Tuesday 30 June 2009

Crabtree & Evelyn Naturals In Shower Moisturiser

I haven't tried that many Crabtree & Evelyn products in the past, but when I read this review on Gem's blog I just had to go out and buy Crabtree & Evelyn's In Shower Moisturiser. Gem often has this affect on me, I read about stuff on her blog and then I want it. Thankfully she has great taste so I'm always happy with the products that she 'forces' me to buy.

I purchased the Mango Butter and Cranberry In Shower Moisturiser. The scent is amazing, it's the perfect blend of mango and cranberry which is great to use first thing in the morning as it wakes me up nicely.

This is such a great idea, especially for winter. To use, you wash yourself then spread the In Shower Moisturiser all over, lightly rinse off then pat dry. When I do this I'm left with soft, moisturised skin. It has quite a thick, body butter like texture, but it spreads easily. The scent is lovely and light so doesn't interfere with my perfume.

Would I buy it again? Definitely, it's a brilliant idea.

Ingredients: water, ricinus communis seed oil, emulsifying wax nf. beeswax, stearic acid, vitis vinifera seed oil, glyceryl stearate, stearyl alcohol, polysorbate 20, peg-100 stearate, vaccinium macrocarpon seed oil, mangifera indica seed butter, prunus amygdalus dulcis oil, simmondsia chinensis seed oil, macadamia ternifolia seed oil, rosa canina seed extract, sesamum indicum seed oil, prunus armeniaca kernel oil, aleurites moluccana seed oil, pistacia vera seed oil, ximenia americana seed oil, limnanthes alba seed oil, camelina sativa seed oil, oenothera biennis oil, passiflora edulis seed oil, bertholletia excelsa seed oil, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, carthamus tinctorius seed oil, hydrogenated avocade oil, theobroma cacao seed butter, butyrospermum parkii, astrocaryum murumuru butter, theobrama grandiflorum seed butter, tocopheryl acetate, tocopherol, fragrance, limonene, hyxyl cinnamal, butylphenyl methylpropional, phenoxyethanol, chlorphenesin, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone.

Monday 29 June 2009

Ten Tubes Test Update


I've got backwards since my last update. Instead of finishing things I've acquired the products that you can see in the picture above. I didn't buy any of them though. I got the Kit gloss free for doing a survey on their website and the other three balms Mr GQ bought for me.

Mr GQ buying me balms is bizarre. In the three years that we've been together he'd previously only bought me one lip product, however in the last few weeks he's bought me three. Even more bizarrely he doesn't even know about the Ten Tubes Test, unless he's been secretly reading my blog, so I'm not sure what's prompted him to start buying me lip stuff, not that I'm complaining. I haven't asked him to buy any of them for me, he's just come home with them after he's been to the chemist.

I'm still working on using up my Lip Fusion gloss and am half way through my MAC Adventurous gloss so they should both be gone in the next few weeks. I don't think I've got any balms that are close to being finished. I'm still really pleased with my progress. I haven't been tempted to buy any new balms and it's a great feeling finishing something.

I considered doing Project 10 Pan for my skincare products and started it a few weeks ago, but I finish skin care products so quickly that I've decided it's not really worth it. In the first week I finished four skin care products. Plus, I've been really good and haven't bought any new skin care for ages so it's not really a problem.

Friday 26 June 2009

Benefit High Brow

I was given Benefit's High Brow as a gift, otherwise I would never have tried it. Whilst I'm glad that I got to try it, I'm not sure that I'd buy it. In my opinion it's easily duplicated with a white or pale pink eye shadow.

Here's what Benefit says: Highlight your brow bone for an instant brow lift. This linen-pink pencil leaves your eyes lovely & younger looking... it's a stroke of pink genius! Lesson included.

Tips and tricks: Apply pencil under your brow following the arch. Lightly blend. For more arch appeal, put two dots above the arch & blend.

Overall I'm really happy with this pencil. It's a chalky pink colour that blends in easily and does a very good job of highlighting my eye area. I also use it on the inner corners of my eyes, but if you are going to use it in this area be sure to use it lightly otherwise it creases.

