EYLURE - FALSE LASHES

These lashes are absolutely brilliant!

I've been searching for the perfect pair of false lashes for a while now, looking for something that appeared natural and had an ultra thin band. After searching high and low for a pair of lashes that I was beginning to think I had only seen in my dreams,  I finally found my holy grail during a frantic 'What am I going to do without my eyelash extensions?!' search.

Please meet my new friend, Eylure.

'Eylure is the world's favourite eyelash brand'.

Packaging

The bright, bold packaging was what drew my attention to these lashes initially. That pop of colour does wonders when product placement in stores is poor. My eyes were drawn right too them, despite being hidden away on a bare shelf in one of my local Priceline stores. Thank goodness for eye-catching packaging!

'Eylure strip lashes enhance the natural beauty of your eyes'.

User Friendly & Comfort

I found these particular lashes really easy to use. Because of the small, almost invisible band, I was able to apply them in one go without needing to fiddle around with placement. If you're someone that struggles with applying these lashes then I highly recommend the Eylure Naturals in number 20.

Not only that, I only needed the tiniest amount of eyeliner to cover up where I had placed the band. Truth be told, the band is so tiny I could have probably gotten away without wearing any eyeliner as cover-up.

As for comfort? Once attached I couldn't feel these lashes at all. When I usually wear false eyelashes, every blink is an annoyance. Regular false lashes feel extremely heavy and scratchy to me. So in comparison, these lashes were like a dream come true.

Affordability & Retailers

Eylure lashes retail for around $12.00 AUD and can be purchased from you local Priceline or online here.

Final Verdict

I wish I had found these lashes sooner. They are everything that I had been looking for and more. Now that I've found these wonderful lashes I feel a lot more comfortable about giving my natural lashes a break from extensions.

Stay Updated

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

- B xo

DUO - STRIPLASH ADHESIVE FOR FALSE EYELASHES

As noted in my previous reviews, I find false eyelashes to be tedious and an annoyance. I'm sure every girl had felt like this about falsies at some stage right? Some of my most cringe worthy makeup moments involve falsies. One particular memory comes to mind, of a night out on the town with the girls. Falsies had been applied, lipstick was in check and it was all systems go. Selfies were taken and a good night was had. That is of course until the next morning when you see those glamour shots that you an your girlfriend had taken, and see that your falsies had been hanging on to you eyelids for dear life in every. single. photo.

What's a girl to do?

So I scoured the internet for solutions to my problem. There's only so much a girl can take before she gives up on falsies forever. And for a while there I did. I gave up on them completely. That is of course until I was told to take a break from my eyelash extensions. Suddenly I was all about the falsie life and how I could make it work for me.

'Duo Striplash Adhesive is the world's best selling lash adhesive and has been a favourite of professional makeup artists for decades'.

Packaging

The DUO Lash Adhesive comes in a oversized box which outlines product details and instructions. Nifty. I'm assuming that the oversized box is so shoppers don't overlook the product when shopping for falsies and lash adhesive glue.

The product itself is a small tube with a screw-on cap, with the products name and ingredients highlighted on the back. That's about it. It's pretty simplistic packaging. It is glue though after all, and really the product does sell itself.

'This latex-based formula was created for all-day wear with strip lashes and can also be used to apply individual lashes, lasting several hours'.

User Friendly

Duo Lash Adhesive is incredibly easy to use, and comes with really clear instructions for first timers. There are two varieties; clear and dark. The dark adhesive is an awesome tool to use if you're not very confident with applying false lashes, as it applies dark to allow users easier control and application before drying clear.

And for babes with sensitive skin, Duo has you covered.  Both of their lash adhesives are designed for sensitive skin.

'Duo Lash Adhesive exhibits an excellent water-resistant ability for a firm and secure hold. It contains a safe, latex-based formula which ensures that your false lashes stay put all day. 

