Australis 4-1 Conceal Correct

Hello beauty lovers!  :-h  This post is a review of a multi-tone concealer, released by a well-known Australian cosmetic brand recently.  Tammerly the brains and beauty behind Spoilt blog, provided it to me for a test drive, so I could share my thoughts with you all.  :-@

The multi-tasking Australis 4-1 Conceal Correct is a round palette consisting of 4 different shades of concealer to disguise imperfections, including redness, dark circles, blemishes and uneven skin tone for a flawless complexion.  :)

The compact palette comes in a small cardboard box boasting the black and bright pink colouring recognisable throughout the Australis range.  It also features three coloured panels on the top and both sides, all of which share product tips, such as purple fades away dark circles, green covers up redness and flesh tones to use over the colour correctors to camouflage imperfections.  The tiny round black plastic palette with a flip-top lid has dual levels, with two shades each and a handy mirror for touch-ups on the go.  ;)

The correctors and concealers have a lightweight, rich, creamy formula that is soft, smooth and easy to apply and provides a medium to light coverage, depending on which shade I use.  The purple is the lightest and needs to be carefully layered to effectively hide any dark areas under my eyes,  (:|  however it even does double duty as a makeshift highlighter for my cheekbones, inner eye corners and cupids bow etc.  ;;)  The green works well at covering up any facial redness,  :">  which is mostly around my nose and inner cheeks, but is exceptionally good for hiding noticeable red pimples,  #:-S   whilst the light and dark skin toned shades blend over the green and purple to even out my complexion.  Unfortunately, even though the coverage was good, the darkest flesh tone shade was too dark for my colouring and the paler one was too orange-y, so I couldn’t achieve a very natural-looking finish.  :-S   I also find that too much layering causes the concealer to appear cakey, crease and settle into fine lines, so I can conclude that using less is definitely best.  The staying powder is not ideal for my oily skin because it gets a bit greasy after a few hours and I generally need to keep touching it up during the day, causing it to look even more caked on.  :-O  The formula might be more workable for me during the cooler months, when it’s less likely to slip and slide off my face as much.

Overall, this is a cute and thoughtful palette that includes everything you need to achieve complexion perfection in the one compact little case.  =D>  It does subtly hide my flaws, but it generally takes a bit of work to make sure the finished effect looks natural and not overdone.  I get more use out of the green and purple shades over the two flesh toned colours, that are too overwhelming for my own natural skin tone and seem to have too much of an orange tinge.  I would prefer the flesh toned colours to be more universally flattering for a wider range of complexions, but as is they might be a more suitable shade match for those with warmer undertones.  The Australis 4-1 Conceal Correct is so useful because it has all the shades necessary for basic correcting and concealing abilities, in one, easy to use set, which is also the perfect travel companion.  It adequately covers minor imperfections, like pimples and problem areas of redness, including broken capillaries, but if you want something that has fuller coverage and better performance, this is probably not going to appeal to you.  Considering it retails for only $12.95, this multi-tasking concealing palette might meet the needs of those with normal to dry skin who have a warm, buttery skin tone, because it certainly won’t break the bank and is a versatile addition to any makeup kit.  <:-P

Tip –  *-:)  While I don’t mind applying it with my fingers, a slightly damp concealing brush helps blend these shades into my skin more evenly.

Rating – 3 out of 5 (Published for Spoilt. Click here to view)

What do you think?  :-?  Does this type of concealer with multiple shades appeal to you?  Have you found a reliable concealer that looks natural?  :-/  If so please fill me in, would love to hear what works for others when it comes to concealers….

The images in this post are generic.

Australis Curve Ink Eyeliner

Hi friends everywhere!  :-h   The next post is about a trendy new eyeliner from a popular Australian cosmetic company.  I was sent this product from Tammerly to trial and review for her lifestyle, fashion and beauty blog Spoilt.  Read on to find out about my experience.  \:D/

The innovative Australis Curve Ink Eyeliner is an ergonomically shaped liquid eyeliner for ease of use, precise application and most of all for maximum comfort.  Ideal for both left and right handed folk, its paraben and formaldehyde-free, claims to be water-resistant, fast-drying and smudge-proof.  :)

I received the Australis Curve Ink Eyeliner attached to a fold-out cardboard that includes product information, including features, benefits, availability and an instructional guide to achieve the trendy cat-eyed look.  The 9gm plastic packaging is black and bright pink, reflective of the Australis brand, which presents as modern and chic.  B-) The applicator has a curved handle that fits comfortably in my hand and boasts a grip zone to place my fingers on to ensure the ultimate in control.  =D>

