PRODUCT REVIEW: MARY KAY MAKEUP FAVOURITES

One brand that I find is totally underrated is Mary Kay. The products are only sold online or through consultants, which perhaps is a reason, but even so, the brand has so many amazing products. So today I am going to do a rundown on some of my favourite Mary Kay Makeup products..

PRODUCT REVIEW: IT COSMETICS TOP 5 MUST-TRY PRODUCTS FROM SEPHORA

The other week I was so lucky to be invited to a wellness event with cosmetics brand IT Cosmetics, which was absolutely amazing with a makeup masterclass with the brand’s National Education Manager, Josie Houlihan, followed by pilates (which I sadly couldn’t participate in due to hip injury), and followed by the most amazing brunch.

PRODUCT REVIEW: PIXI BEAUTY INCL GLOW TONIC AND GLOW-Y GLOSSAMER FROM TVSN

PRODUCT REVIEW: BOBBI BROWN SKIN LONG-WEAR WEIGHTLESS FOUNDATION AND INSTANT FULL COVER CONCEALER

PRODUCT REVIEW: LYCOGEL BREATHABLE CAMOUFLAGE AND CONCEALER

As a beauty addict, nothing excites me more than coming across new brands, so today I am excited to be talking about Lycogel® - a very unique high-tech brand that combines breathable colour corrective cosmetic treatment with skincare technology to promote the healing of damaged or post-procedural skin offering an immediate solution. I put a few products to the test, including the Lycogel Breathable Camouflage and the Breathable Concealer. 

Mineral make-up is usually seen as a healthier choice of makeup, but while it 'just' sits on the surface of the skin Lycogel on the other hand, contains 12 active ingredients (Lyco Complex) that delivers oxygen, moisture and nutrients to the skin. These active ingredients help support skin condition and help the healing process. Lyco Complex active ingredients are delivered to the skin by the Designer Gel Base, a breathable base that is specially formulated to deliver each and every one of the LYCO-Complex’s 12 active ingredients to the skin for maximum benefits. This carefully balanced set of 12 active ingredients work together to deliver oxygen, moisture, and nutrients to the skin including hyaluronic acid, anti-oxidants and peptides, with some of these benefits;

• Adding oxygen helps the skin recover from burns and other wound, as well as it helps improve the skin by renewing cells, stimulating collagen and elastin, minimising lines, while soothing the skin and making it look more vibrant. 
• Moisture is essential for the skin to help its defence mechanism and reduces trans-epidermal water loss, while protecting it from everyday irritants like air-conditioning, pollution and dry air that damages the skin. 
• Nutrients keep our skin alive and active. Nutrients provide energy, repair tissue, and regulate all natural processes in the skin regardless of the skin condition. 
• The added nutrients, on the other hand, helps protects the longevity of stem cells, promotes skin repair, unleashes anti-aging properties, prevents excessive scar formation, while adding essential antioxidants to the skin. 

There are several products in the range, which are all suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and those trying to cover eczema, blemishes, rosacea and other skin conditions, and can also be used immediately after cosmetic procedures. And as the products are anti-bacterial and do not clog up pores, they are luckily also suitable for my combination skin prone to blemishes. Now, let's get onto the products..

Starting with the Lycogel Breathable Camouflage, which is a foundation that promises a buildable coverage with a matte finish. This foundation has a slightly thick consistency, and it does take a little longer to apply - I've tried a few different techniques from sponges to foundation brushes, but actually find that I get the best result using my fingers to pat it into my skin. In spite of it being thick, a single pump is more than sufficient to cover the whole face, though you can apply additional coats for better coverage if you like, just making sure that the first layer is fully absorbed first. Personally, I find that one coat is sufficient, and that this easily covers my increasing pigmentation, redness and marks and scarring from past acne, as well as bag under my eyes, and on the few spots where I feel I need a little more, I simply use the concealer.

And as promised, it has a lovely matte finish, yet one that is far from dull, but rather it leaves the skin with a nice radiant glow. In spite of this foundation being a bit thick, it is surprisingly light on the skin and you can seriously not feel you're wearing it, as well as it is looking very natural on the skin too.

With combination skin, I am used to foundations not lasting log on my skin, but this one stays put on my skin all day without needing too much of a touch up, apart from the t-zone area, but that’s pretty standard. I also love the fact that it has SPF30 so I know my skin is protected from the sun’s harsh rays.

I love that it comes in a pump bottle which makes it both hygienic as well as so easy to use. It is a little pricey, also considering you only get 20ml (as opposed to most other foundations which are 30ml), but this is seriously good stuff, that completely takes foundation to a whole new level, so totally worth it, plus its so concentrated that I find that I use less than with any other foundation.

To cover dark under eyes circles, and those larger areas of pigmentation, age spots, redness and blemishes, the Lycogel Breathable Concealer is a seriously perfect addition adding that extra coverage. It promises maximum coverage while still looking natural, and it really does deliver, easily covering those imperfections, yet without looking like it has been caked on. It is also very concentrated, so you only need the smallest amount, though like the Camouflage Foundation, you can add additional coats where needed. It comes in a tiny tube, but again, as it is so concentrated, you again only need the tiniest amount.

As my skin has sadly got a lot of imperfections due to years of breakouts and acne, and now as age sets in, increasing pigmentation too, so these products really are a perfect fit, and I am enjoying how they easily cover up these imperfections whist giving my skin a very natural look and treating it at the same time. Highly recommended.


