On my nails : Natio Denim

 

If you are a fellow beauty lover (and you must be, because you are reading this!) you know that reading beauty blogs is a rather dangerous pastime.  Every time I flick through my blog roll (right hand side of this page, check it out!) or my Feedly roll, at least one new beauty product jumps onto my wishlist. I’m sure that it is not just me, right?!

When the captivating BeautyReductionista posted about an unexpected Chanel dupe that she received in a swap with an Australian (Making Up 4 My Age for those playing at home) I dived into the post with much excitement.  I am yet to explore the realm of high end polishes, and though Dior will probably be the first to come home with me once I land a full time job I was interested in seeing what affordable Australian polish shared similarities with the big brand Chanel.

Natio Denim is said to bear a striking resemblance to Chanel’s Blue Boy, a long discontinued denim inspired blue crème polish, and for $5.95 AUD is a wonderfully cheap way to treat yo self! The comparison swatches are definitely worth a squiz before Natio Denim hops off the shelf (I have a feeling it may be discontinued…) and I quite like pretty but not pastel shades of blue like this one.

 

Have you been tempted into buying a beauty product from a single blog post?

How often do you succumb to little treasures like this affordable polish?

Emma @ emmabovarybeauty

 

 

Diamonds are Forever with Tiffany Case // OPI Bond Girls Liquid Sand // Photos, Swatches, Review

Though it has been 50 years since Ian Fleming put pen to paper and created the James Bond character, I am yet to see a full Bond film. Considering that my minor for my undergraduate course was cinema, I am quite surprised at that fact (in fact, there are a lot of films I should have seen by now…) When OPI reached out to me about trying some of the new Liquid Sand polishes based around the female characters in the Bond films, my interest was piqued. Of the 3 bottles I received, the medium blue glitter filled Tiffany Case* was the most surprising to me.

Seemingly taking inspiration from the namesake of this shade (the 1971 film Diamonds are Forever in which Tiffany Case stars) this amazing blue is filled with a pretty glitter, which really adds a depth to it that it just captivates me once it is atop my nails. I use a single coat when I wear the Liquid Sand formula as they are so opaque, though I am interested in trying out a top coat with it to see how it reacts with the formula. They are so easy to remove as well, which means I reach for them quite a bit! Purely because I was feeling creative during a study break I decided to play around with my Konad stamping for an accent nail, and using Sally Hansen Pacific Blue over Australis Kick The Bucket*. I don’t like the look of an accent nail with the liquid sands, so it isn’t something I would do again.

What do you think of Tiffany Case?

Which of the Bond films are your top pick?

Is there a classic movie you haven’t seen yet even though you know you should’ve?

You can buy OPI Bond Girls from Adore Beauty, David Jones, Myer + other retailers.

*This polish was a PR sample. Honesty, always.

Max Factor Colour Elixir Giant Pen Stick // Photos & Swatches of 4 Shades!

Max Factor have flown under the radar for me for quite a while now, and I have to admit that most of the time their products don’t jump out at me for whatever reason. I have found great success with their eyeliners though, and have been impressed with the new products they have been rolling out this year which seems to suggest a new, fun direction for the classic brand. When I spotted these Colour Elixir Giant Pen Sticks for half price ($4.95 from $10!) while out shopping with Chris, he told me to pop a couple into the basket as we made our way around the store. I chose 4 shades that I am really happy with, and thought I would share some swatches and brief thoughts for those who might be thinking of picking one up.

Designer Blossom is the wintery shade I’ve been craving, and is a nice pop of red that I’ve been wearing quite often since I brought these home. Vibrant Pink is the brightest offering in the new range, and since I’ve been addicted to bright pinks like this I am very happy with this shade. Couture Blush is the ‘wearable pink’ from the Giant Pen Stick range, and because it is quite close to my natural lip colour I’ve been using this as a base under some of my pink glosses for an au natural lip look. Hot Chocolate is a shade that some people have questioned in blog posts I’ve read, but it is such a nice sheer nude shimmer on the lips that I took a gamble on, and luckily for me it turned out perfectly for me! It isn’t pigmented enough to be one of those dreaded brown lipsticks, and the mix of nude and golden shimmers is really flattering once it is on the lips.

