Stila Custom Color Blush in Self-Adjusting Coral

Hey all, 

I have never been too sure about colour adjusting products. How do they do it? Do they even change that much between each person? I have always had my little suspicious. It's funny how we are always slightly suspicious of what we don't understand! Anyway, I'm not sure whether or not this Stila blush adjusts to my skin tone; but I do love the shade! 

Shade 

A gorgeous peach toned coral with slight shimmer. 

What I Love 

- Gorgeous colour, works wonders at brightening up my face. 

- Smooth, creamy and highly pigmented. 

- Easy to blend. 

- I love how light it feels on my skin! 

- Not too shimmery, and the shimmer fades alongside the colour (so you aren't left looking like a disco ball). 

- I adore all Stila packaging. 

Where to Buy: Mecca Cosmetica, Mecca Maxima. 

Price: $32.00

Swatches 

Without Flash 

With Flash 

Another very pretty coral blush! It's my new staple to compliment day-time looks and I think that it would suit all skin tones. I definitely want to try the Self-Adjusting Pink and Bronze - has anyone tried them? 

Also, what are your thoughts on "self-adjusting" products? Does anyone know the science behind it? 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

On My Cheeks: NARS Blush in Taj Mahal

Hey all, 

We all hear so much about NARS blushes and their high quality, and most of us know the 'famous' shades quite well. Shades like 'Orgasm', 'Deep Throat' and 'Exhibit A' are absolutely gorgeous, but they are not my favourite Nars blush shade. 

Taj Mahal is, and hopefully you shall soon see why! 

The Shade 

A gorgeous orange-bronze, that looks absolutely amazing on darker skin tones. 

It has slight shimmer. 

Isn't as scary as it looks in the pan, and blends out like a dream. 

What I Love 

- Absolutely stunning colour. 

- Highly pigmented, as all Nars blushes tend to be. 

- Smooth, creamy and east to blend. 

- Long lasting and fades out evenly. 

- Sleek and stylish packaging. 

What I Don't 

- The price of NARS products in Australia are quite a lot higher than overseas. I would recommend buying online from the USA; either from a site that ships internationally, or by using a parcel forwarding service. 

Where to Buy: Mecca Cosmetica, Mecca Maxima & Online. 

For online Nars purchases, I like to use - Kiss and Makeup

Price: In store - $45 AUD 

Online - $26 USD

Swatches 

Without Flash 

With Flash 

Blended

Quite a difference, huh? The terrifying aspect of the shade seems to just melt away when it is blended out. 

This is one of my favourite blushes. I have nothing else quite like it, and love it for that exact reason. If you are a darker skinned lady, I definitely recommend that you try it out! 

What is your favourite NARS blush shade? 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips in Sunset Strip

Hey all, 

Although I have dark skin, I tend to start looking a little 'dead' in winter. My skin tone gets quite a bit lighter and my natural glow dulls a little as well. In summer I usually don't find the need to use a bronzer at all, but it is a completely different story in winter - bronzer becomes a daily staple in my face routine. 

This bronzer is one that I continue to love, and most of you have probably heard of it. Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips are famous amongst the beauty savvy and often compared to Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks. I do love my BB Shimmer Bricks, but I may like these just a little more. 

What I Love

- Enough shimmer to create a healthy glow, but not enough to turn you into a disco ball. 

- Shimmer doesn't clump together and applies evenly. 

- Highly pigmented (to the level you want for a bronzer). 

- Multi-purpose - can be used as a bronzer, highlighter (lighter shades), and even as eyeshadow. 

- Clean cut packaging. 

- Reasonably priced! 

What I Don't

- Hard to source in Australia. 

- Packaging is tight and I have broken a nail or two trying to open it! 

Where to Buy: I grab my Shimmer Strips off eBay. 

Price: $10-$15

Swatches

Without Flash 

Across top, shades mixed together. Bottom, individual shades from top to bottom. 

With Flash 

So, why do I like them a little bit more than BB Shimmer Bricks? 

