March 2015 Favourites : Makeup

Hi

These are the products I gravitated towards and loved using in March 2015.

Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light Plus
The packaging has changed form the old see-through compact.  The powder makes any foundation look better when set with this powder.  It is also perfect for setting concealer under the eyes.  It does not give you that flat matte look.  It actually looks better when it is worn throughout the day.

Clarins Intant smooth Perfecting Touch

This primer is really nice.  It does not clog pores and it smooths out any lines so that foundation does not settle into any lines.  This worn under foundation and foundation set with Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural is a winning combo.  This primer does not have that slippery siliconey feel to it.

So it does keep you oil free for longer.   

Elf Studio Contour Powder 

This time I am not raving about the blush.  I previously said that the contour powder was too dark.  I WAS WRONG.  I was obviously using the wrong brushes and the wrong technique.  This contour powder looks perfect when blended out.  This creates the perfect shadow.  Unlike bronzers that have an orangey tinge to them.  I am glad that I tried this powder again to contour.  Now I love it.

LA Girl Gel Liner in Dark Brown

I am sure I have raved about LA Girl Gel Liners when I started using them a while ago.  I wear black eye liner a lot.  But this summer I gravitated to the brown eye liner.  It goes so well with all my summer eyeshadow looks and is also more appropriate for work.  The quality of LA Girl gel Liners are better than any other gel Liners I have tried,  Not to mention the affordable price of these liners.

Revlon Grow Luscious Waterproof Mascara

I loved this mascara when I tried it years ago when it first launched.  I didn't think that the Revlon mascaras that came out after this where any better.  This went on sale at Dischem for half price and I picked one up.  This gives incredible length and Volume.  It can be a little clumpy if you don't watch out.  But it gives me the "big flash lash look" that I like.

 

Bourjois Sweet Kiss Natural Lipstick in 06 Rose Tendre

This lipstick coupled with my "Dusty" lipliner from Signature Cosmetics and a clear gloss over, has been my go to lipstick for the month of March 2015.  It is the perfect finish to my summery eye shadow looks with brown eye liner.  It looks polished but not overdone. 

These where my makeup favourites.  I am going to try and upload my March 2015 Skincare favourites.

Thank you for reading.

Empties : Makeup - products I have used up

Hi There

Since I have not blogged in a while, I have accumulated quite a bit of empties.  So I have decided to split up my posts.  One will be makeup, haircare, body products and facial products.  This post will be all about makeup.

Clarins Everlasting Foundation - 110 Honey

This is my Holy Grail foundation which I have purchased over and over and use practically everyday.  I am looking for a cheaper foundation for everyday, so I can make this one last a bit longer, but the drug store does not make it as good as this unfortunately.

Revlon Age Defying Moisturising Concealer

I have had about three tubes of this excellent concealer.  It covers up under eye circles soo well.  It has been said that it is better than the Mac Pro Longwear concealer in you tube videos.  It brightens up my under eye and conceals well.  HOWEVER, it has been discontinued.  Isn't it annoying that once you find something you like, they discontinue it?  How annoying!

Clinique Airbrush Concealer 

Not a fan of this product and I don't think I will repurchase.  It has a brush tip just like the Touch'e Eclat.  It is supposed to illuminate and perfect which I don't see it doing.  Maybe if it had more coverage, I would have liked it better.

Essence I love Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara
Essence I Love Stage Eyeshadow Base

I have spoken about these two products before and I will keep on repurchasing as long as they make them. Budget friendly and worth it.

Mac Prep+Prime Lip Base

This is supposed to be a lip primer.  The lip primer I had before this one was excellent and I was on the hunt for a new one since the old is no longer sold in stores.  This product is over priced in my opinion and it is nothing more than a glorified lip balm.  The only time you feel any results is if you apply it and wait like 15 minutes for it dry out on the lips, then apply a lipstick.  This is the only way for your lipstick to last a little longer.  I want to put my primer on, apply my lipstick and run out the door, not wait.  I am currently trying out another lip primer.

