tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35012777635922831462024-03-19T17:31:06.635+11:00sleep and watersleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.comBlogger452125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-80455538630406043272020-04-18T13:39:00.000+10:002020-04-18T13:53:37.284+10:00Top 10 Podcasts (COVID Edition)Now I've been staying at home a lot more, I've been relying on podcasts to stay sane. Though I haven't made a blog post in almost a year, and this isn't beauty content, I thought I'd share some of my favourites. I'm mainly into "culture" podcasts with a dash of current affairs and psychology.<br />
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<u>Slate's Culture Gabfest</u><br />
My #1, forever and always. I don't know how else to describe Culture Gabfest except is it truly one of the highlights of my life. I never want to stop hearing what Steve, Dana and Julia have to say. It's almost unbelievable that week in, week out, they produce one hour of perfect, wonderful listening. And it's free!<br />
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<u>Keep It</u><br />
So entertaining. So relevant to my pop culture interests. Louis's witty, keen observations and Ira's bursts of mellifluous, flowing laughter in every podcast are a balm to my soul. Aida is settling nicely into the mix and I much (MUCH) prefer her to the previous female co-host who was just a little too prone to ranting and unrelenting negativity.<br />
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<u>Still Processing</u><br />
A relatively shorter podcast, but very well conceived and produced. There's a genuine rapport between Jenna and Wesley, two empathetic, urban, politically/socially engaged individuals, as they discuss and mentally unpack the topic at hand. (By the way, they both have such pleasant-sounding, perfectly calibrated voices.) The level of analysis and critique is a cut above the rest.<br />
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<u>Armchair Expert</u><br />
If you're into podcasts, I doubt you need any introduction to this one. The best thing about Armchair Expert is the loving, playful, close-as-close-can-be friendship between Monica and Dax. Like, truly #goals. It's the backbone of the show and makes it what it is. I love how Monica has slowly been coming into her own and sharing more of her personality and life with the listeners, including her podcast Monica & Jess Love Boys (also GREAT). Dax is honest, curious, open, self-deprecating, warm, and a great interviewer.<br />
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<u>Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend</u><br />
It was this podcast that finally made me a bona fide Conan fan. I paid $150 to see him at the State Theatre in Sydney last year and I was there because I love Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend. It's hilarious, he has the best guests, and Sona is a breath of fresh air and the perfect foil to Conan. There was an extended comedic bit that Conan did at the end of one of the episodes which had me bowled over, crying in laughter. The part with Wanda Sykes imitating a 911 call reporting a murder and the caller feigning innocence is something I had to go back and find just to listen to again and laugh and laugh and laugh. But it's not all just fun and games. The episode with Stephen Colbert is truly wonderful as they share stories about their Catholic upbringing. Despite acting like an arrogant, self-obsessed overlord and denigrating Sona and Matt constantly, you always know deep down inside, Conan radiates thoughtfulness and humanity.<br />
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<u>Slate's Spoiler Specials</u><br />
Sometimes listening to Spoiler Specials is better than the experience of the actual movie. I listen to this podcast when I have no intention to watch the movie they're spoiling, when I'm too chicken to watch it and need the whole plot uncovered and explained first (Hereditary), or right after I've watched a movie or TV show and want to hear the thoughts of the hosts. I love Dana and the guests that she has on are always so articulate and engaging.<br />
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<u>Blank Check</u><br />
Yes, sometimes it's just a touch too self-indulgently meandering, and it really is some "nerdy shit", but there's an undeniable charm to Blank Check's unedited, shooting-the-shit-with-friends vibe. After a while, you like the fact you can understand the in-jokes, despite how close they dance to tedium (but perhaps that's the point?). Griffin's knowledge of the box office is actually ridiculous and scarily impressive. Both David and Griffin just know SO much and love movies and are the best of buddies, and that is a joy. Also, from this podcast I've discovered Griffin's sister <a href="https://www.instagram.com/foodbyromilly/?hl=en">Romilly</a>, and umm ... is a 22 year old allowed to be this cool?<br />
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<u>Making Sense with Sam Harris</u><br />
Not every episode is something I jump to listen to, but this is a good option for a dose of even-keeled, largely academic discourse. I know this podcast is a favourite of Dax and Monica's (along with Malcolm Gladwell's Revisionist History), and the few episodes I have listened to have definitely been worthwhile, including two recent ones dedicated to COVID-19.<br />
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<u>Off Camera with Sam Jones</u><br />
For the sheer detail and depth that the featured actors go into about their careers, successes and disappointments, processes and methods, and how they face their fears, Off Camera is in a league of its own. I can imagine how inspiring it is to anyone wanting to 'make it' in the film industry. Memorable episodes include Emily Mortimer, Javier Bardem and D'Arcy Caden.<br />
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<u>Staying In with Emily & Kumail</u><br />
With just five full episodes so far, Staying In has become a fast new favourite. I mean, first of all, it's topical, being about the couple's experience while quarantined in the time of coronavirus - and hence the most relatable to what we're all going through. It's revolutionary to hear Kumail talk about what made him cry during the week in a way that normalises male expression of emotion that isn't just anger. But most of all, the relationship between Emily and Kumail is truly just so beautiful that it just gives you hope there is such a thing as 'the one', because they seem to be exactly that to each other.sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-39950640728929022172019-06-16T15:32:00.000+10:002019-06-18T20:07:19.368+10:00Quickie SatisfactionI have to admit I've been following the <b>Jaclyn Cosmetics</b> lipstick drama a little too closely (like, watched all the YouTube videos, read all the Twitter and reddit threads, you name it). Whatever your conclusions might be, the whole thing has inspired me to revisit lipsticks. Jaclyn Hill claims lipsticks were her first makeup love and that much I share with her. If you read this blog, you'll know ― I love lipsticks! I've gone off them the past couple of years as my general interest in makeup has waned, but the 80+ tubes I have lying around at home are a testament to my past obsession. My most recent proper lipstick purchase was sometime late last year, when I ordered <b>Colourpop</b> Lux Lipstick in <i>Quickie</i>. The creamy but pigmented formula and the peachy nude shade is what I imagine Jaclyn Cosmetics could be ... though at this rate I most likely will never find out with all the issues with the launch and the exorbitant international shipping cost.<br />
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<b>Colourpop</b> is a company that continues to suck me in, though I haven't been thrilled with most of what I've ordered from them. These Lux Lipsticks however, from my experience with <i>Quickie</i>, could be a turning point (or a firm hit among a sea of 'meh' and misses). First, the price point is great, as always. I ordered mine for $6 USD, though I just looked at their website and they're $7.50 now (when did that happen?). That's a 25% price hike ... which while still affordable, seems like a big increase.<br />
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Having said that, if I found a colour that I particularly liked and thought would be flattering on me, I'd have no problem paying $7.50 USD for one Lux Lipstick (though I usually order when they have a free international shipping promotion or when I have enough I want to buy to qualify for free shipping). The packaging is absolutely beautiful and the lipstick component feels well made and not cheap or poor quality. I have to admit the first thing I thought of when I saw the rose gold exterior and star motif was <b>Charlotte Tilbury</b>, but hey, even if a blatant rip off, it unquestionably works to make the thing aesthetically pleasing. The formulation is opaque, not too drying, and creamy without being overly thick. It reminds me a bit of <b>MAC</b> Amplified finish. It's a satin finish with decent lasting power so long as you're not eating/drinking constantly. This particular shade does have a tendency to settle into lip lines and look almost too pigmented when freshly applied, but after a while when it wears off slightly, the problem solves itself and the lipstick looks more natural and evenly applied.<br />
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The only thing that prevents me from LOVING the lipstick is the colour. It's a touch too light and pastel for my skin tone. It's one of those lipsticks that makes your teeth look more yellow when you smile. It washes my complexion out and is more a nude lipstick to complement a particular makeup look, as opposed to something you slap on without much thought to add a flattering colour to your lips. I would've loved this shade a few years ago when I was crazy about pastels and peach, but I've evolved, learned from my mistakes, and know better. Now, I prefer something a tad darker, with more of a brownish nude/rose slant. Basically, if <b>Colourpop</b> could please dupe <b>NYX</b> Soft Matte Lip Cream in <i>Abu Dhabi</i> in Lux Lipstick form, my search would be over.sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-28786508032623952282019-01-02T17:15:00.002+11:002019-01-02T17:15:55.129+11:00Prime, Glow, GlitterAll right, let's finish up with the last of the recently purchased products.<br />
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<b>Bobbi Brown</b> Vitamin Enriched Face Base<br />
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<u>Rating</u>: 7/10<br />
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The only reason I bought this was because pre-Christmas, <b>Bobbi Brown</b> were having a free full size highlighter with $80 purchase. On top of that, American Express had a $20 cashback offer on purchases of $80 or more on the Bobbi Brown website. So basically, I could get two full size products worth $165 for $65.<br />
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I picked the Vitamin Enriched Face Base as I couldn't bring myself to buy more makeup, and reviews online were generally positive. I'd seen it featured in a few YouTube videos as well, but ordinarily would never bring myself to pay $85 for a moisturiser/primer. I do enjoy the citrus scent and the packaging is suitably luxe (though the jar is now plastic rather than glass), but in terms of texture and performance, it leaves me underwhelmed. It's quite thick and while not greasy, sits on the heavier side of creams. I don't notice it doing anything in terms of improving the application or wear of my foundation. I prefer more serum-like/liquid, lighter-textured products for priming, like <b>Eve Lom</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com/2016/02/eve-lom-at-non-eve-lom-prices.html">Flawless Radiance Primer</a> or the <b>Too Faced</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com/2017/12/best-of-2017.html">Hangover Primer</a>, which help meld the foundation and produce a translucent luminosity to the skin. The Vitamin Enriched Face Base reminds me more of a thicker night cream than a daytime moisturiser that doubles as a primer. A little bit does go a long way, so even with regular use, the jar should last a while.<br />
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<b>Bobbi Brown</b> Highlighting Powder in <i>Afternoon Glow</i><br />
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<u>Rating</u>: 8/10<br />
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This was the free product that I selected with my Vitamin Enriched Face Base. I've always been curious about Bobbi Brown highlighters, but they're so eyewateringly expensive that they never seemed worth the money. <i>Afternoon Glow</i> is a beautiful, ethereal pink highlighter that appears to have a white pearl sheen on the skin. The way it sits on the skin is a testament to its quality, in that you can't detect product sitting on the skin and it doesn't emphasise texture or appear dry and chunky at the end of the day. The texture is similar to <b>MAC</b> Extra Dimension Skinfinish, <b>Anastasia Beverly Hills</b> Amrezy highlighter or <b>Laura Mercier</b> Face Illuminator, in that it's not super creamy or densely pigmented (like <b>Becca</b> Shimmering Skin Perfectors, <b>theBalm</b> Mary-Lou Manizer, <b>ABH</b> Sun Dipped/Sugar Glow Kits), but more on the drier side with no fallout. I have tried it with numerous brushes and I like <b>Real Techniques</b> Setting Brush best for more precise placement, and <b>Real Techniques</b> Blush Brush for a more seamless, all over glow. If using the Blush Brush, I prefer to apply highlighter before blush, so I can blend my blush into my highlighter with less obvious demarcation between the two.<br />
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<b>Marc Jacobs</b> See-quins Glam Glitter Eyeshadow in <i>Topaz Flash</i><br />
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<u>Rating</u>: 10/10<br />
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I basically never buy single shadows, especially those that cost $36 a pop, but when I saw these featured on Instagram and in YouTube videos, I knew they were something special. I literally have nothing to complain about when it comes to this elegant glittergasm of an eyeshadow. It is simply perfection. The multicoloured glitters are everything, it's so festively sparkly, there is no pesky fallout, it's easy to apply with the fingers, it glimmers all day and all night. Limited edition for the holiday — I would advise checking these out if you haven't already ASAP.sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-90036991822467321622018-12-24T20:59:00.001+11:002018-12-24T20:59:07.272+11:00Had to Have MinisThe second last installment, I promise! (Also see parts <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com/2018/12/rating-holiday-beauty-buys.html">1</a> & <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com/2018/12/green-glamour-jetsetting-nowhere.html">2</a>.)<br />
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<b>Stila</b> 3D Dazzle Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow Set<br />
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<u>Rating</u>: 6/10<br />
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After missing out on the previous incarnations of this set, I was determined to make this set of three mini Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows mine. This one comes with <i>Golden Girl </i>("duochrome golden fawn"), <i>Perlina</i> ("duochrome opalescent white, bright blue, pink and purple pearl") and <i>Kitten Karma</i> ("champagne with silver and copper sparkle").<br />
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l-r: <i>Perlina</i>, <i>Golden Girl</i>, <i>Kitten Karma</i></div>
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I found these to be a relative disappointment. First, <i>Golden Girl</i> (the shade unique to this set) is really sheer and at the same time, quite similar in colour to <i>Kitten Karma</i>. It's basically a sparser, more watery version of <i>Kitten Karma</i> minus the chunkier silver glitter. Second, while I was strongly drawn to the iridescent glitter in <i>Perlina</i>, and admittedly it's more pigmented than the similar <b>MAC</b> Dazzleshadow Liquid in <i>Not Afraid to Sparkle </i>which I recently purchased <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com/2018/09/it-doesnt-count-when-youre-on-holiday.html">on holiday</a>, it has a strong white, pearly base which isn't the most flattering against my yellow skin tone. <i>Kitten Karma</i> is the most reflective and glitter-dense, but I have similar, albeit less intense, cream shadows like <b>Colourpop</b> Super Shock Shadow in <i><a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com/2015/05/colourpop-curious.html">Amaze</a></i> and <b>Australis</b> AC/ME Eyeshadow in <i><a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com/2015/02/wet-foil.html">Bronzonce</a></i>.<br />
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The main problem with these liquid shadows is when applied over other shadows as a glitter topper, they dissolve what's underneath. When I placed this over a powder eyeshadow and then tried to blend it, a bare patch of eyelid emerged. The only way I've gotten around this is by taking a tiny amount of product onto my fingertip, then gently dabbing it my lid, making sure I don't blend into or rub anything that's already been laid down. If you apply directly with the applicator onto your bare lid, there's less of an issue, but it does set fairly quickly so you'll need to work swiftly to blend out the edges to your satisfaction before it's too late.<br />
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The packaging is beautiful and the set is good value for money compared with buying one full size shadow, but I wasn't in love with either the colours or the application. Combined with the two <b>MAC</b> Dazzleshadow Liquid Eyeshadows I purchased, I can safely say I'm done with these glitter topper/liquid shadows. I'm sticking with creams and powders. Way less temperamental.<br />
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<b>Bite Beauty</b> Sweet Treats: Holiday Hangover Lip Care Set<br />
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Rating: 8/10<br />
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Containing 5g of the Agave Lip Mask in <i>Lavender</i>, a mini Agave Lip Balm (2g) and a sample of the Agave Sugar Lip Scrub, this is a bargain at $19. I've always wanted to try the Agave Lip Mask but a tube costs $40 which I simply cannot bring myself to fork out for A LIP BALM. However, this duo of smaller sizes in miniaturised packaging is the perfect introduction at a much more palatable price point. I love the lavender scent of the Agave Lip Mask, though it does impart a tiny bit of a blueish-purplish tint to the lips. Nothing too noticeable, but I would've preferred completely clear. The Agave Lip Mask is comfortably plush and cushiony in texture and more like Lanolips than Kiehl's/Carmex/Blistex/Vaseline. It also tastes sugary, if that's your jam. The mini lip balm has pleasing matte packaging and is adorably tiny, and with such a small amount of product, there's a high likelihood I might actually be able to finish it, unlike the 1091829 other lip balms I have lying around, some dating back to the Dark Ages. It's a bit of a harder texture but does soften upon contact with the lips. I love the scrumptious vanilla scent and I've found it makes an excellent base for matte liquid lipsticks as it's slightly tacky and moisturising but not shiny or greasy. The lip scrub sample was packed with largeish sugar granules and oils, but I didn't find it to be anything transformative on the lips and you can get similar products for much cheaper (e.g. <b>Lush</b>).sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-34859658735831148182018-12-23T19:27:00.001+11:002018-12-23T19:27:08.165+11:00Green Glamour, Jetsetting NowhereContinued on <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com/2018/12/rating-holiday-beauty-buys.html">from yesterday</a>, part 2/17921 of rating my recent holiday beauty purchases.<br />
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<b>Huda Beauty</b> Emerald Obsessions Palette<br />
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<u>Rating</u>: 8/10<br />
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The first thing I've bought from <b>Huda Beauty</b>, since the bigger palettes are $$$ and at that price point, have to be truly exceptional to get me to purchase. Green seems to be the colour du jour and while this is not exactly the <b>Melt</b> Gemini palette, it swatched so beautifully in YouTube videos and had pretty good reviews, so I snapped it up when Sephora had their store-wide 15% off sale.<br />
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As a "green" palette, I appreciate the range of colours, textures and finishes you get. There's everything from glimmering pale sage green, matte seafoam, an almost Tiffany blue, turquoise-leaning metallics, khaki, olive, deep forest greens and a bright lime-yellow. Some might call it incoherent, but here, I like the variety. There are some shades that are unique to my collection, which is always a big plus when buying something new. The pigmentation ranges from "meh" (mainly one or two of the mattes) to surprisingly great.<br />
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The real question is: would I wear any of these shades? I can say that since I purchased it, I've played around with it a couple of times, but I've never worn it out. It's too green for daily office wear, and it's still too green for grocery shopping at the weekend. That's simply my personal comfort level/preference, not any judgement against those that wear colour whenever they please. Doesn't mean I don't like the palette or that I regret buying it. Just that I'm not going to get a lot of wear out of it. Probably the most neutral look you could achieve is the matte khaki shade all over the lid, with the option of the lightest glitter topper dabbed on the centre for added sparkle.<br />
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I have watched a whole bunch of tutorials using this palette on YouTube, and it's versatile enough to create a range of truly eye-catching looks. Having said that, I doubt I could recreate any of the looks on myself, with my monolids and shoddy eye makeup skills. I'm much more a "throw on one colour all over the lid, then a darker colour closer to the lash line if I can be bothered" kinda gal.<br />
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<b>Omorovicza</b> Queen of Hungary Mist<br />
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<u>Rating</u>: 8/10 (but 3/10 for affordability)<br />
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This is a <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-royal-treatment.html">repurchase</a>. Can I say I was an OG fan, having first bought a bottle in 2013? The packaging is so luxe and beautiful, the spray is super fine (you can barely feel anything on your face, for better or worse), and I enjoy the scent. When I found out there was a 30ml bottle for $29, it seemed like an achievable way to bring back something very expensive but very nice into my life. Plus Mecca had complimentary express shipping on that day and that combined with 3 free samples of things I never asked for is usually enough to make me start typing in my PayPal details.<br />
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<b>Fresh</b> Facial on the Fly Skincare Set<br />
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<u>Rating</u>: 7/10<br />
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The price ($36, but I purchased at 15% off, so $30.6) was the main selling point of this set. You get the Soy Face Cleanser (20ml), Rose Face Mask (15ml) and Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream (15ml). I've already tried the cleanser and enjoyed it (gently foaming, refreshing cucumber scent, ideal for mornings), and I recently tried the face cream while holidaying in Hawaii and LOVED it (I swear applying it as a night cream for a few days singlehandedly fixed my sunburned, dehydrated skin). I hadn't tried the Rose Face Mask but was curious to and would never buy the full size as it's too expensive. It's okay, nothing special. It has a watery, jelly consistency and adds more moisture into the skin. Nothing I'm crazy about or would repurchase. I have so many cleanser and face cream minis though, that I probably could have done without buying this set. Still, I convince myself these small sizes are great for travel, despite travelling, like, 3% of the 365 days in a year.sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-29693828736016091672018-12-22T18:17:00.000+11:002018-12-22T18:45:13.378+11:00Rating Holiday Beauty BuysAnd by "holiday beauty buys", I merely mean stuff I've purchased in the last couple of months leading up to Christmas. I've been visiting Sephora and Mecca Maxima/Cosmetica at an alarming rate, and couldn't pass up Priceline's recent 50% off makeup sale. And let's not even mention online shopping, probably my ultimate weakness. Dedicated trips to my Australia Post Parcel Locker constitute my most regular form of exercise.<br />
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In any effort to blog more often, I've decided to rate just 1-2 products per post. (Well, that might not be 100% true, it's more that I'm also lazy and doing a mammoth post featuring a lot of products is both a long hard slog to write and read.) So, little tid bits!<br />
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Speaking of photos, I've just read that Flickr, the website I use to upload photos for my blog, is implementing the below changes:<br />
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<u>January 8, 2019</u>: Free accounts will be limited to 1,000 photos and videos. Free accounts with more than 1,000 items will no longer be able to upload new photos or videos.<br />
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<u>February 4, 2019</u>: Any items over the 1,000-upload limit will be at risk of deletion, starting with the oldest of the items.
