Saturday, June 15, 2013

Shop My Stash #2

My first Shop My Stash post was a few months ago and in all honesty, I haven't really been making much progress in that endeavour. Partly because of my unending acquisition of new products, partly because I tend to stick with the same few things over and over again. In the morning rush to get ready, I grab reliable products that I know will do their best to transform my barely-awake face into a slightly more presentable form. It's not often a time to start experimenting with new eyeshadow combinations or to start mixing my own bases. But that doesn't mean I shouldn't attempt to switch up my current product rotation with several items that could easily substitute for what I'm already using. I had a dig around my makeup stash and picked out a few things that I hope to pay more attention to and make a concerted effort to use.





l-r: Daylight (matte), Gaze (shimmer), Color Du Jour (metallic), Lezard (matte)

This Lancome Color Design Sensational Effects Eyeshadow quad was been overlooked and neglected for a very long time. I bought it from Chemist Warehouse a while ago as it was super cheap for a high end product and the colours seemed appealing enough. The shadows are good quality, very nicely textured and decently pigmented. Color Du Jour reminds me of Laura Mercier African Violet, but warmer and more red (it's said to be similar to MAC Trax). The tiny size and inbuilt mirror makes it ideal for travelling with, especially as there's a good mix of finishes and light/dark shades.




Sportsgirl Time to Shine Bronze Cosmetic Palette is an old favourite. I never touch the lip gloss included in it, but the eyeshadows really surprised me in terms of quality. Sportsgirl is a bit hit and miss with their cosmetics and they're not exactly renowned for putting out incredible eyeshadows, but the ones in the Bronze Palette are without a doubt the best I've tried from the brand (miles superior than the Work of Heart eyeshadow palette). I've previously used the last two shades so much that there's a considerable dent in both pans. I remember being really happy with the performance and look of these eyeshadows, so I'm looking forward to getting some wear out of them soon. It's times like these I wish I knew how to depot eyeshadows so I could throw away the rest of the palette that just unnecessarily takes up space.



l-r: Face of Australia Sundae, Australis Screen Siren, Models Prefer Brown & Dirty, Maybelline Tough as Taupe

I wish I could find a way to make Maybelline Color Tattoo in Tough as Taupe work, because something tells me that it does have its purpose and value, I just haven't been able to tap into it yet. I mean, it's a matte, neutral cream eyeshadow — that in itself is exciting. As a base, it does increase the vibrancy and longevity of powder eyeshadows it's paired with. It also has the potential to effect subtle changes to the finish or colour. As Lau and Carolyn suggested in my post on L'Oréal Infallible eyeshadow in Tender Caramel, using a matte base like Tough as Taupe could be just the solution to tone down a super shimmery shade.

The Models Prefer Mineral Eyeshadow Duo in Brown & Dirty was something I purchased while trying to convince myself I didn't need Urban Decay Naked2 (needless to say, that plan backfired). The shadows aren't the most vibrant, richly pigmented or long-lasting, but the neutral colours and soft, satin finish are perfectly acceptable for a more low-key, daytime look. The peachy champagne gold and cool, slightly purplish, bark-brown taupe work well together.

In the blush department, I pulled out Australis Paparazzi Perfect High Definition Blush in Screen Siren. I honestly feel this blush is comparable in quality to MAC (though admittedly I don't have any MAC blushes — this is just from my experience swatching them in the store). It is super pigmented, finely milled, soft and blendable. This is a warm matte peach with some red tones, which makes it a bit tricky for me to apply without looking overdone or ruddy. I guess I'll just have to find the right brush and adopt a very light hand.

For lips, there's Face of Australia Sheer Gloss lip crayon in Sundae. This MLBB shade is extremely reminiscent of YSL Rouge Volupté Shine in 9 (Nude in Private). Back when Tiffany was tempting me with the YSL, I may even have placed a bit of Sundae on my hand and then headed to the shops to swatch Nude in Private next to it to compare. Seeing how similar they were side-by-side effectively put an end to that lemming, though I now have a new one for 19 (Fuchsia in Rage) thanks to Lisa Eldridge.

Speaking of YSL, my Touche Éclat barely ever gets used. It does make a powerful difference in terms of highlighting darker/discoloured areas of my face (including under the eyes), but not so much as a concealer for blemishes. I just never remember to use it because I'm reluctant and too time-poor to add another step to my base makeup after I've put on foundation. It's quite fiddly in that I have to be careful with the amount and placement, and sometimes I need to mix it with a tiny bit of moisturiser so it applies better to the skin. But maybe if I can be bothered to wake up a few minutes earlier one day, I'll give this pen a whirl.


