Essence Lipstick - All about cupcake

I had seen the Essence ‘All about Cupcake’ lipstick mentioned in numerous hauls and monthly favourite posts and youtube videos, but I hadn’t actually read an in-depth review on it. When I made a trip out to Target to purchase some Essence products, this was on the top of my list.

This lipstick cost $3.95 and it was actually the only lipstick left that hadn’t been torn open and smushed into the lid and various other cosmetics (don’t you hate people who do that?) The whole cosmetics stand, in fact, had been pulled apart and the contents sprinkled/smushed/plastered/dripped all over the other cosmetics, except for this magical lipstick and the Ballerina Backstage section of the stand.

For those that are unaware of how Essence compares to other brands here in Australia, I will give you a quick overview. The Essence prices are pretty much on par with BYS products (approximately $4 for a lipstick, the same price as an average coffee). Australis lipsticks are about $12.95, Maybelline lipsticks at $16.95 and Loreal lipsticks at $24.95, so Essence is cheap cheap cheap! They have a small range of products in comparison to brands like Maybelline and Rimmel London, and are only sold at Target stores (a pain for us Priceline lovers!). I have only tried two Essence products, but I feel comfortable making the prediction that for the same price as BYS, the products are of a better quality (and from reviews I have read and watched, I get the feeling that the quality of the products in more consistent throughout, completely unlike BYS products.)

The tube is an average size with the cap on, but when you take the cap off you see that unlike other lipsticks which extend into the cap, this one stops halfway. It’s not the sturdiest packaging I have ever seen, but it is one thousand times better than the BYS lipstick packaging. It also has a sticker on the bottom showing the colour which I like. Even better, the colour of the tube changes according to the product too, which is unlike any other brand I am aware of.

The colour of this lipstick doesn’t appear to be all that incredible in the tube, which is exactly why I love it. When you apply it you get a choice of super sheer, or you can build it up. The natural pink colour is incredible, and gives your lips a juicy, glossy, plump and moisturised look. It’s one of those, ‘your lips but better’ products that you can keep in your handbag and wear for any occasion. Whenever I am not sure what to wear, in a hurry or just want an instant ‘makeover’ this is the lipstick I slap on. It’s gorgeous! It is also pretty long lasting.

The formula is so creamy and moisturising, and my goodness it smells amazing. I could smell it all day. It is identical to the fragrance of the strawberries and cream lollies, with a bit of marshmallow mixed in. Best part is that it lingers even once applied. If only it tasted how it smelled…

In full sunlight

So like the eye soufflé I recently reviewed, this is one of those products that have stolen my heart and I think will be a favourite for a long time. At only four dollars, this lipstick is so worth running out and purchasing – I will definitely be getting more!

I’m going to have to give this product 10/10.

In shade

I've been getting creative on photoshop!

Polka Dot Nails

Polka dot nails have been doing the rounds on the beauty blogs lately, especially as it is Easter! I had been wearing Rimmel London's 60 polish in 'Instyle Coral' for about four days and was bored of it, so this morning I decided I may as well make it more interesting and give it some polka dots!

It was really easy to do and it took me no time at all. I don't love the look, but I think it is a nice change from my usual, plain, boring nails.

I saw some family this morning and their reaction to my nails was, well, not overly positive! "What on Earth happened to your nails?" "Was that on purpose or by accident?" (Oh yes, because I could totally end up with evenly spaced polka dots on my nail by accident!) "Are you trying to look ridiculous?"

Yes, they were the responses I got regarding my nails!

I want to know what you guys think, because when I did this I didn't think much of it, but after seeing some of the family who absolutely hated it, I started to wonder.

I mean sure, you might not love it, but I didn't think anyone would be repulsed by it! It's not that bad is it?

Essence Eye Souffle - Pas Des Copper

I have been wearing this eyeshadow everyday for about a week, and I have to say - I think I'm in love! To make it even better, not only am I in love but my mother and a couple of my friends are too! Yes, this is just that good.

