SISLEY PARIS BLUR EXPERT WITH BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS

Photo taken in natural light, away from sunlight

Get excited ladies and gents. Sisley Paris launched the ultimate Insta-filter in a compact powder. Blur Expert was sold out on Sisley's website in less than one week after it's launch. LA Makeup Artist, Jillian Dempsey works with celebrities such as Jennifer Lawrence, Emilia Clarke and Kristen Stewart provided her testimony, "I'm obsessed. Blur Expert creates a very even look on my face overall without all of the heavy coverage". Emma stone wore the innovative powder for her 80s look at the Met Gala 2019. 

Photo taken in sunlight

STATE OF THE ART INGREDIENTS

• New generation coated mica to allow 360 light dispersion. It's super smooth surface leaves the skin wrapped in a subtle, perfectly even veil
• High-tech smoothing powder formed of resin and gum to provide a soft-focus effect
• Spherical polymers reflect light in all directions so your skin looks silky smooth
• Emollient agent to ensure an optimum hold so your Blur Expert is long wearing 
• Ultra-pure Hydrophilic Pigments to even out the complexion and stabilise it's colour for the perfect coverage

WHAT TO EXPECT

As transparent and lightweight as a veil, as smoothing and perfecting as a blurring product, Blur Expert's incredibly fine texture melts into the skin.

One single shade that is suitable for all skin tones.

Photo taken in sun light

MY VERDICT 

The first time I swatched Blur Expert was for the photo above. The texture was velvety smooth and almost creamy, the powder is EXTREMELY finely milled - much more so than Hourglass (which is my most finely milled powder). I did not notice any fall out after the swatch which is unusual for a facial powder! 

The swatch above took about 3 dips, The first time I went in for a swatch the powder was fairly translucent, the second layer produced small amounts of colour, the third layer produced the colour in the photo below.

In terms of application, I used a powder brush with some level of density (An overly soft, fluffy brush may not be able to provide you with the most optimal result). I dipped the brush into the pan and gave it a little twist to pick up the product. Very fine and minimal fall out noticed. 

I applied the powder all over my face and I was shocked....why? Because I rarely find these blurring products to work as well as they claim to. The application took about 15 sections, I applied the Blur Expert over my concealer and foundation and my face had that instant soft focus effect, my pores were minimised (not gone but minimised by at least folds), my uneven skintone evened out. My skin looked fantastic. This is not a product that will act as a concealer, it will not fix discolouration, scarring etc - so use your base products. I have taken some before and after photos and zoomed in... these were very confronting photos!!! My skin hasn't been the best for the past month - mainly due to stress. I've had lots of break outs and my texture is worse than ever but I am surprised by how well Blur Expert worked on me, you can actually see the soft focus/blurring effect on camera!!!

The photos were taken in natural light with absolute no editing or filters of any sort.

The bottom line? This works, It's going in my HG stash. I know it will cost you a pretty penny but I would not hesitate to replace Blur Expert after I run out. 

Made in Italy

Sisley Paris Blur Expert is available for $115, you can shop for it here.

NEW IN: LIMITED EDITION FLAVOUR FROM BURT'S BEES - CHAI TEA

One year at Sydney Tea Festival, we spent a solid $60 on a giant bag of sticky chai and it was well worth the money. Needless to say, I was over the moon when Burt's Bees released their new limited edition Chai Tea flavoured moisturising lip balm. I can't take out a pot and make a cup of freshly boiled chai tea at work, but at least now I can have some moisturising my lips!

This rich and indulgent chai tea formula consists of cinnamon, tea and nutmeg with pepper and cloves. A beautifully sweet yet spicy formulation to make your winter bearable.



KEY INGREDIENTS AND BENEFITS

No Parabens, Phthalates, Petrolatum or SLS
Made with beeswax, cinnamon, cardamom, clove, nutmeg, pepper and tea extract

- Expect a sheer supple balm with no greasy feeling
- Moisturises and glides on effortlessly
- Revitalise your lips with a formula that is rich in antioxidant and Vitamin E.
- A beautiful flavour that is not overwhelming or over powering.

