Monday 28 February 2011

February Empties

Empties wise February has been another huge month for me. I'm so pleased with myself. Admittedly a few of the products are samples, but it's still great to be working my way through so many products. And I'm amazed that I finished a whole face powder, I don't remember the last time I managed to finish a make-up item. 

Chanel Double Perfection Compact - I love this powder. It has great coverage, doesn't sink into fine lines and when applied with a sponge can be used in place of foundation. If they sold refills I'd buy this again. 

Perfumatory Girls of Summer body milk - This isn't the sort of scent that I'd normally go for but it's beautiful. The body milk is another wonderful Perfumatory product, very hydrating and a formula I'll be purchasing soon.

L'Oreal Matt Morphose foundation - I loved this so much that I've bought the full size version. 

2 x Burberry Sport,  Lancome Hypnose Senses and Viktor & Rolf Eau Mega perfumes - These are all nice scents, but as I didn't love them I wouldn't purchase them. 


Aesop Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque - This seemed quite nice, however there was only enough mask to cover half my face, so I really can't say how well it worked. 


She Wash Away Milk Cleanser - This is my new favourite cream cleanser. It smells lovely and is very gentle. I'll definitely be buying this again. 

Priceline Round Cotton Pads - These are a repurchase for me, they're the only m/u remover pads I use as they're good quality and cheap. 

Sunsilk Summer Care leave in conditioner - I'm so sad to see the end of this. It has been my favorite summer conditioning treatment for years, however Sunsilk don't make it any more. This has UV filters and smells like coconut. I use it to protect my hair when I'm going out in the sun and repair it after I've been at the beach. It's a miracle product that works really well for my fine hair. 

Tinderbox Pregnancy Belly Rub - I've yet to meet a Tinderbox product that I don't love. This has a lovely, subtle scent, absorbs quickly and keeps the itchies at bay. 

Decleor Flower Nectar moisturising cream - This is heavenly. Rich and light at the same time. It absorbs really quickly and is very hydrating. If it was a little cheaper I'd buy it again.

Natio Spa Everyday Shampoo - Nice but not amazing. I wouldn't buy it again. Not because there's anything wrong with it but just because it doesn't excite me.

Natio Spa Everyday Conditioner - Same as the shampoo, nice but not amazing.  
Suvana Paw Paw and Honey Certified Organic lip balm - A very nice, natural lip balm. I'd happily purchase this again. A full review is coming up soon.


Ardell clear brow gel - My HG eyebrow gel, I don't know how many tubes I've gone through. Read my full review here.

Nivea Be Beautiful tinted moisturiser - A very light, nice tinted moisturiser and one that I'd consider purchasing.


The products in this photo aren't empties, they're tosses. These are either products that don't work for me or they've expired. 

The Body Shop Peppermint Cooling Leg Gel - I loved this stuff, it had a lovely cooling sensation and the gel formula is really light. I've had it for ages though, so it's gone off and smells bad.

Smashbox Conversion cream foundation - This just didn't work for me. I didn't like the coverage and the way it looked on my skin. I tried using it with different primers and in different seasons but it just doesn't work for me. The coverage is uneven and it sits on top of my skin so looks very unnatural.

Blistex Lip Conditioner - One of my favourite balms, unfortunately this one expired in April 2009.  


Maybelline Dream Mousse concealer - I hate this product and won't buy it again. Read my full review here


Hissyfit Saving Face - This is the shade Sand which is way too dark for me.

Thursday 24 February 2011

Salon Review: Yummy Mummy Day Spa

Since I've been pregnant I've really needed some pampering, however I have been unwilling to get massages and treatments due to being pregnant. It's a catch 22 situation. There are certain things that can't be done when you're pregnant and rather than risk harming or loosing my baby I've shied away from getting treatment. That is until I read about the Yummy Mummy Day Spa on the Wellness WA blog. I wish I'd know about Yummy Mummy months ago! 

Yummy Mummy is a day spa for pregnant women. All of their treatments are specifically designed to treat the issues that pregnant woman face and they are all pregnancy safe. There is a huge range of different treatments that they offer, I found at least five treatments I'd love to have. They also have treatments for Daddies and non pregnant women. 

I happened to mention Yummy Mummy to one of my work friends and when I finished work last week I was delighted to receive a gift voucher for yummy Mummy as one of my baby presents.

Yesterday I went in there for the Heavenly Legs treatment. This is how the treatment is described: This reflexology and massage will provide instant refreshment and relief for your poor tired, aching legs and feet which is so common during pregnancy. The aloe vera is deliciously refreshing, cooling and soothing and the essential oil blend of cypress, lemon and geranium helps circulation and reduce that uncomfortable swelling.

