Sally Hansen - Commander in Chic

Greige has become a bit of a winter classic for nails and I enjoy wearing it when this time of year rolls around. 

Sally Hansen's Commander in Chic has been around for quite a while now and is very much the perfect greige.  Commander in Chic is a medium grey cream with warmth added by just a hint of brown so it doesn't give me 'dead' hands.   As I've found with all of my Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure polishes, even though I wear them without a separate base coat this does still need a top coat for extra gloss but then it lasts an entire week without chipping.  This is two coats of colour with top coat.

All pictures taken in indirect daylight:

I'll always have a shade like this in my polish collection.


Sally Hansen polishes are available from Woolworths, K Mart, Target, Coles, Chemist Warehouse and Priceline stores around Australia.

 

 

(This product was provided for my consideration.  All comments and opinions are my own.) 

Sally Hansen Triple Shine: Vanity Flare

 Today I'm posting another shade from Sally Hansen's Triple Shine range and after the last two pearly polishes this time it's a cream.

Vanity Flare is a high shine grape purple and just the right kind of polish to ease me into winter.  It's subdued enough for the season but it still has a kick to it at the same time so I still feel as though I'm wearing colour.  This is two coats with top coat.

Indirect daylight

Sun

What do you think of this kind of shade for winter?

Sally Hansen polishes are available from Woolworths, K Mart, Target, Coles, Chemist Warehouse and Priceline stores around Australia.

 

 

 

(This product was provided for my consideration.  All comments and opinions are my own.) 

REVIEW: SCOUT Mineral lipstick

Do you remember my posts on SCOUT Cosmetics?  I was introduced to this Australian based natural cosmetics brand a couple of months ago and have featured posts on their 5 free nail polish (click here for a swatch post) and mineral eye makeup (click here for a detailed brand introduction and review of their mineral eye makeup products).

Now I'm continuing my journey into SCOUT Mineral Cosmetics with a road test of some of their lipsticks. If you're interested in lipsticks which are free from parabens, petroleum derived ingredients, lanolin, beeswax or other generic fillers and not tested on animals then read on...

 

 

SCOUT says "...Dress your lips with our 100% Vegan blend. A superior nourishing natural lipstick long lasting non- drying.  Organic emollients of Shea butter Jojoba Seed oil Vitamin E and Organic citrus aurantium dulcis (orange)."

The shades I've been provided to review are Destiny (deep warm red) and Courage (shimmery peach):

My impressions:
These lipsticks are encased in sturdy but quite chic matte black packaging (reminiscent of MAC's original lipstick packaging from years ago) so there's no fear of cracking the lid should you drop the lipstick. I don't always talk about packaging but I feel like I should when it's made from tough stuff!

I found the finish and pigmentation varied with the two shades I tried.  Destiny is very highly pigmented and appears as a creamy satin red with just one or two swipes.  Courage was a completely different prospect and took a few swipes to build up the pale peach colour which ends up quite sheer and shimmery. 

L to R: Courage, Destiny

While these lipsticks are not high in shine, because of their moisture enriched formula including Jojoba Seed Oil and Shea Butter they feel smooth and not drying at all on the lips. These do live up to SCOUT's long lasting claim as wear time is easily 4 hours with only a little fading in the middle of the lips, and with none of that dreaded lipstick bleeding occurring.   Finally there's no added fragrance for those who don't enjoy (or have a sensitivity to) artificially scented/flavoured lip products.

SCOUT Mineral Lipsticks are available in 16 shades ranging from neutral to vibrant to vampy.

Ingredients:
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil Mica (CI 77019) Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (orange) Peel Oil Tocopherol may contain (+/-) Tin Oxide (CI 778161) Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891) Iron Oxides (CI 77491 CI 77492 CI 77499) Ultramarines (CI 77007) Pigment Violet (CI 77742)


Now for some lip swatches taken on a very gloomy day.  Yes, my hair colour's just a little darker than normal too.

Courage

Destiny

 SCOUT Mineral Lipsticks can be purchased from their online store here.


(This product was provided for my consideration.  All comments and opinions are my own.)

OPI Gwen Stefani Collection: In True Stefani Fashion

I bought In True Stefani Fashion from OPI's Gwen Stefani collection a few months ago and this wonderful holographic silver glitter polish was my sole choice from the collection - I'm kicking myself and part of me now wants the whole collection. I may be a little naughty (breaking my nail polish no buy) and treat myself to the minis before it's too late - perhaps...

 

In True Stefani Fashion is a dense mix of larger square pieces of holographic glitter with a generous smattering of silver micro-glitter.  A single coat is all it took to cover my charcoal grey base and I'm back in glitter heaven again.

 

All pictures taken in indirect daylight: 

 

 

What were your top picks from the Gwen Stefani collection?

