Sweet Peach // Worth the Hype?

 I have a confession to make. When Too Faced announced they would be bringing back their Sweet Peach Palette as a permanent addition to their collection AND be expanding their range to include lip glosses and face products I didn't fall into the hype. In fact, I was so vocally opposed to the whole thing, especially the brands constant churning out of new collections with gimmicky names and packaging. I was so sure the Peach Palette was just another neutral palette and I didn't need it.

Well, I'm not afraid to admit that I was wrong. The hype finally got me and let me tell you, the hype is REAL. Before purchasing the palette, I tried it a few times in store before realising that it was a palette that I would reach for over and over. I've also since purchased the Papa Don't Peach Blush! #converted

//Sweet Peach Eyeshadow Collection



The core of Too Faced's Sweet Peach collection is the eyeshadow palette. A gorgeous palette that includes 18 shades, all quite neutral with a few brighter pinky-peach shades as well as some beautiful deep plums and my surprise favourite, an olive green.

I am really surprised at the high quality of the eyeshadow formula. I own a few other palettes from Too Faced and I have the say the quality is the most consistent in the Sweet Peach palette. The shimmer shades are soft and buttery and glide over the lid so easily, packing a punch in terms of pigment with just one swipe. I absolutely love the shades Luscious and Bellini for the perfect all over the lid shimmer. The mattes perform really well too. My favourite matte shades are the warm browns, Puree and Summer Yum. Unfortunately, the worst performing shadows in the palette are the 3 cream shades in the first column. I really wish that White Peach was a matte cream highlight, but unfortunately its super shimmery but also not very pigmented.

So do you need this in your collection? Well, you don't really need any makeup, but as someone who owns a lot of neutral palettes I love reaching for the Sweet Peach because I can create something soft and pretty and then change it up with the brighter peach shades or the pops of purple and green. I'm so glad I added it to my collection as I reach for it a lot and have used every single shade in the palette.

//Papa Don't Peach Peach Infused Blush

The Papa Don't Peach Blush was more of an impulse purchase but one that I am so glad I made! The shade is a light, shimmery peach that can be applied lightly for a slight flush or built up for a more intense peach glow! I've seen the blush applied on deeper skin tones to me and it also looks incredible - so it is quite versatile across different skin tones. It could also be used as a blush topper to add a bit of a glow! The shimmer is quite fine and doesn't look chunky or glittery at all when applied to the skin. I would also advise deeper skin tones to consider this blush over the Sweet Peach Highlighting palette as the shades in that palette are much lighter and less versatile.

Overall, as a blush lover I'm so glad to have Papa Don't Peach in my collection! However, if you're not makeup obsessed and already own shades like NARS Orgasm or Milani Luminoso, you might find the shades are quite similar.

I also wanted to quickly mention the fact that all the products in the Sweet Peach Collection are peach scented. The scent is definitely artificial and quite sweet and you can smell it as soon as you open the packaging. To be honest, the scent doesn't really appeal to me, it doesn't offend me but I would love the products just as much if they weren't scented. Also if you are usually quite sensitive to fragrance I would definitely recommend maybe checking out the products in store to make sure it doesn't bother you too much

Are you a fan of all things Sweet Peach?

xx Cat

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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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 Five Cheek Products for Spring

Some of my favourite face products to add colour to my complexion!

// The Body Shop Honey Bronzer in 01 ($22.95)

From contouring to all over bronzing this bronzer is BEAUTIFUL. A lifesaver for pale girls as it comes in three shades and totally matte. I have been loving sweeping this all over the face for adding all over dimension to the face. The formula is really lovely - easy to blend and lasts all day. Oh! and The Body Shop has recently reduced all their prices in Australia which is such good news! This means the Honey Bronzer is now priced alongside most drugstore brands in Australia.

