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.

July Favourites

Super late, I know, but better than never. Surprisingly, there were a whole bunch of new products for July, with only one item I've previously featured on the blog. A few skin care bits and bobs (the majority courtesy of the Priceline skin care gift bag) to ameliorate the damage of winter, learning to make use of my most indulgent brush purchase, and finally adding to my collection a couple of popular makeup products I've been meaning to try for ages. Thankfully, they didn't disappoint.

Bioderma Hydrabio Sérum
Sure, the scent of this is a bit too reminiscent of shampoo for my liking, and the texture is like a lightweight, gel-like hair conditioner, but I do think my skin is appreciating what it does. I apply a dollop to my freshly cleansed/toned face in the morning before going in with my regular daytime moisturiser. The extra step boosts plumpness, hydration and protection, resulting in smoother, more balanced and supple skin. I much prefer this to Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum which I'm not sure ever did anything for me. I liked it so much I even bought a whole 40ml bottle (I'm currently using a 15ml sample) during Priceline's latest 40% off skin care sale.

Antipodes Apostle Skin-Brightening & Tone-Correcting Serum
I can't really comment on the skin-brightening and tone-correcting claims (mainly because I haven't seen any noticeable difference, and/or I haven't been using it consistently or long enough), but I have been enjoying using this as my evening serum. The consistency is unlike anything I've experienced. It's extremely watery upon contact with the skin, but before then, it's somewhat gloopy and thick. Coagulated, even. I'm used to either oils or runny serums, so it took a while to adjust to the entirely new texture. When it is applied, it does feel refreshing and hydrating, sinking into the skin quickly and effectively without the slightest hint of greasiness or heaviness.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Riche
I use this as a nourishing, plumping night cream after my toners and serums, and it's like a drink of water for my skin. Instant, comforting hydration. Infused with their Thermal Spring Water, it's very moisturising but not unpleasantly thick or oily (unlike Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream). Suitable for dry, sensitive skin, I like that it's very basic (scentless, non-irritating, clinical ingredients), with a creamy texture that spreads out and absorbs well, providing vital protection and moisture.

theBalm Cindy-Lou Manizer
I resisted valiantly for a year and a half, but finally caved. Honestly, I don't know why I didn't just buy it earlier. I still prefer the cult Mary-Lou Manizer, simply because the colour is more universal and versatile, but Cindy-Lou is a beautiful, worthwhile addition to my highlighter wardrobe. It's not so much a highlighter in the traditional sense (i.e. belonging to the champagne/pearl family), but pure peachy-pink shimmer. Depending on the rest of your makeup, a strongly pink highlight might be incongruous with the rest of the face, but when it does work, it's eye-catching, unique, and damn pretty.

SUQQU Cheek Brush
I've barely recovered from the amount of money I paid for it, but at least in July, I've been reaching for it daily. It was being neglected for a while because it's not my preferred brush to apply blush, but for highlighters, it's perfect. Especially ultra pigmented, smooth, easily blended, high impact highlighters like Cindy-Lou, Mary-Lou and Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow. I wouldn't have thought to use the Cheek Brush primarily for powder highlighter, but it was Christine of Temptalia that recommended it. The small shape and unrivaled softness of the brush places and diffuses product effortlessly and flawlessly.

l-r: Shimma Shimma, Glamorous, Cosmopolitan, Roulette, Homecoming, Cocoa Bear, Grandstand

Makeup Geek Eyeshadows
FINALLY, I become acquainted with Makeup Geek shadows. Could I have called myself a lover of eyeshadow without having tried these earlier? When I heard the company was holding a free shipping promotion (thanks to the AustralianMakeup subreddit, of all places), I couldn't get onto the site quick enough. After waiting an age and almost giving up hope my order would ever arrive (though realistically, shipping time was less than 3 weeks), my precious cargo arrived safe and sound.

Sure, I basically have all the warm-toned, orangey/bronzey/rose goldy colours in a combination of Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar and Morphe Brushes Jaclyn Hill Favorites Palette, but who's counting. I love all the shades I picked out, but especially Glamorous, Homecoming and Grandstand. Roulette is the only one that I'm slightly iffy about, in that it's a bit too brightened, in-your-face red for everyday wear, and extremely similar to a few existing shadows I have (LORAC Garnet from the Pro Palette and Morphe Mysterious ES11 come to mind). Still, the shadows are incredible quality: beautifully pigmented, vibrant, smooth, easy to blend, and complex in their colours and finishes. I'm honestly impressed and despite not needing any more eyeshadow for the next 3 decades, I want to order more.

