PRODUCT REVIEW: MARY KAY SKINCARE FAVOURITES

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

PRODUCT REVIEW: MARY KAY MAKEUP FAVOURITES

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

MUST-TRY BEST SELLERS FROM MARY KAY // PRODUCT REVIEW

PRODUCT REVIEW: MARY KAY GLOWING FINISH ILLUMINATING STICKS

Today its all about some limited edition glow sticks, Mary Kay Glowing Finish Illuminating Sticks. These glow sticks are inspired by medals and come in three options, Gold, Bronze and Silver, and with their sheer colour give the skin a shimmering accent and radiance. 

The illuminating sticks come in a wind-up stick, that is easy to pop into the handbag, and they are easy to apply and blend. They can be used on any area you'd like to highlight, such as across the tops of cheeks or temples, on eyelids, shoulders or décolletage.

The thee different shades can be used for different things, so you can actually use them at the same time too, if you wish. T

The Bronze shade is the darkest of the three, and my favuorite, and it is a slightly dark orangey brown shade with golden shimmer, and this one can also be used as a blush, or to contour. The Silver is the palest shade and has a bit of a rose-gold tinge, and good for using on top of the cheek bones or as a highlighter anywhere you want sheen, while the Gold is a pale golden shade with golden fine glitter, and can be used where you’d like a more sun-kissed look. All three can also be used on the eyes, on their own or as a base. 

L-R: Bronze, Gold, Silver

The small sticks have a very lightweight creamy formula that is easy to apply and blend, without looking greasy on the skin - and you can simply swipe them on straight from the stick and blend with your fingers, or of course also apply with a brush.

I would have liked the silver stick to be more silver, and the bronze stick slightly darker, but overall, I really like these, and love the fact that they are so small and easy to use, and I also love that they come in three different colour options, so you can use it for so many things, as well as it means that there is something for every skin tone too.


Mary Kay Glowing Finish Illuminating Sticks
Available from Mary Kay

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


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PRODUCT REVIEW: MARY KAY PATRICIA BONALDI INTO THE GARDEN COLOUR COMPACT

Today I'd like to share with you this gorgeous makeup palette from Mary Kay called Into the Garden Colour Compact.

The compact has been made in collaboration with Patricia Bonaldi, who is a Brazilian born fashion designer, who with the palette has tried to capture fashion's current fascination with florals.

Between its signature packaging and day-to-night colour palette, Into the Garden™ approaches beauty from a runway-ready point of view. And the limited-time availability only makes it more attractive. 

The all-in-one compact has the most gorgeous pink floral design on the outside, and inside it reveals absolutely everything you need for a fresh spring and summer makeup look. Including;

• 4 eye shadows, in violet, taupe, pink and plum
• Three lip glosses in nude, pink and coral
• Double ended brush with sponge applicator in one end for the eye shadows, and brush applicator in the other end for the lipglosses

The eye shadows all apply with a subtle, but beautiful sheen, and the shades are all very pigmented so you can really build up the intensity, and even more so if you apply them with a damp applicator. I am personally probably a little to conservative for the violet shade, but that said, if applied very lightly, it is lovely and refreshing. The three remaining shades are all lovely, and shades I'd reach for on a daily basis, and the dark plum shade is also so dark that it borderlines a dark chocolate brown. They also have a good wear, and especially if you use a primer first, they will stay put all day without fading or settling into fine lines.

Then three's the lipglosses, and they are all very lovely, though I personally prefer the pink shade, which is also the brightest shade. The other two shades are very light, but do give a subtle tint on the lips with a lovely sheen, all while being non sticky. Personally I have also successful used the lipglosses as a blush, by dabbing a tiny amount onto the apples of my cheeks.


All in all this is a lovely compact, and the shades are a refreshing change from the nude and brownish shades that I usually select.


Mary Kay Into The Garden Colour Compact Palette - RRP: $60
Available from Mary Kay

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

 

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PRODUCT REVIEW: MARY KAY LIPS

I am very lucky that I do not suffer with dry lips. Usually a touch of lip balm before going to bed is sufficient for my lips. But that doesn't mean that they cannot benefit from a little extra TLC, and the Mary Kay Satin Lips Shea Sugar Scrub and Butter Balm are the perfect treat.

