Lather Rinse Repeat | An Australian beauty blog

LUSH presents...Forum Special Limited Edition Fragrance sale

2013-05-14T11:08:00.000+10:00

There's one thing I may love more than perfume, and that's limited addition perfumes that are only available for a limited amount of time and ERMAHGERD what if they sell out and I never get to buy one and they are really good and my life would be RUINED FOREVER?!

Ahem, so obviously I have a slight problem when new fragrances are released for a short window of time. Some people like to collect and dress up as troll dolls. You don't know my life.

However, you do know when and where you can pick up the six limited addition fragrances for Lush, mostly because I'm about to tell you.

After polling their forums, Lush has created these six perfumes from their most popular scented products and they will be available exclusively at lush.com.au from 7pm, May 17th, until midnight, May 19th.

The perfumes available are:

Creamy Candy - fairy floss without the tooth ache.

The Comforter - juicy blackcurrant.

Twilight - a creamy, milky lavender, with notes of malted tonka bean.

Snowcake - snuggly almond marzipan.

Rose Jam - a sweet, fresh rose.

Big - beachy neroli and orange blossom.

Interested? Pop into a Lush store in the next few days to sniff the sister product for an idea of the notes, as the actual fragrances won't be available to sample. Some are repeats from previous years and from Lush international, if you were hoping to restock a favourite.

Covergirl + Olay Pressed Powder - review and swatches

2013-05-11T20:24:00.000+10:00

So apparently pressed powder is something you guys have been all been using to set your make-up and foundation. I had absolutely no idea until I started blogging Call it dry skin privilege, I guess.

Even armed with that knowledge, I still skipped the setting step, figuring it wouldn't make too much of a difference, and never bothered to check out any of the pressed or loose powders on the market.

However, when Covergirl + Olay released their new pressed powder, I just had to take it for a test run. The idea of a moisturising powder combined with the aesthetics of powdering my nose -

- was super tempting. The brand claims that the powder will smooth imperfections and brighten skin tone.

The packaging is very sleek and feels quite tough and able to withstand any punishment your handbag's contents can throw at it. There's a full mirror in the lid, and an included applicator (a face cushion?) to apply product with. I chose to use a large powder brush instead.

The Australian line comes in four shades - Fair/Light 320, Light 330, Light/Medium 340 and Medium 350 - all fairly light shades, so you're fresh out of luck if you have a skin tone darker than bisque.

Heavily swatched - Light/Medium on the left, Fair/Light on the right

I've been using Fair/Light for the last month, and it's quickly become a necessary part of my make-up routine. This year, BB creams have pretty much replaced my foundations, and most of those have a hydrating formula with a dewy finish that needs to be set to last all day.

This powder formula claims to include a serum, but I can't find much information on what actually makes up the serum and if it's dedicated to moisturising or just for ease of application.

Here's me with Fair/Light blended over a Biotherm BB Cream (which was actually a shade too dark for me, if you'd note the staining around my hairline), giving me a finish that doesn't give me fuzzy peach skin, but that isn't too matte. Something that only became obvious to me when I was fixing my lippy in direct sunlight is that the powder does contain a very fine shimmer - nothing too glittery, but more of a light diffusing glow added in with the tint.

I don't get oily, so haven't had the need to touch up during the day, so can't comment on whether it works well as a on-the-go mattefier. Overall, it's a great powder for those with drier or mature skin, and doesn't leave that super obvious and ageing powdery look.

Bonus use - on those leggings-as-pants, huge hoodie and sneakers weekend days, this has been a perfect touch of camouflage for when I go pick up some Thai takeaway, giving a teeny amount of coverage so that I can feel human.

Covergirl + Olay Pressed Powder has a RRP of A$16.95.

Disclaimer: Product sent by brand for consideration. They have in no way influenced my review and opinions are my own. It is also my opinion that the Thai takeaway place totally judges me for my outfit choices. This post contain affiliate links. See my Disclaimer for more sexy details.

NARS Satin Lip Pencils in Lodhi, Isola Bella and Golshan - review and swatches

2013-05-07T09:30:00.001+10:00

You guys, I'm starting to think I have a serious lip crayon issue. After using NARS' Dragon Girl for the last year, collecting all of Revlon's staining versions, and buying every other version that popped up in Priceline, there was no way I could not make frantic grabby hands at NARS' new spin on their Velvet Lip pencils. Now in a glossy, but colour-rich formulation, NARS Satin Lip Pencils are an alternative for those who like punchy shades with opaque coverage, but want a shiny finish as opposed to the matte originals.

I tried out three shades from the thirteen available - Lodhi (vibrant coral), Golshan (spiced wine) and Isola Bella (peach beige) - all named after public parks from around the world.

The pencils are much softer than the Velvet Lip Pencils, and you have to take a little too much care for my liking when removing and replacing the cap. I've managed to smoosh two out of three pencil tips now thanks to my permanent case of coffee-shakes hands.

Natural light, from left - Isola Bella, Lodhi and Golshan

With flash, from left - Isola Bella, Lodhi and Golshan

Lodhi is my definite favourite of the three - it's a vivid, almost neon coral and the combination of creamy texture and one swipe opacity is exactly what I'd hoped these would be.
Isola Bella has more of an orange tone to it than peach, on my lips at least. It would be very wearable for anyone a few tones darker than me, but it's just a bit too dark and harsh against my anaemic complexion.
Golshan is a tricky one, a cross between a jewel tone, dried blood and that berry stain that rims your lips after you've drunk the entire box of shiraz. I like it as a strong colour, but you'd have to be careful what outfits for pair it with to avoid swerving off-route into baby-goth town.

I found wear time fairly uniform across all three, with the gloss fading down to an even stain after about two hours and I needed a good scrub with make-up remover to get rid of that.

Dirty lined eyes are all my own handiwork.

I was lucky enough to meet François Nars' BFF MUA for the last sixteen years, Marco Castro, at Mecca Cosmetica. He hand-blended a custom shade for me by layering Isola Bella and Golshan, creating a dusty brick-red - a verrrrry sultry look for the otherwise G-rated work dinner I rushed to afterwards.

I felt SO SEXY!

