Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Kester Black Trophy Wife '14 nail polish set - Sugar Daddy and Prenup swatches and review
Kester Black and Trophy Wife released their new collaboration shades last week so I thought it was about bloody time I showed you last years set - Sugar Daddy and Prenup! I've had this post sitting in my drafts for so long I completely forgot about it. Oops! The polishes are too awesome not to share so some quick swatches and my review for you (finally) are below.
Chanel Summer 2015 Mediterranรฉe polish
Well it's definitely been a while. I've been in a blogging and nail rut that's lasted longer than normal but I'm slowly coming out of it now I think. I haven't polished my nails in over a month which is really unlike me! Since winter set in my eczema has been absolutely shocking and it's the worst it's been in many many years and the thought of acetone near my dry fingers and hands just turns me off polishing. I did manage to swatch the beautiful Chanel Mediterranรฉe from the Summer 2015 collection though which is a nice way to slowly ease back into blogging.
What they say:
"The vivid skies and blue seas of the Mediterranean inspire a vibrant makeup collection.Bronzed skin and mesmerizing eyes create a radiant Summer look, while bold nails and colourful lips complete the effect."
Mediterranรฉe is a stunning teal creme which instantly puts you in mind of the ocean, sunshine and a summer holiday in Cote d’Azur. Basically the total opposite of today's freezing and windy Sydney weather! 4 shades were released in the collection but Mediterranรฉe is the standout and the only shade I picked up.
As soon as I saw swatches from Michelle at All Lacquered Up I knew I had to own it and I wasn't disappointed at all! The formula (as for most Chanel's I own) was wonderfully opaque, glossy and a dream to apply. I think the polish speaks for itself and 2 coats is pictured.
Bonus shot of the collection at Myer!
Details: The Chanel Makeup Summer 2015 collection is available now and the nail polishes retail for $39.
Did you pick up anything from the collection? Hope you've all been well!
What they say:
Mediterranรฉe is a stunning teal creme which instantly puts you in mind of the ocean, sunshine and a summer holiday in Cote d’Azur. Basically the total opposite of today's freezing and windy Sydney weather! 4 shades were released in the collection but Mediterranรฉe is the standout and the only shade I picked up.
As soon as I saw swatches from Michelle at All Lacquered Up I knew I had to own it and I wasn't disappointed at all! The formula (as for most Chanel's I own) was wonderfully opaque, glossy and a dream to apply. I think the polish speaks for itself and 2 coats is pictured.
Bonus shot of the collection at Myer!
Details: The Chanel Makeup Summer 2015 collection is available now and the nail polishes retail for $39.
Did you pick up anything from the collection? Hope you've all been well!
Victoria, Victoria Beckham x Nails Inc collection swatches and review
At last count I have waaaay too many nail polishes for one person to ever need so I've been quite selective in what I add to my stash lately. One collection that I've been dying to own though is Victoria Beckham's Limited Edition collaboration with Nails Inc. inspired by her Summer 2015 collection. I searched high and low to get my hands on the collection before the release in Aus but no such luck unfortunately! I loved the look of both Bamboo White and Judo Red so when I found out that they would be available exclusively from Sephora earlier this month off to the city I went!
What they say:
"The collection is said to be the chicest beauty launch of the year - a unique limited edition duo of nail polishes developed to sit alongside the Victoria Beckham Spring Summer 2015 collection. The polishes have been inspired by the feel of the collection and its subtle incorporation of Japanese elements creating THE MUST-HAVE new season nail looks.
The covetable and collectible duo features two new polish shades – Judo Red and Bamboo White - developed with an exclusive formulation featuring Stretch-To-Fit technology and Bamboo Extract with Silica and is presented within a sleek new bottle design."
The new concave glass bottles are made from Venetian glass and designed by Fabien Baron and customised by Victoria Beckham and come packaged in a LE Nails Inc. gift box. The bottles are fully frosted and available in matte black and matte white with matching caps and transparent glass sides that reveal the hidden polish colour.
I haven't bought Nails Inc. in ages and the last time I did they were still in the round bottles! I actually prefer the look of the round bottles but these ones are soooooo much easier to take mani pics with.
