Natural Glowy Look By Illamasqua

When I worked at Myer during uni, I remember seeing the most beautiful Illamasqua boys and girls working at the counter. My colleague and I were constantly admiring this one boy who always wore the most beautiful face of makeup by Illamasqua. I cannot believe it took me so long to try the products, however thanks to Ry.com.au I finally have the opportunity to test some of Illamasqua's most highly regarded products and created a glowy look.

ILLAMASQUA HYDRA VEIL PRIMER - $57 via Ry.com.au

There is a reason why this product is SO highly rated across the web.  I don't generally prime, I think of my day cream as a primer, bad isn't it? After using Hydra Veil I realised how much BETTER my foundation applied and the level of glow I was able to achieve with ultra hydrated skin. This primer is lightweight, smooth and applies like a dream, it posses a jelly like consistency. You can use the spatula that is included with the product to scoop out the precise amount. If you have dry skin, hate patchy foundation and looking for a new primer, this could be for you.

ILLAMASQUA RICH LIQUID FOUNDATION -  $55 via Ry.com.au

Illamasqua was not kidding when they named this foundation "Rich Liquid Foundation". This may possibly be the most high coverage foundation I own, a TINY small dollop was enough for my whole face. When I first went to swatch the foundation I applied 1/8th of a pea size on my wrist and it just kept blending. The coverage is phenomenal, I couldn't see any of my freckles and did not need any concealing. I did find this foundation to give off a lot of powder following an application, perhaps it's better designed for oily skin? If you are looking for a high coverage foundation, check this out because it's ultra long lasting. Since my skin was so well hydrated it didn't really cling onto dry spots or fine lines (I am also blessed to have barely any), however if you have dry skin I would recommend you to prep your skin extra well before using this foundation.

In case you are wondering the shade I used is RF140

ILLAMASQUA BEYOND POWDER in OMG - $57 via Ry.com.au

The name really says it all, this powder is BEYOND your usual powder and the effect is OMG.
This powder can be lightly dusted all over your face for a subtle luminous look, or applied as a highlighter. For my glowy look, I did both (you can really see it around my cheekbones and brow bone)! Try layering the product for a more intense glow, or apply one layer for a more natural finish. I am absolutely in love with this powder - highlight is on fleek!

Shop Illamasqua on Ry with Free Shipping:

https://www.ry.com.au/

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GLAMOURFLAGE DARLING JODIE COLLECTION REVIEW

Darling Jodie caught my eyes with it's vintage pin up feel. Being a visual person, the packaging roped me in and I was intrigued to find out what the quality of the product inside the packaging. I have been using Darling Jodie for a few weeks now and was surprised as to how much I have enjoyed the entire range - if you want to find out my verdict about each product, keep reading!

DARLING JODIE NOURISHING CLEANSER - $19

This cleanser is formulated with Amino Acid to cleanses away facial dirt and excess oil and balances the skin pH, leaving you suppler and smoother skin without feeling dry. This cleanser is very nourishing, it's a foaming cleanser where you will need to wet your hands and rub the content between your hands to create some foam. I use mine with a cleansing device and as claimed, cleansed well and left my skin feeling very supple!

DARLING JODIE NOURISHING TONER - $28

I have been loving this liquid toner because it's not pure liquid to the degree that everything oozes out at once, there's a small amount of viscosity to the texture but it does not feel tacky or sticky. The toner dispense through a small hole with ease. The small hole will allow a controlled amount of toner to be dispensed and it posses a very pleasant subtle floral scent. When applied onto my skin I experienced an instant boost of hydration that was very quickly absorbed. I don't often use toners, I mainly use mists but I thoroughly enjoyed this product and it will be added into my skincare routine.

DARLING JODIE NOURISHING ESSENCE - $39

This essence is enriched with nourishing ingredients such as Macadamia and Jojoba oil to replenish nutrients and water to the skin. The essence basically looks like unicorn tears - make sure you shake the bottle well otherwise the oil will separate. I've integrated this product into my morning routine (I've already used up 1/4 of the bottle!) because it absorbs so well and does not feel tacky or oily. It sits under my day cream and makeup really well as it hydrates my skin.

