Marie Claire The Parcel | Autumn Edit | Review

Good Afternoon beauties!

Bringing you the third instalment of The Parcel by Marie Claire today, the Autumn Edit.

I was sent the very first box as a press sample, and was planning to continue to purchase the next few edits, however I missed the cut of date for the Summer box, which I believe was very well received in the beauty blogger-sphere.

You can find my review of the first edition of The Parcel here, along with information regarding ordering options and costs.

I purchased this box as a one off, paying $29.95 ( including postage ), and was very much looking forward to it! I have mentioned in prior posts, that a crucial element of the whole beauty box subscription for me, is consistency. Companies will often hit it out of the park with the first couple of boxes, and then gradually descend into the less than exciting/mediocre land of disappointment.

Ok, Autumn Edit...let's see what you've got!

Marie Claire - The Parcel - Autumn Edit

Rimmel BB Cream Radiance RRP $12.95

One of two, full size complexion products, is the very new ( now in store ) Rimmel London BB cream Radiance. I was given the shade Light, which on swatching is very neutral toned, to the point of looking a little ashy on my skin, and has quite a thick, mousse-like texture. The Rimmel Matte BB cream is one of my absolute favourite drugstore BB creams. It has a beautiful satin finish on the skin  ( not really matte in my opinion ), lovely medium coverage, blends beautifully, and is very smoothing to my old pores. I am in the shade light in the Matte version, which is definitely warmer and slightly darker than this Radiance version. I would highly recommend swatching in store, as I believe these shades run quite light ( good news for those pale beauties out there ). I will put this one through it's paces and keep you updated.

Garnier Skin Naturals Miracle Skin Cream RRP $19.95

The second full size complexion product is one I have definitely had my eye on! Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup has spoken quite favourably about this product recently, and I am very keen to see how it looks and performs on my skin. It has quite a few nice ingredients, including one of my favourites, Niacinamide, which helps to renew and exfoliate the skin, aiding in the lightening of dark spots and pigmentation. My first thought was to try this as a base for mineral foundation, so I will keep you posted with my thoughts! It is one of those "colour adjusting" formula's that as you apply and work into the skin changes from white, to a flesh toned shade...some of these types of products end up being a little too dark for me... none the less, I am looking forward to testing it out!

Lancome Advanced Genefique Youth Activating Concentrate 7ml Deluxe Sample - Full Size 
RRP $95.00

A nice sized, high end skincare sample to try.... I haven't heard a great deal about this serum, but happy to pop it into the rotation, and see how it compares with my current favourites. It claims to address the many visible signs of ageing skin ( puts hand up ), so if it is worthy of a mention you may here about this one again. 

Max Factor Masterpiece Transform Mascara RRP $23.95

Another product that I have heard a lot about, I am keen to see if this one lives up to the hype! I believe it is a plastic wand, with shorter bristles, and a defining and lengthening formula. I have to say though that I believe that some Max Factor products are a little on the expensive side... has anyone else found that, or is it just me?  

L'Occitane Dry Skin Hand Cream, Deluxe sample, Full Size RRP $42.00

I was very pleased to see a little bit of L'Occitane in this box! I do love a little bit of L'Occitane!

I received the Shea Butter, and opened it up and slathered it on my hands straight away. A nice, little luxury addition, I'm sure most people would be happy to receive one of these. They are the perfect size for your handbag, and the formula is extremely nourishing without being too heavy or greasy.

MOR Emporium Classics Snow Gardenia Triple-Milled Soap RRP $19.95

Now, I don't mind the scent of Gardenia, in fact, it is one of my favourite flowers. However, I have to say that I was personally a little disappointed when I saw this. I ADORE many of the MOR scents... Blood Orange, Lychee...not to mention the gloriously beautiful Marshmallow, a huge favourite of mine. I am also not really a soap girl, and the scent of this is just a little headache inducing to me. Sadly, into the knickers draw it will go, or perhaps re-gifted to someone that might use and enjoy it. 

Schick Hydro Silk Razor RRP $14.25 &  Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes RRP $3.99

Two handy and practical products to include, both the razor and the wipes are great to have in the cupboard. I do not typically (aka ever) use wipes, however this little mini pack will be handy for travel, or to pop in your purse. 

I like the idea of the moisturising gel surrounding the blades on the razor... I only shave my underarms ( sorry...that's a bit TMI? ), so will throw this one in the shower and give it a go!

My thoughts...

Overall, I am very happy with the Autumn Edition of The Parcel. Like the first box I received, I think it represents excellent value, and contains a nice mix of cosmetics, skincare and body care. 

To be honest though, I wasn't quite as excited about this box. As I said, the MOR soap really isn't a hit with me, and considering the many other modern, stunning scents and products that MOR makes, I just feel that they could have done so much better!! I would have been happy with a little perfume sample, of any of the other scents that I mentioned above. Having said that, I'm sure there are many people who do love it, and will enjoy it.

The facial wipes are another thing, for me personally, that didn't really tickle my fancy, however I know many people use them all the time and love them. It is impossible to please everybody all of the time! The first box appealed to me immensely, though I am sure that for some it may not have. You have to keep these things in perspective I think.

