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Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Beauty Review :: Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara

I've always been a Maybelline Mascara user. I've tried quite a few different ones, and have never been amazed by them, but always use them as they are pretty good and a reasonable price (well, they are in the USA - not so much here). They are generally about $20-$25 here, about $6 in the USA. So unfair!

My mascara was running out, and after a failed attempt to try a Rimmel mascara, Max Factor was having a special for all mascaras for $20 (usually 32).










I bought the shade "Black" and I usually don't buy waterproof mascara, because I prefer that only for special makeup/events. For everyday I like it to come off easily at the end of the day with my makeup wipes rather than having to bother with waterproof makeup remover.

Packaging: It's pretty standard packaging, nothing special. Nice and sleek, with black and gold.



Application: I really like this applicator wand. It;s very sturdy, and the brush bits are quite small and fine, but there are lots of them to provide good coverage and help you get close up to your eye. Also handy for doing the bottom lashes.

Look: These make your eyelashes look really natural, and that's basically all I want in a mascara. Best of all, it doesn't clump together at all.

Overall:

5/5



I will definitely be purchasing this product again. It's a bit of a shame it is $32, so hopefully I will get it on special again once I run out.

So glad I branched out from Maybelline and tried this!



Sunday, November 23, 2014

Sunday Swatches :: Lipstick Collection & a video!

Today I'm going to do another swatch post, this time with (most of) my lipsticks.

I prefer pink and nude lipsticks, but I have a couple of other ones in there too.










Brands include Lime Crime, Innoxa, Maybelline, Revlon, GOSH, IN2IT, MAC

Starting off with Lime Crime - these lipsticks swatch so well. I want them all. Over the last few years I have collected three of them.

Top: Babette

Middle: Coquette

Bottom: Great Pink Planet

I have reviews of all of these on the blog, click the names above.

But overall these are great, pigmented lipsticks. They can be a little drying, but are definitely my favourites.



I bought these two a couple of years ago, and I haven't actually seen this bran around in a while. The brand is Innoxa.

Left: Baby Doll

Right: Sugar Frosted

These are actually both pretty nice, I'm just not a fan of the texture/formula. The lighter shade is also a bit harder to pull off, you kind of have to mix it with a darker gloss.





Can you even see the one on the left? Nope? Me neither. It's crap. Never use it, might as well put nothing on. These are Maybelline Colorsensational. 

Left: Rose Glimmer

Right: Mango Diamonds

Obviously I don't wear the left one, I don't really wear the one on the right either as it is a bit of an unusual colour, but I think I could use it with neutral makeup/eyes.







Maybelline Color Whisper in Oh La Lilac.

I never use this, I should. The formula is really creamy and the colour is pretty nice. It's got enough colour in it to notice, but it's not so dramatic like the Lime Crime ones.

I think I need to pull this one out a bit more!











This one is a pretty nice formula too. Revlon Colorburst - Creme Brulee.

It's the only colour like this that I have, and I probably don't use it as much as I should.










Left: GOSH Velvet Touch in Sunset. 

It's a pale red/orange colour which is also good with a neutral eyeshadow. It's not to in your face like a dark red lipstick, but enough to emphasis the lips in a look.

Right: IN2IT Moisture Intense Lipstick in Cranberry.

This lives up to it's name, it's very moisturising and not drying at all. It is also a very true cranberry shade. It's like a deep berry colour, and I definitely prefer that over other red shades. This is my go-to bold lipstick.





Left: MAC - Creme d'Nude - the first lipstick (besides lipgloss) that I ever bought. This is my second one, and it was my favourite ever when I bought it the first time. Now, I don't use it too much as it's quite sheer. But it's still really nice if you want to play down your lips.

Right: MAC - Pink Plaid - I actually forgot I had this one. It's a nice bright pink, but isn't too standout like lime Crime. So it is also nice for a more subtle pink.





So my favourites from the above would be Lime Crime Babette, IN2IT Cranberry, MAC Creme d'Nude. The only ones I'm not really a fan of are the Maybelline Coloursensationals, and the Innoxa ones.


Yesterday I uploaded my first ever Youtube video! It's a tutrioal to create a smokey eye look:

I will be uploading more videos. I have filmed one already today, which will be up in the next couple of days - a tutorial on a vibrant Purple eyeshadow look.

