We’re coming into prime time for new beauty releases. Every day I’m finding out about something new that’s designed to entice you to refresh your makeup kit or skincare routine.
Generally I think this is a good thing.
But.
A whole lot of new stuff can get ultra confusing. Do you stay with what you know and love? Or do you jump right in and try something that might just become your new beauty bestie?
Clearly, I’m of the jump right in mould. It’s the nature of my job.
I’m also a marketers’ dream. As long as they stick a “NEW” stamp on there, I’m in. I’ve thrown it in the supermarket trolley or I’ve handed over my card at a beauty counter or salon quicker than you can say, “lippy, what lippy?”
So, today on the blog, it’s a bit of a community service. I tend to do this post each month as a highlight of some of the beauty products that have crossed my desk.
Products that have made me look twice and enticed me to add to my makeup kit for use on a regular basis.
1. Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder – Translucent $68: In my dreams I walk around with an Instagram filter over my face (probably Sierra or Walden 😉 ). Of course I’m dreaming BUT using a powder like this one over your foundation does make a huge difference. A soft focus is created by the nature of the reflective particles in the powder. Use the velour powder puff it comes with, tap off excess product and gently press into the skin. You can also find Laura Mercier at selected Myer and David Jones stores.
2. Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation $19.95: I do love stumbling across a bargain foundation that gives the big guns a run for their money and this one very much fits that bill. Had a late night and need to look fresh? Whack on some of this and you’ll be glowing so much that people will want to know your sleep secret! It works to create a flawless finish thanks to radiance pearls in the formula which do that light diffusing thing that we want and need. It’s hydrating as well … something your skin might also need after a big night. Check it out at Big W, Kmart, Coles, Target, Priceline, Woolworths, David Jones and selected pharmacies.
3. Benefit High Brow Glow Pencil $39: Can you see a bit of a theme developing here? In the middle of winter, I’m very much about faking the glow. I’m already a fan of Benefit High Brow (a linen pink brow highlighting pencil) but her sister pencil, Miss Glow, has won be over with her champagne-pink illuminating goodness. Where do you use it? Just under the arch of your eyebrows – a quick stroke and then a little finger smudge should do it. Hello instant eye-poppingness. Check this out at selected Myer Benefit counters and the Benefit Boutique in Paddington, Sydney.
4. Illamasqua Lipgloss in Stranger $33: I’m going to use this product as I head into spring and summer and need a splash of gold to make me feel all summery. It’s a really rich lipgloss and works fine on its own, blending with your natural lip colour if applied sparingly. Or, why not add just a little to the top and bottom centre of your lips for a feature over your regular colour. It’s part of Illamasqua’s latest collection, Naked Strangers, which includes beautiful nudes and metallics. Available at select Myer stores.
5. Catalina Geo Long and Deep Mascara $31.50: The second tube you see in the photo above? That’s a refill that comes with this mascara, so already its cost is halved. I like that. What I also like is that it’s pretty much panda-eye proof. It’s water resistant but then comes off really easily at the end of the day. For those who suffer irritation from some mascaras, this is definitely worth a try. The formula contains Allantoin, Vitamins B5 and E to relieve irritation and hydrate your lashes. The brush size is a good one – not too tiny and not too large – making it easy to wiggle the colour into the base or your lashline and then swipe it out for lovely long lashes.
Have you found a beauty product lately that you now can’t live without? Do you try new stuff or stick with what you know?
These products were sent to me for editorial consideration in accordance with my disclosure policy.
Comments 19
Nikki – I just blogged about my experience with Laura Mercier Mineral Powder Foundation but I have been reading such great things about the Translucent setting powder but I don’t think I can invest….but I really want to love and use Laura Mercier products.
http://personalperspectives.wordpress.com/2012/07/23/i-tried-to-love-you-laura-mercier-mineral-powder-foundation/
What do you recommend?
The setting powder would work best over a liquid foundation … the mineral one would work on its own.
I love using hat benefit pencil to trace the cupid’s bow just above the line of my upper lip… gives the appearance of fullness right where most of us need it!
x Catherine @ The Spring
http://www.thespringblog.com
Inspired, Catherine!
oooh, I’ll have one of everything please.
x Marnie
Sure!
Want, need, gotta have the Benefit High Brow Glow Pencil – sounds utterly fabulous! xx
It is quite fabulous! Yes.
Growing up I was never really ‘into’ make up and beauty products but now living in the City and being a hop, skip and jump away from Priceline (and the like) and being able to access more beauty related info online I’m slowly becoming more interested – and delighted! I find I tend to stick with what I know, esp as I have acne prone, oily, sensitive skin… though if I hear enough positive reviews of a product I’ll give it a go! Current faves are the A’kin products, Dove Tinited Moisturiser and a Neutogena Sugar body scrub.
Questions (for Nikki and/or other readers…there’s a few): Do you know of any foundations which do not contain an SPF? Also do I need a setting powder even though I’m using primer? And I’m looking for a good eyebrow kit – any recommendations?
Hi Joanne … I’ve just been trialling Napoleon Off Duty Tinted Moisturiser and it doesn’t contain an SPF – may be too light for you? http://napoleonperdis.com/aus/makeup/face/foundation/off-duty-tinted-moisturizer-light-medium.html Also, yes the three working together – primer, foundation and setting powder – are like the three makeup musketeers. They work in combination to keep your look in place all day.
Yesterday I received 8 Maybelline products in all shapes and colours in one of those special online deals. Very exciting…….BUT I have no idea what each one is for and the print on the back is soooooo small. I’d hate to use an eyeliner for a lippie or an eyeshadow so will need to find the time to sit down with a magnifying glass and work out what each product does. Do the manufacturers think we all eat copious amounts of carrots and have 100% vision? My other hate is having instructions printed on a colour background where it blends in and you have to run outside on a sunny day to read what it says (this can be tricky when you are under the shower and can’t read the shampoo from the conditioner label).
Oh Denny … I’m SO glad I’m not the only one. I have to get my children to read the labels for me!!
Thanks for this post Nikki,I like the sound of that foundation,sounds good for ahem* mature skins,and that’s me,and if it gives you a glow I don’t really have then Yay ,so when i need more foundation,i might buy this one,I also like the sound of the mascara ,I do have sensitive eyes so usually stick to Maybelline as it’s ok for me ,but I hate a panda eye and like it to stay on all day.I just bought a Stilla translucent powder and it’s great,also I have never been a fan of BB creams BUT i just got one I love it’s called skin79 super BB cream and it’s the gold one it has caviar and lots of good stuff for mature skins and it’s super moisturising a plus for me,you can check it out at mybbcream.com.au.I am willing to try new things as long as I can get a sample first as my sensitive skin is really annoying 🙁
Oh, I’m interested in that BB … I’m trialling one at the moment that’s 35 SPF and I’m liking it!
Yes this one is 25SPF but it is nice and it’s so far the only one that gives me a bit more cover,and I’m liking this one too !!
Hi Nikki. These posts are so handy! Loving the sound of the rimmel foundation (and the price?!)I’d like to try but just wondering about its staying power for those of us who get a bit of a shine happening by mid afternoon?!? x
Good question – my skin errs on the dry side but I can say this one stays on well on me. I also always use a setting powder over the top of any liquid foundation (and primer underneath). I don’t rely on the foundation itself.
Nothing new in my beauty bucket. I tend to stick with things I know, but I did change to BB cream and Jane iredale on your recommendation!
I’ve been trying some new BBs too Mummaducka … including one that’s a 35 SPF which could be a winner for me in summer.