Tried & Tested: Glam Glow FlashMud Brightening Treatment

I had my eye out for this latest release from GlamGlow ever since I saw Jaclyn Hill sing its praises in one of her monthly favourites video. I've tried out the GlamGlow masks before and have really enjoyed how they worked for my skin but never thought I needed to invest in one. My main concern with my skin at the moment is uneven skin tone including pigmentation and acne scarring so I really wanted to give FlashMud a go after hearing rave reviews!

Unlike the other GlamGlow masks, FlashMud is almost translucent on the skin after applying a thin layer - it also smells great too! It does have exfoliating particles and is recommended that you apply the mask in circular motions, exfoliating your skin before leaving the mask on for 20 minutes so as the product can penetrate deeper into the skin. The exfoliating particles aren't too harsh and on my skin I didn't experience any tingling or discomfort at all.

After washing the mask off after 20 minutes, my skin feels incredibly soft and smooth. It is recommended when you first start the treatment to use the mask 3 days in a row. After the initial three days I definitely noticed an improvement in my skin. Not only was the texture of my skin smooth and even but my complexion was brighter and I also noticed that some of my acne spots had faded.

Overall I am very impressed with the GlamGlow FlashMud especially since I am getting exactly the results I was hoping for. After the initial three days of use, I now use the mask around twice a week and I am super happy with how even my skin tone is looking!

KEY INGREDIENTS:

• White Jasmine Flower
• Willow Bark Salicylic Acid
• White Birch Leaf

GlamGlow FlashMud retails for $86 and you can purchase in store at Mecca Cosmetica, Mecca Maxima or online at mecca.com.au

Cat
xx

Tried & Tested: Models Prefer Contour Collection

I don't know why I purchased this product to be honest. I feel knee deep into the hype of the Australis Contour Kit and have used it about three times in total - I even included it in my recent post about products I regret purchasing! So why did I go out and buy another drugstore contour kit?

Contouring is definitely not a necessary part of my everyday makeup routine so I have never felt compelled to invest in a high end product and after hearing some positive reviews of the Models Prefer offering, especially in comparison to the Australis, I thought I should definitely at least give it a shot.

First off, the packaging is nice and sleek. It comes in a sturdy plastic which clips firmly shut and also houses a fantastic sized mirror inside. On the back of both the packaging and the palette itself are some instructions and diagrams showing how to use the different shades to create the most flattering contour for your face shape. Also included in the packaging is an incredibly thorough guide which goes through all sorts of tutorials on determining you skin tone, face shape and skin type.

The palette has 6 shades in total - 3 highlight shades and 3 contour shades.

• Highlight 01 is neutral-pink tone matte shade and could be used as a setting powder or to blend out your contour.
• Highlight 02 is a yellow tone matte shade.
• Highlight 03 is a neutral-pink tone shimmery highlight with a gold reflex. This shade doesn't swatch too shimmery and leaves more of a nice sheen finish to the skin.
• Contour 04 is a neutral-warm contour shade with pink undertones. It looks warmer in the pan than it does swatched. I find this shade to be the most flattering for my light-neutral skin tone.
• Contour 05 is a cool tone contour shade with grey undertones. This shade would be perfect for those who prefer to use a grey or taupe shade to contour with. I find this shade a little too ashy for my skin tone.
• Contour 06 is a warm, red toned bronze shade and is significantly warmer than shade 04. This shade would work well as a bronzer for medium-dark skin tones.

So how does the product actually perform?

I'm happy to say this palette is definitely more impressive than the Australis counterpart. I found I could use the contour shades to give nice definition to the face without the powders being too hard to blend or looking muddy on the face. I have quite fair skin but could definitely get use out of both shades 04 and 05, however 06 is too dark and too warm for my skin tone. The highlight shades also performed well. The powders are soft and blended well.