The brush is thick and curved which I don't normally like (I find a straight brush gives me more control) however I found it easy to get a clean finish with minimal clean up.
Bamboo White is a pink toned bone creme that is absolutely beautiful and it's already surpassed Bloom Toni and Kester Black Buttercream as my favourite nude shade. The formula is buttery and fully opaque in 2 easy coats drying to a high gloss finish. It's just gorgeous!! 2 coats is pictured.
Judo Red is a tomato red creme that leans very orange and is super opaque and glossy. You could get away with just 1 careful coat however I still prefer doing 2 out of habit. 2 coats is pictured.
Overall: Since leaving behind her "Posh Spice" moniker, Victoria Beckham hasn't put a fashion foot wrong in my eyes and this collection just reaffirms it for me. The formulas are amazingly opaque and I'm loving the chic matte bottles and the new brush as well. I'm such a sucker for LE products and packaging too! I'm picky when it comes to nudes and Bamboo White complements my skintone and is the perfect palette cleanser - definitely the must have.
The shades aren't groundbreaking by any means so it's more for the collectors or if you're wanting great quality basics to start off your collection. I'm hoping Victoria Beckham will release more collab polish collections that are just as amazing!
Details: The Victoria, Victoria Beckham x Nails Inc. collection is available exclusively from Sephora Australia - the duo set retails for $60 or individually for $35. For international ladies the collection is available from nailsinc.com for £25 each or £45 for the duo and $25US each from Sephora.com
Will you be picking up these LE shades? What do you think of them? Thanks for looking as always!
What they say:
The covetable and collectible duo features two new polish shades – Judo Red and Bamboo White - developed with an exclusive formulation featuring Stretch-To-Fit technology and Bamboo Extract with Silica and is presented within a sleek new bottle design."
The new concave glass bottles are made from Venetian glass and designed by Fabien Baron and customised by Victoria Beckham and come packaged in a LE Nails Inc. gift box. The bottles are fully frosted and available in matte black and matte white with matching caps and transparent glass sides that reveal the hidden polish colour.
I haven't bought Nails Inc. in ages and the last time I did they were still in the round bottles! I actually prefer the look of the round bottles but these ones are soooooo much easier to take mani pics with.
The brush is thick and curved which I don't normally like (I find a straight brush gives me more control) however I found it easy to get a clean finish with minimal clean up.
Bamboo White is a pink toned bone creme that is absolutely beautiful and it's already surpassed Bloom Toni and Kester Black Buttercream as my favourite nude shade. The formula is buttery and fully opaque in 2 easy coats drying to a high gloss finish. It's just gorgeous!! 2 coats is pictured.
Judo Red is a tomato red creme that leans very orange and is super opaque and glossy. You could get away with just 1 careful coat however I still prefer doing 2 out of habit. 2 coats is pictured.
Overall: Since leaving behind her "Posh Spice" moniker, Victoria Beckham hasn't put a fashion foot wrong in my eyes and this collection just reaffirms it for me. The formulas are amazingly opaque and I'm loving the chic matte bottles and the new brush as well. I'm such a sucker for LE products and packaging too! I'm picky when it comes to nudes and Bamboo White complements my skintone and is the perfect palette cleanser - definitely the must have.
The shades aren't groundbreaking by any means so it's more for the collectors or if you're wanting great quality basics to start off your collection. I'm hoping Victoria Beckham will release more collab polish collections that are just as amazing!
Details: The Victoria, Victoria Beckham x Nails Inc. collection is available exclusively from Sephora Australia - the duo set retails for $60 or individually for $35. For international ladies the collection is available from nailsinc.com for £25 each or £45 for the duo and $25US each from Sephora.com
Will you be picking up these LE shades? What do you think of them? Thanks for looking as always!
Gucci Beauty: Iconic Ottanio, Iconic Gold and Iconic Red high-gloss nail lacquer swatches and review
Last year Gucci joined the ever growing designer beauty market with an impressive collection that includes eye, lip, nail, face makeup, brushes and base products. Pairing luxe packaging with high quality formulas and a multitude of shades, it's a winner. I purchased 3 of the Iconic nail polishes while I was in Hong Kong and have swatches and my review of Iconic Ottanio, Iconic Gold and Iconic Red for you today.