Highlighting the brow bone make such a difference to the look of my face. It's quite amazing that such a small thing can make such a big difference. It makes my eyes look a lot brighter. I put two dots from the arch of my brow and then blend it down to the end of my eye brow and that's it. A quick, simple way to brighten up my face.

Thursday 25 June 2009

Australis Perfection Brush On Foundation

I have to admit, I'm usually a foundation snob. Every now and again I try cheaper foundations and they just don't work for me, so I usually stick with higher end foundations. Considering all that, I'm really not sure whey I bought this, probably because it was on sale and I had heard a few people saying how much they loved it. Really, I should have known better.

Here's what Australis has to say about Perfection Brush On Foundation: A simple and mess free way to achieve a flawless, natural looking finish. The unique formulation assists in hydrating the skin and protecting it from the harsh environment. Australis Perfection Brush On Foundation effortlessly transforms the skin to luminous perfection with the stroke of a brush.

I'm not at all happy with this foundation. I've been using it for four weeks and have had to throw it out because the brush falls out every time I try to use it. This makes a huge mess and it's just not worth the effort.

As far as the actual foundation goes, it was okay, but nothing amazing. I find it quite hydrating and very sheer. To even out my skin tone I wear a powder over the top. It's more like a tinted moisturiser than a foundation. One good thing about it is that is has a SPF of 30.

Would I buy it again? No.

Wednesday 24 June 2009

The Balm Staniac

I've always been a fan of cream and gel blushes because they're so easy to use. Originally I bought Staniac to use as a lip tint, but I also love it as a sheer cheek tint. I have Beauty Queen which is the colour shown above. In the tube it looks really dark, but it goes on very sheerly and looks like a pretty flush of colour.

Here's what theBalm says: This hint of tint works with all skin tones. Dab just a touch on your cheeks or layer to make the colour pop. Fear not those dreaded streaks that most tints leave behind - Stainiac's water-based formula is designed to give you more time before the stain sets. Can be used on cheeks or lips.

I have to agree with their claims. It is a light, sheer colour that's easily buildable. It doesn't set too fast so is easy to blend. When I use it as a cheek stain it lasts all day, as a lip stain it lasts half a day.

Ingredients: water, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, actylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, triethanolamine, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, propylene glycol, camelia oleifera (tea) extract, methylparaben, potassium sorbate, sodium dehydroacetate, flavor, may contain: red 33 cl 17200, blue 1 cl 42090, Green 3 cl 42053, yellow 5 cl 19140, red 22 cl 45380, red 27 cl 45410:1, yellow 10 cl 47005, green 5 cl 61570.

Tuesday 23 June 2009

Make Me Smooth French Connection Perfumes



Make Me Smooth is a gorgeous web store that sells beautiful perfumes, skin care and body lotions. I have yet to try a MMS product that I don't love. MMS have close to 700 different scents to choose from and you can order hair care, deodorants and body lotions in the scent of your choice.

One of my favorite MMS products is the French Connection Perfume. Not only does it come in a huge range of different scents, it's the longest lasting perfume I've ever used. With all of my other perfumes I apply them in the morning and within a few hours I can't smell it anymore. With French Connection Perfume I can still smell it at the end of the day.

There are so many different French Connection Perfume scents to try, there is something to suit everyone. If you are looking for a very reasonably priced perfume, this is the way to go.

Would I buy it again? Yes, these perfumes are great value and some of my favorite scents.

Monday 22 June 2009

ChapStick 100% Naturals Lip Butter


I haven't used ChapStick for years so when Mr GQ bought me this lip balm recently the first thing I did was check the ingredients list. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it's petrolatum free and has really good ingredients in it.

I really like this lip balm. It's fragrance and flavour free which I was a little surprised at considering the ingredients. It goes on like a lip butter, nice and creamy. It's very smooth with no waxiness. It doesn't have a glossy finish so is great for men to use too.

Since I got this I've been using it daily and it's keeping my lips soft and smooth, even when they're cracked. I wasn't expecting much from this balm so have been very surprised at how good it is.

