PRODUCT REVIEW: ESSENCE PRODUCT NEWS APRIL 2014

The day before Easter the loveliest parcel arrived at my door, a selection of the newest products added to the essence product range. Essence is such a great brand, with high quality on trend products, at rock bottom prices. The package was amazing, and clearly a lot of time and effort had gone into putting it together, but sadly as you can see from the images below, Australia Post really doesn’t care about the parcels they deliver, and consequently two products were smashed up, making a right mess!

 

 

The new essence products include among others;

*essence mono eyeshadow

A range of mono eyeshadows in a huge choice of colours, 20 in total so you can create endless trendy looks! The Eyeshadow got slightly damaged in the mail, but at least can still be used! RRP $2.85

 

*essence 3D eyeshadow

Unfortunately this was the Eyeshadow that didn’t survive being handled by Australia Post. How frustrating. And what a mess too. Took me forever to clean up all the mess that was stuck to all the other products, and then I had clean myself afterwards as I had Eyeshadow literally all over!! But I did learn that the Eyeshadow, which contains satin, metallic and shimmering textures, has an amazingly pigmented coverage, so at just $4.95 this is a definitely worth checking out. Darn you Australia Post! Check out the pics below!!

 

*essence all about eyeshadow palettes

 

 

New trendy Eyeshadow palettes with six trendy colours, with combination ‘all about nude’, all about candies’, ‘all about sunrice’ and ‘all about paradise’. The palettes include shimmering, matte and metallic effects. I’m so relieved that this ‘all about nude’ palette survived the freight, as the colours are stunning, and just the shades that I prefer! RRP $6.45

 

*essence eyeliner pen waterproof

I am always using a black liquid eyeliner, but with sensitive eyes, I struggle finding one that will stay put when my eyes water, so I cannot wait to put this new waterproof edition to the test. And with an RRP of just $4.95, the price is yet again rock-bottom.

 

 

*essence kajal pencil

These kajal pancils are available in a total of 8 colours, and again they are long-wearing which is perfect for my eyes. I love this Hot Scorch colour which is a bronze metallic, but at just $1.80 you can afford to buy one of each colour!

 

 

*essence maximum volume mascara

This mascara has an elastomer brush with elliptical blades that provides perfectly defined lashes and great volume too. This opthalmologically tested mascara is an amazing find at just $4.95

 

*essence XXXL longlasting lipgloss mirror shine effect

These lipglosses are available in 9 colours and give the lips an amazingly shiny finish will being long wearing. And they truly are longwearing, even staying put after a lunch, so at just $4.10 each, I will definitely add a few more to my collection.

 

 

*essence XXXL longlasting lipgloss matt effect

This lipgloss has a velvety matte effect, and again, has an amazing wear without drying out the lips. It is available in 5 trendy colours at just $4.10 each

 

*essence all-in-one CC cream clear and correct

This CC cream covers and correct irregularities, including spots and redness while giving the skin a smooth and even finish and a soft complexion. I love the fact that it also comes with SPF30, so I cannot wait to put this one to the test. At just $7.35 it’s another amazing bargain find!

 

 

*essence all about matt! oil control make-up base

This is a primer which helps to minimise the appearance of pores and balance out oily skin so your makeup will look nicer and stay put for longer, although it can also be used on its own for a shine free finish. Perfect for my combination skin, so I cannot wait to use this one. RRP is just $5.75

 

*essence blush up! Powder blush

So glad that this blush arrived intact too, as it looks absolutely stunning with its tequila-sunrise gradient effect. It promises a subtle colour, yet I am sure it will manage to put some glow onto my sleep-deprived pale face! RRP $6.45

 

 

*essence colour & go nail polish

This colour, Splash is an amazing dark turquoise green metallic shade that is perfect for autumn and winter. And in spite of the low price of just $2.75, these nail polishes are 3-free (contains no formaldehyde, toluene or phthalates), amazing. Other nail polish brands could surely do the same.

