MAC - PREP & PRIME TRANSPARENT FINISHING POWDER

2016 has been the year for trying out new things, including baking. You haven't lived until you've learnt how to bake your make-up.

Baking was something that I had seen other people do on Youtube and Instagram, but I'd never had the confidence to do myself. When you're not linked in with people who can be there with you to show you and walk you through the process, it can be really daunting to try new things and walk out of the house feeling like you've successfully pulled it off #cutcrease.

I decided earlier in the year, while I was on holidays of course and didn't need to leave the house, that I would try and teach myself to bake. And it was a really quick learning curve. I started out using a super affordable Cover Girl powder for light-coloured skin. TIP: DON'T USE COLOURED POWDERS WHEN BAKING. Anyway, I quickly learnt that skin-coloured powders are no good for baking as they oxidise and change colour, usually orange, which is very noticeable if you do decide to leave the house.

Once I felt that I had the hang of baking, I went out and bought myself a translucent powder, which is what you should be using for baking. Having never bought a translucent powder before and unaware of where to go to purchase it, I went straight to Mac Cosmetics.

And I walked out with this; the Prep & Prime Translucent Finishing Powder by MAC.

'A silky finishing powder that provides an invisible way to set makeup' - MAC

Packaging

The Prep & Prime Translucent Finishing Powder comes in the shimmery Prep & Prime packaging, which I really have a soft spot for. 

The product itself is packaged within a clear container with a screw on lid. Unlike other powders, I've found this container easy to use as it allows great access to the product through the dispensary and that it is also a great travel companion because there are no spills or messes if the lid is screwed on correctly.

Texture & Finishes

Mac's Prep & Prime Translucent Finishing Powder does everything that it promises to do, and has allowed me to fulfil my baking dreams. Since swapping to this product I actually use less powder than what  I had used previously, as I use it solely to focus on baking under my eyes and oily zones.

The texture of the product can only be described as super-fine. It applies clear to the skin, and goes on very evenly and fine, making the skin look smooth. The Translucent Finishing Powder absorbs oil really well, and keeps combination skin in check all day which I absolutely love.

Best part? No flashback. You can thank me later.

Affordability & Retailers

You can purchase your own Transluscent Finishing Powder through MAC either online or in-store for $44.00 AUD.

Final Verdict

Would I buy this product again? No, purely because it's not great value for money. I love that the Translucent Finishing Powder was able to fulfil my baking dreams, but it won't be able to keep that dream alive with it's current price tag.

I'm currently on the look out for a new more-affordable translucent powder that I can use when my Prep & Prime powder has been finished off. If you have any recommendations let me know, otherwise I'll keep you updated.

Stay Updated

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

Keep up to date by following me on Instagram! instagram.com/beautyreporterb

-beautyreporterb

ARDELL - NATURAL FALSE LASH STARTER KIT

My name is Bianca, and I'm addicted to eye-lash extensions. 

During my lash eye-lash extension appointment it was suggested to me by my beauty therapist that I take a break from lash extensions for a while to allow my natural lashes an opportunity to grow and flourish by avoiding the extensions and glue, so they could better support my extensions. I've been a lash extension fanatic for almost two and a half years, so this was not the news that I wanted to hear. I'm sorry beauty therapist with your amazingly long and voluminous lashes, but some of us just weren't born with glamorous lashes. Don't you understand that without my lash extensions I look very unattractive and more male than female? How am I going to explain to my partner, who has never seen me in person without my lashes, that I was faking this level of pretty? Give me my extensions dammit!

My feelings about the whole situation. I don't want to look like a naked cake!

If you haven't had lash extensions before, then you are either blessed with beautiful lashes or have never thought to try lash extensions. If you're in the later category, let me tell you that they are an amazing confidence booster and you look pretty 24/7.  Go to bed looking gorgeous, wake up looking gorgeous. Super bonus, you save heaps of time each morning getting ready as you don't need to bother with mascara or lengthening products such as fibre lash #lifegoals

In preparation for the awful day when I will need to take a break from my beloved lash extensions, I've begun practising with false lashes. Like I said, I have short stubby lashes and I'm no longer interested in playing around with fibre lash if I can help it. 