Throughout my pregnancy, from about week twenty onwards I've been suffering from fluid retention. It's gotten really bad and now that I'm thirty seven weeks I'm really uncomfortable, to the point where walking is painful. My Dr says that I have six to ten kilos of fluid in my legs and feet, so I thought that the Heavenly Legs treatment would be perfect for me.

When I arrived I was greeted by Karen the salon manager and taken into a comfortable lounge area where I was given a glass of water and told where the toilets are (two of the most important things when you're pregnant). Karen also told me that I could stop the treatment at any time to go to the toilet (that made me laugh and proved that they are clearly very used to dealing with prego's). After filling in my paperwork my therapist Claire took me into the treatment room and thoroughly explained the treatment. She told me that she'd be massaging the backs of my legs for 20 minutes, the front for 20 minutes and then would be doing reflexology on my feet. She explained that after the treatment I'd need to drink lots of water to help all of the toxins drain. Interestingly, she told me that after the treatment I'd feel heaps better because when your legs are congested your whole body is sluggish. 

The treatment was amazing. It was scheduled to go for 50 minutes but went for an hour. The massage had to be quite firm in order to move the fluid and whilst it was quite painful in some areas it felt wonderful. Claire recommended that I have another treatment next week due to the huge amount of fluid I'm carrying (in fact she said she's never seen anything like it). 

After the treatment my feet and legs felt so much better, but today I can really notice the difference. Whilst my legs and feet are still swollen and fluidy I have so much more energy and walking isn't painful any more. I feel like a different person today. For the first time in weeks I slept the whole night through (only waking up once to go to the toilet) and I woke up feeling energised instead of tired and sluggish. 

I'll definitely be going back to see Claire next week. For all pregnant ladies out there I cannot recommend Yummy Mummy highly enough.

 

Friday 18 February 2011

WotNot Giveaway


After the people at wotnot read my review of their amazing face wipes, they were kind enough to send me eight packets of wipes to give away to my readers. Whilst I'm very excited to be able to have this giveaway, I'm also slightly reluctant as I really want to keep these for myself. Unfortunately I can't do that, so eight of you lucky people will get to try out wotnot wipes for yourself.

To enter all you have to do is be a follower of my blog and leave a comment letting me know that you'd like to enter. For an extra entry, tweet about this giveaway and leave me a comment letting me know you've tweeted.

Competition ends on the 14th of March, however if I have my bub early there will be a delay in notifying the winners and posting out the wipes. 

Open to Australian residents only.  

Wednesday 16 February 2011

My Everyday Beauty Routine


I've seen this on a few blogs and after reading Gabi's post about her everyday routine I decided it was time I did my own post. When I'm not working I don't have an everyday routine, I just wear what I feel like however on work days I this is my routine: 

Foundation: Hissyfit Saving Face or L'oreal Mat' Morphose

Powder: Napoleon Camera Finish

Blush: Inglot No 35

Mascara: Estee Lauder Double Wear

Eyeshadow: Clinique Natural Suede Touch Tint for eyes (this works really well as a primer), Prestige Sandalwood and Korres Shimmering in Base 

Eyeliner: Clinique Charcol Brown Eye Shading pencil


Brows: Jemma brow pencil and Ardell clear brow gel

Lips: The Balm Beauty Queen Staniac and Nars Sex Machine Velvet Matte lipstick 

Monday 14 February 2011

Sunspirit Valentine's Day Giveaway Winners

The winners of the Sunspirit Valentine's Day Giveaway (selected using the Random Number generator) are number two Jen and number 3 Dempeaux. 

Congratulations ladies! Please email me your addresses and I'll have your prize send out to you tomorrow.

New CID Cosmetics Lip Products


It's no secret that I am addicted to lip products, they're my obsession,  I even dream about them. Since I'm now doing P50P and no longer able to purchase lip products, you can imagine my delight when I received three New CID lip products to test and review. Normally I like to trial products for at least six weeks before I post my review, however as these colours are perfect for Valentine's day I decided to post my reviews after using the products for a week.

I received i-pout light-up lipsticks in Pink Bliss and Scarlet and i-gloss light-up lipgloss in Raspberry Kiss. As you might have guessed, both the lipsticks and glosses light up. The gloss has the light in the top of the lid and lights up when the lid is removed. The lipsticks have the light in the tube and light up when you press a button on the bottom of the tube. They also have a mirror on the side of them. I don't know why all lip products don't come with a mirror, it makes things so much easier. 

i-gloss Raspberry Kiss

i-pout Scarlet
i-pout Pink Bliss









I tried (unsuccessfully) to take a photo showing the lights in the lipstick. There are two diagonally opposite each other and as you can see, they are really bright so make applying the lipstick in the dark very easily. Being 35 weeks pregnant I don't have much call for applying lipstick in the dark, but still think it's a great idea. In the interests of giving a good review, I did apply this in the dark using the lights in the tube and didn't have any problems at all.