I find that the shimmer isn't as overpowering, and that they create a much more natural/healthy look. These don't make you look like an overpowered disco ball at the end of the day! And of course, they are SO much cheaper. 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

On My Cheeks: Essence Marble Mania Blush in Swirlpool

Hey all, 

Another new, everyday favourite blush from me! It is from the new Marble Mania range from Essence; a range with a multitude of baked, marble effect shades. 

This blush caught my eye from across the Target beauty section, so I just had to pick it up. I love baked blushes, especially when they have a swirled effect to them (I am a sucker for pretty things) - so this blush was a welcome addition to my collection! 

Shade

A gorgeous range of pinks - from deep to champagne, all swirled together. 

Slight shimmer. 

What I Love

- I adore the shade, it is the perfect shade to create a healthy glow on my skin. 

- Highly pigmented. 

- Not overloaded with shimmer. 

- Blends seamlessly into my skin. 

- Very reasonably priced! 

What I Don't 

- I wish that they had more shades. 

- Hard to find, and always sold out! 

Where to Buy: Target

Price: $5.95

Swatches 

Without Flash 

With Flash 

Essence is a well priced brand that continues to impress me. Their products always exceed my expectations, and yet, they manage to keep their prices very low. It makes me wonder whether other brands can justify their mark-ups...but that is a post for another day!

Hope you all have a great night! xx

On My Cheeks: Models Prefer Blush in Desk to Date

Hey all, 

I don’t usually post on the weekends, as I always try and keep them for ‘me’ time. But since I haven’t posted as much as I usually do this week, I thought that I would use this weekend to catch up! 

It seems as though I have been hit with everything at once - bronchitis, a job transition, house renovation issues, and a cat with a cold. To say the least, I have had issues keeping organised this week! The end is in sight though, as they say; and thankfully too - my nail polish is chipped beyond belie and my skin is definitely showing signs of stress. 

I have posted about Models Prefer products a few times now, always with positive reviews.  Their Mattifying Primer and Glitz & Glamour Highlighter are amongst my most reached for products. And with the addition of this blush, I have to say that the brand continues to impress me. 

Shade 

- A gorgeous medium pink that would compliment any skin tone. No shimmer, but has a sheen to it. 

What I Love 
- Gorgeous shade.
- Highly pigmented. 
Creamy, applies smoothly and is easily blend able. 
- Very reasonably priced. 

What I Don’t 
- Get quite a bit of product fallout, as you can see in the below picture. 

Where to Buy: Priceline 

Price: $9.99


Swatches 


Unblended 


Without Flash 

With Flash 

Blended


Without Flash

With Flash

Despite the fallout, this is a gorgeous blush that creates a healthy and natural glow. At $10 a piece, I definitely recommend that you give it a try! 


What do you think about Models Prefer? 


Hope you all have a great night! xx

On My Cheeks: Illamasqua Cream Blush in Libido

Hey all,

I am on a bit of a cream blush crusade at the moment, and have developed a long wish list for when I finish my Project 50 Pan challenge. I always thought that cream blushes would never work for me; as I have quite oily skin, turning into an oil slick is a common concern. But, as soon as I started trying out more and more cream face products, I realised that they were just perfect! 

Definitely a new love. 

I picked Libido up in My Funny Valentine's blog sale for a steal of a price. I must admit that I had a moment after buying it where I thought that I was crazy - it is one hell of a bright blush. I promise you it is not as scary as it looks! 

What I Love 

- Gorgeous shade that is perfect for my darker skin. 

- Creamy and smoothes on like a dream. 

- Highly pigmented.

- Extremely blend able

- Love the packaging and the name as well! 

What I Don't

- Not a suitable shade for everyone

- It starts to melt quickly when temperatures rise (I do I've in scorching hot Brisbane though). 

Where to Buy: Myer 

Price: $42.00

Swatches 

Without Flash 

With Flash 

Blended

Not a shade for the porcelain skinned, or the faint of heart. It is definitely a gorgeous shade nonetheless, and has become one of my favourite brights. Who doesn't love a little red after all?

What is the brightest blush that you own? 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

May Empties and the Beginning of Project 50 Pan

Hey all, 

I know that this post is running a little late, so sorry! I have been swamped with university assignments, but thankfully they are all done now and I can finally breathe easy again. 

