Makeup on a budget

So recently I had a few friends ask about what products I could recommend them buying without spending a fortune. Which got me thinking, why not share my recommendations with you all. I know everyone loves a bargain and its always a bonus of getting decent makeup on a budget.

So I have put together a collection of makeup for a full face of makeup with each product costing less than $20 each. I own all of these products I have listed and wear them all :)
All products mentioned are available from Priceline.

Primer: Rimmel Stay Matte Primer RRP: $13.95
I own a lot of primers but have found I have been using this one quiet a bit lately. It comes out as a white cream without being too thick. Once applied onto my skin I can't see it.
It definitely makes my face look matte, fills in my pores and my foundation does last all day. I may have to powder my nose after 5-6 hours but that's not the end of the world.

Foundation: Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation RRP: $17.95
When I look for a new foundation my two concerns are
a) The coverage: I have freckles and like to cover them without my foundation looking heavy and cakey.
b) How long the foundation will last: I apply two light coats and buff into my skin.

So this foundation ticks both boxes. I have combination skin and find that I have to set it with powder  for a matte finish. Its a little runnier than other liquid foundations, but it blends flawlessly and felt lightweight but gave great coverage.

Concealer: Rimmel Wake Me Up RRP: $14.95
 Full coverage liquid concealer, perfect for under the eyes. Covers dark spots nicely as well as brightening up under the eye with an anti-fatigue effect. Has a wand which is easy to get the product out of the tube and apply to the face

Powder: Face Of Australia Loose Translucent Powder RRP: $11.95
After reading about this product on a lot of other blogs and seeing it being used on various youtube makeup videos I was keen to try it. At first look the powder looks quiet yellow but once applied it has very little colour. It leaves a very soft finish because it has little pigment. The fine powder reduces shine and sets foundation. The only down side about using it is the fact that loose powder can be a little messy at times.

Bronzer and Highlighter: Face Of Australia Contour and Highlight Kit RRP: $9.95
This Product has been so popular its sold out almost everywhere. I don't know of many other contour palettes under $10 that offer a matte bronzer and a shimmer highlighter together. The pigment in both are lovely and leave your cheekbones looking perfectly sculptured.

Brows: Models Prefer Essential Brow Kit RRP: $12.99
A brow kit with the lot. Powder, wax, brush and tweezers. I use the light to medium palette. My brows are quite light but I like them to be dark and filled it. I use the wax to define and shape them then fill them in with the powder.

Eye Primer: Face Of Australia Matte Eye Primer RRP: $7.95
One product most people don't know about. I always get asked about long lasting eye shadows or ones that don't crease. When I ask if they use an eye primer 95% off the time the answer is NO.
The benefits of an eye primer:
a) Smooths the surface of the eyelid
b) Gives the eye shadow something to stick to
c) Makes the eye shadow last a lot longer
d) Intensifys the colour of the eye shadow

as its a white cream. You only need the tiniest amount to apply over the eyelid. Set with a powder.

Eye shadow: L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Eye Crayon RRP: $16.95 or
 Rimmel Scandaleyes Eye Shadow Stick RRP: $12.95
This was the hardest category to pick products to recommend under $20. But then I remembered I have used both of these crayons/shadow sticks and they were really good. Lasted all day didnt fade or crease and were really easy to use and blend. I mix them together and wear the lighter brown, beige from L'Oreal and smoke it up with the Rimmel darker brown and black.

Eyeliner: Maybelline Hyper Glossy Liquid Eyeliner RRP: $9.95
I have always personally preferred a liquid pen or gel liner for eyeliner, but I thought I would try this as was on special. I found it super easy to use and the very fine brush makes it easy to get close to the lash line to apply it. Smudge proof also.

Mascara: Essence Lash Mania Reloaded False Lashes RRP: $4.95
I have talked about this mascara before, Its basically my holy grail mascara. I still haven't found a mascara under $20 that even comes close to me. Makes my lashes look so much longer, I have cried and it hasn't left me with panda eyes and its sooooooo cheap.

Lipstick: Revlon Colorburst Lip Crayons RRP: $17.95
This was the easiest product to recommend I LOVE these lipsticks for so many reasons...... I own every colour, that's how much I love them.
a) The colours are vibrant and there is something for everyone (I have sold one at the store I work at to       a 70 year old lady)
b) Options, matte really glossy or balmy
c) Moisturising. I hate matte colours that dry out my lips. These dont!!!!
d) Long lasting. Food proof.
e) The way the crayon is designed you just need to wind it up and you get value for money.
f) Peppermint tingle helps plump up your lip.
I could go on but i wont.

And there you go. Great makeup products that wont cost you a fortune. I have added a before, during and after look of wearing all the products

Until next time xox
Claudia

Chi Chi New Smokey Eye Palette

So it was my birthday during the week and I got the new Chi Chi Smokeys palette. I have used it quiet a few times already so I thought I would share the looks I did with you all, how to recreate them and my impressions on the palette.

