IVADORE REVIVE, NURTURE AND LOVE, AGE-DEFYING MINERAL POWDER // PRODUCT REVIEW

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: NATIO SUNLIT MINERAL BRONZER AND RADIANT MINERAL BLUSH

Today I'd like to share with you two limited edition products from Natio, which have been brought back due to popular consumer demand, the Sunlit Mineral Bronzer and the Radiant Mineral Blush.

These palettes have the most stunning mosaic patterns of matching shades, and are both enriched with vitamin E and rosehip oil to care for the skin along with absorbent kaolin and light reflecting mica to help blur imperfections and give a bronzed look w and rosy cheeks.

The Natio Sunlit Mineral Bronzer is a palette contains five complementary shades including light mocha, apricot, golden tan and cocoa brown hues, and give the skin a gorgeous healthy glow, without making it look orange, or unnatural. I generally prefer matte bronzers, as often I find that bronzers have way too much shimmer and sheen (which often makes my combination skin look oily and greasy on warm days!), but this bronzer actually has just the right amount of sheen, and consequently gives the skin a radiant glow at the same. The shades are obviously intended to be use in combination by swirling around a large brush, but if using a smaller brush, individual shades can also be used for contouring.

The Natio Radiant Mineral Blush, is also a mosaic palette, containing five different shades, including light peach, dusty rose, a warmer rose and a slightly bright rose, and again and combined, these shades applied to the apples of your cheeks, or applied on along the cheekbones, gives your skin a beautiful and natural flushed look. Again, shades can of course be used individually if desired.

Both palettes are made from finely milled powders that are easy to apply and blend, and they are both quite pigmented too, so you can apply just a little, or easily build up the intensity.

The round palettes have a clear lid so you can easily distiquish the two, and while the bronzer has standard size for a bronzer, the same sized blush, is consequently larger than most blushes, which makes it good value too.

What I also like is that they are made free from sulphates and parabens, and also that they are free from fragrances, - yet still smell lovely, no doubt from the added rosehip oil.

Overall I am really enjoying using these palettes, and thanks to the combination of shades in each of the palettes, they are perfect for a range of skin colours, and if you do have a lighter or darker skin tone, or simply prefer a darker shaded blush, you can simply apply more of the darker shades of the palettes to tailor your needs. 


Natio Sunlit Mineral Bronzer - RRP: $19.95
Natio Radiant Mineral Blush - RRP: $19.95

Available from Myer, David Jones and Select Pharmacies from 7th November 2016
*Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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PRODUCT REVIEW: DESIGNER BRANDS MINERAL EYESHADOW QUADS

I'm sure you've all heard about Designer Brands - the Aussie brand that this year is celebrating 10 years in the market, and known their large range of affordable cosmetics, at high quality and free from chemical nasties such as parabens, talc and bismuth, as well as they are vegan and cruelty free certified! Well, to coincide with the anniversary, DB Cosmetics, as they are also called, are launching a range of new exciting products, including three Mineral Eyeshadow Quads in limited edition shades. 

The Mineral Quad Eyeshadow Quads are available in the shades Added Warmth, Pretty in Plum, and In the Shadows.

Often drugstore eyeshadows leave a lot to be desired in regards to pigmentation and wear, so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw how pigmented these were, and that, with the use of primer first, they actually also do stay put all day, without settling into creases, or without any fallout, even on my greasy eyelids.

Each of the palettes have a nice combination of shades, and contain finely milled Sericite Mika to make them silky soft, and Vitamin E to prevent any dryness and make them super easy to blend. 

I also really like the shades in each palette come numbered 1 to 4, and that on the back of each palette there is a how-to guide to help you create the perfect eye look.

Of course, each of the shades can be used individually for a simply and quick look, or in combination for a more dramatic and intense look.

You start by applying shade 1 to the brow bone and inner corner of the eye to lift and open the eye. Apply shade 2 to the entire lid as a base colour. Apply shade 3 to the crease and outer corner of the eye.

Use shade 4 to deepen the colour in the corner of your eye and define the top and bottom lash line.

