Summer by The Beauty Department

I had somewhat forgotten about gradual self tanners, I think because of the convenience of actual fake tan I found them easier to apply once and enjoy the benefits for up to five days. However, since trialling the gradual self tanner, Summer by The Beauty Department I have rediscovered my love of self tanners with the fool proof application and amazing natural colour which lasts.

What the Beauty Department Say:

Summer is a refined and natural gradual tan, enriched with organic ingredients, and a unique combination of essential oils. This thick and luxurious cream gives your skin a soft golden colour, with the aromas of summer all year round.

With no harsh, synthetic colorants, Summer is free from PEG's, propylene glycol, or parabens. Instead, active ingredients such as DHA deliver a light golden hue over 2-3 hours, giving the individual complete colour control - for deeper colour, simply apply more.

What I Say:

I see gradual self tans as the “beginners’ introduction” to fake tanning, only because they apply as a moisturiser and the colour is often soft and buildable. Summer by The Beauty Department is a thick moisturizing cream with a zesty citrus scent that smells summery as you work it into your skin (the scent actually reminds me of the day spa I visited while on holidays).

Even though Summer is not tinted I didn’t have any trouble with fake tan faux pas, as mentioned above, it applies as a thick moisturiser although it does take some working into the skin. As it’s not tinted you also have the green light to use your hands which is such a godsend for me because I’m so over rubber gloves and awkward tanning mitts – just make sure you thoroughly wash your palms well before the tan starts to develop.

Within 2-3 hours, Summer develops into a natural soft golden tan and you can build on your colour by re-applying however I have always been satisfied with the initial application. I was amazed by the staying power of Summer as it lasted from the weekend through to the working week and it fades as it wears which is great (no embarrassing patchiness).   

I must admit I was a little upset when I finished my sample jar of Summer, however it is easily accessible to purchase online through their website http://www.beautydepartment.com.au/

Disclaimer: I did receive Summer by The Beauty Department for review however all opinions in this post are 100% honest and I will be purchasing this product for further use.

Face of Australia – Lip Quench Lipsticks

After lusting over the new lipsticks from Face of Australia I finally picked up three gorgeous colours from the Lip Quench Lipstick line – Malibu Barbie, Pink Champagne and Lychee Crush.

L-R: Malibu Barbie, Pink Champagne and Lychee Crush.

So perfect for summer the FOA Lip Quench Lipsticks are very moisturizing containing shea butter and jojoba oil as well as SPF 30+ and the range contains fun, flirty and bold colours which are very pigmented and easy to work with.

Malibu Barbie just as the name suggests is a fun bright Barbie pink which works well to add a flirty pop of colour to your complexion.

Pink Champagne is a pastel pink which also reminds me of a Barbie colour, very cute.

Lychee Crush is a light peachy nude which I have been desperately lusting to wear to tone down a smokey eye look.

As the Lip Quench Lipsticks are so moisturising they add a glossy shine to your pout that will stay put around the 2-3 hour mark. The packaging is sleek in black with a clear window on the lid which allows you to easily access your desired colour.

The FOA Lip Quench Lipsticks retail for $9.45(AUD) and can be purchased online at fashionaddict.com.au (international delivery) or in store at Priceline, Big W, K Mart and selected pharmacies.

Remington Pearl Styler

Following the death of my GHD (see post), I was in need of a new hair styler but was overwhelmed by choice and a little apprehensive on finding a replacement.

However; I did have three particular features in mind when choosing a new styler…

1. Must have ceramic plates
2. Must heat to at least 210°C – fast!
3. Must have the ability to create curls

I was surprised to learn that the Remington Pearl Styler ticked my three boxes (and more) and is available to purchase at a fraction of a GHD’s price.

I have been using the feature packed Remington Pearl Styler for just over two months and I have been very satisfied with the results. I say “feature packed” as the Pearl has many additional features not seen in my last GHD, some of my favourites include:

• A premium ceramic heater which allows the styler to be ready to use in just 10 seconds.
• Ten digital temperature settings (and LED temp display) ranging from 150°C - 235°C making it user friendly for all hair types.  
• A temperature lock on 190°C when switched on – which means no unexpected overheating or burning to thin hair.
• Digital touch controls available on the side of the styler, making it effortless to operate and control the temperature.
• Advanced ceramic plates (with real pearl!) which allows even heating and silky results.
• A long 3 metre swivel cord, which provides easy access and plenty of room to move when styling.
• Comes with a cute heat resistant storage pouch for easy storage or travel.
• A three year warranty.

Some of the additional standard features include:

• Automatic safety shut-off.
• Automatic worldwide voltage.

Variable heat settings, 150°C - 235°C

The look and design of the Pearl Styler is lightweight and chic, the curved shaped barrel and swivel cord allows you to create effortless straight, curled or voluminous styles and the pearl white border of the styler gives a touch of elegance.

Overall, I’m thrilled with the Remington Pearl Styler as it provides great results and I really think it gives the GHD and other professional stylers a run for their money.

Effortless Poker Straight

Easy to create loose curls

For further information on the Remington Pearl Styler including stockists visit the website at www.pearlstyler.com.au

Disclaimer: I did receive the Remington Pearl Styler for review however all opinions in this post are 100% honest.

MAC Paint Pot – Bare Study

Bare Study is described by MAC as champagne with gold and white pearl. It works well as a base teamed with your favourite eye shadows or looks amazing on its own with black liquid liner for a natural glamorous look.

Compared to cream eye shadows from other brands, the MAC Paint Pots are so creamy and glide over the lid like velvet. When dry the colour is intensified and lasts all day with no creasing or caking.   

Bare Study has quickly become a staple in my everyday makeup routine for its gorgeous colour, versatility and ease of use.

Purchase the Bare Study Paint Pot for $35(AUD) at MAC counters or online at http://www.maccosmetics.com.au/

Benefit Hervana

I recently welcomed the latest Benefit Box Powder, Hervana into my blush collection.

Hervana, marketed as a “good karma” blush is a swirl of four shades lucky shell, divine peach, heavenly rose and berry delight which when combined creates a soft natural pink glow to your cheeks or even to highlight facial features.

The finish is quite matte however it still has slight sparkles and like all Benefit powders, it smells berry sweet.

Released with Bella Bamba, the new Benefit powder boxes contain a hinged lid with a built in mirror. The mini brush enclosed is angled to allow an effortless sweep of product onto your cheek bones and the packaging is heavenly with beautiful pastel colours which mimic the colours of the powder and silver lettering.

I purchased Hervana for $28(USD) online at http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/ otherwise it can be purchased in Australia for $51(AUD) at Benefit counters or online at http://adorebeauty.com.au

February Lust Have It

I have missed the excitement that is beauty subscription boxes so I was thrilled to finally receive my first box of 2012 – The Lust Have It February box.

This month’s box is all about preparation and looking your best throughout the loved up month that is February. As well as 5 beauty samples I also received a personalised card from Skin Solutions that outlines skin care tips for those in their 20’s.

In the February Lust Have It box I received….

Lancome Juicy Tubes 7ml sample

A juicy pink colour with pink sparkles, this gloss looks and smells sweet and provides high shine without that sticky feeling.

Davroe Tame Lemongrass Detangler 50ml sample

I have tried Davroe hair products before; I particularly loved their blonde shampoo. I’m looking forward to trying this detangler, it would have come in handy while I was on holidays (the sun, sand and surf makes your hair very knotty).  

Sasy n Savy Rose Lavender Hand n Nail Repair Cream 5ml sample

Good things come in small packages, this hand cream is refreshingly light and non greasy and the rose and lavender combine to make a delicious scent.

Lush Sugar Scrub

Love Lush! ;)

Taut Collagen Infusion Mask 1 Mask Sample

I have sampled one of these masks before and really enjoyed it. It’s a sheet style facial mask that leaves your skin feeling hydrated and plum.

Subscribe to Lust Have It for $14.95 per month; visit their website www.lusthaveit.com.au for further information.