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: ELES WINTER MAKEUP UP LOOK - THE BIG SMOKE

Each season ELES Mineral Makeup launches in an amazing new makeup look, and this winter the theme is The Big Smoke, which is all about soft, sultry and city chic. Make sure to also check out the autumn look here.
I have been lucky to be sent a few of the components from this look, so here are my thoughts on the ELES Mineral Matte Blush in Adobe* and the Super Gloss in Pomegranate*;

What They Say:

Mineral Matte Blush in Adobe: Matte pigments fused with the pearlescence of minerals impart a modern “matte glow”. This revolutionary, skin-smoothing blush floats over skin to impart a soft, imperceptible finish while deflecting light away from flaws. Free of chemical “nasties” it allows skin to “breathe” freely while natural minerals shield against age aggressors.
RRP $45.00 (3.4g) – Available from ELES Mineral Makeup, and select stockists


Super Gloss in Pomegranate: An ultra-brilliant formula that delivers transparent shine with sensuous colour. Enriched with vitamins A & E to soothe and protect dry lips while delivering a beautiful transparent shine.

RRP $33.75 (11.4g) – Available from ELES Mineral Makeup and select stockists



What I Say:

I have previously been so lucky to try several other products from the ELES product range, and they all remain some of my most reached for items as I am so in love with all of those products as their quality is simply second to none so they are such a joy to use and wear. Some of the products that I in particularly love is the Signature Quad in Naturalist, and the Mineral Blush in Coral Sun, and of course not forgetting the amazing nail polishes.
And these new products are no exception.

The Mineral Matte Blush in Adobe applies and blends so easily giving you a natural flushed look with a nice matte look with just enough sheen to make a difference and give you a nice glow, and without being over the top. The colour Adobe is a lovely pale but dusty warm apricot shade that is perfect for giving pale winter cheeks a bit of life and colour. And although I personally suck at it, the shade is perfect too to contour and define the cheek bones, when used on the lower part of your cheek bone, in connection with other ELES Blushes used on the apples of your cheeks.

The blush is so high in rich pigments and minerals that the colour payoff is incredible, and you can get anything from just a sheer wash of colour, or due to the rich pigments, also easily build up the colour to a more intense look. And the blush simply stays put all day, without fading or sliding.
I absolutely adore this Adobe shade, and it is a refreshing change, although I do think that nothing will ever replace my beloved ELES Coral Sun blush!

The Super Gloss in Pomegranate is the perfect way to finish off any winter look, as it simply leaves the lips so moist, hydrated and voluminous.

The colour pomegranate is a lovely transparent pink shade that looks so lovely on the lips and would suit any skin tone, and is as perfect to use during summer as it is to liven up a pale winter face. And while it is transparent it still offers sufficient colour to wear on its own, while it also adds a lovely shine when used on top of a lipstick.

The lipgloss is enriched with vitamins A & E to keep your lips nourished and soft, and moisturised and protected from the chilly winter winds. It comes in a sqeezy tube with an angled nozzle which makes it quick and easy to apply.

It is a little more expensive than most lipglosses, but believe me, it is so lovely to wear, that you won’t mind spending that little bit extra.

Once again ELES has managed to impress me with their beautiful high quality products. If you haven’t yet tried any of the products, I highly recommend that you check them out!

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

Have you ever tried any of the mineral makeup from ELES? What do you think
of these products?


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PRODUCT REVIEW: ELES MINERAL COSMETICS MINERAL SHEER BRONZER IN RIO DE JANEIRO

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you may have noticed that I have recently established a bit of a love affair with the products from ELES. All the products that I’ve tried so far have simply been nothing short of amazing, and continue to be amongst the products that I continue to reach for on a daily basis. So I happily accepted when I was asked to trial the *ELES Mineral Cosmetics Mineral Sheer Bronzer in Rio De Janeiro. Here are my thoughts;

 

 

What They Say:

ELES™ Mineral Sheer Bronzer provides a tropical glow without a visit to the tropics! Micro-fine minerals impart a natural radiance with this silky-sheer, lightweight bronzer. The advanced pigment technology delivers a sheer, healthy, bronzed finish. Free of oil, talc, and fragrance it is ideal for both face and body for that ‘sunless tan’. ELES™ Mineral Sheer Bronzer is paraben free and hypoallergenic.

