Friday 30 July 2010

July Empties


Simple eye make-up remover
Bloom Bordeaux lip gloss
Nude moisturising body polish
Napoleon Auto Pilot skin renewal serum
Olive strawberry lip balm
MMS Surf Perfume
Lancome Genifique 
MaMa Lotion
Ellipe Skin Renewal
NS3 Lip Balm
MAC Lingering brow pencil
Ardel brow gel
David Jones Liquid Lipstick

Wednesday 28 July 2010

Kissaholic Plumping Lip Gloss

A few weeks ago I received a lovely package of Hapsari products to test out. If you haven't heard of Hapsari before they are a female company (run by a mother and daughter) and they sell beautiful products for women. I love this quote from their website: We believe that women deserve more, and that luxury should touch every part of our lives, especially the most intimate, so we have travelled the world to bring you a range of the best quality products at the best prices without compromising on style, well-being or personal values. 
 
One of the products in my package was the Booty Parlor Kissaholic Aphrodisiac Plumping Lip Gloss. I am in love with this gloss! I've worn it every day since I received it. I was sent the shade Tremble which is a sheer, sparkling pink with a frosted peppermint flavour. As you can imagine, it smells and tastes amazing.  

On me this is a sheer, sparkly gloss. It is not at all sticky and is very hydrating. It feels more like a balm than a gloss and keeps my lips soft and moisturised. I can't say if it works as an aphrodisiac but I can say that Mr GQ loves kissing me when I've got this gloss on because he likes the taste and it makes his lips feel soft.

Booty Parlor says: Feed your kiss addiction...This high shine, non tacky formula leaves your lips kissably soft. Our signature aphrodisiac blend includes ginkgo biloba, ginger, passion flower, damiana, muira puama and the Molecule of Love (phenylethylamine). Get ready for a steam make out marathon!

Kissaholic Plumping Lip Gloss costs $32.95 and is available from the Hapsari website. There are six shades available.


Would I buy this? Yes, it's a beautiful gloss and I'm really keen to try the other flavours. 

Ingredients: mineral oil, butylene/ethylene/styrene copolymer, ethylene/propylene/styrene copolymer, flvour, caprylyl glycol, sodium saccharin, butyrospermum parkii butter, tocopheryl acetate, polybutene, mentha arvensis leaf oil, castor oil bis-hydroxypropyl dimethicone esters, ethyl methanate carboxamide, hydrogenated polyisobutene, capsicum frutescens fruit extract, glycine soja oil, zingiber officinale root oil, methyl nicotinate, water, turnera diffusa leaf extract, ptychopetalum olacoides bark extract, zingiber officinale root extract incarnata flower extract, ginkgo biloba lef extract, phenylethylamine, lecithin, carthamus tinctorius seed oil, sodium bonzoate, potassium sorbate, natamycin. 

Monday 26 July 2010

Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People


Today is the launch of The Body Shop's Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People campaign. For the second year, The Body Shop’s Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People campaign will be raising awareness of the scale and prevalence of the trafficking trade in human lives. The campaign is being run in conjunction with Child Wise, Australia’s leading international child protection charity working to prevent child abuse and exploitation in Australia, Asia and the Pacific.

In addition to raising awareness of the issue, The Body Shop are raising vital funds via the sale of a fundraising product. All profits from the sale of Soft Hand, Kind Heart Hand Cream (RRP $13.95) are being used to help change the lives of millions of children and young people through the work of Child Wise and affiliated groups in countries around the world.

The campaign launches on 26 July 2010 for three weeks, and the Soft Hand, Kind Heart Hand Cream will be available for six months or until sold out.

Friday 23 July 2010

Purchases from Shu Uemura

Sarah from Dempeaux requested details of the products that I purchased from the new Shu Uemura counter that has opened at David Jones Perth City. Due to the ridiculous prices that we get charged here I won't be purchasing from them again. As much as I like to buy in Australia wherever possible the prices here are crazy.
 I purchased the Nobara Cream Cover Stick foundation for $80 (AUD) and a Glow on Blush in P Gold 94 for $58 (AUD). In the US the foundation is $42 and the blush is $23 (US). 

