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Showing posts from 2017

Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Primer and Setting Spray

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Packaging: Thick, plastic opaque round bottle that fades from kith pink to white with the same gold and black text featured on the namesake primer. House in a soft matte feel cardboard box with the same colour scheme. The pump is small but works smoothly. The nozzle is standard and sprays a fine, wide spray that seems to encompass the majority, if not all of the face. It's a fine and dense spray. Smell: Coconuts Colour: N/A Formula/ Texture: This is very refreshing and cooling the skin. It can be used to prime, set or refresh the face. I use it mainly to set make and find it's lightweight does a decent job of it but find the Urban Decay All Nighter to perform for much longer. I love how nourishing this is. Formulated with no silicone, oils or alcohol it really allows the coconut water to revive the skin and keep it hydrated. I did have problems with the bottle packaging. It leaked when 3-4 sprays were used. So the outside was left sticky and had...

Shiseido Facial Cotton

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Packaging: Red rectangle cardboard box. It has a perforated line that acts as a hatch door to access the cotton housed inside. Each square is 6x6cm. Formula/ Texture: These are super soft and thick cotton. You can see in my picture I tried to show how thick and plush these are. Not easy to rip apart so you can't remove the layers and get more usage out of them. It delivers the liquid based product to the skin with a gentle, soft touch. Made in Japan, its 100% cotton thats tested for harmful substances. There's no need to pull or tug at the face, this simply glides over the skin. It's unbelievable how one square can take off so much heavy duty makeup, You need to use a little amount of your product as the thick cotton really absorbs it. These have changed the way in which I remove my makeup. They are more effective then typical cotton rounds you can buy at the supermarket. Plus they're delicate on the skin. Available: From Myer & David...

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm

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Packaging: Small purple acrylic tub with a silver screw off cap. No sifter or extra accessories so I don't sure if this is the same for the full sizes. I do like how you can see the amount of product left. Smell: 100% fragrance free. Colour: White that rubs in clear. Formula/ Texture: This is a thick, waxy balm consistency. Using your fingers the balm easily emulsifies into a liquid and glides over the face. This remakes longer makeup and waterproof eye products. There's no lumps in the balm so your left with a patchwork of colour on your face. It's easily removed with a face cloth or tissue. I would go in with a cleanser afterwards as it does leave a film on the skin. Nothing greasy or irritating for that matter. I should also mention it's allergy and ophthalmologist tested so nothing will get and sting the eyes. I feel like it doesn't clog the pores. This is my favourite balm remover. Messier then the Bioderma micellar water but su...

Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer

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Packaging: Palm sized clear glass bottle with a black flat pump and cap. The bottle features black text with a light blue water graphic behind this. pump operates fine with a small penguin that dispenses a small amount of product. Easy to hold, store and see how much product is left. Smell: None. Colour: White, rubs in clear. Formula/ Texture: This is a thin, smooth liquid. Hydrating, ligtweight, easily absorbed into the skin, this primer is non sticky, greasy and slightly plumps the skin up. This is thanks for hyaluronic acid and niacin,ide to really lock in moisture for a very long time. Makeup glides on with no patchiness. A little product does go a long way. I really enjoyed this and the way my makeup looked. I do feel like it's expensive for what it is. Available: From Mecca Cosmetica, mecca.com.au for $67 for 30ml/ 1.fl.oz. 

Drunk Elephant Night Bright Set

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2 mini pump bottles in a cylinder cardboard tube with a metal lid. An overnight trip from dull to dreamy. T.LC Framboos Gycolic Night Serum Packaging: Small plastic opaque white tube with a fluro pink cap and pump. Opening 3mm wide. Smell: None. Colour: A ver light pink. Formula/ Texture: Smooth, thin gel. Easy to apply and quickly absorbs into the skin. AHA/BHA that resurfaces and retextures. Some sting on broken skin that lasts for a few seconds. Did see some change in my skin tone and texture. Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil Packaging: Small plastic opaque white tube with a chartreuse cap and pump. Opening 3mm wide. Smell: None. Colour: Very light yellow. Formula/ Texture: Thick and smooth oil. Easy to apply and absorbs into the skin. Non greasy but it can be felt on the skin. Might be too heavy for those with sensitive skin. High in antioxidants such as omega 3 & 6 to give skin deep hydration. ...

