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

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SHANGHAI SUZY LIPSTICKS: Review and Swatches

Attention Aussie girls who LOVE a good Lippy!!

I discovered the relatively new Australian cosmetic brand Shanghai Suzy whilst having a mooch around the lovely Sarah's blog, More Than Adored. 

Shanghai Suzy are a lipstick only brand, based in Melbourne, Australia.  

Sarah has reviewed the 2013 launch collection on her blog, as well as the 2014 Autumn Winter collection. Her swatches are brilliant. She has also interviewed Jo Weaton, the founder of Shanghai Suzy, so do head on over to her blog to check out these great posts.

Shanghai Suzy release 8 shades within each seasonal, on trend collection. There are two formulas in the range, Nourish, and Matte. Both are outstanding. Each collection is limited edition.. once the shades are sold out, they're gone. Be quick lovelies...

Each of the lipsticks are $12.95 each.

You can purchase 3 shades and choose a 4th for free.

You can purchase the entire A/W 2014 collection of 8 shades for $65.00 with free shipping!

You can be a complete greedy guts like me and purchase a "Pick and Mix" of 8 shades of your choice for $65.00 with free shipping! 

I have 7 shades to share with you today! ( I purchased two of one particular shade, which was gifted to a dear family member ).

Perfect for storage, colour coded lids keep things functional and easy.

Left to Right - Miss Sophia-Lilac, Miss Kitty-Black Plum, Miss Georgina-Pink Plum, Miss Brooklyn-Rose, Miss Melissa-Hot Pink, Miss Tegan-Cherry, Miss Hannah-Blood Red.

Swatched in order corresponding to the previous photograph, in natural light.

SO... I was brave and tried to do some lip swatches as well. Do forgive the lighting differences, it was literally four seasons in one day. There is one shade that I have swatched below I believe may be sold out, Miss Brooklyn I'm looking at you.... please do head to the website here for up to date information and availablity of shades and much swooning...

 SHANGHAI SUZY Miss Sophia - Lilac,  Matte Lipstick

SHANGHAI SUZY Miss Kitty - Black Plum,  Matte Lipstick

SHANGHAI SUZY Miss Georgina - Pink Plum,  Nourish Lipstick

SHANGHAI SUZY Miss Brooklyn - Rose,  Nourish Lipstick

SHANGHAI SUZY Miss Melissa - Hot Pink,  Matte Lipstick

SHANGHAI SUZY Miss Tegan - Cherry,  Matte Lipstick

SHANGHAI SUZY Miss Hannah - Blood Red,  Nourish Lipstick

A few thoughts straight from the Beauty Vine's lips...

The most recent collection, Autumn/Winter 2014 are all Matte formulas. I am blown away by how comfortable this formula is on my lips. I own matte lipsticks from Revlon, Rimmel, MAC, and Maybelline, and Shanghai Suzy beats them all by a country mile. The pigment is rich and glorious, they are extremely long lasting, and yet still manage to feel so lightweight on the lips. There are some important application tips on the website, so do heed that advice to make the most of your finished look.

Three of my shades are in the Nourish formula. All three were from the Spring Summer 2013 launch, and as mentioned above, all shades are limited edition. Another beautiful formula, great colour pay-off, and they definitely feel nourishing and comfortable. Of course, being more moisturising, you will likely need to reapply more often. No problem.

They do have a distinct scent. A fruity, bubblegum scent inspired by Grape Hubba Bubba! It certainly takes me back to my childhood!

I did notice the scent to be quite strong when I first removed the lid, less so on application, and within a few minutes was not aware of it. I am not aware of any taste whilst wearing these lipsticks.

I really love, and am enjoying all of the shades that I purchased. If you asked me my current, "go-to" shade, it would have to be Miss Georgina. For me, it is the perfect everyday, pick-me-up, brighten-up-my-face shade. I may feel the need to purchase a back up...and if it is ever re-promoted, perhaps a suitable name change might be  "Miss Lou"...?

Just sayin....

Shanghai Suzy lipsticks are not tested on animals, and do not contain any animal derived ingredients. 

Do leave me a comment down below! I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings, 

Lou xo

P.S. I purchased all of these lippies with my hard earned money. I am not affiliated with the brand, however if you see me in the street I will most likely be wearing one, have one in my purse, and be waving a Shanghai Suzy flag...

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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

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Benefit Fakeup Crease Control Hydrating Concealer | Review and Swatches

On a recent trip to Brisbane in January, a good friend and I hit the shops at Carindale for a little retail therapy. We treated ourselves to a brow wax and tint at the Benefit Brow Bar in Myer ( highly recommend!!) After you have your brows done, you head over to the other side of the counter and have some finishing touches done to your makeup, and have the opportunity to try other products that may interest you. I was keen to try the Benefit Fakeup under eye concealer, and the very lovely MUA recommended my shade and applied it for me...I was hooked.

