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: Makeup Store glitter liquid liner

We all know how much I love I love glitter. I don't care how it comes, I want it! I'm very much a Weka in that way (FYI: a Weka is a New Zealand wood hen that LOVES shiny things, not dissimilar to a magpie, but they're a brown, ground bird). 

However, I'm also pretty lazy in that I do not like making my own glitter liner, I'd rather just buy a tube than mess around with something so pedantic as glitter, and trying to create a smooth line. 

That's where this baby comes in. The Makeup Store glitter liner. Ahhh, it's pretty majestical.
The liner I'll be reviewing for you today is Chocolux. A really pretty chocolate browny bronzey, shade. You can already tell I'm into it huh?!

The brush is nice and thin with medium density, so you can manoeuvre it around nice and easily but it doesn't kind of "flick/ flop" around like soft, flimsy brushes do. When I looked at the brush when I pulled it out of the tube, I didn't think it would deposit much glitter but I was definitely wrong. It coats the perfect amount. Not too thick (you know when you get those ball like chunks on some?) or too sparse. Sure you can go in for seconds to create a thicker line if thats your style, but it definitely isn't necessary. 

L-R: MAC Pinkphonic, Girl Groove, Makeup Store Chocolux
1 swipe vs layered.  

The brush is also nice and smooth and doesn't drag along your lash line, so even if you're in a hurry, you can master this with ease. So even if you can't be bothered, you can still inject a touch of glam into your look. 

It dries quickly, so it doesn't transfer to your lid if you sneeze or something by accident. Which is super handy. 

It wears very well, although I have only tried this as it's intended purpose as an eyeliner. I never experience any fallout and it lasts well throughout an entire day (10-12 hours) without any transference or sliding due to lid oiliness (although I tend to only get oily in my actual crease). I don't find that any flakes off during the day and it doesn't feel overly crunchy or crusty on my lashline either. 

Removing the liner is also a breeze and you don't have to fiercely scrub at your eyes to remove it. I just use my Garnier Micellar cleansing water to remove my eye makeup. 

Size comparison to a MAC glitter liner. 

I highly recommend this liner if you like your glitter liners. I have several from MAC from long, past years and this is definitely my fave and my recommendation for a glitter liner. I definitely want to grab a few more, namely Showstopper (silver), Lux (green) and Dancing Queen (cobolt blue). I cannot think of a single thing I don't like about the liner at all. Maybe more colours could be cool, like an orange or bright pink? Either way I'm sold and then some! 

Purchased from: Beautybay.com or you can email Makeup Store directly at enquiries@makeupstore.com.au
RRP: $35

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. 

How about those antioxidants?

I bet you don't really think about antioxidants much huh?

What are antioxidants? What do they do? Are they bad? What do they do to your body? Etc etc. Well good old trusty Google had this to say...

1. "Antioxidants are compounds found in foods that neutralise or 'mop up' molecules called free radicals that can harm our cells. Damage caused to cells by free radicals is linked to certain diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. The best sources of antioxidants are fruits and vegetables."

So basically they are GOOD little things that can help you stay looking younger and help to combat things like sun damage (as an example, that's also beauty related) by helping to repair the cells in your body, these "free radicals" they're talking about.

The biggest source, as it says, is fruit and vegetables, so a healthy diet, lots of water and green tea and skincare with antioxidants, such as Rosehip Oil or Vitamin C, all benefit your skin (and body) and provide these antioxidants.

Anyway, this post isn't actually about skincare, it is about a few other products I love to use that are time efficient, easy to use and drink, to help you keep that fresh, younger looking skin with food aids, which can also really help for those who either can't afford, or "forget" to eat healthy. Hey, we're all human (I may or may not go on delicious food binges and forget about healthy stuff for a week few days...)


2 products I love and try to have on a daily basis, that are brimming with antioxidants are these:

Nutra Organics Acai Berry Blend (morning)
I like this in the morning due to being all fruit, it still has a lot of sugar, so is best to have ample time to burn away through daily activities. You can top this on your toasted muesli (or whatever you like for breakfast), mix it into some plain yogurt, smoothies etc. It's pretty unlimited in its use. It contains all of the *important* antioxidant berries with Acai being the main star. It also contains blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, beetroot and goji berries. It's freeze dried so it's a powdered form of berries, which means for a teaspoon, you're basically eating a punnet of berries... 1 tub lasts me for about 3 months and I usually just have roughly teaspoon in a glass of water. I've been having this stuff for probably 3-4 years now and I truly believe it has played a big part in me not getting sick as often as I used to.
Buy: Nutraorganics.com.au
RRP: $49.95 ($10 shipping)

