PRODUCT REVIEW: GENIE BEAUTY INSTANT LINE SMOOTHER, MAKE ME BLUSH, SUPERGLIDE EYELINER, MILLION DOLLAR MASCARA AND LASH BOOSTER

One of those brands I was introduced to not long ago was Genie Beauty, and I seriously cannot rave enough about their Nutratanicals Antioxidant Foundation (read about it here), Line Smoothing Concealer (read about it here), and Make Me Blush (which you can read more about here). 

PRODUCT REVIEW: GENIE BEAUTY NUTRATANICALS ANTIOXIDANT FOUNDATION AND MAKE ME BLUSH FROM TVSN

Today I am going to talk about a Genie Beauty, which has been available for quite some time in USA, but which has recently launched in Australia and available through TVSN.

The brand is based on instant skincare,, with products that are instant benefit drive using advanced technology, techniques and ingredients to deliver long-term benefits of repairing and transforming your skin - but without waiting months, weeks or days, but instantly within just minutes.

I've put some of the Genie Beauty products to the test, including the Nutratanicals Antioxidant Foundation, the Kabuki Brush and the Make Me Blush.

Let's start with the Genie Beauty Neutratanicals Antioxidant Foundation, and now I admit that I am usually preferring liquid foundations, mainly because I find that it is easier and less messy, but also because I've usually find that I can more easily get the coverage I want.

The Neutratanicals Antioxidant Foundation is a loose powder foundation that is best applied with a kabuki brush, and I used it with the large Genie Beauty Kabuki brush.

The foundation is infused with Japanese honeysuckle to add moisture and luminosity to the skin, while also acting as a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. In total the foundation is made using just 5 all natural plant ingredients.

To apply you simply twirl the brush into the foundation, and then load it by tapping the base of the brush, before buffing it into the skin in circular motions until you've got the coverage you want. It does have a bit of fall out while you apply it, so generally I prefer to apply before I get dressed so I don’t get any on my clothes.

And as promised, this foundation is really easy to apply, and you can get anything from a light coverage, to an almost full coverage, without looking cakey or dry - and it easily covers most redness, and pigmentation, that with the use of a primer first and a setting spray afterwards, simply stays put all day without sliding, fading or settling into fine lines, so it really is budge, sweat and waterproof. And regardless of the coverage, it stays looking natural and healthy looking, and it also stays looking matte too, so it is perfect for combination skin types such as mine.

The Genie Beauty Kabuki Brush is a dense, soft and fluffy brush that is made from super soft taklon, which is synthetic fibres. The fibres easily grabs the lose powder and makes it so easy to apply, easily creating an even invisible coverage.

Then there's the Genie Beauty Make Me Blush, which is a true multi-tasker. The All-Over Face Colour is infused with vitamin E and C to provide antioxidant protection, and it is made from colour infused micronised and reflective minerals that give you a natural glow.

It can be used as a lip colour, either on its own, or with a bit or clear gloss on top, or it can be used as an eyeshadow. It can also be used to contour, and of course, also to add a wash of colour to the cheeks.
The Make Me Blush has a cream-to powder consistency, that does initially look a little dark in the pan, but once applied, it is a gorgeous and very wearable shade.

It is easy to apply with the cute little kabuki brush that is included, and it gives the skin a lovely healthy glow.

These products really are so lovely to use and wear, and I love that the foundation allows me to build up coverage, while still looking natural, while the Blush gives my skin such a lovely glow. So I can definitely highly recommend that you check out these products, as well as I’m keen to try more from the range..


Genie Beauty Neutratanicals Antioxidant Foundation - RRP: $24.95 / 8g
Genie Beauty Make Me Blush with small Kabuki Brush - RRP: $29.95 / 2.6g
Genie Beauty Large Kabuki Brush - 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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PRODUCT REVIEW: THE ORGANIC SKIN CO

Today I’d like to talk about The Organic Skin Co, which is a makeup line produced for World Organic, a family run company from New Zealand. And what I really love about this range, is that the products are made using natural ingredients where possible. Today I am putting a selection of products to the test… 

The Organic Skin Co Sun Kissed Bronzer is a BB Bronzing cream that gives the skin a light, natural suntanned look with a nice healthy glow. The actual cream is like a bronze glittery cream and it is full of light-reflecting mica and mineral pearls that give the skin the glowing radiance. On its own it doesn’t give the skin much coverage, so I find it is best used on top of your usual foundation on certain areas of the face and décolleté, as if used all over, I find that it can be a little too much. It is also very concentrated, so again, you only need to use the tiniest amount, but thanks to the nifty pump bottle, it is easy to dispense even a very small amount. It has a beautiful scent of orange. It is made from 71.43% organic ingredients.

