Halloween Special

Hello!

Do you celebrate Halloween? I usually don't. It's not a traditional holiday here, it's something that's been imported from the US in recent years. I'm way too lazy to get a good costume, so for the most part, I don't bother. There is ONE exception. I have always loved the insanely dramatic eye makeup Elizabeth Taylor had as Cleopatra. Despite not celebrating this myself, I am majorly procrastinating right now and I decided to replicate the look (as best I could). Now that I'm done, I feel like this is wasted effort and kind of wish there was a Halloween party I could go to tonight :-(

My Cleopatra eye look, close up.

*Review and Swatches: theBalm's Meet Matt(e) Palette

Hello!

Are you sick of shimmer shadows (blasphemy!) and looking for a palette to meet your matte shadow needs? This is it. Meet theBalm's "Meet Matt(e)" palette.

theBalm's Meet Matt(e). Pretty cute :P

*Updated Review

Vice Palette Series_Gold and Vice

Hello!

I'm back with the second look in my Vice Palette series. I thought this one up while wanting to spice up my usual neutrals-and-golds everyday look. What better way than with a little Vice? I think this is a pretty (and simple!) twist on a daytime classic.

My Gold and Vice look done using the Vice Palette.

Housekeeping

Hello!

I had a day when I was flooded with spam, and since then I've unfortunately had to put the CAPTCHA back on the comments section. I would still love to hear from you! Please don't be put off by the CAPTCHA.

Also, if you haven't already, please subscribe! It makes me happy.

xo
Anna

Vice Palette Series_Bright Look

Hello!

I promised you a look from the Urban Decay Vice Palette and here it is! This look is bright, bold and a lot of fun.

Bright, bold eye look using the Vice Palette

Coming soon...

Hello!

Have you been wondering what I've been up to?

I'm working on a post reviewing theBalm's Meet Matt(e) palette and I've got a couple of new eye looks for you using the Urban Decay Vice Palette.

xo
Anna

Your morning dose of beauty snark

Hello,

I thought I'd address why I am reviewing Smashbox when there are so many more affordable BB creams out there? Simple. I went into pharmacies, department stores and Mecca Cosmetica and swatched every BB cream I could find. This is the only BB cream that matched my skin.

In that process, I came across two notably poor performers that are usually celebrated in the blogosphere.

Updated Review: Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF35

Hello!

Have you been on the look-out for a good BB cream? Today I'm reviewing the Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35. Smashbox are known for their amazing pre-foundation skin primers, so I was interested to find out how they'd do with BB creams.

Here it is, the box and the actual product.

What does it claim to do?

"Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 25 is a 5-in-1 complexion miracle-worker proven to PRIME, PERFECT, PROTECT, HYDRATE and CONTROL OIL in a single step. This revolutionary tinted formula instantly evens out complexion to create smooth, radiant skin without settling into fine lines and pores while banishing shine without the chalky matte finish. Visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles after only 4 weeks. Wear alone or under your favourite foundation for more coverage."

I think it meets 4/5 of its claims. It does PROTECT (SPF 35), it does HYDRATE, it does CONTROL OIL and it would be a good PRIME(r). However, it will only PERFECT if your skin is close to perfect anyway.

*Updates on shine control and finish.

Review and Swatches: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer

Hello!

Have you been looking for that perfect bronzer that's not orange, not glittery and that makes you look like you have a natural glow? Today I'm reviewing the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil bronzer. I love Too Faced bronzers- if I'm wearing a bronzer, there's a 99% chance it's from Too Faced.

Too Face Chocolate Soleil Bronzer

Review and Swatches: Urban Decay Vice Palette

Hello!

Have you been waiting for my promised swatches and review of the Urban Decay Vice Palette? The wait is over! This post has taken me a while to do and for good reason! This is a limited edition palette released as part of the Holiday 2012 collection and as you know, there are 20 brand new shades (new formulation, of course) in this palette. There is an absolutely fantastic range of shades. This palette contains a mix of finishes (matte, shimmer, frost and metallic) and has a great range of colours, from everyday neutrals to fun brights to dark shades perfect for an evening look.

The Urban Decay Vice Palette.

All 20 shadows in the Urban Decay Vice Palette.

Warning! Picture-heavy post ahead.

Do you want pictorial instructions for beauty looks?

Hello!

Do you find it easier to follow make-up steps if there's a visual representation of what's going on? I do.
So I thought it might be better to have pictorial instructions in the "How-To" for beauty looks. This one below is for the Barlust and Half Baked look I posted a little while ago.

