New! MAC Prep + Prime Beauty Balm Collection

MAC Cosmetics recently enlarged their Prep + Prime Beauty Balm Collection for 2013 with new shades of BB Beauty Balm SPF 35 and the new BB Beauty Balm Compacts SPF 30. If you still remember the first MAC Prep + Prime Beauty Balm Collection was first launched around the same time last year. In case you didn’t recognize her, the beautiful Martinique model Coral Emmanuel was chosen as the face of this campaign.

 

Prep + Prime Beauty Balm is lightly tinted in a nearly sheer beige tone to work on an array of complexions, it creamily re-texturizes the skin and then goes on to excel at being a face primer with high everyday UVA/UVB SPF 35 defense.

 Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm SPF 30

  
Face prepping and priming in a solid cream formula that perfects, protects, evens out and illuminates the complexion for flawless results. Creamy emollients and optical pearl pigments blend with powerful SPF protection. Natural, semi translucent shades in a compact.

Extra Light Pale alabaster

Light Pale ivory

Light Plus Light beige

Medium Warm beige

Medium Plus Tan beige

Medium Dark Caramel beige

Dark Deep caramel

Deep Plus Neutral tan beige

Dark Deep Rich golden bronze

A part of this release is:

MAC 191 Square Foundation Brush

A large, flat, square-shaped synthetic-fibre brush with a fine firm edge for distribution and blending of liquid, emulsion or cream products on the face or body.

Essence Limited Edition "Class Of 2013" spotted in store

Eyeshadow pen

Lip tint

.

Translucent powder

Blush

Nail polish

Topcoat

Hair ties

Cosmetic Bag

Limited Edition “spectaculART" by CATRICE - spotted in store

 

Catrice SpectaculART Collection

Bombay meets Paris. Indian opulence coupled with French modernity. On the international catwalks, fashion designers are combining sari-like skirts, intricately decorated borders and embroidered coats with accurately cut shirts and simple blouses this winter season. The colors gold, silver, burgundy and pink dominate this look.
The Limited Edition “spectaculART” by CATRICE  is inspired by this crossover couture and the Indian bindi-look of the winter season 2012.

 

 

Pure Chrome

As nobel as precious metal. The highly-pigmented eyeshadow with an innovative 3D design in an effective tweed look is the hightlight of this Limited Edition. The soft powder texture is extremely convincing and lasts for hours. For an intense eye make-up.

• 01 So Precious
• 02 Bombay Bauble
• 03 Treasure It
• 04 Artfully Lustrous 

 

Lashes To Impress

Fascinatingly authentic! The single lashes in three different lash lengths are applied between your own lashes with lash-glue. The result: longer, thicker-looking lashes that look impressively real!

• Lashes To Impress

 

Superfine Eyeliner Pen

The slimliner with a super-thin felt-tip applicator creates professional-looking eyeliner looks – superfine and long-lasting! You can also use it to draw gorgeous ornamental patterns to go with your bindi-look.

• 01 Black Bindi

 

Highlighting Powder

Straight out of 1001 Nights: this highlighter with a silky powder texture contains light-reflecting pigments to set gorgeous accents on your face and neckline.

• 01 Artfully Lustrous

 

Mousse Blush

Haut couture: the Mousse Blush in a soft pink shade with variable coverage gives your cheeks a natural-looking glow. The best thing is: the innovative texture is easy to apply and spread!

• 01 Holi Hai

 

Sheer Lip Colour

Pure pigments ranging from nude to burgundy. The Sheer Lip Colour with a transparent gel texture gives your lips a subtle shine. In addition, hyaluronic acid ingredients help smooth small wrinkles around your lips and the SPF 10 protects them from damaging UVA and UVB rays. The result: soft, smooth lips.

• 01  Artfully Lustrous
• 02 Revel The Red
• 03 Soulful

 

Ultimate Nail Lacquer

The colors: from nude to pink to burgundy. The effects: exciting shine, with or without a shimmer. The brush: extra-broad and ideal for professional and smooth application across your entire nail.