 

 

Rimmel Salon Pro: Punk Rock

Now for a very winter manicure...

 

Rimmel's Punk Rock is one of the shades from their Kate Moss collab line and in keeping with Kate's fierce style it's a perfectly edgy rock chick shade of blue-grey.  Application was fantastic with the super-opaque formula and wide brush - this definitely has one-coater potential if you're in a hurry.  This wears very durably too and it lasted me through a week. 

Sun

Shade

I'm totally into this softer - but still edgy - alternative to black!


(This product was provided for my consideration.  All comments and opinions are my own.) 

Beauty wishlist shopping and first impressions

I haven't done a beauty shopping post in aaaaages! AAAAAGES!!!
 

Haul posts are few and far between for me this year because of my beauty diet (my "2 makeup items out for every new item in" thing) and while this looks like one big haul it's all of my collective shopping efforts over the last few months.  These are items I've been selectively shopping for from my beauty wishlist as rewards for sticking to my beauty diet - PLUS two birthday gifts thrown in.  My sneaky husband checked out my wishlist didn't he!

 

So this is quick run through of the wishlist items I ticked off my list and some first impressions.  Me being me, I've organised products by category.  Lordy, I do like to sort things...

Face

I bought these two Hourglass items on separate shopping expeditions:

 Veil Mineral Primer had been on my wishlist from the beginning and I actually ended up buying this out of genuine need (I know, that sounds ridiculous doesn't it for a beauty blogger/hoarder!) because I didn't - did NOT - have a backup primer in my collection.  So yes, I've been straight into this bottle from the moment I bought it and so far it's not too bad.  I'm finding this performs differently under different bases and, sure it reduces redness, provides a smooth base for makeup so there's no dry patches and holds everything there for the day, but I don't find it consistently controls shine the way I expected it to.  It's a good but not HG primer so I can see myself researching the subject of primers again once I finish the bottle.  Don't get me wrong here - I really do like it, I just don't hands down loooove it the way I'd expected to. I don't know, maybe my expectations are too high because of the price ($79AUD) or because I'm still a primer newbie.  I'll let you know if I change my mind about this of course!

My Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure is my most recent buy and a recent addition to my wishlist too.  I'd fallen in love with these at first sight on social media, then heard they were overhyped, then decided I did want a glowy blush after all so onto the wishlist they went! I was always thinking I was going to go for one of the brighter shades like Radiant Magenta but swatching instore and my autumn/winter state of mind convinced me that Mood Exposure may not look inviting in the pan...

 

...but it's really something else on the skin.  This apparently brown swirl translates to a very natural looking glowing autumn plum on the skin and perfect for the colder months.  The warmth of this shade works with my yellow undertones and doesn't make me look bruised as cooler plum shades can. 

 

 Eyes

My husband surprised me with the tube of Chanel Le Volume De Chanel mascara as one of my birthday gifts!  I was intrigued by the hype around this mascara - I normally avoid spending $$$ on mascara because of the shelf-life - but after using this a few times I do get what the fuss is about.  I love the soft, rubbery brush, the creamy formula, the instant volume and the softness of my lashes. 

I developed an obsession with cobalt eyeliner a few months ago and after a bit of research and some swatching Lancôme Artliner 24H in the vibrant shade Sapphire went straight to the top of my wishlist.  The colour is a true vibrant cobalt blue to satiate my obsession and it glides on with the precision felt tip and the waterproof formula stays on ALL DAY through all activities.  There are so many other gorgeous and unusual shades in this line that I wouldn't mind buying at some stage - if I can convince myself that I am proficient at using liquid eyeliner.  I'm not bad but I still can't excel at the winged flick! Hmmph.

Lips 

 

These two lip colours look like they were always meant to be together.  It's just one of those wonderful coincidences:

Tom Ford Lip Color in Pink Dusk was another birthday present from my thoughtful man.  I'm a little surprised by how nude this is and not pink at all in my book but I do like how it looks on me as it doesn't wash me out like some beige nudes can.  It's that wonderful TF creamy lipstick formula that I love so much too so of course I'm happy with that! I can never have too many of these lipsticks. Really.

I was originally after one of Ellis Faas' Hot Lips wands but treated myself to Glazed Lips (L308) instead because of the flattering nude sheen.  I've worn this a few times now (yes over TF Pink Dusk too) and while I obviously like the colour and shine I don't know that I necessarily love the twist up mechanism and the brush tip dispenser - I still end up twisting just that little bit too much so it ends up flooding the brush and making for a potential mess.  I need to play a bit more with this product I think.


***********************************

So that's everything I've shopped for since April! My latest temptation is Guerlain's Terracotta Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder and Blush 30th Anniversary Edition if I can empty two more makeup items in time.  I may have even missed this already!

