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.

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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. 


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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. 

Cosmopolitan does fragrance?

The Story behind Cosmopolitans debut signature scent:

"Cosmopolitan is the go-to guide for young women forging careers, developing their individual style and finding their place in life. With content designed to enlighten, entertain and inspire, at the heat of the magazine's pages lie a very clear message: Believe in yourself and live the life you want. Now, the fun, fearless spirit that defines Cosmopolitan is available in fragrance form".

Front of the bottle

The side of the bottle

The Cosmopolitan perfume is housed in a beautiful art-deco inspired ombre orange and pink bottle which has faceted sides with a smooth front and back. The lid is a clear, faceted knob, which comes off easily but is secured onto the base of the nozzle (I have fragrances where they just fall off and not secured, which is super annoying!), so this is a bottle you could easily chuck in your handbag and not worry about the lid falling off easily and spraying everywhere. 

It smells warm, and it conjurs up an image of something you would wear on a warm summers evening, having a few drinks with friends. It is very pleasant and is not overwhelming or strong when first sprayed. On first smell it reminded me as if Hilary Duff's 'With Love' and Viktor and Rolf's 'Flowerbomb' had a baby. I believe that to be the Bergamont, Jasmine, Patchouli, Vanilla and Caramel coming out. I personally don't find that much of a difference between the notes, and felt like it smelled relatively the same throughout the whole wearing time, except for the sweeter top notes like pineapple and mandarin which did fade as time wore on. 

After a few hours I can still smell it, not as strong as when first applied obviously, but it definitely lingers for a long time and every so often I caught a whiff of the scent which was very peasant and dare I say, "heart warming", as in a comforting way.

This is definitely a fragrance I would purchase again and I personally would pitch the demographic for this across a very wide range, from say late teens - early 40s, larger than the Cosmopolitan magazines demographic. It's fun and playful but warm and not sugary sweet like some of these "cheaper" fragrances can be. I think this is very wearable, even for those closer to middle age. 

The price is also definitely a plus, and is rare for a Parfum to be priced the way it is (parfums are usually much more expensive than a toilette for example due to the % of oils in the fragrance). 

I would recommend this for those that like warm vanillary scents, or very subtle "flowery" scents. 

Cosmopolitan Notes:

Top: Pineapple, bergamot, cardamom, mandarin, nectarine and red berries

Middle: Saffron, heliotrope, jasmine, pimento berries and carrot seed

Bottom: Tonka, patchouli, musk, sandalwood, vanilla and caramel

Available: Priceline, Terry White Chemists and Nova Chemists

RRP: 50ml $39, 100ml $49

Cosmopolitan fragrance press sample and Cosmopolitan Story courtesy of CMB Partnership PR.

All opinions and thoughts 100% genuine and my own. 

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? 

It is the season for giving....

As any beauty junkie can attest, it's always great to treat yourself, and feeling good is so, so important. I am the biggest believer of that. If you feel good, your energy gives those feelings off and it makes the surrounding people also feel good. Also when you feel good, you can give more to those who need as you're not drained and by looking after yourself, you are in effect, looking after others (especially you mothers out there!)

Even though we should all be giving all year around (where we can, of course), xmas is the time where a lot of people need it the most. Life seems to be only getting harder, the economy is seeing it quite tough right now and it does feel good to give.

At this time of year these are some good things you can do:

* Take all unwanted foods (canned and other non- perishables) down to your local food bank in preparation for the homeless xmas dinners.

* Volunteer to help out with the local food banks for the actual xmas lunch or dinner (you can also be this at Easter, or Thanksgiving in North America). 

* Donate new children's toys and leave them under the donation tree at your local Kmart (or a toy store that you know does this).

* If you have handbags that you want to get rid of, instead of donating them to the local clothing charity store, fill them up with things that women need, like sanitary products, hairbrushes, daily essential things etc, and them out to homeless people that you see. 

* For those in the northern hemisphere, take old, unwanted blankets and hand them out to the homeless. I know it snows in most places, and warmth is key. Or even hot cups of coffee, tea or hot chocolate. 

* For those in the southern hemisphere, take around bottles of chilled water or zooperdoopers, especially in Australia, as it gets so hot. 


Other ways you can help throughout the year:

* Donate money, or time, to your favourite charity. Mine are always animal charities as animals especially, cannot help themselves and need people. Plus animals. :) 

* Pay for a adoption fee for someone to take home a new fur baby, if you are unable to take care of an animal yourself. 

* If you're not squeamish (or have a high fear of needles), donate Blood, or even better, super rare things like Bone Marrow, that so many people overlook (Bone Marrow is needed for people who suffer from things like Leukaemia). 

* Buying a Viva Glam lipstick from MAC. 100% of the proceeds from the Viva 
Glam lipstick and lipglass range goes to the AIDS foundation, helping those in need who suffer from AIDS. 

* Buying a Pink Hope lipstick from Luma cosmetics. 100% of proceeds goes to Pink Hope, a foundation helping those who have been affected by Breast Cancer. 


Honestly, there are SO many things you can do to help those in need. Even if you cannot do anything on this list, or anything else, even pay for someone's coffee that's behind you. It may not be much but you're paying it forward. 

Doing a good deed will make you and someone else feel great and lift someone else's spirit. Remember, you never know what someone else is going through, their struggle or why someone may be the way the are or stuck in the situation they're in. Don't judge and don't discriminate. One day it could be your struggle. You just never know. 


What are your favourite ways to help someone? 

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