Review: Sleek Rose Gold Blush

I received the Sleek Rose Gold Blush a few weeks ago from a friend.  I have been lusting after this blush for a long time.  It only took this long for me to do a review of this blush because I have been using another blush that I was craving for - Milani Luminoso.

Sleek blush in Rose Gold

The packaging is black, sophisticated and great for travelling as it has a snap shut close on it.  I also has a big mirror on it, again for those who may like to travel.

There is countless shades of blushes offered by Sleek MakeUp, some limited edition, others permanent, but no other hue is quite coveted like Rose Gold and I can see why,  This blush is a coral pink shade that is laced with a golden sheen making it universally flattering.  I have not seen a post on this blush in which it did not suit the wearer.

This blush has the perfect balance of pigment and sheen. It is super pigmented and you only need a little on your blush brush to get a lovely glow but it blends really easily and does not look shimmery at all.  The gold sheen in the blush make it glow on the apples of your cheeks (in a good way).  The best way to apply it, is on the apples of the cheeks then sweep it upwards towards your ear (in the shape of a Nike sign)

I have a rose gold eye shadow in my Sleek Original eye-shadow palette, which I love using often.  Rose Gold is a colour that I am really loving lately, especially in jewellery.

Sleek Blush is only available at selected Foschini stores.

Regards
Natalie

Empties: Products I have used up

Hi there

I have another empties post of products I have used up in the last few months.  I will let you know if I enjoyed the products or not.  So here goes...

Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Wipes

I received three packets of the trial size packs, 7 wipes in each, as a gift with purchase offer.
I enjoyed using them, they get the job done and are just as good as the Clicks branded ones I like.  I have not purchased more as the Clicks ones are cheaper.

Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash Gel

I have already purchased another tube of this Simple face wash.  I have always believed in being gentle on my skin in the morning by using gentle face washes as part of my morning skincare routine.
I also use this face wash as night as my pre-cleanse, thereby cutting out the use of pre-cleanse oils, cleansing milks, followed by makeup wipes.  Using this at night has saved me time.  It removes all my makeup. I rinse it off with warm water.  I then follow with my salicylic acid cleanser with a facial brush.  My evening cleansing is then done. In winter, I just want to get finished as fast as possible.

Simple Kind To Skin Soothing Facial Toner

I know, there is a lot of simple Skin care in this post lol.  I have re-purchased this toner many times over.  It is a staple product for me.  I empty some into a fine mist spray bottle and spray some onto a cotton pad to use on my face.  I love this product.

Oxy Wipeout Pads

Oxy Wipeout Pads is another product I have always repurchased and you guys have seen over & over on my empties posts.  During Summer I use it almost every night.  In winter I try and use it only when I feel I need to, as it can dry out the skin.  Like if I am feeling greasy and feel a breakout under my skin about to appear.  This really does dry out any pimples before they surface, and If I have a breakout, it dries them up over night.  This product contains salicylic acid, so be sure to wear sunscreen during the day.


Left: Garnier Pure Active Daily Cleansing Gel Wash
Right: Pure Active Intensive Deep Pore Gel Wash

I have used up both these face washes and have repurchased the Garnier Pure Active Daily Cleansing Gel Wash (left) 3 times.  The one in the white bottle is supposed to be "intensive" but I find the one in the blue bottle is more "intensive"  The blue bottle is also cheaper for some reason.  It contains salicylic acid and purifying zinc for oily to combination skin prone to imperfections.  It eliminates oil & imperfections & tightens pores.
The white bottle has 2% salicylic acid & herbasoothe for oily to spot prone skin. It fights spots & fades marks.
I always use a salicylic acid face wash at night only with a facial brush, after my pre-cleanse.

Clarins Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Comfort Cream

I absolutely adore the Clarins Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Comfort Cream.  I agree, it is a comfort cream and its very soothing.  I first tried this product when I received a travel size last year (75% the size of a full size). I used the travel size, which lasted me forever, then I cracked open the full size.  Both of them lasted me from last year summer, to the beginning of winter this year.  You only need to apply a tiny bit.  It is supposed to be for normal to dry skin.  I wore this product through all types of weather, cold and hot, and its safe to say that I can use this product all year round, regardless if my skin is oily or dry.  I seldom find night creams that do not  block my pores and I am sensitive to fragrance.  This one is awesome on me.  Who doesn't love a good anti-ageing cream?