Then there's The Organic Skin Co Botanical Loose Mineral Foundation, which is a loose mineral powder foundation has been infused with botanicals including calendula and pomegranate to help regenerate and nourish the skin, as well as it includes kaolin clay that helps draw out impurities and absorb surface oils. The foundation is best applied with a large brush such as a kabuki brush. It only gives the skin a very light coverage, although you can build it up slightly where needed, while still looking very natural and soft look, and far from cakey or powdery like many other powder foundations. And it really does stay put all day, without settling into my fine lines and without the dreaded mid-afternoon, so no doubt the added kaolin clay does prove beneficial. In saying that, I would have loved it to have a slightly better coverage to cover my increasing pigmentation, and old acne scarring, so consequently I have instead been enjoying using it on top of the Luminous Foundation, which works wonders, and when applied first thing in the morning, it makes the foundation stay shine free all day too. Made from pure minerals and botanicals.
The Organic Skin Co Cream Blush, is a soft cream that is so quick and easy to use. You simply dab your finger tip into the jar and blend it into the apples of your cheeks for a natural flushed look, but while being cautious not to apply too much as it is quite pigmented. The cream blush help give your cheeks a natural radiant finish at the same time. I tried the shade Lotus, which is a rich berry shade, that in the pot looks quite large, but once blended onto the cheeks, it gives a natural pink look. The cream blush wears quite well during the day, without sliding or fading too much. I also found that the cream blush worked quite well as a lip stain, so you can simply wipe off any excess from your fingers onto your lips. And it feels quite comfortable to wear on the lips too, although the wear is naturally shorter. Made with 73% organic ingredients.

The Organic Skin Co Rose Gold Luminizer is a buildable organic luminizer and sheer highlighter with a translucent, satin-pearl finish of flattering rose-gold tones, that has just the right amount of sheen without being over the top or too glittery. The soft cream is easy to apply, and I find it easiest when using my fingers. It can be used on the top of your cheeks, under the eye brows or even top of the cupids bow to highlight and add sheen. Or you can even use it a an eye shadow, either as a base, or on its own. It has been made with 73.8% Organic Ingredients.

Next up is The Organic Skin Co Pressed Eye Shadow is a 100% natural eye shadow made from pure minerals and extracts. I tried the shade Sable, which is a matte chocolate brown shade, which is quite stunning, especially when paired with a lighter shade. The eye shadow has a soft and smooth consistency, and is easy to apply with an eyeshadow brush, with minimal fallout, and it is quite pigmented so that you can build up the colour to be quite intense, especially if you apply it with a slightly damp brush, and used with a primer first, it do have a good wear too, without fading or settling into fine lines. 

Finally, The Organic Skin Co Lipsticks are 100% natural lipsticks which have been made with 70% organic ingredients, including carnauba wax to help protect the lips. The lipsticks are soft and creamy, and feel very nourishing and moisturising on the lips. I've got the shades Summer Sands, soft pale pink, with a touch of shimmery sheen, that leaves a barely there nude shade, as well as the shade Sahara, a warm red shade, again with a touch of subtle shimmer. Of the two, I prefer Sahara, simply because I'm just more into slightly bolder lips, feeling a tad washed out when I wear very pale lipsticks. The Sahara has the longest wear of the two, thanks to being a little darker and hence more pigmented. 


All the Organic Skin Co makeup products come in stunning packaging featuring dark brown plastic bottles and jars that are so heavy duty that you could mistake them for being made of glass. But what’s even more unique is that they are all featuring bamboo lids, which make then look absolutely stunning – and very appropriate for the natural and organic products.