What they say:
"The bold high-gloss lacquer combines a state of the art formula and an innovative brush for a luxurious manicure experience. The specialized triangular-bristle brush provides impeccable, even coverage with each stroke, while the pigment-saturated nail polish results in a glossy, high-shine look."
Source
What they say:
Source
Bad Apple Red Delicious
My lovely friend Aysh sent me this beauty a while back and it's taken me this long to try it out oops! Bad Apple Cosmetics is a new brand for me that's not available here in Aus so I'm so lucky that I have such wonderful friends from overseas to help me get my hands on international lacquers.
The name Red Delicious says it all and it's a yummy pinky red creme. The formula is smooth and opaque and the brush has a medium firmness making it easy to apply. 2 coats is pictured.
Thank you Aysh for this beauty!
The name Red Delicious says it all and it's a yummy pinky red creme. The formula is smooth and opaque and the brush has a medium firmness making it easy to apply. 2 coats is pictured.
Thank you Aysh for this beauty!
I Scream Nails polishes swatches and review
Pinch and a punch for the first day of the month! Today is the first day of Autumn and as usual I like to buck the trend and go with some brights. I'm excited to show you 6 bright fun shades from I Scream Nails - if you haven't heard of them they are nail artists based in Melbourne and Sydney doing awesome freehand nail art.
I Scream Nails released 6 ice cream polishes late last year that are 5 free meaning they don’t contain Toluene, DBP, Camphor, Formaldehyde or Formaldehyde Resin; are 100% vegan and made here right in Australia. I was so pleasantly surprised at the amazing formulas so read on for my swatches and review! Warning: this post is pic heavy.
The polishes come well packaged in cute ice cream themed boxes along with I Scream Nails stickers. The shape of the bottles is very familiar as they are pretty much identical to the Etude House polishes that were released a few years back. They seem difficult to use but are really easy to hold and use.
I Scream Nails released 6 ice cream polishes late last year that are 5 free meaning they don’t contain Toluene, DBP, Camphor, Formaldehyde or Formaldehyde Resin; are 100% vegan and made here right in Australia. I was so pleasantly surprised at the amazing formulas so read on for my swatches and review! Warning: this post is pic heavy.
The polishes come well packaged in cute ice cream themed boxes along with I Scream Nails stickers. The shape of the bottles is very familiar as they are pretty much identical to the Etude House polishes that were released a few years back. They seem difficult to use but are really easy to hold and use.
Valentines Day beauty treats
The hubby and I aren't much for Valentines Day celebrations beyond a nice lunch or dinner however I am ALL for spoiling yourself or for your other half to spoil you with some new beauty products! Here are my top picks for Valentines Day this year with a mix of new and old products I'm loving:
Glasshouse Fragrances Verona - A dozen roses candle ($42.95 here):
I love the smell of roses and I absolutely adore the Glasshouse Fragrances candles so this limited edition is a match made in candle heaven for me. With the pretty glass packaging and delicate scent of Spicy Rose, Strawberry Leaf and Pink Amber it is the perfect candle to get you in the mood this Valentine's Day.
Stella McCartney - Stella Sheer:
I only realised after I was halfway through preparing this post that this perfume is no longer available sadly! I adore her range of rose scents and this version is light, feminine and perfect for the warmer weather at this time of year.
The Body Shop Smoky Poppy collection bodylotion ($16.95)* and body scrub ($23.95)*:
The limited edition Smoky Poppy collection is infused with real handpicked poppy flowers from the Ankara region of Turkey and consists of 7 indulgent products. I'm not great at describing scents but it's a somewhat musky yet sweet smell and different to what I normally use. The body scrub is filled with poppy seeds for a really intense exfoliation leaving your skin silky smooth while the hand lotion absorbs quickly to get your hands desirably soft.
Physicians Formula Nude Wear Glowing Nude Blush* ($21.95 here):
This palette alone is worth purchasing just for the pretty packaging! I use a soft blush brush to blend the colours together for a very natural glow. It's definitely one for fairer skin tones as it would need a very heavy hand for it show on darker skin tones.
