Monday 31 December 2012

Review and Swatches: Chanel Le Vernis Vogue Fashion Night Limited Edition Nail Colour in Provocation

Hello!

Have you heard of the Limited Edition collection Chanel has put out in honour of Vogue Fashion Night? There are three Le Vernis shades (the range also includes the matching Rouge Allure Velvet duo) described thusly by Chanel: La Provocante et Provocation: a unique autumn plum shade; La Délicate et Délicatesse: an intense pink heightened with a touch of fancy; L’Infidèle et Infidèle: a refined beige with a natural sophistication. They are only sold in 5 (I think) Chanel stores worldwide and I was lucky enough to get Le Vernis in Provocation for Christmas (bought at the Hong Kong store, for reference).


Chanel Le Vernis Vogue Fashion Night Limited Edition Nail Colour in Provocation
Chanel Le Vernis Vogue Fashion Night Limited Edition Nail Colour in Provocation

Sunday 30 December 2012

Review and Swatches: Lime Crime Velvetines liquid lipstick in Suedeberry


Hello!
Have you been wanting to see what Lime Crime's Velvetines liquid lipstick in Suedeberry looks like? You've come to the right place!

Lime Crime Velvetines liquid lipstick in Suedeberry
Lime Crime Velvetines liquid lipstick in Suedeberry

Tuesday 25 December 2012

Season's Greetings

Hello!

Merry Christmas to all those celebrating! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

xo
Anna

Monday 24 December 2012

Review and Swatches: Lime Crime Centrifuchsia Opaque Lipstick

Hello!

Today I'm back with a review of Lime Crime's Opaque Lipstick in Centrifuchsia. This bright, bold colour is a great alternative to the classic red statement lip.

Lime Crime Centrifuchsia Opaque Lipstick
Lime Crime's Centrifuchsia Opaque Lipstick

Sunday 23 December 2012

Review and Swatches: Lime Crime Velvetines in Red Velvet

Hello!

I was quite excited to receive this in the mail- Lime Crime's new liquid matte lipstick. They're called Velvetines and the shade I have is Red Velvet.

Lime Crime Velvetines in Red Velvet
Lime Crime Velvetines liquid lipstick in Red Velvet

Rapid Review: the original beautyblender

Hello!

How do you apply your foundation? I've always alternated between using a foundation brush and using (clean!) fingers. I never really went for sponges because I feared they would soak up, and thus waste, a lot of product. Today's review is on the product that changed my mind- the beautyblender.


BeautyBlender
beautyblender
Photo from: http://www.fivefivefabulous.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Beauty-Blender.jpg

Saturday 22 December 2012

Review and Swatches: Rimmel Glam'Eyes HD eyeshadow quad in 002 English Oak

 Hello!

Today's review is on Rimmel's Glam'Eyes HD eyeshadow in 002 English Oak. There are 4 lovely colours and the net weight is 2.5g. In addition to the traditional swatches, I've included an eye look I did using this palette.

Rimmel Glam'Eyes HD eyeshadow quad in 002 English Oak

Saturday 15 December 2012

Review and Swatches: Urban Decay Nail Polish in Mars

Hello!

Coming up to the holiday season, I always go a little crazy with nail polish. During the year I try to keep it neutral and work-place appropriate (read: pretty but boring) but around the holidays I can go as bright, dark, metallic or glittery as I like. So this review is about the goregous green that is Urban Decay's Mars Nail Polish.

Swatches of Urban Decay Mars Nail Polish
Swatches and Bottles of: Urban Decay Mars Nail Polish and OPI Skyfall Collection
Nail Polish in Live and Let Die. My little finger is done in Live and Let Die;
all the others are painted with Mars.

Thursday 13 December 2012

Review and Swatches: OPI Skyfall Collection Nail Polish in Live and Let Die

Hello!

Here's part two to the picture I used for my Urban Decay Mars Nail Polish review. This time, it's just the pinky finger that's relevant to the post. Sorry, I was going to do a full hand of each, but I felt that was just silly.

Swatches and Bottles of: Urban Decay Mars Nail Polish and OPI Skyfall Collection
Nail Polish in Live and Let Die. My little finger is done in Live and Let Die;
all the others are painted with Mars.