 

 

*essence effect nail polish

This glitter jewels nail polish in the colour glitz & glam contains a large amount of pink glitter in varying sizes. It will be stunning to wear on its own, or on top of a solid darker shade for an interesting effect. RRP: $3.65

 

So there you go, these are some of the new products from essence – but before I finish off, let me just show you how much of a mess a broken Eyeshadow can make…

 

 

 

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

 

Have you ever tried essence makeup? Any of these products that particularly catches your eye?

And as always, if you like in-depth reviews of any of the products, please let me know in the comments below.

If you liked this review, don’t forget to follow my blog on either GFC of Bloglovin’ or like my Facebook page – and of course don’t forget to enter my new international giveaways!

 

Product News: OPI’s Glimmer of Hope for Breast Cancer 2013

As most are probably aware, October is always Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and consequently a number of products are always released where some, if not all of the profits are donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

This year OPI is supporting breast cancer research with a new limited edition Pink of Hearts 2013 dual pink nail art pack complete with pink ribbon stick-on decals and crystals. 100% of profits will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).

 

 

The OPI Pink of Hearts 2013 contains limited-edition 'More than a Glimmer' and OPI’s classic soft pink 'Pink-ing of You', complete with 10 pink ribbon stick-on decals and sparkling crystals.   Each bottle of nail lacquer has a special pink-ribbon cap wrap in support of breast cancer awareness. 

'More than a Glimmer' is a unique blend of silver, pink, and teal glitter set in a clear matte base. The result resembles brushed chrome subtly reflecting surrounding colours for a look that commands attention in an understated way.  For optimal matte, brushed chrome finish do not apply top coat.

 

 

'Pink-ing of You' is a classic soft pink that truly inspires hope.

 

I always stock support Breast Cancer, and always make sure to stock up on 'Pink' products in the lead up to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and as I absolutely love OPI nail polishes (and how gorgeous are these shades?), that this OPI nail art pack is already on my shopping list..

The OPI Pink of Hearts Nail Art Pack is available from 13th September 2013 from selected salons and David Jones, $24.95 while stocks last. 

What do you think of this OPI Nail Art Set? Do you buy 'Pink' products in lead up to Breast Cancer Awareness Month? And what are you planning on getting?

 

 

 

Industry News: ORLY Launches the Flash Glam Winter Collection

Which girl doesn’t love nail polishes. And one of my favourite brands is ORLY. Always good quality, and unique shades launched every season. I have previously reviewed some ORLY nail polishes from new Hope & Freedom collection.

And with winter approaching, ORLY has done it again – ORLY doesn’t believe that  bright, eye-catching nail colours should be put away until next summer.

Rather ORLY believes your manicure shouldn’t turn demure with the weather, instead its new Flash Glam Winter Collection of prismatic glitter polishes will transform your manicure from drab to fab this winter!

The bright and bold range includes five, chunky glitter style shades in fiery tones - warm gold, bronze, red, chocolate brown and charcoal grey – plus a pure black for a base colour. The collection features:

• Too Fab: Gold Glitter

• Watch It Glitter: Bronze Glitter

• So Go-Diva: Chocolate Brown Glitter

• Rockets Red Glare: Red Glitter

• Atomic Splash: Gunmetal Glitter

• Liquid Vinyl: Black Crème

ORLY Australia Ambassador and Celebrity Manicurist Fiona Hay explains why glitter polishes are in hot demand this winter:

"Nails played a very strong role in this year’s New York Fashion Week shows - not only as a beauty look, but fashion accessory. Colours seen on the talons of top models were deep oxblood red, charcoal greys, and lots of metallic and glitters used in a variety of ways, which is why this latest Flash Glam collection from ORLY is right on trend".

ORLY’s Flash Glam glitters can be worn over the top of your favourite winter crème polish for an overall splash of glitter or, if you’re feeling creative and embracing the nail art trend – in a multitude of ways.

