Sea Salt Spray by Lee Stafford

Sea salt spray... you say.... hmmm... I'll give anything a go once!

When I had medium length hair (those were the days... I kind of wish I still had long hair) I purchased the above - Lee Stafford Sea Salt Spray, to give my hair that 'just went to the beach' look. Not really a good idea since I have thick hair... my bad.

I purchased it from Priceline for AU$12.29 - 150ml.

The directions are - spray approx. 50 times (yes that's right... a mere 50 times... ) in towel dried hair, then blow dry or you can leave it in to dry naturally. You can also apply it to dry hair. It has 26 minerals with promineral complex of dead sea salts.... and a bunch of other items to protect and repair your hair from free radicals.

So, my hair is thick and naturally wavy and when I applied this product it went a little crazy looking and gluggy feeling. I think if you had thin hair and wanted some extra volume then this would work for you and is a great alternative to using other expensive products and then heat as you can just let it dry naturally. It smells nice but can be a little crusty in your hair, giving you that authentic sea feeling.

Sadly... I won't be using this very often.

Laters,
Ivy

Fibrewig Mascara by Imju

Mascara! Where to start?!

I have short lashes that point straight out. No long lovely curly lashes for me! This makes mascara very important. I'm looking for length but it's also important that I use more of a wax (or drier) based mascara so it will hold the curl from my lash curler.

I tried using Fibrewig a while ago now and I must say it's really going to give you the length you're looking for.

Breakdown - It claims to give length as it has little black fibres that stick to your natural lashes. It also claims that it won't smudge, and that it will easily come off with warm water.

Sounds too good to be true hu? Well, it actually works and does all of these things! When you apply it, you use the tip vertically and push up along your lashes so the fibers stick to your natural lashes. Then you wiggle the brush from side to side horizontally from root to tip. It's a nice black colour as well. It doesn't smudge which is great because I really can't stand the whole black rings on the bottom on my eyes half way through the afternoon. When it comes to removing it you just need to wet your eyes and then you can gently rub the mascara off between your fingers. I use a cotton pad with eye makeup remover which removes the mascara.

Where do you buy it? I bought mine at a store in Chinatown Sydney (I have no idea what it's called, but it's the really pink one near the Asian music and DVD store....I know that doesn't really give you an idea) but I know they sell it at AKA Cosmetics. I think I paid around AU$35-40, but it's worth it.

How long does it last? I had mine for 3 months and then I threw it out (being the good mascara wearer... I never keep any mascara longer than 3 months in fear of pink eye and other eye infections). I probably used 2 coats per day.

Did I buy it again? No. The only reason being is that I love checking out new products. Even if the current one was great (which this one is great) I can't help but trying a new product just to see what it's like. I know..... I'm really a lost cause like this!

Highly recommend Aqua Beauty Dream Land - has great reviews on products and a fantastic review on Fibrewig Mascara. Check it out!
http://aquabeautydream.blogspot.com.au/2010/09/tubing-mascara-review-1-original.html

Happy mascara-ing,
Ivy

Nars Blush - Torrid

Hello hello Nars blush!

I bought this blush in Sephora while I was in Hawaii. I was really lucky with the AU$ and Nars is cheaper compared to buying it here in Sydney. In Sephora it's a low US$28 and here in Sydney at  Mecca it's AU$49 (aaahhhhh!).

So at first I thought this would be far too bright on my skin (I'm an NC35 in MAC foundation). The sales assistant applied it to my face and it was very subtle. It was love at first sight. I know that a lot of people love Nars blush and in particular Orgasm. I am now one of these Nars blush junkies as I'm very into Torrid!!! You only need a small amount as it's quite pigmented. I usually use my MAC large angled contour brush to apply it to the apples of my cheeks.

You get your $ worth with this product, so I can strongly recommend this if you're looking for a good quality blush.

Check our Nars blushes at both Sephora & Mecca by clicking on the links below.
Sephora - http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P2855&categoryId=B70
Mecca - http://www.meccacosmetica.com.au/shop/Nars/Blush/

Laters,
Ivy

MISSHA M Perfect BB Deep Cleansing Oil & SUPER AQUA Cleansing Foam

Instead of completing two reviews on cleansers from Missha, I thought I'd just combine them!

