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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PRODUCT REVIEW: RIMMEL LONDON FIX & PROTECT PRIMER AND MATCH PERFECTION FOUNDATION SPF20

Rimmel London has recently relaunched one of its best-selling foundations, and along with it, also launched a new primer. Here are my thoughts on the Rimmel London Fix & Protect Primer and Match Perfection Foundation SPF 20;

Rimmel London Fix & Protect Primer
This primer claims to work with three key benefits;

• Protect and shelter the skin from pollution, filters out harmful UV rays & helps to prevent hyperpigmentation.
• Fixes and blurs blemishes thanks to light-diffusing properties. 
• Extend the wear of your makeup, leaving it mattified for up to 7 hours.

Unlike like many primers, this Fix and Protect Primer doesn’t feel so silicone, which I really like. It has a very light and airy moisturing texture and it goes on the quickly and easily and leaves the skin with a nice illuminated glow. This primer can be use on its own to keep your skin looking matte and with that healthy illuminated glow, but personally, I would probably never do that, either I go bare-faced using just my serums and moisturisers, or I have a face full of makeup, and uses a primer underneath, or at least on the days where I know I’ll be wearing my makeup for a long time, or when its ridiculously hot or humid! But guess the option is there if you prefer using the primer alone, and the added SPF25 does make that possible!

But I do like using it under a foundation, including the new Match Perfection Foundation, as it not only helps the foundation glide on so much easier, and I also feel that I need to use less foundation for a more flawless look, probably because the primer has ‘blurred’ some imperfections, and secondly because it has ‘filled in’ many of the large pores, lines and crevasses!

Unfortunately it doesn’t quite keep my skin shine-free for 7 hours as promised, but it has also been particularly warm here in Melbourne, and my skin extremely greasy, so that may explain it!

The Match Perfection Foundation SPF20 has a unique built in moisturising complex leaves skin feeling hydrated for up to 24-hours as well as it contains light-reflecting & soft focus powders that optically blur imperfections for a luminous, mistake proof & 100% poreless finish, and not to mention an advanced wonder-tone technology creates a unique synergy between skin and foundation for a refined, even complexion!!

The foundation is as claimed a very light weightless formula, but not quite offering the ‘invisible’ coverage, although, I do have to say that it feels incredible light and very comfortable on the skin, to the point I almost forgot it was there (that is, until my skin got shiny!). The foundation has a very thin and runny texture, so you have to be careful not to tip too much out and waste it, and you also have to be fast at blending it out before it absorbs and dries into the skin. Despite being so thin, it still manages to offer a fairly decent and natural looking coverage, covering smaller blemishes and pigmentation, as well as it does blur pores and other skin imperfections. It also claims to protect the skin with moisture for 24hrs and to be honest, I have no idea who would ever wear a foundation for that long, but it does feel moisturising on the skin both during wear and once it is removed.

Over all I do like the primer, but for me, the standout was definitely the foundation which quite like can easily see myself purchasing it again for an alternative for a light coverage for casual everyday wear.

Rimmel London Match Perfection Foundation SPF20 is available in 8 shades; RRP: $18.95/30ml

Rimmel London Fix & Protect Makeup Primer RRP: $13.95/30ml

Available from Priceline, Target, Kmart, BigW, selected pharmacies and selected 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: VOLUSPA CREME DE PECHE

I love burning scented candles in my home, as it not only create a lovely atmosphere, but the scent that spreads throughout the house, also helps mask the smell of our dogs and what we had for dinner!!! Today I’d like to share with you my thoughts on the Crème De Peche candle from Voluspa;

 

 

What They Say:

Uniquely, each Voluspa candle is triple scented using a natural coconut and apricot wax blend that burns cleanly and evenly every time. The candle is made with 100% cotton wigs, and without phthalates, parabens, and sulfates. Packaged in a custom embossed glass with a signature Japonica metallic box. Each creation has been lovingly hand poured in the USA using a natural coconut and apricot wax formulation. Burn time is 50hrs.

RRP: $34.95 (17g) – Available from Saison 

What I Say:

I love the fact that the candles from Voluspa are hand poured using natural coconut and apricot wax, a have a cotton wig, which also means that they burn very well, - in fact for over 50 hours, and that is without the dreaded smoke that discolours your walls and ceiling! I also love that they are made without the chemical nasties including phthalates, parabens or sulphates, and of course not tested on animals either.

The actual candle has one wick, will even give your room a nice scent unlit, but as soon as you start to burn it, the scent spreads quickly throughout your house, and lasts for a while even after the candle has been blown out.

 

The Crème De Peche candle is scented with Asian White Peach, Nectarine and crushed Vanilla Bean, and has a beautiful fresh fruity scent that is neither too strong or overwhelming or too sweet either.

