Drugstore Cosmetics Launches for Australia -- May 2014

Hello wello, HAH! Not late for this month, how unexpected, right?

Skipping my uni work for this post, so of course it won't be late....! There are not many launches this month though... Sadly.

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Ulta3 CC Cream ($8.95/2 shades)

BAM! Ulta3 with their newest product, a CC cream. Ulta3 has always been a well-loved brand for their nail polishes. Their make-up? Not so much. Strange (and a bit shocking) to know that they've introduced a CC Cream, as CC creams are generally new to the Aussie market. Wonder whether they'll nail (#punny yo) this one, or whether it would just be another CC tinted moisturiser?

Ulta3 describes this to be, a complexion correction cream that helps to correct colour-related skin issues. Has a foundation-like coverage, and is buildable. Also protects the skin against sun damage.

Ulta3 Speckled Nail Polish ($3/6 shades)

This was released last month, and I believe, has already made a big hit on many beauty blogs. Limited edition collection which features fine black pepper particles and large matte glitter pieces on pastel-coloured bases. I really like the idea of this since trying <name> by Illamasqua. Too bad I couldn't find it at my local Ulta3 stockists.. Bummer!

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Colour Vibrations Glitter Mania Collection ($6.95/8-9 shades)*

I'm actually not too sure how many shades are released in Australia for this collection, but the whole collection consists of 8-9 shades. The price, I've gathered from Chemist Warehouse's catalogue. They are $4.95 RIGHT NOW (save $1.96), so get them now on sale while you can!

What they look like, apparently.

"Pretty" would be an understatement to describe how they look. Gaaaaaahhhhhh. 

Physician's Formula

I've said last month, that it seems that PF is just continuously releasing similar products over and over again. Here's your quarterly doze, I guess...

• Nude Wear Glowing Nude Blush ($21.95) -- A "perfect blend of complexion-boosting blush tones to brighten and enhance the skin tone" whilst adding a touch of radiant colour.
• Nude Wear Glowing Nude Powder ($29.95) -- Provides weightless coverage, and features a multi-coloured paeltte of nudes...... Not sure how I'm suppose to use this as a "powder" actually. Four shades of nudes o_o
• Nude Wear Glowing Nude Bronzer ($29.95) -- Features a "complexion boosting multi-coloured palette of bronze hues" for the most natural looking healthy bronze flow. 

Not sure about the products, I don't want to be too biased against them. Their prices are ridiculously high that I may as well remove their brand from these posts to be honest. Not very "drugstore", ya know?

Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin FakeOut Mascara ($24.95)

"Made from 100% natural origin lash extension fibers", whatever it means, this mascara is supposed to lengthen, amplify and curl the lashes for an "unbelievable 3D effect".

Lashes naturally appear thicker, longer and more lush and gorgeous for up to "24 hours".


Meh meh meh!!

• Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin CC Colour + Correction Cream ($25.95) -- CC cream with a "ground-breaking" formula that features 70% of organic ingredients. Corrects + cares for the skin, in a lightweight formula which blends effortlessly. Evens out the skin with radiance. Lasts all day.... they say.
• Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin CC Curl + Care Mascara ($24.95) -- What. The. Heck? CC mascara. Contains 70% organic ingredients, curls and volumises the lashes. All day wear. But still, what the heck? WHAT IS A CC MASCARA. 

NP Set Contour & Define Cream On The Go ($27/3 shades)

One of those products that is supposed to conceal and even out the skin tone, but added to that, NP Se describes that it's also suppose to "define and lift [our] natural contours". It's a lightweight cream formulated with some fancy vitamins and antioxidants. No idea why the packaging says C+D Cream though. 

Designer Brands

• Extend a Brow ($12.99/2 shades) -- Silly name, but the product doesn't seem too bad! It's a brush-on brow enhancer, with a "silky-fibre formula". Provides a fuller and more defined look.
• Quick Dry Nail Polish ($7.99/20 shades) -- A high gloss nail lacquer that touch dries in 30 seconds. Features a precision brush that ensures streak-free application. 

Great, that's all for this month's launches then!