The pencils are silky enough to layer and mix over lipstick and lip stains, a win over their matter counterparts, and I think the darker colours especially could be adjusted by layering over a nude or even a pastel like NARS' Tender Night.

While Lodhi has found a place in my lippy rotation, I also need Yu, a shocking pink, like right now please. It's the perfect just-pashed-a-flamingo shade that I know you've always wanted. This lip pencil problem is here to stay, friends!

NARS Satin Lip Pencils are now available at Mecca Cosmetica and Mexxa Maxima for A$39 each.

Disclaimer: Product acquired through day job from brand. They have in no way influenced my review and opinions are my own. It is also my opinion that G-rated work dinners always need that one girl with too much make-up on. This post contain affiliate links. See my Disclaimer for more sexy details.

Singapore beauty haul!

2013-04-27T21:44:00.000+10:00

I know, I know, it's been at least a month or so since I got back since my quick trip to Singapore. Somewhat related, it's been a least a month since I dropped my suitcase at the base of my bed and purposely ignored every morning I stumbled by it and stubbed my toe.

Finally decided this weekend to crack the case open to look through the few products I did pick up in S'pore. I have to say I was quite disappointed in the products available and the still pretty high prices, especially in Sephora. It wasn't anything like the free-for-all that Hawaii was. Prices are from memory because I'm a chronic dispatcher of receipts and converted to Australian dollars.

From left to right - a blackhead remover which I've lovingly been using on my boyfriend's nose (Gross, but incredibly therapeutic) $3, Sephora Brush Clear Spray $9, Moisture Solution BB SPF30 $8, Biore Black Pore Strips $4. I picked up a few packets of these strips and have all kinds of love for them. They have one over the white strips with black being the perfect backdrop to best display your pore's grotty offerings.

I haven't opened the BB yet, as I've already got a few on the go, but the shade seemed a pretty good match when I swatched in the store. I only picked up one BB as I do have a lot of foundation type products I haven't used yet, and it was a tricky choice choosing just one from the shelves and shelves at the chemists and supermarkets.

Clockwise from left - Daiso Cherry Body Butter $2, Guardian Acerola Cherry and Thyme Hand Cream $6, Sasatinnie Donuts Hand Lotion and a soap sample forced into my hands walking past a random store.

That's right, it's a DONUTS scented Hand Lotion. My hands smell like DONUTS.

Moving onto make-up, it's all looking a little orange. I think it's a fairly restained haul, given that there were a few Sephoras around; however the prices seemed ridiculous and much higher than Mecca here.

From clockwise left, I have L'Oreal Shine Caresse in Princess $12, Etude House Dear My lipstick in $15, Revlon Photoready Cream Blush in Coral Reef $11 (a last minute airport purchase), Lovely Me:Ex Blusher $2.50, Silkygirl Big Eye 2 in 1 Eyeliner in Blue Ice $2 and Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Rendezvous $9 (a back-up and previously reviewed here. Luckily for Australia that Revlon will soon be introducing both this shade and the plum-hued Crush to our line here)

The Etude House lipstick (no idea of the name - I couldn't understand the packaging) isn't as bright as I would have liked, and sheers out rather than being the vibrant creamy orange I was after. I would have liked to hang around in the Etude House store a little longer, but felt really uncomfortable being there - there were three sales staff hovering over me, like standing directly to my back and sides while I moved around the store, and two of them reached out and touched the skin on my face without asking just after I paid while the third took a photo. I get that they thought a six foot tall super white blonde girl was a bit of a novelty, and I had spent to entire trip having my personal space invaded (unwanted touching, sneaky photographs, being PULLED INTO photographs, being handed someone's baby for a photograph, having my hair fondled!) but store staff should be professional enough to back the fuck off.

Shame, they had some cute things, but I just could not with that type of service.

Finally, here's a few products I...borrowed from the bathroom of the last hotel we stayed at (come on, we all do it!). The W Sentosa was a fantastic new hotel to visit, and I was beyond pleased when I saw they also stocked the Bliss range like the rest of the brand group. The Lemon+Sage scent is just perfect to shake you out of that hotel pillow induced sleep coma, and I'm curious to see what the Bliss shampoo and conditioner is like.

AND THERE'S FACE WASH! Seriously, this should be mandatory for any hotel that carries L'Occitane products and up. The mini size is frigging adorable, and these are going to be packed for my next overnighter.

Bonus donut gif that shares my feelings about donuts.

This post contain affiliate links. See my Disclaimer for more sexy details.

Dove Real Beauty Sketches...For Men

2013-04-19T17:11:00.000+10:00

I'm sure you've all seen the Dove Real Beauty Sketches videos by now. If not, brief run down is pretty, slim women describe themselves to an FBI profile illustrator. Someone who has just met them does the same. The two drawings are compared and OMG you guise, the nice ladies are more beautiful to others than she thinks she is because women focus on their flaws and we all have terrible self-esteem, but it's okay because you're actually pretty and being pretty matters a lot. Totes.

Anyway, I'm not too moved by this line of advertising from Dove, given they're selling something even if it's all wrapped up in cuddly feelings and emotive piano tinkling and I'm very aware of my own awful self image, thankyouverymuch. Plus the reminder that slim = pretty came across quite strongly, with a 'uglier' face described as "fatter, sadder", before we are reminded how you look impacts having friends and being employed. GREAT, THANKS FOR REMINDING ME.

But, I did rather enjoy this parody offering, focusing on how guys see themselves (won't ANYONE think of the men?!), all in the same style of the original clip.

What do you think about the original Dove video, or the parody? Do you have shitty self esteem? But you're, like, really pretty.

WHAT IS THIS, NICOLE BY OPI?

2013-04-12T23:44:00.001+10:00

WHAT ARE YOU DOING, NICOLE BY OPI?

NO, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

STOP, NICOLE BY OPI!

Seriously, cool it with the collaborations, OPI. Fricking cereal now? None of these colours look particularly interesting and they don't even make sense. Red, sure, that's the brand's signature colour, but why the pink? And the blue? How about a beige for the flakes and a milk white?

Honestly, I'm starting to suffer collab fatigue. How about you?

NOTD - Missoni inspired nails using Fing'rs

2013-04-06T15:16:00.003+11:00

Just in time for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, here's a designer inspired mani that makes use of three different products - polish, nail transfers and studs!