I decided to give Ardell false lashes a go as a result. FYI, I am the worst at applying false lashes. If there was an award for being the worst at applying falsies it would go to me. I've had really bad experience with other lashes in the past, all Manicare branded mind you, as they would never sit right or would be hanging off and falling off within an hour of being applied. So I figured this time I had to try something new if I wanted to be successful.

Ardell - Natural Lash Starter Kit in 110 Black including: 1x pair of lashes, 1x lash applicator, and 1x lash glue.

What am I not keen on? Wearing eyeliner every day. Eyeliner is a skill that I'm yet to perfect. You want a thin line that conforms to your lash line? Too bad, here's a few bumps. Oh, you wanted a wing? Nah, have a squiggly line. On top of that, eyeliner can make my overall look very dark due to my very pale alabaster skin. Pale girls around the world are agreeing with me right now. 

'Ardell Fashion Lashes allow you to create the sexy 

lashes you've always wanted with minimal effort'.

Packaging

Even though the packaging looks really simple and plain, it immediately caught my attention before any other brand. The packaging itself is really sleep and slim, and each product has its own moulded placement so nothing moves around.

'Fashion Lashes instantly make your eyes appear 

bigger and help dress up your look for any occasion'.

User Friendly

Thankfully, I managed to find myself a lash starter kit which included a lash applicator. At this point I was like 'What do I have to lose?'. I've always struggled to apply lashes with my fingers or tweezers so for a few extra dollars I figured trialling a lash applicator wouldn't hurt. OH MY! How had I never ever heard of lash applicators? This thing instantly changed my life! Instead of stuffing around for ten minutes trying to get one lash to pair up perfectly with my lash line, application was instantiations with the applicator. And it's super easy to use! All you need to do is place your falsies inside the applicator with the band poking just out of the applicator end. Apply glue, wait until it's tacky and then line it up with your upper lash line and apply by pressing and holding. I'll admit, I did need to apply some extra glue to the ends as they wanted to pop up but that was an easy fix. Just press and hold the ends until they stick and voila, you're looking fabulous!

The glue provided isn't that great. Sorry Ardell! It struggled to keep the ends down throughout the day which was a bit of a bummer. I'll be continuing my search for the prefect lash glue now that I can actually apply falsies.

'The comfort and affordability of Ardell lashes makes 

them a small luxury that elevates beauty to another

level'.

Comfort

I really liked the these particular eyelashes. They have a nice length to them, which oddly I like even though they're currently shorter than my extensions. There is also plenty of volume which you can never go wrong with. Do they look natural on me? Not really, but that's part of the learning curve. Also, if you're not used to wearing lashes be prepared to be weirded out by how they feel. It gets better as the day goes on, I promise, but to begin with it feels like you're wearing a strip of plastic on your lash line which is the reality of the situations. 

'Today, Ardell offers an extensive lash collection with 

more than 125 different styles to suit every woman, 

every event and every lifestyle'.

Affordability & Retailers

I ended up buying the Ardell Natural Lash Starter Kit from one of my local chemists. The starter kit cost around $12.00 AUD from my local chemist, and regular sets of eyelashes retails for $9.99 AUD. However you can purchase your own Natural or Glamorous pair from either Priceline or Sephora. You're welcome.

Final Verdict

Am I excited about wearing falsies and not looking glamorous 24/7? No. But I know my morning routine will run a lot smoother and quicker thanks to this fabulous lash applicator. I 100% recommend the Ardell starter kit to all of those girls out there like me who struggle to apply falsies. 

Stay Tuned

New product reviews are uploaded every Saturday in Australia, while Pro Tips are uploaded on the first Saturday of each month. 