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Which is to say I guess I've no choice but to start uploading my pictures directly to Blogger from now on, and that there could be disappearing images on the blog from February. Thanks, Flickr.<br />
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Anyway, back to the products.<br />
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Let's start with the biggest disappointment.<br />
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<b>Maybelline</b> Countdown Palette<br />
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<u>Rating</u>: 2/10<br />
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When I bought this, there was no tester in the store and no swatches or reviews online. But, because I was <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BoxkHtAHQAj/">fairly happy</a> with the <b>Maybelline</b> Soda Pop Palette, and noticing this palette was made in Italy (ooohhh), I took a chance. It is an insane $29.95 RRP in Australia, but I purchased this at half price from Priceline. There is no doubt in my mind if there was a tester, I wouldn't have wasted my money.<br />
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Billed as Maybelline's holiday palette, I was conjuring images of impossibly pigmented, sparkly, glittery shadows in flattering festive shades. The reality is, it's chalky, dry, chunky, lacking pigmentation (except for maybe one matte and two metallic shades), and just totally unnecessary in the scheme of the palettes I already own. If you like the matte berry/magenta/orange shades, I have everything from <b>Anastasia Beverly Hills</b> Modern Renaissance to the original <b>Morphe</b> x Jaclyn Hill <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com/2015/06/playing-favourites.html">Favorites Palette</a> (the one that no one remembers or cares about anymore). The metallic goldy/peachy shades are also extremely reminiscent of the <b>Too Faced</b> Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar Palette. Basically, I already have superior versions of the colours in this palette.<br />
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The four larger pans, which appear to be more eyeshadow bases or toppers and could even pass for face highlighters, are generic, uninspiring and very average in quality. They're so light in colour that they're more a sheen on the lids than anything that provides definition. The only shade that truly caught my eye, and that I had high hopes for, was the glittery copper at the centre bottom right. Sadly that also proved to be a letdown. Even then, it's still the most interesting and "special" shade in the entire palette, despite being flaky, weak in pigment, fall out central, and overall underwhelming. If I wanted a beautiful gold glitter topper, I could just get out my <b>Charlotte Tilbury</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com/2015/02/smoke-and-stars.html">Dolce Vita</a> quad, or the incomparable gold leaf shade in the <b>Clarins</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-true-odyssey.html">Odyssey palette</a>, still one of the most stunning things in makeup I've ever seen.<br />
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Lesson learned: don't buy unless there's a tester. And thoroughly scan existing inventory to see if anything matches what you already have. Of course, rational tests like this should be second nature for someone who has spent thousands of dollars on makeup. Let's hope failing constantly will one day produce change.<br />
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<b>Maybelline</b> Fit Me Loose Powder<br />
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<u>Rating</u>: 6.5/10<br />
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I was extremely hyped for this given NikkieTutorials swears by it and it takes approximately 12 years for anything "hot" to make it to Australia. I should've probably reflected on Nikkie's makeup style and application vs. my own in deciding to purchase this. I basically never powder and if I do, it's almost always with a pressed powder. In fact, this might be my very first loose powder purchase ... pretty remarkable when you consider how long I've been into makeup.<br />
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It has all the usual pitfalls of loose powders, being having to turn the jar upside down to get powder out, the struggle to get the right amount of product on your brush, the potential messiness and spillage. I use the best of the best to get it on my face (<b>Wayne Goss</b> Brush 00), and it does apply to the skin nicely and provide a more matte, smoother appearance. But my main feeling is I don't think it does anything for my makeup application. As oil control, it's entirely ineffective (I experienced little to no meaningful difference in how oily my skin was during the day using it and not using it). It perhaps locked in my base for a little bit longer, but seemingly at the expense of slightly cakier skin. I found that when used all over, other powders (blushes, highlighters) looked more chunky, visibly sitting on the surface and not melding into the skin, especially near the under eye area. I prefer a dewier, more glossy complexion, and I've accepted there is basically no good way to eliminate oils from the skin except for a good blot, so this loose powder just seems like a fiddly, extra step in my routine that provides no clear benefit. Results may be better if applied with a damp sponge, so at the very least there's room for improvement with experimentation.sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-44752241898603723482018-09-15T19:28:00.001+10:002018-09-15T19:49:50.871+10:00It Doesn't Count When You're on HolidayI've just come back from a week and a half in Hawaii, and surprisingly hauled more products over there than I anticipated. My bounty was at least double that of my <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com/2017/10/holiday-beauty-haul.html">previous holiday</a> to Singapore/Malaysia, but I guess the shopping in the US is always a notch above other destinations. I tried to limit myself to things not yet released in Australia, or that potentially might never be, or items I've been eyeing that worked out to be a little cheaper. It did help that my trip coincided with the Sephora Beauty Insider Appreciation Event Sale, so I could get 10% off some of the stuff I bought (because after visiting the US in 2012 and again in 2015, I have an American profile). However, the horrid state of the Australian dollar did mean the savings were scant.<br />
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What I ended up getting (all prices in USD, multiply by 4.712% for tax and then 1.4 for AUD conversion):<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Kiehl's</b> Lip Balm #1 in Pear ($9)</li>
<li><b>Anastasia Beverly Hills</b> Norvina palette ($42)</li>
<li><b>Origins</b> Bestsellers Best Skin Set ($29)</li>
<li><b>Sunday Riley</b> Flash Fix Kit ($28)</li>
<li><b>Laline</b> mini Body Souffle in Hawaii ($12.50)</li>
<li><b>MAC</b> Dazzleshadow Liquid in <i>Rayon Rays</i> and <i>Not Afraid to Sparkle</i> ($22 each)</li>
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I also repurchased a mini 50g tube of <b>Origins</b> Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask ($12), a travel size <b>MAC</b> Fix+ ($12) and a travel size <b>Laura Mercier</b> Tinted Moisturiser in <i>Nude</i> ($24). </div>
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I've wanted to try <b>Sunday Riley</b> Good Genes for forever, but at $154 for 30ml, forever had to wait. When I came across this Flash Fix Kit in Sephora, I had no cause for hesitation. At a relatively affordable $28 USD ($41 AUD), it contained 8ml of Good Genes and 30ml of Ceramic Slip Cleanser. The cleanser I could take or leave, as it seemed more targeted to oily/combination skin (and mine's more normal/dry), but I figured I was paying a pro rata amount to try Good Genes at a much more palatable price point. Engaging some basic maths: 8ml/30ml = 26.67%, multiplied by $154 AUD = exactly $41, the cost of the set. The cleanser was practically a bonus.<br />
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As excited as I was to try the set, Hawaii was probably not the best time and place to start. Good Genes is a lactic acid treatment and therefore you need to exercise extra caution in protecting your skin from the sun while using it. That didn't exactly click in my brain until the day after I tried it for the first time, then spent a day in full Hawaiian sunshine. Let's just say my skin didn't thank me for it. By necessity, I stayed far away from both Good Genes and Ceramic Slip for the rest of the trip. From my first impression, Good Genes is probably more potent than my skin is used to, so I'm not sure if it'll work for me. In terms of chemical exfoliation, I use <b>Pixi</b> Glow Tonic and have a 8ml tube of <b>Drunk Elephant</b> T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum (plus a very old, completely neglected mini of Alpha-H Liquid Gold somewhere), so it's nothing new to me and I'm not lacking in options.<br />
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This <b>Origins</b> set was something I found hard to pass up due to the value proposition. At $29 USD ($43 AUD), it contains Plantscription Anti-Aging Power Serum (15ml), GinZing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturiser (30ml), Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion (100ml), Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash (30ml) and Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask (15ml). The main appeal of Sephora to me are the minis and mini sets they come out with, so I spotted this one on the shelf and immediately picked it up.<br />
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I've been buying a lot of <b>Origins</b> lately (back in Sydney a few months prior, I'd purchased the limited edition Delete Dullness & Energise Gift Set for $64 which included High Potency Night-A-Mins Mineral-Enriched Renewal Cream (50ml), High Potency Night-A-Mins Skin Refining Oil (15ml), GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream (5ml) and GinZing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturiser (30ml)). I think I'm going to take a break from <b>Origins</b> for the foreseeable future and either finish up everything I've purchased, and/or explore other brands. From what I've tried, their products look nice, perform decently enough, and are pleasant to use in terms of scent/texture, but the results on my skin haven't been transformative or anything.<br />
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The <b>Kiehl's</b> pear lip balm was something I intended to purchase in Australia, but never found it in stock. A colleague had it in her cosmetics bag, and I tried some and loved the authentic, juicy/watery scent, so I had put it on my mental wishlist to purchase. In the meantime, I'd bought the <b>Lanolips</b> pear lip balm as a substitute, but the scent was so disappointing to me that it only reinforced how much I wanted the <b>Kiehl's</b>. And yes, it's basically flavoured Vaseline (thin, borderline greasy and lightweight in feel), but a tube does last a long time and I have a lot of other thicker balms and lip treatments to even things out.<br />
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<b>Laline</b> is an Israeli body care/skin care brand that I first encountered while in San Francisco a few years ago, and I was sucked in by the "Hawaii exclusive" that they had for one of their body souffles. The scent is actually just their usual Ocean scent (with fragrance notes of sandalwood, cedarwood, jasmine and ginger), but the combination of not being available in Australia, the powder blue/gold seashell packaging and the rich but non-greasy texture was enough for me. I was debating buying the body scrub as well (they do a demonstration in store and your skin has never felt softer after), but I noticed my arm had broken out in little red dots after and the price was a little steep for me to pull the trigger.<br />
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I was undecided on whether to buy the Norvina palette by <b>Anastasia Beverly Hills</b> prior to my trip. When I first saw it, I was overcome with that familiar feeling of NEEDING it. But then I watched a few more YouTube videos where the reaction wasn't overwhelming positive, and my enthusiasm started to cool. Rationally, I knew the last thing I need is more eyeshadow (or ANY makeup for that matter), but a part of me still wanted to get at least one "big ticket" item while on holiday. So, Norvina it was.<br />
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First, the way it swatched in store impressed me. The colour that I thought would most draw me in (<i>Soul</i>) became the least appealing to me, as in person, I realised how unflattering it most likely would be when applied to the eyes. But what sealed the deal was the top row of shimmers that are so intense and dense feeling and smooth, they border on creams. You literally only need a light touch to deposit full pigment. I tried this palette the first time and stuck to the neutrals, with the matte <i>Volatile</i> blended over the lid, then pressed <i>Dazzling</i> over the centre of my lid with my finger and blended the edges, and it was the prettiest look I'd worn in a while. For me, the only slightly questionable colour is <i>Drama</i> as it had more of a gritty texture that needed a few passes with the finger to blend out smoothly in the swatch (reminded me a lot of the metallics in some <b>Sleek</b> i-Divine Eyeshadow Palettes). I also feel like I've seen that type of deep purply-brown in a lot of places and never use it. The same could be said for the golds/bronzes, but at least they're timeless staples.<br />
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(On a somewhat unrelated note, I'm starting to become convinced I am allergic to pinky/red shades. Every time I put them on my eyes, I get itchy, which invariably leads to swelling, redness, then dryness/scaliness the next day. Happened when I paired <i>Love</i> and <i>Wild Child</i>, happened when I tried the <b>Natasha Denona</b> Joya palette.)<br />
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l-r: <i>Rayon Rays</i>, <i>Not Afraid to Sparkle</i></div>
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I've been drawn to the <b>Stila</b> Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows pretty much since they launched, but have yet to purchase one. I've deeply regretted passing on the set of 3 minis in <i>Rose Gold Retro</i>, <i>Kitten Karma</i> and <i>Smoldering Satin</i>. They've since released more sets, but with other, less appealing shades. When I saw <b>MAC</b> launched a new product called Dazzleshadow Liquid, it was clear these were their version of the <b>Stila </b>Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows.<br />
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I'd first seen <i>Rayon Rays</i> on makeup artist and earring aficionado <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmMBVhXAtbo/?taken-by=katiejanehughes">Katie Jane Hughes</a>, and it appeared the most "wearable" colour for my eyeshadow preferences, so that one was a no-brainer. But I also simply loved the iridescent glitter in <i>Not Afraid to Sparkle</i> (very reminiscent of <b>Stila</b> <i>Perlina</i>, which I was very tempted by but didn't buy), so why deny myself? At $22 USD ($32.25 AUD), they're barely $3 cheaper than the <b>Stila</b> shadows, but for some reason the <b>MAC</b> Dazzleshadow Liquid is priced at $40 in Australia, so the notion of "saving" a few dollars proved persuasive. To be honest, most of the shades were really eye-catching and pretty, especially under the bright department store lights. It was hard to narrow it down to just 2. I can't compare the <b>MAC</b> and <b>Stila</b>, but I suspect they're very similar in every respect, and any differences would come down to your preferred shades and packaging. I intend to wear these as a topper over powder eyeshadow, primarily for special occasions like parties/weddings for that extra festivity and sparkle, but equally on an ordinary Tuesday when you just feel like adding some glitter.sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-80939000899852775492018-07-14T16:29:00.003+10:002018-07-14T22:45:59.924+10:00Current Makeup/Skin Care Menu #5It's winter in Australia, so a traditionally very lazy time of year when it comes to makeup. That, or I've reached the stage where I'm favouring a more pared down routine, reaching for the same products each time without inclination to mix things up. Sort of like Steve Jobs and his same outfit every day. If it's working for me now and it saves me the time and effort having to decide what to use on a daily basis, then I'm happily sticking to the same old. At least until the weather starts warming up.<br />
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<b>Pixi</b> Glow Tonic<br />
Can I flatter myself by saying I was an <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com/2013/12/november-favourites.html">early adopter</a> of this stuff? Of course, recommended by Caroline Hirons back in the day when it used to come in a rectangular bottle with a pump. Though it's been 5 years since I first started using it, I haven't been completely loyal ever since. But that's more because I'm not that disciplined when it comes to toning and exfoliation in general. However, I started using this regularly a few months ago and I'm converted again. It makes a BIG difference to my skin when incorporated into my daily regime. I cleanse with an oil, wipe this all over with a facial pad, follow with a hydrating toner (see below), then slather on moisturiser mixed with a couple drops of rosehip and avocado oil. The condition of my skin has been smooth, supple, hydrated, relatively blemish-free (still human, so not totally immune to the odd spot), without signs of flakiness or dryness typical of the season. I've since purchased 2 bottles as backup, so you know I'm not messing around.<br />
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<u>Ingredients</u>: Water/Aqua/Eau, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycolic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract, Hexylene Glycol, Fructose, Glucose, Sucrose, Urea, Dextrin, Alanine, Glutamic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Hexyl Nicotinate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Biotin, Panthenol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Caramel, Red 4 (CI 14700).<br />
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<b>Mario Badescu</b> Facial Spray with Aloe, Chamomile and Lavender<br />
I wanted a simple, inexpensive but effective hydrating toner to follow <b>Pixi</b> Glow Tonic, and this newish release popped up on my radar. I've always been curious about the <b>Mario Badescu</b> sprays since they're quite affordable ($10 for 118ml, $17 for double that amount) and seem to be decently reviewed. I know this is basically just water with a minuscule amount of other things thrown in that may or may not have any real benefit to my skin, but so far, I'm enjoying it. I haven't had any reaction to it and it's a nice mist of calm hydration following my morning and evening cleanse. The scent isn't as dreamy as I'd hoped with the promise of authentic lavender (I don't really detect any sweetness or earthiness to it, it's more of a harsh/cold herbal scent), but I don't have any major complaints.<br />
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<u>Ingredients</u>: Aqua (Water, Eau), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract, Silver Citrate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzophenone-4, Triethanolamine, Zeolite, Sodium Sulfate, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, CI 60730 (Violet 2).<br />
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<b>Laura Mercier</b> Foundation Primer - Radiance<br />
The news of <b>Laura Mercier</b> exiting the Australian market reminded me to actually start using the Laura Mercier products I have. I haven't bought a heap from the brand over the years, but the quality and performance of the products I have tried have consistently been excellent, so it's a real bummer they've decided to pull the plug. I think I read recently that Meghan Markle just used this primer on days when she wanted to boost and brighten her complexion, but not wear a full face of foundation, so naturally I started to mix a bit of this into my foundation every day. Not only does it add very natural but effective luminosity, but it's a bit of a thicker consistency and accordingly, bulks up my lightweight, more liquid foundation (<b>Bourjois</b> Healthy Mix Serum) so that it adheres to my skin better and has greater longevity. The only thing is that patches of gold shimmer in the primer can be apparent if you don't thoroughly blend the primer/foundation concoction into your skin, so a bit of extra care needs to be taken for a smooth, streak-free result.<br />
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<b>LA Girl Cosmetics</b> Glide Gel Eyeliner Pencil in <i>Very Black</i><br />
