SOCIAL MEDIA

Friday, March 27, 2015

MAC Cinderella Collection ♡ ft. Mystery Princess, Royal Ball, Glass Slipper, Happily Ever After

First of all, I want to apologize for my lack of beauty posts and social media updates lately; work has been so busy and whenever I sit down and try to focus on blogging, my mind and my action does not cooperate with each other. It is kind of frustrating as I aim to post on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; but it is not working out for me these past few weeks, so please bear with me.

MAC Cinderella Collection

I assume everyone has heard of the MAC Cinderella Collection? I bet some of you are sick of seeing this everywhere as every other blogger is talking about this collection and some of you may be still searching to get your hands on the ones that were sold out too quick?! Luckily I was awoken by a really weird dream on the night the collection launched online and I was able to get a few things that I wanted.

At first it was only two lipsticks and two lipglasses that were on my wish list, as I felt like all the colors in this collection are quite pale and they wouldn't work well with my light / medium skin tone; but of course I had to get the beauty powder, all because of it's beautiful packaging! Everything was sold out pretty quick, by the time I got up for work, I checked and everything was sold out. I wish I got the eye gloss, I have never come across anything so interesting and I have just been pretty curious on how it works etc...

MAC Cinderella Beauty Powder - Mystery Princess
MAC Cinderella Beauty Powder - Mystery Princess
MAC Cinderella Beauty Powder - Mystery Princess
MAC Cinderella Beauty Powder - Mystery Princess
MAC Cinderella Beauty Powder - Mystery Princess
MAC Cinderella Beauty Powder - Mystery Princess

MAC Cinderella Beauty Powder in Mystery Princess [US$28.00] is described as a pinky beige with silver shimmer with a Matte finish, pretty sure MAC has made a mistake as Mystery Princess looks nothing like matte; it is shimmery with a frosted sheen.

I came across someone complaining about  non of the makeup brushes they have tried picked up any products from this beauty powder, then I saw someone else replied with a technique they have learnt from a MAC makeup artist, and the technique is to use a clean mascara wand, scrap out some products from the compact then dip your makeup brushes in and apply as normal.

It sounds like a good idea as I was experiencing the same things of not picking up anything with a makeup brush from this beauty powder, but it would definitely hurt a bit if I have to scrap out some of its products with a mascara wand; fear of ruining the beauty powder, afterall I bought Mystery Princess mainly for its packaging and cute product name.

MAC Cinderella Lipstick - Royal Ball
MAC Cinderella Lipstick - Royal Ball
MAC Cinderella Lipstick - Royal Ball
MAC Cinderella Lipstick - Royal Ball

MAC Cinderella Lipstick in Royal Ball [US17.50] is described as a fleshy pink with a Lustre finish. I am not a huge Lustre fan, especially not those in a light color range; but I did end up getting one of the lipsticks as I enjoy collecting MAC limited edition packaging items.

Royal Ball is absolutely gorgeous in person, it has a sheer coverage and application went on smoothly, but its formula is not that great, the lipstick clings to dry patches and emphasize lines, it is drying and it has a very-metallic-look when I wear it.

MAC Cinderella Lipglass
MAC Cinderella Lipglass
MAC Cinderella Lipglass - Glass Slipper
MAC Cinderella Lipglass - Happily Ever After
MAC Cinderella Lipglass
MAC Cinderella Lipglass - Glass Slipper & Happily Ever After

MAC Cinderella Lipglass is my favourite products out of the whole collection, I have been loving MAC lipglasses during this past summer and I adore the sparklies in this both tubes.

MAC Cinderella Glass Slipper Lipglass [US$16.50] is described as a light milky pink with pinkish pearl, it is a translucent gloss with pink shimmer; and MAC Cinderella Happily Ever After Lipglass [US$16.50] is described as a cool milky pink with blueish pearls, this one is a lot more sparkly than Glass Slipper and it has loads of blue shimmer. Both are gorgeous when worn on its own, they also look great over any lipsticks or lip pencil shades.

I did have swatches for all products shown above, but my camera didn't pick up any of its colors; I did a few arm swatches, but they all came out as if my arms were bare and clean.

