Nivea Soothing Cleansing Mousse for Dry & Sensitive Skin

When it comes to make-up removal, I've almost always reached for wipes. They are the best when it comes to convenience, especially after a loooong night and all you're looking forward to is passing out in bed. However, when it comes to deep cleansing, I'd turn to Nivea's Soothing Cleansing Mousse.

I've had this in my collection for a while now, but as I've said, I'm just always too lazy. It does the best job at removing my make-up out of all the products I have. It's described to be suitable for "dry & sensitive skin", which is totes me. I have combination skin, but I care a lot more for the drier areas.

As a mousse cleanser that pumps out foam, I'd expect this to be drying (as foam products generally are). It's not though, at least in the way I use it. 

Although, it suggested to "rinse off with water after gently massage it over your face with eyes closed", I prefer to use this with a cotton round. Yeap. Pump it on the round, and proceed to use as I would with other liquid make-up removers.

In my opinion, it works best this way! And not to mention, I get to see results... which I'd prefer over just washing away my make-up. It's a "mind over matter" kinda concept, but... I'd still prefer using it in my own way. Hahaha..

The thing I like about this is that it's pretty true to its claims. It deep cleanses the skin gently, whilst leaving it feeling fairly moisturised. I'm happy if it doesn't dry out my skin, so to have it feeling somewhat prepped after make-up removal is really a big fat plus for me! Not to mention that it also doesn't sting around my eye area.

In all, it does its job, is affordable, accessible and you get 150mL of products! Definitely a product I'd repurchase, and would recommend.

Foaming make-up removers: Love or loathe?

Love!

Loathe..

Poll Maker

Disclaimer: This product was provided for review consideration yonks ago. Totally forgot where, when and from who. This post features my very own uninfluenced opinions.

Nail Art with Face Of Australia's Screen Siren Collection

A short post and bit of self promotion today, for my sister's Instagram. BUT, before I lose ya, just take a look at all the manicures she worked on using FOA's Screen Siren Collection.

Yes. Originally, it was a parcel sent to me to review and swatch by Face Of Australia (link here >), but my sister is just ALWAYS ahead of me.

Every nail products I get sent, she opens them, swatches them, posts them on her Instagram and just goes ahead with all her nail art ideas... -_-'

But she did a pretty good job, so I thought I'd share with you some of her NOTDs..

I loved this manicure when she showed me. I love the simplicity within it, although I couldn't really work out how she painted the feather....

I wouldn't be able to do this in a million years!


She used Monroe here by the way!

I was in the toilet brushing my teeth when she over-excitedly rushed in to show me her nails... I've no idea what she did here, but it looks great too! The pattern looks time-consuming to do, but when I asked, she assured that it's very easy and simple to do and went ahead to explain to me a million steps on how to achieve this manicure.... thinking that I'd remember.

She used Isn't It Delicious?

This is my next favourite after the leaf manicure!

A tropical lookin' gradient with an added leopard patterned for the accent nail.


She used Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend and Some Like It Hot.

And then, there's her leopard nails using Bombshell and Travilla.

I should really get her to guest post or be the nail art face of this blog, since I wouldn't be able to do anything like these in a million years... Hahahaha...


She's @bailmynails on Instagram. If you do decide to follow her, please tell her I said hello, and in addition, tell her that she should clean her room instead of doing nail art and reading manga all day.

*Exposes all her bad habits and chores she needs to do on her social networking platforms*

Just kidding! :P

Saturday's Swatches: Ulta3 Lip Paints

It's no biggie that I've been out of the beauty blogosphere lately. Therefore, not very updated with new products.

One of the most interesting launches that I've missed are these Lip Paints by Ulta3! I had no idea they had these (for a few months now, may I add) until I stumbled across a post about them as I scrolled down my blogging feed last Monday.

I squeaaaaaaaaaaled. I never thought they'd release a range like this, so it was very unexpected for me. Especially when they are known for their nail lacquers, rather than make-up range. 

