My blogspiration

Monday, November 30, 2015

Savvy Ultra Matte lips vs Australis Velourlips

There has been a massive influx in the beauty world lately with matte liquid lipsticks. They are definitely having a moment, and rightly so. They are awesome and I'm definitely a fan. They are long wearing and budge proof. Perfect for those who are busy and constantly on the go. I have previously reviewed the Savvy Ultra Matte lipsticks but now I'm going to compare the Savvy one against another Australian brand, Australis Velourlips.

These are both great Australian versions that cost a fraction of the cost, and are easily found here, compared to some of the other brands out there, such as Anastasia Beverley Hills, Dose of Colors, Jeffree Star and Pretty Zombie Cosmetics etc. There are definitely more and more brands adding them to their collections, so it's going to be quite the thing for a while yet.

Even though my review on the Savvy Ultra Matte was in August of last year, I still hold true to my previously thoughts on them. I still really love them, but "everyone" here in Australia seems to really be going nuts over Australis Velourlips, so I definitely thought it was worth a re-visit to see which brand of liquid matte lipsticks fared up better!

I have 2 shades of each brand, so I'll be testing them all out.

Savvy Ultra Matte in Icon
Applies smoothly and evenly. No bleeding or feathering.
It applies easily and doesn't cling to any particular area on the lips or create "rings".
Dries within 60 seconds, leaves no sticky residue other than when drying.
Definitely kiss proof and also nap proof too (yes I tested this out by accident haha).
It does wear off on the inside when eating, but drinking is no problem.
I didn't find it to crack on my lips throughout the day at all, and honestly the only time I had to reapply was after my lunch. Also, I didn't have to completely take it off before reapplying, I just put it on straight over the top and it looked fine.


Savvy Ultra Matte in Hollywood Baby
Applies smoothly, however, it does settle and gather on the outside of my lip line, the bottom one mostly, so it's not a shade you can quickly apply and go. Take your time with it.
Takes a little longer to dry and is sticky until dry. Took about 2 mins.
I had mild flakiness on my lips and it did avoid these spots so my bottom lip looked a bit "holey". So exfoliate your lips beforehand if you know you're going to wear it. 
Drinking is no problem and doesn't affect wear.
Kiss proof and wears evenly.
I think to be super safe, completely take off and reapply from the get go as it's not the best to reapply over the top. 


Australis Velourlips in Mil-a-no (cream)
I find this very patchy and hard to get even on application and really have to work with it so it doesn't settle into my lip lines that look unplesant. No bleeding or feathering.
Dries within 60 seconds, doesn't leave a sticky residue other than when drying.
It's quite a thin lipstick vs the other brighter colours. 


Australis Velourlips in Grandmaster Pash (metallic)
Applies smoothly and evenly. No bleeding or feathering.
It applies easily and nicely but did take a long time to dry completely. 
Sticky while drying. 
Drinking and eating are no problem. 
Kiss proof and wears evenly.


Overall, The darker colours are much better and easier to apply and less work overall. The light ones on both brands do take quite a bit of work to make it look good and are less forgiving, so the lighter shades are definitely not a quick fix and go product. 
I personally prefer the way the Savvy Mattes apply and wear but the Australis Velourlips have a much better colour range, and I do love choice haha. In the end, I'd go with the Savvy Ultra Matte. 



Savvy Ultra Matte:
Comes in 5 shades
Available: Priceline
RRP: $7.99
Savvy is Vegan
Fun Fact: Savvy is not part of the cosmetic company "Designer Brands". Savvy is a Priceline brand.

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, PPG-17/IPDI/DMPA Copolymer, Polybutene, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyethylene, Paraffin, Ozokerite, Isododecane, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Cetearyl Alcohol, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. MAY CONTAIN [+/-]: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850:1), Red 27 Lake (CI 45410), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Iron Oxides (CI 77492/ CI 77499).

Australis Velourlips:
Comes in 20 permanent shades and 3 limited edition metallic shades
Available: Australiscosmetics.com.au and Priceline
RRP: $9.95
Australis is Vegan

Ingredients: Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyethylene, Polybutene, Ozokerite, Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Cetearyl Alcohol, Silica, Fragrance , Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. May Contain (+/-): CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 77492 (Iron Oxides), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 15850 (Red 6), CI 15850:1 (Red 7 Lake), CI 45410 (Red 27 Lake), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake).

