Budget Cosmetics ♥

Maybelline 'Fit Me'

Makeup Collection

Part 2
 

So continuing on from my Maybelline 'Fit Me' Makeup Collection Part 1 review, I'm happy to say that I liked all the products the 'Fit Me' collection has to offer. Who doesn't love a bargain? But there is a fine line between a bargain & cheap/nasty makeup products. Fortunately, this range has a high quality feel. The only issue I encountered was the poor pigment in the blusher (more about that later on). So my journey begins...

Concealers

Fit Me Concealer #20 Sand

OK, so I was at the pharmacy the other day &  Maybelline 'Fit Me' collection had 'buy a foundation & receive a free concealer' deal; obviously I had no choice but to purchase it. The concealer was worth $14.95, but i got it free!!

I use concealer a lot; not only because it's great for hiding flaws, it's also gentler around your eye area then foundation (most foundations have SPF, some women ask why foundation hurts around the eyes... well this is the reason). I use it as a touch up during the day, especially around my eye area for when I'm feeling tired.

Described as 'flawless that lets the real you come through', i think it's a pretty accurate description for this bargain concealer. My skin breathed & looked natural, it made my imperfections vanish, & what I liked best is that they actually had concealer shades for people that are tanned; I often see women wearing a concealer that's way too light for them, & frequently wonder if this is due to poor makeup skills with not enough knowledge, or simply because the diversity of shades just aren't on the market.

The coverage is light to medium & leaves skin looking natural & youthful, has no waxes or oils, is non-comedogenic, & dermatologist-tested. Great for all skin types. If you're looking for a more air-brushed look, then I would probably get a heavier/thicker concealer.

Application: Once you have your 'Fit Me' foundation number or your normal foundation, apply sparingly using the doe-foot applicator, dot concealer onto imperfections & around eyes (remember less is more), pat with finger to blend. 

Compact Pressed Powders

Fit Me Pressed Powder #230 Natural Buff
Purchase at Amazon.com

Besides the foundation I think this is my favorite product. I do love a good compact powder as they are so handy & they come with a convenient mirror. The over-powdering look is terrible, so please don't over powder. I want to look my age, so in my books powder is used for setting purposes more so then full coverage. However, if I don't have foundation on me I will use powder to even out my complexion, using concealer for blemishes & under the eye area.

EcoTools Bamboo Bronzer Brush

Once you have your foundation shade number all you have to do is match that up with the pressed-powder shade number, & you automatically have a powder that suits your skin tone. I like to have 2 powders for myself, a lighter one & a darker one.. skin color is always changing. Leaves your skin flawless, fresh & natural, has no waxes or oils, is non-comedogenic, & dermatologist-tested, this powder is a keeper for me.

  

EcoTools Finishing Kabuki Brush

Application: after you've applied your foundation & concealer, using a powder brush apply to T-Zone, centre of forehead, & chin, using gentle pressing movements. 

Note: always apply liquid based makeup products before you powder!

My favorite powder brushes are from EcoTools, their Finishing Kubuki Brush & Bamboo Bronzer brush range from $16.95 - $20.00. You can purchase these from Priceline or online. EcoTool brushes are soft & cruelty-free taklon bristles which gives a light finish.

Blush

Fit Me Blush

I was hoping to love this product but I only like it. There are so many blush shades out there that I thought just maybe (their shade spectrum is pretty good) it could be my new blush for this summer. The shade I bought was #106 Light Nude, which is typically a color that I wear all the time (apricot/peach/nude/skin color) but unfortunately the pigment wasn't there. It takes so many brush strokes to work up a color, which is really just putting more powder on your skin, leaving you looking aged & over-powdered. 

In saying that, I still love the shade & the feel but for me I probably wont be purchasing it again... however, I will buy another one just to check mine wasn't faulty or out of date. Maybelline promises that it is fade-proof. Even though I had to over apply it, it did last for ages. No waxes or oils, is non-comedogenic, & dermatologist-tested.

Application: For a soft, natural look apply using a blush/bronzer brush, from the apples of your cheeks to  your temples, sweeping upwards. Note: Never smile when applying blush, as this will make your face look aged & your cheeks will appear sunken.

Bronzer

Fit Me Bronzer

I haven't tested this product yet, but judging by the blushers pigment I can only assume that the bronzer will either have no pigment or be orange-pigmented; obviously hoping it's amazing though. I will however test the bronzer out & do a review for you soon.

