NOTW - Kit 'Big Bang' with Australis 'Glitter Strikes Back'

 

This weeks nail of the week is from 2 great Australian brands with Kit - Big Bang, and a glitter top coat of Australis - Glitter Strikes Back.

I must say that I tend to steer away from purple generally as I picked it as my "one colour to hate" a million years ago and never looked back, silly I know... until recently. My friend had this colour at her house and I fell in love instantly! The brightness hooked me in, and it is such an interesting shade I ended up borrowing it from my friend and wearing it. Lucky for me, I have great friends and she got it for me as a present a month later. ^_^

This Kit 'Big Bang' nail polish, like all others I've reviewed previously has a perfect strong pigment, is easy to apply, and lasts well (these photos were taken after the polish had been on my nails for a week, so I apologise for the small chips!). The actual colour is kind of hard to capture, I think it's a little brighter than it looks on here in reality.

The Australis 'Glitter Strikes Back' nail polish is a mix of small round gold and purple and large hexagonal gold. It was the first nail polish of theirs that I've tried since their re-vamp of the brand (which I'm LOVING... so many great colours I want/need!) and I'm really impressed. I saw it in Priceline and couldn't resist buying it then and there. 

It was quite easy to apply an even coat of the glitter, and it lays flat on your nail really well so you don't have chunky glitter catching on your clothes etc. I used a top coat of Seche Vite to smooth it all out and last a little longer. This glitter would pop even more on another coloured base coat I think because some of the purple glitter colours blended into the purple of the base. The gold looked amazing though!

You can purchase Kit's 'Big Bang' from your nearest Kit store for $15.95, or you can also buy them online here or check for your nearest Kit store online here. I purchased the Australis glitter nail polish 'Glitter Strikes Back' from Priceline for $7.95 and you can also see their range and order online here.

Have you tried any of the new Australis glitters? What's your favourite glitter and base coat combination? x

Tried & Loved - Origins GinZing Brightening Mascara

When it comes to mascara, I have tried a LOT of different types over the years. From drugstore brands, to high end brands that you would think would have to deliver exceptional results for the price they charge for their products... but quite often I am left disappointed at both ends of the spectrum. I am forever on a search for the holy grail of each product I use on a daily basis, and you know what - I think for daily mascara this might be it for me! Origins Ginzing Brightening Mascara has really impressed me.

Described on the Kit cosmetics website as:
"Thanks to a bold, new brush complete with advanced bristle technology that is exclusive to Origins, GinZing™ Brightening mascara to lengthen and lift glides on easily, coating each lash from root to tip to visibly boost and define even the sparsest lashes. Even after multiple applications, eyelashes appear long, lush and clump-free, never spider-like. GinZing™ Brightening mascara is long wearing, smudge-proof and flake-proof yet is easily removable and safe for contact lens wearers."

For me, I can say that I find all of these statements to be true!

I was suggested this mascara by a friend who works in the beauty industry as it was a new product (around 4 months ago in Australia I think) and she had really liked it herself. At first when I tried it it felt so foreign! The brush is a lot thicker than any that I had used previously so I kept poking myself with it (silly I know!). Because of that I didn't immediately fall in love. I left the product and used it from time to time and after a little while and getting used to the brush I suddenly realised one day - WOW, this mascara is sensational!

What I love about the Origins Ginzing Brightening Mascara is that it really does everything that is says it will on the packaging (lengthen and lift) and in an effortless way. I can get perfectly separated, long dark lashes within moments because the brush coats them perfectly every time. I liked the way this mascara looked so much that I stripped back my daily makeup routine for work to just be a quick coat of eyeshadow, mascara and some blush. It really opens my eyes and makes my lashes long and lush and there's no fiddling with the brush or clumps of mascara to contend with.

The mascara formula isn't too thick, it doesn't clump, it's not too runny. I find that personally I like to wipe off a little excess mascara when I take it out from the tube as the opening is quite wide, then it applies perfectly and prevents any excess on my lashes. When I opened the tube for the first time I noticed that it's super black too, and this is great for anyone that might have lighter lashes, but even mine are noticeably bolder with this.