RRP: $77.00 (9g) – Available from ELES and select stockists

What I Say:

Like most others, I love summer and feeling the sun kiss my cheeks and warm up my body. But having a little baby this summer, has meant that I have stayed indoors more than I usually would during summer, as I simply don’t want my little baby boy to cook in the sun. But that consequently also means that I am a little paler than I usually am this time of year. Add to that that my little boy is currently teething and therefor often waking in the middle of the night, which means that I am a little sleep deprived too at the moment. To say that I am looking a little pale and worn out, is a bit of an understatement if you ask me.

Anyhow, that’s when I rely on a good bronzer to give me some much needed colour to my face.

 

 

I am often in a hurry these days when applying makeup, and often end up overdoing the bronzer so I end up looking like an oompa loompa, but with the ELES Mineral Cosmetics Mineral Sheer Bronzer in Rio De Janeiro I do not need to worry.

The Bronzer is very lightweight, and goes onto the skin very sheer, giving you a perfectly natural sun-kissed look. The colour is perfect for my medium being skin tone, without looking orange. And having combination skin, I also love that it doesn’t contain any shimmers, as it always makes my skin look even shinier and greasier than it really is, and not to mention, making my skin look older than it is highlighting fine lines as well.

 

 

The bronzer is not only perfect for sweeping across your face with a large powder brush, it is also perfect to use for contouring, as well as you can use it to add a touch of glam to your shoulders and décolletage on a night out.

The bronzer is extremely fine milled, and is so silky smooth and looking so natural on the skin – even if you decide to add a few more layers to build up coverage and colour. The bronzer also works perfectly to set your foundation, and it stays put nicely most of the day, without fading or without settling into fine lines and wrinkles.

 

 

The bronzer comes in a simple, yet modern gunmetal compact with a large mirror, and the actual powder has a beautiful checked design. It doesn’t come with a brush, but as I prefer to use my own anyway, I really don’t mind.

It retails for $77, which is not exactly cheap, but I have been using this bronzer for almost two months now and you can hardly tell, so it will last you for a very long time. And in the end of the day, what is $77 if the product gives you such a nice and natural looking tan that it makes you stay out of the harsh sun and hence avoid damaging and ageing you skin further and possibly even prevent skin cancer…just saying..!

 

 

What I like:

• The bronzer is free of oil, talc and fragrance as well as it is paraben free and hypoallergenic
• Long wearing with a natural bronzed look that doesn’t look orange
• Can also be used on décolletage, shoulders and for contouring
• Simplistic and sleek looking packaging

What I Don’t Like:

• A little pricey, but then again, most bronzers of this quality cost about the same
• Does not include a sponge/brush, but I personally don’t mind as I prefer to use my own brushes anyway
• Only available online

Overall, I’ve said it before, and I will said it before, and I will say it again, - ELES has once again impressed me, the products may not be cheap, but my, they are such a joy to apply and wear, always giving you such a nice look, and this bronzer is definitely no exception. So if you are looking for a natural looking bronzing powder, you need not look any further than to the ELES Mineral Cosmetics Mineral Sheer Bronzer in Rio De Janeiro. 

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


Have you ever tried any of the makeup from ELES Mineral Makeup? Do you use a powder bronzer? Any recommendations?

 

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PRODUCT REVIEW: ELES MINERAL MAKEUP BERRY CRUSH AUTUMN LOOK

Each season ELES launches a new makeup look, which is nothing short of amazing- and the autumn look named Berry Crush is no exception. It includes bronze hues of autumn days with the delicious and sumptuous shades of crushed berries, and is a soft and feminine look with bold semi-matte lips, strong youthful brows, soft hazy eyes and a touch of blush. I was lucky to receive some of the products from this look, so here are my thoughts on the *ELES Mineral Makeup Signature Shadow Quad in Fashionista; the Powder liner in Copper, the Blush in Mixed Berries and the Micro Bubble Lipstick in Micro Blush;

What They Say:

Signature Shadow Quad in Fashionista: Magical alone but mesmerizing when they merge, ELES Mineral Shadow Quad creates a myriad of eye effects within one convenient compact. Hypoallergenic, Oil-free, Dye-free, Talc-free, Fragrance-free. Earth-derived micro-minerals produce a smoother application for longer lasting eyeshadow that is crease resistant. Jet milled pigments create a smooth velvet finish and blend easily. Vitamins A, C & E to condition and protect the delicate eye area. Available in 7 different colour combinations, which include Fashionista. 