All of the other products I will happily use and enjoy testing, I love that there are so many full size products, and I would still definitely recommend The Parcel to anyone considering trying a new beauty subscription box. I plan on purchasing the Winter Edit, and reviewing it for you as well.

Click the link here to find out all about The Parcel!

What do you think of the Autumn Edit? Have you tried The Parcel? Do let me know your thoughts below in the comments!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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Current Evening Skincare Routine

I thought I would share my current evening skincare routine with you today. I have been using this combination of products consistently for about a month, and have seen some really fantastic changes in my skin. I have spoken about a couple of these products previously, and others are fairly new to me. These products have worked so well for me, that I am slightly anxious about changing anything. I cannot recall the last time I felt this way about a group of products, and though I still have many other product and brands loves, (and holy grail products), this combination has made my skin balanced, calm and just generally happy.

As a self confessed skincare junkie, I am always trying new products. I can't help myself really... everything about skincare and skincare products intrigues me. Now that I am on the other side of 40, I am certainly noticing more fine lines, wrinkles and general signs of ageing creeping up on me. Having said that, it really is just a part of life. You cannot stop ageing...time marches on folks, let me tell you. Aside from protecting your skin from the sun, and your genetic predisposition, your skin will eventually show signs of ageing. 

Thankfully for me, along with getting older, comes a little more life experience, a little more gratitude, and a wider, clearer view of what really is important. I have so many stretch marks on my stomach from my four pregnancies, my skin is so stretched and it really doesn't look pleasant at all, but they are my mummy scars. I would not be without them. They tell a story, just like the wrinkles around my eyes and mouth from smiling, and the frown lines between my eyes and on my forehead from thinking, questioning and learning about life. 

However, that being said, I still want my skin to look nice... I still want my skin to be free of acne, and I still care about how my complexion looks, and I want it to look it's best!

It may seem like a lot of products and steps, and it probably is! My evening routine is one of my favourite times of the day. My children are asleep, my husband is happily holding the TV remote, and I can enjoy a nice warm shower and look after my skin without having to talk to anyone...silence is golden folks, I'm here to tell you! As much as I enjoy applying my makeup, I think I might enjoy taking it off even more. I do all of my cleansing steps in the shower. It just works for me that way. I am not suggesting you need to do all of these things either, but I enjoy the process...it makes me happy!

Let's go then!

Yep...it takes a whole bowl!

Cleansing...

Ole Henrikson pure truth melting cleanser  is a beautiful cleanser that I purchased whilst in New York last year. The tub in the picture above is in fact almost empty, and I have just repurchased another. It goes on the skin as a thick, smooth gel, and as you massage it in, it melts into an oil. It is the most beautiful texture, feels beautiful on the skin, and removes all of my makeup, leaving my skin feeling amazing. It has a beautiful citrus scent, which I love, and it has not caused me any irritation. 

I use it as I would a cleansing oil, straight onto dry skin. You can emulsify it with a little water, and it turns into more of a milky consistency, but I prefer not too. I enjoy the slip and texture of the oil on my skin. Once you emulsify it, you loose that slip.
If the thought of using an oil cleanser scares you a little, you need to try this. It leaves absolutely no oily residue on the skin. After a nice massage, I then remove it with a clean face washer/flannel. The trusty face washer is the only skincare 'tool' you will find in my bathroom. I have a huge pile of them, and I use a clean one every day. I have not tried a clarisonic, or any other cleansing devices as yet. I am happy with my flannels so far! I like to spend a few more dollars and get the nice, soft thick ones, as they hold the warmth of the water beautifully.

One pump of Go-To Properly Clean is my second cleanse. I am a fan of the double cleansing method, and it has worked well for my skin for the better part of two years now. Properly Clean is a gentle, lightweight, fluffy mousse cleanser that I love. I have reviewed it in full here. It smells heavenly, feels beautiful, and rinses away perfectly. I am coming to the end of this bottle too, and shall be repurchasing it very soon. Why does all the good stuff run out at the same time!!??

One of the more recent editions to my night time routine has been the Exfoliator from Indeed Labs. Gifted to me for trial purposes, I have indeed been trialling it ( excuse the pun ) and I love it. It follows a similar concept as the much talked about Daily Microfoliant from Dermalogica ( which I have not tried ), in that it dispenses as a powder, that you then mixed with water to create a thick, soft foam. Containing rice bran powder, hyaluronic acid, and some trusty fruit enzymes, this leaves my skin feeling smooth and generally looking clearer and brighter. I tap a small amount into the palm of my hand, mix it really well with a little bit of water for about 10 seconds between my palms until it resembles a soft foam, and then apply it to my face, avoiding the eye area. I don't really massage it in, I just softly move it around my face with my fingertips for about a minute... I prefer to let those lovely fruit enzymes do all the exfoliating. I find it to be very gentle, it rinses away beautifully, and leaves my skin feeling so soft and just lovely. Worthy of note, the price point is certainly a little friendlier than the afore mentioned... you're welcome.

Hydrating...

