NEW ON COUNTER (FEBRUARY 2016): Maybelline, Revlon, L'Oreal, Benefit, Garnier, LUSH, Rimmel London, Australis & more!

HI ALL!

Can y'all believe?

It's been a month into 2016 already! God! Time flies.... even when you're not having fun, lol. If only time could fly as quick when you're back to school/uni... Eeep.

I have a giveaway coming up! Please stay tuna'ed!

BENEFIT They're Real! Primer ($42)

A tinted mascara primer that tints, defines and primes lashes. Can be worn as a mascara primer to boost length and separation! Water resistant.

MAX FACTOR 

❶ Smokey Eye Drama Kits ($20.95/6 palettes)
Unlike other eyeshadow palettes, besides containing 3 eyeshadows, these also feature a brow powder! A tad expensive though...

❷ Velvet Volume False Lash Effect Mascara ($27.95/1 shade)
A mascara promising length and volume.

❸ Masterpiece High Precision Eyeliner ($23.95/1 shade)
A gel eyeliner that promises the intensity of a liquid eyeliner, along with the precision of a pencil. Intense black, smudge-resistant, dries quickly, glides smoothly and is long-lasting.

MAYBELLINE

Maybelline is coming out with soooooooo many products this month! I''ll just wrap them up, quickly and briefly so I won't bore ya!

THE NEW PRODUCTS

❶ Color Sensational Creamy Mattes ($17.95/8 shades)

❷ Color Show Fashion Collection Nail Colours ($5.95/4 shades)

LIMITED EDITION! Will be off counter after July 2016.

❸ Colorblur Cream Matte Pencil and Smudger ($17.95/8 shades)

Very much a lip pencil with a smudger on the end. Not sure why a smudger would be needed for a "bold matte lip" as claimed. The only way I could think of to use the smudger is when creating a soft Korean-inspired gradient lip. But then again, I could do that with my fingers! ◑.◑ So really, just hoping the formula is good with this one!

❹ Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24H Leather Eyeshadow ($11.95/4 shades)

Described to deliver a rich, matte colour with a "hint of luminosity for a leather look". (????)

❺ Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect Black Pearl Mascara ($21.95)

Exciting news for the Lash Sensational's fans! This mascara is supposedly non-clumping, and offers extreme volume and [color] intensity. Not sure if that differs too much from the original formula, eep.

❻ Master Brow Pro Palette ($18.95)

Features a wax, powder, highlighter and a dual-ended angled brush.

❼ Volum' Express Colossal Go Extreme Leather Black Mascara ($19.95)

Offers volumised lashes with an ultra-black "leather" finish. Features Maybelline's biggest brush [to date?].

THE REPACKAGED (or so it seems)

❽ SuperStay 24H Concealer ($14.95/light and medium shades)

Lasts up to 24 hours, offers coverage, and resistant to cracking, creasing and dryness. 

❾ SuperStay 24H Foundation ($24.95/8 shades)

24 hours lasting power, glides on smoothly, water-resistant and now comes with a..................... PUMP!! WOOOO! Very much like a repackaged product to me, not exactly "new". 

❿ SuperStay 24HR Lip Color ($21.95/20 shades)

Again, a repackaged product! Features a colour coat (base coat) and balm (top coat).

⓫ SuperStay Better Skin Powder ($21.95/2 shades)

A matte make-up powder that offers coverage, is long-wearing and claims to improve the skin's conditions. 

MAC 

Year Of The Monkey Collection

❶ Lipsticks ($36/4 shades)

❷ Powder Blush ($41)

❸ Small Eye Shadow ($33/3 shades)

Last, but not least, we have Mariah Carey Lipstick ($36). A bit late, no?

Available online only.

RIMMEL LONDON The Only 1 Lipstick ($15.95/12 shades)
You would've seen these on Rimmel's social media pages if you follow them! You can stop wondering what they are now, hehe. Rimmel's latest lippy range claims to offer all-day comfort, moisture and supreme long-lasting wear.

