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

NYX Eyeshadow Trio in Tropical/Yellow/Lime Green

Hey all, 

Although I am absolutely in love with neutral, natural looking eyes, sometimes I just want to brighten things up a little! Recently this has been my go-to trio when I have wanted a little bit more colour in my routine. 

NYX has some wonderful trio's that are both of high quality and affordable. This trio contains the shades Tropical, Yellow and Lime Green -  and it definitely has a summery feel to it! 

Tropical, Yellow and Lime Green (sorry for the product fallout!)

What I Love 

- Highly pigmented - extremely vibrant shades. 

- Great combination of shades, a very well put together palette.

- Smooth and creamy. 

- Long lasting.

- Affordable. 

- Sleek, simple packaging. 

What I Don't 

- A lot of product fallout in the palette, as you could see in the picture above. 

- Harder to find in Australia. 

Where to Buy: Crush Cosmetics, Groove. 

Price: $16.99

Swatches

Without Flash

Lime Green, Yellow & Tropical.

With Flash 

Although this palette isn't very wintery, I have never been one to follow trends to the key and am still using this palette although it is getting a bit cooler. It's a great palette that you can get a variety of looks with. Personally I like using the Lime Green on the lids, Tropical in the crease and Yellow blended above the crease. 

Do you like brighter, more fun shades? Or do you prefer to stick to neutrals? 

Hope you all 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

Wet N Wild Eyeshadow Trio in Walking on Eggshells - Review + Swatches

Hey all, 

Most of us in the beauty world have probably heard about this wonderful little trio by Wet N Wild, which can only be described as the perfect combination of shades for a neutral eye. Whoever thought this one up was short of a genius! 

After hearing my favourite YouTube guru (emilynoel83) rave about this for a while, I jumped onto Crush Cosmetics and picked it up. I picked up some other Wet N Wild trio's at the same time, but this one was definitely the stand out amongst them! 

What I Love 

- Gorgeous combination of shades. 

- Very highly pigmented. 

- Great formula - goes on creamy, smoothly and doesn't flake or crease. 

- Easy to work with and blend.

- Handy packaging. 

- Great price! 

What I Don't 

- Harder to find in Australia. 

Where to Buy: Crush Cosmetics.

Price: $9.95

Swatches 

Without Flash 

With Flash 

This is definitely my go-to on days where I haven't thought about what to do with my eye make-up, and it  currently lives at the very front of my vanity. 

A mix of perfect neutral shades, a great formula and a very affordable price make this trio a must have in any make-up collection! 

Have you tried this trio, and what do you think? Any other Wet n Wild trio recommendations? 

Also, I am planning a tutorial post on the different ways to use this trio, so be on the lookout for that! 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

Essence Long Lasting Eye Pencil - Review + Swatches

Hey all, 

You have heard me rave about Essence products a couple of times now, and you are going to hear it a couple of times more. I seem to love every single Essence product that I try and cannot get enough of them; this eye pencil is not any different. 

I picked the black one up a few weeks ago and loved it so much that I headed back to expand my colour collection. I picked up Black Fever, I Have a Green, Think Khaki, Remember Amber, Go Wild and C'est La Vie!. 

For $2.95, I can afford every colour of the rainbow. 

My pretties! 

Black Fever, C'est La Vie!, Remember Amber, I Have A Green, Think Khaki & Go Wild

What Essence Says 

- Super soft and precise application. Long lasting. 

What I Love

- It really is long lasting; it won't budge or smudge during the day. 

- Goes on smoothly and doesn't tag at the skin. 

- Highly pigmented. 

- Automatic pencil, no need to sharpen. 

- Quite a wide colour choice.

- Cheap.

What I Don't 

- I have found that the pencil tends to break quite a bit - but maybe that is just me? 

- My local Target is always sold out! Fix it! 

Where to Buy: Target 

Price: $2.95

Swatches 

Without Flash 

From Left to Right: I Have A Green, Think Khaki, Remembering Amber, Go Wild, C'est La Vie! & Black Fever

With Flash 

These have become one of my favourite cheaper, long-lasting eye liners. I particularly love Black Fever, Think Khaki and Remember Amber.  Oh Essence, you have impressed me again! 

Have you tried these, or are you going to? Do you have a favourite liner under $5? 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

*Exciting update! I have purchased all the products for my giveaway and it should be up later tonight or tomorrow! 

Avon Glimmersticks Diamonds Eyeliner - Review + Swatches

Hey all, 

I bought these little beauties on recommendation from one of my favourite YouTube makeup guru's - gossmakeupartist. He's great, head over and check him out if you haven't already! I am a sucker for eyeliner's and ran off to purchase them after I saw them in one of his favourites post. 

