Maybelline Master Smoky Review

During a recent trip to Priceline I decided to pick up this eyeliner for the reason that I have really enjoyed the eyestudio line by Maybelline. And I must say this did not disappoint.

The eyeliner comes with a sponge that can be used for smudging, this is because it is marketed as a product that can help you create that perfect smoky eye. Then there is the retractable eyeliner on the other side, which is helpful as you do not need to sharpen it regularly. 

So far I really enjoy using this product, it is extremely soft to apply and easy to smudge if desired, however, after a while I found that it set. This meant that it stayed in place during my busy day and did not run down my face (which is always a bonus).

Colour wise I chose smoky charcoal which to me is a dulled down black with almost hints of navy in it. I really like this colour as I have been applying it to my upper lash line and a tiny bit on the outer lower lash line then smudging it out for an everyday look.

Top: Smoothly Applied, Bottom: Smudged Out Slightly

So what are some of your favourite Maybelline eyestudio products?

M xoxo

NOTD: Knitted Gold

Ever since I read essiebutton's post on Maybelline Colour Show: Brocades in Knitted Gold, I knew that that nail polish had to be in my life. However, as I live in Australia it took me a few weeks of stalking the shelves of priceline to finally see it. When I spotted this beauty by itself I knew that I would have to snatch it up asap.

I would describe this unique colour as having tiny yellow gold sparkles as a base, then these beautiful rose gold hexagonal sparkles on top. So far no chips have occurred in the two days of wear (which is saying something for me). I can tell that even when it starts to chip that it won't be to much of an issue for its lightness of colour.

I do have two coats of a nude nail polish by Essie in Sand Tropez because I feel that it gives the look extra dimension and only one Knitted Gold coat was needed as it had a base to go off. 

So what do you think about this new shade? What are your favourite nail polishes at the moment?

M xoxo

Essence Lash and Brow Gel Mascara Review

As I have started getting into filling in my eyebrows more often, I have decided to include a clear mascara to tame my brows throughout the day. In now way at all are my brows unruly on their own, however, sometimes throughout the day my brows will fall out of their striking place.

Recently I have been using Essence Lash and Brow Gel Mascara and have been really enjoying it. It does the job for me, because lets face it all brow gel does is brush your eyebrows into place then hold it throughout the day. I can confidently say that it kept my brows in place throughout a busy day as well as holding the colour that I applied with a powdered eyeshadow. The no frills packaging does not bother me one bit as it only cost $3.50 at my local Priceline. The spooly brush is easy to use, however, I do see some people having a problem with how large it is, but it does the job fine in my opinion.

What is your favourite eyebrow product?

xoxo M

Skin Care Routine

For many years I have struggled with controlling acne, however, after many different medications and topical applications my skin has decided to chill down a bit.

So that leaves me dealing with my combination, leaning to more oily skin type. Every morning and night I have a basic routine, then add different products depending on what my skin is telling me.

1. I'll firstly wash my face with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser which was recommended by numerous doctors and dermatologists. I find that this super gentle product removes the majority of my makeup, leaving my skin prepped for cleansing time.

2. Currently I am using Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser, which has been working well with further cleaning, leaving my skin vibrant and not striping natural oils. I switched to the cleanser as it was the fraction of the cost from a cleanser from ASAP, which I may go back to one day. But all in all the Neutrogena cleanser does the job perfectly fine and I love the fact that it has no nasties in it.

3.
a). Morning: I'll apply ASAP Moisturising Daily Defence in the morning to my face as it is jam packed with SPF 30+ which should be in every skincare routine! This is a lovely light weight cream that sinks into the skin nice and fast. I also feel as if it hydrates the skin extremely well.

b). Night: This step took me a while to get used to but I can't imagine my routine with out it at the moment. I'll pop ASAP's Clearskin Gel on my face at night as it targets all of the impurities that my be manifesting under your skin. It is a strange gel that smells a bit weird, but when applied you feel nice and fresh, like your skincare is actually working.