Affordability & Retailers

Duo can be purchased directly from the company website, or can alternatively be purchased from either Mecca or Sephora AU and retails at $16.00 AUD. 

Final Verdict

My life has been changed since finding DUO. False lashes actually stay on all day, like they're supposed to, and I have no more fears about awkward selfies where my falsies are falling off. If you haven't tried Duo Striplash Adhesive give it a go. You won't be disappointed.

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



- B xo

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS - DIPBROW POMADE & #12 BROW BRUSH

Who would have ever thought that eyebrows would have become such a big thing? I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would spend as much time working on my eyebrows as I do applying foundation and concealer. 

There are so many brow products on the market at the moment, and it can be really overwhelming trying to find one that works for you. I've used pencils and powders, wax and gel's and even an occasional tint. Out of everything that I've tried, I've never been in love with a brow product as much as I am with Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade. 

Since there was a sale on I also went ahead and purchased the double ended #12 Brow Brush, which has both a angled brow brush and a brush to keep your brows well groomed. 

ABH claims that the Dipbrow Pomade is long-lasting, smudge-proof, and that colour shouldn't fade away throughout the day. The pomade is a waxy coloured substance that can be used to outline and fill brows and add colour to give them that stay-put all day look. 

'An award-winning waterproof, multitasking, and buildable matte pomade that stays put'.

Packaging

The packaging is very simple and understated, and totally ABH! Rose gold accents are featured on the cardboard packaging, bringing your attention straight to the Anastasia Beverly Hills logo. The cardboard packaging also outlines the colour of each product on the side with both the colour and name printed for easy reference.

The pomade is stored in a small glass container which allows you to see the colour of the product inside. It's a nice little container, and does have some weight to it due to being made out of glas. The container also features a screw on lid to keep the pomade moist and limit the product drying out. 

ASH brushes can be purchased separately and I do recommend trying one out if you haven't already. I preferred this brow brush to any that I had used previously due to the angle on the brush and density of the bristles. Besides, you can never have too many brushes. Right?

 'Apply and blend a small amount of Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade with an angled brow brush to effortlessly outline, till, and texturize brows'.

Shades & Finishes

The ABH Dipbrow Pomade comes in eleven shades so you're surely to find one that closely-matches or matches your hair colour. I have brown hair and opted for taupe which has been an amazing fit for me.

I found that the Pomade lasted all day long and has become my new number one favourite for that same reason. The colour didn't fade and did not want to budge, which made correcting mistakes difficult at time.

What I also really enjoyed is that the Pomade allows you to overdraw your eyebrows without it looking drawn-on. Despite my best efforts and many bookings to correct it, my eyebrows just don't match. My right eyebrow looks like a before picture of my left eyebrow before it lost weight. Honestly, my brows are refusing to look even semi-related. Thankfully with the Dipbrow Pomade I am about to slightly overdraw my left eyebrow to match my right. Thank you Anastasia for making my brow dreams come true!

Formula & Pigmentation

The Dipbrow Pomade formula is divine. The product is creamy and applies smoothly and with ease onto the brows. I found that once it was applied it dried within a few minutes and stayed on all day long. 

As for pigmentation? Oh my wow. There is no other brow product that I have tried that has with the same level as pigmentation and offers 100% coverage. If you're brows are sparse then this is a product that you need to try out.

'The creamy formula doubles as a primer, glides on skin and hair smoothly and won't fade. Plus, it's waterproof and stays put even on oily skin or in humidity'.

Ingredients & Accolades

Despite the official Anastasia Beverly Hills website claiming that the Dipbrow Pomade is award-winning, I was able to find very little other information about this on the internet. Unfortunately I was not able to determine what award the Dipbrow Pomade received or who it was issued by.

Affordability & Retailers

You can purchase your own Dipbrow Pomade directly from the Anastasia Beverly Hills website for $18.00 USD, or from Sephora for $32.00 AUD. 

