Colour THEORY Gelato Dreams Collection | Summer 2016 | Swatches, Review and Giveaway!

I have some very pretty pastel shades to share with you today, courtesy of Australian brand Colour THEORY. Colour THEORY release seasonal collections throughout the year, and Gelato Dreams is their most recent collection for Summer 2016. 

Full to the brim with gorgeous pastel options for eyes, lips and fingertips, this very reasonably priced collection will be sure to inspire you! I think it is always important to share products and brands that offer great products at prices that don't break the bank. It gives you the opportunity to experiment, and have fun with your makeup, and that's what it's all about in my opinion!!

Colour THEORY Gelato Dreams Collection Summer 2016

Colour THEORY Tropical Summer Daze 5 colour Eyeshadow Palette RRP $10.00 AUD.

Colour THEORY Tropical Summer Daze Eye Shadow Palette swatched in natural light.

Tropical Summer Daze eye shadow palette provides some very pretty pastel shades to experiment with! The pigmentation is quite good, I have built up the shades in my swatches, and they certainly "pop" on the eyes with the help of an eye primer. Some of the shades are little powdery, but they manage to adhere to the skin all the same! The deeper grey shade has the best formula in the palette, very smooth and creamy, and not at all powdery. I would definitely use an eyeshadow primer with these, however for the price it is a great little palette to pick up and experiment with colour... makeup is all about having fun after all!!

Colour THEORY Bronzer Highlighter Duo RRP $10.00 AUD.

Colour THEORY Bronzer Highlighter Duo swatched in natural light.

I am really enjoying the Bronzer Highlighter duo, and rate it very highly! Definitely a must have out of the collection in my opinion, both the bronzer and the highlighter are smooth, creamy and have excellent pigmentation. They both apply and blend into the skin beautifully. The bronzer leans a little cool, and has a matte finish. The highlighter has a champagne tone, and is quite reflective without leaving your skin sprinkled with glitter particles! I have also used this duo as eye shadows... gotta love multi-purpose beauty products!!

For $10.00 AUD, you need to pick this up! Highly recommend!

Colour THEORY lipsticks L-R Waffle Cone, Citrus Sorbet, Cotton Candy-Licious, and Lip Gloss Frosting
RRP $6.00 AUD each.

Swatched in natural light L-R Waffle Cone, Citrus Sorbet, Cotton Candy-Licious.

These are really lovely lip products for the price! Waffle Cone is a sheer, but buildable nude shade, which I generally prefer when it comes to nude lipsticks. I find them much more flattering than very pale nudes that have an opaque finish. This one glides onto the lips and has a subtle gloss finish.

Citrus Sorbet and Cotton Candy-Vicious are both smooth, highly pigmented lipsticks that definitely make more of a statement lip! Both shades wear very well on the lips, and I don't find them to be drying at all. 

Colour THEORY "Pistachio Party".

Pistachio Party is a vibrant, mint green that falls into the bright pastel family! A gorgeous shade...everyone needs a mint green polish in their collection! Shown is two coats plus top coat.

Colour THEORY "Creme De La Creme".

Creme de la Creme is very sheer, but pretty and delicate. The undertone is a little too warm for my skintone, but it makes for an understated and polished manicure. I have used three coats, and no top coat in the above photograph.

Colour Theory "Cool Capri".

Cool Capri is a gorgeous, pale cement grey, right on trend, and certainly a shade that you could wear all year round ( I say that about most polishes! ) the formula is pretty good, a little patchy with the first coat, but comes good with the second. These polishes are generally not the best at self levelling, I have found that they benefit from a good quality top coat to help give them a nice smooth finish.

Colour THEORY "I Love Bubble Gum".

I love Bubble Gum is a gorgeous cool toned pink with a great formula! Two easy coats for this shade, and she wore very well on my nails for 4 days before showing signs of tip wear. A gorgeous shade, I would definitely recommend picking this one up!All of the Colour THEORY nail polishes retail for $4.00 AUD each, which gives you the perfect excuse to pick up a couple of shades!

You can purchase Colour THEORY products Australia wide from Amcal, Amcal Max, and Guardian Pharmacies.

If you like the look of this collection, do head over to my instagram, because I am giving away a selection of the Gelato Dreams collection!! The giveaway will be for Australian residents only... I do apologise to my international readers!! I'm sorry!!I will be posting the giveaway at 8pm ESDST tonight, so be on the look out!


Have you tried any Colour THEORY products? Do you have any favourite products or shades? Do let me know in the comments below!





