New On Shelf: L'Oreal, Maybelline, Rimmel, Max Factor, Skin Theory

YES! I changed the title of this launch series.

"Drugstore Cosmetics Launches for Australia" was just too long, and I thought this would rock it better -- short and sweet.

Also compiled the photos with swatch previews. I spent a lot of time doing this, but I'm sure it'll be helpful for you!

L'Oreal Paris
These were October launches, but I thought I'd pop them into this post. It seems like the brand itself didn't really promote these products, so here goes...

Colour Riche Mono Eyeshadow ($19.95/10 shades)
With a creamy and smooth formula, these offer an intense and bright colour payoff. There's only 10 shades though, and most seems pretty neutral.

Infallible Gel Nail Polishes ($12.95/8 shades)
"The first nail polish to challenge a UV manicure", they say. Colour on one end, top coat on one end. The two combined promises 14 day of chip-free wear. I can't imagine storing these with my regular bottled-polishes, haha. I am a freak when it comes to consistency in packaging!

Colour Riche Le Vernis The Whites Collection ($6.95)
A new collection, The Whites, to add to their existing Le Vernis range! All are pastels, very season trendy for Spring/Summer!

Glam Matte Lip Glosses ($21.95/5 shades)
Hefty price tag! These are bright, bold matte colour lip "glosses", or maybe lip lacquer would be a better way to put it. They do, however, look more like lip glosses than anything though. Will look for them at Priceline next time!

Brow Artist Plumper ($18.95/3 shades)
Tinted brow products seems to be finally making a hit. A lot of brands has been coming out with brow products lately! Eggciting!

True Match Liquid Foundation ($29.95/1 new shade)
Not a new launch, but +1 new shade called C2 Rose Vanilla! Yay!

Colour Riche Le Vernis ($6.95/1 new shade)
Another new shade to their existing Colour Riche nail lacquers -- Orchid. Photo included below!

Infallible 2-Step Lip Colour ($29.95/5 new shades)
Urgh. Hefty price tag again! $30 for a lip colour, that's almost 1 MAC lipstick? These must work really well. Has anyone tried them?

Glam Bronze Eau De Soleil ($19.95/1 shade)
Wa wa. Looks like one of their foundations... This is LIMITED EDITION, yeap. A limited edition bronzing foundation with a lightweight formula, enriched with gold micro-pigments for a natural, light reflecting and bronzed look. Lmao. The whole description sounds like a hot mess, to me. I wonder what it's like!

That's all for L'Oreal. Whew! A handful, and some of these products are a mouthful... lol. On to the other brands, hold on tight!


Maybelline SuperStay Megawatt Lip Colours ($18.95/5 shades)
Yay!! More lip products! Maybelline usually rock their lippy ranges, fingers crossed that these will be something good! The range features a long wearing and highly-pigmented formula with a creamy consistency and opaque coverage. Only available in 5 shades though. A tad less if you're a follower of Maybelline's.

Max Factor Colour Elixir Gloss ($19.95/5 shades)
These glosses claims to go on smoothly [without the stickiness], combines mineral oil, candelilla wax, shine enhancers so hence, offers high pigmentation. Pigmented enough to wear alone, and lightweight enough to layer over a lipstick, they said.

Bourjois Volume Glamour Effect Push Up Mascara ($22/?)
Reminds me a lot of Benefit's Push Up products, heh. With an uplift brush, specifically designed for quick and easy applications, it's suppose to plump up and offer thickening (rather than lengthening, I assume). Buildable formula that won't weigh down and will last up to 16 hours, they said.

Ulta3 Advent Calendar ($24)
Nothing to add onto this except: Yay!!!!!!!

Rimmel Provocalips 16HR Kissproof Lip Colour ($17.95/8 shades)

I've swatched these here. Kiss proof, transfer proof, high impact colours, long-lasting lip colours. Comes with a lip gloss to seal. Double ended product.. Cute packaging though!

Skin Theory

Colour Theory's completely new skincare range. Quick mention only, I won't go through the details, okay?!