Your thoughts on these products?

The Physician's Formula products don't interest me too much, so skipping right pass them. Definitely gonna hunt down Ulta3's Speckled Nail Collection though, and heading to Chemist Warehouse soon to check out sales on Sally Hansen's glitter-babies!

For anyone looking for Ulta3's Speckled Nail Collection, head to their Facebook page. Their store locator can filter limited edition products too! Super handy!!

Drugstore Beauty Launches for Australia -- April 2014

Hey guys! I'm late again :(

Sorry, this first week of April is actually when assessments are due, and tests begin for two of the language classes I'm taking. Yosh, Chinese and Japanese baby!

I'm still on to my FOA Screen Siren swatch post, please be patient! I appreciate it very muchies :P

~

Manicare Facial Cleansing Brush ($11.95)
I've received this in my mail box right after publishing last month's launch post... >_<
This brush, however, is supposed to gentle exfoliate the skin whilst effectively removing embedded impurities that a make-up pad or cotton wool can't get to. Described to be suitable for all skin types. Deep cleanses when used in conjunction with your daily cleanser. It's like a toothbrush for your face!!

Available at Priceline and selected pharmacies only. 


Nivea Q10 Plus CC Cream ($19.55/1 shade)
Half skincare, half cosmetics... kinda. A multi-tasking moisturiser (moisturiser?!??!) that provides colour correction and Q10 anti-wrinkle properties in one simple step. Sounds alot like a tinted moisturiser to me... Eep. Has anyone tried?

Innoxa Skin Perfecting BB Powder 5 in 1 ($26.95/2 shades)
Described be a lightweight multi-tasking powder, it is supposed to help:

• Improve the skin's texture
• Minimise skin imperfections
• Reduce the appearance of fine lines & pores
• Absorb excess oil
• Correct the skin tone
• Calm & sooth

Fragrance free, with a fancy anti-ageing formula. 

Revlon ColourBurst Balm Stain/Matte Balm/Lacquer Balm 

Okay, I'm sure you've heard a TONNE about these. Especially with the BOGO offer at Priceline which ended recently. 

• Balm Stains: Offers a lightweight flush of colour, comfortable and moisturising, and has a slight peppermint fragrance.
• Matte Balms: Offers a medium-buildable colour payoff with a true matte finish. Also contains peppermint fragrance. Available in 10 shades.
• Lacquer Balms: Medium-buildable colour payoff with a high shine finish. Also contains peppermint fragrance. Available in 10 shades.

I haven't tried these, but I've swatched them in store. I'm actually not too interested in any other ranges besides the Matte Balm range. I felt like the Lacquer Balm range was really sheer though, and that the Balm Stain range didn't really excite me. I do wonder if it actually stains though, or does it only provide the "stained-look", hence why they're described to provide a "light-weight flush of colour".

Face Of Australia High Definition Primer ($13.95)
I know they've always had their 4-in-1 base primer, but here's one that's "specially formulated to help make-up glide on easily". Has a lightweight formula, described to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and large pores, and is suitable for sensitive skin.






NATIO

• Complexion Perfection Foundation Sponge ($5.95) -- An application sponge which is designed for fast and flawless foundation application.
• Tinted Lip Balms ($4.95) -- Aww!! These look so cute! They are a limited edition collection. Buttery lip balms that delivers a low-sheen colour with high moisture. 

NP Set Eye Slicks ($14/3 shades)

A creamy eyeshadow with a cream-to-powder formula that's described to "last without creasing". 

PHYSICIANS FORMULA

Eek... Some new launches by Physician Formula. Urghhhhhh, Why do I feel like they release such similar sets of products every 2-3 months, but in different packaging? The products don't seem to make a hit, and they are bloody pricey.  

