Review: Rimmel Provocalips

Are they really worth the hype?

Hey guys - hope you checked out my wishlist on instagram. Today's post is a review and as you can tell from the title, it's all about Rimmel Provocalips.

For the past few months, I've seen tonnes and tonnes of reviews about the new (not-so-new-now) Rimmel Provocalips hitting beauty blogs and instagram pages around Australia. I finally had the chance to try these little gems out and thought I would give my honest opinion.

All the blogs that I have read thus far have raved about these products listing them as amazing, incredible etc. Since receiving these products in the mail, I have spent the past few weeks testing them out in rain and shine to see if they lived up to their name.

Let's start off with Rimmel's claim:
"Up to 16 Hours of lip liberation. Wild without a trace!

• Kiss proof, transfer proof, food proof high impact endless colour.
• No tight feeling or dry lips. Lips feel smooth and moisturized all day long.
• Easy removal with Oil based makeup remover"

Now let me dissect each of these sentences and provide you with my personal experience.

1. Kiss proof, transfer proof, food proof high impact endless colour

Boy oh boy is this true. I tested this out two ways, first without the seal side and second with the seal side. Either way, this product did not budge. At all. These lippies are truly long lasting... even after my morning coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner. I had them on for 11 hours straight and it didn't move. My work colleagues even commented on how they were amazed my lipstick didn't go all over my coffee mug. I must admit, I was too and it was nice not having to wipe away any carry over from my lippie to my cup. I think Rimmel's claims are 100% accurate on this. While I didn't test the 16 hour claim that the product makes, 11/16 hours is already pretty dang good in my opinion. 5/5 for longevity.

2. No tight feeling or dry lips, lips feel smooth and moisturised all day long

Now even though the lipstick lasts forever, there has to be some sort of trade off. To me, once you put on the colour your lips it feels super dry and tight until you put on the seal. However, the one (and biggest) issue for me is that the colour grouped together and formed a crumbly mess that became super dry throughout the day (typically started around 2-3 hours of application). The product literally crumbled off my lips and because it's so hard to get off, this resulted in uneven and patchy lipstick all over my lips (which was very unattractive). I tried everything to stop it from happening by using the product on its own, using it with a lip balm, using it with a lipliner... but nothing worked. Do you guys have any tips on how to prevent this or has it happened to you? I love the longevity of them but I don't know if I can forgive it for the patchy result after a couple of hours of wear.

The other thing that I wanted to mention was that because of the odd texture produced, it was hard to reapply if I wanted to. It just became a hot mess on my lips.

3. Easy removal with oil based makeup remover

I wouldn't exactly say that it was easy... in fact it was almost a tiny bit painful trying to remove it because so much tugging was involved (even with an oil based makeup remover). But to me, this wasn't a deal breaker as I prefer a lipstick that would last all day and be difficult to remove than one that slips and slides and requires frequent reapplication.

Who should buy this?

I haven't seen many youtube or blogs talking about the patchiness of the products so maybe it's just the ones I have. I think that if you are into a lippie that is super long lasting and one that you don't have to constantly reapply, this is yours (I say give it a go). For those girls with dry lips, I would be careful. Of course, there's no harm picking one up and try it out (there's always a 50% sale at Chemist Warehouse) to see if it suits you.

Important Update 02/02/2015:
I've found a way to use them that doesn't make them crumbly! Just be sure to use a LOT of the setting side. Taking this into account, I actually really like these products. They are the longest lasting products I've ever used on the lips and they have amazing colours. Waiting on Rimmel to release more colours and I'll be happy to pick some up. Estatic that I've found a way to avoid the patchiness. =D!

Love Cindy aka Skindzmakeup

Chit Chat: Christmas 2014

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

As I walk into shopping malls and even into my office, all I see are Christmas trees and decorations all around. I guess it's that time of year again when we put our stockings and Christmas trees up, cook a lot of delicious food and prepare for family/friend gatherings.

It didn't quite hit me that another year had gone by until this morning when I was preparing for work. I had my Bath and Body works candle out, a large mug of delicious coffee and a bright red lipstick to start the Monday (refer to the picture below). Turns out I'm more ready for the holidays than I thought. Haha. Juts an FYI too - the YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in number four is the perfect texture and colour for the holidays. It's super moisturizing, provides some gloss to the lips and is pretty much a bright red lip.

I'll be posting up my Christmas wishlist shortly so stay tuned for that. In the meantime, make sure you post your wish list and #Skindzmakeup.

