NEW ON COUNTER (DEC 2016): Australis, Akin, NYX, Palmer's

I've been out and about this month. As soon as the 4th of November hit (marks the day of my last assessment for the semester), my mum barely saw me at home..

Besides work, I've been out exploring festivals, clubs and many eateries! 

A SLICE OF LIFE

Instagram vs reality (IKEA)

Chillin' at Bondi and passing Stanwell Tops

Getting my #trameatsfatfat feed @ Goodtime Burgers, Left Of Field, Vine & Grind and PappaRich
(coz I don't discriminate)

Still waiting for someone to swipe-right me.. （。-＿-。）

❶ AUSTRALIS BBH Palette ($16.95)

Stands for Blush, Bronze and Highlight. Contains 6 shades as shown, launched last month (woops!).

❷ AUSTRALIS Fake Eye-D Eyeshadow Palette ($24.95)

Also launched last month, a palette with 15 eyeshadows. Mix of mattes and shimmers.

❸ AUSTRALIS Queen C Cream & Powder Contouring & Highlighting Kit ($19.95)

I LOVE the play on names for these new babies! Fun! This kit contains a range of cream and powder shades for contouring and highlighting. Been on counters since last month as well. 

❹ A'KIN Hydrating Antioxidant Day Cream ($39.95/50mL)

I've been getting into the higher-end skincare brands recently. Never felt the need for it, but I've been snatching up so many sale opportunities that I think it's safe to say that I'd much prefer higher-end brands when it comes down to skincare.. especially for moisturisers! Thought I'd feature this one, which is formulated with organic cocunut water and green tea! 

❺ NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Kit ($79/36 shades)

If this was available a few years back, the 18-year-old me would've broke the piggybank and go straight for this kit with 36-minis, no doubt. I still really like the look of this, but I'm not a fan of the formula. Not creamy enough, and slips around too much on the lips. 

If you fancy the formula, then mate, you're in!

(lmao, felt like that was the most Australian thing I've ever said... yes/no?)

❻ PALMER'S Flipbalm ($5.99/3 flavours)

Not sure if anyone has seen these around.. Flipbalms! Haha. Like an EOS lip balm, but flippable. Available in three flavours: Juicy Watermelon, Creamy Coconut and Ripe Mango. 

And that wraps up the last #NOC post of this year. Pretty bland this month.

You'd think there'll be products cluttering hoping to debut for Christmas, but Christmas listings actually launched some time ago. Besides, I absolutely dislike Christmas listings!!

There are so many gift packs containing products that are already made available. Not enough new, innovative products, ya feel?

Definitely will hunt for Palmer's Flipbalms during my next visit to Priceline.

Other products? Meh, not so much. 

I'm off to Jervis Bay for a few days tomorrow, and then a week later, off on a cruise (not sure where I'm going) until the 19th!

Catch you all soon. 

X

NEW ON COUNTER: Bourjois, essie, Revlon, L'Oreal, Garnier, Nivea, Palmer's [...]

Late launches this month. Reason? I was waiting for the 30th or 31st to procrastinate on this launch post, but it wasn't until one night when I went out that I realised it's Feb, and Feb only has 28 days! /lol

Such a bimbo, I am~ 

{MAKE UP}

BOURJOIS PARIS

Mega Liner Ultra Black ($24)

It's not usual to see an eyeliner as part of a limited edition collection [for the drugstores]. These are described to be "eyeliners with a pigment as black as calligraphy ink". Long-lasting and smudge-proof for up to 24 hours.

Colour Edition 24H Eyeshadows ($20/2 shades)
Limited edition eyeshadow with a long-wearing formula that lasts for up to 24 hours. Available in a golden beige (Flocon d'or) and a dusky brown (Marron givre).

Volume 1 Seconde Ultra Black Mascara ($23)
They've launched a similar product before, with a similar name, except this one is "Ultra Black" with claims to last up to 16 hours. Ultra-volumising, long-lasting and and ultra-black.