Antipodes Ananda Antioxidant Rich Gentle Toner is my first layer of hydration after I step out of the shower. This is my second bottle. Definitely a hydrating mist rather than a traditional "toner", I spritz my face like a mad woman, breathe in the beautiful, subtle bulgarian rose scent, and then pressed it into my skin with the palms of my hands. Glorious. I also love the People for Plants hydrating mist, and the Sukin Hydrating Mist if you are looking for a slightly less expensive alternative.

My next step is to move straight onto the eyes, and the cooling metal ball and lightweight serum from the Puretopia Eye Rescue does the trick for me ( love this in the morning as well ). Vitamin E and Shea butter moisturise, whilst peptides and Vitamin C are said to reduce puffiness and brighten the eye area. I apply it along the orbital bone, starting in close to the nose and then out and up to my temple, and then pat it in with my fingertips. The tube is soft and pliable, so you just gently squeeze it to dispense a little of the serum onto the tip of the metal ball. Eye Rescue always makes my under eye area look refreshed and hydrated, without feeling too heavy or greasy. I haven't noticed a huge difference in the discolouration under my eyes ( about 6 weeks of sleep might help ) but my fine lines are certainly less noticeable!

The next lightweight layer is thanks to the Puretopia Essential Facial Serum. It feels amazingly light on the skin considering it consists of skin loving Argan, Rosehip, Seabuckthorn, Cranberry and Blackcurrent oils, along with Glycerin, and Shea butter. This product is a bit of a gem actually. As you can see in the photograph above, the Eye Rescue roller is on the left, and the Essential Facial Serum is on the right. Three small metal roller balls dispense a very light, buildable layer of serum onto your skin. Time can get away from me when I use this! It is just so lovely to roll all over your face! I try to encourage lymphatic drainage by working from the centre of my face outwards, and like to focus on my jaw line, as I am experiencing a bit of congestion around that area. The compact little bottle works  with gravity, so you just need to tip it up to dispense the serum as you go. I just use a very light layer underneath my new favourite treatment serum...

Treating, Protecting and Nourishing...

I first heard about the Olay Regenerist Luminous Daily Treatment serum when Ruth, from A Model Recommends, trialled it for Olay. She had very good things to say about it indeed, and I absolutely trust and value Ruth's opinion on skincare, so I picked it up during a recent sale at my local Priceline pharmacy.

When I was checking the ingredient list in store, I was very excited to see Niacinamide was the second ingredient. Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, hydrates the skin, assists in cell turnover, improves skin elasticity, and helps to reduce hyperpgimentation. I adore this serum, and have definitely noticed that my skin tone is more even and looks brightened and refreshed in the four weeks I have been using it. I also feel that it has contributed to the fading of old acne scaring. Apologies for using this word again, but it is very lightweight, and absorbs quickly and easily into the skin. I have even been using my chemical exfoliants ( AHA's and BHA's ) considerably less often since I started using this serum. I'm absolutely impressed, and would highly recommend it. I haven't even felt the need to repurchase my Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair....now that's saying something folks.

Last, but certainly not least...the final layer...the final frontier...absolutely the last layer I promise... is Go-To Face Hero, one of the most deliciously gorgeous face oils I have ever used. I was lucky enough to have received an email two weeks prior to the official launch date, with an offer to make an early bird purchase....and purchase I did!

I could see a very noticeable difference in my skin after using this for two days! I left a comment for Zoe Foster Blake ( Go-To creator and all round fabulous woman ) on Instagram a month ago, saying that my skin was calm, happy and hydrated, and it has since stayed that way. I have also noticed a reduction in oil production, and almost no breakouts....yep, really! I'm thrilled to bits!

Face Hero contains a blend of 10 beautiful, skin loving oils, including Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Macadamia Oil, Brazil Nut Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Buriti Oil, Arnica Oil, Rosehip Oil, Calendula Oil, and Kiwi Seed Oil. 

It has a beautiful, subtle, natural fragrance of Orange Blossom and Rose Gardenia. Not at all strong or overpowering, I can still smell the earthiness of the natural oils underneath. I smooth 4-5 drops over my face and neck, and chest area every night. It has a lovely, velvety consistency which my skin just drinks up. I cannot say enough good things about Face Hero... he truly is a little bit of magic to me!

Phew. You made it to the end...thank you! I'd love to know your favourite skincare products! Are you a skincare addict like me? Do leave a comment below if you would like to, and feel free to ask me any questions you may have and I'll do my best to answer them!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

Disclaimer: Products from Indeed Labs and Puretopia were PR gifts. All other products were purchased/repurchased by me! Cheers, Lou xo

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My Natural, Everyday Makeup Look with Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics

I have used, and enjoyed mineral makeup for the last four to five years. As someone with acne prone skin, I was initially drawn to it because of it's lightweight, but buildable coverage that was going to let my skin 'breathe' and not exacerbate my acne. I have tried quite a few different brands and formulas over the years, and when offered the opportunity to try Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics I said yes please!