RRP: $99 – Available from ELES Mineral Makeup

Powder liner in Copper : Clinically formulated to provide smooth easy lining with creamy rich colour this dual-ended eye liner pencil glides over eyes without dragging or slipping, delivering a soft powdery finish that will last all day. The unique formula contains Titanium Dioxide, a natural mineral for protection and staying power and Candelilla Wax, which provides soft and supple application. Available in 6 colours including Copper.

RRP: $43.25 – Available from ELES Mineral Makeup

Blush in Mixed Berries: Satin-like formula fl oats over skin creating a healthy glow. Luxurious and long wearing finish brushes on easily without streaking or need for blending. Available in two shades.

RRP: $39.50 – Available from ELES Mineral Makeup
Micro Bubble Lipstick in Micro Blush:Rich, cream colour and protective treatment in one. ELES Micro-Bubble Lipstick is the perfect choice after dermatological procedures, such as lip collagen injections. “Micro-bubbles” continually release conditioners to keep lips soft and colour fresh for hours. Available in 13 shades including Micro Blush.

RRP: $39.50 – Available from ELES Mineral Makeup


What I Say:

I have previously tried some makeup from ELES Mineral Makeup, including the Liquid Lustre, the Mineral Blush, the Powder Liner, and the Signature Quad in Naturalist and I so love these products and constantly reach for them, so I was so excited when I also received the new autumn Look for trial. 

The Fashionista Quad includes a pale peachy-skin toned shade, a warm dusty pink, a dark plum/aubergine and a dark chocolate brown shade, and shades have a nice pearlescent sheen with a nice satin finish that is not too glittery or shimmery. As with all ELES Eyeshadow quads, the colours complement each other so well and are perfect for use both on their own, but also together in any combination. And because all the colours are so lovely, you will get use out of every single one of them, and not like those Eyeshadow palettes where you only end up using a few of the colours!

The two palest shades, the nude and the dusty pink shades are perfect to use during the day for a simple, and classic day time look. While the darker shades are perfect if you want a more dramatic eye or for night time wear. The dusty pink works well for covering the eyelid, you can then pick either the plum or the chocolate for using on the outer corners and on the crease line, and also to line the eyes with, before you blend it well to soften the look and create the perfect smoky eye. And the nude shade is great to use a highlighter under the brow bone.
 

 The eye shadows are so lovely to work with, and it is so easy to build up the desired colour, which can be intensified if they are used wet. And they have minimal fallout, and such a great wear, even on my combination skin and slightly greasy eyelids!



The ELES Cosmetics Mineral Powder Liner Pencil in Copper is a medium chocolate brown shade with a nice coppery sheen. I have previously reviewed the pencil in Tornado, which is a darker brown, so I like that this one is slightly lighter in shade, so more perfect for day time wear, plus the shimmer adds a nice touch. The Cobber Powder Liner Pencil is perfect to line the top lash line to define the eyes, and also under the eyes, and smudger in the one end of the pencil makes it easy to create a smudged look that completes the smoky look.

 

The eyeliner is soft and creamy, so you don’t need to drag and pull at the sensitive eye area, and although my eyes are very sensitive and easily water (especially when exposed to chilly autumn winds!), yet the eyeliner simply stays put all day – but removes so easily with waterproof makeup remover.


Next I apply the Blush in Mixed Berries to the contours or my cheeks (check out my other post about this blush here), and adding a little extra to the apples of my cheek for a more flushed look – which is perfect for bringing a bit of colour and life back into the autumn pale skin. Mixed Berries is such a lovely warm berry shade, that will complement any skin tone, and as with all ELES products it is highly pigmented, so you can apply just a touch of colour, or easily build it up if you are after a bolder look.

