Maybelline Liquid & Powder Foundation Review & Swatches

Continuing on my drug store foray is this post on Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation and Stay Matte Powder Foundation

The Liquid

The Powder

The Short? Yeah it's nice... no where near as good as my Chanel Pro Lumiere or Illamasqua Rich Foundation. A good "weekend" or "Damn I Just Broke My Chanel Foundation On The Tiles And Don't Get Paid For Another Two Weeks So I Need A Back Up Foundation ASAP" alternative.

Yes I actually broke my Pro Lumiere on the tiles D:

The Long:

I got this from Target after hearing so many nice reviews from fellow bloggers. I was very sceptical about it's longevity and coverage- I guess you could call me a foundation snob!

Who am I kidding?! My name is Annica and I'm a FOUNDATION SNOB.

But I like to try anything once so I bought it and have been trialling it for a couple of weeks.

Looking on the website, Maybelline says my skin should look like THIS wearing the foundation:

I should have an "airbrushed" look- no flaws, pigmentation, circles, pores etc. This is just what I look for in a foundation! NICE ONE MAYBELLINE!

How It Looks On The Skin

Bare skin- I'm so pale I sparkle in the sun

Apply a wee little dot

Worked into the skin- such a nice orange glow! *sarcasm*

Dream Liquid Mousse with Stay Matte Powder over the top- it's dulled down the orange thank GOSH!





Before                                                              After


Does It Deliver What It Promises?

1. Poreless finish?
I don't have very large pores so I can't vouch for this.

2. Air-brushed Natural Perfection?
It evens out my skintone but doesn't last the whole day. I need to re-apply at lunch time and powder my T-zone ever couple of hours... "Stay Matte"? I don't think so...

3. Blends effortlessly for a flawless finish
It blends nicely (I use my Illamasqua foundation brush to apply) and doesn't have too much shine. A light dusting of powder on my T-zone sets the foundation nicely.
The foundation has a nice consistency- not too runny, not too viscous.

Would I Re-Purchase?
I would but only for a back-up foundation. I honestly can't fault my Chanel or Illamasqua and I'm ready to invest in the price tag and scrimp on other things.

The powder is nice for quick touch ups during the day- it comes with a mirror and a sturdy case so I know it's not going to fall apart in my bag. The sponge applicator is a bit of a joke so I use a brush to work it into the skin.

RRP: $25 for Dream Mousse, $20 for Stay Matte Powder Foundation
Buy It From: Priceline, Target, Kmart, Big W, Selected chemists and supermarkets!

Have any of you tried this foundation? What are your HG foundations?

Keep it Haute!

Anni xox

Oradess Eyeshadow Review with Photos and Swatches

I was sent this GORGEOUS palette for review from Julia at MakeupSale.com.au.
This site is kind of like Inglot but better... It's Australian owned, much cheaper and has an awesome array of shadows you can make into your own custom palette. I highly reccomend that you check it out- I was incredibly surprised! On to the review...

The Short? AMAZING! Definite re-purchase

The Long?

The palette contains four colours made especially to enhance blue eyes- Gold Satin, Blue Sapphire, Charcoal and Antique White. I was pretty chuffed when I received it as I have blue-ish green eyes that change colour depending on the weather- when it's clear, they're blue and overcast, green. That means I need both shadows for blue AND green eyes... oh the expense.

Here are the colours:

Antique White

This is the perfect shade to add highlight to any eye creation. With just the right amount of lustre add this shade just under the peak of the brow bone for an instant brow lift. Add a touch to the inner corner of the eye or the top of the cheek bone. Any area you want to highlight or bring forward. Goes with: All colours

 

Blue Sapphire

Yes, you can wear blue! It doesn't have to be relegated the 80’s – worn well you can add a touch of glamour to your everyday. Worn along the lash line to frame your beautiful blue or brown eyes. Other colours: Antique White, Gold Satin, Champagne Beige, Charcoal

Charcoal

Charcoal goes with everything. This demi-matte shade has a little hint of lustre without making the eyes look shiny. A soft generous colour it ensures that you can create shape and drama or a soft smokey eye

Gold Satin

Add a touch of class to your make-up. This gold is ideal on darker skin tones. Use it as a colour wash across the eyelid on its own or add a touch to the inner corner of the eye. Any area you want to highlight or bring forward. Goes with: Antique White, Radiant Copper, Warm Chestnut, Rich Chocolate, Blue Sapphire

The Palette

The four shadows are placed in a sleek black palette along with two sponge applicators. There is a clear lid to cover the shadows to they stay in place and don't mess up the mirror- a BIG win!

How I Wore the Look

I wore the look with the gold washed over the lid, blue on the outer corner and charcoal in the crease. The white was used to highlight the brow bone.
I also lined my eyes with Napoleon Perdis China Doll eyeliner and used Maybeline Falsies as my mascara.

