Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara

I actually come to have the Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara in my stash thanks to a giveaway I won some time ago. I like to only have one mascara open at a time and will generally use a mascara in order of purchase.

Taken from Priceline- "Revolutionary 100% Natural Origin formula contains the purest ingredients and provides 5x Lash Boosting for lash length, volume and definition naturally."

I must begin by saying that I love the packaging. That metallic green leaf wand topper is so cute! Plus the tube has an organic look with the green label on beige. There is 7.5 g of product. The formula is on the thicker side, but I find the opening of the stopper at the mouth of the tube is small enough to remove excess from the brush.

The brush begins narrow, widens in the middle, then tapers off again. It has a plastic brush. I don't get a lot of volume with this mascara, but I do get length. I find the many fine plastic bristles ensure that I get decent separation without any clumps.

Because I prefer a mascara that offers more volume, I would use this one for minimal makeup days. However, I don't like the formula. I am sad about this as I was excited to have a natural mascara. But, this product smudges on me. Even without applying to my lower lashline, I get transfer there and as the day goes I get smudging. I had high hopes for the Physicians Formula Organic Wear mascara, but sadly it is a pass for me.

What product has let you down recently?

Maybelline Tattoo Brow Gel Tint

I was fortunate enough to be selected to trial the Maybelline Tattoo Brow Gel Tint thanks to the generous team at Beauty Heaven. I have seen the Korean versions of this product and was very interested to see how well they perform.

Taken from Maybelline Australia- "Get brows that wow with Maybelline's Brow Tattoo. Draw it, tint it, peel it, that's it!"

The brow gel is packaged in a small 5 ml tube. It has a screw top lid with brush tipped wand for application.

The scent of this product reminds me of a typical mascara smell. A little chemical, but not at all overpowering, I actually only noticed it when I consciously gave the tube a sniff.

It has a thick gel consistency.

I found the fine brush a great size for applying the product. I simply brushed it on following the shape of my brow. I took my time, but did not feel the need to be slow to be precise as I found the consistency to be perfect. There was no need to worry about product caking on the brows or being too runny to stay in place.

I was looking forward to using this brow product, because as you can see from the photo, I have somewhat unruly brows that are sparse in some areas.

I have the shade Medium Brown which applies almost black. A little bit scary, lol. I left the product on for around an hour before peeling off. Being on the heavy handed side is a good thing, because it peels off much easier. Too light of an application and it just doesn't dry in one piece.

I must say that I was surprised at how much lighter the result was compared to the initial application. I was relieved, however, I was not excited about the warm tone. It looked ok, but I would much prefer a cool toned brow. This was my fault, because I chose the shade.

Day 2 and there was some fading and the warmth was more apparent. I didn't feel the need to apply my regular brow pencil, though.

By day 4 there were only patches of the tint left. It was an orange colour that had appeared to have smudged, which I would imagine had happened during my skincare routine.

Verdict? I have a love hate relationship with the Maybelline Brow Tint Gel. It indeed does help to fill in the brows and does last for a few days. However, I have to be conscious of my brows when using skincare products, because if I'm not careful I will likely cleanse the tint away. 

As I mentioned, the tint does last on me for 3-4 days, but it fades considerably on me each day. Another con could be the time that the gel needs to be on the brows, at least for me, around an hour which is a long time if you're rushed for time. However, this gel can be applied the night before then peeled off the next day.

It's an interesting product that I've enjoyed playing with, but if I'm honest, I'm not sure it's a must have for me.

I have added this blog post to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link-Up Party

Stocktake 2017- Eyes Part 2

I am so obsessed with eye shadow palettes, I decided that they deserved a post of their own.

Ok, here goes, I'll begin with photos of mixed brands.

These palettes are palettes that I have created, brands being Makeup Geek, JD Glow Cosmetics, MBA Cosmetics, Venemous Cosmetics. The black palettes are loose pigments that I have pressed.

MUA Cosmetics, 2 of them being palettes I made out of CD cases and filled with single pressed eye shadows.

Sleek eye shadow palettes.

BH Cosmetics palettes

Makeup Revolution palettes, including my obsession with their I Heart Chocolate palettes.

...and last but not least my Urban Decay eye shadow palettes.

Ok, it seems that I have a problem when it comes to eye shadow palettes. They are my vice, but they make me happy. I love to pull them all out and admire them from time to time. Is that weird?