 

Finally, I finish off the Micro Bubble Lipstick in Micro Blush – and this lipstick is nothing short of amazing. The mineral lipstick has micro-bubble spheres that continually release conditioners to keep lips soft and hydrated, and it is without a doubt one of the creamiest lipsticks that I’ve ever tried. It simply glides onto the lips so smoothly, and keeps my lips soft and moisturised all day, and it never sinks into any creases in my lips. And it stays put for good 5 hours, and even survives a light lunch and a coffee.


 

The Micro Blush is a lovely blue tinged berry shade that gives the lips a nice colour, brightening up and bringing the whole Berry Crush look together. You can apply just a wash of colour by dabbing it on and smearing it out with your fingers if you are after a subtle look, of a few more coats, will give you an intense yet looks with a lovely semi-matte finish.

Overall these products are so amazing. But I am not surprised, as all the products that I’ve so far tried from ELES have impressed me! And combined these products are perfect to create a lovely berry look this season, perfect for all occasions.

Left-Right: Powder Liner in Copper,
Blush in Mixed Berries, Lipstick in Micro Blush

Normally I am very conservative when it comes to my makeup, preferring neutral and brownish shades (which is why the ELES Signature Quad in Naturalist continues to remain one of my absolute favourite palettes!) – however, thanks to ELES I have realised that I can still venture a little out of my comfort zone and use other shades, such as plum, and still maintain a classic natural look.
*These products were kindly provided for consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. 

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Have you ever tried any of the makeup from ELES Mineral Makeup? What do you think of this look?

BEST OF BLUSHES

With a teething baby, I cannot remember the last time I got a full night’s sleep without any interruptions, so as a consequence I feel I am often looking tired and washed out – and one of those makeup products sure to make me look a little ‘fresher’ in an instant is a blush. In other words, I simply couldn’t live without one, and hence has a selection of different ones depending on my mood and occasion..

 

 

ELES Mineral Blush in Mixed Berries

 

I have previously reviewed the ELES Mineral Blush in Coral Sun, and it remains one of my all time favourite blushes. But one in Mixed Berries, which is, as the name suggests a darker shade, is so on-trend, and perfect for winter look. Normally I would not go for a blush that looks so dark in the pan, but the colour has surprised me. While it is extremely pigmented so you have to apply it with a very light hand, you can of course also get just a touch of colour, but just adding the tiniest amount of blush to your brush. It is long wearing, and doesn’t slide or fade during the day. I love that it contains absolutely no chemical nasties, but rather it cares for your skin, containing vitamins A, E and C to condition and protect the skin.

RRP: $39.50 (3.4g) – Available from ELES Cosmetics

 

Clinique Blushing Blush in Precious Posy

 

With combination skin, prone to shine by the afternoon, I don’t like too shimmery products as I feel it makes my skin look even greasier – but this blush has just the right amount of sheen to still give you a nice glowing look. It has a lovely peachy-pink shade that brightens up your face and makes you look fresh and like you’ve just had 8 hours of un-disturbed beauty sleep (I wish). And it simply stays put until you take it off again, and I love that it is oil-free so it won’t make my skin break out. It is very pigmented, so you can add just a touch of colour or build it up to a more intense look – which is so easy to do with the soft angled sculpting blush brush that comes with the blusher.

RRP: $49 (6g) –Available from Clinique

 

Nvey Eco Powder Blush in 957

This blush from Nvey Eco is another one of my go to blushes, and the palest one in my line-up today (check out my initial review here). I simply love the product is certified organic and the products are paraben free and made without talc, synthetic fragrances or chemical nasties. The pale dusty rose and is perfect for pale skin and during winter, and it has a tiny touch of shimmer to give you a nice sheen – it is just perfect for those days when you want a subtle natural look. And being dusty rose colour, it is perfect to use as an Eyeshadow too.

