Gorgeous Cosmetics Perfect Palette

Hi all, 

Gorgeous Cosmetics is a brand that I discovered recently and have been trying to explore a little more. I'm the kind of person that likes to get to know a brand by trying a range of their products, in a short period of time (usually); this especially holds true when it is a brand that I am impressed with! I'll try not to overload you all though! 

I swatched a few Gorgeous Cosmetics eyeshadow and blush shades whilst in store, but couldn't decide on what shades to take home - a common predicament for beauty bloggers I"m sure! So, I just picked up this pre-made palette instead. Sometimes I make good choices, this palette is a winner! 

The Shades 

Top Row: Buttercup, Golden Kiss, Gem & Fudge

Bottom Row: Nude, Peach Glow, Marshmellow & Cheeky

The top row are eyeshadows, and the bottom are blushes/highlighters. 

What I Love 

- The palette is very well put together, and gives you a good taste of the brand. 

- Both the eyeshadow's and blushes are of great quality!

- Very pigmented, creamy and easily blendable.

- Long-lasting, even without a primer. 

- I haven't seen any eyeshadow creasing with a primer.  

- You get a large amount of product in each pan. 

- I love the sleek packaging, I am a giant sucker for some good packaging! 

What I Don't 

- It's a little on the pricey side! Even more so if you buy the shadows individually. 

- I believe this palette was limited edition, although most of the shades are still available. 

Where to Buy: Gorgeous Cosmetics stores & online. 

Price: $89.00 

Swatches

Without Flash

Buttercup, Golden Kiss, Gem, Fudge

Nude, Peach Glow, Marshmellow, Cheeky

With Flash 

It's pricey, yes, but it is also quite wonderful! I think that the depth of the neutral shades is great and have my eyes on their Everyday Palette. I can't help that I'm drawn to the 'boring'! If this palette doesn't tickle your fancy and you aren't ready to fess up the cash for it, I suggest trying a single shadow! They are quite lovely. 

On another note, I have an exciting idea to run by all of you! But, I think that I will give it a post of its very own! 

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

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

On My Lips: YSL Rouge Volupte in #17 Red Muse

Hey all,

Sorry for the lower frequency of blog posts over the last week or so, I have been busy with university assignments, work changes and just caught up in general life! That being said, I should be back to posting every day (except weekends) again! 

You all know just how much I adore red lipstick, and this is yet another one that I think is absolutely divine! I picked this one up a couple of months ago and have used it SO much since. Perfect formula and perfect colour, it is definitely a new favourite. 

Formula 

YSL Rouge Volupte's have such a gorgeous formula, and are therefore one of my favourite lipsticks out there. They are creamy, moisturising and definitely pack a punch when it comes to pigment!

Shade

Bright medium orange red. If that makes any sense at all! I believe that it is definitely universally flattering.

What I Love 

- Glides on like pure silk and is velvety and moisturising.

- Highly pigmented.

- Doesn't smudge - even though it is creamy. 

- Gorgeous, gorgeous packaging. 

What I Don't

- Not very long lasting; but for such a velvety lipstick, you can let it slide.

Where to Buy: Myer & David Jones

Price: $55.00

Swatch 

On My Lips

Sure, this lipstick may be a little on the pricey side. But, you definitely do get what you pay for. The quality is impeccable, so why not treat yourself? 

Have you tried YSL Rouge Volupte? Thoughts and favourite shade? 

Hope you all 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! 

On My Lips: MAC Reel Sexy - Heroine and Watch Me Simmer

Hey all, 

As I'm sure a lot of you were, I was super excited for the MAC Reel Sexy collection to hit Australia shores. Since we get everything a little bit later than the US, it always gives me time to look at swatches and reviews...and fall in love with everything! 

All of the lipsticks in the Reel Sexy collection looked divine, so the day that they were released here I ran out and picked up the two I thought would work best with my skin tone - Heroine and Watch Me Simmer.

Heroine & Watch Me Simmer

The Shades

- Heroine - a gorgeous magenta purple that is almost completely matte, it just has a hint of shine to it. 

- Watch Me Simmer - a bright coral with a hint of pink. 

What I Love 

- Highly pigmented and creamy, like most MAC shades.

- Such gorgeous shades. 

- Wear around 4-5 hours on me. 

- Fade evenly. 

Where to Buy: Online, Myer, David Jones

Price: $36.00

Swatches

Without Flash 

With Flash 

On My Lips 

In Natural Light

Heroine

Watch Me Simmer

I think that these colours are absolutely stunning; so glad that I grabbed them. I'm also starting to think that I will go back and get Reel Sexy as well, I didn't think I wanted it at first - but it has grown on me! 

What are your favourite items/shades from the Reel Sexy collection? 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

Laura Mercier Translucent Pressed Setting Powder Review

Hey all, 

Now I don't know about you, but I have always been speculative about translucent powders. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea! But I just can't see how one powder can blend seamlessly into all skin tones, especially darker ones like mine (NC42). And in general, my fears have been met; with most translucent powders making me look ashy and ghost-like. 

