QUICK EVERYDAY MAKEUP - WITH JANE IREDALE DREAM TINT, PHYSICIANS FORMULA, MAX FACTOR, CLARINS, SCOUT, RIMMEL, L'OREAL, ERE PEREZ

With a toddler running around my legs, these days it is rare that I have much more than 5-10 minutes or so to do my makeup before my little boy has pulled everything out from the bathroom cabinets. So most I rely on products which will allow me to apply my makeup quickly. Here are my current picks; 

I use a tinted moisturiser, the Dream Tint from Jane Iredale which gives me a lovely even skin tone and a lovely dewy matte look with a lovely glow all while still looking very natural. It is very moisturising, so on hot and humid summer days I don’t even need to apply a moisturiser first (but I’d never skip my serum!), and as it also comes with SPF15, that side is covered too! (I have previously reviewed this Dream Tint and you can see my full review here!)


I then use the Physicians Formula Bronze Booster, which works to both contour the face, and add a touch of a bronze healthy look to my face (and if I feel like it, to my décolleté and shoulders as well!). The palette contains two bronze shades so depending on my mood I can either use both of them together, or even separately. The bronzer also has a touch of golden shimmer, adding a touch glow to my face.

If I have time, I like to add a touch of highlighter to the top of my cheek bones – it simply adds a touch of glow and life to my dull tired face. And this Mineral Illuminser from Scout Cosmetics is my current go to product. It is made from natural minerals it adds such a lovely natural and healthy glow, all without being too shimmery or glittery. (RRP: $44.95)

On my cheeks I love using the Ere Perez Cheek and Lip Balm in Holy. In the compact it looks to be a dark berry shade, but once on the cheeks it has a lovely sheer velvety finish that is so natural as if you’ve just pinched your cheeks! And if I want a darker effect, I simply just add a little more. It is quick and easy to apply with your fingers, and any remains you can simply wipe over your lips for a lovely stain, although I do love applying it with the incredibly soft Ere Perez Multipurpose Brush that is perfect blending for all creamy products. RRP: $32.95)


On my eyes I use the Wild Shadow Pots from Max Factor in either Savage Rose, Auburn Envy, or Burnt Bark. These eye shadows are very pigmented, and just a quick wipe is all it takes for a casual everyday look. I often just use one colour on its own, but if I do have a little more time, combine two or three of them.
To line my eyes I use the Super Liner Silkissme from L’Oreal Paris. The black eyeliner, glides on smoothly and easily, without any pulling or dragging. It gives an intense look with a nice shine that lasts all days, even when my eyes are watering. (RRP: $22.95) Above the lash line, I currently like using the Instant Liner from Clains. This eyeliner makes it so easy to draw a precise and fine line, while providing intense pigment that simply doesn’t budge or fade during the day. 

And of course I cannot skip mascara, and my current pick is the Scandal Eyes Rockin’ Curves from Rimmel London. The large curved brush on this mascara makes it so easy to get to even the smallest of lashes, evenly coating them, and giving them both volume and length as well as a nice curl. No lash curler needed! (RRP: $16.95)

Next is the pout, as of curse you cannot skip the lips. And like most others I really love the crayon style lipsticks and balms, and my current picks are the Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balms from Covergirl as they are just so easy to apply also on the go later in the day thanks to the twist-up pen. I love shade Mauve Twist, which is a lovely dark nude mauve shade, or Berry Twist when I feel like something a little bolder as it is a brighter fuchsia pink shade. The both go on sheer, although you can build up the colour, all while still leaving a nice glossy shine to the lips. And they double as lip balms too, as they are so moisturising on the lips containing both shea and mango butter. (RRP: $12.95)

Unless I’ve already run out of time, I also prefer doing my brows before I run out the door. They are victims of serial over-plucking so a little help from the Colour Riche Eye Brow Pencil from L’Oreal is needed. With this pencil it is so quick and easy to fill in any gaps to define the brows, while the convenient brush at the other end helps style them into place! (RRP: $22.95)

So there you go, my current picks of products that are so quick and easy to use when you are in a hurry, but still want to apply your makeup..

Tried any of these products? Which products do you reach for when you are in a hurry?

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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BRAND FOCUS: COVERGIRL MAKEUP

Today I'd like to share with you some Covergirl products that I particularly have been enjoying lately.

 
I've loved Covergirl for longer than I can remember, and actually did a huge semester project about their advertising and branding strategy decades ago, way back in 1997 when I was doing an exchange semester at a Uni in London. This was the year the brand launched the now famous and still widely used Easy Breezy Beautiful slogan. And fast track many years, and the brand remains one of my favourite drugstore brands.