Lycogel Breathable Camouflage - RRP: $108/20ml
Lycogel Breathable Concealer - RRP: $59/7ml

For further information including stockists, please contact Advanced Cosmeceuticals on 1800 242 011 or visit www.lycogel.com.au

* Some products may have been kindly provided for editorial consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy, and reviews are 100% honest and based on personal opinion and experience. Note that The Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter is not a professional or expert, so please do not substitute these opinions as professional advice.


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PRODUCT REVIEW: RIMMEL LONDON # INSTA SELFIE COLLECTION

A drugstore makeup brand that has really hit the mark lately is Rimmel London, with products that are always very budget friendly, but also high quality and right on trend, and the newest releases to hit the Australian shelves are no exception, a collection designed to get you selfie-ready in an instant.. 

Let's start with the Rimmel London #Insta Conceal & Correct Palette, which is a nifty little palette that contains three creamy shades that addresses the different skin tones and imperfections you want to conceal for a more flawless complexion. The kit includes these shades;

• Peach - that helps neutralizes dark circles and illuminates face features 
• Green - that covers redness and blemishes on the skin 
• Lilac - that evens out yellowish undertones and corrects dull and sallow skin 

The shades are to be applied to the skin prior to foundation where needed, or as shown on the image on the back of the compact. It can be applied with a concealing brush, though personally I prefer to use my fingers!! All shades are quite creamy, and have added Vitamin E, Aloe and Chamomile, and I have to say that I am quite impressed, and use particularly the green for blemishes and the peach shade for my under eye circles, and do like the result. It can be a little tricky to blend evenly, but again, I find that it is easiest with my fingers perhaps as the warmth from my fingers makes it easier to blend and perhaps that way more natural looking being.

Then there's the Rimmel London #Insta Conceal & Contour Palette, which is a similar looking palette to the above, also containing three creamy shades, only these are designed to help cover up and conceal imperfections and accentuating features by sculpting some angles and camouflaging different on your face. The kit contains;

• Highligher 
• Concealer 
• Countour 

It is best used on top of your foundation where needed, or as on the graphic shown on the back of the palette.

Its available in three shades, light, medium and dark so there should be a match for most skin tones. I have a medium beige skin tone, and I tried the medium shade, which will be ok come summer and I have a little more colour in my face, but at the moment it is a tad dark for my winter pale skin.

The first shade is the highlighter which is a champagne shade that helps illuminate and brighten the face for a subtle dewy glow on your cheeks, brow bone, cupids bow etc. It is quite subtle, but can be built up slightly, and I find it easiest to apply using my fingers.

The concealer is great for covering small blemishes, and other areas of concern such as redness and pigmentation, and here I actually find that using a small concealer brush gives the best result, as you can dab it on lightly until you've got the coverage you want. It lasts well on the skin throughout the day.

Finally, there's the contouring shade which helps define and sculpt your face for either a naturel definition of a more chiselled look if you build up the product slowly. It is easy to apply, but I do find the chocolate shade a tad too dark for my skin at the moment, so haven't been experimenting with it enough to cast a final verdict.

Then there's the #InstaFlawless Perfecting, Radiant Skin Tint, which is actually a product that was launched last year. But this is a multi-functional product that has several functions including primer, tinted moisturiser while offering SPF protection.

It helps prime and perfect the skin, erases signs of fatigue, making the skin tone look more even and brighter while giving it a natural-looking radiant glow, and moisturises the skin for 24 hour

It has a very light and thin formula and it absorbs quickly and easily into the skin, with a nice dewy finish, and a light coverage, yet surprisingly it does manage to minimise the look of my pigmentation and even out my skin tone and give my skin a nice healthy glow, but I still need a concealer to cover and hide more prominent marks (but I usually always do with tinted moisturisers). It can be used both on its own, or it can also be used underneath your usual foundation, but I must admit to only having used it on its own.

The tint claims to after just seven day's wear, leave the skin more even and with a radiant glow, but I have to say that I have not noticed any permanent change to the look of my skin, apart from when I'm actually wearing the tint. 

The tint works well on my combination skin, but the usual shiny t-zone does appear by the afternoon, so a touch up is required. Regardless, I do enjoy using this #InstaFlawless Perfecting, Radiant Skin Tint, as a tinted moisturiser on those days I am just after a quick and simple casual look. 

Next up is the Rimmel London #Insta Fix & Matte Powder, which is a superfine white translucent powder that helps set and fix the foundation to make it more even, while also controlling shine and diminishing oil product - and having combination skin always prone to shine especially on my nose and rest of the t-zone by mid-day, I really like this powder. It is so lightweight and literally invisible, and makes my skin look lovely and matte, while not making my makeup look dry or cakey. Even after touch ups during the day. It comes in a round clear compact, and has embossed hashag symbols in perfect keeping with the insta theme for a perfect selfie, and it really is the most stunning design.

Finally, there's the Rimmel #Insta Fix & Go 2 in 1 Primer & Setting Spray, which is a great multi-tasking products, that doubles as both a primer and a setting spray, plus you can use it to refresh the skin throughout the day too. The primer is oil-free, which is great when you've got combination skin like me, so no need to worry that it will make your skin look greasy throughout the day.

It is so easy to apply, you simply spritz over the face and wait a few moments before applying your makeup, and then once done, spray again to set it. So much quicker than a cream or gel based primer. The Insta Fix & Go promises to help prolong the wear of makeup making it look nicer for longer, and it really does stop that dreaded afternoon shine. And at the same time, it feels lovely and revitalising on the skin thanks to the added cucumber extract, which also makes it smell so fresh and summery and absolutely divine. As I am always struggling with makeup going shiny halfway through the day, I am really enjoying this spray, so I can easily see this one becoming a stable in my makeup cabinet.