Today, I have some thoughts to share with you regarding the products, and some photographs of the makeup on my skin. I created a very quick and simple everyday look using the products below. This type of makeup look is really the only one I am good at!! I have been putting my "face on" for many years now, and honestly I do wear some sort of makeup on a daily basis. Some people may be gasping in horror, but most people who have experienced acne, or any other disfiguring skin condition will probably understand. I do try to keep things looking as natural as possible, whilst evening out my skin and giving my face a bit of colour, glow and subtle definition. 

I was surprised to discover that Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics were founded in 1996, almost 20 years ago! Pauline Youngblood, founder and president of Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics, used her knowledge and experience as a medical aesthetician to develop a range of mineral based cosmetics that would provide excellent coverage, whilst still allowing the skin to breathe. The first product developed,  the Natural Mineral Foundation, and was designed for patients recovering from laser treatments, acne, rosacea and cosmetic surgeries. Free of talc, oil, parabens, fragrance, Youngblood boast luxurious, lightweight, and non-comedogenic formulas in sleek, sophisticated packaging, and are cruelty free.

YOUNGBLOOD  Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow Quad - Timeless
L-R Doe, Coco, Desert, Haze.
Swatched in indirect natural light.

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics
L - R   Lipgloss - Da-ja Vu,  Pressed Mineral Blush - Blossom
Pressed Mineral Eyeshadows as per previous swatches.
Swatched in direct natural light

Natural Mineral Foundation - Soft Beige

If you are familiar with mineral foundations, you may be aware that the formula's can vary greatly, depending on the brand. Some are more on the dry side, and others are more creamy. This mineral powder falls into the creamier category, and I really like it. On the skin, it gives what I would call a satin finish, not shiny or sparkly, just natural and glowing. The shade I have is in Soft Beige, which is a pretty good match for my light-medium skin tone. It has a slight yellow undertone which I prefer as it helps to counteract the redness I can experience in my skin at times.

I start with a small amount tapped into the lid, pick up the powder with a kabuki brush, hold it upright and tap the base of the brush lightly in the palm of my hand. I personally like to do this, as it allows some of the minerals to drop into the bristles. When you first place the brush to your face, an overloaded brush can mean that the product can look at little heavy in that area. As I said, this is just the way I like to do it to avoid any areas looking cakey. A light hand is best with creamy formulas like this one in my humble opinion. I start on one side of my face, on the cheek area, and blend the foundation in circular motions around my cheeks, sweep it down the side of my chin, up and across the side of my nose, and then up to my temples and forehead area. I then repeat the same process on the other side. Without adding any more product, I will then spend a few minutes lightly buffing the minerals into my skin. I find that as you do this, the minerals can really blend into the skin, it perfects the finish and improves the coverage without adding any additional product. Like many cosmetic products, it is best to start with a little a build up coverage gradually. For the photographs below, I did one layer of the mineral foundation. You can still see some of my pigmentation and freckles peaking through, which I don't mind at all. I'm not about full coverage for my everyday makeup, but I think one layer gives me a nice medium coverage, evens out my skintone, and gives my skin a nice fresh look. If you compare the skin on my neck and chest area to my face, you can see the coverage that it gives.

I like to follow my mineral foundations with a good spritz of a hydrating facial mist. I find that it helps the foundation to meld with the skin. Youngblood do have a variety of facial mists available, however I have not tried them. I will share some of my favourite hydrating mist toners in another post!

Ultimate Concealer - Medium

This concealer is quite creamy to touch and easy to blend, and can be applied lightly for sheer coverage, or built up to a medium coverage. Some concealers with particularly emollient formulas can slip and slide on the skin, however this one does not. I found it best to apply with a flat concealer brush, and then blend a little if needed with my fingertips. I also used a thin layer of this as my eyeshadow primer and it worked a treat! I found that it did not completely cancel out the bluish undertones I have under my eyes, but it did diminish them nicely for an everyday look. I did have to build up the concealer over a few pesky blemishes, but it did the job nicely and I was able to blend away the edges easily.

I always apply my concealer after my mineral foundation. I have never had any issues doing it this way, and find if I use it prior to the minerals I end up just buffing it away. 

Pressed Mineral Blush - Blossom

An everyday makeup look is never without blush for me. It is a staple in my routine, and is one product that ALWAYS makes me feel, and look fresher and a little more awake than I typically feel! 

Blossom is a beautiful pinky/peach shade with what I would call a slightly warm, almost terracotta undertone, perfect for an everyday natural look. It has a matte finish, however the finish on the skin is not flat at all. I added a little of the eyeshadow in the shade Desert straight over the top of the blush, to give a little bit more glow ( cos when you're 40, you need all the help you can get.. ).

Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow Palette - Timeless

A lovely neutral eyeshadow palette with 3 matte shades and one shimmer. The formula of all four shades is smooth and blendable. The lightest shade Doe, does not swatch particularly well on my arm, however it works beautifully as a matte highlight on the browbone. The shade Coco, described by Youngblood as a medium, warm chocolate brown also has a matte finish, and I applied it all over my lid and up into my crease. I used my finger to tap a little bit of the shade Desert, a peachy golden shimmer, onto the centre of my lid. As I mentioned earlier, I also used this shade on my cheeks, over my blush to add a subtle glow.