Lately I've been trying a few newly launched products, including the Plumpify blastPRO Mascara. This mascara comes with some pretty hefty claims of giving the lashes 50x more volume, and I have to admit that I am not quite sure about that, as that would be pretty extreme if you ask me. But that said, it does quickly and easily lengthen and define the lashes, giving the a nice lift and curl at the same time, all without clumping the lashes together. Although this is not the waterproof formula, it stays put all day long without smudging, yet is easy to remove with makeup remover. I particularly love the brush which is a little larger than usual (and a funky red shade), made from a soft rubbery material. It also has a different twisted design, as well as a round ball tip that makes it easier to reach those tiny lashes at the corner of the eyes.

 
Next is the Eye Shadow Quad is an eyeshadow quad, which I've tried in the shade Notice Me Nudes, which as the name suggests contains nude shades including very pale nude/baby pink, a glittery mauve, a shimmery mauve as well as a shimmery dark brown, and they have just the right amount of shimmer and glitter without being over the top. These eye shadows have a nice buttery soft formula, and considering their drugstore-low price, they are surprisingly pigmented, and you can easily build up the intensity. With a bit of primer first, do stay put all day. The Nude palette is perfect for everyday use, and the shades are perfect together, and can be used both individually or in any combination. Personally I particularly love the two lightest shades for a simple and natural 'barely there' everyday look, and I also like that the lightest shade also works perfectly as a highlighter just under the brow. The quad is available in five different colour combinations, which would definitely be worth checking out.

The TruNaked Eyeliner Duo is a dual-ended eyeliner that is super versatile. The eyeliner has two complementary colours that allows you to create various looks very easily, from a naked barely there look to an intense smoky eye. The eyeliner has a super soft and creamy formula that is easy to apply without dragging at the sensitive eye area, and it is equally easy to blend with your finger so you can create a smoked line along the lash line. The eyeliner is also very pigmented, so one swipe gives your line full colour payoff, and as it is a waterproof formula, it stays put all day. It comes in two colour combinations, Cashmere/Espresso which contains a shimmery nude as well as a very dark brown, and Mocha/Ebony, which is a dark chocolate shade and a black. I particularly love the Cashmere/Espresso combination as I don't find the dark brown shade quite as harsh as a black one, plus the Cashmere shade is like nothing else I have in my collection, so I've really been enjoying using that one, in particularly at the inner corners of my eyes to brighten them up a little.

 

Finally, the Covergirl Colourlicious Jumbo Gloss Balm is a lip stick that comes packaged in a jumbo twist up pen, which makes it super easy to apply to the lips. The lipstick has been formulated with shea and mango butter to hydrate the lips, and it has a lovely soft creamy formula. And although it claims to give a sheer colour payoff, I actually find that a how much colour it gives, and it can easily be built up too to a medium coverage, which in spite of the 'gloss balm' claim, I find actually have more of a satin finish. The Gloss Balm lasts about 4 or so hours on the lips, less if you eat or drink, but I find that quite reasonable. Overall I find that it feels very lovely on the lips, and as I generally am hooked on crayon style lipsticks, I can definitely see myself getting a few more shades from the range. 


Covergirl Plumpify blastPRO Mascara - RRP: $21.95 / 13.1ml
Covergirl Eye Shadow Quad - RRP: $14.95
Covergirl TruNaked Eyeliner Duo - RRP: $13.95
Covergirl Colourlicious Jumbo Gloss Balm - RRP: $12.95

Available from Target, Kmart, Big W, Priceline, Woolworths, Coles and selected pharmacies

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

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HOSPITAL BAG - MAKEUP

Just nine days left until the baby is due!! Well of course, unless baby wants to come sooner that is. I know that I won’t feel like wearing full-on makeup whilst in hospital, but still, I know that I will feel a lot better if I wear at least a little when visitors come to meet our little bub. And not to mention later on when I look at all the happy snaps that will no doubt be taken.
The intended stay at the hospital is about 4 nights, so at least I'll get something for all the money we're forking out on private hospital cover each month! So I have packed some key makeup items for the stay – plus a few more, just in case… and although I did initially plan on packing lightly, I know it will still contain a lot more products than originally intended, but what I can I say, I'm serial over-packer, and besides, it is always easier to bring it along yourself, than having to ask hubby to find it and bring it for you!! Anyway, here’s what I’ve included; 

Thalgo BB Cream Perfect Glow

This BB Cream from Thalgo, is perfect as it helps give the skin some much needed moisture (who doesn’t get dry skin when they’re in hospital), plus it gives the skin a light coverage with and a nice healthy and radiant glow. I don’t expect to look like Kate (after all, I doubt I’ll have a makeup and hair artist at hand!), just a few hours after birth, but I’d still like to look my best when visitors are coming and for the tons of photos that will be taken and treasured for years and years to come. RRP: $47.00


Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin 24HR Makeup
This foundation is my current favourite full coverage foundation, and if my skin is going to be playing up, which it is prone to, then this will be my go-to product. I know that it will give me a good, yet natural coverage, and best of all, I can trust that it stays put all day, so I don’t need to worry about having to touch-up, or that it rubs off onto my little bub. RRP: $50.00

