Makeup Brushes -E.L.F. - Studio Small Stipple
kareneap 9/12/2012 10:44:00 PM
Really nice brush, except mine came broken - the brush head fell clean off the handle at the ferrule! Otherwise a really nice brush to apply blush.
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Makeup Brushes -Sigma - F05 Small Contour (was SS109)
kareneap 9/12/2012 10:29:00 PM
I don't really bother with contouring (seriously, who can be bothered), but I think this brush is great for an even and natural looking foundation application. However, it sheds like no other brushes I own! It's a real shame because it works really well with my NARS Sheer Glow Foundation - I use my Real Techniques Expert Face brush over the top to get rid of the dozens of hairs this brush leaves to get around it.
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Lips -Tarte - LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain in Lively
kareneap 8/3/2012 11:41:00 PM
I have this is Fiery and if it weren't for the colour, I'm not sure I would like this product at all. The smell is pleasant and the texture is lovely and non-drying but beyond the initial application, it is hard to find other things to like about it. It wears off unevenly and leaves the lips look patchy - constant mirror checks are essential. It's a real shame because the colour is super flattering!
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Cleansers -Neutrogena - Extra Gentle Cleanser
kareneap 8/3/2012 11:36:00 PM
After using this for a few days, I found that my skin was horribly parched, rough and irritated. Because I bought this on the premise that it was "Extra Gentle", it took me a while to realise that this was what was causing this horrible reaction - my skin isn't even that sensitive. Needless to say that I will not be purchasing again!
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Liquid -NARS - Sheer Glow Foundation 
kareneap 7/8/2012 3:13:00 AM
I love this foundation. It wears really well on my dry skin and lasts all day. The coverage is more medium and not sheer at all and more matte than the name suggests. On my dry skin, I find that wearing this without powder gives me the perfect amount of coverage and lasting power and is a really great base for concealer as well. HOWEVER - my biggest gripe with the product is the packaging. I like my foundations to have pumps and Sheer Glow does not come with one. Furthermore, when you do purchase a pump the lid will not fit over the top. This makes it impossible to travel with and just seems like pathetic design. Because of this, I do not see myself repurchasing which is a real shame as I adore this foundation. Please NARS - CHANGE THE PACKAGING!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Lancome - Hypnose Doll Lashes
kareneap 2/26/2012 2:49:00 AM
I love the wand on this mascara - probably the best I've come across. Love the formula as it holds curl pretty well and the pointed brush means you can get into the very corners of your eyelashes. Unfortunately, it only takes a couple of hours for half of it to end up around the rims of your eyes. Also, the overpowering perfume really bothered me - who on earth needs their eyelashes to smell like roses?!
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Liquid -Rimmel - Stay Matte Foundation
kareneap 2/26/2012 2:45:00 AM
The hot Australian summer has meant that I've needed to switch to a more matte foundation because of the extra my oil my skin has been producing. My normal foundation is Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation (which I LOVE) but I do end the day looking dishevelled and greasy. The first thing I really like about Stay Matte is the fact that it does not have a fragrance. The consistency is quite runny and it's easy to get lighter coverage (which is my preference) but is definitely buildable. I would recommend this for people with combination-dry skin who prefer a light-medium coverage day-to-day on a warm day. I don't think I would want to use this in winter.
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Stick -Max Factor - PAN - STICK
kareneap 11/3/2011 12:12:00 AM
I was skeptical as to how this - a stick foundation - could possibly be as creamy and blendable as so many had described. This really blends like a dream but the colours lean too far on the pink side for me to use. If you have yellow undertones in your skin as I do, try Bobbi Brown!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Peter Thomas Roth - Instant Mineral SPF 30
kareneap 8/3/2011 10:54:00 PM
I love this mineral powder! Definitely a must-have in my handbag in the Australian summer sun - is incredibly light-weight and is fantastic for dusting over makeup to top up morning sunscreen routine. My only criticism is the packaging as you can't see how much you've used or have left. Would give it the full 5 lipsticks IF the tube was clear like the new bronzing mineral SPF powder they've brought out recently. Please fix this!
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Masks -Unlisted Brand - Yogurt Mask
kareneap 7/13/2011 12:37:00 AM
The smell is a little hard to sit through but it's definitely worth it! My skin feels super soft and moisturised after drenching my face with this for 20 minutes. I leave it out for a few minutes before putting it on so it's not too cold when I put it on. The cooling, tingling sensation is really refreshing and I can't recommend this enough! I don't feel guilty when I do either - it's not as though it'll break the bank!
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Liquid -Bourjois - Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation
kareneap 5/20/2011 3:42:00 AM
I bought this after I ran out of my 10 Hour Sleep Effect for everyday use. Because my skin's getting drier, I spray my face with the Vitamin E Face Mist from The Body Shop before applying this foundation and it spreads fantastically. The coverage is a bit heavier than 10 Hour Sleep Effect but lighter than the original Healthy Mix (my favourite!) and feels great on the skin. The packaging is beautiful, the smell is slightly strong but I will definitely be buying this again!
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Maybelline - Full 'N Soft Mascara
kareneap 3/8/2011 3:33:00 AM
This is CLUMP PROOF! It does quite a few coats to get your lashes really black (I suspect it has something to do with the brush). Very buildable and defines and lengthens with just one coat and with a couple more can give big, black, dramatic lashes - great as it means you only need to have one mascara for day and night. I would recommend this to anyone. Plus, it's dirt cheap so it's definitely worth a try!
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Lipstick -MAC - Lady Danger
kareneap 3/8/2011 3:14:00 AM
I had been too afraid of buying this lipstick for myself, so my boyfriend (I'm so lucky!) wandered into a MAC store and bought it for me! This is definitely not for the faint hearted! It's super pigmented and can easily drain your face. Once applied, I normally pat the top of my lips lightly and put a tiny bit of the lipstick my fingers have picked up onto my cheeks before setting with powder. I think it has the potential to suit a lot of skin tones so don't be afraid to try it! Will definitely buy again!
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Bronzers -Physicians Formula - Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Bronzer
kareneap 12/5/2010 4:40:00 AM
The packaging is terrible and I haven't used the brush provided but the bronzer (which is why this loses a lippie) itself is brilliant! Great for contouring and shading and the texture is light and lasts all day! I have this in Light but will consider the other colour options when this one runs out... which won't be for a long time!
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Eyeliner -BeneFit Cosmetics - Eye Bright
kareneap 11/27/2010 7:46:00 PM
A bit on the pricey side, but it's great when my dark circles are particularly bad. I don't use this for everyday but when I've had a rough night, I blend this with my L'Oreal Touche Magique and the circles disappear.
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