Brunette Beauty

Packaging: Thin black round tube with a removable sturdy cap. There is white text on the tube and with a fine brush tip. Smell/Taste: None. Colour: Blackest black. Very pigmented with a natural finish. Only colour available. Formula/ Texture: This is a thin liquid that dries easily. There is a little time to smudge before it dries but is long lasting of 8-9hrs. The brush tip is different to the normal felt tip I have but delivers a very fine line. Apply a little pressure and you can get a thicker line. I've had no transferring or creasing with this. The tip is quite flexible meaning you have the ability to make the line wavy and create fluid lines, circles etc. I feel that you do have to be careful to get a line if the same thickness across the eye. In short  I think beginners will find it harder to get used to it as it's more fiddily due to the precise tip. Available: From Priceline, pharmacies and discount department stores for $1...

Packaging: Matte black slim tube with good text and cap. The wand is a wire bristle brush that has full even length brissles that taper quickly to the tip which I would call a classic wand shape. Smell: Wax. Colour: 335 Carbon Black Formula/ Texture: This is a slick and thin consistency. It's easily removed with a basic makeup wipe however I do find there is some black residue left below the lower lashes that takes further removal to be totally removed. I did find some smudging on my  lower lashes. This was  applying  mascara  lightly  both after and before the use of  makeup setting spray. Personally I  don't  have time with  smudges or checking throughout the day and removing this . Using a setting spray after application is the best method to reduce any smudges. I also get some tiny transfer on my lid from my top lashes. Waiting a  minute  for this to dry avoids this. There is no ...

Packaging: Palm sized clear plastic tube. The applicator is a semi circle soft sponge that is protected by a clear cap. The applicator and tube is separated by a red section that you twist in one direction that moves the product up through to the applicator. When the sponge seems like it's getting dry with product you just twist this top section and more product is dispensed. When you have been using it for a while the product level is moved down and you can actually see how much you have used/ how much you have left. I like how fluffy and squishy the applicator looks. Smell: None. Colour: Light Pale- beige with yellow undertones. Medium to full coverage with a satin finish. Available in 3 shades. Texture/ Formula: This is a thin and smooth liquid almost cream consistency. It is lightweight on the face with no cakeiness or settling into fine lines. It is easy ...

Packaging: Slim small round black shiny plastic compact. The inside lid is a full mirror. The bottom portion is the product which is smaller than I was expecting from the pictures online.  It's easy to clean but does pick up grubby fingermarks. Smell:  None. Colour: Light Bisque - light beige with pink undertones. Medium to full coverage/pigmentation with a natural matte finish. Total of 11 shades that either very pink or very yellow undertoned. Compared to the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, this is much pink undertoned. L-Bobbi Brown R-Laura Mercier Formula/ Texture: This is a thin consistency and creamy texture. It does feel lightweight under the eyes. I feel that the thin consistency allows you to apply a lighter layer, avoiding creasing. I haven't found this to settle into any lines either. It's easy to apply with either a small synthetic brush or fingers. It is long lasting of 8hrs. It has skin conditioners infused in the formula whic...

I read and heard great things about these eyelash curlers. I know, a lot of talk over a simple and affordable makeup tool, so what gives? Feeling as though my eyelashes never really curl much by the Shisdeo curlers I decided to pick these up. I have average sized and shape eyes. Also I will say from the onset I alternate each one on a daily basis. Packaging: Shiny silver eyelash curlers with 'Shu Uemura' engraved on the outside plate that sits on your eye. It does come with a replacement pad.  Comparison to Shiseido: I am only comparing these curlers they are the only ones I have.  Both have comfortable handles though the Shiseido has less room for your fingers to move around. Both operate with ease and open the same large width, with Shiseido that little bit more. Both pads are firm and upholds the plate well. While they are different colours this doesn't matter to me, the effect does. The pictures I tried really hard to line up the same as the ...