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer
As I write this, I am feeling pretty drained and tired as I’ve completely forgotten what a good night’s sleep is, which consequently does show with increasing dark circles under my eyes. My preferred go to concealer is here the Secret Camouflage concealer, which comes with two shades so that you can blend your ideal shade. It is quick and easy to apply, and stays put all day. The perfect camouflage for looking like you’re well-rested! $49.00
 
Jane Iredale Blush + Amazing Base Mineral PowderIf I do feel like I need a touch up during the day, I swear by the refillable brush from Jane Iredale with the Amazing Base powder. It is simply so quick and easy to use, and the powder is so fine it gives you a natural look without setting into the fine lines. Unfortunately I’ve lost the lid to the powder brush, so I’ll have to be careful when packing it! RRP: Refillable Brush: $45.00, Amazing Base Powder: $79.00



ELES Mineral Makeup Blush in Coral Sun

This would have to be one of my my most reached for blushes. The peachy-pink shade simply instantly gives my dull and drab looking face some much needed spark, thanks to the lightly shimmery formula. And as all the other products I’ve picked out, I can trust that it will stay put without fading of sliding off my face during the day. RRP: $39.50


Ere Perez Clever Carrot Cheek & Lip Balm
If I am wearing the BB Cream, and not the full covering foundation from Elizabeth Arden, then I really like the more natural blushed cheek look that I get from using the Clever Carrot Cheek & Lip Balm from Ere Perez. It is super quick to blend into your cheeks with your fingers for a sheer non-makeup natural look. And clever as it is, you can simply swipe any remains of the cream onto your lips, for a beautiful lip stain. RRP: $27.95

Jane Iredale Rose Dawn Bronzer
Another Jane Iredale favourite that will make it into the cosmetic bag is the Rose Dawn Bronzer. This bronzer contains four different colours, and combined, it gives the skin a beautiful glow. And I love that you can also use the colours individually on both cheeks and eyes, should I feel like it! RRP: $90.00


Jane Iredale Pommisst Hydration Spray Finally, I will also be packing the Pommisst Hydration Spray from Jane Iredale as it not only helps set your makeup, but it also gives it a more natural and dewy look, all while feeling refreshing tired skin, soothing dry skin and adding some much needed moisture. RRP: $39.00



Clinique Chubby Stick in Lots o’ Latte
I doubt that I will be feeling like doing a full on eye makeup up, so that’s where I rely on this Chubby eye shadow stick from Clinique. The shade Lots o’ Latte is a gorgeous mid-brown shimmery shade that I find myself using on its own all the time when I’m in a hurry, so it is the perfect shade to bring, as one swipe, followed with a quick blend with my fingers, is all it takes. RRP: $35.00


L’Oreal Paris Super Liner Blockbuster
One thing that I never fail to do is my eyes, as I simply feel I look so much more awake and fresher when they are done. And one of my favourites is the Liquid Super Liner Blockbuster from L’Oreal. The large texta like pen, quickly and easily draws a line, and I can trust that it will stay put all day. RRP: $16.95


L’Oreal Paris Super Liner Silkissime
Another trusted favourite from L’Oreal is the Silkissime eyeliner for below the last line. Again, it is quick and easy to use, without dragging or pulling my eye area, and although I’ve got sensitive eyes that water easily (and let’s face it, I may become a little teary at the arrival of our little bub), but I can always trust this eyeliner to stay without smudging. RRP: $22.95

Max Factor Excess Volume Mascara
This mascara is huge, about twice the size as any other mascara. But so are the results. The two step mascara starts with the Extreme Volume building end that helps quickly add volume to even the sparsest of lashes, while the Dark Lacquer end ensures that your lashes have a nice glossy finish. And one quick coat of each end is all that it takes for a natural look, while you can of course add a few more coats for a more dramatic look. $26.95


Benefit Gimme Brow
Serial over-plucking of my brows years ago, now means that they are thinner and sparser than I really like, so a good brow product is a necessity. The Gimme Brow from Benefit, is the perfect choice, as the mascara style wand is quick and easy to swipe across your brows for instantly fuller, yet natural looking brows that at the same time stays in place thanks to the added gel. RRP: $35.00


Covergirl Colorlicious lipgloss
And of course I cannot neglect my lips, so I will be bringing these Colorlicious Lipglosses from Covergirl with me. The Give Me Guava is a medium shade warm pink with a gloss sheen, that on the lips shows up as a barely there shade with just the glossy sheen. The Berrylicious shade is a slightly darker warm mauve shade, in case I feel like something a little darker, yet still while being a quite subtle and muted shade. And being lip glosses they are quick and easy to apply, and feels lovely and non – sticky on the lips. RRP: $16.95

 
Sisley Paris Phyto Lip Shine
And last but not least, because I can never leave the house without a larger selection of lip products (last time I emptied out my handbag (read nappy bag), I found no less than 8 different lipsticks and lipglosses, as well as I also always have a couple stashed away in my car, just in case! So just got to bring at least one more, and cannot go past one of my current favourites, the Sisley Phyto Lip Shine in Sheer Berry. This lip shine is a combination of a lip balm and a lip stain, leaving the lips soft and hydrated which will be so lovely in the dry hospital air, all while giving the lips a beautiful sheer stain with a subtle sheen. RRP: $50So there you go, the makeup I'll be taking with me to hospital...hope I haven't forgotten anything!!