The Mary Kay Satin Lips Shea Sugar Scrub is small tube filled with sugar scrub enriched with shea butter, white tea as well as citrus. And you need is a tiny bit massaged into the lips, and then rinse it off with a bit of water, and you're left with the softest lips. And don't fear that this will scratch or dry out your lips, it is super gentle, and actually, thanks to the shea butter, leaves the lips feeling moistursed too. This is the first time I've tried a specific lip scrub, and I am so addicted to this, and cannot imagine being without out it now.

You can then follow with the Mary Kay Satin Lips Shea Butter Balm, which is a rich lip balm that is so nourishing and moisturing on the lips, repairing any signs of dry or chapped lips in no time. Both have a gorgeous, and refreshing scent from the added white tea and citrus.

L-R: Mauve Moment and Powerful Pink

Making sure that your lips are in top shape, is always the best way to ensure your lipsticks look their best. Lately I've also been loving the Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipstick.

These lipsticks are very pigmented and offers a full-coverage at the very first swipe, and with a formula that stays put for hours.

I manage to get about 4-5 hours wear from these lipsticks, which I personally find very reasonable. And unlike other long-wearing lipsticks that often dries out the lips and end up looking horrible, thanks to a gel microsphere technology, these actually feels soft and smooth on the lips, and hence are so comfortable to wear.

The lipsticks have a semi-matte finish, not completely flat and matte, but rather they have a velvety feel with just a tiny touch of sheen, which I actually really like.

I put the shades Mauve Moment and Powerful Pink to the test. Mauve Moment is a typical warm beigey-toned pink that is perfect for everyday casual wear, whereas Powerful Pink is a brighter and bolder fuchsia pink shade that really pops. I really love both, and ask me a few years ago, and I would have picked the Mauve any day, but today I am more for a bolder lips, so really love the Powerful Pink as it so brightens up the face.

The lipsticks come in stylish black bullet looking packaging, and they have a divine sweet fruity scent.

Overall I've yet again really enjoyed these products from Mary Kay. I really love the lip scrub, and it has quickly become a part of my Sunday pampering routine, and the lip balm is a great way to give the lips a treat afterwards. And the lipsticks are so lovely to wear that I wouldn't mind getting my hands on a few more in the darker red shades.


Mary Kay Satin Lips Shea Sugar Scrub - RRP: $28 / 8g
Mary Kay Satin Lips Shea Butter Balm - RRP: $28 / 8g
Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipstick - $25 / 3.6g
Available from Mary Kay 

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



 

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XMAS GIFT IDEAS UNDER $50

How's that Xmas gift shopping coming along. Personally I just have a few pressies for our little boys to go (and maybe to usual pressie for myself too ;-) But in case you're not faring as well, today I've got a selection of great gift ideas all under $50…  

 

 

Let's start off with the EcoTools Boho Luxe Travel Set. This makeup brush set is a gorgeous gift set containing three travel double ended makeup brushes, and a convenient and cute boho inspired cosmetic bag for storage of the brushes. The brushes are super soft, and the usual high quality that EcoTools is known for. The gift set includes;

 

 

 

• Foundation Brush
• Concealer Brush
• Powder Brush
• Blush Brush
• Eye Shading Brush
• Angled Crease Brush
• Cosmetic Bag 

The brushes also have the same cute boho printed design on the shafts to match the cosmetic bag, and really include all the necessities making it the perfect travel companion, and the perfect gift for any makeup lover.

 

 

For the body, you just cannot go past this Revitalizing Gift Set from Weleda, containing Age Revitalising Evening Primrose Body Wash (200ml) and an Age Revitalising Evening Primrose Body Lotion (200ml), which thanks to the added evening primrose helps strengthen the skin and increase its resilience all while adding essential and intense moisture and nourishment.

The Body Wash is a very gentle and plant based, and the added macadamia nut oil and evening primrose leaves your skin feeling clean and ever so soft after use. Following with the Body Lotion, which is perfect for mature skin, as the evening primrose, sesame oil, shea butter and gotu kola extract helps stimulate the restorative processes of the skin. The Body Lotion has a nice thick consistency, yet it absorbs quickly and easily into the skin, leaving it soft and feeling so nice. Both products are 100% certified natural and organic, and free from any synthetic ingredients including preservatives, colourants, fragrances of raw materials derived from mineral oils.

Both products have the most divine scent from the added cardamom, magnolia and sandalwood, and will leave you smelling beautiful for hours.