• Daily Moisturising lotion with CoQ10 ($10/100mL)
• Exfoliating Polish ($10/80mL)
• Gentle Cream Cleanser ($10/100mL)
• Eye Cream ($12/15mL)
• Night Cream with CoQ10 ($12/50mL)
• Gentle Foaming Skin Cleanser ($10/100mL)
• Total Care Anti-Ageing Cream with CoQ10 ($12/50mL)

Ahhhhhhhhh. That's all for this month! As per usual though, fill this poll:

survey tools

I'd like to try Rimmel's Provocalips.. and Maybelline's Superstay Megawatt. I will definitely look out for a nice sale to snag a few of the Provocalips! 

Empties: September 2014

FINAL-FREAKING-LY!

GOD! It feels like I've not finished any products in so long. It irritates me so much when I look over to my bedside table, and all I see is... Well, everything except the table's surface.

It's covered in moisturisers, body lotions, body washes, baby shampoo, hand creams AND.... an alarm clock (lol, random as fuck, but an alarm clock will never help my punctuality. Don't even know why it's there!).

AND then we have my make-up corner..... Well, let's not even go there!   (҂⌣̀_⌣́)

But for the past two months, I've been putting effort into finishing as many products as I could. And... here they are...

Cedel Blow Dry Faster Hair*
Probably the first-ever hair product that I've consider to repurchase. I have thick, almost afro-like hair. Unlucky Asian, I know! This really did help in reducing my hair-blowing drying time. I don't blowdry very often, but it's still worth to have around the house for when I do.

SmartSkin Scented Cleaning Wipes
My cute girlfriend bought me these wipes from Woolworths. REALLY appreciate her thoughts, but these wipes were horrible for my skin. I have nowhere near sensitive skin, and these irritated the fuck outta my skin every single time I used them. Used twice, gave up. Did go back once, but same same. Became wet wipe for my desk and hand-swatches after.

Burt's Bees Radiance Exfoliating Body Wash*
This stuff smells like grass, or something natural. Not my cup of tea. I also like my body washes to foam up, and this didn't. Didn't really moisturise either. Toodles!

Batiste Dry Shampoo
Didn't really pay too much attention to this. It doesn't really suit my hair type. My hair will smell and I'll get dandruff after a day of not washing, so this wouldn't fit with my hair type. Actually have no idea how I've managed to finish this.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation #52
LOVE this foundation! Lightweight with a natural, non-cakey finish. Light-to-medium coverage and is OK in terms of long-lasting power. Satisfactorily lasts through a day of uni, so that's all good. Will definitely need to repurchase. The shade is also probably the closest to my skin out of all foundations I've used!

Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lipstick in Mambo
YES! FIRST LIPSTICK EVER! WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! ୧( ॑ധ ॑)୨
Close to being the first lipstick I've purchased since I've started wearing make-up and now, it's the first lipstick I've finished! Kinda. I cheated a bit, but come on guys! Any lip junkie would consider this a huge milestone when it comes down to empties.


On most people, this looks like a regular nude, but on my pigmented lips, it looks very much like a pinky-nude. I won't repurchase this shade though. The formula is fantastic, but I've grew out of the "nude lips" look. Meh.


Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm
Not sure what flavour/scent, but I hated this at first. It felt like it just sat on the lips and didn't do any nourishing and hydrating. I found that it worked better to use during the night time, since I'd have no problems with it sitting there overnight, but for daytime, it'd add too much moisture to my lips that it'd make everything I apply on top slip and glide everywhere!


LashGrip Eyelash Adhesive
Haven't finished this. Haven't actually worn lashes in forever now. It's gone off though. All liquid-y so must chuck. Repurchase-worthy though.


L'Oreal Paris Base Magqiue Primer
I have the full-sized product of this. Just needed to get this out of my sample stash! I think, even after finishing the full-size, I won't repurchase. I have dry flakes on my cheeks, and this just requires too much blending. The consistency is just really... thick?

Avene Thermal Spring Water
Bought this from Priceline's 40% OFF skincare sale. My skin didn't love this, but it was nice to use. Soothed well, but I had to use A LOT of it -- 50mL gone in less than a week. I can't see myself repurchasing this for now since I'd go through it way too quick. Maybe when Chemist Warehouse decides to do a 50% off on the full-sized one.


That's all! I can now FINALLY discard this bag of empties.
It's bloody annoying to have a bag of finished product (rubbish, pretty much) sitting in your room for yonks. Then having to take them out to photograph...