DARLING JODIE NOURISHING EYE CREAM - $33

I am very picky when it comes to eye creams. This eye cream had a protective lid, I appreciate these lids, however when I go to remove them, a substantial amount of cream will remain on the lid. If I don't have a scapula I am unable to remove it off the lid. The eye cream is filled to the brim, a beautiful velvety texture with a slight yellow tinge in colour. Once applied, it smoothed out with ease, nourished my under eye area allowing makeup to sit comfortable on top. This eye cream did not roll off my under eye area like a lot of budget eye creams I have used.

Website:
http://www.glamourflage.com.au/

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SCHOLL PARTY FEET - THE ULTIMATE SUPPORT AND COMFORT FOR YOUR FEET

I LOVE heels.

I love the look of heels. I love the aesthetic of heels, I like that it makes me taller, but I hate wearing them. My feet are super picky, which can be costly. If I don't pick wisely I may end up with discomfort and various blisters.

If you have sensitive feet like me, keep reading to see how Scholl can help.

SCHOLL PARTY FEET ARCH SUPPORT

Are your shoes too flat and causing uncomfortable while you are walking?

This soft gel support will help to provide effective cushioning and protection for the arch of your feet. My feet are actually quite flat so I haven't had this "flat" shoes issue, but my mum have a very defined arch to her feet. I gave this to her to trial, she stuck the inserts to her flats with a very small heel and the comfort was instant!

SCHOLL PARTY FEET SORE SPOTS

Are you trying to break into a pair of new shoes and the edges are rubbing against your skin causing blisters?

This is for you!!! I completely know that feeling, there's been so many times where I had to apply band aid on various parts of my feet to prevent blisters. Eventually the band aid would come off and by the time I arrive home I would have kicked my new shoes off and swore not to wear them again.
This sore spot gel cushion will allow you to target specific areas, protecting your feet from pressure and rubbing. It's the shoes, not you!

SCHOLL PARTY FEET BALL OF FOOT CUSHION

I avoid wearing heels 90% of the time because my toes hurt, this particular cushion is best for open toe heels - since I don't really own any I decided to try it on my pair of closed toe heels. It may look like kitten heels to you, but I can't wear them for too long. Once applied, I did experience instant relief. My only comment on this product is that if your shoes fit your feet like a glove, this may not work as well because it will take up a small but significant amount of room to make your shoes feel tight. As a result, I would recommend for people to use this cushion for it's intended purpose - open shoe stilettos.

PR Samples Features

Jurlique for Mothers Day - She will LOVE this

Mother's day is just around the corner, in case you need a last minute idea. This is it, you really can't go wrong with Jurlique. My mum never wore any skincare or makeup until I gave her products to use. She started off with drug store products and made her way up to higher end brands. Now she is hooked. So this Mother's Day, I am giving her Jurlique.

Jurlique recently brought out their Rose Moisture Plus Range, it's purpose is to provide intense hydration and provide protection against environmental damage. 

If you have previously tried Jurlique's lotions, you will know how light weight and beautiful they are. There is no exceptions with Jurlique's Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Lotion ($49). This lotion includes 3 key ingredients, Rose, Rosehip Oil and Tumeric Root Extract - Designed to protect your skin from the environment, soften your skin and keep it hydrated. This lotion can be used morning and night.

Jurlique's Rose Moisture Plus Moisture Daily Balancing Serum ($75) is absolutely beautiful and rich in antioxidant it will help replenish any dehydrated skin while providing fatty acids to help moisturise and protect your skin. Key ingredients include Rosea Gallica Flower Extract, Rose Hip Oil and Rosa Centifolia Extract.

Masks are my ultimate weekend treatment, Jurlique's Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Cream Mask ($55) is a rich and deeply hydrating treatment mask to restore your skin and improve your skin's moisture levels. This is excellent for dry and dehydrated skin. It can be used as a quick 10 minute treatment. My recommendation before using this product is to clear out your pores first with a gentle exfoliate. The key ingredients are Macadamia Oil, Rosa Gallica Flower Extract and Rose Hip Oil.

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HEARTY HEALTH VEGETARIAN RECIPE USING GRAMPIANS OLIVE OIL

Some of you may know, my partner was a vegetarian (now pescatarian) and I was a carnivorous monster (now a part time veg). I use to hate going out to eat with him because we were never able to share food. It's quite amusing actually, I would order a double beef burger or hot wings and he would order a pumpkin salad, the waiter would always give me the salad and him the burger - we would giggle and switch it around. 

Since living together, I have adjusted to a meat-free home and occasionally eating meat dishes when we eat out once a week. This helped with my digestion. So today I want to share with you a very hearty and healthy dish that we ate for most of the working week using my Grampians Garlic Olive Oil and Finishing Vinegar!