Now onto the shades;

 

• Added Warmth - containing matte beige, shimmery golden, matte orange, matte dark chocolate
• Pretty in Plum - containing matte dusty rose, shimmery lavender, matte dusty greyish-purple, and matte dark purple
• In the Shadows - containing matte beige, shimmery golden, matte taupe, matte dark grey

 

Each of these palettes are stunning in their own right, and the colours are perfectly suited to each other to wear in any combination, or of course, as individual shades. My least favourite of the three is the Pretty In Plum, but that's merely because I am a tad conservative with the shades I wear on my eyes, and purple is not one of those shades I'd normally reach for - but still the shades are gorgeous.

 

The palette I'll without a doubt reach for the most is the In The Shadows containing more neutral shades as well as the dark grey, perfect for lining the eyes for a more intense look.

 

Finally, the Added Warmth - this is the palette that at first glance caught my eyes first. My second thought was that this is a stunning range of colours, but surely that orange is impossible to wear, but I was surprisingly wrong, as it actually looks very stunning, and if blended properly and used in moderation with the other shades in the palette, I will actually be using these shades too.

 

   

So there you go, some beautiful looking palette from Designer Brands which are definitely worth checking out, but be quick as these are limited edition, and these are sure to fly off the shelves.

 

    

Designer Brands Mineral Quad Eyeshadow Quad - RRP: $9.99 each

 

Available from Designer Cosmetics Online and select pharmacies 

 

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

 

   

 

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PRODUCT REVIEW: SCOUT MINERAL COSMETICS LIPGLOSS, EYESHADOW AND NAIL LACQUER

I’ve previously talked about Scout Cosmetics, and fell in love with their products. The brand is Australian and as well as makeup, also makes skincare and haircare products, all made in Australia from only the high quality certified organic and natural ingredients. So when I when I was sent some of the new season products, it natural made my day.

Scout Cosmetics Mineral Lipgloss in Sweet

The Lipgloss in Sweet, is a pastel pink shade with super fine glitter particles. I am not really fond of glitter, maybe it’s my age, feeling I’m a tad too old for it, but these glitter particles are really tiny, and once on the lips they are almost not visible, but rather gives a nice sheen. The shade Sweet, again, is not normally a shade I’d go for simply as I don’t feel it suits my colourings, and hence I usually preferring more mauve shades (although one of my goals for this year is to be a bit more experimental with darker and brighter lipsticks!!), however, it goes on the lips sheer, so it simply gives the lips a lovely light pink shade with the nice sheen, so I’m actually enjoying wearing it on the days I don’t feel like wearing too much, or even days where I’m not wearing other makeup. Thing is that it is packed with vitamin E, Orange and Jojoba seed oil so it is very nourishing on the lips, so it’s practically like wearing a lip balm, and I love the fact that it has next to no scent. And unlike many other lipglosses, it feels lovely on the lips and not tacky or sticky at all. There are 13 shades in the range, and I certainly wouldn’t mind a few more… RRP: $24.95, available from Scout Cosmetics Here


Scout Cosmetics Mineral Eyeshadow in Ice Baby

The Eyeshadow in Ice Bay is a pale pink with a soft metallic sheen. It comes in a little clear plastic pot with a black screw lid, and it has an inner ‘shaker lid’, making it easy to shake out just the amount of the loose mineral eye shadow you need. The shade is great to use on its own to brighten the eyes, or used as a base colour in combination with any other colour. It is very easy to apply and blend, and it only takes the tiniest amount, although as it is so pigmented, you can easily build up colour for a more intense and dramatic look. It has a good wear, even on my greasy eyelids, especially when using a primer first. There are a whole 23 beautiful shades in the collection, and personally I certainly wouldn’t mind adding a few more to my collection! RRP: $29.95 Available from Scout Cosmetics Here