  

 

For the feet, there's this limited edition Into The Garden Pedicure set from Mary Kay. This gift set contains absolutely everything you need for fresh pampered feet, all ready for all the New Year's parties, including;  

• Satin Feet Foot Scrub, 85g
• 10 foot fizzies  
• One pair toe separators
• Emery board
• White mesh cosmetic bag

 

The Foot Fizzies are perfect to add to a foot bath, to not only freshen up tired feet, but they also help soften the feet, ready for a go with the foot scrub, which then helps gently buff away all dead skin cells, to leave your feet feeling soft and smooth. Both product have the most gorgeous floral scent. The gift set also includes an emery board to file and buff your nails and a pair or toe separators to make polishing your toe nails that little bit easier. Everything comes packaged in white mesh cosmetic bag that makes storage of the products super easy too.

 

 

Then there's the new fragrance from Elizabeth Arden, Always Red Femme EDT, which is a lighter and fresher version than the previous Always Red. The fragrance contains;  

• Top Notes: Top Notes: Blackcurrant Bud, Pear, Lemon
• Middle Notes: Peach Blossom, Muguet, Jasmine
• Base Notes: Vanilla, Moss, Cedar Wood and Patchouli

 

It is a gorgeous fruity scent where you can instantly smell the blackcurrant, but as it dries down, the pear and vanilla and not least lemon, makes it fresher. The added jasmine and patchouli adds a lovely fresh floral touch too. The fragrance, in spite of 'only' being an EDT, has a very long wear, and in fact, I don't feel the need to reapply all throughout the day to maintain the scent. It comes in the most gorgeous bottle, which is a new version of the Elizabeth Arden Red door, only it is a stunning matte black on one side, and decorate with the most beautiful pink and red flowers on the other.

 

So there you go, a selection of gift ideas under $50 that your mum, auntie, bestie, or any beauty loving female for that matter, would love getting for Xmas.

 

EcoTools Boho Luxe Travel Set - RRP: $49.99

Available from Priceline

 

Weleda Revitalising Body Wash & Lotion Pack - RRP: $39.95

Available from Weleda Online and select stockists  

 

Mary Kay Into The Garden Pedicure Gift Set - RRP: $45
Available from Mary Kay 

Elizabeth Arden Always Red Femme EDT - RRP: $50 / 50ml, $69 / 100ml
Available from Elizabeth Arden Counters in Myer and David Jones and select pharmacies

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

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MARY KAY BEAUTY THAT COUNTS HEARTS TOGETHER LIPSTICK AND LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER

I think we've all been touched by cancer. Some of closer than others, but regardless it is a horrible illness. While my little, now 18 month old boy was sick and spent over 4.5months at the Royal Children's Hospital, a good part of this time, was spent at the oncology ward - not because he had cancer, but his life-threatening auto-immune disorder meant that he has undergone much the same strong chemotherapy treatment as many cancer and leukaemia patients. And while he was so young he naturally couldn’t tell me how horrible he felt, but he didn't need to, the signs and how he was reacting were very obvious.

And all he wanted was to be in mummy's arms, and between him crying non-stop and nurses coming in and out of his room non-stop around the clock, there were days where hardly got any sleep. It was a tough time for everyone, including our then 2 year old boy at home, who had suddenly been left by his mummy, only to see me for a few hours over the weekend. Most wouldn't understand the stress the whole situation put you in. Not even close family. And certainly not friends, - but as the very true saying says, it's when in need you discover who your true friends are, and so friends we didn't think of as close prior, came out of the woodwork to support, while others we had expected to, just rarely even asked about how things were going. A life lesson well learnt.

Luckily we've now surfaced, and our little boy is doing really well - still a long journey ahead with hospital checkups for life, but he is a very happy and strong willed little boy.
So what's all of this got to do with Mary Kay and lipsticks.... well... For our little baby it naturally didn’t matter that he lost all his hair, thanks to his treatment, as he probably would have lost it anyway, (his big brother also lost all the dark hair he was born with, and then went blonde) - but if you're just slightly older, one thing is that you're feeling horrible, but if you also feel you look worse for wear, it doesn't help at all.

And that's where Mary Kay comes in…. They are doing this amazing campaign called Beauty That Counts Hearts Together Lipstick. For each lipstick sold, Mary Kay will donate a $1 to the Look Good Feel Better program. This program is a free national community service program dedicated to teaching cancer patients- women, men, and teens how to manage the appearance-related side-effects caused by chemotherapy and radiation treatment, leaving them empowered and ready to face their cancer diagnosis with confidence.