I needed a replacement for my beloved but long discontinued <b>Savvy by DB</b> Luxury Liner in <i>Shimmering Slate</i>, and this was inexpensive but well reviewed. I don't love it quite as much as the Savvy by DB, but it's definitely up there. It's nicely black, long lasting, smooth but not too melty, and as its name suggests, glides on and doesn't tug at the eyelids whatsoever. It's also much easier to remove at the end of the day than the Savvy by DB, which is a big plus.<br />
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<b>Clinique</b> Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes in <i>Lots o' Latte</i><br />
I feel like I've been sleeping on this for years, though it's been <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com/2015/10/best-gwp-ever.html">sitting in my makeup drawers</a> all this time. It's literally the only eyeshadow I've been using every single day. There's something so liberating about slapping this on without thought and being done. It takes <1 minute and there's no primer involved, no brushes (which will later have to be washed), no careful, time-consuming blending (just use your fingers to fade out the edges a bit). The satin taupey/browny/mushroomy shade is deep enough to add definition, but not so much that you have panda eyes in the daytime. There's also not that much shimmer or glitter that a lot of eyeshadow crayons have, which seems more fitting with winter when a more subdued matte look might be preferable.<br />
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<b>Clinique</b> Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes in <i>Lots o' Latte</i></div>
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<b>Real Techniques</b> Blush Brush<br />
Every now and then, you learn something truly revolutionary through a YouTube makeup video or tutorial. That occurred to me recently when I saw Mariah Leonard's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkuTZLDEwDo&t=914s">Glass Skin Foundation Routine</a>. Basically, she advocates using a big fluffy brush like the <b>Real Techniques</b> Blush Brush, then using a very light, delicate touch with your highlighter powder, and applying the product in large circular motions around the cheekbones and browbone, then dusting your brush across your forehead, down the bridge of your nose, and chin. The main points are to ditch your usual highlighting brush which is much smaller and produces a more precise, concentrated placement, and instead, go big (both in the brush, and in the placement on your face), and go soft (use way less product than you think you need, and be conservative in your dips into the highlighting powder). The result is a much more natural look where you're just glowing all around but the product isn't so obviously sitting on your face.<br />
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<b>Anastasia Beverly Hills</b> Amrezy Highlighter<br />
Speaking of this new technique, I've been using the <b>Real Techniques</b> Blush Brush with the massively hyped Amrezy highlighter by ABH. I bought this almost immediately when it launched on international online stockists (for reference, I used Cult Beauty). I learned my lesson from the last time ABH launched highlighter singles (still lamenting missing out on the <i>So Hollywood</i> Illuminator), so there was no way in hell I'd repeat the same mistake. At first, I wasn't sure if the hype was justified as while I liked it, there wasn't anything in particular that blew me away. Until I started adopting the big brush/light dip approach. Then ... I understood. This produces a beautiful highlighted effect that doesn't look crusty or scaly on my skin and isn't too dark for my skin tone. The texture is very finely milled but it's powerfully illuminating without being glittery or chunky. It's also highly pigmented, so a small amount goes a long way. The pan will last a lifetime.<br />
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<b>Anastasia Beverly Hills</b> Amrezy Highlighter</div>
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l-r: <b>theBalm</b> Mary-Lou Manizer, <b>Fenty</b> <i>Hu$tla Baby</i>, <b>Becca</b> <i>Moonstone</i>, <b>ABH</b> Amrezy, <b>Charlotte Tilbury</b> Highlight (in <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com/2017/07/glow-glow-and-more-glow.html">Beauty Glow</a>)</div>
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For comparison purposes, <b>theBalm</b>, <b>Becca</b> and <b>Charlotte Tilbury</b> are the most similar to each other, with a paler, more pink/beige-toned white gold. The <b>Fenty Beauty</b> Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in <i>Hu$tla Baby</i> is more similar to the Amrezy highlighter, but leans more peachy gold as opposed to yellow gold. However, both share a more pronounced, reflective shine.sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-8528314162284571272018-04-08T18:32:00.000+10:002018-04-08T18:32:36.911+10:00Coming In HotAfter watching a few lip swatch videos of the <b>Fenty Beauty</b> Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipsticks on YouTube, I was set on getting my hands on the standout colour in my eyes, <i>Saw-C</i>. It appealed to me on a fundamental level: the super bright, obnoxiously yellow-based orange was a little out there and crazy, but on every single person, it just popped against their skin and looked good. When I finally paid a visit to Sephora, a lot of the more "wearable" shades in the Mattemoiselle collection were sold out, but there was plenty of <i>Saw-C</i> around. I coughed up $28 and was set to live out my vivid tangerine dreams.<br />
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The first thing I noticed about the Mattemoiselle lipsticks was just how teeny tiny they are. I don't recall the surprisingly small physical size and amount of product being mentioned in the many lip swatch videos I watched. Most lipsticks are around 4g, but the <b>Fenty</b> is less than half the amount at only 1.7g. However, the price doesn't appear to have been adjusted accordingly. I can imagine <b>Fenty Beauty</b> is raking it in, because on a cost per gram basis, these lipsticks are insanely overpriced. For me, because the main appeal is the colour, and I've rarely finished half a lipstick let alone a whole one, I can begrudgingly overlook the tiny tube and lipstick amount. But still, something about the whole thing doesn't sit right with me. It's not as bad as the <b>Maybelline</b> x Gigi Hadid lip liners which contained a laughable 0.3 grams, but the amount of product in the Mattemoiselle lipsticks is truthfully more suited to a mini than full size.<br />
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<b>Fenty Beauty</b> Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick in <i>Saw-C</i></div>
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l-r: <b>Fenty Beauty</b> <i>Saw-C</i>, <b>Revlon</b> Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in <i>Rendezvous</i>, <b>Revlon</b> Lip Butter in <i>Tutti Frutti</i></div>
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In indirect light</div>
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In direct sunlight</div>
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I had previously gone through my entire lipstick collection looking for a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BekzcTrFBMb/?taken-by=sleepandwater">potential dupe for <i>Saw-C</i></a>, and the two closest were <b>Revlon</b> Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in <i>Rendezvous</i> and <b>Revlon</b> ColorBurst Lip Butter in <i>Tutti Frutti</i>. Looking at the two next to <i>Saw-C</i>, <i>Tutti Frutti</i> is closer in colour than <i>Rendezvous</i> (though glossy as opposed to matte), but both have a touch more red than yellow. As you'd expect, <i>Saw-C</i> makes your teeth look super yellow in the same way that yellow-based pinks do, but that's the price you pay. I also imagine it would be more flattering on warmer/yellow skin tones than pink-toned/cooler complexions, as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf62BmeDIiz/?hl=en&taken-by=auxiliary_beauty">auxiliary_beauty</a> pointed out. It's a bit of a challenge to coordinate <i>Saw-C</i> with outfits as well, unless you don't mind clashing colours like salmon pink with fiery orange.<br />
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Texture-wise, these are fairly creamy and lightweight and don't tug on the lips. They're highly pigmented and only require a single swipe for full colour, which might be a tradeoff for the lower amount of product you get. There is a bit of sinking into lip lines, especially if you apply multiple layers, but nothing that can't be fixed with a bit of blotting and smoothing over with the fingers. In terms of wear and staying power, I don't find them staining and they wear off gently after eating.sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-16153532717240985692018-03-21T22:22:00.000+11:002018-03-21T22:22:54.581+11:00Current Makeup Menu #4I was meant to be on a makeup spending ban for 3 months from the end of January, but it all collapsed at the halfway mark when <b>Anastasia Beverly Hills</b> released the Amrezy highlighter. Before I spectacularly caved (because the purchases didn't just stop at the highlighter), I'd been trying to content myself with my already overstuffed makeup collection. My current favourites include rediscovered gems in my stash, as well as a new concealer that seemed to be in every single Best of 2017 video I watched.<br />
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<b>Benefit</b> That Gal Brightening Face Primer<br />
This mini was in the <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/10/travelling-minis.html">First Class Flirts</a> travel set purchased in September 2015, and I've been trying to use it up as it's too good just to let expire in my makeup drawers. It's a pearlescent pink with a lightweight moisturiser feel that provides a brightening, smoothing effect. The scent is also a pleasantly fruity one that makes it enjoyable to apply in the mornings on top of my moisturiser but before makeup. I like that the skin enhancement effect is more subtle and not achieved through overwhelming shimmer particles that can leave you looking like a greaseball. It imparts more of a soft focus, pearly glow that lifts the complexion. I get very minimal pilling with this (occasionally a tiny bit near my chin if I rub a touch too enthusiastically), but generally it absorbs into the skin with no issues. Best of all, to my surprise, the full size product contains 11g compared with the 7.5g in the mini. The full size also has some weird gluestick-with-a-sponge-tip packaging, whereas the mini is a simple squeezy tube. I definitely know which one I prefer, especially for what I paid.<br />
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<b>Too Faced</b> Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar Palette<br />
Previously featured in my <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/05/april-favourites.html">April 2015 Favourites</a>, I've been using this almost daily and my appreciation only grows. As more and more eyeshadow palettes are released and the market becomes completely saturated, I'm beginning to feel nostalgia for a simpler time, when a major palette release from a brand would conjure genuine hype — because the product was actually good. Semi-Sweet has all you need ... those gorgeous light-to-medium neutral mattes (<i>Nougat</i>, <i>Mousse</i>, <i>Peanut Butter</i>,<i> Puddin'</i>), beautiful shimmers in pewter, copper and gilded peach, darker, high performing matte and shimmer shades to deepen your looks (<i>Licorice</i>, <i>Truffled</i>, <i>Hot Fudge</i>, <i>Cocoa Chili</i>), a pop of colour, big highlight and cream matte pans, and an angelic glitter top coat. The only downside is some of the darker shades do have A LOT of fallout, but if you do the eyes first then wipe the mess away with some Bioderma on a cotton pad, it's not a big deal. Bonus points: smells positively edible.<br />
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<b>Milani</b> Baked Blush in <i>Luminoso</i><br />
I don't love this 100% on its own (I find it a bit too light for my skin tone and the colour is too much of a pale orange as opposed to a more flattering, summery coral), but I find it adds a gorgeous goldy-peachy sheen on top of a darker blush that's applied first. Somewhat like a shimmery blush topper, if you will. The texture is beautifully smooth and the powder blends out effortlessly with my <b>Wayne Goss</b> Brush 14.<br />
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<b>Bourjois</b> Little Round Pot Blush in <i>Rose Coup de Foudre</i><br />
Speaking of darker colours to apply with <b>Milani</b> <i>Luminoso</i>, the one I've been pairing it with lately is <b>Bourjois</b> <i>Rose Coup de Foudre</i>. It's darker and more pink than <i>Luminoso</i>, but still has that same gold thread running through it that perks up and beautifies the complexion. The only problem is the entire surface of the blush regularly seals, so I periodically have to run a cotton bud across the dome to loosen the pigment. I also use a slightly stiffer brush (at least compared with the long-haired and floppy <b>Wayne Goss</b> Brush 14) in the form of my <b>Zoeva</b> Luxe Sheer Cheek Brush to apply it.<br />
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<b>NARS</b> Soft Matte Complete Concealer in Medium 1 <i>Custard</i><br />
I adore the <b>NARS</b> Radiant Creamy Concealer, and every blogger under the sun put the Soft Matte Concealer on their yearly favourites, so I was convinced I needed the Soft Matte Concealer in my life. I purchased mine for $44 from Mecca Maxima with little hesitation. It hasn't disappointed. While I'm not totally convinced it is better than the Radiant Creamy Concealer, it's up there among the best concealers I've tried. It's been living in my handbag for daily late afternoon touch ups when my foundation is losing its staying power and sliding off my face. It's a drier, higher coverage, longer lasting formula than Radiant Creamy Concealer, and hence I find targeted to more oily/combination skin. However, it still blends really easily with the fingers, sinks into the skin, and the shade match is good, albeit slightly too light if I go in a bit too heavily around areas of redness I want to even out. You get 6.2g of product which should last an eternity, as you only need a tiny amount each time.<br />
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<b>Benefit</b> Posie Tint<br />
These <b>Benefit</b> liquid tints are underrated in my opinion. Posie Tint is one of the more forgiving ones (compared with the other two I have, Cha Cha Tint and Benetint), in that it's not too difficult to work with, doesn't last 4 days on your skin after showering and scrubbing, and has some blendability. I really want Lollitint, because I'm actually obsessed with all things orchid. That's right, I'm still into the Pantone Colour of the Year 2014, people.<br />
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I've been enjoying Posietint worked into the cheeks for a pretty, youthful flush that isn't too cool-toned and doesn't immediately draw attention to the red in my face as pinks tend to do. I also love it on the lips (dabbed on with the fingers over slightly moisturised lips for a fresher, less "done" look) for a long lasting, truly kiss-proof pout. Full review with how it looks like on my cheek <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2014/05/pop-of-posies.html">here</a>, where you can also see what a pristine bottle looks like before everything scratched off in the ensuing 3.5 years.<br />
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l-r: <b>NARS</b> Radiant Creamy Concealer in <i>Custard</i>, <b>NARS</b> Soft Matte Concealer in <i>Custard</i>, <b>Bourjois</b> <i>Rose Coup de Foudre</i>, <b>Milani</b> <i>Luminoso</i>, <b>Benefit</b> Posietint</div>
sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-857938026026341282018-03-08T16:35:00.000+11:002018-03-08T18:46:59.393+11:00Little Glow PotsI don't know about you, but my highlight craze won't let up. I've accumulated so many highlighters now that my collection could last several lifetimes. My newest obsession has been cream highlighters in a pot. One day, I just found myself returning to an item that has been on my radar for YEARS, <b>rms</b> Living Luminizer. I've heard about this product virtually since I started blogging in 2012, but could never justify the price tag. Even today, at $55, I still can't bring myself to spend that much on a tiny pot of mainly solidified oils and beeswax. I started the hunt for potential dupes and remembered seeing something very similar to the Living Luminizer at Priceline in the form of <b>Luma</b> Illuminating Highlighter. Soon enough, I found myself buying the <i>Luminous Light</i> shade for $26.95. Then my friend gave me her unloved <b>Mecca Cosmetica</b> Enlightened Lit From Within Illuminating Balm, so suddenly I had two of these babies.<br />
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<b>Luma</b> Illuminating Highlighter in <i>Luminous Light</i></div>
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What drew me to purchasing <b>Luma</b> Illuminating Highlighter was how incredibly similar its ingredients list was to <b>rms</b> Living Luminizer. Observe:<br />
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<b>rms</b> Living Luminizer<br />
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, and may contain [+/- Titanium Dioxide CI77891, Mica CI 77019]<br />
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<b>Luma</b> Illuminating Highlighter<br />
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Beeswax (Cera Alba), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Pearl Powder, Tocopherol, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxide (CI 77491)<br />
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Same first three ingredients, which surely means they're basically the same thing. The <b>Luma</b> has additional jojoba, sweet almond, grape and soybean oils, along with "pearl powder" and Vitamin E, while the <b>rms</b> has just the addition of rosemary extract.<br />
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They also both contain 5 grams of product.<br />
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<b>Mecca Cosmetica</b> Enlightened Lit From Within Illuminating Balm</div>
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I wasn't able to locate a full ingredient list for the <b>Mecca</b>, but their website mentions it contains jojoba oil, coconut oil and castor seed oil. It's a smaller size to <b>Luma</b> and <b>rms</b> at 3g. To the touch, it feels slightly thicker than the <b>Luma</b>, but applies very similarly and has more or less the same effect on the skin. They're obviously different shades, in that <b>Luma</b> <i>Luminous Light</i> is more of a pink-toned, whitish colour, and the <b>Mecca</b> is more peachy/rose gold. The <b>Luma</b> Illuminating Highlighter does come in two other shades, <i>Moonlit Ivory</i> (more champagne) and <i>Golden Glow</i> (more of a darker bronze). The main difference between the <b>Luma</b> and <b>Mecca</b> I find, apart from the colour, is that the <b>Mecca</b> is quite strongly scented. The smell whacks you in the nostrils as soon as you open the lid, and still smells once you swatch it or apply it to the face. I was instantly reminded of the fragrance in <b>Missha</b> M Perfect Cover BB Cream, though I haven't used that BB cream in years, so that comparison might not be super accurate.<br />
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l-r: <b>Luma</b> Illuminating Highlighter in <i>Luminous Light</i>, <b>Mecca Cosmetica</b> Enlightened Lit From Within Illuminating Balm</div>
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I picked <i>Luminous Light</i> over the other two shades <i>Moonlit Ivory</i> and <i>Golden Glow</i> because it was the one that popped most on my skin. It's borderline whitish if applied too heavily or if the edges aren't blended well enough, but the shade does predominately appear pearly with an angelic soft pink tinge. I thought it might be too similar to <b>Benefit</b> High Beam, but when I compared them, I found High Beam to be even more dramatic and brightening. High Beam is a liquid highlight, so it's more versatile in that you can use it under foundation, mix it with your base, or use it over your foundation as you would a traditional highlighter.<br />
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The <b>Mecca</b> Enlightened Lit From Within Illuminating Balm is less contrasting with my skin and much closer to my natural skin tone. In that respect, it's more muted and subtle when applied, though still gives plenty of glow. It's a bit tackier in texture compared with the <b>Luma</b> and I feel looks oilier, which reinforces the dewy effect. I use both everywhere I'd normally place highlight, i.e. on the cheekbones, down the bridge of the nose, under the browbone and on the cupid's bow.<br />
