JOAH BOX - SHINY NIGHTS OF SEPTEMBER BOX - KOREAN BEAUTY BOX

September Joah Box is here!!! I have been stalking Joah Box's Instagram for their sneak peak, I usually don't get this excited about subscription boxes but for the love of K-beauty, I am excited!! Joah Box is shipped directly from Korea with carefully curated products.

This month's theme is Shiny Nights of September. 

Let's unbox!

The hero product of this month's Joah Box is Atrue Origin Moisture Relief Cream $33 it is a moisturising cream with cica-recovery complex extracted from Asiatic pennywort. This cream is highly recommended for calming irritated skin or daily use on normal to sensitive skin. This product does not contain any parabens or phenoxyethanol. The cream itself is super light weight, non greasy, non tacky and absorbs almost instantly! I am very impressed with the cream and I think it's UNDER- HYPED. I did a search and could not find any review online. How can such great product be missed?!

I received Sebum Out Deep Cleansing Stick a super cool dual-stick with a charcoal cleansing stick on one end and a silicone brush on the other. The is the perfect product for a gentle exfoliation to remove blackheads, whiteheads and other surface debris. The charcoal stick itself smells minty, I experienced a cooling effect on my skin. The silicone brush also provided a bit of facial massage. If you didn't receive this item, the alternative was a W.Lab's Moist Fit Strobing Cream. I prefer what I have received!

Related Post: August Joah Box Unboxing

When I saw Joah Box's sneak peak, this was hands down the most exciting product in the box, for me anyway! I have heard so much about Etude House, the quality of the eyeshadow and pigmentation. This is their Satin Fit Eyeshadow and the shade I received is Creamy Ale, a beautiful shimmery shade. The eyeshadow itself is pigmented and beautifully creamy. Etude House is living up to it's expectations.

 Sally's Box Friendly Collagen Eyepatch was also included in this month's both. I always love under eye patches and I honestly cannot get enough of this. This would be a great set for traveling.

Last but not the least is a Whitening Comma Mask from I'm Sorry for My Skin this would be a great mask for those who likes a brighter complexion. I am always on the hunt for bronzy looking skin so I will probably pass this mask on. But I always love seeing sheet masks in boxes.

I personally liked this box, there's only 1 product I will pass on, the rest seems to be of high quality. I still prefer Joah Box to a lot of the other beauty boxes.

The total value for this box is $61.50. Joah box is $35.95 for a one off box here.

PR Sample Featured

PRODUCTS GUIDE: WEDDING PREP MUST HAVES

SKIN

I personally believe that you need to start prepping your skin at least 3-4 months prior to your wedding. This means quality products and clear/clean skin. I recommend Kate Sommerville Cold Cream to remove all traces of makeup at the end of the day, this product is excellent for sensitive skin. Following this, I always follow through with a mist or a toner, there are two excellent options here, Seed to Skin The Dew Mist is a luxury brand from Tuscany, alternatively, you can select a budget friendly option with Essano Rosehip Mist to help restore moisture back into the skin after a shower or a wash. 

What's next? Essence! I have been using Innisfree Pomegranate Essence before my serum on a nightly basis for more hydration. Serum is extra important in my skincare routine, I have selected a few; Skin Health Science REM Serum and Tatcha Violet C Brightening Serum, these are my luxury picks. My affordable yet efficient pick is Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid topped off with a 2% BHA Lotion to re-vamp the texture of your skin and rid any unwanted acne. Or if you want to go down the luxury path, I recommend Mere Prime and Protect Hydrating Moisture Cream. For your day time routine, you can't go wrong with Skin Health Science's RP Moisturiser with 21% Zinc for sun protection. 

Under eyes are super important and often shows the first signs of ageing. I don't skimp out when it comes to eye treatment. Lancôme's Genifique Yeux Light-Pearl Eye Illuminating is an under eye treatment that will make you look awake for the big day. 

