My Farfetch Wishlist; and what's in my makeup bag!

I'm an online shopper. I love spending hours just trawling through websites, especially the beauty ones! I've been a long time lover of the website Farfetch and wanted to show you what's on my beauty Wishlist and to tell you Farfetch have opened up it's NEW beauty boutique Space NK Apothecary. 

These are my TOP 5 Wishlist items!!! (this excludes those amazing Sophia Webster wing heels!!)

~ My Daily Essentials Makeup Bag ~

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

Benefit High Beam

NARS Luminous Silk foundation

NARS Radiant Creamy concealer

Hourglass Dim Light Luminous powder 

TheBalm Mary-Lou Manizer

Anastasia Beverley Hills Dip Brow Pomade

MAC Painterly Paintpot

MAC Vanilla pigment

MAC Blacktrack fluidline

Ardency Inn Black Modster eye pencil

Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara

MAC Creme Cup lipstick

Sneak Peak into my goodie bag!

All my daily faves!! 

All prices in AUD$. 
All items available on Farfetch.com/au

All pictures from Farfetch.com.au and as an entry to the Farfetch Beauty Blogger competition.

Review: Josie Maran Coconut Watercolour eyeshadow

I have seen this product raved about so much, that naturally, I wanted to try it out. I got the shade Rainforest Green, which is a beautiful emerald green shade, which is metallic looking and ever so slightly shimmery.

The package is quite unique, in a glass bottle that looks like a dropper. It's got a doe foot applicator and thinking about it now, it's very similar like those YSL and Giorgio Armani cream to powder eyeshadow that have been coming out recently, except this is with Coconut water.

First Impression/ use: 
I don't know what it is, but *spoiler alert* it is a hot mess of a product. Is it me? Is it the product? I really have no idea. Let's talk about it a little to see what the deal is.

I followed the instructions, so I know it's not that. I shook it to disperse the product around, as instructed, yet the bulk of the product stayed at the bottom of the bottle. I shook it harder, Nothing. I then took the applicator and tried to jimmy/ swish the product from the bottom to get it moving around. Nothing. So I'm basically left with this watery, slightly coloured, liquid. It applied like crap (because it's just "water" is a guess....).

Second point: It didn't dry. Whatever colour payoff I did get, was then also let down by the fact that it took forever to dry and I couldn't even open my eyes fully as the colour transferred to my upper lid/ crease area. So this is definitely not a product for those with hooded eyes.

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

Second use: (swatched)
I wrote the start of this blog a while back and just hated this, however, just to make sure my opinion was the same, I just shook it up and swatched it on my hand and it's now "working". It swatched perfectly and mostly dried down, but it did take a good couple of minutes to do so. It wasn't wet to touch, but it was easily smeared when touched, so it never 100% fully dried.

L-R: Swatched with about 5 layers; blended out
(photo in natural sunny light)

Second use: (eyes)
As I went to use this properly, I shook it but when I gently scraped the applicator on the sides to remove excess product, it broke off! Really not having a good time with this product. I still wanted to continue testing this out, but it was uber tricky after the applicator broke on me, however, I persevered and just used a concealer brush on my eye. First layer on both eyes (one primed with a paintpot and nude eyeshadow; one completely bare) and it creased and was ultra sheer. Second layer I blended out with my finger, and it is very easy to blend. I think it applied pretty much the same on both eyes (primed and not primed).

The broken applicator :(

After 6 hours wear, it still looks the same as when first applied, so the product hasn't moved, but the lid looks extremely sheer and creased as noted when first applied. So it didn't get any worse, except for the lids. 

This is not ideal for those who like good coverage, have oily lids or are time limited. I would not recommend this to anyone who is a novice at makeup either. I feel like I have a very good handle on makeup, and just couldn't make it work. 

The 1 pro I can see out of this product. It washes off so easy. Like, just add water easy. Also could be a con though, if your eyes water or you cry easily or at photos of kittens and puppies, you're going to look like a hot mess.

It's seriously such a shame that this failed so hard for me, when opaque (swatched), it is the most prettiest emerald shade that sparkles perfectly. The only way I can see this working is if you have a lot of time up your sleeve and you love the grungy look. 


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

Would I repurchase?: 
I'm so tempted to get the rose gold shade, Rio De Rose Gold, but, no. I will not be buying any more of these after the experience I had. 

Available: Mecca Maxima, Kit Cosmetics and mecca.com.au

RRP: $25

PS. if you know how you're actually supposed to use this product, please let me know. 

