Battle of the Eyeshadow Primers

I feel as if my life has been a constant uphill battle against oily eyelids. Definitely a first world problem, but when you invest in a good quality eyeshadow palette and spend half an hour blending a smokey eye to perfection you don't want your eyeshadow to end up above your eyebrows by the end of the day (yes, it happened).

I've tried A LOT of the primers available on the market and have narrowed down the best three:

• Urban Decay Primer Potion
• Too Faced Shadow Insurance
• Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

I'm putting these top three primers head to head, comparing the different qualities of each so you can choose the one to best suit you.

First up is the Urban Decay Primer Potion. A cult classic, the primer potion comes in four different formulas - Original, Anti Ageing, Sin (Champagne Shimmer) and Eden (Nude Matte). The original formula is a beige colour that blends out without leaving a tint over the eyelid. The formula is definitely the thickest of the three but there isn't any difficulty with blending it out. When applied on the eyelid you can immediately see the difference in the smoothness of the lid and also reduces any shine. So, does it actually help eyeshadow stay on your eyelid? YES! The UDPP does a really great job of keeping eyeshadow in place. I notice a huge difference in the wear time of my eyeshadows when I put the UDPP underneath as well as the vibrancy and opaqueness of my shadows. However, compared to the other two primers, I find the primer potion makes it significantly harder to blend shadows over the top. This isn't too much of an issue if you use a really soft, shimmery shadows but I do have trouble with my everyday matte shades. In terms of packaging, the primer potion comes in a squeezy tube. However, I have heard on the grapevine that the packaging is being changed so that instead of squeezing the product out there will be a doe foot applicator.
The Urban Decay Primer Potion is available at Mecca Maxima for $18 (6mL) or $30 (11mL).

The next primer I found really effective was the Too Faced Shadow Insurance. This was the first primer I ever tried that really impressed me by extending the wear of my eyeshadow, after a good eight hours my smokey eye hadn't melted and faded at all. Compared to the UDPP, the formula is thinner but still leaves the same smooth finish over the eyelid. Again, I did experience a bit of difficulty blending stiffer, matte shadows over the top but not to the extent of the UDPP. One of the biggest issues I did have with the Too Faced Shadow Insurance was that sometimes it would get dry and flakey, particularly if you used too much product and it settled in the crease. What I found was definitely 'less is more' - controlling the amount of product you use can definitely help with the primer becoming flakey but it is a bit hit and miss. However, the Too Faced Shadow Insurance is the best out of the 3 primers in making bright eyeshadow shades really pop! Even if you're using shades like purples or reds, you need this primer in your life!
Similar to the Urban Decay Primer Potion, Shadow Insurance comes in a plastic squeezy tube. The Too Faced Shadow Insurance is available at Mecca Maxima or Kit Cosmetics for $26 (11g).

The final primer in the line up is the Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base. The offering from Nars is quite different from the other two primers in terms of formula. It is much thinner in texture and makes my lids feel super smooth, leaving a really silky finish. As well as this, the packaging of the Nars primer is similar to that of a lipgloss, with a doe foot applicator - of course in the classic rubberised Nars packaging. Whilst I had trouble with blending eyeshadows over the other primers, I found that the Nars primer makes blending easier! However, the issue I had with the Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base was that it didn't extend the wear of my eyeshadows as long as the other two primers. It definitely makes a difference compared to wearing no primer with powder shadows but the Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base does not stand up against cream shadows in my experience.
The Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is available at Mecca Cosmetica and Mecca Maxima for $36 (8g), definitely the most expensive of the three.

Overall, all three primers are fantastic and if you continually have issues with oily eyelids I would skip the cheaper options and try one of these. What's your favourite eyeshadow primer?

xx Cat

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Origins Skincare Review

For the last couple of years I've been struggling a lot with my skin. Having oily skin means black heads and breakouts and makeup never lasting and also somehow being dehydrated. Forgive me but trying to tackle all of those concerns at once can be a little confusing and overwhelming. Having tried so many different products and sometimes seeing results but most often not, its easy to get lazy and just do whatever.

I've recently learned a lot about skincare and how to tackle specific skin concerns. I figured my first issue of a super oily t-zone and uneven skin texture was probably a result of exfoliating too much (yep -twice a day...) and also not giving my skin the hydration it needed.

So I decided to try some products from Origins to switch up my skincare routine because (a) they are affordable (b) they use natural ingredients and (c) they smell good!

Because I do wear makeup most days, I wanted to feel like I was getting a decent clean, especially since I knew I had to start cutting down on scrubs. I liked the idea of the Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash because it still foams without containing sulphates. I use this cleanser at night after I remove my makeup and it leaves my skin feeling so refreshed and smooth. It is marketed for use on all skin types and it has definitely made my skin more balanced. I don't feel it has exacerbated any dehydration I have around my cheeks and forehead while still controlling my oily t-zone.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who struggles to maintain their combination skin.