Please see below for a full list of ingredients



Made in USA
Burt's Bees Limited Edition Chair Tea Lip Balm is available for $5.49 here.

LONG LASHES EYELASH ENHANCER REVIEW + BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTO

Short stumpy lashes? This post is for you. 

I have lashes, but they are not as long as I would like them to be. My lower lashes are not as full as I'd like them to be either. I have tried a couple of lash enhancers, but the brushes were always too thick and I end up with styes - ew. 

Long Lashes Eye Lash Enhancer contains vitamins, peptides and antioxidant to help stimulate, strengthen and condition your eyelashes. Their ingredients are vegan, hormone free, gluten free and cruelty free. 

I actually had no idea that a lot of the lash enhancers on the market are pumped with hormones.... that's a bit disturbing. 

Long Lashes is suitable for those with eyelash extensions, if you have brittle damaged lashes, pale thin lashes, sparse lashes or menopausal.

You won't find the following nasties in Long Lashes: Hormones, Petrochemicals, Parabens, Sulphates, Phthalates, Sodium Chloride, Palm Oil, Ethanolamine Compounds, Gluten or Artificial Colours.

If you want to support a great Aussie owned and made brand and a product that actually works - try Long Lashes.

I noticed a difference in my lashes just after a week of using, I noticed my lashes to be stronger and fuller. I would always get fall outs when I remove my eye makeup - serious casualties. I've noticed my fall out to have decreased dramatically after using Long Lashes. I've always had lashes, but they weren't as defined, after approximately 11-12 weeks of use my lashes looked more defined, thicker and longer than usual. With age.. my lashes became quite thin. My lashes looks more luscious now and plentiful. I have one eye with great lashes and the other with very mediocre lashes, I below is my mediocre eye lashes transformed. 

I will definitely continue to use longer lashes as I have a wedding coming up, I need longgggg lashes!

You can find Long Lashes here for $89AUD

UNDER RATED BRONZER THAT NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT

I have tried several different bronzers and I rarely come across one that I feel is a good match for me. Most either makes me look dirty, muddy, too shiny, too sparkly... to dry... the list goes on. I have been using Doll 10 Golden Pearl Limited Edition Face + Body Bronzer for a while now.

At first, I was extremely hesitant because the bronzer looked slightly muddy and I have never tried a face + body bronzer. So I had actually held off on trying it for a while after receiving it.




The pan is huge, the total weight for this product is 22g; my Bobbi Brown bronzer - also a beloved product is 8g! So this product is almost triple in size and will last significantly longer. The shade looked incredibly natural on my face, I was very surprised because it didn't look like it would in the pan. I did not look orange or "off" in any way. The formula is matte, smooth and velvety. The bronzer is not like those thrice milled powders so you will get some fall out when you swirl your brush into the product - just give it a tap.

I read online that someone had mentioned golden fleck in the bronzer - I can confirm that this product does not possess any fleck, shimmer or glitter.. not to the naked eye anyway. I found this bronzer to be long lasting and didn't seem to fade throughout the day. My skin tone is light to medium olive, some where between an NC25-NC30. This bronzer might look a bit too dark on those with a lighter complexion. Alternatively, you can go in with a fluffier brush and an extra light hand.

If you watch my Instagram stories, you would have seen this baby in action!

Overall, I am very impressed with this product, not to mention the over sized mirror. The colour looks very natural on my skin and I am very happy with the size of the product. It's really value for money.

This product is Made in Canada

You can find Doll 10 Golden Pearl Limited Edition Face + Body Bronzer from TVSN for $49.95, click here to shop

REPLAY SIGNATURE SECRET SCENT

I can't believe we are half way through may and almost half way through 2019! Where is the time going?! We have been extra busy with trying to sort out the apartment but I finally have some down time to play with products. Today I want to go through the launch of REPLAY fragrances in Australia. Replay is renown for their innovative fashion - jeans in particular.