These are a little bit glossy on the lips, perhaps similar to the shine of the Revlon Balm Stains but not as glossy as the Face of Australia lip crayons or the Clinique Chubby Sticks. Shade wise I quite like all of the 4 I chose, but I haven’t been tempted to go back for any of the others. Those who want a good level of pigmentation would be happy with Designer Blossom and Vibrant Pink, but as I said I am pretty happy with the other shades.

 

I find that these fade a little unevenly unlike the Clinique crayons, but it isn’t bad enough to put me off wearing them. My lips crave balm at night after I’ve worn these, so those with chronically dry lips may need to steer clear or buy one to try before indulging in a few from the range. I am pleased with these especially considering the price I picked them up for, and though I prefer the real ‘crayon’ type lip products, these lip pencil/crayon hybrids are pretty cool too.

Have you tried any of the ‘lip crayons’ that are flooding the market?

Which of these shades would you grab first?

The Blush Haul

There is nothing like a little treat when you receive some great news, and a new pop of colour for my cheeks is the best treat I can think of don’t ya think? After a big ol’ thumbs up from my mentor teacher at the end of my placement, I succumbed to the lure of MAC, Dior, BYS and Models Prefer (and soon I will be making a Bourjois order!)

 

It is hard to pick the star of the show as I am head over heels for every one of these new blush additions, but a shout out must go to the amazing Dior Crème Blush in Bikini, which is an amazing new formula that the luxe brand have just released. I love the burnt coral shade, though I also have my eye on the bright pink shade from the release as well. I have a feeling that the 4 shades will somehow form a set in my makeup drawers soon, they are just too pretty to resist, though I do have my eye on the yet to be released Chanel cream blushes as well. Bourjois also have new cream blushes out, and now that they are up on Asos I am finding it very tempting indeed.

 

Coming into the ‘orange’ side of the spectrum is my pick from the MAC All About Orange collection, the powder blush in Honey Jasmine. I ordered this online as I had a free shipping code, and I was elated to discover how long lasting it is on my cheeks and how easy to wear the colour is for me. I was excited as Larie posted this while I was waiting for it to arrive- nothing better than a post reaffirming a purchase!

For the bargain price of $5 for the set, I threw the Models Prefer Blush set into my cart on my last trip to Priceline. For a lovely cream blush stick and a pigmented powder pan reminiscent of NYX blushes, this was a big score for me and I’m very happy that the cheap gamble paid off. I never understood the appeal of the Nars Mutiples, but if they are anything like the cream stick in this set I totally get it- heaven! As an aside, I’m also using a stick blush from Vapour Organic* which is really nice, but the photos of it have mysteriously disappeared from my laptop so I am on a hunt for those so I can share it with you all.

Last, but most definitely not least, was my amazing haul of ALL of the new blush trios from BYS. For $4.50 a pop I really couldn’t help myself, and since I bought them I’ve worn them almost every day. They are a lovely formula and quite pigmented, so I’ve been applying them with my Real Techniques Stippling Brush. I have a full post with swatches coming up, so you will see shade names and swatches there. For now, enjoy the below swatches of the rest of my haul!

So now that I have indulged in a bit of a blush frenzy, I’m happily using my new loot and patting myself on the back for completing my first placement. How do you treat yourself for a job well done?

*I treated myself to these with a mixture of gift cards (silver Myer, woohoo!) and my own moolah. Honesty, always!

Dior Addict Lipstick 751 Exotique - Bird of Paradise Collection Photos, Swatches + Review

The official Dior obsession has begun, and I have entered into a passionate love affair with the luxe brand. Having only really tried Dior properly last year with the Fairy Golds eyeshadow palette, I was swept away by the new Addict lipstick + gloss range and once more this month by the Bird of Paradise collection. Billed for the US Spring/Summer slot, I find these colours translatable for the cold Melbourne winter as well so decided to pick up my very first Dior Addict lipstick from the brand. I've since been back for the new cream blushes and will perhaps look at the lip products again, but for now this is all I have purchased from the bright tropical paradise Bird of Paradise inspired collection!