Wednesday 12 December 2012

Review and Swatches: M.A.C's Russian Red Lipstick

Hello!

First off- sorry! I know I've been gone a while, but I needed to focus on my studies. I'm back now with a review of the absolute classic matte red lipstick- M.A.C's Russian Red.

M.A.C Russian Red Lipstick
M.A.C Russian Red Lipstick tube

Friday 30 November 2012

Review and Swatches: theBalm Read My Lips Lipstick

Hello!

Guess what I found in my beauty drawers? theBalm's Read My Lips Lipstick in Wanted.

theBalm Read My Lips Lipstick in Wanted
theBalm Read My Lips Lipstick in Wanted
 The advertising spiel:

"A vitamin-packed jojoba and olive oil-based lipstick. TheBalm Read My Lips Lipstick's creamy formula is infused with hydrating ingredients like vitamins A and E, leaving behind a press-worthy pout. Like your favorite daily paper, Read My Lips tubes are 100% recyclable and the lipsticks are infused with a delicious vanilla-mint scent that will have you hooked."

Thursday 29 November 2012

Recent Activity....In case you missed it!

Hello!

This is a bit of a summary post, in case you missed out on some earlier posts. I realised I've been posting a lot (a good thing) but that may mean that some of you might miss out on posts as they get pushed back to other pages. So here it is, a full page of links to my more recent work.

Are you looking for Holiday Season Gift Ideas? Check these out:

Holiday Gift Sets for those wanting an all-encompassing gift
Stocking fillers (eyes edition) for those wanting to gift a mascara, primer, eyeliner or eyeshadow palette.
Stocking fillers (face edition) for those wanting to gift concealer, primer, highlighters or bronzers.
Stocking fillers (lips and nails edition) for those looking to give the perfect lipstick, lipgloss or nail polish.


I've been fairly busy with reviews and swatches, too. Check these out, if you haven't already:

Rimmel London BB Cream in Light
Rimmel London Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick in No. 10 (that awesome red she wears in the ads)
Lime Crime Rhyme and Reason Uniliners
                    I also did some looks using these unliners- I used theBalm Balm Jovi palette with Reason and
                    with Rhyme, and a look using the Urban Decay Vice Palette's Junkie eyeshaodw and Reason.Lime Crime Alchemy Collection (eyeshadow, 2 lipsticks and a mook)
Lime Crime Carousel Gloss in Candy Apple
Lime Crime Opaque Lipstick in Glamour 101
OPI Skyfall Collection Nail Polishes
                   Skyfall
                   The World Is Not Enough
Illamasqua Fundamental Palette
Maybelline New York Fit Me Foundation in Ivory 115

I've also done a couple of looks- again, if you haven't seen them, click below:

Halloween Cleopatra Look
A smoky eye using the Urban Decay Smoked Palette
A purple eye look using theBalm Meet Matt(e) Palette and the Urban Decay Smoked Palette
A Vesper Lynd-inspired multi-coloured smoky eye (yes, I had a bit of a Bond-crazy moment)

That's about it!

I hope you're enjoying my posts. I'd love to hear from you in the comments. Is there anything you'd like to see me review? Or a particular look for which you'd like a How-To?

xo
Anna


Wednesday 28 November 2012

Review and Swatches: Maybelline New York Fit Me Foundation

Hello!

I'm back with another foundaiton review. This time, I'm reviewing Maybelline New York Fit Me Foundation. The shade I have is Ivory 115.
Stock Photo of Maybelline New York Fit Me Foundation in Ivory 115.
Photo from: http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Face-Makeup/Foundation/Fit-Me-Foundation.aspx

Review and Swatches: Illamasqua Fundamental Palette

Hello!

Do you know why I have a soft spot for Illamasqua? They dropped their Australian prices to be in line with the price of their products in England, voluntarily! That gets them major brownie points with me. Today's review is on Illamasqua's Fundamental Palette.

Illamasqua Fundamental Palette
Illamasqua Fundamental Palette


Here's the advertising spiel:

"A startling blend of colours and textures, this bold palette is a playground for self-expression. Liquid Metal in molten pewter glistens alongside matt Cream Pigment in mint green, contrasting brevely with two bright Powder Shadow shades. Express your alter ego with a vivid display of nonconformity."