The packaging looks cute!



REVLON Colorstay 2-in-1 Compact Makeup & Concealer ($34.95/9 shades)
Offers a smooth finish, and all-day coverage. The featured concealer has been matched [for you] to be one shade lighter than the make-up... not sure how I feel about this, since I know some people loveeee their concealer way lighter than their shade.

NATIO Limited Edition Contour Palette ($24.95)

A lil late to jump on the contour-palette bandwagon there, lol. The packaging reminds me a lot of Sleek's Blush By 3. I THINK these are powders.... Mmmm, I'm not sure if you'd usually contour with a lighter-shade powder, haha. *confused* 

L'OREAL PARIS

Another brand launching 23432495234 products for this month, so here we gooo!

❶ SuperLiner SuperStar ($24.95)

A deep black eyeliner, but NOTE: has a shiny finish. 

❷ False Lash SuperStar Mascara ($28.95)

As you can see, a two step mascara, offers volume and length. They used to have something like this, which was alright. It seems like they keep discontinuing it, then launching it again, and the cycle goes on like so, lol. 

❸ Infallible Matte FX Lip Colour ($23.95/6 shades)

Claims to be transfer-proof and non-drying. 

❹ Colour Riche La Palette Nude Eyeshadow ($29.95/2 palettes)

Now THIS is exciting! L'Oreal's own play on nude palettes. Features 10 shades and a dual-ended application tool. Yup, the sponge-tipped tools. 

❺ Nude Magique Cushion Foundation ($29.95)

BB cushions, have been a big thing in Asian countries, especially in Korea. I've heard about it once, sometime ago, but not really sure what it's about (I'm sorry!). I THINK it is basically your BB cream in a cushion-compact, that somehow makes everything magical.

This is probably Australia's first cushion foundation. However, here's hoping that there's actually more to it and wouldn't disappoint us like what western brands did to the concept of "BB creams", lol.

Nude Magique Cushion Foundation is described to... mmh, have a liquid-cream formula, contains SPF25, is blendable and buildable, and offers light to medium coverage. The cushion packaging doesn't seem to offer anything else, except "working to release the perfect amount of foundation". 

BOBBI BROWN The Bobbi Glow Collection 

❶ Longwear Gel Sparkle ($42/5 shades)

❷ Highlighting Powder ($80/2 shades)

❸ Extra Lip Tint ($52)

GARNIER

I really like the next to-be-launched products by Garnier! There are only two, but they're based off our favourite Micellar Cleansing Water! They've formulated it for different skin types & conditions now! Also an eye-makeup remover addition!

❶ Skin Active Micellar Water for Combination to Oily Skin ($13.95)
❷ Skin Active Pure Active Micellar Water ($13.95), ideal for acne-prone skin.
❸ Skin Naturals 2-in-1 Express Eye Makeup Remover ($7.95)

DERMALOGICA Charcoal Rescue Masque ($65)

I don't usually feature Dermalogica in these posts, but this one seemed quite interesting! 

This mask works to "detoxify. brighten and invigorate all skin conditions by drawing out excess oil and impurities". Refines pores, calms redness and improves skin texture. Addresses other skin concerns too, such as: aging; dullness; breakouts; sensitivity. 

LUSH Valentine's Day 

I've just realised that LUSH actually launched some products last month, that I've failed to feature. Haha, I've missed it somehow. However, here are my 5 picks for LUSH's Valentine's Day releases:

❶ Lover Lamp ($6.95) -- NEW

Limited edition bath bomb for V'tines. 

❷ Prince Charming ($19.95/250mL)

Limited edition shower cream. A relaunch from their yearly V'tines range. Contains pom' juice, grapefruit oil, marshmallow root, f/t vanilla pod and f/t organic cocoa butter. 

