LATEST LIP LOVE: Dark Lippies!

So Sydney has finally transitioned into actual-Winter weather, in the past week. Besides the gloomy skies, the temperature has been close to, 10°C? Urgh sucks.

The temp of recent, pretty much reflects my lippy mood. I've always been into the pinks and corals, but recently, I've decided to switch up to the..... DARKS!

❶ REVLON Colourburst Lipstick in Grape 
My first pick for a dark bold lip was with Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Grape. It's the darkest lipstick I own for the moment (might change soon since I've been eye-ing some MAC shades). I've worn it once, but I feel like the formula sucks. It's creamy and moisturising, but applies blotchy and can slide around on the lips and is prone to bleeding. Not somethin' I like in a dark lippy, especially when I don't own any dark lip liners. Urgh.

❷ AUSTRALIS Go Long Longwear Lipstick in Glam*
I still really wanted to try out the dark lips though, so I rummaged through my stash! Nop. Didn't find any! Rummaged through my sister's stash... FOUND ONE!

I've found one guys, I've found oneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

And it's actually mine. She kidnapped it away from me for yonks. I've swatched it here, but since I was never really into dark lippies, my sister decided to adopt it to her stash, I guess.

It may not look extremely dark in the tube, but because my skintone is somewhat fair, so it looks much more intense on my skintone! My friend told me, "I like your purple lip on Saturday night" when I was wearing this, lol. wat?

Haven't used these lippies in yonks. Love their formula! They can be slightly drying, but it doesn't bother me at all~ I love how it stays, how it's matte, how it doesn't smear and bleed... LOVE!

I think it's time for me to kidnap this lippy back to my stash. Sorry sis!


❸ MODELS PREFER Lipstick in Stay Out Late
I've only found this in my stash recently. Bought it as one of the packs they had... Can't remember how many decades ago.. lol. I've only worn it twice, and so far, all I could tell you is... it has a creamy formula and does kinda slips around upon first application so definitely needs to be blotted down. However, it doesn't apply to be as slippery and uneven as Revlon's Grape, thank god.

Still need to experiment around with this, so till then!

AND those are the three dark lippies I've found and have been trying to experiment with, to be all seasonal-trendy and shit, you know? :P

Any dark lippy lovers who could recommend me any affordable dark lippies?

I've been eye-ing Rebel and Diva from MAC, but not sure if I would really keep with this dark lippy trend long enough for it to be worth the investment. Eep.


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

NEW ON COUNTER (June 2015): MAC, Australis, Rimmel London, Bourjois, Max Factor

A SMALL UPDATE:

O-M-G!

You would not believe, but May was the busiest month for me (so far). From celebrating birthday, to school and the workload that comes with it... Brrrrr.

Just last Saturday, I entered the 14th Chinese Bridge Competition, which is a Chinese proficiency state competition for college students. There were 11 contestants amongst three universities across Sydney! There were 1 first prize, and 2 second prizes... anddddddd............

I've won one of the second prizes, guys!

As a runner up of the second prize, I was eligible to travel to China for free. However, since my score was marked as the lower score of the two second prizes, I'm not qualified to present on their TV program... which is poo. But nevertheless, still a very valuable and fun experience!

As I will only be going as the observer, I've decided to pass on the opportunity, and pick my Taiwan tour trip (which will be happening mid-June to mid-July) instead. So, not too many posts more, then I will be leaving you guys again! *weeps*

So that's the update about what's been happening. Let's move onto launches, shall we?

AUSTRALIS Winter Nail Colours ($4.95/4 shades)
Australis releases four new shades for this winter, with a hot new price of $4.95! I apologise for the silly photo, no press release photos could be found for these... haha.

BOURJOIS Nude Sensation Foundation ($29/4 shades)
A foundation that helps smooth, soften and moisturise the skin. Blends in, evens out and reduces wrinkles and fine lines.

DESIGNER BRANDS Pressed Powder ($11.99/4 shades)
A mineral pressed powder that minimises shine and promotes a natural, flawless finish. Vegan certified, parabens-free. Suitable for all skin types.

ESSIE Winter Collection ($16.95/6 shades)
A winter collection by essie~ Australia always b getting dem winter nail collections a year late.. Hahaha.

MAX FACTOR Masterpiece Glamour Extensions 3-in-1 Mascara ($24.95/1 shade)
A mascara that delivers length, volume and darkness to the lashes. The wand is designed for a precise and even application. The formula contains carbon black fibres to ensure an intense, dark finish!

