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

Seven Little Things (Versatile Blogger Award)

Hey all,

Sorry this post is up so late at night, I have been having technology issues; and those of you who follow me on Twitter would have read that I was about to throw my laptop out the window! I still can't seem to comment, or reply to comments - which is driving me insane! I will get back to you all as soon as I work this all out though! 

I was nominated for a Versatile Blogger Award by the lovely as ever Tegan from Tegania's Thoughts - thank you so much!!

So, here are seven little things about me! 

1. I love to read - it is honestly one of my favourite things in the world! I can get lost in a book for hours and hours! 

2. I probably talk about my cat a little too much! - I can't help it, I adore her. A lot of my friends say that I am a couple of traumatic experiences away from being a crazy cat lady. 

3. I have epilepsy - it's a part of me, and I am completely okay with it. I don't believe that it defines me as a person or holds me back. I just have to stay away from strobe lights, haha. 

4. I really do live for food - I spend a whole lot of my waking time eating, and if I'm not eating I am talking about what I am going to eat later, or food in general (when I am not talking about my cat, hehe).


5. I will always fight for what I believe in - be it Gay Rights, equality or equal pay, I will not stop fighting until I see positive change. I am a social worker after all.


6. My favourite colour is purple.


7. I am a big people person! I enjoy talking to people, being near people and learning about people! So always feel free to chat to me on twitter or send me some comments and emails!


The whole point of the Versatile blogger award is to lead others into some new, and quite frankly amazing blogs that they may have never heard of before!

Rules
- Thank the person that nominated you with a link back.
- Tell 7 things about yourself.
- Pass this on to 10 newly discovered blogs & let them know that they received the award.

I Nominate - I Had to Nominate 11 :D 
The Dollymix Diaries
Beauty With The Beautifool
This Is Ess
Give Me Bows
Makeup and Macaroons
Same Cookies Different
Beauty Soiree
The Ugly Moments
Fashion Spot
Savvy Spice
Glam Polish 

I hope that you enjoyed this post and learnt a thing or two about me! If you end up writing 7 things about yourself, link it below as I would love to read them all!

Have a great night/early hours of the morning! xx

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector - BB Cream Review

Hey all, 

Now, I have been hearing bloggers rave about BB creams on overseas blogs for a while now - and my have I been interested. No matter what age we are, we all want radiant, even toned and, flawless and perfect skin. BB cream is supposed to do exactly that, a bit like a miracle in a jar! It would be like having one product that meets all your skin's needs in a matter of minutes!! 

Interested? Well, those are the claims Garnier are making for their new Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream.  Of course I definitely had to try it out! 

Garnier's Claims 

- Fulfils all of your skin's needs: hydration, comfort, UV protection, corrects signs of fatigue, fixed dullness, corrects imperfections and sun spots. 

- Combines all your beauty steps into one single application. 

- 24hr hydration

- Evens complexion 

- Boosts healthy glow

What I Love

- Super hydrating

- Leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth 

- Slight tint does even skin tone and brighten your complexion

- Makes skin look healthier 

What I Am Not So Crazy About 

- Very light coverage, doesn't cover all imperfections (it does help though!)

- I have combination-oily skin and I did start looking shiny after a couple of hours. 

- Not available for those with darker skin tones 

Price: $14 (If I remember correctly)

Where to Buy: Priceline, Supermarkets and Selected Pharmacies 

Swatch

Ignore the lipstick swatches people! It's my job

I'll come right out and say it, it definitely does not live up to all of Garnier's claims. Saying that though, it is a pretty good product and I must say that I am quite impressed. As far as tinted moisturiser's go, it does an amazing job. It evens out the skin tone, brightens up the entire complexion and does leave you looking more radiant. It also does cover the appearance of small imperfections and blemishes. 

I'm the kind of girl who generally enjoys foundations with more coverage (who doesn't enjoy looking perfect?), but I have been using the Miracle Skin Perfector at times where I do not feel as though I need as much coverage - for example, to the gym, grocery shopping, or taking the babies to the vet. 

I do recommend that you check it out and see how it works for you! If you have perfect skin, it may be all you need & if not, it's a great tinted moisturiser!

Hope you all have a great day! xx

My Skin's Lifesavers: October

Hey all,

This month, out of absolutely nowhere, my skin decided that it hated me and caused all sorts of trouble. I've generally had great skin my entire life, so it came at a bit of a shock and left me extremely frustrated and annoyed. Thankfully it has now settled down, leaving me with the opportunity to see the bright side of all this trouble! 

I tried out a lot (and I mean a lot!) of skin care items while hunting for something to get my skin back under control, and have found some goodies that I absolutely adore! (And others that I don't, but there is no need to mention those!). 

So, I thought I would blog about what my skin is soaking up this month!