I'll add these products to my routine whenever I feel as if I need to target an area.

St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub: Recently I was told to be careful of this product by a beautician, as it can be quite harsh. However, I'll use it whenever my skin is looking tired or has that gross build up forming (we all know what I'm talking about.. yuckk).

Beauty & me Avocado Oatmeal Face Mask: Not so much this brand but if I see any avocado clay based mask I'm into it. These masks freshen the skin as well as unclogging pores (which my oily skin asks for a lot).

Rose Hip Oil: My holy grail product at the moment, I feel as if this product just adds a glow to my skin. I have also noticed my red acne scars fading since using this. I'll apply just before my moisturiser, so that the oil can be locked in.

Apple Cider Vinegar: My my this household item has so many uses! I know that my mum loves rinsing it through her hair, leaving it nice and shiny. I'll pop this in a small spray bottle and use as a toner whenever I feel as if my pores need a good ole' clean. Learn from my mistake at avoid from the eye area.. ouchhh.

So what are some of your favourite products in your skincare routine?

M xoxo

2013 Beauty Awards

These are all of my beloved, must have beauty products that I have been depending on in the year of 2013.

Complexion favourites:

Sunspirit  Rose Hip Seed Oil

I use the smallest amount of this oil just before I moisturise day and night on my face. I honestly believe that this product gives your skin a more healthy appearance. I have also seen an improvement in the fading of my small red acne scarring which makes me feel over the moon.

Australis Makeup Finishing Spritz

I have recommended this product to so many of my friends and a few of them have come back to me raving about it, so I know that I'm onto something here. I use this lightweight mist to set my makeup (which I believe works to a certain degree), to blend all of my face products used and to freshen up when I'm feeling a tad blahh.

Revlon Colourstay Foundation in Natural Beige

Currently I am using the 'normal/dry skin' formula but I must say that I can not tell the different between this and the 'oily skin' formula. With out a single doubt this is my to go to foundation. I wear it everyday knowing that it will not budge, even on long days, sweating, everyday wear and my oilyish skin. This foundation gives my skin a natural finish yet covers all of the nasties that occur on my face. 

Nude by Nature Natural Mineral Cover in Medium

Just like the Revlon foundation I have gone through countless bottles/ tubs of this product and I will continue to do so for a very long time. This lightweight powder can be used to set your liquid/cream foundation or be used alone for a more natural appearance. When my skin is just not having the best day and is looking a bit sad really i'll brush this on and it adds instant colour and creates an even skin tone.

Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sun Bronze

Another product which many of my friends and I rave about (so I know that I'm not the only crazy one here) is this matte bronzer. I spoke about this product further in my Bronzed and Ready post. This powder just adds a beautiful glow to your skin without look orange.

The Balm Cosmetics Mary - Lou Manizer

I can not rave enough about this highlighter, I have been using it everyday for over a year and it has not even made a dent in the product, you literally get given a life time supply of highlighter. This product gives your complexion a beautiful subtle champagne glow. 

Eye favourites:

Stila In The Light Eye Shadow Palette

This eyeshadow palette has so many beautiful combinations for either a smokey sexy eye or a more subtle everyday look. The palette contains mostly shimmer shades, mixed with a few matte shades which are perfect to be used when blending. I have a more in depth post on the palette describing its amazingness further.

Maybelline The Falsies Flared Mascara

When I wear this mascara I get so many questions about what fake eyelashes I use! This product literally creates volume and length to my lashes like crazy. It also does not budge throughout a long day or night. I apply this using numerous coats allowing for drying time between each of the coats to create a false eyelash effect.

Relvon Grow Luscious Mascara   

 With claims of creating stronger lashes, I feel as if this is actually true as my lashes seem healthier and have less fall out when I religiously apply this product. This mascara is a perfect everyday product for me, it gives my lashes natural yet noticeable length and volume.

