Autumn/Winter Picks 2016

Autumn/Winter have to be my favourite seasons. I'm just a lover of the cold seasons. I think its because I was brought up in Tassie where some days we wake up and its 1 degrees (Celcius) outside and I'm just so used to it. So here are my main picks for makeup this year.

Nivea Men Post Shave Balm: Yep I love this. My review on it went up last week if you are interested in reading it. I won't go on about it much.

Chi Chi Fabulous and Flawless Foundation: I have a review on this coming soon too. But for the price its a damn good foundation.

Mellow Cosmetics Blush in Bronze: I wasn't sure if I'd like this when I got it, but it has become me favourite blush. Its perfect for any look.

ColourPop Cruel Intentions: This is a gorgeous Mauve Blush. Thats all I lean towards on blushes, mauve tones.

Essence Soo Glow Highlighter in 01: Sad that Essence discontinued this. Cause this is amazing.

Ofra Lipliner in Wine

Essence Lipliner in Satin Mauve

ColourPop Lumiere Lipliner: These are all different Mauve Shades. I love them all individually.

NYX Plum Lipliner: Theres nothing left in this, I need another one. If only I can get my hands on it!

ColourPop Lumiere 2: Just bought this, its a tad darker than the original, and I'm OBSESSED.

Australis VelourLips in Doo-Bai and Bar-Tha-Lon-A: Both my current faves by Australis

Mac Velvet Teddy and Mehr: I use them both year round. So they are HG Status for me.

ColourPop Lumiere (Original): I have 2 of these, one lives in my bag, the other in my collection.

Chi Chi Viva La Diva in Checkin In: Very Similar to Velvet Teddy I feel.            

ColourPop Central Perk, Deluxe and Rebel: I feel like I'll be reaching for these a lot

Kat Von D Monarch, Sleek Vintage Romance, Chi Chi Spices: I think these will be my most reached palettes. Especially the Kat Von D one.

Essence: Happy Girls Are Pretty Collection Review

Essence just released a new collection, called the 'Happy Girls Are Pretty' Collection. According to their site this collection is all about enhancing natural beauty and showcasing natural and pastel shades.

This collection is available through Priceline in January-February (Unsure of dates) 2016.

This collection consists of 2 Eyeshadow Palettes, 2 Ultra Slim Eye Pencils, 2 Sheer Lipbalms, A Multi-Coloured Blush, A Contour/Highlight Kit, 6 Nail Polishes and a Nail File.

I purchased a few of the products in the collection and heres my review on each of the products!

Starting off with the nail polish, I didn't realise until I got back home that the formula of this nail polish is a Matte formula. I highly dislike Matte Formula's as to me the chip faster and I don't like the overall finish. But as you can see in this photo, I gave it a go, but I topped it with a Gel Polish (Also by Essence) to see how long it would last. And honestly, I wasn't impressed. Probably within the first 12 hours it chipped, and it just peels off. I even wore a base coat. So I wasn't impressed by it. The only good thing about it is the shade, which is in 'Happy Girls Rock' which is a silver/purple/taupe shade. I can't describe it. But its different. The nail polishes cost $3.70 AU Which is pretty good.

For the Eyeshadow Palette, its a hit and miss situation with it. Some shades are better than others. This photo was done with heavy swatches, and as you can see they have a fair bit of fall out. I haven't fully 100% played around with it but from what I can tell with a good primer they will last a while. The price for this palette is a bit over priced in my opinion.  It is $7.15 for 5 shades, which considering their 'All About...' Collection has 8 Shades and is only $8.20 I think it could have been around the $6.30 mark. This palette is in the name 'Happiness Is...Following Your Heart'.

The Eyeliner....I hated this. It breaks like no tomorrow. Its so thin that with the smallest amount of pressure it breaks. And there isn't much product inside. I used this all up in one go because it broke so easily. If it was thicker it would be okay but its just too thin! Again I feel these are over priced because you don't get too much product and it breaks easy. This cost me $4.10 but I think it could have been around $3.50. I got mine in the shade 'The Choco Side of Life'.

The sheer lipbalm has to be my favourite. Its moisturising (A Little) And it lasts for about an hour, maybe more. Depending on what you are doing. And as you can see by the swatch, for a 'sheer' product, its quite pigmented! And thats just one swatch too. This is in the shade 'Pretty You!'. The other shade didn't have much colour to it. The price for this product is pretty good too at $4.70.

Would I recommend this collection?

I'd say get the palette and definatley the lip balm. The lip balm is one of my favourite products right now. 