My Skin's Lifesavers this October  

Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit - Price: 

I have never really been much of a fan of Neutrogena, but I was in Priceline on a bad skin day and was starting to get desperate! I can't use Clean n Clear or Clearasil because my skin just can't handle them, and because of that I am always a bit wary of things that are anti-blemishes etc. I saw this cleanser right at the top of the Neutrogena display, and thought why not? It was only $14 it wasn't going to kill me to try it! I am so glad that I did!

 I started noticing a difference in my skin quite quickly, and after 3 days my skin was visibly clearer, softer and smoother. It didn't dry out my skin too much when used with a good moisturiser, and I didn't develop any irritation - which is great! It also smells great! I am going to definitely keep using this cleanser for a while. 

Yes to Carrots Gentle Exfoliator - Price: 

Yay for natural products that work! As most of you who prefer things natural would know, sometimes, plants just can't cut it - this works a treat though! 

Yes to Tomatoes Daily Balancing Moisturiser - Price:
Keeps the oil at bay, and helps get rid of those pesky blemishes!


Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2in1 Fight & Fade Gel - Price: $13.99
Zaps blemishes at their source! Clearer skin in 8 hrs (really!) 


Simplicite Exfoliating Face Treatment - Price: $41.40

I have been using this as a 'rub-off' mask 1-3 times a week, and I really see an improvement in my skin after using it. My skin appears brighter and feels smoother. You can buy Simplicite online, or at Myer.


Hope you all have a great day! xx

Almay Get Up & Grow Mascara Review

Hey all,

I am mascara crazy, a mascara fiend possibly! Who doesn't want gorgeous, long, thick and perfect lashes to frame their eyes? Of course we all do! Saying that, I am always on the hunt for the perfect mascara (which I am yet to find) and generally buy new mascara products as soon as they come out. 

I picked up the Almay Get Up & Grow mascara in blackest black pretty soon after it came out in Australia, and have been using it on pretty much a daily basis since then.

I am loving it! I really do think it lives up to most of Almay's claims, and have found that it makes my eyelashes look not just longer and thicker, but also healthier!

What Almay Claims
- Visibly longer, stronger lashes
- Anti-breakage pro-vitamin formula to defend lashes against damage 
- Unique brush shape contours to reach every lash
- Clump free 
- It is also hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist tested & suitable for contact lens wearers 


What I Love
- Lashes do look stronger, longer and healthier
- I have found that I have had less lash fall out recently 
- Doesn't run or smudge 
- Doesn't clump 
- It also held up on a rainy day pretty damn well for a non-waterproof mascara! 

The brush is amazing! Lately I have been a fan of rubber eyeshadow brushes out there, but this one is just your regular old fashioned style of brush that does an amazing job! The brush tapers in the middle, which helps it reach all the lashes and give them a great lift! Just make sure that you wipe the excess mascara off the brush, as the end of the brush can get a little clumpy. 

I will definitely be purchasing this mascara again when I run out, it exceeded all my expectations!!

Price: Around $19.95 (I've misplaced my receipt) 

Where to Buy: Priceline

Hope you all have a great day! xx

eBay Accessories Haul - 11/10/11

Hey all,

Now I am a big sucker for eBay! Who wouldn't be? You can find everything and anything you would ever want or need, usually at much lower prices than anywhere else! I definitely make a hell of a lot of eBay purchases each month, usually consisting of bags, makeup, shoes and clothes, with the odd random purchase (iphone cases, adorable duck post its etc) thrown in here and there. 

Lately I have jumped on the accessories bandwagon and absolutely can't get enough! Especially when the items feature turquoise or are just plain adorable. Because of this new obsession I have realised that accessories on eBay (new and preloved) are ridiculously cheap, and I bought all of the items underneath for under $20 all up!

Bargaaaaaiiiiiiiin! Yay!  

They are all really good quality, arrived quickly & look fabulous on! 

Definitely will be buying more very, very soon....I can't help myself. 

Hope you all have a great day! xx

Maybelline Fit Me Review

Hey all, 

Firstly I need to express that I absolutely love the idea that Maybelline has with its new Fit Me system, and I have been excited to try it since it first came out. For those of you who don't know, the Maybelline Fit Me system works in an unique way. The whole point of it is that you find your match, or your 'fit me' number, and then that number transfers between foundation, concealer, powder, blush and bronzer. The idea of it is that you only need to know your one 'magic' number, and you're all set! 

I spent a lot of time thinking about how I would tackle this review, keeping it together, but talking about each individual product in detail. So I thought that I would split the review into three parts: foundation, concealer & powder, and then talk about how all the products work together. 

Gosh! I am getting a little technical, but that's just because the idea behind this product really does excite me! 

My Maybelline Fit Me number is 310 and I am a NC40/42. Just so you know, the 320 was a little too dark and the 310 was a little light, but it's always easier to darken a foundation!

Sorry about the lighting and shadows guys! Took the picture at night. 

