It Doesn't Count When You're on Holiday

I'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 previous holiday 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.

What I ended up getting (all prices in USD, multiply by 4.712% for tax and then 1.4 for AUD conversion):

• Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 in Pear ($9)
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina palette ($42)
• Origins Bestsellers Best Skin Set ($29)
• Sunday Riley Flash Fix Kit ($28)
• Laline mini Body Souffle in Hawaii ($12.50)
• MAC Dazzleshadow Liquid in Rayon Rays and Not Afraid to Sparkle ($22 each)

I also repurchased a mini 50g tube of Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask ($12), a travel size MAC Fix+ ($12) and a travel size Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser in Nude ($24). 

I've wanted to try Sunday Riley 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.

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 Pixi Glow Tonic and have a 8ml tube of Drunk Elephant 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.

This Origins 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.

I've been buying a lot of Origins 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 Origins 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.

The Kiehl's 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 Lanolips pear lip balm as a substitute, but the scent was so disappointing to me that it only reinforced how much I wanted the Kiehl's. 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.

Laline 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.

I was undecided on whether to buy the Norvina palette by Anastasia Beverly Hills 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.

First, the way it swatched in store impressed me. The colour that I thought would most draw me in (Soul) 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 Volatile blended over the lid, then pressed Dazzling 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 Drama 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 Sleek 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.

(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 Love and Wild Child, happened when I tried the Natasha Denona Joya palette.)

l-r: Rayon Rays, Not Afraid to Sparkle

I've been drawn to the Stila 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 Rose Gold Retro, Kitten Karma and Smoldering Satin. They've since released more sets, but with other, less appealing shades. When I saw MAC launched a new product called Dazzleshadow Liquid, it was clear these were their version of the Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows.

I'd first seen Rayon Rays on makeup artist and earring aficionado Katie Jane Hughes, 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 Not Afraid to Sparkle (very reminiscent of Stila Perlina, 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 Stila shadows, but for some reason the MAC 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 MAC and Stila, 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.

Bright Base

Lately I've been all about illuminating primers. They've now become an unmissable step in my makeup routine. Not only do they add that extra glow, they also help my makeup apply better and last longer. Combined with a powder highlight over the cheekbones, brow bone, and down the bridge of the nose, plus a generous dousing of MAC Fix+, the final result is an almost otherworldly luminosity. Here are the four primers/liquid highlighters I've been rotating.

l-r: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone, Nude by Nature Soft Focus Illuminator, MAC Strobe Cream, Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance

Excuse the dust...

l-r: Nude by Nature Soft Focus Illuminator, Becca Moonstone, Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance, MAC Strobe Cream

l-r: Nude by Nature Soft Focus Illuminator, Becca Moonstone, Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance, MAC Strobe Cream

Nude by Nature Soft Focus Illuminator
The most affordable option and relatively generous in size ($22.95 for 50ml), the Nude by Nature Soft Focus Illuminator has a thicker, slightly moussey consistency than the others. (Admittedly, that could be in part due to the fact my tube is 3 years old and I probably should have thrown it out by now.) As a result, I have to use a bit more product to cover over my whole face before going in with foundation. It's a peachy gold that blends out so that it becomes nearly imperceptible, but still leaves the skin with an unmistakable golden pearl (especially noticeable around the nose). I'm not a fan of the smell which I find too strong, though the length of time I've had it could be a factor in the unpleasant scent. One thing I do really like about the Soft Focus Illuminator is after I apply a layer of it all over my bare, moisturised face, it makes foundation go on smoother and more easily, and prolongs the wear time of my makeup.

Ingredients: Aqua, Decyl Oleate, Glycerin, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, GlycerylMonostearate, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Beeswax (Cera Alba), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Parfum, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Citral, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, C.I.77019 (Mica), C.I. 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), C.I.77491 (Red Iron Oxide).

