Kylie Cosmetics - An Honest Review

I'm not going to lie, I Keep Up With The Kardashians and im not ashamed of it. Its one of those things that I watch and follow but I'm not really sure why I do it. The whole Kylie Cosmetics brand is another thing that for some reasons I felt compelled to own at least one item from. I'm honestly a marketers dream, hype anything up enough and I'll buy it. I also realise that everyone in the whole world has probably done a review on these but I just wanted to add my little input in for anyone wondering what I think of the lip products.

The first lot of Lip Kits were among some of the first items I managed to get my hands on (a complete fluke which I'm still not sure how I achieved). I was somehow able to get my hands on Dolce K and Candy K. First of all the colours are soooo so different on her and in photos then when you get them, so be prepared for that. Candy K is probably my favorite out of these two, its a very nude pink which is perfect for everyday. Dolce K on the other hand literally looks nothing like what you think it was, while it is still pretty its just so much darker then I wanted it to be. The formula on these is also pretty good, super smooth on the lips and obviously very matte, as for lasting power I'd say they stay on for at least a few hours before they need a touch up. 

The next lip kit I managed to snatch up was from the birthday collection. As soon as I saw that insta post of this burgundy lip colour, something in my mind went a little nuts. I woke up at all kinds of weird hours (australian time zone problems) just to try and get my hands on this colour. Its one of my fave colours to wear and it became a 'need' not a 'want' item in my makeup filled brain. The colour on this one is the perfect burgundy, the formula however is a little weird. You cannot layer this one at all as it removes the product as you start to apply more, it also isnt opaque with one coat, see my dilema? I need to apply more then one layer but can't which completely sucks because I do really love the colour, I'll have to figure out a way to wear it because I will not let all my efforts to get this one go to waste!

The last items on my Kylie wish list were the glosses. I'm a glossy girl at heart and the colours on these are so perfect and right up my alley. These were the easiest items for me to get, no waking up at a ridiculous time or waiting in any queues, I just happened to be on the website when these were in stock so I got them! I got Literally, So Cute and Koko K. These are seriously pigmented glosses, not the type of product you could layer over any lipstick because they will completely change the colour of it. I love how creamy the are and how easy they are to apply, and they have quickly become some of my favorite glosses to wear.

So there you go! My Kylie Cosmetics review! Have you tried any of her products? What are your thoughts on them or on her brand, I would love to hear from you!

Full Coverage Foundations

                              
There are so many different types of foundations out there that it can be really hard to navigate through the different formulas and finishes. I've narrowed down my faves from the full coverage family in the hopes that it will help you when you go to purchase one!

Mac Studio Sculpt: Studio Sculpt is one of those 'love or hate' type foundations, if your skin isnt prepped right it can be really hard to work with. It has a medium coverage that is so buildable so if you want it to be full you can definitely get it there. SPF 15 in this one so avoid it if you'll be taking flash photos or selfies with an Iphone camera because you will look like you have a white face mask on. As for skin prep, make sure that its all sunken into the skin well before applying this product, otherwise it might not stick to your skin at all! (Normal to Dry Skin Types)

Makeup Forever HD Foundation: This is my go to for photoshoots as it has so much coverage but just looks like skin. It has some HD technology in it that I don't really understand but all I do know is that it was designed for TV so you know that when you wear it you'll look good in every photo. (All Skin Types)

Maybelline Matte & Poreless: If you want smooth looking skin than this little guy will be your go to. This works amazingly on an oily skin because its mattifying, keeping your skin flawless all day long! It says it has a natural finish but I find you can really build up the coverage if you need to! (Normal to Oily Skin Types)

Stila Stay All Day Foundation: One of the longest wearing foundations I've ever used, the Stay All Day formula looks and feels light on the skin but it has so much coverage its kind of insane. Really amazing at evening out skin tone and pores but it is completely breathable so you wont feel it on the  skin at all! (All Skin Types)

Nars All Day Luminous Foundation: One of the most popular foundations for those wanting a completely matte finish. This foundation is so watery that a lot of people don't believe me when I tell them how much coverage it actually has. It has such a high level of pigment in it that it will cover pretty much anything while feeling like nothing on the face. Perfect for nights out and photography! Pro tip with this one, prep the skin reaaaaally well underneath, lots of hydration and a good primer as it will stick to any dryness that you have. (Normal to Oily Skin)

Hourglass Immaculate Liquid To Powder Foundation: This foundation is insane, its a liquid to powder so its amazing on an oily skin as it absorbs those oils throughout the day. It also has a really amazing amount of coverage. It also has a whole bunch of amazing skin care benefits in it, the most impressive being that after a four week trial 100% of the women reported an overall improvement in the texture and appearance of there skin

There you go! My full coverage roundup, what are you're go to full coverage foundations?

