FRANK BODY - COFFEE SCRUB

Coffee is life. Coffee is love. Coffee is everything.

For Valentines Day this year my amazing partner gifted me with many presents, including a goodies box from Frank Body. Inside, were two pouches of coffee scrub. Safe to say, he received many kisses for his well thought out gift.

If you've never used a coffee scrub before, allow me to give you the 411 on what you need to know. A coffee scrub is a coarse skin exfoliator, which can be used all over your body to remove dead skin

cells and leave skin feeling smooth. Coffee even stimulates your skin to rejuvenate! It's recommended that a coarse skin exfoliator only be used once or twice a week, with a maximum of one application on your face for the week. Remember, we need to be kind and gentle to the skin on our face as some areas, such as the under eyes, can wear and age quickly if not cared for properly.

'For babes who are looking for a natural exfoliator that will keep their skin soft and hydrated in the cold'.

Packaging

The coffee scrub comes in a simple brown paper packaging which is extremely durable, with a zip lock to keep your coffee scrub fresh and lined with foiled on the inside to keep your scrub nice and dry. 

I really like the packaging. My coffee scrub lives in the shower, and the packaging has done surprising well with the humidity, condensation and occasionally getting wet. This product doesn't need over the top packaging for it product. It's sleek, elegant and is very clearly labelled. And for some reason the packaging reminds me of buying coffee beans from a cafe, even though the only coffee beans I have ever bought have been in plastic packaging.

'For active babes who want to tackle workout-breakouts. A natural body exfoliator to use after exercising that will scrub away dry, flaky skin and soothe tired muscles'.

Texture & Scent

As you can see, the coffee scrub is quite coarse. A little bit goes a long way though! I received a plain coffee scrub and a peppermint scented body scrub. I cannot tell you how amazing the peppermint scented body scrub is. There's something about peppermint that is so beautifully refreshing.

They do offer other scents, including cacao and coconut, if your not fussed on peppermint.

The coffee scrubs only come in a "tough" texture. If you're after something a little more gentle, they do offer a range of other skin care and face products that they class as "gentle", "clean", and smooth". You can check out their entire range here.

'Let's be Frank, skincare should be simple'.

Ingredients

Now let's talk about Frank Body.  Frank Body prides themselves on being Australian made and owned. All Frank Body products are manufactured in Melbourne, Victoria. And the best part? They've broken down their ingredients list on their website and translated into everyday speak. Check it out here. All Frank Body products use natural & naturally derived ingredients. 

And here's a list of all the nasties that Frank Body products are do not use:

• Parabens
• PEGS
• Phthalates
• Sulphates
• Siliones
• Mineral Oil
• Glycols
• DEA
• TEA

May I also add, that research has shown that coffee contains antioxidants which are good for your skin! Caffeine (AKA our good friend coffee) can stimulate blood flow when applied to the skin. An increase in blood flow is known to reduce skin conditions such as eczma & psoriasis, stretch marks and cellulite. Psst, want to know what your skin and coffee have in common? They have the same PH level, which means the coffee scrub won't leave your skin feeling oily or dry.

'I'm many a thing; mostly humble, always caffeinated, naturally derived; and 100% Australian owned and made'.

Affordability & Retailers

Depending on which scent you decide to buy, prices range from $14.95 - $17.95 AUD. Considering I've had mine for over six months, this is pretty good value for money. You can purchase your own coffee scrub directly from Frank Body.

Final Verdict

I've only used half of my Peppermint packet and I've been using it for around six months now. I love to use my coffee scrub to end my work week and wash away everything from the week to start the new week anew. Because I'm a huge fan of liquid lipsticks my lips can sometimes be left feeling dry and flaky. To remedy this, I use a tiny amount of coffee scrub and rose hip oil, mixed together of course, and give my lips a good scrub to leave them feeling ultra smooth.

You can make a coffee scrub at home if you have the supplies needed, but if you've never tried a coffee scrub before then I would defiently give the Peppermint Coffee Body Scrub by Frank Body a go. That peppermint scrub is going to reel me in every time. 