Having the hand-eye coordination of a hibicus-addled baby sloth, unable to do anything with my oversized claws -

Seriously, the tree is right there. Why is this so hard for you?

- nail transfers like these ones from Fing'rs (that brand name, I just cannot) are so my kinda vibe. I can have pretty nail art, without the constant rage-tears and steadily escalating profanity that comes with trying to etch teeny weeny little Missoni squiggles across my nail by hand.

I used the Edge Nail tattoos set (A$12.99), which comes with three different types of peel off, stick on transfers and two mini colours. I choose the zig-zag pattern, which you know is meant to be seen as the Missoni design because, c'mon just look at it! The transfers have a clear base, which is different from a lot of similar nail stickers because you can alter the look of them through your choice of base colour. I went for the creamy green then stuck on a few studs from the Edge Heavy Metal Nail Art set (A$12.99) because I'm totally rock, man.

I'm also really liking Fing'rs Edge Ombre sets (A$12.99), each containing five polishes in various gradients of the same colour. So much easier and cheaper than buying five full-size bottles for one manicure look, especially if you have a stupid amount of polishes that you're already battling to get through.

Relevant - Fing'rs have just launched their e-shop and have 30% off all orders. Use discount code 'LAUNCH30' at the check-out to redeem.

Disclaimer: Product provided for consideration by brand. They have in no way influenced my review and opinions are my own. It is also my opinion that freestyle nail art must be some kind of skill that's passed down genetically or something. THANKS A LOT, PARENTS. See my Disclaimer for more sexy details.

Australis Perfume Sprays in Wild At Heart and Get Your Rocks Off - review

2013-03-30T20:30:00.002+11:00

Thinking back to my primary school days, a lot of things stand out. Hoarding LipSmackers and butterfly clips (I was saving them to wear at my wedding, duh), Goosebumps books, buying TV Hits magazine for the song lyrics and having to dance with other girls at the mandatory ballroom dancing class because I was 6 foot tall at age eleven and my class was down a boy.

A classic bridal look

But the one thing that surely shaped me as the productive, upstanding member of society I am today is Australis body sprays. Holy frick, I lost my shit over those sprays. Waterberry was mostly my groove, but I was also partial to Vanilla Dream if I was feeling particularly sassy after PE. School camps were basically a three day long huffing session, and at Brownies, we learnt how to turn them into flamethrowers. We set a lot of things on fire at Brownies actually, Cod bless that slack adult supervision of fifteen red cordial fuelled tween girls.

Once I hit school, I moved onto the (in my eyes anyway) more sophisticated Body Shop Musk Oil and Revlon's Charlie. Even though I'm now officially a fancy fragrance wearing lady, Australis' sprays have always held a spot in my shrivelled little heart.

Given our shared history, I was thrilled to receive Australis' new additions to the line. Wild at Heart and Get Your Rocks Off (hello slightly scandalous name!) have been given a 'rock-chick' kind of branding, with Australis launching them with a music festival vibe, although it reminds me more of Avril Lavigne than Janis Joplin with its very pink packaging and sweet scents.

"Packed with punchy fruits, flirty florals and touches of lily, violet and mint" Wild At Heart is a fruity-floral that leans more to the fresh aquatic side of scents. It's sweet, with waterery floral notes and a light tropical fruits base and has a strong resemblance to Ralph Lauren's Ralph.

"Boasting a combination of beautiful berry, crazy coconut, mad mango and awesome apricot", Get Your Rocks Off is uber sweet and some straight-up Fruit. I get a mixed berry scent, the tanning lotionesque coconut and a fuzzy musk which may be the apricot. There's also a strong lilac note throughout.

While I wouldn't wear either these personally given my strong adversion to fruity-florals (see my post for Cosmo on the acceptable ones), these would be the perfect intro to scent for the 10-16 year olds, or a nifty perfume refresher if you like fruity notes and wear something with a similar base (think every celebrity scent ever for starters). I find Wild At Heart the more grown-up fragrance, and more appealing, but again that's my personal taste showing.

Australis Perfume Sprays retail for A$4.49.

Disclaimer: Product provided for consideration by brand. They have in no way influenced my review and opinions are my own. It is also my opinion that butterfly clips are totally going to come back in style. They HAVE to. This post contain affiliate links. See my Disclaimer for more sexy details.

The Great Fake Bake-Off - My Very Favourite Fake Tannning Products!

2013-03-25T09:26:00.001+11:00

So it's totally, officially, 100% not summer anymore *sad trombone sound*. Total bummer, dudes. I love me some summer and am not looking forward to winter, which is a joke of a season and totally useless except for my birthday (JULY 21ST SEND PRESENTS).

Despite the on and off weather here in Sydney, I still wanted to look summery and as getting a real tan is basically the worst thing you can ever do for your skin ever and will eventually kill you, I opted for a faux glow, trialling a total of twenty-two fake tans over the last few months. Here's my impressions of the best fake tans for your booty.

Best fake tan - for face

Let's start this show off real fancy-like! Yes, Sisley is a bit of an exxy brand, but when it comes to my face, I will always pick a product that can care for my skin as well as they can amp up the bronze. Sisley Paris Self Tanning Hydrating Facial Skin Care (A$170/60ml) gives a natural-looking wash of tan, while moisturising and not leaving my skin feeling tight or itchy.

Best fake tan - lotion formula

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Lotion in Dark ($19.95/200ml) is my go-to for when I have a next day event, or pre-bikini freak-out. It absorbs quickly, doesn't rub off onto absofuckinglutely everything after application and delivers a streak free finish after you rinse off. The bottle claims it will work after one hour, but I always apply at night and wash off the next morning. Two things to be wary of - this is a runny lotion and escapes from the tube very quickly! It also spreads out well, and you'll need less than you think. Warning number two - once applied, it shows up as a grungy, dirty green. This has no bearing on how the final colour will turn out, but I did a bit of a nervous ohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuck dance the first time I tried it out.