I think Models Prefer did a really great job here and where it really excels, particularly in comparison to the Australis palette, is that the shades are wearable and the powders blend out nicely. I also loved how the pigmentation wasn't crazy, so the shades are much easier to use and build up, rather than leaving an obvious line down your cheekbones (I would still use a light hand!).

Overall, I don't regret the $16.99 I spent on this and I have already been pulling it out to use on a regular basis!

Models Prefer is exclusive to Priceline and you can buy the Contour Collection here.

xx Cat

Beauty Graveyard: Empties & Products I'm Throwing Out

I had a huge bag of empties, as well as some other products I was keen to get rid of, taking up space in my room that I thought it was finally time to do a round-up post and review a random selection of products I really loved and others...not so much.

Let 's get into it!

First up are some of my daily essentials:

• ELF Daily Brush Cleaner

I picked up the ELF Daily Brush Cleaner from Kmart which I think was around $8. I really liked this and reached for it a lot, especially when I wanted to clean eye brushes so I could use them with different coloured shadows. I probably wouldn't pick it up again, however I definitely still recommend this product!

• Daiso Puff & Sponge Detergent 

This is such a great product for the price and is absolutely fantastic for washing brushes and sponges. It's also only $2.80 which is very affordable! I would definitely purchase again in the future but there isn't a Daiso store close to me so it's not as convenient as grabbing a bottle of baby shampoo from Priceline. If you do find yourself in a Daiso store - stock up! 

• Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner 

I love the Mario Badescu skin care range for no-fuss, affordable and effective skincare. The Glycolic Acid toner is a great way to add in a gentle exfoliation into your everyday skincare routine and it made such an improvement to the texture of my skin. I've already repurchased this one from Mecca Maxima for only $26!

•  Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Probably one of my favourite multi-task products ever! I've gone through many bottles of this and will continue to repurchase. 

Next up, some of my most used skincare:

• Origins Make a Difference Plus + Rejuvenating Moisturiser

One of my favourite daily moisturisers which is super hydrating but still sits really well under makeup. I've reviewed it here and I've definitely repurchased.

• Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner

My collection of complexion mists has expanded to include some more high end selections but the Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner is still my favourite. It's really hydrating and doesn't leave a sticky residue. This is definitely an essential coming into summer so I have picked up some back ups. 

• Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask

Another great product from Origins. I recently reviewed all of my Origins masks here. After finishing this deluxe sample size I bought the full size straight away! 

• Philosophy Hands of Hope Hand Cream

I really liked this hand cream and this is about my third tube I've finished up. It didn't have an overly obnoxious scent and was super hydrating. It is quite expensive thought so I wont repurchase unless I find it on sale again.

• Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

One of the best spot treatments on the market! I had to pick up a new bottle as this one, which I've had for around two years, wasn't working as effectively and there was hardly any alcohol left either. 

I also finished up a few of my most used makeup products:

• Bare Minerals Mineral Veil

My absolute favourite setting powder! This was a smaller size which came with one of the Bare Minerals starter kits but I have since bought the full size. This powder is great for setting your foundation if you prefer a transparent powder than leaves a natural, smoothing finish.

• Anastasia Brow Wiz in 'Soft Brown'

The Brow Wiz is a hugely popular product, however for me, it didn't really live up to the hype. I liked the precision you could get from it however, the shade wasn't the best match for me. Overall, the Brow Wiz didn't overly excite me and I won't be repurchasing.

• Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in 'Eastend Snob'

East End Snob is my go to lip liner to wear under almost any nude lipstick. I love its mauvey-pink shade, how it applies so smoothly and that it lasts well either by itself or under another lip product. I've definitely repurchased - I can't imagine being without this lipliner!

And finally, after a big clean out of my collection, here's some products I decided to get rid of:

• Maybelline Colour Tattoo in 'Audacious Asphalt'

The Colour Tattoos from Maybelline are some of my favourite eyeshadows from the drugstore. I didn't get much use out of this colour though and it has dried up quite badly. I'm not sure if this shade is even available anymore. 

