Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Concealer

It’s been a long time since my last post. Unexpectedly something I hoped to see in the next  years actually happened. I was able to purchase a home with my partner and have been with consumed with all things HOUSE related!

Part of all things house related means turning one of the downstairs rooms (basically an unused store room) into my makeup room. It was a barren shell -of-a-room, with no ceiling no flooring, purple and green walls!

So far I have painted the walls a nice cool-toned stone colour – TAUBMANS Pebble Bay. and also enlisted a contractor to install large 600 x 600 porcelain tiles in a similar and complimentary shade to the stone colour on the wall. My Makeup room is taking shape! Im hoping to make it a neutral, modern and relaxing space. Next is painting the trimmings a natural white, installing a ceiling (yes currently no ceiling in there) and air conditioning. In the tropics air conditioning is a must! Will keep you posted and pics to come.

Taubmans Pebble Bay

 

Anyway enough about that lets move on to makeup. What have I been using whilst renovating. Well to be honest not a whole lot, things are still packed away and all over the place. So to work I have been bare faced with mascara and brows done only! Sacrilege! I have been too busy to wear makeup daily and let me tell you I’m having withdraws, but lucky for me tomorrow I am doing a friends makeup so I will get my fix there. How exciting!

When I have been applying a full face, I have been loving the Uban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Concealer. This has to be my favourite concealer. It doesn’t dry my under eye area or crease. I prefer it over the NARS Radiant Concealer – which is too drying for my skin.  I find the Urban Decay concealer is more fluid and thin consistency and far more easy to blend, compared to the NARS which I find thick and creamy.

 

I use two shades, one for concealing (Medium Light Neutral) and one when I want to conceal and highlight (Light Neutral) . Now for us here in Australia this is a high-end concealer priced at $46 each from MECCA. When you compare that say to the Maybelline Fit me Concealer which from memory is around $13 from any pharmacy/drugstore or grocery store here in Australia that’s a big price difference. I am an avid user of the Fit me concealers as well as the  LA Girl Concealers which are also a quality product at a low price. Whilst I will always use those drugstore concealers, I do see the quality and difference in the Urban Decay product. Some times when you buy a high-end product you can find a low priced product that does the exact same job, and you come away feeling like you have paid for a brand name rather than a quality product. I find the Urban Decay Concealer is worth the money. The difference in quality is obvious, which I didn’t really find with the NARS concealer. A lot of people swear by the NARS concealer, perhaps my under eye area doesn’t agree with it, being on the dry-side.

If you haven’t tried this concealer from Urban Decay I definitely recommend giving it a go, especially if like me you tend to dry out under your eye area and are having problems finding something that doesnt leave your skin feeling like sand paper.

xxLumoo

 

 

March Wish List Beauty and Fashion

Last month I created a post about makeup products I hoped would land magically in my lap. The Law of attraction is real cause I got a couple of those items on that list!

Anyway I thought I would update my list with some new products I am lusting over. Any feedback on these products would be appreciated.

First off is the Hoola bronzer by Benefit. I love bronzers, especially matte ones. I actually picked this up in my hand to purchase on my holiday in Brisbane at New Years and then put it down, damn it. I don’t own any Benefit products, and was overwhelmed with how much I wanted to buy from their display haha. The swatch seemed like the perfect bronzey shade not orange, and hooray no sparkles. Retails for $51AUD from SephoraAU

 

A close second is the Benefit Dandelion face powder. Its a light pinky shads, ooks similar to my Cindy Lou-Manizer by the Balm but without the sparkles. Also retails $51AUD from SephoraAU. I love Benefit packaging!

 

 

Next up is the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. I haven’t tried this but the way it sits on everyone elses skin is amazing. The clincher for me was watching Jaclyn Hill’s latest YouTube vid. I follow Jaclyn Hill religiously and she swears by this foundation.  Retails between $92-95 AUD

 

Guerlain Meteorites Voyage Compact. This is a skin enhancing finishing powder which includes 3 correcting and 3 light enhancing colours which apparently suits all skin types. Why do i want this ? Cause I am obsessed with collectible hard cased refillable compacts. I bought a vintage one from an Antique Store in Brisbane and ever since them I have been pining over vintage compacts on my Pinterest account. I came across this and thought it would be lovely to pass down to the girls eventually. It retails for $206 AUD. Very much out of my price range but a girl is allowed to dream:)

 

 

Bellami Burciaga Blends in Ombre #2/24. Yasss I want these. I have dabbled in extensions on and off over recent years, but never have I tried clip-ins, and from the research I think this is one of the best brands. I like getting extensions put in by my hairdresser, but on days I don’t feel like having them in my hair, or they irritate me it would nice to be able to have the option to remove them. This would have been especially uselful when I was exercising and couldnt stand the extensions being in there. I  wouldnt personally use these on an everyday basis but there are people out there that do, its just not practical for me though. I love how extensions give my hair a fuller look. Bellami use 100% REMY human hair, and their clip-ins are known for staying put without the need of hairspray and teasing etc, unlike other brands. They can be washed and styled with heat tools. They have a site full of different styles and colours. This set contains 6 clefts and comes with a storage carrier and hanger to hang in your closet so they don’t get messy.  This particular set retails $239.99 USD from their site.