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The appeal of these cream pots is that they're on a different level than powder highlighters when it comes to looking natural and blending into the skin. Most of the powder highlighters I have derive their glow from shimmer particles, whereas these cream ones offer more of a sheen with no detectable shimmer. As I apply them with the fingers (though they can be applied with a synthetic brush or sponge), the warmth of my fingers helps to seamlessly blend the product into the skin. Unlike a lot of powder highlighters, you can't see any demarcation between where you've placed your highlight and the rest of your face. The cream texture also makes layering easier if you want a more pronounced effect, whether that means multiple layers of the cream highlight or layering a powder highlight on top of the cream. I often find at the end of the day, a powder highlight can look like it's sitting on top of the skin, and look chunky and dry, but no such thing occurs with these cream pots. If anything, it softly fades away, as one of the downsides to cream formulas is they tend not to last as long as powders. For the natural, undetectable, ethereal glow they provide, that's a tradeoff I don't mind.sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-81825702173024132972017-12-23T15:38:00.000+11:002017-12-23T15:45:59.399+11:00Best of 2017I haven't been inspired to do a yearly favourites in a couple of years, but felt motivated to put together something this year. Maybe because it dawned on me I've now been blogging for 6 years (craaaayyy, even with the significant drop in posts from 2016), maybe after reducing my exposure to a relentless reel of influencers' monthly favourites, hearing about what people have been enjoying and reaching for is genuinely interesting again, maybe because at the end of the day, I still just really like makeup, skin care, candles, fragrances, the whole shebang. I had a look through my blog posts, Instagram, and stuff lying around at home, and picked up the following 11 products as my standouts of 2017.<br />
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<b>NYX</b> Soft Matte Lip Cream in <i>Abu Dhabi</i><br />
Might as well say it. This is my favourite lip colour. The shade is perfection to me for a natural, beautifying, effortless pout. I even bought a backup because when you've found <i>the one</i>, you don't ever want to be without.<br />
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<b>Revlon</b> Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor in <i>Seduction</i><br />
A close second to <i>Abu Dhabi</i>, <i>Seduction</i> is a touch pinker and darker. Very similar texture, application and feel on the lips, which is to say it's soft, velvety, and gives the polish and relative longevity of a matte without sucking all the moisture from the lips. Full review <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2016/11/colour-seduction.html">here</a>.<br />
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<b>Physicians Formula</b> Butter Bronzer in <i>Bronzer</i><br />
Haven't stopped using this since it came into my life. I went from skipping/total disinterest in bronzer for at least half a year (only using blush or a bronzer/blush hybrid like <b>NARS</b> <i>Madly</i> or <b>Max Factor</b> Creme Puff Blush in <i>Nude Mauve</i>) to using this with my <b>Charlotte Tilbury</b> Powder & Sculpt brush daily. It's so smooth, virtually blends itself, the shade isn't too dark so it's tricky to work with but pigmented enough that definition is easy to achieve. The colour is just the right mix of warmth for that summery, healthy glow and shadow for a believable contour.<br />
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<b>Clinique</b> Cheek Pop in <i>Nude Pop</i><br />
Just the perfect, everyday, neutral peachy-nude blush. The cheek equivalent of <b>NYX</b> <i>Abu Dhabi</i>. Goes with everything, instantly lifts a dull, tired complexion and makes you look fresh and alive. Creamy, non-powdery, satin texture that looks lit-from-within. Works a treat with the <b>Morphe</b> E4 patted up and down the cheekbones and onto the apples of the cheeks.<br />
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<b>Nudestix</b> Magnetic Eye Color in <i>Night</i><br />
This is one of those somewhat boring, unsexy products that I use all the time and haven't encountered a better version of. A fat, jet black, matte crayon like this is a great tool for monolids since it can draw a thick line quickly. I first do a winged liner with a fine, felt tip/brush eyeliner like <b>Maybelline</b> HyperSharp Wing Liquid Liner, then use this when I want to thicken and even out the shape my eyeliner from the inner corner to the beginning of the wing, giving the appearance of more rounded, larger eyes. The staying power is absolutely phenomenal. On the couple of times I've been naughty and slept in my makeup, pretty much everything is gone the morning after but this.<br />
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<b>Benefit</b> Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner in <i>My Two Cents</i><br />
I've been eyeing <b>Charlotte Tilbury</b> Eyes To Mesmerise in <i>Bette</i> for forever, but why would I spend $44 (not even including shipping) on it when I have <i>My Two Cents</i>? This is the perfect shimmering goldy-bronze on light-to-medium skin tones. On days I wear contacts, this is my go-to cream shadow paired with <b>Rimmel</b> ScandalEyes Shadow Stick in <i>Bad Girl Bronze</i>. I even picked this <i>My Two Cents</i>/<i>Bad Girl Bronze</i> combo for my eye makeup to an interstate wedding. Never fails.<br />
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l-r: <b>NYX</b> <i>Abu Dhabi</i>, <b>Revlon</b> <i>Seduction</i>, <b>Clinique</b> <i>Nude Pop</i>, <b>Benefit</b> <i>My Two Cents</i>, <b>Physicians Formula</b> <i>Bronzer</i>, <b>Nudestix</b> <i>Night</i></div>
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<b>Laura Mercier</b> Fall in Love Illuminator Collection<br />
I've been meaning to do a review of this for ages, but since it was limited edition from late last year, I felt there was kind of no point. I thank my lucky stars every time I use this that I took the plunge and purchased it, because usually I shy away from expensive items. This houses 4 of their highlighters in the shades <i>Indiscretion</i> (rose gold), <i>Addiction</i> (more conventional yellow gold), <i>Devotion</i> (an icy purplish shade) and <i>Seduction</i> (bronze). I usually go for <i>Indiscretion</i> or <i>Devotion</i>, as <i>Addiction</i> is a bit boring to me (still beautiful though) and <i>Seduction</i> is way too dark for a highlighter (great for eyeshadow/workable as shimmery bronzer). They are a drier, more gelée type formula (what I recall/imagine <b>ABH</b> <i>So Hollywood</i> to be like), and don't emphasise skin texture or pores. They don't go on extremely blinding at first instance, so can be built up to desired intensity. Best of all, I really do like that there's a bit of glitter in the mix. I just think it makes the shades that touch more interesting and eye-catching.<br />
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l-r: Indiscretion, Addiction, Devotion, Seduction</div>
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<b>Tarte</b> Tartelette in Bloom<br />
At the beginning of the year, I was debating between Tartelette in Bloom and <b>Anastasia Beverly Hills</b> Modern Renaissance. The latter was sold out, so deciding which to buy came down to the one that wasn't out of stock. I ended up buying Modern Renaissance at the tail end of the year thinking I *needed* it, and now I can definitively say I prefer Tartelette in Bloom. Why? Simply, the colours. In the mornings when I'm doing my makeup for work, I don't really gravitate toward bright/dark pinks, reds and vibrant oranges. The rest of Modern Renaissance is also cool-toned (read: muddy and dull on my lids). But almost every shade in Tartelette in Bloom is flattering, office-friendly and foolproof. It's a complete palette with smooth, pigmented shadows that are a breeze to blend. Full review <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/pretty-as-flower.html">here</a>.<br />
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<b>Too Faced</b> Hangover Primer<br />
A fairly recent find given I only bought this in September, but I think I've finally found the primer for me. I don't think it does much in terms of oil control or improving longevity of your base, but it does create a more moisturised, plump, soothed canvas for your foundation to go on. On good skin days, coupled with this primer, my skin looks positively glowing and baby smooth. The coconut scent is delish, it's a pleasure to use and feels like a treat on the skin.<br />
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<b>Crabtree & Evelyn</b> <i>Spiced Earl Grey</i> Hand Therapy<br />
Truly one of my favourite discoveries of 2017. The travel size lives in my makeup bag. I loved the tester so much in the shop I also bought the 100ml, but gifted that my mother. I'll have to resort to eBay to replenish my stock since this was sadly limited edition from last Christmas. I wish they would bottle the scent in a perfume. The smell is exactly as the name suggests. I didn't think earl grey in a hand cream could be done this right, but I'm happy to be proven wrong.<br />
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<b>Gucci</b> Bloom EDP<br />
My current scent obsession. I can't even remember the last time I purchased a 100ml bottle of perfume (from a department store at that, not even Priceline/Chemist Warehouse/online), but it's a testament to how much I lurrrvee it. I also have the body lotion and rollerball, so I can live out my dreams and douse myself in the stuff. It's a somewhat old fashioned white floral that's been reimagined in a modern way. I like that it's not too dry or green on my skin, with a certain sweetness and creaminess that's been missing in other white florals I own (<b>Estee Lauder</b> Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia, <b>Kai</b> perfume oil). The dreamy ad campaign with Dakota Johnson, the millennial pink bottle, I'm a sucker for it all.<br />
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sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-89290781523179079272017-12-11T22:32:00.000+11:002017-12-14T22:04:41.493+11:00Brights and Vamps<b>NARS</b> Velvet Matte Lip Pencils have been <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2014/12/collage-consumption.html">on my radar</a> for years, but they never seemed like an essential product I <i>had</i> to have. I had a somewhat <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/someone-like-yu.html">disappointing experience</a> with their Satin Lip Pencils, so I wasn't rushing to add more <b>NARS</b> lip pencils to my collection. Don't get me wrong, the quality is generally excellent, it's more the price and the shades I'm iffy about. Recently, I saw in Mecca Maxima a duo of travel-sized Velvet Matte Lip Pencils in <i>Train Bleu</i> and <i>Intriguing</i> for $28. Considering one 2.4g lip pencil is $39, and the minis were 1.8g each, the set represented far better value, plus you had more variety. I tried <i>Train Bleu</i> in the shop and really liked how it looked as a stain, so I researched my options if I wanted to purchase it and came across <a href="http://catch.com.au/">catch.com.au</a><span id="goog_238192145"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_238192146"></span> selling the Velvet Matte Lip Pencils for $26 each. (I just checked the website and <i>Train Bleu</i> is currently further discounted to $21.) I had a coupon code with Catch, so I ended up buying two lip pencils for $41. I would've preferred the two minis for $28, but I really wanted to order the shade <i>Red Square</i> along with <i>Train Bleu</i> as it's been on my wishlist since 2014.<br />
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l-r: Red Square, Train Bleu</div>
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<i>Red Square</i> is a bright, vivid, orangey red. <i>Train Bleu</i> is a vampy dark purple with burgundy tones. Both are non-staining (though <i>Train Bleu</i> sticks around longer than <i>Red Square</i>) and can be wiped off with just some lip balm and a tissue. Lasting power is not as good as a lip stain or liquid matte lipstick, but still better than a conventional lipstick.<br />
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l-r: <b>Revlon</b> <i>Strawberry Suede</i>, <b>NARS</b> <i>Red Square</i>, <b>NARS</b> <i>Train Bleu</i>, <b>Revlon</b> <i>Black Cherry</i></div>
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l-r: <b>Revlon</b> <i>Strawberry Suede</i>, <b>NARS</b> <i>Red Square</i></div>
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I'd long suspected <b>Revlon</b> Matte Lipstick in <i>Strawberry Suede</i> to be very similar to <i>Red Square</i>, and that hunch proved correct. <i>Strawberry Suede</i> is probably a touch pinker than the more orangey/fiery <i>Red Square</i>, but the tone and vibrancy is comparable. The <b>Revlon</b> is also a tad shinier in finish compared with the more matte <b>NARS.</b><br />
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l-r: <b>NARS</b> <i>Train Bleu</i>, <b>Revlon</b> <i>Black Cherry</i></div>
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I didn't have anything as similar to <i>Train Bleu</i> as I did <i>Red Square</i>, but <b>Revlon</b> Super Lustrous Lipstick in <i>Black Cherry</i> probably comes the closest. <i>Black Cherry</i> is more glossy and not as pigmented as <i>Train Bleu</i>, plus more berry/burgundy red as opposed to blackened purple.<br />
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<b>NARS</b> <i>Red Square</i></div>
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<b>NARS</b> <i>Train Bleu</i> (as a stain)</div>
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<b>NARS</b> <i>Train Bleu</i></div>
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<i>Red Square</i> delivers a glamorous retro/supercharged summer look and applies very smoothly to the lips without accentuating texture or dryness, whereas <i>Train Bleu</i> does the complete opposite and highlights every dry patch that previously never existed. Despite the striking, gothy, nighttime colour, <i>Train Bleu</i> is patchy and tricky to apply evenly ... you need a steady hand and considerable patience to get it looking semi-decent. I do like how you can control how opaque and dark you want it to be. I much prefer it as a lighter stain, with the pencil dabbed onto the lips then the product blended with the finger. It looks far fresher and prettier against my complexion, and less harsh and intimidating that way.<br />
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Like the Satin Lip Pencils, I appreciate how little product is required for full pigmentation. You'd have to wear the pencil many times for it to reduce down to the point where it needs its first sharpening. I can't imagine how long it will take to use up, hence why the product contained in the minis would've been more than sufficient for me. At the discounted price I paid (just over $20 each), I don't have too many complaints, however I'd likely be singing a different tune if I paid the retail price of $39 for one.sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-86949245941407377092017-11-29T17:31:00.002+11:002017-11-30T15:40:28.705+11:00Essence 50% Off Mini HaulPriceline had a 50% off cosmetics sale last Thursday and Friday, and though I tell myself that I should eliminate all impulse cheap makeup purchases and focus on quality vs. quantity, I couldn't resist buying a few things, mainly from <b>Essence</b>. The limited edition stuff always hooks me in because it's just so affordable and a part of me always hopes the products will exceed my expectations. In the sale, I ended up buying a back up of my favourite <b>NYX</b> Soft Matte Lip Cream in <i>Abu Dhabi</i>, an <b>Essence</b> top/base coat, two <b>Essence</b> Soft Contouring lip pencils in <i>Sucker For Grey</i> and <i>Going Steady</i>, <b>Essence</b> Illuminating Face Cream Gel and <b>Essence</b> Bronzing Brick Powder.<br />
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<b>Essence</b> Illuminating Face Cream Gel in <i>01 I Don't Care Cause I'm Flawless</i></div>
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The <b>Essence</b> Illuminating Face Cream Gel fascinated me because it comes in a weighty glass bottle and it's made in Italy. Fancy. It retails for $7.15, so at 50% came to $3.60. Pretty unbeatable for a 20ml bottle. There were no testers so I was taking a gamble, but I figured the stakes weren't exactly high, so why not. It claims to have an "awaking effect" and a lightweight creamy and gel-like formula. You're meant to apply a small amount on the fingers and distribute evenly onto the face.<br />
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The pump bottle doesn't have the most sensitive dispenser so you're basically stuck with a full pea-sized amount each time. It has the consistency of a non-sticky, comfortable-feeling moisturiser (think <b>MAC</b> Strobe Cream), perhaps a touch more fluid and easier to spread. Blended out, it's surprisingly subtle. I was expecting more of an overt shimmerbomb. To be honest, I couldn't really detect any noticeable difference to my complexion when I applied this before my foundation. As a potential primer, I felt it degraded the performance/wear time of my base as it was like adding another layer of moisturiser. If the glowy effect is there, it's not as pronounced as something like <b>Becca</b> Shimmering Skin Perfector in <i>Moonstone</i> or even <b>Laura Mercier</b> Foundation Primer - Radiance. However under bright lights, you can detect the silvery shimmer particles on your skin. I like this for the novelty factor given its affordability and it could also serve as an understated liquid highlight, but I already have better products that do what it purports to.<br />
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Top to bottom: Sucker For Grey, Going Steady</div>
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Top to bottom: <b>Colourpop</b> <i>Lumiere</i>, <b>Essence</b> <i>Sucker For Grey</i>, <b>Essence</b> <i>Going Steady</i>, <b>NYX</b> <i>Ruffle Trim</i></div>
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<b>Essence</b> <i>Sucker For Grey</i></div>
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I noticed these new <b>Essence</b> lip liners and had to pick up two, given they were ONE DOLLA at 50% off. The colours also really appealed to me and seemed very current/on trend. I've never tried <b>Essence </b>lip liners, but I've always heard good things about them. They're a bit of a harder texture and not as creamy or easy to blend as other brands, but I guess that contributes to longer staying power on the lips. The good thing with lip liners is you can get lots of precision in the shape of your lips, but also control the opacity. I usually don't colour in my lips completely with the lip liner, but prefer to draw a few strokes then blend with my finger to get a fresher, stained appearance.<br />
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I absolutely love <i>Sucker For Grey</i>, a medium pinky-mauve that reminded me a lot of my favourite <b>Colourpop</b> lip liner in <i>Lumiere</i>. I compared the two and <i>Lumiere</i> is lighter and more pink (also a much nicer, creamier texture). <i>Going Steady</i> is your typical brick red/medium-to-dark rosy nude that seems super popular right now. I'm not the hugest fan of these colours, but they are fairly universally flattering. On the lips, <i>Going Steady</i> is reminiscent of <b>NYX</b> Lip Lingerie in <i>Ruffle Trim</i>, though when swatched together, <i>Ruffle Trim</i> is lighter and more nude (however does oxidise on the lips like most liquid lipsticks so is darker in real life than when swatched).<br />
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<b>Essence</b> Bronzing Brick Powder in <i>01 Feel the Fun & Catch the Sun</i></div>
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Bronzing Brick Powder on cheeks, <i>Sucker For Grey</i> on lips</div>
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Finally, we have the Bronzing Brick Powder. These to my eye are an obvious rip off of <b>Bobbi Brown</b> Brightening Brick. I always wanted to get the pink shade but at $75, hale no. Obviously the <b>Essence</b> dupe likely can't compare in terms of quality, but as there was no tester, I wanted to give it a shot. There was also a Brick Blush Powder, but it was sold out at the time I bought the bronzing powder. I actually went back to buy it post-sale because it's much more similar to the pink <b>Bobbi Brown</b> Brightening Brick I wanted.<br />
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I've been using my <b>Zoeva</b> Luxe Sheer Cheek brush and swirling it around in the pan to get a mix of all the colours, then applying this as I would a bronzing powder to my cheeks/cheekbones in an upward sweeping motion. The colour isn't completely brown and there is a peachiness/pink to it so it can used as a blush/bronzer hybrid, like <b>NARS</b> <i>Madly</i>. There's also an interesting light grey tone to it that makes it unique. It's not dark enough to produce a really pronounced contour, and you do have to build up the pigmentation depending on your personal preference. It's not glittery (which I wouldn't have minded as I'm going through a glitter phase), but more just shimmery. However, the shimmer can have a tendency to sit on top of the skin, especially when applied in conjunction with the Illuminating Face Cream Gel. The overall effect can get a little powdery, though nothing a spritz of <b>MAC</b> Fix+ or <b>Smashbox</b> Primer Water etc. can't fix. Wear time is average, bordering on poor, but I guess you can't expect the world of something that cost $3.43.sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-84265616093042956692017-10-22T22:22:00.000+11:002017-10-23T20:22:51.357+11:00Current Makeup Menu #3It's been almost nine months since my <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/current-makeup-menu-2.html">last makeup menu post</a>, so I'm long overdue for an update. Ever since I moved to my own place a year ago, I've been more or less sticking with a few select products for months at a time to do my makeup in the morning. The main reason is that I no longer have a mirrored wardrobe, so I don't have immediate access to my entire makeup collection (housed in two <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/all-in-one-place.html">4-drawer storage units</a> on a shelf inside) when I'm doing my face. I have to put aside a few products in a separate, smaller Muji organiser which I keep on my dresser beside the mirror on my bedroom wall. The upside to this is I've finally used up products I never thought I'd finish, like foundations, but the downside is less variety and the old saying, "out of sight, out of mind". Having said that, here are the current products I've been really enjoying and reaching for lately.<br />
