales if prices are dropped. I am cynical so I think there is lots of publicity stunt tactics going on, but I agree with what Illamasqua say so am willing to support them.

Link to petition: HERE

gossmakeupartist on YouTube

ON TRIAL: Foundations for Pale Skin

It is sooooo frustrating trying to find foundations for pale skin. There's pretty much nothing on the cheaper end of things. I can get away with Revlon Colorstay in Buff, but anything more than a thin layer is notably dark. While Revlon make a lighter colour, Ivory, this is too pink on my skin. L'oreal's Lumi Magique comes in N1 Pure Pearl, which is a light and neutral colour that is fantastic, although it doesn't cover redness very well and can get shiny on my T-zone. If you have dry skin that doesn't need much coverage - check it out though. It's annoying they don't stock N1 in L'oreal True Match here because I'd be willing to give it a go.

So I've had enough of wearing foundations that don't match my skintone and headed out to MYER to grab some samples of a few foundations I thought might suit me, both in terms of colour and finish. I have combination skin - I get super oily on my nose and chin and the rest of my skin is Normal/Dry. I'm not a fan of flat matte finishes, particularly not for everyday. I want a full work day, just 8-9 hours is fine because I cycle in to work so it get's slapped on at 8:30 and taken off at 5 before I cycle home.

I dread going to makeup counters to get matched. 9 times out of 10 they will match me too dark and/or too pink. I got colour matched at a MAC counter and I told them not to even bother with anything starting in NW but they insisted and after it was on my face they're like "oh yeah that looks awful" and had to take it all off and pulled out the NC15. Does anyone else have problems with this? I think it's because I have redness on my nose, cheeks and jawline which maybe pinks up my complexion, but my neck and chest is definitely neutral.

So I picked up some samples of the following 3 foundations:
1. Nars Sheer Glow in Siberia
2. MAC Matchmaster in 1.0
3. MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC15

L-R: Revlon Colorstay Normal/Dry in Buff, Illamasqua Rich Liquid in 133, Nars Sheer Glow in Siberia, MAC Matchmaster in 1.0, MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC15

I've included Revlon Colorstay in Buff here as it's a pretty good reference as I think a lot of people might have this in their collection. I've also used Illamasqua Rich Liquid Foundation in 133 as my own personal reference because the undertones of this are spot on for me, it is a smidge too dark but the best match I've found to date. Looking at the swatches, Illamasqua 133 and NARS Siberia are clearly the most neutral, with Revlon Buff and MAC Matchmaster 1.0 leaning a little peach, and MAC NC15 a touch peachy.

The story is a little different when they're blended out (which is why you should always test a big patch of foundation on your skin, preferably your face):

Blended a bit

On my face, all 3 look good. The Studio Fix in NC15 is a little bit dark, NARS Siberia a touch light and Matchmaster a tad pinky. None of them are perfect, but all are close enough I'd be happy to call them friend. I'm going to keep testing these out over the next couple of weeks and I'll give a full review and run down on my choice.

Any other suggestions of foundations to try?

Also any questions you'd like me to address in my follow up post?

July Favourites!

Yay! So excited. Time for my first monthly favourites. These are some of my favourite articles to read and watch on YouTube. Hopefully I do it justice.

1. Dove Invisible Dry Roll-On
Haha a deoderant favourite! I got this on a beautyheaven trial and I am totally in love. It's functional, feels good and smells amazing. Love the smell. I'm bad at describing scents so I just won't. But it's great. Mmmmm smelling my pits. #weirdo

2. Alpha-H Liquid Gold Prep & Prime
I got this serum in part of a serum sampler set from adorebeauty.com.au (the sampler set is great value! If they still have it in stock...). Liquid Gold Prep & Prime is a hydrating, glycolic acid based serum you use in the morning. The instructions say to cleanse, pop on some of this watery serum and then get to it with your makeup. I'm still experimenting and I think I like using Prep & Prime and then a silicone serum before applying foundation, but I'll let you know how I get on. This serum has made my skin so soft and I haven't had a single flaky patch since I've started using it. It's been about 3 weeks so far and I'm still enjoying it. I just received delivery of the full size in my last haul. You might hear from me in a month or 2 regarding how I feel about it.

2. Australis Blush in Baby Doll
3. MAC Pro Longwear Bronzer in Nude on Board (LE: Hey, Sailor! Collection '12)

Left: Australis Baby Doll, Right: MAC Nude on Board

This has been my "go to" face colour combination for the month. I love that Australis blushes are inexpensive and they last a good 10-12 hours on my skin. They're also a steal at AU$9.95 each, less when on sale. Baby Doll is a really nice hot pink with pink and silver shimmers. The shimmers are great as they give you a sheen without it being sparkle city. MAC's Nude on Board bronzer is great for my skin tone as it leans slightly yellow (not orange) and is paler than most bronzers. It does have a fine gold shimmer that I notice in the pan, but not on my skin. I use it for some gentle contouring in the classic "3" shape on my face. I think I have used this every single day since I bought it. Loves.

4. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey

5. Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle

Left: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey, Right: Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle

Ahhhhhh Revlon! You are just so awesome right now. I wish you weren't so expensive in Australia, but there is always eBay, or BOGO offers. I love all my Kissable Balm Stains but Honey has just had ridiculous amounts of wear this month. I love the staying power, the texture and the colours. Revlon Lip Butters have been hit and miss for me. I much prefer the shades without shimmer and if I haven't been wearing a Kissable Balm Stain this month, I've been wearing my Lip Butter in Pink Truffle. It's got a gorgeous creamy texture and such a wearable winter shade.... Am I the only one who's noticed my Lip Butters get creamy and creamier the more I use them??? I never realised how close these two colours were until I swatched them!! They both have a nice pinky brown tone. So perfect for winter.

6. Maybelline the Falsies Flared Mascara in Very Black

7. Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit

8. Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch in 01 Ivory

9. Benefit Powderflage

Products listed clockwise from top

This has been my eyes for a large portion of the month. I love the Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit because it's quick and easy, provides a nice wash of colour and defines my eyes. The colour is a kind of golden champagne that is so easy to blend, stays all day and is truly creaseless on me. I don't find the Falsies Flared mascara that different from the original version. I like them both because they give my lashes some curl and hold it there, along with some volume and still looks reasonably natural. To keep the bags at bay I use the Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer with Powderflage to set it. It's a pretty good combination, but I bought an extra special product last week end that has really souped up this combo.... I'll keep you posted on this. I am totally loving this combination to get my eyes looking ready to face the public in 1 minute flat.

I hope you enjoyed my first favourites post!! What are your favorites for this month?

Lust Have It July 2012

Better late than never! I finally got my July Lust Have It box today :)

Here we go.....

Baby Foot
This is a chemical exfoliatior for your feet. This kind of creeps me out. I don't know if I want my skin to peel for 2-7 days. That said, the instructions say you leave it on your feet for 2 hours. Sure, any excuse to put my feet up for a couple of hours and catch up on some TV sounds good. I'll let you know how I go.

Matrix Deep Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner
I've always been interested to try matrix hair products. This range smooths frizzy and unruly hair. Yep that's me! I love the size of these samples too. Great for travelling.

Mirenesse Velvet Lip Lift Moisture Shine (No. 8)
I have never tried mirenesse lip glosses before so this should be interesting. I got a nudey brown colour. The blurb says it is extremely long wearing so I'm excited to test this out.

Avene Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover
This is a gel formula eye makeup remover. I generally like Avene. It was raining today so I was wearing waterproof mascara. Let's see how we go. It's a good travel size for makeup remover.

Avene Ystheal+ Cream
This is a retinol anti-aging cream from Avene. I use a prescription retinoid, so I won't get any use from this. I might pass it on.


All in all, not a bad box from lust have it. I just wasn't wowed by it, but it's pretty solid. Enough to keep me waiting for next months already!

What did you get in your box this month?

First Impressions: Garnier BB Cream Oil-Free (Oily/Combination Skin)

Garnier recently came out with a new BB Cream in their Miracle Skin Perfector range that is oil-free and aimed at oily & combination skin types. I paid AUD$11 for this during Priceline's 20% off sale (as of today it's still on!). I've been wearing it for a few days and I thought I'd give you an initial impressions review.

I was not a fan of the original Garnier BB Cream. It is very emollient and I found it never really set on my combination skin. It also has practically no coverage. I am pleased to say the Oil-free version is a completely different beast.

Left: Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector (original), Right: Garnier BB Cream Oil-free

The packaging is quite an elegant slimline squeezy tube with a pointy tip. It doesn't scream cheap and I prefer it to the original one. Scent wise - it is fragrance free so doesn't smell much, which is a massive bonus as the original has that awful fake "fresh" scent.

The texture of the Garnier Oil-free BB is very runny, not thick and creamy like the original. It is exceptionally easy to spread and doesn't set too quickly so you have time to work it.

Left: Original, Right: Oil-free

Colour wise, I have both these creams in Light and I prefer the yellow tone of the Oil-free version. The colour is also slightly lighter than the original. If you are super pale then Light will be too dark for you, it is leaning on too dark for me but I can work with it.

Left: Original, Right: Oil-free

The finish is surprisingly beautiful. It's a nice soft matte, very skin like. It is light to almost medium coverage and is particularly good at hiding areas of redness. The oil control is good, but not fantastic. I am oily on my nose and I still need to apply a mattifying primer to this area before applying the cream. I love the finish of this. Count me very surprised. It lasts around 8-10 hours and makes my skin feel so silky. I would happily wear it as an everyday natural coverage make up if it weren't for a couple of drawbacks for me.

Garnier BB Cream Oil-free Ingredients

Firstly, the only sunscreen I see is ethylhexyl methocycinnamate. This does not give any UVA protection that I can see (let me know if I'm wrong... they don't actually list the "actives"). Maybe a tiny bit of titanium dioxide - but that doesn't cover all UVA rays and I'm not sure if there's enough for it to be active. UVA rays age you and cause skin cancer. A separate sunscreen is a must, which is frustrating for an all-in-one product. Secondly, there is a high concentration of alcohol, which I am not happy with putting on my skin everyday as it dries my skin out and sensitises it.

Ahhhhh this is such a shame because I really love the formulation. Because I love the formulation so much I will use it on the sneaky, maybe if I'm just popping out to the supermarket or something and don't need the SPF. Overall my review is mixed. I'm sorry I can't come up with a more conclusive opinion.

Have you tried it?