I got through a total of 20 products last month, which is great for me as it is also the month that I have decided to start Project 50 Pan. For those of you who don't know, Project 50 Pan was created by Anissa of Beautifully Glossy and is a project where you halt purchasing until 50 products are used up. 

Why am I doing this to myself again? 

I am trying to cut down on purchasing to both save money and to give me a chance to explore my collection. 

Here are my May empties and the beginning of 50 finished products! 

Face Products 

1. Simplicite Plant Gel Cleanser for Dry/Mature Skin 

An absolute winter favourite for me! Cleanses without drying and keeps skin well moisturised. Smells divine as well. I use it every night, or every second night depending. 

Price: $37.90

Repurchase: Already have. 

2. Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes

These babies have been in my empties before, and I still love them as much as ever! Non-irritating and perfect for dryer, winter months. 

Price: $6.99

Repurchase: Already have. 

3. Clarisonic Sensitive Skin Brush Head 

Adore my Clarisonic and replace the brush head every 3 months without fail. I have found that the sensitive head works best for my skin. 

Price: $34.95

Repurchase: Have a new one on now, and will repurchase again when the time comes. 

4. MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder in Medium Dark

I adore this, it takes away shine without adding too much colour. Doesn't leave a powdery effect. Saying that, I do like my Mineralize Skinfinish more. 

Price: $36.00

Repurchase: Not this time, but probably in the future. 

5. Face of Australia 3 in 1 Primer

My favourite drugstore primer, smoothes out skin and creates the perfect base. Doesn't cause me to break out either. Also has SPF15+, which is great! 

Price: 12.95

Repurchase: Always have one in my collection, so yes. 

6. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Deep 

Absolutely adore. Holy grail product. Can't live without it. Definitely recommend that you try this baby! 

Price: $47.00

Repurchase: Always have two in stock, just in case 

7. Biosource Cleanser 

One of the best cleansers for my skin that I have tried. Balances oil without drying, and leaves skin smooth. Use it every morning, or twice a day depending. 

Price: $29.00

Repurchase: Another one that I always have two in stock of! 

Hair and Body 

8. V05 Hot Oil Moisture Soak Elixir 

A wonderful once-a-week hot oil hair treatment. Keeps my hair hydrated and full of shine. 

Price: $6.99 with 5 in a pack. 

Repurchase: Yes. 

9. L'Oreal Elvive Total Repair Conditioner

I go through conditioner so much quicker than shampoo, and this is one of my favourites. Perfect for my hair and does everything I would ask of it. 

Price: $6.99

Repurchase: There are always about 4 in my cupboard.

10. Lush Sugar Scrub 

Love! A great natural exfoliator and it smells pretty yummy too. 

Price: $6.50

Repurchase: I like having 3 of these in the cupboard, I don't know why 3 is the magic number - but it works!

11. Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream

I suffer from horribly dry hands, especially in winter. This being so, I have a bit of a collection of hand creams. I really like this one though! It is specially formulated to last through hand washing, so is great for when I am busy. 

Price: $9.99

Repurchase: Yes

12. OP Therapy Summer Glow Sea Salt Scrub

This baby size product was in a Bella Box that I received and I absolutely love it. A great scrub, with a great smell. 

Price: Full size is $19

Repurchase: Already have. 

13. Wet Ones Sensitive Wipes 

Purse pack, great for everything

Price: $1.99

Repurchase: Yes. 

14. Lush Soft Coeur Massage Bar

Amazing smell, great for the skin. Chocolately goodness! 

Price: $10.50

Repurchase: Picked up a different massage bar to try. 

Make Up & Nails 

15 & 16. Blistex SPF 20 Lip Conditioner x 2

Great! Especially for winter. Very conditioning. Has high sun protection levels as well. 

Price: $5.49

Repurchase: Always have a few laying around. 

17. Sally Hansen Diamond Strength

A great nail treatment, strengthens and prevents peeling. I do like my Nail Tek Foundation more though. 

Price: $16.95

Repurchase: Not this time. 

18. Avon Super Shock Mascara 

One of my absolute favourite mascaras of all time! Here is a review I wrote.

Price: $9.50 from the US (Bought on eBay)

Repurchase: Always. 