Maybelline Masterprecise Liquid Liner 

This is the easiest to use, most long wearing liquid eyeliner I have ever used. The pigmentation of the liner does not fade nor budge throughout both the day and night. You can create a soft line on the top of your lash line to produce the illusion of thicker eyelashes to a dramatic winged look.

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze

This is probably my favourite eye product out at the moment. I use it as a base or just as a eyeshadow on its own. It lasts all day through all of the elements. When I pop this on my eyelids it just adds an extra dimension to my face, it looks as if you have spent a good 15 minutes on shading and blending, when in reality you used your finger and swiped it onto your lid. 

Lip Favourites:

Korres Lip Butter in Quince

This lip butter is extremely moisturising whilst adding such a beautiful, light, natural sheen to your lips. I can't really describe the smell of this product but it just feel luxurious and fancy.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Smitten

I have written a blogpost on my love for this product so I will not rant on. But this lip product is long lasting and provides the most amazing bright colour to your lips. I just can't express my lust for this product in words.

Hair Favourite:

John Frieda Frizz- Ease Hair Serum, Extra Strength Formula

This product does what it says that it does, end of. The smallest amount tames the wild frizz that is my hair. It also does not leave a greasy texture when applied lightly to the hair.

What products won your 2013 beauty awards?

M xoxo

DIY: Eucalyptus Lotion Bars

Recently I popped into the beloved Lush store and i'm not sure if it was my imagination or not but I felt as if the prices had gone up on certain products. Feeling inspired I thought that I would have a go at creating my own massage bar and I am quite impressed with my efforts. The lotion/massage bar melts to your touch and is extremely moisturising and leaves a glow to your skin.

The recipe makes three palm sized bars.

What you'll need:
56g of beeswax
56g of coconut oil
56g of shea butter
Desired amount of eucalyptus essential oil (or any essential oil that you wish)
Moulds (I used a muffin pan)

How?
1. Melt the beeswax, coconut oil and shea butter all together in a double boilers (a pot filled with water with a heat safe bowl on top, not touching the water)

2. Take of the boiler and add your essential oil.

3. Pour into your mould and wait until set.


It is that easy!



Do you prefer lotion bars or regular lotion in a tub etc.?

xoxo M

DIY: Calming Body Balm

Lately I have become really interested in making my own beauty products. So through browsing pinterest and google I have found some really good recipes and adapted them to my liking.

This creation is a soothing and calming body balm. With lavender properties it soothes me when i'm feeling stressed and is packed with moisturisers for smooth and glowing skin.

What you'll need:
23g of coconut oil
16ml of olive oil
7.5g of beeswax
Desired amount of lavender essential oil
Tin



How to?
1. Melt the beeswax, coconut  oil and olive oil together in a double burner (boiling water in a pot and a heat safe bowl on top not touching the water).


2. Once all ingredients are melted take off the stove and add the essential oil.


3. Pour into the tin and allow for time to set. 


It is seriously that easy, the only difficult part was cleaning the wax off utensils etc. which can be easily done with hot water.






What beauty creations do you like making?

xoxo M

NOTD: Christmas Edition #1

As we are getting close to Christmas I have decided to make sure that my nail designs are festive! At the moment I wear fake nails (because I want to be fancy) however, as I'm stingy and won't pay to get my nails done I picked up a pack of 110 nails from Daiso where everything in the store is $2.80. So I thought it was a sound investment.

So here is the nail look that I am sporting at the moment. I have actually got so many compliments from friends and complete strangers.

The colours used are Essie's 'Sand Tropez' and Australis 'Carnivale Chaos' which was layered on at the tips, then gradually faded towards the base.

What are some of your favourite christmas nail colours or combinations?

xoxo M

Favourite Red Lip

I am obsessed with a bold lip, any colour and I am there. The classic red lip does hold a special place in my heart though. I feel confident and in control when I am rocking one. I will wear a red lip and basic eye literally anywhere; at work, meeting friends for lunch, a night out or when i'm home and bored.

