Target Australia selling MAC products? Too good to be true!

When I heard that Target were selling MAC cosmetics for heavily discounted prices, I couldn't wait to head in a check it out. The first thing I noticed when I got there was there were only three products left. Naturally, I bought all three and left the stands bare. The second thing I noticed was Target's over-use of the words "genuine" and "authentic". To be honest, I wouldn't have questioned it if it wasn't bought to my attention by Target themselves. Also, if they were actually selling "genuine" and "authentic" products.

L-R: All That Glitters; Ricepaper; Nylon.

I bought three eyeshadows: Nylon, Ricepaper and All That Glitters. Three shades I have never owned before (making this post a little boring) and all shades that I've been drawn to in the past. I was hoping to pick up some of my favourite products to do a comparison, but beggars can't be choosers.

Labelling on all shades is pretty precise - all the same information is on these as is on my authentic MAC shadows that I have purchased from David Jones. The packaging is identical, all of the aesthetic jazz is pretty well in line.

The shadows themselves are of a really decent quality - of a MAC quality. I can't speak for the shades, as I have never owned them previously. However the finishes are spot-on (frost, veluxe pearl), the texture and application are near identical... If these are fakes, they're damn good.

My best guess is that Target is selling factory seconds, or expired stock. I do think that these products originally came from a MAC factory, but perhaps weren't fit for sale at a MAC counter. MAC has come out saying that Target is not a supplier of their cosmetics, and they are unsure as to how they are in possession of stock. While I did buy these products and will continue to use them, I doubt I'll be shopping at Target any more.

***This video explains the entire situation a lot better than I ever could, with many product comparisons. I highly recommend it!

Lush Bath Cocktail: A Currant Affair

So I saw a load of people making Lush Bath Cocktails using different mixes of ballistics, melts and bubble bars to get a custom scent, colour or texture in their bath (My fave so far has been Mermaid Water - Big Blue and Sunnyside!). While I don't think mine is a great example since I only put one product in the actual water itself, I thought it would be a fun way to start using up some of the things I may otherwise neglect, especially since my Lush collection is so extensive.

First, I ran my bath and added half a Blackberry bath ballistic, which is described as smelling of bergamot and frankincense and turns the water a stunning lilac colour. Once it completely fizzes away, you're left with a small piece of paper floating around with "Boom!" written on it, as well. The novelty is a nice touch that Lush is really known for with their bath products.

Then, I exfoliated all over with large shards of You Snap The Whip body butter, which performs better in the shower but is just as great in the bath. To make this product last a whole lot longer, rub it all over before you get in the water (on dry skin) and then wash it off when you hop in. That way, it doesn't melt and wash away as quickly.

Finally, I pulled off a small piece of Sweetie Pie shower jelly, wedged it in a puff and lathered all over. This is one of my all-time favourite Lush products, because it's so long-lasting and comes in at such an amazing price considering it's popularity! Also great for keeping small pieces in the fridge or freezer during the summer months, for a wonderful chilled shower on those excruciatingly hot days.

That's it! An hour later and I still smell like black curranty goodness. I hope this has inspired you to try a Lush cocktail of your own, or suggest any favourites you may have tried already?

Lust Have It - August Box Review

This was the first beauty box I've ever received, and I was so excited when I came home and it was on the table! To be honest, it's a bit hit-and-miss (more miss than hit) but I think that's how these things work. There's got to be someone who saw this and thought, "These are all my favourite things!" unfortunately, not I.

-tanGo Tan Removal Cloth, RRP $29.95. Honestly? It's a piece of microfiber cloth that you could buy at a supermarket for $2, except it has a brand. I am the palest person in the world by far so would have no use for it, at least as a tan remover. The small description does say that by adding water it can be used as a makeup remover (read: flannel) however I'm far fonder of muslin cloth so I'm not sure where this might end up...

