Clarisonic Mia.

Welcome to blog I've been dreading to post. My experience with the Clarisonic Mia. I've only really seen posts that say they are either completely in love with it, or they hate it. And right now I don't feel either of those. I like some aspects of it, but am still (three to four weeks later) purging a tad.

A little skin background; I'd never had too horrible a time with my skin, up until the last 3 or so months. I do get breakouts hormonally, but they have been worse recently. I wasn't always the best to my skin. Confession time; Some nights I wouldn't even bother taking off my make-up. It was time to make a change so I went to see a friend whose a beauty therapist to talk about my skin, and ended up on a great (and expensive) skin care system. Aspect Dr. I ended up grabbing the Age Management kit. Not because I'm rapidly ageing, just because it best suited what I needed. The kit contained 4 products and is about $200 RRP. They really are great products, but forking out $200 every now and then to wash my face just didn't fit into my budget. I was able to buy the Clarisonic on www.ry.com.au/  for $108. Looking at it as in investment I took the plunge.

I haven't wanted to shock my skin too much by changing my skin care AND introducing the Clarisonic, so for now I'm using the Aspect Dr morning and night, but using Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturizer during the day as it has an SPF. Before cleansing at night I use a make-up wipe with extra make-up remover to take off the day and all my eye make up.

So now onto the part I've been dreading and you've been waiting for. My poorly taken progress shots of my naked face.

Right before I started using the Mia.
My skin was in pretty good shape at the time, I had a few small spots all around my face but nothing too crazy. As you can see in the second photo the pores on my nose are super noticeable. It's also the same on my cheeks but the camera has blurred it out, normally a very welcome feature ;) The outside of my face is a lot dryer.

                 


Two weeks after starting to use the Clarisonic. My pores are slightly smaller on my nose and cheeks, but I've got some pretty horrible spots on my lip line and around my chin. I also have a few on my forehead. They don't last long, but the second one goes away another seems to rear it's head! But other than the spots my skin is looking good!

This photo was taken today. Please bear in mind that my face always goes red after any sort of washing and it hadn't completely calmed down.  I feel the need to also add that in that time I've had a fringe cut in ( I always end up with pimples on my head when I have a fringe) And thanks to hormones, I'm all spotty this time of the month anyway.


All in all I'm pretty happy with the Clarisonic. Super easy to use and I LOVE the way it makes my face feel after cleaning it. You know "That dentist clean"? Well it's just like that, but on your face. The texture of my skin has improved a whole lot too. But I'm not so in love with still having so many spots constantly. This is just my thoughts so far, and I will continue to use and update you guys on how my skins reacting.

Empties #1

Tomorrow night is bin night, so I though I'd quickly snap a few things that are saying goodbye to the bathroom. I have used up a pretty good mix of products and it's made me excited to dig up old things and start actually getting through them.

Sorry about the messy photos!

Revlon Colorstay Combo/Oily in 220 Natural Beige

I adore this foundation and always seem to have 100 bottles of it on the go at any given time! I really need to stop doing that though because I find older bottles of it do oxidise on my skin and I can look a tad more orange.

Would I repurchase? As I said I already have too many of these I'm working through, plus an unopened bottle of the new formula. ooooops

Milani Jewel FX in Gold 531

I remember paying way too much in shipping to get this after seeing it on beauty blogs, and while it was worth it ( I adore it layered up as an accent nail) it was super fiddly to work with. Big chunks of glitter that would go anywhere except for where you wanted. It's now dried up and just wont apply anymore so in the bin it goes. It was fun while it lasted.

Would I repurchase? Cheap Australian brands are doing so much fun stuff with glitter I wouldn't bother with the hassle of this again.

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Make-up in 220 Nude

Really generous sample that lasted me almost a week when travelling the states. Loved it enough to pick up a few of them over there and dipped into those before finishing this one completely. Great coverage and just super easy to wear.

Would I repurchase? Did :)

Maybelline Falsies Volume Express Waterproof in Very Black

This seems to be one of those things that has the blogging world completely divided. But I thought it was a great mascara. Held my curl and gave me super black dramatic lashes; just how I like 'em.