I also signed up to Goodiebox a couple of weeks ago, so i will be filming an unboxing of that once it arrives.

Please check it out, and make sure to subscribe:

Smokey Eyeshadow Tutorial

Don't forget to also follow me on instagram - @riverofbeauty




Thursday, November 20, 2014

Review :: Australis - Velour Lips - To-ki-o

On the weekend I picked up a few new products to try. I have had my eye on both Lime Crime's purple lipsticks for a while, but never bothered to order one.

So when I saw this at Farmers, I decided to give purple a go with a cheaper product first.

This is a matte lip cream from Australis. One of my favourite mid-range/affordable makeup brands. I have pretty much always used Australis for my go-to/everyday eyeliners.

This cost me $17.50 NZD.

So, let's get on with the review!

Packaging: Just your standard lipgloss tube, black lid, simple packaging. Nothing special here.

Value: As above, this cost me $17.50 and is 10ml. Pretty average. not really cheap, but not over-priced either.

Quality/texture: This product applies like a lipgloss, but dries matte. It does fade a bit, and stays slightly darker around the outside of the lips. It is quite sticky once it dries, but didn't make my lips too dry by the end of the day.

Longevity: This lasted really well with no primer for around 3-4 hours, including eating breakfast and drinking a coffee. After that it did fade as above.

Overall: This is an awesomely unique colour. It's great for a few hours, as it would last well if you had an event to go to, rather than an all day look.

I've never tried a matte before, and I wasn't a huge fan of that - but that could be because I'm used to a more glossy looking lip.


I definitely love this colour on me, and would be keen to try out some other colours from this line.



4/5




Checkout Australis website: http://www.australiscosmetics.com.au/

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

November / Recent Empties

On the weekend I cleaned out my makeup traincase, which was loooong overdue!







I haven't bought as much makeup in the last year or so, so I never bothered cleaning it out to make room for me.

So that changed today, and I went through and found my empties that I was holding onto.

(Then, of course, I went and bought a few more products...more to come on that.)










MAC - Angel Lipstick

I did really like this lipstick, I probably bought it around two years ago. I don't think I would go as far as buying it again, as it is a pretty generic shade. But I used it a lot when I just wanted a simple (and subtle) pink lipstick. 

It suited with my skintone really well.












Canmake - 

A very upsetting almost-empty. I love this lipstick. It was my go to for almost everyday. Perfect for work, or even with a smokey eye look for going out.

The perfect nude.

Unfortunately I bought this on a trip to Japan, so not sure where I can buy it from now (without going back again!)





Eyebrow Pencil

This was the first eyebrow pencil I owned. Only cost me $15 with a re-tractable pencil and brush on the other end.

It was really good, and just from the mall beauty places. Definitely liked this one, and would buy again, but I'm going to try something different next...







Rimmel - Extra Super Lash (Brown/Black)

Not a fan of this one. Not even sure if it is an empty, or just dried out.

It didn't add much length at all to my lashes and was a bit clumpy - my lashes would stick together.

Won't be re-buying this one.










Clinique - Iced Lotus Blush

I love this colour as a blush. My skin is naturally very fair, so cool blushes suit me more than warm ones.

This one was perfect for me, it was quite pigmented so not really for everyday use. Good with a more made-up look.

I didn't actually buy this one, it was given to me from a friend, so I'm not sure how much it retails for.

I think it is one I would buy again though.






Bare Minerals - Fairly Light Mineral Foundation

This has already been replaced. I love this as a powder foundation.

I first tried it when I bought a Bare Minerals Foundation Kitset from Sephora in Hawaii, and I have been using it ever since.

It's so light on your skin, and gives good coverage.
I have to buy it online from www.wowhd.co.nz or I buy it from Mecca Cosmetics when I go to Australia. A little bit inconvenient, compared to what I can get from the shops, but well worth it.



So I'm sad to see a couple of those empties go, but...that means there is room for new products! As mentioned above, I will have some new product reviews soon.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Beauty Review :: Urban Decay - Eyeshadow - S&M

I'd always heard good things about the brand, Urban Decay. So during my trip to the USA last year I picked up an eyeshadow - I was in need of a new silver eyeshadow.

