Face of Australia Illuminator - Angel Flame

It's nice to be told that you look good. It is even nicer when you find a magical product that draws in compliments like a worm on a hook in a sea full of fish. This product, my friends, is the worm on a hook.

When I first purchased this, which wasn't at all long ago, it was for a number of reasons. The first was that I had seen several positive reviews on it. The second was that Face of Australia was having a buy 2 get one free deal. Another reason was that I wanted a highlighter/illuminator and the fourth reason was that this was a colour that I found totally intriguing (and rather scary if I'm completely honest).

As many, many, many people have pointed out - you need no product at all to get the desired look. Seriously, this 50mL tube will last me a lifetime. A whole lifetime! I kind of wish that they had made 25mL tubes and cut the price in half. Not because it was expensive (I picked it up for $15) but because I don't feel that I will ever be able to use it all, and that would be such a waste.

No Flash L-R: Unblended, barely blended, completely blended

I was a bit hesitant with this product. Though I am a beauty blogger it doesn't mean I am always beauty-brave. I didn't fancy the idea of resembling a glittering disco ball and feared that this product would turn me into that. It doesn't, if you are careful.

And be careful you must, for this tube is generous. So much product comes out with so little pressure. It would not recommend storing it standing up because I found the product to rush to the bottom. When I opened it, it went everywhere! Lay it on its side.

I am not going to lie - it is a sparkly, glittery product. However, make that work to your advantage. I watched video tutorials on applying illuminator and found that everyone had a different way of wearing illuminator. Find what you like and try out everything! On the packaging it suggests that you mix it in with your foundation. I haven't yet tried that because I personally feel as though it would be too much for my face to handle (sparkle and I aren't always best friends) but maybe one day I will try it.

It does settle into small creases on the skin but it is hardly noticeable. Don't be afraid of this colour because it is absolutely gorgeous! I never thought this pink liquid with gold shine could look so lovely, but somehow it does. I also really like the packaging. Nice and simple, classy looking.

I like this product. A lot. Would I recommend you buy it? Yes, if you fancy illuminators for 15 bucks. It does require a little practise to get it right, but it is oh so worth it. Also, there are five (I think) shades in the range so I'm sure if you don't like this shade (which, by the way, is Angel Flame) I guarantee you shall find one you love.

I give this product 8 out of 10.

Oh, one more thing - it is also limited edition!

With Flash (see the shimmer!)

Clean and clear value pack

The old...

I have been using Clean and Clear for my skincare for a very long time. I find that the products really suit my skin and are very affective, and the best part is that it is so cheap, leaving money for more interesting things like makeup! I was running out of my foaming cleanser and moisturiser and I saw that this value pack was on special for only eight dollars. I picked it up without thought and am now waiting for when I actually run out of my other products.


I have already done a review on the moisturiser so I won't spend much time on that, but I will say that it is really good and feels lovely on the skin.

The cleanser is my favourite of the three products and I would have spent eight bucks just on that. I love the pump bottle especially, because in the past I have had other types and they have not been nearly as convenient. The fact that it is a foam cleanser really suits me, I love the foamy feel. It is so gentle on the skin, doesn't sting or irritate whatsoever. Sometimes I feel as though it is a little drying, but if you apply the moisturiser afterwards there is absolutely no problem.

...and the new!

I have heard of people having real problems with stinging and irritation. I personally cannot really understand this as I consider it to be the mildest cleanser I have ever used.

Of course, I still get pimples and breakouts every now and again but I feel as though they would be a lot more frequent if I didn't use this. In regards to blackheads I don't think this would be very effective, so I use a blackhead clearing scrub about twice a week with this cleanser. I also use a mask every now and again, and even though the mask and scrub is a different brand to this cleanser, it still works wonderfully well.

I really like this cleanser and I give it 9 out of 10.

As for the toner...it's not all that great. I never feel as though I require a toner, I just don't think it is necessary. I found that this one did sting, only a little bit though, but still enough to notice. As you can see in the photos, the toner I bought the first time did not get used up, so I won't be opening the second one.