Would I repurchase? Too big a fan of trying new ones

Clinique High Impact Mascara in 01 Black.

A nice mascara I wasn't blown away with. I liked the formula and the brush mainly for my bottom lashes. Decent little sample though.

Would I repurchase? Not for the price.

RPR Protect My Hair Thermal Defence Spray

This stuff smells amazing! Seriously such a great scent for a heat protector, that I never forget to use it. It's a super fine mist that isn't heavy or greasy on the hair, and contains Keratin to strengthen. I don't have a bad word to say about it. Heat sprays can be pretty boring, but this one really is great. And Aussie made and owned ;)

Would I repurchase? I already have two back-ups

De Lorenzo Nova Fusion Colour Care Shampoo in Silver

Hands down the best purple/silver shampoo I have ever used. Super thick and rich, deep purple shampoo that REALLY does help my brassy orange tones that creep into my blonde. When I need an extra dose of this I massage it on and leave it for 15 minutes before doing a treatment and I end up feeling like I walked out of the hairdressers. No animal testing and Australian made and owned only add to extra brownie points.

Would I repurchase? I've nabbed the huge bottle already ;)

                                                           Nutrametics Face Prime

Standard foundation base that I can't say too much on. It wasn't great, but it wasn't particularly bad. It applies very much like a light moisturiser, but does take a while to sink into the skin. I'm not really sure it did too much to lengthen the wear of my make up either. It was just 'meh'.

Would I repurchase? Nope

Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer in 001

I had never really liked primers before this one. I slapped them on but never really enjoyed using one, it was just one of those boring steps for me. But this was a game changer. This feels like soft suede when you smooth it on your skin, and there's no drying time as it isn't a 'wet' primer. It seems to blur away some of my pores, and they are a huge concern to me so it's a winner. This is the reason I have tried other primers, and for that I'm so thankful.

Would I repurchase? If it was on sale, I just can't bring myself to spend that much.

Nars Make-up Primer with SPF 20

This. The lightest formula that just melts into the skin. It feels ahh-mazing on my face and my foundation sits on top of it really well. This is one primer that I really noticed make my make-up last and last.

Would I repurchase? I need to save some pennies for this one.

The Body Shop Earth Lovers Apricot and Basil Shower Gel with Sponge.

Hearing "Apricot and Basil" I really didn't think I was going to like this one, but its got a really nice fresh fruity smell that doesn't seem artificial. It lathers up nicely and is nasty free with no soap, sulphates, parabens or colourants. Really nice product.

Would I repurchase? By the time I finish any shower gel I'm over the scent, so maybe in the future

Garnier 2 in 1 Gentle Make-Up Remover

This is one of those boring must haves for me. I find make-up wipes stand no chance against my eye make-up so pop a bit of this on and wiper it all away.

Would I repurchase? Already have.

Ed Hardy By Christian Audgier

This perfume was a Birthday present from a while back and it smells incredible. I always find it so hard to throw out perfume because the bottles are so pretty, but it's time to go.

Would I repurchase?  Maybe in the future when I've used up some of my other perfumes.

First Impressions, Rimmel Kate and Australis Colour Inject lipsticks

There are a few really really great things about Mothers day, like showing Mum how much you love and appreciate her. And then there are the things that I enjoy about it that are a little more selfish. Like how the family has to go to a nice restaurant because Mum's the only great cook in the house. And like how everything girly and amazing goes on sale. Perfumes become cheap, it's a great time to buy winter Pj's and then there's the Make-up.

This week at Kmart they had selected lipsticks at $5. Rimmel, Australis, Face of Australia among others. So of course while shopping for Mum, I thought why not pick up a few.

I picked up Australis Colour Inject in Make A Wish (limited edition)
A bright coral orange that almost pushes into red when the light hits it. A great spring/ summer colour, that I'll be wearing in winter anyway! It's so bright with a super creamy formula that seems to last a long time on my lips. Super impressed with this one!