I have also added the Origins Make A Difference Plus+ Rejuvenating Moisturiser into my everyday routine. The Make a Difference range is specifically targeted to restore hydration into the skin and repair the skin over time to improve it's own moisture retention. I am absolutely in love with this moisturiser and it is perfect to use underneath makeup. I find it instantly brightens my skin as well as making it feel really smooth helping everything that goes on top look much better! I love that it locks in moisture all day so that even after wearing makeup all day I don't feel as if my skin is really tight and dry. I also really like its light texture so it doesn't feel heavy at all and absorbs quickly into the skin. I'm really interested to see how the overall hydration of my skin improves from continued use. My only gripe with this product is that it is in a tub which is a little less convenient than a tube or pump bottle - but there is definitely heaps of product to last you a really long time!

 If that wasn't enough hydration for my skin I've also started using the Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask 2-3 times a week. After wearing this at night I guarantee you will wake up with the softest skin that looks so bright and healthy! It also has apricot kernel oil so it smells so delicious! Just like the Make A Difference Moisturiser, this mask it not thick or heavy on the skin at all! If you have really dehydrated skin you could definitely use this as your nightly moisturiser.

To specifically tackle some of my more oily issues - acne and stubborn blackheads - I've been using the Out of Trouble 10 Minute Mask as well as Never a Dull Moment Face Polisher both each a few times a week. I really want my skin to look brighter and more naturally luminous and both these products have been so effective. I have been popping the Out of Trouble Mask on all over my face around once a week, whilst using as a spot treatment whenever needed. It has a pleasant and refreshing menthol scent, but it might be quite strong for some - definitely don't get it too close to the eyes. After using the mask you can see such a huge difference in the size of pores and it leaves your face feeling so smooth! I chose this mask also because it contains salicylic acid which exfoliates within the pores and is fantastic in helping to prevent future breakouts. So far so good - but I'd definitely like to see if my breakouts do reduce significantly after using this mask consistently.

Never a Dull Moment is a brightening exfoliator and I was interested in trying this one because it contains fruit extracts so I knew I would be getting an enzymatic exfoliation as well as manual. I absolutely love this so far and find that it isn't as abrasive as my usual St Ive's scrub but with better results. It definitely leaves your face feeling brighter and super smooth. Also the scent of this is incredible!

Overall I'm really impressed with all the products I have tried from Origins so far and definitely have some more on my wish list. I would definitely recommend these products to those looking for an effective natural skincare brand. The only thing I would warn against is that the products have quite strong scents, although they are all completely natural and no synthetic fragrances are used. If you don't like using anything too scented, these products are probably not for you.

Origins is available instore at Mecca Maxima and Kit Cosmetics or at mecca.com.au

xx Cat

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Beauty Favourites: March 2015

March has been such an exciting month for me and I'm so excited to share with you some of my beauty favourites! As well as starting back at uni for the year I've also started a new beauty-full job which is absolutely a dream come true. In this post I'm sharing a lot of new products that I've never featured before on my blog both high end and drugstore!

I've been absolutely loving using the Duo Fibre Face Brush from Real Techniques for absolutely everything! It's such a versatile brush perfect for blending foundation, using powder, sculpting the cheeks or for both cream and powder blush. Definitely one you should add to your collection - I have two, one for powders and one for liquids/creams. Get the Duo Fibre Brush Set at iherb.

For foundation, I've been gravitating towards my Bourjois Healthy Mix which is absolutely gorgeous, leaving a natural satin finish. I reached for this foundation again as my skin has been a little dehydrated and being stuck in aircon all day meant I wasn't getting as oily throughout the day. However, I definitely do need to wear a primer underneath to get some extra wear time.

Speaking of primers, I can't go past the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer. I've had a bit of a love affair with Hourglass products recently and I am continually impressed with the quality of their products. The Veil Mineral Primer is perfect for me as it neutralises redness extremely well and provides a beautiful smooth base for foundation. I also love using this under the eyes before I apply concealer to really add extra brightness. Overall such a fantastic product and so worth the money.

A new product that I tried during March which I absolutely fell in love with was the Max Factor Creme Puff Blush. These are new releases from Max Factor and have a striking resemblance to the Hourglass Ambient Blushes. The quality of these blushes are absolutely beautiful and they blend like a dream! I have been reaching for this blush over anything else because it gives a gorgeous sheen and looks absolutely seamless on the cheeks. Definitely a product to pick up - I loved them so much I grabbed all the shades! Also for cheeks I've rediscovered my Benefit Hoola Bronzer which was sitting a little unloved for a while but such a classic matte bronzer for contouring and warming up the face.