• Beauty Blender

As you can tell, this Beauty Blender needed to be thrown out really badly. And yes, I have definitely repurchased.

• Real Techniques Stippling Brush 

Unfortunately my RT stippling brush has reached an early end after some serious shedding. I haven't experienced this with my other RT brushes which were all purchased at the same time and washed/looked after the same way. I did enjoy using this brush with cream products and I'm not sure if I would repurchase only because I've got other brushes that do the same job. So far my only disappointing experience with RT.

• Maybelline The Falsies Mascara

An old fave drugstore mascara, The Falsies if perfect for giving the lashes length, volume and curl without clumping or flaking. Unfortunately for The Falsies I am head over heels in love with the new Lash Sensational from Maybelline so I won't be repurchasing (also I've got WAY too many mascaras on the go - oops!).

• Jordana Best Lash Extreme Mascara

I was pretty disappointed with this mascara, considering the hype. When you first open it, the formula is very very wet and tends to get everywhere. After a while, the formula is much easier to use but then it flakes and leaves smudges under the eyes. I did like how it made my lashes look, and I'm sure it was under $5. However, I wouldn't repurchase because I didn't get much use of it.

• Clinique Redness Solutions Foundation

I have always loved Clinique foundations and the Redness Solutions was no exception - great coverage and finish on the skin and is so easy to apply and blend. I have had this one in my collection for a few years and it was almost as if the colour had oxidised inside the bottle. I may consider repurchasing in the future but I have more than enough foundations to go through at the moment!

• L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau De Teint

I have had this in my stash since it was released in Australia but I haven't reached for it in over a year so it's definitely time to move on. I didn't mind this foundation and it had a nice natural coverage and was comfortable to wear. However, I always had trouble with the shade being too dark.

Well done if you made it all the way to the end! What products have you finished up recently?

xx Cat

Intents Beauty Favourites: Origins Masks

Recently I posted this photo on my instagram showing off my much loved Origins mask collection. It was definitely love at first use with these masks ever since I first tried the delicious Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. From there my collection has grown to include these 4 amazing masks which I will be reviewing for you in this post! All of the masks mentioned below are $37 and can be purchased at Mecca Maxima, Kit Cosmetics or mecca.com.au

// Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask

An essential in anyone's bathroom cupboard, Clear Improvement is perfect for maintaining a really clear complexion and minimising the appearance of pores. A lot of dirt and other pollution gets trapped in pores on a daily basis so it's a good idea to use a detoxifying mask a few times a weak to keep your skin squeaky clean and also to help your skincare absorb better! The great thing about Clear Improvement is that it is really effective without being drying or harsh on your skin so it is great for all skin types, including sensitive. 

BEST FOR: Detoxifying congested skin and clearing blackheads.
KEY INGREDIENTS: Activated Charcoal, White China Clay, Lecithin

// Out of Trouble 10 Minute Mask

Out of Trouble is one of my holy grail skincare products and one that I reach for a lot because it does exactly what it says - gets your skin out of trouble! When my skin is particularly stressed out this mask is great for calming redness and reducing inflammation as well dragging out all those nasty impurities that can clog your skin. Another great benefit of this mask is that it contains salicylic acid to exfoliate within the pores and help prevent future breakouts. Definitely a great product if you have oily, acne prone skin.

BEST FOR: Calming inflamed breakouts and keeping future spots at bay.
KEY INGREDIENTS: Zinc Oxide, Sulphur, Camphor

// Original Skin Retexurising Mask

The newest addition to the Origins mask range is the Original Skin mask which not only draws out impurities to detoxify the skin but also has exfoliating particles to leave your skin feeling smooth and soft. I also would definitely recommend this product if you suffer from blackheads or whiteheads. I had a few little spots under the surface of the skin but after using this mask I could tell that they had come to the surface and then cleared by the exfoliating beads. I loved the rose scent of this mask and I definitely noticed a difference in both the texture and brightness of my skin after only one use.