They are long-lasting coloured eyeliners that are infused with shimmer particles. They come in a range of shades and I picked up: Emerald Glow, Sugar Plum, Twilight Sparkle, Sparkling Silver and Golden Diamond. I have been using them for about a month now, and absolutely adore them so far. They have the perfect balance between colour and shimmer, and I have found that they add a special something to most eye looks! 

What I Love 

- Highly pigmented - deep, rich colour, especially in the darker shades. 

- Great range of shades. 

- Bright, sparkling shimmer.

- Not too shimmery - can be used both day and night. 

- Long lasting and don't smudge easily.

- Go on smoothly and easily. 

- Automatic and self sharpening. 

- Cheap! 

What I Don't 

- The darker colours seem to be a lot more pigmented than the lighter ones. 

- They are hard to come by in Australia, you would have to hunt down a representative. You can get around this though by purchasing them on eBay from overseas. 

Where to Buy: Avon Representatives, eBay.

I purchased mine from tupperwarenavon2731 from the USA. 

Price: I bought them for $2.90 each, and combined postage came to $5.20.

Swatches 

Without Flash 

Emerald Glow, Twilight Sparkle, Sugar Plum, Sparkling Silver and Golden Diamond.

With Flash 

I definitely recommend these if you want a shimmer infused liner that isn't too overpowering. I have found that they brighten up and add depth to most looks. At $2.90 each, why not give them a try? 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

Australis Paparazzi Perfect HD Blush - Review + Swatches

Hey all, 

I never used to believe in drugstore blushes. I bought a Maybelline blush a while ago and it resembled faintly coloured...dust; so I never went back. Thankfully, I dived back into some other brands and drugstore blushes have most definitely come a long way! 

I most definitely believe in them now! 

The packaging and bright colour combinations of these Australis blushes were what initially attracted me to them, and I am glad that I tried these beauties out! 

I picked up all four shades: Flash It, Shoot to Thrill, Screen Siren & Poser 

How adorable (and paparazzi related) are the names? 

What Australis Says - Perfectly blended, multicoloured blush allows you to customise and create the exact shade you are desperate for! Formulated with light reflecting and balancing photo chromatic pigments so that you look just as hot in photos as you do in the mirror! The pore-invisible technology blurs pores, fine lines and other imperfections leaving a perfectly flawless and glowing finish. Enriched with jojoba and grape seed oil to lock in skin moisture. 

Screen Siren & Shoot to Thrill

Flash It & Poser 

What I Love 

- It definitely does photograph well!

- Gorgeous colours & highly pigmented! 

- Blends evenly and smoothly. 

- Long lasting colour. 

- Not drying and doesn't get flaky.

- Contains jojoba and grape seed oil. 

- Absolutely gorgeous packaging! 

- Very reasonably priced! 

Where to Buy: 

Price: $12.95

Swatches: Priceline, Big W, Target and Kmart

Flash It, Poser, Screen Siren & Shoot to Thrill

Australis' claims seem to be quite truthful, this blush really is wonderful and does photograph exceptionally well on the skin. I don't really have visible pores or fine lines on my cheeks so I can't say much about the claim that the blush blurs them. 

Definitely some of my most reached for blushes at the moment! 

Have you tried them? What do you think? 

What's your favourite drugstore blush at the moment? 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

Essence Gel Eyeliners Review + Swatches

Hey all,

Ahhh, this eyeliner!! 

I am definitely on an Essence product love-fest at the moment and here is another one that I adore! Their products are always amazing quality and are super cheap - I really don't have a single bad thing to say! This European brand definitely knows how to make makeup!

 I have been on a bit of a gel eyeliner kick recently and have heard so many great things about Essence Gel Liners, so I picked a couple up as soon as I came across them!

I picked up 01 Midnight in Paris (a true black) and 03 Berlin Rocks (deep plum purple).

What I Love
- So highly pigmented, they really have amazing colour payoff! 
- Go on smoothly, and are so easy to apply. 
- Waterproof.
- Long lasting - they will last through tears and sweat! 
- The packaging is great! They come in glass tubs, and are sleek and stylish. 
- Cheap, cheap, cheap!! 


What I Don't 
- As far as I know, you can only buy Essence at Target in Australia & they always seem to be sold out! 

Where to Buy: Target


Price: 

Swatches 


No Flash

With Flash

Look at how intense that black is!! 

Also, when I said these are incredibly long-lasting - I really meant it! I took a picture of the swatches on my hand after I tried to get them off with a makeup remover wipe!

It didn't budge! And I ended up scrubbing furiously! Eye make up remover is a must!

All up, I definitely adore these! They are my new favourite gel eyeliners and I will have to track down the other shade!

Do you like gel eyeliners? Which are your favourites?