My go to look throughout March was definitely natural eyes and bold lips. I fell in love with the Tartlette Palette as soon as I knew it existed and having it in my hot little hands the first day it was released in Sephora was probably the most exciting makeup purchase I've ever made. The shadows are gorgeous - so pigment, soft and easy to blend and the shades are everything you could ever need for a neutral eye look. Without a doubt the best matte shadows I've ever used and honestly I love creating looks with just this palette but it is the best palette to have to accompany all your other shadows. I love wearing Caregiver all over the lid, Natural Beauty in the crease, Bombshell wet as a liner and Super Mom as a brow highlight - perfect neutral eye! Available at Sephora.

And to pair with that neutral eye - I wore bright pink lips constantly this month! The Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Pink Pong is my go to for a long lasting, matte finish that is going to last all day. I also recently added to my collection the Bobbi Brown Artstick in Hot Berry which is basically the same gorgeous bright pink shade but is much smoother on the lips and leaves a satin finish and is also a little easier to apply. If you're looking for a bright pink lip definitely check out those two because they are universally flattering.

March has been the month of skincare discovery for me and I've completely switched up my routine with some really amazing results (a skincare routine is coming soon!).

The first couple of products I've been obsessed with are from Origins which is stocked at Kit Cosmetics and Mecca Maxima. My first favourite is the Checks and Balances Face Wash which is great for balancing out oiliness and dehydration in the skin which is exactly what I've been suffering with. It's so refreshing and my skin feels so soft and clean after using it. I've also been enjoying the Make a Difference Plus+ Rejuvenating Moisturiser which I put on in the morning. It is fabulous under makeup and injects so much moisture without feeling heavy at all - a new staple for me! I also love that Origins uses natural ingredients and is free from parabens - also they smell incredible!

My other skincare favourite has been the Maracuja Oil from Tarte which is absolutely heavenly. I love facial oils and this one is the best I've tried. I apply at night my patting it over my moisturiser and I have noticed such a difference in the brightness of my skin since using it. Available at Sephora.

I hope you have a wonderful April and enjoy the Easter break!

xx Cat

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Top 10: Skincare Tips

1// Makeup Removal

The golden rule of skincare - NEVER SLEEP IN YOUR MAKEUP! Whilst accidentally sleeping in your makeup once isn't going to do permanent damage to your skin, it's a really bad habit to get into. Makeup wipes are widely accessible and are the most convenient way for wiping off your makeup at the end of the day. However, I prefer something more gentle and I find that using a micellar water on the back of a cotton pad is more effective, gentler on the skin and also way more affordable!

Try: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water [$12.99]

2// Cleanse

The skin on our face is fairly sensitive to external conditions such as the weather, pollution in the air and also to the stuff we put on our face such as makeup. Cleansing is therefore a crucial step to make sure your face is getting a proper clean - just standing in the shower isn't going to remove the dirt and natural oils trapped in pores. For people with oily skin I recommend a cleanser with salicylic acid for acne control.If your skin type leans more dry or normal a cream cleanser would be more appropriate as you don't need such a deep cleanse.

Try: Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser [$10.99] (for oily skin) or Natio Gentle Cleansing Milk [$16.95] (for dry or normal skin types)

3// Exfoliate

Exfoliation is another step to maintaining healthy skin as it helps to remove the dead skin cells on the skin's surface. Removing the dead skin cells helps your skin maintain a smooth even texture and will improve the way that your foundation applies and looks on your face. Especially if you have particularly dry skin, its necessary to remove the dry and flaky patches for your foundation to go on smoothly. Exfoliation can be both manual - using scrubs - or chemical - using products like chemical peels.

Try: St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Scrub [$9.99], St. Ives Apricot Blemish Control Scrub [$9.99], John Plunkett Glyco Peel [$29.95]

4// Tone

There's quite a bit of debate about whether toners are necessary or not and I am also guilty of forgetting about this step. However, I think using a well formulated toner can definitely give your skin extra benefits. A mist toner is really great for adding extra hydration and 'waking up' the skin. I also find using a hydrating mist toner helps my moisturiser absorb better. Toners that you use on a cotton pad have actually made a huge difference to my skin, particularly in removing any makeup, oils and dirt that still hang around after cleansing. Taking that extra step can help in the appearance of pores and again work to even out the overall tone and texture of the complexion.

Try: Lancome Tonique Doucer [$56.00], L'Occitante Immortelle Essential Water [$42.00], or for something a little more affordable Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner [$9.99]

5// Moisturise

As I mentioned above, makeup looks better on your face if the texture on your face is smooth and even. Moisturising is essential as it hydrates your skin making it soft and radiant. Even if you have oily skin, you've likely felt your skin feeling 'tight' after cleansing and exfoliating and using a moisturiser can still be useful to maintain hydration. I usually use a light moisturiser in the morning that won't feel greasy under my makeup and then a heavier moisturiser in the evening that can sink in and rejuvenate my skin over night.

Try: Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser [$9.99] (suitable for all skin types), Natio Antioxidant Face Moisturiser [$17.95]
* There are so many options when it comes to moisturiser the two mentioned above are my favourite and ones I continue to use and repurchase.