The Australis Curve Ink Eyeliner has an ultra-fine, pointy, felt pen-style tip is firm and easy to apply.  The fluid-like formulation is not as runny as most liquid liners and therefore glides on smoothly and dries almost instantly without running or feathering and stays put for hours before it starts gradually fading into more of a grey shade.  The colour is a very intense black and I only needed the one coat to achieve a thin solid line, but it also layers well if I want to create a thicker, more defined line.  I am pretty sure black is the only shade that it comes in at this stage, but I would definitely be keen to see it available in a greater selection of colours further down the track.  ;)  The only downfall in these felt tipped liners is they do dry out faster than other liquid liners, but considering this product is available in Priceline, or via Australis Cosmetics online for just $14.95, it’s affordable to replace when needed. 

The packaging, including how-to guide.

I am a bit awkward when it comes to applying liquid eyeliner,   #-o   so normally opt for the pencil varieties; however I highly recommend the Australis Curve Ink Eyeliner to those who have difficulty using regular liquid liners, or particularly if you’re a beginner.  The applicator shape allows my hand to keep steady and the finely tapered, pointy tip makes drawing straight lines easier than ever.  #:-S   I like how fast the formula sets, which is so handy during the warmer months when all my makeup wants to slide off and head south just as quickly as I apply it.  :-O   However, in this case, once it’s in place it doesn’t budge, even in the humidity, thanks to the water-resistant factor that even prevents smudging.  <:-P  My eyeliner is still in place at the end of the day, despite fading somewhat, and yet it comes off effortlessly with my cleansing oil or makeup remover.  If you want to get the hang of recreating the ‘purr-fect’ fool-proof, feline eye look, then this is one liner you will want to try.  ;;)

Tip – Use a cotton tip dipped in cleansing oil to make corrections.

Rating – 3.5 out of 5 (Published for Spoilt. Click here to view)

Have you tried this eyeliner yet?  :-/   Do you like the felt-pen style eyeliners, or do you prefer a different type of liner?  :-?  If you're worried about using liquid liners this might be a good way to learn. Interested or.....please comment below with your opinion.

The images in this post are generic.

Australis Megalash Mascara - Electric Blue

Hello beauties!  :-h   This post is based on my trial for Tammerly the super talented author of Spoilt beauty blog, who kindly sent me this mascara to test drive and review.  The original is linked here. 

When I first tried the Australis Megalash Mascara I felt quite ripped off, because it didn’t generate very noticeable results in providing that essential bit of oomph or polished lashes, I demand from my mascara, especially since my lashes are quite fair, short and straight.  :-L   I was thrilled to receive this mascara in a vibrant Electric Blue shade, because as a person who likes to explore with coloured makeup, I’m fond of brightly hued mascaras, instead of the standard black, brown or more common neutral tones.  Fortunately, despite my initial disappointment, I persisted using the mascara daily for a week, determined not to give up, then during this time, I mastered how to achieve better end results, which I will explain to you now.  #:-S

Housed in black plastic packing with hot pink lettering featuring the brand and product name, the Australis Megalash Mascara tube is large in size, with a budget price tag that promotes plenty of ‘bang for your buck’ in terms of value.  $-)  The brush is a classic design, of average size, tapering at the tip to easily separate individual lashes and reach the inner corners, coating even the finest of hairs.  The creamy, lightweight formula has a thin, runny consistency that applies with minimal fuss and no clumping.  :D  Because it’s quite fluid-like, it takes some time to totally dry, so it’s wise to keep still, without blinking too much, so to avoid smearing or transferring any product onto my skin.  *-:)  I was shattered after the initial application, because, it didn’t boost my lashes and they weren’t fuller or longer at all……until I started applying extra coats.  #-o  Due to the smooth, wet formulation, it’s buildable and therefore layers easily to present the sought after volume, for visibly plumper, longer lashes, for natural-looking appeal that’s not overboard.  ;;)  The highly pigmented colour is incredibly rich and bold, yet it’s not blatantly obvious, unless the lashes come into contact with light.  In spite of numerous layers, my lashes remain flexible and soft to touch, unlike the stiff effect some mascaras create, leaving them so hard I worry they might snap off.  The staying power is exceptional and it won’t budge all day, thanks to the waterproof, tearproof design.  My eyelashes are still fresh at the end of the day, there’s no fading, flaking, smudging or running that can lead to panda eyes, yet the mascara still washes off thoroughly with a normal cleanser, hence no need to invest in a separate waterproof eye makeup remover.  =D>