Have a beautiful week.

Love Cindy aka Skindzmakeup

Chit Chat: It's an exciting day in Australia - Sephora Opens!

The day has finally come.

It's an exciting day in Australia for all of us beauty blogger today. Yup, it's official that as of an hour ago *cue the party music*... SEPHORA HAS OPENED IN AUSTRALIA (SYDNEY)!

You can go visit Sephora Aus' facebook if you want to see more photos from the grand opening - https://www.facebook.com/SephoraAus.

Unfortunately I won't be able to attend due to work commitments, however based on the photos posted online I can tell that it's going to be a crazy day for all those involved. 

In the meantime, I will be patiently waiting the reactions of many beauty lovers to the price of the goods. I've heard mixed feedback about whether or not Sephora is matching all brands prices or purely Sephora branded items. But based on ThePlasticDiaries.com, it seems they are price matching all items (obviously the small different is to cater for exchange rate fluctuations).

While I patiently wait, I have my items listed out and the best bf in the world on standby who will be picking them up for me when I request (he's travelled with me to the US before where he has had to visit about 25 different Sephora stores, so he's well trained in where everything is haha). Thank you Mr Best-Bf-Ever. =).

Are any of you guys planning on visiting the store? Let me know what you've picked up!

Love Cindy aka Skindzmakeup

Haul: MyQty.com

Limited Edition items always get me

As all of us beauty bloggers would know, when a limited edition item comes around and it has been hyped up, we all have to have it. Sad reality is, a lot of us may miss out.

This happened recently when I wanted to purchase the Lorac MegaPro Palette. Initially, I didn't really pay much attention to it because I thought they would be the same colours as the Lorac Pro and Lorac Pro 2 palettes. When I realised they were new limited edition colours, I hurried back on to Amazon but it was sold out. Worldwide. Gone. I was so sad.

So a few weeks passed and I recall a lot of Aussie Instragrammers posting pictures of their haul. When I read a post on myqty's instragram, they mentioned one of the last shipments in the world was coming their way... I was on it. I stalked the website for days until that magical moment when the beautiful "add to my card" button appeared. While the price of $89.95 was pretty steep compared to worldwide prices, the bf convinced me to treat myself (thank goodness for him).

So, now here I am. Doing this post, which can only mean one thing... THE MEGAPRO IS FINALLY MINE. It's been a long search but well worth it in the end.

All I can say is the colours are BEAUTIFUL. The top two rows are made up of matte colours and the bottom two are shimmer colours. I cannot wait to dig into this thing.

For those of you who missed out in Australia and don't mind the price, I discovered a website called BosaBeauty (also on instagram) who sell it. However, keep in mind that it does cost $145.

I'll post up a review eventually but for now, happy Friday everyone!

Love Cindy aka Skindzmakeup

Review: Go-To Skincare by Zoe Foster Blake

Hello hello and long time no blogging.

I'm so sorry to have been away for so long. It's been madness but it should all calm down in December. In the meantime I really wanted to get this post up and let you all know about a skincare line I have been trying for the past few weeks. From the title, you can probably tell that this post is all about Go-To Skincare. For those who don't know, this line was created by the Amazing Zoe Foster Blake. I know right?! I was so excited too!

About the line:
The Go-to line was founded by Zoe Foster Blake, an Australian Beauty Editor who has been in the industry for over 10 years (hence, she knows her stuff!). It launched on 1 April 2014 after she had spent many years reviewing and using almost ever kind of skin care product available and obtaining feedback from women on their likes, dislikes and what they found baffling about products used on their skin.

The brand is all about using pure, potent natural ingredients with zero nasties. For someone with sensitive skin like me, that was a HUGE bonus. The range offers gentle exfoliation, protection and authentic hydration to provide the perfect base skin care routine no matter how old you are. Based on the packaging on the products, each item can be used on every skin type. I'm also super excited to let you all know that the brand is created In Australia and made in New Zealand (be proud Aussie girls)!

All products are also free of petrochemicals, PEGs, Mineral oils, Parabens, Sulfates, Silicones, GMOs, Synthetic Colours or Fragrances and Animal testing of any kind. Woo!