So the next time someone asks you if you really need another coffee, hold your head high and give them the facts. Because as us coffee lovers know, coffee is life.

Stay Updated

Don't forget new posts are uploaded each Saturday (Australia), and Pro Tips are uploaded on the first Sunday 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

LIME CRIME - VELVETINES

Good news everyone! Lime Crime is finally back in Australlia, with a partnership having been established between Lime Crime and Makeupnet.

There has been some controversy surrounding Lime Crime over the past few years, most famously the credit card hacking incident. I have a lot of friends who ceased their relationship with Lime Crime following this incident, and were too afraid to purchase unicorn goodies from the retailer via credit card or paypal for fear of their information being stolen by hackers. It was around this time that Lime Crime also severed all of their ties with their Australian retailers which left us babes high and dry, and fighting over Lime Crime sale items on sites such as PepperMayo and Princess Polly. Those were dark times.

Thankfully, it was announced a few weeks ago that Makeupnet would now be stocking all of the Lime Crime goodies here for us in Australia. Yay! Now we can shop freely with little fear of another hacking. So of course, that calls for a review of some of their much loves liquid lipsticks, known as the Velvetines.

My favourite Velvetine - 'Riot'

What I really like about the Velvetines, which only Jeffery Star Cosmetics has been able to match recently, is the colour diversity and Lime Crime's boldness to produce statement shades. Velvetines come in every colour of the rainbow! It's insane.

I am a big Velvetine lover. BIG. Just look at my stash.

I don't know if you've realised, but sometimes I get a bit carried away with my purchases and try to buy everything.

'Velvetines liquid matte lipstick dries to a touch-proof velvet finish'.

A very quick shout out to my biggest blog fan, who also happens to be my boyfriend. You know you've found a keeper when he buys you Velvetines for Christmas. 

Packaging

The packaging is super cute and the product smells really nice too.  The brush applicator is easy to use, and excess product can be wiped off back into the tube.

The only issue I have is that sometimes the tube appears to not have been completely filled. This is just the way the liquid lipstick moves around inside of the tube and is nothing to be concerned about.

'The first Velvetines lead the way in the hugely popular liquid to matte lipstick trend'. 

Shades & Textures

Lime Crime offers an amazing range of shades, and I only own a small potion of the Velvetines available. 

Have a look at what I mean:

L- R: Suedeberry, Pink Velvet & Utopia

L - R: Cashmere, Bleached & Faded

L - R: Shroom, Pumpkin, Riot, Wicked & Salem

And some swatches:

Formula & Pigmentation

The colour range that Lime Crime offers in the Velvetines range is remarkable, and pigmentation varies depending on the colour, Like all liquid lipsticks, you cannot re-apply liquid lipstick on top of pre-existing liquid lipstick as it will become very patchy and noticable. 

All Velvetines become matte once dried completely. You can add gloss, however this will kill off any staying power the Velvetines had. 

I do however have a few issues with the Velvetines. I find that they quick to dry, which means quick and precise application is a must! They are not food or water proof, and unfortunatly touch-ups end up looking blotchy. So you will need to completely re-apply after food and drink as the product starts does start to crumble and flake.

On a positive note, they are make-out proof which earns the boyfriend tick of approval.

'All of Lime Crimes products have been cruelty-free since its inception in 20008. While many of the products were also vegan from the very beginning. In 2012 Lime Crime reformulated the rest to meet vegan standards'.

Ingredients

Lime Crime does meet some crucial beauty standards that make us make-up lovers swoon. All Lime Crime products are vegan and animal cruelty free with is always a big plus. Unfortunatly their products do still contain parabens.

Affordability & Retailers

Velvetines currently retail for $29.00 AUD, or $20.00 USD. I like to keep my eye out for a sale, so I can purchase as many as possible or cash in on free postage deals. Since re-establishing distriution rights within Australia, Lime Crime products can be purchased from Pepper Mayo & MakeupNet as well as directly from Lime Crime.

Final Verdict

I think that if the Velvetine forumla were to improve, to avoid that crumble and flake feeling, then I would buy every colour under the sun and wear them daily. However due to their high maintenance, I find that these lippies are reserved more so for the weekends.

