Beauty Fill

The Good Stuff: Five Things I'm Loving

2010-04-30T10:20:00.003+10:00

Moroccan Oil

I know I'm a bit late and everyone goes on and on about Moroccan Oil now but I've been using this stuff for about six months and I can honestly say I really do think it lives up to the hype. I use about the amount of a ten cent coin (I have a lot of hair) on damp hair after the shower. I find that when I use Moroccan Oil my hair dries faster, looks shinier, healthier and feels softer. Honestly, what more could you want? Also, I'd be interested in using other oil treatments, anyone know a goodie?

OPI: Black Cherry Chutney

So everyone knows my favourite nail polish colour is OPI's Mod About You, but with winter creeping up over here in Australia soft colours just aren't cutting it anymore. Black Cherry Chutney is a gorgeous deep burgundy. From far away it almost looks black. It is similar to OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark but it has more burgundy tones and a tad more shimmer. It really is beautiful and perfect for winter.

MAC Lady Gaga Viva Glam Lipstick

I admit that I bought this lipstick because it was sold out in the US at the time and because I have a soft spot for Gaga but I honestly love it. It's a light blue based pink and it's a lustre. Usually I hate lustres because they can be chunky but this one is smooth and the colour payoff is perfect. I rock it with dark smokey eyes when I'm going out or just black liquid liner on my upper lash line.

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

I always come back to Dermalogica and I always feel like my skin has never felt better when I use it. I've been using it again for the last couple of months after running out of my cetaphil and It's just reminded me of why I always come back to it. My skin always feels so clean and smooth after I use it and that's what I want from a cleanser.

Benzoyl Peroxide

I know some people are crazy anti using Benzoyl Peroxide to treat acne but I find that if I get a spot that I know will take forever to heal, a little BP goes a LONG way. It basically just dries out the spots but I've found that it really works for me and it's cheap! Pick it up from any chemist. There's tonnes of different types, I've been using Benzac AC 10% but honestly I think there all as good as each other.

Hope some of that was interesting to you guys, let me know if you enjoy this type of post!

Curly Hair? Sorted!

2009-09-15T10:07:00.007+10:00

A little while ago I was sent some lovely products for curly hair, the only problem is my hair is almost dead straight. I agonized over what to do but decided to give the products to one of my friends with a crazy curly mop to road test for you and this is what she thought!

The products are from the Indola- Innova Curl range. There are four products a Curl Detangling Shampoo, a Restructuing Spritz, A Curl Tame Cream and A Curl Bounce Fluid (all $17.95).

Some products are recommended for thicker curls and some for finer curls, so whatever you've got Indola has it covered.

Shampoo - She said this was lovely and smelled good, she used it twice as you would a regular shampoo and then followed with a regular conditioner. I asked her if she could tell a difference and she said yes! Her hair felt easier to brush once it was dry and felt beautifully cleansed.

Restructuring Spritz - This is a bit like a leave in conditioner for curly hair. She sprayed it in then combed it through and was surprised and how smooth and relaxed her curls felt afterwards.

Bounce Fluid Curl - This was for fine hair but I made her use it anyway, she said she doesn't usually like putting products like this in her hair because they can feel heavy but I assured her to just use a little bit on her fingertips and lightly apply it through her hair. Success. It added a nice little shine and a little bit of volume.

Tame Cream Curl - Again she said she doesnt like to put things like this in her hair because they "feel heavy" I gave her a break but asked her to try it the next day and she rang me to say it was awesome at getting rid of flyaways and frizz and leaving her curls "curly" (her words not mine) shaped.

So the bottom line?

Pretty cheap and pretty darn good.

Formal Time

2009-09-11T12:07:00.005+10:00

Got a formal coming up? If you go to highschool than probably, my sister is going to THREE this year and she's only in year ten. Such a socialite that kid. I remember when I was in highschool formal time was always STRESSFUL way more stressfull than say exam time.

But now you don't have to worry about what your going to do about your makeup cause I've got it covered for you! NP Set are going to help you make it a formal to remember! They are formal doing makeovers at David Jones, it costs 80 big ones but thats all redemable for product on the day which means you basically get a free makeover and $80 worth of products hand picked just for you!

Still wondering? NP Set will also throw in a free Lip Gloss Compact, perfect for keeping your lips pouty all night long!

Why being a slave to trends is less important now more than ever

2009-08-12T09:39:00.010+10:00

You know how sometimes there is a makeup/beauty trend and you think "that sounds insanely crazy", (I'm talking about things like glitter mascaras here) you think that it a trend reserved only for the truly insane and then you see a really hot girl wearing it and she doesnt look half bad so maybe you can give it a go too.

Well I'm about to tell you about one of those trends that you should NOT give a go, even if you see a model wearing it on Oxford St and it looks pretty rad on her.

Im talking about black lips.

Black Lips are huge at the moment beauties. Have you noticed all the makeup brands bringing out black lip products? Chanel has a black lipstick and back in March Lancome had the Piha Beach gloss. MAC is about to go one step further with their latest Style Black collection (Available in Australia October 5th), an entire black collection featuring no less than 6 black toned lip products.

But take my word of warning beauties, save your money for the other black products. Unless you are a model, a vampire or a goth leave the black lips at home, or you will SCARE CHILDREN.