- B xo

PRO TIP: COLOUR THEORY AND CHOOSING THE PERFECT EYESHADOW

Do you ever find yourself looking at eyeshadow palettes and eye-hadow pans and feeling overwhelmed by the colour choices?  Do you ever look at a beautiful shade that you're drawn to but that little voice in your head tells you that its "too bold' or that it "won't suit me". Unless you're the adventurous type, you've probably had these thoughts many times in your life. I know I have. Make-up can be overwhelming if you don't have a basic understanding or you're not flush with cash. And trust me, once you're addicted you're going to need lots of cash.

So to save you from sending money on products that run the risk of not suiting you, we're going to look at colour theory and how we can use this to determine what colours are going to make your eyes POP and save you from spending loads of money on products that may not work for you.

Complimentary Colours

Everything that we need to know about eyeshadows can be determined by the use of the colour wheel picture below. 

Complementary Colours are colours that are opposite to one another on the colour wheel. They create a beautiful visual contrast and bring out the inner strength of each other. The complimentary colour theory is guaranteed to make your eyes sparkle and pop.

Colour Wheel
In this example, purple and yellow are complimentary colours to one another.

For example: green or hazel eyes look great when they are accessorised with mauve and purple eye-shadows.

Urban Decay - Wende's Contraband.

'Deep End' and 'Fleek' and placed next to one another as they compliment each other and draw the consumers eye towards the palette and each other.

Analogous Colours

Analogous colours are those that are adjacent from each other on the colour wheel, These colours are often grouped into threes or more, as it assist with colour blending and transitioning. 

Colour Wheel
In this example the four blue colours selected (blue/violet, blue, green/blue, and green) are similar tones across two colours (blue & green).

The analogous colour theory is for those who are wanting to play it safe, and choose a colour palette similar to their eye-colour or the shades that they are already comfortable using. Using similar shades allows for themed looks.

You'll often find themed palettes, such as the Too Faced PB&J palette from a previous blog entry, use analogous colours to compliment one another an create a range of looks using similar shades.

 Too Faced - Peanut Butter & Jelly 

Pro Tip

Still confused? That's alright, it can be a little confusing at first so I've added a little bit of a basic guide below. 

Hazel ladies, do not worry! Depending on what colour is most prominent, you could use the colours for either green eyes or brown eyes. Some of you may even be lucky enough to use both!

Bonus Pro Tip

Still confused? Not to worry. For you, and everyone on the planet, I recommend the Urban Decay Naked Palette. It contains neutral shades to compliment every eye-colour, with plenty of transition shades. This is my everyday go to palette and you cannot go wrong with it! My review with all of the deetes will be up next Saturday. However if you have to have it now and can't wait, you can purchase your own UD - Naked Palette here.

Now you know everything that you need to know about choosing the perfect eye-shadow for you. Best of luck beauties!

- B xo

SMASHBOX - PHOTO FINISH FOUNDATION PRIMER

I've only begun to take primers seriously within the last two years. I have no idea what I was thinking before then. I can only think about all of that wasted make-up with a twinge of guilt. I could have upped my make-up game years ago if only I had listened to my Clinique lady when she recommended that I use a primer to help pro-long the longevity of my make-up an assist with creating a perfect base. I'm a few years older now, and thankfully a little bit wiser. Primers are the life-blood of a perfect base. They are used to smooth out skin, reduce the appearance of fine-lines and wrinkles, and minimise pores. Some primers even assist with oil control (holy grail!).

After recently finishing a MAC primer that I was semi-impressed with, I decided to venture out and see what else was on the market. I'm all for trying new products and hadn't been overly satisfied with the oil control with my previous primer. So of course, I popped on over to the MECCA website and began reading some reviews from other make-up fanatics. The Smashbox Photo Finish Primer has some amazing reviews from other users. So amazing in fact that I had to try it myself.

Smashbox 'Photo Finish Foundation Primer' alongside some of my everyday flawless base products

'An award-winning primer that delivers a silky finish, creates a smooth base and increases the wear of your foundation'.