Don't mind me, I'm just Vogue-ing

Hehehe I took this in the surgery at work....

I hope you enjoyed this review! I had A LOT of fun figuring out how to use the blue. In the pan it looked a bit scary, but on the lid it was just stunning! No freakish 80's eyes here... it;s very modern, clean and silky. Oh and I'm just IN LOVE with Gold Satin. OMG it's just incredible! I think it's going to be a daily wear from now on...

Let me know what you guys think! Do you love freedom palettes?

Keep it Haute!

Anni xox

This is an honest review. Hand on heart honest. I was not swayed in anyway because this was sent to me.

RUSK Sensories Bright Shampoo and Conditioner Review

I was kindly provided with some exciting hair products to sample from Hair, Beauty and Things (check out their website for awesome deals on hair and beauty!). Today I will be reviewing the RUSK Sensories Bright Shampoo and Conditioner.

Some of the RUSK Range

I've been trialling these products for about 4 weeks and can confidently say I'm incredibly impressed! I've been slowly lightening my hair (to blonde from black) and needed a fantastic shampoo and conditioner that would tone the brassiness and reduce breakage/split ends. Oh, and did I mention I straighten and back comb my hair every day? Yeah... I need some hardcore conditioning and brightening products...

Bright Shampoo and Conditioner

Bright Shampoo

"Removes yellow and brassy tones on white, grey, highlighted or blonde hair. Restores shine and brightness"

This is a fantastic shampoo. It cleans, conditions and brightens the hair (thanks to the infusion of lavender and chamomile) whilst effectively removing brassy tones. This shampoo (as with all Rusk products) also features Compressed Formula Technology, meaning you can use 30-50% less product and achieve twice the performance! Use less, spend less! GENIUS!

Rusk Sensories Bright Shampoo

RRP: $9.30 for 400ml

Available from: Hair, Beauty and Things, Sleek Hair

Bright Conditioner

"Rusk Sensories Bright Chamomile and Lavender Brightening Conditioner. Awaken the senses while instantly revitalises and brightening dull, lifeless, silver, white and blonde hair"

This conditioner is a little powerhouse. It's managed to smooth and soften my incredibly chemically damaged hair and it's also lightened my locks too! I love the handy pump applicator meaning I get the perfect dose of product each time without overdosing (I have a tendency to squeeze an orange sized ball of conditioner into my hair). It's made my hair so shiny, I can almost hear a *BING* when I look in the mirror! This conditioner also contains Compressed Formula Technology.

Rusk Bright Conditioner

RRP: $9.30 for 250ml

Available from: Hair, Beauty and Things, Sleek Hair

So Hauties, I have some samples to pass on (I was given far too much to sample all by myself- that's how generous Hair, Beauty and Things are!), so if you'd like to review Rusk on your blog please leave a comment with your email and I'll be in contact!
 
I hope you enjoyed this review as much as I enjoyed trialling for it!
 
In the meantime,
 
Keep it Haute!
 
Anni xox

Maybelline Volum' Express FALSIES Mascara- Review & Photos

I've eyed this mascara in the beauty aisle of Coles every time I do my weekly food shop but never really considered purchasing it. That is until I saw Yolly from Shopping Intervention list it as one of her "Daily Wear Products"... I HAD to have it!

The verdict after trialling for a week?

This. Mascara. Is. Amazing. Seriously, guys, I'm in love! I've NEVER come across a mascara that is fantastic as this!

Super black colouring? CHECK!
Separates & lengthens lashes? CHECK!
Increases lash volume? CHECK!
Nil flaking? CHECK CHECK CHECK!

Look, I could harp on forever but really, check these pics- PREPARE TO BE AMAZED!

Before FALSIES

With FALSIES

I haven't used a lash curler in any of the pics.

What does Maybelline have to say?:

"Why You'll Love It

False lash glam, instantly!


• Patented Spoon Brush fans out lashes from corner-to-corner, while our Pro-Keratin formula instantly builds volume without clumping


• Unique flexible wand helps to lift and separate lashes to provide the look of 300% more visible, fuller lashes, no gaps from any angle


• Contact lens safe and ophthalmologist-tested


• Washable, also available in Waterproof formula

For Best Results


Hold brush with spoon side upwards against lashes and sweep from root to tip. Repeat until desired look is achieved. Do not let dry between coats. Removes easily with soap and water or Expert Eyes® 100% Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover."

Maybelline Volum' Express FALSIES Mascara

 

What I love even more about this mascara is that it is easily accessible- just pop down to Coles, Woolies, Target, Kmart, Priceline, Big W or selected pharmacies for yours! It's super cheap with a RRP $19.25 as well!

 

So what are you waiting for? Get your FALSIES on! (Hahaha)

 

Keep it Haute

 

Anni xox