6// Feed & Treat

Sometimes your skin just needs a little TLC. Whether its 'that time of the month', you're stressed about exams or even a change in season, sometimes our skin acts a little crazy and a regular routine of cleaner, exfoliate, moisturise just doesn't cut it. As soon as I started feeding my skin with extra nutrients I noticed a huge difference in the texture and overall brightness of my complexion. For me, adding a facial oil really helped control breakouts, even out my complexion and reduce scarring and pigmentation from old spots. I think all skin types can benefit from using facial oils but there are also heaps of different serums and treatments to tackle all sorts of skin problems.

Try: Trilogy Rosehip Oil [$19.99], Tarte Maracuja Oil [available from Sephora Sydney]

7// Mask It

Using face masks is another tip I recommend for extra skin TLC. Whether you need to give your skin an extra deep clean and draw out all the impurities or give it an extra hit of hydration masks are perfect because they are a super quick fix (and also great for pampering yourself!). Masks come in all sorts of different forms such as clay masks which are great for getting rid of stubborn blackheads, sheet masks which make you look like a ghost but are fantastic for a hit of moisture as well as masks which apply just like a moisturiser but sink deep into the skin.

Try: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Purifying Enzyme Mask [$9.99], Bioderma Sensibo Soothing Mask [$39.99], Lonvitalite Face Masks

8// Blemish Busters

If sex-ed in school wasn't already completely insufficient I also wish they'd told me that you continue to get pimples even after puberty. In fact I didn't struggle with breakouts until about a year ago. I've learned the hard way that squeezing and picking at your spots leads to scarring and stubborn pigmentation. Put a spot treatment on instead - I know there's a big temptation to pop! - and breakouts will disappear much faster and you won't be left with any unpleasant reminders either.

Try: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion [$22.00]

9// Protect

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and the majority of skin cancers in Australia are caused by exposure to UV radiation in sunlight.* The best way to protect your skin is by wearing SPF daily. Even if your foundation has an SPF in it, its always a good idea to get into the habit of applying sunscreen underneath your makeup everyday - and of course don't forget about the rest of your body! Wearing a hat and sunglasses outdoors is also an easy way to protect the sensitive skin on your face.

Try: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Suncreen Lotion SPF 50+ [$16.99]

10// Keep Hydrated!

A huge factor to the way our skin looks is how healthy our bodies are overall. I know as soon as I'm fatigued or sick, my skin takes on a really pale and sallow look. Dehydration often leads to skin that is dull and dry and you can often notice this on your lips and around your mouth first.

Try: Drinking more water - duh!

I know that taking all these steps may seem excessive, however, crucial to the way your makeup looks is the condition of your skin. Spending time and money on makeup and not also taking care of your skin doesn't really make sense. Maintaining your skin is also going to make sure you get the most out of the products you put on top of it!

Please note I'm not a skincare expert but have compiled these tips after trying a lot of different skincare products and evidence from my own experience. As I have mentioned above, there are different skin types that are going to react differently to different products or may need more TLC than others. For reference I have oily skin.

xx Catherine

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* Information provided by the Cancer Council Australia. Learn more here.

What's In My Makeup Bag? Shop My Stash Edition

Earlier this year I went through my entire makeup collection so I could organise everything and remind myself that I really don't need another foundation or mascara or lipstick...
Not only was I able to organise everything and make things more accessible I came across some long lost favourites that were hidden at the back of the draw and forgotten to new releases. I pulled out a few things and popped them in my everyday makeup bag so I could get some more use out of them and in some cases, try to finish them up!

The best rediscovery for me was definitely the Maybelline Mineral Power Powder Foundation and the Finishing Veil from the same range - you've probably seen these products pop up in a few of my FOTD posts recently. I forgot how much I loved to wear mineral foundation as it leaves such a flawless, velvety finish and it is a much welcomed addition to my everyday routine. It's also since been re-introduced to the Australian market after being discontinued - woo!

I also rediscovered the Kate Sommerville CC Cream which should never have been neglected considering how much I paid for it! This CC cream gives what I like to call "instagram face" i.e. it looks like your face has been smoothed and filtered in real life and I have been using this when I want a bit more of a glowy look. This used to be stocked at Mecca but it is unfortunately no longer on their website.

A few other complexion bits I pulled out and put in my makeup bag were the Benefit Erase Paste concealer and Maybelline's Fit Me Concealer. I love Fit Me and had just been trying out another concealer which is why it got a bit neglected. I am glad I pulled it out because it just last so well whether I'm using it under my eyes or over spots. The shade I have of Erase Paste is a little too dark for me but I have figured out I can use it to correct darkness under my eyes if I use another concealer on top. A bit of extra effort but I'd like to use this up so it doesn't go to waste.