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone
For whatever reason I've always considered the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors as dedicated liquid highlighters, though the blurb on the back of the tube does say it can be used as a makeup base or mixed with foundation. Moonstone is a beautiful pale gold that doesn't leave any glittery or distinctively shimmery particles on the skin. It blends out to a pure reflective gleam that bounces light off the face. This is one of the more pronounced highlighters I have when used as a makeup base. I find it almost too intense, which is why I don't reach for it as much as the others. It's more manageable used sparingly and in targeted areas under foundation where you'd normally highlight, rather than applied to the entire face. It goes without saying it's also super effective as a regular liquid highlight over foundation. It has a floral scent but isn't anything too overbearing.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Homosalate, Glyceryl Stearate, Octyldodecanol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone), Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Trilaureth-4 Phosphate, Propylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Hamamelis Virginiana Witch (Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water), Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Paraffinum Liquidum/Mineral Oil/Huile minerale, Glucose, Fructose, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Alcohol Denat, Dextrin, Sucrose, Urea, Propylparaben, BHT, Hexyl Nicotinate, Glutamic Acide, Aspartic Acid, Alanine, Aloe Barbadensis Extract (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract), Butylparaben, Fragrance. May contain [+/-]: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77499), Tin Oxide, Mica.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance
One of my all time favourite primers. The texture is superb — not too thick and oily, not too thin and runny. It blends into the skin effortlessly, absorbing quickly and leaving the skin softly moisturised and prepped for foundation. It also helps to prolong the longevity of makeup and wards off disintegration and fading. Like my experience with all Laura Mercier base products I've tried, it feels like a high quality product that's been carefully formulated and tested to actually do what it says and make a real difference.

This is what I reach for on special occasions like weddings or when I want to give my skin a perfecting, luminous boost. The glow it gives is refined but unmistakably there. A colleague once asked me whether I'd done anything different to my skin on a day when I was wearing this with Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk. Need I say more.

The only thing I will say about the Foundation Primer Radiance is that it cooperates better with hydrating, oiler/thicker moisturisers. Occasionally if I don't moisturise my skin adequately, or if it's drier than normal, or if I pair this with the wrong foundation, I will experience some issues with the products reacting together poorly (i.e. the primer balling up in places, catching on dry patches, being a bit harder to blend out around the edges of the nose).

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Hydrogenated Didecene, Glycerin, PVP, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Sorbitan Stearate, Mica (CI 77019), Cetyl Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Propylene Glycol Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/ Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Propylene Glycol Isostearate, Glyceryl Isostearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Boron Nitride, Squalane, Caprylyl Glycol, Oleth-25, Ceteth-25, Tocopherol Acetate, Polysorbate 60, Retinyl Palmitate, Tin Oxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Triethanolamine, Tropolone, Butylene Glycol, Plankton Extract. May Contain (+/-): CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxide).

MAC Strobe Cream
Featured in my last favourites post, there's been no change in my position since. I love this stuff. It's the most comfortable feeling on the skin — closest to the feel of skin care that really plumps the skin, soothes and moisturises. The texture isn't thick, gloopy or heavy on the skin at all. It's lightweight and you only need a small amount for the whole face. It is heavily scented which is a bit off-putting, but I can live with it. Strobe Cream is unique in that it isn't yellow/gold/peachy, but rather gives a pearly, pinky-white, ethereal glow. When this is applied to a bare face, it makes an immediate but subtle difference. The skin just looks better. More radiant, more evened out, halo-lit. Dullness is dialled down, brightness cranked up. As an added bonus, of the four primers here, Strobe Cream boasts the most skin care ingredients.

Ingredients: Water, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Glyceryl Distearate, Trisiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Cholesterol, Jojoba Seed Oil, Steareth-10 Cetyl Esters, Cetyl Alcohol, Vitis Vinifera Fruite Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Morus Bombycis Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyalauronate, Panthenol, Ceramide 2, Xanthan Gum, Sucrose, Glycerin, Cyanocobalmin, Caprylyl Glycol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Hexylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Metabisulfite, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Linoleic Acid, Isohexadecane, Citric Acid, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Red 4.