Monday 26 November 2012

Review and Swatches: The World Is Not Enough nail polish

Hello!


I'm back with another nail polish review. This time it's The World Is Not Enough from the Skyfall collection by OPI.

Swatch of The World Is Not Enough nail polish from the Skyfall Collection by OPI.
Swatch of The World Is Not Enough nail polish from the Skyfall Collection by OPI.

Sunday 25 November 2012

Review and Swatches: OPI Skyfall nail polish

Hello!

I've caught James Bond fever lately. The Skyfall collection by OPI is inspired by and named after Bond films. From this collection, I bought Skyfall, Live and Let Die and The World Is Not Enough. Today's review is on Skyfall.

Swatch of Skyfall Nail Polish by OPI.
Swatch of Skyfall Nail Polish by OPI.


Look: Vesper Lynd

Hello!

Have you seen the new James Bond movie, Skyfall, yet? Today's look is inspired by Vesper Lynd's look in Casino Royale (2006). Vesper was big on the smoky eyes and my eye look is based on the eye makeup she's wearing in the scene where she's wearing a purple dress. It's really hard to get a good look at the makeup for that scene, so I've improvised a fair bit and made it a bit more dramatic, for the fun of it.

Vesper Lynd Casino Royale
Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) in Casino Royale.
Iage from :http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/02/14/article-0-05B61F970000044D-777_468x676.jpg


Saturday 24 November 2012

Look: Smoked Palette and Meet Matt(e) Palette

Hello!

I'm back with (yes, yet another) purple and plum eye look. This time I've combined the Urban Decay Smoked Palette with theBalm's Meet Matt(e) palette.

Purple and plum eye look done using the Urban Decay Smoked Palette and theBalm's Meet Matt(e) Palette.
Purple and plum eye look done using the Urban Decay Smoked Palette and theBalm's Meet Matt(e) Palette.

Thursday 22 November 2012

Review and Swatches: Rimmel London BB cream in Light

Hello!

Still haven't found the right BB cream? Today I'm reviewing the Rimmel London BB Cream 9-in-1 Skin Perfecting Super Makeup SPF 25 in Light. I don't remember where I read that this was good, but it stuck with me enough that when Rimmel had a promotion going the other day (gift with purchase over $20; my other purchase was the Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick in No.10), I decided to try it out.


Rimmel London BB Cream 9-in-1 Skin Perfecting Super Makeup SPF 25 in Light
Rimmel London BB Cream 9-in-1 Skin Perfecting Super Makeup SPF 25 in Light

Vice Palette Series_Junkie with Lime Crime Unliner in Reason

Hello!

As you might be able to tell (from my Vice Palette review and from this bright eye look), I love the eyeshadow Junkie from Urban Decay's Vice Palette. I don't really know how that came about, as I have a general aversion to blue eyeshadow (admittedly, I have been working on that, as evidenced by this tropical blue and purple eye look). I've also been playing around with my Rhyme and Reason eyeliners from Lime Crime.

Eye look done using Urban Decay's Vice Palette and Lime Crime's Uniliner in Reason
Eye look done using Urban Decay's Vice Palette and Lime Crime's Uniliner in Reason (eye open).

Wednesday 21 November 2012

Lime Crime Black Friday Sale

Hello!

For you lucky Americans, Black Friday Sales are fast approaching. If you don't already, you should feel really lucky that you have such awesome sales. Australia has higher prices to begin with and we don't have sales anywhere near as good as yours.

Because it's Black Friday coming up, Lime Crime is doing a pretty good sale on their products and this time we internationals get to have a slice of the action.


Holiday Season Gift Ideas: Stocking Fillers (Lips and Nails Edition)

Hello!

Are you still stuck for gift ideas? Are you not a gift set or eye product or face product person? Or do you want even more  indiviudal items to make up your own extra amazing gift set? This post is for you!
Today's gift category: Individual items/Stocking fillers
Edition: Lip and Nail products

Review and Swatches: Rimmel London Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick in No.10

Hello!

Have you seen the new Rimmel London Kate Moss collection of lipsticks? The colours look great, but of course my red-lipstick-addicted self made a beeline for the bright red. Today's review is on the Lasting Finish Lipstick in No.10.