If you have tried this bronzer, or any of the above products please leave a comment below. I would love to hear your thoughts on the new Maybelline 'Fit Me' Collection.

♥  Bronzer review to come...till next time xo ♥

By Peta-Lea Bond 

Makeup Artist 
 

Links
Maybelline 'Fit Me' Product Collection Review - Part 1

Maybelline 'Fit Me' Product Collection Review - Part 2

Budget Cosmetics ♥

Maybelline 'Fit Me'

Makeup Collection

Part 1

Wearing 'Fit Me' Foundation  #230 Natural Buff

As I'm always trying new makeup products out, & every girl loves a bargain, I thought I would try Maybelline's new collection 'Fit Me' & give it my review.

At first I was hesitant as the foundation felt a little watery, which would decrease longevity, but to my surprise it lasted for hours, although I was using a primer. The second time I tested the foundation, I was in such a rush & I couldn't find my primer, so I used my normal moisturizer, & was so happy with the results, I had to purchase the entire range... In saying that, the entire range was the same cost for one Chanel or Mac foundation, so I was pretty happy. 

I was also happy with how many shades of foundation there are, especially as Australia doesn't seem to get the entire shade spectrum that Maybelline has to offer. Oh & I love the modern-chic black packaging!

♥ The collection has 18 shades of foundation, 6 shades of concealers, 12 blushes & 3 bronzers. Something that will suit every skin tone at a bargain price ♥

Foundation 

The shade numbers begin in the 100s for lightest skin & go to 300s for darkest skin, which makes it easy to find the right shade. It's weightless & is so light that I didn't feel like I was wearing any foundation, I even went out & bought my mum one because I know she dislikes the feel of foundation... & she loved it! 

  

My winter shade #220 Natural Beige

My summer shade #230 Natural Buff

The coverage is light to medium, leaves your skin looking dewy & natural. Has no waxes or oils, is non-comedogenic, & dermatologist-tested. Great for all skin types; for oily skin, come summer you may need to powder your T-section a little more, but overall I think it 's a winner  for everyone who wants to look amazing for $18.95.

Oh & another great thing about the 'Fit Me' range, once you have chosen your foundation shade number, all you have to do is simply match your foundation number to the concealers & powders; which certainly makes life easier then having to guess what shades to buy.

'Fit Me' Foundation Shade Spectrum

Application: Apply foundation to T-Zone first, then blending out, using either a foundation brush or your fingertips; if you're wondering, when I apply my foundation I first use a foundation brush (I will blog about makeup tools & where to buy them shortly), then using my fingertips, I massage the foundation into my skin lightly, as the heat will help you blend easier. I do this so the foundation doesn't look like it's sitting on top of my skin.

You can find Maybelline 'Fit Me' Foundation from Priceline, Woolworths, Coles, & most pharmacies. You can also purchase it for a great low price on Amazon.com

So if you're looking for a bargain & a new foundation or an entire makeup collection, I recommend you try this out for yourself. If you have any makeup questions, please leave me a comment below.

♥ More Maybelline 'Fit Me' pruduct reviews to come soon ♥

By Peta-Lea Bond

Make-Up Artist

Links
Maybelline 'Fit Me' Product Collection Review - Part 1

Maybelline 'Fit Me' Product Collection Review - Part 2

Waxing

NADS Wax Sensitive Facial Strips

Nad's Sensitive Facial Wax Strips are a quick and easy way to remove unwanted facial hair. Each box contains 24 strips with innovative new contour weave paper technology to shape your body's curves. Surprisingly keeps you hair-free for weeks and suitable for sensitive, delicate areas; including face & bikini. This product is hypoallergenic and contains natural beeswax. The new fragrance free gentler formula is ideal for sensitive areas.

NADS promise: with regular use, hair growth is progressively slowed down.

Application: Ensure skin is clean, dry and free of oils and moisturisers. Gently wipe the skin with the Nad's Desensitizing Kava Wipe and allow skin to dry. When I use facial wax strips for eyebrows I like to trim the long edge of the extra weave paper on either side of the wax strip, this way I have better control over shaping eyebrows.

1. Rub strips between palms to warm wax. Slowly separate a double Nad's Hair Removal Strip into two strips.
2. Using the palm of your hands and fingertips, apply strip with firm pressure and firmly smooth over 3-4 times in direction of hair growth.
3. Holding the skin taut with one hand, quickly pull strip off in the opposite direction of hair growth.
4. Remove excess residue with Nad's Soothing and Finishing Wipes that comes in the pack. I do find this oily, but it works.