Aside from the crazy prices, Shu products are amazing. I'll be doing a proper review once I've had time to use the foundation and blush for a while.

For ages now I've been looking for a nude blush that will give me a healthy glow and I've finally found it with the P Gold 94 blush. 

I was told that the Nobara stick is very close to my HG and discontinued Depsea Perfect foundation. So far I'm loving it!



Wednesday 21 July 2010

Primped VIP Club

I've recently received my last VIP package and my year as a Primped VIP will be over. If you ever get the chance to be a Primped VIP do it! 

This is how it worked. They put out an expression of interest on the Primped website. I filled in a form with a few details about myself and when I was accepted paid around $120 to $140 (I don't remember the exact price) for one year of membership. This fee was to cover postage and packaging costs.

Once I was accepted I received four packages over twelve months. I usually get to test out the products for at least a month before the reviews were due. Along with each package I was sent information about the products so that I knew know how to use them etc. Each review was due on a specific date that was advised of when I got the package.  

 I know that $140 sounds like a lot of money but considering what I received it was a bargain. I've received over $1,000 worth of products all for the bargain price of $140. Some of the products I've received haven't even been released when I get them, and I always find that exciting! I've also received products that I'd never buy myself due to the cost.
 I've had a good mix of skin care and cosmetics and haven't received anything that didn't suit me. It's also been a good way for me to try out make-up colours that I wouldn't normally buy. For instance the Revlon ColourBurst lipstick I received was Crimson. Normally I'd buy a mauve or pink lipstick so having to try out a bright Crimson lipstick was great. And I discovered that I love bright lips!


I don't have photo's of all my packages, but the photos above are of my last few packages. 

I've thoroughly enjoyed being a Primped VIP and would definitely do it again if I had the opportunity. Thanks Primped!

In exciting Primped news, the VIP club has been changed. It's now free and is open to everyone. Keep an eye on Primped for details of how to sign up.

Monday 19 July 2010

Ellipse Skin Renewal Face + Neck Moisturiser


Ellipse says:
Ellipse Skin Renewal Face + Neck moisturiser is a comprehensive all in one daily treatment packed with breakthrough ingredients to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, increase the appearance of skin collagen, exfoliate, moisturise and protect the skin for a younger looking, fresher complexion.

Smooth - advanced peptide technologies help decrease the appearance of deep wrinkles by up to 98% in less than two months.
Plump - matrikine peptides are included to help increase the appearance of skin collagen and maintain the skin's integrity and structure.
Protect - highly effective free radical scavengers are added to fight the wrinkles caused by oxidation at the skin's surface.
Exfoliate - this moisturiser includes retinyl palmitate to improve the appearance of blemish prone skin, sloughing away the dull, lifeless layer of top skin and revealing the glowing, new skin that lies beneath.
Hydrate - Ellipse Skin Renewal Face + neck moisturiser offers advanced bio-compatible moisturisers to work with the skin to increase and retain moisture and create a protective barrier for total hydration that lasts all day.


This product is delivered using micro-emulsion technology. Key ingredients are embedded into micro-droplets of oil, which are suspended in a stabilised hydrogel containing water and moisturising agents. This allows ingredients to remain stable and reach the site of action at their most potent level.

In a world class scientific research laboratory in Sydney, Australia, 35 of Australia's leading bio-scientists are creating cutting edge cosmeceuticals for Ellipse Skin Science. Designed to enhance and rejuvenate skin appearance, each product has been scientifically developed, rigorously tested and approved by industry experts.