Benefit Fakeup Hydrating Concealer in Medium 02

As you can see from the photos above, the core of pigment is surrounded by a hydrating solid, gel like moisturiser. I apply it straight from the bullet to my under eye area, concentrating it where I need the most colour correcting. To blend it in, I pat it with my fingertip. Easy.

I am so glad the MUA recommended the shade Medium 02 for me. I have discovered that using a concealer that matches my skin tone directly under my eyes is the most flattering for me ( at my age! ).

If I choose to do some highlighting, I will place it further down near my orbital bone, and away from the bluish tones that I have in my inner corners and under eye. For me personally, using a very light concealer directly under my eyes only serves to make the discolouration, and any puffiness seem more prominent, and it looks unnatural.

In my experience Benefit Fakeup is not a full coverage concealer. But it doesn't need to be. The added hydration makes it creamy but not greasy, and it manages to soften and blur the look of fine lines around your eyes. In short, it gives me medium coverage, whilst making my under eye area just look fresher and more youthful.

I was told to set it with powder by the makeup artist, that it was designed to be set because it is so hydrating. I have experimented with some different powders in my collection, ranging from translucent loose setting powders, mineral powders, and powders like Maybelline Superstay that offer decent coverage as well as setting properties. My only advice would be to use a very light hand with your powder, but any of these work well for me. I have also used it without powder, with impressive results.

Benefit Fakeup is the most "creaseless" concealer I have tried. For me, it does live up to its' claim of "...hiding dark circles and diffuses fine lines for a silky smooth ultra-natural look."

I reach for it every day...every day!!

I paid $35.00 AU and purchased from the Benefit counter in Myer. 

It is also available to purchase online here

Have you tried Fakeup? Do you have a favourite under eye concealer?

Do leave a comment below!! I love reading them!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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Rimmel London - Brixton Brown Eyeshadow Palette

I picked this little palette up a few months ago as part of an ASOS order. I have not yet seen these in store, and after hearing some great reviews from our UK beauty sisters, it was one that was begging to go into my shopping cart. 

A little lighter on the wallet, this Rimmel London 5 pan eyeshadow palette in the shade Brixton Brown was $13.84 AU. Always a little easier to justify purchases when they are reasonably priced!! ( tell me I'm not alone on this one! )

A predominantly neutral offering,with a pop of colour in the centre... and just quietly the highlight shade is just stunning!

The Beauty Vine Ramble

These are not the softest, creamiest shadows in the world, however they do have quite good pigmentation, and blend nicely. The lighter matte shade, second from the right in the photos above, feels quite dry and doesn't swatch particularly well. However, once on the lid it actually performs really nicely as an 'all over the lid' shade, and also gives the crease a nice subtle definition. 

The metallic highilight shade is beautiful pale cream with a gold reflect, very pigmented and looks beautiful patted on the centre of the lid or as an inner corner highlight. 

The copper/red toned shade in the centre was a little disappointing...it swatches nicely, but seemed to blend away to more of a subtle wash on your eyes. I will experiment a little more with this one and report back. A cream shadow base would likely amp up the colour payoff nicely. 

These warm red tones are also popular for warming up the crease, though I have yet to try that with this shade.

The two dark matte shades on the left are quite smooth to touch and blend well. They both function nicely to add depth and definition to your eye look. 

Overall, it's a very nice, inexpensive little palette. I feel that it offers a good variety of shades and finishes, allowing you to go as natural or as smokey as you desire. 

Thanks so much for stopping by! 

Blessings, 

Lou xo

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On My Nails Today - Sally Hansen Triple Shine 'Great White'

Looking for a slightly more wearable white for your nails? It can be a little daunting trying to pull off the opaque white nail. As bright, clean and fresh as it looks, it can also sometimes look a little stark. 

If you are in the market for a softer, perhaps more 'grown up' white mani, then you might like Sally Hansen Triple Shine in the shade Great White. 

A beautiful sheer white with gorgeous micro shimmers which are not only visible once on the nail, but also serve to give the shade a lovely glow and dimension. Not frosty. Just flattering. 

I have done three coats of Great White in these photos, swatched in natural light. The nail line is still clearly visible after 3 coats, but I think it adds a nice little bit of softness.

What are your thoughts on the white mani? Do you rock the opaque look, or prefer something a little more subtle? I would love to hear from you, please feel free to leave a comment below!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings, 

Lou xo

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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 

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