PRODUCT REVIEW: RIMMEL LONDON BROW THIS WAY

Brows are all the rage at the moment. Years ago they had to be so thin, but today, the bigger and bolder the better, and makeup brands around the world seems to jump on the bandwagon and launch their own range of brow products. Including Rimmel London, who a little while ago launched their Brow This Way Range.

The Brow This Way range includes:

• Brow This Way Brow Sculpting Kit, available in Medium Brown #002 and Dark Brown #003
• Brow This Way Sculpting Gel in Clear
• Brow This Way, available in Blonde #001, Medium Brown #002 and Dark Brown #003

On the days I don’t wear makeup, which is actually rare, as I mostly tend to at least wear mascara and a lipbalm, often a tinted one, I like using the Clear Brow This Way Styling gel as it keeps my unruly brows in shape, as it is a non-sticky clear gel that gives the brows a touch of subtle shine at the same time.

On the days where I wear a full face of makeup my go-to is without a doubt the tinted Brow This Way Styling Gel in. I love how this brow gel with a mini mascara applicator makes it so quick and easy to give your brows a uniform shape and keep them staying put all day. And in spite of being coloured, it gives the brows a natural look that is smudge proof and feels comfortable to wear too.

Finally, there’s the Brow This Way Sculpting Kit which contains a wax and a powder. You first use the wax with the angled brush to shade and define the brows, and hereafter you use the other end of the brush to apply the setting powder to fill in sparse areas of the brows and to create a bolder look. Finally, you use the spoolie brush to lock in the shape and colour so it stays put all day

In essence, with these products it is now so simple to define, groom ad shape your brows just like you like them. The clear gel is perfect for those you prefer a simple groomed look, while the tint gives a little more shape and definition while still looking natural. Finally, if you’re after a stronger bolder look, the kit is the best option.

Personally, my product of choice is the tinted gel, as it is simply so quick and easy to apply, and for someone with a baby and a toddler running around my legs, that’s simply currently the best option. I also enjoy using the kit, but for someone a little unexperienced with it, like me, it does take that little bit longer to use, and also is a little more fiddly.

But overall I think it is fantastic that Rimmel has considered all situations and created products suitable for everyone! I personally enjoy using all the products and wouldn’t hesitate purchasing either of them again.

The products have an RRP of $12.95 each and are available from Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, Target, Kmart, Big W and selected pharmacies, Coles and Woolworths.

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

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PRODUCT REVIEW: PHYSICIANS FORMULA POWDER PALETTE MULTI-COLOURED CUSTOM BLUSH FOR BLONDES AND BRUNETTES

A little while ago I received a huge parcel from Physicians Formula containing all their new product releases. And trust me when I say that there were a lot. So it has been a bit of an issue to decide not only which product to try first! Here are my thoughts on the Powder Palette Multi-Coloured Custom Blush for Blondes and Brunettes

What They Say:

Ultra-Glam Bombshell Glow! Complements your hair colour. The Perfect Blush for Your Hair Color. Versatile & Glamorous Glow.

RRP: $21.95 – Available from Priceline

What I Say:

So these new Powder Palette Multi-Coloured Custom Blushes have been designed specifically to compliment your hair colour, whether you have blonde or brunette hair, as they will enhance your skin tone and play up your hair colour.

Both of the blushes have a beautiful hexagon design pattern that features both warm and cool pearlescent colours that give your skin a radiant finish and will highlight your cheekbones. At first glance the two blushes look quite similar, but at closer look you will notice that the shade designed for blondes have more cool tones in the mix, while the shade for brunettes features more warm and golden shades.

I’ve tried both of the shades, and with brunette hair, the shade for brunettes should consequently suit my skin better. I tend to agree, and that it also does give my skin some more warmth, but in saying that, I also didn’t mind the lighter shade for blondes, possibly because it is in the middle of winter here now, and my skin consequently is quite pale.

The actual powder is light I consistency, and it does wear quite well during the day, without fading or making my skin shine. And although it does have a pearlescent sheen, it merely gives the skin nice glow without being over the top.

Physicians Formula also mentions that you can use the blushes both dry and wet – dry with a brush, and wet with a damp sponge for a more defined and dramatic look. Personally I found that I got plenty of definition and colour by using it dry with a brush, so I have to admit to not having tried to use it wet!

At first the blushes go on quite sheer, but it is easy to build up the colour, so you do have to be cautious not applying too much – and especially if you use enclosed brush..

