Long overdue fLash update

Hey all, Camille here!

First of all, I'd like to apologise for my lack of updates lately. I went up to the bach with Christel and the family for the holidays. While we were up there, my dog Quileute, got hit by a car and passed away.
So, I've been a bit sad lately and trying to spend heaps of time with my one remaining dog, Chinook. He's slipped into a depression since Quil's passing, so we have all been chipping in to keep him happy.

My beautiful Quil, love you always

Now, onto my fLash update!
It has officially been three months since I started using this product. I have definitely noticed a difference. My eye lashes have grown quite a bit. On the other hand, I have just noticed that the area where I apply the serum has become a bit discoloured. Its slightly browner than the rest of my eyelids. (Christel actually pointed this out to me today. Thanks Sis!) One eyelash in particular really seemed to soak up all the serum and has grown WAY more than the others. It's quite hilarious actually!!

Can you see the crazy long eyelash on my blue eye (shown on the right!)?

So now I am at the point in my fLash treatment where I apply the serum only twice a week. I can't help but wonder if the company has recommended this because of the discolouration...

Hope you all had a lovely summer break!

Camille oxo

P.s Check back tomorrow for my review on Living Nature Skin Minis!

January Favourites!

I'm going to try and remember to do monthly favourites again this year! I often get so caught up with all the other posts I want to do, that I forget to do this one. Oops. To kick the year off, lets get started with my favourites from the month of January!

Lorac Pro Palette

I have used this almost every single time I've worn eyeshadow this month. It is just so easy to grab and the colours are fantastic for everyday wear. The formula of the eyeshadows is pretty perfect too, making them very pigmented yet easy to blend. I will be posting a full review of this, including swatches, very soon so make sure you come back and check that out.

Benefit Dandelion & Gimme Fever Blush Duo - Groovy kind-a love kit

I am starting to get slightly obsessed with this little duo, it is so pretty! The mix of both gives such a pretty glow, without looking too shimmery. It's more like a beautiful sheen on the cheeks, which is a bit different from what I usually go for in a blush. I wish I had it in a larger size as I'm pretty sure I will end up hitting pan on it!

MAC Mineralized Skinfinish in Perfect Topping

This was Limited Edition from the Sugarsweet collection that came out years ago.. but it's truly gorgeous! And considering I've had it for so long, I haven't even started to make a dent in it. Mineralized Skinfinishes are great as highlighters, and that's what I use this for. It's a swirl of pinks, peaches and creams and honestly looks so nice on - I can't get enough of it!

Living Nature Skin Minis - Oily & Combination Skin

I've been using this for a couple of weeks now, and it's becoming a firm favourite in my skincare routine. The set includes a cleanser, toner and moisturiser and would be perfect for travel! Full review on it will be up tomorrow. 

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub

Love this!  Because my lips get so ridiculously dry, this is perfect for me. It makes lip balm absorb much better after using this, and together they provide the perfect canvas for whatever lip product I decide to use. I think this is the third lip scrub I've gone through in about a year, and I will continue to buy it when I run out, can't live without it now!

Maybelline Baby Lips Color Pink Lolita

I love using this on days that I really can't be bothered wearing much makeup, and in summer I have quite a few of those! In saying that, this actually looks pretty good with a full face of makeup too - so it's a win/win really. It's not the greatest lip balm, but it is pretty moisturising and feels quite nice on, and it's coloured which is awesome! I've just found myself reaching for it time and time again.

YSL Babydoll Mascara

This came in my Lash Stash that I got before Sephora decided to stop international credit cards, grrr. Can you tell that still bothers me? Hahaha.
Anyway this mascara is great, its the first one I've used from the pack and it's really nice. Volumizes and lengthens all while holding a curl. If this is anything to go by, then I'm super excited to try the rest in the pack.

That sums up my favourites for January! 

Thanks for viewing!
oxo

Review: Antipodes Delight Hand & Body Cream

Escape the everyday with this high-performance creamy moisturiser with a sweet fragrance of vintage gardenia that will lift you to holiday dreams and make your spirit sing. Silky macadamia nut oil hydrates and leaves your skin cushiony smooth. Marigold flower oil helps soften the most parched areas, and revolutionary Vinanza Grape will free your skin from dryness. The perfect all-over cream for most skin conditions.

If you remember my review of the Gentle Grace Cream Cleanser, then you'll know that I pretty much fell in love with Antipodes products. They're one of those brands that you just have to like, because their products actually DO what they say they're going to.

Delight Hand & Body Cream came at the perfect time for me. In Summer, I tend to get really dry skin - most likely due to too much sun exposure (oops!) and sure enough, after attending the Kumeu Hot Rod Show my skin was in dire need of some hydration. 

My legs were peeling like crazy after getting sun burnt, and I'm not gonna lie.. it looked pretty bad. Dad even started making jokes about Leprosy. Thanks Dad. 

Nothing seemed to moisturise enough to actually make my legs look normal and smooth, and what did work lasted about an hour or so and then my legs went straight back to being dry, scaly and patchy.
Then I started using this. I'm not saying it worked miracles on my legs, because they are still peeling, but it certainly made a huge difference! My legs actually stayed moisturised almost all day and unlike some creams I've had in the past, this didn't irritate my skin at all.

As well as using it on my legs, I of course used it on my hands too and honestly, it's been one of the best hand creams I've ever used. My hands stay soft and smooth, even after washing them! I really love how quickly it absorbs too, it never leaves a greasy film on the skin. 

Surprisingly enough, even the smell doesn't bother me, and you know how I am with smells. It's a little strong when first applied, but dies down to a much more subtle scent once it settles in. It hasn't given me a headache, so you know that's a good sign!
The packaging is just gorgeous too, as you'd expect from Antipodes. They really know how to make products that look just as luxurious as they feel.

Overall, I really love this and would recommend it to anyone who's after a really good hand cream, that can double as a body cream. You can find it at Health 2000 both in store and online.

Thanks for viewing!
oxo

*pr sample

Benefit Blogger Event - Lollitint Launch!

Over the weekend, Camille and I were delighted to attend another Benefit Blogger Event. We absolutely adore Benefit products and love any excuse to go in and talk with the beautiful, and knowledgeable Benebabes.

Camille, Annie and Me (please excuse the puffy face - allergies were going nuts!)

When we heard that Annie Ford Danielson, (the daughter and niece of the founders of Benefit) was going to be there - well, we pretty much had to go didn't we?!
Annie was seriously amazing, and so funny! I am thrilled that we got to chat with her for ages and pick her brain about all the products. She was so interesting and friendly, we had to make sure to get a photo with her!

Now that's a line up!

The event was to celebrate the launch of the gorgeous new Lollitint, a candy-orchid lip and cheek stain. As soon as we got there we were treated to delicious little mini cupcakes, lollipops and then the lovely Benebabes tried the new Lollitint on us. It is more of a gel consistency than Benetint, and is a bit more like Poseytint and Chachatint formula-wise. The colour is actually quite stunning and after seeing it on all the bloggers there, I would say it's universally flattering!

I want them all!

After playing around with that, of course we had to check out all the other products. Once again, I was in awe of all the beautiful packaging. Benefit really know what they're doing when it comes to making things look pretty! And I am dead set on getting Rockateur. It is so gorgeous.

So yummy

We both had such a fantastic time, Camille managed to gorge herself on mini cupcakes - pretty sure she had at least 8 of them, we hung out with Sophie from Nana Wintour and got to meet more amazing bloggers including the lovely Stephanie from Beauty Lust and Ellen from Shop Style Conquer. To top it off, we all got to take home a full size Lollitint for ourselves - so excited to review this!

And just because, here are some more pics:

I should have got a balloon

Hahaha <3

They decorated with balloons and everything, love it!

The skincare looks so nice, I really want that Ultra Radiance Facial Re-Hydrating Mist.

We always get such fancy water, I love it!

I spot Gimme Brow!

Can you see Shannon from youtube in the background? Hahaha

Inside our goodiebags 

Lollitint will be available from 15th February 2014 and retails for $57 NZD.

Thanks for viewing!
oxo

Swatch Watch: MAC Eyeshadow Collection

I asked you guys whether you wanted me to swatch my MAC eyeshadow collection, and you said yes! So here it is in all it's glory. 

Just a warning, this post will be very photo heavy. 

First up is the MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow trios. These were from the Red She Said collection from way back.

Threesome 

Absolutely love the burgundy colour in this, it's a bit like cranberry and is just beautiful. The cool-toned pink is also really lovely, but I don't think much of the chunky copper glitter to be honest. Like all glitters, it goes everywhere and doesn't have very good pigmentation.

Danger Zone 

The red in this is just gorgeous! The black is a little chalky and is like a cross between MAC's Black Tied and Carbon. The chunky silver glitter in this, is exactly the same texture as the copper one in Threesome.

Persuasive

The medium blue in this is gorgeous and has great colour payoff, the chunky silver glitter is the same as the glitters above and the navy blue has a nice iridescent shimmer - but the payoff isn't too great.

Next up are two palettes that were from the Passions of Red Collection.

Intriguing Scarlet: 6 Warm Eyes - Sweet Joy, Well Spiced, Real Drama, Warm Suede, Gentle Heat, Grand Entrance

L-R: Sweet Joy, Warm Suede, Well Spiced, Gentle Heat, Real Drama and Grand Entrance

This is actually one of my favourite MAC items of all time! Obviously limited edition which sucks, but I'm sure there are dupes for all of the colours. Every shade in this palette has incredible colour payoff, I particularly love Warm Suede - so gorgeous!

Infatuating Rose: 6 Cool Eyes - Satisfy, Bonfete, Feast, Cavort, Platonic and Deep Feelings

L-R: Satisfy, Cavort, Bonfete, Platonic, Feast and Deep Feelings

This palette doesn't have the same intense colour payoff as the Intriguing Scarlet one does, but they're all pretty decent nonetheless. Favourites are Cavort, Bonfete and Platonic.