Current Makeup Menu

I've been super lazy with my makeup lately. I've also decided to stop doing regimented monthly favourites posts and instead do ad hoc posts of the products I've been reaching for whenever an update might be of interest. Most mornings during the past couple of weeks, I've adhered to a fairly pared down routine (from my previous standards at least). A lot of it is motivated by the desire to stay in bed for as long as possible, which naturally cuts into the time I have to get ready.

After washing and moisturising my face (I've been loving a sample of the hydrating but not oily Innisfree Perfect 9 Repair Lotion), I start with the eyes. While usually one of the most enjoyable aspects of makeup for me, I've ditched all my powder eyeshadows or need for brushes in favour of one product only: KIKO Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow. I alternate between two shades, Rosy Brown (for a more cool-toned, mauvey taupe option) and Golden Brown (more neutral bronze). Touted as a dupe for By Terry Ombre Blackstar Cream Eyeshadow, these are quite simply the best shadow stick I've come across. The quality is superb for the price. They're strongly pigmented, very metallic but not gritty or patchy, long lasting, easy to apply and blend, and most importantly, flattering on the eyes. So quick, fuss-free and reliable. I just whack some onto the lid and blend out the edges with my finger. I also run the stick along the lower lash line. It takes about 30 seconds per eye and the eyeshadow is done.

l-r: KIKO Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow in Rosy Brown (05), Golden Brown (06)

Next is eyeliner. I've been trying out the affordable Essence Eyeliner Pen Waterproof which I used my $5 birthday voucher from Priceline towards. It's only so-so. The colour is pleasantly black, but it's the shape of the tip that doesn't work for me. It doesn't give me enough control when extending the line and drawing the flick. It's more of a hard felt tip rather than a flexible but firm thin brush like my superior Japan-made Creer Beaute La Rose de Versailles liquid eyeliner, which I'd use all the time except that it's running out. The Essence also dries in a way that if you go over the dried eyeliner, it'll flake off.

After eyeliner, I follow with whatever mascara I have available. The two I've been reaching for are in their final stages and nothing to write home about. I'm more or less waiting for them to be finished entirely before cracking open one of the many brand new mascaras I have waiting in the wings.

Next comes skin. Some days if I'm interested in an injection of extra glow, I'll apply a small amount of MAC Strobe Cream all over like I would a luminising primer. I'm having something of a lovefest with Strobe Cream at the moment and think it's incredibly underrated despite its cult product status. The colour is beautiful, the texture is great, it's so multifunctional and compared with other liquid highlighting products like Chanel Le Blanc de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base or Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid, it's not that expensive. I find applying Strobe Cream to my bare face before foundation results in a more natural, subtle effect than if I mixed it into my foundation. I am slightly paranoid that smoothing it over my nose and forehead has a tendency to break me out, but it seems fine over the cheeks.

Recently, I've been sticking to one pump of Dior Diorskin Nude BB Creme in Fair (02) mixed with a drop of Tarte Maracuja Oil applied with my Zoeva Silk Finish brush for my base. I don't know if the texture of my Dior is a bit off, but I don't really like it. It feels slightly moussey and thicker in consistency than most liquid foundations I'm used to. Coverage is definitely on the light side, which wouldn't be too much of a problem if my skin was in good shape, but lately I've had some dryness, redness and break outs which call for concealer after the foundation is applied. Otherwise, you can see most of the underlying blemished and uneven skin peeking through. Even with the drop of oil mixed in and thoroughly buffed in with my brush, the BB Creme doesn't meld or sink completely into my skin. I do notice, especially if I examine my skin closely in the mirror, parts that still sit on top of the skin, especially around the nose. The finish isn't as brightening or dewy as I'd like, though it's not exactly matte. It's just a bit flat, albeit "natural" (though the colour is a little too pink-toned for me). Additionally, as the day goes on, the foundation starts to break up on my skin, especially visible on the cheeks. It's not as effectively skin-perfecting, illuminating or easy to work with than the much cheaper Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector Combination to Oily Skin. However, I'm persevering with the Dior because it was pricey and if I don't force myself to use it, it'll never be touched.

