Pucker up for Liptember and Kiss Away the Blues

Today I wanted to post about Liptember which is coming up in a week time!

Liptember is a great and fun fundraising campaign aimed to raise awareness and funds for women's mental health issues. This is quite close to my heart as last year I experienced some anxiety as I had an extremely stressful time due to several circumstances. Although what I experience was very minor and small compared to what other women would go through I really want to help out and support this cause as much as I can.

So how do you get involved with Liptember?

The campaign involves participants to wear lipstick everyday and everywhere in September. There are special Liptember lipsticks which can be purchased from Chemist Warehouse. Revlon has specially created 4 shades for the Liptember campaign which are: Liptember Pink, Liptember Coral, Liptember Red and Liptember Berry. Then for those who are brave and fun they also released special funky Liptember lipsticks in crazy colours like blue, yellow, purple and bright hot pink!

I picked up 2 colours: Liptember Pink and Liptember Coral. I chose this because I think these colours are great for everyday wear work or play. I'm not game enough to do the crazy colours. The coral colour is bright but not too bold and the pink lipstick it's just like your lip colour but better.

I have registered for Liptember and I would really love your support. This is for a really good cause and all funds raised will go to the Centre for Women's Mental Health who provides national research and programs for gender specific mental health issues for women and Lifeline Australia who provides all Australians with nationwide 24/7 crisis support services.

If you want to get involved with Liptember, visit there website - http://www.liptember.com.au/.

If you would like to sponsor me for Liptember and donate for this great cause you can visit my Liptember Sponsorship page and donate here: http://bit.ly/15765kb.

I am really excited in getting involved with this campaign and it's really great I can help a great cause by wearing lipstick which is something I am already doing.

So get involved in this fun campaign!!

Antipodean Beauties: Winter

Week 3 challenge of the Antipodean Beauties is "Winter".

I don't usually adjust my makeup to the season, but I thought I will do a look that I think fits the theme "winter".

Winter in Canberra is so freezing cold! When I think of cold I think of the colour blues, but I don't really have much pale blue eyeshadow so I decided to go with light lilac. I think it fits the winter theme quite nicely. I also paired this look with a deep berry lipstick which is definitely a winter colour.

The products used:

• Maybelline Colour Tattoo in white
• Essence eyeshadow in 63 is it purple?
• MAC Mega Metal Eyeshadow in Centre Stage
• L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadow in Hourglass Beige
• Urban Decay Naked Palette - Buck
• Urban Decay Fun Palette - Psychedelic
• Maybelline Master Precise Eyeliner
• Revlon Grow Luscious mascara
• Lancome Rouge in Love Lipstick in 379N

I used the Maybelline colour tattoo in white all over the lid, and then I applied the Essence eyeshadow no. 63 over that. Because the colour turned out quite pale and light I decided to add a touch of purple using the Urban Decay Psychedelic eyeshadow. I picked this colour up and very lightly swept it over the Essence eyeshadow. I also applied the Psychedelic eyeshadow on the lower lash line. I used Hourglass beige in the inner corner of my eyes. 

To deepen the look I used MAC Centre Stage eyeshadow on the outer corner and use the Naked Palette Buck eyeshadow to blend it with the lilac. I finished off the look with the master precise liner and the Revlon mascara.

To finish off I used the Rouge in Love lipstick in a deep berry colour (379N). Before I got this lipstick I never thought a deep berry/plummy colour would suit me but I gave it a try and I love it! This lipstick also lasts a long time. I actually forgot to bring it with me and the colour lasted at least 6 hours even after drinking and eating.

So do you adjust your makeup to the seasons?

Mecca Cosmetica Kate Somerville Luxury Oxygen Facial

This month Mecca Cosmetica is holding an event to invite their customers to experience Kate Somerville's Luxury Oxygen Facial. The event was held yesterday and today at my local Mecca Cosmetica in Canberra Centre. The facial costs $50 but it was redeemable on any products so it's a great value since you are basically receiving a free facial with the purchase of any products from Mecca Cosmetica $50 and above.

I didn't actually research much about the facial and products since I saw the email invitation from Mecca and I immediately called them and booked it... (yeah I know it was an impulse buy), so I didn't really know what to expect.

So I actually came in the store earlier than my scheduled appointment because I wanted to have a look at the products they have so I had an idea what product to get using the redeemable cost of the facial. Once my appointment time came I was greeted by the sales assistant and sat down in the area where they were doing the facial. The sales assistant who did my facial was very lovely and nice. He also offered me some drink before he started the facial.

Before starting the facial, Ali who was doing the facial on me, asked me about what my current skincare routine was and specific skin concerns that I had. Based on my answer he went and got several products from the store that is suited to my concerns. Since I said that I currently use organic and natural skin care for my daily skin routine, he took this into account and picked all products that are natural or free of petrochemicals, mineral oil, parabens, sls and the likes. As he applied the products on my skin, he explained what the products were, what they do and any specific skin concerns that they treat which I thought was great. He also answered any questions I had.