Scout Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in All She Desires

The Nail Polish in All She Desires is a pinky-purple shade loaded with tiny silver and blue-ish glitter particles to give it a high-intensity metallic sheen and a shade that is slightly variating from pink into sliver . It is not a shade I’d probably select myself, but in saying that it is lovely on the nails and such a refreshing change from the non-metallic shades I’d usually go for. I also love the fact that it is a 5-free formulation free from all the harmful ingredients including Formaldehyde, DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor or Parabens. It is easy to apply streak free, and even after one coat it gives a decent coverage, although naturally nicer and more solid colour after the standard two coats. It has a relatively good wear of a couple of days, but in saying that, I have a sick baby who is very sensitive to any infections or bugs, so I do wash my hands more times than I can count throughout the day, which naturally also puts wear and tear on the polish , so I still find that pretty good. There are a massive 30 shades in the range, and again, certainly wouldn’t mind a couple more! RRP: $19.95 and available from Scout Cosmetics Here

Overall really enjoying using these products from Scout Cosmetics, and I’m sure you’ll love their products too!

* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have 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: SCOUT COSMETICS - LIPGLOSS, EYESHADOW AND BLUSH

I love it when I come across new brands, so when I was asked to trial some products from Scout Cosmetics, I happily accepted. Here are my thoughts on the Lipgloss, Eye shadow and Blush*;

What They Say:

Lipgloss: Vitamin E Organic citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) and Jojoba seed oil help to make this lip gloss shiny creamy and moisturising. SCOUT mineral lip gloss Colours are sexy fun and fresh. Available in 16 colours

Eyeshadow: Modern - Elegant - Colours have been created to give you a versatile palette for day or evening. The range of matte mineral eye shadows allows the contemporary woman to accentuate her eyes during the day adding more definition at night. The earthy shades can also be used for brow definition. The range of shimmery mineral hues adds glamour and a sense of the dramatic. Our shadows take you from the boardroom playground business or lunch to a night-time affair.... Available in 23 colours

Blush: Our blush provides the softest hint of colour. For a naturally beautiful just blushed finish. The smallest amount is needed for an elegant luminescent glow. Available in 4 colours



RRP: 

Lipgloss: $24.95 – Available from Scout Cosmetics Online 

Eye Shadow: $29.95 – Available from Scout Cosmetics Online

Blush: $49.95 – Available from Scout Cosmetics Online


What I Say:

New to Scout Cosmetics I decided to look a little into the brand, and was surprised when I realised that this is a family owned Australian business established over than 10 years ago. And the company has a huge range of not only mineral cosmetics, but also skincare and haircare products. Where have I been?! 

I also discovered that Scout Cosmetics has the philosophy is that each product must have three attributes;

• It must be made in Australia from only the high quality certified organic and natural ingredients
• It must be formulated by experts and manufactured to exacting Australian and international standards
• Most of all, it must be effective in looking after your skin, enhancing your natural beauty and be a delight to use

The collection has been developed for the discerning, active woman, with the "colour palette of our mineral makeup had to be contemporary and versatile. The application and finish luxurious. Our collection had to match the very best brands but ‘without all the conventional chemicals".


In addition, the products are not tested on animals, are Water resistant and can be worn while playing sport and all day and into the night, utilises pharmaceutical grade minerals and naturally derived or organic botanicals, rated SPF 15 as a natural sunscreen. The products are also lightweight, non-comedogenic and allow your skin to breathe, contains no Bismuth Oxychloride and are free of parabens, synthetic FD & C classified dyes, clays, mineral oil or petroleum derived ingredients and free of lanolin, beeswax or any other generic fillers.


Sounds pretty impressive if you ask me – so how do these products perform. Let’s start with the lipgloss..

The Scout Cosmetics Lipgloss comes in a simple clear tube with a black lid, and a foot doe applicator, that makes it easy to apply, even on the go. It has next to no added fragrance, yet it has a slight scent, no doubt from the added ingredients.

I got the colour Zest is a lovely nude dusty pink shade. Seeing the name Zest does make me thing of something citrusy, but well, that is not the case. Once on the lips, it is quite sheer, and only gives your lips hint of the pale pink shade, rather it lets the natural colour of your lips shine through, while giving them a lovely sheen, without being too over the top.