RIMMEL LONDON Oh My Gloss! ($13.95/8 shades)
A new lippy range, by Rimmel! These lip glosses deliver "long wearing colour, shine and moisture". Lasts up to 6 hours, is non-sticky and comfortable [to wear] on the lips.

RIMMEL LONDON Scandaleyes XX-Treme Volume & Length ($16.95)
A mascara that delivers volume and dramatic length. The two-sided brush that comes with it, promotes a false lash effect, coating each and every lash for a fast, smooth and easy application.

MAC Wash & Dry Collection
I'll give a brief run through this collection, as there are quite a few products!

• Technakohl Liners ($37/4 shades)
• False Lashes Waterproof Mascara ($42/1 shade)
• Highlight Powder ($49/1 shade)
• Lipglasses ($37/4 shades)

• Lipsticks ($38/4 shades)
• Studio Nail Lacquers ($23/2 shades)
• Powder Blush ($43/2 shades)

That's all for this month's launches! Quite little, I know.

I've had a pre-peek through July's and August's launches, and there seems to be much more than this. So don't you worry! Before I leave for Vietnam and Taiwan, I'll make sure to have next month's launch post scheduled ;) Only doing this for you guys!!!~

I've also been more active on my Facebook page, so do hop over and follow me thee if you'd like!
See you guys in my next post (hopefully, will be sometime soon).


Xx

SOME OUTSTANDING SALES (15 May 2015): Woolworths, Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, Big W

Hey papoopies!

Sorry, I know I've been MIA. My birthday happened recently, so I was showered by plenty of love by friends, and plenty of work by uni (eek!) <-- valid reasons to be MIA, right?!

I miss blogginggggggggggggg, a lot.

Although I haven't had time to blog, I've still been flicking through the beauty catalogues to see what's new (and to see what's on sale). Here are a few sales I've noticed this fortnight:

1. BIG W: 1/2 on L'Oreal Paris cosmetics. Ends 17 May 2015.

2. WOOLWORTHS: 1/2 price on Maybelline -- check out their Master Precise Liner, Velvet Lip Pencils. Ends 19 May 2015.

3. WOOLWORTHS: SmartSkin Facial Wipes, 2 for $2. WARNING: DO NOT BUY THESE! Irritated the hell outta ma skin, when I used em. Ends 19 May 2015.

4. PRICELINE: Spend more than $25 in a transaction on Maybelline, and receive a free mystery gift which gives you a chance to win:

• Priceline Pharmacy Gift Card $100
• Color Sensational Lip Color/Vivids
• Dream Fresh BB Cream
• Volum Express Colossal Mascara 
• Volum Express Mega Plush Mascara
• Master Smokey Eyeliner 
• Limited Edition 100 Years Celebratory Make-Up Brush Set

5. PRICELINE: NEW Covergirl Full Lash Bloom Mascara, introductory price $10! Ends 28 May 2015.

6. PRICELINE: Save 40%-70% on fragrances! Go stock up on your favourites! Ends 28 May 2015.

7. PRICELINE: 30% OFF Simple Skincare -- they also have their very own Micellar Cleansing Water, which dropped down to $6.99 after sale! Micellar cleansing battle off, anyone? Ends 28 May 2015.

8. PRICELINE: 40% OFF Swisspers skincare range. Ends 28 May 2015.

9. PRICELINE: HALF price on selected Le Tan products! Ends 28 May 2015.

10. CHEMIST WAREHOUSE: 1/2 price on SWISSE Skincare -- I'm keen on their Micellar Cleansing Water ($5.48) and Argain Oil Facial Moisturier ($4.98). Ends 28 May 2015.

11. CHEMIST WAREHOUSE: 1/2 price on Maybelline, Revlon and Rimmel! Ends 28 May 2015.

KEEP IN MIND FOR THE FLASH SALE 50% OFF FOR L'OREAL AT BIG-W, GUYS!

There's so many sales, but I really need to save, so I'd probably pass for this fortnight's sale. Hopefully.... I always say, "I'll pass", but I always end up getting things! Meep!

NEW ON COUNTER (May 2015): Carmex, Clinique, MAC, Bourjois, Physicians Formula, L'Oreal

Hip, hip hooraaaaay! Another month, another launch post. We're almost half way through 2015, guys~

Time flies, even when you're not having fun.... work and uni. Urgh.