Every 2-3 nights I like to mask, whether it's a sleeping mask with Mere Recharge and Repair Night Mask or an exfoliating glow mask with Andalou's Glow Mask.

BASE

Starting off with base prep, no other than Aceology Frose Infusion Gel Mask for beautiful glowy skin on the day. I have never been a primer-girl, but for my wedding you bet I will be priming! Two options; Mecca Cosmetica Illuminating Primer or... go luxe with one of my favourite brands to splurge on Hourglass Mineral Primer. 

I have two HG foundations; Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation or Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear. I often wear then to events and know they are reliable. To cover any unwanted blemishes on the day, I recommend two top performing concealers Tarte Shape Tape and Bobbi Brown's Instant Full Coverage Concealer. 

Powder is not usually within my daily routine, however there are exceptions when it comes to special occasions and really good powders - Sisley Blur Expert and Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder. 

Last but not the least is Sisley Paris Stylo Lumiere this highlighter pen will give you a luminous glow. 

RELATED POST: SISLEY PARIS BLUR EXPERT WITH BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS 

CHEEKS

Cheek products are among some of my favourite beauty products, I have way too many but can never have enough!! I have 4 options for single blush; Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick is a no-brainer if you want a glowy look. Bourjois Little Round Pot Blush is my top bargain pick, the blush is matte and applies well. We go back to Bobbi Brown for a cream blush, I am in love with their coral colours, it can also double up as a lip product. If you are looking for something to give you a more sun kissed glow - try Doll10 just don't use a stipling brush- try tapping using a denser brush!

I have two amazing blush palette recommendations they are both luxurious! NARS Endless Orgasm Palette consists of beautiful shimmery and glittery shades. My other recommendation is literally any Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette. I own three of them and cave every time a new one comes out.. but I am currently using an older version and it's beautiful.  

Related Post: UNDER RATED BRONZER THAT NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT

EYES

My personal preference is to keep my eyes fairly neutral for a wedding. My budget eyeshadow pick is Bourjois Smokey Stories Palette. For a more luxurious feel, I recommend Charlotte Tilbury's Palettes and Sisley Paris Phyto 4 Ombre, they are both beautiful and long lasting - they never let me down.

If you prefer to use an eyeliner, I think liquid is the way to go, Tarte's Tarteist Double Take will give you the best of both worlds. Mascara is a must on your big day, Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara and Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash. 

LIPS

Before you apply lipstick, lip balm is a must, Mecca Lip De Luscious is your go to! Whether you want a natural or a bold lip, the options are endless. My budget lipstick pick is again Bourjois Lip Velvet Lipstick. A more mid-weight range is Bobbi Brown, they are beautiful, smooth and pigmented. Moving up the ladder is Lancôme L'Abolu followed by a slick beauty from Givenchy and stunners from Guerlain's KissKiss Shaping Lip Creamm range.

If you are into lip pencils - Bourjois Leveres Contour Lipliner is my pick!

LASHES

A few eyelash options to make you look super glam! Some budget full set lashes or single lashes from 1000hr, or some out there vegan lashes from Tarte Tarteist Pro!

TOOLS

If you are like me, who likes to apply some make up with fingers and some with brushes. I highly recommend Real Techniques, I have been using their brushes for the last year. It gets washed at least twice per week. I have noticed minimal fall out and excellent density.

I have been incorporating Nudie Glow's Amethyst Gua Sha and Roller to massage my face most nights. This is one of the most beautiful tools I've seen so far!

BODY

Who doesn't want hair free-baby smooth skin for their wedding? Let me introduce you to HappySkinCo!! I had an IPL device and the clicker never worked smoothly. I am so happy to have Happy Skin Co in my life because the click works flawlessly. 

If you are looking for a natural looking tan for your wedding, Essano Coconut Gradual Tan will make you look like a natural bronzed goddess. 