As far as how long the product lasts I would say Kit have described it perfectly. It's long lasting (so much so that when I have been naughty and worn it overnight it still looks great when I wake up), smudge proof and flake proof (I can wear it all day for work without any flaking, and then wear it to a hectic 2 hour crossfit session and sweat the rest of my makeup off and it still won't smudge - unless I rub my eyes of course which would be silly), and even with all this it's still really easy to remove! Most of it comes off in the shower when I wash my face, and then a little normal makeup remover removes the rest. Superb!

Below you can see it on my eyes. This was just a quick day of makeup for work and it would have taken me about 5 minutes to do all of my makeup for the day, yet my lashes are still looking long and separated! Love it.

I have had my mascara for about 4 months now and it hasn't dried out or changed consistency at all. I'll definitely repurchase this one!

You can purchase this mascara from Kit Cosmetics, or Mecca Cosmetics in Australia for only $26 - SUCH a great price. That's as cheap as some of the drugstore brand mascaras! And on both websites it has a 5 star rating. :)

Have you tried this mascara or anything else from the Origins range? What's your holy grail every day mascara? x

Tried & Loved - Biotherm Holiday Pack

The festive season is upon us, and I don't know about you guys but I LOVE this time of year as it means all the amazing Holiday packs start hitting the shelves! <3 It's a great way to pick up some new products you've had your eye on in a great value pack, or of course to give as a gift (but who can stop from buying themselves presents as well when you're out shopping for others?! hehe)

Today I have a GREAT pack that I've tested out from Biotherm, and it comes in the cutest packaging ever - with an even greater cause behind it! 

As soon as I saw this box I fell in love. I'm such a sucker for cute packaging, and this fancy little under the sea theme in stand-out foils is a divine! Biotherm has collaborated with Swedish illustrator Ingela Peterson Arrhenius for the beautiful design and a minimum of 250,000€ from the sales of these limited editions will go to the global ocean charity, Mission Blue, founded by renowned oceanographer  Dr Sylvia Earle, for the protection of the Ross Sea in Antarctica. How great is that! So if you want to give a gift that gives back, this one is a beauty. 

But aside from the brilliant packaging, I must say I am super impressed with the Biotherm products within! I haven't tried much from their range prior to this, but I was aware of the brand so when I was given the chance to give it a test run I jumped on it! 

This holiday pack featured includes:

- 50 ml BIOSOURCE HYDRA-MINERAL CLEANSER NORMAL SKIN - cleansing mousse with zinc to balance normal and combination skin

- 125 ml BIOSOURCE HYDRA-MINERAL CLEANSER NORMAL SKIN - toning water with zinc to balance normal and combination skin

- 50 ml AQUASOURCE NON-STOP MOISTURISER NORMAL AND COMBINATION SKIN - 24h* deep hydration replenishing gel with thermal plankton cellular water

The cleanser is a super rich hydrating paste that you rub in your hands with water until it's creamy, then cleanse your face as normal. It has a really mild scent and what I can only describe as a "clean" smell to it. It easily removed all traces of makeup (apart from my eyes which should be avoided as with most cleansers) and it left my skin feeling soft and supple. A lot of cleansers can leave my skin feeling a bit tight and dry and I feel like I need to tone and moisturise straight away to get my skin feeling back to normal, but this was definitely not the case with this cleanser. My skin just felt great! It's really mild on the skin and I think it would be suitable for young and older skin. It contains 70 revitalising minerals, 5,000L* of thermal spring water (*reduced to the concentration of pure extract of thermal plankton) PLUS Zinc, formulated to balance normal and combination skin. No wonder my skin felt so refreshed after using it. Haha. 

The toner is just as mild as the cleanser, but with great results again. After using it my skin isn't irritated at all, but it feels like I get rid of everything that might be left lingering on my face. My skin feels smooth and soft afterwards and it takes only a few moments for it to dry and my skin to be back to it's natural state. The toner has less scent than the cleanser, but is in the same neutral scent range and just further impresses the "clean" feeling on me. I love that this isn't abrasive at all and would be great for everyday use, and again perfect for a range of skin types. 