Final Verdict

I absolutely love, love, love this brow product! If you're wanting to try out an ABH brow product but feeling overwhelmed by the choices then go with the pomade, you won't be disappointed! This product really is an all -in-one as it outlines and fills brows, keeps brows in place as a gel would, and allows for natural looking brows to be altered and created. I am one-hundred-percent behind this product and will be repurchasing over and over again. 

Stay Updated

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

- B xo

RCMA - NO COLOR POWDER

Have you ever invested in a product and then thought to yourself 'how did I live before I had this?'. Thats how RCMA's No Color Powder makes me feel on a daily basis. 

Earlier this year I taught myself how to bake and this product has become my holy baking grail after a few other products bombed out. This product lives in my beauty bag and is never substituted out. I guess you could call it true love.

'RCMA Powder will keep  your foundations set and dry without "caking"'.

Packaging

I was a little surprised when I received by RMCA No Color Powder in the mail because the product didn't come in its own box, which is something that I've never encountered before. I'd like to think that perhaps the company are eco-friendly, but who knows!

The No Color Powder comes in a plastic jar, with the brand and product name labelled clearly on the front. Ingredients are also listed on the back.

There's a small lip on the lid of the jar, which is where product is to be distributed from. However when I tried this it was a bit of a messy process. I was happy to store my powder in the jar that it came in, however I ended up filling an old MAC translucent powder container with the No Color Powder product for easier distribution to my brush, less mess, and so it would take up less room in my beauty bag for travelling purposes. 

'RCMA Makeup No Color Powder can be used for all powdering purposes. Because it has no filler or pigment, it will not alter the color of foundation bases'.

Shade & Finishes

Although the No Color Powder appears to be white in colour inside the jar, once applied and absorbed by the skin there is no colour to it and skin is left looking smooth and matte in appearance. This is the perfect product for baking or using to simply mattify your makeup where you need it most.

When baking, the RCMA No Color Powder looks exactly how it presents in the jar: white. I usually allow my powder to bake for anywhere between 5 and 10 minutes each morning before using a brush to lightly brush away excess product. Once excess product has been brushed away there should be no more of that stark white powder look, and your skin should be looking fabulously matte from the powder which was able to sink into your skin.

Affordability & Retailers

Prices range from $12 USD to $24 AUD, so it pays to shop around.  Thankfully, RCMA products can be brought from a variety of online stores, such as: RCMA, Beautylish,  and Adore Beauty.

'RCMA Loose Powder is a staple in the industry and should be apart of every pro makeup artists kit'.

Final Verdict

In  term of value for money this product is the bomb! Never again will I pay $40 AUD for a translucent powder. As long as RCMA are making this product, I'll be buying it. I highly recommend this product for any beauty enthusiasts who love to regularly bake. This is one product that never leaves my beauty bag.

Stay Updated

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

- B xo

NUDE BY NATURE - LIMITED EDITION ULTIMATE PROFESSIONAL BRUSH SET COLLECTION

I remember being around sixteen when Nude by Nature launched and made their way into all of my favourite stores. Unfortunately I was a bit of  brand snob back then I remember not thinking overly highly of the brand back in its heyday, comparing it to Designed Brand Cosmetics. Oops!  

Skip ahead to 2016, and I'm a little less judgemental these days and a lot obsessed with anything rose gold. I found myself in Priceline recently, as I hadn't visited in a while and wanted to check out what was new in-store. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a set of Nude by Natures  Ultimate Professionals Brush Set, which instantly caught my eye with their shine and rose gold detailing. I'm a complete sucker for anything that shines, and sparkles. 

Priceline had some of the brushes in the kit out on display, which allowed me to get an idea of the length of the brushes, the size of the brush heads, and of course to touch them to get an idea of their density and feel. I was immediately blown away by how lush these brushes felt on my hand and fingertips, and their medium density. Somehow I found myself at the checkout with the Limited Edition Ultimate Professional Brush set and became a Nude by Nature convert.