The lipsticks feel very lightweight and have a semi gloss, moisturising finish. Both the colours last around four hours on me and wear off to leave a nice stain of colour. They also work very well lightly dabbed on as a lip stain. 

Pink Bliss. This is a beautiful, everyday colour. In the photo above I've applied one layer and as you can see the colour is very rich and pigmented.

Raspberry Kiss. In the tube Raspberry Kiss gloss looks quite dark, however on my pigmented lips it is a beautiful, soft wash of pink. The texture is amazing, very smooth and moisturising.  i-gloss has no fragrance or flavour. I find this to be as moisturising as a lip balm, it feels quite similar to MAC Lipgelee in texture. For a gloss it is surprisingly long lasting, I didn't need to reapply for around three hours.   

Scarlet. I had trouble getting a good photo of this on my lips. In this photo Scarlet looks quite warm, but in real life it is more cool toned.

Pink Bliss, Scarlet and Raspberry Kiss


Would I buy these? Yes, both the gloss and lipsticks have a beautiful texture and are long lasting.


i-pout ingredients: microcrystaline wax, ceresine wax, bees wax, candelilla wax 2039, crodamol op, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, methylparaben, propylparaben.
May contain: Iron oxides, zinc oxides.

i-gloss ingredients: cera alba, cera microcristallina, cetyl alcohol, lanolin, vitis vinifera, tocopheryl acetate, octyl palmitate, propylparaben, methylparaben, pearl powder, fragrance, iron oxides, zinc oxides.


Thursday 10 February 2011

Sunspirit Valentine's Day Giveaway


Just in time for Valentine's Day I have a gorgeous giveaway. Sunspirit have kindly offered to host a special giveaway for my lovely readers. As Valentine's Day is not far away, the winner will be announced on Sunday 13 February and the prize sent out on Monday 14 February.

Entering is easy, all you have to do is leave a comment letting me know you'd like to enter, that's it. 

I have two Romance packs to giveaway. Here's what Sunspirit says about them: This Valentine’s day bring out your sensual side with Sunspirit’s romance pack. Containing two of Sunspirit’s most romantic blends, Sunspirit Scentual Massage Oil and Sunspirit Heaven Blend. Especially selected to create the perfect romantic interlude, Sunspirit Scentual Massage Oil is a blend of essential oils that are designed to help you melt away stress. Containing a mix of Sweet almond oil, Bergamot, Geranium, Ylang ylang,  Rose and Sandalwood.

The aromatherapy Sunspirit Heaven Blend contains an uplifting mix of Bergamot, Grapefruit, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Rosemary and Rosewood which creates the perfect sensual setting this Valentine’s Day.  For thousands of years aromatherapy has been used as a fragrant ‘aphrodisiac’ by sparking our emotional centres and creating feelings of love, well being and happiness.
To learn more about Sunspirit, the benefits of their range of aromatherapy products, contact Sunspirit on 1300 654 336 to find your nearest stockiest or look out for the NEW Sunspirit website www.sunspirit.com.au - coming soon.

This giveaway is open to  Australian residents only.

Wednesday 9 February 2011

Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear in Light


I know that Invisible Zinc has a cult following, it's one of those products that are extremely popular. I've used two tubes of it now and have come to the conclusion that it's just not for me. I've tried to like it but it just doesn't work for me.

The reason I say this is that it is so, so sticky. It's not a product that I can use alone, I have to use powder over the top to tone down the stickiness and even when I do that my face still feels slightly sticky all day. I've tried using it with moisturiser, without moisturiser and with primer but that doesn't seem to make any difference. If I use it very sparingly the stickiness isn't as bad, but then I only have very sheer coverage. For that reason alone I don't like Invisble Zinc.

As I said, I've bought two tubes of this, I used one up entirely and then a few years later bought another one. As it's so popular I figured that it was worth giving it another go as I haven't heard anyone else say that they find it to be sticky. Unfortunately, for me it is really sticky.

Stickiness aside this is quite a nice product. It has a SPF of 30+, the coverage is good, I can use it with a light dusting of powder over the top and it gives me flawless looking coverage. The colour is pigmented enough to even out my skin tone and light enough to not be noticeable. It stays put all day and is hydrating enough that I don't need to wear moisturiser underneath.  
I use the shade light which is a good match for my NC20 skin. As you can see in the photos, it looks quite dark but is nearly undetectable once it's been rubbed in.