Below are the products that were used on my skin during the facial:

• Nude Skincare Cleansing Oil
• Darphin Refreshing Toner
• RADICAL Skincare Age Defying Exfoliating Peel Pads
• REN Max Moisture Concentrate
• Elemental Herbology Cell Plumping Facial Hydrator SPF 8
• This Works Perfect Eyes Recover Cream

And finally the main part of the facial was the Kate Somerville Quench Dermal Booster Serum. 

This was the most interesting part of the facial. So Ali poured some Quench Dermal Booster Serum into this pen-like wand (see photo below) and this pen-like wand is connected to an oxygen machine. The machine then sprays the booster serum and oxygen into the skin. It feels like an air-powered air brushing on your face which feels really weird at first but then because it's quite gentle it feels quite relaxing and you get used to it after a few burst of pressure. 

Ali was really lovely and explained to me what was going to happen so I don't get a shock when he starts the machine and he told me where and how he will be applying it. 

The treatment is supposed to work by delivering the serum using oxygen it pumps both the oxygen and serum into your skin. The treatment is supposed to give intense hydration, soften and soothe the skin as the the treatment contains hyaluronic acid. The treatment was applied all over my face including under the eyes as I was advised by Ali that this product is safe to use around the eye are. The system sprays the air and the treatment serum on to the face and it produces a white foamy liquid on your face which is then rubbed into the skin to absorb.

So can you do this facial at home? Yes you can. I was advised by Ali that you can purchase one for at-home use and it is the Kate Somerville Dermal Quench Liquid Lift. The product comes in a bottle/canister which has a tube/hose that's attached to the top. The bottle must be shaken before using and it sprays the serum on to the face which like the machine above administers the serum in a foamy liquid form which you rub into the skin to absorb.

So what are the claims of this product? It's supposed to combat wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, uneven tone and dryness. And it is supposed to give you softer skin and an immediate glowing skin. The at-home Dermal Quench Liquid Lift can be purchased from Mecca Cosmetica for AU$110 (http://www.meccacosmetica.com.au/shop/KateSomerville/DermalQuenchLiquidLiftAdvancedWrinkleTreat/).

Because I have only had the one treatment I can't say whether these claims are true but after the facial my face felt soft, plump and hydrated. It is now around 7 hours since I had the treatment and my face  still feel quite soft and moisturised. 

I think this facial was definitely worth the $50 I paid for and it was an interesting experience. I have had many facials but nothing like this before so it was new experience for me.

So what did I redeemed with the $50 that I paid for this facial? Because I still had plenty of serums and moisturiser which I got from a recent sale, I decided to get the Nude Cleansing oil as I am halfway through my current cleanser. Plus the Nude Cleansing oil is made from natural ingredients so I am happy to include this in my current organic/natural skincare routine.

So have you tried this oxygen facial? Be sure to drop by Mecca Cosmetica to check this product out!

E.L.F. Studio High Definition (HD) Powder Review

Along with my recent purchase of the EcoTools Face and Body Sculpting Powder, I purchased the E.L.F. Studio High Definition Powder for US$5.99.

I have heard of E.L.F. Cosmetics before but I have never purchased or used any of their products. Since my setting powder (MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural) was all used up I thought I will give this HD powder a try.

This is the product description from E.L.F. cosmetic's website:

The high definition loose powder creates a "soft focus" effect to the skin. Masks fine lines and imperfections for a radiant complexion. The incredibly soft and invisible powder is great for on-screen and everyday wear.

So reading the description above it doesn't really say that it's a setting powder. However, I think that this powder can be worn on its own or over a foundation.

So I have been using this powder now for the last week. I have used it on its own and I have also used it over my liquid foundation and over BB creams. 

I found that after applying this powder over my foundation my face feels so soft and smooth. It makes the skin surface feels so smooth and even. It does set my foundation and provides a smooth base for applying blush and bronzer. I also applied this powder at the last stage of my makeup application, which was after contouring, applying blush and bronzer and it gives me a beautiful result. The finish that it gives is a semi-matte finish. It does not look cakey on my normal/dry skin. However, you do need to be careful as you can over-apply this powder. I only use the tiniest amount and I apply it with a powder brush rather than using the puff provided with the powder.

In terms of oil control, I can't say much about this as I have normal/dry skin. 

I also did try to apply this on its own, however because the powder is so fine it did barely anything to my skin. There was no coverage and it definitely did not mask any imperfections. So I found that this powder works better as a setting powder to apply over foundation or to finish off the makeup over foundation, blush and bronzer. It just help to finish my makeup application by smoothing the skin and set all my makeup.

Did E.L.F. HD Powder deliver on its claims? I think so. Overall, for $5.99 I think it's definitely a great buy. I really like that the powder is quite fine and it sets my foundation nicely without having to use a lot of the powder. I am not sure how this compare with the MakeUp Forever (MUFE) HD Powder which cost quite a lot more but I'm sure that this is probably a great alternative to the MUFE HD Powder.