This mascara conveniently slots into my daytime makeup regime, delivering a soft, natural focus, with a striking splash of funky colour to instantly brighten my eyes.  It’s not my first choice for drama at night, as it doesn’t pack enough of a punch for my taste, although it’s ideal to layer over a lash enhancing mascara or even to use in conjunction with a decent eyelash primer for a more pronounced look.  ;)  Don’t be intimidated by how loud this blue shade appears, because it’s definitely wearable and I keep receiving complements that the flattering hue really makes my eyes ‘pop’.  To ensure your lashes get the attention they deserve, you do need to religiously apply at least two coats of mascara, remembering to ensure each coat is adequately dry before attempting any additional layers.  Whilst time consuming, this step secures the desired colour, fullness and length we expect from a mascara.  For luscious lashes that are beautifully subtle and suitable for everyday, without being too over the top, I suggest you revamp your makeup kit with an Electric Blue Australis Megalash Mascara, to inject a modern approach to your lash look.  :x

My FOTD - See bullet list for other products used.

Whilst my experience has been mostly positive, I’m awarding this little darling with 4 stars instead of 5
 (*)  (*)  (*)  (*)  because I would personally prefer if my lashes were amplified to a greater extent, making them even more exaggerated, however this mascara will be sure to impart a modest, low-key transformation.  :D

FOTD - Products Used

• Foundation - Ultraceuticals Ultra Active Even Skintone Compact - Honey
• Concealer -  NVEY ECO Erase Corrector - Medium
• Blush - Clinique Almost Bronzer - Light/Medium
• Lipliner - Australis Lip Pencil - Tickled Pink
• Lipstick - MAC Amplified Creme - Saint Germain
• Brows -  Prestige My Ultimate Brow Definer Pencil - Blondy
• Eyeliner -  Styli-Style Line & Seal 24 Eyes - Brown
• Mascara - ***Australis Megalash Mascara - Electric Blue***

Do you like coloured mascaras?  :-?  Have you tried any of the Australis range and do you agree the products perform exceptionally well for such an ultra cheap, affordable brand?  What is your favourite, most effective over the counter/pharmacy/supermarket type mascara?  :-/  You know the drill, comment below  :)

The first image of the product is generic, whist the other three snap shots are my own.

FOTD – Neutral Minimal Makeup Look

Here is a pretty standard FOTD (Face of the Day) from yesterday, which is very much a normal, basic type of look that I conveniently manage to slap together for those usual slack, everyday kinds of non-eventful days.  :-<   You know, like when I am not going anywhere special, but still feel the need to establish a no-fuss makeup look that cleverly masks any unsightly flaws and imperfections, whilst triggering the fictitious illusion of clear, healthy, flawless-looking skin, minus looking ‘all made up’.  *-:)

Here are the products I used:  (*)

BASE

Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Primer  

This gloriously lightweight, lotion style primer leaves my skin considerably soft, while smoothing out any abnormalities.  I like teaming this primer with liquid foundations, yet I am partial to it during those warmer, summer days when I need to avoid anything too rich and heavy coating my skin.  The formulation compliments my oily skin and keeps it relatively shine-free throughout the day, bereft drying it right out.  It helps my makeup glide on seamlessly, encouraging it to appear fresher and to remain in place for much longer.  :)

gloMinerals Protective Liquid Foundations Matte II

This is one of the few mineral foundations in a liquid version that I regularly rely on in summer because it’s a match made in heaven for my oily complexion, which won’t melt straight off in the heat.  #:-S   The special formulation is enhanced with additional skin care ingredients to treat and protect my skin.  It’s also oh so light, therefore I don’t experience that suffocating feel like so many of the heavier cover-ups.  :)>-  Instead, this foundation wears superbly comfortable, bolstering to prevent congestion and possible breakouts by allowing my pores to breathe.  Even though I admit it feels lightweight with an airy texture on my skin, don’t for a minute think this will compromise the coverage and performance.  :-S  Not at all!  [-X  I actually only need very little of this highly pigmented, mineral blend to achieve maximum coverage, resulting in a complexion that is utterly flawless, with an ever-so-natural looking, soft matte-finish.  ;)

Australis Cosmetics Ready Set Go Finishing Powder

The finely milled white loose powder has a supremely soft texture, so I like to apply it with my velour puff, prior to dusting my face with a large, fluffy powder brush to remove any excess.  I’m amazed that such a basic-looking, budget priced powder is so effective at setting my makeup and transforming my oily skin by instantly absorbing any excess surface oils and keeping them at bay for a shine-free appearance that eliminates the need for continual touch-ups.  I often select this powder to use following liquid foundations because it imparts such a smooth, silky, matte finish to accomplish ‘complexion perfection’ with the greatest of ease.  :D.