Overall:

I think its a little overpriced, but its okay.

September Favourites 2015

Feels like yesterday was the first of September. Next thing you know, we'll be celebrating new year!

As for my favourites this month, I don't have too many. Though I did buy some things this month, most of them I didn't end up liking. But heres what I did like...

This month I made my first MAC Purchase. I bought the Paint Pot in the shade Soft Ochre, and it is perfect! I love it. I use it as a primer before applying shadows and it stops creasing and fading during the day.

I've been getting hugely (Is that a word?) into highlighters this month and these 2 by Essence are my favorites. I also quite like the highlighter that came in the AC ON TOUR Palette and use that with more natural looks. 

These 2 nail polishes are the perfect way to start off Spring. Play Date by Essie is one of my favourite nail polishes I own and was the first Essie purchase I made. And Cheeky Chap, well I have a review coming shortly on it. Although it is a beautiful colour, it dissapointed me. Its in my favorites because of the shade.

Review: Essence All About Matte Powder

As most of you guys should know, I'm a pretty big fan of most of Essence's products. But I hadn't tried any of their Foundations/Powders and I thought I'd put them to a test in a full face review on my YouTube. I did this a couple months back and as you know I've been slacking a bit with the blog posts but I'm going to try and post atleast 3 times a week now. With either reviews, unboxings, hauls, first impressions or tutorials. And for the next week, I'm focusing on reviews, as I have no set tutorials or first impressions planned. But I will have them ready in the coming week. But lets focus on the main product in this post. The Essence All About Matte Powder.

*Correction, I'm too lazy to change my error but its Matt not Matte*

This powder by Essence is their only Translucent Powder they have on the shelves in Australia (May be different in other Countries) Now if you are unsure as to what the word translucent means, it means it will automatically suit the shade of your skin no matter if you are pale as hell like me, dark toned, or tan. This is the whole reason why I chose to test this powder, because in Essence Foundation's and powders they only have 3 Shades (Again may be different in other countries but this is from an Australian perspective) Which I believe are Light, Medium and Dark. The light for me was just too tan for my liking so I decided to try this powder and it matched perfectly with my skin tone and didn't change the colouring at all.

It is very soft when applied to skin, and I just used my regular brush and the application was just softer. It may be because of the con though that I will get into in a moment.

I found the first time I applied this powder it was slightly cakey. Though this may have been because I have never used a Translucent powder before and I'm not used to the application. But since the first time I used it, the application wasn't so cakey.

Now for the cons (Downfalls of the product)

The formula is a bit Chalky. But that is to be expected I suppose from such a cheap brand. I mean it's not Mac or Revlon.

The packaging is just cheap and could possibly break easily. Though it is a nice packaging its just cheap. But again, its a cheap brand and its to be expected.

Overall:

I may, or may not buy this product again. I don't know. I think I prefer my Maybelline Powder (review coming on that soon too)

^^ Full Face Essence video!

The powder retails for around $6.95/$7.95 I'm not entirely sure and I don't think they have a website.

*Edit*

Yes they have a website, its www.essence.eu/au/home and the powder costs $6.15

June Favourites 2015

Phew, June's done with. Time to move onto July, then August, which is my Birthday month! Eeek so excited for it!

Anyway before I get too carried away lets talk about my favourites of this month.

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous I just started using this foundation and I love it. Its amazing. I have a review coming up soon for it so keep an eye out

Beauty Rush; Punchadelic by Victoria's Secret I've been using this as an all over body spray in June and it has quite a nice sweet scent to it.

Chapstick's Again I've been loving them. I use them constantly. This one is my favourite in Cake Batter.

Lady Gaga Fame This is my favourite 'Winter' scent as to me its kinda warm

Nyx Hot Black and Whipped Cream I've been obsessed with these 2 colours. Because of their amazing pigmentation and the quality.

Essence All About Matte Powder This has been my most reached for powder this month. I have a review coming on this soon too so keep your eyes peeled.

ColourPop Shadows in Selfie and Rebel Its a sad time when you have hit pan on your favourite shadows and thats the case with these two. I have used them so much this month, mainly Selfie.

Empties #2

Time for another 'shit I'm throwing out' post. Just incase any of you were curious as to what I am throwing in my bin this week.

 First item thats going in the bin is my old eyelash curler that I just bought at Daiso. Nothing too special about it. I have naturally curled lashes so I don't often use my curler too regularly and this was just getting old and I need a replacement.

 

All of these lipsticks either make my teeth more yellow than they are, or have no colour pay off and thats the reason why I am throwing them out.