NUDE BY NATURE

Pressed Matte Mineral Bronzer ($39.95)
A matte bronzing powder that provides skin a warm, sunkissed glow. Why so expensive?! @_@

Pressed Mattifying Mineral Veil ($29.95)
Light weight, semi-matte pressed finishing powder, suitable for all skin types.

Pressed Natural Mineral Cover ($39.95)
Pressed powder foundation that pvodies medium to full coverage.

REVLON Ultra HD Lipstick ($23.95/20 shades)
Lippies!!!!!!! Yay! These lippies feature high-definition gel technology (wat dat???) to provide intense colour in one coat. Weightless, applies evenly, and has a whipped vanilla and mango scent (sounds yum!).


RIMMEL Apocalips Lip Velvet Matte ($15.95)
No idea how many shades these are in, and I also don't have any information, but I'm sure you have heard much about these!

MAX FACTOR Creme Puff Pressed Powder ($24.95)
A pressed powder which offers a superfine, matte coverage. Claims to stand the test of time. Also described to give a soft, luminous and subtle glow...... Huh?

{NAILS}

ESSIE Fall Collection ($16.95/6 shades)
Yay!!! Essie's fall collection! Limited edition, of course. The range includes inky cobalts, autumnal reds and muted greys. Available from March through to April only.

L'OREAL Colour Riche Le Vernis The Shades of Grey Collection ($7.95/6 shades)
OMGGG. Another nail collection, dedicated to 50 Shades Of Grey (although they don't officially state it, it totally is!). Has anyone watched the movie?? How did it go?!

Don't ask me why there at 7 bottles

{SKINCARE}

GARNIER Skin Naturals 2 in 1 Express Eye Makeup Remover ($7.95)
Launched last month, apparently. The packaging reminds me a lot of their Micellar Cleansing Water! This is a dual-phase eye make up remover though, with 30% oil and 70% water. Works to remove intense, long-wearing, waterproof eye makeup. Lightweight, and doesn't leave an oily film.

NIVEA Cellular Anti-Age
Three new products in this range~ Includes a day cream SPF15 ($27.99), an eye cream ($27.99) and a night cream ($27.99).

PALMER'S Illuminating Brightening Eye Serum ($14.99)
Firms and moisturisers the delicate skin around the eys. Works to hydrate, lift and illuminate the skin, whilst helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark circles. I've used something like this before, and wasn't too impressed. So I'd pass.

Think I've included most items!

What are you eye-ing?!

Don't think there's much for me this month. The Apocalips Matte looks nice, but for the upcoming Autumn, I'm thinking to give dark lippies a go, so currently, not looking to add anymore to the stash!

Current Skincare Routine: FEB 2015

You may not know this, but as a blogger.. I actually have [close to] zero fixed skincare products!

I surely do have a routine (and that is cleanse - exfoliate - moisturise), but when it comes down to having repurchased products stickin' around, then there's only one, and that is St. Ives Apricot Scrub. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water too, I guess, but even then, I still rotate my make-up removing products around a lot, so St Ives Apricot Scrub is the only product that I've religiously use.


Anyways, a slight peek at my current skincare routine today. I'll make this short n sweet!


① MAKE-UP REMOVER: Face Of Australia Gentle Make-Up Remover* ($8.95)
I'm in midst of trying to finish this off. It is a gentle make-up remover, but I'm no longer a fan of these dual-phase (oil/water) products on my skin. However, I do prefer them for removing stubborn eye make-up!

② MAKE-UP REMOVER: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water ($11.95)
My favourite make-up remover for the skin! I've reviewed it here.

③  CLEANSER: Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Pore Scrub* ($14.99)
Haha, yea! I use this "pore scrub" as my daily cleanser -- morning and night. It's listed as a "pore scrub" that'll gently scrub away impurities, and that's totally spot on! It's extremely gentle. So gentle that it works better [for me] as a daily cleanser more than anything.

It's [supposedly] suitable for acne-prone skin, which I don't have [anymore], but still works well at cleansing. Really like the scent of this one. Don't think I'd repurchase it though.


