PRODUCT REVIEW: REAL TECHINIQUES LAUNCHES REBEL EDGE, SUGAR CRUSH MIRACLE COMPLEXION SPONGES AND EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS SET

A girl can never have too many makeup brushes, right!? I know I certainly can’t. And one of those brands that you can always trust, with their premium quality yet affordable brushes, is Real Techiniques. I admit that I do have quiet a brush collection, but what I reach for on a daily basis, is my Real Techniques, so needless to say that I squealed a little when a selection of the newest Real Techniques styles landed on my desk..

PRODUCT REVIEW: LIMITED EDITION BELLABOX X SHARON FARRELL DATE NIGHT BOX

Date Night… with two little kids, and family nearby, I frankly cannot remember the last time hubby and I had a date night. Well, actually, I can… it was the night before our now 5.5 year old was born!! Hopefully not everyone is in the same situation… and to help a girl out, and just in time for Valentines Day, Bellabox has now launched a limited edition Date Night box in partnership with makeup artist Sharon Farrell. And the bumper of a beauty box has a value of a whopping $230, yet it can be yours for just $59.95. 

PRODUCT REVIEW - XMAS GIFT IDEAS FROM REAL TECHNIQUES, TWEEXY, PALM BEACH COLLECTION, ELLA BACHE, AND AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES

If you’re anything like me, and still have some Xmas pressies you need to get, then don’t despair as I’ve got some more brilliant suggestions for you..

REAL TECHNIQUES LAUNCHES THE BRUSH CRUSH COLLECTION // PRODUCT REVIEW

XMAS BEAUTY GIFTS FOR HER

MOTHERS DAY GIFT IDEAS - PART THREE

Today I am continuing with my Mother's Day gift ideas, which I hope you enjoy and feel make it a little easier to pick that special gift for Mum. If you've missed the previous parts, you can see Part One, and Part Two. 

It may be on the brink of Winter here in Australia, but who doesn't want to hang onto the feeling of summer for a tad longer. And with this Summer candle from Sydney Fragrance she can do just that.

The Sydney Fragrance candles have been hand made in Australia with the aim to represents the many facets of Sydney style, and this particular Summer candle has been inspired by Sydney's beachside summer with a mojito with a twist of lemon in the hand, vanilla scented in the house, and a bouquet of fresh cut orchids in a vase. This premium and luxury candle is made in a high quality glass with a black timber lid, and with the highest quality soy-blended wax and with the best of fragrances including among others lime, pineapple, lemongrass, apple, white jasmine, mush and vanilla. The soy contents means that the candle will burn cleaner and better, and not cover your walls (and even worse, your insides!!), with black smoke, so its much better and healthier for you too.

The huge candle, not only looks stunning, it will instantly fill your home with the most gorgeous fresh floral and zesty scent that will take you right back to summer, even on a cold winter's night, and burn for a massive 80 hours.
Another suggestion would be some premium skincare from Gensen Japan, such as the Sun Age Control Day & Night Repair Serum, and the Sun Age Control Day & Night Revitalising Moisturiser.

These Japanese products are made with Onsen water from Japanese Hot Spring Waters which originate deep in the volanic earth, as these waters are rich in minerals and iodine, which have skin healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-infection, restoring, and rejuvenating properties. As well as the products contain Plat Ceria, which is a non-greasy base that helps protect the skin from UV rays. The Gensen Japan Sun Age Control Day & Night Repair Serum aims to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin to help hydrate, while protect the skin, as well as it helps restore and rejuvenate the skin at night, to help prevent and reverse skin ageing for a combined more luminous and younger looking skin, promising to also smooth fine lines, repair past sun damage, regenerates ageing skin, accelerate skin renewal, which providing hydration to the skin. This serum is so light and gorgeous that it absorbs immediately into the skin, and in spite of its intense moisture, it leaves the skin soft and smooth and silky soft.