All about Seaweed

Okay, so I'm a little obsessed with seaweed. Huh? Like sushi? Well yes, I LOVE sushi, but I'm also talking about beauty products...

Reasons to get into seaweed:

* It's a great natural product, full of minerals, vitamins and amino acids essential for good health.

* Seaweed has anti-oxidants too, which can help protect skin from free radicals, which accelerates ageing.

* Seaweed is a natural anti-inflammatory.

* Seaweed (food) is a great source of iodine (which most people don't get enough of in their diet), which helps promote thyroid health.

* Seaweed has proven to help stimulate hair growth and thickness.

* Seaweed aids in skin renewal.

* Seaweed aids in skin suppleness.

These are my fave seaweed products that I just adore, and highly recommend:




The Body Shop Seaweed face cleanser
Ugh. I love everything about this. The smell, the way it lathers up, the way it makes my skin feel. This ticks all of the boxes that a cleanser should. I've tried many cleansers, but I always come back to this. It cleans without making your skin feel too tight or oily afterwards.
Available: The Body Shop stores and online
RRP: $17.95










Mario Badescu Seaweed night cream
I love the texture of this. It also absorbs really fast and my skin feels so fresh after using it. It keeps my skin well hydrated overnight and I don't look "tired" in the morning.
Available: Mecca Cosmetica, mecca.com.au and beautybay.com
RRP: $29




Bumble and Bumble Seaweed shampoo and conditioner
These 2 both contain Marine Extracts which help promote scalp health, which is essential for healthy hair. They are gentle enough to be used everyday (not that you should...). It's quite mild but cleanses nicely without feeling like you're stripping natural oils in your hair. It leaves my hair feeling soft and light and doesn't weigh down my roots, which I like in my shampoo/ conditioner. It smells fresh too.
Available: Mecca Cosmetica and mecca.com.au
RRP: Shampoo $33, Conditioner $35






Other products that look great and worth a shot:

The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Toner
This contains no alcohol so it's not drying like other toners can be. Purifies and refreshes the skin. Those with redness and acne prone skin would really benefit from using this as seaweed helps reduce redness.
Available: The Body Shop stores and online
RRP: $17.95

Makeup Store Seaweed eye dust
Ok, not technically a seaweed product, but this is such a pretty shade and perfect for those who love green and olive shades. Makeup Store eye dusts are pigments which are versatile, depending on how creative you want to be. Apply with some fix+ on a brush for more intense pigmentation.
Available: Makeup Store stores and online, beautybay.com
RRP: $35 (Makeup Store), $27AUD (Beauty Bay)

Welcome to 2016!

Hi guys, and welcome to 2016! 

How fast did last year go? Time really does gain momentum the older you get, and it's a little scary. It definitely makes me want to smash out those goals so I have somewhat of a fulfilling year. I don't believe in 'New Years resolutions', because, if we're all honest with ourselves, who actually maintains and keeps up with them? Certainly not me for one. 

As I get older, all I can see is the importance of self growth, both mentally, spiritually and *try* for physically as well (haha who am I kidding, anything sugary and salty are my friends, and what exactly is "exercise".... Lol). 

Anyway, welcome to 2016, Melz Manor style... There will be considerable changes to my life this year, which will mean more blog posts and I'll be really trying to focus my efforts on photography (one area of my blog that really needs work and attention).

I really want to start doing FOTD, pictorials and the like (obviously that does depend on my camera skills haha), so I'll be putting much more effort into that too.  

A massive THANKYOU to everyone who reads my blog, even a single post.

It means the world to me that people from all over the world are somehow finding my blog and having a squiz... And of course, to the VERY generous companies willing to send me samples of their products. I am forever grateful, and humbled that you would even consider working with me. 

As always, any suggestions are welcomed in regards to posts, reviews etc. 

What are your goals for the year? 

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).

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

Adelaide Hair and Makeup Trade Show haul

Today was the first day of the 2 day Adelaide Hair and Makeup trade show. It runs until 6pm tomorrow, Sunday 27th September. It's the first trade show for the beauty industry that Adelaide has had.

It is designed, not just for the professionals, but also those who just love makeup, so anyone was welcome. 

My experience:

I was underwhelmed by the whole thing. I arrived at 7:30am (doors opened at 8am), as I expected a line up. No one else rocked up until 5 minutes to 8am. The convention centre was pretty dead until roughly 10:30-11am. There were a handful of stalls, the only ones seeming impressive being Crown Brushes and Inglot, as they were the largest and had loads of product (also being the main sponsors). 

