Review: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation

No, just no.

+ Facts

$72

30ml / 1fl.oz.

SPF15

Glass packaging with a pump

Shade 4.5 Warm Natural

+ Thoughts

Longevity. My oily skin 1 - This foundation 0. This foundation is not a match against my oily skin and I'm an oily mess within a few hours. I would go as far as saying that this is the worst liquid foundation that I've tried in the longevity department. So much for "long-wear".

Coverage and colour. Medium coverage. I do enjoy the colour of Bobbi Brown foundations in general. They have a good amount of golden and yellow tones. I also own the Skin Weightless Powder Foundation in the same shade and both match me well.

Application. This foundation does not spread well across my skin and sort of tugs. I use a round kabuki brush (Sigma F82) to apply it. I find myself having to apply more product than I normally would and spending more time to blend. A primer is required for a smoother application.

+ Verdict

3 / 10

US Luxury Buys

These are arguably the most exciting purchases on my trip.  I don't own many designer items so this was definitely the perfect opportunity to spoil myself since designer items are so much cheaper in the States.

Coach Legacy Mini Tanner - Black Saffiano Leather

I absolutely love this bag. I think it is so cute and sleek.  I had seen it online before my trip and was so excited to see it in person.  I have to admit that it is a bit small for my liking because I like carrying a lot in my handbag.  But it's perfect to bring along to a party or dinner.  I got 25% off since Macy's was having a promotion.



Kate Spade Cedar Street Luciana - Black

I purchased this bag for work.  It's simple and big enough to fit  A4 documents if I need.  What sold me was the flap at the top.  It really irritates me when bags only have a button closure on top because your belongings aren't secure and if it rains then you're in all kinds of trouble.  I got 60% off at the Kate Spade outlet as they were having a 60% off storewide sale.



Juicy Couture Sunglasses

I bought these sunnies because I already had a pair of aviators at home and wanted something that was a bit more feminine. I really like the mirrored sides as they're not too over the top but are still eye catching. These were also heavily discounted from Solstice Sunglasses.


So those are all my fancy purchases. Hope you enjoyed seeing those. I've decided against doing a post with my clothing purchases (which I mentioned in my last post) because it would take me a while to take all the photos.

US Makeup Haul

If you know anything about the price of makeup in Australia, you would know that is it an absolute rip-off and is something I've ranted about on numerous occasions on my blog. So it really should surprise you that I bought a good amount of makeup while I was there.

I had so much fun checking out all the drugstores and I also visited the e.l.f Studio on Broadway which was awesome. And of course my trip wouldn't have been complete without going to Sephora. I absolutely loved it. Only downside was my holiday was during the weeks leading up to Christmas so the stores were always packed and super crowded. Definitely didn't help that I tended to visit the busier stores i.e. Times Square and the one near Macy's on 34th. Anyway, who doesn't love a makeup haul, so here we go!

• Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 50+ for Face
• Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Shadow - Barely Branded
• NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder - Sunny
• YSL Rouge Pur Couture The Mats Lipstick - 202 Rose Crazy
• Essie Nail Polish - Fiji
• Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
• L'Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes (Waterproof)
• Make Up For Ever HD Primer
• Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Liner - Clear
• Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer - 7 Sand
• MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation - C4
• MAC Eyeshadow - All That Glitters
• L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara (Waterproof)
• MAC Sheertone Blush - Gingerly
• Inglot 20 pan palette (empty)
• Inglot Eyeshadows x 3 (most of the shadows I already owned)

• e.l.f Eyelid Primer
• e.l.f Studio Complexion Brush
• e.l.f Studio Powder Brush
• e.l.f Studio Small Stipple Brush
• e.l.f Studio Flawless Concealer Brush
• e.l.f Studio Concealer Brush
• e.l.f Studio Contour Brush
• e.l.f Studio Small Smudge Brush
• e.l.f Daily Brush Cleaner

Hope you enjoyed having a peak at my new stuff.  I will have reviews for some of these items up in the future.  I'm contemplating whether or not to post a haul for all the clothing/accessories I bought.  Anyway I'll see how I go.  Have a good weekend!

Helloooo 2014! & Update

Happy New Year!  I hope everyone enjoyed the first day of the year and I wish you all a phenomenal and happy 2014.

I apologise for the lack of activity over the last couple of months.  A lot of stuff has been going on and I just haven't had the chance to log on.  First I had my final university exams so a lot of time was spent studying to make sure I overcome the final hurdles to graduate.  Five years worth of university finally coming to an end.  Then following exams, as my reward to myself, I went on a holiday to America!  I got back about a week ago.  It was absolutely amazing and so much fun.  You can count on some upcoming posts about my trip.

Review: Daiso Volume Mascara

Hey guys! Hope you're all enjoying your Thursday.

