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 -- August 2014

A TAD late again. Very last-minute post, but I assure you, the following are the only products I've gathered for the month of August.

Yeap. Only a handful, so don't expect anything lengthy today.


Ardell LashGrip Strip Lash Adhesive - Dark ($6.99)
Yosh, their strip lash adhesive is now available in Dark. Dries quickly, is waterproof and holds lashes securely in place. Thought they've always had these?!

Natio Blush & Bronze Palette ($19.95/2 shades)
Limited editon alert! Luminous blusher and bronzer palette. Three blushers, one bronzer and and one highlighter shade. Looking at the photos, the shades from both palettes are pretty rosey. No corals, but there is a mauve colour!

Maybelline

Big Eyes Eyeliner ($11.95)
Been out for a while now methinks. A dual-ended eyeliner. If you're not familiar with the usage of white eyeliners, they are used to line the bottom waterline to create an illusion of "bigger eyes". Made famous by Michelle Phan I think, but let's just face it.... White waterlines just makes you look freaky and weird as hell!!

Volum' Express The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara ($19.95)
Dual ended mascara. I think Maybelline has quite a few of these already. One end features a volumising formula to open up the eyes, and one end features a much smaller brush (I believe), to coat the lower lashes with definition. Oddly, available in "Blackest Black Washable" and "Very Black Waterproof". Looooooooool. Since when did Maybelline get so horrible with shade-naming for their mascaras? :P

1. SuperStay Better Skin Foundation ($21.95/8 shades) -- Saw this featured on Lilit's blog. Anything over $20 is considered pricey for me, but I really like the packaging. I've enjoyed using most foundations by Maybelline. Hopefully, this will be promising too! Claims to: promote skin regeneration (whatever that means); even out skin discolouration; hydrate and plump the skin; protects the skin with SPF14 (odd number!); and provides a full and comfortable, long-lasting coverage.
2. SuperStay Better Skin Concealer ($14.95/2 shades) -- "A concealer that provides long-lasting coverage of blemishes, redness, dark circles and imperfections", says Maybelline. 
3. Matte Maker Powder ($11.95/3 shades) -- REALLY like the name of this product. MATTE Maker!! Offers 100% natural matte coverage with a lightweight and blendable formula.

AND, here are some products that I've NEVER seen before. I've included them here, because they seem "new". Correct me if I'm wrong though!

Brow Drama Sculpting Brow Mascara ($12.95/2 shades)
Never seen a brow mascara from Maybelline. I'm pretty sure this is new. It has a sculpting ball brush to help shape, shift and coat every brow hair. Buildable with a streak-free tinted gel formula to help thicken brows.

Color Tattoo Pure Pigments Eyeshadow ($11.95/6 shades)
Very similar to their Color Tattoos from their Eye Studio range. I'm not sure if this is a re-packaged version, BUT the shades available doesn't cross-match between both ranges. Either way, these are described to be long-lasting and intense. Crease-proof and lasts for 24 hours. Typical 24-hour claims by Maybelline. Hehe.

Master Kajal Cream Kohl Liner ($11.95/2 shades)
Cream based liner, which is specifically designed to line the inner eye. I'm STILL looking for a bronze/brown to last on my waterline... Will this be it?!
No, it's not. Available in a black and blue shade. Strangest. If they're only gonna launch these with 2 shades... Why blue?!

Eyes & Lips Makeup Remover ($4.95)
They have two make-up removers, if I'm not wrong. This one is specifically formulated for sensitive eyes. Breaks down longwear and waterproof make-up without the harsh rubbing. Looks like one of those oil & water make-up removing products. Forgot what they're called!! :(







L'Oreal Paris Infallible Range
This range has been out for a bit less than a month already, I believe. I think it was after my previous monthly launch post that they've launched. The price tags of these are sooo hefty, as with the usual L'Oreal products.

Compact Powder Foundation ($29.95)
Not sure how many shades. This foundation is described to "help control oil whilst providing a long-lasting coverage". Non-drying texture and can be applied dry or damp, depending on what coverage you seek.

Liquid Foundation ($31.95/7 shades)
Packaged in a sleek, glass bottle, this foundation is supposed to even out the skin tone, leaving the skin looking flawless. Contains hyper-glide oils (sounds scary) which help the foundation glide over the skin and set comfortably. Flake-proof and non-cakey formula.

Infallible Longwear Concealer ($19.45)
Again, not sure how many shades. BUT! This concealer features a WATERPROOF formula. Waterproof concealer?! No way!! Covers blemishes, dark circles, unevens skin tone and doesn't dry out the skin, they said.


Manicare Nail Polish Remover Pads ($4.95)
NEW. It is what it is, but in addition to that, the pads are formulated with argain oil to help moisturise nails and are also vanilla scented!

Lmao. I said that there was only a handful of products at the beginning of the post... Well.... I lied.. Ended up finding so many more products as I started typing away...

But that's all for this month!

Let me know by voting! Thank you everyone for your feedback in last month's poll. I'm switching to another poll-maker, so I'd appreciate if you'd let me know if this one isn't working!!

X

Drugstore Beauty Launches for Australia -- April 2014

Hey guys! I'm late again :(

Sorry, this first week of April is actually when assessments are due, and tests begin for two of the language classes I'm taking. Yosh, Chinese and Japanese baby!

