Hey there guys, :-h Happy New Year to you all! <:-P
Well now that the 2011 seasonal festivities are done and
dusted, we’re moving right along into 2012 and with that I’ve brought along a ‘show and tell’ of all the new ‘beauty booty’ that dear old Santa
generously emptied from his fully loaded sack and left under the Christmas tree
with MY
name on it. \:D/
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| The whole kit and kaboodle |
Napoleon Perdis Makeup Cosmetics Bag
This cute little NP Makeup Bag is white with chocolate
trimmings and features a zip top opening.
It’s approximately 22cm(L)
x 12cm(W)x 15cm(H) and made of 100% polyester.
I have swags of these but never still never seem to have enough, lol! :)) ALWAYS,
ALWAYS, ALWAYS room for one more!
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| Expanded Makeup Bag |
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| Flat Makeup Bag |
This limited edition palette boasts a compilation of
delightfully festive shades that bestow lots of joy and a cheerful Christmas-y
spirit. Consisting of four highly
pigmented eyeshadows, four complimentary powder blushes and four nourishing lip
glosses with a pop of colour, this is the perfect ‘all-you-need’ makeup kit on the go.
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| Desk to Dusk & Double Agent Palettes |
At first, I thought this was blush, oops! :"> umm, well it’s the rouge part that gets me
every time, I always though rouge was a cosmetic used to colour the cheeks and
emphasise the cheekbones, but I’ve actually spotted numerous lippies with rouge
in the title as well…..confusing much! :-/
For the record, rouge is actually French for the colour red, so in this
case we are talking red lippies.
I actually have a huge limited edition NP lip palette and
it’s impressive so I knew this one wouldn’t disappoint. What is different about this duo is that it
incorporates a smooth, creamy, semi-matte lipstick infused with vitamin E and
Carnauba Wax, alongside a unique mattifying lip powder to boost staying power
and a pair of application brushes. This
palette, said to be inspired by Old Hollywood film icons, results in a red, velvety,
full-bodied pout that will not budge.
I’ve never tried a lip powder before now and I think it’s pretty genius.
*-:) Just loving this whole concept ATM :x and
would be keen to see it developed with a range of other colours too :)
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| Desk to Dusk & Double Agent Palettes |
.
Well a girl can’t have too many lip glosses and to be honest,
I have actually steered clear of buying lip glosses myself over the past 12
months to try and put a dent in the huge collection I had built up, which
worked, as I was able to see the bottom of the makeup draw once they had
thinned out. Therefore, this set of 5
luxurious limited edition glosses couldn’t have come at a better time. They’re formulated with plenty of luscious
lip goodies like Green Tea and Pomegranate to nurture your smackers, whilst
adorning them with a hint of chic, shiny colour.
.
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| NP Lip Glosses |
While I often have trouble finding a suitable red lipstick,
fortunately red lip glosses are always more kind to me and a shade like this, is
actually a colour that anyone can wear.
This limited edition gloss has a jelly-like texture, which makes it
super comfortable to wear. Packed with
active ingredients and teamed with antioxidants ensures the lips are
sufficiently hydrated and consistently protected. Luckily, it’s not sticky at all, instead, the
smooth, easy to glide formula delivers a remarkable shine and the special
self-adjusting phantom pigments provide a lightly coloured stain that magically
adapts to flatter the individual skin tone.
>-) ;)
This is an unusual limited edition cranberry coloured gloss
with a creamy texture that provides a lips with a glamourous wash of colour
with a velvety finish. The best part is
the ultra, long-lasting staying power!
This super smooth, statement lip look will stay in place for up to 10
hours! :-O Well kind of anyway, hehe ;)) as the coloured stain definitely will remain
on your smackers long after the glossiness wears off.
This is more of a lipstick than a gloss, in the way that it’s
a highly pigmented classic red shade, however the weightless formulation
ultimately delivers a soft, flexible finish that’s incredibly shiny. The creamy textured, limited edition gloss is
comfortable to wear and never tacky, while the long-lasting colour stays put
for up to 6 hours.