Best fake tan - mousse formula

Mousse tan in a can is my absolute favourite way of DIY tan. Almost foolproof (applying without a tanning glove is asking for trouble) and quick drying, ModelCo's SUPERTAN Instant Self Tan ($25/100ml, $39/180ml) does everything it should as easily as possible. Perfect for 40 degree weather when you need a tan, but hate the greasy cloy of a cream. This mousse is pretty tricky to streak and also has a promise to develop within an hour (although it's another one I apply and wear overnight). It's also a darker shade than the rest of ModelCo's tanning line.

*Provided for review by brand*

Best fake tan - spray formula

Nope sorry, can't touch this one. Spray can tan has been banned from my bathroom after a disastrous ordeal that shall only be known as The Oranging. I still dream of it on my darkest of nights...

Best fake tan - gel formula

Sukin makes some pretty nifty sustainable skincare products (currently trialling their body oil, it.smells.ahhhfriggingmazing) and this is their first self tanning product, the Sunless Bronzing Gel ($17.95/200ml). It's a lot lighter than the other tans I've listed, more skin kissed than burnished, and can be built up over several days if you won't something darker. I'm happy to use this on my face and it's the first gel I've tried that is quick-drying. It also works as a moisturising top up for an existing tan, and is the least smelly of all the tans I've tried, leaning more lemony which isn't at all offensive.

*Provided for review by brand*

And the worst gel formula?

You know how little children's hands are always sticky with jam? This is what L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Gel ($23.95/150ml) feels like - greasy, gooey and sticky. And it never dries, leaving you tacky until you collect a thigh-full of biscuit crumbs and cat hair (why so much cat hair? I don't even own a cat!), or snap after two hours and shower it off. Also it smells like arse.

Best fake tan - for pale gals

Another gel, Biotherm Gelee Auto-Bronzante Hydratante Self Tanning Gel ($52/150ml) gives a super light coat of colour. No streaks, dries quick, close to no fake bake smell. I use this a lot in winter, when a tan will look out of place but I don't want to scare young children and blind motorists with my obscenely pale legs. The tube says it's tinted, but the tube is a lie - this applies clear on me and is therefore safe to wear under your gladrags.

Best fake tan - for uber bronzing

Pure Tan's Pure Bronze Instant Tanning Foam in Dark ($29.95/200ml) is strictly for the hardcore tanners. If not applied correctly, you can turn Mamba Gyaru extra in a single extra pump of product.

But used with a light touch, you can get a super brown look that will develop in an hour. My regular MO of applying and sleeping in tan does not work well here. Here's the trail of destruction left after doing just that while on holiday.

RIP bed sheets. And yes, that a tip and note to the cleaner trying to explain the marks weren't blood. Which probably made it even more suspicious.

Best fake tan - gradual tan

I've finally moved on from Holiday Skin to SunSense Everyday Radiance ($9.95, 200ml), which smells a lot better and sinks in faster. Being a gradual tan, it is quite subtle, and I like to use it to top up a tan after a few days to stretch it out a little longer. Remeber that gradual tans can also strain your hands a fetching shade of Sunkist, so scrub them well after use.

*Provided for review by brand*

Best fake tan - wash off tan

ModelCo One Night Tan ($12/65g, $28/150g) is a total lifesaver for fixing uneven tans, upping the colour or giving pale pins a glow. Unlike a few other body tint products, One Night Tan doesn't mark or stain my clothes and still packs a pigment punch.

It has to be said that I think all of these tans should be applied with a tanning glove. You can read the reasons why and how-to on my piece for Cosmopolitan here!

That's my favourites list! Have I have missed any that you think should be on my list?

Blow Dry Bar - review

2013-03-18T20:09:00.002+11:00

I am absolutely terrible, horrible, no good, very bad at blow drying my own hair into an acceptable style. While I've levelled up since I got my ghd Air, I still need help when I want to herd my hair into something approaching a Victoria's Secret swoosh rather than my usual Grug Gets Caught in the Rain helmet of frizz.

Enter Blow Dry Bar. I went by the World Square before a work event to see what they could do to my fluffy hair in under an hour.

I can't even vocalise how unflattering this outfit is, but it's the only photo I took during the blow-dry.
BRB burning this smock of a dress.

After having my scalp washed, conditioned, lightly massaged (this can always go for longer please), I was seated with a flute of bubbles. The stylist whose name I have totally forgotten because I'm actually a terrible person partially dried my hair...

...while I made up my mind about what style I wanted - see above re: terrible person.

I went for loose curls with slight volume (thick hair doesn't mean too much help in that department).

After half an hour in the chair, me Instagramming, the stylist....styling, I ended up with exactly the style I'd asked for!

Note that the prom queen curls WILL drop!

I didn't manage to take a non-derpy photo of my front view, but better believe that I felt like this -

- up until I got to my work event and remembered that my industry is pretty much made up of either retired models or those who were too short to model. Sigh.

Post-event, however, I really got to shine. You see, I'm the queen of making a good blowdry last. Not a extra day, not two. But for almost a working week. And I looked fiiiiiiiiiiine!

Day 2

Day 3 - oh heeeey!

Technically Day 5 - after a night out and ensconced in PJs.

Just a bit of dry shampoo (extra for the fringe) and light finger combing before resetting the curls by twisting around my finger and a quick spritz of shine spray before heading out.

Blow Dry Bar will wash and blow-dry your mop from A$40 and you can find your nearest location here.

Disclaimer: Service provided for consideration by brand. They have in no way influenced my review and opinions are my own. It is also my opinion that mo hair, mo problems. This post contain affiliate links. See my Disclaimer for more sexy details.

Google Reader me no gusta

2013-03-15T23:42:00.000+11:00

It's true! Google Reader will be shut down from July 1st.

Why? Because apparently they hate love and joy and chronologically compiled blog posts in an easy to read format.

Naturally I have all the feels about this new development.

Luckily there are other options for ~~stalking~~ reading me all your favourite blogs. I've now transferred all the blogs I follow over to Bloglovin', and you can add me to your reading list by clicking the widget on the right, or right here.

Dooooooooo it!!

OCC Lip Tar in Stalker - review and swatch

2013-03-14T22:55:00.002+11:00

Lip Tars! I know you love them, I know you most likely own several and are doing an eyebrow wiggle at me right now for admitting this is the first one I've tried. Stop wiggling at me!