Monday, November 16, 2015

Recent empties

I'm here with a round up of what I've used up recently and a bit of a mini review of each product. 
Thinking about it, I never use up makeup haha (probably because I have so much, lets be honest!), I think I've only ever used up a Stila Kitten eyeshadow... wow! haha. I do have a couple that I've hit pan on, but they are LE stuff, so I use it sparingly, of course!! 

Anywho, let's move along, shall we?


TBS Peach body wash, TBS Seaweed cleanser, Glamourflage toner

The Body Shop Peach Body Wash (full size)
This smells so good! I'm on a bit of a peach fix at the moment and loving it! Perfect for summer. I really like The Body Shop body washes. 
Re-purchase: Yes, but I'm not sure you can still get it. It was Limited Edition
Available: The Body Shop stores and online

The Body Shop Satsuma Body Wash (full size)
This is my go-to body wash. I love it, and it's usually limited edition (although I'm guessing they may have made it permanent now...?!), so I stock up on this when I get it. I also interchange scents/ body washes, but always come back to this. It's the perfect accompaniment to my go-to fragrance, CKin2U (which is also fruity/citrusy). 
Re-purchase: Always
Available: The Body Shop stores and online

The Body Shop Seaweed cleanser (full size)
This is my all time favourite face cleanser. I recommend this to anyone and everyone that wants to hear about it haha. I LOVE seaweed almost anything lol.
Re-purchase: Yes. Have and will continue forever (probably...)
Available: The Body Shop stores and online 

Glamourflage Tiara Tracey toner (full size)
I really enjoyed using this. It has Witch Hazel in it as a primary ingredient which I like to help keep my skin clear. 
Re-purchase: Yes
Available: David Jones


Chi Chi hand cream, MAC Fix +, MAC Opulash, Beauty Bay mascara, MAC False Lashes
Sukin Hand and Nail cream (full size)
Not a fan of the scent of this, but it doesn't linger for too long, which makes it alright. It does moisturise quite nicely and I like that it's natural (which I'm getting quite into lately). 
Re-purchase: On the fence with this one. Probably not though
Available: Priceline

Chi Chi Hand Cream in Pomegranate (full size)
This was all right. I'm not a massive fan of hand creams but my hands get so dry that it's becoming necessary. This did smell really nice though.
Re-purchase: No
Available: Myer, Target

MAC Fix + Rose (full size)
This was ok. I'm not a fan of rose scented stuff and honestly, it probably took me over 2
years to use this thing up (it was from the previous release). I much prefer the Charged waters, plain Fix+ or the Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray.
Re-purchase: Not the Rose scented, but other Fix +, yes 
Available: Not available anymore, but the original at MAC stores, counters and online

MAC Opulash mascara in Violet (full size)
This was so old it needed to be thrown out. I barely used it, and I now think if I wanted a coloured mascara, I'll just use a mascara fan brush and a coloured fluidline. Cheaper and not so much waste. 
Re-purchase: No, unavailable as it was LE
Available: Not available anymore

Beauty Bay mascara (full size)
I bought this as I was making an order on Beauty Bay and needed a new mascara. It was quite dry and although it wasn't a bad mascara, it did nothing spectacular for my lashes. I ended up pairing this with MAC False Lashes mascara, using this one as a base and together the 2 ended up being quite nice. 
Re-purchase: No
Available: beautybay.com

MAC False Lashes mascara (sample)
I like this paired with Beauty Bay mascara, using the False Lashes mascara last. Probably wouldn't buy a full size though. I like other mascaras better. It's not too watery or dry. Just about right. It didn't curl or lengthen, but did separate my lashes, which I personally like and want in a mascara. If you're after something new, this mascara could be worth a shot. 
Re-purchase: No
Available: MAC counters, stores and online


Organix Marine Extracts shampoo

Organix Marine Extracts shampoo and conditioner (full size)
I did not like the smell of these at all. I usually like marine/ sea like smell, but this wasn't good at all. I also don't think it did much to my hair either, although, that's probably not too fair of a judgement as I used other things alongside as I really couldn't stand the smell. It took me almost a year to use these up. 
Re-purchase: No
Available: Priceline, most supermarkets

MAC Odyssey lipstick (full size)
Okay, so I had to chuck this. It has that gross plastic crayon smell to it. Sad day to see haha.
Re-purchase: No, I barely used it when it was good
Available: MAC stores, counters and online