These are my top 5 favourite red lipsticks...

Revlon Super Lustrous in Raspberry Bite, Revlon Lipstick in Coral, Australis Colour Inject in Cha Cha, Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Romantic and Essence Lipliner in Red Blush.

Revlon Super Lustrous in Raspberry Bite
An extremely bold lipstick that is not for the faint hearted. This vampy lipstick will made a gorgeous bold statement to your look. I'd describe this shade as a dark berry. Perfect for the holiday season!

Revlon Lipstick in Coral

Such an unique shade that is perfect for those hotter months. It brings brightness and colour to your face. This shade is a red toned coral.

Australis Colour Inject in Cha Cha

This is the classic red shade that I think of when it comes to red lipstick, not to dark, not to bright. Perfect for all occasions, i'd say this shade is slightly blue toned which equals whiter teeth.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Romantic

I have spoken about this lip colour before on my blog, because I absolutely adore it. This is a perfect 'everyday' shade because of its subtle tint and colour. It doesn't budge so that you can feel safe knowing that you don't have to constantly check for fading and smudging. 

Essence Lipliner in Red Blush

By itself to me this shade is very grown up and sophisticated when applied all over the lip with a clear gloss. When this matte lipliner is used as a base for another red lipstick this combo will last such a long time.

Before i'm off I just have a few quick tips for wearing this amazing shade on your lip;

- Exfoliate and moisturise you lips before.

- Pair with a 'neutralish' eye look.

- Have fun with it and own the look!!

What's your favourite lip colour?

xoxo M

MUA Collection Review

I first got onto MUA cosmetics through reading Mel from misstango2's reviews and ever since have been infatuated with the affordable prices and the brilliant shades. Personally, I order these products on the MUA website with just under $15 postage, so order big or with a friend.

I have put in prices from when this post was written in AUD, but they always have sales and currency rates change.

So lets get into my collection...

Pressed Powder in Shade 2 ($1.80)

This is just an everyday pressed powder nothing special about it, but ideal to put into your bag for touch ups throughout the day. I use this to set my foundation as the coverage alone would not be enough for my liking.

Powder Blusher in Shade 2 ($1.80)

A beautifully pigmented pink coral shade. I find that this colour is perfect for spring and summer as it adds a catching colour and glow to your cheeks.

Love Heart Lip Balm in Kiss Me ($1.80)

A moisturising glossy lip balm that leaves a ever so slight red tint to your lips. The lip balm has that typical vanilla smell (which I love).

Pressed Powder, Blush, Lip Balm

3 in 1 Extreme Contour Liner in Smoked Plum ($2.70)

A muted dark plum colour that looks very subtle yet put together on the lower lash line instead on brown or black eyeliner. I'm not sure how it is a '3 in 1' product, but anyway it is still a great product that can be easily blended. However, I would say that it doesn't have the best staying power and can fad throughout the day.

Intense Glitter Eyeliner in Gold Nugget ($1.80)

The product is creamy and easy to apply. I have been using it on the bottom of my lash line or inner tear duct for a christmas spice up. This shade is on the rose side of gold which is so unique. 

Fashion Secret: Gel Eyeliner in 24- 7 Style ($2.70)

This is such a crazy shade to me! It is black with green shimmer to it. So different and looks flattering on the eye. I'm so excited to experiment more with this shade. The product it self is creamy and does not tug on the eyelid.

Fashion Secret: Gel Eyeliner in Dress Up Chic ($2.70)

A true gold shimmery shade. Its consistency is also creamy and does not tug on the eyelid at all.

Smoked Plum, Gold Nugget,

Single Eyeshadow in Shade 13 ($1.80)

A dark plum shade with a pearl finish. I would most definitely prime your eyelids before using these shades. But they do however, have great staying power for the price.

