Wednesday 29 July 2009

Beautifully Glossy is One!

Happy Birthday Girlfriend

I can't believe I missed my first birthday! Monday the 27th was the first birthday of Beautifully Glossy and I totally forgot about it. Oops! I'm amazed that it's been twelve months since I started this blog. When I first started it I never imagined that people would actually read what I wrote, so I'm delighted to have followers. I started it because I was bored, never realising how time consuming writing a blog is. But, I love blogging and intend to continue. Plus, it gives me a great excuse to buy new products.



To everyone who reads my blog, thank-you!

Tuesday 28 July 2009

Clinique High Impact Mascara

I have to admit it's been years since I purchased a Clinique mascara, I always get them as part of a GWP. I ever run out of them I'll miss them, and probably have to start purchasing them. One of my favorite Clinique mascaras is High Impact. I am a firm believer that you don't have to pay much for mascaras as the ones you get from cheaper brands like Maybelline, L'oreal and Covergirl are just as good as the ones that cost over $30, however in some cases I believe it's worth paying a little bit more money to get a great product. Clinique's High Impact is $38, but you can often get it as part of a GWP.

High Impact is a volumising and lengthening mascara with a dark, intense colour. It doesn't flake or smudge and lasts all day until I wash it off. It makes my eye lashes look long, lush and full. The only thing this mascara doesn't do is curl, if it did that it'd be the perfect mascara.

Clinique says: Instant drama. Kicks up the volume and length of each and every lash for a look that's lusher, plusher, bolder. Pure, deep colour only adds to the impact. Wear it once and you'll feel naked without it. Ophthalmologist tested.

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

For possible savings, try this Macys promotional code.

Monday 27 July 2009

Ten Tubes Test Update


I have two more empties this week, bringing me to a total of seven lip products finished, I'm nearly there! I've decided that once I've finished the Ten Tubes Test I'm going to keep up with it until I've got my lip product stash down to a manageable level.

This week I finished my Bonne Bell Kiss of Colour and my Lipfusion gloss. The Lipfusion isn't quite empty but I can't get any more out of it so I'm counting it as an empty.
I also sent a few lip products to a dear friend of mine, but I'm not counting them in my total.

I acquired a new lip balm, but didn't pay for it. It's Softlips Citrus lip balm. I haven't used Softlips products for years so will be interested to see what this balm is like. I haven't opened it yet so I'll report back when I've tested it out.

My MAC pot gloss is nearly empty, I'll finish it this week then I'll only have two lip products to go. Not sure what they'll be, maybe my Jemma Plumpout and a Silk Naturals balm.

Friday 24 July 2009

Jemma Plumpout

You all know how much I love lip plumpers, they're my favorite type of gloss. I've yet to find a lip plumper that gives long lasting results, however that doesn't stop me buying them. Plumpout is no exception. It doesn't plump my lips at all, but I still love it.

I have Plumpout gloss in Angelina which is clear with a very slight pink tinge. It's a really nice gloss and one that I'll buy again. Whilst it doesn't make my lips any bigger it does make them look brighter and gives them a lovely healthy pink colour. It has a slight cinnamon scent and no flavour. I find this gloss to be long lasting and hydrating.

Jemma says: Luscious long last lip plumper. May plump up volume by up to 30%, hydration by up to 80% and help reduce the appearance of lines. Miracle in a tube and the best long-lasting lip gloss you’ll ever use!

Would I buy it again? Yes.

Thursday 23 July 2009

A'kin Aromatherapy Lavender Body Wash

I got the A'kin body wash free when I purchased their shampoo and conditioner. It's something I've always wondered about but never got around to buying, so when I got it with my shampoo I was really keen to try it out.

To me this is in between a gel and a cream. It's light textured and doesn't lather. I've been using this when my skin is dry and irritated and it doesn't cause any problems. The lavender fragrance is beautiful, soft and soothing.

Akin says: Lavender has been used since Roman times as a relaxing, neutralising and healing aromatic oil. The name is derived from the latin 'lavare' meaning to wash. This pure certified organic lavender is combined with the gentlest and purest skin cleansers to ensure your skin and mind will be refreshed.

All A'kin products are free from sulfates, ethyoxylates, parabens, propylene glycol, petrochmical cleansers, silicones, phthalates, DEA and artificial colours.
Akin products are ingredient rich, vegan, 100% natural botanical aromatherapy and formulated without animal ingredients or animal testing.