• 01 Artfully Lustrous
• 02 Holi Hai
• 03 Revel The Red
• 04 Soulful

 

Gold Leaf Topcoat

Nails as the ultimate accessory! The transparent Gold Leaf Topcoat offers a gold leaf appearance for a spectacular finish. The flat, extra-broad brush ensures an accurate application of color on top of your usual nail polish. An eye-catching effect is guaranteed!

• Gold Leaf Topcoat

From the whole collection, the two testers that I swatched and fell in love with was the 01 So Precious eyeshadow and the 01 Holi Hai Mousse Blush.

Have you picked up anything from this collection?

Regards
Nats

 

Review :Bee Natural Rich Rehydrating Face Balm

Hi All

I have been using the Bee Natural Rich Rehydrating Face Balm for almost two months now.
I actually received a sample size a while ago in a Rubybox, kept it unopened for a while and then gave it away.  It did not appeal to me at the time.  There was no ingredient list or any information on the sample pot.

I then started hearing good things about it, then stumbled upon it in Dischem.  It is 30ml for about R69 (if I remember correctly).   I read the packaging and was intrigued.  I then googled it here: http://www.faithful-to-nature.co.za/Bee-Natural-Rich-Rehydrating-Face-Balm-p-2600.html
After some research I went back to Dischem later that month and bought one.  The ingredient "Retinol" intrigued me the most.  It is non-toxic, fragrance, preservative and chemical free - 100% natural.  It is suitable for all skin types and age groups especially allergy skins.  Intense nourishment day, night and eye balm all in one.

Description on the website:
"Bee Natural's Rich Rehydrating Face Balm is the ultimate natural skin care product to use for nourishing, moisturizing and rejuvinating facial skin. The unique combination of beeswax, raw honey, propolis, pollen, retinol, collagen, elastin, Q10, jojoba and avocado oil rapidly penetrate the skin - expect a visible difference after first application! The balm also contains a plan based SPF 15 thus prociding safe and natural protection from UV rays."

"It is interesting to note that pollen, found in raw, non-irradiated honey, is rich in a variety of vitamins, especially B12 and E, contains 22 different amino acids which are the building blocks of cell development and 27 minerals including zinc - a major component in skin and nail repair."
 
"In comparison to other expensive and commonly used face creams and moisturizers, Bee Natural's Rich Rehydrating Face Balm is far superior being 100% natural, affordable, versatile, effective and long lasting. This balm is an essential part of your best skin care routine!"

Directions for use:
Apply twice daily, warm minute amount  in palm of hand and massage gently into skin until shine disappears:

How I use it:
Seriously this is a thick yellow pollen looking balm, so a minute amount is all you really need.  I do not rub until the shine disappears, otherwise I would be rubbing the whole night.  I use it at night all over the face and neck as well as on my eyelid and under my eyes.  By the time morning has arrived, it absorbes into my skin.  It also plays well with my travel size Clarins water based serum underneath it.  It does feel like it will never absorb when you first put it on, but it does.  I also use this in the morning, but as an eyebalm (not over my whole face) and maybe around my nose if I have dry patches in that area.  I have very dry undereyes. and this has really helped me.  My eyes look extra dry when concealer is applied on them, but concealer over this balm, works really well for me, better than any eye cream that I have used. I have never really found an HG eye cream, and I have used many.  Even if I stop using this balm in summer, I will continue to use it under my eyes.

There is no percentage of Retinol on the bottle, so I don't know if its enough to make a difference yet.
I am glad that it does not block my pores and is great for sensitive skin.  I must also mention that I didn't fancy the smell in the beginning, but it grew on me.  Also, because it has a thick balmy consistency, it will take long for this bottle to get finished.  So for something so affordable, with the right ingredients, it proves that you don't need to spend $$ on high end brands all the time.

