Lip Product Addict tag

Just to mix it up a little, I thought I'd do one of these. I can tell you all about my favourite (and not so favourite) lip stuff!

Favourite lip balm:
I'm not a massive lip balm kinda girl, however, I have been gifted a couple. I'm currently using The Body Shop "Honeymania".

Favourite lip scrub:
I recently got Lush's Santa one and it's so good. I love the smell, it also does taste good, however, I get grossed out licking it off my lips as I'm sure there's dead skin going on, I mean it is a lip SCRUB after all haha.

Best eye catching red:
I going to say MAC Russian Red or Chanel Dragon. My fave reds! (Both are blue based).

Favourite low end lipstick:
Shanghai Suzy hands down! I absolutely love everything about them! The colours, smell, texture, longevity, price.... I can't say anything bad about them.

Favourite high end lipstick:
My fave brand is MAC. I love them like no other. I don't really have many high end lipsticks. 1 NARS, 1 Chanel, 1 Estée Lauder, 1 YSL.... a bajillion MAC...

Favourite MAC lipstick:
Really? I have over 100 MAC lipsticks and you're asking me to choose 1. I feel like I'm always changing my mind so as of right now, I'm gonna go with Morange. Oh but then there's Creme Cup, and Creme D'nude.... Oh and Candy Yum Yum. Ahhhhhhhh I.CANT. CHOOSE.

Favourite lipstick formula:
I chucked in this sneaky question, as there are so many formulas out there, I felt it was kinda important. I love matte, amplified and cremesheen.

Most disappointing lip product:
OoOhhh... I would actually have to say the retractable (wind up) NYX lip liner. I bought one and it just didn't work for me. I definitely prefer my pencil pencils.

Lip liners ~ yay or nay:
Yes, although I'm lazy and use them *rarely* (even though I have quite a few).

Favourite lipgloss:
Another toughie! I love my MAC Dazzleglasses. I also like Chanel glosses. I think my ultimate fave would maybe be MAC Sugar Trance.

Anything else?
This tag was actually a lot harder than I thought it would be. I'm also dying to get my hands of a new NARS Audacious lipstick as I've heard they're amazing!!

I tag everyone! What's your favourite lipstick???


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Brand recommendations:
I thought I'd also share what I think are the stand out products (from the following brands), that maybe you've thought about trying but want some recommendations, as a positive introduction to said brand...

Bobbi Brown:
Shimmerbricks and gel eyeliner.

Chanel:
Scantilles lip glosses and Ombre D'Illusion eyeshadows.

Chi Chi:
Lipglosses and pencil eyeliners.

Hourglass:
Veil primer, Ambient Powders and Blushes.

Lancôme:
Hypnose Mascara

MAC:
Lipsticks, Eyeshadows, Mineralize Sinfinishes.

NARS:
Blushes and Radiant Creamy concealer.

Stila:
Eyeshadows.

Too Faced:
Melted lipsticks and Sweethearts Radiant powder.

YSL:
Rouge Volupte lipsticks.

First Impressions

I've been buying quite a few goodies online lately, and along with my goodies, I've received a few samples. Today I'm going to give you my first thoughts and impressions of these products and whether or not I'm going to buy the full sized version.

* Lonvitalite 24k Gold eye mask *
This is actually the first facial mask I've tried that hasn't been a paste like product that you wait to dry and rinse off, and to be honest, I really don't think it's for me. This one came in an individual wrapper in its own liquid, which you then place around your eyes. This had so much product on it that it was dripping down my face. So much of the liquid product that after I used the mask, I still had heaps left that I got another use out of it (just without using the paper/cloth mask thingy). I can't stand things that drip or don't dry (yes, I was that kid who never walked around with sticky fingers. I hate goo, mess or anything else like that). I left it on for the recommended 20 minutes but didn't really notice any difference to my fine lines. The eye area felt smoother though. Maybe you do need to buy the packs of them (it comes with 5 in a pack) to notice a real difference after continuous use. 
Re-purchase: No, these masks aren't for me. I'm a paste girl.
Available: Adorebeauty.com.au
RRP: $36 (for 5)

* L'oreal Infallible foundation *
I'm in the Priceline club so occasionally they'll send me a few samples in the mail. I was using Revlon Colourstay foundation and I wasn't happy with the shade (Ivory), it's horrible (I don't know why, I had a different colour last bottle by accident and I really liked it). I'm definitely looking to replace it with something new, so even though the sample was in the completely wrong colour, I still tested it out. It's amazing. It has amazing coverage (medium to full) and lasts all day. Once I get the right colour, I'll be doing a review on it so keep an eye out.
Re-purchase: Yes! I'm just waiting for my quarterly voucher LOL (hey, being honest here!)
Available: Priceline
RRP: $31.95