Recently though, a friend convinced me to try Laura Mercier's Translucent Setting Powder - promising that I would not be less than impressed. Although she uses the loose powder, I picked up the pressed one as loose powders are all too messy for me, I'm a definite neat freak!

I must say that she wasn't deluded as I first thought, I really do like this product.

What I Love

- It's pretty much invisible on my skin

- Doesn't leave you looking ashy

- Sets make up and removes oiliness 

- Gorgeous, compact packaging

What I Am Not So Crazy About

- Is a bit pricy

- Harder to find in Australia

- The applicator sponge it comes with is absolutely useless! I would recommend applying this product with a brush, so you can really blend it in. 

Where to Buy: I bought mine on the Adore Beauty online store. 

Price: $65

Swatches

Before blending.

After blending, as you can see - it vanishes! 

Overall, I like it. I don't LOVE it, but I am quite attached to my MAC Mineralize Skin Finish at the moment. I do find myself picking up this product quite a bit in the morning of late. It wears well, and has lasting effects. I wouldn't recommend saving for it, but if you have the spare cash laying around - give it a try! 

Hope you all have a great day! xx

Lust Have It! - November Box

Hey all, 

I'm defying doctors orders...and blogging! I am just not one to sit still - there are things to do, people and places to see! But thankfully, I am feeling a lot better and I am grateful for all of your kind words and thoughts! I probably won't be blogging as frequently as usual in the coming weeks, but I am back! 

On to the review!

My November lust have it! box arrived about a week ago, and what can I say? Another box, another disappointment. I had such high hopes for lust have it!, but they just don't seem to be living up to my expectations. The products this month are similar to what was in the box last month - and they just aren't exciting me! They are nice products, just nothing that I have been dying to try and I don't think the products are much suited to me. 

I will give them another month to see if the boxes improve. Following the time-tested system of 'Three strikes and you're out". 

What Was in the Box 

RoC Complete Lift Daily Moisturiser - $59 (50ml)

Nude by Nature Lip Liner in Chique - $14.95

Lancome Tresor Midnight Rose Fragrance - $79.00 (30ml)

Hawley International Miracle Shine 2 Step Nail Shiner - $6.95

Kerastase Nectar Thermique Leave In - $39.50 (150ml)

On the beauty box front, my BellaBox for this month has been shipped and I am super excited for its arrival. I have also heard great things about I Love This Box, so I might think about looking into subscribing if Lust Have It doesn't work out. 

I am indeed obsessed! 

Hope you all have a great day! xx

p.s - My blog has gone dynamic! I'm loving the new pink layout, but I would love to hear what you all think! 

October Favourites!

Hey all,

It's my favourite time of the month, favourites time! I feel like its come around so quickly this month and I can't believe that the year is nearly over! I know this is a couple of days late, sorry guys! I have been so busy with work, uni AND jury duty! 

 I would like to take a moment to thank you all for being so kind & supportive of my blog, it has meant so much to me and has given me the inspiration and strength to continue. Lots of love, I mean lots! 

Anyway, favourites time! (before I start getting all teary!) 

What I Have Been in Love With

MAC Lady Danger
Definitely my go to red! It's a gorgeous blend between red and orange that I think suits every skin tone! Very glam! 


NYX Round Lipstick in B52
Pretty mauve-pink, my favourite casual lipstick this month! 


Australis Eyeshadow Primer (review coming!)
My current favourite eyeshadow primer! I use it everyday, and it really does keep shadow's vibrant and long lasting! 


e.l.f Shimmering Facial Whip in Golden Peach
My go-to highlight this month! Gorgeous summer shade, and it has the perfect amount of shimmer to really brighten up your face! 


NYX Single Eyeshadow in Gunmetal 
My current fave grey for smokey eye looks! Have used this shadow so often for my night time looks this month! Highly pigmented, long lasting, and such a pretty, pretty colour! 


MAC Woodwinked
Everyone loved Woodwinked! I have been picking it up so frequently this month for my daytime looks! 


NYX Mauve Blush
I do love my NYX blushes, and this shade is perfect for me. It's sublte, and gives just the right amount of colour! 


MAC Pinch Me
One of my favourite blushes of all time! Gorgeous pink, and perfect for darker skin tones (like myself!)

These are by far my most reached for items this month, and at time I even felt like I was getting into a bit of a make up rut! I also just noticed there is a lot of NYX and MAC in there - didn't mean that to happen at all! It is probably just because I have been purchasing quite a bit from both brands of recent.  Hope you enjoyed this post & I would love to see all your favourites, just post a comment with the link below!


Hope you all have a great day & thank you all so much! xx

MAC Lady Danger - Review

Hey all,

This is definitely one of my favourite MAC lippie shades, and also my go to red lipstick for this summer! I'm a massive fan of red lipstick and have an extensive collection from various brands, but in the past few weeks every time I want a red lip, this is the one I reach for. I find that it brightens up any of my spring/summer looks!

It's a gorgeous, playful and wearable orange red, that I feel compliments any complexion. It's playful without being too overpowering. As most MAC lippies, the quality is great! It goes on smoothly, looks smooth and bright, doesn't smudge and lasts till the cows come home!