-Tigi Rockaholic Rock Out Shine Blaster, RRP $27.95/100mL. This is quite interesting. I do like a good hair product, and while I've only run a small bit through my ends to test, it smells divine and does temporarily mask split-ends, as promised. This claims to be somewhat of an all-rounder product, in that it seals the hair cuticles to help dry quicker, softens hair, adds shine, masks spilt-ends, works as a "mixer" with your other products... Like I said, quite interesting! So far so good.

-ModelCo Eyeliner - Black, RRP $26.00. I've never understood why ModelCo's products are so expensive, since I don't particularly like any of them. I don't wear pencil liners very often, and when I do I reach for soft kohls (namely Rimmel). This feels quite hard and not very pigmented. It's one draw card is that it has a sharpener in the lid, but I still don't think that warrants paying close to $30 for a so-so black liner, when there are such great ones for under $10.

-Marc Jacobs DOT Fragrance vial, RRP $160/100mL. This disappointed me. Not the perfume - the perfume is everything that I love and more, and makes me feel all giddy and blushy (Marc Jacobs fragrances in general have this effect on me). The fact that Lust Have It specifically promotes their business as a supplier of luxury premium-sized samples, I would expect that maybe I am paying for something I couldn't just pick up at a Myer counter. However I digress - this perfume is spectacular. Red berry top notes, a heart of jasmine and orange blossom resting on a base of vanilla and musk? No wonder I'm complaining about the size!

-Appelles Skin Detox Shower Gel (RRP $12.95/100mL), Body Booster Skin Lotion (RRP $12.95/100mL), and Body Bar Vegetable Soap (RRP $4.95/40g). I can't review these products properly and honestly because like the tan removal cloth (scoff), I highly doubt I'll ever use them. To me, these products smell like cheap supermarket-brand shampoo. The packaging of the soap is reminiscent of what you might find in a hotel room, and I'm really not someone who uses soap bars anyway (with the exception of a few Lush soaps). When I tested a small amount of the skin lotion on my arm, it hasn't made my skin softer at all over the course of the day so nothing is really drawing me in.

Well, that's it! I think the only things I'll get any use out of is the Tigi hair treatment, and one or two applications of the Marc Jacobs fragrance haha. Maybe I'll save it for date nights, that'll get me a super honest opinion! Do you subscribe to Lust Have It, or any other beauty boxes? What did you think of this months picks?

NARS Windstar Eyeshadow Duo

I've only ever owned NARS face products before - foundation, concealer, primer etc. But for some reason never any eyeshadows or blush, some of their more famous areas of expertise. I decided to finally take the leap seeing as I've never been disappointed before, and oh Lordy... I don't ever want to use another shadow, ever again. I know there is amazing quality products on the market for incredibly low prices, however you can just tell them difference once you use a high-end product. I have a smaller collection of high-end shadows that I keep aside for when I go out or am having a bad day, and the ease in application honestly is just superb.

Both shades in this duo have very fine glitter particles in them, but they're definitely glittery rather than frosty or satiny. They both contain green and orange glitter, which looks absolutely stunning. Quality aside, the colour contrast between the glitter and the actual shadow shades is really what sets these apart from drugstore products.

The actual colours in this duo are right up my alley. On my pale skin, if I don't use a base they tend to just neutralise my eyelids a bit and give that 'halo' effect, which I love anyway. But if I use a base that's a little darker than my natural skin tone (Bare Study or Groundwork by MAC, or Lush's new Sophisticated cream shadow) this does show up fairly true to pan. Paired with either black or brown liner, this duo creates an amazing foundation for an everyday fifties-inspired winged liner look, keeping it very soft and pale on the lid with a strong line for definition.

After purchasing Windstar, I can't wait to try more NARS eyeshadows - I can't get enough!

-Kate.

Date night lips - a match made in HEAVEN!

My boyfriend and I don't live together, but even though we're so busy we make the time to go out once a week just the two of us. It's such an amazing break from reality, and to have found someone who makes you so happy is really just so liberating.