Invisible Zinc says: Tinted daywear is more than just mineral makeup, it's a complete 3 in 1 moisturiser, zinc sunscreen and sheer foundation all in one. The hint of sheer golden tint, now in two shades, is great for any skin tone. Zinc oxide is generally regarded as one of the best screening agents of both UVA and UVB rays as it's a physical sunscreen that sits on the skin and reflects UV. 


This is a natural, mineral sunscreen. The only active ingredient is zinc oxide. It has no chemical UV actives, no titanium dioxide and no parabens. I have to be very careful with sunscreen as I am allergic to most of them but I don't have any problems with Invisible Zinc. 

Would I buy this again? No, it just doesn't work for me.


Monday 7 February 2011

Beaute Pacifique Puffy Eyes Gel

I love eye creams and am always on the hunt for a new, miracle eye cream that will transform my eye area. When I was given the opportunity to try the Beaute Pacifique Puffy Eyes Gel I jumped at the chance. The eye gel is a treatment product designed to tighten the under eye area. Once the gel has worked its magic you apply eye cream over the top to moisturise. 

Beaute Pacific says: Puffy Eyes Gel firms and tightens puffiness around the eyes. Penetrating deeply, the collagen fibres contract the skin. Through improved drainage, excess liquid deposits are prevented. Apply daily, both morning and night after cleansing and toning. Leave a few minutes to allow for full absorption. Apply Beaute Pacifique Eye Creme. Contracts the collagen fibres. Reorganises the dermal architecture. Fights edema build-up and puffiness. Provides a cooling sensation. Instant remodeling. 

The first few times I used this the cooling sensation really scared me. Having slightly sensitive skin, anything that has a cooling sensation usually means irritation, dryness and a horrible red rash. However, that's not the case with the Beaute Pacifique Puffy Eyes Gel. I get the cooling sensation for a few minutes then it fades away and my puffy eyes are gone.


Would I buy this? Yes, it's magic on puffy eyes. 




Ingredients: aqua, polysorbate 20, capylic/capric triglyceride, glycerin, propanediol, propylene glycol, alcohol, saccharide, isomerate, spilanthes acnella flower extract, chamomilla recutita/matricaria flower extract, sodium ursolate, sodium oleanoate, iodised hydrolysed zein, ruscus aculetus root extract, citrus medica limonum, paullinia cupana seed extract, acrylates, tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, parfum, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, tetrasodium edta, menthol, denatonium benzoate, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate.

Friday 4 February 2011

Elemento Mineral Green Clay and Aquamarine Face Mask


Until I was contacted by Ganesha Imports I'd never heard of Elemento Mineral. They are a Brazilian brand who produce natural and organic beauty products. Ganesha Imports kindly sent me the Green Clay and Aquamarine Face Mask to test and review.


When they told me they would be sending the Green Clay and Aquamarine Mask to balance out my combination/slightly oily skin I was a little worried. My skin is sensitive and often irritated by face masks, so I was concerned that something suitable for oily skin would be too harsh. To my great surprise this mask isn't harsh at all, it is very gentle.
This is a powder mask that you mix with water and then apply. Whilst it is a little fiddly, I enjoyed mixing it up. One tablespoon of powder mixed with about half a tablespoon of water makes enough to cover my whole face, neck and a little bit of my chest. 

I apply the mask using a foundation brush and leave it on for half an hour or more. I don't experience any irritation or stinging whilst the mask is on, it feels lovely and soothing. When I remove the mask my skin feels soft, fresh and smooth. There is no redness and my pores seem smaller.


For your amusement, I took photos of the process. The photo above is of the powder mixed with water and the photo below needs no explanation.
Scary isn't it?

Would I buy this? Yes. It's a lovely mask, fun to mix up and makes my skin feel amazing.

Ingredients: green clay, aquamarine powder.

Wednesday 2 February 2011

A change to P50P?

I know I've only just started, but I'm thinking of changing the rules to my P50P. Instead of making it all lip products I'm considering making it lipsticks and lip glosses only and not including lip balms. 

The reason for this is that I've already done the Post and Shame Challenge with lip balms so I know I can do it, plus the products that I don't use up and need to use up more are lipsticks and glosses. I use up one lip balm per month, so whilst I have a lot of them, I use them up quickly. On the other hand, I don't remember the last time I used up a lipstick or lip gloss. I'm of the opinion that P50P is supposed to be a challenge and using up lip balms isn't a challenge, so I feel like I'd be cheating in a way.

What do you all think? Should I make it really challenging and exclude lip balms?