EOTD #18 - Purple and Gold

I haven't been posting EOTD in a while since I have been sick and then I got really busy so I kept on sticking with my usual neutral eye makeup routine or just simply an eyeliner and mascara. However today I was inspired to do something different.

To create this look:

• I applied Maybelline Color Tattoo in Painted Purple all over the lid
• I then applied Urban Decay eyeshadow Psychedelic Sister (from the Urban Decay Fun Palette) on the outer 1/3 of the eyelid and blended this up to the crease
• Then I applied Urban Decay eyeshadow in Baked (also from the Fun Palette) on the inner 2 /3 of the lid and blended it with the purple. 
• Using a small smudge brush I applied the purple eyeshadow (Psychedelic sister) on the lower lash line and on the upper lash line too.
• Lastly I applied Revlon Grow Luscious mascara on the upper and bottom lashes. 

Antipodean Beauties - Glitter

I was originally not going to do this weeks Antipodean Beauties group challenge which is themed "glitter" since I thought I didn't really have anything with glitter. But then I remembered I got the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure nail polish in Golden Rule which I got from my Bella Box Subscription (which I have cancelled).

So here is the nails that I did. I used the Maybelline Mini Colorama in Wonder Violet because I love purple and this colour is just gorgeous. I then used the Golden Rule glitter nail polish on the ring finger as the accent nail.

I love this glitter nail polish because even though the glitter is so fine it still gives that beautiful shimmer. The only downside to glitter nail polish is they can be hard to remove, especially if you layer them on.

EcoTools Face and Body Sculpting Brush Review

A few weeks ago I went on iHerb and bought a few things from there. My purchases include organic green tea, lip balms and EcoTools Face and Body Sculpting Brush. I also purchased the E.L.F. Studio HD Powder which I will review in another post.

Today I will review the Face and Body Sculpting Brush. This brush cost me US$9.97 from iHerb. It's definitely a good price for a nice quality brush.

I purchased this because I thought it looked similar to the Rae Morris Radiance brush which is very expensive. However when the brush arrived it is actually bigger and thicker than the Rae Morris Radiance brush, so it's definitely not a dupe. However,  I still love this brush.

EcoTools is a great brand. It's a cruelty free brand. The brush bristles are made using cruelty-free synthetic taklon  bristles and the handle is made from bamboo. The bristles are so soft and feels so beautiful on the face.

I originally thought this brush is like the Radiance brush by Rae Morris which can be used for contouring the cheeks. However the bristles are quite dense and thick so it is too big to do precise contouring of the cheek. It may work if you squeeze the bristles to make it thinner but I think it's way too much work if I am in a hurry in the morning.

So how do I use this brush?

I really love using this brush to apply my foundation. Usually I have been using the Real Techniques face brush to apply my foundation but when I use this face and body sculpting brush, it applies foundation so fast and easily. It has cut my foundation application time by half. And because it is so dense it buffs in the foundation nicely into my skin. I use a sweeping motion side to side when I apply the foundation all over my face and on my nose I do a up down sweeping motion. And as it's a face and body sculpting brush, I can easily blend my foundation down to my neck and décolletage.

This blush is also great for applying powder all over the face. And lastly, although it may not be fully suitable for cheek contouring, this brush is great for applying bronzer all over the face. I also use this brush to contour around my jawline, my neck and my décolletage.

Overall I just really love this brush. I am amazed how versatile it is. It's definitely a great addition to my brush collection and at US$9.97, you can't go wrong with it!

Antipodean Beauties - My Favourite Lipstick

Very recently I just joined the Antipodean Beauties group where we have a new makeup challenge every week. This week's challenge is 'my favourite lipstick'.  You would think this would be an easy challenge...but in fact it was quite a hard one... I love all lip products from lipstick to lip gloss. I have so many that I had so much trouble deciding my favourite.

I have had a look at my lipstick collection and I did have over 10 lipsticks (note: be aware though that these are only lipsticks...not incl lip gloss or lip tars etc). And also these are the ones that I have kept all in one place, I'm sure I have several other lipsticks that I have placed elsewhere I can't find.

Here is my collection:

So after having a long hard think about what my favourite lipstick is I decided that my favourite lipstick that has been my go-to everyday lipstick is the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in the colour Adore. I know that this may not be a lipstick..but may be considered more as a lip balm but I love it. The colour is gorgeous. It's red but it's not a full on bright red and it's perfect for everyday wear day or night. I love it so much that I've actually used it up so I need to buy another one! You can see my review and swatch on the Revlon Adore here.

If this was not considered a lipstick then my next favourite would be Dior Addict in 554. It's a lovely gorgeous bright pink! 

And now see below for the link to the other bloggers participating in this make up challenge.