Note: Remember to hold skin taut with the other hand and pull close to the skin rather than up into the air.

Check out Priceline for prices.

Love xo

Shiseido ~ White Heat

The top notes of bergamont, blackcurrant and raspberry are embodied by the allure of coriander in this beautiful scent from Shiseido. Followed by the feminine notes of white peony, magnolia, freesia, blue rose, hyacinth and jasmine; you will be swept away by the floral-chic bouquet. Last but not least, you will be warmed by patouli and feel sensual with a hint of musk, sandalwood and amber. This perfume is for the modern woman; not afraid to take on a fresh floral and feminine scent.

David Jones - 50ml $108

StrawberryNET - 50ml $65.50

Yves Saint Laurent ~ Parisienne Eau De Parfum

This floral, feminine perfume from Yves Saint Laurent has notes of blackberry, violet, musk and rose. A hint of sandalwood makes this a scent for a sophisticated woman. Perfect for all occasions.

David Jones - 90ml $135rrp
StrawberryNET - 90ml $86.50

Chanel Le Vernis ~ Nail Colour



Abbey Lee Kershaw
Spotted backstage at Chanel 2011 wearing Graphite #529

For a nail polish that attracts attention and will give you a talking point, look no further then Chanel's Le Vernis Nail Colour in Graphite. This polish is easy to apply with it's perfectly shaped brush. This will make your nails sparkle in the sunlight!


           

            

              Le Vernis Nail Colour
               Graphite #529



Chanel Beaute Des Ongles ~ Mat Top Coat

Beaute Des Ongles
Mat Top Coat

This unique nail polish from Chanel will magically turn your shiny, glossy nail polish matte; giving it a vintage feel. It will leave you wondering how they can create such a product. When applying this nail polish it can be difficult to ascertain if you've covered the entire nail; so a second application may be needed. SereneMuse loves the great effect and would make this an occassional purchase only. 

Chanel Rouge Allure ~ Lipgloss

Chanel's Rouge Allure Extrait De Gloss has the depth of a lipstick, yet the shine and feel of a gloss. With the beautiful ingredients of shea butter, canola oil derivatives and vitamin E your lips are sure to feel pampered.  





Insolence #57

You can use this gloss on it's own or over your favourite lipstick for a light reflective shine. Although this product is promoted as having a lip staining effect, we were rather disappointed to find that this isn't necessarily the case. However, we were impressed by the range of available colours and for a gloss - the colour lasts a reasonable amount of time. While we wouldn't purchase this product again, we have enjoyed using a Chanel branded lipgloss.

 



Genie #52

SereneMuse bought Chanel Rouge Allure in Insolence #57 (pink fairy floss) and Genie #52 (burnt peach).



Chanel Illusion D'Ombre ~ Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow

Graphite #529



True to it's long-wearing name with high quality pigment; this product is a mousse-like cream, which as any make-up artist would know can cause creasing. This product however, does not crease and will last for hours. With this product comes a natural fibre high quality application brush; strong bristles and an angled tip make applying the eyeshadow easy for novices or experts alike. Overall this product is easy to apply and blend. Something SereneMuse would definitely purchase again and recommend to our fellow beauty-lovers. 

Application: lightly dab flat side of application brush over product without pressing. Apply under the socket crease of eyelid with a pressing technique, trying not to use a swiping effect. Blend to socket line. Add under eye if you desire that effect.

Can also be used as an eyeliner by using the tip of the application brush; starting from the inside upper eyelash line, stopping in the middle. Then starting from the outside upper eyelash line, apply from the outside in, meeting at the middle. This will create a perfect upper eyeliner effect.

Tip: When creating a wing effect with any eyeliner - imagine a straight line from the corner of your nose to the outer corner of your eye, apply the eyeliner on that angle for the perfect effect.



Note: Make sure you replace the lid after application to ensure longevity of the product quality.

The way you make me feel...

We recently purchased our first ever Chanel products and were thrilled to get home and try them out. It all started when we were treating ourselves to a pedicure and discovered that the most amazing graphite-coloured nail polish the lady next to us was wearing was her new Chanel nail polish. So of course, we couldn't just purchase the nail polish alone... we also had to have the eye shadow, lip tint/ gloss and the impressive nail polish that turns any nail polish mat with just one coat (how do they do that?!). Even if you don't think it's the best product around, it sure does make you feel good to be wearing Chanel.