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| NP Set Cosmetic Kit |
I am still quite new to NP Set products, even though they
have been around for a while now. I have
though, tried a few items in their range of which, keep amazing me, because the
good quality cosmetics always deliver in performance and results, especially considering
the relatively cheap price tag they bear.
I am a sucker for budget cosmetics when they are reliable and NP Set
fits the bill! ;;) This little compact makeup kit features a
built-in, flip-up mirror, which exposes two shimmery neutral-coloured
eyeshadows and a charming blush, along with a mini mascara and nude coloured
mini gloss. Infused with the goodness of
vitamins this set has your lips, eyes and face covered to create a naturally
beautiful makeup look anytime, anywhere.
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| NP Set Cosmetic Kit |
This is an old faithful of mine that I regularly use,
particularly in summer because it’s ideal underneath makeup. It’s a multi-tasking trifecta that combines a
moisturiser, antioxidant and sunscreen, which boasts five, non-nano,
broad-spectrum protection filters that absorb both UVA and UVB rays like a
force field, before they can cause any damage. The skin preserving
antioxidants are beneficial in the fight against premature skin ageing and may
reduce the risk of certain sun cancers. What’s more, it is water resistant for
up to four hours, so I can enjoy water activities, like swimming, without
worrying that my skin is exposed. I have
previously provided a complete review of this product in my Sun
Protection Staring Oily Skin blog post back in August. (*)
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| Daily Essential |
ASAP
Daily Exfoliating Facial Scrub (Mini 50ml)
I am a huge fan of the cleanser in this range, which like
this scrub is formulated with AHA’s for a deep pore clean. I have been using this reliable cleanser for
the past few years on a regular basis, already sharing the experience in my Cleansing post
last July. I oddly enough, have not yet
tried this scrub, mostly because I am not a big fan of scrubby exfoliators
anyway, thus I basically feel that I am getting the benefits of chemical
exfoliation with the cleanser anyway, therefore couldn’t justify needing the
additional scrub.
I imagine that it will provide all of the wonderful
advantages of chemical exfoliation, along with some extra oomph enhanced by the
exfoliating beads. I love that ASAP is an
Australian professional, yet simple and affordable cosmeceutical skin care
range that adopts potent active ingredients that provide super effective,
visible results in a gentle, non-irritating formula suitable for all skin
types. I will definitely test drive this
exfoliator and will review it at a later stage.
Ideally, this scrub is available in the small 50ml tube as well as it’s
larger 250ml counterpart to give consumers the chance to try before they commit
to buying the full-sized product.
Clarins
Moisture Rich Body Lotion (Mini 30ml)
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| Body Lotion, Bath/Shower Concentrate, Facial Scrub |
I initially first tried this when I received it in
conjunction with an order I placed at the Facial Company, who always delight
and tempt me with their lavish free samples that always accompany all
orders. I have since purchased a
full-size tube as these days I have come a long way from my earlier years where
my body and skin care were never recognised in the same sentence and was
neglected accordingly. Now I consider my
body skin care just as important as my face and moisturising my damp skin
immediately after showering daily is essential for keeping my body in tiptop
shape.
Despite the title, I would definitely classify this
moisturiser as a cream rather than a lotion because it’s extremely rich and
nourishing with a thick texture. All the
while, as hydrating as it is, the cream absorbs almost instantly with no greasy
residue and my skin is left feeling silky smooth and supple in appearance. It works a charm to replenish dry patches and
the results are long lasting. It’s quite
heavily fragranced but it’s a natural, pleasant scent that tantalises the
senses and doesn’t tend to linger around after application. It’s definitely a work-horse, which makes it
an ideal moisturiser for year round body skin care.