Replay was established in 1978 and had expanded to areas such as fashion and jewellery. Replay had most recently created a collection of fragrances to complete their fashion and style portfolio.

This beautiful Signature Secret was created in collaboration with Mavive. A beautiful feminine fragrance with a luxurious finish. This bottle is a work of art on your vanity.

This fragrance is made up of fresh petitgrain and sweet pear with jasmine as it's heart notes. Bottom notes are sealed with white flowers, making this fragrance beautifully fresh, sophisticated and unique. 

I fell in love with Replay the moment I saw it. The bottle and floral artwork was exquisite. A lot of thought was put into this bottle. The perfume lasts for the first half of the day, I am not one to re-spray myself so whatever I leave with in the morning, is it. I have been using a lot of sprays that will only survive for the first hour, so I am pleased. If you are lookig for a longer lasting fragrance, try their Eau De Parfum. You can find more fragrances from Replay here.

PR Sample featured

STEP BY STEP MOTHER'S DAY DUMPLINGS WITH GRAMPIANS OLIVE CO

With Mother's Day just around the corner, Grampians Olive Co is being put to good use. I have made several delicious vegetarian recipes using Grampians Olive Co, you can check out my Hearty Bean Recipe  or my String Bean, Corn and Cashew receipe before scrolling down to check out this Mother's Day's deliciousness. 

Dumplings are actually ridiculously easy to make.
You can essentially use any filling you like, just make sure everything is finely chopped... veggies, meat, nuts...whatever tickles your fancy. Add some salt, pepper and a nice dose of Grampians Olive Oil, I went with their Signature Cold Pressed but you can opt for a flavoured Grampians Olive Oil.

We purchased the dumpling sheets from an Asian grocer, have a bowl of water on standby and utilise as glue.

Scoop a generous dollop of your filling mixure and place it in the centre of the sheet.

Dampen the top edge before folding the sheet

Dampen the corners then fold again!

Dampen the sides of the sheet (parts closest to your thumbs) Pull the tips together and press the dampened tips of the sheet on top of each other so they don't become unstuck... and you have your first dumpling!

 Here's a batch we prepared earlier :)

The options are endless, click here to go through the variety of Grampians Olive Oil available for you to chose from!

PR Samples featured

ARTISTRY STUDIO - PARISIAN AND NYC STYLE

We have spent the past month moving bit by bit and still have a few things to sort out... like the bed frame. While my partner seemed to have adapted well without internet, I found it difficult, as a result, I am happy to have it back! Due to the lack of bed frame, I am often at my parent's house! The plus side is, I get more room to play with make up. 

Today we are looking at Artistry Studio's incredible range that I have been using on a daily basis. 

2 in 1 Eyeshadow Sticks and 2 in 1 Lipstick 

These two in ones have a crayon (for either eyes or lips on one end) following by a powder on the other end. The lip powders are all metallic and act as a topper. While the powder aspect of the eyeshadow stick is a powder eyeshadow and I often use the crayon as a liner. The crayon can also be used as a shadow and the powder as a topper. The possibility is endless. The eye crayon is slightly waxy and doesn't make great defined liner but I love using on the lash line. The lip crayon is smooth and easy to apply.

CHEEK & LIP DUO $23 + TINTED LIP BALM

The cheek and lip duo comes in 2 stunning shades, mine is in Polaris Pink. The product is creamy and easy to blend. I like to draw a small circle on my cheeks, mixing the two colours together to give a beautiful flushed look. The tinted lip balm will give you a nice tint of colour alongside hydration, it can be worn under your lipstick or alone.

LIQUID LIPSTICK 

Saturated with colour, creating a wet and glossy look. The applicator is soft and fluffy and provides a nice application. The product is non-drying but does transfer. The colour is solid though. This is great if you are looking for a pop of colour. 