This was from the Flawless Face kit and the product that I'm most excited to try. Packaging: Large plastic container that feels quite decent. The bottom portion is clear and contains the loose setting powder with a sifter but no control mechanism. This means that a lot more powder is dispensed and if you're not careful can go everywhere. The top portion is a twist off metallic maroon compact that opens to reveal the secret camouflage (left) and secret concealer (right). The inside of this compact is a mirror which opens up far back enough to get your fingers into the separate portions without having to worry about hitting the mirror. Smell: None. Colour: Secret Concealer - peach undertone. Full coverage with a matte finish. Secret Camouflage - 2 for fair to light complexions with yellow undertones. Full coverage with a natural finish. Powder - yellow undertone. Light coverage with a matte finish. L- Secret Concealer  R- Secret Camouflage ...

Like with my similar posts, this is my top MAC eyeshadow picks that I thought would be fun to share. Lets be honest, if I'm going to fork out that kind of money for an eyeshadow I want to know how wearable it is. These are the ones for starters of the brand and the ones that I would recommend. All colours are neutral, wearable, everyday and every occasion colours. Add colour to suit you and your personal taste. That's why I choose these specific ones. Highlight Shroom - soft muted golden beige with shimmer Lid All That Glitters - midtone beige with pink shimmer Grain - soft golden beige with icy shimmer Patina - muted taupe brown with golden shimmer Crease/ Outer V Cork - muted golden brown Wedge - soft muted golden beige brown Woodwinked - warm antique gold Setting Eyeliner Carbon - true rich black   *if you have a black from any palette from any brand then this shade isn't necessary. I do think a black can be used for anyth...

These are the brushes in my opinion that aren't essential but for someone who loves their makeup and wears it everyday will benefit from these. I also think these would be used more by someone who has a larger variety of makeup. I suggest to always see the brush in person otherwise you will become disappointed. Feel it, play with it on your face. Test to see how it would work for what your after. Remember the denser a brush is the more it's going to pick up. The fine the tip the more precise application of colour. I think the quality and seamless of your makeup is a lot to do with the quality of your brushes. Cheap, average brushes won't provide you with the same application as mid range priced brushes. Basically you get what you pay for. A Chanel brush is the top end of the spectrum and may often then not be over priced and very similar to mid range priced brushes. I also want to mention that what specific brushes work for me may not for you. There are different len...

Since moving house, I have been into sorting things out and finding the most efficient and basic ways  to do and store things. So getting back to basics - what is really needed. This extended into my makeup and filtering what is the minimal amount of brushes needed for a usual face of makeup also the ones I have recommended. I am in no way a professional, I just wanted to share.  I suggest to always see the brush in person otherwise you will become disappointed. Feel it, play with it on your face. Test to see how it would work for what your after. Remember the denser a brush is the more it's going to pick up. The fine the tip the more precise application of colour. I think the quality and seamless of your makeup is a lot to do with the quality of your brushes. Cheap, average brushes won't provide you with the same application as mid range priced brushes. Basically you get what you pay for. A Chanel brush is the top end of the spectrum and may often then not be over ...

My top products to give you a taste of what Mac has to offer. Mineral Skin Finish Natural (MSF Natural) It's a low coverage powder but that extra tint of colour can be all you need to even out the skin. I love the natural semi-matte finish it gives. It's a baked powder with mineral pigments meaning it doesn't have any harmful ingredients. It's a soft and velvety powder that is awesome to set foundation and when worn on it's own. It does also last a long while. Lipstick Any formula of lipstick will be a good test. MAC does have a very wide variety of shades that smell like vanilla. I have four different formulas and they all have equal long staying power on my lips. Easy to apply too. My favourite shades are; Blankety, High Tea and Angel. Blush - Pink Swoon Ahhh MAC's blushes are soft, velvety, easy to apply and blend. Pink Swoon  however is a sheer blush with a matte finish, giving a natural bright pick flush to the cheeks. Now don't ...