AND it doesn't help when your Mum goes through your room and nags you to dispose them every often! （；¬＿¬)

What's ONE product you've finished recently?

I'm still motivated to finish more make-up products... Hopefully my next empties will feature 654165 lipsticks to get things cleared out!


Disclaimer: Products marked with (*) were provided by PR for review consideration only. Please take a peek at my disclosure policy. 

Drugstore Cosmetics Launches for Australia -- September 2014

YO.

Every single time I blog in class, I get into such an egg-citing persona. Not sure why, just happens.
I'm swamped with assessments for now, so if there are any new products that I've not mentioned, I will give you a cookie if you could let us know in the comment box.

---------

Bourjois Lip Liner Contour Edition ($16)

Not sure how many shades they've released in this range, but these lip liners are described to "provide shape and definition to the lips". Glides easily. Precise application. Conditions the lips. 

Bourjois Rouge Edition 12 Heures ($19)
NEW lipstick collection (?) Long lasting lipstick, provides 12 hours of wear without re-touching. Semi-matte. Creamy texture. Non-drying.






Face Of Australia Eye Lights Under Concealer ($12.95/2 shades)
Yay for Face Of Australia!! Newly released under-eye concealer. Provides coverage for dark circles, uneven skin tone and fine lines. According to its description, it contains skin conditioning agents to nourish the skin. Highly pigmented, that leaves the skin appearing dewy and fresh. Features a pen applicator and brush tip, in case you're wondering.

Face Of Australia Lip Paint ($6.95/3 shades)
OK. The first thing that comes to my mind as I saw this.... "OH MY GOD! OCC LIP TAR DUPES?!" -- Don't lie. That was your first thoughts too, right?
Well, apparently not.. The description says it's a lip gloss. Intense colour, with a high shine effect. Ehhh.






Katy Perry Banging Beauty Lashes by Eylure ($14.99)
Medium length-ed lashes, for curl and volume. Totes Katy Perry lookin' to me!

Australis Velourlips Matte Creams ($9.95)
Saw this on Australis' official Instagram. NEW shade additions! Woohoo. Below are swatches, by GoorooBeauty.

Credits to gooroobeauty's Instagram >

Ooooooh! I'm so excited! I've still yet to try of these. I REALLY need to go through my lipstick collection, until I purchase more... though that's just... impossible.



Max Factor Skin Luminzer Foundation ($33.95/6 shades)
Looks similar, huh? Reminds me a lot of the one that was created by both Olay and Covergirl. Offers lightweight coverage though, which is outcast of MF's foundation range...

Rimmel London Colour Rush Jumbo Lip Balms ($12.99/4-5 shades)
Not officially released at Priceline and those other stores, I'm assuming. However, I've spotted this in My Chemist's latest catalogue (pretty much a Melbourne-based version of Chemist Warehouse)! Yes, more jumbo pencils. No info, but I'm assuming that they'll be available at Chemist Warehouse soon (I've noticed that these chemist-stores usually almost identical catalogues).

That's all for this month! Some products were released last month, so don't mind me for including them into this month's post!

I'm off to do my assessments, here's the fun monthly poll for you to fill out...

web survey

Thanks for being patient with me. I've had some posts drafted, but I've yet to find any time to photograph the products!!

Hopefully I'll get around to that soon!

再见！

(Goodbye in Chinese)

{UPDATED} Drugstore Cosmetics Launches for Australia -- July 2014

*9 July: Bumping this post. Added some new products that I've forgot.


Greetings!

Yes, another month has already passed. Here we are again with another launch post... There's quite a few egg-citing launches this month, so buckle your seat and leggo!

****************

Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara ($23)
Yeap, another mascara. Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde (with a fancy 'e') is a volumising mascara that gives lustre to the eyelashes, making them appear fuller. The wand features "wraparound spherical bristles" that helps to coat and define without clumps.

Australis (yay!)

• Cray for Colour Eyeshadow Stick ($8.95/8 shades) -- Bold and long-lasting creamy eyeshadow pencil, Also waterproof, and can be used as an eyeliner when applied thinly. 
• Cray for Lips Gloss Stick ($7.95/6 shades) -- Nourishing and hydrating vibrant lip gloss crayon with a glossy finish.