④ DAY MOISTURISER: Palmer's Daily Facial Lotion SPF15* ($12.99)
Only started this recently, after finishing Biore Nourish Moisture Lotion* (which I did enjoy using). Initially, I switched to Neutrogena's Healthy Defence Daily Moisturiser, but it was way too thick. I wasn't used to such a thick consistency, so I immediately switched to Palmer's.

This one is creamier than my previous lotion, but still bearable. Will probably be good for the upcoming cooler seasons.


⑤ EXFOLIATOR: St. Ives Apricot Scrub ($9.99)
The only staple product of my skincare routine. It's sooo scrubby, but feels SO good after. Instant soft and smooth skin. Mmmhm!

⑥ NIGHT MOISTURISER: Biore Overnight Moisturiser
I've purchased this for less than $3 at Priceline. It's a night-moisturiser with a very thick consistency. It even feels thick on the skin, but in a good, and bearable way. Very moisturising, but too bad, it's discontinued.

⑦ SLEEPING MASK: The Face Shop Raspberry Roots Sleeping Mask
This is amazing. I only use it occasionally, but it makes SUCH a big difference to my skin in the morning. It's the last product of my late routine, after moisturisers and eye creams and all. My skin feels extremely supple every morning after! Love, love this!

⑧ EYE CREAM: Indeed Laboratories Eysilix Instant Eye Rescue* ($34.99)
Only started this recently after digging it out from the stash. Haven't used eye cream in yonks! This one is alright so far. I'm not too sure what to look for in an eye-cream. Not yet anyways, so I'm currently happy with this, as it has a creamy and lightweight formula.

⑨ FACIAL MASK: Lush Brazened Honey Mask ($16.95)
I'm not a big fan of this mask. Just using it up. I've received it from a friend as a Christmas present! Although I don't mind the formula, the scent isn't really for me. It bugs me sooo much. Even my mum complains about it. When I walk around home with this on, she'll be complaining about the scent. It's just.. really weird!

Yeap. The products are about to switch up soon, again. I'm almost done with my LUSH mask, and the night-time moisturiser.

Glad that I won't need to look at any replacements since my skincare stash is sooooo full!

When it changes, I'll make sure to update!


Hope everyone [who celebrates] has had a wonderful Lunar New Years!

祝大家新年快乐！身体健康，万事如意，工作顺利，学习进步！

Recent Empties ♡

Reporting back with my latest empties, haven't done this in a while!

These empties are from.. um, too long ago to remember.. They've been cluttering in my room for yonks, and only until last week that I felt bothered enough to take snaps and record a vlog for them.. (¬▂¬)

❶ Maybelline Total Clean Express Eye & Lip Make-Up Remover (discontinued)
Finished! Love these dual-phase make-up removers, with the prices I've purchased them for.. Still have a few more, and I can only hope that they newer removers that replaced these are repackaged versions.

❷ Sukin Cream Cleanser ($9.95)
I loved their foaming cleanser, but this one just didn't do it for me in terms of removing ma make-up and the "grime". Ironically, I used this at the END of my routine (wth, right?) to tone [by putting moisture into my skin] for its creamy formula!

❸ Palmer's Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes* ($7.49)
Worked well, but would've worked better if I hadn't let most of em' dried out! The price though...




❹ LUSH Love Lettuce Face Mask 
OMGAH, I LOVE this mask. This was my second tub and I love love love it so much! It's grainy, so as you wash it off, it also exfoliates.. leaving the skin feeling incredibly smooth. It's probably more suited towards oily skin-types, but I love it anyways. Sometimes it's a tad drying, but nothin' a tad of moisturiser can't fix!

❺ LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub* -- chuck out
Throwing this out.. I kinda grew out of the idea of [using] these lip scrubs. Hmph. It's not a bad product, it's just not a necessity anymore.

❻ NYX Round Lipstick in Tea Rose ($8.95)
Throwing this out too. Absolutely hate the formula. Urgh. Probably the cheapest "highly-raved" lippies back in the day, but the formula is.. urgh. Definitely a "miss" for me.

❼ Australis Curved Ink Eyeliner* -- chuck out
LOVE the idea of this, and it definitely worked for me after a few times practising. The formula is really disappointing for me though. Although it was dark and easy to use, the formula is smudgy and not crease-proof as claimed.