* Some products may have been provided for consideration, but would still be reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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PRODUCT REVIEW: COVERGIRL BOMBSHELL COLLECTION

Today I’d like to introduce you to the newly launched Bombshell Collection from CoverGirl;

The new Bombshell collection has been created so that you can release your inner bombshell and create big, bold and beautiful eyes.

The collection includes Bombshell Volume Mascara, which is a two step mascara that creates extreme volume and dramatic intensity for 10x more noticeable lashes.

The first step of the mascara is an Extreme Volume Basecoat that with its big brush builds volume while thickening the lashes. The second step is a Dark, Intensifying Topcoat that with just one coat seals the look with a dark smooth coat of colour. And I really like the look this mascara gives me nicely separated and defined lashes, with no clumping. I am not sure they are 10x more noticeable, but they are definitely both longer and a lot thicker too. The mascara is extremely long-wearing, and there is absolutely no smudging during the day, not even on a damp winter’s day. And while it doesn’t claim to be waterproof it does require an oil-based waterproof makeup remover to get rid of it. It comes in a very girly bright fuchsia coloured tube, and compared to other mascaras, the packaging is a little bulky – but as I never carry around mascaras in my handbag for touch-ups on the go, that doesn’t bother me. 

RRP: $11.99 – Available from Priceline.



The Bombshell Shine Shadow by LashBlast is a new range of shine shadows that contains a reflective pigment that illuminates with light, adding dimension to the eye makeup.

There are six shades in the range and I tried the shadows in the shades Gold Goddess, which is a shimmery gold shade, and Copper Fling, a shimmery bronze shade. The cream shadows come in a tiny tube, but it is very concentrated so you only need the tiniest amount, so what they lack in size, they certainly make up for in colour intensity.

L: Gold Goddess R: Copper Fling

It is easy to blend, while you can build up the colours to a very intense look. With the use of a primer, they last throughout the day, even on my slightly greasy eyelids.

RRP $8.99 (5.4ml) – Available from Priceline



The Bombshell Intensity Liner is about the smallest liquid liner that I’ve ever seen. It is seriously small, so it is perfect for the handbag or travelling.

The liquid liner has a felt tip that makes it easy to draw either a thin line or a bold one depending on occasion and preference. And just one line is sufficient for a colour saturated intense line that stays put all day, without smudging of fading.

RRP $8.99 – Available from Priceline*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

Overall this is a great selection of new products from CoverGirl. They are reasonably priced and all have a good long wear. I already have plans on picking up another liquid liner in the brown shade and possibly a few more of the Shine Shadows.


What do you think of this new Bombshell Collection from CoverGirl? What do you think of a two-step mascara? Or cream eye shadows?


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MAKEUP TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

When I go on holidays, one of the things I always tend to over-pack is my makeup. I mean, it is a necessity to bring a least 6-8 different lipglosses, eye shadows, blushes……isn’t it?? But after countless trips where I’ve only used a few of the items, when I went to Europe last month, even though I was away for a month, I decided to seriously restrict myself and narrow down the items to bring. These are some of the things that made it into my bag;

Jane Iredale Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder and Refill-Me Refillable Loose Powder Brush*


 

Loose powder and powder foundation is the biggest no-no when you travel. I speak from experience, as believe me it can make such a huge mess in your luggage. But thanks to the new Refill-Me Refillable Loose Powder Brush, you can now bring your favourite powder foundation with you on the go. The brush has a self-contained locking mechanism that prevents spilling and it is so easy to fill thanks to the scoop provided. And the smart cap a protective sleeve helps ensure that the bristles of the bush stay in place too.
 

The brush holds a fair bit of powder, in fact you can fill the brush two times with one jar of Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder. The Amazing base, is just that – amazing. It not only gives your skin a fantastic coverage, easily covering any redness, blemishes and pigmentation.

And one thin coat is generally enough, but if you need it, you can easily build it up, all while it remains looking very natural. And having combination skin prone to the afternoon shine, I love that it stays put all day without fading, sliding, or settling into fine lines – but should you need it, it is so convenient to just pop into your handbag for a quick afternoon touch up.

And I love that it contains micronised minerals and pomegranate extract to help care for your skin while you wear it, and that it is free from oil, talc, dyes and parabens so it is very gentle on the skin, while it also offers Broad Spectrum SPF 20 and UVA P++ protection to keep your skin safe in the sun.