Last we have another favourite aspect of makeup for me apart from the eyes — blush. The two I've been loving lately have been Benefit Rockateur and Max Factor Creme Puff Blush in Nude Mauve. The Benefit is a brightening, shimmery pinky peach that's more girly, summery and warming, whereas the plummy brown, satin-finish Nude Mauve is more cool-toned, sculpting and polished. Nude Mauve is a versatile hybrid bronzer and blush that I can just whack on without being concerned about placement or overdoing it, since the colour payoff is on the subdued side. It has a softer baked texture and blends without any issues. I'm still loving my Wayne Goss Brush #14 for blush, though I've also been reaching for my angled Zoeva Luxe Sheer Cheek Brush.

l-r: Benefit Rockateur, Max Factor Nude Mauve

Depending on time constraints and whether I feel like it, I'll highlight and/or powder after blush. I did go through a phase of preferring certain colour-shifting eyeshadows (Kat Von D Metal Crush Eyeshadow in Thunderstruck, Makeup Geek Duochrome Eyeshadow in I'm Peachless) to dedicated powder highlighters for my cheek highlight, but I've found the texture of them usually isn't as forgiving on the skin. They're not as easily blended and can emphasise pores and sit on the skin in an obvious manner. I've been mostly using Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop (can't beat the colour and the BAM! HIGHLIGHT effect) or Dior Diorskin Poudre Shimmer in Amber Diamond (probably the most refined highlighter I have, along with Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow), applied with a Burberry No.09 Socket Line Brush. Powder has been Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder in N°20 which I actually really like, except I suspect that might have more to do with the fact it's Chanel than anything else.

As a final step, I'll put on some lip balm. I do this for an odd purpose — it's not to hydrate my lips, but rather, to get rid of any foundation on my lips. I'll remove the lip balm with a tissue which removes any foundation. I've been rediscovering the cult product Lucas' Papaw Ointment. My tube is God knows how old, but it still works perfectly. The shine it gives the lips is super pretty and it's an excellent multipurpose ointment that soothes, protects and moisturises.

High End Let Downs

Higher prices tend to command higher expectations, so it's more of a downer than usual when expensive products turn out to be disappointments. I don't like to keep any products I actively dislike, but when they cost a pretty penny, it's harder to bring myself to get rid of them. These six items mostly just take up space and spark the occasional moment of regret and annoyance when I see them.

Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder in Medium
I thought this would be the be all and end all of contouring powders. The price put me off, but after encountering many a rave and seeing The Sculpting Powder work its magic on people's faces, I bit the bullet. This doesn't look right on me. I think it suits pink-toned, pale complexions only. If you're more yellow and light-to-medium, it pulls very cool brownish grey (read: muddy). I've tried every brush under the sun, I've tried a light application, heavier application, different placement. It's not flattering or believable. It either is too subtle and therefore useless, or makes me look like I have a dirty stripe where I wish my cheekbone was. Swatches here.