Face of Australia Lip Paint in Fired up Fuschia* ($6.95 here):
The Face of Australia Lip Paints are a hybrid between a gloss and a liquid lipstick and give a super pigmented finish for a sexy pout. They wear well like a liquid lipstick but still give a glossy finish which I love. They come in 6 gorgeous shades but Fired up Fuschia is my favourite!
Face of Australia Lumi-tint in Hydra Heaven* ($12.95 here):
These Illuminating Sticks are a fantastic alternative to the popular (yet pricey) NARS Multiple and double as cream blush or as a face highlighter. They contain mineral oil and jojoba oil to lock in moisture and the formulas are creamy and very easy to blend to give your face a dewy glow without the hard work.
Help Me Ronda Hydration Balm in Sweet Rose ($9 here):
The new Sweet Rose scent is a new addition to Ronda's Hydration Balm range (which I reviewed last month) and it was released as part of the limited edition Vintage Love Package. I purchased the package during the pre-sale however there are still some packs available which include limited edition Emily De Molly Valentines Day lacquer and Loki's Nail Vinyls but the Sweet Rose balm should be for sale individually soon.
Chanel Dragon ($39 here):
There's nothing like a classic red creme and Chanel Dragon (fully swatched here) is a timeless and dramatic red lacquer that pairs well with any skin tone. It helps that the formula is amazing so if you're like me and leave things until the last minute you can apply just one flawless coat right before you rush out the door.
Have you tried any of these products? What will you be wearing this Valentines Day? Thanks for looking as always!
* Product(s) provided to me for consideration but this in no way influenced my review in any way. As always, my reviews are my 100% honest opinion. My Disclosure Policy can be viewed here.
Glasshouse Fragrances Verona - A dozen roses candle ($42.95 here):
I love the smell of roses and I absolutely adore the Glasshouse Fragrances candles so this limited edition is a match made in candle heaven for me. With the pretty glass packaging and delicate scent of Spicy Rose, Strawberry Leaf and Pink Amber it is the perfect candle to get you in the mood this Valentine's Day.
Stella McCartney - Stella Sheer:
I only realised after I was halfway through preparing this post that this perfume is no longer available sadly! I adore her range of rose scents and this version is light, feminine and perfect for the warmer weather at this time of year.
The Body Shop Smoky Poppy collection bodylotion ($16.95)* and body scrub ($23.95)*:
The limited edition Smoky Poppy collection is infused with real handpicked poppy flowers from the Ankara region of Turkey and consists of 7 indulgent products. I'm not great at describing scents but it's a somewhat musky yet sweet smell and different to what I normally use. The body scrub is filled with poppy seeds for a really intense exfoliation leaving your skin silky smooth while the hand lotion absorbs quickly to get your hands desirably soft.
Physicians Formula Nude Wear Glowing Nude Blush* ($21.95 here):
This palette alone is worth purchasing just for the pretty packaging! I use a soft blush brush to blend the colours together for a very natural glow. It's definitely one for fairer skin tones as it would need a very heavy hand for it show on darker skin tones.
Face of Australia Lip Paint in Fired up Fuschia* ($6.95 here):
The Face of Australia Lip Paints are a hybrid between a gloss and a liquid lipstick and give a super pigmented finish for a sexy pout. They wear well like a liquid lipstick but still give a glossy finish which I love. They come in 6 gorgeous shades but Fired up Fuschia is my favourite!
Face of Australia Lumi-tint in Hydra Heaven* ($12.95 here):
These Illuminating Sticks are a fantastic alternative to the popular (yet pricey) NARS Multiple and double as cream blush or as a face highlighter. They contain mineral oil and jojoba oil to lock in moisture and the formulas are creamy and very easy to blend to give your face a dewy glow without the hard work.
Help Me Ronda Hydration Balm in Sweet Rose ($9 here):
The new Sweet Rose scent is a new addition to Ronda's Hydration Balm range (which I reviewed last month) and it was released as part of the limited edition Vintage Love Package. I purchased the package during the pre-sale however there are still some packs available which include limited edition Emily De Molly Valentines Day lacquer and Loki's Nail Vinyls but the Sweet Rose balm should be for sale individually soon.
