Come to the dark side- the dark lip

Recently I recieved the Model Co lipstick 'vanity fair' in a subscription box. I love lippy and I'm not affraid to rock a bold look. I was really hoping for this shade to add to my collection!  

Then came trying it out. This lippy requires an entire 'look' to go with it. Initially I swiped it on whilst wearing a black top... needless to say I looked like I was going through a 'phase'. Teen angst included. So where to turn for inspo but the internet. And I sure found it! So much foxiness. 

Keys to success: 

Good coverage foundation (as flawless as possible) 

Illuminiser for some radiance/ glow

Bronzer used as blush 

Natural toned eyeshadows 

Thin if / any eyeliner (unless you are going for a gothic look)

Natural mascara (I know its hard, more is more normally but not here) 

Lip liner! Essential! I improvised using a chocolate eyeliner as a substitute 

Special tip: 

Use a highlight in your cupids bow (Its the little curve on the top of your upper lip) I used a shiny cream pencil 

The products: 

The end result: (with a filter that made it fuzzy !?) 

Side note: Personally the Model Co formula didn't rock my world, it didn't apply or wear particularly evenly. Luckily I had a Clinique 'full potential' gloss that saved the day in a similar tone. Worked beautifully on top. 

Is there a look youre wanting to try? 

Is there look you want me to try? 

Comment below! 

Finito: Epic empties! Reviews of stuff I finished first quarter '14

I'd like to create a space for products I've used up each month. Let's call it 'Finito' meaning 'all done'. 

In 'Finito' you'll find reviews on stuff that I gave a red hot go & or used up. I'll let you know a bit about it & give an indicator of what I thought, if I'd use it again & if I'd tell a friend because it needs to be shared. 

You might see me say something is 'the dogs tuxedo' When I really love something I might describe it in this way. It is an old joke with a friend, when something is better than the bee's knees...better than the cats pajamas.

So here goes- I'll try to be brief!! 

Masks: 

• 10 o 6 No time to shine Mask: This is a smooth, non drying light cay mask. 10O6 sell these in a twin strip for $2 or $3 at Priceline. I love these mid week if i need a perk or if my skins not coming to the party. Buy again: YES, Recommend to a friend: YES. 
• 10 o 6 Strawberry & Yarrow Mud Mask : Smells AMAZING! As above smooth texture & great price. NON drying. Buy again: YES, Recommend to a friend: YES. 
• Nature Republic Tea Tree  Mask: I was given this from a friend who brought it back from Korea. Its a sheet mask of fabric that you put over your face. It smelt so fresh & made my skin look clear & bright. Buy again: YES if I could, Recommend to a friend: SURE.

Makeup:

• Korres Wild Rose Brightening Compact in WRP3: I'm a little in love with Korres. They are a Greek Brand that use lots of natural or plant based ingredient's. This power is so velvety smooth & though matte- the brightening finish ensures you don't look dull. The case is a split compact so the gross sponge doesn't sit directly on the powder- it lives underneath> pivotal for people with oily skin/ breakout to prevent too much continuation on product.  Buy again: ALREADY HAVE, recommend to a friend: YES. 
• Clinique Perfectly Real Compact in 102: This powder is a bit of an old faithful. It has build-able coverage so you can wear alone but it also works well as a setting powder over foundation. This is a good handbag powder as the case is sturdy & the coverage doesn't get masky if you reapply throughout the day. As above its a split case. Buy again: YES, Recommend to a friend: YES
• Clinique Moisture Sheer Tint in Fair: This was old & had to be used or chucked! BB stole my heart & this product got pushed to the side. I think its since been discontinued in Aus for BB & CC versions. I initially liked this product (this was my 2nd tube) but didn't provide all the benefits & coverage of BB. Buy again: NO, Recommend to friend: NO
• Essence I heart Extreme Mascara: I do not heart this Mascara. Essence is a cheapo brand available at Priceline. Their stuff is hit and miss. I had a different Mascara of theirs that was good so I thought I'd try this one. Application was awesome and gave the finish I like BUT it flaked, bleed, transfered and panda eyed. Buy again: NO, Recommend to a friend: NO