Smudge 2-in-1 Eyebrow Fix Pencil

Eyebrow pencils are something I am always on a hunt for.  When I test them out and they are "hard", I don't think twice about leaving them behind.  I have repurchased this one a few times.  Although my hair is dyed black, the shade Blonde is not too light for me surprisingly.  A shade darker would be too dark on me.  I apply the wax end of the pencil first, which allows the colour end of the pencil apply more smoothly.  Then I brush through my brows with the brush that is attached.  Smudge is exclusively sold in Clicks.  I also have a gel eyeliner pencil from Smudge as well.

XOXO

Natalie

Wet 'n' Wild South Africa - Haul & Wishlist!

Hi there

In the last month I have been hearing that Wet n Wild Cosmetics is coming to South Africa.  I thought "I will believe it when I see it".   For months, there had been a sign where the "Accesorize Cosmetics" had been discontinued showing "Exciting New Brand Coming Soon"

I was in Gateway mall one of the days this week, and during my last 10 minutes, to kill time while waiting for the other ladies, I wondered into Clicks to hang out at the makeup counters.
While browsing I saw a mascara that looked unfamiliar to me.  When I looked up to see what the brand was, I nearly started jumping up and down with joy.  I had to contain myself or else security might has escorted me out if I hadn't behaved myself.  Yes, it was Wet n Wild!! I phoned my bff immediately.

By that time I only had 5 minutes left before I had to drive back to work.  Although I was rushed for time I did notice that most of the 8 pan palettes where sold out as where a lot of the other cosmetics on the stand.  I hope it is replenished soon.  I grabbed two things and ran to the till to pay.

Wet 'n' Wild Color Icon Single sahdow in Brulee

I have always heard how Brulee is the BEST hightlight shade on your browbone.  I was not leaving without this, no matter how rushed I was.

Wet 'n' Wild Color Icon in Petal Pusher

I love purples although I have plenty purple shadows.  The one I really wanted "Comport Zone" was sold out.  I was in a rush, I should have grabbed the 3 pan palettes that I have been coveting.

My Wish list:

Later that evening, I consulted the girls on the Makeup Board on Makeup alley and I asked them to suggest their best loved Wet 'n' Wild mascara.  So I will definitely go back for a mascara.

Wet 'n' Wild single eyeshadow in "Nutty" is supposed to be a dupe for Mac's 'Satin Taupe'.  I also like "Kitten" and "Penny".

Left to Right: Knock on Wood, Walking on Eggshels, Silent Treatment, Sweet as Candy

WET N WILD Color Icon Blusher - Pearlescent Pink

Wet n Wild Megalast Lipcolor

In particular, the lippy that caught my eye was "Just Peachy".  Think Pink, Mauve Outta Here and Cherry Bomb shades would be next.

That is just a few items that I am coveting.  There are lots more products like Bronzers, Liners, Nail Polishes, Coverall Foundation etc.  I must say that the Coverall Powder also looked damned good for my yellow toned skin.  But my wishlist may be filled by Xmas - we'll see!

xoxo

Nats

New Essence Products & BB Cream Review

All pictures where taken from google.

I must say that for a very affordable brand, Essence is really stepping up to the plate.

Look at how cute those makeup sponges are!  Those sponges in other brands are a bit pricey.

I saw every product in store except for the sponges, they must be arriving soon.

I did not pick up the either of the powders as I have the Catrice Loose Prime and Fine Powder as well as the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder which are going to last for a while.

I did pick up the Essence Match 2 Cover Concealer as I am almost out of my HG Elizabeth Arden Maximum Coverage Concealer which I absolutely adore and have purchased twice.  The Elizabeth Arden once is pricey considering it gets finished very quickly.  So I was hoping to try an affordable alternative.

The back of the packaging states :-

"Cream Concealer - high coverage of skin imperfections and dark circles. 2 shades to perfectly match your skin-tone"

So the idea is to mix the two in order to find the correct tone for you. I only purchased it a day ago and have not really used it on my skin or under eyes.  I did test it on my hand when I got home.  It's a little drier than I would like it to be, so It would be good for my blemishes but hopefully not too dry for my under-eye which is where I need concealer daily.  I think I may just need to warm the product between my fingers first then apply to the eye area.  My fingers are crossed that this works for me.

The Essence all-in-one BB Creams come in 3 shades : 01 Universal, 02 Natural & 03 Medium.

Universal has a yellow undertone and suites my Mac NC30 skin-tone well.

Natural has a Neutral undertone for fair skin-tones, suitable for pink undertones as well in my opinion.