Hope you all have a great night! xx

Essence Sun Club Eyeshadow Palette 02

Hey all,

I love a bargain as much as the next person, but sometimes it is hard to find quality at a lower price. Fair enough, you get what you pay for...right? Well, Essence has found a way to exceed my expectations; making products that have the same quality as more expensive alternatives. This eyeshadow palette is no exception!

I couldn't help but fall in love with it when I spotted it at Target whilst on holidays, and although I can't remember exactly how much I paid, I am sure it was under $10!!

There were two palette's, I bought 02 Bondi Beach Collection - Long Beach.

The Shades

Gorgeous summery bronzes and neutrals, a wonderful range and mix of shades. Some shimmery, matter and pearl shades. 

What I Love 

-The shades are highly pigmented, especially for the price. 

- Go on smoothly, blend well. 

- Creamy formula. 

- Minimal creasing, especially when used over a primer. 

- Long-lasting. 

- The price! Amazing value for money. 

What I Don't 

- There is a bit of fall out on the palette, but nothing too worrying! 

Swatches

No flash. 

With flash.

Where to Buy: Target

Price: Under $10

This is one of the loveliest drugstore summer palettes that I have seen so far! It has a gorgeous mix of shades that are all of exceptional quality. I would definitely recommend that you pick it up and give it a try. 

Have you tried many Essence products? What is your favourite? 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

E.L.F Studio Warm Bronzer Review + Swatches

Hey all, 

Now, I don't use bronzer that often. I'm quite dark already as is, and in general I just don't need that extra boost. But like all people, I have those days where I look in the mirror and think "Oh my! I look two steps away from death" - today was one of those days. I am currently ill and being the overachiever that I am, I can't stop at home and rest (how will things get done I say?!). But I refuse to step outside looking like a zombie/frankenstein hybrid either. 

The solution? Bronzer! I am currently adoring this elf bronzer and it is the first one I reach for on days when I want an extra little pick me up in my routine. It has four different shades that can either be used individually or blended together for the perfect and natural finish. 

What I Love 

- Great colour combination for my complexion (NC42). 

- Gives a nice, sun kissed finish. 

- Not too much shimmer.

- Not chalky, so it would also suit those with drier skin. 

- Individual colours can be used to contour and highlight. 

- The four individual shades can also be used as eyeshadows. 

- Cute, sleek packaging. 

- Great price!! 

What I Don't 

- Harder to source in Australia. 

Where to Buy: Crush Cosmetics 

Price: $9.99

Swatches

This is really my idea of the perfect bronzer! I am usually quite picky and haven't found one that I love this much for a long time. It is versatile, gives a great finish and just works so well for me. I definitely recommend that you give it a try - I am sure that you will adore it as much as I do!! 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

Models Prefer Mattifying Primer

Hey all,

Although I do sometimes find myself being a bit lazy when putting make up on in the morning, I never miss primer. The truth is that I am a bit primer obsessed! Personally, I really do feel as though primer makes a big difference to the way make up feels, looks and wears on my skin, and I can’t get enough! 

I have been enjoying Models Prefer products ever since I first spotted them, and this primer was another delightful addition to my growing collection! I would recommend this primer for those of you with normal - combination/oily skin. 

What I Love

- The feel/texture of the product! It is wonderfully silky!

- Goes on smoothly and aids in the smooth application of foundation. 

- Reduces the appearance of pores

- Reduces shine & controls oil (mattifying). 

- Extends foundation wear.

- Does not cause me to break out. 

What I Am Not So Crazy About

- The bottle is quite small, for primer. 

- It does contain silicone, so be wary of this if your skin is sensitive to silicone containing products. 

Where to Buy: Priceline

Price: $12.99

For those of you who have skin that reacts to some primer ingredients, here is the ingredient list! 

Ingredients: Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isododecane, Dimethicome Crosspolymer, Polysilicone-11

If you’re into primer’s, I definitely recommend that you give this one a try! I have been using it every single time I put make up one and am still adoring it. 

Hope you all have a great day! xx

Lush - Mint Julips Lip Scrub

Hey all,

If you're anything like me, dry and cracked lips may just be the bane of your existence. 

If your lips are dry and chapped, lipstick won't go on smoothly, won't last as long and will settle into the cracks, making your lips seems as though they've come straight out of the rocky horror picture show. 

Although this is usually a winter problem, I battle dry lips year round (lucky me), and have been looking for a 'cure' for as long as I can remember. 

I spotted this Lush lip scrub at the checkout (yes, I am a marketers dream) at my last visit, and thought - why not? 

Aren't I glad that I gave it a try.

What I Love 

- Leaves lips smooth and soft. 

- All natural ingredients 

- Smells divine (the Mint Julips smells like peppermint and chocolate)

- Cheap

- Edible! 

- Portable - great to keep in your bag for on the go! 