When I first saw this palette I wasn't sure how much I would use these colours and if they would suit me (I tend to wear more golds, bronze and browns)

I have played around with three different smokey eye looks and was really surprised with how pretty they looked. Like all the Chi Chi palettes the colours are highly pigmented, they are creamy so there is no fall out. I love that the palette contains matte and shimmery colours

LOOK 1: BLUE SMOKEY EYE

1. Apply the blue shade into the crease and blend onto the eyelid.

2. Build up the blue by applying more of the colour over the top in the crease. And blend.

3. Add the matte black to the outer corner and into the crease. Blending the colour out. 

4. Lightly place some of the black shimmer onto the eyelid and blend over the area (except for the inner corner)

5. On the inner corner and on the brow bone place the silver shade to use as a highlighter against the darker colours.

6. Apply a little blue and black on the bottom lashline and blend lightly.

7.  Line the top lash line with liquid eyeliner.

8. Coat top and bottom lashes with mascara and then add some fake lashes.

LOOK 2: PLUM BROWN EYE

1. Start with applying the plum shade I to the creaseof the eye and then blend. Repeat until you have a nice deep colour and blend any harsh lines.

2. Add the matte brown shade on the outer corner in a C shape, into the crease and on the eyelid. Blend all over.

3. Apply some of the light gold colour into the inner corner of the eye.

4. Line bottom lash line with the matte brown eyeshdow and lighlty blend 

5. Apply liquid eyeliner along top lashline

6. Coat lashes with mascara and finish with a full bar of false lashes 

LOOK 3: SOFT BROWN EYE LOOK

1. Apply the soft light brown all over the eyelid and blend into crease. 

2. On the outer corner apply the matte shade and build up the colour. Blend into crease.

3. Using liquid eyeliner apply it along the top lashline and use a black eye pencil and lightly apply on bottom lash line

4. Coat lashes with mascara. 

Hope you all liked these looks 

Until next time xoxo

My Models Prefer Brushes: Review

While composing this post I was looking at my brushes and realised every single brush I want to tell you about is from the brand Models Prefer, a brand sold exclusively at Priceline.

I would never have thought I would love a range of brushes as much as these. I started with one or two and my collection has slowly grown. I can't fault any of these brushes. And am more than happy to rave about them on here.

Airbrush Buffing Brush:
I use this nearly everyday. It's great for applying foundation and 'buffing' liquid foundation into the skin by using circular motions. Love the finish it gives.

Precision Foundation Brush:
Amazing brush for a basic foundation brush the way it tapers makes it easy to get into hard to get places and leaves a flawless finish.

Airbrush Concealer Brush:
I use this to blend in my concealer around and under my eyes and its a good size to contour, especially the nose area. Blends products flawlessly.

Mineral Powder Brush:
Love this brush, its one of my absolute favourites. The bristles are tightly packed into the brush to make it easy to buff powder into the skin. From loose to pressed powder, it will leave a natural finish.

Angled Airbrush Contour:
This is my blush brush. I prefer to use an angled brush for applying my blush. I get a great definition on my cheeks.

Dual Purpose Powder and Bronzer Brush:
My bronzer brush. A recent addition to my collection. This brush is beautiful.  Its so soft on my face and I get precise application of bronzer on the hollows of my cheeks

Dual Purpose Highlighter and Contour Brush:
Another recent addition. I apply my powder highlighter products to my cheek bones with this brush. Basically its a smaller version of my bronzer brush.  Its a tapered brush to apply product exactly where you want.

Dual Purpose Brow and Eyeliner Brush:
I have recently changed to using this brush for my gel eyeliner. I loved my angle brush but just wanted to try it. Omg so glad I did, since using this brush my wings are prefect everyday and I am
more confident in wearing a bigger bolder wing on my eyeliner. My angled brush was good but I would have good days and bad at getting both wings perfect. Now each day is perfect.

Angled Eyeliner Brush:
I have a couple of these. One is for eyeliner (mentioned just above) the other is for my brows. This brush is the best for my brows. I get great shape and definition from using it and its so easy to apply brow powder with.

I use different brushes for my eyes and there are few to talk about so if you want to know about them let me know and I would be happy to do another post.

Until next time

Xoxo Claudia

Winter makeup trends 2014

Well winter is finally here so I thought I would share with you the latest looks for winter inspired from the runaways across the globe

Biggest winter trends will be:

Metallic eyeshadows: lots of gold, bronze, copper, browns and chocolates

Smokey eye makeup

Deep wine and plum lipsticks

Blue eyemakeup

Cat eyeliner

Also I thought I would show these looks since MAC has released its deep purple lipstick 'Pure Heroine' from the limited edition MAC Lorde range this week just in time for winter


I hope you like these looks

Smokey eye and small winged eyeliner.....