GQ says:

Sounds amazing doesn't it? With claims like that you'd be expecting something amazing wouldn't you? Well you'd be disappointed. This is a nice, basic moisturiser. It works as well as $10 moisturisers do. It does a great job of hydrating my skin and keeping it looking and feeling healthy, but that's it. It didn't change the condition of my skin at all. There was no change in my pigmentation or fine lines. If you are looking for an anti-aging moisturiser this is not for you. If you want a good, basic moisturiser then this is a good choice.

Ellipse Skin Renewal Face + Neck Moisturiser costs $40 (AUD). I received mine as part of a Primped VIP package. 


Ingredients: water, caprylic/capric triglyceride, glycerine, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, emulsifying wax, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, tribehenin, ceramide 2, peg-10 rapeseed sterol, squalane, stearic acid, ceteareth-20, triethanolamine, tocopherol, allantoin, butylene glycol, carbomer, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, polysorbate-20, palmitoyl oligopeptide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, pueraria mirifica root extract, phenoxyethanol, methylisothiazolinone, methylparaben, propylparaben, disodium edta, pueraria lobata root extract, retinyl palmitate, fragrance.  

Friday 16 July 2010

Cellnique Derma Whitening Essence



I was recently sent a few Cellnique products to trial and review. The first product that I tried was the Derma Whitening Essence.

Here's what Cellnique has to say about Derma Whitening Essence: Derma Whitening Essence is a high performance lightening essence that effectively targets the appearance of dark spots to give skin and extraordinary radiance and natural colour. It is a revolutionary formulation for gradual fading of epidermal pigmentation or harm caused by free radicals. It is also enhanced with idebenone that acts as a powerful free radical scavenger.

Before:

After:



As you can see from the before and after photo's, this really didn't work for me. I had high hopes that it would be effective, especially on the dark patch on the side of my face, however it looks the same now as it did when I first started using the serum. 


I was surprised at how quickly I used this up. It lasted me about six weeks with twice daily use. Maybe if I used another bottle of this I would see results, but I didn't notice any change in my skin tone at all.

You can buy Cellnique products from  their website. They ship worldwide, have a flat rate shipping of $10 (AUD) and free shipping if your purchase is over $60.

Would I buy this? No.

Ingredients: purified water, idebenone, peg-100 stearate and glyceryl stearate, glycolic acid, lactic acid, cetyl alcohol, cetearyl ethylhexagonate, octyl methoxycinnamate, punica granatum seed oil, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, saccharide isomerate, jojoba oil, tocotrienol, dimethicone, salicylic acid, allantoin, licorice extract, imidazolidinyl urea, beta-sitosterol, hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine, caprylyl glycol, hydrogenated lecithin, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, propylparaben.  

Sunday 11 July 2010

UDPP to be repackaged

It's only recently that I've been introduced to the amazingness that is Urban Decay Primer Potion. It's the best eye primer I've ever used (there will be a post coming up about it soon).

Those of you who have been using it for years will know that the bottle makes it very difficult to get the potion out and unless you cut the bottle open a lot of product is wasted. According to Katie from My Lips But Better, Urban Decay are changing their packaging and it will soon be available in a squeeze tube. Great news!

 

Friday 9 July 2010

In Essence Ultra Rich Body Balm


As I've said previously, In Essence is quickly becoming one of my favourite brands. They make lovely smelling soaps, essential oils and body products. I'm yet to try an In Essence product that I don't love.

My latest love from the In Essence line is their Ultra Rich Body Balm. It contains apricot, neroli, mimosa, silver tip white tea, shea butter and vitamin e. As you can imagine, with all those lovely ingredients it smells amazing!


In Essence says: This incredibly creamy balm lavishes the skin with nurturing pure essential oils, fresh fruit extracts and nourishing shea butter, macadamia, apricot kernel and jojoba oils. Silver tip white tea and vitamin E protect against premature ageing, whilst apricot, grapefruit, neroli and mimosa drench the skin with an irresistible aroma.