I am pretty good at getting use out of all my blushes but my Youngblood Crushed Mineral Blush in Sherbet has been neglected for a while. This is probably the oldest makeup item in my collection and there's only a little bit left so I'll try and finish it up. It is a gorgeous pinky coral shade with a beautiful fine gold shimmer. Whilst it's a pretty blush my preferences are now a little less subtle and more....clown like.

Finally are a few eye bits which easily get neglected because again my mascara and eyeliner collections are a little out of hand. For mascara I decided to get some use out of Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes which has the little wand for the lower lashes. The Falsies formula is my favourite from Maybelline but I do prefer the original brush better. For liner I picked an old Elizabeth Arden Eye Pencil in 03 Bronze which is nearly finished and for some reason I have 5 bronze eye liners that look exactly the same.

I've also switched up my everyday brow products to get some use out of some old favourites. Pulling out my Essence Eyebrow Designer in Blonde I remembered how frickin' amazing this product is for its $3 price tag. I am also endeavouring to finish up an old Manicare Clear Eyebrow Gel. This stuff is seriously crunchy but does the job so I won't waste it (I am desperately missing my Gimme Brow!!).

Hopefully this posts inspires you to go through your collection and pull out some old favourites!

xx Catherine

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Top 10 under $20// Drugstore Starter Kit

I wish that beauty items weren't so overpriced in Australia so this post could have a more catchy title, but alas here are some rad products that are super affordable AND of amazing quality. If you are just starting out with makeup or want to build a small makeup collection on a budget these are my picks for the perfect 'starter kit'.

1// Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation [$19.95]

This is a really fantastic full coverage, matte foundation that you can rely on for a truly flawless finish. My go-to for a night-out. Unfortunately in Australia the shade range is quite limited so it's unlikely you'll find a shade at either ends of the skin-tone spectrum.

2// Maybelline Fit-Me Concealer [$14.95]

A well loved drugstore concealer and it's definitely worth the hype. Great to use under the eyes, on blemishes and over redness as well as being super creamy and easy to blend. An awesome choice for beginners, but again it can be difficult to find the correct shade so make sure you swatch in store or ask for help.

3// Face of Australia Translucent Loose Powder [$11.95]

Definitely one of the best translucent setting powders I have tried and it comes with HEAPS of product. Keeps you matte, great at setting foundation and doesn't look cakey at all, this is definitely one to try if you can find it in stock!
Also available at Big W and K-Mart.

4// Sleek Face Form Palette [$14.99]

The perfect palette for a starter kit as it houses all the face products you need - a matte bronzer which can be used for bronzing or contouring, a shimmery highlight as well as a blush! They also come in different shades for different skin tones so you're definitely going to find a palette with products that work for you.

5// Wet n' Wild Eyeshadow Trios 

For the price, you cannot go wrong with Wet n' Wild shadows. They are soft, creamy, easy to blend and these trios literally give you an eye look in 3 steps. I cannot recommend these enough and would make a great addition to any makeup collection. They also have some bright colours to experiment with. These shadows aren't available in Australian stores but you can purchase them from crushcosmetics.com.au [AUD$8.00] or if you don't mind waiting for shipping, from beautyjoint.com [USD$3.99].

6// Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Khol Kajal [$9.95]

My favourite affordable eyeliners, these Rimmel Khol Kajals are pigmented, creamy and glide on the eyelid and in the waterline so easily! You can also smudge them out a bit to create a smokey look but once they set - they ain't going anywhere. Definitely a great choice if you're looking for a long wearing eyeliner. For beginners I recommend the shades 'Black' and 'Bronze'.

7// Maybelline The Falsies Mascara [$19.95]

Everything you need in a mascara - volume, length and amazing definition. The natural fibre brush makes it easy to use and the formula is also easy to work with - not too wet or dry. Oh and never buy this full price! Maybelline is always on sale somewhere and you can easily find this at half price by shopping around.

8// Essence Eyebrow Designer [$3.05]

My no.1 regret as a makeup newbie was ignoring my brows. My go-to brow product from the drugstore, I love this pencil for its surprising versatility and hard, waxy texture. A simple to use, one step brow product will add extra colour as well as holding those stray brows in place.

9// Revlon ColourBurst Balms [$17.95]

Practically all my favourite lip products are from the drugstore and come in under $20 so it was pretty hard to choose my no.1 pick perfect for a beginner's starter kit. I chose the Revlon ColourBurst Balms because they come in three different formulas which are all equally amazing. The Just Bitten Kissable Stains are perfect for a sheer wash of colour in a really moisturising formula - try 'Honey' for a 'my lips but better' shade. The Matte Balms are super pigmented and leave a gorgeous matte finish whilst still being really comfortable to wear - try 'Sultry' for a versatile, deep rosey shade. Finally, the Lacquer Balms offer a high gloss finish - try 'Coquette' for a fun vibrant pink. As well as this, the fact that they are a jumbo lip pencil makes application foolproof!