❽ U Little Beauty Dreamtime Enriching Night Cream* ($24.95) -- chuck out
Not a fan of this moisturiser. Used it halfway, but I can't stand it anymore. It takes years to blend, before it settles and seeps into the skin. Not the best in terms of being moisturising, and it's a night cream.. I'd pass. I was really fond of this brand's Happy Clappers hand cream though!

❾ Bioglo Rose Essence Sleeping Mask
I really like this! Reminds me a lot of the Laniege Sleeping Pack samples that I used to use, except that the consistency is a tad thicker. Very hydrating like that though, would repurchase if the store that sold this (eCosway) didn't have their stupid and impractical "MEMBERS-ONLY" system. Urgh.

❿ The Face Shop Chia Seed Sebum Control Moisture Cream 
Really lovely gel-product, almost like serum in a jar! It's weightless, hydrates, and instantly smooths your skin. Slightly like a primer, but I won't be OTT and claim that it'll smooth your skin that much. I'm not sure of it's price, but I think it's fairly expensive. It was $50 in Vietnam, so... eep. Bye-bye to the best serum/moisturiser I've ever used!

That's 6 empties along with 4 products I'm chucking out. Eeehm.. Call it an "empties" anyways!

What's the latest product you've finished?

Drop me a comment!

Brb. Repurchasing LUSH's Love Lettuce mask and price-checking that awesome TFS Chia Seed cream!


Disclaimer: Products marked with * were provided for review consideration (from yonks ago). 

Palmer's Eventone BB Cream -- Review

In October, I blogged about my first impression of Palmer's Eventone BB Cream and finally after a long trialling period.. I am excited to share with you my thoughts on it!

SPF 15+ huh?

First of all! Love the hygienic and handy squeeze-tube packaging along with its dispensing hole which is just the perfect size, allowing control over how much to be dispense!

However, do not love how in its typical "BB cream" nature, it is only available in two shades (meep!) -- Fair/Light and Medium/Dark. Both shades are too light and too dark, so my perfect combination is the mixture of both! I'm glad that these shades don't lean overly cool in terms of undertones which means "yay for no pink face!", but heads up.. it does oxidise to be darker!

Fair/Light, Medium/Dark

Although neither shades suit moi, I feel like it is a good thing in the bigger picture since you'll be able to mix and match the shades to your skin tone, seasonal changes and also use them to highlight and contour (I actually do this!). So overall, it will be able to cater to a broader spectrum of skin tones. Of course, this isn't something I'd do with an exxy foundation, but since these are SO affordable ($9.95 each with occasional sales at Chemist Warehouse), it is really no biggie to purchase both shades! What do you say?

Click to enlarge

It also has the perfect consistency -- not too thin and not too thick, but strangely, it can feel quite grippy upon application and tends to settle in quite quick. A quick fix to this is to add a dot of moisturiser to the product to allow more blending time.. oh, and don't forget to use your fingers to keep the product nicely melted! :)

Click to enlarge

Depsite its fussy finger application, grippy-ness and limited shade range, I still REALLY enjoy using this BB cream! My main concerns are acne scars which needs to be covered and dry patches which needs to be hydrated (or left alone) and this does it all. For a lighter coverage that'd even out my redness, I'd blend it in with my fingers in circular motions, but if I'm seeking medium coverage then I'd apply it in patting motions! Yeap! There's a difference depending on your method of application!

Adding to that, it also has a dewy finish and lasts a GOOD 8 hours on my skin, with very little shine seeping through. Hooray! I'm still so happy that it leaves my dry patches alone! Hooray!

Before & After -- Overall face shot

I have no idea whether these do or do not live up to the hype of Asian BB creams, but I really like it! I think you'd like it too if you have normal to drier skin types!

Have you tried Palmer's Eventone BB Cream?

What do you think of it?

Palmer's Eventone BB Creams are only available at My Chemist (online) and Chemist Warehouse for $9.99. 

Disclaimer: This product was provided for review consideration. However, I am not obligated to review or mention this product in my posts! All opinions of this post are my own and remains uninfluenced. For more information, please refer to my Disclosure policy.

