Shiseido Lacquer Rouge in Blaze (OR 508)

I purchased this liquid lip glaze on a whim one day when I spotted it for sale online as I'd never tried a Shiseido lip product before.

This lip product comes in a cute, little tube with a doe foot applicator this is nice and easy to open and close and mess-free when applied.

It's a lovely, smooth liquid lip glaze that applies nice and evenly and it gives exceptional coverage with just one coat.

Unfortunately, I'm not too sure what possessed me to purchase the shade Blaze as orange lips have never seemed to suit me and I can never work them into a makeup look.

(Shiseido Lacquer Rouge - Blaze (OR 508))

As far as the formula goes, it doesn't bleed into my lip lines which is a bonus and it always feels more like a lip balm when applied as it's so lightweight and comfortable to wear all day. I can't seem to notice any smell or taste once applied which I also really like.

It seems to wear off pretty evenly throughout the day and does have to be re-applied every couple of hours, especially when doing a lot of talking, eating or drinking so I can't say that it's a very long wearing formula.

I just really wish that I'd bought one of the pink or red shades now that I could get more use out of, but there's always next time!

Have you ever tried one of these lip lacquers before?

Have a super New Year everyone!!

Michelle xx

Becca 'Jaclyn Hill' Champagne Collection Face Palette

So, I have debated writing a review on this palette for months and originally wasn't going to do one because it has kind of been reviewed to death since being released. But, being that it has become a staple in my makeup wardrobe I finally decided that I might as well give my two cents on it as well.

First thing to get out of the way first is this: How friggin' pretty is this damn palette?? I literally hate touching it every time I use it because it is a fingerprint magnet and I just can't seem to stop myself stroking it just a little every time I open it. Yep, I know I have a big problem! But look at it! Just look at it!!! I think it definitely has to be the prettiest and decadent thing that sits on my makeup table at the moment.

(Left to Right - Top Row - Rose Spritz, Amaretto, Pamplemousse - Bottom Row - Champagne Pop, Prosecco Pop)

This palette is so unbelievably versatile and if I had to choose between one face palette to take with me to a deserted island, I think this would be my choice. It contains three totally different shades of blush plus two absolutely gorgeous highlighters and all of the shades are suitable for pretty much any makeup look you may be going for.

The three shades of blush are as follows:
Rose Spritz - This is such a beautiful rose gold shade that contains a hint of shimmer. This one is my most used shade as it goes with absolutely any makeup look and it great for days when I don't feel like doing the whole blush and highlighting thing because it has the pretty shimmer contained in it already.
Amaretto - This is a pretty caramel shade that I find great as a contour for my pale skin tone. I never really like to use shades like this as a blush as they kind of always make my face look dirty but as a contour it rocks.
Pamplemousse - Aside from the name of this shade which seriously makes me smile every time I think about it, this is the most amazing but also terrifying bright pink with a small hint of coral. I use this one very lighthanded as it can easily become a bit clown-like if over-applied.

(Left to Right - Rose Spritz, Amaretto, Pamplemousse)

(With flash)

 As for the highlighters:
Champagne Pop - A pretty gold shimmer with a hint of peachy-pink. This highlighter is super-duper-duper shimmery and can look a little 'disco-ball' if too much is applied. But, if you have a light hand and are strategic with your application of this one, it is truly to die for.
Prosecco Pop - A true gold shimmer that is one of my favourite highlight shades ever. It's not as scary as Champagne Pop so is a little bit more versatile and I love how it leaves a pretty, gold sheen to my face when applied.

(Left to Right - Champagne Pop, Prosecco Pop)

(With flash)

The palette itself is nice and sturdy and even though it is ridiculously reflective, it's easy enough to keep clean and I see it lasting for quite some time. It also contains a nice, decent sized mirror underneath the lid which I really like.

This palette was my first time trying any of the Becca face powders and I really am impressed with how well they perform. They blend like a dream and really do have great colour payoff.

So, that's my two cents worth on this very popular palette. I really do recommend buying it if you've been thinking about it but haven't acted because I promise that you won't be disappointed. I bought mine online from Sephora Australia and I'm pretty sure they are still available for around $89.