This summer is all about colour, so give it a try! Remember: a little danger is good for you!

Where to Buy: Myer and David Jones 

Price: $36.00

First pictures of myself I've put up! Eeek! 

Hope you all have a great day! xx

MAC Fall Colour Eyeshadow: Shock-A-Holic

Hey all, 

A couple of days ago I headed out to my local MAC counter at Myer with the aim to purchase Woodwinked (finally), and came across the new Fall Colour collection! All the colours within the entire collection are absolutely gorgeous, vibrant and unique. Of course, I couldn't help myself and left the store with the new Shock-A-Holic shade (as well as Woodwinked of course!). 

Isn't it such a pretty purple?!

About the Shade - Vibrant grape purple - Slight shimmer - Pink shimmer particles (absolutely gorgeous!)- Satin finish 

What I Love 

- Anyone who knows me quite well is aware that in general I adore MAC eyeshadows! 

- Long lasting 

- Crease free

- Beautiful vivid colours!

What I Am Not So Crazy About

- MAC eyeshadow's are quite pricey, especially here in Australia! At $33 AUD each, sometimes they can be hard to justify purchasing. 

- New and limited edition shades often sell out quickly in store


Swatches


Without Flash 

With Flash 

It looks great with a dark brown colour in the crease for an everyday look, or a green, or even a blue for a more adventurous look. 

I am definitely going to pick up more of the collection soon. I am loving the vibrant fall colours out recently, greatly suited for the Australian spring I think! And for those of us who are a little more on the adventurous side.

Hope you all have a great day! xx

Beauty Box Australia - I Can't Believe It!

Hey all, 

I know I just did a quick post, but here is another one - ta-dah!

Short story: I nearly had a heart attack! I cannot believe that I just did a blog post about new beauty box subscription services coming to Australia and had no idea that Beauty Box was already in Australia!! I was informed of this astonishing (but exciting) fact while searching through twitter. 

It only took me about 10 seconds to sign up! A review will definitely be on its way once my box arrives, they ship out on the 10th of each month! 

The Lowdown 

- $14.95/month 

- Subscription service

- Cancel anytime 

- 4-5 samples per month 

Brands Released So Far: Bio-oil, Biotherm, Bobbi Brown, Calvin Klein Fragrances, Clinique, Essie, Garnier, John Frieda, Jurlique, Marc Jacobs Fragrances, Playboy Fragrances, Sally Hansen, Shiseido, shu uemura, Thalgo & YSL. 

Don't those brands just excite you? Definitely the best brands included in beauty boxes that I have seen available in Australia so far! I am definitely excited about Bobbi Brown, Essie & shu uemura! 

What Was in the Beauty Box in September (Last Month)

-  YSL Beauty Sleep

- Oh, Lola! Marc Jacobs

- Sally Hansen Everyday Strength Medium Nail File 

- Playboy Play it Spicy Body Spray 

- Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Advanced Formula 

Check it out all! 

Hope you all have a great day! xx

Btw: I will never, ever, regret getting a twitter....ever!  

Bella Box & I Love This Box - Monthly Beauty Boxes Arrive in Australia!

Hey all, 

I think that this is something that will excite all us Australian beauty freaks! Luxury beauty product samples delivered to our doors every month, to try, and to undoubtedly fall in love with! 

I am talking about Bella Box and I Love This Box, which are two monthly subscription beauty box services launching in Australia sometime this month. Those in the USA, Canada and the UK have been enjoying services of this kind for years, now it is our turn to jump on the bandwagon! 

Great For 

- Those of us who are always interested in trying new products 

- Those who are never sure what they should try (let's face it, there are A LOT of new products out there) 

- Reviewers 

- I also think it would make for a super interesting monthly YouTube video (just an idea!)

The Lowdown

BellaBox 

- 3 to 5 handpicked luxurious beauty items 

- Free delivery 

- Cancel anytime 

- Discounts for products in the bellabox store 

Brand names released so far: Napoleon Perdis, twistband, Pangea Organics, A'kin, Phytomer, Alpha-H, Obessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Wine Wipes, Faust's, One Skin System, Gatineau & Panda Pen 

Price: To be released 

I Love This Box
- 4 to 5 luxury beauty products 

- Can pay in advance

- Subscription service can be set up as a gift (what an amazing idea!)

- No commitments, cancel anytime 

- Online shop

- Points system (free stuff anyone?) 

Brand names released so far: Decleor, Kerastase, Lancome, Revlon & Smashbox

Price: 14.95 AUD/month

I must say that out of the two I am most excited about I Love This Box, I am a big lover of Smashbox products and am esctatic to see that it is one of their luxury box brands! I also love that they have already released the costs & they are super easy to contact (on facebook), and seem lovely and easy to deal with! Needless to say though, I will be subscribing to both, and I will definitely have a review of each once they start mailing boxes out!

I think it's a wonderful and exciting idea! And am definitely glad that it's finally in Australia, I always feel like us gorgeous Australian women are missing out on all the fun! 

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