Besides Dischem, the websites below show other products from the range.  However Dischem prices do seem to be cheaper.   It is also sold on the Rubybox website.

http://www.greenlove.co.za/face-balm-hydrating-100ml/
www.beenatural.co.za
http://www.faithful-to-nature.co.za/Bee-Natural-Rich-Rehydrating-Face-Balm-p-2600.html

Thanks for reading
xoxo
Nats

Empties: Products I have used up

 

Hi All

Today I have an empties post.  These are products that I have used up.  I like watching "empties" videos on Youtube.  You get a feel of which products a person likes and would repurchase, and also which products that did not work for them. This may be a long post, but these are products that I have used up and kept aside especially for this post.

 

The picture above shows mainly makeup related items:-

Mac Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Light Plus

I absolutely love this product.  I was so sad when it finished.  It was the perfect shade and coverage.  It just made any foundation I wore look even better.  I repurchased the loose version of this as it is supposed to have more coverage.  Not a clever idea on my part, as loose powder is not travel friendly and the loose powder in Light Plus is a little darker than the pressed version.  it may look better on me in summer when my skin is closer to NC30.  The loose powder will definitely last longer though.

Model Co. Lip Primer

I blogged about this product a while ago when I first purchased it.  Lipstick does not last on my lips, until I go this baby.  Unfortunately Edgars / Red Square no longer stock Model Co. products.  I received a sample of the Gosh lip primer which is just okay, it still does not hold a candle to this.  ..

Clarins Everlasting Foundation in 110 Honey

I am on my second bottle of the awesome foundation.  It is my go-to foundation for flawless coverage.  I get full coverage with a flat top buffer brush, or medium coverage with a damp beauty blender.  I cant say enough good things about this foundation.  

Essence I Love Stage Eyeshadow Base

I have purchased this a few times already.  Other primers either didn't work or where too drying on my lids.  This one is perfect, keeps my shadows vibrant with zero creasing, and it is relatively cheap.  The only problem is, that the last time I purchased it, it was in the sale bin and there were none of the shelves on the regular Essence stand.  So I hope that it is not being discontinued.

Essence 50 Creamy Nude Lipstick

This was my first nude pink lipstick.  I loved it soo much, I wore it almost everyday until it got finished.  It is a very soft lipstick, so it can melt if left in a warm place especially in summer.  Other than that, it is perfect. 

Model Co. Lipgloss in Berry Pink

Model Co. Products are really good in my opinion.  I had purchased the lip primer and received a pack of three full sized lipgloss and a mascara as a Gift with purchase.  I have two more lip glosses left in a pink and a peach shade.

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Maximum Coverage Concealer in 03 Medium

This is my second pot of this concealer, so I really do like it.  its really creamy and non drying.  The only reason why I have not repurchased a third time and am trying out other concealers is because there is only 1.5g of product in the pot.  So it gets finished really quickly and becomes costly to replenish.  But is really is a star product for me.

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat

This stuff gave my nails an intense shine and my nail polish stayed on my toenails for at least three weeks.  The only reason I have not repurchased is because it is like R80.  So I am trying out other brands like Essence and Rimmel to see if I can fine a dupe for it.

As you can see from the picture above, there are a few Almay products.  Next to Bionike products for my sensitive skin, I have come to love Almay products.

Almay Time Off Age Preventative Complex 2-in-1 Cleanser and Toner- 

This is my second one.  I mainly only use it in the mornings when I want a gentle cleanser.  I still follow with toner though.  I try to use it sparingly because I don't want it to get finished.  It has a pump which is nice.

Almay Time Off Age Preventative Complex Wrinkle Defence Cream -  

I have also purchased this cream twice.  I use it as my night cream and also during the day in winter.  It really agrees with my sensitive.  I realy like it.

Almay Problem Solution Firming Hydrating Mask - 

Plumps, Firms & Renews. For Normal to Dry Skin.  I really enjoyed this in winter.

Almay Eyewise Value Pack (Eyewise Intense Hydration Eye Cream, Get Up & Grow Mascara - Intense Black, and 15 Alymay Oil Free Makeup Remover Pads)  - 

I liked all these products.