In 2015 I had 127 palettes, I now have 96. It's still a considerable amount but I only want to keep the palettes that I love. Mind you, there's still plenty that I have only swatched and not tried on my lids. I plan to change that. What I don't plan on doing is not buying any more. 

Speaking of makeup, what is your obsession?

It's Skin Power 10 Formula WH Effector

The final serum I had left to try from the It's Skin Power 10 Formula range was the WH Effector. A serum targeted at those with pigmented skin had me wanting to possibly be saving the best for last.

Taken from Beauty Bay- "A skin brightening elixir designed to even out skin discolouration. Developed to suppress the production of  melanin the It's Skin Power 10 Formula WH Effector works effectively to reduce dark spots and discolouration. Bolstered natural, active ingredients it leaves skin brighter and plumper with increased clarity."

Like all of these serums, this one comes with a dropper to dispense product. It has quite a thin consistency. There is a slight floral fragrance.

Having such a thin consistency, this serum absorbs quite quickly. I apply 4 drops to my face. I don't apply to my neck because my reason for using this serum is to lighten pigmentation and my neck is free from sun spots and acne scars.

Immediately after application my skin feels smooth and slightly more plump. It is not hydrating enough to use on its own, but there is no problem applying products after.

After a weeks usage I have noticed my skin to have a more brightened tone. My pigmentation has faded slightly. 

Pigmentation is so stubborn and I know it takes a very long time to reduce the appearance, so a slight change in a week has me excited about seeing more results with further use.

Do you have skin discolouration? If so, what have you found that works?

Stocktake 2017- Eye Products Part 1

Eye products, especially palettes are my weakness. I am totally obsessed with them.

I will start by showing you my lash products.

I have 5 mascaras and 1 product that will make a mascara waterproof when applied over. I am currently using the Bourjois Full Volume mascara.

My brow products only consist of the YBF Universal Brow Pencil. Yes, I need that many back-ups, lol.

My eye liners, pencil, gel and liquid.

 Cream eye shadows. I was obsessed with Color Tattoos when they were first released. I have actually finished one and have given a couple away.

My collection of ColourPop Super Shock Shadows and L'Oreal Infallibles. 

I down sized my single pressed eye shadow collection. I now only have these 6.

In 2015 I had 11 mascaras, which I think is way too many. I now have 5, but am working towards owning what I'm using and just having one back-up mascara.

There were 7 brow products in my collection, I now have 5. I like to buy the YBF brow pencils when there is a good offer.

I had 42 eye liners and have reduced that number to 29. I don't really have any set goal number. In saying that, I don't feel the need to buy any at this stage and could do with finishing more.

The cream shadows that I owned totaled 52 and there are currently 19, including eye crayons. I really don't know why I've owned so many cream eye products, because I never really reached for them. I have now began using them as a base for shadow in an attempt to get some use from the ones I have left before they go bad.

I previously owned 41 single eye shadows and now have 36. This includes my collection of ColourPop eye shadows that have a mousse-like consistency. I need to use these more because they have no where near the shelf life of a regular pressed eye shadow.

Next week I will show you my eye shadow palettes.

It's Skin Power 10 Formula Q10 Effector

I have another It's Skin Power 10 serum to show you. This one is the Formula Q10 Effector. It is one of four that I bough from Ozsale. Since purchasing, I have discovered that Beauty Bay sells these serums.

Taken from Beauty Bay-"Created to tackle some of the most common concerns of ageing skin, the It's Skin Formula 10 Q10 Effector works effectively to give visible results. Bolstered with a blend of carefully chosen ingredients, this unique, ultra-lightweight formula helps to boost collagen and elastin levels whilst providing much needed moisture for a rejuvenated, youthful finish."

The serum comes in a 30 ml bottle with a dropper to dispense product.  It has a gel like liquid consistency with small orange capsule balls that dissolve during application.

The serum has a synthetic floral fragrance. Although pleasant, I am not a fan of added fragrance in my skincare products.

Once applied the serum feels light weight and absorbs quickly. My skin is left feeling soft and smooth. After using for a week I have not noticed a visible difference in my skin. I really need to use it longer to really give the serum a chance. 

I do like the added hydration I get. my dry winter skin doesn't seem to be getting as tight at the end of the day, so that's a definite plus.

I will be sure to update my thoughts on this Skin Power 10 Formula Q10 Effector when it shows up in one of my empties post. 

Thanks for reading xx

Makeup Look Wearing Project Pan 2017 Products #1

I have been showing you progress of my Project Pan and Pan That Palette and it occurred to me that I should show you a makeup look using the products.