Drunk Elephant Rise & Glow Set

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2 mini pump bottles in a cylinder cardboard tube with a metal lid. A daily dose of vitamins for your face. C-Firma Day Serum Packaging: Small plastic opaque white tube with a fluro orange cap and pump. Opening 3mm wide. Smell: Metal. Lingers on hand if they're not washed.  Colour: Tinted orange. Formula/ Texture: Runny, thin liquid. Easy to apply and quickly absorbs into the skin. Didn't see much change in my skin tone and texture. B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel Packaging: Small plastic opaque white tube with a light blue cap and pump. Opening 3mm wide. Smell: None. Colour: Very light blue. Formula/ Texture: Smooth, murky white gel. Easy to apply and absorbs into the skin. My skin felt hydrated after using this but I have found products with the same effect on my skin for a much cheaper price. Available: From Mecca Cosmetica, mecca.com.au for $37 for 8ml/0.27 fl.oz each.

MAC Lipstick 'Midmauve'

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Packaging: This is the standard lipstick packaging from MAC. It's in a small short round bullet with a round tip cap. The whole packaging is black with the bottom of the cap with 'MAC' text. Inside reveals shiny silver mechanisms. The lipstick bullet twists up with ease and I have never experienced any problems. Smell: Vanilla. Colour: Midmauve - brown, warm undertones and slight gold shimmer. Formula/ Texture: This is a thin, smooth and creamy consistency. It glides so effortlessly on the lips with no tugging or skipping at all, which is surprising for a matte finish from MAC. It feels lightweight and comfortable on the lips. It is easily removed with a basic makeup wipe. I didn't experience any bleeding or feathering but I did use a clear/transparent lip liner. A liner coloured closer to this shade will help this look perfect for longer. This did transfer a bit onto food and drink. Overall it lasted 6-8 hours on my lips. The formula co...

Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Eye Serum

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Packaging: Very long cylinder matte white tube with hints of mint and simple, minimal black text. It's a click button release system that pushes product up making it air tight. The applicator is actually a clear glass nib that narrows once it leaves the base. One click dispenses a rice size amount for each eye and surrounding area. A unique nib and packaging. Smell: Floral. Colour: White, rubs in clear. Formula/ Texture: This is a thin, smooth and creamy consistency. Wth Copper peptides, CoQ10 and Edelweiss Stem Cell helps to support collagen and elastin production to repair and renew the eye skin. It feels fresh on contact with the skin awakening the area up. The formulation tackles major signs of ageing and helps prevent this. I really liked this product and the way it made my eyes look. I don't know if the price tags is something I'm willing to fork out for every 3-4 months when the Nivea range has a eye product also formatted with CoQ10...

Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate

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Packaging: Short clear plastic squeeze tube with a flip top lid. Simple white text and Clinique C logo on the front. The opening is decently sized at 5mm. Smell: Fresh. Colour: Baby pink in high density but rubs in clear. Formula/ Texture: This is a smooth gel consistency that is lightweight on the skin. Glides on and sinks into the skin for a a long lasting hydrating, healthy glow. This also means the skin is plump and any fine lines may not be visible. There's no sticky, clammy or greasy feeling but the cooling effect is so refreshing. I really like this gel and really surprised by how effective it was. I like trying out new skincare but if I ever need to go back to a hydrating moisturiser, this would be the one I grab for. Available: From Myer & David Jones Stores, myer.com.au, Mecca Cosmetica, mecca.com.au for $ for g/oz.  Shown above is a travel size $24 15ml/0.5fl.oz. Or $69 for 50ml/ 1.7fl.oz.

Nailene Artificial Nail & Polish Remover

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Packaging: Wide and round opaque white jar with a screw on lid. It has a purple label with lots of white text. The foil seal is to be broken to reveal the plastic pink scrubber. You can immediately see the liquid level and that there's a tunnel to insert your finger where the soft spokes scrap off the product. Jar does have to be kept upright so no product is spilt. Smell: Acetone. Colour: Clear. Formula/ Texture: It does dry the skin out, like any other nail polish remover would, leaving a white ring at the libel the acetone went up on the finger. It's professional grade acetone that dissolves gel and normal nail polish. I found the gel needed more time soaking, even scrapping off some product in between dips so the acetone could penetrate further. I found SNS and nail glue where also efficiently removed! It's quick and easy to use and worked so much better then I'd thought. The spokes are soft so the only uncomfortable thing about thi...