Has anyone else fallen in love with this palette as well??

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!!

Michelle xx

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Moisturising Stick

Yes, I admit it. I am a closet lip balm addict and literally have one in almost every room of our house plus a minimum of two in my handbag at one time or another. Having dry lips is a real pet hate of mine and I think I actually may have a little bit of a problem with how anxious I get if I don't have a lip balm of some description within reach.

On a recent online shopping binge I decided to take the plunge and buy this Nuxe Lip Moisturising Stick as I really, really love their dry oil and was kind of hoping for a similar 'wow' experience with this lip balm.

Unfortunately it just doesn't do it for me. Don't get me wrong, it is a lovely, moisturising balm and feels gorgeous when applied to the lips, but, it just doesn't have any lasting power whatsoever. I just find it wears off way too quickly and I practically have to apply it every 20 minutes or so on bad days when my lips are feeling a bit dry just to stay comfortable.

It has a lovely, subtle flavour that isn't too overpowering and doesn't really linger once applied and of course the stick applicator is easy to use, mess free and easy to transport in a bag all day long.

I just can't go past how quickly it wears off and the fact that I just don't feel that I get enough of a coating on my lips. I've had a bit of a bout of head colds over the past few weeks which has been the real test for this lip balm and it definitely hasn't performed as good as I was hoping.

For the price (usually around $10 or so) it's obviously not too bad and is a reasonable product, but I definitely won't be repurchasing as I have tried a lot more lip balms that perform much better on my lips in my opinion.

Such a shame.......

Has anyone else tried this lip balm before? Do you have any suggestions of ones that I may not have tried yet but should?

Have a great weekend!
Michelle xx

July 2016 Favourites

So, I'm a few days late with getting my July favourites out but I had a few items this month that I really enjoyed using and just had to share (lets just forget that I haven't done a favourites post in around a year or so shall we!)

So this month I had a little mix of things that I kept going back to again and again. These were:

1) Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water - It took me a really long time to get on the Micellar water bandwagon as I was convinced that it was a lot of hype over nothing. But, since I decided to take the plunge and buy some of this at Priceline a few weeks ago I can now see why it is so popular. This product takes off any makeup product it's put up against and does it with very minimal effort. It's non-irritating, even when used for stubborn eye makeup and has no annoying scent or oily residue. My skin feels refreshed and totally clean after use so I will definitely be repurchasing this when it runs out.

2) L'Oreal Infallible Makeup in Creamy Natural - This would have to be hands down my most favourite foundation of all time. I have had this bottle for what seems like forever and I put it aside now and then to use other newer foundations I buy, but then I always go back to it and wonder why I change. It goes on flawlessly using a brush or a beauty blender and stays put all day long. It doesn't sink into my fine lines and gives me great medium to full coverage without looking like I'm wearing a huge amount of makeup. I just love it!

3) Australis AC on Tour Contouring and Highlighting Kit - I was going to do a full review on this product but decided not to as I think it has been reviewed to death. This palette never leaves my makeup table and is my most reached for item at the moment. All of the highlighting powders are the perfect shade for my pale skin and the middle contouring shade is just great. These powders are so easy to blend out and seem to last for the whole work day. They also make good eyeshadows on those days when I'm in a rush and want a quick, neutral look. For the price this has to be one of the most economical palettes out there.

(Australis AC on Tour Contouring and Highlighting Kit)

4) Elizabeth Arden Lipstick in Rose Petal - I have been living in this lipstick this past month as it is the perfect everyday winter shade for me. It is a gorgeous medium, rose-pink shade that is so creamy to apply and it lasts for hours, even through eating and drinking. This formula doesn't sink into lip lines at all and it keeps my lips feeling moisturised and soft all day. I have always been a huge fan of Elizabeth Arden lipsticks and have a few of them in my collection. I don't think they get anywhere near enough attention in the beauty world.

(Elizabeth Arden lipstick in Rose Petal)

5) Sukin Purely Ageless Intensive Firming Serum - I received this is the last Priceline beauty bag and am going to be running back to my nearest store to get more as soon as it is finished. This serum feels just gorgeous on my skin and makes it seem so soft and supple when applied. I absolutely adore the smell as well which is kind of sweet but floral at the same time (I suck at describing scents!) It's not sticky at all and absorbs into my skin straight away so it doesn't feel too heavy when I apply my day or night cream afterwards. I will definitely be repurchasing this.