• Shimmer Strips All-in-1 Custom Nude Palette for Face & Eyes ($24.95)
• Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Airbrushing Bronzing Veil - Deluxe Edition ($29.95)

L'Oreal Paris Nude Magique Eau De Teint ($24.95/6 shades)
I'm sure you guys have seen these in store! I think it may have been released last month... This foundation features a lightweight formula, and offers a "nude velvet finish".  Although I don't know what that actually means, I must say that I'm in LOVE with how it looks! The packaging is oh so nice! *-*

essence Metal Glam Collection
A spankin' new collection by essence!! Yipppeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Credits to Beauty In China >

From left to right, top to bottom:

• Eye Shadow ($4.50/4 shades) -- Highly pigmented, metallic-based eyeshadow.
• Lip Gloss ($3.50/3 shades) -- Shimmery lip gloss for the "metallic effect".
• Highlighting Powder ($5.35) -- A white hold highlighting power with a soft cream texture (?) and subtle shimmers.
• Blush ($4.95) -- A cream blush, offers a powdery apricot finish (?)
• Stick-on Jewels ($3.50/1 style) -- Stick on jewels for the body.
• Nail Polish ($2.95/4 shades) -- Long-lasting metallic nail lacquers.
• Gold Topper ($3.50) -- Top coat with gold flakes.
• Nail Stickers ($3.50/3 styles) -- High-shine metallic nail stickers.
• Stick On Eyeliner ($3.50/1 style) -- Adhesive stick-on eyeliners. Reusable.............?!

Ahhh, as much as I love seeing new collections by essence, the way they describe their products are just whack. What is a an "apricot finish"? A highlighting powder with a "soft cream texture"? And.. reusable stick-on eyeliners!?!?!?!?

No waaaaaaay. 

And that's all for this month! I apologise that this is a late post, but I had a loooooooooot to do!
As per usual, let me know...

How do you like the products this month?

Which ones have you already tried?

I've actually went to purchase the Gold Topper from essence's Metal Glam collection. Nagging my sister to do a NOTD-duo post with me, featuring the lacquer. Hopefully, she'll get to it soon, since I'm done with my part!

Besides that, I also tried to get my hands on the Revlon Matte Balms when they were on BOGOF at Priceline, but the shades I wanted was sold out!!!!! Urgghhhh. Can only cross my fingers and toes that I can find them at the markets. My heart pains paying the full price, haha.


Time for me to get down to my overly-late FOA Screen Siren Collection post.. Please look out for that!


Thank you for reading, and being patient with me!

Wishing you all a lovely weekend!

xx

Drugstore Cosmetics Launches for Australia - March 2014

Hello wello cello!

Greetings from uni, because 1 hour breaks (before a 3 hour language class) are just SO perfect to catch up on launch posts!

There are many, many new launches this month, from both "drugstore" and department store brands! Quite exciting actually. I think I'm just in the mood to spend and splurge! >~<

I'll try to keep you posted on the department launches, but for now, no promises yet! What I can promise you is that, one of these products to follow will surely make your heart thump! ^_^!

~

FACE OF AUSTRALIA (FOA)

Australia reppin' brand, FOA is launching some new, eggciting products for the month of March! A quick rundown....

• Glamazon Leopardess Contour & Highlight Kit ($9.95) - Contains a matte pressed powder to contour and sculpt the features, along with an illuminating powder for your convenience. Also contains a large mirror. Travel and handbang friendly! I have these at home, I'll get swatching this weekend! Promiseeeeeee. 

• Glamazon Minx Blush & Highlihting Kit ($9.95) - For those who are not a fan of contouring, here's one for ya! A blush to replace the contouring powder. Same same packaging. 

Screen Siren Limited Edition Nail Polish Collection ($4.95/8 shades)

Inspired by Marilyn Monroe, this collection features creamy nudes, pop oranges and poppy greens! Haven't heard too much about these, but the green and purple looks wonderful! Don't you think?


NATIO
Rarely do I see features of Natio. Glad to share a few new products by them, which will be launched towards the end of the month! P.S. I think this brand needs more TLC.... >_>

Natio Bloom & Glow Brow Finishing Gel ($12.95)
Shapes and frames the eyebrows with natural colour, volume and hold. Available in 1 neutral brown shade only. I've been looking for something like this, but what I need to pay attention to more is ANY Natio stand near me.... = =^

Natio Bloom & Glow Cream Blush Stick ($17.95/not sure how many shades)
I'm pretty sure Natio would have more than one shade in this range, just didn't state how many. The formula of these claims to apply smoothly, and easily with a buildable application.