As mentioned in my Maybelline Dream Eyeshadow review, I was always quite hesitant about cream eyeshadows and whether it was worth it or not. Was it just going to crease, was it going to slide off my eyes within the first hour or so, was it going to work with my other eyeshadows...oh the worries I had! I can safely say that I have made a decision - I like cream eyeshadows more than I like powder eyeshadows. Yes, it's true. I have converted, and it is all thanks to this product.

Yes, there are more powder eyeshadows than cream and there is a larger range of colours. Yes, powder eyeshadows are more convenient to apply and carry around. Yes, you can have palettes of powder eyeshadows. Despite this, I still like cream eyeshadows more, well, at least this one anyway.

This cream eyeshadow, or eye souffle, in the shade Pas Des Copper, comes from the German brand Essence which is brand spanking new to Australia. After seeing praise over various beauty blogs and youtube videos I decided that I could probably be part of the action and test a couple of things out too. Because Essence cosmetics are only sold at Target it took me a while to get motivated to make a special trip out there. When I finally ended up standing there looking at all the products, I had absolutely no idea what to get. I had read a little review or two on the 'Ballerina Backstage' range of products, in particular the eye souffles. I could only see two shades so I picked up the Copper one and hoped I was going along the right track.

It was only when I got home that I realised how gorgeous the colour actually was. When I posted my haul I mentioned how it was similar to the Maybelline Dream Eyeshadow, but I have since realised that whilst it is similar, it is actually much better (I know, who would have thought it could get any better!) The colour is richer and more pigmented, more shimmery and has more of a 'wow factor.'

It sticks to my eyelids like glue. I can wear it for 12-14 hours and when I go to take it off about 80% of it is still there, which is much better than most of my other eyeshadows. It doesn't crease, it doesn't feel sticky, and my favourite part is that it is so easy to apply. Just one swipe across the lid using my finger is enough. I feel comfortable wearing it just by itself, but it also works well with crease colours and highlight eyeshadows too. I can combine it with powder shadows with no problems.

The texture is just perfect, and I can't get over how pigmented the shadow is! It's incredible! The only problem that I have is that there are so few eyeshadows in the range (there are only three) and the other two are matte, in black and white.

I am a fan of the packaging, although it is difficult to see the colour without opening the lid which can be problematic when you are in a rush in the morning and are trying to find a particular shade. Nevertheless, I do like the packaging of this product.

After reading this (hopefully) you will be thinking to yourself "Wow, this sounds like the best product in the world, I must run out and buy it! I will pay for it no matter how much it costs, even if it empties my bank account!" Well I have news for you - this eyeshadow cost me....$4.50. That's approximately the cost of a coffee these days!

 My mother and a couple of friends noticed me wearing it and went out and bought it for themselves! Just goes to show that it must be pretty good!

I do recommend you investigate this eyeshadow, which I rate as 10/10, for the price and the quality is incredible. Even if you hate it, or you find that you are unlucky and for some reason it doesn't stick on your eyelids or the shimmer is too much for you, it won't be a huge loss of money.



The swatch on the right (obviously!)

Sunset inspired eyes

You know how sometimes things just creep up on you unexpectedly and then give you are big surprise? That's what happened to me the other night when I just so happened to open my curtains and look out the window. Look what sight I was greeted with! Isn't it just gorgeous?

Anyway, I was inspired by the beautiful colours and decided to try and recreate the look using eyeshadow. I am not particularly good at 'recreating looks' that have inspired me (okay, I'm useless at it!) but I figured I may as well post it anyway - then you can all have a laugh!

I will stick up for myself and say that the oranges and yellows were brighter and more exciting in real life (not so that they looked awful, but to a nicer degree of colour).  The purple along the lower lash line came up pretty well though.

A couple of these photos are a bit creepy! Hopefully they allow you to see the look at bit better though!