FACE

Clinique Almost Bronzer SPF 15 - Medium

This is my ‘go to’ bronzer, boasting dual-toned colours that make it very versatile and suitable for not only different complexions but also for adapting to irregular skin changes throughout the various seasons.  The contrasting shades, featuring a light and medium hued bronze, are perfect when used individually as a blush or bronzer; otherwise, they will combine conveniently for contouring and highlighting the entire face.  This delicately pigmented duo, blends seemingly with my skin tone to effectuate a healthy, natural-looking, sheer tint of colour, which resembles a gorgeous ‘almost there’ sun-kissed glow.  =D>

Arbonne Blush – Taffeta

I have previously reviewed this particular blush in a bit more depth a while back, if you want to read more, simply click here.  This is a brightly coloured powder blush, which has a semi-sheer colour payoff (that is buildable for a bolder, more vivid appearance) to gently buff into the skin, inspiring a beautifully feminine, lightweight, matte-like finish.  Just a light dusting of this smooth, pigment packed powder is all I need per application, because a little goes a long way and when blended delicately it discards minimal fallout.  I love how this blush provides a natural ‘pinched-cheek’ effect that is soft and dainty, complimenting my skin tone and staying in place all day without fading.  ;;)

EYES

NYX Auto Eyebrow Pencil – Dark Brown

I like to keep my eyebrows well groomed because as the saying goes; ‘eyebrows frame your face’, notably your peepers, which are claimed to be ‘the windows to your sole’.  Well-shaped brows will furthermore balance the rest of your facial features.  Although my own brows are along way from being ‘well-shaped’, they have come a long way since the days of plucking the living daylights out of them! :-O  Now, more than ever, whilst they are growing, I rely on my trusty eyebrow pencil to fill in my sparse brows, depending on the waxy consistency to better mould the shape and hold the hairs in neatly in place.  The attached brush on the flip side, maintains the tidy appearance, guaranteeing my brows retain that permanent ‘wow’ factor’.  \:D/  Something worth noting, is this dark brown shade is, as a matter of fact, a pretty accurate match, comparable to my light-medium brown coloured brows, so beware that the highly saturated colour, is lighter than expected, therfore you may need a darker hue than normal.  /:)

Revlon High Dimension Eyeliner - Bronze Flash 03

I absolutely adore my coloured pencil style eyeliners,  :x  which are currently my favourite (or most sort after) makeup product.  I have quite a collection of eyeliners, flaunting a spectrum of shades and brands that I constantly mix and match to suit my mood, for an eternity, I only ever used black liners, now though I will always incorporate a befitting colour to spruce up my daily look.  Pencil eyeliners have really stepped up in the past couple of years, developing into various ultra rich, creamy formulas that apply and feel just like a liquid liner.  Gone are the days of nearly scratching out your eyeball trying to get a smidgen of colour out of the hard, sharp-tipped pencil that despite ample effort, just wouldn’t transfer at all.  ~X(   These soft, extremely smooth liners glide onto the lash line with ease as well as the waterline, providing lasting staying power that won’t budge.  In addition, the undeniably, bona fide colour payoff, which is exactly what I lust, supplies the slick of defining colour to my waterline that makes my eyes ‘pop’.  >:D<

Almay Intense I-Color Mascara - Black Emerald for Hazel Eyes

For daytime wear, I opt for simple, inexpensive mascara to inject some colour into my lashes and plump them up a tad, without becoming too dramatic or OTT (over the top).  When I first spotted this mascara, I thought it would ideally replace the green-eye mascara I had previously employed, from another brand, which worked well and suited my lash requirements during the day.  I have now determined that this one certainly doesn’t disappoint!  The large brush with a tapered tip evenly coats and separates each individual lash, with no flaking, clumping or smudging, and it’s buildable, permitting for additional coats that can be successively layered for a greater impact.  The gentle formulation is kindy non-irritating to sensitive eyes and while it lasts looking fresh and in place throughout the day, it washes off with ease to avoid the dreaded panda eyes.  Earning its place as one of my preferred daytime mascaras, because it’s merciful and caring to the delicate optics, along with the ability to still create a natural, fuller appearance to the lashes that brighten and emphasise my eyes.  B-)

LIPS

Blistex Strawberry Lip Balm

I often need to prime my lips prior to applying my lippy, so I use a lip balm, which hydrates my lips and smoothes the surface, which is especially essential for dry, chapped lips, filling in any lines, wrinkles or ridges, so my lipstick adheres better and prevents any feathering, smudging or creasing.  I often reach for this handy wind-up tube, with added sunscreen to protect my lips from sun damage, as well as shielding them from the elements.  Infused with natural fruit extracts, the formula smells and tastes like yummy, sweet strawberries. (mmm strawberries  =P~  ) The thick texture, which initially coats my lips, dries quickly and conditions my kissers without leaving any sticky, tacky residue behind.  This addition of this delightfully scrumptious balm to my makeup ritual ensures my lips are perfectly moisturised, soothed and polished ready to bear some colour.  :-*