Some Outstanding Sales (6 Dec 2012): Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, Marie Claire

Hey there lovelies!!!!! SO excited too share with you guys this fortnight's of outstanding sales! Why?

Because my FAVOURITE brand is having a BOGO (Buy One Get One Free) offer!

1. PRICELINE: Buy 1 get 1 free for Australis' LIPS & EYES! I highly recommend their Colour Inject Mineral Lipsticks and Lipglosses. Skip their pencil lip liners though! Ends 17 Dec 2012.

2. PRICELINE: 20% OFF Rimmel London.. if you are keen on their latest release of the ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal, now is the time as their price should drop down to $8 (I've seen the instore price is $6.50 though, so check!) Ends 17 Dec 2012.

3. CHEMIST WAREHOUSE: 30% OFF Palmer's Eventone BB Creams -- $6.99 each! Ends 09 Dec 2012.

4. CHEMIST WAREHOUSE: $14.99 for L'Oreal Paris Dermo Expertise Revitalift Total Repair BB Cream! 55% OFF RRP! Ends 09 Dec 2012.

5. MARIE CLAIRE: Gift with this month's Marie Claire issue -- free trio nail polishes of Alex Perry Colour Collection!

6. BIG W: My local Big W (Bonnyrigg Plaza) is actually having a 'manager's special sale' on Australis lip glosses and nail polishes -- lipglosses are 2 for $10 and nails are 4 for $10, so check your local Big W if the sale is applicable. Ends 20's Dec 2012. 

Enjoy the post, I'm off to Call Of Duty now! Bye! :P

P.S. Let me know what you're gonna pick up too! I purchased a bunch of lipsticks, two lipglosses and their 10 HR Wear Eyeliners and Lash Length Extensions Mascara! Yeah baby!

At First Sight: Palmer's Eventone BB Creams

Since the explosive trend of BB creams (blemish balms) across Asia, I can pull out a handful (make that two handfuls actually!) of brands/companies from the top of my head who've jumped on the BB bandwagon. And as far as I know.. there has not been one BB cream from the West which has lived up to the hype..

 Image credits >

However, in saying that, I'm actually always excited to see Western brands hitting up with their very own BB cream formulas... Full coverage products with awesome skincare benefits makes every make-up enthusiast's dream.

Anyways, Palmer's has recently just released their very own Eventone BB Cream! I was shocked (for real!) when I received information on the new release since 'Australia's 1st BB Cream' *ahem* Garnier *ahem* didn't do me well. Meep. And not to mention I never really expected a BB cream from Palmer's!

I haven't used the product long enough to review it yet, so I'm gonna give it a while more! But here are my first thoughts...

• Wow. The consistency is quite thick.
• Holy cow, the shade 'Fair/Light' is VERY light. Let's check out 'Medium/Dark'....

Eventone BB Cream swatches: Fair/Light, Medium/Dark

• Medium/Dark is too dark. Lucky I have both shades! ^_^"
• Soft dewy glow, me likey.... it's also not caking/flaking on my dry cheeks!
• Nice coverage!

6 hours later....

• Hi Eventone BB Cream. You still on my face. K coolcats! 

Yeap. My first impressions! I'm gonna give these BB creams a longer trial period, but I'm pretty impressed by the coverage it offers -- a bit much like medium coverage. Seems buildable though!

I was so surprised that it didn't cling onto the dry patches on my cheeks.. Thank god (in this case, thank you Palmer's!).. and it has a matte finish.. which I would've preferred to be dewy. It also settles down really quick so work fast or else you'll be struggling to blend.

Click for larger view

Of course, keep in mind these are just my first impressions so if you're a keen bean for a full review, don't forget to check back here in the next weeks!

Were you surprised by Palmer's release of their new BB Cream?

Will you be giving it a try?

Palmer's Eventone BB Cream retails for $9.99 and is available exclusively to My Chemist and Chemist Warehouse as of October 2012. However, will be available to other stockists as of January 2013.

Disclaimer: Product was provided for review. All opinions within this post remain uninfluenced and unbiased. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.