* Hourglass Mineral Veil primer *
I don't use a primer. I dont know why. I used to use MAC Prep and Prime, but after it ran out I just didn't repurchase it or anything else. I'm not adverse to them. The Hourglass primer is very nice. It applies smoothly and feels nice and silky on the face. I can honestly see why people seem to go crazy about it and why it's hugely popular. It definitely made my foundation sit better and last for longer (currently using Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk).
Re-purchase: Yes.
Available: Mecca
RRP: $25-69

* By Terry Cellularose Brightening CC Lumi-Serum *
I've never tried anything from this brand before. I guess as it's pretty expensive stuff and not too many reviews around I didn't want to risk it. But this is one nice product. The sample came with 4 shades but I used #1 Immaculate Light which is said to "enhance porcelain complexions, controls redness and tackles dark spots". To me this is a dupe, or very similar, to MACs Strobe Creme. The one thing I really don't like about it, is its smells like rose, which we all know, I do not like at all.
Re-purchase: I would but it looks like MAC Strobe cream, which doesn't smell like rose.
Available: Mecca
RRP: $126

* L'oreal Age Perfect facial oil *
A beauty oil not dissimilar to the likes of Rosehip, Jojoba and those type of anti-anging oils. I used this for about a week and decided to not bother. I use Rosehip oil which has many anti-oxidant properties and is much more natural and not synthetic, which I'm all for as much as I can. I'm not likely to be changing from my beloved Rosehip oil anytime soon. I would recommend something more natural over something not-so-natural.
Re-purchase: No
Available: Priceline
RRP: $39.99

* Aesop Voluming Shampoo *
Another product that I've never tried anything from the brand. This in an Australian brand that uses mostly natural ingredients. This shampoo is designed for fine hair (as per packet description), however, I get very flat hair on top so I wanted to give it a go anyway. I definitely noticed volume from using it the one time. It smells like peppermint too which isn't unplesant, although, not a scent I would associate with shampoo haha. I do really like it, but find it to be on the pricier side. If you love pampering your hair, then I'd give it a go.
Re-purchase: Not for the price. If it was cheaper, more than likely.
Available: Adorebeauty.com.au
RRP: $29 (200ml)


Have you tried any of these? What did you think?

Review: Shanghai Suzy lipsticks

 I saw Chloe Morello wear army pants and flip flops a Shanghai Suzy lipstick so I bought army pants and flip flops a Shanghai Suzy lipstick... Lol. 

I had never heard of the brand Shanghai Suzy until recently. I was watching a tutorial of Chloe Morello's and absolutely LOVED the lip colour she used. After a little digging/ watching/ reading, I discovered it to be this Shanghai Suzy. The shade and intrigue of never hearing about this brand definitely made me go 'oohhh, what IS this and why have I never heard of it before? I LOVE makeup so how could this be?'
Naturally, I googled it and landed onto the website to discover a small range of lipsticks. Only lipsticks. It seemed like a relatively new company, and as many new and small companies do, start out with a small range and make it perfect before launching into other products. I had a look around at the colours on offer and they definitely all seemed like nice "me" colours but I definitely wanted to play it safe and just get the pink lipstick Chloe used (which was Miss Amy Baby Pink).
I was pleasantly surprised at how cheap it was for a lipstick ($12.95). However, I guess that means it could go either way, bad quality or good quality at a really good price. ALL the intrigue!

It arrived 2 days later. Express shipping, so nice and fast. I ripped into that baby like a kid at Xmas and applied it. It was packaged in a cute little purple and clear cellophane type wrapper with a faux flower which was a nice touch. It felt more personal and sent out with thought, which I like.
The lipsticks come in a rectangular black case which have the shade of the lipstick on the top, the name and formula on the bottom and Shanghai Suzy written along the side in silver writing. The packaging feels hardwearing and secure.

What about the lipstick? Nice and smooth to apply. Good texture and the smell!? When you're used to most lipsticks having a subtle or vanillary smell, this definitely surprises you. So what does it smell like you ask? GRAPE BUBBLEGUM!!!! Not.even.kidding. It is the craziest, bizzare and most awesome thing to be in a lipstick. It still trips me out every time I use the lipsticks (which is a lot!).  It might be off putting to those who don't like grape bubblegum or that kind of candy smell. It's not super strongly scented but you can definitely smell it and know immediately what it is.

I've gone back 3 times to purchase these, as with each shade I fall more and more in love with the lipsticks, and there's definitely quite a few to "collect". From comments I have seen around the place (mostly Instagram), I believe each shade is a limited edition so once they're sold out, they don't get re-stocked and they are released each season with the new seasons predicted hottest colours. The great thing about the brand too, if you really do love them, you can buy them in packs. They currently have the offer of buy 3 get 1 free or buy the whole wardrobe of shades (8 in total) at $65 which makes them discounted to $8.13 each; or of course, you can buy them individually.
Each time I've purchased, they've always arrived 2 days later using express shipping (from Melbourne to Adelaide), and shipping is $6.95 regardless of how many are purchased.