The Gensen Japan Sun Age Control Day & Night Revitalising Moisturiser, is a very light, almost gel-like consistency, which absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it soft and smooth, and with a velvety matte finish. It is the perfect moisturiser to use under my makeup, making it say looking nicer all day. It helps lock in moisture into the skin, repair the skin and promote skin renewal, and all while giving the skin a soft and healthy glow. Combined these two products are perfect for anyone concerned with fighting the signs of ageing, and because the products are so gentle they are also suitable for sensitive skin, and their light and non-greasiness makes them perfect for greasier skin types too.
What about spoiling her to this gorgeous Essential Gems Gift Pack from Dr LeWinn's, which contains a Sensitive Cleansing Milk and Hand & Nail Cream.

The Sensitive Cleansing Milk is a mild cleansing lotion is designed for sensitive skin, and contains among others sweet almond protein to regenerate and moisturise the skin, as well as aloe and orchid extract and white tea to soothe and soften the skin, all while being free from common skin irritants such as parabens and sulphates. The cleansing milk comes in a stunning white pump bottle and it has the most divine floral scent. And it quickly and easily removes all traces of makeup, and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.

The Hand and Nail Cream is a long time favourite of mine as it is truly incredible. It contains among others aloe, and multi vitamins including A, B and E and it helps add intense moisture and nourishment to the hands, and leave them with protected from damage by creating an invisible protection layer on the skin. The rich cream absorbs quickly and easily into the hands and leaves them so much softer and smoother, and younger looking too, and continued use, will also help improve the condition of nails and cuticles leaving them looking so much healthier too.

The products come packaged in the most gorgeous and so useful silver cosmetics bag, and it is such great value too as you literally get the hand cream and cosmetics bag for free!


Well, if you're considering giving her a gift, then she must be a mum - and hence having undergone a pregnancy and probably breastfeeding, would probably mean that her boobs are not as perky as they once were - so what about bust lift in a tube - by giving her a tube of Alpha Keri Body Slimfit Bust Lift and Firm Cream. Used twice a day, this cream promises to help improve breast filling and shaping and create lifting and push-up effect by up to 5mm in 4 weeks. The cream contains among others African “Tree of Life” which help tighten the skin and improve shape, as well as marine collagen lipid-filler microsphere technology that helps plump up the breast. The cream has a gorgeous fragrance, and it is easy to get into the habit of massaging it into the breast and décolleté, and after using for a few weeks, I have to admit that it can be difficult to say exactly to what extent it has actually lifted my breasts which have been through two pregnancies and two rounds of breastfeeding - however, I have definitely noticed that the my skin is not only looking softer and smoother, and more plumb too, but small lines also appear to have mininised somewhat, as well as the skin in general looks more youthful and glowing. So definitely worth a try, I know I’ll be using this as a part of my body skincare regimen from now on.


If she's into makeup, then why not gift her one of Real Techniques's Bold Metals Collection's newest products, the Miracle Diamond Sponge. This new makeup sponge is designed to make achieving a flawless look even easier. Unlike a beauty blender sponge, this one, as the name suggests, is shaped like a sponge, and has a unique white and grey marble swirly design.

With this Miracle Diamond Sponge you can use the larger flat sides to apply makeup and buff and blend larger areas of the face, and the smaller sides for better and more precise contouring on areas such as eyes, mouth and brows. The pointed tip is great to use for covering small imperfection such as blemishes, or in the corners of the eyes. As with any other makeup sponge, it can used dry for a full coverage, or damp for a more dewy look. The new shape does take a little getting used to, but it is such a great tool, and I personally really like how good it is at working on smaller areas thanks to the pointy tip.


If you really want to spoil her, then this stunning Volante Silver Watch from Klasse 14 is sure to make her happy. The beautiful watch has a 36mm stainless steel face, with, and features an applied index dial, with a Quartz analog movement - and with its sleek silver mesh band it is simple and simply stunning - like a piece of classic and timeless jewellery, that will never go out of fashion.

This watch is the essence of style and quality, and will look incredible regardless if she is wearing casual clothes or dressed up to go out.