MAC Eye Kohl in Powersurge

MAC Eye Kohl in Powersurge
There's nothing hugely offensive about this pencil eyeliner, except it's so unremarkable and overpriced for the quality. I was willing to pay a premium for the colour, but once I actually tried it on my lower lash line, I realised it wasn't anything special. A medium khaki-ish (greeny) gold. I have plenty of similar coloured eyeshadows which I could apply with a pencil brush to my lower lash line if I wanted identical effect. Pigmentation is not woeful, but could be better. The metallic quality is relatively subdued and not particularly intense or lustrous. The main problem is the texture. It's fairly hard, doesn't glide on and isn't that creamy. Lasting power is also extremely ordinary. There are SO many cheaper eyeliners that are superior in every respect (e.g. Savvy by DB Soft Glide Eyeliner, Kiko Glamorous Eye Pencil, Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal) that nothing can justify the $32 price tag for the MAC. I wish I'd bought another 217 Blending Brush instead.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light
I weep a little thinking about the $62 I bid farewell to when I bought this powder. I was expecting this to be a skin-perfecting finishing powder, but it's so BROWN and PINK and DARK that it's virtually unusable. It's not even something I can use to "warm up" or darken my skin if my foundation's too light, since it doesn't match my natural skin colour anyway. It's far too pink-toned. It also doesn't impart any brightening luminosity to my face except the subtlest whitish pearl. I more or less never reach for Dim Light since I have other powders that do the job I wanted it to (Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder, Guerlain Météorites Compact Light-Revealing Powder). I should've bought Diffused Light instead. Original review here.

Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara
Granted, this was a magazine freebie, but I was super excited to try out a high end mascara since I don't tend to buy them. Sadly, this was a complete flop. This mascara did absolutely nothing for my lashes. No curl, no lift, no volume, no separation, no lengthening. All the times I've applied it, I've either hated it, or abandoned it mid-way to grab something that actually works.

l-r (top to bottom row): Caught in the Act Courtney, Feisty Felicia, Insane Jane, Bossy Bobbi, Makeout Mary, Just This Once Jamie, Mischievous Marissa, Tempting Tara, Devilish Danielle

theBalm Shady Lady Vol. 2
I truly dislike this palette. The first two darker shades with glitter (Caught in the Act Courtney and Feisty Felicia) are dry, patchy, poorly pigmented and have huge amounts of fall out. Some of the other shades (Mischievous Marissa, Tempting Tara, Devilish Danielle) are really powdery even if they have strong colour payoff. But the main problem with Shady Lady Vol. 2 is none of the colours are flattering on me. None. This isn't a palette I want to reach for. It's not a palette that houses colours I'm excited to use. Since it came into my possession, I don't think I've ever used it, except maybe the darker shades to deepen an eye look. Also, the shade names are gross (Makeout Mary? Just This Once Jamie??).

l-r (top to bottom row): In the Buff, Birthday Suit, Pink Cheeks, Pillow Talk, Like a Virgin, Satin Sheets, Unmentionables, Lap Dance, Stiletto

Too Faced Naked Eye Palette
I possibly dislike this palette more than Shady Lady Vol. 2, which is saying a lot. At least the eyeshadows in Shady Lady Vol. 2 are visible on my lids. Almost half of the shadows in Naked Eye are invisible, including all 3 of the larger pans. In the Buff, Birthday Suit, Pink Cheeks and Pillow Talk are rubbish. Maybe if you're very fair, they'll have some kind of effect, but on my light-to-medium (NC 20 to 25) skin, they're useless. (Looks like I'm not the only one that feels that way.) I bought Naked Eye early on in my "makeup journey", back when I didn't realise cool-toned eyeshadows and I don't mix. Lap Dance and Unmentionables swatch nicely, but are so dirty/ashy/muddy on my lids and drain my complexion. Satin Sheets is admittedly very pretty and super pigmented, but I wish it were more of a gold-pink rather than a bright white gold on me. Like a Virgin is the only shade I use in this whole palette, and even then, it's a cool-toned grey that isn't as flattering as a warmer brown shade with yellow or orange tones. Given I love both my other Too Faced (Chocolate Bar) palettes, Naked Eye seems especially a waste.

September Favourites

For half of September I was on holidays in the US, and for the second half I was adjusting to resuming work and my normal daily life (including blogging). It's funny how a holiday is commonly acknowledged as a short-lived fantasy, wholly divorced from one's tedious, mundane, and burdensome reality. Everyone we spoke to while abroad invariably described the end point of a holiday as going "back to reality". Indeed. In terms of favourite products for the month, like this time last year post-Japan, half are products I brought with me in my makeup bag to the States, half are new products I purchased over there.