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For face, I've recently returned to <b>Bourjois</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/all-in-one-place.html">Healthy Mix Serum</a> (in 52 <i>Vanille</i>) and I'm so glad I picked this up again. The shade match is almost bang on (I've previously used 53 <i>Beige clair</i> on its own, which was always too dark, and then mixed it with 52 <i>Vanille</i> to lighten it), which is crucial given the previous foundation I'd been trying to use up (<b>Bourjois</b> 123 Perfect CC Cream in 33 <i>Rose Beige</i>) was too dark and pinky brown. I appreciate that the foundation is yellow-based and illuminating, without being greasy. It's natural and skin-like, but also gives your complexion a translucent glow that brightens and corrects unevenness and dullness. The lasting power or adherence to the skin could probably be better, but it's an ideal everyday "drugstore" foundation that is top notch in quality.<br />
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Speaking of <b>Bourjois</b> CC Cream, I'd previously been mixing it with a bit of <b>Becca</b> Shimmering Skin Perfector in <i>Moonstone</i> in an attempt to lighten the foundation and inject some extra luminosity. I don't know what it is about the formula, but it is truly the best liquid highlighter I've mixed with a base. Other products can appear overly glittery or chunky upon closer inspection, or get oily after a couple of hours and start to break up on the skin or slide off during the day. But the <b>Becca</b> almost has primer-like properties while containing the most refined shimmer, giving the skin an undetectable but effective glowy boost. Previously swatched <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2016/05/bright-base.html">here</a>.<br />
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I asked my friend to buy the <b>Physicians Formula</b> Butter Bronzer for me while she was on a recent holiday to the US since it's always sold out at Priceline (plus it's $30, no thanks). I opted for the shade <i>Bronzer</i> rather than <i>Light Bronzer</i> just because I'd read that it was slightly more cool-toned and darker, which I thought would suit my skin tone better. I have been absolutely adoring this bronzer. It's everything I hoped for and more. Incredibly smooth, soft but not powdery, easy to blend, not too pigmented that it's hard to work with, but pigmented enough so that it actually shows up and does something without much effort. I love the colour, I love the scent, it's a breeze to apply and blend with my <b>Charlotte Tilbury</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/charlotte-tilbury-haul.html">Powder & Sculpt Brush</a>, I've been reaching for it nonstop since it arrived and I can't imagine wanting to use anything else for a long time.<br />
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In the last Priceline 40% off cosmetics sale, I purchased one of these <b>Revlon</b> Colorstay Creme Eye Shadows in 710 <i>Caramel</i>. It's a little lighter than <b>Maybelline</b> Color Tattoo in <i>Bad to the Bronze</i> and the texture is much smoother, thinner and more emollient. You need to apply quite thin layers on the eyes and build up the colour. I've been enjoying this as a standalone eyeshadow (though I do have to use about 3-4 layers for my desired opacity, and even then, I always use a darker eyeshadow closer to the lashline for added definition), as well as an eyeshadow base (I just apply one layer and blend out with my fingers). The aspect of these that was most surprising but pleasing is that they're loaded with fine shimmer that's really sparkly and eye-catching under bright lights and reminiscent of more high end cream shadows like <b>Chanel</b> Illusion D'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow. The price point is very reasonable too ($14.95 for 5.2g, so I only paid $8.97 during the 40% off sale).<br />
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I overlooked this <b>Nudestix</b> Magnetic Eye Color in <i>Night</i> for a while after a friend gave it away to me ages ago, but recently realised I reach for it almost every day. It is JET black, velvety matte, has astounding lasting power and once set, does not budge. Truly a quality product and worth the money. I use it mainly to fill in my eyeliner once I draw the shape in with a finer felt tip/brush eyeliner (I've been loving <b>Maybelline</b> HyperSharp Wing Liquid Liner), since it is a thicker/chubbier tip so not as precise as a conventional pencil liner. The fact it's so high performing has made me realise when it comes to eye makeup, a reliable, truly black eyeliner is an absolute essential.<br />
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<b>Lanolips</b> Banana Balm</div>
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Finally, we have a bit of a novelty item in <b>Lanolips</b> Banana Balm Lip Sheen 3-in-1. I swatched this in David Jones and was captivated by the old school banana lolly scent and the pink sparkles against a pale yellow gloss that reminded me of <b>Glossier</b> Birthday Balm Dotcom. The downside is that the colour is on the light side and does give a whitish cast, but if you apply a small amount and/or lay down a colour first, that can easily be overcome. In any event, the scent and the glitter has me sold.<br />
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l-r: Lanolips Banana Balm, <b>Revlon</b> <i>Caramel</i>, <b>Physicians Formula</b> <i>Bronzer</i>, <b>Nudestix</b> <i>Night</i></div>
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l-r: <b>Revlon</b> <i>Caramel</i>, <b>Physicians Formula</b> <i>Bronzer</i>, <b>Nudestix</b> <i>Night</i></div>
sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-5966892308933916652017-10-04T23:30:00.002+11:002017-10-04T23:47:34.436+11:00Holiday Beauty HaulIf you follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sleepandwater/">Instagram</a>, you may have seen I recently spent 2 weeks in Singapore and Malaysia. I've become a lot more measured with holiday beauty purchases (compared with <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/and-now-spending-ban.html">previous years</a>), especially if the products overseas are barely any cheaper than where I live. However, it's not a vacation without splashing some cash in Sephora, so I still allowed myself a few new additions. The most expensive item I bought (and what I'm most excited about) was actually a set of 5 <b>diptyque</b> 7.5ml EDT travel sprays, but I didn't photograph them for this post.<br />
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Yay: compact flashes purple. Nay: scratch on the lettering already.</div>
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<b>Fenty Beauty</b> had just launched when my holiday started, so naturally I had to get something from the range. I was able to get a good look and feel of pretty much all the products, and quickly decided that if I allowed myself just one thing, it would have to be one of the standout highlighters. I deliberated over the shade choice, but in the end opted for <i>Girl Next Door/Chic Phreak</i>. The duo wasn't too light on my skin and I have a preference for pink-based highlighters as opposed to conventional champagne/gold. <i>Trophy Wife</i> was way too yellow gold and outright glittery, and the others except for <i>Ginger Binge</i>/<i>Moscow Mule</i> looked really pale against my skin. I also was drawn to the Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick in <i>Confetti</i>, but I'd probably never wear it and I feel like I could get something similar from <b>Colourpop</b> for a fraction of the price.<br />
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The one thing that immediately became apparent about the Killawatt highlighters is that they don't shy away from glitter. If <b>Fenty Beauty</b> is anything to go by, glitter is making a comeback. No longer considered a liability, it's cool again to load a product with glitter. It used to be that people would criticise or steer away from highlighters with visible glitter, but glitter seems to be en vogue again. Personally, I'm enjoying glitter. Who needs subtlety anyway when you can have pretty pretty SPARKLES.<br />
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l-r: Girl Next Door, Chic Phreak</div>
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The duo has 2 distinct halves with different colours, finishes and textures. <i>Girl Next Door</i> is more smooth and creamy to the touch (almost like one of those bouncy feeling/cream to powder products), with a subtle metallic finish. On my light to medium skin, it actually applies quite whitish. <i>Chic Phreak</i> is more chunky/sandy to the touch and more obviously glittery. It's a much darker peachy-pink colour with more visible sparkles, especially in direct sunlight or bright artificial light. Having said that, the glitter adheres to your skin, doesn't fall down and get everywhere, and is fine enough to wear on a daily basis in the office (at least in my opinion). I did try both shades on the eyes as you can wear the Killawatt highlighters all over the face, but the colours barely showed up and just produced a glimmering effect.<br />
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l-r: <b>Napoleon Perdis</b> Highlight, Girl Next Door, Chic Phreak, <i>theBalm</i> Cindy-Lou Manizer</div>
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Here, you can see how bright/shimmering/vibrant the <b>Fenty Beauty</b> shades are compared with the more satiny and subdued <b>Napoleon Perdis</b> (from the <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/sculpt-with-napoleon.html">Ultimate Contour Palette</a>) and <b>theBalm</b> highlighters. However, the shades themselves are fairly similar, to give you an idea of what kind of colours <i>Girl Next Door</i> and <i>Chic Phreak</i> are.<br />
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The vibrancy and glitter factor (especially of <i>Chic Phreak</i>) remind me of <b>Colourpop</b> eyeshadows. Really, from my experience with the highlighter and general first impressions of the brand, <b>Fenty Beauty</b> is reminiscent of <b>Colourpop</b> (youthful, contemporary, "fun", urban, for different skin tones), but with proper quality control in terms of packaging, formulation and performance. It will be interesting to see how the brand develops over time, especially when the initial hype from its launch invariably dies down.<br />
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I've heard good things about the <b>Too Faced</b> Hangover primer (favourite of KathleenLights) for a while now, so I bought the 20ml travel size to try. I appreciate the hygienic and useful pump packaging that dispenses just the right amount of product each time. They could have just gone with a squeezy tube but they put in that extra functionality so the travel size is like a miniaturised full size version, which is what really sealed the deal for me. I've used it a couple of times and while it's nothing earth-shattering in terms of improving how my foundation goes on or prolonging its wear, I do like that it's soothing and comfortable on the skin, and the light, tropical and refreshing coconut scent.<br />
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I also purchased a travel size of <b>Ouai</b> Dry Shampoo Foam. Playing around with the tester in Sephora was what sold me. This stuff comes out in a ball of aerated mousse and you vigorously apply it to your dirty hair, focusing on the roots, until it dries up and starts doing its thang. Essentially, it's a dry shampoo that comes out as a wet cloud of foam and forces you to get your hands dirty. Something about the novelty of it and the fact it's almost like giving your hair a wash without water was hard to resist. I'm sure it's not as effective as my beloved <b>Klorane</b> dry shampoo with oat milk, and admittedly it kind of leaves your hair slightly grimy/crunchy/crispy/more brittle, but it does make it less oily and look cleaner, at least for a day. I'm also hoping the travel size will last a long time (since my small cans of <b>Klorane</b> seem to only last about 4-5 liberal uses), since I'm hopeful about a more economical conversion of liquid to foam.<br />
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I came across a <b>H&M</b> Beauty stand in Malaysia (to my knowledge not yet launched in Australia), but didn't spot any cream eyeshadow pots that I wanted to try. I have been searching for a mustard nail polish ever since I saw one in Urban Outfitters two years ago but passed on it, so I didn't hesitate to buy <i>Golden Tumeric</i>. The polish itself surprisingly exceeded my expectations — really nice, smooth formula, great wide brush, opaque in one coat but I did two just in case. I just wish there was more product in the bottle and it was cheaper.<br />
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Finally, I bought a Victoria Beckham x <b>Nails inc</b> nail polish in <i>Bamboo White</i>. I have no idea about the state of the polish given the collaboration was ages ago (the nail swatch is from a picture I posted on Instagram in <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/5Q1e4SP8x4/">July 2015</a>), but the bottle definitely hadn't even been opened, so I figured it should be fine. I believe the original price for one of these polishes was $35, but I managed to get this one on sale for 40 Malaysian Ringgit or $12. It's hard to come by a nude polish that isn't thin, streaky, difficult to work with or boring/blah on the nails, and I remembered liking the colour and the polish quality, so at that price I gave in.sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-17774392342732709562017-08-16T21:42:00.000+10:002017-08-16T21:46:39.356+10:00Ombré ShimmerI've never heard of the brand <b>PONi</b> Cosmetics, but when I was sent this Unicorn Champagne Highlighting Powder by <a href="http://www.ry.com.au/">RY</a>, I was intrigued. I'm still enjoying an extended <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/high-end-highlighter-wardrobe.html">love affair with highlighter</a>, and the images and feelings I associate with unicorns immediately evoke whimsy, magic, glitter, pastels, enchanted forests and fairytales. Sure, unicorns and makeup might not be an entirely new thing (hello <b>Lime Crime</b> <i><a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/rare-creature.html">Airborne Unicorn</a></i>), but still, not a bad starting point, right?<br />
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The Unicorn Champagne Highlighting Powder comes in a plastic, rose gold circular compact with a mirror. Retailing for $40, you get 7.14g of product, which is slightly less than a <b>Becca</b> Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter (8g, $64) or <b>theBalm</b> Mary-Lou Manizer (8.5g, $29.95). For me, I've never come remotely close to finishing even half a full size highlighter, so the amount of product doesn't bother me. <b>PONi Cosmetics</b> is Australian owned but the highlighter is made in China.<br />
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<b>PONi Cosmetics</b> Unicorn Champagne Highlighting Powder</div>
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The colour is a soft peachy gold. It's nothing revolutionary, but I think we've become so spoiled for choice when it comes to highlighter that a product has to be really unique or exceptional in quality to distinguish itself. It is a bit of a drier consistency and not quite as smooth, densely pigmented and creamy as <b>Becca</b> Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter, <b>theBalm</b> Mary-Lou Manizer or even <b>Kat Von D</b> Metal Crush Eyeshadow in <i><a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/11/october-favourites.html">Thunderstruck</a></i>, however it's still a notch above "drugstore" quality, as you'd expect at $40.<br />
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Top to bottom: Bottom of the pan, top of the pan</div>
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What is meant to be special about this highlighter is that it's an "ombré pressed powder ranging from low shimmer champagne to high shimmer champagne". Rather than the ombré being from light to dark in colour, there's different intensities of shimmer on offer despite the pan itself being entirely uniform in appearance.<br />
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I tried experimenting with various areas of the pan to find out how different the highlighter was depending on where you swatched. The results were a little confusing. If I <i>lightly touched</i> the surface, I could see a distinct difference in finish and colour. As you can see from the above swatch, it was more orangey/gold and darker at the top of the pan, and more whitish yet reflective at the bottom of the pan. However, when I tried to swatch the bottom, middle and top of the pan in the same way (one swipe up and down the pan, then swatched directly onto my arm), I couldn't really tell the difference.<br />
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Top to bottom: Top, middle, bottom of pan</div>
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I mean, can you? The swatch at the top of my wrist might be fractionally darker in colour and more vibrant, and the swatch at the bottom might be slightly paler and more subdued, but the differences are barely discernible.<br />
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l-r: <b>Charlotte Tilbury</b> Highlight, <b>theBalm</b> Mary-Lou Manizer, <b>PONi</b> Unicorn Champagne, <b>Becca</b> Champagne Pop</div>
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Compared with other popular highlighters, Unicorn Champagne is like a combination of the Highlight shade in <b>Charlotte Tilbury</b> Filmstar Bronze & Glow (lighter, more pink-toned), <b>theBalm</b> Mary-Lou Manizer (paler, more yellow-based), and <b>Becca</b> Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in <i><a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/power-glow.html">Champagne Pop</a></i> (peachier, brighter), in that I see a mix of pink, orange and gold. In colour, it's most similar to <i>Champagne Pop</i>, however not as bright or luminous. That may or may not be a good thing depending on your preferences and the occasion. Longevity is good and the powder lasted on my skin for the majority of the day. I especially enjoyed it applied down the bridge of the nose for a softly luminous but not too exaggerated/clownish effect.<br />
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While Unicorn Champagne professes to range from a soft sheen to high shimmer, it's probably a little too unpredictable to perform exactly as expected each time. Despite potential variability in tone and shimmer depending on where you place your brush and how much product you pick up, even at maximum impact, it's not as blindingly in-your-face as <b>Becca</b> <i>Champagne Pop</i>. When using it, I've been targeting the middle of the pan for a happy medium, but if I wanted to ensure a more consistent result, I would just swirl my brush around the whole pan to get an average of colour and glow.<br />
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<i>Product was provided to me for review.</i>sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-33311540148807024022017-08-14T22:25:00.000+10:002017-08-14T22:25:29.088+10:00More Lotions and PotionsA couple of weeks ago, from 2 to 4 August 2017, Priceline had its 40% off skin care sale. I eagerly wait for this sale to occur every few months so I can stock up on my essentials and try out new products. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BPo7-rHlVoC/?taken-by=sleepandwater">In the last sale</a> in January this year, I bought <b>Derma E</b> Hydrating Cleanser, <b>Trilogy</b> Rosapene Night Cream, <b>Sukin</b> Purifying Facial Masque, <b>Swisse</b> Manuka Honey Detoxifying Facial Mask and <b>Botani</b> Boost Balancing Moisturiser. The <b>Trilogy</b> and <b>Sukin</b> were repurchases, but everything else was new. I finished the <b>Botani</b> (reviewed <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/quick-full-face-makeup.html">here</a>) and have been enjoying and using regularly both the <b>Swisse</b> mask and <b>Derma E</b> cleanser. This time, I purchased <b>Burt's Bees</b> Sensitive Facial Cleanser, <b>Simple</b> Hydrating Cleansing Oil, <b>Egyptian Magic</b> All Purpose Skin Cream, <b>Lucas'</b> Papaw Ointment and a travel size <b>Avene</b> Thermal Spring Water (not pictured). I wanted to repurchase my <b>NUXE</b> Rêve de Miel <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/nourishing-nuxe.html">Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm </a>which I use as my nightly lip treatment before bed, but apparently Priceline discontinued stocking the brand in their stores, or so I was informed by a sales assistant.<br />