10// Real Techniques Brushes 

If you've been reading my blog for a while you may now my absolute love of the Real Techniques brushes. They are incredible quality for the price and so versatile as well. They are also great for beginners as they have synthetic bristles which are really easy to maintain. As always I suggest buying Real Techniques from iHerb where you can get their Core Collection and Enhanced Starter Set for $18.00! You can now shop in AUD$ on iHerb and they ship with Australia Post at an affordable rate. I've done a review of some Real Techniques brushes here.

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Sweat-Proof Summer Makeup

It's gets pretty hot during summer in Australia. I'm not talking just warm enough to walk around in pretty dresses or cute shorts, but an average day usually includes being drenched in sweat as the wall of heat hits you. This is definitely not good news for the longevity of your makeup. Luckily there are a few great products that make wearing makeup wearable during the hottest times of the year and also actually stays on your face.

The worst thing I could possibly think of on super hot day is wearing a thick layer of stuff on my face, which is why a light weight foundation is a great option for warm weather. I like the Chi Chi Super BB Cream [$22.95] which gives decent coverage and evens out the skin tone. Another great option is MAC Face and Body Foundation [$49.00-$60.00], which is practically undetectable on the skin, has an amazing finish and can be built up for a fuller coverage without the cakey-ness.

Oh and of course a primer underneath your foundation will also help extend the life of your makeup look. I like Benefit's Porefessional [$53.00] to fill in pores and Laura Mercier Foundation Primer [$45.00] to lock in moisture.

Although I do prefer a fresh, dewy glow for a summer look, I definitely don't want to look either oily or sweaty. The line between 'glowy' and 'sweaty' is a fine one so setting your base with a powder is a must. My favourite this summer has definitely been MAC Mineralise Skin Finish Natural [$49.00]. This does everything you want from a setting powder - gives a flawless finish, sets your foundation in place and doesn't look cakey or powdery at all.

For the eyes, again a primer will help colour stay on your eyelid and not migrate into the crease. The NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk is a great base for powder shadows to stick to. However, I usually opt for a cream eyeshadow like the Maybelline Colour Tattoos which are also really easy to apply. And if you're looking for a long lasting blush, something like the Benefit Cheek Stains will stay on all day, or if you prefer a powder the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour blushes, really do last well, even in the heat.


xx Catherine

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My 'Go-To' Lip

It's crazy to think that only a year ago I owned one lipstick (and went through my mum's collection whenever I needed a red!). Now with a collection of close to 70 lipsticks, lip glosses and liquid lipsticks (oops!) I still pull out that first lipstick I owned whenever I'm stuck for what to wear.

Preppy by Australis is part of their Go Long Longwear lipstick range and is a mauve-pink nude with a matte finish. I remember buying this shade because of the name but it is and absolutely gorgeous nude shade for my skin tone making it my go-to lipstick for everyday.

I also love layering the NYX Butter gloss in Creme Brulee on top when wearing Preppy at night for an extra glam look and creating the perfect nude lip for a smokey eye.

Australis is available from Priceline, KMart and Big W. The Go Long Longwear lipstick range retails for $12.95.

NYX is available at Target and the Buttergloss range retails for $9.95. I'm not 100% sure if Creme Brulee is a shade available in Australia, but you can also purchase NYX online from crushcosmetics.com, beautyjoint.com and cherryculture.com.

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Review and Comparison: Beauty Blender v Real Techniques Complexion Sponge

I was so excited to finally see the Real Techniques Complexion Sponge stocked at my local Priceline! I've been using the original Beauty Blender for a few months now and absolutely love it, so I thought I would do a comparison of the two most well known beauty sponges out there to see if the RT sponge is a good affordable version of the Beauty Blender.

For this post RT = Real Techniques Complexion Sponge and BB = Beauty Blender

Shape and Size:

The BB shape is what I would describe as a 'teardrop' shape, with one pointed end - perfect for dotting on concealer or blending under the eyes and around the nose - and the other end is rounded. The RT has a distinctly different shape. The overall shape looks more oval than round and whilst one end is pointed, the point isn't as defined as the BB. The RT sponge also has one flat edge which the BB does not. When they are both dry, the RT is slightly bigger than the BB, both in width and length.

Flat Surface of the RT sponge.

Texture:

On the surface, both sponges have the same sort of soft, porous texture. However the RT is much denser and not as soft and bouncy as than the BB when dry. When damp, the RT definitely does soften but is still much more firm than the BB

Soft, porous texture.

Application:

Overall both sponges are very similar in their application of foundation. Despite the RT sponge being much firmer you can get the same finish by using a bit more pressure. I definitely prefer how the BB 'bounces' and creates a really natural look in a small amount of time. The RT doesn't bounce so to get the same finish a pressing motion combined with a buffing motion is required. In my opinion the advantage of using a sponge over a brush for the application of foundation is that you can layer coverage much easier. With a brush, more product is picked up so its harder to apply thinner layers on top of each other.

I also prefer how the BB has a more pointed tip which is much easier for applying concealer over imperfections and for blending out around the nose.