Medium looks like it has a yellow undertone as well and is slightly darker than the first two shades

It has SPF30, is fragrance and oil free, dermatologist tested.  This was the reason I picked this up as my skin is super sensitive. I did wear this today and set it with mineral powder, so far so good. 

Other products being launched from Essence in 2013 are:-

Stay Matte Lip Cream

Velvet Rose (01)
Smooth Berry (02)
Soft Nude (03)
Silky Red (04)

3D Eyeshadow

Irresistble Green (01)
Irresistble Purrple (02)
Irresistble First Love (03)
Irresistble Caramel Cream (04)
Irresistble Blue Sky (05)
Irresistble Mermaid Kiss (06)
Irresistble Smokey Eye (07)
Irresistble Vanilla Latte (08)
Irresistble Chocolates (09)

Stays No Matter What Waterpoof Eye Pencil (In-store. I can kick myself for not picking this up)

Schwarz
Braun
Grau

Stays No Matter What Waterproof Eyeliner (in Store. I fail at putting these on my eyes, my hands are not steady. I always admire it on everyone else)

I ♥ Punk Jumbo Eyeliner Pen (In store)

Stays No Matter What 24h Waterproof Volume Mascara (in Store)

All Eyes on Me Waterproof Multi-Effect Mascara (In Store)

Maximum Length Mascara (in Store)

I ♥ Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara (in Store.  I love this mascara and have done a review already)

Gel Tint (Not in store yet.  I am dying to try these.  Hopefully as good as the pricey and highly raved about YSL ones and the L'oreal ones)

Deep Red (02)
Flashy Apricot (03)
Hot Red (01)
Pink Exposed (04)

There are lots more products coming out as per their website like lashes and lash glue and lots more colours from their nail polish line, bronzers, nail art etc.  The list goes on.

I am so happy to have a brand like Essence that keeps up to date with the trends of high end brands at an affordable price.

Have you picked up any of the Essence stuff lately?  Please let us know in the comments below if the products whee a hit or miss.

Thanks for reading

XOXO

April 2013 Favorites

Hi

Here are the items that I enjoyed using during April: 2013-

- Palladio Herbal Blush BL90 Pink Frost
- BeChic Bronzer CBZ01 Sunkiss
- Nyx Matte Smokey Look One Night in Morocco Palette
- Homemade Eyemakeup Remover
- African Extracts Rooibos Refreshing Toner
- Essence Sun Club Oil.Control Blotting Papers
- Essence I LoveStage Eyeshadow Base
- Rimmel Glam'Eyes Lash Flirt Mascara
- 2True Voluptulash mascaras (for bottom lashes)
- Charlie Revlon Shine Divine Lipcolour in 003 Mochacinno

XOXO

Essence Colour Arts Eye Base

I was on my lunch break the other day when I stopped at the Essence counter, like I always do, and saw the Essence "Colour Arts Eye Base"  I am already in love with their first eyeshadow primer they sell  "I love Stage Eye Base".  So I had to try this one. As you know, Essence is very affordable.

It is a transparent eyeshadow base which allows a smooth application of  color pigments and guarantees long-lasting and intensive eye make-up thanks to its great bonding effect.

This product is part of Essence new trend "Colour Arts"  This eye base is supposed to be perfect when applying  pigments.  I applied this eye base with my normal pressed eyeshadow and it lasted all day.  I am sure when I do try it with my pigments, it will last all day as well.  Two of the pigment tester shades really impressed me and where gorgeous but alas I stopped myself from purchasing as I have so many already. These pigments are such good quality, comparable to high end pigments but at such an affordable price.

Other products from this trend:

Review: New Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede Lipsticks

At the end of February I was in the queue at Woolworth's waiting to pay when I spotted the March 2013 Destiny Magazine.  What caught my eye? Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede Lipsticks FREE with the purchase of the magazine.  This magazine costs R29.90. The free lipstick was a full size and not a mini and retails for R145.