 

The blushes come in bright pink and very girly packaging, that has a hidden compartment that houses a brush, as well as it has a mirror, and both are great for any touch ups on the go during the day. However, as I believe to have mentioned in previous Physicians Formula reviews, I do find their brushes a little stiff, and that they quickly ‘scratch up’ the powder, and you consequently lose a bit of powder with each use, as well as I find that it is more difficult to blend the blush and you apply too much by mistake. So I therefore prefer to use the blushes with my own softer blush brushes, but on the other hand if you haven’t got a suitable brush, or do like to be able to apply the blush when you’re on the go, then you cannot complain about it being included..

Overall, these are lovely blushes, and I’m surprised to admit that it really does make a difference which shade you use. So if you are after your perfect blush shade, Physicians Formula has basically taken all the guesswork out for you to ensure you pick the right shade. How brilliant is that!

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

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PRODUCT REVIEW: FACTORIE MAKE UP MAKE OUT MAKEUP COLLECTION

A little while ago youth lifestyle brand Factorie launched a makeup range, Make Up Make Out, and I was lucky to get to try a few of the products, here are my thoughts;

Factorie Make Up Make Out Lipstick

These lipsticks come in a chunky crayon formula which makes then so easy to apply, and the pointy tip means that they double as a lipliner too. They come in 15 different shades so there’s something for every taste and occasion. I tried the shade Scarlet Berry which is a deep and rich fuchsia shade, perfect for night time, or if you simply want to brighten your face during the day. It feels comfortable to wear, to the point I almost forget I’m wearing it, and it has a wear of a few hours, but when it fades, it does leave a nice even stain finish on the lips. RRP: $7.95
 

Make Up Make Out Mascara

This mascara claims to plump your lashes, and while it does both give the lashes length and volume, it is nothing too dramatic, so a good basic mascara for everyday wear. It does last well throughout the day without flaking, something that’s important for my uber-sensitive eyes. RRP $9.95

Make Up Make Out Eyeshadow palette

For me, the winner of this makeup collection is by far the eyeshadow palettes. There are two colour combinations available, Vegas Nights which contains a combination of darker intense shades perfect for night time wear, while California Days contains 6 lighter and more natural and muted shades perfect for use during the day, and common for all the colours is that they have a lovely sheen. The eyeshadows have a fairly good pigmentation so you can build up the colour intensity, while also just applying a sweep of subtle colour. They have a fairly good wear, which however can be extended by the use of primer first. Both palettes come with a double ended brush applicator and have a large mirror inside. While both palettes are absolutely stunning, of the two colour combinations, the California Days is with its more subtle colours my preferred one, but that’s more to do with currently preferring a more subtle and understated look! RRP: $14.95

Make Up Make Out Eyeshadow brush

The range also includes makeup brushes including this eye shadow brush, which is great for applying the base eyeshadow. RRP: $7.95

Common for all the products is that they come in matte black packaging which silver writing, which personally I find is absolutely stunning with its simplistic look.

Also available in the range are lip balms, hair chalk, nail polish, bronzer, and body sprays

Overall, I think Factorie has done well with this new range of makeup. The products are very well priced, and the quality very good too. Definitely worth checking out, instore, or online at Factorie

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

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BRAND FOCUS: THE ORGANIC SKIN CO MAKEUP

Today I’d like to bring focus to a makeup brand that I’ve just come across, The Organic Skin Co.

 

Never heard of the Organic Skin Co before? I hadn’t either, so I was pleasantly surprised when I realised that it is a makeup line produced for World Organic, a family run company from New Zealand. And common for all the products, as the name suggests, is that they are made with the aim of producing natural products of the highest quality, where the majority of the products are made from at least 70% organic ingredients.

The Organic Skin Co The Luminous Liquid Foundation

 

This foundation comes in an easy to use pump bottle and the actual foundation is light and is easy to apply and blend into the skin. It gives the skin a medium coverage, easily covering minor pigmentation, blemishes and redness, while a concealer is required for my larger areas of pigmentation and dark circles under my eyes (both no doubt not made any better by being almost 38 weeks pregnant!)  And while the foundation gives the skin a medium coverage, it still manages to make my skin look very natural and give it a nice radiant glow, without looking to shimmery. It lasts quite well on my combination skin throughout the day without settling into fine lines or changing colour, and only requires a quick touch-up for by the afternoon, but that is pretty standard for my skin type. It has a slightly odd scent, which however quickly fades, but I put it down to not containing any artificial fragrances, but rather being chock full of organic antioxidants, oils and minerals that care for the skin as you wear it. Made with 72.95% organic ingredients. Available in 4 Shades. RRP: $49.00 (30ml)

