ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS - LIMITED EDITION GLEAM GLOW KIT

Someday's I give serious consideration to buying shares in Anastasia Beverly Hills. I feel like I'm forever buying new products from the range or in awe over new products that have dropped.

Having never really plaayed with highlighters before, I decided to be impulsive and purchase my very first highlighter kit from Anastasia Beverly Hills and picked up the limited edition Gleam Glow Kit.

As you can see from the pictures below, I couldn't really resist. Those shades are calling out to my pale skin.

 Packaging

The Gleam Glow Kit has a reflective cardboard sleeve, with the name of the product and brand etched into  it. The sleeve also which hugs the palette tight when applied, offering your highlighters some protection from being dropped. Having dropped mine, I can attest to the sleeve offering some protection - no breakages, heck yes!

The actual palette mimicks the look of the sleeve and carries on with the reflective cardboard theme and etched lettering, while the back of the palette features the colours and names of the highlighters within the palette.

The palette has a flip top lid, however whats missing from this packaging is an oversized mirror. On a positive note though, all of the highlighters can be removed from the packaging and placed into a z-palette. Who would really want to take apart this beauty though?

 Shades & Finishes

The Gleam Glow kit contains four beautiful shades of highlight:

• Hard Candy - peach with pink pearl
• Mimosa - peachy highlighter with pearl
• Starburst - soft pink with gold pearl
• Crushed Pearl - nude with pearl

Formula & Pigmentation

I've found the highlighters in my palette difficult to apply when compared to how easily they seem to apply to Youtubers. Comparison to Youtubers aside, they do apply well and give off a beautiful glow. 

Depending on how much highlighter you like to use, you can be as light or heavy handed as you please to achieve your desired effect. I prefer to be light handed as I feel these highlighters can carry a lot of pigment in just one swipe of my fan brush.

Affordability & Retailers

While the Gleam Glow Kit is no longer available, you can purchase other glow kits directly from Anastasia Beverly Hills for $40 USD here.

Final Verdict

This was one-hundered percent an impulse buy for me, and although its beautiful and although i's beautiful when applied, I find the palette to be too big and too bulky in size for it to be pulled out and put away again every morning. Anastasia, I love you but I would love you even more if you were to make individual highlighters so I could glow everyday of the week. Until then, this baby is reserved for the weekends.

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PROTIPS - SEARCHING FOR NEW FOUNDATION SHADES

At some stage in our beauty journey we've all either been unsatisfied with our current foundation or wanted to venture out and try something new. Once we find a new foundation to try out, it can be difficult to be re-colour matched. Why can't the cosmetic companies keep it simple for us?

To make your colour-matching life so much easier, I introduce to you Findation.

What is Findation?

Findation is a website specifically made to colour match you to other brands of foundation based on the foundations that you have previous used. They have a bank of over 22,000 foundations that you can potentially be matched with! 

Just make sure that you input previous foundation shades that have been good colour-matches. This website is all about colour matching, not coverage matching. You'll have to manually do that yourself.

Who can use Findation?

Findation is super easy to use and can be accessed by anyone! Findations primary aim is to help beauties who are shopping for foundations online as they are not readily able to access them in stores.

It's that easy beauties. Enjoy getting colour matched online with Findation this weekend 

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URBAN DECAY - DESLICK MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY

Continuing on with our Christmas countdown, today we're looking at the Deslick Makeup Setting Spray by Urban Decay.

Urban Decay have a brilliant setting spray which has coming a game changer in my makeup routine, so naturally I found myself gravitating to the Deslick spray as an alternative for my combination oily skin.

'Fusing cutting-edge oil control technology with long-wear functionality, this high-tech makeup setting spray deflects surface shine and keeps makeup looking fresh for up to twelve hours' - MECCA

Packaging

The Deslick spray comes in distinct grey packaging, and comes in either a 30ml or 118ml bottle. I personally love the 30ml bottle as it's great size to travel with and gets at least a months usage out of it. The spray comes with a mist pump which allows the user to press down and dispense the product into the face in a sheer mist. 

'Patented temperature control technology works to lower the temperature of your skin and keep foundation, eyeshadow, blush and concealer in place - even in hot and humid conditions' - MECCA

User Friendly & Comfort

This product is super easy to use, with instructions kept conveniently on the back of the bottle. Prior to use, shake the bottle, hold approx 20cm away from your face and then apply in an X and T formation over your face.

This product is extremely lightweight on the skin, I don't even feel it, and has no added scents.

