Current Favourites - April/May 2015

April and May have been a whirlwind of work, health issues and lots of hard days which I'm glad to have survived with my sanity intact! I've been using 'Maui meditation' to get me through those tough spots (aka, dreaming of the times I spend sunbaking in Maui on the honeymoon!) and playing around with some beauty bits to keep me content. I hardly ever reach for purple or mauve makeup bits but it's basically all I've wanted to wear for a while now - what is happening to me?!  

I've become a lot more interested in lip products, instead of forgetting to apply anything in the morning as I often do, I've been lining my lips with my essence lipliner 'Satin Mauve' which is a great wearable yet spunky mauve for me, or sometimes turning to the new nude in my collection, essence 'Cool Nude'. MAC 'Hot Tahiti' is something that I'm currently thrilled with - I was searching for an easy to wear red and didn't realise that it was sitting in my stash the whole time! The glaze finish and terracotta tone makes this a perfect everyday red for me and I think it will cop a beating come winter in Melbourne (though it feels like winter right now, so...)

 

I've been wearing the purple shade from my No7 Smoky Rose Quad, a gorgeous mid-tone purple with golden shimmer that reminds me of Laura Mercier 'African Violet' which is a favourite of both myself and Vita (Making Up 4 My Age) I've been pairing it with a dash of essence eyeliner 'Berry Merry' along my upper lashline and I've been loving it sick - I've finally found a purple look I can love!

I've been using Maybelline Color Tattoo 'Bad to the Bronze' daily in hopes of using it up (I probably should have entered it into my Project Use It Up now that I think about it...) and am appreciating how wonderful the shade is under so many eyeshadows - it could do with being a bit creamier at this stage of its makeup life, but I suppose that is to be expected. A newcomer into the favourite ranks is the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, a gorgeously plain and silky balm that has whipped my skin into shape in recent weeks.

 

What have you been loving?

-Emma

BYS Blush Trio - 4 Blush Palettes to Drive You Wild!

 

When I saw these gorgeous BYS blush trios for $4.50 at my local discount store, I knew I had to take them all home with me. The RRP price is $6.50, and I would still happily pay that per palette, no problems. I love the idea of having three blush shades in one handy palette, and I love that the packaging is clear on top so that you can see which palette you are picking up at a glance.

 

The packaging, while feeling a little cheap, is still really sturdy and has the positive feature of being really slim so it sits in my blush drawer with ease. I have a stack of the BYS blush singles which I also like, but I really think they’ve stepped it up with such bright shades this time around! All you need is the Real Techniques Stippling Brush for these to all be wearable, and just remember that a light hand works wonders with blushes like this and you’ll be fine. I have been wearing primarily these for well over a month now, and am showing no signs of stopping!

My obsession with bright pink cheeks has meant that On The Brightside has really won my heart over. I would say that I wear all 3 shades from this one pretty regularly, including the matte coral pink and the shimmery paler pink as well. For dolly pink lovers (Chanel Pink Explosion, MAC Dollymix, etc.) this is a bargain.

 Endless Summer is the next shade in this line up, a beautiful trio of burnt coral oranges that looks great on pale skin and darker skin alike. This might be best suited to lovers for shades like Nars Orgasm, or other coral toned shades like MAC Springsheen.

 

I would have to say that my very favourite palette from the 4 available is Coral Me In, and it is all because of that shimmery centre shade. I fell head over heels for this pretty shade, and the shimmer is so beautiful when buffed into the skin with my stippling brush that I just can’t get over it. Signs of blush obsession, anyone? It really makes me look 'glowy' rather than shimmery, and we all love that!

The fourth and final palette to choose from is probably my least favourite, though I think it would be the most wearable for the masses if my guess is correct. Heart Skipped A Beat is a trio of paler pink shades, one with a nice plummy tone, one a candy floss sort of tone and a mid tone in the centre. I think they are still really pretty and have been wearing them quite a bit as well, but we have to pick favourites in this beauty bloggin’ biz, ya know?

 

All of that being said, I would highly recommend that you grab a palette or two if you happen to track them down. They are being released as we speak, with lots of shelves already full of the bright trios. While you aren’t getting Burberry quality silkiness in the formula (or the luxe packaging) these are much better than their price tag suggests, and I have had no problems with them being too chalky or powdery since I apply them with the best brush - Cough buy the RT stippling brush cough.

 

Which palette would you grab for first?

Do you prefer shimmery blushes to matte or satin finishes?

 

 

*I purchased all of these with my own money. Honesty,always.

 

French Skincare Saviour // Uriage Thermal Water

I am a huge advocate for facial sprays, and am partial to French brands as I find they work wonderfully on my skin. I often suffer from dry and dehydrated skin, and use thermal sprays to keep flaky skin at bay. I find they settle my skin and moisturise any flaky patches that I have, which are most often on my forehead and around the chin area.