6) Rimmel Magnif'eyes Eye Shadow Stick and Liner in Back to Blacks and Queens of the Bronzed Age ** - These shadow/liner sticks have been on my eyes almost every day for the past month. They make a subtle daytime smoky eye possible in literally under 2 minutes. My favourite way to apply these is to do a thick swipe of the black shadow along my upper lash line followed by another thick swipe of the bronze shadow on top of the first line. I then quickly grab my eyeshadow brush and then blend, blend, blend upwards until my whole eyelid is covered and I have an unbelievably fast and long-wearing smoky eye. I then like to use the golden liner end to line my lower lashes and highlight the inner corner of my eye. The trick to these is to blend them very quickly as they set fairly fast and then don't budge for the entire day, even on my badly hooded eyes. They are amazing!  

(Rimmel Magnif'eyes Eye Shadow/Liner sticks in Queens of the Bronzed Age and Back to Blacks)

So that's it for my favourites this past month!


Have a great week!

Michelle xx

** Product received for consideration but my thoughts are purely my own.

Rimmel 'The Only 1' Lipstick Review

Oh, is there any better feeling then opening a new lipstick for the first time and applying it?

I must admit that lipsticks are my weakness. Above all makeup products I just can't seem to go past a good lipstick. I really don't know what it is about a lipstick that appeals to me above a pretty blush, or highlighter or whatever but lipsticks are the one thing I don't think I will ever have enough of.

So, when I was lucky enough to receive some of the Rimmel 'The Only 1' lipsticks to trial I was excited beyond words.

I mean, who wouldn't be excited about looking at such pretties all lined up together, hey?

These Rimmel 'The Only 1' lipsticks come in 15 shades of which I received 5 to try out. They are described as an all-in-one lipstick with long lasting colour, comfort, moisture and wear.

I must say that I am definitely impressed with the colour payoff and wear of these lipsticks considering how affordable they are. They are a dream to apply and leave my lips feeling soft and moisturised for most of the day. I have managed to get a good 5-6 hours out of one application before needing to touch up and they seem to fade to a nice stain once they do start to wear off.

They are a really creamy lipstick that feel almost like butter when applied onto the lips. They are exceptionally pigmented and dry to a very pretty satin-like finish but do have a very strong, sweet, fruity scent and taste when first applied which does tend to fade pretty quickly though. Also, my biggest test for a lipstick is seeing if it bleed into the lip lines and this one passes that test with flying colours!

I also am a huge fan of the rounded bullet as I tend to prefer this shape to your usual pointed lipstick bullet, but I know this shape does have a tendency to turn a lot of people off.

(Left to Right - 120 You're All Mine, 200 It's A Keeper, 510 Best of the Best)

(Left to Right - 600 Peachy-Beachy, 700 Naughty Nude)

The sleek black packaging of these is a winner for me and I absolutely love the coloured strip that represents the shade of lipstick contained within. There is also a coloured label on the bottom that matches the shade as well so it is always easy to pick out the colour you want to wear no matter how you store them.

And here are the all important swatches:

(Top to bottom - 120 You're All Mine, 200 It's A Keeper, 510 The Best Of The Best, 600 Peachy-Beachy, 700 Naughty Nude)

(Rimmel 'The Only 1' Lipstick - 120 You're All Mine)

(Rimmel 'The Only 1' Lipstick - 200 It's A Keeper)

(Rimmel 'The Only 1' Lipstick - 510 Best Of The Best)

(Rimmel 'The Only 1' Lipstick - 600 Peachy-Beachy)

(Rimmel 'The Only 1' Lipstick - 700 Naughty Nude)

My favourite shade is definitely You're All Mine as it's such a pretty, versatile pink that goes with just about every look. Coming a very close second is Best Of The Best which has to be the most brilliant red lipstick I think I own.

Have you tried The Only 1 lipstick yet? If so, what's your favourite shade?

Have a great day!

