NAPOLEON PERDIS - FALSE LASHES

Oh la la. Have you ever seen such pretty lashes?

Pictured: 'The Nude Lash'

My false lash search finally took me to Napoleon Perdis. I've been on the hunt for a pair of falsies that have a super thin band, to the extent that the band is practical invisible, and these lashes met that criteria. It was pretty much love at first sight. 

Fine lashes protrude from the band, starting small and petite but becoming voluptuous and luscious as the band sweeps out towards the outer corners. I like to think of these lashes as being naturally glamorous, as we all have a girlfriend who has amazing natural lashes like these falsie. Being able to purchase your own is a  way to share the lash love around (after all, not all of us were born with amazing lashes).

'Fluttery will get you everywhere!'

Packaging

The cardboard packaging, pictured above, consists of vertical black and grey stripes with the company name printed in gold. On the stand it was pretty eye-catching and drew me in instantly. 

The lashes are conformed and gently stuck to an eyelid mould, allowing all passersby to catch a peek at how long and luscious these falsies are.

'Made from a mix of natural and synthetic hair'.

User Friendly & Comfort

First off, let me start by telling you that as soon as you get home you'll need to give these lashes a chop. The lash band is probably one of the longest bands that I have ever encountered. Prior to cutting off any length, hold your lashes up to your lash line and find out where you would normally apply your falsies. Take note of how much excess lash there is and where it should end. Now your ready to chop.

What I really like about these lashes is how light they are. I kid you not when I say that these lashes are as light as a feather. God bless tiny lash bands! Prior to application, these babies were so light between my fingers that I had to double-check that they hadn't fallen out of my grasp! Even once they were applied I couldn't feel them on my lashes. Fabulous!

Again, with my applicator these lashes were pretty each to apply however I did struggle with how fragile they are. I ended up needing to be really gentle with this set as I could see the lashes starting to bend out of shape when I treated them like a regular pair of falsies. Be really gentle with this set girls! I'm attributing the lashes fragile nature to the fact that they are made out of both natural and synthetic hairs.

I found these lashes extremely difficult to clean-up after one day of wear. Trying to peel off the excess glue and clean away any mascara and eyeliner was a difficult process due to the fragile nature of these babes.

'The easy-to-apply lash strips creates spectacular drama in the blink of an eye'.

Affordability & Retailers

These beauties retail for $20.00 AUD, which is more than what I usually spend on falsies but I figured you only live once! You can purchase your own pair directly from Napoleon Perdis.

'Sharp style, sharp statement, give your eyes a flirty fringe with these standout faux lashes.

Final Verdict

The quality and feel of these lashes is something that every girl should experience in her lifetime. Will I be buying several pairs? No. I feel these lashes are more of a treat and something to be worn on a special occasion due to their longevity. 

Stay Updated

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

Keep updated by following us on Instagram! instagram.com/beautyreporterb

B xo

HOURGLASS - VEIL MINERAL PRIMER

The online beauty communities that I am a part of are in love with the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer. Beauties around the world, including one of my besties, absolutely swear by it! I've been on a primer journey these past twelve months, trying various primers in search of my own personal holy grail. Alas, I'm yet to find it so I figured I'd give Hourglass a go. 

The Veil Mineral Primer is a promoted as a oil free, weightless and multi-purpose mineral-based primer that claims to neutralise redness and rosacea, minimise wrinkles and fine lines, and create a uniform smooth matte base for a flawless makeup application. The Veil Mineral Primer works by absorbing excess oils and minimises the appearance of pores by distributing light to help soften and blur the look of the skins imperfections. And just in case that wasn't enough, it's main purpose is to extend the durability of your foundation and/or powder.  No pressure. 

'This satin-finish, oil-free mineral primer creates a porcelain-smooth complexion, that will give your foundation longevity like no other whilst minimising shine and protecting against sun damage' - Mecca

Packaging

I adore this packaging. No one uses brown's anymore and it's such a pity because Hourglass have nailed it. As you can see, I purchased the smallest primer bottle available because I wasn't one-hundred percent sold on the product at the time of purchase. Regardless, the brown reflective cardboard packaging with that beautiful gold font is a 10/10. I love beautiful packaging. 