Starting out with makeup - Brushes

I received really positive responses from everyone in my last two "Starting out with makeup" posts (see here and here) so thankyou all for your kind and helpful comments!

I don't think brushes are absolutely essential at the start when beginning your makeup collection, but I will list some of the most useful ones anyway in case you are interested. They no doubt make things a lot easier and I find them a lot of fun to play with! The only problem is that often they are the most expensive aspects of makeup!

Eyeshadow brush
Often eyeshadow palettes come with brushes (or sponges). I cannot stand the sponge type applicators, so I highly recommend you purchase a brush if need be, even if it is a real cheapie.
I recommend - Sportsgirl Eyeshadow Brush - $3.95

Kabuki brush
These brushes can be used to apply setting powder, foundation and blend out blush or bronzer for a more even, natural look. I love my Kabui brush and wouldn't be able to do without it.
I recommend - Avon all over Kabuki brush - $4.99

Blush brush
A blush brush is only required if you use blush (of course!). I like flat blush brushes personally.
I recommend - Savvy by DB blush brush (comes in set) (Approx $10)

Eyebrow brush (with comb)
These brushes are so cheap and so useful. They groom your eyebrows and separate lashes after applying mascara. There is no particular brand that I recommend, but just go to any cheap shop and pick on up for a dollar or two.

Q-tipsTechnically not a brush, these little things are amazing! I use them for so many things - cleaning up mascara, eyeshadow, lipstick, concealer...applying highlighter to my inner corners, smudging. They are amazing! Cheap Q-tips can be found pretty much anywhere!

Other possible brushes

Flat foundation brush
Lots of people don't like applying their foundation with these type brushes but I really don't mind. I tend to use my fingers purely because I am lazy and can't be bothered washing it, but if you want to get one...
I recommend - Eco tools bamboo foundation brush (Unsure of price)

Lip brush
Lip brushes are really useful when applying red lipstick or really pigmented glosses. When you want a precise application, lip brushes are your best friends.
I recommend - Australis retractable lip brush - $7.95

Angled Eyeliner brush
I actually don't own an angled eyeliner brush because I have never felt the need for one, however I know others love them for applying eyeliner and filling in their brows.

Angled contouring brush
I use an angled contouring brush whenever I apply bronzer. I love how it is angled because it makes it easier to apply the product in the hollows of my cheeks.
I recommend - Savvy by DB Angled contouring brush (Comes in set) (Approx $10)

Concealer brush
Concealer brushes make an unbelievable difference. They apply the product evenly and get concealer into the creases between your nose.
I recommend - Savvy by DB Concealer brush (Comes in set) (Approx $10)

So, I hope these three posts have been helpful in some way to those of you unsure of brushes or starting out with makeup.

Starting out with makeup - Products

In my last post I listed some tips for those starting out with makeup. In this post I am listing some products that I recommend.

So, these are the makeup products that I would recommend as the starting points to your makeup collection. Obviously everyone is different, and someone might think bronzer is essential, and someone else may think it is not at all necessary. I have listed them in no particular order. I have also listed cheap options for each.


Face

Foundation/Tinted Moisturiser
I began with a tinted moisturiser and I never really felt the need for foundation when I was first starting out. If you are young or comfortable with your skin I would suggest skipping it all together, but if you would like a light coverage then a tinted moisturiser is the way to go. There are some foundations that I have found to be so light that I would consider them to be tinted moisturiser. Make sure you always test the shades out on your skin before buying them - there is nothing worse than an orange foundation line! Try purchasing products with SPF if you can.
I recommend: This is the one product I actually cannot give any cheaper suggestions for. I would love to hear if you know of any good, cheap foundations/tinted moisturisers!