  

Sydney Fragrance Candle - RRP : $39.95 / 360g
Available from Sydney Fragrance and select stockists

Gensen Japan Sun Age Control Day & Night Repair Serum - RRP: $$110 / 35ml
Gensen Japan Sun Age Control Day & Night Revitalising Moisturiser - RRP: $86 / 60ml
Or Mother's Day Special, save 20% and purchase both for $156
Available from Gensen Japan

Dr. LeWinn’s Essential Gems Gift Pack - RRP: $34.95
Available from Priceline and select pharmacies

Alpha Keri Slimfit Bust Lift and Firm Cream - RRP: $49.95 / 200ml
Available from Priceline and select pharmacies, and Alpha Keri Online 

Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection Miracle Diamond Sponge - RRP: $24.99
Available from Priceline and Real Techniques online  

Klasse 14 Disco Volante Silver Watch - RRP: $338 with free delivery worldwide
- and if you enter the discount code BEAUTYANDLIFESTYLEHUNTER, you can get a cool 12% off (note this is not an affiliate link, just saving you some money!)
Available from Klasse 14

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


Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram | 

PRODUCT REVIEW AND XMAS GIFT IDEA: REAL TECHNIQUES DELUXE GIFT SET FROM RY

Who doesn't love the Real Techniques brushes. So next in line of Xmas gift ideas is this Deluxe Gift Set Real Techniques which is available from the online beauty shopping site, RY. This limited edition Deluxe Gift set from Real Techniques would without a doubt make any makeup fanatic happy. 

I've personally already got a fair collection of Real Techniques Brushes (and their new miracle sponges, if you haven't yet tried them, you really must!), and they truly are fantastic value for money. They have been used and used over and over again, and washed more times than I can count, but they remain as new. And what better time to stock up or extend your collection or please someone else thank with this beautiful gift set. 

The deluxe set includes all the essential makeup brushes that you could need, including;  

• Multi task brush
• Tapered foundation brush - exclusive edition
• Angled highlighter brush - exclusive edition
• Base shadow brush
• Fine liner brush
• Glam-to-go clutch - exclusive edition

The Multi Task Brush is as the name suggests a large rounded brush which is a great multi-tasker, perfect for powder, blush or bronzer, while the Tapered Foundation Brush has a dense and round tapered edge for the perfect and flawless application of your liquid foundation. Then there's the Angled Highlighter Brush makes it easy to contour and highlight the cheeks or contour the nose.

And then there's the Base Shadow Brush, which is a large eye shadow brush that is perfect for covering your lid smoothly and evenly with base colour, while the Fine Liner Brush is perfect for those pots of cream eyeliner, drawing a perfectly fine line each and every time. .

The Tapered Foundation Brush, Angled highlighter brush are exclusive brushes you’ll only find in this gift set – and the same with the stylish cream coloured Glam-to-go envelope clutch that is also included with the gift set. This clutch is perfect for storing your brushes, use as a travel case for your brushes, or even a little clutch for going out.

The Real Techniques Deluxe Gift Set is exceptional retails at $79.99
Available from RY

* Some products may have been kindly provided for editorial consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy, and reviews are 100% honest and based on personal opinion and experience. Note that The Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter is not a professional or expert, so please do not substitute these opinions as professional advice. Also note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means you pay no extra, but I get a small commission fee if you click through and buy something. And if so, thank you much for your supporting the running costs of my blog. xx


Remember that in between my blog posts you can always keep up with me on Twitter, Facebook, Bloglovin or Instagram

PRODUCT REVIEW: REAL TECHNIQUES MIRACLE SPONGES, MIRACLE COMPLEXION SPONGE, MIRACLE MINI ERASER SPONGE, MIRACLE SCULPTING SPONGE

A few weeks ago I was so lucky to be invited to a Real Techniques event at Crown in Melbourne to meet the two founders of the brand, Nic and Sam Chapman. It was an fantastic night, with fabulous night views over Melbourne skyline, beautiful food, surrounded by likeminded beauty bloggers, surrounded by stunning Real Techniques product displays, and of course, all in the company of Nic and Sam. At the same time new products were also added to the Real Techniques product range..
 