Natio Bloom & Glow Cream to Powder Foundation ($19.95/2 shades)
A lightweight foundation that leaves a shine-free powder finish. If I'm not wrong, this formula is cream-based, but applies and wears like a powder (lightweight and matte). Described to offer natural coverage that evens the skin tone without masking. Available in two shades, because we are only available in two shades.. /sarcasm

Natio Bloom & Glow Mineral Face Illuminator ($17.95)
A bloom-embossed palette that features ivory and rose pink tones to lift and brighten the complexion. Also said to suit all skin types. Available in a golden ivory/soft rose duo.

Natio Bloom & Glow Pen Eyeliner ($14.95/1 shade)
Looks super chunky, this pen eyeliner. It accentuates eyes and define lashes. The wide barrel and soft tips facilitates precise application.

Natio Bloom & Glow Shine Lipstick ($14.95/2 shade)
A lipstick. Creamy and moisturising, they say. Available in a wide range of 2 shades. 

Max Factor Excess Volume Extreme Impact Mascara ($25.95)
Described to be "double-ended". Combines volume with a black lacquer finish. There's a thickening base coat offers high volume, meanwhile, the top coat leaves the lashes with a glossy coating that smooths and seals. Eep. Double-ended mascara... Only seen the fibre mascaras, none of this yet!

Bourjois Paris Black Jack Mascara ($22)
An intense black mascara that has been "formulated with micro-particles of gold for a shimmering effect". Described to be volumising, clump-free and paraben-free. The "shimmering effect" sounds scary.




L'Oreal Paris False Lash Butterling Wings Mascara ($25.95)
A lengthening-based mascara. Designed with an "Amplifying Brush" which will stretch and lengthen each lash to the outer corner of your eyes. Yes plz. My Asian lashes needs something like this, but I won't buy into the price..... and the name. Eek.

NP Set Bronze Blush & Go Duo ($28)
Yessssss, a drugstore brand. Half drugstore, half department... since you can find this Big W too. This is a powder duo, featuring a bronzer and a blusher. Formulated with some fancy antioxidants... basically, vitamin A-Z.

WOTNOT Facial Wipes for Oily/Sensitive Skin ($7.95)
OKAY. No sarcasm here! Really loved these wipes in the original formula. Now formulated for oily and sensitive skin users. I have a review of the original here, which left a bit of oil on my skin after removing my make-up. Felt iffy at first, but I grew to love it for my drier skin. Hope these will work out for those with oily skin types too.


The following is NOT a cosmetic product, but I feel like the brand is really worth a mention.

Cedel Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair ($8.99)

So that's a wrap up for this month's freshly launched products and sarcasm! ^_^ Hahaha..

Let me know which of these newbies made your heart thump!

I've actually received a kind care parcel by FOA yesterday, containing their whole collection of Siren nail lacquers! I'll get down to swatch them soon! ^_^

Drugstore Cosmetic Launches for Australia -- September 2013

A few days late for this month's launches.. woopsies! x~x!

Essie soon to be available at Priceline

YES! You read right! No longer will you need to be making a trip to ze fancy Myers for Essie's nail lacquers. Priceline will be stocking them soon, so keep an eye out for that! 

*Not sure if there's any differences in prices.

Max Factor CC Cream ($19.95/6 shades)

Yissss! CC Creams! If you haven't heard of them yet, they're basically the next generation of BB Creams, called Colour Correcting Creams. Max Factor claims that their CC Cream "provides intense complexion correction immediately on application, to provide healthy and natural-looking skin". 

*If you are interested, these are currently on sale at Priceline!

Almay CC Cream (Available in 3 shades)

Almay also released their very own CC Cream which has that "smart shade" technology again. It's described as a "Complexion Corrector", a lightweight foundation in combined with "clarity enhancing skincare". Almay claims that its formula is suppose to blend easily and flawlessly into the skin whilst concealing discolourations and imperfections. Also brightens and has SPF 25. 