Stock photo of Rimmel London Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick in No.10
Stock photo of the Rimmel London Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick in No.10 from
http://shop.davidjones.com.au/djs/en/davidjones/lasting-finish-lipstick---kate-moss-collection.

Tuesday 20 November 2012

Holiday Season Gift Ideas: Stocking Fillers (Face Edition)

Hello!

Are you still stuck for gift ideas? Are you not a gift set or eye product person? Or do you want more individual items to make up your own amazing gift set? This post is for you!

Today's gift category: Individual items/Stocking fillers
Edition: Face products

Holiday Season Gift Ideas: Stocking Fillers (Eyes Edition)

Hello!

Are you looking for a smaller gift or a few individual items to put together as a personalised gift set? This post is for you.

Today's gift category: Individual items/Stocking fillers
Edition: Eye products

Monday 19 November 2012

Holiday Season Gift Ideas: Gift Sets

Hello!

Have you noticed all the awesome holiday gift sets and limited edition releases for this holiday season? This is the first post on some holiday gift ideas for the upcoming gift-giving season.

Today's gift category: An all-encompassing gift or gift set

Look: theBalm's Balm Jovi and Lime Crime's Unliner in Rhyme

Hello!

Quite obviously, I've been playing with my Rhyme and Reason eyeliner set by Lime Crime and with theBalm's Balm Jovi palette, too. Unlike in my last look, in which I paired silver eyeliner with a matte shadow, in this look I decided to throw restraint out the door and go all out with shimmer and glitter.

Eye look using theBalm's Balm Jovi palette and Lime Crime's Uniliner in Rhyme
Eye look using theBalm's Balm Jovi palette and Lime Crime's Uniliner in Rhyme (eye open)

Sunday 18 November 2012

Look: Smoky eye with Barlust and Backdoor

Hello!

Have you been wanting more proof of the verstility of the Smoked Palette? Here it is. This look incorporates Barlust, Backdoor, Blackout, Freestyle and Kinky.

Smoky eye done using the Urban Decay Smoked Palette
Smoky eye done using the Urban Decay Smoked Palette.

Look: theBalm Balm Jovi and Lime Crime Reason

Hello!

Here's a look I did using theBalm's Balm Jovi palette and Lime Crime's Reason Uniliner. I thought the contrast of a dark matte shade and the light silver was pretty.


eye look using theBalm's Balm Jovi palette and Lime Crime's Uniliner in Reason
Eye look  using theBalm's Balm Jovi palette and Lime Crime's Uniliner in Reason (eye closed)


Thursday 15 November 2012

Review and Swatches: Lime Crime Unliner Duo in Rhyme and Reason

Hello!

As promised, here is my review of the Lime Crime Unliners in Rhyme and Reason. These were sold in a special promotion a while back as a limited edition set- Rhyme and Reason for $20.


Lime Crime Unliners in Rhyme and Reason
Lime Crime Unliners in Reason (L) and Rhyme (R).


Review and Swatches: Lime Crime Alchemy Collection


Hello!

I'm back! With a vengence, I must say. Beware, this is a detail and picture heavy post!

Today's review is on the Lime Crime Alchemy Collection. This came out fairly recently, and the whole set includes the Alchemy eyeshadow palette (5 duochrome eyeshadows), two opaque lipsticks (Serpentina and Poisonberry), and a mook (it's a photoshoot mini mag, basically).

Lime Crime Alchemy Collection Mook
The cover of the Alchemy Mook.

Wednesday 7 November 2012

Tech problems and a short break

Hello!

I need your help. I've been having some problems with Blogger. When I use Google Chrome, I cannot upload my pictures as I usually do from my computer. It keeps asking me to sign in to some other Google product which it seems to think my pictures should be on, and it won't let me get to the usual link to upload from my computer. I've switched back to Firefox, but then the formatting isn't quite right, especially with captions for pictures. Can anyone help me out with this, please?