CARMEX Limited Edition Leopard Print Moisturising Lip Balm ($5.99)
Last month, Carmex launched their Green Tea Lip Balm. Well, now they're back with another newbie, and it's limited edition too. Features the original lip balm, but in L/E packaging.... leopard prints... Ummm...?

CLINIQUE
Clinique is not a brand I'd usually feature, but with contouring/highlighting being such a spotlight trend, I've figured that you guys would like a peek at these!

• Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour ($42/1 shade), a creamy contouring stick that works to add depth and definition.
• Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight ($42/2 shades), a creamy highlighting stick that works to highlight prominent features.

PHYSICIANS FORMULA
It seems like Physicians Formula did a relaunch of their collection this month~ A run down on their products:

• 2-in-1 Glow-Boosting 24K Gold Highlighter + 24HR Wear Bronzer ($29.95)
• Eye Booster Instant Lash Extension Kit ($29.95)
• Glow-Boosting Beauty Balm BB Bronzer

• Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Argan Oil ($25.95)
• Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Argan Oil BB Cream ($25.95)
• Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Argan Oil Blush ($21.95)
• Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Argan Oil Bronzer ($29.95)

• Nude Wear Glow Blush ($21.95/2 shades)
• Nude Wear Nude Glow Touch of Glow ($22.95)
• Nude Wear Touch of Glow Palette ($29.95/2 shades), features highlighter, bronzer and blusher.

• Sexy Booster Ooh La La Sexy Eyes Trio ($24.95), eye make-up kit containing an automatic eyeliner pencil, kohl kajal liner and felt tip eyeliner.
• Sexy Booster Va Va Voom Volume Mascara ($24.95)

• Powder Palette ($21.95/2 shades), a blusher with a sheer, luminous finish.
• Shimmer Strips All-in-1 Custom Nude Palette for Face & Eyes ($24.95), a face and eye palette featuring 12 coordinated nude shades. Can be used as individual eyeshadows, blusher, highlighter or bronzer.

• Super BB All-in-1 BB Bronzer and Blush ($27.95)
• Super BB All-in-1 BB Cheek & Lip ($14.95)
• Super BB All-in-1 BB Compact Cream ($24.95)

• Super CC Colour Correction + Care CC Compact Cream ($25.95)
• Super CC Colour Correction + Care Cream ($25.95)
• Super CC Colour Correction + Care Powder ($27.95)

• Youthful Wear Youth-Boosting Powder ($29.95)
• Youthful Wear Youth-Boosting Spotless Powder ($29.95)

L'OREAL PARIS

A few key launches this month, by L'Oreal. What's upsetting is that... I don't have the images for these, so you'd have to use your imagination (and also forgive me!). 

• Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Reds ($21.95/6 shades), a range of lippies!
• Colour Riche 30th Anniversary Collection ($21.95/17 shades), another range of lippies!
• Colour Riche Lip Liner ($15.95/1 shade)
• Infallible Matte Foundation ($29.95/7 shades)
• Infallible Matte Primer ($29.95/1 shade)
• True Match Crayon Concealer ($17.95/4 shades)

BOURJOIS Glamour Effet Push Up Mascara ($??/2 shades)
Mascaras with a formula that shapes the lashes with coating fibres for volume. Available in Ultra Black and Black Waterproof. Lasts up o 24 hours, according to Bourjois.

BOURJOIS Lash Machine Volume Boosting Fibres ($??)

This, my friend, is a lash booster! I'm sure you've seen products like this before. They contain fibres which coats in between your layers of mascara, to build up for volume AND length! Bourjois says this is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation ($54/16 shades)
I don't usually feature MAC as part of my #NOC posts, but this product seemed interesting! A waterproof foundation that lasts up to 16 hours, with a medium-to-full coverage and a *natural satin finish*. Oil-free, long wearing. Interesting, huh?

Ehhh, this month's post is a tad boring. But let me know what you'll be hitting up anyways!

survey services

There has been some really great beauty sales recently [within Australia]! I'll be posting about them on my Instragram and/or Facebook page, so follow me on those two platforms for constant updates!


Thanks my little beautifools!

MANI-MONDAY: Spanish Moss

Spanish Moss by Revlon ($16.95) is probably one of the most unappealing greens when you look at it in the bottle, I must admit.

