MAC Lipstick Swatch

It's winter here in New Zealand and it always leaves me feeling a little uninspired. I've spent the last few months either not feeling too flash or as of recently extremely busy with work, so I haven't been blogging. This doesn't mean I haven't got anything to blog about or that I haven't tried any new products, but I've actually spent the majority of my time makeup free! But I thought that I should swatch my latest lipstick additions. This post has actually been a work in process for weeks. I hope some of these swatches may help if you're trying to decide over the vast MAC collection!

Chatterbox

Chatterbox

Chatterbox is an Amplified formula. It's a great basic pink.

Chatterbox

Sushi Kiss

Sushi Kiss

Sushi Kiss is a Satin formula. I think it's a beautiful colour but I don't think it works on me which is a shame. 

Sushi Kiss

Up The Amp

Up The Amp

Up The Amp is an Amplified formula. It's a really easy to wear purple. I wear this quite often!

Up The Amp

Cherish

Cherish

Cherish is a Satin formula. I'm not a huge fan of nudes, they just bore me and this one I must admit is a little out of my comfort zone. It looks just like Blankety (which I have swatched too) but on the lip its definitely more of a nude and not as pink.

Cherish

Pink Nouveau

Pink Nouveau

Pink Nouveau is a Satin formula. It's a bright pink. 

Blankety

Blankety

Blankety is an Amplified formula. While the tube looks similar to Cherish it is definitely more pink on the lips and more suited to me for a nude lipstick in my opinion. It's becoming a favourite everyday colour for me.

Blankety

Impassioned

Impassioned

Impassioned is an Amplified formula. It's a super bright fuchsia pink colour.

Impassioned

Hang Up

Hang Up

Hang Up is a Cremesheen formula. Its a dark plummy red which I really do love. 

Hang Up

Rebel

Rebel

Rebel is a Satin finish. It goes without explaining, a favourite and raved about lipstick by many!

Rebel

I have clearly started an obsession with MAC lipsticks. I find them to always be great quality and rarely let down by their formulas, the pigmentation and longevity always impresses me. If you haven't tried them then I suggest you do... or don't as you'll be needing far too many for your bank balances good! 

Hope you are all having a great day 

Cat 

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation Review

I've not done a review on a foundation before but wanted to talk about one of my all time favourites Illamasqua Skin Base. I have shade SB08 and SB07.

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in SB08

Based on a BB cream but with a foundation coverage this gives me a medium coverage when built up. It gives my skin a smooth complexion, and never looks cakey. My skin always feels hydrated.  I like to buff it in with a kabuki brush. It lasts well through out the day especially when set with a powder. I have normal combo skin (can get dry in winter, oily on my T in summer) and find it works in both winter and summer for me. I always use a primer and have found this works with a variation of primers. 

The packaging is plastic and I like the small nossel but I don't like that the writing on the front can fade after time. My lighter shade has lost most of its writing. The formula is a creamy consistency and blends really easily. One layer gives a light coverage and evens your skin tone. A second layer covers a bit more but I can still see my freckles which I'm ok with as I never have them completely covered (I'm not a fan of high coverage on myself). I can build up coverage in certain areas without it caking up though if thats what I want to achieve.

Illamasqua Skin Base SB08

Illamasqua Skin Base left: SB08 right: SB07

I brought mine direct from Illamasqua which is based in the UK I believe. They ship worldwide. It is priced fairly high (£32 which for kiwi currency I'd roughly double that so say $64 aprox) but it is a very nice quality foundation so worth it to me. They have a great colour chart which compares their shades to other popular foundations like MAC, YSL etc. I brought mine in a web exclusive pack 'The Ultimate Skin Trinity' (£70) which has a primer and concealer as well. I don't rate the concealer much but have just started using the primer and am loving it! It's their Hydra Veil primer.

Left obviously no makeup. Right is with foundation, no powder has been applied just a small amount of under eye concealer. 