Packaging

The packaging is sleek and refined, so much so that when I received my order it was in a mini Mecca box. What you see on the packaging box is exactly what the product looks like in person. 

What I really enjoy how the product packaging in particular is that it is see-through,  which allows me to  visibly see the product and how much I've used.

That packaging! Much wow. So sleek. Very refined.

'The unique oil-free formula soothes and hydrates the skin whilst extending the wear of your makeup. An essential must have for a velvet smooth finish'.

Texture & Comfort   

You don't need to use very much product to cover your face. I've found that a pea-sized amount of primer covers my entire face. The product itself is clear (as pictured) and is easily spreadable. It does have however a slippery silicone texture to it when applied.. 

I generally allow my primers 10-15 minutes to soak in and do what they need to before I begin applying my foundation. You don't need to leave this primer for long though as it is absorbed very quickly. The Photo Finish Foundation Primer is very light-weight and can't be felt on the skin once absorbed.

And according to Smashbox, this particular primer can also be used to tame frizzy hair. 

'Infused with a silky, lightweight blend of vitamins and antioxidants, this best-selling primer works to inhibit the destruction of collagen and reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores'. 

Awards

As I mentioned earlier, one of the reasons why I chose to try out this particular primer was because it had amazing reviews and apparently has won a tonne of awards!

• Martha Stewart Weddings Big-Day Beauty Awards Winner 2015 & 2013
• Brides - 2014 Beauty Awards winner
• New Beauty - The Best Beauty Essentials: The Best Makeup Primer 2014
• Winner of Best of Sephora Award for Best Primer
• One of Marie Claire's "25 Products That Will Change Your Life"
• InStyle Best Beauty Buy
• Featured in Brides Magazine
• Winner of the Nylon Beauty Award
• Total Beauty Reader's Choice: Best Primer
• Redbook MVP Award
• Allure Best of Beauty Award
• QVC Customer Choice Beauty Awards: Best Primer
• Shecky's Beauty at its Best Award

'We developed a formula that diffuses the light hitting skin to blur out imperfections for an even, soft-focus look'.

Affordability & Retailers

If you'd like to purchase your own Smashbox Primer you can do so, at my favourite store of all time, Mecca. The Photo finish Foundation primer is currently retailing for $54.00 AUD.

Mecca has EVERYTHING you need, and then some.

Final Verdict

My T-Zone can be particularly oily at times, so I was looking for a primer that would allow my make-up to stay put throughout the day. I generally trial the longevity of my beauty products by wearing them through a work day, where I spend a few hours both inside and outside, to see how effective the product really is.

What I found with this product is that it worked best when only minimal make-up was applied to my T-Zone. I experimented with my ABH Cream Contour on my nose and chin, using the primer as a base, however it wasn't able to hold the oil in my skin at bay and unfortunately  the heaviness of the cream contour with my oily skin had me looking less than fabulous. For me, less make-up is best when using this primer on my T-Zone.

Having said that, although it has the rest of my skin looking and feeling fabulous, this product doesn't do much more than my previous MAC primer did. It's okay, but I would consider trialling other primers in the future before returning to this one. My skin is not overly oily, so I was pretty disappointed.

On a positive note, the Photo Finish Primer did make my pores and fine lines practically disappear. If you're not prone to any kind of oily skin, I would still recommend this primer. Personally,  once this bad boy is all used up I'll be continue my search for the perfect primer to meet my skins needs. Until then!

Stay Updated

New product reviews are uploaded every Saturday in Australia, while Pro Tips are uploaded on the first Saturday of each month. 

 - B xo

BLACK MOON COSMETICS - LIQUID LIPSTICKS - WRATH, SELENE, HARVEST

My favourite lipstick brand had released new colours! Can life get any better than this? 

I've talked about my love for the Black Moon Cosmetics liquid lipsticks several times. Sometimes, my love for this brand even makes it way into other product reviews. That's how deeply I am in love with Black Moon. 