Project Ten Pan Fail

2009-06-25T10:39:00.002+10:00

Remember how I told you I was gonna do Project Ten Pan to save money for my holiday. Well it didn't work. I used up five things and then Style Warriors came out and my favourite MAC lady was working so I bought more stuff than I needed.

So now I'm going away in seven days and my funds are severley depleted. Thankfully KRudd came through with the $900 and I have a bit from work so I do have some spending money but taking exchange rates into play probably not as much as I want. Fingers crossed I win the $60 mill lotto jackpot next week yeah?

But there is something I really really need. As a result of project ten pan I now have no more moisturiser. I used up my day one and my night one and am currently living off those sample ones you get in Gift-With-Purchases.

So I need you to recommend me something great, something stellar.

I have normal to dry skin, during the day I like to use something light (I was using Lancommes Hydra-Fusion) and at night I use something a bit heavier and more hydrating (I used to use Philosophys Hope In A Jar).

What do you use?

Would you recommend it?

Help a sister out.

Hair Aware

2009-06-04T21:27:00.003+10:00

Kevin Murphy Born Again Masque (He must be french or something cause I always thought it was spelt mask)

I will be honest with you, when it comes to my hair I am lazy. I know your supposed to go in for a cut and a colour (if that's your thing) every 6 weeks or so but for me it's more like ever 6 months. Ponytails, messy buns or GHD straight are pretty much all I have in my repertoire. (see I can use fancy french words too Mr. Murphy!)

So in between salon visits my hair can get a bit rank. Not to mention it's pretty damaged seeing as I've dyed it every colour conceivable (not even kidding, in high school I had magenta streaks) and I GHD and blow dry a bit too often.

So on one of my infrequent hairdresser visits my hairdresser noted how dry my hair was and recommended I give this a go, normally I just say yes to whatever he tries to sell me because I feel so bad for not going in for so long and then finally presenting him with this mess he has to attempt to fix.

I tried it and success! My hair actually feels amazingly soft, and I didn't even realise it felt dry before. It has Shea butter in it which is the oiliest of oils and my hair just drank it all up and then asked in a small voice "Please Sir...I want some more".

So would I use it again? YES. And do I think you should too? Of course.

If your hair is dry and damaged, give it the moisture it needs. Oily haired need not apply.

Project Ten Pan

2009-06-02T20:34:00.004+10:00

Project Ten Pan: Like Project Runway Cept not with Clothes or Designers.

In case you don't know Project Ten Pan is a "movement" circulating at the moment on youtube. I know; it sounds like some weird local council recycling project and should actually be called "Using up your old shit before you spend anymore money on stuff you have no room for project". What it entails exactly is you using up Ten beauty products before you are allowed to buy anything new. At first I was like nahhhh, not for me thanks. I am definitely a spender and have no self control when it comes to buying new things, but when I took a look at my latest bank statement and saw the link between my lack of moolah and my five newest eye shadows I thought to myself, WHAT ARE YOU DOING? DON'T YOU KNOW THERE IS A FINANCIAL CRISIS? YOU DON'T NEED TEN DIFFERENT FACE SCRUBS. Also that and my Studio Fix Powder smashed on the ground and I sneakily thought, hey that's one down already.

So I thought as these are obviously products I've used a lot I'd let you know what I thought about them.

So the two items I have already used up are:

1. MAC Studio Fix Powder: I've been using this stuff since I was about 15. I've tried other powders but I always come back to this. It is a medium coverage but is quite buildable. Use lightly though as it can look cakey.

2. MAC Studio Fix Fluid: I have been through about 10 bottles of this but I always come back to it. It is a medium (but again buildable) coverage liquid foundation with SPF 15. It's easy to blend and has a dewy finish. I always set it with MAC Invisible Set Powder Pro to matte it down and make it stay alllll day.

Items that I think will be next to go"

3. MAC Eyeshadow in Ricepaper: This was the first eyeshadow I bought in pan form and is a beautiful frosty neutral gold. You can use it as a highlighter or all over the lid as a wash. Universally flattering and a definite staple for me. I would have used it up already but in winter I tend to reach more for Matte colours and have been using MAC's Brule as a highlighter/ all over colour more often.

4. Maybelline Define-A-Lash Mascara

This was the first plastic brush mascara I ever used. I think it really delivers on it's claims (which are funnily enough to define your lashes) but it doesn't give much volume or curl and is something you'd wear if you wanted to go for a more subtle lash look.

5. Lancome Hypnosse Mascara

I bought this on a recommendation from a friend and I loved it at the time. It gives nice volume which holds all day but after using Virtuosse (which is essentially the same but gives more curl) I found I preferred that. I wouldn't buy this again but it was good at the time.

6. MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack.

Standard black gel eyeliner. Takes agggggeeess to use up because you only need a tiny bit but I'm getting there. I'd repurchase for sure but I'm using the Bobbi Brown one at the moment so probably wont need to for awhile.

7. MAC Dazzleglass in Bare Necessity

This was my favourite of the dazzleglasses, it is a peach with gold shimmer and is PRETTY. It's almost done but I avoided using it up at the time because I thought they wouldn't repromote it, however it's being made permanent.

8. MAC Dazzleglass in Sugarrimmed

Same as above really except the colour is a bit more neutral.