 

I've had this for about a year and its just gone rock hard. As you can see in the picture you can see where I've forced my nail into it. Into the bin eyeliner.

 

I got this about 2 months ago to do one job, sharpen the pencils. It broke one cause its just not a very smooth operating sharpener.

 

Finally onto products I've actually used. I used this Moisturizing Day Cream by Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula and one it smelt delightful and two it left my skin feeling so good.

 

I had a love hate relationship with this mascara as you can read from my review here. The top lash mascara was difficult to use, and the lower lash mascara was easier to use. It has started to go clumpy so I'm throwing it out.

 

I am in love with this mascara. Its hands down one of my favourites by Essence just behind the (Big Lash Effect?) You can read my review on it here.

 

This product came in my first ever bellabox and to be honest...I tried using it but I'm just not feeling it. It tastes like crap and the colour just isn't pink enough. Its too red.

 

These are my Holy Grail wipes. I buy them all the time and will most likely buy them again. (Unless WotNot is cheaper....)

 

I was sorting through my drawers one day and found this, I had honestly forgot I had it. These wipes are fantastic, and - actually I did a review on them, here ya go

So there! Thats all the junk I'm throwing in the bin.

#1 Empties 2015

New year, more shit to throw out. I've been collecting these items since January and decided its about time to chuck them in the bin. Lets see what I have...

Loreal Base Magique Primer: I quite liked this primer, as it was creamy. But I wouldn't pay full price for this.

Avene Blemish Lotion: It actually has a long name, I just forgot it and its already in the bin so I'm not getting it back out. But I didn't like this. I feel like it cause more acne than reduce it. I don't know. Maybe I was due for my monthlys (I'm on the pill so I don't get it) and thats what caused it but I really dont know.

Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream: Already bought a backup of this as I use it daily and love it.

Savvy Eyeliner: I hated this. The applicator was pointy and made the application streaky.

Essence Big Lashes: My favourite Essence mascara, will buy another for sure.

Maybelline Hyper Glossy Liquid Liner: I did like this, It just dried up because I didn't use it for a long time....I will buy another one.

Seche Vite: Dried up within 2 months :( Will not buy again.

Covergirl Flamed Out Mascara: I really liked this mascara, I will buy if it goes back on sale.

Face of Australia Lip Crayon in Macaron: This broke on me but I hardly use it and I can buy another one for real cheap anyway.

Rimmel Smokey Noir: I've had this for years and its just starting to lose its quality

What have you thrown out recently?

Easter Get Ready With Me!

I hope you guys had a great Easter whether you are religious or not. Heres the look I wore for Easter.

I did nothing by the way, just wore the look around the house. Got many compliments though!

What I used:

Nyx Jumbo Eye Pencil In Milk

LA Girl Palette - Pink and Blue

Chi Chi Palette - Blue

Essence White Eyeshadow

Essence Long Lasting Eyeliner

Loreal Miss Manga Mascara

Essence Eyeliner Pencil Review

Before I post this I need to say, don't judge a brand by its price. Thats something I used to do, but no longer do. I feel like we all judge things on price and think that just because an item is cheap that the quality, taste, overall product is going to be a shitty one. And Essence is one of those brands.

I honestly love Essence's products that I have tried so far. I am yet to try their foundations, but I plan on doing a full face tutorial really soon.

Anywho, lets get into reviewing this product:

I have four of the Essence Long Lasting Eye Pencils. And they are all wonderful.

I have (I forgot the shade names, sorry.) Black, Silver and Bronze. They come in many different colours. I used to have more but because they are not as pigmented, I opted to throw them out.

These pencils are wonderfully creamy and pigmented. Downside is that because they wind up, they tend to break easily. They also don't last so long either. Especially on the waterline.

I give these pencils a 4/5

Essence Eyeliner Pen Review

Hey Guys,

So I always have an issue finding the right eyeliner pen, don't know why but its difficult for me. They are either too thick, too thin, too dry or too runny. And I think I have found the right one for now.

I purchased the Essence Eyeliner Pen along with their Lash Princess as they came in a combo pack for the same price as the mascara ($5.45 or something) and I was like "Eh stuff it lets try it". I had no expectations for it. But when I tried it, I was amazed.

First off, the pen is so easy to use and to line your lash line with. Its a buildable product so you can easily make it thin or thick. I make it inbetween because thats how I personally like it. Its also very precise the end.

The eyeliner pen dries reasonably fast which is a good thing I think, so if you muck it up you don't have to wait ages for it to dry.

It is long lasting and doesn't fade during the day time. Which is always a bonus.