 

The Organic Skin Co Sun Kissed Bronzer

This 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 decollete, 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. The Bronzer has been enriched with cold pressed oils and as well as botanicals to help moisturise and condition the skin. Unlike the foundation, it has a beautiful scent of orange. It is made from 71.43% organic ingredients. RRP: $47.00 (30ml)

The Organic Skin Co Botanical Loose Mineral Foundation

 

This 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. Available in three shades plus a translucent. RRP: $42.00 (6.5G)

The Organic Skin Co Cream Blush
 

This soft cream blush 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 has been made with pure minerals, organic cold pressed oils and extracts from calendula and pomegranate to not only nourish and care for your cheeks, but give them 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. Available in 3 shades. RRP: $29.00

The Organic Skin Co Pressed Eye Shadow Palette

 

I tried this eye shadow palette in the shade Espresso love, which is as the name suggests a palette with brownish shades. It contains four matte shades, including off white, a pale dusty pink, a mauve as well as a dark chocolate brown shade. And all the shades complement each other perfectly, and can be used either individually on their own for a simply daytime look, or in any combination for the perfect smoky eye.

The eye shadows have a soft and smooth consistency, and are easy to apply with an eyeshadow brush, with minimal fallout, and while they are quite pigmented so that you can build up the colours to be quite intense, you can also apply them lightly for just a sheer wash of colour. They also stay put, and don’t settle into fine lines during the day. Made with pure minerals and extracts. Available in four different colour combinations. RRP: $55.00 (8g)

The Organic Skin Co Lipstick
 

These lipsticks are made with carnauba wax, which helps protect the lips, even when exposed to changes in temperatures, and are consequently they also very creamy and feel very nourishing and moisturising on the lips, and hence also extremely comfortable.   I tried the shades Summer Sands and Sahara. Summer Sands is a soft pale pink, with a touch of shimmery sheen, and it is the perfect shade for those who prefer a barely there nude shade, and perfect for casual everyday wear or if you want to downplay your lips!

The Sahara shade on the other hand is a warm red shade, again with a touch of subtle shimmer, and it is my favourite of the two shades – but only because I prefer to wear just a little more colour than the Summer Sands shade provide. I simply find that the Sahara shade works perfectly for me, whether is casual daytime wear, or a night out, giving my lips colour, but without being too bold!

Common for both shades is that they last a few hours on the lips, although the darker Sahara shade has a longer wear because of the darker pigments. I would have loved them to have a longer wear, on the other hand, I wouldn’t want to compromise on how lovely moisturising they feel on the lips, or that they are 100% natural and made with 70% organic ingredients, it really doesn’t get much better than that. Available in 10 shades. RRP: $31.00

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 ae 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 lipgloss, individual eyeshadows, and a liquid eyeliner.

All the Organic Skin Co products are 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: PAULA'S CHOICE

The brand Paula’s Choice has been around for quite some time, but only just recently launched in Australia. Here are my thoughts on the All Bases Covered Foundation, Brow-Defining Cream Duo, Maximum Impact Mascara and the Gentle Touch Makeup Remover;

 

 

What They Say:

All Bases Covered Foundation: This lightweight, creamy foundation offers light to medium coverage, evens out skin tone and protects.

RRP: $30 (30ml) – Available from Paula’s Choice 

Brow-Defining Cream Duo: Show off those brows like never before. With two mixable shades, you can create your perfect eyebrow colour for fuller, thicker-looking, smudge-proof brows.

RRP: $31 – Available from Paula’s Choice 

Illicit Lash Maximum Impact Mascara: I’m shutting my eyes on clumpy lashes. Sweep this smudge proof mascara on with the specially designed rubber brush for long, beautifully separated lashes.

RRP: $21 – Available from Paula’s Choice 

Gentle Touch Makeup Remover: Give old makeup the rub, without the scrub. This dual-phase solution takes off even waterproof mascara quickly and gently. Reduces puffiness too.

RRP: $20 (127ml) – Available from Paula’s Choice

 

What I Say:

I’ve heard a lot about Paula’s Choice products from overseas bloggers, but never had a chance to try any of the products myself. So when the products launched in Australia and I was offered to trial a selection of their products, I happily accepted.