High End Highlighter Wardrobe

Highlighter seems to be having a resurgent moment, despite never truly dropping off the radar. Still, with the release of Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop (purportedly breaking Sephora records for sales of a new item) and talk of "strobing", highlighting seems to be back bigger than ever. I've always loved highlighter (the obsession started at the very beginning of the blog), and still regard it as one of the most enjoyable aspects of makeup. Here, I've rounded up my high end powder highlighters. Among them are some of my favourite makeup items ever.

theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer
Generally regarded as one of the best highlighters out there, and for good reason. For anyone remotely into highlighter, the Mary-Lou Manizer is a must have (chances are, you already own it). This is the strongest, most visible highlighter out of the 5 I've featured. The texture can't be faulted: smooth, soft and buttery, almost creamy, not powdery in the slightest. It blends effortlessly. As it's so pigmented, it requires a light hand and applies best with a small fluffy brush like the SUQQU Cheek Brush.

Napoleon Perdis The Ultimate Contour Palette Highlight shade
Recently included in my January 2015 Favourites, there's been no loss of enthusiasm since. This one is special because it's glowy as opposed to shimmery or metallic. It's also the most refined in that you can't detect any shimmer particles — it just projects a luminous sheen. Excellent texture and quality.

Stila All Over Shimmer Powder in Kitten
I was fortunate to win this in the Stila Party in a Box set that also had a Lip Glaze in Kitten. Since then, I admit I haven't reached for it very often. I do like the colour, but texture-wise it's a bit chunky and not as finely milled as the others. The shimmer is more frosty on the skin and looks slightly gritty and dry.

Dior Diorskin Poudre Shimmer in Amber Diamond
One of those products I'm so thankful to have in my makeup collection, because I'm not sure how I could get my hands on it now. Christine of Temptalia calls it her "all-time favourite highlighter", though that declaration was 7 years ago. Still, I can understand why. As it's a gradated strip, there's more choice and versatility with the colour selection. Overall, it produces a very flattering, softly glowy effect that instantly adds radiance and dimension to the face. It has a slightly harder texture than the others so I prefer using it with a flatter, firmer brush like the Real Techniques Setting Brush. A softer, fluffier brush might not pick up enough product and distribute it in a concentrated enough manner along the cheekbones. Full review with swatches here.

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow Highlight shade
Ahhh, the Filmstar Bronze & Glow. Such an incredible contouring palette and worth every penny. The Highlight shade in this duo is powerfully luminising but not greasy or pore-accentuating. Being so smooth and soft in texture but not crumbly, it blends with hardly any effort. I almost exclusively apply it with the Charlotte Tilbury Powder & Sculpt Brush which places and diffuses the product brilliantly.

l-r: theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer, Napoleon Perdis Highlight, Stila Kitten, Dior Amber Diamond, Charlotte Tilbury Highlight

l-r: theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer, Napoleon Perdis Highlight, Stila Kitten, Dior Amber Diamond, Charlotte Tilbury Highlight

Colour-wise, theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer is the most yellow-leaning/champagne. The Napoleon Perdis is an ethereal pearly pink and the lightest. Stila Kitten is a rose gold/pinky bronze with a touch of frostiness. Dior Amber Diamond (mixed together) leans the most orange/copper, though the exact colour obviously depends on what section of the strip your brush is dipped into. (The lightest shade to the left, a pale yellow gold, is a stunning inner corner highlight.) The Charlotte Tilbury is like a peachier Mary-Lou Manizer, with glints of yellow, orange and pink when inspected under the light.

There's just something about highlighter that injects instant glamour and lift to the face. It literally brings light to the complexion and is that final, beautifying step that ties everything together. I don't wear it every day, but when I do, I'm reminded how much an impact it does make. Plus, it's just fun. Who doesn't want to cheat higher, more prominent cheekbones or give themselves a touch more glow? Since I took photos for this post, I may have purchased theBalm Cindy-Lou Manizer and pre-ordered Becca Champagne Pop. I'm still looking to eventually add Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight to my collection. And while it's not a powder, I think I need some of the MAC Cream Colour Bases. I was fixated on highlighter in the early stages of the blog and I'm still hunting down highlighters now. Some old loves show no signs of fading.

January Favourites

January was about dealing with bad skin, refocusing on a skin care routine centered around one star product, finding an incredibly effective solution to my makeup brush washing woes, revisiting a popular hair treatment after becoming more experimental with my shampoo, finally figuring out how to properly apply a blush I wanted to love, a somewhat underwhelming Australian Open, and lots and lots of Lush bath indulgence. Amid all that, I also managed to sneak in a short beach getaway with friends on the Australia Day long weekend, kicking off the year on a high note.

