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Tuesday, December 26, 2017

MAC Snow Ball Holiday 2017 Collection ♡ First Impression + Swatches

MAC Snow Ball Holiday 2017 Collection


Merry Christmas Beauties 

Today I am sharing with you products I have purchased from the MAC Snow Ball Holiday 2017 Collection. I actually bought these products in October / November, but I have been so busy lately that I only just got around to playing with these today.

I got most of the products that was on my wish list, but there were also some products like the extra dimension eyeshadows that I missed and totally regret. Anyway, let's not dwell on it and focus on the good stuff. The first thing I want to share with you is the Snow Ball Face Bag, it is my number one most wanted item.

MAC Snow Ball Holiday 2017 Collection - Snow Ball Face Bag
 MAC Snow Ball Holiday 2017 Collection - Snow Ball Face Bag

MAC Snow Ball Face Bag contains a highlighter in Whisper of Gilt and a face brush, the set is limited edition, but the brush is available to purchase without the fancy packaging as it is part of the permanent range. I am obsessed with the packaging of the highlighter compact, it's rose gold, it's gorgeous and it's just hard to describe. I bought this set not only for its' packaging, I was actually dying to get my hands on Whisper of Gilt, it is described as a pale gold shimmer highlighter, it's not a new product, it has been in a few limited edition collections and when this highlighter is available, it's always sold in minutes. So you kind of get the idea of why I need this in my collection.

MAC Snow Ball Holiday 2017 Collection - Whisper of Guilt Highlighter
MAC Snow Ball Holiday 2017 Collection - Whisper of Guilt Highlighter
MAC Snow Ball Holiday 2017 Collection - Snow Ball Mini Nude Lip Gloss Kit

MAC Snow Ball Mini Nude Lip Gloss Kit includes one Vamplify Lipgloss in the shade Iced Over and two Cremesheen Glass in the shades Winter Warmer and Below Freezing. All three lip glosses are mini sized and they are exclusive to the set. The kit also comes with a slim makeup bag that reminds me of those Ted Baker pencil case.

MAC Snow Ball Holiday 2017 Collection - MAC Iced Over
MAC Snow Ball Holiday 2017 Collection - MAC Winter Warmer
MAC Snow Ball Holiday 2017 Collection - MAC Below Freezing
MAC Snow Ball Holiday 2017 Collection - Snow Ball Brush Kit Mini

MAC Snow Ball Brush Kit Mini includes three mini makeup brushes in rose gold packaging. These are SO PRETTY in person and I am not sure why they are not coming out great in photos. The kit contains a Powder Brush, a Rounded Shadow Brush and a Angled Liner / Brow Brush. I am not familiar with MAC makeup brushes, but from the few that I own from previous limited edition collections, I love the quality!

 MAC Snow Ball Holiday 2017 Collection
MAC Snow Ball Holiday 2017 Collection - Happy God Dazzlingly Opalescent Face Powder

MAC Happy Go Dazzlingly Opalescent Face Powder is more like a highlighter than a face powder. It's a light gold shade that has a semi-opaque and buildable colour payoff. This is probably my least favourite of everything I bought from this collection, the product itself is not bad, I do like the packaging, but it just gave me that overall meh feel.

MAC Snow Ball Holiday 2017 Collection - MAC Holiday Crush

MAC Snow Ball Holiday Crush Lipstick is described as a metallic soft pink, all the swatches I have seen online looks nothing like when it's applied on my lips and I am a little bit disappointed. Online swatches shows a more darker rosy metallic shade, while it looks a lot lighter on my lips. Holiday Crush is a frost finish, it applies smoothly and evenly with a semi-opaque colour payoff that is buildable. The formula is comfortable during wear and it's not hydrating nor drying.

MAC Snow Ball Holiday 2017 Collection - MAC Holiday Crush
MAC Snow Ball Holiday 2017 Collection - MAC Holiday Crush


did you get anything from this collection?
what is your favourite product?

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Beauty Empties #12 ♡ ft. Original Source, Urban Decay, Farsali, Stila, MAC, YSL, Giorgio Armani + More!

The last time I posted a beauty empties post was in December 2016 and I didn't realised until today that I have not posted a single empties post this year.

I have used up a lot of products this year and plenty of them were thrown away without being properly talked about on my blog, simply because I have emptied them, kept them for future blog posts and by the time I am ready to sit down and share my thoughts, I have completely forgot if the products are good or bad and if I liked them or not... *major fail* ~

Today I am sharing with you a bunch of empties that I have been collecting since June, I want to clear out the empties and get ready for New Years ~ YAYYY ~

Original Source Shower Gel

Remember I used to buy those The Body Shop 750ml Shower Gels? I thought those were thebomb.com! I used to re-purchase them all the time even though they are so damn expensive.