L'Oreal SuperLiner Perfect Slim Eyeliner ($24.45/1 shade)

Goddd, It's been yonks since I've featured any eyeliners in my launch posts! This one is a precision felt-tip liner with a super fine 0.4mm tip, enabling you to create even the thinnest strokes! It also has a grip-zone to hold which allows optimum control for anybody. Sounds pretty perfect for anyone who's new to eyeliners~

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Excess Mascara ($27.95/1 shade)

As the name suggests, this is an anti-clump mascara. In short, it offers to separate the lashes whilst providing dramatic volume. The brush is described to be "L'Oreal's biggest ever brush", but I've never used their mascaras, so I'm not too sure how big! 

Keep that in mind though if you are a keen bean on this mascara!

L'Oreal Anti-Dullness and Anti-Fatigue CC Cream ($26.95/2 types)

Both CC Creams are described to offer weightless coverage, leaving the skin with a "healthy-looking, radiant nude complexion and 24 hour hydration" with SPF 12. Both ARE shade-transforming products, just like their Anti-Red CC Cream. 

• Anti-Dullness: Helps to revive dull-looking skin, has a milky-mauve colour.
• Anti-Fatigue: Helps to revive tired skin *immediately*, has a milky-apricot colour.

Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayons ($15/4 shades)
These may have been launched last month, but I don't see them featured around too much (or maybe I just haven't been actively reading blogs) so I thought I'd give them a mention here!

Described to be "lightweight" and "non-sticky", these lip crayons claims to leave the lips bright and smooth, with just enough shine and transparency to "enhance" each shade.

Bourjois Record Liner Waterproof ($19/3 shades)

Ahhh! Another eyeliner! According to Bourjois, their Record Liner Waterproof is:

• A stretchable gel-cream which will glide on easily
• Long wearing for up to 48 hours!
• Intense and rich in terms of pigementation
• Smudge-proof

There's also a flat angled brush which clicks onto the top of lid. I'm sure you've already seen this similar packaging across other brands, such as Face Of Australia ^~^

Natio Pearl & Pop Nail Colours ($5.95/12 shades)

Pearl & Pop is a limited edition collection of miniature nail polishes by Natio! The shades featured within this collection are fresh and bright which is ideal of Spring and Summer.

They sure do look cute, but with such small bottles for pastel colours... I'm hoping that the formula will kick butt!

Oh! And here are the two other Natio products that launched last month, but I didn't mention. I'll briefly round them up here...

• Mineral Pressed Powder Bronzer and Enhancer ($17.95/2 shades) -- A lightweight powder which is suppose to add a bronze glow and luminousity to the skin in one sweep.
• Heavenly Eyes Mineral Eyeshadow Trio ($14.95/4 sets) -- These are available in four different colour combinations. The eyeshadows are described to be rich and pigmented, long-lasting and each trio comes with a duo-ended applicator.

I also wasn't aware of these two new products from last month by NP Set either, so here they are....

• California Cool Bronzing Powder ($24/1 shade) -- Is a fine, matte face bronzer which combines pink and brown tones. 
• California Cool Gloss-and-Go Duo ($15/2 shades) -- Is a lip stain and gloss combo. It delivers long-lasting colour with a hydrating coat of clear gloss. 

That's all for this month's launches! ^~^

Let me know which products you are most excited for!

I'm ALL about lips, but I'm not really into lip crayons so... Nothing for me this month! 

NP Set Red Carpet Set Palette Photos, Review & Swatches

Never told ya this, but I'm actually biased booger about NP Set's products.. Never stopped by their stands to see what's up, just because their Double Pen duo (which was my very first NP Set product) didn't work out for me, but hey! You know you do that too!

Avoiding a brand just because one their products didn't work for you is in every student-on-a-budget's genes.

Anyway, today's review features the Red Carpet Set which was sent to me two (maybe three?) months back by a PR, so if you'd like to know how it performs.. read on!

The palette contains four eyeshadows, two blushers and four lip glosses with a click-on lid.

