Monthly Roundup: February

With my spending ban over at the beginning of the month, February has definitely seen a big increase in my makeup collection! I am so happy with some of the new products I've tried this month and as a result have made some good progress with my beauty goals for the year!

This month my favourite post was my OOTD - check it out if you missed it and I will definitely be doing more of these in the future; it was so much fun to put together and got such an overwhelming response!

Picks of the Month:

• Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Inked in Pink - I wore this so much in February with just a CC cream, big lashes, bronzer and a pink gloss. The perfect everyday look that takes no effort but actually looks like you have! I love the Colour Tattoos for how long lasting they are and picked up Bad to the Bronze for autumn.
• Natio Antioxidant Face Moisturiser - I have had so much trouble with my skin this month but after using this every night my skin has regained its moisture and has even helped with calming down breakouts. I don't know what I would have done without it this month and I desperately need to get some more! I love the Natio skin care range and would definitely recommend.
• Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush - A product I already reviewed this month that just makes applying foundation a dream and creates an absolutely flawless base. 

Stay All Day - Long wearing makeup look

With uni starting again next week, I'll be back to the daily grind - attempting to juggle study, work and social commitments. This usually means long days, many hours in the car and maybe physical activity (although pretty unlikely tbh...) and I need my makeup to look fresh and last all day. I actually wore this look for a law revue rehearsal, dance class and then all night long when I went out clubbing.

Real Techniques Brush Haul!

Finally received my iherb order of Real Techniques brushes. I desperately needed to do a big update of my face brushes and thought the RT brushes were the most budget friendly option and I can add specialty brushes as I need but at least I know I have enough brushes to create a good base.

I purchases 2 sets - the core collection; which features 4 base brushes and a case as well as the limited edition duo fibre collection; which came with 3 duo fibre brushes for face and eyes.

I also purchased 3 single brushes - the blush brush, stippling brush and expert face brush.

In terms of ordering off iherb, it is definitely the cheapest option for buying these brushes - For a total of 10 brushes I paid around $60 and got free shipping. There is a faster shipping option which is extra and for some reason it was unavailable to my PO Box address. However, I would definitely recommend the faster shipping option because shipping took a lot longer than I expected.
If you haven't used iHerb before you can use this code GKT568 at the checkout or this link http://www.iherb.com/?rcode=GKT568 to save off your order.

I will let you know how I go and hopefully have a review soon!

xx Cat ^.^

Review: M.A.C Matchmaster SPF15 Foundation

This is the foundation I picked up from M.A.C in my last haul and have been able to try it out since and give a review for you guys! This product retails for AUD$59 for 35mL which is 5mL extra than regular foundations. I'm in the lightest shade 1.0. I really liked how it felt and looked on my skin when I tried it in the store and I was also interested in the fact that it contained particles that were not pigmented in order to match even the subtleties in your skin tone.

Firstly, this is my face with one side of foundation applied. I used my Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush to apply which worked really well and it blended beautifully into the skin. Even with one layer - 2 pumps for half my face - you can see how well this foundation really evens out skin tone.

My skin is being extremely problematic at the moment, with lots of break outs and redness. After applying one layer all over my face and then going in again with a bit of extra product on my cheek, chin and forehead I felt confident enough in the finish to wear the foundation without any concealer.

I wore this foundation all day (around 8-9 hours) and it was a fairly hot day, around 30 degrees celsius, and I even went to work at my job as a swim instructor which is in the most humid environment ever. This results in a fair amount of sweat and 10 year olds splashing you in the face.

After 8 hours

I was so happy with how it lasted, especially after work. The product had worn off a little bit above my lips, on my nose - especially where my glasses sit but that's pretty normal, and on my forehead. As I do have an oily t-zone, this was expected but the wear was hardly noticeable and I definitely didn't feel like I needed to re-powder.