As Mary Kay says, "We love changing the world, one lipstick at a time"

The Look Good Feel Better organisation among others have workshops which covers skincare, make-up and headwear demonstrations, leaving them empowered and ready to face their cancer diagnosis with confidence. Here they also give skincare tips on how to alleviate dryness, and makeup tips on how to conceal skin redness and how to draw on eyebrows.

But what's more is that each participant receives a Confidence Kit, full of skincare and make-up products donated by the cosmetic industry to use as tools for application throughout the workshop and to continue in their own homes.

And through the program, participants can meet others in similar situations and build new friendships and networks of support.

The Look Good Feel Better workshops are open to anyone undergoing treatment for any sort of cancer. In Australia, more than 125,000 people have participated in the program, which now offers approximately 1,000 workshops nationwide in more than 180 venues. The program relies heavily upon a team of 1,500 trained and certified cosmetic, beauty and hairdressing professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to help deliver workshops across Australia and as we receive no government funding, it is the generosity of the community that allows us to continue to provide this free service.

How incredible is all of this. So help support this wonderful cause and get yourself, and all of your friends one of the special Mary Kay Beauty That Counts Hearts Together Lipsticks.

 

It is a gorgeous medium pink shade, and feels so soft and moisturising on the lips thanks to containing Vitamin E and a Vitamin C derivative help defend against wrinkle-causing free radicals and everyday environmental stress. And it has the most gorgeous packaging, black with small pink harts, and even the actual lipstick has hearts embossed into it.

You'll love it, so make sure you get yours now, and help spread the word of this wonderful cause.
For more information about Look Good Feel Better - visit their website. 

Mary Kay Beauty That Counts Hearts Together Lipstick - RRP: $24

Available from Mary Kay

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

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PRODUCT REVIEW: MARY KAY ENDLESS PERFORMANCE CREME-TO-POWDER FOUNDATION

As you may be aware, the Beauty and Lifestyle Hunter is an official Beautydirectory Expert Panelist. The Beautydirectory the only online resource for the Australian and New Zealand beauty industry, including brands, PRs and media including beauty bloggers like myself, and this esteemed Expert Panel, includes a small selection of best bloggers/vloggers in Australia - and the Beauty and Lifestyle Hunter is one of those! I still so excited to be a part of that panel! And as a part of the Expert Panel, today I’d like to share with you my thoughts on the newly launched Mary Kay Endless Performance Crème-to-Powder Foundation;

What They Say:

Mary Kay Endless Performance Crème-to-Powder Foundation is your key to a long-lasting, flawless finish. Formulated with multiple technologies to help you achieve beautiful results, it glides on like a cream to hide imperfections and dries to a powdery matte finish. Available in 9 shades.

RRP:

Endless Performance Crème-to-Powder Foundation: $30 (10g) – Available from Mary Kay

Mini refillable compact: RRP: $28 - Available from Mary Kay


What I Say:

To be honest, I have to admit to usually preferring liquid foundation. Not really sure why, just somehow usually find it easier to use. In saying that, I may have to admit that I’m wrong..

This crème to powder foundation is surprisingly easy to apply using the included makeup sponge (you actually get two included with the foundation), or any other makeup sponge or blender for that matter. The foundation glides easily over the skin, and is so easy to blend into an even natural finish. And if you want or need to, you can easily build up the coverage slightly to help cover dark circles under the eyes, redness, and pigmentation.

 

 

And in spite of having combination skin, that often tends to get a touch on the greasy side by the afternoon, this foundation actually stay put all day. And without fading, sliding, looking shiny, and very importantly too, without settling into fine lines and wrinkles.

The foundation has a matte finish, which, with combination skin I really like, as too dewy or shimmery foundations often makes me feel that my skin looks even greasier than it really is. Mary Kay also claims that the foundation is heat-, humidity- and transfer-resistant, and I did find that to be true, and that there was minimal transfer on i.e. my glasses and sunglasses when I too them off. 

I also really like that the foundation is oil-free and non-comedogenic too, so it is suitable for combination and oily skin types. It has also been dermatologist tested, and tested for skin irritancy and allergy, so it is also suitable for sensitive skin types. In fact, it actually claims to be suitable for all skin types, but in saying that, I am not too sure how it would go on more dry skin types. 

At $30, I find the foundation to be relatively well priced, but in saying that, it is also not particularly large with just 10g, so I am not too sure how long it will last before you hit the pan. In saying that, the foundation does come in just a simple plastic case, which as such is fine if you do to tend to take it with you – but it is intended to be put into one of Mary Kay’s special refillable compacts. This black sleek compact comes with a small mirror, and a hidden compartment underneath which holds the makeup sponge. The compact has a magnet making sure that the foundation is kept securely in place. And once you’ve finished up the foundation, you can of course re-use the compact, using it for a new foundation, or even for other makeup products such as eye shadows, blush, bronzer or the like! But essentially, the $28 for the compact does add to the cost of the foundation, essentially making it cost $58.