These looked promising though. From the swatches I saw, they looked great in terms of pigmentation. Knowing that they are only $5.95 a pop, I thought, "why not?!". 

So here's what it looks like...

The range consists of 6 brighter shades, but I only picked two out of the six. The other shades looked great too, but just not for my sister and I :P Therefore, we settled with these two...

Expressive Fuchsia, Radical Red

However, since I was there, I thought I'd swatch the other shades too and share them here :P Don't judge me!!!

Expressive Fuchsia, Manic Mauve, Extreme Pink, Loud Purple, Radical Red, Electric Orange

At first swatch, they remind me much of Rimmel's Apocalips Lip Lacquers, but just not as thick. I hope these Ulta3 ones will settle down a bit though, and not glide around the lips too much like the Apocalips. 

Also, I'd love to own a light pink shade, but Extreme Pink in this range is just too cool-toned. It'll look very iffy on my skin, which was the reason why I skipped it. I also really like the look of Electric Orange, but I know I won't ever wear it anywhere! 

Loud Purple, is... very loud. Purples are nice, but this one looked very.... indescribably bold. On the packaging, Manic Mauve looked like a very pretty berry colour, but when swatched, I felt like it looked too brown and dull.... Eeek. 

Therefore, I ended up only picking 2 out of the 6!

If you are keen on these, head to Ulta3's Facebook Page, click their Store Locator and you'll be able to filter through stockists which has these lip paints. Just remember to let me know...

Which shades are you guys keen on?

Are you a fan of lip paints at all?

Ulta3 Lip Paints, $5.95, 6 shades, check their Facebook page for stockists.

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.

-----------------------

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!!

Face Of Australia Limited Edition Screen Siren Nail Polish Collection

Ola my beautifools.

FINALLY, got around to editing photos for Face Of Australia's latest limited edition nail collection, Screen Siren. I've swatched these a while ago (same with their Lasting Looks lippies), but just never had time to get around to editing them. 

Finally finally finally!

"Inspired by one of the most beauty screen siren, Marilyn Monroe", this collection features 4 nude shades [to suit all skin tones], 3 pops of colours and a matte top coat.

The idea is nice, but it's a bit odd to have half the collection nude-based. Maybe if you're a nude-nails lover, but for me, I'd definitely be more egg-cited for others.

On the brighter side though, I like the mix of brights and nudes. I can imagine some of the prettiest manicures with the mix of these poppy colours and nude-toned beiges. Only imagining though, since I am one of your worst bets at nail art. -.-"

Isn't It Delicious? is a bright persian green. It was my first pick to swatch when my sister laid them out on the desk! It's so bright, so pretty. Looks great whether glossy or matte. Definitely a must-own shade of this collection, methinks. 

I'm not sure why, but the bottle I own of this shade is a bit thick, hence the blotchy application. Even after added thinner. I think I'd have to put my sister to blame for this! The first time I used it, it was fine... meep.

Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend is a bright, bright fuchsia. This was my sister's first pick when she unboxed my parcel (she always does this!). According to her, this bright fuchsia colour could "stop the traffic", because it's THAT bright. I must agree though, it's holy golly BRIGHT.

Looks better glossy, in my opinion. What do ya think?

Some Like It Hot is a bright pumpkin orange. On my tanned skin, this shade stands out a lot. I'm not too sure how I feel about the orange colour. I've always loved cute corals, but orange has always been a bit intimidating, I feel. Unlike Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend, I feel like this looks better matte than glossy. 

As for the four nudes, it'll be helpful to note that two are more yellow-toned and two are more pink-toned. We'll start off with the more yellow-toned nudes.

Travilla is the lighter, yellow-toned nude colour. It's a light almond colour. A very clean colour to wear, although it makes my tanned hands look a bit darker than it already is. I like this in both finishes, but I could picture mattifying this and combining it with a glossy black for some chic nail art. Someone give my suggestion a go and tell me how it goes please. My executions just never goes well ._."