Would I buy it again? Yes.

Ingredients: aqua, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, lauryl glucoside, glycerin, glyceryl laurate, sorbitol, lavandula angustifolia oil, sodium citrate, sodium gluconate, citric acid, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, linalool.

Wednesday 22 July 2009

Nivea Lip Care Star Fruits Strawberry Kiss Lip Balm


I have a funny story about this balm. It's one that I like but don't love, so I leave it in the glove box of Mr GQ's car in case of emergency. One day he must have left his lip balm at home (how this is possible I don't know because I've stashed two in his work lunch bag and given him two others to carry around with him, plus left two in his car), so he somehow found my Strawberry lip balm and took it to work. I'm not sure how long he was using it for, but he came home that night and threw it down on the table in disgust. As soon as I saw it I started to laugh and asked him what was wrong. His words were, "this is a lip stick not a lip balm". I didn't bother to correct him I just laughed, then he explained that he thought it was a balm so took it to work. I can just imagine how pretty he would have looked walking around with red tinted lips, hehehe.

Strawberry Kiss lip balm is a lovely product. I mainly use it as a sheer lip colour as I don't find it super moisturising but it's fine to use when my lips aren't dry. It gives a sheer red tint that looks very pretty. The colour lasts for a few hours before I need to reapply. It has a lovely strawberry scent and no flavour.

Would I buy it again? Probably not. There are other tinted balms that I prefer.

Ingredients: polyisobutene, ricinus communis, octyldodecanol, pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate, hydrogenated polydecene, candelilla cera, myristyl myristate, butyrospermum parkii, cera microcristallina, isopropyl palmitate, synthetic wax, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, polyglycerly-3 diisostearate, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, prunus dulcis, simmondsia chinensis oil, tocopheryl acetate, glycerin, vitis vinifera seed oil, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, aqua, limonene, linalool, geraniol, bht, citronellol, citral, parfum.

Tuesday 21 July 2009

Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist

In my opinion, for someone with dry skin, face sprays are a must. I've been using them for years and it's made such a difference to the condition of my skin. For the last few months I've been using Dermalogica's Antioxidant Hydramist. Whilst it's a nice product I'm not in love with it.

I use it both as a toner and a hydrating face spray. I prefer to use it as a toner because I find that sometimes when I use it as a hydrating face spray it leaves my skin sticky. As a toner Antioxidant Hydramist is lovely. It leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturised. I haven't noticed any flash-firming though.

Dermalogica says: A refreshing antioxidant shield with flash-firming properties to improve skin texture while intensely hydrating dry, dehydrated skin. Convenient mist on formula supplements skin’s protective barrier by creating an active antioxidant shield of white tea, licorice and vitamin E to fight damaging free radicals, while a patented polypeptide helps prevent the signs of aging caused by Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs – a damaging byproduct of sugar/protein reactions in the skin). A highly active vitamin C complex, combined with collagen-stimulating peptides, encourages firmness and elasticity to help reduce the appearance of fine lines. Hyaluronic acid acts as a hydration magnet to quench dehydrated skin while pea extract creates instant firming action to lift and tighten. Rose and clove extracts comfort and refresh skin. Contains no artificial fragrance or color.

Would I buy it again? Probably not. It's a nice product, but I find Avene Thermal Water works just as well and it's a lot cheaper.

Ingredients: water, butylene glycol, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, arginine/lysine polypeptide, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, glucosamine hci, sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan, camellia sinensis leaf extract, bambusa vulagris leaf/stem extract, pisum sativum extract, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, sodium lactate, sodium pca, sorbitol, proline, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, methyl gluceth-20, lecithin, tocopherol, glycerin, disodium edta, capric/caprylic triglyceride, peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, phenoxyethanol, benzyl pca, citronellol, eugenol, geraniol, limonene, linalool, citrus medica limonum peel extract, rose flower oil, eugenia caryophyllus flower oil, acorus calamus root extract, aniba rosaeodora wood oil, citrus medica limonum peel oil, pelargonium graveolens oil, pelargonium graveolens flower oil.

Monday 20 July 2009

My recent purchases


I've been on a bit of a shopping spree lately so thought I'd share my purchases and brief thoughts on them so far. I'll give more in depth reviews once I've tested the products out more.