All Revlon Everything: Super Lustrous lipgloss in Lilac Pastelle (L) over Just Bitten Kissable Lip Stain in Passion (R)

I always want to look nice for him, and I love when that effort pays off. I rarely wear lip gloss, but the other night I put a really thin, sheer coat of Revlon's infamous Lilac Pastelle lip gloss over one of their Just Bitten Kissable Lip Stains in the colour Passion, which was a beautiful and brightly contrasting doll-pink. I'll review this stain later as I did have a bit of fun trying out the range.

The overall effect was a dulled-down pinky-purple, and I made sure to apply the gloss well before my man arrived - no guy likes to kiss glossy lips! This was more about the beautiful colour it gave rather than the glossy finish. If you're enjoying this blog and would be interested in more day-to-day makeup looks, let me know by commenting below :)

If you've made it this far, 1) congratulations; and 2) I'm sorry for the lack of posts, however I'm working full time at the moment as well as going to uni full time as well. Finding the time to even sleep properly is difficult, so blogging took a back seat. I'm going to try to update this at least every second day from now on and hopefully someone will get some use out of whatever I post!

Lush 'Emotional Brilliance' range - Launch!

I was lucky enough to go to one of Lush's product launches last Saturday for their new line called 'Emotional Brilliance'. It's Lush's first real go at makeup, their previous efforts really only being confined to some borderline-theatrical concealers. Now with the new 'desert island products', all of which are 100% vegan, Lush has finally made up for some of its past woes.

The three products I chose from Lush's colour wheel

The range is a little gimmicky - but I love that! The idea is that you close your eyes, spin a colour wheel (pictured below), and when you open your eyes pick the first three colours that stand out. Each corresponds to an Emotional Brilliance product, and each has a special meaning for you in that moment.

The first colour is your strength/weakness. I picked Dynamic, a beautiful pastel peach. The second colour is a subconscious need you might have, for which I picked Focus, a pearlescent baby blue. The third is your talent, which you need to fulfil your subconscious need. I picked Quietly Motivated, a burnt caramel-colour. All three products I chose were liquid eyeliners.

Even though I knew that this was a sales gimmick of which I was entirely in control, I went in thinking I would pick completely different colours and when these words popped up in front of me, I was surprised at how relevant they were to my current situation. (Especially Focus - I have been trying to move house for 7 weeks!) It really added something special to the event, and although I walked away without any of these products (I'm coming back for Quietly Motivated though) I was impressed with the choices my subconscious made.

Emotional Brilliance colour wheel and kiosk

I ended up buying a cream eyeshadow tagged Sophisticated, and the very much talked-about Fantasy, a gold liquid liner that when applied honestly is like liquid gold leaf - it is so amazing. My one issue is that as it is drying, it stings a little. I'm not sure if it's due to the vegan ingredients or perhaps I just have sensitive eyes, but once it's dry it's no longer a problem. The other products in the range were incredible too though, such as their mascara (which was the blackest black ever) and my favourite, the Feeling Younger skin tint which is a shimmery white highlighter which when applied lightly gives a dewy and fresh, rose gold halo effect to the skin.

L-R: Translucent powder, mascara, cream highlighter (not to scale).

The title product Emotional Brilliance is a pink-toned translucent powder which is of very good quality, but not anything revolutionary. At $19.90/8g, it's fairs well against something like the Laura Mercier powder, which in Australia retails at $68/29g.

Sophisticated, Fantasy - $24.95 each.

I had a really amazing time at this event and once I go back and pick up some more products from this range I'll definitely let you know how I got on with them (Quietly Motivated, Eyes Right and Feeling Younger are on the list!). This has also become part of the permanent line, so definitely don't feel as though you have to buy everything at once as buying two products alone set me back $50, however it's a really impressive and well thought-out range and I highly recommend it.