In the range there are five products, of which I had the privilege of trying three. These products include:

1. Lips! - A medical grade lanolin lip product that nourishes and moisturises the lips without feeling heavy (reviewed below)
2. Properly Clean - A foaming cleanser that uses Willow Bark to ensure everything comes off the face (reviewed below)
3. Exfoliating Swipeys - I was already sold on the adorable name, but these cotton pads use lactic acid (AHAs) to gently exfoliate the skin (reviewed below)
4. Very Useful Face Cream - An ultra hydrating, lightweight and all-natural cream that defends against premature aging. It contains replenishing oils and antioxidants for bright, soft and impeccably protected skin.
5. Exception Oil - A rapidly absorbed healer and soother for skin, hair, face and all the rougher bits of the body. It is a blend of pure hydrating butters, waxes and 10 super oils. It proudly boasts the Appellation d'Origine logo as its Monoi de Tahiti is the real, pure heavenly-scented deal, direct from Tahiti.

Packaging:

Let me just say, when I received the package I let out a squeal of excitement. The peach and white theme of the box and it's contents was STUNNING. Opening the box was even better... There was a little note from the Go-To team, tonnes of information about the brand and everything was neatly bubble wrapped. I could tell there was a lot of care put into packing these items and we'll worth it since nothing came damaged.

Products that I tried and tested:

Here comes the fun bit - my review and thoughts on the three products that I tried. 

1. Lips!

Go-to claims:

This product is a deeply restorative, soothing and moisturising superbalm that rescues dry, cracked lips, and perfectly conditions happy, healthy ones. 

Lips! has been meticulously formulated (by a very fussy beauty editor with stratospheric standards) with ultra medical grade lanolin, nourishing apricot kernel, avocado, almond, evening primrose, vitamin E and jojoba oils, as well as beeswax and soothing calendula and shea butter to ensure your lips are genuinely nourished, protected and conditioned. Offering pure moisture AND a barrier to keep that moisture in place = pretty great lip balmery, actually. 

A touch of natural pomegranate gives Lips! its' flavour, and a sprinkle of 100% Moroccan pixie dust gives it its' magic.

Lips! comes in a small tube (15g) and retails for $14.95.

Whats in it?

Ultra Medical Grade Lanolin, Shea Butter, Apricot Kernel Oil, Beeswax, Sweet Almond Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Vitamin E, Fragrance (Pure Pomegranate), Pomegranate Seed Oil, Calendula Oil, Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, Stevia.

My thoughts:

Firstly, I know you're all thinking it... how adorable is the packaging?! Hopefully you can read the writing on the photo... Zoe is definitely witty! Just a bit of background about me... typically my favourite lipbalms are Carmex, Baby Lips and Lucas Paw Paw Ointment... the thick type of balm. But there's something different about this product. It might be because this product took almost two years to create and had over 18 versions before the final product was created! Haha. All I know is that since I first put this on my lips it has stayed put in my handbag (go ask my friends!). 

I find this super moisturising and given my lips were cracked and in so much pain, it came at the perfect time. Using this product I didn't find that it was sticky at all (I HATE sticky lip products). Instead, its very, very lightweight with a gel-ish consistency. When you put it on and smoosh your lips together, it glides on effortlessly and evenly distributes on the lips. It provides a beautiful glossy sheen and I wear it below and on top of any lipstick I put on.

Good news for me was that about a week and a half after using this product, my lips were no longer cracked. The taste and smell of the product is also AMAZINGGG. I just can't get enough of it. Think I'll be repurchasing this for many years to come.

2. Properly Clean

Go-To claims:

A cleanser that actually, yknow, cleans. Unlike cleansers that are unnecessarily harsh, foamy or scratchy, or too thick and creamy, leaving behind residue and dissatisfaction, or are too basic for your needs (i.e.: a face slathered in moisturisers, serums, primers, sunscreens, makeup, grime and pollution) Properly Clean, cleans. Properly.

It doesn't take smokos and it never chucks sickies: it's on the g-damn task, day and night. Low levels of non-irritating Willow Bark Extract (an extremely gentle version of salicylic acid), ensures your skin is thoroughly clean but never dry or unbalanced, while the all-natural silky soft mousse leaves your complexion smooth, hydrated and happy.

Properly clean contains 150ml of product and retails for $29.95.

What's in it?

Water, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Glycerin, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Sodium Chloride, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Willow Bark Extract, Natural Fragrance (ginger, mandarin and lime).

My thoughts:

Packaging - perfect. Beautiful colour theme, sturdy plastic and good pump. The actual product? When I first used it, I found it odd that the foam didn't lather up as much as other mousse cleansers. Because of this I found I had to use 3 pumps to get a nice layer all over my face. Also, because my skin was so dry at the time, I thought this cleanser would strip away the remaining moisture on my face. So let's just say I didn't have high hopes.