If you still haven't given Velvetines a go, please do so. The colour range just can't be beaten. Plus, who doesn't look good in a Velvetine. Check out #limecrimevelvetine on Instagram to see what I'm talking about.


- B xo

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS - CONTOUR CREAM KIT

Oh my wow! What have I been doing with my life up until this point. This is my new best friend, and her name is Cream Contour.

Anastasia Beverly Hills  - Cream Contour Kit in 'Fair'.

Again, what have I been doing with my life? About six months ago I decided to try contouring for the first time in my life. Why? After a discussion with a lovely MAC employee, we both agreed that there are sixteen year olds out there in the world who have skipped the awkward stage of blue eye-shadow and spider lashes, and gone straight to perfecting contouring. What the hell is with that? So I figured if a sixteen year old can do it, why can't I? 

And that's how my contouring adventure began. Skip ahead past having to buy a contour brush, asking friends for contouring advice, watching endless tutorials, buying powdered contours, and crying over how much I suck. After lots of practice, I finally started to get a bit better at this whole contouring thing. Around that time, the ABH brand blew up over Instagram and I was exposed to the wonderful world of the ABH cream contour. I knew that I had to have one.

'This best-selling palette sculpts and defines your features with six highly blendable shades - three for highlighting, three for contouring'.

Packaging

Let's take an up-close and personal look at the contour cream kit.

Contour Kit in 'Fair'

I love ABH packaging. The Contour Kit comes in a black cardboard case, which has the brand and product name labelled on the front of the packaging in rose gold lettering. The cardboard cases also identify what colour kit is inside. 

The actual product case is durable plastic packaging, with a clear plastic top, which also has the company logo printed in rose gold. The clear plastic top also allows you to view the product when the case is closed.

Best part? The pans are replacable! So when you run out of your favourite contouring shades you can order replacements and slip them straight in. Personally, I'm interested in taking out the shades that I don't use and putting in extra's of the shades that I do use.

Textures & Shades

The Contour Cream Kit comes in four different shades to suit different skin tones: Fair, Light, Medium & Deep.

Contour Cream Kit in 'Fair'

'Use Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Cream Kit to sculpt, define and enhance bone structure and features'.

Formula & Pigmentation

Previous to using the Contour Cream Kit  had been a Contour Powder kind of gal. After trying this beauty, I'm never going back to powder. Wow, what have I been missing out on!

The highlighting an contouring creams are as smooth as butter and just as very easy to blend in. A lot of people assume that you need to be a pro to be able to use a cream contour successfully. Rest assured, you don't need to be pro level. I actually found using the cream contour a lot easier than the powder. Whilst the powder allows you to gradually build your contour, cream contour gives you the opportunity to blend it out if it's too dark and heavy. It should be noted that the contouring colours in the pans do become a lot softer once blended in.

I have been using this kit daily with all of my looks and it leaves me looking and feeling fabulous. 

'Emphasise eyes, cheekbones, nose and jawline with smooth, velvety formulas that impart a subtle, dewy sheen'.

Ingredients

The ABH Contour Cream Kit is free from:

• Parabens
• Sulfates
• Phthalates
  

Affordability & Retailers

Being as pale as I am comes with pro's and con's. CON: as I child I was constantly asked if I was feeling well because I looked really sick. Thanks teachers and peers, appreciate it. PRO: as an adult I am constantly being complimented on how beautiful my skin looks. CON: no one in Australia stocks the cream contour shade 'Fair'. 

Sephora and Hairhouse Warehouse are both stockists of all things ABH, so if you don't require the 'Fair' Contour kit, head to either of these websites. You'll find that the contour kit also retails for around $70.00 AUD.

Final Verdict

Simply, what it all comes down to is one single question: do you need this kit in your life? The answer is a BIG FAT YES!  No matter what your skill level or your age, it's never too late to learn to contour.

- B xo 

URBAN DECAY X GWEN STEFANI - EYESHADOW PALETTE

If there is one thing that I have learnt about Gwen through the release of her UDXGWEN products it is that she ain't no Hollaback Girl.

