Illamasqua Blush Duo // Hussy & Lover

Sometimes I think Illamasqua couldn't get more exciting, and then they bring out a pretty blush duo just in time for Christmas! I could've added this to my list for Santa, but instead bought it for myself and I'm so pleased to own these two famous Illamasqua cheek shades!

I feature quite a bit of Illamasqua on this blog as it is a favourite brand of mine, but I have hardly mentioned the blushes that they are so famous for. I own quite a few, from their powder formula's to cream blushes, but the two most popular shades (to my knowledge) are Hussy and Lover, and I did not own either of them! I was elated to spot this on the Sydney counter while shopping with Desiree and Lizzi and I knew I'd be crazy to pass this up.

I have only hit pan on a few of my makeup pieces (having only been obsessed for a few short years) but blush seems to be the most likely pan hit for me. The best thing about this duo is that even if you use up one or both of the small sized pans, they are part of Illamasqua's permanent line so you can head out and repurchase them at full size.

Lover and Hussy

Illamasqua blushes are very pigmented, but easy to blend and with a light hand they are really wearable. I've only had this duo for a short time so haven't had a chance to really bust into it, but I am in a peachy mood so am loving Lover with warm eyes for Spring.

Lover and Hussy

 The brand new Illamasqua blush duo retails for $39 AUD and contains 2x2g blushes (for reference, full size Illamasqua blushes contain 4.5g)

 

What Illamasqua blush shades have you tried?

What do you think of blush duo's?

 

*I purchased this beauty all by myself :) Honesty, always.

 



Sydney Skincare // What I Packed for IMATS & BBU

As those of you who follow me on Twitter (here!) would know, I spent the last week in Sydney to attend IMATS and Beauty Blogger Utopia. IMATS is a trade show for makeup artists that travels the world and is a haven for makeup lovers, while BBU was organised by Makeup Utopia and is a beauty bloggers conference to learn more about both beauty and blogging, while spending time with likeminded folk. I was a good girl and took care of my skin while on holiday, and thought I'd share what I took with me!

Oh, there is also some haircare and body care in there, but ya know they have skin too!

I knew that this wasn't going to be like my tropical holidays where I take basics and make do. I wanted my skin to look its best for the weekend, but as luck would have it my skin decided to be a little shit anyway. At least I tried my best! As you can see a lot of these are sample or travel sized products, most of which I use at home but some I just brought because of their size. A sidenote, the tub of Alpha-H is actually my Kerastase Nectar Thermique sachets decanted ;) Cheeky!

It is only when I get my skincare together for its family photo that I realise how French-heavy it is-what can I say, I love the stuff! Kiehls is also heavily featured (though most was left at home for this holiday) and I am enjoying trawling through their products and finding what my skin likes to snuggle with. The Bioderma Sebium H2O is similar to the Crealine cleansing water but contains more ingredients, colour etc and is therefore not eye safe. I decanted some of my (crappy) Garnier eye makeup remover to use on the eye area as a substitute but it leaked before we even left for the airport! I went to a store and bought some Clinique dual phase eye makeup remover to replace it and I am impressed so far.

Had to bring one of my Haus of Gloi sample pots along for the ride, I used this a lot while lounging around in the hotel room and the Ghost Puffs scent is approved by Chris' nostrils as well as mine! The Jurlique mask tube is neverending, it's the Intense Recovery mask and I use it to hydrate (and say sorry to my skin if I have a glass of champers!) I couldn't go anywhere without my Mario Badescu goodies, I pop the Drying Lotion on any spots before they erupt to make them vacate, and I use the Buffering Lotion every second evening to stop the bumpy skin action from happening!

 

So this turned into a skincare ramble (I love to read these, hope you do too!) but if you would like to know details of products I took with me, ask away in the comments below and I can elaborate (ie chat away some more with you!)

 

Hope your skin is lookin' ace today!

 

 

IMATS Wishlist

 

IMATS is drawing closer and closer, and I thought it important to spend an evening in front of the laptop, perusing my future purchases and mapping out my IMATS plan of attack. Here are the fruits of the evening!

 

Illamasqua

At IMATS 2011 I purchased a few lip products from Illamasqua that I just don't get enough wear out of, so this time around I am hoping to pick up a new pressed powder, or perhaps a blush shade. Those are things I know I will get more use out of, and would be great additions to my cosmetic collection.