Michelle xx

Benefit Benetint - Discovering a classic for the first time

So, I think I was most likely the last person left on earth who had never tried this product before until only recently. My husband purchased a bottle of this a little while ago as a present for me and because I am generally terrified of using liquid tints like this I put on my best fake smile as a 'Thank You' and promptly put it at the back of my makeup cupboard thinking I would never use it.

But, something in the back of my mind wouldn't let me forget about this little bottle of scary, runny, red liquid (mainly due to how much it cost!) so I decided to make it my mission to try and get over my fear. After what seemed like an endless amount of Googling and Youtubing I finally managed to work out the easiest way to use it and I've never looked back!

Benefit Benetint is described as a rose-tinted lip and cheek stain and after a bit of research I found out that it was originally created for exotic dancers to use in the 1970's to make their 'pink' bits look even pinker.

It's a very thin, runny liquid that looks quite scary when you first take the brush out of the bottle. It's very easy to apply too much but once you get the hang of it, it gives such a beautiful pink flush to the cheeks and lips that is seriously long lasting. The smell of this liquid is something I just can't seem to put my finger on though. It's kind of a mix between a rose/potpourri scent and Turkish delight to me but it doesn't linger around once applied.

My favourite way to use this on my lips is to apply a thin layer all over them before starting the rest of my makeup. Then I apply a second layer at the end once I'm done to darken the tint. After that I apply some clear, pink or red gloss for colour that lasts virtually the entire day. I do find it a little bit too drying to use on my lips on its own, but with a layer of gloss on top my lips feels comfortable for the majority of the day.

Now, when it came to using it on my cheeks at first I was at a complete loss. No matter what I did I either ended up with pink stripes like a zebra or full-on clown cheeks. I just couldn't seem to get the application right to get that rosy glow that everyone else seems to achieve when using it.

That was until good old Youtube saved the day! I found the best and most easiest way to apply this tint after endless searching and I will never do it differently again.

The trick is to brush some onto a clean, flat surface such as a mirror or ceramic tile, dab your preferred blush brush into it and then dab it onto the cheeks in a fast, circular stippling motion until the desired colour is achieved. Genious!! I like to use the edge of my Becca 'The One Perfecting Brush' to do this as it seems to give me the best application and I end up with perfectly flushed cheeks with no noticeable lines or streaks that last all day long.

I now use this application method for all of my other liquid products that previously went unloved and I'm so grateful for discovering this method. It's opened up a whole new world of makeup for me!

And another great benefit to applying it this way is no stained fingers because as you can see in the pictures below, once this puppy is applied, it's on for the long haul!

(Benefit Benetint - Freshly applied on the top and blended out on the bottom)

(Benefit Benetint - after several wipes with makeup remover - it does not budge!)

The only issue I have now is if I accidentally apply too much to my lips it does have a tendency to bleed out into the fine lines so less is definitely more with this product. Always start with a light application and build it up as it's much easier to apply more than it is to take off.

Even though this little bottle can seem a bit costly (around $55 at Sephora), because of the teeny amount you need to use each application it will literally last a lifetime.

Is there anyone else left on the planet that hasn't tried this product yet, or was I seriously the last one?

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Michelle xx

Review - Rimmel Fix & Protect Makeup Primer

So, I have been trying to get more into using a primer under my makeup these days as I know it's supposed to make your makeup go on a lot smoother and stay looking fresh for longer. But, as it's just another extra step in this very time-poor working mum's routine I have to admit that I do usually skip it and go straight to applying my foundation first - naughty me!

Since receiving this Rimmel Fix & Protect Makeup Primer to try out I have definitely been making more of a conscious effort to use primer before I apply the rest of my makeup. This primer has the same floral scent as the Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation which I quite like and it contains very tiny, shimmery particles which make my skin look luminous and glowing once it is blended in.

The Rimmel Fix & Protect Makeup Primer gives my skin a nice and smooth texture when applied and it makes my foundation feel like it just glides on over the top so easily.

I have also found that wearing this primer on its own with just a bit of pressed powder over the top gives my skin a flawless and smooth look when I am having a good skin day and I don't feel like wearing a lot of makeup.

This primer has an SPF 25 which always makes me happy too as I love having added protection on my skin on sunny days.