If you want to see a detailed review and swatches of any of the items featured here please let me know in the comments.  I've avoided it here because it would have ended up a very longwinded post.  This was supposed to be a quick run through but you know how it happens...

 



Sally Hansen Triple Shine: Blow Bubbles

I have another pearly polish from Sally Hansen's Triple Shine range to share with you, and quite appropriate for a Wednesday because it's pink!   For those Mean Girls fans who go by the motto "On Wednesday's we wear pink" this one's for you! Yes this week's making me go just a little bit silly...

 

Blow Bubbles is a medium pink pearl finish with blue undertones.  As with my Pool Party swatch this translucent formula took 3 coats to build up full opacity but the result was a streak free shimmery, subtly iridescent finish.  This one's a very unapologetically girly polish and suits the name Blow Bubbles because it has a very youthful, almost tween feel about it.

 

All pictures taken in indirect daylight:

 

 

 

Fun fact:  these polishes actually contain natural crushed pearl.

 

Sally Hansen polishes are available from Woolworths, K Mart, Target, Coles, Chemist Warehouse and Priceline stores around Australia.

 

 

 

(This product was provided for my consideration.  All comments and opinions are my own.) 

REVIEW: Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick

My makeup loving little heart always beats just that bit faster whenever there's a new release, especially when it involves something particularly colourful like lipstick or nail polish!  This time it's all about lipstick because Rimmel have recently launched their Moisture Renew lipstick line in Australia.  From my experience Rimmel have been very consistent when it comes to the quality of their lipsticks and I've said before that they're probably my favourite drugstore lipstick choice. So, my expectations were set reasonably high then...

 

The lipstick shades I'm reviewing here are Piccadilly Pink (soft medium pink) and In Love With Ginger (hot orange red):

Rimmel says their Moisture Renew lipsticks deliver "...maximised, radiant colour. Innovative formula with 3 super Moisturisers" so "lips feel up to 70% more hydrated and up to 60% smoother!" They are enriched with Vitamins A, C and E contain SPF 20 to protect lips from the elements.  (Click here for more information and full ingredients listing.)

My impressions: 
I honestly feel that Rimmel have delivered again with their new line because the Moisture Renew lipsticks are beautifully richly pigmented and feel super comfortable and moisturising on my lips.  The colour payoff is all there in one buttery smooth swipe - Rimmel never skimp on their pigmentation and this is no different as you can see in the swatches below:

L - R:  Piccadilly Pink, In Love With Ginger

Because of the moisturising formula the wear time is around 2 to 3 hours (or after a cup of coffee) before a touch up is required.  I did notice a subtle difference in the formula of the two shades I tested:  In Love With Ginger does have a little more 'slip' than Piccadilly Pink on my lips and it doesn't hold quite as fast although that's not a deal breaker because of the way these lipsticks look and feel - imparting just the right amount of shine and they feel every bit as smooth as a moisturising balm.  Not bad at all for a drugstore lipstick and the feel is reminiscent of some of the more expensive brands out there.  At $13.95 I think these are very good value even for a drugstore lipstick.  Now for some lip swatches i.e. the fun part for me!

Piccadilly Pink

In Love With Ginger

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipsticks are available from:
 Priceline, Priceline Pharmacy, Big W, Woolworths, Coles, Chemist Warehouse, My Chemist,
Target and Kmart and various Independent Pharmacies.


What do you think of these new lipsticks?


(This product was provided for my consideration.  All comments and opinions are my own.)


Sally Hansen Triple Shine: Pool Party

Now you know if I was going to buy some new nail polish I probably would have walked right past Pool Party and not given it a second thought.  Anyway thank goodness it was sent to me for review so I could see past my first impressions.  Never judge a nail polish by the bottle!

  While Pool Party was not a typically 'me' choice looking at the bottle it translated to a beautifully flattering pastel aqua blue pearl on my nails.  The pearl finish did not streak at all and coverage was not quite as sheer as I thought either as I got this opaque enough for my taste in three coats.  I would love wearing this one in summer on fingers and toes.

Sun:

 

Shade:

 

What do you think of pearl nail polish?

 

 

 

(This product was provided for my consideration.  All comments and opinions are my own.) 

Rimmel Salon Pro: Hip Hop

Red... 
Now when did I last wear a bright red? Or hot coral? A few months ago when the weather was still warm.  Now winter's finally hit and the weather's cold so why not "warm" myself up with a nice hot colour like Rimmel Hip Hop? 

 

I looked at this in the bottle and thought nice then put it on and went wow! Hip Hop is a very vibrant, glossy pinkish red cream.  The formula and wide brush meant great application in 2 coats and great longevity of wear all week.  Hip Hop's super cheerful and yet seasonally appropriate at the same time.  Somehow red is my biggest cheer me up colour so I really enjoyed wearing this one. 