Single Eyeshadow in Shade 10 (1.80)

Another pearl finish, this shade is a gorgeous dark navy colour that looks amazing in your typical smokey eye.

Single Eyeshadow in Shade 12 (1.80)

This is such an unusual shade. Its like a shimmery copper that in different lights is olive green! 

Shade 13, Shade 10, Shade 12

Eyeshadow Palette: Dusk til Dawn ($7.19)

This really is a dusk til dawn product! Most of the shade compliment each other beautifully. And so many different looks (day or night) could be created using this palette. This is a product that I would take travelling as it has so many different day or night looks included. Just like the single eyeshadows they are so pigmented however, a primer would be needed to keep the little suckers from moving. And even then the shades may fade.

The palette includes shades that can highlight to be used to add 'smoke' to the lid. There are rose golds, bright golds, bright turquoise, dark blues, taupes and many more. They are all on the shimmery to pearl side.

So thats my collection, are there any products that you recommend me checking out from MUA cosmetics?

xoxo M

Bronzed and Ready...

So as Australia is heading into those hot summer days and night, it is time to get prepared to bare your skin! I have gathered my favourite products that give me a beautiful summer glow, without resulting in all of the nasties that the sun provide.

Firstly, here are a few of my tips to prevent all of the streaking and orangeness that may come with self tanning:
1. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! Especially before applying the fake tan. I also do this continually through out the tan so that it fades in a natural way.

2. Moisturise is the key for your tan to look fresh.

3. Don't miss your feet or hands.. it looks tacky, so I just lightly apply a bit of the self tan to the tops of my feet and hands.

4. Wash the palms of your hands after to hide the evidence of self tanning.

5. Don't apply fake tan just after shaving or waxing, I don't know if its just me but it does not react well.

Le Tan, Fast Tan Lotion in Bronze

I find that this is the easiest self tanner to use. I just grab a little of the lotion and massage into wherever is needed. I recommend doing this in sections, for example, your calf then your thigh etc. as it does dry fast. What I like about this compare to the spray tanners is that this lotion formula is not as drying and you have more leeway to massage it into the skin.

Dove, Summer Glow in Normal to Dark

I use this moisturising lotion throughout the week whenever I can't be bothered to focus self tanning. It is super easy to manage as this was my first self tanning product before I felt my confident to try the 'full strength' ones. I'd say for my skin tone, after two or tree applications of this product it forms the perfect tan.

Le Tan, Flawless Legs in deep bronze

This rarely comes out of my beauty cabinet but when it does I am great for its existence. Basically its a spray form of foundation/bronzer for your legs. I'll apply this for special occasions to get a flawless glow to my skin. I was worried when I first tried this product that it would rub off throughout the night. But trust me it does not budge. I have gone out in a massive rain storm, into a hot club, then into bed to wake up in the morning with perfect legs. To remove wash your skin with soap and warm water. 

Also all of these self tanners never have left residue on my white sheets.

Rimmel, Natural Bronzer in 022 Sun Bronze

Without a doubt this is my favourite bronzer! I wear it all throughout the year everyday, and it lasts for ever. This product gives your skin dimension and glow without being too shimmery as it is a matte bronzer. I apply this to my checks, temples, forehead, collarbone, chest and décolletage for a complete subtle glow.

    

With western societies obsession with tanned, glowing skin people take this to drastic measures either sun baking or burning themselves. Obviously we are all going to have those days where we get a little to burnt for our liking. But when this happens too frequently its not a good look in my opinion. If the harsh reality of skin cancer does not motivate you to be sun aware. Just be aware that sun ages humans like crazy. For these reasons I get in the habit of applying suncream everyday to my body and face. Any SPF 30+ is perfect but these are a couple of my favourite.

Hope you all have a fab summer of relaxing and spending time with the people you love.

xoxo M

In The Light

Stilas' "In The Light" palette is without a doubt one of my to go to palettes and has been for many months now. These beautiful eyeshadows can be used to create so many neutral looks, from everyday basic to an enticing smokey eye.