The 8.95ml bottle is a small pump bottle and makes the perfect travel companion. I, myself took this bottle over to Africa recently because of it's small size. 

'Existing at the revolutionary intersection of science, beauty and luxury, Hourglass is acclaimed for its breakthrough formulations, technological innovations, and unwavering commitment to reinvention. This state-of-the-art brand is distinguished by sensorial textures, modern colour collections, and sleek custom packaging' - Hourglass.

Formula & Pigmentation

The Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer has a really unique texture. The product when dispensed is a white serum and has a smooth non-greasy silicone feel to it. It applied easily to my skin and quickly absorbed. 

I didn't find that it did a whole lot when it came to covering up redness, and in the future I would probably use a green stick in conjunction with this primer. 

'This lightweight mineral primer melts into the skin, restoring moisture and imparting a silky-smooth finish' - Mecca

Ingredients & Accolades

The Mineral Veil Primer does not contain:

-Parabens

-Sulfates

-Phthalates

-Nanoparticles

-Synthetic Dye

-Gluten

-Fragrance

-Oil

In 2014, 2015 and 2016 the Veil Mineral Primer won the InStyle Best Beauty Buy award. You can't argue with that! Furthermore the Veil Mineral Primer is vegan and is considered to be waterproof. 

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer has an SPF 15 rating offering protection from UVA/UVB rays, and claims to use naturally-derived titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

And for you babes with sensitive skin, Hourglass recommend their Veil Mineral Primer for babes prone to sensitivity.

'It helps to visible diminish the appearance of large pores and fine lines, and preps the skin for even makeup application while extending its durability, meaning less touch-ups' - Mecca

Affordability & Retailers

One word: overpriced. Whether this product works for you or not, I think we can all agree that the markup on this primer is ridiciolous. Thankfully, Hourglass have several sizes to choose from which allows first-timers and babes on a budget to purchase this product without having to spend the big bucks.

Mecca has the following sizes available at the following prices:

- 8.95ml for $27.00 AUD

- 30ml for $79.00 AUD

- 57g for $108.00 AUD

Alternatively, you can purchase your primer directly from Hourglass in the following sizes available and for the following prices:

- 8.95ml for $19.00 USD

- 30ml for for $54.00 USD

- 57g for $75.00 USD

Final Verdict

I know this product works for lots of other girls, and it did do something for my combination oily skin however I still found my chin and upper lip to look patchy by the end of the day. For the amount of money that this product costs, I'd recommend that you try as many other primers as possible before resorting to purchasing this particular product or at least head to Mecca and pick yourself up a sample before committing to buy. On a positive note, the 8.95ml bottle goes quite a long way if you're not willing to fork out $108.00

Stay Updated

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

Check us out on Instagram! biancajames__

- B xo

JEFFREE STAR COSMETICS - VELOUR LIQUID LIPSTICKS

DISCLAIMER: Amid all of the J-Star v. Kat VD drama this past month I thought it would be wise to note that the comments below are not a reflection of Jeffree as a person or his brand, rather just a one-hundred percent honest review on his Velour Liquid Lipsticks. 


Internet, we need to talk. Every week there seems to be a new fad. A new makeup must have. And although Jeffree Star's Velour Lipsticks are not new the the scene, the hype has still been enormous. 

Recently I broke my Jeffree Star cherry during a surprise restock. I'm all about those surprise restocks by the way. No need wake up at some ridiculous hour of the morning (is it 3am here in Australia girls, when the regular restocks normally take place?) to tappa tappa tappa away at my refresh button awaiting the restock to find that its all been sold out in a manner of minutes and waking up at god knows what hour was all for nothing. No thanks, that's just not how I roll -- unless it's 5am. I feel that's a bit more socially acceptable.