 

 Unii Palettes

I am planning on getting two or three of these empty makeup palettes to get me stuck into depotting and condensing my powders. I neglected to get one last year as they didn't have the colours I was interested in, and I'd rather not pay shipping for them when I know I can get them for a great price at the trade show.

 

Face Paint Set

I have been thinking about branching out into creative makeup and face painting. I have a whole bunch of nieces and nephews (11 if you include Chris' side, with 1 on the way!) and would love to be able to paint their faces for parties etc. I could end up being really terrible at it, but I'd love to give it a whirl anyway.

 

MAC

Though I have quite an extensive MAC collection as it is, I am lusting over the Mineralize Skin Finish Natural and perhaps Soft and Gentle to use as a highlight as well. Whether or not I can be bothered lining up at the busy stall remains to be seen, it really depends on my mood.

NYX
NYX is really hard to get a hold of (unless you resort to ebay) and I want to swatch a few of the powder blushes and give them a shot. I will definitely be buying Taupe to use as a contour shade, but I'd also love to pick up another pink shade now that I'm almost finished with Peach.

 

Embryolisse

I have heard so much about this brand and I am very, very excited to grab a few pieces. Now that I'm obsessed with skin care I like being able to switch it up depending on how my skin is acting, so I'm looking forward to this nourishing range.

Ardell
I have not yet successfully applied false lashes, and I'm hoping to pick up some Ardell (and maybe some other brands) to practise with. I have a few looks planned that really need the oomph that lashes give, so I can't wait to learn how to best use these!

Will I be seeing you at IMATS?
Have you tried any of these brands?

 





IMATS tag!

Saw this awesome tag here, and couldn't stop myself! IMATS here I come!

 Image taken from IMATS site and is of Sydney IMATS 2010

1. Which IMATS are you attending?
IMATS Sydney 2011, and I am beyond excited for it! I'm going as part of the Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend, where I will spend time with other beauty bloggers and shop up a storm at IMATS.

2. Have you ever been to IMATS before?
No, it's my first time at a trade show and my first visit to Sydney!

3. How are you getting there? 

Flying up there, which I am nervous about as I don't like flying. I've travelled quite a bit, but never could get used to the feeling of losing control.

4. Are you bringing anyone along?
Chris and I were originally planning a weekend away for the event, but now I am leaving him on his lonesome at home and heading there with Melissa, and am meeting the other blogger ladies there.

5. Is there anything else in the IMATS host city that you want to see?
Anything and everything! First time there and I'll hopefully have Friday to explore, so feel free to throw any suggestions at me!

6. What days will you be in the city that IMATS is in? 

 I will be there from early Friday to late Sunday, if flights go as planned.

7. Who do you want to meet?
I can't wait to meet inspiring artists, and learn new techniques to play around with. I'm also looking forward to spending time with Melissa, and soaking up the awesomeness that is Australian beauty bloggers!

8. What companies exhibits are you most excited to see?
Ben Nye looks to be great, and quite different to anything I've ever seen before. 

9. What products are you looking for?
I'm yet to write a formal shopping list (gasp!) but I know that I want to peruse MUFA, MAC, Inglot and pick up some Royal and Langnickel brushes. I know I will just end up picking up things that catch my eye though, but that is just how it goes.

10. How much do you plan to spend?
Hopefully not too much, but I have put away a few hundred to spend there. I have a feeling I'll be lugging a tonne of brushes back with me...and Inglot
palettes.

11. What do you want to get out of IMATS?
I'm going to change this question to "What do you want to get out of ABBW"
I want to lose some of the shyness that holds me back in life, and converse with the blogging ladies I admire.  I want to soak up every minute of beauty natter whether it be from the professionals or the bloggers, and not feel strange about comparing lipgloss attributes in detail. It's completely normal folks! And, of course, I want to enjoy the access to brands I wouldn't otherwise, and take home some goodies to keep the holiday fun going.
*
Will I see you at IMATS? Tell me now and I'll have worked up the courage to say hi by September!
Or, if overseas, tell me what IMATS was like for you!?
I tag all of my lovely readers!
emmabovary xx