Intents Beauty Favourites: Foundations

I'm definitely quite fickle with my foundation. I may get into a routine for a week or so, using the same product, but I can never settle on just one for very long. However, after a lot of experimentation and testing my collection of foundations with different primers, application methods and setting powders I've streamlined my everyday, go-to foundations to just four absolute favourites that I know I can always rely on. I've provided a detailed review of each foundation below:

// Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Gel

The Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue has been a staple in my routine all year and a base I continue to reach for when I'm after a light, but perfected base. I absolutely love the glowy finish it gives to the skin as well as how incredibly comfortable it is to wear. I am also always impressed by how well the Complexion Rescue wears, whether I just quickly throw it on for uni or I completely set it with a powder. Highly recommend as a light-weight base that would be great for summer!

• Light Coverage
• Broad Spectrum SPF 30
• Best applied with fingers or a buffing brush
• $43 for 35mL

// Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup

Whenever I want a decent coverage with long wear I always reach for the UD Naked Skin Foundation. Naked Skin has a really unique, thin texture that sits incredibly comfortably on the skin and is fantastic for building up coverage. The finish is definitely matte but doesn't look dry or powdery at all, especially on my combination/oily skin. The matte formula is one that does dry down and sets on its own so you can get away without setting it with a powder. 

• Medium, build-able coverage 
• Best applied with buffing brush for fuller coverage or a beauty blender for a lighter coverage.
• $60 for 30mL

// Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint

This is one foundation that really surprised me when I first tried it and one that I love to wear when I want my skin to look glowy and healthy. It has quite a thick texture that is best blended in with your fingers or a synthetic blending brush (Hourglass No.2 brush is perfect!). This is not my longest wearing foundation, however when applied over the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer and set with the Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light, you have a winning combination that tends to last me the entire work day. Another great feature of this foundation is the inclusion of Hyaluronic Acid which makes it really comfortable to wear.

• Medium Coverage
• Broad Spectrum SPF 15
• Best applied with fingers or a buffing brush
• $80 for 30mL

As you can tell from my choices, I definitely prefer higher end brands when it comes to base products. The main reason is the shade range available and I can never seem to find a perfect match in drugstore foundations. However, if you are looking for a great foundation formula at a more affordable price I recommend; Maybelline FitME Matte + Poreless, Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation and Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation.

xx Cat

First Impressions: L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper

I only picked up one product in the Priceline 40% off sale (talk about restraint!) and it was the L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper in the shade 'Dark Brunette'. I was looking for a tinted brow gel and heard that the L'Oreal was a good affordable alternative to the Benefit Gimme Brow which has been a favourite of mine for a while. So, how does the L'Oreal compare?

Unfortunately, my first impressions of the L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper weren't that great. When I first applied the brow gel I noticed that the formula is extremely wet and because the brush isn't as small as the brush on the Benefit Gimme Brow, it got a bit messy. Even after using it a few times, I still find application quite messy; especially when you try to build up the product. I also wasn't a fan of how 'crunchy' the gel was and that I could feel it on my brows all day.

I have continued to use this product because I really like the shade. 'Dark Brunette' isn't too warm and it's definitely pigmented enough to wear on its own for a natural brow look. I also like how it has fibres that give the brows a 'real' textured look, so even though my brows felt crunchy, they didn't look like they were.

Overall, unfortunately from my first impressions, I can't recommend this product. L'Oreal is really overpriced in Australia and while some of their products are worth the money, I don't think this is one of them. I will definitely be going back to my Benefit Gimme Brow in the future.

xx Cat

Holiday 2015: My Haul

Everyone loves holiday season, but I bet you that beauty addicts love the holidays more than anyone due to the super exciting limited edition releases.
I've been shopping up a storm recently picking up some of the beautiful products from the Holiday 2015 releases from a range of different brands and I am going to share them with you today!

There were two holiday palettes this year that I knew I absolutely had to get my hands on and didn't hesitate for one second when purchasing them.