Rimmel London #Insta Conceal & Correct Palette - RRP: $18.95 / 8.4g
Rimmel London #Insta Conceal & Contour Palette - RRP: $18.95 / 8.4g
Rimmel London #InstaFlawless Perfecting, Radiant Skin Tint - RRP: $13.95 / 30ml
Rimmel London #Insta Fix & Matte Powder - RRP: $13.95 / 8g
Rimmel London #Insta Fix & Go 2 in 1 Primer & Setting Spray - RRP: $13.95 / 100ml

Available from Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, Target, Kmart, BIG W, selected pharmacies and selected Coles and Woolworths

* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


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PRODUCT REVIEW: BOURJOIS PARIS HEALTHY MIX FOUNDATION AND CONCEALER NEW

One of those foundations that has received so many rave reviews is the Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation - I never got to try it, so really couldn’t comment, but when the newly launched improved version landed at my door step along with the Healthy Mix Concealer, needless to say that I was excited! 

The Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation and Concealer have both been updated with a new and improved anti-ageing formula that promises to help erase the signs of fatigue and brings on the glow!

The Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation contains a mix of vitamins including C, E and B5, helps complexion look fresher, more rested, and generally more healthy and radiant. It also promises to leave an undetectable natural finish that lasts up to 16 hours and leaves skin feeling replenished.

And I have to say that for me, it has been love from the very first use. The foundation is quick and easy to apply, and really does give you a nice natural look, and while it does contain the tiniest shimmer particles, which I am not normally too fond of, as I feel they make my combination skin look greasy - I have to say, that it does make my dull and tired skin look brighter and more glowing. It has a medium coverage, and easily covers most skin imperfections such as redness and pigmentation, but where it doesn’t suffice, such as on larger areas of darker pigmentation and to cover up the large dark circles under my eyes, the Healthy Mix Concealer is a perfect backup, but more about that one in a minute.

I love that the foundation comes in a pump bottle that makes it super easy to dispense, and I also love the subtle, yet gorgeous fresh fruity scent. It promises to last up to 16 hours, and keep the skin moisturised for 24 hours - and here I have to say that I rarely wear makeup that long, 10-12 hours at the most, but generally, with the use of a primer first, it did actually stay put all day on my combination skin, with a slight touch-up required on the t-zone mid day.

The Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer promises to give a natural, undetectable finish that instantly covers dark circles and signs of tiredness, and I really can confirm that it does cover those under-eye bag, and I like that it can also be built up as required, while still looking natural. The concealer contains among others light reflecting pigments that gives the skin a touch of radiance, again without looking too shimmery or glittery. It has a light consistency that is easy to apply with the flocked foot-doe applicator, and hereafter blend with either your fingers or a brush. Like the foundation, it has a gorgeous fresh fruity scent that I really like.

My only negative with these products is that they do not appear to contain any SPF, which I think would have been a welcome addition. But overall, I am really enjoying these new releases from Bourjois, and while, again, I did not try the original formula, I really am impressed with these, as they do make my skin look fresher, more wake and radiant, and all at a very affordable price too. Highly recommended.


Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation - RRP: $29
Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer - RRP: $20

Available from Priceline

* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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PRODUCT REVIEW: RIMMEL LONDON WAKE ME UP ANTI-FATIGUE FOUNDATION AND CONCEALER AND #INSTA FIX AND GO 1 IN 1 PRIMER AND SETTING SPRAY

Rimmel London really has hit the mark lately with their new product releases, which are not only right on trend, but also high quality products considering their affordable high-street price tag. And the latest releases, the Wake Me Up Anti-Fatigue Foundation and Concealer along with the #Insta Fix & Go 2 in 1 Primer & Setting Spray are no exceptions. 

The new and improved Rimmel London Wake Me Up Anti-Fatigue Foundation promises to visibly reduces the signs of daily stress and fatigue for a healthy looking complexion, leaving the skin looking brighter and more refreshed with an even skin tone. It contains among others a vitamin complex which includes Vitamin C to help protect the skin from sun damage, premature ageing and external aggressors, along with radiance pearls to cover imperfections and smooth skin for a pore-less, radiant finish.

The actual foundation comes with SPF 20 and it is quite light, and easy to apply and blend, and it gives a nice medium coverage, with a dewy natural finish, which I really like, and it easily covering some pigmentation and redness - and as promised, it really does leave my skin looking glowing and radiant, and thus more healthy and awake, thanks to super fine shimmer particles - which is thankfully super fine, so it doesn’t make my combination skin look too shiny. With combination skin, I also love that it actually stays put most of the day, without looking shiny or sliding off my face mid-day! It has a lovely fresh floral scent, which I really like, and I also love that it comes in a pump bottle, which makes it even easier to dispense and apply. I never tried the original version, but I'm really impressed with this one. Such great value for money too.

Where the foundation doesn't cover, the new Rimmel Wake Me Up Anti-Fatigue Concealer comes in handy. It has a medium coverage and does cover up most dark circles and bags under the eyes, along with darker areas of pigmentation, blemishes and redness, but for other areas where my skin really needs it, I would have liked it to have a slightly better coverage. Or perhaps it just that I've got too much that needs covering up! The concealer also contains Vitamin C along with the radiance pearls to help diffuse the light, to make the for instance darker circles under the eyes look more radiant and awake, which I can definitely confirm that it does. It has a nice creamy texture and again blends quickly and easily, and as claimed, it also stays put all day, without settling into fine lines and wrinkles.