Chanel Dragon ($39 here):
There's nothing like a classic red creme and Chanel Dragon (fully swatched here) is a timeless and dramatic red lacquer that pairs well with any skin tone. It helps that the formula is amazing so if you're like me and leave things until the last minute you can apply just one flawless coat right before you rush out the door.
Have you tried any of these products? What will you be wearing this Valentines Day? Thanks for looking as always!
* Product(s) provided to me for consideration but this in no way influenced my review in any way. As always, my reviews are my 100% honest opinion. My Disclosure Policy can be viewed here.
Chanel Dragon
There are some shades that every lacquer collection needs and one of those is a classic red creme. It's chic and for me instantly boosts my confidence by adding that final touch to any outfit. Because red is a classic shade, it's worth investing in one that has a great formula and Chanel Dragon is my luxe pick that doesn't totally break the budget like the breathtaking Christian Louboutin Rouge. Plus it is perfect for Valentines Day which is just around the corner!
Dragon is an amazingly opaque and intense red creme that leans slightly cherry so it's an extremely wearable red for those that aren't used to wearing such a vibrant colour. It's fully opaque in one single flawless coat and the self leveling formula dries quickly to a glossy shine. Heaven in a bottle! I've yet to come across a Chanel lacquer that I haven't loved especially when their formulas are this amazing.
Pictured is one coat topped off with a coat of Cult Nails Wicked Fast top coat and this combination wore extremely well for me.
Close up:
Details: Chanel Dragon is available from Myer and David Jones stores and online for $39.
I'm currently in Hong Kong at the moment so I'll only be posting every so often! Make sure to follow me on Instagram or Facebook - I post lots of beauty and food updates! ;) I'm also trying this rounded shape for now as I've had a few breakages recently. What do you think of it?
Thanks for looking as always!
Dragon is an amazingly opaque and intense red creme that leans slightly cherry so it's an extremely wearable red for those that aren't used to wearing such a vibrant colour. It's fully opaque in one single flawless coat and the self leveling formula dries quickly to a glossy shine. Heaven in a bottle! I've yet to come across a Chanel lacquer that I haven't loved especially when their formulas are this amazing.
Pictured is one coat topped off with a coat of Cult Nails Wicked Fast top coat and this combination wore extremely well for me.
Close up:
Details: Chanel Dragon is available from Myer and David Jones stores and online for $39.
I'm currently in Hong Kong at the moment so I'll only be posting every so often! Make sure to follow me on Instagram or Facebook - I post lots of beauty and food updates! ;) I'm also trying this rounded shape for now as I've had a few breakages recently. What do you think of it?
Thanks for looking as always!
piCture pOlish Eyre
I'm off to Hong Kong at the end of this week so my upcoming posts will be light on words. I have a huge backlog of polishes to swatch and I'm VEEEEEERY slowly getting through them all! I have piCture pOlish Eyre today which is a metallic blue scatter chrome holo. It applied well and 2 coats is pictured with no top coat.
Details: piCture pOlish Eyre is available from the piCture pOlish online store and Network members for $13.
Thanks for looking as always!
The product featured in this post was provided to me for consideration but this in no way influenced my review in any way. As always, my reviews are my 100% honest opinion. My Disclosure Policy can be viewed here.
Details: piCture pOlish Eyre is available from the piCture pOlish online store and Network members for $13.
Thanks for looking as always!
The product featured in this post was provided to me for consideration but this in no way influenced my review in any way. As always, my reviews are my 100% honest opinion. My Disclosure Policy can be viewed here.
Barry M Gelly Nail Effects Grapefruit
I picked up Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine in Grapefruit when I was in London last year on my honeymoon but I've only recently gotten around to trying it out. Summer is the perfect season to rock this gorgeous bright shade but the weather is absolutely miserable in Sydney at the moment though doh!
I was seriously tempted to buy the entire Gelly Nail Effects range as Superdrug had a 3 for 2 sale while I was there. I absolutely adore Barry M polishes - there is something about the shape of their bottles that I really like and the Gelly collection is amazing. I've built up a nice little collection of their polishes thanks to my lovely friends Christina and Aysh but how I really wish they still sold the brand here. The hubby's family actually used to own a Barry M store way back in the early 90s!