When I grabbed this Lip Tar at IMATS last year, I was actually looking for NSFW, a "true, balanced red", but as the Scotty's Make-up and Beauty stall was all out, I had to instead settle for Stalker and its "pin-up blue based red".

Natural light

A thick, gooey formula, you only need the teeniest bit for full opacity as it spreads evenly and smoothly and sinks into the skin.

With flash

The pic above is my very first attempt at applying a Lip Tar, and I know, it's very messy! I don't normally use a lip brush, being a straight outta the tube kinda gal myself, so found even manoeuvring and flicking the brush around tricky enough. Definitely didn't keep within the lines, or even near the lines here. In fact, I don't think the lines even factored into my application technique whatsoever. Oh well *Kanye shrug*.

Application struggles aside, this is an intense, rich, highly pigmented colour. And, yes, I did feel a bit pin-up gal wearing it, especially as it does that fab thing blue-bases do where your teeth look super blindingly white when they may not actually be that pearly. AND YOU GUISE! THE LASTING POWER! I wore this for around seven hours without touching up, through countless cups of tea, breakfast, lunch and second lunch, without it budging.

I bought this OCC Lip Tar for A$15 at IMATS, and you can find them for A$16 at Scotty's Make-up and Beauty or a bit less here.

BRB - on holiday!

2013-03-05T23:10:00.000+11:00

Friends! I will be on holiday from tomorrow for roughly a week, exploring all the delights that ~~Sephora~~ Singapore has to offer. While I'm in ~~Sephora~~ Singapore, I'll be (lap)topless and not posting, however, you can catch up with me and be enthralled by the wonders of ~~Sephora~~ Singapore via my Instagram and Twitter.

Any suggestions for shopping, whether duty-free, drug store or Sephora? Let me know, I've got a list to write!

Rodial Bum Lift - the briefest of reviews

2013-03-03T20:33:00.000+11:00

So I picked up this....bum cream a little while ago from a sale at work.

You massage it into your butt and other saggy bits to "firm, life and sculpt".

It seems to be a basic body lotion and absorbs like one - no tingling or burning like similar creams I've tried (and yes, I've tried multiple firming creams. You shut up now).

I've been trying this product for a few weeks now, and while my arse is as magnificent as ever, there's been no change to the firmness or lift, not that I'm too sure how exactly I would be able to police any changes.

None of that matters anyway, seeing I just wanted an opportunity to post a gif dance party.

A BUM DANCE PARTY, THAT IS!!!!

Please, like you expected an ounce of maturity from me. CW for twerking it like the rent's due tomorrow!

Mmmm. Well, I'll be in my bunk! *shimmies off*

ghd Air hairdryer - review

2013-02-23T21:22:00.000+11:00

I'm so useless when it comes to blowdrying my hair. I suspect I may be a little dim, because everyone else seems able to manage the whole 'switch on dryer, point at head' routine that constantly eludes me. Either my hand is too limp-wristed and wobbly, and the effort needed to hold a kilo of plastic upright defeats me (I blame my ham-shaped triceps) or I burn a fifty-cent piece sized hole into my scalp. You can almost hear Yakity Sax playing every time I pick up the dryer

My boy Benny knows those feels

Disasters aside, I normally get bored after standing in my bathroom for an entire frigging hour and go to sleep with wet hair.

UNTIL I STARTED USING THE BEST HAIRDRYER EVER, THAT IS!

And yes, the all-caps are necessary, you guise. This is srs bsnss, fo reals.

I've been using my ghd Air for about a month, and love love love it.

Not only is it light enough to hold for half an hour without get dead-arm at 599g, I don't even have to use it for that long, with the full-blast, high heat setting and nozzle attachment (I used the larger of the two it comes with) combo getting my thick, underboob length hair mostly dry in about five minutes thanks to the salon strength AC motor and 2100 watts of hair slammin' power. That's a huge drop in dry-time which can be better spent sorting out my Adventure Time gifs folder.

Makin' pancakes, makin' bacon pancakes!

Extra lazy points for having a super long cord so I can walk it from my bathroom and flop on my bed while still getting the job done.

I also like the cold blast button, which is a pretty common feature in hairdryers nowadays to finish off a blowdry and seal open hair cuticles. What's noteworthy here is that the air emitted is actually icy cold, not just a shot of coolish to room temperature air. Not going to lie, I may have also used this function to dry off my fake tan before getting redressed to great success.

The Air leaves my frizz-prone, obnoxious as hell hair fairly smooth and shiny given my hair's reputation for being a boofy arsehole, which a lot better than my previous dryer that just made it fluffy.

I think the ghd Air does an excellent job at drying my hair without compromising on its condition, and although it's pricey for a hairdryer, ghd has always made products that last the distance (my ghd straightener is entering its 10th year!!).

The ghd Air retails for A$199 or slightly less here ($174!).

Disclaimer: Products provided by brand. They have in no way influenced my review and opinions are my own. It is also my opinion that you take that bacon and put it in a pancake. This post contain affiliate links. See my Disclaimer for more sexy details.

EDITED TO ADD THE ACTUAL BEST THING EVER!!

YOU'RE WELCOME!

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains - (belated) review and swatches

2013-02-16T18:04:00.002+11:00

Good grief, has this post ever been a long time coming. I first bought a few Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains (WHAT is with the long name?) when I was in Hawaii mid-last year, swatched them, swatched some other lip balm crayons for comparison, then just kinda forgot about them.

Like, not forget forget, but I'd figured that the blogosphere had maybe already heard enough about these bright little rod o' colour and I just kept on using mine, plus a few more I picked up from Priceline during that epic buy one, get one free sale they had.

Then Revlon, hearing my Twitter laments over a brand new Becca gloss I'd cleverily dropped and smashed, sent me some lip treats to soften the blow (GOOD PR MOVE, YOU GUYS!). In that pack were three more Kissable Stains, so I took that as a sign from Cheesus above to finally review them.

There's ten shades in the line, which happens to be the number I own. However, I'm still missing the shade Honey, and have instead an extra stain from the US line, Rendezvous (Crush is the twelfth US shade and also unavailable here). Typically, it's my absolute favourite from the collection and the only one blessed with handbag privileges - the top honour that all my products strive towards achieving (or so I like to imagine. Better than thinking your lip glosses are plotting your messy death. Like my socks are).