Models Prefer Infinite Colour Foundation- I bought this months ago, it was 50% off, so figured why not. It's too light on my skin. I find it can get a little streaky when applying with a brush but does apply well with a sponge. It's a nice medium coverage foundation, not bad, but doesn't wow me.

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bold Gold- I love these cream shadows, especially when using as a base for powder eye shadows. The gold colour has been working well with the olive and brown tones I have been using on my lid.

LA Girl Endless Liner in Black- I love that this liner is retractable and is nice and black. What I don't like is it seems to be a drier formula, so it takes some work to apply. I'll be glad when I'm finished this liner.

Smashbox Lip Liner in Smashing Define- I have enjoyed using this neutral toned lip liner. It has the perfect consistency to be easy to apply yet lasts really well.

NYX Lip Gloss in Mauve- This is a pink-toned nude that sheers out nicely. For this makeup look I applied on top of the lip liner which I had used all over my lips.

Of course I used my 88 Warm Palette. I am glad that for a palette of this size, I have enjoyed using most of the eye shadow shades. I also used one eye shadow for blush and another for highlighting

The other products that I used are-

DB Cosmetics BB Cream to darken the Models Prefer foundation

YBF Neutralizing Creme to colour correct

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

YBF Neutralizing Powder

YBF Universal Eye Brow Pencil

Skinn Invisible Lip Liner

Pur Volume Vixen Mascara

This has been my go-to look lately which has really been making an impact on my panning progress.

Have a great weekend! xx

Project Pan 2017 Update #3

It's time once again for me to show you the progress on my rolling Project Pan. Annoyingly, I forgot to take a photo of the 5 products that I was panning in the last update, but I will show you the single photos of the products.

The MBA lipstick sample in OCD I had to part ways with. Unfortunately it started smelling funky, so that and the rest of the samples have to go. It makes me realise just how much I need to be more mindful of what I buy and whether I am realistically going to use it, especially cream based makeup items.

I was able to finish the W7 Cosmetics Catwalk Concealer. 

I love to see pan! I believe I will be finished the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bold Gold by the next update.

For such an easy to use neutral lip pencil, it certainly is taking me a while to get through. Maybe I should sharpen it more ;)

I seem to have made the best progress of this LA Girl liner in the past 2 months. I have been occasionally been using as an upper lid liner as well as waterline.

 Now for my replacement products.

I am being ambitious by adding the NYX lip gloss, because I rarely wear a gloss. I much prefer lipstick. I thought by including it in my Project Pan, it would force me to wear it. Time will tell..

I am including this Models Prefer foundation, it's quite nice, but a little light for my skintone. And, it doesn't have a pump! Really irks me trying to get product out, especially since although it is a liquid, it's quite a thick consistency. Why no pump???

Well, that's 4 Project Pan products finished so far for 2017. I won't include the lipstick sample because I threw it out before it was done.

Thanks for reading! xx

It's Skin Power 10 Formula VB Effector

Next serum I tried from the 4 I purchased from Ozsale is the Power 10 Formula VB Effector. Although the serums are no longer available through Ozsale, I did discover that Beauty Bay sells the serums.

Taken from Beauty Bay- "A hydrating and oil balancing designed specifically for oily, acne prone skin. Developed to help balance the skin's natural oil and sebum production, the It's Skin Power 10 Formula VB Effector is ideal for preventing and clearing blemishes. This ultra-lightweight serum absorbs quickly into the skin delivering a hit of hydration, smoothing the skin's texture and balancing moisture levels, giving a clearer, healthier complexion."

The 30 ml bottle comes with a dropper for dispensing the product. The consistency of the serum is almost gel like, but still a fluid. It has a synthetic fragrance, not my fave but not unpleasant. The scent disappears once applied.

The serum spreads easily over the skin and absorbs rather quickly. It does have a slightly tacky finish on the skin, but applying products on top is not a problem.

 After only using for a week, I have noticed that my t-zone has not been quite so oily. I have combination skin that leans dry. I don't normally have too many breakouts, only the odd hormonal blemish.

I did find this product to balance the skin nicely, I found it to be slightly hydrating, it certainly did not strip the skin.

I'm not sure that it meets my needs as someone who seeks anti-aging benefits. However, for those that have oily, break-out prone skin It's Skin Power 10 Formula VB Effector would be a beneficial product worth adding to a skincare routine.

I will most likely use this serum only in my t-zone in Summer when this area tends to be more oily.

Thank you for reading! xx