Skincare:

• Biore Skin Preservation Even Smoother Microderm Exfoliator: What a mouthful! And ain't that the truth- the back says don't go too close to lips... I learnt why. The exfoliating beads are so tiny they get in your mouth- bit gritty kitty! Other than that I really liked this scrub. Its effective & leaves the skin feeling refined & clear. Buy again YES, Recommend to a friend YES. 
• LOreal Ideal Skin Genesis Pore Minimiser: Love this one. I have not really used much L'Oreal but I'm a sucker for Pore products. This made the skin appear refined and smooth. The texture is velvety and almost a little powdery. I used it as a serum under my moisturizer; in the day makeup lasted better and resisted slip off effect & after using at night, in morn skin looked refined. Buy again: YES, Recommend to a friend: YES
• Burts Bees Sensitive Eye Cream: Its alright. This is just a hydrator. Does little else. Points for handy tube. Buy again: NO, Recommend to a friend: NO
• Korres Thyme Honey Cream- 24 Hr moisturising: Korres my love, you never disappoint! I used this as hydrating, nourishing night cream. Smells like honey & has a rich thick texture- a little goes a long way. Buy again: probably NO- a bit rich for my skin, Recommend to a friend: YES. 
• Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2: To the people who poo poo Clinique clarifying lotion> don't use it. MORE for me! This works for me, I love it, if I don't use & start again the difference is huge. It contains alcohol> big deal so does wine & I love that too. In seriousness, some products need alcohol so that they evaporate> no alcohol = wet skin. This product is not intended to be absorbed hence the alcohol. Many lotions etc have alcohol so that they do not leave the skin with excess product sitting on the surface. But again: ALREADY HAVE, Recommend to a friend: YES 

Hair:

• Matrix Biolage Volumizing Conditioner: Matrix Biolage is the best conditioner I have ever used. Dogs Tuxedo. I normally get the fortifying one but tried the Volumizing one for a change. It wasn't as lush & thick a paste as usual but it was still good. I don't think it was specifically volumizing but that's probably because I didn't use it in-conjunction with its partner shampoo. I swear by this brands conditioning products! Highly Recommend. Buy again: ALREADY HAVE restocked my Matrix Conditioner, Recommend to a friend: YES
• Batiste Dry Shampoo Cherry: Sucker. I bought this in a pack with a matching shower cap. Oh the crap I acquire. This was good old Batiste dry shampoo, dependable. I prefer the tropical one but this made a nice change. Buy again:YES/NO (not this scent but others yes), Recommend to a friend: YES 
• Evo The Therapist Shampoo:Bellabox sample, was okay. Hydrated hair and felt fresh & clean. Buy again: NO, Recommend to friend: NO
• Evo The Therapist Conditioner: Bellabox sample, don't bother, not effective, felt synthetic. See above Matrix. Buy again: NO, Recommend to a friend: NO

Fragrance:

• Garnier Mineral Ultra Dry Deodorant: Boring stories...deodorant. This one is quite good, been using it for ages. It's  good for your gym bag/ handbag as it has a little lock on the side so it doesn't leak. My local supermarkets haven't had it in stock so we shall see if its being repackaged or discontinued. I Have found a good Norsca back up. Buy again: YES, Recommend to a friend: NO
• FCUK Friction: I discovered this by having a little spritz while shopping, while wandering around I couldn't get enough- I went back & purchased it.The main scents are coconut, honeysuckle, vanilla and pineapple all delicious yummy notes! Buy again: ALREADY HAVE, Recommend to a friend: YES.
• Playboy Play It Sexy: Essentially just a cheap and cheerful fragrance. I like a floriential like this. The notes: pink grapefruit, mandarin and pink pepper,  jasmine tea, scented flowers and licorice, vanilla, patchouli, sandalwood and tonka. Buy again: MAYBE, Recommend to a friend: MAYBE

Body:

• Clarins After  Sun Shimmer Oil: I had this for ages and needed to finish. It's possibly discontinued or at least repackaged by now. This is a 'dry oil' mist with a whole lot of shimmer in it. This product is good for vacations & summer days. I found it can get on your clothes so its a bit off putting. That said it makes you positively GLOW! Buy again: NAH, Recommend to a friend: NAH  
• Priceline After Sun Cooling Gel: Not bad but not good. Smell didn't appeal to me & felt a little sticky. You get what you pay for as this is like $5. Nivea Creme- gel after sun is a much better purchase. Buy again: NO, Recommend to a friend: No
• Naked Tan Creme de la Creme: Gorgeous! Devine Orange oil scent, really super creamy and hydrating. My only criticism- a little does NOT go a long way. This miniature only lasted 2-3 applications- even in  full size, it wouldn't last that long. Buy again: Maybe, Recommend to a friend: Nah 

Assorted Samples:

• Couture Colour Pequi Oil Treatment: Loved this! Made my hair feel light, weightless and silky. WOW. Buy it: YES, Recommend to a friend: YES 
• Palmolive Ayurituel Joyus Shower Gel: This transported me to a sanctuary, I liked this so much that I got two big bottles before I even finished the sample. Its the dogs tuxedo! For an affordable, supermarket body wash> its an absolute winner! Smells incredible! Buy it: ALREADY HAVE, Recommend to a friend: HECK YES
• Egyptian Magic Cream: This product can be used for a myriad of things! I used it on my feet because they were needing a pick me up/ deep hydration. Its good but I wasn't blown away by it. Buy it: NO, Recommend to a friend: NO
• Avene Cleanance Gel-Creme: Another Dogs tuxedo! I purchased this right away I liked it so much. Its a moisturiser with ingredients that improve cell turn over, exfoliate and prevent clogged pores in combo skin. I found the texture hydrating but not greasy & It really works for my skin type. Buy again: FOR SURE, Recommend to a friend: YES
• Swisspers Naturals Aloe Nourishing Face Cream: This was a bonus sachet in Bellabox, I can't fault it, it was lightweight but rich enough to feel creamy, non greasy, felt clean and fresh and made my skin feel nice in the morning when I woke up. Buy it: I'm not in need of this type of product but MAYBE, Recommend to a friend: YES
• Simple Eye Makeup Remover: Good. I normally go for those dual layer shakey mix eye makeup removers but this one surprised me. It was really effective. Buy it: YES, Recommend to a friend: YES
• Natralus Paw Paw Gel: I liked this but the sample was way too small to really test out properly, I'd be interested to see how big the full size product is. It says its good for sunburn so I might grab a tube next summer (I don't plan to get burnt but it happens at least once). The gel felt cool & refreshing. Its basically paw paw ointment in gel form. Makes sense right!? Buy it: MAYBE, Recommend to a friend: MAYBE
• L'Occitane Hand Cream: Lush, creamy & smells like a baby? Its a nice hand cream, quite hydrating but I don't really see what all the hype is about. Whist I enjoyed using it, I prefer the Nivea Norweigan formula hand cream and its only $7. Some products are a splurge & others a save> hand cream for me is a save. Buy it: NO, Recommend to a friend: NO. 

Removal: 

• Beauty Care Green Tea Wipes: Pass. Grabbed these at the register at Kmart pre trip. Good for a refresher towel but these do nothing to remove anything. buy again: NO, Recommend to a friend: NO.
• Swisspers Make up Pads: These are awesome. I used to use the Coles or Priceline brand ones.My lovely partner grabbed these when he asked if I wanted anything at the shop.Being disposable I never wanted to spend the extra to get the good ones... My advise: pony up the extra dollar or two & upgrade. They are much more effective due to texture and a gentler on skin. Buy again: ALREADY HAVE, Recommend to a friend: YES.
• Coles Nail Polish Remover: Again time poor supermarket grab strikes again in this category! This product is fine, it does a good job. The Sally Hansen one is more effective. Buy again: YES, Recommend to a friend: NO.

Right so that's the LOT! thanks for reading... its quite a list!