Last week I completed a review on BB Creams, and today I'll blog about the Missha M Perfect BB Deep Cleansing Oil and Missha's Super Aqua Cleansing Foam.

Okay, firstly the Cleansing Oil. AU$29.90 for 200ml
http://www.missha.com.au/products/goods_info.php?f_sid=10&f_pid=5&goods_no=1297&price=0

This oil is going to remove your BB cream as it's been specially formulated for the Missha BB creams.

I use this not only when I'm wearing BB cream but other makeup. Before I put water on my face, I use two pumps of this and then I rub it all over my face (avoid your eyes, I use a separate eye makeup remover) then you rinse it off after you've finished your massage and cleanse as usual.

I find that it does work to breakdown your makeup (oils usually do, virgin olive oil is a great home makeup remover), however your cleanser will probably do the same thing. I also find that it doesn't remove all my foundation as I also use a Clarisonic afterwards and I can see the makeup on the brush. I kind of regret buying this, because personally, it's something that I don't need. I'm just going to continue to use it since I've already bought it and it's not harming my face.

So next up is the Missha Super Aqua Cleansing Foam. AU$17.90 for 200ml
http://www.missha.com.au/products/goods_info.php?f_sid=10&f_pid=5&goods_no=1066&price=1

I love this cleanser. Love love love it!
I have re-purchased this product and it lasts me a year! I used it in 2010, had a break from it in 2011 and used a bunch of other cleansers cause I like to try new products, and have now gone back to it in 2012. I use it twice a day - morning and night. Having said that, I will probably try out other cleansers next year when I've finished this one. I think I have a Tony Moly "Berry" cleanser in storage... which I should use.

In the morning I usually use a pea size amount in my hands, lather it up and then apply to a wet face. A small amount goes a long way! Then rinse it off. At night after using my cleansing oil I use a small amount of cleanser on my Clarisonic face brush and apply to a wet face. You can see all the makeup on the brush after you've finished (yep... the oil doesn't remove it all). Then rinse your face.

If you like a cleanser that leaves your face feeling squeaky clean... then this will be a great cleanser for you. I have a very oily t-zone with a bunch of zits on my chin (yuk) so I really like the clean feeling. Recently I was finishing up a gel aloe cleanser which wasn't that great... I think that's why I may have broken out on my chin (totally not all the chocolate I love to eat... no way...pft). I know that this cleanser (combined with my face care products) will help clear this acne up.

My fav Missha shop is the one located in the QVB!
Check it Missha - http://www.missha.com.au/index.php

BB Cream - What is it?

You may have noticed that BB Cream (aka Blemish Balm Cream or Beauty Balm Cream) is popping up everywhere! I personally started using it a few years ago when there was a hugh boom of BB Creams available in Sydney from South Korea. Brands such as Skin 79, Skin Food, The Face Shop, Missha, Nature Republic, Etude House... the list goes on! Just about every makeup brand in South Korea has their own line of BB Creams.

Recently I've seen ads from Sephora promoting Smash Box BB Cream and ads on TV for Garnier BB Cream.
 

Here are a few facts that I've found out about BB Cream over the years.

- BB Cream stands for Blemish Balm Cream or Beauty Balm Cream

- Formulated in Germany to assist people who had laser surgery on their face, recover faster

- Asia took on this research and developed BB Creams for everyone to utilise the benefits

- Most Korean BB Creams that I've used usually have 3 or more special properties. eg. This is not only a base, but it will help with wrinkles, will help clean up acne and has SPF in it... maybe it also helps scaring etc.

- It usually only comes in 2-3 shades

- Coverage is minimal

- Some leave your face looking like there's a grey film covering it

- Depending on the BB Cream, I found that my face becomes quite oily during the day

- I think it falls into the range of somewhere between a tinted moisturiser and a foundation



Useful sites:

Here’s a link to the Wiki site - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BB_cream

Goss Makeup Artist has completed a really good review of BB Creams recently. Check it out on You Tube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVGWFrwXw0Q

If you like your tinted moisturiser then this product will meet your requirements. You can buy it from places that sell Garnier, The Face Shop (there's one in The Galleries Victoria in Sydney CBD), Missha (they have a few different shops in Sydney, my fav is the one in the QVB), Blush Cosmetics (my fav store is located on Sussex St in China Town and they have just opened one up in World Square), AKA Cosmetics (there are quite a few stores... Sussex St up from Blush, the shopping arcade near Event Cinemas on George St and in Market City), Morning Glory stores (Goulburn St, Market City, China Town and in other suburbs which you can look up on their site), and various Korean clothes shops and Korean mini marts also sell BB Creams (brands such as - Skin 79 and Skin Food).