However, all in all, this is a lovely crème to powder foundation that is easy to apply, gives you a nice seamless matte finish, and lasts all day. 

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


Do you use crème to powder foundations? What type of foundations do you prefer? Ever tried any of the products from Mary Kay?

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PRODUCT REVIEW: MARY KAY CREAM EYE COLORS

I love cream eye shadows as they are always so easy and quick to apply using just your fingers, so today I’d like to share with you some newly launched Cream Eye Colours from Mary Kay*;

 

What they Say:

This soft, creamy, long-wearing formula glides on easily, lasts for 10 hours and can be applied in multiple layers to deliver more noticeable color while retaining a lightweight feel. Can be used alone or as a primer under mineral eye color. Dries quickly and does not transfer.

RRP: $24 (4.3g) – Available from Mary Kay

  

What I Say:

 

A little while ago, Mary Kay released a small range of cream eyeshadows, consisting of four colours:

 

• Meadow Grass – a dusty green shade
• Violet Storm – a medium purple shade
• Glacier Gray – a medium grey shade
• Coastal Blue – a bright blue shade

 

 

L-R: Violet Storm, Meadow Grass, Glacier Grey, and Coastal Blue

 

 

I have always loved a good cream Eyeshadow, finding them easy to apply, but at the same time I have to be quite honest and admit that the colours in this range is not normally colours that I would wear, being quite conservative and usually reaching for neutral shades.

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, I of course had to put these new eyeshadows to the test. Having combination skin with slightly greasy eyelids, it can often be a struggle to get eyshadows to stay put, so I start by applying my usual primer first. I like applying the cream eyeshadows with my fingers, and usually use a single colour for a quick and easy everyday look, but you can of course apply them with a brush such as the Mary Kay Cream Eye Colour/Concealer Brush if you prefer as well as you can layer the colours if you like, as well as you can also layer powder eyeshadows on top for an even more intense look.

  

 

 

L-R: Violet Storm, Meadow Grass, Glacier Grey, and Coastal Blue

 

 

The eyeshadows have a nice creamy and smooth consistency and the apply and blend so easily, and you can apply them as just a wash of colour, or build it up to an intense look if you like, by applying more layers. They dry quickly to a lovely soft finish with a nice metallic sheen that is just right without being over the top shimmery. And as promised they stay put all day without dropping, fading or creasing, even on my slightly greasy eyelids!

 

 

The Cream Eyeshadows come in a small clear jar with a black screw that is simple and easy to use. At $24 they are a little more expensive than other popular drugstore cream eyeshadows, but I find that their high quality justifies the price, I only wish that there were a few more colours in the range including a neutral, a brown and a charcoal!

  

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

 

 

What do you think of these cream eye shadows? Do you prefer cream or powder eye shadows?

 

 

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PRODUCT REVEW: MARY KAY HELLO SUNSHINE COLLECTION

Today I’d like to introduce you to a limited edition Mary Kay collection called Hello Sunshine*, which was launched in celebration of spring and summer.

 What They Say:

Mary Kay Springy Eye Duo: This amazing eye colour has a springy feel and glides on effortlessly to provide long-lasting colour. The smart cream-to-powder formula leaves a smooth, even finish. Use shades alone or together to create a gorgeous look just for you!

RRP: $26 (1g) – Available from Mary Kay

Mary Kay Creamy Lip Colour: Create this season’s soft and feminine lips with this long-lasting, creamy formula. Lightweight with a semi-matte finish, it conditions and feels moisturising to keep lips feeling smooth and comfortable. You’ll get colour that stays true without feathering or bleeding. Available in two shades, Retro Rose and Carefree Coral .

RRP: $25 (2g) - Available from Mary Kay 

Mary Kay Lip Gel: Turn up the volume on your lips with this ultra-glossy lip gel! It provides bold, rich, buildable colour with a glass-like smooth mirror finish, leaving lips feeling soft and hydrated. Available in Cherry Twist.

RRP: $27 (3.2g) - Available from Mary Kay 

What I Say:

The Mary Kay Springy Eye Duo’s come in two colour combinations, Summer Sunset which is a warm shade that contains a warm copper shade and a golden yellow, while, the combination Stone Washed contains a mid-brown shade as well as a mid-blue shade.

