Review: Glamourflage HOLA Seaweed Moisturising Toner

I'll be honest, I'm quite new to toners. I've been wanting to get one for a little while now as at 32, my skin is changing (hello old age!). My skin is doing the usual 30's thing of losing collagen, elastin and all that good stuff that we need to be addressing, like yesterday. I've been pretty okay with using skincare for a few years now and skincare is not the chore that it once was to apply. Hell, I even get quite excited when it's time to wash the day away and get into the bathroom. And there is DEFINITELY no more going to sleep with makeup on (okay, except when I might *occasionally* get too drunk, then everything gets disregarded, let's be honest here, we're all guilty of it at one time or another).

Luckily for me and timing would have it, I got sent this bad boy to try out and as we all know how much I love seaweed (if you don't, that's okay, you must be new here, WELCOME!), I jumped at the chance!

What initially struck me was the texture. It's like a liquid gel hybrid, thicker than a liquid but not as thick as a gel (hopefully you'll see what I mean with the pics below). I've never seen a toner with a gel like texture before (although, I'm very new, therefore short-sighted when it comes to toners. Is gel textures in toners a thing?)

Second thing I noticed? The scent. THIS SMELLS AMAZING! It has a fresh, clean, subtle marine scent. I personally LOVE anything that is marine or sea scented. It reminds me of something but I can't quite put my finger on it. I'm thinking maybe a Clinique skincare product, ahh! Not sure! 


So after using this for a good month and a half here's what I've noticed with my skin. My nose pores are CLEAN. I've got large pores on my nose and they also look like they're filled with "gunk". Not black heads by any means but just generally "gunky" (you know what i mean surely?). Because they're less gunky looking, they also look slightly smaller. Ok, I'm not talking "wow they've really closed my pores right up!", but to me it's noticeable and my nose is much more clarified. I'm also not getting as many pimples during my hormonal breakouts. 

My skin is combination (oily t-zone, normal cheeks), so I feel like I'm not visibly seeing any results in my skin being any more hydrated or moisturised. It definitely feels refreshing and does make my skin feel clean and soft after using it. Also, I think it's important to note, not that "squeaky clean" feeling, which *I think* is actually stripping and over-drying your face, so I guess it must be hydrating it to some point. 

I think you'd probably see better results if you had dry skin vs oily, given the nature of being "hydrating". 

Overall, yes I quite like this product and it does make my nose look spectacular, but I would recommend this to those who have dry skin. I think this is really good value for money, as you can see in the pic below. That's how much product I've used in almost 2 months with daily use (I skipped maybe 4 applications where I skipped my whole regime due to tiredness/ can't-be-bothered-ness).

Usage after 2 months.

Back of the box.

RRP: $26AUD (150ml) 
Available: Glamourflage (free shipping over $50)


This product was sent to me for consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review: Inika Baked Mineral Foundation

Through my journey of "cleaning out" my life and steering towards that "hippy life" of natural and chemical-free products, I feel like there's been a lot of trial and error. Especially with makeup products. I've always been a product (mainly cosmetic) junkie, and I'm definitely the type of person to not stray from my steadfast favourites. Unless it becomes discontinued. Which has happened too many times to mention. I think we've all been in that boat.

Unfortunately, trying to navigate through natural and chemical free cosmetics is not an easy task. Firstly, there's seemingly not as many natural and chemical-free cosmetic brands and products out there. Secondly, not many people review natural and chemical-free products, so you'll have to check it out yourself rather than waiting for reviews. Thirdly, because companies aren't using chemicals to make these products, some of the more natural products don't respond, act or behave the same way. To be honest, most natural products I've found (in the past) just don't perform the way I'd like (or rather, what I'm used to), which is why there's been a lot of trial and error for me.

One of my absolute favourite face products was MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light. It was my holy grail powder for YEARS! There's a couple of reasons why I've stopped using MAC MSFN:
* I'm going as natural and chemical-free (time to make this a drinking game I think. Every time I say chemical-free, take a shot!) as I can.
* I had the most ridiculous amount of products that I really didn't need, so I stopped buying everything and just used what I had. (I've gotten rid of so much in the process of this. I reckon I've cut down my collection by about half, and I STILL have more than 1 person will ever need).
* MAC are no longer cruelty-free, which I personally don't condone and can't support.