I'm Back!

Its been nearly two years since my last blog post which is crazy to say as I feel like I only just stopped, but I am excited to say that I will be back to making weekly posts about all my favourite things!

So stay tuned as there is much more to come from me! In the mean time I would love to know what type of content you guys like to see, so leave my some suggestions in the comments!

                   

I finally bought a Beauty Blender

 
Firstly I want to kick myself for not buying these sooner because I haven't used a brush to apply my foundation since I got these. If you have been contemplating about paying the stupidly high price for this little sponge but haven't got one yet GO GET IT. I'm telling you right now they are incredible. That's all I'm really going to say on these because if you're a makeup lover you already know that they are amazing and the only reason you wouldn't own one is if you are like me and didn't want to fork out the money.

Daiso Detergent // Review

As a makeup artist, cleaning your brushes can feel like a job that you're doing literally everyday. So the goal is to come up with a system that is quick and super efficient. For me that routine consists of two containers, one with a block of sard soap and the other with a cheap conditioner. For me, this system works well but when I saw this little product all over instagram and facebook as some kind of super cleaner for your brushes and sponges I thought I might as well give it a go. 

It does work well at cleaning your brushes which is exactly what you want, but I don't really see what makes it any better then any other makeup brush cleaner. I also found that I used quite a bit of this and seeing as the bottle is so small it wouldn't last very long. 

If you're just a regular makeup user then this would be great for brush cleaning. But for me and having to clean my brushes 3+ times a week I think I'll stick to my Sard Wonder Soap.

Skincare Additions // The Body Shop

If you've been reading my blog for a while then you would know I love this cleansing butter from The Body Shop. It literally melts your makeup off your face but leaves the skin feeling soft and moisturised afterwords. I've added a new little guy into my cleansing routine and it comes in the form of a little scrubby brush (I have no idea what the actual name of this brush is woops).

This brush is like the first form of the clarisonic, as in it is not huge or mechanical in any way but it does work incredibly well. I place a thin layer of the cleansing butter all over my face and remove any makeup on my skin. Then I do it again and use the little brush to give a light exfoliation and to remove any left over makeup. It really does remove anything on the skin but it isnt harsh in any way.

It also removes any little bumps on the skin which is what I wanted it for!

For $4.95 I think its a great little addition to your skincare routine.

Too Faced Milk Chocolate Bronzer // Review

Winter is pretty much here in Australia which means any sort of tan that I once had is completely gone. This also means that my current bronzers are slightly too dark to get away with wearing. I was in desperate need of a new one and had always wanted to try the "chocolate" range from too faced so when I saw the milk chocolate version I knew I needed to get it.

First off its completely matte which I loveeeeee, I will never understand why companies need to fill a bronzer with shimmer and glitter but maybe thats just me. It is also the perfect shade for bronzing paler skin. Its not cool toned so I wouldn't be contouring with it, it more warm but not orange. Perfect for bronzing up your cheeks.

It also smells like straight up chocolate. Hard to believe I know but it really does. When I was buying it I copped a few weird looks from people as I stood there just smelling the entire range.

If your'e a paley like me then I would recommend getting this to make yourself not so pale anymore!

Mac Burgandy x9 // A Mini Palette

This may surprise you, but I only own 4 Mac shadows...I know, sometimes I even question myself. For some reason I just never buy them. I'm all about the palettes and buying individual shadows just never interested me. Plus the 15 pan palettes from Mac are ridonculously expensive so I've avoided them at all cost. 

Thats where this little palette comes in. Mac released these are x9 meaning you get 9 shadows all in different shades in a convenient little packet. Naturally I went for the Burgandy x9 because these are the colours that I go for all the time. 

When it arrived, I'm not going to lie I was kind of stunned at just how small this palette is. If you own a Mac quad then you have something to compare this to because this palette is the same size. They crammed 9 shadows into a quad so they are pretty teeny tiny. For some reason it doesn't bother me too much however I can see why some people might be annoyed. 