Bosa Beauty were late (due to flights etc), and when they did unpack (which was uber slow), they had very little product (within less than 10 minutes the 5 Too Faced Melted lipsticks they had were sold out. They stocked no TheBalm or Nars products but had a massive suitcase of those Full Lips thingys). My friend and I were told to buy online if we wanted anything. 

It took maybe 2 hours going back and forth to really look at everything. My friend and I ended up leaving, going to Mecca Cosmetica instead, spent our cash there and then went back for the Brittney Lee Saunders Q and A at 2:30pm. Straight after that we went home. 

Maybe my expectations were higher as I thought people would flock to this thing. It's the first time Adelaide has had anything like this, so anyone who wasn't able to get to IMATS and the like would go for this, hence why I thought it would be busy, packed and the reason I turned up so early. I definitely won't be attending tomorrow. 

What I bought: 

5 Crown Brushes (2 blending brushes, a powder brush, an eyebrow spoolie and a concealer buffing brush)

An Inlgot AMC lipgloss

An Inglot Sculpting powder for contouring in shade 504

Mecca haul:

Bumble and Bumble Seaweed shampoo and conditioner

Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder in Luminous Light

(Btw the girls at Mecca are so lovely!)

Overall, it was very underwhelming, although I did see Chloe Morello walk past, totally fangirled and couldn't even say hello. Who even does that? Haha. I fully had sweaty and shaky hands, heart pumping out of my chest and literally speechless. Ahhhh! 

Review: Glamourflage skincare

I had never heard of the skincare brand Glamourflage until recently when I got the opportunity to review a few products from their line. Funnily enough, once I received the products, I went shopping and discovered it's readily available at David Jones.

Glamourflage has an expansive range of skincare, body care, makeup and accessories which is very reasonably priced. I think someone from every age would find something they love, and would make great gifts (or even stocking fillers for xmas time, if you're planning well ahead haha). 

Each Glamourflage product is encased with really cute 1940/50's pin-up "housewives" (the characters are anything but, think Mad Men styles) packaging which comes with it's own character, personality and narrative. Each of which is sassy and well thought out. I immediately thought that if a company thinks about each product with this much detail, then they clearly are very invested into each product they're creating and customer focused. 

This is my review on 3 of their skincare products:

~ Ravishing Ruby Facial Cleanser (olive) 70ml

~ Tiara Tracey Facial Toner (cucumber) 120ml

~ Lucious Lucy Face Cream (freesia) 120ml

I used all 3 products I received (a cleanser, toner and face cream) as a "new" skincare regime and added my daily serum faves, as below, each for day and night so I didn't miss out on my essential anti-aging care. I started the regime on 23/04/15.

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

First impressions:

The Ravishing Ruby foaming cleanser made my skin feel uber soft and was non tightening.

The Tiara Tracey toner smelt amazing and really took off what was left on my skin, again another product that didn't make my skin feel tight and my skin still felt uber soft after application and drying.

The Luscious Lucy face cream: least favourite smelling out of the 3 (freesia). Didn't feel super thick, more like a medium thickness, left a slight "sticky" residue.

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

After a month: (daily use)

Ravishing Ruby foaming cleanser: 

I am still really enjoying using this and because it's a foaming product I expected it to run out before now, so I've been pleasantly suprised about how much product I'm getting (I use 1 and a half pumps per wash). I've used about half of the bottle at this point so the bottle would last for a good 2 months before needing to replenish. I also really like the application (it's the small things for me) and I find myself wanting to wash my face. It doesn't strip your skin of natural oils or moisture, and it makes my skin feel really, really soft. The scent is inoffensive and not really "olivey" (I was expecting a much more "foody olivey" smell haha). I only had 1 pimple the whole time while I was reviewing this, and it went away without forming a white head on it, so I think it does prevent acne and really cleanse the skin. I also had no hormonal acne at all, which I always get at least 1 on my chin. Without a doubt, this is my definitely my favourite product out of the 3.

Tiara Tracey toner:

I am in LOVE with this scent! It's so refreshing and just so ahhhh! I also really like the fact that it didn't dry out my skin and after it's been absorbed, my skin still felt smooth and soft. I don't have acne, but I think this would be perfect for those who do as one of its main ingredients is witch hazel (which I love for pimples). It was about time that I introduced a toner into my skin care regime and I'm glad I received this one as it is now a staple. 