Oribe Dry Texturising Spray
I hated the fact I loved this product so much after I liberally sprayed some in my hair while at Bloomingdale's (they have a Space.NK.apothecary inside). Seriously hated it, because this stuff is not cheap. I don't take the decision to buy a $42 USD hair product lightly (a sickening $66 AUD), but it was the last day of my holidays, I'd been sitting on the fence about whether to buy it for most of the trip, and I didn't want to regret not taking it home. Oribe is apparently stocked in Sydney, but a) I don't go into swanky hair salons b) I can't be bothered making a special trip to Paddington or wherever just to buy it.

I tried to convince myself with various texturising sprays that I don't need the Oribe (from the ineffectual Garnier Fructis Full & Luscious Volume Booster Spray, to the hairsprayish Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Texturising Spray, to the close contender amika Un.Done Texture Spray), but really, as is the case with any product I covet but mentally close off the possibility of buying because it's too expensive, I should've just gone straight for what I really want. The Oribe is the best of the bunch. It's just that touch more refined, better smelling, less crunchy in my hair, and effective. It creates long lasting volume, doubles up as a mild dry shampoo, gives the hair added texture and slight grit so it's a bit more piecey and beachy, and smells like an expensive hair perfume. I think the amika is close enough and like, half the price, but I can't deny I like the Oribe just that touch more.

Bottom to top: Ivory Bisque, Peach Pop, Black Honey, At Dusk, Morning Java, Bronze Satin

Clinique Limited Edition All About Shadow Palette
I just talked about it in this post, so I won't ramble on for too long here. But basically, this palette has been such a standout among the products I purchased while in the US. Even more surprising, given it was included in a gift with purchase. I've been really impressed with the pigmentation and application of the shadows, especially the incredibly vibrant and metallic At Dusk.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
I packed this mascara in my makeup bag to the US, and my appreciation for it only grew as time went on. Before my trip, my first impressions were that it wasn't all that voluminising, but since using it daily in the States, I don't really know what I was going on about. Maybe the mascara needed some time to dry out and for the formula to become more clumpy and less wet, but I now think it does a great job at separating, lengthening, darkening and thickening. What I like about Lash Sensational is that it's a solid all-rounder that's ultra reliable. If you want a mascara that will deliver noticeable results, quickly and without fuss, it ticks the boxes. While hurriedly slapping on makeup in front of whatever mirrored surface the hotel room had, I'd haphazardly whack some of this on my tragic Asian lashes and it really made a difference.

MAC Prep + Prime Fix+
I feel like I'm very late to the bandwagon with this one. Fix+ never particularly appealed to me, I think in large part because I never find myself drawn to MAC's packaging. But I'm becoming somewhat obsessed with facial mists and sprays, and Fix+ is such a staple that I had to try it. I bought the 30ml mini from the MAC store on Powell St in San Francisco for $10 USD, since the full 100ml size would've been more expensive than if I'd bought it from Australia ($35 vs $27), and I wanted to sample it first. I started to immediately use it while on holiday, and it was instant loovveee. This stuff is all my glowy, milky, hydrated skin fantasies in a bottle. Combined with a dewy foundation and radiance-boosting sunscreen, my skin was at next level luminosity, right on the brink of too much. The ingredients seem kind to the skin (even Paula's Choice Beautypedia gave it a positive review) and it doesn't leave my skin feeling dry or irritated in the slightest. I do have to say if I'm not careful with distributing the mist evenly, it can disturb the surface of my foundation, so after most of the product has dried, I'll take a look at my face and gently blend out with my finger any areas of unevenness. I'm converted and will likely buy a full bottle in the future.