...Boy was I wrong. This cleanser is hands down my favourite out of the three products. While it's not the most moisturising cleanser, the reason I'm in love with this product is because it removes EVERYTHING. My waterproof mascara, foundation, blush, bronzer, eyeliner, lipstick... yup you name it... EVERYTHING. I've never had a cleanser that has done that on FIRST WASH. Needless to say I was amazed and am still amazed to this day. It also left my face feeling super fresh and as per the name... Properly Clean. I'm also one to suffer from those annoying little things we call pimples but over time I saw a slight improvement in my skin texture. HIGHLY recommended this.

3. Exfoliating Swipeys

Go-To claims:

Single-use facial pads soaked an all-natural solution that perfectly exfoliates and hydrates the skin.

We combined the well-documented effectiveness of lactic acid, the most gentle of all AHAs, with ultra-hydrating essential oils to create a product that thoroughly removes dead skin cells (the cause of dull skin and congestion), refines skin texture, minimises the appearance of fine lines and deeply moisturises. And all in 60 seconds, and using just one sweet, disposable little cotton pad.

Exfoliating Swipeys were created to make exfoliation simple and fast, and leave you with skin that's healthy, happy, and is far better able to receive all those lovely moisturisers, masks and serums you spend all your money on.

Exfoliating Swipeys comes with 50 wipes and retails for $45.95.

What's in it?

Water, Lactic Acid, Aloe Vera, Mandarin (Essential Oil), Almond Oil Polyglycerol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Lemon (Essential Oil).

My thoughts:

I really loved the concept of these. You just take one cotton pad which is soaked in goodness and swipe it over the face. Nice, quick and simple. It also smells really nice and comes in a gorgeous little tub. I use this product twice a week (it is recommended that it is not used more than 3 times per week) by grabbing a pad and wiping it all over the face then rinsing with water. When you use the swipey, you can definitely see the oils on the product absorbing into the face. It removes any residue on the skin and leaves it feeling super soft and supple. I haven't seen any dramatic results just yet, but that could be because I'm lucky not to have fine lines and I need to use it for longer. I have high hopes for this product, especially since my experience with the other two items have been incredible.

Overall:

Overall, I am amazed by this line and would highly recommend it, especially the Properly Clean cleanser. I'm tempted to try the items in the range and will definitely do a post on those if so.

Where to buy:
Go-to is an online business and can be purchased at gotoskincare.com.

RRP for the two items not featured:

• Exception Oil - 85g for $49.95
• Very Useful Face Cream - 50g for $39.95

Zoe and the Go-To Skincare team have also been visiting local shopping centers so make sure you go check them out and see if they're selling at a place near you!!

Love Cindy.

Where did I go?

Where did I go?

Hey guys and gals,

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I haven't forgotten about you or your requests... just find it difficult to post as I'm currently travelling and don't have much free time on my hands. On the other hand, I'm also pretty excited about this trip because I plan on meeting up with some fellow beauty bloggers (woo!!).

I'll be back and posting at the start of October so stay tuned for upcoming posts! In the meantime, follow me on @Skindzmakeup on Instagram for photos.

Leave me any comments or requests.

Thanks lovelies!

Love Cindy :).

Haul: Elf Cosmetics

Love a good Elf Haul

I was randomly surfing the web the other night and realised I hadn't visited iherb for a while. Whilst browsing through the website I noticed that they finally restocked their Elf Studio Brushes so I decided to make a purchase.

For those of you who don't know, I own a BUNCH of brushes ranging from Hakuhodo to Elf. Elf Studio Brushes happen to be my favourite affordable brush line. Their brushes are super soft, don't shed (until the end of their life), have the perfect amount of density and they have a broad range. I own about 30 of their brushes, of which only 1 (the powder brush) has recently become lose and started to shed... this is after 5 years. Pretty good for $3!

On the skincare side of things, I also love their zit zapper. I have tried a LOT of pimple and zit treatments and there only seem to be two that work for my skin (I have sensitive, red, acne and blackhead prone skin that ranges between dry to oily depending on the weather) - the zit zapper by Elf and the Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Eliminating Spot care. This was only $2, so why not? It lasts for a decent amount of time and is great for the overnight reduction of redness and size of any spots that pop up.

The other item if the Makeup Mist and Set. I haven't had the chance to try this yet but I've heard many great things. The bottle was a lot smaller than I expected but being only $3, I can't complain. I'll do a review of this at a later date.

Have a great weekend!