The first was the incredibly gorgeous Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palette. I was so disappointed to have missed out on the blush palette released for Holiday last year that I wasn't going to risk it with this beauty! Since making the order from net-a-porter almost a month ago I have been getting so much use out of this palette. I love being able to try a variety of the Hourglass Ambient lighting powders and the exclusive highlight shade is incredible! You can also purchase the Ambient Lighting Edit from Mecca Maxima, Mecca Cosmetica and mecca.com.au for $117, but stock is extremely limited.

Top row (L-R): Paloma Contour Duo, Laguna Bronzer. Bottom Row (L-R): Robotic (LE), Blasphemy (LE), Luster, Dolce Vita.

The second palette I purchased is part of the incredible NARS X Steven Klein collaboration. I was so excited to get my hands on the One Shocking Moment Palette because of its amazing value! For $100 you get the contour duo in Paloma, the cult classic Laguna Bronzer (with more product than the full size compact!) and four blushes - two limited edition and two permanent shades. The NARS face powders are amazing quality and if I haven't been reaching for my Hourglass palette I've been getting good use out of this one! I especially love the contour shade which is the perfect tone for my light complexion. The NARS X Steven Klein collection is available at Mecca Maxima, Mecca Cosmetica and mecca.com.au.

Last year I indulged in a few Tarte holiday sets and this year I wasn't overly excited by many of their releases. I have more than enough eyeshadows and I already had the blush palette from last year so I wasn't anxious to get my hands on those. However, on a complete whim I came across the Stroke of Midnight Brush Set when I popped into Sephora to pick up a replacement beauty blender. After one look at the packaging and the fact that I was also impressed with the value for money - 5 brushes for $59!! - I quickly added one to my basket. This is such a gorgeous set and being the brush collector I am, I am super happy to have added these to my collection!

L-R: Complexion Brush, Eyeshadow Brush, Buffer Airbrush Finish Foundation Brush ($48 value!), Fluffy Blush Brush, Concealer Brush.

Finally, I picked up a few limited edition lip products because I cannot help myself when it comes to lipsticks (and pretty packaging!).

The first lip product I picked up was from the MAC Holiday collection, which I was really impressed with this year and managed to be extremely restrained! In the end I chose the matte lipstick in Please Me. I absolutely adore the purple metallic packaging and chose Please Me because pink lipsticks are my absolute favourite (although I was so tempted by all four shades)! Available in store at MAC or online at maccosmetics.com.au.

The second lip product I picked up was from Jeffree Star's holiday collection. I have never been interested in Jeffree Star's lipstick range but when I saw swatches of the shade Doll Parts I knew I had to have it! I ended up purchasing mine from beautylish.com and I can't wait to try the formula!

And finally for my huge holiday haul are more liquid lipsticks! When I saw this adorable Eternal Love Liquid Lipstick Set from Stila I couldn't help myself! I've had my eyes on the shade Beso for ages which comes in the set and I also love both the limited edition nude and deep berry shades that are included as well. The formula of the Stila liquid lipsticks are extremely long wearing, however can be quite drying on the lips so I prefer to apply really thin layers using a lip brush. Unfortunately this set looks like it is sold out online but pop into your nearest Mecca store if you want to get your hands on it.

So that's it for my holiday haul! I would LOVE to know what you have picked up from all of the holiday limited edition collections - let me know in the comments :)

xx Cat

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

MAC 'Nordstrom Naturals' 15 Pan Palette

I'm so excited to share with you a very exciting addition to my makeup collection. Ever since I started watching beauty videos on Youtube, completing a full MAC palette became a distant dream. That dream eventually became a reality when last week I received the Nordstrom Naturals Palette in my letter box. Nordstrom was exclusively selling the palette which was a collection of their top 15 selling eyeshadows. I couldn't resist the amazing value of the palette at only US$85! So I decided to use hopshopgo to get the palette shipped to me all the way in Australia.