RRP: Amazing Base: $79 (10.5g), Refill-Me Powder Brush: $45 - Both available from Select stockists



Mineralogie Blush Bronzer in Harmony-Wallflower*

This blush bronzer duo from Mineralogie is the absolute perfect travel companion. It comes in a stylish round slim black compact with a large mirror and a powder puff, and while I do prefer to apply with a brush, the puff does come in handy when you are out and about. The Blush Bronzer has two shades, a dusty rose and a darker warm rose shade, so you can use them on their own or you can combine for your preferred look. The lighter shade is perfect as a blush, while the darker shade works perfectly for both contouring and as a bronzer. And as always with Mineralogie, it is made from the finest of mineral powder, that applies with a good colour payoff, yet without caking or settling into fine lines, and it stays put all. I cannot praise this Blush Bronzer enough, I’m simply so in love with it.

RRP: $49.95 – Available from select stockists and Mineralogie Online



Jane Iredale Rose Dawn Bronzer*

 

Alternatively I use a long time favourite Rose Dawn Bronzer from Jane Iredale (check out my full review here), which is a quad of golden bronze and copper-toned shades, and it is also a true multi-tasker. The long wearing powder is suitable to use on both the eyes, cheeks, and as a bronzer all over the face and décolleté for a nice glow, or using the lighter shades, it can be used as a highlighter. And it can even be used on the lips with a touch of clear lipgloss on top! It has a subtle shimmer that comes from 24-karat food-grade gold flakes, which gives a natural and subtle glow.

RRP: Price: $90.00 – Available from Adore Beauty


Jane Iredale Celebrate Eye Shadow Trio Palette*

This eye shadow palette contains three shades, a golden caramel shade, a dark chocolate and a pearl highlighting shade, and is absolutely everything you need to achieve a neutral smoky eye, and you can use the shadows on their own for a simple natural look, or combined for a more dramatic look perfect for nighttime. The colours are so well put together too, and just the shades that I normally will reach for. The shadows are extremely pigmented and are so easy to apply and blend, and they stay put all day without fading or creasing, and with no fallout. And I absolute adore the stunning slim line cold compact with the large mirror inside. I will cry the day I hit the pan on each of these colours.

RRP: $82 – Available from Select Stockists 


Covergirl Bombshell Intensity Eyeliner*

This liquid eyeliner is tiny, the smallest one I have ever seen, so it is perfect to pack when you are going on holiday, and of course perfect to pop into the handbag for touch-ups. Not that you need to carry it around as the liner gives you a colour saturated line that stays put all day, without smudging or fading. And thanks to the felt tip, it is easy to draw both a thin line or a bold one depending on occasion and preference.

RRP $8.99 – Available from Priceline




Lancome Grandiose Mascara*

This mascara is so unique thanks to its revolutionary swan neck brush that makes it easy to reach and coat even the smallest of lashes – well it does take a little while to master, but once you have, it gives the lashes lots of volume and an amazing lifted and fanned look with a natural curl, all without the need of an eyelash colour – and the finish is jet black and glossy up, lasting all day without irritating the eyes. It is not cheap, but when you like me are hopeless with false lashes and have little time to yourself thanks to a little toddler, this mascara means that false lashes and lash curlers are no longer necessary, so completely worth every cent! (and don't forget to check out my full review here)

RRP: $54 – Available from Lancome Counters, and from Lancome Online




Mary Kay True Dimensions Lipstick in Berry a la Mode*

This lipstick in Berry a la Mode from Mary Kay comes in the most luxurious looking silver packaging, and it not only gives your lips the most stunning full intensity warm red shade that is perfect for day and nighttime wear, although particularly suited for nighttime. It is very long wearing, but unlike most other long-wearing lipsticks, it is feels amazing on the lips. And thanks to the advanced formula, that contains anti-ageing ingredients that cares for your lips to helps them look younger, fuller, plumper and firmer. And with a whopping 14 shades in the range, there is sure to be a match for everyone!

RRP: $28 (3.3g) – Available from Mary Kay




Lanolips Lip Ointment with Colour SPF 15 Rhubarb

This lip ointment from Lanolips is nothing short of amazing. With its contents of over 60% Ultra Pure Medical Grade Lanolin and vitamin E, it is perfect for those long haul flights as it keeps your lips soft and hydrated, all without being sticky. And the colour Rhubarb is a lovely warm red shade that gives just enough colour on the lips so you know it is there, yet without you feeling too made up, and the glossy finish is lovely for both daytime and nighttime wear too. As an added bonus it comes with SPF15 so you know your puckers is protected from the harsh sun.

RRP: $13.95 (12.5g) – Available from David Jones, Priceline and Adore Beauty



Real Techniques On Location Travel Essentials*


 

The set contains an Essential Foundation Brush, A Multi Task Brush and a Domed Shadow Brush all presented in a case that closes with velcro, keeping your brushes organised and safe on the go, while it can convert into a stand for each reach.