Overall, I am really enjoying using all the products that I’ve tried as they are all lovely, but if I had to select a few favourites, it would have to be the Botanical Loose Mineral Foundation, the Cream blush, the Eyeshadow Palette and the Lipstick. – But in saying that I wouldn’t hesitate purchasing either of the products again or try some of the other products from the range, which also includes a lip gloss, individual eye shadows, and a liquid eyeliner.


The Organic Skin Co Sun Kissed Bronzer - $56 / 30ml
The Organic Skin Co Botanical Loose Mineral Foundation - $46 / 6.5g
The Organic Skin Co Cream Blush - RRP: $35 / 3ml
The Organic Skin Co Rose Gold Luminizer - $28 / 5ml
The Organic Skin Co Pressed Eye Shadow - RRP: $34 / 4g
The Organic Skin Co Lipstick - RRP: $31 / 4.3g

Available from World Organic

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

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PRODUCT REVIEW: THE ORGANIC SKIN CO MAKEUP FROM WORLD ORGANICS

Today I’d like to talk a little about some beautiful organic makeup from The Organic Skin Co. The Organic Skin Co is a makeup line produced for World Organics, a family run company from New Zealand. And common for all the products, is that the products are made with the aim of producing natural products of the highest quality, where the majority of the products are made from at least 70% organic ingredients. Here I'm putting a selection of products to the test...

Let's start with The Organic Skin Co The Luminous Liquid Foundation. This foundation comes in an easy to use pump bottle and the actual foundation is light and is easy to apply and blend into the skin. It gives the skin a medium coverage, easily covering minor pigmentation, blemishes and redness, while a concealer is required for my larger areas of pigmentation and dark circles under my eyes (both no doubt not made any better by being almost 38 weeks pregnant!)  And while the foundation gives the skin a medium coverage, it still manages to make my skin look very natural and give it a nice radiant glow, without looking to shimmery. It lasts quite well on my combination skin throughout the day without settling into fine lines or changing colour, and only requires a quick touch-up for by the afternoon, but that is pretty standard for my skin type. It has a slightly odd scent, which however quickly fades, but I put it down to not containing any artificial fragrances, but rather being chock full of organic antioxidants, oils and minerals that care for the skin as you wear it. Made with 72.95% organic ingredients.

 

Then there's The Organic Skin Co Sun Kissed Bronzer, which is a BB Bronzing cream that gives the skin a light, natural suntanned look with a nice healthy glow. The actual cream is like a bronze glittery cream and it is full of light-reflecting mica and mineral pearls that give the skin the glowing radiance. On its own it doesn’t give the skin much coverage, so I find it is best used on top of your usual foundation on certain areas of the face and decollete, as if used all over, I find that it can be a little too much. It is also very concentrated, so again, you only need to use the tiniest amount, but thanks to the nifty pump bottle, it is easy to dispense even a very small amount. The Bronzer has been enriched with cold pressed oils and as well as botanicals to help moisturise and condition the skin. Unlike the foundation, it has a beautiful scent of orange. It is made from 71.43% organic ingredients.

Next up is The Organic Skin Co Botanical Loose Mineral Foundation, which has been infused with botanicals including calendula and pomegranate to help regenerate and nourish the skin, as well as it includes kaolin clay that helps draw out impurities and absorb surface oils. The foundation is best applied with a large brush such as a kabuki brush. It only gives the skin a very light coverage, although you can build it up slightly where needed, while still looking very natural and soft look, and far from cakey or powdery like many other powder foundations. And it really does stay put all day, without settling into my fine lines and without the dreaded mid-afternoon, so no doubt the added kaolin clay does prove beneficial. In saying that, I would have loved it to have a slightly better coverage to cover my increasing pigmentation, and old acne scarring, so consequently I have instead been enjoying using it on top of the Luminous Foundation, which works wonders, and when applied first thing in the morning, it makes the foundation stay shine free all day too. Made from pure minerals and botanicals. Available in three shades plus a translucent.