Have a good week!

-Kate.

Sally Hansen Gem Crush Nail Color

I picked up a new nail polish about a week ago, and it's stayed on my nails since - work be damned! I thought it would be a good one to show you because I haven't really seen a glitter polish this true to the bottle except for -maybe- O.P.I/Katy Perry's Teenage Dream.

The colour I picked up was 03 Big Money, which I absolutely LOVE. It is super high glitter, with tiny gold micro-glitter and slightly chunkier lilac glitter suspended in a clear base, which combined gives an almost rose gold effect. I've never needed to use any more than two coats of this (I've applied it three times) and the amount of glitter packed on to one thin coat is just incredible. As you can see above, the wand and brush are absolutely HUGE compared to that of Sally Hansen's top coat, and from the bottle to the brush to the nail, the opacity in the glitter never changes, unlike a lot of glitter polishes in sheer bases you see.

Natural light; artificial light; under flash.

I am a massive fan of this polish and am interested in getting a few more of the colours. For now, this is definitely well worth the $10 or whatever Coles was charging (I threw it in my basket along with some soy milk and mint slices, it was a bit of a comfort night haha).

Also, sorry my nails are so haggard in this post. I currently go to uni and have a regrettable part-time job in fast food, meaning that my hands take a huge toll. Hope it's been okay anyway!

-Kate

Lush Freedom Foamer Bubble Bar

I picked up the Lush Freedom Foamer Bubble Bar today, which is their new limited edition product in support of marriage equality in Australia. 100% of the proceeds go toward ending marriage discrimination in Australia, and each store is equipped with a clipboard and petition out the front as well, so if you aren't interested in buying the product you can still show your support.

The product is quite reminiscent of Lush's Sunnyside Bubble Bar, which is an old favourite of mine especially in summer. It's described as smelling of "fresh lime, grapefruit and equality", and it's absolutely true to it's word. This product is so fresh and summery, and the perfect pick-me-up in the bath. I'm a huge fan of Bubble Bars in general too, as they tend to last AGES - at least 6 baths. As this is a limited edition product, I'll definitely be going back and getting more.

Due to the nature of it's release, I unfortunately couldn't find much international product information. But if you are outside Australia, keep an eye out as it may become a Lush charity item in your country too!

-Kate

Revlon CustomEyes - Party Pops

I know this is by no means a new product, but I picked it up the other day and just wanted to do a quick product review/look for anyone interested. I've been on the fence about this palette for a while now since I'm not a huge fan of Revlon as a whole, and where I live it retails at around $26 (As opposed to Canada, where you could find it for $3 when it first came out). However, I was waiting on a prescription and lacking inspiration so just picked it up on a whim... Not sure how I feel.

There are five really vibrant, pastel colours in the palette which are all quite shimmery. There's a bright, artificial-grape type purple (supposedly a liner shade); a solid emerald green; a really amazing high-frost pale lavender; a soft cool-toned pink and a really trendy tangerine colour that also has a bit of pink sheen when it hits the light. This palette also comes with a little look demo on the back, which is handy for anyone just starting out in makeup, especially brights which can often go a bit awry.

The pigmentation of these shadows isn't very good. I really didn't expect the sheer finish they gave, considering the brightness in the pan - I would have much preferred them to be true bright pastel shades to pick up this winter cold snap.

I decided to replicate the look on the base of the palette, and this was the result:

It doesn't look too bad in photos due to the lack of pigment, but the green in this palette is just horrible. I don't understand why it's even there. Then again, those sea-green colours have never looked good against my skin tone or my eye shade so I guess it's just me. The "liner" shade (deeper purple) didn't even show up, I would never have used this as a liner. It was one of those moments where I thought, "did anyone at Revlon even USE this shade before approving it?" Again, the pigmentation in all these shades was also really disappointing.

I felt like the look was more suited to brighter, more vibrant shadows so the next two photos are of a more subtle pop of colour, which compliments the sheer qualities of this palette.