From L-R: Androgyny, Rose Matter, Mannequin

'Our liquid lipstick goes on opaque, dries completely matte and stays on for hours!'

Packaging

I may be the first person ever to admit that I'm not in love with the packaging. I want to be, but I'm not. There's something about all that pink and the stars that reminds me of children's play makeup. Personally, I think it makes the brand look a little cheap. But hey, that's just my personal opinion and has nothing to do with the actual product itself.

The Velour liquid lipsticks come in their own individual cardboard packaging, which features the trademark Jeffree Star Cosmetics stars, and the name of the lipstick on the top of the packaging for easy identification.

The lippies themselves come in a clear lip tube, which allows you to see the true colour of the product. Product names are features on the bottom of the lipstick. 

My biggest complaint is the lip brush. Jeffree Star Cosmetics, what were you thinking?! I feel like I'm applying my lipstick with a high heel. The brush has a heel towards the end of the lip brush, which is probably supposed to help with lining whilst covering your lips but I find it hinders application more than anything. I really do hope that the company reviews their lip brush soon.

Shades & Finishes

Jeffree Star offers an amazing range of colours in the Velour range, and its constantly expanding. If you're looking for anything from a nude to something vibrant you can guarantee there's a lippie shade for you in the range!

Each liquid lipstick dries matte within a few minutes of application and has a staying powder of around no more than five hours.

Here's a quick look at the shades I picked up in my recent  secret restock purchase:

JSC Velour Liquid Lipstick in Mannequin 

JSC Velour Liquid Lipstick in Rose Matter

JSC Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny

Each of the colours swatches beautifully. They really are beautiful colours with lovely pigmentation.  Swatches are just below (take note NW10 girls!).

From T - B: Androgyny, Rose Matter, Mannequin

'Tips before use: exfoliate with lip scub then apply to bare lips! Avoid food with oil....and no making out, kisses are ok!'

Formula & Pigmentation

This particular formula, when compared to other brands such as Black Moon Cosmetics and Caked Co, is quite thin. Much like Lime Crime's formula. Another thing that I noticed with these lippies is how they looked and felt once they dried. Disgusting. The product had for some reason sunk into every line on my lips and made them looked like a puckered up butt hole. Not the look that I was looking for. On top of that, it felt really flaky and didn't conform nicely with my lips when I moved them. I attribute both of these things to the way that the formula sunk into all of the lines on my lips. I had read that other ladies have had similar problems with various liquid lipsticks. 

I've put up with the allusiveness. I've put up with Australian stockists having the JS star removed from their stores. And now this.

Aside from my few complains, don't be deceived. I'm not saying that I'm not in love with the product. Pigmentation for these lippies is wonderful! There is 100% colour pay off which each swipe. No concerns about pigmentation here!

Now the true test. Is it drink proof? Yes. It is food proof? No. Is it kiss proof? Yes. However like Jeffree Star Cosmetics says, avoid oily foods and making out while wearing these bad boys.

Ingredients & Accolades

Jeffree Star Cosmetics prides their Velour Lipsticks on being:

- 100% vegan

- Cruelty Free

- Paraben Free

- Gluten Free

Affordability & Retailers

At this time Jeffree Star Cosmetics are not currently supplying products to AUS distrubitors, and all products need to be bought direct from Jeffree Star Cosmetics. You can place your order here. Velour Liquid Lipsticks retail for $18.00 USD.

Jeffree Star Cosmetics will often announce when restocks are going to occur via Facebook and Snapchat.

Final Verdict

I want to love these lipsticks. I want to tell you that they are the best liquid lipsticks that I have ever used and that everyone was right when they said that they were bomb-af. But I can't lie to you. This product is mediocre. The way it feels when it's dried and that awful crumbling are still vivid in my mind. I personally attribute this to the thin formula, which is similar to Lime Crimes. If you've read my previous Lime Crime Velvetines post then you would know that I also experienced dryness and crumlbling with their lippies. I would like to think that if the JSC formula was thicker that I would be a die-hard fan girl.