Clarins
Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate (Mini 50ml)
I am yet to try this bath and shower treat, but one whiff of
the aroma from the bottle and I am already sold, hehe! . ;)) I am a sucker for yummy smelling bath and
shower products and this is right up there with the best of them. :x This
would be ideal to use first thing in the morning to lift the spirits and
provide an instant 'pick-me-up' with it’s invigorating, enlivening oriental
fragrance. On the same token it would
also be perfect after a long, tiring day when you want to kick back in the bath
to relax and unwind. It is a gel-based formula enriched with essential oils and
features another special quality, which is it’s ability to help tone and firm
the body skin. Sounds perfect to me, I
will keep you posted on my thoughts after I give it a good work out ;)
Esthederm
Cellular Water Spray (Mini 35ml)
I first purchased a tin of this spray a few years ago and it
is without a doubt my favourite facial mist of all time. :x I
personally love how Esthederm has zoned in on the concept that our skin needs to
have sufficient water or it will become dehydrated, feel tighter, loose
elasticity and generally age faster. Their Cellular Water is the first and only
replica of our very own skin's water, which is ferried deep into the layers of
our skin to maintain hydration, which helps delay the ageing process.
This particular spray has an aerosol delivery system that
provides just the right amount of fine mist to refresh my face anytime,
anywhere. I keep this in my handbag to
freshen up constantly whenever my skin is feeling dull or dry, especially in
summertime. It saves my face from
suffering dehydration caused from being in and out of air-conditioning along
with our naturally drying humid climate. The spray itself is extremely lightweight and
airy but also highly effective. It disappears instantly into my skin and leaves
no remnants at all; instead, my skin is just very refreshed and fully
energised. =D>
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| Water Spray, AOX, Power Rich |
I also suffer from skin sensitivity and often reach straight
for this spray to provide instant soothing relief from irritation or
inflammation. Packed full of minerals
that are also good for our skin this spray is beneficial to restore pH balance
and protect against external pollutions and free radical damage. Another use for this wonderful multi-tasking
spray is that it is perfect to set my mineral makeup. Because I have oily skin, I find using it as a
setting spray keeps my makeup in place for longer and helps to keep my skin
matte throughout the day. Oh and it has even
more purposes too! Its really handy to
use as a toner when I am in a hurry and need to get through my usual skin care
steps faster than normal or on those days when my skin is oilier than normal it
hydrates my skin without needing to apply a cream or lotion into the mix. :D
This facial mist has become a staple in my skin care ritual pretty much all year around, but with summer bearing down on us I am needing (and wanting of course) to use it more than ever. I can always be sure it will leave my skin hydrated, provides a boost of much needed moisture whenever the need arises. Over time, with continued use, it could also help me fight off those early signs of ageing to keep my skin looking younger for longer. Until then however, I am more than satisfied with its immediate results and promise to anyone that it will surely keep your skin feeling enriched and alive throughout our long, hot Australian summer conditions. :D
This facial mist has become a staple in my skin care ritual pretty much all year around, but with summer bearing down on us I am needing (and wanting of course) to use it more than ever. I can always be sure it will leave my skin hydrated, provides a boost of much needed moisture whenever the need arises. Over time, with continued use, it could also help me fight off those early signs of ageing to keep my skin looking younger for longer. Until then however, I am more than satisfied with its immediate results and promise to anyone that it will surely keep your skin feeling enriched and alive throughout our long, hot Australian summer conditions. :D
I have personally tried a ridiculously large array of
Dermalogica products, although due to the expensive $305 RRP price tag that embellishes
this skin treatment, I have never even considered using it myself. :-O Although,
like everything in the Dermalogica professional skin care range, I expect this
product to be highly effective with a potent blend of active ingredients,
vitamins and botanicals to assist in complete skin renewal. I’m confident that with frequent use it will proclaim
a positive advancement in the repair and improved overall condition of damaged,
prematurely aged skin that over time will lead to optimal skin health and eventually
promote a more youthful appearance.