Overall, let's be honest, if it wasn't a Limited Edition Disney collection; I would have probably skipped this. Each products shades are all too light, even for my type of skin tone that would usually look great in any nude shades; I wondered how all the dark skin girls feels about this collection, they must have been pretty disappointed with it.

Did you manage to pick up anything from the MAC Cinderella Collection? & What are your thoughts on this collection? The packaging? The formula? The color choices?



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Monday, March 23, 2015

Rimmel London ♥ Mini Haul & Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation First Impression

Rimmel London

I have been wanting to try the Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation ever since it starts appearing on beauty blogs I follow, I heard the matte finish last all day and it makes you look flawless and I thought I must try this product, from the way people raves about it, I thought it would be an amazing product for my oily skin.

I am not familiar with the brand Rimmel London, I may have used their lipsticks once or twice in my life, so of course, I couldn't justify spending so much money on one tube of foundation from a brand that I am not familiar with. I then browsed on TradeMe, hoping an online boutique would have my shade for a cheaper price, but they either carry a much lighter shade or a shade too dark that I can use as a bronzer.

Luckily, I was able to go to Dressmart this past weekend, I visited the Makeup Clearence store and picked up a Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation, a Stay Matte Primer and a Rimmel Kate Lipstick.

Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation / 200 soft beige

RIMMEL STAY MATTE LIQUID MOUSSE FOUNDATION / 200 SOFT BEIGE is described as an oil free liquid mousse foundation that blends flawlessly with its lightweight texture, it won't feel heavy or greasy, and it has a silky smooth formula that leaves a perfectly matte, natural looking, baby soft finish and an all day shine control.

Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation is available in 8 shades. There were testers to try on the shelf, but I often try to stay as far away from testers if possible haha ~ I thought too many people try those testers, it's nasty >.<; so right there I did some online research and find that 200 Soft Beige is the most suitable for my skin tone. When I came home and test out the color, I did find it appear a shade too light for me.

Rimmel Stay Matte Primer

RIMMEL STAY MATTE PRIMER is described as an ultra lightweight primer that creates a soft, perfectly matte complexion, it claims to minimize the appearance of pores and control shine for up to 8 hours. This primer does not feel heavy nor greasy, and it can be use alone or wear under foundation.

I have been using primers with a more liquidy texture, so when I first try out this primer, I wasn't used to it. The texture is white, it feels pasty and heavy; but once it smooth out on the skin, it feels lightweight. I find this primer quite different to all other matte primers I have tried, this one doesn't leave my face feeling smooth or soft, instead it feels kind of chalky. I must say the shine control is pretty good, I only had to touch-up once during the day.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss / #103
Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss / #103

RIMMEL LASTING FINISH MATTE BY KATE MOSS / SHADE #103 is a rosy pink with a matte finish, I absolutely adore the color and the lipstick has a strong, fruity, watermelon scent, which I love! Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick applies even with an opaque coverage, it feels very lightweight on the lips and application was pretty awkward; it isn't smooth nor hard to apply, arghh I don't know how to describe >.<; overall it is a gorgeous lipstick and it wore well for at least four hours with loads of eating and drinking during the time of wear.

Before & After of Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation

BEFORE: I had nothing on my face.
AFTER: I applied Rimmel Stay Matte Primer, then Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation.

As you can see above, the shade 200 Soft Beige looks a bit too pale on me, but the coverage looks good from afar. Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation did seem to provide a flawless finish when looking from a distance, but when I look closely, I could see it looks weird around my nose and around my mouth. The foundation felt heavy while wearing and it felt like the foundation was just sitting on my skin.

This is my first time trying out a mousse type of foundation and I am not sure if all described above is normal?! Has anyone else experience similar things with this foundation?

Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation
Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss / #103

Overall, I enjoy trying out this products, especially products that I have been drooling over for the past decades heheh. I really enjoyed using the Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss Lipstick, the rosy shades is absolutely gorgeous and it wears for longer than expected. I am not sure about my feelings toward the Rimmel Stay Matte Primer, I have been using it for the past couple of days and it's a love-hate thing between us. While wearing the primer, my makeup does seem to last a little bit longer. The thing I dislike about the primer is the texture, it doesn't have that smoothness once applied. Currently I am not enjoying the Rimmel Stay Matte Mousse Liquid Foundation, at all; I dislike the heaviness it feels on my face, I dislike it just sits on my skin even though I tried to blend it well and I dislike that the texture is so thick. I may give the foundation another go, I do sometimes change my mind after using a product for awhile, fingers cross it ends up working well for me though, don't want to be the only alien who didn't enjoy a product everyone loves.

What are your thoughts on the Rimmel Stay Matte range?



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Friday, March 20, 2015

Le Metier de Beaute Sheer Brilliance Lipgloss ♥ Summerland // Review + Swatches

Le Metier de Beaute Sheer Brilliance Lipgloss - Summerland

During this past summer, I have been absolutely loving the Le Metier de Beaute Sheer Brilliance Lipgloss in Summerland; I especially love it on those no-makeup days, when I just feel like adding a bit of moisture and sparkles to my lips.

Le Metier de Beaute Sheer Brilliance Lipgloss is described as buildable semi-transparent tint that offers to bring out the beauty of your natural lip color. This product features a light-weight and hydrating formula that can be worn alone for a sheer, brilliant shine with a hint of color; or it can be worn over your favourite lipsticks. LMdB claims this lip gloss will not leave your lips dehydrated, instead it will leaves them feeling and looking beautiful, radiant and healthy.

Le Metier de Beaute Sheer Brilliance Lipgloss - Summerland
Le Metier de Beaute Sheer Brilliance Lipgloss - Summerland

imagePACKAGING:
Le Metier de Beaute Sheer Brilliance Lipgloss comes packaged in a standard lipgloss tube with a transparent body, the packaging looks simple, it doesn't look cheap, nor is it expensive looking and it comes with a doe-foot applicator.

The cardboard box packaging is even more simple! Just like any other LMdB products, it comes with a black cardboard box with Le Metier de Beaute printed all in capital letter in the center.

Normally I like beauty products that comes with a super cute packaging, and I often avoid things that are very, very simple; but I do have a different expectation for a high-end product, I like them to look simple and classy, and that totally describes LMdB, minus the material used.

imageSUMMERLAND:
The promotional pictures on Beauty Bay and the actual lipgloss color is totally different, on Beauty Bay Le Metier de Beaute Sheer Brilliance Lipgloss Summerland is shown as a dark bronze brown and in real life looking from the tube it looks like a medium bronze that is pack with a tube of sparkles; and when worn the lips it shows up as a sheer, subtle shimmery light bronzey shade with a hint of pink.

A bit complicated isn't it?!

imageAPPLICATION:
The texture of the Sheer Brilliance Lipgloss is not sticky like traditional lipglosses, it is very light-weight and it glides on smoothly, feels almost like applying oil on my lips without too much slippery-ness, it also applies evenly with two coats and it doesn't leaves streaky bits here or there.

imageLONGEVITY:
I am totally impressed with how well the Sheer Brilliance Lipgloss worn on me, I didn't expect it to last very long, even though it is a high-end brand and the quality should fit in with the price tag; but because it is a lipgloss, and lipglosses don't generally last that long, I didn't expect anything when I bought this!

The glossiness and the subtle shimmer of LMdB Summerland wore well for approximately three hours then it slowly fades and disappear, at the same time the bronzi-ness stay still, the color doesn't fade and it wore for another two or three hours until it is fully gone.

imageSWATCHES:
Le Metier de Beaute Sheer Brilliance Lipgloss - Summerland
Le Metier de Beaute Sheer Brilliance Lipgloss - Summerland
Le Metier de Beaute Sheer Brilliance Lipgloss - Summerland
Le Metier de Beaute Sheer Brilliance Lipgloss - Summerland

imageLMDB CLAIMS:
Ultra light-weight and hydrating formula - very true! Le Metier de Beaute Sheer Brilliance Lipgloss feels very light-weight during wear and application feels airy ~ It feels hydrating and it does not dry out my lips even on days I have forgotten to exfoliate, apply lip balms and care for my dry lips before hand.