Love Cindy (Skindzmakeup)

Mac Lippies

This is just a random post on some of my favourite MAC lipstick colours.

While I love almost all the textures and finishes of their lipsticks (apart from really frosty ones), these are the ones that stay in my handbag. They act as emergency "I NEED LIPSTICK" fillers.

From top to bottom the colours are Freckletone, Angel and Shy Girl.

• Freckletone (lustre) is a light neutral peachy shade which is beautiful for fairer skin girls with warm to olive undertones. It provides semi-opaque coverage which is buildable and I think its perfect for my NC15/NW20 complexion. If I had one complaint, it would be that it doesn't perform the best when it comes to longevity, something that is probably common across most MAC lipsticks. However, it still gives me a perfect natural finish... I love it.

• Angel (frost) is another shade I never thought I would like or purchase. I have used so many pinks in my life and most of them do not match me. However, somehow this one works. It's great for cool or warm toned skin girls and helps to provide a fresh and youthful look to finish any routine. While it is described as having a "frost" finish, I don't really agree with this. I think it's more of a lustre but more pigmented. Beautiful shade.

• Shy Girl (cremesheen) was definitely unexpected. I had never really heard of this colour until I was randomly in the MAC store looking. It provides a beautiful peachy pink tint to the lips, which just adds another layer to finish my makeup look. It's my go to lipstick when I'm just not sure what colour matches my outfit (girl problems - ha!). This lipstick has quite a nice texture in that it is quite moisturising and has decent longevity (3 hours ish).

I've heard a lot about Candy Yum Yum... think I may have to check that out.

Love Cindy (Skindzmakeup)

Collection: Nyx Round Lipsticks

Anyone else love the amazing range of Nyx Round Lipsticks?

This is my little collection of goodies that I purchase online from eBay.

What I love about these is the:

• Broad range of colours
• Creaminess of the Lipsticks
• Great pigmentation 
• Packaging (colour on the bottom)
• Affordable price! 

What could be improved? 

• These lippies bleed so a lip liner is required
• The colour doesn't last very long and transfers on to other objects like crazy.

Overall rating :

While there are a few issues with the lippies, the affordable price tends to negate these. It's a good lippie for those who are just starting out with makeup and want to know what colours match them or those who don't mind the limited longevity of the product.

Price: 5/5

Quality: 3/5

Packaging: 4/5

Love Cindy (Skindzmakeup)

Collection: Concealers

Concealer Crazy.

Yup. That's right. I'm knee deep in the concealer craze at the moment and today I featured some of my concealers on my instagram. Unfortunately I didn't include some of the concealers in my makeup bag (Nars Radiant Cream Concealer, Tarte Amazonian Clay Concealer and the Maybelline Age Rewind). Right now, it's so cold in the mornings so I'd rather spend the extra 5 minutes in bed than apply a full face of foundation.

None the less, I thought I would give you an overview about my top 3 concealers in the bunch.

My top 3 in the photo below are:

1. Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer (52 Medium Radiance)
2. Mac Prolongwear Concealer (NC20)
3. MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer (NC30)

*Note the Giorgio Armani is in my top 3 but I have already reviewed it in my other blog posts

Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer:

Bourjois says: Bourjois' new Healthy Mix fruit-therapy correcting concealer smoothes away dark circles and imperfections for a visibly rested and radiant look. Its exquisite glide-on formula blends onto the skin for a natural result, with no marks.

This is one of my favourite concealers in the 'drugstore' or in Priceline. I picked mine up on sale for $8 and I have not looked back. This concealer is absolutely amazing and it would suit anyone with dry to combination skin.

• Packaging 
• Sturdy tube made out of plastic
• Product is easy to dispense (until you get to the end when it gets a bit harder)

• Product
• Medium coverage
• Long-lasting (6 hours on my skin before it starts to disappear)
• Provides a dewy/glowing finish
• Creamy, smooth and extremely blendable
• Useful for under the eyes or to conceal blemishes
• Does not settle into fine lines and does not crease

• Other:
• Expensive for the drugstore (even though I paid $8 the RRP is $24 AUD)
• Smells floral (be aware if you are sensitive to this)
• Dries pretty quickly
• Has a pink tinge to it
• Contains Apricot (radiance), Melon (moisture) and Raspberry (Micr-circulation activator)

Mac Prolongwear Concealer

MAC says: A lightweight fluid concealer that provides medium to full coverage with a comfortable, natural matte finish. Colour-true formula lasts up to 15 hours.  Helps conceal and correct the look of under-eye circles, and discolorations. Comes in a clear glass vial with a matte black pump.