BEST FOR: Removing dry, flaky skin to keep skin smooth and bright!
KEY INGREDIENTS: Rose Clay, Willow Herb and Jojoba beads

// Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask

By far my most used mask, I reach for Drink Up Intensive every second night or so. The best thing about Drink Up Intensive is its delicious apricot scent and how fast you see results. When you wake up after wearing this mask overnight, dehydrated skin will feel super soft. An absolute essential during the colder months and is also great for flying.

BEST FOR: Injecting dehydrated skin with a heap of moisture!
KEY INGREDIENTS: Apricot Kernel Oil, Avocado and Japanese Seaweed

xx Cat

Makeup Ragrets

Lots of ragrets...

As a makeup lover, it's only natural that I also love to shop...mostly for makeup. Most of the time the beauty bits I pick up after doing some research, reading reviews and seeing if there's a gap in my collection. However, there are inevitably some impulsive buys that haven't worked out so well. Here are some of my more regretful purchases - including both high end and drugstore products.

// Australis AC ON TOUR Contouring & Highlighting Kit
I am ashamed to admit I fell victim to the hype of this product when it first set beauty lovers in Australia into a bit of a frenzy. I think I've reached for it maybe three times at most with disappointing results. The contour shades are so pigmented its very easy to make a mistake and the fact that the powders aren't bendable at all means when you do make a mistake its not easy to fix. The highlight shades are decent quality but I never reach for this palette anyway.

// Artiste No.55 Contour Brush
I must have purchased this around the same time as the Australis Contour Kit in the hopes that I could transform myself into a sculpted goddess. Unfortunately (probably mostly due to my application skills but anyway...), I found this brush to be quite useless. The bristles themselves are soft and the shape of the brush is perfect to fit underneath the cheekbone. However, the bristles are either not long enough, or the brush is too dense that it is really difficult to blend out product.  It is definitely NOT a dupe for the NARS Ita Kabuki and if you want an affordable alternative I would skip this one and try the Real Techniques Sculpting Brush instead.

// Maybelline SuperStay 24H Waterproof Powder
I wanted to love this so bad. The finish of this beautifully finely milled powder is gorgeous on the skin. However, something about it makes me produce so much oil that I have to use half a packet of blotting papers to make my face look normal again. Whilst I usually get a little bit of shine through the t-zone, it is nothing compared to how oily this powder makes me. I am thinking it's something to do with the waterproof aspect? Anyway it has become completely unusable :(

// Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette
I bought this cute little palette because the packaging is adorable and so convenient for travel. Plus the shades were completely gorgeous and a perfect combination of matte, shimmer and glitter. Unfortunately, I was fairly disappointed in this palette and I regret purchasing it for the fact that it doesn't compare in quality to my other palettes of around the same price range. The matte shades are quite beautiful and I will still reach for the palette to use the matte shades but the shimmer and glitter shades are so 'meh' in terms of pigmentation and lasting power on the lids. I would definitely give this one a skip and try the Chocolate Bar Palette from Too Faced instead.

// Benefit They're Real! Push Up Liner
This product has always received mixed reviews and caused a bit of controversy in the beauty world. Let's just say give me a pot of gel liner and a brush over this product any day. As most critical reviews of this product have mentioned - its too hard to use, the product is too dry and has the tendency to ball up and rub off and also its really really hard to use.

// Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream
I swear this is not an Benefit slam fest because I do quite enjoy a lot of Benefit's products, however, their skincare range, in particular the It's Potent! Eye Cream was not for me. I found this product really thick and it caused a lot of milia (those little white dots) to form under my eyes. It was a product that I don't think should have been recommend to me and I definitely won't be trying any more of their skincare because it isn't marketed in a way that tells you what the products will do. I prefer the skincare I use to be simple and the packaging to be informative rather than obscured that 'cute' aesthetic benefit goes for (and works well for their cosmetic range). Also this was very expensive for what it is.