Finally, we have the Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile for normal or dry skin. This alcohol-free toner was in the unbelievably good value Renewing set that I mentioned I bought on Boxing Day in my January Favourites. I've seen similar value packs pop up at Myer and David Jones recently, though unfortunately none of them included a 30ml tube of the Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Comfort Cream for Normal to Dry Skin that I'm now hooked on (only one had a 15ml tube which I thought was too small to warrant a purchase). I figured since I never use toner, I might as well try to regularly use this product and finish it up. I like that it's non-drying and doesn't leave my skin feeling tight or stripped of moisture, though I'd need to use it more consistently for a longer period of time to comment on any skin care benefits it has, if any.

34 comments:

  1. I also have that Lancome palette from Chemist Wearhouse.

    Coryn

    x

    www.corynleebeauty.blogspot.com.au

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  2. I was waiting for this weekend's post! I wish my local Chemist Warehouse stocked other brands- it only has Maybelline and Revlon and their larger stores seem to hold more exciting products within. I bought the Color Tattoo in Bold Gold in their 50% off sale intending to use it on my sister for her semiformal but I can't stand how yellow it is! Silly me. Gah I recently cleaned out my collection and threw the FOA lip crayons out! Damnit. I've wanted the YSL No.9 lipstick since Tiffany posted about it- I love that girl's blog.
    I love how honest you are about being lazy- I never used to tone but picked it up a couple of months back and I'm trying out the double-toning process that ViviannaDoesMakeup posted about and I'm seeing results, which is good.

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    1. Yeah, Bold Gold is not my favourite. I rarely touch it. The colour didn't work for me on its own but I imagine it might fare better as a cream base.

      Chemist Warehouses can be so variable - I find that they're not that amazing on the discounted makeup front anymore. Like, Revlon/Maybelline/Rimmel has been quite frequently 50% off RRP, so they're great in that sense, but you don't get as many true bargain bin finds anymore like they used to. I remember I bought 3 Revlon cream shadow palettes for $2-$3 each. Maybelline Define-A-Lash without cardboard packaging (just the mascara, but brand new) for $2. And that Lancome e/s palette I'm sure was like $5 or something, lol.

      What double toning process? I have to admit I've fallen off the wagon with the toning. I did it for like 2 days then just gave up :p I have been testing out other things though!

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  3. Lovely post :) That blush looks pretty and I've been meaning to pick up the FOA lip crayons, but I'm looking for something longer lasting.

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  4. These are a great range of products! I am sure you will love using them. I would love to own touche eclat, such a great highlighter. Definitely not for spots though!! x

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  5. Good luck with trying to give these products some love! I've always been intrigued by those Australis blushes, but to hear they are similar to the quality of MAC is exciting! Touch Eclat to me looks nice for a quick wake-me-up where you might not need to apply any under eye concealer underneath, being you don't have bad under eye circles, to look fresh & awake. I can always take it off your hands if you still don't get around to using it ;)
    I should have a look at the older stuff I have been ignoring! xx

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  6. I love the idea of shopping my own stash! I need to do something like this. That's the problem with us beauty enthusiasts, new products keep coming in and even some of our old favorites get pushed to the back of the drawer.
    The "Color du Jour" eyeshadow in the Lancome palette is stunning! I think it'll be perfect for the colder months and look amazing in a smokey eye.
    The Australis blush looks so flattering too.
    I totally forgot my tough as taupe, when i first got it, it was so perfect for lazy days. I just blend it all over my eyelid and on my lower lash line too and it gives me an effortless smokey eye :D
    PS CONGRATS ON NEARLY REACHING 1000 FOLLOWERS ON GFC! i just saw it on the side and got really excited for you HAHA. Hopefully one day that will be me ^^

    à la foliee

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    1. Haha yes I have been noticing that it's creeping towards 1000 but still not there yet ;) Took me more than 1.5 years! I think your blog is fantastic no matter how many followers you have :)

      Tough as Taupe would be great for a smoky eye, though I've been using mine more as a base. I think the colour is a bit too cool/grey to really complement my skin tone, so I prefer something a bit warmer and more satiny/shimmery over it.

      Would love to read a Shop My Stash post of yours!

      Delete
  7. Colour Du Jour looks so gorgeous, I love that little metallic flecks.
    I should shop my own stash too because I always use the same products.

    Kah-Feh Yen

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  8. The eyeshadow palette and blush look gorgeous!

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  9. So hard to use all your products ! I'm going to make an effort ! Love the palatte

    itsamadsmadsworld.blogspot.ca

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  10. Oh wow that Australis blusher is soooo beautiful! I love the colours in the pan. I really need to do posts like this, or at least do this! I've forgotten about so many of my favourite products, for new ones xx

    Gemma ♥ | Ɱiss Ɱakeup Ɱagpie

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  11. The Sportsgirl Time To Shine Palette looks amazing. Curse you.
    jk, but I am a bit jealous


    :)

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  12. It looks like a really nice range of products, thanks for mentioning the Maybelline Tough as Taupe - I was thinking of picking it up but I think I'll pass now. I love your photos in this post!