THE PALETTE

(From L-R)

Top Row: Vapour, Honey Lust, All That Glitters, Saddle, Mulch

Middle Row: Ricepaper, Amber Lights, Woodwinked, Wedge, Brun

Bottom Row: Omega, Satin Taupe, Embark, Beauty Marked, Carbon

The reason I was so drawn to this palette was because all of the shades were ones that I had heard so much about and read many positive reviews on. Classic shades like Satin Taupe, All That Glitters and Woodwinked were shades that I had swatched in MAC stores and had on my wish list for ages! Once I saw that Tati from GlamLifeGuru had mentioned it in one of her monthly favourites videos I could no longer resist and started researching how I could get it shipped to Australia!

After finally getting to play with these beautiful shadows I've been loving Satin Taupe all over the lid, Vapour as a highlight under the brows and Wedge in the crease for a really simple, understated pretty eye look.

USING HOPSHOPGO

I ended up deciding to use the forwarding service offered by hopshopgo because they are affiliated with paypal and I always feel much more comfortable using paypal when purchasing online. I also decided to go with hopshopgo because they also offer a purchasing service which I needed as my credit card never seems to be accepted on international sites as well as the fact that they can also consolidate your parcels for you as well. 

In terms of costs, the fee for the purchasing service is 10% of your order. For shipping, the fees will be determined on the weight of your parcel as well as whether you want to pay extra for an express service. My parcel was within the minimum weight bracket so I ended up paying US$28 for international tracked shipping. The parcel took 6 business days from when I paid for the shipping. Shipping itself took only 3 business days but there was a delay in shipping my parcel from the warehouse.

Another great benefit of using hopshopgo is that you can store your parcel/s in their warehouse for up to 30 days for free. This is handy if you need to wait for your next pay cheque to pay for shipping or want to place another order and then consolidate your packages. Overall I found hopshopgo to be really simple and efficient to use and I would definitely recommend using their forwarding service.

xx Cat

Tried and Tested: Josie Maran Argan Black Oil Mascara

I'm a little bit obsessed with Josie Maran. It was love at first swatch with her Argan Illumanizer and ever since purchasing I can't help but stare longingly at the display at Mecca Maxima every time I'm in store.

I ended up adding the Argan Black Oil Mascara to my collection because even though I have more than enough mascaras for only having two eyes I was very intrigued by the brush and the formula just looked SO black! Also my taste in mascaras is expensive to say the least and while I'm usually happy to sell my body parts on the black market for a $52 Lancôme mascara, finding cheaper alternatives would help my budget situation.

What really impressed me about the product was how well it wore throughout the day. It held a curl and didn't smudge or flake but was so easy to remove at the end of the day with just micellar water. Initially I found application a little difficult because it is quite a large brush, but after giving it a go for a few days I was able to easily get a result that I really liked.

This mascara is definitely fantastic for volume but is more on the natural side in terms of length which is unfortunate for my stubby lashes so while I was a little disappointed at first I still enjoy using this mascara on more natural makeup days as it wears so well without the eye tugging needed to remove it later! It would also be great for those of you blessed with naturally long lashes who just want a bit of definition and volume! It also has the added benefit of containing Argan Oil to condition your lashes as well which is really unique to the market.

Overall, another beautiful product from Josie Maran that I am happy to have in my collection. I am happy with the price point too, at $27 I don't even cringe!

xx Cat

My Winter Skincare Routine

I'm sure I'm not the only one who experiences their skin getting a little out of control during winter. When the temperature and humidity drops so does the levels of moisture in my skin. Today's post features all my favourite skincare products I've been using to boost hydration as well as to even out my skin's texture, fade acne scars and prevent future breakouts.

1// Cleansing - twice a day

Cleansing is the first step to maintaining healthy skin. I wear makeup most days so double cleansing is a must for me to make sure there is no trace of makeup left on my skin! To remove most of my makeup I really love using micellar water as it is quick and effective - even for waterproof eye makeup! Not to mention using a micellar water with cotton pads is more cost effective than buying makeup wipes. My favourite is the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. After removing my makeup I will then go in with Philosophy Purity Cleanser to remove any other impurities left on my skin. I absolutely love this cleanser as it leaves my skin squeaky clean without being too harsh. It is also fantastic at removing eye makeup without causing irritation to the eyes.