All the brushes are made from plush taklon bristles and they are extremely soft. The Foundation brush has the perfect size to apply liquid foundation and it gives a nice even look, but I have also used it for concealer which it is also perfect for thanks to the slightly pointed tip that fits perfectly under the eye. It comes with a golden shaded shaft.

The Multi Task Brush comes with a bright pink shaft and is intended for use with both powder, blush and bronzer. It is a very dense brush and it picks up powder very easily, and distributes nicest and evenly. But I have to admit that while I love using it with both powder and bronzer, I personally find it a little too big to use with a blush, and I would prefer to use a slightly smaller one, but while I was on holidays, it did cover all my needs!

Finally, the Domed Shadow Brush comes with a purple shaft and it is designed for shading and defining the eyes, but I do find that it is a little too big and fluffy for defining, but it is perfect for shading and blending out eye shadow.

The brushes are all of amazing quality, so a fantastic buy, I definitely want to add more Real Techniques brushes to my collection!

RRP: $39.95 – Available from The Beauty Office 

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

So there you go, these were the key makeup items that made it into my makeup bag on my Europe trip.

Have you tried any of these products? How much makeup do you take with you on holidays? Are you a serial over-packer like me?



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Product Review: Covergirl Flamed Out 2-in-1 Gel Shadow + Liner

Today I’d like to share with you my thoughts on the newly released *Covergirl Flamed Out 2-in-1 Shadow Pencil;

What They Say:

"Get a dramatic eye look with this versatile pencil in six vivid colours. The 2-in-1 gel shadow and eyeliner pencil glides on smoothly with the definition of an eyeliner, or blend the creamy formula up and out for a smoky shadow that sets and lasts for hours. Available in six shades –Silver Flame (300), Crystal Flame (305), Ashen Glow Flame (335), Ginger Flame (340), Ice Flame (345) and Melted Caramel Flame (350)."

RRP: $9.95 (2.3g) – Available from Priceline, Supermarkets, Variety Stores and Selected Pharmacies

What I Say:

This new Flamed Out Eyeshadow Pencil from Covergirl was released the same time as the Covergirl Flamed Out Mascara (check out my review here).

I was lucky to trial the Eyeshadow Pencil in colour Melted Caramel Flame" (350), which is a gorgeous medium coloured chocolate brown, with a subtle metallic sheen – and preferring neutral shades, this colour is just perfect for me, and the type of shade I’d normally wear.

Before having, I had all the time in the world to spend in the bathroom getting ready, but this is no longer so – and most days I will skip the Eyeshadow, as I simply won’t have the time to do it properly anyway. And that’s where I love products such as this shadow stick which is so quickly and easy use.

The Flamed Out Shadow stick has a creamy formula, which is quick and easy to apply to the lids. Once applied it is a little ‘wet’ and you have to be quick to blend it out, as otherwise it will dry and set on your eyelids. The beauty of the shadow stick is that it is quite pigmented so you can apply it as just a wash of colour blending it out, or you can build up the colour for a more dramatic look or a smokey eye. I have also been using it on top of a more neutral Eyeshadow as the base, and it works perfectly for that too. And it works as a am eyeliner too. Brilliant!

L: The colour built up, R: The colour blended

It has a nice staying power, lasting all day without creasing, and as someone with very sensitive eyes, very importantly; it also doesn’t have any fallout to irritate my eyes.

What I Like:

• Quick and easy to use
• Blends well with no fallout
• Pigmented, so it is easy to build up colour
• Can be used as an eyeliner too
• Great price

What I Don’t Like:

• You have to be very quick blending it out before the eyeshadow dries and set

All in all, these shadow sticks are just so perfect for me right now not having a lot of time to do my makeup, as they make it quick and easy to apply Eyeshadow that there is actually a chance that I get to use Eyeshadow!! At just $9.95 each these are such a versatile bargain buy.

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

What do you think of these new Eyeshadow sticks from Covergirl? What type of eyeshadows do you prefer?

Product Review: Covergirl Flamed Out Mascara

As you probably all know, Pink is the face of Covergirl, and I absolutely love Pink. Last time she  was touring, in spite of doing a record number – 17 concerts in total, I was for some reason not able to go. And when she toured Australia again in 2013 I so wanted to go, and with a total of 18 concerts held in Melbourne, I’d think that I should be able to find a day that suited – but nope, I was highly pregnant at the time, so I didn’t really feel like jumping around, or being bumped for that matter. And my husband felt so sorry for me that he gave me the DVD with the concert which happened to be filmed in Melbourne, and I love it, and have watched it countless times already while I wait for her to come back to Melbourne.

And doesn’t Pink just look so stunning in the Flamed Out ads!

