Review: Clarins Rouge Eclat Satin Finish Age-Defying Lipstick in Chocolate Rose 14

Clarins sure love naming their products with super long names! Lately I have been lusting over Clarins' range of lipsticks, admiring its gorgeous gold packaging along with swatching the testers offered at the stand every time I walked past. I typically associate Clarins to be a brand that generally targets more mature women, however there is no age factor when it comes to makeup! The more I swatched the beautiful Rouge Eclat Satin Finish Age-Defying Lipsticks, the more I fell in love with its creamy and easy to apply formula. After one stressful day, I parted with my money and came home with the Rouge Eclat in Chocolate Rose.

I've always been a lover of French skincare, but Clarins definitely shows that they do luxurious makeup products too. At $38 a pop, by no means is it affordable, however compared to the likes of Chanel and YSL, it is significantly less expensive. It definitely doesn't hurt as much when I am able to get a 25% discount on it too! The beautifully luxe lipstick case doesn't compromise on quality; it weighs nicely in the hand and its golden exterior looks indulgent thrown into my handbag. Clarins describes the Rouge Eclat as a lipstick with intense long-lasting colour, while boosting collagen and protecting lips from dehydration- absolutely what I would look for in a lipstick. 

The colour choice is so typical "me"; I adore a more warm, browny pink/nude shade as it is perfect for everyday wear, which can never go wrong (although I seem to have plenty of lipsticks with a similar shade oops!). The Rouge Eclat applies on so smoothly and effortlessly, with a beautiful satin finish that is absolutely plush. My lips are quite pigmented and many lipsticks struggle to show up, but the Rouge Eclat performs excellently, coating my lips with a lovely colour. The swatch on my arm came out a little more orange-leaning than its true colour, however my lip swatch gives a better representation of this demure shade. I love how hydrating the lipstick is, and you can see just by the shine that appears on my lips! 

My first ever lip swatch!

I am very impressed with how the Rouge Eclat performed in terms of colour and application, and its longevity wasn't too shabby either. The colour wore away evenly which was a plus- patchy lip colour is not the look I'm after! The Rouge Eclat is also one of the most comfortable lipsticks I have worn and I highly praise its formula. I won't hesitate to buy more Clarins lipsticks, although my wallet might start to complain if I keep this a habit!

Have you tried any lipsticks from Clarins before?

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Review: Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow

I had always lusted over Benefit's cosmetics- their lovely products encased within eclectic yet pretty packaging always drew my eye. The more I heard and read about Benefit, the more I wanted their gorgeous makeup. But there was just one huge obstacle that stopped me from purchasing anything, and that was its price. Absolutely absurd prices were slapped onto all its makeup instore, which was a huge deterrent (eg. a boxed blush was $52!). However a cousin of mine from the UK was visiting and was able to get some Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadows for me, and I am now in possession of three shades "No Pressure", "Skinny Jeans" and "Bronze Have More Fun".

Gorgeous cardboard packaging

The little pots of cream eyeshadow in a sturdy tart-shaped glass topped with a lid that resembles the casing for the "tart" deserves a 5/5 for packaging. I chose these three shades as I thought I would get the most use out of them, and I absolutely love nudes. I avoided the popular shade "Birthday Suit" as I decided that it would not show up well on my skin, and quote Lena from sleepandwater, "it's barely visible and very underwhelming" when on the eyelid.

Clockwise from top left: No Pressure, Bronze Have More Fun, Skinny Jeans

The Creaseless Cream Shadows are Benefit's award winning crease-proof and budge-proof eyeshadows which glide on smoothly, and can be used with the fingertips for a soft wash of colour, or with a brush to build up intensity. The first time I tried these shadows, it was nothing like I had tried before! Its super buttery texture paired with an effortless application definitely makes these my favourite cream eyeshadows- these are heaven in comparison to my Maybelline Bad To The Bronze (despite loving this cream eyeshadow for ages, it has failed me by hardening a little...). The colour payoff was amazing and of the three, I can safely say that No Pressure is my favourite. Bronze Have More Fun disappointed me a little- it felt more greasy than the other two shades, and if you look carefully, its swatch is a little patchy too. I found it a little strange that the different shades could have different textures, but I'm hoping it'll improve the more I use it!

Single swipe L-R: No Pressure, Bronze Have More Fun, Skinny Jeans

Favourite shade!

The Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadows are a joy to use and there is no doubt that its pretty packaging contributes to this as well. I highly recommend giving these cream eyeshadows a swatch, I guarantee you will fall in love with its butteriness! Its longevity was amazing, and definitely lives up to its crease-proof and budge-proof claims. If I were to add another one to this collection, I would probably go for My Two Cents, but I might hold off for now. A little off topic, but sorry again for not regularly posting! I have been on a summer placement at a hospital for past few weeks, and in another two weeks time, I am on a rural placement. Hopefully after all this I can get back into blogging again :)

Have you tried Benefit's Creaseless Cream Shadows before? What is your favourite shade?