9. NARS Pressed Iridescent Powder in Macchu Pichu

This is a beautiful light gold shimmery powder that can be used all over the face for a nice glow, or as a highlighter on certain areas of the face or decolletage. I've hit pan on it but it still has a little bit to go. This was limited edition so you might not be able to find it, and again probably why I avoided using it.

10. Philosophy Hope in A Jar Moisturiser

I got a free sample of this last year from Sephora and fell in love with it. I bought it again from MECCA Cosmetica in December. I HATE the smell (fly spray and lavender) but I'm in love with the product and use it every night. I'm hanging out to try a new moisturiser though so I cant WAIT till this is done.

So that's it.

Are you doing project ten pan?

If yes, are you making progress?

If no, why not?

Let me know in the comments!

Stay posted for a Project Ten Pan update in the future!

Chipped Nails are skanky, I dont care how cool the Olsens make it look.

2009-05-19T11:55:00.002+10:00

OPI's Chip Skip

I know you might think your chipped red nail polish makes you look cool and edgy but I'm going to be honest with you, because I care, It doesn't. It makes you look like a streetwalker.

To keep my nail polish chip free I use Chip Skip. It comes in a regular nail polish bottle but the actual brush is miniature and stiff. I think because the product itself is far more fluid than a regular nail polish a regular brush wouldn't work.

You use this before your base coat as it dries out your nail bed and allows the polish to stay put. It also helps prevent your nail beds produce oil which is what loosens the nail polish from your nail and lets the nail polish really soak in.

It'll cost you about 20 australian bones where OPI nail polish is sold. I got mine from David Jones which has a pretty stellar nail polish collection. While your there grab OPI's Mod About You as well. It's my all time favourite shade, a glorious creamy pastel pink with a hint of lilac. Delish. My Mum loves I'm not really a Waitress which is a deep burghundyish red. Perfect for your pedi's.

Let's get to know each other, take a seat, roast some mallows...

2009-05-17T18:03:00.006+10:00

We've been intimate for a little while now beauties, but somehow, I feel like you don't even know me. Who is Beautyfill? Well if you read the sidebar (don't laugh some people don't) you would know my name is Hannah and yes I do go to university and have friends, family and a boyfriend, but I am so much more. (I hope so anyway, if not then feel free to unfollow)

I am not going to talk about silly things like my favourite food (all kinds of soups) or even my pets (because I have none), but what I am going to tell you about is my decline into the depths of beauty induced madness.

My mother never wore makeup. Sometimes when she goes out to a nice dinner or some type of work function she will put on lipstick but that is it. You think I am exaggerating but I am not. I have no idea where my beauty mad genes come from but I have them, and they fit quite nice thanks. My ma always said we weren't allowed to wear more makeup than lip smackers untilwe were 14 but I, being the rebellious little minx that I was, would always sneak some wobbly liner or clumpy mascara and tell myself that I looked great. Which I in fact didn't, I looked horrible and my mother was wise to be strict with the makeup wearing.

When I did finally turn 14 my dear Mum took me to my nearest MAC and shelled out for an individual lesson, some nice brushes, and some sweet makeup. I was in teenage heaven.

This is also around the time one of my friends bought me Kevyn Aucoin's "Face Forward" and I marveled at how faces could be literally transformed with a little bit of love.

Cue rampage. I became obsessed with the beauty pages of all my favorite magazines and as my own collection grew found myself spending literally HOURS coveting the products I yearned for. I wasn't just mad for makeup, I was crazy for skin care, hair products, nail polish, cotton balls (maybe not cotton balls so much but you get my point yes?)

It has been a constant love since then, only now I can do my eyeliner a little bit straighter. Sometimes I try to pass it off as a hobby but people generally look at me like I am mad. That's what your here for beauties, you get me.

5 Quick Beauty Tips

2009-05-15T09:15:00.003+10:00

When you apply your makeup it's best to start with a clean canvas which means washing your face. Don't take the easy way out and start with a makeup removing wipe. They leave a creamy residue that will resist makeup. Think of it like applying nail polish over nail polish remover. Doesn't sound good does it?
Late nights + early mornings = death. For an instant perk up keep your eye cream in the fridge or freezer to relieve tired and puffy eyes.
A moisturiser will have more effect if you use it on slightly wet skin. It locks in the moisture from the water giving you an added boost.
Regular eyelash curler not doing the trick? Blast it with your hairdryer for 5 seconds and then curl your lashes for mega curl (please test the heat on the underside of your arm first in case its too hot!)
Want to get the most out of your mascara? Don't pump your wand in the tube, it's less hygenic because it lets in excess air and bacteria that can dry out your mascara. Instead twirl the wand in the tube.

UDPP Gets a Makeover?

2009-04-27T17:52:00.004+10:00

I have always been a fan of Urban Decay Primer Potion. I find that there is nothing that compares to it for eyeshadow priming. Paints, paintpots, Too Faced Shadow Insurance, Laura Mercier Eye bases, cream shadows, nothing compares. However the one problem I have always had with UDPP (and many others have shared) is that while the packaging is cute it's shaped in a way that you cant actually reach all the product forcing you to cut it open and scoop out all that left behind UDPP if you really want to use all your product.

