PRODUCT REVIEW: RIMMEL LONDON COLOUR RUSH LIP AND NAIL COLLECTION BY RITA ORA

 Today I’d like to share with you a newly launched Lip and Nail Collection that has been made with Rimmel London in collaboration with Rita Ora*;

  

What They Say:

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Colour Rush Intense Colour Balm is a crayon-style lip colour balm. The lip crayon provides intense and long-lasting colour and it twists up for fast and precise application. Available in 6 shades.

Rimmel 60 Seconds Nail Colour Rush Polish has a fast-drying formula that dries in less than 60 seconds and comes with Pro-cision brush with longer, supple bristles for quick, easy application. Available in 6 shades.

RRP: Lip Balm $12.95, Nail Polish $7.95 – Available from Priceline, Target, Variety stores and select pharmacies and supermarkets

 

What I Say:


I think every single makeup brand has launched a lip crayon style balm by now, and well not Rimmel is joining the ranks with the launch of the Lasting Finish Colour rush Intense Colour Balms. You simply twist up the pencil style lip balm and slick it on, just like a lip balm, and the pointy tip makes it very easy,

The have a nice creamy formula, that feels lovely and moisturising on the lips, without being sticky at all, and they are quite pigmented too, so while you can apply just a sheer wash of colour, you can also easily build it up to a more intense look.

The balm claims to be long-lasting, and the colour does stay put on the lips for a few hours, although less if you eat or drink. And the whole time they feel soft and comfortable on the lips, and even when the colour has worn off, my lips feels moisturised as if I’ve just applied a lip balm.

The Colour Balms come in a range of 6 lovely colours, which are all lovely and very wearable;

• Keep Mauving – Dusty Tea Rose
• Rumour Has It – Fuchsia
• GiveMe a Cuddle - Candy pink
• The Redder The Better - crimson
•  On Fire – Coral
•  Drive Me Nude – Neutral

I tried the colours Keep Mauving and Rumour Has It.

Keep Mauving

 

Romour Has It

L: Keep Mauving
R: Romour Has It

I absolutely love both shades that I tried without really being able to say which one is my favourite, so I’m pretty keen on adding a few more shades to my collection.



The Rimmel London Colour Rush 60 Seconds Nail Polish

These new shades by Rita Ora use the same quick dry formula as all the existing colours in the range. They are easy to apply and come with a nice wide brush.

I already have a few of the 60 Seconds Nail Polishes in my collection and love then as they are not only excellent quality, lasting several days on the nails, but they also come in a vast variety of colours and at a bargain price too, and often you can find at even better prices on special.

The new Rita Ora polishes have a Pop Art inspired cap featuring Rita Ora’s portrait and signature on a British stamp, and come in 6 shades, and they have not only been created by Rita, she has named them too!

• White Hot Love – White with fine shimmer
•  Lose Your Lingerie – Ice Pink with fine shimmer
• Breakfast in Bed – Ice Green
• Don’t Be Shy – fuchsia
• Do Not Disturb – Teal
• Midnight Rendezvous - Purple

I tried the shades White Hot Love and Lose Your Lingerie, and I absolutely adore the pale shades, and I know they will look stunning on tanned summer hands and toes.

L: White Hot Love
R: Lose Your Lingerie

However, unfortunately I was really struggling getting a nice finish with White Hot Love, and it was streaky even after two coats, which really surprises me as all the other colours I’ve tried have applied so nicely and streak-free. Luckily Lose Your Lingerie applies much easier and so much nicer. Regardless, both the polishes still have the same good wear, easily lasting 4+ days without a topcoat, which I personally find is quite good.


So unfortunately, while I really want to love both shades, unfortunately White Hot Love just didn’t work for me. I will keep trying, however, as I know I’m not the greatest at applying nail polish, so I’m hopeful that I will get it right one day! But until then, I will enjoy Lose Your Lingerie, with the pretty pastel pink shade.

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


What do you think of this new Rita Ora Collection from Rimmel? Fan of Rita? Love Lip Crayons? Good at applying pastel nail polishes?