January 2014 Favourite Products

In the midst of my paranoia about whether my makeup brushes could be causing my skin problems, I started to apply my foundation with clean fingers instead. I picked Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow as my preferred base. I remember when I purchased this foundation at Bloomingdale's during my New York holiday in late 2012, the girl at the Benefit counter mentioned that she'd previously used MAC foundations that constantly broke her out, but once she made the switch to Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow, her skin has thanked her ever since. The silky, fluid formula is kind on slightly dry skin and feels extremely lightweight. It creates a natural, satin finish that subtly brightens and perfects the complexion, and holds up well in terms of oil control.

While I'd normally conceal any spots or areas of redness after with either Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Sand or Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in Classic Beige (030) using a Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush, I decided to go back to an old favourite in Bourjois Healthy Balance Unifying Powder in 52 Vanille. I've been alternating between much pricier powders in the form of Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light and Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder in N°20, but returning to the Bourjois was a revelation. This stuff is seriously good. A light dusting of this over the Benefit foundation, pressed, not blended on with my Too Faced Power Pouf Brush successfully pulled off the illusion of damn good skin, when the truth was anything but. It's very smooth and soft in texture without being powdery, mattifies without looking flat, and provides an extra, finishing boost of coverage.

I've already detailed the routine I stuck with which helped my skin to recover from a bad state, and I attribute Sukin Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil to most of its success. It's reached the point where I'm reluctant to switch things up and use another of my many face oils, lest the good work be undone. I'm super pleased with how this seems to work magically overnight to restore the skin, replenish its suppleness and give back much-needed hydration, and generally balance, nourish and protect the skin. I would say I previously had oily/combination skin, with my T-zone shining like a beacon in many a picture taken with flash, but consistent use of face oils over the past couple of years have definitely helped my skin regulate itself better.

I had the luxury of having the house to myself for a week in January, which meant being granted the space and time to indulge in some self-pampering and try some of the bath bombs from Lush gift sets I'd purchased during the post-Christmas sales. I snapped up some pictures on my Instagram (Fizzbanger and Lord of Misrule Bath Ballistics here, The Christmas Penguin Bubble Bar and Dragon's Egg Bath Ballistic here) of the explosions of colour, froth, confetti, glitter, oils and scents triggered by dunking these into water. Out of the four I tried, Lord of Misrule was my favourite. Dipping into the water felt so silky and moisturising, I enjoyed the green exterior revealing a wine-coloured centre, and the rich, calming, sensuous fragrance lingered in my bathroom the day after.

Speaking of Lush, I've been using their Shower Jellies, bars of Fun and even shower gels to wash my hair over a normal shampoo from the likes of Pantene or L'Oréal. It adds an element of novelty and play to the usually dull, tedious routine of hair washing, and I find it leaves my locks very clean (but not dry or brittle) and stretches out the time between washes as my roots don't become oily as quickly. My ends can become slightly dry however, so I've been regularly reaching for my Morrocanoil Hair Treatment to condition my ends, squirting one pump into my hands, rubbing them together, then working the product into semi-damp hair, concentrating on the lower half of my tresses. It helps hair to dry faster, and leaves it smoother, less frizzy and shinier.

If you're after a brush cleanser that takes the agony out of brush washing, look no further than Daiso Detergent for Puff and Sponge. Using the tip I learned from Michelle, I squeeze a bit of this out into a small measuring container filled about a third of the way with lukewarm water. Immerse the head of the brush into the container so it's touching the base and circulate it around. It takes about 10 seconds for a freshly washed brush to emerge from murky waters. Life changing. I washed 36 brushes in less time than I would have taken for about 10-15 employing my old method of Johnson's Baby Shampoo and my palm.

My last favourite for this month is theBalm FratBoy blush, which I was determined to make work after seeing it pop up repeatedly on some of my favourite blogs. Despite initially not loving the shade on me and finding it much too similar to Australis Paparazzi Perfect High Definition blush in Screen Siren for my liking, I persevered and it finally paid off. The best way I've found to apply this blush is to use a soft, fluffy brush like Real Techniques Multi-Task Brush or Ecotools Blush Brush (from the Alicia Silverstone 5 Piece Brush Set), lightly dab the brush into the pan, take off most of the colour on the underside of the wrist, then sweep from the centre of your cheek that aligns with your pupil, along the cheekbones, to the top part of your ear (an amazing tip from Lisa Gregory). The result is so much better than the ruddy mess that happened each time I was applying the blush straight from the pan and struggling with the placement. It peps up the face and imparts a very springtime-appropriate, warm peachy-pink flush with a touch of coral.