Concealer
Another product that I recommend skipping if you can, concealer suits people with blemishes or dark under-eye circles. Ensure that you choose a concealer specific to your needs (blemishes or circles) and this is one product I would recommend spending a little more on if you can. You want it to stick all day, match your skin tone perfectly and cover the problem up, not make it more noticeable.
I recommend: Maybelline Dream Lumi touch highlighting concealer - Approx $18
(A little expensive perhaps, but so worth it!)

Blush/Bronzer
Once again this is one of those products that people have differing opinions on. Some think it is absolutely essential, others think it is a waste. I personally think either blush or bronzer is important because it gives you a bit of colour that you otherwise wouldn't have (if you are wearing foundation). With blush, make sure the colour suits your skin tone - it makes a huge difference.With bronzer, use matter bronzers for contouring and more shimmery ones for a subtle glow. Ensure to research how to apply bronzer/blush on youtube if you are unsure, and make sure you apply it lightly.
I recommend: BYS Blusher $4.95
                       Savvy Jumbo Bronzer (Approx $10, often on sale)


 Eyes

Mascara
Mascara is one of those products that makes a huge difference if you get the right one. This is one of those products that you need to look up reviews for. You need to know what you want too - lengthening, volumising, thickening, defining, waterproof, separating, curling, brown/black...the options are never ending.
I recommend - Covergirl Lashblast Length Waterproof mascara (prices vary from $10-$20)

Eyeshadow
When I first began with makeup I didn't wear eyeshadow. I don't think it is necessary, but if you would like to wear eyeshadow, go for neutral shades. Cream eyeshadows are easy to apply and don't require brushes.
I recommend - Essence Eye Souffle ($4.50)

Lips

Lip balm
I think lip balms are absolutely essential. They moisturise and protect, and provide a good base for lipstick and lipgloss. Clear lipglosses are good, but tinted ones provide both colour and moisture.
I recommend - Maybelline Baby Lips lipbalm - $3.95 (clear)
                         Nivea Fruity Shine Pink Guava - (Approx $4) (tinted)

Lip gloss
Lip gloss was one of my essentials when I first started. Go for sheer, light pink colours that make your lips look juicy. Try to apply it carefully, you don't want it dripping down your chin!
I recommend - Savvy by DB lip jewels gloss - (Approx $6)
                        Nivea lipglosses - (Between $4-$7)

Lipstick
I never wore lipstick when I first started out, but for those who are interested, these are the cheap lipsticks I would recommend.
I recommend - BYS lipstick ($3-$4)
                         Essence lipstick ($3.95)

These are products that I consider to be unnecessary when starting out. I own all of these, and I'm not going to pretend that I don't love them, but they aren't required when you are first starting out.
They are: Primers (face and eyes)
                Eyelash curler
                Highlighter/Illuminator
                Setting powder
                Foundation brush
                Eyeliner

                Lip scrub
                Eyebrow pencils
                False eyelashes

Once again, people have differing opinions on what is essential and what is not. I hope that you found some of this useful, and if you are interested you can read the reviews I have done on the suggested products.

When purchasing products in the beginning it  can be a little expensive as you are buying so many things at once. Remember that you don't need a thousand blushes or mascaras to create a beautiful makeup look. If you buy a good product in a shade that you love, you won't need to purchase another one until you run out. By making good decisions you can achieve wonderful looks really cheaply.

Starting out with makeup - Tips and Tricks

*This is going to be a series of posts as I have so much to say! My apologies if you are not interested in these kinds of posts, but there won't be too many! Posting will resume as normal afterwards!*

When I first started my makeup collection, I turned to friends, my mother and youtube videos as a guide of where to start and what to buy. I began with no brushes or any other tools whatsoever, and I actually didn't buy any brushes for about a year. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing and as a result tended not to wear any makeup at all.

So, I thought that I might do a post of starting out with makeup - what you need, things to remember, brands to buy and where to learn more. Of course this post will not be helpful to most of you because you are all experienced beauty bloggers, but hopefully someone will find this helpful.

I personally don't think there is a particular 'age' that you have to be to wear makeup, but I do think that when you are young less makeup always looks better. Always. Try and stick to neutral shades of everything - eyeshadow, lipstick, blush, bronzer etc. Apply your makeup lightly and keep everything as natural looking as possible. As you get better and become more experienced try out new products, fun colours and bold looks.

Purchase most of your makeup from cheap brands when starting out so that you don't waste a heap of money on products you find to be useless. BYS and Essence have some really cheap products and really good quality products too. Saying that, every brand has its dodgy products so don't give up if you happen to pick up a dud. As you learn what you love, branch out into the more expensive brands that are well known for their quality products, like Maybelline, Rimmel London and Revlon.

Look up reviews on products before you buy them. Online reviews are incredibly helpful and an determine whether you end up with an incredible Holy Grail product or the worst waste of money you will ever come across.

Know what makeup looks you like. Look at makeup styles celebrities wear and try and imitate that. Make sure that they suit you - if you have light skin and blonde hair, makeup on a dark skinned brown-haired celebrity may not suit you.

Look up tutorials and makeup looks on youtube. There are so many incredible beauty gurus who can tell you everything about products and applying your makeup. Watch and learn!

Keep an eye out for sales at Priceline and other makeup stores. I have bought some pricey items so cheaply, just by watching out for sales and making the most of "three for the price of one" kind of deals.

Next post I will list makeup products to start out with, and brushes or other tools you can use should you feel the need.

Haul - Op Shopping, Essence and Australis

I went out to Target today to purchase some makeup from the brand Essence, and on the way I popped into the Chemist where I saw...Revlon Lip butters! I was so excited, and quite surprised - How long had they been in Australia? I did about a million swatches all over my hand and then settled on two colours - Strawberry shortcake and Sweet Tart. I hadn't even considered how much they were going to cost so when he asked for $35.90 I nearly died. No way was I going to pay 17.95 for a lip butter! That's ridiculous! Like every other Australian I have been hanging out for these lip butters since they exploded across every beauty blog and youtube video on the internet, but I honestly had not expected them to cost so much!

Anyway, enough complaining. I ended up purchasing an Essence lipstick in the shade 'All about Cupcake' and an Eye souffle (how cool does it feel to say that out loud!) in 'Pas Des Copper.' I went through the bargain bin and found an Australis Retractable lip brush for three dollars so I picked that up too.

When I got home I discovered that the lipstick is the most amazing colour (there was no tester in the shop) and the eye souffle is an incredible dupe for my Maybelline dream mousse shadow in suede sensation. If you read my review on Suede Sensation, you would be aware that I loved it and was afraid that I would run out of it. Because it is a discontinued product I have been scouring the Cheap as Chips around me but cannot find another one. I hope that this will be an adequate replacement for it (fingers crossed!) Not only is the shade similar, but the packaging is so similar too. I can't help thinking that maybe they had intended on making it look like Maybelline's dream mousse shadows...

I have had my eye on the Australis lip brush for a while as I haven't got a lipbrush and it is only $7.95, but something was stopping me. When I saw it for only three dollars today, of course I could not pass up the offer! I'm really pleased with it, but for some reason I can't understand the 'retractable' part of it. It's not working for me!

I also bought a knitted jumper from Target which I love!

I then went to the Op shop where I purchased a shirt/dress and a piece of jewellery. The jewellery is unlike anything I have ever seen before and I paid three dollars for it. The shirt was eight dollars, a little pricier than I would usually go for but I really like it. It is the brand Sweetacacia which I cannot find much information on. I would like to find a website for it but I'm not having much luck.

From Target

From Op Shop

Rimmel Moisture Renew lipstick - Soft Coral

I bought this Rimmel Lipstick on sale for four dollars at Kmart (I think) and really wasn't expecting much at all. I wasn't able to see the actual product in the store so I had to cross my fingers and hope that it was a nice colour. Fortunately, it was, in fact the colour is absolutely gorgeous! So why don't I like it?

The pigmentation of this product is wonderful. One swipe and it gives your lips a nice bit of colour but nothing too drastic. Two swipes and it is really lovely. Three swipes and you have a bold coral lip, obviously lipstick but gorgeous all the same. The lasting factor is pretty good, but I found that if I ate or drank it didn't stick too well though. Now here's where the problem is...once it has worn of you are left with glitter lips. Silver chunks of glitter randomly stuck to your lips. And it looks just awful!

Have you any idea how frustrating this is?! A lovely lipstick, a colour I don't have, and then only to find that as it wears off you are left with these awful silver chunks ranomly scattered across your lips. I'm not really into the whole 'I am a three year old that has been raiding my mother's makeup' kind of look, but this really looks bad. It honestly looks like a three year old that has found some sparkly eyeshadow and had some fun.

When you have just applied it up until it has worn off there are no visible glitter chunks. Sure it is a little glittery, but barely noticeable. Then suddenly...BAM, you are left with a disco ball explosion.

Depite the fact that it is a moiture renew lipstick, it feels incredibly drying. It is really gritty and uncomfortable on the lips. It is kind of like an exfoliating lip scrub...just you know, with glitter insead of sugar granules.

I'm not really sure what I think about the packaging. The metallic purple packaging, whilst seeming tacky, is also quite likeable at the same time. It has the Rimmel Crown pressed into the cap which I am not a fan of. Since purchasing my Face of Australia Lipstick I kind of have this expectation that all good lipsticks must have a clear cap! It makes such a difference! It does have a sticker on the bottom, but as always, it isn't colour accurate.

It has no smell which is good (I have recently become sensitive to the horrible 'lipstick' smell).

This lipstick contains some really good things and some really, really bad things. I adore the colour, it is just gorgeous, but I am completely put off by the sparkle. The lasting power is good but it is very drying.


I think I am going to have to give this one 5 out of 10.

Maybelline Dream Mousse Eyeshadow - Suede Sensation

My Maybelline mousse eyeshadow is probably the best three dollar purchase I have ever made. This little product is my go-to eyeshadow pretty much everyday. It is seriously that amazing. Which is why I am devastated to say, it is discontinued (and I think it has been discontinued for a very long time).
I had never used a cream eyeshadow prior to this one so I was unsure whether it was going to suit me or not. I had several concerns regarding staying power and tendencies to crease, however I have found it to be better than most of my pressed and loose eyeshadows in both of these areas. It lasts all day, although it is considerably more faded than how it started. It does crease a tiny bit, but so little that I am not at all bothered.

This was the only colour available at the time, so this was the one I selected. It just happens to be a gorgeous colour that I often wear alone during the day. It is not at all an attention seeking, spotlight hogging colour, in fact it is subtle but beautiful, just how I like it. I do have to say that it does look awful in the little tub. Just think, the brown colour and putty-like texture is not a particularly good mix when you look at it...what comes into your mind?!

Speaking of the little tub, isn't it just adorable. I love the glass bottom (I think it's glass) and the twisty top, and it is so cute and compact. I like how you can see the product underneath too, that is something I consider to be important.

I love the texture. I kind of thought it would be a little creamier and foamy, but I am so glad that it is not. It's like super warmed up blu-tac. Or warm Plasticine. Remember that stuff?

It isn't particularly pigmented as mentioned before, but I like it like that. It has a little glitter in it, but only really fine shimmer rather than huge chunks (yuck). It looks shimmery when it catches the light.

To apply it I simply use my fingers which I find to be the easiest and most effective way of doing. When using a brush it gets lost in the bristles and I physically cannot get any of it to apply to my eye. It also means I have to wash yet another brush, something I am not willing to do. I did try using q-tips to apply it...worst idea ever.

I will definitely be scouring cheap as chips in the hope of finding some more, this is one of the very few products I will be running out of! I give this product 9 out of 10.