Matcha Maiden Matcha Green Tea (night)
Matcha is a Japanese green tea (shade grown) that is a stone ground, powdered version with over 100x the antioxidants and 1 cup compares to the health benefits of 10 cups of regular green tea. I find it less bitter than bagged green tea can be, and some do find it also slightly sweeter. A bag usually lasts me 3 months as you only need the tiniest amount (I'm talking 1/4 of a teaspoon). Again, it's another product with many uses, like sprinkling it on your breakfast, bake with it (mmm cupcakes) etc. 
I like this at night as a hot tea when I'm relaxing and almost ready for bed.
Buy: Matchamaiden.com
RRP: $24.95 for 70g (free shipping)


As always, like anything, these supplements are always best accompanied with a good diet, water, exercise and a good skincare routine (preferably natural).

Colour Pop Swatches: Updated with NEW shades

I am LOVING this brand!!

You can see my review on the eyeshadows below, but I thought I'd share swatches of the rest of the shades I got recently, including a couple of lippie stix and 1 lippie liner. These products are so fun, cheap and are long wearing! 

These are all one swipe swatched. I do find these quite hard to photograph (but then I'm shit so that doesn't say much haha).
P.S I think I forgot to mention they smell like vanilla! Yum!

Girly: (reminds me of MAC Pink Opal pigment, which is discontinued)
Tea Party: 
So Quiche: (my fave!)

Erotic:
Animal:
Sour: 

Ibiza: (is actually more turquoise than is coming up!)
Kimono:
Shameless: (see those beautiful multi-coloured sparkles!!)

Brills: 

Pitch: (matte)
Bunny: (pearlized)
Bullchic: (matte)






Get these shades and MANY more at Colourpop.com

Super Shock Eyeshadows: $5USD
Lippie Stix: $5USD
Lippie Liner: $5USD
Super Shock Cheek: $8USD

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!

Things that I'm REALLY REALLY excited about! (summer preview)

As much as I love makeup and pretty things, there's actually been very little that I've been super duper excited about, for quite a while now. Well Ladies and Kittens, here I am with a couple of things to show you that I'm REALLY REALLY excited about. Not like "it's my birthday party tomorrow and I know there's gonna be cake excited" but "OMG I'M GOING TO TOUCH, FEED AND PLAY WITH BABY TIGERS AND LEMURS" EXCITED! I am literally a ball of energy when I think about these things and I cannot contain myself juhdiuehfiuseknldshguiejkcnslkdikhf is the only way is the only way I can put it haha. 

GET EXCITED WITH ME...

Credit: @Evachen212 instagram

NARS Dual Intensity blush duo:
Slated for release in the US Spring (so Autumn for us Southern Hemispherians). 
These are a blush duo with the recent new-ish formula of "dual intensity". A product that can be used wet or dry, depending on what kind of intensity you're after. 

Credit: @invictusxv instagram

Credit: @invictusxv instagram

MAC "Wet and Dry" collection: 
This is the (US) summer collection that is renowned for amazing packaging. This year it is no exception and it is STUNNING! This should be released in late May/ early June. Guess what I'm treating myself to for my birthday? 
If I own only one thing from this collection (granted there's not a lot we've seen yet), it is definitely that highlight trio! But let's be realistic, I'll probably buy everything. 

Credit: @fifi_dazzles instagram

Anastasia Beverley Hills "Pink Champagne" eyeshadow: 
Ok, so this isn't new, but ever since I saw this, I've wanted it. It is finally being re-stocked from next week onwards. It is such a pretty, metallic baby pink shade. Perfect for day or night looks. I have absolutely nothing like it and I have a lot of pink eyeshadows. It's a must have to me. 
PS. For you liquid lipstick lovers, the Liquid Lipsticks have also been re-stocked on the website now, so go get 'em before they sell out again and you have to endure an even longer wait! My picks: Vamp, Sweet Talker and Neon Coral. 

Credit: @Sssamanthaa instagram

Saucebox and Batalash eyeshadow palette collaboration: 
Ummm. How can you NOT be excited about this? Samantha from BatALash is slowly but surely taking over the world, and I like it. She is totally my girl crush and inspires me to no end. The Batalash beauties have teamed up with Saucebox to create an eyeshadow palette with some awesome shades, which will no doubt, create some awesome looks. 


What have you got your eye on coming up?