This deluxe sample offer is actually very generous from Dermalogica, considering the retail cost is for 50ml worth of product, a sample
of this size is valued at an unbelievable $61 $-) I
have always wanted to try this product and am thrilled to finally have the
chance. I will review my experience and
share it with you all further down the track.
Even f it exceeds my expectations, I doubt I will be in the market to
invest in such a high-end, luxury anti-ageing skin care treatment any time soon,
but I am sure I will feel a million bucks just trying it ;)
Payot
AOX (4 ml Sample)
Speaking of expensive luxury skin performers, this product exclusively
from leading French skin care company Payot, tops the previous product with a
steep $362.50 price tag for a mere 50 ml product. :-O
:-O Price tag aside, this advanced,
highly concentrated anti-ageing product boasts completely different ingredients
than other comparable costly skin care treatments; however, at the end of the
day it targets the same concerns and advocates itself as a super cream/serum
that is the ultimate in anti-ageing care.
While I can’t expect to discover anything miraculous with a small 4ml
sample, I’m still going to indulge in a bit of extravagance to see what it
feels like to use something so lavish it’s more than likely fit for a King or Queen.
Burt's
Bees Radiance Night Creme with Royal Jelly (Mini 7gm tub)
I already have this in a full-size version that I received
from Burt’s Bees Australia as part of their Radiance Trial Team last year. Here is my review of this night cream from
that range. This night cream features
the signature sweet and fruity fragrance that is typical throughout this entire range. I am not fond of the scent unfortunately and it seems to be noticeably
prominent in this night cream when I first apply it to my face. While I am not impressed with the scent, I
have continued using this night cream as I wanted to fully experience the
benefits of all the botanical ingredients, along with vitamins, minerals and
the hero ingredient in the range, royal jelly, to see if it would make my skin
more radiant, as per its claims.
The night cream comes in a large sized glass pot/tub and the cream itself is a thick, buter-like, creamy consistency, that is ultra rich and fairly heavy in texture on my oily skin. I don’t mind using products that are a bit richer or take longer to soak into my skin at night, as it doesn’t matter if my skin looks a bit shiny when I am sleeping. As long as it is benefiting from the goodness of the ingredients, I can live with the nighttime shine. The cream feels super soothing and cooling on my skin, as it nourishes my face and neck, allowing the powerful ingredients to penetrate within and get to work during the night shift. Keep in mind, all this is happening while I am catching up on my much needed Zzz’s. I-) When I wake in the morning, I can still feel the cream coating my face, which is a slight bit oily but thankfully nothing extreme. #:-S I can instantly recognise that the texture is so much softer and smoother, while my skin tone looks more even, with none of the usual evident signs of flushing and redness I tend to experience occasionally. Any of the excess residue from the night cream washes straight off with my morning cleanse, so it isn’t cause for concern. #:-S
Other than the overbearing scent, this fades out eventually, this night crème targets my skin concerns head on. After just a few weeks, I could notice my skin becoming plumper and firmer, which helps disguise any fine lines, leaving my skin with a natural, youthful glow. My skin tone has improved heaps, that being the most obvious change noticeable to my naked eye, as well as the decrease of excess oil production, resulting in less congestion and fewer breakouts. My complexion looks rejuvenated and is surprisingly brighter, healthier and more youthful. It’s such a fantastic range that totally exceeded my expectations and if it weren’t for the funny smell it could have possibly won a permanent home in my skin care ritual. An unscented version would be excellent!!! ;)
