LUSH Big Sea Salt Shampoo

Welcome to the Sunday-post! Yes, I know it is Monday and this post is a day late but University- and retail work had gotten the better of me last week.

On a daily-basis whenever I'm fussed to wash my hair requires a nourishing shampoo. Although now and then, because of all the products (i.e. dry shampoo) I use, my hair requires a really good clean. Insert the Lush BIG Shampoo; a super clarifying shampoo that gets all the gunk out of your hair. I'm onto my second pot of this shampoo, which says a lot considering it retails at AU$26.95 a pot. 

According to Lush, the BIG Liquid Shampoo provides volume, shine & softness that puts 'bounce' back into your hair. I use it fortnightly as a clarifying shampoo, or whenever I feel my hair needs it. The shampoo contains 50% sea salt, which leaves your hair super clean but can be dehydrating if it is used too often. The consistency is liquid with chunky bits of sea salt, which is messy to work with. I find this works best if I tip my head over and wash my hair over the bath, rather than in the shower. I'll usually follow this product with a hydrating mask on the ends of my hair. It works really well as a clarifying shampoo and I love how squeaky clean it leaves my hair.

Have you ever used a clarifying shampoo, I'd love some recommendations on other products?

NYX Cream Eye Liner Review

I am a basic-bish, a neutral lover; when I do embrace colour it is usually in the form of nails, lips or eyeliner. I have a rather large range of crayon eyeliners and these NYX Retractable Eye Liners are my pick of the bunch. They are twist-up, with a cream formula and super pigmented. Comparable to the, much pricier, Clinique and Urban Decay eyeliners. 

The formula is waterproof and really does last all day on the eyes. I have the colours Golden Olives, Gold and Silky Cashmere. These three colours are the perfect trio for me and suit most of my eye-looks. The twist-up function is a total plus because you don't have to struggle with sharpening these and it allows a really silky formula that glides on smoothly. For a minimal make up look, I swipe these on close to my lash line and smudge them out a bit, then apply mascara & DONE! I also use these liners along with eyeshadow and find they make my eyes pop. The NYX Retractable Eye Liners are available in Australia from Target and retail for AU$9.95 (but you can often find them on sale!). 

Considering that you can pick up three of these NYX liners for the price of one Urban Decay eyeliner, they are a staple in any beauty-drobe. Let me know if you've tried these eyeliners, or what your favourite eyeliner is?

Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour

402 Adrienne / 416 Coco / 426 Roussy / 440 Arthur / 452 Emilienne

I recently got this little sample set containing five of the new Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colours. I was really excited to try these lipsticks after reading Lily Pebbles' review on them. There are a whopping 24 new shades - wouldn't it be lovely to try them all.

The idea behind this range is that each shade is named after a lover, friend or someone who knew 'Coco Chanel' intimately. I knew straight away my favourite shade was going to be Adrienne - my perfect nude. It has a rosy/mauve undertone which ensures it doesn't wash me out (as some nudes do). I went to David Jones in a break between University today and purchased this lippie - my first ever Chanel product. The photo above really does not do the colours justice as it is overexposed but the rest of the colours are as follow; Coco is my second favourite, a really beautiful orange-red (and one of the most popular colours I assume, as it was sold out at two Chanel counters in David Jones), Roussy is what I'd call a Barbie-pink, but when applied to the lips it was a really pretty raspberry pink (this was the less opaque and least shiny shade that I tried), Arthur is a blue-based red shade and Emilienne a plum-purple that I actually really like on the lips. I was surprised that even the darker shades lasted well on the lips, considering their hydrating formulas.

I used to love a bold matte lip but more recently I have been much more low maintenance when it comes to lip products, which plays a big role in why I love these lipsticks so much. The texture is extremely creamy and soft on the lips, with a lot of shine. They are so easy to apply, even the darker colours. You can apply a semi-sheer coat or build it up for a more opaque, yet super shiny finish. They are not at all drying, I actually feel like they contribute to hydrating my lips. You know how you always link a scent to a memory or thought - well these have quite a strong scent and I love it! I can't pinpoint what it reminds me off but it makes me think of a classy, sophisticated woman.

I've really been loving higher-end cosmetics. Although I'll always be a sucker for bargain cosmetics, I can actually see the quality difference. So let me know below what your high-end makeup recommendations are?

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara Review

I sometimes get complimented on how 'long' my lashes are, which is great, but I struggle with mascara because of this, in addition to how straight my lashes are. Straight lashes don't hold a curl very well, and any type of lengthening mascara just leaves me with mascara marks all over my eyelids. I have given up on curling wands, because I found they put a dent in my lashes rather than a nice curl, plus have you seen those horrifying images of the girls that get their lashes pulled out! 

The is where the Benefit Roller Lash mascara comes into play. I was lucky enough to be one of the first Aussies to get my hands on this, gifted at a recent blogger event. The official Australian release date is April 11. I wasn't expecting to be blown away by this mascara, as I've used Benefit mascaras before and don't get me wrong I liked them, but they weren't worth the incredible hype or price tag. I'm more of a drugstore mascara gal. However, I must say I am pleasantly surprised!

Claims:

If there is one thing Benefit likes doing, it is creating hype around new releases. Here's what they have to say about the Roller Lash mascara. This is the mascara that hooks, lifts and curls. It is targeted to girls with short lashes, straight lashes and small eyes, because the brush fits all eye shapes and sizes, catches every lash and curls the lashes. The Roller Lash mascara claims to provide lift and curl that lasts for 12 hours. The rubber wand is inspired by hair rollers, as it is meant to grab even the finest, tiniest lash and provide that curl. The mascara is not waterproof and comes in an ink black shade. 

My Verdict:

The packaging is gorgeous, as with any other Benefit product. One thing I really like is the length and the rubbery texture of the 'handle' (the pink bit), this ensures the mascara applies easily and comfortably. On first impression, the wand reminded me of both the Max Factor Masterpiece Transform mascara and the L'oreal Telescopic mascara. On closer inspection the Roller Lash is definitely much more curved than the straight wand on the Telescopic Mascara (making it much easier to apply), with smaller 'hooks' than the Masterpiece Transform wand (which means it really grabs every lash to coat it). I applied the mascara as instructed, with a 'hook and roll' motion. I got the wand close to the lash root, and rolled upwards. This method works really great, and I could see a visible difference in the lift of my lashes. Call me crazy, but this mascara real does curl your lashes. However, I cannot yet vouch for the amount of hold it gives in regards to the curl, 12 hours seems a bit of a stretch. 

So what did I dislike - I did find the mascara to clump a little bit, which is something I am not a fan of,  the mascara is also definitely not smudge-proof. Overall, this is a great mascara for girls with naturally long lashes looking for something to add a curl and lift and give that wide-eye effect. I applied one coat and it gave a really nice natural effect, Roller Lash is great for a day-to-day mascara.

Are you going to be picking up one of these to try when they are released? See you Wednesday for the next post! 

January Product Empties

I don't often post about beauty products I have used up, simply because with so many new things to try I rarely finish a product, unless I really love it and notice the difference it makes. This January I finished two such beauty products that are absolute staples!

Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Brown

If I can only 'make-up' one part of my face for the day, it would be my eyebrows. Having tidy and prominent eyebrows really shape your face and just pulls a make up look together. I remember the days I used to struggle with a powder and angled brush, then came along the amazing brow wiz. This product is similar to a twist out crayon, just for your eyebrows. It is a great product that works due to  the super fine tip, that allows you to mimic the look of 'hair'. The brow wiz contains a spoolie on one end and the actual product on the other. I have already ordered another and will probably keep repurchasing this product as long as I love strong brows.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector

I am fairly blessed in the skin department,  sensitivity is really my biggest problem.  But more recently as I get older, I have noticed more visible pigmentation and sun spots on my skin. I bought this serum on a whim when Clinique had a free gift promotion, but have seen great results. I really noticed an improvement in my skin texture while using this serum, as well as a visible reduction in the sun spots around my mouth and cheeks. I have decided not to repurchase this serum straight away, as I want to try a similar product from La Roche-Posay. 

Have you tried any of these products - I'd love to hear your thoughts?

Three Must Have Skincare Savers

Sometimes your skin really just needs a little extra TLC, be it dehydrated skin or chapped lips. I have three quick skin saver products at the moment, all which are readily available and very affordable.

First product I want to mention is something I accidentally stumbled across. I was picking up some (often repurchased) rose-hip oil, and obliviously picked up the Swisse Argan Oil instead. Once I got home and realised, I was too lazy to exchange it for a rose-hip oil, so I decided to try the argan oil.. AND WOW I WAS IMPRESSED. I love that it doesn't smell as bad as rose-hip oil and have seen some improvements in my skin since using.

Argan oil is rich in Vitamin E and Omega 3, 6 & 9; which helps improve skin elasticity, hydration, ageing and blemished skin. I most often use argan oil as a night time serum applied before my moisturiser. Since using this oil I have noticed healthier, hydrated and clearer skin. Argan oil has been said to also help rehydrate dry and damaged hair through application to the ends of the hair, and can also be used on cuticles.

Nothing annoys me more than having dry and chafed hands, this is where Swisse Hand Cream comes in (P.S I just realised two out of the three products are Swisse, but this is in no way sponsored I just love their skincare range!). There is a massive list of 'good' ingredients in this hand cream, and as with the argan oil, a number of 'bad' ingredients (such as parabens, silicones, mineral oils and synthetic fragrances and colours) are not used in these products. The hand cream smells beautifully citrus'y, is non greasy, absorbs super fast and of course - is very hydrating. 10/10 for Swisse on these beautiful products.

Last, but not least, I would like to talk about the new Nivea Lip Butters. I was hesitant to try these as I am a sceptical on lip balms and butters. I find they never really hydrate my lips, just leave my lips needing more moisture. It has been a long time since I have liked using any lip balm other than my trusty Carmex, but can I just say - I love the Nivea Lip Butters! I picked up the vanilla & macadamia one when they were on sale at Coles and I am most definitely going back for more scents. The one that I have smells beautiful and it is a lovely creamy texture that is super hydrating on the lips.

I am heading to Melbourne for a shopping spree next week and would love to hear what your favourite skincare savers are, please leave a comment below for any recommendations! 

Review Rimmel London Apocalips Lip Lacquer Review

This week I have been in that 'week before Uni starts' slump. All I want to do is lazily watch Youtube videos. Today's post is on the new Rimmel London lip product, Apocolips Lip Lacquer. These new lip products are basically a lipstick in a liquid form. I believe there are 8 colours in total. What I like about these is that they aren't sticky, or as glossy as lip gloss (I am not a lip gloss fan!).

Celestial ; Nova

On the left we have Celestial, which is my very favourite! It doesn't look overly glossy, yet it's still not drying, and the colour is a beautiful natural lip colour. It's very similar to my Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey, which featured in my Revlon Favourites. On the right is Nova which is a bolder pink. Regarding the consistency, I think all the colours are different. The other swatches I did on my hand, with the darker colours, were much more glossy. In terms of wear, I don't think these are long wearing, however they leave a tint on the lips.

Celestial ; Nova

The lip lacquers have a doe foot applicator, a little bit different that the usual. The applicator has an indent in the middle which holds the product. This ensures really nice application. 

At the moment these are $7-something at Priceline but they are usually $15-something. However, they are available on Asos for around $7.00 permanently. If you wanted to see swatches of the full collection, check out Fleur De Force's blog post here. Overall I do like these two colours, but I still prefer my Revlon Balm Stains.