19. Rimmel Extra Wow Lash Mascara

A great all round mascara, nothing too special though. 

Price: $12.95

Repurchase: I don't think that they sell this one anymore. 

20. Rimmel Extra Super Lash Mascara

This one, I love. The wand is amazing for getting great uplift to the lashes. 

Price: $12.95

Repurchase: In the future. 

Phew! I always feel great after writing an empties post. It is good to see that I actually get through a few products each month, it definitely feels very rewarding. 

Project 50 Pan Tally - 20 

20 down, only 30 to go! Wish me luck! 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

*Also, follow me on Instagram (sharleenabramley) to keep up to date with the #30daysoflippy challenge! 

On My Cheeks: MAC Blush in Ambering Rose

Hey all, 

A while ago I never used to play with blushes much. As soon as I started though, I couldn't stop. A blush can change your whole look, and of course, help to create a healthy and radiant complexion (who doesn't want that?!). No one can go past MAC blushes - they have such a large range, and Ambering Rose is one of the first ones that I picked up. 

I have replaced it a few times since then! 

Shade: Terracotta bronze with flecks of gold shimmer. 

Finish: Sheertone Shimmer 

What I Love

- A great shade that can work for all skin tones, it definitely looks gorgeous on darker skin though!

- Smooth and even finish. 

- Long lasting and fades evenly. 

- Highly pigmented. 

- Adds shimmer without being overpowering. 

Where to Buy: David Jones, Myer and Online

Price: $41.00 AUD 

Swatch

Blended

This is definitely one of my staples, and I especially enjoy bringing it out to play in the colder months. Although it may look slightly scary in the pan, it definitely blends well for a gorgeous finish! Good work MAC, good work. 

Have you tried Ambering Rose? What is your favourite MAC Blush at the moment?

Hope you all have a great night! xx

My Top 5 Tips for Clear Skin

Hey all,

As mortified as I am to admit it, I did neglect my skin a little bit for around a month. Life just got on top of me, and the health of my skin dropped to the bottom of my list. Needless to say, I was not impressed with the results! Neglecting your skin is not a good idea under any circumstance!

Here are a few little tips to keep your skin clear. These are just things that have been working for me, and although I can't guarantee that they will work for you as well - I do recommend that you give them a try! Regardless, they will make for a healthier version of yourself!

1. Remove ALL Make Up at the End of the Day

 I recommend that you use two different make up removers; one for your entire face and one specifically for your eyes. Keeping make up on for any extended period of time, especially throughout the night, can make all hell break out on your skin! I usually find that a blemish or two will pop up one or two days after I have been too lazy to take my make up off.


For something that only takes a couple of minutes to do, the breakout just isn't worth it! 


Personally I use Simple Makeup Remover Wipes and Swisspers Eye Makeup Remover. 

2. Clean Make Up Brushes Consistently & Thoroughly

Dirty make up brushes are a germ and bacteria breeding ground, and you definitely don't want to be mixing in an unhealthy dose of bacteria with your foundation in the morning!


I spot clean my brushes after every use and deep clean face brushes once every 1-2 weeks (foundation, powder, blush and bronzer brushes). I leave my eye brushes a little longer.


3. Treat Before You See

Everyone knows the dread you feel when you can tell you are about to get a pimple the same size as a small nation; well, that's the time to start acting. When it comes to blemishes, it is best to treat problems before they get the chance to show their fury!


Use a spot on treatment when you notice the first signs of a blemish. 

4. Eat Healthily

One phrase comes to mind - you are what you eat!


Your skin and body are going to be much healthier on a good diet. Don't forget to add lots of fruits and veggies, especially those with anti-oxidant and immunity boosting properties.


Why not try a smoothie?
My favourite smoothies ingredients are: beetroot, carrots, oranges, limes and lemons, cranberries and raspberries! 

5.Exercise! 
Although exercise can be something that we all dread at times, it is most definitely worth the effort. It gives you a great dose of happiness enduring endorphins as well. 

I hope that this post helped you all a little bit and that you enjoyed it!