Urban Decay did not disappoint.

I went with the colour S&M. It's a darker, shimmery grey.

Packaging: I like the eyeshadow packaging, it feels good quality, and isn't flimsy. 

Colour/Wearability - As above, this is a dark grey colour with a shimmer. It's a bit darker than the silver I normally use. So It's not something I wear everyday - for a subtle smokey eye etc. It's great for a more dramatic look, good for night time wear. 


What I love the most about this product is the pigmentation and durability. It is so pigmented, and that is important to me. There's nothing that puts me off a product more than it being almost unnoticeable. So this is exactly what I'm after. 

And what's even better than that? You don't really need to use a primer (of course, that will help the longevity of the shadow, but perfectly fine without one). It lasts really well on your eyes.










Overall: Love, love, love. I've ordered another one, to see if this isn't just a one of good buy. My next shade is Oil Slick, and I'm looking forward to receiving that. 


If that one is a highlight for me, then I will definitely be having a collection of them at some point!

 5/5 


Sunday, November 16, 2014

Sunday / Swatchday :: Purple

Yesterday I went to the races at Riccarton Racecourse, and matched my eye makeup to my dress:

Face: 
Natio Liquid Foundation
Bare Minerals powder foundation
Victoria Secret Bronzer (from the On-The-Go Face Kit) as a contour
NARS Orgasm Blush
Claire's white eyeshadow as a highlight
Bare Minerals Mineral Veil
Lips:
MAC Creme D'Nude

Eyes:
Lime Crime Candy Eyed Eyeshadow Helper
The Body Shop 510 Something Blue/Turquoise Sirene
Claire's Dark Blue eyeshadow (these came in a set, and have no names)
Sephora Engagement Ring
MaxFactor False Lash Effect Mascara
Australis Black Eyeliner 

Dress:
H&M (and only cost me $4.95 AUD!)


I couldn't believe how well my makeup stayed on for the whole day. I guess the mineral veil helped!

Anyway, onto this weeks swatches! It's no secret that I love purple eyeshadows. So here are a few swatches from some of my purple eyeshadows.


L to R: 1. Stila - Tie Dye, 2. Bare Minerals - Angel, 3. ME ME ME - 25 Eccentric, 4. Heavenly Naturals - Daddy's Girl

1. I definitely don't use this enough. Tie Dye is a mixed shadow with purple, blue and pink. It looks a lot more blue, but I don't have any other shadow like it.

2. This is a great base colour, is a bit more mauve when applied than it does in the pottle. The pigmentation is pretty good, but not quite as much as I would like.

3. I got given this in a makeup swap. It's nice for a subtle look, and has low pigmentation.

4. This one is beautiful, and again I don't use it enough. It has the perfect shimmer texture, and is reflective. 



L to R: 5. Claire's Dark Purple (no name), 6. MUA - 9 Pearl, 7. MAC - Odd Couple Mineralize, 8. Sephora - 34 Midnight Kiss

5. I got these as a set when I went to Hawaii a few years ago, and I use most of them on a regular basis. It doesn't look that purple in the swatch. It is quite dark, and not my favourite one in this set, but is good when doing a purple look to add in the crease or outer eye.

6. I absolutely love this one. The only reason I don't use it very often is the texture. It's almost like a cross between a powder and a cream, and it just doesn't glide on that well. But I love the colours in it, purple and blue. Perfect for me.

7. I got this from an airport MAC duty free place, and got a discounted price as it was cracked. To be honest, I dont' use this much. I have swatched the purple side of it, the other part is gold. I'm not a huge fan of it, and it's just a bit boring. Not much pigmentation.

8. I bought a set of mini eyeshadows from Sephora also while in Hawaii. I rarely use this one, it goes on okay with a primer underneath. But on it's own it isn't a very interesting eyeshadow. Once again, not a great pigmentation.


Australis - Velour Lips To-ki-o

This one isn't an eyeshadow, but a purple lipstick. On Friday I picked up a few things, and this was one of them. I've had my eye on Airborne Unicorn by Lime Crime, but decided to pick this up first to try out. It's a lipgloss application that dries matte. I will have a review up on this at some stage over the next week.

Do you have any of these products? What are your favourite purple makeup products?