Dr Dennis Gross Extra Strength Alpha Peel treatment (5 day pack)
These are awesome! I use these once a week as an "in house" treatment on my at-home spa days. I like that these do work but without your face actually peeling and looking funky. There's no down time, however, you are recommended to stay out of the sun (as with any peel/ harsher skin treatment). You can use these any time (day or night). I like to use them at night so there's no chance of me seeing the sun, and I let the treatment do its work alongside beauty sleep and the whole rejuvenation process. I'm thinking of trying out one of the other Dr Dennis Gross treatments and seeing how those go. Highly recommend! 
Re-purchase: Yes, and I have, and will continue to
Available: mecca.com.au


Monday, November 9, 2015

Review: Kelapa Organics SPF15 Moisturiser

The Kelapa Organics SPF15 Moisturiser is the newest product in their skincare line. It fits in nicely amongst their line of basic necessities of good and essential skincare.


All Kelapa Organic Skincare is:
~ Not tested on animals
~ Vegan
~ Organic
~ Australian made and owned


This is what Kelapa Organics have to say about the SPF15 Face Moisturiser:
Kelapa’s SPF15 Face Moisturiser is a light yet protective lotion that’s ideal for everyday use. It’s non greasy, quickly absorbing and perfect on its own or under make up. This Natural SPF Face Moisturiser Contains Certified Organic Coconut Oil for its exceptional moisturising and protective qualities.




All Kelapa products are organic, natural and contain "the holy grail", Coconut Oil. They also do not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, synthetic fragrances, parabens, artificial colours or preservatives.

It's 75ml and is encased in a white plastic bottle with a matte paper wrapping. It's very simple but looks clean and fresh. It comes in a pump bottle which is great for hygiene and being able to disperse as much as you need.

             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

First Impressions:
The Kelapa SPF15 moisturiser was quite thick, but easy to apply and rub in. I did find that it clung to the dry patches on my face, but were rubbed in with a little more effort. It smells like coconut and is pleasant, and there is also an underlying smell that's really nice. I'm not sure what it is, maybe vanilla as I do know some of their other products are vanilla scented, but it went away so quickly I couldn't put my finger on it.


After a month:
I've been using this every day and feel like it does a good job at moisturising, the biggest thing, and most important for myself, is the fact that as an SPF product, The Kelapa moisturiser is thick. Most moisturisers (with and without an SPF) are very thin, which you need a good teaspoon of sunscreen (SPF) for the face to ensure you are properly protected. I imagine a thinner moisturiser wouldn't provide as much coverage as you're using less product to begin with. I used a pump and a half each application. It did cling to the area around my smile lines by my mouth, but absorbed with more rubbing in.

This didn't break me out at all and made my skin feel well moisturised. It didn't interfere or affect my makeup products at all. Not with primer, foundation, illuminiser or any other products I might use as a base. It doesn't affect longevity in my makeup or make me look oily so I have to re-powder (I don't think I ever re-powder tbh). If i didn't use any makeup on my face (weekends), I could still feel the moisture on my face so it doesn't completely sink in, which I actually prefer. It makes me feels as though my skin is consistently being moisturised (I could be wrong about that haha). I guess thats also a sign that my skin isn't dry and it doesn't suck it all up. Importantly, it doesn't make my skin look oily at this point either.

I did find the more you rub it in, the stickier it does get and I definitely had to wash my hands before applying anything else to my skin afterwards. The only thing that would make this even better, is making this an SPF30.

I also haven't discovered what that "hidden" scent is yet either...
I would love to know what it smells like, but this is a great thing for those who don't particularly like scented skincare. It smells pleasant, then evaporates quickly.


Would I repurchase?:
Yes. I'm really enjoying it. I do prefer the consistency of the Olay SPF15 moisturiser (my holy grail) whilst applying and rubbing in, but I feel like this is a great natural alternative, which is what I'm starting to get more into.

I also imagine that being a coconut oil product, eventually this could be helpful in keeping those wrinkles away like oils can do (olive oil anyone?). I do also wish that it was more easily accessible and not just available via the website.

               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Day:
The Body Shop Seaweed cleanser
Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum
Kelapa Organics SPF15 Face Moisturiser
Kate Somerville Cytocell eye cream

Night: 
The Body Shop Seaweed cleanser
Mario Badescu Seaweed night cream
Glamourflage Luscious Lucy face cream for neck and décolletage 
Kate Somerville Cytocell eye cream
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta extra strength peels (every monday)


Available: kelapa.com.au
RRP: $29.95


As with all skincare reviews, product has been tested for at least 30 days before reviewing. All opinions are genuine and this product was sent to me for consideration.