And on the lips it feel so light and weightless. My lips instantly feels so soft and smooth, as if I am wearing a lip balm, as there is absolutely no stickiness in sight. As any other lipgloss, and in particularly pale colours like this one, the wear is not the longest, and after I eat or drink it more or less disappears. Otherwise it does stay put on the lips for a few hours, and when it does fade, it still leaves the lips with the nice sheen, and still feeling soft and smooth.


The Scout Cosmetics Mineral Blush comes in a clear plastic pot with a black screw lid, which reveals the inner ‘shaker lid’, making it easy to shake out just the amount of the loose mineral blush you need, without wastage. The clear jar also makes it easy to see exactly how much of the blush you have left.

I tried the colour Demure, which as the name suggest is a modest – pale dusky pink, and exactly the type of colour that I mainly reach for on a daily basis for a simple and minimalist everyday look.

The actual blush is easy to apply and blend, and as it is so highly pigmented, only the tiniest amount is needed for a slight blushed look, while the colour can easily be built up. It has a slight luminescent sheen, yet this is still so subtle, without making it look too over the top.

I apply it over either my usual BB cream or foundation, and at night it still looks freshly applied, without having faded.


Finally the Scout Cosmetics Eye Shadow comes in a clear plastic pot with a black screw lid, in the same style as the blush, only a lot smaller. Like the blush, the eye shadow also has an inner ‘shaker lid’, making it easy to shake out just the amount of the loose mineral eye shadow you need.

I trialled the colour The Promise¸ is a dark chocolate brown shade, from the matte eye shadow range. And I love that it is matte, as being at the age where fine lines have set in around the eye area, too shimmery eye shadows only highlight these more. And the colour is absolutely stunning, perfect to wear with a nude base colour, for a simple daytime look, or to use for a dark smoky eye at nigh-time.




I clearly used too much eyeshadow to do this swatch,
but it just goes to show how pigmented it is!

Like the blush, it is very easy to apply and blend, and it only takes the tiniest amount, although as it is so pigmented, you can easily build up colour for a more intense and dramatic look.

Being a loose pigment, there is a little fallout as you apply it, but I think is pretty standard for loose pigment eye shadows – but you can avoid getting eye shadows falling down your cheeks by making sure to remove excess Eyeshadow pigment from the brush before applying, and by adding a bit of powder under the eyes before, so you can easily sweet away any particles that may drop.

It has a good wear, and used with a Eyeshadow primer first, the Eyeshadow stayed put all day without fading or settling into fine lines.



What I Like:

• Products contain absolutely no chemical nasties, and are very gentle on the skin
• Due to the ingredients, the products have a natural ‘built’-in’ SPF15
• Large colour range available so there is something for every taste and skin tone
• Products are very concentrated, highly pigmented and of a very high quality
• Products made from certified organic and natural ingredients
• Reasonably priced for mineral cosmetics of such a high quality

 What I Don’t Like:

• Only available for purchase online or through Scout Cosmetics Consultants, making it more difficult to view and play with colour range prior to purchase

Overall I am really impressed with these products from Scout Cosmetics, and again, I cannot believe that this brand has been around for more than 10 years, and I’ve only just come across it now! I am super impressed with these products, as they are not only a breeze to work with, they also feel so comfortable on the skin, and look so natural as well. So if you are looking for products made from certified organic and natural ingredients, then I highly recommend that you check out Scout Cosmetics. I know I’m keen to discover more of their products!

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


Have you ever heard of Scout Cosmetics? Do you use mineral makeup? And what do you prefer, loose or pressed eye shadows and blushes?

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PRODUCT REVIEW: NATIVE BOX CLASSIC JULY 2014

Hard to believe that yet another month has passed and we are in fact already half way through the year! Not sure how I feel about technically being 6 months older, but on the positive I do like that there is now only just over a month left of winter. Anyway, end of the month also means arrival of the subscription boxes, and today I’d like to share with you my thoughts on the *July edition of the Classic Native Box;

 

 

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?