I'm still on to my FOA Screen Siren swatch post, please be patient! I appreciate it very muchies :P

~

Manicare Facial Cleansing Brush ($11.95)
I've received this in my mail box right after publishing last month's launch post... >_<
This brush, however, is supposed to gentle exfoliate the skin whilst effectively removing embedded impurities that a make-up pad or cotton wool can't get to. Described to be suitable for all skin types. Deep cleanses when used in conjunction with your daily cleanser. It's like a toothbrush for your face!!

Available at Priceline and selected pharmacies only. 


Nivea Q10 Plus CC Cream ($19.55/1 shade)
Half skincare, half cosmetics... kinda. A multi-tasking moisturiser (moisturiser?!??!) that provides colour correction and Q10 anti-wrinkle properties in one simple step. Sounds alot like a tinted moisturiser to me... Eep. Has anyone tried?

Innoxa Skin Perfecting BB Powder 5 in 1 ($26.95/2 shades)
Described be a lightweight multi-tasking powder, it is supposed to help:

• Improve the skin's texture
• Minimise skin imperfections
• Reduce the appearance of fine lines & pores
• Absorb excess oil
• Correct the skin tone
• Calm & sooth

Fragrance free, with a fancy anti-ageing formula. 

Revlon ColourBurst Balm Stain/Matte Balm/Lacquer Balm 

Okay, I'm sure you've heard a TONNE about these. Especially with the BOGO offer at Priceline which ended recently. 

• Balm Stains: Offers a lightweight flush of colour, comfortable and moisturising, and has a slight peppermint fragrance.
• Matte Balms: Offers a medium-buildable colour payoff with a true matte finish. Also contains peppermint fragrance. Available in 10 shades.
• Lacquer Balms: Medium-buildable colour payoff with a high shine finish. Also contains peppermint fragrance. Available in 10 shades.

I haven't tried these, but I've swatched them in store. I'm actually not too interested in any other ranges besides the Matte Balm range. I felt like the Lacquer Balm range was really sheer though, and that the Balm Stain range didn't really excite me. I do wonder if it actually stains though, or does it only provide the "stained-look", hence why they're described to provide a "light-weight flush of colour".

Face Of Australia High Definition Primer ($13.95)
I know they've always had their 4-in-1 base primer, but here's one that's "specially formulated to help make-up glide on easily". Has a lightweight formula, described to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and large pores, and is suitable for sensitive skin.






NATIO

• Complexion Perfection Foundation Sponge ($5.95) -- An application sponge which is designed for fast and flawless foundation application.
• Tinted Lip Balms ($4.95) -- Aww!! These look so cute! They are a limited edition collection. Buttery lip balms that delivers a low-sheen colour with high moisture. 

NP Set Eye Slicks ($14/3 shades)

A creamy eyeshadow with a cream-to-powder formula that's described to "last without creasing". 

PHYSICIANS FORMULA

Eek... Some new launches by Physician Formula. Urghhhhhh, Why do I feel like they release such similar sets of products every 2-3 months, but in different packaging? The products don't seem to make a hit, and they are bloody pricey.  

• Shimmer Strips All-in-1 Custom Nude Palette for Face & Eyes ($24.95)
• Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Airbrushing Bronzing Veil - Deluxe Edition ($29.95)

L'Oreal Paris Nude Magique Eau De Teint ($24.95/6 shades)
I'm sure you guys have seen these in store! I think it may have been released last month... This foundation features a lightweight formula, and offers a "nude velvet finish".  Although I don't know what that actually means, I must say that I'm in LOVE with how it looks! The packaging is oh so nice! *-*

essence Metal Glam Collection
A spankin' new collection by essence!! Yipppeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Credits to Beauty In China >

From left to right, top to bottom:

• Eye Shadow ($4.50/4 shades) -- Highly pigmented, metallic-based eyeshadow.
• Lip Gloss ($3.50/3 shades) -- Shimmery lip gloss for the "metallic effect".
• Highlighting Powder ($5.35) -- A white hold highlighting power with a soft cream texture (?) and subtle shimmers.
• Blush ($4.95) -- A cream blush, offers a powdery apricot finish (?)
• Stick-on Jewels ($3.50/1 style) -- Stick on jewels for the body.
• Nail Polish ($2.95/4 shades) -- Long-lasting metallic nail lacquers.
• Gold Topper ($3.50) -- Top coat with gold flakes.
• Nail Stickers ($3.50/3 styles) -- High-shine metallic nail stickers.
• Stick On Eyeliner ($3.50/1 style) -- Adhesive stick-on eyeliners. Reusable.............?!

Ahhh, as much as I love seeing new collections by essence, the way they describe their products are just whack. What is a an "apricot finish"? A highlighting powder with a "soft cream texture"? And.. reusable stick-on eyeliners!?!?!?!?

No waaaaaaay. 

And that's all for this month! I apologise that this is a late post, but I had a loooooooooot to do!
As per usual, let me know...

How do you like the products this month?

Which ones have you already tried?

I've actually went to purchase the Gold Topper from essence's Metal Glam collection. Nagging my sister to do a NOTD-duo post with me, featuring the lacquer. Hopefully, she'll get to it soon, since I'm done with my part!

Besides that, I also tried to get my hands on the Revlon Matte Balms when they were on BOGOF at Priceline, but the shades I wanted was sold out!!!!! Urgghhhh. Can only cross my fingers and toes that I can find them at the markets. My heart pains paying the full price, haha.


Time for me to get down to my overly-late FOA Screen Siren Collection post.. Please look out for that!


Thank you for reading, and being patient with me!

Wishing you all a lovely weekend!

xx

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! ^_^