I'm finally getting around to doing a review on the Volume Mascara that I purchased from Daiso a while back. There was no specific brand on the packaging.

This mascara has a traditional brush which is slightly pinched in the middle which I like, but that's where the good points end.  Overall, this mascara gets a big thumbs down from me.   The formula is too wet and heavy and so makes my lashed wilt all the way back down as though I hadn't curled them.  That being said, this isn't a waterproof mascara.  I always use waterproof mascaras because it is difficult for my lashes to maintain a curl so I should have expected this result.  However I know that some Asian brand mascaras don't write 'waterproof' on the packaging when they actually are, so I was assuming this was the case here, but it unfortunately wasn't. 

It can clump your lashes together a bit.  I can't really comment on the staying power because the few times I put it on, I couldn't stand the drooping effect and immediately removed it.

Definitely wouldn't recommend this.

Moisturiser Intervention - Update 2 - Clinique & Olay

I've finished some more products from my Moisturiser Intervention. (Click here for the original blog post).

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Moisturizer

I used this as a morning pre-makeup moisturiser.  It's very light and absorbs really quickly.  I do enjoy light moisturisers in the morning especially since my skin is oily, but I think this moisturiser may be a bit too light and not moisturising enough, particularly in winter.  It would probably be better for me in the summer.

As for clearing my skin, I didn't really feel like it reduced my pimples or anything.  That being said, I only had a sample size so I didn't get to use it for long.

Overall I like it, unsure if I will purchase a full size since it is a bit pricey but I am curious to see if it helps with my blemishes.

Olay Moisturizing Cream for Sensitive Skin

I really liked this moisturiser.  I felt like it was a happy medium between the light moisturisers I like using in the morning and richer moisturisers I use after I shower.  I especially liked it during the summer when it was just way to hot to slather a really rich moisturiser on after showering or before bed.

Nothing else to really say other than I like it and would consider repurchasing.

Hope you're enjoying your weekend!

Recent Haul: Shoes and Daiso Makeup

I actually bought these things over a month ago, but didn't get around to taking photos and all that til now.

I bought 2 pairs of shoes from the Tony Bianco warehouse sale in Collingwood. 

To be honest, Tony Bianco heels have to be one of, if not the most uncomfortable and unflattering heels in my opinion. I think their shoes are more catered to those with skinner feet, I have very wide feet. Plus, I find the angle that they make your feet sit very steep and just awkward. That being said...I love these heels. I think the colour and design is SO pretty and they were marked down to $30! Yes, they are uncomfortable and yes, they are very unflattering on my feet but when you are in a warehouse surrounded by other women grabbing at shoes...it does things to you lol.

I haven't worn them out yet and I'm undecided about if I want to keep them or sell them.

I needed some new flats firstly because my current ones are on their final leg and I'll need some for work next year. The Tony Bianco flats I already have are really comfortable so I hope these are too. I thought the big buckles made them more dressy and hence suitable for work and play.

I bought a pair of Basque loafers from Myer while they were having their further 30% off sale prices sale.

I've never really been a fan of loafers. Most of the ones I've tried look odd on my feet and make my feet look even wider. But these come up a bit higher in the front so they are more flattering. They're not my usual style, I call them my grandma shoes lol. Thought I'd give them a go since they were marked down.

Finally I had an itch to try Daiso makeup. I picked up a mascara and some powder. I plan to review these products sometime soon.

Review: Bourjois Volume Glamour Max Mascara (Waterproof)

I included this mascara in a haul a while back and I finally got around to trying it. I have to say, I'm not a fan.

The number one thing I judge mascaras on is its ability to hold a curl. This doesn't at all. My lashes wilt all the way down as soon as I put this stuff on. Another issue I have with this mascara is the brush is too darn huge. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind a larger brush, but this one isn't just big, the shape of it makes it feel even bigger, since it doesn't really taper at the end. For comparison, the brush of the Bourjois mascara is larger than Maybelline Colossal. So I find it a bit hard to manouvre. The mascara also smudges on me. No more than most mascaras do on me, so that's fine.

Bourjois (Top); Maybelline (Bottom)

As for the look it gives. It does lengthen and volumise decently. But I really can't get past the crappy curl-holding power.

My first Bourjois mascara and probably my last.

Moisturiser Intervention - Update 1 - Avene Rich Compensating Cream

About 2 weeks ago I finished my first product from my Moisturiser Intervention (Click here for the original blog post), the Avene Rich Compensating Cream.

I used this product as my post-shower moisturiser in the afternoon/evening. I usually try to use a richer moisturiser after my shower. This product did serve this purpose well, it was very moisturising and easy to spread onto the skin. For a richer cream, it didn't take too long to absorb.