The gel moisturiser is probably the most scented of all the products in this range, but the scent fades after it soaks into your skin. The moisturising gel feels extremely luxurious from the classic glass packaging, all the way to the intensely refreshing feeling it leaves on your skin as you apply it. I could sit and apply this stuff all day, but I really don't need to (darn, haha). The gel soaks in quite quickly, but the results are long lasting. I often only wear powder coverage to work and this balances out any dryness that can come with that perfectly. My face feels soft, supple and hydrated all day. 

When I started using this I had a few small breakouts and I can say that this has definitely improved the appearance of my skin and stopped any further breakouts from occurring  I get a bit worried with hydrating facial products that my skin will look oily by the end of the day, but this set has proven that completely wrong. The zinc included balanced my skin out perfectly and I love that the moisturiser is a gel; it worked wonderfully for my combination skin. This set is for normal/combination skin, but the Biotherm range with these holiday sets includes a range of products to suit every skin type. You can check out the rest of the packs and range on their website here.  

Overall I am blown away with the quality of these products and it's no wonder as the company has been creating wonderful skin care products since 1952!

You can pick up this perfect holiday treat that gives and gives back from Myer and any of the stores/sites listed on their website here for $64. 

And as a special offer right now if you'd like to try these products for free you can click the link: http://www.biotherm.com.au/club/christmasoffer/ , download the voucher and head in-store to Myer for a free sample! See if you love these products just as much as I did and grab a pack while you still can. :)

Have you tried anything from the Biotherm range before? What do you think about this cute holiday packaging? x

Tried & Loved - Facial Fresh - Vitamin C - Cloth Facial Treatment Mask

Recently I was lucky enough to test the Facial Fresh - Vitamin C - Cloth Facial Treatment Mask and I'm happy to share that it was an easy, rewarding experience! 

The cloth masks are something that I've seen appearing a little bit more frequently lately, and I have to say that I'm definitely a fan. They are super easy to use and to clean up after. The packaging is small and neat so they travel well, and because they're packed individually you never have issues with them drying out. 

Applying the mask is as easy as described in the 3 step diagram on the back of the packaging seen in the photo above. Remove the mask from the silver foil fresh packet (be careful as you're opening this as I found there is quite a lot of liquid within to keep the mask fully soaked - no skimping here!), then fit the mask to your face lining up the eye, nose and mouth holes provided. The mask is quite wet with the active liquid so it sticks really well, and there is plenty of room to breathe through the holes provided, I was even able to eat with it on (I was hungry and couldn't wait, hehe). I left the mask on for around 15 - 20 minutes as suggested and the mask stayed moist the whole time. Taking it off was simple, and I opted to rub the leftover moisture into my skin. 

The Vitamin C mask that I tested is described on the Facial Fresh website as: 

"Brighten and energise dull or lack-lustre skin, with a boost of youthful radiance. With its immediate invigorating effects, the Vitamin C Mask leaves skin looking clear, revitalised and glowing with health. One of the most favoured natural antioxidants, Vitamin C helps nourish and protect skin cells. Suitable for all skin types, including mature skin.

Each Facial Fresh face mask delivers a precise dose of fresh concentrated serum to your skin in hygienically sealed sachets."

The mask definitely felt like it delivered as the description suggests. After using the mask my skin appeared instantly brighter, felt softer, and the pleasant smell left me feeling energised. The scent is not overpowering at all, it's a refreshing somewhat citrus scent. Leaving the mask on for 15-20 minutes my skin didn't tingle or burn so I think it would be appropriate for all skin types as they suggest. It's a really gentle mask, that still delivers on results. I can imagine using this every week would really benefit my skin!

The mask is availabe from The Facial Fresh website here and there are several other versions of this mask with different benefits that would be great to check out depending on your skin requirements. The masks range in price from $8.95 currently for a single mask, or starting at $20.95 for a 3 pack. 