After running out of each item of face/ skin makeup, I simply replaced them with natural and chemical-free versions. Nothing compares to some of my chemical favourites but I'm slowly getting there with some good stuff.

One thing I've found that is virtually the same is the Inika Baked Mineral Foundation to replace the MAC MSFN. They're both baked mineral powders that offer a very light, and slightly pearlized/ light reflective finish.

I find the Inika powder is a satin finish rather than a matte finish, which I personally don't look for in any product. I always like a luminous or satin finish to my skin.


The Inika Baked Mineral foundation provides a sheer but flawless finish. I use it to help set my foundation as I like my foundation to be "in place" and set. I feel like I can build it up as much as I would want to without it looking "cakey" at all, even if I've re-powdered throughout the day. It also doesn't initially cling to dry spots or acne, like some powders can do when you have texture and make them look dryer. Even at almost 32 I still get the dreaded flare ups from "that time of the month". The powder also doesn't emphasise my pores or sink into any of my fine lines.

The Inika powder wears evenly throughout the day and I find my makeup still looks reasonably okay when I take it off each night. I usually wear my makeup for about 12 hours easily (from 9am-9/11pm). Even as it wears throughout the day, I don't get any excess build up anywhere on my face so again, no patchiness or cakiness (when you've got those dry spots and powders cling to it, UGH!). I do have pretty good skin with little texture on my face (all texture is condensed to my chin and around my nose/ smile line area).

Being a baked powder, I also find that there's little to no kick up and it doesn't "pool" with powder in the packaging. I always find it discouraging when products do that as you know you're not getting as much product out of it. The Inika powder does last a long time in usage as well. I bought a replacement as I hit pan on my first one probably close to a month ago now, but it's actually still going strong and I'll probably get at least another 2-3 weeks out of it. I'm using it about 5-6 days a week, and I think I'm being pretty generous with the amount applied to my face.

I use the Inika shade in Unity and it's a perfect match. The MSFN shade I used to use was Light or Light Plus in comparison.

This has definitely become my new holy grail powder and it's such a pleasure to use.

RRP: $65AUD
Buy from: Inika   Flora and Fauna    Nourished Life

(Not so) Basic Essentials: Brushes (part 2)

This is the follow up post for all the ladies who LOVE makeup and are beyond the needs of someone who requires a basic brush set. This is for the ladies who glam it up with the WORKS. Think ALL OF THE contour, highlight, ALL OF THE COLOURS!!!


Face brushes:
* A powder brush:
This is a necessity for those who either do a lot of powdering or bronzing. You want something quite large so blending (especially for bronzing) is seamless. You don't want harsh lines, just the jealousy of those who think you've just gone on holiday!

* A fan brush:
For those who highlight, everyone needs one. It is perfect for all places. Cheekbones, down the nose, the cupids bow, above the eyebrow. You especially need this brush if you own The Balm's Mary Lou-Manizer. Any other brush is too much for Mary-Lou, that baby is INTENSE!! 

* A contour brush:
This is really for those who are really into their contouring (obviously). There are many choices and preferences out there so I think this is a trial for yourself thing. I've heard mixed reviews on the NARS Ita brush. Some like a fluffy, large angled brush. I have the MAC 109, however, I'm not much of a contourer unless I've got the time or a special occasion.
TOP TIP: Highlight first as this will naturally shadow you so you know the right place to apply your contour.

* A concealer brush:
This is just perfect for those who LOVE their bold lips. This is the perfect tool for cleaning up those lip mistakes that sometimes happen, or to clean up the edges on your brows. I personally don't actually use a concealer brush for under eyes as I find they don't blend out under eye concealer nicely. 

Eye brushes:
* A larger shader brush: 
I like to have a back up shader brush that is larger for any additional work I might wanna do involving packing on colour. 