ARTISTRY EYESHADOW PALETTE 

I received a neutral palette with a lot of sparkly shades (La Palette City of Lights - Bottom) as well as a pastel colour with shimmer (La Palette Macarons - Top). I found the shadow pay off to be good, however there is quite a bit of shimmer. Wear time is approximately 4-5 hours without primer. There is a built in mirror with every palette and an applicator. 

ON THE GO FACE AND EYE PALETTE

I have been using this palette pretty much every day. It's all encompassing and so easy to use. Shade 1 is a beautiful base colour while shade 2 is a great al over lid colour. Shade 2 is quite a shimmery shade that you can wear alone or blended with other colours. Shade 3 is a beautiful matte dark brown colour that is great as a liner or a crease colour. Shade 4 is an all over the face powder. Shade 5 is a beautiful rosy blush and shade 6 is the most beautiful highlighter colour! I really love this palette, it's great for traveling.

Website:

https://www.amway.com.au/en/

PR Samples Featured 

AQUA PEEL + H2 TONING @ BELLA PELLE COSMETIC CLINIC, SYDNEY

My second time at Bella Pelle was as pleasant as my first, I had previously had my Picosure Treatment at Bella Pelle and was amazed by the results. My skin looked beautifully clear and my long term freckles were all zapped off. Crystal did an incredible job and explained the process to me really well.

I recently visited Crystal again and received an Aqua Peel and Toning/Cleansing Exfoliation Treatment. It was exciting because Crystal always invest in the best high quality expert machines and the best treatment products.

PURPOSE OF THE TREATMENT:

• Treat acne (Hydrabeauty gets rid of P. acne bacteria)
• Reduce Demodex Mites (these mites live in the skin by eating sebum, they are weak against acid. Hydrabeauty controls the propagation of these  parasites)
• Improve texture
• Exfoliate
• Sebum Removal
• White head
• Black head (Hydrabeauty treatment can remove particles blocking pores with ease)
• Moisturise

My skin (without makeup) was cleansed again by Crystal, following this the exfoliation begun, my blackheads, white heads, sebum and acne bacteria were sucked out using the little device (above). A different head is used for smaller areas area my nose.

The next step Crystal completed was H2Toning, Crystal used a normal skin mixture for my skin, this step calms my skin and will provide anti ageing benefits.

Crystal then applied JanMarini Hydration Mask onto my skin - this is the a premium mask! If you've had an intensive facial you may remember the powder your beauty therapist would mix with water - that's the cheap stuff!

Crystal always offers a full package in a treatment, as a result, the final step to this treatment is LED Heatlite Light therapy for skin rejuvenation. by stimulating collagen and boost blood flow.

LED Light Therapy

BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS

No edit before and after photo

HOW MUCH IS IT?
$300 per session including LED Light Therapy
Receive a 10% discount when you purchase 10 sessions

WHERE IS BELLA PELLE?
The Trust Building
Level 8, Suite 805/155 King St
Sydney 2000

BOOK YOUR NEXT TREATMENT WITH CRYSTAL

info@bellapellecc.com.au
ph. +61 2 8054 8110
Instagram @bella_pelle_cosmetic_clinic

With Crystal from Bella Pelle Clinic

Lily not Louise was invited as a guest of Bella Pelle

#WETHEBATHERS LUSH COSMETICS 30TH BIRTHDAY

Lush turned 30 and I was lucky to be able to celebrate this special occasion with them! Lush is one of my favourite bath brands, they always try to be sustainable and eco friendly with their naked bars/bath bombs and recycling program. It's an incentive to be green. 

At this event, we had the opportunity to look through some of the newest releases as Lush opens their door in Japan - I know, how exciting!!!! We also had the opportunity to make our very own bath bombs. 

Here is something really special - we were able to select 4 bath bombs and a scarf to wrap the bath bombs. I have since washed the scarf and started wearing it. This is a another great step to sustainable packaging. I had a blast playing with the bath bombs and marvel at the beautiful colours.

*Lily not Louise attended as a guest of Lush Australia