Finally, there's the Rimmel #Insta Fix & Go 2 in 1 Primer & Setting Spray, and who doesn't love a good multi-tasking products, I certainly love that this is doubling as both a primer and a setting spray, plus you can use it to refresh the skin throughout the day too.

The primer is oil-free, which is great when you've got combination skin like me, so no need to worry that it will make your skin look greasy throughout the day.

It is so easy to apply, though I would have liked it to spray in a finer mist - but you simply spritz over the face and wait a few moments before applying your makeup, and then once done, spray again to set it. So much quicker than a cream or gel based primer. The Insta Fix & Go promises to help prolong the wear of makeup making it look nicer for longer, and it really does stop that dreaded shine. And at the same time, it feels lovely and revitalising on the skin thanks to the added cucumber extract, which also makes it smell absolutely divine. With two toddlers I'm always in such a hurry when I'm getting ready, and as I am always struggling with makeup going shiny halfway through the day, I am really enjoying this spray, so I can easily see this one becoming a stable in my makeup cabinet.


Rimmel London Wake Me Up Anti-Fatigue Foundation - RRP: $19.95 / 30ml
Rimmel London Wake Me Up Anti-Fatigue Concealer - RRP$14.95 / 7ml
Rimmel London #Insta Fix & Go 2 in 1 Primer & Setting Spray - RRP: $13.95 / 100ml

Available from Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, Target, Kmart, BIG W, selected pharmacies and selected Coles and Woolworths

* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. 

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PRODUCT REVIEW: GENIE BEAUTY LINE SMOOTHING CONCEALER

It hasn't been very long since I discovered Genie Beauty - and in fact, their powder foundation is what has actually convinced me that there is a world beyond liquid foundation, as that stuff is magic (you can read all about it here;)

So I was naturally excited when the new Genie Beauty Line Smoothing Concealers landed on my doorstep. These concealers are loaded with anti-ageing ingredients, including;

• Safflower Seed oil, Sweet Almond oil and Shea Butter to add moisture and suppleness
• Vitamin E for its anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties
• Hyalauronic Acid to give the appearance of smoother and more plumb skin
• Cyclopentasiloxane to lock so the concealer never cracks or crumbles
• Light diffusing particles to add radiance 
• Corn starch to absorb any oil to reduce shine

With my ageing skin, I really love this, as it means that I can not only cover any imperfections and blemishes, but the concealers will also help care for my skin at the same time. 

The concealers are very soft in texture and they are so easy to apply and blend with your fingers of a concealer brush, and as they are so pigmented, they easily cover anything from dark circles under the eyes, acne scarring, redness, pigmentation and blemishes - and having combination skin prone to shine, I also love that it helps reduce shine.

The concealer comes in a stick, and has cream formula, that quickly dries down to a powder once applied to the skin.

In spite of its full coverage, it still looks very natural and almost invisible, and doesn't make my skin look dry and cakey. I also love that it is so long wearing so everything stays concealed throughout the day, until I remove my makeup at night. I also love that it doesn't settle into fine lines or wrinkles and thereby emphasises them but actually rather helps minimise and blur their appearance.

I also love that it is so gentle, hypoallergenic and free from fragrances, and that it can even be used

My skin has sadly always been very troublesome, and I've always struggled with breakouts, and now also scarring and increasing pigmentation, so I rely on a good concealer - and I have to say that this one from Genie Beauty is incredible. It does absolutely everything it claims to do, and really does look natural and stay put all day, so needless to say that it is my concealer of choice at the moment, it really is makeup with skincare benefits, and I highly recommend that you check it out too, you won't be disappointed.


Genie Beauty Line Smoothing Concealer - RRP: $29.95
Available from TVSN

* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


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MAYBELLINE NEW YORK PRODUCT LAUNCHES JULY TO DECEMBER 2016

Two weeks ago I was so lucky to go to a Maybelline Blogger event launching all the new product launches for the second half of 2016. Everyone left the event with a huge goodie bag with most of the new products, which was very generous of Maybelline, so a huge thank you! Below is a quick run-down of all the new products.. and make sure you get a cuppa before you settle down to have a read, as there are a massive 12 new products to run through, so while I'll do my best to keep it short, it is inevitably going to be a long one..

 

For the face, Maybelline is launching the Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation, which is a foundation suitable for those with combination and oilier skin types, offering a velvety matte look for up to 12 hours, so right up my alley with my combination skin always struggling to get my foundation to stay matte past lunch time. It has gel-whipped formula containing more water than usual, so unlike other mate foundations that often leave the skin looking dry, this one is a hydrating formula making if feel very comfortable on the skin too. It's available in 10 shades. 

Then there's the Master Conceal Camouflaging Concealer, which offering full coverage, easily hiding anything from dark circles under the eyes, redness and pigmentation, yet while still looking natural and not caked on, thank to being so easy to blend. It comes in a small tube with a tiny nozzle that makes it easy to squeeze out just the amount needed, and you can then pat it onto the skin and blend it until you get the coverage you want, using either your fingertip or a brush. The concealer is available in five shades, and the Maybelline also suggested trying using the lightest and the darkest shades to contour, which I have to admit that I am yet to try. 

 

With my combination skin, I am so used to my makeup getting shiny, fading and settling into lines, so I am also very excited about the Maybelline’s Master Fix by Face Studio. The Master Fix is a translucent, lightweight mist that helps to fix and extend the wear of your makeup, preventing it from fading, settling or getting shiny. When finished applying your makeup, you simply shake the bottle, close your eyes and spray a couple of times, concentrating, naturally, at the more greasy areas such as the t-zone. The mist is so light, that you wouldn't even know you're wearing it, although the light spray does feel nice and refreshing when you apply it.