Packaging: Slim oval shiny black plastic compact. Inside of the lid is a mirror. The bottom portion on the left is the concealer. The right side is the setting powder. It's easy to clean & store but does pick up grubby fingermarks. Smell: None. Colour: Ivory - forth lightest beige shade but more yellow undertoned. Medium to full coverage with a natural finish. Available in 13 shades. The powder is more sheer in coverage and yellow undertoned then the concealer. Formula/ Texture: Purpose is a portable kit with both concealer and setting powder to brighten and cover dark circles. Concealer - this is a very creamy, smooth, thin consistency. I am actually surprised, I thought creamy would equal thick. It applies and blend very easily with fingers or a brush. It feels very lightweight on the face. It is easily removed with a basic makeup wipe. The instructions on the back of the box indicates to apply this only under the eyes and tha...

This kit is a good taste of the standout or best products from the line specifically to create an oil free face base. I like these as it can give you an overall fee for the brand's quality using their best or highlighted products at sample sizes for great value for money. The kit is enclosed in a large clear plastic pouch with a face sponge, powder puff, secret camouflage brush, camouflage powder brush. The products are; - Foundation Primer Oil Free    review here - Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free    review here - Undercover Pot    review here The cost of this kit is $65 and is apart of the permeant line of the brand. It is available in two shades nude and sand from Myer and David Jones stores.

Packaging: Pencil with clear plastic lid and silver writing. The outer pencil is tinted the same colour as the liner which in this case is beige. Smell: None. Colour : 005 Nude - beige with warm undertones. Medium coverage with a matte finish. Available in 15 shades. It almost looks like it has an orange tint. A beige liner is less stark and more natural looking compared to white in the waterline. Formula/ Texture: This is a creamy and thick formula. It's smudge resistant and long wearing of 8 hrs. It glides on easy and easy to sharpen. It is easily removed with makeup wipes though. The impressive thing about this liner is that it is waterproof and sits on the waterline, not budging until you remove it. There is a little transfer in the waterline and doesn't smudge from here. I honestly think it's a great pencil for the waterline. Available: From Priceline, pharmacies and discount department stores for $10 for 1.2g/ 0.042oz.

These are the sample long wear eyeshadows I have from the World Famous Glamourous Neutral and Bronze of Champions kits from Benefit. Packaging: In the kits, the shadows are positioned into the cardboard lift out permanently. So you either have to cut the lift out down to the shadow or try and pop it out (which I haven't tried yet) to store it more effectively. The full sized product is in a white retro packaged compact. Smell: None. Colour: From World Famous Glamorous Neutral Kit Call My Bluff - frosted finish, light beige/cream and a satin finish Kiss Me, I'm Tipsy - frosted deep brown/red with a hint of shimmer and a satin finish It's Complicated- icy light peach pink that leans more pink with gold sheen throughout and a satin finish Guilt-y Pleasure- golden bronze colour with gold sheen. Has more of an orange influence than cream eyeshadow in 'my two cents' From the Bronze of Champions Kit Thanks a Latte- deep...

These are the sample creaseless cream eyeshadows I have from the World Famous Glamourous Neutral and Bronze of Champions kits from Benefit. Packaging: All the sample sizes I have are a small round glass jar with a twist off black plastic lid. The lid has what I call the new branded Benefit head and 'b'. These are quite cute and small and easy to store however I do feel that while you can use a finger to get product out the bets way is with a brush. The full size cream eyeshadows do look a litter nicer in white retro packaging that reminds me of a squished cupcake! The old packaging was exactly like this except larger and the image on the front was a flock of birds. Smell: None. Colour: From the World Famous Glamorous Neutral Kit Birthday Suit- light brown with gold sheen but cool undertones My Two Cents- golden brown with gold sheen and warm undertones From the Bronze of Champions Kit Bikini-tini- icy beige champagne with silv...