Anyway, back to it, here are my thoughts on the newly launched *CoverGirl Flamed Out Mascara;

What They Say:

"An innovative Volume Igniter brush defines and separates each lash, saturating with mascara as it flares them up and out for a wide-eyed look. The high density of soft, hollow fibre bristles on the ends of the brush soak up mascara and deposit it onto the lashes, while shorter bristles in the centre of the brush ensure all over coverage. The thick, fast setting formula is smudge proof and flake resistant, ensuring maximum volume that doesn’t smear during application or after. Available in Very Black Blaze (300) and Black/Brown Blaze (315)."

RRP: $14.95 (11ml) – Available from Available from Priceline, Supermarkets, Variety Stores and Selected Pharmacies

What I Say:

The new Flamed Out collection from CoverGirl is all about creating a long-lasting exotic, high-impact eyes that are sure to turn heads.

Covergirl P!NK says "I like my makeup to be colourful, smoky, sexy and the new Flamed Out Collection from CoverGirl is all those things. The Mascara gives you big, flamed out lashes and the Shadow Pencils complement each other to make a dramatic statement - perfect for the kind of looks I like to wear on stage! Hot enough for you?"

(Stay tuned for my review of the Shadow Pencils shortly!)

So the mascara claims to be a Volume Igniter that flares up the lashes. It has a quite large hourglass shaped wand to ensure that every single lash, even the shortest of lashes is coated with the mascara. The end of the brush is small and helps get to the smaller lashes near the inner corner of the eye, while the middle part of the mascara makes it easy to coat the longer lashes.

As all new mascaras it is very full, and with the first few uses you have to be careful not to get too much on the wand, as then you will end up with mascara all over your lids too, and not to mention your lashes will stick together as they drown in mascara overload. I usually get around this by scraping some of the mascara off on the top of the tube, so all that mascara is not wasted. But why is it that all mascaras, regardless of whether they are cheap or expensive, are always best near the end when it is just about empty!

Just one coat of the mascara is enough for a nice look with long lashes and volume, but adding another coat does give you a more dramatic look – and if you like, you can add a third coat on the edges of the lashes for an extreme look.

And true to its claim, this Flamed Out mascara does make my lashes not only thicker and longer, but it also gives them a bit of a curl. Once upon time, before having a baby I was a lot better at remembering to use an eyelash curler, but these days, I simply don’t have the time, so I like that the mascara does this as well, helping to open up my eyes and make them look less tired than they really are. And the mascara also nicely separates the lashes, without clumping. And very important, it doesn’t irritate or drop particles into my eyes, and although my eyes water easily, it doesn’t smudge either. It simply stays put all day. And when it comes time to remove it, it easily removes with an eye makeup remover without the need to pull or drag in the sensitive eye area.

The actual mascara comes in nice red and purple packaging, and it is not just the brush that is super-sized, the actual tube is too. I don’t really mind that, - firstly because it is due to the mascara being so big and containing a whopping 11ml of mascara, but secondly because I rarely take my mascara with me on the go, so I don’t have to worry about it taking up too much room in my already overfilled handbag!

What I Like:

• The wand is easy to use, making it easy to also coat the small lashes
• True to its claim it gives my lashes both length and volume, and curls them at the same time
• Suitable for sensitive eyes
• Great value for money

 What I Don’t Like:

• There is a lot of mascara in the tube so it may clump at the first few uses – but on the other hand, rather a full mascara than one that is half-empty!

Overall this is a great mascara that lives up to its claims. It is suitable for both everyday wear with just one coat giving the lashes a nice natural look, while 2-3 coats will give you a more dramatic look suitable for a night out. At just $14.95 this mascara is an amazing bargain buy – now all we can dream off is to look as gorgeous as Pink!

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

What do you think of this new mascara from CoverGirl? What do you look for in a mascara?

My Current Casual Makeup..

As a beauty blogger there is no denying that I am constantly changing the products that I use, so I thought that I’d do regular posts about the makeup products I’m currently using….so here’s the first one about the products I am currently using for a casual daytime look…

 

 

Innoxa Satin Sheen SPF30+ - RRP: $28.95 (40ml)

With combination skin one of my main issues is getting foundations to stay put all day, but that is not the case s with the help of a primer, its natural matte powder finish remains throughout the day, without looking greasy, fading or settling into fine lines. It offers a medium coverage, easily covering minor redness and pigmentation, and the coverage can easily be built up, while still looking natural, although darker marks do call for a concealer. I love that it comes with a high SPF30 to protect my skin from further UV damage.

 

 

Maybelline New York SuperStay 24H Waterproof Powder – RRP: $18.95

This Maybelline New York SuperStay 24H Waterproof Powder promises to stay put for up to 24hours maintaining a matte finish – and I have to say that on my combination skin it lives up to its claim, even on a hot summers day!