Australis Midas Touch Serum

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Packaging: Small but wide glass bottle with a screw on black dropper lid. Simple with little text making the main focus the serum inside which is just gold flakes suspended in a clear serum. The dropper is short and picks up enough. If you want your face to feel saturated then another dip will have to be done. Smell: Floral Colour: Clear with gold suspended flakes. Formula/ Texture: This is a smooth, liquid gel. The flakes don't all rub into the skin nd have to be picked up off th eosin which is annoying as they catch the light otherwise. Best apply with fingers, it does skin well into the skin. It feels hydrating and plumps the skin up. Its non drying. irritating and hasn't left ant redness or white bumps on my face. The usage amount is a little much for the product in the bottle so it feels like your acting product to get decent coverage. Not a vital product but if you can't find a hydrating primer lotion, then this will be good. A...

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelēe 'Heat Wave'

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Packaging: Like a flying saucer, this highlighter is a round palm sized compact with a domed lid and heavily weighted bronze bottom. It features a magnetic closure with a teal button and a ceramic white and raised shiny bronze ring pattern. Inside does feature a mirror and the powder pan doesn't reach the edge of the compact. Sun raised pattern is embossed into the pan with every 4th ray has a metallic glitter overspray adding to the gleam. Smell: None. Colour: Heat Wave - golden brown with a shimmer finish. Neutral undertones. Available in one colour. Formula/ Texture: This is a soft, smooth powder. It glides and blends onto the skin effortlessly. It feels lightweight on the skin. The overspray adds specs of glitter on the skin but once you dig more into the actual powder you don't get any of these. It's a lovely colour that would suit any skin tone perfectly. Available: From Myer & David Jones Stores, myer.com.au for $65 7g/ 0....

Essie Treat Love & Colour Polish

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Packaging: Same size and shape as the colour polishes, this is a share glass bottle with the narrow brush. The only element that sets these apart from the standard line is the 'Treat, Love & Colour' sticker on the back of the bottle and the front of the plastic outer packaging. Smell: Nail polish. Colour: 01 Treat Me Bright - white blue iridescent 03 Sheers To You - pink, red iridescent Formula/ Texture: The formula strengths dry and brittle nails. The E-pair complex has ingredients that reinforce the nails with collagen and camellia extract. The sheer colour doesn't deposit any pigment, rather a slight colour glow. On me these last the same amount of time as Essie's standard line which is 5-6 days. I do not feel the need to top coat these either. After a few weeks of wear I feel like my nails are a little stronger. I wish these came in more pigmented colours so I could match my mood. Available: From Priceline, discount chem...

Bondi Sands Fake Tan Remover

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Packaging: The bottle is the same shape and size and the Bondi Sands tan however the colour is completely white making it very visually obvious that it's different. The bottle has hints of gold and sky blue. Smell: None. Colour: Clear. Formula/ Texture: This light foam is a gentle non irritating or stinging formula. It applies in the same way as a foam tan; in sections with a tan mitt. It works best on tan thats 3 days old and just washes off. It's so effective at removing tan! Literally applies and then washes off, no need to rub or scrub away. I've never met a remover type product that's so effective! I highly recommend this even just to haven hand for those situations where you need to remove your tan NOW for whatever reason. Available: From Priceline, discount chemists and pharmacies for $20 for 200ml/ 7.oz.

Ardell Faux Mink Lashes

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Packaging: Rectangle black and white thickly stripped cardboard box with a taller backing. The front has a window showing the size and style of lash and silver foil text. This is a step up and lux looking range from their standard range and the packaging reflects this. The lashes are house on a white plastic tray. Formula/ Texture: The lashes are very soft and flexible, mimicking a natural lash. They look very real and life like to human lashes. The band is thin, flexible and very comfortable to wear. Still easy to apply. As the band is more flexible I make sure to add extra glue on the ends so they're secured in place. The styles I have are; #810 - dense multi length lash that are shorter on the inner and outer corners. #811 - dense wispy lash that a denser and longer as they reach the outer corner. #812 - light and wispy lash that are the longest in the middle. Available: From Priceline, discount chemists and pharmacies for $13-$20.