I scrapped the green completely, knowing it didn't compliment both my eyes or the other colours in the palette very well. I kept the orange (1) in my inner corner and the first half of my lid, then swept the pinky shade (2) over the outer half of my lid. I pushed the purple (5) along my lower lash line, and bought it up through my crease along my outer-v. I then highlighted under my brow bone and over the orange in my inner corner with the white/lavender shade (3).

I really think that if you're scared to wear bright makeup, but looking to steer away from neutrals then this is the palette for you. It adds a really sheer wash of pastel colours, which are still quite on trend, without looking too editorial or club-ready. It is extremely expensive in Australia considering the pigmentation, so if you live here I would perhaps suggest looking online first to see if you can find this cheaper.

Have you tried this palette? What are your thoughts on pastel colours - how long do you think they've got left and do you think they'll stick around for winter?

-Kate x

Mario Badescu Skincare Review (Part 2)

Let me say quickly that I haven't promoted this blog in any way, and still don't really know how to network on this platform so knowing that two whole people commented on my first post may seem small to some, but considering the lack of effort I've put in to making myself known at all I feel like it's an overwhelming achievement. So thank you to anyone reading this, simply for doing so!

The last three products I'm reviewing by Mario Badescu all came in a deluxe sample kit when I purchased the first three, and I almost like them more than I do my actual purchases! The Whitening Mask really has brightened up my skin tone, it goes on a dream and it smells really nice somehow. I'm not sure if this product is scented at all, but it just has a really clean, pure way about it. It feels very similar, leaving skin feeling refreshed and clean. I don't think it's noticably faded any discoloration in my skin, however that isn't really a problem that I have aside from a small amount of redness on my cheeks. I can see a difference in the overall appearance of my complexion though, which is nice! This is a ten minute mask as opposed to the Special Mask for Oily Skin (which I reviewed in my previous post) which you have to leave on for twenty minutes, and whether it's the morning or night I rarely have time or patience for a twenty minute mask. This is absolutely beautiful and I will definitely purchase the full size product, which retails on BeautyBay at AUS$35.80.

Top - Whitening Mask; Middle - Buttermilk Moisturiser; Bottom - Strawberry Face Scrub

I haven't used the Buttermilk Moisturiser too much as whenever I stray from my regular daily moisturiser (Clinique's Dramatically Different Gel) my skin seems to get a bit cranky. But I did use it a few times during the day and I can say that it feels just as luxurious as the rest of the range. This brand really is just that - luxurious. It is light, melts into the skin instantly without having to press, and has a very subtle cucumber fragrance. It is also very calming and cooling, and I found that it reduced a fair bit of the redness in my cheeks when used straight after cleansing (which is when most of that redness appears). I would recommend this product to anyone in the market for a good quality, light everyday moisturiser and will most likely give this a proper trial some time in the future to see how my skin reacts to it when used every day. For now, I really enjoy this product. (AUS$27.60)

I am now absolutely THRILLED to say that the next product has become one of my favourite scrubs in the history of scrubs. My love of all things strawberry when it comes to shower products is a little out of control, and this has in no way curbed it. The Strawberry Face Scrub is such heaven on the skin, and I don't think that any review could do it justice. The texture is like whipped silk, if that makes sense. It's so soft, that you put your finger in and it almost feels like there's nothing there. Then, surprise! Chunks of strawberry seeds which may not be up everyone's street (think of rough apricot scrubs) but it all just adds to the crazy amazing feeling that this leaves on your skin. Then there's the smell. Ooooohhhhhh, the smell. It's real strawberries, but amplified with fake strawberries and it's ice cream and candy and summer and gardens and everything good in the world, but it's been put in a tub. I will buy this again, and again, and again, and again..... And I highly suggest you do too because Lord Almighty, this is a ring-on-the-finger product. (AUS$22.70)

And that's it! I'm in the middle of moving, but hopefully I'll be done soon and I'll be posting some other, more exciting things soon. Have an awesome week!