It has a nice texture, and is easy to apply evenly on top of your foundation, giving you a nice natural look, without looking cakey or dry, or settling into fine lines. The compact comes with an inbuilt mirror in the lid making it easy to do touch-ups during the day, if needed. I already know that this powder will be my best friend this summer to keep any shine at bay!

 

Australis Cream Shadow Duo in Caramale Crush - RRP: $9.95

With a little baby, I no longer have to time to spend too much time on my makeup, so I love this dual eyeshadow wand which is so quick and easy to use. It features very creamy shadows with a metallic sheen. The eyeshadows are very pigmented, so you only need a little.

They come with a sponge applicator, but I still find that I need to blend with my fingers. Even without the use of a primer I find that they have a very long wear on my greasy eyelids, without sliding, fading or settling into fine lines.

The colour Caramale Crush includes a medium brown shade as well as a very dark purple/aubergine, which both are as perfect to use on their own, as they are together.

 

 

L’Oreal Super Liner Perfect Slim - RRP: $24.45

I have been using a liquid eyeliner for as long as I can remember, and while I have tried a few different brands over the years, one that I always go back to is the L’Oreal Super Liner. Consequently I was very excited when I heard they were releasing some new versions, including this, the Perfect Slim. It has a very fine 0.4mm felt tip, which makes it easy to do a super fine line. And like the original Super Liner, it is very longwearing, staying put all day.

 

 

Rimmel London ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner - RRP: $9.95

This eyeliner is so soft and creamy and so easy to apply without tugging or pulling at the eye area. And it is so pigmented that it is easy to draw a solid line, and again, as my easily water, it is an important feature that it is waterproof, and it really does stay put all day without smudging or running, except on the waterline, although it still stays put there for a lot longer than other eyeliners that I have tried recently. The line I drew on my hand for the sake of the images below was so hard to get off, I had to scrub and scrub it with soap and water, and still it would hardly budge, but luckily with the help of a waterproof eye makeup remover, it is easily removed from the eye area.

 

 

L’Oreal Excess Volume Million Lashes Mascara in Black - RRP: $27.95

A few months after giving birth I started loosing my hair, not in chunks, just quite a few hairs every time I brush my hair. They say that’s pretty normal after giving birth due to the change in hormone levels. I am not sure, but I think it has had an effect on my eye lashes too, as I’m sure they were never as thin as they are now.

The L’Oreal Excess Volume Million Lashes Mascara easily defines each and every lash making the not only appear thicker but also longer. One coat gives a very natural look, whereas 2 or three coats gives an even more dramatic look. And the large plastic brush is so easy to use, making it a breeze to reach every single lash, and without clumping. It is very gentle too, which is perfect for my sensitive eyes. And as my eyes water very easily, I also love that while the mascara is not waterproof, it doesn’t run at the sight of the first tear!

 

 

Colour Theory Brow Liner, Take a Brow – RRP: $6.00

Years of over-plucking my brows means that they are now a lot thinner than I like, and no matter how long I go between plucking they just don’t seem to grow back, so unfortunately a brow liner has become another must-have. When I first got this brow liner I thought that it would be drawing thick and bold lines, but that is far from the case. This felt liner has a very fine tip that makes it easy to draw fine and natural looking half transparent lines to shape and define the brows. And at just $6.00 this is an absolute bargain too!

 

L-R: Colour Theory Brow Liner (x2 lines),
L'Oreal Super Liner (x2 lines),
Rimmel Eyeliner

 

Covergirl Clean Glow Blush in Peaches - RRP: $12.95

I think all of the blushes that I have in my collection are shimmery blushes, so I am so loving this new matte blush from Covergirl.

It is a 3-in-1 multi-shade compact, with a pale, a medium and a darker shade, which I like, as you can tailor your look, using just one colour, or all three swirled together if you like. The lighter colour can be used as a highlighter and the darker one to contour your cheekbones.

The colours go on very sheer, although they can be built up, and they still look very natural, as if your cheeks are naturally flushed. I also love that the blush can be used as an all-over powder to give your face a nice glow.

 

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Grandest Grape – RRP: $35

I think the world probably know about the Clinique Chubby Sticks by now, so this one hardly needs an introduction! But these intense versions of the original Chubby Sticks from Clinique.

The Chubby Stick is a creamy balm style lipstick, which feels very comfortable to wear, and lasts around 4-5 hours on the lips, although naturally less if I eat or drink. And when it wears off, it wears off evenly, gradually fading, all while leaving the lips feeling soft and moisturised.

The Grandest Grape is a berry-red colour, and in the pen it looks dark, but it has a semi-opaque coverage and a glossy sheen, so it is perfect for daytime wear for someone like me not too comfortable with wearing dark lipsticks.

 

 

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

So there you go, these are the product that I am currently wearing …

What do you think of these products? And have you tried any of them? Which products are you currently using for your casual makeup?

And as always, if you would like an in depth review of any of these products, do let me know in the comments below..