Grampians Olive Co was established in 1943, producing award winning organic Australian Olive Oils of the highest quality. Grampians is Australian made and owned, a family business and you guys know how I always love supporting Aussie brands and small/family businesses!

 I am terrible when it comes to following recipes, I like to see what's in the fridge and using whatever ingredients we have to turn it into a meal. Which is why a lot of flavouring etc are to taste. I find the most important thing to do when I am cooking is to taste my cooking as I go.

Let's have a look at my creation!

INGREDIENTS:

- Grampians Garlic Infused Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Grampians Roasted Capsicum Finishing Vinegar
- 1 cup of kidney beans (half boiled)
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 chopped tomatos
- 2 chopped carrots
- A handful of sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup of soaked lentils
 - 2  cups of washed baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon of Tumeric powder
- A splash of Siracha
- 1 tablespoon of curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of water
- Splashes of Soy Sauce

Sides
- Boiled or steamed broccoli
- Sauerkraut
- Boiled jasmine rice

METHOD

1. Splash generous amounts of Grampians Garlic Olive Oil into a slightly heated pan followed by the chopped onion.
2. Once the onion is cooked add your kidney beans, lentils and carrots. You can add boiled kidney beans or half boiled if you would like the beans to simmer in flavour.
3. Add your curry powder, turmeric, siracha (depending on how spicy you want your dish to be), soy sauce, salt/pepper and half a cup of water. Stir then close the lid and simmer on low heat for about 8 mins.
4. Add mushrooms and tomatos, stir and add more water as required.  Add salt to taste. Put the lid back on and simmer again for about 5 mins.
5. Add baby spinach and stir. If you feel the texture is too liquidy, simmer for longer. If you feel that it's too dry - add more water and more spices as required.
6. Serve on top of your boiled rice or on it's own with some flat bread. You can add sauerkraut and broccoli like I did.
7. Top off your curry with some Grampians Roasted Capsicum finishing Vinegar.

I only used two products from my Grampians Picnic Gift Hamper in this particular dish. You can select up to 6 bottles of 100ml olive oils or finishing vinegars for just $40. Below is a photo of all the options from my picnic hamper, the range is fantastic and recipe options are endless with these. This hamper is also a good starting point as a taster to try some of Grampians' premium olive oil range.

My other favourite thing to do is to dip freshly baked sourdough into olive oil. That's when you can really taste the difference of a high quality olive oil - it's like a good coffee.

You can order yourself a hamper by visiting Grampians' website below :) Because it's almost Mother's Day, they are offering free shipping for purchases over $50, take advantage of this! Treat your mum or yourself because you love your body and only want to put the best things in it!

www.grampiansoliveco.com.au/

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LAZY GIRL'S TWO STEP AUTUMN SKINCARE

Autumn is the perfect weather for being lazy and a natural glow. Winter is often too close and my skin gets too dry to enable a natural glow, whereas summer is too hot causing my pores to ooze out oil and shine. Everything ends up looking sweaty. This in between weather is perfect. I have been super lazy, especially on late nights, so I often opt for this two step routine.

STEP 1  - SCOUT DAILY REVITALISE CLEANSING CREME

I don't tend to wear a lot of make up during the weekend. If I do it's quite minimal. However the first thing I do when I get up on a Saturday or Sunday is cleanse my face. I have been using Scout Cosmetics Daily Revitalise Cleansing Crème. I have not been a big fan of cleansing cream until I started using it with a cleansing device. Now I love it. I dispense 3 pumps of this cleansing cream onto my dampened cleansing device and gently cleanse/massage my face to rid overnight skincare and gunk. This cleanser is very gentle with subtle scents. 

STEP 2 - SCOUT SIX OILS OF REJUVINATION

Following a good cleanse, I normally put on some eye cream and seal the deal with an oil if I am not heading out. I have been using Scout Six Oils of Rejuvenation in the morning (Avocado, Carrot Seed, Sunflower, Evening Primrose, Sweet Almond, Rosehip and Jojoba Seed oils). My skin can be quite dry and dehydrated so this is perfect. At night, I drop about 5 droplets of oil on my palm to apply to my entire face and neck, I go easy in the morning with 3-4 drops. I like to dry the oil between my palms and press the product into my skin. It gives me a really beautiful natural glow and does wonders for my skin. Look how good it's been below! And the scent can takes a bit of getting use to, but I think it's very relaxing and herbal. Similar to what my yoga instructor spritz in the air at the end of class! 