Luscious Lucy face cream:

I'm not keen on the smell. The scent definitely fits the packaging and the brand, but it's just not me. I much prefer "fresh" scents in my skincare, like the olive and cucumber. I found after using the cream that it never really sunk into my skin and it made my face feel "oily." Even hours after having it on and ample time to sink in, so it's a rather rich cream, even though it's not heavy in texture. I actually stopped using this as a face cream after 2 weeks and started using it for my neck and décolletage as they're areas which do need something a little heavier and admittedly, more attention from me. Me being me, I do like if I can find a use for it, even if it isn't its intended purpose. Less wasted products that way. I definitely think it's better suited to someone with very dry or mature skin, or even as a night time, winter moisturiser. This was my least favourite product of the 3.

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

Would I repurchase?:

Yes, most definitely with Ravishingly Ruby and Tiara Tracey (which has become a staple in my skincare routine now). I still love The Body Shop Seaweed cleanser so I think I'll end up rotating between the 2 depending on what mood I'm in. 

Luscious Lucy, I honestly don't think I'll get through the whole tub this year (it's huge!), and I'm glad I could find a new purpose for it. In regards to using it for its actual purpose as a FACE cream, then no.

After using these particular Glamourflage products, I'm definitely keen to check out and purchase some of the other products in the range. Their cherry lip balm is at the top of my list! (We all know how much I love cherry scented products!). 

Day:

Glamourflage Ravishing Ruby Foaming Cleanser

Glamourflage Tiara Tracey Toner

Mario Badesco Vitamin C serum

Olay spf30 moisuriser

Kate Somerville Cytocell eye cream

Night:

Glamourflage Ravishing Ruby Foaming Cleanser

Glamourflage Tiara Tracey Toner

Mario Badesco Seaweed night cream

Kate Somerville Cytocell eye cream

Glamourflage Luscious Lucy face cream for neck and décolletage 

Available: Glamourflage.com.au, David Jones, Luxola, selected boutiques nation and worldwide  (please check Glamourflage.com.au for your state or country).

RRP: from $7.95AUD to $36AUD for products, from $4.95AUD for accessories. 

Glamourflage do not test on animals. 

All 3 Glamourflage products used for 1 full month before publishing this post. Products were sent to me for consideration of review. As always, thoughts are 100% my own. Pictures courtesy of  Glamourflage.

Review: Kardashian Beauty K24 Golden Makeup Primer Gelee

I'm sure you all know that the Kardashian ladies have their hands in pretty much every entrepreneurial venture there is, and beauty is no exception. All of the Kardashian's are beautiful and their makeup is always impeccable, you can't argue that, even if you aren't a fan of them personally.

Mecca Maxima and Kit Cosmetics stock the Kardashian Beauty line, and I thought I'd check it out (I shop online). I was surprised to find that everything is very reasonably priced, the line ranging from $9 to $21.

The Kardashian K24 primer Gelee, as the name of the product might tell you, is a Gelee jelly type primer.

I was very intrigued with this primer and I did read some reviews on it beforehand, and there seemed to be quite a bit of confusion on how to actually use it. This is a mask that you apply, leave on for 5 minutes and then wash off. It does say on the tube to wash it off, so I'm really not sure where the confusion lies, maybe the fact that it's a primer, which generally you leave on. This product claims to give you glowy, luminescent skin.

I squeezed out about a 10c size dollop onto my fingers and spread it out all over my face and left it on for about 5 minutes, as instructed. You definitely resemble some kind of majestic unicorn type creature while you're waiting for the primer to work its magic. My partner was a little bit frightened of it if anything. Maybe he confused me with a unicorn after surely believing they do not exist, when in fact, one was right in front of him haha.

It's not a sticky mask and doesn't feel uncomfortable or tight at all and it's easy to wash off and doesn't stick to your skin like glitter can and usually does.

Smoothed out. How the thickness appears on the skin.

After washing the primer mask off, it did leave little bits of glitter on my face, which in all honesty, it's glitter, so I really don't mind it (yes I'm one of those freaks who really insists on there being more glitter in the world... Yes, go on, sprinkle more of that shit...). My skin immediately felt softer after using it and with foundation on.

Hopefully you can see, the subtle gold glow and tiny specks of glitter. You can also see how smooth my skin is. 