Affordability & Retailers

You can purchase your own De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray from Mecca, either online or in-store, or Urban Decay directly. The De-Slick Spray comes in two sizes, a 30ml  bottle which retails at $23.00 AUD, and a 118ml bottle which retails at $49.00 AUD.

Final Verdict

I trialled this product for a few weeks and noticed that it improved the longevity of my makeup throughout the day, particularly in humid and sweaty conditions. I have combination oily skin, and although this product is meant to be targeted at oily skin I found that it only marginally made an improvement to controlling my oily skin throughout the  day. However, I feel that this particular product will respond differently to each persons skin, so if you're a babe with combination oily or oily skin still give this product a trial to see if it works for you.

Stay Updated

New product reviews are uploaded each Saturday, and during the lead up to Christmas there will be a new product review each day to help out with your wishlists and gift info. 

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MARC JACOBS - LIMITED EDITION LE MARC LIP CREME BAD BEHAVIOUR

Continuing on with our Christmad countdown, let me introduce to you this beautiful limited edition lipstick from the Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Creme range.

Bad Behaviour is a beautiful burgundy shade that instantly caught my eye. Previous to this, I had never tried any of the Le Marc Lip Cremes, so I was interested to see how this one would perform, and I'm glad to tell you that it did perform well.

'One sensuous swipe of Bad Behaviour covers your lips with creamy, vibrant colour' - SEPHORA

Packaging

Bad Behaviour comes in sleek black and white cardboard packaging, which to my knowledge is strictly just for the limited edition shades, with the name of the shade printed on the lid of the packaging.

The lipstick casing is a beautiful gold  colour and is surprisingly rectangular, differing from conventional cylinder cases, which I really like. The lid clicks into place with the tube, secured by the round clasp. The lid also features the Marc Jacobs label which is raised and a nice touch to the overall look of the packaging.

'This bestselling lipstick formula features unprecedented pigment payoff from concentrated color-boost pigments that are triple milled and steeped in hydrating ingredients, for the ultimate long-lasting color and moisture' - SEPHORA

Shade & Texture

Bad Behaviour is described as a being a deep burgundy-red shade.

I found this shade a little overwhelming on my NW10 skin, so I chose to dab it onto my lips which is the result that you can see in the swatch.

Bad behaviour applied very smoothly and evenly, and gave my lips full coverage. The pigmentation with this lipstick was brilliant and everything that it should be for $43.00.

'Indulge your pout this holiday season with Marc's revolutionary 10-hour wear Le Marc Lip Creme Lipstick in a, exclusive, limited edition shade encased in irresistible gold' - SEPHORA

Affordability & Retailers

You can purchase your own Limited Edition Bad Behaviour lip creme from Sephora, either online or in-store, for $43.00 AUD.

Final Verdict

Although I was initially afraid of this this lipstick due to the intensity of its colour, I actually really like it. This was my first purchase from the Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Creme range and I'm impressed with the longevity and pigmentation of this product. 

Even if Bad Behaviour is a colour that's too dark for you, I recommend that you check out the rest of the Lip Creme range and find a colour to try out because this formula is brilliant.

Stay Updated

New product reviews are uploaded every Saturday, and for the week leading up to Christmas there will be a product review each day to help you out with those last minute wishlists and gift inspo.

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TOO FACED - BETTER THAN SEX MASCARA

The Christmas countdown is on, with Christmas now only seven days away. Where has the year gone! To help my fellow beauties out during this overwhelming time of year, I thought I'd help out by reviewing a potential stocking stuffer or wishlist item  each day leading up to Christmas.

Today were focusing on this beauty - the mini Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara.

This product isn't anything new or exciting, it has been out for years. However, for the Christmas season Too Faced have released a minature version with it's very own ornamental Christmas packaging. Cute! If you have a friend or loved one who had never tried the Better Than Sex Mascara, then I highly recommend purchasing the gifting the mini-version as it allows them to try it out before committing to their own lifetime expense of re-purchasing this amazing product. Moreso, if you're purchasing the mini version over the regular version then that means you have a few more dollars to buy them more makeup. #Winning

'Fulled by collagen, this volume loaded, blacker than black formulation grants the ultimate false lash effect in a flash' - MECCA

Packaging

As I mentioned, Too Faced have released this mini in it's own ornamental packaging so you can literally hang it off of your Christmas tree if you want. What girl doesn't want a Christmas tree full of makeup ornaments hanging off it? #Lifegoals

'One coat and lashes are full, defined and stretched to unbelievable lengths. Two coats and they're reaching unbelievable heights. Three coats and you'll believe in magic' - TOO FACED

Formula & Pigmentation

I have light brown eyelashes which I always forget to have tinted, however this mascara is such an intense black that I don't really need to bother tinting my lashes. Better Than Sex gives my lashes a full luscious coating every time and keeps my lashes black, smudge proof and curled exactly the way that I've always wanted all day long. #wherehaveyoubeenallmylife?

