My MAC Lipstick Collection

Spring Cleaning Part 2 - Products I Would Not Recommend

Continuing on from the Spring cleaning theme of my last post, I thought I'd share with you guys some of the products I came across whilst I was cleaning out my makeup collection that I would not recommend. These are mostly products that I end up throwing out without using them up, or products that I would not repurchase.

Product Review | Marc Jacobs Lolita Palette

This beautiful baby was gifted to me for my birthday from my lovely friend Kim. I'd never really paid much thought to Marc Jacobs products because as far as I know they're only available at Sephora, however when I saw this palette I fell in love.

Anastasia Beverly Hills vs Australis Contour Kit | Compare the Pair

We've all seen the contour craze take over lately, with brands releasing contouring products left, right and centre. In this post I'll be comparing the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit with the Australis AC ON TOUR Highlighting and Contouring Kit.

Product Review | L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascara

Hi guys, long time no talk!

Today I thought I'd share with you guys my thoughts on the L'Oreal Miss Manga mascara. I did originally want to tell you guys about it earlier, but I've really struggled to decide how I feel about this mascara (I'm still not sure how I feel). I'll just tell you guys a bit about it.

Product Review | Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

When I first tried this primer, I have to say my expectations weren't particularly high - I've never really found most primers to do that amazing of a job, however with this one I was pleasantly surprised.

Shu Uemura vs Shiseido Lash Curlers | Compare the Pair

We all know the Shu Uemura is the cult favourite when it comes to eyelash curlers, however I'm personally not the hugest fan of it. That's not to say it doesn't do a decent job (because it does), however it's just not my favourite. In this post I'll be comparing my personal favourite (by Shiseido) to the classic cult favourite (Shu Uemura). 

Product Review | Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Milk

For those of you who aren't familiar with gradual tanners, basically they are a moisturiser that contains a small amount of tanning agent, so when applied regularly they have a... gradual tanning effect. I personally prefer gradual tanners over actual fake tans for several reasons. 

Firstly they're a lot more forgiving than fake tans - because one application alone does not apply a lot of colour, gradual tanners are far less susceptible to streaking and patchiness. This is especially good if you're new to fake tan. 

Secondly the result is far more natural than a regular fake tan. Obviously not a pro if you're after a super dark tan, but if you're looking for a light, natural looking tan, this is your product. I find this to be a good option during winter when you might want to add a bit of colour back into your skin without actually looking too tanned. 

Thirdly, gradual tanners can be used to extend the life of a spray tan or fake tan. Applied in place of a moisturiser they can help even out any faded areas and add a bit of colour back in, as well as the obvious moisturising benefit which we all know is a must to help the longevity of your tan.

Finally, because there is so little colour in it compared to a fake tan, you can get away with wearing it it during the day without leaving marks all over clothes and furniture, or if you decide to apply it before you sleep, less stains on your sheets. 

Now we know a bit about gradual tanners, so what do I think of this Bondi Sands one in particular? 

Product Review: Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Oil Free

In the past I've found myself a little bit dubious towards the idea of primers - sometimes I feel that they're just adding another unnecessary layer, however that idea may have just come from using bad primers in the past.  After using this primer, I'm completely converted. 

This product claims to be a "lightweight, water based gel that creates the perfect canvas for makeup application. Formulated for sensitive, oily and acne prone skin."

Read on to find out more. 

Illamasqua Mini Haul

I've been meaning to try out Illamasqua products for a while now, since I found out how fairly priced they are (read about their price drop here). For some reason I find it's a brand I tend to overlook a lot of the time, but last week I finally stopped by their counter at Myer and picked up a couple of things.

Product Review: TRESemme Split Remedy Split End Sealing Serum

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I bought this product from Priceline a week or two ago when they were having a big sale on hair products. I've had my eye on this product for a while, but was skeptical as to whether it would actually work or not, but seeing as it was reduced to $4 (or thereabouts), I decided I may as well give it a try.

What it claims:

"Tresemme Split Remedy reduces frizz and seals in shine for a polished finish and reduces split ends by up to 80% after just three uses."

The packaging advises to use one pump on towel dried or damp hair, focusing on the ends before styling as usual. Personally I find that one whole pump is a little too much at one time as the product is quite runny (which I see as a plus because the formula is lightweight) and quite a large amount comes out in one pump, therefore I usually dispense about half a pump at a time, concentating on the ends of my layers at the front to begin with as they have the most split ends, then working it through the rest of my hair. I usually end up using about three or four half pumps, so I guess up to two full pumps altogether. Once I'm done concentrating on the ends, I just use residue on my hands to smooth down flyaways and any frizz around the crown. After applying this, I just spray in a heat protectant and go ahead and style my hair as usual (blow dry and straighten).

As for results... Well I'm not sure how effective it is as to actually repairing the hair, but as far as visible results go - my hair looks a lot shinier and healthier when I use this product. It basically works by just sticking (or sealing) the split ends back together, therefore they appear less fluffy and frizzy, making the hair appear generally healthier. Not only does this product make my hair look better, it also makes my hair feel a lot smoother and sleeker when I use it.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Sleek packaging
• Adds shine, makes hair look healthier
• Lightweight enough to use (sparingly) on dry hair as well as damp hair
• Smell is very light, non offensive

Cons:

• Doesn't technically fix split ends (although no product really can to be fair)
• Pump dispenses too much in one go

Overall rating = 8.5/10

So would I recommend this product? Yes, absolutely.

Even at its full retail price, (around $9.99 from memory), this product is an absolute godsend. Even if you don't have many split ends, I would definitely recommend this product to use as an ordinary serum just to give your hair some extra shine.