2// Toning - twice a day

There's a long running debate in the beauty community - to tone, or not to tone. I've always used a toner as part of my basic skincare routine and definitely recognise the benefits. During winter I've switched to using the Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner which has both glycolic acid and grapefruit extract to gently exfoliate the skin. Since my skin has been a little more dehydrated than usual, using this exfoliating toner helps remove any flakiness on the surface of my skin as well as maintaining the skin's natural glow. A really great one to try if your skin is looking a bit lacklustre.

3// Exfoliating - 2/3 times a week

My winter skincare routine features exfoliating with the Origins Never a Dull Moment Scrub between two or three times a week. It's super important not to exfoliate too often with an abrasive, manual exfoliator otherwise you could be damaging healthy skin cells rather than just removing the dead ones. I love Never a Dull Moment because it smells incredible and is really fantastic at brightening the complexion. As well as being a manual exfoliator, it has fruit enzymes as well to further exfoliate the skin.

4// Moisturising - twice a day

Probably the most important part of your skincare routine to maintain during winter is moisturising. The skin is so easily dehydrated during the colder months that it is crucial to maintain the moisture in your skin to protect it. I have been using the Origins Make A Difference + Rejuvenating Moisturiser which not only moisturises the skin but will repair the skin so that it holds onto moisture more efficiently. I have been using this moisturiser both morning and night because it is super hydrating but also a fantastic base for makeup. If I feel like treating my skin to something a bit richer I cannot go past the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. Drink Up Intensive is such a treat for your skin, not only because it seriously injects life into dehydrated skin but it smells so delicious it's my favourite part of my skincare routine!

5// Nourishing - 1-2 times a day

Especially during winter I want to be extra sure that I am not only hydrating my skin but protecting it from the harsh cold and dry weather conditions by feeding it extra nutrients. My favourite way to do this is to use a facial oil and at the moment I've been loving the Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil. I use about two drops and pat it into my skin. I love using a facial oil in the morning before applying makeup to really hydrate and smooth out my skin.

6// Treatment - as needed

As well as my basic skincare routine, I like to add different treatments to target specific skincare concerns. Having oily/combination skin means I often get the odd breakout and I am always struggling with blackheads on my chin and nose. To really decongest my skin and help reduce blackheads I like to use a mask once or twice a week, depending how my skin is feeling.

At the moment I'm loving the Origins Out of Trouble 10 Minute Mask. With calming ingredients like zinc oxide and camphor, as well as sulfur which helps absorbs oil, this masks leaves troubled skin feeling super soft and refreshed as well as noticeably reducing any redness or inflammation. I also like using this mask because it has salicylic acid which exfoliates within the pores, therefore you aren't just decongesting the skin, but helping reduce the risk of future breakouts.

Of course to banish spots as they happen, I can't go past the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. A true miracle product that has cult status for a good reason, this stuff will get rid of pesky white heads over night!

So that's my skincare routine! For some it may seem a little excessive but as a skincare junkie I really love indulging in taking care of my skin. If you are thinking "ain't nobody got time for that!" my advice would be to have a simple routine that includes cleansing and moisturising daily.

xx Cat

Tried and Tested: Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream

Recently, after exclaiming how gorgeous my friends' skin looked (shout out to Amels!) she told me she was wearing the Smashbox BB Cream. Being a lover of all makeup/skincare hybrids I picked up a sample from Mecca Maxima after guessing I was the lightest shade (and I was...as usual).

Whilst the shade match was perfect for me I was less than impressed with the product overall.

Initially, I was happy with application. I tried applying the product with a flat foundation brush as well as a sponge and found both worked quite well. The product does set quite quickly l but still gives you enough time to blend it into your skin. The finish on the skin is definitely more matte and has decent coverage as you would expect from a BB Cream. Overall, I didn't have any trouble with application however, I do prefer base products which don't dry as fast on the skin as I found that powder just didn't sit right on top of the BB Cream.