Pictured Top to Bottom: Selene, Harvest, Wrath

As you can imagine, I was over the moon (pun intended) when Black Moon Cosmetics released four new colours earlier this year. The new colours were Wrath, Selene, Harvest and Grim. Being a pale faced babe, I opted to not purchase Grim this time around as, well, I'm about as pale as Casper the ghost and there are some colours that I just can't wear. 

Packaging

I don't care what you say; there is no better liquid lipstick

There have been a few changes to the brand since their original release. Black Moon Cosmetics have since updated their product logo, which now features a BM with a crescent moon. The lipsticks have also been given a new wand, which is more of a flat rectangle as opposed to a rounded lip brush. I was a bit sceptical at first, but it actually worked really well at lining my lips and then applying all over.

In regard to the cardboard packaging, I find it very underwhelming compared to the actual product and gives the product a cheap impression. I hope Black Moon Cosmetics re-evaluate their cardboard packaging in the future.

'Our formula's uniqueness starts from our creamy, whipped texture allowing for buttery smooth application, to out moisturizing qualities leaving your pout so soft! Our flexible formula does not allow for any cracking or crumbling. It stays on for 5+ hours with no lip liner needed, is kiss-proof, and smells like a freshly baked vanilla cake!'

Shades & Textures

Black Moon Cosmetics have released four new colours to their liquid lipstick range. Here's a quick look at the newest additions to my collection:

Black Moon Cosmetics - Wrath

Wrath is described as "the perfect combination of mauve with a hint of pink and brown touch". What I first noticed about this colour it how dark it was on me! Hashtag pale girl problems. It's been compared to a purple version of Libra (Libra is supposed to be a light pink, but appears brown on me). 

Black Moon Cosmetics - Selene

Selene is described by Black Moon as a "beautiful deep plum with a gorgeous soft purple pearlescent sheen". And I must admit, that pearlescent sheen was the very reason why I purchased Selene. It's just too pretty to pass up!

Black Moon Cosmetics - Harvest

And lastly, Harvest is described as a "perfect soft burnt orange that is perfect on all skin tones. Not too bright, it is the perfect hue orange with a kiss of red which makes it the ultimate warm colour for fall, or any time of the year". I was actually  little surprised at how much I love Harvest. It really is that perfect burnt orange colour with hints of red. I'll be wearing this as much as possible during the colder months.

From L - R: Grim, Harvest, Selene & Wrath

'Colours may vary depending on screen and/or monitor resolution, lighting, and skin tones'.

Formula & Pigmentation

The formula for this liquid lippies buttery smooth and applies like a dream. The new applicator brush also allows or more precise application and lining of the lips. Each lipstick also dries within 3-5 minutes and can last all day, as long as you avoid greasy food. Otherwise, its food and water proof and make-out proof!

Again, it is important to remember that these liquid lipsticks will appear differently on different types of skin tones so if you're unsure if these colours are for you check them out on Instagram on a similar skin colour to your own.

Ingredients

Black Moon Cosmetics pride themselves on their products being vegan, cruelty free, paraben free and also gluten free. 

Each lipstick is extremely moisturising and enriched with both Vitamin E and Antioxidants.

Affordability & Retailers

Just a reminder that these liquid lipsticks are gluten free, cruelty free, paraben free and are vegan! Amazing! They are also currently retailing for $18.00USD, so get in while the exchange rate is a-okay. You can make your purchase here.

Final Verdict

Check out my earlier post on the rest of this collection for more details about this fabulous brand. I'll be buying Black Moon Cosmetic liquid lipsticks forever.

- B xo

TOO FACED - MELTED CHOCOLATE LIQUIFIED LONG WEAR LIPSTICK

Want to change the world? There's nothing to it.