The night cream comes in a large sized glass pot/tub and the cream itself is a thick, buter-like, creamy consistency, that is ultra rich and fairly heavy in texture on my oily skin. I don’t mind using products that are a bit richer or take longer to soak into my skin at night, as it doesn’t matter if my skin looks a bit shiny when I am sleeping. As long as it is benefiting from the goodness of the ingredients, I can live with the nighttime shine. The cream feels super soothing and cooling on my skin, as it nourishes my face and neck, allowing the powerful ingredients to penetrate within and get to work during the night shift. Keep in mind, all this is happening while I am catching up on my much needed Zzz’s. I-) When I wake in the morning, I can still feel the cream coating my face, which is a slight bit oily but thankfully nothing extreme. #:-S I can instantly recognise that the texture is so much softer and smoother, while my skin tone looks more even, with none of the usual evident signs of flushing and redness I tend to experience occasionally. Any of the excess residue from the night cream washes straight off with my morning cleanse, so it isn’t cause for concern. #:-S
Other than the overbearing scent, this fades out eventually, this night crème targets my skin concerns head on. After just a few weeks, I could notice my skin becoming plumper and firmer, which helps disguise any fine lines, leaving my skin with a natural, youthful glow. My skin tone has improved heaps, that being the most obvious change noticeable to my naked eye, as well as the decrease of excess oil production, resulting in less congestion and fewer breakouts. My complexion looks rejuvenated and is surprisingly brighter, healthier and more youthful. It’s such a fantastic range that totally exceeded my expectations and if it weren’t for the funny smell it could have possibly won a permanent home in my skin care ritual. An unscented version would be excellent!!! ;)
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| Hand Cream, Bath Crystals, Night Cream |
Burt's
Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Crème (Mini 7g tub)
I have tried this Hand Cream in a sample before and like all
Burt’s Bees hand cream’s I can’t rave about them enough. I like the fact that it is actually more of a
thick, waxy balm than a cream, which envelopes my hands in a protective shield
that completely nourishes and cares for my particularly dry, overworked hands
as it attempts to soften and rejuvenate the neglected skin, repairing damaged
cuticles. Because it’s so rich and on
the heavy side, this is probably the most hydrating hand cream I have ever used
and helps make for silky soft skin with a younger-looking appearance.
Whilst I do love everything about this ‘super balm’ it is still actually my
least favourite of the Burt’s Bees hand creams! #-o because
I am sensitive to certain fragrances and I’m not overly fussed on the somewhat
fake perfume scent this strongly concedes.
Some of the other versions are far more delectable, whereas this one is so
strongly scented; it smells like a sickly sweet aniseed that is quite artificial,
instead of natural, as it should be. I
also don’t find any resemblance to almonds in the aroma, if it did I wouldn’t
mind it at all, but this is just not it at all!!! /:) Overall though, I would only deduct one point for the overbearing smell, the rest of the product, I dare say is near perfect and exactly what I look for in a hand cream
Burt's
Bees Therapeutic Bath Crystals (44gm sachet)
I’ve not seen or tried this one before now, but I am
positive it will be very well received and I can’t wait to get the bathroom to
myself so I can create my own little pampering retreat. There is nothing better than a soak in the
tub with some bath salts to help detox and tone the skin, relieve sore, tired
muscles, .promote a restful sleep and reduce stress, while leaving your skin
silky soft and incredibly smooth. The addition of essential oils such as
eucalyptus and lemon are extremely invigorating and refreshing for the
skin. These salts will be so beneficial
for those times when I need to melt all those cares away, ahh >:D< pure
relaxation. I’ll get around to reviewing
this product in full further down the track after I get the chance to check it
out for myself ;)
I was very lucky wouldn’t you say? This lot will keep me going for months, not
to mention, some of the products have come in handy for those mind blocks when
I can’t think of a topic to blog about, lol! :)) There
is going to be a few reviews to write up, but the best part will absolutely be
the test drive B-) Can’t wait, now that
I have shown you all everything I got, it’s time to PLAY!!! Did you get any beauty or personal care related
items for Christmas? If so, then fill us
in! If not, what did you get instead?
All images featured in this post are of my own, sorry about the quality these were taken on my phone rather than my camera and while they are not too bad, I need lots of work at improving my rusty photography skills, haha :D
All images featured in this post are of my own, sorry about the quality these were taken on my phone rather than my camera and while they are not too bad, I need lots of work at improving my rusty photography skills, haha :D