I thought The Body Shop ones are the best shower gels I have ever used... until I came across the Original Source ones in the supermarket.

Original Source is a UK brand and I believe they are only sold at Countdown (supermarket). The brand has products such as shower gels, handwash and scrubs. I have only used their shower gels and I thought they were so affordable (NZD $3.49 per 250ml bottle) and each scent smells so delicious.

I am not usually the one to calculate the maths stuff between makeup / skincare brands and products, but for those that are curious, The Body Shop is NZD $38.50 per 750ml bottle, they usually last me three months and the Original Source is NZD $3.49 per 250ml bottle and these last me approximately one month. If I buy three bottles of Original Source, total 750ml, it cost me only NZD $10.47, do you see that I am saving SO MUCH?!

Urban Decay, Farsali, Stila, MAC, YSL, Heavy Rotation

I have been using Urban Decay All Nighter for many years and it has been my favourite makeup setting spray of all times, but I have recently tried Urban Decay De-Slick and I feel like it may have replaced the All Nighter.

All Nighter is described as a setting spray that keeps makeup looking just-applied for up to 16 hours and De-Slick is described as a setting spray that helps makeup stay put, controls oil and deflects surface shine. Both products keeps my makeup in place throughout the day, but I feel like De-Slick controls oil like a pro and it works better for oily skin.

Farsali Unicorn Essence was recently mentioned in my Everyday Makeup Favourites, I am obsessed with this product, but I haven't had a chance to replace it because it's very expensive. Unicorn Essence is truly magical, I used it as a primer, it keeps my makeup on all day and I love that it smells like candy floss.

The first time I tried the Stila One Step Correct primer, I thought that it was overrated, but a few months ago I came across a mini-sized in Mecca and I thought why not give it another go?! I tried it for the second time and I have fallen in love with it! I love that it evens out my redness, it brightens up my complexion and it holds my makeup in place even in a hot day.

MAC Pro Longwear Foundation used to be my all time favourites foundation and I have re-purchased and mentioned it on my blog plenty of times.

YSL Fusion Ink Foundation is literally the BEST FOUNDATION for oily skin girls! I love that it makes my face looks flawless and it controls facial oils very well. Right now this is the only foundation that is 'safe' on the go as it works for any occasion,  it has high coverage that feels very lightweight during wear and it stays on for long hours, I have already re-purchased another bottle.

Heavy Rotation Brow Gel is one of the top rated brow products in Japanese beauty. I don't love it and I don't dislike it, but I also don't understand why everyone is obsessed with it?

MAC, Benefit, Etude House, QVC
MAC Pro Eye Makeup Remover is described as a lightweight, non-oily cleanser that removes makeup without having to rinse with water. I get plenty of these whenever I order from MAC online and I haven't actually purchased a full sized before.

I have been using the Benefit Goof Proof Eyebrow Pencil for awhile now and I have re-purchased this item twice. I love how it performs on me but I dislike how expensive it is. I like that it fills in and shapes my brows evenly and it is really easy to apply, although Benefit claims that this is a "12 hour waterproof formula", I have been swimming with this product on and it is completely not waterproof.

Do you guys remember those "3D Fibre Lashes" duos that comes in those leopard prints casing?! It used to be the thing when I was a teen and everyone has one in their handbags. Well, Etude House Dr. Mascara Fixer For Super Long Lash #02 is a similar but better product and it is a lifesaver for those with short eyelashes. I love that whenever using this product, my eyelashes looks very long and it holds the curls for long hours.

MAC Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow Set is also another one that I love and hate at the same time. This is probably my second or third time re-purchasing this product, I love that it sets my brows in place and it fills in any sparse area. I love it the most when the tube is almost empty, otherwise when the tube is full, the brow set has great pigmentation and it gets messy.

I can't remember where I have seen this, but somewhere on the internet says to replace your eyelash curler every 3 months and choosing the right eyelash curler is important as well. I used to never believe in those stuff until my lashes starts falling out and there was literally a period of time where my left eye has this big gap of bald part just because I used the QVC Eyelash Curler that I have owned for years.

Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani Si perfume is like 'the thing' in 2017 and I bought it because it's 'the thing' and everyone was talking about it. I bought a small 30ml bottle and it cost me over $100... Very expensive and I personally think that it's overrated. Although this is the first perfume that I have emptied within two to three months and it smells nice, I probably won't re-purchase it again. This scent is not a must have for me.

Saturday, November 25, 2017

MECCA Beauty Haul ♡ + Giveaway!

Mecca Beauty Haul November 2017

Ever since Mecca opened their Auckland CBD store in August, a walk to the store after work has become a regular thing for me. Even on days that I am so broke, I have so many bills to pay, a short visit to the Mecca store literally cheers up my day.

Before Mecca opens their store in Auckland CBD I have been shopping online on their website, I have always been a huge fan of Mecca because they carry brands that are very hard to get my hands on in New Zealand, also their prices are very reasonable.

Today I am sharing with you the makeup that I have recently purchased from Mecca, also to celebrate reaching level 3 of the Mecca Beauty Loop, I will be giving away some goodies too.

Mecca Max Eyes To The Max Mega Party Palette
Mecca Max Eyes To The Max Mega Party Palette

Mecca Max Eyes To The Max Mega Party Palette $55  features 35 eyeshadows in bronzy, neutral and burgundy shades. There are two finishes, shimmer and matte, and the texture is so soft and buttery. When I swatched the eyeshadows in store, I was blown away by how pigmented these are. The palette is quite big, but it's very thin and it doesn't come with a mirror. It's overall lightweight and easy to store. 

Mecca Max Eyes To The Max Mega Party Palette
Mecca Max Eyes To The Max Mega Party Palette
Mecca Max Eyes To The Max Mega Party Palette
Mecca Max Eyes To The Max Mega Party Palette
Mecca Max Eyes To The Max Mega Party Palette
Mecca Max Eyes To The Max Mega Party Palette
Hourglass Ambient Diffused Light Palette

The Hourglass Ambient Diffused Light Palette was purchased from this year's Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, this palette is not sold at Mecca and I believe it's no longer available to purchase, but I wanted to feature it in this post anyway, because I don't think I have shown it off on my blog.

The Ambient Diffused Light Palette includes a powder in shade Diffused Light, a blush in Diffused Heat and a bronzer in Diffused Bronze Light; all three shades can be purchased individually.

Hourglass Ambient Diffused Light Palette
Hourglass Ambient Diffused Light Palette
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palette Vol.3

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palette Vol.3 $127  features three best-selling and three new exclusive powders, it comes packaged in a rose gold compact that is so on-trend right now. I bought this palette as soon as it launched at Mecca!

Honestly, my arm swatches photo does not do it justice and if you can, you should definitely check these out in store and swatch these shades in person.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palette Vol.3
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palette Vol.3
NARS Double Take Overexposed Glow Highlighter

NARS Double Take Overexposed Glow Highlighter $67  is part of the NARS x Man Ray holiday collection. I have been using this highlighter for a week now and at first I wasn't sure if this was an impressive or disappointing product. When I first swatched this highlighter on my hand, I was impressed with the pigmentation and I loved the medium gold with a bit of metallic-ish effect, but when I applied this on my cheek, the highlighter rarely shows up, it's not pigmented and it doesn't have that metallic effect as my initial swatch. Double Take shows on my cheek as more of a soft glow and I only started to really enjoy this highlighter towards the end of the week.

NARS x Man Ray Fetishized Blush

NARS x Man Ray Fetishized Blush $47  is described as a pink grapefruit shade. I actually picked this up by mistake thinking that I have picked up the highlighter as shown above. When I opened this at home I was shocked at how I have picked up a bright orange blush, this is not something that I would usually buy because I am very heavy-handed when it comes to blushes and I would usually avoid blushes with great pigmentation.

NARS x Man Ray Anita Audacious Lipstick

NARS x Man Ray Anita Audacious Lipstick $54  is NARS best-selling rose shade lipstick and this time it comes all packaged in gold. I don't have much memories of NARS lipsticks and I may or may not have tried the Audacious line prior to this purchase. I love the pigmentation of this, it is literally one swipe full coverage.

NARS x Man Ray Holiday Collection
NARS x Man Ray Holiday Collection
NARS Love Triangle Blush & Lipstick Set
NARS Love Triangle Blush & Lipstick Set

NARS Love Triangle $38  is also part of the NARS x Man Ray holiday collection, there are a total of five Love Triangle sets and each set features a blush and a lipstick. The items included are all mini sized and to me these are perfect. I bought the sets in Dolce Vita and Audrey, Deep Throat and Barbara and Impassioned and Anna.