The palette comes with 10 individual 14g shades and a smudge stick waterproof eye liner. Recently when exploring the shops I saw that this palette cost well into $60 in the land of OZ but I picked this up for a fraction of the price on good old ebay.

As you can see 'bliss' is one of my favourites

In my opinion most of the eyeshadows can be used together to create a complimenting look for all skin tones. If I don't want to think to much about my look for the day I will find myself automatically reaching for this and popping a lighter shade all over my lid, followed by a darker shade in the outer corner of my eye. My favourite combo is bubbly, bliss and then gilded gold together.

The eyeliner included is soft, easy to smudge and had great staying power that I had to purchase it in other shades.

These shades do not crease through out the day or night. They do however, fade over many hours even when I use a primer. But in saying that I have really 'oily' eyelids (that sounds so gross).

Damsel (smudge stick eyeliner) - Matte dark brown, compliments all of the shades in this palette. Looks great smudged in on the upper lash line.
Bare - Matte cream, I use all over the eye to allow the eyeshadow to apply more evenly.
Kitten - Silver toned shimmer.
Bliss - Matte soft brown to pink.
Sunset - Shimmery cooper toned.
Sandstone - Semi- matte dark brown.
Bubbly - Warm gold toned shimmer.
Gilded Gold - Warm dark brown with a gold shimmer.
Luster - Cool dark brown with a gold shimmer.
Night Sky - Blue/ grey with shimmer.
Ebony - Matte black.


I personally think that this palette could be improved through its packing, the mix of cardboard and weak magnets to hold close does not accommodate for those wishing to travel with this magical palette. Also my most used shade 'bliss' is not available singly which is a bit disappointing.

What do you think of this palette? Do you know any good dupes or replacements for my beloved 'bliss'?

xoxo M

The Infamous Just Bitten

Now, I know that everyone and their mother are raving about Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains (including my own mum) but since they are my absolute favourite product of the moment i'd thought I would discuss further.

Actually, the shade that I would struggle to deal with out 'smitten' was the inspiration of this blog name. Also I did struggle to deal with the loss of my beloved tube that I had to rush to the shops immediately only to find it a couple of months later, feeling like my birthday again. So now I have two tubes of 'smitten' and it is amazing!

Anyway lets review...

These beautiful balm stains in my opinion are a wonderful basic to everyones makeup collection. Why is this?
- They smell minty fresh
- Have excellent colour pay off
- Really do last hours
- Come in retractable tubes for easy application
- Easy to wear daily or for a special occasion
- Can be applied on the go (I even do it with out a mirror)

From top to bottom: Romantic (045), Smitten (030), Honey, (001) and Lovesick (020)

No product in my opinion can be perfect, even though this come pretty damn close. I would say that these are not a 'balm', yes they do not dry your lips out like some lipsticks but they definitely do not moisturise. This for me is not a problem at all because thats what lip balm is for! Also living in Australia these little gold nuggets will set you back $17.95 so keep an eye out for sales. But in saying that I have purchased these full price they are that good.


Now i'm not sure if anyone actually bought the Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm a few years ago but I thought i'd add a quick comparison if so. This product is applied to the lips through a felt tip pen, which I am not the biggest fan of. However, in saying that the colour pay off is beautiful and pigmented. As the day progresses it has brilliant staying power, but unfortunately all of a sudden it sort of wears off everywhere and clings to spots on your lips which looks very strange.

Alright the swatches follow from top to bottom

Flame, Lipstain + Balm: Bright, bright true red
Romantic: Daily wearable red (not as orange in real life, sorry getting used to photography)
Smitten: Amazing dark fuchsia
Lovestick: Bright pink with almost a blue tinge (hello white teeth)
Honey: Pinky nude that is perfect to throw on and not think about your look

Thanks for reading and please leave a comment of your favourite shade of the stains?

xoxo M