Secondly, I know I've promised reviews on the Lime Crime Alchemy set, and they're coming! I've also recently received my shipments of the Rhyme and Reason eyeliners and the Marie Antoinette palette. I know I've slowed down recently and have a big backlog of posts and reviews to do. I will be taking a week-long break, however, because some rather big exams are coming up for me and I need to focus on my studies. I will be back in full force after that! Summer will be productive, I promise!

xo
Anna

Sunday 4 November 2012

Review and Swatches: Lime Crime Opaque Lipstick in Glamour 101

Hello!

Following on from my post on the Candy Apple Carousel Gloss, I thought I'd better show you what Lime Crime's Glamour 101 looks like without Candy Apple layered on top of it.


Stock photo of Glamour 101 Opaque Lipstick by Lime Crime.

Review and Swatches: Lime Crime Carousel Gloss in Candy Apple

Hello!

Do you love the look of brilliantly red, shiny, sparkly lips? I do. I've loved the look of this gloss ever since I saw swatches of it online and I've waited for what feels like forever to get my hands on this. It's Lime Crime's Carousel Gloss in Candy Apple. It's a red glitter lipgloss.

This is the stock photo from Lime Crime.

Friday 2 November 2012

Coming soon...

Hey there!

Guess what just arrived in the mail? My new Alchemy palette (and lipsticks and FINALLY, my Candy Apple Carousel lip gloss!) from Lime Crime. Review coming soon!

xo
Anna

Monday 29 October 2012

Halloween Special

Hello!

Do you celebrate Halloween? I usually don't. It's not a traditional holiday here, it's something that's been imported from the US in recent years. I'm way too lazy to get a good costume, so for the most part, I don't bother. There is ONE exception. I have always loved the insanely dramatic eye makeup Elizabeth Taylor had as Cleopatra. Despite not celebrating this myself, I am majorly procrastinating right now and I decided to replicate the look (as best I could). Now that I'm done, I feel like this is wasted effort and kind of wish there was a Halloween party I could go to tonight :-(

Elizabeth Taylor Cleopatra eye look
My Cleopatra eye look, close up.


Saturday 27 October 2012

*Review and Swatches: theBalm's Meet Matt(e) Palette


Hello!

Are you sick of shimmer shadows (blasphemy!) and looking for a palette to meet your matte shadow needs? This is it. Meet theBalm's "Meet Matt(e)" palette.

theBalm Meet Matt(e) Meet Matte
theBalm's Meet Matt(e). Pretty cute :P

*Updated Review

Friday 26 October 2012

Vice Palette Series_Gold and Vice


Hello!

I'm back with the second look in my Vice Palette series. I thought this one up while wanting to spice up my usual neutrals-and-golds everyday look. What better way than with a little Vice? I think this is a pretty (and simple!) twist on a daytime classic.


Gold and Purple Eye Look Vice Palette Urban Decay
My Gold and Vice look done using the Vice Palette.


Housekeeping

Hello!

I had a day when I was flooded with spam, and since then I've unfortunately had to put the CAPTCHA back on the comments section. I would still love to hear from you! Please don't be put off by the CAPTCHA.

Also, if you haven't already, please subscribe! It makes me happy.

xo
Anna

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Vice Palette Series_Bright Look

Hello!

I promised you a look from the Urban Decay Vice Palette and here it is! This look is bright, bold and a lot of fun.

Bright Bold Eye Look using the Vice Palette
Bright, bold eye look using the Vice Palette

Monday 22 October 2012

Coming soon...

Hello!

Have you been wondering what I've been up to?

I'm working on a post reviewing theBalm's Meet Matt(e) palette and I've got a couple of new eye looks for you using the Urban Decay Vice Palette.

xo
Anna

Saturday 20 October 2012

Your morning dose of beauty snark


Hello,

I thought I'd address why I am reviewing Smashbox when there are so many more affordable BB creams out there? Simple. I went into pharmacies, department stores and Mecca Cosmetica and swatched every BB cream I could find. This is the only BB cream that matched my skin.

In that process, I came across two notably poor performers that are usually celebrated in the blogosphere.

Updated Review: Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF35


Hello!

Have you been on the look-out for a good BB cream? Today I'm reviewing the Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35. Smashbox are known for their amazing pre-foundation skin primers, so I was interested to find out how they'd do with BB creams.

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF35
Here it is, the box and the actual product.
What does it claim to do?

"Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 25 is a 5-in-1 complexion miracle-worker proven to PRIME, PERFECT, PROTECT, HYDRATE and CONTROL OIL in a single step. This revolutionary tinted formula instantly evens out complexion to create smooth, radiant skin without settling into fine lines and pores while banishing shine without the chalky matte finish. Visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles after only 4 weeks. Wear alone or under your favourite foundation for more coverage."

I think it meets 4/5 of its claims. It does PROTECT (SPF 35), it does HYDRATE, it does CONTROL OIL and it would be a good PRIME(r). However, it will only PERFECT if your skin is close to perfect anyway.

*Updates on shine control and finish.

Tuesday 16 October 2012

Review and Swatches: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer

Hello!

Have you been looking for that perfect bronzer that's not orange, not glittery and that makes you look like you have a natural glow? Today I'm reviewing the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil bronzer. I love Too Faced bronzers- if I'm wearing a bronzer, there's a 99% chance it's from Too Faced.

Too Face Chocolate Soleil Bronzer
Too Face Chocolate Soleil Bronzer

Sunday 14 October 2012

Review and Swatches: Urban Decay Vice Palette

Hello!

Have you been waiting for my promised swatches and review of the Urban Decay Vice Palette? The wait is over! This post has taken me a while to do and for good reason! This is a limited edition palette released as part of the Holiday 2012 collection and as you know, there are 20 brand new shades (new formulation, of course) in this palette. There is an absolutely fantastic range of shades. This palette contains a mix of finishes (matte, shimmer, frost and metallic) and has a great range of colours, from everyday neutrals to fun brights to dark shades perfect for an evening look.

The Urban Decay Vice Palette.
The Urban Decay Vice Palette.
Urban Decay Vice Palette.
All 20 shadows in the Urban Decay Vice Palette.
Warning! Picture-heavy post ahead.

Do you want pictorial instructions for beauty looks?


Hello!

Do you find it easier to follow make-up steps if there's a visual representation of what's going on? I do.
So I thought it might be better to have pictorial instructions in the "How-To" for beauty looks. This one below is for the Barlust and Half Baked look I posted a little while ago.

Pictorial Instructions for the Barlust and Half Baked eye look
Pictorial Instructions for the Barlust and Half Baked eye look.

Do you find this helpful? Please vote in the poll, so I know whether it's worth doing pictorial instructions for future posts.

xo
Anna

Saturday 13 October 2012

Review and Swatches: Kat von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation


Hello!

Today I'm reviewing the Lock-It Tattoo Foundation from the Kat Von D range at Sephora.

Kat von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation. Picture from http://www.sephora.com/lock-it-tattoo-foundation-P311138


Here's the marketing spiel from Sephora:

"What it is:
 A high-pigment foundation for full coverage with a long-lasting, beautiful finish. 
What it does: 
Kat created this foundation to provide exceptional coverage, without compromising a smooth, striking finish. Formulated with 21 percent pigment, this powerful formula was developed to match a broad range of skintones with bold coverage—the proprietary pigments can even effectively cover tattoos. The combination of raw materials and the best siliconic elastomers and siliconic esters provide 24-hour wear with transfer resistance. Natural polymers absorb oil for a matte, soft finish and the added emollients provide a velvety texture for perfectly smooth, hydrated skin.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
-Parabens
-Synthetic fragrances"

The marketing is pretty much spot on. This foundation is strong enough to cover tattoos and any blemish/pigmentation/redness you may have.

Friday 12 October 2012

New!

Hello!

My review of the Naked Skin Foundation by Urban Decay is in, click here for more!

I have also updated my review of theBalm's Time Balm concealer to include swatches. Click here for more!

Still to come, my review of the Urban Decay Vice Palette and Kat von D's Lock-It Tattoo Foundation.

Stay tuned!

xo
Anna

Review and Swatches: Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation

Hello!

Here it is! After a week-long trial run, here's my verdict on the Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation.

Naked Skin Foundation, Urban Decay
My Naked Skin Foundation, in Shade 1.0.

Thursday 11 October 2012

Coming Soon...

Hello!