Have you tried a Facial Fresh Cloth Facial Treatment Mask before? What's your favourite skin care mask that you can't live without? x

NOTW - Kit 'Rose Macaroon' with American Apparel 'Light Year'

 

This weeks Nail Of The Week is Kit's new shade 'Rose Macaroon' with an accent on the pinky finger of American Apparel's 'Light Year'. 

After a visit to Kit recently, I walked away with even more shades from one of my favourite local brands! Oops. I couldn't wait to try this sweet little number out, and I knew just like the rest of the Kit range, it would be a nice creamy colour. 

'Rose Macaroon' is from the new limited edition Sweet & Chic macaroon scented collection which was released last month. The collection comprises of 5 feminine colours to mimic macaroon flavours, and each one comes with a sweet scent to match! Unfortunately the Rose Macaroon colour didn't have too much scent, not as much as compared with the Revlon scented nail polish I've used previously, but it was definitely noticeable at least and a lot better scented than nail polish generally is! 

The nail polish applied just as well as any other Kit nail polish I own. The polish is thick, the colour applies exactly as it looks in the bottle, and I got the colour seen above in only 2 coats. Almost one was enough, but I like to apply a second coat just to even it out. I also applied a coat of Seche Vite on top to give it that extra shine in the photos above. 

The colour is a really subtle rose, which is a nice change to any colours similar that I own - mostly baby pinks come to mind. This is a lot softer and I think it would suit most skin tones well. 

I've been wanting to try out the American Apparel glitter polish ever since I purchased it with the 'Smoke Dazzle' as seen in my previous post here and it really didn't disappoint! The glitter is a round holographic silver in a clear polish. It was fairly easy to get an even distribution of the glitter with this polish too as there is a lot of glitter chunks in the polish itself. I just applied the glitter, waited until it was dry enough to not move, then applied another coat to even out the gaps. You could use this glitter polish really densely or sparsely

I think the addition of the glitter in this manicure turned it from something super feminine into something a little more playful which I liked a lot. Being on the pinky instead of the index finger the glitter isn't a main attraction, but more of an offset. I think I'll be using my pinky more often like this!

I purchased Kit's 'Rose Macaroon' from the Kit store in Chadstone shopping centre for $15.95, or you can also buy them online here or check for your nearest Kit store online here. I purchased the American Apparel glitter 'Light Year' from the American Apparel store in Melbourne in a deal of 3 nail polishes for $28, or it was $14 for the single nail polish. You can also see their range and order online here. I think I need every single glitter shade they have. They all look amazing!

Have you tried any of the new Sweet & Chic scented nail polishes from Kit or any American Apparel glitters? What do you think of this sweet and spunky combo? x

Wishlist #3

1. Urban Decay - Smoked Palette

2. Stila - Natural Beauty Eyeshadow Palette

3. NARS - Foreplay Cheek Palette

4. Bed Head - Sugar Dust, Mega Whip, and Glaze Haze

5. Illamasqua - Precision Ink 

1. I spoke about how much I wanted to try this palette in my review of the Urban Decay - Naked 2 palette last week. It's just new from the brand and is obviously aimed at creating a perfect smokey eye range of looks. I love that there's a lot of colours I don't already have in this palette. Hopefully I can purchase it soon!

The only online shop that I know that you can purchase Urban Decay to Australia is BeautyBay.com and they have these online here for $55.50 at the moment. Little bit pricey, but hopefully worth it for the quality of their eye shadows I would think!

2. Stila palettes are always great value, and this is no exception! This is such a pretty range of colours that look as though they would be perfect for every day use. You get 13 shades in total, 7 matte and 6 shimmer. The pans do look a little smaller than a lot of others, but I never seem to get through any colours in a palette entirely, so that doesn't bother me too much, plus it's quite a good price! 

You can purchase this from beautybay.com here for under $20. I can't see it on the Mecca website yet, but I'm sure it will arrive soon!

