Napoleon Perdis Cake Eyeliner Sealer

2011 has seen my discovery of two new loves: lipsticks and gel or liquid eye liner, prior to this I was all about the lip gloss and eyeliner pencil.

To aid in my recent love for liquid eyeliners I recently purchased Napoleon Perdis Cake Eyeliner Sealer.

This little versatile potion transforms all eye shadows or cake eyeliners into liquid with one little drop giving you an endless amount of coloured liner options.

 I last tried this product way back in early high school and I think at the time I used it to paint on eye shadows as I have never had the patients or a steady hand for creating a liquid line.

To use, apply one drop into your desired coloured eye shadow and apply your new liquid liner with precision with your favourite angled or liner brush.  

If you like me and shudder at the thought of adding a liquid into your favourite eye shadow, do as I do and work backwards. That is: place a drop of the Eyeliner Sealer onto a plate or container, load your angled or liner brush up with shadow and lightly dip into the solution and line away.

Perfect for loose shadows or pigments, the Eyeliner Sealer has great staying power and easily last all day and makes colours appear so much more vibrant.

The picture above shows eyeshadow swatches from my Coastal Scents 88 Warm Palette and their corresponding liquid liner creations using the Cake Eyeliner Sealer.

After searching the web, I found that apparently eye drops as are great DIY alternative to this otherwise there also is good old fashioned water which I’m sure would also do the trick – just not sure about its staying power?

Purchase Napoleon Perdis Cake Eyeliner Sealer online for $18.00(AUD) or from David Jones, Napoleon concept stores or Terry White Chemists (where I got mine at 20% off).

You're Making Me Blush

You're Making Me Blush by Beauty Soiree on Polyvore.com

TAG: This or That

In the words of Me, My Best and I – I’m a total Tag Hag and was delighted to be tagged by the beautiful Meaghan from Beauty, Brains, What Else? to take part in the fashion, makeup, hair and nails edition of This or That.

Please not that I did slightly change a few options as I don’t have access to some of the listed US brands or stores, for the original tag click here.

FASHION

Tribal or Aztec? I agree with Meaghan on this one, aren’t they both the same?!?

Girly or Boho? Girly

Floral or Paisley? Floral but subtle floral nothing to loud or bright.

Chunky or single bracelets? Chunky, it’s all about layering!

Shoulder bag or wristlet? Shoulder bag, I find wristlets such a pain.

Nude pumps or red heels? Nude pumps – love love love my nude pumps.

MAKEUP

Volumizing or lengthening mascara? Maybe lengthening, long lashes are so beautiful.

Smashbox or Nars? I haven’t tried either…sad I know but I will choose Nars for my lust to try it’s Laguna bronzer and Orgasm blush.

Foundation or tinted moisturizer? Foundation.

Cream blush or Benetint? Cream blush, I went off Benetint when I used it as a lip stain and it made my lips soooo dry for days.

Liquid Liner or Gel Liner? Love the waxy consistency of a gel liner and the option for you to choose an application brush that works best for you.

To highlight or contour? Love the illumination and glowy look from a highlighter plus I’m still yet to perfect my contouring technique.

Priceline or Target? While they both stock similar brands and you cannot beat a Priceline discount, I’m really loving Target at the moment as they stock the more affordable lines of Bloom and Napoleon Perdis.

Myer or David Jones?  If we are talking my local Myer or DJ’s, I would have to go David Jones for it’s recently installed MAC counter and huge selection of OPI products. However, the cosmetic departments of Myer Sydney City and Bondi Junction are a beauty paradise with more counters than you would ever need such as MAC, Benefit, Kit Cosmetics and Mecca Cosmetica – just to name a few.

Touch up stick or concealer? Concealer, which I use for under eye circles and discoloration and to conceal any blemishes. I’m currently into my second tube of Rimmel Perfect Match Concealer – love it.  

Tanning mousse or tanning bed? Tanning mousse, I have had it drilled into me from a young age that tanning beds are a no no.

HAIR

Feathers or no feathers? No feathers.

Curling wand or curling iron? I have been using my GHD flat iron to create curls but I’m really keen to try a conical wand. I love the idea of wrapping your hair around, letting it heat for a few seconds and viola you have curls.  

Flat Iron or blow dry? I love a salon blow dry but unfortunately cannot recreate the smooth, bouncy just-walked-out-of-the-salon feeling at home so for DIY my GHD is my best friend.

Messy bun or pony tail? Messy bun – quick, easy and effective.

Braid (plat) or fishtail braid? Braid or plat – gosh I wouldn’t even be able to attempt to create a fish braid.

NAILS

Nail stickers or traditional polish? While traditional nail polish will always have a place in my heart, I’m really loving stick on nail polishes such as Sally Hansen’s Nail Effects.

Nicole by OPI or OPI? Both are top quality polishes but I would have to sway towards the original OPI for their Pro-Wide brush.

Now, to continue the tag chain – I tag you!  Please leave your links below if you complete this tag, I would love to view your responses.

BB Cream and Skin79 Review

With its origins from a dermatologist in Germany created as a healing treatment following laser skin therapy, BB Cream first busted out on the beauty scene in Korea following a Celebrity influence and quickly spread throughout Asia and now making its way into the beauty regime of girls in the US, Europe and Australia.

BB Creams, short for Blemish (or Beblesh) Balm, is one of those multi-purpose, all in one wonder products with can be used as a light coverage foundation or foundation primer, sun protection (most contain SPF 30+), a whitening cream or to assist with facial pigmentation, as a anti-wrinkle cream and has healing properties that assists with the softening and refining of the skin.

I was first introduced to BB Cream through YouTube’s Missglamorazzi who also introduced Sasa.com an online Asian Beauty/Lifestyle department store that stocks both Asian, Western and European beauty products.

I purchased the Skin 79 Super Beblesh Balm from Sasa.com for $29.30(AUD) with a $6.00(AUD) shipping fee.

The Skin 79 Super Beblesh Balm boasts three functions: whitening, wrinkle improvement and cultivating more bright and elastic skin and it states in its directions to apply a decent amount by patting into skin during your last step of skincare (after moisturizing, if you’re like me).

The first thing I noticed about this BB Cream was the packaging, its luxe cylinder casing with a sparkly holographic BB gives off an expensive vibe and the large gold button on top produces the right amount of product with a medium push.

The cream itself is quite thick in consistency when initially applied, however it is quickly absorbed into your skin. It offers a light to medium coverage, similar to a tinted moisturizer however Skin79 BB Cream (like most other brands) only come in one or very few shades as the cream is skin tone adapting and is to blend on application to suite most light complexions.  Those lucky enough to have gorgeous darker completions, this particular BB Cream may not be suitable for you.

The scent is fresh and florally with a slight sunscreen smell – quite pleasant and not overpowering. As a tinted moisturizer I find my BB Cream pushed to the back of my most used beauty products throughout the colder winter months; however I’m sure to get use come the summer months as it’s a great facial sunscreen with slight coverage perfect for the beach or enjoying the summer sun outdoors.  

Research on the origin of BB Creams was sourced from:  http://www.squidoo.com/b-b-cream

L’Oreal Lash Architect 4D Mascara Review

So the three month expiry date was well and truly up and my Maybelline The Falsies mascara had definitely seen better days. After I couldn’t stand a clumpy application anymore I hit the shops with a brand new mascara in my sights.

Although I loved my Falsies, I was captivated by the shiny new display for L’Oreal’s version of a false lash effect mascara, Lash Architect 4D.  

Any blackest black mascara lover would understand my devastation after I had arrived home and ripped into the packaging to discover I have purchased BROWN instead of black – however, after I got over my initial reaction and tried it on for size I discovered that brown isn’t so bad after all, in fact I quite like the soft natural look it gives to my eyes.

They say…

New Lash Architect 4D mascara builds captivating lashes with each and every brush stroke by providing volume, length, texture and curl!

It is the exceptionally long, rigid nylon fibres in the formula that build volume and instantly make lashes appear longer. Whilst it is the mascara’s unique brush with its combination of flat sides and ergonomic curve that create the ultimate “false lash” look.

I say…
The mascara wand is quite unique as its a slight twisted shape – user beware:  while this unique wand was created to ensure an even coat to all lashes it also collects quite a bit of product in some areas that can cause clumping and annoying smudges. However, I have tackled this problem by applying it with my head tilted right back while using the old “wiggle and lift” method.

After applying, the lengthening and volumising fibres went to work and the difference was noticeable, as for a curl and texture… not so much but never less longer and more voluminous lashes is what I’m after in a mascara these days.





The packaging is also a marvel; its silver sleek tube which resembles a modern architectural design adds a certain desire to the mascara as I felt the need to try this based on looks alone.

I purchased L’Oreal Lash Architect 4D Mascara for $24.88(AUD) from Big W (however, L’Oreal is widely available in chemists, department stores, supermarkets ect.) – a little on the expensive side for drug store mascara I thought.

Have you tried L’Oreal Lash Architect 4D Mascara? If so what are your thoughts on the latest false lash look mascara?

Kardashian Kolors Collection

As a lover of O.P.I nail polishes and an even bigger lover of the Kardashian’s – I am so excited to present a sneak preview of the Nicole by O.P.I Kardashian Kolors Collection.

The Kardashian Dolls have teamed up with the creative people at OPI to create the Kardashian Kolour Collection under OPI’s more affordable line, Nicole by O.P.I.  

Featuring 13 DASHing colours which include glitters, reds, greys, blues and pinks in which all have the trademark OPI witty name with a Kardashian twist.

Top row L-R

All Kendall-ed Up

Sealed with a Kris

Kim-pletely in Love

Khloe Had a Lam-Lam

Kourt is Red-y for a Pedi

Rainbow in the S-Kylie

Bottom row L-R

Disco Dolls

Listen to Your Momager!

Wear Something Spar-Kylie

It’s all about the Glam

Follow Me on Glitter

Kendall on the Katwalk

My Empire…  My Rules

Kourtney and Khloe at the fabulous NYC Kardashian Kolors Collection launch:

Set to hit US stores in time for the Holidays 2011 and to retail at $7.99(USD).

Aussie Dash fans keep a look out for this kolorful collection come Christmas time in our Aussie stockiest Terry White Chemist – Nicole by OPI usually retails for $14.95(AUD).

Photo source: Kourtney Kardashian Official Website

Animia Accessories

I stumbled upon Animina through Twitter and I must say it was quite an exciting find. Animina stocks on trend accessories from leading Korean Brands which are both beautiful and affordable and have free postage to Australian addresses.

Some of my picks….

The Absolute Tower Ver Harmony Necklace $24.95(AUD)

Singin’ In The Rain Necklace $21.95(AUD)

In Drops Bracelet $14.95(AUD)

Thinking Back Bracelet $14.95(AUD)

Flower Patch Earring $19.95(AUD)

Images sourced from www.animina.com.au

 

Vintage Cosmetic Advertisements

I love viewing vintage advertisements; below I have put together a collection of classic vintage cosmetic advertisements – these would look beautiful framed and displayed in a bathroom or makeup room.

Source:

http://www.thesymmetricswan.com/2011/05/classic-beauty.html

Source: Yahoo Images

Source:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lvsutton/2920916309/

Source:

http://happygolovely.tumblr.com/post/1294892656/another-advertisement-for-old-south-toiletries

Source: Yahoo Images



Source:

http://bettysvintagemusings.blogspot.com/2010/05/how-to-refill-vintage-compact.html



NOTD - Ombre

Image source: The Beauty Department

Featured a while back at The Beauty Department, the ombre trend (the graduation of similar colours, light to dark) has been seen through fashion, hair and now nails.

To rid the “Winter Blues” I thought I would add a pop of colour onto my nails in the trend that is ombre.

I used a variety of pretty pink polishes to create this cute, colourful and fun look.

Nail Polishes

L-R: Nicole by O.P.I in Berry Sweet, Rokk96 in Candy Floss, Nail It! In Fruit Tingle, Nail It! (name unknown), O.P.I in Tutti Frutti Tonga.

Pretty Palettes

I love the convenience of a palette and these pretty palettes are next on my shopping wish list…

Catwalk I-Kit JK by Jemma Kid

Featuring an eye primer, two highlighters, five beautiful neutral shadows and a wet or dry eye liner or shadow.

$39.95(AUD) from Kit Cosmetics

Romance Set by NP Set

Create that “in love” glow with this complete makeup set containing 18 colourful eye shadows, 4 blushes and 4 lip glosses.

$39(AUD) from NP Set Cosmetics

Nars Blush Bronzer Trio

All of NARS must haves in one little palette: Orgasm blush, Albatross highlighter and Laguna Bronzer.

$55(USD) from Kiss and Makeup

Benefit Brow Zings

Create the perfect frame for your face with this palette. Contains a gel and powder to allow you to perfectly sculpt your brows.

$55(AUD) from Adore Beauty

Love Her Look – Blake Lively

This Gossip Girl hottie knows how to rock the natural beauty look. Blake uses oranges, nudes and lots of black voluminous mascara to accentuate her gorgeous good looks and glowy complexion.

 

All images sources from Google Images.

Napoleon Perdis Haul

I have always been a big fan on Aussie Make-up god, Napoleon Perdis and I hear he is doing great things in the US at the moment through tweets of people who loved the NP booth at LA IMATS.

Napoleon offers a great range of runway worthy makeup products that is fab quality but also falls within the mid to high price range – so when I discovered 20% off Napoleon Perdis products at Terry White Chemist on two occasions, I couldn’t help but grab a few bargains.

Mosaic Bronzing Powder

Love this matte bronzer - swirl your brush in the combinations of beiges and browns to create your perfect summer (or winter) sun kissed glow. Less is best, start off with a little, then slowly build to your desired glow.

NP Set Lip Gloss Compact in Vanuatu

Peachy, glossy and wearable what more could you want? Maybe tube packaging? As a free gift with purchase, I can’t be too picky, can I?

Auto Pilot Pre-foundation Skin Primer

As the great Napoleon Perdis said “Not to prime is a crime”. Love this primer as it makes my skin silky ready for a smooth make-up application.

Colour Disc in Irid Taupe

Love this as a crease colour or to lightly line my lower and upper lashes.

Colour Disc in Grape

Beautiful colour huh? Just not sure how I will wear it yet… any ideas?

Eye Patrol in Private Desert

Love my pinky gold base colours; this one has slight gold glitter that adds an added sparkle.

Swatches

L-R: Private Desert, Irid Taupe, Grape

June Favourites

It’s that time of the month again where I dig through all my favourite beauty products used within the month of June.

I apologise that I am a week or two late with this post (or with any or my other posts) I have been a little off lately but I’m hoping to get back into the swing of blogging soon xx.

Napoleon Perdis Mosaic Bronzing Powder

An oldie but a goodie, this matte bronzer has made it’s way into my everyday makeup routine as I use it to lightly dust all over for a sun kissed glow – great for the face and neck.

Inglot Freedom System Quad Palette

With the Inglot Freedom System you can create your own palettes from a vast collection of colourful face products. I chose these colours as they are my perfect everyday lid, crease, highlight and liner colours and are richly pigmented and smooth and buttery to apply, for more information on my selected colours see my post I HEART Inglot.

Benefit Stay Don’t Stray 360 Eye Primer

Works a treat on the lids as an eye primer but this month I have been loving Stay Don’t Stray as a primer for my under eyes and on troublesome areas to ensure my concealer applies smoothly and covers those nasty imperfections all day.

Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin

Applies as a gorgeous pinky gold, this little magic primer potion intensifies eye shadow colour and ensures shadow stays put all day (or night) with no creases.  

NP Set Lip Gloss Compact in Vanuatu

A beautiful glossy peach, perfect to top off any everyday natural makeup look.

MAC Lustre Drops in Pink Rebel

I’m only new to the illuminator craze but I’m now totally hooked. I love pink rebel as gives a nice pinky gold glow when applied to highlight areas (cheek bones, brow bone and bridge of nose).

Sally Hansen Mega Shine Top Coat

My O.P.I Top Coat was on its way out and I have read great things about Mega Shine and have not been disappointment. Mega Shine speeds up drying time and allows polish to last chip free for days while giving a beautiful clear shine and it’s a cheaper alternative to O.P.I. – Love it.  

O.P.I in Russian Navy

Really loving dark nail polishes in these cooler months and this colour is a deep navy with shimmers of purple and goes so well with my winter wardrobe.

St. Ives Apricot Scrub in Invigorating

I have been using this scrub since forever and I love it as it’s a quite gritty scrub, great for both face and body and provides a noticeable smooth result.

Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Beach Plum

This month I have been slowly introducing colour into my everyday eye looks. I particularly love these two colour combinations – the sandy gold really makes the plum pop.

(Top of the palette is Blushing Blush Powder in Smouldering Plum)

Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aide

My saviour against winter chapped lips! Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aide provides an instant moisturising effect and smells of lemon tarts – delish!