There are slight differences between the new and old packaging, but nothing all that drastic.

I really like the skincare brand Clean and Clear and will continue to use them.

Natio Eyelash curler

I did a little post asking you guys whether eyelash curlers were worth it or not and the general opinion was that it was worth buying one. The problem was that everyone suggested different price ranges. Some people thought that a real cheapie did a great job and others thought that investing a bit more would ensure quality and a better result. I ended up going with a cheapie for two reasons. The first was that it was all I could find at the time, and the second reason was that for my first eyelash curler I didn't want to spend a whole heap if I found it to be useless and a complete waste.

I spent about seven dollars on this one by Natio and have been using it everyday for about a week and a half now. I have discovered that I actually have quite curled lashes naturally, and that whilst it isn't a complete waste of money, it doesn't really help me all that much. It does however help several of my friends who aren't so lucky and have lashes that stick straight out. I'm still going to use this curler, but I'm not going to rate this product because it isn't really applicable for me.

It is super gentle and easy to use. I was afraid that, being the person that I am, I would end up pinching the skin and tearing half my eyelashes out. It is actually really difficult to pinch the skin - you would have to be trying pretty hard to do it. As for tearing my eyelashes out, well I haven't managed to do that yet.

As I mentioned before, I didn't realise that my eyelashes were relatively curled anyway before I bought this and started comparing my lashes to other people. It does curl them a little more, and I guess it evens out the curl a bit. Sometimes have of the lashes on one eye are super curled and the rest stick out straight - this does a wonderful job fixing it.

What else can you say about an eyelash curler...not much really. I think for anyone else who is thinking about buying one for the first time should think about how much it would benefit them. It really depends on the person as to whether they will find it amazing or a complete waste of money.

The colours of the rainbow tag

Gianna tagged me to do this post which I am so excited about! It's called 'The colours of the rainbow' tag and involved finding makeup products from all colours of the rainbow. It is ideal that the actual product is of that colour, but packaging can also be included.

Red
The product I chose for this was my Savvy by DB lipgloss in Ruby. I love this lipgloss range as posted here and Ruby is such a gorgeous red colour with very slight golden shimmer. It is perfect when you want a red lip but not too bold and in your face. I love it! I was debating whether to post my Innoxa nail polish in Hot Chilli because that really is such an amazing colour, but since it is discontinued I decided to go with the lipgloss.

OrangeThis was a bit of a tricky colour, but I decided that my Formula 10.0.6 Deep Down Detox mask would have to be my Orange product.

Yellow
The only yellow product I actually had is my Covergirl Lashblast length waterproof mascara. I was trying to find my review on it to link and then realised I hadn't actually posted one which is unbelievable because I use this almost every day!


Green
This was near impossible this colour...I actually don't have any green products. Okay, I have green nail polish but I don't exactly wear it because I am not exactly a green nail polish fan. Is it possible to fail a tag, because I think I just have...

Blue
Another fail. I have no blue product...except for blue nail polish which I never wear. Oh dear.

Indigo
Aaaannnddd yet another one I cannot complete. Okay, I do have Indigo eyeshadows but I never use them. So that would be cheating, wouldn't it. I also have dark blue eyeliner. I never use that either.

Violet
This tag has reminded me of an old eyeshadow I bought ages ago on sale and never used. It is my Maybelline Shadow Stylist loose eyeshadow in Rich Violet. I really should try and use it more often, apparently lilac eyeshadow is good for green eyes...

So, since I really mucked that tag up, I decided it was only fair that I include a couple more colours to make up for it!

Black
For black I chose my Australis eyeliner. Even though I gave this product 2 out of 10, we have been trying to make things work. We are getting there!