The Organic Skin Co Cream Blush, is a soft cream blush is so quick and easy to use. You simply dab your finger tip into the jar and blend it into the apples of your cheeks for a natural flushed look, but while being cautious not to apply too much as it is quite pigmented. The cream blush has been made with pure minerals, organic cold pressed oils and extracts from calendula and pomegranate to not only nourish and care for your cheeks, but give them a natural radiant finish at the same time. I tried the shade Lotus, which is a rich berry shade, that in the pot looks quite large, but once blended onto the cheeks, it gives a natural pink look. The cream blush wears quite well during the day, without sliding or fading too much. I also found that the cream blush worked quite well as a lip stain, so you can simply wipe off any excess from your fingers onto your lips. And it feels quite comfortable to wear on the lips too, although the wear is naturally shorter. Made with 73% organic ingredients.

Next up is The Organic Skin Co Pressed Eye Shadow Palette. I tried this eye shadow palette in the shade Espresso love, which is as the name suggests a palette with brownish shades. It contains four matte shades, including off white, a pale dusty pink, a mauve as well as a dark chocolate brown shade. And all the shades complement each other perfectly, and can be used either individually on their own for a simply daytime look, or in any combination for the perfect smoky eye. The eye shadows have a soft and smooth consistency, and are easy to apply with an eyeshadow brush, with minimal fallout, and while they are quite pigmented so that you can build up the colours to be quite intense, you can also apply them lightly for just a sheer wash of colour. They also stay put, and don’t settle into fine lines during the day. Made with pure minerals and extracts. Available in four different colour combinations.

Finally, The Organic Skin Co Lipstick, are made with carnauba wax, which helps protect the lips, even when exposed to changes in temperatures, and are consequently they also very creamy and feel very nourishing and moisturising on the lips, and hence also extremely comfortable.   I tried the shades Summer Sands and Sahara. Summer Sands is a soft pale pink, with a touch of shimmery sheen, and it is the perfect shade for those who prefer a barely there nude shade, and perfect for casual everyday wear or if you want to downplay your lips!

The Sahara shade on the other hand is a warm red shade, again with a touch of subtle shimmer, and it is my favourite of the two shades – but only because I prefer to wear just a little more colour than the Summer Sands shade provide. I simply find that the Sahara shade works perfectly for me, whether is casual daytime wear, or a night out, giving my lips colour, but without being too bold!

Common for both shades is that they last a few hours on the lips, although the darker Sahara shade has a longer wear because of the darker pigments. I would have loved them to have a longer wear, on the other hand, I wouldn’t want to compromise on how lovely moisturising they feel on the lips, or that they are 100% natural and made with 70% organic ingredients, it really doesn’t get much better than that.

All the Organic Skin Co makeup products come in stunning packaging featuring dark brown plastic bottles and jars that are so heavy duty that you could mistake them for being made of glass. But what’s even more unique is that they are all featuring bamboo lids, which make then look absolutely stunning – and very appropriate for the natural and organic products.

Overall, I am really enjoying using all the products that I’ve tried as they are all lovely, but if I had to select a few favourites, it would have to be the Botanical Loose Mineral Foundation, the Cream blush, the Eyeshadow Palette and the Lipstick. – But in saying that I wouldn’t hesitate purchasing either of the products again or try some of the other products from the range, which also includes a lipgloss, individual eyeshadows, and a liquid eyeliner.


The Organic Skin Co The Luminous Liquid Foundation - RRP: $49 / 30ml
The Organic Skin Co Sun Kissed Bronzer - RRP: $47 / 30ml
The Organic Skin Co Botanical Loose Mineral Found - $42 / 6.5g
The Organic Skin Co Cream Blush - RRP: $30
The Organic Skin Co Pressed Eye Shadow Palette - RRP: $55 / 8g
The Organic Skin Co Lipstick - RRP: $31


All the Organic Skin Co products are available from World Organic 

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

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BRAND FOCUS: THE ORGANIC SKIN CO MAKEUP

Today I’d like to bring focus to a makeup brand that I’ve just come across, The Organic Skin Co.

 

Never heard of the Organic Skin Co before? I hadn’t either, so I was pleasantly surprised when I realised that it is a makeup line produced for World Organic, a family run company from New Zealand. And common for all the products, as the name suggests, is that they are made with the aim of producing natural products of the highest quality, where the majority of the products are made from at least 70% organic ingredients.