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BRAND FOCUS: CROP NATURAL SKINCARE

Today I’d like to run you though a new skincare range that has recently launched – Meet Crop Natural Skincare.

Crop is made using 95% naturally derived ingredients, which are sourced from sustainable natural resources. The products are also cruelty free, as well as paraben, sulphate and phthalate free and Australian owned and made! How good is that!

Crop’s product range consists of Double Sided Facial Wipes, Gentle Cleansing Gel, Daily Facial Moisturiser, Rosehip Oil, Macadamia Oil and Argan Oil.

Crop Double Sided Facial Wipes


 

As I have previously stated, I am not the biggest user of facial wipes, except for when I am travelling or when I am swatching makeup for the blog. So with that in mind, I have to admit that these didn’t excite me that much. However, I have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised, and that these wipes are by far some of the best ones that I have ever used. They are made from a soft viscose material and are double sided with a textured side, which contains microbeads to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin, while the soft side that soothes the skin. RRP: $6.00 (25 wipes)



Crop Gentle Cleansing Gel

This Gentle Cleansing Gel lives up to its promise and is extremely gentle. It contains among others essential oils of Eucalyptus Radiata, Rosemary, Lemongrass, Cajeput and Peppermint, as well as jojoba, vitamin E, cocoa butter, rosehip oil, aloe vera, rice protein, wheat protein and lavender oil. It lathers into a soft foam that removes makeup easily while giving the skin a deep clean removing impurities and purifying the skin, and it does so without leaving the skin feeling stripped for moisture, and thanks to the peppermint it leaves the skin with a nice refreshing feeling. RRP: $12.00 (125ml)



Daily Facial Moisturiser


 

The Daily Facial Moisturiser is a very lightweight moisturiser which is infused with an essential oil blend of Mandarin, Lemongrass, Bergamot, Nutmeg and Basil Oil, as well as jojoba, vitamin E, cocoa buter, rosehip oil, aloe vera, rice protein, wheat protein and lavender oil, and it has the most gorgeous refreshing citrus scent. It absorbs quickly into my skin, and doesn’t leave my skin feeling tacky or greasy, and it works perfectly under makeup too. And while it is so light, it gives my combination skin sufficient moisture, so I am not sure it would be moisturising enough for more dry skin types. It will be a perfect moisturiser come the warmer months, although my only negative is doesn’t contain any SPF, while on the on the other hand, I have a feeling that SPF sometimes does make my skin break out, so on the other hand it is probably not a bad thing to use a separate on top that I know agrees with my skin. RRP: $12.00 (125ml)




Crop Rosehip Oil

I have used quite a few different Rosehip Oils in the past, and I love using it, in particularly during the cooler months where my otherwise combination skin tends to get a little drier and need a little extra moisture. And this new Rosehip Oil from Crop definitely compares to others I have used in terms of quality. It contains natural occurring vitamin A to assist in fighting signs of ageing while helping to restore vitality. Unfortunately I find the Rosehip Oil a little too rich to use during the day, but I have been using it at night, - although some nights alternating with the Argan Oil – though I admit to preferring the Rosehip Oil as a face oil, and I love how soft and smooth my face is when I wake in the morning. RRP: $18.00 (20ml)



Crop Argan Oil

The Argan Oil offers all round care suitable for face, body, hair and nails. It is made from the natural oils derived from the kernels of the argan tree in Morocco, and it is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, helping to restore elasticity in the skin and helping to fight signs of ageing. For the nails it helps promote nail growth and strength and repair damaged nails, while in the hair it adds shine while smoothing down frizz. Again, I have been using it as a face oil some nights alternating with the Rosehip Oil, but again, I prefer to use It on my nails, in my hair, or even on my décolleté, and all are clearly benefiting from the intense hydration. A true multi-tasking product! RRP: $18.00 (20ml)



Crop Macadamia Oil

 

Finally, the Macadamia Oil is another brilliant multi-tasker, suitable for use on both face, body, hair and nails – and it is perfect to use as a cleansing oil too, easily and gently removing all makeup. The macadamia oil is rich in nutrients including Linoleic acid that helps prevent moisture loss while Palmitoleic acid helps delay the deterioration of skin cells. I have been enjoying using this as particularly a makeup remover, while it is also brilliant as a both a nail oil and used in the hair. RRP: $15.00 (50ml)



