Cosme-net Splurge!

 Another day and another splurge. I had been eyeing off this website, Cosme-De.com, for some time, sussing out what they stocked and comparing prices. So I finally decided to cave in and buy some goodies and I have to say that the whole ordering process left me pleasantly surprised. Everything was straight forward and my order arrived in a timely manner. I even received free goodies which is always a bonus!

Embryolisse - Lait-Creme Concentre
Obviously a cult product, I had been waiting some time to try this much talked about product. I didn't quite fancy paying the prices which other websites advertised and at the time I purchased this, they had a buy one get one free - which really meant 50% off. I'm always keeping an eye out for these kind of deals, so you can either double up with a friend, or keep one in stock. I do have to say with winter around the corner, I'm glad I have this in my arsenal and it's a lovely hydrating cream.

Avene - Very High Protection Emulsion SPF 50+
I'm always on the hunt for the perfect sunscreen and loving the Alpha H SPF50+, I thought I would try out this offering from Avene. I've worn it a few times now and it is a lovely sunscreen, that isn't sticky, no white cast on the face, doesn't go greasy throughout the day and sinks into the skin well. So it's a winner in my books.


Weleda - Skin Food
If you need something moisturising, hydrating and nourishing STAT, look no further than this little gem. I honestly don't know how I've managed without it in the past. I can get very dry hands and this is a life saver. It's very thick, but sinks into the skin nicely, without completely disapearing, which I enjoy.

Giorgio Armani - Luminous Silk Foundation No. 2
Another cult favourite in the beauty blogging world, so how could I resist? It's a lovely addition to my collection, but I haven't quite claimed it as my Holy Grail yet. I still need to put it through it's paces before it passes all my tests..

Nuxe - Reve de Miel
This product couldn't have come at a better time. I have to say this is the best lip product, by far,  that I have tried. It's a thick balmy texture that hydrates lips and doesn't disappear, so you don't find yourself having to reapply constantly. Highly recommend.

I also received five sachet GWP Balancing Masks from Lavera, which is a brand I haven't had any experience with. So looking forward to trying it out!



What's on your winter wish list?


Ellen Rozalia xx


**Disclaimer: All products were purchased by me and as always my opinion is my own and entirely honest

Kiss Proof Lips..?

It almost sounds like a challenge to me, but lets keep this post PG rated. A relatively newly launched Australian cosmetic brand KLARA Cosmetics, since April 2013, produce these 24 hour long-lasting matte lip colours in their product range and  let me tell you, kiss proof is indeed a big claim to make!

The colour I have is in 01, which is quite a neutral pinky coral with a gold sheen.

So what is the verdict?

Are they long-lasting? Definitely yes.
Matte finish? Yes
24 hours long-lasting? Well I tend not to sleep in my make-up.. but I'm sure you could if you wanted to!
Kiss-Proof? Well that's another blog post another time... but I can certainly say they are transfer proof.


Now, with all those things said, the only downside I  encountered were on dry lip days. These lip products aren't as drying as some matte long lasting products can be, however I found after a few hours of use, flakes on my lips were emphasised. This may not be the case for everyone, but I did find exfoliating and applying a lip balm helped to ease this issue.

Also, if you're like me and enjoy multi-tasking your products, you may be pleased to know they make lovely long-lasting, easily blended cheek colours. This particular shade  in 01 is, to me, quite reminiscent of Nars Orgasm with the gold sheen running through it.



 Ellen Rozalia xx



**Disclaimer: This product was supplied for consideration with no  agreement to write a blog post about it. As always, my blogs are written by myself and entirely honest.

Antipodes Mineral Make-Up

I've always been a little skeptical about mineral make-up, so a few months back now I decided to take the plunge and venture into the unknown. So, with the relatively new launch of the Antipodes make-up line, I thought this would be a perfect place to start.

Antipodes Mineral Foundation in Pale Pink 01
This has a lovely smooth texture and blends well into the skin. Unfortunately the colour is too dark and warm for my skin tone. Never fear, I will certainly be using it. Being very fair skinned, I've learned how to multi-task products. So This will be used for a subtle bronzer. If you are interested in trying this foundation, I would suggest trying to find somewhere that stocks it so you can go in for a colour match. I will however say that I'm happy with the packaging and so glad that they have the sifter you can close off. Clutsy spillage averted. I applied this with a Real Techniques Buffing brush as it picks up enough product and works it into the skin perfectly.