Ingredients & Accolades

All Too Faced products are cruelty free.

Affordability & Retailers

This travel friendly mascara retails for $17.00 AUD and can be purchased either in-store or online at Mecca. Pick yours up today before they're all gone!

Final Verdict

I had never tried this mascara before due to the pricetag, however this very cheap mini version was exactly what I was after in terms of affordability. After having tried this and worn it everyday for the past month, I can say with absolute certainty that I am head over heels in love and will never ever buy another brand of mascara again. Too Faced, I am yours for life #xoxo

Stay Updated

New product reviews are posted every Saturday, and for the last week leading up until Christmas there will be a new product review to help out with your last minute wishlists.

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JUVIA'S - THE NUBIAN PALETTE

Juvia's is one of the new standout indie brands of 2016. Reaching amazing heights of fame due to celebrity mua's, such as nikkietutorials, girls across the globe have fallen in love with Juvia's and The Nubian palette.

Sometimes you see brilliant swatches and can't help but think that it's too good to be true. That's not the case with The Nubian. Juvia's have somehow managed to do something that a lot of high end brands struggle with, by producing high quality and high pigmentation eyeshadows. Have I convinced you that you need this in your life yet? If yes, skip straight to my retailers section. If no, keep reading and check out these to die for images.

'Juvia's is a cosmetic brand providing you with the most rich, vibrant and highly pigmented essential colours of life that take you from the office to the Caribbean Islands and everywhere in between!' - Juvia's

'Juvia's Nubian eye shadow palette features, the most essential collection of neutral colours' - Juvia's

Packaging

The palette comes with a cardboard slip featuring three images of a beautiful Egyptian woman. The slip also contains a brief paragraph about the Juvia's taking inspiration from the palette from the Egyptians.

The actual eyeshadow palette is roughly the same size as the Tarte - Tartlette In Bloom palette and is made of a thicker cardboard with a flip lid.

Shade & Texture / Texture & Finishes 

The Nubian palette contains twelve-pans from a nude-ish spectrum, with four matte transition shades, three duo chromes (they don't advertise them as duo chromes but they so are) and five shimmers. Unfortunately Juvia's haven't named each individual shade, so I'll discuss each of the three rows separately.

ROW ONE

1: Champagne/ Pink duo chrome

2: Matte orange

3: Matte brown

4: Pink shimmer

ROW TWO:

5: Rose Gold (peach/gold) duo chrome

6: Gold Shimmer

7: Red Shimmer

8: Bronze Shimmer

ROW THREE:

9: Dark Brown / Pink duo chrome

10: Dirty Red matte

11: Dark Brown Shimmer

12: Brown/Black matte

'This palette is easy for everyday wear into night' - Juvia's

Formula & Pigmentation

Each of the shimmer and duo chrome shades in this palette are insanely pigmented and applies just like butter. You absolutely cannot find a better shimmer in terms of application or pigmentation anywhere! I also had no issues with fallout which is a major plus.

The matte shades wre still buttery, just not as buttery as the shimmers and duo chromes and came off looking a little orange, as opposed to the browns that I thought that they were at a glance, on my NW10 skin. 

Considering this palette is composed of more shimmers and duo chromes compared to mattes, this palette gets a solid A from me in terms of the overall formula and pigmentation that the palette offers.

'Our highly pigmented colours blends flawlessly and has incredible wear-ability power' - Juvia's

Affordability & Retailers

You can purchase your own Nubian palette for $28.99 USD,  directly from Juvia's. Please note, Juvia's frequently restock items and will often have a sale on so don't fret if the Nubian palette is not in stock or at full retail price and check back at a later date.

'This is a must-have palette great for all skin-types' - Juvia's

Final Verdict

I love how Juvia's have made a palette inspired by Old Egypt and Neferiti, by using beautiful shades such as golds, coppers, browns and nudes. 

Although there are heaps of nude palettes on the market and a girl can only own so many nudes before she gets bored and moves on, I promise you this one is worth it. Take the plunge. The pigmentation makes this product worth every pretty penny. 

I'm absolutely in love with my Nubian palette. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Stay Updated

New product reviews are uploaded every Saturday, and new ProTips are uploaded on the first Sunday of each month.

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