The Makeup Obsessed have ranted about this for years and finally it seems Urban Decay has answered our calls creating a new slanted wand that allows you to get into the nooks and crannies of your Primer Potion and curing the dilema once and for all. Urban Decay, we salute you!

Skincare

2009-04-27T10:47:00.009+10:00

Recently I bought and read this book "The Skin Type Solution" by Leslie Baumann (note: there are different versions in different countries and so different covers). In the book you take a quiz about your skin and then Baumann recommends products that are suitable for your skin based on Resistance or Sensitivity, Pigmentation, Dryness or Oiliness, and wrinkle prone.

She also includes tips for caring for your type of skin and a routine you can follow for your skin type.

Based on what the book says I learnt that the last thing my dry skin needs was a foaming cleanser (I had been using the Purity Made Simple Foaming Cleanser) but could really benefit from a milk cleanser so I bought this little baby that I am completley sold on.

The Chanel Precision Cleansing Milk. You apply it like a normal cleanser but it is more the consistency of a light moisturiser. You can either massage it all the way into your skin or you can rinse it off (I reccomend rinsing if you are using this to help take of makeup). I have noticed a huge difference. My skin feels less congested and tight and much smoother. It is a little bit exspensive for a cleanser but you get SO much of it and who can really put a price on a good cleanser? It cost me about $50 australian dollars which is more expensive than drugstore but in terms of high end skincare its actually on the cheaper side.

I want to keep using this before I tell you wether or not I would repurchase and give my final rating but I promise, no Chanel in the next post!

Product Spotlight

2009-04-16T15:14:00.004+10:00

Chanel Bronze Universal

Normally when people talk about Bronzer I am impartial. I feel like Im already tanned enough not to have to wear bronzer. That was until Bronze Universal came into my life.

This is a Matte, cream (when I say cream i don't mean like a thick moisturiser I mean like a concealer) consistency, bronzer. I love it because it doesn't have chunks of glitter in it that make you look shiny it just makes you actually look kinda dewy. Think Jlo or Giselle (im not even kidding this is how good it is).

Apparently this is being discontinued and replaced with the Soleil Tan De Chanel which is exaclt the same product in exactly the same packaging except there are gold interlocking C's on the lid instead of white. Im not sure why Chanel would go to all that effort but they did. Why fix what aint broken? But for those of you that are concerned YES it is exactly the same product.

This would work well for Light to Medium Dark Skintones, for refrence I am a MAC NC30-35. For anything darker than say a 40-42 this can be used underneath a powder bronzer to hold and intensify colour. It is really longlasting and i don't have to touch up once when I wear it.

I apply it to my cheek area using a MAC 109 brush or all over using a small Kabuki Brush or even a flat Buki (that new too faced one would be perfect me thinks!)

The bottom line?

Product Rating: 5/5

Price Rating: 3/5

Packaging: 5/5

Would I but it again? Yes! and again and again and again!

Travelling this June/ July?

2009-04-05T20:47:00.005+10:00

If your travelling this spring/summer and will be in an airport your in luck! MAC are releasing an airport exclusive collection filled with palettes for the eyes, lips and cheeks!

The Palettes are a mix of LE and permanent colours with old favourite Springtime Skipper shadow back from Barbie Loves MAC. With categories like neutral, classic, warm and cool there really is something for everyone, and perfect for the traveller.

One of these palettes was actually my first thing from MAC WAY back in the day. It was tres chic and ignited the obsesssion.

My favourites in this collection have to be

The Classic Eye and Cheek featuring (from left to right) Sweetness Beauty Powder B

lush, Lightfully Eyeshadow, Idol Eyes Eyeshadow and Print Eyeshadow as well as a mini 213 brush.

And the Neutral eye palette featuring (from left to right) Bisque, Mineralism, Say, Yeah, Sable and Bateau

Check out more pictures of the palettes here:

CLICK ME

Coming to an airport near you this (US) Spring/Summer.

Product Spotlight

2009-03-30T11:51:00.006+11:00

Review: Maybelline Mineral Power Blushes

Those that know me know that I have an aversion to mineral products (unless they are MSF's) because they are generally all together WAY TOO SHINY. I never got on the Bare Minerals/Bare Essentials/ Bare whateverelse bandwagon (granted I've never actually given them a go).

So when I heard good things about these Mineral Blushes from Maybelline I was skeptical to say the least.

I tried three (the three available at my local chemist) Original Rose, Soft Mauve and Fresh Plum. Soft Mauve was kind of strange because it had no shimmer at all so I'm discounting that one.

The most beautiful one that I find myself reaching for most often is definitely Original Rose, its a beautiful baby pink with that tell tale mineral sheen. However the sheen is not overpowering enough to turn you into a disco face.

You only need a teeny tiny bit, preffrebly on a mini Kabuki brush and then buffed into the cheek as a little bit of these babies deffinitley goes a long way. Orignal Rose gives you a "natural" flush, and to me looks a lot like NARS Orgasm but only 234345 times cheaper!

The bottom line?

Product Rating: 4/5 (based on Original Rose, less for the other colours, but depends on your skintone)

Price Rating: 4/5

Packaging: 2/5

Would I buy again?: Yes! over and over and over. And I would buy it for my blush shy sister.