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  13. great post :) omg the australis blush is so pretty >__< so sad it's not available in the uk :( x

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  14. great post! I have too many products that need more affection as well.. -.-
    I had a lot of expectation for Maybelline tough as taupe but I always fail to make it work for me.. it is too ashy and it looks like I put on some dirts on my lids.. T.T
    Btw, do you think the touche eclat is worth to try? I have been wanting to buy it but I am not sure it will worth the money..

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    1. I know what you mean about Tough as Taupe - it sometimes isn't the most flattering colour just by itself! I like using it as a base and layering something over it (I did try Tender Caramel which seemed to work okay).

      I think Touche Eclat is basically a concealer-type product that is 2-3 shades lighter than your skin tone which you use to highlight discoloured/dark parts of your face for a highlighting effect rather than concealing blemishes. I probably don't know how to use it to best effect and I don't use it with enough frequency to really comment on whether it's worth buying or not. If you want something that you can use with your foundation or a powder to perfect your skin and give brightness to it, it could be what you're after. Wayne Goss (gossmakeupartist) recently did a video on Touche Eclat and how to use it properly if you're interested!

      Delete
  15. This is a fantastic idea I really need to do something similar. I neglect so many products.

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  16. Everything is so cute specially the lancome eyeshadows and australis blush, beautiful!

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  17. Ah I'd love to get my hands on some of that! I need to go through all my makeup and see what items I need to fall in love with again. I always end up using the same products every day, and everything else just sits there!
    Those palettes are gorgeous, btw!

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  18. That time to shine palette (apart from the gloss) really does look like the perfect makeup standby; no questions during the morning hustle, just a perfect spread of colors for you to slap on! Shopping your stash really can be annoying because it forces you to be creative (I say this in all honesty, haha; I myself have to force it to happen) but it's a great way to get the most use out of your makeup hoard :)


    ♥Cassie
    thriftthick.blogspot.com

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  19. Love the colours of that lancome palette! :)

    Great post! I need to sift through my mountain of a stash I'm sure theres things in there that I've forgotten about now!

    Also, I'm loving your blog and photos!

    KaKa x

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  20. I feel even more ashamed when I look at my stash because barely use up anything else other than mascara, under eye concealer, eyeliner and my brow powder. All my eyeshadows have been sitting in the drawers untouched until some random occasion comes up that is deemed important enough for me to make the extra effort lol. By comparison, I don't think you should feel too badly about being too lazy to switch up your routine HAHA. Your post is sparking an interest in me to pick out some products to do the same. :)

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    1. Awww, you should use your eyeshadows (and other makeup) more often! I guess all that means to me is you need less product to look good ;)

      Delete
  21. Definitely agree on your thoughts about the Touche Eclat. I seem to leave it out now because you do have to be careful with the amount you dab on and even how you blend it in. Otherwise, you can catch light in really unflattering places!

    Lately, I've been having a terrible issue of it not blending in properly and just sitting on top of my skin in clumps! Whattttt?!

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  22. my morning routine is usually the same too! definitely agreed with the part where you say its not a time to experiment but a time to hurry and look presentable! *high fives* for keeping makeup quick and basic!! :D

    Joyce @carouselstreet.com

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  23. I only get to experiment with different colours and products during weekends and even then sometimes I just fell into the same path as the weekdays, it's really sad because I have enough eyeshadows to last me two or three lifetimes and I'm not making much use of them as it is. I won't buy anymore eye products (except for mascara) or blushes because I have plenty of those as well and there's no need to have ten colours when I'm always using NYX Mocha or The Balm Frat Boy : /
    Australis Screen Siren looks so pretty, the kind of golden I love : )
    One way to use Tough as Taupe is not just think of it as a base for grey or taupe eyeshadows, but as a base for anything. For instance, I use it with a coral eyeshadow that is a bit too shimmery for daytime wear and it tones it down and looks very pretty. I've used it with gold as well and it turns the colour into a bronze that is subdued enough to be work appropriate ^^

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    1. Thanks for the tip! I will try it with other colours and see how it works - I especially like the sound of gold paired with it because you know how much I love my bronze shadows :p

      I know what you mean about having way too much eyeshadow (or nearly any other makeup product for that matter) and needing to use up our existing products (or at least make an effort to use the more neglected ones more frequently) rather than buying something new. It's human nature to be interested in novelty and the newest, shiniest thing getting hype - but really at the end of the day, we can only have and use so much makeup!

      Delete
  24. You should carry around the YSL Touche Eclat and give it a swipe in the office during breaks. I didn't know how to use it when I bought it and thought it did nothing, but lately I'm appreciating the value of an illuminating concealer more and more.

    Good luck with shopping the stash! Looking forward to Post #3. :)

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    1. Might do that actually! Pop it in my makeup bag for Mon-Fri and see if I get some use out of it :)

      Delete
  25. The sportgirl palette looks really nice from the swatches, I really wish that brand was over here in the UK as from reading your blog they have some lovely gems :)

    Amy xx
    A Little Boat Sailing

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