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Sand
I've had this for a while, but it was only after I packed it in my holiday makeup bag that I realised just how damn amazing it is. On days when I didn't feel like wearing a base all over (the other option I brought was Bobbi Brown BB Cream), I would place the concealer under my eyes, around the sides and down the bridge of my nose, around the corners of my mouth, in a three-pronged V-shape on my forehead, and whatever residual product was left on the applicator on my cheeks. Then I'd blend it all out with my finger in a tapping motion. I'd achieve the same or fuller coverage than the Bobbi Brown BB Cream, but the product would actually stick to my face rather than slide right off. But more than that, the finish was SO luminous. Not in a shimmery or even sheeny way, but luminous in a natural, undetectable, glow-from-within way. I never realised just how radiance-boosting the Fit Me Concealer is until I used it as an alternative to foundation. Quality stuff.

Real Techniques Setting Brush
I felt it was important to include this brush in my favourites, because almost three and a half years ago (gulp), I reviewed it and didn't understand it at all. In that post, I didn't even mention the Setting Brush could be used to apply concealer (only for setting concealer under the eyes or spot powdering...)! I've been loving using the Setting Brush to apply concealer to areas of my face that need extra coverage — it's the ideal size, shape and density to blend product into the skin seamlessly. The bristles are super soft and don't irritate the delicate under eye area at all. I've also been reaching for it to apply powder highlighter, particularly Dior Diorskin Poudre Shimmer in Amber Diamond. I run the brush across the different coloured strips and apply the highlighter to the top of cheekbones and under the browbone. Because Amber Diamond is a bit harder and drier in texture compared with softer, creamier highlighters like theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer or Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop, it calls for a firmer, flatter brush to pick up product, which the Setting Brush is perfect for.

Cult Red

In my last MAC lipstick post, Cherie came close to guessing which lipstick I picked alongside Peach Blossom. The only clue I left was that it was a classic. She mentioned Russian Red, Ruby Woo and Morange fit that bill, but that I don't usually go for post box reds. Well, it came as a surprise even to me that I chose something other than pink, but I felt Ruby Woo was the one MAC lipstick no lipstick lover could do without. Cult products are cult products for a reason, right?

MAC Ruby Woo

MAC Ruby Woo is certainly striking, but I have serious doubts when I'd ever wear it. It photographs more orange-toned/warm than how it looks in real life. It's definitely blue-based, but not too cherry red. It's darker than anticipated, bordering on vampy. It reminds me of the Memoirs of a Geisha book cover (the tie-in with the movie adaptation) more than anything. This might be an odd thing to say, but I find it's more flattering on someone in photos than in person.

What makes Ruby Woo remarkable is the intense pigmentation and ultra matteness of it. It's unlike anything I've experienced in a lipstick. It's completely devoid of any shine and is the kind of drying that makes it a minor struggle to apply straight from the bullet. There's quite a bit of resistance and tugging when you're dragging it across the surface of the lips. I had to utilise all my years of lipstick application to get it on without looking a total mess. This one would probably look far more polished with a lip liner, but I neither have a matching lip liner nor the will to take that extra step.

I don't think I could ever love Ruby Woo because frankly, it looks strange on me. It's so bold and dramatic that it can look flat and stark. Though I have fairly full lips, the width of my mouth is not that much longer than the width of my nose when I'm not smiling. Dark colours tend to emphasise this and make my face look oddly proportioned (and my nose/visible nostrils more prominent, which is never a good thing). You can always make thin lips plumper with lip liner, but you can't really elongate a mouth.

l-r: MAC Ruby Woo, Revlon Cherry Tart, Revlon Cherries in the Snow, Revlon Strawberry Suede, Rimmel 11, Revlon True Red

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Cherry Tart is similar in colour to Ruby Woo, but pinker and of course, sheerer and glossier. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Cherries in the Snow is more cool-toned and pinker, almost fuchsia in comparison. Revlon Matte Lipstick in Strawberry Suede (my favourite red lipstick of all-time) is more orangey and retro-looking. Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss in 11 is darker, vampier. I've never managed to get along with this lipstick and have basically never worn it, so after digging it out for this post, I promptly gave it away to a friend. Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in True Red is brighter, with a glossier finish.