LUSH REVIEW

2009-03-27T10:40:00.008+11:00

So I'm sure you have all noticed the ridiculous amount of blog posts and youtube videos about Lush. Well I decided it was time for me to put in my 2cents.

First let me tell you, I am not a bath girl, the thought of a bath repulses me. I am a get in the shower, clean yourself, get out kind of girl. Having said that I like to make the time that I am in the shower as enjoyable as possible.

SO Heres is a rundown of what I got plus BLESS THIS MESS! style a more indepth 1 love, 1 like and 1 hate.

Yummy Yummy Shower Gel - A thick shower gel that smells like strawberries, and is infact, made with strawberries.

Rockstar Soap - This stuff smells like creaming soda!

Porridge Soap - Smells like oatmeal and mollases (again this is what it's made of), BEWARE its more of an exfoliator, very abbrasive.

Honey I Washed the Kids Soap - Smells like honey (duh)

The Godmother Soap - Has tiny bits of glitter on it (which dont transfer to the skin) and smells like a grown up rockstar.

Angels on Bare Skin Cleanser - Supposed to be a kick back to medieval times cleansers

Emotibombs - You chuck these in the shower and the foam up releasing nice smells, cute, bit gimicky. Like a bath bomb for the shower.

Therapy Massage bar - Heat this up in your hands and it melts into oil, supposed to be good for stretch marks

Business time Massage bar - Named after the Fight of the Concords song (which is love BTW) smells like therapy but stronger and much more oily. Definitely better used on another.

Buffy Exfoliating Bar - A shea butter based exfoliating bar.

I Love:

The Godmother Soap- This smells so good and I actually love it more than I thought I would when I bought it. It doesn't lather much, which I don't mind, but you still feel clean, and the suds are a deep red.

I Like:

Therapy Massage Bar - This leaves your skin feeling super smooth and is great used just out of the shower or warmed between your hands to collect the oil and then used on someone else. Would be a love if the smell was a bit lighter. Im not into strong Herbal scents.

I HATE:

Buffy The Backside Slayer - I know this is supposed to be an exfoliating bar but this is painful! You're better off using sandpaper! Use this out of the shower and you will straight up rip your skin off, even in the shower it is a form of torture.

And one more hate because generally there products are good but these two shouldn't be purchased by anyone ever.

Angels on Bare Skin Cleanser - This is a basic, mild, semi exfoliating daily cleanser. I never would have bought it but I got a free sample. It smells awfull. It's so strong I could barely stand to put it on my skin because I thougth I was going to be sick. And it looks like vomit. Sorry Lush I wont be buying this, ever.

NARS EVENT WITH BRET BOREMAN

2009-03-23T13:30:00.006+11:00

I recently attended a NARS even with international celebrity artist for NARS Bret Boreman. Bret was so lovely and kind and picked all my colours and they were applied by one of MECCA's senior artists who was also very lovely.

Let me tell you I did not make it easy! I had a really big night the night before so my skin was looking SHABBY to say the least. I was dehydrated and had big cirlces under my eyes, she prepped my skin by packing it full of moisture and then we discussed what colours to use. I told her what colours I already had from NARS (mostly neutrals) and she suggested we try something a bit different, Bret agreed and so he chose Jolie Poupee eyeshadow duo which is a brilliant lavender and deep purple duo.

The rest of my face we kept a nice dusty gold using Promiscuous l/s and Greek Holiday gloss on the lips as well as Luster on my cheeks.

Luster was already my HG NARS blush.

I was also really interested in trying their primer and foundation, they are both LUSH, the primer is just what I've been looking for, and the foundation is lightweight and a perfect match for my skintone (I got matched to the colour Santa Fe).

I left with the eyeshadow, lipgloss, lipstick, foundation, primer and a lipliner in Papua.

They even made me a little facechart and gave me a cute tester size Rose Birman lipgloss!

Hello Kitty Haulin'

2009-03-10T10:02:00.002+11:00

My little sister and I went to the Hello Kitty Preview Party last night and had all kinds of fun!

Aside from the strange cordial and not being able to drink the free champagne cause I drove we had a really good time and were the models for the night.

Check out my latest youtube video for a look at our makeup looks and what we got!

Hello Kitty X MAC is available pretty much everywhere in the world and officially launches on March 16th!

NOTE: In australia collections with special packaging (aka Hello Kitty) cost more than regular collections. And only in Australia. I dont know why dont ask.

MAC LOVES YOU in AUSTRALIA TOO.

2009-03-04T11:46:00.003+11:00

So for my fellow Australian MAC lovers that complain about our inflated costs and delays in releases, MAC finally comes to the rescue!

They have released Grand Duos (the mineralize blush duos) early on the Australian site!

Before the US even!

There $50 a pop and are available in shades to sort pretty much anyone. Not sure if there in stores yet but check em out online here!!

NARS Spring Collection

2009-02-26T10:45:00.003+11:00

New Nars Makes my Heart Tingle

So this may be old news for some of you but this was only just released in Australia on Monday and I couldn't let it go unchecked.

I managed to pick up the stuff I wanted (well that I could afford) a little bit earlier and have been playing all week.

I picked up the two eyeshadow duo and the blush duo.