Final thoughts:

• This is a fantastic, long wearing foundation that definitely dries down to a matte finish. 
• I would recommend priming your face first because I did feel it was quite drying and this is probably my own fault for not moisturising/priming
• Fantastic for oily skin types as it does a great job at controlling shine 
• Probably a little too drying for dry skin types
• Light/Medium coverage - build-able
• Great packaging and the pump makes everything so much easier

I also love the review of this foundation by one of my favourite beauty Youtubers - Jodi from Goo Roo beauty. This is an amazing video with a comprehensive review of the M.A.C foundations. (You can skip to the different reviews you want to watch.) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rii6ZRZvzb4&feature=youtu.be

I'm really looking forward to using this foundation in my everyday makeup routine!
xx Cat ^.^

Ardell Glamour Starter Kit

How fantastic is the little Ardell starter kit! I went into Priceline to pick up some lash glue and found this for the same price as the glue. Now I have no excuse to keep avoiding lashes!

The Ardell Glamour Started Kit retails for AUD$14.95 and is available from Priceline stores.

xx Cat ^.^

Flawless Base; by Benefit

Another weekend, another trip to Benefit! Mum and I visited the Brow Bar for a wax and tint and then headed over to the beauty counter where some of the lovely staff treated us to a mini makeover/makeup lesson. I absolutely love visiting the Benefit counter because the staff are always so amazing and friendly.

I wanted to focus on complexion and try some products to create a really flawless base. The product I tried on my face was the Play sticks 3-in-1 foundation, concealer and powder. WOW! Just with one layer applied with a paddle type foundation brush it created the most flawless, full coverage base that looked liked it just melted into my skin but didn't feel like I was wearing such a full coverage product.

Look how much a difference a brow tint makes!

Since I just bought a new foundation last week, and the Play sticks are on the more pricey side, I decided to buy the Hello Flawless pressed powder instead since I was desperate for a new pressed powder! I have been using the Australis Fresh & Flawless and I was surprised that it didn't work for me considering it is widely reviewed as a great product, but even the lightest shade was way too dark and orangey for me. This shade is "I Love Me Ivory" which is a much better match for my skin tone. This is also beautifully finely milled and just takes the shine off without looking cakey - everything you need in a powder!

Although you're paying a little extra for Benefit products you're definitely getting a fabulous quality product in cute, sturdy packaging (I love how they close with a magnet) and it even comes with both a little brush and a sponge which is a really nice touch!

Overall another amazing experience at Benefit. I was super impressed with the products that created a truly flawless base. The Play stick has definitely gone on my wish list and I'm thinking of ordering it on the Benefit website to save some money.

xx Cat ^.^

David Jones Deluxe Sampler Tote

As part of the David Jones A/W 14 Beauty Book when you buy any full prized beauty item you are entitled to purchase the DJ Deluxe sampler tote for only $19.95. It is valued at over $100 and has deluxe sample sizes some some of the best selling products at DJ. There are 2 options and I chose option B.

This offer is on sale until March 2 or until stocks run out so if you do need to pick some beauty products up from David Jones I definitely recommend taking advantage of the offer. Having samples of skin care especially is really helpful to see if a product works well on your skin before spending a significant amount of money on something that might not suit you. Plus how cute is the tote bag?! My favourite is definitely the mini 'Hot Mama' blush from theBalm. Such a beautiful shade.

xx Cat ^.^

FOTD: Tanya Burr Inspired Look

I was inspired by this tutorial uploaded by UK MUA Tanya Burr on her Youtube channel. I think this is a perfect eye look for everyday and you could definitely mix up the lip colour with whatever you feel like that day!

On-the-go Mascaras

Its amazing how quickly I accumulate mascaras. There are so many to try and I have to hold myself back before buying like ten different ones every time I go to Priceline!

Here are the mascaras I currently have open/am using:

Maybelline Mega Plush Volum' Express (Waterproof)

• waterproof mascara...*shudders* I really can't stand waterproof formulas but sometimes you just need them and I hate that! This one is ok, I definitely wouldn't repurchase though as I'm sure there are so many others to try that I would like more as well. It does make my lashes very 'plush' and full but nothing much in terms of length. This is the oldest one I have going and its nearly empty/dried up so at least I can throw it out soon! 

Photo sourced from: www.maybelline.com.au

Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious

• Mentioned this one as my favourite product in January so I definitely am loving this one! Smaller brush than the Maybelline, beautiful formula that isn't super wet and makes my lashes look so long and full. Love! Definitely one I will repurchase.

Lancôme Hypnôse

• My favourite mascara ever! So great I won't even bat an eyelid when paying over $50 for one tube. The smallest brush of the three it creates amazing length and definitely the easiest formula to work with.
• I also have sample sizes of the other Hypnôse mascaras - Drama, Star and Doll Eyes. Each different one has a really interesting brush (photos* below!) and I also layer these on top of the original to create the most amazing lash looks ever!