Pictorial Instructions for the Barlust and Half Baked eye look.

Do you find this helpful? Please vote in the poll, so I know whether it's worth doing pictorial instructions for future posts.

xo
Anna

Review and Swatches: Kat von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation

Hello!

Today I'm reviewing the Lock-It Tattoo Foundation from the Kat Von D range at Sephora.

Kat von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation. Picture from http://www.sephora.com/lock-it-tattoo-foundation-P311138

Here's the marketing spiel from Sephora:

"What it is:
 A high-pigment foundation for full coverage with a long-lasting, beautiful finish. 
What it does: 
Kat created this foundation to provide exceptional coverage, without compromising a smooth, striking finish. Formulated with 21 percent pigment, this powerful formula was developed to match a broad range of skintones with bold coverage—the proprietary pigments can even effectively cover tattoos. The combination of raw materials and the best siliconic elastomers and siliconic esters provide 24-hour wear with transfer resistance. Natural polymers absorb oil for a matte, soft finish and the added emollients provide a velvety texture for perfectly smooth, hydrated skin.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
-Parabens
-Synthetic fragrances"

The marketing is pretty much spot on. This foundation is strong enough to cover tattoos and any blemish/pigmentation/redness you may have.

New!

Hello!

My review of the Naked Skin Foundation by Urban Decay is in, click here for more!

I have also updated my review of theBalm's Time Balm concealer to include swatches. Click here for more!

Still to come, my review of the Urban Decay Vice Palette and Kat von D's Lock-It Tattoo Foundation.

Stay tuned!

xo
Anna

Review and Swatches: Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation

Hello!

Here it is! After a week-long trial run, here's my verdict on the Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation.

My Naked Skin Foundation, in Shade 1.0.

Coming Soon...

Hello!

Coming soon I have a review of Urban Decay's Vice Palette. It just arrived in the mail yesterday, so I haven't had time to use it yet, but I can't wait! I have 20 brand new, new formulation shades to try out.

I also got a sample of Kat Von D's Lock-It tattoo foundation. Not quite the right colour match, but it will be in summer. What I can say so far is AMAZING coverage. More on that coming soon, too.

Also almost finished is my review of the Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation.

Stay tuned!

xo

Anna

Look: Barlust and Half Baked

Hello!

Here's another look I did using the Smoked and Naked palettes from Urban Decay. I did a very soft gold and bronze smoky eye look which can easily transition from day to night.

Half Baked and Barlust eye look

Look: Black and Silver

Hello!

I realised I've been all about the reviews lately and haven't posted up an eye look in ages.

Today's eye look was done was done using the Coastal Scents 88 Ultra Shimmer Palette and Urban Decay's amazing matte black eyeshadow, Blackout. This is a dramatic look I wore out to a birthday party. I hope you like it!

Here's my black and silver eye look with both eyes closed.

Review and Swatches*: theBalm Time Balm concealer

Hello!

This is a rapid review of theBalm's Time Balm concealer.

Here's the marketing blurb:

"From dawn 'til dusk and dusk 'til dawn, timeBalm's got you covered! This beeswax-based concealer is packed with hardcore science to help fight wrinkles, conceal circles and look stunning ‘round the clock. Whether you’re a daytime achiever or evening diva, keep your cover morning, noon and night. Apply before bed to wake up looking fabulous! timeBalm is a uniquely smooth anti-wrinkle concealer that commits all day to covering dark circles and blemishes. Using a cocktail of beneficial ingredients, such as vitamins A, E,and C, Soybean Oil, Panthenol, Linoleic Acid and Phospholipids, timeBalm combats wrinkles and protects your delicate eye area from environmental stresses."

Picture from theBalm Australia's facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/#!/theBalmAustralia?fref=ts.

I agree. My shade is Light and it's a perfect match.
*Now updated to include swatches.

Review and Swatches: theBalm's Shady Lady Vol. 2 Palette

Hi!

A while back I did an OVO-inspired look using theBalm's Shady Lady Vol. 2 Palette. Today I'm finally getting around to reviewing it!

theBalm Shady Lady vol.2 front cover

theBalm Shady Lady vol.2 back cover

Review: Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer

Hello!

Today I'm reviewing Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer.