Thanks to Kim K, contouring is all the rage at the moment, and all brands from luxe all the way down to drugstore, seem to be launching contouring kits, including now Maybelline with the Master Contour Palette. This Contour Palette includes a highlighter, blush and contouring powder, as well as an angled brush, and thereby makes it easy to define and highlight your preferred features. It even comes with easy to follow instructions and images on the back of the palette, so if you're a novice at contouring like me, there's help to be found. The palette is available in two shade combinations, Light to Medium, and Medium to Dark. 

Next is the Color Sensational Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette, which is a palette containing 12 nude and rosy shades ranging from pale pink and peach, nude, mauve, dusty rose, apricot, chocolate and plum. The shades are either a matte formula or enriched with rose gold pigments giving them a beautiful shimmer. The pigmentation could be a tad better, but for someone like me, not really liking anything too intense, they are perfect, and can certainly be build up to still be quite bold, and longevity is also decent, especially when used in combination with a primer. As always, shades can be used individually, or in combination - and actually, Maybelline has made the palette foolproof, by making suggestions on the back of the palette how they shades can be used for a combination of looks, using either 2, 3 or 4 shades at a time, for a total of 13 different looks which you can also see swatches and tutorials of on their website. 

The Maybelline Volum' Express Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara promises 'dramatic lift and massive volume' - by helping to thicken and give the lashes volume, and thanks to the unique curved push-up brush that scoops the lashes from roots to tips, it also plumps and lifts the lashes, which holds throughout the day, thanks to the added styling wax. At first use I did find that it was a little clumping, but then again, I mostly find that is the case with new mascaras, and you have to use them a few times before they stop over-applying, and apply just the amount of mascara needed to avoid the clumping. With a name like Express Falsies, it does imply that you can skip applying false lashes when using this mascara, and while I am the first to admit that I never use false lashes, I wouldn't quite say that it manages to do that. However, that said, a few coats and it certainly gives my lashes a decent amount of volume, thickness and lift, so I will enjoy using this mascara. And besides how cute is the pink and red packaging!!

 

Also for the eyes, is the Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel 24H Automatic Pencil, a gel in a pencil format, that provides intense colour and a precise and smudge proof crisp line that stay put for 24hours thanks to its waterproof, not that I could ever imagine wearing makeup for that long, as it would essentially mean wearing it to bed, and that's just a huge no-no for me. And this eyeliner is really super soft and so easy to apply, and really also does stay put throughout the day as promised. I can also see this one becoming a staple in my collection as with my sensitive and often watery eyes, I am always struggling to get my eyeliner to stay put. It is only available in Beyond Black, and I would love if there was also a very dark brown version available. 

 



Brows are still one of the key trends, and to match, Maybelline is launching the Brow Drama Pomade Crayon, which is essentially a chubby stick/crayon that helps sculpt, tame and colour brows. You simply draw over your brows with feathery strokes to fil in sparse areas. It's super easy, and the result is natural, so this one is sure to become one of my favourites too. It is available in three shades, Dark Blonde, Medium Brown and Dark Brown. 

 

Moving on to the lips, Maybelline is adding to the ever popular Baby Lips with the introduction of the Baby Lips Balm & Blush, which as the name suggests adds a hint of tint, a sheer natural flush of colour to both lips and lips. They come packaged in cute little pots with coloured lids, but unfortunately a little bulky in the handbag. They have been enriched with antioxidant rich vitamin E to add moisture to lips and cheeks. The round balm is easy to apply to either lips or cheeks, and once dry, the leave a nice sheen too, without being greasy or sticky. There are four shades available;

• Innocent Peach
• Shimmering Bronze
• Flirty Pink
• Juicy Rose
 

 

Of these I prefer the two darker shades, the Flirty Pink and the Juicy Rose, as they, while still going on sheer, still apply the darkest. For me, these will be its something that I'd wear on no-makeup days, otherwise preferring more intense lipsticks to tints, but if I had been younger, I can easily see myself wanting to get hold of every shade available, so I can also imagine that these will be a big hit with younger teenage girls.

 

 

Maybelline is also launching a new limited edition range in the Color Sensational line, the Color Sensational Blushed Nudes Lipsticks, which are enriched with pure precious oil to make then feel rich and creamy on the lips. The shades all have a nice golden sheen due to containing rose gold pigments to create a warm blushed look on the lips. The range includes six shades; 

 

• Fairly Bare (107)
• Tip Top Tulle (117)
• Sunset Blush (137)
• More to Adore (157)
• Pink Fling (207)
• Lust Affair (407)

 

 

 

 

I'm not particularly fond of very pale shades, so my favourites are Sunset Blush which has a slightly coral tinge, More to Adore with its mid-pink shade, Pink Fling with a dusty rose/mauve shade, and in particular the darkest shade Lust Affair with its pinky-red fuchsia shade.

 

 

 

Another new lip stick launch is the Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid, which is probably what has most girls excited with its intense pigment and matte look. These liquid lipsticks have a really good colour payoff, and unlike most other matte look lipsticks, they surprisingly still feels lovely and moisturising on the lips. No more flaky dry, and uncomfortably feeling lips. The range is available in 8 shades;

• Nude Flush (05)
• Electric Pink (15)
• Orange Shot (25)
• Fuchsia Ecstasy (30)
• Rebel Red (35)
• Berry Boost (40)
• Possessed Plum (45)
• Nude Thrill (50)

 

 

 

Again, I am not particularly good with nudes, so unfortunately Nude Thrill is not right for me, and Electric Pink is a little too fluoro pink, reminding me too much of the 80s, so not a match for me either - but other than that, I am surprised to say that I really love all the other shades. If I had to pick favourites, you just cannot go wrong with a classic red such as the Rebel Red, and the I really love the orangy-red Orange Shot, but again, the remainder of the shades are sure to get some good outings too.

