My Skin Care Routine - What I use and why

I love wearing makeup and enjoy applying it each day. As a makeup artist its important that my makeup looks good every day at work. But good makeup starts with good skin. I have recently changed skincare products and I am excited every night to remove my makeup because of what I now use.

I have always had pretty good skin, even as a teenager. But it the last few years I have decided to look after my skin as I'm not getting any younger and want to start now before it's too late.

So until recently I had used the same skincare products for the last few years. My skin was ok oily in my T-zone and occasional pimples.
I had a consultation with the amazing skin care adviser I work with. (I don't know alot about skincare products as makeup is my area of expertise)
After looking at my skin (while wearing a full face of makeup) she and told me I had dehydrated skin. We discussed my routine and the products I was using. There was nothing wrong with them, they just weren't doing enough for my skin.
So with the 40% off skincare Priceline had a few weeks ago I decided it was the time to invest in new products.......My skin has never been this good.
After a week my skin care adviser noticed a huge difference. Skin didn't look dull, blemishes on my chin were gone and my face was less shiny. Its now been 4 weeks and my skin is still looking good. Its less dehydrated now to what it was.

My new skincare routine consists of (New and Old products)
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser
Bioderma Crealine H20 Cleanser (using this for over 12 months now)
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Moisturiser (using this for 6 months now)
Indeed Laboratories Hydraluron Moisture Jelly
Indeed Laboratories Hydraluron Moisture Serum
Indeed Laboratories Facial Powdered Exfoliator
Avene Eye Contour Cream (using this for 8 months now)
Indeed Laboratories Hydraluron Moisture Mask.

So this looks like a lot of products but when I break it down its not.

Every Morning: Cleanser then moisture jelly, then before I apply my makeup I use Effaclar Duo.

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday night: I always try and take my makeup off about an hour before I go to bed. So I cleanse then remove my eye makeup remover with Bioderma then apply the Moisture Jelly and then just before I get into bed I apply my eye cream and the indeed labs serum.

Wednesday night: Same as every other night except I exfoliate. I use it twice a week.

Sunday night: Is a pamper night total me time I cleanse, remove eye makeup remover, exfoliate, moisture mask, moisture jelly and then just before bed I use the serum and eye cream.

So you guys can understand why I love each of these products I want to give you a brief description on them all.


La Roche-Posay Cleanser: Removes makeup and cleanses. Its a nice milky white cream lotion that doesn't need water to rinse off. I do use a damp face cloth to wipe my face clean. My skin can be a little sensitive so this is perfect for me.

Bioderma Cleanser: Removes my eye makeup gently without and hard rubbing and it removes long wearing eyeshadows, liners and mascaras. Just a little of this product goes a long way.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo: My morning moisturiser it makes my face feel fresh and matte before I apply my makeup. It helps unclog my pores

Indeed Labs Moisture Serum: This product contains hydraluron (hence the name) which is a hydrating ingredient that holds 1,000 times its weight in water. My face feels so nice after its been applied.

Avene Eye Contour Cream: I haven't started using anything serious around my eyes. I don't have lines to worry about or dark circles but I do get dry around them and it doesn't hurt to add moisture to the area and help  slow the process of lines appearing. You only need the tiniest amount to do both eyes (TIP: at night only apply cream to under the eye, it will be less puffy in the morning)

Indeed Labs Moisture Jelly: This is a moisturiser but doesn't feel like one. It's a gel formula but packs a punch liked a serum. It's light, cooling and refreshing on my face and I instantly feel hydrated. I love the packaging. The jar is a flat top with a pump. One push on top and the right amount of jelly will be released.

Indeed Labs powder exfoliater: Mix this with water in the palm of my hand and lather it and apply it over my face. It gently removes any dead skin and leaves my face feeling soft and smooth. My skin looks glowing refreshed clean and hydrated.

Indeed Labs Moisture Mask: I had never used a mask like this before. After taking it out of its individual packet it felt wet but cooling. I leave it for about 20 mins and left the mask do its work. It adds moisture to my face and leaves it feeling relaxed and cooking

Its alot of moisture I have added to my skin and I was always worried adding excess moisture would cause me to breakout with pimples everywhere but I know differently now. In the process of writing this I learnt alot more about dehydrated skin from some training sessions I went to. Nearly everyone has dehydrated skin but they may not know it. I am glad I spoke to someone trained in skin care and am finally using products that are finally helping my skin.

Until next time xoxo

Claudia

Younique 3D Fiber Lash Mascara

Hi everyone...... I have recently received the Younique mascara to try and wanted to share my thoughts about it with you, but before I do I feel like I need to have a little rant and get it out of the way

If you are familiar with social media especially Instagram and either have or follow a few beauty/makeup pages I am sure you would have come across this brand. I have seen lots of photos of people trying the mascara and was really impressed and wanted to try it. But I have come across some rude and pushy representatives for this brand which made me avoid even trying to contact someone about it. I personally don't like them spamming my photos trying to sell the product. A few have been pushy (maybe not intentionally) and I think its unprofessional. I understand that these people are trying to run a business and make money but there are other ways. I was contacted by a few representatives via email who were lovely and professional.
(Younique is a similar concept to Avon - seller earns commission/income from selling products)

Like I said I had really want to try this product, all the photos I had seen looked great and made a massive difference, but every photo I had seen was from someone that had connections with the brand. So here is my review of the mascara with no strings attached.

First Impression: Packaging was stunning from the actual parcel itself and then inside with the tissue paper. Unwrapping the tissue I found a black case, inside were two matte black tubes. Moodstruck transplant gel and Moodstuck natural fibers.

To apply: Concentrate on one eye at a time. Start with applying the transplant gel (mascara) onto your lashes like a normal mascara. Then coat the tips of your lashes with the fibers. I applied 2 layers of both and was happy with the look, I could have gone another layer but was worried my lashes would start to look spidery.