It doesn't smudge at all. I've never had an issue with smudging.

I give this eyeliner a 5/5 stars and would for sure buy again.

Keep Smiling,

xobrontie

Review: Essence Lash Princess Mascara

Hey Guys,

Today I have another review of another mascara. This one in particular is a current favourite of mine and I am loving it so much.

The mascara is by Essence, and I know, not all Essence products are the best because they are so cheap, but this mascara is worth the price. I'd probably actually pay more for it to be quite honest.

It is a volumzing mascara, but not too volumizing. Its the perfect amount in my opinion. Its also so easy to apply.

It dries really fast which is a good thing, if you are prone to making a mess like me.

It is harder to use on the bottom lashes because of the curved wand but you probably could try to coat  them.

Like i said before this mascara is amazing, I'd give it 4/5 stars and I would repurchase in a heartbeat.

I would suggest you to try this mascara as I think it is wonderful.

Keep Smiling,

xobrontie

Lipstick Collection (As of April 2014)

Hey Beauties.

Before I start. Another 50 page views and I will be at 5k views! Ah so exciting! Second of all. Sorry for lack in posting - again. I don't really want to say whats gone on in my life, but, lets just say that doctors here aren't the best and kind of suck.

But heres my lipstick collection!

I would like to add, that since I prepared this post, I have got more lipsticks.

Top Clockwise: Maybelline Peachy Scene, Covergirl 440, Essence Natural Beauty
Avon Skin, Rimmel Nude Pink and OM She Grace

From Left: Rimmel 04, Maybelline Berry Beautiful (I think its disc. I got it from the market)

Left: FOA Power Surge, Avon Ruby in Gold, Mayb. Who Wore it Red-er
Essence More to Love.

Top-Left: Bellabox Nude, Rimmel ? FOA Nude Satin, Rimmel ? Maybelline Iced Coffee (Or Mocha?)

L: Revlon Gumdrop, Essence Flirty Pink, FOA Malibu Barbie, Rimmel 104 (I think)

How many lipsticks do you own?!

Keep Smiling,
xobrontie

Review: Essence Tribal Summer Pigment

Hey Beauties,

I was so excited for when the Essence Tribal Summer collection came out (No longer in stores, sorry!) as they brought out pigments! Thats all I was mainly looking forward to. So I bought one pigment, in the shade Copper Earth.

Now with this being a pigment, you'd expect it to be quite shimmery right? Now I was suprised at how much less shimmer was in it, theres hardly any in it, well there is, but it really isn't noticable as it blends right in which is amazing. I was very happy with that. Its also very pigmented, which you'd expect from a pigment, but I had to add that in as this is an Essence product, and not all their products can be the best.

This product is not tested on animals - as far as I'm aware of, thats one of the many things I like about Essence. And it is a decent size also at 3g.

As you can see, (ignore the other swatch) its got very faint shimmers in it, and they are gold, not silver so it blends even more. I find it hard to describe this colour, but the best way I can think of is the colour of cinnamon. Its very similar to that.

I really do like this product, and I hope Essence bring out some more pigments to some of their other collections, because I will certainly buy them!

Keep Smiling,
xobrontie

Nail Polish Collection!

Sally Hansen Sugar Coats: Lick - O - Rich, Sour Apple, Razzleberry, Bubble Plum

Essence Colour and Go; Flashy Pumpkin - Sally Hansen Lusture Shine: Lava

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear: Green with Envy - Essence: Thats What I Mint! - Australis: Trackie Dacks
Essie: Trophy Wife - Rimmel Kate Salon Pro: Acid House

Rimmel 60 Sec: Rapid Ruby - Essie: Bahama Mama - Rimmel Lycra Pro: Hypnotise
Rimmel 60 Sec: Red Carpet - Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear: Crushed - OPI - Lincoln Park After Dark
Sally Hansen Lacquer Shine: Shining - Essence: Redvolution

Colour By TBN: Blue - Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear: Pacific Blue - Sally Hansen Triple Shine: Dive In, Wavy Blue
Rimmel 60 Sec: Aye, Aye Sailor

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear: Golden-I - Rimmel Metal Rush: Bronze Princess

Essie: Come Here! Cutex: Cashmere Mauve - Bourjois: no name - Essence: English Rose
Rimmel 60 Sec: Hot Shot

Sally Hansen Salon Manicure: Butter Cup

Sally Hansen Lacquer Shine: Flair - Essie: Play Date - Rimmel Space Dust: Mook Walking

*Since taking photos for this post, I have purchased more nail polishes.