A random collection of comparison swatches

I'm someone who really seems to struggle with finding comparison swatches, or even swatches in general. I can never find 2 swatches of products in the one swatch when I want, so I thought I'd post a collection here of all the swatches that I've personally struggled to find. I'm sure I'm not the only one!

I hope you find this useful, and I'll keep adding to this as we go along.
All swatched on MAC NW20 skin with lightbox lighting. Click on pics for better resolution.


MAC Toldeo Chlorofill pearl glide vs MAC Sourpuss technakohl vs By Terry Green Fizz Aqua Print eyeshadow:

MAC Lady Danger lipstick vs MAC Neon Orange lipstick vs MAC Morange lipstick vs MAC Good to Go prolongwear lipstick:

Too Faced Melted Sugar vs Too Faced Melted Nude lipstick:

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.

(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

Basic Essentials: Brushes (part 1)

Some people may think that brushes are an unnecessary expense when it comes to building your stash up, but to me they are a necessity. There are many reasons why you should invest in some decent brushes. Here are the top ones:

1: Better application.
You can achieve and do so much more with a few brushes. Have you ever tried to blend out eyeshadow with only your fingers, was it seamless? I'm guessing not. Would you build anything with no tools? Probably not; so therefore you can guess that your makeup is only going to look MUCH better with tools that fit the job. Especially if you want to go above your basic 1 eyeshadow and eyeliner look (or whatever your simple eye look involves).

2: Sanitation.
Like it or not, your fingers are a breeding ground for bacteria. Every time you put your fingers into your products (especially cream/ liquid), you're contaminating your products which will end up resulting in a much shorter life span for your product.

3: Product.
When you use brushes you actually use less product, especially with products like foundation, which fingers do absorb a lot more product. Think of how much you will actually save by using a brush, especially something like a duo fibre brush.

4. Longevity.
If you look after your brushes and clean them regularly, they should last you many, many years. They really are an investment and worth getting some decent ones that you can get longevity out of. 


These are a few of the essentials you'll need to get started:
Face brushes:
* A foundation brush:
I think this comes down to personal preference. I use a flat "paint brush" style, but duo fibre brushes are also good for seamless application and use the least amount of product. You could also try a beauty blender. They're also pretty good.

* A blush brush:
This is going to create a glow that you can build up (depending on the blush of course), and helps create a blended application, which is what you want. You can also use the tip edge to apply your cheek highlight too.

Eye brushes:
* A good dense shader brush:
This is a basic packing brush to pack on your eyeshadow. Mostly used for lid colour, you can use the edge to smoke out eyeshadow on your bottom lashline. There are many sizes to a shader brush, but for bare minimum I like the MAC 239 as it's the perfect size to get started and suitable for pretty much all jobs.

* A fluffy crease brush:
Again, these come in all shapes and sizes. You want something that's not super dense, long bristled or flimsy. A good crease brush makes blending out your crease eyeshadow so much easier and looks much more effortless. I LOVE MACs 217 brush. I have 2 of these and use them Every. Single. Day without fail. If I had to pick only one brush to use for the rest of my life, this would be the one. Some people also like to use these to buff out their concealer too. It's probably the most versatile brush.

* A pencil brush:
This is a handy brush to have for more detailed work, like under eye lining, a smokey eye, a cut crease, inner corner highlighting etc. Its pointed on the tip, so it gives you a lot more control than the other 2 previous eye brushes.

* An angled brush:
This is going to be your best friend if you love eyeliner and using gel eye liners. It's also a great eyebrow brush too. It's easy to work with and you retain control which is what you want when working with eyeliners.

Lip brushes:
I actually don't use a lip brush for anything. I own one but couldn't tell you the last time I used it. I do not think they're necessary. Just take your time with application, good lighting and a mirror and you'll be fine. Or use a lip liner.

Brush Cleaner:
You don't need anything fancy to clean your brushes, just a regular routine so you don't spread bacteria and to help extend their life span. I just use shampoo for a deep clean and for a quick "spot"clean, you can just use isopropyl alcohol which you can buy from most supermarkets. Just make sure you don't get water inside the ferrule (the metal bit of the brushes). 

Top tip:

* Something to also think about is the different type of hair you want in a brush. Most brushes are either natural (usually animal like pony, goat etc) or synthetic (fake) hair. Synthetic brushes are typically better for creamier products like gel liners, cream blushes etc. Natural hair is better for powder products. 

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. 


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

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

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?

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.