❸ Roses All The Way ($6.95) -- NEW

Rose-shaped soap (so cute!) that will gently fade to a soft creamy colour as it lathers. Contains rose oil and rose syrup. 

❹ The Kiss Lip Scrub ($9.95)

A relaunched limited edition lip scrub from their yearly V'tines range too. Contains edible red hearts and hundreds and thousands... cool?!

❺ Unicorn Horn ($8.95)

Promises a magical bubble bath with sparkles, colourful candy stars and pink bubbles! 

They've also relaunched some limited edition products for the month of February, I believe.

LAST, BUT NOT LEAST!!

AUSTRALIS (!)
I have no info on either products, but from a glance, you could tell what they're about!

❶ Banana Powder 
❷ High Life Highlighting Powder

Cute! I loved the look of the Banana Powder! However, the highlighting powder... not so much. But you might never know! Looks can be deceiving... haha.



Aaaaaaaaaaaaand we're finally finished with this month's launches.


I know, so many products, but hey! If you care, take the poll [below]! (ﾟ∇ﾟ) Would love to see which products you guys are head-over-heels for, for this month!

panel management

My picks: Maybelline Colorblur Cream Matte Pencils, Rimmel London The Only 1 Lipsticks, L'Oreal Infallible Matte FX Lip Colours, Garnier's newly formulated Micellar Cleansing Waters, LUSH's Lava Lamp Bath Bomb and everything by Australis! （*/∇＼*）

TOP 15 OF 2015

WAY overdued post, I know! 

Last year was a very.. quiet year for me. Kinda settled down to my usual routine, along with my usual fave products. Didn't really experiment with too many new products, and at one point, I remember even refusing to wear makeup so often!

My skin hasn't improved much, but there are so many days where I just felt really uncomfortable wearing makeup. It's mostly because of not being bothered to deal with the grimy/oily feeling throughout the day, I'm pretty sure!

Nevertheless, there are still days when I'd like to doll up a bit, so I haven't completely abandoned my stash! Hehe.. And even if I don't wear foundation, most of the time, my brows would be intact and highlighter would be lightly applied to show I'm as fresher than a motherrrrrrr.

ANYHOWS!

Here are my top 15 picks for 2015!

AUSTRALIS Lash Length Extensions Mascara
Beginning of 2015, I was ridiculously obsessed with this mascara! You have NO idea! This was my holy grail. Gave me lashes that made touching my brow bone possible. Washed off effortlessly [in tubes] in warm water without leaving smudges. Ohh, such a fave!

The fact that you could see my lashes in photos... yup.

BAD NEWS: They discontinued it... Boooooooo! Out of all mascaras of their collection of 395964028 mascaras, they discontinued this one. RIP.



THE BALM Mary-Loumanizer Highlighter
Can't remember how long I've had this for, but since I had it, it's been a more-than-regular reach. On days when I don't wear foundation, I'd still use this.

What I love about it, is its finish. It's not at all shimmery, the finish is luminous. Very luminous, so depending on whether applied with a light or heavy hand, it can give off a natural glow without looking like a bloody disco ball. Texture is extremely fine. Worth every single penny.



RIMMEL LONDON Wake Me Up Foundation
This foundation is one I've used all year round -- summer or winter. Great, affordable foundation. Lasts throughout the day and I love the natural finish!

MARC JACOBS Dream Daisy
I've used this almost everyday that I go out, since May 2015. It's the scent, and the packaging -- simple as that.

TOO FACED Better Than Sex Mascara
My HG Lash Length Extensions Mascara discontinued sometime mid-year, so since then, I haven't touched many mascaras. Until a few days before the New Years, my sister brought home this baby after a co-worker recommended it, and lemme just get this straight...

It is @$&$@)&!? a-m-a-z-I-n-g!

I layered on two coats, with only one eye done, turned around to her and said "OMG, this mascara is... better than sex!" lol, jk. I just told her, "It's freaking amazing."