I used the cooler, grey toned shade Haze softly along my upper lash line with a small angled brush. Using the same brush, I took a little of both Haze and Coco, and filled in my brows. These pressed shadows really adhere nicely to the skin, and I found these two shadows to work perfectly to even out my brows and give them a little bit of definition. You could certainly build up the colour if your brows are darker than mine. These eyeshadows are a pleasure to use, and quite multifunctional...gotta love that!

Lipgloss - Da-ja-Vu

Smack bang on the rosey brown/neutral lip trend, this lipgloss has become a firm favourite of mine. It is not sticky in the least, very nourishing, gives your lips a plump, hydrated appearance whilst conditioning them with natural oils. It has a really nice amount of colour pay off, and works perfectly on its own without any other lip product required. I adore this formula, and feel absolutely compelled to own more shades...

All photographs below are unedited and were taken in natural light to try to give you the most honest representation of not only my skin, but the colours of the products that I used. I am a makeup enthusiast, not a makeup artist, and I am also not in my first flush of youth, so please be kind!

You can click the link Here to go to Youngblood Australia's website, where you will find a plethora of information and all of their products. You will also find lists of stockists, both bricks and mortar and online. I found quite a variation in pricing on some of the online stockists, so I have not included individual pricing in this post. I will say that they do tend to sit in the mid to higher end in terms of pricing, however I would not hesitate to recommend them, and would indeed spend my own money to purchase more. 

Have you tried any Youngblood Mineral products? Are you a mineral makeup lover? Let me know your thoughts below in the comment section...I always love to hear from you!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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OPI Fifty Shades of Grey | Swatches and Chat

I'm afraid to say that I have not read the book, nor seen the movie, but the Fifty Shades of Grey phenomenon has certainly made its mark on me...or should I say...on my fingernails!

OPI have recently released their Fifty Shades of Grey inspired set of nail polishes in moody, sensual hues of grey, silver and red. The collection consists of four gorgeous cream formulas, one metallic, and one glitter. 

This mini set was graciously sent to me for review, and I believe I had the first shade on my nails within minutes of it being in my hot little hands. I adore them all, but have a particular fondness for the luscious cream formulas in the set. All six of the shades are sophisticated, glowing, vibrant, and utterly "grown up".

There will be full size purchases made in the near future my loves, I'll give you the tip!

I believe I have mentioned in other nail related posts, that I am a nail polish enthusiast, not a nail blogger. I photograph my mani's in natural light, and enjoy mixing up my shades. If you would like straight swatches, there are a plethera available just a click away on google.

OPI Fifty Shades of Grey - Dark Side of the Mood and My Silk Tie

Dark Side of the Mood is a stunning deep, rich, charcoal grey, which takes on an almost blueish hue in some lights. I was surprised to find the first coat to be quite sheer and a little patchy, however the second coat glides on and evens out perfectly. It is one of the those dark, mysterious, almost black polishes that just looks so sophisticated. I am sure the application would be improved with the wide curved brush that the full size polishes have, as opposed to the thiner, straight edge of the mini bottles. This shade is certainly unique in my collection...I think it is just beautiful.

A few days after wearing this as a straight mani, I thought I would try my hand at a free hand french tip using My Silk Tie. My effort is a little pedestrian, but I liked the overall effect. Definitely more practice is in order!

OPI Fifty Shades of Grey - Embrace the Grey

Embrace the Grey is the mid-toned grey of the collection, and again, another favourite. It is just so classy, particularly when paired with gold accessories in my humble opinion. This shade can lean a little warm and has a subtle olive tone to it in artificial light. I found it to dry a little darker on the nail than what you see in the bottle. Very pretty. 

OPI Fifty Shades Of Grey - Romantically Involved

Oh Romantically Involved suprised me! I am typically drawn to cool, blue based red polishes because I feel like they suit my skintone a little better than the warmer reds. Romantically Involved is quite a warm, passionate red, and I loved it. In my opinion, this formula was the most pigmented, and smooth going on the nail out of the whole collection. Two easy coats. Like butter. Glorious.

OPI Fifty Shades Of Grey - Cement the Deal, My Silk Tie and Shine for Me

In the final mani above, I had decided to use a fishtail method on my ring finger using My Silk Tie. A beautiful glowing metallic silver polish, that does unfortunately show vertical brush marks on the nail. I mentioned on Instagram that I had previously seen this fishtail technique used with a single shade of polish that has the tendency to look a little streaky on the nail, and the effect is stunning! Though terribly hard to photograph due to the reflective finish of this polish in particular, my attempt ended up looking a little more like brushed metal...which I loved. I'll have to do a full mani with this shade I think!

Cement the Deal  is a stunning, light blue/grey and is just beautiful. I have seen this shade on many different skin tones, and it is flattering on everyone! I adore it. Again, the first coat was a little patchy, but evened out perfectly with the second. Love.

Shine for Me is a gorgoeus silver and blue microglitter in a clear base that complements the other shades in the collection perfectly. It is not a loud, attention seeking glitter, just a really pretty one. 

So friends... do tell... is the book good? Is the movie good? Am I missing out loves?

Have you got your eye on any of these beautiful shades of polish? Which one is your favourite?

Please feel free to leave a comment below!