Shanghai Suzy lipsticks come in 2 formulas: matte and nourishing

* Miss Amy Baby Pink (matte) *
This shade is THE perfect baby pink. It is a matte but it doesn't feel dry in the slightest and probably the most "moisturising" matte lipstick I have ever worn. It is quite thick (good thick, not bad thick), and with only 2 swipes, is completely opaque and covers my lips nicely. Miss Amy stays put throughout the day, wears evenly and doesn't get cakey at any stage. I only have to reapply after eating.

* Miss Ally Amethyst (matte) *
Miss Ally is definitely not for the faint of heart. This is a very bright, mid toned purple with a blue base and very bold. I used this shade with a lip liner the first time using it, which did affect the application as it didn't feel as opaque as Miss Amy did and felt not right (almost chalky and gritty). I haven't tried using lip liners with any other shade, but even at this point, I'd suggest you go without. After a second, separate application (without lipliner), it applied much better, however, it's definitely not as opaque as the others. It still wears well but not as long as Miss Amy or Miss Christina.
Please note: I use a lip liner all over my lips vs just lining. Maybe that was my problem. You can always experiment with what works for you?

* Miss Leah Baby Cocoa (nourishing) *
To be honest, of all the Shanghai Suzy lipsticks I have, this is probably the most personally disappointing, not for the product itself, but purely because I actually thought this was a much slightly lighter shade. However, this is the perfect shade if you're wanting to dabble with the currently trending 90's "Kylie Jenner" lips without a really red "brick" shade (which I'm actually not for. The 90's need to stay in the 90's lol). This is the only shade I own that is the nourishing formula (its enriched with jojoba oil which makes it nourishing), and is very nice to wear (not that any of them aren't). This formula would definitely help if you do have dry, cracked lips without making the situation worse. Miss Leah does need more regular applications as the formula does wear more quickly due to it not being a matte and more hydrating. I get about 2-3 hours wear before reapplying.
Ps. After wearing this shade more and more, I am definitely really loving this shade, it's almost a "my lips but better" kind of shade.

* Miss Christina Neon Guava (matte) *
I LOVE this shade! Probably my fave out of the 5. It is the most summery and bright without being scary or obnoxious. It's the perfect blend of pink and coral. Long wearing, the only time I have to reapply is after eating and it was opaque with only 2 swipes. Because it is a neon/ super bright shade, it's definitely a shade to apply with attention, as it can stain very easily and can leave those tell tale red signs of tried removal that you get after "colouring outside the lines", or a wild pash session haha.

* Miss Sally Watermelon (matte) *
I feel like I had to work a little bit harder to get this to look "perfect" on my lips. I feel like Miss Sally also needed a good 3 swipes to be nice and opaque. It is also one of those shades that can stain very easily and can be hard to erase those tell-tale signs you can get after either not applying properly and outside of the lip line and trying to wipe it off,  I find it to be more on the red side of "watermelon", but it is absolutely gorgeous and anothing amazing summer shade.

None of the lipsticks bled or feathered on me.

L-R: Miss Amy, Miss Leah, Miss Ally, Miss Sally and Miss Christina. 

I wholeheartedly recommend these lipsticks. They are great value for money and are such amazing quality. There is definitely a shade for everyone, no matter what their style or preference of shades. I'll definitely be repurchasing more from the current seasons selection, and in future. I think the coral one will be next on my list! They're also not tested on animals and vegan!

My picks:
Miss Amy Baby Pink
Miss Christina Neon Guava


Available: shanghaisuzy.com (there's also a stockists page on the website)
RRP: $12.95 (+ $6.95 for shipping)

A quick lol...

Ok, total what the hell moment. I was watching a Sally Jo video, and she had a list of products used and it had Cindy-Loumanizer and I JUST realised the "Manizer" interprets to illuminser hahahaha! I am SUCH an idiot...

Have any of you had a duh! moment like that? Tell me about it!

Xmas wishlist!

Can you believe it's almost Christmas time already?! This year has gone by so fast. Pretty scary how fast time really does go by, especially when you realise you haven't actually achieved many of the things that you wanted to by years end. You definitely need to grab life by the horns, otherwise it'll certainly pass you by! I guess that's part of the "live life to the fullest" thing that everyone talks about. It certainly is true.

I've never really been into all the Xmas offerings that most companies seem to offer, the MAC holiday collection used to get the most attention from me because I'm such a sucker for packaging, especially if it's glittery, which most Xmas collections are. However, this year feels different. Not sure why, but I'm ALL about the Xmas goodies this year. These are the ones that have got me anxiously stalking websites, ready with the credit card... And as always, are great gifts to give, especially for the beauty minded as most are limited edition (and oh, how we beauty junkies love the words "limited edition" haha).