Egea as a Frosted Sage and a Smokey Lilac whilst Hula Hula contains a Strawberry with gold glitter particles and a Hazelnut with gold glitter particles.

the Hungry Heart Blush Duo is an iridescent gold ivory and pink sand with a golden sheen.

The eyeshadow colours really complement each other and are great worn on their own or with other shadows, similarly the Blush duo can be worn alone for an instant highlight or layered over another blush to play down the colour or add some shimmer.

I was very impressed with how pigmented the products were for pastel colours. They had a smooth velvety texture and the shimmer is truly shimmery as opposed to chunks of glitter like some other NARS products.

This collection (aside from the brick red shadow and the metallic raspberry lipstick) are really a different kind of offering for NARS, the colours are more muted and subtle and definitely a welcome addition to the NARS family.

For a closer look please check out my latest youtube video right here!

Product Review

2009-02-25T22:31:00.004+11:00

Laura Mercier Eye Bases

I received this for my birthday a couple of weeks ago in the shade "Wheat" hoping it would be the solution to my Urban Decay Primer Potion woes (these being that 1. It's not readily available in Australia and 2. The packaging SUCKS).

These have a more fluid consistency than UDPP and other eye primers I have used but dries to a silky matte finish that really takes colour well and makes blending a breeze! As these come in a range of shades they can be used as a base or alone for a nude eye or to neutralise any darkness or redness around the eye. They even have a light blue one that is supposed to be "brightening" but made me look more "Bride of Frankenstein" so definitely check it against your skin tone before you buy.

The packaging is a square lipgloss type container that is clear and comes with a doe foot applicator. You apply it my dabbing a small dot on your eyelid and blending with your finger or a brush. These are more expensive than other eye primers but the added extra of being able to wear them alone is a definite bonus.

However, where these bases fall down is really there longevity. I tested them on two separate days wearing UDPP on one side and the LM base on the other, the LM was easier to use and blend colour on however they started to crease after about five hours where the side with the UDPP wasn't showing any creasing at all. I was so disappointed as I had hoped the LM bases would be the answer to my eye base prayer, however I think these could work better on someone who has dry eyelids as it is quite moisturising and my eyelids can get quite oily.

Packaging 4.5/5

Value for Money 3/5

The Bottom Line: Try it out if you have dry eyelids and are looking for a nice base or if you have funky coloured eyelids and need something to neutralise it, but don't expect UDPP in a Laura Mercier container.

Drool worthy.

2008-12-20T13:36:00.005+11:00

Image sourced from Temptalia.com

Check out the new brushes coming out with the upcoming Brunette Blonde Redhead MAC collection.

I love me some brushes and will be getting all three for sure.

The 165 looks good for cheek application (the MSF's that are coming out with the same collection im assuming).

The 226 is a bit like a hybrid of the 224,222 and 219. A pointed blending brush perfect for precise blending and the crease area.

The 224 look like a smaller 227. Perfect for a more precise venture into highlighting and all over shadow. This one also looks like it could tackle under eye shadow aswell.

The brushes are all limited edition except for the 226 which will go permanent at free standing stores. So get em while there hot, not to mention the MSF's, lip products and eyeshadows (Henna looks lush!)

Brunette Blonde Redhead launches Jan 8th in the States and probably about a month later in Australia.

EDIT: ok for some reason the picture keeps getting cut off so go to Temptalia.com if you cant to see the full image.

My Favourite Summer Nailpolish.

2008-12-15T18:27:00.003+11:00

So usually I rock dark nail polish but I yesterday I was in DJ's and stumbled upon this little beauty and though purrrrfect. It actually looks more Lilac in life than it photographs but is still eyecatching without being neon or black/dark blue/purple.

It's perfect for summer BUT I usually love OPI nail polishes, the finish is usually really great and applies easily but this one applied kind of streaky and the finish is a little bit chalky so I had to use a top coat, which I never do because Im super lazy.

I hate when I find something I like and then theres just that one thing that puts you off. This nail polish is too pretty to dismiss though and im still gonna be rocking it this summer!

OPI's Mod About You

Product: 3/5

Packaging:2.5/5

Overall: 3/5

Ive Been Tagged!

2008-12-12T10:59:00.004+11:00

16 Random Facts About Me!

I have been with my boyfriend for two years! We had been friends for years and years but reconnected at Schoolies (which is like a big week long party that all the high school leavers in Australia go to) and we have been together ever since.
I have lots of siblings but none of them are full siblings. I have Two half sisters that live with me, a half sister that lives with my Dad, a half brother that lives with his Mother, two step brothers and a step sister that are all grown up and live by themselves.
I go to Macquarie University and do a Bachelor of Media Studies, but my best subject is creative writing, I dont know how but I pull HD's!
I dont have any pets, the onlt pets I have had are fish, I had one for 5 years. I really really want a dog but my parents just arent in to it.
I live at home still. Renting prices around me are crazy.
I have my Learners liscence and I'm ridiculously close to getting my P's. (which means I can drive unaccompanied and such)
I LOVE sneakers. They are my other collection (makeup being the first). I wear exclusivley Nikes and have about ten pairs that I cycle through and a couple others that are too nice to wear.
I work at before and after school care!
My most prized possesions are my Marc Jacobs pumps that i got for my Year 12 Formal, My Prada wallet that I got for my 19th Birthday and my teddybear that I got for my 3rd Christmas.
I have a tattoo that I got for my 17th birthday after begging my parents for years. It's a neon green heart on my right hip. Im getting another this christmas!!
I got my bellybutton pierced when I was 12 cause all my friends had it and I wanted it too. When my mum found out she didnt talk to me for like a week.
I have a filthy cigarette and vodka habit.
I can play the guitar! I used to take lessons every week for like four years but I quit when I finished high school.
I used to live in Wellington, New Zealand but I moved to Sydney, Australia at the start of High School. Lots of my family still live in New Zealand.
My favourite food is soup! I love all kinds of soup, Im crazy for the stuff.
I'm baptised Catholic but I'm not very religious. I do believe in God and such but I dont really believe in the church and the Bible. 13 years of Catholic Education will do that too ya