If you want coverage that lasts an incredible amount of time, look no further. I like to use it on blemish and around the face. It is likely to suit those of you with combination to oily skin.

• Packaging 
• Sturdy glass container that comes with a pump
• The pump is not easy to control so be careful when dispensing the product, I find that 1 full pump is way too much for me

• Product
• Medium to full coverage
• Long-lasting (8+ hours on my skin)
• Provides a natural to matte finish
• Creamy, smooth and extremely blendable
• Useful to conceal blemishes, I find it too thick to cover under the eyes
• Does not settle into fine lines and does not crease
• It may emphasise flaky patches on the skin
• If you try to build up the product, it will become cakey
• A little goes a long way

• Other:
• Price = $32 AUD
• Work fast! It dries pretty quickly.
• Has a orangey tinge to it
• I go through this product so quickly (could be because of the pump and how it dispenses too much product)

Mac Studio Finish Concealer

MAC says: A lightweight, creamy, discreetly opaque concealer. Provides a smooth, long-wearing invisible coverage for all skin blemishes. Water-resistant, fragrance-free and non-acnegenic. This emollient-based, lightweight concealer is so concentrated that a tiny amount can provide opaque coverage of the skin's imperfections and discolourations. It effectively covers dark circles, blemishes, moles, tattoos and birthmarks. Enriched with antioxidants (derivatives of Vitamin A and Vitamin E), it also contains Silica to help adsorb the skin's oils. Concealer has an SPF of 35 and is available in a wide range of colours. It can be applied with a medium to firm fiber brush (try the 242 Brush), a latex sponge, or the fingertips.

For starters, this concealer is way too dark for me. When I was colour matched by one of the MAC staff, something clearly went wrong. Because I don't like to waste products and due to its orangey tinge, I use this product for under the eyes during the Summer time. And yes, I know, I know it's a very heavy concealer but during the warmer seasons and particularly when you warm up the product and use your fingers, it becomes very creamy and blendable. Then once it dries, it's not going anywhere. Note that this product is NOT for people with dry skin.

• Packaging 
• A little plastic tub that flips open and clips shut
• Very small and easy to store and travel with
• Not as hygienic as the other two as you tend to have to dip you brush, sponge or finger into the concealer (if you are like me and cbb scooping some out with a Q tip or sanitized spatula every time you use it)

• Product
• Medium to full coverage
• Decent lasting (5+ hours on my skin)
• Provides a matte finish
• Contains SPF
• Creamy, smooth and extremely blendable (only when I use my fingers and work to warm up the concealer before i apply it). When a brush is used, it is not as blendable and creamy.
• May settle into fine lines and crease toward the end of the day
• Emphasises flaky patches on the skin
• If you try to build up the product, it will become cakey (hence I do not agree with the 'invisible coverage' MAC states)
• If you get the correct shade, I would see no issues with using it around the face but as mentioned before mine is too dark and orangey. This means that it is much more useful to conceal any under eye circles that I have. However, I do warn you that this will only work if you use your fingers to really warm up the product prior to application. If not, this concealer will become patchy and crease.

• Other:
• Price = $32 AUD
• No scent
• Has a orangey tinge to it 
• This product lasts a very long time as a little goes a long way.
• The texture of the concealer is very dependent on the temperature around it. In the warmer seasons the product is nice and creamy but when it's cold it is super hard and difficult to work with.
• Feels a bit heavy upon application

What are your favourite concealers? Are there any you want me to review or any I should pick up and try?

Leave a comment!

Love Cindy (Skindzmakeup)

Favourites: July Brushes

Brush Hoarder Alert.

I was tagged on instagram to show my favourite beauty and makeup tools. For those of you who follow me or know me in real life, you know that I am a brush fanatic. It's my favourite part of makeup and it's the one product (other than foundation) that I am willing to spend extra $ on. In my collection I have a range of brushes that are from various brands ranging from $1 ebay brushes to $100 Hakuhodo brushes.

I go through phases of rotating my brushes, much like rotating my makeup. Today I thought I'd do a quick photo post of the items that I am currently in love with.