Becca Nude Lip Liner Pencil - Nougart

This remarkably handy, double-ended liner, with its ultra soft, creamy consistency, is a functional multi-use lip pencil consisting of a skin-toned light beige hue on one end, with the dual side bearing a lip-toned beige that is a few shades darker.  I am always using the light end when I makeup my lips, regardless of which colour I plan on sporting, because the skin coloured shade is a spot on  match that compliments my own skin tone faultlessly, to highlight my cupids bow.  The darker side however, I don’t use as often, yet it does come in useful for lining and filling my lips to create a base to team with certain lipsticks to obtain a more precise, long-lasting, lip look. This liner has a soft, creamy texture that’s easily sharpened to maintain a fine point, prompting it to glide on so smooth and evenly without dragging on my lips.  It’s an exceptionally good quality lip liner and despite being rather pricey up front, it‘s the best I’ve ever tried, promising a gorgeous, natural-looking lip definition.  :)

Benefit Full Finish Lipstick – Lady’s Choice

I am not usually very fond of nude lips; however, this is my ideal lip colour of choice, when I do feel like rocking a realistic, true-hue, nude lip.  What I like most about this sleek, easy to apply lipstick is its deeply moisturising formula, with an especially rich, urber creamy, butter-like texture, fully loaded with pigment for an abundance of saturated colour and a subtle, slightly glossy, shimmer-free finish.  The reason I am personally not fussed on a nude lip is that I am not overly confident that the neutral hues even suit me.  When I first tried this shade, it seemed to look like my lips had done the vanishing act and magically disappeared.  :-O  It also make me look washed out and somewhat sickly. (eww! not a good look  :-&  )  I have since discovered though, if I pair a slightly darker liner to the outline of my lips and fill in my natural lip colour, forging a base underneath, the colour becomes more flattering and amazingly gives the impression that my thin lips are a little plumper than normal.  :D  It’s really starting to grow on me this one (at least for the minimal makeup days), but I’m still keen as to try out some of the different colour options from the same range.  ;)

LAST WORD

The above mentioned combination of cosmetics, constitutes the basis of my regular makeup ritual that I generally use on a day-to-day basis.  (Yes, I have to admit; rarely a day goes by when I don’t wear makeup!  :-O   :">  What! I hear you say, LOL!  :))  But, seriously, I feel sooooo naked without my ‘face’ on, hence why I feel the need to disguise my defects behind a ‘barely there’ makeup look.  Whew, #:-S  at least with  makeup I can  tryyyyyy and appear ‘natural-ISH’, shh it’s our little secret, hehe  ;))  )  On those uneventful days when there is nothing planned. I don’t often bother concocting a special eye shadow creation or upping the drama factor too much, unless I have places to go and people to see, in which case it’s indeed time to ‘rev’ things up a bit.  Under those circumstances, I’ll possibly go the ‘full hog’ and get really creative, or if you prefer, indulge in some ornamental fun!   <:-P

Another excuse as to why I don’t really dig neutral-looking makeup on myself too much, is because I am a big fan of lots of colour and I tend to feel a bit ‘plain Jane’ when I wear the more ‘au natural’ hues.  It comes down to my skin tone as well, coz while these shades can look spectacular on others (particularly models in the glossy mags or on the catwalk) I just can’t pull it off well at all.   :-/   Kind of like…meh, whatever!’  :|  I think it’s ok (average), but at the end of the day, it’s definitely NOT a look I would go to town in and it doesn’t excite me very much either… boring!   (:|  That’s just me, I am of the belief that makeup is all about FUN!!!   :)>-

There you have my opinion, so how about you guys, what do you think?  Can you pull off an awesome nude lip or neutral makeup look?  Does it suit you…or, do you wanna bat on my team, preferring to adorn yourself amidst a rainbow of exciting, inspirational, slightly crazy tinctures?  :O)  Umm,  :-/  well. maybe not ALL the shades from under the rainbow at once, but you know what I mean, super eye-catching, colour galore, YAY!   \:D/  What kind of makeup look do you like to adopt for an average, fuss-free day?  Is it something different to a look you might create to hit the town?  Tell me more, tell me more, please share!!    ;)  :) 

The two FOTD images are my own and the product images are all generics.