BrownI was going to choose a bronzer but in the end I had no choice but to select my Maybelline mousse eyeshadow in suede sensation. I love this eyeshadow so much and have had so many compliments on it. I was debating whether to select my other Maybelline eyeshadow in the Autumn spirit too. I can't believe I haven't done a review on the mousse eyeshadow. I know it is discontinued, but it is so wonderful I think I'll do one anyway. I know you can get it at some Cheap as Chips shops too despite the fact that it is discontinued...

Gold
Another shadow that I absolutely love is my Loreal Paris Shadow Minerals eyeshadow in 10 Gold. Yet another product I cannot believe I haven't reviewed since I use it so often!

SilverI must go with my two silver polishes that helped me create this look that I got so many lovely comments on from you all. They are so lovely!

Pink
The easiest colour of all, pink! I have so many lovely pink lipsticks, lovely pink blushes and my new illuminator, but in the end I had to go with my Lush Bubblegum lip scrub. It is just that amazing.

 Well, this tag has shown me that in the colours that I do have like brown and pink and red I have thousands of products, and then in the colours green and blue I have nothing! I think I may need to extend my makeup products out a bit. Then again, I would never wear any blue or green product anyway...brown, pink and red are my favourites.

This tag has also shown me that some of my favourite products have not been reviewed. What have I been thinking! I must get on to them right away!

Posting Problems

Weird things have been happening lately...posts are being published as I am editing and writing them, they are posting three or four times when I only click 'Publish Post' once...it's rather frustrating!

Sorry if your dashboards are going crazy with ridiculous posts from my blog, but I am trying to sort it all out!

OOTD - Shopping

The dog felt compelled to be a part of
the OOTD - too bad he can't show
off his outfit!

I posted my first OOTD on February 26. I was very hesitant to do so but received some lovely comments so I decided I could probably do another one.

I went out shopping in this outfit so my main aim was comfort. I always make sure that I am wearing a tank top under my shirt because it comes in soooo handy when trying on clothes to buy. The shirt underneath (the tank top) was from target, the collared top I actually found at an Op-shop and I love it! It is so good in summer because it is so light and casual and you can chuck it over a bikini at the beach or wear it out shopping! It was originally from Country Road.

My shorts were also from the Op-shop and have also been so good for summer. They are very comfortable, and whilst I have seen better looking shorts, they were so cheap and have come in so handy. I just love them.

My bag is the same one from my first OOTD, which I forgot to mention was from Equip so it was very cheap.

The bracelets I'm wearing I have had for so long now I just cannot remember where on Earth I got them from! The necklace was from Diva.

Last but not least are my shoes which I also got from the Op-shop. Gosh, I hadn't planned on doing an Op-shop OOTD, but that is kind of how it has turned out. Maybe I will do that...what a good idea! All my clothes and jewellery can be Op-Shop stuff. Sounds like a challenge to me! Keep your eyes out for an upcoming Op-shop OOTD!

Face of Australia Lipstick - Lychee Crush

I am sure you have heard of this lipstick, if you haven't, you have now - Face of Australia Lipstick in Lychee Crush. The most flattering neutral ever. I went out and bought it after reading Michaela's review on it. You can read that here.

Right. This "Lip Quench SPF 30+ with Shea butter and Jojoba oil" is possibly the most moisturising lipstick. Well, maybe not, but it really feels good on the lips. The colour is oh-so-flattering as reported by several other beauty bloggers with a range of different skin tones. It's like a pale pink, peachy slightly brown colour that looks so much better than it sounds.

It is a very buildable lipstick which I really like. It can look like a stain when you apply a tiny little bit, or it can look like a gorgeous creamy lipstick when applied liberally. I personally like it somewhere inbetween. It's got good pigmentation too. It's got a lovely finish to it - you can see that it is moisturising.

I found that it looked so much nicer when I used my Lush lipscrub prior to applying. It did cling to any flakes or creases in the lips, so it is important to get a nice smooth surface.

I found the lasting power of this to be really good. Usually the lovely creamy lippies tend to rub off in no time, but this stuck around. This is one of those lipsticks that I will be wearing as often as possible, everyday even. It will go with any eye look, whether it be smoky or nice and neutral.