 

 

Finally, Maybelline is also adding a few new limited edition shades to Color Show Blushed Nudes Nail Polish, which includes; 

• Make Me Blush
• Dusty Rose
• Mod Mauve
• Crimson Flush

 

 

 

Of these I particularly love the dusty fuchsias shade, Crimson Flush and the dusty mid-brown shade, Mod Mauve. The other two shades are lovely too, but I think i will love them more come spring and summer. These nail polishes are easy to apply evenly and streak-free thanks to the short wide brush. It does require two coats for a solid colour pay-off, but that's pretty normal, and they have a good wear of a few days, which as always can easily be extended by a few days by using a base and top coat.

So there you go, all the new releases from Maybelline launching from now and the rest of the year. Some of them have already hit the stores, and others will be arriving over the coming months, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled.

Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation - RRP: $22.95

Maybelline Master Conceal Camouflaging Concealer - RRP: $17.95

Maybelline Master Fix Wear Boosting Setting Spray - RRP: $15.95

Maybelline Master Contour Face Contouring Kit - RRP: $19.95

Maybelline Color Sensational Blushed Nudes Eye Palette - RRP: $25.95

Maybelline Volum' Express Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara - RRP: $14.95

Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel 24H Automatic Pencil - RRP: $16.95

Maybelline Brow Drama Pomade Crayon RRP: $21.95

Maybelline Color Sensational Blushed Nudes Lipsticks - RRP: $17.95

Maybelline Baby Lips Balm & Blush - RRP: $9.95

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid - RRP: $17.95

Maybelline Color Show Blushed Nudes Nail Polish - RRP: $5.95

Maybelline New York is available from Priceline, variety stores and select pharmacies and supermarkets

* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

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PRODUCT REVIEW: PHYSICIANS FORMULA NUDE WEAR RANGE

Today I'd like to show you some beautiful products from the Physicians Formula Nude Wear range. These products were launched and sent to me quite some time ago, but with our son so sick and in hospital for 4.5 months I just didn't get a chance to post about them until now. The range includes two Nude Wear Glow Palettes, a Nude Wear Blush and a Nude Wear Touch of Glow Miracle Tool.



Both the palette and the blush come in a compact that has double compartment which houses the powder on top, and underneath the mirror and a brush.

Now, I have done quite few reviews of different Physicians Formula Powders, and I hate to say this, but I still don't like the included brush. It is stiff and not only scratches up the pretty embussed designs of the powders in a flash, they are also not very good for applying the products with a nice even finish. I would so love to see these brushes improved to a softer style, or as I basically never apply makeup on the go, and always use my own brushes anyway, I wouldn't really miss these brushes if they were simply left out, - it could consequently mean that the usual slightly bulky compact could be a tad thinner, which would be nice!! 

Both the Glow Palette and the Blush come in a cute nude palette in a material that I think is supposed to look like leather. They have a metallic box at the top, making them look so pretty and very girlie.

Now onto the actual products... The Nude Wear Glow Palette is intended as an all in one palette. It is made up of four tiles in graduating shades of color that ranging from light to dark, from an off white highlighter and illuminating powder in the top corner, a pink for the blush to give the cheeks a pop of colour, a beige powder to use all over the face, and a bronzer to give you a sun-kissed glow.

The shades are put together with the intension of giving you a barely there nude look with a touch of glow. The palette has a touch of pearlescent shimmer, yet it is very subtle. The actual palette does have Nude Wear written in shimmery texture, which obviously does give a bit more sheen, but this writing does dissappear rather quickly.

Like the Glow Palette, the Physicians Formula Nude Wear Glowing Nude Blush is made up of four squares, but being a blush, it contains just different shades of pink, making it suitable for a variety of skin tones, as you can always focus more on one shade, or leave out on that is too dark or light for your skin tone.

It is easy to apply, and as it has the slightest bit of shimmer although less than the palette. It gives the skin a natural rosy transparent glow, yet it is pigmented enough to build up the colour if you wish.

Finally, the Nude Wear Touch of Glow Pen is an all-in-one tool that can be used as a concealer, highlighter pen, and for genera touch ups. It comes in a pen style with a brush at the end, so it is easy to apply, and blend too.

As it does have the tiniest touch of shimmer, unfortunately I don't find that it is suitable for covering up the bags under my eyes as they are surrounded by beginning lines, and I don't really want to draw attention to them, also because it does have sheer cover. However, I do find it useful to cover minor marks and use as a highlighter on brow bones and on top of the cheeks.

Overall I am impressed with the quality of these products from Physicians Formula, in particularly the Glow Palettes and the Blush.


Physicians Formula Nude Wear Glow Palette - RRP: $29.95
Physicians Formula Nude Wear Blush - RRP: $21.95
Physicians Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow Miracle Tool - RRP: $22.95

Physicians Formula is available from Priceline

* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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PRODUCT REVIEW: LYCOGEL BREATHABLE TINT AND CONCEALER

As a beauty blogger I get very excited when I come across new brands and products, and one of those moments was when I was introduced to Lycogel.

Lycogel makes treatment foundation products that combine cosmetic products with skincare technology, and thanks to containing powerful and active ingredients including vitamins, hyaluronic acid, anti-oxidants and peptides, the products allow the skin to breathe through the makeup, while delivering oxygen, moisture and nutrients to the skin, and promoting healing of damaged skin.