When I think of Chocolate, my mind goes straight to my favourite chocolate bar and then to my favourite movie, Willy Wonka (Yes, the one with Gene Wilder. As far as I'm concerned, there was never a remake). Arguably two of the greatest loves in my love. I am known for being a chocolate addict. If I could, I would live and breathe chocolate. I'd probably be made out of it too if I had my way. So imagine how excited, and restrained, I have been over the release of so many chocolate beauty products. Yes, I'm thinking of you, unattainable Chocolate Bar Palette.

Moving on, I ended up buying the Too Faced Melted Chocolate Liquifed Lipstick in 'Chocolate Milkshake' as it put me over the limit for free postage at Mecca. Woo! Who doesn't love free postage? I'll admit, I'm a sucker for free postage. I'd been eyeing the Melted Chocolate range for a while, mostly because I've always been curious about the melted range due to a friend who is obsessed with them, and again because IT'S CHOCOLATE. Alright, I'll put my inner Augustus Gloop away for now.

Augustus understands the addiction

In summary, Lipstick + Chocolate + Bianca is a no brainer. I was bound to buy it sooner or later.

My May haul was saaaa good

The Melted Chocolate Collection claims to be made with real cocoa powder and is rich in antioxidants. I can confirm the cocoa powder for you right now. This product smells just like chocolate. It makes me want to eat chocolate when I smell it. The smell is so realistic that I completely believe that cocoa powder was used when making these lipsticks.

Let's start off my taking the packaging The packaging really is a true representation of the actual colour of the product. I'm always really impressed when that happens. And check out those gleams of gold. Perfect Packaging! A+ from me Too Faced.

If you've never used a Too Faced Lipstick stay tuned, otherwise scroll down to the next paragraph. The Liquified Liquid Lipsticks actually have an angled velvet tip, compared to traditional lipsticks and brushes. At first I was a bit unsure about how the tip would go and whether it would line my lips without making a mess. Ladies, put your minds at ease because this velvet tip is amazing to use. I found it to still be as precise as a brush and I've made absolutely no mistakes while using it. Again another A+ Too Faced for innovation.

'Chocolate Milkshake' smells amazing. Hands down. And the colour is so pigmented when applied. Warning to the wise though, you do not need a lot of product when you use this lipstick. A thin layer will get you the colour pay off that you need. In my experience, if you use a lot of product then you're more likely to find it transfers much easier and quicker.

This product is not food, water or kiss proof and will need to be reapplied as needed. But it sure is pretty as hell. Unfortunately, I find it disappointing that it doesn't meet any of my three criteria as the product has long wear in it's name. Maybe Too Faced and I have different ideas of long wear. I found this this product leaves a milky white line on my lower lip where my lips meet after a while and it's very visible. I've tried to find a way to correct this but nothing has worked so far. Again, if you're after a long wear lipstick then check out my previous post on Black Moon Cosmetics. You won't be disappointed.

The other massive disappointment that I had with this product is that if you apply the lid tightly as you would with any other lipstick or lipgloss, it actually causes spillage and overflow into the cap due to extra pressure from the cap onto the tube. I wish I had been forewarned about this so I could have prevented this lipstick overflowing into the cap. Sigh. I hate wasted product.

Other than that, this lipstick had the potential to be what my chocolate dreams are made of, but fell slightly short. I'll continue my search for the perfect chocolate cosmetics. If you're interested in trying this product out for yourself you can begin your very own chocolate collection here.

- B xo

YOUNIQUE - SPLURGE CREAM SHADOW OMBRE CREME

Stop everything that you are doing and buy this product immediately.

Now that I've gotten that out of the way, let me introduce the Younique Splurge Cream Shadow Ombre Creme. I know that the name is a bit of a mouthful, but this product has a lot of punch to it.

Younique - Splurge Cream Shadow Ombre Creme in 'Dainty'

'For extravagant lids that glisten, look no further than Splurge-luxurious, long-wearing cream shadow fit for a queen'.

Packaging

The packaging for the Splurge Cream is simplistic, but beautiful. The colour is clearly labelled on the bottom of the jar, and product name boldly presented on the lid. Did I mention that I'm also a huge fan of the frosted packaging? Loving it!