This set contains ten beautiful pieces, including nine brushes and a beautiful travel case which holds each individual brush in place. Guess I won't be needing to purchase that Smithfolio for a while.

Each of the brushes had that beautiful rose gold collar v. black handle, with Nude by Nature printed on each brush handle. The kit contains the following: 


- a powder brush: to apply any pressed or loose powder.
- a blush brush: to contour and define your cheekbones.
- a liquid foundation brush: to apply and blend liquid.
- a concealer brush: to cover dark circles, blemishes or imperfections.
- an eye defining/eyeliner brush: to apply eye shadow lose to the lashes or to blend eyeliner.
- an eye shader/shadow brush: to apply and blend base eye shadow.
- an eye blending brush: to smudge eye shadow in the crease of your eyelid.
- a brow brush: to maintain well groomed brows.
- and a lip brush: to apply lipstick, gloss or balm.

From L - R: Powder Brush, Blush Brush, Liquid Foundation Brush, Concealer Brush, Eye Defining / Eyeliner Brush, Eye Shader / Shadow Brush, Eye Blending Brush, Brow Brush, & Lip Brush.

'Ergonomically designed for precision, control and ease of use, each brush has been expertly developed and shaped - soft edges and fine tapered tips deliver a smooth application and easy blending for a flawless finish'.

Packaging

The Ultimate Professional Set comes in beautiful, minimalist packaging. Nude by Nature's marketing team have outdone themselves with this. It's honestly a thing of beauty.

The card board packaging is minimalist white, with images of all nine brushes on the front. I found that my focus was immediately pulled towards the images of the brushes and the brand name, which is uniquely off to the side but still very noticeable. I am honestly so in love with this packaging.

Inside the cardboard packaging was the faux leather case, with each of the brushes packed away within the faux case. Each brush head had been individually wrapped in plastic. Although the chances of dust and germs getting inside the packaging was slim to none, I still gave my brushes a deep clean when I got home. I was disappointed to see that the water did not run clear initially, with the water turning brown from what I can assume to be dye used to colour the brush fibres.

If you have bought any Nude by Nature brushes then I highly recommend giving your brushes a deep clean prior to use.

'A collection of nine professional grade make-up brushes encased in a beautiful animal-friendly faux leather lip bag'.

User Friendly

I found the brushes in this set to feel lightweight in my hand and the bristles felt super smooth when used on my skin. These brushes have a good density and allow for even distribution of product.

Accolades

Nude by Nature pride all of their brushes on being cruelty free, using high-quality synthetic fibres as an alternative. 

Affordability & Retailers

This product is Limited Edition and is no longer being sold directly though Nude by Nature. Thankfully, Priceline are still have a limited number of these kits in stock, retailing for $59.95 AUD. You can purchase yours here.

Final Verdict

These brushes are absolutely beautiful to look at and use. This limited edition set is such good value and is one purchase that I have absolutely no regrets over. 

I firmly believe that each girl should have a good set of brushes to be able to do her make-up with, and this is a set that I highly recommend. Nude by Nature, your brushes have won my heart.

Stay Updated

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

- B xo

CAKED - LIP FONDANT

Indie brands are having their day in the sun. While bigger liquid lipstick brands have recently created a lot of controversy, the indie brands are reaping in sales based on nothing more than their amazing formulas. As they say, the product speaks for itself. No celebrity endorsement needed here!

Caked Co are one of these amazing indie brands which I have been following on Instagram for a while now. They brand launched on Valentines Day 2016 and released six initial shades, ranging from nude to brick red shades, and recently have added three additional shades  to their collection which are permanently available. 

'Caked is an indie, streetwear inspired makeup company that blends dope style, urban culture and sweet treats into one. When we couldn't find cosmetics that catered to our quirky style, we created our own'.