Magi Clear Even Skin Plus Bio-Active Cleansing Gel

This product is by the Institute Science At Work.  The whole Magi Cleat Range is sold in Clicks.  This should have been in an old empties post, but I did not include it.  I found the empty bottle the other day and decided to add it to this post.  The Magi Clear range includes a Cleansing Cream, Smoothing Cream Scrub, Gentle Skincare Soap, a Moisturiser and an Anti-marks Serum (which I would love to try)  They are affordable, dermatologist tested and is suitable for all skin types. 

I found this face wash to be very gentle.  I feel it would be better for winter time when the weather is colder.  I used this in the mornings only.

Softi Round Cotton Pads 80's

I always repurchase these over and over.  Most of the time there is a special on at Dischem where you get two packs for R19.99 or 1 pack for R12.99.  Dischem has changed the packaging to blue now, but the quality is still the same.

Bergamotessens

This is another recurring product on my blog.  I pour half a bottle of this in my shampoo and the other half in my conditioner.  It was recommended by a hairdresser and works like a charm.  I like the smell and my hair is healthy now because of this.  No more weak, damaged hair,  The only thing, is that it makes the shampoo watery in consistency (not effectiveness) I can live with that.  It does not do this to the conditioner at all.

I also finished a tub of Perfect Touch Shine & Hold Wax - Shape & Definition.  (No Picture Sorry)

I have repurchased this.  I use it to help give my Pixie cut some definition and shine every morning.

Essence Sun Club Oil Control Paper

These are great to keep in your purse especially in Summer when its hot.  I use blotting papers less in Winter time.  These are inexpensive and a good staple to keep in your hand bag.

Charlie Mega Wink Lash Enhancer Mascara

I bought this mascara because it was on sale for R39 at Dischem.  Wow, I should have bought more than one.  I like it more than the other mascaras that I have raved about.  I would have never purchased this if it was not on sale.  But I think I discovered it too late because it looks like it has been discontinued.  When I went back, the ones left in the sale section, had been opened.   Have a look at the brush.  it kinda looks like the brush on the Revlon Grow-Luscious mascara (the original one).  There was zero clumps, awesome separation of lashes, volume and extended length. .  I have short lashes and believe me when I say that I received compliments when wearing this, even while wearing reading glasses.  I am sad that this is now finished.

Charlie Mega Watt Volumising Macscara 

I bought the Charlie Mega Watt mascara the same day I bought the Charlie Mega Wink Mascara.  Sadly, this one didnt do anything for me.  It was just an "okay" standard mascara.  I would use it as a base coat under other mascaras.

The other products I used up consist of hand wash, soap, tooth paste etc., the usual stuff, nothing exciting.

Sorry for the long post, but thanks for reading.

Natalie

Beauty Blogger Tag!

X

Hello, thanks for stopping by! 

I saw this on the net and I thought I would be fun to do it!

Tag as many beauty bloggers as you would like.
Title this post the ‘Beauty Blogger Tag’

Questions and answers:

1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?

My hair is naturally curly.

2. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?

I normally do it myself most of the time.  I rarely get it done at a salon

3. Do you wear the same style everyday, or do you change it?

Since I cut my hair in a Pixie cut, I don't have a choice lol

4. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon?

I do it on my own. I have only gone to the salon when I received a gift voucher as a gift.

5. How often do you change your nail polish?

I change the polish on my toes every 3 weeks.  My fingernails don't last long at all, so its just clear polish sometimes.

6. Do you polish your toes in the winter or just the summer?

I ALWAYS polish my toes

7. How long does it take for you to put on makeup?

A good 30 minutes

8. What do you do first? Face or eyes?

I apply my foundation, leaving my undereyes un-done.  Then I do my eyeshadow.  Then I do my undereye concealer so it won´t get messed up with the fall out.