After putting the BB Cream to the test over a six hour work shift I found that it just didn't wear as well through the day as similar products I've tried. I always use a primer under my foundation as well as a setting spray on top so I did the same thing with the Smashbox BB Cream. However, I found that especially on my nose, forehead and chin it had worn away unevenly which I was not very happy about.

After talking to a makeup artist at Mecca Maxima about my experience they agreed that it doesn't work well on everyone and that the Complexion Rescue from Bare Minerals is a product that seems to look and sit better on a wider range of skin types.

Overall, whilst my experience wasn't fantastic it is still a decent, natural coverage base product that would be nice for short time wear. In my opinion, however, there are much better options at better price points too.

Find Smashbox at Mecca Maxima, Kit Cosmetics or at mecca.com.au

xx Cat

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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I've got mail! Online Haul

I placed orders on three different online sites and wanted to share with you guys not only my haulage but my experience of shopping with them as well. I'll be comparing each online shopping experience including shipping costs and how long I had to wait until my order arrived!

Firstly, I have had the Tanya Burr lip glosses on my wish list for a long time, especially when she launched heaps of new shades. I was browsing feelunique.com when I came across a deal of 2 for 3 on Tanya Burr's range! I immediately placed an order for the shades I Found Nemo, Lunch Date and Picnic in the Park. These glosses are $13.49 which I definitely found to be good value. The glosses are creamy, pigmented and long lasting. The only thing I don't like about these glosses is the scent which is a sweet, candy like scent that is WAY too strong for my liking.

My shopping experience with feelunique.com was definitely positive! I received my order just under two weeks from when I placed it. Shipping is free for all orders over $20 so you'll likely be able to get free shipping on your order otherwise shipping is only $3. Overall I will definitely shop on Feel Unique again especially as I've noticed they often have sales and discounts.

My second order was placed on beautybay.com, another UK online beauty site. I've know about Beauty Bay for a while, particularly as a convenient way for Aussies to get their hands on Urban Decay. I noticed they now stock Zoeva and after wanting to fill a few gaps in my brush collection I placed an order for the 101 Luxe Face Definer and 105 Luxe Highlight brushes. (please excuse my dirty brushes I couldn't help myself!)

Shipping is free from beautybay.com for all orders over $20 or just $3.80 - comparable to the great deal offered by Feel Unique. The only problem I had with ordering was that I couldn't pay with Paypal. I know as a reputable online store I don't really have to worry about security but I do prefer using Paypal. I also found that my order took almost four weeks to arrive. After the two week mark when I started to get a little anxious I noticed that there is a mention on the shipping page that parcels are often delayed to Australian addresses because they get intercepted at customs - my package was definitely opened!

Zoeva brushes are also easily accessible from website Luxola which I have heard a lot about from Youtubers. When I found out they had a 25% off code for Zoeva and Sigma brushes I jumped on the chance to order the Pink Elements Complete Eye Set which I have honestly been lusting over forever. Seeing one of my favourite Youtubers Sharon Farrell use these gorgeous pink brushes I just HAD to jump at the chance to get the set at an amazing price.

Luxola is a Singapore based site but is also great for Aussies as you can shop in AUD$ which is always handy. Shipping is free for all orders over $40 which is fantastic, although not quite as good as the deal offered by both beautybay.com and feelunique.com. Orders under $40 will set you back $15 for shipping. Another positive of shopping at Luxola is that you can pay with Paypal which is definitely my preferred way of paying online. However, Luxola doesn't ship to PO Boxes and my usual delivery address is a PO Box. Whilst this is a little annoying I ended up choosing to ship to my mum's work address. I received my order in less than two weeks! Definitely the fastest arrival of my orders.

Overall all my online shopping experiences were very positive! I love the range of brands available on each site and the option free shipping for such a low minimum purchase. Just note that Beauty Bay shipping could take a long time!

What have you ordered online recently?

xx Cat

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