* A small, synthetic shader brush:
This is perfect for creamy products like paint pots, or any stickier bases for priming the eyelids, and still keeping it all compact on the lid. My fave is the MAC 242. 

* A smudger brush:
This is a great brush for detail work and highlighting the inner corner and brow bone. 

BONUS JUST FOR FUN BRUSH:
* A mascara fan brush:
Save money on coloured mascaras by investing in one of these. You can use these with gel eyeliners to create a fun mascara (which are notorious for drying up quickly). 

Brush lines I Recommend:
MAC
Available: MAC stores, counters and online
RRP: from $37AUD

Zoeva
Available: beautybay.com
RRP: from $11.30AUD
Zoeva also do really affordable sets of brushes too, if you're looking to get a few at once.

Bdellium Tools
Available: bdelliumtools.com
RRP: from $9USD
Bdellium also do affordable sets of brushes. They also come in cool colours like pink, purple, yellow and green. 


Disclaimer: To be clear, all of these are "nice to haves", of course no one actually NEEDS anything more than the basics. Take from this what you will, but they are still very handy brushes to have, and brushes I reach for daily/ semi-daily. 

Red powder/ makeup brush photo created and taken by Love Lanner - lovelanner.com

Colour Smash: Orange

Up next in these colour style faves is ORANGE! Oooh my, how I love my oranges. Orange lipstick is my ultimate go to shade and I'd own every single one of I could!

L-R: Lady Danger, Neon Orange, Morange and Good to Go. 

MAC Morange
A bright, amplified lipstick, not for the faint of heart, or colourshy. I do find this does tend to get a bit patchy if you don't have super smooth lips, so I'd definitely exfoliate before breaking out this little number.
Available: at MAC counters, stores and online.
RRP: $36

MAC Neon Orange
Ok so this shade is pretty much identical to Morage. In shade and in finish, making this 
also an amplified finish. This is probably my favourite orange lipstick there is. 
Available: MAC counters, stores and online.
RRP: $36

MAC Lady Danger
This one's a matte finish lipstick. I wasn't sure how to swing this shade red vs orange, but I think it definitely sways more orange. I never understood the fascination with this shade until I "purchased"* it. It is stunning! If you really want to make a statement and feel glamourous/ sexy, this is the shade you need. Even if that's not what you're about, you still need it.
Available: at MAC counters, stores and online.
RRP: $36
* by purchased, I mean b2m'd. Which is how I get most "classic" MAC lipsticks these days. However in saying that I got this for "free", I would most definitely purchase this again.

MAC Good to Go
This lipstick is the pro long wear creme formula, so it's long wearing and more of a matte finish. I would describe this as Morange that is longer lasting on the lips (due to its finish of course). Maybe just slightly darker. I find this creamier too.
Available: at MAC counters, stores and online.
RRP: $40

L-R: Lady Danger, Neon Orange, Morange and Good to Go. 

With Flash/ L-R: Lady Danger, Neon Orange, Morange and Good to Go. 

Bobbi Brown Nectar shimmerbrick
Ooh the shimmer shimmer. I love BB shimmerbricks. They are definitely my fave products from her entirely line. These are great highlighters to accompany a similar toned/ coloured blush on the cheekbones. You could also use these as an eyeshadow too. 
Available: at BB counters, online, Mecca Cosmetica and meccacosmetica.com.au.
RRP: $72

MAC Peaches
This is a beautiful peach blush shade that looks very natural but is buildable if you want something a littler more of a statement. It is a sheer tone formula with little to no shimmer or sparkle. 
Available: at MAC stores, counters and online.
RRP: $40

MAC Orange
This eyeshadow is a matte finish and is great to have as you can use this as an accent/ crease colour to use with browns or bronzes, or even a festive, colourful, summer look which you can pair with pinks, fuchsias and what have you. I would definitely recommend a nice bold orange eyeshadow to have in your collection. 
Available: at MAC counters, stores and online.
RRP: $33

