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24 September 2020

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Infinity Powder Review



Today I am going to be sharing some info & opinions on the newest addition to the Hourglass Ambient Lighting family - the Infinity Powder. The Infinity Powder ($80) is 9.5g, the normal Ambient Lighting Powders ($77) are 10g so there is a very small difference in price and size, very small.




This powder is described as "A blurring, smoothing & brightening face powder." The Infinity Powder is vegan, oil free, sulphate free, paraben free & alcohol free! Oh AND gluten free.




I use the Infinity Powder to set my whole face and set my under eyes with a loose powder, my makeup lasts as long as when I use a regular Ambient Lighting Powder to set my face. I don't rely on setting powder to prolong the wear time of my makeup but if you do it might be better as a finishing powder (dusted on top of your regular setting powder). 

I've applied the powder to my hand to show how it looks on with no other makeup, you can see that other than the glow, the powder is basically undetectable. I think that the Infinity Powder is a way better match for my skin than Diffused Light (too light) or Dim Light (too dark) but I am a little concerned with the fact that there is only one shade - this is something that Hourglass are notorious for.


 


The Infinity Powder is a combination of two Ambient Lighting Powders and one Ambient Strobe Highlighter, the shades included in this mix are not disclosed. Each powder will have a unique marble of shades - much like the Ambient Lighting & Strobe Lighting Blushes.

This powder is beautifully illuminating in the most flattering way. It didn't emphasize anything, it softened features I like hidden (pores, ugh) and it gives such a beautiful glow. Although there is a highlighting powder in the secret blend of the trio of powders - it doesn't have any chunks of glitter.




This IS a finishing powder, it is supposed to be used as the last step in your makeup, dusted on top of everything you have already set down. I have not used the Infinity Powder this way but have used the regular Ambient Lighting Powders that way many, many times. In my experience, both powders work the same, it should work fine as a finishing powder. I just found the colour match to be exactly what I needed so used it as a setting powder rather than a finishing powder! I will have to tear myself away from using this as a setting powder and give it a try as a finishing powder.




I've added some photos of the powder on my face with no filter or skin editing, I have brightened the photos so my skin is easier to see. The powder sits so beautifully on my skin, I used the Ambient Lighting Infinity Powder as a setting powder in the photos below. For more photos using this powder, head to my Instagram!


 


So, do you need this powder? Did I need this powder? No, not really. I have hit major pan on my Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused light - it's half gone! I knew if I liked the shade that this powder would be well loved and I think it definitely will be. Worst case scenario, you hate it - MECCA accepts returns anyway!
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23 September 2020

Hourglass Sculpture Collection Release Dates Holiday 2020

 Hourglass has started the release of the holiday 2020 collection, this year we are given the Sculpture Collection. The items in this collection all have beautiful packaging, the entire collection is vegan and 5% of the profits from the Sculpture Unlocked Palette are donated to the non-human rights project. 



Anyway, let's get into the release dates:


Hourglass Cosmetics: released

Sephora US: released

Cult Beauty: 25th September

Space NK & Feel Unique: 25th September

Sephora Spain: 25th September

Sephora Scandinavia: 25th September

Net-A-Porter: 25th September

Mecca Australia/NZ: 25th September


I have seen both 25th September & 25th October for the Australian release - I hope it's September!



AVAILABLE IN 2 EXCLUSIVE NEW SHADES

•AT DUSK–Cranberry 
•AT DAWN–Deep Rose


INCLUDES 6 SHADES
•AMBIENT LIGHTING POWDER–Dim Light
•AMBIENT LIGHTING POWDER–Diffused Light
•AMBIENT STROBE LIGHTING POWDER–Glistening Strobe Light (NEW)
•AMBIENT LIGHTING BRONZER–Natural Bronze Light (NEW)
•AMBIENT STROBE LIGHTING BLUSH–Vibrant Flush (NEW)
•AMBIENT LIGHTING BLUSH–Mood Exposure



  • •AMBIENT LIGHTING POWDER–Soft Light (Repromote)
  • •AMBIENT LIGHTING POWDER–Golden Bronze Light (Repromote)
  • •AMBIENT LIGHTING BLUSH–Mood Flush (Repromote)
  • •METALLIC AMBIENT STROBE LIGHTING POWDER–Champagne (Repromote)


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Fenty Slip Shine Lipstick - Makeout Break

 


As soon as the Fenty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick ($35) released I had to get a shade! The name is kinda a mouthful and a tad unnecessary. Today I'm just going to refer to this lipstick as the Slip Shine Lipstick because the name is too much. The shade I have to talk about today, obviously, is Makeout Break! 



Fenty is available at Sephora Australia and there are currently 10 shades of the Slip Shine Lipstick, the shades vary from clear to vampy! I took photos of the Slip Shine Lipstick next to the Gloss Bomb in $weet Mouth to show the size. The lipstick is pretty much the same size as the other Fenty lip products! 


The Slip Shine Lipstick is extremely comfortable on the lips, it isn't designed or marketed to be a long lasting lipstick so I wasn't expecting a long lasting formula. If I could compare it to another lipstick formula I would say it is similar to MAC Lustre Lipsticks or L'Oreal Color Riche Shine Lipstick - BUT neither of these options are Cruelty Free.
I usually touch up every couple of hours while wearing the Slip Shine Lipstick but he colour isn't completely gone, I haven't tried it with a lip liner but that would definitely extend the need to touch up!


I've swatched Makeout Break next to $weet Mouth Gloss Bomb & Up 2 No Good Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick to show the colour difference. I'll be able to do a MAC Lipstick comparison post, too!

Below: $weet Mouth, Makeout Break, Up 2 No Good

 

I absolutely love everything about this lipstick, the tube is pretty and different from most other lipstick components but it still fits well with Fenty's other products! The formula is lovely and the shade is beautiful, it is sheer enough that it would look pretty on a range of different tones and undertones.

I'm wearing Makeout Break in the photos below! For more info on the other makeup in each photo, check out my Instagram!

 


I hope this was helpful, I can't wait to swatch more shades in store.




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20 September 2020

CBD Oil & Gummies - Premium Organics Aus Review


I have always been interested in trying CBD products, they have only recently become available in Australia! Before I get to the review, let me explain a little bit about what CBD is.

CBD is derived from the Hemp plant - it is not the same molecules that will make you stoned or feel high. CBD (cannabidiol) has many health benefits, low doses can make you feel relaxed and soothe minor aches and pains. Our body is full of Cannabidiol receptors, there is so much research showing how beneficial CBD is to the human body!

Premium Organics source their CBD from Kentucky, USA where it is legal to grow and cultivate cannabis and hemp. The plants used are organic, industrial strength hemp plants.


Okay, let's get into it! I am going to start with the Premium CBD Gummies ($69.99). The Gummies are vegan, non GMO, free from pesticides and chemical fertilisers. Each Gummie contains 25mg of CBD and the serving size is 2 Gummies. There are 60 Gummies and they taste so good! You can start as small as half a Gummie and build up to the serving size!


The Gummies are my favourite CBD product! They are fun, delicious, adorable AND so relaxing! I took two Gummies in the afternoon, dinner time came and I was so relaxed! I haven't had high anxiety or a single panic attack since adding CBD to my life which is a really good feeling!

 

There is evidence that CBD is helpful for anxiety disorders but it has been considered an illegal substance for a long time, there will hopefully be more studies now that CBD is a legal substance. 


Next, I'll talk about the CBD Tincture Oil ($119.99) - I have the 600mg choc mint flavour, there is also 300mg in choc mint. There is another flavour - citrus, the citrus flavour has three different strengths: 300mg, 600mg & 100mg.


Premium Organics describes the 600mg as a mid-strength oil with relaxing benefits. You can start with a lower amount and gradually or go straight to the recommended amount!

 

As I mentioned earlier, I haven't had bad anxiety or a single panic attack since adding CBD to my life and I don't think that it is a coincidence! My partner has found that while using the oil he had a significant decrease in pain from a previous fracture! I have heard from friends who purchased the Gummies & Oil that they have had great sleep on the nights taking CBD! I have also experienced better, deeper sleep when consuming CBD in the evening. 


I am so happy I was given the opportunity to try CBD products, CBD is something I will be keeping in my life forever! I didn't really expect much and I'm very happy with the results, I will continue trying different CBD products and hopefully more people will become aware of the benefits of cannabidiol for the human body.


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17 September 2020

Auki Black Seed Oil Review


I was offered the chance to try the Auki Black Seed Oil ($79 AUD) and being someone who loves a good beauty oil - I thought it would be a great product to try! This product is only tested on humans - no animals are harmed by Auki!

Auki is an Australian brand founded by Erika Bolneo right here in Brisbane - Auki is Australian made & owned! Erika has a background in Biomedical Science and a history of adult acne - a perfect combo for creating a skincare product! You can also buy Black Seed Oil capsules from Auki so you can experience the benefits internally, too! 


The Black Seed Oil comes in a black glass bottle with a dropper and gold accents. It looks and feels expensive, the ingredients are listed on the back of the bottle. You can use the Black Seed Oil in lots of different ways, so far I have tried it for my face/neck and hands but it can also be used mixed with foundation, in your hair, as a pre cleanser/makeup remover & in your brows and lashes!

The first ingredient is Black Seed Oil. Black Seed Oil contains thymoquinone which is a powerful anti inflammatory and an antioxidant - it has been used for thousands of years. 


The second ingredient is Cannabis Sativa (Hemp Seed) Oil. Hemp Seed oil can balance out oily skin and moisturise without clogging your pores. The skincare products that I have tried in the past with Hemp Seed Oil have been amazing so I was very happy to see this in the ingredients! 


This oil has replaced my favourite night time mask - the Eve Lom Radiance Transforming Mask. I had amazing results with this mask and it also contains Hemp Seed Oil but it isn't Cruelty Free so it wasn't a product I was comfortable using anymore.


I started using the Black Seed Oil as recommended - 2 drops in my moisturiser in the beginning and then I built up to 5 drops of oil on it's own. When I started using the Black Seed Oil I had JUST had the mirena inserted so my skin has been chaotic, there are many personal experiences of women having cystic acne or just bad skin in general after the mirena. I am one  of the women experiencing generally bad skin, my skin was always great except for some dryness and hormonal pimples (not acne) but I have quite a bit of hormonal pimples all the time now. 

My bumps have stayed small and not caused any scarring which I think is because of the Black Seed Oil. The oil keeps your skin soft and super hydrated meaning the scar tissue is more flexible, hydrated skin also makes facial scars appear less obvious.

I also began using Black Seed Oil on my hands - I get dermatitis that turns blistered and scarred. I also am a frantic cuticle picker. Since using the oil on my hands my dermatitis scars are no longer visible and my fingers heal in a couple of nights, the skin is so much softer allowing it to heal easier. My dermatitis, when active and at the worst point, never got to the blistering stage which is the most painful part!


Auki are proud sponsors of Beyond Blue, a portion of each bottle sold is donated! This is such an important cause to donate and bring attention to since nearly 8 Australians take their lives every single day. 

I hope you have found this review somewhat helpful! I think this is such a great and versatile product - I can't wait to start using it in more ways! As I mentioned earlier, I was sent this product to try with no obligation to post positive feedback!



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13 August 2020

Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Light Water Antiaging Veil SPF50+ 50ml

I was approached a while back to try the Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Light Water Antiaging Veil SPF50+ and I actually was using an SPF I did not love so I was very excited to try this out! Protecting you skin in your earlier years will be the best anti aging tool you could ever possibly use, of course you can start at any age but the earlier - the better!



The Mesoprotech Light Water Antiaging Veil is SPF50+ and is water resistant for 40 minutes. This product contains low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to enhance and maintain natural skin hydration and tissue elasticity and firmness. A fresh, immediate absorption texture that forms an invisible protective film on the skin.


The Mesoprotech Light Water Antiaging Veil is available at many different online stores - a quick google will show a LOT of different retailers - it is just under $80 AUD. Mesoprotech formulas have next-generation technology that combine the highest solar protection with antiaging and specific ingredients to make each a unique product.

The active ingredients are:

COLLAGEN PRO-47
HYALURONIC ACID + SILICIUM
CHIA SEED OIL
ROSEHIP OIL
AZELOGLYCINE
MATTIFYING PARTICLES
VITAMINE E

The packaging is a sleek white bottle, it has a twist off lid and needs to be shaken before applying. The product comes out of a small spout and is controlled by squeeze. 

The formula is truly quick absorbing! On the days that I wear this alone and nothing else I actually look a lot more "glowy"! I have been asked by my partner what I have done differently or what's on my face because it has looked so good! This is also the only SPF formula I have tried that doesn't give me a rash/irritation on my cheeks - love that! 



The Mesoprotech Light Water Antiaging Veil doesn't disturb my makeup! My makeup isn't extra oily or any different wearing this, another huge problem I experienced with other SPF's!


I absolutely love this product, the formula is great, it compliments my skin & doesn't disturb my makeup! Check it out if you are looking for a new SPF! Mesoestetic products are skincare with science, their formulas are medical cosmetics for your skin!


Please share if you have a favourite SPF!

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9 August 2020

Tarte Tarteist Pro Eyeshadow Palette Swatches & Review

 The Tarteist Pro Eyeshadow Palette was one of my ultimate faves before I turned to vegan makeup, it is seriously gorgeous - I just don't love the crushed up bugs in the formula (carmine).

So, aside from the one thing I don't like, there were so many things I loved about this palette! Firstly, the packaging. The packaging is sturdy and heavy - but not too heavy. 
The palette is a matte black with gold accents, the inside is beautiful - it's laid out well. There is a huge mirror and it's really good quality!
The shades inside are smooth and easy to blend, there is a good range of shades that could be the base of SO MANY eye looks. The shadows on the side can easily change up an eye look - they are a beautiful formula too. 


I've swatched the shades, you can see the shades kind of work together in each row! Making looks with this palette is almost fool-proof.

classic, innocent, whimsy, smoked & ethereal
vintage, fierce, no filter, vamp & glam
chic, profesh, mod, drama & minx
indie, bold, edgy, punk & trendy

I hope you found this info helpful! This palette is a little expensive at $82 AUD but there are 20 shades! This palette can be purchased at Sephora or the Tarte website!

While this palette is super pretty and a great formula, I will definitely recommend buying a product without animal products rather than a product with animal products and as I mentioned, this palette has crushed beetles (carmine) as an ingredient. There are lots of great products without any animal products so I would recommend researching yourself and possibly buying something else.





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