 

*photos sourced from Nordstrom: these are the best photos I could find of the different wand types

Benefit They're Real!

• I also wrote a review of this one recently and am really coming around to it. Separates the lashes and adds amazing length.

I think I'm actually doing pretty well with only 3 full size and 4 smaller sized mascaras at the moment! 

I hope you enjoyed this post and if you're in the market for a new mascara gave you a good idea of what to try next.

xx Cat ^.^

Review: Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush

I have been wanting to try this brush for so long but have had a lot of trouble with my skin lately and a few eye problems so I've only been wearing mineral foundation if I wear makeup at all to try to let my skin breath a bit. Anyway, I was super excited to finally try it out!

The Shiseido Perfect foundation brush retails for AUD $49 at department store counters. However, I was really happy that my girlfriend picked it up on her recent trip to Japan for only ¥1800 - approximately AUD $20 - so a significant saving!

Its a tiny little brush with an angled flat top. The brush is very dense but so so soft and absolutely beautiful on the skin. 

I used a liquid foundation and after applying some to the back of my hands, dipped the top of the brush into the product and in a stippling motion, dabbed the product into my skin. I ended up moving in circular motions in order to cover my face quicker and I found that was a good technique to really buff the foundation into my skin.

In comparison to the paddle-type foundation brush I've been using this brush creates a much more flawless look. I was so impressed with the way it buffed the product seamlessly into my skin without leaving streaks or patchy bits - so easy to work with!

The only issue is because the brush is quite small, you can't cover a whole lot of your face at the same time. I didn't find this to be much of an issue though and was still able to apply a whole face of foundation in a reasonable amount of time.

This video is actually really helpful in explaining how to use the brush with different types of foundation and I watched this before trying it out for the first time.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ2i9BnOHt0

I definitely recommended this brush for flawless foundation application and would be perfect for those who love makeup brushes and want something unique for their collection.

Hope you enjoyed this review!
xx Cat ^.^

MAC Haul and Swatches

MAC Red (Satin)

Studded Kiss (Matte) Limited Edition

Extra Dimension Skin Finish in Superb (Left),  Powder Blush in Melba - Matte (Right)

Matchmaster Foundation in 1.0

Popped into the stand alone MAC store in Bondi Junction the other day to spend the vouchers that I was so lucky to receive for Christmas. I didn't really know what I wanted, but was leaning more towards face products and I also wanted a few different lipstick shades to add to my (exponentially increasing!) lipstick collection. Unlike when I've visited MAC stores in Myer or David Jones, where the staff were less than helpful, I had such a fantastic experience at the Bondi Junction store and will definitely be going back there to pick up more MAC goodies in the future! The lovely staff member started from the base by demonstrating the products I wanted to try on my face. I was really happy about this because I picked up a foundation which I never thought I was going to pick up! Can't wait to play around with all my new goodies !

xx Cat ^.^

so...this finally happened - officially on my way to achieving one of my 2014 beauty goals. I really can't believe I was using some of these on my face - that will definitely teach me to wash my brushes more often!

OOTD: Uni

I really love wearing something different to uni everyday - from pretty dresses, classic jeans and tshirt combo or just throwing together some of my favourite pieces. I've had this skirt for so long! I love the pattern, length and its so easy to wear with heaps of different tops and shoes.

outfit

• Top and skirt by Cotton On
• Sandals and bag from Sportsgirl
• DKNY watch

I've been loving wearing mineral makeup lately because I find it so much more comfortable to wear in hot weather than liquid foundation and I don't get nearly as much oil coming through when I wear it. I also like that its a bit lighter in coverage which is perfect for wearing at uni - also much quicker to apply in the morning!

face

Quickie Review: Benefit They're Real! Mascara

Everyone and their mum has this mascara which can even be seen in sale statistics - They're Real! was the no.1 selling mascara at Myer in the 12 months ending July 2013. I have received a deluxe sample size in the past but just gave it to my sister because I really don't like plastic bristles on mascara wands. After receiving another sample from Benefit the other week I decided to give it another go.