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Review: L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

Hand cream. Always one of those products I don't use often enough due to sheer laziness, as well as my huge dislike for having greasy hands. Despite loving my Crabtree & Evelyn hand creams, my curiosity to try the hand cream that was sold "ever 5 seconds" had to be satisfied- L'Occitane's Shea Butter Hand Cream.

Retailing at $12 for 30mL, this hand cream is housed in a metal tube that reminds me of a paint tube (and note how similar the packaging is to Crabtree & Evelyn's hand creams!). L'Occitane's Shea Butter Hand Cream is described as a super-smoothing cream blended with 20% shea butter, honey, sweet almond extract and a jasmine aroma which glides on to help heal and protect dehydrated skin.

Excuse my dry hands, that's what hand cream is for right?!

First impressions were that L'Occitane's Shea Butter Hand Cream was a thick white, paste-like cream which struggled to come out of the tube, as well as a strong scent which I personally am not fond of which reminded me of old lady's soap. Not only did I find the hand cream to be a little too greasy for my liking, but most importantly it didn't feel like it moisturised my hands at all! After the cream absorbed into my skin, my hands felt dry again which I'd never had happen to me before with any other hand cream.

Disappointingly I don't see the fuss about L'Occitane's Shea Butter Hand Cream, but this is just my personal opinion! However I do love their Cherry Blossom Hand Cream which has a consistency exactly the same as my beloved Crabtree & Evelyn hand creams. Despite this, I think these hand creams would make wonderful Christmas gifts as stocking fillers.

Unfortunately I have been trying to use this hand cream as much as possible so I can get rid of it, it isn't my cup of tea! Also an apology for my lack of blogging activity- I had a stressful exam period (what cruel person puts 4 exams in the span of 5 days?) followed by an amazing holiday to Malaysia, Hong Kong and Thailand with family which was a wonderful break. I will begin to post more hopefully and I'm thinking of doing a travel essentials post next!

Have you tried any of L'Occitane's hand creams? What is your favourite hand cream?

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Review: Essie Nail Polish in Secret Affair

I love a good sheer and pale pink/beige polish as I adore the clean look it gives to the nails. Initially I had been eyeing Essie's Ballet Slippers and Imported Bubbly, they are gorgeous! However it must have been a lucky day when I went Myer and they had discontinued Essie nail polishes for $8 (they retail for an absurd $17 here). Here it was when I found Secret Affair and I had to grab it, despite having so many nail polishes which I don't even wear.

Surprisingly this is the first Essie nail polish I own myself! I love its gorgeous packaging, and there is nothing more pretty than the embossed "essie" on its bottle. I would love to have a collection, but seeing as I don't paint my nails often, there really isn't a point... such a shame because they are so beautiful.

Application was easy, and drying time was average. My only qualm was that it started chipping the next day... tut tut, not happy at all. But since Secret Affair is such a pretty subdued shade (this could even be a great shade for weddings and for the office) I think I can forgive it for chipping so quickly. I've been thinking of getting the shade Sand Tropez but I'm not sure how it'll fare on my skintone, but I must refrain as money is getting tight!

Two coats of Essie Secret Affair

Have you tried Essie nail polishes? What is your favourite shade?

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Review: Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Ultra Lift and Firm Concealer

I don't usually use concealer much at all, but for the rare occasions that I do, I never have much luck at all. It is so frustrating as they would either turn out to be the wrong shade, look cakey, or have dismal coverage. After a long time of trying many different concealers, I think I might have found one that I like- hello Elizabeth Arden Skin Ceramide Ultra Lift and Firm Concealer (what a mouthful!). 

Top: Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Ultra Lift and Firm Concealer in 1 Ivory
Bottom: Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Skin Smoothing Concealer in 2 Fair

I picked these two up from My Chemist for a mere $10 each which is a huge bargain- I believe these retail for $50 at Elizabeth Arden counters in Australia! I must say I was very happy with the purchase. One thing I just noticed is that these concealers have two different names- I'd assume that the Ceramide Skin Smoothing Concealer is the old name for the new Ceramide Ultra Lift and Firm Concealer. Doesn't really matter though, as their formulas appear to be the same with the exact same consistency and texture.

What I love about the Ceramide Ultra Lift and Firm Concealer is that it really lives up to its claims, it is ultra creamy, crease-proof, provides full coverage and smoothes fine lines. I found that it didn't stick to any dry patches of skin, which I find that a lot of other concealers do- not a great look to be sporting around. What I absolutely loved was the creaminess of the concealer, and it is probably how I envisage NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer to be (I'm not willing to fork out $35 for a concealer yet...).

Shades L-R: Ivory, Fair

Nothing really new or exciting about the packaging of the concealer- it is just your typical concealer tube with an applicator. I like applying the Ceramide Ultra Lift and Firm Concealer by using the applicator to dab a little product on the area I want to conceal, and then blending it into my skin with a finger which works a charm. Note at the colour difference between the two shades Ivory and Fair- Fair doesn't look fair at all! These shades both fulfil my needs for a brightening concealer (especially for under the eyes), and a concealer to cover blemishes. 