Ardell Curvy! Lashes ($10.99/6 styles)

God, I've never featured Ardell since I've started my blog...... but, they have new lash launches! Here they are... 

Not a big follower of false lashes, so I'll pass on these...

Designer Brands

• Lightweight Oil Free Foundation ($12.99/4 shades) -- Lightweight, light-to-medium buildable liquid foundation with SPf15. Offers a soft, smooth finish. Claims to be suitable for all skin types. 
• Longwear 24 Hour Foundation ($12.99/4 shades) -- A long-lasting, light-weight liquid foundation that offers a flawless complexion. Glides seamlessly onto the skin and offers full coverage.

essie Encrusted Collection ($16.95/6 shades)

A new limited edition collection by essie. VERY GLITTERY. FEATURES CAVIAR-LIKE BEADS, HYPER-REFLECTIVE GLITTERS AND THE FINEST HOLOGRAPHIC MATERIALS. Yeaaaaaa, they just look really lovely! Oh, I'm excited to see them in stores, and swatches of em' online (cause they are just unaffordable for my budget right now). 

Oh, they look so gorgeous....!

Innoxa Renew Erase Serum Foundation ($26.95/5 shades)

Another foundation! So many foundations this month. This one offers the benefits of a serum, but in a long-lasting coverage foundation. Silicon-based, hydrating and moisturising, calming, reduces skin irritation, offers medium to full coverage and has a matte finish. God, can't remember the last time I've featured a foundation with this many claims.. o_o"

essence Dark Romance Collection

• Body Tattoos ($3.50)
• Cream Highlighter ($5.35)
• Eye Pencil ($2.35)
• Lip Gloss Effect ($3.50/2 shades)
• Lipstick ($3.50/2 shades)
• Nail Art Decoration Kit
• Nail Polish ($3.25/4 shades)
• Quattro Eyeshadow ($5.35/2 shades)
• Velvet Mousse Blush ($4.50/2 shades)

Ooooh, I don't use mousse blushers, but the one in this collection may just enable me!

Sally Hansen Colour Frenzy Nail Collection ($9.95/a few shades)

No idea how many shades are featured in this collection, but I've only seen them featured in Chemist Warehouse's catalogue! They're on sale at the moment, yes! Only for $6.69 a bottle. Go wild! 

Should look something like this

*Added 9 July...


Australis Pout Pastes ($12.95/2 shades)
Two NEW shades for this range, by Australis. I've reviewed and swatched the 3 original shades from this collection here if you're interested.

Face Of Australia
Newbies by Face Of Autralia. Includes their new HD Primer (available from April supposedly) and Face Cleansing Oil ($13.95/125mL). I won't include too much details, but you can take a glimpse at both products at their site.

And yes, I don't have their press images, so here are screenshots from their website! :P

Ah, that's all for this month. I'm sure I've missed a few new launches. IF you know of any other new products, please share! Highly appreciated. Besides that, let me know what YOU'RE eye-ing by going wild with this poll...

I'm eye-ing....

Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara

Australis Cray for Colour Eyeshadow Stick

Australis Cray for Lips Gloss Stick

Ardell Curvy! Lashes

DB Lightweight Oil Free Foundation

DB Longwear 24 Hour Foundation

essie Encrusted Collection

Innoxa Renew Erase Serum Foundation

essence Dark Romance Collection

Sally Hansen Colour Frenzy Nail Collection

Poll Maker

*Still messing around with this Poll-maker, so please be patient if it's not functioning very well! Be sure to leave me a comment if it doesn't!

Drugstore Cosmetics Launches for Australia - March 2014

Hello wello cello!

Greetings from uni, because 1 hour breaks (before a 3 hour language class) are just SO perfect to catch up on launch posts!

There are many, many new launches this month, from both "drugstore" and department store brands! Quite exciting actually. I think I'm just in the mood to spend and splurge! >~<

I'll try to keep you posted on the department launches, but for now, no promises yet! What I can promise you is that, one of these products to follow will surely make your heart thump! ^_^!

~

FACE OF AUSTRALIA (FOA)

Australia reppin' brand, FOA is launching some new, eggciting products for the month of March! A quick rundown....

