Brunette Beauty

A primer is defined as ' a substance used as a preparatory coat on wood, metal, or canvas, especially to prevent the absorption of subsequent layers of paint or the development of rust'. In the beauty and  makeup world it's an undercoat layer of moisture to help foundation apply smoothly and not absorb into the skin. So it primes the face. There are many varieties of primers. Some help to brighten, colour  correct, even out skin tone, sun protection, pore size reduction, reduced fine lines, matte finish, oil free, hydrate. Each property appealing differently with different textures and consistencies. Those with dry skin or an inadequate skin care regime will really benefit from a primer. Those with oily or combination skin will benefit from the primers with a matte finish to help foundation stick to the face and stay.                               ...

Bioderma is as far as I can tell, the cult and most loved water based micelle solution. Garnier has recently been the first mass market consumer brand to bring out their own version of this. Of course the two will be compared to each other but which works better? Let me explain a little bit about what micelles are, as I had never heard of it before and had no idea what it was I wanted to know what results are to come from this so I can see this when I use it compared to what the packaging is claiming. Micelles are molecules that are formed in high concentration in water. Each molecule is made up of two parts; the inside of oil and outside of water. Know you may be aware that water and oil repel each other so a micelle molecule is able to be formed the water 'head' sticking outside with the water 'tail' inside. This is the basic formulation for most soapy detergents as when the molecule is split open the oil is released and able to do its work in breaking do...

Packaging: Metal can with soft black packaging and a lime green cap. The black packaging is accompanied by silver text. The spray nozzle is a little larger then normal but the spray is very concentrated and fast. By this I mean a lot is sprayed out with a little pressure. The size of the can is palm sized so it's perfect for travelling and also durable. It's 87ml which means it's both domestic and international carry on approved. Smell/Taste: Cherry. Reminds me of the horrible cherry cough syrup I had when I was a kid. Colour: Clear but in a concentrated form it's white. Formula/ Texture: This works perfectly in freshing up second and third day hair. I took this for a four day trip, used it three times and there is half left. So small can but is handy for short trips. I mentioned this in packaging but the spray is concentrated and pressurised so the powder comes out fast. So with a normal pressure on the nozzle a lot comes out, leaving...

Another NEW skincare product that's hit the shelves. First thing I noticed is the 'micellar' word that is popular with Biodermas' Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution. So how does a non French skincare brand stack up? Packaging: Clear, slim plastic bottle. The sturdy baby pink cap matches the pink writing. I do feel that the hinge on the cap is a little thin, that if it's opened with force it'll break off. The opening of the small but the liquid doesn't run out and I have control of how much I want. The packaging is simple and clean matching the major benefit of the product. I find it to be very durable with the plastic having a little give when it's squeezed. I am also a fan of being able to see how much product is left, though this is easy determined from the weight. Smell: None. It is perfume free but that doesn't necessary fragrance free.  Colour: Clear. Formula/ Texture: This is a thin, lightweight liquid. It is e...

This is a NEW product range from Olay that is targeted at acne prone skin to late 20's women. Packaging: White plastic squeeze tube with a big sturdy cap. The white is complimented with swirly blue, green and yellow theme. The opening is a little bigger then average but thats to accommodate the thicker consistency. I don't find the product to shot out, yet I can easily control how much product I want. Due to the opaque packaging I can't easily tell how much is left, though I can cut it open to get the last of the product out. Smell: Fresh soap. Colour: Metallic grey with no shimmer that doesn't transfer onto the skin. Formula/ Texture: Thick, smooth cream like consistency. It is easy to apply squirting from tube. It's oil free and dermatologically tested which is great for me. It's formulated with kaolin clay to help draw out impurities and minimise shine. I have combination skin which likes more liquid cleansers. With thi...

I bring you this somewhat mid week post to bring you all exciting news - they are finally here!! I'm sure you've seen these lacquer and matte balm stains from American blogs and videos on YouTube. Unlike most products these are now being sold in Australia a month after seen in the US. These are a big hit overseas and will be the same here. The difference is that they come in both a shiny and matte finish, 10 similar shades in each finish. Revlon Australia's website has them on their website including the original balm stains as of at least last night.  You can head their to see pictures and the colours and the different formulas of each finish. Check your local Priceline, Chemist Warehouse and Terry White Chemist stores for these as they'll be hard to keep in stock!! Let me know the shades you're keen to try. Once I get my hands on all 10 of the lacquer, you're sure to know I'll be posting a review of them!

My skin is fussy. It can break out without a reason and can be sensitive. So over the years I have learnt some general but very useful skin care tips. K eep phone screen clean This is up against the side of your face. In your handbag and having your fingers swiped all over it. These are many opportunities for dirt and bacteria and makeup to catch on the screen and transfer to your face. Keeping it clean regularly will help. Keep your pillow clean Again this is up against your face daily. So it's a good idea to make sure that it's clean at least once a fortnight but ideally once a week. It'll help to make sure that the dirt, dust and grime is removed. Keep your hair and hands away from face This is a hard one. As much as you can keep all hair off the face. Fringe pinned back cause that can get oily and transfer ono your face causing blemishes. Same goes for hands. Keep them from touching your face and leaning on your hands in anyway. Rinse face with ...

This post is to compliment the November 2012 wish list I did here. Makeup is my weakness and I could go one forever, so I have though long and hard and gathered all the beauty/ Makeup related items that I want here.  I'm not sure if I'm going to write why it's on my wish list but I might do a brief reason, cause it's also interesting to see what excites someone. Though no long descriptions. Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette- loved naked1, naked 2 is too cool toned for my cool undertones skin but this are unique rose gold/ ink shades that is nothing like what I have Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette- unique packaging, coca smell with some basic but interesting colours Stila One Step Correct Primer- last primer in my series (read here) and seems to have everything you need in a primer Chanel Vitalumier Aqua Foundation- coverage and formula sound worth trying NARS Sheer Glow Foundation- repurchase Laura Mercier Powder Foundation- coverage and formula sound...