Why a blog?

Somewhere to jot down all things I am passionate about.
My little space to rant, rave and ramble on about this and that.
Most of all, just to share my thoughts with the world!

Showing posts with label Concealer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Concealer. Show all posts

Saturday, June 8, 2013

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.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

theBalm Liquid TimeBalm Spot Concealer


Hey there beauties  :-h   I’m back in full force ATM, LOL   :))  (well as forceful as I can be during this long slow process of needing a replacement PC)   8-|  Anyway, I’m not about to let that rain on my parade, hehe  ;))  As the saying goes the show must go on,  \:D/ so I’ll keep on plugging on and make the most of my resources  as I slowly but surely get through publishing my growing backlog of product reviews!  B-) 

It goes without saying that when you have a red, angry bump on your face there is some urgency to make it disappear, whilst effectively disguising it in the meantime to avoid feeling self-conscious.  :">  Most OTC (over the counter) topical skin care treatments that target pimples basically dry out and strip the skin of its oils, which then will produce even more oil to compensate for the loss, exacerbating the condition and causing more breakouts than before.  :-O   Likewise, applying too much makeup or cosmetic solutions designed to cover-up flaws can look obvious and accentuate the problem; in addition it can lead to clogged pores, making the blemishes worse.  ~X(  What would be the best way to overcome this dilemma?  Simple, how about a less invasive spot remedy that is free of nasty chemicals and is instead, infused with natural skin purifying, bacteria fighting ingredients, such as tea tree oil and an array of vitamins, all formulated into a tinted liquid base that soothes problem skin and camouflages redness to help achieve a clear, healthy-looking complexion, free of imperfections.    O:-)  Enter theBalm Liquid TimeBalm Spot Concealer.  This product was sent to me by Tammerly from Spoilt to try out and review for her beauty blog, which you can find linked here.  :)  Here are my thoughts:

The outer cardboard packaging of theBalm Liquid TimeBalm Spot Concealer is green in colour with white print, which to me is a reflection of the toxic-free, more natural formulation and is pleasantly appealing to the eye.  The inner tube features the same colour scheme, is 10gms in size and is similar in appearance to a lipgloss with a twist off lid attached to a long stem that has a foam tip to serve as the applicator.  The convenient packaging makes it ideal to pop in my handbag and use for touch-ups on the go.  ;)

The liquid itself has a medicinal-type, scent that smells noticeably of the included tea tree oil, but it’s not at all offensive and fades soon after applied.  :">  With a lightweight, creamy texture and a medium to thick consistency, it blends smoothly to even out my skin tone.  Surprisingly, this formula is well pigmented, providing exceptional opaque coverage that hides all my unsightly flaws, including zits, surface veins and facial redness, along with under eye bags.  ;;)  The formula is non-drying and non-greasy, yet nourishing to the skin, calming inflammation and irritation, protecting against damaging environmental aggressors and treating problem areas rapidly.  I have the Honey shade, which is a perfect match for my skin tone, creating a soft, flawless finish that looks perfectly natural. The staying power is brilliant, with no fading, flaking during the day, however I like to apply regular touch-ups on newly formed blemishes, to help fast-track their lifespan and despite adorning several layers, my skin doesn’t have a pasty, caked on appearance.  <:-P
Honey, one if three available shades.

Overall, theBalm Liquid TimeBalm Spot Concealer is a full function skin care product and complexion perfecting makeup all rolled into one.  =D>  Unlike other zit zappers I’ve tried, which are harsh and dry out my skin, or concealers that cause congestion and trigger more breakouts, this dual performance pimple elixir has a powerful moisturising formula that is loaded with skin nurturing goodness that accelerates the natural healing and repairing process, whilst optimal coverage effectively improves the unsightly appearance and ensures my imperfections remain unnoticeable.  :D  It’s not a miracle worker, so fully blown bumps won’t be magically cured with a single dab; however, it effectively promotes recovery and gives me confidence and peace of mind to face the world knowing my complexion is unblemished and fabulous.  :x   I am loving the full effect of theBalm Liquid TimeBalm Spot Concealer and am awarding it with 5 stars out of 5,   (*)  (*)  (*)  (*)  (*)  it’s my new Holy Grail concealing spot treatment that I seriously can not fault.  Exceptional!!!  :-*

Tip -   *-:)  It’s is wise to consider the ‘less is more’ approach when using this concealer, because you only need the tiniest amount for effective results.  


Have you found the perfect zit solution, one that conceals and heals?  How do you normally hide those unsightly spots without making them get worse?
The images in this post are all generic.

Friday, April 27, 2012

NVEY ECO Erase Corrector


Hi peeps!  :-h First of all, major apologies to all my followers for the lack of content lately.  [-X  I have actually got heaps of reviews ready to rock and roll, which has been keeping me busy, but yet so little ‘ME’ time to get them up and published.  I am going to try my best to get some of them up tonight, however the layout will probably be rough as it takes me simply ages to get each post presented in my usual manner (yeah, I know I’m a fussy one  :">  ), so once again I ask if you can bare with me during this difficult time and hang in there, I’m sure I’ll get back on track eventually, LOL!   :)) 

Here is a review for the NVEY ECO Erase Corrector, written in conjunction with my work for Spoilt, Tammerly aka Pink Diva has been keeping me on my toes, sending out lots of amazing wonderful beauty booty to test drive so I can share my thoughts based on my experience with these products, which are then published on her fabulous blog.   <:-P   The original review is linked here.