• Glamazon Leopardess Contour & Highlight Kit ($9.95) - Contains a matte pressed powder to contour and sculpt the features, along with an illuminating powder for your convenience. Also contains a large mirror. Travel and handbang friendly! I have these at home, I'll get swatching this weekend! Promiseeeeeee. 

• Glamazon Minx Blush & Highlihting Kit ($9.95) - For those who are not a fan of contouring, here's one for ya! A blush to replace the contouring powder. Same same packaging. 

Screen Siren Limited Edition Nail Polish Collection ($4.95/8 shades)

Inspired by Marilyn Monroe, this collection features creamy nudes, pop oranges and poppy greens! Haven't heard too much about these, but the green and purple looks wonderful! Don't you think?


NATIO
Rarely do I see features of Natio. Glad to share a few new products by them, which will be launched towards the end of the month! P.S. I think this brand needs more TLC.... >_>

Natio Bloom & Glow Brow Finishing Gel ($12.95)
Shapes and frames the eyebrows with natural colour, volume and hold. Available in 1 neutral brown shade only. I've been looking for something like this, but what I need to pay attention to more is ANY Natio stand near me.... = =^

Natio Bloom & Glow Cream Blush Stick ($17.95/not sure how many shades)
I'm pretty sure Natio would have more than one shade in this range, just didn't state how many. The formula of these claims to apply smoothly, and easily with a buildable application.

Natio Bloom & Glow Cream to Powder Foundation ($19.95/2 shades)
A lightweight foundation that leaves a shine-free powder finish. If I'm not wrong, this formula is cream-based, but applies and wears like a powder (lightweight and matte). Described to offer natural coverage that evens the skin tone without masking. Available in two shades, because we are only available in two shades.. /sarcasm

Natio Bloom & Glow Mineral Face Illuminator ($17.95)
A bloom-embossed palette that features ivory and rose pink tones to lift and brighten the complexion. Also said to suit all skin types. Available in a golden ivory/soft rose duo.

Natio Bloom & Glow Pen Eyeliner ($14.95/1 shade)
Looks super chunky, this pen eyeliner. It accentuates eyes and define lashes. The wide barrel and soft tips facilitates precise application.

Natio Bloom & Glow Shine Lipstick ($14.95/2 shade)
A lipstick. Creamy and moisturising, they say. Available in a wide range of 2 shades. 

Max Factor Excess Volume Extreme Impact Mascara ($25.95)
Described to be "double-ended". Combines volume with a black lacquer finish. There's a thickening base coat offers high volume, meanwhile, the top coat leaves the lashes with a glossy coating that smooths and seals. Eep. Double-ended mascara... Only seen the fibre mascaras, none of this yet!

Bourjois Paris Black Jack Mascara ($22)
An intense black mascara that has been "formulated with micro-particles of gold for a shimmering effect". Described to be volumising, clump-free and paraben-free. The "shimmering effect" sounds scary.




L'Oreal Paris False Lash Butterling Wings Mascara ($25.95)
A lengthening-based mascara. Designed with an "Amplifying Brush" which will stretch and lengthen each lash to the outer corner of your eyes. Yes plz. My Asian lashes needs something like this, but I won't buy into the price..... and the name. Eek.

NP Set Bronze Blush & Go Duo ($28)
Yessssss, a drugstore brand. Half drugstore, half department... since you can find this Big W too. This is a powder duo, featuring a bronzer and a blusher. Formulated with some fancy antioxidants... basically, vitamin A-Z.

WOTNOT Facial Wipes for Oily/Sensitive Skin ($7.95)
OKAY. No sarcasm here! Really loved these wipes in the original formula. Now formulated for oily and sensitive skin users. I have a review of the original here, which left a bit of oil on my skin after removing my make-up. Felt iffy at first, but I grew to love it for my drier skin. Hope these will work out for those with oily skin types too.


The following is NOT a cosmetic product, but I feel like the brand is really worth a mention.

Cedel Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair ($8.99)

So that's a wrap up for this month's freshly launched products and sarcasm! ^_^ Hahaha..

Let me know which of these newbies made your heart thump!

I've actually received a kind care parcel by FOA yesterday, containing their whole collection of Siren nail lacquers! I'll get down to swatch them soon! ^_^