And lastly Quay Australia sunglasses.  Their sunnies are fashionable, look bomb and what’s even better is they are affordable. Gone are the days when I will spend hundreds of dollars on sunglasses.  My current pair cost me $2 in Bali. I am notorious for breaking, losing or scratching my sunnies. So I decided no more spending up on them, and Voila my $2 pair have lasted me over 6 months! I need Quay sunnies in my life. They retail on their online store from $45  -$55 AUD. with that price why stop at one!

 

xxLumoo

 

 

 

Chi Chi Super CC Cream

I cant say I’ve used all kinds of CC creams, so I’m no expert. I’ve only used one other besides the Chi Chi Super CC cream, but hands down this is one of the best products I own. It’s like I hit the lottery with this product. I love love love it.

 

This CC Cream gives my skin a nice natural, dewy, RADIANT (yes I said Radiant) finish. It corrects my skin tone and redness, moisturises my dry patches, covers up my blemishes and yet doesn’t feel like I have a huge amount of product on my face. I have been wearing it to work lately and it lasts all day. It gives a light to medium coverage dependent on how much product you use, so I would definitely say its build-able. Another benefit is you can wear this as a colour correcting primer as well. I prefer this product over some foundations, because of its light weight formula and the way it looks on my skin. I use this as I would a foundation and layer my products over it.

I guess the only CON is that there are 4 shades to choose from so if you don’t fit in one of those categories you’re screwed. If I was ChiChi I would develop this range further, it is such a good product. If you prefer matte foundations this also would not be for you, although like me you could set it with powder. I use the Laura Mercier Translucent powder to set it.

Whilst holidaying in Bali this was my savior. I didn’t need foundation or many products I just put this on with my beauty sponge some mascara and lip gloss and away I went.

It retails for $29.95 with four shades to choose from:

1.  For Fair Skin
2. For light skin tones
3. For Medium Skin Tones (ME!)
4. For Medium to Tanned Skin Tones (Me when I fake tan)

There are other benefits with this product too. Its very hydrating and is the only product I own that combines skincare & foundation. It has SPF 30, its loaded with rich antioxidants and skin conditioning agents, and Chi Chi do not test on animals. The product comes in a plastic bright pink tube with pump applicator which is handy, I really love this product.

In Australia you can buy Chi Chi through Target and Myer stores or otherwise online and yes they ship internationally too.

I’ve included some pics below of me wearing the Chi Chi Super CC cream, there are no effects or filters on these…

I have the biggest Simba smile here with good reason, as its our first day in Bali (wearing the CC cream) You can see it looks like I’m definitely wearing product but it gives a nice glow.

Chi Chi Super CC Cream Car Selfie (as you do).

Early morning 7am  here its set with powder

 

xxLumoo

Liebster Award #3

 

Thank you for nominating me luzz05, I wasn’t sure if I was eligible as I’ve previously been awarded two times, but she assures me the person who nominated her has received it ten times (holy cow!)  Be sure to check out her blog see the link below….

luzz05’s Blog

OK here are the rules:

1.  Thank the person that nominated you on your blog and link back to the blogger who awarded you.
2. List these rules in your post.
3. Copy & Paste the award to your blog.
4. Nominate 5 blogs to receive the award.
5. Inform them of their nomination by leaving a comment on their blog.

In my previous nominations it came with 20 questions to answer form the blogger that nominated you, but  in Luzz05’s post I saw you have to give 5 random facts about yourself.

1. Chewing noises really disturb me, even when an actor is chewing in a movie
2. I have a British short-hair male cat called Gigi
3. One of my eyes is slightly lighter brown than the other
4. My favourite TV show is Poh and Co – a cooking & lifestyle show on SBS
5. I was a twin

And my nominations are!

1. Bex – the Red Lip bitch
2. RubyRayne
3. Alisha- ramblingsbyalisha
4. cozyfashionist
5. beautybyamyxo

xxLumoo

Beauty Blender VS Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

My other half bought me the Beauty Blender to try, bless him. I have used a Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge for a long time now, so I was excited to see what everyone is raving on about with the BB. It’s been a week now and I found there is a big difference between the two in makeup application.

Both sponges are designed to be used used damp by placing the sponge under running water and then squeezing out the excess. Basically repeating multiple times until the sponge doubles in size, then pat dry on a towel. Then its ready for use. I like to use the  sponge to blend my foundation, picking up excess product from the face, contouring, under eye concealer and setting.The sponges are so versatile and handy.