As you can see from the photos it doesn't cover everything but evens out my skin tone and leaves a somewhat dewy look. I would count this foundation as one of my all time favourites. I'm not a fan of many foundations as I've always found them hard to colour match and I hate the look some can have on my skin, so finding this one with such a natural finish is great!

I hope you are all having a great day :)

Cat

Lady In Red

With summer well and truly out the door I've been crazy for red lips. I seem to be accumulating a few red lipsticks so thought I'd show my collection. If I had one tip for anyone when it comes to rocking a bright lip is prep! Exfoliate your lips with a sugar scrub and moisturise with a balm before applying. For sharp lines a lip pencil is great and cleaning lines with a small brush and concealer is also something you can do. I like to apply a layer and then blot with a tissue, then add another layer. Also popping your finger in your mouth will remove any lipstick from your lips that can get on your teeth.

Limecrime Glamour 101

Limecrime Glamour 101

Glamour 101  is a dark classic red, it's a semi matte product so is quite long lasting. It's definitely a favourite. I find most of the Limecrime lipsticks to be out of my comfort zone and just not very flattering on my colouring but this is a winner for me.

Limecrime Glamour 101

MAC Ruby Woo

M.A.C Ruby Woo

MAC Ruby Woo is an ultra matte lippy, it's horrible to apply as its so dry, but once you manage to it's really long lasting and stunning. It's quite a bright true red and makes your teeth look super white!

MAC Ruby Woo

Limecrime Red Velvet Velvetine

Limecrim Red Velvet Velvetine

Limecrime's Red Velvet is another bright red. I personally am not a fan of its formula. I find it hard to apply, you need to wipe a lot of product off as a little goes a very long way and if too much is applied it takes a while to dry. I'm guaranteed to get it all over my teeth while applying... I'm useless! But once on and dry it won't budge. It's a very matte formula. Its another red that will make your teeth look sparkling white!

Limecrime Red Velvet Velvetine

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Standout 

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Standout

Revlon Matte Balm in Standout is my most worn red. It's long lasting, easy to apply and overall a great product! It is matte but not drying and is easy to reapply during the day. It lasts thru most eating and will only need a few touch ups.

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Standout

A few others that I have but are not favourites for various reasons are:

NYX Butter Lipstick in Juju

NYX Butter Lipstick in Juju

NYX Butter Lipstick in Juju is a lighter red. It's not as long wearing as previously mentioned lipsticks as it's more of a creamy formula. It's still a lovely product just not my most reached for as I need to reapply more often. It is great though if you want a more creamy lipstick. Its also a lot more affordable then the other brands!

NYX Butter Lipstick in Juju

NYX Butter Lipstick in Mary Jane

NYX Butter Lipstick in Mary Jane

Darker then Juju is NYX Butter Lipstick in Mary Jane. It's a great colour but as with the other Butter Lipstick, it's not as long lasting being a creamy formula. It is very pigmented and easy to apply. I recommend using a lip pencil with these creamier formulas to get longer and tidier wear.

NYX Butter Lipstick in Mary Jane

Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in F-Bomb

Urban Decay Super Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in F-Bomb

This product is by far my least favourite. While super pigmented it's glossy formula is a nightmare as I end up with red everywhere! Very overpriced red gloss in a pencil applicator. Its one lip product I truly regret buying. 

Do you have a favourite red lipstick??

I hope you are all having a great day!

Cat

Favourite Brushes

I'm a big believer that your tools are a major factor in how well your makeup turns out. So I thought I'd show a few of my favourite buys... so far! I have only tried Real Techniques, Sigma, Sedona Lace and Jessup but this is about my favourites thus far. I look forward to discovering new favourites! Below is how my brushes are at the moment. I store all my RT brushes together, Sigma Kabuki's together and then all the smaller brushes (mainly eye brushes) together. My Jessup's are currently hanging out together too. Then I have a holder for my dirty brushes. This isn't an ideal set up but it's doing the job at the moment!