I have to admit that I don't really notice too much of a difference in the longevity of my makeup when I am wearing this primer, but it definitely make application easier and adds a glow to my skin that isn't usually there. For these reasons alone I am trying to make sure I don't skip the primer step even when I am in a rush.

Have you tried this Rimmel Fix & Protect Makeup Primer yet? What other primers are you loving right now?

Have a great weekend (or as great as you can if you are getting drenched on the east coast of Australia like me with all this rain!!)

Michelle xx


**This product was provided for consideration but my opinions are all my own**

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush - Fearless

So yep, I know I'm REALLY late to be getting on the bandwagon for the Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes but you just can't rush these things sometimes, you know??

Anyhoo, obviously I have finally started using one of these beauties in the shade Fearless and now I can kind of see what the hype is all about. To be honest, I have had this blush floating around in my makeup drawer for quite a while and for some reason I just kept forgetting about it and pulling out others to use instead.

But, once I did finally pull this baby out, it has seriously been on my face practically 5 out of the 7 days in a week for a good couple of months now.

This blush in the shade Fearless is one of those versatile coral/pinks that just seem to go with every look under the sun. On those days when I cannot be buggered trying to think of a blush to go with whatever look I have decided on with the rest of my face, I just reach for this one and I am always happy with the result.

The shade of this blush seems to suit my pale skin tone beautifully and always gives me a lovely, natural pink flush when it is blended out. It can be a very vibrant pink though if you aren't careful so I always start with a small amount and make sure I build it up rather than trying to go backwards if I apply too much.

It's very highly pigmented so a little does go a long way. This blush never seems to go patchy and I like the way it hasn't hardened in the pan like some of my other powder blushes have done over time (you know when they get that kind of crusty coating that makes it really hard to use?) I also like that it doesn't create a dust cloud in my bathroom when I'm using it too as some of my very fine, powdery blushes have a tendency to do.

It also doesn't settle into any fine lines or imperfections on my face, nor does it highlight my large pores which makes me very happy indeed.

It lasts all day on me, but so do the majority of blushes I own so longevity in a blush has never really been a problem for me.

Am I the only person on earth who took this long to try one of these blushes? What other shades should I try next?

Have a great week!

Michelle xx

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation Review

A little while ago I was given the opportunity to trial this Rimmel Match Perfection foundation and I have to admit that it has been on very high rotation in my beauty routine ever since.

I received the shade 100 - Ivory which is one of the best matches to my natural pale skin tone that I have found in a foundation in a very long time.

It comes in a glass bottle with a pump action head that gives the perfect amount of coverage for my entire face in just two pumps. Needless to say this foundation will literally last forever with the small amount that needs to be used for each application.

When being applied this foundation blends seamlessly and my favourite way to use it is with a beauty blender. It does work perfectly fine with a foundation brush as well but I find the beauty blender much easier when I am in a rush so that is why I use it more often.

This foundation is around medium coverage on me and can be built up if you want it to cover blemishes a bit more. I absolutely love using it on warmer days as it doesn't feel too heavy on my skin and I just love the fact I don't feel like I have a face full of makeup whenever I am wearing it. It gives a dewy look to the skin when it is first applied and then dries to a more powdery look after a few minutes once it sets.

The Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation has become my go-to foundation on days when I am in a rush and I want something that applies smoothly without needing much effort to blend to look good. It's also great for long work days as my skin never feels too dry or oily at the end of the day after wearing it for 10 hours or so.

Once thing I have to mention though is that it does have a tendency to separate on the oiliest parts of my face if I don't apply a setting powder over the top. It can also sometimes settle into any fine lines on my face after a long day but I'm willing to put up with this when it makes my skin look so nice for the majority of the day beforehand.

It's a nice liquid consistency that's not too runny, nor too thick. It does have a very strong floral-like scent though which does fade quickly once applied, but if you are a bit sensitive to strongly scented products then you may have an issue with this one.

I am also in love with the fact it contains SPF 20 as it means I can skip putting sunscreen on my face beforehand when it's not going to be too hot, or on really sunny days I get that little bit of extra protection when I am wearing it.