My two newest purchases are the Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow Liners. I haven't tried these yet as I only bought them today, but the colours are so pretty. I got Skinny Jeans and Strut. Skinny Jeans is the shadow on the top left. and Strut is the bottom left

From Korres I got their Shimmering Eye Shadow in 12S Base. It's a beautiful sheer, shimmery taupe. I'm a little annoyed though because it's got a chip out of the edge. I have no idea how this happened, I keep it in my make-up case and it's never treated roughly so I'm not sure how this happened.

The last product I got was Bobbi Brown's Long Wear Cream Shadow in Slate. It's another beautiful taupe, this one is matte and it's gorgeous. It'd be great to wear as a base or alone. I find the colour easy to apply either sheerly or heavily and it lasts well. So far I've noticed a little creasing, but nothing too bad, and I haven't used a primer underneath yet, so I'll see if that makes a difference.

Thursday 16 July 2009

Goldwell Dual Senses Rich Repair 60 Second Treatment

I've been faithful to my beloved Fudge Dynamite for a few years now and don't normally bother buying other hair treatments, however I received this one as a prize a while ago. It's been sitting in my cupboard unused for a few months, so when I ran out of Dynamite I decided to give it a go.

To my great amazement I love this equally as much as Dynamite. I'll definitely buy this again. It smells lovely and works really quickly. My hair was looking dry and brittle last week so I used this twice and now I have soft, healthy looking hair again.

One of the things I really love about this is that it's a sixty second treatment so it's really quick and easy to use.

Goldwell says: Goldwell Dual Senses Rich Repair 60 second Treatment is an intensive care treatment with Repair-Effects that provide ultra-fast results. This deep treatment repairs and provides silky-smooth hair in just 60 seconds. The Repair System with Pashmina-Silk Proteins works in combination with instant Microfluid Technology for quick and even distribution throughout the hair.

Goldwell Dual Senses contains innovative Instant Microfluid Technology that provides results you can see and feel instantly. Goldwell Dual Senses is comprised of six clearly structured segments with specific System-Technology that offers individually tailored haircare.

Would I buy it again? Yes, it's an amazing product.

Wednesday 15 July 2009

Ten Tubes Test Update


I have a confession to make. I was very bad on the weekend and I bought a lip product. I didn't intend to, but I needed a new eye make-up remover so decided to try out Lancome's Bi-Facil. Whilst I was there I had a look at the Juicy Tubes (this was my first mistake). They had a new Juicy Tube called Caramel Gospel. You can't tell in the picture above but it's a lovely deep red. I cannot resist caramel flavoured products, so I shouldn't have smelled it, but I couldn't help myself (that was my second mistake). Smelling it was the undoing of me. It smells soooo good. But I still managed to put it down and was at the register paying for my Bi-Facil when the m/a told me about the GWP. I was still going to say no but then I looked at the GWP and it had Magnifique perfume which I've been wanting to try for ages so I couldn't resist.

On a positive note, I finished my MAC Adventurous gloss. I really liked this one and was sad to see the end of it. It was a limited edition so I can't replace it, but it's not like I need a new gloss anyhow. At least it's another MAC empty, I think I've got about eight now.
I also finished a My Lip Stuff Candy Cane lip balm but forgot to include it in the photo.

This week I'm working on the remains of my Lip Fusion and MAC glosses. I'm also getting to the bottom of my ChapStick Naturals Lip Butter so hopefully I'll have a few empties to report soon.

I'm pretty pleased with how I've gone so far, I've finished five lip products so I'm half way there. Not that this has made a dent in my lip product stash but at least it's a start. I thought it'd take me ages to finish five products so I'm happy at how quickly I'm using things up.

Tuesday 14 July 2009

Kit Cosmetics Nail Polish


I've never had much luck with nail polish before it usually chips the same day I've applied it so I don't bother, however when I saw Kit's High Roller I just had to buy it. It's a beautiful pale bluey green, very similar to the Tiffany blue. Kit call it a pastel green, but to me it looks more blue. In the picture above it's the middle colour.

To my great surprise this lasts at least two days on me without chipping and that's without a top coat added. When I use a top coat it lasts about four days, which I think is brilliant.

I'm not sure what else to tell you about this polish. They come in a great range of different shades, cost around $15 (AUD) and in my opinion are well worth it.

Would I buy this again? Yes!