Fiona explains: "Accent half-moon manis with a fierce glitter tip or apply alight coat just at the cuticle and blend up, spreading the glitter particles lightly over the top of the nail plate".

"For an even more intense, vibrant glitter look, try wearing Flash Glam without a base colour. Simply layer three to four coats until the nail is completely covered and finish off with your favourite ORLY topcoat – try Glosser to make those glitter particles shine! And remember, glitter polishes are very long wearing, so great if you have trouble keeping your polish on," Fiona adds.

With multiple ways of wearing ORLY Flash Glam, you can enjoy a manicure with maximum glam and full-spectrum shine all winter long.

The ORLY Flash Glam range will have a RRP of $18.95 each and be available from June 2013 from select pharmacies and from ORLY Online.

I love the look of these new glam polishes, and especially like the Gunmetal and the Red Glitter.

What about you, what do you think of this new range from ORLY? Which colour(s) do you like the most? And what do you think of glittery glam polishes?

Product News: Clarins Launches Body Lift Cellulite Smoother

Cellulite is not exactly pretty, and it targets everyone, skinny or chubby, fit or not – and well, being pregnant, and adding quite a few kilos to my normal weight, I am sure that I am not exempt either. So I was excited when I heard about Clarins launching the new Body Lift Cellulite Smoother.

This Cellulite Smoother promises to work to reduce existing cellulite and also slow the formation of new cellulite while reinforcing skin’s firmness.

 

 

It takes up a dual challenge:  

1. Reduces early and stubborn cellulite

Body Lift Cellulite Smoother limits fat storage and activates fat destocking to reduce the most stubborn cellulite and block the formation of early cellulite at its origin.

2. Silhouette reshaping

The light weight cream gel firms and refines contours by stimulating the synthesis of new collagen fibres while it softens and lifts skin to promote hydration and comfort. By its effects on micro-circulation, it contributes to the elimination of excess water and fat, creating a feeling of lightness.

Working to not only visibly reduce cellulite, Body Lift Cellulite Smoothers specific active ingredients reinforce the skin’s firmness, micro-circulation and hydration and enhances its natural beauty.

In addition, the Body Lift Cellulite Smoother also has an immediate lifting and tightening effect, which refines skin texture, redefines body contours.

It also encourages firmer skin though the use of aquatic mint extract to boost the synthesis of collagen and bacchairs extract protects it from breakdown.

It also stimulates the mirco-circulation through the use of horse chestnut to reduce the feeling of heaviness.

Finally, it also makes the skin feel comfortable, as sunflower phospholipids, hazelnut oil and glycerine nourish and moisturise the skin and give it a satin smooth feel.

Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Smoother has been formulated to deliver maximum effectiveness, however effects can be further enhanced by following a very simple application method developed by Clarins. By combining manual pressure with muscle contractions the Self-Massage Body Contouring Method, targets adipose tissue and helps to stimulate the micro-circulation and thus encourage the elimination of excess water and lipids.

You can read more about the Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Smoother as well as Clarins Self-Massage Body Contouring Method here.

The new Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Smoother will have a RRP of $90.00 for 200ml, and be available from April 1, 2013 from leading department stores, select pharmacies and retails specialists, and at Adore Beauty Online.

I’ve been so lucky to get the opportunity to trial the Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Smoother, so stay tuned for my review in a few weeks when given it a good test.

What do you think of the Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Smoother? Do you have cellulite? What do you do to prevent and minimise it?

 

 

Product News: MAC launches Rihanna Collection

I think I can say that we all love MAC cosmetics, and we all get excited when new collections are launched.

MAC is known for collaborating with various stars, most recently with Carine Roitfeld, and now Rihanna has landed a deal with MAC cosmetics allowing her to develop new colour collections that will come out later this year.