Have a great night! xx

Benefit Erase Paste - Review + Swatches

Hey all,

I do love me a good salmon toned, full coverage concealer. I have been cursed with genetic dark under-eye circles, that nothing will budge (thanks mum!) - so covering them is the only way that I can stop looking like a zombie. 

I first tried out Benefit Erase Paste when I was 16 (they made it back then?!), in preparation for my semi-formal (or prom) and it has been a staple in my makeup collection since then. My shade is Deep. 

What I Love 
- Salmon toned to correct darkness (purple and green shades).

- Full coverage.

- Cream concealer that smoothes on easily. 

- Great staying power. 

- Adorable packaging

What I Don't

- Settles into creases and fine lines if not set. 

- Has to be blended thoroughly, as it is quite thick. 
- Have to use a foundation over the top as it is salmon toned. 


Shades Available: Light, Medium and Deep


Where to Buy: Myer


Price: $47.00

Swatches

Now, I didn't think that the world was ready to see my under eye circles...
So I swatched it over a vein instead!

Green Vein. 

No green-ness to be seen anywhere!

As you may be able to tell, it definitely has similarities to Bobbi Brown correctors. Which one is better? I'm sorry, but I couldn't tell you. I love each of these products for their own reasons. Erase Paste seems to work differently and can also be used to cover up other imperfections. Bobbi Brown correctors seem to last longer, but crease more.

Saying this, I definitely recommend that you give both a try to see what will work best for you!

Hope you all have a great night! 

L'Oréal Lumi Magique Foundation Review

Hey all, 

I'm a sucker for trying new foundations, and can rarely walk past them when I am shopping. I won't lie, I am continuously on the hunt for products that give me perfect, luminous skin; so this L'Oréal Lumi Magique Foundation definitely caught my eye. Apparently it is infused with Liquid Light Technology, whatever that means. 

Despite the doubts I had about the 'Liquid Light Technology', this foundation had both Lumi and Magique in its title...how could I go past that? I am definitely a marketers dream! 

I've been using this foundation or around 2 weeks now, and although I am not sure if it is 'magical', I do love it! 

What L'Oréal Says 

- Innovation: new Liquid Light Technology infuses skin with a ray of light, illuminating your complexion as if lit-from-within. The radiance of your skin seems recreated. Perfect coverage, without masking. 

Is it just me, or do foundation descriptions always sound like excerpts from romance novels?! 

My Shade: W6 Gold Camel 

What I Love 

- Medium buildable coverage. 

- Evens out skin tone and hides imperfections 

- Blends into skin seamlessly to create a second-skin look. 

- Boosts radiance levels. 

- Luminous finish. 

- Relatively long lasting, especially when set with powder. 

- Large range of shades available. 

- The packing is pretttttyyy! Haha. It also has a pump bottle, which is very handy! 

What I Don't 

- No SPF - although this isn't a problem for me as I wear a sunscreen over my moisturiser. 

- Glass bottle that is not floor friendly. 

- Not the cheapest drugstore foundation. 

Price: $33.95

Swatches 

Unblended 

Blended

On My Skin

I definitely love this foundation and L'Oréal is right, it does create a radiant complexion as if 'lit-from-within'. I have been picking it up almost every morning for my face routine and just feel as though it works perfectly for me! 

Now I really want to try the primer! 

Have you tried any of the L'Oréal Lumi Magique products? Are you going to? 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

Purple & Orange OOTD

Hey all, 

I haven't done an OOTD post in a little while and I figured that I should remedy yet! They are one of my favourite types of posts to both read and create; and I jumped at the first opportunity I had last week to take some pictures. 

It has been starting to get colder here in Brisbane, so all my clothing with sleeves has come out to play! I adore both purple and orange...so I just chucked them together for a lunch date with the girls - and I like the way it turned out! 

Enjoy! 

The Outfit 

Ally Dress/ Colette Belt/ Lovisa Necklace/ Wittner Shoes

Face

L'oreal Lumi Magique Foundation in Camel/ Australis HD Concealer/ MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in NC42/ MAC Blush in Pinch Me/ Wet n Wild Eyeshadow Trio in Walking on Eggshells/ Maybelline Kohl Express Eyeliner/ Essence Long Lasting Eyeliner in Khaki/ FOA Impact Curl Mascara 

Look at my little plants grow!! It's very exciting, haha! 