Jocks and Loose Women

I was browsing the David Jones Beauty Book 2013 and what immediately caught my eye was the offer they had for theBalm. If you spend $27.95 on the brand, they'll throw in your choice of ShadyLady Vol. 2 or Vol. 3 eyeshadow palette valued at $49.95. The only product I have from theBalm is the Mary-Lou Manizer, but I've been keen to add the NUDE'Tude palette to the mix. The only problem was I didn't particularly want to fork out $49.95 for it, so I settled with the bare minimum, one of their highly regarded blushes in FratBoy. I did some prior investigation into the difference between ShadyLady Vol. 2 and Vol. 3, and I opted for Vol. 2 as it seemed to have more shades I'd actually wear.

l-r: NARS Deep Throat, theBalm FratBoy, Benefit Sugarbomb, Australis Screen Siren

I've always heard positive things about theBalm blushes, so I didn't mind picking one up even though I already have close dupes of pretty much every single blush they've put out. I decided against Hot Mama (too shimmery, looked very similar to Sleek Rose Gold) and CabanaBoy (I don't think I get along with these deeper, plummier blushes as they tend to make me look bruised and drained, plus I already have NARS Sin, Benefit Dallas and Rimmel Genuine Plum in that colour family), so it was a choice between the pink DownBoy and the peach FratBoy. I've always struggled with certain pink blushes as they end up looking ruddy and unflattering on me (hello Illamasqua Naked Rose), so I decided that FratBoy would suit my yellowish complexion more than DownBoy, which might be better for paler skin.

The packaging calls to mind a more streamlined Benefit, with the same cheerful, flirtatious, vintage vibe and attention to detail. The football field surrounding the mirror is a cute touch that ties in nicely with the name of the blush. It's housed in cardboard which I can't help but feel is a bit cheap, but at the same time it looks well made and is compact and lightweight. FratBoy is your typical warm, medium pinky-peachy-coral shade. There's a minuscule amount of gold shimmer that's barely detectable on the cheeks. It's basically a matte blush on me. The colour is quite deep and heavy even when I apply it lightly, unless I make an effort to really sheer it out and buff away the edges and over the blush to soften it. It has a strong, earthy tone that I'm not convinced looks entirely fresh and 'peppy' on face. It's very similar to NARS Deep Throat (though Deep Throat has the shimmer factor) and Australis Paparazzi Perfect High Definition blush in Screen Siren (which is a touch darker and more red). While very smooth and pigmented, I was expecting more with the lasting power. This only lasted around 4 hours or so and by day's end had more or less completely faded.

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

ShadyLady Vol. 2 is my first foray into theBalm's eyeshadows, and the swatches speak for themselves. These are by and large soft, buttery shadows with vibrant colour payoff. They're the kind of shadows you could apply and blend with your fingers. No brushes required. The only exceptions are Caught in the Act Courtney and Feisty Felicia, which are much drier, slightly chalky and apply very patchily, requiring several layers to build up pigmentation. Feisty Felicia looks like such an alluring deep eggplant shade with reddish glitter, but it's closer to a straightforward black (and not a good one at that). I thought Caught in the Act Courtney would be a rich, deep bronze, but it's too sheer and dark to sweep all over the lid for a fuss-free daytime smoky eye. 

My two favourite shades (predictably) are the silvery taupe Insane Jane and purplish grey Just This Once Jamie. I find the two look better paired together, as by themselves they're either too grey/cool or warm/violet. I don't see myself getting much use out of the last two highlight shades, and the other three (Bossy Bobbi, Makeout Mary and Mischievous Marissa) are frankly too colourful for me to wear on any regular basis. As pleased as I was with the texture and pigmentation of these shadows, there were two notable exceptions (one of which was particularly disappointing as I was hoping it'd be a standout) and the majority of the other colours simply aren't up my alley. If only the free palette was NUDE'Tude instead.

January Favourites

I don't know what's been up with the weather this past month. From extreme heat to non-stop rain, I've come down with something in the past few days that I haven't managed to shake, even with lemon and honey, Panadol and baths with eucalyptus oil. Coughing hurts my throat, my voice sounds like death and my mouth feels dry and scratchy. Needless to say, I haven't been terribly enthused with makeup in my current state, though I do have a few standouts from the past month that comprise my January Favourites.

l-r: Benefit Sugarbomb, Rimmel Soft Beige, Laura Mercier Twilight Grey, theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation
I've been meaning to buy this foundation for ages after reading not a single bad review. I managed to nab this for just under $10 due to the 50% off Revlon, Maybelline and Rimmel sale at Chemist Warehouse. I was tossing up between Soft Beige and the shade down, True Ivory, but I found it hard to tell the difference between them. Soft Beige is warmer and more orange/yellow than True Ivory, which is more olive-toned, but they seemed more or less the same darkness when I swatched them alongside each other.