The Eyeshadows

We all know that I don't use eyeshadows (bad blogger!), but I have been playing around with them, so I can surely tell you a bit about them except for how long it lasts, the matter of how much or if it creases and blendability. Err.. so pretty much nothing? LOL I kidz.

Champagne, Gold, Blue, Violet (as described by NP Set) with primer

Champagne is a pale yellow-toned beige with a frosty finish. Great for highlighting the brow bone and inner corners. This shade is decently pigmented with a smooth and buttery texture.

Gold is medium warm-toned gold with a frosty finish. The most pigmented of the four with a smooth and buttery texture. Lovely shade!

Blue is a cool-toned darker sky blue with a satin finish and is the sheerest of the bunch.

Violet, in palette looks like any regular dark-violet, but swatches to a gorgeous and super confusing violet. Seems to have a pink-toned violet base with a satin sheen of blue-toned purple. Confused yet? Anyways, what you see in the swatch is what you get. Has a satin finish and is the second-least pigmented out of the four. Gorgeous shade though!

Applied on eyes without primer

The pigmentation of these eyeshads' are nothing extraordinary, although the shades are gorgeous, especially Gold and Violet. Eyeshadow primers are a must as half of these are a tad sheer. With the pigmentation of these on their own, the most you can do is a neutral, natural or soft smokey eye make-up.

The Blushers

When I saw these blushers, I was like "Oh my God, I'm so in love! I found you finally, you make me wanna say..." K. That's enough. Not sure about you, but these blushers are nothing like the ones in my collection (not that I own a very big collection anyways).

Watermelon and Coral (as described by NP Set)

Watermelon is a bright cool-toned pink with hints of coral tones.

Coral is a bright peachy coral which reminds me a lot of my Sportsgirl's Pout About It Lipstick in Fruity Tingle. The swatch photo is actually misleading, because the shade is brighter and less orange, but unfortunately, that's the best my camera can do.

Both blushers are my favourites of the palette. They are both matte and super pigmented! Blends well and lasts all day. If you ever pass this palette at the stores, these blushers look almost neon, but applies extremely natural.

The Lip Glosses

The palette comes with four different 'lip glosses' which have different pigmentations and finishes.

Silver is just a clear base packed with reflective silver glitters. Pretty scary on the lips, I must admit since the glitters are very noticeable.

Magenta is a bright pink-toned purple. It is the most pigmented out of the four and applies well with a glossy finish.

Tomato Red is a wearable, warm-toned orangey-red which is just a tad sheerer than Magenta, but should be flattering on all skin tones.

Mauve, in the palette, looks like a deep warm-brown, but applies on the lips clear with fine, reflective green and blue shimmers.

Tomato Red and Magenta

I'm not a fan of lip colours in a palette, but all shades have a great and easy-to-work-with balmy texture. Obviously, Magenta and Tomato Red are the most wearable out of the four since Silver and Mauve are just clear bases with different coloured glitters. No idea why such shades were included.

One last note, I notice that the palette has a great mix of different tones and shades, which may be a great diverse, but in my opinion, it can possibly look horrendous if not properly applied and shade matched. I mean... neutral eyes, coral blush and bright magenta lips? Err... you know what I mean.

Overall

This palette contains four eyeshadows, two blushers and four lipglosses which is described by NP Set to be perfect for creating a day or night look. The four eyeshadows consists of two frosty neutrals which are decently pigmented and two cooler shades of a satin finish. Eyeshadow primers are highly recommended for these, especially for the cooler shades as they are quite sheer. The two blushers are just breath-taking -- bright neon shades which will brighten up any tone's complexion without over-doing it. As for the lipglosses, they are nothing extraordinary, although they have a great balmy texture and lasts for quite a while. Oddly, it includes two glittery lip glosses which can be quite intimidating for most users.

Have you tried anything by NP Set?

I've heard their lipsticks are of great value!

NP Set Red Carpet Set retails for $29 at Napoleon Perdis Concept Stores, Target, Big W and selected independent stockists.

Disclaimer: Product was provided by PR for consideration. All opinions and comments expressed are 100% truthful and honest. Please refer to this site's disclosure policy.