Thanks so much for stopping by!



Blessings,



Lou xx

Disclaimer: These products were provided for review. This is not a sponsored post. Cheers xo

Read More »

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eyeshadow Palette: Review and Swatches

A recent release from Too Faced Cosmetics, the Chocolate Bar Eye Shadow Palette has been causing quite a stir among the beauty community of late. It's beautiful neutral theme, enticing scent and clever yet functional packaging seem to be ticking a lot of beauty lover's boxes!

I purchased mine from Tarazz around a month ago, and am thoroughly enjoying it. It is now available to purchase in-store and online in Australia from Mecca Cosmetica, and Kit Cosmetics.

In all honesty, it didn't take a great deal of contemplation as to whether I would purchase this palette. As soon as I saw some reviews and tutorials on You Tube, and read some blogger reviews, I knew that I would love it.

Yes...it smells delightful.

Too Faced state that the shadows are made with 100% natural cocoa powder, enriched with 16 antioxidants...honestly, I really don't have an opinion either way regarding the efficacy or stability of said antioxidants in my eyeshadow. I prefer to rely on good quality serums and eye creams for that. If they do happen to have a sprinkling then all well and good. It was the beautiful shades and variety of finishes that drew me in...

Perhaps worth a mention is that I am yet to own an Urban Decay Naked palette...I know...I'm a little bit more than late on that bandwagon. I know that a lot of people may wonder whether or not to purchase this if they already have the Naked palettes, particularly Naked 1 and Naked 2. I'm afraid I can't really help you with that one, however, I do know of quite a few beauty lovers who have taken the plunge with this palette, and I am yet to hear of anyone being disappointed.

Swatches below are photographed in indirect, natural light.

TOP ROW
L-R Gilded Ganache, White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Black Forrest Truffle, Triple Fudge.

MIDDLE ROW
L-R Salted Caramel, Marzipan, Semi-Sweet, Strawberry Bon Bon, Candied Violet, Amaretto.

BOTTOM ROW
L-R Hazelnut, Creme Brulee, Haute Chocolate, Cherry Cordial, Champagne Truffle.

BOTTOM ROW
Order as above, photographed in direct sunlight.

Almost all of the shadows in this palette are soft, easy to blend and have good colour pay off. Triple Fudge is a little sheer, however this allows you to build up the colour to your desired depth, rather handy for a beginner like me who is still finding her feet when it comes to adding depth to the crease or outer corner of the eye.

Both Milk Chocolate and Salted Caramel are beautiful mid-toned crease/blending out shades. Both matte, but creamy and so easy to blend. Love.

Strawberry Bon Bon, and Candied Violet are a little less than impressive to swatch. Strawberry Bon Bon is quite powdery, and Candied Violet doesn't pack the punch of intense pigment that I was hoping for. Patting this on over a cream base seems to help, though on its own it tends to blend out into more of a grey tone on my eyes.

Marzipan and Creme Brulee have been my most reached for lid shades... just beautiful. Amaretto is absolutely stunning as a one shadow wonder, as are both Hazelnut and Haute Chocolate.

The palette has two larger sized highlighting shades, White Chocolate (matte) and Champagne Truffle (shimmer). I find myself reaching for White Chocolate as my brow bone highlight, it is the perfect shade of pale cream. Champagne Truffle is very reflective, and is lovely in the inner corner, or tapped onto the centre of the lid to catch the light and brighten any eye look.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this palette. I am really enjoying it, and the gorgeous scent of cocoa just adds to the experience of experimenting with the different shades and creating your own looks.

Another benefit of owning a popular palette like the Too Faced Chocolate Bar, is the amount of tutorials you can find on You Tube. You will never be short of inspiration, and I always learn something new...because that's what it's all about after all!!


Have you taken the plunge and purchased this palette? What are your favourite shade combinations? I would love to hear from you in the comments below!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

Read More »

ESTEE LAUDER - Deluxe Gift With Purchase April 2014

Ok Aussie beauty lovers, it's Estee Lauder gift time at Myer!!

A lovely bag of skincare and makeup treats is waiting for you when you spend $70 or more at your Estee Lauder counter, or online at Myer here

Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair serum is a staple in my evening skincare routine. For me, it helps to calm redness, reduce the healing time of blemishes, and also aids in balancing my oily/combo skin. Not to mention a good kick of hyaluronic acid to boost the moisture levels in my tired, dehydrated face. It has a beautiful silky texture that just melts into your skin, leaving it plump and hydrated. Love.

 I have also been known to press a few drops of this gel-like serum onto my skin after cleansing in the mornings...it makes a beautiful base for your makeup.

A rather handy time to be running very low on my first bottle really... gift with purchase time!

So, along with my second bottle of dreaminess, here is a little peak inside my gift bag!

You are able to choose between two different skincare sets within your gift, I believe the colour cosmetics are identical in each bag.

I chose the Anti-Wrinkle Essentials...

Take It Away Makeup Remover 30ml

Advanced Night Repair 7ml

Advanced Time Zone Creme SPF 15 15ml

Advanced Time Zone Eye Creme 5ml

You may also like to choose the Protection Essentials...

Take It Away Makeup Remover 30ml

Advanced Night Repair 7ml

DayWear Creme SPF 15 15ml

Advanced Night Repair Eye 5ml

Your Delux Colour Collection...

Full-size Pure Colour Lipstick in Pink Parfait ( swatched above )

Double-Ended Sumptuous Extreme Mascara in Extreme Black and Lash Primer Plus

Pure Colour Intense Kajal Eye Pencil in Blackened Black

Delux Cosmetics Bag

This lovely offer will be available until Sunday 13th April 2014, or until stocks last.

Don't forget that Mother's Day in Australia is just around the corner...so leave some shockingly obvious hints for your loved ones around the house, or just plan to spoil your own mum!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings, 

Lou xo

Read More »

Dr LeWinn's 4 Fusion Cleansing Oil | Review

If you have ever thought about trying an oil cleanser, or are looking for an affordable alternative to some of the offerings from high end or luxury brands, then look no further than Dr LeWinn's 4 Fusion Cleansing Oil. 

I started experimenting with oil and balm cleansers around eight months ago, and haven't looked back. As I have mentioned in previous skincare posts, I have oily/combo, acne prone, dehydrated skin. I use my oil or balm cleansers as a part of my evening skincare routine. I am not currently using face wipes, cleansing waters or a separate eye makeup remover. My oil or balm cleanser and a soft, fluffy face washer is all I need. 

Whilst loving the transformative process of applying my makeup, there is something to be said for embracing and enjoying the evening ritual of cleansing. 

As the name suggests, Dr LeWinn's 4 Fusion Cleansing Oil contains four lovely "good for skin" oils, as well as some other well known oils and ingredients as the base for their formula. 

I decided to do a little more of my own research into some of the ingredients, and thought I would share it with you. I hope you might find it useful!

Glycine Soya or soybean oil is the first ingredient listed. It is high in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant which also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent for the skin. Glycine Soya is often used in skincare preparations to specifically prevent damage to collagen and elastin fibers, and it is ideal for emulsifying ( mixing with water ) to allow it to be easy washed/rinsed away. 

Rosehip Oil is very high in fatty acids which aid in skin cell regeneration and repair. This is why you often hear that Rosehip oil is recommended for assisting in healing and reducing scarring and hyper pigmentation. 

It is also high in antioxidants to protect the skin, and to promote the formation of collagen. 

Tamanu Oil is a healing and anti-inflammatory nut oil, which also assists in regenerating the skin, and promoting the formation of new tissue. It moisturisers, and nourishes the skin. 

Argan Oil protects, moisturises and reduces redness and irritation. Also high in vitamin E, omegas, and has antibacterial properties. 

Baobab Oil is extracted from the fruit seed of the baobab tree. Used by African societies for centuries, it is high in Omegas 3, 6 and 9, and is exceptionally moisturising, emollient and soothing, without clogging pores. 

Calendula Flower Extract has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, stimulates collagen and promotes healing. 

Lemon Myrtle Oil is antiseptic, antiviral, emotionally uplifting, refreshing and calming. 

Benzoyl Alcohol I assume is included in the ingredients to function as a preservative. I tend to avoid the types of alcohols that are known to be potentially drying or irritating to the skin, and this is one of them. However, in my humble opinion, any drying effect that may possibly occur would be balanced and corrected by the nourishing oils. Also of note, this is a cleanser, and is only on the skin for a couple of minutes at most, so in short, the inclusion of alcohol in this cleanser has not been an issue for me. 

How Does The Vine Use it? 

My preference with cleansing balms and oils is to apply to a dry face. I use 2 pumps and massage it in, all over my face for about a minute, and then remove with a clean washcloth soaked in nice warm water. I then rinse the washcloth, and go over my face again, making sure to remove all of the cleanser. I use a fresh clean face washer every day.  Some thicker balm cleansers can be a little more difficult to emulsify, however if that is your preference than this one will emulsify very easily and beautifully, allowing you to rinse away the oil grime and makeup of the day. 

The directions do specify to avoid direct contact with your eyes. However, I massage the oil over my eyes to remove my eye makeup. It does a brilliant job, and I have experienced no irritation or stinging at all. I do be careful to close my eyes, not sure I want it IN my eyeballs!!

In the evenings I double cleanse, and it will depend on my mood or how my skin is behaving as to which cleanser I choose. If I am feeling particularly dehydrated, I will double cleanse with the oil. If not, I will typically use Alpha-H Triple Action cleansing gel, a gentle non foaming cleanser which I adore. 

Dr LeWinn's 4 Fusion Cleansing oil smells lovely to me. You can definitely notice the fresh scent of the lemon myrtle, though I don't find it overpowering. I am also aware of the scent of the base oils, which have a natural, earthy smell in my opinion. 

Dr LeWinn's 4 Fusion Cleansing Oil is currently 20% off at Priceline Pharmacy nationally, so you can take home a lovely cleansing oil for just under $24.00. It's Rrp is $29.99. 

Have you tried any Dr LeWinn's products? 

Are you a fan of cleansing with oils?

Leave me a comment below, I would love to hear from you! 

Thanks so much for stopping by! 

Blessings, 

Lou xo 

Read More »

ELF Baked Eyeshadows: Photos,Swatches and Review

Last week us Aussies had some exciting news...elf ( eyes-lips-face ) cosmetics are now being sold in Kmart! Hooray! Whilst I have come across the odd little stand here and there, it is really nice to finally be able to look at, touch and feel products first hand, and to be able to take them home the same day!

 I haven't had a chance to check out my local store, so I am not sure exactly which products they are stocking, however I thought I would share some thoughts and swatches of three of the baked eyeshadow shades that I own. I purchased these from the Australian website, here for $8.00 AU each.

One of the features of baked products is that you can use them wet or dry, depending on the depth of colour, or finish that you are after.

Elf Baked Eyeshadow - "Burnt Plum"

This is a beautiful plummy-brown shimmer, perfect for adding depth to the outer corner/crease. Excellent pigmentation and colour pay off.

Elf Baked Eyeshadow - "Pixie"

A very pretty warm peachy-pink with gold shimmer, and could double as a blush/highlight. Nicely pigmented, though not as smooth on application as Burnt Plum.

Elf Baked Eyeshadow - "Toasted"

A stunning golden bronze that boarders on a metallic finish, the softest and smoothest of the shades I own, highly pigmented...gorgeous! It works perfectly as an "all over the lid" shade, blend up into the crease, and you're done.

L-R  Burnt Plum,  Pixie,  Toasted

Swatched in natural light

L-R   Burnt Plum,  Pixie,  Toasted

Top row-wet
Bottom row-dry

As you can see from the photo above, using these shadows wet really enhances both the depth of colour, and the finish. I am particularly taken with Burnt Plum and Toasted...

There are six shades in the baked eyeshadow range available on elf's Australian website. The other shades available are  "Enchanted" "Bark" and "Dusk".

I have a few other single eyeshadows and a couple of blushes from elf''s Studio line, do let me know if you would like to see some swatches.

Do let me know your favourite elf products in the comments section, I would love to hear from you!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

Read More »

Her Fashion Box January 2014

Her Fashion Box has started the year off with a January box full of lovely goodies! I have another 'Feminine' style box to share with you today.

I heard recently that Her Fashion Box will become available internationally in early 2014, which is very exciting!

Also launching early 2014 will be the new 'Her Fitness Box', a monthly subscription box based on good health, nutrition and fitness. Check their website for more details here

Hope you are all having a lovely day wherever you may be!!

Her Fashion Box January Spread

Urban Rituelle Lip Balm - Passionfruit   ( RRP $9.95 ) 
Her Fashion Box Pearl Purse  ( RRP $7.95 )

Her Fashion Box Blush Necklace  ( RRP $24.95 )
Her Fashion Box Flashback Scarf  ( RRP $24.94 )

Her Fashion Box Pocket Manicure Kit $7.95

Jbronze Face Flawless Tan ( RRP 30ml $24.95 )
Jbronze Shimmer Instant Illuminiser ( RRP 100ml $24.95 )

Both samples are 5ml each.

Babe No3. Pink Salt Body Scrub 30gm sample ( RRP 200gm $21.95 )

Muesli For Me 'Her Fashion Box' Mix 45gm sample
Green Smoothie Co. 2 x 10gm sachets ( RRP 5 x 10gm sachets $15.00 )

Cantik Palms Notebook ( RRP $19.95 )

Muesli For Me voucher, Adore Tanning voucher.



I was really pleased when I opened my January box! So many great things to try, and lots of variety! I really like how they have mixed up the beauty bits too...I don't mind a few boxes with less makeup and more body products for a change. I also really appreciated that the vouchers included are directly related to the products in the box...something I had a gripe with (a very small one) in a previous box.
I love the scarf and necklace, the little coin purse is very sweet and always handy for your handbag.
This month, and the November 2013 box are thus far my favourites!!




So here's what I'm imagining....

 1.Wiz up my green smoothie, whilst munching on my muesli, followed by a good old scrub in the shower with my pink salt scrub.

2...get the Jennifer Hawkins bronze glow shimmer lotion on the bod....( it doesn't hurt to dream folks.. )

3.Get dressed, accessorising with my gorgeous statement necklace and enormously beautiful soft scarf...

4...apply the 'good enough to eat' Passionfruit lip balm to my kisser and pause briefly to write a witty and humorous diary entry in my fab new notebook..... *phew*



As always, looking forward to sharing my February box!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

Read More »

Her Fashion Box November 2013

I have the Her Fashion Box 'Feminine' edition to share with you today! I had decided to switch it up from the Classic box this month, and I am enjoying the change of style to something a little softer.

Although my box was a little late due to a few technical difficulties, I can assure you that my experience with their customer service team was excellent. Prompt, friendly communication which resulted in my box arriving a few days later complete with a few extra goodies. Nice.  

Her Fashion Box "Feminine" November 2013

Her Fashion Box "Laces At The Races" necklace  RRP $14.95

Her Fashion Box "Powder Puff" bracelet  RRP $19.95

Orly Nail Lacquers in "Peaceful Opposition" and "Lollipop" RRP $18.95 each

Two coats of "Lollipop" ...accent nails have one coat of "Peaceful Opposition"

Lollipop applied nicely, two coats to achieve a nice opaque finish, lovely formula which was easy to work with. Peaceful Opposition has a very sheer creamy base, and square and hex silver glitters. Perfect subtle glitter topper.

Model Co Gel Eyeliner in Black RRP $26.00

Her Fashion Box 'Ring Around the Rosie' bangle pack  RRP $14.95

The inbuilt brush worked quite nicely to apply the gel liner, however after first use you can see some of the brush hairs starting to splay a little. The gel liner itself was smooth, creamy and lovely to apply, however after several hours did start to transfer and smudge. I have quite oily eyelids though, and need to play around with this a little more and try some different eye primers.

Urban Rituelle Beachcomer Soothing Body Balm in 'Coconut and Honey', and 'Island Citrus'.

Coconut and Honey   "...A smooth and velvety fragrance of blissfully sweet coconut and flowery nectar, dipped in warm honey.."

Island Citrus  " ...A delightfully refreshing fragrance bursting with crisp citrus notes of orange,lime and grapefruit, layered with the soft scent of bergamot and rose..."

Oh yes...such a beautiful formula, very nourishing, not sticky or tacky, and smells Devine!

*immediately rubs all over poor tired body*

There is a promo code for 20% off your next purchase from Urban Rituelle inside the HFB magazine. 

Soothing Body Balms are also available in the blends "Mango Melt" and "Frangipani"

....I need to lie down...

Her Fashion Box hair donut RRP $6.95   

Her Fashion Box "The Twiggy" head scarf  RRP $9.95

Having blonde highlighted hair might be an issue for the black hair donut, so I will gift this to a friend! The head scarf, which is more of a headband really, is quite pretty, however I find headbands nice at first then they just annoy me! See the picture below for my take on a feminine look using the scarf in a different way. I added a braid to a side bun, and a matte bright pink lip!

Hallmark Signature Collection Cards RRP $6.99 - $12.99

A nice box filler. Everyone can use a nice card, and you could decide to gift something from your box to someone and you have a lovely card to go with it!

I am enjoying my change to the Feminine box. I think this month's box is very good value, in particular having two full sized Orly nail polishes! Loving the statement necklace and the cuff, the bangles are not really my bag, you can see from the picture above I just took out the neon pink ones and kept the gold.

LOVING the Urban Rituelle goodies and will definitely be heading to their website to check out their others products ( candles, lip balms...*swoon* )

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings, 

Lou xo

Read More »