The Organic Skin Co The Luminous Liquid Foundation

 

This foundation comes in an easy to use pump bottle and the actual foundation is light and is easy to apply and blend into the skin. It gives the skin a medium coverage, easily covering minor pigmentation, blemishes and redness, while a concealer is required for my larger areas of pigmentation and dark circles under my eyes (both no doubt not made any better by being almost 38 weeks pregnant!)  And while the foundation gives the skin a medium coverage, it still manages to make my skin look very natural and give it a nice radiant glow, without looking to shimmery. It lasts quite well on my combination skin throughout the day without settling into fine lines or changing colour, and only requires a quick touch-up for by the afternoon, but that is pretty standard for my skin type. It has a slightly odd scent, which however quickly fades, but I put it down to not containing any artificial fragrances, but rather being chock full of organic antioxidants, oils and minerals that care for the skin as you wear it. Made with 72.95% organic ingredients. Available in 4 Shades. RRP: $49.00 (30ml)

 

The Organic Skin Co Sun Kissed Bronzer

This Sun Kissed Bronzer is a BB Bronzing cream that gives the skin a light, natural suntanned look with a nice healthy glow. The actual cream is like a bronze glittery cream and it is full of light-reflecting mica and mineral pearls that give the skin the glowing radiance. On its own it doesn’t give the skin much coverage, so I find it is best used on top of your usual foundation on certain areas of the face and decollete, as if used all over, I find that it can be a little too much. It is also very concentrated, so again, you only need to use the tiniest amount, but thanks to the nifty pump bottle, it is easy to dispense even a very small amount. The Bronzer has been enriched with cold pressed oils and as well as botanicals to help moisturise and condition the skin. Unlike the foundation, it has a beautiful scent of orange. It is made from 71.43% organic ingredients. RRP: $47.00 (30ml)

The Organic Skin Co Botanical Loose Mineral Foundation

 

This loose mineral powder foundation has been infused with botanicals including calendula and pomegranate to help regenerate and nourish the skin, as well as it includes kaolin clay that helps draw out impurities and absorb surface oils. The foundation is best applied with a large brush such as a kabuki brush. It only gives the skin a very light coverage, although you can build it up slightly where needed, while still looking very natural and soft look, and far from cakey or powdery like many other powder foundations. And it really does stay put all day, without settling into my fine lines and without the dreaded mid-afternoon, so no doubt the added kaolin clay does prove beneficial. In saying that, I would have loved it to have a slightly better coverage to cover my increasing pigmentation, and old acne scarring, so consequently I have instead been enjoying using it on top of the Luminous Foundation, which works wonders, and when applied first thing in the morning, it makes the foundation stay shine free all day too. Made from pure minerals and botanicals. Available in three shades plus a translucent. RRP: $42.00 (6.5G)

The Organic Skin Co Cream Blush
 

This soft cream blush is so quick and easy to use. You simply dab your finger tip into the jar and blend it into the apples of your cheeks for a natural flushed look, but while being cautious not to apply too much as it is quite pigmented. The cream blush has been made with pure minerals, organic cold pressed oils and extracts from calendula and pomegranate to not only nourish and care for your cheeks, but give them a natural radiant finish at the same time. I tried the shade Lotus, which is a rich berry shade, that in the pot looks quite large, but once blended onto the cheeks, it gives a natural pink look. The cream blush wears quite well during the day, without sliding or fading too much. I also found that the cream blush worked quite well as a lip stain, so you can simply wipe off any excess from your fingers onto your lips. And it feels quite comfortable to wear on the lips too, although the wear is naturally shorter. Made with 73% organic ingredients. Available in 3 shades. RRP: $29.00

The Organic Skin Co Pressed Eye Shadow Palette

 

I tried this eye shadow palette in the shade Espresso love, which is as the name suggests a palette with brownish shades. It contains four matte shades, including off white, a pale dusty pink, a mauve as well as a dark chocolate brown shade. And all the shades complement each other perfectly, and can be used either individually on their own for a simply daytime look, or in any combination for the perfect smoky eye.