I Tag: http://bimbhoe.blogspot.com/

The Day From HELL.

2008-12-06T16:49:00.002+11:00

So boys and girls today was crap.

It was freaking hot, way too hot. I went to my friends 20th BBQ with the BF and managed to run into the exBF. Which is never good. I hate the boy so much my hands were shaking when I saw him. Long long story which I dont want to bore you guys with.

Also, I brought the wrong eyeshadow palette with me so had to wear smokey green eyes instead of my trademark feel good black.

Awesome.

Then some drunk spilt beer all over my new nikes. Thanks.

BUT Im going out tonight to see Kanye/NAS/ Scribe. So hopefully my cursed day clears up or i will cry.

No makeup posts today but CHECK ME OUT ON YOUTUBE (Im too lazy to upload videos here) and wish me luck for the rest of my day.

Face of the Day!

2008-11-11T10:09:00.009+11:00

FOTD: Last day of Uni Classes!

Face:

philosophy hope in a jar

Smashbox Photofinish Primer

MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC35

MAC Pro Invisible Set Powder

NARS Bronzer in Laguna

NARS Blush in Orgasm

Eyes:

UDPP

(All Eyeshadows by MAC)

Ricepaper as a base

Tempting in the crease (from Tempting Cult of Cherry Quad)

Dark Edge in the Outer V (Also from Tempting Quad)

Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner in Ink Black

Shu Umeura Lash Curler

Lancome Virtuose Mascara

Lips:

MAC Lip Conditioner

MAC Politely Pink lipstick

MAC Baby Sparks Lipgloss

Love your Face

2008-11-05T09:59:00.006+11:00

Philosophy: Hope in a Jar (Original Formula)

I bought this stuff in Sephora back in September when I was in the states and have been using it everyday as my day moisturizer, it has replaced my beloved Lancome HydraFusion so you know I must have something good to say about it.

When I was in Hawaii I got a little burnt on my nose and my skin started to peel but I used this stuff a couple times a day and within a day or two my skin was back to normal! Yay no peeling. I also get dry skin around my nose and chin and this stuff has been doing wonders. I actually like it a bit more than Clinique's Superdefense which is my night moisturizer.

It does have negatives though, for one it doesn't contain any SPF, so hopefully you put some on anyway or your foundation contains it.

The second is that it contains fragrances like lavender which can be irritating to some skin types, I haven't had a problem with it though.

Product: 4/5

Packaging: 2/5 (I prefer pumps!)

Value for Money: 5/5

Hope in a Jar is available from Sephora in the US and Mecca Cosmetica.

US Prices start from $15 for 0.5 fluid ounces.

AUS $70 for 2 fluid ounces.

Forgive Me!

2008-11-04T14:41:00.003+11:00

I have been so busy lately finishing off school for the year, I cant wait!

Last week I went to the MAC preview night for Red She Said with a friend of mine. None of the stuff really grabbed me or didn't look like something I already had so the only thing I got was Sugarrimmed Dazzleglass, which I LOVE! I love all the dazzleglasses because they are sheer and work well on top of lipsticks AND have a hefty amount of shimmer.

But I dont love that they are twice the size of a normal lipglass but seem to have half the product. If you use lipgloss regularly you can use these babies up in one to two weeks.

I digress though, Sugarrimmed is a really nice colour for going over lipsticks to add a bit of shimmer but not kill the actual colour.

Whats your favourite Dazzleglass? Do you even like them?

LET ME KNOW!!

An update from ME.

2008-09-22T15:15:00.003+10:00

So this is just a little personal blog. I will be away for two weeks, I leave on SAturday.

Im going to Hawaii and LA for two weeks with my family and wont be able to post much, but when I come back there will be some BIG changes to my blog.

Expect videos, more product reviews, and maybe if anyone is interested a HUGE haul from all the stuff I will be buying. I've been saving up big time and I will be treating myself! I might also post some photos from my travels and start posting more stuff about myself.

I will try to get a few product reviews up before I leave but I'm gonna be SUPER busy for the next week with wrapping up all my university work!

Hope everyone is good and leave me some comments to let me know what you guys WANNA SEE!!!

xxx

-Hannah

Product Spotlight

2008-09-19T13:03:00.002+10:00

Nivea Visage: Extra Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

This stuff is the business! The picture is the new packaging, I think they only recently switched the packaging over so it might look a little different when you buy it buts its the same product.

I have tried TONNES of makeup removers and this one is still the one I think works the best for the price.