To make these lippies work for me I had to use Lanolips to improve the flexibility of the formula and add hydration.

Lastly, it is important to note that liquid lipsticks look different on each skin tone and may not appear as advertised due to your own unique skin tone and lip pigmentation. It's always best to check out Instagram prior to purchasing to see what the colour your after may look like on a skin tone similar to your own.

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

TOO FACED - PB&J PALETTE

It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time!

This is the newest palette from Too Faced, and I'm in love. I've been eyeing this one off on Instagram for months, and knew from the moment that I first saw it that I had to have it. I'll admit, this one was a little bit of an impulse buy, and a wee bit because of how cute this pallet is! 

'Inspired by the social media sensation that is Peanut Butter from our bestselling Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar Collection, we created this limited edition peanut butter palette of nine gorgeous matte and shimmer shades feature antioxidant-rich cocoa powder with a creamy peanut butter twist!'.

Packaging

Just check out how adorable this packaging is!

Too Faced have gone the extra mile with this palette and created stunning packaging that resembles a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Genius! 

The palette packaging is metal, with a magnetic clasp which we're loving. There is a mirror provided inside for beauties on the go. Did I mention that it has a beautiful chocolate-peanut butter smell to it? Too Faced, you are making my sensory dreams come true!

Check out that cardboard packaging! Ugh, I'm in love!

Shades & Finishes

The PB&J palette is by far the cutest palette that I have ever encountered! Inside there are nine beautiful shades, offering mattes and shimmers. Here's the breakdown:

SPREAD THE LOVE - Medium Peach with Gold Sparkle

PEANUT BUTTER - Matte Medium Orange Brown

PEANUT BUTTER CUP - Metallic Golden Bronze with Gold Sparkle

BANANAS - Soft Peachy Gold with fine Gold Shimmer

PEANUT BRITTLE - Metallic Burnt Orange

JAMMIN' - Dark Chocolate with Golden Sparkle

EXTRA CREAMY - Matte creamy Beige

JELLY - Vibrant Orchid

NUTS ABOUT U - Matte Brown with Red

TOP ROW, FROM L-R: Spread the Love, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Cup
SECOND ROW, FROM L - R: Bananas, Peanut Brittle, Jammin'
THIRD ROW, FROM L-R: Extra Creamy, Jelly, Nuts About U

'Includes our signature Glamour Guide with three looks to get you started'.

Formula & Pigmentation

During my obsessive instagraming PB&J phase, I initially thought that this palette was comprised of beautiful browns and awesome purples. BIG NOPE. As I found out today, this palette is comprised of orange and purple shades. Oh well. No time like the present to begin experimenting with orange shadows.

The shadows are all highly pigmented and have a great pay off, however I did find them difficult to build up and blend which is disappointing considering the rave reviews that Too Faced palettes receive. 

Too Faced were even sweet enough to include a booklet with the palette which demonstrates three different looks to try out using the PB&J palette

Here's another picture, just because I'm obsessed with how cute PB&J is!

Press a pretty pop of Jelly in the inner corners of the eye for a colourful, unexpected twist!'

Affordability & Retailers

Priced at $58.00 AUD, this palette includes nine eye-shadow colours representing a PB&J sandwich and smells just like PB&J. How cute! Unfortunately this cutie is a Limited Edition release and sold out within two days of being launched in Australia! At this stage Mecca are unsure if there will be a restock, but keep your eyes peeled by checking here!

Final Verdict

I primarily brought this pallet just because of how cute it is, and because I wanted a travel size palette to be able to take with me when I'm travelling Because let's be honest, the UD Naked Palette isn't exactly small and travel friendly. I think PB&J has a lot of potential, and I'll need to leave my comfort zone to fully reap the benefits of all of the beautiful colours in this palette. If there is a re-release, I would recommend that it be snapped up if you're comfortable playing around with oranges and purples. Not browns.

I would recommend to anyone who wants to have a bit of fun with their look, whilst enjoying the amazing smell and cuteness that is PB&J.

- B xo