Needless to say I took four.  The teller looked at me like I was crazy but I didn't care.
There where only four shades to choose from:

- 040 Flashing Lights - peachy coral

- 015 Runway - nudey brown

- 005 Muse - light mauve

- 035 Backstage - raisin brown

These lipstick apply exactly as the name suggests "suede".  It goes on smooth and moisturising.  After about 20 minutes it settles to a matte finish.  Essentially matte lipsticks are long-wearing lipsticks, and they last a long time on the lips.  Matte lipsticks also tend to be drying on the lips which feels uncomfortable, so you need to apply a lip balm underneath.

By force of habit with all lipsticks, I always apply lip balm, lip primer, lip liner, lipstick and top it off with some lipgloss. (A lot, I know)  but using a lip primer ensures me that my lipstick will wear for a longer period.  I did not own any long-wear lipsticks so this was essential for me.

This lipstick does not really require a primer and will last for a long time on it's own.  Though adding a lipgloss does make the lipstick less long wearing.  So, these lipsticks have vibrant colour pay-off and are long-wearing.
People who don't like matte lipsticks will not enjoy it. However, adding a lip balm and a lipgloss transforms it into a regular lipstick.

I have used Flashing Lights and Runway.  Backstage and Muse I will be giving to a friend.

Have you tried these Revlon lipsticks?  If so what was your impression of them?

Xoxo

Beauty Treats 24 Colour Warm Eye Palette

I found the Beauty Treats 24 Colour Warm Eye Palette in Dischem while doing my normal toiletry shopping.  There where only a few left and at that price, how could I leave it?  For R49 for the palette, it works out to about R2 per shadow.  I think it would be perfect as a gift for a female.

I did not expect much quality wise but was very surprised.  The darker shadows show up better and more pigmented than the lighter shades.  But I always use a primer underneath so I don't have a problem.  I have done a neutral look, a cranberry smokey eye, grey smokey eye, and other looks that I felt like doing on any given day.  I have carried it my spare bag many times with no problems with eyesahdows breaking.  It has a sturdy plastic case.  

This palette now lives in my draw at work, so on days I am rushing and don't get a chance to do my eyemakeup before I leave home, I always have a back-up at work. 

Easyglide Khol Pencils - 2 True Cosmetics

After I did my first 2 True haul I used the black khol pencil very often and loved it so much I went back to get tone in brown which is more subtle for every day use in the office.

These pencils are smooth and creamy and rival high end pencils in my opinion.
I use them on my water line, tight line and upper lash line.  On days I wear gel eyeliner on my upper lash line I still use these for my water line and tight line.
As usual.2 True has one item for R39 or 3 items for R89, which makes sense to take 3 items.  They are sold exclusively by certain Clicks Stores.

Also, I found the two mascaras I purchased to be very decent and I like them more than Essence and Catrice mascaras. They are okay for everyday use.  I use higher end mascaras when I go out or want more drama.  The two I purchased where EncrediLash and Voluptulash.  I always layer mascaras so I tend to use these together.

Which item.are you loving from 2 True?

Xoxo

L.A Girl Gel Eyeliner. - Product Rave

 L.A Girl products are sold in Dischem Stores.  I have other products from this line including lipglosses and eyeliner pencils. The gel eyeliners where recently introduced to the store and when I first saw it I bought it in black.  For R29 surely, it was worth a try.  You know how ridiculously priced high end eyeliners cost. Well it was awesome.  I cant rave enough about it.  The texure and longevity is excellent.  This is better than many low end and high end gel eyelines I have tried.  It beats my Smashbox liners any day!

I liked it so much I went back and bought one in dark brown.  They where practically all sold because being so popular.  They came out with many different colours.  I had hoped to get one in purple, but it had been sold out already.  Also it comes with an eyeliner brush which I have used.  Although I reach for my Essence angled liner brush most days.

Elizabeth Arden - Day To Night Holiday Colour Collection

Hi All

How gorgeous is this?