All pictures taken in indirect daylight:

 

 

 

 What's your go-to cheer up colour?

 

 

(This product was provided for my consideration.  All comments and opinions are my own.) 

May's farewelled products (and beauty diet update)

 

I was less voracious about emptying products in May so this will be a reasonably speedy post.  I can practically hear you all heaving a collective sigh of relief...

 

Skin care

 

47) Montagne Jeunesse Passion Peel-Off Masque - I enjoy the ease of using a peel-off mask for deep cleaning my skin without needing to wash it all off afterwards and these single use sachets are highly portable and just fun you know?

 

48) Milk Beauty Wipes (25 wipes) - I discovered these HG beauty wipes last year and I was always going to repurchase. To recap:  these are extra large, alcohol and paraben free, and are heavily textured on one side for exfoliation.

 

 

49) Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel  (50 ml) - I always say this is a no-frills cleanser, but inevitably and without exception it's the only cleanser I buy for travel. It does the job gently and effectively and the 50ml tube lasts for a good few weeks!

 

50) Chanel Precision Ultra Correction Lift Eye Cream (2 x 3ml sample tubes) - On the one hand I can't believe these two little tubes got me through a month!  On the other hand...Chanel promises minimized puffiness and dark circles with this cream but seriously I don't know that I noticed any real difference apart from softer skin.  A sensory pleasure only.

 

Hand and body care

 

51) Yes to Carrots Hand & Elbow Cream (6.76oz/191g) - I'm sure this gargantuan hand cream has been discontinued because it's no longer on the Y to C website.  I really liked it too although it had an unusual scent which my husband strongly disliked - I had to move it from the bedside table to the office desk where it kept moisturizing my hands for months.

 

 

Cosmetics

 

Now for this month's beauty diet empties.  Anissa and Norlin  are still at it too and another beauty obsessed blogger is about to join our support group very soon.   Now I admit sometimes the beauty diet does get tough going for me with all of those limited edition releases out there (and all those expertly styled pictures on social media) but so far so good!

 

52) Estee Lauder Crystal Lipstick (Crystal Cherry) - This was a very flattering glossy cherry red lipstick but unfortunately prone to bleeding.  I ended up using it as more of a soft lip stain to make it work for me.

 

53) Nude by Nature Natural Mineral Cover (Light Skin Tones) - This mineral powder foundation provides a natural looking soft matte coverage but definitely needs a primer to get the best results and longevity of wear.  Once I figured that out I grew to really like it.  Click here for a detailed review.

 

54) She Pure Magic Primer (30ml) - You know I bought this to wear beneath the Nude by Nature and it's the first primer I've ever tried.  It's a strange mousse textured product but it blended in smoothly to mattify the skin and hold my makeup in place.  I know this sounds contradictory but if I could change one thing it would be to make this perhaps a little more moisturising (I'm guessing?) because I noticed it emphasised dry patches on the tops of my cheeks from time to time. Since I've moved on to another product that hasn't been an issue.

 

55) Benefit They're Real! Mascara - Mostly this is great stuff! I love the brush because it gets right down into the lashes and the thickening, lengthening and hardwearing formula.  My gripe is this is absolutely hell to take off! Stubborn is the word that comes to mind when I think of this mascara but I still love it anyway.

 

Culled...

 

 MAC Amplified Lipstick (Molassie) - This brown lipstick has been sitting in my cupboard for years and I've finally let it go. I don't know how I got talked into buying this but I bought brown - and such a caca brown at that - because it never worked for me.  A brown lip hasn't worked for me since the '90's!  I've even toyed with the idea of using this as a cream contouring product but then I decided I'm not prepared to work that hard and admit defeat.  This is much better put to use as a Back 2 MAC swap for a more flattering lipstick!

 

Until next month's empties!



Sally Hansen: Midnight In NY

Midnight in NY is the second of three Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure polishes I'm posting and the one which looked most interesting. 

Midnight In NY is one of those sneaky, teasing polish colours.  It appears flat black in most situations - and yet when caught in bright light it lightly shimmers with a multidimensional galaxy of tiny sparkles.  Damn those sneaky polishes because I always expect so much more of them!  This time I remembered to skip the base coat so I needed 3 coats of colour to get complete coverage and despite the 7-in-1 claims I still needed to apply top coat the next day to bring up the shine.  On the positive side wear time was easily one week and removal was quick with no messy staining on my nails - I was a little worried about that because of the lack of base coat.  These pictures show the results of 3 coats of colour with no top coat.

Sun

 

 

Indirect daylight indoors

 

 

What do you think of the subdued sparkle?