RRP: $29 (2.5g) – Available from Nvey Eco

The Powder Blushes from Left to Right:
Nvey Eco, Clinique and ELES

Swatches (non-blended) of the Powder Blushes from Left to Right:
Nvey Eco, Clinique and ELES

Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick in Peachy Blush

 

If you are more for a cream blush, you cannot go past the Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick in Peachy Blush. This stick goes on like a cream but transforms into a powder as you blend it onto your skin. The wind-up stick is easy to use and I like to dab on a little onto my cheeks with the stick, and then blend it out with my fingers. And the result is so lovely, giving my cheeks a nice natural flushed look, so perfect for those casual days when you don’t want to look too made up. And while the stick is easy to pop into your handbag without fearing it will spill, there is no need, as it simply stays put all day!

RRP: $43 (6g) – Available from Clinique 

Jane Iredale In Touch Cream Blush in Charisma

 

Don’t be fooled by what looks to be a very dark colour, as Charisma is a burgundy shade that looks very dark in the stick, yet it blends to a lovely sheer and natural look. This tiny blush stick has a lovely cocoa scent and is full of high quality and very concentrated creamy blush, so you only need a small sweep for a dewy radiant glow. It goes on like a dream and is so easy to blend with your fingers – and as it is so small, it is perfect for the handbag too if you’re on the go, - and then it’s perfect to use on your lips too – and regardless if you use on your cheeks or your lips, it is very long lasting.

RRP: $48 – Available from Adore Beauty
 

The Cream Blushes from Left to Right:
Clinique and Jane Iredale

Swatches (non-blended) of the Cream Blushes from Left to Right:
Clinique and Jane Iredale

Mineralogie Blush in Pink Sand

 

If you are more for loose mineral pigments, you cannot go past the Mineralogie Blush in Pink Sand. The slightly shimmering blush in Pink Sand is a beautiful dusty pink shade that will brighten your complexion and give you a nice healthy glow, while looking very natural. It is so easy to use and blends like a dream with a soft blush brush. I love that it has been formulated with vitamins E and A to help sooth and protect the skin, and it doesn’t contain talc, starch, perfume or dyes so it is very gentle on the skin. And as a bonus it can also be used as any Eyeshadow.

RRP: $39.95 (3g) – Available from Mineralogie 

 

Vani-T Powder Blush in Tibetan Ochre

 

I have previously reviewed this mineral blush from Vani-T (which you can see here), but thought it was worth a second mention too as it is still one of my favourites. The warm rose colour is shimmery, but again, has just the right amount of shimmer to give you a radiant and healthy glow without being over the top. It is easy to blend, and just as easy to build up in colour if desired. And I love that it is free from all the chemical nasties. And how gorgeous is the square jar that looks like it has a massive diamond on top!

RRP: 40.95 (8g) – Available from Vani-T

The Loose Pigment Mineral Blushes from Left to Right:
Mineralogie and Vani-T

Swatches (nob-blended) Loose Pigment Mineral Blushes from Left to Right:
Mineralogie and Vani-T

Estee Lauder Pure Color Cheek Rush in Techno Jam

 

Finally, if you prefer a tint, you’ll love this light water-based gel from Estee Lauder. I have also previously reviewed this one (see my review here), but again one that continues to be a favourite of mine. It is so light, and so extremely pigmented that you just need a few drops on the apples of your cheeks for that perfect ‘pinched cheeks’ and flushed look that stays put throughout the day.

But I have to warn you, because it is so pigmented you have to work fast to blend it, or it will come up very dark (and stain your fingers too), but it is all worth it. I also love using it as a lip stain, for natural ‘just bitten’ lips!

RRP: $60 (8g) – Available from Estee Lauder

 

Estee Lauder tint - non-blended

Estee Lauder tint - blended - and if you look closely, you can
see the little darker 'dot' from the picture above, as I obviously
 took too long blending it out while I was taking photos..

So there you have it – a selection of blushes, and something for everyone from light to dark shades in and textures, from standard powder, to loose pigments, cream and tint. So which one is my favourite one, you might ask? And I honestly couldn’t pick one over another, as I love them all, and that you with this line-up can achieve just the look you’re after, be it a barely there flushed cheek to a more intense look for a night out.

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

 

What do you think of these blushes? Tried any of them? What type or blush do you prefer?