Midway through the day I tend to blot and powder my t-zone with Maybelline Dream Matte powder, and finish off with a spritz of my Uriage Thermal Water* to leave a dewy look to my skin. I think this would work for all skin types, as it does not exacerbate oily complexions and provides a good shot of moisture without disturbing your makeup. It is said to be especially good for those with sensitive skin, or who suffer from skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. My man is partial to a spritz of this from time to time, and I am a fan of the slightly salty taste when you lick your lips, it takes me on a beach vacation journey in my mind every time.

Uriage Thermal Water is rich in minerals and trace elements, and great for a pep up on hot days, and for a moisture boost on cold ones. It retails for $10.95/50ml (perfect lightweight handbag size that lasts for ages!) or $26.95/300ml (great for keeping on your desk!)

For Australian stockists, head to http://www.cosmetiquesdefrance.com.au/ and check the store locator. They also let you know about Nuxe and Bioderma ranges, it is a wonderful site to bookmark if you are a French skincare lover like me.

Have you tried thermal facial sprays, or do you use rose/lavender sprays? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the differences.

Emma x

*Product was provided for consideration, but I am honest in my loving review of it. Honesty, always.

Chanel Troublant // Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss #68

 

The new Chanel 2012 Fall collection saw me drooling. I succumbed to only one item, and that is the beautiful plummy brown pink gloss that is Troublant. The packaging has me smiling as well, it is weighty (as you would expect a $50 gloss to be) and sleek black which is sitting pretty in my makeup bag as I type.

 

 

 

This is my first purchase of this formula and I am loving the triangle tapered tip on the doe foot applicator- I despise brush tips with glosses, and was so glad to see this applicator. It applies the gloss evenly and the creamy texture really glides over the lips.

 

 

 

I never thought a pink/brown shade would suit me, but I feel like a million dollars when I wear this. It's plummy enough for winter but I can see myself wearing it all through the year, and it lasts a few hours on me which I love. It fades evenly and leaves a bit of colour behind, and is sticky enough to grip the lips but isn't overly tacky (in my opinion) I am head over heels for this shade and formulation, I think it is definitely worth trying on in store.

 

Troublant is available at Chanel counters now for $50 AUD for a limited time.

What do you think of this shade?

What is your favourite Chanel product?

 

 

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder // Rave Review, Photos, Swatch

I've only really delved into the world of face powders via the drugstore, and haven't tried any high end setting/translucent powders to date. Of all of the affordable face powders I've tried, Maybelline's Dream Matte powder reigns above all!

As you can see from the massive pan showing, I love this dearly. This is my third, perhaps fourth pan of Dream Matte, and though I've still been dipping my toe into other brands I always come back to this one.

I use this as an all-over setting powder (I generally use liquid foundation) and find that it doesn't give full coverage, and does help to hide some imperfections in the skin when I use a light coverage foundation. I used this in conjunction with my Invisible Zinc tinted moisturiser whilst in Thailand earlier in the year and found that it toned down the greasy, sunscreen look of the TM but still looked beautifully natural. Here is a picture of me wearing the TM with Dream Matte, just for reference:

 And as a side note, Chris has a wee bit of Dream Matte powder on in that photo,too! I made sure I slathered him in sunscreen while we were there, but he didn't like the shine either. Sun protection is worth it though, just powder it! I really wish I was in Thailand right now *rugs up next to heater with hot chocolate*

The packaging is a little bit bulky, as it contains a swing out section underneath the actual pan which holds a large mirror and powder puff. I actually use the mirror for all of my touch ups (as you can leave the powder section closed and still use the mirror) and so I find the packaging perfect for me. I don't often use the puff, but I like having it there if I forget a brush or just want to dab the powder on.

I don't find that the Maybelline Dream Matte powder cakes on me, even when I neglect blotting and just throw it on during the day for a touch up. It works well to control my oily t-zone and I can last until after lunch before I feel I need to check my face or freshen myself up.

The powder is fragrance-free and dermatologist/allergy tested, oil-free and won't clog pores. I wear the shade Cream (Light 4-5) and find it suits me perfectly.

What powder do you recommend I try next?

Have you tried anything from the Dream Matte line?

*This product was purchased by me (over and over again!) Honesty, always.

my favourite hydrating face mask // The Jojoba Company

I tend to use a facial mask once or twice a week, and often when I'm in need of a hydration hit I reach for my The Jojoba Company Botanical Hydrating Face Mask* (or 'that squishy red tube' in real talk!) This mask is a 97% natural clay based mask that I smear on thick and go about my business while it dries and works its magic.