This is the Elizabeth Arden Day To Night Holiday Colour Collection.  It is worth R3000 but it is retailing for R799 at all Elizabeth Arden counters.  What a bargain!!!
Here is a picture of it in the store in the original box:

Contents:

- Day Palette:
 - 6 Beautiful Colour Eyeshadows in Café Au Lait-highlighter, Lilac, Warm Pink, Brown, Plumsmoke and

   Smoky Brown 4.8g
- 1 Cheekcolor in Sunblush 2g
- 2 Ceramide Ultra Lipsticks in Sugar and Rose 3.5g each
- 1 High Shine Lip Gloss in Golden Pearl 4ml
- 1 Eye Pencil in Black Brown 1.1g
- 1 Lip Pencil in Cocoa Rose 1.1g

- Night Palette:
 - 6 Beautiful Colour Eyeshadows in Soft Gold, Romance, Bronze Lustre, Classic Khaki-contour, Black

   Tie- contour and Misty Teal-contour 4.8g
- 1 Cheekcolor in Golden Apple 2g
- 2 Ceramide Ultra Lipsticks in Brick and Ruby Rose 3.5g each
- 1 High Shine Lipgloss in Rosegold 4ml
- 1 Eye Pencil in Smoky Black 1.1g
- 1 Lip Pencil in Crimson 1.1g

- 3-piece Brush Set:
- Cheekcolor brush
- Eyeshadow brush
- Angle Eyeshadow brush
- Brush pouch

- Pressed Shimmer Powder Trio Compact with attachable brush 5g
- All Gone Eye & Lip Makeup Remover 50ml
- Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment Mascara in Black 3ml
- Red Travel Bag

Day Palette on the Left & Night Palette on the right

My opinions:

The eyeshadows and blush

I tested the Day Palette.  These are very smooth and have no fallout and is not powdery at all.  However they are not very pigmented, so I would use a primer underneath.  It would take a bit more time to swipe more product onto the lid.  Being a "day look" it is subtle and natural for daytime.  The blush in the palette is a natural daytime blush as well, but very pretty.  Perfect for those you work in a corporate office environment where you are not able to wear loads of makeup.  I dont think the blush in the day palette will sho up on a person ho has darker skin tone.

I have not tried an eye makeup look with the night palette yet, or the blush.  I will wait for my next night out to try this.  I have high hopes for it as it has more deeper shades in it.

The lipsticks:

These lipsticks are gorgeous.  They are very pigmented.  All my friends who have owned Elizabeth Arden lipsticks have said that they are awesome.  A lovely selection of wearable colours.  I am very pleased with these.

The Mascara:

I have had a tester of this in Glambox which I enjoyed.  I am a mascara lover so getting a mascara is always a plus. It is supposed to be a lash extending treatment mascara.  If all goes well then it will show up in a future favorites blogpost.

The Lipglosses:

The lipglosses look very pigmented and good quality.  I have soo many lipglosses open at the moment that I will save these for later. I have been obsessed with everything "rosegold" lately, so this lipgloss is right up my alley.

The Lip & Eye Pencils:

I have heard from friends how good their pencils are.  Let me tell you - they where right! They are smooth and creamy and very pigmented.  I love the eye pencil in Black Brown.  he lip pencils are equally nice.  The pencils are very good quality.

 The Pressed Shimmer Powder Trio Compact 

This is sooo pretty but alas is not very pigmented in my opinion. I only swatched it and not actually used it yet.  When I mentioned it to the sales assistant , she suggested I swirl the brush in all the shades and using it as a blush instead of using the shades individually as a bronzer, highlighter and blush.  So I will definitely try this.  It may be better that it is not too pigmented as I definitely do not want to look like an oompa loompa.Then I control the amount I put on and layer it if I want a more dramatic look.

The All Gone Eye & Lip Makeup Remover 

Once again, I have received rave reviews for this product as to how awesome it is.  I have an open bottle of eyemakeup remover from another brand so I will not open this until my other bottle is finished. It has a half oil and half liquid component.  You are supposed to shake it up before using then pour some out onto cotton wool then dab onto eyes and lips.  Oil cleansing removes makeup like magic.  So I cant wait to try it.

The Brush Set:

These brushes are just "okay" in my opinion.  They are not the softest brushes I own.  But they will do the job when all my other brushes are out of reach or waiting to be cleaned.  The barrel does have pretty gold on them, yay! lol.

Red Travel Bag

The travel bag is what you see first when you open the box, and I was very pleased.  It is really gorgeous and huge.  Great for travel.  It will carry lots of makeup in it.  I am going to use it in December when I do my Cousins makeup for her wedding as it looks very professional.

Thanks for ready this very long post.

Please leave me a comment below and let me know if you have tried any gift sets or collections for yourself, or if you will be purchasing any as gifts for friends as there are soo many in stores at this time of the year.

xoxo