ChapStick says: ChapStick 100% Naturals Lip Butter moisturises your lips with a special blend of five natural butters including mango butter, shea butter, avocado butter, olive butter, raspberry butter.

The only problem I have with this lip balm is that Mr GQ loves it as much as I do and keeps on stealing it from me.

Would I buy this again? Yes, it's a lovely balm.

Ingredients:
helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, jojoba esters, euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, flavour, beeswax, copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), glycine soja (soybean) lipids, mangifera indica (mango) seed (mango butter), octyldodecanol, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil (olive butter), persea gratissima (avocado) oil (avocado butter), rubus idaeus (raspberry) seed oil (raspberry butter), tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate.

Friday 19 June 2009

Innoxa Line and Define Eye Colour


Innoxa's Line and Define Eye Colours are such a good idea. Clinique used to do something similar but since they discontinued theirs I haven't been able to find anything like it, until I found Innoxa's version.

It's difficult to see from the picture, but it's a pen type with the eye colour in the lid. It has a foam, dome shaped applicator with a rounded tip. To use it all you have to do it take the lid off and it's ready to go.

I use this as an eye liner and an eye shadow. It can be a little tricky to use as an eye liner when I'm after a sharp, defined line, so I use it when I'm wanting a smudged, smoky look. Eye shadow wise it's great. It's easy to apply and lasts well. I don't have any trouble with this creasing or fading, it'll last all day with no problems.

This is one of those products that I keep in my handbag for emergencies because it's so versatile.

Would I buy it again? Yes, it's a great idea and super cheap (around $13).

Thursday 18 June 2009

Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil



Rimmel's Soft Kohl eye pencil is one of my all time favorite eye pencils. I love that it's soft enough to apply easily, it's easy to smudge and yet it doesn't fade or disappear. I often find that eye pencils are either too hard to apply easily or too soft and smudgy, but this pencil is perfect.

They have a good range of pretty colours, my favorites are Denim Blue and Jungle Green. Stormy Grey is the next on on my list to buy.

Rimmel says: Soft, smudgeable colour with an improved staying power. This pencil gives dense colour application, which can be blended into the lid for a softly smudged look. A very easy to apply formulation. Sexy, smokey eyes!

I have to agree with all of those claims. This is one eye pencil that lives up to the hype.

Would I buy it again? Yes, these pencils are great and a bargain!

Wednesday 17 June 2009

Weleda Everon Lip Balm

I bought this in the hope that it'd be different to the Weleda Everon Lip Salve I've got. I didn't get along at all well with the Lip Salve but was hoping that the lip balm would be different. If you want to see my review of the Lip Salve it's here.

The Lip Balm is identical to the Lip Salve. The ingredients are slightly different, but not enough to make a noticeable difference. It smells great but isn't amazing. I don't find it particularly moisturising. It's moisturising enough that it works whilst my lips are in good condition, but it's not moisturising enough for when my lips are dry and chapped.

It does work really well as a primer under lipstick and lip gloss though, and that's mainly what I use it for.

Would I buy it again? No. I'm a bit annoyed that I bought it hoping that there would be a difference between the Salve and the Balm, now I have two of them to use up.

Ingredients: jojoba seed oil, beeswax, shea butter, candelilla wax, rosa damascena flower wax, carnauba wax, vanilla planifolia fruit extract, rosa damascena extract, citronellol, bezyl alcohol, geraniol, eugenol, farnesol.

Tuesday 16 June 2009

Model Co Illusion Nude Lip Pencil


Model Co say that this is a skin colour lip pencil and for me they're right. This pencil is very close to my natural lip colour. Out of all the different lip pencils I've used this is one of my favorite. It's soft enough that it goes on easily, but firm enough that it lasts well without fading.

As it's a wax pencil I find it to be quite moisturising. It's okay to use on chapped lips as it tends to glide over and smooth out the dry bits. When I use this under lipstick it lasts at least 4 hours or until I've eaten. As the colour is nearly identical to my natural lip pencil it's great to use as an all over colour or just as a liner when I want to stop my lipstick or gloss from feathering.