PERFUME

Three fragrances for your big day, budget friendly recommendation is Vera Wang's Embrace with notes of Marigold and Gardenia. Next up is Carven Dans Ma Bulle, a beautiful powdery oriental floral fragrance, or if you want to go true floral and feminine try Elie Saab Girl of Now!

MENS

If your guy likes to groom, check out Seba Man to tame his facial hair! My partner gets a lot of dry skin under his beard, he had learned the importance of washing and treating his beardy skin!

JOAH BOX - AUGUST 2ND ANNIVERSARY 2019 - K-BEAUTY BOX

Korean beauty just keeps getting bigger and bigger in Australia.
Aussie bloggers are featuring more k-beauty products than ever, why? Because they are effective and of high quality. Now you can get the best of K-beauty in a box for $33 per month directly from Korea. In each curated box, you will receive 5-7 full sized items, valued up to $100!

A full breakdown of the products within their 2nd Anniversary box below!

I was very impressed with the content of the 2nd Anniversary box, I found this box to be better than some of the previous subscription boxes I have received. 

The first product I saw was AMINOW Body Scrub (valued at $2.50), this scrub is one of a kind, made from the salt and sands of the Mediterranean Sea deserts paired with amino acid oil. The second skincare product is Celabrity Aqua Mask by Get It Beauty (valued at $4), this is a cellulose mask with triple hyaluronic acid so you will receive a solid boost of moisture! The hero product of this box is Commleaf Surely Green 100 Face Oil (valued at $35) Commleaf is taking Instagram by storm, I have seen posts left right and centre. It's a vegan-friendly face oil formulated with 10 types of oils such as sunflower, jojoba, meadowfoam, sweet almond, avocado, olive, camellia and bitter orange. 

I was super excited to see another Commleaf product Green Tea Oil Blotting Paper (valued at $4) is perfect for our upcoming summer!  There were two makeup items in this box, W.LAB Selfie Velvet Lip Tin (valued at $15) and Kicho Pack Brush (valued at $18) that can be used for foundation or to apply face/mud masks. 

It didn't stop there! Joah Box included two samples Correct Control Cream and Ultra Moisturising Sunscreen from Kicho. 

Total Value of this box: $78.50

Click here to get your own Joah Box!

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.

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 

IS THIS LUXURY LIPSTICK YOUR NEXT HOLY GRAIL?

We have been doing quite a bit of traveling in the past few years. This year we went around the former Yugoslavia and had the most educational and invigorating experience. As soon as we got back, I started to write down a list of countries and cities I want to visit, excited about my next trip! This brings me to Sisley Paris' new Le Phyto Rouge release, their shades are linked beautiful cities around the world. 


ABOUT SISLEY PARIS LE PHYTO ROUGE HYDRATING LONG LASTING LIPSTICK

• Full coverage, long wearing lipstick
• Hydrates, protects and soften lips all day long
• Glide on formula that will not bleed 
• Gold magnetic casing 
• Active ingredients includes Calendula (softens), Vitamin E (Anti oxidant, Anti free radicals), Vitamin C (anti oxidant) 
• 23 shades with different finish such as pearly, satin and iridescent 