Monday 13 July 2009

Dior Skin Perfect Fit Compact


Dior says: Dior 're-invents' makeup with Diorskin–makeup with an affinity to close to perfect it lets skin breathe. Diorskin Compact Powder (SPF 20) contains specially processed pigments that give them 'skin-true' shade quality. Beautifully long-wearing. Leaves your skin comfortably smooth. Softly natural. Radiantly alive.

GQ says: I really like this powder, it's one of the best I've ever used. It goes on smoothly, evens out my skin tone and yet I look like I'm not wearing any make-up. I use it alone as a sheer foundation or on top of a liquid foundation to set the foundation and provide extra coverage.

This is a great powder for people with combination to dry skin like mine. It doesn't make me feel dry whilst at the same time it controls my oiliness. It has great lasting power too. I apply in the morning and then do a light touch up around lunch time.

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

Friday 10 July 2009

Hissyfit Lip Service


I was pretty pleased to discover a broad spectrum SPF30+ lip balm with UVA and UVB protection. From memory I don't think I've seen any other SPF 30+ lip balms in Australia.

HissyFit says: What is it? This feather-light lip balm with SPF 30+ broad spectrum protection is the perfect skincare and cosmetic product in one.
Why Should You Use It? The luxurious formulation delivers gorgeous glossy coverage while providing long-lasting nourishment to delicate lips and the anti-ageing benefits of very high sun protection.
Benefits: Helps protect lips from the damaging effects of the environment. Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E aid in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth.
Directions: Worn on it’s own it guarantees gorgeous, glossy, natural lips, or worn over the top of your favourite lipstick it delivers a soft, supple kissable finish to lips all day, every day.

I have to agree with HissyFit. This is a nice, thick balm that has a lovely, clear glossy finish. It lasts three to four hours before I need to reapply. I use this both as a clear gloss and on top of lipstick or lip pencil. I'd love to see HissyFit bring out a tinted version, that'd be lovely.

Lip Service is fragrance and flavour free.

Ingredients: Polybutene, ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) see oil, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, cera alba (beeswax), benzophenone-3, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), hydrogenated oilive oil, octocrylene, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, copernicia cerifera (carnauba wax), tocopherol acetate (vitamin e), perfum.

Thursday 9 July 2009

Manicare Dual Cosmetic Pencil Sharpener

This is the best cosmetic pencil sharpener I've ever used and the only sharpener I use now. In the past I've found other sharpeners mangle the pencil, but I never have this problem with my Manciare sharpener. Another great thing about it is that it can take 3 different sized pencils. You can see in the picture that the larger slot is protruding. You can remove the protruding part and it makes the slot bigger. I haven't found any pencils that don't fit into the sharpener.

Another thing that makes this sharpener special is that it has a catcher over the top and bottom so there is no shavings mess.

Manicare says: With no-mess catcher. Designed to suit all leading brands & sizes of eye, lip and facial pencils. The Manicare Cosmetic Pencil Sharpener operates using the dual blade principle.

Would I buy it again? Yes, it's my holy grail cosmetic pencil sharpener.

Wednesday 8 July 2009

e.l.f. Candy Shop Lip Gloss

About a month ago Mr GQ came home from the chemist and proudly announced that he had a surprise for me. This is pretty unusual behaviour for him so I had no idea what to expect. The last thing I expected was to find two lip balms! If I didn't know better I'd suspect that he's been reading my blog so knows about my Ten Tubes Trial. He got me e.l.f. Candy Shop Lip Glosses in Cherry Bomb and Coconut Crazed.

Cherry Bomb is a pretty, sheer red and Coconut Crazed is a clear gloss with shimmery bits in it. They both smell and taste lovely. I've been really surprised with the quality of the gloss and the tin. Usually with slide tin balms I can't carry them around because they come open in my bag, but these close really tightly and don't slide open.

As for the gloss/balm, I'm really happy with it. These are a great blend of gloss and balm. They give a pretty, long lasting shine and are quite moisturising.

Would I buy this again? Yes, they're a nice balm/gloss and easy to carry around.

Ingredients: polyisobutene, isooctyl palmitate, ceresine wax, microcrystalline wax (cera microcristallina), mica, methylparaben, propylparaben, iron oxides (ci 77491 , ci 77492 , ci 77499), manganese violet (ci 77742), mica (ci 77019), red no.6 lake (ci 15850), red no.7 lake (ci 15850) , red no.28 lake (ci 45410), blue no.1 lake (ci 42090), yellow no.5 lake (ci 19140), yellow no.6 lake (ci 15985).