// Benefit 'Tints' ($55)

As mentioned in my August/September favourites post I have been reaching for my Benefit Tints a lot recently as for the amount of effort you need to apply them they look incredible! They have a very thin formula which you can apply by blending with your fingers or a stippling brush. The only downside of this product is that you have to work really fast with them or you will end up with stains where the product first marked the skin. When blended however, they give a beautiful natural, glowy flush that lasts all day! They really are perfect for spring as they remind me of flower petals!

// Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blushes ($36.95)

When it comes to powder blushes, the Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes have the most beautiful shades and amazing formula I have ever tried. They actually do last for 12 hours as well which is really great in the warmer weather. I cannot wait until Sephora opens in Sydney (just in time for Christmas too!) and I have access to all the Tarte products, it will be such a glorious day. I love the shade 'Natural Beauty' for a lovely natural flushed look, as well as the limited edition shade 'Unleashed' from the Rainforest After Dark Palette, a gorgeous mauve-y pink.

// TheBalm Cindy-Lou Manizer ($34.95)

The pretty pink cousin to everyone's favourite highlighter, Mary-Lou, Cindy-Lou Manizer is my favourite shimmery pink highlighter that is actually perfect as a blush for the tops of your cheekbones. The pink is perfectly subtle and gorgeous on pale skin tones and the shimmer isn't too OTT either which is one reason I didn't purchase Mary-Lou. I love layering this on top of my Benefit tints!

//Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso ($15.00)

If you haven't heard of this blush, you've probably been living under a rock (or maybe just don't keep up with cult beauty products). As a baked blush formula, this is gorgeous and soft making is a dream to apply and easy to blend. The colour is what really grabs me - the perfect coral-peach with just the right amount of shimmer and a shade that can be applied sheer or built up. This is the blush I reach for when I don't know what to wear because it just goes with everything!

NB: All links which have been included to the products are to Australian sites and prices are in AUD$.

Come back on Sunday for my Top 5 lip products for spring!

xx Catherine

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Update & Favourite Autumn Trends

Last week at uni can only be described as the week from hell. With the end of semester comes so many assignments and to say I'm stressed out would be the biggest understatement of the year. But that's all the boring stuff... I've had some really exciting things happening beauty wise and in relation to my blog so I cannot wait to share these exciting things with you all...(maybe even a completely new makeup storage!!)

Today I really wanted to write about some of my favourite trends from Autumn as we end into winter in only a couple of weeks. Enjoy my top 5 Autumn trends which I will totally be wearing into winter as well !

1// Matte Lips

To be honest sometimes I can be a little lazy with my makeup, especially when I have to get to uni for a 9am class. This usually means basics - foundation, powder, a little bit of blush, mascara and of course lipstick. And if I'm going to be at uni all day I really don't want to have to worry about touch ups AT ALL. That's why I've been loving these matte lipsticks, put them on in the morning and they are going to stay on all day between eating and drinking and running around campus. I've especially been loving my new lipsticks from Shanghai Suzy and of course my ultimate favourite nude is Australis Go Long Lipstick in Preppy. For Autumn I've been mixing it up between bright berry/pink shades, my go-to nude pink or a peachy coral.

2// Cream Blushes and Cheek Stains

Because I prefer a matte base, I always like to add a little extra glow to my cheeks with a cream blush. I love that subtle pop of colour that gives the impression of watercolours or flower petals floating in water. I mentioned the Sportsgirl cream blush I'm loving in my last weekly beauty edit and my other favourites are the Stila Convertible Colour in Lillium and the Benefit Lollitint which I love on my lips as well.

3// 'Lit From Within'

Continuing the glowing cheeks theme I have absolutely been obsessed with highlighting, again particularly with liquid products. The Australis Mineral Highlighter in Pearl is so gorgeous, if you don't have this in your collection you definitely need to get on it ASAP! Super affordable and so beautiful.

4// Sculpted Cheeks

I've really been getting onto the contour bandwagon especially since I've got the hang of my Real Techniques contour brush. For an everyday contour (if I have the time) I love using the NYX blush in Taupe which is fabulous for creating a really natural shadow effect. For night time looks I can't go past my favourite bronzer, Hoola by Benefit. Combined with MAC blush in Melba and topped off with the Australis highlight is my ultimate go to 'dressed up' look. Check it out in my FOTD here.

