Brunette Beauty

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...

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...

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...

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. 

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. ...

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.

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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....

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...

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.

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.

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 ...

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...

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. 

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...

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. ...