The eye shadows have a soft and smooth consistency, and are easy to apply with an eyeshadow brush, with minimal fallout, and while they are quite pigmented so that you can build up the colours to be quite intense, you can also apply them lightly for just a sheer wash of colour. They also stay put, and don’t settle into fine lines during the day. Made with pure minerals and extracts. Available in four different colour combinations. RRP: $55.00 (8g)

The Organic Skin Co Lipstick
 

These lipsticks are made with carnauba wax, which helps protect the lips, even when exposed to changes in temperatures, and are consequently they also very creamy and feel very nourishing and moisturising on the lips, and hence also extremely comfortable.   I tried the shades Summer Sands and Sahara. Summer Sands is a soft pale pink, with a touch of shimmery sheen, and it is the perfect shade for those who prefer a barely there nude shade, and perfect for casual everyday wear or if you want to downplay your lips!

The Sahara shade on the other hand is a warm red shade, again with a touch of subtle shimmer, and it is my favourite of the two shades – but only because I prefer to wear just a little more colour than the Summer Sands shade provide. I simply find that the Sahara shade works perfectly for me, whether is casual daytime wear, or a night out, giving my lips colour, but without being too bold!

Common for both shades is that they last a few hours on the lips, although the darker Sahara shade has a longer wear because of the darker pigments. I would have loved them to have a longer wear, on the other hand, I wouldn’t want to compromise on how lovely moisturising they feel on the lips, or that they are 100% natural and made with 70% organic ingredients, it really doesn’t get much better than that. Available in 10 shades. RRP: $31.00

All the Organic Skin Co makeup products come in stunning packaging featuring dark brown plastic bottles and jars that are so heavy duty that you could mistake them for being made of glass. But what’s even more unique is that they ae all featuring bamboo lids, which make then look absolutely stunning – and very appropriate for the natural and organic products.

Overall, I am really enjoying using all the products that I’ve tried as they are all lovely, but if I had to select a few favourites, it would have to be the Botanical Loose Mineral Foundation, the Cream blush, the Eyeshadow Palette and the Lipstick. – But in saying that I wouldn’t hesitate purchasing either of the products again or try some of the other products from the range, which also includes a lipgloss, individual eyeshadows, and a liquid eyeliner.

All the Organic Skin Co products are available from World Organic 

* 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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BRAND FOCUS: ELLIE MAKEUP

Have you ever heard of éllie Makeup? Neither had I. But when I heard that it was developed and launched by Makeup Artist Ellie Gia, which has been awarded the best Makeup Artist in Victoria, Australia for two years in a row, I got very curious, as a makeup artist always knows what makes the best quality makeup product. And even better when you know it is a local Melbourne brand. So I was also excited when I was asked to trial some of the Ellie Makeup products, here are my thoughts: 


 

What They Say:

5 Eye Palette Collection: éllie’s popular colour palettes have been carefully selected and created in a 5 Eye Palette collection. These gorgeous highly pigmented palettes have been designed with the latest colours in mind to suit every woman keeping up with the trends. Rich pigment and long lasting in beautifully designed packaging; a must for your makeup bag. Available in 6 shade combinations

RRP: $58 (15g) – Available from éllie Makeup and select stockists



Bronzer Blush Duo Glow : éllie’s convenient formula, the Bronzer Blush Duo Glow, in a pressed powder is ingenious. Triple-milled to leave a light, velvety finish that looks real. Streak proof formula. éllie’s illuminating Bronzer can be brushed on cheeks, for contouring, shoulders and décolletage for a sun-kissed radiance. Blush can be applied to apples of cheeks for radiant definition. Comes in a black bi level exclusive compact with mirror and convenient brush applicator for easier application. Available in thee colour combinations

RRP: $48 – Available from éllie Makeup and select stockists

 

Trio Teinte Allure: A must have for your handbag, go anywhere, wear anywhere! Create Luxurious Luminous Skin with our new Teinte Créme for cheek, eye and lip. The water-resistant, lightweight formula will glide on smoothly giving you the perfect pop of fresh and dewy colour. Apply with our Foundation brush or fingers. Available in 3 gorgeous shades

RRP: $36 (5g) – Available from éllie Makeup and select stockists



What I Say:

I admit it, I am extremely conservative when it comes to my makeup. Not too fond of brights, or even too much colour for that matter, I tend to reach for the nudes, brown and taupe colours all the time – and this 5 colour eye palette in Radiant Bride contains absolutely everything I need. It includes a peachy-nude, a slightly darker/warner peachy-coral shade, a taupe and a chocolate brown, all which have just the right amount of shimmer without being too shimmery. Finally the palette also contains a matte black shade.