Grapefruit is a bright cerise pink creme and reminds me of a juicy watermelon instead of a grapefruit. Mmmmmmm! I seem to always be drawn to these types of bright pinks and I have about 2 dozen in my collection I think. Oops! It was a dream to apply and dried quickly to a high gloss shine. I do wish the collection actually had jelly finishes but they have a great formula so I can't complain. 2 coats is pictured with no top coat.
Details: The Barry M Gelly Nail Effects polishes are available from Superdrug, Boots and Barry M online for £3.99.
What's your favourite bright pink polish? Thanks for looking as always!
I was seriously tempted to buy the entire Gelly Nail Effects range as Superdrug had a 3 for 2 sale while I was there. I absolutely adore Barry M polishes - there is something about the shape of their bottles that I really like and the Gelly collection is amazing. I've built up a nice little collection of their polishes thanks to my lovely friends Christina and Aysh but how I really wish they still sold the brand here. The hubby's family actually used to own a Barry M store way back in the early 90s!
Grapefruit is a bright cerise pink creme and reminds me of a juicy watermelon instead of a grapefruit. Mmmmmmm! I seem to always be drawn to these types of bright pinks and I have about 2 dozen in my collection I think. Oops! It was a dream to apply and dried quickly to a high gloss shine. I do wish the collection actually had jelly finishes but they have a great formula so I can't complain. 2 coats is pictured with no top coat.
Details: The Barry M Gelly Nail Effects polishes are available from Superdrug, Boots and Barry M online for £3.99.
What's your favourite bright pink polish? Thanks for looking as always!
piCture pOlish Pandora
No Aussie nail art this year for Australia Day unfortunately so instead I have some quick swatches from an Aussie brand for you. piCture pOlish Pandora is a beautiful deep purple scattered holographic that applies beautifully to a glossy finish. There is something special about the combination of purple and holo! You really can't go wrong with this combo. 2 coats is pictured with no top coat.
Details: piCture pOlish Pandora is available from the piCture pOlish online store and Network members for $13.
What's your favourite holo? Thanks for looking as always!
The product featured in this post was provided to me for consideration but this in no way influenced my review in any way. As always, my reviews are my 100% honest opinion. My Disclosure Policy can be viewed here.
Details: piCture pOlish Pandora is available from the piCture pOlish online store and Network members for $13.
What's your favourite holo? Thanks for looking as always!
The product featured in this post was provided to me for consideration but this in no way influenced my review in any way. As always, my reviews are my 100% honest opinion. My Disclosure Policy can be viewed here.
Illamasqua Destiny
The hubby and I went to watch Wicked on Friday night so I had to break out the green polish for the occasion! I saw Wicked with my sis when it was in Sydney a few years back but it was great to see it again. It's always nice to go out for a date night and especially as it'd been aaaaaaages since we'd been to a show. I didn't have time for nail art so what better than a gorgeous green glitter in the form of Illamasqua Destiny. It doesn't match the Wicked green but oh well!
Destiny was released about this time last year as an Australian exclusive shade for Chinese New Year that was available only at Myer (for those playing overseas Myer is a department store here). It contains fine and hex gold glitter in a dark green base and is wonderfully opaque. It's so opaque you could get away with just one even coat but I do 2 coats out of habit.
It dries super smoothly which is really surprising considering how packed with glitter it is. I love the depth of it and it's just gorgeous isn't it! 2 coats is pictured with a coat of Cult Nails Wicked Fast top coat.
I'm trying to shop my stash at the moment as I haven't really been in the mood to buy polish much lately. No collections have really jumped out to me which my wallet is happy about!
Thanks for looking as always!
Destiny was released about this time last year as an Australian exclusive shade for Chinese New Year that was available only at Myer (for those playing overseas Myer is a department store here). It contains fine and hex gold glitter in a dark green base and is wonderfully opaque. It's so opaque you could get away with just one even coat but I do 2 coats out of habit.
It dries super smoothly which is really surprising considering how packed with glitter it is. I love the depth of it and it's just gorgeous isn't it! 2 coats is pictured with a coat of Cult Nails Wicked Fast top coat.
I'm trying to shop my stash at the moment as I haven't really been in the mood to buy polish much lately. No collections have really jumped out to me which my wallet is happy about!
Thanks for looking as always!
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