I can't remember where and when I've purchased this. I think it was at the markets, for a few bucks (cheap, as with most other things I thrift). I don't even know if whether it was myself who purchased this, or my sister, or my mum. I didn't even know about its existence in my nail stash!!

I didn't really expect to like it as much I do now. Despite how unappealing it may look in the bottle, it's a really lovely khaki green, which gives off Autumn-y vibes!

I should add that it's so photogenic tooooooooo.

The formula is extremely smooth and pigmented. I've used two coats in all these swatches, and topped off with Revlon Diamond Top Coat ($16.95). I'd recommend to top it off with a top coat as it doesn't have the glossiest formula.

Spanish Moss will definitely be staying in my collection. Initially, I thought I wouldn't like it that much, but this is definitely a keeper.

A bit weary as a shade, but still very unique and lovely to wear, don't you think?!


On another note, I've been procrastinating uni-work (and pretty much everything else) soooooo bad. Adding to that, the weather in Sydney has been really crap!


Please stay safe, stay warm and stay dry everyone!

Recent Hoardings

I've recently came to realise that the eyeshadow that I've always used for my brows, can be wayyyy too dark. And it's such a hassle to use because it's a cheap eyeshadow from a cheap palette.

So I decided to pull out the card and hopped onto Beauty Bay to search for the brow-product of ma life. And yes, it's for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Dip and Brow Wiz, if you hadn't already guessed.

My friend, @teemeister had recommended to me! Thanks Tezz!

I know there's been some complaints about Beauty Bay's shipping in the past. Mine was fine to be honest. I paid for the Brow Wiz and Brow Dip in two different transactions, so separate shipping times.

I chose INTERNATIONAL SAVER as the shipping option, which states "7-10 days", and it's free [if you order more than $20]. Sounds good, but what they really mean is 7-10 business days, which still isn't bad. I'm just glad there's free shipping, haha. Stingy ass, I am.

The Brow Wiz (~$20) arrived on the 10th business day after I ordered, which made it just in time. I actually tweeted to @BeautyBay on Twitter to complain as to why it hasn't arrived, and they replied moments later. Well, moments later, the postman also passed by with my Brow Wiz. Woops. My bad!

As for the two Brow Dips, I ordered them on the 14th and only received them on the 30th. Took 11 days to come by, though it felt like forever. Perhaps it was because my excitement for it made it felt even longer!

A snap~~~ =D

Overall, very happy with BeautyBay! And YAY for longer, lasting brows!


I also haven't updated you on the Priceline 40% sale! I only purchased a Maybelline Velvet Lip Pencil in In The Coral ($9.95). Nothing else. I tried to find my HG Australis Lash Length Extensions Mascara, but unfortunately, it is discontinued.

Yes, I said I purchased one. I was running low on kaching at the time, so I couldn't splurge too much. However, my friend popped up one day with a little bag of gift in her hands! She gifted me the Fuchsia Desire, a bright fuchsia purple. Thanks @didipyon!!! ^_^

She also included two nail polishes, Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy in Sky's The Limit ($16.95), which I've swatched here, and the Diamond Top Coat ($16.95).

The last of my hoardings: the markets.

I haven't been in yonks, but last time I got something good, I purchased these three Cosmetica brushes. All for $3 each. Surely is worth it!

That's all for my recent hoardings!


I'm so sorry for abandoning you guys lately! I miss you all, but I've been too busy with some stuff happening in my personal life.

I'll make sure to find time to blog! ^_^

Sat-Swatches: Revlon PhotoReady Kajal Matte Eye Pencil

Rise and shine ma lil dumplings!

Beautiful weather outside right now, from my window pane. Not a Saturday, but would still love to post about these eyeliners that I swatched when I was prancin' around at Priceline!

Felt like I haven't been there in years!

I spotted a fancy Revlon stand with these on em' though, costed a whopping $23.95. My first swatch was the yellow shade, Matte Lemon!

They glided on to be really creamy, and I was intrigued by the pigmentation of the two brighter shades, Matte Lemon and Matte Marine! Matte Lemon reminds me of Beyonce's yellow eye make-up in Lady Gaga's old Telephone music video:

A look that I've tried to recreate back in yonks. Don't think it worked out too well. Might give it another go when I have time (and a yellow eyeliner/shadow that'll be bright enough)!

Anyways, as you can see from the photo, it smudged on my hands a tad, and really easily too. Hopefully it would work better on the eyes though... No idea how it performs since I don't own any!


Share with us your experience with these if you have tried em' though!