My current brush selection and storage

First up shouldn't be a surprise!

Sigma Flat Kabuki

Sigma Flat Top Kabuki is probably the most raved about Sigma brush. I brought the Kabuki set and to be fair they are all as good as this but this brush seems to blend foundation in flawlessly and quickly. I was amazed the first time I tried it. 

Real Techniques Kabuki Brush

Real Techniques Kabuki brush is my most used powder brush. I don't think it's anything special but out of all my brushes this is my favourite to apply pressed powder to set my makeup. I tend to roll it across my skin as to not move the foundation and it just seems to do the job easily. It also opens up and creats a wide flat fan brush (sort of) I'm not totally sure why this is and I've never needed to use it that way but it is handy when drying after cleaning. Out of all my favourite brushes this is probably cleaned least but seems to be showing signs of wear which is sad. 

Real Techniques Blush Brush

By far my most favourite brush for applying blush would be the Real Techniques Blush Brush. This seems to apply the perfect amount of blush. I dab the ends into the blush then use the sides to blend it in. Works a treat. I never feel i've applied too much with this brush which is always my worst fear! I've tried a few of my other brushes but I always wish I had stuck to this one! 

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

A more affordable brush for foundation is the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. Its as good as the Sigma but is slightly smaller so takes a bit more work to blend. Out of all RT brushes this is a must have in my opinion!

Sigma Eyeliner and Small Angle brushes.

I can't decide which is my favourite for applying gel liner, both these Sigma brushes makes the job a breeze. The Eyeliner is the perfect size for a thin line. I find all other liner brushes I've tried are that bit too big. The Small Angle is also the smallest angle brush I've tried and is just as easy as the Eyeliner to achieve a great wing or just a thin liner across the lash line. MUST HAVES!!

Jessup Pencil Brush and Jesup Blender Brush.

I haven't had my eBay Jessup brushes long so haven't tried the whole set out properly yet but so far these 2 have been clear favourites. The pencil brush is a lot better then my Sigma Pencil brush as its quite firm. Plus I'm a huge fan of synthetic brushes. The Blending brush does a fantastic job too and has been my most reached for.

So these are just a few of my favourites. I could easily list quite a few more but these are the ones I'd be quite guttered to lose! 

I hope your all having a great day! 

Cat

My Haircare

I thought I'd go thru my current haircare products and routine. I'm always changing up the products as I've not really come across any 'Holy Grail' hair product, so this is what I am currently using and doing.

My hair goes half way down my back and is a wavy texture. I wouldn't say its very thick but there is a lot of it! I try and get trims every 3 months usually. I don't have any layers as they don't sit well so usually i just get the ends trimmed (I tell the hairdresser to take what is needed off depending on damage) and then shaping around the face. They often thin it out in the mid lengths in the back too. I haven't had a colour since last December when I got some balayage highlights put in. The colour at my roots is my natural colour. This colour choice suits me as its very very low maintenance. But finding the right hairdresser was the challenge. For awhile I was rocking an almost 'dip dye' look which was not cool in my opinion, especially since I had shown photos at my appointment of natural bayalage highlights. But that is a whole other story on my issues with hairdressers! 

I'm not very skilled with hair and rely hugely on my GHD hair straightener. So of course I need to make sure I'm using some products that will protect and try and repair the damage heat has done. Here are some of the products and tools I use.

Aussie Shampoo and Conditioner and Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deep Treatment.

Starting with in the shower, I like to alternate between products as my hair tends to become lifeless and lanky after constantly using one product. At the moment I'm alternating washes with Aussie and Professional Sebastian Hydre products. Sebastian is not that impressive but it does the job. I love John Freida (in the red bottles) so think I'll be repurchasing that when these run out. Aussie is my all time favourite. I have the Frizz brand as shown in the photo which I haven't started with just yet but am currently using the 'Smooth' and before that 'Moisture' Miracle shampoo and conditioners. Moisture was by far my favourite, it smells divine! 