Even after applying foundation over it, you can still see the little sparkles of glitter, which I quite like to be honest. I don't think it gives you a luminescent, glowy look like using a product like say, MAC strobe cream. It gives a very subtle golden glow. 

After 10 hours of wear, my foundation still looked good and not patchy at all. I used NARS Sheer glow with it and no powder like I usually would. Even after 10 hours of wear. My skin still felt super smooth and I think it's the smoothest and softest my face has ever felt.

This is not an every day type of product, and is nice for a night out, either a date night or if you're going clubbing. I really do think it depends on what kind of "glow" you are looking for. This gives more of a subtle golden glow vs a pearlescent glow. For this reason I do think it's better suited to someone who has a darker complexion, or is tanned. I do think this is good value for money and I found it make my face feel the softest vs any other primers I've used. Other than that, I would recommend it and it's a fun product to have in your stash. 

Available: mecca.com.au, Mecca Maxima and Kit Cosmetics.
RRP: $21

Lash Lash Lashes!

Lashes can really make an eye look that extra bit wow, and totally change everything about your eyes. Some like natural, some dramatic, some on occasion and some every day. I'm here to show you my fave lashes and some tips on making the most of your eye look with lashes.

I personally only wear lashes for a special occasion, or if I'm going out at night and really want to glam up. I also don't believe is spending a lot on lashes either if I'm being honest. There are so many awesome brands and styles that look just as great, for under $10. Maybe if it was an uber special occasion (like your wedding), then I totally get that, but these lashes that are $30 odd for one pair? That's crazy! Haha.

My favourite lashes:

Minx 2.0 (I've sadly run out)

Flirt (I've just used these and can't find them. The reason I need to buy a lash case haha)

Socialeyes ~
I absolutely adore these lashes. When I first received them, I was very intimidated, they are most definitely the longest lashes I've ever worked with, however, these are also the lightest lashes in the world (maybe exaggerated, I haven't tried all the lashes in the world). Other than getting used to the length, it feels like you're wearing nothing!
Tease 2.0 ~ a nice half lash ~ $4.95
Minx 2.0 ~ a beautiful spiky, thick criss cross style ~ $6.95
Playing Coy ~ a mix of long and short lashes in between ~ $4.95
Flirt ~ a natural lash, similar to Ardell 105s ~ $5.95
Ravishing ~ a spiky, slight criss cross style, that's a medium density but not as full as the Manicare lashes ~ $6.95
Available: SocialEyes.com.au

Ardell in 105 and 120 ~ 
105 ~ extremely natural and blend very easily with your natural lashes.
120 Demi ~ good curvature for a more natural look along the lash line but nice and dense.
Available: Priceline, Madamemadeline.com
RRP: $9.99 from Priceline. $3.50USD from Madame Madeline (good for bulk lash purchase as everything's cheap, but postage is around $15AUD, they do have very fast shipping and ship to many countries).

Manicare Glam Eyes in Alessandra ~ 
Something a little more dramatic, full and a mix between natural, wispy and criss cross. Perfect for a glam, night look.
Available: Priceline
RRP: $11.99

House of Lashes in Ice Queen ~ 

I bought these as I've heard good things about HOL and I thought these were really cute (you all know my love of glitter and these are limited edition!).
Available: Houseoflashes.com
RRP: $7USD


Lash accessories:

Socialeyes lash glue ~
This is perfect as its a wand style vs something like Duo, which I find messier. Also, completely vegan and latex free!
Available: SocialEyes.com.au
RRP: $6.50

Eyelash case ~
Perfect for those who wear falsies very regularly without losing them.
Available: House of lashes
RRP: $6USD

Top Tips for Lash application:

~ If you're new to lashes, half lashes are a great way to start and get a feel for wearing them, without starting in the deep end, so to speak, and feeling overwhelmed or like you're not "doing/applying them right".

~ If you're a little more "progressed" and want to try full strip lashes, a great way to get the hang of them, without having them stick up in your inner corner, is to cut your full strip into 3 sections, once you've first adjusted the right length to your eye. This way the lash is more controlled and you can take your time before the glue dries. 

~ Lashes with thin/ clear lash bands are much easier to start with and feel lighter on the eye too. 

~ When applying any lashes, make sure that you don't accidentally start the end of the lash band past your lash line on the outside (preferably  it should be 1-2mm inwards), as it can make your eye look "dragged down" vs open and flattering. 

~ Individual lashes do require a stronger glue, and once applied you should wait for them to fall off. Don't pick them off as this can ruin your natural lashes.