PRODUCT REVIEW: COLORESCIENCE MINERAL MAKEUP

I have no idea what has taken me so long…I have always been told that mineral makeup is the best for troubled skin prone to breakouts, yet, I have no idea why, when I have always had skin that is breaking out like temperamental teenage skin, I did not try this out earlier.. And today I’d like to share with you my thoughts on the *Colorescience Primer, Pressed Foundation, Setting Mist and Sunforgettable;

 

What They Say:

Colorescience Primers Skin Brightening Line Tamer – Colorescience Face Primers are the first step to improve the colour and texture of the skin. Face Primers target skin types and skin concerns to help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and the overall texture and tone in one simple step.

RRP: $72.60 (30ml)


Colorescience Pressed Foundation is formulated to provide customisable coverage and colour, this light-weight, highly pigmented pressed foundations disguise imperfections, enhance features and evens the appearance of overall skin tone.

RRP: $72.60 (12g)


Colorescience Hydrating Setting Mist: Keep make-up in place all day and activate the vibrancy of minerals for an ultra-natural, luminous look.

RRP: $57.20 (118ml)


Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Powder SPF15: Achieve the ultimate protection from sun damage and ageing effects with a soft focus finish. Sunforgettable mineral sunscreens are easy to apply and re-apply throughout the day to keep your skin protected and beautiful.

RRP: $96.80 (6g)

 

Available from Time Out Beauty or call 1800 648 851 for your nearest stockist



What I Say:

Ever heard of Colorescience before? I hadn’t either! Colorescience is not just a premium mineral makeup rage that gives you skin a flawless even skintone, it also doubles as a skincare range using powerful ingredients such as peptides, liquid crystals, pearl powder, hyaluronic and salicylic acid to help treat and manage common skin concerns such as ageing, pigmentation and problem skin – while you wear the makeup. So you don’t just get the benefit of instantly nicer looking skin, the benefits are cumulative as you wear it! It is literally skincare with built-in makeup, how cool is that. And what’s great too, is that the products are free from harsh chemicals, dyes, talc, alcohol, mineral oil and fragrance, so they are suitable for even the most sensitive skin types too!


To maximise the benefits of Colorescience and to achieve optimum results, Colorescience has devised a four step regimen called the ‘Core 4’ which features essential layers to prime, correct, set and protect, and with the ability to mix and match products specific for your skin needs and concerns, Colorescience Core 4 work together to nurture, camouflage and protect the skin. 

 

 

 

The first step is applying the Colorescience Skin Brightening Line Tamer Primer, which helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles & overall texture and tone, so perfect for my skin with beginning lines, uneven skin texture and pigmentation.

The primer has a slight beigey-yellow tint which instantly makes my skin tone look so much nicer and more even, giving it a nice glow, while giving it a dewy finish. It is easy to spread onto the skin, and it absorbs quickly so you are ready to apply your makeup, although you can also use it on its own.


The next step is to apply the foundation, in this case the Colorescience Pressed Foundation in the shade A Taste of Honey.

Having sadly suffered from acne when I was younger with the result that I am not left with some scarring and marks, and add to that increasing pigmentation, means that I generally prefer a minimum of a medium covering foundation, And this foundation ticks all boxes. It so light-weight, but as it is also so pigmented it that it is easy to build up coverage so you can hide any blemishes and pigmentation, and without it looking thick or cakey.

The included sponge makes it easy to apply, and you easily can apply just a little or add another layer or two where you need it. And my skin is left looking so nice and even, and with a natural finish too.


I then follow with a spritz of the Colorescience Hydrating Mist.

This hydrating setting mist that not only sets the makeup and activates the minerals for a more luminous look, it also keeps the makeup in place so it is less transferable – all while serum ingredients add hydration to the skin.

And this mist is also perfect to use throughout the day to revitalise the makeup look, and refreshen the skin, so perfect both during summer when your skin is exposed to air conditioners, and in winter too when you’ve got the heater going.


The final step is a sweep of the Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 15, which is a lightweight mineral powder that contains broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection.

This powder is so fine and light weight, and applies sheer, so it is perfect to use for touch-ups on the go, also because it comes in a self-dispensing retractable powder brush. I did have a few issues getting the powder ‘flowing’ for the first time, but with a bit of tapping if was finally coming through, and now I love it, and it is just perfect for keeping shine at bay, while not clogging up my pores or make my makeup look cakey. And love that it contains SPF15, as even in winter, it is so important to stay sun smart! 