How are you changing your wardrobe as it gets colder? And what is your favourite colour for autumn/winter? 

Hope you enjoyed this post, and that you have a great night! xx

Sleek Blush in Pomegranate - Review + Swatches

Hey all, 

I am on a bit of a blush discovery mission at the moment and have found a plethora of new shades that I love; some expensive, some more affordable. This blush is definitely an affordable product that I cannot believe how much I adore. 

I only discovered Sleek blushes recently, and so far, I love every single one that I own. They are of amazing quality for the price; and you can be sure to find a shade to suit any skin tone! 

This review is for Pomegranate - one of my favourite shades to date! 

What I Love 

- Great range of shades. 

- Highly pigmented.

- Easy to apply and work with, blends well. 

- Long lasting and fades evenly. 

- Sleek, compact packaging. 

- Affordable. 

What I Don't

- Harder to find in Australia. 

- The packaging is hard to get open, and I have lost many a nail! Maybe this is just me though!

Where to Buy: Crush Cosmetics

Price: $12.95

Swatches 

Without Flash 

With Flash 

Pomegranate is one of my favourite shades out of my little collection, and is a gorgeous, bright pink that leaves a lovely flush on the skin when applied with a light hand. It looks scary in the pan, but trust me, it will purr like a kitten! 

Have you tried Sleek blushes? Which one is your favourite? 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

Models Prefer Highlighter in Glitz & Glamour

Hey all, 

Highlighter and I haven't always been the best of friends; I have oily/combination skin and always thought that it would make me look like an oil slick, and a lot of it does. But out relationship is quickly changing, and highlighter is fast becoming my new best friend. Who doesn't want to look radiant and glowing when they have only had 3 hours sleep? 

I picked up this Models Prefer powder highlighter from Priceline the other week. I have always been pleasantly surprised by Models Prefer, so I figured that I would give it a try. 

It turns out that is a gorgeous blend of four shades that work perfectly with my skin tone; I'm in love with the formula as well. 

What I Love

- Gorgeous blend of shades for my skin tone. 

- Smooth, creamy and not at all chalky on my skin. 

- Not too much shimmer. 

- Doesn't make me look like a deep fryer. 

- Long-lasting and wears off evenly (no blotchy shimmer here). 

- Very reasonably priced!

- Sleek, simple packaging. 

What I Don't Love 

- This is just a personal mope moment - but I always get a little sad when the shades all start mix together 

:( 

Where to Buy: Priceline 


Price: $9.99

Swatches 

Without Flash 

The frist swatch is all four shades mixed together, and the rest are clockwise around the quad. 

With Flash 

I've been using this product almost everyday now. It's a gorgeous shade and works very well with my combination shade. I am definitely cheating myself to a glowing, restored self with this one! 

Definitely another Model's Prefer Success! 

Do you have a favourite drugstore powder highlighter? 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

NYX Blush in Mauve - Review + Swatches

Hey all, 

I am a big blush girl, it is one of my favourite type of products to buy and try out; and I feel like a good blush can add a lil something to any look. This being the case, I have definitely tried out a lot of them and have developed a little bit of a collection. 

NYX blushes have always been a stand-out product for me, and I own most of them. Mauve is definitely one of my favourites though, and was the first blush I would pick up when doing my makeup for a long time. It is the perfect muted rosy-pink for me. 

What I Love 

- Highly pigmented. 

- Applies smoothly and doesn't have a chalky finish. 

- Blends well. 

- Wears off evenly. 

- Cheap! 

What I Don't 

- It may not work for all skin tones, swatch before you buy! 

- Harder to find in Australia, I bought mine from Crush Cosmetics. 

Where to Buy: Crush Cosmetics, Groove Stores, porkdaisy on eBay. 

Price: $11.15 on Crush Cosmetics. 

Swatches 

No Flash 

With Flash 

This is a great shade if you're looking for a muted pink that will add colour without standing out too much. 

I recommend all NYX blushes and even if this one isn't the right shade for you, check the others out! 

What is your favourite muted pink blush? 

Hope you all have a great night! xx