The next one is obviously from the Riri Hearts Mac collection. Love the packaging so much.

Smoked Cocoa

I actually love this palette. I've heard a lot of negative things about it, but I haven't had any trouble with it whatsoever. All the colours swatch fine on me and are easy to apply and blend out. My favourites are definitely the top two, I just think they're so gorgeous.

And now we're onto my two 15 pan MAC palettes. I'm so excited to start a third one!

All swatches are in order of how they appear in the palettes. 

Left to right, top to bottom: Blanc Type, Vanilla, Phloof!, Rice Paper, Shroom, Satin Taupe, All That Glitters, Sable, Wood Winked, Amber Lights, Brown Down, Wedge, Tempting, Club and Handwritten.

L-R: Blanc Type, Vanilla, Phloof!, Rice Paper and Shroom

L-R: Satin Taupe, All That Glitters, Sable, Wood Winked and Amber Lights

L-R: Brown Down, Wedge, Tempting, Club and Handwritten

Favourites are Phloof!, Shroom, Satin Taupe, All That Glitters, Wedge and Handwritten. 

Left to right, top to bottom: Bio Green, Steamy, Newly Minted, Greensmoke, Humid, Beautiful Iris, Creme De Violet, Contrast, Red Brick, Vellum, Electra, Knight Divine, Honey Lust, Goldmine and Carbon

L-R: Bio Green, Steamy, Newly Minted, Greensmoke and Humid

L-R: Beautiful Iris, Creme De Violet, Contrast, Red Brick and Vellum

L-R: Electra, Knight Divine, Honey Lust, Goldmine and Carbon

Favourites in this palette would be Humid, Vellum, Electra and Goldmine. 

Well that's all of my MAC eyeshadows (so far!), hope you enjoyed seeing them all. If you'd like me to do a swatch post on all my MAC pigments, just let me know in the comments below or on twitter.

Thanks for viewing!
oxo

Review: Maybelline New York Color Sensational Bold Matte

Kiss flat matte goodbye! Containing a unique, powderless formula, Bold Matte is packed with brighter matte pigments for the boldest shades. Enriched with honey nectar, new Bold Matte lipsticks give visibly moisturised lips and an incredibly smooth touch.

Maybelline lipsticks are quickly becoming firm favourites of mine. The formulas I have tried so far have been amazing, and the Bold Mattes are no different.

Matte lipsticks are notorious for making your lips really dry, but these actually moisturise your lips making them much more comfortable to wear. If you love the look of a matte lip, but hate the feel of it - then these are definitely for you.

The shade I have (and am obsessed with!) is MAT 5 which is a beautiful pinkish red. It is such a gorgeous colour that flatters my skintone perfectly. It glides on smoothly, and only takes a few quick swipes for it to become opaque.

When first applied, it can feel quite creamy and looks a bit glossy. But it soon settles down to a gorgeous semi-matte finish. No shimmer here!
It's not transfer proof, but it does last reasonably well throughout the day, only needing to be touched up after eating or drinking, and leaves your lips feeling soft and moisturised.

Here's a swatch of it on my hand:

And here's a couple pics of me wearing it:

I love everything about this lipstick. The colour, the formula... I even love the packaging! Retailing for $19.99 NZD, you can trust me when I say they are definitely worth it!

Thanks for viewing!
oxo

*pr sample

Little Genie Re-Gen Oil and Re-Gen Cream - magic for the skin!

Been enjoying the sun a little too much? Is your skin feeling dry and dehydrated?

Well, Little Genie Re-Gen Oil and Re-Gen Cream might just be able to help hydrate and smooth away dry skin!

Little Genie Re-Gen Oil and Re-Gen Cream are specially formulated to treat dry skin, scars and blemishes. Hugely popular overseas, these little gems are now available exclusively at Countdown supermarkets throughout New Zealand.

Containing PCL liquid (as used in Bio Oil), Little Genie Re-Gen Cream and Re-Gen Oil treats the skin by producing a thin hydrophobic film onto the concerned area of skin, which locks in moisture to maintain the skin's natural hydration and regeneration process preventing it from drying out.

They also contain Vitamins A and E to help improve the elasticity and firmness of the skin, Lavender; which is great for healing dry and irritated areas, Calendula and Chamomile to soothe and heal irritations, and Rosemary Oil to nourish, firm and rejuvenate skin.
The combination of these ingredients makes Little Genie Re-Gen Oil and Cream perfect for stretchmarks, wrinkles, scars, dry, dehydrated and even blemished skin.

Little Genie Re-Gen Oil comes in a 75ml bottle and retails for  around $15.99

Little Genie Re-Gen Cream comes in a 125ml bottle and retails for around $24.99. Both of these products are available exclusively from Countdown supermarkets across New Zealand. For more information, check out the Little Genie facebook page.

Thanks for viewing!
oxo