This little palette is perfect for everyday use and travelling as it is so small and has so many shadows in it. Also I love how it has a selection of colours that you know all go together and no random colourful one that most palettes seem to have (i'm talking to you random blue shadow that shows up everywhere unexpectedly) 

Models Prefer Mineral Powder Soft Touch // Review

I'm all for beauty on a budget so when I heard a whisper through the interwebs that these powders were very similar to the Hourglass Ambient Lighting powders I was all over it. 

I have Photo Ready and Soft Touch both of which are beautiful on the skin. The best part for me is that they have no glitter in them! Somthing that I hate in products is glitter...unless I'm buying straight up glitter I don't want to see it in any of my face products. 

These have a really soft glow to them which is really nice, not as highlighty as the Hourglass ones but these are great for setting your face makeup with or for applying over your bronzer to add a subtle glow. 

I wouldn't say they are exactly the same as the more expensive Hourglass ones but if you can't afford the bucks for those, give these a go as they are really nice as their own product!

Gerard Cosmetics Buttercup & 1995 Lipstick // Review

These lipsticks had me really excited when they first came out but the price plus shipping to Aus was a little high so I held off. Of course when a sale on them popped up with free shipping I jumped on the chance and ordered them right away. 

Buttercup is the perfect shade for my lips, as it is pretty much identical to my natural colour which makes it perfect for everyday wear. A really pretty nude with a slight pink to it. 

1995 is that Kylie Jenner colour that everyone wants. I would say this has a little more red to it, sort of like a terracotta colour then a browny nude. 

The formula of these absolutely sucks. They aren't matte and they aren't shiny they are just a dry. These also don't apply nicely to the lips either because they are so dry they just drag along without depositing any colour at all. 

These colours are so pretty and I'm so sad that they don't work for my lips because if the formulation of them was better I feel like they would be holy grail!

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue // Review

If you know me you know that I am all about those lightweight foundations. When this one hit the market I was sort of skeptical because it seemed too good to be true. A weightless foundation that has good coverage and is also really hydrating. When I went to buy this I was really impressed to see that they have 6/7 shades which is great for a tinted moisturiser as usually they only come in light/meduium and dark. I bought the lightest shade as I'd rather it be too light then too dark and I feel like its a perfect match for my pale little face. 

This product looks so nice on the skin, it looks fresh and dewy which is exactly what I wanted. It also has great coverage which I wasn't expecting and its really buildable so if one layer isn't enough for you you can just keep adding till your happy with the look.

I set this with a powder and it lasts all day which is also a plus! Overall if you're after a lightweight base for everyday then I would check this little product out!

Also! It comes with its own specifically designed brush but I wouldn't run out to get it, this works well with fingers or with your regular buffing brush.

Urban Decay b6 Vitamin - Infused Complexion Prep Spray // A Review

I've been super keen to try the Smashbox Primer water just because I like the idea of being able to spray my face with primer and not having to rub it into the skin purely because I'm lazy! My nearest Mecca store was out of the primer water but one of the girls working there said that this prep spray was better and it is better for your skin.

I didn't commit to the full size and instead opted for the smaller one just incase I didn't like it which I think is great, all of their spray products come in a smaller size as well.

This sprays a fine mist evenly all over your skin, and absorbs really quickly which is great. It leaves your skin feeling really smooth and really hydrated but not sticky or tacky at all. It does help to minimise pores which is exactly what I wanted it for and it also looks great when sprayed over your makeup as a final finishing step which I love.

Overall I would recommend this to anyone who is as lazy as me when it comes to priming your skin because with two sprays your done!

A Skin Care Routine // The Body Shop

 If you've followed me for a while you will know that I have purchased a lot of skin care in the past and I mean a lot. I've never really felt that it does anything for my skin or that I can tell any difference that its making. I'm not going to lie I have really good skin genetically. I've never had acne or pimples of any kind ever in my life, the only time I'll get a single spot is if I put fake tan on my face and even then its a tiny little bump that you can't notice. Whenever I'd talked about skin care with people their response is always "your skin is so good you don't need any" in my mind I'm thinking that I've been so blessed with my skin my whole life and if I don't start taking good care of its not going to last this way.