Common for all the Crop products are that they are they are beautifully presented in a simply yet stylish bottles with black labels, that makes them look a lot more than they budget price they cost. And thanks to the natural ingredients they all have a beautiful natural scent that you can only love. And what’s more is that they are made locally here in Australia and conveniently available in Coles supermarkets nationally. So overall I am quite impressed with this new skincare range from Crop, and love that the products are so affordable, yet without compromising on the quality, and without being free from all the chemical nasties. I have my fingers crossed that they will add more products to the range in the near future..

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



Ever heard of Crop Skincare? Keen on trying? Ever tried Rosehip, Argan or Macadamia Oils?


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PRODUCT REVIEW: L'OCCITANE EN PROVENCE ARLESIENNE

A few weeks ago I was so lucky to go to a L’Occitane event, where we got a preview of their newest fragrance, Arlésienne;

What They Say:

The Arlésienne eau de toilette is a feminine floral fusion, the embodiment of the woman of Arles –the Arlésienne. Elegant and mysterious, she leaves in her wake a unique trail that lingers wherever she goes. L’Occitane reveals her in a subtle bouquet of three flowers: the rose for her grace, the sweet violet for her mystery, and the saffron for her temperament.
Made with extracts of rose from Grasse, sweet violet, and saffron from Provence

RRP: $72 (75ml) – Available from L’Occitane

The Arlésienne shower cream transforms into a light foam to gently cleanse the body. It leaves the skin scented with vibrant notes, revealing the subtle Arlésienne bouquet: rose, sweet violet and saffron. Made with extracts of rose from Grasse, sweet violet, and saffron from Provence.

RRP: $28 (250ml) – Available from L’Occitane


What I Say:

I was only recently introduced to the fragrances from L’Occitane (you can read my review of the Néroli & Orchidée Eau de Toilette here). 
The Arlésienne Eau de Toilette is inspired by the distinctly feminine silhouette of the women from Arles, in the South of France. She is like no other. She arouses creativity and inspires artists including Van Gogh and Picasso. In her wake she leaves a distinct trace of her presence from the three floral notes in the fragrance, each one like a trait of her character, fuse together, the fiery temperament of saffron, the grace of rose, the mystery of violet. And the movements of her dress has been captured the flowers engraved in the bottle and the colourful boxes inspired by the light-hearted dance of the Arlésiennes.

So what is the fragrance like? These are the notes:

• Head Notes: Saffron and Mandarin Orange
• Heart Notes: Rose and Lily of the Valley
• Base Notes: Violet, Sandalwood and Tonka Bean

It is a very floral scent that is very fruity at the same time thanks to containing mandarin orange, it has a lovely light zestiness to it as well. At the same time, it has a sensual warmth too, due to the violet and the sandal wood.

I am not usually a huge fan of either violet or sandal wood, but the mandarin orange and the lily of the valley are so dominant and the notes that really stand out for me.

For the past few weeks I have been wearing the fragrance during the day, as it is the perfect feminine scent to wear for casual daytime outings during spring and summer, but on the other hand, as it is also quite sophisticated, it is also perfectly suited for night-time wear.


 

I have to be honest and admit that I generally purchase Eau de Parfums, as they simply lasts longer, but I have been pleasantly surprised with how long the Arlésienne Eau de Toilette is lasting on my skin, with the scent still noticeable at the end of a long day.

But of course using the beautiful Arlésienne Shower Cream prior to the Eau de Toilette is certainly also helping, as would building up the scent by also using the matching body milk or body oil. 

The Arlésienne Eau de Toilette comes in a slightly peach (or you could maybe call it smoky) tinted bottle, with a stunning embossed floral panel down the front of the bottle and a simple rose gold lid, and it is so stunning with its elegant simplicity.

The Shower Cream has a gorgeous pale pink shade, and like the fragrance, it smells absolutely divine. It easily lathers up to a soft foam, that gently cleanses your skin, without stripping it of moisture, leaving it soft and smooth, and with that gorgeous scent lingering behind on both your skin and in your bathroom, making it smell like a spa heaven!