The products are designed for all skin types, including sensitive and those trying to cover eczema, blemishes, rosacea and other skin conditions, and can also be used immediately after cosmetic procedures. And as the products are anti-bacterial and do not clog up pores, they are luckily also suitable for my combination skin prone to blemishes.

And I have to say that this is music to my ears, wearing makeup almost daily, I do like it when my skin actually benefits from the makeup products, as much as were they skincare products.

I tried the Breathable Tint and the Breathable Concealer, but there is also a Breathable Camouflage and a Breathable Balm available in the Lycogel range.

The Breathable Tint promises a luminous light coverage that gives skin a vibrant glow. Contains SPF 30 and is available in 4 shades” I tried shade 2 which is a perfect match for my medium beige skin tone. The tint is very light weight, and perfect for my skin during summer where it tends to become even greasier. It absorbs quickly into the skin and giving it a light coverage, yet still manages to even out any redness in my skin, hide broken capillaries, smaller blemishes and pigmentation. And it feels incredible on the skin, you can really tell that it allows skin to breathe, and hence you almost forget that you are wearing it. Often on hot days, I feel that many of my other foundations are clogging up my pores, and definitely not allowing my skin to breathe, so this tint is a definitely a winner for me – also because it actually stays put on my skin all day without needing too much of a touch up, apart from the t-zone area, but that’s pretty standard. I also love the fact that it has SPF30 so I know my skin is protected from the sun’s harsh rays.

To cover dark under eyes circles, and those larger areas of pigmentation, age spots, birth marks and blemishes, the Breathable Concealer is a perfect addition providing maximum coverage. It comes three shades, where the shade Medium, again is a good match for my skin. And it really does a good job at camouflaging those imperfections, yet without looking like it has been caked on.

Overall I am really enjoying using these products as they cover up imperfections in my skin, all whist giving my skin a very natural look and treating it at the same time. Win-win!

The Lycogel Breathable Tint has an RRP of $125/30ml and the Breathable Concealer an RRP of $85.60/7ml – For stockists visit Advanced Cosmeceuticals

* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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PRODUCT REVIEW: LUST HAVE IT NOVEMBER 2015

The November Lust Have It Box actually arrived in the relevant month this time, which is always nice surprise, especially after frequent delays. This is what’s in this months’ box and my thoughts on it;

What They SayLust Have It boxes regularly contains products worth $60+ for only $19.95/month! Monthly box filled with 5 to 6 premium beauty samples. Delivered to your home or work each month for you to try.

RRP: Lust Have It Box (monthly) RRP: $19.95, Eco Box (quarterly) RRP: $29.95 – but if you use my unique code LIFESTYLE at the checkout on the Lush Have It website, you are eligible for $5 off your first box from Lust Have It, and at the same time you’ll also be supporting Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter, as I will get a few dollars too if someone subscribes using this code.

Available from Lust Have It


What I Say:

Like previous months, this months’ products arrived in a pink mesh bag. I do like these bags, as they are handy to store things in, however, I’m now starting to have that many of them that I’d love for LHI to introduce a new design soon.

These are the goodies included this month; 5 makeup products, a bonus product, and the remainder of the tea bags which were missing a few months ago!


Manna Kadar Lip Chubbie LipLocked Lippie Priming Wand – Full Size (RRP $24.00)
I have never heard of this brand before, and it always excites me coming across and trying new brands. This lippie contains built-in primer as well as vitamin A and E to help nourish the lips. It smells absolutely divine too. I received the colour Chubbie Amore which is a cool toned medium pink shade perfect for every day wear. I would have preferred a darker shade as I rarely wear lighter pink shades, but as love lip crayons I have no doubt it will be used. 

Evelyn Iona natural and organic concealer – Sample, 1.7g (RRP: $19.80/3g)
This concealer comes in a little sample pot and it contains vitamin E, cocoa seed butter, organic coconut, jojoba and castor seed oil, and claims to care for the skin whilst covering imperfections and giving the skin a dewy glow. Sadly not having perfect skin and always sleep deprived, I’m always looking for a good concealer so can’t wait to put it to the test.


Coral Colours Love Lips – full size ($6.99)

This is a tinted balm, and unfortunately it smells like coconut, I unfortunately as coconut is not a favourite scent of mine, but I’m sure others will absolutely love it. I got the shade Cotton Candy which is a pink shade, and considering it is a tinted balm, it is actually surprisingly pigmented. But again, sadly due to the coconut scent, I doubt I’ll be using it!


Garnier miracle day cream – 5ml sample (RRP $19.99/50ml)
I have heard about this cream a few times, but am yet to try it. It has big claims including anti-ageing benefits, as well as a self-adjusting technology that gives both instant and long term results, so I look forward to giving this one a go.

Ulta3 cream blush stick – full size ($6.95)

This is a cream blush stick which claims to be buildable and blendable colour. I love cream blushes and I am yet to try an Ulta3 product I didn’t find good value for money, so look forward to trying this one too. I got the colour Beach Bronze which the name suggests is a bronze shade, and in actual fact it looks more like a bronzing cream than an actual blush. I would have preferred a pink or apricot shade as I would no doubt have used it more, but then again, I’ve got heaps of other blushes in those shades, so it’s nice with a different one.


Bonus Product: Carefree Ultra thins regular – Sample pack of 2 pads (RRP: $4.29)

I’m sorry to say that receiving these pads just doesn’t excite me. They may be really good pads, and I will make sure to try them out at some point, but pads are a necessity, just like toilet paper and dish washing detergent, so getting them is a little blah! I know it’s a bonus product so really shouldn’t complain!