Shade & Texture

'Dainty' is a beautiful silvery-lilac shade which I am totally in love with! It's silky smooth and applies like a dream.

Did I mention that there is absolutely no creasing and that the product last all day? Winning! Bonus, it took me a few days to get all of the shimmer off of my eyelids because it's longevity is that good!

Close up of 'Dainty'

Best part? This seasons trend is all about shimmery, metallic and duo-chrome eye-shadows. This eye-shadow fits in perfectly with the current trends!

'With this elite eyeshadow and it's velvety opulence, you'll turn heads wherever life takes you, from a night out in your best dress to running errands in your favourite jeans'.

Formula & Pigmentation

Firstly, this is a cream eye-shadow, as the name implies, and it feels amazing. Younique have developed an absolutely amazing formula. The Splurge Cream Shadow is silky smooth to touch and apply. Honestly, this is the best cream formula that I have ever used.

You only need the tiniest amount of product as a little of this goes a long way. I used some of the excess product off of the lid and was able to cover both eyelids with it. This is a great product to consider adding to your eye-shadow collection in regard to value for money.

The colour pay-off is amazing! The colour is rich and bold, with lots of shimmer. No opaque applications here! If you're not a fan of purple eyeshadow, Younique also offer eleven other shades to cater to your colour preferences.

'Go ahead. Treat yourself like royalty each day, every month. You deserve to Splurge!'.

Affordability & Retailers

Youniques Splurge Creme currently retails for $34.00, and orders can be placed here with Kirsty.

Final Verdict

Still not convinced? You should be. I'll be adding more colours from this collection to my own stash. Place your orders

- B xo

EYE ENVY - LASH CARE

For the past two years I have been obsessed with eyelash extensions. If anything, they've become more of a need than I want.

Confession time: I was not blessed with naturally long and luscious eyelashes. What I have is short, stumpy lashes that grow straight rather than having that beautiful flick that eyelashes are supposed to have. After years of layering my mascara, and then a few more years of using fibre lash products I finally decided to do some research around alternative lengthener's for eyelashes. And voila, I discovered eyelash extensions. I had never met anyone that had had extensions so I was in unfamiliar territory. Needless to say I gave them a go and it was love at first sight.

The eye lash extension process involves a trained beauty therapist applying individual lashes to you natural lashes one-by-one. Shout out to all of the talented and patient beauty therapists out there! Thanks for putting up with me when my eye decides to have a mad twitch mid-application.

Recently I got to thinking about my natural lashes and whether I should be doing anything to care for them. Even though my natural lashes aren't anything special, without them I wouldn't have anything to be able to stick my extensions to. So I got to talking with my amazing beauty therapist who ended up recommending the 'Eye Envy - Lash Care' to me.

I've been using this product since the beginning of 2016 and I've found that it can not only be used on your eyelashes, but also your eyebrows. Because who isn't all about brow care and maintenance these days?

What does it actually do?  Eye Envy claims to make eyelashes and eyebrows longer, thicker and more voluminous. I have found that my natural eyelashes are longer when I apply the serum consistently, and my beauty therapist has been pretty happy with the results as my lashes have become stronger and are better able to support the weight of the extensions since I began using Eye Envy. Eye Envy recommends that the product be applied one daily to the skin of the eyelid closest to the eyelashes each morning for the first three months, and then every other day after the initial three month period.

I have experienced some sensitivity to the product, and do strongly recommend that the product be applied during the morning rather than at night.

In a nutshell: If you have eyelash extensions then you need this serum in your life! If you have patchy eyebrows or short lashes, then give this serum a go. If you don't fit into either of these categories then I'm going to assume that you have naturally amazing lashes and don't need any lash support (lucky!).

- B xo

YOUNIQUE - MOONSTRUCK OPULENCE LIPSTICK

Stinkin' Rich. That's what you need to be in order to own all of the wonderful make-up that your heart desires. Or that's at least the case in my situation. Recent bills and expenditures have lead me off  the path of being stinkin' rich at this point in time, but luckily for me I was gifted with a Moonstruck Opulence Lipstick from my fabulous Younique supplier, Kirsty.