In the end, I chose Soft Beige, which turned out to be a mistake since it's way too dark for me. The first couple of times, I didn't use that much product and I had my neck covered, so I didn't notice just how hilariously wrong the shade is for me until I had my hair up and was wearing a scoop neck top. I started to mix it 50/50 with Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in 52, which is too light for me, and the two turned out to be the perfect combination. The thickness and coverage of the Rimmel mixes with the more fluid, satiny Healthy Mix to form an ideal everyday foundation.

Benefit Sugarbomb
My favourite discovery for the month. Sugarbomb made me believe that a blush could be genuinely easy to wear and work effortlessly with my skin tone. Full post here.

Laura Mercier Eye Colour in Twilight Grey
I've used this consistently since receiving it in Sue's giveaway parcel at the beginning of the month. So pigmented, smooth, easy to blend and with minimal fallout. I use this with my default Maybelline Bad to the Bronze or the purple colour in Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio in Silent Treatment.

theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer
I've come to appreciate this powder highlighter tenfold just recently. I found the trick is to forget about brushes. Use your fingers. The texture is so blendable, soft and almost creamy, and it's so luminous and pigmented, that using the fingers gives the best result. You get better control, you don't overload on product and it blends more seamlessly into the skin. This is a much stronger highlighter than the more subtle Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Crème, so it's my pick for when you need that extra glow and lift.

Clarins Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Cream
I bought this as part of a Clarins "Renewing" Set on Boxing Day, which also contained a Gentle Foaming Cleanser (100ml), Toning Lotion with Camomile (125ml) and Beauty Flash Balm (30ml). I use this at night mixed with a couple of drops of Josie Maran Argan Oil and/or Antipodes Divine Oil. It feels refreshing and intensely hydrating, without being greasy or heavy. It's gently perfumed with an uplifting, soothing scent. The pin hole opening is hygienic and ensures that you have control over the amount that comes out each time. This is the first skin care product I've tried from Clarins and I'm definitely keen to try out more.

A Touch of Gold

I was first introduced to theBalm's Mary-Lou Manizer in this Valentine's Day tutorial by Promise Phan. Seeing her use the highlighter to such flattering effect really sparked my intrigue, especially as I'd never previously heard of the product before (or theBalm, for that matter). I was tossing up between getting the Mary-Lou Manizer or the Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Crème and I ended up initially choosing the latter. However, I was a little disappointed to find myself less than ecstatic with the Radiance Crème, as it just wasn't as transformative on me as I'd seen when used on others.

I debated for a while whether I really needed another highlighter and whether I should've picked the Mary-Lou Manizer over the Jemma Kidd. What sealed the deal one night was casually watching this Top 10 Makeup Must-Haves video from Wayne Goss and unexpectedly seeing the Mary-Lou Manizer featured. Hearing him say it was the "best highlighter I've ever used" was the last straw, and I practically scrambled to get onto StrawberryNet to promptly place an order. Me? Gullible?

l-r: Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Crème in Rose Gold, theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer

With flash

So does it live up to the hype? I'm pleased that it does seem to work on me better than the Radiance Crème. For one, it shows up when I lightly dust a small amount over the top of my cheeks, rather than having to pack it on and apply multiple layers as I do with the Jemma Kidd. It's lighter than my skin tone, so it has more of a brightening effect on me than the Radiance Crème, which gives more of a soft sheen. I couldn't see why the Jemma Kidd shade was called Rose Gold before, as on its own it seemed like a standard warm gold without any pink tones, but swatched next to the Mary-Lou Manizer, it appears almost to be a totally different colour. The overcast weather might also be messing with my camera settings, but the colour contrast is quite striking — Rose Gold seems quite orange next to the champagne/pale gold of the Mary-Lou Manizer. The Jemma Kidd, being a cream product, is marginally easier and smoother to blend, though the Mary-Lou Manizer is still buttery soft in texture and glides onto the skin effortlessly. Both are multifunctional (in addition to a highlight, they can be used as a wash of colour over the eyelid, in the inner corner of the eyes or all over the face), so it comes down to which shade is more flattering for your skin tone and whether you prefer a cream or powder product.