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I originally purchased the <b>Burt's Bees</b> Sensitive Cleanser as a gift for a friend, but decided to buy one for myself after I managed to sample it and liked the texture and how it made my skin feel. I favour cream cleansers (especially for a morning cleanse, or if I haven't worn makeup all day) to foaming cleansers, and was getting a little paranoid that the foaming cleansers I've been using were drying out my face. The <b>Burt's Bees</b> is a nice, rich consistency, slightly on the thicker side. I usually squeeze one small blob (around the size of the above picture) into my hand and rub my palms together, then massage the product over my bare face. The instructions say to wet your face beforehand, but I always find that unnecessarily dilutes the product and makes it more watery. You do have to take a tad more time to wash everything off thoroughly, especially if you're using cold water (which I do most of the time), however the end result is skin that's soft and properly cleansed with no oily residue or stripped feeling whatsoever.<br />
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I took a punt on <b>Simple</b> Hydrating Cleansing Oil after it was recommended by <a href="http://thebeautycollection.com.au/2017/08/another-round-priceline-skincare-recommendations/">Ash</a>. I've been loyal to my <b>Palmer's</b> Ultra Gentle Facial Cleansing Oil for a while now (which would have been $9 for a 192ml bottle), but I figured the <b>Simple</b> was the same cost per millilitre ($0.05/ml or $6 for 125ml, at 40% off), and what if it was better? Plus, the bottle is sleek and compact, making it ideal to travel with. I've only used it a couple of times so far, but I've really been liking it. It's probably too early to make any declarations of its definite superiority over the <b>Palmer's</b>, but so far, I love that it leaves the skin feeling super soft, it's very effective at removing stubborn eye makeup (moreso than the <b>Palmer's</b>, which sometimes doesn't get off all my eyeliner and mascara without intense scrubbing motions), and it doesn't irritate my eyes after I've tried to wash it all off but small amounts still adhere to my waterline. I can already see this being a perennial repurchase, especially come sale time.<br />
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I have been super curious about <b>Egyptian Magic</b> for the longest time, so when I saw it stocked in my local Priceline, I was genuinely surprised. I debated whether to get the small (59ml) or large (118ml) tub, but in the end, figured I might as well go for the larger size in case I really liked it. It contains six natural ingredients: olive oil, beeswax, honey, bee pollen, royal jelly and bee propolis. You're meant to take a small amount and rub it in your palms, melting it until it forms an oil. So far I've used it mainly as a night cream, though I have tried it as a hand cream. I'm not entirely convinced it's this miracle product. Firstly, it is distinctly oily in texture, so if the idea of going to bed with a greasy face isn't appealing, it might not be for you. When melted, it is more like a dry oil à la <b>NUXE</b> Huile Prodigieuse or <b>Caudalie</b> Divine Oil, as opposed to something more balmy and sticky like Vaseline. In terms of how my skin felt after I woke up, I don't think it was discernibly better than my usual conventional night cream (whether or not combined with a serum or face oil). It also feels like this waxy, oily layer is sitting on top of your skin as a protective barrier, as opposed to a cream which is absorbed and instantly soothes, hydrates and softens. <b>Egyptian Magic</b> does seem to be a case of marketing hype over substance, especially with their website featuring a plethora of celebrity "fans" waxing lyrical about how they swear by it and can't live without it. Somehow I'm not convinced.<br />
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Finally, I repurchased <b>Lucas'</b> Papaw Ointment. I <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2014/05/april-favourites.html">grew to love</a> this stuff. At first I thought it was <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/winter-skin-care-routine-am.html">barely better than Vaseline</a>, but now I use it daily. It's a fantastic lip balm, among its many other uses, and it's great value for money being a generous 25g tube. I only just finished my previous tube and it took me years and years. It soothes skin complaints such as insect bites, it can be used as a spot moisturiser for particularly dry/flaky patches or a replacement hand/cuticle cream, and it's an instantly soothing remedy for dry and chapped lips. It's so multipurpose and a good size to pop into the purse. Plus, the trademark red packaging is distinctive and eye-catching.<br />
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sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-8978593037949034552017-07-23T18:43:00.000+10:002017-07-23T18:43:47.301+10:00Glow, Glow and More GlowI first was introduced to <b>Charlotte Tilbury</b> Instant Look in a Palette in <i>Beauty Glow</i> in Alix's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4LUZFlLtxs">Current Everyday Makeup Routine</a>. Initially, I didn't think much of it, given it seemed like another beautiful but expensive makeup item that was beyond my buying capacity. But as I was lying in bed one night, I recalled how gorgeous it was and googled it out of curiosity. To my surprise, I discovered it for a not too outrageous price on NET-A-PORTER. For whatever reason, it was discounted by 20% and the pound to Australian dollar conversion (minus UK sales tax) ended up being more favourable than the local Australian price ($99) or the USD to AUD equivalent. Even with $10 AUD shipping, I paid all up under $65. Still pricey, but I want nice things okay.<br />
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What appealed to me was the fact it's a palette with both eye and cheek products. I only have one other palette that incorporates both eyeshadows and blushes, and that's the <b>Laura Mercier</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/lingering-spring.html">Lingerie Eye & Cheek Palette</a>, but even then that doesn't have a bronzer or highlighter. As the name "Instant Look in a Palette" suggests, everything you need is laid out in front of you, so your whole face can be done (base notwithstanding) in a matter of minutes. Charlotte herself demonstrates the palette in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WqbgrYjvek">this</a> video, though the model has a medium skin tone (and perfect face, lbr) so I didn't know exactly how the powders would look on a lighter complexion like mine. I just liked the idea of being able to travel with this one palette, especially for special occasions like to a wedding, which might call for a fully made up look.<br />
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This is the third iteration of the Instant Look in a Palette, with the first being <i>Natural Beauty</i> and the second <i>Seductive Beauty</i>. I was under the impression the past versions were limited edition and therefore would've sold out ages ago, but <a href="http://www.hihocherie.com/">Cherie</a> brought to my attention they're still available for purchase on the Australian <b>Charlotte Tilbury</b> website. There's plenty of information on the interwebs comparing all three versions, but briefly, <i><a href="http://media.charlottetilbury.com/catalog/product/c/h/charlotte_tilbury_instant_palette_natural_beauty_swatches.jpg">Natural Beauty</a></i> has more subtle, lighter eyeshadows and pink-toned blushes ("champagne, pink and neutral shades"), <i><a href="http://media.charlottetilbury.com/catalog/product/c/h/charlotte_tilbury_instant_palette_seductive_beauty_swatches_2.jpg">Seductive Beauty</a></i> has more taupe/cool-toned eyeshadows, a warmer, darker contour and more pink-toned highlighter ("pale pink, taupe and chocolate brown shades") and <i><a href="http://media.charlottetilbury.com/catalog/product/c/h/charlotte_tilbury_instant_palette_beauty_glow_swatches.jpg">Beauty Glow</a></i> is more "rose-toned and bronze". I probably preferred the look of the cheek shades in <i>Seductive Beauty</i>, but the eye shades in <i>Beauty Glow</i>.<br />
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l-r: Eye Brighten, Eye Enhance, Eye Smoke</div>
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l-r: Face Highlight, Face Bronze</div>
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l-r: Filmstar Bronze & Glow Highlight, Beauty Glow Face Highlight, Beauty Glow Face Bronze, Filmstar Bronze & Glow Sculpt</div>
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l-r: Filmstar Bronze & Glow Highlight, Beauty Glow Face Highlight, Beauty Glow Face Bronze, Filmstar Bronze & Glow Sculpt</div>
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I was very curious to compare the <i>Face Bronze</i> and <i>Face Highlight</i> shades to the <b>Charlotte Tilbury</b> Filmstar Bronze and Glow palette. I wasn't able to get much information comparing the two prior to my purchase, except for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9hgxh-fyeY">one YouTube video</a> where the reviewer remarked they looked the same. I wouldn't agree with that assessment. The highlight in the Filmstar Bronze & Glow is peachier and slightly darker, whereas the highlight in Beauty Glow is brighter, more champagne, cooler-toned, icier. The sculpt shade in Filmstar Bronze & Glow is darker, cooler, more of a contour powder, whereas the equivalent shade in Beauty Glow is warmer, lighter, more orange in tone — some people have compared it to <b>Benefit</b> Hoola Lite. I have <a href="http://thebeautylookbook.com/2017/05/charlotte-tilbury-instant-look-palette-beauty-glow.html">read reviews</a> that the quality of the face powders in the palettes aren't as good as standalone products like Filmstar Bronze & Glow, but I haven't noticed any major difference. Maybe the Beauty Glow highlighter is slightly chunkier and has a tendency to sit on top of the skin a tad more than the one in Filmstar Bronze & Glow, but by and large, they seem like the same formulation.<br />
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l-r: Cheek Pop, Cheek Swish</div>
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After using this palette for three weeks, I'm kind of on the fence about it. Yes, it is aesthetically beautiful, Italian-made, everything feels expensive and high quality (as it should!). Charlotte Tilbury knows how to sell her products, but at the same time, if they didn't deliver and perform, they wouldn't enjoy the popularity and good word of mouth they do.<br />
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My main issue with this palette is the shades. I thought I would love them, since rose gold and bronze is everything I love, but it's a different story when it comes to how they work on my face. First, I don't actually like the colour of the eyeshadows that much. The Eye Brighten is basically useless to me as I don't find any point in priming with a light shimmery powder eyeshadow (I use a dedicated cream eyeshadow for primer), and as an inner corner highlight, I could just use the Face Highlight. The Eye Enhance shade is meant to be the star of the show and a major selling point of the palette, but it doesn't excite me. I'm not talking the quality — the shadows are smooth, blendable, long-lasting and pigmented. I just mean the colour. It's honestly just not unique enough for me to really care. I have so many similar rose gold, coppery shades (e.g. <b>Clinique</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/10/best-gwp-ever.html">Chubby Stick Eye Tint</a> in <i>Ample Amber</i>, <b>Benefit</b> Creaseless Cream Shadow in <i>My Two Cents</i>, <b>Holika Holika</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/05/korean-beauty-haul.html">Jewel Light Marble Cushion Eyes</a> in <i>Orange Cappuccino</i>), some of which are much more metallic and vibrant (e.g. <b>Makeup Geek</b> <i>Grandstand</i>, <b>Colourpop</b> <i>Game Face</i>, <b>Urban Decay</b> <i>Chopper</i> or <i>Trick</i>, <b>Rimmel</b> Eye Shadow Stick By Kate in <i>Rose Gold</i>). The Eye Enhance is actually on the lighter side for my skin tone. I prefer something darker but more neutral in colour as an easy, all-over lid wash, but this is distinctly orange-toned and gives more subtle shading and a glimmering effect. I then have to deepen the look with the matte chocolate brown Eye Smoke shade, but it's almost like that's not dark enough for what I want to achieve. I would have preferred something with more instant definition like <i>Sable</i> or <i>Espresso</i> from the <b>LORAC</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/amateur-approach.html">Pro Palette</a>, or <b>Anastasia Beverly Hills</b> <i><a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/10/colours-of-world.html">Fudge</a></i>.<br />
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Moving onto the cheek shades. Cheek Pop is your generic shimmery warm pink. The shimmer and pigment are intense, so I need a really soft, floppy brush like <b>Wayne Goss</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/11/beautylish-haul.html">Brush 14</a> or <b>SUQQU</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/is-suqqu-cheek-brush-worth-it.html">Cheek Brush</a> to apply it. Colour-wise, think <b>NARS</b> <i>Orgasm</i> or a <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/variations-of-rose.html">multitude of shades</a> in those little blush pots from <b>Bourjois</b> (if it begins with the word "rose", you're probably on the right track). If I thought Cheek Pop was pigmented, I hadn't seen anything until Cheek Swish. I genuinely do not understand the inclusion of this shade in the palette. It's so dark and brown and metallic. You would only need a minuscule amount and even then, it would have to be blended to death. I appreciate the thought of adding something that wasn't just another ho hum pink blush, but I would have preferred a less intimidating, more "wearable" peachy/nude shade (like <b>Benefit</b> <i>Rockateur</i> or <b>Clinique</b> Cheek Pop in <i>Nude Pop</i>). This is just too much effort to tackle on a daily basis, the fear of creating a muddy, shimmery mess constantly hovering over you. I used it as an eyeshadow and even then, it was uncomfortably dark. I love a daytime soft smoky eye, but this was overboard.<br />
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No one found it a little strange that the Cheek Swish shade was magnitudes darker than the Face Bronze shade? Those are going to be some really defined cheeks. While I prefer the Sculpt shade in Filmstar Bronze & Glow to the Face Bronze in Beauty Glow, I like that it's lighter and warmer so there is that point of difference, since there wouldn't be much excitement if they were identical shades. I use the <b>Charlotte Tilbury</b> Powder & Sculpt brush to apply it and it's a perfect pairing. The Face Highlight is probably one of my favourite things about the palette. It alone makes the entire look when everything is used together. Your face looks like it's basking in an ethereal glow, especially when some is placed down the bridge of the nose.<br />
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One final thing about the palette is that all the shades except Eye Smoke are shimmery, so you can imagine the overall look it's going to give you. I love to glow as much as the next person, but these aren't subtle in the shimmer stakes, nor are they liquid/cream textures that you might be able to blend more seamlessly into the skin. They're all powders and invariably have to sit on top of the skin, so even with careful blending, it's a lot to have shimmery eyeshadow and shimmery blush and shimmery contour and shimmery highlight. Naturally, your comfort level may vary. Of course you can try to tone things down by prepping and priming the skin well, adjusting the amount of product, maybe opting for a different matte blush or eyeshadows, and spritzing all over with a setting spray/face mist at the end.sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-33997711586174560942017-07-20T23:17:00.000+10:002017-07-20T23:17:28.470+10:00First Experience: Dermalogica<b>Dermalogica</b> is a brand I've always been keen to explore, so when <a href="http://www.facialco.com.au/">Facial Co.</a> contacted me about reviewing some of their products, I jumped at the opportunity. I've always considered <b>Dermalogica</b> to enjoy the reputation of being a solid, dependable, almost clinical company that focuses on what goes into their products and how they perform, without the need for fancy packaging or marketing hype. Despite this positive impression, my total exposure to <b>Dermalogica</b> has been limited — mainly a few samples from the Age Smart range that were just so-so, and the memory of using my friend's minty, invigorating face wash after a high school sleepover. Now that I've added the Special Cleansing Gel, Daily Microfoliant and Skin Smoothing Cream to my skin care arsenal, I can form some more concrete opinions.<br />
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<u>Special Cleansing Gel</u><br />
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A good cleanser is a rare specimen. I've gone through many, many cleansers and only one or two really stick out as anything I'd repurchase. The rest are largely interchangeable. Generally, I prefer non-foaming cleaners to foaming, but it's hard to steer clear of foaming cleansers given how common they are, and I'm no less picky when it comes to cream, gel or balm cleansers (forget cleansing milks ... bleurgh).<br />
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The Special Cleansing Gel is strictly a bare face/morning cleanser only, which makes it less versatile than a cleanser that's also effective at removing makeup (e.g. <b>philosophy</b> Purity Made Simple Facial Cleanser). Not that it purports to remove makeup — I just tried out of curiosity. It could possibly be used as a first cleanse before going in with an oil-based cleanser, but what's the point/who has the time.<br />
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I was wary of the inclusion of sodium laureth sulfate (the second ingredient) due to the bad rap it can get, but it's not a factor that deters me entirely. I get that some people might be a bit iffy using something mainly in their shampoo or hand wash on their face, especially on a daily basis.<br />
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The gel is clear and when mixed with water, is gently foaming rather than a total bubble bath, which I prefer. It has an inoffensive, subtle botanical scent. When washed off and the face patted dry with a towel, it leaves the skin feeling squeaky clean but not through harsh means. My skin feels slightly dry if I don't moisturise within a few minutes of cleansing, but it's nothing dramatic and pretty much the same story with any cleanser (the feeling post-cleanse is roughly on par with <b>Oskia</b> Renaissance Cleansing Gel, <b>Clarins</b> Gentle Foaming Cleanser and <b>Fresh</b> Soy Face Cleanser).<br />
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I still regard <b>Radical</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/high-end-cleansing.html">Hydrating Cleanser</a> as the best cleanser I've encountered (creamy texture, smells amazing, leaves skin feeling comfortable and balanced), however we are talking a large price difference — $0.53/ml for the <b>Radical</b> compared with $0.22/ml for the <b>Dermalogica</b> based on the 250ml bottle. However, I'd still be inclined to repurchase the <b>Radical</b> over the <b>Dermalogica</b> as I don't think it has any peer, whereas there are cheaper alternatives to the Special Cleansing Gel that will more or less do the same job (e.g. <b>Derma E</b> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BPo7-rHlVoC/?taken-by=sleepandwater">Hydrating Cleanser</a>, which I've used every morning for a few months now).<br />
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<u>Ingredients</u>: Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate, Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, Hexylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.<br />
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<u>Daily Microfoliant</u><br />
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The Daily Microfoliant, a water-activated, rice-based exfoliating powder, is probably Dermalogica's signature product. As far as I'm aware, it's quite unique — I don't really know of any similar products. The instructions state to pour half a teaspoon onto your hand, which I tried my best to eyeball. It honestly felt like I was tipping out salt and pepper onto my hand. The shape of the bottle and dispenser design are truly reminiscent of a seasoning shaker. There's no particular scent, at least not strong enough to leave any impression.