This collection essentially has 2 cream and 4 powder coordinating eyeshadows to create different eye looks. I took the opportunity to buy this to try the Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow in Birthday Suit for the first time and is one I had been eyeing off for a while but never wanted to take the plunge and buy the full sized. I think kits and value packs are the best way to do this as you get a taste of the product /s without forking out the money for the full sized product. There was 3 available in this World Famous Neutral Eyeshadow collection - Glamorous Nudes - Sexiest Nudes (pastel purple/ blue shades) - Easiest Nudes (fool proof light neutral shades) Packaging: This kit comes in a small, palm sized cardboard box. It has a mirror on the reverse side of the lid. This also has built in yet detachable Tips & Tricks cards. The bottom portion contains the mini samples of each produ cts.  After you’re done with the products, remove the inserts and use them for kee...

This kit is essentially Benefit's best selling products to create a bronze complexion. I took the opportunity to buy this to try the products for the first time. I think kits and value packs are the best way to do this as you get a taste of the product without forking out the money for the full sized product. There was 3 available in this All Stars collection which featured the brands top products - Bronze of Champions - Do the Bright Thing - Priming With the Stars  I felt like this one had more products that I hadn't and wanted to try. Packaging: This kit comes in a decent sized cardboard box. It has a mirror (mine was broken when it arrived!!-bad luck or what!) on the reverse side of the lid. This also has built in yet detachable Tips & Tricks cards. The bottom portion contains the mini samples of each products.   After you’re done with the products, remove the inserts and use them for keepsakes or whatever you want! Such a useful packaging Ben...

Packaging: This is the most unique and distinct feature of the mascara. It's a shiny plastic, dark metallic purple quilted tube. This almost feels quite flexible, as if a normal round mascara tube has been covered in some shiny material. It has 'tarte' engraved on the front side. The wand is skinny and long with short wire bristles. Smell: Waxy. Colour: This comes in the one shade which is Black. Formula/ Texture: This is a standard mascara texture. Not too runny but not heavy or thick.  It's easy to apply and the longer length of the bristle head with the shorter bristles makes it easier to get closer to the roots and  the bottom lashes. It does take a bit of effort to remove with a basic makeup wipe. There is no smudging, flaking or transferring on me. I love how black this formula is coating every lash. I am amazed at how it separates my lashes and with no spidery look!! I absolutely love this. I will insert a photo but it d...

Packaging: Smooth sleek metal round tube. It has 'Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill' engraved in the bottom portion of the tube. The tube is surprising quite heavy. It's not something I'd notice in a mascara but compared to all my other tubes it's noticeable. This adds to the luxe/ exclusive feel of the brand. The wand is a wire bristle. Smell: Typical mascara. Colour: Shade 1 - Very Black. Also available in a waterproof formula. Formula/ Texture: This is a thick and smooth liquid. It is surprisingly easy to remove with a basic makeup wipe. It doesn't take much effort to apply this, just wriggling this at the base and through your lashes. It hasn't caused any irritations or itchiness. I do find a tiny bit of smudging only if this is on my lower lash line. My lashes don't feel stiff or dried out even with two coats. The pigmentation of this formula is dense black but for some reason I fell like it's not as dark as...

I got this sample size from The Champions of Bronze kit. Packaging: Shiny gunmetal wand handle with a gunmetal tube. The wand as long plastic bristles with a spiked ball at the end of it. This ball utilises the end of the mascara wand and reaches into the smaller lashes in the inner corner of the eye. Smell: Just the usual mascara smell. Colour: Black. Opaque pigmentation. Formula/ Texture: This is more of a wet mascara but with a really thin scraper that doesn't leave any clumps of mascara on the wand. It's a thinner wand which made applying it easy. I wasn't going through my lashes trying to separate my lashes and then add volume then back to separating a clump. Theres no flaking or transferring. It's is easily removed with makeup wipes. I have average length lashes that have a very slight natural curl to them, so I want a mascara that does it all- volume, length and curl. I always curl my lashes before mascara applicati...