I am wearing Loreal infallible eyeshadow in 'Endless Chocolate'

All over eye lid and blended up into the crease worn with gel eyeliner and flicked out at the corners

                   
 

Plum and wine lipsticks 

I am loving the colours from Rimmel and Loreal for this seasons colour of lipstick my 2 favourites are Loreals #374 Intense plum

and Rimmels #09

Some other great ones are #330 Sloane's Plum, #120 Cutting Edge,  #500 Diva Red, all by Rimmel

Blue eye makeup

Really happy with how this look turned out.

I applied the Models Prefer infinite coloured eyeliner in 'Blue Lagoon' along my lash line and flicked out on the corner. To intensify the look I applied Savvy liquid eyeliner in 'Starling' over the top. I then coated both my top and bottom lashes  with Australis mascara 'Electric Blue' and applied blue fake lashes.

Metallic eyeshadow

I wear this look alot I love dark brown eyemakeup and bronze and gold shimmers on top.

I used Chi Chi 'Bronzes' eyeshadow palette as my base. I used one of the darker shades in the middle of the palette and applied it into my crease until I had built up the colour. I then applied Napoleon loose eye dust 'Star Dust' in the inner corner of my eye and blended outwards. Next I used Loreal infallible eyeshadow 'Endless Chocolate' on the outer corner and blended into my crease then in the middle of my eyelid I used 'Copper Element' loose eye dust by Napoleon. Gel eyeliner along my lashline 2 coats of mascara and fake lashes to complete the look.

Basic eye makeup for everyday

I have 2 looks for basic eye makeup for everyday. Depending on time and where I am going.

Look a) Maybelline eye tattoo in "bad to the bronze". This is the best cream eyeshadow I have ever come across. Its Smudge proof, water resistant, doesn't crease and I love this colour for daily wear. Plus it makes my blue eyes pop.

To apply just dab onto eye lid and lightly blend into crease. Thats it eyeshadow is done.

Look b) I use 2 matte eyeshadows from Chi Chi "To the moon and back" and "Enough is enough"
Apply "To the moon and back" all over lid and blend up into crease. On the outer corner and into the crease apply "Enough is enough". Once blended it will look like a soft smokey eye on the outer corner and blended from darkest shade on the outer corner to the lightest on the inner corner.

On both looks I will use the Revlon liquid pen eyeliner (gel liner if I have more time) I like that its easy to use. I feel more comfortable using it and get a better finish. It dries quickly on my eyes and it lasts all day.
On my lower lash line I will wear a black pencil eyeliner

Next is mascara. My current favourite is Lash Mania by Essence. It makes my lashes look so good, I really wasn't expecting much from a $4.95 mascara (I shouldn't judge a book by its cover)  it is clump free and I have worn it and cried and it hasn't given me panda eyes yet its not waterproof.

Last but not least.......(well I do mine before my eye makeup)  most important step BROWS
Brows work wonder. I never use to do mine and cringe  when I see old photos. But these days I love dark defined brows. I use the Essence brow stylist kit. This is perfect for beginners it comes with stencils so you can get perfect brows.

And thats my basic eye look for everyday hope you have enjoyed

Until next time xox

Claudia

New Revlon Blushes, Bronzers and Highlighters: First Impressions

I was so upset when Revlon discontinued their Photoready matte bronzer and was worried about the new bronzer and highlighter palettes they would replace it.
They have hit Priceline stores this week and the new palettes are stunning.

The new bronzer is matte and basically the whole palette is filled inside with product (Yay no wasted space) its highly pigmented as well so you will get sufficient product on the brush with one light tap of the brush on to the bronzer.

I was never a fan of the old blushes. I guess they weren't my colour of choice for a blush but these new shades will suit a lot of people from a light pink for fair toned skin, a deeper pink for darker tones and then there is a coral shade. I'm sure there is a shade for most people. They apply better to skin that has a foundation already applied then to natural bare skin.

Revlon have also released another cream blush......... I love a good cream blush. Revlon's old cream blushes were bright colours and looked lovely on, but they weren't for me. This new shade is a darker pink and looks beautiful on the skin.  I wore it today and it looked natural on, lasted all day and the colour stayed true.

Last but not least, the new highlight palettes.  The colours in these are so pretty.

Rose Glow Palette:
 The colours vary from pinks to rose golds. It has a slight shimmer but doesn't look that shimmery one. It looks more like a blush with various colours blended together.

Bronze Glow Palette:
This palette could be used for 2 purposes. The colours can be used alone and worn as eyeshadows, or blended all together they make a very nice shimmery bronzer. As i have fair skin I find the colours a bit to dark for me but I think they would look great on someone with medium to darker skin.

Peach Glow Palette:
Is a yellow based palette with soft yellow gold and bronze tones. This would be my favourite out of the three