I have been pretty pleased with the UDXGWEN collection as per my previous reviews. So today we'll be taking a look at the limited edition eye-shadow palette, which will finish up my reviews of the UDXGWEN collection.

'We partnered with Gwen to create her ultimate eyeshadow

collection. From her fifteen can't-live-whtout shades to the

 super-luxe case, Gwen designed and developed her perfect

palette.

Packaging

Like the rest of the collection, the cardboard packing is divine and has that beautiful white and gold 1920's art deco vibe.

Personally, I find the cardboard packaging breath-taking!

Each of the fifteen shades is displayed on the back of the cardboard packaging for all potential buyers to see. I really like how they've provided a little blurb about the palette. You can tell that a lot of thought and effort from both Urban Decay and Gwen went into this one.

Ugh, check out those nudes!

'Encased in a bespoke palette designed with black and while

 graphic prints and gold accents designed by Gwen'.

And that was just the slip! Onto the actual palette!

The palette carries on with that beautiful white and gold theme, also incorporating a splash of black and the Urban Decay labelling. It should be noted that this palette is really well made! This packaging is really sturdy and has some weight to it.

'Achieve Gwen's most iconic looks with this palette of neutrals and jewel toned shadows'.

Shades & Finishes

FIRST ROW, L-R: Blonde, Bathwater, Skimp, Steady, Punk
SECOND ROW, L-R: Baby, Anaheim, Stark, Zone, Serious
THIRD ROW, L-R: Pop, Harahuku, Danger, 1987, Blackout

The palette offers matte, sparkle and iridescent shades with a variety of nudes and pops of colour. Very much like Gwen's look. Here's the actual breakdown:

BLONDE - pale beige with irridescent shift

BATHWATER - pale beige with gold pearl

SKIMP - pale nude satin

STEADY - medium rose tone with metallic gold shift

PUNK - reddish brown matte

BABY - cool metallic rose

ANAHEIM - light taupe-brown matte

STARK - nude-pink sparkle 

ZONE - medium brown matte

SERIOUS - smoky grey with iridescent floating pearl

POP - pale cprral with iridescent sparkle

HARAJUKU - metallic blue-pink with iridescent micro-shimmer

DANGER - deep metallic royal blue with blue micro sparkle

1987 - bright metallic yellow-gold

BLACKOUT - blackest black matte

My absolute favourites, that I can't live without now that I've had them in my life, include: Baby, Anaheim, Stark, Pop, Steady, & Punk. Punk is this amazing earth red colour that blends so well. Punk, where have you been all my life? x

'Each eyeshadow in this palette feautures our Pigment 

Infusion System, the propietary blend of ingredients that

 gives each shades its velvety texture, rich colour, serious

 staying power and blendability'.

Formula & Pigmentation

Like all Urban Decay palettes, the colours are amazing and apply as smooth as butter. You can build the shades to be as light or dark as you wish, and they are great for blending. Honestly, this palette is my second favourite palette (Urban Decays Naked Palette being Number One, of course). I love a good nude palette, and this one was more than I could have dreamed of.

Affordability & Retailers

This palette was released at the end of 2015, and is currently still for sale as a limited edition piece. You can order yours here. The palette is a bit pricey, retailing at $95.00 AUD. However, Mecca do offer free postage for all orders over $75.00 AUD so I feel that that is a bit of a win. Honestly, I was at first unsure if I wanted to buy the palette, especially with it being so expensive, however my amazing boyfriend decided to buy it for me and told me to be "more impulsive". Ha! I bet he regrets saying that now.

Final Verdict

If you're after a nude palette with bright pops of colour, then this is for you! I'm currently building up the confidence to use Harajuku and Danger and use this palette to its full potential. This palette is so Gwen, and I love it. The nudes pair perfectly with her lipsticks and blushes. Honestly, I feel that anything is possible with this collection and the looks are endless. I feel that the pops of colour can be used to make a bold statements against all of the nudes.

I know it's pricey, but if you have the spare change then be "more impulsive" and treat yourself to this stunner. You won't regret it.


- B xo