 

Overall this is a beautiful new scent from L’Occitane, who yet again has managed to impress me with not only the quality but also thought behind the development of their products. I will certainly enjoy using this fragrance and the Shower Cream too, and I am also pretty keen on getting my hands on the matching body oil as well as the limited edition Beautifying Powder sounds and looks divine too – and just imagine how gorgeous our home would smell with the Arlésienne Perfumed Candle..


This new Scent is sure to bit a big hit for L’Occitane, and if you are looking for a special woman in your life, it would be the perfect present, she definitely won’t be disappointed.

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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PRODUCT REVIEW: LUST HAVE IT OCTOBER 2014

On Friday the 7th November my Lust Have It October Box arrived. A week well into November. I thought the boxes were intended to be out my the middle of the relevant month, and not some two to three weeks later – and well, if that is the intention, it really means that the November box should arrive at my door step within the next week to 10 days…. Somehow I doubt it, but time will tell. Personally I cannot actually complain too much as the boxes are sent to me for consideration, but if I was a paying subscriber I would certainly not be happy – but still, I as I always try to be as honest as possible with my reviews, and the service is a major part of the beauty subscription boxes, I just had to make my comment regardless! Anyway, here are my thoughts on the October Lust Have it Box*; 

 

What They Say:

Lust Have It boxes regularly contains products worth $60+ for only $19.95/month! Monthly box filled with 5 to 6 premium beauty samples. Delivered to your home or work each month for you to try.

RRP: Lust Have It Box (monthly) RRP: $19.95, Eco Box (quarterly) RRP: $29.95 – but if you use my unique code LIFESTYLE at the checkout on the Lush Have It website, you are eligible for $5 off your first box from Lust Have It, and at the same time you’ll also be supporting Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter, as I will get a few dollars too if someone subscribes using this code.

Available from Lust Have It 

 

 

What I Say:

As per previous months, this month the goodies again arrived in a pink see-through mesh bag. Last months box/bag unfortunately didn’t contain the info card, but luckily this month’s box did, which is great as I find them very helpful. Anyway, these are the products in bag; 

 

Montaigne Jeunesse Glacial Clay Spa Mask - Full Sized (RRP: $4.99)

I have tried quite a few of these face masks and generally really like them, so certainly no complaints about the inclusion of this one. And as I have only tried their standard mud masks, I do look forward to trying out this cloth mask that has been infused with clay.



Colour by TBN lipstick in ‘A Kiss is Still A Kiss’ – Full Sized (RRP: $3.50)

 

When I first saw this lipstick I thought it was one from Maybelline!! But rather is a more budget brand costing just $3.50 – and that said, sorry, but it doesn’t really excite me that much. The colour, though, is a lovely dusty brownish rose shade, which is quite wearable.



Glamourflage Eye Mask – Full Sized (RRP: $7.95)

This is a sleep eye mask with a leopard print. Quite cute, but to be honest I don’t really know what to do with it as I never use an eye mask.



Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse – Sample Size, 10ml (RRP: $24.95/50ml)

 

I already have a full sized bottle of this oil, and have used up a couple of bottles before that, which proves that I really like this body oil that both nourishes dry skin and helps with stretchmarks, all while smelling amazing. So getting the sample is certainly a bonus, and it is a rather cute sized one too. Wish I had had this when I when I recently went to Europe!



So Susan Intense Eye Shadow - Full sized (RRP: $35)

 

This compact contains four grey/blue/purplish shades and is quite lovely, but sadly I am not really that fond of using those shades, I am a more conservative nude kind of girl, so it is a little wasted. However, it is a gorgeous palette, and I am sure I have a friend who will be absolute ecstatic if I pass it on to her.



Inika Organic Black Kohl Pencil with sharpener - Full Sized (RRP: $29)

 

I always use either a black or a dark brown eyeliner, so this is a great addition, plus I haven’t really tried that many products from the brand Inika, so I do like that too. In saying that, and now this may just be me being a little harsh, but I find that eyeliners is one of those staple makeup items that sadly it doesn’t really excite me, regardless of how great the brand it is! I would have been more excited to see any other makeup product from the brand. But again, using eyeliner every day, it still definitely won’t go to waste, plus I do really like that it has the in-built sharpener in the lid.