However, in saying so, still gotta give it trialling time. Hoping to feature it soon~



MAC Soft & Gentle Highlighter
Discovered this sometime in November, because that was when I purchased it. Grabbed it from someone who was reselling at the markets, and as much as I love my Mary-Loumanizer, I can't help to say that I've leaned towards Soft & Gentle towards the end of 2015.

The colour just seemed to suit me a tad more, but I still love you heaps Mary-Loumanizer! Just in honeymoon stage with Soft & Gentle rn, soz.


ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Brow Wiz
I've purchased this same time with my ABH Brow Dip Pomade, but I enjoy using this so much more. My stash don't carry too many brow products, so this easily tops all others without much thought. It glides on nicely, sits and stays nicely, and the colour matches.

Just hoping that there's a similar dupe around, something cheaper with easier access to. This thing is tiny, lol, and so probably ends up lasting me only a month of continuous use.



FACE OF AUSTRALIA Glamazon Contour & Highlighter Kit*
Been using this since last year. It's a really handy and affordable kit. My go-to shade for bronzing. The highlighter wished it was as well-loved (lol), but I've got my other fave highlighters, soz.

AUSTRALIS Ready Set Go Finishing Powder

Can't remember how long it's been since I've used this. Probably since 2012. My love for this is still going strong, and don't think I'll be changing anytime soon. I use it as a top off for everything, even if I'm already wearing a powder foundation. It just makes everything feel like skin, smooth and supple. 

I can't stand the sticky-icky or creamy feeling of foundation so this is definitely a need for me! 

AUSTRALIS Fresh & Flawless Powder

Apparently, this makes a great dupe for MAC's Studio Fix Powder. Can't comment on that though since I've never tried Studio Fix. However, this is a great powder for coverage. Easy to build up to medium coverage, and I'm sure full coverage is not impossible! 

(hit-pan'd! yeyey!)

On days when I'm lazy for liquid, I'd be wearing this. The shade range sucks though. It's very limited, but hopefully Australis will be working on expanding it soon to cater to more skintones!

CHI CHI Viva La Diva Lipsticks

Ohhhhhhh, I've owned these for yonks now! And only started using them when my sister popped it's from its packaging. I hoard products, but the have a slight stingy fear for using them. Or they just sit around and wait until I photograph it, only to realise that their time will never come cause I'm real lazy (lol).

(L-R) Game On, Social Climber

These lippies are creamy and are long lasting. Their lasting power shocked me quite a bit when I wore these for the very first time.

MAYBELIINE Sequin Nail Polish in Sea-Quins

My favourite manicure of 2015, hands down (or fingers down, in this case) is this manicure:

Original post here >

It's not so much what lays as the base colour, but it's what sits on top that gives it such a pow! Maybelline Sea-Quins from their Sequins collection is what I've used, and I regret not buying other shades from the Sequins range!

FORMULA 10.0.6 Overnight Spot Minimizing Patches
Products that make it to my top fave list are products that I'd always turn to, whether it be for a while, or for short term. However, this is a product I hope to stay away from, lol. Just because they're pimple healing patches, and whenever these patches are around, means I'm breaking out, again.

I'll stick these on for days whenever I breakout. They stay on to reduce redness, and somehow, always shoo away the pus. Other products from this brand don't work for my skin, but these help a tonne with my pimples!

MODELS PREFER Infinite Lasting Lipsticks
I loved these so much in 2015. They were my go-to lipticks for a long while, until I forgot about them. Loved them so much that I collected almost the whole colour range! ^_^

What I love most about these, is its long-lasting power. They're completely matte, lasts long and are extremely affordable! "Hidden gems of Priceline", I call these.



CHARLOTTE TILBURY Lipsticks
These lippies were also thrifted from the markets, for $15 each. They are from the Matte Revolution range. Formula is creamy, lasting and non-drying (yay!). They make really great more-than-decent lipsticks with beautiful packaging! Smells yummy too!