Sebastian Hydre Shampoo and Conditioner

My hair has a 'balayage' 'ombré' effect going on so every so often I use a purple shampoo on the ends  just to keep the lightened ends a little fresh. I definitely prefer to use Fudge Violet Toning Shampoo.

Fudge Violet Toning Shampoo

I also use a clarifying shampoo when I feel my hair is needing it. Its great if you feel your hair has any build up. I don't have a real favourite but am currently using Joico K-Pak Clarifying Shampoo.

Joico K-Pak Clarifying Shampoo

My hair can get super dry so I really like an intensive conditioner and alternate with a few great deep conditioners. One is the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle as seen in a previous picture. Otherwise I go really intensive with Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque or my recent find Hask Keratin Protein masque.

Hask Keratin Protein Masque and Macadamia Deep Repair Masque

Another great and affordable alternative is Coconut Oil. Smothering your dry hair in coconut oil and wrapping cling wrap is a great way to treat your hair. It promotes growth from what I hear and will leave your hair so smooth. If you can handle it apply before bed onto dry hair and sleep with it on. I personally don't like to but will try and keep it on for a few hours if I'm in for the evening.

Coconut Oil

With any deep conditioner I comb it thru with a wide tooth comb I keep in the shower

Wide tooth comb

When I've completed all this I will wrap my hair in a towel to absorb as much water as possible. I never use a blow dryer. I tend to always wash my hair at night and let it dry naturally. I also sleep with it in a plait. Recently (the last 6 months) I've been using a microfibres towel to dry my hair. It's made a huge difference as I use to rub my hair dry with a normal towel. Which if course causes damage. 

Turbie Twist Hair Towels

So I'll usually hang out with my hair in a turban for a half hour or so. Once I take it off my hair isn't dry but is no longer dripping. I then add some hair oil.

Moroccan Oil and Hask Oil

I love Moroccan Oil but as it's super expensive I went on a search for a cheaper alternative. Hask Oil is just as good and these small tubes last months! I buy mine from Farmers, it's only about $5.50!

Tangle Teezer and hair tyes

Once I've applied the oil to my hair, concentrating on the ends I then use my Tangle Teezer to brush my hair. I then plait it and that's me for the night.

In the morning, depending on my plans, I'll either chuck it in a bun or I'll style which means I use my GHD to straighten or curl. From there I'll either wear it down or in a pony tail. I'm not very experimental and have very little time or patience. I'd rather spend time on my makeup!

GHD straightener and a clip.

I love my old GHD. I've had it for about 6 years. I usually section my hair with a clip and do it in 3 layers. 

Of course you need to protect your hair with a heat defense spray. At the moment I'm using either Aussie Miracle Recharge Take The Heat spray or I'll pop some John Freida Full Repair Perfect Ends Sheer Mist on. I have a love/hate for the John Frieda product. It is magical on your ends but the packaging is crap. The spray does not create a sheer mist, it jets out and in no way disperses in your hair. So I tend to spray into my hand and then run my hands thru the mid lengths to the ends. Not ideal but it does the job. The Aussie product also doesn't have an ideal spray but it is a sight better and I don't need to resort to spraying it into my hands! I've used a few different heat protect products but these are by far my favourite.

John Freida Full Repair Perfect Ends Sheer Mist and Aussie Miracle Recharge Spray

I don't tend to put anything in my hair after straightening. I may add a little shine serum but more often then not I won't. 

I like to only wash my hair every 3 days so usually on the 3rd day I'll use a dry shampoo. Batiste is by far my favourite. I really want to try the one for brunettes but it isn't in any shops in my area! The only other thing I haven't mentioned is my favourite brush. Its just your typical paddle brush, makes gathering long hair up easy! 

Batiste Dry Shampoo, Tangle Teezer and a paddle brush.

Thats about it! Not much skill and (in my opinion) minimal products! 

I hope your having a great day! 

Cat