This past month has not JUST been about finding my perfect red lippy (although, that’s possibly a makeup highlight that will be tough to top this year). No, it’s been about quite a few makeup discoveries. Products that have surprised me; products that have made my morning makeup routine a little easier; and products that have added a new spark to my makeup bag.
1. Priori Coffeeberry Perfecting Foundation SPF15 $70: You know how I love a mineral foundation? Right? It’s got a lot to do with my lazy efficient two-minute morning makeup routine. Well, blow me down if I’ve not only found another brilliant mineral foundation that hides the flaws and evidence of 40 plus years on this planet. The big, big difference to this one is that while it’s making you look gorgeous, it’s actually helping to make you look gorgeous. Confused? It’s basically a skincare product as well, with the coffeeberry extract providing “potent antioxidant protection” and anti-ageing benefits. Available in 6 shades and comes with a small kabucci brush for application at selected salons, visit www.spauniverse.com.au for details.
2. MAC Cosmetics Semi Precious Mineralize Eye Shadow in Quartz Fusion $40: This is from a new collection at MAC and it’s all about dazzle. It’s one of 12 new Mineralize eye shadows that combine either two or three shades in a soft shimmer. The two pinks in this particular one are offset by a silver. It’s a subtle colour and one I found worked great layered over a vanilla shade and then contoured with a chocolate. The colour is super fine and reflective, helping to make build a great eye statement. Check out the whole collection at your nearest MAC counter.
3. Rimmel London Vinyl Gloss $12.50: I’m such a sucker for a value-for-money lip gloss. And this one ticks all the value boxes as well as my ongoing need for lip-smacking pampered lips. It’s not sticky, has just the right amount of shine and gives your lips a bit of treat – thanks to ingredients such as shea butter and grape seed oil. Pictured is the collection’s new No Regrets shade. It’s looks like a vibrant dark pink but on my lips goes on to subtly enhance my natural lip colour.
4. Smiink Semi-Permanent Eye Liner Pen in Black Noir $36.95: When I’m not all about a statement lip colour, I’m all about a statement eye. A statement smokey eye, finished off with a slick of eyeliner. Now, I’ve got better over the years at eyeliner application but I have varying success with keeping it actually on the eye and doing its job. Not so with this one. It won’t budge (well it will when you really need it to). The pen/brush tip is like a hybrid between a between a Sharpie and a eyeliner brush. It was super easy to put on but word of warning: take care. The semi permanent quality, which is good for a long day or night, is not so good if you accidentally stuff up your application. The formula is a good one too with ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E and Phanthenol protecting the eye area.
5. Ciccone Cosmetics lipstick in Rhea $25: That statement eye I mentioned above? Well, it needs a subtle lip. This nude shade from this Australian-made company is perfect. I even set it off with a touch of the Rimmel London mention above. What I love most about Ciccone lipsticks is the way the formula nurtures your lips every time you wear one, thanks to the jojoba oil, evening primrose oil, calendula oiil and vitamin E that have been included.
6. Benefit new Foundation brush $39: Not using a brush to apply your liquid foundation? That’s just crazy talk. Not only will your coverage look way more professional; you’ll need to use way less foundation. Now that’s a budget win. So, so loving this brush from the new range at Benefit. The super fine synthetic bristles help get that even foundation coverage you should be after and the handle is easy to grip. Check out the rest of the range at your nearest Benefit counter.
7. Benefit They’re Real mascara in jet black $38: This is the new, hot-off-the-makeup-press mascara from Benefit. You’ll be able to wrap your lashes around it from this Saturday. OMG. I’m in love. It’s a long-wearing formula that stays put (you do need to employ a good eye makeup remover to get it off though) and it doesn’t dry out your lashes. Where its genius lies is with the brush. It’s a rubbery plastic with different sized bristles on the sides and little spikey bristles on the top. This gives it the ability to coat your lashes at their roots to make them look longer and more voluminous. You can use the end bit to define and curl even the smallest of lashes. Line up to try at your nearest Benefit counter.
Have you found a makeup product recently that’s made your life easier or given you a little confidence boost?
*These products were sent to me for review consideration. For more info on my disclosure policy, visit here.
Comments 26
Ooh! I am also trialling the new Benefit brushes, Ciccone lippies and PRIORI products. My, my what good taste you have!
Author
I’m spoilt but love it when I come across products I can’t wait to share with my readers.
I used to have a Australis lip gloss in a shade called Lust. It was red wih a very subtle hint of gold. I felt great wearing it, but sadly I have not been able to find this shade anymore 🙁
My most recent feel good purchase is Golden gloss by YSL. It’s a nude with golden glitters (but not too much)Very J-Lo
Author
I love the sound of that gloss, Judy. And I’ll do some investigation re the Australis gloss for you.
Just got your email! Thank you so much for going to the trouble. I’ll stop by my local Kmart to pick some up! You’re amazing!
Author
Happy to help out. Good luck in your search and buy up if you find some!
I tried Benefit for the first time while in Melbourne for Blogopolis! I had spare time on Friday and got to trial some of their makeup! and I’m HOOKED! I got the some kinda gorgeous makeup and the high beam! I also tried the bene-tint and ooh that so cool! when she first got it out and showed me, I was thinking uhh no, I dont want that staining my cheeks thanks very much, but once she put it on, I loved it!! I definately see me converting to using this makeup all the time now!
Author
That was a fantastic thing to do in your free time in Melbourne, Kirsty! Love, love High Beam.
LOVE the styled photo!
Author
Ah, thanks so much Bree. Was a bit of a didgy set up. A white side table balancing on my bed to catch the right light from the window. Got a bit of a reflection from window on one product but not bad for a point and shoot!
I love these posts Nikki, I just kindof muddle along when it comes to makeup.
My new fav though is a bright orange lip (like I wore at the conference). A clever way to take the emphasis away from your eyes when you’re a little (yawn) tired.
I used Revlon ‘Orange Flip’, but have heard MAC ‘Morange’ is great too.
x Andrea
Author
You rocked that orange lip! I do a coral/orange – love Napoleon Perdis’ Harmonia or Benefit’s new Cha Cha tint. And agree that a strong lip is a good diversion 😉
Becca do a gorgeous one too in their Lip & Cheek Tint. It comes in a little mirrored compact and is lovely. I can’t remember the name, and it’s rubbed off the bottom of the packaging!
You are a fountain of info!
I haven’t! I need help. I have no idea what suits me anymore, especially with my ageing skin. And I don’t have a big budget. Ideas?
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Hi Bron, see below – Paula has bought Face of Australia foundation and concealer stick. They’re a great inexpensive but quality brand. I also find that Australis is as well – the Paparazzi Perfect range is extremely good value for money.
I like the look of that MAC shadow, will have to add that to my shopping list when I do the grocery run this week!
I just bought a Face of Australia mineral foundation and a concealer stick to try and its great – not to mention dirt cheap.
Author
Face of Australia do really really good products – my daughter stole these ones off me after I trialled them! Which I’m ok with because I can afford to replace them.
A friend went to the US yesterday – I armed her with a long list of makeup to buy me and US$300 to cover it all!! More than half of the list was Benefit. It’s half the price over there compared to Myer in Aus!! Now to wait 2 and a half weeks for her to get back with my goodies…
Author
It will be worth the wait, Eva! It’s such a shame that makeup is more expensive here – it’s across all brands. It’s partly our strong dollar but I’m pretty sure that distributors here have to pay pretty hefty import taxes.
Oh! Im so excited. I just did a make up course with clinique and bought a crap load of make up. My new favourite thing: Bottom Lash Mascara!!! I AM ADDICTED!
Because im blonde and have blonde lashes, it just gives my eyes that extra oompf that they need. ADORE.
Im also a big fan of their normal mascara and their concealer.. (it actually airbrushes me!)
I think I am going to buy the rimmel lip gloss! Thanks for the advice!
Author
Oh, Amy I read about the bottom last mascara – glad you’ve found it as good as I thought it would be.
Oh I’ve never heard of bottom lash mascara. Does that mean I shouldn’t use my regular mascara on my bottom lash line (I only do on the outer edge). I love the lip gloss too!
Author
It’s a new one – designed to better work with tiny lashes and less smearing. Not everyone would need but very useful for lots of people.
I am thinking that mascara is on my must-buy list. Thanks for sharing. x
My tip to you: wait till you land in the US!