When I first received this concealer I had not heard of NYEY ECO, so I thought I would crawl out from under my rock and do a quick bit of research to familiarise myself with the brand behind the product.  ;)  I was pleasantly surprised to discover that NYEY ECO is in fact a certified organic company manufactured right here in Australia.  =D>   It thrives on the belief that ‘green’ cosmetics can perform just as well as the most superior of commercial brands, without compromising on texture or colour efficacy.  Infused with unrefined ingredients, such as plant extracts, vitamins, antioxidants and essential oils in lieu toxins such as parabens, petrochemicals or synthetic fragrances, this professional quality range, complete with skin nurturing formulations, are not tested on animals, therefore they are better for me and the environment.  The NVEY ECO Erase Corrector is enriched with a synthesis of gentle ‘skin-loving’ ingredients like Safflower, Jojoba, natural antioxidants and organic Castor Oil, along with the Vitamin trio A, C and E, to conceal imperfections, whilst maintaining sufficient nourishment to keep my skin hydrated.  :)

Presented with a chic black, green and white outer cardboard sleeve, the packaging is visually appealing, especially with the inner contents revealed and I instantly set my sights upon the classy, matching compact that screamed elegance and superb quality.  The 3gm compact, boasts a decent sized mirror situated on the inside of the clip-top lid and is ideal for touch-ups on the go, but also looks stylish when showcased on my vanity.  Looks aside, I was keen to put this concealer to the test, considering the medium shade, one of three tones available to suit most skin types, appeared to be a near perfect match to my own complexion.  When I first attempted to use it though, to be honest, I was almost ready to call it quits before I had even applied it to my skin.  :-O  The reason being, is the texture was initially very hard and dry upon opening, so regardless of how many times I wiped my makeup brush over the surface, I couldn’t get any product to transfer onto the brush, much less onto my skin.  :-/  I spent a bit of time trying to figure out why it didn’t work and just before giving up, I decided to endeavour using a damp brush.  *-:)  Bingo, this solution finally got the concealer onto my brush and then subsequently onto the areas of my face that required the additional coverage.  #:-S  This method conjointly helped the top layer of product to soften up, and thereafter, I didn’t need to continue with the damp brush, because the consistency remained creamy, yet firm and worked into my skin with ease, instead of persevering with the rock hard formula that was basically non-functional.  :-S

With that sorted, I was able to simply distribute the smooth, wax-like substance exactly where I wanted it, effectively gliding it over my flaws without pulling or tugging at my skin, so to perfectly disguise any spots, blotchy redness, pigmentation and uneven tone.  ;)  The concealer has a lightweight feel and is highly pigmented, but it’s also buildable, allowing me to provide extra coverage to those unsightly, difficult to hide, problem areas, hence still promoting an almost invisible, natural-looking finish.  :D  Because it is also quite sheer, the formula doesn’t adequately diminish the dark circles under my eyes, tending to settle into fine lines and appearing a bit crepey.  Possibly this is due to my skin being oily and the blend consists of various oils, however I soon determined that it works more effectively for me personally, if I just focus on targeting blemishes and trying to accomplish a uniform complexion.  It might make for a better dark circle eraser or as a substitute eyeshadow base for those who have normal to dry skin types.  I have adopted the habit of always setting my makeup with a translucent powder, which in this case, ideally helped improve the concealer’s staying power and longevity, whilst preventing my face from becoming all greasy throughout the day.  I respect and have come to appreciate the natural/organic beauty concept and am genuinely impressed with the flawless results I can achieve using the NVEY ECO Erase Corrector, as it camouflages my pesky pimples and eliminates embarrassing facial redness.  It creates the ultimate base for under makeup, or a handy cover-up when foundation alone is not enough, likewise prompting a healthy, unmarred complexion that appears completely natural and not caked on or overdone to the point where it accentuates the problem, rather than hiding it.   \:D/

Overall, I am grateful for the adventure into the certified organic makeup sector, where I gained the insight that it truly is becoming on par or if not, even better than ‘normal’ cosmetics, with brands like NYEY ECO leading the way for more companies to get aboard the ‘green’ band wagon and proffer consumers a diverse range of cosmetics that not only make us look good, but also make us feel good too.  :)>-   I admit that this is not the best concealer I have ever tried, because unfortunately it doesn’t obscure ALL of my imperfections, but it’s very promising and effectual for masking spots and minor flaws, ensuring that I have a clearer, more even complexion.  In comparison to other certified organic brands I’ve seen on the market, I consider the price of this product at $29.95 very reasonable and I am confident that this spunky little compact will last for ages, so it’s actually very good in terms of value.  Based on my own experience, I would rate this concealer 3.5 out of 5 stars  (*)  (*)  (*)  ½  (*)  and I would encourage anyone who is seeking an alternative to commercial makeup, or possibly overwhelmed by the scrutiny of ‘nasty’ product ingredients and would prefer to opt for a safer beauty approach - one that really does work; to consider checking out NVEY ECO Erase Corrector as a viable, multi-tasking option to your normal cover-up.  B-)

What is your take on ‘green’ cosmetics?  What natural/organic brands have you tried and how do you think they stack up in comparison to commercial makeup?  :-?  Finally, have you tried NYEY ECO and if so what products would you recommend? Feel free to share your thoughts and comment below :)

The image presented in this post is generic.