Those are my top 15 favourites! Before I go, here's a swatch battle for the three highlighters featured (including one from the FOA duo):

(L-R) The Balm Mary-Loumanizer, MAC Soft & Gentle, Face Of Australia Glamazon Kit*

That's allllll!

It was so hard to gather 15 products at first, but as I started writing, I ended up with more than 15, lol. Then it became hard to take products off the list!

Hoping to do swatches of the lippies mentioned soon. 

What were your top favourites of 2015?

If you've blogged about them. link me! If you don't blog, then leave me your first in the comments, or, just start blogging! Haha （＠´＿｀＠）

Disclaimer: Products marked with (*) were provided for review consideration only. 

MANI-MONDAY: Settle Petal

Currently still putting together my top 15 products of 2015, so thought I'd feed ya this short Mani-Monday post!

I've received this nail polish from AUSTRALIS, some time ago, along with their Fierce Eyes Mascara (thanks Australis!) and another nail lacquer in Peek-a-boo. I've blogged about that shade here >

Settle Petal ($4.95) is a light beige colour. Leans pink, clearly visible against my skintone, haha. 

It's quite nice on my nails -- makes it look well-polished, clean and neat. However, I would still rather a little more colour. A few years back, I was totally into these beiges and all but, today, I'd probably call pass. 

As expected from the tone of the shade, it was hard to smooth everything out despite the lovely consistency and opacity it offered. But that's fine, a top coat finished it off and smoothed everything out.  (*´∀`*)

Just a short post, hope ya liked it! 

Hopefully I'll get that TOP 15 post up sooon! Still lacking a few products since I was so out of it last year. Eeep. 

Disclaimer: Product featured in this post was provided for review consideration only. 

CHRISTMAS GIFTS 2015: Beauty Edition

CHRISTMAS, was quite festive for me this year!

My family and friends have never really celebrated Christmas, or not the gifting tradition of Christmas at least. But this year, everyone started gifting and all.

Makes me feel bad, because this year, I didn't put in enough effort in comparison to them. You know, too broke to really afford anything, lol. Sorry frenz.

But wanted to post about the beauty products I've received this year! *happy dance*

MARC JACOBS Dream Daisy Forever, was from my sister. This year, I started getting into fragrances! Been lovin' Marc Jacobs, for not only their packaging, but scents tooo~ I really really loved Daisy that I received for my birthday this year, so this was perfff!

THE BALM The Manizer Sisters. Lemme get this straight -- I LOVE my Mary-Lou Manizer. Since seeing this little set, I've always wanted it. It's smaller (probably half the full-size), but it's perfect. Considering that a little goes a long way, this will probably last me until I get married and have kids (lol, which is a long-ass way to go, according to mama).

These three CHARLOTTE TILBURY lipsticks were from my boyfriend (thanks boi!). They're from the Matte Revolution collection. Although they retail for $48 a pop, we thrifted them from the markets for only $15 each! Yay!!

Birkin Brown, Bond Girl, Walk Of Shame

I know these shades look real ugly as a bullet, and in my photo (lighting error) but I promise they don't look that bad! Showcase them to ya soon!

TONY MOLY Shocking Lip in 01, was from a good friend. I'm pretty sure this is the lipstick that she almost always wear. The one that I see on her, which NEVER ever rubs off. Lasts damn well. Quite excited to see what this one's about.

Same friend also purchased for me, LUSH Peeping Santa Bubble Bar! Smells amaaaaazing!

(poor disfigured Santa)

Aaaaaand my highschool girlfriends, got me so many things. Amongst them were OPI's Romancing the Frog Duo Pack and MY BEAUTY DIARY face masks (not pictured).

My boyfriend's sister also got me a lil gifty!! (ノ*゜▽゜*) She got me my first BOBBI BROWN products: Luxe Lip Color in Atomic Orange, and Lip Pencil in Tangerine.