L'Oreal Micellar Water

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Packaging: Long, round faint blue plastic bottle with a baby blue metabolised snap shut lid. There's simple and little text in the front so you can actually see the product inside. The backside has a picture user guide and ingredient list. The spout opening is standard size but surprisingly dispenses a decent amount. Smell: None. Colour: Clear. Formula/ Texture: With 95% purified water that is non rising and hypoallergenic formula. It has only 7 ingredients with water the main one. It's suited for normal, combo and sensitive skin types. It can be used on the face, eyes and lips making it handy and versatile. No rubbing required, stinging or redness with use of this product. It's fragrance, paraben and alcohol free making it more attractive. After use my skin feels smooth and calm. A little bit of product goes a long way and does a very good job at removing makeup and cleaning the skin. I do go in with a facial cleanser after using any type of ...

Beauty Blender Solid Cleanser Pro Size

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Packaging: Large black palm sized circular plastic tub with a short screw off lid. This outer packing contains elements of white, pink and green dots. The soap inside is a large oval block with rounded edges. It comes with a silicone pad with little nodes in the shape of the company butterfly logo on it to help loosen product out of brushes and spongers for a deeper clean. Wider then the standard solid soap by 10-20%, its engraved with a water drop and 'solid pro' text. Smell: Soap. Colour: Black in solid form but suds up clear. Formula/ Texture: The formula is unchanged from the original sized solid cleanser with no irritation to the skin. This is a larger size for pro makeup artists who have more brushes to wash more often. The black doesn't stain any sponge, tool or brush. The formula is still effective and really deep cleans brushes. The black colour doesn't show makeup residue on it compared to the white soap meaning it looks neater...

Models Prefer Unicorn Brush Collection

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Packaging: Plastic clear rectangle box with the brush housed inside. The brush handle is a purple multi chrome tapered shape, twisted to mimic a unicorn horn. The colour shifts between purple, green and blue. The purple ferrule is engraved with 'MODELS PREFER' and contains the bristles that fade from white to purple at the ends. They are super soft synthetic dense bristles. They are easy to hold and blend products in effortlessly. The colour and handle combination is very unique but also very on trend with the unicorn theme. Easy to clean however the white may stain when using a quick dry liquid makeup cleaner. Powder Brush Dense fluffy domed with a slight flare shape. Highlighter Brush Dense, fluffy, tall tapered bristle shape. Available: LE from Priceline, discount chemists and pharmacies. 

EcoTools Perfecting Blender Duo

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Packaging: 2 different sized sponges housed in a clear plastic package with a window cut out of the recycled looking cardboard so the sponges are visible. The back contains info on the uses of the sponges. Large Base Blender Use to build coverage. The flat surface helps with larger area. The round base bends lines and the wedge like tip blends precise straight lines. Mini Detail Blender Use for precise coverage. It has a firmer feel, maybe due to the size. They can be used wet or dry but best results are with them wet. The unique EcoFoam Technology means 70% of the sponge is used by latex free, plant based materials and 100% vegan. It's a great alternative to other sponges available. I personally have no use for the mini sponge as the wedge tip on the large gets into small areas fine. This flat tip would be very handy to for the baking technique. Ive tried numerous other beauty sponges and the EcoTools felt firmer on the face and took more bouncing to blend i...

Glam Glow Glowgetter Setting Spray

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Packaging: Hand length pink tinted plastic bottle that tapers in slightly at the top. The silver text and logo on the bottle match the pump of which there is a short clear lid for, The cardboard box follows the same colour scheme. The nozzle works well with a wide, long and soft spray. Smell: Floral and sweet. Colour: N/A. Formula/ Texture: This is ultra fine mist It's lightweight with no greasy or sticky feeling afterwards. You can feel the mist on the skin but it evaporates quickly but I've used more lightweight setting sprays. It can be used as a refresher or makeup perfecter to set the makeup. It gives a natural glow with a bit of radiance. The TEAOXI complex of green, red and white teas with charged caffeine water help to hydrate and awake the skin. I used it purely as a makeup setting spray and I did find it added a slight longevity to the makeup wear. It wasn't impressive enough to switch permanently from the Urban Decay All Nighter. ...