The candle comes in a very attractive floral embossed glass that looks so beautiful on display, but will be just as perfect to reuse for flowers or knick-knacks once the candle is gone, or how about using it for your makeup brushes! It also comes in a stunning black and peach coloured box that has been embossed too with a gorgeous floral design.

Overall this is a beautiful candle, and I can definitely see myself purchasing more candles in the future, as well as they’re a perfect gift idea too!

Do you burn scented candles in your home? Which scent is your favourite? Tried any of the candles from Voluspa?

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

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PRODUCT REVIEW: LUST HAVE IT JANUARY 2016

The January Lust Have It Box arrived the other day, here are my thoughts on this month’s contents;

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:

Like previous months, this months’ products arrived in a pink mesh bag, and this month it included three full sized items and two deluxe sample sizes.

Unani Micellar Water – Full Size (RRP: $22.50/200ml)

I’ve never heard of this brand before, so bonus points right there as I love trying new brands, which is also one of the key reason I really like subscription boxes. This micellar water has a beautiful gentle floral scent and claims to remove impurities, and purify the skin, leaving it soft and hydrated. Unlike other micellar waters I’ve come across and use, it does not mention anything about removing makeup, it is almost like it is more of a toner with moisturising benefits. Regardless, I do look forward to trying it out.

Hikari Blush – Full Size (RRP: $21/6g)

I have previously received Hikari products in a subscription box, but from memory it was an eyeshadow quad in shades I wouldn’t normally use, so it is more than likely sitting untouched in my stash of makeup. This blush, in the shade ‘Bikini’ is a pinky peach shade with a light shimmer, a shade that I’d normally reach for, so I do look forward to seeing how the quality and wear stacks up.

Hikari Lip Crayon – Full Size (RRP: $18/2.5g)

Another product from Hikari – and while I don’t mind terribly as I do like lip crayons, I would on the other hand have preferred if it had been from another brand for a bit more variety in the box. The info card mentions you’d either get the shade Sunkissed or Amour, yet I actually got the shade ‘Macchiato’!! Go figure! Anyway, the shade ‘Macchiato’ is a warm peach shade, not my usual choice, but regardless, a lovely shade.

Skinyoga Almond Face Scrub – Sample, 5.67g (RRP: $24/50g)

Another new brand, yay! And from the first glance at the packaging I was in love. Small timber crates, what a novel idea – although they would be a bit wasted as soon as the product is taken out – except my little 2.5 year old boy is currently pirate obsessed, and he quickly declared that they were ‘treasure chests’, so as soon as I’d taken the photos, the empty boxes disappeared into his pirate ship! LOL!

The actual the product is made from 100% natural ingredients and claim to hydrate, nourish and repair damage from excessive use of chemicals while exfoliating the skin and removing dead skin cells, and even lightening scars with regular use! The face scrub comes in a little glass bottle with a cork lid – again I’m loving this as its just so different, even down to the cork lid that you hardly ever get in wine bottles anymore! The actual scrub is a yellowish powder that is prepared by mixing it with water. All in all sound pretty good to me, so cannot wait to try it out.

Skinyoga Sandalwood and saffron facemask – Sample, 5g (RRP: $24/50g)

Another product from Skinyoga – and as with the Hikari, I am excited to try more from this brand, I would yet again have preferred a product from another brand for more variety in the box. As with the Face Scrub, the Face Mask comes in the timber crate and in a glass bottle with the cork lid, and it also has to be made up by mixing it with water. This face mask is intended for dry skin, and as I have combination skin, I am a little more hesitant putting this mask to the test, also because my skin has been particularly troublesome lately with breakouts so don’t really want to bug it too much.

So there you have it, the contents in the January Lust Have It box which contains a combination of skincare and makeup products, although unfortunately only from three different brands. The value of this months box is quite reasonable at almost $70 (the Skinyoga products both have price tags of $4.20!), although in terms of value, previous boxes have exceeded this.

In terms of the products, I am generally quite impressed, as the Unani micellar water will always be useful, the Hikari blush has a lovely colour and the Skinyoga scrub I also cant wait to try. As for the Hikari lip crayon I am not sure I’ll really like the shade and the Skinyoga face mask doesn’t really fit my skin type, so I may pass these onto a friend.  So all in all a resonable start to the year, not brilliant, seeing I am unsure about two out of five products, but certainly not bad either – bring on the February box!

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

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

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

Scout Cosmetics Mineral Lipgloss in Sweet

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


Scout Cosmetics Mineral Eyeshadow in Ice Baby

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


Scout Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in All She Desires

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

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

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

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