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in colours #04 and #20
I've always been a fan of Rimmel lipsticks. They smell amazing and have amazing colour pay off in some really great shades. This range from Kate are 'Infused with Black Diamonds' to make them light reflecting. Two really bold shades, one in a deep purple and the other a bright fuchsia pink that I've read is a great dupe for Mac's Girl About Town. The purple was pretty tricky to apply, so I'd suggest a lipliner and avoiding eating or drinking as it transfers really easily. I adore the blue toned pink, glides on like a dream and lasts forever, know I'll get tonnes of wear out of it. As for the purple I really love wearing it, I just don't know if I have the lady balls to do so in public. But everyone needs a purple lipstick in their collection right?

Revlon Gift With Purchase.

Until the 18th of May Revlon have a Gift With Purchase with any spend over $39.95.
Although I don't need any more foundations, I have been super interested in trying out the new formula and packaging for my HG Colorstay, and I never really can say no to a good GWP ;)

I chose the 'Pop' look, that looks a little something like this.

To qualify I picked up the new foundation in a more winter friendly shade (my foundations are a tad too dark for me at the moment) and the Nail Art pen Moon Candy in Orbit. These polish and glitter duos have been sold around the world for a while now, but were only brand spankin' new to my Revlon counter. A super deep dark purple, that applies darker than it looks in the tube. Goes on smoothly with great coverage in one coat. (although I opted for two) The glitter on the other hand did disappoint me at me first. it took maybe three or four coats to get the amount of glitter you can see in the picture below. The glitter is big jagged holographic 'chunks', that sometimes don't sit flush with the nail. I put a super thick gel top coat on, and still found myself with bumpy nails. Some of the glitter would get stuck on clothes and what not and rip out. It IS a beautiful polish, and after all the fiddling I adore the finish and will get a lot of use out of this. The flecks of deep blue, turquoise and green are amazing and the photo just doesn't do it justice.

This was after three days wear, so you can see a bit of wear around the tips.

I haven't had much of a chance to play with the goodies in the pack, but it came in a super cute little make up bag. These things are always too small for me, but I do like putting my make-up for touch ups in them and then in my handbag so I don't have things getting lost in my bag.

Colorburst Lip Butter in #025 Peach Parfait, Photoready Sculpting Blush Palette in #001 Pink Rose, Nail Enamel in #141 Angelic, Photoready Primer + Shadow in #501 Metropolitan and Colorstay creme gel eyeliner in #001 Black Nior.

The shadows seem super pigmented and I really can't wait to play around with these

The blush palette on the other hand isn't as strong, but does have a really nice sheen to it that should look lovely. The highlight looks great. The sales assistant who helped me out was phenomenal and said that she prefers to swirl her brush over the whole palette and apply it that way.

As a part of the Promo, I also received an appointment card to come back and have a 'lesson' of sorts to tech me how to use the products, or try out a new look. I think I'll pass it on to my mum (The SA was more than happy to note it down) and give her a little make-over.

Really impressed with the goodie bag, if you can you should totally go check it out!

April Favourites!

Decided I should jump on the bandwagon with my first ever favourites post.

Gorgeous Cosmetics Prism Highlighter

When I first bought this product the only powder highlighter I had was stark white. Beautiful, but not for the faint hearted. I was so excited when I got this, but then when I started using it I thought it was pale by comparison, literally. When I dipped into it weeks later with a fan brush and swept it across pink blush, it was perfect. Pink in the pan, but when applied there is a subtle golden tone. I love that it can be used down the bridge of the nose without looking like I fell into glitter. It took time, but now I can't get enough of this faint shimmer.

Revlon's 3D Volume and CustomEyes Mascaras

The 3d mascara has a great rubber wand and separates and lengthens my lashes to no end. but its lacking depth and volume. The other mascara is black as black can be, and gives me loads of drama. the 3d is great on its own for an every day look, but I love big lashes. The other mascara is one that I just couldn't get to agree with me. But when I layer them, I'm in love. Really pleased that I found a way I love to use these as I ended up getting more of each in beauty packs or Gifts with purchases.

