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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Worth the Hype? Beauty Blender

If you've never used a Beauty Blender before you must be thinking:
"There better be something magical about a sponge that costs $20!"

I understand you. $20 for tiny pink sponge is beyond any comprehension of 'reasonable' but I have to admit that I just bought my second beauty blender - yes it is worth the hype (and the price tag).

There is indeed something magical about the BB. If you usually apply foundation using brushes or your fingers, you may have had difficulties with obvious brush strokes or the mess that comes with having makeup all over your hands. Applying foundation with the BB blends in everything so smoothly resulting in a flawless, airbrushed finish.

How does it work?
First, start by saturating the sponge in water. Squeeze your BB so it can absorb as much water as possible - once damp the BB will be about twice it's original size. Then towel dry your sponge so it is ready to use. Dip your BB into foundation and bounce the BB over your face to blend in your makeup!

The beauty blender will work with most foundations and is particularly great for applying thicker foundations as it allows you build coverage in thin layers. I would probably steer clear of using the BB with really thin formulas, for example the L'Oreal Nude Magique or Maybelline Dream Wonder Fluid, as the sponge will absorb a lot of the product.

Definitely a thumbs up from me!

Beauty Blender will be available soon at Sephora in Sydney but you can pick up the cult favourite at a number of online boutiques.

Is the beauty blender part of your everyday routine?

xx Catherine

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Beauty Favourites: March 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

xx Cat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

xx Catherine

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Top 10 under $20// Drugstore Starter Kit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4// Sleek Face Form Palette [$14.99]

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

5// Wet n' Wild Eyeshadow Trios 

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

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

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

7// Maybelline The Falsies Mascara [$19.95]

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

8// Essence Eyebrow Designer [$3.05]

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

9// Revlon ColourBurst Balms [$17.95]

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

10// Real Techniques Brushes 

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

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Sweat-Proof Summer Makeup

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

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

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

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

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


xx Catherine

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Beginners Guide to Makeup Brushes: Face

I absolutely think that makeup brushes are 100% necessary in everyone's makeup kit. Whether you're a makeup enthusiast, wear makeup everyday as part of your routine or just on special occasions brushes are a fantastic investment and there are so many affordable options. This post will take you through the basics of face brushes and an eye brush post will follow shortly!

//Buffing Brush:

For me a buffing brush is the perfect option for creating a flawless, airbrushed look with foundation. Can be used with liquids, creams and mineral powder foundations. Buffing brushes are usually dense with relatively short bristles and can be domed, flat, angled or pointed in shape.

To apply products with a buffing brush simply buff in the product using a circular motion.

My choices: Real Techniques Buffing Brush (from the Core Collection $18.00), Real Techniques Expert Face Brush ($9.00).

//Powder Brush:

Powder brushes, as the name suggests is for the application of powder products, including powder foundation, translucent setting powder and even for blush and bronzer. Powder brushes aren't as dense as buffing brushes and are usually more "fluffy" and have long, flexible hairs.

To apply products with a powder brush, simply pick up powder from the packaging and sweep over the face.

My choices: Furless Must Have Pro Powder Brush ($14.95), Models Prefer Large Powder Brush ($5.00)


//Blush Brush:

Blush Brushes are similar to powder brushes in the sense that their hairs are flexible and soft but can come in all different shapes - rounded, angled or tapered. They are great for the precise application of blush and bronzer.

To apply products with a blush brush, tap the blush into the product and then sweep up the cheek bones or over the apples of the cheeks.

My choices: Real Techniques Blush Brush ($9.00), Real Techniques Stippling Brush ($10.00)

//Contour Brush:

A contour brush is great for applying bronzer or even blush if you're going for a more precise application. Contour brushes come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and can be flat (think the NARS Ita Brush), angled or a tapered pointed brush.

To apply bronzer with a contour brush, dip the brush into the product and tap off excess. Start from the edge of the face, starting from the middle of the ear and follow the cheekbone for 2-3 cm applying the product in a straight line to create a contour. Blend upwards.

My choices: Real Techniques Contour Brush (from the Core Collection $18.00), Real Techniques Duo-Fibre Contour Brush (from Duo-Fibre Collection $20.00).

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If you like to experiment with makeup, even if it's not that often, having just these four face brushes in your makeup collection will make a huge difference and you'll start to see how much more precise your makeup application can be. However, if you're just the everyday girl and tend to stick with the same makeup look, I think you could get away with just a powder brush.

Real Techniques brushes are amazing quality for a great price and come in sets as well which makes them fantastic value - as you can see most of my recommendations are for Real Techniques brushes. I recommend purchasing Real Techniques from ww.iherb.com however, you can buy the range at Priceline in Australia.

I hope you found this post helpful!

xx Catherine

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Brow Envy: Perfect Brows in 3 Easy Steps

The trend for brows this A/W season is to elongate brows rather than making them too defined. If your brows are naturally arched draw attention to that and add a highlight on the brow bone. Getting perfect, on-trend brows is super easy and you'll be creating brow-envy with these three easy steps.

1// Benefit Brow Bar

My visits to the Benefit Brow Bar in Myer Sydney City are always so fantastic that its the only place I will go to get my monthly brow wax and the occasional brow tint. Although I really like my natural brow shape and it suits my face well I definitely find it necessary to have them waxed to keep them looking neat. I've also started getting my brows tinted which is a great way to add a warmth of colour into my brows where I've found products that have warm tones tend to look orange/red and definitely does not suit me. I've gone on about it many times but the staff at Benefit are beyond wonderful and I will be going there always!

2// Essence Eyebrow Designer Pencil

The best brow pencil I've ever tried and for $2.50 a must have! The pencil isn't too creamy so you can create really natural looking brows and because it is quite waxy, will hold all those stray hairs in place. I use the shade 01 Blonde which is the only lighter shade I've found that doesn't look red! Such a fantastic product and a must-have in my everyday routine.

3// Benefit Gimme Brow Tinted Brow Gel

Benefit do brows well and the Gimme Brow tinted brow gel is, in my opinion, the most revolutionary brow product on the market. It is the easiest way to keep your brows neat and tidy on an everyday basis. The fact that the gel is not only tinted but has fibres so its a great way to fill in sparse areas on your brows. The little brush which is used to brush the product through your brows resembles something of a tiny mascara wand and is perfect for creating a really natural brow look.

Cara Delevingne brow queen

xx Catherine

Review: Dr Dennis Gross CC Cream

Say hello to my new favourite every day base product. One fateful day after handing in a stressful assignment, I took a emotional trip to Bondi Junction to shop away my sorrows (I would end up getting my first HD for a law assignment so it really was a good day all round). The fluorescent lights and the soothing white decor of Mecca Cosmetic called my name and I walked in ready to release all my feelings and spend all my money.

Now after my very exciting story on to the actual review. The texture of the CC cream is really interesting, it is a moussey kind of texture that I find is best blended in using two fingers. It has a very light coverage which can definitely be built up. Even with one layer it evens out skin tone and covers redness. It is a perfect coverage to just have a nice light base for every day - just what I wanted. I got the shade fair which is absolutely perfect for my skin tone - I'm talking perfect match!