The cost really ranges depending on the brand. Skin 79 can be quite expense. Missha is quite affordable. I haven't tried Skin Food which is one that I would like to eventually try out. Look to spend about $35.

To use this product, I usually apply it with my fingers and I only ever need a small amount. Once blended onto my face, the next thing to do is to lightly pat your face all over. I've been told by some of the shop assistants that this "activates" the chemicals in the cream.

I personally use this in winter only as my face is far too oily in summer. It does give you a more natural look as it's a light coverage.

Here are some BB Creams that I have used -

1. The Skin by The Face Shop

This is a nice BB Cream and it lasted quite a long time.  However, it did give me a greyish tint at first until it settled into my skin. I have not re-purchased.

2. Diamond by Skin 79



I'm actually still using this as it's currently summer and I have stopped until the weather cools down before I'll resume using this one. I really like the texture of this. It's not too thick and goes on very smoothly. It also lasts most of the day which is nice. It's a good colour for my skin as well since BB Creams usually only come in a few shades. It works well at the beginning of winter when my face is still a little tanned.



3. M Perfect Cover by Missha $32.90 from their website - http://www.missha.com.au/products/index.php?f_pid=6&f_sid=18

Sometimes I like to change up between Skin 79 and Missha. It depends on how light my skin is. I find that the Missha BB Cream is a shade too light for my skin, so to use this one I usually have to wait until my skin becomes a little lighter, so towards the end of winter. Still a good BB Cream.

If you like tinted moisturisers and a light coverage, then try BB Creams out!

Later,
Ivy

Cuticle Oil

Today's review - Island Girl 'Scented Cuticle Oil'.

Purchased - from one of the best shops in Hawaii... you know the one.... it's on every single corner, or every single block! The ABC store!

Frequency - I usually use this a few times a week at night, after I've applied my hand cream before I catch my beauty sleep.

How to use - simply apply the oil on your cuticle with the brush and you're done! Simple!

My thoughts - I love the bottle! It has tiny floating flowers inside all different colours! So cute! It also smells divine! If you have dry cuticles then this is perfect for you.

Since the bottle is quite big, I haven't had to ever buy another cuticle oil. If I do, I'll make sure I compare them. I've had this one since May 2010.

Island Girl also sell a funky range of heat reacting, colour changing nail polishes, which I shall review shortly!

Later,

Ivy

Tokidoki Kabuki Brush

Hey hey,

Firstly, apologies for the lack of blogging. I was meant to post a few articles before Christmas aka the 'silly season', however I was swept up in all things Christmas and did not post a single thing.

Having said that, I'm looking to post at least a minimum of 1 article a fortnight. That's right, you heard it... now let's see if I stick to it!

Today I'm going to review the Tokidoki Kabuki Brush.

This picture has been taken while the brush is in the box. The box is pretty cool and smothered in too cool for school artwork! Love it!

Stats:

Purchased at Sephora (in Hawaii - sooo totally in love with Hawaii) - US$28

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P257108

Synthetic, super super soft white and purple tipped brush

Square handle with cute Tokidoki patterns

__________________________________________________________________

My thoughts:

I was sucked in by the brand for this purchase (big fan of the Tokidoki Cactus Kids & Cactus Pups). The price was also quite good. This is a super super super soft synthetic brush. I use it to apply powder after foundation (in particular MAC Mineralized Skin Finish). I find that you can really buff the product in if it's what you're looking to use it for. Also, the brush picks up a good amount of product.

Cons - when cleaning it's a pain as the product stains the white section of the brush. Yep, even when you're cleaning it, so you will need to wash it a few times to restore it's whiteness! When I'm using it can sometimes feel sticky when applying the finishing powder. I think this is mainly due to the foundation I'm using (need to wait a minute to let it dry), so I think this is a user problem rather than a product problem! ekk!

Overall, I think it was a good buy. I don't own any other kabuki brushes, so this one serves its purpose in my makeup brush kit.

Go Tokidoki! Random translation - this means sometimes in Japanese.

Later,

Ivy