I've been using my body balm during the freezing cold winter weather and it's kept my skin feeling soft and lovely. A great thing about this (other than the scent) is that it sinks in quickly. I find with other super rich body products that they stay on my skin and feel a bit sticky. In winter I find that if I use a rich moisturiser my clothes stick to me and feel clammy all day. I don't have that problem with my In Essence balm. It absorbs within a few minutes and doesn't feel at all sticky.

Ultra Rich Body Balm retails for $39.95 (AUD), however I received mine free as part of a gwp. In Essence have amazing gwp's!

Wednesday 7 July 2010

MooGoo Skincare Oil Cleansing Method for Normal Skin


I've recently run out of my MooGoo oil cleanser and I'm really missing it. This was the first oil cleanser I used and I absolutely love it. When I bought this I wasn't sure how if an oil cleanser would leave an oily residue on my skin but it doesn't. 

MooGoo says: This facial cleanser uses selected moisturising oils to gently cleanse the skin. This prevents any drying. Oils chosen are high in anti-aging properties. It is detergent and soap free for supple and healthy skin.
To use: shake bottle and massage oil into the face. Apply a very warm, damp wash cloth over the face for two to three minutes to steam the pores of the skin open and allow the oils to penetrate the skin. Rinse face clean with plain water and a soft cloth.

I don't always follow these instructions, I usually just massage the oil all over my face (including my eyes) for a few minutes then rinse off with a warm wash cloth. In the warmer months I didn't need to use a moisturiser afterwards but in the colder months I do.


After I've used this my skin feels comfortable. It doesn't feel greasy or oily. The cleanser breaks down easily and dissolves when the water is added. As I mentioned already, I use this on my eyes as well. It easily gets rid of all my eye makeup. I do notice that if I use too much on my eyes it can be difficult to get off, so I just leave the wash cloth on my eyes for a few minutes until all the oil has dissolved. 


Would I buy this again? Yes, it's my favourite oil cleanser. 


Ingredients: jojoba oil, rice bran oil, organic sunflower oil, avocado oil, castor oil, vitamin e, tea tree, rosewood, lavender, cedarwood and geranium essential oils.

Monday 5 July 2010

Elixabeth Arden Face Powder Brush

A few months ago I purchased the Elizabeth Arden mineral foundation and at the same time I purchased the Face Powder Brush. I find this brush isn't that great to use with the mineral foundation as it's quite large and the angled head makes it difficult to fit into the pot, however it's great for applying face powder.  

This is a synthetic brush and it's super soft. Having sensitive skin I find most brushes either scratchy or irritating. I don't have that problem with this brush, it's soft and gentle on my skin. 

I use this to apply powder, bronzer and even blush. The angled head makes it easy to use and great for getting into all the hard to reach places such as the sides of my nose.


What I really love is the mini brush that comes with it. Aside from being super cute, it's a brilliant idea. As you can see from the photos it folds flat so that it can fit into almost any compact. I don't like using sponges to apply my face powder so this brush is perfect for me.   

I open it up and put it into the face powder compact that I carry around with me. Whilst the brush is small, it's big enough to touch up my face powder. It'd be great if the mini brush was available to purchase on it's own, if it was I'd buy a few of them as they are so compact and handy.

As with the large brush, the mini brush is very soft. At a pinch I'd say it could even be used to apply blush and eye shadow.
I paid $50 (AUD) for my Face Powder Brush.  

Sunday 4 July 2010

Link Love

Rae has a sneak peek (with swatches and reviews!) of The Body Shop's fall collection over at theNotice.

Phyrra compares ten eye shadow primers. Find out which ones are her favorites!

The Pink Sith performs a public service by warning you about the new Sephora: Kat Von D High Voltage Eye Primer.

Jellyminx creates a pictorial showing the look she wore in her first "live" Youtube video.

Hot Beauty Health shares a simple trick for soft and beautiful feet in 4 easy steps!