The All Bases Covered Foundation is a foundation that is designed for dry to very dry skin, and I have to say here that technically it is not the right fit for my combination skin. However, I still like this lightweight foundation that absorbs quickly into my skin and gives it a nice dewy finish and a natural look. It is easy to apply and blend with your fingers, and it has a good coverage, covering minor pigmentation and redness, leaving my skin looking more even. The coverage can easily be built up to medium with an extra layer on the required areas. However, with increasing pigmentation (not helped by being pregnant) and some old acne scars, I do feel I still need to use a concealer to cover these areas, as well as darker circles under my eyes.

The foundation can supposedly be used on its own, without using a serum and moisturiser prior, but I have to say that even with my combination skin, I wouldn’t skip my daily moisturiser. The foundation also has a mineral based UVA/UVB SPF 25 to protect skin from the sun’s damaging rays.

The All Bases Covered Foundation doesn’t seem to make my skin break out, and lasts fairly well on my skin without settling into fine lines, although I do need to ‘powder’ my nose and t-zone area by the afternoon – but again, I think that is mainly due to my combination skin, so I am sure it would stay put better on the normal to dry skin types as it is intended.

The Brow-Defining Duo is a cream duo intended to be used to fill in sparse brows and make them look fuller and more defined. To be honest, I haven’t always used brow products, but years of over-plucking means that my brows now are thinner than I like them to be, so brow products are not a part of my daily routine too. The Brow-Defining Duo comes with two shades, a lighter and a darker shade as well as a double-ended brush with an angled brush in one end and a small spoolie in the other. The angled brush is perfect to use to apply the cream definer, and you can either use the shades individually or combined for the perfect colour match. Here after you use the spoolie to help shape and brush the brows into place.

 

The Brow-Defining Duo is easy to use – although I do admit to using a ‘mascara-style’ brow product on the days where I’m in a hurry – but in saying that I do like the more refined results that this duo gives my brows. The cream seems to have a bit of wax included too, so your brows stay in place all day, as well as the colour of course stays put too, without running or smearing.

The cute little compact also comes with a small mirror so you can apply, or touch up on the go if you like. The only other thing I could have wished was included would be a small brow stencil, which would have been very handy for a brow novice like me!

 

Next is the Illicit Lash Maximum Impact Mascara. I have very sensitive eyes that easily gets irritated and water, so in general I tend to wear waterproof mascaras to avoid the panda look occurring during the day. The Illicit Lash Maximum Impact Mascara isn’t waterproof, but claims to be smudge proof, which I can vouch for as it did stay put even after my eyes had been watering. It has a large flexible rubber brush that makes it easy to reach and coat every single lash, even the smallest of lashes in the corners of your eyes, and it nicely separates and defines the lashes without any clumps. I also like that it keeps the lashes feeling soft, unlike many other mascaras. 2-3 coats of this mascara gives your lashes a nice look, with both volume and length and a touch of curl, but I wouldn’t go as far as to call it Maximum Impact as the name of the mascara suggest – however, still, it is a great mascara for every day wear, and it doesn’t irritate my eyes and stays put all day with is a great bonus.

Finally, the Gentle Touch Makeup Remover is a dual-phase makeup remover that you shake before use, and then apply to a cotton ball before removing your makeup. It claims to easily remove even waterproof mascara quickly and gently, as well as reduce puffiness! I did find that it was struggling a little removing a waterproof mascara, and that I had to go over it a few times for my lashes to be completely clean, but in saying that, it easily and in just one swipe removed the Illicit Lash Maximum Impact Mascara and the Brow-Defining Duo. I am also not really sure about it reducing puffiness around the eyes, but I also don’t really expect a makeup remover to be able to do so, rather something I’d expect from an eye cream! However all in all, I do like this makeup remover. It is quite gentle, and doesn’t irritate or sting in my eyes, and doesn’t leave my eye area feeling greasy or sticky.

All in all I am enjoying these products from Paula’s Choice. They are all of a high quality and at the same time very reasonably priced. The standout product for me is definitely the Brow-Defining Duo, which I am really enjoying, although in saying that, I do enjoy the other products as well. So I certainly wouldn’t mind adding a few more makeup products to my collection, and particularly love the look of the Blush Palette and the Nude Eyeshadow Palette…

Have you ever tried any of the products from Paula’s Choice? Any recommendations?

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

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