Now, the current one being sold in Australia is in gold foil packaging. I don't have this one, but it's the exact same product.
Here's the marketing spiel:
“Not to Prime is a Crime!” - Napoleon Makeup has never had a smoother landing. Get (even more) gorgeous with this gentle, pre-makeup base. Scientifically formulated to allow your makeup to “automatically” glide over the skin, Auto Pilot helps to prime and soothe the complexion for that flawless finish and helps makeup last even longer. Chamomile, Yarrow extract and Vitamin E deliver complexion perfection and instant hydration for all skin types.

Picture from: http://napoleonperdis.com/usa/makeup/face/auto-pilot/auto-pilot-pre-foundation-primer.html

First Impressions*: Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup

Hello!

I have a quick (rather exciting, for me, anyway) update! I think I have found my perfect foundation colour match. Most of you know how big a deal this is for a daily foundation-wearer.

I recently tried the new foundation from Urban Decay. It's full name is the Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup. Let's call it the Naked foundation from now on.

Image from: http://www.urbandecay.com/foundation-makeup-from-urban-decay/4_509,default,sc.html

I have shade 1.0 which is their second lightest shade. I didn't think I was that pale! It's pretty much a perfect match for my skin, which is great. I've been using a foundation that's a little too yellow for me for a long time, but I've been putting up with it because it comes with amazing coverage and with a bit of my usual (properly matched) powder, it looks fine. Plus, with summer I find my chest and limbs get a bit darker despite sunscreen but my face doesn't (sunscreen + hat!) so I justify using a yellower foundation by reasoning my face and body wouldn't match perfectly anyway. Shade 1.0 of the Naked foundation is such a good match that I'm worried that it won't be perfect in summer!

*Newly Updated

Review and Swatches: Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color

Hello!

I'd just been wishing I had a red as glossy lip colour like the ones I'd seen on some of the Paris S/S 13 catwalks and bam! this arrives in the mail. Perfect timing! Today I'm reviewing Urban Decay's Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in F-Bomb. This product is accurately described by Urban Decay as having a formula which "delivers all the opaque, saturated, high-impact color of your favorite lipstick and an arresting high-gloss finish in one chubby pencil."

Paris S/S 13 Beauty Trend: Bright Red Lips

Hello!

The main lip look from the Paris S/S 13 catwalks is BRIGHT red. Sure, there were glossy corals at Moschino and hot pink at Dries Van Noten, but the most notable lip was red. Many designers opted for bright red lips in all sorts of finishes from matte at Paul Smith (matte tomato red shade) and Barbara Bui (matte blue-based red), demi-matte at Jason Wu (demi-matte berry red), satin finishes at Burberry (satin finish bright red lipstick) and Prada (bright red, satin finish) to the glossy orange-red lips at Akris.

I thought it might be useful to put up a product guide based on colour and finish.

Review and Swatches: theBalm Overshadow

Hello!

Today I'm reviewing theBalm's Overshadow in 'Work is Overrated', a shimmering pink champagne colour.

Here it is, with theBalm's signature cute, retro packaging.

It's marketed as the "first finely milled all mineral shimmer designed to go over your eyeshadow." Quite honestly, this product confuses me. I'm not sure why there is suddenly a new category eyeshadow. All eyeshadows can be layered over each other and there are plenty of loose shimmer dusts out there which, again, can be layered over each other and over other eyeshadows, so I'm not sure how an "overshadow" is different. I decided to find out.

Review: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Hello!

I have finally gotten around to reviewing Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion. I've raved about this stuff enough in previous posts (I even gave it it's own abbreviation- UDPP), but here it is, the full review.

There are four different colours for this eyeshadow base- Original (dries a light beige, pretty much clear on my skin tone); Greed (light yellowish gold- and yes, there's shimmer); Sin (champagne shimmer) and Eden (light matte beige).

Here are three of my Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potions. I have a full sized Greed (new packaging) open at the moment and I'm using two mini potions in Sin (L) and Original (R) (old packaging) that came with Urban Decay palettes.

The product is marketed as:
"This is it – THE most legendary primer in the beauty industry. Eyeshadow Primer Potion is coveted by makeup artists and makeup junkies alike because it guarantees more vibrant eyeshadow that lasts for 24 hours and NEVER CREASES! Once you experience its powers (plus how smoothly it glides on – an added bonus) you’ll never want to live without it. Original formula dries down invisibly, while Eden, Sin and Greed are shades that can also be worn as shadows or highlighters!

Now this extraordinary elixir comes in an easy-to-squeeze tube so you can control how much you apply. You also get more primer in every tube – 11 ml instead of the original 10! "

This is one of the rare cases where the product totally lives up to the hype.