These two are PERFECT for me. Atomic Orange is a lovely addition to the lipstick-fam since I don't own any true-orange lippies (that lasts, at least). And Tangerine is exactly what I'd wear as a peachy-coral, the colour is right up my alley!


LAST GIFT!


...was from a friend, I haven't seen in yonks. And all I can say is... she knows me. Quite well (lol).

This Nail Care Bag, a minty lip balm, RIMMEL LONDON Provocalips in I'll Call You swatches of whole collection here >, and LUSH Ultrabalm.

Love everything minty, yellow or grey! Can't wait to transform that minty pouch to a coin-pouch or make-up pouch! ヽ(ﾟ∇ﾟ)ﾉ

#Eggcited


That's a wrap of my Xmas presents~

What did everyone receive for Christmas? 

Whether it's beauty or not, let me know!


THE VLOG VERSION:




Thanks for checking,

Tram xx

NEW ON COUNTER (JAN 2016): Covergirl, essence, MAC, Clinique

HAPPY NEW YEAR! // Feliz ano novo!

新年快乐！

NEW YEAR, new products! (yay)

My top prioritized resolution of 2016 is, to blog more. And I WILL keep to it!

2015 has been such a busy year for me, in regards to my social life -- relationships, friends and family.

Anyways, may 2016 be a better year for us all! （*/∇＼*）

COVERGIRL Outlast Longwear + Moisture Lipstick ($17.95/10 shades)
New lippy range by Covergirl which offers colour AND moisture! Claimed to have a waterproof formula, and is non-drying.

ESSENCE Happy Girls Are Pretty Collection

essence Happy Girls Are Pretty collection

• Nail Polish ($3.70/6 shades)
• Contouring Set ($6.75/1 shade)
• Multi-Colour Blush ($6.15/1 shade)
• Ultra Slim Eye Pencil ($4.10/2 shades)
• 2-in-1 Nail File ($3.70)
• Eyeshadow Palette ($7.15/2 palettes)

MAC
Now, for this month, besides their two limited edition collection (Faerie Whispers and Ellie Goulding), they also have a few single hits for the shelves. Just a quick rundown for the two collections:

MAC Faerie Whispers Collection (available 1 January 2016)

PHOTO CREDIT TO TEMPTALIA >

• Beauty Powder ($47/1 shade)
• Cremesheen Glass ($43/4 shades)
• Foiled Shadow ($42/12 shades)
• Iridescent Pressed Powder ($47/1 shade)
• Nail Lacquers ($22/2 shades)
• Powder Blush ($41/2 shades)

MAC x Ellie Goulding (available 18 January 2016)

• Powder Blush Duo ($47/1 shade)
• Haute & Naughty Mascara ($42/1 shade)
• Halcyon Nights ($85/2 palettes) -- features 4 eyeshadows and 1 cream-base.
• Lashes ($20/30 lash or $18/20 lash)
• Plushglass ($43/2 shades)
• Lipstick ($40/2 shades)
• Lustre Drops ($40)
• 217 Blending Brush ($37)
• 209 Eyeliner Brush ($37)
• Veluxe Brow Pencil ($32/1 shade) -- the one shade being a "soft muted beige-taupe".
• Fluidline ($32/1 shade)
• 129 Powder/Blush Brush ($70)

Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour ($46/16 shades)
A lipcolour which is described to deliver a liquid-suede finish. Highly pigmented and long-lasting.

CLINIQUE Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream ($49/125mL)
Their well-loved Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion as a cream-version for drier skin types! Moisturises, hydrates and strengthens! Thought I'd just add this in for the skincare lovers~

So little products, but hey, let's just start the year modestly so we don't go broke. I'm sure everyone's still with the holiday season, so any kind of saving would be good, right?! 

What's everyone eye-ing though?

Nothing much for me this month (which is good). Curious about MAC Retro Liquid Lipcolours ($46) though! (^_^;)

Tram x