Sandalwood Blackhead Treatment - 

I did a post previously on this product and I have repurchased a few times already.

Sandalwood Scrub - 

I have not repurchased this,  It was okay for me.  I use the Sandalwood Blackhead Treatment instead. 

Travel size products received as a GWP:-

Clarins Hydra Quench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase for Dehydrated Skin - 

Water based, great for winter

Clarins Gentle Refiner Exfoliating Cream - This was an okay product

Clarins Toning Lotion Alcohol Free with Camomile - This was an okay product

Clarins Cleansing Milk with Alpine Herbs - It was nice but I prefer the L'oreal one

Elizabeth Arden Ceremide Intense Moisture and Renewal Activation Cream SPF30 - 

Excellent for extra dry skin in winter.

Lennon Bergamotessense - I put half in my shampoo and half in my conditioner and my hair is growing like wildfire.  I have purchased this twice.

Garnier Deodorant.  Mineral Absolute Dry 48H with Mineralite.  0% Alcohol. Anti-perspirant - I have repurchased this over and over.

Innoxa Uplifting Hand Cream spf15 - I received this in a Glambox.  It was okay.  I have a few more hand creams that I received to use up, so I wont be repurchasing it

Justine Tissue Oil Treatment Hair Mask - I was given this by someone at work and I loved it.  It is on sale in the Justine brochure at the moment, so I hope to get another one.

Dr Miracles Deep Conditioning Treatment - It has a strong menthol action to it.  I was given this for my birthday.  I didn't repurchase this , but I did purchase the conditioning shampoo in this brand which I really like.

Bionike Defence Hair Restructuring Nourishing Mask - 2 sample sachets

Dove Extra Sensitive Beauty Cream Bar - I use this as my body soap since I have sensitive skin.  Also it is highly recommended as an intimate wash by doctors.

L'Oreal Tecni Art. Hair Mix Glam Definition Hold 3 - Great on my short hair.  Didn't use it when I first got it.  After I cut my hair, i used it everyday until it finished.  A really good product.  I don't think they make this anymore.

 

Avon Clearskin Blackhead Clearing Cleanser and Deep Treatment Mask 

I bought these along with the cleansing wipes from the same range.  I hated the wipes because it irritated my sensitive skin so I didn't finish them.  These two however, I finished them completey.  They really did keep my blackheads at bay.

Simple Soothing Facial Toner

I highly recommend this product.  No harsh ingredients and it really agreed with my skin.  I am currently trying out a DIY salicylic acid toner.

Clicks cleansing wipes

Cheap and effective.  Another product I have bought countless times.

Oxy Cleansing Soap Bar with added tea tree oil

I have bought this countless times.  I use it at night with my facial brush every night.  It is the best salicylic acid cleanser I have tried.  it keeps acne at bay.

Eskamel Cleansing Pads

I have bought this numerous times but i think that the Oxy ones are a little better.  I buy these when the Oxy ones are sold out.

Bionike 50+ Defence Sun Very High Protection Sun Cream

I firmly believe that this product cleared up my old acne marks I had when I suffered from hormonal acne. It also prevents any new sun spots.  It is the best physical sunscreen I have tried.  My skin reacts to chemical sunscreen.  I have purchased this in the spray lotion which has a thinner consistency. 

Bionike Defence 100 Protective & Reinforcing Base Cream

I use this over my Bionike sunscreen every morning.  There is also a Defence 200 Cream for dry skin.  I love this product.  Bionike is made for people with sensitive and intolerant skin, but any skin type can use it.

I also used up and repurchased the Essence I Love Crazy Volume Mascara (Pink tube).  This has become an HG product for me.

Also a tube of E45 cream which I apply to my arms if they get exposed to the sun when I have forgotten to put sunscreen on them in the morning.

Sorry for the extremely long post, but I had to get rid of my empties, so I thought i would share what I had used up. 

Thanks for reading

xoxo

Nats