Product Review: ELES Brighton Nail Polish Collection

Last week I received the most amazing package. A package with the new Brighton Nail Polish Collection from ELES. The full collection. A whole 12 shades. It totally made my day. And to tie in with the theme of the bold and brightly coloured seaside huts of the UK’s famous Brighton Beach, ELES had also included a gorgeous beach towel, not only embroidered with ELES Cosmetics, but it was also personalised with my name. Such a lovely touch. And as I was living in a beach house on Mornington’s Peninsula, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach, while we were waiting to move into our house, the timing just couldn’t have been better.

But speaking of being inspired of UK’s Brighton Beach, I personally think it would have been just as appropriate to name it after our very own Brighton Beach here in Melbourne. I think the below picture speaks for itself – don’t you?

Anyway, here are my thoughts on the *ELES Brighton Nail Polish Collection;

 

 

 

 

What They Say:

"The Brighton Nail Collection, like all ELES nail collections are designed to provide a healthy and safe alternative to creating beautiful nails. the range proudly boasts a ‘5 Free’ formula – no DBP, no toluene, no formaldehyde, no formaldehyde resin and no camphor – 5 toxic ingredients commonly found in nail enamels."

 

RRP: $15.00 – Available from selected beauty salons and daysspas, and from ELES Cosmetics Online

 

What I Say:

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you may recall that I’ve recently fallen in love with the brand ELES, having tried some amazing products including the ELES BB Cream, ELES Mineral Blush and ELES Signature Quads. As soon as I saw all the colours in this new nail polish collection, I was impressed. The colours nothing short of amazing. So bright and vibrant, and one colour more beautiful than the next. Impossible to pick a favourite. Even the names are so adorable.

 

As mentioned above, there are 12 gorgeous shades in the collection;

 

Blues:

Deckchair Blue, Dip in the Sea, Not a Cloud, Teal n’ Wheel

 

Greens/Purples:

Berry Smoothie, On the Pier, Lime Sorbet, Peppermint Cream

 

Reds: 

Royal Pavilion Red, Coral Café, Juicy Fruit, Peach Pebble

 

The actual nail polishes have a nice formula, and thanks to the wide brush, they are so easy to apply, even for someone like me, usually quite hopeless with nail polish. And for most colours, it applies nice and streak free, and while one coat covers nicely, it takes two coats for the perfect finish. It does however seem like some of the colours have a slightly more runny formula, including the Not a Cloud, which is a little trickier to apply evenly and does go on a little streaky. But again, it may just be me, and not to mention that streakiness is quite often happens with lighter nail polish colours.

 

Not a Cloud

While on the other hand, the Juicy Fruit applies nice and evenly. In the picture below I’ve used the *Revitanail 3D Topcoat, which does give it an even nicer shine, a gel-like look and makes it last even longer.

 

Juicy Fruit

Revitanail 3D Topcoat

With the help of a base and top coat, the ELES nail polishes have a nice staying power, lasting almost 5 days, which is pretty darn good if you ask me – especially considering that in that same period have been moving house, and hence my hands have had quite a workout, and also been washed more than normal – so huge round of applause to ELES.

I also love the fact that the nail polishes are ‘5 Free’ – ELES has simply taken the ‘3 Free’ one step further and also excluded formaldehyde resin and camphor from their formula, which one can only praise, as the less nasty chemicals used, the better, so well done ELES.

 

 

And considering the high quality of these nail polishes, the $15 price tag is in my opinion very well priced.

What I Like:

• 5-Free formula
• Easy to apply formula
• Nice bright colour range
• Well priced

 

What I Don’t Like:

• A few of the lighter colours are a little streaky to apply

 

Overall, this collection is so well done, and all the colours really do remind me of a nice beach holiday, looking at the gorgeous and brightly coloured beach boxes – and while the colours are summery, and we according to the calendar officially now are in Autumn, these colours will as perfect for a summers party as for dark winter outfit.

If you are looking for a high quality nail polish minus all the chemical nasties, I cannot recommend these nail polishes from ELES highly enough. And I am personally already looking forward to what the next collection may bring..

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

 

What do you think of this nail polish collection from ELES? Ever tried any of the products from ELES?