I personally find the Real Techniques sponge softer and easier to blend out product compared to the beauty blender. It just seems to take longer to blend with the BB.  Also I found the material of the Beauty Blender is less denser than the Real Techniques sponge, I wonder if that makes a significant difference?

I also like how the Real techniques sponge has a precision tip, and also a flat edge to contour around the eyes, in my opinion this makes it  more versatile in its application that way. I use the flat edge a lot and I am finding myself putting down the BB to pick up the RT for that flat edge.  The Beauty Blender has a tip but not as precise as the Real Techniques one.

Both say to replace between 1-3 months, but Ive had my Real Techniques much longer than that. In saying that,  mine is rather over used and it’s time for a new one. The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge is also much cheaper. Here in Australia you can pick up the RT for $13.59  vs the BB for $27.

Overall personally I love my trusty Real Techniques Miracle complexion Sponge. I wont be repurchasing the Beauty Blender.

xxLumoo

Beauty Blender VS Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (as you can see time for a new one)

Artis Brushes unboxing

Yesterday I came home to the best knock on my door from DHL! They had for me a big box from Net-A – Porter. Only I didn’t order anything. Definitely was addressed to me though. I accepted the package, probably left the front door open in my haste to rip it open.

 

Honestly, it was the most beautifully boxed gift with a note inside from my love. He had given me the Artis Elite Collection 5 piece set in smoke finish! And a BeautyBlender Pure. OMG I love him. It was such a lovely surprise. He came home just as I was unwrapping and told me it was a congratulatory gift for reaching 100 followers on my blog. How sweet. I’m like, “there are people with thousands, hunny you didn’t have to do that! But haha I’ll take them!!!!”.

Honestly I have been longing for these for so long and was contemplating just buying the oval 6 due to the price. These Brushes may look a little strange but I have been so keen to try them out.  I have watched clips on YouTube and Instagram of MUA’s using them and the brushes seem to give a flawless finish to their clients’ makeup. The brushes have super soft dense bristles and the brush handles feel really sturdy and excellent quality. The smoke finish is bomb. Artis brushes have 3-10 times as many individual fibres as normal makeup brushes.

I had a little go this morning, probably not the best time as I was rushing for work, and I couldn’t spend time doing my makeup. I didn’t use much product at all as I wanted to see how far the coverage would stretch. These brushes have a reputation for using a little foundation for excellent coverage. I’m guessing its due to the bristles being so dense, and also due to the way the pressure is applied to the brush in the toothbrush-like manner.

I used the brushes almost everywhere except my brows. I even used them for my eye shadow. I kind of feel like this brush gave me a “no-makeup” makeup look to be honest. But like I said before, its my first time and I used hardly any product on anything. I probably could have used more product to get a better finish but I was pressed for time.

Looking forward to using these brushes again on myself and others. Will post pics soon.

xxLumoo

PS: I haven’t opened my beauty blender as yet, I have never owned one. I use the real techniques sponge so this will be heaps of fun to compare the difference, will post another update soon.

 

 

 

 

 

Bella Be nominated Me :)

Thank you BellaBe for nominating me for the Liebster award, this is the second time Ive been nominated recently and I am so excited and happy to be nominated. Ive been blogging since late last year and I love the whole experience. Please check out Bella Be her posts are awesome and don’t forget to subscribe so you font miss any of her latest posts.

If you are unfamiliar about the Liebster Award its basically a recognition from bloggers to their fellow bloggers, and also a nice way for bloggers to discover new sites.

Here are the rules

 

Bella Be has given me the following question to answer:

What are the top five things you use every day in your makeup bag? I take a makeup bag to work everyday for touch ups, I have a vintage 1940s gold compact to use as my mirror, my lippy for the day, a LÓCCITANE hand cream in Jasmine & Bergamote, Napoleon Powder compact for touch ups and a brow wiz 🙂

What is your favorite quote? hmm, geez I have to say its a hard one,“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” — Coco Chanel
If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be? I would say dark denim jeans and a cami just cause its so versatile and could get me through all situations.

If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you go? definitely want to visit and explore Italy.

Where would you like to be in five years? i want to be owning my own business and also completed a makeup  artistry course. Hopefully own our own home 🙂

What do you like to do to unwind? I love to watch DVDs and eat and snuggle with my man, just chillin out in relaxing clothes hair up. Or we like to cook together.