Mr Grey will see you now...

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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Summer Skin Survival with Ingrid Seaburn

Apart from being a rather glorious way to waste time, Instagram can also offer the beauty lover the chance to win little giveaways...or sometimes big ones depending on whom you follow!

Some months ago now,  I happened to be scrolling away in between loads of washing and picking toys up off the floor that no one else seams to see or even notice, and happened upon Ingrid Seaburn's recently posted picture of her very own targeted skincare line HYDRATE. The caption below asked the follower to name the star ingredient in her serum, and the first one to answer correctly would win a bottle! Pffft....easy peasy... as quick as my fingers could tap out Hyaluronic Acid they did, and guess what chickens? I won myself the prize!

I have been following Ingrid on Instagram for some time now, and always had Hydrate on my list of serums to try. Ingrid has been working her magic as a very highly regarded skincare therapist in LA for over 13 years, and has an impressive list of Hollywood clientele including Teri Hatcher ( Ingrid was her personal skincare therapist for 5 years whilst she was staring in Desperate Housewives ) and our very own beautiful Rachel Griffiths, just to name a select few. Ingrid's skills were in demand from high profile actors, celebrities and musicians alike.

I am delighted and thrilled to have Ingrid as my guest on The Beauty Vine today! Ingrid will be sharing some post party season Summer Survival skincare tips today, to help us get back the glow that the late nights, party food and the odd cocktail may have dulled.

To kick off the post, I will be sharing my thoughts on Hydrate, Ingrid's own hydrating serum. My bottle is sadly all but empty... its a good one.

Hydrate is an oil free, gel based serum that can be easily  incorporated into any part of your skincare routine. Hydrate boasts pure hyaluronic acid in a soothing base of Aloe Vera that is perfect for all skin types.

Naturally occurring in our bodies, hyaluronic acid levels unfortunately deplete as we age. Often described as the "moisture magnet" for the skin, it aides in the skins ability to maintain its moisture levels, which, in turn, also boosts the effects of your existing serums and moisturisers. Manufactured in Australia, Ingrid has created a product that can be used in many different ways, depending on your skins needs. 

Hydrate is an extremely lightweight hydrating serum ( no pun intended!) that I have been thoroughly enjoying. In fact, she travelled all the way to New York with me last October, and I feel was in part responsible for my skin not totally freaking out from the horrendously long flights, and travel in general.

I did have a little bag packed, all prepared in my carry on luggage for my "Long Haul" inflight skincare routine, which I will have to share with you about in another post. Can I just say, You Tube makes it all looks so glamorous and relaxing....I just laugh when I look back and remember my experience. It was something I was looking forward to doing so much, and was a complete anti-climax!! Anyway...I digress!

Hydrate has a thin, gel consistency that feels beautiful on the skin, absorbing quickly without leaving any tacky residue (unlike some other hyaluronic acid based serums on the market). I do give it about a minute to absorb completely. My skin feels and looks refreshed, plump and happy. 

In the summer months, I have often used this on it's own in the mornings, skipping the moisturiser,  and continuing on with my SPF, and then either mineral makeup or a lightweight CC cream. It makes a lovely base for your makeup. My oily/combo skin does appreciate lighter textures in the warmer months, particularly of a morning. Ingrid recommends that women with drier skin types may like follow Hydrate with a moisturiser, or add a pump of the serum in with your moisturiser. Too easy.

In the evenings, I have simply used it in the serum stage of my evening routine, after hydrating mist, and before my moisturiser or facial oil.

I have also enjoyed using Hydrate as a simple, effective layer of hydration on my skin on the nights when I use my chemical exfoliants. Depending on how my skin feels, I don't always like to leave my skin bare after using AHA's or BHA's...a nice lightweight serum really does the trick for me.

I have been using Hydrate with Natural Grapefruit essence, which to me is extremely subtle, and just gives the serum a hint of freshness. It is also available in fragrance free, and a formula just for the man in your life, Hydrate for Men.

As I mentioned earlier, my bottle is just about empty, and I will certainly be looking to purchase another! Head over to Ingrid's webiste here to learn a little more about her, and to purchase some lovely Hydrate for yourself.

I'll hand over to Ingrid now to share her wonderful Summer Skin rescue beauty tips, including not only some product recommendations, but some dietary suggestions as well. Thank you Ingrid!

1. Once the xmas and new year festivities are over, start to think about cleaning your diet up, eliminating sugar and salty foods where possible , sticking to basic salads , lots of protien and of course gallons of water . Although we have heard this advice many times before, the truth is that there is a direct link between sugar and the rate at which you age and the health of your skin . The breakdown of sugar in your body, called glycation, directly affects your bodies ability to produce fresh collagen. That overload of chocolate and ice cream you indulged in the last few weeks it is in fact actually ageing you!! My advice... an avocado a day and ginger water by the gallon. The ginger has amazing metabolic and cleansing properties for a sluggish system . 

2. Although we feel like summer skin after a day at the beach needs moisture, your skin in fact requires less moisturiser in the summer months due to the higher level of humidity in the air . Be sure to change up your moisturiser to a more lightweight formula to avoid clogging of pores with all that sweat and dirt that occurs on a hot day ( Something like Hydrate is perfect because of it lightweight hyaluronic acid gel base ). 