The range already included the Miracle Complexion Sponge, which is perfect for liquid foundation to create the perfectly smooth and blended look. The sponge can be used damp to create a dewy look, or dry for a full coverage. The sponge has rounded edges for larger areas of the face, a flat edge to help blend around the eyes and nose, and a rounded small tip to help cover smaller imperfections such as blemishes and scars.

The Miracle Sponge range bow also includes the Miracle Mini Eraser Sponges, which are perfect to help erase small makeup mishaps such remove eyeshadow and brow product fall out. But it can also be used to wipe away eyeliner, mascara smudges and pickup and blend away over applied eyeshadow or blush . Again this sponge can be used wet or dry; dry to pick up any makeup or wet to help blend out harsh lines. The sponge also has rounded sides to buff and blend, a pointed top for a targeted action, and flat edges to erase.

Also new is the Miracle Sculpting Sponge, which is designed to help sculpt the face by creating shadows and highlights. Again the sponge can be used damp or dry for the desired coverage, and it is perfect to use with both powders, creams and liquids. The sponges have six sides including a large side for controlled contouring and a smaller side to create a more precise highlighting.

I admit that it took me a while before I got onto the Miracle Complexion Sponge, but I do love the finish it gives, so have enjoyed also putting the newest Miracle Sponges to the test. The Mini Erasers are so convenient to have at hand, I think we've all used cotton buds to get rid of mistakes, and these sponges really do take correction to the next level. And then there's the Miracle Sculpting Sponge - I am still new to all the sculpting, and frankly, am often too much in a hurry with two toddlers running around my legs as I get ready, so I haven't yet had the time to really experiment with this sponge, but for those who do it on a daily basis, this is without a doubt brilliant too.


Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge - RRP: $16.99 / 1pack, $28.99 / 2pack
Real Techniques Miracle Mini Eraser Sponge - RRP: $16.99 / 2pack
Real Techniques Miracle Sculpting Sponge - RRP: $16.99 / 1pack

Available from Priceline, RY, and Chemcorp International

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

Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram |

XMAS GIFT IDEA: REAL TECHNIQUES DELUXE GIFT SET

Next in line of Xmas gift ideas is this Deluxe Gift Set Real Techniques. Sometimes buying makeup for a female can be a tricky thing, unless you’ve been told exactly what to get, including the shade – but enter makeup brushes and it is completely different. A well applied makeup requires good makeup brushes, and you can never have too many of those. And in terms of quality and value for money, you just cannot go past Real Techniques who have brought out this limited edition Deluxe gift set.  

 

 

 

I’ve already got a few other Real Techniques Brushes that I have had for quite some time, and in spite of having been washed countless times, they are still perfect condition and look as good as new. And if you’re a makeup junkie like me, you’ll no doubt have come across the amazing brushes from Real Techniques which are such great quality, look great with their different coloured shafts, and in my opinion, also well priced. And with this gift set it is even better value..

 

The deluxe set includes all the essential makeup brushes that you could need, including; 

 

• Multi task brush
• Tapered foundation brush
• Angled highlighter brush
• Base shadow brush
• Fine liner brush
• Glam-to-go clutch

 

 

The Multi Task brush is as the name suggests a large rounded brush which is perfect for powder, blush or bronzer, while the Tapered Foundation Brush has a dense tapered edge for the perfect and flawless application of your foundation. The Angled Highlighter Brush makes it easy to contour the cheeks. The Base Shadow Brush is a large eye shadow brush that is perfect for covering your lid smoothly and evenly with base colour, while the Fine Liner Brush is perfect for those pots of cream eyeliner.

 

 

The Tapered foundation brush, Angled highlighter brush are exclusive brushes you’ll only find in this gift set – and the same with the stylish cream coloured Glam-to-go envelope clutch that is also included with the gift set. This clutch is perfect for storing your brushes, use as a travel case for your brushes, or even a little clutch for going out.

 

The Real Techniques Deluxe Gift Set retails at $79.99 and is available from Priceline and The Beauty Office

 

   

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

 

 

Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram |

 

 

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?



Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram |