Brand Spotlight Series – MAC #002

Name: Rebel
Finish: Satin
Collection: Permanent

MAC Rebel lipstick

Rebel looks so intimidating but when worn, it is the most perfect autumn shade.

MAC Rebel lipstick swatch - natural, overcast light

I apologise for the mediocre swatch picture. The colour itself is pretty true to life. It’s just my skin colour that looks off due to the slightly overcast weather.

It’s quite difficult to describe – it’s primarily berry toned but has variations of pinks and reds as well! Being a satin finish, it applies nicely with great pigmentation. You can apply it lightly for a stain or go full out and have it applied full strength for maximum impact.

MAC Rebel lipstick swatch - natural light

Rebel has one of the best wear times out of all my lipsticks. It lasts about 8 hours!! It leaves a beautiful berry stain on the lips without looking weird. Love.

It kinda tugs a bit if you apply straight from the tube but I usually use a lip brush so it doesn’t bother me too much.

Face of Australia You Blue Me Away Nail Enamel

After seeing that BIg W had $3 off Face of Australia products a couple of weeks ago, I headed out and grabbed another 3 to add to my little stash of Face of Australia polishes.

Face of Australia You Blue Me Away

You Blue Me Away is a metallic foil with loads of silver shimmer. The formula was amazing. Seriously. Super fast drying and again, like Orange You Glad You Came?, had like a fluffy sorbet consistency….

Face of Australia You Blue Me Away

I was lazy and did one coat only. If I was a nail extraordinare, I probably would’ve applied it more carefully to make it look nice and pretty.

Face of Australia You Blue Me Away swatch - natural light

Brand Spotlight Series – MAC #001

This first post will be a bit boring but it’ll save me from repeating a lot of this throughout the series.

MAC lipsticks, typically, have the black bullet casing. From time to time, there’ll be limited edition packaging with the colour of the black changed to the corresponding collection colour.

The packaging is basic, simple and practical. However, I’ve had comments that they look like tampons. Especially when I spill the contents of my bag.

MAC lipsticks are also known for their signature vanilla smell. It smells so beautiful. If lipsticks any lip products really needed  a smell, let it be vanilla. Not sickly and overly sweet vanilla but subtle vanilla.

There are 9 different finishes for MAC lipsticks.

Cremesheen – creamy and pigmented. Full coverage.
Satin – matte with a bit of sheen for a non-flat look.
Lustre – kind of a sheer finish. Glossy/shiny.
Matte – no shine finish. High intensity colour. Can be a bit drying.
Amplified – this is similar to a matte finish in that it’s a creamy solid colour
Amplified cream - very creamy, shiny and soft. Can have a sheen or slight pearl finish.
Frost - basically, it is what it says. It’s got a pearly high sheen finish
Dazzle - lots of glitter!
Glaze - really sheer finish.

MAC is a mid-end brand and I love their price point (in the US anyways…). MAC lipsticks are $14.50USD/$36.00AUD and you get 3g/0.1us oz of product. It’s affordable especially if you’re just starting out.

MAC has counters available at selected Myer and David Jones stores but I usually get a friend from the USA to purchase them for me and send them over. They also have stand alone ‘PRO’ stores as well. I know there’s one in Paddington.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide – Part 3

Looking for something small to compliment that big gift?

Palmer’s Luscious Lips gift pack includes two full size (10g each) lip butters in dark chocolate and peppermint and dark chocolate and cherry.

Palmer's Luscious Lips gift pack

Palmer’s lip butters are

A richly moisturising lip butter, with the delectable aroma of dark chocolate and peppermint, which leaves lips soft and glossy. This one of a kind lip butter works to combat even the driest lips. Softens and soothes chapped lips. A special formulation of Palmer’s 100% pure Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E provides ultra-moisturisation and a hint of gloss.

******

A richly moisturising lip butter, with the delectable aroma of dark chocolate and cherry, which leaves lips soft and glossy. This one of a kind lip butter works to combat even the driest lips. Softens and soothes chapped lips.

A special formulation of Palmer’s 100% pure Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E provides ultra-moisturisation and a hint of gloss.

Packaging

Love the packaging this comes in. It doesn’t even really need to be wrapped up. It comes in a cute lil carry gift pouch.

When you open the pack, you’re greeted by the most delightful sweet chocolate scent.

Palmer's Luscious Lips gift pack

It comes in a tube, with a slanted tip applicator. I prefer this kind of packaging compared to jars where I have to – unhygenically – dip my fingers in!

Product

Palmer’s lip butters are clear and glossy so you can bypass the lipgloss and use these instead. They’re better for your lips too

They do have quite a bit of slip but it does moisturise your lips like no one’s business. My lips have been looking a bit worse for wear thanks to the recent cold snap in Sydney and these have repaired them back to their former glory (hahaha).

Best thing – it’s not sticky!

The dark chocolate and cherry smells delicious – like Cherry Ripe – one of my favourite chocolate bars ever!

Ingredients

I love how simple the ingredients list is.

Palmer's Dark Chocolate and Peppermint Lip Butter - ingredients

Palmer's Dark Chocolate and Cherry Lip Butter - ingredients

Purchase

Available individually for $4.50, you can purchase this pack for RRP$6.99AUD! Bargain (even if it’s not for a gift!). For stockists check the Palmer’s Australia website.

The product/s mentioned in this post were provided by PR for consideration. Beauty Snippets’ opinion remains 100% unbiased and honest. Please refer to Beauty Snippets’ disclosure/PR policies page for further information.

Brand Spotlight Series – MAC

MAC was my first mid-end cosmetics brand when I first started venturing into makeup. We go way back! I used to purchase nearly every collection that MAC churned out but in the last couple of years, I’ve started paying attention to other brands and whilst I only purchase from MAC once in a while, it’ll have a place in my makeup arsenal forever.

I am unsure of how long this brand spotlight series will last seeing as MAC makes up about 80% of my makeup collection. I will start with their lipsticks then progress onto blushes, lipglosses, eyeshadows and pigments. The ones that have been reviewed will not be another separate post, I will simply include it in the round-up post at the end.

Stay tuned guys

Review: Kiss Press n Go Nails in Shout

Hello hello. Today I have for you the Kiss Broadway Nails Press n Go kits – the other line. The first one was the Kiss Nail Dress (reviewed here).

Let’s get started shall we…

Packaging

Kiss Pres & Go nails in Shout and Pick Me

How cute is it? I think it’s cute. Comes packaged in a pseudo-nail polish bottle. Includes 24 nails in 12 different sizes.

Open up the lid, you get…

Kiss Press & Go nails

…a prep pad (basically an alcohol wipe for you to wipe your nails down first before applying), the nails and a file.

Instructions are included..

Sounds easy, right? Right!

Product

I chose to use Shout to trial as I had my cousin’s upcoming wedding to go to. I matched them to my dress!

First the size matching was quick and easy. It was as simple as picking one up, compare, place aside. Move onto the next finger. Once I had all ten fingers matched up, I opened the included prep pad and cleaned my nails. Then it was simply applying the nails one by one. Remember to press them on TIGHTLY to ensure they adhere to your natural nails. Too easy. The nail file is there to file away any burr left over from the manufacturing.

Kiss Press & Go nails in Shout

Kiss Press & Go nails in Shout

Wear time – these lasted about a week. It was like having acrylic nails really but without the crazy damage to your nails. One of them just kinda fell off and I didn’t want to walk around with one naked nail so I went to take them all off. I just gently peeled them off from the sides but if you want you could also apply some nail polish remover around the edges, per the instructions, and off they come.

The ring finger is the one with the press n go nail that fell off – see how it has no residue? The residue was easy to remove – just use some nail polish remover.

This is seriously fool proof!They’re fantastic for when you have a last minute shindig and don’t have time to paint your nails and wait for them to dry. I love that these have nail art on them.

Kiss Press & Go nails in Shout - removal

Purchase

Available in 12 different designs, there’s sure to be one that’ll tickle your fancy. I even managed to talk my cousin into purchasing the lace version of this Available from Priceline and selected pharmacies nationwide for $13.99AUD.

The product/s mentioned in this post were provided by PR for consideration. Beauty Snippets’ opinion remains 100% unbiased and honest. Please refer to Beauty Snippets’ disclosure/PR policies page for further information.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide – Part 2

Per my post on Part 1 of the Mother’s Day Gift Guide, my mum is slowly venturing into eyeshadows. I’ve had to teach her a few basics, tried to get her to watch YouTube videos and just play!

This next gift idea is perfect for all the lovely mums out there.

Nvey Eco eyeshadow palette 5 Colour Collections come in 6 unique colour combinations to take you from day to night. If your mum is anything like mine and hates clutter, this would be ideal for her! It’s also free from parabens, SLS, propylene glycol, GM, petroleum and talc, making it an excellent choice for anyone with dry and sensitive skin.

Packaging

It comes in the signature black cardboard packaging with green and white print.

The eyeshadows are housed in a sturdy, black plastic palette that closes with a lil click.

It also comes with two double-ended sponge tip applicators.

Product

I was sent eyeshadow palette #6 which includes:

Nvey Eco eyeshadow palette #6

170 – dark grey with silver shimmer
171 – plum with silver shimmer
168 – peach with gold shimmer
172 – wheat with silver and green shimmer
173 – dark olive-khaki with gold shimmer

Below is a swatch of all the shades. One swipe, no primer.

Nvey Eco eyeshadow palette #6 swatches - natural light

170 was a bit dry and chalky. Apart from 170, the other 4 shades swatched easily and felt really smooth. My favourite shades are 168 and 172.

The shades are quite subtle. They blend nicely together and very simple to create a day or night look. Wear time with UDPP underneath was about 5 hours before there was slight fading. No fallout detected.

The only gripe I have about the palettes would have to be the fact that they’re not attached to the palette very well. I tilted the palette upside down and 3 out of the 5 pans fell out!

Ingredients

Purchase

RRP$75.95AUD for 7.5g. Each eyeshadow pan weighs about 1.5g making it about $15.19AUD per pan which is alright pricing considering a MAC eyeshadow costs a bit more than double that.

Available online on Nvey Eco’s website here.

The product/s mentioned in this post were provided by PR for consideration. Beauty Snippets’ opinion remains 100% unbiased and honest. Please refer to Beauty Snippets’ disclosure/PR policies page for further information.

Review: PHYT’S lipstick in Copper Red

PHYT’S lipsticks are great for those who have chemical sensitivities but want a lipstick with great staying power.

This is the second product I will be reviewing from PHYT’S. The first product I reviewed was the eyeshadow (here).

PHYT'S lipstick

Packaging

The outer packaging is similar to that of the eyeshadow – that is, copper cardboard packaging.

All the necessary information are printed onto the cardboard – shade name, ingredients etc

The lipstick bullet fits nicely into your hand. Again, similar to that of the eyeshadow, it’s a plastic brown housing with a rose gold band around where the lid meets the packaging. Neat fact – it’s 100% biodegradable plastic packaging.

PHYT'S lipstick

Has the signature PHYT’S leaf logo on the cap too.

Product

The product I was sent, Copper Red, is named perfectly. It’s a … copper red. Surprise!

PHYT'S lipstick in Copper Red

Whilst the lipstick bullet doesn’t really show the copper, looking more like a brown red, when applied, it’s definitely copper red.

PHYT'S lipstick in Copper Red

For some reason, when I hear the word organic associated with cosmetics, I don’t really have high hopes for it. But PHYT’S has definitely impressed. Copper Red faded into a nice tint after about 5 hours of wear which includes drinking and eating.

PHYT'S lipstick in Copper Red

After about 7-8 hours, it completely faded.

PHYT'S lipstick in Copper Red swatch - natural light

One negative thing I have to say about this would be the smell. It smells really waxy but doesn’t linger upon application.

Bare lips

PHYT'S lipstick in Copper Red swatch - natural light

Whilst Copper Red isn’t a flattering shade on me, looking at the range, there are a couple of gorgeous rosy shades that I’d definitely think about purchasing.

Ingredients

From the press release, ingredients include enriching sunflower, jojoba, protective canuba and candellia waxes, vitamin E to nourish and protect the lips and pure, natural mineral pigments for a shine and colour that will enhance your smile.

PHYT'S lipstick in Copper Red - ingredients

Purchase

Available in 9 different shades, you can purchase the PHYT’S lipsticks for $40AUD/6g either from your closest stockist, (check here) or from PHYT’S website.

The product/s mentioned in this post were provided by PR for consideration. Beauty Snippets’ opinion remains 100% unbiased and honest. Please refer to Beauty Snippets’ disclosure/PR policies page for further information.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide – Part 1

Mother’s Day, Christmas and mum’s birthday. I am always stuck on what to buy my mum to show her my gratitude. She has been through a lot and she’s a tough cookie. She’s taught me so many life lessons. I love her.

Here are my picks for Mother’s Day pressies.

First, we’ll start with one of my mum’s favourite brands, Clinique.

Aromatics Duet - $78

Aromatics Duet – RRP$78

Aromatics Elixir Perfume Spray 25ml
Aromatics Body Smoother 75ml

Totally Happy - $79

Totally Happy – RRP$79

Clinique Happy Perfume Spray 50ml
Clinique Happy Body Cream 75ml
Clinique Happy Rollerball 6ml

Bold Eyes To Go - $59

Bold Eyes To Go – RRP$59

Bottom Lash Mascara Black 2.5ml S
High Impact Mascara Black 3.5ml
Cream Shaper For Eyes – Black
Diamond .8g
Colour Surge ES Duo – Champagne & dark Shade from Like Mink Duo 3g

My pick from Clinique would be the Bold Eyes To Go for my mum who has slowly been learning how to use eyeshadow, mascara, eyelash curler etc lol so this would be a great pack for her.

However, if the above aren’t quite befitting for your mum, you can always head into Clinique and purchase something great from them. If she’s a lippie kind of person, I recommend their lipsticks (review here) and Chubby Sticks (read about it here)

Purple Mother's Day tote

And as always, I love Clinique’s GWP. For their Mother’s Day promotion, spend $100 or more and receive Clinique’s Mother’s Day tote bag free!

Or, available exclusively at David Jones, spend $60 or more and receive an amazing gift with purchase pack that includes:

Clinique David Jones GWP

- All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage 5ml
- Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector 15ml
- Youth Surge Day SPF15 Age Decelerating Moisturizer 15ml
- Deep Comfort Body Butter 40ml
- Liquid Facial Soap Mild 50ml
- Rectangle Eye Shadow Quad
- High Impact Lip Colour SPF15 Nearly Violet 3.8g
- High Impact Curling Mascara in Black 2.5ml
- Cosmetic Bag
From May 2nd – 20th exclusively at David Jones stores nationally.

Review: Kiss Nail Dress in Mini

Kiss Nail Dress in Mini and Camisole

Recently I was sent some Nail Dress and Press and Go nail packs from Kiss Broadway Nails. After seeing many bloggers jump onto the stick-on nail trend, I was intrigued. Today, I will be reviewing the Kiss Nail Dress in Mini for you.

Packaging

Comes in plastic rectangle container.

Kiss Nail Dress contents

In the container you get  a nail file, 28 fashion strips and a nail design booklet. There are also instructions in the booklet as well as on the back of the packet.

Product

Kiss Nail Dress, according to the press release, offers more nail strips per kit than any other brand. Also they are the first brand to incorporate 3D designs! Unfortunately, I didn’t request the ones with the 3D designs. I should’ve!

Kiss Nail Dress in Mini

Mini (KDS09) is a gorgeous lacey design. I am so in love with it.

At first, I was a little worried that it’d be really hard to apply! But once I started, it went smoothly. Just find the stickers that will fit your nails, stick them on and file away.

Kiss Nail Dress in Mini - freshly applied

I was a bit hesitant in applying these prior to my mini holiday to Melbourne over Easter but wow! They lasted over a week. I only took them off because I usually change my polishes every few days. One week+ of wear and without a top or base coat.

Kiss Nail Dress in Mini - 1 week later

I was left with some sticky residue that I just quickly removed with some acetone.

After peeling the Nail Dress off - residue..

I think you can get about 3 uses out of one packet. My sister did  her nails too using the same packet and there are still some left over.

Purchase

Priceline and selected pharmacies nationwide for $13.99AUD. There are 18 Nail Dress designs to choose from.

The product/s mentioned in this post were provided by PR for consideration. Beauty Snippets’ opinion remains 100% unbiased and honest. Please refer to Beauty Snippets’ disclosure/PR policies page for further information.