The packing is wonderful. It looks so classy. I love the matte black tube with the white, raised print and the silver band around the edge. What I love most about it though, is how you can see the product through the lid. The sticker on the bottom which is supposed to indicate the colour really doesn't show it accurately, so by having the clear plastic end on the lid you can see the true colour of the lipstick.

The only problem that I could think of having with this lipstick is the scent. It smells a little like sunscreen, a little dry and chemical based. It does go away after a while but it lingers for a little when you first apply it.

I am so glad I got this for ten dollars, it was very much worth it.

I give it 9 out of 10.

I realise that I am reviewing this relatively early, so if my opinion happens to change I will let you know!

A little haul - Australis, Face of Australia, Natio, Target

The makeup/beauty products

After seeing several recent haul and review posts, I went out to visit my old friend Priceline. We haven't caught up with one another for quite a while, so it was a long visit.

I had a little list of things that I wanted and purchased most of them. I also went to Target in search for some Essence products but I was so disappointed - the stand there was awful, barely anything on it and half the products were smashed and smushed. Very disappointing. Anyway, I will get onto the haul. There isn't too much but still worth posting about it anyway.


Face of Australia was have a buy two get one free deal. I bought the Illuminator for myself in Angel Flame after reading Gianna's review, bought a blush for my Mum who has been wanting it for a while, and got the lipstick Lychee Crush for free. I saw the review on Michaela's blog and wanted it immediately!

I spotted the Australis creme blush on sale for seven dollars and I decided to just go for it and chuck in the basket. I got it in the shade Dusky Rose. I then ambled over to Natio where I spotted this eyelash curler for seven dollars and bought that too. I was looking for the Australis Crystal colour top coat but unfortunately it had sold out. It was also going for ten dollars so I figured I could probably get it cheaper elsewhere another time. I will be staying on my wishlist though...

I forgot to picture this with the other makeup products but I bought a black nail polish because the other one I had was completely useless. Shocking. Anyway, fingers crossed this new one (which was only three dollars) is a little bit better. One coat is all it needs to be fully opaque, and I seriously mean fully opaque. It is super glossy, but I haven't had it on long enough to speak about the chipping factor.

 The Australis blush looks a little bit scary in the packaging but I'm hoping it will blend out nicely as a blush, and if not it will be a lovely lip colour. There were only two other shades which I did not like, this one was the nicest.

I have tried out the lipstick, and it is amazing. Every review I have read has praised it like no tomorrow, and I totally understand why. It's gorgeous. So soft and moisturising and creamy, and such an awesome colour.

The illuminator also looks quite scary, but it blends so wonderfully and looks gorgeous. I had planned on getting another colour because even on Gianna's post I thought it was too pink, but realised at Priceline that it was perfect.

I am really happy with the eyelash curler. I wasn't sure whether to go for cheap or expensive after you guys all commented. This was seven dollars and I hope it lasts.

 I also bought some Earrings from Target for three dollars on special down from nine. I wanted the pearl ones because they were nice and little, unlike the ones I already have. I expect I will get a lot of use out of the silver ones too but I'm not sure about the last ones...

I bought this hat for five dollars down from ten. I tried to get it on a nice angle when photographing it but it looks a bit funny. It's nice in real life....

Last but not least is this bag. I adore it, I think it is wonderful, and it only cost $15. What a bargain!

The gold ones down the bottom are shaped like hearts

L-R: Lychee Crush, Dusky Rose, Angel Flame

I am hoping to get some reviews done ASAP!

Pretty/Casual

 

Look what I discovered!

 

I had seen these kinds of posts everywhere and had absolutely no idea how on Earth people were doing them. I finally found out and I think I am in love. It is amazing and they are so much fun to do.

Please don't be too harsh, it is my first and I spent the whole time trying to work out how to use it all! I took no notice of brands or prices (hence why the jeans are $355!) but just found things that I liked!

It was so much fun!