OPI In My Back Pocket
I love OPI nail polishes. Good formula and an amazing selection of shades and textures.Oranges are my fave in summer, and look great against a tan.
Available: David Jones, Myer and selected nail/ beauty salons.
RRP: $19.95

The Body Shop Satsuma body wash
This is the most delicious, citrusy scent! It smells so fresh and invigorating. It is limited edition (as all good things in life are), however, it does come out very regularly and a must have! (Usually after Christmas). There is always a good solid selection of Satsuma goodies to your liking too, not just the bodywash. I also have the sorbet and soaps. 
Available: The Body Shop (yes, it's available now)
RRP: from $9.95

The Body Shop Vitamin C Mircodermabrasion scrub
An intense scrub that is described as an "at home microdermabrasion ". You use this no more than twice a week and it does wonders for my skin. If you're after something stronger than a normal scrub, this is the ones for you!
Available: The Body Shop
RRP: $34.95

MAC Genuine Orange chromagraphic pencil
This is a yellow based pencil that is multipurpose, so great for use as a lip liner, and if you're a little more adventurous, an eyeliner (the reason I bought it).
Available: MAC PRO stores or maccosmetics.com.au
RRP: $32


What are your orange faves?

MAC Techniques: Trend 2015

On Thursday the 19th, I attended a MAC Techniques workshop. I haven't attended ones for YEARS, so it was nice to go to one and learn something new. The Technique class I went to was "Trend", which is based on the recent Melbourne Fashion Week trends and what we'll be seeing, and doing in the new season.

These are the top tips we learned for taking our makeup into Autumn:

* Natural but pretty makeup is key this season. Less drama. Less harsh lines. 

* Skin is returning to a velvety powdered finish ~ however, this is only through the t-zone. The cheeks are still taking on a glowy, more dewy finish.
* Contouring is still in, but rather than a straight line, its focus is much more angular, think 135° angle vs 100°

* Brows are still remaining defined, however, it's with less harsh lines/ more natural. Using a MAC 239 brush is perfect to create these brows. 

* Bold eyeliner is still in, however, it's being paired with minimal lashes ~ nothing dramatic here!

* Or in reverse: Massive, thick, voluminous lashes with little, to no liner. 

* Burgundy is the next big thing in colour! 

Other great tips I learned:

* Highlight before you contour. This will naturally shadow you, so you know exactly where you should contour! 

* Try fluidline as an eyeshadow base. like duh right? I can't believe I have never thought about doing that. 

* Try a MSF with some fix plus as a nice sheen over eyeshadow, or as a highlight. 

* A nice combo: A cream colour base with strobe cream sponged on over the top as a cheek highlight.


After the demonstrations, the MAC artists made themselves available to answer our questions or queries about the products that were used or any techniques people may have wanted to master. It was a really good night, and I'm appreciative that I had been invited to it (not that you have to exclusively be invited, a work colleague had asked If I wanted to go). 

If you ever get the opportunity to attend one of these master classes, I highly recommend it. You also get nibbles and drinks to snack on throughout the session and a cute little "study book". There are different types of master classes, like beginner classes, glamour, trends etc. 

Technique classes are $120 but is completely redeemable in products.
Each class runs for 2 hours. 

Call your local MAC store to find out more, or when the next class is. 

Review: Maskd Green mask

Maskd is a new Australian brand created by a beauty therapist, Carli Lansdown, using natural ingredients. The Maskd motto is simple: "refresh, revive and relight your face today". 

I tried this mask over 3 days (once a day), as suggested by the website Maskd.com.au (for an intense skin revival course). I also asked my partner to try it out one night with me as he likes to occasionally dabble in my lotions and potions. So you'll also hear/ see his thoughts on it as a "once a week/ one time/ occasional user", which could be handy for those who like to use masks only on occasion, or forget about them (which is me half the time). 

The mask is said to:

Smooth lines and wrinkles

Soothes damaged skin and reduces scars

Permits fresh, and glowing skin

Allows natural oil flow

Moistens dry skin

Reduces blemishes

Improve application of makeup

My skin is combination, normal cheeks and oily t-zone. I only get hormonal acne, which is just starting to rear its ugly head (it's almost that time ugh!). I also have quite a congested nose with large pores. No blackheads or any other congestion on my face. 