From left to right, my glossy friends are Darling, Cherish, Lovesick, Sweetheart, Smitten, Charm, Rendezvous, Romantic, Precious and Adore.

I find each shade similar in performance - they're all lightweight slippery balms with medium pigment and average lasting power, but with a stain that lasts. The darker shades have an advantage over colours like Darling and Charm as they truly stain the skin, while these two lift off quickly after drinking or talking. Moisture-wise, my lips love em compared to the more drying texta pen type stains, and they seem to soften better than a Clinique Chubby. The packaging is cute and makes for an easy mirror-free application, but be careful when shoving on the lid haphazardly - it can lead to a smooshed balm.

Indoors

Natural light

Darling, Cherish, Lovesick, Sweetheart, Smitten, Charm, Rendezvous, Romantic, Precious and Adore.

The colour range is pretty heavy on Barbie pinks and purples, and I'd love to see a coral or deep berry introduced. I'm wearing the happy orange but not intimidatingly so Rendezvous the most, then Romantic for its blue-red stain and Lovesick, which is a medium dark pink that doesn't lean too purple.

Yeah, they have a minty smell, but that doesn't bother me at all as it's not accompanied by that god-awful 'tingle' some mint-scented products favour. HATE. STOP WITH THE TINGLE, BRANDS. STERRRRRPH!

tl;dr? Moisturising balm-stick in bright pop colours that give an hour or so of gloss, many more of stain. Buy Romantic and Lovesick, beg a friend to ship over the US-only Rendezvous and some Peanut Butter Cups for me.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains retail for A$17.95 or a little less if you know where to look.

Disclaimer: Three of these products were sent to me by Revlon. They have in no way influenced my review and opinions are my own. It is also my opinion that an orange lip is the ultimate man-killing device. Take my lead and watch em swoon. This post contains affiliate links. See my Disclaimer for more sexy details.

LUS Extra V-Line Lift Up - a review about my fat face

2013-02-10T14:31:00.002+11:00

I was sent this harness thing a while ago. According to some guesses on Instagram, it could be a) an exercise thing b) a super hero costume c) a chin fat melter wrap d) a girdle e) a sex harness thing (okay, that was The Boyfriend's rather hopeful guess).

Turns out one of those guesses was right - it's a strap from the LUS Extra V-Line Lift Up chin firming kit. Designed for tightening flabby chins and necks, I was obviously utterly delighted to be sent this by an online shop selling the line.

Wait, no, not utterly delighted. REALLY FRIGGING INSULTED! Thanks for telling me that I have a fat face that needs to be physically restrained to decrease its offending puffiness.

Artist's interpretation of my giant face

So of course I tried it. Do I look more attractive now?

SO HOT, RIGHT? You've worked your magic on me, face-reducing harness of my dreams!

By the way, I'm truly sorry/not sorry for the lack of make-up in these photos, bar the lash extensions and the always flattering 'sitting in a 35 degree studio apartment' flush.

Basically it's a lotion-soaked sheet mask, that you apply to your chin and neck before securing with the foam strap (there are ear holes! EAR HOLES!) and securing with velcro. You're then meant to wear this thing for 30-40 minutes.

I call this my 'wistful staircase gaze'. I'm also standing pigeon-toed. FARSHUNNNN!

I lasted about five minutes, because the mask started burning and irritating my skin, and honestly it was a bit too much of a sexy look for me. Forget milkshakes, nothing brings the boys to my yard like the allure of de-fattening headgear.

It's like you don't even have to try to be sexy in this thing!

When I tried to peel it off, the cursed thing velcroed itself to my hair and flicked gel in my eye. And my neck and chin are as flabby and non-husband-attracting as ever, dammit!

Have you ever tried one of these ridiculous contraptions? Is my face really that fat, that a store in Korea feels compelled to inform me of my unfortunate condition?

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me by Glow and Glamour. They have in no way influenced my review and opinions are my own. It is also my opinion that ain't nothing wrong with a fat face, shake dat jelly! See my Disclaimer for more sexy details.

FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE PARTY!!!

2013-02-08T22:37:00.000+11:00

This has been a busy, stupid, crazy week, and I'm pretty sure the only thing that could save it right now is a FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE PARTY!

WITH YOUR HOST AND MY MOVIE STAR HUSBAND, PAUL RUDD!

But first, a tune to set the mood!

Below the jump for FNDP!

ANNNNNND SCENE!

Beauty Blogger's High Coffee at The InterContinental Sydney

2013-02-04T14:55:00.000+11:00

Normally I don't cover blogger events for a few different reasons, because not everyone can attend, sometimes it feels like humble-bragging and because I'm positive my computer is jelly of me hanging out with real live people instead of the interwebs for a change.

However, I'm telling y'all about the recent meet-up, because I organised it! And people came, and it wasn't at all like that recurring dream I have where no-one comes to my birthday party and also I've forgotten to wear clothes. Success!

High on ~~life~~ coffee

We met at The InterContinental Sydney's Cafe Opera for their unique High Coffee service in the private Rotunda Room, and pored over the huge menu (read here). And yes, they bring out every single item listed!

I've tried the High Coffee before for my day job (reviewed here) and was totally blown away by the sheer amount and quality of delicious treats served. I knew that my fellow bloggers are just as invested in jamming pastries into their mouths as I am, and thought High Coffee would be perfect for our next debriefing ("debriefing").

CAN'T LISTEN, MUST INSTAGRAM!

There was a mix of new and old faces, all equipped with cameras, phones and #bbhc, and not even my Matt Preston masticating impersonation (I don't even want to say what auto-correct tried to change that to!) could turn us off the multiple courses of sandwiches, pies, cakes, pastries, chocolate crepes, waffles, sorbet omg there's so much food.

And the coffee! THERE WAS A LOT OF COFFEE! I'm split between the cafe freddo and the espresso martini for my favourite caffeinated beverage as they were both so good.

A note - there is a bit of coffee involved, so some of the girls who are sensitive to caffeine or had already had a few coffees that day were a bit...peppy afterwards.

Recap of caffeine introducing itself to my bloodstream

High Coffee is $55 per person (we received a discount) and in my opinion, the hands down best afternoon set menu in Sydney (and you better believe I know my pastries), for quality, generosity of serves and fanciness factor.