LilBiuty shares her first colorful look using only Sugarpill makeup!

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed wonders if there are any sweeter words then "Limited Edition Dior"!

Kim Porter shares advice given directly from celebrity MUA Sam Fine on how to become a makeup artist.

Retrodiva has discovered a great new hair treatment by Brazilian Blowout that she is anxious to try. Best part? No hair downtime!

See what Madame B Fatale thinks about Clarins Everlasting Foundation.

No need to struggle with frizz. Lipgloss86 has the perfect product to sort you out.

Glitter Geek has MAC alice + olivia on her mind with this turquoise and purple look. So. much. fun!

Pretty, Pink and Sparkly? Yes, please! The Lip Print discovers a new favourite gloss

The Gloss Menagerie urges you to say NO to uni-taskers with Cover FX primers!

Jenn rocks blue eyeshadow which will make brown eyes pop over at Spiced Beauty.

***

Want to look 'red carpet ready' without spending a fortune? Learn how in Babushka's Beauty Secrets, because Prime Beauty is giving away a copy!

Mz. More of The Glamorous Gleam is celebrating her move to Wordpress. Enter her Housewarming Giveaway to win some goodies from MAC!

Saturday 3 July 2010

I've created a monster

When I first met Mr GQ he used bar soap on his face and vitamin e cream as a moisturiser.

Today, I just had the following conversation with him (whilst he was in the shower).
Mr GQ: Babe, can you get me a new cleanser please?
I handed him an exfoliating face wash which he examined and then said...
Mr GQ: No babe, I just need a normal cleanser, not one with lumps in. I have these two that I use for exfoliating, I just need a normal cleanser without the lumps in it.
Me: This one is a cleanser, it just has micro beads in it.
Mr GQ: No babe, I just need a smooth cleanser, I already have two face scrubs that I use. 


We then went on to discuss the shaving cream I handed him that could also be used as a face wash. He was quite skeptical that a product could do both things, but agreed to test it out and let me know how it went.


I think I've created a monster. Mr GQ now uses a day cream (with sunscreen) and eye cream, cleanser, scrub and anti-aging night cream. He has a tinted moisturiser for when his face is red or he has pimples that he wants to cover up. He also uses body wash and body lotion. 


Mr GQ is well aware of my love for make-up and skin care, but he's never actually seen where I keep all my products. A few months ago he found me with my box of skin care products. I imagine that most men would react with horror, however Mr GQ was delighted. He sat down next to me and spent the next half hour looking at all the products, asking what each one was for, and keeping some for himself! He walked off with pore minimiser, another anti-aging night cream and a day cream. 

I'm quite concerned that he'll raid the supply when I'm not there to make sure he's using the right product, so I've told him he's welcome to use anything that he wants but he needs to talk to me so that I can make sure he's using the right product.
 

Friday 2 July 2010

Bloom Lip Glosses

Back in the days when I had only two lip glosses, one of them was Bloom's Bordeaux. Since then my collection has grown slightly (okay, it's grown more than slightly), but I still have Bloom glosses in my collection. There are many things I love about Bloom Glosses, one of them being that Bloom is an Australian company.  

Bloom Glosses are non sticky, smell like chocolate orange and are hydrating. On my pigmented lips the colours are all quite sheer, however I'd imagine that people with paler lips would find the colours showed up better. You can see from the swatches on my hand that the colours are quite pigmented, it's just my dark lips that changes the colour. I've included a photo of my bare lips so that you can see what I mean. 


In the picture above and below, from left to right are Sweet Pea, Raspberry and Bordeaux.

Bare lips: 

Sweet Pea:

Raspberry:

Bordeaux:

I've had all of these glosses for ages so unfortunately I don't have an ingredients list for them. I emailed Bloom and asked for the ingredients but they haven't gotten back to me. If they do, I'll update my post with the ingredients.

Would I buy Bloom Glosses again? Yes, I always have a few of them in my collection.