Savvy By DB Lipstick in Bali

To be fair I only got this on the 23rd. It's been in my life a mere 11 days, but what an 11 days it's been! This lip colour has barely come off my lips since I bought it. It's a dark burgundy plum colour, with a long lasting semi matte formula that makes my teeth look whiter. LOVE. I have a mini review of it it HERE.

Revlon Colorstay Quad in Cofee Bean

I have forever sworn by my hg eyebrow pencil. So much so that in over 2 years I haven't swayed from it. (That's loyalty!) But when my go-to make up was left elsewhere (with the pencil) I had to make do without. That's where this duo comes in. The bottom shade in this quad, teamed with this almost too firm but then also perfect angle brush has been making a very regular appearance on my face. Super easy to use, and I love that I can brush it out with a spooly if I want a more natural look. Something I can't really do with my waxy pencil.

Gorgeous Cosmetics Colour Pro Blush in Peach Glow with Real Techniques Multi Task Brush

I put in an order with iHerb as I just couldn't resist the Real Techniques brushes any longer. I'm still getting used to them as they are still nice and new, but I have been obsessed with how this applies my blush. And that's super handy for the blush that I recently dug out and fell back in love with. Finely milled, long lasting and really easy to blend. Such a beautiful colour, and it has lasted me ages!

OCC Lip Tar in Hush

I'm not sure I'll be able to find to words to convey how much I love this product. You use the tinniest amount to get a completely opaque cover, and it lasts and lasts and lasts. I can put this on in the morning and not have to worry about it until nearing the end of the day. It's a gorgeous nude pink that doesn't wash me out in the slightest. It goes perfectly with any make-up look and it was super wallet friendly. If you haven't tried these yet, ( I know they can be a pain in the bum to get a hold of sometimes) do yourself a favour and grab a few.

Models Prefer Beauty Sponge

I was SO excited to try this out! A gift from a friend of mine and something I've been using since. A lot of companies have come out with their version of the cult Beauty Blender, but none have really . I've really wanted to try it, but so far it hasn't really made its way into my budget. I'm glad I didn't fork out the money at this point because I seriously can't imagine how this can get any better. Dampen the sponge and bounce your foundation all over your face for an almost airbrushed look to your skin, I've really loved this for blending in cream contour too.

What were your favourites of the month?

My little hair journey.

For as long as I remember I have always had long blonde hair. Varying longer lengths. Varying tones of blonde. But always pretty same same. I'd always wanted to change it, but was too afraid. Last year I decided to do something crazy, and became half a brunette. Bayalage is a wonderful thing! When summer rolled back around I knew I wanted to go lighter again, but after a month of 'boring' hair I knew I needed another change. And change I did.


I chopped all of my hair off into a long bob.
Then I dyed it purple.
Then blue.
Then silver.
Then lilac.
Pink
And back to purple.
Most were pastels so nothing too crazy or obvious.
But here's a quick look at a few colours I could find photos of.

Finally I decided "NO MORE!" and with the help of Head&Shoulders, some Bi carb soda and a Hot oil treatment I managed to get back to blonde within days.
I assessed my hair and was actually shocked at the condition. I know I wasn't using bleaching agents when I was colouring my hair, but I don't really recall the last time my hair was in such great condition.
Through my phase of Rainbow hair I learnt a lot.
I learnt that I shouldn't wash my hair every single day, it doesn't need it! I laid off the bubbles a lot with coloured hair. Using Fudge paintbox and Crazy Colours meant that the more I washed my hair the more it faded.
I also cut back on heat, also known to fade temporary colours. My hair isn't horrible when I let it air dry. And using an oil really cut down on frizz so I was able to embrace my natural hair texture.

After 6 months of change it's time to grow my hair out. I miss the ease of being able to throw my hair up in a ponytail! But I know I won't be too hesitant to change my hair again in the future. It's only change, and hair grows.
Bit of a different post, hope you don't mind.

 Have you ever drastically changed your hair?

Priceline 40% off mini reviews.

As I'm sure you have all heard about, Priceline recently had a 40% off ALL cosmetics sale. As much as I've been wanting to save, the temptation was too high, although I think I managed to restrain myself pretty well.