I have to be honest and admit that some of these shades are not my usual preferred colours, and I rarely (read never) wear yellow or blue Eyeshadow! In saying that, they colours are lovely, though I would have preferred something less bright and a little more neutral (conservative?) So I have been using the copper shade from the one duo, mixed with the brown shade from the other one. The eyeshadows are so light and extremely soft and easy to blend, and they have a very good pigmentation, so you can apply them sheer, or easily build up the colour to personal preference.

The Mary Kay Creamy Lip Colour Lipsticks are very pigmented and moisturising lipsticks, with a lovely semi-matte finish although they do have a touch of sheen. They are very easy to apply, and feel so light and lovely on the lips. They lasts fairly well, and even when they start to fade, they fade evenly leaving a lovely stain behind on the lips. The ‘Carefree Coral’ shade is a lovely pinkish red shade, while ‘Retro Rose’ is a lovely warm red shade.

Finally, the Mary Kay Lip Gel is a lipgloss, that is extremely pigmented, and the shade ‘Cherry Twist’ leaves you with an intense and bold red lip with a high glossy finish. It is easy to apply, and can be used on its own (although I do recommend using a lipliner, to avoid any bleed), or you can use it on top of a lipstick for extra pizazz. The feels incredibly lovely on the lips, and has a nice light moisturising feel, leaving your lips feel very soft. As most lipglosses it doesn’t last that long on the lips, although you can wear if for a few hours if you don’t eat or drink.

L-R: Lip Gel in Cherry Twist,
Creamy Lip Colour Lipsticks in Carefree Coral and Retro Rose

Overall this is a beautiful spring and summer collection and I do find it difficult to pick a favourite. Although I don’t usually wear the bright eye shadows, I really like the cream shades, as they are quick and easy to apply, and lasts so well without fading or creasing. The lipsticks are so lovely and moisturising to wear, and the shades are both lovely and very wearable, and likewise, the lipgloss, is so lovely, although, of course, the bright red shade might not be for everyone, although personally I really like it, and find it a great way to brighten up the face.

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

What do you think of this limited edition Hello Sunshine collection from Mary Kay? Do you wear bold and bright makeup?
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PRODUCT REVIEW: MARY KAY THINKING OF LOVE EAU DE PARFUM AND BODY LOTION

As you may have worked out by now, I am a bit of a perfume addict, having more perfumes in my collection that I’d dare to count, so when just before Xmas I received a beautiful delivery from Mary Kay with their newest release, Thinking of Love Eau de Parfum and Body Lotion, it naturally made my day. Here are my thoughts;

What They Say:
Thinking of Love™ Eau de Parfum was created with notes to inspire new moments and memories. Wear it on his birthday, Valentine’s Day, your anniversary, or any ordinary day you want to make extraordinary. In one breath, the notes of a fragrance can evoke a memory. That first date. The first time you said I love you. And the special moments you’ve shared ever. Comes with Keepsake charm to treasure.

RRP: Eau de Parfum (29ml): $44 – Available from Mary Kay

But right now you can get the set including the Eau de Parfum (29ml) and the Body Lotion (133ml) for $64 (RRP $75) - Available from Mary Kay


What I Say:
The new Thinking of Love Eau de Parfum has been developed to inspire romantic moments and memories. It comes in the cutest little round white frosted bottle with a bright pink clear lid which has a little heart charm attached.

 

It has notes that includes mandarin, baie rose, freesia, honeysuckle, iris and sandalwood, and it has a slightly sweet floral scent, where I particularly pick up the freesia, honeysuckle and iris notes – and as it is also quite light, it is perfect for use during spring and summer.


In spite of being so light, it has a fairly good longevity, so when I spray it on in the morning, you can still detect it by the afternoon, although a spritz or two is required if you go out again at night.

The ideal way to build up the lasting-power is of course to build up the scent, and the perfect way to do this is to use the matching shower gel (also available from Mary Kay), and the body Lotion, and that way the scent lasts even longer.

The Thinking of Love Body Lotion comes in a bright pink tube, that matches the perfume. It is thick and creamy and absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving it feeling greasy and tacky. And unlike many other perfumed body lotions is very moisturising too, so I actually like to use it as a hand cream too!

 

Overall this is a lovely sweet floral scent that you cannot help but fall in love with. If you want to get your hands on this perfume, you need to hurry, as it is a limited edition!

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

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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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