Though I may never wear it in public, Ruby Woo still feels like one of those truly classic makeup (not just lipstick) products that every cosmetics enthusiast should have. In terms of opacity of colour, lasting power and an undeniably matte, transfer-proof finish, I can't imagine any lipstick beating it.

Plumping Pink

What's this ... more pink lipstick? After I declared I need to put myself on a ban? To be fair: a) It was purchased before I had imposed the ban b) The ban is more a guide in the right direction and a reminder of my excesses than something to be strictly enforced (i.e. let's face it, it wasn't ever going to happen). I'd asked my friend to buy a couple of MAC lipsticks for me while she was in Hawaii recently, since they're $16 USD ($21) rather than $36 in the land of hideously overpriced makeup known as Australia. She ended up very kindly giving the two lipsticks to me for my birthday. Today I'll review Peach Blossom, but I'll have a post on the other one shortly (any guesses what I picked? Hint: it's a classic!).

As a lipstick junkie, the idea of building a MAC lipstick collection is infinitely appealing. The huge shade range and the popularity and individuality of the colours is a makeup lover's dream. I find the quality of MAC lipsticks to be generally impeccable, so I can justify the cost even if they're more than what I'd normally spend on a single lipstick. I now have 8 MAC lipsticks (Shy Girl, Creme Cup, Viva Glam Nicki, Chatterbox, Plumful, Patisserie, Peach Blossom ... and one to be revealed). It's a good number, in that each and every single purchase was thoroughly researched and considered. I'm currently eyeing Sweet and Sour and Velvet Teddy (and possibly Crosswires), but I know there's no limit to how many lipsticks I could let myself buy from MAC. I have to be content with what I have and draw the line somewhere.

A few things pushed me over the edge to seek out Peach Blossom. First was Amelia Liana's Top 5 MAC Lipsticks video, where she mentions it alongside Rebel, Shy Girl, Diva and Morange. The second was Vivianna Does Makeup describing Peach Blossom as possibly her favourite MAC lipstick so far. Add to that a whopping 4.7/5 rating on MakeupAlley and I was beyond sold.

MAC Peach Blossom (Cremesheen)

l-r: MAC Peach Blossom, MAC Creme Cup, MAC Patisserie, Revlon Petal, Revlon Blush

l-r: MAC Peach Blossom, MAC Creme Cup, MAC Patisserie, Revlon Petal, Revlon Blush

Peach Blossom is a sheer light pink with nude/peach tones. MAC Creme Cup is a cooler baby pink. MAC Patisserie is more nudey-caramel and sheerer. Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in Petal is a darker candy pink with more pearl. Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in Blush is also darker and frostier, and more reddish brown.

Excuse the state of my bottom lip. It wasn't a good lip day. Peach Blossom is a Cremesheen finish which isn't my favourite (I MUCH prefer Lustre). Contrary to popular opinion, I don't find Cremesheen lipsticks to be particularly hydrating or even forgiving on flaky, chapped lips. If anything, the formula feels a bit thick and sticky, rather than moisturising and lightweight. Problematically, it also settles into lip lines.

Apart from the less than stellar formula, one aspect of Peach Blossom I never anticipated is the frost content. You can't really tell in the swatches, but it has this silver shimmer running through it. I guess it's meant to give a more glossy look to the lips and it's just subtle enough that I can tolerate it, but still, frost in my lipstick in any form is a huge no-no.

Peach Blossom leans slightly warm, though its sheerness can make it appear a touch cool-toned on the lips. It's a very safe, pretty, "wearable" colour. A good example of a lipstick for those with a light to medium skin tone who don't like or wear lipstick often. It's very unassuming, understated, and at times, hardly looks like you have anything on. Patisserie is still my #1, but Peach Blossom is its girlier, pinkier cousin.