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Beauty Review :: Lime Crime - Babette Lipstick


As mentioned in my recent post of Favourite Things Friday, I bought Babette a while ago, but it's a much used edition to my makeup collection.



I now have three Lime Crime lipsticks - Coquette, Great Pink Planet, and Babette.



Lime crime makeup is all about cruelty free makeup that lets you be creative with colour - right up my alley!


Babette is a newer edition to Lime Crime's line, and it is described as a "Pinky-Nude". To be honest, it wasn't quite the colour I was expecting. I thought it was going to be a bit pinker/cooler than the warm tones it actually has.


But, the thing that makes this lipstick one of my favourites is that it kind of changes colour depending the lighting/what you match it with.




Sometimes it can look quite warm, almost an orange tinge. Whereas at other times it looks a lot more pink. It is a subtle colour, and is perfect for day or night time wear.









Packaging: As always, Lime Crime's packaging is great, comes in a cute box and is a sleek lipstick tube with the shimmering unicorn.


Value: This was a while ago, but I think they are around $29 NAZ plus shipping. Ends up being quite expensive, but worth it.

Quality: I notice this seems slightly better than the other two lipsticks I have from Lime crime. With the others, I have noticed they make my lips a little dry. Babette seems a little better, but I still notice it slightly. It can also look a little orange-y once it's come off and drying.
















Overall: 4/5 




I love this lipstick. I wish it wasn't quite as warm-toned as it is, but it's great, and I use it probably the most out of all of my lipsticks



I think my next Lime Crime purchase will be Airborne Unicorn or Chinchilla...

Friday, November 14, 2014

Favourite Things Friday

It's Friday, and what's even better about this Friday is it's also a public holiday for me!

Oh, and that means, here is my latest edition of Favourite Things Friday.


Lipstick: Limecrime - Babette













This is also a sneak peak of a review coming soon...I'm absolutely loving this lipstick right now. 

I got it a while ago, and it is definitely my go-to lipstick. But I won't go into too much detail about it now, stay tuned for a full review in the next few days.

Eyeshadow: Urban Decay - S&M



I bought this from a Sephora on my trip to the USA last year, and it's great. It's so pigmented and lasts so well. Urban Decay is a pretty famous brand when it comes to eyeshadows (or makeup in general) due to their Naked palettes. And it's no wonder why. A full review also coming soon.











Foundation: Natio - Full Coverage (Light Medium)



It's quite hard to find a good, yet affordable foundation. But this one is mine. Natio's full coverage liquid foundation. It has a really good coverage, and is only about $25. It lasts me a good few months, and the shade is good for my skin tone. 













That's my favourites for this week! Have a great weekend.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Beauty Review: LeTan Gradual Tan Moisturising Body Lotion

On my most recent trip to Sydney, I went into Priceline and picked up a LeTan Gradual Tanner.

My past experience with one of these has not been great.

This 250ml tan has a SPF 15 and is suitable for all skin tones.

This tan promises that within 5 days you will notice a difference in skin colour. It's suitable for face application, and can be used with an instant tanner to prolong the colour.

 Packaging: A good size to use at home, and take with you when you are travelling. Easy to squeeze tube. 

Quality/Value: This cost me about $7 AUD. So about $9 NZD. Definitely worth the price considering how quickly it works (see below).

Effectiveness: I was actually not really expecting this to work. The one I tried before didn't, and I have very fair skin. Well, within only 3 days I was noticing a difference. I can definitely see the colour difference on my legs, and I think I will try it out all over my body, not just my legs.

Application: It goes on really easily, and isn't streaky. You only have to leave it to dry for a few minutes. Once the colour starts to show it looks fairly even, and I've only noticed a couple of lines/dark areas which weren't too noticeable.



It's a bit hard to tell in the picture, because I am naturally so fair skinned, but my legs were the colour of my arm, so there is a bit of a comparison there! And that is in less than a week of using it once a day.

One thing to beware of is I wore jeans after applying on my last day in Sydney, since we had a flight that night, and it wasn't meant to be very warm. Well, it was a lovely hot Sydney day and when I took my jeans off I had dark blue lines all over my legs! It came off pretty easily, but it something to be cautious of.

Overall: 5/5 Well with the purchase, and at a really reasonable price! Strongly recommend.