 

And I absolutely love these shades, and in particular the first four shades. I am not overly fond of the black shade, but do admit that it is handy to have at hand to darken other shades and to line the eye, but if I could swap it for another shade, I would prefer a very dark brown shade instead.

 

But having said that, all the colours are so balanced and well put together, so the palette simply contains all the shades you need for either a very simple look, using each of the shades on their own, or mixed in any combination for a lovely smoky eye.

 
The shadows are all very pigmented, so you can easily built up the colours to be very intense, and as they are of such high quality, they simply stay put without fading or without any dropouts.

The long black palette is slimline and very stylish, and comes with a large handy mirror, the size of the palette, which makes it perfect for the handbag for touch ups on the go, using the included double ended brush which has a sponge applicator in one end and a brush in the other.

 

The Bronzer Blush Duo Glow in the shade Dusk is a dual bronzer and blush, and it has the perfect combination of a fresh pink for the cheeks and a bronze for contouring and giving you a nice natural sun-kissed look. The blush has a touch of fine shimmer throughout which when applied to the apples of your cheeks gives radiant look with just pinched cheeks. In the compact the bronzer on the other hand appears to be more matte, but once applied, it also gives the skin a nice sheen and a natural look without looking orange.

Thanks to the finely milled powder, both the blush and bronzer are easy to apply and blend. It comes in a round compact with a mirror, and under the blush/bronzer you’ll find a handy little brush, which again makes application on the go possible.

Compared to the Eyeshadow palette, the blush/bronzer compact is more bulky, which I guess is due to the bi-level design of the compact to make room for the brush. However, personally as I rarely do touch ups on the go, and also prefer to use my own larger makeup brushes, I would have preferred to see a more slimline compact, even if it meant that the brush had to be excluded.

Finally, the Teinte Créme Allure is a multi-tasking cream suitable for using on both lips, cheeks and eyes. The colour Peach Parfait is a lovely peach-pink shade that gives the loveliest and very natural touch of colour.

 

The cream is light, yet it is very pigmented, so while you can easily blend it to just a sheer wash of colour, you can also build it up for a more intense look. And it is so easy to apply and blend, with either a brush or your fingers, although personally I find using the fingers is both easier and gives a more natural look.

The formula is water-resistant, so it stays put on your cheeks and eyes all day, while it lasts a few hours on the lips before you need to reapply.

Overall, I am so happy to have been introduced to éllie Makeup as I am really enjoying using the products, and the natural look they give. I have already got my eyes on a few more items from the large product range!
 

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

Ever heard of éllie Makeup? Keen on trying?

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PRODUCT REVIEW: WANTABLE BEAUTY BOX - FEBRUARY 2014

I am not sure what has happened, - well I do actually - February was an insanely busy month for me, moving house twice, and when we finally got settled, we didn't have an internet connection for over a month - and this all meant that my blogging got a little out of whack. But I honestly thought that I'd posted this already, but a look through some of my many drafts that I always have at hand for a rainy day when my days with a little baby just doesn't allow me to blog, revealed that I had in fact not published this one. UPS.

So here you go, very late, but as they say, better late than never, hey – so here are my thoughts on the *Wantable February 2014 box;

 

What They Say:

"We create unique customer profiles by asking customers a series of product and personality questions. We then use this data to introduce customers to assortments of products perfectly suited to their personal taste. You get 4 to 5 full-size premium makeup products, hand-picked to perfectly match your preferences, valued at over US$80"

RRP: US$36 per box if you subscribe, or US$40 for a one-time purchase – Available from Wantable

 

What I Say:

If you are new to the Wantable beauty box, check out my previous reviews of the October box  and the November box.  