Oh, FOA's fun fact! Did you know that Travilla is the name of the costume designer who created Marilyn';s famous white dress that blew up when she was standing above the subway gate? 

Bombshell. A dark vanilla colour. Still yellow-toned, but a tad darker than Travilla. Although I did say that Travilla is a tad too light for my hands, I feel like this is just too spot-on for my hands. I'm fussy, I know! This is just too spot-on for my skin-tone that it just looks a bit too norm. Looking for a shade in between of Travilla and Bombshell.............. Zzz. 

Now onto the pink-toned beiges...

 I'm not too sure how to feel about both pink-toned shades. I feel like the yellow-toned ones suits me better, so I have no comment for these. They're not bad, but it wholely depends on what you like. They are nice to own, but most likely crossed-off my list if I were to go out to purchase these. 

No Angel is the lighter one of the two pink-toned nudes. I'm not sure why, but in the photo, it looks more pink and less beige than what it really is.

Monroe, the last of the bunch! A dark vanilla colour. Not bad, but I'd much prefer sandy-toned beiges!

The formula for these are just right. Really nice and easy to apply. Pigmented too. The nudes are close to being non-streaky, so they'll take you zero skill to work with!

Once again, I'm super sorry for the late swatches. This should have been done earlier, but twas' impossible. The collection is still in stores though, so if you're eye-ing any of these shades, make sure to add them to your cart!

Which shades are your favourite?

In which finish?

I personally love Diamond's Are A Girl's Best Friend its glossy finish, and Isn't It Delicious? in both finishes!


Face Of Australia Screen Siren Collection, $4.95 each, available at Priceline, Big W and other FOA stockists.


Disclaimer: This collection was provided by Face Of Australia for review consideration only. I am/was not obliged to review, nor feature any of these products. All opinions within this post remains truthful, and unbiased.

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

Revlon Parfumerie Nail Enamel in Wintermint

OH MY GOD. I've had these photos taken for forever now, but never remembered to post about them. Yeah, this happens way too often.... that's why there are folders and folders of raw images stuck on my desktop.

Sigh!

My sister purchased these polishes by Revlon lately, from the new Parfumerie range! Yes, they are scented. Individually scented.

Wintermint is a pretty.... mmmhm... Should I say "pearly" or "frosty"? Not sure. It seems to be neither, nor is it shimmery. The finish is very strange (as you could see in the swatches below). It looks sandy like those sandy-textured lacquers, with a bit of a metallic-base sheen.

Yes! It's a light-mint based polish, with small blue glitters and reflective micro-glitters.

Okay, now the SCENT!

If you like or don't mind scented nail polishes, you won't have a problem with this. However, if you're like me, one who can't really stand scented nail polishes, then... these are probably not for you to play with. The scent is not faint. Adding to that, they are also rather pricey so in my opinion, I don't think it's worth paying $16.95 for one-time use if you can't stand the scent. Do consider this, before any purchases!

Back to Wintermint though..

Does it have a minty-scent?! YES!
Do I like it? NO!

Why? Umm.... The scent is rather strange, it's minty, but I can still smell the chemical spice. The mix of both scents makes me want to puke a bit every single time I touch my nose, ESPECIALLY when I'm applying my face creams! God!!!

In all, yeah, I can't really stand scented nail polishes. However, Wintermint is one of a kind. It's nothing you can find from any other ranges from other brands, so.... Yes!

+1 for the colour!
-2 for the scent!

Jokes. 

Have you tried Revlon's Parfumerie Nail Enamel range?!

By the way, after looking back at this colour, I've realised that it matches the colour theme of my blog a lot! Hahaha!


Revlon Parfumerie Nail Enamel, $16.95, available in 24 shades, at Priceline, Big W and other Revlon stockists.