Coming soon I have a review of Urban Decay's Vice Palette. It just arrived in the mail yesterday, so I haven't had time to use it yet, but I can't wait! I have 20 brand new, new formulation shades to try out.

I also got a sample of Kat Von D's Lock-It tattoo foundation. Not quite the right colour match, but it will be in summer. What I can say so far is AMAZING coverage. More on that coming soon, too.

Also almost finished is my review of the Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation.

Stay tuned!
xo

Anna

Wednesday 10 October 2012

Look: Barlust and Half Baked

Hello!

Here's another look I did using the Smoked and Naked palettes from Urban Decay. I did a very soft gold and bronze smoky eye look which can easily transition from day to night.


soft daytime golden smoky eye
Half Baked and Barlust eye look

Tuesday 9 October 2012

Look: Black and Silver

Hello!

I realised I've been all about the reviews lately and haven't posted up an eye look in ages.

Today's eye look was done was done using the Coastal Scents 88 Ultra Shimmer Palette and Urban Decay's amazing matte black eyeshadow, Blackout. This is a dramatic look I wore out to a birthday party. I hope you like it!

Black and silver eye look
Here's my black and silver eye look with both eyes closed.


Sunday 7 October 2012

Review and Swatches*: theBalm Time Balm concealer

Hello!

This is a rapid review of theBalm's Time Balm concealer.

Here's the marketing blurb:

"From dawn 'til dusk and dusk 'til dawn, timeBalm's got you covered! This beeswax-based concealer is packed with hardcore science to help fight wrinkles, conceal circles and look stunning ‘round the clock. Whether you’re a daytime achiever or evening diva, keep your cover morning, noon and night. Apply before bed to wake up looking fabulous! timeBalm is a uniquely smooth anti-wrinkle concealer that commits all day to covering dark circles and blemishes. Using a cocktail of beneficial ingredients, such as vitamins A, E,and C, Soybean Oil, Panthenol, Linoleic Acid and Phospholipids, timeBalm combats wrinkles and protects your delicate eye area from environmental stresses."

Picture from theBalm Australia's facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/#!/theBalmAustralia?fref=ts.

I agree. My shade is Light and it's a perfect match.
*Now updated to include swatches.

Saturday 6 October 2012

Review and Swatches: theBalm's Shady Lady Vol. 2 Palette

Hi!

A while back I did an OVO-inspired look using theBalm's Shady Lady Vol. 2 Palette. Today I'm finally getting around to reviewing it!
theBalm Shady Lady vol.2
theBalm Shady Lady vol.2 front cover
theBalm Shady Lady vol.2
theBalm Shady Lady vol.2 back cover

Friday 5 October 2012

Review: Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer

Hello!

Today I'm reviewing Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer.

Now, the current one being sold in Australia is in gold foil packaging. I don't have this one, but it's the exact same product.
Here's the marketing spiel:
“Not to Prime is a Crime!” - Napoleon Makeup has never had a smoother landing. Get (even more) gorgeous with this gentle, pre-makeup base. Scientifically formulated to allow your makeup to “automatically” glide over the skin, Auto Pilot helps to prime and soothe the complexion for that flawless finish and helps makeup last even longer. Chamomile, Yarrow extract and Vitamin E deliver complexion perfection and instant hydration for all skin types.

Picture from: http://napoleonperdis.com/usa/makeup/face/auto-pilot/auto-pilot-pre-foundation-primer.html

Thursday 4 October 2012

First Impressions*: Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup

Hello!

I have a quick (rather exciting, for me, anyway) update! I think I have found my perfect foundation colour match. Most of you know how big a deal this is for a daily foundation-wearer.

I recently tried the new foundation from Urban Decay. It's full name is the Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup. Let's call it the Naked foundation from now on.
Image from: http://www.urbandecay.com/foundation-makeup-from-urban-decay/4_509,default,sc.html
I have shade 1.0 which is their second lightest shade. I didn't think I was that pale! It's pretty much a perfect match for my skin, which is great. I've been using a foundation that's a little too yellow for me for a long time, but I've been putting up with it because it comes with amazing coverage and with a bit of my usual (properly matched) powder, it looks fine. Plus, with summer I find my chest and limbs get a bit darker despite sunscreen but my face doesn't (sunscreen + hat!) so I justify using a yellower foundation by reasoning my face and body wouldn't match perfectly anyway. Shade 1.0 of the Naked foundation is such a good match that I'm worried that it won't be perfect in summer!