So there you go, the contents in the October box. Unfortunately, like last month, I am sadly not extremely impressed, although it is definitely an improvement over last month – and I guess the reason why I am not overly impressed is more down to personal makeup colour preferences, so as mentioned previously, if Lust Have It could manage to custom make their boxes, it would be so much more likely to impress. So that said, I am sure that there are others who find these products to be their perfect matches. The products in the box do have a combined value of over $85, so in that respect it is value for money. I hope the November box ticks a few more boxes for me, and hopefully it will actually arrive in the month of November!!

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


If you are considering subscribing, don’t forget that you can get $5 off your first box by using the unique code LIFESTYLE at the checkout on the Lush Have It website


What do you think of this month’s Lust Have It Box? Are you subscribing, or considering subscribing? Any products you are particularly keen on? And as always, if you’d like to see full reviews of any of the products, do let me know..

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THREE OF A KIND: FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATIONS

As a stay-at-home mum, my days are often spent in casual clothes, and consequently my approach to makeup is often the same, light and quick and hence I often find myself reaching for a tinted moisturiser or a BB/CC cream. However, when I do go out, I always prefer a foundation with more coverage, so continuing my series of three products of similar kind, today I am looking at long-wearing foundations offering a medium to full coverage; 

 

L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24H Stayfresh Foundation*

This foundation is easy to build up to a full coverage by applying several thin layers, and it easily covers dark spots, blemishes and acne scars, and because it covers so well, I often feel I don’t really need to use a concealer, except for under the eye area to cover bags.

It has a nice natural finish that doesn’t look heavy on the skin. The foundation has an extremely long wear, easily staying put on my combination skin for 10+ hours, and that’s without the use of a primer first, but when setting it with a powder – but then there is no mid-afternoon shine, which I’ve otherwise become accustomed to. I am not sure if it actually stays put for the 24 hours as claimed, as regardless of how tired I am, I never fail to remove my makeup before bed, however, I am still very impressed with a 10 hour wear! But of course that is during early spring, so I am yet to see how it performs during the hotter and more humid months.

It is easy to apply and blend, but using fingers and a foundation brush, and comes in an easy to use pump bottle, and I love that it comes with SPF18 too.

RRP: $31.95 – Available from Priceline, department stores and select pharmacies


Max Factor Face Finity All Day Flawless 3 in 1 Foundation*

This foundation combines primer, concealer and foundation in one, and who doesn’t love a true multi-tasker. It has a so called flexi-hold technology that creates a strong film that sits on the skin, and it easily covers even pigmentation, blemishes and scarring, making my skin look nice and even, while being almost invisible on the skin, and if you have a darker mark, you can easily build up coverage too. It even works perfectly under the eyes to cover bags and dark circles, yet without settling into those fine lines. the foundation is oil free, so it is perfect for my combination skin, and it gives my skin such a lovely matte finish with a formula that absorbs excess oil keeping it shine free all day. It is claimed it lasts up to 12 hours, but I have to admit to rarely wearing my makeup for that many hours, but it does easily last 8-10 hours, and almost looking still looking freshly applied when I take it off at night.

RRP: $31.95 - Available from Priceline, department stores and select pharmacies


Innoxa Renew Age Erase Serum Foundation*

This foundation is not just a foundation and I love that it also includes a serum of anti-ageing ingredients to help both instantly and in the long term, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while keeping my skin soft and moisturised. This talc and paraben free foundation also contains silicone that acts as a primer making it long lasting, easily lasting well into the afternoon without the need for a touch-up. Just a small pump is all that is required to evenly cover any blemishes, redness and pigmentation, yet coverage can easily be built up by adding another thin coat if needed. I love how it leaves my skin with a nice even and velvety matte finish with a nice healthy glow. 

RRP: $26.95 – Available from Priceline, Department stores and select pharmacies 
*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


So there you go, my selection of medium to full coverage foundations. Have you tried any of these? Which foundations do you swear by?

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