751 Exotique comes in the beautiful Dior Addict tube, the design of which I was previously unfamiliar with. I will shamefully admit that I was taken aback by how these open, with the round top being pulled out leaving the whole square tube aside. Now that I’ve gotten the hang of that (beauty blogger problems, right?) I can settle back and admire the amazing flashes of colour that come off of the tube. Yep that is right, I am drooling even before the colour of the lipstick itself is exposed!

 

Leaving a great sheen on the lips without being slippery or too moisturising, Exotique is a fresh pop of watermelon pink that gets my heart racing. As soon as I set eyes on the colour I knew it had to be mine, and I was so pleased to find it flattering on my pale skin tone. Having said that, this is quite a buildable shade so it can be worn nice and bright or with a quick swipe of sheer colour. It would no doubt look amazing on darker skin tones as well, and considering it is my first foray into the famed Dior Addict I have to say I am, ahem, addicted!

Have you succumbed to anything from the Bird of Paradise collection? This is limited edition so get a move on if you haven't!

What do you think of pinks like this?

Have you tried a Dior Addict before?

April Favourites // All About Eyes

I’ve been relishing in the tonal variations of the neutral eye shadows in my collection this month, and even more so since I’ve been focused on teaching. With less time for intricate blending and the like, I have come to appreciate the ease and beauty of these shades. Once again my Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze is among my favourites, especially when layered under Maybelline Silken Taupe to create an icy neutral sort of eye look.

  

Burberry has also been gracing my lids often, with my two pans (Pale Barley & Rosewood) getting quite a workout during April. I love how long these shadows last on my lids without creasing, and they are so quick to blend that I hardly have to work on them in the early morning, pre-coffee haze.

 

Liner is another eye product that is fast becoming one of the most exciting parts of my makeup routine, despite it once being something I rarely reached for. The Australis Curve Ink* still impresses me with its amazing lasting power and easy to use (though unusual) packaging. For pencil I’ve been loving Hot Chocolate from essence, which is a self-sharpening chocolate stick that I’ve been using lightly along my lash line to create a nice shape and intensify my mascara as well.

Speaking of mascara, I’ve been loving my Covergirl Clump Crusher, using my Face of Australia Impact Curl mascara coating my lower lashes daily.  I know a lot of people aren’t a fan of lots of mascara on the bottom lashes, but I love the way it opens my eyes right up. I feel as though I can wear less makeup on the rest of my face when I use mascara on my lower lashes, so I have been using it for the majority of this month.

 

So April is wrapped up, a month of lots of lashes, liner galore and pretty neutral shadows to cover my lids. I hadn’t planned on having an eye centred favourites list for this month, but things happen!

How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes?

Are you a liquid liner or pencil gal?

 

*Marked items provided for consideration.

 

 

Covergirl Clump Crusher // Mascara Review For You!



Trying out a new mascara is something I love to do, as I think my lashes are one of my best features and I’ll take any chance to play that up. I tend to use drugstore/Priceline mascaras as I am on a budget, and would rather spend the big bucks on something like a blush or an eyeshadow palette as opposed to something that I will have to get rid of within a few months. This is only the second Covergirl mascara I have ever tried, and it is definitely one of the best low end mascaras I have come across!

 

The Covergirl Clump Crusher is a rubber wanded fat green tube or eye heaven, which promises not to clump even with a stack of coats atop your lashes. Naturally when a claim like that is made you feel the urge to pile on the mascara, and I am happy to report that the claims are TRUE and you can swipe this bad boy over your lashes over and over without risk of clumping or creating spider lashes. I have naturally long lashes but this still gave me length as well as volume and I love the fuller look it gives to my lashes.

 

I’ve been using this mascara for a few months now and the formula hasn’t dried out yet, so I’m quite pleased and will definitely repurchase this when the time comes. I have fallen in love with a few mascaras over the years (Face of Australia Impact Curl, Lancome Doll Eyes, etc) but this is probably my favourite to date!

Covergirl Clump Crusher retails for $17.95 but is often on sale for $10 at Priceline etc. I personally purchased this tube for myself at $10 from Priceline when it first came out.

What is your favourite mascara? What sort of things do you look for when buying one? Have you tried any great Covergirl mascaras in the past?