If you could be any animal what would you be? definitely a domestic cat. They have the best lives.
If you had to eat the same thing for dinner every night what would you eat? Far out that is the hardest question haha, PIZZA, Im a pizza gal.
What is your favorite makeup brand (or fashion, if you’re not into makeup) and why? This is also so tough but at the moment I love Anastasia Beverly Hills I think they are definitely innovative and their products are of excellent quality. I also love TooFaced I think they are a close second.
If you could switch places with someone for a day who would you choose and why? well I always say when my kids are having a problem with other kids at school or something I would love to switch places with them and give some kids and teachers a piece of my mind!
Why did you start blogging? I missed writing and I love makeup and felt a need to express myself creatively. Haven’t looked back. I love it.

Eleven random facts about me (Gosh this is hard)

1. I have three kids (2 in high school)
2. I have never lived anywhere else except the city I was born
3. When I was 18 I started an apprenticeship in printing and graphic design for a week!
4. As a child I would perform a comedy/dance act dressed as John Travolta on one side and Oliva Newton John on the other.
5. I have had the same mobile phone number since I was 18
6. When I was a toddler I almost drowned in a swimming pool before the age of compulsory pool fencing
7. Ive held a crocodile
8. Ive ridden an elephant
9. My first cassette tape was the Michael Jackson album BAD
10. My first CD was the Michael Jackson album Dangerous
11. Have built and designed two houses and now I own neither

 

Here are my nominations

1. Kat Today
2. ocdRn Beauty
3. Harriet
4. littlemisskouture
5. Edna Moore
6. mateREALgirl
7. luzz05s blog
8. Katgotyourtongue
9. Jess
10. lucymexo
11. Emily

 

Here are the 11 questions from me

1. Why did you start blogging?
2. What is your favourite makeup brand
3. Favourite makeup palette?
4. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
5. Favourite place to eat out?
6. Makeup brushes you cant live without
7. Biggest fear
8. Where would you like to be in 5 years
9. If you could have any job in the world what would it be
10. Favourite movie
11. Beauty product you cant live without

xxLumoo

Oscars Fashion: Once you’ve dressed, and before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off

I love the Oscars.

Since I was a little girl my sister and I would have our eyes glued form the moment the red carpet begun to the credits rolling at the end of the award show. Then we would stay up and discuss every little thing from the gowns to the jokes to the flops. EVERYTHING. We have always loved it. I’m talking from the Billy Crystal hosting days… hello 80s shoulder pads!

So this year I was slightly disappointed with the red carpet fashion. I have my favourites below, but to be honest I really struggled with my selection. Normally there are so many gorgeous gowns, flawless makeup,  and overall looks to choose from.Why was the Oscars fashion highlights so few and far between?Well for one there was no Jennifer Aniston, JLo, Gweneth, Emma Stone. These are my usual favourites.

I actually think Leo looked great too in his Armani suit, but men look great in any nice suit, it isn’t that hard for them. I think Olivia Wilde,  Rooney Mara & Isla Fisher’s still pics don’t do the gowns any justice.

In the makeup department I think Margot Robbie is the winner. I think her makeups is stunning , illuminating and understated. Personally I would loved for her stylist to have pulled her hair back as her face is so gorgeous. Her brows are seriously just perfection. I would pick Margot for overall winner of the red carpet but I don’t like her clutch. I think it detracts from her overall look. The same goes for Olivia Wilde, I love her gown and her clutch hair and makeup, but that choker for me was not necessary and again detracts from the overall look. Was it Chanel who said “Once you’ve dressed, and before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off”. There was no clear winner for me this year.

 

xxLumoo

 

Close up of Margots face – flawless -perfection.

Margot Robbie in Tom Ford

Priyanka Chopra in Zuhair Murad

 

Olivia Wilde in Valentino

Isla Fisher in Marchesa

 

Rooney Mara in Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci

 

Olivia Munn in Stella McCartney

 

 

 

Dear (almost) 100 followers

I woke up on the weekend, and found that I am less than 20 followers away from the 100 mark. This is such a huge deal for me. It’s honestly a huge milestone. There may be bloggers out there that have thousands, tens of thousands etc and may think ha! 100 Pffffft. But for me I am so grateful, it means so much that people are reading my posts.

When I started this blog, it was for my own sanity. I needed an outlet, and I decided to combine two of my favourite things, writing and beauty products.  Blogging has given me something to look forward to. I have always wanted to start a blog, I remember when I took the plunge and hit publish on my first post, it was so exciting! It was only a few months ago.

It’s also been a confidence booster, for so long I was afraid to share anything I had written, this has helped me overcome that huge barrier I had in my mind. Coming into work everyday to a job that fulfills only one need – survival – it’ s hard to stay motivated. I always felt I should be working in a field that allows me to create, like something was missing. Blogging has really helped with this, blogging motivates me to keep going! Keep writing, keep creating.

Thank you to everyone who has read a post in the past or continues to read my blog posts, and to those almost 100 followers I am so so grateful for very single one of you.

 

Thank you. xxLumoo