9. Do you collect makeup or just buy what you need when you need it?

Lets get real, we all want or need the makeup at time of purchase.  And we probably love it and use it everyday until something prettier catches your eye.  But I also go through my stash every month and rotate the products I use so everything gets used.  I also like to rave about a product if it is really good or works for me on a review post on my blog..

10. How often do you wear false eyelashes?

Not too often only for special occasions.   I would love to wear them often but I have not really mastered the art of applying lashes, so it takes me really long to apply them.  Half lashes are easier to apply.  I like individual lashes.

11. Do you do a full face of makeup everyday?

On workdays yes.  If I am running late, I will still put everything on minus the eyeshadow.  Going shopping, I like to wear makeup as well.

12. Do you wear makeup when you’re home alone or with family?

Not home alone no.  I let my skin breath.  When I visit family, it depends if I am going to my mom's house then no.  Travelling to see other family members, I think yes.

13. Will you leave the house without makeup?

I don't like to but I do, like if I go fetch take-out quickly. I put on big sunglasses lol.  I have dark under eye circles and look sick without makeup.:|

14. How many high-end products do you have?

Not sure of the number exactly, Most of the high end products I bought, I have used up.  I know that I have two high end concealers, two high end foundations, a few high end lipsticks, and maybe a blush, a highlighter and 2 setting powders.

15. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you’re getting dressed?

Decide when I´m getting dressed

16. How often do you change your handbag?

Not as often as I should.  I am tired and lazy at night and always rushing in the morning.  As a result I make a husband out of my bag and use it until it falls apart.  Then I am forced to change my bag.  Bad I know.

17. What time do you wake up and go to sleep?

I wake up around 6 or 6:20 am and go to sleep at about 11

18. How often or when do you workout?

I used to do Taebo religiously years ago.  But I am super busy at work and always work late.

19. Left handed or right handed?

Right.

20. How tall are you?

6.1 I think

21. Do you speak any foreign languages?

i know a few random French words that  learnt when I worked for a French owned company.

By the way, South Africa has 11 official languages, which I think i should learn before I learn any foreign ones..

22. How many pets do you have?

No pets currently. Only ever had goldfish.  I have a daughter which is enough work thanks.

23. How often are you on WordPress / Blogger?

I read other peoples blogs often, but do not post as often as I would like to.

24. Do you read comments posted on blogs?

I read the comments posted on my blog yes.  On other peoples blogs, seldom.

25. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?

I have to keep a notebook in my bag, otherwise I will forget.

26. How did you come up with your blog name?

My blog name is a bit long, but I was reading a catalogue from one of my favourite stores and they always have "Health and Beauty Fairs" often.  Not sure if that was a great idea lol

27. What kind of camera do you use for your photographs?

I normally use my Huawei Tablet.  

28. How often do you clean your house?

Once a week

29. What’s your favorite color?

Purple!! 

30. Do you swear?

Sometimes

31. What are you doing with the rest of your day?

Probably sleep since is 11:42 PM

Thanks for reading peeps! I tag anyone who wants to do this tag and be sure to let me know in the comments.

XOXO

Natalie

Review : Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

Hi All

I cant tell you how long I have been lemming this blush - Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso.
Mac MSF Stereo Rose
Nars Orgasm Blush

I like the gold case packaging, and I love what's inside too...

Milani blushes come with a brush and a mirror which stays in the underneath compartment.

Milani Luminoso Baked Blush is a peachy colour with a flattering sheen.  It is very popular overseas. Makeupalley has rated it 4.5 out of 5 and has rave reviews about how it gives you that perfect peachy pink glow.  People also liken the Milani Baked Blushes to Mac Mineralize skinfinishes and I would have to agree that Luminoso is similar in its slightly shimmery yet pigmented texture.  It is essentially a highlightling blush.

I used this blush almost the whole month of May 2014.

XOXO

Natalie

Review : Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque & Dupe

I received some skincare products from a friend.  She received skincare products in a swop from a friend overseas, unfortunately not sold here in SA. She in turn shared the skincare with me.  What a good friend!  From all the skincare I received, the one I have used so far is the ever famous and raved about Queen Helene Mint Julep masque. 