This is how they suggest to apply the foundation: How to apply your foundation 






Antipodes Translucent Skin-Brightening Mineral Finishing Powder
This is such a lovely powder. If you are a fan of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders or the Bourjois Java Powder you will love this.It has such a subtle sheen that adds luminescence to the skin, or can be strategically placed on the skin to make the most out of it's skin-brightening properties. Think under the eyes, along the cheekbones, cupids bow, down the nose etc. I quite enjoy applying this product with the Bdellium Tools 945 brush for a more precision approach.


So I'm glad I've had the chance to give these products ago. I definitely recommend the Translucent Skin-Brightening Mineral Finishing Powder, as this is universally suitable. However, unless you're able to be colour matched with the foundation, I would probably give it a miss, or take the risk as I did.


Overall, I look forward to trying more from Antipodes. Have you tried any of these products?


Ellen Rozalia xx



**Disclaimer: All products mentioned were purchased by me and all opinions are honest and my own.

A Little Kiehl's Moment

It seems to be the case for me that I come up with wish lists for products I keep meaning to try and never get round to. On top of this list were two particular products from Kiehls that I had heard so much about and wanted to try them for myself. So one particular day I took the splurge and took two off the wish list.

The much loved product by bloggers and beauty fanatics Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. I was a little bit sceptical, whether this product would work as I have quite combination/oily skin to begin with, but something I forget often is that you can have oily skin and yet still be dehydrated. Being in my early 20's, I'm obviously not after much in the way of wrinkle reduction, but more in prevention and eliminating dark circles. And yes, I really enjoy using this product. It's deeply hydrating, without having that horrible greasy feel and is very soothing on my eye area. I do prefer to use this at night, as these formulas don't sit too well under make-up.

Next up, we have the Midnight Recovery Concentrate. Now I love my serums and oils, so this is right up my alley. After the EssieButton approval, I was set to fall in love with this product and be amazed in the morning post application. However, I'm left a little so so...It is a lovely oil and sinks into the skin nicely but one thing I don't entirely understand is why there is lavender essential oil in it. Yes it is a lovely smell and yes I love lavender, but it can also be a skin irritant. In saying this, I am yet to note any major irrationals from using it, but I am conscious of it, especially as I have acne prone skin. So if you do have sensitive skin, easily irritated skin, I would think twice about purchasing this, or at least try before you buy. So yes I enjoy this concentrate, but no I probably wouldn't purchase again.

I did enjoy the little samples Kiehl's popped in with my online order, which are a great way to sample new products!


Overall I'm not wowed, but will still enjoy using these products. I don't regret buying either of these products and time will tell if the Midnight Recovery Concentrate becomes my friend or my foe...

Do you have any Kiehl's products you recommend?

Ellen Rozalia xx

** Disclaimer: All products mentioned were purchased by me and my opinions are entirely my own.

Four Little Tins of Magic

 

 
It started off with one and quickly my collection grew with the addition of three more. They may be small, but they certainly pack a punch! I'm not talking about anything shady here either.. I'm talking about the Anatomicals little relief tins. Now being science minded, I don't believe that these can entirely relieve all symptoms,aka "consult with your GP if symptoms persist etc.", but they can certainly help!

So to begin, the first one I bought was the "Cruisin' for a Snoozin " - sleep balm (AU$6.81 on ASOS_. And on a side note I love the way Anatomicals name their products - so quirky and tongue-in-cheek. This one smells of lavender, rosemary and lemon and has the firmest texture out of all four. I use this every night as part of my bedtime routine and I do find the smell helps me stay in a routine and relax.


I then noted that ASOS had put up another three of the relief balms which are (AU$7.39 on ASOS):

"Ta-ta to ooh ouch aah" - Joint and muscle rub
This delightful little tin, I really quite enjoy..alot. It has that menthol feeling on the skin, very much like deep-heat rub and it's texture is more balmy. The ingredients in this includes Arnica, black pepper oil, ginger oil and majoram to name a few and it certainly is quite potent and to me I thoroughly enjoy the smell.

"Oi! You throbhead" - Headache relief balm
If you are like me and am prone to the headache, whether that be tension or stress, you will probably find this a permanent addition in your bag. I recommend you  place this on your forehead, temples and pressure points and let the soothing peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, mandarin and sandalwood oils *breath* along with rosehip and calendula extracts work their magic.

"High noon for the prune" - Dry relief balm 
Now I'm prone to dry spots and I'm definitly feeling it more as we head into the winter here in the southern hemisphere and the air is becoming drier. This little gardenia smelling magic balm is doing it's thing and softening those elbows and soothing my poor cuticles.


Overall I'm really enjoying each of these balms. They are so handy; easy to throw into your bag; no-nonsense and quick to use. I would suggest you buy all four and for around $7 each, you really can't go wrong.



Ellen Rozalia xx


**Disclaimer: All products mentioned were purchased by me and all opinions are my own.