I'll be linking event recaps from the other gals below, check them out for a second opinion and some drool-worthy photos that weren't taken from a shaky iPhone (I really need a camera).

Danimezza
Fashion Fantabulous
The Ladida
Through My Looking Glass

Covergirl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers - review and swatches

2013-01-27T21:27:00.000+11:00

When I was in high school, around year 10, I started branching out from my trusty Bonne Bell Lipsmackers collection (call me, Strawberry-Kiwi!) and trying lip products that were less balm, more gloss.

There was a fine balance between wearing something that Mum approved of (no colour, not too shiny) and something that appealed to my tastes (MOTHERFUCKING PINK!), and Covergirl's Wetslicks falling just within those parameters. Plus they smelt like a cartoonish version of fruit, perfect for ~~practising smooches on my inner arm #foreveralone~~ kissing boys, but not pigmented enough for rainbow parties *clutches pearls*.

I've got very fond memories of my Wetslick collection (the most treasured shades were hoarded in my Roxy wetsuit pencil case) and was immediately curious to see how the new and improved Wetslicks would perform, now that I'm now well past high school and ~~still smooching my arm~~ totally sexing grown arse men.

Along with the new packaging, four new scents and colours were launched last month (Caramel Apple, Lychee Splash, Blackberry Splash and Cranberry Splash), making it a total of ten shades in the range. Covergirl also appears to have dropped some of the shades I remember, like Cool Cocoa Mint Splash, Grape Splash and Lemon Splash.

L-R: Berry Splash, Caramel Apple, Papaya Splash, Lychee Splash

L-R: Watermelon Splash, Raspberry Splash, Strawberry Splash

L-R: Cranberry Splash, Plum Splash, Blackberry Splash

The tube shape and style are the same - a soft, easy to squeeze tapered tube, with a hard plastic applicator and screw on cap. The tubes are adorned with the fruit whose scent and shade they represent, and you can see the gloss colour through the sides and back of the tube.

Natural light - L-R: Berry Splash, Caramel Apple, Papaya Splash, Lychee Splash

With flash- L-R: Berry Splash, Caramel Apple, Papaya Splash, Lychee Splash

Natural light - L-R: Watermelon Splash, Raspberry Splash, Strawberry Splash

Natural light - L-R: Cranberry Splash, Plum Splash, Blackberry Splash

Cranberry Splash in natural light

Once on lips, I couldn't discern a huge difference between shades. The darkest on my arm, Cranberry Splash (above), seemed super similar to many of the lighter shades once on my low pigment lips. All have an amount of silvery shimmer, with Caramel Apple, Papaya Splash and Blackberry Splash appearing the most glittery on me.

The biggest selling point of gloss for lipstick-minded me is the scent. The Fruit Spritzers don't seem to have a distinct smell for each flavour with a few of them really hitting the mark and the remaining shades having a very similar vague fruit smell. Watermelon Splash is one of my favourites, being that Chupa-Chup brand of sweet pink melon, although Lychee Splash smells almost identical. Toffee Apple smells more like white sugar, and Papaya Splash is tropical punch. They all smell nice, although not true to life.

Each gloss lasts around two hours on my lips, which is about right for a slippery shiny gloss. There's no tint left behind, bar a few bits of glitter. Overall just as fun and shiny as I remember the originals to be, with the bonus of being able to wear them over a bright lipstick now if I want (TAKE THAT, MOTHER!).

Covergirl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers have a RRP of $9.95 and are available now, although some of the old packaging seems to be floating about at discounters too.

Disclaimer: This product was provided for consideration by Covergirl. They have in no way influenced my review and opinions are my own. It is also my opinion that the Cotton Candy Lipsmacker is also pretty damn good. See my Disclaimer for more sexy details.

NOTD - Prinnie x Hello Darling, Jessica and Endota Spa

2013-01-24T22:21:00.001+11:00

Here's a nail quickie for you featuring some minis and a glitter I've been hanging onto for a while. I used to use all the glitter on all the nails, but after going through a lot of polish remover, cotton pads, patience and swears, I've learnt that you never go full glitter. Never! So much glitter is too much of a burden for one set of hands! So I've been taken it one nail at a time, with ye olde beauty blogger favourite - the glitter feature nail.

From left, Prinnie x Hello Darling in Kava, Jessica in Happy Hour (both cute little minis), Endota Spa The Rocks (full size).

I slicked Kava on all but the feature nail, which ended up with two coats of Happy Hour and enough two of The Rocks.

I love the pale grey of Kava - it's creamy and opaque in two coats without streaking. Plus the soft grey reminds me of baby seals. Awwwww!

Disclaimer: Polish from Hello Darling and Endota Spa provided for consideration. They have in no way influenced my review and opinions are my own. It is also my opinion, after extensive research, that baby fur seals > baby elephant seals. See my Disclaimer for more sexy details.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Eventone BB Cream - review and swatches

2013-01-19T16:32:00.002+11:00

I've been using nothing but BB creams recently. The just-right coverage + sunscreen + skin benefits = Michaela face base nirvana. However, aside from trying the Garnier BB earlier this year (didn't review due to the overwhelming meh), most of my experience has been isolated to Asian market BBs and I actually haven't had much experience with Western BB creams. Enter Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Eventone BB Cream and Jesus Titty Freaking Christ, That's A Long Name.

Can I just call it Eventone BB from now on? That's what I'm calling it, you can't stop me.

First things first - no, this product doesn't smell like Easter egg chocolate (like it's not quite as rich as a hunk o chocolate, but more a thin shell of the good stuff), like most of the other Palmer's range. This gives me a raging sad-on because I love the Palmer's choccie scent and even use their body oil solely so I can envelope myself in the milky scent and pretend I'm actually trapped inside a giant chocolate Easter bunny treat. No, you're weird.

It instead has a "fresh white lily" scent, which is quite strong for a face product and leans towards soapy rather than floral. Thankfully it lasts only a few minutes after application, and may be a blessing in disguise, as I'd do this all day if my face smelt like chocolate.