Overall, these products from Colorescience are nothing short of amazing, and I love how they give my skin such a nice even appearance and with a natural healthy glow too, and although I have combination skin prone to the afternoon shine, they do stay put all day without fading, changing colour, or settling into fine lines. And what’s even better is that the products care and treat my skin as I wear them. What’s not to love!

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

Have you ever heard of Colorescience? Do you use mineral makeup?

Product Review: ELES Mineral Makeup Dimensional Cake Liner & Brow Blender

A little while ago, I came home to a lovely surprise – a lovely package from ELES Mineral Makeup containing products to create their spring makeup look, Sixties Vibe. I will blog about each of the products in the package individually, but just couldn’t help showing how beautiful the package from ELES was, complete with floral garland and sixties style sunnies!

I have already reviewed the ELES Mineral Makeup Signature Shadow Quad in Debutante, and here are my thoughts on the *ELES Mineral Makeup Dimensional Cake Liner in Plum Crazy and the Brow Blender in Dark Taupe;

What They Say:

Dimensional Cake Liner : "Part matte, part shimmer! Pair the two to add definition and drama. Transform eyes with this professionally paired cake eyeliner duo that delivers high definition, real drama and true long lasting colour. Use the matte side to define; the shimmering side to dramatize. Hypoallergenic. Paraben and fragrance-free."

Brow Blender : "All-in-one ELES Brow Blender pencil creates soft, natural looking colour. The cap has built-in brush for blending and shaping."

RRP: Dimensional Cake Liner $39 available from ELES here, Brow Blender $42 available from ELES here

What I Say:

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

When I first saw this this Dimensional Cake Liner I thought it was an eye shadow, and it wasn’t until I read up on the product details that I realised that it was supposed to be used as an eyeliner. I normally use either a kohl pencil or a liquid liner so this was completely new to me!  And as I discovered that when it was used dry it is not very pigmented, but when you use a wet eyeliner brush, that is a completely different storey!

Dimensional Cake Liner in Plum Crazy includes a matte dark violet shade to define the eyes, and a dark purple with tiny pink and silver shimmer to add drama to the eyes.

I applied it by using a wet liner brush to first apply the matte shade in soft pressing motions along the upper lash line, and hereafter, without re-wetting the brush, pressing the darker shimmery shade on top to add more intense colour, shimmer and drama.

The matte shade to the left, while the right shade
has the darker shimmery shade added on top

While I am not overly keen on shimmery eye makeup, the shimmer in this Cake Liner is luckily so subtle, that I don’t mind it, although you can still build up the amount of shimmer by applying more ‘layers’ on top, as desired for a more dramatic effect.

The Brow Blender in Dark taupe is a very pigmented brow pencil, that makes it easy to line and define the brows – even thin and over-plucked ones like mine. The pencil is very pigmented and soft, so you don’t get very sharp lines, but rather soft more natural lines. Afterwards you can use the spoolie on the other end of the pencil to comb the brows into place and blend out the pencil to give the brows a defined, yet very natural look, that stays put all day.

What I like:

• The products are easy to use
• Very pigmented
• Long Wearing
• The Brow Blender creates well defined, yet natural looking brows
• The Dimensional Cake Liner gives a unique look which can easily be built up and tailored to personal taste

What I Don’t Like:

• Products are a little pricey
• Only available for purchase from ELES

I am so used to using a black kohl pencil, but once I got used to applying the Dimensional Cake Liner I really fell in love with the result it gives you. It is actually quite easy to apply, and it is very pigmented, and it stays put all day.

The Brow Blender is also easy to use, and in an instant it transforms my over-plucked thin brows. It gives a very natural look, and like the Cake Liner, it stays put all day long!

Overall, ELES has yet again impressed me with the quality and uniqueness of their products, and I know that I will enjoy using these for months and months to come, so if you haven’t yet tried any products from ELES, I highly recommend that you check them out, you won’t be disappointed.

*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 mineral eye shadows? Which ones are you favourites?