 

 

There will be a total of four distinct colour collections under the name RiRi ♥ MAC, which will all be launched in 2013, so it is thereby also the first time that MAC has done such an extensive collaboration  spanning over several collection, as so far partnerships with celebrities have only lasted for one collection.

The four collections of the collaboration, which include a total of 31 items from lipgloss, blush, nail polish, eyeshadow, false eyelashes and more lipsticks! Each of the four collections has its own vibe, look, special makeup packaging.

The RiRi Hearts MAC, kicks off with a signature red lippie based on the brand's famous staple, Ruby Woo. The RiRi Woo lipstick will be available from early May, and will be sold with all four chapters of the collaboration.

In addition to “RiRi Woo,” the first collection will include two additional lipsticks, a powder-blush duo and a Lustre Drops shade.

In spite of the first collection being launched in the US in May, it is yet unknown when we might be so lucky and see this collection in Australia!!

 

What do you think of this new MAC collection by Rihanna? Are you keen to get your hands on any of the items? And do you even like Rihanna?

 

 

 

 

Product News : Estee Lauder Launches Pure Color Nail Lacquer Heavy Petals Collection by Tom Pecheux

I don’t it’s any secret anymore, but I love Estee Lauder products, including their nail polishes. They always have the most amazing and intense colours, and the quality is fantastic. So I was very excited when I found out that Estee Lauder is now launching a limited edition collection of Pure Color Nail Lacquer Heavy Petals Collection by Tom Pecheux.
 

"This collection is inspired by my love of the palette of pastels that fills the city of Paris in Spring" - Tom Pecheux

This season, nails are immersed in a world of ethereal, dream-like hues that capture the spirit and romance of Paris in full bloom. The Pure Color Nail Lacquer Heavy Petals Collection by Estée Lauder and Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux is a profusion of pastels inspired by the playful mood and kaleidoscope of colour that emerges from the city of Paris as it blossoms to life in Spring.

"In nail there is a lot of fantasy and colour and nothing is more rich in color and sensation than Paris in Spring,”stated uTom Pecheux. “For this collection, I thought of amazing bouquets from the flower markets, the pretty pastels of children’s carousels and the pops of color from macaroons".

Bursting with energy and vibrancy, Heavy Petals is a fanciful palette of fresh shades that expresses the beauty of the spring season. This whimsical collection makes a modern statement for nails that conveys both femininity and style.

Narcissist

Dilettante

 

Absinthe

 

Coral Cult

 

Lilac Leather

 

The new Pure Color Nail Lacquer Heavy Petals Collection, which will have an RRP of $38.00 each, will be available at all Estée Lauder counters nationwide and at Estee Lauder Online from March 3, 2013

 

In spite of this collection being a spring collection intended for the European spring season, and that we are not (sadly) heading towards autumn here in Australia, I still love the pastel nails, and love wearing it for as long as possible and delay the dark and sombre autumn and winter colours. And how gorgeous and pretty are these pastel shades!!

What do you think of this new nail polish collection from Estee Lauder? Which colour is you favourite? Are you keen on wearing pastel colours as we head towards autumn?

 

 

 

Nicole by OPI Launches A Modern Family Collection

I like watching comedy shows on the TV, but I have to be honest that I easily tire of them. But one that both my hubby and I so far continue to enjoy watching is A Modern Family. So I was thrilled when I heard that Nicole by OPI now has a Modern Family collection where each nail lacquer represents the colourful and quirky personalities of the characters.

I love the OPI nail polishes, as you can always rely on the best quality and a fabulous colour range, and very importantly that they do not contain DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde.

 

 

The Modern Family collection features 14 from a classic taupe grey named after patriarch Jay, to a sparkly pink hue fit for little Lily!