Leaves lips looking and feeling beautiful, radiant and healthy - also true! This lipgloss gives me a healthy plumped lips look without being too over the top, and I love that!

Wear alone for sheer, brilliant shine with a hint of color - I often wear Summerland on its own and it has a beautiful sheer, bronzey color with subtle shimmer.

Buildable semi-transparent tint - true! The LMdB Sheer Brilliance Lipgloss is buildable and it is semi-transparent with the first coat, I like to wear mine with at least two coats. My favourite thing about this buildable semi-transparent tint is that even though I have worn a couple of layers of gloss to build up the color, the bronzey shade doesn't go over the top and turn into a deep bronze or something, instead the color stays light bronzey and the more products you add, the more shimmers you pack on.

Responds to the natural lip color - not sure?! I do have quite a pigmented lips and I am not sure if this lipgloss does enhance my natural lip color, really couldn't see a difference as wearing any other lipglosses.

imageOVERALL RATING: imageimageimageimage

Le Metier de Beaute Sheer Brilliance Lipgloss is available to purchase at Beauty Bay (AUD $45.80), they offer free shipping if purchase over AUD $20; I did have a few not-so-happy experiences with Beauty Bay in the past where my items either arrive broken or faulty, but they did do their best to fix my problems; so now I do recommend them to you beauties, because they have quite a good customer service!


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Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Essence Cosmetics Haul ♥ Foundation, Bronzer, Lipsticks, Lipgloss + More

Essence Cosmetics haul

Friday is like my Bloglovin' read-through days, I was reading some New Zealand beauty blogs last week when I came across Lani at Lani-Loves' Essence Cosmetics post; Lani's lip swatches are always amazing to look at, and when I saw that lipstick she was wearing, the first thing that came to my mind was "I need to go to Farmers!".

I have been hearing a lot about this new European beauty brand that has recently landed in New Zealand, people seems to love it because it is affordable and many said their products quality is top notch for a drugstore brand. Of course I wanted to try it badly, but when it comes to a new-to-me brand or product that is super affordable, I fear that it is Made in China!

I did my research before I made this purchase, and I have came across a few who claims Essense Cosmetics is made in China... *face palm* ~ BUT, when I saw the Essence display at the Farmers in Glenfield mall, I was surprised to see their products are either made in Poland, Italy or France! I was super excited, and of course, you can already guess what happened next.

So I picked up at least one of each product, from foundation and bronzer to lipstick and lipgloss; the only things I didn't pick up is eyes stuff, because deep down I know NO mascara works on my short, stubby lashes other than the Maybelline falsies line and plus, I hardly wear eye makeup these days.

Essence Sun Club Shimmer Bronzing Powder / darker skin
Essence Sun Club Shimmer Bronzing Powder / darker skin
Essence Sun Club Shimmer Bronzing Powder / darker skin
Essence Sun Club Shimmer Bronzing Powder / darker skin

imageESSENCE SUN CLUB SHIMMER BRONZING POWDER
Darker Skin / Made in Poland / NZD $6.75

Only available in one shade, for darker skin; this shimmery bronzer can be used as an eyeshadow, or an all-over face bronzer, it claims to provide a light tanned finish with its silky-smooth texture.

I have used this once and I was glad this bronzer didn't make my face looks muddy or orange, just as it claims, this shimmer bronzing powder delivers a light tanned finish and its texture is super smooth and easy to blend. Oh, I love-love the design inside!

Essence All About Matt! Fixing Compact Powder
Essence All About Matt! Fixing Compact Powder
Essence All About Matt! Fixing Compact Powder

imageESSENCE ALL ABOUT MATT! FIXING COMPACT POWDER
Made in Poland / NZD $6.75

A translucent pressed powder that mattify your skin and set your makeup for a matte, natural complexion. I wouldn't say this powder last all day as I had to blot my face at least once or twice during the day, but I like that the texture isn't chalky and seeing as the powder looks so white in the compact, it doesn't apply with white patches all over.