The Wantable box is based on the US, and they have three monthly box options available including  a makeup box, an accessory box and an intimates box, as well as they also from time to time have limited edition boxes. The Wantable boxes are a little more expensive than other beauty subscription boxes available in Australia, but it also claims to have products included at a higher total value.

As per previous boxes that I’ve received, service from Wantable is impressive, as you throughout the ordering and shipping process get emails so you know when to expect your box.

Another thing that is rally impressive about the Wantable boxes is the extensive customisation process where you for each box you order, you go through the extensive customisation process, where you in the various categories select what you LOVE, LIKE and DISLIKE, and consequently Wantable promises to that you don’t end up with products you ‘DISLIKE’, but rather a box full of products you either ‘LIKE’ or ‘LOVE’.

Anyway, here’s what was in the February Beauty Box:

Color Club Nail Polish in Pret-A-Pink – Full Size, 15ml – RRP: US$8.00

 

 

This brand is new to me, so I really don’t know what to expect, but the barely pink shade is so lovely, and it is perfect for French manicure, which I always love to wear, so this one won’t go to waste. Having said that, the colour is similar to several others in my collection (proves that I do love that colour), but there is really nothing exciting about it, so deep down, I would have preferred a different colour.

Glam Natural Cream Blush in Ashley Ashley – Full Size, 15ml - RRP: US$32

 

 

Another brand that is new to me! And I love cream blushes, and this pink shade is just so gorgeous. And speak of the packaging. It comes in a beige and black box, which is nothing too exciting, but inside you find a velvet pouch which houses the beautiful gold pump bottle. Just divine!

 

29 Cosmetics Dew Lip Gloss in Sparkling Champagne – Full Size, 5ml - RRP: US$24

 

 

Yet another new brand!! This is not just a lipgloss. It also promises to ease the signs of ageing containing antioxidants and grape seed extracts to nourish and protect the lips. In the tube, the lipgloss colour is a gold colour with shimmery particles, but once on the lips, it doesn’t leave much colour – only the shine and shimmer. And lots of it. Sadly probably a little too much for my personal liking, but I will see if I can somehow tone it down a little, so I will get some use from it.

Michael Marcus Prime Foundation Brush - Full Size – RRP: US$20

 

 

I was introduced to the Michael Marcus brand in one of the previous Wantable boxes and as I have so far liked the products that I’ve received, I am certainly not complaining about the inclusion of the makeup brush in this box. It is a full sized foundation brush made from superfine taklon. It is a little smaller than my other foundation brushes, so it will be very interesting to see how it compares.

Sorme Under Foundation Makeup Enhancer – Sample Size, 2ml

 

 

And yet another new brand! This is a foundation primer which not only promises to even out the skintone, but also fill in lines and wrinkles. It also contains a blotting ingredient that holds up to 10 times its weight in oils, so it promises to keep your skin shine free for longer. Sounds pretty good to me, and absolutely perfect for use during summer on my combination skin, so I cannot wait to try it out.

So there you have it, those were the items in my February Wantable box. All up I am quite happy about the contents in this months box – although only one item, the Glam Natural Blush managed to wow me. The lipgloss is the least of my favourites, but that is only due to the amount of glitter in it, and the nail polish and the foundation brush are both great good quality ‘staple’ items that certainly won’t go astray, although I would again have preferred something a little more exciting. However, having said that, it is still important to note that NONE of these items are on my my DISLIKE list, as I have listed that I LOVE lip colour, nail polish and blush, and that I LIKE tools, so really I cannot complain. And in the end of the day, the box contains 4 full-sized makeup products and one sachet sample – all with a combined value of US$84 for just the US $40 that a once off box cost, which makes this extremely good value! Still pretty good if you ask me.

So as I said after my last Wantable Box review, I am getting more and more tempted to sign to a monthly box, as this is such a fantastic way of getting introduced to some international brands that you would otherwise never have heard off, let alone had access to.

What about you?? Tempted to sign up?

If you do sign up, feel free to use my link, which will earn me a couple of points/dollars towards future boxes. 

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

What do you think of this beauty box from Wantable? Tempted to sign up? Have you tried any of these products or brands before? Or maybe you are subscribed to other beauty boxes? And as always, if you’d like reviews of any of the products, do let me know in the comments below.