So perhaps for the best, no? Anyway, the BB Cream comes in two shades, Fair/Light and Medium/Dark. I'm lucky enough with Asian BBs, that although they normally come in one colour, it's always quite light and happens to be just my shade. Like the one time being pale works for me!

The Fair shade is pretty much my shade, while Medium is quite dark - the darkest colour I've seen in a BB cream, although it's easy enough to spread and sheer out with lots of blending out like I've done in the arm swatch. It sets fast, so make sure to work quickly and with warm fingers!

The formula is quite thick and definitely more of a cream than a lotion. Coverage is similar to a tinted moisturiser, and wouldn't be able to completely camouflage blemishes as well as a mid-weight foundation.

It contains a SPF15+ sunscreen, which is appreciated, but I do tend towards at least a 30+ in my skincare now, especially for day make-up.

Here I'm wearing the Fair shade (and a low range dose of side-eye). It appears quite dewy on my skin, and while I like this finish, it may be an issue for those expecting a matte finish as is common in products based on mineral pigments.

As for the claim to "target discolouration and spots", 1) I'm not the best judge of this, having a fairly uniform skin tone already, and 2) the blurb is fairly vague on whether it "evens skin tone" by actively working on pigmentation or by covering it up upon application. Mystery!

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Eventone BB Cream retails for $9.99, and is exclusive to My Chemist and Chemist Warehouse.

Disclaimer: This product was provided for consideration by Palmer's. They have in no way influenced my review and opinions are my own. It is also my opinion that this is the best licking gif going around. See my Disclaimer for more sexy details.

Essence Cherry Blossom Girl Lip Pencils - review and swatches

2013-01-14T11:46:00.003+11:00

I think I've found my make-up kryptonite, you guys. Wave a lipstick pen in front of me and I go weak at the knees, only summoning up enough strength to press my credit card into the shopkeep's loving grasp. Priceline was cruel enough to keep the Essence stand within eyesight from where I was innocently picking up some contact lens fluid, muttering must not buy pretty, must NOT buy pretty, and bam, I was suddenly walking out with the two lipstick pencils from Essence's Cherry Blossom Girl collection.

The shades are 01 Cherry Cherry Girl (bright red) and 02 It's Peach, Not Cherry (erm....peach), both with a matte finish.

Natural light

With flash

The flash pic is truer to life - that red is bordering neon, and the peach is an orange-tinged pastel. Both have a matte finish which I find quite drying, and makes well-moisturised and buffed lips a necessity if you don't want every lip line and dry patch showing up.

After trying Revlon, DB and Clinique's similar efforts, I'm pleasantly surprised at how pigmented the shades are, and how thickly they apply in just one swipe. In the above swatches, I've gone over the area just once with the lippie and it's incredibly opaque compared to its pencilly comrades.

Downside to being so easy to work over lips? The pencils are quite soft and wear away quickly. The above pic shows how the lipstick has been worn away on the left side of the tip after just one arm swatch. They're also way too easy to smoosh into the plastic when you're clicking the lid back on (and yes, this happened to me). I have the feeling I'll run through these relatively quickly.

Essence Cherry Blossom Girl Lip Pencils are A$3.50. I reeeeeeally want the paper lashes in the same collection (A$4.50!!) but my office's local Priceline didn't have them in. Frowny face.

ASOS Sale Stila and Pixi Haul

2013-01-12T15:19:00.003+11:00

I KNOW! I have sooooo many cosmetics and products all queued up in my 'to try' pile. Lined up end to end, these beauty goodies would stretch from Neutral Bay, Sydney, all the way to ASOS HQ in the UK (or so clutter-free-freak Boyfriend would like to think).

BUT an ASOS sale is kinda hard to avoid. Especially when you have ASOS set as your home page. And your credit details are Post-It noted to your computer monitor. Due to these absolutely unavoidable factors, I somehow bought a few things a week ago, and they arrived on my doorstep a mere four days later!

The Stila Merry and Bright Palette and Lip Glaze is exclusive to ASOS and set me back a wee A$14.45, compared to its original A$21.25. There's six eye shadows (Chill, Glisten, Joyful, Ebony, Butterscotch, Molasses), a Convertible Color in Lillium and a Lip Glaze in Kitten.

The Pixi Lid Last Shadow Pen Duo is another limited edition, containing two shadow pencils in Shell Sheen (champagne glow highlighter) and Brun Beam (cool brown liner and definer). A steal at A$13.60 from A$20.40. The Australian RRP is A$1400 and your first-born or fur baby.

I also nabbed a squirrel print shirt. Because I want to be twee, dammit.

Now ASOS has whacked off another 10% with the check-out code PERFECT10, this Korres set is looking awfully tempting. Ooh, and what about this POP set! Or also from Stila, their Large Snowflake with eighteen shadows and twelve cheek colours with bonus mascara for A$34.85 plus 10% off (the palette alone is still A$79 at Mecca!)

BRB, buying all the things!

Chanel Le Vernis in Holiday 617 - review and swatches

2013-01-10T16:55:00.000+11:00

Welcome to Lather Rinse Repeat's series of summer themed posts! Every post that features the above banner will be serving up a review of a useful product or service for you to take advantage of in the warmer months.

Summer holidays are so fleeting, right? Like barely grasped snatches of dappled sunlight and salt-swept hair. Or a fart in a glass.

Instead of being on holiday, I'm back at work, at the office, fourteen floors above the much more appealing beaches, gelato and daytime television I could be lapping up. Oh, and naps, of course. God, aren't naps at around 3pm or so just the most fabulous acts of divinity? Yes, please. Gimme all that.

This is the part where I say "well, if I can't be on holiday, at least my nails can! Tee-hee!" Because the Chanel polish I'm wearing is called Holiday. Get it? I'm like a total wordsmith here, carving up relevant intros like the rent's due tomorrow. Fuck, you guys. Rent's due tomorrow.

I'm not feeling the nails on vacay vibe today. Fuck you, nails for being all bright and happy and glistening orange. Why do you get to have fun while I'm at work. Now I have to stare at your delightful squared-off ovals of tangerine colour-blocking as my fingers peck out less carefree work reports and records on my coffee stained keyboard.

You little frivolous bastards.

Chanel Le Vernis in Holiday is A$39. It was their mid-2012 release, so may be harder to find now.