This is where The Body Shop comes in. I've always loved The Body Shop products especially their cleansers so I thought that I would try out some of their other products. The actual shop itself can be a little overwhelming as they have so many different skin care products so I'd recommend asking for assistance from their staff which is what I did and the amazing lady helped my pick out these products!

Because my skin is in such a good way she said that I didn't need anything overly complicated (which I was happy about because I cannot stick to routines whatsoever) I went with a cleanser, toner and moisturiser to keep everything simple.

The cleanser is my all time fave Camomile Cleansing Butter which I'd recommend to any makeup wearer out there as it is amazing at just melting products of your face and leaving your skin smooth and soft. Then I went for the Vitamin E Toner which is really hydrating but doesn't leave your skin feeling oily whatsoever, it just melts into the skin and is perfect before adding your moisturiser. Finally I went for their really popular Vitamin E Moisturiser which I got in the aqua smoothie form which is so fun to apply because its in a gel like consistency.

I have definitely noticed a difference in the texture of my skin, it is a lot smoother and a lot softer and makeup application has become a dream. If you're after a new skin care routine head to the body shop as they have products for whatever you need!

Maybelline Dream Wonder Fluid - Touch Foundation // Review

I was super excited when this product hit stores in Aus then I saw the price tag $23 for this little bottle? I may as well spend a little extra and buy a higher end product. So when the Priceline 40% off sale rolled around I was all over this it came down to around $13 so I picked one up!

This stuff is so light and I'm talking 'cannot even feel it on the skin' light which feels really good, and like you're not wearing anything at all. It also sets to satin finish almost instantly when you apply it so make sure you work quick!

The one thing I will say is that I wish it wasn't so powdery on the skin when it sets. I feel like if it had more of a dewy finish the it wouldn't cling to the skin the way that it does. It sticks to every dry patch and sits in every line on your face. To stop that you need to moisturise and prime really well before applying it which to makes doesn't really make it the perfect everyday foundation because you really have to think about it when you apply it. 

Overall if you have really oily skin I feel like this would work for you but for me I'll only wear it on good skin days or when I can be bothered to do a full face.

Anastasia Beverly Hills - Brow Wiz Review

It's only taken me 6 months but I finally caved and bought the ABH Brow Wiz. Firstly I feel like I'm cheating on my Hourglass Arch Brow with this product because I love that one so much but seeing as my Hourglass is almost out I thought I'd give it a try.

Price wise the Hourglass one is slightly more expensive, its $40 compared to ABH $38 (seriously overpriced but being in Aus i'm used to it) I'm also pretty sure you get a lot less in the Brow Wiz pencil but I could be wrong.

Onto the product, I'm sorry to say but I prefer the Hourglass one! I was completely ready to just throw Hourglass out the window and be ranting and raving about this one but in all honesty I'm not. Its really thin and I mean thinner the the Mac Brow Pencil. So getting precise lines is really easy however it takes so much more time to fill in your brows. The Hourglass pencil is literally one swipe and you're done. If you're after something for minor touch ups and defined lines then this one is for you, but when you want to completely re draw your brows on then this might be a little difficult.

Brushes Brushes Brushes

As a makeup artist there is nothing that excites me more then getting to have a look into other artists kits. Especially having a look into their brush roll. Mine is never as pictured above, and I mean it's never this organised. It is however always this clean, all brushes should be spotless for professional use and that means keeping everything including sponges and your actual brush roll completely free of any sort of makeup product or mess.

Majority of my brushes come from Gorgeous Cosmetics and while they aren't amazing they do the job, I have enough other brushes from Zoeva that I can do whatever makeup look that is required of me.

I just wanted to share my little brush roll as I love seeing fellow artists rolls myself, it's kind of like a what's in my purse for makeup artists!

A New Palette: Hourglass Modernist Eyeshadow Palette in Infinity

Can everyone just take a moment to look at how beautiful this palette is. Even if the quality wasn't too crash hot I still would have wanted it purely because I enjoy looking at it. Thankfully the quality of this palette is up to scratch with other high end palettes so the fact that is is beautiful makes it even better.

I've read a lot of reviews on these because they are a little bit expensive essentially you're gettingn5 shadows for $76, so I decided to do my research.  When I read up on them and saw the complete divide about the quality I was unsure if the purchase was worth it.