So there you go, the contents in the November Lust Have It box. While it did contain both skin care, makeup ,the tea bags and the pads, it is unfortunately not as good a variety as previous months' boxes which have also including hair care and body care, but I do still like the there are a few different types of products.


In terms of value, there are three full sided products with a combined value of $38, as well as the two deluxe samples (concealer and cream), plus then the pads, and you really cannot add the tea bags into this equation as they should have been included in a previous box. So all in all, while you certainly get more value than what you pay for the box, it is just not as great a value as previous boxes, and personally unfortunately only the Manna Kadar Lip Chubbie really excites me!! But guess, when you look at it, even the lip chubbie is worth more than the actual box, and then really everything else is bonus, so you really cant complain too much, its just that previous boxes have been far better value, and have included, at least for me, more exciting products.

* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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PRODUCT REVIEW: VIOLET BOX APRIL 2015

On their Facebook page Violet Box had earlier this month made a sneak peak of a product that was to make it into the April box, but delivery issues, meant it didn’t make it, and instead of delaying the box, Violet Box put together another box, which you can only applaud them, as they have been troubled with a lot of delays the last few months, which I think is starting to really bug the regular subscribers. Anyway, the box arrived yesterday, so whilst it is still a touch delayed, it still made it before the end of April! Anyway, here are my thoughts on this month’s box; 

What They Say:

Violet Box brands promises to every month include 4-6 premium beauty and lifestyle samples from well-known and trusted Australian beauty brands as well as exciting new International brands, one in particular is a revolutionary product currently trending in New York and has been featured in Vogue and on the Today Show! 

RRP: You can subscribe to Violet Box for:

1 month – $22.95
3 months - $66.00
6 months - $130
12 months - $250
- Available from Violet Box


What I Say:
As per usual this month the Violet Box comes in the typical slide-out box, with the grey and white swirly design that has been previously used. These were the goodies inside the box…

Lonvitalite C2 Collagen Protein Wrinkle Removing Mask – Full Size/one Mask (RRP: 9.95)

Like most others I love the cloth masks from Lonvitalite. They are easy to use and quite effective, and this particular mask that promises to accelerate skin metabolism and reinforce skin growth to smooth out fine lines, is a perfect match for my skin. However, it seems that lately Lonvitalite has been popping up in beauty boxes everywhere, so while the products are very lovely (to the point I’m already regularly purchasing them), I am sorry to say that they are just not that exciting to be receiving in the monthly box anymore!



Tini Beauty Eye Shadow by Rob Scheppy – Full Size (RRP: $16/1.6g)

 I don’t remember ever having heard of this brand before, so that in itself excites me, as I love trialling out new brands. The eye shadow has a lovely neutral beige shade that is perfect to use as a base colour, or as a nude eye shadow on its own if you like. I love the colour as it is the sort of shade that I usually use daily, so I cannot wait to put it to the test.


Evelyn Iona Natural and Organic Concealer in Flawless – Sample (RRP $24.99)

This is another brand that I do not recall seeing before, and if so, it hasn’t been recently. The little jar with the concealer contains Vitamin E, Cocoa Seed Butter and organic coconut, jojoba and castor seed oil to care for the skin, whilst covering up your imperfections. Sounds pretty good to me, and the included shade, Flawless, looks like it is a fairly good match to my skin tone too. A quick test on my hand and I do find that it doesn’t seem to have a lot of coverage and it applies shiny too, which I don’t find ideal for a concealer – but regardless, I look forward to testing it and seeing how it performs.


Urban Skincare Co Daily Hand and Body Cleanser – Sample Size, 35ml (RRP $26.95/500ml)

Another repeat brand! However in saying that, I’ve loved the previous products from the Urban Skincare Co that I’ve tried, and this Hand and Body Cleanser is sure to be a hit too. It soap has a lovely scent of sweet orange that you can only love, and it promises to gently cleanse the skin without stripping it of its essential oils. I’ll be packing my hospital bag soon for the arrival of our little baby next month, and this will be going straight in to be used as a hand soap whilst in hospital, as there is simply nothing worse, and drying on the hands than the cheap blocks of soap the hospitals provide you with. 


Lipsi Cosmetics Aphrodite Powder – Sample Size, 4ml (RRP $38/21g)

Another brand that is new to me, YAY. This is a finishing powder that is designed to absorb excess oil on the skin, which is perfect when you’ve got combination skin like me. However, this sample size is absolutely tiny, so tiny that you probably won’t even be able to make it work with your powder brush, unless you tip more or less the whole contents into your hand before use! Still, I do look forward to trying it.


Transformulas Eye Lifting Gel and FaceContour & Tightening Crème – Sachet Samples (RRP $49 and $59)

Sorry to say this, but sachet samples just do not excite me, and that is regardless of what type of product is inside. I expect to find sachet samples attached inside my monthly women’s magazines, but not in a beauty subscription box, where I have to say I’ve come to expect a little more. In saying that, ‘beauty without surgery’ does sound good, so let’s just hope that this Eye Gel and Face Contour cream can deliver just that, though any effects will be pretty hard to see after just one or two goes!


So there you go, the April Edition of the Violet Box. It contains two full sized products, one larger sample, two smaller samples and two sachet samples. In general I do look forward to trying out all of the products, and there are none of them, that are not suited to my skin type or colour, so in that respect I certainly cannot complain. But unfortunately just don’t feel this box is as good as previous boxes from Violet Box, it is by no means a poor box, but the lack of full sized products unfortunately is a little disappointing.

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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