This is the first foundation I have ever tried from Rimmel and I am definitely keen to give others from this brand a go now.

Have you tried this foundation or any others from the Rimmel range?

Have an awesome weekend!

Michelle xx


**This product was received for consideration but all opinions are completely my own**

The Balm 'How 'Bout Them Apples?' Cheek and Lip Palette

A little while ago I did a little haul of some The Balm products as it's a brand that I hadn't had much exposure to before. There was no way I could resist the How 'Bout Them Apples? Lip and Cheek Palette as it just looked so cute.

This palette comes in the signature cardboard packaging that The Balm are known for which is probably the one thing that I'm not a huge fan of as I can see it getting very dirty and showing a lot of wear and tear after a while. It has a flip top lid that contains quite a large mirror underneath and it is slim enough so that it doesn't feel too bulky to hold when using it.

On the back of the packaging is a list of the shades contained in the palette with little colour swatches as well.

Packaging aside, this palette contains six gorgeous creamy shades that can be used either on the lips or cheeks. The shades are all very versatile for any occasion, they are all easy to blend and don't end up patchy like some other cream products can on my skin. They are also very pigmented and a little goes a long way.

Each shade wears for a good couple of hours on my lips (with eating and drinking involved) and can last all day when I wear them as a cream blush.

I generally like to use cream makeup products on my skin when it is feeling a bit dry and I don't want anything emphasized by using powder type products so these get quite a bit of a workout when I am having no-so-good skin days.

The six shades swatched in order above are Cider (a pretty pinky nude), Pie (a nice bright pink), Candy (a more muted rose pink), Cobbler (a gorgeous red), Crisp (a shimmery pink) and Caramel (a darker browny nude).

I alternate between using all of them on my lips depending on what look I'm going for but my favourite shades to use on my cheeks as a blush are Cider, Pie and Candy. I have also used Caramel as a contour shade when in a hurry and it works really well this way when blended out.

The Balm's How 'Bout Them Apples? Lip and Cheek Palette can be bought almost anywhere that stocks The Balm products and seems to retail for around $34.95.

Has anyone else tried this palette? What are your favourite The Balm products?

I hope everyone has had a lovely weekend!

Michelle xx

Lipstick Queen 'Saint' Lipstick in Hot Rose

So I decided on a whim to order my first ever Lipstick Queen lipstick a little while ago as it is a brand that I have heard so much about but never tried before. Also, the nerd in me has to mention that I was inspired by an article in one of my CPA magazines that featured Poppy King and how she grew her empire so I was intrigued enough to finally buy one of her lipsticks to try.

The 'Saint' lipsticks in the Lipstick Queen range are a sheer lipstick that contain only 10% pigment. They are very moisturising and more like a tinted lip balm which is great if you want to just dip your toe in a certain shade without fully committing to high impact colour. There is also a 'Sinner' lipstick in the range that are the exact same shades as those available in the 'Saint' range, but they contain 90% pigment and are a more matte, opaque finish for those that prefer more punch.

I am so pleased that I ordered the 'Saint' version of Hot Rose as it is such a beautiful shade that is very buildable when I want more colour, but can act like a really pretty tinted balm on those days when I don't want to go overboard with my lips.

It is a very hydrating lipstick that is not too heavy on the lips. It surprisingly also lasts quite a few hours before fully wearing off and my lips always feel so moisturised all day whenever I wear it. It's one of those lipsticks that are just wonderful for the warmer months because it's very easy to forget that you are even wearing it.

This lipstick is advertised as being shimmer and fragrance free and although I can detect a very subtle scent and taste, it definitely doesn't interfere with the wear of the lipstick or with eating or drinking during the day.

Another wonderful bonus is the fact that this lipstick doesn't bleed at all into the lip lines and it wears off nice and evenly while leaving a very subtle tint behind.

I've been wearing this lipstick so often lately as it's a great shade that is really easy to wear with a variety of looks and I'm so glad that I took the plunge and tried one. I'm definitely curious to try some more shades in the range as well as giving the 'Sinner' ones a go as well next time.

Have you tried the Lipstick Queen lipsticks before? What are your favourite shades?

Have a lovely week!

Michelle xx