Bare skin with Scout's oil only!

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FOREO LUNA MINI 2 VS FOREO PLAY PLUS

My life changed when I discovered Foreo.

Prior to Foreo, I used my hands and various brushes that would eventually go mouldy to clean my face. My pores were always clogged and I could not achieve that deep cleanse.
When Foreo first came into my life, I didn't think I would continue to use it simply because I'm a creature of habit and I am lazy. Little did I know, I have now been using my Foreo every single day for almost a year.

As a beauty blogger, it is difficult to use the same product on a daily basis for a prolonged period of time because there are so many different products to try. But after using Foreo for 340 days I think it's safe for me to formally recommend it.

There are many versions of Foreo cleansing devices, so today I want to talk about the difference between Foreo's Luna Mini 2 and Foreo Play Plus. I consider these two as the most popular selections from their cleansing range.

FOREO PLAY PLUS

• T-Sonic Pulsations are diffused through soft silicone touch points to remove 99.5% of impurities
• 2 zone face brush - the small brushes are designed for more sensitive areas and the bigger brushes are designed for a deeper cleanse such as your T-Zone
• Battery Operated, replaceable AAA battery that can last approximately 400 uses. This is great because the Luna Play is not chargable. You may need a small screw driver handy to replace the battery though.
• Available in 7 vibrant colours
• 64 x 60mm - A travel friendly size, I would take my Play Plus on vacations and would probably leave my Mini 2 at home. 
• Price point is at $75AUD 

Website: https://www.foreo.com/luna-play-plus

FOREO LUNA MINI 2

• T-Sonic Pulsations as per Luna Play Plus
• 8 Adjustable intensities by pressing the +/- buttons, you can bring  the sonic vibration to a real slow mode or a more intense and rapid mode. 
• 3 zone face brush. You will notice that the brush at the tip of the device is larger than the rest of the surface area. The back of the foreo (where the charger plugs in) is different again and much larger for thicker  touch points and a deeper cleanse. I personally like to use the brushes attached to the front of the device for most of my face.
• Easy to Charge via a USB cable
• Available in 6 shades
• Price point is at $219, it is an investment, but I personally think it's worth it

Website: https://www.foreo.com/luna-mini-2

KEY POINTS OF DIFFERENCE

• BIG VS SMALL - Think about whether you will be using this predominantly at home or whilst traveling. If you travel a lot, are you willing to take a slightly bigger Foreo with it's cable with you? Also consider that if you are planning to use Foreo Play Plus at home, it may take a little longer to clean your face because it is much smaller. However, it is extremely travel friendly. 
• ADJUSTABLE INTENSITIES - Is this important to you? Do you wish to adjust the pace of the pulsation? I personally put mine on rapid and rarely ever use the slower pace. 
• 2 ZONES VS 3 ZONES - There is a large surface area on the back of Foreo Luna Mini for that DEEP cleanse, whereas the Play Plus posses a few row of bigger brushes. Is this important for you? For me, I actually rarely use the bigger brushes, I mostly find it awkward to use the bigger brushes on the back of the Mini 2 on my forehead due to the curvature of the device. 
• BATTERY VS USB CHARGER - Personally, this one alone would affect what I chose to purchase. I am for a device that can be charged by USB all the way, I am exceptionally lazy when it comes to battery operated products, more than often, once the battery dies I would stop using it. 
• PRICE POINTS - $219 is quite steep, it is an investment. $75 is more affordable. However consider the points above.

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THE BEST MASK TO CALM POST-TREATMENT IRRITATIONS

It find it difficult to review facial masks because I find most masks to do the same thing as its counterparts, just labelled differently. Today, I wanted to specifically talk about Medik8's Ultimate Recovery Bio-Cellulose Zinc Mask because this mask had proven it's worth and I want to tell you why!

Before we get started, let's look at the claims.

ABOUT

- Soothing and nourishing enriched mask for post-treatment use. 

- Instantly cooling and soothing designed to calm redness and speed up the healing process

- A method to restore and relief the skin without overloading your skin.