There's really not much else I can tell you about Illusion other than that it's a great product.

Would I buy it again? Yes, it's a great product.

Monday 15 June 2009

Another Ten Tubes Test Update


I'm amazed to be saying that I've finished another two lip products. That makes three lip products that I've used up in the last two weeks, which I really happy about. I suppose it goes to show how many nearly empty products I had sitting around. Unfortunately that's about all the nearly used products I have, so I'm now onto full products, which means it'll be a long time until my next post. Although I'll probably use up my Lip Fusion gloss soon. I'm getting to the bottom of it and it's getting really difficult to get any of the gloss out, so I might give up on it soon. I was determined not to give up on anything during this trial, but I suppose if I can't get anymore out of it then there's not much I can do. I've tried heating it up to get all the gloss down to the bottom, but it hasn't made it much easier. I'm going to try my best to finish it all, but if I can't get any out then I'll give up.

Once I've finished with Lip Fusion I'll move onto my MAC Adventurous gloss. Not sure what balm I'm going to try to finish next, at the moment I'm using a Kit one and a My Lip Stuff balm. I need to decide which one I want to use up and stick to it.

Thursday 11 June 2009

Bloom Rhubarb Lip Stain

I can't believe I haven't already written about these, I use mine nearly every day. I have Rhubarb which is the first one in the picture above. It's a berry stain that can be applied sheerly or heavily depending on the look I'm after. I usually apply it with a heavy hand in the morning so that it'll last till after lunch.

When applied sheerly the stain only lasts a few hours (about the same as a lip pencil would), but when applied heavily it'll last for about 6 hours. Unlike some other lip stains I've tried, Bloom's Lip Stain fades off evenly and doesn't leave my lips looking patchy or uneven. It's great to use on it's own or as a base under lipstick or gloss.

Here's what Bloom says: Quick drying and kiss proof, this semi-permanent colour leaves your lips looking effortlessly polished. Complete with a sculptured tip, Bloom's Lip Stain makes defining and colouring lips a cinch. To build intensity, apply several coats or layer with
your favourite Lip Gloss or Lipstick.

Would I buy these again? Yes, they're a great product at a reasonable price.

Wednesday 10 June 2009

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil


I've long been a fan on chubby lip pencils, they're so easy to use and great for the handbag. For a while there most brands had a chubby lip pencil, but now they're pretty rare. One of the few brands that still have these is Nars.

The Nars lip pencils are matte lip pencils with great pigment. I find them to be quite waxy though and have to be careful how I apply them. I find if I use a waxy balm beneath them they get a bit flaky, so I'll usually use them alone. The lasting power is great, it'll last half a day before I need to reapply. Contrary to what Nars says (below), I do find that these can be a little drying so I don't use them every day.

As will all matte lip products, these need to be applied to lips that are in good condition. If you use them when your lips are dry and flaky they look horrible.

Here's what Nars says: The convenience of a pencil with the application of a lipstick in a jumbo-size crayon design. Instantly coats lips with rich pigment, imparting a velvet matte finish for seamless color. The long lasting yet non-drying formula is enriched with special emollients for a creamy texture, while a combination of unique silicones ensures long-lasting, velvety color for hours.

Would I buy these again? Probably not. Whilst I quite like them, they cost $50 and for that price I'd really need to love them.

Tuesday 9 June 2009

The reason the Ten Tubes Test is necessary

As promised, here is the reason that the Ten Tubes Test is necessary. As you can see, I have enough lip products to last me the rest of my life and probably well into the next life. The sad thing is, this isn't even all of my products, there are other random ones stashed all over the house, in different pockets and handbags, in my car and at work. But, this is enough to show you what my stash looks like. I couldn't be bothered opening all of the lipsticks to show what colours they are, that will have to wait for another day when I'm feeling more patient.

The picture above is where it all lives, it's just different make-up cases that I have stashed around the house.



These two pictures are pretty self explanatory, glosses and lipsticks.