However, sponges are not the best for all foundations. I mostly use either the RT or BB sponge to apply the Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 foundation and it gives the most flawless finish. Foundations or BB creams with thinner consistencies tend to be absorbed into the sponge result in quite a bit of product wastage. Both sponges are also really great for blending concealer.

Price and Availability: all prices are in Australian Dollars

Considering both sponges are pretty similar in the way they work, the most important point of comparison is the price. The BB isn't available in store in Australia but a number of online retailers stock them which means they are pretty easy to get a hold of. Two Australian online retailers I know which stock the BB are:

• Crush Cosmetics - $24.95
• Lipstick Republic - $19.95

Or you can purchase online from UK retailer beautybay.com where the BB retails for $24.20. BeautyBay has free shipping and both Crush Cosmetics and Lipstick republic charge for shipping unless you spend over a certain amount.

In comparison the RT is available in store at Priceline which also stocks other brushes from the Real Techniques brand for $15.99. The RT has just started to be stocked in store so it isn't available on the Priceline website just yet. Otherwise, the best online retailer for any Real Techniques products is iherb.com where the RT retails for around $6 depending on the exchange rate. iherb.com provides $4 flat rate shipping or DHL express shipping starting from $8.

Overall the RT is definitely the more affordable option with both sponges being easily accessible.

I think my favourite is the Beauty Blender but the RT sponge is very similar and a fantastic way to try a really great quality sponge at a cheaper price. Have you got either of these sponges in your collection? Let me know in the comments :)

xx Catherine

Review: L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau de Teint Foundation

A relatively new release from L'Oreal and initially had thought I wouldn't pick it up because the shade range didn't seem to include any pale shades that would suit me. However, I received a sample for this foundation with my Priceline payback voucher and after one wear I had to get my hands on it!

The foundation has a light to medium coverage which is really impressive considering the formula is very thin, almost water like. I like to use the Real Techniques Buffing Brush to buff this into my skin. Because of the thin consistency it blends in beautifully. The shade is a little too dark for me, however, because it does blend in so nicely it is quite forgiving in terms of colour match. I have the lightest shade available on the Australian market, 120 Pure Ivory.

I absolutely love the powder finish which looks so velvety and does wonders for my skin! It reminds me of the finish of mineral powder foundation in the way that it melts into the skin and looks better as the day goes on. This foundation also lasts a usual long day of uni which is fantastic considering I don't need to powder over it. It's one of my favourites to wear on a long day because it looks the most natural after a long day of wear.

Without foundation

One layer of Eau de Teint Foundation

The big flaw with this product is definitely the packaging. I think that the small glass packaging definitely does look really luxurious but it is incredibly inconvenient. Particularly because the foundation itself is so watery, trying to dispense product out of the bottle by pouring it out is not easy. I can definitely see a lot of product being wasted (and a huge mess!) if you aren't super careful when pouring out the product. A pump is definitely need and something L'Oreal should consider. I'm also confused as to why there is only 20mL of product as opposed to the usual 30mL. This annoys me a bit considering it retails for $24.95 in Australia.

I love the finish and staying power of this foundation, however, because of the inconvenient packaging I don't see myself reaching for it as often as I would like.

xx Catherine

How to Hide It: Guide to Concealer

A few people have asked me lately for my recommendations on concealers so I thought I would put together all my knowledge about concealing and my favourite products into one post. What I have found is that its unlikely one concealer is going to fulfil all your needs - so I have broken down this guide into 3 different problem areas - Blemishes or pimples, under eye circles and redness/. For reference, I have an oily skin type - therefore I am susceptible to frequent breakouts and suffer from redness.

1// Blemishes

Unless you are very blessed with blemish free skin, you'll most likely want a concealer to cover breakouts or subsequent scarring. My main tips are:

• Use a concealer with a waxy or cream consistency - I often have trouble with liquid concealers 'sliding' off my blemishes. 
• Create a concealer 'sandwich' - start first by dabbing powder on your blemish, then concealer, then powder again. This really helps concealer to last all day. Make sure you are using very thin layers of product so that it doesn't become cakey.
• Choose a concealer colour that is as close as you can find to the colour of your foundation - to hide a blemish you'll want it to blend in.
• I like to use a small concealer brush and apply product by 'dabbing'
• If you are applying product on active acne - for example a pimple where the skin has broken - use a brush that you can wash straight away or a cotton bud. You really don't want bacteria from active acne staying on your brushes or even into your product that will just transfer onto your skin again.

Currently I am using Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer. This product is oil free and is two toned so I can perfectly match the colour to my different foundations. The recommended retail price is AUD$49.00 so fairly pricey, but it is a product that will last a long time.

My drugstore recommendations are: Bourjois Happy Light Concealer AUD$19.00 or Essence Match2Cover! Cream Concealer $4.25 - the only issue with these concealers is that they have very limited shades, this is particularly a problem for those with darker skin tones.