The collection includes from left to right;

My Jay or The Highway – a sophisticated pale taupe grey
Back in My Gloria Day – a rich sexy plum

Stand By Your Manny – a beautiful pale blue

Alex by the Books – a subtle yet intelligent mint green

Basking in Gloria – a rich ruby red that is saucy and spicy

 

 

Haley Good Looking – a feminine pink glitter that will always have admirers

Am I Making Myself Claire? – a delicate shade of lilac

Luke of the Draw - an adventurous gunmetal grey

A Like Haley Story – a fabulous coral pink

I Do De-Claire – a frosty rose pink

 

A Phil’s Paradise – a desirable slate grey that will SELL, SELL, SELL

What’s The Mitch-uation – a more serious shade of Olympic Blue

She’s Lily Something – a fantasy land filled with glittery pink, confetti and stars

Candid Cameron – this year’s Pantone Colour of the Year, Emerald Green

The Nicole by OPI Modern Family collection will be available for a RRP of $14.95 each, from 14th March 2013 from selected pharmacies, Hairhouse Warehouse, Petra Haircare and from Nicole by OPI Online.

I really like the colours A Phil’s Paradise,  What’s The Mitch-uation and Candid Cameron, and I will definitely be checking those out when they hit the stores next month!

What about you, what do you think of this Collection? Any of the colours caught your eye? And do you even watch A Modern Family?

 

 

 

Product News: Nicole by OPI Launches Selena Gomez Collection

I love OPI nail polishes, including the range Nicole by OPI. They are of such great quality, continuously bring out new and amazing colours, and very importantly they are 3-free, namely free from the chemical nasties DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde.

 

So am always very excited when I hear of new collections being launched, including when I heard that Selena Gomez is now joining the likes of the Kardashians and Mariah Carey with the launch of her own exclusive range of Nicole by OPI nail lacquers.

Sweet, funky, flirty and fun best describes the 14 shades of lacquers inspired by actress & singer Selena Gomez. The colour palette carefully selected captures her sweet yet spunky personality, from soft pink and peach hues to bright glitter and confetti lacquers. This diverse colour range offers the right hue for every occasion and every mood.

The collection consists of 7 bright hues and 7 glittery shades.

The Glittery shades:

The Glittery shades from left to right;

Heavenly Angel: Wow in a bottle, iridescent shredded glitter. 

Confetti Fun; A multi-coloured rainbow glitter in a shimmery base.

Inner Sparkle: We all need a bit of this - a soft feminine pink and lilac hex glitter mixed with small gold glitter. 

Kissed At Midnight: A pale gold glitter with a hint of silver in a clear base. 

Mi Fantasia: Not unlike its name, this blue and purple holographic glitter will bedazzle.

Stars At Night: A silver holographic bar glitter in a clear base. The strips reflect in the sunlight creating a rainbow effect.
Sweet Dreams: An aqua, silver and purple confetti glitter in a clear base



The opaque shades:

The 7 opaque shades from left to right:

Hit the Lights: A bright creamy yellow that makes you crave spring

Love Song: A pretty violet with just the slightest hint of a shimmer

Naturally: A bubble gum pink that is so delicious you will want to eat, this lacquer has a slight shimmer.

Pretty In Plum: A shimmery vibrant red purple that almost glows, even in the shade!

Scarlett: A fuchsia pink shimmer. The shimmer verges on duo chrome where the pink shifts to gold in the sunlight.

Selena: This is the peach we’ve been waiting for, a peachy pink. Flattering to most skin tones.

Spring Break: A bright fuchsia pink, ideal on your toes for that tropical island retreat.

The Selena Gomez range of Nicole by OPI will be available from 14th March 2013, at an RRP of $14.95 each, from selected pharmacies, Hairhouse Warehouse, Petra Haircare and from Nicole by OPI Online

Personally I’m not such a big fan of the glittery polishes, but I do like the bright opaques including in particularly Pretty in Plum!
What do you think about this new Selena Gomez collection? What colour(s) are you keen on getting your hands on?

Product News: Clarins Launches Double Serum Complete Age Concentrate

I love Clarins products, and the fact that their products are based on plant based ingredients. And starting to see the signs of ageing, I was excited that I discovered that Clarins is now launching the Double Serum Complete Age Concentrate.