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Applied to the face after cleansing, it's fairly gentle for a physical scrub (not coarse and
abrasive like <b>Lush</b> Angels on Bare Skin), due to how small the exfoliating
particles are. Unexpectedly, the powder foams up when wet palms are rubbed together. You can feel it working its magic, sloughing away dead cells and giving the skin a clean slate upon which to apply serums and moisturisers. It leaves the face feeling immaculately clean and unusually smooth.<br />
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You do need to follow with a moisturiser, otherwise the skin can feel a little taut and dry, and even start flaking in places like around the nose. With daily use, I can imagine how effective and transformative this would be for the skin, leading to improvements in texture, visible blackheads, uneven/dull skin tone and oiliness. However, the act of unscrewing the top cap and pouring out the powder into your hands is a bit fiddly, and remembering to exfoliate after cleansing is an extra step in my daily routine I wouldn't otherwise take, so I can also imagine not using it as regularly as I could. I'd be more inclined to use it in the shower to save time, but one has to be super careful to not get any water into the powder, otherwise it's good as gone.
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The amount of product in a 75g bottle would last forever, so despite a hefty initial spend of $80, it would pay off in terms of cost per use, especially if you only reach for it a couple of times a week.
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<u>Ingredients</u>: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Oxide, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Colloidal Oatmeal, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Allantoin, Papain, Salicylic Acid, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, PCA, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract, Cyclodextrin, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citric Acid.<br />
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<u>Skin Smoothing Cream</u><br />
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After cleansing and exfoliating, we have moisturiser in the form of the Skin Smoothing Cream. Described as a "medium-weight" moisturiser (I guess the sweet spot between a light moisturiser that may not be rich enough and a thicker moisturiser that might be too heavy), it contains lecithin, aloe gel, mallow, cucumber and arnica extracts. There's no SPF and it isn't specifically a day or night cream, so can be used whenever.
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It has a moderately strong medicinal smell that I would say is uncommon in a skin care product, given how many are perfumed to make them more palatable and enjoyable to use. It doesn't bother me and may even be beneficial for the skin due to the exclusion of artificial fragrance.
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The Skin Smoothing Cream is a unique formulation that has the feel of a balm but is a non-greasy, spreadable, cream consistency. It's not as runny or thin as a lotion, but it's also not oily
like certain salves or thicker moisturisers (e.g. <b>Clinique</b> Dramatically
Different Moisturising Lotion+, <b>Antipodes</b> Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream, <b>Benefit</b> Total Moisture Facial Cream). Probably the most similar moisturiser I've tried to it is <b>Jurlique</b> Arnica Cream.
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It feels like I'm applying a moderately thick coat of locked-in moisture
that is quickly and thoroughly absorbed into the skin,
leaving it smoothed and softened. From the few times I've used it, it's very effective in restoring moisture to the skin and addressing dry patches/flakiness. It has a mattifying effect and dries down completely — almost like a smoothing primer, which works well as a base for makeup and is ideal for the dry/combination skin type the product is targeting.
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<u>Ingredients</u>: Water (Aqua), Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Stearic Acid, PEG-8, Lactamide MEA, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Silk Amino Acids, Polysorbate 60, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Extract, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Allantoin, Panthenol, Glycolipids, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Lecithin, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Leaf/Stem Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Parietaria Officinalis Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Polyquaternium-10, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Aminomethyl Propanol, Disodium EDTA, Carbomer, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool.<br />
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<i>Products were provided to me for review.</i>sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-4684099293750541222017-06-25T15:42:00.000+10:002017-06-25T15:42:54.897+10:00Colour PhilosophyWhile I've largely been sticking to the same products for my daily face these past few months, the not-yet-retired makeup enthusiast in me still isn't immune to the temptation of a cheap, novelty item. Enter <b>Essence</b> Glitter in the Air Velvet Lipstick in <i>Life Is Too Short For Boring Lipstick</i> (01), something that inexplicably called out to me on a recentish trip to Priceline. As its defiant (or defensive?) name might suggest, the colour's pretty out there.<br />
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<i>Life Is Too Short For Boring Lipstick</i> is a cool-toned, dark greyish purple. Under certain light, it looks more like a browny plum. In any event, it's the kind of colour that one might say evokes the effects of hypothermia or screams "goth". But I don't care. It's a shade that I don't have and one that I normally wouldn't go for, given cool-toned colours rarely look good on me. But I tried the tester on at the shop (yes, I'm <i>one of those</i> disgusting people) and I didn't hate it. In fact, I was sold.<br />
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l-r: <b>Essence</b> <i>Life Is Too Short For Boring Lipstick</i>, <b>Revlon</b> <i>Black Cherry</i>, <b>Colourpop</b> <i>Mess Around</i>, <b>Colourpop</b> <i>Toolips</i></div>
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I compared it with the most similar colours in my lipstick collection, and as expected none were close enough to be considered a dupe. <b>Revlon</b> Super Lustrous Lipstick in <i>Black Cherry</i> is distinctly more of a vampy, deep merlot, though the texture is comparable to the <b>Essence</b> (i.e. undeniably patchy but not impossible to work with). <i>Black Cherry</i> is also more of a satin finish than the more matte <i>Life Is Too Short For Boring Lipstick</i>. Both <b>Colourpop</b> shades are more brown-toned than purple, though <i>Toolips</i> is about the same darkness. However being liquid lipsticks, they arguably don't have the same versatility and ease of use as a conventional lipstick, though are smoother and more even in application.<br />
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Here, I've applied it fairly opaquely à la ~dramatic statement lip~, though I prefer wearing it as a light stain for a touch of something unusual and moody. I usually just dab some product with my finger onto my lips (often primed with some kind of balm underneath) and then press my lips together to blend. Even in minuscule amounts, it never fails to elicit comments ("Are you wearing lipstick?"). The texture is on the waxy, hard side and isn't as emollient or smooth as a traditional lipstick, possibly because darker matte colours have inherent formulation limitations. But it's an issue that can be overcome so long as a little more time and care is taken with the application.<br />
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Overall, I'm liking <b>Essence</b> for affordable, "trend" products that one can experiment and have some fun with. At such a low price point, I appreciate the small details (like how the lipstick is cut into an interesting diamond-faceted shape which I failed to photograph in its pristine state — but <a href="http://beautyfreakbox.de/essence-glitter-in-the-air-review/">this</a> blogger did), and I feel the baseline quality is good, despite room for improvement. Life may be too short for boring lipstick, but ultimately makeup is about personal preference and what gives you confidence and enjoyment.sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-8189031625127622132017-05-14T17:17:00.000+10:002017-05-14T22:53:55.241+10:00Quick, Full Face MakeupI don't know about you, but I'm fairly hopeless when it comes to fast makeup. Fast for me is 10-15 minutes (and let's face it, it's always more 15 minutes). Lately, I've been trying to simplify my routine so I can get away with less effort as I'm getting ready, all the while maintaining a full face approach, using few brushes as possible and placing a premium on products that will last the distance. Here's what I've been reaching for:<br />
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I start with a cleansed face and one pump of my current daytime moisturiser, <b>Botani</b> Boost Balancing Moisturiser. I purchased this moisturiser during Priceline's last 40% off skincare sale and have been liking it so far. Consistency-wise and in terms of application and how it dries on the skin, it reminds me of a more fluid, less tacky <b>Trilogy</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/skin-care-sale-stock-up.html">Balancing Face Lotion</a>. It's not as rich, instantly hydrating and soothing as <b>La Roche-Posay</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/july-favourites.html">Toleriane Riche</a>, my favoured moisturiser for this time of year as the weather starts to cool down. However, the <b>Botani</b> has its advantages in that it is almost primer-like once absorbed into the skin, with a slight stickiness and no oiliness whatsoever which helps to prolong whatever foundation is placed on top of it.<br />
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Speaking of foundation, I've been squeezing a dollop of <b>Bobbi Brown</b> BB Cream in <i>Fair</i> into my hand, pressing my palms together and slapping the product onto my face. It's the quickest way to apply my base and does away with brushes entirely. When I first tried the <b>Bobbi Brown</b> BB cream in summer, I was disappointed with it as it sat on top of the skin and transferred/moved around crazily. But now that it's approaching winter and my skin is getting drier, plus with the primer-like <b>Botani</b> applied before, the BB cream just blends into and sticks to my face marvelously. In fact, I have to work relatively quickly to get it all on and blended evenly with my fingers before it starts to set. I'm most pleased with the product not balling up or getting blended away to nothingness even with fairly vigorous circular and smoothing hand actions, as has been my experience with similar products like <b>Garnier</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/no-miracle-worker.html">Miracle Skin Cream</a>. It gives a truly natural, soft focus and brightening finish, but is a light veil rather than anything heavier or more effective at hiding blemishes and perfecting skin tone. Occasionally, if I need a boost in coverage, I'll go over areas of redness or in need of highlighting (mainly T-zone and under the eyes) with my trusty <b>NARS</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/custard-cover.html">Radiant Creamy Concealer</a> in <i>Custard</i>, still the <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/best-of-2014-beauty.html">best concealer I've tried</a>.<br />
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For eyes, I've been also doing away with brushes and using just one product for eyeshadow, <b>Maybelline</b> Color Tattoo in <i><a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/12/two-us-drugstore-buys.html">Creamy Beige</a></i>, supposedly a dupe for <b>MAC</b> Paint Pot in <i>Groundwork</i> which I've been meaning to buy for years. The midtone mushroom/taupe/putty shade provides just the right amount of definition, particularly for glasses wearers, without appearing too heavy or unnatural. The colour leans neutral enough that it doesn't drain the complexion like a lot of grey-leaning shades can. Next comes the hardest part which is doing my eyeliner with <b>Dolly Wink</b> Liquid Eyeliner, the results of which vary on a daily basis (not from the product itself <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/best-of-2014-beauty.html">which is brilliant</a>, just from my unreliable hand). I'm back on an old fave, the tragically discontinued <b>KIKO</b> Eye Pencil in <i><a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/pencilling-in-kiko.html">Glamorous</a></i>, to define my lower lash line. The bright metallic copper complements deep brown eyes and contrasts well with the matte greige eyeshadow. I've been loyal to <b>Essence</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/current-makeup-menu-2.html">I Love Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara</a>, featured in my last makeup menu. I've already purchased a backup and can't picture myself using anything else. It's so affordable, very black, long lasting, lengthens, curls, adds volume, doesn't flake, serves margaritas and gives back massages.<br />
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l-r: <b>Maybelline</b> <i>Creamy Beige</i>, <b>Clinique</b> <i>Nude Pop</i>, <b>KIKO</b> <i>Glamorous</i>, <b>Dolly Wink</b> eyeliner</div>
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Finally, for cheeks, I've been rotating between <b>NARS</b> <i><a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/moderate-about-you.html">Madly</a></i>, <b>Benefit</b> <i><a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/sephora-haul.html">Rockateur</a></i>, and <b>Clinique</b> Cheek Pop in <i>Nude Pop</i>, with the latter receiving the most love. Since the rest of the face is fairly minimal and dull, the warm peachy-beige <i>Nude Pop</i> perks the complexion right up and injects enough colour without being too red or orange. This is the only product I apply with a brush, being the angled, synthetic <b>Morphe</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2016/02/morphe-brushes-worth-hype.html">E4</a>. It's natural, flattering, lasts longer than most blushes, and the spongy, bouncy Cheek Pop formula melds invisibly into the skin rather than sitting on top of it.sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-90380652346937019752017-01-26T21:58:00.000+11:002017-10-22T22:23:27.285+11:00Current Makeup Menu #2I was contemplating doing a "Best of 2016" post, but ultimately decided against it as I had no clue what would be on the list. I didn't blog for 3 months and averaged about 2 posts a month, so my engagement with makeup and product discoveries were all a bit plodding and piecemeal. Usually I look back on what I blogged about to get a sense of the stuff I enjoyed in the past year, but nothing stood out to me when I reviewed what I'd written about. Rather than force the issue, I thought I'd do a current makeup loves post instead. On that topic, I do have something to say.<br />
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I've switched back to <b>Chanel</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/shake-to-activate.html">Vitalumiere Aqua</a> after persevering quite joylessly with <b>Dior</b> BB Creme. I forgot what an absolutely incredible foundation this is. It's in my top 3 all-time favourites alongside <b>NARS</b> Sheer Glow and <b>YSL</b> Le Teint Touche Eclat. Definitely a better summer foundation than for the colder months (the <b>YSL</b> is better for winter as it's more hydrating/forgiving), but I haven't experienced any issues with it highlighting dry patches as I have occasionally in the past. Could just be my skin's in decent condition at the moment. Not too dry, not too oily, more or less unblemished (knock on wood). With an unproblematic canvas, Vitalumiere Aqua works super well. It's immediately flattering but believable. Makes the skin look softly luminous, lifted, more plump and youthful. It blends in effortlessly, never sitting on top of the skin, and doesn't ever look too heavy or obvious. Just a high quality, high performing foundation that I must remember to repurchase when I run out.<br />
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I've also been turning to <b>Chanel</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/stand-still-look-pretty.html">Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder</a> to set my face with my <b>Wayne Goss</b> Brush 00. Previously I didn't think it did much, but I probably was just using it all wrong. I find the key is not using too much product, finding the right brush, and applying only a light, thin layer. It takes down unwanted shine a notch or two without totally mattifying the skin, and minimises the need to blot my face down the track (I still do it, but less product comes off). I like that it's undetectable on the skin and doesn't weigh it down with the appearance of a powder caked on top.<br />
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<b>Pixi</b> Glow Mist is a product I've been meaning to try for ages, especially after hearing it being compared with <b>Tatcha</b> Dewy Skin Face Mist, the price of which I could never justify, never mind it's not even sold in Australia. (Seriously, $48 USD or $70 for <i><u>40ml</u></i> of liquid you spritz on your face for fun. Can't do it.) To me, the main things I look out for in a mist are a) if it feels good on the skin, i.e. isn't noticeably drying, irritating or otherwise uncomfortable b) if it does the job, i.e. makes my makeup look fresher and my complexion dewier if I've overdone it with the powders or my foundation's too matte/flat c) if there are any ingredients I should be wary of, like alcohol or menthol. Glow Mist ticks all the boxes, plus it was a far more affordable price point for double the amount you get in the <b>Tatcha</b> at 80ml (I bought it in a pack with Glow Tonic on sale from ASOS for about $45).<br />
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I've heard good things about <b>Essence</b> I Love Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara (especially from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ozproductjunkie/?hl=en">ozproductjunkie</a>), so I purchased a tube during one of Priceline's 40% off cosmetics sales. I finally opened mine up a few weeks ago, and I really like it. It reminds me so much of <b>Benefit</b> They're Real, but is a fraction of the price. The wand, formula, application and effect are very similar. My only minor gripe is that it could do a better job at getting to the outer lashes, but I can overlook that shortcoming since it does everything else so well for being so affordable. I honestly don't know why I'd buy any other mascara from now on when this is $5.75 and so effective. As its name suggests, it builds up lots of thickness and volume in the lashes, without looking too spidery and clumpy. Separation is good, curl is good, lasting power is great and it does a good job on the bottom lashes as well without smudging too much throughout the day.<br />