Real Techniques Your Pick Berlin Brush Set

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Packaging: 5 brushes housed in a plastic box. The flat base on each brush enables it to stand on it's own. The handle & ferule is a plastic black and white abstract paint splatter print. This is offset but the soft, matte feel purple end. This print is actually the map of the city of Berlin! A voted design by Real Techniques fans! The duo fibre bristles are soft and fluffy that can be used for liquid or power application. I've used mine only for powder at this time and they perform so very well and sit nicely in the hand! No issues with cleaning or shedding with these. Buffing Brush Slightly flared bristles with a rectangle shape. I do antiquate this to flare out with use. Contour Brush Slight flare rounded shape. Stippling Brush Typical duo fibre brush with sparse, flared bristles. Deluxe Crease Brush Short, densely packed round domed shape. Base Shadow Brush Short, thin, domed bristle shape with the thinnest handle barrel. Availa...

Sunday Riley Lunar Oil

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Packaging: Palm sized square glass bottle with a gold and white dropper lid. The glass is a dark blue tint and when held to the light you can see how small the internal area is. The dropper is effective and dispenses a decent amount of product. Smell: Plants. Colour: Teal. Sheer when rubbed in. Formula/ Texture: This is a very thin and smooth oil consistency. It has a cooling sensation and is quite easy to apply and rub into the skin.  Apply at night time only. It's not greasy or sticky. However this must  not be used whilst pregnant. It contains a calming essential oil blend of blue tansy, german chamomile and cape chamomile to soothe redness for a healthier more even toned complexion. The retinol ester helps with anti ageing properties, increased skin plumpness (reduced fine lines), UV ageing, pore size and overall smoother skin texture. I didn't see much of a difference with my skin compared to the Good Genes. Perhaps the d...

Sunday Riley Good Genes

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Packaging: Hand sized round glass bottle with with a white pump. While you can see the product inside this level never drops as the serum is housed inside a bag inside the bottle. The gold chrome cap matches the text on the bottle. Smell/Taste: Funny smelling acid. Colour: Pearlescent white, rubs clear. Formula/ Texture: This is a thin, smooth lotion consistency. It easily applies and rubs into the skin leaving a healthy glow but nothing shimmery. It contains lactic acid at a purified grade at the high potency helps smooth the appearance of deeper wrinkles and hyper pigmentation for a more even toned complexion. The skin therefore looks plump with liquorice to brighten and all an arnica to soothe when used morning and night. Maybe it's the liquorice I can smell in this. I enjoyed this and saw some difference in the overall look of my skin. I don't know if I saw enough of a difference to justify the large price tag. Available: From Mecca...

Sunday Riley The Power Couple

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Packaging: This has two glass bottle housed in a soft matt cardboard box. Great value and set to try out the brand and their best selling hyped products. - Good Genes Lactic Acid 15ml - Luna Oil - Retinol Oil 15ml I regularly see this set pop up online going in and out of stock. The set is expensive but you get such decent sized products to test the usage of them. Available: From Mecca Cosmetica, mecca.com.au for $110. 

Bioderma 20yr Anniversary Sensibio Pack

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Packaging: Large and mini sensibio waters as well as a plastic circular zip close pouch with white cotton rounds. All housed in a I thinks it's such a unique and fun way to try this product out. The cotton rounds aren't anything too special but the plastic ouch they come in is such a handy thing to have for travelling. How many times I've travelled and flung my loose cotton rounds in my bag; they're either gotten lost amongst everything or slightly dirty. The pouch keeps them clean and together, making it easier to locate. I have tried this Bioderma out before and LOVE it. It's my holy grail product to remove my make-up. Of course I will try out different types and brand of makeup remover but I always go back to this. So when picking up this set I knew I was getting value for money with the two different sizes, even though I had no immediate use for the mini size. Plus the handy travel pouch sealed the deal. Contains - Sensibio H2O 500ml - Sensibio H...