So there are some of my biggest makeup ragrets. Of course makeup and skincare products are so incredibly subjective and if they work or don't work for you can depend on such a wide variety of factors. Some of my biggest regrets have actually helped others find their favourite products - since I passed my Australis Fresh & Flawless Powder on to my mum a few years ago she hasn't used another foundation! Let me know what your biggest beauty regrets were or if you really like any of these products!

xx Cat

Tried and Tested: Maybelline FitME Matte + Poreless Foundation

As mentioned in my last post, Maybelline is currently 50% off at Priceline until the 24th August. I took advantage of the sale to pick up the new formulation of their FitME Matte + Poreless foundation after being a fan of the FitME concealers for a few years.

I matched myself to the shade 115 Ivory in store which I find to be a little bit too pink to be a perfect match but it is still definitely wearable. There are only 6 shades in the range which I find to be quite poor considering the range is supposed to be about finding your perfect match.

Despite the limited shade range, this foundation has really impressed me. The formula is gorgeous - creamy and blend-able. I have applied the foundation both with a beauty blender as well as a buffing brush with great results. Matte + Poreless is definitely accurate! The foundation smooths over pores and sets to a natural matte finish.

Even as a matte foundation I don't find it to be drying at all and find it wears really comfortably throughout the day. Not only is it comfortable to wear all day but I want to wear it all day because it looks so damn good! I tested this foundation over a week of 8 hour work days and even 12 hours after application my makeup still looked fresh.

My foundation hadn't worn off at all apart from on the bridge of my nose where my glasses sit, but that is hardly avoidable. I did have a little bit of shine coming through the t-zone but not to the extent that I felt I needed to powder. I also found the Matte + Poreless foundation to be a great long lasting base for my blush and bronzer which also looked fresh at the end of the day.

My only other gripe about the product - apart from the limited shade range - is the packaging. This foundation doesn't come with a pump (GRR) and is in a glass bottle which is not ideal for travelling.

Overall however, I'm super impressed with this foundation and how it has performed so well, especially considering I paid less than $10 for it! A great one to try if you're looking for a long wearing foundation that feels comfortable on the skin.

xx Cat

New Release: Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara & Hypersharp Wing Liquid Liner

Maybelline always do mascaras well. I've been a fan of The Falsies for ages and will always recommend Maybelline as the best mascaras at the drugstore. The new Lash Sensational Mascara is no exception and honestly I have been so so impressed by this mascara it now sits right next to my beloved Lancôme Hypnôse as my all time favourite mascara!

The Lash Sensational Mascara has curved wand with short plastic bristles which are longer on one side. I was particularly surprised that I fell in love with this mascara so much because I usually have a huge aversion the plastic bristles on mascara wands.

This mascara is amazing because it adds heaps of length, the perfect amount of volume (aka it doesn't clump!) and holds a curl better than any mascara I've tried. I love how it separates and defines my lashes and it doesn't smudge or flake, wearing really well throughout the day.

At the same time Maybelline released the Lash Sensational Mascara into the Australian market, the Hypersharp Wing Liquid Liner also hit shelves. I've used the Maybelline Master Precise liquid liner in the past and found in to be ok and I was skeptical as to how different the Hypersharp liner could possibly be.

Again, however, I was pleasantly surprised and immediately impressed with the new product. The Hypersharp Wing liner has a nib that is similar to a liner brush in that it is made up of bristles rather than a felt tip. What makes this product really unique is that the brush tip is actually flat! This really interesting design means that on the thin edge you can get incredibly close to the lash line and it also makes it very easy to create a winged liner look. You can also use the brush on the flat side to create a more dramatic look.

The product itself is super black and wears really well without fading but isn't a hassle to remove like a gel liner. Overall so impressed with this new liner from Maybelline and now I'm able to wear a winged liner everyday if I want because it doesn't take three hours!

Maybelline is currently 50% off until 24th August at Priceline.

xx Cat

* These products were orginially provided to me as part of Beauty Heaven's Trial Team Program