 

 

Dior Fairy Golds Eyeshadow Palette // Grand Bal Collection

Each time the holiday season rolls around, the luxe makeup brands whip up some pretty limited edition goodies that never fail to tempt me. I tend to hold back and spend all of my extra cash on all the kidlets in my life at this time of the year, but when I locked eyes with the new Dior Grand Bal collection, I knew it was made for me. The two quints were the most exciting aspect of the new CD stash in my eyes. I spent quite a while swatching and considering whether my love for the darker palette (Night Golds) would prevail, or my love for the lighter palette (Fairy Golds) would win my heart. Ultimately they were too similar to both come home to chez Emma, so Fairy Golds flew into my makeup drawers and has been getting a lot of love ever since.

 

 

I’ve found that the mix of shades in this palette can make the perfect transition from daytime look into a festive night look, but the shades are something I will definitely be wearing all year round. From the top left, the first shade is a pinky tinged champagne beige that reminds me of Urban Decay Sin, but is lighter. The shade is soft and buttery, and I’ve been wearing it all over the lid with a darker crease colour quite a bit lately. The second shade along is the glitterbomb of the palette, and is almost like a stack of gold leaf pressed down into a shadow. Applies better than I expected it to, and is a paler gold when compared to something like the gold within the Clarins Odyssey palette. The shade is closer to L’Oreal Infallible 027 Goldmine but less buttery, and more sparkly in an almost overlay sort of effect.

 

The darkest shade in the palette is a a deep chocolately brown with red undertones, brilliant pigmentation and one I will use often. I hardly have any red toned dark brown shades in my collection to compare with this, and I am really impressed with how a light touch can produce such a deep colour. The next shade along in the bottom left hand corner is what I call the taupe of the palette! A mauvey neutral shade, it reminds me of Urban Decay’s Sidecar, but when I swatched them side by side I saw that they are very different. Dior's is much lighter and Sidecar is much more brown in comparison. This shade is my favourite in the palette by far, and was the deciding factor in my palette choice.

 

 

The last and centre shade is a pink tinged white which is very glittery and somewhat chunky in the pan, but applies well and is pretty as an inner corner highlight for dramatic looks. I do wish they had’ve put a matte highlight shade in this palette, which was also noted by Christine of Temptalia, but I suppose you can't fit everything into a quint.

 

The shades are much more vibrant and pigmented in reality, they just blend so well into the skin!

 

Direct sunlight.

 

Indoor swatch, window lighting.

 

 

I find Fairy Golds to be very wearable and lovely quality, and seeing as it is my first Dior eyeshadow purchase I am very pleased with it. I’ve been calling it my ‘festive season palette’, as I can throw the shades on before a long shift at work and they last without creasing longer than any shadow I’ve used before.

Fairy Golds retails for $59 USD and $99 AUD and in Australia is available from Myer and David Jones.

Have you deemed some makeup your 'festive makeup'? Do you tend to wear similar looks now that it is the festive season, or are you one of those lucky ones who gets holidays at this this time of the year?

 

Illamasqua : Generation Q

 

Having been out for quite a while now, the Illamasqua Generation Q collection is something I reach for all the time. Since I am lucky enough to try new beauty products regularly, when certain collections stick around in my ‘everyday’ makeup stash, you know they must be good! I rushed out when the collection launched to buy the Complement palette (swatched HERE!) and was sent the other products to trial. The gloss in Boost is the coolest looking lip product I own, and surprisingly easy and lots of fun to wear. Magnetism is something I tend to reach for when the weather is cooler, and the raspberry tones make it a unique shade in my lipstick wardrobe. Sophie is probably my favourite piece from the collection, it is a shimmery powder blusher in the prettiest coral shade that really wakes up my face and adds light and dimension to it.

I’ve always been a big fan of Illamasqua and would highly recommend their makeovers and products in general. I like that they keep their limited edition collections out for a long time, so it gives you a chance to really dig into the products and review them, while the products are still available to buy. Big win for all! I have my eye on the Gleam in Aurora and the polish in Creator, but I’ll try to be good and refrain from grabbing more from this collection!

 

*As mentioned, some of these items were sent for consideration, and I personally purchased the Complement palette. In all honesty, they all would’ve come home with me one way or the other ;P