Image sourced from http://www.jennasuth.com/2013/05/free-benefit-theyre-real-mascara.html

I love the way this mascara makes my lashes look. It creates amazing length and curls really well too. It also gives just the perfect amount of volume and is super easy to build up when applying more than one coat. I also love the little ball at the end of the wand which is actually really useful for using on the bottom lashes.

Although this is undoubtedly a fantastic mascara and a lot of people swear by it, I really just can't get over the small plastic bristles. While I'm impressed with the result I don't see myself ever purchasing the full size of They're Real mascara as I feel like I can get the same effect with other mascaras and don't have to put myself through the trauma of using tiny plastic bristles.

Note that mascara is definitely a product that works specifically for different people - so if you prefer plastic bristles I'm sure you will fall in love with this mascara!

xx Cat ^.^

My Go-To Mani

I absolutely love doing my nails! However, the practicality of having a fabulous manicure while I'm working is practically zero as they crack after one shift. Lately I've been loving Revlon's Brilliant Strength Nail Enamel - I have the shade 080 Enchant which is a gorgeous ballet pink with a bit of shimmer. This is a perfect everyday colour to wear to uni and lasts an extra few days without chipping - even at work which makes me so happy! I love the formulation and the applicator, making it really easy to apply. Will definitely be going back to get more colours!

xx Cat ^.^

Review: Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturiser

Its very rare that a new moisturiser will get me very excited. I've probably only used two different moisturisers in the last two years just out of habit. Unlike my face which is super oily, the skin on my body is really dry and as such I've become moisture obsessed - probably moisturising three times a day. When I heard about the new Vaseline spray moisturiser when watching Lauren Curtis on YouTube I knew I had to have it. First of all, it came in a cocoa scent which is my favourite for a moisturiser or body lotion and the fact that it was a SPRAY?!?! This was particularly exciting because everyone know the most annoying thing about lotion is it takes forever to soak in. Being a spray it is really light weight and after rubbing it in absorbs super fast into the skin.

There are three different varieties - so if you aren't a fan of cocoa scents don't worry! - and currently they are on introductory offers at both Woolworths and Priceline for AUD$7.99, while the regular price is $9.99.

Overall I think its an exciting new product. I really like the idea of the spray and being able to moisturise really quickly and the fact that it absorbs in seconds. However, I do prefer a more intense moisturiser because I do have dry skin, so I wont be able to replace my current moisturises, but it is a good addition to my skincare routine.

xx Cat ^.^

Benefit Haul and Lollitint Launch

I was really excited the other day to go along to the prelaunch of Benefit Cosmetic's new tint the 'Lollitint'. As I said in one of my previous posts, the launch was held at the Benefit counter in the Sydney City Myer.

Monthly Roundup: January

I thought instead of just doing monthly favourites posts, I'd take the chance at the end of each month to stop and reflect on things I've been loving in terms of makeup and fashion and also to update on the progress of some of my beauty goals for the year.

This month has been very exciting in terms of my blog. In the first month I reach 1 000 page views, received a lot of positive feedback from readers and have been able to really expand my horizons by reading so many other beauty blogs and most importantly being inspired by all the other beautiful beauty bloggers out there :)

Pick of the month:

I never thought I would find a mascara that came close to my favourite - the Lancôme Hypnôse, however I was pleasantly surprised when I tried the Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious. It absolutely outdid all my expectations and most notably gave so much length to my lashes and made them look really curled as well without even using an eyelash curler. As pictured below it has a really big 'fluffy' fibre brush which is definitely the type of brush I prefer. Although the Lancôme Hypnôse still remains my favourite, the Revlon Lash Potion has a much dryer formula which makes my lashes look curled and super long all day because they aren't being weighed down by a heavier formula- however, it does smudge much faster than the Lancôme Hypnôse. I am super happy I stumbled across this mascara and will continue to repurchase!

Spending ban update:

I'm so so so excited that my two month spending ban is finally coming to an end! I did cheat a little and bought something with a voucher - but still haven't spent any money on cosmetics and I am really proud of myself for following through with the challenge. I can't believe I haven't bought a single makeup item for two months and have so many things I want to try. Get ready for a few hauls coming in the next few weeks!

That's all I really have to update you all on this month ! I am really excited for my next couple of posts so please come back to check them out :)

xx Cat ^.^