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In a recent <b>Colourpop</b> free shipping promo, I ordered Mr. Bing Liner (a collaboration with YouTuber KathleenLights). The purchase was mainly spurred by curiosity more than anything, since Kathleen raved so much about the formula and I haven't been overly impressed with all that many pencil eyeliners I've tried. Since it arrived, I've been using this to define my lower lash line daily. I like the warm chocolately brown colour, wear time is excellent and it doesn't budge. The fine tip allows for precise application and the twist up mechanism is convenient (no pesky, wasteful sharpening ever!). The formula isn't completely soft and gel-like, but it's not totally dry and hard either. It's a little waxy, but still has a bit of give upon contact with skin.<br />
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l-r: <b>NYX</b> <i>Abu Dhabi</i>, <b>Colourpop</b> <i>Mr. Bing</i>, <b>NARS</b> The Multiple in <i>Orgasm</i></div>
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My friend gave me her unwanted mini of <b>NARS</b> The Multiple in <i>Orgasm</i> and I've been reaching for this as part of my "quick" makeup with minimal (for me) products. Basically using it as a substitute for <b>Stila</b> Convertible Colour in <i>Gerbera</i> in my <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/go-to-low-key-makeup.html">go-to low-key makeup</a> post (ditching the cream pot eyeshadows for my beloved <b>KIKO</b> Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow and swapping pencil eyeliner for liquid felt tip eyeliner). This product is a faithful interpretation of <i>Orgasm</i> powder blush but in cream blush form. The golden sheen comes out a touch more than in the pressed version, but there's still that distinctive warm, translucent, corally baby pink. I literally draw on a few strokes onto my cheek and then use my fingers to blend out the edges. The lasting power isn't as good as the powder blush and you have to be a little careful so it's not patchy upon application as the formula is on the thin side but quite emollient (not greasy however). I love the small size and the fact it doesn't require a brush to use, making it super portable and ideal for travel.<br />
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Lastly, we have <b>NYX</b> Soft Matte Lip Cream in <i>Abu Dhabi</i>. To me, this is possibly the most perfect nude I've encountered. If you're light (NC 20-25) and Asian/yellow-toned, I highly recommend you seek out <i>Abu Dhabi</i> and try it. It's like <b>MAC</b> <i><a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/confection-perfection.html">Patisserie</a></i> on steroids (or the bolder, fully matte version). The only minor downside is it does settle a little bit in the lip lines, but I usually just rub the product in with my finger or blot with a tissue or the back of my hand. The lasting power isn't amazing, but perhaps to be expected for a light MLLB colour. I couldn't find this shade individually to purchase in any Priceline or Target, so I had to buy it in a set called "The Nudes" with Simply Nude Lip Cream in <i>Sable</i> and Intense Butter Gloss in <i>Chocolate Crepe</i>. Worth it.sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-13453377870704721202017-01-09T23:05:00.002+11:002017-01-09T23:13:50.600+11:00Pretty as a FlowerCompared with previous years, I didn't buy all that much makeup in 2016. However, I couldn't let the year pass without purchasing at least one of the seemingly universally heralded two best eyeshadow palettes of last year: <b>Anastasia Beverly Hills</b> Modern Renaissance Palette or the <b>Tarte</b> Tartelette in Bloom Palette. I was kind of leaning towards the more ~editorial~ <b>ABH</b>, the one<b> </b>with the artistic cred, but during Sephora's last 20% off sale, it was sold out. So I satisfied myself with the more conventional, less exciting but more "practical" <b>Tarte</b> offering instead.<br />
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l-r: Charmer, Jetsetter, Rocker, Smokeshow, Flower Child, Smarty Pants, Firecracker, Activist, Funny Girl, Sweetheart, Rebel, Leader</div>
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l-r: Charmer, Jetsetter, Rocker, Smokeshow</div>
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l-r: (Smokeshow), Flower Child, Smarty Pants, Firecracker, Activist, (Funny Girl)</div>
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l-r: Funny Girl, Sweetheart, Rebel, Leader</div>
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This is one pretty palette, both inside and out. I think I prefer the packaging of the <b>Tarte</b> to <b>ABH</b>. It's nicely thought out and executed, decently sleek and compact, the squareish shape is fairly original in a world of mostly rectangular eyeshadow palettes, and it comes with a huge, good quality mirror.<br />
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The colour selection is nothing earth-shattering or out of the box, but still a well-considered edit of neutral mattes with differing undertones and depth, plus a sprinkle of metallic and shimmer shades. I really appreciate the way that the palette is laid out, with each individual row basically acting like its own quad (centered around a colour family), and each column grouping together similar depths of shades, ranging from lightest to darkest.<br />
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One criticism I have heard about this palette is that the deepest shades (<i>Smokeshow</i>, <i>Activist</i> and <i>Leader</i>) are all a bit samey once applied to the lids. <i>Smokeshow</i> and <i>Activist</i> I would probably agree, since the former is just a greyer version of the browner latter, but I think <i>Leader</i> is sufficiently reddish to act as a point of difference.<br />
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In terms of the shadow quality, the lighter to medium mattes pass the test. They're nicely pigmented, soft but not crumbly or powdery, and blend easily. However the deeper mattes can get a little patchy and don't have the most intense colour payoff I've come across (the <b>LORAC</b> Pro Palette still takes that title by a loooong shot). The quality is certainly not awful nor disappointing, but didn't absolutely blow me away either. It'd say it's above average, which you'd expect from a palette of this price. Honestly though, some of the mattes in my 28-pan <b>Morphe</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/playing-favourites.html">Jaclyn Hill Favorites Palette</a> perform just as well.<br />
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I do really love the bronze shade <i>Firecracker</i>, of course. The definite standout of the palette and a large reason why I bought it. Undeniably pretty on the lid with superior pigmentation and texture. <i>Funny Girl</i> is more of a shimmery champagne topper as it has a kind of spongy, drier texture, so sometimes I like dabbing a bit of it to the centre of my lids with my finger to add some sparkle and light. Overall, the palette is predominately warm-toned except for the distinctly cooler-toned first row of shades. I almost wish the mid-tone brown <i>Jetsetter</i> was even cooler than it is, say a light, slightly dove grey taupe, but then I remember I can't pull off cool eyeshadows and content myself with its current form.<br />
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Overall, I've been enjoying Tartelette in Bloom and don't regret adding it to my collection, but if you have myriad neutral palettes already (and if you're reading this, I imagine you do), you definitely don't *need* it. It's kind of similar to <b>Urban Decay</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/third-time-rosy.html">Naked3</a> (though Naked3 is more exuberant in the rosey/mauvey/coppery shades still), <b>Maybelline</b> <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/maybelline-haul.html">The Nudes</a>, even <b>L'Oréal</b> Color Riche La Palette Nude in <i><a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/priceline-40-off-cosmetics-haul-7.html">Beige</a></i>. Having said that, you can more or less pick any combination of shades in Tartelette in Bloom and come up with something you can wear for most occasions. It's a very complete palette that's beautifully packaged and produces looks that, for lack of a better word, are simply <i>pretty</i>. What more really, do you need?sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501277763592283146.post-11701356385200632022016-12-04T22:13:00.000+11:002016-12-05T02:13:02.374+11:00Colourpop Lip Haul (+ Rant)<b>Colourpop</b> recently had free international shipping, so I caved and put in a modest order. My friend however, showed no such restraint, and ordered 18 lip products. That's right, 18. She chucked whatever took her fancy into her cart without the requisite, thorough research us beauty bloggers might do, and based her choices purely on the product photos on the Colourpop website. BIG MISTAKE. When the goods arrived, it didn't take long to realise many of the colours on the lips were much deeper than how they appeared in the tube. Soon I found myself the beneficiary of some of her discarded shades: Ultra Matte Lips (UML) in <i>Beeper</i>, <i>Wild Nothing</i> and <i>Teeny Tiny</i>, Ultra Satin Lips (USL) in <i>Frick N' Frack</i> and <i>November</i>, and mini USLs in <i>Stud</i>, <i>Mess Around</i> and <i>Toolips</i>. In my own order, I bought just Matte X Lippie Stix in <i>Hotline</i> because I'd heard raves about the Matte X formula.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">Matte X Lippie Stix in </span><i style="text-align: start;">Hotline</i></div>
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<b>Colourpop</b> lip haul, <i>Beeper
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<i>November</i>, <i>Wild Nothing</i></center>
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<i>Teeny Tiny</i>, <i>Frick N' Frack</i></center>
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<i>Mess Around</i>, <i>Toolips</i></center>
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<i>Stud</i>, <i>Hotline</i></center>
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<i>Beeper</i> is a dark plummy brown. <i>November</i> is a medium warm rose pink. <i>Wild Nothing</i> is a deep chocolatey plum. <i>Teeny Tiny</i> is a darker, more purple version of <i>Wild Nothing</i>. <i>Frick N' Frack</i> is a deep, mauvey berry. <i>Mess Around</i> is a dark brown grey. <i>Toolips</i> is a blackened plum. <i>Stud</i> is a fractionally browner/darker <i>Frick N' Frack</i>. And I mean fractionally...<br />
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Top lip <i>Stud</i>, bottom lip <i>Frick N' Frack</i></div>
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Come on. They're basically indistinguishable. They're both also the Ultra Satin Lip formula so not even different in finish!<br />
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l-r: Wild Nothing, Teeny Tiny, Frick N' Frack, Stud, Beeper, Mess Around, Toolips</div>
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l-r: Wild Nothing (UML), Teeny Tiny (UML), Frick N' Frack (USL), Stud (USL), Beeper (UML)</div>
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Here we can see just how similar these colours are. Sure, <i>Teeny Tiny</i> is more purply and darker than the rest, <i>Beeper</i> is a bit lighter, <i>Wild Nothing</i> is perhaps a touch deeper and browner than the redder <i>Frick N' Frack</i> and <i>Stud</i>, but the differences aren't enough to justify half of these shades being separate and distinct. You'd hope that a brand would consciously avoid having dupes or near dupes within their own collection, but maybe <b>Colourpop</b> has other priorities.<br />
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This was also my first time trying out the Ultra Satin Lip formula. I find them a lot more comfortable to wear than the Ultra Matte Lips which are drying and suck all the moisture from your lips. The fluffier applicator on the USL is noticeably more plush and cushiony than the UML which feels harder and not as giving, perhaps to facilitate a harsher, more precise edge. The Ultra Satin Lip dries down to a more matte finish anyway, so they just feel like a more moisturising version of their Ultra Matte Lip. I find the Ultra Matte Lip colours fare better with a coat of lip balm underneath, an initial layer of product that's dabbed on with the fingers, then a second coat applied the same way after the first has dried. This helps create a more even finish and gets around needing a super precise application. If given the choice, I would abandon the Ultra Matte Lip in favour of the Ultra Satin Lip for any future purchases.<br />
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Top to bottom: November, Hotline</div>
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The Matte X Lippie Stix was pretty much what I was expecting: a full coverage but lightweight, extremely matte lipstick. I bought <i>Hotline</i> after seeing <a href="http://pepperpout.com/2016/11/08/colourpop-persuede-me-lip-swatches/">this blog post</a> because it looked so perfect on the blogger. It's not as love-at-first-sight on me, but it's a nicely done warm peachy nude. Probably what I'd hoped <b>Revlon</b> Matte lipstick in <i><a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/mattes-for-measure.html">Smoked Peach</a></i> would be. Reminds me of a more orange, lighter <b>Wet n Wild</b> MegaLast Lip Color in <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/may-favourites.html"><i>Bare It All</i></a> or <b>Maybelline</b> Color Drama Intense Velvet Lip Pencil in <i>Nude Perfection</i>.<br />
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I was kind of excited for <i>November</i> since it's distinctly not like the other vampy shades and I do like KathleenLights. But I think it's a bit too syrupy for me? There's something simultaneously neon yet old-fashioned about it. Not the hugest fan, but could work if not at 100% opacity.<br />
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Once again, I'm not particularly thrilled with <b>Colourpop</b> (see previous posts <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2015/05/colourpop-curious.html">here</a> and <a href="http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/colourpop-continued.html">here</a>). I do stand by what I said before, which is they're a good place to go if you want to try out trendy, daring, bold, fun shades at an affordable price point. I mean, I'm probably never going to wear <i>Toolips</i> or <i>Mess Around</i> out, but at least the option's there and I've seen what they look like on. I also give them props for making colours that look great on darker skin tones. But I was majorly annoyed by 2 things with this latest batch of products. These observations seem to be more a criticism of their business model than the quality of their products per se.<br />
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First, not every consumer will be bothered or savvy enough to properly research the colour accuracy of their shades. If they purchase, like my friend, based upon photographs of the products on the Colourpop website, they will be sorely disappointed. The colour in the tube isn't the colour on the lips, and that's a problem. See for example, reviews on <a href="https://colourpop.com/products/frick-n-frack#shopify-product-reviews"><i>Frick N' Frack</i></a> and <a href="https://colourpop.com/products/toolips" style="font-style: italic;">Toolips</a> respectively:<br />
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<i>One complaint is that Frick N Frack (and pretty much all ColourPop's lipsticks) look much darker in reality than in their pictures. I'm giving 4/5 because I think it's beautiful, but they need to be more honest with their pictures, because it does disappoint some people. For example, I would rather have a lip colour like the picture than the actual frick n frack but it's still beautiful</i> (<u>oh_yeez_itzz_kylizzle</u> on Nov 7, 2016)</blockquote>
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<i>I was super excited about this beautiful fall/winter color, but ended up being disappoint with how dark it turned out. It turned out to be dark brown when applied and even was mistaken to be a black lipstick by my friends. However, the color does last without rubbing off for almost the whole day. Just was not what I was expecting from the pictures.</i> (<u>Sav</u> on Oct 27, 2016)</blockquote>
Yes, they do have swatches on their website as well, but when you have so many colours in your range, it would be much more helpful if similar-appearing colours were swatched together (a la <b>Makeup Geek</b> eyeshadows), rather than disparate shades in a "collection". That way, at least people have a chance at avoiding duplicate colours, or at least will be more aware of the differences, no matter how small.<br />
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Secondly, I don't think a company should be producing nearly identical colours like <i>Frick N' Frack</i> and <i>Stud</i> under different names in the first place. The fact that those two shades, plus <i>Wild Nothing</i>, <i>Beeper</i> and <i>Teeny Tiny</i> were just so similar, leaves a very bad taste in my mouth. Sure, no one put a gun to anyone's head to buy them all, but you'd hope if you bought FIVE different colours, they'd at least have some point of difference on the lips to not make it all feel like a massive waste of money. This coming from someone with a gazillion same pink lipsticks and bronze eyeshadows.<br />
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A third minor complaint I have is the lettering on the packaging of their products fades unbelievably quickly. I'm talking in a matter of days with ordinary handling, or after a single trip in the handbag. What's the point?<br />
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I think <b>Colourpop</b> could be so much better if they sorted their shit out. I haven't experienced any of these issues with any other brand. Perhaps these problems arise because they favour pushing out fresh new product even if the formulas, shades or aspects of packaging aren't perfected. Having said all that, somehow I've accumulated a sizeable collection of their stuff even though I'm not super happy with most of it. I guess they must be doing something right.sleepandwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09916100256685023244noreply@blogger.com21