 I use this after I've had a night out drinking or feel like my skin is parched. It smells quite strongly of something a little bit floral and a little bit organic-y, and looking at the ingredients I can attribute that to sandalwood, lavender and ylang ylang. I leave this on for 20 mins +, and it can also be kept on overnight if you are that way inclined. I love that the back of the tube mentions it helps repair the damage that comes from urban living- most of us need that in one way or another!

This mask is a winner because it makes a noticeable difference to my skin when it's in need of a hydration hit, and being housed in a squishy red tube is awesome. 

You can head here to find out more about the mask here (including ingredients etc)

It retails for $49.95 AUD.

*This product was provided for consideration quite a while ago, and I've been loving it hard ever since. Honesty, always!

Bioderma Crealine H20

Bioderma Crealine H20 is something I first heard of when I went to the Rae Morris brush launch way back in September last year. Rae told us how hard it was to get a hold of, but said that it was something all makeup artists swore by and was worth the hunt. Not long after that, I went to the Australian launch of the Bioderma brand. I am so happy that this amazing product is now readily available in Australia.

A micellar formula, this cleansing water is hypoallergenic, free from perfume and gentle as anything. Normally I see 'gentle' products as lacking results, but this is not the case with Bioderma's Crealine H20. The micelle's act like a magnet and capture dirt, oil and makeup without disturbing the balance of your skin, and so the Crealine H20 is perfect for all skin types. The best thing about this is that there is no need to rinse it from your face, so it is excellent for travel and lazy days.

I know a lot of people approach the Bioderm Crealine H20 as though it were a makeup remover, but it is so much more than that. It isn't super fast at taking off eye makeup etc, and I treasure this stuff too much to waste it on getting the bulk of my makeup off at night. I like to use a regular (read:cheap) makeup remover (right now I am using the Face of Australia remover) to get the makeup off before going over my face with a cotton pad soaked in Crealine. I also sometimes use it when I get up in the morning before I apply my moisturiser to start with a clean state, or when I get home from work if I can't be bothered doing a full cleanse yet. I'll be an honest blogger and say that if you are ever nodding off and can't be bothered cleansing 'properly', this is the almost guilt-free way to do a lazy cleanse. I wouldn't do this lazy cleanse regularly, but sometimes it happens!

I was gifted a bottle of this by the company, but have since repurchased for $39.95 (250ml) from Creelman's pharmacy on Bourke St in Melbourne. I missed it when it was out of my beauty routine, and find it worthwhile and a must-have. I spend so much on makeup for my face, and use that fact to justify the high price tag for this baby.

For a long list of stockists in Melbourne and Sydney, click here. For those elsewhere in Australia, you can email through your order to this address:

contact@cosmetifrance.com

and they will ship it to you free of charge.

Have you tried Bioderma Crealine H20?

What is your night time skin routine?

*I was provided a bottle for review, but have since repurchased and will continue repurchasing!

YSL Creme De Blush #05 Fuschia Temptation

I am head over heels for YSL in general, but it was this range of cream blushes which ignited the spark in my heart for the brand.

I adore the packaging that these blushes come in, the little gold topped glass pots are very sturdy and I think they are really beautiful.

The blush is a cream to powder formula, and I would describe the finish as velvety but still very natural on the skin. It is a very buildable colour, and looks beautiful applied sheerly or layered on for a stronger look (which is how I prefer to wear this shade)

I like to keep my YSL products in their original packaging, not too sure why but they sure look pretty all lined up!

I love the way that these resemble ltitle creamy cups of colour, and they smell fresh and fruity, but in a subtle way that isn't too overpowering for me.

#05 Fuschia Temptation is a bright pink shades which leans on the cool side, and gives a nice flush to the cheeks.

I decided to compare this to the other shade I have in this formula, which is #02 Powdery Rose. It is a warm pink shade that is absolutely amazing, and my favourite out of the two.The reason for the texture of Powdery Rose is because I apply this with my Royal & Langnickel stippling brush. I find that dabbing it into the pot and then pushing it into the cheek works well, and I finish by buffing it out with the same brush to get the perfect flushed look that lasts all day long.

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Unblended swatches of the two shades.

Blended swatches of the two shades.

The Creme de Blushes were limited edition last year, but I recently saw one of the shades available at a Myer counter so they may be repromoted soon. You can purchase this shade along with others at Strawberrynet here, the price there swings between $35 and $40. From memory Chris paid $65 for Powdery Rose at Myer and I purchased Fuschia Temptation from Strawberrynet for $36. If I had to choose one blush formula to use for the rest of my life, it would be this one, no doubt in my mind. I love Fuschia Temptation and though Powdery Rose is my favourite shade, I still think this is a must have!

Have you tried the YSL Creme De Blush range?

What is your ultimate blush formulation?