*Newly Updated

Wednesday 3 October 2012

Review and Swatches: Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color

Hello!

I'd just been wishing I had a red as glossy lip colour like the ones I'd seen on some of the Paris S/S 13 catwalks and bam! this arrives in the mail. Perfect timing! Today I'm reviewing Urban Decay's Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in F-Bomb. This product is accurately described by Urban Decay as having a formula which "delivers all the opaque, saturated, high-impact color of your favorite lipstick and an arresting high-gloss finish in one chubby pencil."

Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color

Paris S/S 13 Beauty Trend: Bright Red Lips

Hello!

The main lip look from the Paris S/S 13 catwalks is BRIGHT red. Sure, there were glossy corals at Moschino and hot pink at Dries Van Noten, but the most notable lip was red. Many designers opted for bright red lips in all sorts of finishes from matte at Paul Smith (matte tomato red shade) and Barbara Bui (matte blue-based red), demi-matte at Jason Wu (demi-matte berry red), satin finishes at Burberry (satin finish bright red lipstick) and Prada (bright red, satin finish) to the glossy orange-red lips at Akris.

I thought it might be useful to put up a product guide based on colour and finish.


Tuesday 2 October 2012

Review and Swatches: theBalm Overshadow

Hello!

Today I'm reviewing theBalm's Overshadow in 'Work is Overrated', a shimmering pink champagne colour.

theBalm Overshadow in Work is Overrated
Here it is, with theBalm's signature cute, retro packaging.
It's marketed as the "first finely milled all mineral shimmer designed to go over your eyeshadow." Quite honestly, this product confuses me. I'm not sure why there is suddenly a new category eyeshadow. All eyeshadows can be layered over each other and there are plenty of loose shimmer dusts out there which, again, can be layered over each other and over other eyeshadows, so I'm not sure how an "overshadow" is different. I decided to find out.



Monday 1 October 2012

Review: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Hello!

I have finally gotten around to reviewing Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion. I've raved about this stuff enough in previous posts (I even gave it it's own abbreviation- UDPP), but here it is, the full review.

There are four different colours for this eyeshadow base- Original (dries a light beige, pretty much clear on my skin tone); Greed (light yellowish gold- and yes, there's shimmer); Sin (champagne shimmer) and Eden (light matte beige).

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Here are three of my Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potions. I have a full sized Greed (new packaging) open at the moment and I'm using two mini potions in Sin (L) and Original (R) (old packaging) that came with Urban Decay palettes.
The product is marketed as:
"This is it – THE most legendary primer in the beauty industry. Eyeshadow Primer Potion is coveted by makeup artists and makeup junkies alike because it guarantees more vibrant eyeshadow that lasts for 24 hours and NEVER CREASES! Once you experience its powers (plus how smoothly it glides on – an added bonus) you’ll never want to live without it. Original formula dries down invisibly, while Eden, Sin and Greed are shades that can also be worn as shadows or highlighters!

Now this extraordinary elixir comes in an easy-to-squeeze tube so you can control how much you apply. You also get more primer in every tube – 11 ml instead of the original 10! "

This is one of the rare cases where the product totally lives up to the hype

Sunday 30 September 2012

Review and Swatches: Ombres Perlees De Chanel Palette

Hello!

Today I'm reviewing the Chanel Ombres Perlees De Chanel  palette. This was a palette that came out in Australia in early 2011- it was part of Chanel's SS11 collection. I remember that collection because it was so beautiful! There was so much hype about this palette online that when I got given this as a present recently, I was so excited!
Ombres Perlees De Chanel Palette
Here it is, all wrapped up.

Ombres Perlees De Chanel PaletteOmbres Perlees De Chanel Palette



Ombres Perlees De Chanel Palette
Here's the palette opened. Those colours look beautiful!

Unfortunately, the excitement didn't last long. So many bloggers gave this incredibly positive reviews that I can't believe we reviewed the same product! I was so disappointed with this product. 
That's why this is a very picture-heavy post- I want you all to see it for yourselves.