These two are my lip balms and a few random glosses. The top photo are balms that I've reviewed (other then the Mirenesse one in the box and the Juvenille Diabetes one). The bottom photo is all the balms that I haven't reviewed yet.

This one is a mixture of balms, glosses and lipsticks.

Monday 8 June 2009

Ten Tubes Test Update


Well my first week has gone well. I haven't bought any lip products (well not for myself, I did buy some for a friend) and I've used up one product already. My Body Shop papaya lip butter has been sitting around nearly finished for ages so it feels good to have finally finished it. I think it'll be a while till I finish off another lip product though. My Lip Fusion gloss is two thirds gone and my Origins A Perfect World lip balm has a lot of pan showing but I think it'll be at least another 4 weeks until I finish either of them.


As you can see in the picture above, I've got together a pile of lip products that I want to use up, and I'll try to use them exclusively until they're used up. There's a few in the pile, so if I get bored with one of them I'll just swap it for something else in the pile.

I forgot to add this to the main picture, but this is the lip balm I'm working on at the moment, it's my Origins A Perfect World balm. My Lip Fusion gloss is at work, so that's not in the picture either.

This is going to take me a long time, I wouldn't be surprised if it takes me over six months. Hmmm, let's hope I can stay strong.

Friday 5 June 2009

Cloud Nine Coconut Oil


I bought this purely because of the pretty label. It's difficult to see in the picture above, but it's a mermaid sitting on a rock on the beach, with a palm tree in the background. It looks so pretty and peaceful that I just had to buy it.

Cloud Nine coconut oil is certified organic and only contains coconut oil and essential oil. I purchased Frangipani as it's a beautiful, fresh scent. I've been using my coconut oil as an in shower moisturiser and as a body moisturiser. In summer I found that it was too runny to easily use as a body moisturiser but perfect for in the shower. Now that it's colder I find it's easier to use as a body moisturiser as it's solid. When it gets below 25 degrees coconut oil solidifies. It's easy to melt, I just run it under warm water for a few minutes and it warms up. When I'm using it as a moisturiser I just rub it between my hands until it liquefies.

The scent on this is quite strong so when I've used it after the shower I can't wear any perfume as it'd clash. But as the scent is lovely this isn't a problem. The scent will linger for most of the day, so it's something to be aware of if you want to wear perfume. When I use it as an in shower moisturiser the scent doesn't linger, probably because I wash most of it off.

Would I buy it again? Yes, it's a lovely product.

Ingredients: certified organic pure coconut oil, essential oils of frangipani.

Thursday 4 June 2009

Stila Smudge Pot

I've been trying to write this review for weeks now (about 5 to be precise) and I really don't know what to say, so I'll just make it plain and simple.

This is a great eye liner. Compared the the other gel eye liners I've tried (MAC and Bobbi Brown), it has a firmer texture, which in my opinion makes it easier to work with. Once this is on it stays put without creasing or disappearing during the day.

Due to the great texture it also makes a great waterproof eye shadow. I apply it as a wash of colour over my eye for a great base. I have grey which is perfect to use under shadows to intensify the colour.

I read somewhere that storing gel eye liners upside down stops them drying out. I'm not sure if this is true, but I've been storing all my gel products this way for years and none of them have dried out, so maybe it works.

Here's what Stila says: The verdict is in, and smudge pots take the prize for sexy eyes!
This unique gel eyeliner and shadow is an innovative alternative to traditional powder and liquid formulas. This clever little gel has an inky intensity that leaves powder shadows in the dust. A favorite for the sultry, smoky eye.
Apply with a liner brush for razor-sharp precision or smudge it with your fingers for more complete coverage. Remember to always close the airtight lid to keep the gel soft and pliable.

Would I buy it again? Yes, I really like these eye liners.

Ingredients: isododecane, polyethylene, cyclopentasiloxane, trimethylsiloxysilicate, disteardimonium hectorite, lecithin, phenyl trimethicone, hydrogenated polyisobutene, propylene carbonate, barium sulfate, phenoxyethanol.
May contain: mica, titanium dioxide (ci 77891), iron oxides (ci 77491, ci 77492, ci 77499), bismuth oxychloride (ci 77163), carmine (ci 75470), chromium hydroxide green (ci 77289), chromium oxide greens (ci 77288), ferric ferrocyanide (ci 77510), manganese violet (ci 77742), ultramarines (ci 77007).