2// Under Eye Circles

As a uni student, I often hang around a lot of people who haven't had enough sleep and under eye circles are the biggest giveaway. Fortunately for me (and the fact I am such a grannie and go to bed super early) I rarely get discolouration under my eyes. However, I still like to use a concealer under my eyes to highlight.

• The main cause of under eye discolouration is a lack of moisture - fix the problem from the source by focusing your face moisturiser in the under eye area or even use an eye cream.
• Because of the dryness in the under eye area, thick, waxy concealers are going to be too heavy and crease like crazy. Use a liquid or moisturising cream concealer.
• Apply in an upside down triangle shape and blend
• Sometimes the best way to blend in the concealer underneath the eyes is just with your fingers - super easy! I also like to use a small domed brush like the Real Techniques duo-fibre eye brush.

My favourite high-end under eye concealer is Benefit Fakeup Concealer AUD$35.00 and for my drugstore pick I like Maybelline Fit Me Concealer AUD$14.95. I am currently using both these products and definitely recommend! Benefit's Fakeup is super interesting because the concealer is surrounded by a hydrating layer with Vitamin E and appleseed and is really moisturising and doesn't crease at all. For a drugstore product, Maybelline's Fit Me has a decent amount of shades, doesn't crease on my skin and is fantastic for lightening up the under eye area.

3// Redness 

Although I don't technically use concealer to hide the redness on my face, I do use specific foundations to conceal it. I found the best way to hide redness and discolouration is to build up the coverage of your foundations in the areas where you have issues with redness.

• Using a stippling or dabbing motion to build up coverage works best as it doesn't tend to create cakey-ness.
• Start in the middle of your face when applying foundation - this is usually where the skin is going to be most red, particularly around the nose and chin - then blend outwards. This makes sure that you have the coverage on the areas you need and you're not putting too much product where you don't need it - saves product and looks natural!

I have been loving the Clinique Redness Solutions foundation AUD$50.00 as it has excellent coverage and definitely colour corrects redness. However, as I mentioned in the tips above, using any foundation and simply by adding more coverage in the areas where there is redness will help conceal those problem areas.

Hope you found this post helpful and have a beautiful day :)

xx Catherine

Real Techniques Brush Haul!

Finally received my iherb order of Real Techniques brushes. I desperately needed to do a big update of my face brushes and thought the RT brushes were the most budget friendly option and I can add specialty brushes as I need but at least I know I have enough brushes to create a good base.

I purchases 2 sets - the core collection; which features 4 base brushes and a case as well as the limited edition duo fibre collection; which came with 3 duo fibre brushes for face and eyes.

I also purchased 3 single brushes - the blush brush, stippling brush and expert face brush.

In terms of ordering off iherb, it is definitely the cheapest option for buying these brushes - For a total of 10 brushes I paid around $60 and got free shipping. There is a faster shipping option which is extra and for some reason it was unavailable to my PO Box address. However, I would definitely recommend the faster shipping option because shipping took a lot longer than I expected.
If you haven't used iHerb before you can use this code GKT568 at the checkout or this link http://www.iherb.com/?rcode=GKT568 to save off your order.

I will let you know how I go and hopefully have a review soon!

xx Cat ^.^

so...this finally happened - officially on my way to achieving one of my 2014 beauty goals. I really can't believe I was using some of these on my face - that will definitely teach me to wash my brushes more often!

Summer Beauty Essentials

Summer is here! I love everything about summer; the warm weather, beach holidays, uni break, my birthday and Christmas! Summer is also a fantastic time to revamp your beauty routine and try bright, fun colours. My favourite trends for summer are bright lips and corals. I also really love light coverage and dewy finishes for foundation, as there is nothing better than frolicking around in the sun with beautiful glowing skin. What I also love to create a beautiful dewy, glowy look is cream blushes which add a little extra glow to the cheeks and help make your powder blush go that little bit further to give you that sun kissed glow.

Of course, if you’re pale like me, and also live in Australia where the sun is unrelenting, the most important thing for summer is to be using high protection sunscreen – definitely with SPF 30+ or higher.

My every day summer essentials are:

Face:

•   Bourjois Bronzing Primer
•   Kate Somerville IllumiKate CC cream in no.1 ‘Fair’ à this product is SPF 50+ !!
•   Stila Convertible Color dual lip and cheek cream in ‘Lillium’

Lips:

• Rimmel London Apocalips Lip Lacquer in no.501 ‘Stellar’ à Fantastic for a night out
• Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in ‘Vibrant Mandarin’ à A beautiful bright coral which is right on trend for summer
• NYX Butter Glosses à My favourite right now is ‘Peaches and Cream’ but the entire range is so beautiful in terms of colours and now NYX is available in Target!

Bright Nails:

• Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquer in no.190 ‘ Coral Crush’

Keep checking for updates, as the next few posts will have some of my summer inspired looks!

Cat ^.^