-Kate

Mario Badescu Skincare Review

After months of agonising, I finally purchased few items from the Mario Badescu skincare line. I'm quite resistant to trying new products on my skin as it is quite temperamental at times - oily/combination with dry and (what I consider to be horrendous) hormonal breakouts. I rarely stray from the old faithful routine that I've set up, but I had heard wonderful things about this range and decided to jump in headfirst.

I purchased the Rolling Cream Peel, Special Mask for Oily Skin and of course, the highly coveted Drying Lotion. When I ordered, I also received deluxe samples of the Whitening Mask, Strawberry Face Mask and Buttermilk Moisturizer which I will review later, as this would be quite lengthy and boring otherwise!

Top - Rolling Cream Peel; Middle - Special Mask for Oily Skin; Bottom - Drying Lotion.

The Rolling Cream Peel is one of the gentlest, most effective exfoliators I have ever used. While I neglected to buy the Mario Badescu toner/astringent (like I said, I'm quite particular) I did remove this with my Lush Tea Tree Water and I felt that the lack of water applied both before and after made a noticeable difference to my skin when it came to getting rid of any unwanted dead skin cells, or just any dirt and oil that lay deep in the pores. This mask would also be ideal to travel with, as the lack of water needed means that it could be applied on a long haul flight with minimal mess. Just be careful to catch any of those icky peels with a towel or wipe on your lap, they can look a bit gross! This will set you back AUS$28 which I can absolutely justify repurchasing.

On to the Special Mask for Oily Skin. I feel as though I haven't had enough time to use this mask and give an effective review, but from what I can tell it has made very little difference to the overall quality of my skin. This product feels quite luxurious on the skin compared to other clay masks I have tried, which often leave my skin feeling dry and tight. I enjoy any product with calamine in it as this has always just helped leave my skin looking and feeling better, however any improvements I may see coming from this product are unfortunately short-lived and well-forgotten by the time I tone and moisturise my skin. My one absolute positive with this product, and the Badescu masks in general, is that a little goes a very long way so if you do find these work for you, they're worth the AUS$28 price tag.

To end part one of this review, here is a heart-wrenching spiel about the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, perhaps the most famous product in the line. It actually pains me to type these words, as I was so excited to receive this after seeing such positive reviews. But I must say, the only thing it did was knock me out with it's unbearable scent (if you can call the overpoweringly sterile leak of Salicylic Acid a scent) and bring my bumps forward a day or two early, which was the last thing in the world I wanted. I was promised immediate relief of all pimples, notably whiteheads, and all this product managed to accomplish was create more whiteheads than I regularly get. One "cosmetic" fault I find with the product is it requires that you use a cotton/Q-tip to dip down to the calamine sediment, but the bottle is deeper than any standard cotton tips I can find which makes reaching this quite difficult. I may go back to this product if my skin becomes increasingly problematic, as it did manage to reduce the healing time (like I said earlier, my acne is hormonal) but until then I probably won't be reaching for it every night. At AUS$25.60, I won't be repurchasing this product.

**EDIT: I spilt this product on my vanity while giving it a second chance, and almost half the clear liquid poured out to my dismay. Ever since, this product has worked a charm on my skin so I think it may have just been the ratios. If I do ever purchase this again (still on the fence), I will most likely pour it out first haha.

I apologise for such a long-winded blog post but I really wanted to give an in-depth review of these products, especially the Drying Lotion as it is such a holy grail item for so many people. I have mixed feelings about Mario Badescu products however there are one or two that have wormed their way into my staple skincare routine, which is all I could have asked for. I'll post my next review soon and try to make it shorter, until then have a great week!

-Kate.

*Mario Badescu products can all be purchased on their website, or at BeautyBay, who offer free worldwide shipping to most countries.