I enjoyed using this product since it left my skin feeling nice and soft. It didn't do anything miraculous for me, but how many products do? lol. I wasn't expecting to like it since it is designed for dry to very dry skin and I have oily skin. I thought it was going to be overly greasy and way too moisturising for me, but it wasn't. Which makes me wonder if it would be enough for a person with dry to very dry skin.

This cream was given to me as a gift. I won't be buying myself another jar since it is expensive, priced at $59.99 at Priceline. Still a good product but I'm sure I can find a product that works just as well at a cheaper price.

Priceline Skincare Haul

If you are in tune with Priceline promos and catalogues, you would have known that they had 40% off all skincare brands on 30-31 July.

I really didn't need anything...but I couldn't pass up 40% off.  So I bought a bunch of stuff as spares for when I finish my current stuff.  I went a bit crazy at first chucking so many items into my basket but then I came to my senses and gradually cut back to the essentials.


I bought:

• Olay Foaming Face Wash - Sensitive
• Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips - Ultra
• Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner
• Sukin Facial Moisturiser
• Garnier Intensive 7 Days SOS Repairing Hand Balm
• Swisspers Aloe Soothing Eye Cream
• Nivea Lip Butter - Vanilla & Macadamia (forgot to include in photo)

The Garnier hand balm and the Biore pore strips are the only products I have used before.  So it'll be exciting to try all the others.  But I'm definitely trying to stick to my "don't open anything before I finish something" policy lol.

HG makeup remover: Garnier Clean Sensitive 2 in 1 Gentle Make-Up Remover

This is my absolute favourite makeup remover and I can't imagine finding anything better particularly at such an awesome price.  I'm on my fourth or fifth bottle now (I've lost count) and I have two backups stored away. 

This makeup remover is the kind you have to shake up to combine the 2 layers.  It removes all my makeup really easily including waterproof mascara.  (I only ever by waterproof formulas.)  It doesn't feel oily or leave a gross residue.  It's really gentle and doesn't sting my eyes or skin at all.

I've tried Neutrogena, Nivea, Inglot and Bioderma, none of those match up to this in quality or value.

Priceline sells it for $9.99 for 200ml.  That itself to me is amazing value but they always have promotions like 30% off or buy-2-get-1-free which is when I stock up.

If you've never tried it, you have to. That's all I have to say lol.

Nails of the Week: Flower accent with Ciate Vintage & China Glaze White on White

I started playing with my dotting tool over the weekend which I bought from Daiso a while back.  After a whole lot of experimenting, I settled with a basic flower.  Love it.  So cute and delicate.

The base colour is Ciate Vintage which is a creme deep grey with a blue undertone.  It is practically opaque in one coat.  For the flower, I used China Glaze White on White which is a basic white creme.

Review: Lush Mint Julips lip scrub

I'd been eying the Mint Julips lip scrub for ages but was reluctant to buy it.  Eventually I gave in when I was in one of my spending moods.

Since most DIY lip scrubs are made with honey or olive oil, I was under the impression that this scrub would be all sticky and inconvenient because most of the time when I feel the need to exfoliate my lips, it's just before I apply my makeup, so I would not be bothered to have to wash all the oily residue off.  Call me lazy, but that was one of the reasons why I was reluctant to buy the scrub.

My impressions were totally wrong.  It is not goopy at all.  It's actually quite dry and so easy to just wipe off when you're done.  If some of the scrub falls in your mouth, it tastes so good!  Chocolatey minty goodness.  The scrub is really gentle and doesn't irritate my lips.



It costs $9.95 for a small tub.  It will probably last me ages since I don't use it everyday and you really don't use much each time.

Thumbs up for Mint Julips lip scrub from me.

May & June 2013 Beauty Haul

Good afternoon!

Just a short post today sharing a bunch of things I've bought over the last couple of months.


Nivea Pure & Natural Milk & Honey lip balm
A friend of mine who is a lipbalm fanatic recommended this to me as one of the best cheap lip balms she's tried.

Lush Mint Julips lip scrub
I seem to be developing a habit of buying lush products when I'm in a crappy mood lol. 

Daiso nail dotting tool

Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night CreamYes, I know I'm on my 'Moisturiser Intervention' but the moisturiser I've been using for night time is almost finished, so I bought this to replace that.  Don't worry, I won't open it until I've finished the other one =P

Lancome Tonique Pure Focus toner
There was this random pop-up sale on Bridge Rd so I picked up this toner.

Moosehead Grubby Putty
I recently got a haircut and the hairdresser styled my hair all messy and I loved it.  But I didn't really want to buy the product he used on me since it was a pretty big tub and was fairly expensive, and knowing me, I won't be styling my hair everyday.  So I found this little tub and Priceline and thought I'd give it a try.

Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips - Ultra
I always have these on hand.  No miracle workers but i still like them. (Click here for review)

Bourjois Volume Glamour Max Waterproof mascara

MAC Rebel lipstick
I've been wanting this forever!  So I thought finishing exams was a good enough excuse to reward myself.

Quick update:
I've been a bit M.I.A. recently because I was busy with exams and I was just starting to enjoy my holidays when I was struck down with a cold.  Woohoo... So I'm writing this post from the couch under 100 layers of blankets lol.

Enjoy your week!  And if you're in Melbourne, rug up! brrrrrr.

xLoveHappyx Summer Giveaway

Who doesn't love a good giveaway? The always generous Galaxia from xLoveHappyx is having a giveaway for her birthday month of June. She's giving away makeup bags filled with goodies from Smashbox, Benefit and numerous other brands.

What's even more awesome about this giveaway is the more entries she receives, the more prizes she will give away! So get entering!

It's really easy to enter and the giveaway is open internationally. Just hop over to xLoveHappyx for more details.

Latest Purchases: Sportsgirl and SheInside - My geometric obsession

I think it's safe to say that I have a bit of a geometric pattern obsession right now.  For the past few months, I've been gravitating toward anything with a geometric or Aztec print.  Seriously, show me anything with a triangle on it, and I'm there lol.

Statement necklace - Sportsgirl - Original price $19.95    Purchase Price $4.95

Photo from Sportsgirl website 

I'd looked at this necklace on numerous occasions and wasn't sure if I should get it but my sister finally pushed me over the edge plus it was on further discount.  The colours are soft, I love the triangles and it looks a bit like a fox's head which I thought was pretty cool.

Scarf - Sportsgirl - Original Price $29.95    Purchase Price $19.95
I remember seeing this scarf when it was full price.  I really liked the blocked colourful pattern but I thought $29.95 was too much to spend on a scarf like this plus I basically never buy anything full price.  Then when I saw this in the sale section, I made a bee-line for it, but I wasn't so impressed when I saw the price tag.  $19.95 is still expensive in my opinion for what it is, but I really wanted it.
Side story, in store it was always bunched and hung up, so it wasn't until about a week ago when I wore it for the first time that I noticed some of the coloured blocks resembled letters.  I literally ripped the scarf off my neck, laid it flat and discovered the pattern actually spelt out "When in Rome."  It seriously felt like I had decoded some ancient mystery, totally blew my mind lol.

Navy Batwing Long Sleeve Geometric Cardigan Sweater - SheInside - Original Price $55.81   Purchase Price $26.40

Photo from SheInside website

 

I recently discovered SheInside which is an online store.  It has permanent free international shipping and I found a 20% off coupon that also applied to sale items.

This cardigan was on sale.  I LOVE IT!  At first I wasn't so sure of the fit.  A lot, if not all the clothes on the sight are one-size-fits-all, so I was concerned it would bee too big and boxy, but it wasn't.  It's really baggy on me, but in a good way! I've gotten heaps of compliments on it too.

Have a great weekend!

Kiss Goodbye to MS - Wear Red Lipstick

I saw an ad on TV for Kiss Goodbye to MS.  I thought it was a fantastic and creative campaign by MS Australia this year so I thought I'd share it. 


Here's some information about Multiple Sclerosis taken from the Kiss Goodbye to MS website.

"MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young Australian adults. As yet there is no cure. Over 23,000 Australians have MS and most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 40. MS affects three times as many women as men.

MS is the result of damage to myelin – a protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system. When myelin is damaged this interferes with messages between the brain and other parts of the body.

The symptoms of MS are different for each person. Sometimes they even vary within the same person. For some people, MS is characterised by periods of relapse and remission while for others it has a progressive pattern. For everyone it makes life unpredictable."

To show your support for Kiss Goodbye to MS wear red lipstick on 29th May, World MS Day and throughout 2013.  Don't forget to get sponsored or donate to a great cause.

For more information, go to kissgoodbyetoMS.org/

Nails of the Week: Triangle nails with Essie Merino Cool & Orly Rage

At the moment I have this itty bitty obsession with geometric prints. Whether it be clothes, accessories, jewellery...anything.

I saw this nail design everywhere online so I gave it a go.  It turned out awesome, totally loved it!  Way better than it looks in the photo.  I looked like a weirdo constantly staring at my nails at uni haha.

I applied 2 coats of Essie Merino Cool as a base colour.  The formula of this polish is amazing, so easy to apply and not streaky at all.  Then I used Orly Rage for the triangle.

I used this tutorial by leighannsays as a guide.  I definitely recommend using scotch tape like she suggests because regular tape is just too strong and rips off all your good work (Tip: If the tape does rip off a bit of the base polish, top coat will smooth it out).  I also thought removing the tape in the opposite direction to what she did helped because it gave me a cleaner point.

Hope you enjoyed this nail look.