3. When I saw this I lost my mind a little bit in excitement, not going to lie! It's called the Foreplay cheek palette and it's basically meant to be a deconstructed version of their best seller blush - orgasm. "Combine the gold highlighter, pink matte blush, peach matte blush and – of course – Orgasm Blush, for a beautiful range of cheek shades. Depending on your mood, make your ORGASM matte, highlighted, or even more intense." Sounds perfect! I love the orgasm blush so hopefully I can get my hands on this too. 

You can purchase this online from meccacosmetica.com.au here for $79, or in your nearest Mecca Maxima store. 

4. These hair products from the 'Candy Fixations' Bed Head range all seem good enough to eat, and cute as pie! I love nice smelling hair products and I have a feeling these would all be right up my alley.

Sugar Dust is a volumising powder similar to the Osis Dust It mattifying powder if you've ever used that. It's a powder you apply to your roots to give volume, and soak up any excess oil! So clever. 

Mega Whip is a texturiser with added staying power. It seems more aimed at shorter locks, but the packaging is amazing, I would want it on my shelf for that fact alone. 

The Glaze Haze is a smoothing serum that adds shine and reduces drying time. And if it makes my hair super sweet scented while doing that, I will be one happy lady!

I spotted all of these on the Beauty Bay website. I'm not sure if there may be other places to buy them online for cheaper, but they are $11.50 for the Sugar Dust, $13.20 for the Mega Whip, and $11.20 for the Glaze Haze. Pretty well priced I think.  

5. Illamasqua's Precision Ink is something that I've heard a LOT of good things about, but still haven't purchased! I am definitely a fan of long wearing eyeliner, and I've heard this one doesn't budge, smudge and applies super easily. Can't wait to try it out, though it may take a little getting used to as I'm so used to using a texta type eyeliner now!

You can purchase Precision Ink from the Illamasqua website for $26.98 US$, or Illamasqua is also stocked in most Myer stores now!

There are so many great goodies coming out at the moment, so I'm sure I'll be purchasing way more than I should be again! Hopefully I tick some things off this wish list soon. :)

What's on your current wish list? Have you tried and loved any of these products? x

Illamasqua's Fight For a Fair Beauty Price - Australian Campaign

As most Australian beauty addicts know, for a long time now we have been paying up to 3 times as much as most other Countries for the same products! The UK born company Illamasqua are taking a stand and trying to make a change for us Aussies, so I thought I would share the link and share the campaign so that more people are aware and can get involved in making a change. 

It's crazy looking and comparing online with some companies at just how much difference there can be (even with the exchange rate factored in!). Often I find myself buying online and paying a little extra for postage to get the products I love without the bump up for Australian stores. Of course I would love to support Australia and it's retail industry, but when it appears to make a mockery of us, why would I sit down and accept it? 

As an example: 
MAC currently have a separate website for Australia. 
Lipstick = $36 in Australia, or $15 US on the US website - more than double for Australia.
Single eye shadow = $33 in Australia, or $15 US on the US website - more than double again.

And that's just one company as a quick example! 

Illamasqua's campaign can be seen here: http://www.illamasqua.com/fairpriceforbeauty?utm_source=Communicator&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=Untitled&utm_campaign=150812+-+fairprice

In a recent email they advised that they have 10,000 signatures already in just 10 days, and aim to hit 25,000 so that they can take a stand and drop their prices. 

I think it's about time someone stood up against the unjustified inflation we are subjected to in Australia, and I'm glad it was an amazing company like Illamasqua. I can't wait to buy more from them once their prices drop (I already can't resist at the inflated prices!). Hopefully this creates enough stir to get other areas thinking about their high prices too. We're asked to pay a lot more for a LOT of products in Australia, then the shops wonder why we turn to online shopping instead. Please! Give me a break. 

I don't claim to know the ins and outs of every part of trading, but I would love to support Australian stores more, so I really hope this takes off. I've already noticed before this campaign was launched that Mecca and Kit have dropped their prices on a lot of brands, including one of my favourites Origins! Hooray! 

What do you think about Illamasqua's campaign? Have you signed up to fight for a fair beauty price already? x