* Too Faced mini Melted lip glosses *
 I haven't tried these but I'm really loving that rich colour. I hear these have awesome staying power, which is great for summer because really, who wants melted lips from the summer heat. 

Colours included: Nude, Peony, Fuchsia and Berry.

* Too Faced Everything Nice palette *
Ooohhh this one looks DEVINE! This is definitely my # 1 Xmas want. So many colours, so many choices, so many potential looks! This seems to have everything you could want. Eyeshadows, blushes, bronzer and a highlight. This would also be amazing to take travelling (which I never do, so I guess that doesn't really apply to me, regardless, I still want it). 

It contains 20 eyeshadows, 2 blushes, a bronzer, a highlighter, mini Teddy Bear brushes and a mini Better Than Sex mascara. 

* NARS Virtual Domination blush palette *
OMG THIS is right at the top of my list (after the Too Faced palette, actually, no THIS is my #1 want!!!!) All shades I don't have (except for Deep Throat). GAH!
It includes the shades: Laguna (bronzer), Deep Throat, Miss Liberty, Sex Appeal and Final Cut.

* MAC Heirlooms lipstick in Rebel *
I've wanted Rebel for so long and have held onto my empties for like 6 months, waiting for it to actually be available. Think I'll just bypass the whole empties saga and buy myself the pretty glittery packaged one. Oh Xmas time!

* Bobbi Brown Holiday shimmerbrick *
I'm still waiting for details to emerge on this one. It's been described as bronze, regardless, I'll be needing it haha. I love Bobbi Brown shimmerbricks, and practically own them all (except I'm missing my Apricot....).



What's at the top of your wishlist this year?

September favourites

Can you believe it's almost October already? It's a pretty crazy thought, especially when you think about how quickly the year has flown, and how close it is to Xmas! Yikes!
Speaking of Xmas, are guys as excited as I am for the awesome Xmas stuff that will be coming out for the holiday season? I am especially loving the offerings of Too Faced.

Anywho, these are the goodies I've come across and am LOVING this past month!

* Too Faced Radiant Sweetheart bronzing beads *
I'm sure I've mentioned this product before, but it really is SO amazing and I just love it. It gives my face a subtle sparkle all over and just makes my skin look luminescent and perfect (IMO). I cannot rave about this product enough!

* Shanghai Suzy lipsticks *
I bought the Miss Amy Baby Pink after watching a Chloe Morello tutorial, and fell in love. Creamy, non-drying, super pigmented and long, even wearing. Love! So I bought 2 of the new summer shades Miss Leah Baby Cocoa and Miss Ally Amethyst. I'll definitely be buying more. Best of all ~ they smell like GRAPE bubblegum!!!!!!!!

L-R: Miss Ally Amethyst, Miss Leah Baby Cocoa and Miss Amy Baby Pink.

* NARS Creamy Concealer in Vanilla *
Another purchase after seeing everyone and their unicorn rave about this. I actually thought "why is this so raved about" after my first 1-2 uses, but as I used this more, I definitely fell in love and highly recommend it too. I'll definitely be re-purchasing it.

* Savvy Matte lipgloss in Icon *
For only $8, this is amazing! It's a matte (obviously) lipgloss and it doesn't budge. You can read my review on this below. Just purchased Hollywood Baby from the Priceline website. I will own ALL the shades!

* MAC Pink Opal pigment *
Seriously, every time I use this I fall in love with it all over again. It is THE MOST PERFECT shade for everything! Brow bone highlight? Perfect! Face highlight? Perfect! Eyeshadow? Perfect! Made of unicorns? Absolutely!

* TheBalm Mary-Lou Manizer *
Why didn't I own this before? This is the PERFECT gold based powder highlighter. I have been using this everyday since I got it. Caution: use with a light hand. It's very pigmented and a little goes a long way! (I use a fan brush for application).

* The Body Shop body butter in Coconut *
Of all The Body Shop stuff I've tried over the years, I never tried this one and I really don't know why. I got this one as a gift and I love it. I have the massive Satsuma one (400ml) and I feel like it's never ending, whereas this one (50ml) I finished quite quickly and maybe I'm a weirdo but I felt such a sense of accomplishment haha. This will be a great summer moisturiser. Will definitely buy again!

* Essie Shorty Pants nailpolish *
I am OBSESSED with yellow atm. Maybe it's just cos we're headed into summer or I don't know but I can't get enough! So naturally this is my current fave! Looks great with a tan.


PS. Whilst writing this post, I ended back up on the Shanghai Suzy site and bought the Neon Guava and Watermelon shades... Oops haha.