I can see why some people might not like them as they are very powdery when you dip your brush into each shadow. The fallout from that doesn't translate to when you apply it to your lids. Another common concern was that the shadows would all mix together when you were using them as they are all so closely connected in the pan. That doesn't affect your usage whatsoever, in fact I find myself mixing colours together to get even more use out of the palette.

These colours all work so well together, like really well. You can create so many looks all of which are wearable for both day and night, you can also use each colour all over the lid as a single wash of colour because they are so easily blended out. They blend like a dream, which was something I wasn't expecting seeing as how powdery they were in the pan.

Overall I would definitely recommend these if you're a beauty lover as they are too pretty not to own. If they weren't 76 bucks a pop I would own them all, in fact theres a plum palette which I want ever so badly...

Wardrobe Update: Autumn 2015

I'm trying to be smart with my money emphasis on the trying part which means I haven't really been spending loads on random purchases which is a new thing for me. Instead of impulse buying I put things in saved items or wish lists and come back to them in a week, if I've been thinking about the item all week then its a sign that I need it, if I don't even remember looking at it then it's a sign that I don't. For Autumn/Winter this year I'm only adding a few key pieces to my wardrobe. I already have a few pairs of jeans in all different washes. Enough coats to last me three winters and a lot of long sleeve tops perfect for layering. What I was lacking was an all leather jacket, some new knitwear and big comfy cosy shirts. These items were exactly what I needed to take my summer wardrobe of white tshirts and shorts into a more appropriate Autumn wardrobe. All items are from Asos and as a bonus they were on sale! All I'm after now is a pair of black boots with a pointed toe I have an exact pair in mind and will update if I buy them! I'm also after a few more basic knits some with a higher neck and some more over sized slouchy ones.

There is my Autumn wardrobe update, let me know what items you're adding to your wardrobe for the colder months ahead!

The Everyday Face

Doing my makeup recently has felt like a chore and maybe that's because I've been doing the same thing all the time. So I decided to have a major switch up. Switch up of products, colours and techniques to make doing my everyday routine slightly more exciting.

Base

So I start with Mac Face and Body which I apply with my hands as it works the product better onto the skin as opposed to a brush. Then I go in spot concealing wherever I need it with me Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer.  I then use my Mac Prep and Prime BB Compact in Amber as a cream bonzer and can I just say how obsessed I am with this product!! I don't know how I was using powder products for so long when this just looks so natural and so flawless on the skin. It is the perfect shade for my skin tone and has no orange in it whatsoever so its just a natural glow. I'm obsessed. I haven't been powdering my base because Face and Body doesn't leave my skin feeling tacky or wet so I just avoid powdering it all together it also will not go matte no matter how much you powder it so theres no point wasting powder on it!

Cheeks

For my cheeks I have been forcing myself to use blush, and yes I say forcing because using blush for me is not something I normally do. I have a lot of pink and red in my cheeks so I avoid blush at all cost. This blush by Milani in Luminoso is perfect for me as it doesn't come off too pink on my cheeks instead it just creates a kind of peachy glow which I love. I then apply a little of my Hourglass highlighter on my cheekbones for some added glow.

Brows + Eyes

My brow products have stayed the same even though the shape of them hasn't. I've been filling them in a little straighter then I used to which I am currently loving. For my shadows I have been using my Gorgeous Cosmetics Essential Shade Palette so much because it has a range of neutral browns and a matte black which are really easy to use and create any looks. 

Lips

Nude lip/gloss has been my go to and this one from Maybelline in Nude illusion is perfect for everday wear, plus it is super moisturising so my lips don't dry out throughout the day!

Move Over Beauty Boxes There's a New Box in Town

Now i'm not sure if I've said this before but last month was my last bellabox as I cancelled my subscription. Now don't get me wrong I have tried bellabox for over 16 months and it has had its highs and lows. Towards the end of our little relationship I wasn't as excited to receive my little blue box each month. So I went searching for a new love and boy have I found one.

The Marie Claire "The Parcel" box is the same thing as the bellabox except instead of being $15 a month its $25 every season. At first I was a bit unsure of paying the extra money because I thought it was going to be like bellabox was. When I received my Parcel this afternoon I was so thrilled with its contents and now will willingly pay the $25 a month because I know that the products are good and are decent sizes. So here is what I received this month!

There is not one thing in this box that I wouldn't use, which makes me one happy little vegemite!