Moonstruck Opulence Lipstick in Stinkin' Rich

I had recently been asked by Kirsty to trial the Younique range and leave honest reviews for potential buyers. In a nut shell, I get to spend my weekends testing out new make-up and then blogging about whether the product is worth your time or now. Hashtag dream job.

So this week in the mail I received the Moonstruck Opulence Lipstick in Stinkin' Rich.

'Blanket your lips in smooth colour that glides on effortlessly, provides full coverage and lasts all day without feathering'.

Packaging

What I love about this packaging is the fine detail on the neck of the lipstick tube once the lid has been taken off. Younique has done really well in keeping their packaging cohesive across their entire range of beauty products. What an effort! Hats doff to you, Younique! I also like the matte v shine elements in the packaging. The matte tube allows for a much better grip than traditional shine packaging.

Unfortunately what I didn't like about the packaging was that it was that the tube square rather than round, but that just comes down to personal preference. 

Packaging and lipstick

Shades & Textures

This particular lipstick applies really nicely, with even coverage. And if red isn't your colour, fear not! Younique also offer an additional fourteen shades in the Moonstruck Opulence range.

Formula & Pigmentation

Stinkin' rich is opaque, as the name suggests, however can be built up to create more depth of colour if required as seen below. This lippie has amazing pigmentation and looks stunning when applied.

I promised my Younique supplier Kirsty that I would give her products an absolutely honest review, and with a red lipstick I can do nothing but be totally honest. Red lipstick can be very unforgiving at times. So I took a few days to apply this lipstick in different ways to see  which would offer the best results.


SATURDAY MORNING: I used my Moonstruck Precision Pencil in Posh which is a bright pink. Now I would have used a red lip liner, however I wanted to be faithful to the brand and use their range of lip liners (which are amazing by the way) however I haven't gotten around to picking up their red lip liner which is why I went with the pink. I lined my lips and filled them with the Posh, and then went over my lips twice for maximum colour with my Moonstruck Opulence Lipstick. I then blotted my lips and went around the outside of my lips with a concealer.

One coffee and a donut for lunch and  I still have full lipstick coverage but the lipstick is beginning to bleed from my bottom lip and the corners of my mouth. The product still has a nice feel to it with no issues around dryness.

SUNDAY MORNING: I again use my Moonstruck  Precision Pencil in Posh. I lined and filled in my lips with Posh before applying my Moonstruck Opulence Lipstick. Today I only give myself a light, sheer coat of lipstick. I blot, then apply a thin piece of tissue to my lips and dust over it with finishing powder using a large fluffy brush.

The lipstick was not food or drink proof however there wasn't as much bleeding as I had experienced on Saturday. It still felt really nice on my lips and  required touch-ups throughout the day, as opposed to re-application.

MONDAY MORNING: Today I only used my Moonstruck Opulence Lipstick to apply a sheer coat, blotted. and then line my lips with concealer. Again, the lipstick was not food or drink proof (my poor coffee cup) but it did still manage to have pretty good coverage and only found myself touching up rather than re-applying.

Affordability & Retailers. 

Bleeding aside, and let me assure you that the bleeding is minimal , this lipstick has amazing colour pay off and feels silky smooth on my lips. Bonus, the Moonstruck Opulence Lipsticks are currently on sale for $19.00! Cheaper than a Revlon or L'Oreal lipstick!

Again, you can place your orders with Kirsty here.

Final Verdict

This is a red that I would use again, however if I'm going to be eating or drinking then I'd probably give this lipstick a pass. My Black Moon Cosmetics red lippy still comes in at #1, however the Moonstruck Opulence Lipstick does make it into my top 5 red lipsticks.

Give this range of lipsticks a go regardless. I think this formula would be amazing in pinks and browns where bleeding is not as evident.

- B xo