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think? Any of your faves here? Questions or Comments feel free to post below! 

So wrong So right! 5 things I love but don't wanna tell everyone!

Don't wanna tell everyone, pftt cept the world, on a blog, on the net...

Have you ever love love loved a beauty product but maybe felt ashamed or embarrassed because it was disgustingly cheap, uber tacky, has bad press or maybe is branded by a celebrity who potentially is cringe worthy? Like a moth to the flame people ALWAYS ask you about it... 

Here's a fun list of 5 products I love (no shame) (or maybe just a teense)

1. Britney Spears 'Curious'- 

Ok so I really like the scent, it works for my body chemistry... Pretty much works so well that EVERY SINGLE TIME I wear this, someone asks what I'm wearing. I then have to run the gauntlet explaining away how I'm not a 28 year old teeny bopper dreaming of being 'hit one more time' whilst wearing a plaid skirt. I just like the key notes that I seem to find as repeat offenders in my fragrance wardrobe: pear, jasmine,musk & vanilla. Apparently it's aimed at 'a twenty something with attitude' hmmm the shoe fits but it's hurting my toes! 

2. Playboy 'play it sexy' body spray 

This is just a great little handy on the go spritz! It's cheap as chips from the supermarket or Priceline... I love that it's light weight, smells clean and fresh and won't leak in my gym/handbag. Once upon a time I loved the tv series 'girls next door' ...what I don't love is when the accountant at work quips 'aren't you a little old for playboy stuff Em? Maybe playboy should come out with anti-wrinkle cream... Just for me. 

3. Ulta3 Matte lipstick in 'harem pink' 

This is just the PERFECT shade! I can't decide if it's blue or yellow based- it's neither and both and it's amazing! It gives you such a freshen up and at $3.95  from the chemist, how could I say no! 

The thing is, theres nothing like that luxe feeling you get when you swipe your favorite prestige lipstick across your lips...( Napoleon Hara & Clinique Waterviolet , I'm looking at you ) the glam, the pretty, the watch me storm the second half of this day kind of vibe. Because this lipstick is so great, texture, staying power, pigment- the works, you still get that vibe that only a pretty pout can create & at $3.95 from the chemist right next to the paracetamol...it's like winning the beauty lottery!! Do you tell anyone & risk a harem of pink lipstick wearing friends and acquaintances or do you keep it quiet and enjoy your winnings???

4. Daisy Ring 

No, it's not Marc Jacobs. Sorry. 

I have this cute little daisy ring that I got for penny's on eBay.  I'm so happy to share this one because there's something exciting about something that seems less obtainable becoming open to all! Anyway this isn't a copy, not a fake, I think it's just a coincidence that Jacobs has a fragrance with a pretty daisy on the bottle and people make that connection (good branding Marc). When I wear this people often ask me with this oo oooh hopeful tone, 'is that Marc Jacobs?' We'll um no, but you can have the rest of my milk... The last time was a check out chic- she seemed crushed that it wasn't designer... I optimistically told her she could easily get one and for less than a fiver! 'Its not the same thing'... Um ok way to make me feel like a phony for wearing a not fake, fake ring lol! 

5. Lime Nail polish

So who's with me and totally went for the citron trend? The whole shebang! Hair ties, drink bottle, pj's, a scarf, a rug, 4 singlets, a blouse, a blazer & a key chain...Have mercy I Love citron! My girlfriends can attest to this! When I was a teen I even had a creamy pastel citron feature wall in my room- chocolate floor boards and white accents, it was fresh! Some things never change and my love of citron really reached it's peak- Nail Polish. My partner was horrified (he only just got used to the white i'd been wearing) my boss visibly cringed, a friend perplexingly asked green or yellow? Ok, so now this is just beauty shaming!! There I was feeling fresh, on trend and fab! Alas some things do change and this hue has now been relegated to toes only! 

(nail polish is essence for those wondering)

Do you have a beauty LOVE that may have stigma but it's so wrong it's so right?! Share it below in the comments section! I'd love to hear about it!