- Enriched with hyaluronic acid and zinc

- No synthetic fragrance, no alcohol and minimal preservatives

PRICE: $89 for a packet of 6 (find Stockists here)

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

• Zinc: mineral healing and antibacterial properties. Helps to regulate oil and enzyme balance.
• Hyaluronic Acid: highly effective humectant to absorb and retain moisture in the skin. Helps to re-establish the skin’s natural hydro-lipid balance.
• Bio-Cellulose: tightly woven natural fibers which easily sit in fine lines and wrinkles to allow for optimum adhesion and delivery of actives. Forms protective barrier to lock in moisture and nutrients.
• Norwegian Kelp / Rockweed Algae: a species of brown algae with a high mineral content, moisturisation benefits and antioxidant activity.

MY VERDICT

- A couple of weeks ago, I decided to put an organic mud mask on my partner to help clean out his pores. This particular mud mask works wonders for me and had never caused any irritations to my skin. After about 3-4 minutes post application, he told me his face was stinging, I told him it may feel slightly tingling but it should be normal. 6-7 minutes in he said he needs to wash it off because it was burning! After he washed off the mud mask his face was a shade of ripped burning beets.  I fussed about and pulled out Medik8's Ultimate Recovery Bio-Cellulose Zinc Mask, this mask provided him with an instant relief. Within 10 minutes his face was no longer burning and the redness, diminished. I felt that this was the ultimate test, this mask had proved it's worth!

- Fit wise, it was fine for me but it wasn't a perfect fit for my partner. It was a little bit short on the nose for him.. But because the actual mask (which is really thin and gel sheet-like) is sandwiched between two rougher sheets, application is quite easy once you separate the masks between the sheets. The mask won't be falling off your face because it tends to stick on your skin. 

- There will be plenty of left over serum inside the package. Don't let them go to waste! I applied it all over my arms, thighs, décolletage, chest and the other excess on my stomach. 

- My skin doesn't get quite as inflamed as my partner, but it's had a weird rough patch after I had a pretty heavy duty facial treatment. The skin of my cheek and chin felt exceptionally rough. After I used this mask, my skin was restored and returned to his normal condition in 2 days. I kid you not!!!

Products featured were provided for editorial purpose

CREATE YOUR SIGNATURE AUTUMN LOOK WITH 4 PRODUCTS

Autumn is my favourite time of the year and orange is my favourite colour alongside mauves.  

It's a time where I get to wear my favourite hues, yet the weather is still warm enough for a t-shirt. I do like to adapt my makeup look based on seasons (or emotions). During summer, my sole purpose was to obtain that perfect bronzed glow. Autumn is deeper and more meaningful - to me. So I've created a really easy look using some beautiful Autumn picks from Eles Cosmetics. 

STEP 1 - FOUNDATION

Post-Easter, my skin turned into an absolute mess. A blemish here and a pimple there, it's the inevitable outcome of impulsivity.. a lack of self control when I am surrounded by one too many chocolate eggs and bunnies. This is why I need a good foundation.  Here, I am using Eles Cosmetics HD Luminous Foundation in the shade "BUFF". I have selected this foundation to blend in with my summer tan. I found the foundation easy to blend with a medium to high coverage and a dewy finish. This foundation did a great job for my under eyes so I did not need to conceal.

STEP 2 and 3 -

EYESHADOW AND CHEEKS

For eyes and cheeks, I used this stunning Eles Cosmetics Autumn Collection Palette, this beautiful palette encompass all the wonderful autumnal colours. I applied the berry mauve shade all over the lids and under my lower lash line followed by a pop of gold to the centre of the lid.

For cheeks, the subtle powder bronzer was applied to my cheeks and the areas of my face where I would want a bit of a sun kissed glow (sides of forehead, nose etc), followed by the beautiful peachy berry shade to the apples of my cheeks.



STEP 4 - MASCARA

I don't use a lot of mascara these days, but I feel that mascara is almost an essential for Autumn makeup, otherwise the eyes can look a tiny bit bare! I used Eles Cosmetics Lush Mascara to define and separate my lashes without clumping. While it's not a mascara for dramatic looks, it's perfect for a more natural look and great for everyday use.

STEP 5 - LIPSTICK

Nude lips is something I have never been daring enough to really wear. You'd be surprise to know the amount of nude lipsticks I leave untouched and stashed. When I saw Eles Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Bare I thought I'd give it a go. I think it creates a nice contrast with a dark eye look. If you are not confident in wearing nudes, I found it to be best mixed with a petal rose colour. However in the photo below, I am wearing Bare alone.

Products featured were provided for editorial purpose