3. Avoid chemically based sunscreen and stick to the zinc base only. Zinc won't clog pores and will give you a physical barrier against the sun that no chemically based sunscreen no matter how hightech SPF will do . I am very strict on this rule as the sun is not your friend if you want truly beautiful skin, thats a fact !! My favourite is Invisible Zinc.

4. Vitamin C is making a comeback in the skincare routine arena and summer time is when its really needed . Vitamin C in your serum or delivered in crystal form mixed in with your serum nightly gives you powerful anti-oxidant protection from UV rays, and at the same time will stimulate collagen production !! As an added bonus, it brightens your skin , yay !! Enquire at your local skincare therapist  for something medical grade like Rationale or Ultraceuticals , don't waste your money on cheap supermarket brands. They will do little to deliver proper amounts of  Vitamin C to make a difference.

5. Pick an enzyme based exfoliant for summer glow like lactic acid or pumpkin or papaya enzyme to give your skin a beautiful summer glow without harsh scrubbing .... In my books , scrubs and granules are a no no as they are too agressive and cause more harm than good !  My favourite is Polish by American brand Osmosis.

Thank you so much Ingrid for sharing your experience and knowledge!

If you would like to share any of your tips for Summer Skin do leave them below! I'd love to hear from you if you have tried Hydrate before?

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo ( and Ingrid! xo )

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Laura Mercier Flawless Expressions For Eyes, Cheeks and Lips

Hello Beauties! 

I purchased the Laura Mercier Flawless Expressions for Eyes, Cheeks and Lips prior to Christmas last year, and have only really started playing with it in the last few weeks. The problem with having too much makeup!

I believe it was a Christmas 2014 release, and is limited edition.

So you may be wondering why I am showing you this today, but I have discovered that this set is available on Adore Beauty at 30% of the recommended retail of $90.00 AU, and is now down to $63.00 AU!

I have some swatches and thoughts to share with you today, in case you might like to take advantage of the discounted price!

Laura Mercier Flawless Expressions Eye and Cheek Palette - Eyeshadows L-R Buff Pearl ( Luster ),
Fresco ( Matte ), Cherrywood ( Luster ), Guava ( Sateen ),  Stone Sable ( Sateen ), Deep Night ( Matte ).

These eyeshadows are absolutely beautiful. They are smooth, creamy and blend beautifully on the eyes. I only own one other Laura Mercier eyeshadow, and that is the single eyeshadow in Amethyst, which I love to bits. The only shade in this palette that has a little less colour pay-off is Guava, however all of the other shades are exceptional. The two matte shades, Fresco and Deep Night are just stunning. The swatches you see above are just one swipe of colour. I love how there is both mid-tone and deep toned matte shades in the palette. I have Fresco as my crease/transition shade today, and I have used Deep Night as my liner. Buff Pearl is on my eyelid, which is so lovely and brightening. Cherrywood is a stunning warm plum that looks just beautiful in the outer corner. Stone Sable makes a perfect one-shadow look, patted onto the lid and blended up into the crease. Can you tell I love them?

The palette itself is quite small and compact, and I like that the colours are grouped into warm and cool options.

Laura Mercier Flawless Expressions Second Skin Blushes in Lush Nectarine and Rose Petal.
Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick in Rose Gold. Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Gilded Rose.

I already own two of Laura Mercier's Second Skin Cheek Colour Blushes, Lotus Pink, and City Pink. They were the first two higher-end blushes that I purchased, thanks to the glowing recommendation from Jodi ( GooRoo Beauty ) a few years ago. There is something very unique about the Second Skin blushes, they give your cheeks the most beautiful glow, and I know this term is overused, but it is very much a lit-from-within glow. I find that they are buildable, and last really well on my skin. I was very exited to see the shade Lush Nectarine in the palette! It has been a lemming of mine ever since Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup sang its praises about 2 years ago! Both of these shades are just gorgeous. Love.

I have 4 of the Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Sticks, and absolutely love them. They certainly deserve their own blog post! I'll put it on my list! I already own the full size of Rose Gold, and although I have always felt it could be a little bit pinker and warmer, I still love it. These cream eyeshadows work equally as well one their own, or as a base for your powder eyeshadows. Love. This one is a smaller size, though they do last for ages!

I have not previously tried a Laura Mercier Mascara or Lip Glace, both of which come as full size products in this set. The mascara in this set is the Full Blown Volume Supreme Lash Building Mascara and so far I like it. It always takes me a couple of weeks to really suss out a mascara and gather my thoughts, but this one is nice and black, not too wet, and builds volume and length very nicely. The Lip Glace in Gilded Rose is just beautiful, smells like vanilla cake, feels nice on the lips, and lasts really well without being heavy or sticky. On the lips it is essentially a clear gloss with a little bit of fine gold shimmer through it. I have never "felt" the glitter on my lips, and I think whist this shade is pretty on its own, it would be perfect to layer over almost any shade of lipstick. I think I might need to try some more shades, the formula is right up my alley...