I don't use concealer very often at all, so I have a feeling these two tubes of Ceramide Ultra Lift and Firm Concealer will last me a while and I won't have to hunt for the perfect concealer any time in the near future!  

What concealer do you use? Do you have concealers in different shades for different needs?

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Review: theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer

Highlighters. A product that isn't crucial for your everyday makeup look, yet when introduced, you cannot turn back. I first heard about theBalm's Mary-Lou Manizer from Essiebutton and never really thought about buying it, I just thought it would have been something nice to have. Then came along a few more reviews and I couldn't resist. The tipping point was when David Jones had a fantastic offer- spend $27.95 on any theBalm products and receive a Shady Lady Eyeshadow Palette worth $49.95 for free! Must I say, after parting with $34.95 for the Mary-Lou Manizer, I came home with not one product, but a Shady Lady Vol. 2 palette as well, which I will review another time. Today it's all about Mary-Lou.

L-R: Shady Lady Eyeshadow Palette Vol.2, Mary-Lou Manizer

Packaging wise,  Mary-Lou presents itself well. The 8.5g of beautiful highlighter is encased with a sturdy click case which I have no doubts of failing me, if I were to tote it around. The Mary-Lou Manizer is described as an innocent honey-hued luminizer which can be used as a highlighter, shadow and shimmer, giving either a subtle glow or a sexy sheen, depending on the amount you use. I found the champagne colour of Mary-Lou absolutely gorgeous and I can see it being very flattering on all skin tones.

The first swatch of the Mary-Lou Manizer was amazing- this finely milled highlighter is unbelievably smooth, buttery soft and pigmented! There surely couldn't be anything that could feel any more luxurious than this beauty. The best thing was that it provided such a beautiful shimmer without any chunks of glitter. The results were effortless- even though it is quite pigmented, it is hard to go wrong and nothing couldn't be fixed with extra blending! The perfect brushes to apply the Mary-Lou with would be Real Techniques' Contour Brush from the Core Collection, great for highlighting the cheekbones to make them pop, and the Real Techniques' Blush Brush for the perfect sheen.

No other makeup here except some Garnier BB Cream for Sensitive Skin and theBalm's Mary-Lou Manizer. You can definitely see what a difference this beautiful highlighter does, and it gives such a healthy glow to the face. Mary-Lou can also be used as a highlight to the inner corners of the eyes too, and wow, does it impress. Longevity is stunning and is also my favourite way of brightening and opening my eyes.

I am glad that theBalm's Mary-Lou Manizer found its way into my beauty collection, and I have no regrets whatsoever. However thank goodness for the David Jones offer, as without it, I wouldn't have had that extra incentive to purchase such a multi-purpose, luxurious and impressive highlighter.

Paired with Real Techniques Blush Brush for a lovely sheen

Have you tried theBalm's Mary-Lou Manizer? What other highlighters do you use?

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Review: Grown Alchemist Lip Balm Watermelon & Vanilla

I'm no stranger to the bargain corner of a store. So when Priceline had a shelf hidden at the back of its store, stuffed with marked down products (I'm assuming discontinued products) I had a look around. My friend was able to snag a Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ with a bonus cream for only $15! I found a whole row of Grown Alchemist products which I didn't know a lot about. I remember always walking past this brand, scoffing at its ridiculously high prices, however I decided to pick up the Lip Balm in Watermelon & Vanilla for $5, down from $19.95 for 12mL.   

I must say I am admiring the box, made from recycled card and actually feels of quality. The lip balm itself is encased in a metal tube with a simple twist lid, from afar you wouldn't think it was a lip balm! I'm also liking the simplicity of the monochrome design, it makes it look very minimalist. 

Grown Alchemist  does not test on animals and also uses certified organic ingredients, which is always a great plus in the skincare and beauty field. The lip balm is described as a luxurious silky vitamin and antioxidant rich lip balm that hydrates, softens and nourishes the lips- I am such a huge sucker for lip products! The lip balm is a clear gel, but the main first impression was that it smelled amazing, a sweet candy scent that was reminiscent of my childhood, which brought back many nostalgic memories. I was in love!

But back to its lip hydrating capabilities- I was a little disappointed but perhaps it is due to my very high expectations for lip balms (I will review my most favourite lip moisturising product soon, keep an eye out!). I felt my lips became dry not long after application. I had to constantly reapply- which although is a pleasure because of the wonderful scent, I would rather it have longer lasting effects. I can actually say it is similar to the Lucas' Papaw Ointment in terms of moisturisation- it really wears off quickly and doesn't leave the lips moisturised (due to the petroleum), but I'm glad that the Lip Balm in Watermelon & Vanilla doesn't have petroleum. At $5 I did not have any regrets, but if I were to pay the full price, I would have been disappointed.

Have you tried any products from Grown Alchemist?

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