Foundation 

- Light-medium coverage - the coverage is buildable, but I would recommend this foundation to those who have good skin to begin with
- To me, I think that this foundation has more of the consistency, feel and look of a tinted moisturiser 

- Blends seamlessly, very easy to work with 

- Wide range of colours to suit a range of skin tones 

Concealer 

- Decent coverage - won't get rid of those pesky dark under-eye circles though!
- Doesn't cake or crease 

Powder 

- Natural looking - doesn't leave the skin with too much of a 'powdery' finish
- Sets make up well and is long lasting
- Gets rid of all that pesky shine! 


The Verdict Marked Beauty Style 

Okay, so as individual products they aren't anything absolutely mind blowing! Although they do feel natural, and do live up to most of Maybelline's claims, there are much more amazing products out there (Cue Lancome Teint Miracle, Laura Mercier Powder, Bobbi Brown Concealers)! But saying that, they are pretty damn good for drugstore products, and cheaper ones at that.

I think that they work best when they are all used together, and I have been finding myself using the Fit Me range on days that I don't need or want too much coverage (to uni, running errands etc).

The packaging is also sleek & super cute!

And of course, massive brownie points for creating this amazing number system! I wish all the brands out there did it, how easy life would be!

Hope you all have a great day! xx

The New Camera Has Arrived!

Hey all, 

My new purple camera, or new baby Sony as I like to call it, has finally arrived! Yay to parcels! I've been playing with it for a couple of hours now, oh it is love! It does also help that it is purple (my favourite colour for future reference). 

Anyway, I must say that 16 megapixels seem earth shattering after my old 10mp camera, may it rest in peace.

Expect clear cut pictures soon my pretties!

Hope you all have a great day! xx

Lancome Teint Miracle Foundation Review

Hey all, 

It's an awful gloomy day here in the usually sunny Brisbane, so I thought that I would do some reviewing! I am on the hunt for absolutely perfect skin (aren't we all?) and have been trying a lot of foundations lately. I seem to be reaching for my Lancome Teint Miracle bottle almost all the time, and I am absolutely loving it. 

It is a relatively new foundation by Lancome, and was launched after 10 years of in-depth research. Lancome calls it a 'natural light creator - bare skin perfection', and I must say that they are not lying; this foundation is short of amazing! It contains 40% water, and particles not found in any other foundations on the market. Scientifically, it is pretty damn cool, but enough about that. 

What I Love 

- It is good for your skin: It is water based, oil free, non-comedogenic and dermatologically tested. It also has rose extract which soothes the skin! 

- SPF 15

- It blends seamlessly into the skin.

- Medium-full coverage. 

- Looks natural; it has a gorgeous finish - not too shiny, but not matte. 

- Makes the skin look radiant. All I can say is that the patented ingredients Lancome is talking about really work! 

- A little also goes a long way, which means it will last longer than some other foundations as well.

- It has a subtle floral fragrance and smells absolutely divine. 

- The packaging is elegant and classy, and looks wonderful sitting on top of the dresser. 

I'm leaving out the cons section, as there is honestly nothing I do not love about this foundation! 

Prices

Australia: $68 from Myer or David Jones 

US: $37 

This is definitely my new HG foundation, and I adore it to say the least. I am certain I will repurchase it for years to come! 

For reference: I am a NC40/42 and my Teint Miracle shade is 04.

Hope you all have a great day! xx

Covergirl Outlast Lipstain Review

Hey all,

It seems that lipstain's are currently all the rave, and I can see why. It is a great concept, colour and staying power that can be drawn on like a pencil - how convenient! In general, I am a fan of lipstain's and have tried a few from various brands - some good, and others, not so much. 

I'd been wanting to try out Covergirl's outlast lipstain for a while and picked one up from my local priceline (drugstore). I'd heard a couple of bad reviews and some good ones as well, so I was interested to see what I would think. My final verdict is that I do quite like them, and think they are a nifty little product. I know have three and plan to buy more soon! 

Reason Why I Like It

- Good range of colours.

- Colours are vivid (especially for a lipstain).

- Super easy to apply to your lips.

- Easy to store both at home & on the go. 

- Great staying power.

- I've had them for just over a month and they haven't dried out

- They have a nice smell. 

Things I'm Not So Crazy About 

- They do dry my lips out a little.

- The colours on the packaging can be deceiving (colours that seem light, turn out darker etc).

I generally put a layer of gloss over the top, which gives the lips a lovely shine & makes the colours pop a  little but more. 

Overall, I think that they are great for a lipstain! They aren't too expensive, can be found in most stores and there is a colour to suit everyone. But best of all, they do what they promise to do! 

I have 3 shades: 415 - Teasing Blush, 420 - Sassy Mauve & 435 - Flirty Nude. 

Swatches 

Without Flash

415, 420, 435

With Flash

415, 420, 435

Hope you all have a great day! xx