....... well it's been over a week and I have worn the mascara everyday and it's worn really well. It hasn't smudged or flaked and they look so long all day. Removes really easy at the end of the day with makeup remover. I use Bioderma Crealine H20 solution micellaire cleanser. It has taken me a little longer to do my mascara in the morning, so I would prefer to do wear this on weekends, when I had more time to get ready or for special occasions where false lashes would be a bit too much.

As you can see from below I have shown you before mascara
One eye with the mascara and one without
And then both eyes completed

After everything I think it's a really good mascara. My lashes do look amazing and long without looking spidery. I am just disappointed that the representatives are tarnishing the brand and spamming makeup/beauty accounts on social media and turning people off the brand before they even try the product.
Having said that I have gone through Jenn Sherrer via email and she has been so professional and helpful and polite. If you do wanna get your hands on this mascara and try it yourself contact her

www.youniqueproducts.com/JennSherrer/party
jennsherrer.yp@gmail.com

Take care
Until next time xox

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

Picking the right foundation for YOU!!!!

As I work in a retail makeup store I have a lot of customers (and foundafriends) wanting new foundations but are unsure of what they want. So I have put together a list of foundations to suit everyone. From light coverage to full coverage. Keep reading to find the right foundation for you

LIGHT COVERAGE:

BB Cream: BB means Beauty Balm, a makeup product that's all in one. To put it simple its a tinted moisturiser with extra benefits.
I have a couple of BB creams and loved them when they became popular last year. But I  prefer to wear a full coverage foundation, but my top two would be:

Rimmel Matte BB Cream. I love wearing the Rimmel one as I love the finish. It is matte. Feels nice on without being sticky

In this picture I have used a sample size as I couldn't find my actual product.

Revlon's BB cream has the highest SPF in all drugstore BB's. So this is my go to product when I head to the beach.

BB is great if you want a light coverage, it will be perfect for weekends, school or the beach

LIGHT/MEDIUM COVERAGE:

Revlon Nearly Naked: A light weight foundation that looks natural on  and melts into your skin with a build able coverage. If you have freckles, pimples you will still see them. Your skin will look fresh and flawless without looking like you are wearing makeup. Its an oil free formula so its perfect for all skin types.

Maybelline Fit Me shine-Free Stick Foundation: Most stick foundations offer full coverage until this one. Its a gel stick foundation with the centre offering an anti shine formula. It's easy to apply and blend. The Fit me stick provides a light to medium build able coverage oil free and sets matte.

Both of these are great foundations for everyday use.


MEDIUM COVERAGE:

L'Oreal True Match: One of my top 5 foundations. I love the coverage it gives. Its medium yet build able. I can apply two light layers over my face and it will cover my freckles. It looks flawless on and doesn't crease and wears well all day. It has a low SPF aswell which makes it a perfect foundation to wear to avoid that "ghost" look while using a flash on cameras.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation: I think I wear this every Monday or the day after a late night. It reawakens my skin with an anti-fatigue glow. It gives a flawless yet natural finish and leaves a radiant glow.
This is a great product for tired fatigued skin.

MEDIUM/FULL COVERAGE:

Chi Chi Fabulous and Flawless: OMG I am loving this foundation at the moment. I bought this about two weeks ago and have pretty much been using it everyday. I love a foundation to cover my freckles and stay matte all day without having to powder my face several times a day. This foundation does both. I can wear this for over eight hours and it will stay on my face and I will be shine free. I am so glad I have found this foundation.

Revlon Colorstay Foundation: I use to wear this foundation for years before I became a MUA and before i started working in retail makeup store and branched out and tried others. Its still an old favourite of mine but I love others more these days. The formula has changed and I prefer the new formula. Colorstay is available in Normal/Dry and Combination/Oily. I wear the combination foundation. It wears all day with a lightweight feel and doesn't come off. I have worn it to the beach wasn't expecting to go swimming, but I did and it was still on in most parts of my face at the end of the day. Colorstay is oil free so it doesn't clog my pores

I hope you guys find this helpful when looking for new foundations
If you have any questionnd if you have any looks or products you want to know about feel free to contact me.

Instagram: @claudaciousmakeup
Facebook: Claudacious Makeup

New Australis Full On Stick Foundation Review

Compared to liquid foundations I have always found a stick foundation will always cover a lot better. The only thing I disliked was they always looked cakey heavy and sunk into my pores.

So when Australis released their stick foundation I had to try it. It's very soft, creamy and easy to blend. It covers my freckles and looks good on. Has a full coverage without looking OTT

Being a stick foundation it's easy to apply. I draw over my forehead,  nose, cheeks and chin and blend with a brush. I apply two light layers.

I applied a matte primer before applying foundation. Once I blended the foundation I set it with a powder. I wore it to work. I work in retail. After a few hours I found I was really shiny on my nose and chin. I applied a powder over the areas that were shiny and I was back to normal. Two hours later I had no foundation on my nose and my chin was very patchy even my cheeks looked patchy........

I had worn it a few times in a week and noticed my skin was breaking out. I dont normally get alot of pimples so I knew straight away the only thing I had changed in my diet, skincare and makeup was I had been using this foundation. I have now stopped and my skin cleared up in a matter of 2 days.

Unfortunately this isn't a foundation for me :(
Below is a photo of after applying it and then 8 hours later. Lighting is different but it was morning and night there are no filters and photoshop hasn't been used

My skin felt sticky, was very shiny all over and my cheeks never get shiny. The foundation has worn off my nose, forehead and chin.

I hope you guys have found this review helpful. I would love to know your thoughts if you have tried this foundation so let me either on here or on instagram @claudaciousmakeup

Until next time  xox

Claudia 

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