RRP $65

MY VERDICT

• Shades: 21 Rose Noumea (a dusty rose, an everyday shade for me) and 43 Rouge Capri (More of a brick red, this would be my go to shade for events!). I went to Noumea a couple of years ago and thrilled that I was matched with this beautiful city. Capri is on my list! We were planning to head off to Italy this year but found it impossible to budget for it now that we are moving into a 2 bedroom. Both shades are needless to say, stunning. 
• The Case: I adore the gold zebra stripe casing, the fact that it's magnetic makes it easy to ensure the lipstick won't be twisting out if it's tube. The casing is quite heavy compared to my other lipsticks. It provides a very luxury feel to it. The lipstick also comes with a velvet red, this is great to make sure your case won't suffer any scratches. 
• The Texture: It's velvet soft, extremely light weight, creamy and glides on with absolute ease. My lips felt soft and did not feel like I was wearing product on my lips. The lipstick did not tug at my lips. 
• Finish: Matte finish (I think there is a tiny bit of pearlescent in Noumea)
• How long did it last? I wore it to a few lunches. If I am not eating or drinking the lipstick seems to last until removed. Once I started eating I noticed the lipstick to fade very slightly, however still very visible... until I subconsciously start to wipe my lips with a tissue and notice the amount of product that came off. Overall, really good lasting power!
• Hydration? The lipstick itself is quite hydrating once applied, it did however feel slightly drying after a couple of hours of wear if I do not prime my lips with a balm. If your lips are naturally dry and prone to chapping, apply a generous layer of lip balm.
• Did it bleed? Rouge Capri is a fairly vibrant shade and I did not notice any bleeding. Mum tried it and did not notice any bleeding either. Note this was the result with both no lip balm and lip balm applied. We were very pleased with this.
• Other Recommendations: 
• I don't tend to use a lip liner, however if you are looking for very defined lips or if you are looking to make your lips slightly bigger by drawing outside your natural lip lines, I would recommend you to use a lip liner. 
• The lipstick itself is very creamy and silky in texture, so use a semi light hand when you swatch it. Don't let this factor stray you because I assure you that this does not happen when you apply it on your lips. Lip application is flawless. 

This lipstick screams luxury, from packaging to the shape of the lipstick bullet. If you are looking for a feathery light lipstick that is pigmented and true to colour, this might be your pick.

You can find Sisley Le Phyto Rouge Lipsticks here.

PR Samples featured

Pur Cosmetics 4 in 1 Foundation Stick - Golden Light - Review + Swatches

Pur Cosmetics is a skin perfecting mineral based makeup and skincare brand based in the US. Their products are 100% cruelty free, free of animal testing and environmentally responsible. Pur is free from parabens, gluten, BPA, talc and alcohol free. Their products are designed to be good for your skin. I am new to Pur Cosmetics and this is the first time I have tried their products so I thought I'd share my thoughts with you guys.

ABOUT PUR 4-in-1 FOUNDATION STICK

• A creamy 4in1 foundation stick that is formulated with Ceretin Complex and skin nourishing Energy Complex to help with concealing.
• The aim is to provide brightening of uneven skin tone, provide supple hydration, reduction in dullness and pores.
• The foundation stick will also protect your skin against environmental stressors such as skin fatigue and signs of ageing. 
• Medium to full coverage
• Creates a natural look to suite all skin types.
• Available in 24 shades
• Size: 9.9g 

Price: $49.95 from TVSN

MY VERDICT

• Packaging: I love the octagonal design and twist up stick. It is easy to store in my purse and  great for touch ups or on the go. 
• Application: I applied the foundation directly from the stick and drew lines on my face, this is then blended by a dense foundation brush. 
• Coverage: As per claim, coverage is medium to full and definitely buildable. I did notice a little bit of clinging to drier patches around my mouth, just make sure you pay a little bit more attention to moisturise the area before you use the foundation stick. 
• Texture: The foundation stick is indeed creamy, however when applying there was this strange gritty sensation which I have read in other reviews.
• Shade: I am a NC25 in MAC and Golden Light suits my skin perfectly, you can see the foundation drawn on my face in the first photo below, it blends in so well that you can barely see it. There's a great shade range, a good amount of options for darker skin tones.
• Finish: A beautiful dewy finish and will cover most blemishes, gave me a "my skin but better" feel. It did a great job with lifting dull skin and hiding my pores. Some of the slightly darker blemishes required concealing. 
• Wear Time: When I did not powder my face, the foundation sat well for 3 hours, at 4-5 hr mark I noticed a little slip on my nose and between my brows. Those are my oily parts. If you use a good setting powder, the foundation may last longer. 

With Pur 4in1 Foundation stick drawn on my face

Pur 4in1 Foundation stick fully blended

PR Sample Featured