There was nothing I really needed and I had bought some back-up products recently to qualify for the beauty bag, so I decided to try a few new things that had caught my eye.

Essence Stay With Me Longlasting Lipgloss.
I originally only grabbed one of these in My Favourite Milkshake (a peachy/pink nude) and fell in love with it so fast I had to run back to priceline to try another. I ended up with Candy Bar (a beautiful coral.)  Both are super creamy with great pigmentation for a gloss of this price. The formula is quite thick, but not sticky which is great, and it really does last. They do have a smell to them but it isn't offensive at all, I actually really like it. The glosses also have an hourglass shaped applicator that I haven't seen before. I'm normally not a lipgloss fan at all, but these babies are brilliant!
RRP: $3.50 but I paid $2.10.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal
Recently I've really been liking lining my waterline with my NYX jumbo crayon in Milk. But I have wanted to try a good Nude that doesn't look so harsh against the rest of my eye make up. I'd read some good reviews on this one and have used it before in black and really like it. Really creamy and long lasting. Makes me look more bright eyed and awake, so I'm a fan of that.
RRP:$9.95, I paid $5.97

Essence Stay All Day 16h Long Lasting Concealer
This is the only thing I grabbed that I have previously used but I couldn't resist. Really creamy and super easy to blend. I use Natural Beige, and it is a very light shade, but I adore this under my eyes to conceal and brighten. It's an amazing little product that I know I will continue to love, and it's very wallet friendly!
RRP: $4.25 on sale for $2.55

Savvy by Db Long Lasting Matte Lipstick
I have long wanted to try Mac's Rebel. It's dark and mysterious and beautiful. Everyone I've seen wear it looks sassy but classy. The only reason I don't have it is I'm not too sure I'd be able to pull it off and get my moneys worth of wear. In comes this lipstick in Bali. It's been dubbed a dupe for the colour, a deep, dark burgundy. Better still, this one's matte! I am in love! It's been on my lips most days, and has amazing staying power, I've eaten with this bad boy on and not needed to touch up. I really want to pick up a few more of the shades because the formulation is just great.
RRP: $6.99 but I paid $4.19

Innoxa Summer Matte Lipstick
Okay so this lipstick (and maybe the next) were 100% sold to me by Australian Beauty Guru's. I'd heard a lot of good stuff about these lipsticks (although not this shade in particular) and while feeling bold ended up buying Baby Doll. An extremely bright matte Barbie pink. This lipstick is crazy, it wears on the purple side of pink. I'm not too sure I can really get this to work for me, as beautiful as it is. With a gloss over it it's much more wearable, but I think I need to play around with it a little bit longer and find my niche with it because it really is a great colour.
RRP: $14.95 on sale for $8.97

Face Of Australia Lip Quench 
Lychee Crush is one of those lipsticks that although is almost a cult product around the blogosphere, I somehow never managed to pick up. Until now. This shade has been called the perfect nude by so many people, and I understand why. Although I personally prefer a pinker nude, this colour is amazing. It's that completely right nude without having what looks like concealer plastered on your lips. It has a brown/peach undertone, so it sits on the lips really naturally. It's almost too moisturising! It applies just like a lip butter, but can then slide around your lips. I found applying, blotting, and then re-applying worked wonders. Eating and drinking will result in completely having to re-apply, as it transfers really easily. Other than that this is worth the hype.
RRP: $9.45 but I paid $5.67

Essence Extra Long Lasting Eyeliner Pen
Stock standard black liquid eyeliner with a felt tip pen but at a tenth of the cost? Sold. I've been wearing a winged lined like it's going out of fashion, and even when I'm just rocking regular eyeliner I love for it to be a liquid. It's just a deeper, more dramatic finish. This pen is no exception. I think I'll be doing a comparison post on this next to Revlon and Stila's versions.
RRP: $4.25 but on sale for only $2.55

L-R:Lipsticks Bali, Baby Doll, Lychee Crush. Glosses in Candy Bar & My Favourite Milkshake. Essence and Rimmel eyeliners with concealer at the end.

        

Did you get any bargains?