I have seen a lot of reviews on the Love Triangle where people have complaint about the size of the products included, many says these are very small and it's not worth the price etc...

I am not usually one to fuss about the sizes and prices of a product, if I like it I buy it, if I don't like it, I avoid it. NARS Blush - full sized is 4.8g - $47 and NARS Audacious Lipstick - full sized is 3.4g - $54. NARS Love Triangle - blush mini sized is 2.5g and lipstick mini sized is 2.3g - the set is $38. Overall the set is great if you are new to NARS or you simply have too much makeup and sizes don't bother you, to me $38 for two NARS products is such a good price.

NARS Love Triangle Blush & Lipstick Set
NARS Love Triangle Blush & Lipstick Set
Too Faced Unicorn Survival Kit

Too Faced Unicorn Survival Kit $41  includes a La Creme lipstick, a Melted Latex Lipstick, a highlighter and a super cute makeup clutch. All three makeup products are mini-sized and they're all called Unicorn Tears. This is the only holiday collection item that I was most excited about! I picked up one set for myself and another for you. ♥︎

I have been wanting to try the Melted Latex Lipstick in Unicorn Tears for a long time, but it is sold out every time I visit Mecca, so it made me even more curious about this product. It is described as a long-wearing liquid lipstick with high shine and the colour is described as an opalescent shimmer. This is pretty much just a clear gloss with shimmer.

Too Faced Unicorn Survival Kit
Too Faced Unicorn Survival Kit
Too Faced Bulletproof Brows

Too Faced Bulletproof Brows $47  is probably the worst brow product I have ever tried... I tested the product in store, I liked the texture and I thought the pigmentation was okay, it's not too pigmented nor to sheer. I bought it home and tried to do my brows one morning when I got so frustrated because it doesn't apply evenly, at the end I just gave up and went to work with bald patches in my brows haha. I don't even know how to describe it?! But whenever I apply this brow product, it disappear quickly into my skin, it dries flaky and applies uneven.

Keep in mind that I have tried this with other brow powders, firstly outline with the TF Bulletproof Brows, then fill in, lastly fill in bald area with other brow products and it still looks uneven and I just don't understand?!

Mecca Lip De-Luscious & Mecca Enlightened Lit From Within Illuminating Balm

Lastly, the above and below items are products I have received in my recent Beauty Loop boxes. 

 Mecca Lip De-Luscious $30 is like a tinted lip balm.

 Mecca Enlightened Lit From Within Illuminating Balm $35 is a cream highlighter.

 Mecca Multi-Purpose Plumping Balm $47 can be used as a day moisturiser, a primer or as a radiance-boosting mask. I have used this once as a primer and I like the cooling feel it delivers upon application. I dislike that it's very shimmery, but I like the subtle glow of my skin after application. As for the longevity, I have oily skin and I feel like this may work better for those with dry to combination skin.

Mecca Multi-Purpose Plumping Balm

    

♥︎ GIVEAWAY ♥︎

I have done giveaways in the past, but this is the first time I am hosting one on my blog. I have been blogging for nearly five years now and this blog is literally my everything ~ ♥︎ ~ Today, I am giving away the below makeup as a thank you for supporting me and my blog throughout the years. 

kayxcake makeup giveaway 2017

 1 x Too Faced Unicorn Survival Kit 
 1 x Too Faced Melted Chihuahua - deluxe sized
 1 x ColourPop You Had Me At Hello Eyeshadow Palette
 1 x ColourPop Matte X Lippie Stix Cami - my favourite!
 1 x Kiko Milano Smart Lipstick #930 
 1 x Kiko Milano Rebel Bouncy Blush #04 Passion Red Wine
 1 x ELF HD Undereye Setting Powder
 1 x Tonymoly Tony Tint Delight #02
 1 x COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner
 1 x Ardell Elsa Demi Wispies Lashes - 2 pairs per set
 1 x Ardell Jasmine Demi False Lashes - 2 pairs per set
 2 x Papa Recipe Bombee Black Honey Mask Pack - my favourite!
 1 x Misguided Pom Pom Headband

Please enter this giveaway via the Rafflecopter widget below:

 this giveaway is opened internationally and you must be 18 years or older to qualify.
 this giveaway will end on Monday, 4 December 2017 NZST.
 1 winner will be contacted by me within 24 hours after giveaway ends and the winner will respond within 24 hours, otherwise another winner will be selected in their place.


a Rafflecopter giveaway