Items pictured:

1. Hakuhodo Face Brush J531

2. Zoeva 127 Luxe Sheer Cheek Brush

3. Real techniques Buffing Brush

4. Elf cosmetics Blush Brush

5. Loveybellemakeup Angled Blush

6. Marc Jacobs The Face II

7. Jessup Angled Mini Kabuki (got this from ebay for $1.50 AUD)

8. Flower Hairpin from Cairns

9. Tweezerman Mini Isaac Mizrahi Collection

I have over 300 brushes in my collection so to make it in the top 10 is a pretty good effort! I also have a few special mentions of other tools including:

1. Nars Ita brush (fantastic for contouring)

2. Zoeva 142 Concealer Buffer brush (great for blending in concealer)

3. Sigmabeauty SS266 (point pencil brush - love this for my eye shape)

4. Tom Ford Cheek Brush (beautiful brush for cream or powder blush)

5. Conair BodyBenefits Mirror (love this vanity mirror - got it from Big W)

What are your favourites? Any brushes I should try?

Love Cindy (Skindzmakeup)

FOTD 6

Can't wait for Friday night!

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!

I feel like I haven't worn the colours of the Naked 2 palette in almost forever. Friday night feels like the perfect occasion to start using it again. I don't even remember why I stopped!

1. Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder (Medium)

• We all know that this is my HG contour powder
• Beautiful for producing a natural cool toned contour to the face
• I used this on the hollows of my cheeks, temples and along the jaw line

2. Chanel Perfection Lumiere (B20)

• Beautiful foundation for producing a long lasting natural finish
• Very blendable and the colour match is great for my skin
• The packaging is made out of glass and the best part is that it comes with a pump
• I used this all over my face for a medium coverage finish
• The effect of this foundation today is a satin/natural finish so I didn't feel the need to set it

3. Bobbi Brown Lipstick (Plum Rose)

• Super creamy and pigmented
• It's a shade that is a little darker than my natural lips
• Lasts about 4 hours without having to reapply

4. Sleek Blush (Pixi Pink)

• Incredibly pigmented... use a super light hand because you may look like a clown if not
• Smooth and blendable
• Long-lasting

5. Buxom Lipgloss (Starr)

• One of my favourite lipglosses
• Non-sticky and smooth on the lips
• Soft plumping sensation (that does not sting)
• Decently pigmented (not opaque and not clear - somewhere in between)

6. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

• LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!
• Great for cool toned skin
• A variety of colours that can be used for a natural or smokey look
• Super blendable, pigmented and creamy
• Long-lasting, especially when used with the Urban Decay Primer Potion

7. Maybelline Master Precise Eyeliner

• Great tip, which is fine and perfect for a precise look
• Pigmented and the formula is quite liquidy
• Does not smear or smudge
• Does not long all day on my eyes (about 5-6 hours before crumbling) so it's now in my makeup bag for touch ups

8. Loreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara (waterproof)

• Long lasting (but hard to get off with an eye makeup remover)
• The waterproof formula means it holds a curl very well
• Adds length and volume (once dried out)
• Can become clumpy if you decide to do a third coat

What's on your face today?

Love Cindy (Skindzmakeup)

Review: Makeupforever Pro Finish

MakeupForever ProFinish Powder

Where to buy: Sephora

I have been using my Mac Mineralised Skin Finish in Light for years now. However, ever since my friend introduced me to this little guy, I haven't looked back.

So what's so good about it?

For me, I primarily use powders to set my makeup or on lazy days when I just don't bother with liquid foundations. Hence, I love powders that require minimal effort. This product is certainly that. It provides medium but buildable coverage, has a buttery texture, last a whole day, controls oiliness on the Tzone and sets my liquid foundation so it loses that sticky feel (I hate that feeling). Another added bonus is that it has beautiful packaging and is decently priced (note I'm comparing this against Australian makeup prices). 

So what don't I like about this product?

Well for starters, it's not easily accessible in Australia so I usually pick it up overseas. Also as much as I love the medium coverage, it does feel a little heavy on the skin and with a few layers it will start to cake up. The other thing I have noticed is that it seems to run out quickly too... though it may be because I use it almost every day, I can start to see the pan and I've only had it for a few months. Eep!

Overall rating:

Packaging - 5/5 (lightweight and sleek)

Quality - 4.5/5 (it feels a little heavy) 

Price - 4/5 (compared to Aussie prices)

Review: Illuminating Powders (Hourglass, Guerlain and Givenchy)

Lit from within.

As you would probably know from my prior blog posts, I have been crazy obsessed with illuminated and glowing skin. This inspired me to go to my collection to find products that I rely on to provide me with this all-over-the face or cheekbone glow.