Soap & Glory Simply The Zest Set

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Packaging: Wide cardboard cylinder container. It has triangles in various shades of pink with a splash of glitter. Very sturdy and great to repurpose even for gifting. Contains; - pink shower puff - Suger Crush buttercream 50ml - Sugar Crush body scrub 50ml - Sugar Crush shower gel body lotion 50ml - Sugar Crush hand cream 50ml Body scrub is the only product I've used before and absolutely love. The hand cream I've tried before but this was a new scent and I loved how invigorating it was. The buttercream was a first try for me and loved how easily and quickly this applied and absorbed into the skin. Really leaves the skin feeling moisturised. The shower gel lathers well with a lingering scent. Great travel sized products to trial a new scent and some new products! Available: From Mecca Cosmetica, mecca.com.au for $18 LE

Lancome Le Crayon Kohl

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Packaging: Small black pencil with gold writing and gold cap. In a standard wooden internal and point to it. Smell: None. Colour: 01 Noir - matte black. Available in 2 shades. Formula/ Texture: This is a thin, smooth and creamy consistency. It glides onto the skin with no tugging which is amazing on the delicate skin of the eye. No smudging but it does transfer a bit. Easy to sharpen too. I do find I have to take extra swipe with removing this with a specialised eye makeup remover as it is highly pigmented with great longevity. Available: From Myer & David Jones Stores, myer.com.au for $53. This is 0.7g/0.02oz apart of the Lancome The Wide Ange-Effect Look set ($59 LE).

Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover

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Packaging: Short plastic clear bottle with light weight white font and pattern. The grey screw on lid reveals a large opening. Smell: None. Colour: Blue (in high concentration) Formula/ Texture: This is an oily and wet consistency. The bi phase formulas consists of one part oil mixed with a more water based part. This did remove my eye makeup well. I held the soaked cotton bud over my eye for a few seconds and wiped away gently. There was little to no smudging left behind. There is no stinging, irritation, white bumps or the need to tug at the eye. It did leave an oily feeling residue that washes away with a cleanser. Neutrogena has a comparable product available at a cheaper price point that is just as effective. I like this Lancome version and do find it effective but personally don't feel it's worth the price tag. Available: From Myer & David Jones Stores, myer.com.au for $26 75ml or $55 for 125ml. Shown in the pictures is a del...

Lancome Grandiose Mascara

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Packaging: Sightly smaller hand length acrylic mascara tube. Oddly shaped. The base is a solid shiny black in a bulb shape, making it easy to hold but difficult storing laid down in a shallow drawer. This fades into the clear handle which a black rose is suspended into. Each side features a silver 'LancĂ´me' or 'GrandiĂ´se' text. The handle is a fat triangle with a flat top. The triangle shape loosens and converts into a round edge as it moves down to the mascara base. The wand is S shaped to help apply the mascara closer to the roots. It slim with short bristles at the tip and get longer towards the handle, also in a 6 prong star pattern. They're positioned in segments of 3 varying heights. Smell: Typical mascara. Smell changes when product is bad. Colour: 01 Noir - black. Available in one shade. Formula/ Texture: This is a wet, think liquid. Gives length and separation to lashes. Infused with rose cell extract to nourish and soothe. ...

GlamGlow The Magic Box of Sexy

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The ultimate blockbuster of complexion and out must-haves. Packaging: This is a mumbo jumbo box. A little shorter height wise compared to an A4 piece of paper. Thick silver and pink chrome square box that opens in the middle with a magnetic closure. The outer packing is designed in a way that the pattern can be reversed when the spine of the box are open and moved around 180º and connect on the other end. Inside the products are houses securely in this thick foam. Removable plastic sleeves provide another protective layer but act as a 'window'. Each side is laid in a symmetrical pattern. Contains; 6 x full sized masks 2 x lip plumper 2 x pout pot 1 x brush applicator The lip plumpers I've not tried before but I'm curious to see how much they tingle and how I like them. The black and green mask jars I've not tried before so I'm really keen to test those out. This is such an expensive product but for the majority of the products I use regularl...

