July Favourites

Wow........ July was a month of so many new and exciting products hitting the shelves  I had to try a few and the products I am loving this month are.......

1. Face of Australia HD primer
2. Chi Chi Fabulous and Flawless foundation
3 Chi Chi Real mineral finishing powder
4 L'Oréal Infallible foundation
5 Suvana Organic Paw Paw balm

Sooooo the Chi Chi foundation isn't a new product but I had seen so many good things about it, I had to try it and after a month of using it I still think its one of my best purchases to date. I haven't been able to find a foundation that does what it says says it will do, lasts for sufficient hours without needing to be reapplied or re powdered.

The colour match was perfect and the way Chi Chi sets out the descriptions on the packaging makes it so easy to find the right shade.

The first day I actually wore this foundation I was in the sun for 5 hours at the beach which included a 3km walk. After all that my face looked flawless. I was with my Bestie and were both impressed I wasn't shiny or my foundation wasn't wearing off. Since that day I have pretty much been wearing everyday. I am constantly getting complimented on my foundation and how good and flawless I look.

A few weeks later I came across the Chi Chi Real mineral translucent finishing powder at Myer. A week later I had to get it and wearing these 2 together is a match made in heaven.
The powder is loose and white, you don't need to use a lot. Over applied and it could leave you looking a little white.

Face of Australia HD primer
I tried this in store at Priceline the day it hit the shelf and instantly loved how it felt on my hand. I had to have it. I personally prefer silicone based primers (which this one is) it's also oil free so it won't clog your pores :)
When applied to my face it felt smoother all over any fine lines and pores were filled in. I have worn a few different foundations with this primer all have lasted and look good at the end of the day

L'Oréal Infallible Foundation
I never tried the old formula but I do love and wear L'Oréal true match. Infallible is a nice thick liquid. Two coats applied to my face and it covers perfectly. The only downside is the colour range.  With only 7 shades it was hard to match to my skin tone. I got #140 Golden beige. It's yellow based and darker than my skin colour but it's perfect when I tan. It doesn't look thick and cakey and it lasts all day

Suvana Organic Paw Paw and Honey Balm
A very good friend of mine Shenae Gillespie is the face of this amazing product. Once she told me about it I had to try it out. I have used other paw paw products in the past, but I have now tossed them since using this one.

 The taste is so much nicer because of the honey. It doesn't feel thick (as I do use it mainly on my lips) the best thing is it doesn't contain any harmful chemicals and is sulphate and paraben free. I have a terrible cold this week so my nose and lips have been dry but using Suvana Paw Paw my lips are back to normally and the dry skin on my nose has healed.

Until  next time xox

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

Basic Makeup Base Application

I have written this in the steps I do to apply my base for my makeup. I have explained what I use and why. I have included some of the products I use also. All drugstore products and all affordable..... Hope you enjoy x

1. Primer: This is my absolute MUST have when applying makeup. Without it my pores look bigger, my foundation doesn't stay on and it just doesn't give me a flawless finish.

A lot of people will skip this step and I have heard all the excuses. It takes about 20 seconds to apply and I would rather take 20 seconds in the morning to apply a primer than spend time later in the day reapplying my foundation. 

2. Foundation: I prefer a full coverage foundation or one that has a buildable coverage. I have freckles (a lot of people don't know because I cover them) I apply with a foundation brush and blend,blend blend. Don't forget to blend down your neck. No one wants to see a line around your jawline

3. Concealer: I use a liquid base concealer with a yellow tone to it. I find this to help with covering dark spots and brightens under my eyes. I apply using my ring finger to dab the product over the area this way you will have control over the concealer and be able to use little product and get the benefits from it as apposed to rubbing it over the area. Rubbing moves the product around and doesn't let it focus on the the exact area.

Powders: I like to use 2 powders. I use a coloured pressed powder and a loose translucent powder because I get an oily T zone. Setting a liquid foundation with a pressed powder all over will add a bit of colour to my face, take away any shine and help get maximum wear from my foundation. I then apply a small amount of loose powder over my T zone. This helps with keeping the shine away.

hope you have found this to be helpful. I will be posting my basic highlighting/contouring routine in a few days 

Until next time xox