I have limited this post to the following three items (I apologise that they are mainly high end), which I can use as a highlighter or all over. I always use a big fluffy brush (like the Zoeva 106 Powder brush) when I use the product for all over the face, or a simple angled blush brush when I apply it as a highlighter. They are very versatile items and I would recommend each of them.

1. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

I still remember when this product was released in the USA. I was a bit sad that I wasn't able to obtain it, but when my friend told me he was heading to the States, I immediately requested if he could do me a little favour (thanks E!!) and bring this back. Just a side note, that for those of you in Australia, this product is available at Mecca.

Sephora states that this is "A trio of our best-selling Ambient Lighting Powders. Powders capture, diffuse and soften the way light is reflected on skin, brighten the appearance, and conceal imperfections, pores and wrinkles. Unlike traditional finishing powders that use opaque pigments, Ambient utilizes Photoluminescent Technology—micron-size, soft-focus particles that refract light and create transparent coverage. The powders can be applied individually or layered to imbue skin with a multidimensional glow. Universal powders make them suitable for every skin tone, and they can be worn for day and night."

I do not disagree with their statement as this palette is my favourite out of the three. While it is cheaper (weight vs dollars) to get a single powder, I opted to purchase this trio to sample each colour range. The feel of the product is quite soft and it provides a smooth finish to the face. I've listed our the colours and how I use them below

• Dim Light: A neutral peach beige powder. It is meant to blurs imperfections and also can be used to highlight the skin. It has a balance of warm and cool tones. I use this product all over my face. The finish is beautifully luminous skin that lasts throughout the day. It does not make me look like a glitter ball and it really hides any issues I may be having.
• Incandescent Light: A pearly powder. I use this as a highlighter on my cheekbones, bridge of my nose and on my cupid's bow. This colour is exclusive to the palette and it meant to brightens the complexion.
• Radiant Light: This is the darkest shade and the one I like to use on my cheeks for a golden beige glow. It provides an added touch of warmth to my skin and it perfect for the summer time.

2. Guerlain Meteorites - Teint Beige (Medium)

Guerlain states the following: "This legendary powder offers dreamed-of radiance to every woman. Pink to refresh the complexion, green to diminish redness, white for a brighter complexion, mauve to catch the light, gold and pearl to add a perfect touch of radiance to the face... The alchemy of pearls infuses the skin with new light, translucency and original purity. "

I've reviewed this product on Instagram before, so here is the snippet and my thoughts:

These are silky little balls of powder that provide a beautiful glow to finish off any makeup look. There are several shades of balls within each of the different sets, all of which work together to brighten the complexion and add a touch of radiance to the skin. I use this product all over the face to provide a nice glowing sheen to the skin or on my cheekbones when I want added dimension on the face. Note that the product does not contain much coverage but the end effect does last all day.

The product comes in a SUPER luxurious tubs that look stunning on any vanity (I'm such a sucker for packaging). The box is made of metal, with a fully detachable lid that has beautiful flower print on top. It also comes with a soft powder puff, which to be honest... I don't use. The powder has a delicate floral smell, which I personally love, but if you are sensitive to fragrance keep this in mind.

Another thing to note is that if you don't like tiny hints of shimmer on the skin, this may not be for you as for some, it may accentuate pores. Also, the balls may drive some ppl crazy because they have the tendency to bounce everywhere if they manage to escape! Other than that, I think its a lovely finishing powder that works great on my skin. Would def recommend!

3. Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder #2

This product is amazing for my complexion and I can always depend on it when I want some extra 'oomph' to the skin. The powder certainly mattifies the skin, but at the same time it provides a glow. When you touch the product for the first time, you can immediately tell that it is finely milled and extremely light. After application, your skin will feel very velvety soft. However, I don't use it everyday and when I do apply it, it is purely used for highlighting. Why? I like the effect better, especially because it contains smaller bits of sparkle.

The colour that I purchased does not provide any coverage and also has the least shimmer out of all of them. Upon swatching the others, I noticed that some of them contained a LOT of sparkle that was very evident in the sunlight. Hence, if you are looking to pick one up, please test it out otherwise you may run the risk of looking like a disco ball if you are not careful.

The packaging is also a close contender of the Guerlain meterorites. The Givenchy comes in a square plastic box and has a faux leather cap. Each powder is split up into 4 smaller compartments, which contain the different shades of powder. It is a very compact case that is able to fit into any vanity quite swiftly. There is also a powder puff just under the lid, which is super soft. Like the Guerlain, I don't really use it.

Have I answered all your questions? If not, ask away!

What do you guys think of these products?

Love Cindy (Skindzmakeup)