Packaging

If you have a sweet tooth like me then you're probably going to love this packaging. It is to die for! The cardboard packaging that each lip fondant is packaged in, features super cute pink icing and sprinkles, with donuts and a splash of purple to finish it all. And of course, the name of each lip fondant is clearly labelled on the cardboard packaging along with the product bar-code.

I really love the concept of this brand, and how it incorporates so many baked goods elements, from the brand name to the packaging and even how they've called their liquid lipsticks fondant! Sweet!

The lipstick packaging includes a clear tube which allows you to see the colour of the product within. The lid features the Caked logo and some more of that signature pink icing with sprinkles. It looks good enough to eat! 

'Our goal at CAKED is to serve you on-trend, wearable & fun beauty products that will make you feel some type of way'.

Shades & Texture

As I mentioned earlier, Caked offer nine shades however there were only six shades that had been released when I placed my order. As a bit of a rule of thumb, I usually like to order three products to trial to make sure I don't end up reviewing a bad batch (shhh, don't tell the boyfriend but the real reason I always order three of anything is because I'm addicted to cosmetics and must have them all!). 

Being liquid lipsticks, these lippies apply as a liquid and dry matte within a few minutes. Did I mention that these lippies smell liked baked goods? Yum!

I managed to score myself Legit, Low-Key, and Creme De La Creme during one of their sales earlier this year. Here's pictures of the products and swatches below.

Caked Lip Fondant - Legit

Caked Lip Fondant - Low-Key

Caked Lip Fondant - Creme De La Creme

Swatches from T - B: Creme De La Creme, Low Key, & Legit

''We can't get enough of the glamorous and ever-evolving makeup world, and hope you love everything we dream up for you'.

Formula & Pigmentation

The formula is really quite thick, and a little goes a long way. I found I had better application with a lip brush rather than using the wand, as the wand was too heavily coated for my liking. The product applied well and dried within a few minutes which I was pleased with. 

Pigmentation is brilliant, with even the smallest amount of product giving complete coverage. 

NW10 babes: these shades are dark on us! A lot darker than I thought they would be, given the model on the Caked website looked like a pale girl such as myself. These particular shades are great for days when you want a bold, statement lip.

Are these lippies drink proof? Yes. Are they food proof? Semi. Avoid oily foods and retouch after eating. Are they make-out proof? Yes, yes, yes!

Ingredients & Accolades

Caked pride themselves on being 100% vegan and cruelty free. 

Affordability & Retailers

Caked Lip Fondants retail for $16.00 USD and can be purchased directly from the company. Shipping is also reasonably quick, with my package arriving approximately 1.5 weeks after ordering. You can place your order here. 

Final Verdict

I love giving indie brands a go whenever I can, rather than giving my money to the big cosmetic corporations. I think that the range of colours that Caked offer are very unique which is always a huge plus when looking for new lip products. Their lip fondant concept is utterly brilliant, and I think that Caked are going to do very well for themselves as popularity increases.

Girls, if you love liquid lipsticks as much as I do then head over to Caked Co and give their lip fondants a go!

Stay Updated

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

- B xo

LANOLIPS - LIP CARE PRODUCTS

I've been using lip products since I was a little girl. I used to love wearing lip balms and getting excited over the Bonnie Bell Lip Smackers range. I would love playing dress up's and using kid's make-up or hand-me-downs from my mum. When I became a teenager I became obsessed with lip glosses, and even went through a phase of using those really awful sticky ones that your hair would get stuck in and make boys second guess if they wanted to go in for another kiss. At some point in my life, and I don't really remember when, I began using traditional lipsticks. Fast-forward to 2016 and I think I now own every different type of lip product available on the market.

There are brands however, that I never got around to trying in my younger years. Side note: Don't take that too literally, I'm still in my 20's. Lanolips is one of those brands. It's something that I had always seen in passing when shopping  at my local Priceline, but it was one of those products that never seemed to make it's way into my shopping basket.

I recently began looking for a new lip balm to give my lips a massive hit of hydration. Regular usage of liquid lipsticks means my lips require extra TLC.