Urban Decay De-Slick Complexion Primer

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Packaging: This comes in a beautiful purple ombre cardboard box with a soft velvet feel with raised white text and flower image. This is a slim airless frosted round tube with a gunmetal shiny cap and bottom. The pump is activated with suction that pushes product from bottom up so there's no wastage or need to cut the tube open to get the last remaining bit. There is a matching gunmetal text on the actual tube which overall is a very clean and classy look. The pump has a small, precise opening that dispenses a thin spaghetti like shape. Smell/Taste: None Colour: Light pink that blends out clear. Formula/ Texture: Thin, smooth and silicone texture. It dispenses easily from the tube and glides onto the skin. Less is more with this. The silicone nature helps to blur fine lines and fill in pores. It acts as a smooth base for makeup applicator making the skin look more youthful being less textured. I do love this aspect of the primer as I find I need less...

Urban Decay Optical Illusion Primer

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Packaging: This comes in a beautiful purple ombre cardboard box with a soft velvet feel with raised white text and flower image. This is a slim airless frosted round tube with a gunmetal shiny cap and bottom. The pump is activated with suction that pushes product from bottom up so there's no wastage or need to cut the tube open to get the last remaining bit. There is a matching gunmetal text on the actual tube which overall is a very clean and classy look. The pump has a small, precise opening that dispenses a thin spaghetti like shape. Smell/Taste: None Colour: Light pink that blends out clear. Formula/ Texture: Thin, smooth and silicone texture. It dispenses easily from the tube and glides onto the skin. Less is more with this. The silicone nature helps to blur fine lines and fill in pores. It acts as a smooth base for makeup applicator making the skin look more youthful being less textured. I do love this aspect of the primer as I find I need less...

Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow

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Packaging: Square clear acrylic tube with a gold twist off handle that's half the height of the tube. The bottom clear portion is thick that shows the size of the internal product tube. In this case there's quite a lot of outer acrylic. There is a gold foil strip separating the two halves and gold 'Stila' text on the bottom portion. The handle is a thin and fat doe foot applicator with a short wand. The product stopper works well but still allows enough product on to doe foot. Smell/Taste: None. Colour: Diamond Dust - silver with multi coloured glitter. High shine and medium pigmentation. Available in 8 shades. Formula/ Texture: This is a thin and smooth with a tiny bit of grit. It easily glides onto the lids. Vigorously rubbing and blending with cause glitter fallout. The colour can be built with either the doe foot applicator but a finger is best used to blend this out. In saying that, this is easy to blend. It does require an eye make...

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder

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Packaging: A palm sized, round pastel pink compact with a snap shut closure. The lid features a raised antique pattern all around the edge with a raised gold foiled scripture 'Too Faced' text in the centre. This does open all the way with some resistance is stays at your desired position. The backside of the compact has product shade, weight and details. The underside of the lid is a full sized mirror. The powder pan has a thick gold foiled lined surrounding it and a line pattern pressed into the pan. The powder pan lifts up to reveal a deeper compartment that houses a too faced branded power puff. This does make the whole height of the compact quite thick for storage but great features a durable packing for on the go. Smell/Taste: None. Colour: Very pale pink white but is translucent once sheered out on the face. Light pigmentation with a matte finish. Formula/ Texture: This is a thin, smooth and velvety powder. It applies very easily with a brus...

NYX Lip Lingerie

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Packaging: Typical lipgloss tube. Round plastic tube with a clear both and a shiny black handle. The handle features a flat and thin doe foot applicator. The clear bottom portion of the tube makes recognising the shade easier and does feature simple black text. The shade is printed on the side of the tube before a list of ingredients so it's no initially easy to find. The shade number is on top of the tube on the handle. Smell/Taste: Plastic Colour: #03 Lace Detail - rosy pink beige #07 Satin Ribbon - pink beige Matte finish for both. Available in 12 shades Formula/ Texture: These are a thick, mousse texture. Let me pref this with a knowledge that my lips aren't awfully dry, cracked or sensitive; they're in a condition I'd consider normal. These liquid lipstick apply unevenly. It doesn't build well in my experience, whether the first layer is left to dry or not. Patchiness continues and some clumps can start to form. The swatches in ...