I really love these type of makeup sets. You have everything you need to create either a natural look, or something more dramatic, bar your base products. I think it would be perfect for travel, and it would make a such beautiful gift. Aside from the fact that it is on a really great special, I think it is still definitely worth the original $90 price tag. And if it is something you think you might like, then Happy Valentine's day to you?


You will find this palette on Adore Beauty here. Adore Beauty also ship internationally, you will just need to check the site to see if they ship to your country. I am quite a regular customer to Adore Beauty ( shhh...don't tell my husband).  Their customer service cannot be faulted, shipping is extremely prompt, everything is packaged safely and securely, and you also get a free Tim Tam with every order. Need I say more?

Do you already own this lovely palette? What are your favourite Laura Mercier products?

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

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

Disclaimer: This is not sponsored, nor are there any affiliates links, I just wanted to share a great bargain! Cheers, xo

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SHANGHAI SUZY SPRING/SUMMER COLLECTION 2015

I must confess, I have been a little remiss in posting about these gorgeous lippies, as they have been available for some months now. I have noticed Joanna ( founder of Shanghai Suzy ) posting a few sneak peaks of the new Autumn/Winter '15 collection on Instagram over the last few weeks, and it has spurred me on to get these swatches up for you! I do believe that a full re-stock of the these shades occurred in mid January, and seeing as these shades are all limited edition, it is certainly time to think about grabbing your favourites before they disappear forever! ( Forgive me, limited edition products always have an associated drama... ).

My first blog post on Shanghai Suzy lipsticks is here... click through to this link to find out all about Shanghai Suzy, and their founder Joanna Wheaton. You will also find more information about the two formulas that these lipsticks come in, Nourish, and Matte. They are still, hands down one of my favourite lipstick formulas, in particular the Matte formula, which is the most comfortable, least drying matte lipstick formula I have come across in my 20 odd years of lipstick wearing ( more drama... )

The last six months has seen a phenomenal increase in the amount of stockists for this gorgeous brand, in both bricks and mortar, and online. Not only exciting for the brand and its growth, but for us customers as well!

I have 7 of the 8 shades available to show you today.....I had originally purchased three of the shades, and then shortly after ordered two more that I just had to have! In that package, were a couple of extra shades that Joanna had so generously added to my order! Thank you Jo! The only shade I am missing from this collection is Miss Ally, a deep, bright cool toned purple.

LEFT TO RIGHT - Miss Leah BABY COCOA ( Nourish )  Miss Olivia APRICOT ( Nourish )  
Miss Nicole BURGANDY BROWN ( Matte )   Miss Bree PINK BLUSH ( Matte )  
Miss Christina NEON GUAVA ( Matte )
Miss Mia FOXY HIBISCUS ( Matte )   Miss Courtney ELECTRIC FLAMINGO ( Matte )

SWATCHED IN DIRECT NATURAL LIGHT ( Order as above )

SWATCHED IN INDIRECT NATURAL LIGHT

Aren't they BEYOOTIFUL? 

I do have a couple of favourites. I love them all, but there are a couple of shades I  find myself reaching for more often.  Miss Leah ( Baby Cocoa ) is a stunning nude, which has the perfect amount of pink undertones. Beige or peach undertones in nudes just don't suit my colouring, and tend to give me the walking corpse look.  I LOVE that this is a nourish formula, it has a lovely sheen which makes it so wearable, and so comfortable. Shanghai Suzy's Nourish formulas are enriched with Jojoba and Vitamin E, and just feel good on your lips. I believe Miss Leah has been one of the best sellers in this collection, so grab her now before she's gone!

Miss Nicole ( Burgandy Brown ) is another fave, and described by Shanghai Suzy as a deep, rich chocolate brown with a burgandy hue. This one takes me back to the nineties for sure! Not only was I actually alive in the nineties, I was in my teens/early 20's, so I can tell you from first hand experience, everyone was rocking the rich chocolate lip! I love it! Though stunning applied as a bold, matte lip, she is also very pretty, and a little softer if you blot her down a little. I have also just tapped this shade into my lips with my finger, and you end up with a beautiful burgandy stain. Gorgeousness.

Miss Mia ( Foxy Hibiscus ) I'm not sure if there are enough adjectives in the world for me to adequately describe how much I bloody love this shade. Second from the right in my swatches, she is STUNNING in every sense of the word. She is a matte formula, but imagine a creamy, luminous matte that glides onto your lips like butter. A cool toned, pink based hibiscus red that just glows. I'm obsessed. I am wearing Miss Mia in my profile picture for the blog. The perfect summer red, or anytime red really...she certainly is foxy, and I must admit, I feel a bit foxy when I wear her...

You can find Shanghai Suzy's website here,  with full list of Australian stockists, and the option to shop online straight from the website. The packaging of the lids has changed recently to a clear plastic, instead of black. I am sorry to say that International lippy lovers are left salivating, hopefully shipping options will become available soon, and i will certainly update you when that happens.

Which shades tickle your fancy? Do you have a shade of lipstick that makes you feel foxy? It doesn't matter how old you are, there is enough foxy to go around! You rock it girl!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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