Use 1: (first night)
I applied a thin layer all over. I didn't have any tingling or stinging sensations at all, but felt slightly hot in one small area on my left cheek and forehead, which started about 5 minutes in and stopped about 8 minutes in. To me, it smelt like plastic, quite a strong scent of it. It was initially concerning to me that a "natural" face mask would smell so heavily of plastic, but it did soon wear off and left a more natural and organic scent (like walking past an Endota Spa) . My partner thought it smelt natural. 
After 15 minutes I washed it off with the washcloth provided. It left my skin feeling very fresh, radiant and only slightly tight. 
My nose looked immediately less congested and the pores slightly smaller, but they did oil up again quite quickly. 
Afterwards I applied my Mario Badescu Seaweed night cream to moisture (as directed to do by the website and as I usually do after a mask anyway).

I definitely prefer this mask over the one we currently use (Sukin Purifying mask) and can't wait to use it again tomorrow night.

My Partner: (Oily skin with occasional acne. Suffers from blackheads and large pores)
He felt a stinging sensation straight away but he said it subsided within 3 minutes of wear. Not strong but definitely quite noticeable.
Afterwards he said his skin felt smooth and liked the way that it felt. 
He liked it and would use it again. He does prefer more "mud" style masks though as he says they give more of a "burning sensation", which he apparently likes.

Use 2: (third night, I was tired and missed a night)
Weirdly, I found this application was more hot and tingly than the first time, even though it says that with each use, those feelings reside more and more. 
A pimple I had on my chin cleared up much quicker than usual (2 days vs about 7), so I am putting that down to the mask pure and simple, as my hormonal acne doesn't budge very quickly. However, I have noticed that I've had some small white heads come up on my forehead that weren't there before I started the masks, but, that could just be the mask doing it's job by drawing the crap out of my skin, so I'm not particularly surprised. 
After the use, I definitely noticed that my nose pores were definitely smaller and again, cleaned out nicely. 
Again, my face felt fresh, radiant and smooth. 
At this point, I haven't noticed any kind of improvement as to applying my makeup or it lasting longer. So that's neither here nor there for me as I don't feel like my makeup could last any longer if I tried. 

Use 3: (forth night)
This time I found more of a stinging effect on my face (both cheeks), rather than just a tingling sensation. This lasted for nearly the whole time I had the mask on. Although this was the only application that I did wash my face twice before applying it (as the instructions say to do). 
The pores on my nose are definitely looking much better, and through prolonged use I can only imagine how good they'd look. 
Again, I found my skin, fresh, radiant and definitely much smoother, although less tighter than day 1 after use. 
Not seeing any difference in regards to fine lines and wrinkles, but I do believe you'd have to be using this stuff for a while yet.  


I really liked this mask, and the way it made my skin feel after each use. I loved how it actually made me feel like it was doing something for my nose pores as the only thing that even comes close to helping them are the Biore nose strips. I can see this being a big winner for those with acne. Obviously I don't have much but it did wonders for the *cough* one pimple I had. 
I find you'd have to have long term use to see any real difference in fine lines and wrinkles, as with any skincare. 
The only thing I didn't like about it was the very plasticky smell when you first apply it. 

I would definitely recommend Maskd. As I previously stated, and still hold true to, I like this much better than my current mask, and am struggling to think of a previously used mask that I like better than the Maskd one (possibly MAC Volcanic Ash Mask, but I honestly think it's too close to call). I will be buying a full size tube as I know this is going to be a saviour for my "monthly" skin. 


Where to buy: Maskd.com.au or ebay.com.au/usr/maskd1 for international shipping!
RRP: $49.95 (50ml)



Product was provided for me for the purposes of this review. Thought and opinions are 100% my own and genuine. 

First Impressions/ empties: V2

Another round up of some first impressions/ mini reviews of products I've recently bought, tried or been given samples of!