NARS Liquid Illuminator

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Packaging: This is a hand sized flat squeeze tube. The actual tube is clear, allowing the shade to be seen with simple NARS text. The lid is a matte black with a tiny opening dispensing a tiny amount, depending on how much pressure is applied. The packaging is basic but it works for the products texture and use as suiting the overall feel of the NARS brand. Smell/Taste: None. Colour: Copacabana - glistening pearl. Pink and cool undertones, micro glitter, medium pigmentation. Available in 4 shades. Formula/ Texture: This is a thin and smooth liquid. It can be applied using your preferred tool, but I'd suggest start with your fingers first. There is a 30 second window once on the skin to blend out. After this time it doesn't seem too tacky. It is easily removed with a basic makeup wipe. This gives such a radiant glow to the skin. It is definitely buildable if you want more of an impact or use a very tiny amount for a natural look. Layer this unde...

Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer

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Packaging: A thick round clear tube with a shiny gold screw top handle decorated with a purple diamond chevron pattern. The wand applicator  features an enlarged doe foot applicator. The product stopper does a decent job at allowing enough product to remain on the doe foot. Smell: Concealer. Colour: Fair Neutral - fair skin with pink and yellow undertones. Satin finish with medium to full coverage. Available in 14 shades. Formula/ Texture: This is a creamy, smooth, leaning on slightly thick side liquid. The large doe foot applicator enables a  few dots of product under each eye so you don't need a whole lot at all. It is easily blended out with your choice of tool. I prefer using a beauty sponge. It is easily removed with a basic makeup wipe. The coverage is definitely buildable with a medium to full look. The longevity is awesome too, I can get 10 hours on wear. There is no creasing, breaking down, patchiness, oxidisation, flash back or skin irrit...

Tarte Quckie Blending Sponge

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Packaging: The sponge comes in a resealable purple plastic bag with the whole front side clear to view the sponge. The sponge is a narrow oval shape. One end has a slightly pointed tip and the other has a slanted edge. The slanted edge starts higher then the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion sponge thus giving it more area of the actual slant. When dry the sponge feels dense and soft. It's palm sized with some resistance when bounced. When wet the sponge feels very soft and easy to bounce. It blows up a lot larger. Application: This sponge is very good at blending out liquid products. I have tried it with a few different foundation formulas and concealers and the sponge does seem to soak up more product compared to the Beauty Blender. In this regard I feel like I'm using more product to achieve the same coverage. The flat slanted edge is a wide enough surface and blends well. The tip, while not as pointed as other sponges, it does the job of getting int...

Tarte Tarteist Pro Little Lash Helper Lash Applicator

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Packaging: A long gold metal too. Shaped similar to a tweezer with the tip bent on an angle and extended a tad. The tips are softly rounded. There is a faint 'Tartest' printed on the end. The length of them is longer then a typical tweezer, yet still comfortable to hold and use. Application: The tips don't bend or creates lashes. There's enough grip or spring in the bottom of them that the applicator stays shut securely. Being long in length I thought this would be more awkward for application and it's not. My hand nor the tool gets in my way/view when I use them. I do alway think, it's best to learn to use your fingers to apply lashes to yourself and others. Your hands are a tool you'll always have with you. If you hand unsteady hands or struggle to apply lashes then this applicator could benefit you!! Otherwise I don't find them a necessity. Would be nice to have for thick, dramatic lashes where your hand could obstruct your vie...

Tarte Drink of H20 Hydrating Boost Moisturiser

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Packaging: Palm sized purple plastic jar with a shiny gold cap and matching text and wave pattern. There is a product stopper included. Smell: Marine. Colour: Clear. Formula/ Texture: This is a slightly think, smooth gel. It applies and absorbs super easily. It instant cools and refreshes the skin. It is great at hydrating the skin even long term, giving a smoother pumper look. There/s no need to apply more then you typically would so you get more hydration, the ingredients are potent. Makeup applies easily once absorbed, no patchiness at all. In saying that it is lightweight, no greasy or oiling feeling. The Rainforest of the Sea complex defends the skin with hyaluronic acid and anti ageing and skin balancing to boots firmness and tone. I really enjoyed this! I loved the results and felt they were comparable to Neutrogena's Hydro Boost line which is more accessible to me. Again with this one, I wouldn't go out of my way to purchase it but ap...