Tuesday 7 July 2009

She Maximum Repair Night Cream


I was lucky enough to receive a tube of this from the lovely Elmo who tried it and didn't find it moisturising enough for her. Luckily for me, it works really well.

She says: Luxurious, resurfacing and ultra moisturising cream. Active organic bio vitamin A helps reduce the visible signs of aging, pigmentation and loss of tone. Antioxidants, natural amino acids and hyaluronate promote cell rejuvenation and plump skin.

I can't say that I've noticed any difference in my skin tone or fine lines, however I'm really happy with this night cream. It's hydrating and sinks in quickly without leaving any greasy residue. Since I've been using it I haven't had any problems with dry, flaky skin. I use it at night and wake up with soft, smooth skin.

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

Ingredients: aqua, caprylic/capric triglycerides, glyceryl stearate, glycerin, cetearyl alcohol, lecithin, decyl oleate, hyaluronic acid, beeswax, lutein, ceteareth-20, vitis vinifera oil, pelargonium graveolens oil, guar gum, rosa centifolia oil, rosa eglanteria hip oil, tocopheryl acetate, daucus carota seed oil, rosa centifolia extract, pelargonium graveolens oil, rosa damascena oil, nano beta carotene, phenoxyethanol, benzoic acid, acetic acid fragrance, lactic acid.

Monday 6 July 2009

Bloom Eye Definer



For me Bloom's Eye Definer is a product that I like but don't love. It's a nice pencil with a good colour range, but there's nothing that makes it amazing or essential. There are other pencils out there that are equally as good for a fraction of the price.

I paid $22 for my Eye Definer. I have Charcoal which is a pretty slate grey colour. In cold weather these can get quite hard so need to be warmed up before use. Once warmed up they go on smoothly and last all day.

Bloom says: Bloom's satin smooth Eye Definer is perfect for defining the eyes. A special blend of natural, fruit waxes provides super staying power while its soft, creamy texture means application is effortless.

Would I buy it again? No. It's a nice pencil but there are others just as good for a cheaper price.

Friday 3 July 2009

Clinique Cream Shaper for Eyes


Whilst I'm talking Clinique and eye pencils, Cream Shaper for Eyes is another Clinique product that I really like although it's probably not one that I'll buy again, unless I want to get a GWP. It's a lovely pencil, but in my opinion you can get products just as good (like Rimmel Kohl eye pencils) for a lot cheaper.

Here's what Clinique says: Creamy-smooth eyeliner pencil with a hint of shimmer. Shapes and defines with intense, stay-put colour. Non-smudging, water- and transfer-resistant. Easy to sharpen, too. Ophthalmologist tested.

Cream Shapers are lovely to use. They're creamy and easy to apply, with a very intense colour. As they're water resistant they're great to use on the waterline.

Would I buy it again? To get a GWP, yes.

Thursday 2 July 2009

Clinique Quickliner for Eyes


Quickliner for eyes was one of my first ever Clinique purchases and to this day it's still one of my favorite products. My favorite colour is blue grey. I've bought this over and over again, it's one of the few eye liners that I've used up.

Why I love this and keep on buying it is because it's super easy to use. It's one of those products that I carry around in my handbag for quick touch ups. The texture is great, it's soft and applies smoothly. I don't have any problems with my Quickliner creasing or fading. It also works well as an eye shadow, I just line it on and then use the sponge on the other end to smudge it out. Used this way it makes a great base to layer colours over when I want an intense look.

Whilst I love the texture and how easy this is to use, what makes me love it so much is the colour. Blue grey is a gorgeous deep steel grey colour that I haven't found a match for in any other brand.

Would I buy it again? Yes, it's one of my favorite shades.

Wednesday 1 July 2009

Elizabeth Arden Colour Intrigue Eyeliner

I'm having a writers block today and have no idea what to tell you about this eye liner, so I'm going to keep it short and sweet. This is one of my favorite eye liners ever. I have Fawn which is a lovely shimmery taupe. For some reason taupe eye liners are not that common, so I get very excited when I find one.

It's not just the colour that I love about this pencil, it's also the texture and staying power. The texture is great, it's creamy and easy to apply, but at the same time it lasts all day without budging.

This is one of the liners that I find myself reaching for every few days because it's so pretty.

Would I buy it again? Definitely, it's one of my all time favorite eye liners.