Stila Coming Clean Revitalising cleanser: (sample)
I loved this from the first go at this. It's freshly scented and feels like a good clean without feeling like you're stripping the skin. It's not tightening and feels quite light. You also only need a small amount to lather. The only thing i dislike is the fact I don't believe you can get this in Australia. 
Re-purchase: Yes, if I can get my hands on it. 

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Mist: (full size)
I really tried to love this. I'm always looking for a good, deep, fast developing tan. Well, this is definitely deep, fast... well, that's where my problem lies. When you apply it (I use the Bondi Sands mitt to go with the tan), it dries faster than I have time to rub it in, leaving lines on my skin. Now, my skin is exfoliated and moisturised. I only do one limb at a time (well lower half leg, upper half leg, you get my point...), it dries TOO FAST. I'm pretty experienced with tanning myself but I just don't get this one. I definitely still love Vani-T tans as my fave. After using this, I really don't get the hype. This is definitely not for novices!
Re-purchase: Nope. I wanna try Loving Tan next. If that is sub-par, I'm back to Vani-T haha.

GHD Heat Protectant spray: (full size)
I LOVE this, but it's definitely a splurge buy. It's no better or worse than the Tresemme spray, which my partner likes. They're the only 2 that I have tried, but I got the Lee Stafford one today as part of the Priceline hair goodie bag they came out with. The smell is inoffensive and subtle, no strong overtones of anything, just like a hair product scent. I also like the sleek stylish bottle because yup, I'm a sucker for packaging (and may or may not have been the reason I bought it *shifty eyes*).
Re-purchase: Yes, once I'm out of Lee Stafford Heat Protectant spray.

Batiste "Cherry" Dry Shampoo: (full size)
This is delish! I love that fake cherry smell, so this was right up my alley. I've tried a few different dry shampoos, and this is my favourite and I keep coming back to it (the brand and the scent). The scent is definitely fake but not overpowering or super sickly. The product itself is fantastic, works very well and slightly volumises as well as take that greasy look away. I feel like you can't spray "too much" and it doesn't "clump" up in your hair like some can. It also doesn't leave a residue on your fingers, again, like some can. I highly recommend you try one of the Batiste dry shampoos. They have loads of different ones to try, like this cherry scented one, tropical (coconut and pineapple I believe), wild, ones with colour (like for brunettes so you don't get that white cast). There is literally no reason you shouldn't at least give this product a try (they also have minis if you feel like you can't commit to a full sized can).
Re-purchase: Yes. Yes. Yes.

Glam Glow Power Mud Dual Cleanse treatment: (sample)
Eh, I used this a few times, and I'm not wowed by it. I didn't see much of a difference at all. I did like the fact it was a mud mask that when you add water, it turns into a cleanser, but I'm a sucker for novelty things like that. I don't see the hype, or maybe the hype is on the black one maybe? I'm not sure. It didn't make my skin any drier, oilier, tight, red etc etc. No change on my skin. For as expensive as this is, I would definitely obtain a sample of this before purchasing full price to see what it does for your skin. I do have really good skin so maybe that's also why. I guess the jury's still out on this one for me!
Re-purchase: No.

Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara: (sample)
I got this as a sample with my dearly beloved "Everything Nice" xmas palette. I think this is a pretty nice mascara. Not the best I've had (we'll leave that spot for Lancome's Hypnose), and certainly not the worst. It doesn't bode well for lower lashes as the brush is quite thick and dispenses a lot of product on the brush from the tube, which is probably the only thing I dislike about it. It doesn't curl my lashes, but does give them volume and coats them nicely without looking too spidery, again, due to how thick the mascara is, so it's a good balance. My lashes are difficult to work this, so something with curl probably would be better but eh, this does the job for now. The formula is perfect too. Not watery, not dry, so if either of those things do concern you, this is worth a check, as it's nicely balanced in the middle.
Re-purchase: Probably not, only because I have other loves that are around the same price. 


If you have any requests, then please let me know and I'll give it a go!