I had been using Burts Bees lip balms but had been pretty unimpressed with the results, and my partner has been less than impressed by the taste and texture. So I began the hunt for something new that I could prep my lips with in the morning, apply throughout the day as needed, and apply to my lips each evening to allow for deep over-night hydration.

Sometimes when I'm struggling to fall asleep I browse for things that I've been meaning to research. Yes, I know using your phone is bad sleep hygiene but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. By pure luck, I ended up stumbling onto a blog, ten pages deep into google, discussing Lanolips.

Lanolips L-R: Lemonaid Lip Treatment & Banana Balm Lip Sheen 3-in-1

'The molecular structure of lanolin mimics human skin lipids, making it the most compatible ingredient around. More so than any other natural or synthetic ingredient in skincare. We call it 'Natures Wonder Moisturiser'.

Packaging

You've got to admit, their packaging is pretty cute. That little lamb in the corner gets me every time!

What I really like about the packaging for the Lanolips products is that it is slightly different for each tine and speciality, which I can imagine is really handy for shoppers who prefer one Lanolips product over another. 

Better yet, the front of the packaging also outlines the purpose for that specific lip product such as whether the product is SPF, whether it provides sheen or shine, and whether its for hydration or colouring. Can all lip care brands start doing this now please?

Lanolips - Rhubarb Tinted Balm SPF

'It is semi-occlusive and semi-permeable -- meaning it allows skins to self-hydrate from within'. 

Shades & Finishes

Lanolips offer a range of lip-care products targeting everything from hydration to coloured sheen's. Each lippie has a light weight feel and appears glossy when applied.

'Lanolin is a natural product of the wool industry. It is a substance extracted from the fleece once it has been removed from an unharmed sheep, once the sheep have been shorn. It's vegetarian-friendly. Lanolin is no more cruel to animals than drinking milk, using beeswax, eating honey or even wearing wool. Lanolin is proudly animal cruelty free'. 

Formula & Pigmentation

Lanolips lip products contain a substance known as lanolin which is derived from, believe it or not, the wool of sheep! Lanolin is actually what keeps their coats dry and protected from the seasons. According to the company's website, lanolin is super compatible with human skin as the molecular structure (think of it as blue prints for how something is made) of lanolin is able to mimic human skin lipids (lipids are: fats, oils, waxes, vitamins and hormones). Sorry about the brief science lesson. Are you still with me? Let's continue.

Each lip product by Lanolips has a slightly different purpose, with some providing hydration & sheen, and others providing hydration for dry lips, or tinted SPF. The Lanolips website has heaps of hints and tips, such as using the tinted SPF lip balm as a cheek highlighter. Talk about genius! They even have multipurpose balms!

Side note: They do have other hydrating products on offer including hand and body moisturisers.

'Lanolin is a mositure reservoir, holding up to 400% it's weight in moisture'.

Ingredients & Accolades

Lanolips are proudly Australian made and pride themselves on not testing on animals. Yay! And their products are one-hundred percent natural and animal cruelty free. Hooray! Did I mention that Lanolips are also free from these nasties?

• Parabens
• Artificial fragrances
• PEG's
• Mineral Oil
• Sulphates
• Petrolatum

Lanolips have won heaps of awards, and it's not hard to see why. Take a look for yourself!

Affordability & Retailers

From one girl to another, you need this product in your life. You can purchase your own Lanolips products here. Each lippie retails for around $15.00 AUD

Final Verdict

I've really enjoyed using Lanolips, and have been looking at expanding my own stash. My lips are in a better condition than they had been previous to using Lanolips, and the smell of the banana balm has me coming back for more. The packaging is also pretty cute. I mean, have you seen that little sheep? So cute! The lid also screws on and is very secure, so there's no chance of spillage or leakage in your handbag.

Take my money, Lanolips! I'll surely be buying more of these while I'm on holidays. 

Stay Updated

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

- B xo