Essence Stay All Day 16h Long-Lasting Foundation / 30 soft sand
Essence Stay All Day 16h Long-Lasting Foundation / 30 soft sand

imageESSENCE STAY ALL DAY 16H LONG-LASTING FOUNDATION
30 Soft Sand / Made in France / NZD $8.55

Available in four shades, this long-lasting foundation ensures a smooth and silky complexion all day long with its delicate texture that allows a smooth and even application. Hoping I did pick up the right color ~ there were testers, and I did swatch all on my hand; but under Farmers' flash lighting in-stores, it's very hard to tell your accurate shade; y'know?!

Essence All About Matt! Oil-Free Foundation / 20 matte nude
Essence All About Matt! Oil-Free Foundation / 20 matte nude

imageESSENCE ALL ABOUT MATT! OIL-FREE FOUNDATION
20 Matte Nude / Made in France / NZD $7.90

Essence claims "matte and flawless", this all about matt oil-free foundation claims to wear up to 12 hours and it gives your complexion a matte effect that is smooth and silky-soft. It is long-lasting and its oil-free texture will not clog your pores. I have tried this once to test the color and I don't know why I've always had this full-coverage expectation?! I was disappointed when I find out it is very very sheer, almost like a bb cream; or maybe it is a bb cream... hmm.

Essence Lip Gel Tint / 02 deep red
Essence Lip Gel Tint / 02 deep red

imageESSENCE LIP GEL TINT
02 Deep Red / Made in Germany / NZD $4.20

Available in four shades, ranging from a light red to a deep red; I decided to go with something out of my comfort zone, I chose a vampy deep red shade.

Essence XXXL Shine Lipgloss
Essence XXXL Shine Lipgloss
Essence XXXL Shine Lipgloss

imageESSENCE XXXL SHINE LIPGLOSS
Made in Germany / NZD $3.95 each

Available in various shades ranging from bright to subtle, this lipgloss will give your lips a beautifully pampered look with amazing shine and fresh color.

Essence Lipsticks / 65 glow neon glow! & 07 natural beauty
Essence Lipsticks / 65 glow neon glow! & 07 natural beauty
Essence Lipsticks / 65 glow neon glow! & 07 natural beauty
Essence Lipsticks / 65 glow neon glow! & 07 natural beauty

imageESSENCE LONG-LASTING LIPSTICK
07 Natural Beauty / Made in Italy / NZD $5.20

The long-lasting lipstick range claims to provide intensive color that wears for several hours without being drying. When I wore this lipstick, I find it applies silky-smooth, but the color payoff wasn't super pigmented, I had to layer it over and over to get that mauvey pink look. It wears comfortable and feels lightweight.

imageESSENCE LIPSTICK
65 Glow Neon Glow! / Made in Poland / NZD $4.20

I adore the lipstick scent of this one, very fruity and the color looks like jelly pink. ~

Essence Lip Liner / 07 cute pink
imageESSENCE LIP LINER
07 Cute Pink / NZD $2.25

You probably won't believe it if I say it is SO PIGMENTED! But it is, its pigmentation is so amazing, I probably would not compare it to MAC lip liners, but these Essence lip liners are nearly as good! 07 Cute Pink goes beautifully with Essence Long-Lasting Lipstick in 07 Natural Beauty, the lip liner applies smoothly and it is very long lasting.

Essence Glow Tinted Lip Balm / 03 brighten up!

imageESSENCE GLOW TINTED LIP BALM
03 Brighten Up! / NZD $4.80

The soft texture of this lip balm will give you moisturize your lips as well as giving it a hint of color for a subtle stained lips and a fresh look. The color is buildable, to a more intense pink tint.


Altogether it only comes to NZD $58.50, I think this is the cheapest I have ever spent on beauty in Farmers; plus, I had a $20 voucher from my last purchase, earned enough points on my Farmers Club card!

So far I am liking all the Essence products I have tried, I don't think they have a 'top notch' quality for a drug-store brand, but I do think their qualities are not bad, I would say they may be on the same level as Maybelline and L'Oreal; and those brands are twice the price of Essence Cosmetics.

Overall, I think not bad. image

Have you tried Essence Cosmetics?



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