How to Use

- Gently rub a little of the sugar lib scrub into your lips and then either lick off or wipe clean with a tissue. 

- I usually follow with my favourite lip balm. 

There is no 'What I Am Not So Crazy About' section in this review, because there is honestly nothing that I don't like about this product! I only wish that I had found it sooner. 

Price: $9.95

Where to Buy: Lush 

It is definitely one of my new holy grail products, and I recommend that you pick it up and give it a try. It's just another reason to love Lush even more.

Hope you all have a great day! xx

Australis Intensifeye Liquid Eyeliner Review

Hey all, 

I'm a big fan of liquid eyeliner's, I just love the way that they look - defined, sexy and somewhat feline. Although I have my favourites (I will do a post soon), I am always on the look out for new products to try and can barely walk past a liquid eyeliner in Priceline without picking it up! 

I have been trying quite a few Australis products lately, and in general I have been loving them. The quality is amazing for the price! When I saw their liquid liner, I just had to pick it up and give it a try. After all, the bright pink and black packaging was calling to me! 

What I Love 

- Pigmented, darker than dark black.

- Brush is easy to work with - you can draw thin or thicker lines/it's also easy to wing eyeliner out with! 

- Flexible applicator. 

- Doesn't run and is quick drying. 

- Cheap!

- The packaging is stylish and super cute!

- Doesn't have a chemical smell. 

- Doesn't irritate my eyes, which is always a plus! 

What I Am Not So Crazy About 

- Not that long lasting - it does rub off, which is a pity. 

Where to Buy: Priceline, Big W, Kmart & Target. 

Price: $12.95

Swatch

Shiny and black! 

Although it isn't the most long lasting of liquid eyeliner's that I have tried, I absolutely adore the depth and shade of the black and have continued to use this eyeliner quite frequently. If you don't mind retouching eyeliner, don't rub your eyes, or don't have particularly oily eyelid's - I do recommend that you give it a try! It's absolutely perfect for creating dark, winged cat eyes!

Hope you all have a great day! xx

Avon Super Shock Mascara Review

Hey all, 

The hunt for the perfect mascara continues...or does it?! 

We all know just how difficult it is to get everything that we want from a mascara; maybe we are asking for too much? And although I will forever continue to hunt for that perfect mascara, the one that makes false lashes obsolete (a girl can wish!), Avon Super Shock mascara is giving me everything that I want right now - and I am loving it! 

I have never been much of a fan of Avon products, and only tried this out because a friend left one at my house and I thought "Why the hell not?!". I am so very glad I did!

I have used it every day since, and am sure I will continue to do so for a very long time. 

Type of brush: Flexible rubber bristles. 

What I Love

- Improves length and thickness a great deal

- Separates lashes like no other mascara I've used before

- Holds the curl 

- Doesn't smudge or melt off (even in Brisbane heat!)

- Such a bargain! 

What I Am Not So Crazy About 

- Hard to find, I ended up purchasing it on eBay

- End of the brush can get a bit goopy - so you have to remember to wipe it off. 

Where to Buy: From Avon Representatives or alternatively I bought mine on eBay 

Price: I can't remember how much it was exactly, but it was under $10 (on eBay). 

This has become one of my ALL time faves, and I definitely recommend that you give it a try! I doubt that you will be disappointed!! 

p.s - The nail polish I am wearing is China Glaze Atlantis 

Hope you all have a great day! xx

Australis Eyeshadow Primer Review

Hey all, 

Until recently I hadn't tried much of the Australis range, I have always found myself staying away from cheaper brands (I have a phobia of bad quality, but who doesn't?!). But over the past couple of month's, I have been trying more and more Australis products...and I must say that I am beyond impressed! Genuinely good products that don't break the bank? I am definitely in! 

Their eyeshadow primer is definitely one of my favourites and it has ever overtaken Primer Potion and Shadow Insurance on my list! It is the first primer that I reach for when I am doing my make up and I definitely recommend that you give it a try! 

What I Love

- Glides on effortlessly and doesn't leave any residue

- Easy to apply with wand

- Smoothes

- Prevents shadow from creasing

- Long lasting effects (I have found that my shadow really does last all day!)

- Cheap *bargain dance* 

What I Am Not So Crazy About

- It always seems to be sold out at my local Priceline (I know that this is because it is a great product, but a girl does get frustrated when she is in need of primer!)

- I run out of this product quite quickly

- Large amount of unnecessary packaging 

Where to Buy: Priceline, Big W, Kmart and Target

Price: $12.95

I am in love with this product, and I definitely recommend that you give it a try! At 12.95, what do you have to lose? 

Hope you all have a great day! xx

p. s - It is GREAT to be back!!! 

The cat was 'helping' mummy. Ahh... it's love!! 

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