Wednesday 3 June 2009

Clinique Fresh Bloom Face Powder



Lately I've been really tempted by products that look pretty, even though I probably won't use them. I've thought this about Clinique's Fresh Bloom powder, and didn't buy it because I thought that I wouldn't use it. However, when it came out as part of a gwp I couldn't resist. I got Peony which contain pink shades. The colour is exactly as it appears in the picture above.

Clinique call this an all over powder. I suppose it could be used all over the face for those with darker and less pink skin than mine, but for me it makes a lovely, soft blush. The lighter colour is great for highlighting if you can be bothered, but I usually swirl my brush over the whole thing and apply it as I would any blush.

Here's what Clinique says: Long-wearing powder creates a sheer, subtle radiance that looks fresh, stays fresh. Sweep over face for an allover, luminous glow, or brush on cheekbones to highlight.

Ingredients: talc, isononyl isononanoate, zinc stearate, silica, nylon-12, butyrospermum parkii, unsaponifiables, dimethicone, octyldodecyl lactate, pca dimethicone, soy bean glycerides, trimethylsiloxysilicate, chlorphenesin, potassium sorbate.
May contain: mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxides, red 36 lake, lellow 5 lake, red 30 lake, carmine, bismuth oxychloride, orange 5, blue 1 lake, yellow 6 lake, red 6, ultramiarines.

Tuesday 2 June 2009

Ten Tubes Test

You might have read on other blogs about Project Ten Pan, it's where you can't buy any new products until you've used up ten of your current products. I quite like this idea, however as I'm only hitting pan on two products it'd mean I couldn't buy anything new for ages, probably a year. But then I had a thought. I have way too many lip products and I keep on buying more. So I decided to do the Ten Tubes Test.

I'm going to use up ten lip products before I buy any new ones. Not sure how well I'll do with this, so I've set myself a few exceptions. I'm allowed to buy Lanolips when it arrives in Australia cause I've been wanting to try it for ages, and I'm allowed to get stuff if I have a voucher, cause that means I'm not actually paying for it.

This is going to be really difficult for me because I love buying new lip products, but I'm determined to stick to it. My lip product stash has gotten out of control so it's high time I went on a lip product no buy. To make it a little easier I'm going to dig out all my half finished products and use them up first, otherwise it'll take me forever to use up ten products.

When I get orgainsed I'll take some photo's of my lip product stash so that you can all see what I mean when I say it's gotten out of control.

So, wish me luck, I'm going to need it!

Monday 1 June 2009

Pantene Extra Moisturising Intensive Treatment




I've never used Pantene products before because I hear so many bad things about them, but when my hairdresser suggested that I try Pantene's Extra Moisturising Intensive Treatment I decided to give it a go. I paid $3 for a huge 350ml tub from Crazy Clarke's. Since then I've seen the big tubs at other cheap stores so it's not that difficult to get hold of.

The tub I've got looks like the one in the picture above except it has a white lid. The writing on it is in another language and it's made in Malaysia.

I've been using my Extra Moisturising Intensive Treatment for 5 months now and I'm really happy with it. It doesn't work as well as Fudge Dynamite, but it does a really good job. When my hair is in bad condition I use it instead of conditioner and within a week my hair is back in tip top condition. When my hair is in good condition I use it as a weekly treatment. It only has to be left in for 3 minutes so it's easy to use in the shower. I don't like those treatments that need to be left in for 15 minutes, I'm too impatient for them, so quick ones are perfect for me.

Would I buy it again? Yes, it's a good product at a cheap price.

Ingredients: water, stearyl alcohol, cyclopentasiloxane/dimethicone, cetyl alcohol, stearamidopropyl dimethylamine, fragrance, glutamic acid, benzyl alcohol, panthenyl ethyl ether, edta, lysine hci, methyl tyrosinate hci, panthenol, histidine, methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone.