Lust Have it - August 2013

So the August box has rolled around and I am quite excited!


Now for those of you who aren't aware, Lust Have It is an Australian  subscription service where you receive a mixed box of samples and full sized skincare and beauty related products. It's current price is $19.95, or they do deals when purchasing 3, 6 or 12 months at a time.

The August box theme is "Celebration" and there are quite a few things to celebrate in this months box. One thing I am very happy to note is that I haven't tried any of these products before, nor received them in previous Lust Have It boxes (thank you!!). I'm sure this excites me  more than it really sure, but I do enjoy the thrill of trying out new products and seeing how they perform.

So what did I receive this month?

Product Breakdown:
 

Revlon - PhotoReady Skinlights Face Iluminator (Full Size) - 200 Pink Light
RRP: AUD$29.95 for 30ml
Now a liquid highlighter is something I really enjoy. Not only are they great for pinpoint highlighting (think cheekbones, eyebrow bone, cupids bow etc.), but they are also particularly handy when you want to add some luminosity to your foundation. I received mine in 200 Pink Light, which is a sort of light pale pink that gives a sheen to the skin. It isn't strongly scented and a little goes a long way. I would definitely use it sparingly when adding to foundation, as otherwise you'll risk looking like a Edward Cullen in the sun.

Revlon - Nearly Naked Foundation (Sample)
RRP: AUD $25.95 for 30ml
Another product offering from Revlon is the YouTube raved about Nearly Naked Foundation. What I liked out the samples we received were that there were 4 shades offered, so you could *hopefully* find a close match, or as I will be because I'm super pale, be trying out the consistency, smell, feel, blend-ability and overall first impression of the foundation. Obviously with the small samples you can't fully test out the foundation, which is a bit of a downer, but you can get a feel for what the foundation is offering. Now what this is supposed to be offering is light liquid foundation that blends seamlessly with the skin for give a fresh, flawless finish... we shall see...

KMS - California Free Shampoo (Sample)
RRP: Shampoo - AUD$ 28.95 for 300ml; Conditioner - AUD $28.95 for 250ml
This offering from KMS promises to increase manageability and pliability when heat styling and to also hold styles in. As I have fine thin hair, I often find that once I style my hair it will quickly flatten out to where I started. So I'm looking forward to trying this shampoo to see how this product really works, although the sample I received is just for the Shampoo and not the conditioner as well, I guess I will see how it performs. It's also hard to gauge how a sample lasting one, possibly two washes will really impact on my hair and styling, but I guess I will find out! 


 

KMS - California Free Shape Hot Flex Spray (Sample - 30ml)
RRP: AUD $31.95 for 200ml
Now with this next product being from the same range as the shampoo offering from KMS, it's promising very similar things. However, it also says it gives you "unlimited heat styling without damage". I'm not to sure this is possible? There has to be a limit to heat styling? Well I plan on at least trying it out with my normal heat styling and am not going to push it to it's limits.. but let me know if you do and how you go!

SinFulColours - Nail Enamel (Full Size) - 323 Feeling Great
RRP: AUD $4.95 for 15ml
Now I never think I can have enough nail polish in my collection and this lovely pinky red will fit right in. I haven't used any nail enamels from Sinfulcolours, so I'm looking forward to see how long it lasts chip free and also the opacity and pigmentation of the enamel.

Lush - Skin's Shangri La - (Sample - 10g)
RRP: AUD $54.95 for 45g
I quite enjoy trying out new moisturisers and seeing what they can do for my skin. I have wanted to try out some of Lush's facial products for a while now and this will be my first. Obviously the full price is a bit exxy, so this sample is great to see how it works with my skin. On first impression it feels very creamy and moisturisng between my fingers and it has a very pleasant aromatic fragrance.

La Roche Posay - Thermal Spring Water (Sample - 50g)
RRP: AUD $21.95 for 300ml  
I have tried a few thermal waters in my time, but never truly reaped the benefits of them. I haven't tried this one in particular, so it will be interesting to see if this is the case as well. In theory it is supposed to sooth sensitive skin, help prevent skin aging and it's also a natural antioxidant, so on paper it sounds great. I will say it feels very cooling on the skin, but that's all I have to say for now..

 
La Roche Posay - Lipikar Balm ( Sample - 15ml)
RRP: AUD 37.95 for 400ml
 The second offering from the french pharmacy brand, La Roche Posay, is a Lipid- replenishing body balm that is said to offer 24hour anti-irritation. It has no scent like the thermal spring water, is non-greasy and sinks quite well into my skin. So as my skin is feeling a bit tight and dry toward the end of winter in Australia, I am looking forward to see how it's moisturisation claims hold up.




All in all, I'm quite chuffed with this months offering. No double ups and also products which I am genuinely interested in trying. So well done Lust Have it for a great August offering and I look forward to September's Box!



Did you receive this months box? How did you like it?





Ellen Rozalia xx

  

Your New Shopping Friend

As like most people, I like to be on top of the sales, to know where I can find the best price and where the hottest new arrivals are. So when I came across the new app "Mall Shopper", I wondered how I ever did without it!

So this is for those of you based in Australia, where it enables you to hone in on where you are and which shopping district. For example in Brisbane, James St., Oxford St.....

You can find them on Facebook, their website, or have their sales secrets at a touch on your phone on the Apple Store, just seach "Mall Shopper" and it should be your first hit.

What I love about this App, is that it can be sorted around where you are, your personal interests and even keep a favourite list so you never miss a thing from your top shopping hot spots.


Do you use any shopping Apps? What are your sales tips and tricks?


Ellen Rozalia xx

L'Oreal - Shine Caress Lip Lacquers - Swatches and Review

As a YouTube addict, I enjoy watching what is released overseas before it finally reaches Australia (...years later, joking - not joking). So as I was saying, when something is released that tickles my fancy I go into stalker mode. Perhaps, by living in Australia, you learn to stake out the internet, watching its every move, until you find that product you want and then pounce on it and get it shipped back to home base. A bit dramatic, but you get the point.

Unfortunately after rummaging through online shops, Amazon and Ebay, I couldn't find a reputable reseller that shipped to Australia for a reasonable price. So I decided to wait out the release in Australia and then purchase these bad boys as soon as they popped up on the Priceline website.

A few months after using these lip lacqeurs, I thought it would be a prime time to do a review and provide swatches of this hyped up proposed dupe of the YSL Glossy Stains (YSL is owned by the same company as L'Oreal?).

Claims:

From the L'Oreal Website:
"The next generation lip colour, that combines the texture & shine of a gloss with the long wear of a stain. Delivering a lasting colour with a subtle glossy shine.
The unique formula comprised of 30% water and 60% oil provides an exceptionally high level of moisture, allowing for 6hr hydration.
Concentrated soluble colour pigments create a subtle wet look with a weightless feeling on lips. "

Ingredients: 

G900109 - INGREDIENTS: OCTYLDODECANOL, AQUA / WATER, TRIMETHYLSILOXYPHENYL DIMETHICONE, ETHYLCELLULOSE, SORBITAN STEARATE, ALCOHOL, CETYL ALCOHOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, SUCROSE COCOATE, SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE, HYDROXYPROPYL GUAR, CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE, BENZYL ALCOHOL, CALCIUM SODIUM BOROSILICATE, ALUMINA, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE, GERANIOL, SILICA, ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, TIN OXIDE, HEXYL CINNAMAL, HYDROXYCITRONELLAL, PARFUM / FRAGRANCE. <+/- MAY CONTAIN CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / IRON OXIDES, CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE, MICA, CI 17200 / RED 33, CI 15985 / YELLOW 6, CI 15850 / RED 7, CI 16035 / RED 40, CI 19140 / YELLOW 5, CI 42090 / BLUE 1, CI 45380 / RED 22 LAKE, CI 45410 / RED 28 LAKE, CI 15850 / RED 6, CI 15985 / YELLOW 6 LAKE, CI 15850 / RED 7 LAKE, CI 19140 / YELLOW 5 LAKE, CI 42090 / BLUE 1 LAKE, CI 75470 / CARMINE>. ( FIL B51772/1).

Shades: 

The shades that are available in Australia are the ones listed below, however the shade range or names may differ from country to country:

101 - Lolita
102 - Romy
103 - Marilyn
200 - Princess
300 - Juliet
400 - Eve
402 - Milady
501 - Bonnie


Swatches:
The shades which I own are: 101, 102, 200, 300, 402, 501

In natural daylight L-R: Lolita, Romy, Bonnie, Princess, Juliet, Milady

 

 In natural daylight L-R: Lolita, Romy, Bonnie, Princess, Juliet, Milady

 In direct Sunlight L-R: Lolita, Romy, Bonnie, Princess, Juliet, Milady

 Stain Left after wiping with tissue:
L-R: Lolita, Romy, Bonnie, Princess, Juliet, Milady

 Stain Left after wiping with tissue, make-up remover and washing arm with soap and water

 Tear shaped applicator wand - Shine Caress in Juliet

So here's the run down:


Price: I purchased mine from Priceline on sale, however the normal price is $19.95

Weight: 6.0ml

Packaging: Slim pale gold tube with twist off wand with a tear shaped applicator.

Consistency: Quite thin in consistency, but still moisturising and pigmented.

Fragrance: A sweet enjoyable berry-like scent

Application: A tear shaped applicator makes application very easy and touch ups on the go made very simple.

Longevity: Due to the staining nature of this product it lasts very well. I find the gloss aspect of this lip lacquer lasts about 4 hours, with the colour remaining after this period. With the packaging as it is, reapplication is very simple to add the gloss back.
 
Colour Range: I quite enjoy the colour range offered as there includes some more natural shades to deeper more statement colours. Of course, all shades can be either sheered out or built up to your intended intensity which makes all shades incredibly wearable.

Finish: The finish is a lovely glossy stained lip that is neither sticky or unpleasant on the lips.



Overall impressions: This is a lovely release from L'Oreal that is said to be a dupe for the YSL Glossy stains. I can't exactly verify this as I don't own any of the Gloss stains, but if they are as good (or better) than these I would be very chuffed. I find that I use these on an everyday basis, from wearing to work or to a night out, or just popping out to the shops. Due to their long-wear, non-drying nature and easily application they are a staple in my handbag and a constant compliment magnet. I would recommend you check these out at your local shops and I'm sure you are likely to find (atleast!) one shade that will tickle your fancy.



Do you own any lip lacquer products? How do you find them?



Ellen Rozalia xx




*Disclaimer: All products mentioned were purchased with my own money and all opinions are my own

Jouer - Age Repairing Perfect Cream Foundation - Swatches and Review

After eying off the Jouer Matte Moisture Tint and Luminising Tint and being unable to determine a good colour match (all seem too dark, gah!), I thought I would have a looksie into Jouer's other offerings (online of course for Australians). One of the less popular and less known about foundation/skin offerings is the Age Repairing Perfect Cream Foundation and it seemed they had a shade to suit. So, being on the constant hunt for a Holy Grail status foundation I again took the plunge in trying a cream foundation (usually liquid is my go-to) and decided to add it to my collection.

Claims:

From the Jouer website:
"With a smooth beautiful finish, this mineral age-reparing perfector enhances and evens out complexion while fighting and repairing signs of aging and stress. The luxurious formulation of Dermaxyl® Complex and the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory powers of Vitamin E, Arnica Oil, and Japanese Tea Extract revive skin’s firmness and tone. Conceals the appearance of redness and other blemishes without the sensation of feeling heavy. Perfect for all skin types."

With a smooth beautiful finish, this mineral age-repairing perfector enhances and evens out complexion while fighting and repairing signs of aging and stress. The luxurious formulation of Dermaxyl® Complex and the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory powers of Vitamin E, Arnica Oil, and Japanese Tea Extract revive skin’s firmness and tone. Conceals the appearance of redness and other blemishes without the sensation of feeling heavy. Perfect for all skin types. - See more at: http://www.jouercosmetics.com/products/44/cartlist.aspx#sthash.T952MgWe.dpuf

With a smooth beautiful finish, this mineral age-repairing perfector enhances and evens out complexion while fighting and repairing signs of aging and stress. The luxurious formulation of Dermaxyl® Complex and the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory powers of Vitamin E, Arnica Oil, and Japanese Tea Extract revive skin’s firmness and tone. Conceals the appearance of redness and other blemishes without the sensation of feeling heavy. Perfect for all skin types. - See more at: http://www.jouercosmetics.com/products/44/cartlist.aspx#sthash.T952MgWe.dpuf

With a smooth beautiful finish, this mineral age-repairing perfector enhances and evens out complexion while fighting and repairing signs of aging and stress. The luxurious formulation of Dermaxyl® Complex and the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory powers of Vitamin E, Arnica Oil, and Japanese Tea Extract revive skin’s firmness and tone. Conceals the appearance of redness and other blemishes without the sensation of feeling heavy. Perfect for all skin types. - See more at: http://www.jouercosmetics.com/products/44/cartlist.aspx#sthash.T952MgWe.dpuf

With a smooth beautiful finish, this mineral age-repairing perfector enhances and evens out complexion while fighting and repairing signs of aging and stress. The luxurious formulation of Dermaxyl® Complex and the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory powers of Vitamin E, Arnica Oil, and Japanese Tea Extract revive skin’s firmness and tone. Conceals the appearance of redness and other blemishes without the sensation of feeling heavy. Perfect for all skin types. - See more at: http://www.jouercosmetics.com/products/44/cartlist.aspx#sthash.T952MgWe.dpuf

With a smooth beautiful finish, this mineral age-repairing perfector enhances and evens out complexion while fighting and repairing signs of aging and stress. The luxurious formulation of Dermaxyl® Complex and the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory powers of Vitamin E, Arnica Oil, and Japanese Tea Extract revive skin’s firmness and tone. Conceals the appearance of redness and other blemishes without the sensation of feeling heavy. Perfect for all skin types. - See more at: http://www.jouercosmetics.com/products/44/cartlist.aspx#sthash.T952MgWe.dpuf

Ingredients: 
 
 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, SILICA, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, BEESWAX (CERA ALBA), RICINUS COMMUNIS (CASTOR) SEED OIL, EUPHORBIA CERIFERA (CANDELILLA) WAX, OZOKERITE, C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX, ARNICA MONTANA FLOWER EXTRACT, CAMELLIA OLEIFERA LEAF EXTRACT, GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) OIL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, PROPYLENE CARBONATE, STEARALKONIUM HECTORITE, TRIBEHENIN, CERAMIDE 2, PEG-10 RAPESEED STEROL, PALMITOYL OLIGOPEPTIDE, TOCOPHEROL, MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE, BUTYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN. MAY CONTAIN (+/-): TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, 77492, 77499), YELLOW 5 LAKE (CI 19140)

Shades: 

I purchased mine in shade No.1 Ivory, and they go up to No. 10 in Chestnut, so a total of 10 shades.

No. 1 - Ivory - Fair complexions with neutral undertones
No. 2 - Creme - Fair to light complexions with neutral undertones
No. 3 - Beige - Light to medium complexions with golden undertones
No. 4 - Natural - Light to medium complexions with neutral undertones
No. 5 - Sand - Medium complexions with neutral undertones
No. 6 - Honey - Medium to tan complexions with golden undertones
No. 7 - Tawny - Tan to deep complexions with golden undertones
No. 8 - Tan - Deep complexions with neutral undertones
No. 9 - Almond - Deep to dark complexions with golden undertones
No. 10 - Chestnut - Dark complexions with red undertones

fair complexions with neutral undertones

Swatches:

 Left = Heavy Swatch, Right = sheered out and blended

So here's the run down:


Price: Again difficult to source and colour match in person in Australia, so I purchased on Strawberrynet for $41.50 with free shipping to Australia.

Weight: 5.0g

Packaging: A plastic slimline case that features an internal mirror running the full length on the lid size of the compact. Jouer compacts and other products that they offer also feature a clip on design which enables you to clip together separate products to either keep them together, or to create your own personalised "palette-like" design.

Consistency: Ultra creamy and smooth. Very easily blended into your skin, quite sheer coverage.

Fragrance: No strong scent or fragrance noted.

Application: This product is very creamy and smooth, so it is very easily to blend into your skin with your finger tips. I have also used the Real Techniques Stippling Brush or Dome shadow brush for precise application. I also find this product is good for my combination skin as it doesn't stick to dry patches on my face.

Longevity: Being such a creamy product, I wouldn't say it is the most long-wearing. However in saying this, if I set my T-zone with a touch of powder and leave the rest it will not budge or smear across my face. Also, in general I find this product to blend so well into the skin that it doesn't move around my face much at all. In saying this, I wouldn't expect this to be the case with more oily skins.

Colour Range: Having 10 shades in this product, you might be lucky to find a shade to suit. Obviously more shades would be best, but as this product creates a more natural, seamlessly blended finish, you might be able to get by without finding the perfect match.

Finish: This creamy product creates a dewy, natural skin finish without looking oily.

Overall impressions: Overall I quite fancy this cream foundation. It glides on and blends seamlessly with my skin and leaves a luminous, dewy finish. I found it easy to build coverage without it becoming cakey and when set with a powder through the T-Zone, I found it easily lasted 8 hours. If you are able to get a sample I would recommend doing so, however if you have very oily skin or are after full coverage I don't think this is the product for you, but it might be worth a try. Overall I am enjoying using this product and am looking forward to seeing how it performs in an Australian Summer.



Do you have a favourite cream foundation?


Ellen Rozalia xx





*Disclaimer: All products mentioned were purchased with my own money and all opinions are my own

Kevyn Aucoin - The Celestial Powder - Swatches and Review

Everyone these days seems to be striving for that "lit within" look, that healthy, glowy, naturally radiant look. Now lets face it, not many of us have skin that looks that great, without a (ermm) little enhancement. This product was and still is very much hyped over YouTube and the blogger world, so what is it all about?  Does it really create that radiant look?

Like quite a few product lines and Brands, Kevyn Aucoin products are hard to find in Australian stores, let alone swatch. So to answer these questions I scoured the internet to find a place that would ship to Australia...

Claims:

" Ultra lightweight and easy to apply, this silky powder imparts a veil of illuminating shimmer that sets your foundation for a long lasting, flawless finish. The soft apricot hue is universally flattering making this suitable for all ages, skintones and occasions. It's translucent enough to wear all day and won't migrate into fine lines or wrinkles for an even, crease-free, lit-from-within look. "



Ingredients: 
 
Talc, Polyethylene, Phenyl Trimethicone, Nylon-12, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Mica CI 77019, Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Carmine CI 75470.

Shades: 

As far as I am aware there is only the one in Candlelight..?




Swatches:

 

 In natural daylight

In Direct Sunlight

So here's the run down:



Price: I purchased mine from Strawberrynet for $50.00 , but it is also available on Cult Beauty for £34.50

Weight: 5.0g

Packaging: Slimline deep red plastic case with push-button opening and internal mirror on lid side being the full size of the packaging. Brush is also included.

Consistency: Very creamy, smooth and finely milled. Ultra fine pigments.

Fragrance: No fragrance or scent noted.

Application: I like to apply this product with a Real Techniques Setting brush or the Bdellium tools 945 brush. I place it on the high points of my cheek ones, down the upper bridge of my nose (avoid the tip of your nose as it will just make your nose look oily!). I also use it on my brow bone, on my cupids bow - to accentuate my lips, or otherwise it makes an excellend inner eye highlighter.

Longevity: I find this product lasts extremely well and is still present at the end of the day. Otherwise the compact is perfect for on the go touch ups and is a perfect travel companion.

Colour Range: This is a very finely milled powder, that adds more of a sheen to the skin, than a shimmer or glittery appearance. It's a warm, peachy-toned highlighter that will suit most skin tones, so although there is only the one shade, I believe it will suit most.
 
Finish: It creates a lovely luminous, glowy sheen where ever it is applied, in a natural peach toned sheen.

Overall impressions: I love this product and find myself reaching for it on an everyday basis. The fact that is so finely milled means it is super easy to blend and hard to over do. It creates a very natural glow that adds that healthy sheen to your skin and works well with cream, liquid and powder products. I think this is a great product for those who want a natural highlighter, or those who want to really build it up for a more intense look. It is a very multi-tasking product that I'm sure many will enjoy and I can completely verify the cult status of this product that creates the most beautiful golden glow.



What's your go to highlighter? Have you tried this product?



Ellen Rozalia xx




*Disclaimer: All products mentioned were purchased with my own money and all opinions are my own

Kevyn Aucoin - Sensual Skin Enhancer - Swatches and Review

Ever since my first break out, I've been striving to find the be-all and end-all of concealers and cover-ups for those pesky spots and imperfections. I've been quite facinated by the prospect of a product that can morph from full coverage to sheer simply through application technique. I was, again, on Cult Beauty and noticed that Kevyn Aucoin has a product called the "Sensual Skin Enhancer'. If the title didn't pull you in, the claims certainly would!

Being unable to source this product or Kevyn Aucoin products in general in store to physically swatch, I took the plunge and ordered online.


Claims:

On Cult Beauty:
 " This multi-tasking skin enhancer is all you need to achieve an even, flawless looking complexion. Ideal for use as a concealer, foundation, highlighter (choose one shade lighter) or even mixed with moisturiser for a lightweight skin tint with a soft-focus finish. Honey and Jojoba oil combine to nourish skin for a healthy, dewy glow"


Ingredients: 
 
Mineral Oil, Polybutene, Diethylhexyl Succinate & Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyethylene, Magnesium Carbonate, Calcium Carbonate, Honey, Simmondsia & Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Beeswax, Butylene Glycol, Cholesterol, Lecithin & Talc, Triethylhexanoin, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Mica, Titanium Dioxide(CI 77891).

Shades: 
Ranging from my fair tone, SX01, right through to darker tones up to SX16. So therefore a total of 16 shades.

 
 

Swatches:

 

And yes, I have used this product around 10 times, which goes to show how little you need!

The tiniest amount can yield a full coverage, or can be sheered out for a more natural look. I know it may appear slightly yellow in this swatch, but to minimise and cover redness in my skin, this tone works best.

So here's the run down:



Price: I purchased mine on Strawberrynet for $53.50 , but it is also available on Cult Beauty for £37.50

Weight:18.0g

Packaging: Small round plastic pot with screw top lid.

Consistency: Thick, creamy and heavily pigmented

Fragrance: No strong fragrance or smell, smells a little like the Burberry foundation though..

Application: As this is a very pigmented product, a little goes a long way. I either gently touch my (well cleansed!) finger into the pot to take out a tiny bit and dot on blemishes. I then either dab and blend in the product, or use the Real Techniques Stippling or Buffing Brush to work the product in. I recommend using well moisturised skin when using this product for best results.

Longevity: This product is great for all skin types, particularly oily as it lasts very well. I have combination skin and this product doesn't budge. It doesn't contain SPF either, so use a sunscreen underneath or it will be perfect at night for that flawless skin look.

Colour Range: Including 16 shades, you should find a shade close to your complexion.

Finish: This isn't matte, nor is it dewy. It's kind of a "natural skin look", so I suppose that is why it's called the "Sensual Skin enhancer", as it is supposed to be that, "your skin, only better".

Overall impressions: A great multi-tasker that can be sheered out and buffed into the skin, or used to pin-point conceal blemishes. Can also be added to moisturiser or lighter coverage foundations to build pigment. It may seem like a tiny pot but in reality you only need a tiny amount, so if you find your correct shade it's an investment that helps justify the price for this product. It is important to note that it contains Mineral Oil, which can be a problem for some and promote break-outs and blemishes, however I have acne-prone, combination sensitive skin and have not had a problem.




What's your go to concealer? How do you apply this product?




Ellen Rozalia xx




*Disclaimer: All products mentioned were purchased with my own money and all opinions are my own

Kevyn Aucoin - The Sculpting Powder - Swatches and Review

I've always wanted those sculpted, chiseled cheek bones, or at least to be able to enhance the ones I was born with through the magic of makeup, but finding that perfect and realistic shade, texture and finish is a lot harder. Being fair-skinned means you can't choose a lovely bronzer because you will most likely end up looking like you've smeared orange on your face (not a pretty sight), a not-quite-right-brown (think mud on your face), or anything with shimmer (glitter mud face).

So you can see the dilemma. So when I stumbled across the Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting powder in medium, I was curious and dubious at the same time. Again, there was extensive hype that this was the natural looking contour to end all contours and that it was a must have. So with the possibility of a Holy Grail product in mind, I decided to take the plunge and succumb to peer blogger pressure.

I managed to find the product on Strawberrynet with free postage to Australia and crossed my fingers that I would like this product, as unfortunately Kevyn Aucoin products are hard to source in Australia.

Claims:

From the Cult Beauty website:
"Sculpting Powder is designed to enhance, contour & sculpt your face without looking 'grubby'. The matte, neutral tone is just right for accentuating natural shadows and there's no shimmer so the shading looks believable. The finely-milled texture is great for undetectable application every time and it's almost impossible to overdo it (one of the main struggles when it comes to contouring), making this ideal for defining cheek bones, jaw bones or anywhere you feel needs streamlining."


Ingredients: 
 
Talc, Polyethylene, Nylon-12, PTFE, Phenyl Trimethicone, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Manganese Violet CI 77742, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499).

Shades: 
Again with The Celestial Powder, as far as I know there is only one shade available in Medium.

Swatches:

So here's the run down:


Price: I bought mine from Strawberrynet for $51.00, but it is also available from Cult Beauty for £35.00

Weight: 6.5 g

Packaging: Slimline deep red plastic case with push-button opening and internal mirror on lid side being the full size of the packaging. Brush is also included.

Consistency: Very creamy and smooth. Ultra fine pigments

Fragrance: No notable smell or fragrance

Application: I apply this product with either the Real Techniques Contour brush or the bdellium tools 945 brush. I also make sure to brush the intended application area with a light dusting of translucent powder, to ensure the product doesn't blend unevenly when using cream/liquid foundation

Longevity: I find this product lasts very well and is still present at the end of a long day

Colour Range: Obviously being that there is only one shade, it will only suit Fair, light and medium skin tones, with darker skin tones missing out. This, however is a very good contour shade for me being a deep brown with a grey undertone.

Finish: A matte deep browny grey.

Overall impressions: A lovely creamy, pigmented product that is a realistic match for me and was easy to blend. It didn't appear to be muddy on my skin at all, but a light touch is needed to not go OTT. Again I would powder lightly with translucent powder where you are planning on placing this product to ensure an even blend of the product if you are using a cream/liquid foundation. Overall, I can see why this is a cult product due to how it performs and looks. Another great product from Kevyn Aucoin!



What's your must have contour product?



Ellen Rozalia xx




*Disclaimer: All products mentioned were purchased with my own money and all opinions are my own