Clarins Double Serum® is the complete age control concentrate, the essential formula for all women from the age of 25. Its new formula, a result of the very latest advances of Clarins Research, combines the 20 most powerful anti-ageing plant extracts to deliver a proven, targeted action on the five vital functions on which skin’s youthful appearance depends.

The only treatment that reactivates skin’s five vital functions on which skins vitality depends:

1. Hydration – boosts hydration by +75% up to four hours after application, delaying the appearance of wrinkles and maintaining skin’s softness and comfort.

2. Nutrition – increases the speed at which nutrients penetrate the skin’s cells, restoring suppleness.

3. Oxygenation – improves cell oxygenation. Skin regains radiance.

4. Protection – stimulates the activity of two genes involved in skin protection. Protects against premature ageing.

5. Regeneration – boosts production of collagen and glycosaminoglycan’s. Maintains skin’s firm, smooth, dense appearance.

 

By helping to reactivate these essential functions, Double Serum is naturally the fundamental treatment for all skin types from the first signs of ageing.

Double Serum achieves what a single formula cannot: it provides skin cells with an optimum concentration of the best age control ingredients. This performance is made possible by the unique [Hydric + Lipidic System]. Two separate phases, presented in side-by-side vials, enable the otherwise impossible combination of water and oil soluble ingredients with no risk of incompatibility or instability, and without recourse to emulsifiers. The result is an exceptional rapid action.

 

Clarins researchers mobilised all the resources of science to uncover the potential of hundreds of extracts of fruit, seeds, leaves, roots and sap. This highly disciplined approach culminated in the selection of 20 extracts for their exceptional performance on the skin’s five vital functions. At the heart of this "reserve of vitality," which only the double formula could contain is, cangzhu extract.

Derived from a plant known for centuries to Chinese pharmacopoeia, a specific cangzhu extract was developed for Clarins. It stimulates G protein, a key protein of cell membranes, which amplifies the message, sent to cells by the formula’s active ingredients. Cangzhu extract thus helps to boost significantly the efficacy of the other plant extracts contained in Double Serum.

The 20 plant extracts rigorously selected by Clarins Research for their targeted performance, are added to further powerful ingredients that are close to the skin’s own natural components: hyaluronic acid with double molecular weight and phytoshingosine, both obtained by biotechnology.

The key ingredients in the Double Serum used for hydration are burdock extract, organic marshmallow extract and katafray bark extract help the stimulation of the skin’s natural moisturising factors and help with moisture retention in the dermis and epidermis.

For nutrition, the key ingredients used are kiwi fruit extracts, organic perilla oil and organic macadamia oil, work to improve cell nutrition and the reinforcement of the lipidic cement.

To oxygenate the skin, the ingredients used are maritime pine extract, organic rosehip oil and arnica extract target improved cell oxygenation and the stimulation of ATP production.

To offer protection to the skin, the key ingredients used are organic green tea extract, pistachio tree extract, organic quinoa extract and oxydendron extract, work on the neutralisation of free radicals and the reinforcement of the skin barrier.

And finally, to regenerate the skin, the key ingredients used are organic green banana extract, lemon thyme extract, unsaponifiables of avocado and hop extract, Phytosphingosine, organic oat sugars, survixyl IS™ and bocoa, all work to preserve epidermal renewal potential, the reinforcement of dermal network fibres and surface tightening.

The new Clarins Double Serum available for a RRP of $90.00, from March 4, 2013 from leading department stores, select pharmacies and retails specialists, and online at Adore Beauty.

Well I was so lucky to get asked to trial this new wonder serum, and so far my skin is loving it… but as always, I will wait with my final verdict until I have used it for a little longer, so stay tuned for my full review.

What do you think of this new Double Serum? Will you be looking to try this when it is launched? What is your preferred serum?