The mask is said to be a dupe for the Lush Mask of Magnaminty which costs a  bit more.

Gross, I know, but this is the reality.

Queen Mint Julep Masque was developed by a dermatologist.  

This treatment helps to dry up pimples, rinse away blackheads and shrink enlarged pores.

Apply Mint Julep Masque to a clean face and neck.  

As it firms and hardens within minutes, it draws out impurities from your pores. 

After the masque is removed, your skin will feel clean, refreshed and smooth. 

Even for individuals who are fortunate to be free of skin problems, Mint Julep Masque is a refreshing facial treatment that helps relax tired muscles and ease tension lines on the face and neck. 

I did not try this mask on my neck bit I did use it on my face and under my jaw.  My skin was definitely smoother.  I used it on my daughter as well as she tends to get acne n the sides of her face and on her forehead.  Her face looked clear and brighter after using the mask.  And yes, it is minty, in a good way.

This mask can be bought online and the Lush mask is sold in certain areas in South Africa.  The Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque would be a nice staple skincare product to have.  I would like to try the Lush mask just to compare and see is it really an exact dupe or not.

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara.

Hi there

This review is on the Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara.  I received mine from a friend as Jordana cosmetics are not sold in South Africa.

This mascara has been compared to the Lancôme Hypnôse Star.

There is a full comparison with photos can be viewed at http://jolieebelle.com/2014/02/03/lancome-vs-jordana-mascara/

The Hypnose Star is supposed to give you spidery lashes if you use too many coats.  To me I feel that's exactly what happens when you use the Jordana mascara.

The formula was a bit wet in the beginning.  With any mascara, you have to wait at least two weeks before it dries out a little, then you get the true nature of the mascara.  I usually pile on the mascara.  With the Jordana Best Lash  Extreme Mascara, I can only use two coats which gives me really nice length and volume.  Any more than that, I will get spidery lashes.

Which one would you choose considering that the Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara is an inexpensive mascara which does the exact same thing as the Hypnose Star, an extremely expensive high-end mascara?

xoxo

Natalie

Wet N' Wild Nude Awakening Palette- Review and Dupe Alert

Hi there

Today I want to review a palette that I have used most in the month of May 2014.  The Wet n Wild Nude Awakening Palette was sent to me by a friend.  Unfortunately our Wet n Wild stands here in South Africa do not carry this palette.

I am always so surprised how pigmented the Wet N Wild palettes are.  The palettes are better and more pigmented than the singles in my opinion.

This palette is:-

-Budget Friendly
-Good Pigmentation
-Soft Formula
-Travel Friendly
-Great For Beginners
-Instructional Guide
-Wearable Everyday Colors

The left hand side of the palette is the side that I have used most for work - all four shades.  I use the off white brow bone shade every day, no matter what palette I use on that day. It is perfect for my skin colour.  I also use it on the inner corner of my eyes to brighten them up.  I initially bought the single eye shadow in Brulee to use as an everyday browbone shade, but was a bit disappointed. The browbone shade in the Nude Awakening palette is the bomb.  I know that this shade will get finished first - then what will I do?

The crease shade on the left hand side is also the perfect crease colour and very pigmented.  I apply it with a fluffy crease brush and it is quick and east because it applies a lot of colour on the first swipe.  I also use this crease colour with other palettes as well, so it is a universal shade for me.

The right hand side is also gorgeous and can be used to go from a day-to-night look just to darken up the day look created for an after work function.

And guess what??  - This palette is apprently a dupe for the NAKED PALETTE!

See below.....

UD Naked has 12 shades
Wet N Wild “Nude Awakening” has 8 shades
UD Naked is expensive
WnW is reasonably priced
UD Naked has two matte Shades (“Naked” and “Buck”)
WnW has one semi-matte and one matte
UD Naked has 10 frost shades
WnW has 6 frost shades

There are lots of blogs showing swatches of the Nude Awakenings palette side by side to the Naked Palette and these are very close dupes.  The best part is that the Nude Awakenings palette  is reasonably priced.

XOXO

Natalie