It is super gentle, doesn't sting the eyes at all and it's not greasy like alot of makeup removers are.

It also really works! It gets all your makeup off and leaves your eye feeling fresh and clean and not like you just poured oil or alcohol on your face.

For the price I think this is one of the best makeup removers in the market, which is nice cause you can afford to buy two! I keep one at home and one at my boyfriends and never have to be worries about getting caught with panda eyes in the morning, if I drove I would keep it in my car! You also get quite a lot of product so it lasts a while but it deffinitley goes a long way.

I love the packaging because hole that the actual product comes out of is the perfect size for you to stick in a cotton bud (q-tip) squeeze on the bottle to coat the tip and then you have precise control for touchups or removal!

Product: 5/5

Packaging: 4/5

Value for Money: 5/5

Nivea Visage Extra Gentle Eye Makeup Remover retails for $9 for 125ml

Hair Aware

2008-09-15T11:45:00.002+10:00

Ojon Hair: Hydrating Styling Cream

I am not as Hair product obsessed as I am for other beauty products, I put it down to my first job at a hair salon being more on the side of slave labour, but I really dig Ojon.

This cream has little brown flecks in it which contain the Ojon, you basically squirt some in your palm, rub your hands together for a bit and then use it to style your hair. It has really good staying power, I use it to give my hair more volume through the back and smooth pieces in the front and it works a treat! It also smells really good but not like candy like lots of hair products.

I also really like it because it doesn't leave my hair feeling like its got product in it, it feels natural, not stiff or greasy which is quite rare for a hair product. It's also got a bit of the double whammy factor because while you can use it as a styling cream it also acts as a leaving in hydrating cream which is really nice to take away some of the damage if you are straightening or blow drying your hair.

Product Rating: 4/5

Packaging: 4/5

Value for Money: 3.5/5

Ojon Hair products are available at David jones in Australia and Sephora in the US.

The Hydrating Styling Cream retails for $30(US) and $37 (AUD) for 4.3 fl. oz.

Beauty Faves!

2008-09-15T10:05:00.000+10:00

Lucas Paw Paw Ointment

I Love Lucas Paw Paw Ointment! In a tub or the tube I don't care; I love it all! I use it everywhere, on my lips, face, eyelashes, bites, cuts, bruises, burns, dry skin, my toast (not really but you get that point)

The packaging tells me that its made from "fermented papaya" which sounds sort of gross and probably should have been left off. It has no odour, fruity or otherwise and is super conditioning! In my humble opinion this is a better lip conditioner than the Laura Mercier Lip Silk which people rave about but that I bought and thought "hmm seems like overpriced Lucas". Lucas Paw Paw has a similar texture to the LM lip silk, sort of like a creamier Carmex.

Seriously Lucas Paw Paw is the business and if you don't have it you should and then you will think "How have i lived my life without this for so long, thanks so much Beauty Fill!" and I will smile knowing that I have done my job

Product Rating: 5/5

Packaging: 3/5

Value for Money: 100/5 (no joke that's how good it is)

Lucas Paw Paw Ointment retails for around $5 (AUD & US) for 25g

Product Spotlight

2008-09-15T09:30:00.001+10:00

NARS: The Multiple in Copacabana

I picked up my first one of these a couple of weeks ago from Mecca Cosmetica (I love Mecca but that is a whole other post) because I had heard so much about them online.

I picked the most neutral shade which is Copacabana, it is a nude colour with pink pearls. initially I was a bit sceptical about how well it would work because the product itself comes in a stick like a big lipstick, i couldn't imagine rubbing it all over myself.

Although it is called "The Multiple" I could only find two uses for the product, perhaps other shades are more versatile. It works really well as a highlighter; use the edge of the product to highlight the areas on your face that the sun would naturally hit, such as the bridge of your nose and your cheekbones, and then blend it in well with your finger or a Kabuki brush. You could also use it on your decolletage for a nice touch on a night out.

I also used it as an eyeshadow base which was nice because it is quite sheer but has a buildable coverage and it didn't crease.

I couldn't help but think how nice this would look on your skin after a day in the sun, you would just glow! Like down the front of your legs to make them pop when there nice and tanned, yowza!

Overall I think it is a nice product and would love to try some of the other shades!

Product Rating: 3.5/5

Packaging: 3.5/5 (the rubberized compacts NARS makes always show dirt so fast!)

Value for Money: 1/5 (but better in the Us)

Nars the Multiple retails for $85.00 (AUD)/ $37.00 (US) for 14grams

First Post!

2008-09-14T21:49:00.000+10:00

Hi All!

First a bit about me - My name is Hannah and I'm a nineteen year old student that lives in Sydney, Australia.

I have no formal makeup training but I have a huge interest and a passion for makeup and beauty. My favourite makeup brands (and probably the ones I will talk about most often) are MAC, Nars and Stila, although I consider myself to be an equal opportunity makeup user and the makeup I use is in no way limited to these brands. Basically I love finding great products that get me excited about waking up and putting on my face.

I don't only love makeup but beauty products in general, from moisturizer to sunscreen, nail polis to shampoo, my aim is to deliver information about products that might not be the cheapest OR the most exspensive but that WORK!!

So let someone else do the dirty work and READ ON!!

Untill Next Blog

-Hannah