5// False Lashes

Ever since I've figured out how to apply false lashes I can't get enough! I'm obsessed with long flirty lashes, corner lash accents and really full ones to add volume as well. Since i've always lacked a little bit in the lash department all my greatest lash dreams have come true. I can definitely see myself adding lashes to my looks all throughout winter.

I hope you enjoyed this post, hopefully things will get back to normal this week and here's a little sneak peek at my new makeup storage (eeek!!) - I'll be doing a makeup collection post in the very near future.

Have a beautiful week!

xx Catherine

$20 Makeup Challenge

I have been planning this post for a while and am so excited to finally share it with you! The $20 Makeup challenge is pretty self explanatory - create an entire face of makeup with products that cost less than $20 combined. It is definitely harder than it seems, especially in Australia where its difficult to find a drugstore foundation for $20 or less. However, there are quite a few affordable options available in Australian stores and I have chosen products from four different brands to showcase them. I've got little reviews for all the product as well!

3 for 2 NYX

If you've been wanting to try some NYX products which are now stocked in Australia in Target stores, they have a 3 for 2 sale going on at the moment. The NYX stands are often quite empty, so get down to Target ASAP to make the most of this sale. The stores I find are usually well stocked are Burwood and Bondi Junction.

My top picks from NYX are the Butter Glosses, Jumbo Eyeshadow Sticks and powder blushes.

Let me know if you pick anything up !

xx Catherine

What's on My Face? #2

What's on My Face?

Tarte Cosmetics/Sephora Mini Haul

 

 

When I hear someone is travelling to the US or anywhere with a Sephora I get VERY excited. I immediately thought of all the makeup I could buy! However, I thought to be considerate of the person kind enough to shop for me and also keeping in mind my budget, I chose a few special things that I've been lusting over from Tarte because there is literally no way to get their products in Australia unless you use a shipping service. Taking a few recommendations from one of my absolute favourite Youtubers Essie Button I picked up the;

• Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Natural Beauty
• Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation in Fair-Light Neutral
• Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush

I just wanted to share with you these beautiful products before I try them out and do full reviews - but really I just couldn't contain my excitement!
Thanks to Maddy's mum for picking up these products for me at Sephora and of course Maddy for helping organise everything <3

Hope you enjoyed this special haul as much as I did !
xx Cat  ^.^

Stay All Day - Long wearing makeup look

With uni starting again next week, I'll be back to the daily grind - attempting to juggle study, work and social commitments. This usually means long days, many hours in the car and maybe physical activity (although pretty unlikely tbh...) and I need my makeup to look fresh and last all day. I actually wore this look for a law revue rehearsal, dance class and then all night long when I went out clubbing.

FOTD: Tanya Burr Inspired Look

I was inspired by this tutorial uploaded by UK MUA Tanya Burr on her Youtube channel. I think this is a perfect eye look for everyday and you could definitely mix up the lip colour with whatever you feel like that day!

MAC Haul and Swatches

MAC Red (Satin)

Studded Kiss (Matte) Limited Edition

Extra Dimension Skin Finish in Superb (Left),  Powder Blush in Melba - Matte (Right)

Matchmaster Foundation in 1.0

Popped into the stand alone MAC store in Bondi Junction the other day to spend the vouchers that I was so lucky to receive for Christmas. I didn't really know what I wanted, but was leaning more towards face products and I also wanted a few different lipstick shades to add to my (exponentially increasing!) lipstick collection. Unlike when I've visited MAC stores in Myer or David Jones, where the staff were less than helpful, I had such a fantastic experience at the Bondi Junction store and will definitely be going back there to pick up more MAC goodies in the future! The lovely staff member started from the base by demonstrating the products I wanted to try on my face. I was really happy about this because I picked up a foundation which I never thought I was going to pick up! Can't wait to play around with all my new goodies !

xx Cat ^.^